012754   Kulkarni R Y;Dev D V (Botany Dep, Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya, Ambajogai-431 517) : Forage productivity of Sesbania grandiflora L. when converted to browze under different tree environmental conditions. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 139-42.

The opportunity for improving wasteland through cultivation of shrubland species and grasses to produce quality biomass will be per-eminent. Every village is bestowed with wasteland. Yet, faces acute shortage of basic needs, the dilemma is how to make these areas productive. There are good number of shrub species adapted to these areas as vital component of vegetation cover, having potential of high biomass of economic value. Efforts have been directed to find out the "ways and means" to convernt wasteland as source of biomass production of a good quality thereby, conforming the plant species x wasteland culturing are inseperable from each other.

3 tables, 9 ref

012753   Kshirsagar A B (Plant Biotechnology Dep, MGM College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Aurangabad-431 004) : In vitro cormel formation from Gladiolus primulinus baker callus. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 224-6.

Callus was regenerated from slices of cormel sprouts of Gladiolus primulinus cv. Golden Wave, cultured on MS medium with 4.0 mg/l NAA, 2.0 mg/l BAP or 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D.Shoots were regenerated from the callus on MS medium with 0.5-2.0 mg/l Kn or/and 0.5 - 2.0 mg/i BAP. Highest number of shoots were regenerated with 2.0 mg/l BAP from one-month-old callus which was initiated in the medium with NAA. Shoot regeneration capacity of callus decreased with the age and after fifth month no shoot was regenerated. The shoots produced roots in the medium with 2.0 mg/l IBA and 6% sucrose. Rooted shoots produced cormels at the base in the same nutrient medium. About 80 - 90% cormels germinated when sown in the field and 20% of them blossomed in the first year.

2 tables, 12 ref

012752   Kshirsagar A B (Plant Biotechnology Dep, MGM College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Aurangabad-431 003) : In vitro propagation of the medicinal plant Abrus fruticulosus L.. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 213-14.

Protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of Abrus fruticulosus L. through induction of organogenesis in callus tissues derived from nodal segments. Yellowish green nodular callus was cultured on MS medium fortified with 5.0 mg/I BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. The callus differentiated into adventitious shoots, when it was sub-cultured on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kn + 0.5 mg/l NAA. On an average 6.87 ± 0.26 shoots/culture were developed. These microshoots were rooted on MS media containing 1.0 mg/l IBA.

1 table, 8 ref

012751   Kalarani V;Sridevi V;Sumathi V;Venkatrayalu C;Reddy D C (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517 502, Email: vkalarani@hotmail.com) : Identification of morphometric and molecular markers in male and female zebrafish, Danio rerio (Albino). Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 221-6.

Advances in molecular biology techniques have provided the basis for uncovering virtually unlimited number of DNA markers. The discovery of PCR to amplify a set of randomly distributed loci in any genome - facilitated the development of variety of genetic markers. The technique is relatively fast, cheap and easy to perform and has been chosen in the present study to assess the genetic variation between male and female Zebrafish, Danio rerio albino. Morphometric analysis showed significant variations in parameters such as head length, total body length, fork length, body depth and pre-fin length between both the sexes. Further among seven different 10mer primers tested three primers viz., 5' GTGACGTACG 3' OPA 08), 5' GTGATCGCGG 3' (OPA 10) and 5' ACGGCCGACC 3' (OPE 03) showed amplification of DNA in both males and females showing sex-specific band patterns, while 5' GAGGATCCCT 3' (OFF 02) and 5' CCTGATCACC 3' (OPF 03) showed DNA amplification only in family in females exhibiting six and seven unique bands respectively and thus the specific molecular markers. These sex-specific molecular markers thus identified for the first time in an albino strain of zebratish, an universal model will have high application potential in progeny testing during genetic manipulation studies.

