003442   Alagesaboopathi C;Shanthi J (Biotechnology Dep, Pee Gee College of Arts and Science, Periyanahalli-635 205) : Recombination percentage study of plasmid borne drug resistant Pseudomonas sp and drug sensitive Escherichia coli from hospital samples. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 803-6.

Samples were taken from subjects with burn wound infections and processed to isolate Pseudomonas sp and Escherichia coli. By direct microscopic, biochemical characterization and cultural conditions they were confirmed. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern test and drug resistant Pseudomonas sp and drug sensitive E. coli were selected plasmid pattern of both organisms were studied and by calcium chloride dry ice technique the plasmids from Pseudomonas were transferred to E. coli. by subjecting the transformants to antibiogram the plasmid borne drug resistance was proved and percentage of transformation was calculated as 70%. In the laboratory media genetic recombination was achieved as natural and was confirmed by antibiotic resistance in recombinant cells. The recombination frequency was calculated to be 42.68%.

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003441   Ahmed John S;Packialakshmi N (Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Botany Post Graduate and Resea, Jamal Mohamed College, Trichirappali-620 020) : Antimicrobial activity of eudrilus euginae against pathogenic microbes. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 835-7.

Antimicrobial activity of vermiextract was assessed against four human pathogenic microorganisms. Especialy strains of Proteus species are a prominent cause of urinary tract infection in children. Proteus strains are usually seen in hospital patients, particularly in elderly males. A variety of other infections like surgical wounds or bedsores occur in hospitals are usually considered to be originated from the gut flora. Proteus species may provoke the formation of calculi (stones) in the urinary tract. The present investigation deals with particular urinary tract pathogenic organisms like E. coli., Proteus, Providencia, Morganella species. Screening was performed by disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition ranges from 15mm to 20mm against 1.0 X 10⁸ cells of each culture at 1 mg concentration of vermiextract, Vermiextract was most effective against Proteus species.

2 tables, 3 ref

002311   Shivakumar B S;Manjunath R;Chandrashekhar; (Biotechnol Dep, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065) : Biocontrol of fusarium infected Coleus using enriched compost. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 589-92.

Greenbouse study was conducted to test the biocontrol efficacy of compost enriched with Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus awamori on Fusarium infected Coleus plants. Disease index recorded at regular intervals of 30 days revealed that treatment comprising of Aspergillus awamori (10⁴ spores /ml), Trichoderma harzianum (10⁴ spores/ml), Glomus mosseae (30g soil inoculum) (40 spores 10g soil) and Compost (4g/kg soil) protected the plants with minimum disease index (14.910% at the harvest). Plant growth parameters, biomass, nutrient content and soil enzyme activities at the rhizosphere of plants also recorded maximum in the above treated plants. Dual inoculated plants performed better and showed significantly lower disease incidence compared to singly inoculated plants. There was a direct correlation between mycorrbizal spore number and colonization. Maximum disease index (64.96%) was recorded in untreated control plants.

2 tables, 20 ref

002310   Saharan M S;Naef A;Kumar J;Tiwari R (Directorate of Wheat Res, , Karnal-132 001, Email: mssaharan7@yahoo.co.in) : Characterization of variability among isolates of Fusarium graminearum associated with head scab of wheat using DNA markers. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 230-5.

Head scab of wheat caused by Fusarium species is characterized by bleaching of the wheat spike, shrivelled kernels and accumulation of mycotoxins which may cause various ailments in humans and animals. Understanding the variability of the fungal population associated with head scab could improve disease control strategies. RAPD was used to study genetic variation in 15 isolates of Fusarium graminearum, collected from naturally infected wheat from Punjab, Tamil Nadu and high ranges of Himachal Pradesh during 2000-02. A screening of sixty-one l0-mer oligonucleotide primers (OPAA 1-20, OPAC 1-20, OPAD 1-20, OPV 14), revealed 19 RAPD primers which produced strong and reproducible DNA amplicons by PCR. The amplification products were in the range of 300 bp to 1.2 kb. Maximum number of bands (11) was obtained with primer OPAD 12 followed by ten bands with OPAA 12. Punjab isolates of F. graminearum from Gurdaspur (G 31) and Ludhiana (L23) were found genetically most similar (91.38%), whereas Wellington isolates of F. graminearum (W 5 and W 7) were found genetically most dissimilar (14.92%). Cluster analysis of band-sharing coefficients separated isolates of F. graminearum into four clusters. Lahaul valley isolates of F. graminearum (D 3, D 4 and D 5) grouped together (Group I), while F. graminearum isolates of Punjab (G 31 and L 23) formed a separate group (Group II). F. graminearum isolates of Wellington, viz. W 1, W 2, W 5 and 3, W 4, W 6, W 8 clustered in groups III and IV respectively.

2 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

002309   Mehta D P;Shodhan K;Modi R I;Ghosh P K (Biotechnol Dep, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 342 Nani Kadi, Kadi-382 715, Email: pghosh@cadilapharma-co.in) : Sodium hyaluronate of defined molecular size for treating osteoarthritis. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 209-12.

Sodium hyaluronate has been widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Presentes the process of preparation of sodium hyaluronate of tailored molecular size with desired physico-chemical characteristics from bulk natural sodium hyaluronate, where the bulk material is obtained by extracting it from rooster combs. The physico-chemical properties of the bulk sodium hyaluronate and its various tailored fractions were studied. The bulk sodium hyaluronate was hydrolysed by steam under pressure, with variations in the process parameters, to attain the desired molecular size. The size reduced sodium hyaluronate in the form of 1% solution in phosphate butTer had excellent rejuvenating effectsdministered as intra-articular injection in osteoarthritis. More than 1500 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee have been treated with satisfactory results.

3 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

002308   Beebi K;Chandana Lakshmi M V V;Sridevi V; Elizabeth K M;Chaitanya K V K (Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology) Dep, Andhra Univ, College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Bioconcentration of Nickel ions from single metal aqueous solutions by bacteria. Indian J envir Prot 2007, 27(1), 75-80.

