017282   Patil S V;Bathe G A;Patil A V;Patil R H; Salunkea B K (Biochemistry Dep, School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: satish.patil7@gmail.com) : Production of bioflocculant exopolysaccharide by Bacillus subtilis. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(10), 14-17.

Bioflocculant exopolysaccharide producing organism was isolated from the local soil. The organism was identified as Bacillus subtilis by using biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bioflocculant yield was maximum when 2% glucose was used as a carbon source and flocculating activity was increased from 58 to 85% in the presence of cations, FeCl₃ and AlCl₃ pH 7 and temperature 30°C was found to be optimum for bioflocculant production. EPS showed heat stability at 97°C for 10 minutes. Chemical composition of EPS revealed that it contains 94.3% polysaccharide and 5.7% protein.

7 illus, 16 ref

017281   Palaniswami R (Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedakam West, Madurai-625 217, Email: sinsir1960@gmail.com) : Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALO)-the bacterial predator. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(10), 30-2.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

017280   Monica Anita R I;Rajadurai M;Sagar K C (PG Dep of Biotechnology, Bishop Heber College, Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli-620 017, Email: monica.anita@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of garlic varieties (ophioscordon and sativum) on enteric pathogens. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(10), 26-9.

Two varieties of garlic (ophioscordon and sativum) were tested for their antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Shigella < flexineri and Enterobacter aerogenes. Aqueous extract of both the garlic varieties inhibited the growth of enteric pathogens at the concentrations of 200,300,400 and 500g. However Enterobacter aerogenes was not susceptible to the aqueous extract of both the garlic varieties. Ethanolic extract of sativum was found to be highly effective against all the bacteria tested. HPTLC analyses of garlic varieties confirm the presence of allicin in various concentrations. Further analysis using GC-MS identified other compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone, thymine and hexanedioic, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester.

1 illus, 4 tables

017279   Mahmoodian H;Marhaban M H;Rahim R A;Rosil R; Saripan M I (Electrical and Electronic Dep, Eng Faculty, Putra Univ Malaysia-43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia) : New entropy-based method for gene selection. IETE J Res 2009, 55(4), 162-8.

Dimension reduction and selection of a small number of genes with high ability, to discriminate objects, are important challenges in micro-array data analysis. Gene selection, based on top ranked genes which individually have high power to discriminate objects, is a traditional method that doesn't consider the redundancy among the genes. Some results present that subset of genes with low degree of redundancy can show a more comprehensive representation of the targeted classes than one with redundant genes. In this paper, we use Shannon theorem and penalized logistic regression (PLR) as a probability estimator to present a new algorithm for dimension reduction and collect a subset of representative genes of gene expression profile. Breast cancer, leukemia, colon and lung datasets have been classified based on proposed gene selection algorithm by PLR classifier. In most cases the results show a good performance compared to other recent researches.

4 tables, 29 ref

017278   Khan K H;Jain S K (Centre for Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062) : Regular intake of Terminalia chebula can reduce the risk of getting typhoid fever. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(9), 10-15.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is characterized by a persistent high fever, inflammation, ileal perforation, liver abscess, diarrhea, profuse sweating, rose colored spot and gastroenteritis. Multi drug resistance has increased worldwide. Keeping in view of the limited scope of available vaccine against salmonella infection and increasing resistant of this disease to antibiotics, the need of the day is to evaluate the efficacy of the natural plant products which can be used against this disease. In the present study aqueous extract of the fruit of Terminalia chebula (T) was evaluated for its anti salmonellae activities invitro andinvivo. T exhibit anti salmonellae activity against S. typhi and S. typhimurium showing a clear zone of inhibition in vitro. Tat a concentration of 10,12 and 15 mg/ml was bacteriostatic and above it was highly bactericidal. Mice pretreated with T at a dose of 100 (T100), 200 (T200) and 500 (T500) mg/kg body weight for a period of 30 days and challenged with 100000CFU of S. typhimurium exhibit a protection of 83.4%, 83.4% and 100% respectively. This study was further confirmed by studying the clearance of bacteria from liver and estimating the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. The results indicated that regular intake of the above fruit can prevent salmonellae infection and can reduce the risk of getting typhoid.

10 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

017277   Jadhav S K;Kunjam S (School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Email: shailesh_07@sify.com) : Ecological studies on aeromycoflora of a tribal area of Chhatishgarh. Indian J Aerobiol 2009, 22(1-2), 21-8.

Mycobial ecology is the relationship of mycoorganisms with their surroundings. Mycobial survey was carried out from February 2005 to March 2006 with the help of gravity petriplates method containing PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. During present study, total number of 71 fungal species belonging to 27 fungal genera were recorded. Out of which the class wise percentage contribution as: Zygomycotina (7.04%), Ascomycotina (9.85%), Anamorphic fungi (81.69%) and mycelia sterilia(1.40%) was recorded. Anamorphic fungi were most dominant to the total fungal flora. It was also observed that the percentage frequency and percentage contribution of individual fungal species were different in different months as well as different season. Aspergillus niger was most frequent fungi throughout the year followed by Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium cladosporioides while Ascochyta sp., Thielavia terricola and Penicillium funiculosum etc. were the least frequent fungi. The result is also indicating that the maximum percentage contribution of Cladosporium chladosporioides (11.95%) followed by Aspergillus niger (5.50%) and Curvularia lunata (3.74%) while Penicillium lilacinum and Thielavia terricola (0.10%) was the least percentage contribution to the total fungal flora. Ecological studies of different fungal groups of aeromycoflora in relation to seasons were also assessed. The present investigation deals with the ecological studies of tribal area at Panabaras region of Rajnandgaon district.

6 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

017276   Jacob M R;Gomathi S;Huxley A J (K & Dr.Aldous J Huxley, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, K.K. District, Kaliakkavilai-629 153, Email: reena.shabu@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular diversity analysis in cuttle fish (Sepia officinalis) populations usin RAPD markers. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(9), 23-6.

