015627   Roshandel P (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord Univ, Shahrekord, Iran, Email: p_roshand3el@yahoo.com) : cDNA-AFLP reveals differential gene expression in response to salt induced ionic stress in rice lines IRA4630 and IR15324. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 137-42.

Salinity-induced stress in plants has two major components: osmotic stress (phase 1) and ionic stress (phase 2). Effects of ionic stress was studied on gene expression in two rice varieties differing in salt tolerance (IR4630 and IR15324) using a modified cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. To separate osmotic from ionic effects of salt, mannitol was applied as a non-ionic osmoticum at the equivalent osmotic potential to 50 mM NaCl. Messenger RNA was sampled at 0.5, 6, 24, 48 and 192 hours after salinization. Several products (AFLP-bands) were detected, which were upregulated in response to ionic effects of salt in the tolerant line (1R4630) and not expressed in the sensitive line (IR15324). Bio-informatic analysis indicated that three of these AFLP-bands have high-degree sequence similarity with: a gene from Zea mays that encodes for a proline-rich protein, a senescence-associated gene of Pisum sativum and a gene encoding Homo sapiens HSPCO25-like protein.

s, 1 table, 31 ref

015626   Paul Ananya; (Plant Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology Lab, Biophysics and Molecul, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 009, Email: Sarmistha_rc@rediffmail.com) : Enhancement of in vitro somatic embryogenesis by polyamines in Momordica charantia L.. J Bot Soc Bengal 2007, 61(2), 97-102.

Somatic embryogenesis was induced in the leaf explants of Momordica charantia L. in Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with 0.5 mg/ L α - Naphthalene acetic acid and 5 mg/ L 6- Benzyl amino purine after 21 days of culture. Somatic embryo induction in embryogenic masses derived from leaf explant was examined using light microscopy. Two dimensional images of surfaces of early induced somatic embryo in embryogenic calli was also observed using scanning electron microscopy. Effects of exogenous polyamines like Putrescine, Spermidine and Spermine on enhancement of masses of early induced embryogenic calli was studied. It was observed that Putrescine (0.1-1 mM), Spermidine (0.1-1 μM) and Spermine (0.1-1 μM) were effective in increasing the masses of early induced embryogenic calli .These results suggest that exogenous polyamines at optimum concentration can enhance somatic embryogenesis and improvement of plant species via biotechnological approaches depends on the tissue response particularly plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis.

s, 19 ref

015625   Kumar S;Kumar D;Desmukh R R;Rangari V D (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra) : Hypoglycemic activity of roots of Phyllanthus reticulatus in alloxan induced diabetic mice. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(1), 184-7.

Ihe plant Phyllanthus reticulatits is claimed to have hypoglycemic activity in tribal area. To validate the tribal claim, the petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts of roots of the plant orally tested at doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect in alloxan induces diabetic mice. It shows very good hypoglycemic activity at the dose of 1000mg/kg. The phytochemical screening of the residues revealed the presence of terpenoids glycosides, protein, carbohydrates and absence of alkaloids and steroids.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

015624   Kole P C;Panda L K;Ganguli P K (Crop Improvement Dep, Horticulture and Agriculture Botany, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731 236, Email: pckole@gmail.com) : Mutagenic effect of ethyl methane sulphonate and sodium azide on fenugreek. J Bot Soc Bengal 2007, 61(2), 161-3.

Immediate mutagenic effects of 0.05 M ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and 0.002 M sodium azide (SA) for 1, 2 and 3 hours were studied on Rmt 1 variety of fenugreek. Reduction in germination, retardation of root growth, increased chromosomal aberrations, delayed flowering and reduction in yield and yield components were observed in mutagen treated populations. The. effects were dose dependent and sodium azide was more effective in producing variability for morphological characters, while chromosomal aberrations were more in ethyl methane sulphonate treated populations.

e, 6 ref

015623   Khemani C;Boora K S;Chaudhary K (Biotechnol and Molecular Biol Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Identification of native isolates of bacillus thuringiensis effective against Spodoptera litura using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Ann agric biol Res 2007, 12(2), 113-18.

Twenty-eight isolates of B. thuringiensis insecticidal to Spodoptera litura were characterized for the presence of different cryl gene(s) by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. A set of eight cryl gene specific primers was used to generate PCR product profile characteristic of each type from DNA of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. Most of the isolates harbour multiple cryl genes. Based on PCR product profiles, isolates were differentiated into four clusters. The first cluster contained three strains of B. thuringiensis isolated from commerical formulations and their PCR product profile indicated the presence of crylAb and crylAc gene. The second cluster comprising two isolates, 8S and 9L, harboured crylAc and crylC gene. The third cluster contained 16 isolates and their amplification product profile showed the presence of crylAa, crylAb, crylAc, crylC and crylD gene. Six isolates showed the presence of crylAa, crylAc and crylC gene and formed a separate cluster. Two isolates 6S and 7S belonging to third cluster showed maximum insecticidal activity against S. litura as well as Helicoverpa armigera. They showed amplification of 280 and 730 bp PCR fragments with crylC and crylAa primers, respectively.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

015622   Jyothi R;Manikandakumar K;Ganesan K; Parthasarathy S (Bioinformatics Dep, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappali-620 024, Email: bdupartha@gmail.com) : On the analysis of the virulence nature of TIGR4 and R6 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae using genome comparison tools. J chem Sci 2007, 119(5), 559-63.

