A novel synergistic effect of TiO2 and ZnO incorporation in PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for treatment of textile wastewater.

A novel synergistic effect of TiO2 and ZnO incorporation in the PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes was developed for the treatment of common effluent treatment plant (CETP) textile wastewater. PES@TiO2 membranes were developed by phase inversion via the immersion precipitation method followed by the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by the rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal process via interfacial polymerization. p-Phenylenediamine was used as a monomer for the IP process that was coated on the PES@TiO2 support layer. Various techniques have been applied to characterize the developed thin-film nanocomposite membranes such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurement to examine the presence of vibrational modes, surface morphology, the crystal structure of nanoparticles, and hydrophilicity of the membrane, respectively. Membrane properties include porosity, salt rejection, mean pore radius, pure water flux, and industrial effluent rejection efficiency that were studied. The thin-film nanocomposite membrane T5-PES@TiO2(2%)-ZnO(0.3%) was prepared with a combination of 17 wt% PES, 78 wt% DMF, 3 wt% PVP K30, 2% TiO2, 2.5 wt% PPD, 0.3 wt% ZnO, and 1.0 wt% TMC that exhibited high water permeability, porosity, higher industrial effluent rejection, and salt rejection efficiency compared to the neat PES membrane.

A Comparison in Patient Comfort Using Conventional Syringe and Needleless Jet Anesthesia Technique in Periodontal Surgery-A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives: Periodontal surgery requires local anesthetic coverage to alleviate patient discomfort. Needles and injections can engender feelings of fear and anxiety in individuals. This study aimed to assess the level of comfort and anxiety in patients during the administration of local anesthesia using needleless jet anesthesia (JA) when compared to a conventional syringe (CS) in periodontal surgery. Method and Materials: 60 sites were designated for injection in a split-mouth design in 30 subjects who required periodontal surgery. Local anesthesia was administered in two appointments scheduled one week apart using either a JA system or a CS. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), and Beck's anxiety inventory were used to report the pain and anxiety levels while injecting local anesthesia. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the Shapiro-Wilks test and Paired t-test. Results: Patients reported greater comfort with JA. The VAS and VRS values were statistically significant-(p = 0.003) and (p = 0.001), respectively. Patients showed fear and were nervous about receiving a local anesthetic using a CS. A few subjects experienced lingering pain with the CS, whereas greater comfort and no lingering soreness were reported post-operatively at the site of JA administration. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of using JA for periodontal surgical procedures. Lower pain scores were consistently observed with the use of jet injectors. Patients were at ease and reported lesser anxiety and greater comfort with jet injectors, making it ideally suited for providing local anesthesia in periodontal surgery.

Proteomics-based approach for differentiation of age-related macular degeneration sub-types.

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly population. The current study aims to find non-invasive prognostic biomarkers in the urine specimens of the AMD patients. Methods: Peripheral blood and urine samples were collected from 23 controls and 61 AMD patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buffy coat of peripheral blood. Allele specific PCR was used to assay SNPs in complement factor H (CFH), complement component 3 (C3). Comparative proteomic analysis of urine samples from early AMD, choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), geographic atrophy (GA), and healthy controls was performed using isobaric labelling followed by mass spectrometry. Validation was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Comparative proteomic analysis of urine samples identified 751 proteins, of which 383 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in various groups of AMD patients. Gene ontology classification of differentially expressed proteins revealed the majority of them were involved in catalytic functions and binding activities. Pathway analysis showed cell adhesion molecule pathways (CAMs), Complement and coagulation cascades, to be significantly deregulated in AMD. Upon validation by ELISA, SERPINA-1 (Alpha1 antitrypsin), TIMP-1 (Tissue inhibitor of matrix metaloprotease-1), APOA-1 (Apolipoprotein A-1) were significantly over-expressed in AMD (n = 61) patients compared to controls (n = 23). A logistic model of APOA-1 in combination with CFH and C3 polymorphisms predicted the risk of developing AMD with 82% accuracy. Conclusion: This study gives us a preliminary data on non-invasive predictive biomarkers for AMD, which can be further validated in a large cohort and translated for diagnostic use.

Antibiotic resistance: A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude, and practices among veterinarians of Haryana state in India.

