Characterization of complete mitochondrial genomes of five noctuoid moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) and their phylogenetic implications.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of five noctuoid moth species, namely, Paectes cristatrix, Hemichloridia euprepia, Trigonodes hyppasia, Mythimna unipuncta, and Risoba obstructa, were newly sequenced and characterized. Based on our investigations, the five mitogenomes showed sizes of 15409, 15619, 15654, 15403, and 15233 bp, respectively, and encoded 37 genes (13 protein-coding, 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes) and a control region. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) in these mitogenomes had typical ATN start codons except for cox1 and nad1. The non-canonical codon CGA was the starter in H. euprepia and M. unipuncta and TTG was the starter in T. hyppasia for cox1. The unusual codon GTG was the starter in R. obstructa for nad1. All tRNA genes showed distinctive putative cloverleaf structures except trnS1 (AGN), which lacked the dihydrouridine (DHU) stem. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses were employed based on 13 PCGs using 159 taxa among the five families of the superfamily Noctuoidea, and the results showed the monophyly of this superfamily with well-supported values. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the newly sequenced endemic species Hemichloridia euprepia clustered separately along with the subfamilies Cuculliinae and Acronictinae with fairly supported values.

Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of Eudocima salaminia (Cramer, 1777) (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea), novel gene rearrangement and phylogenetic relationship within the superfamily Noctuoidea.

The species Eudocima salaminia (Cramer, 1777) commonly known as the fruit-piercing moth belongs to family Erebidae. Its distribution varies from India and across South-east Asia, pacific islands and parts of Australia. The insect is a devastating pest of citrus, longans and lychees. In the present study, complete mitochondrial genome of Eudocima salaminia was sequenced and analyzed using Illumina sequencer. The phylogenetic tree was reconstructed based on nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs using Maximum likelihood method-General Reversible mitochondrial (mtREV) model. The mitogenome has 15,597 base pairs (bp) in length, comprising of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and A + T-rich region. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with canonical start codon ATN. The gene order (trnQ-trnI-trnM) of tRNA shows a different rearrangement compared to ancestral insect gene order (trnI-trnQ-trnM). Almost all tRNAs have a typical cloverleaf secondary structure except for trnS1 (AGN) which lacks the dihydrouridine arm. At the beginning of the control region, we observed a conserved polyT", motif "ATTTA" and microsatellite (TA)n element. There are 21 intergenic regions and five overlapping regions ranging from 1 to 73 bp and 1 to 8 bp, respectively. The phylogenetic relationships based on nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs using Maximum likelihood method showed the family level relationships as (Notodontidae + (Euteliidae + Noctuidae + (Erebidae + Nolidae))). The present study represents the similarity to phylogenetic analysis of Noctuoidea mitogenome. Moreover, the family Erebidae is the sister to the families of (Euteliidae + Noctuidae + Nolidae).

Mosquitocidal effect of monoterpene ester and its acetyl derivative from Blumea mollis (D. Don) Merr against Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and their insilico studies.

The present study was conducted to assess the mosquitocidal efficiency of compound isolated from Blumea mollis (D. Don) Merr against Culex quinquefasciatus. Eggs and larvae of Cx. uinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm of compounds prepared using DMSO. Compound 1 was identified as (4R, 5S)-4-hydroxy-7-tigloyloxy carvotanacetone, from which new derivative was synthesized and confirmed as (4R, 5S)-4-acetoxy-7-tigloyloxy carvotanacetone. Both the compounds presented larvicidal and ovicidal activities. Compounds 1 and 2 at 2-ppm concentration showed 64% and 78% larval mortality in 24 h, respectively. The LC50and LC90values of compounds 1 and 2 on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were 1.73, 1.27 and 4.59, 3.33 ppm, respectively. The eluted compound 1 and synthesized compound 2 presented 68% and 77% of ovicidal activity, respectively, against eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus at 120 h post-treatment. Histopathological studies of the compound-treated larvae revealed serious damage on the larval midgut cells. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 was tested for toxicity study and the results showed both the compounds were found to be harmless to non-target organism Poecilia reticulata. Computational analysis of compound 2 showed strong binding interaction with the AChE1 of Cx. quinquefasciatus. These results clearly suggest that compounds from Blumea mollis could act as good mosquitocidal agents against Cx.quinquefasciatus and compound 2 was first time reported.

