013872   Mathur C;Prakash R;Ali A;Kaur J;Cameotra S S; Prakash N T (Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Thapar Univ, Patiala-147 004, Email: ntejoprakash@thapar.edu) : Emulsification and hydrolysis of oil by Syncephalastrum racemosum. Def Sci J 2010, 60(3), 251-4.

A fungal strain, Syncephalastrum racemosum, was isolated from oil-leak contaminated soils from Kanpur, India. The strain was examined for potential to emulsify soybean oil using a 18 per cent oil supplement as carbon source in minimal salt medium. On 72 h growth of the fungus in oil and salt medium, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) showed presence of mono- and di-glycerides indicating degradation of oils to free fatty acids (FFAs). Increasing concentration of oil resulted in enhanced formation of FFAs. The degradation process was observed to be related to the emulsification activity in CFS which was observed to increase with time. The study reports the emulsification and hydrolytic activity of S. racemosum, an activity that can be exploited for increasing the accessibility and treatment of hazardous substance including hydrophobic explosives.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

013871   Masih H;Singh A;Sundara Singh B (Tissue culture Dep, College of Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, AAI.DU Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Isolation of keratinophilic fungi through bait technique. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(1), 43-6.

Keratinophilic fungi are present in the environment with variable distribution patterns that depend on different factors, one of which, of fundamental importance, is human and or animal presence. The present study deals with isolation of keratinophilic fungi through bait technique in the soil samples and dust sweepings collected from 6 tourist places of Agra: City. Total 18 genera and 38 species were recovered. Among all isolates, maximum 9.51 frequency of occurrence was shown by Chrysosporium tropicum in soil sample while maxiumum of 8.66% frequency occurrence of Alternaria alternata in dust sweepings.

1 table, 15 ref

013870   Maleeka Begum S F;Pinto D D (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 008, Email: javeed_94@yahoo.co.in) : Stimulation of citric acid production by Aspergillus niger : addiion of viscous substances. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 491-3.

Citric acid production using synthetic SL medium with Aspergillus niger was examined. The yield of citric acid varied considerably with carbon sources. Sucrose appear to produce satisfactory quantity of citric acid. The addition of viscose organic substances like gelatin, peptone and carboxy methyl cellulose in the medium on citric acid production was tested in sucrose and giucose supplemented media. Carboxy methyl cellusloe supplementation revealed an enhanced citric acid production.

3 tables, 5 ref

013869   Malathi R;Prabhu T (Biochemistry Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212) : Alleviation of aluminium toxicity by calcium in callus culture of Brassica nigra. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 441-3.

Alleviation of aluminium toxicity by calcium in callus culture of Brassica nigra was studied in two different pH 5.8 and 4.5. The results of the study demonstrated that potency of aluminium stress in Brassica nigra mitigated by calcium supplementation.

4 tables, 13 ref

013868   Maitra D;Tarafdar J (NO, Institute of Rural Management Anand, Anand, Gujarat-388 001) : In vitro plant regeneration from leaf explants and shoot tips of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 377-80.

Studies conducted to develop an efficient regeneration protocol of plantlet formation from leaf explants in five cultivars of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Virus infected shoot tips were incubated in MS basal media supplemented with GA₃ (20 mg/L) and leaf explants were incubated in MS supplemented with 2, 4-D and BAP. 2, 4-D (2.5 mg/L) and BAP (0.25 mg/L) showed very good response to callus initiation and enlargement which were successfully regenerated with multiple shoot while the basal media fortified with NAA (0.5 mg/L) and BAP (3 mg/L). The frequency of callus initiation and shoot regeneration was high in leaf explants of BCSP-10 in contrast to other three cultivars. The regenerated shoots produced profuse root system and successfully established in the soil.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

013867   Maheshwari P;Mishra B K;Sunil Kumar;Doshi A (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Dep, College of Technology & Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur-313 001) : Cellulolytic enzyme profile of different mushrooms species on maize residue. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(2), 689-91.

The production of cellulases (carboxymethylcellulase, filterpaperase, cellobiase) and xylanase by different mushroom strains on the Reese mineral medium supplemented with maize residue as carbon source at 7 and 15 days of incubation was observed. The cultural filtrate of these mushroom strains exhibited relatively higher activity of all four enzymes at IS days than that at 7 days of submerged fermentation.

2 tables, 10 ref

013866   Madhavi D;Rama Rao B;Sreenivas P;David Krupadanam G L;Maheshwari Rao P;Janardhan Reddy K;Kavi Kishor P B (Genetics Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Isolation of secondary products from Ipomoea digitata-a medicinally important plant. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2010, 4(2), 660-4.

The paper reports the isolation and characterization of β-sitosterol, t-cinnamic acid [undecyl (E)-3-(4- hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoate], an unknown coumarin and a lignan type resin glycoside from the tuberous roots of Ipumoca digitata. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive chemical and spectroscopic data. Importantly, one of the compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas acniginosa and E coli. The resin glycosides are known as purgative ingredients and hence have medicinal value. However, the exact chemical and biological activity of the resin glycoside isolated in this study is yet to be ascertained.

7 illus, 16 ref

013865   Kenganal M;Hanchinal R R;Nadaf H L (Sugarcane Tissue Culture Laboratory, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: mallikarjun_nss@rediffmail.com) : In vitro regeneration of woolly aphid resistant sugarcane cultivar SNK-754 through callus induction. Crop Res 2008, 36(1-3), 322-5.

