024383   CHANDRAYAN P (Maharishi Univ of Information Technology, Lucknow- 226 013, Email: parasar.pooja@gmail.com) : Biological function(s) and application (s) of pectin and pectin degrading enzymes. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 87-100.

Pectin is an integral part of plant cell wall and since centuries pectin extracted from plants is widely used in food and fruit juice processing. Moreover, in last half century, the applications have also invaded into many bio-processing applications such as pharmaceutical, bioenergy, textile, paper and tea processing. In these growing industries, the use of pectinases has grown with a significant amount i.e. approximately 10 % of total global enzyme market comes from pectinases. Herein comprehensive analyses of information related to structure and function of pectin in plant cell wall as well as structural classes of pectins have been discussed. The major function of pectin is in cementing the cellulose and hemicelluloses network, cell-cell adhesion and plant defence. Keeping the wide use of pectin in food industry and growing need of environment friendly technology for pectin extraction has accelerated the demand of pectin degrading enzymes (PDEs). PDEs are from three enzyme classes: carbohydrate esterases from CE 8 and CE 12 family, glycoside hydrolases from GH 28 family and lyases from PL 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10. We have reviewed the literature related to abundance and structure-function of these abovementioned enzymes from bacteria. From the current available literature, we found very limited information is present about thermostable PDEs. Hence, in future it could be a topic of study to gain the insight about structure-function of enzymes together with the expanded role of thermostable enzymes in development of bioprocesses based on these enzymes.

4 illus, 75 ref

024382   GHOLAMI A A, KAVIANI B (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Iran, Email: b.kaviani@yahoo.com) : Somatic embryogenesis, encapsulation, cold storage, and growth of hybrid Citrus [C. paradisi Macf. (?Duncan?) ? C. reticulata Blanco. (?Dancy?)] shoot tip segments. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(1), 134-44.

Artificial seed or encapsulation technology presents an innovative tool in plant biotechnology for an efficient and cost- effective large-scale propagation, breeding, in vitro conservation, non-embryonic synthetic seed production and germplasm exchange and distribution. Somatic embryogenesis is a proper method for micropropagation of fruit crops like Citrus and has the potential of commercial mass propagation. This method offers advantages in improving fruit species over other in vitro propagation methods. The combination of somatic embryogenesis and conservation strategies allows to develop both in vitro propagation and propagated germplasm exchange. In the first study, seeds of Minneola tangelo [C. paradisi Macf. (‘Duncan’) × C. reticulate Blanco. (‘Dancy’)] were placed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 500 mg ^-1 malt extract. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedlings were excised and cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 10 mg l ^-1 BAP and 1 mg l ^-1 napthalene acetic acid (NAA) for proliferation. A large number of micro-shoots were obtained when shoot tip explants were cultured on this medium. In vitro derived shoot tips were dipped in 3 %, 4 % and 5 % of Na-alginate dissolved either in liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l^-1 sucrose + 10 mg l^-1 6 benzyl amino purine (BAP) + 1 mg l^-1 NAA, liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l^-1 sucrose and distilled water with 50 g l^-1 sucrose as treatments. The suitable artificial or synthetic seeds were formed when the micro-shoots were encapsulated in 4 % Na-alginate storage periods with (1-8 100 weeks). mM CaCl Maximum 2.2H₂O. viability Encapsulated (55 % and after non-encapsulated 3 weeks, 34 % after shoot 4 tips were stored weeks and 12 % at 4 °C after 7 for different weeks) was obtained in shoot tips encapsulated on liquid MS medium supplemented with 50 g l ^-1 sucrose + 10 mg l^-1 BAP + 1 mg l^-1 NAA, while non-encapsulated shoot tips and shoot tips encapsulated on distilled water with 50 g l^-1 sucrose lost their viability completely after 3 weeks. After the storage time, encapsulated shoot tips were germinated and multiplied on MS medium containing 10 mg l ^-1 BAP + 1 mg l ^-1 NAA as regeneration medium. Roots were formed on the basis of shoots when they grew on MS medium enriched with 50 mg l ^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In the second study, the effects of various media on callus induction and direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis of immature seeds of Citrus were examined. Maximum somatic embryogenesis (direct and indirect), induction of embryonic callus and embryo maturation were achieved in MS medium supplemented with 500 mg l ^-1malt extract, 50 g l ^-1sucrose and 3 mg l^-1 BAP.

4 illus, 5 tables, 55 ref

024381   BAKHSHI M, EBRAHIMI F, NAZARIAN S, ZARGAN J (Biology Dep, Imam Hossein Univ, Tehran, Email: kpnazari@ihu.ac.ir) : Computational analysis and gene cloning: design and preparation of a multi subunit vaccine consisting of EspA, Stx2B and Intimin antigens against enterohaemrrhagic Escherichia coli. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(1), 16-26.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an intestinal pathogen that made diarrhoea, haemolytic uremia syndrome (HUS) and hemorrhagic colitis (HC) in patients. Roles of EspA and Intimin at the beginning of bacteria colonization in intestine are critical. Destruction of protein synthesis route with shiga toxins of E. coli O157:H7 is mediated through B-subunit of toxins. In this study, in silico approaches were performed to design a suitable construct from EspA, Intimin and Stx2B and a recombinant chimeric antigen was produced. Bioinformatics analyses such as physicochemical data, mRNA folding, 3D structures of chimera and various immunoinformatic data, such as linear and conformational B-cell epitopes, T-cell epitopes were reported according to authentic data base. The chimeric gene was prepared as synthetic construct after designing and cloning. The validation result showed that 83.9 % residues lie in favoured or additional allowed region of the Ramachandran plot. Epitope prediction results proved very good distribution of conformational B-cell epitopes in the 3D structure of chimera. The identified T-cell epitopes are apt to bind MHC molecules. A good quantity of recombinant chimeric antigen was achieved in host cells. From in silico approach, an appropriate multi subunit vaccine candidate was designed and prepared for immunological examinations.

9 illus, 5 tables, 35 ref

024380   GUPTA H, SINGH D, VANAGE G, JOSHI D S, THAKUR M (Genetics Dep, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Maharashtra, Email: mansibiotech79@gmail.com) : Evaluation of histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the testicular cells of Wistar rats post chronic exposure to gold nanoparticles. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(1), 9-15.

Gold nanoparticles (GNP) have numerous therapeutic potentials due to their ability to cross blood barriers. However, limited data is available showing GNPs crossing the blood testicular barrier. Here we report results of chronic exposure (90 days) to GNPs ranging in size 5 to 20 nm in male Wistar rats. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis show GNPs distributed and accumulated in majority of the testicular tissues. This shows the ability of GNPs of specific sizes to cross the blood testicular barrier effectively, indicating possible insignificant toxicity to spermatogenesis process due to chronic exposure. Thus, GNPs of smaller size can possibly be used for various therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

5 illus, 33 ref

024379   SHIL P, ACHARY K B, ALAGARASU K (ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune- 411 021, Email: shilpratip@gmail.com) : Numerical analyses of electroporation-mediated doxorubicin uptake in eukaryotic cells: Role of membrane cholesterol content. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(1), 52-61.

Electroporation or electropermeabilization is a biophysical process involving enhanced permeability of biological cell membrane due to the application of an electric field of very short duration. Since its inception in the early 1970’s, the technique has been utilized widely in biomedical research and applications including gene transfection and electrochemotherapy of cancer. Past theoretical models of cell electroporation considered approximations which made the predicted results very different from the experimental descriptions of poration, especially for electrochemotherapy applications. Present work is a theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of small molecule (Doxorubicin) uptake during electroporation of a mammalian cell with cholesterol-containing membrane. Here, we explore the effects of changes in membrane cholesterol content on electroporation pore dynamics and uptake of small molecules.

7 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

024378   PATIL P V, IMCHEN T (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa- 403 004, Email: timchen@nio.org) : Effect of regulated stress and its potential implication in Ulva fasciata. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(1), 34-8.

