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.

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.