Current Trends in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in mankind. SLE's downregulation of T and B lymphocytes could cause the development of autoantibodies, which in turn attack cell surface, nuclear, and cytoplasmic molecules, creating immune complexes that harm tissues. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present review is to evaluate SLE's present therapeutic policies and raise consciousness about the disease. METHODS: New therapies are rare for SLE. This is due to the complexity of the disease and its various manifestations. Three techniques are used to develop biological treatments for the illness: B-cell modulation, T-cell regulation and cytokine inhibition. This paper reviews the present trends in SLE therapy. RESULTS: Each arm of the immune system is a prospective therapeutic development target for this disease; it involves B-cells, T-cells, interferon (IFN) and cytokines. To date, only one of these agents is been approved for use against lupus, belimumab which comes under B-cell therapy. Both the innate and the adaptive immune systems are the objectives. Currently, although there is no full SLE remedy, drug therapy can minimize organ injury and control active disease, which relies on immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids. CONCLUSION: It is possible to access SLE treatment in the form of T-cell, B-cell and anticytokine therapies. In these therapies, antibodies and antigens interactions play a major part. Another medication for treating SLE is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as hydroxychloroquine. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are another antiinflammatory treatment that suppresses the growth of cytokines related to inflammation and prevents the recruitment of leukocyte by reducing endothelial cell permeability.

Effect of tiliamosine, a bis, benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thom on the immature stages of filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae).

The present study was aimed to check the mosquitocidal activity of tiliamosine isolated from Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thom against immature stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. Eggs and larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of tiliamosine - 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm - prepared using DMSO. The compound tiliamosine showed good larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 1.13 and 2.85 ppm respectively, against third-instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus at 24 h. In control, the larvae exhibited normal movement. Tiliamosine exhibited 91% ovicidal activity at 2.0 ppm concentration after 120 h post-treatment. Lowest concentration of tiliamosine (0.5 ppm) showed 19% egg mortality. Histopathology study of the compound-treated larvae showed serious damage on the larval midgut cells. The treated larvae showed restless movement which was different from that of the control larvae. The larvae exhibited malformation in development. The compound tiliamosine was harmless to non-target organisms P. reticulata and Dragon fly nymph at tested concentrations. The compound was highly active and inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner. Computational analysis of the tiliamosine had strong interaction with AChE1 of Cx. quinquefasciatus. This report clearly suggests that the isolated compound can be used as an insecticide to control mosquito population and thus prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Antibacterial Activity study of Musizin isolated from Rhamnus wightii Wight and Arn.

The crude extracts and the compounds isolated from traditional medicinal plants are used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. An attempt has been made in the present investigation to evaluate the antibacterial activity of musizin isolated from Rhamnus wightii, (Family: Rhamnaceae) against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis), and Gramnegative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The tested compound showed more pronounced antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens than the standard antibiotics like streptomycin and gentamycin with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Molecular docking analysis was performed to study the effectiveness of musizin compared to the standard antibiotics; it showed a significant interaction with the target proteins such asalgR (P. arginosa), divIVA (E. faecalis), icaA (S. aureus), plcR(B. cereus), treC (K. pneumonia) and ftsl (E. coli) and found that musizin showed higher potential with least binding energy. It has also been found that musizin had better ADMET properties than the standard drugs. Thus,musizin acts as an inhibitor of bacterial growth for consideration as a drug to treat bacterial infections.

In vitro, In silico and In vivo Antitumor Activity of Crude Methanolic Extract of Tetilla dactyloidea (Carter, 1869) on DEN Induced HCC in a Rat Model.

