Gradient of reduced glutathione in the tail of Hemidactylus leschenaultii (Sauria: Gekkonidae).

A proximo-distal gradient of reduced glutathione (GSH), a non enzymatic antioxidant was observed in the original tails of the lizard, H. leschenaultii. In the regenerating tails, a gradual increase in the level of GSH was noted with tail elongation. In the newly regenerated tails also the level of GSH remained higher in the proximal part than the corresponding distal parts.

Current density in generalized Fibonacci superlattices under a uniform electric field.

We present an exhaustive study on tunneling and electrical conduction in an electrically biased GaAs-Al(y)Ga(1-y)As generalized Fibonacci superlattice. The study is based on transfer matrix formalism using an Airy function approach and provides an exact calculation of the current density in the case of quasi-periodic multibarrier systems. The results suggest the use of such quasi-periodic systems in perfect band-pass or band-eliminator (of extremely low width) circuitry. We have clearly demonstrated the resonance-type peaks and negative differential conductivity regimes in such systems. It has also been found that quasi-periodicity favors sharp negative differential conductivity peaks compared to those in periodic superlattices and thus have profound importance in device applications.

Standard free energies of binding of solute to proteins in aqueous medium. Part 2. Analysis of data obtained from equilibrium dialysis and isopiestic experiments.

In an earlier publication by Chattoraj et al. [Biophysical Chemistry 63 (1996) 37], a generalized equation for standard free energy of (delta G0) interaction of surfactant, inorganic salts and aqueous solvent with protein, forming a single phase has been deduced on strict thermodynamic grounds. In the present paper, this equation has been utilized to calculate delta G0 in kilojoules per kilogram of different proteins for the change of bulk surfactant activity from zero to unity in the mole fraction scale. Values of binding interactions of CTAB, MTAB, DTAB and SDS to BSA, beta-lactoglobulin, gelatin, casein, myosin, lysozyme and their binary and ternary mixtures had already been determined in this laboratory at different surfactant concentrations, pH, ionic strength and temperature using an equilibrium dialysis technique. Values of delta G0 for saturated protein-surfactant complexes as well as unsaturated complexes are found to be equal. delta G0 is also found to vary linearly with maximum moles of surfactants bound to a kilogram of protein or protein mixture and the slope of this linear plot represents standard free energy delta G0B for the transfer of 1 mol of surfactant from the bulk for binding reaction with protein; -delta G0 values for different systems vary widely and the order of their magnitudes represents relative affinities of surfactants to proteins. Magnitude of -delta G0B on the other hand varies within a narrow range of 32-37 kJ/mol of surfactant. For interaction of SDS with BSA, close to the CMC, values of delta G0 are very high due to the formation of micelles of protein-bound surfactants. Values of delta G0 for negative binding of inorganic salts to proteins and protein mixtures have been evaluated using our generalized equation in which excess binding values of water and salts have been calculated from the data obtained from our previous isopiestic experiments. delta G0 values in these cases are positive due to the excess hydration of proteins. Negative values of delta G0 in surfactant interaction and positive values of delta G0 for hydration of proteins in the presence of neutral salts represent relative affinities of proteins for solute and solvent since in all cases, the reference state for delta G0 is the unit mole fraction of solute in the aqueous phase.

Simultaneous induction of ectopic pelvic zone and duplication of regenerated limbs in tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus by vitamin A.

With a view to determine ectopic limb developing capacity along with normal hind limb regeneration in response to vitamin A palmitate in well-differentiated hind limb stage tadpoles of P. maculatus, higher doses of vitamin A (30 IU/ml and 20 IU/ml) were administered for a longer period (120 hr) to the tadpoles following tail amputation through middle and hind limb amputation through middle of thigh. Simultaneous development of ectopic pelvic zone was observed along with hind limbs from the cut end of tail and duplication of regenerated hind limbs in the same tadpole for the first time. Besides, development of double ectopic pelvic girdle was also reported in one case. Results also indicate that induction of pelvic zone and duplication of regenerated limbs are concentration dependent.

Specific limb abnormalities induced by hydrogen peroxide in tadpoles of Indian jumping frog, Polypedates maculatus.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), one of the reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and a potential inducer of nuclear transcription factors induces consistent type of abnormal limb development (truncated with bent skeletal elements) in the tadpoles of Indian jumping frog, Polypedates maculatus.

A multicentric study with arteether in patients of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Two hundred and sixty seven patients of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria completed study in a multicentric phase III clinical trial of Arteether. Arteether was given intramuscularly in a dose of 150 mg daily for three consecutive days. Each patient was followed upto 28 days of alpha, beta arteether therapy. The cure rate was 97% with fever clearance time between 1-7 days (24-168 hours) and parasite clearance time between 1-3 days (24-72 hours). Parasite reappearance rate was found to be 3% and reported at only three of the centres. Following the treatment no adverse effect was observed on haematological, biochemical and vital clinical parameters.

Thermodynamics of binding water and solute to powdered long-chain salts of fatty acids.

Hydration of powdered fatty acids and their salts has been studied both in presence and absence of neutral salts, sucrose and urea using the isopiestic vapour pressure technique. Moles of water vapour adsorbed per mole or kg of soaps like sodium palmitate, sodium stearate, sodium myristate and sodium laurate have been measured in presence and absence of salts and compared with that of detergents (SDS, CTAB, DTAB and MTAB). For each case of positive excess adsorption of water vapour and negative excess adsorption of inorganic salts, urea and sucrose to different soaps, the standard free energy change (delta G degrees) per kg of substrate in bringing the bulk mole fraction from zero to unity have been calculated using an appropriate thermodynamic equation and the values so obtained have been compared critically.

