015027   Pradhan V D;Deshpande N R;Ghosh K (Autoimmune Disorders Dep, National Institute of Immunohaematology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: pradhanv69@rediffmail.com) : Proteomic approach to autoimmune disorders. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 13-17.

Proteomics is the study of structural and functional endowment of cells, tissues or organs. This science brings together powerful tools-physical separation techniques like 2-D electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy. It also includes various monoclonal antibodies and other probes coupled with which analysis is done by systems biology approach using modern software. Various statistical, probabilistic, humanistic and artificial neural network algorithms and at the same time incorporating elements of chaos and fractal theories are used to study the interactions of multitude of proteins in the cell. This allows separation of large background noise of high concentration proteins inside the cell from pathobiologically and aetiologically relevant protein molecules present in nano, femto or even atto molar concentrations. Pattern recognition algorithms in modern proteomic techniques will help in understanding aetiopathogenesis of disease, discovering diagnostically and prognostically important biomarkers and molecular targets for future drug discovery. These techniques will have important applications in autoimmune disorders and other disorders which are in general difficult to manage. The present review shows how proteomic approach can illuminate various facets of these groups of elusive disorders in near future.

^iia1 illus, 12 ref

015026   Pradeep Kumar;Maurya A K;Rai V (Biotechnology Dep, VBS Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: pradeepk14@rediffmail.com) : ABO and RH(D) blood groups among maurya (Backward caste) population of Jaunpur district (U.P.), India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 723-6.

Study reports the distribution of ABO and Rh(D) blood groups among 450 unrelated individuals from Maurya (Backward Caste) population of Jaunpur district. The overall ABO percentage is B (40%)> O(31.33%) >A (25.33%) >AB (3.33%). The frequencies of Rh positive and Rh negative individuals are 92.4% and 7.6% respectively.

1 table, 41 ref

015025   Paul S P;Manoj S;Nagraj V;Devraj S;Ramya M (NO, , 28, Anjenata Temple Street, 1st Cross, 2nd Main, RMV snd Stage, Aswathanagar, Bangalore-560 094, Email: surjoprabhapaul@gmail.com) : Expression of stress responsive genes due to endosulfan toxicity on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 727-33.

In order to identify genes that are differentially expressed as a consequence of oxidative stress on exposure to endosulfan in the current study mRNA RT -PCR differential display method was adopted using 2x3 primer combinations following treatment with different concentrations of endosulfan on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. On blasting the result the induced band was identified as HSP 70(HSP-1 and HSP-2) heat shock protein which showed homology to mouse and human sequences. Thus authour demonstrate that C. elegans can be used as an model organism for evaluating stress response.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

015024   Paul A (Crop Improvement Dep, Horticulture and Agril. Botany, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731 236) : Potential for the environmental impact of transgenic crops. Indian Agric 2009, 53(3-4), 79-84.

Debates about the commercial introduction of GM crops in some parts of the world have led to questions about their potential impact on the environment. Could they affect non-target insects, outcross to produce uncontrollable weeds or have adverse effects on wildlife? To what extent could they benefit the environment by reducing certain chemical inputs into agriculture or providing raw materials currently obtained from non-renewable sources? Although it is acknowledged that agriculture inevitably has an impact on the environment, what is a reasonable trade off between crop production, wildlife and consumer concerns? The objective of this review is to outline what is known about the different kinds of environmental effects of GM crops and to discuss the principles and questions that have emerged from the assessment of environmental impact so far. One of the most challenging issues in assessing environmental effects is in deciding what constitutes an acceptable or unacceptable environmental impact. A question often asked is : should the environmental impacts of GM crops be compared with those from conventional organic or integrated farm management practices ? Here environmental impact will be compared against a baseline of non-GM conventional agricultural practice that is the predominant form of agriculture internationally.

1 table, 13 ref

015023   Patra D;Ejnavarzala H;Basu P K (Sociology Dep, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: enbss@uohyd.ernet.in) : Nanoscience and nanotechnology: ethical, legal, social and environmental issues. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 651-7.

Attempts to understand the debate over nanoscience and nanotechnology regarding its potential benefits to the society. One view in this debate is that nanoscience and nanotechnology has a revolutionary potential and will have significant economic benefits, while the other view is skeptical about its potential in the context of ethical, legal, social and environmental (ELSE) issues and values such as equity and justice. In some developed countries, discussion on the ELSE issues of nanoscience and nanotechnology has already begun. Hence, there is a need to take a cue from the debate in the developed countries and focus our attention on these issues in the Indian context. The ELSE issues should be addressed right from the beginning of the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, so that it is possible to make informed policy decisions.

29 ref

015022   Oamen H P;Idu M (Plant Biology and Biotechnoogy Dep, Benin Univ, PMB 1154 City, Nigeria, Email: henryoamen@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on germination and seedling growth of some bean seeds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 705-10.

Allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on germination and seedling growth of Cajanus cajan, Phaseolus vulgaris (brown and white varieties) and Sphenotylis stenocarpa were observed. Extract showed significant positive allelopathic effects at P< 0.05 on plumule lengths and radicle lengths. The number of root hairs for C. cajan was only reduced at far higher concentrations. The need for harrowing was also discussed.

6 tables, 19 ref

015021   Nanda S;Sudeep Kumar G;Mukherjee S;Sreejith R;Bhattacharya S;Shankar S;Vidhya R;Somasundaram S S N (Environmental Biotechnology Div, School of Biotechnology, Chemical an, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: ssnomasundaram@vit.ac.in) : Degradation of polyethylene by Pseudomonas sp.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 851-5.

Interest in the microbial biodegradation of polyethylene as intensified in recent years as humanity strives to find sustainable ways to cleanup contaminated environments. Hence, this paper, investigates the ability of Pseudomonas in degrading polyethylene. The weight of the polyethylene before incubation was compared with the weight after incubation. The final weights of the polyethylene recovered after incubation, were compared to that of their initial weights before incubation and the percent of degradation was evaluated. On an average, the percentage of degradation was 31 in 3 weeks of incubation at 37°C. With the decrease in weight after incubation, it was concluded that the active enzymes produced by Pseudomonas caused changes in the physical weight of polyethylene. The significance of the results is discussed.

4 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

015020   Mudoi K D;Borthakur M (Medicinal, Aromatic and Economic Plants Div, North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785 006, Email: kalpataru_dm@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro micropropagation of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. through nodal explants from field-grown culms and scope for upscaling. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 962-6.

