008295   Narayanasamy R;Mary Violet Christy A (Biotechnology Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212) : Antimicrobial activity and callus induction of Cassia auriculata. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 377-8.

Propagation of valuable economic plants through tissue culture is based on the principle of totipotency. Cassia auriculata Linn (avaram) and belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant parts mainly used as source of herbal medicine for the treatment of diseases. Detailed study in relation to the tissue culture and antimicrobial activity of different organs was under taken. The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, Escherchia colt and Aspergillus niger were observed.

4 illus, 2 ref

008294   Lakshmi Sreenivas P;Sreenivasa Rao P;Prameela Devi Y;Lakshmi Narasu M (Centre for Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Hyderabad-500 085, Email: mangamoori@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of a moderately halophilic protease producing Pseudomonas sp from brine samples of a coastal area solar saltern. Bioscan 2007, 2(1), 25-9.

Screening of the brine samples of a solar saltern has yielaed one moderately halophilic protease producing bacteria. The bacterial isolate has been identified as a Pseudomonas sp, and it produced an extracellular protease and an amylase. Maximal protease production was detected at the early stationary phase. The enzyme showed the highest activity at 40<144>C and pH 8.0 in 15% NaCI. The enzyme was active over a range of salt (0-25%), pH (6.5-10.0) and temperature (20<144.>C-55<144>C). These broad ranges of tolerance of the enzyme indicate potential applications of this enzyme in fish sauce fermentation and detergent formulations.

7 illus, 17 ref

008293   John Paul J A;Karunai Selvi B (Biotechnology Dep, J. J. college of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai-622 404) : Biogas production from municipal solid wastes with cowdung and vermicomposting. Envir Ecol 2007, 25(3), 603-5.

Batch digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (MSW) with cowdung was carried'Oul for seven weeks at room temperature in a digester. Effect of different combination of organic fraction of MSW with cowdung and digestion time on biogas yield was studied. Biomethanation was carried out in five sets of digesters with cowdung alone (D1), 25% (D2), 50% (D3) and 75% (D4) replacement of cowdung with MSW and MSW alone (D5). The maximum gas production was recorded in the digester D2 and it was 24.27% more than the digester D1. The biodigested slurry was subjected to vermicomposting with a newly reported earthworm, Perionyx ceylanensis. The manurial value of the vermicompost was significantly increased than the biodigested slurry.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

008292   Jayasree D;Venkateshwara Rao J;Venkata Krishna Rao D;Kumar K K;Kishore P B K;Nagarajaram H A;Prameela Devi Y;Lakshmi Narasu M (Centre for Biotechnology, Institute of Science & Technology, JNTU, Kukatpally-500 085) : 3D strcutural modelling for procatechuate 3, 4 dioxygenase from Pseudomonas cepacia based on template of M chain from P. aeruginosa. Bioscan 2007, 2(1), 1-7.

The 3D model of Protocatethuate 3,4 dioxygenase beta chain from Pseudomonas cepacia was built, based on X-ray crystallographic structure of Protocatethuate 3,4 dioxygenase M chain from Pseudomonas aeruoginosa. Dioxygenase catalyses the cleavage of molecular oxygen with subsequent incorporation of both oxygen atoms into organic substrates. Some of the dioxygenase from bacteria catalyse critical ring-opening step in biodegradation of aromatic compounds. These bacterial enzymes contain non- heme ferric iron as the sole cofactor. Protocatethuate 3,4 dioxygenase (3,4PCD) was one of such enzyme recognized which catalyses the intradiol cleavage of protocatechuic acid by oxygen to produce a- carboxy -cis-cis-muconic acid. Studies on 3,4(PCD) found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an oligomer with relative molecular mass (587K). The homology modelling is done based on the programmes to annotate protein sequence aligment with 3D structural features which helps to understand the conservation of amino acids in the specific local environment.

4 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

008291   Gujar G T;Khawale R N;Kalia V (Insect Biotechnology Laboratory, Entomology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: gtgujar@iari.res.in) : Genetic variability of Helicoverpa armigera (hubner) attributable to cadherin gene-specific molecular markers. Curr Sci 2007, 92(6), 800-4.

Cry1Ac resistance in the American bollworm, Heli-coverpa armigera is associated with alteration in midgut cell adhesion protein, cadherin. Genetic diversity of cad-herin gene was studied using molecular markers developed from cDNA sequences of H. armigera. Six out of eight pairs of molecular markers were able to amplify the cadherin gene in eighteen insect populations collected from different locations in India and produce a total of 218 amplicons. The maximum similarity (96%) was found for three pairs of insect populations from Rajkot and Sirsa, Akola and Bhatinda, and Faridkot and Karnal; while the minimum similarity (82%) was for the pair of insect populations from Nanded and Hyderabad. The study showed 4-18% genetic diversity in cadherin-specific gene of H. armigera populations which differed at least 100-fold in their susceptibility to Cry1Ac.

1 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

008290   Goyal P;Bhatia A L (Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-300 2004) : Use of 1.8kb gene amplification restriction analysis (PCR-RFLP) in species identification of M. tuberculosis.. Asian J expl Sci 2008, 22(1), 129-36.

Conventional identification of a clinical isolate of Mycobacteria primarily based on culture characteristics and biochemical tests needs several weeks and may remain inconclusive. This study was undertaken to evaluate a new rapid method to identify the Mycobacterial isolates at species level by gene amplification restriction analysis using primers encoding 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and flanking parts of the 16S as well as 23S rRNA gene. Restriction was carried out with restriction enzyme Hha 1. This assay was applied on 5 reference strains and 50 clinical isolates of mycobacterial and 5 environmental isolates to validate the technique. Distinct gene amplification restriction analysis patterns were obtained by restriction of amplicons with Hha I restriction enzyme which could differentiate various mycobacterial species. The procedure dose not involve hybridization steps for the use of radioactivity and can be completed within 1 working day.

ref

008289   Girish C;Manikandan S (Pharmacology Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education adn Research, Pondicherry, India, Email: gcnx@rediffmail.com) : Aprepitant: a substance P antagonist for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(1), 25-30.