Attempt was made to remove nickel using live bacterial cultures from single metal aqueous solutions. Treated and untreated effluent, soil and sludge samples were collected from selected points of Chrome plating unit located at Visakhapatnam. The collected samples were analyzed for physico-chemical quality and used for isolation of nickel tolerant bacteria. The isolated bacteria was mass cultured and used for the removal of nickel. A special staining mechanisms was used to observe the concentration of the metal within the cells. The culture was identified with its morphological and cultural characteristics. Morphologically distinct strains of bacteria, isolated from media containing 100 mg/L nickel, were shown to be capable of concentrating nickel. The result obtained from the bacterial studies showed that the live bacterial biomass of gram positive Bacilli, Diplo cocci, and Pseudomonas species has the potential to remove nickel from single metal solution. The maximum biomass production was attained after five day in the absence of nickel but after nine day in the presence of nickel. This indicates that the bacteria have an intrinsic ability to absorb nickel from solutions.

3 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

001433   Vinod Kumar;Satyanarayana K V;Ramakrishna A; Chandrashekar A;Ravishankar G A (Plant Cell Biotechnology Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 020) : Delivery of N-methyltransferase and 11S globulin promoters of Coffea canephora Pex fr. by tissue electroporation and analysis of transformational events. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 77-81.

A tissue electroporation system was optimized to deliver transgenes, and the expression of reporter gene driven by coffee N-methyltransferase (NMT) and 11S globulin promoters in somatic embryos of Coffea canephora was achieved. Plant transformation vector pCAMBIA 1301 was adopted for electroporation. Transient as well as stable expression of uidA gene was detected after electroporation using field strengths of 500 V/cm, 900 μF capacitance and 100 μg/ml of plasmid DNA. The efficiency of tissue electroporation was dependent on the type and developmental stage of the plant material. Spermidine treatment during electroporation increased transformation frequency twofold. Histochemical staining of GUS activity confirmed the expression of uidA gene in somatic embryos and endosperm tissues of C. canephora. Electroporation with pPCGB 959 (11S globulin promoter) resulted in 32% of explants showing GUS expression in endosperm tissues. The study demonstrated the ability of these promoters to drive the expression of the reporter gene. The results may be helpful for using these promoters to alter the expression of the NMT gene family through transcriptional gene silencing by RNA-directed DNA methylation, and also for using 11S globulin promoter for silencing NMT genes in a tissue-specific manner in transgenic coffee plants.

3 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

001432   Venkat Reddy P (Biotechnology Dep, Vaagdevi College of Engineering, Bollikunta, Warangal-506 005) : Chromosomes of Anchitrema sanguineum (Digenea : Dicrocoeliidae) (Sonsino 1894)Looss 1899. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(1), 21-4.

Anchitrema sanguineum is a common parasite of the Chameleon zeylanicus. The cytological studsy of parasites revealed the diploid number of chromosomes to be 2n - 20. First pair of chromosome is metacentric and remaining 9 pairs are telocentric. Observations reported here for the first time demonstrate the mitotic and meiotic charomosomes and delineate the morphology of spermatogonial metaphase chromosomes.

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001431   Varadarajan M;Guruchandran V;Nagarajan S M; Natarajan E;Punitha R;Geetha C;Ramya S (Biotechnology and Botany Dep, A.V.C. College, , Email: Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609 305) : Screening for the evaluation of antibacterial activity of Solanum nigrum L. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 79-81.

Ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol extracts of Solanum nigrum leaves were investigated individually for in vitro antibacterial activity by well diffusion method against Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus. High antibacterial activity was found in ethyl acetate leaf extracts, followed by other extracts. The results of this study indicate that the leaf extracts have more potential of antibacterial activity and is concentration dependant.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

001430   Varadarajan M;Guruchandran V;Nagarajan S M; Natarajan E;Deepa S;Sundaravalli M;Chandra Banu H (Biotechnology Dep, A.V.C College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609 305) : Response of nodal segments from Solanum trilobatum L. cultured in vitro in biopreserver. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 71-4.

Newly designed biopreserver (pyramid) was employed for in vitro culture of Solanum trilobatum L. a medicinal plant using nodal explants. High frequency of multiple shoots were noticed in cultures incubated in biopreserver than the cultures incubated in normal incubation room conditions. Maximum numbers of shoots were formed in MS-medium with 2-3mg/L of BAP.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

001429   Thomas S;Gangaprasad A;Joseph S (Botany Dep, St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry, Kottayam-686 101, Email: salvythomas@rediffmail.com) : Direct organogenesis in Enicostema axillare (lam.) raynal - an important medicinal herb. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 205-10.

Enicostema axillare (Lam.) Raynal is an important medicinal herb and is less distributed in Kerala State. It is widely used in various ayurvedic, ethnobotanical and local treatments. In vitro multiple shoots were obtained from leaf explants of Enicostema axillare (Lam.) Raynal on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with various concentrations of Benzyl Adenine (BA), Indole 3 butyric acid (IBA) and Indole -3- Acetic Acid (IAA). MS medium with 3.0 mg/l BA gave maximum number of shoots followed by IAA and IBA in 3.0 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l respectively. The shoots developed in vitro were rooted in MS medium supplemented with IBA1.0 mg/l gave maximum number of roots, followed by IAA and NAA at 1.0 and 0.5 mg/l concentrations respectively. Completely regenerated plants were successfully hardened and established in field.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

001428   Subramanian S;Shree Divya A N (Neurochemistry Dep, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore 560 029, Email: nimhans.kar.nic.in) : Expression, purification and characterization of a synthetic gene encoding human amyloid β (Aβ1-42) in Escherichia coli. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 71-5.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive function. Existing evidence indicates that abnormal processing and extracellular deposition of the longer form of the amyloid peptide Aβ(1-42), a proteolytic derivative of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. Active immunization with Aβ (1-42) has been shown to decrease brain Aβ deposition and improve cognitive performance in mouse models of AD. Sought to express the synthetic gene encoding Aβ in Escherichia coli to enable rapid production of the antigen and its purification. The synthetic gene has been constructed from six oligonucleotides by employing overlapping PCR strategy and expressed in E. coli using the T7 promoter system. The recombinant peptide has been purified to homogeneity by a single step Ni⁺² affinity chromatography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal anti-Aβ (1-42) sera confirms that the corresponding linear B-cell epitopic sequences are available for immunorecognition in the recombinant peptide. This methodology enables rapid, continuous production and purification in bulk amounts of human Aβ sequence by employing bacterial expression system.