Changes in oxidative stress parameters and acid phosphatase activity in the pre-regressing and regressing tail of Indian jumping frog Polypedates maculatus (Anura, Rhacophoridae).

Activities of acid phosphatase (normal and Co2+-sensitive), superoxide dismutase and catalase and levels of lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide were compared in the tails of tadpoles of stage III, XVIII, XXI and XXIII, respectively, of the Indian Jumping frog Polypedates maculatus. It is noticed that acid phosphatase activity (normal and Co2+-sensitive), and levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide increased during tail regression. There is also an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the regressing tail. A positive correlation between activity of acid phosphatase and lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, acid phosphatase and hydrogen peroxide was noticed in the tail of tadpoles during different developmental stages, suggesting a critical interaction between reactive oxygen species and lysosomal activity during metamorphosis.

Interaction of a fluorescent analog of N-deacetyl-N-methyl-colchicine (colcemid) with liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

The evidence for specific binding of N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)--colcemid (NBD-colcemid), a fluorescent analog of colcemid (N-deacetyl-N-methyl-colchicine), to liver alcohol dehydrogenase is presented. Alcohol dehydrogenase bound NBD-colcemid in a time-dependent manner, enhanced the fluorescence intensity, and caused a large blue shift of the emission maximum of the free drug. The specificity of binding was determined for both the colchicine nucleus and the NBD moiety. The binding was not affected by the presence of alcohol or NAD in the reaction mixture. Preincubation of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase with colcemid inhibited the binding to a considerable extent. NBD-colcemid inhibited the enzymic activity of alcohol dehydrogenase in a mixed-type noncompetitive mode with a Ki value of 32 microM, whereas colcemid showed noncompetitive inhibition with a Ki of 100 microM. The association rate constant of NBD-colcemid binding with liver alcohol dehydrogenase was 587 M-1 s-1 at 25 degrees C. The stoichiometry and dissociation constant of the binding reaction were 0.62/dimer and 12 microM, respectively. Donor quenching experiments showed that both tryptophans of alcohol dehydrogenase transferred energy to the bound NBD-colcemid. Thus, this study reports the binding of a colchicine analog to a protein other than tubulin with high affinity. It is concluded that NBD-colcemid binding to dehydrogenases is a general phenomenon, but the common structural element(s) that is responsible for the binding activity, and which exists among tubulin and dehydrogenases, has yet to be determined.

NBD-isocolcemid-tubulin interaction: a novel one-step reaction involving no conformational adjustment of reactants.

Isocolcemid, a colcemid analogue in which the positions of the C-ring methoxy and carbonyl are exchanged, is virtually inactive in binding to tubulin and inhibiting the formation of microtubule assembly. We have found that the substitution of a NBD group in the side chain of the B-ring of isocolcemid can reverse the effect of these structural alterations (at the C-ring) and the newly synthesized NBD-isocolcemid restores the lost biological activity. It inhibits microtubule assembly with an IC(50) of 12 microM and competes efficiently with [(3)H]colchicine, for binding to tubulin. NBD-isocolcemid has two binding sites on tubulin; one is characterized by fast binding, whereas the binding to the other site is slow. These two sites are independent and unrelated to each other. Colchicine and its analogues compete with NBD-isocolcemid for the slow site. Association and dissociation rate constants for the fast site, obtained from the stopped-flow measurements, are (7.37 +/- 0. 70) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) and 7.82 +/- 2.74 s(-1), respectively. While the interaction of colchicine and its analogues with tubulin involves two steps, NBD-isocolcemid binding to tubulin at the slow site has been found to be a one-step reaction. This is evident from the linear dependence of the observed rate constant (k(obs)) with both NBD-isocolcemid and tubulin concentrations. The interaction of NBD-isocolcemid with tubulin does not involve the conformational change of NBD-isocolcemid, as is evident from the unchanged CD spectra of the drug. The absence of enhanced GTPase activity of tubulin and the native-like protease cleavage pattern of the NBD-isocolcemid-tubulin complex suggest an unaltered conformation of tubulin upon NBD-isocolcemid binding to it as well. Implications of this on the mechanism of polymerization inhibition have been discussed.

Plasmodium falciparum--chloroquine in vivo test in northeast India: reclassification and extended follow-up till day 14.

In vivo test for the susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine was carried out in 390 patients. Parasite density was analysed by calculating the mean of each day's parasite count and the value was expressed per microliters of blood. Majority of sensitive and resistant infections attained minimal values on day 4. Further more, this value provides a clear-cut, statistically significant difference between sensitive and RI cases (Z = 2.14, P less than 0.05) RII, RIII cases (Z = 3.86, P less than 0.001). It is proposed that assessment of sensitivity should be based on D-4 parasite density per microliters of blood considering D-0 as base i.e., (proportionate reduction of parasite density on D-4 as compared to that on D-0) utilising the present criterion. In endemic areas, where reinfection is possible, patency on D-14 will nearly always be due to resistance. It is therefore, suggested that a better, more economical and an epidemiologically viable result can be obtained by extension of in vivo test upto D-14.

EEG delta band spectral power: differneces between unilateral and bilateral ect seizures.

EEG was recorded from right and left frontal leads during bilateral (n=11) and unilateral (n=l4) ECTs. The seizure EEG was analyzed using East Fourier 'Transform and the spectral power oj the Delta (1-4 Hz) band was computed. The spectral power on both sides was similar in the bilateral ECT. Unilateral ECT produced asymmetry in the early - (first 8 seconds after stimulus offset) and mid - (17-32 seconds after the stimulus offset) siezure phases; the spectral power was lower on the unstimulated hemisphere. Studies to elucidate the relevance of EEG delta band of the seizure to therapeutic potency of ECT are suggested.