6 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

012750   Jing Sheng X;Shiwu G;Liping X;Rukai C (Eco-physiology and Genetics Improvement for Sugrcane Lab, Ministry of Agriculture, Sugarcane Institute of Fujian Agricultyure an, Fuzhou, 350002, P.R. China) : Construction of expression vector of CryIA(c) gene and its transformation in sugarcane. Sugar Tech 2008, 10(3), 269-73.

Plant expression vector, pGCryIA(c), was constructed by linking CryIA(c) gene which has UBI as promoter and NOS as terminator into pGreenII 0229. The size of pGCryIA(c) is 8,602 bp with bar (phosphinothricin acetyl transferase) gene as screening marker gene by using herbicide phosphinothricin (PPT) or Basta selection. The embryonic callus of GT94-119 was transformed with the plasmid of pUBCG0229 by bombardment. 203 regenerated plants were obtained after screening with PPT or Basta. Two transformation events were proved sucessful by PCR, PCR products sequencing and Dot-Southern blotting.

7 illus, 9 ref

012749   Goyal S;Gupta R K (School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha Univ, Delhi) : Biotechnology in Israel: opportunities for India. J Indian Mgmt Strategy 2008, 13(2), 32-43.

1 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

012748   Goswami H K;Sushma Guru (NO, , 24, Kaushalnagar, P.O. Misrod, Bhopal-462 047, Email: hkgbhopal@hotmail.com ) : Dispersal of genes in evolution : I. ceaseless replication and random distribution hypothesis. Bionature 2009, 29(1), 33-8.

This series of papers compiled on the basis of theoretical and practical demonstration of distribution of identical sequences of DNA among diversified gene pools celebrates 150th year of the foundation of the theory of natural selection by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace. Welopine that a large number of identical deoxyribonucleic acid sequences uniquely found within the genomes of many plants, animals as well as in the human genome are due to the fact that the DNA sequences must have ceaselessly replicated and got randomly distributed among trillions of cells evolving and differentiating during Pre Cambrian and Cambrian phases of evolution. This supports earlier hypothesis of Bajpai and Goswami vehemently suggesting this to be operative at the time of bisecting cellular evolution to plant and animal cells.

21 ref

012747   Goradia D C;Sawant S A;Ghatnekar S D (Botany Dep, D.G. Ruparel College, Mahim, Mumbai-400 016) : Effect of growmore biofertilizer and suphala-a chemical fertilizer on the growth of Brassica juncea [(L.) Czern & Coss]. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 159-63.

Farmers use inorganic fertilizers m order to increase the soil fertility. Though they promote the growth of crop, susceptibility to diseases is the negative impact by either over or improper utilization. At times, it may give rise to pathogenic mutants. All these negative factors could be overcome by application of biofertilizers. In the present study, Growmore a wholesome Biofertilizer of Suvash Biogenics Pvt. Ltd. was selected to study its effect on the morpho-physiological parameters of Brassica juncea [(L.) Czern & Coss]. Suphala (N:P:K :: 15:15:15) an inorganic fertilizer of Rasthtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. was chosen for the comparative study. The morpho-physiological parameters selected for the studies were germination potential, shoot length, biomass and phosphate uptake on 6. juncea. Present findings revealed that plants treated with 25%, 50%, 75% and even 100% Growmore biofertilizer showed fresh, green and healthy foliage in relation to plants treated with Suphala wherein germination at these high doses gave 100% burning of the seeds with 0% germination. It was also found that Suphala has to be used in very minor quantities. Different combinations of Growmore and Suphala [at a very low concentration] showed relatively better growth rate and refreshing healthy foliage. Phosphate uptake was increased when Growmore was supplemented with Suphala. Plants treated with only inorganic fertilizer showed significantly less growth. Growmore enriched the soil with triple combination of cellulose degraders, nitrogen fixers, and phosphate solubilizers along with humus made from castings of Red Wrigglers. Hence its application helped in optimum growth of the plant system.

