Naphthalene allyl trifluoromethyl benzocyclopentanone inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of lung cancer A549 cells in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the molecular mechanism by which a novel naphthalene allyl trifluoromethyl benzocyclopentanone XX0335 inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of lung cancer A549 cells.@*METHODS@#Lung cancer A549 cells were treated with 0.1% DMSO (control) or different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/mL) of XX0335, and the changes in cell viability, cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with CCK-8 assay, EdU experiment, and flow cytometry. The effects of different concentrations of XX0335 on phosphorylation levels of proliferation-related proteins Akt, mTOR, Akt/mTOR and the expressions of cleaved PARP and cyclin D1 were determined using Western blotting. We also assessed the effect of XX0335 on tumor growth in a mouse model bearing A945 cell xenograft.@*RESULTS@#Treatment with XX0335 reduced the viability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01) and significantly inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0.001). Flow cytometry showed that XX0335 treatment promoted apoptosis of the cells (P < 0.01) and caused an obvious increase of the number of G1-phase cells. Compared with DMSO, XX0335 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, increased the expression of cleaved PARP, and lowered the protein expression of cyclin D1. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, injection of XX0335 significantly decreased the tumor volume (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#XX0335 inhibits the proliferation, cycle and induces apoptosis of lung cancer A549 cells possibly by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signal pathway.

Effects of an Auxin and a brassinosteroid on physical, chemical and biochemical attributes of 'Galaxy' apples / Ação da auxina e do brassinosteroide nos atributos físico-químicos e bioquímicos de maçãs 'Galaxy'

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to study the effect of the auxin naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and the brassinosteroid 28-homocastasterone (28-HCS) applied every 15 days (harvest 2015/16) or every 21 days (harvest 2016/17) after full bloom, on the physical, chemical and biochemical attributes of the 'Galaxy' apples. The study was performed at a commercial orchard at Vacaria county, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The following treatments were applied: water (control), NAA (0.1%), 28-HCS (10‒6 M) and NAA (0.1%) + 28-HCS (10‒6 M). For this purpose, 300 μL of the plant growth regulator solutions were applied to the fruit peduncles. Fruits treated with NAA every 21 days presented higher starch-iodine index and lower total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lightness index (L) and hue angle (h°) than 28-HCS-treated fruits. Fruits treated every 15 days with NAA presented reduced skin rupture force (SRF), total antioxidant activities (TAA) of the skin and flesh, and hydrogen peroxide content compared to the control fruits. In addition, NAA application every 15 and 21 days resulted in increased anthocyanin content in the skin. Application of NAA + 28-HCS reduced superoxide dismutase activity. 28-HCS applications increased TSS, color attributes (C and h°) of the skin, total antioxidant activity of the skin and flesh and peroxidase activity compared to control fruits. These results are expected to help to understand how plant growth regulators affect apple quality. In addition, results described here are also expected to help on the development of strategies to reduce post harvest losses and to increase fruit shelf life.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ação do ácido naftaleno acético (ANA) e do brassinosteroide (catasterona), aplicados a cada 15 (safra 2015/16) ou 21 (safra 2016/17) dias a partir dos 40 dias após a plena floração, nos atributos físico-químicos e bioquímicos de maçãs 'Galaxy'. O estudo foi realizado em um pomar comercial de macieiras 'Galaxy' no município de Vacaria, RS. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: água (controle), ANA (0,1%), catasterona (10‒6 M) e ANA (0,1%) + catasterona (10‒6 M). As aplicações foram realizadas no pedúnculo dos frutos, utilizando 300 µL de solução por pedúnculo. Frutos tratados com ANA a cada 21 dias tiveram maior índice de iodo-amido e menores valores de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável e dos atributos de cor L e ângulo hue (h°) do que os frutos tratados com catasterona. Aplicações de ANA a cada 15 dias reduziu a força de ruptura da casca (FRC), atividade antioxidante (AAT) da casca, da polpa e conteúdo de peróxido de hidrogênio. Além disso, ANA aplicada a cada 15 ou 21 dias aumentaram o teor de antocianinas na casca. ANA + catasterona reduziu a atividade da enzima superóxido dismutase. Entretanto, aplicações de catasterona a cada 15 dias aumentou o teor de SS, atributos de cor (C e h°) na casca, atividade antioxidante da casca e da polpa, compostos fenólicos totais (CFT) e atividade da enzima peroxidase dos frutos de maçãs. Portanto, estudos adicionais devem ser realizados para confirmar a ação desses fitorreguladores na manutenção da qualidade e redução das perdas pós-colheitas de maçãs 'Galaxy'.