Salinity, desiccation, and light deficient stress were the three different stress used to examine the regulated stress effect on Ulva fasciata (Sea lettuce). The interactive effect of time and salinity was recorded in both SOD and Catalase enzyme activity. The overall percent increase of SOD activity was 40 % ± 0.79 and 433 % ± 83.58 in Catalase activity in 100 psu respectively after 72 h. Similarly, the cumulative effect of stress on the activity of antioxidant enzymes was significant in all the test condition. The study showed that regulated stress could enhance protein content significantly. An increase of 317 % of protein content was recorded after 48 h of desiccation. The protein concentration in desiccation stress was more by 53.42 % and 63.4 % than dark and salinity stress. The ability to enhance biotic compound through modulated stress can be an effective way of harnessing and sustainable use of natural resources. The elevated concentration of protein and an antioxidant enzyme activity due to the regulated stress in the present study suggest this possibility. The enhancement of a biologically active compound through regulated stress can be a handy tool for biotech based industry.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

024377   KUMARI K, KRISHNA G, PATHAKOTA G B, ANNAM P K, KUMAR S (Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, Email: shivdholi@rediffmail.com) : Acute toxicity of copper sulphate on Catla catla larvae and its effect on expression of three commonly used housekeeping genes. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(1), 12-6.

Pisces are commonly used to study the effects of metals, including copper on the environment. However, until now only scant information is available about the responses induced by waterborne copper during early life stages and housekeeping gene expression in fishes. In the present study, we evaluated acute toxicity of copper sulphate on larvae of Catla catla and also the stability of expression of three housekeeping genes, beta-actin (β-actin), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1 α). The results have shown increased mortality of Catla catla larvae with the increased concentration of copper sulphate. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of copper sulphate at the end of 96 h exposure was 1.032 ppm. During the challenge test of copper sulphate, the minimal coefficient of variation (CV) and stability index were observed for GAPDH and maximum for β-actin indicating minimum variation of GAPDH and maximum variation of β-actin. With the results, it can be concluded that GAPDH is most stable during copper sulphate challenge test on Catla catla larvae, followed by EF1α and β-actin.

2 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

024376   SABA N, SWAIN J, DEY R K, PADHY A K (Central Univ of Jharkhand, Ranchi-835 205, Email: arun.padhy@cuj.ac.in) : pH-induced reversible molecular self-assembly of perylene based imidazolate ester: A probable marker for biological species. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(1), 7-11.

Dianhydrides of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid (PTCDA) provide an excellent backbone for design and synthesis of various molecules of interest. Many water-soluble perylene derivatives with stimuli responded functionality being reported but there is few pH responded perylene derivatives were synthesized. The PTCDA derivatives so far synthesized are pH sensitive. These derivatives in an acid medium exist in its monomer form and undergo self-assembly with an increase in pH. In this paper, we report synthesis of pH-sensitive perylene based imidazolate ester, which exists in monomer form at pH 12 and undergo self-assembly with the decrease in pH contrary to the earlier reports. This phenomenon can be well explained for a probable marker in biological processes occurring specifically at pH 12.

6 illus, 29 tables

024375   ELALFY M M, ABOUMOSALAM M S, SLEEM F R A (Forensic and Toxicology Dep, Mansoura Univ, Egypt, Email: mahmoudelalfy@mans.edu.eg) : Validation of traditional methods of genotoxicity with liver Tyrosine Aminotransferase activity induced by Metribuzin treatment in Albino rats. J Vet Sci Technol 2018, 9 (1), 500.

The genotoxicity of pesticides give a potential role in population health and ecosystem safety and here the we would like to explore genotoxicity of metribuzin herbicide. Metribuzin dosed orally in albino rats twice per week for 3 months at dose level 0, 110, 220, and 440 mg/kg. All rats were sacrificed and liver was preserved in liquid nitrogen and bone marrow cells was obtained from femur bone. It was founded that chromosomal aberrations were dose dependent with significant increase in all doses (1/20, 1/10 and ⅕ of the LD50 % of metribuzin herbicide) specially higher doses represented by structural abnormalities as chromosomal break, fragments, gap, association and a centromeric chromosomes beside numerical abnormalities as polyploidy and hypoploidy. Additionally, DNA quantity was dose dependent significant increase. Notably, there was significant increase in micronuclei level in respect to control that considered as a clastogenic signal and defect in mitotic activity that founded to be decreased in bone marrow cell where the mitotic index had decreased drastically in comparison to control value. Notably, metribuzin enhanced expression of TAT gene at all doses when compared with control group. On conclusion, metribuzin herbicide had a genotoxic properties that constitute hazard and great concern to population and TAT gene expression could be a potential role in detection of toxicity.

3 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

024374   MASCARENHAS R M, ANTONIO R P T (Centro Univ de Formiga, Brazil, Email: tarcizio@ufv.br) : Influence of breed and individual variation in the quality of frozen canine semen. J Vet Sci Technol 2018, 9 (1), 498.

The present work aims to report the individual and racial difference found in the freezing of canine semen, as well as to analyze the correlation of the parameters of in vitro evaluation of semen before and after freezing. For this, 36 ejaculates were collected of 12 dogs of the Beagle, schnauzer, Doberman and Boxer breeds, by the digital manipulation method and frozen in Tris-Citrate medium containing 6 % of glycerol. Semen was evaluated, before and after freezing, on sperm movement through vigor, motility and spermatic index, and on the integrity and viability of the spermatic membrane by hypoosmotic and supravital staining tests. Sperm longevity was estimated in the thawed semen through the thermoresistance test. Individual variation was observed on spermatic index in the thawed semen, but not in the fresh. The parameters of spermatic membrane integrity and viability presented individual variation in both. When the breed variable is considered was not observed significant differences on parameters in the fresh semen, but in the thawed semen significant variations in the integrity and viability of the sperm membrane were observed. Schnauzers had the lowest sperm longevity after thawing. As Doberman and Boxer breeds presented the best freezing results in the in vitro evaluation. Except for the supravital staining test, the parameters studied showed significant correlations between the data collected in the fresh semen and those observed in the thawed semen.

2 tables, 41 ref

024373   SHAH S A, MIR M S, KAMIL S A, WANI B M, SHABIR M, AMIN U, SHAFI M, ALI R (Veterinary Pathology Div, SKUAST-K, Jammu) : Extracellular vesicles: Unraveling their physiology and role in cancer. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 240-4.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been thoroughly studied from different physiological contexts and now there are strong evidences that they play an important role in cancer. They have a bimodal role in cancer wherein they can manipulate the local and systemic environment to aid in cancer growth and dissemination as well as program the immune system to elicit an anti-tumor response. The amount of information on their formation, nature of cargo contained within them and horizontal communication of different types of cancer EVs has expanded considerably in recent years. Herein, we discuss biogenesis, physiological functions and contents of exosomes as well as their contribution to tumorigenesis.

82 ref

024372   SAIKIA K, KALITHA G, GHORAI S, BURAGOHAIN M, BORUAH K, BARMAN K C (Livestock Production & Management Dep, CVSc & AH, Mizoram) : Effect of early weaning on mortality, incidence of diseases and haemato-biochemical parameters of large white Yorkshire pigs. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 235-9.

The study was carried out at the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry by selecting 18 lactating Large White Yorkshire (LWY) sows along with their litter with the objective to study the effect of early weaning of piglets on their health. All the 18 sows along with their piglets were divided into three groups (T₁, T₂, and T₃); in a manner that each group has represented by almost similar litter size at birth and of similar parity sows. Weaning of piglets was done for T₁ and T₃ groups at day 24 and day 28 of lactation respectively. Split weaning was followed for the piglets under group T₂ ; wherein heavier half of the litters were weaned at day 24 and the remaining half were weaned at day 28 of lactation. Incidence of diarrhea, mortality rate etc. were recorded on a regular basis. Blood samples of piglets were analyzed for T₁ group at day 24 (just before weaning), 28, 35, 42 and 70 and for T₃ groups at day 28 (just before weaning), 35, 42 and 70 and important blood parameters like, Glucose, Haemoglobin, Serum Albumin, Serum total protein, AST, ALT and BUN were estimated. The overall mortality rate in the whole experimental period was 14.55 %, with pre and post weaning mortality of 6.06 % and 9.03 % respectively. The overall incidences of diarrhoea from birth to 10^th week of age were not significant among the different weaning groups. The haemato-biochemical parameters were in normal range in both T₁ and T₃ weaning groups.