Efficient and reproducible in vitro procedure for large-scale multiplication of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. has been described. Multiple shoot formation (8-10) was observed from excised tender node (12-18 mm in length) containing axillary bud isolated from second-dary branches of 11/2-yr-old culms, when implanted on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, 1.0 mg l^{-1), Continuous shoot proliferation, tenfold, every 4 weeks was achieved by sub-culturing shoot clumps (2-3 shoots/cluster) in BAP (1.0 mg l-1) fortified medium. Seventy-five per cent of shoots could be rooted efficiently on excised propagules when transferred to MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg l-1) and naphthaleneacetic acid (3.0 mg/l). Using this protocol, the first batch of plantlets can be obtained after six months from the initial establishment and then every month new batches of plantlets can be regenerated, depending upon the availability of efficient shoots. After hardening, rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to the soil in polythene sleeves with over 90% survivability and recorded normal growth. Macroproliferation can be done after a period of 5 months from the soil transfer, by which propagules can be increased by more than three times. The tech-economic viability was studied with consideration that the production will be executed in a well-established plant tissue culture laboratory. Factors for characterization at various stages for tissue culture work of R. balcooa have also been studied and evaluated.}

7 tables, 15 ref

015019   Mishra H P;Misra R C;Sahu P K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Orissa Univ of Agric. and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Combining ability and nature of gene action in sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.). Indian J agric Res 2009, 43(2), 119-23.

Combining ability and nature of gene action involved in the inheritance of seed yield and its components in sesamum were analyzed in F₁ of a half diaHel cross among 1-2 elite varieties of diverse origin. Varieties VRI-1 and GT-10 were good general combiner for capsules/plant, Kalika and HT-1, for seeds/capsule, AKT-64 and Pragati, for 1000-seed weight and Uma, GT-10, Akt-64 and Kalika were good combiner for seed yield. Gene action was largely additive for primary branches and predominantly additive for plant height and 1000-seed weight. Both additive and non-additive gene action were equally important for days to maturity and seeds/capsule. Additive gene action played a greater role in case of capsules/plant, while non-additive gene action played a greater role in inheritance of seed yield.

4 tables, 11 ref

015018   Medi V G;Bhat R S;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: bhatramesh12@rediffmail.com) : pVR37, a new binary promoter-probe vector with xylanase reporter. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1305-7.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

015017   Kulkarni V M;Ganapathi T R (Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotech, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, Email: vmk@barc.gov.in) : Simple procedure for slow growth maintenance of banana (Musa spp.) embryogenic cell suspension cultures at low temperature. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1372-7.

Although earlier banana cell suspensions have been cryopreserved for the purpose of germplasm conservation, for routine work it is desirable to develop a simple method of maintaining the cell suspensions under slow/suspended growth, from which actively growing cultures can be retrieved quickly. Experiments were hence conducted to develop a method for slow growth maintenance of embryogenic cell suspension cultures without losing their regeneration potential. The embryogenic cell suspensions of banana cultivars Rajeli and Rasthali were maintained at different temperatures (37°C, 25°C, 15°C and 8°C) for studying the growth parameters. The suspensions of both the varieties maintained at 37°C showed necrosis and turned brown, whereas at 25°C, 39-fold (cv. Rajeli) and 18-fold (cv. Rasthali) increase in the cell mass was noticed within 49 days. Substantially slow cell growth of 4.5-fold (cv. Rajeli) and 4.6-fold (cv. Rasthali) could be attained at 15°C. A temperature of 8°C suspended the growth of the cells and a constant settled cell volume was maintained for over 49 days corresponding to seven subcultures. Morphologically, normal plants were regenerated from the cells maintained at 25°C, 15°C as well as 8°C and were hardened in the greenhouse. It has been revealed that the banana cell suspensions can be maintained without subculturing at 8°C for over 4 months.

4 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

015016   Kasturi K;Suresh Kumar C (Centre for Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Andhra Pradesh) : Functional validation of a structural homology model for C. botulinum pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase-A ATCC 3502. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2009, 35(4), 493-6.

Protein homology modeling uses experimentally determined protein structures to predict the conformation of another protein with a similar amino acid sequence. The gram positive strain of Candida botulinum (cbo), is a potent pathogen which causes botulism. The metabolic pathways of the bacterial strain have been studied using KEGG, an online metabolic database. The unique metabolic pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was screened for key enzymes. The amino acid sequence of the key enzyme of pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1-, K001618, 474 aa) was submitted for alignment to BLAST-p of NCBI. The template of the target sequence was submitted to an online modeling server of MODWEB which preferably gives three models for each individual sequence. The pathway and the enzym utilized for homology modeling is unique and are absent in the host humans. Out of the obtained models the best model pertaining to the enzyme of pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase was validated using RCSB-validate and deposit, an online model validation tool. The model obtained was visualized in RASMOL. The results obtained can be further referred for docking and dynamics studies.

4 illus, 6 ref

015015   Kasthuri J;Rajalakshmi T;Kavitha A (Zoology Dep, SFR College, Sivakasi-626 123, Email: jkbtjer@yahoo.co.in) : Optimization of various physico chemical parameters for the enhanced microtuberization in Solanum tuberosum L. under in vitro condition. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 739-42.

With the view of optimization of production of disease free seed tubers of Solanum tuberosum L., the in vitro method which permits synchronous tuberization has been attempted with manipulated physicochemical parameters. Irrespective of PGRs, the highest shoot length was observed at 1.50 mg/ L in both apical and nodal segments showed the higher shoot length. The trend remained same for the PGRs in combination also. Regarding the various parameters, sucrose concentration, 8%, photoperiod, 18 hrs and temperature, 25 °C seemed to show the highest number of tubers.

6 tables, 19 ref

015014   Kasthuri J;Dhanalakshmi K (Zoology Dep, The Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam College for Women (Autonomous, Reaccredited with A Grade by NAAC), Sivakasi-626 123, Email: jkbtjer@yahoo.co.in) : Specific activity and molecular characterization of protease of both wild and mutant strains of Bacillus subtilis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 927-30.

Bacillus subtilis isolated from the soil samples was grown in LB broth. The enzyme protease was recovered and assayed for its protein content and specific activity at various levels of purification. Of which, the ion exchange chromatographic sample seemed to be a highly purified form when compared to the other two samples. On further experimentation it showed an optimal activity at 65°C and pH 7. Further, Ca^{++, Mg++ and EDTA seemed to activate the specific activity of protease at optimized temperature and pH; whereas HgCl₂ and FeCl₂ showed inhibitory effect. The strain was then improved by UV exposure and the one exposed to 15 min showed the highest activity (0.186 U/mL). Besides, the protease of both wild and mutant strains revealed the molecular weight 28,000 and 38,000 D respectively. Thus the mutant strain seemed to be the superior.}

1 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

015013   Jain S K;Neekhra B;Pandey D;Jain K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr H S Gour, Sagar-470 003, Email: subjain@gmail.com) : RAPD marker system in insect study. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 7-12.

