Colorimetric estimation of human glucose level using γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: An easily recoverable effective mimic peroxidase

This article reports simple, green and efficient synthesis of γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) (maghemite) through single-source precursor approach for colorimetric estimation of human glucose level. The γ-Fe₂O₃ NPs, having cubic morphology with an average particle size of 30 nm, exhibited effective peroxidase-like activity through the catalytic oxidation of peroxidase substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H₂O₂ producing a blue-colored solution. On the basis of this colored-reaction, we have developed a simple, cheap, highly sensitive and selective colorimetric method for estimation of glucose using γ-Fe₂O₃/TMB/glucose–glucose oxidase (GOx) system in the linear range from 1 to 80 μM with detection limit of 0.21 μM. The proposed glucose sensor displays faster response, good stability, reproducibility and anti-interference ability. Based on this simple reaction process, human blood and urine glucose level can be monitored conveniently.     

Establishment of phosphate-solubilizing strains of Azotobacter chroococcum in the rhizosphere and their effect on wheat cultivars under green house conditions

A pot experiment was conducted in the green house to investigate the establishment of phosphate solubilizing strains of Azotobacter chroococcum, including soil isolates and their mutants, in the rhizosphere and their effect on growth parameters and root biomass of three genetically divergent wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). Five fertilizer treatments were performed: Control, 90 kg N ha(-1), 90 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha(-1), 120 kg N ha(-1) and 120 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha(-1). Phosphate solubilizing and phytohormone producing parent soil isolates and mutant strains of A. chroococcum were isolated and selected by an enrichment method. In vitro phosphate solubilization and growth hormone production by mutant strains was increased compared with soil isolates. Seed inoculation of wheat varieties with P solubilizing and phytohormone producing A. chroococcum showed better response compared with controls. Mutant strains of A. chroococcum showed higher increase in grain (12.6%) and straw (11.4%) yield over control and their survival (12-14%) in the rhizosphere as compared to their parent soil isolate (P4). Mutant strain M37 performed better in all three varieties in terms of increase in grain yield (14.0%) and root biomass (11.4%) over control.     

Antioxidant potential and antimicrobial efficacy of seaweed (Himanthalia elongata) extract in model food systems

Extracts from marine sources exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in vitro and there has been great interest within the food industry to move towards natural methods of food preservation. Natural extracts from seaweeds could potentially have a multiple functionality within the food industry to increase safety and enhance the quality of food products. The present study is aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of a hydrophilic extract from the fucoid brown alga Himanthalia elongata in model food systems. Carbohydrate and protein model food systems (CMFS and PMFS, respectively) were studied at varying concentrations (1 %, 5 % and 10 %) and bacterial inhibition of the extract was investigated against Salmonella abony and Listeria monocytogenes. The extract provided up to 100 % inhibition of the bacteria with a bactericidal effect in CMFS, while a bacteriostatic effect was seen in PMFS. In general, there was a significant difference (P?<?0.05) between the efficacies of the extract against S. abony as compared to L. monocytogenes with higher inhibition for S. abony. In terms of antioxidants; the extract had a total phenolic content of 34.0 mg GAE g^?1 of extract and a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of 139.8 mg AAE g of extract. The results of the present study are promising as it provides an insight for the inclusion of seaweed extracts into real food systems.     

Influence of selenium (antioxidant) on gliclazide induced hypoglycaemia/anti hyperglycaemia in normal/alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Oxidative stress is involved in diabetes mellitus and its complications. Since diabetes is a stress-related disorder, supplementation with antioxidants may improve the condition. The purpose of this study is to know the effect of oral administration of selenium on blood glucose and its influence on gliclazide induced hypoglycaemia/antihyperglycaemia in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Albino rats of either sex were divided into three groups of six each. Group-I/II/III were treated with selenium 1/2 TD (0.9 μg/200 g rat)/TD (1.8 μg/200 g rat)/2TD (3.6 μg/200 g rat), respectively. Later group II was treated with gliclazide TD (1.44 mg/200 g rat)/selenium TD + gliclazide TD with a washout period of 1 week between the treatments. Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate 100 mg/kg body weight i.p. A group of six rats showing fasting blood glucose levels ranging from 175–250 mg/dl were selected for the study. Rats were treated with selenium TD, gliclazide TD and selenium TD + gliclazide TD with a washout period of 1 week between the treatments. Selenium 1/2 TD and TD produced hypoglycaemia while 2TD produced hyperglycaemia. The combination of selenium TD with gliclazide TD, significantly enhanced the glucose lowering effect of gliclazide in normal and diabetic rats.     