The episodes of nausea and vomiting which follow each cycle of chemotherapy are the most troublesome side effect experienced by cancer patients. Introduction of ondansetron was a definite therapeutic advance in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (C1NV) with more effectiveness with corticosteroids. However, the protection remained largely limited to acute phase of CINV with little or no effect over delayed phase. Aprepitant, a drug that antagonizes the effect of substance P on neurokinin type 1 receptor showed promising results in controlling both phases of CINV. This drug is well absorbed orally with a tmax of about four hours. The addition of aprepitant to ondansetron and dexamethasone was found to be superior to ondansetron and dexamethasone alone in clinical trials with patients taking high and moderate emetogenic chemotherapy. This drug also showed a good safety profile, but its inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 may result in clinically significant drug interactions needing dose modifications of co-administered drugs. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for CINV recommends the use of aprepitant with high and moderately emetogenic anticancer drugs. Results of ongoing clinical trials with aprepitant and other agents of this new class of antiemetics are awaited and may alleviate the sufferings of cancer patients,

1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

008288   Alagesaboopathi C (Biotechnology Dep, Pee Gee College of Arts and Science, Periyanahalli-635 205) : Herbo mineral availability in some rare and endemic therapeuticall important species of Andrographis Wall. in Tamil Nadu. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 427-9.

Various herbo minerals in (he leaves of four species of Andrographis, cultured in the Shevaroy Hills, Pachamalais, Kunjamalai Hills and Salem showed variable values. Sodium was in trace amounts in all the samples. Besides demonstrating the inherent differences in the ability of various species in nutrient element absorption, the result also suggest that the uptake of individual elements was independent of others.

3 tables, 11 ref

007320   Wu Z B;Zhang S H;Wu X H;Cheng S P;He F (State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430 072, China, Email: wuzb@ihb.ac.cn) : Allelopathic interactions between Potamogeton maackianus and Microcystis aeruginosa. Allelopathy J 2007, 20(2), 327-38.

Allelopathic interactions between Potamogetorl maackianus and toxic cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) were studied. P. maackianus inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa, both in a coexistence culture system and in exudates experimental culture system. M. aeruginosa also showed effects on the secondary metabolic biosynthesis and secreting behavior of P. maackianus. The main lipophilic components of the hexane extracts and the exudates from the macrophyte were analyzed through GC-MS determination. The lipophilic components of the hexane extracts and the exudates from P. maackianus were influenced by M. aeruginosa or their released chemicals. Comparing the lipophilic constituents of the hexane extracts with those in the exudates, the results showed that weak polar compounds contained in the macrophytes can be secreted into the surrounding water. Many compounds, such as N-phenyl-2-naphthalenamine and isopropyl myristate, were detected both in the hexane extracts and the exudates. The changes of lipophilic components in the hexane extracts would be a response to the stress of toxic cyanobacteria or their released toxins. Those changes of exudates, especially the increased content of N-phenyl-2ªnaphthalenamine, might also be an induced defensive behavior mediated by the released toxins from M. aeruginosa. The study results about reciprocal allelopathic responses between macrophytes and cyanobacteria can help in the management of eutrophic waters, and is also important information concerning strategies for recovering eutrophic wates.

5 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

007319   Thomas P (Biotechnology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560 089, Email: piousts@yahoo.co.in) : Isolation and identification of five alcohol-defying Bacillus spp. covertly associated with in vitro culture of seedless watermelon. Curr Sci 2007, 92(7), 983-7.

Five distinct bacterial clones (3 X WMARB-l to 5) were isolated from the spent alcohol used for tool-disinfection during the subculturing of apparently clean, longterm micro propagated triploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultures that harboured bacteria in covert form. The isolates belonged to aerobic, Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacilli. Four of these were identified as Bacillus fusiformis (3 X WMARB-2), B. pumilus (3 X WMARB-3), B. subtilis (3 X WMARB-4) and B. flexus (3 X WMARB-5) through 16S rDNA sequence analysis (approx. 1450 bp), while isolate 3 X WMARB-l was identified through fatty acid profiling as B. megaterium. These as well as other spore-forming organisms that were employed as control (B. thuringiensis and Brevibacillus sp.) showed survival in 70% or absolute alcohol from overnight to several days, while nonspore forming checks, including Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pantoea, Sphingomonas, Agrobacterium spp. and Gram-positive Microbacterium sp. were killed within a few minutes. The alcohol tolerance property of Bacillus spores proved to be a threat to plant tissue cultures owing to the likelihood of unsuspected lateral spread of contamination through inadequately flamed tools when alcohol is used as a sterilant, compounded by their covert survival in tissue-culture medium, and in general microbiology, wherever alcohol is used as a surface disinfectant.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

007318   Swetha Priya R;Minaz Khimani A;Subramanian R B (Lab No. 103, B R D School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vadtal - Bakrol Road, V.V. Nagar, Anand-388 120, Email: bagsubbs@yahoo.com) : Characterization of fusarium wilt-resistant and susceptible varieties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) through random amlified polymorphic DNA markers. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 87-95.

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp zingiberi (FOZ) is one of the most important pathogens of ginger. Infection by FOZ is difficult to control since the fungus can grow saprophytically in the absence of the host. Conventional breeding methods for selection of disease resistant varieties are lengthy and cumbersome. Bioassays in vitro and in vivo were performed to assess different degrees of sensitivity of eight varieties of ginger. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of genomes from the eight ginger varieties, using 15 different primers was performed to verify the DNA polymorphism. Five primers showed no polymorphic profiles, eight primers gave polymorphic bands and two primers produced highly specific polymorphic bands allowing us to obtain RAPD profiles typical of the most resistant or susceptible varieties. The RAPD pattern is correlated to the sensitivities of the ginger varieties to the pathogen as observed in the bioassays. Cloning and sequencing the most interesting polymorphic DNA fragment revealed 60% homology with putative reverse transcriptase in chickpea and Lotus plane tree, which was linked with resistance. This is the first report of a RAPD marker linked to resistance against fusarium yellows in ginger. Fungal culture filtrate, in vitro and in vivo bioassays, molecular markers, reverse transcriptase, resistant varieties.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

007317   Singh V P;Kedia V K;Mohanta H S (Applied Microbiology Lab, Botany Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: vpsingh_biology@rediffmail.com) : Differential expression of thermophilic phosphatases in the wild type and auxotrophic mutant strains of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 81-5.