Insects represent a major life form on earth. So far. nearly 0.9 million insect species are discovered, comprising 75% of all the recorded animal species. Some of the insect species are easy to identify and categorize, while for others, it is difficult because of their small size and morphological similarity. Moreover, it is further difficult to identify morphological variation due to environmental factors by available traditional methods. To overcome these problems, the advanced molecular techniques, viz.. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), and AFLP (Arbitrary Fragment Length Polymorphism) have been a great help. RAPD markers have been used in gene mapping to characterize cultivars and species genetically, infer phylogeny and biogeography of insect population and understand modes of evolution and evolutionary trajectories. Thus, RAPD markers have become the most common yardsticks for measuring genetic differences between individuals, within and between related species or population. The unprecedented advancements in modern molecular biology, particularly in those of DNA marker technology, have created a wealth of technical know-how that finds useful application in molecular ecology research in insects.

^iia62 ref

015012   Ikbal;Boora K S;Dhillon R S (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultuyral Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rsdhillon@jau.ernet.in) : Evaluation of genetic diversity in Jatropha curcas L. using RAPD markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 50-7.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in a representative population of Jatropha curcas L. from different eco-geographical regions of India. Out of 50 dacamer primers used, 44 yielded polymorphic banding pattern. A total of 328 DNA bands were obtained, of which 308 (93.90%) were polymorphic. The polymorphism was scored and used in band sharing analysis to identify genetic relationship. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 40 genotypes into two major groups at a similarity coefficient of 0.54. Similarity indices ranged from 0.44 to 0.92 with an average of 0.73, indicating a moderate to high genetic variability among the genotypes. The highest similarity coefficient was detected between accessions JC-32 and JC-35 from Madhya Pradesh, and the lowest in accessions JC-9, JC-14 and JC-19 from Rajasthan (Pipalkhunt, Banswara), Punjab (Kandi area) and Haryana (Ladwa, Hisar), respectively. Also, the Jatropha populations from diverse agro-climatic regions were more dispersed on the principal coordinates plot, revealing a wide genetic base.

3 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

015011   Hussain M A;Kabir M A;Sood A K (Biotechnology Dep, P.A. College of Engineering, Nadupadav, Kairangala, Mangalore-574 153, Email: abujuveria@gmail.com) : On the cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 664-73.

Cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a major concern today well before its unusual physico-chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties are fully exploited for commercial interests and subsequent mass production leading to greater possibilities for its exposure to humans and the environment. Contradictory reports on cytotoxicity of CNTs often appear in the literature and a mechanistic explanation of the reported toxicity remains obscure. We review here the conflicting results to focus categorically on an array of issues in CNT cytotoxicity. They include dispersion, aggregation status, coating or functionalization and immobilization, cellular uptake or internalization, purity in terms of metal catalyst contaminants, size and size distribution, surface area, surface chemistry and surface reactivity, cell types selected for experimentation as well as bioassay of nanotoxicity itself attesting as an issue in cytotoxicity. Recently a general agreement has emerged towards the potential toxicity of CNTs, although various paradigms explaining the mechanisms of CNT cytotoxicity continue to be elusive in the literature. A lack of synergy among various issues while studying cytotoxicity and most developed paradigms for the mechanism of CNT toxicity is highlighted.

1 table, 123 ref

015010   Gupta J;Mathews J;Shukla S K;Mehra S;Mehra M; Sharma A;Sharma D (Biotechnology Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Mitocondrial DNA variation within and between the Gallus species. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 717-21.

Nucleotide sequence variation in two ribosomal genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), two ATPase genes (ATPase 6 & ATPase 8), three Cytochrome Oxidase genes (COI, COII & COIII), one Cytochrome B gene (Cytb) and 7 NADP dehrdrogenase genes (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, ND4L, ND5 and ND6) was used to estimate genetic diversity between domestic fowl breeds (G. g.domesticus), three G.gallus subspecies (G. g. spadicus, G. g.gallus and G. g.bankiva) and three other Callus species (G.varius, G.lafayetei, G. sonneratti). Domestic fowl breeds showed very low sequence variability (0.000 to 0.007) among themselves as well as with other G. gallus subspecies (0.000 to 0.009), however different Callus species showed comparatively high nucleotide divergence between themselves (0.016 to 0.076). Based on cumulative nucleotide sequence variability for all the genes, different subspecies of G.gallus formed single cluster, while other three jungle fowls made separate group with very high bootstrap support (71-100). Further, the genetic relatedness of G. g.murghi (Indian red jungle fowl) with them were estimated on the basis of nucleotide variability over 448 bp partial 12S rRNA and 610 bp partial 16S rRNA genes. The G. g.murghi showed very low nucleotide variability with the domestic fowl breeds as well as vith other G.gallus (0.003 to 0.007) in comparison to much high nucleotide variability with other three jungle fowls (0.015 to 0.042). The phylogenetic analysis also revealed very high genetic similarity between G. gallus murghi and other G.gallus subspecies including G. g.domesticus.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015009   Gulbitti-Onarici S;Sancak C;Sumer S;Ozcan S (The Scientific and Technical Council of Turkey, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, P.O. Box 21, 41470 Gebze-Kocagli, Turkey, Email: selma.onarici@mam.gov.tr) : Phylogenetic relationships of some wild wheat species based on the internal transcribed spacer sequences of nrDNA. Curr Sci 2009, 96(6), 794-800.

The cultivated wheat, Triticum aestivum, is one of the most important staple crops in the world. There has been great interest in the determination of ancestral diploid genome donors of T. aestivum - an allohexaploid, because of agronomic significance. Southeastern Turkey in Karacadag District of the Diyarbakir province, exhibits great genetic diversity in terms of Triticeae family plants, where wheat was originally domesticated. In order to better understand the phyletical relationships between T. aestivum and its possible ancestral genome donors, tissue samples were collected from 38 individuals belonging to four species of Triticum and two subspecies of Aegilops speltoides, distributed throughout the above-mentioned geographical area. The ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S rDNA repeat segments from these plants were sequenced and the nucleotide sequences were phyletically analysed. The results postulated that Triticum monococcum var. boeoticum is likely to be an a genome donor of both, Triticum dicoccoides (AABB) and Triticum aestivum (AABBDD). The results further support A. speltoides as a possible B genome source.

1 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

015008   Ginwal H S;Maurya S S (Genetics and Tree Propagation Div, Forest Research Institute, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: ginwalhs@icfre.org) : Evaluation and optimization DNA extraction method for Dalbergia sissoo leaf. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 69-73.