3 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

012746   Gitanjali G;Kumaresan A;Dharmaraj M; Karuppayee T (All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Bioconversion Technology, Sri Parasakthi College for Women, Courtallam-627 802, Email: gitanjali_ganapathy@yahoo.co.in) : Utilization of parthenium plant leachate for biogas production. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 113-15.

A laboratory batch fed fermentation study was carried out in 5 L Hofkin flasks. 2Kg of cowdung mixed with 2L of water plus 5% inoculum collected from a running biogas plant was kept as control and 2Kg of cowdung mixed with 2 L of Parthenium leachate (extract collected by soaking the plants in water for a week) plus inoculum was kept as treatment flask. Fermentation flasks were sealed tightly and kept as such for 60 days. Initial and final samples were taken for the analysis of biochemical parameters. Gas production was recorded by water displacement method. Gas production recorded in this study was 159 L Kg^{-1 TS in the case of control and 198 LKg-1TS with Parthenium leachate added flask. The same experiment was repeated in semi continuous digestion with 1 cum biogas plants at field level. Gas production was recorded as 165 ± 5.38 L Kg-1TS with control and 191±3.21 L Kg-1 TS with Parthenium leachated added plant. Therefore Parthenium leachate could be effectively used to augment biogas production and the residue could be used as manure after fungal treatment.}

4 tabes, 9 ref

012745   Gadgile D P;Chavan A M (Seed Pathology and Fungal Biotechnology Laboratory Dep of Botany, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Impact of nutritional sources on the activity of enzyme cellulase produced by post-harvest fungi isolated from mango fruits. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(3), 227-9.

Impact of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulpher sources provided to post-harvest fungi of mango fruits, on cellulase activity was studied. Fructose, sucrose, urea, peptone, sodium hydrogen orthophosphate and calcium sulphate induced; while starch, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), starch, ammonium phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ferrous sulphate, zinc sulphate and copper sulphate inhibited the activity of enzyme cellulase.

1 table, 8 ref

012744   Dinamani M;Shivabasavaiah;Rao A R (Zoology Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: shivabasavaiah@gmail.com) : Chemoprevention of DMBA induced skin tumorigenesis in swiss albino mice: a study with Nyctanthes arbortristis leaf extract. Bioscan 2009, 4(2), 295-9.

Nyctznthes arbortristis Linn, is one of the well known medicinal plant. In the present study cancer chemopreventive property of a hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of N. arbortristis at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight was evaluated on 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (50 μg/100 μL of acetone) initiated, croton oil (1% in acetone) promoted skin turnorigenesis in female Swiss albino mice. Chemopreventive response of the extract was quantitated by the tumor burden, tumor yield as well as tumor incidence. There was a significant difference in tumor burden, tumor yield (p<0.05) observed in mice treated with the leaf extract of N. arbortristis at either peri-rnitiational stage (Group - II), post-initiational stage (Group - III) or continuously at peri and post-mitiaional stages (Group - IV) of papillomagenesis as compared to control group (group-l). Tumor incidence was found to be higher in the control group as compared to treated groups. Present study suggests that N. arbortristis leaf extract has chemopreventive property against DMBA induced skin turnorigenesis in Swiss albino mice.

1 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

012743   Dhanya K;Sasikumar B (NO, Indian Institute of Spices Research, P.O. Mariakunnu, Calicut-12, , Email: bhaskaransasikumar@yahoo.com) : Molecular marker based adulteration detection in traded food and agricultural commodities of plant origin with special reference to spices. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2010, 4(1), 454-89.

Plant foods and agricultural commodities including spices are increasingly subjected to adulteraation by design or default, jeopardizing the age old reputation of some of the famous traded commodities and incurring heavy loss to the exchequer. The adulterants range from synthetic chemicals and earthy materials to products of plant origin. Though conventional analytical tools have good resolution power to detect the synthetic adulterants of food and agricultural commodities, these methdos are hardly powerful enough to identify the biological adulterants. DNA based methdos have application in biological adulterant detection and authentication of a wide range of food and agricultural commodities. Lists some of the adulterants in powdered black pepper, chilli and turmeric and their detection with special reference to selected molecular markers (RAPD and SCAR).