In the wild type strain (stock no. 1227) of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, all phosphatase isoenzymes (three alkaline - AlpI, AlpII and AlpIII, and one acidic - Acp) are present. However, the auxotrophic mutants, the strains 1286 (thi), 1279 (nic, ura) and 1278 (thi, ura) exhibited two alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes (AlpII and AlpIII), but AlpI was lacking. In the strain 1261 (nic, thi), only AlpIII was expressed, and AlpI and AlpII isoenzymes were missing. The results suggest that the strains, which require either thiamine (1286 and 1278) or nicotinamide (1279) for their growth, were AlpI^-1 mutants; and the strain (1261), which requires both thiamine and nic-otinamide for its growth, was AlpI^-1 AlpII^-1 double mutant. There was no direct correlation between uracil auxotrophy and the expression of phosphatases. The uniform expression of AlpIII and Acp in all the strains, irrespective of their nutrient requirements, suggest that these constitutive phosphatases are species-specific. The specific activities of the thermophilic acid and alkaline phosphatases were maximum in the wild type strain (1227) of T. vulgaris. The next in phosphatase activity was the strain 1279 (an AlpI^-1 mutant), followed by their decrease, in order, in the strains 1286 and 1278 (which were also AlpI^-1 mutants); while least activity of these enzymes was observed in the obligate thermophile strain 1261 (AlpI^-1 /AlpII^-1 double mutant).

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

007316   Singh A;Boora K S;Chaudhary K (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: kamlac@hau.ernet.in) : Effect of different additives on the persistence and insecticidal activity of native strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 42-5.

The persistence and insecticidal activity of native strains of Bacillus thllringiensis was evaluated in formulations containing different additives such as arrow-root powder, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), gum acacia, non-food grade (NFG) starch, and soluble starch. Persistence of B. thuringiensis varied with different additives used in the formulations. Among the different additives used, NFG starch provided maximum protection to B. thuringiensis and native strain 42 showed maximum persistence (83%) which was higher than that obtained in commercial formulation. In commercial formulation, the persistence of B. thuringiensis was 47% only after 3 d of spray. The feeding trials conducted on second instar larvae of H. armigera using leaves sprayed with NFG starch formulation revealed 70% larval mortality while commercial formulation showed 50% mortality during the same period.

2 tables, 12 ref

007315   Selvakumar G;Gopalaswamy G;Arulmozhiselvan K (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: gselva74@rediffmail.com) : Design and development of a simple laboratory model to detect <. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 30-3.

Laboratory scale working model that could detect the ¹⁵N enrichment in cyanobacterial biomass and extracellular ammonia, using ¹⁵N gas under in vitro conditions was designed and fabricated. Using the model, ¹⁵N enrichment of 0.48% atom excess was detected in the cyanobacterial biomass on the 30 d after inoculation. The ¹⁵N enrichment increased linearly in the extracellular ammoniacal fraction from the 20 d onward. The model would prove to be a useful tool to quantify the extent of ¹⁵N enrichment under in vitro conditions using ¹⁵N gas.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

007314   Ramesh G;Vamshi Vishnu Y;Kishan V;Madhusudan Rao Y (Centre for Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009, Email: ymrao123@yahoo.com) : Influence of penetration enhancers on in vitro permeation of carvedilol across rat abdominal skin. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 62-9.

The aim of the investigation was to study the effect of penetration enhancers on the in vitro permeation of carvedilol across excised rat abdominal skin and to select suitable penetration enhancer. Terpenes menthol, camphor, d-limonene and carvone; surfactants, Transcutol and Labrasol at 5% w/v, were used as penetration enhancers in the study. Skin permeation studies were conducted in Franz diffusion cells using excised rat abdominal skin. Solutions containing 5% w/v camphor showed maximum permeation (451.20 μg?) in 24 hr with a flux of 5.23 μg/hr/cm² and was significantly different (p<60>0.05) to flux obtained with other permeation enhancers. Control (phosphate buffer saline, pH 7.4 containing 40% v/v polyethylene glycol) sample showed lowest permeation (59.18 μg?), with a flux of 0.67 ig?/hr/cm². The flux of carvedilol obtained from the solutions containing camphor, Transcutol, d-limonene, carvone, Labrasol and menthol (5% w/v) were 7.81, 7.26, 6.52, 5.91, 4.21 and 2.28 times higher than that observed with control, respectively. The flux obtained with camphor was significantly higher (p<60>0.05) than the fluxes obtained with other penetration enhancers. The study suggests that camphor, Transcutol and d-limonene at 5% w/v level may be used as penetration enhancers in the development of transdermal drug delivery systems. Carvedilol , Terpenes , Transcutol, Labrasol, Rat skin.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

007313   Priya P;Venkatachalam P;Thulaseedharan A (Biotechnology Div, Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam-686 009, Email: priyaaswathy@yahoo.com) : Molecular cloning of rubber elongation factor protein cDNA from Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. and its heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and Nicotiana tabacum. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1077-9.

3 illus, 16 ref

007312   Prasad S;Raj J;Bhalla T C (Biotechnology Dep, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005, Email: bhallatc@rediffmail.com) : Bench scale conversion of 3-cyanopyidine to nicotinamide using resting cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous PA-34. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 34-41.

Nitrile hydratase (NHase, EC 3.5.5.1) activity of Rhodochrcus rhodochrous PA-34 was explored for the conversion of 3-cyanopyridine to nicotinamide. The NHase activity (<126>18 U/mg dry cell weight, dcw) was observed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 containing 1 M 3-cyanopyridine as substrate, and 0.75 mg of resting cells (dry cell weight) per ml reaction mixture at 40°C. However, 25°C was more suitable for prolonged batch reaction at high substrate (3-cyanopyridine) concentration. In a batch reacªtion (1 liter), 7M 3-cyanopyridine (729 g) was completely converted to nicotinamide (855 g) in 12h at 25°C using 9.0 g resting cells (dry cell weight) of R. rhodochrous PA-34.

7 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

007311   Paula F C;Cazetta M L;Monti R;Contiero J (Biochemistry and Microbiology Dep, Biological Sciences Institute, Sao Paulo State University-Unesp, 13506-900 - Av 24A, 1515 Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brasil) : Screening of supports for Kluyveromyces marxianus var. bulgaricus inulinase immobilization. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 34-40.