Stage-specific expression of dynein light chain-1 and its interacting kinase, p21-activated kinase-1, in rodent testes: implications in spermiogenesis.

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex process involving regulatory interactions of many gene products. In this study, we found that dynein light chain-1 (DLC1), a component of the dynein motor complex, is highly expressed in mouse and rat testes. Immunohistochemically detectable levels of DLC1 are observed specifically in spermatids in steps 9-16 in distinct subcellular compartments: in steps 9-11, DLC1 is predominantly localized in the nucleus; in steps 12 and 13, it is found in both nucleus and cytoplasm; and in step 14-16, it is present exclusively in the cytoplasm. In addition, we found p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1), a protein kinase that activates DLC1 by phosphorylating DLC1 at Serine 88, was also expressed during these stages of spermatogenesis. Pak1 was also expressed in Leydig cells, in preleptotene primary spermatocytes, and in round spermatids. The spermiogenic stage-specific expression of DLC1 suggests a role for DLC1 in chromatin condensation, spermatid shaping, and the final release of sperm from the spermatogenic epithelium. Further, Pak1 may also play a role in spermiogenesis by regulating DLC1 phosphorylation and, consequently, its function.     

Transpeptidation reactions of a specific substrate catalyzed by the streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase: characterization of a chromogenic substrate and acyl acceptor design

The Streptomyces R61 dd-peptidase, a functional model for penicillin-binding proteins, catalyzes the hydrolysis and aminolysis of d-alanyl-d-alanine-terminating peptides by specific amines. In vivo, this reaction completes bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. For in vitro studies of this enzyme to date, various nonspecific acyl-donor substrates have been employed. Recently, however, a peptidoglycan-mimetic peptide substrate, glycyl-l-alpha-amino-epsilon-pimelyl-d-alanyl-d-alanine, has been described that is much more specific for this enzyme. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and kinetic characterization of an analogous thiolester substrate, 3-(N-glycyl-l-cysteinyl)-propanoyl-d-alanyl-d-thiolactate, that the enzyme hydrolyzes and aminolyzes very efficiently (k(cat)/K(m) = 1.0 x 10(7) s(-)(1) M(-)(1)). Direct or indirect, by means of a thiol trap, spectrophotometric monitoring of the reactions of this substrate is readily achieved. Deacylation of the enzyme is rate-determining under substrate saturation conditions, and therefore the aminolysis reaction can be directly studied. The results show that d-amino acids and certain Gly-l-Xaa dipeptides and tripeptides may act as acyl acceptors at the active site of the enzyme. d-Phenylalanine and Gly-l-Phe were the most effective d-amino acid and dipeptide acceptors, respectively. On the basis of the dual specificity of the active site for acceptors (d-amino acids and Gly-l-Xaa peptides), "dual function" acceptors were designed and synthesized. Two of these, aminomalon-(N-ethyl)amide and aminomalon-(N-phenethyl)amide, were particularly effective. It did seem, however, that the observed rates of reaction of these very effective acceptors may be limited by some common, possibly physical, step. More extended, peptidoglycan-like, acceptors were found to be essentially unreactive. The reasons for this counterintuitive behavior are discussed.     

Mentha piperita (Linn) leaf extract provides protection against radiation induced alterations in intestinal mucosa of Swiss albino mice

Intestinal protection in mice against radiation injury by M. piperita (1 g/kg body weight/day) was studied from day 1 to day 20 after whole body gamma irradiation (8 Gy). Villus height, goblet cells/villus section, total cells, mitotic cells and dead cells/crypt section in the jejunum are good parameters for the assessment of radiation damage. There was significant decrease in the villus height, number of total cells and mitotic cells/crypt section, whereas goblet cells and dead cells showed significant increase after irradiation. Mentha pretreatment resulted in a significant increase in villus height, total cells and mitotic cells, whereas goblet cells and dead cells showed a significant decrease from respective irradiated controls at each autopsy day. The results suggest that Mentha pretreatment provides protection against radiation induced alterations in intestinal mucosa of Swiss albino mice.