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Abdul Malik

Publications and source records attributed to Abdul Malik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Genotoxic hazards of long-term application of wastewater on agricultural soil.

In the city of Aligarh (India), wastewater coming from both industrial and domestic sources and without any treatment is used to irrigate the agricultural crops. This practice has been polluting the soil, and the pollutants could possibly reach the food chain. For the above reason, soil irrigated with wastewater was sampled and monitored for the presence of genotoxic agents using three biological assays namely Ames Salmonella/mammalian microsome test, survival of SOS defective E. coli K-12 mutants and bacteriophage lambda systems. Extracts from soils were prepared using different organic solvents, i.e. methanol, acetonitrile and acetone. TA98 was found to be most sensitive strain to all the soil extracts. A significant decline in the survival of DNA repair defective E. coli K-12 mutants as compared to their isogenic wild-type counterparts were observed when treated with soil extracts. PolA was found to be the most sensitive strain. A remarkable decline in the plaque forming units was also observed when tested with the soil extracts. Extracts of soil that has been irrigated with ground water were also tested by the above three biological assays to compare the results.

Agriculture↗

Facile access to monodisperse ultralarge rings.

A facile access to monodisperse ultralarge rings counting 126, 174, and 294 ring atoms is described. It follows a reaction sequence that is well suited for the preparation of [2]catenanes but altered just in the sequence of the two steps cyclization and carbonate formation. The carbonate acts as a covalent template that is easily formed and later cleaved. The obtained monocyclic products are constitutional isomers of the catenanes.

Journal Article↗

An asymmetric synthesis of aza analogues of the tricyclic skeleton of daphnane and the ABC ring system of phorbol.

An asymmetric synthesis of aza analogues of the ABC ring system of phorbol and related compounds containing the 5-7-6-fused framework of daphnane involved construction of the central seven-membered ring by a regioselective reduction of a chiral imide and cyclization with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Subsequent demethylation and oxidative dearomatization of ring C afforded an enantiopure dienone 20 with the same relative and absolute configuration at the 9- and 10-positions of the phorbol skeleton.

Aza Compounds↗

Effect of buffer, electric field, and separation time on detection of aptamer-ligand complexes for affinity probe capillary electrophoresis.

The separation and detection of complexes of aptamers and protein targets by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence was examined. Aptamer-thrombin and aptamer-immunoglobulin E (IgE) were used as model systems. Phosphate, 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid with phosphate, and tris(hydroxyamino)methane-glycine-potassium (TGK) buffer at pH 8.4 were tested as electrophoresis media. Buffer had a large effect with TGK providing the most stable complexes for both protein-aptamer complexes. Conditions that suppressed electroosmotic flow, such as addition of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose to the media or modification of the capillary inner wall with polyacrylamide, were found to prevent detection of complexes. The effect of separation time and electric field were evaluated by monitoring complexes with electric field varied from 150-2850 V/cm and effective column lengths of 3.5 and 7.0 cm. As expected, shorter times on the column greatly increased peak heights for the complexes due to a combination of less dilution by diffusion and less dissociation on the column. High fields were found to have a detrimental effect on detection of complexes. It is concluded that the best conditions for detection of noncovalent complexes involve use of the minimal column length and electric field necessary to achieve separation. The results will be of interest in developing affinity probe CE assays wherein aptamers are used as affinity ligands.

Animals↗

Genotoxicity of water extracts from the River Yamuna at Mathura, India.