Cuttle fishes are one among the endangered species of fishes. Human interventions like hydroelectric dams, oil spills, industrial pollution, water pollution, use of high technology instruments/ vehicles emitting poisonous gases and other environmental Changes have resulted in the eradication of natural stocks contributing to the destruction of fish habitats. The aim of this study is to detect the genetic variation in Sepia officianalis from five collection sites in the area of influence of the Arabian sea and on the Bay of Bengal of Indian Peninsular coast at the following Locations: kochin, kollam, Vizhinjam, chinnamuttam, colachal coast using the RAPD technique. Fifteen random primers were used in this analysis, which generated a total of 354 markers revealing an average of 20 markers per primer in each population. The percent of polymorphism was less, only 4.0 for different primers.Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) were applied in this Cephalopod population study. The results obtained, revealed that the fish in the Arabian Sea have a higher similarity coefficient than those from the other sampling sites attributed by differences in environmental characteristics in these regions.

^iia1 table, 32 ref

017275   Hsieh K L (Information Management Dep, National Taitung Univ, 684, Chung Hua Rd, Sector 1, Taitung, Taiwan, R O C, Email: klhsieh@nttu.edu.tw) : Integrated data mining approach based on PCA and SOM techniques to achieve organism classification. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(4), 278-83.

In this study/dimension reduction and clustering techniques are incorporated in an integrated soft computing approach to achieve classification of organism. It provides useful information about organisms classification based on codon usage. Finally, a case study was conducted to demonstrate rationality and feasibility of proposed approach.

2 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

017274   Hepsibha B T;Premalakshmi V;Sekar T (Biotechnology Dep, Alpha Arts & Science College, Chennai-600 116, Email: thendraljoel@yahoo.com) : Genetic diversity in Azima tetracantha (Lam) assessed through RAPD analysis. Indian J Sci Technol 2010, 3(2), 170-3.

Azima tetracantha is a shrub known for its various therapeutic properties. Genetic diversity was analysed using RAPD primers among six accessions collected from different locations of Tamilnadu, India. Genetic distances were calculated using Nei's coefficient. Dendrogram was constructed on the basis of the similarity matrix data by unweighted pair group method with average (UPGMA) cluster analysis. The analysis with RAPD markers revealed wide variation within A. tetracantha that reflected a high level of diversity within this species.

2 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

017273   Goel S (Biotechnology Dep, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib-140 406) : Anaerobic baffled reactor for treatment of textile dye effluent. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(4), 305-7.

Continuous anaerobic treatment technology has been developed in anaerobic baffle reactor (ABR) and some process parameters [hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic loading rate (OLR), pH and temperature] were optimized. Active bacteria for degradation were added as digested sewage sludge. Highly colored wastewater has successfully been treated in ABR. Textile industrial waste organic matter gave maximum biogas yield (1.64 ± 0.02 1/d; methane, 83%) and COD removal (71.5%) at optimum parameters (OLR, 0.500 kg/m^{3/d; HRT, 4 days; pH, 6.5-7.3; and temp., 30-35°C).}

3 tables, 11 ref

017272   Fijesh P V;Padikkala J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Antioxidant activity of Hibiscus furcatus Willd. Amala Res Bull 2009, 29, 63-8.

The antioxidative potential of different solvent extracts of Hibiscus furcatus leaves and flowers were evaluated using 1, l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. Among those solvent extracts, ethyl acetate extract of H. furcatus exhibited highest level of antioxidant activities.

5 tables, 16 ref

017271   Chatterjee A (School & Biotechnology, Chemical & Biomedical Engg. VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: raj_success123@yahoo.com) : Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus: life cycle and potential as a predatory renaissance. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(9), 27-9.

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Hd100, is apredatory Gram-negative deltaproteobacterium which preys on other Gram-negative bacteria and undergoes a complex multistep developmental cycle that results in killing of its prey cell. This feature of Bdellovibrio is important in respect to its bacteriolytic nature and may be used as a bio-control agent as it can attack plant, animal, and human pathogens and there is no report of Bdellovibrio attacking mammalian cell. Now with the availability of complete genome sequence and more insight in to the organism researchers now have an opportunity to evaluate the tremendous therapeutic potential of the bacteria.

^iia1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

017270   Anand R;Sundaramoorthi C;Saritha E;Divya Krishna;Bhuvaneswari K (Postgraduate and Research Dep of Microbiology, Dr.N.G.P. College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641 048, Email: anand_ramus@rediffmail.com) : Mass multiplication of Verticillium chlamydosporium on plant extracts and plant based solid substrates. Int J Head Neck Surg 2009, 8(9), 16-20.

V. chlamydosporium, the effective biocontrol agent against nematodes can be explored practically by the mass production of its Chlamydospores. In this regard seven plant extracts including Lantana camera, Piper colubrinum, Naregamia alata, Strychnos nuxvomica, Chromolaena odorata, Glyricidia maculate and Azadirachta indica and plant based solid substrates such as tapioca powder, neem cake, coir compost and rice bran were investigated for their efficiency to induce chlamydospore production. The results revealed enhanced chlamydospore production in solitary plant extract, better induction when supplemented in synthetic media. Among solid substrates and synthetic media employed in study, rice bran and Corn Meal Agar (CDA) was proved to be promising substrates.

16 illus, 9 ref

016160   Vinoth Kumar K;Dawood Sharief S;Rajkumar R; Ilango B;Dawood N;Chamundeeswari D;Sukumar E (Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, School of Environmental Sciences, The New College, Chennai-600 014) : Free radical scavenging activity of Lantana aculeata root extract in hyperlipidemic rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(2), 1921-4.