Inhalation risk assessment of naphthalene emitted from deodorant balls in public toilets

The inhalation of naphthalene used as deodorant balls in public toilets could be an important cancer risk factor. The atmospheric concentration of naphthalene in public toilets (C(in)) was estimated both by a polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) deployed in nine public toilets in Seoul, Korea and by a steady-state indoor air quality model, including emission estimation using Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on the estimated C(in), cancer risk was also assessed for cleaning workers and the general population. The steady-state C(in) estimated using the estimated emission rate, which assumed that air exchange was the only process by which naphthalene was removed, was much greater than the C(in) value measured using PUF-PAS in nine public toilets, implying the importance of other removal processes, such as sorption to walls and the garments of visitors, as well as decreased emission rate owing to wetting of the naphthalene ball surface. The 95 percentile values of cancer risk for workers based on the estimation by PUF-PAS was 1.6×10⁻⁶, whereas those for the general public were lower than 1×10⁻⁶. The results suggested that naphthalene deodorant balls in public toilets may be an important cancer risk factor especially for the cleaning workers.

Inhalation risk assessment of naphthalene emitted from deodorant balls in public toilets

The inhalation of naphthalene used as deodorant balls in public toilets could be an important cancer risk factor. The atmospheric concentration of naphthalene in public toilets (C(in)) was estimated both by a polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) deployed in nine public toilets in Seoul, Korea and by a steady-state indoor air quality model, including emission estimation using Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on the estimated C(in), cancer risk was also assessed for cleaning workers and the general population. The steady-state C(in) estimated using the estimated emission rate, which assumed that air exchange was the only process by which naphthalene was removed, was much greater than the C(in) value measured using PUF-PAS in nine public toilets, implying the importance of other removal processes, such as sorption to walls and the garments of visitors, as well as decreased emission rate owing to wetting of the naphthalene ball surface. The 95 percentile values of cancer risk for workers based on the estimation by PUF-PAS was 1.6×10⁻⁶, whereas those for the general public were lower than 1×10⁻⁶. The results suggested that naphthalene deodorant balls in public toilets may be an important cancer risk factor especially for the cleaning workers.

A new naphthalene derivative from bulbs of Eleutherine americana / 中国中药杂志

A new naphthalene derivative and three known compounds were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of the bulbs of Eleutherine americana by using various chromatographic techniques, such as column chromatography over silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic date (MS, UV, IR, NMR), which were identified as eleutherol B (1), 4,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (2), 8-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (3), and isoeleutherine (4). Compound 1 is a new compound. The diastolic blood vessels activity of compound 1 and 2 were potent, reaching 82.5% and 85.3% at the concentration of 10 μmol·L⁻¹, which were basically the same as that of the positive drug tanshinone ⅡA.

Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Selected Naphthalene Compounds / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#The antioxidant activities of twelve naphthalene compounds containing (E)-1-((3-iodophenylimino)methyl) naphthalen2-ol(NAPH1), (E)-1-((3-bromophenylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol (NAPH2), E)-1-((4-bromo-2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol, (E)-1-((4-bromo-2-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylimino) methyl)naphthalen-2-ol(NAPH3), (E)-1-((2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl) phenylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol (NAPH4), (E)-1-((naphthalen-2-ylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol (NAPH5), (E)-1-((2-bromo-3-methylphenylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol (NAPH6),(E)-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)-3-methylaniline (NAPH7), (E)-4-ethoxy-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene) aniline (NAPH8), (E)-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl) methylene) naphthalen-1-amine (NAPH9), (E)-1-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl) methylene) methanamine (NAPH10), (E)-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)-4-fluoroaniline (NAPH11), (E)-N-((2-ethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)-2-ethylaniline (NAPH12) wereinvestigated in vitro by antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum assay), reducing power, H2O2 scavenging activity,metal chelating effects and lipid peroxidation. Scavenging activities of the naphthalen compounds were tested against1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals. Most of them are potent antioxidant, radicalsuperoxide anion scavengers and in vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The compounds; NAPH5, NAPH10 and NAPH12were found to exhibit promising antioxidant profiles at 10 and 50 mM concentrations. Among these, NAPH5 at higherconcentration was the most active compound in inhibiting lipid peroxidation as shown in the homogenates of kidney,heart and spleen. The presented results validate that NAPH5, NAPH10 and NAPH12 can be possessed as a source ofantioxidant potential and a rich source of synthetic antioxidant for medicinal or foods.