Sugarcane is extensively grown all over the world. Besides being an important raw material for sugar industries, it supports allied industries. Increased demand of sugarcane increased area under the crop. Similarly the crop was succumbing to biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, attack of sugarcane woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner) limited the sugarcane production leading to losses upto 60 to 70%. To manage this pest, woolly aphid resistant sugarcane clone SNK-754 was developed and found as a best approach in managing the pest. The multiplication of the clone was a challenge and in vitro multiplication was found as a suitable alternate and attempted for regeneration through callus culture using meristem as explant. The meristem showed varied response to callus induction. 2, 4-D 5 mg/l fortified with 50 ml/coconut milk induced callus in shortest period of 10.2 days. 1 mg/l 2,4-D took six days more (16.2 days), which was of maximum duration compared to any other treatment. The fresh weight measured had similar impact as of callus induction. Highest weight of 1.025 g was measured in media supplemented with 5 mg 2,4-D and 50 ml/1 coconut milk. The lowest weight of 0.435 mg was recorded from 1 mg 2,4-D alone. Upon regeneration maximum number of shoots of 9.76 per callus clump was produced in 7.5 days with a plant height of 4.85 cm on media consisting 0.2 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l kinetin and lowest number of 3.62 seedlings in 12.6 days having 2.11 cm height was produced on media consisting 0.1 mg/l BAP. Elongated seedlings were rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA. The influence of IBA concentration was varied. Maximum number of 6.51 roots of 4.50 cm length per seedling within a period of 11.32 days was recorded in media consisting of half strength MS+0.2 mg IBA/1. However, higher concentration of IBA (0.5 mg/l) induced roots early (10.7 days), but number of roots (3.10) and length (3.47 cm) were less compared to earlier one. The fully rooted seedlings was found better in withstanding to external environmental conditions upon hardening. The experiment revealed the possible utility of the protocol developed in mass multiplication of the clones in vitro and for development of transgenics successful in vitro regeneration procedures are must.

2 tables, 12 ref

013864   Kannahi M;Sangeetha K;Madhavan S; Umamaheshwari N (P.G. & Research Dep of Microbiology, Sengamala Thaayar Educational Trust Women's College, Mannargudi-641 001) : Antimicrobial activity of Azardirachta indica A. juss and Melia azedarach L. against wound causing pathogenic microorganisms. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 605-6.

Ethanol and aqueous extracts of Azardirachta indica and Melia azederach leaves were studied for antimicrobial activity against wound causing bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Among the two plant extracts maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by ethanol and aqueous extracts against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, A. flavus and A. niger respectively.

1 table, 9 ref

013863   Jayakumar S (Botany Dep, Government Arts College, Ariyalur-621 713) : Agrobacterium mediated gene transformation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 331-4.

Simple and reproducible Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated gene transformation was used in sunflower (Helianlhus annuus L.). The explants of cotyledons were selected from the seven days old seedlings of sunflower cultured on MS (Murashige Skooge) medium containing BAP and GA₃. The Highest frequency of shoot regeneration was observed in MS+5.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IBA. Roots formed easily from regenerated shoots in the combination of MS+3.0 mg/L IBA and 0.5 mg/L BAP. The introduction of gene into sunflower was shown to be straight forward. About 73.3% of transformed callus were observed after infection with Agrobacterium. The transgenic calli were identified through GUS assay and PCR techniques.

6 tables, 17 ref

013862   Hooda S (Genetics Lab, Bio-Sciences Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: santoshhoda@gmail.com) : Reproductive strategies in Indian natural populations of Drosophila ananassae: significance of genetic divergence in life history traits. Geobios 2009, 36(1), 13-16.

Indian populations of D. ananassae collected along different latitudinal sites revealed significant clinal variations for different life history traits. With the increase of latitude, ovariole number, fecundity, hatchability, viability and duration of development increased due to differences in ecological conditions.

3 tables, 8 ref

013861   Gupta S;Mukherjee S;Bhowmik N (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: bhowmikubkv@gmail.com) : Evaluation of variability parameters in short duration wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under late sown condition in Tarai region of West Bengal. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 353-6.

Twenty one short duration late sown genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) selected from a wide range of genetic stock obtained from the DWR, Karnal, Haryana were evaluated in randomized block design will) lour replications at the Research Farm of UBKV, Pundibari, Coochbehar, West Bengal, Observations for the characters viz, plant height, Days of heading, Days to maturity, Tillers per meter, Spike length, Spikelet per spike, Grain per spike, Number of spike per meter, Thousand grain weight, Yield per plant and Seed yield per plot were recorded. The genotypes exhibited significant variation for all the characters studied. The estimates of PCV in all the traits studied were greater than those of the GCV. Narrow differences between respective PCV and GCV values for all the characters indicated less influence of environment on the expression of the characters. Considering heritability, most of the characters produced high values. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (in per cent of mean) recorded for tiller per meter, yield per plant, yield per plot indicated additive genetic control and scope of improvement through selection.

3 tables, 17 ref

013860   Gholap D N;Pingle S D (Arts, Commerce and Science College, Satral) : Protein estimation of Spirullina platensis nordst. and Hydrodictyon reticulatum L. from Ahmednagar district (M.S.). Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(2), 597-8.

Spirrulina platenis is a good source of proteins. It can be mass cultivated and used to fulfill the demand of proteins. Different kinds of food products i.e. biscuits, papads, tablets noodles can be prepared from this Spirullina plalensis. It can regenerate employment for the literates.

9 ref

013859   Dhanwani V;Tonge R;Bagchi S D;Mundafode M; Motwami D;Jisnani M L;Tiwari P M (SMV Centre for Biotechnology, Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Panchpaoli, Nagpur-17, Maharashtra, Email: veena202@yahoo.in) : PCR amplification of dmpL gene in metagenomic D.N.A. using acclimatization-enrichment method. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 232-8.

Environmental pollutants like xenobiotic compounds released from industrial effluents and domestic wastes are major threat to mankind. These compounds lead to bioaccumulation in the environment. Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and their derivatives used in various industries, play a major role in contributing xenobiotic pollution in nature. On entering mammalian system, NACs are readily reduced to more reactive and potentially more carcinogenic or mutagenic derivatives leading to many health related problems. Our present work is aimed at studying such micro-organisms involved in biodegradation of 4-nitrophenol, a major xenobiotic pollutant. Biodegradation of xenobiotics by microbial enzymes are often produced by induction process, hence we enriched the soil samples collected from Godavari river at Nashik with varying concentrations from 10-70mM of 4-nitrophenol. The OD of these cultures of varying concentration of 4-nitrophenol was measured at 620nm after every 6 hrs interval. It was found that number as well as types of the organisms decreased with increased concentration of 4-nitrophenol. The enriched Metagenomic DNA of all the culture samples was isolated and PCR amplification of dmpL gene was carried out. The dmpL gene is involved in phenol degradation. The amplicons obtained from all the samples indicated the presence of phenol hydroxylase gene. The amplicons are to be sent for sequencing for its further study. The work is being further extended in view of isolation, identification and characterization of the isolated species and other genes involved in phenol biodegradation.