Comparative genome sequence analysis is a powerful technique for gaining insights into any genome of interest. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human pathogen, which causes life-threatening diseases, such as pneumoniae, bacteremia, meningitis, etc. After the whole genome of two strains of S. pneumoniae, the virulent TIGR4 and non-pathogenic R6 were sequenced; there is a hope that comparing the genomes will allow an identification of the genes responsible for its virulence and thus the development of treatment and control. Many antimicrobial drugs have diminished the risk from pneumococcal disease because of its multi-drug resistance nature. Several pneumococcal proteins are also being investigated, as virulence factors as potential vaccine or drug targets. Structural and biochemical studies of these pneumococcal virulence factors have facilitated the development of novel antibiotics or protein antigen-based vaccines for the treatment of pneumococcal disease. Here we describe the comparison between the genomes of two strains of S. pneumoniae with few existing genomics databases and tools available in the public domain websites. By comparing nucleotide and protein sequences of the two strains, we investigate the existing differences and similarities. Mainly we focus on the virulence factors and its encoding genes in TIGR4 and how do they differ from R6 strain.

1 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

015621   Jha P;Ali A;Raghuram N (Life Science Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari, Mumbai-400 098) : Nitrate induction of nitrate reductase and its inhibition by nitrite and ammonium ions in Spirulina platensis. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 163-7.

Nitrate assimilation in Spirulina platensis is not well characterized, despite its direct link with its high protein content. In other non-nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria, the reported role of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ions in the regulation of nir operon and nitrate reductase (NR) activity varies considerably.Report here that NR activity in Spirulina is diminished upon withdrawal of nitrate from the medium, and is fully restored within two hours of resupplying nitrate, indicating substrate induction. Nitrite and ammonium, the downstream metabolites of nitrate assimilation, significantly inhibited nitrate-induced NR activity in a concentration dependent manner. These results in Spirulina indicate the need to reassess the role of nitrate in the expression of NR in this and other non-N₂-fixing, nitrate-assimilajing cyanobalcteria.

^ssc4 illus, 28 ref

015620   Gupta N;Das S;Sabat J;Basak U C (Biotechnology Divi, microbiology Laboratory, Regional Plant Resource Center, Bhubaneswar, Orissa) : Pestalotiopsis spp. obtained from mangroves of Bhitarkanika, Orissa, India. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(1), 90-3.

Fungal isolates obtained from foliage and roots of mangrove plants grown in Bhitarkanika mangrove forests of Orissa, India were identified as Pestalotiopsis sp. on the basis of morphology of condia. Their developmental morphology was traced out by culturing on potato dextrose agar media where it formed blackish - brown acervuli. Pestalotiopsis sporulated profusely in presence of light. Though it grew well in presence of NaCl, sporulation was delayed, even in the presence of light.

3 tables, 8 ref

015619   Gupta N;Das S;Sabat J;Basak U C (Microbiology Laboratorty, Biotechnology Div, Regional Plant Resource, , Bhubaneswar, Orissa) : Isolation,identification and growth of Stachybotrys sp obtained from mangrove ecosystem of Bhitarkanika,Orissa. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(1), 64-8.

Rhizosphere soil of twenty five mangrove tree species grown in different salinity zones of Bhitarkanika mangrove of Orissa, were screened for the occurrence of Stachbotryss altra. Six isolates were obtained from Caesalpinia crista (SI), Excoeria agallocha(S2), Aegiceras corniculatum (S3), Brugiera parviflora (S4), Kandelia candel(S5)and Avicenniamarina(S6). All these isolates were performed variously in different conctration of NaCl in laboratory conditions. Data recorded for their growth was discussed and analyzed.

6 tables, 19 ref

015618   Ghosh A K (NO, , ) : Nanotechnology: the technology for the 21st century-risks and benefits. Indian Sci Cruiser 2007, 21(1), 26-30.

Mankind will be immensely benefited by the products from fast developing nanotechnology in various facets of human life. The inherent possible long-term risk factors must be evaluated and all precautions should be adopted to guard against the risks involved prior to desperate application of nanotechnology.

^iia6 ref

015617   Gautam R D;Saxsena U;Gautam S;Khan A;Gautam C P N (Entomology Div, Plant Health Clinic, Indian Agrucultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: profgautam@mail.com) : Solanum mealy bug Phenacoccus solani ferris (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae) its parasitoid and predator complex reproductive potential and utilization as laboratory prey for rearing the ladybird and green lacewing predators. J ent Res 2007, 31(3), 259-64.

Studies revealed that Solanum mealy bug, Phenacoccus solani, is an emerging pest problem. A total of five predatory coccinellids viz; B. lineatus, B. suturalis C. sexmaculata, N. regularis and S. coccivora were isolated from the field population of P. solani infesting different plant species. B. lineatus was predominant and was also active at 40-45°C. The parasitoid emerged from field samples were an unidentified encyrtid and dipteran. The mealy bug was amenable for mass production on sprouted Irish potato tuber, S. tuberosum and found aggressive over F. virgata, M. hirsutus and N. viridae as it displaced their population with in six months/4-5 generations of co-rearing in the laboratory. It completed its life cycle in 30-35 days. Mean reproductive potential of P. solani based on crawler production per gravid female was recorded in the order of Sunflower (313.6) <62> Hibiscus (284.2) <62> Okra (250.8) <62> Cotton (232) <62> Lantana (219.6) <62> Tomato (216.4) <62> Chilli (198.2) <62> Parthenium (191.0) <62> Wild jute (170.4) <62> Amaranthus (159.2) <62> Carpet grass (154.2) <62> Chenopodium sp. (125.6).

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

015616   Gaurva P;Bansal M;Sharmila P;Pardha Saradhi P;Dilbaghi N;Chaudhury A (Biotechnology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Sci and Technol, Hisar-125 001) : Genotypic variation in callus induction and regeneration of five popular varieties of rice grown in Haryana. Ann agric biol Res 2007, 12(2), 107-12.