2 illus, 2 tables, 174 ref

012742   Chetri P;Krishnaraj P U;Kuruvinashetti M S (Institute of Agri-Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Krishinagar, Dharwad-580 005, Email: pronov003@gmail.com) : Post-transcriptional gene silencing - an overview and it's application in plant biotechnology. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 61-9.

PTGS is a form of nucleic-acid-based immunity, targeting viruses and genomic repeated sequences. First documented in plants and invertebrate animals, this host defense has recently been identified in mammals. The differences in the experimental system used to study this phenomenon have resulted in several terms often describing similar processes. PTGS is viewed as a conserved ancient mechanism protecting genomes from nucleic acid invaders. It has been made possible to artificially induce PTGS in various systems by introducing constructs that produce double stranded mRNA in the system and the same strategy has been used widely in functional genomics and genetic engineering.

1 illus, 1 table, 82 ref

012741   Chellaram C;Edward J K P (Biotechnology Dep, St. Peter's Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) : Antimicrobial activity of the marine mollusc, Nassa costata from the Tuticorin coastal waters, Southeastern India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(1), 41-8.

In vitro antibacterial screening of marine mollusc, Nassa costata, against selected five human and five fish pathogen was conducted in this study. Four solvents, acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol and dichloromethane were used for the extraction. Among these, ethyl acetate extract of N. costata exhibiting a broad spectrum antibacterial activity each of the bacteria tested except Klebsiella pneumonia. Highest activity was exhibited against Serratia marcescens (8.5) and Vibrio harveyi (8.5mm) by the crude extract of ethyl acetate. The 100% of the column purified ethyl acetate fractions showed higher activity against Vibrio harveyi (8mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for Shigella dysentriae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus mirabilis and V. haeveyi was 0.08mg. Hence 100% ethyl acetate fractions of the extract of N. costata exhibiting good antibacterial activity are undergoing further analysis to identify the active constituents.

2 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

012740   Chaudhary S;Raghuvanshi N;Mathur R;Gautam L (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali-304 022, Email: chaudhary_smita@yahoo.com) : In vitro studies on Withania somnifera (L) dunal: effect of different media, explants, carbon sources, salt levels and phytochemical analysis. Biochem Cell Archs 2009, 9(1), 51-5.

Ashwagandha, the wonder herb of India has been used as an "adaptogen" and has been referred to as the 'ayurvedic ginseng'. The study deals with the examination of effect of different media explants, carbon sources, different strengths of agar and varying s alt concentrations on in-vitro regeneration of Wtihania somnifera (L)Dunal and its phytochemical investigations. Of the different explants (node, internode, apical bud, petiole) and media (MS, B5, SH), the best results in terms of percent regeneration and growth index were obtained on MS media with nodal and apical bud explants. Callusing was obtained on MS + NAA+ Kn with petiole and internode as explants. Among the different carbon sources (sucrose, fructose, glucose), sucrose at 3% concentration was found to be optimum for shoot induction. With the decrease in agar concentration from 0.8% to 0.16%, there was increase in shoot regeneration and also the size of leaves. Maximum number of shoots were induced at l.0mg/LBA. At varying salt concentrations better response in term of shoot regeneration was observed from 25mM to 50mM, though it was lower than that at control However, 75mM NaCl concentration was found to be inhibitory for shoot induction. The presence of withanolides in leaf samples of shoots regenerated in vivo and in vitro, was analyzed by carrying out TLC and HPLC. On the basis of TLC results it can be inferred that the amount of these compounds is more in shoots growing under in vivo conditions as compared to in vitro conditions.