3 illus, 21 ref

013858   Chavadar M S;Bajekal S S (Microbiology Dep, Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad Vidyanagar, Karad-415 124, Email: maheshchavadar@yahoo.co.in) : Bacterial magnetosomes and their applications in nano-biotechnology. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 178-82.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are motile, aquatic prokaryotes, which are able to orient and migrate or swim along geomagnetic field lines, a behavior referred to as 'magnetotaxis'. This property is based on specific intracellular structures, the 'magnetosomes' which are nano-meter sized, membrane bound magnetic particles composed of the iron minerals magnetite or greigite or a combination of greigite and pyrite. The magnetosome formation in these bacteria is a well documented example of occurrence of magnetic minerals in the living world. Magnetosomes formation is achieved by a biomineralization process where there is a biological control over the accumulation of iron and the deposition of the mineral particle with a specific size and orientation within a membrane vesicle at specific locations in the cell. This confers certain advantages to these particles over synthetic nano particles. Magnetotactic bacteria as well as their isolated magnetosomes have tremendous potential in nano biotechnological applications. Magnetotactic bacteria can be used in nondestructive domain analysis of soft magnetic material analysis, determination of magnetic poles on meteoritic magnetic grains, removal of heavy metals and radionuclides from waste water etc. In biotechnology the magnetosomes could be used in production of magnetic antibodies, detection of allergens, as carriers for DN A and tumor specific drugs, in magnetic resonance imaging etc. The paper focuses on the current knowledge of MTB, their magnetosomes and also outlines the aspects of nano-biotechnological applications of magnetotactic bacteria and their magnetosomes.

^iia25 ref

013857   Cevrimli B S;Kariptas E;Cifti H (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science-Arts, Ahi Avran Univ, 40200 Kirsehir, Turkey, Email: kariptas@gazi.edu.tr) : Effects of fermentation conditions on citric acid production from beet molasses by Aspergillus niger. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(4), 3211-18.

The effects of initial sugar concentration, pH and temperature on citric acid production from beet molasses by Aspergillus niger were investigated in shake cultures. The maximum citric acid production (52.3 g L^{-1) was achieved at the condition where the initial sugar concentration was 140 g L_-1 at pH 5.0, 30 ° C. When the fermentation was performed in the treated medium the citric acid concentration increased from 14.3 to 33.2 g L-1. Beet molasses is a suitable substrate for citric acid production by A. niger and this organism is sensitive to pH, temperature and sugar concentration in the medium.}

6 illus, 26 ref

013856   Biradar M D;Lane Rayburn A (Applied Genetics Dep, Karnataka Univ, Dharwad-580 003) : Analysis of nuclear DNA content in maize populations segregating for B chromosomes. Crop Res 2008, 36(1-3), 331-5.

Nuclear DNA content of maize populations with and without the presence of B-chromosomes was estimated. Nuclei were isolated from two-week old seedlings and stained with 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI). Sorghum was used as an internal standard. The analysis was carried out using a laser based Coulter EPICS 750 series flow cytometer-cell sorter. Root tips collected following germination, were used to determine the number of B-chromosomes per plant. The results indicated higher fluorescence intensities in maize populations with B-chromosomes. Correlation coefficients between number of chromosomes and fluorescence intensities were 0.72 and 0.96 for DAPI and PI, respectively. The observation noted in the study suggests the critical nature of the fluorochrome selected for evaluating the populations segregating for B-chromosomes. The fluorochrome DAPI appears to be the fluorochrome of choice for determining the absolute amounts of DNA in maize populations, while the fluorochrome PI was found to be superior in estimating the number of B-chromosomes in maize populations.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

013855   Anumukonda P;Tadimalla P (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Email: pavani71@gmail.com) : Production and extraction of β-galactosidase from marine derived fungus A. flavus. J Envir Res Dev 2009, 4(1), 49-54.

β-galactosidase (β-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, E.G. 3.2.1.23), most commonly known as lactase, is one of the most important enzymes used in food processing, which catalyses the hydrolysis of lactose to its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and galactose. The enzyme has been isolated and purified from a wide range of microorganisms. The most commonly used β-galactosidases are derived from bacteria, yeast and fungal sources. The major difference between yeast and fungal β-galactosidase is optimum pH and temperature for lactose hydrolysis. The application of β-galactosidase for lactose hydrolysis in milk and whey offers nutritional, and environmental applications to human life. A. flavus was screened from marine fungus and grown on lactose for the production of P-galactosidase. The preparation contained biomass of a selected fungal isolate of the Aspergillus flavus intracellular β-galactosidase was made freely accessible to its substrate by permeabilization of the cell membrane with different chemical reagents. Among various chemical reagents ethanol and toluene were found to be the best permeabilizing agents for the extraction of β-galactosidase.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

012786   Vijaya Sree N;Udayasri P;Sambasiva Rao K R S (Biotechnology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522 510, Email: vijaya_1410@yahoo.com) : Biosurfactants production utilising substrates from renewable resources. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(2), 103-9.

Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by microorganisms. These have gained importance in the fields of enhanced oil recovery, environmental bioremediation, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Surface-active compounds commonly used in industries are chemically synthesized. Biosurfactants have received more attention in recent years to replace the synthetic surfactants due to their biodegradability and low toxicity. Their use has, however, been limited due to the high production cost. Nevertheless, biosurfactants can be produced with high yield by some microorganisms, especially Pseudomonas. sp., by using various agro industrial wastes as the potential carbon source, thereby leading to their economical production and simultaneously reducing pollution caused by these wastes.

^iia7 illus, 1 table, 57 ref

012785   Vijaya Lakshmi B;Srinivas B;Vinay Kumar M; Vijay D (NO, Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute and Regional Agricultural Resea, Maruteru-534 122, Email: bvlaprri@yahoo.com) : Assessment of rice genotypes for brown plant hopper resistance using microsatellite markers. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2010, 4(1), 526-34.