Some relatively low-cost supports were assessed for the immobilization of inulinase produced by the yeast strain Kluyveromyces marxianus var. bulgaricus. Crude enzyme in the culture supernatant was immobilized on various solid supports: activated carbon, diatomite, hen egg shell, Amberlite, porous silica and gelatin. The best performance was obtained in the gelatin-water support after treatment with glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking reagent, which showed an immobilization yield of 82.60% for inulinase specific activity.

3 tables, 24 ref

007310   Pandit S S;Mitra S;Giri A P;Pujari K H;Patil B P;Jambhale N D;Gupta V S (National Chemical Laboratory, Biochemical Sciences Div, , Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Pune-411 008, Email: vs.gupta@ncl.res.in) : Genetic diversity analysis of mango cultivars using inter simple sequence repeat markers. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1135-41.

With 33 polymorphic Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (1SSR) markers, genetic diversity among 70 mango cultivars and a distant outgroup was analysed. Clustering was done using Dice and Jaccard coefficients with bootstrapping. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Euclidean distances. Among the total 420 bands, 408 were polymorphic. Probability that any ISSR fragment is shared by two different cultivars was calculated to be 2.54 x 10^-1. Non-Indian mango cultivars were found genetically diverged from Indian mango germ pool. No separation was observed between North Indian and South Indian cultivars. Twelve different cultivar-specific bands were detected for six cultivars, which approved the effectiveness of ISSR markers in mango genetic diversity analysis.

2 tables, 21 ref

007309   Naumann A;Navarro Gonzalez M;Sanchez Hernandez O;Hoegger P J;Kues U (NO, Georg-August-University Gottingen Busgen-Institute, Section Molecular, Busgenweg 2, D-37077 Gottingen, Email: ukuees@gwdg.de ) : Correct identification of wood-inhabiting fungi by ITS analysis. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 41-61.

Established ITS sequences from 20 strong wood degraders from different fungal genera and from 15 strains of the coprini which are occasionally found on wood. These sequences were used in blast searches to evaluate their species identity. ITS sequences confirmed for 25 strains previous morphological species determination. ITS sequences from Coprinopsis scobicola were determined for the first time from DNA of two different strains. Finally, eight strains were found assigned to a wrong species or assignments were uncertain. Presents problems encountered in fungal identification by molecular data, such as difficulties in previous morphological identification, occurrence of contaminations or mixing-up of strains in fungal culture collections, and wrong entries in the NCBI GenBank sequence dataset. A long-term target of ITS sequencing of wood-inhabiting fungi is to establish a specific database that can be either used for blast searches in ITS barcoding for species identification. Presents studies ITS barcoding of coprini.

7 illus, 2 tables, 55 ref

007308   Mishra V;Prasad D N (Biotechnology Dep, Mody Institute of Technology and Science, Lakshmangarh, Sikar (Raj.)-332 311, Email: vijendra_mishra@rediffmail.com) : Freeze drying and storage studies of probiotic lactobacillus casei strains. Indian J Dairy Sci 2007, 60(4), 248-52.

Three strains of Lactobacillus casei, known to posses probiotic attributes were grown in three different skim milk based media. Medium containing skim milk (50%), tryptone (1%) and glucose (0. 7%) was selected for further study. The strains of L. casei were stored in vacuum packed laminated aluminum foil at 5±1øC for 90 days. Among all three strains, strain Y showed maximum freeze resistance. After 90 days, the counts were more than 8.0 log cfu/ml for all strains in media with monosodium glutamate (0.5% in skim milk) as cryoprotective agent and more than 6.0 log cfu/ml in media without cryoprotective agent. The Scanning Electron Micrographs revealed thick coating on cell as well as damage to cells. Multiple cracks were observed in cell walls while in certain cases lysis of cells was observed.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

007307   Manvender Singh;Tyagi P K;Shruti (Molecular Genetics Research Lab, Biotechnology Dep, N.C. College of Engineering, Israna, Panipat-132 107, Email: pktgenetics@gmail.com) : Desiccation tolerance and starvation resistance exhibit opposite altitudinal cline in Indian populations of Drosophila immigrans. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 106-11.

Altitudinal variations in desiccation tolerance and starvation resistance in D. immigrans populations are organized into adaptive clines. D. immigrans populations are characterized by increase in desiccation while starvation decreases and such opposite clines match climatic conditions. Regression analysis helps in explaining such adaptations. Upto now, there is no detailed data on altitudinal clines in Drosophila species and populations. Present data on genetic differentiation in D. immigrans populations evidence that such geographical clines are adaptive and maintained due to environmental gradients along the altitude.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

007306   Kumar A;Tripathi V;Pushpangadan P (Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: anil_kumar34@hotmail.com) : Random amplified polymorphic DNA as marker for genetic variation and identification of Senna surattensis Burm, f. and Senna sulfurea DC. ex collad.. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1146-50.

RAPD analysis was carried out to assess the authentic identification as well as to solve the taxonomic problems between 5. surattensis and S. sulfurea. Amplification with 10-mer primers was performed under pre-standardized condition of 38 accessions along with Senna occidentalis, Cassia fistula, Senna tora and Senna siamea collected from different mixed populations. Out of sixty primers utilized, fifty-four were successful in amplification and among them one was species-specific. The results demonstrate the ability of RAPD markers to reliably differentiate between S. surattensis and S. sulfurea.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

007305   Katoch P (NO, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Noida-201 303, Email: parul.katoch@gmail.com) : Bacterial batteries. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 93.

^ssc1 ref

007304   Jaiswal M;Rangan L (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: latha_rangan@yahoo.com) : Context sequence for transcription factors surrounding start codon in model crops. Curr Sci 2007, 93(2), 215-8.

Context of consensus sequences surrounding start codons was determined for two model crops, viz. Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa that have well-characterized transcription factor databases. Arabidopsis exhibits AT-richness, whereas Oryza exhibits GC-richness upstream and downstream of the start codon. The percentage of pyrimidines considered as poor context at -3 positions is conserved in both the taxa. Positional analysis of di-nucleotide that is crucial for translational fidelity and efficiency was determined statistically and the results indicate a non-significant bias.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

007303   Fu Z;Liu H;Yang Z;Ju H (Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Chemistry Dep, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China, Email: hxju@nju.edu.cn) : Recent development in multianalyte immunoassay. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 1-17.