2 tables, 28 ref

024371   GREESHMA P, JAYSON E A (Wildlife Dep, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala) : Is floating and wading, a common behavior of Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii)?. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 179-80.

The Indian pond heron or Paddy bird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron belonging to the family Ardeidae. Ponds, streams, marshy wetlands are the major feeding habitat of the Indian pond heron and usually they feed at the edges of water bodies. While conducting behavioural studies of wetland birds in Kole wetlands of Thrissur, Kerala (10° 20' & 10° 40' N and 75° 58' & 76° 11' E), on 8^th August 2016, an Indian pond heron was seen floating and wading in running water (water depth at 110 cm) from Pullazhi Kole (10° 20' 46.27” & 76° 9' 17” E), Thrissur. A mixed flock of Indian pond heron, Kingfishers and Cormorants were seen standing on the edge of the canal, suddenly when the motor pump started to dewater the canal, an Indian pond heron jumped into the water and was seen floating along the water and wading, without the support of any floating vegetation. It continued the floating for about 2.7 minutes, till it touched the shutter and flew away. The increased population during the breeding season and reduced foraging areas due to decreased rainfall lead to interspecific competition. Both the Little cormorant and the Indian pond heron being piscivorous birds, several instants of competition for foraging area were observed. As fishes in the canal move along with the flowing water and congregate near the net placed near the shutter, it would be easy to wade and catch the fish. This may be the reason behind such a floating and wading behaviour of the Indian pond heron.

11 ref

024370   SINGLA P, BHULLAR M B, KAUR P (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana) : Biological studies on brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 161-5.

The biology of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis, was studied on brinjal variety Punjab Sada bahar. The different parameters of biology viz. incubation period, larval period, pupal period, oviposition, fecundity, adult longevity and sex ratio were studied during different months i.e. June, August and October. The results revealed that there was significant difference in duration of all the biological parameters during three different seasons and minimum duration of incubation period (3.19 days), larval period (11.31 days), pupal period (7.11 days) was observed during August when mean temperature and relative humidity was 29.5 ^o C and 79.25 per cent respectively. The total life span was observed to be short during August followed by June and October.

1 illus, 6 tables, 17 ref

024369   AHAD M A (Entomology Dep, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology Univ, Bangladesh) : Darwinian classification of plant and animal (taxonomical evidences) opposite to Darwin?s theory. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 111-5.

The objective of this article to prove “Darwinian classification of plant and animal (taxonomical evidences) opposite to Darwin’s theory” and it is a true fact: because diverse literature confirmed that Darwinian classifications/evolutionary classifications of both in plant and in animal kingdom are absent. However, in plant kingdom, Darwinian classifications systems of Hutchinson, Engler and Prantl, Bessy, Eichler, Takhtajan etc. are not valid as evolutionary classification; as those classifications are based on assumption, modification and similar to Bentham and Hooker’s classifications (non-evolutionary classifications). Again, fossils are the direct evidences of Darwin’s theory. But those classifications are not based on fossils as the fossils of angiosperm provide little help to taxonomists in separating the concept of evolutionary origin and diversification. Furthermore, various journalisms are demanded the absence of Darwinian classification in the animal kingdom. Additionally, the naming (the goal of taxonomy) of both plants and animals are completed by Linnaeus’s “Rules and Laws”, but not evolutionary rule.

36 ref

024368   GURU P N, PATIL C S (Entomology Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra) : Dissipation studies of triazophos in/on polyhouse grown capsicum and cropped soil. J Entomol Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 12-6.

The dissipation pattern and to recommend the Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) of triazophos in/on capsicum was studied after application of insecticide at fruit initiation stage. Triazophos @ 500 and 1000 g a.i. ha^-1 was applied twice at an interval of 10 days. The initial residues deposit was 3.17 and 6.13 mg kg^-1 respectively, and it was dissipated according to first order kinetics at both the dosages to Below Quantification Limit (BQL) at 20^th and 25^th day, respectively @ 500 and 1000 g a.i. ha ^-1. The half-life recorded was 2.95 and 2.63, respectively at recommended and double the recommended dose, respectively, whereas the cropped soil leaves with no residues. Considering the LOQ of 0.05 mg kg^-1 , Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) of twenty days can be suggested for triazophos for safe consumption of capsicum fruits grown under polyhouse.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

024367   SUDHAKAR K, MURTHY G S S, UDAYA KUMAR M, NARASIMHA REDDY Y, LAKSHMAN M, GADDAM R (Parasitology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Email: vety0756@gmail.com) : Ultrastructural study on morphology of Schistosoma spindale by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 347-51.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the detailed morphological features along with morphometry of different structures of Schistosoma spindale (Adult flukes) which were recovered by a perfusion technique and visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The length of spines on the oral sucker and ventral suckers were 2.6 μm and 2.5 μm, respectively. The measured width of aspinose area beneath the ventral sucker, rim of the ventral sucker and tegumental papillae were 5.4, 22.5 μm and 3 μm, respectively. Males have a well-defined gynaecophoric canal, originating just below the ventral sucker and extending up to the posterior end of the body, continued as a marked conical projection. The ventral surface of the oral sucker was completely covered with numerous spines. The ventral sucker was pedunculated, round, thick-rimmed and the inner side contained numerously pointed spines directed towards the center of the ventral sucker. The tegument surface of S. spindale showed ridged layers with large uniciliated and pit like papillae which were recorded more in posterior end. Thus, Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) provided indepth ultrastructural morphological details of Schistosoma spindale which was in accordance with that of previous studies, would be applicable for its differentiation with other species (S. mansoni, S. bovis, S. haematobium, S. japonicum).

17 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

024366   JYOTI B, RAMBHAJAN, USHAPANT (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Forestry Coll, Garhwal- 249 199, Email: bhimjyoti2210@gmail.com) : Tolerance against ageing in different varieties of Brassica rapa var toria, B. rapa var yellow sarson and B. juncea( L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 171-7.

Seed deterioration is a serious problem in developing countries where seeds are stored in places usually without a proper control of humidity and temperature. In this investigation, an effort was made to identify crops as well as varieties of Brassica spp. tolerance to ageing and predicting loss of seed viability at regular interval through standard germination under laboratory condition. Analysis of variance showed that mean squares due to crops, ageing periods and crop × ageing period were significant for % seed germination. Result revealed that standard germination declined from 95.63 to 37.54 % in toria, 92 to 28.96 in yellow sarson, and 93.79 to 30.92 % in mustard. Similar changes in germination % were observed at 9 and 12 months of observation. After 6 months, germination % declined from 95.13 to 35.50 % in toria, 91.87 to 28 % in yellow sarson and 93.33 to 29 % in mustard. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for % seed germination due to varieties, ageing period and interaction of varieties × ageing periods. At varietal level AP2, AP3 and AP4 aged seed, Bhawani (82.66 %, 68.16 % and 28.17 %) showed higher seed germination % respectively than other three varieties of toria. In case of yellow sarson and mustard least deterioration for standard germination were observed in B-9 and Kranti respectively. This study indicates that toria seeds have better storability than yellow sarson and mustard. At varietal level good storage potential was found in Bhawani, B-9 and Kranti variety of toria, yellow sarson and mustard respectively than other three varieties of studied crops.

1 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

024365   SINGH A, MOHAN M (Zoology Dep, Swami Vivekanand Subharti Univ, Uttar Pradesh- 250 002, Email: anamikaanu2011@rediffmail.com) : Biology of Callosobruchus chinensis during infestation in two varieties of Arhar under laboratory conditions. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sec A 2018, 37A(1), 17-20.

Callosobruchus chinensis, is a destructive pest of large variety of pulse grains like arhar, gram moong and kabuli chana. Pulses are important source of dietary protein for vegetarian. These are also good sources of minerals. The pest causes damage to these store grain in large amount. The infestation may start from field .The growth and development of pest includes eggs, larva, pupa and adult. The total development period varies slightly during different months of the year. The size of grain also affects the number of eggs laid by the female. Present work has been done to observe the biology of the pulse beetle. Different stages of life cycle of pulse beetle was observed under the high magnification of dissecting microscope. Developmental period was recorded of different duration for two varieties of same pulse. The development takes place inside the grain. Intermediate stages of development was not apparent externally.