Phenotypic response of the 16 rice gcnotypes to brown plant hoppers (BPH) was evaluated at flowering stage under field conditions. The results indicated that genotypes were classified into five groups from score I to score 9. A total of 88 alleles were detected by 37 ro1ymorphic markers with an average of 2.17. Polymorphic information content (PIC) value varied from 0.92 for RM 483 to 0.98 for RM 84, 1lIh an average of 0.95. An efficient separation of 16 rice genotypes based on SSR data into three groups was achieved by using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering procedure based on genetic similarity expressed by the Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC). Genotypes that are derivatives of genetically similar type clustered more together. The results also indicated that land races which are potential sources for biotic stress exhibited wide range of reaction from score (slight drying) to score 9 (all plants apparently dead) to brown plant hopper screening and therefore very useful for rice breeding programs, especially for genetic mapping studies and eventually for application of marker-assisted selection (MAS). From the study It was concluded that mapping population could be developed by using PTB 33 and BM 71 as donors to introgress genes for BPH resistance into cultivated high yielding rice cultivars.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

012784   Vijay M;Meyyappan R M (Bioelectrochemical Engineering Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Dep, FEAT, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: vjtech98@yahoo.co.in) : Impact of methylene blue on power output in fuel cell using Kluyveromyces wickerhamii as biocatalyst. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 117-22.

Methylene blue (MB), an exogenous mediator was utilized in microbial fuel cell (MFC) consuming glucose, in an objective to study its efficiency during electricity generation. A MFC was constructed in which Kluyveromyces wickerhamii (yeast); methylene blue and potassium ferricyanide were employed. In this study, the variation of open circuit potential (OCP) with time was recorded. The fuel cell was operated with different resistances (100Ω, 500Ω & 1000Ω) and the results show that lower the resistance, higher the current output. Further, it was observed that increase in power output was obtained in the case of mediator MFC, when compared to mediatorless MFC. From the polarization curves, it is very clear that maximum power density of 1.482 x W^{-2 W/m2 and 0.182 x 10-2 W/m2is observed for mediator and mediatorless MFC, confirming that the addition of mediator will enhance the power output. Thus, the impact of electronophore (ie) methylene blue on the performance of MFC in generating electric current was investigated.}

9 illus, 12 ref

012783   Verma S K;Chaudhary M;verma O P;Prakash V; Jawahar Lal (Tissue Culture Dep, College of Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, Allahabad Agricultural Institute Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007, Email: susheel_verma10@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro micropropagation of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.). Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 273-6.

An efficient micropropagation protocol was developed for the rapid production of Banana (cv Grande naine) using sucker from in vivo raised plants and leaf explants from In vitro raised plants The addition of kinetin (KN) (0.02 mg/L) into the MS medium with the presence of NAA (1 mg/L) was found very suitable for shoot production from sucker explant. MS media when supplemented with BAP (1 mg/L) and 2, 4-D (3 mg/L) showed higher shoot multiplication response (60%) than when fortified with BAP 1 mg/L) and NAA (1 mg/L) (40%). On addition of growth adjuvant, caseinhydrolysate to the MS media showed remarkable development (percentage response 60%) of callus from leaf explants than on media containing only 2,4- D (2 mg/L) (percentage response 20%).

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

012782   Venkatramalingam K;Godwin Christopher J; Citarasu T;Punitha S M J (Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Rajakkamangalam, Nagercoil, Email: goddyj@rediffmail.com) : Dynamic population of extreme halobacteria in the solar salterns located at peninsular coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 31-6.

Halobacterial blooms in the water layers of the crystallizer ponds are described and the factors triggering its rise and decline were analysed. The biomass of halobacteria ranged from 15.6X10^{4 CFUml-1 to 89.6 x 104 CFUmL-1, which imparted a red coloration to the crystallizer ponds due to its high content of the pigment bacterioruberin. Maximal bacterial abundance reached during May 2006, whereafter their numbers declined slowly. The salinity of the sampling stations ranged between 265.0 ppt and 316.7 ppt. During this work, two red pigmented extremely halophilic archaea were isolated from saltern crystallizer ponds. These archaea were confirmed as halobacterium sodomense and halococcus morrhuae.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

012781   Venkatachalam P;Venkatramalingam K;Ronald J; Sambath (Biotechnology Dep, Sengunthar Arts and Science College, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, Email: venmalar.2007@rediffmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity of soil streptomyces. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 195-200.

Streptomycetes are found to be the most predominant microflora among Actinomycetes population in organic soil. Many of them produce economically valuable compounds like antimicrobial agents, enzymes, etc. In this study Actinomycetes was isolated for their diversity from soil and screened Streptomycetes for antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi were studied. Most of the isolates obtained from the soil possess antifungal activity against Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Dreschleria, Cryptococcus and Candida but had no effect against bacteria.

7 tables, 23 ref

012780   Udaya Sri P;Vijaya Sree N;Sambasiva Rao K R S (Biotechnology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522 510, Email: pudayasri@gmail.com) : Use of extracellular enzymes for enhancing bioremediation. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(2), 91-102.

Extracellular enzymes are either secreted by organisms such as white rot fungi or are produced during a fermentation process and possess the ability to break down bonds within organic compounds and/or catalyze their transformation into less toxic and more biodegradable forms. Unlike many microbes, enzymes remain effective at a wide range of pH and temperature, particularly if immobilized on some carrier, and can degrade a wide variety of compounds. Enzymes from white rot fungi have been shown to effectively degrade TNT, phenols, PCBs, PAHs, and dyes; enzymes protease, lipase, and cellulase have the ability to reduce pathogen counts, reduce the solid content, and increase deflocculation in sludge. Currently, high production costs inhibit the widespread use of extracellular enzymes for remediation, but bench and field studies have shown enzymatic treatment to be a feasible option for bioremediation. Explores the current state of use of extracellular enzymes in enhancing the bioremediation of recalcitrant substances and wastewater.

^iia7 tables, 59 ref

012779   Tiwari S K;Karihaloo J L;Hameed N;Gaikwad A B (NO, Asia-Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology, ICRISAT, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012) : Molecular characterization of brinjal (Solanum melongena L) cultivars using RAPD and ISSR markers. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2009, 18(2), 189-95.