Regeneration of indica rice varieties remains an impediment for various researchers undertaking rice genetic transformation experiments worldwide. Five different varieties of indica rice were examined for their callus induction and plant regeneration. Mature embryos have been used as an explant source to effectively induce the formation of scutellum-derived calli. The frequency of callus formation was maximum on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 2, 4-D in Basmati- 370 (98%), Haryana Basmati (89%) and Mahak (96.6%) and on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2, 4-D for Taraori Basmati (89%) and HKR-126 (88%). The plantlets were formed when embryogenic calli were transferred to the regeneration medium supplemented with BAP. Plants obtained were phenotypically normal and fertile. The present investigation will be very useful for undertaking the genetic manipulation and crop improvement programme of the recalcitrant indica rice varieties in future.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

015615   Boussaada O;Chemli R (Higher Institute of Biotechnology, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia Laboratory, , 5000, Monastir, Tunisia, Email: boussaada_olfa@yahoo.fr) : Seasonal variation of essential oil composition of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2007, 10(2), 109-20.

Petitgrain and peel oil isolated by hydrodistillation from leaves and rind of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara (Rutaceae) harvested monthly have been studied by GC-FID and GC-MS. Oxygenated monoterpenes were shown to be the predominance fraction (84.5-89.6%) of petitgrain oil and mainly composed oflinalool (23.2-32.2%), linalyl acetate (33.2-41.6%), α-terpineol (7.3-9%), geraniol (4.9-6.4%) and geranyl acetate (4.5-6.4%). On the contrary, oil obtained from peel consisted almost exclusively of mono terpene hydrocarbons, which alone varied from 90.1 to 95.6% of the total oil, with limonene as major oil constituent (87-92.2%). The maximum amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons of petitgrain and peel oil was found at the middle of the productive season (January-February). Whereas petitgrain samples collected in December were found to be relatively rich in oxygen-containing monoterpenes. The highest yield of petit grain and peel oil was obtained from samples collected in May (0.9%) and January (1.3%) while the lowest was isolated from samples collected in March (0.5%) and February (0.8%) respectively.

2 tables, 53 ref

015614   Bhatia P;Bhutani S;Verma S;Jain R K;Chowdhury V K (Biotechnol Engng Dep, Ambala Coll of Engg & Appl Res, Mithapur, V&PO Sambhalkha, Ambala-133 101) : Transient gene expression in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) using agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method. Ann agric biol Res 2007, 12(2), 119-22.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 containing plasmid TOK 233 was used for genetic transformation of cotton cultivars H-777, H-1098 and HS-6, pTOK 233 is a super binary vector that contains gus as a reporter gene. Transient GUS expression was observed in callus tissues and different explants viz., cotyledons, hypocotyls and shoot tips. Maximum frequency of GUS expression was observed in HS-6 (30.0%) followed by H-777 and H-1098. Callus tissues were found to be more responsive than other explants.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

015613   Bharti M;Singh D;Sharma Y P (Zool Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala, Punjab, Email: himenderbharti@antdiversity.com) : Effect of temperature on the development of forensically important blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Entomon 2007, 32(2), 149-51.

Development time of immature stages of the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was studied in the laboratory at four constant temperatures (22°C, 25(22°C, 28(22°C, 30(22°C). The development periods from oviposition to adult emergence were inversely related to temperature and ranged from 6.3 days at 30(22°C to 15.5 days at 22(22°C.

1 table, 7 ref

015612   Bansal M;Gaurva P;Sharmila P;Pardha Saradhi P;Dilbaghi N;Chaudhury A (Biotechnol Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Sci and Technol, Hisar-125 001) : High frequency plant regeneration from cotyledonary explants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv. Pusa ruby. Ann agric biol Res 2007, 12(2), 101-6.

Cotyledonary explants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Pusa Ruby) were cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with B5 vitamins alongwith varying concentrations of plant growth regulators. Growth and morphogenetic response of explants at different concentrations of cytokinin and auxins were compared. Multiple shoot buds were induced with formation of clusters at high frequency from cut end of explants on MS medium supplemented with BAP alone and with various combinations of IAA. Multiplication of regenerated shoots was obtained by axillary bud induction on half strength MS medium. The percentage regeneration varied from 70-100 with 5-10 shoots/explant. Maximum numbers of regenerated plantlets per explant were obtained on MS medium supplemented with zeatin, which is a costly cytokinin, in comparison to BAP which gives equally good regeneration response has been reported in this paper. Rooting of differentiated shoots was readily achieved by culturing shoots on half strength MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators. The completely regenerated plants when transferred to pots in garden soil under natural conditions, flowered, set fruits and were fertile. High frequency plant regeneration and micropropagation protocol of tomato variety Pusa Ruby have been reported. The developed protocol will be very useful for undertaking genetic transformation and horticultural crop improvement programmes in future.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

015611   Banerjee S;Kundu S (Biotechnology Dep, Heritage Institute of Technology, Chowbaga Road, Anandpur, P.O. East Kolkata Township, Kolkata-700 107) : Study on the structure prediction analysis of some pathogen resistant proteins in plants - an in-silico approach. J Bot Soc Bengal 2007, 61(2), 147-51.

Bioinformatics provides an in-silico approach of various applications in modern biotechnological scenario. One of the major approaches is computational structure prediction method that, has sought to meet the challenge of bridging the sequence structure gap to provide valuable information for the large fraction of sequences whose structure has not yet been determined experimentally. Secondary structure prediction is often regarded as the initial starting point in predicting the three dimensional structure of a protein. PR proteins are accumulated in significant levels in infected plant tissues. They have the ability of hydrolytic enzymes to break chitin and glucan in the cell walls of fungal pathogens, which has been exploited to develop resistant crops. Here prediction of secondary structure of proteins of two families PR 1 and PR 5 of 6 plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Zea mays, Zea diploperennis, Hordeum vulgare and Nicotiana tabacumm were taken into account so that a structural identification can be aone to predict there typical functionalities. Based on all approaches there are various Secondary Structure Prediction methods of which one from every category have selected and predictions were done (GOR4. SOPMA, and HNN) and a comparative analysis of predictions were made. This elucidation of the secondary structure is the initial path towards structure and function correlation. A constant core structure was observed in the selected plant species. It was then focused on fingerprint analysis which is a step ahead towards tertiary structure prediction of the protein ultimately.