4 tables, 17 ref

012739   Babu C;Sundaramoorthi J;Vijaykumar G;Ganesh Ram S (Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: ganeshgene@yahoo.com) : Analysis of genetic diversity in Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) as detected by RAPD and ISSR markers. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2009, 18(2), 181-7.

Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect the DNA polymorphism among thirty Napier grass collections of wide geographical distribution. A total of 20 RAPD and 10 ISSR primers were used in this study. RAPD analysis produced 222 fragments of which, 195 were polymorphic with an average of 9.75 polymorphic fragments per primer. The ten ISSR primers produced a total of 98 fragments out of which 88 were polymorphic accounting for 89.8%. The Mantel test between two similarity matrices of the markers revealed a low correlation (r = 0.33) indicating low correspondence between polymorphism brought out by the two marker systems. The UPGMA clustering of genotypes eventhough was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrograms were compared, but showed a greater correspondence with geographical identity in both the marker systems employed. Thisstudy was also evident when data from both the RAPD and ISSR markers were combined. The implications on collection and breeding of this important forage grass had been discussed.

4 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

011797   Yadav R S;Yadav M K;Khilari K;Shukla A C (Biotechnology Dep, SVP Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250 110) : Fungal products: an eco-friendly input for integrated crop disease management. Vegetos 2009, 22(2), 1-15.

The wider and repeated use of synthetic fungicides to control crop diseases due to fungal attack results in the accumulation of residue in the organisms and develop resistance in targeted fungal pathogens to the chemicals. Alternative to chemicals is the formulation of various eco-friendly products from antagonistic and mycorrhizal fungi which can be effectively used over larger area against crop diseases alone or in combination with different disease management strategies.

8 tables, 20 ref

011796   Sunil Kumar;Chaube A;Jain S K (NO, , R.G.P.V. Bhopal, Email: shashi.k.jain@gmail.com) : Performance analysis of a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine operating with diesel blended with jatropha biodiesel. Asian J expl Sci 2010, 24(1), 111-19.

The aim of this paper is to analyse suitability of biodiesel blended with diesel in varying proportions to be used in engines. For this purpose, a stationary single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine was tested with different blends of diesel with Jatropha biodiesel. The results showed that mechanical efficiency of 5% and 10% biodiesel blended with diesel was comparable. Moreover, mechanical efficiency of 20% biodiesel blended with diesel and 100% biodiesel were found to be almost similar. Specific fuel consumption (sfc) of biodiesel blended diesel as well as for 100% biodiesel was found to be higher than that of diesel. Data related to volumetric efficiency showed almost no variation for all the blends of Jatropha biodiesel blended with diesel.

7 illus, 8 tables, 9 ref

011795   Prakash V;Adhikari S;Gupta G N;Mishra P K (Biochemistry and Biochemical Technology Dep, Allahabad Agricultural Institute - Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007) : Isolation, partial purification and characterization of cellulase from Bacillus isolates. Allahabad Fmr 2009, 64(2), 69-76.

The cellulolytic activity of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus isolated from swampy, marshy soil was studied. The enzymatic assay was carried out using Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Whatman filter paper as substrate. The purified enzyme from the isolates possessed a hydrolyzing activity on both the substrates but comparatively higher fold of enzyme purification was observed in B. cereus than B. subtilis. However, CMCase activity of both the isolates was observed to be relatively higher as compared to filter paper hydrolyzing activity. The maximum fold of purification was obtained in ion-exchange chromatography than the other techniques. The optimum temperature and pH for CMCase and filter paper hydrolyzing activity were observed to be 55°C and 5.5 respectively for both the isolated species. Thus, it appeared that both Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus showed both endoglucanase and exoglucanase activity, as it could degrade crystalline form of cellulose.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

011794   Patil I D;Patil Y S (Biotechnology Dep, S.S.T.s College of Engineering and Technology, Bambhori, Jalgaon) : Synthesis and characterization of nanopoly (Acrylic acid). Bionano Front 2010, ICLAM(spl), 106-7.

Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest as are they effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic or molecular structures. A bulk material should have constant physical properties regardless of its size, but at nano-scale this is changed. Acrylic acid and esters are a versatile series monomers that are used for the synthesis Nanopoly(acrylic acid). It is used as antiscaling agent in heat exchangers, in dental cement, as dispersing agent, adhesives, Sequestration of drugs etc, lanthe present study Nanopoly acrylic acid (NPAA) is synthesized by solution polymerization technique. Characterization of polymer is done by recording XRD of the sample, recording IR spectra and determining the molecular weight by viscosity method. The size of the polymer is observed to be in the range of 3.588nm to 5.312 nm.

2 illus, 14 ref

011793   Panda B P;Mazumder R;Banerjee R (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard Univ), New Delhi-110 062) : Statistical optimization of process parameters influencing the biotransformation of plant tannin into gallic acid under solid-liquid fermentation. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2009, 1(1), 37-42.

To optimize and produce gallic acid by biotransformation of plant tannin under solid-liquid fermentation. Optimization of different process parameters like temperature, relative humidity, pH of the liquid medium, fermentation period, volume of inoculum weight of substrate influencing gallic acid production from plant tannin were carried out by EVOP factorial method. Maximum gallic acid yield of 93.29% was produced at 28'lC, 70% relative humidity, pH 6, a 72-hour fermentation period, 3 ml inoculum volume, and 25 g substrate weight, from plant tannin under solid-liquid fermentation. Gallic acid (3, 4, 5-trihydroxy benzoic acid), an important organic acid for synthesis of propyl gallate and trimethoprim, was produced by solid-liquid fermentation using Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 21498. Combination of Evolutionary operation, factorial design, and response surface methodology was applied successfully to elucidate the effect of different process parameters influencing biotransformation of natural tannin (powdered chebulic myrobalan fruit) to gallic acid.

15 ref

011792   Mir F A;Yadav A S;Bajaj A;Sharma A K;Rai A; Lone S A;Raghuwanshi D K (Molecular and Seed Technology Laboratory, Government Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal, Email: firdosmir@yahoo.com) : Organogenesis from leaf and internode explants of Gardenia gummifera Linn.f. - an endangered medicinal plant. Asian J expl Sci 2010, 24(1), 45-50.

Gardenia gummifera Linn.f. belongs to family Rubiaceae is an important endangerd medicinal plant and it's exudates is used in the form of paste and powder to treat lack of taste, wound, indigestion, constipation, abdominal distention, colic pain, round worm, cough, respiratory diseases, fever and skin diseases. A very high rate of multiple shoots of G.gummifera was obtained from leaf and internode explants via shoot organogenesis. In the present investigation, it was found that the concentrations of plant growth regulators and explant types exhibited discrete roles in the efficacy of shoot induction. In addition to this, BAP was the most effective cytokinin for the induction of shoots and synergy between BAP and auxins exhibited a positive effect in the induction of shoots in G.gummifera. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium with Imgl"' BAP and O.5mgl"1 IBA yielded the highest number of shoots from leaf and internode explants (74.0 and 92.3 shoots, respectively). Leaf and internode explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP developed shoots and calli. Calli subcultured onto medium supplemented with Imgl-1 BAP and 0.5 mgl-1 IBA developed a mean of 40.1 shoots within 25 days. Excision and culture of internode and leaf explants from the established cultures on MS basal medium significantly enhanced the number of shoots and yielded a mean of 35.4 and 33.3 shoots respectively, within 25 days.

1 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

011791   Khan M K;Mishra P K;Kumar U;Sharma T;Mishra M;Prakash V;Misra P (Biochemistry and Biochemical Technology Dep, Allahabad Agricultural Institute - Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007) : Detection of enzymatic activities and influence of salinity on fluorescent pseuomonads population in the rhizosphere of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove). Allahabad Fmr 2009, 64(2), 58-62.