A modified protocol for Dalbergia sissoo genomic DNA isolation has been optimized based on a cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method, described for other forest species. Leaves obtained from macro-propagated clones and mature trees of D. sissoo were tested. The method involves mortar grinding of tissue, a modified CTAB extraction buffer incorporating high salt concentrations, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and successive isoamyl alcohol-chloroform extractions with modified temperature conditions. The modification involved the use of doubled concentration of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (4% instead of 2%), increased incubation time with extraction buffer (40 min instead of 30 min), use of freshly prepared CTAB buffer and increased timing of washing of DNA pellet with wash buffer (45 min instead of 30 min). The yield was approximately 100 to 400 μg DNA per 100 mg of leaf tissue. The genomic DNA obtained by this method was suitable to be used in RAPD and ISSR analysis. This extraction method would allow the molecular analysis of DNA from different clones of D. sissoo.

3 illus, 1 table 23 ref

015007   Gautam S K;Suresh S (NO, The Energy and Resources Institute, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur II Stage, Bangalore-560 071, Email: gautamsk2005@gmail.com) : Biodegradation of 1,1-diphenylethylene and 1,1-diphenylethane by Pseudomonas putida PaW 736. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1247-51.

The possibility of biodegrading the dechlorinated product of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(chloro-phenyl)ethylene (DDE) and structurally related compound 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDD) under aerobic conditions was examined. Since commercial preparation of 1,1-diphenylethane was not available, a structurally related compound, 1,1-diphenyl-ethylene was chosen for the acclimatization of bacterial culture. More than 95% of 1,1-diphenylethylene (initial concentration 500 mg I^{1) was degraded by naphthalene degrading Pseudomonas putida PaW 736 within six days. GS-MS analysis revealed the formation of benzophenone as the end-product with residual concentration of 157 mg I-1 after six days of incubation. 1,1-diphenylethane was formed from the complete dechlorination of DDT using Mg°/Pd+4 bimetallic system. P. putida PaW 736 acclimated to 1,1-diphenylethylene was also able to degrade 1,1-diphenylethane (initial concentration 250 mg I-1) using it as the sole source of carbon and energy. More than 80% degradation of 1,1-diphenylethane was observed following 5 days of incubation. However, any metabolites of the biodegradative pathway for the degradation of 1,1-diphenylethane could not be identified.}

5 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

015006   Fathima Benazir J;Suganthi R;Pamdini Pooja M (School of Biotechnology, Dr.G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Efficiency of immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in remediation of chromium. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 97-103.

The chromium remediation ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied, as it is non-pathogenic and easily available as wastes from fermentation industries. Normal baker's yeast, mutants and genetic strains with and without metallothioneins were used in their immobilized forms. Their chromium remediating ability was studied and their efficiencies were compared. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and diphenyl carbazide method were used to quantify chromium in the effluents. The work also focused on determining whether mutagenesis enhances or lessens the organism's ability to remediate chromium and establishing the role of metallothioneins. The chromium content of the effluent was around 5600ppm before remediation, after which it reduced to around 28ppm. The best activity was observed in the genetic strain containing multiple copies of metallothioneins and the mutants were still efficient in spite of the damage in the de novo pathway. Proteins isolated from the strains after bioremediation showed a similar banding pattern to metallothionein suggesting their activity in heavy metal stress.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

015005   Dhanasekar P;Dhumal K N;Reddy K S (Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: sekar@barc.gov.in) : Identification of RAPD markers linked to plant type gene in pigeonpea. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 58-63.

Pigeonpea is the second most important pulse crop of India accounting for almost 90% of the World's pigeonpea area and production. Altering the plant types could improve the economic yield and its adaptability as well. Molecular markers can identify and tag plant type genes without much environmental interference. In the present investigation of identifying and tagging RAPD markers linked with the plant type trait, the plant material consisted of parents, F₁ and a F₂ population obtained by crossing genotypes TT44-4 with open-tall and TDI2004-1 with compact-dwarf plant types. RAPD analysis was performed on 84 genotyped F₂ plants following a bulked segregant analysis (BSA) approach. In the parental screening with 200 random decamer primers, only eight showed polymorphism, of which only two could be linked to the plant type gene. Two markers (OPF04₇₀₀ and OPA09₁₃₇₅) were identified that were present in the open-tall plants, while absent in compact-dwarf plants. Linkage analysis showed that the markers OPF04₇₀₀ and OPA09₁₃₇₅ were located 8.4±0.03 cM and 9.6±0.032 cM, respectively away from the plant type gene locus. The markers were validated in 15 genotypes with open-tall plant type. The utilization of the marker and the dwarfing gene is discussed.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

015004   Deore S L;Khadabadi S S;Chittam K P;Baviskar B A;Matke N D;Todkar A R;Kubade M S;Moon K V (NO, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, Amravati-444 604, Email: Khadabadi@yahoo.com) : In vitro studies of anthelmintic activity of Lagenaria siceraria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 923-5.

Ethanol and aqueous extracts from the fruits of L. siceraria were investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Various concentrations (25, 50, 100mg/mL) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Both the extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 100 mg/mL. Piperazine citrate was included as standard reference and distilled water as control.

1 table, 15 ref

015003   Dasarathan Rajesh;Jayarman K;Jayaraman G (School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: gjayaraman@vit.ac.imn) : Characterization of highly stable bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium isolated from traditional fermented finger millet. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 797-802.

Samples of fermented millet (koozh) prepared traditionally, were collected from different places in and around Thiruvanamalai and Vellore district (South India) including the tribal inhabited areas of Jawadhu hills. About 75 different organisms were isolated of which seven were found to be lactic acid bacteria (LAB).Out of these seven strains, a single strain that produce bacteriocin was identified, characterized and confirmed by 16s rDNA sequencing as Enterococcus faecium. The bacteriocin inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus sp and other food borne pathogens like Leuconostoc mesenteroid.es and Listeria monocytogenes and found to exhibit bactericidal activity of 52.66 IU/mL (nisin equivalents). Bacteriocin was treated with proteinase K, pronase, papain, chymotrypsin, trypsin and pepsin, but the action of protease alone was observed, indicates that the bacteriocin was Proteinaceous in nature. This bacteriocin was found to be stable at pH range of 2-12 and tolerant to temperature for 2 hrs upto 110°C at acidic pH. Such molecules of high stability and broad spectral antibacterial property has potential application in food industry as probiotic supplements.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

015002   Das S K;Chatterjee A (Dairy Biotechnology Section, Eastern Regional Station, National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani-741 235, Email: subratakdas@email.com) : Stem cell & its potential. Indian Dairyman 2009, 61(7), 40-5.

The promise of stem cell therapies is an exciting one, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research. Research on stern cells is advancing knowledge about the development of an organism from a single cell and how healthy cells replace damaged cells in an adult organism. This promising area of science is also leading to investigate the possibility of cell-based therapies to treat diseases, which are often referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine. Stem cell technology has already revolutionized modern biology and promises to provide unique opportunities in understanding mechanisms behind basic biological processes and in the treatment of disease. Among its countless applications in human and veterinary science, researchers hope to eventually use stem cells to repair spinal cords; cure Crohn's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; re-grow arteries and limbs; replace damaged kidneys and hearts; cure diabetes by substituting non-functioning pancreadc cells; restore vision and hearing; and treat leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancer.