Lantana aculeata is a common weed that grows abundantly in many parts of India. The aerial part of the plant is reported to be toxic while the roots were found to be non- toxic when tested in albino rats. The alcoholic extract of the roots showed a significant hypolipidemic activity in normal rats. Hence the roots were studied for their free radical scavenging potential in hyperlipidemic animals by administering the alcoholic extract (LAR) in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 30 days. The levels of LPO, non-enzymatic antioxidant (TRG) and enzymatic antioxidants viz. SOD, CAT and GPx that showed changes in diseased condition were reverted back to near normal values by LAR extract treatment of plasma, liver and heart tissues. The presence of flavonoids besides oleanolic acid in large amounts might have caused the observed effect.

1 table, 24 ref

016159   Vankhede G N (Zoology Dep, Sant gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra) : Biodiversity conservation using nanobiotechnological approach. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(1), 1-4.

Biotechnology involves the use of life forms for human welfare however the recent trend of rapid extinction of wild species and destruction of ecosystems is a matter of great concern for the policy makers and biotechnologists alike. Biotechnological methods offer many advantages to conventional captive breeding procedures currently in use today which have been shown to be relatively harmless to the animals. The main disadvantage is that research in these techniques for endangered animals is still at a very early stage and is very costly. The amount of resources available for conservation of species is very limited and the main argument is whether or not to invest in such a research. Nanoscience and nanobiotechnology can address one of the greatest challenges in the post-genomic era of the 21^{st century - making the essential connections between structure and function of biomolecules at the microlnanoscale to animal/human physiology, and conservation of species by using pathophysiology at the macroscale. Nanotechniques have tremendous impact on fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices and biodiversity conservation.}

5 ref

016158   Tyagi P K;Pal R;Shruti (Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Biotechnology Dep, N.C. College of Engineering Istana, Panipat-132 107, Email: pktgenetics@gmail.com) : Retrospective study of FMD serotypes and seasonal analysis of outbreaks using sero-typing strategy in Uttar Pradesh (India). Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 267-77.

A laboratory evidence based study on FMD was conducted on the diagnosis of retrospective serotyping and seasonal analysis of outbreaks in cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and buffalo. The sample size was tongue epithelium, feet epithelium and blood serum (n=40) and the samples were screened for the evidence of outbreak of FMD in Mathura, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Bhadoi and Etawa district of study location. Seasonal analysis of the FMDV outbreaks revealed that out of total nineteen outbreaks, the highest 42.10% occurred in April followed by 26.30% in January and 15.80% in both December and March. The maximum numbers of outbreaks are observed in cattle followed by sheep and buffalo. For serotyping study of virus from five districts of Uttar Pradesh all the forty samples were processed using sandwich ELISA and LAB-ELISA techniques and the two-virus type, serotype A FMDV (84.61 %) and serotypes 0 FMDV (15.39%) were recorded. However, serotype C and Asia-l FMDV was not recorded from any of the outbreaks during the study year. Further-conducted a retrospective diagnosis study of antibody titre of more than 1.8 log₁₀ against FMDV samples of serotype A were recorded 32 sera samples, 7 sera samples were found showing high titre against serotype 0 FMDV, 4 sera samples were found showing higher titre against FMDV type Asia-I. The research work of FMDV outbreaks, April (beginning of summer season) and September (end of long rainy season), two times per, year can be suggested as the most suitable time for vaccination against FMD in the study area and imperative that findings of this work might be helpful in to validate the knowledge on diagnosis of FMD.

9 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

016157   Tiwari O N;Oinam G;Koijam L;Deepa Devi S; Avijeet Singh O (Microbial Bioprospecting Laboratory, Microbial Resources Div, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable development, (An autonomous, Takyelpat, Imphal-795 001) : Cyanobacterial biodiversity, conservation and possible commercial exploitation of Indian region falling Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(1), 5-32.

With technological advances and the recent realization of immense applied biotechnological potential and suitability for gene manipulation, cyanobacteria become organisms of choice for research and development. The fundamental prerequisite for exploring the biotechnological potential of cyanobacteria is to screen as many species as possible and this can only be achieved through culture collection. Unialgal or pure cultures therefore, are a prerequisite for conducting studies related to their immense potential. The cyanobacterial strains available at IBSD, Imphal, Manipur, reflect a wide spectrum of morphological and functional forms and belong to major orders of cyanophyte. Strains of the same species are morphologically identical but vary in their colour and area of isolation. IBSD, Imphal is the largest repository for fresh water cyanobacteria in entire North East Region of India and provides an opportunity to cyanobacteriologists to perform relatively new studies in their respective fields.

5 ref

016156   Tiwari K L;Jadhav S K;Harwani Y (NO, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhatisgarh) : Pollen calendar of Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 183-91.

Systematic survey of pollen grains was carried out for one year at different sites of Raipur city. During investigation total 226 pollen grains of the different angiospermic plants were recorded. Among them, 205 pollens were dicot while 21 monocot in nature. Among them, 27 pollen grains were found to be frequent as they were present throughout the year. Eight pollen grains reported in late summer to early rainy, 36 pollens found in late rainy to early winter and 21 pollens were found in late winter to early summer season. 104 pollens were dominant in winter, 21 pollens in summer and 09 pollens in rainy season. This was also observed that among total pollen grains, 65 were allergenic in nature and the rest non-allergic.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

016155   Tanaka K;Arif M;Kamada N (Radiobiology Dep, Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hachazawa 2-121, Takahoko, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori 039-3213, Japan, Email: kmtanaka@ies.or.jp) : Usefulness of two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization technique using chromosomal subset at metaphase and interphase stage in radiation biodosimetry. Indian J Sci Technol 2009, 2(4), 1-11.