Soil salinity, is an increasingly important process of land degradation, a major threat to microbial community and agroecosystem. This study was conducted to determine the influence of salinity on the enzymatic activities of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and on the response of peudomonads. Results demonstrate that the population density of fluorescent peudomonads in the rhizosphere was directly affected by the salinity. The population was maximum at 0.2% with the comparision to other saline treatments. Strains of Pseudomonas putida and P. fluorescence were the most prominent fluorescent pseudomonads at this concentration. It was observed that the NaCl treated strains of the fluorescent pseudomonads show tolerated effect. The addition of NaCl significantly enhance the activities of dehydrogenase, catalase and urease between 0.2-0.4%, while for protease, it was found between 0.1-0.2% NaCl levels.

3 tables, 9 ref

011790   Kamini Singh;Singh A K;Jaiswal J;Singh R A (Chemical Kinetics Research Lab. Chemistry Dep, Tilakdhari Postgraduate College, Jaunpur-222 002, Email: rasinghtdc@rediffmail.com) : Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of ethyl diethylene glycol by Ce(IV) catalyzed by Ir(III) in aqueous sulphuric acid media. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(2), 863-8.

The kinetics of iridium(III) catalyzed oxidation of ethyl diethylene glycol by eerie sulphate has been investigated in sulphuric acid media. The result indicates zero order kinetics with respect to cerium(IV) ion and first order kinetics with respect to ethyl diethylene glycol and iridium(III) chloride. The dielectric constant of the medium shows positive effect on the reaction rate. There is insignificant effect of ionic strength of potassium sulphate on the reaction rate indicating interaction in the rate-determining step being an ion-dipole type and not an ion type. Elevation of temperature increases the rate of reaction. Various activation parameters have been calculated and recorded. A suitable mechanism in conformity with the above observation has been proposed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

011789   Goyal N;Sumitra Singh;Sharma S K (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Rajendra Institute of Technology and Sciences, Sirsa-125 055) : Analgesic effects of various extracts of the rot of Abutilon indicum linn. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2009, 1(1), 43-6.

Abutilon indicum (Linn.) sweet (Malvaceae) commonly called Country Mallow is a perennial plant up to 3 m in height. It is abundantly found as a weed in the sub-Himalayan tract and in the hotter parts of India. The plant is traditionally used for treatment of several diseases like bronchitis, body ache, toothache, jaundice, diabetes, fever, piles, leprosy, ulcers, cystitis, gonorrhea, diarrhea, and so on. Abutilon indicum Linn, is reported to have hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, male contraceptive, and antidiarrheal activities. The present study was done to evaluate the analgesic potential of various extracts of the root of Abutilon indicum Linn. The powdered root (900 g) was subjected to successive solvent extraction, with solvents in increasing order of polarity, namely, petroleum ether (60 - 80° C), methanol, and ethanol, using the soxhlet apparatus for 72 hours. The marc was extracted by cold maceration for 72 hours, to obtain a water-soluble extract. The peripheral analgesic activity was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing method in Swiss albino mice (20 - 30 g), while the central analgesic activity was evaluated by the tail flick method and the tail immersion method. Results indicated that all the tested extracts, except the methanol extract, exhibited significant analgesic activity in both animals models. Petroleum ether extract showed higher analgesic activity. The activity may be related to the central mechanism or may be due to the peripheral analgesic mechanisms. The present study authenticates the traditional use.

21 ref

011788   Ghulghule J N;Asmatoddin M;Thombre A P;Shinde R B (Agricultural Economics Dep, College of Agriculture, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Resource use efficiency in fig (Ficus Linn.) production in Maharashtra. Asian J Hort 2009, 4(1), 158-60.