Molecular characterization of 19 advanced cultivars and landraces of brinjal was carried out using RAPD and ISSR markers. Twenty-nine RAPD primers generated a total of 240 amplified fragments, while 23 anchored and non-anchored ISSR primers produced 299 fragments. Of these, 66 (27.5%) RAPD and 56 (18.73%) ISSR fragments were polymorphic. All the cultivars could be distinguished based on RAPD and/or ISSR profiles. A set of two RAPD primers, OPW 11 and OPX 07, was adequate to distinguish all the 19 cultivars. On the other hand, a minimum of ten ISSR primers were required to achieve the same result. Eleven cultivars could be identified by the unique presence or absence of one to four markers. The correlation between primer Rp and the number of cultivars distinguished by RAPD was r = 0.873, while that for ISSR it was r = 0.327. The correlation between PIC of primer and the number of cultivars distinguished was r = 0.324 for RAPD, while for ISSR primers it was r = -0.066. The probability of chance identity between two cultivars for RAPD and ISSR markers was calculated as 8.94x10^{-4 and 2.25x10-2, respectively. The average Jaccard's similarity coefficient between cultivars based on combined RAPD and ISSR data was estimated to be 0.919. The UPGMA analysis grouped the cultivars into three main clusters with significant bootstrap support. While the cultivars bred at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi formed one sub-cluster; others did not show a prominent region-based clustering.}

2 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

012778   Thinesh T;Kirutheeswari R;Sivarama Krishnan T (SDMRI Field Laboratory, , 160/15, Jameen Chathiram Street, Main Road, Mandapam-623 518, Email: thina.sathesh@gmail.com) : Effects of different substrates on xylitol production by Candida parapsilopsis and Candida tropicalis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 105-8.

Xylitol production of Candida tropicalis and C. parapsilopsis in different substrates (Rice straw and Eichhornia) with different concentration (30,50 and 70) were analyzed. Rice straw hydrolysate and Eichhornia hydrolysate has been assayed for xylitol production. The results revealed that Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilopsis both strains has Xylitol accumulating ability. 78.1% and 58.1% of xylitol was produced from the production media pi containing 10% Xylose by C. tropicalis and C. parapsilopsis respectively. 55.9% and 41.8 of Xylitol was produced from the production medium pll containing 70% straw hydrolysate C. tropicalis and C. parapsilopsis respectively. 55.9% and 85.3% of xylitol was produced from the production medium p111 containing 70% hydrolysate by Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilopsis respectively. The result shows that Candida tropicalis was the better Xylitol producer compared to Candida sp. Eichhornia hydrolysate is the better substrate for Xylitol production than other substrates.

3 tables, 11 ref

012777   Thejashwini M S;Shivabasavaiah;Ramyashree M (Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Lab., Studies in Zoology Dep, , Manasagangotri, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 006, Email: shivabasavaiah@gmail.com) : Antifertility effect of Cyamposis psoralioides (POD) in male swiss albino mice. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 305-9.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of 90% ethanolic extract of Cyamposis psoralioides on male fertility in Swiss albino mice. The adult male albino mice were fed with 90% ethanolic extract of Cyamposis psoralioides (pod) at 200mg/kg body weight and 400mg/kg body weight for the duration of 20 days. The fertility test was performed at the last day of treatment. Sperm count was done from the cauda epididymis, and differential count of sperm was also done. The change of body weight has measured during the experiment. 24 hr after the last dose animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. There was a decrease in weights of testis (p<0.05), epididymis (p<0.01), seminal vesicle (p<0.01), vas deferens (p<0.05) and Ventral prostate (p<0.01). The diameter of the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells were decreased significantly. There is a significant reduction in sperm count (p<0.05) and testosterone level (p< 0.001) in blood serum. In high dose treatment the ethanolic extract of Cyamposis psoralioides has the 50% antifertility effect in male Swiss albino mice.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

012776   Tallur P N;Megadi V B;Mulla S I;Ninnekar H Z (Biochemistry Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad-580 003, Email: hzinnekar@yahoo.com) : Purification and characterization of 4-hydroxybenzoate -1- hydroxylase from Bacillus sp. strain PHN 1. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 261-5.

An includbie enzyme 4-hvdroxybenzoate-1-hydroxylase, which catalyzes novel conversion of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid to gentisic acid was purified to homogeneity from Bacillus sp. strain PHN 1. The enzyme required NADPH for its activity. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 7.5 and at 30<144> C. The Km values for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and NADPH were 0.27 mM and 0.50 mM respectively. The enzyme was highly specific for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, the other substituted benzoic acids did not serve as substrates. The enzyme was inactivated by thiol inhibitors, oxidizing agents and heavy metal ions. But the thiol compounds and metal chelating agents had no effect on enzyme activity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

012775   Tale M P;Patil M T;Salve A N;Padul M V (Biotechnology Dep, New Arts, Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar-414 001) : Screening of urease from different plant sources. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 242-3.

Fifteen plant species belong to algae, pteridophytes and angiosperms were screened for urease activity. Among these, twelve members were found to produce urease in detectable amount. Urease activity varied from 114.18 -1522.2 μmole of ammonia released/gm of tissue. Maximum activity was recorded in Glycine max. L. while minimum in Glechenia sp.

7 ref

012774   Sulekha Rani;Rana J S (Bio and Nano Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, Email: jogenderrana@yahoo.co.uk) : Micropropagation of Tylophora indica, from petiolar explants without callus intervention. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(2), 127-31.

Rapid in vitro propagation system has been established by the formation of multiple adventitious shoot buds, without callus intervention, from petiolar explant of a highly valuable endangered medicinal plant-Tylophora indica. The explant was cultured on Gamborg's medium (B₅) supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) along with Silver nitrate(AgNo₃) and Cobalt chloride(CoCl₂) for shoot bud initiation and multiplication.4.5 mg/1 6-BAP together with 0.5 mg/l AgNo₃ produced the greatest average number of shoot buds (404 ± SE42) per explant. Effect of basal media, hormones, sucrose concentration and gelling agent on root differentiation in shoot regenerants has been worked out. Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with 1 mg/l α-Napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 10g/l agar and 30g/l sucrose showed highest efficiency for rooting. Regenerated plants were successfully transferred to the pot through successive acclimatization process and ultimately transplanted and grown in the field. The percent survival during hardening was 65-70.

1 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

012773   Sugumaran M;Vetrichelvan T;Darlin Quine S (NO, Adhiparasakthi College of Pharmacy, Melmaruvathur-603 319, Email: murugesansugumaran@yahoo.com) : Antidiabetic potential of aqueous and alcoholic leaf extracts of Pithecellobium dulce. Asian J Res Chem 2009, 2(1), 83-5.