2 tables, 11 ref

024364   SHINDE N G, GAIKWAD D M, VEDPATHAK A N (K J Somaiya Coll, Maharashtra- 423 601, Email: dr.nitinshinde2012@gmail.com) : Study of neurosecretory cells of freshwater bivalve: Lamellidens corrianus (Lea). Bulletin Pure Appl Sci- Sec A 2018, 37A(1), 11-6.

In the freshwater bivalve like Lamellidens corrianus neurosecretory cells have been detected in the cerebral, pedal and visceral ganglia. The number of functions of hormones/neurohormones of freshwater bivalves known at the moment is still rather small. In contrast the basic mechanism of some type of neurosecretory cells of gastropods are known in great detail, this is especially due to the fact that in some gastropods these neurons like their conventional neurons are giant cells. For this reason they are highly suitable for neurophysiological studies. The great progress made in this field and the importance of this work for neuroendocrinology in general. To extend the knowledge in this field, the present work has been undertaken on the freshwater bivalve species Lamellidens corrianus which is abundantly distributed along the banks of Godavari river at Jayakwadi backwaters (Nath sagar) near Paithan in Aurangabad district. The histological details of neurosecretory cells (NSCs) in cerebral, pedal and visceral ganglia have been studied which reveals the presence of Type A & Type B cell (with nucleus, nucleolus and axon) predominantly secrete neurosecretory material. The results are converse in illumination of neurosecretory changes.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

024363   RAWAT S, RANA R, DHYANI K, SAHNI S (Life Sciences Div, Sri Guru Ram Rai Univ, Uttarakhand- 248 001, Email: drshwetasahni@gmail.com) : Isolation of Rhizobium from root nodules of Pisum sativum and its use as biofertilizer. Bull Pure Appl Sci- Sect B 2018, 37B(1), 27-31.

Biofertilizers are substances which contain living microorganisms which when applied to a soil promote the growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Biofertilizers are usually prepared as a carrier based inoculants containing effective microorganism which would show a good relationship with the host plant. This makes it easy to handle with wide range of acceptance by the host. Rhizobia are a special type of bacteria which live in root nodules in symbiotic association and fix atmospheric free nitrogen and make it available to the plants. In this study Rhizobium is isolated and cultured from the root nodules of Pisum sativum (pea plant) in a selective media i.e. YEMA (Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar medium with Congo Red). The isolate was found with poor absorption of congo red and appeared as whitish gummy colony which was biochemically tested. The isolated strain was then mixed with carrier and applied on pea. Uninoculated soil was used as control. The growth of plants was observed at regular time intervals. The growth parameters observed were germination of seed, shoot initiation, root initiation, root length and shoot length. The seed started to germinate by day 2. After 20 days the plant with the biofertilizer showed a shoot length of 11.5 cm and root length of 18cm while control showed 7 cm and 9 cm respectively. This report showed that application of isolated rhizobial strain enhanced the growth of plant. The isolated strain can be used as biofertilizer.

2 tables, 13 ref

024362   SINGH R (KwaZulu-Natal Univ, Durban- 4001, Email: rshnsingh1@yahoo.com) : Are cytotoxicity tests in biological studies reliable?. Biosci Res Bull 2018, 34(1), 36-9.

Cytotoxicity is one of the most common tests used in biological studies to assay whether a compound has some, or any, kind of therapeutic properties on cell types. Although it is a widespread test across disciplines that range from pharmacy to biology and medicine, amongst others, there are factors that alter reliable outcomes. These factors are either laboratory or environmental; and has an effect on the intercellular and extracellular features cell types experience, once they are exposed to different substances. The fluctuations in cytotoxicity outcomes are a result of not only human error, but also the manner in which plants/compounds are prepared during preliminary experiments. However, it’s possible for these tests to be conclusive by factoring the phytochemical constituents of plant compounds that have an effect on the genetics of signal transduction events in cells. This implies that the work performed on cytotoxicity is valid, however, several questions pertaining to the reliability of test outcomes still remain. In this paper, the trustworthy nature of cytotoxicity tests in biological studies will be considered.

13 ref

024361   DHUNDALE V R, HEMKE V M, SALVE S, SHARYU G, BUDHWANT J, AGLAVE T, DESAI D (Microbiology Dep, New Arts Commerce and Science Coll, Maharashtra- 414 001, Email: vrdvishal@gmail.com) : Production and stability studies of the biosurfactant isolated from alkaliphilic bacterium SJS1. Biosci Res Bull 2018, 34(1), 1-7.

Mostly oil spills occurs in sea ocean and coastal areas, required the best candidate for the degradation of hydrocarbons such as chemical surfactant and synthetic chemicals to minimize such oil spills are primarily effective strategies with environmental risk so the aims of these studies the isolation and characterization of a alkaline and halotolerant bacteria which was isolated from Lonar Crater and able to utilize different oil as carbon source and produces biosurfactant. In present investigation was to determine surfactant substance producing bacterium of Lonar Lake using minimal salt medium with various oil as a carbon sources. Biosurfactant-producing microorganisms were isolated and screening was done on the basis of Drop collapse test, Oil spread and emulsification index. A total of six bacteria were isolated from the water and sediment samples collected from the of Lonar crater, India. Out of them SJS1 was selected for production and, partial characterizations of biosurfactant. A Gram negative bacterium was studied by morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization. The bacterium SJS1 grew in medium containing sodium chloride (NaCl w/v) from 0.5 to 7 % and at pH 7–12. The production of a biosurfactant by Bacteria SJS1 was studied to evaluate the influence of the concentration of different oil. SJS1 was able to grow at high salinity conditions and produce biosurfactants. The organism grew and produced biosurfactant when cultured in salinities up to 3 g l^-1 and temperatures up to 60 °C. The biosurfactant was highly stable over broad temperature, pH and NaCl, showing excellent thermostablity, and haloalkaline tolerant nature. The biosurfactant produced by the organism emulsified a range of oil with as Ground nut and Coconut oil best substrate whereas Sesame oil was the poorest. This is valuable information for biosurfactant production and optimization has bright future towards the improvement and production of novel biosurfactant for entirely new areas of environmental and biotechnological applications. The results confirmed, their enhancing capability on both efficiency and rate of hydrocarbon degradation from water and soil.

4 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

025319   MANSOUR H H, ELKADY A A, ALFRAEI A H, HAFEZ H F (Health Radiation Research Dep, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egypt, Email: Hebahosny@hotmail.com) : Radioprotective, antioxidant and antitumor efficacy of Annona muricata L. leaf extract. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(3), 205-14.

Ionizing radiation is known to induce oxidative stress, which can damage critical cellular macromolecules and/or modulate gene expression pathways. This study investigated the effect of Annona muricata L. (AM) leaf extract against whole body gamma-irradiation induced oxidative damage in the lung and kidney tissues and determined the antitumor activity of AM using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice and different tumor cell line. Administration of AM (100 mg/kg, by tube) prior to irradiation (6 Gy) significantly attenuated serum lipid profiles, decreased malondialdehyde and total nitrate/nitrite levels, DNA fragmentation and significantly increased caspase-3 and superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione content and expression of glutathione peroxidase in the lung and kidney tissues compared with irradiated group. AM interestingly increased survival rate and decreased tumor volume of EAC-bearing mice more than the irradiated group. It was found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to tumor cell lines (PC3, MCF7, HELA, H1299 and A549). In conclusion, AM extract exhibits potential antitumor activity and attenuates radiation-induced toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and preserving the antioxidant activities.

6 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

023472   ESWARAN M, SARASWATHI S (Vysya Coll of Education, Tamil Nadu) : Opinion of secondary school teachers towards occupational stress. Int J Multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(12), 88-90.