Water samples were collected from the River Yamuna at Mathura, India, and concentrated by using XAD resins (Amberlite XAD-4 and XAD-8) and liquid-liquid extraction procedures. The genotoxicities of the extracted water samples were evaluated by the Ames Salmonella/mammalian microsome test, DNA repair of defective mutants, and bacteriophage lambda systems. The results of the Salmonella test demonstrated that the XAD-concentrated water samples had maximum mutagenicity with the TA98 strain, both with and without metabolic activation. The XAD-concentrated water samples collected in the summer showed maximum mutagenic responses compared with those collected in other seasons, whereas the liquid-liquid extracted samples exhibited maximum mutagenic activity during the postmonsoon season. The damage brought about during DNA repair of defective mutants in the presence of XAD-concentrated water samples was found to be remarkably high compared with the liquid-liquid extracted water samples at a dose level of 20 microL/mL of culture. All the mutants invariably exhibited significant decline in their colony-forming units compared with their isogenic wild-type counterparts. Survival was decreased by 86.7% and 65.1% in the polA(-) strain after 6 h of treatment with XAD-concentrated and liquid-liquid extracted water samples, respectively. A significant decrease in the survival of bacteriophage lambda was also observed when treated with test samples. The damage was more pronounced in lexA mutants when the phage was treated with XAD-concentrated samples. The recA, lexA, and polA mutants of E. coli K-12 were found to be sensitive to the test samples, suggesting damage to the DNA of exposed cells as well as to the role of recA(+), lexA(+), and polA(+) genes in coping with the hazardous effect of the pollutants. The results demonstrated substantial genotoxicity and mutagenicity in the water samples tested.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Impact of long-term application of industrial wastewater on the emergence of resistance traits in Azotobacter chroococcum isolated from rhizospheric soil.

A total of 57 (36 and 21) Azotobacter chroococcum were isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum) rhizospheric soil irrigated with industrial wastewater (about a decade) and ground water (uncontaminated) and characterized on the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Rhizospheric soils were analyzed for metal concentrations by atomic absorption spectrophotometery and the test soil samples were contaminated with Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb. All the isolates of A. chroococcum were tested for their resistance against Hg2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+. Among 36 isolates of Azotobacter from soil irrigated with industrial wastewater, 94.4% were resistant to Pb2+ and Hg2+ and 86.1%, 77.5% and 63.8% were resistant to Zn2+, Cr6+ and Cr3+ respectively. The highest minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 microg/ml for Hg2+ and 1600 microg/ml for other metals were observed against these bacteria from soil. The incidences of metal resistance and MICs of metals for A. chroococcum from wastewater irrigated soil were significantly different to those of uncontaminated soil. All A. chroococcum isolates were tested for their resistance against 11 commonly used antibiotics/drugs. 91.6% were found to be resistant against nitrofurantoin while 86.4% and 80.5% were found to be resistant against polymyxin-B and co-trimoxazole respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis using the miniprep method for plasmid isolation revealed that these isolates harboured plasmids of molecular weights 58.8 and 64.5 kb using EcoRI and HindIII digests of X DNA and undigested X DNA as standard markers.

Azotobacter↗

Determination of organochlorine pesticides in agricultural soil with special reference to gamma-HCH degradation by Pseudomonas strains.

Soil samples were taken from different agricultural fields and analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues by gas chromatography. The analysis indicated that the soil samples contained some common organochlorine pesticides DDT, DDD, DDE, HCH and Aldrin. gamma-HCH was detected as 47.35 ppb whereas the concentrations of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, p('),p(')-DDE, o('),p(')-DDT were 38.81, 1.79, 7.10 and 13.30 ppb, respectively, in the same soil. Two Pseudomonas strains isolated from agricultural soil were found to possess gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane degrading ability when the isolates were grown in a mineral salt medium containing gamma-HCH as the sole source of carbon and a number of metabolites were produced and detected by the gas chromatography. These bacterial isolates were further tested for carbohydrate and amino acid utilization as well as for their susceptibility against 10 commonly used antibiotics namely amoxycillin, chloramphenicol, cloxacillin, doxycycline, methicillin, nalidixic acid, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline. Both the isolates were also screened for plasmid DNA and found to harbour a single plasmid.

Agriculture↗

Emodinol, beta-glucuronidase inhibiting triterpene from Paeonia emodi.

Emodinol, a new oleane type triterpene, has been isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of Paeonia emodi. The structure 1beta, 3beta, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 1 has been assigned on the basis of spectral studies including 2D NMR. It showed significant beta-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. In addition benzoic acid and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid have also been reported for the first time from this species.