001427   Shyam Prakash S R;Jayabaskaran C (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Cloning of two chickpea cDNAs encoding calcium-dependent protein kinase isoforms. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 72-7.

In plants, calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) constitute a unique family of enzymes consisting of a protein kinase catalytic domain fused to carboxy-terminal autoregulatory and calmodulin-like domains. Isolated two cDNAs encoding calcium-dependent protein kinases (CaCPKl and CaCPK2) from chickpea. cDNAs encoding the two isoforms share 55.2% identity at the nucleotide level and 51.1% identity at the amino acid level. CaCPKl and CaCPK2 predicted protein sequences are 556 and 540 amino acids in length with corresponding molecular weight of 62 and 61 kDa respectively. The CaCPKl possesses four EF-hands whereas CaCPK2 has three EF-hands. The predicted amino acid sequence of CaCPKl is highly homologous to Dacus carota CPK (84%) and CaCPK2 to Arabidopsis thaliana CPK7 (80%). Southern analysis showed that CaCPKl and CaCPK2 proteins are both encoded by single copy of genes in the chickpea genome.

3 illus, 35 ref

001426   Saravanan V;Nagarajan P;Karunanidhi T; Viruthagiri T (Chemical Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Bioconversion of cellulose to ethanol using mutant strain of Fusarium oxysporum. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 99-106.

Deals with development of mutant strain of fungi for studying enhanced productivity of ethanol from cellulose in batch fermentation. The filamentous fungus, cellulose utilizing Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC,Chandigarh) is known for its ability to produce ethanol by simulataneous saccharification and fermentation of cellulose The parental culture of Fusarium oxysporum was mutated using UV light. The influence of parameters, temperature, pH, initial substrate concentration and production on ethanol using five mutated strains of fungi under optimized conditions of temperature, pH,initial substrate concentration was found. Optimum temperature, inoculums and pH for mutant strain 2 were found to be30°C, and 4.5 respectively. The mutant strain 2 was found to be efficient to ferment at least 7% (w/v) concentration of substrate. The maximum production of ethanol of 15.02g/L was obtained using mutant strain 4 effected by 25 minutes of UV rays exposure. The kinetics of ethanol production using mutant strain 4 of fungi in batch fermentation under optimized conditions was carried out. The expermental data were used to simulate the various models to describe the kinetics of ethanol production. Monod mode was found to fit the data for batch growth kinetics and Leudeking-piret model was used for both product formation and substrate consumption kinetics. The kinetic parameters of all the models are used to stimulate the profile of biomass and product during the entire course of fermentation.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

001425   Ramalingam;Saraswathy N;Sadasivam S;Subha K; Poorani N (Biotechnology Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 006, Email: gobiram@rediffmail.com) : Purification and properties of α-galactosidase from white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 76-81.

Alpha-Galactosidase was strongly induced in the white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida by arabinose than its natural substrates and was purified to homogeneity by acetone precipitation, ultrafiltration and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The enzyme was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of @ 99 kDa, as revealed by native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. α-Galactosidase was optimally active at 55°C for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-α-galactopyranoside (PNPaG) and lost its 20% and 50% of original activity in 30 min at 60°C and 70°C, respectively. The pH optimum of the enzyme was between 4.6 and 5.0. It was stable in a wide pH range (pH 4.0 to 9.0) at 55°C for 2 h. The Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. Galactose, glucose, maltose and lactose also inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas N-bromosuccinimide treatment resulted in near total loss of acitivity. The K_m and V_max values of the enzyme for PNPaG were found to be 1.1 mM, and 77 mmol min^-1 mg^-1, respectively. α-Galactosidase immobilized in agar was more effective for the degradation of raffinose than in the sodium alginate. TLC results indicated its potential for the removal of raffinose and stachyose in soymilk.

001424   Poornima D;Shivamurthy G R (Studies in Botany Dep, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 006) : Multiple shoot induction in three woody ornamental climbers using nodal explants. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 89-90.

Micropropagation by axillary bud proliferation has proved to be the most reliable method for large scale production of plants. Multiple shoots were induced successfully on axillary meristems in Quisqualis indica, Tristellateia australis and Adenocalymma allicea using nodal explants on WPM supplemented with BAP, a potent cytokinin.

1 illus, 10 ref

001423   Nema S;Jain S K;Gehlaut B S;Sarkhel B C (Biotechnology Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh-482 004) : Vitrification of immature goat oocytes by solid surface vitrification technique. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(7) , 556-8.

The immature oocytes were vitrified by solid surface vitrification (SSV) technique. Oocytes were instantly vitrified with minimum quantity (1-2 μl) droplets of vitrification medium into a solid metallic surface, partially immersed into liquid nitrogen (LN₂).The recovered rate of normal oocytes after thawing, cumulus expansion and polar body observed in vitrified-thawed with cumulus (VTC) were significantly higher as compared to vitrified-thawed oocytes without cumulus (VTO). The rate of recovered normal oocytes after thawing were 40.23±2.56% and 22.66±1.84% in VTC and VTO group respectively. Similarly polar body observed in VTC and VTO groups were 32.18±2.88% and 15.33±3.05% respectively. However, the cumulus expansion in non-vitrified with cumulus (NVC) group was significantly higher than VTC group (58.73±4.79% vs 32.18±2.88%). In line with the values with the cumulus expansion, the polar body development was also significantly high in NVC group as compared to VTC group (57.14±4.64% vs 32.18±4.43%). The high rate of cryosurvival following vitrification by SSV method used in the present study may be due to high cooling rate, using the combination of microdrops and improved heat exchange achieved by direct contact with metal surface. The technique after further standardization can provide a steady source of materials for in-vitro embryo production " and embryo manipulation research.

1 table, 10 ref

001422   Mehta P S;Bhatt K C (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012) : Traditional soap and detergent yielding plants of Uttaranchal. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 279-84.