Multianalyte immunoassay has gained increasing attention due to its high sample throughput, short assay time, low sample consumption and reduced overall cost per assay. Most of the current developed approaches for multianalyte immunoassay are based on spatial-resolved, multilabel or separation mode. Reviews the progress of multianalyte immunoassay and its applications in different fields with 90 references. The outlook of this promising technique has been discussed.

^iia6 illus, 90 ref

007302   Dhandhukia P C;Thakkar V R (Lab No. 302B, BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Sardar Patel Maidan, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Post Box No. 39, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: vasuthakkar@gmail.com) : Significant medium components for enhanced jasmonic acid product by Lasiodiplodia theobromae using Plackett-Burman design. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 79-86.

Plackett-Burman design and statistical screening was employed to optimize medium components for jasmonic acid production by Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The seven medium components malt extract, sucrose, NaNO₃, yeast extract, FeSO₄ 7H₂O, MnSO₄ H₂O, and MgSO₄ 7H₂O were screened using a Plackett-Burman design to optimize medium component for Jasmonic acid production using L. theobromae. When sucrose was used alone as a carbon source with these medium components, the jasmonic acid production was found to be 80 mg/l. Increase in jasmonic acid production (225.3 mg/l) was observed with augmentation of malt extract and changing other medium components concentration based on statistical screening. It was found that malt extract, sucrose, NaNO₃, MnSO₄ 7H₂O, and MgSO₄ 7H2O were significant components influencing jasmonic acid production. Yeast extract and FeSO₄ 7H₂O also showed significantly negative effect on the jasmonic acid production. Therefore significantly positive factors could be increased and significantly negative factors could be decreased for higher jasmonic acid production.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

007301   Bharani Kumar S T;Dilbaghi N;Ahlawat S P S; Mishra B;Tantia M S;Vijh R K (NO, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal-132 001) : Characterization of myostatin gene and identification of SNPs for diversity analysis. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 70-8.

Sequenced the complete Myostatin gene with 3 exons, two introns, promoter region, 5' and 3' UTR region. Sequenced the entire gene by designing a set of 20 primers. Ten individuals from 5 breeds of Indigenous chicken were sequenced and the sequences obtained were aligned to develop a consensus sequence. Compared the sequences obtained among themselves, with Red Jungle Fowl and Chinese fowl. Estimated three genetic distances and constructed the phylogenetic tree using NJ method. The indigenous chicken joined together first followed by Red Jungle Fowl while the Chinese fowl was distinct. The indigenous gene sequence was similar among the various chicken breeds and might have been evolved from RJF following a separate course than the evolution of Chinese chicken.

3 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

006203   Nagori R;Vyas S;Purohit S D (Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: sdp_56@hotmail.com) : Greenhouse growth and nursery performance of tissue culture raised plantlets of Achras sapota var. Cricket ball. Indian J Hort 2007, 64(2), 202-6.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

005284   Srinubabu G;Lokeswari N;Jayaraju K (Center for Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: srinubabuau6@gmail.com) : Screening of nutritional parameters for the production of protease from Aspergillus oryzae. E J Chem 2007, 4(2), 208-15.

Production of protease enzyme by fungus Aspergillus oryzae was investigated. The proteolytic activity was observed when the fungus was grown in the medium containing glucose, malt extract, yeast extract, peptone, K₂HPO₄ MgSO₄ and FeSO₄. The present paper describes the screening of media components and fermentation conditions in shake flask. The organism utilized carbon sources glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, dextrin and starch among them glucose was found to be the best carbon source, for nitrogen sources various inorganic and organic media components were investigated among them peptone is found to be the best nitrogen source. 1% cottonseed followed by 2% Soya bean meal was found to be the best inducer. With optimized media two-fold Increase in the protease production. The fungus growth depends on the concentration of carbon, nitrogen and salt solution, where as the enzyme production was also influenced by the culture time, pH and interaction between these two variables.

3 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

005283   Srinu Babu G;Shiva Kiran R R;Lokeswari N;Jaya Raju K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Center for Biotechnology, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 0003, Email: srinubabuau6@gmail.com) : Optimization of protease production from Aspergillus oryzae sp. using box-behnken experimental design. E J Chem 2007, 4(2), 145-53.

Protease production by Aspergillus oryzae was optimized in shake-flask cultures using Box-Behnken experimental design. An empirical model was developed through response surface methodology to describe the relationship between tested variable (peptone, glucose, soyabeanmeal and pH). Maximum enzyme activity was attained with Peptone at 4 g/L; temperature at 30 °C glucose at 6 g/L; 30 °C and pH at 10. Experimental verification of the model showed a validation of 95%, which is more than 3-fold increase compare to the basal medium.

3 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

005282   Lokeswari N;Jaya Raju K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Center for Bio-Technology, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: lokeswarin@hotmail.com) : Optimization of gallic acid production from terminalia chebula by Aspergillus niger. E J Chem 2007, 4(2), 287-93.

A method for producing gallic acid by microbiological hydrolysis of the tannins of myrobalan seed powder is described in the present work. Hydrolysis of gallotannins of the substrate to gallic acid by Aspergillus niger MTCC 282 was studied. A simple extraction procedure is used. Fungal mycelia pre-induced with 5 g/L gallotannin was used as inoculums. Optimal conditions of production were determined using various parameters including gallotannin concentration, nutritional source and metal ions are determined. Gallotannin is hydrolyzed with acid, and gallic acid in the hydrolyses is then assayed using rhodanine. This method is very specific: no interferences from other plant phenolics, including ellagic acid and condensed tannin, have been observed. The yield of gallic acid with respect to gallotannins present in the substrate is estimated. Yields of gallic acid are about 74% with respect to gallotannin concentration, which suggests that this method is exploitable industrially for the manufacturing trimethoprim drug.

4 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

005281   Karthikeyan K;Ajikumaran S N;Subramoniam A (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode, Trivandrum district, Kerala State-695 562) : Anticancer and apoptosis induction properties of apium graveolens seeds. Biomedicine 2006, 26(3-4), 47-53.