AIM: The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to antibiotic usage among the field veterinarians who serve as nodal officers playing a crucial role in disseminating knowledge to the farmers regarding livestock management practices in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot study was conducted in which 106 of the 173 field veterinarians of Haryana, India, agreed to contribute through their valuable participation in the study. The collected data were critically analyzed by simple descriptive statistics, and the responses were ranked using Garrett's ranking method. RESULTS: Our study found that most of the clinicians were aware of the fundamental clinical aspects of antibiotic resistance (AR), i.e., the general causes and transmission of resistance, response during treatment failure, and safe disposal of hospital waste. Further, implementation of "antibiotic stewardship" (rational/responsible use of antibiotics) and interruption of AR transmission by means of cross-kingdom pathogens are two ways to restrict the spread of resistant pathogens which were not in the clinical purview of majority of the clinicians. This highlights a lack of awareness and scope of improving clinician's knowledge pertaining to AR. Moreover, we got to know the methodology adopted by farmers for disposal of infected milk from diseased udders as well as their attitude toward diseased and unproductive animals. CONCLUSION: This study provides snippets of the current animal husbandry practices prevalent at the field level which would assist to plug in the gaps of knowledge regarding AR among the veterinarians as well as the general public and serve to reduce its deleterious impacts in Indian animal farming as well as in the world through the concept of "One World, One Health."

SU-E-T-516: Dosimetric Validation of AcurosXB Algorithm in Comparison with AAA & CCC Algorithms for VMAT Technique.

PURPOSE: To dosimetrically validate AcurosXB algorithm for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) in comparison with standard clinical Anisotropic Analytic Algorithm(AAA) and Collapsed Cone Convolution(CCC) dose calculation algorithms. METHODS: AcurosXB dose calculation algorithm is available with Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (V10). It uses grid-based Boltzmann equation solver to predict dose precisely in lesser time. This study was made to realize algorithms ability to predict dose accurately as its delivery for which five clinical cases each of Brain, Head&Neck, Thoracic, Pelvic and SBRT were taken. Verification plans were created on multicube phantom with iMatrixx-2D detector array and then dose prediction was done with AcurosXB, AAA & CCC (COMPASS System) algorithm and the same were delivered onto CLINAC-iX treatment machine. Delivered dose was captured in iMatrixx plane for all 25 plans. Measured dose was taken as reference to quantify the agreement between AcurosXB calculation algorithm against previously validated AAA and CCC algorithm. Gamma evaluation was performed with clinical criteria distance-to-agreement 3&2mm and dose difference 3&2% in omnipro-I'MRT software. Plans were evaluated in terms of correlation coefficient, quantitative area gamma and average gamma. RESULTS: Study shows good agreement between mean correlation 0.9979±0.0012, 0.9984±0.0009 & 0.9979±0.0011 for AAA, CCC & Acuros respectively. Mean area gamma for criteria 3mm/3% was found to be 98.80±1.04, 98.14±2.31, 98.08±2.01 and 2mm/2% was found to be 93.94±3.83, 87.17±10.54 & 92.36±5.46 for AAA, CCC & Acuros respectively. Mean average gamma for 3mm/3% was 0.26±0.07, 0.42±0.08, 0.28±0.09 and 2mm/2% was found to be 0.39±0.10, 0.64±0.11, 0.42±0.13 for AAA, CCC & Acuros respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the AcurosXB algorithm had a good agreement with the AAA & CCC in terms of dose prediction. In conclusion AcurosXB algorithm provides a valid, accurate and speedy alternative to AAA and CCC algorithms in a busy clinical environment.

Electrochemical properties of myoglobin deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotube/ciprofloxacin film.

We report the direct electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of myoglobin (MB) on a multi-walled carbon nanotube/ciprofloxacin (MWCNT/CF) film-modified electrode. A highly homogeneous MWCNT thin-film was prepared on an electrode surface using ciprofloxacin (CF) as a dispersing agent. MB was then electrochemically deposited onto the MWCNT/CF-modified electrode. The MB/MWCNT/CF film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis). UV-vis spectra confirmed that MB retained its original state on the MWCNT/CF film. Direct electrochemical properties of MB on the MWCNT/CF film were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The formal potential and electron transfer rate constant were evaluated in pH 7.2 buffer solution as -0.327V and 300s(-1), respectively. In addition, the MB/MWCNT/CF-modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic properties for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The MB/MWCNT/CF-modified electrode was used for the detection of H(2)O(2) at concentrations from 1×10(-6)M to 7×10(-4)M in pH 7.2 buffer solution. Overall, the MB/MWCNT/CF-modified electrode was very stable and has potential for development as a H(2)O(2) sensor.