Transmission of traditional knowledge from one generation to another is a vital tool for assessing the evolution of human civilization. Rural communities, particularly in the hilly areas have developed various techniques for utilization of plants according to their needs. There are a number of plant species used as soap and detergent in the hilly areas, where access to market is not possible. Now, due to change in socioeconomic and cultural conditions of these communities, they have abandoned the traditional use of plant species. Consequently, the existing traditional knowledge in respect to plant uses has disappeared. In view of this, an attempt has been made to document the plant species used as soap and detergent in Uttaranchal and local processing techniques with an aim to preserve the centuries old traditions of the society.

001421   Manoj Kumar (Synthesis and Biotics Div, , Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Research and Development Centre, Faridabad-121 007, Email: manojupreti@rediffmail.com) : Improving polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation by genome shuffling. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 145-9.

Pseudomonas sp. DHT, isolated from the oil-contaminated soil, exhibited broad substrate profile for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) degradation but the rate of degradation was slow. Genome shuffling was used to improve the degradation of PAHs by strain DHT. Mutants obtained after recursive protoplast fusion (genome shuffling) show substantial improvement in ability to degrade representative PAH, dibenzothiophene in liquid media.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

001420   Kim Y S;Lim S;Choi Y E;Anbazhagan V R (NO, Research and Education Centre for Genetic Information, Nara Institute, Nara-630 0192,, Email: vrameshanbazhagan@yahoo.com) : High frequency plant viasomatic embryogenesis in Podophyllum peltatum L., an important source of anticancer drug. Curr Sci 2007, 92(5), 662-66.

Podophyllum peltatum (L.) is an important medicinal plant that produces podophyllotoxin with anti-cancer properties. In the present study, we report the establishment of plantlet regeneration of P. peltatum via somatic embryogenesis. Somatic embryos differentiated directly from cotyledon explants of zygotic embryos on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 21.6 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid after 8 weeks of culture. An embryogenic callus developed from cotyledon explants of somatic embryos on MS medium + 6.78 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid under continuous darkness after 6 weeks of culture. When the embryogenic callus was first grown on MS basal medium + abscisic acid (11.35 μM) for three weeks, followed by sub-culturing onto plain MS basal medium, it led to the development of high frequency somatic embryogenesis. Germination of cotyledonary somatic embryos was noticed on MS basal medium with the addition of 2.89 (μM gibberellic acid after two weeks. The germinated embryos grow into plantlets with well-developed roots. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized in soil. The present protocol can be widely used for micro-propagation and metabolic engineering.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

001419   Gope M L;Gope R (Biotechnology Dep, City College, Bangalore-560 070, Email: rgope@nimhans.kar.nic.in) : Topically applied EGF and PDGFs affect positively the co-ordinate expression of EGF and PDGF receptor genes during acute cuteneous wound-healing process. Curr Sci 2007, 92(5), 618-27.

Daily topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) individually resulted in approximately two- to threefold increase in EGF-R and α- and β-PDGF-R mRNA levels, and combinations of these growth factors produced a 2.5 to four-fold increase. Rapid attainment of maximum level of receptor mRNA on day one and its maintenance at comparatively higher level till day three appears to be essential for faster and better healing. PDGF-AA + EGF inhibited EGF-mediated increase in receptor mRNA levels when applied pre-mixed or within 30 min following EGF application. The results are also suggestive of the possible role of PDGF-AA during later stages of wound healing.

12 illus, 35 ref

001418   Garbyal S S;Grover A;Aggarwal K K;Babu C R (School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110 006, Email: kkagg36@yahoo.com) : Traditional phytomedicinal knowledge of Bhotias of Dharchula in Pithoragarh. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 360-4.

Bhotias of Dharchula sub-division in Kumaon, Uttaranchal in North India have been living in isolation for centuries. They have had strong bond with the nature. They have traditionally been dependent on nature for healthcare, as they did not have access to the modern medicinal facilites until about 1960s. No serious attempts were made to document the traditional phytomedicines used by Bhotias of Dharchula areas in the past. Present attempt is the ethnomedicinal survey to document the traditional phytomedicines used by them.

001417   Dongre A B;Bhandarkar M;Sawant R;Kharbikar L; Gajbhiye A (Biotechnology Laboratory, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Post Bag-2, Shankar Nagar P.O., Nagpur-440 010, Email: abdcicr@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity of cotton cultivars (Gossypium spp.) by ISSR and microsatellite markers. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 33-6.

Twenty-five selected germplasm belonging to C. hirsutum were subjected to DNA based microsatellite and ISSR analysis, with the major objective of characterization and assessment of genetic diversity at DNA level and to study the extent of genetic variation present among those accessions. The two-marker system microsatellite and ISSR markers were used to generate DNA profile of 25 genotypes of cotton, and each amplified DNA marker fragment was recorded. The results of cluster analysis indicated not only the separation of genotypes of the species (G. hirsutum) into separate groups, but also the separation of the genotypes among each group. The similarity coefficient based on ISSR and microsatellite markers analyses, ranged from 0.57 to 0.10 and 0.72 to 0.92, respectively, suggesting a considerable genetic variation between the cotton species studied.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

001416   Dhinakar Raj G;Chozhavel Rajanathan T M; Parthiban M;Ramadass P (Animal Biotechnol Dep, Madras Veterinary Coll, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Chenai-600 007, Email: dhinakarraj@yahoo.com) : Phylogenetic characterization of chikungunya virus isolates from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(3), 15-16.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

001415   Bhau B S;Negi M S;Jindal S K;Singh M; Lakshmikumaran M (Aromatic and Economic Plants Div, Plant Genomics Laboratory, North-East Institute of Science and Technology (Formerly RRL)-Jorhat, Jorhat-785 006, Email: bsbhau@gmail.com) : Assessing genetic diversity of Tecomella undulata (sm.) - An endangered tree species using amplified fragment length polymorphisms-based molecular markers. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 67-72.