Aislamiento e identificación de levaduras degradadoras de hidrocarburos aromáticos, presentes en tanques de gasolina de vehículos urbanos / Isolation and identification of aromatic hydrocarbon degrading yeasts present in gasoline tanks of urbans vehicles

RESUMEN Se obtuvieron aislamientos de levaduras a partir de muéstreos en tanques de combustible de vehículos urbanos, con el objeto de evaluar su potencial actividad de degradación de hidrocarburos aromáticos derivados del petróleo. Se realizaron ensayos de crecimiento en medio mínimo mineral sólido utilizando distintos hidrocarburos (benceno, tolueno, naftaleno, fenantreno, y pireno). Los aislamientos que presentaron crecimiento notorio en alguno de los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos fueron identificados mediante secuenciación Sanger de los marcadores moleculares ITS1 e ITS2 del ARNr. Se obtuvieron 16 aislados de levaduras, de las cuales tres presentaron crecimiento conspicuo con hidrocarburos aromáticos como única fuente de carbono. Las cepas identificadas pertenecen al género Rhodotorula y corresponden a las especies Rhodotorula calyptogenae (99,8% de identidad) y Rhodotorula dairenensis (99,8% de identidad). Dichas cepas presentaron crecimiento en benceno, tolueno, naftaleno, fenantreno. En este estudio se reporta por primera vez la presencia de levaduras del género Rhodotorula que habitan los ductos y tanques de gasolina de vehículos urbanos, así como su capacidad para utilizar distintos hidrocarburos aromáticos que son contaminantes para el medio ambiente. Estos resultados sugieren que dichas levaduras constituyen potenciales candidatos para la degradación de éstos compuestos, como parte de estrategias de biorremediación.

ABSTRACT Yeast isolates were obtained from fuel tanks of vehicles in order to assess their potential use in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Growth assays were performed in minimum mineral medium using different aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) as the sole carbon source. Isolates that showed growth in any of the tested polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified by Sanger sequencing of the ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA molecular markers. A total of 16 yeasts strains were isolated, and three showed remarkable growth in media with aromatic hydrocarbons as the sole carbon source. These strains belong to the genus Rhodotorula, and correspond to the species Rhodotorula calyp-togenae (99,8% identity) and Rhodotorula dairenensis (99,8% identity). These strains grew in benzene, toluene, naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene. This study demonstrates for the first time that yeasts of the genus Rhodotorula inhabit pipelines and fuel tanks of vehicles and that remove aromatic hydrocarbons that are environmental pollutants. Our results suggest that these yeasts are potential candidates for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation as part of bioremediation strategies.

Squamocin, an annonaceous acetogenin, enhances naphthalene degradation mediated by Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 / Squamocin, una acetogenina annonácea, estimula la degradación de naftaleno mediada por Bacillus atrophaeus CN4

Squamocin belongs to a group of compounds called annonaceous acetogenins. They are secondary products of Annonaceae metabolism and can be isolated from Annona cherimolia seeds. This paper deals with the stimulation of biofilm formation of Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 by employing low squamocin concentrations to increase naphthalene degradation. Bacillus atrophaeus CN4, isolated from contaminated soil, has the ability to degrade naphthalene as the only source of carbon and energy. In the absence of additional carbon sources, the strain removed 69% of the initial concentration of naphthalene (approx. 0.2 mmol/l) in the first 12 h of incubation. The addition of squamocin in LB medium stimulated Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 biofilm formation and enhanced naphthalene removal. Squamocin (2.5 pg/ml) does not affect planktonic growth and therefore, the observed increases are solely due to the stimulation of biofilm formation.

