Lochvinerine: A new indole alkaloid of Vinca major

Five indole alkaloids have been isolated from the aerial parts of Vinca major. Four of these have been identified as reserpinine (pubescine), vincamajoreine, majoridine and 10-methoxyvellosimine. The fifth base, a new indole alkaloid lochvinerine, has been assigned the depicted structure.     

Electrophoretic protein profiles of rat gonads during differentiation

The protein patterns of fetal rat gonads (14 1/2-21 1/2 days of gestation) were examined by SDS gel electrophoresis. Male gonads contained more protein components at all stages.     

Extraction,Recovery, and Biostability of EDTA for Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil

Chelation removal of heavy metals from contaminated soil is seen as a viable remediation technique. A useful chelating agent should be strong, reusable, and biostable during metal extraction and recovery operations. This work tested the extraction, recovery, and biostability of EDTA as a potential remediating agent. Parameters, including EDTA concentration, soil type, soil content, washing cycle, precipitant concentration and type, and pH, were varied and tested during metal extraction and recovery operations. Factors, including EDTA concentration, aqueous and 5% soil slurry, presence of Pb, acclimated and unacclimated activated sludges, along with abiotic control, were varied and studied in the biodegradation of EDTA. The results showed that EDTA was able to extract lead completely from the tested soils, amenable to recovery by addition of cationic and anionic precipitants in the alkaline pH range, relatively biostable even under conditions very favorable toward biodegradation. Thus, EDTA is a strong, recoverable, and relatively biostable chelating agent that has potential for soil remediation application.     

5-Methoxy-1-oxo-tetrahydro-β-carboline,an alkaloid from Alstonia venenata

A new oxo-tetrahydro-β-carboline alkaloid has been isolated from the root bark of Alstonia venenata. It was identified as 5-methoxy-1-oxo-tetrahydro-β-carboline.