Glucuronidase↗

Cholinesterase inhibitory constituents from Onosma hispida.

Hispidone, a new flavanone, has been isolated from Onosma hispida and assigned the structure (2S)-5,2'-dihydroxy-7,4',5'-trimethoxyflavanone (1) by spectroscopic methods. In addition, (2S)-5,2'-dihydroxy-7,5'-dimethoxyflavanone (2), benzoic acid (3), and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (4) are also reported for the first time from this species.

Animals↗

Sol-gel capillary microextraction.

Sol-gel capillary microextraction (sol-gel CME) is introduced as a viable solventless extraction technique for the preconcentration of trace analytes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of sol-gel-coated capillaries in analytical microextraction. Sol-gel-coated capillaries were employed for the extraction and preconcentration of a wide variety of polar and nonpolar analytes. Two different types of sol-gel coatings were used for extraction: sol-gel poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and sol-gel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). An in-house-assembled gravity-fed sample dispensing unit was used to perform the extraction. The analysis of the extracted analytes was performed by gas chromatography (GC). The extracted analytes were transferred to the GC column via thermal desorption. For this, the capillary with the extracted analytes was connected to the inlet end of the GC column using a two-way press-fit fused-silica connector housed inside the GC injection port. Desorption of the analytes from the extraction capillary was performed by rapid temperature programming (at 100 degrees C/min) of the GC injection port. The desorbed analytes were transported down the system by the helium flow and further focused at the inlet end of the GC column maintained at 30 degrees C. Sol-gel PDMS capillaries were used for the extraction of nonpolar and moderately polar compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones), while sol-gel PEG capillaries were used for the extraction of polar compounds (alcohols, phenols, amines). The technique is characterized by excellent reproducibility. For both polar and nonpolar analytes, the run-to-run and capillary-to-capillary RSD values for GC peak areas remained under 6% and 4%, respectively. The technique also demonstrated excellent extraction sensitivity. Parts per quadrillion level detection limits were achieved by coupling sol-gel CME with GC-FID. The use of thicker sol-gel coatings and longer capillary segments of larger diameter (or capillaries with sol-gel monolithic beds) should lead to further enhancement of the extraction sensitivity.

Journal Article↗

Advances in sol-gel based columns for capillary electrochromatography: sol-gel open-tubular columns.

The development of sol-gel open-tubular column technology in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is reviewed. Sol-gel column technology offers a versatile means of creating organic-inorganic hybrid stationary phases. Sol-gel column technology provides a general approach to column fabrication for microseparation techniques including CEC, and is amenable to both open-tubular and monolithic columns. Direct chemical bonding of the stationary phase to the capillary inner walls provides enhanced thermal and solvent stability to sol-gel columns. Sol-gel stationary phases inherently possess higher surface area, and thus provide an effective one-step alternative to conventional open-tubular column technology. Sol-gel column technology is applicable to both silica-based and transition metal oxide-based hybrid stationary phases, and thus, provides a great opportunity to utilize advanced material properties of a wide range of nontraditional stationary phases to achieve enhanced selectivity in analytical microseparations. A wide variety of stationary phase ligands can be chemically immobilized on the capillary inner surface using a single-step sol-gel procedure. Sol-gel chemistry can be applied to design stationary phases with desired chromatographic characteristics, including the possibility of creating columns with either a positive or a negative charge on the stationary phase surface. This provides a new tool to control electroosmotic flow (EOF) in the column. Column efficiencies on the order of half a million theoretical plates per meter have been reported for sol-gel open-tubular CEC columns. The selectivity of sol-gel stationary phases can be easily fine-tuned by adjusting the composition of the coating sol solution. Open-tubular columns have significant advantages over their packed counterparts because of the simplicity in column making and hassle-free fritless operation. Open-tubular CEC columns possess low sample capacity and low detection sensitivity. Full utilization of the analytical potential of sol-gel open-tubular columns will require a concomitant development in the area of high-sensitivity detection technology.

Chromatography↗

Sphingolipids from Conyza canadensis.

Sphingolipid 1 and its corresponding beta-D-glucopyranoside derivative 2 have been isolated from the ethylacetate fraction of Conyza canadensis along with beta-sitosterol 3, stigmasterol 4, beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside 5 and harmine 6, reported for the first time from this species. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated through spectroscopy including two-dimensional NMR.

Conyza↗

Seasonal variation in bacterial flora of the wastewater and soil in the vicinity of industrial area.

Environmental pollution is one of the major problems being faced today due to the advent of extensive industrialization. Heavy metals are the most important contaminants in wastewater that are present in abundance and are toxic. Heavy metal contents of sewage in the industrial estate of Aligarh (U.P.) have been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysis of samples collected from six different locations revealed significantly high levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni. Certain bacteriological (Total bacterial count, Total coliform. Fecal coliform, and Fecal Streptococci) parameters of domestic and industrial sewage as well as soils were monitored from March 1990 to January 1993. Total bacterial count, total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci were found to be lowest in all the samples of industrial wastewater compared to those in domestic sewage and soil systems. The soil however, contained highest total culturable bacterial population. In view of the common practice of the application of sewage to agricultural land in the neighbouring area, the discharge of industrial wastewater without proper treatment into public sewers should be strictly prohibited.

Agriculture↗

Lead content of petrol and diesel and its assessment in an urban environment.

Pakistan is one of the few countries in Asia that continues to use only leaded-petrol as vehicular fuel. The concentration of Pb in its petrol reported in 1991 was the highest (1.5-2.0 g Pb L(-1)) of all produced by the various Asian countries and far exceeded the WHO's guideline of 0.15 g Pb L(-1). We have undertaken a study to trace and quantify this toxic element in the environs of Karachi. Pakistan's major metropolis, having more than 30% of the nation's total number of vehicles. In this article we report the Pb contents of petrol and diesel currently manufactured and marketed in the city. Samples of 'Regular' petrol collected in 1999 was found to contain 0.363 g Pb L(-1) (range: 0.335-0.390 g Pb L(-1)), a factor of 5 lower than that marketed prior to 1991. Its concentration in diesel fuel was much lower (0.017 g Pb L(-1)). Based on the available statistical data on the type and volume of vehicular traffic, we assessed that the current lead emission from vehicular traffic into the atmosphere is 391 metric tons a year, which is a factor of 2.7 lower than that estimated for 1989.

Air Pollutants↗

Antimicrobial triterpenes from Debregeasia salicifolia.

New triterpene, 3beta-(trans-cinnamoyloxy)-19alpha-hydroxy-urs-12-ene (1) has been isolated from the methanolic fraction of Debregeasia salicifolia, along with uvaol (2), 3beta,19alpha-dihydroxy-urs-12-ene (3), ursolic acid (4), pomolic acid (5), pomolic acid methyl ester (6) and tormentic acid (7) reported for the first time from this species. The compounds (1), (3) and (6) showed significant antimicrobial activity. The structure elucidation was made with the help of extensive 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Animals↗

Highly oxygenated triterpenes from the roots of Atropa acuminata.

Two new oleanane triterpenes; 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28,30-dioic acid ([structure: see text]) and 2alpha,3alpha,24,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene ([structure: see text]) have been isolated from the roots of Atropa acuminata. Anti-oxidant p-hydroxyphenethyl trans-ferulate ([structure: see text]), beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside ([structure: see text]) and oleanolic acid ([structure: see text]) have also been reported for the first time from this species. The structures were determined by spectroscopic studies including 2D-NMR.

Antioxidants↗

Alysinol--a new triterpene from Alysicarpus monolifer.

A new triterpene named as alysinol 3alpha, 22beta-dihydroxyolean-12-ene [structure: see text] along with known compounds usnic acid, methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethyl benzoate, 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, stigmasterol, poriferasterol and ursolic acid have been isolated from Alysicarpus monolifer. The structure of [structure: see text] has been established through spectroscopic techniques.

Acetylation↗