Squamocin pertenece a un grupo de compuestos llamados acetogeninas annonáceas (ACG). Las ACG son productos secundarios del metabolismo de plantas de la familia Annonaceae y se pueden aislar a partir de semillas de Annona cherimola. Este artículo trata de la estimulación de la formación de biofilm de Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 mediante el empleo de bajas concentraciones de squamocin para optimizar la degradación de naftaleno. B. atrophaeus CN4, aislado de suelo contaminado, tiene la capacidad de emplear naftaleno como única fuente de carbono y energía. En ausencia de fuentes de carbono adicionales, la cepa degradó el 69% de la concentración inicial de naftaleno (aprox. 0,2 mmol/l) en las primeras 12h de incubación. La adición de squamocin en medio LB estimula la formación de biofilm y la remoción naftaleno de B. atrophaeus CN4. Squamocin (2,5 µg/ml) no afecta al crecimiento planctónico y, por lo tanto, los incrementos observados se deben únicamente a la estimulación de la formación de biofilm.

Multiplication, rooting in vitro, and acclimatization of Brassavola tuberculata Hook. (Orchidaceae), an orchid endemic to the brazilian atlantic rainforest / Multiplicação, enraizamento in vitro e aclimatização de Brassavola tuberculata Hook (Orchidaceae), uma orquídea endêmica da mata atlântica brasileira

The objective of this study was to promote the establishment of an in vitro culture of Brassavola tuberculata, testing different concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on multiplication and rooting, evaluating different substrates during acclimatization, as well as the effect of in vitro treatments. After germination, the seedlings of B. tuberculata were subjected to culture on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA and BAP, and multiplication and rooting were assessed. During acclimatization, different substrates were tested: S1, Plantmax® and vermiculite (1: 1); S2, Plantmax® and grit (1: 1); and S3, dust fern. Also the effect of the in vitro culture treatments was evaluated: T1, control; T5, (2.5 µM NAA +5 µM BAP); and T7, (5 µM NAA + 0 µM BAP). The favorable balance of cytokinins promoted by treatment T5 yielded the largest number of shoots and leaves in B. tuberculata. The greatest length of leaves and roots, and highest root number were observed in the treatment T7, favored by the presence of auxin. This treatment had a positive effect with respect to plant acclimatization: T7 associated with substrate S1 provided the most suitable conditions for acclimatization of seedlings of B. tuberculata, providing greater number and length of leaves, and high survival rate.

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, promover o estabelecimento do cultivo in vitro de Brassavola tuberculata, testando diferentes concentrações de ANA e BAP na multiplicação e no enraizamento, e avaliar diferentes substratos e o efeito dos tratamentos de cultivo in vitro na aclimatização. Após a germinação das sementes, as plântulas de B. tuberculata foram submetidas ao cultivo em meio MS suplementado com diferentes concentrações de ácido naftaleno acético (ANA) e 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP), sendo avaliados a multiplicação e o enraizamento. Foram testados diferentes substratos: S1 (Plantmax e vermiculita (1:1)); S2 (Plantmax e areia (1:1)) e S3 (pó de xaxim) na aclimatização e, posteriormente, o efeito dos tratamentos do cultivo in vitro: T1 (controle), T5 (2,5 ANA + 5 BAP) e T7 (5 ANA + 0 BAP), na aclimatização. O balanço favorável às citocininas promovido pelo tratamento T5 (2,5 µM ANA + 5 µM BAP) promoveu maior número de brotos e de folhas em B. tuberculata. O maior comprimento das folhas, das raízes e maior número de raízes foi observado no tratamento T7 (5 µM ANA e 0 µM BAP), favorável a auxina. Este tratamento apresentou efeito positivo com relação a aclimatização das plantas: T7 associado ao substrato S1, Plantmax e vermiculita (1:1) proporcionou melhores condições para a aclimatização das plântulas de B. tuberculata, propiciando maior número e comprimento das folhas, e elevada taxa de sobrevivência.