Tecomella undulata is an important agro-forestry tree in the western parts of India, which has been included in the list of endangered plant species due to over exploitation. There is an urgent need to formulate appropriate conservation and breeding strategies to save this versatile tree. Quantification of genetic diversity in the existing populations of T. undulata prevalent in India, is an essential first step towards this objective. The present work was undertaken to investigate the utility of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in the assessment of genetic diversity and phenetic relationship among 42 T. undulata plants collected from different regions of India. Eight AFLP primer combinations generated a total of 338 bands across the 42 T. undulata accessions screened. On an average, 42 AFLP fragments were amplified per reaction. Of the total 338 AFLP fragments, 71.7% was po- , lymorphic across all the accessions. From the AFLP data, a similarity matrix based on Jaccard's coefficient was calculated which was used for constructing a phenetic dendrogram using UPGMA analysis. T. un-dulata accessions represented high levels of genetic variation as indicated by GS values ranging from 0.721 to 0.83, at which 42 T. undulata accessions grouped together. The pattern of grouping in the phe-nogram was highly consistent as indicated by high values of co-phenetic correlation (r - 0.87, P = 1) as also by high bootstrap values at the key nodes. Principal correspondence analysis also revealed that T. un-dulata accessions were scattered on the plot. Based on our study, it may be concluded that there is a high level of genetic diversity in T. undulata accessions analysed, which may be attributed to its out-crossing nature. Our study may be useful in identifying diverse genetic stocks of T. undulata, which may then be conserved on priority basis.

4 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

001414   Banerjee M;Shrivastava S (Bioscience Dep, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026, Email: banerjeemb@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro regeneration of Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot): prospects for biofuel production and medicines. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 195-200.

Explants of Jatropha curcas (L.) were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS) containing 3% sucrose, 1% agar and various concentrations of 6-Benzyl amino purine (BAP; 1.0-3.0 mgl^-1), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 0.5-1.0 mgl^-1) and Kinetin (0.1-0.5 mgl^-1) in various combinations. The effect on regeneration was found to be highest in the BAP concentration of (3.0 mgl^-1) whereas the combined effect of BAP and NAA was seen to be highest in the concentration of BAP (0.5 mgl^-1) and NAA (1 .0mgl^-1). Combination of BAP above 1.0 mgl^-1 and Kinetin above 0.1 mgl^-1 shows best callusing. The best combination for regeneration in this study was found to be 6-Benzyl amino purine and Naphthalene acetic acid with the concentration of BAP (1.0 mgl^-1) and NAA (0.5 mgl^-1) which produce 3-4 numbers of shoots and some amount of callusing also.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

001413   Aswati Nair R;Thomas G (NO, , Plant Molecular Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014, Email: gtpulikunnel@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of resistance gene (R-gene) specific primer sets and characterization of resistance gene candidates in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 61-6.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), an obligatory asexual spice crop, is extremely vulnerable to bacterial and Oomycete pathogens. Resistance gene candidates (RGCs) holds much promise to investigate features of resistance-related loci in ginger. Fourteen oligonucleo-tide primers, designed to the conserved regions of four classes of cloned resistance genes (R-genes) were evaluated to examine their efficiency to yield RGCs in ginger. Clones derived from altogether 17 amplicons, generated by 12 successful primers were sequence characterized. Clones derived from three primers showed strong homology to cloned R-genes or RGCs from other plants and conserved motifs characteristic of non-TIR sub-class of NBS-LRR R-gene superfamily. Phylogenetic analysis separated ginger RGCs into two distinct subclasses corresponding to clades 3 and 4 of non-TIR NBS sequences described in plants. This is the first report on the identification of primer sets to amplify RGCs in ginger. Our study provides a base for future RGC mining in ginger and valuable insights into the characteristics and phylogenetic affinities of non-TIR NBS-LRR R-gene subclass in ginger genome.

2 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

001412   Arockia Rita J J;John Milton M C (Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology P.G. & Research Dep, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034) : Carbamate pesticide methomyl (lannate) induced changes in the protein characterization of the freshwater cichlid Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 49-52.

Tissues like brain, gill, kidney, liver and muscle of Oreochromis mossambicus were subjected to electrophoretic analysis after treated with methomyl for 15, 30, 45 days and 96 hrs. Fishes exposed to various concentrations of the carbamate pesticide methomyl for different durations revealed a definite pattern of variation in protein fractions. The sublethal concentrations 0.03. 0.045 and 0.09 ppm of the pesticides were responsible for the 50% mortality of the fishes at 96hrs. Among all methomyl treated tissue samples, the number of polypeptides varied greatly and revealed a less accumulation of peptides. In general, 45 days exposure resulted in tremendous decline of protein bands than others. In certain samples like liver and muscle new bands also appeared after the treatment with the pesticides. The densitometric data also reflected the quantitative variations with respect to the effect of pesticide treatment in storage protein (80 kD). The peaks that appeared in control and treated tissues varied widely and the peaks of lower molecular weights also showed quantitative changes.

2 tables, 19 ref

000346   Suhas S;Ramesha B T;Ravikanth G;Gunaga R P; Vasudeva R;Ganeshaiah K N;Uma Shaanker R (Crop Physiology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore-560 065) : Chemical profiling of Nothapodytes nimmoniana populations in the Western Ghats, India for anti-cancer compound, camptothecin. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1142-7.

Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent anti-tumour isoquinoline alkaloid used extensively in the treatment of several cancers. Among several plant species known to contain the compound, by far the highest concentration of about 0.3% (w/w) has been reported from Nothapodytes nimmoniana, a small tree distributed in the Western Ghats, South India. With no synthetic sources of this alkaloid and with an increasing global demand, there has been a heavy dependence on naturally existing populations of N. nimmoniana. Prospecting for populations and or individuals of the species for higher yields of the alkaloid could potentially help in establishing high-yielding clonal orchards and in developing in vitro production systems and thereby relieving the pressure on natural populations. Chemically profiled 148 individuals from 11 populations of N. nimmoniana in the Western Ghats, a mega-diversity hotspot in South India. CPT was estimated in stem and root bark of individual trees. There was significant variation in CPT content, both in stem and root bark samples, among the populations. Differences in CPT content among individuals did not seem to be related to either their size (age) or their geographical origin. Of the 148 indi. viduals assayed, 23 yielded more than 1%. These estimates are nearly three to eight-fold more than what has been reported hitherto in the literature. Subject to further confirmation, these `elite' trees could be focused for conservation and judicious utilization through clonal multiplication, as also for deriving tissue material for in vitro production systems.