es, 17 ref

015610   Bandopadhyay R;Mukhopadhyay K;Lavanya C; Choudhrui R K (Biotechnology Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi-835 215, Email: bandopadhyay@rediffmail.com) : Clarity in castorbean RAPD profiles after mild NaOH treatment of genomic DNAs. J Bot Soc Bengal 2007, 61(2), 153-6.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of genomic DNAs with arbitrary primers for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a low-cost affair. However, reproducibility is the limitation of the technique, especially with plant DNAs that harbor a large amount of repetitive DNAs. An efficient protocol is therefore in demand. To overcome this problem two castorbean (Ricinus communis L.) DNAs were denatured with mild alkali (NaOH) at room temperature. The conventional protocol of heat denaturation was also followed, as a control. The treatments were followed by RAPD amplification with Operon primers. Unlike heat-treated DNAs alkali treated DNAs produced sharp PCR bands (amplicons) with all the primers used for the experiment.

e, 18 ref

015609   Asokan R;Krishna Kumar N K;Ranganath H R; Hanur V S;Vikas Kumar (Biotechnol Div, Indian Inst of Horticult Res (IIHR), Hessaraghatta Lake (PO) Bangalore-560 089, Email: asokan@iihr.ernet.in) : Simple method to isolate DNA from single specimen of onion thrips, thrips tabaci lindeman and melon thrips, T. palmi karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and molecular identification. Entomon 2007, 32(2), 71-8.

Tospoviruses belonging to Bunyaviridae are transmitted only by thrips vectors like T. tabaci, T. palmi, etc, which often cause 80% yield loss in vegetable crops like tomato, watermelon and onion. Identification of these vectors at early developmental stage is crucial since nymphs alone acquire the virus and the adults only transmit the disease. Morphological identification of these thrips at nymphal stage is often inconclusive, whereas molecular identification becomes handy and reliable. For successful molecular identification a simple quick method of DNA template preparation from single specimen of thrips is a prerequisite. Hence a simple, quick method of DNA template preparation from adult and nymph of T. tabaci and T. palmi has been developed. The DNA obtained in this method was used as template for molecular identification of the above species using primers specific to mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI). The molecular identification had corroborated the morphological identification. The result of this investigation is useful in identification of thrips species especially at nymphal stage, a critical factor in understanding the epidemiology of the tospoviruses and their management. c 2007 Association for Advancement of Entomology.

3 illus, 15 ref

014394   Yadav S N R;Yadav R C;Dhiraj Singh (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rcyadav@hau.ernet.in) : Isolation of biologically active RNA for generating Myb trancription factor cDNAs in Brassica species. Brassica 2006, 8(1-4), 95-8.

Recombinant DNA technology makes it possible to identify and isolate genes from any biological system. Previously genes were isolated using genomic/cDNA libraries. Dealing with low abundance transcripts can be frustrating as conventional cDNA library screening is labour intensive and there chances of loosing low abundance transcript during sample handling, poor efficiency of first and second strand cDNA synthesis and the proportion of recombinant clones to be screened. The development of PCR to detect rare transcripts has revolutionized the sensitivity of gene expression analysis as well as identification of these transcripts/ genes. Therefore, RT-PCR approach is relatively simple and efficient in identification and isolation of cDNA of a particular gene, large scale functional genomics and sequencing projects. An efficient method was developed for large scale RNA isolation and RT-PCR to generate cDNAs for identification of myb transcription factor genes related to drought in Brassica species. The total RNA was isolated from drought exposed two weeks old seedlings grown in vitro on MS medium. Lyophilized and liquid nitrogen frozen seedlings were used in RNA isolation. Trizol method, traditional guamdine isothiocyanate and commercial kits were used for RNA isolation. It was found that Trizol method was quite efficient and yielded 2.25 mg per g fresh weight of the plant tissue. Electrophoretic analysis revealed two distinct ribosomal bands. The mRNA was isolated from total RNA and yielded 150-200 ig per g fresh weight of the plant tissue. The cDNA from isolated mRNA was successfully generated using myb gene specific primers. Total RNA did not yield amplified product, however, mRNA showed amplification using specific primers which were designed on the basis of Atmyb2 conserved domain sequence. The optimized procedure gives good quality and quantity of RNA for generating cDNAs in two Brassica species which is crucial in gene isolation and transcript analysis studies.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

014393   Sherafin Jancy Vincy I;Sheela S;Venkatesan P (Medical Laboratory Technology Div, P.G. and Research Dep of Advanced Z, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034) : Evaluation of preparation of quality control (AFB) smears by phenol ammonium sulphate method. J appl Zool Res 2007, 18(2), 162-5.

Evaluation of Phenol Ammonium Sulphate (PhAS) method and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) method for the preparation of quality control (QC) smears of the sputum was done. A total of 250 smears were evaluated. Consistency of the slide was calculated by M ± 2 SD and found to be true. The PhAS method was as suitable as the NaOH method.

2 tables, 5 ref

014392   Saha M (Botany Dep, B.N. Bandodkar College, Thane-400 601, Email: m_saha1@sify.com) : In vitro propagation of precociously germinated seedlings of Carica papaya L. variety Madhubindu. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 55-9.

The precocious germination of seeds was observed in fruits of Carica papaya L. variety Madhubindu while they were still attached to the parent plant (vivipary), which is a native diversity observed in the local gene pool. In vitro culture study was done to maintain and propagate this variety because such native diversity by and large, face maintenance and conservation problems.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

014391   Rao Venkataramanan G;Kelkar-Mane V (Biotechnology Dep, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagri, Santacruz, Mumbai-400 098, Email: varshakelkar@rediffmail.com) : RNAi and its therapeutic avenues. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 7-16.