Stress is an unavoidable part of today's express life. In this age of globalization and liberalization of the economy, competition among organizations has increased. Person whether a child, adult, men, women, employed and unemployed everyone is facing stress in his / her own way. Today’s life is full of challenges. In everyday life each and every one comes across many problems and situations. Some of them act as a source of inspiration for us and some causes challenges. It is the human nature to face the challenges boldly or to escape from it. Therefore this study investigated that the opinion of secondary school teachers towards occupational stress. The design of the study survey method was adopted and 310 samples are taken (161 male and 149 female) from secondary school teachers who working in the Salem district in Tamil Nadu. Standardized tool (Teacher Stress Scale) was used to collect data from the sample and both descriptive analysis (Mean and Standard Deviation) and differential analysis (‘t’ and ‘F’ - test) have been applied to analyses the data. The results obtained revealed that the secondary school teachers have average stress in their occupation.

2 tables, 6 ref

023471   YESILOVA A, CIM N, BORA Y (Biometry and Genetics Unit, University of Yuzuncu Yil, Turkey) : Modelling the number of abortions having excess zero values using zero-inflated generalized Poisson regression. Int J Multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(12), 32-7.

The purpose of this study was to plan for zero-inflated generalized Poisson regression (ZIGP) in the modelling of abortion data that include excess values of zero. The data were collected using the questionnaire technique. It was ascertained that 68.67% (206 observations) of the total number of abortions taken as a model-dependent variable had zero values. Afterward, ZIGP was used to model the dataset. The results of ZIGP ( ?_i, ?, ?_i), as mean regression and zero-inflated regression, were determined in two stages. As independent variables were taken into account, it was obtained that zero-inflated data had an important effect on abortion numbers.Therefore, the zero-inflated level was found to have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.01). It was determined that over dispersion did not have an important effect on abortion numbers (p>0.05). In mean regression, the effects of age, number of pregnancies and educational level were found to be statistically significant on abortion numbers (p < 0.01).

3 illus, 19 ref

023470   GOSWAMI R R, POHARE S D, RAUT J S, KARUPPAYIL S M (School of Life Sciences, SRTM Univ, Nanded- 431 606, Email: prof.karuppayil@gmail.com) : Cell surface hydrophobicity as a virulence factor in Candida albicans. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1503-11.

Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is one of the important virulence attributes which helps Candida albicans to be a successful fungal pathogen. It influences several steps in pathogenesis of C. albicans leading to establishment of infection. CSH plays an important role in adhesion of cells to host tissues and catheters/medical devices implanted in patients. Adhesion to surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation are crucial because it may result in resistance to antifungal drugs. This important pathogenicity determinant would also be an attractive antifungal target. Various studies indicate that antifungal drugs tend to lower the CSH of Candida cells. Interestingly, molecules of plant origin have been reported to modulate CSH, reduce adhesion and interfere in biofilm formation by C. albicans. The review presents a brief account of biochemical basis of CSH, its role in adhesion and biofilm formation by C. albicans as well as explores it as an antifungal drug target.

1 illus, 68 ref

023469   LATIFI F, CHEHRARAZI S, ANSARI H (Dehkhoda sugarcane Agro- industry Company, Ahwaz, Iran., Email: hosseinansari62@gmail.com) : Identification of dextran and sludge–producing bacteria in sugar cane juices using polymerase chain reaction. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1337-41.

The microbial contamination due to cane sugar transition to the mills is one of the most important factors in increasing sugar lesions in the factory. This study was aimed to isolate dextran-producing bacteria and determine their genus and species. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in year 2014. For this purpose, 200 samples were collected from sugarcane syrups, and then cultured as pourplate and surface. The bacteria were counted and the DNA extracted from the purified bacteria according to the kit protocol. Then, determination of the genus and species of dextran-producing bacteria was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Data obtained from biochemical, microbial and PCR showed that around 80 strains of leuconostoc have been detected in samples. The results of this study indicate that leuconostoc mesenteroides is the main factor in the production of dextran in sugarcane and beet manufactories. The above mentioned contamination sources can be minimized by reducing the transfer time of burned sugarcane to the factory, as well as the regular physical and chemical washing of the mills.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

023468   EL-ISSAOUI K, ZINEBI S, ABRINI J, ZAHLI R, AMAJOUD N, SENHAJI N S, KHAY E O (Biology Dep, Abdelmalek Essaadi Univ, Tetouan. Morocco) : Characterization of antibacterial lactic acid bacteria isolated from Moroccan fermented olives. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1315-29.

The research for antibacterial activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Moroccan table olives, revealed 15 bacterial strains having an inhibitory activity against pathogenic germs: Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus; as well as Gram-negative germs, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and others. From 127 samples of table olives, 143 bacterial strains with antibacterial effect were isolated by the double layer method, 15 strains were retained. All are Gram positive, catalase negative and non-sporulating. Cocci constitute 66.33% of the total effective. The remaining 33.33% are represented by bacilli/Ovoid. The lactic acid bacteria retained have a greater inhibitory effect against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes CECT 4032 and Staphylococcus aureus MBLA were inhibited by all the lactic strains studied. The smallest inhibition zones were recorded for the two isolates LB15 and LB96 against E. coli 87739, with diameter less than 10 mm.

3 illus, 11 tables, 29 ref

023467   ALIYU M, KANO M A, ABDULLAHI N, KANKARA I A, IBRAHIM S I, MUHAMMAD Y Y,ABDULKADIR I A (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Dep, Federal Univ, Nigeria, Email: aaimam.bch@buk.edu.ng) : Extraction, characterization and fatty acids profiles of Nymphaea Lotus and Nymphaea Pubescens Seed Oils. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(4), 1299-1307.

Fats and oils are part of food constituents, and may play a vital role in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. There are several underutilized plants which their seeds have not been fully studied in terms of oil extraction and characterization. In this work two underutilized plants seeds Nymphaea lotus and Nymphaea pubescens were studied. Oils from these two seeds were extracted using soxhlet extraction with n-hexane. Gas chromatographic coupled mass spectrometry analysis of the N. lotus seed oil showed that linoleic (13.01%), palmitoleic (4.46%), arachidic (9.01%) and stearic (12.45%) acids were the major fatty acids whereas oleic (37.85%), palmitic (23.57%) and stearic (5.71%) were the major fatty acids detected in N. pubescens seed oil. In addition, oil extracted from N. pubescens seed was found to have better quality than N. lotus seeds. The fatty acids composition of N. pubescens seed oil is similar to palm and groundnut oil. Extracted oil from of N. pubescens seed is unsaturated which type is classified in the oleic – linoleic acid group. This work has shown that N. pubescens seed oils have great nutritional and industrial potentials.

5 tables, 37 ref

023466   KUMARI I, KUMAR R (Bioscience Dep, Arni Univ, Kangra- 176 401, Email: indu7553@gmail.com) : Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus: alternative sources of food for Honeybees during dearth period. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1177-80.

Honeybees are the small wonderful creatures which depend upon flowers for their food. Worker bees always keep on collecting food (pollen & nectar) and store it inside the comb. They later transform pollen into bee bread and nectar into honey with the help of enzymatic activity. Both bee bread and honey are used as reserve food material by bees during harsh weather to maintain their population which otherwise gets affected due to non-availability of flowers. The situation becomes more severe if dearth period run for longer time as the food stores inside the colony gets depleted. At this time, bees start collecting pollen from wild flowers/weeds available in the vicinity of apiary. During summer/monsoon dearth period, many weeds and herbs germinate in the wasteland or crop fields. Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus are two important weeds which are in full bloom during this period. Although, both these weeds are not considered good for the environment especially Parthenium causes various ill effects to human health, honeybees forage upon these weeds with great interest. In the present study, foraging activity of Apis mellifera was observed on both the weeds.

1 illus, 20 ref

023465   SADRIPOUR R, HOSSEINI M J, KIARSI M, GOLMOHAMMADI R (DVM, Islamic Azad Univ, Teran, Email: rezasadripour94@gmail.com) : Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from Nosocomial infection in internal, surgery and Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1095-1102.