Acid yellow 9 as a dispersing agent for carbon nanotubes: preparation of redox polymer-carbon nanotube composite film and its sensing application towards ascorbic acid and dopamine.

In this study, we show that acid yellow 9 (4-amino-1-1'-azobenzene-3,4'-disulfonicacid, AY) is a good stabilizing agent for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs dispersed in AY solution was remained stable about three months and even remained stable after centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 30 min. Using MWCNTs/AY dispersion, thin-films were prepared on indium tin oxide coated glass electrode and glassy carbon electrodes. Further, dried films of MWCNTs/AY were subjected to electropolymerization in 0.1M H(2)SO(4) solution. Adsorbed AY molecules on MWCNTs get polymerized and they yield a polymer-MWCNTs nanocomposite film on electrode surface which is found to be electrochemically active in wide pH range (1-11). Characterization studies were performed using cyclic voltammetry and SEM. These studies are supported that hybrid material PAY/MWCNTs was obtained. Moreover, newly synthesized PAY-MWCNTs composite film showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards oxidation of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) with high sensitivity in physiological pH. Linear sweep voltammetry was employed to the determination of DA in the presence of AA in the range of 2x10(-7) to 1.4x10(-6) M. Amperometry was employed to determination of AA at 0.0 V in the range from 1x10(-6) to 5.6x10(-5) M, and DA, uric acid are not interfered on the steady-state current of AA. In addition, real samples such as dopamine injection and AA spiked into human urine were analyzed using PAY/MWCNTs composite modified electrode and satisfactory results were obtained.

Electroanalytical determination of acetaminophen using nano-TiO(2)/polymer coated electrode in the presence of dopamine.

We report a new method for selective determination of acetaminophen (AP) in physiological condition. A new hybrid film modified electrode was fabricated using inorganic semiconducting nano-TiO(2) particles and redox active polymer. Redox polymer, poly(acid yellow 9) (PAY) was electrochemically deposited onto nano-TiO(2) coated glassy carbon (GC) electrode. Surface characterizations of modified electrode were investigated by using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. The PAY/nano-TiO(2)/GC hybrid electrode shows stable redox response in the pH range 1-12 and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activities towards AP in 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). Consequently, a simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed for the determination of AP. The oxidation peak current was proportional to the concentration of acetaminophen from 1.2 x 10(-5) to 1.20 x 10(-4)M and the detection limit was found to be 2.0 x 10(-6)M (S/N=3). Possible interferences were tested and evaluated that it could be possible to selective detection of AP in the presences of dopamine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), ascorbic acid and uric acid. The proposed method was used to detect acetaminophen in commercial drugs and the obtained results are satisfactory.

Amperometric determination of H2O2 at nano-TiO2/DNA/thionin nanocomposite modified electrode.

We report electrochemical preparation and characterization of a new biosensor made of nanostructured titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) particles and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Thionin (TN) redox mediator was electrochemically deposited onto DNA/nano-TiO2 modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The X-ray diffraction analysis, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for surface analysis of TN/DNA/nano-TiO2 film. In neutral buffer solution, TN/DNA/nano-TiO2/GCE biosensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxygen (O2). The biosensor shows excellent analytical performance for amperometric determination of H2O2, at reduced overpotential (-0.2V). The detection limit and liner calibration range were found to be 0.05 mM (S/N=3) and 0.05-22.3 mM, respectively. In addition, determination of H2O2 in real samples was carried out using the new biosensor with satisfactory results. The TN/DNA/nano-TiO2/GCE showed stable and reproducible analytical performance towards the reduction of H2O2. This biosensor can be used as an amperometric biosensor for the determination of H2O2 in real samples.