Peripheral bloods from healthy donors were irradiated by ^{60Co γ-rays and californium (252Cf) -neutron for 0.5 to 4 Gy and the frequencies of the translocations were detected by two colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosomes 1, 2 and 3 and chromosomes 6, 7 and 9 were labeled by rodamine-dUTP and fluorescein-dUTP as viewing red or green signal on metaphase chromosomes, respectively. In separate observation, translocation was detected on the interphase cells by the two color FISH method using whole chromosome painting probes of chromosomes 4 and 9. Detected translocations on the metaphase and interphase cells showed clear dose response relationships. Translocations induced by 60Co γ-rays, 252Cf neutrons, and those in atomic bomb survivors were able to detect easily by both interphase FISH and metaphase FISH using two colour of chromosome subsets. These results suggest that scoring of translocations by two colour FISH of chromosome subsets can serve as more sensitive and applicable biological dosimeter for short or long-term radiation effects.}

9 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

016154   Swarna Latha L;Neelakanta Reddy P (Biotechnology Dep, Sathyabama University, Chennai-600 119, Email: loki_swarna@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal and analysis of phytochemical constituents of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides. Indian J Sci Technol 2009, 2(3), 45-8.

Ethnomedicinal value of Spheranthus amaranthoides was investigated through phytochemical study, in vitro antibacterial- and antidiarrhoeal- activity of ethanolic extracts. The analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrate, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids and alkaloids. The extract evinced antibacterial activity on all the tested organisms viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli at the concentration ranged from 50- 400μg/ml as assayed by disc diffusion. S. amaranthoides also caused a significant (p<0.001) castor oil induced antidiarrhoeal effect in rats. The results suggest that these activities might be due to the presence of the potent phytochemicals in the extract of Spheranthtus amaranthoides that can be used as a therapeutic agent.

1 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

016153   Sulekha Rani;Rana J S (Bio & Nano Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana) : Cell suspension cultures of Tylophore indica - its potential as a tool for plantlet regeneration. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 143-8.

In vitro regeneration of Tylophora indica via suspension culture was established. Callus proliferation occurred on leaf explants cultured on Gamborg's medium (B₅) supplemented with 2, 4-D (2 mg/L) and BAP (0.5 mg/L). Suspension cultures were obtained by transferring and agitating callus clumps in liquid B5 medium. Shoot bud differentiation was observed from cell aggregates on liquid B₅ medium containing BAP (4.0 mg/L) and multiple shoot formation was achieved on the same medium. Isolated shoots were rooted with high efficiency in B5 medium (1/2 strength) containing IAA (1.0 mg/L). Regenerated plants were established in pots.

4 illus, 3 tables, 134 ref

016152   Subba Rao C;Prakasham R S;Sri Lakshmi C; Bihaskar Rao A (Bioengineering and Environmental Center, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: prakasam@iict.res.in) : Effect of various immobilization matrieces on Lactobacillus delbrucekii cells for optically pure L (+) lactic acid production. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 311-19.

The study reveals the effect of Lactobacillus delbrucekii cells immobilized in various matrices for the production of optically pure L(+) lactic acid. Functionalized alginate matrices were effective and suitable for higher L (+) lactic acid yields compared to other matrices. Repeated batch fermentation showed productivity of 1.74, 1.44, 1.48 and 1.52 Y p/s with functionalized alginate, Ca-alginate, K-Carrageenan, and glass beads, respectively. L. delbrucekii cells were immobilized in natural and functionalized alginate beads. The scanning electron microscopic studies showed increase in entrapped microbial cell biomass in modified immobilized beads compared to other matrices. These modified alginate beads showed enhanced stability and selectivity towards L (+) lactic acid production in higher yields with an enantiomeric selectivity of 99% and low by-product production.

6 illus, 31 ref

016151   Srinivasa Rao G V R;Anupama P (Environmental Engg Div, Civil Engineering Dep, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Removal of COD using fluidized bed bioreactor. Pollut Res 2008, 27(3), 391-4.

Experiments are conducted on a laboratory scale model of Fluidized Bed Bioreactor (FBBR) fabricated with fibre glass column of diameter 10 cm and length 180 cm and containing a coarse sand bed of height 80 cm, to study the removal of COD at different hydraulic retention times (HRT). A synthetic wastewater of different concentrations of COD ranging from 600 to 1000 mg/L mixed with acclimatized biomass is used for the experimentation. Experiments are conducted at different hydraulic retention times, i.e. 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The COD values of the influent and effluent of the reactor are measured and the maximum percent removals of COD are determined. The maximum percent removals of COD are found to be 61.45, 70.18, 71.73 and 77.27 against the hydraulic retention times of 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes i.e., increasing against the increasing HRT. It is also observed that the maximum percent removals of COD are obtained at lesser experimental periods with the increase in HRT i.e., at 15, 13, 11 and 10 days against HRT of 20, 30, 45 and 60 minuties.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

016150   Singh M P;Rastogi P C;Srivastava A K; Vishvakarma N K (Biotechnology Dep, V.B.S. Purvanchal University, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: mohanbio_62@yahoo.co.in) : Decolourization of azo dyes with white rot fungi Pleurotus species. Pollut Res 2008, 27(3), 365-9.

Nine species of white rot fungi (Pleurotus spp.) i.e. P. citrinopileatus, P. eryngii, P. flabellatus, P. florida, P. fossulatus, P. ostreatus, P. roseus, P. sajor-caju and P. sapidus were used for decolourization of three azo dyes i.e. congo red, methyl red and methyl orange. P. flabellatus was found to be the most effective decolourizer among the nine species which completely decolourized congo red and methyl orange within 8 days and methyl red in 10 days. This was followed by P. sajor-caju, P. ostreatus and P. fossulatus. These four species decolourized the dyes more rapidly than other species. Among the three dyes congo red decolourized earlier than methyl orange and methyl red.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

016149   Sharanappa G;Reddy R P;Suryanarayana Murthy C (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Tont. Adarya College of Engineering, Gadag-582 101, Email: gsharanappa@yahoo.com) : 6 CTA 8.3 G1-1cummins engine performance & exhaust emission tests using methyl ester mahua oil and diesel fuel blends. Pollut Res 2008, 27(3), 431-6.