^ssc4 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

000345   Subramanian S;Divya Shree A N (Neurochemistry Dep, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore-560 029, Email: sarada@nimhans.kar.nic.in) : Expression, purification and characterization of a synthetic gene encoding human amyloid β (Aβ-42) in Escherichia coli. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 71-5.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive function. Existing evidence indicates that abnormal processing and extracellular deposition of the longer form of the amyloid peptide Aβ(1-42), a proteolytic derivative of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. Active immunization with Aβ(1-42) has been shown to decrease brain Aβ deposition and improve cognitive performance in mouse models of AD. In the present study, we sought to express the synthetic gene encoding Aβ in Escherichia coli to enable rapid production of the antigen and its purification. The synthetic gene has been constructed from six oligonucleotides by employing overlapping PCR strategy and expressed in E. coli using the T7 promoter system. The recombinant peptide has been purified to homogeneity by a single step Ni+2 affinity chromatography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal anti-Aβ(1-42) sera confirms that the corresponding linear B-cell epitopic sequences are available for immunorecognition in the recombinant peptide. This methodology enables rapid, continuous production and purification in bulk amounts of human Aá sequence by employing bacterial expression system.

000344   Ramalingam;Saraswathy N;Sadasivam S;Subha K; Poorani N (Biotechnology Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore 641 006, Tamil Nadu, Email: gobiram@rediffmail.com) : Purification and properties of α-galactosidase from white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 76-81.

α-Galactosidase was strongly induced in the white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida by arabinose than its natural substrates and was purified to homogeneity by acetone precipitation, ultrafiltration and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The enzyme was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of @ 99 kDa, as revealed by native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. α-Galactosidase was optimally active at 55°C for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-a-galactopyranoside (PNPaG) and lost its 20% and 50% of original activity in 30 min at 60°C and 70°C, respectively. The pH optimum of the enzyme was between 4.6 and 5.0. It was stable in a wide pH range (pH 4.0 to 9.0) at 55°C for 2 h. The Ag⁺and Hg²⁺ strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. Galactose, glucose, maltose and lactose also inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas N-bromosuccinimide treatment resulted in near total loss of acitivity. The K_m and V_max values of the enzyme for PNPaG were found to be 1.1 mM, and 77 mmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. α-Galactosidase immobilized in agar was more effective for the degradation of raffinose than in the sodium alginate. TLC results indicated its potential for the removal of raffinose and stachyose in soymilk.

000343   Ramakrishnappa K;Viswanath M;Varadaraj N; Channegowda S (Horticulture Dep, Biotechnology Centre, Hilumavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-76, Email: jdhbiocentre@dataone.in) : Standardization of PCR technique for detection of banana streak virus. Biomed 2007, 1(4), 324-8.

Several serological techniques were widely used for the detection of virus and bacteria. The present study utilizes molecular technique like PCR for the detection of Banana Streak Virus in mother plants or in-vitro propagated banana plants. Infected and doubtful banana plants were screened using ELISA technique and then confirmed by PCR technique using two-primer sequence (forward and reverse primer). Out of 8 plants screened 2 were infected which gave clear and bright fragments. The procedure was repeated to get same molecular weight bands by standardizing each concentration of PCR chemicals. This standardized technique identify Banana Streak virus in infected mother plants and even in sub culture stages of micro propagation. ELISA is convenient but limited in detection sensitivity, especially with very low concentrations of Viruses Thus PCR technique utilizes small quantity of tissue for detection of virus. This technique can be effectively used for screening of mother plants as well as in-vitro propagated plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000342   Mudgal A K;Sharma V;Tiwari R K (NO, , Biotechnology Laboratory, DRDA, Guna) : Perionyx excavatus: A biological tool to convert local weeds into usefull vermicompost.. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(2), 243-5.

Perionyx excavatus, an epigic earthworm is used for decomposition of organic waste available. Three common weeds, viz. Eichornia, Parthenium and Cassia fora could be used for vermicompost production with good nutritive values of N P K, better C:N ratio and good electrical conductivity.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

000341   Kumar D;Kumar S (National Biotechnology Centre, Bioengineering Lab, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: deep_biotek@yahoo.com) : Promising DNA vaccines: progress and modifications of tuberculosis prophylaxis. J Immun Immunopath 2006, 8(1), 1-9.

Tuberculosis is an important zoonosis affecting man and animals, especially in the developing countries. The vaccines available for prophylaxis of TB do not have complete agreement of the results. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a potent vaccine. Till date several DNA vaccines encoding protective genes of various pathogens are produced. In the field of TB vaccination, various modifications with different routes of inoculation are being tested in laboratories viz., use of individual microbial genes, cocktail of different protective genes, peptide boost inoculation, fusion genes and cytokines fusion gene immunizations, lipids and microsphere encapsulation of DNA vaccine, pulmonary delivery with immunotherapy with promising results. Describes the current developments in the field of TB genetic immunizations.

55 ref

000340   Khawale R N;Yerramilli V;Sanjay Kumar Singh (Fruits and Horticultural Technology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: singhsk@iari.res.in) : Molecular marker-assisted selection of in vitro chemical mutagen-induced grapevine mutants. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1056-60.

^ssc3 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

000339   Goswami S;Shantikumar Singh L (NO, Defence Research Laboratory, Post Bag No. 2, Tezpur-784 001) : Antibacterial potential of some indigenous plants against human pathogenic bacteria. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(2), 403-5.

Solvent extracts of ten medicinal plants viz. Albizia lebbeck, (Eriobotrya japonica, Zingiber zerumbet, Mirabilis jalapa, Oroxylum indicum, Mesua ferrea, Phyllanthus fraternus, Piper longum, Pongamia ù pinnata, Cinnamomum camphora were prepared to study antibacterial properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria K. pneumoniae, S. aurcus, P. aeruginosa and P. vulgaris. Extracts were found to have antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms with distinct zone of inhibition.

1 table, 19 ref

000338   Damodaran T;Medhi R P;Kapil Dev G;Damodaran V;Rai R B;Kavino M (NO, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: damhort2002@yahoo.com) : Identification of molecular markers linked with differential flowring behaviour of mangoes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1054-6.