Tetilla dactyloidea (Carter, 1869) is a marine sponge classified under Demospongia and recent studies have demonstrated that active constituents of Demospongia class have exhibited several potential medical applications. However, no preliminary pharmacological studies have been reported so far. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the zoo-chemical status, antioxidant potential and anticancer activity of Crude Methanolic Extract of Tetilla dactyloidea (CMETD). Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) was induced in the liver of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by treating with diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Nodule incidence, body weight, liver marker enzymes, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant, phase I metabolizing and liver macromolecular damaging enzymes and immuno-histopathological changes were assessed in DEN and DEN+CMETD treated rats. Oral administration of CMETD at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight to DEN treated rats restored the above parameters to near normal levels compared to control. The biochemical results were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of CMETD in a dose dependent manner. The GCMS of CMETD analysis showed the presence of six compounds. In in silico analysis 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester ligand showed an effective binding energy of -7.1kcal/mol against Cox-2 receptor. The compounds showed desirable pharmacokinetic properties and significant molecular interactions with the HCC receptors. To conclude, our results clearly suggested that CMETD treatment prevented liver damage, protected the antioxidant defense system and possessed anti-carcinogenic potential in DEN induced hepatic carcinoma.

Larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent activities of marine sponge Cliona celata (Grant) extracts against Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent properties of solvent extracts of marine sponge Cliona celata (C. celata) (Grant) against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) Liston.@*METHODS@#Marine sponge C. celata was thoroughly washed with distilled water and shade dried for 48 h. Then the sponges were homogenized and extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Larvicidal and ovicidal activities were tested at four different concentrations viz., 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 ppm. For repellent study extracts were taken in three different concentrations viz., 5.0, 2.5, 1.0 mg/cm at.@*RESULTS@#Among the three solvent extracts of C. celata, methanol extract showed the highest larvicidal activity at 500 ppm against the fourth instar larvae of An. stephensi. The LC50 and LC90 values of C. celata methanol extract were recorded as 80.61 and 220.81 ppm against An. stephensi larvae respectively. High ovicidal activity of 91.2% was recorded at 500 ppm concentration of methanol extract. The haxane extract was found to be the most effective protectant against the adult female mosquitoes of An. stephensi. The mean protection time recorded in hexane extract was up to 245 min at 5 mg/cm(2) dosage against An. stephensi adults.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The screening results suggest that the hexane and methanol extracts of C. celata are promising in mosquito control. Considering these bioactivities, C. celata could be probed further to obtain some novel pesticidal molecules.

Larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent activities of marine sponge Cliona celata (Grant) extracts against Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent properties of solvent extracts of marine sponge Cliona celata (. C. celata) (Grant) against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (. An. stephensi) Liston. Methods: Marine sponge C. celata was thoroughly washed with distilled water and shade dried for 48 h. Then the sponges were homogenized and extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Larvicidal and ovicidal activities were tested at four different concentrations viz., 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 ppm. For repellent study extracts were taken in three different concentrations viz., 5.0, 2.5, 1.0 mg/cm at. Results: Among the three solvent extracts of C. celata, methanol extract showed the highest larvicidal activity at 500 ppm against the fourth instar larvae of An. stephensi. The LC50 and LC90 values of C. celata methanol extract were recorded as 80.61 and 220.81 ppm against An. stephensi larvae respectively. High ovicidal activity of 91.2% was recorded at 500 ppm concentration of methanol extract. The haxane extract was found to be the most effective protectant against the adult female mosquitoes of An. stephensi. The mean protection time recorded in hexane extract was up to 245 min at 5 mg/cm2 dosage against An. stephensi adults. Conclusions: The screening results suggest that the hexane and methanol extracts of C. celata are promising in mosquito control. Considering these bioactivities, C. celata could be probed further to obtain some novel pesticidal molecules.

Feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory activities of PONNEEM, a newly developed phytopesticidal formulation against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the feeding deterrent, growth inhibitory and egg hatchability effects of PONNEEM on Helicoverpa armigera (H. armigera).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five oil formulations were prepared at different ratios to assess the feeding deterrent, growth inhibitory and egg hatchability effects on H. armigera.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Invariably all the newly formulated phytopesticidal oil formulations showed the feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory activities against H. armigera. The maximum feeding deterrent activity of 88.44% was observed at 15 µL/L concentration of PONNEEM followed by formulation A (74.54%). PONNEEM was found to be effective in growth inhibitory activities and egg hatchability at 10 µL/L concentration. It exhibited statistically significant feeding deterrent activity and growth inhibitory activity compared with all the other treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PONNEEM was found to be effective phytopesticidal formulation to control the larval stage of H. armigera. This is the first report for the feeding deterrent activity of PONNEEM against H. armigera. This newly formulated phytopesticide was patented in India.</p>

Antinociceptive, Immunomodulatory and Antipyretic Activity of Nymphayol Isolated from Nymphaea stellata (Willd.) Flowers.

In the present study, we aimed to analyze the antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and antipyretic activities of nymphayol were investigated in wistar rats and mice. Antinociceptive effect was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing, formalin induced paw licking and hot-plate tests. Immunomodulatory activity was assessed by neutrophil adhesion test, humoral response to sheep red blood cells, delayed-type hypersensitivity, phagocytic activity and cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. Antipyretic activity was evaluated by yeast induced hyperthermia in rats. Nymphayol produced signifi cant (p<0.05) antinociceptive activity in acetic acid induced writhing response and late phase of the formalin induced paw licking response. Pre-treatment with nymphayol (50 mg/kg, oral) evoked a signifi cant increase in neutrophil adhesion to nylon fi bres. The augmentation of humoral immune response to sheep red blood cells by nymphayol (50 mg/kg) was evidenced by increase in antibody titres in rats. Oral administration of nymphayol (50 mg/kg) to rats potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cells. Treatment with nymphayol showed a signifi cant (p<0.05) reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that nymphayol possesses potent anti-nociceptive, immunomodulatory and antipyretic activities.

Multivitamin and mineral supplementation in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced experimental colon carcinogenesis and evaluation of free radical status, antioxidant potential, and incidence of ACF.

This study was performed to determine the chemopreventive and antioxidant status of multivitamin and mineral (0.01% in drinking water, ad libitum) supplements in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced experimental colon carcinogenesis. Experimental colon carcinogenesis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by injecting DMH (20 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)) once weekly for 15 consecutive weeks, and administering a multivitamin supplement in 3 regimes (initiation, post-initiation, and entire experimental period) for 32 weeks. We studied lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes) in the circulation and in the tissues, antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and non-enzymatic antioxidant-reduced glutathione) of the tissues, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), and histopathological alterations. DMH-induced rats had an increase in lipid peroxidation products and a lower antioxidant status compared with control animals. Multivitamin and mineral supplementation during the initiation, post-initiation, and the entire study period significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation products in circulation and colonic tissues, significantly elevated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione to near normalcy in DMH-induced rats. The incidence of ACF was reduced by [corrected] 84.1% in rats supplemented with multivitamin and minerals for the entire study and prevented the colonic tissue from histopathological alterations induced by DMH.

Ovicidal activity of Atalantia monophylla (L) Correa against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of Atalantia monophylla (A. monophylla) leaf in different solvent crude extracts and fractions against eggs of Spodoptera litura (S. litura).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform solvent extracts of A. monophylla leaf and 12 fractions from hexane extract were screened at 5.0%, 2.5%, 1.0% and 0.5% for crude extracts and 1 000, 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg for fractions against the eggs of S. litura for the ovicidal activity. LC50 and LC90 were calculated using probit analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hexane crude extract showed maximum ovicidal activity of 61.94% at 5.0% concentration with a correlation value of r (2)=0.81, and least LC50 value of 3.06%. Hexane extract was fractionated using silica gel column chromatography and 12 fractions were obtained. Fraction 9 was active which showed maximum ovicidal activity of 75.61% at 1 000 mg/kg with the LC50 value of 318.65 mg/kg and LC90 value of 1 473.31 mg/kg. In linear regression analysis, significant and high correlation (r (2)=0.81%) was seen between concentration and ovicidal activity of hexane crude extracts and its active fraction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>As per our knowledge, this is the first report for ovicidal activity of A. monophylla against S. litura, A. monophylla could be used for the management of S. litura and other insect pests.</p>