Cummins 6 CTA 8.3G1-1 turbocharged DI diesel engine was fueled with blends of esters of Mahua oil and the performance and emissions were compared with diesel. The neat biodiesel, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and base fuel were tested at constant load (28% of rated load) and at constant speed of 1500 rpm. This experiment is conducted on D.G Set, used to supply power to mining equipments in MSPL Iron Ore Company Hospet. Dist. Bellary. Objective of study was to evaluate the impact of various blends of biodiesel on engine performance and emissions. Neat Mahua oil poses some problems when subjected to prolonged usage in CI engine. These problems can be reduced to minimum by subjecting the Mahua oil to the process of trans esterification. Various properties of the biodiesel thus developed are evaluated and compared in relation to that of conventional diesel oil.

8 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

016148   Shanmugavalli N;Umashankar V;Raheem (PG Bioinformatics Dep, SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: vallibiochem2000@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of Vanilla planifolia. Indian J Sci Technol 2009, 2(3), 37-40.

Vanilla planifolia is a popular orchid species and the present study investigates its antimicrobial activity against few pathogenic bacteria. The active ingredient of the Vanilla extract was resolved by HPLC and the compounds identified were flavonoid and alkaloid in nature.

3 tables, 23 ref

016147   Shafikh S;Kanse N U;Ade A (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Effect of sodium chloride concentration on extraction of aluminum and iron by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans isolated from bauxite ore. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 306-8.

Efforts were made to test the sensitivity of NaCl concentration on the performance of metal extraction by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The metal extraction was found decreased with the increasing NaCl concentrations.

1 table, 15 ref

016146   Satish Kumar R;Rajalakshmi G;Karthikyein J (Biotechnology Dep, D.G. Vaishnav College, Arrumbakam, Chennai-600 106) : Inhibition of acyl homoserine lactone mediated biofilm formation in Burkholderia cepacia isolated from Albizzia lebbeck. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(2), 1875-8.

N-Acylhomoserine lactones, known as autoinducers, are widely conserved signal molecules present in quorum-sensing systems of many Gram-negative bacteria. Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic human pathogen that can aggressively colonize the cystic fibrosis lung. The CepR and CepI proteins in this organism constitute a global regulatory system, controlling expression of at least 40 genes, including those controlling swarming motility and biofilm formation. In this study, we report a Burkholdria cepacia isolate from a plant named Albizzia lebbeck capable of forming biofilm by acyl-homoserine lactone mediated gene expression. The biofilm formation by this isolate was consistent in 24-well microtiter plate but gradually declined when the culture was allowed to grow with increasing concentration of partially purified intracellular enzyme extracted from a Bacillus sps, which carried the aiiA gene, responsible for quorum sensing inhibition.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

016145   Sangve K B (NO, Brijlal Biyani Science College, Amravati-444 606) : Alterations in electrolyte composition in various tissues of Rasbora daniconius exposed to sodium fluoride. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 235-6.

The fish, Rasbora daniconius were exposed to 200 mg/l sodium fluoride to study its effect on ionic contents of various tissues. Significant to highly significant depletion was noted in tissue ionic content of R. daniconius. The depleted Na+ and Ca^{++ in tissue like gills and bones is of concern as calcium and sodium ions are very important in cell functions. The exposure to sodium fluoride made the fishes lethargic due to disturbances in ionic concentrations which may affect the fish production.}

1 table, 9 ref

016144   Sanghera G S;Gill M S;Sandhu J S;Gosal S S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana) : Transient expression of β-glucuronidase gene in tranformed shoot tips and calli of cotton (Gossypium spp). Crop Improv 2009, 36(1), 1-5.

Shoot tips of cotton cv. LD 694 (diploid) and LH 2076 (tetraploid) excised from 5-6 days old in vitro germinated seedlings were transformed following Agrobacterium and particle gun methods with the GUS gene, encoding β-glucuronidase. In addition to shoot tips, two months old hypocotyl-derived calli (LH2076) were also inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV 3101 carrying tDNA with GUS gene. Three days after co-cultivation the histochemical GUS assay was done that showed GUS expression in shoot tips varied from 5.55 to 12.50 per cent and 7.14 to 13.63 per cent in calli. When shoot tips were transformed with GUS DNA coated on tungsten particle (micro-carrier) using particle gun method, its expression was up to 5.00 to 10.00 per cent. Of the two transformation methods studied, Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer resulted in higher transformation efficiency (mean GUS expression 10.35%) than particle gun method (6.25%) in both the varieties, demonstrating Agrobacterium method as better choice for cotton transformation. Transient gene expression in shoot tip explants indicates the potential of using such explants to obtain stable transformants in Indian cotton genotypes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

016143   Sandhu J S;Gosal S S (NO, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: js_sandhu@hotmail.com) : Simple and rapid method for optimizing particle bombardment parameters through transient expression of GUS reporter gene in onion epidermal layer cells. Crop Improv 2009, 36(1), 6-8.

Protocol to gauge the efficiency of transformation and gene transfer parameters prior to development of transgenic plants, has been developed by analyzing the transient expression of visual reporter gene encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS) in onion epidermal cells. The onion epidermal layer(s) were independently bombarded by coating tungsten particles with plasmid pWRG2426 containing GUS gene under the control of Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV 35S) promoter. The GUS gene expression was assessed within 24 b following particle bombardment by counting the number of islands of cells showing indigo coloration and the measure of intensity was based on relative indigo color development among the bombarded cells, which is representation of efficiency of transgene expression and transformation parameters. Although the optimum stable transformation conditions may be different from transient expression, because cells that score positive in transient expression upon bombardment may not devide to produce stable transformant, however transgene expression studies can be used as a tool to gauge efficiency of transformation parameters at preliminary stage of the experiment.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

016142   Sadheeshna Kumari;Annie George S;Huxley A J; Sasikala L (Biotechnology Dep, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Tamil Nadu) : Improvement of secondary metabolites by somatic hybridization of Murraya Koenigii and Centella asiatica. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(2), 231-6.