Effects of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on the plant growth and sugars effects on the cut flowers Mokara chark kuan orchid / Efeitos do ácido naftaleno acético (naa) sobre o crescimento das plantas e de açúcares sobre flores cortadas da orquídea Mokara chark kuan

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and sugars on the plants and flowers quality of Mokara Chark Kuan orchid respectively. Parameters were monitored between November 2014 to March 2015, with the application of three concentrations of NAA at 25, 50 and 100 mg/L in the field. The application of 25 mg/L NAA significantly increases the plant height, number of roots and total soluble solid content of Mokara Chark Kuan orchid plants. But, there was no significant effect on the leaves number, chlorophyll content and number of flowers. In case of storage experiment, the cut Mokara Chark Kuan flowers were treated with 3 % and 6 % glucose and sucrose. Physiological parameters: fresh weight, water uptake, petal thickness, discoloration and vase life were evaluated. It can be concluded that spraying with 25 mg/L NAA enhanced the plant growth and development of Mokara Chark Kuan orchid. The study also showed that 6 % sucrose was the best treatment for maintaining the post-harvest quality as well as vase life of cut Mokara Chark Kuan orchid flowers.

Um estudo foi realizado para investigar os efeitos do ácido naftaleno ácido acético (NAA) no crescimento de e açúcares no plantas e na qualidade de flores da orquídea Mokara Chark Kuan . Os parâmetros foram monitorados entre novembro de 2014 e março 2015, com a aplicação de três concentrações de ANA em 25, 50 e 100 mg / L sob condições de campo. A aplicação de 25 mg / L de ANA aumentou significativamente a altura da planta, o número de raízes e o teor de sólidos solúveis totais de plantas de orquídeas Mokara Chark Kuan. Todavia, não houve nenhum efeito significativo sobre o número de folhas, o teor de clorofila e o número de flores. No caso do experimento de armazenamento, flores cortadas de Mokara Chark Kuan foram tratadas com 3% e 6% de glicose e de sacarose. Os parâmetros fisiológicos: peso fresco, absorção de água, espessura pétala, descoloração e vida de vaso foram avaliados. Pode concluir-se que a pulverização com 25 mg / L de NAA aumentou o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das plantas de orquídea Mokara Chark Kuan. O estudo também mostrou que 6% de sacarose foi o melhor tratamento para a manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita, bem como vida de vaso em flores de corte da orquídea Mokara Chark Kuan .

A new naphthalene derivative from Aloe vera and its antibacterial activity / 中国中药杂志

A new naphthalene derivative has been isolated from Aloe vera by using various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, sephadex, MCI-gel resin, and RP-HPLC. The new compound was determined as 3-hydroxy-1-(1,7-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propan-1-one (1). In the biological activity assay, compound 1 disglayed prominent antibacterial activity with a MIC90 value of (48±4) mg•L⁻¹ for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain which was stronger than that of the positive control levofloxacin with a MIC90 value (58±5) mg•L⁻¹.

Establishment of Analysis Method for Detection of Petroleum Degrading Genes AlkB and Nah in Contaminated Soil and Its Application / 分析化学

SYBR Green I Real Time-qPCR method was developed to quantify the numbers of copyies of AlkB ( alkanes degradation gene) and Nah ( naphthalene dioxygenase degradation gene) functional degradation gene corresponding to alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons degradation. Two pairs of primers AlkBf/AlkBr and Nahf/Nahr were designed for AlkB and Nah amplification respectively, according to the nucleotide sequences of related degradation microorganisms published in GenBank. The purified recovery products of traditional PCR were combined with pEASY-T1 vectors and transformed in competent cells to amplify. The recombinant plasmids were extracted and used as positive templates to create standard curve through gradient dilution. The conditions for the real time PCR were as the follows: the final concentration of forward and reverse primers were 0. 2 μmol/L, 2×TransStart Top Green qPCR SuperMix, and the annealing temperatures of AlkB and Nah PCR were 50℃ and 57℃, respectively. The method showed a sensitivity of 100 times higher than that of the traditional PCR method and good repeatability. The numbers of copies of AlkB in three functional regions of an oilfield indicated that oil producing zone with serious oil pollution had the highest AlkB copy numbers, and residential zone with lighter oil pollution had the lowest AlkB copy numbers. Nah degradation gene distribution was more uniform.

In Vitro Regeneration from Shoot Tip and Nodal Explants of Simarouba Glauca DC, a Promising Biodiesel Tree.