Antibacterial activity of some actinomycetes from Tamil Nadu, India

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To isolate novel actinomycetes and to evaluate their antibacterial activity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three soil samples were collected from Vengodu (village) in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Actinomycetes were isolated using serial dilution and plating method on actinomycetes isolation agar.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 35 isolates were obtained on the basis of colony characteristics on actinomycetes isolation agar. All the isolates were screened for antibacterial activity by cross streak method. Medium and optimization of day were done for the potent strains using Nathan's agar well diffusion method. Isolation of bioactive compounds from significant active isolates was done by using different media. The most active isolate VAS 10 was identified as Actinobacterium Loyola PBT VAS 10 (accession No. JF501398) using 16s rRNA sequence method. The hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and butanol extracts of VAS 10 were tested against bacteria. The maximum antibacterial activity was observed in dichloromethane and ethyl acetate; maximum zones of inhibition were observed against Enterococcus durans. The rRNA secondary structure and the restriction sites of Actinobacterium Loyola VAS 10 were predicted using Genebee and NEBCutter online tools respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study showed that among the isolated actinomycetes, Actinobacterium Loyola PBT VAS 10 (accession No. JF501398) showed good antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria.</p>

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic effect of methanol extract of Lippia nodiflora L. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective: To assess the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of Lippia nodiflora (L. nodiflora).Methods:Acute toxicity test was done to check the toxicity of L. nodiflora methanol extract and oral glucose tolerance test was performed in normal rats. L. nodiflora methanol extract at three dose levels was administerd orally to streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg bw) induced diabetic rats for 15 days. The various parameters were studied including body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, plasma insulin, lipid profile, glycogen content, glycoslylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum marker enzyme levels in normal, treated and diabetic rats. Histochemical analysis of pancreas was also carried out in normal, treated and diabetic rats. Results: The treatment group with the extract at three dose levels showed a significant increase in the liver, muscle glycogen and serum insulin level and a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels and serum marker enzyme levels. The total cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were also significantly reduced and the high density lipoprotein level was significantly increased upon treatment with the L. nodiflora methanol extract. Histochemical study of pancreas also confirmed the biochemical findings. Acute toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of the L. nodiflora methanol extract. Conclusions: The results of the experiments presented here suggest that methanol extract of L. nodiflora exerts significant antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Indirubin potentiates ciprofloxacin activity in the NorA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common multidrug-resistant organism in hospital-acquired infections, and the NorA efflux pump mechanism facilitates resistance to quinone compounds. In India, Wrightia tinctoria R. Br. leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin diseases and have been explored for antibacterial and efflux pump inhibition (EPI) compounds. In this study, indirubin isolated from the chloroform extract of W. tinctoria R. Br. leaves was tested for its antibacterial activity against clinically important Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution. The EPI properties of indirubin were investigated using Staphylococcus aureus SA1199B, and its synergistic effects were tested with ciprofloxacin. Indirubin showed antibacterial activity against both the type strain and drug-resistant S. aureus; the MIC was determined to be 12.5 mg/l for S. aureus and 25 mg/l for Staphylococcus epidermidis. However, it synergistically (fractional inhibitory concentration index = 0.45) potentiated the activity of ciprofloxacin, probably by inhibiting the NorA efflux pump. Indirubin exhibited EPI activity nearly comparable to that of reserpine by 4-fold reduction in ciprofloxacin MIC. Our results suggest that the natural compound indirubin could be used in future therapeutic applications as a potential EPI.