Somatic hybridization may be a useful tool for the genetic modification of chemical composition of the hybrid plant. This study was designed to improve the secondary metabolite by somatic hybridization of medicinally important plants Murraya koenigii and Centella asiatica. The protoplasts were isolated by enzymatic method and they were fused with PEG. The hybrid protoplasts were selected using drug sensitivity method (Tetracycline). For establishing the microcalli B5 medium enriched with BA 1.00 mg/I, BA 2.00 mg/I showed higher activity. The combination of BA and NAA or IAA at different levels induced callus. The methanolic extracts of hybridized callus and parental plants were prepared. Secondary metabolites produced were seperated by TLC and compared by their obtained Rf value and antibacterial activity. The work showed fused callus extracts with higher Rf value and also showed more antibacterial activity than the parental extracts, however the study is a stepping stone for improvement of secondary metabolite.

6 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

016141   Ruhl M;Kues U (Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical mycology, Busgen-Institute, Georg-August-University Gottingen, Busgenweg 2, 37077 Gottingen, Germany, Email: correspondence 0 ukuees@gwdg.de) : Automated image analysis to observe pellet morphology in liquid cultures of filamentous fungi such as the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 241-53.

An image analysis system for fungal pellet was developed using the commercial software system analySISr and the protocol was evaluated in morphological studies of pellet formation in submerged cultures of the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. Pellets were analysed on large scale (60 to 130 pellets per image, 225 to 400 pellets per culture). Morphologies of pellets were characterised by the parameters grey value, pellet area, convexity, shape factor, sphericity and pellet diameter. Threshold values were defined for all parameters for object filtering. By application of the parameter filter, aggregated hyphal fragments present in larger amounts particularly in cultures grown at higher temperature (37°C) could be clearly distinguished in image analysis from compact pellets. At a lower growth temperature (25°C), there was little background of loose hyphal material, fungal pellets were regularly shaped and the pellets remained constant in shape and size over a longer cultivation period.

8 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

016140   Prasad S;Vijh R K;Tantia M S;Mishra B;Bharani S T;Kackar V (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, , G.T. Road by Pass, Karnal, Haryana) : Phylogenetic reconstruction of chicken breeds utilizing single nucleotide polymorphism of myostatin gene (GDF-8) promoter. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(1), 71-4.

The various molecular biology tools were utilized to find out the SNPs in Myostatin gene. Restriction enzymes, which can screen the SNPs were Nla III & Sca I. In the promoter region three SNP sites did not have any restriction enzyme site and were thus genotyped by SNAP SHOT using Automated DNA sequencer. Total of 18 haplotypes were observed in the four populations. Nine haplotypes were found in Busra and Ghagus chicken populations. The values for HBlack and Kashmir Favorolla were 11 haplotypes each. When all the populations were simultaneously analysed for these populations there was no linkage disequilibrium among the SNPs.

10 ref

016139   Prakash S;Sasikala S L;Aldous V;Huxley J (Biotechnology Udaya School of Engineering Dep, Kanyakumari Tamil Nadu, ) : In vivo acute and sub acute toxicity study of antimycobacterial compounds from marine micro algal extracts in albino miceas animal model. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(1), 91-7.

Acute and sub acute toxicity study were performed in albino rats by active antimycobacterial principles extracted antimycobacterial principles extracted from the marine microalgae, Isocrysis galbana (MG2), Tetraselmis gracilis (MG6), and Chromulina friebergensis (MG 10). The acute toxicity studies were carried on 20-25gms albino mice with all (hree samples (MG2, MG6, MG 10). Seven groups of albino mice of either sex were selected, each group containing 10 mice. The algal extract was administrated by oral route at the dose level of 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 1500mg/kg, 2000mg/kg, 2500mg/kg, 3000mg/kg, and 3500mg/kg body w~ight. These mice were observed for mortality. For the algal extract MG2 at the dosage level of 2500mg/kg, 2 animals were found dead, at 3000mg/kg, 5 animals were dead and 3500mg/kg, 6 animals were dead. Thus, the LD₅₀ value for sample MG2 was 2000mg/kg. For the algal extract of MG6 and MG 10 the LD₅₀ value was above 3500mg/kg. The animals were continuously monitor and fmdings were recorded for 28 days of their weekly body weight, mortality, clinical sign, food consumption, relative organ weight, gross pathology and microscopic examinatibn. The toxicity studies carried for the sample MG2, MG6, MG 10 showed early toxic effects on heart, liver, spleen and kidney. No significant effects and changes were observed in the biochemical and hematological parameters.

12 tables, 21 ref

016138   Praeen Kumar P K;Mathivanan V;Karunakaran M; Renganathan S;Sreenivasan R S (Industrial Biotechnology Dep, Bharath University, Chennai-600 073, Email: pkpraveenpk@yahoo.com) : Effects of pH and incubation period on protease producton by Bacillus spp. using groundnut cake and wheat bran. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-4.

Production of alkaline protease by Bacillus licheniformis (MTCC 1483) and Bacillus subtilis of indigenous isolates using cheapest sources- groundnut cake (N₂ Source) and wheat bran (C source) was studied. The proteolytic activity was found maximum at 72 hr of the culture for both the bacterial types but the pH of the medium for maximal enzyme production varied as 9 for Bacillus licheniformis and as 8 for Bacillus subtilis. Thus investigations of the study reveal the possibility of employing cheapest nutrient source for microbial proteases that can be used on a commercial scale.

6 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

016137   Prabhuji S K;Singh A K;Tripathi A (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Centre, MG Postgraduate College, Gorakhpur-273 001, Email: shaktiprabhuji@rediffmail.com) : Effect of certain physicochemical factors on the life cycle of water-moulds - I: Saprolegnia diclina Coker. Vegetos 2009, 22(1), 69-78.