RNA interference is a conserved biological response in many protozoans and eukaryotes where small interfering RNAs (siRNA) of 21-23 base pair with 2-3 bp overhangs at 3' end cleaves the target mRNA homologous to the ssRNA (guide strand) in the complex.. RNAi is thought to be a defense mechanism against molecular parasites like viruses and transposons, where the organism executes this process with the help of small non-coding RNAs called micro-RNA (miRNAs). RNAi also plays an important role in DNA methylation and gene regulation. This ability of siRNA to silence the gene expression has led scientists to explore the possibility of the use of RNAi for treatment of cancer and other infectious diseases. Hence it is essential to understand the mechanism of its action and explore the possible techniques and various therapeutic aspects of

2 tables, 56 ref

014390   Pandhure N B;Bhoite A S;Kadam D A;Shinde Y T; Kadam A S (P.G. Department of Botany, Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 002) : In vitro studies in Elettaria cardamomum (Linn.). Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 67-9.

Biotechnology is the manipulation of biological organisms to make products that benefit human beings. It is now possible to alter living organisms artificially by manipulating their genetic makeup, inducing them to perform new and useful tasks or to make biochemical's that are too costly to synthesize by existing means. At its simplest, biotechnology has been with us for millennia: yeasts have been used for making alcohol, and bacteria for yogurt. Selection of desirable characteristics has allowed the development and improvement of crops and farm animals. However, these techniques have only exploited the natural capabilities of organisms or selected from their existing variability. The latest biotechnology, in contrast, offers means of making new organisms with completely novel capabilities, precisely tailored for a specific purpose. Biotechnology contributes to such diverse in plants for food production, disease resistance, rapid multiplication, and for secondary metabolites. These techniques have proved to be useful for rapid multiplication of plants. Secondly another of this technique is that, these plants proved to be useful for as they give higher production, which is the need of time. Consistent efforts are being made to propagate the commercial plants such as Saccharum officinarum L., Musa paradisiacal L. and Elettaria cardamomum Mat. in vitro. Successful cultures have been raised in MS mediumwifh enriched supplementation of inorganic supplements along with BA 10 mg/lit. During the present studies cultures of Elettaria cardamomum Mat have been raised in vitro.

1 table, 8 ref

014389   Pai D H;Vaidya K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: divya.aol@gmail.com) : Optimization of medium for Laccase production by Tramates versicolor. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 100-7.

Laccases are industrially important enzymes which have gained interest due to their applications in various industries. The investigation was an attempt to optimize the laccase production in the synthetic medium by Cavallazzi et al. using Tramates versicolor. Various parameters studied included sources of carbon and nitrogen, inducers and surfactant. Glucose proved to be the best source of. carbon compared to all the lignocellulosics tested. Amongst all the inorganic and organic sources of nitrogen tested, 28mM asparagine gave the highest laccase activity (8.55±0.008 IU/ml). Addition ofinducers such as ethidium bromide, malachite green, copper sulphate and Tween 80 revealed that 0.2% Tween 80 in the medium gave the highest yield of laccase (9.33±0.09 IU/ml). Medium optimization thus resulted in 9.09% increase in laccase activity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

014388   Narendran M;Joshi K G;Char B R;Zehr U B (Biotechnology Div, Mahyco Research Center, Dawalwadi, Jalna-431 203) : Constitutive promoter-driven transgene expression in plants. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 17-23.

The rapid and successful adoption of transgenic crops is significantly contributing towards global food security. A number of value-added crops expressing an array of important transgenic traits have been generated using gene-insertion technology in the last couple of decades. These genetic modifications require promoters to drive the gene of interest in plants. A large number of promoters of different types have been isolated and characterized to drive constitutive, inducible and tissue - organ specific expression in plants. A constitutive promoter allows for continual transcription of its associated gene. This review discusses the various types of constitutive promoters available to drive transgene expression.

1 table, 3 ref

014387   Kharat K R;Mhaske R S;Kadam V B (P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Deogiri College, Aurangabad) : Preparation and characterisation of lignocellulosic nanofilm from Acetobacter xylinum sp.. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 83-6.

Cellulosic materials have a great potential as nanomaterials because they are abundant, renewable, have a nanofibrillar structure, can be made multifunctional, and self-assemble into well-defined architectures. The fibrillation of pulp fiber to obtain nano-order unit web-like network structure, called microfibrillated cellulose, is obtained through a mechanical treatment of pulp fibers or bacteria, consisting of refining and high pressure homogenizing processes. Isolates cellulose from Acetobacter xylinum sp. and used for preparation of nano film. Various tests were used for characterization of the film.This film has various applications in industry.

2 tables, 15 ref

014386   Dikshit N;Badge M P;Ambhore J S;Meshram M R (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Dr. PDKV Campus, Akola) : Diversity in custard apple germplasm collections from Maharashtra, India. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 161-3.

Twenty-one accessions of custard apple germplasm varying in fruit and seed characteristics were collected from six districts of Maharashtra. Physico-chemical characteristics of the fruits revealed variation in average fruit weight (90.8-375.0g) and total soluble sugar (19.0-26.0%) besides variation in a no. of seeds per fruit (21.2-73.0) weight of pulp per fruit (44.4-188.0g) and fruits pulp ratio (37.0-54.2).

1 table, 7 ref

014385   Dasgupta A;Sahu I;Pasha F;Patil S;Patil P (IBI Biosolutions, , Panchkula, India) : Data mining and generation of phylogenetic tree for RB1 of Homo sapiens. Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2) , 43-4.

