NOPR Collection: Pages 189-244

Microevolutionary trends of dengue virus-3 in Kerala, India

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Microevolutionary trends of dengue virus-3 in Kerala, India Authors: Thomas, Mittu; Kumar, N Pradeep Abstract: Envelope gene is of great evolutionary significance and had been targeted as the vaccine candidate for dengue virus. We analyzed partial sequences of this gene to understand its genetic variability among viral isolates from Kerala state, India, if any. The current study focused on the evolutionary trends of this phylogenetically important gene among DENV-3 isolates through 2008 to 2010 outbreaks. The results gave an insight into the microevolutionary trends of the dengue viral genome. A unique mutation was recorded in the Domain II of the Envelope gene (EDII) of the viral genome at the amino acid position 219 (A219T). The evolutionary implication of this non-synonymous mutation near the EDI/EDII hinge remains to be explored. The study also provided knowledge on the genetic ancestral history of the viral isolates. Two variants of different phylogenetic origin were recorded in Kerala State. The findings in the study have significant implications on the development of dengue vaccines based on the Envelope gene of the virus. Page(s): 236-240

Antimicrobial activity and identification of potential antimicrobial compounds from aquatic pteridophyte, Azolla microphylla Kaulf.

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Antimicrobial activity and identification of potential antimicrobial compounds from aquatic pteridophyte, Azolla microphylla Kaulf. Authors: Abraham, G; Yadav, RK; Kaushik, GK Abstract: Azolla microphylla Kaulf. is an aquatic nitrogen fixing pteridophyte commonly found in aquatic habitats including paddy fields. Methanolic extract of the fronds of A. microphylla was subjected to partial purification by solvent partitioning with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate followed by hydrolysis, and further partitioning with ethyl acetate. The two fractions, thus obtained were tested for antibacterial activity. It was observed that the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the growth of the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae. The GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction showed several prominent peaks with retention time ranging from 8.83 to 45.54 min. A comparison of these peaks with the GC-MS libraries revealed that it could be eicosenes and heptadecanes with potential of antimicrobial activity. Page(s): 232-235

Sclerotiorin is non-mutagenic and inhibits human PMNL 5-lipoxygenase and platelet aggregation

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Sclerotiorin is non-mutagenic and inhibits human PMNL 5-lipoxygenase and platelet aggregation Authors: Chidananda, C; Vasantha, KY; Sattur, AP Abstract: Sclerotiorin, isolated from the fermented broth of Penicillium frequentans, exhibited potent inhibition against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes 5-lipoxygenase and human platelet aggregation with a half maximal value 36 µM and 250 µM, respectively. Further, the Ames test has demonstrated the sclerotiorin to be non-mutagenic. Page(s): 228-231

Impact of marine pollution in green mussel Perna viridis from four coastal sites in Karachi, Pakistan, North Arabian Sea: Histopathological observations

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Impact of marine pollution in green mussel Perna viridis from four coastal sites in Karachi, Pakistan, North Arabian Sea: Histopathological observations Authors: Khan, Muhammad Iftikhar; Ayub, Zarrien; Siddiqui, Ghazala Abstract: Pathological changes are regarded as a standard technique to monitor the effects of pollutants in marine animals. Histopathological examination of the population of green mussel Perna viridis (L.) from four sites in Pakistan, namely, Manora Channel, Rehri Creek, Sandspit Backwaters and Bhanbore was conducted. The first three sites are on the Karachi coast, whereas the fourth one, Bhanbore is situated outside Karachi, and is considered to be less polluted. Two types of parasites, Rickettsia-like organisms and metacestode were found in the mussels studied. In the present study, we observed various pathological lesions, such as inflammatory responses, granulocytomas, lipofuscin pigments, vacuolation in the digestive gland and gonads, lamellar fusion and dilated hemolymphatic sinus in the gills of P. viridis. These observations indicate the extent of environmental pollution in the studied areas. Although, Bhanbore is considered to be relatively less polluted compared to other three sites, the present results have revealed that the waters of Bhanbore are also polluted as evidenced by the pathological changes observed in the mussels collected from there. Page(s): 222-227