Effects of certain physico-chemical factors, viz., pH and temperature, duration of UV-irradiation and different concentrations of glucose and amino acids (glycine and alanine) have been studied on the life cycle of Saprolegnia diclina Harvey. UV-irradiation and the concentration variations of the biochemicals have been found to affect the life cycle of Saprolegnia dietina significantly whereas variations in the physical factors like pH and temperature have been observed to have least effect.

12 illus, 12 ref

016136   Patidar J;Sharma A K;Sharma S (Environment Management, Chemical Engineering Dep, , Ujjain Engineering College) : Energy savings using new biotech tools in pulp and paper industry. Pollut Res 2008, 27(3), 451-6.

In the study both commercial and R&D stage biotechnological applications relevant for the pulp and paper industry are reviewed. In general, the applications In this module involve the use of enzymes or micro-organisms to improve the process efficiency, product properties or quality or to decrease process energy or chemical consumption. The report looked at two alternative processes using biotechnology products to improve bleaching while reducing the use of chlorine products and the individual savings have been shown in terms of chemical consumption and the pollutants discharge. The biotechnological applications used for treatment of logs or wood chips prior to chemical or mechanical pulping are reviewed and the obstacles to their implementation have been reviewed.

1 illus, 11 ref

016135   Parvathy A;Sudha S S (Microbiology Dep, Dr N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 048) : Effectivity of the decolorization of crystal violet by various fungi, with special reference to the white rot fungus, Trametes hirsuta. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 183-7.

Decolorizations of the dye, Crystal violet was investigated using the white rot fungus, Trametes hirsuta and other fungi like Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp and Fusarium oxysporium. Among the fungi used, Trametes hirsuta gave maximum decolorization for the dye, and among the other fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus gave maximum decolorization than the other fungi. The medium and growth conditions were optimized for the effective decolorization of the fungus, Trametes hirsuta. Decolorization of Crystal violet was optimum when maltose (89.3%) was used as the carbon source, yeast extract (81.6% as the nitrogen source, at 30°C (88.5%) and at pH 4 (80.1%). The immobilized cells of Trametes hirsuta also showed decolorization for the dye, Crystal violet.

5 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

016134   Parmar S R;Dave G S;Patel H V;Kalia K (Laboratory of Biochemistry, 302A, BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: kirankalia_in@yahoo.com) : Hepato-protective value of some plants extract against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in male rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(1), 1737-43.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is well known for its hepatotoxicity in human and experimental animals. One of the main mechanisms attributed to CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic effects is generation of reactive oxygen species / oxidative stress. Various plant extracts have been shown to possess significant hepato-protective properties. The present study plans to evaluate the protective efficacy of aqueous extracts of few common Indian medicinal plants like Phyllanthus niruri, Maytenus emerginata, Eclipta alba, Aloe vera, Solanum indicum and Aegle marmelos, against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were exposed for 15 days through gastric intubation to CCl₄ (1ml/kg, 30% (v/v) with paraffin oil) followed by aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri, Maytenus emerginata, Eclipta alba, Aloe vera, Solanum indicum and Aegle marmelos (2ml/kg body weight, 22.22% w/v) for 15 days. Biochemical variables indicative of liver function and oxidative stress were measured. Animals exposed to CCl₄ showed significant increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (AST and ALT) activities; serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and total bilirubin level accompanied by significant decrease in total cholesterol, albumin and protein levels. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level exhibited an increase while there was a significant depletion in catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels following exposure to CCl₄. Co-administration of aqueous plant extracts of Phyllanthus niruri, Maytenus emerginata, Eclipta alba, Aloe vera, Solanum indicum or Aegle marmelos with CCl₄ provided significant protection to most of the above mentioned biochemical variables, Maytenus emerginata being the best among all the extracts examined. The results led us to conclude the protective value of Maytenus emerginata in protecting animals from the hepatotoxic effects of CCl₄.

3 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

016133   Omprakasam M;Dayalan A;Arul Ganesan M (Zoology Dep, Sri Thyagaraya College, Chennai-600 021, Email: opmanne@gmail.com) : Aquatic of dimethyl sulphoxide on the Indian Major Carp, Catla catla (Hamilton). Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-4.

DMSO is frequently used as carrier solvent in toxicological experiments due to its exceptionally low toxicity and environmental impact and also to achieve more effective dispersion of the toxicants. Aquatic toxicity studies of DMSO on the respiratory rates and the biochemical constituents of muscle and liver in catla revealed minimal lethality and negligible effect on the physiology of the test organism. The study helps in the choice of percentage of the carrier solvent that can be used in the preparation of toxicants for any toxicological studies involving fish.

4 tabels, 20 ref

016132   Narasimhan Banu;Muthumary J (Biotechnology Dep, Vel's College of Science, Pallavaram, Chennai-117, Email: banunk1@yahoo.com) : Screening of commercial feed samples for the presence of multimycotoxins. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 1(4), 1-4.

Multimycotoxin screening methods for simultaneously testing combinations of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, sterigmatocystin and T2-toxins have been carried out for 18 different commercial feed samples collected from various local markets of Tamil Nadu. Of these, 14 showed contamination with aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2 and Ochratoxin. But all the 18 samples showed negative results to aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, sterigmatocystin and T2 toxin. Negative correlations were observed for feed samples with moisture content.

2 tables, 7 ref

016131   Nagare P;Aglave B A;Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Madhya Pradesh) : Genetically engineered zebra fish-fluorescent beauties with practical applications. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 4(1), 126-9.

^ccr2 illus,

016130   Mistry K;Desai C;Patel K (NO, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Bio, New Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 121, Email: kinnarinmistry@yahoo.com) : Reduction of chromium (VI) by bacterial strain KK15 isolated from contaminated soil. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(2), 1821-6.