RUNX1 aberrations in ETV6/RUNX1-positive and ETV6/RUNX1-negative patients: its hemato-pathological and prognostic significance in a large cohort (619 cases) of ALL.

A large-cohort study (619) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) revealed an ETV6/RUNX1 (previously known as TEL/AML1) incidence of 18% in pediatric B-cell precussor ALL, indicating no geographical heterogeinity. Association of CD34-negative phenotype, peak incidence in the 3- to 7-year age group, and a comparatively low frequency of ETV6 homologue loss in ETV6/RUNX1-positive cases were distinct findings in this series. Additional genetic changes, such as ETV6 loss, extra RUNX1, ETV6/RUNX1 duplication, and MLL aberrations in the ETV6/RUNX1-positive group, supported the hypothesis of the ETV6/RUNX1 leukemogenic model that these secondary changes are necessary for leukemogenesis rather than progression of disease. This study disclosed RUNX1 alterations in the ETV6/RUNX1-negative group of BCP-ALL that encourages the investigation of RUNX1 at a large scale with longer follow-up, which will focus on the prognostic importance and the underlying biology of disease.

Electrochemical selective determination of ascorbic acid at redox active polymer modified electrode derived from direct blue 71.

A simple selective method for determination of ascorbic acid using polymerized direct blue 71 (DB71) is described. Anodic polymerization of the azo dye DB71 on glassy carbon (GC) electrode in 0.1M H(2)SO(4) acidic medium was found to yield thin and stable polymeric films. The poly(DB71) films were electroactive in wide pH range (1-13). A pair of symmetrical redox peaks at a formal redox potential, E('0)=-0.02V vs. Ag/AgCl (pH 7.0) was observed with a Nernstian slope -0.058V, is attributed to a 1:1 proton+electron involving polymer redox reactions at the modified electrode. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were used for surface studies of polymer modified electrode. Poly(DB71) modified GC electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards ascorbic acid in neutral buffer solution. Using amperometric method, linear range (1x10(-6)-2x10(-3)M), dynamic range (1x10(-6)-0.01M) and detection limit (1x10(-6)M, S/N=3) were estimated for measurement of ascorbic acid in pH 7.0 buffer solution. Major interferences such as dopamine and uric acid are tested at this modified electrode and found that selective detection of ascorbic acid can be achieved. This new method successfully applied for determination of ascorbic acid in commercial tablets with satisfactory results.

Zinc oxide/redox mediator composite films-based sensor for electrochemical detection of important biomolecules.

Electrochemical oxidation of serotonin (SN) onto zinc oxide (ZnO)-coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) results in the generation of redox mediators (RMs) that are strongly adsorbed on electrode surface. The electrochemical properties of zinc oxide-electrogenerated redox mediator (ZnO/RM) (inorganic/organic) hybrid film-coated electrode has been studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and electrochemical techniques proved the immobilization of ZnO/RM core/shell microparticles on the electrode surface. The GCE modified with ZnO/RM hybrid film showed two reversible redox peaks in acidic solution, and the redox peaks were found to be pH dependent with slopes of -62 and -60 mV/pH, which are very close to the Nernst behavior. The GCE/ZnO/RM-modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidations of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) in 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0). Indeed, ZnO/RM-coated GCE separated the anodic oxidation waves of DA, AA, and UA with well-defined peak separations in their mixture solution. Consequently, the GCE/ZnO/RMs were used for simultaneous detection of DA, AA, and UA in their mixture solution. Using CV, calibration curves for DA, AA, and UA were obtained over the range of 6.0 x 10(-6) to 9.6 x 10(-4)M, 1.5 x 10(-5) to 2.4 x 10(-4)M, and 5.0 x 10(-5) to 8 x 10(-4)M with correlation coefficients of 0.992, 0.991, and 0.989, respectively. Moreover, ZnO/RM-modified GCE had good stability and antifouling properties.

Poly(4-amino-1-1'-azobenzene-3, 4'-disulfonic acid) coated electrode for selective detection of dopamine from its interferences.