Based on traditional medicinal use Apium graveolens seed was selected to evaluate its anti-cancer property with special reference to apoptosis induction, if any. When the water, alcohol and hexane extracts of the dried powder of the plant seeds were tested for cytotoxicity to Dalton's Lymphoma Acitic (DLA) cells in vitro using Trypan blue method, only the n-hexane extract showed significant activity at 500 μg/ml level. The extract induced apoptosis as evidenced by morphological changes. The cytotoxicity of this extract was found to be more to cancer cells (DLA) compared to normal cells (thymocytes and macrophages). An active chloroform fraction was separated from this extract. The active fraction at a dose of 200 mg/kg protected 75 % of the mice challenged with 1 X 106 DLA cells whereas all untreated control mice died of cancer. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) on silica gel further separated this anticancer fraction into 2 cytotoxic components. One of them was identified as a steroid positive component whereas the other was an alkaloid positive component. The steroid component induced apoptotic cell death while the other component induced necrotic cell death. These components are attractive materials for further studies leading to possible anti-cancer drug development.

1 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

005280   Chandru H;Sharada A C (Studies in Biochemistry Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-57006, Karnataka) : Simple and rapid methods for the analysis of captopril in dosage forms. E J Chem 2007, 4(2), 216-21.

Two indirect methods are described for the micro determination of captopril using hexacyanoferrate (III) as reagent. The reaction used for titrimetry proceeds at room temperature and will be complete in 10 minute with a stoichiometry of 1:1 with respect to the oxidant and captopril. The reaction product used for spectrophotometric determination shows the absorption maximum at 510 nm. The Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range 0.25-12.00 μg mL^-1, the molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity for the system being 9.14xl0³ L mol^-1 cm^-1 and 23.78 ng cm^-2, respectively. The limit of detection and quantification are found to be 0.08 and 0.26 μg mL^-1, respectively. Both procedures have been applied to the determination of captopril in tablets. The results have been statistically compared with those obtained by the official (BP) method.

3 tables, 35 ref

004438   Zargar S M;Theertha Prasad D (Biotechnology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bangalore) : Contribution of RAPD markers for the accumulation of total silicon in various plant parts of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 122-30.

Silicon is a major constituent of plant tissues, although not considered to be an essential nutrient, present in consistently high amounts in the terrestrial plants. Silicon has been found to be associated with various abiotic and biotic stress resistance mechanisms especially drought and blast disease in rice. A significant amount of variation was observed in the accumulation of silicon among 85 diverse rice genotypes under study in leaves at flowering and maturity stage as well as in rice grains. A set of 74 RAPD markers that were polymorphic across the 85 diverse genotypes were scored. Single marker analysis (SMA) and stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA) was used to determine the extent of markers associated with silicon accumulation in rice. Among the various RAPD markers, SMA established association of four RAPD markers among which OPC14₁₉₀₀ alone contributes to 3.89% while in SMRA, OPD8₁₀₀₀ and OPC14₁₉₀₀ showed more than 11% contribution for silicon accumulation in leaves at flowering stage. For the accumulation of silicon in leaves at maturity stage, SMA established association of five RAPD among which OPD9₁₄₀₀ contributing 5.71% and SMRA revealed OPD9₁₄₀₀ contributing 6.74%. In SMA, OPE7₁₉₀₀, OPEl₇₀₀ and OPB8₁₂₅₀ contributed more than 18% towards silicon accumulation in rice grains. Taken together, our result suggests the existence of genotypic variation in silicon accumulation in rice genotypes and is also developmentally regulated and the markers identified here could be validated and used to determine their linkages with these traits on a segregating populations.

1 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

004437   Vinod Kumar;Satyanarayana K V;Ramakrishna A; Chandrashekar A;Ravishankar G A (Plant Cell Biotechnology Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-575 020, Email: pcbt@cftri.res.in) : Evidence for localization of N-methyltransferase (MMT) of caffeine biosynthetic pathway in vacuolar surface of Coffea canephora endosperm elucidated through localization of GUS reporter gene driven by NMT promoter. Curr Sci 2007, 93(3), 383-6.

Three N-methyltransferases (NMTs) are involved in the formation of caffeine from xanthosine. Authors have earlier cloned the promoter for one of the NMT genes. This study is focused on the localization of NMT in coffee endosperm cells. Constructs bearing the NMT promoter with and without the first exon were made in pCAM-BIA 1381. These constructs and pCAMBIA 1301 bearing the intron uidA gene driven by CaMV 35S promoter were electroporated into coffee endosperm and the activity of β-glucuronidase (GUS) localized. In tissues transformed with the construct containing promoter and first exon, enzymatic activity was localized on the outer surface of the vacuole. Interestingly, antibodies to the coffee NMT also specifically localized to the same region. In tissues bearing either the NMT-GUS construct without the first exon, or pCAMBIA 1301 with intron GUS, GUS activity was spread throughout the cytoplasm. The results suggest that NMT is targetted to external surface of the vacuole. It would be interesting to discover the localization of other enzymes involved in caffeine and chlorogenic acid biosynthesis for understanding their relationship, if any.

4 illus, 21 ref

004436   Vineesh V R;Padikkala J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala, Email: jpadikkala@rediffmail.com) : In vitro production of camptothecin through albino plants of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens. Amala Res Bull 2006, 26(Aug), 143-51.

Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens is a good source of camptothecin (CPT), an inhibitor of topoisomerase I in eukaryotic cells. In vitro propagation of spontaneously originated albino plant of O. rugosa var. decumbens, and the analysis of CPT with respect to the level of N^6- benzyladenine (BA) in comparison to the green (normal) plants in vitro were accomplished. Culture of leaf and internode explants excised from albino plants originated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 17.7 μM BA exhibited similar shoot induction frequency on MS medium with different levels of BA. Similar to normal plant-derived explants, MS medium with 17.7 μM BA was yielded the highest number of shoots (a mean of 171.8±5.19 leaf explants). The shoots developed on explants from albino plants incubated in light were all albinos (with white leaves and stems). Subsequent cultures on medium having the same level of BA did not result in green plants, which confirmed the stable nature of albinos. Comparative HPLC analysis of CPT in albino and green plants with respect to medium having the same level of BA exhibited higher amount of CPT in albinos. The albino plants grown on medium with 26.6 μM BA showed the highest production of CPT (1.04 mg/g DW) compared to that of green plants in vitro (0.311 mg/g DW). Cell and molecular level studies with respect to the higher production of CPT in albinos compared to green plants is useful to unravel the genes controlling albinism and the rate-limiting steps in CPT biosynthetic pathway.