An efficient regeneration protocol was developed from shoot tip and nodal explants of Simarouba glauca DC, a promising biodiesel plant. Nodal explants appeared to have better regeneration capacity than shoot tip explants (40%) in the tested media. The highest regeneration frequency (90%) and shoot number (7.00 ± 1.00 shoots per explants) were obtained in nodal explants in Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 4.43 μM and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 5.36 μM.Induced shoot buds were multiplied and elongated on the MS medium supplemented with BAP (4.44 μM), NAA (5.36 μM) and TDZ (Thidiazuron) 2.27 μM with 9.66±0.33 (mean length 5.35±0.32 cm) and 9.00±0.57 (mean length 4.51±0.15cm) shoots using nodal segments and shoot tip explants, respectively. Halfstrength woody plant medium (WPM) containing 2.46μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) produced the maximum number of roots (6.00±1.15). The rooted plantlets were hardened on MS basal liquid medium and subsequently in polycups containing sterile soil and vermiculite (1:1) and successfully established in pots.

Effects of different treatments on seed germination of Dioscorea nipponica / 中草药

Objective: To study the effects of different temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and different concentration of gibberellin (GA3) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on the germination responses of Dioscorea nipponica seeds. Methods: The seed germination rate and germination vigor were recorded and analyzed statistically, through setting conditions including cold stratification and soaking treatment with different concentration of GA3/NAA in culture dishes. Results: After sand stratification at 4 °C, the germination percentage and germination vigor of D. nipponica seeds were the highest of 80.00% and 53.33% at 25 °C, respectively. After soaking in 100 mg/L GA3 for 24 h without stratification, the germination percentage and vigor of D. nipponica seeds were 66.65% and 48.35%, respectively; After soaking in 1 mg/L NAA for 12 h, the germination percentage and germination vigor were 58.35% and 3.35%, respectively. The germination process treated with low temperature sand stratification was the fastest. The seeds began to germinate at the day 6, and germinated completely within 12 d. Conclusion: The seeds should germinate at 25 °C after sand stratification at 4 °C for 60 d, or the seeds without stratification would germinate after being treated with 100 mg/L GA3.

Synthesis and characterization of some novel substituted chalcone derivatives.

Chalcone is an aromatic ketone that forms the central core for the variety of important biological compounds, which are collectively known as chalcones. The name chalcones was given by Kostanecki and Tambor. The chalcones, two aromatic rings are linked by an aliphatic three carbon chain which bears a very good synthon so that variety of novel heterocyclics with good pharmaceutical profile can be designed. Chalcones have been considered as a magic moiety possessing myriad spectrum of medicinal activities. Diversity of biological response profile has attracted considerable interest of several researchers across the globe to explore this skeleton for its assorted therapeutic significance. By using different synthetic methods new chalcone derivatives were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical analysis. Chalcone is a lead nucleus for future developments to get effective compounds.

Synthesis of novel Naphthalene COX inhibitors for anti-inflammatory activity.

Inflammation forms the part of various diseased conditions. To treat inflammation variety of anti inflammatory agents are synthesized, they showed undesirable side effects. In order to avoid these side effects, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were developed. Research is a continuous and never ending process; efforts are being made to improve the present drug profile such that present side effects can be eliminated. Syntheses of number of naphthalene derivatives with pyrazole moiety were completed. The present classification records for numerous naphthalene derivatives (naproxen and nabumetone) and also many anti-inflammatory drugs containing diaryl heterocycle(celecoxib,rofecoxib) are available as reference, therefore some new non-vicinal 3,5 diaryl heterocycles,in which naphthalene as one of aryl ring and pyrazole as central scaffold was prepared and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. The purity of all compounds has been examined by the TLC and structure is confirmed by different analytical techniques like IR, Mass spectroscopy and NMR. Further, the synthesized drugs were evaluated for in vivo anti inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced rat paw edema test using Indomethacin as a standard drug. In conclusion, we have found that two compounds showed equipotent activity while other two showed slightly more anti-inflammatory activity respectively.

Micro propagation and tissue culture of the endangered medicinal plant withania somnifera by the direct shoot and root initiation method.