Here, we described a new method for electrochemically selective detection of dopamine (DA). In this report, for the first time, electrochemical polymerization of 4-amino-1-1'-azobenzene-3,4'-disulfonic acid (acid yellow 9 dye (AY)) was carried out onto the surface of glassy carbon (GC) electrode and indium tin oxide coated electrode (ITO) from acidic solution containing AY monomers. A polymerized film of acid yellow on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The redox response of the poly(AY) film on the GC electrode showed a couple of redox peak in 0.1M sulfuric acid solution and the pH dependent peak potential was -58mV/pH which was close to the Nernst behavior. The poly(AY) film-coated GC electrode (GC/PAY) exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidations of dopamine (DA) in 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0) and increased the anodic peak current three time higher than bare GC electrode. GC/PAY did not reduce the considerable overpotential for oxidation of DA when compare to bare GC electrode. However, in contrast to other polymer modified electrode, due to the strong negatively charged back bone of poly(AY) highly repelled the important interference of DA, such as ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA) and reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in 0.1M PBS (pH 7.0) and did not showed any response for oxidation of these interferences. This behavior makes the GC/PAY for selective detection of DA in the presence of higher concentrations AA, UA and NADH. Using differential pulse voltammetry the calibration curves for DA were obtained over the range of 1-100muM with good selectivity and sensitivity. The proposed method provides a simple method for selective detection of DA from its interferences.

Electroanalysis of NADH Using Conducting and Redox Active Polymer/Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrodes-A Review.

Past few decades, conducting and redox active polymers play a critical role in the development of transducers for biosensing. It has been evidenced by increasing numerous reports on conducting and redox active polymers incorporated electrodes for assay of biomolcules. This review highlights the potential uses of electrogenerated polymer modified electrodes and polymer/carbon nanotubes composite modified electrodes for electroanalysis of reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinuceltoide (NADH). In addition, carbon electrodes modified with organic and inorganic materials as modifier have been discussed in detail for the quantification of NADH based on mediator or mediator-less methods.

Fabrication and characterization of Meldola's blue/zinc oxide hybrid electrodes for efficient detection of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide at low potential.

We report the synthesis and the electrochemical properties of hybrid films made of zinc oxide (ZnO) and Meldola's blue dye (MB) using cyclic voltammetry (CV). MB/ZnO hybrid films were electrochemically deposited onto glassy carbon, gold and indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO) electrodes at room temperature (25+/-2 degrees C) from the bath solution containing 0.1 M Zn(NO3)2, 0.1 M KNO3 and 1x10(-4) MMB. The surface morphology and deposition kinetics of MB/ZnO hybrid films were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) techniques, respectively. SEM and AFM images of MB/ZnO hybrid films have revealed that the surfaces are well crystallized, porous and micro structured. MB molecules were immobilized and strongly fixed in a transparent inorganic matrix. MB/ZnO hybrid films modified glassy carbon electrode (MB/ZnO/GC) showed one reversible redox couple centered at formal potential (E0') -0.12 V (pH 6.9). The surface coverage (gamma) of the MB immobilized on ZnO/GC was about 9.86x10(-12) mol cm(-2) and the electron transfer rate constant (ks) was determined to be 38.9 s(-1). The MB/ZnO/GC electrode acted as a sensor and displayed an excellent specific electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The linear response range between 50 and 300 microM NADH concentration at pH 6.9 was observed with a detection limit of 10 microM (S/N=3). The electrode was stable during the time it was used for the full study (about 1 month) without a notable decrease in current. Indeed, dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), acetaminophen (AP) and uric acid (UA) did not show any interference during the detection of NADH at this modified electrode.

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of myoglobin on redox-active self-assembling monolayers derived from nitroaniline modified electrode.