4 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

004435   Shelke R R;Deshmukh V M (NO, , Hari Om Colony, Behind Hollywood Colony, Kathora Road, VMV Post, Amravati-444 604) : Computational analysis of DNA microarray data using datamining. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 321-4.

Traditional methods in molecular biology generally work on a "one gene in one experiment" basis which means that the throughput is very limited and the "whole picture" of gene function is hard to obtain. In the past several years, a new technology, called DNA microarray, has attracted tremendous interests among biologists. Researchers can now routinely investigate the biological molecular state of a cell measuring the simultaneous expression of tens of thousands of genes using DNA microarrays. In the present work , the datamining for such a DNA microarray data has been focused in greater details. To fulfill this need datamining technique has been developed. The 'cell slide images' have been processed to calculate different gene values in the particular slide which in turn maintain the database for cluster analysis and visualization which helps to compare database of DNA sample images for disease diagnosis . The diseases taken into consideration in the present work are cancer, hepatatis and diabetes.

2 illus, 17 ref

004434   Sharma P K (Biotech Lab, Training and Demonstration Centre, Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh).) : Effect of chemical supplementation on the yield and biological efficiency of Pleurotus sajor caju grown in three different lignocellulosic wastes in Chhattisgarh, India. Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 131-6.

In recent years the mushroom technology has traveled far a head. The domestication of various mushroom species has been tried globally, many of which are now commercially cultivated for food as well as medicinal purposes for an amateur and professional cultivator. The production of mushroom has become important factor, which does not promote the growers. The important priority of profession is to maximize the production of mushroom by using various techniques. Different concentration of carbon sources i.e. lactose (1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%), nitrogen sources i.e. peptone (1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%), inorganic chemicals i.e. Mgso₄ (1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%), vitamin sources i.e. vit. B-complex (100,200 and 300 mg/l) and growth promoter i.e. EDTA (0.1 %, 0.2% and 0.3%) were screened to determine the most suitable concentration for better yield of Pleurotus sajor caju. Three lignocellulosic agricultural waste material i.e. wheat straw, paddy straw and leman grass straw used for cultivation of Pleurotus sajor caju It was found that carbon source and inorganic chemical gave maximum yield and biological efficiency in 2.0% concentration in wheat straw. On that basis lactose and Mgso₄ were proved superior carbon source and inorganic chemical, respectively, peptone, the semisolid protein as nitrogen source gave maximum yield and biological efficiency in 3.0% concentration in lemon grass straw while in case of growth promoter it was observed maximum in 0.2% concentration in wheat straw, vitamin B-complex gave maximum yield and biological efficiency in 300-mg/l concentrations in wheat straw, among the three lignocellulosic agricultural wastes material used as substrate, best growth and high yield of Pleurotus sajor caju was obtained in wheat straw.

1 illus, 6 tables, 10 ref

004433   Seetharam R N;Sridhar K R (Anatomy and Structural Biology Dep, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA, Email: rneelavar@yahoo.com) : Nanotoxicity: threat posed by nanoparticles. Curr Sci 2007, 93(6), 769-70.

18 ref

004432   Sahoo S;Panda P K;Mishra S R;Tripathy A; Ellaiah P (Pharmaceutical Sciences University Dep, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 004) : Effect of some inhibitors on hyaluronidase production by Streptococcus mitis MTCC 2695 and Streptococcus equi SED 9 species. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 297-9.

Effects of some metal ions, some synthesized compounds and their derivatives with 2-aryl acenaphthimidazoles and their N-Mannich bases on optimum production of hyaluronidase was evaluated employing Streptococcus mitis MTCC <42>2695 and Streptococcus equi SED 9 by submerged fermentation. The maximum enzymatic activity was obtained with an initial pH (6 and 5.5), incubation temperature 37°^-, incubation time for 48 h and inoculum level (6 and 10 %) with inoculum age 24 h by Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus equi SED-9 respectively. The results indicated that metals like Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺ Mn²⁺, Ag⁺, Ni²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Cu²⁺ acted as strong inhibitors of the enzyme. N-Mannich bases of 2-aryl acenaphthimidazoles exhibited promising inhibitory activity.

14 ref

004431   Pandit M;Roy P (Biotechnology Dep, Burdwan Univ-713 104, ) : Study of planteeside - bionutrient on chemical and biochemical properties of soil. Int J chem Sci 2006, 4(3), 678-80.

In vitro studies of planteeside - bionutrient on soil parameters as well as soil bacteria and fungi have been investigated in Eastern Kolkata Region. Although chemical parameters like total organic matter (TOM) and total organic carbon (TOC) do not changes significantly in treated soil; however, agar diffusion method showed that this bionutrient suppressed growth of fungus and yeasts.

2 illus, 8 ref

004430   Okafor E C;Nwajei G E (Pure and Industrial Chemistry Dep, Nigeria Univ, Nsukka, (Nigeria)) : Heavy metals in water and fish (Synodontis membranaceus) from ora and ebe rivers in the vicinity of Nigerian cement factory, Nkalagu. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 185-92.

Water and Synodontis membranaceus samples collected from Ora and Ebe Rivers were analysed for heavy metal concentrations. Using atomic absorption spetrophotometry (Spectra AA-10 varian and Ernmission/absoption -200A). The metals concentrations obtained in water and Synodontis membranaceus in this study showed that there were no significant mean difference between water samples from Ora Rive and Ebe Rivers. There were metal variations due to seasonal changes. Metals analysed in Synodontis membranaceus revealed that lead, cadmium, nickel and cobalt were below detection limits in the intestine sample from Ebe River. Relationships between Synodontis membraneceus tissue from Ora River and Ebe River were presented. Also the relationships between metals Synodoutis membranaceus tissues were presented. These relationships showed variations of metals in head, muscle and intestine of Synodontis membranaceus from the two rivers. The concentration of metals such as lead, copper, manganese, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium in Synodontis membrananceus from Ora River exceeded those of Ebe River. Arsenic levels in Synodontis membranaceus in this study was found to have exceeded those levels (0.07-0.43 μg/g obtained from River Niger and Niger Delta areas of Nigeria. Concentrations Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn in Synodonti membranceus in this study were lower than those obtained from the Kuwait Coast (Cr 6.2-8.8, Cu 4.2-96.2, Fe 18.8-126.4 and Zn 7.6-81.3μg/g dry weight). Metals such as tin, cadmium, mercury and aluminium were found to be positively carrelated between river water and fish tissue from Ora River whereas inverse relationships were found for copper, chromium and zinc. Considering Ebe River, only chromium showed (p<60>0.01) relationship whereas lead manganese, iron, cadmium, chromium and cobalt were positively correlatated(p<60>0.01).