Ethanolic and aqueous leaf extract of Pithecellobium dulce was studied for its antidiabetic activity using streptozotocin-induced diabetic model in rats. The aqueous extract showed significant activity ( P<0.01) than the alcoholic extract at the tested dose level which was comparable to glibenclamide, a standard antidiabetic drug. HPTLC fingerprinting profile of the aqueous extract was also developed which would serve as reference standard for quality control of this extract.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

012772   Sudhakar P;Sreenivasulu Y;Latha P (Regional Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Standardization of growth medium and incubation period for detection and quantification of aflatoxin production by TLC method. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 91-3.

In the present investigation, best culture medium for higher mycelial growth based on the dry weight of the fungal biomass, optimum incubation time for higher aflatoxin production and standardization of amount of aflatoxin to be spotted on TLC plate for better illumination were studied. The results revealed that mycelial mat weight and total toxin production were highest on SMKY liquid medium compared to PDA, AFPA and YES media. Among the different concentrations of aflatoxin samples viz., 2, 5,10,20 and 30μL plated on silica plate, 20μL of sample and at 7 days of incubation period showed bright blue illumination in UV transilluminator.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

012771   Sudha Madhuri R;Kranthi G;Pinnamaneni R (Biotechnology Dep, Jagarlamudi Kuppuswamy Choudary College, Guntur-6, Email: pinnamaneniraj@gmail.com) : Cloning and expression of VP 24 protein of white spot syndrome virus. J appl Biosci 2009, 35(2), 132-7.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a large, circular dsDNA virus infecting shrimp and other crustaceans. The nucleocapsid consists of three major proteins of 26 (VP26), 24 (VP24) and 15 kDa (VP15). VP24 was found to be present exclusively in the envelope fraction and was found to function at an early stage in virus infection. In order to identify the control measures, authors cloned and characterized its genomic DNA coding for VP24 and it was successfully cloned into pUC 57 vectors which were expressed in the form of a protein. The culture containing VP 24 can be used as a vaccine for the prevention of the disease in shrimps.

4 illus, 18 ref

012770   Sindhu G;Prabhu N;Kamalakumar C (NO, , 19/59, Kamaleeshwaran Koil Street, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Email: sindhu_bioch@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial activities of flavonoids obtained from the root extract of Trianthema decandra Linn.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 133-5.

Methanolic root extracts of flavonoids obtained from Trianthema decandra L. was tested for antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacterial strains in a dose dependent manner by disc diffusion method. The present investigation reveals that the plant extract has potential bactericidal effect against bacterial strains that causes the skin diseases, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa than other strains. The extract was partially inhibited the growth of enteric bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and Shigella dysentriae. The growth of bacterial strains like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were not inhibited by the extract. However, further research is required to establish if it could be safely used as a antibacterial agent.

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012769   Shivakumar S;Jayashree K;Salimath B P (Biotechnology Dep, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: salimathuom@rediffmail.com) : Inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis by an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2010, 4(1), 535-44.

Fruit of Terminalia bellirica, possess numerous medicinal properties and is used in Indian traditional system of medicine since ancient times. In the light of above ethno-medicinal values of T.bellirica, in the study authors investigated the antiangiogenic activity of different solvent extracts of Terminalia bellirica fruit pericarp (TbFP) using Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model, of which the TbFP aqueous extract (ThFP-Ae) showed highly promising results. In order to grow and metastasize, the tumor cells stimulate the development of new blood vessels through a process known as angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis, which is found to be elevated in majority of cancers. Results indicate that, ThFP-Ae inhibits in vivo, the growth of tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice, as measured by body weight, ascites formation and tumor cell number. The peritoneum of mice treated with TbFP-Ae also showed significant reduction in peritoneal angiogenesis, which was further confirmed by inhibition of neovascularization in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Quantitation of VEGF using the ascitic fluid from TbFP-Ae treated mice showed significant reduction in VEGF secretion when compared to untreated controls. Additionªally authors noted the attenuaion microvessel density (MVD) count in histological section of mice peritoneum.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

012768   Senbagam D;Senthilkumar B;Rajasekara Pandian M (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal Eolh of AAS2SCR, Rasipuram-637 408, Email: sethilmicro@yahoo.co.in) : Bio-preservation using bacteriocin (NISIN) produced by Lactococcus lactis isolate from cow milk. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 181-4.

Bacteriocins, which are protenacious compounds produced by Lactococcus lactis. They inhibit the growth of Gram positive and few Gram negative pathogens involved in food spoilage and they are extended to be used as natural food preservatives. Lactococcus lactis isolated in this study is a nisin producing strain and they were purified using plate count agar enhanced with nalidixic acid and natamycin. In this study modified dairy based medium was used to extract the nisin from the cells. The amount of protein was also estimated and bactericidal activity was studied. The nisin extracted from the isolates can inhibit the organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Enterococcus faecalis. For E.coli it showed intermediate result and for Salmonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris, it showed partial lysis (resistant). The nisin was also employed to preserve the eggs in this study. The nisin enhanced the self life of eggs upto 20 days and the eggs without nisin were spoiled at 7th day itself. In this study, it was concluded that the nisin obtained from Lactococcus lactis was able to inhibit the growth of some pathogens that are involved in food spoilage. So we can use nisin as a biopreservative for foods.

3 tables, 11 ref

012767   Seethalakshmi M;Sankar M (Faculty of Agriculture & A.H, Gandhigram Rural Univ, Gandhigram-624 302, Email: seethagri@gmail.com) : Effect of pH in the bioethanol production from cheese whey using the yeast Eluyveromyces marxianus. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2009, 3(2), 83-5.

Ethanol fermentation of cheese why by using Kluyverotnyces marxianus MTCC 242 in batch experiments showed that pH 5 to be most suitable for maximizing ethanol concentration. The maximum yield coefficient of ethanol i.e., 0.425 g EtOH g sugar^{-1 was observed at pH 5.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

012766   Sasi A;Kalidoss A;Ravikumar M;Chanthru A; Bhakyaraj R;Yogananth N (P.G. and Research Dep of Microbiology, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, Email: vavamicro@gmail.com) : Optimizing the conditions of L-glutamic acid production by coryne bacterium glutamicum. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 185-8.