^ssc2 illus, 15 ref

000337   Arun Lakshmi K;Sridevi V;Chandana Lakshmi M V V (Biotechnology Dep, College of Engineering, GITM, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Fungicide tolerance in soilborne pathogens. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 635-7.

In Anandapuram Mandal of Visakhapatnam district, flowers like Crossandra, Jasminium, Polyanthus, Tagetus, Chrysanthemum, Artemisia and rose are cultivated. Wilt, a dreaded disease, causes great loss to farmers income. The indiscriminately used fungicides are copper oxychloride, mancozeb and carbendazim. A study conducted revealed that mancozeb, a broad spectrum contact fungicide, could combat all fungal species and hence it is not at risk from resistance development point of view. Fusarium, Curvularia, Alternaria and Helminthosporium could resist 3g/L of copper oxychloride. Fusarium, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Curvularia, Trichoderma and Pemcillium are resistant to 3 g/L of carbendazim, hence it is considered to be at risk from resistance development, but to which resistance has not yet been recorded. The best way to avoid fungal resistance is by alternating the use of different classes of fungicides and by avoiding constant use of fungicides known to trigger development of resistant fungi.

1 table, 7 ref

000346   Suhas S;Ramesha B T;Ravikanth G;Gunaga R P; Vasudeva R;Ganeshaiah K N;Uma Shaanker R (Crop Physiology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore-560 065) : Chemical profiling of Nothapodytes nimmoniana populations in the Western Ghats, India for anti-cancer compound, camptothecin. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1142-7.

Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent anti-tumour isoquinoline alkaloid used extensively in the treatment of several cancers. Among several plant species known to contain the compound, by far the highest concentration of about 0.3% (w/w) has been reported from Nothapodytes nimmoniana, a small tree distributed in the Western Ghats, South India. With no synthetic sources of this alkaloid and with an increasing global demand, there has been a heavy dependence on naturally existing populations of N. nimmoniana. Prospecting for populations and or individuals of the species for higher yields of the alkaloid could potentially help in establishing high-yielding clonal orchards and in developing in vitro production systems and thereby relieving the pressure on natural populations. Chemically profiled 148 individuals from 11 populations of N. nimmoniana in the Western Ghats, a mega-diversity hotspot in South India. CPT was estimated in stem and root bark of individual trees. There was significant variation in CPT content, both in stem and root bark samples, among the populations. Differences in CPT content among individuals did not seem to be related to either their size (age) or their geographical origin. Of the 148 indi. viduals assayed, 23 yielded more than 1%. These estimates are nearly three to eight-fold more than what has been reported hitherto in the literature. Subject to further confirmation, these `elite' trees could be focused for conservation and judicious utilization through clonal multiplication, as also for deriving tissue material for in vitro production systems.

^ssc4 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

000345   Subramanian S;Divya Shree A N (Neurochemistry Dep, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore-560 029, Email: sarada@nimhans.kar.nic.in) : Expression, purification and characterization of a synthetic gene encoding human amyloid β (Aβ-42) in Escherichia coli. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 71-5.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive function. Existing evidence indicates that abnormal processing and extracellular deposition of the longer form of the amyloid peptide Aβ(1-42), a proteolytic derivative of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. Active immunization with Aβ(1-42) has been shown to decrease brain Aβ deposition and improve cognitive performance in mouse models of AD. In the present study, we sought to express the synthetic gene encoding Aβ in Escherichia coli to enable rapid production of the antigen and its purification. The synthetic gene has been constructed from six oligonucleotides by employing overlapping PCR strategy and expressed in E. coli using the T7 promoter system. The recombinant peptide has been purified to homogeneity by a single step Ni+2 affinity chromatography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal anti-Aβ(1-42) sera confirms that the corresponding linear B-cell epitopic sequences are available for immunorecognition in the recombinant peptide. This methodology enables rapid, continuous production and purification in bulk amounts of human Aá sequence by employing bacterial expression system.

000344   Ramalingam;Saraswathy N;Sadasivam S;Subha K; Poorani N (Biotechnology Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore 641 006, Tamil Nadu, Email: gobiram@rediffmail.com) : Purification and properties of α-galactosidase from white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 76-81.

α-Galactosidase was strongly induced in the white-rot fungus Pleurotus florida by arabinose than its natural substrates and was purified to homogeneity by acetone precipitation, ultrafiltration and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The enzyme was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of @ 99 kDa, as revealed by native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. α-Galactosidase was optimally active at 55°C for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-a-galactopyranoside (PNPaG) and lost its 20% and 50% of original activity in 30 min at 60°C and 70°C, respectively. The pH optimum of the enzyme was between 4.6 and 5.0. It was stable in a wide pH range (pH 4.0 to 9.0) at 55°C for 2 h. The Ag⁺and Hg²⁺ strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. Galactose, glucose, maltose and lactose also inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas N-bromosuccinimide treatment resulted in near total loss of acitivity. The K_m and V_max values of the enzyme for PNPaG were found to be 1.1 mM, and 77 mmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. α-Galactosidase immobilized in agar was more effective for the degradation of raffinose than in the sodium alginate. TLC results indicated its potential for the removal of raffinose and stachyose in soymilk.

000343   Ramakrishnappa K;Viswanath M;Varadaraj N; Channegowda S (Horticulture Dep, Biotechnology Centre, Hilumavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-76, Email: jdhbiocentre@dataone.in) : Standardization of PCR technique for detection of banana streak virus. Biomed 2007, 1(4), 324-8.

Several serological techniques were widely used for the detection of virus and bacteria. The present study utilizes molecular technique like PCR for the detection of Banana Streak Virus in mother plants or in-vitro propagated banana plants. Infected and doubtful banana plants were screened using ELISA technique and then confirmed by PCR technique using two-primer sequence (forward and reverse primer). Out of 8 plants screened 2 were infected which gave clear and bright fragments. The procedure was repeated to get same molecular weight bands by standardizing each concentration of PCR chemicals. This standardized technique identify Banana Streak virus in infected mother plants and even in sub culture stages of micro propagation. ELISA is convenient but limited in detection sensitivity, especially with very low concentrations of Viruses Thus PCR technique utilizes small quantity of tissue for detection of virus. This technique can be effectively used for screening of mother plants as well as in-vitro propagated plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000342   Mudgal A K;Sharma V;Tiwari R K (NO, , Biotechnology Laboratory, DRDA, Guna) : Perionyx excavatus: A biological tool to convert local weeds into usefull vermicompost.. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(2), 243-5.