The adsorption processes and electrochemical behavior of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) and 2-nitroaniline (2-NA) adsorbed onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) have been investigated in aqueous 0.1M nitric acid (HNO(3)) electrolyte solutions using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Nitroaniline adsorbs onto GCE surfaces and upon potential cycling past -0.55 V is transformed into the arylhydroxylamine (ArHA), which exhibits a well-behaved pH dependent redox couple centered at 0.32 V (pH 1.5). This modified electrode can be readily used as an immobilization matrix to entrap proteins and enzymes. In our studies, myoglobin (Mb) was chosen as a model protein for investigation. A pair of well-defined reversible redox peaks for Mb(Fe(III)-Fe(II)) was obtained at the Mb/arylhydroxylamine modified glassy carbon electrode (Mb/HAGCE) by direct electron transfer between the protein and the GCE. The formal potential (E(0')), the surface coverage (Gamma) and the electron transfer rate constant (k(s)) were calculated as -0.317 V, 4.15+/-0.5 x 10(-11)mol/cm(2) and 51+/-5s(-1), respectively. Dramatically enhanced biocatalytic activity was exemplified at the Mb/HAGCE for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and oxygen (O(2)). The Mb/ArHA film was also characterized by UV-vis spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicating excellent stability and good biocompatibility for protein in the film. The applicability of the method to the determination of H(2)O(2) ( approximately 3%) in a commercial antiseptic solution and soft-contact lenses cleaning solutions were demonstrated. This new Mb/HAGCE exhibited rapid electrochemical response (with in 2s) with good stability in physiological condition.

Mitigating role of lupeol and lupeol linoleate on hepatic lipemic-oxidative injury and lipoprotein peroxidation in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

In the present study, the role of pentacyclic triterpenes, lupeol and its ester lupeol linoleate, was studied in relation to hepatic oxidative abnormalities and lipoprotein peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic rats. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding them with high cholesterol diet (4% cholesterol + 1% cholic acid; HCD) for 30 days. Pentacyclic triterpenes, lupeol and lupeol linoleate were supplemented (50 mg/kg body wt/day) during the last 15 days. After the experimental period, there was a significant depression in hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD (38.39%), CAT (25.03%) and GPx (30.26%) along with a marked fall in the levels of non-enzymic antioxidant molecules GSH (31.39%), vitamin C (46.07%) and vitamin E (42.28%), with a concomitant increase (p<0.001) in lipid peroxidation and in the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases when compared to controls. Treatment with triterpenes decreased lipid peroxidation and reverted the activities of antioxidants (p<0.001 and p<0.01) and marker enzymes to near control. Histopathological findings further confirmed the hepatoprotective nature of triterpenes by showing the normal architecture in treated rats, as against the fatty cellular changes in HCD fed rats. Further, the susceptibility of apo-B containing lipoprotein to oxidation by copper and Fenton's reagent was increased in in vitro condition in HCD fed rats, whereas the lipoproteins were less susceptible to oxidation in triterpenes treated animals. Therefore, it may be concluded that lupeol and its ester afford protection against the hepatic abnormalities and lipoprotein peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Myoglobin/arylhydroxylamine film modified electrode: Direct electrochemistry and electrochemical catalysis.

The adsorption processes and electrochemical behavior of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) adsorbed onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) have been investigated in aqueous 0.1M nitric acid (HNO(3)) electrolyte solutions using cyclic voltammetry (CV). 4-NA adsorbs onto GCE surfaces, and upon potential cycling past -0.2V, is transformed into the arylhydroxylamine (ArHA) derivative which exhibits a well-behaved pH dependent redox couple centered at 0.32V at pH 1.5. It is noted as arylhydroxylamine modified glassy carbon electrodes (HAGCE). This modified electrode can be readily used as an immobilization matrix to entrap proteins and enzymes. In our studies, myoglobin (Mb) was used as a model protein for investigation. A pair of well-defined reversible redox peaks of Mb (Fe(III)-Fe(II)) was obtained at the Mb/arylhydroxylamine modified glassy carbon electrode (Mb/HAGC) by direct electron transfer between the protein and the GCE. The formal potential ( [Formula: see text] ), the apparent coverage (Gamma(*)) and the electron-transfer rate constant (k(s)) were calculated as -0.317V, 8.26x10(-12)mol/cm(2) and 51+/-5s(-1), respectively. Dramatically enhanced biocatalytic activity was exemplified at the Mb/HAGC electrode by the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and oxygen (O(2)). The Mb/arylhydroxylamine film was also characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicating excellent stability and good biocompatibility of the protein in the arylhydroxylamine modified electrode. This new Mb/HAGC electrode exhibited rapid electrochemical response (2s) for H(2)O(2) and had good stability in physiological condition, showing the potential applicability of the films in the preparation of third generation biosensors or bioreactors based on direct electrochemistry of the proteins.