8 ref

015001   Chakraborty R;Chakraborty S;Dutta B K;Paul S B (Biotechnology Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: ausupriyoch_2008@rediffmail.com) : Nutritional parameters and their genetic variability in bold grained rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes of Assam. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4694-702.

In Barak valley zone of Assam the physically hard working people prefer bold grained rice with good taste because of slow digestion and longer retention in the stomach. But most of the modern high yielding rice varieties is medium and fine grained. Keeping the need of rural people in mind, the present experiment was conducted on 47 bold grained rice genotypes with two recommended high yielding check varieties namely Ranjit and Monohar Sali of Barak Valley, Assam. The mean performances of 8 nutritional parameters of these 49 genotypes were evaluated. Crude protein content (%), total soluble protein content (g/ 100 g of oven dry sample), the amino acids lysine content and tryptophan content (g/16 g of N) varied from 7.09 to 13.10, 4.10 to 6.69, 3.20 to 4.45 and 0.56 to 1.10, respectively. The ash content (%) and phosphorus content (%) varied from 0.88 to 1.50 and 0.213 to 0.430, respectively. Calcium and iron content (mg/100 g) ranged from 16.59 to 37.98 and 1.11 to 3.92, respectively in the bold grained rice genotypes. The difference between phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficient of variations was very small for all the above nutritional parameters indicating greater role of genetic factors in their expression. In the present investigation, high heritability associated with high genetic advance was found in the characters viz., calcium content and iron content. Breeding method based on progeny testing and mass selection could be useful in improving these traits. High heritability along with moderate genetic advance was observed in the characters crude protein content, total soluble protein content and ash content. Judicious application of pure line selection could be effective for improving these characters. Lastly high heritability with low genetic advance was recorded for the amino acids lysine and tryptophan content and phosphorus content. This indicated that these nutritional parameters were mostly governed by non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis) in their inheritance.

3 tables, 17 ref

015000   Bhikshapathi D V R N;Shravan Kumar Y; Madhusudan Rao Y;Kishan V (University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: vbkishan@yahoo.com) : Borrelidin: a prospective drug. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 18-23.

Borrelidin, an antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces species and firstly isolated from Streptomyces rochei, is a possible drug candidate due to its recently reported antiangiogenic activity and other biological activities. Keeping in view the potential scope of the antibiotic, we performed computational studies like application of Lipinski's rule for borrelidin, and found from the properties of the borrelidin that it possessed good absorption or permeability across the biological membrane. Influence of borrelidin on CYP3A enzyme was tested by pretreatment of the male Wistar rats at a concentration of 100 μg/mL/rat daily for 5 d by oral administration, buspirone was used as a substrate; the results indicated the role of borrelidin acting as an inhibitor of CYP3A. The effect of borrelidin on pretreated rat liver by micromorphological studies was also done and results showed the damage on liver with borrelidin pretreatment. Influence of borrelidin on platelets was studied at three different concentrations along with known antiplatelet aggregating agent, aspirin. Platelet aggregation was noticed for all the three tested concentrations in comparison to control. Influence of borrelidin on prothrombin time was also performed and compared with known anticoagulant, warfarin sodium, have little effect of borrelidin on the prothrombin time which indicated the anticoagulant activity.

5 illus, 20 ref

014999   Balakrishnan S;Kumpatla S;Viswanathan V (NO, M V Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai-600 013, Email: dr_vijay@vsnl.com) : Comparative analysis of transcription factors of insulin signaling (Insulin receptor substrate family). Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 24-30.

The aim of this study was to identify the role of insulin receptor substrates (IRS) in insulin signaling by doing sequence based comparative analysis. The sequences of IRS family (1, 2, 4, 5 & 6) were submitted to predict protein motif scan and clustal W for motif, domain identification and multiple sequence alignment. All the 5 IRS had some common motifs like amidation, Asn glycosylation, myristoylation, cAMP, casein kinase II, protein kinase C phosphorylation sites and functional domains like PTB and PH. Some functional motifs like tyrosine phosphorylation, Rho kinase a binding, OGFR, PSGP were identified in IRS-1, RGD motifs in IRS-1 and 4, XYPPX motif and ECM protein domain in IRS-2, NLS motif and extension like domain in IRS-2 and 4, ascorbate cytosolic peroxidase, class II peroxidase superfamily domain, NHL and 2 octapeptide repeats and ATP_GTP_ attachment sites in IRS-4. These domains and motifs may have inducing and inhibitory effects on insulin signaling.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014998   Balakrishnan M;Srivastava R C;Pokhriyal M (Bioinformatics Centre, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: mbkrishnan@hotmail.com) : Homology modeling and docking studies between HIV-1 protease and carbamic acid. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 96-100.

HIV-I protease (HIV-I PR) is aspartic protease enzyme which is essential for the life-cycle of HIV retrovirus. Homology structural model and function relation of HIV-I PR have solved the structure of HIV-I proteases. Created a homology model of HIV-I PR and the 3-D structure as template using with ICMPro software. The ICMPro nomology modeling algorithm has demonstrated excellent accuracy in blind predictions. Moreover, recent results show that ICMPro models built with as little as 35% identity can be accurate enough to be successfully used in receptor based rational drug design. The closest homologue with the highest sequence identity of 38.395% was selected as representative model using YASARA tools. The model was validated using protein structure checking tools such as PROCHEK for reliability. A total of two pockets were predicted by the software. Once the pockets were predicted, the ligand was subjected to docking reaction using the docking module of ICMPro software. Based on the RMSD and energy values, the best docking orientation was selected. The better RMSD value of docking is 0.0066288. This study will be used in broad screening of inhibitors of the protein and can be further implemented in future drug designing.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014997   Anjaneyulu Y;Krupadam R J;Vutukuru S S (Biotechnology Dep, Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Yamnampet, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad-501 301, Email: myvutukuru@yahoo.com) : Contribution of nutrients and trace metals by mangrove vegetation and impact of aquaculture on the kakinada bay ecosystem. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 809-18.

In the Godavari estuarine system near Kakinada Bay, Andhra Pradesh, East Coast of India, the mangroves spread over an area of 22, 450 ha of which the highly productive Coringa mangroves adjacent to the bay cover an area of 6,600 ha. The average annual litter production (dry weight) of this mangrove ecosystem was found to be of 896 g m^{-2yr-1 with the contribution of C in the form of leachate to a tune of 224 g m-2yr-1 and an equal amount of particulate detritus besides 4.5 g m-2yr-1 as leachate to the ecosystem. High concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn were found during the monsoon. Semi-intensive aquafarming (~ 3,500 hectares) resulted in soil salinization, deteriorated water quality, loss of habitat biodiversity besides environmental degradation of this fragile estuarine ecosystem.}

9 tables, 24 ref

014996   Alamdari E G;Deokule S S (Botany Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: ebrahim-19730@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic potentiality of paddy weeds in Iran. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 931-4.