Leaf and Cotyledon explants of Withania somnifera (L). Dunal were used to evaluate the effect of different growth regulators on the in vitro direct shoot and root initiation methods. Four different explants were used to establish callus shoot and root direct regeneration. In the first experiment leaf segments were cultured on MS basal supplemented with 2,4 – Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 – D, 0.1-20.0 mg/L), with combination of Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 0.1-20 mg/L) and Benzylaminopurin (0.1-20 mg/L). This new protocol was standardized for easy mass propagation of W. somnifera medicinal plant. Callus initiation was observed best in MS media with (2,4- D 1.0-5.0 mg/L) after 16-20 days (93%). Highest maximum number of multiple shoots was obtained on MS medium (BAP 3.0 – 5.0 mg/L). The shoots were seaperated from the multiple-shoots, transferred to MS medium supplemented with 1.5 – 20 mg/L NAA favored roots formation occurred in most of the shoot let 88% were successfully achieved in the MS media. The rooted plantlets were transferred to polythene bags which was containing vermi compost, sand and red soil in the ratio of 1:2:2 and kept in a mist house. After acclimatization in the mist house for 2-months, it transferred to greenhouse. The plantlets were successfully planted in the field.

Bioavailability evaluation of naphthalene in soil using persulfate oxidation and ultrasonic extraction method.

Bioavailability is defined as the fraction of a soil contaminant readily available for microbial degradation and for naphthalene it could be estimated by conventional exhaustive extraction methods. In this study, a novel method that employed persulfate oxidation in combination with ultrasonic extraction (POUSE) was developed. Three parameters, temperature, duration of persulfate oxidation, and the ratio of persulfate to soil organic matter (S2O8 2- /SOM; g g-1), were investigated to obtain an optimum operating conditions. Under the condition, naphthalene bioavailability estimated by the POUSE method was verified and compared with other three exhaustive methods i.e. sonicator, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and soxhlet extraction (SE). When the S2O8 2-/SOM ratio was controlled at 11.6 g g-1, the optimum operating conditions of the POUSE method were 70oC and 3 hr, for the temperature and duration. Under these conditions, the residual naphthalene concentrations were correlated well with the residual naphthalene concentrations for both the cases of freshly spiked and aged soils. By contrast, the sonicator, SFE, and the SE overestimated the naphthalene bioavailability since these three methods extracted naphthalene much more than that of biodegradation test. These results demonstrated that the POUSE could estimate more precisely the naphthalene bioavailability.

Studies on potassium chloride based –controlled release fertilizer made from sand– cement matrix coated with napthalene.

Sand matrix based KCl controlled release fertilizer is made and tested. The parameters of the study are initial fraction of KCl, fractional binder, Fractional inert, Diameter of the pellet and Particle size of the sand. The release of fertilizer from the pellet depended on the compositional parameters of the study. Based on Fick`s second law, a model was developed for the sand matrix fertilizers with napthalene coating. Simulated data from the model was agreeing well with experimental values. The developed equations are as follows:

Aerosol delivery of kinase-deficient Akt1 attenuates Clara cell injury induced by naphthalene in the lungs of dual luciferase mice

Conventional lung cancer therapies are associated with poor survival rates; therefore, new approaches such as gene therapy are required for treating cancer. Gene therapies for treating lung cancer patients can involve several approaches. Among these, aerosol gene delivery is a potentially more effective approach. In this study, Akt1 kinase-deficient (KD) and wild-type (WT) Akt1 were delivered to the lungs of CMV-LucR-cMyc-IRES-LucF dual reporter mice through a nose only inhalation system using glucosylated polyethylenimine and naphthalene was administrated to the mice via intraperitoneal injection. Aerosol delivery of Akt1 WT and naphthalene treatment increased protein levels of downstream substrates of Akt signaling pathway while aerosol delivery of Akt1 KD did not. Our results showed that naphthalene affected extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein levels, ERK-related signaling, and induced Clara cell injury. However, Clara cell injury induced by naphthalene was considerably attenuated in mice exposed to Akt1 KD. Furthermore, a dual luciferase activity assay showed that aerosol delivery of Akt1 WT and naphthalene treatment enhanced cap-dependent protein translation, while reduced cap-dependent protein translation was observed after delivering Akt1 KD. These studies demonstrated that our aerosol delivery is compatible for in vivo gene delivery.