Today, many studies done regarding the antibiotic resistance show those patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are more likely to develop drug resistant pathogens. Pathogens are the major cause of nosocomial infections in intensive care units. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance of pathogens in the hospital is very important for treatment. The recent study aims at identifying drug resistant pathogens and antibiotic resistance pattern in the intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital in Tehran. In other words, the main purpose of the recent study is understanding the degree to which the resistant bacteria, which cause nosocomial infections is spreading in the ICUs of a tertiary care hospital and to determine the antibiotic- resistance pattern of these bacteria in the ICUs of that hospital. The recent research is a retrospective and cross-sectional study that has been conducted on the files of all patients who were hospitalized in ICUs, internal surgery, and neurosurgery sections of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran in a five-year period (March 2009 to February 2015) and who were diagnosed with nosocomial infection caused by resistant bacteria. According to the results of this research, most of the separated bacteria were: Acinetobacter baumannii 39.45%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20.69% and the most common location for infection was respiratory tract (67.11%). Also the most common pathogen was Acinetobacter baumannii which is resistant to most antibiotics.

1 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

023464   CHANDRASHEKHARAIAH K S (Biochemistry Dep, Mangalore Univ, Kodagu- 571 232, Email: kschandraks@gmail.com) : Studies on the amylase inhibitors from the seeds of Adenanthera Pavonina. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 1009-15.

An a-Amylase inhibitor was isolated and purified employing ammonium sulphate fractionation, molecular sieve chromatography on sephadex G-10 and G-50 and HPLC from the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina. The molecular weight was found to be 10 - 12 kDa as determined by gel-permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-100. The specific inhibitor activity, fold purity and the yield obtained for Adenanthera pavonina amylase inhibitor was 32.12, 51 and 13.07, respectively. The purified inhibitor was heat stable and retained more than 52% activity at 65 °C. The optimum pH obtained for purified inhibitor was 6.3 and 100% Zone of inhibition was observed when it was added on the plated organisms. The Adenanthera pavonina amylase inhibitor inhibited the activity of human salivary a-amylase and inhibitory activity of a-amylase inhibitor against mammalian amylases could suggest its potential in treatment of diabetes and related nutritional problems results in obesity.

4 illus, 29 ref

023463   YAHYAOUI M, GHAZOUANI N, SIFAOUI I, ABDERRABBA M (LMMA, IPEST, Tunisia, Email: yahyaoui.maroua@gmail.com) : Comparison of the effect of various extraction methods on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Thymelaea hirsuta L. aerial parts in Tunisia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 997-1007.

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of extraction methods namely soxhlet and cold maceration on the quality of T. hirsuta extracts, collected from different geographic regions within Tunisia. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were used as solvent for both extraction processes. Yields varied considerably (from 0.61 to 8.11 %) according to sampling region, organic solvent and extraction method. The various chemical contents extracts were estimated by colorimetric methods, revealing important amounts of polyphenols (from 29.37 ± 1.34 to 259.63 ± 3.17 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (from 26.22 ± 6.06 to 163.64 ± 3.32 mg QE/g). The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH-radical scavenging, the ABTS-radical scavenging and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antioxidant analysis showed that the methanol extract obtained by both processes exhibited the uppermost capacity to scavenge free radicals. However, the cold maceration technique leads to the richest extract in phenolic compounds compared to soxhlet method.

2 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

023462   KUMAR A, SINGH S, SAINI P (Life sciences Dep, ITM Univ, Gwalior, Email: kumarajayitm@gmail.com) : Assessment of phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Lantana Camara L. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 977-84.

In present study the phytochemical constituents such as total phenol, total flavonoid contents and antibacterial activity against four gram negative and two gram positive isolates Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogens, Proteus vulgaris, Lactobacillus, S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis and antifungal activity against four fungal strains Penicillium, Aspergillus niger, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum fulvum of petroleum ether, diethyl ether, chloroform and acetone extract of leaves and flowers of Lantana camara L were evaluated. Maximum zone of inhibition was recorded in the presence of free flavanoid fraction of the plant extract against Trichophyton mentagophytes and Microsporum fulvum which was the most susceptible fungus for all the extracts tested. The extract also compared favourably with streptomycin which serves as a positive control. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded for all bacteria and fungi in which highest MIC was of B. subtilis and M. fulvum. The UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopic analysis also revealed the presence of different active groups and bonds. L. camara contains phytochemical compounds with antibacterial & antifungal activities. Moreover, the chloroform & acetone leaf & flower extracts of L. camara are active against pathogenic microorganisms.

6 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

023461   BARIKROW N, AMIRIZADEH N, ROODBARI N H, NIKOUGOFTAR M (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: n.amirizadeh@ibto.ir) : Expansion of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells on the amniotic membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 923-31.

Because of insufficient number of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (UCB-HSCs), expansion of these cells seems to be important for clinical application in adults. The aim of this study was to co-culture of UCB-HSCs with the amniotic membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMMSCs) as a feeder layer in order to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). UCBs and amniotic membrane were collected from concern mothers. Ex vivo culture of UCB-HSCs were performed in four culture conditions: cytokine cocktail with MSCs feeder layer, cytokine cocktail, stem cell factor, and co-culture with MSCs without any cytokine. The number of total nucleated cells (TNC) was counted by hemocytometer. The HSC count and immunophenotyping of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and expanded HSC were evaluated by flow cytometry. Colony forming unit (CFU) assay was used to evaluate the potential of expanded HSCs for production of different lineage colonies. The mean fold changes of total nucleated cells (TNC) and CD34+ cells in the cytokine culture with feeder layer were higher than the cytokine culture without MSCs. However, in the co-culture system without cytokine, TNC and CD34+ cell numbers were increased up to 8 folds, but cell viability was more than 80% and differentiation rate was low. Our results demonstrated that we could increase the number of CD34+ cells of UCB that were used as primary HSC for transplantation.

6 illus, 36 ref

023460   ERRAM N, GADDAMEEDI A, SIDDAMALLA S, REDDY T V, BHANOORI M (Biochemistry Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad, Email: bhanoorim@yahoo.co.in) : Intensified UV-B radiation effect on germination and biochemical Components of Maize (Zea mays L). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 887-91.

In the present investigation, Maize seeds of hybrid NK 6240 and 900M Gold were exposed to UV-B (280-320 nm) for periods of 40 and 60 minutes and compared with the control without exposer to UV-B. The biochemical changes associated with UV-B induced resistance were investigated by determination of proline concentration, total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, malondialdehyde content and free amino acids from leaves and roots. Also comparison for germination percentage between control and treated seeds was carried along with biochemical traits. Analysis of variance explains both the hybrids were significantly different in germination percentage, total soluble sugars, proline and free amino acids. Whereas both treatments showed high significant variation for all the studied traits, but genotype × treatment interaction was non-significant for all the traits. 40 minutes UV-B treated seeds showed reduced total soluble sugars and increased malondialdehyde, proline and total soluble protein content. In 60 minutes UV-B treatment, decrease in free amino acids, proline, percentage of germination, and total soluble protein and increase in total soluble sugars was observed.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

023459   OYOUNI A A A (Biology Dep, Univ of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Email: a.oyouni@ut.edu.sa) : Human cancer genetics, stem cells, and medical, molecular biology : An epigrammatic review. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(3), 881-5.

Cancer is a relatively common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Although cancer itself has been highly researched, discovering a cure for cancer remains a challenge, primarily because the causes of this disease are not entirely understood. It can arise from mutations and epigenetic alterations that go on to activate oncogenes and inactivate tumour suppressor genes. The cells that drive cancer formation proliferate in an uncontrolled manner and originate from various pathways, which have been highlighted in this review. Briefly, cancer stem cells can arise from three different scenarios: a) a stem cell undergoes mutation, b) the progenitor cell undergoes several mutations and c) an already differentiated cell re-differentiates due to mutation to drive it back to a stem cell-like state.

2 illus, 24 ref

023458   YASIN M (lecturer, Univ of Jakarta and Krisnadwipayana Univ, Indonesia) : The hypothetical model to support the implementation of organizational values: A lesson from Perum Jamkrindo. Int J Multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(11), 6-11.