The allelopathic effects of whole aqueous plant leachates of four selected weed species viz. Cyperus difformis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Paspalum paspaloides and Sagittaria trifolia on radicle and hypocotyl length of seedling as well as seed germination of paddy varieties like Tarom, Neda and Fajer were studied at 2007 in Iran. Results showed that whole plant leachates of selected weeds except Cyperus difformis significantly decreased both radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Tarom variety. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia decreased seed germination of Tarom variety at 50% over control (93.33%) only. Laboratory bioassay also indicated that seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Neda variety was significantly hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia and Paspalum paspaloides only. The effect of whole plant leachates of Cyperus difforms stimulated hypocotyl length of Fajer variety while radicle length of mentioned test variety was not significantly affected by whole plant leachates of above weed. It indicates that whole plant leachate of Cyperus difformis has some active allelochemicals which stimulated hypocotyl length of paddy seedling. In general, seedling growth of test crop significantly was hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia at (5.96 cm) over control (9.25 cm) only. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia as well as Paspalum paspaloides had maximum inhibitory effect on seed germination of test crop as compared with other weeds. However, seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of Tarom and Neda varieties was much sensitive to allelopathic inhibition of whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia in great extent as compared with Fajer variety. Comparison of mean of organic constitute in selected weeds showed that Sagittaria trifolia and Echinochloa crusgalli had high quantities of phenols and starch respectively. The estimation of proteins revealed that all selected weeds except Paspalum paspaloides had similar quantity of proteins.

4 tables, 21 ref

015050   Verma S;Rana T S;Ranade S A (Conservation Biology and Molecular Taxonomy, National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ranatikam@gmail.com) : Genetic variation and clustering in Murraya paniculata complex as revealed by single primer amplification reaction methods. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1210-16.

Genetic variability among the wild and cultivated genotypes of Murraya paniculata Koenig ex L. (Ruta-ceae) complex collected from different regions of India were analysed using three different single primer amplification reaction methods, viz. inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 62 genotypes were used in the present study that included one out-group accession (Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC.). ISSR (13), DAMD (5) and RAPD (20) primers were used in each method to amplify a total of 358, 135 and 448 distinct fragments respectively. Of these, 96, 96.29 and 94.4% of the bands amplified using ISSR, DAMD and RAPD markers respectively, were polymorphic. To analyse the relationships between wild and cultivated genotypes, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on Jaccards coefficient of similarity using UPGMA methods. Tree topology suggested the existence of two distinct groups of the genotypes. Gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (/) were estimated and these values were found higher in wild compared to those of cultivated genotypes. These patterns of distribution of genetic diversity and distinction were congruent with morphology of the M. paniculata complex.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

015049   Verma N;Rana M K;Negi K S;Gunjeet Kumar;Bhat K V;Park Y J;Bisht I S (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: bishtis@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity in Indian perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] landraces using STMS markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 43-9.

Inter-population diversity in 54 Indian Perilla landraces and 18 accessions of exotic origin was investigated using sequence tagged microsatallite (STMS) markers. The STMS markers clearly distinguished the Indian accessions from the exotic ones. Neighborhood-joining (NJ) clustering pattern revealed association of geographical diversity and genetic diversity for Indian Perilla germplasm. Population genetic parameters studied for 14 Indian Perilla populations from two distinct regions (North-eastern region and North-western Himalayas, Uttarakhand State) revealed greater diversity for accessions from the later region. Analysis of molecular variance, revealed that bulk of the variations existed between populations within groups, followed by variations within populations and between groups. The summary of group-wise F-statistics and gene flow revealed greater population differentiation for Uttarakhand populations as compared to accessions from North-eastern region of India.

3 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

015048   Venkateswara Sharma V (Biotechnology Dep, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, G.S.T. Road, Palayanoor Post, Chennai-603 308, Email: sarmavv@yahoo.com) : Integrated use of straw and bioexploitation of Trichoderma. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1164-5.

1 illus

015047   Unni B G;Peck K E;Pytel M M;Dahm K M; Bhaskaran G;Singh H R;Kakoty Y;Devi B;Wann S B (Biotechnology Div, , Jorhat-785 006) : Dimethyl sulphoxide inhibits in vitro synthesis of juvenile hormone I and II and stimulates juvenile hormone III by corpora allata of insects. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1114-19.

Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) specifically inhibits the rates of biosynthesis of juvenile hormone I (JH I) and juvenile hormone II (JH II) in corpora allata (CA) of 0 day last instar larvae of Manduca sexta maintained in vitro. Addition of mevalonate (Mev), propionate and homomevalonate (HMeV) to the medium increased the rate of biosynthesis of both JH II and JH III in normal CA. Even with added Mev, DMSO drastically reduced the rate of synthesis of both the higher homo-logues, but enhanced the rate of JH III synthesis even more with DMSO alone. The mated adult female CA which secretes JH II and JH III, and almost no JH I, also showed similar pattern of response to DMSO in larval CA. Allatotropin-stimulated JH II synthesis was also blocked by DMSO. DMSO inhibited JH II synthesis in Galleria mellonella, but the rate of JH III synthesis showed no increase. Likewise, in the CA of adult male, Hyalophora cecropia which secretes only JH I and JH II acids, DMSO suppressed the synthesis of both acids, but there was no elevation in the rate of JH HI acid synthesis. DMSO stimulated the rate of JH III synthesis, the only homologue secreted by the adult female CA of cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Further in vivo studies showed that DMSO enhanced the growth of the silkworm larvae and silk fibre production.

6 tables, 27 ref

015046   Tejavathi D H;Devaraj V R;Murthy S M;Anitha P;Nijagunaiah R (Botany Dep, Jnanabharathi, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: tejavathi_hanu@yahoo.com) : Regeneration of multiple shoots from the callus cultures of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 101-5.

An effective protocol for the regeneration of multiple shoots from the callus, derived from shoot tip and cotyledonary node, was developed for the first time for Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verde. Shoot apices and cotyledonary nodes from 9-d-old aseptically grown seedlings were inoculated onto MS, L₂ and MMS media supplemented with various growth regulators. Proliferation of about 17 shoots was obtained on AS supplemented MS medium after 16 d of culture, while about 14 and 20 shoots regenerated from the callus on MMS₁ + NAA (1.86 μM)+BAP (0.45 μM) and L₂+IBA (0.45 μM)+BAP (0.11 μM), respectively after 30 d of culture. Regenerated shoots were rooted on MS+IAA (0.11 μM)+Kn (0.21 μM) with upto 6 roots per shoot. Rooted shoots were sequentially acclimatized by transferring them to sterile distilled water and tap water before planting in various pot mixtures. A maximum of 60% survival rate was noticed on a mixture of soil:sand:manure (1:1:1).