Chromium resistant bacterial strain KK15 was isolated from chromium contaminated soil. On the basis of different morphological, biochemical characteristics the strain KK15 was identified as Pseudomonas olevorans. Hexavalent chromium resistance of the strain showed that it could tolerate very high concentration of K₂CrO₄ in nutrient agar medium. Assay with resting cells, permeabilized cells and crude cell free extracts demonstrated that the hexavalent chromium reduction is mainly associated with the soluble fraction of cell. The strain has a great potential for bioremediation of Cr(VI) containing waste. This approach permits selection of bacterial strains, which could be used for specific environmental clean up operation.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

016129   Meena V;Sumanjali A;Dwarka K;Subburathinam K M;Sambasiva Rao K R S (Chemical Engineering Dep, A.U. College of Engineering (A), Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Email: meena_sekhar@yahoo.co.in) : Production of itaconic acid through submerged fermentation employing different species of Aspergillus. Rasayan J Chem 2010, 3(1), 100-9.

Itaconic acid was best produced by fungal species than bacterial species. The A. niger and A. terreus were known to be the best species for itaconic acid production among the different fungal species studied. However, there was no comprehensive study on using latest technologies for increasing the productivity at industrial level and it was not properly established. By keeping this in view, the study was designed for study on increasing the production of itaconic acid feasible at commercial level and an attempt has been made to optimize the different physico-chemical parameters required for obtaining the maximum production of itaconic acid using selected Aspergissus species. For increasing the productivity, the influence of starting substrate concentration, the optimum timing of additional substrate and the possibility of semi-continuous fermentation were analysed in a series of bench-top and pilot-plant fermentations. Basing on the results of this systematic study, optimal inoculation and fermentation methodology can be developed for commercial application. The study was designed to quantify and compare the production of itaconic acid from the four selected microbial fungal species viz., A. niger, A. terreus, A. niduland and A. flavus under different physiological conditions using various sources. The growth studies and kinetics in batch cultures using A. niger, A. terreus, A. nidulans and A. flavus was investigated for itaconic acid production. The specific growth rate (μmax) is maximum for A. terreus (0.04199 hr-1). The yield factor (Yx/s) for cell mass is maximum for A. terreus (0.4976 g/g). The doubling time is minimum for A. terreus (14.84 h). The yield factor (Yp/x) is maximum for A. terreus (0.4387 g/g).

8 illus, 13 ref

016128   Mazumdar-Shaw K (Biocon Group Biocon Foundation, , Bangalore-560 100) : Biotechnology encapsulates the DNA of development. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 121-2.

016127   Mangalagowri A;Indumathy M;Kamatchi N; Mahalinga Nainar A (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Mdras Veterinary College, Chennai-7) : Avian embryonic cardiomyocytes - in vitro model for drug testing. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 230-2.

Embryonic cells offer the advantages of promising and innovative alternatives for obtaining large number of candidate cells early efficacy and higher toxicity screening. The hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes from embryonic origin cultured in vitro can be used routinely for screening new compounds for hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, the two leading causes of failure in preclinical development of new therapeutic drugs. In birds and mammals, cardiomyocytes terminate mitotic activity in the neonatal period and regeneration of cardiac muscle does not occur after myocardial injury in adult hearts. The presence of similar morphologies during the development of the chick and the human hearts of the embryo has been demonstrated by descriptive and anatomical studies. Hence an in vitro culture model has been established in this study with protocols for the derivation of cardiomyocytes from embryonic heart tissue as a system suitable for drug testing. A two stage culture protocol was followed to obtain the cardiomyocytes alone.

4 illus, 6 ref

016126   Mangala Gowri A;Rajasundari M;Hemalatha S (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-7) : Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem - cell bio - screens for analyzing the properties of Phyllanthus amarus. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 210-13.

In vitro assays have been used to test the drugs before clinical recommendations. In vitro stem cell models would be suitable for studying the effects induced by new chemicals or therapeutic agents and the application of mesenchymal stem cells would be a very good model for cytotoxicity screening as bone marrow derived MSC on mitogenic stimulation could predict exactly the models of fibrosarcoma. Phyllanthus a widely used herbal medicine, has been subjected for the cellular protective properties on normal liver and bone marrow cells. The antiproliferative potential of the herbal drug was tested in tumor cell lines HEPG2 cells. The drug did not affect the growth and proliferation of normal goat MSC and the fetal liver cells. The water extract of P. amarus significantly decreased the number of cancer cells (HEPG2) in a dose dependent manner in MTT assay. Thus cellular system for screening protective and anti proliferative activity of drugs applying stem cells was used to validate the activity of phyllanthus amarus.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

016125   Makari H K;Ravikumar Patil H S;Abhilash M; Mohan Kumar H D (Biotech Dep, G.M. Institute of Technology, Davangere) : Genetic diversity in commercial varieties of chilli as revealed by RAPD method. Indian J Sci Technol 2009, 2(4), 91-4.

Study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity of ten different commercial varieties of chilli using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The DNA extracted by CTAB method from the leaf sample was amplified by successive PCR cycles. Using 12 different primers, the amplified DNA solution was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. Around 500 different bands were observed under UV light. Seven were polymorphic for a specific primer and can be used as differential markers. This effort can serve determining genetic diversity among ten commercial varieties of chilli in India.

12 illus, 14 ref

016124   Mahato S;Mehta A;Pandey R K (Botany Dep, Centre for Biotechnology, Ranchi-834 001, Email: suchi75tra@gmail.com) : In-vitro multipication of Holarrhena antidysenterica wall. - medicinal plant with remedial activity for stomach ailments. Vegetos 2009, 22(1), 17-22.

Procedure has 'been outlined for callus induction of an important woody, aromatic and medicinal shrub Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. through in-vitro culture of seed explants, 2,4-D used at 1.5 mgl^{-1 and 2.5 mgl-1 concentration was found to be most effective for callus formation. White friable type of callus was initiated in the embryonal axis and formed along with the two cotyledonary leaves. More callus was achieved on transferring the friable callus on fresh MS medium supplemented with same concentration of 2, 4-D.}

6 illus, 12 ref