This paper discusses the implementation of core values/culture of Perum Jamkrindo, a State Guarantee Company, Jakarta, Indonesia, with a descriptive an narrative approach supported by interview, focused group discussions, and literatures studies. The “hypothetical” model was introduced to support the implementation of the values which appear to be helpful in increasing the awareness and understanding of the values. Four steps were taken in the implementation of the values: enhancement of understanding of the values, internalization of the values, externalization of the values, and anchoring the values as brand image. The implementation of the values of Perum Jamkrindo was also supported by the appointment of change agents comprises representatives from all divisions and branches of the company and driven by the commitment of top management.

6 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

023457   CHOGALE N D, NIRMALE V H, METAR S Y, GANGAN S S, PAI R, PAWAR R A, SINGH H (Marine Biological Research Station, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Email: narya_fish@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of indigenous knowledge on edibility of oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis from the Ratnagiri coast of Maharashtra. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 204-8.

Indigenous knowledge (IK) can be broadly defined as the knowledge that an indigenous community accumulates over generations of living in a particular environment whose scientific validity is not proven. Oysters are highly esteemed sea food and considered a delicacy throughout the world. Fishers from Ratnagiri district traditionally practice oyster fishing along the estuarine ecosystems. The daily observations of fishers on the resources and fishing environment result in possessing rich indigenous knowledge. In present study, an attempt was made to validate the indigenous knowledge of fishermen related to the seasonal edibility of oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis with respect to seasonal variation in the quality and quantity of meat. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interview schedule, focus group discussions and observation. Rationality and effectiveness of the indigenous knowledge were assessed. The protein content and percentage edibility (PE) were estimated for the overall edibility of oyster. The summer season displayed the median value, while monsoon the highest and winter the lowest for both the variables. Further PE and protein varied significantly during monsoon and winter season (p< 0.05). An important aspect of IK that the lowest edibility is associated with winter is validated by the study.

5 illus, 25 ref

023456   ANUPMA A, PRADHAN P, SHA S P, TAMANG J P (Microbiology Dep., Sikkim Univ, Sikkim, Email: jyoti_tamang@hotmail.com) : Traditional skill of ethnic people of the eastern himalayas and north east India preserving microbiota as dry amylolytic starters. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 184-90.

Preparation of ethnic fermented beverages using dry amylolytic starters is an integral part of socio-cultural practice of different ethnic groups of people residing in the Eastern Himalayan region of Nepal, Bhutan and India including North-East India. Alcoholic beverages are produced by traditional fermentation using specific amylolytic starters, which are prepared in different ways by diverse ethnic groups. This study is aimed at documenting the traditional skill of various ethnic groups of people of North East India and the Eastern Himalayas in preserving microbiota as dry amylolytic starters generally used for preparation of alcoholic beverages.

10 illus, 7 ref

023455   BAJIE-LJUBICIC J, POPVIC Z, MATIE R, BOJOVIC S (Faculty of Biology Dep, Univ of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Email: zoricajp@gmail.com) : Selected phenolic compounds in fruits of wild growing Cornus mas L. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 91-6.

The aim of the present study was to determine the content of six phenolic compounds, natural anti-oxidants, in fruits of wild growing Cornus mas L. Fruits were sampled from two different locations. The extracts were obtained from fresh fruits and subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis to identify and quantify the content of neochlorogenic acid and five derivatives of quercetin. All of the analyzed phenolic compounds were detected in total sample of C. mas fruits, and their occurrence and content were clearly locality-dependent. Out of analyzed compounds, the prevailing was neochlorogenic acid (5-0-CQ) in samples from Avala, whereas glucuronide (Q-3-0-GlcA) dominated in samples from Zlatar lake. These results showed that wild growing populations are rich source of natural antioxidants, especially those with proved pharmacological activity in humans, such as glucuronide. As indicated by data on traditional usages and ethnopharmacological knowledge, C. mas fruits collected in wild are valuable source of natural antioxidants and deserve attention in preservation of genetic and biological diversity.

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

023454   ARI S, KARGIOGLU M, YILDIRIM H I, KONUK M (Molecular Biology and Genetics Dep., Univ of Afyon Kocatepe, Turkey, Email: slymanari@hotmail.com) : An Ethnobotanical approach to animal diseases and biological control in Antalya: Southern Turkey. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 59-70.

The majority of Antalya population originates from nomadic culture. Therefore, animal husbandry and agriculture are considerably advanced business for them. People who reside in the areas far from the settlement have commonly used ethnobotanical culture in the treatment of their animal diseases and in the biological control. It was conducted a questionnaire with 163 informants who have maintained this traditional ethnobotanical culture for hundreds of years in Alanya and Gazipa?a city centers and their villages, and boroughs between 2012 and 2013. Samples of wild plants used for animal diseases and biological control were collected and usage information was recorded after identifying. The results of study suggested that 30 plants belonging to 19 families and 21 plants of 14 families were used in many different ways in veterinary field and biological control by the locals, respectively. The Use value (UV) of plants was calculated. New usage information and methods based on these findings were observed. This study highlights that wild plants are predominantly effective in fighting against animal diseases. Therefore, the promising results from this study provide new insights into further studies that will be conducted to develop new drugs in veterinary field. In addition, this study will be able to add a new and different dimension to biological control.

6 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

023453   TURKER A U, YILDIRIM A B, KARAKAS F P, TURKER H (Biology Dep., Abant Izzet Baysal Univ, Bolu, Turkey, Email: turker_a@ibu.edu) : In vitro antibacterial and antitumor efficiency of some traditional plants from Turkey. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(1), 50-8.

Traditional usages of medicinal plants can be justified scientifically with bioassays. Three different extracts (aqueous, methanol and ethanol) of 11 Turkish traditional plants [Mentha longifolia (L.) L., Lamium album subsp. crinitum (Montbret & Aucher ex Benth.) Mennema, Sideritis taurica Steph. ex Willd., Hypericum perforatum L., Hypericum linarioides Bosse, Cyanus triumfettii (All.) Dostál ex Á. Löve & D. Löve, Daphne oleoides Schreb., Anemone nemorosa L., Polygonatum orientale Desf., Cynoglossum montanum L. and Hyoscyamus niger L.] were evaluated for their antibacterial and antitumor potentials. Antibacterial activity was evaluated with 3 Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes) and 7 Gram-negative (Serratia marcescens, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter cloacae and Escheria coli) bacteria by using disc diffusion method. Ethanol and methanol extracts of S. taurica, and all extracts of H. perforatum and H. linarioides showed the best antibacterial activities against tested Gram-positive bacteria. Aqueous extract of L. album displayed the best inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes. Antitumour potential was revealed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato disc tumor assay. Strong antitumor activity was observed with ethanol and methanol extracts of L. album (90 % and 80 %, respectively). This study ascertained the scientific rationale behind the traditional knowledge of S. taurica, H. perforatum, H. linarioides, L. album and D. oleoides. Identification of active components should be investigated for plant extracts having strong antibacterial and antitumor activities in further studies.

3 tables, 60 ref

023452   JENA D, BEHERA P C, BISOI P C (Veterinary Biochemistry Dep, Coll of Veterinary science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha, Email: Chandraprakash7565@gmail.com) : Fibrinolytic effect of phyto-proteins on animals and poultry blood. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 682-88.

Phyto-proteins of Mangifera indica L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, Volvariella volvacea (Paddy straw mushroom), Carica papaya L., Ocimum sanctum L. and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. extracted in water and PBS under cold percolation are precipitated in 50% acetone and quantified after reconstitution. PBS suspension with higher protein is assayed for thrombolytic effect on blood clots of Bovine, Caprine, Canine and Avian species and the fibrinolytic effect on fibrin-agarose plate with streptokinase as positive control. Phyto-proteins exhibit clotlysis effect of 49.41-92.04% in poultry, 41.60-93.73% in cattle, 46.67-85.85% in goat and 34.39-77.09% in dog blood as compared to 100 % of streptokinase. In 150 min incubation, significantly higher (p < 0.05) amount of clots are disintegrated by proteins of M. indica and A. marmelos in dog, V. volvacea in poultry and goat, C. papaya and O. sanctum in goat, dog and cattle and A. vera in goat blood as compared to rest species. Phyto-protein and streptokinase impregnated discs depict 74.05-274.49 mm² and 484.48 mm“ fibrinolysis zones on fibrin-agarose plate, respectively. Proteins of M. indica, A. vera and O. sanctum exhibits > 50% and those of A. marmelos, V. volvacea and C. papaya exhibits < 50% lysis than streptokinase enzyme. Phyto-proteins pose variable fibrinolytic activity on clots of animals and poultry blood similar to streptokinase.