Amino acid such as glutamic acid were synthesized has a unique physical and chemical properties. It have many application is good, medical and pharmaceutical field. Corynebacterium glutamicum was produced, large amount of L-glutamic acid than other organisms. Culture collected from MTCC institute of microbial technology. To optimize the production of L-Glutamic acid by changing the carbon source like dextrose, lactose, glucose, lactose, mannitold, mannose, starch and sucrose. Temperature 30°C, 37°C and pH were adjusted to 5.5, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 respectively. Biotin were used at a concentration of 200 μL, 100 μL. Whey will act as an additional and cheaper carbon source. When biotin of 100μg/mL is liked, L-glutamic was produced at maximum of 300 μg/mL with lactose act as carbon source and temperature of 37°C for production. When biotin of 100 μL was added to whey the production was maximum of 275 μg/mL with temperature of 37°C and pH of 6.5.

2 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

012765   Sashi V;Malathy N S (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: sasicbe@yahoo.co.in) : Isolation of xylanolytic fungi from various soil samples in and around Tamil Nadu. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 109-11.

Xylanase depolymerises xylan, a major component of hemi cellulose in plant cell walls. Xylan accounts for one third of all renewable organic carbon on earth. The main commercial use of xylanase is biobleaching of paper and pulp due to main bleach boosting properties. Filamentous fungi are particularly interesting producers of xylanase, since they excrete the enzymes into the medium and their enzyme levels are much higher than those of yeast and bacteria. An extensive study was conducted to isolate a number of fungal species from nine different soil samples. Eighty-two isolates were made and identified. They belong to fourty nine fungal species and sixteen genera.

1 illus, 11 ref

012764   Salunkhe S;Kadam M;Tiwari V;Goswami P P (Animal Biotechnology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: ppgnbc@yahoo.co.in) : Cloning and characterization of gene encoding 21.4 kDa protein of M.A. paratuberculosis. J Immun Immunopath 2008, 10(1), 70-6.

Johne's disease or paratuberculosis is a chronic infectious enteric disease of ruminants caused by the intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Annual losses to the cattle industry due to Johne's disease have been estimated to be as high as $250 million/year. The control of the Johne's disease is hampered by lack of specific diagnostic tests. Characterization of the M. a. paratuberculosis specific antigens and detailed understanding of immunogenicity will aid in the development of more specific and sensitive diagnostic test(s). Hence, the study was undertaken to characterize unique open reading frame 600 bp encoding 21.4 kDa antigen. The ORF was amplified after gene specific primers were designed. The amplified product was cloned into pTZ57R cloning vector. The clone was confirmed by release of identical size fragment on restriction enzyme digestion followed by sequencing. The nucleotide sequence was compared with the original ORF which showed 99.5% homology. The Lasergene Protean software, DNASTAR analysis of protein encoded by 600 bp revealed that amino acid residues between 23-48; 58-97 and 143-159 were antigenic. The gene fragment was subcloned in E. coli expression vector pQE and confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis. The positive recombinant clones on induction with IPTG, showed prominent protein band corresponding to 21.4 kDa on SDS PAGE. The recombinant protein was purified from positive clone using NiNTA chromatography. Polyclonal antisera was raised against purified protein reacted with induced E. coli whole cell lysate as well as recombinant purified proteins on western blot. The 21.4 kDa expressed in the present study will prove useful as reagent in diagnostic test.

4 illus, 24 ref

012763   Rama Bhat P;Kaveriappa K M (Post Graduate Dep of Biotechnology, Alva's College, Moodbidri-574 227, Email: ramaphatp@yahoo.com) : Effect of phylloplane fungi on leaf senescence of some species of myristicaceae of the western ghats of Karnataka, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 127-32.

Populations of phylloplane fungi varied qualitatively and quantitatively in the five plant species of Myristicaceae viz. Gymnacrantherafarquhariana, Knema attenuata, Myristica dactyloides, M.fatua var. magnified and M. malabarica. The excised green leaves colonized by Trichoderma viride reduced the total chlorophyll content in Gymnacranthera farquhariana; Aspergillus acukatus, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum in Knema attenuata; Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma viride in Myristica dactyloides; A. aculeatus, A.flavus, A. niger and A. ochraceus in M.fatua var. magnifica; A.flavus in M. malabarica. Whereas, in those excised leaves colonized by Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum enhanced the chlorophyll contents. In Cladosporium oxysporum colonization did not affect the chlorophyll content of the excised leaves of any of the five species of Myristicaceae.

1 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

012762   Rajalakshmi M C;Shakila P (Botany Dep, H.H. The Rajah's College, Pudukkottai, Email: hema_nagpure19@rediffmail.com) : Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the fresh bulb extract of garlic. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 157-8.

Water and Ethanol extract of Allium sativum bulbs were investigated for invitro antibacterial and antifungal activities by agar diffusion and tube dilution techniques. The water and ethanol extracts of garlic inhibited the growth of standard local bacteria (Bacillus stearothermophilus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas flavescens) and Cadida albicans, Asperigllus flavus and Aspergillus niger). The queous extract of Allium sativum was highly active inhibit the growth of both bacteria and fungi. Studies of the antimicrobial activity of ethanol as well as an aqueous infusion were performed and the good experimental results obtained justified the folk use of this species as a cicatrizant and vulnerary agent.

6 ref

012761   Radhakrishnan R;Ranjithakumari B D (Laboratory of Plant Stress Physiology and Plant Biotechnology, Plant, School of Life Science, Thiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: ranjithakumari2004@yahoo.co.in) : Variations in morphology, photosynthetic pigments and protein content of micropropagated soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) CO3, compared to conventional plants. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2009, 3(2), 79-82.

Micropropaga ted plants of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) CO3 had reduced plant height and leaf area than the conventional plants under the same growth conditions. However, the chlorophyll and protein content were found to be high in micropropagated plants when compared to conventional plants. The results indicated that the tissue culture process is not detrimental to plant performance and this technique could be useful in genetic transformation for the production of plant varieties containing new traits.

1 table, 32 ref

012760   Pillai Raji K;Natarajan P;Kurup G M (Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary studies, School of Environmental St, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 022, Email: rajinayana@gmail.com) : Anti-hyperglycemic activity of mushroom on serum glucose levels in alloxan induces diabetic rats. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 231-5.