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

015045   Tanti B;Buragohain A K (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Tezpur Univ, Tezpur-784 028, Email: alak_buragohain@yahoo.co.in) : Differentiation of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas spp. based on lectin binding of cell extracts in an agglutination assay. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 74-9.

Plant and animal lectins with various carbohydrate specificities were used to type 43 petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas isolates and the type strain P. aeruginosa MTCC1034 in a microtiter plate assay. Initially, a panel of nine lectins with their known specificity was used. For optimal typing, pretreatment by washing bacteria with a low pH buffer to allow protein release, followed by proteolytic degradation to eliminate autoagglutination, was used. Lectin types of treated samples were stable and reproducible. No strain proved to be untypeable by this system. The species were clustered into 10 different lectin types on the basis of their lectin binding with specific bacterial cell surface carbohydrate moieties. The result of lectin typing reveals considerable intraspecific variations within the species.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

015044   Suntarachun S;Tirawatnapong T;Khunsap S; Puempumpanich S (Research and Development, Queen Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross, Society, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Email: sunutcha@yahoo.com) : cDNA cloning, sequencing, and expression of α- and β-neurotoxins from Thai-malayan krait. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 31-7.

Amplification products of a- and fi-neurotoxin from Thai-Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) were cloned and expressed in TA expression vector. The expressed protein could not be distinguished by SDS-PAGE. Hence, immunoblotting was performed using AntiHis (C-term)-HRP antibody. The antibody could identify the histidine tags at 24 h incubation with 0.02% L-arabinose. To increase the expression level, PCR products were cloned into PCR2.1 cloning vector and pGEX2T expression vector. The optimal condition for protein expression was IPTG induction at 1 mM for 24 h. Neurotoxin fusion proteins were used as antigen to generate antibodies in mice. In vitro neutralization indicated that antibody against neurotoxin fusion proteins raised in mice was able to neutralize 2x LD₅₀ of crude venom. This result provides basic data for the use of the neurotoxin fusion proteins as immunogens in the development of specific anti venoms against the B. candidus venom.

5 illus, 178 ref

015043   Sundaramoorthy M;Saravanan T S (Biotechnology Dep, ARJ College of Engineering & Technology, Mannargudi-614 001, Email: drtssaravanan50@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial effect of goat and chicken heart tissus against human pathogen bacteria. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 407-14.

The crude buffer (Tris Buffer Saline-I) extracts of muscles, liver, kidney and heart of goat and chicken (White leghorn) were screened against 16 clinical isolates. Among the five tissues, the heart tissue of each animal showed significant bactericidal activities on many isolates. The acid extracted crude proteins of both heart tissues also showed significant antibacterial activities against many bacterial isolates. The crude proteins of goat heart tissues displayed strong bactericidal activities against Salmonella paratyphi 'A' and Salmonella typhimurium (MIC: 16 μg/ml) whereas the crude proteins of chicken heart tissues displayed strong bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli ATCC and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 16 and 63 μg/ml concentrations respectively. The peptides of low molecular weight (< 30 kDa) were also separated from the acid extracted crude proteins of goat and chicken heart tissues by SDS-PAGE after staining with silver nitrate solution.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

015042   Sudha S;Sasikala K;Krishnaveni B;Sangeetha R (Biotechnology Dep, Karpagam Univ, Coimbatore-21, Email: sudhasellappa@yahoo.co.in) : Genetic polymorphism of the glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and development of breast cancer. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 857-61.

Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) genes are involved in the metabolism of various carcinogens. Previous studies indicated that absence of GSTM1 and Tl enzyme correlates with an increased risk in developing certain type of cancers. In the present study, the associations between genetic polymorphism in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were investigated, in relation to breast cancer risk in 78 breast cancer patients and 100 controls. The frequency of the GSTM1 genotype in control and breast cancer groups were 52%, 71.79% whereas 48% controls, 28.21% breast cancer cases had the GSM1 null genotype. The genotypic distribution of GSTT1 was 59% in controls and 67.95% in breast cancer cases and GSTT'1 null genotype was 32.05% in controls and 41% in breast cancer cases. Statistical analysis indicates that there is no association of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism and hence the gene does not appear to play a significant role in the development of breast cancer.

2 tables, 22 ref

015041   Singh P;Dhanjal S;Singh K V;Raman Suri C; Cameotra S S (NO, Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh-160 036, Email: ssc@imtech.res.in) : Monitoring atrazine uptake by a new florometric assay. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 268-71.

Reports here a new fluorometric method for monitoring atrazine uptake using a strain of Acinetobacter radioresistens. Around 40% decrease in the relative fluorescent intensity of the culture supernatant and a corresponding increase in the fluorescence in cell bio-mass was observed after 18 h of growth on the fluo-rescing substrate, which was indicative of the rapid entry of the compound into the bacterial cell. This fast and safe method is a new application in the field of environmental biotechnology and can be used as an additional approach to monitor uptake of other toxic compounds by different microorganisms and to screen for different pollutant degraders.

3 illus, 11 ref

015040   Sharma S N;Sinha R K;Sharma D K;Jha Z (Genetics Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sinharakesh_ag@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of intra-spevific variability at morphological, molecular andbiochemical level of Andrographic paniculata (Kalmegh). Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 402-8.

In the present investigation, 15 Andrographis paniculata genotypes collected from Chhattisgarh and adjoining states were grown in the field for the variability studies. Three different variability parameters namely morphological, molecular and chemotyping of active ingredient content were employed. Wide variations were recorded with regard to quantitative characters and RAPD profile. Ten polymorphic RAPD primers produced a total of 37 amplicons, which generated 70.27% polymorphism. The number of amplified products ranged from 2 to 7 for different primers, whereas the percentage of genetic similarity for the studied primers ranged from 51.4 to 97.0. There were two major clusters formed in the genotypes studied. The andrographolide content ranged from 0.69 to 1.85% and the genotype KI-2 had the highest estimated content. The study demonstrated that simultaneously morphological, molecular and biochemical analysis are useful for characterizing genetic diversity and defining relationships between kalmegh germ-plasm. It also gave possible indications to the phyto-chemical variation of different genotypes which were due to the genetic differences.

6 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

015039   Senthilkumar C S;Sureshkumar M;Wesley E G; Rajasekara Pandian M (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: Sengenetics@gmail.com) : Screening of fungus in anti-microbial herb Tecoma stans (L) kunth EX HBK - a microbiological evaluation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 941-2.

Various plant fungus were isolated from Tecoma stows (L) Kunth Ex HBK in four distinct fungal medium enabling us to evaluate the diversity of pathogens in the valuable medicinal herb. Infected leaf scrapings cultured in different fungal media and Lacto phenol cotton blue staining influenced the study of pathogens under the microscope.

2 illus, 10 ref

015038   Selvaraj Y;Maheshwari G U;Reka S S;Babu M S (NO, Al-tahdi Univ, Libya, Email: yasodh1970@gmail.com) : Vetivera sp as a low cost adsorbent to adsorb Cr (VI) from electroplating industrial effluent. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(3), 194-202.

Chromium (Cr) plating is one of the most widely used forms of electroplating. It is also an important source of heavy and toxic metal discharges into wastewater lines. In the present study the biosorption capacity of Vetivera root has been studied with reference to removal of Cr (VI) from the chromium plating effluent. The results of biosorption studies in terms of pH, agitation time and dosage of adsorbent, revealed higher metal removal up to 150 ppm/g of adsorbent. Metal [Cr (VI)] removal within 120 min was enhanced up to 78.5%. Cr (VI) removal is higher at lower pH of 2.5. The reuse of plant biomass was subjected to elution studies using various eluting agents such as HNO₃, HCl, H₂SO₄, Thiourea and EDTA. The retention capacity of Vetivera was almost constant after three cycles of elution. Hence, this process can be used as an alternative to classical cost effective technology for heavy metal recovery and would also be efficient for effluent treatment system.

5 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

015037   Selvamaleeswaran P;Periyasamy N;Sureshkumar M;Wesely E G;Rajasekara Pandian M (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: maleeswaran83@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of Catharanthus roseus Lin.G. don on Staphylococcus aureus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 793-95.

The antimicrobial potential of Catharanthus roseus hairy root has been studied using petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, isopropanol and Benzene extract against Staphylococcus aureus by antibiotic sensitivity test vs standard antibiotic tetracycline. The zone of inhibition formed was proportional to the concentration of chloroform extract found to be more effective and showed highest growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the standard tetracycline.

1 table, 10 ref

015036   Selvakumar G;Sundararaman M (Microbiology Dep, DDE, Alagappa Univ, Karaikudi-630 003, Email: micselva@rediffmail.com) : Role of backwater cyanobacteria in enhancing fertility and yield of rice in saline alkali soil. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 913-16.

Saline alkali soil was reclaimed through biological methods using backwater cyanobacteria. Two predominant saline tolerance species such as Phormidium fragile and Oscillatoria curviceps were used for the treatment of saline alkali soil. The important parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium percentage were decreased significantly. Moreover, these two species were increased the growth of paddy in terms of chlorophyll, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and grains weight. However, the influence of free P. fragile showed maximum reclamation of soil and yield of paddy than the O. curviceps.

3 tables, 18 ref

015035   Satheeshkumar P K;Murugiah V;Gupta A K (Plant Biotechnology Dep, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: akg54@sify.com) : In vitro multiplication of the multipurpose tree Casuarina equisetifolia Linn. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 743-9.

This study has been conducted to establish a protocol for the in vitro multiplication of Casuarina equisetifolia, Linn., a highly prized multipurpose tree belonging to the family Casuarinaceae. Axillary shoots developed from the nodal part of the shoot tip explants in aseptic conditions were used as the starting material for in vitro multiplication. Callus formation was observed when the axillary shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing the plant growth regulator 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), which gave rise to multiple shoots when subcultured on MS basal medium supplemented with the plant growth regulators BAP and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), within 60 to 80 days. Excised microshoots, treated with IBA followed by ABA when subcultured on MS basal medium, induced profuse rooting within one month. Three months old in vitro regenerated plantlets could be established in pots in greenhouse. The protocol demonstrates that, Casuarina equisetifolia, one of the major tree species in afforestation and wasteland development programmes worldwide can be propagated through in vitro multiplication.

1 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

015034   Saritha E;Anand R;Suja S;Uma Devi P; Swaminathan K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Kalapatti Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Bio adsorption of mercury using Aspergillus niger. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 111-16.

The increasing awareness of dye toxicity and the biomagnifications through food chain are responsible for the demand for detoxification of industrial effluents prior to their discharge into natural streams. The potential of using fungal biosorbents has received considerable attention since this represents a significant by-product from several fermentations. In batch mode studies, the parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage and pH were analyzed to optimize the bioadsorption of mercury. Autoclaved Aspergillusnigerwas found to be efficient in mercury removal. Studies on adsorption isotherms revealed that adsorption of mercury by the fungal mycelium followed the Langmuir model and the process of adsorption is favourable. By using Langmuir isotherm, the adsorption capacity (Qo) of live and autoclaved adsorbents was determined with 0.80 and 0.75 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption rate constants (Kad) were calculated from the slope of the linear plots and were observed to be in the range of 0.035 to 0.046 and 0.030 to 0.038 x10_-2 L/min, respectively for live and autoclaved mycelium.

8 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

015033   Sairam R K;Kumutha D;Ezhilmathi K (Plant Physiology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rks_ppl@yahoo.co.uk) : Waterlogging tolerance: nonsymbiotic haemoglobin-nitric oxide homesotasis and antioxidants. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 674-82.

Waterlogging is a serious problem which affects crop growth and yield in low-lying, rainfed areas. Most of the rainy-season crops, especially legumes, and to a lesser extent maize and rice are affected by flooding leading to hypoxic or even anoxic conditions. Lack of oxygen shifts the energy metabolism from aerobic mode to anaerobic mode, which in turn adversely affects nutrient and water uptake; so the plants show wilting even when surrounded by excess water. Gaseous plant hormone ethylene plays an important role in modifying the plant's response to oxygen deficiency. Plants normally adapted to growing under waterlogged conditions have mechanisms to cope with this stress in the form of aerenchyma formation, increased availability of soluble sugars, greater activity of glycolytic pathway and fermentation enzymes. Both alcoholic and lactic acid fermentation help in maintaining lower redox potential (low NADH/NAD ratio), and thereby play an important role in anaerobic stress tolerance. Other important biomolecules which are induced under waterlogging, are nonsymbiotic haemoglobins and nitric oxide. Interaction of nonsymbiotic haemoglobins and nitric oxide has been suggested as an alternative to the fermentation pathway, which also rules out the production of toxic alcohol and lactic acid, the latter being the major cause of cytoplasmic acidosis. Waterlogging stress also results in the production of reactive oxygen species, and induction of antioxidant defence enzymes. Waterlogging-induced production of ethylene, H₂O₂ and NO is also involved in signalling and induction of various defence-related genes leading to synthesis of proteins/enzymes imparting hypoxia tolerance.

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