The process of data mining is concerned with extracting relevant information from the enormous amount of data available in various databases. The gene selected was RBI, a tumour suppressor gene, which regulates proliferation, cell fate specification; and differentiation in the all cell types. The first stage of data mining is the ground level mining in which relevant data sets were collected and then reduced to the minimum size possible through statistical representation generating chromosomes report, RNA report and peptide report A special emphasis was given to protein interactions and blastp results oblation homologous protein sequences.

5 ref

014384   Choudhary S;Anand Kumar P (NO, , NBAGR P.B. No. 129, Karnal-132 001) : Assembly of six synthetic fragments of Cry 1 f gene for Bt crops to generate pest resistance in plants. Indian J agric Res 2007, 41(4), 304-6.

Insecticidal protein Cry I F of Bacillus thuringiensis is highly toxic to H. armigera in a synergistic manner with Cry 1 Ac. These crystalline proteins were found to be highly toxic to agriculturally important pests at very low concentrations. However, native Bt gene expression in plant cells is sub-optimal to achieve insect protection in transgenic plants because of the presence of many mRNA destabilizing features. Cloning of fragment 6th of synthetic cry 1 F was done with Vector (pGEM7Zf) while 4th and 5th fragments were cloned with pET vector after ligation (T4 DNA Ligase enzyme). These fragments were cloned with vector pGEM carrying 6th fragment. Now fragment 1+2+3 were assembled with pGEM7Zf carrying 4th, 5th and 6th fragments. A very good band of around 1900bp was observed which is an indication of a positive done. Now this pGEM 7Zf vector has all the six Cry 1 F synthetic fragments in between Xba 1 and Bam HI sites. A modified Cry I F gene was designed according to higher plant codon usage and avoiding the mRNA destabilizing features. The modified gene has 45.5% of GC content.

1 illus, 1 table,

014383   Chen G;Li L (NO, College of Science, Guangzhou-510 631, China, Email: lilab@scnu.edu.cn) : Nutrient consumption and production of isoflavones in bioreactor cultures of Pueraria lobata (Willd). J envir Biol 2007, 28(2), 321-6.

Successful culture of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) suspension cells in a bioreactor has been reported. In vitro culture of this Chinese herb has potential as an alternative production method for industrial applications. Calli of P. lobata obtained from leaf explants were cultured in a 5.0 L bioreactor for two weeks. During this period, the pH of the medium declined from 5.8 to 4.5. By the end of the run about 70% of the sugars and reducing sugars and about 50% of nitrate was consumed. Almost 70% of inorganic phosphate and about 80% of the iron was exhausted. The bioreactor results indicated an isoflavone yield of 328.9 <128><109>g/ml, with an increase of about 1.77 fold. The yield of puerarin increased about 2.42 fold and reached 73.4 <128><109>g/ml in the bioreactor culture.

7 illus, 25 ref

014382   Chaudhary P P;Bhardwaj K R (Biotechnology Dep, M.L.N College, Yamuna Nagar-135 001) : Antimicrobial activity of different antibiotics against Streptococcus pyogenes. Eco Res J Biosci 2007, 6(1-2), 59-61.

The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activity of four different antibiotics available in the market against Streptococcus pyogenes present in the human throat sample. Out of four antibiotics three antibiotics, viz. Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Tetracycline inhibited the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes to different extent but the fourth one i.e. Ceftazidime is not effective against Streptococcus pyogenes.

4 illus, 5 ref

014381   Bhanumathi A;Ravishankar Rai V (Studies of Applied Botany and Botechnology Dep, Mysore Univ, Mysore (Karnatka)) : Testing of seeds of Thespesia populanea for mycoflora, germination and pathologenicity. Indian For 2007, 133(9), 1241-6.

Thespesia populnea is a medicinally valuable tree. Investigations were carried out to evaluate seed mycoflora and their effect on seed germination and seedling vigour. Enhanced germination was observed in top of the paper method compared to between paper method and sand method. Incidence of seed mycoflora was low in surface sterilized, seeds using 2% sodium hypochlorite compared to non-surface sterilized seeds. Fusarium verticilloid.es exhibited deletious effect on seeds of Thespesia populnea compared to all other treated fungi irrespective of the germination method used."

3 tables, 8 ref

014380   Anand A S;Vaidya V K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: inteens_a@yahoo.co.in) : Dye decolourization by white rot fungi. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 87-94.

Five white-rot fungi viz. Phanerocheate chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, Plychogaster sp. and Sporotrichum pulverulentum were screened for their ability to decolourize two commonly used and most polluting dyes viz Amaranth and Reactive Black-5. Based on the results of plate decolourization assay, all the fungi except C, versicolor were chosen for further work, The evaluation of the effect of shaker, static and a combination of static-shaker conditions showed that T versicolor proved to be the most effective under all the conditions. The growth under static condition and decbfourization under shaker showed highest decolourization.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

014379   Ai Ming L;Youg Tai Z;Quing Long W;You Ping W (NO, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou-225 009, China, Email: wyouping@yahoo.com) : CAPS analysis of a full-length FAE1 gene in Brassica species. Brassica 2006, 8(1-4), 75-8.

FAE1 gene is a rate-limiting gene for erucic acid synthesis in Brassica. Full-length sequences of the gene were cloned by PCR from six Brassica species (Brassica rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. napus, B. carinata and B. juncea). These PCR products were digested with different restriction endonucleases. Out of 7 enzymes, AM and Mspl were found to produce informative FAE1 CAPS patterns. Three diploids displayed different patterns, genome A was very similar to genome C, while genome B was the most diverged out of the three genomes of Brassica. Three amphidiploids generally exhibited additive patterns of the progenitors, but strictly not in all cases. This method can clearly distinguish the genome A, B and C, and also demonstrate the genetic relationships among Brassica species.

1 illus, 28 ref

013353   Yang D (Zoology and Animal Physiology Dep, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural Univ, Beijing-100 094, Email: dxyoung@163.com) : Costae presenting in high-temperature-induced Vestigial wings of Drosophila: implications for anterior wing margin formations. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 51-7.