Perionyx excavatus, an epigic earthworm is used for decomposition of organic waste available. Three common weeds, viz. Eichornia, Parthenium and Cassia fora could be used for vermicompost production with good nutritive values of N P K, better C:N ratio and good electrical conductivity.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

000341   Kumar D;Kumar S (National Biotechnology Centre, Bioengineering Lab, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: deep_biotek@yahoo.com) : Promising DNA vaccines: progress and modifications of tuberculosis prophylaxis. J Immun Immunopath 2006, 8(1), 1-9.

Tuberculosis is an important zoonosis affecting man and animals, especially in the developing countries. The vaccines available for prophylaxis of TB do not have complete agreement of the results. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a potent vaccine. Till date several DNA vaccines encoding protective genes of various pathogens are produced. In the field of TB vaccination, various modifications with different routes of inoculation are being tested in laboratories viz., use of individual microbial genes, cocktail of different protective genes, peptide boost inoculation, fusion genes and cytokines fusion gene immunizations, lipids and microsphere encapsulation of DNA vaccine, pulmonary delivery with immunotherapy with promising results. Describes the current developments in the field of TB genetic immunizations.

55 ref

000340   Khawale R N;Yerramilli V;Sanjay Kumar Singh (Fruits and Horticultural Technology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: singhsk@iari.res.in) : Molecular marker-assisted selection of in vitro chemical mutagen-induced grapevine mutants. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1056-60.

^ssc3 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

000339   Goswami S;Shantikumar Singh L (NO, Defence Research Laboratory, Post Bag No. 2, Tezpur-784 001) : Antibacterial potential of some indigenous plants against human pathogenic bacteria. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(2), 403-5.

Solvent extracts of ten medicinal plants viz. Albizia lebbeck, (Eriobotrya japonica, Zingiber zerumbet, Mirabilis jalapa, Oroxylum indicum, Mesua ferrea, Phyllanthus fraternus, Piper longum, Pongamia ù pinnata, Cinnamomum camphora were prepared to study antibacterial properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria K. pneumoniae, S. aurcus, P. aeruginosa and P. vulgaris. Extracts were found to have antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms with distinct zone of inhibition.

1 table, 19 ref

000338   Damodaran T;Medhi R P;Kapil Dev G;Damodaran V;Rai R B;Kavino M (NO, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: damhort2002@yahoo.com) : Identification of molecular markers linked with differential flowring behaviour of mangoes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1054-6.

^ssc2 illus, 15 ref

000337   Arun Lakshmi K;Sridevi V;Chandana Lakshmi M V V (Biotechnology Dep, College of Engineering, GITM, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Fungicide tolerance in soilborne pathogens. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 635-7.

In Anandapuram Mandal of Visakhapatnam district, flowers like Crossandra, Jasminium, Polyanthus, Tagetus, Chrysanthemum, Artemisia and rose are cultivated. Wilt, a dreaded disease, causes great loss to farmers income. The indiscriminately used fungicides are copper oxychloride, mancozeb and carbendazim. A study conducted revealed that mancozeb, a broad spectrum contact fungicide, could combat all fungal species and hence it is not at risk from resistance development point of view. Fusarium, Curvularia, Alternaria and Helminthosporium could resist 3g/L of copper oxychloride. Fusarium, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Curvularia, Trichoderma and Pemcillium are resistant to 3 g/L of carbendazim, hence it is considered to be at risk from resistance development, but to which resistance has not yet been recorded. The best way to avoid fungal resistance is by alternating the use of different classes of fungicides and by avoiding constant use of fungicides known to trigger development of resistant fungi.

1 table, 7 ref

001391   Takeoka G R;Rodriguez D M;Dao L;Patterson R (Agriculture Dep, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, USA CA-947 10, Email: gary.takeoka@ars.usda.gov) : Headspace volatiles of Scutellaria baicalenis Georgi flowers. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2009, 12(4), 435-42.

Volatile constituents of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) flowers were isolated by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. A total of 64 constituents was identified (constituting 57.1 - 89.9% of the total area), 13 of which were tentatively identified. β-Caryophyllene (22.3 - 41:5%), germacrene D (12.4 - 27.5%), δ- cadinene (3.1 - 5.4%), γ-muurolene (1.9 - 3.4%), γ-cadinene (1.6 - 3.1%), α-humulene (1.6 - 2.6%), α-copaene(L4 -2.3%), α-muurolene(1.0 -2.6%), bicyclogermacrene (1.1 -2.1%) and 3-octanone (0.9 - 3.0%) were the major constituents of the flower volatiles. A small amount (0.5%) of the uncommon volatile, 2-(methylamino)benzaldehyde was detected in one of the samples.

1 table, 18 ref

001390   Sumathi S;Padma P R;Radha P;Priyadharsini N; Padma N (Biochemistry Dep, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Women Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Radical scavenging activity of different extracts of Withania somnifera leaves. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 477-81.

The free radical scavenging activity of the different leaf extracts namely, methanolic, chloroform and ethanolic of aswhagandha (Withania somnifera) were evaluated. The results revealed that among the three different leaf extracts of W. somnifera, methanolic extract exhibited more DPPH scavenging activity. The extent of ABTS radical scavenging was more effective in methanolic extract, the aqueous extract of the leaves decreased the effect induced by H₂O₂ marginally, albeit to a statistically significant extent. The methanolic extract of W. somnifera showed better scavenging of H₂O₂ than the other two extracts. It was observed that extracts were very effective in preventing the lipid peroxidation in the three membrane model sytems studied to a significant extent over the oxidant-challenged system. Here, again the results confirmed the findings with methanolic extract performing better compared to aqueous and chloroform extract. Though the components that elicit these responses are extracted into all solvents employed (water, methanol and chloroform), the most active principle seemed to concentrate in the methanolic extract.

3 illus, 32 ref