2 illus, 3 tables, 42 ref

023451   NEGI T, KANDARI L S (Biological science Dep., Indian Institute of science Education and Research, Punjab, Email: triptinegi_wii@yahoo.com) : Traditional knowledge and zootherapeutic use of different animals by Bhotiya tribe: A case study from Uttarakhand, India. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 638-47.

The present zootherapeutic study describes the traditional knowledge related to different animals and animal-derived products used as medicines by the Bhotiya tribe inhabited in three districts (Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Chamoli) of Uttarakhand, India. A field survey was conducted by performing questionnaire and inventory based interviews with 150 selected respondents. A total of 39 animal species were recorded which were used for more than 40 ethnomedical purposes including fever, cough and cold, weakness, asthma, tuberculosis, eye ailments, rheumatism, etc. From this study, it was found that Bhotiyas are using 39 animal species for the treatment of over 40 different kinds of ailments. Mammals (n = 21, 53.85 %) exceeded invertebrates (n = 8, 20.51 %), aves (n = 5, 12.82 %), reptiles (n = 2, 5.13 %), fish (n = 2, 5.13 %) and amphibian (n = 1, 2.564 %), respectively. Animals as a whole or their by-products were used in the preparation of traditional medicine and flesh accounted the highest proportion among different by-products. In the present study, among 39 animals, 20 animals (51.3 %) were listed in IUCN Red Data List, were used for medicinal purposes. From the current study, it is concluded that this kind of traditional knowledge which is only confined among Bhotiyas need to be properly documented and also design strategies for the conservation and management of the valuable faunistic resources. Further, studies are required for experimental validation to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in these traditional remedies and also explore the ways for sustainable use of these resources.

4 illus , 2 tables, 47 ref

023450   PANJAITAN R G P (Biology Education Dep, Univ of Tanjungpura, Pontianak, Indonesia, Email: ruqiah.gpp@gmail.com) : Serum enzymes activity and liver histopathological changes of lactating mice treated with Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 593-97.

Eurycoma longifolia Jack. (pasak bumi) is a species that has been used as a traditional medicine. The aim of this research is to evaluate the adminstration effect of pasak bumi roots on liver lactating mice. Each mice was administered roots of pasak bumi methanol-water fraction at dose 14 mg/20 g mice body weight for 7 consecutive days. Positive control group received Curcuma at dose 0.16 mg/20 g mice body weight and negative control (placebo) group received 0.06 mL/20 g mice body weight of aquadest daily for 7 consecutive days. Compared to aquadest and Curcuma, the administration of pasak bumi slightly increase alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.05). However, histopathological studies shown congestive and mild degree of fatty change after the administration of aquadest, roots of pasak bumi methanol-water fraction, and Curcuma. It is concluded that the administration of roots of pasak bumi methanol-water fraction to lactating mice could not decrease the liver function.

1 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

023449   CHERIF H S, FERRAH R, BENNACER A, TAIL G, SAIDI F (Population and Organisational Biology Dep, Univ of Blida 1, Algeria, Email: cherifhamida@yahoo.fr ) : Traditional use of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz in two regions of Algeria and contribution to study the antioxidant activity. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 562-67.

Algerian flora holds a rich diversity of medicinal and endemic plants, many of which are used in Algerian te medicine and have the potential to provide pharmacologically active natural products. The present study focus spontaneous species of the central and Septentrional Sahara, Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz. The ethnobotanic of 122 people, among herbalists, town's people and traditional healers took place in two towns; Tamenrasset and Various informations were collected on the traditional use of the chamomile of the Sahara, its various vernacul (Ouazouaza) and preparation methods, such as decoction (38.80 %). Similarly, it was proved that many diseases a by the use of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz, such as joint disease (26.20 %), fever (17.50 %), cough (14.50 asthma (11.70 %). Regarding the toxicity of the plant, the majority of respondents (96.70 %) reported the abseno effects. The survey on the field was very profitable, therefore, the Sahara chamomile is a species to preserve and incr phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, coumarins, flavonoids and saponins, the antioxidant infused is put out by the iron reduction method (FRAP) and it proved good comparing with ascorbic acid (vitamin c ).

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

023448   OZSOY N, OZDEN T Y, SERBETCI T, KULTUR S, AKALIN E (Biochemistry Dep, Istanbul Univ, Turkey, Email: nozsoy@istanbul.edu.tr) : Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, acetylcholinesterase and thioredoxin reductase inhibitory activities of nine selected Turkish medicinal plants. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 553-61.

Ethyl acetate, methanol, dichloromethane, petroleum ether and water extracts of nine selected plant species, which are commonly used as herbal medicines for anticancer and anti-inflammatory purposes in Turkey, were evaluated for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant potency with a thiobarbituric acid assay using the lipid peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposomes, DPPH• and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assays. Inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (COX) was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts. As thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) has emerged as a new target for anticancer drug development, the extracts were investigated for their inhibitory activities on TrxR. The ability of the extracts to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is a target for cholinesterase inhibitors, used for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease, was also examined. The results showed that the extracts of C. coggygria and M. officinalis subsp. officinalis are the most effective hydrogen and electron donors and contained the highest amounts of phenolic compounds; thus, they can be considered the best antioxidants among the nine plants selected for the study. All the plants showed inhibitory effects against ACHE, COX-1 and COX-2, therefore may be of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. It was found that M. officinalis subsp. officinalis, C. coggyria, S. aucuparia and P. major subsp. major have a strong inhibitory effect on TrxR by up to 99 %, highlighting their potential as preventive therapeutics for cancer. This study confirmed the use of these plants in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.

4 tables, 54 ref

023447   SIGIDI M T, TRAORE A N , BOUKANDOU M M, TSHISIKHAWE M P, NTULI S S (Microbiology Dep, Univ of venda, South Africa, Email: afsatou.traore@univen.ac.za) : Anti-HIV, pro-inflammatory and cytotoxicity properties of selected Venda plants. Indian J Tradit Know 2017, 16(4), 545-52.

The use of medicinal plant species among rural communities has played a role in the development of various traditional medical systems. Such development has also accelerated the exploration of different plant species in order to correlate traditional practices to scientific findings. In the Vhembe district (Limpopo, South Africa), a vast majority of traditional medicine is indigenous based and knowledge of the pharmacological activities of plants is solely grounded on the understanding by traditional healers. The anecdotal claims by traditional healers to treat HIV using these plants and their safety are being investigated in this study. RAW 264.7, U937, MeWo and Vero cells were treated to various concentrations (50, 100, 125, 250 ug/mL) of Elaeodendron transvaalense, Cassia abbreviata, Ornithogalum ornithogaloides, Ochna holstii, Lannea edulis, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Coccinia rehmannii and Jatropha zeyheri for anti-inflammation and cytotoxicity testing's. Reverse Transcriptase (RT) assay was used for the anti-HIV activity of the plants. There was no anti inflammatory activity observed for the plants tested. However, in the absence of LPS stimulation there was an increase of no production indicating that the extracts might have pro-inflammatory properties. The cytotoxicity observed in human tumor cancer cell lines U937 (p < 0.0001) and MeWo (p < 0.0001) was more pronounced with O. orithogaloides and E. transvaalense. However, cytotoxicity of the same extracts was not observed in both resting and activated macrophages (RAW cells). With the exception of J. zeyheri, all the extracts tested, induced reverse transcriptase inhibition with some of the extracts showing significant inhibitory activity (p < 0.0001). There was no cytotoxicity on mouse macrophage cell line. The study demonstrated the inhibitory potential of selected Venda plants and their pro-inflammatory properties however; further studies are needed in order to rule out other effects. 

5 illus, 1 table, 46 ref