7 tables, 32 ref

004429   Mustafa M;Mallaiah B (Biotechnology Laboratory, University Arts and Science College, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 001) : In vitro morphogenesis from the callus cultures of Cucumis sativus L.. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(1), 7-8.

Gives morphogenetic responses of callus cultures of Cucumis sativus on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2.4-D, BAP and NAA. 2.5 mg/L BAP+0.5 mg/L NAA induced formation of maximum buds in Callus.

1 table, 10 ref

004428   Mehdiratta R;Saberwal G (NEN Wadhwani Centre for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, G-05, Tech Park Mall, ITPB, Whitefield Road, Bangalore-560 066, Email: ritu@ibab.ac.in) : Bio-business in brief: many a monoclonal. Curr Sci 2007, 93(6), 789-96.

Several monoclonal antibody are used as drugs. After facing various technical challenges, most of these drugs came to the market only after 1995. The list of approved drugs in the US (provided) and in Europe is largely similar. Two monoclonals have been brought out by Indian companies, and a few more are under development in India. The importance of patenting as a pre-requisite for drug discovery is highlighted. The problems being faced by Indian academic scientists in patenting their inventions and innovations, and the solutions proposed by DBT, New Delhi are pointed out. Patents important to the development of monoclonals as drugs are listed. The nature of patent claims is discussed with examples from prominent monoclonal patents. The manner in which the life of a patent may be extended is also discussed . The factors that go into a business decision on whether or not to develop monoclonal therapeutics are briefly outlined. Finally, the importance of branding -for a product or for a company - is also touched upon.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

004427   Meenakshi;Jitendra Singh (Biotechnology Dep, Sardar Bhagwan Singh Post Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences an, Balawala, Dehradun, Uttranchal-248 161) : Zinc mediated changes in growth, proline and cytoplasmic protein content in hydroponically grown mungbean (Vigna radiata cv. K-851) seed-lings. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(1), 97-9.

Munghean seedlings were grown hydroponically in Hoagland's media with varying zinc regimes. On the basis of morphological and biochemical parameters tested, 0.4, 10, and 100 mg/L zinc found to be optimum, supraoptimum and toxic to the 6 days old mungbean (Vigna radiata cv. K-851) seedlings, respectively. The increase in proline and decrease in protein contents with zinc treatment especially at zinc toxicity (100 mg/l, Zn) in photosynthetic organs (leaves and hypocotyls) reflect the more synthesis of stress amino acid proline synthetic site : chloroplasts. The maximum protein and least proline contents in the roots of mungbean seedlings subjected to zinc toxicity indicate towards the synthesis of zinc induced phytochelatins and so called stress related proteins.

3 tables, 16 ref

004426   Mangalagowri A;Mahalinga Nainar A (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007) : Invitro culture of mesenchymal stem cells from ovine amniotic fluid cells. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 237-8.

Fetal tissue engineering has emerged as a promising concept in surgical reconstitution of certain birth defects. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques, fetal tissue has been harvested, cultured and manipulated invitro and the resulting autologous cellular bioprosthesis is used for implantation shortly after birth. Thus far, this concept has been used sucessfully in animal experiments for the reconstruction of bladder, skin and diaphragmatic deformities. These preliminary reports are promising and harvesting fetal tissue and its culture could be a best source of stem cells with remarkable plasticity (Temple,2001).

1 illus, 11 ref

004425   Mangalagowri A;Mahalinga Nainar A (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007) : Cytogenetic analysis of leukemic cells in a dog. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 169-71.

Dog is a potential model to study chromosome aberrations in leukemic cells. Similar to man, dog with leukemia frequently have chromosomal abnormalities and analysing these changes may provide diagnostic prognostic therapeutic and aetiopathogenic information in a way not possible in other species. The chromosomal analysis in leukemic dogs and the evaluation of dog as an animal model for the study of leukemia have been discussed by Carol et al.,(1986).

2 illus, 5 ref

004424   Mandal A B;Thomas V A;Elanchezhian R (Biotechnology Section, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: amandal12@rediffmail.com) : RAPD pattern of Costus speciosus Koen ex. Retz., an important medicinal plant from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Curr Sci 2007, 93(3), 369-73.

Costus speciosus, an important medicinal plant species found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was collected from 14 localities through recurrent survey. RAPD-PCR analysis involving 12 decamer random primers was used to assesses the quantum of genetic variation at genomic level. Four primers showed appreciable intra-species variation or molecular polymorphism at amplicon levels. Despite morphological identity, a great deal of polymorphism was observed among the accessions. UPGMA analysis showed <126>35% variation in the collections, which is deemed to be useful in formulating sound conservation strategies for this precious medicinal plant species under the humid tropics of Bay Islands.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

004423   Kapewangolo Petrina T;Kanyomeka L;Chinsembu K;Chimwamurombe P M (Biology Dep, Namibia Univ, Private Bag 13301, 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, Windhoek (Namibia)) : Microsatellite analyses of the cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) accessions i n Namibia reveal low genetic diversity. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(1), 77-82.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important nitrogen-fixing grain legume crop grown for its protein rich grains and leaves that can be used as a vegetable delicacy. In times of drought, there are always severe cowpea losses. The major reason for the low cowpea yield in the dry areas of Namibia is poor choice of cultivars that are drought-tolerant. Current and previous research activities have aimed at improving yield by performing cultivar suitability trials. In this study, 28 domesticated cowpeas accession and one wild cowpeas accession were included and 17 microsatellite primer pairs were used with the objective of determining genetic diversity of wild and domesticated cowpeas of Namibia. One to three alleles per primer were detected. All data analysis was performed using the PRIMER5 program. Conclud that cowpea has low genetic diversity in Namibia and that geneflow exists between the wild and domesticated cowpeas in Namibia. This geneflow may have implications to wild cowpeas if GMO-domesticated cowpea were to be introduced into Namibia.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref