024406   Dhal N K;Pattanaik C;Sudhakar Reddy C (Natural Products Dep, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, CSIR, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: jilu2000@rediffmail.com) : Bakhar starch fermentation - a common tribal practice in Orissa. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(2), 279-81.

Ethnobotanical studies were conducted among various tribes in different tribal districts of Orissa. It has been found that 6 plant species are used by the tribal people for preparation of Bakhar, which is generally used for the fermentation of rice. They were further used to prepare the drink, Handia. The uses of these 6 plant species are recorded for the first time.

6 illus, 15 ref

024405   Bule M V;Annapure U S (Food Engineering and Technology Dep, Institute of Chemical Technology, Univ of Mumbai, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: usa@udct.org) : Purification and characterization of minor xylanase from Sclerotium rolfsii MTCC 2156. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 15-19.

Xylanolytic enzymes consisting of endo-1, 4-β-xylanase, β-xylosidase, α-glucuronidases, α-L-arabinofuranosidas, acetylxylan esterases are drawing increased attention due to their applications in paper pulp and food industry. The present work undertakes purification of minor extracellular xylanase from culture of Sclerotium rolfsii MTCC 2156 and its biochemical characterization. The ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by purification using different chromatographic techniques monitored by SDS-PAGE. Various biochemical properties viz. pH and temperature optima, inactivation time and temperature, hydrolysis pattern of xylan was studied. Ammonium sulphate precipitation gave 78.64% yield with 2.54 fold purity. Further purification by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration gave 9.56 and 18.73 fold purification respectively. SDS-PAGE showed a distinct band on subsequent purification. The enzyme was stable between pH 4.0 to 5.0, was thermally stable at 50 °C for 96 h. The optimal temperature for hydrolysis of substrate was found to be 50°C.

8 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

024404   Bhattacharjee A;Yadav P;Mylliemngap B J; Annipindi E (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Dep, Bioinformatics Laboratory, North East Hill Univ, Umshing, Shilong-22, Email: atanubioinfo@gmail.com) : Homology modeling and docking studies of hemagglutinin protein of influenza A (H1N1) virus With selected ligands-a computer aided structure based drug design appoach to find a suitable inhibitor. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 28-30.

Swine flu is an emerging infectious disease cause by the influenza A (H1N1) virus. The virus has a special protein found on the surface known as Hemagglutinin, which is an antigenic glycoprotein responsible for binding virus to the monosaccharide sialic acid of its target cell that is being infected. An In silico attempt was made to characterize a newly sequenced Hemagglutinin protein of influenza A virus (H1N1) to deduce its structural information and to identify the potential drug to inhibit the protein. For that an effort was taken to deduce the 3-D structure of this protein and to identify and bind the active site of Hemagglutinin protein with docking technique. Using drug data bank and NIST Standard Reference Database the 3-D structure of ligand were retrieved. QSAR studies were done for the available synthetic drugs like Oseltamivir and zanamivir and also the natural product like shikimic acid to know about the physiochemical properties using software Molinspiration. It was noted that Amantadine an antiviral drug which is not in used for the treatment of swine flu and a natural compound Shikimic acid also shows a better docking energy in conjunction to available synthetic drag oseltamivir and zanamivir with this protein.

3 illus, 3 tables

024403   Banerjee S;Sharma D J;Verulkar S B;Chandel G (Biotechnology Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 006, Email: girishchandel@yahoo.com) : Use of in silico and semiquantitative RT-PCR approaches to develop nutrient rich rice (Oryza sativa L.). Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 203-12.

Inspite of striking agricultural progress and adequate food grain production, protein energy and micronutrient malnutrition are widespread among rural and poor population. The pharmaceutical and diet diversification based approaches have achieved little success due to poverty and educational unawareness. Biofortification of staple food crop rice, which is consumed in large amounts daily, will serve as an important vector to combat malnutrition. The possible approach to improve nutritive value of rice involves exploitation of available genetic variability for grain protein and Fe/Zn contents with conventional and modern biotechnological tools. Authors have analysed variability in grain protein and Fe/Zn levels in rice, and factors affecting them for identification of rice genotypes with higher nutritive value. Wide variation for grain protein and micronutrient levels were recorded among the tested rice genotypes, which ranged from 6.19 to 10.75% for grain protein content, 4.82 to 22.69 μg/g for grain Fe and 13.95 to 41.73 μg/g for grain Zn content. Significant effect of nitrogenous fertilizer dose and native soil properties were observed on grain protein content, whereas grain Fe and Zn levels were more significantly affected by native soil properties and showed non-significant effect of nitrogen applied. Three genotypes, R-RF-31, Lalmati and R 1033-968-2-1 were identified as high protein and Fe/Zn containing rice lines. In view of the findings and previous studies, where significant Gene x Environment (G x E) effect has been reported on grain nutritive traits, molecular markers are of great use for intensive screening of large populations and identification of environmentally stable outperforming genotypes. The genomic sequence of candidate genes governing micronutrient content in rice were, thus, analysed in silico for identification of novel gene specific markers (SSRs and SNPs) and expression sequence tags (ESTs and MPSS) to understand putative expression pattern. Further, to confirm in silico expression results and functionally characterized Fe and Zn homeostasis related genes, root and shoot transcriptome analysis of a set of 12 diverse rice genotypes was carried out for expression of 21 metal homeostasis related genes belonging to OsYSLs, OsFROs, OsZIPs, OsNRAMPs and OsFERs families, and OsNAAT1, OsVIT1, OsNAC and OsNAS2 genes. A total of 176 novel SNPs and 39 novel SSRs were identified within metal related genes, which can be used for developing gene specific markers. The ESTs and MPSS tag based in silico expression analysis results were in consistency to the semi-quantitative RT-PCR based transcriptome analysis. Expression profiling of rice root and shoot transcriptome at maximum tillering and mid-grain filling stages revealed high level of expression of most of the Fe and Zn uptake and transport related genes in genotypes showing higher grain Fe and Zn concentrations. The rice genotypes with high grain protein and micronutrients, identified in this study, will provide the basis of bioavailability assay and will also serve as potential genetic material for molecular breeding of nutrient rich rice.

4 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

024402   Balgir P P;Khanna D (Biotechnology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002, Email: balgirbt@gmail.com) : In silico sequence variation analysis of Niemann Pick Cl like (NPC1L1) gene and its assocition with cholesterol binding and protein structure stability. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 192-202.

Niemann Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) is a multitransmembrane protein and plays a crucial role in intestinal cholesterol absorption. An in silico approach has been undertaken to decipher its putative functions, other than that in cholesterol absorption, alongwith illustrations on structural domains and other characteristic features. The sequence analysis of the protein states that it belongs to the patched family, sharing a parent-child relationship with it. While phylogenetic analysis provides evidence regarding its early origin in evolution pointing to its participation in more fundamental processes. The effect of non-synonymous (ns) SNPs on the structural stability of the protein as studied by MuPro reveals that substitution of M510I, L1067F, D1071G and E1308K nsSNPs lead to decrease in the stability of the protein. This may potentially affect the structure or function of expressed protein and could, therefore, have an impact on its role in complex diseases conditions like atherosclerosis, Alzheimers disease, etc. The M510I present on the exon 2 of the gene showed 40% sequence similarity with the sequence of CAD (Caspase activated DNase) domain of murine CAD (PDB id IC9F) and its heterodimeric complex ICAD (PDB id 1F2R), as studied by StructureSNP. This points out to the corresponding region acting as a molecular chaperon binding site, playing a potential role in post-translational folding of NPC1L1.

4 illus, 4 tables, 24 ef

024401   Ahmed S;Bharali S;Purama R K;Majumder A; Fontes C M G A;Goyal A (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: arungoyl@iitg.ernet.in) : Structural and biochemical properties of lichenase from Clostridium thermocellum. Indian J Microbiol 2009, 49(1), 72-6.

Recombinant enzyme lichenase of size 30 kDa was over-expressed using E. coli cells and purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) and size exclusion chromatography. The enzyme displayed high activity towards lichenan and β-glucan. The enzyme showed no activity towards carboxymethyl cellulose, laminarin, galactomannan or glucomannan. Surprisingly, affinity-gel electrophoresis on native-PAGE showed that the enzyme binds only glucomannan and not lichenan or β -glucan or other manno-configured substrates. The enzyme was thermally stable between the temperatures 60°C and 70°C. Presence of Cu^{2+ ions at a concentration of 5 mM enhanced enzyme activity by 10% but higher concentrations of Cu2+ (>25 mM) showed a sharp fall in the enzyme activity. Heavy metal ions Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+ did not affect the activity of the enzyme at low concentrations (0-10 mM) but at higher concentrations (>10 mM), caused a decrease in the enzyme activity. The crystals of lichenase were produced and the 3-dimensional structure of native form of enzyme was previously solved at 1.50 genatycal. Lichenase displayed (β/α)₈-fold a common fold among many glycoside hydro-lase families. A cleft was identified that represented the probable location of active site.}

5 illus, 12 ref

024400   Adham A Z;Ahmed E M (Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Dep, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, Email: emahmed1998@yahoo.com) : Extracellular lipase of Aspergillus niger NRRL3; production, partial purification and properties. Indian J Microbiol 2009, 49(1), 77-83.

Four strains of Aspergillus niger were screened for lipase production. Each was cultivated on four different media differing in their contents of mineral components and sources of carbon and nitrogen. Aspergillus niger NRRL3 produced maximal activity (325U/ml) when grown in 3% peptone, 0.05% MgSO₄.7H₂O, 0.05% KC1, 0.2% K₂HPO₄ and 1% olive oil:glucose (0.5:0.5). A. niger NRRL3 lipase was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The majority of lipase activity (48%) was located in fraction IV precipitated at 50-60% of saturation with a 18-fold enzyme purification. The optimal pH of the partial purified lipase preparation for the hydrolysis of emulsified olive oil was 7.2 and the optimum temperature was 60°C. At 70°C, the enzyme retained more than 90% of its activity. Enzyme activity was inhibited by Hg^{2+ and K+, whereas Ca2+ and Mn2+ greatly stimulated its activity. Additionally, the formed lipase was stored for one month without any loss in the activity.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

023387   Zerihun D;Vashist V;Boora K S (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Molecular characterization of citrus cultivars using DNA markers. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 271-80.

Twenty five SSR primers were used to assess polymorphism in twelve genotypes which belong to four species and one hybrid of citrus. A total of 116 clear and reproducible amplified bands were obtained, out of which 103 were polymorphic. The numbers of amplified DNA bands per primer were ranged from 2 to 9 (Molecular size from 100-1200 bp) with an average of 5.27. Percentage polymorphisms ranged from 75-100 with an average of 89.78% across the genotypes and polymorphism information content (PIC) values from 0.25 to 0.68 having an average of 0.41. The primers clustered the citrus genotypes into two major groups, and further into many sub groups. The results revealed by the two and three dimensional principle component analysis further insured these groupings. The similarity matrices ranged from 0.439 (Cleopatra and Blood Red) to 0.801 (Baramasi and Badri lemon), with an average of 0.582 across all the genotypes. Some markers produced unique alleles in specific genotypes which could be used to discriminate them from the other.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

023386   Vemuri P K;Veeramachaneni R C;Nukarapu M; Sardarji D K (Biotechnology Dep, K L Univ, Vaddeswaram, Guntur-522 502, Email: vemuripraveen@gmail.com) : Immunological characterization of immunoglobulin G towards house dust allergens. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 189-96.

Immunoglobulins are γ-globulin proteins secreted by B cells that are found in blood or other bodily fluids of vertebrates which have the basic structural units each with two large heavy chains and two small light chains. Five different immunoglobulin isotopes are known in mammals, which perform different roles, and help to direct the appropriate immune response. Dust mites and pollen which are common in house hold dust and industrial dust has the main role in asthmatic allergy. Majority of severe allergic reactions are thought to be immunological and mediated via IgE but high serum concentrations of some IgG subtypes have been measured which are associated with in vitro degranulation of basophils and mast cells, the activation of the complement cascade. The premise behind this testing is that high circulating levels of IgG antibodies are correlated with allergy due to house hold allergens.

3 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

023385   Upadhyay P A;Srivastava S (Genetics Dep, Delhi Univ, Sotuh Camous, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: srivastava_sheela@yaboo.com) : Evaluation of miltiple plant growth promoting traits of an isolate of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Psd. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(6), 601-9.

P. fluorescens strain Psd was isolated from the rhizosphere of Vigna mungo and evaluated for its multiple plant growth promoting and biocontrol properties against F. oxysporum. Interestingly, this strain not only produces a range of antimicrobial compounds but also solubilizes complexed phosphates and synthesizes phytohormone (IAA). These properties can be assessed to elucidate the agronomic significance and rhizospheric competence of this soil isolate. Biocontrol action has been demonstrated in vitro against some other rhizospheric bacteria, and a phytopathogenic fungus along with wild type E. coli K-12. Genetic evidence for the antimicrobial status of strain Psd has been derived in terms of elucidating a unique combination of phenazine and pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis genes, not reported for any other P. fluorescens strain. The conserved part of antibiotics biosynthesis operon has been PCR amplified, cloned, sequenced and phylogenetic relationship based on similar genes from a few known Pseudomonads has been derived. The properties possessed by strain Psd may enable the bacterium to establish itself successfully in the rhizosphere.

4 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

023384   Tirpathy P;Pattanaik P K;Rath P (Botany Dep, College of Basic Science & Humanities, OUAT, Bhubaneswar) : Effect of plant extracts from two common Ficus spp. against enteropathogenic bacteria. J Res-Orissa Univ Agric Technol 2008, 26(2), 137-40.

The investigation was carried out to ascertain the antibacterial activity and to assess minimum inhibitory concentration of acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of different parts i.e. root, bark, leaves of Ficus bengalensis and Ficus religiosa of family "Moraceae" against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Campylobacter jejuni, Klebsiella aerogenes (Chaudhari, R.D. 1996). In this study the extracts of roots and leaves of Ficus religiosa and Bark of Ficus bengalensis showed antibacterial activity whereas the extracts of bark of Ficus religiosa and root and leaf of Ficus bengalensis showed negative results. The extracts of root, leaf, bark and latex prepared with acetone showed higher zone of inhibition for S. aureus and E. coil as compared to P. aeruginosa. The extracts prepared in methanol showed better zone inhibition against P. aeruginosa.

1 table, 6 ref

023383   Srivastava A;Roy D;Chakrabarti R (Aqua Research Lab, Zoolgy Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: aquaresearchlab@yahoo.co.in) : Phospholipids assay of Daphnia carinata using 1-D and 2-D NMR techniques. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 107-14.

Daphnia carinata has been extensively used in larviculture. Phospholipids are extremely critical for the larval growth. Phospholipid fraction of Daphnia carinata was evaluated by NMR technique. An expanded part of proton NMR spectrum of the phospholipids fraction showed that the head group of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) was assigned as 6 = 4.09 [C(1)H_-2] and 3.76 [C(2)H_-2] ppm with comparable intensities of 47.74 and 48.34 for respective signal. The head group of Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was designated as 8 = 4.06 [C(1)H_-2] and 3.66 [C(2)H_-2] ppm with intensities of the signals 50.98 and 50.31, respectively. δ = 4.25 [C(1)H_-2] and 3.87 [C(2)H] ppm were assigned to the head group of Phosphatidylserine (PS). The intensities of the signals at 8 = 4.25 and 3.87 ppm were 108.46 and 45.02, respectively. In 'H-NMR spectrum, the head group of Phosphatidylinositol (PI) was assigned as 8 = 4.38 [C(1)H], 4.14 [C(2)H], 3.9 [C(3)H], 4.3 [C(4)H], 3.97 [C(5)H] and 3.78 [C(6)]. The almost comparable intensities were 41.62, 36.49, 34.87, 41.34, 32.68 and 43.94, respectively. The 2-D homonuclear double quantum filtered correlated spectroscopy and 2-D Total Correlated Spectroscopy confirmed these results. The relative amount of PE, PC, PS, PI in the phospholipid fraction of Daphnia carinata were as follows: PC: PE: PS: PI = (47.74/2): (50.98/2): (108.46/2): (41.67) = 1: 1.06: 2.27: 1.74.

3 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

023382   Soetan K O;Fafunso M A (Veterinary Physiology Dep, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ibadan Univ, Nigeria, Email: soetangboye@yahoo.com) : Biochemical characterization of three varieties Lablab purpureus (Lablab bean) seed proteins. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 171-8.

Lablab purpureus (lablab beans) is a lesser known legume. The proteins in the seeds were characterized using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamde gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The three varieties used for this study were Rongai brown (P1509114), Rongai white (NAPRI 4) and Highworth black (Grif 12293). Biochemical Characterization of the seed proteins revealed presence of proteins with molecular weights ranging from 7,244 to 50,118 daltons.

2 tables, 26 ref

023381   Sharma R A;Sharma B;Bhardwaj M;Chandrawat P (Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Biochemistry, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: sharma_ra2007@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative biochemical studies of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. in controlled and chemically treated plants. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 667-70.

Primary metabolites are very useful for drug manufacturing industries and are often used as a drug in the treatment of many human diseases. In the present study whole plant of Diospyros melanoxylon and whole plant of chemically treated (EMS and Sodium Azide) Diospyros melanoxylon were used to evaluate for their primary metabolites such as carbohydrates (total soluble sugar and starch), lipids, proteins, ascorbic acid, phenols, pigments (chlorophylls and carotenotds and nucleic add (DN A) by following the established protocols and the profile of these metabolites were computed by respective regression curves.

8 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

023380   Sharma P;Joshi N;Sharma A (Bioscience Dep, Biotechnology Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: sharmaanubhuti@yahoo.com) : Isolation of genomic DNA from medicinal plant without liquid nitrogen. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(6), 610-14.

Genomic DNA was extracted from eight medicinal plants using the present DNA extraction protocols (CTAB extraction method) with some modifications. Leaves were fixed in different fixing solutions containing absolute alcohol (99.99%), chloroform and EOT A, but without liquid nitrogen. DNA quality and quantity obtained were comparable to those isolated with liquid nitrogen, as the λ₂₆₀λ₂₈₀ ratio with liquid nitrogen was in range 1.3-1.7 and with other fixing solutions it was 1.1-1.5. Absolute alcohol showed best results as fixing solution. Good quality of DNA was isolated without using liquid nitrogen from different medicinal plant species. DNA isolated by this method was suitable for various molecular biology applications.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

023379   Senthil Kumar M;Chaudhury S;Balachandran S (NO, Centre for Environmental Studies, Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati-731 235, Email: s.balachandran@visva-bharati.ac.in) : In vitro micropropagation of Oxystelma esculentum R. Br.-a medicinal herb. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 147-56.

An efficient protocol for in vitro shoot bud multiplication from shoot tip and nodal explant of Oxystelma esculentum was established. Shoot bud induction and proliferation of shoots achieved on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA), Kinetin (KN), indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), indol-3- butyric acid (IBA) and 1-napthalene acetic acid (NAA) either singly or in combinations. BA (1.5 mg 1^{-1), Kinetin (0.5 mg 1-1) and NAA (0.05 mg 1-1) were found to be increased the number of shoots (10.7 shoots/shoot tip explant and 16.2 shoots/nodal explant). The cluster of proliferated shoots elongated simultaneously on the same medium. High frequency of rooting (90%) was obtained in half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mg 1-1). Effect of time period on highest percentage and number of adventitious roots formation were observed on 19th and 22nd days. Rooted plantlets were hardened and successfully established in the field condition.}

3 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

023378   Reghuvaran A;Ravindranath A D (Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Ernakulam-22, Email: abesh199@gmail.com) : Efficacy of biodegraded coir pith for cultivation of medicinal plants. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(7), 554-9.

This study presents coir pith biodegradation with white rot fungus and nitrogen fixing bacteria for cultivation of medicinal plants (Phyllanthus amaranthus, Andrographis paniculata, Bacopa monneiri, Piper longum). Proportion (25% garden soil and 75% compost) yielded an effective growth of all medicinal plants. Thus, composted coir pith with nitrogen fixing bacteria is as an effective potting medium for cultivation of medicinal plants.

4 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

023377   Ramu J;Fareeda G;Murthy S D S (Biochemistry Dep, S.V. Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Comparative effects of cadmium and lead on photosynthetic electron transport activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) primary leaves. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 595-7.

The investigation was carried out to study the comparative effect of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) on wheat-primary leaves. From the results it is clear that control leaf segments showed more activities of whole chain electron transport (WCE), photosystem (PS) II and 1 than Cd and Pb treated leaf segments. PS II activity decreased more compared to PS I activity in both the treatments. Cd and Pb showed a concentration dependent inhibition in WCE, PS 11 and PS I activity. Our results clearly showed that the Cd is potent inhibitor of thy lakoid photochemical activities than Pb in wheat.

4 tables, 23 ref

023376   Rajendran N K;Vivek R (School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Univ, Thanjavur-613 402, Email: nandabiotech@yahoo.com) : Acid hydrolysis and kinetics of bioethanol production from impending lignocellulosic substrate using Saccharomyces cereviseae. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 135-46.

Big bluestem and Giant reed grass were investigated as typical lignocellulosic substrates of low value for bioethanol production. The model substrates were pre-treated with acid catalysed steam explosion and alkaline peroxidation 373d then hydrolysed with 1.5% Hydrochloric acid at 120°C for 30 min at an acid to biomass ratio of 8:1. The hydrolysates were detoxified with oveliming combined with activated charcoal treatment and neutralised to pH 4.5. Acid hydrolysed substrates yielded reducing sugar at a concentration of 59.9 g/l and 65.8g/l for big bluestem and giant reed grass respectively. The fermentation of detoxified hydrolysates with Saccharomyces cereviseae yielded maximum ethanol at a concentration of 24.14 g/l with an efficiency of 76.90% for big bluestem and 27.38 g/l with an efficiency of 79.30% for giant reed grass. The overall results provided promising baseline information for the potential application of big bluestem and giant reed grass as lignocellulosic feedstock for bioethanol production.

3 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

023375   Praveen Kumar B;Fareeda G;Murthy S D S (Biochemistry Dep, S.V. Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Low temperature stress induced alteration in the photosynthetic apparatus of the cyanobacteria, Spirulina platensis. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 617-9.

Exposure of intact celts of the Cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis to low temperature stress 10-25°C caused inhibition in various partial photochemical reactions. Between the two photosystems (PS), PS II seems to be more susceptible to low temperature than PS I. Light intensity measurements clearly gave an indication that light harvesting complex of PS II is the primary target for low temperature stress. It causes inhibition in Hill reaction by inducing the structural alterations in the spectral properties of phycobiliprotein.

4 tables, 14 ref

023374   Prasad S;Raj J;Bhalla T C (Biotechnology Dep, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005, Email: bhallatc@ rediffmail.com) : Purification of a hyperactive nitrile hydratase from resting cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous PA-34. Indian J Microbiol 2009, 49(3), 237-42.

Apropionitrile-inducednitrilehydratase (NHase), a promising biocatalyst for synthesis of organic amides has been purified from cell-free extract of Rhodococcus rhodochrous PA-34. About 11-fold purification of NHase was achieved with 52% yield. The SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme revealed that it consisted of two sub-units of 25.04 kD and 30.6 kD. However, the molecular weight of holoenzyme was speculated to be 86 kD by native-PAGE. This NHase exhibited maximum activity at pH 8.0 and temperature 40°C. Half-life was 2 h at 40°C and 0.5 h at 50°C. The Km and Vmax were 167 mM and 250 μmole/min/mg using 25 mM 3-cyanopyridine as substrate. AgNO₃, Pb(CH₃COO)₃ and HgCl₂ inhibited the NHase to extent of 89-100%.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

023373   Prakash B;Prakash P;Vidyasagar M;Sreeramulu K (Biochemistry Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: ksramu@rediffmailmail.com) : Effect of organic solvent and osmolyte on extremely halotolerant and thermostable α-amylases from Chromohalobacter spp. TVSP 101. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 115-24.

The effect of some organic solvents such as (dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N, N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), benzene, toluene, cyclohexane, n-hexane, alcohol acetone, isopropanol, acetonitrile, butanol, chloroform) and osmolytes (sucrose, betaine, trehalose, mannitol and glycerol) was studied on the activity and stability of an extremely halotolerant and thermostable amylase I and amylase II secreted by Chromohalobacter sp. TVSP 101. The amylases were stable in alcohol and acetone and they were activated 1.5 fold by acetonitrile and isopropanol respectively. Acetonitrile and isopropanol were more effective in preserving the enzymes activity and stability in absence or presence of NaCl. Both amylases were retained more than 60% activity in presence of benzene, toluene, n-hexane and cyclohexane at different concentrations 10-40% (v/v). On the other hand DMF, DMSO and butanol decreased the enzymes activity by more than 90%. The two amylases were active in presence of 15% sucrose, betaine, trehalose and mannitol retaining more than 90% activity. The amylases from Chromohalobacter sp. TVSP 101 are solvent and osmolyte tolerant enzymes, and are an ideal choice for applications in industrial process containing organic-solvents and/or, osmolytes and salts.

2 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

023372   Patel A;Das P;Barat A;Sarangi N (Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Div, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, PO Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 oo2, Email: pdas77@hotmail.com) : Estimation of genome size in Indian major carps Labeo rohita (Hamilton), Catla catla (Hamilton), Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) and lAbeo calbasu (Hamilton) by feulgen microdensitometry method. Indian J Fish 2009, 56(1), 65-7.

Genome size of Indian major carps viz., rohu, catla, mrigal and kalbasu has been reported here by estimating nuclear DNA content of Feulgen-stained blood smears in microdensitometer. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genome size was taken as the internal reference standard. Although diploid chromosome number in all these species are same (2n =50), they show notable difference in their genome size viz., 1.044 pg (kalbasu), 1.047 pg (mrigal), 1.994 pg (rohu) and 2.447 pg (catla). These differences may be attributed to the content of junk DNA and degree of developmental complexity of the species. The study is first of its kind in Indian carps and the information would help in generating linkage maps for identification of trait associated genes.cted from the coast. The damage to tissues at cellular level has been discussed in the light of previous reports and observations which employed green mussels as biomonitors of marine pollution.

1 tables, 13 ref

023371   Parashuram Y J;Rao S (Botany Dep, Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbaraga-585 106) : In vitro plant regeneration from cotyledonary leaf callus in Withania somnifera Dunal and important medicinal plant. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 179-88.

A protocol for in vitro plant regeneration has been developed in Withania somnifera Dunal. using callus obtained from cotyledonary leaf explants of in vitro raised seedlings. Through callogenesis is useful for the multiplication as well as for the genetic manipulation. The plant is known to have important secondary metabolites withanolides so regeneration protocol is expected to be very use full for the mass production of these withanolides. The induction of callus was observed on MS medium supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg/l)+Kn (1.0 mg/l) subsequent regeneration from callus was observed on MS+BAP (2.0 mg/l) + Kn (0.5 mg/l) + 10% CM in which 87.66±0.88 shoots per culture were obtained. The plant-lets about 5-6 cm in length were subsequently rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA (2.0 mg/l). Micro propagated plants were hardened in half strength MS and then established in pots containing sand and soil mixture (1:1).

1 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

023370   Paranthaman R;Vidyalakshmi R;Murugesh S; Singaravadivel K (NO, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur-613 005, Email: pprcksvel@yahoo.com) : Production of tannase by various fungal culture in solid state fermentation of ground nut shell. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 125-34.

The production of enzymes by bioprocesses is a good alternative to add value to agro industry residues. Groundnut shell is an abundant by-product of ground nut and was tested as a carbon source for production of tannin acyl hydrolase (tannase) by solid state fermentation. Tannase is an industrially important enzyme that is mainly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The present work has been taken up with a view of exploring the possibilities of using agriculture by-products as a source for the production of tannase from various fungi. Aspergillus oryzae, A.niger, A.flavus, Penicillium sp., were selected and optimized for tannase enzyme production in solid state fermentation using as a cheaper raw material groundnut shell. Among the fungi used Aspergillus niger produced the highest tannase of (101±2 U/g/min) and Penicillium produced lowest tannase of 73±2 (U/g/min) under SSF conditions carried out 30° C, pH 5.5 incubated for 168 h.Optimized the incubation period to be 96 h for tannase production. Maximum tannase activity was obtained when purified 60-80% ammonium sulphate saturation and DEAE A-50 Column Chromatography 50-60 fractions.

7 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

023369   Palaniyappan M;Vijayagopal V;Viswanathan R; Viruthagiri T (Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai-600 119, Email: tmpalaniyappan@gmail.com) : Identification of natural substrate and suitable carbon source and effect of operating variables on the production of pectinase by submerged fermentation using Aspergillus fumigatus MTCC 870. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 351-60.

Pectinases are a group of hydrolyzing enzymes that catalyses the breakdown of pectin containing substances and can be produced by both submerged and solid state fermentation methods. Pectinases play an important role in food processing and beverage industry. Aims at studying different substances such as wheat flour and corn flour compared with standard commercial synthetic pectin for the production of pectinases using Aspergillus fumigatus MTCC 870. The work involves optimizing various parameters like substrate concentration, pH, temperature, time of fermentation and agitation speed for the production of pectinase. The work also aims at studying the effect of carbon sources by selecting the substrate (natural) which synthesized the maximum amount of pectinase. The experimental studies shows that maximum synthesis of pectinase (5.78 U/mL) was obtained with wheat flour as substrate by submerged fermentation using A. fumigatus MTCC 870 and starch as an additional carbon source which is comparable with the standard synthetic pectin (6.3 U/mL). The optimal concentration and operation conditions are found to be substrate concentration (1%), agitation speed 160 rpm, pH 5.5, temperature 30 C and starch as additional carbon source.

8 illus, 15 ref

023368   Pagare R S;Ramdasi A M;Khandelwal S R; Lokhande M O;Aglave B A (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra-422 005) : Production and enzyme activity of an extracellular protease from Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 335-42.

An extracellular protease enzyme production from Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis in culture medium supplemented with glucose and trisodium citrate as a substrate. These microorganisms could grow up to 60°C within a broad pH range of 5 to 10 with an optimal growth temperature and pH at 60°C and 8.0 respectively. For the three Bacillus subtelis was shown better growth at temperature 50°C and pH 9. Similarly Aspergillus niger was well cultured at temperature 60°C and pH 8. Maximum protease enzyme activity was recorded at temperature 60°C (26.1±0.07 Uml^{-1 min-1) and pH 8 (26.0±0.07 Uml-1 min-1). The results showed that Bacillus species under study are good producers of extracellular protease at high temperature in alkaline medium.}

4 tables, 22 ref

023367   Mehrotra S;Mishra B N;Kukreja A K (Institute of Engineering & Technology Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow-226 021) : Efficiency of liquid system for mass multiplication of Glycyrrhiza glabra and evaluation of genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(2), 157-69.

The study comprises of comparative results obtained in liquid and conventional semi solid culture systems for mass multiplication of Glycyrrhiza glabra (L.) commonly known as licorice. The liquid culture medium exhibited an overall supportive effect and produced 44 nodal units per culture flask as compared to semi-solid medium (15 nodal units per culture flask) during the same culture duration. Besides, liquid medium was also proved as an efficient medium for high biomass production (3.85 gm. fresh weight per flask) as compared to semi solid medium (2.87 gm. Fresh weight per flask) under similar culture conditions and duration. Thus, in equal culture duration of 40 days, about 3 fold increase in propagable units (nodal segments) could be obtained. This will undoubtedly persuade the competence of a micropropagation protocol, if such a procedure is adopted for commercial cultivation by any biotech industry. An increased biomass was observed due to more number of regenerated shoots per explant in liquid medium. As a result of extension of micropropagation experiments in liquid culture system, the up-scaling of nodal explants in 5 liter capacity airlift stirred tank bioreactor exhibited 80% response in terms of both axillary shoot initiation and elongation and after a 20 days culture duration 295.95 gm (F. wt.) biomass was harvested over 27.90 gm of initial inoculum, thus indicating a 10.5 fold increase in biomass production and thereby resulting in more numbers of nodal segments. The micropropagated plants of G. glabra were further subjected to the assessment of their genetic fidelity. In PCR amplification with a set of 20 MAP primers (MAP 01 to MAP 20) 68% monomorphism was observed in 18 randomly selected plants micropropagated under semi solid and liquid culture conditions. A narrow genetic base was observed between the sampled plants when a graphic phenogram based on similarity matrix was generated. In this way the present study provides a proficient, cost effective and practically feasible micropropagation protocol for mass multiplication of a plant of high pharmaceutical importance all over the world.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref'

023366   Makari H K;Ravikumar Patil H S;Abhilash M (Biotechnology Dep, Government Science College, Hassan-573 201, Email: mac.gmit@gmail.com) : Phytochemical screening and antimicobial activity of leaf extracts of Cordia wallichii and Celastrus paniculata. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 325-33.

The hexane and methanolic leaf extracts of Cordia wallichii and Celastrus paniculata were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against clinically important bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM 2492), Bacillus subtillis (NCIM 2439), Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCIM 2719) and P. aeruginosa (NCIM 2053) and fungal test organisms including Aspergillus niger (NCIM 616), Aspergillus awamori (NCIM 861), Trichoderma viridae (NCIM 1053) and Trichoderma reesei (NCIM 1062) The in vitro antimicrobial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. The methanolic extracts of both the plants were active against all the investigated bacterial and fungal strains. Phyto to constituents present included Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids and Flavonoids. C. wallichii and C. paniculata can be used to source of antibiotic substances for possible treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.

6 tables, 14 ref

023365   Mahajan V A;Aglave B A;Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik (M.S.)) : Synthetic life. Asian J envir Sci 2009, 4(1), 104-5.

3 ref

023364   Langer S;Bakhtiyar Y;Malik N;Karlopia S K (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: langerseema@yahoo.co.in) : Growth, survival and proximate body composition of M. dayanum larvae red artificial food and natural food organisms under laboratory conditions. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 213-21.

Carries out to study the effect of different live feed and dry feed on growth and survival of M. dayanum. The studies were conducted indoor in the plastic water troughs containing newly hatched larvae of Macrobrachium dayanum (hatched in laboratory from the brooders collected from Gho-Manhasa stream) were stocked at a density of 20 prawn larvae per trough having 10 litres of water. The increase in weights and lengths were used as measures of growth. The duration of the experiment was 45 days. Seven dietary treatments tested were viz., Artificial diet with 45% Protein (LFdl), Rotifers like Asplanchna and Brachionus (LFd2), Wild Zooplankton (LFd3), Bioenriched zooplanktons (raised on Chlorella, cod liver oil and vitamin C) (LFd4), Artemia (LFd5), Chironomus (LFd6), Oligochaetes (LFd7). Among different treatments it was observed that higher weight gain of the larvae of M. dayanum was attained on diet LFd7 (11.08±0.11 mg). The weight gain recorded was highest for diet LFD7 followed by other diets as LFd7>LFd5>LFd6>LFd4>LFd3>LFd2>LFdl. The survival percentage also showed a significant (P<0.05) variation during the present investigation. The maximum survival was recorded for LFd7 (98.33±2.88%). Protein content of the prawn after the treatment was found to be highest for LFd7 followed by LFd4.

2 tables, 36 ref

023363   Goel S (Biotechnology Dep, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh, Sahib-140 406, Email: simmig76@yahoo.co.in) : Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by low cost biosorbents. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 281-92.

In this research, adsorption of chromium (VI) ions on biological waste products has been studied using column adsorption techniques. The main objectives of this study are to 1) investigate the comparative ability of low cost biosorbents in the form of hybrid system of Albizzia lebbeck and Groundnut shell pods and of pure groundnut column by designing packed bed reactor for the removal of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solution & electroplating industrial effluent 2) study the influence of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial chromium concentration on adsorption process performance and 3) determine appropriate adsorption isotherm and kinetics parameters of chromium (VI) adsorption. The results of this study showed that in a hybrid column, 96.7% of Cr (VI) removal from industrial effluent took place by hybrid columru The pH and flow rate are optimized to be 2-3 and 0.3 ml/min respectively. Comparatively in a pure groundnut column,% Cr (VI) removal decreases to 89.9% under same conditions. The column can be regenerated by treating with 0.1M H₂SO₄ / 0.2M K₂SO₄. The% recovery achieved was 98.44%. The total binding capacity of hybrid and pure columns was observed to be 61mg and 41mg respectively. From this study it can be concluded that Hybrid column is much more efficient than Pure GNSP column for the removal of Cr (VI) at high concentrations.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023362   El-Sayed A S A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Science, Zagazig Univ, Egypt, Email: a_abdelfatah2006@yahoo.com) : L-glutaminase production by Trichoderma koningii under solid state fermentation. Indian J Microbiol 2009, 49(3), 243-50.

Solid state fermentation was conducted for the production of L-glutaminase by Trichoderma koningii Oud.aggr. using different agro-industrial byproducts inlcud-ing wheat bran, groundnut residues, rice hulls, soya bean meal, corn steep, sesamum oil cake, cotton seed residues and lentil industrial residues as solid substrates. Wheat bran was the best substrate for induction of L-glutaminase (12.1 U/mg protein) by T. koningii. The maximum productivity (23.2 U/mg protein) and yield (45.0 U/gds) of L-glutaminase by T. koningii occurred using wheat bran of 70% initial moisture content, initial pH 7.0, supplemented with D-glucose (1.0%) and L-glutamine (2.0% w/v), inoculated with 3 ml of 6 day old fungal culture and incubated at 30°C for 7 days. After optimization, the productivity of L-glutaminase by the solid cultures of T. koningii was increased by 2.2 fold regarding to the submerged culture.

7 illus, 31 ref

023361   Dhandayuthapani K (Biotechnology Dep, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chennai, Email: kdpani_bio@yahoo.co.in) : Production of citric acid by Aspergillus niger in solid state fermentation of peat mass. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 223-30.

A study was made to apply the solid state fermentation for the production of citric acid using peat mass as a solid substrate supplemented with sucrose, ammonium nitrate and copper. The effect of different concentration of sucrose, ammonium nitrate and copper on the production of citric acid was studied. The sucrose and ammonium nitrate showed high degree of correlation where as copper showed low degree of correlation but did not affect much on production. The production process and concentration of nutrients are to be found interdependent. The maximum yield was obtained at lOOg/kg PM, 20 g/kg PM and 45 ppm/kg PM for sucrose, ammonium nitrate and copper respectively.

3 illus, 24 ref

023360   Detchanamurthy S;Somasundaram B (Chemical and Process Engineering Dep, Canterbury Univ, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand-8140, Email: swami_biochem@yahoo.co.uk) : Cloning of methionine-adenosyl-transferase gene in E. coli. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2009, 5(3), 197-211.

Methionine-adenosyl-transferase is an enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) using methionine and ATP. It is also known as AdoMet which is well known methyl donor for the majority of methyl-transferases which modifies DNA, RNA, histones and other proteins, dictating replicational, transcriptional and translational fidelity, mismatch repair, chromatin modeling, epigenetic modifications and imprinting. The objective of the present work is to clone the Methionine-adenosyl-transferase gene in E. coli for further expression and characterization studies. The genomic DNA was isolated from E. coli. The ODaeo/ODiso value of the isolated DNA was found to be 1.8 which confirmed the purity of isolated genomic DNA. Suitable primers were designed in order to amplify the target gene through PCR. Amplified genes were analyzed through Agarose Gel Electrophoresis. pBSK(+) a phagemid was used as a cloning vector in this work. The amplified gene product was purified and inserted in the multiple cloning site near the lacZ sequence in pBSK (+) cloning vector using EcoRV for restriction and T4 DNA ligase for ligation. The ligated vector was used for the transformation directly into E.coli DH5a. The transformed cells were allowed to grow in the LB plate overnight with appropriate antibiotics in order to pick the blue and white colonies the next day. Colony PCR was performed to confirm the presence of gene of interest from the grown white colonies. Those recombinant cells containing the gene of interest in their plasmid were allowed grow in the LB broth with respective antibiotics in order to multiply the plasmid containing the gene of interest. The plasmid DNA was isolated and restricted by Hind III and Pst I and the insert was prepared using Hind III and Nde I in order to prepare it for cloning and further expresion studies in the pET 24a(+) expression vector.

4 illus, 12 ref

023359   Deokant;Raipat B S;Sinha M P (Biotechnology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Ranchi-834 001) : Restriction endonuclease based DNA polymorphism analysis of carcinogenesis. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 621-4.

W.B.C. of blood is a good source of genomic DNA present in an individual, which contains different sequences acting as cleavage sites for different restriction endonucleases. These cleavage sites may be altered due to mutation, addition, deletion or methyiation of even a single nucieotide in cancer. The cleavage sites of two restriction endonucleases Nco I and Pvu II has been used for analysis of such alterations in DNA sequences (DNA polymorphism) from different type of cancers.

5 illus, 13 ref

023358   Dadsena R;Thakur T;Nandeshwar S B;Kumar Anil (Biotechnology Dep, Govt. V.Y.Y.P.G. Auto College, Durg-491 001, Email: aimum_aishley@yahoo.co.in) : Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in cotton, Gossypium arboreum pa 255 using different combinations of growth regulators. Bioscan 2009, 4(4), 721-24.

Cotton belonging to family Malvaceae is one of the most important fibers cum oil yielding crop cultivated all over the world. It is very rightly described as the White Gold of Black Soil. Cotton is a Multi purpose crop that supplies five basic products lint, oil, meal, seed hulls and linters. The 'lint' is the most important product of cotton plant and provides much of the high quality fiber for textile industry. In the present study Cossypium, arboreum cultivar PA 255 is used for callus induction using different combination of growth regulators. For hypocotyl explants we used three combinations MS+ Zeatin (0.5 mg/L), MS + 1AA +Kin. (2rng/L + 1 mg/L) and MS + IAA (2 mg/ L) out of which MS + IAA +Kin. (2mg/L + 1 mg/L) was found most effective for callusing (100%). For cotyledonary leaves explants the selected regulators was MS + 2,4-D (0.1 mg/L), MS+Kin(0.1 mg/L), MS + 2,4-D + Kin(0.1 mg/L +0.1 rng/L),of which we found best result of callusing (72%} in MS+ 2,4-D + Kin (0,1 mg/L + 0.1 mg/L).Callus were then transferred in MS basal media containing NH₄ NO₃, for somatic embryogenesis. After 10 days somatic embryo developed all over the surface of callus.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

023357   Behera S;Roy R C;Mohanty R C (Botany Dep, Utkal Univ, Bhubeneswar-751 004, Email: rc_mohanty@sify.com) : Camparative study of bioethanol production from mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.) flowers by immobilized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and aymomonas mobilis in calcium alginate beads. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(6), 472-5.

This study presents ethanol production from mahula flowers in submerged fermentation (SmF) using immobilized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CTCRI strain) and Zymomonas mobilis (MTCC 92) in calcium alginate as beads. Maximum ethanol concentrations were 154.5 and 134.55 g kg^{-1 flowers using immobilized cells of S. cerevisiae and Z. mobilis, respectively. Immobilized cells of S. cerevisiae in calcium alginate beads were more effective (14.83% more yield) for ethanol production than immobilized cells of Z. mobilis.}

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

023356   Anoop M;Issac A;Mathew T;Philip S;Kareem N A; Unnikrishnan R;Sreekumar E (Molecular Virology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centere for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014, Email: esreekumar@rgcb.res.in) : Genetic characterization of dengue virus serotypes causing concurrent infection in an outbreak in Ernakulam, Kerala, South India. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(8), 849-57.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, causes significant morbidity and has become endemic in the Indian subcontinent. Virus strains currently circulating in many parts of the country are not well studied at the molecular level. In the present study, genetic characterization of virus strains from a dengue outbreak that occurred in and around a tertiary care hospital in Ernakulam, Kerala in the year 2008 has been reported. By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 37 out of 75 (49.3%) clinically suspected cases were positive for dengue viral RNA. Among these, 21 (56.8%) samples showed concurrent infection with multiple serotypes of the virus. Majority of the combined infections were caused by dengue serotype 2 and 3. Co-infections with type 1 and 2 in two patients, and type 1, 2 and 3 in one patient were also observed. The core-pre-Membrane (CprM) junction nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the type 1 strains were related to the viral strains reported from Delhi-2001 and Gwalior-2002 dengue outbreaks, while the type 2 strains were related to the strains from Gwalior-2001 epidemic. Sequences of type 3 strains did not show clear relation to any of the previous Indian isolates, and in the phylogenetic analysis, they formed a distinct lineage within the Indian type 3 strains. This study indicates hyperendemicity of dengue in the region with the presence of multiple serotypes and high rates of co-infection, and local genomic evolution of the viral strains involved in this outbreak.

5 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

022406   Siva Prasath C S;Manikandan N;Prakash S (Biotechnology Dep, Udaya School of Engineering, Udaya Nagar, Vellamodi, Ammandivillai-629 204, Email: pra_cas@yahoo.co.in) : Uranium and thorium uptake by live and dead cells of Pseudomonas spp. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(5), 373-5.

This study presents uptake of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) by live and dead cells of Pseudomonas Sp. Increasing concentration of U and Th showed decrease in absorption by Pseudomonas Sp. Dead cells of Pseudomonas Sp. exhibited same or more uptake of U and Th than living cells. Increasing temperature promotes uptake of U and Th by Pseudomonas Sp.

4 tables, 8 ref

022405   Sathish S;Swaminathan K (Microbial Biotechnology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: sathish3107@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity among toxigenic clostridia isolated from soil, water, heat and asociated polluted sites in South India. Indian J med Microbiol 2009, 27(4), 311-20.

To investigate the genetic diversity of toxigenic Clostridium strains isolated from soil, water, meat and its associated polluted sites of Southern India. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 identified isolates of six different toxigenic clostridial species including C. bifermentans, C. botulinum, C. chauvoei, C. ramosum, C. tetani and C. novyi were isolated and characterized by conventional DNA restriction digestion analysis (REA) and by whole-cell and excretory protein patterns on SDS-PAGE. The DNA fragment size ranged from 35-160 kilobases and the protein bands 30-200 KDa, followed by numerical analyses and phylogenetic analyses. Whole-cell protein banding pattern were unique with strains of C. chauvoei, C. novyi and C. ramosum. All the strains were heterogeneous and distinct in restriction digestion pattern and excretory protein patterns. These analyses contribute to the understanding of prevalence of toxigenic clostridial species and phylogeny within the species and assist in development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for the treatment of clostridial infections.

8 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

022404   Negi S;Kalia D C;Walia K K;Walia R K;Bajaj H K (Bio-Sciences Dep, H.P. Univ, Shimla-171 005) : Community analysis of plant parasitic nematodes associated with rhizosphere of chir pine nurseries and pine trees in natural forests of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Nematol 2009, 39(2), 182-7.

Survey was carried out in six districts of Himachal Pradesh for investigating and identifying plant parasitic nematodes associated with chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) nurseries and pine trees (Pinus roxburghii Sarg. and P. wallichiana A. B. Jacks) in natural forests. Twenty one species of nematode parasites belonging to fifteen genera were encountered associated with rhizosphere of P. roxburghii and P. wallichiana. Xiphinema americanum was found to be the most predominant species based on prominence value followed by X. insigne, Pamtylenchus similis, Hemicriconemoides mangiferae and Varotylus symmetricus in close association with natural pine forest. Tylenchus arcuatus and Malenchus nanellus were recorded as predominant species in the nurseries.

2 tables, 23 ref

022403   Kulkarni A P;Mittal S P;Devasagayam T P A;Pal J K (Biotechnology Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: jkpal@unipune.ernet.in) : Hsp90 mediates activation of the heme regulated eLF-2α kinase during oxidatives stress. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2010, 47(2), 67-74.

The heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI), a member of the eLF-2α kinase family is crucial for regulating protein synthesis during stress. In addition to heme, stress proteins Hsp90 and Hsp70 are known to regulate HRI. The present study aims to determine the physical association of these Hsps in the regulation of HRI activation during oxidative stress using human K562 cells as a model. Extracts from the stress-induced cells were used for determining HRI kinase activity by measuring eIF-2α phosphorylation, and Hsp-HRI interaction by immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses. The results indicate a significant increase in both Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression during AAPH (2, 2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride)-induced oxidative stress. Further, their interaction with HRI, which correlates well with its increased HRI kinase activity leads to inhibition of protein synthesis. Thus, we demonstrate that Hsps play an important role in the regulation of initiation of protein synthesis during oxidative stress.

7 illus, 38 ref

022402   Ghatnekar S D;Ghalsasi D S;Tamhane B M (NO, Biotechnology Resource Centre, G/1, Adinath, Shaikh Misery Road, Wadala (E), Mumbai-400 037) : Novel three-tier biotechnology to convert solid waste of gelatine manufacturing unit into useful plant probiotics. Indian J envir Prot 2009, 29(9), 767-74.

India Gelatine and Chemicals Limited (IGCL), Vapi, Gujarat a public limited company produces food and pharma grade gelatine and exports it to Japan. The plant produces 30 tonne of obnoxious semi-solid proteinaceous sludge everyday which is threat to the environment. Authors have developed the novel three-tier biotechnology using enzymes, vermiculture and micro-organisms at pilot level (1 tonne) in the field laboratory of Biotechnology Resource Centre (BRC). The advantage of this three-tier biotechnology is not only the pollution abatement but also value addition. In the first phase, proteinaceous sludge wastes were subjected to 6 day enzymatic treatment using protease enzyme obtained from microbial cultures of Aspergillus niger BRC 135, Aspergillus flavus BRC 117 and Bacillus licheniformis BRC 122 obtained from culture bank of BRC. Thereafter, enzymatically biode-graded product in its second phase was subjected to the vermiculture process consisting of series of smooth-walled rectangular tanks along with standard bedding material inoculated with Lumbricus rubellus (obtained from culture bank of BRC). The complete biodegra-dation of waste into humus, like biomass was obtained after 30 day of vermiculture treatment. In the third phase, to this humic biomass, selected cellulose degraders, nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizers were inoculated and kept for 5 day. In fine, within 42 day obnoxious sludge got converted into coveted plant probiotics.

4 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

022401   Aswath C;Hanur V S (NO, Indian Institute for Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lakepost, Bongalore-560 089) : Genes to fulfil consumers' demand. Indian Hort 2009, 54(1), 30-3.

Floriculture provides a fertile ground for development and commercialization of biotech ornamental crops, both in cut flowers and pot/bedding plants. A number of traits are targeted as attractive candidates for genetic engineering intervention to obtain novelty, like flower colour, shelf-life, structure, scent and plant architecture. Flower colour is governed mainly by anthocyanins, carotenoids and betalains, apart from various co-pigments and vacuolar pH. Flower shelf-life is genetically controlled by ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene perception. Any manipulation of ethylene related processes can alter shelf-life. Floral scent is governed by combinations of many fatty acid derived compounds with S-Iinalool synthase as prime candidate. Flower and plant architectures are also equally interesting traits wherein intensive basic research is underway. Rational selection and modification of candidate genes for development of transgenic ornamental crops and subsequent commercialization can be successfully realized using modern tools of molecular biotechnology.

5 tables

022400   Ansari Z A;Farshchi P;Faniband M (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, Email: zakir@nio.org] ) : Naphthalene induced activities on growth respiratory metabolism an Biochemical composition in juveniles of Metapenaeus affinis (H. Milne Edward, 1837). Indian J Mar Sci 2010, 39(2), 285-9.

Toxicity of naphthalene was carried out on Metapenaeus affinis (H. Milne Edward, 1837) to investigate its effects on growth, metabolic index and biochemical constituents. Growth rate in terms of weight gain was 32.13% in control, 12.12% in 0.125 ppm and only 5.22% in 0.25 ppm. Metabolic index assessed in terms of oxygen consumption showed a reduction in respiratory rate up to 44.4% in prawns exposed to naphthalene. Activity increased initially but reduced subsequently. Protein content and organic carbon of the body tissue of juveniles showed reduction on exposure to naphthalene. Inhibitory effect was dose dependent and duration of exposure. However, the lipid content increased after exposure to naphthalene. Changes in the growth and respiratory rate and other biochemical constituents resulting from exposure to naphthalene indicate some adaptive response and recovery during detoxification in the prawns exposed to pollutant. Study revealed that the physiological and biochemical parameters could be used as indicator of stress condition in aquatic organisms and the use of naphthalene should be regulated because of its toxic nature.

6 tables, 26 ref

019151   Usha D K;Vasantha S (Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503) : Degradation of some xenobiotic compounds using microorganisms. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 275-8.

Deals with degradation of some xenobiotic compound viz benzoic acid phenylacetic acid using Pseudomonas florescens, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillus niger showed maximum percentage of degradation ability compared with Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma viride. Based on this study concluded that Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillus niger act as a potential degrading strains against some xenobiotic compounds.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

019150   Upadhye S P (Biotechnology Dep, IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: seema.upadhye@gmail.com) : Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using as biosorbent : moss. J Envir Res Dev 2008, 3(2), 490-4.

Biosorption processes have attained great importance as an environmental point of view that they can remove toxic compounds from industrial waste water. Many industries use dyes to colour their products and discharge their waste in water which is harmful for aquatic life. Adsorption processes provide an attractive alternative for the treatment of coloured waters. Methylene blue adsorption on moss has been done using visible absorption spectroscopy. Different pre-treatments, -protonation and chemical cross-linking with CaCl₂ or H₂CO₃ have been tested in order to improve the stability as well as adsorption capacity of the moss biomass. Pretreatments gave different adsorption results and it was found that a particular pre-treatment can increase adsorption capacity of biomass. The results have shown that this type of material has a high adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye and moss was found useful as low-cost biosorbent in waste water treatments.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

019149   Thippareddy K S;Agrawal P (Biotechnology Dep, R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore, Email: tthippareddy@yahoo.com) : Ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass through anarobic fermentation. J Envir Res Dev 2008, 3(2), 395-9.

Pretreated deseeded sunflower head as lignocellulosic biomass can be utilized to produce ethanol, a promising alternative energy source for the depleting crude oil. Present study is to evaluate the efficiency of microbial fermentation process in production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. There are two steps involved in such fermentation- hydrolysis of cellulose in the lignocellulosic biomass to reducing sugars and fermentation of the sugars to ethanol. The microbial used for the study are Zymomonas mobilis 89, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 181, Heterobasidion annosum 146, and Cellulomonas fimi 24.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

019148   Sudhakara H;Murthy N (Dairy Chemistry Dep, Dairy Science College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024) : Factors influencing gelation of whey proteins. Indian J Dairy Biosci 2008, 19(1-2), 22-5.

Whey proteins possess excellent functional properties. Their ability to bind water to form gels renders them as idea/ingredients in diversified food formulations. There are many factors viz, pH, degree of heat treatment and added calcium salts that affect the gelling ability of whey proteins. An optimum gelation was observed at a pH of 6.0 when 10 per cent WPC solution was heated to 80°C for 30 min. Better gel strength was observed upon increasing temperature of heating to 90°C. Addifion of calcium chloride at 5mM to WPC solution leads to the formation of weak gel when heated to 80°C for 20 min. Increased level of added salt (10mM) as also higher heating temperature (90°C) for longer duration (30 min) resulted in the formation of firm gel indicating that the increased salt concentration along with higher temperature treatment favour gelation in WPC solution.

2 tables, 8 ref