It has long been noted thai high temperature produces great variation in wing forms of the vestigial mutant of Drosophila. Mosi of the wines have defects in the wing blade and partially formed wing margin, which are the result of autonomous cell death in the presumptive wing blade or costal region of the wing disc. The vestigial gene (vg) and the interaction of Vg protein with other gene products are well understood. With this biochemical knowledge, reinvestigations of the high-temperature-induced vestigial wings and the elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying the large-scale variation of the wing forms may provide insight into further understanding of development of the wing of Drosophila. As a first step of such explorations, author examined high-temperature-induced (29°C) vestigial wings. In the first part of this paper, evidences were proved to show that the proximal and distal costae in these wings exhibit regular and continuous variation, which suggests different developmental processes for the proximal and distal costal sections. Judging by the costae presenting in the anterior wing margin, proposed that the proximal and distal costal sections are independent growth units. The genes that regulate formation of the distal costal section also strongly affect proliferation of cells nearby: however, the same phenomenon has not been found in the proximal costal section. The distal costal section seems to be an extension of the radius vein, vestigial, one of the most intensely researched temperature-sensitive mutations, is a good candidate for the study of marginal vein formation. In the second part of the paper. author regrouped the wing forms of these wings, chiefly by comparison of venation among these wings, and try to elucidate the variation of the wing forms according to the results of previous work and the conclusions reached in the first part of this paper, and provide clues for further researches.

6 illus, 26 ref

013352   Viswanathan S;Narayanan K R (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi-627 412) : Probiotics - an eco friendly tool for aquaculture. J Ecobiol 2007, 20(3), 255-8.

Impact of EM (Effective microbes), a probiotic on water quality and growth of Indian major carp Labeo rohita was studied under four treatments viz T1 (0.25), T2 (0.50) T3 (1.25) and T4 ( 2.50 mg/l) were tested along with control. By the treatment of EM, dissolved oxygen (DO) content was increased upto 1.6 mg/l with the increase of EM concentration, whereas no much variation in other parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen and ortho phosphate by the T4 treatment a profound weight gain was noticed in the treatment with L. rohita compated to fishes compared to all other treatments and control.

2 tables, 9 ref

013351   Vinuba A;Pinky V R;Prakash J W (Botany and Research Center Dep, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil(Tamil Nadu)) : Effect of seaweed extract on growth and biochemical parameters of black gram. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 211-14.

Marine algae are one of the renewable and economically valuable sea wealth. Different forms of seaweed preparations such - as sea weed liquid fertilizer (SLF) also known as liquid seaweed fertilizer (LSF) have been used as bio-fertilizers and reported to produce beneficial effects on pulses and cereals. The present study deals with the effect of seaweed extract prepared from Gracilaria corticata on seedling growth and biochemical parameters of Vigna mungo L. (Black gram). SLF at 20 percent concentration increased the morphological parameters like length of shoot and root and fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, the pigment and protein content. The other concentrations showed declining trend.

7 illus, 7 tables, 13 ref

013350   Thomas C;Sneh Shalini;Raghavendra N;Choudhary M;Verma A;Joshi H;Dash A P;Das A (NO, National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi-110 054, Email: aparup@mrcindia.org) : Development of nuclear DNA markers for evolutionary studies in Plasmodium falciparum. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 65-8.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013349   Thiruganamoorthy K;Rajesekaran S;Ganesh K Sankar;Baskaran L;Ravimycin T;Sundaramoorthy P (Botany Dep, Enviromental Biology Laboratory, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, ) : Influence of dairy industry effluent on seedling growth and yield of soyabean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] varr.co-1. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 207-210.

The investigation has been carried out to assess the influence of dairy effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.). The result showed that highest, root length, shoot length, number of lateral roots, number of leaves, root fresh weight, dry weight, number pods per plant and number of seeds per plant were observed at 20% effluent concentration. There was a progressive decline in the noted parameters with increasing dairy effluent concentration.

5 tables, 13 ref

013348   Subbraj T;Michael A;Rajeshwari S;Mani K (Microbiology Dep, P.S.G. College of arts and sciences, Coimbatore-641 014) : Presence of antimicrobial substance in Ganoderma lucidum, a wild type mushroom. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 261-3.

Serial extraction, qualitative assessment and antimicrobial assay have been carried out. The large, leathery fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum were collected from neighbourhood forest. The Basidiomycetes were shade dried, powdered and extracted serially with solvents of increasing polarity. The initial qualitative test using colorimetric method indicated the presence of steroids, terpenoids and alkaloids in G. lucidum. Petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate the ethanol were used in the extraction. Excepting ethanol all other solvents could extract the above three organic substance at various extent. In brief it can be said that non polar solvents did well in extracting secondary metabolites of G. lucidum. However the thin layer chromatographic study revealed that ethyl acetate also could do well in extraction in part with other non polar solvents. The study of antimicrobial activity showed remarkable growth inhibition of gram positive bacteria was noticed in petroleum ether, benzene and chloroform extracts. The massive screening work undertaken by the Brazilian group (Luiz et al., 2003) used 10 μg of the extracted substance for screening for anti bacterial activity whereas our study employed 6 μg extract. With knowledge of study it is possible to create a new extraction procedure in the future.

4 tables, 8 ref

013347   Srivastava V K;Dubey D D (Biotechnology Dep, V.B.S Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: dddubey2003@yahoo.com) : Mapping autonomously replicating sequence elements in a 73-kb region of chromosome II of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. J Genet 2007, 86(2), 139-48.

Autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) elements are the genetic determinants of replication origin function in yeasts. They can be easily identified as the plasmids containing them transform yeast cells at a high frequency. As the first step towards identifying all potential replication origins in a 73-kb region of the long arm of fission yeast chromosome II, we have mapped five new ARS elements using systematic subcloning and transformation assay. 2D analysis of one of the ARS plasmids that showed highest transformation frequency localized the replication origin activity within the cloned genomic DNA. All the new ARS elements are localized in two clusters in centromere proximal 40 kb of the region. The presence of at least six ARS elements, including the previously reported ars727. is suggestive of a higher origin density in this region than that predicted earlier using a computer based search.

3 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

013346   Sharmila Bharathi N;Archana N;Anjana Badrinarayanan;Satish K M;Mohan J;Joshi A (Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology U, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064, Email: ajoshi@jncasr.ac.in) : Time of death in the presence of E. coli: as mass-scale method for assaying pathogen resistance in Drosophila. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 75-9.

3 illus, 20 ref

013345   Sashi V;Malathy N S (NO, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women Peelamedu, Coimbatore-4(Tamil Nadu)) : Purification of xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 301-02.

The aim of the research was to purify xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae. The fungus showed maximum crude enzyme production under the conditions employed. Hence, purification of xylanase of A. oryzae was carried out. Purified xylanase yielded single band with a molecular weight of 89 kDa, which was studied for its maximum activity at different pH and temperature. A. oryzae showed maximum activity at pH 5.9 and temperature 60°C.

2 illus, 8 ref

013344   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Research Foundation Pvt.Ltd, Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201, Email: drsalgre@rediffmail.com) : Superimposed twin megagametophytes-bisporic development in Dumasia villosa DC. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 497-500.

62 ref

013343   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Research Foundation Pvt.Ltd, Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201, Email: drsalgare@rediffmail.com) : Anomalous megagametophytes of Alysicarpus vaginalis dc: record for the angiosperm. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 491-2.

Alysicarpus vaginalis DC. of the tribe Hedysareae of Papilionaceae was selected for the investigation. Generally the functional megaspore undergoes three mitotic divisions resulting in eight nuclei which are arranged to two groups of four each. This is achieved by the simultaneous nuclear divisions. However, deviation from the normal simultaneous nuclear divisions is observed in the investigation. In A. vaginalis at one instance in the three nucleate megagametophyte, one nucleus was observed at the micropylar end and two nuclei at the chalazal end. The situation might have occurred because of the prior division of the chalazal nucleous which resulted in to two nuclei, almost half the size of the micropylar nucleus. (2) At the another instance, in the five-nucleate megagametophyte, three nuclei were noted at the chalazal end and two at the micropylar end. Two of the chalazal nuclei are almost half the size of the remaining nuclei of the megagametophyte. This clearly indicate that they are the division product of one of the chalazal nuclei.

19 ref

013342   Rao K;Devi Y P;Lakshmi Narasu M (Center of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technological Univ, Hyderabad-500 072) : A new acidic protease from Bacillus badius. J Aquatic Biol 2007, 22(1), 207-12.

Bacterial acidic protease producing Bacillus badius MTCC 7727 was isolated from the prawn culture ponds in the vicinity of Kakinada. The thermotolerant acidic protease of Bacillus badius may have potential in food and dairy industries as the enzyme is active at a wide range of pH (3-10) and temperature (25°C - 55°C).

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013341   Patil V L;Angadi S S (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005) : Effect of management practices on striga incidence, quality, yield and economics of sorghum. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 185-8.

Field experiments were conducted on red clayey loam soil at Lokur village in Dharwad taluka and district, Karnataka on farmer's field during Kharif, 2006 to study the effect of management practices on Striga incidence, quality, yield and economics of sorghum. The results of the experiment indicate that, application of FYM did not reduce Striga dry weight. However, application of 150 kg N ha^-1 recorded significantly lowest Striga dry weight at flowering (2.66 g m^-2) and grain filling (2.78 g m^-2) stages of sorghum as compared to 100 kg N ha^-1'. Crude protein content of sorghum did not vary significantly due to FYM, nitrogen and trap crops. Economic analysis of the system revealed that application of 7.5 t FYM ha^-1 along with 150 kg N ha^-1 and cowpea as trap crop recorded significantly higher net returns (R.s. 41,110.00 ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.53) as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations.

2 tables, 6 ref

013340   Pandey N S;Shukla D S;Pandey P (Botany Dep, M.L.K.(P.G.) College, Balrampur-271 201) : Rapeseed as diesel fuel extender in diesel engine. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 435-6.

The renewed interest in environmentally compatible fuels has led to the choice of rapeseed oil as the main alternative to diesel fuel. The objective of this research work was to produce and test an economic and high quality nonesterified rapeseed oil suitable for use as a diesel fuel extender. This was achieved by acidified hot water degumming combined with filtration to five microns. This rapeseed oil, designated as a Semi Refined Oil (SRO) has a high viscosity in comparison with diesel. Hence SRO fuel can only be used a diesel fuel extender. SRO proved to be a suitable diesel fuel extender, at inclusion rates upto 25%, when used with direct injection combustion systems. Chemical and viscosity analysis of engine lubrication oil including metal contamination as an indicator of engine wear occurring, showed that there was no measurable effect on engine lubricating oil due to SRO inclusion in diesel oil.

1 illus, 10 ref

013339   Nirmaladevi R;Padma P R (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Avinashhilingan University for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Study on the antioxidant potential of three under-exploited plants of medical value. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 339-41.

Plant kingdom is an everlasting reservoir of wonderful molecules with varying biological activities. All traditional system of medicine shows that plants have provided mankind a very large variety of patent drugs to alleviate suffering from diseases. Among the leaves tested, the richest source of both enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant was found to be Rhinacanthus nasutus. The other two leaves included in the study contained moderate antioxidant potential that are known to effectively scavenge oxidant radicals which are implicated to be causative in some fatal diseases including cancer.

2 tables, 19 ref