The potentials of an edible mushroom Pleurotus eous in decreasing the hyperglycemic levels in alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats were investigated. Diabetes was induced with alloxan in the dose of 70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally in the morning hours after acclimatization prior to experiment in the acute study, the blood glucose level was estimated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after drug administration. A significant decrease of blood glucose level at 2, 4, and 6 h was noted. A significant reduction in body weight 48 to 72 hours after alloxan induction and presence of glycosuria was noted. Mushrooms have a great therapeutic potential and the screening of useful bioactive metabolities from mushrooms as a prolific resource for drugs needs to be investigated further.

1 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

012759   Pathan J B;Anil R P;Setty C M (Pharmaceutics Dep, M.E.S. College of Pharmacy, Sonai-414 105, Email: inayat.p78631@rediffmail.com) : Development and evaluation of transdermal matrix patches of aceclofenac. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 291-4.

Transdermal delivery of drug avoids the first pass effect and provides greater and more prolonged levels of drug when compared to oral administration. Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which acts specifically on inflammatory sites. Aim of present study was therefore to develop matrix type transdermal patches for aceclofenac using HydroxypropylMethylcelluIose and Eudragit^{® (Eudragit RL100) as film formers and propylene glycol as penetration enhancer. Effect of polymer and penetration enhancer on the in vitro permeation of drug through rat skin was investigated. Physicochemical parameter of patches was evaluated. Among the formulations, the patches containing Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with propylene glycol 5% as penetration enhancer is found to be most effective. SEM studies were conducted to understand the drug distribution in patch and release from patch. Stability studies for six months revealed no degradation of the drug. In conclusion, aceclofenac containing transdermal patches can be prepared using HydroxypropylMethylcelluIose and Eudragit® polymer and propylene glycol as penetration enhancer.}

2 illus, 2 tables

012758   Mhaskar A V;Prakash K;Vishwakarma K S; Maheshwari V L (Biochemistry Dep, School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: vlmaheshwari@rediffmail.com) : Callus induction and antimicrobial activity of seed and callus extracts of Clitoria ternatea L.. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2010, 4(1), 561-7.

Callus induction from leaf derived explant of C. ternatea was achieved with 100% frequency on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium fortified with 2 μ M 2 4-D and 18 μM kinetin. Callus grew in size and weight till 6th week in culture as measured by an increase in both fresh and dry weights. Aqueous extracts of both seed and callus were prepared for evaluating the antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic fungi and bacteria using the agar well diffusion technique. Seeds and leaf delivered calli of C. ternatea were extracted using standardized laboratory protocol. The seed extract of C. ternatea showed maximum zone of inhibition (22 ± 0.5 mm) against Escherichia coli (NCIM 2645) at 0.75 mg concentration and minimum (14 ± 1.0 mm) with Micrococcus flavus (NCIM 2376). The callus extract showed maximum zone of inhibition (16 ± 2.0 mm) against Salmonella typhi,. the minimum was against Escherichia coli (NCIM 2645) and Staphylococcus aureus (12 ± 1.0 mm and 12 ± 0.9 mm, respectively). The seed extract of C. ternatea showed strong antifungal activity on all the tested fungi but the callus extract exhibited marginal antifungal activity.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

012757   Maleeka Begum S F;Vimal Nath V (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Krishna Art & Science College, Kuniamuthur, Coimbatore-641 008, Email: javeed_94@yahoo.co.in) : Bioassay directed screening of selected medicinal plants for antibacterial protein activity. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 95-100.

Medicinal plants hold good promises as they are proved be the best antibacterial drugs and more over the active component posses the potentiality of broad spectrum antimicrobial property. Crude extracts from the leaves of Plants viz.,Lippia nodiflora Aristolochia bracteolata, Calophyllum ionophyllum and Anacardium species possess considerable antibacterial activity against 3 bacterial pathogens viz, Bacillus substilis, E.coli Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The solvents used for the extraction includes chloroform, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. All the solvent extracts elaborated inhibitory effect, however with varying degree of magnitude. On a overall view, all the test extracts showed moderate to high bactericidal activity of the following order of magnitude : Aristolochia. bracteolata > Anacardium sp > Calophyllum ionophyllum > Lippia nodiflora. The active component responsible for the antibacterial activity were collected by TLC chromatograph. The chromatogram obtained was dissolved in methnolic solution and antibacterial activity was carried out and it was inferred that the eluted compounds have greater potential antibacterial property than the solvent extracts. Moreover, R_f value coincided well with the standard antibiotics like Gentamycin, Streptomycin and chloramphenicol.

5 tables, 17 ref

012756   Mahar K S;Agrawal P K;Kalyana Babu B;Gupta H S (Crop Improvement Div, Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusanthan Sansthan, Almora-263 601, Email: pawancrri@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of genetic diversity among the elite maize (Zea mays L) genotypes adapted to North-Western Himalayan region of India using microsatellite markers. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2009, 18(2), 217-20.

Maize is an important crop in the North-Western Himalayan states of India for food, feed and nutritional security of human population. Hybrid maize constitutes the major part of the maize area. Twenty four maize lines including the indigenous and exotic inbreds were amplified using 68 SSR primers, spread over the whole genome. The number of alleles across the primers ranged from two to eleven. The genotypes were grouped into different clusters using NTSYSpc2.11 programme. The clusters were well correlated with agronomic traits and resistance against turcicum blight. The PIC value was found to be highest for the primer bnlg1267 (0.84) while the lowest value was for the primer dupssr14 (0.09) with the mean value of 0.60. From the study it is concluded that inbred V 359 is expected to give better combinations with CM 128, CM 129, V 340, V 357 and CM 212 for the development of hybrids suitable for the sub-tropical hill regions of India and elsewhere.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

012755   Kumar V;Gupta P;Chauhan U K (School of Environmental Biology, A.P.S. Univ, Rewa-486 003, Email: vipin_micro@yahoomail.com) : RAPD analysis of fly - ash based bio - fertilizer and bio - pesticide formulations. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 217-20.

Fly-ash and its combination with lignite and talc based formulations were studied to estimate the genetic variation within the selected organisms and mother culture of the formulations. Randomly amplified polymorphic DMA (RAPD) technique was used. Qualitative analysis of isolated DNAs were carried out by visual observation of ethidium bromide stained gels. The genetic patterns were almost similar as determined with gel-electrophoresis within the organisms tested. In the present studies no variation in the RAPD patterns was observed within the organism isolated from different carriers, suggested that the isolates and mother culture were containing single clones and no mutant activity developed.

4 tables, 9 ref