Study was carried out in Maharashtra state with an aim to findout resource use efficiency in fig production. The study, Pune and Aurangabad districts were selected purposively because these are well known districts of fig cultivation. Analysis of Cobb-Douglas production function for Pune district reflected that sum of regression coefficient found to be 1.497, indicating increasing return to scale. Area under fig, human labour, manures, nitrogen and phosphorous were found significant indicating that there is scope to increase use of these resources. For Aurangabad district, sum of regression coefficient found to be 0.992, indicating constant returns to scale. Area, human labour, manure, nitrogen and phosphorus were found highly significant indicating that there is scope to increase the use of these inputs in fig production.

011787   Gaherwal S;Prakash M M (Biotechnology Dep, Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore) : Effective role of eosinophil in hymenolepiasis: Hymenolepis diminuta. Asian J expl Sci 2010, 24(1), 57-8.

The present study deals with the eosinophil cell count in the blood of infected and vaccinated mice with Hymenolepis diminuta. The results obtainted indicate that the eosinophils have significant role in the immune system of host. The eosinophil action showed early host defense mechanisms against helminth, which showed its effective role in hymanolepiasis.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

011786   Barthwal S;Yasodha R;Gurumurthi K (Genetics and Tree Propagation Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun-248 195) : Anomalous male inflorescence development in Casuarina equistifolia Forst.: reversion of inflorescence to vegetative phase. Ann For 2009, 17(1), 32-6.

Reports phenomenon of inflorescence reversion in Casuarina equisetifolia which has not been reported so far in this species. Probable reasons for this have been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

011785   Ankamwar B (Chemistry Dep, Pune Univ, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: bgankamwar@chem.unipune.ernet.in) : Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Murraya koenigi. Bionano Front 2010, ICLAM(spl), 181-3.

The various plant materials can be exploitation for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Abundance, cheap method of synthesis and non toxicity are main features makes them best option for biomedical applications. Here, wef report the synthesis of gold nanoparticles in aqueous medium using Murraya koenigi (Curry patta; leaves) leaf extract as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The reaction between chtoroaurate ions with biomolecules of Murraya koenigi (MK) leaf extract results into the formation of nanotriangles as well as spherical gold nanochains. Nanoparticals are characterized by Uv-Visible-NIR spectra, TEM, XRD and FTIR techniques.

2 illus, 10 ref

011784   Andia B N;Dixit P K;Behera S;Mishra G;Behera H N (S R College, , Baliapal, Balasore, Email: andiabrendra@rediffmail.com) : Estimation of age and growth by skeletochronology in paddy field frog, Rana limnocharis. Icfai Univ J Sci Technol 2009, 5(2), 26-39.

Paddy field frogs of both sexes showed excellent positive correlation between body weight and snout to vent () length, body weight and bone weight as well as body weight and gonad weight, suggesting the utility of these parameters as indirect markers of chronological age and indicating continuous structural growth. The relative weight of bones of both sexes increased up to maturation and then gradually decreased with body weight, showing slower rate of growth of these organs with advancing age. The observation of gonad indicates that this paddy frogs become sexually mature when they attain a body weight of about 9- 10 grams in both sexes. However, reliability of such morphometric data needed report from a more accurate method of bone histology based on the techniques of 'skeletochronology'. Counting of growth rings in histological sections of humerus and femur suggested that, in natural surroundings, the normal life span of paddy field frogs of both sexes is three years and above. The animals not showing any growth rings in their skeletal parts are considered as young and immature and have not completed a year in their natural surroundings.

14 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

010725   Wilfred A;Akshatha A;Harish R;Chauhan J B (Biotechnology Dep, Pooja Bhagavat Memorial Mahajana Post Graduate Center, Mysore, Email: wilfy_04@yahoo.co.in) : Antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Brassica oleracea var. capitata. Icfai Univ J Biotechnol 2009, 3(1), 66-75.

5 illus, 30 ref

010724   Thakur A K;Prasad N A V;Laddha K S (Medicinal Natural Products Research Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Div, Mumbai Univ Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai Univ, Matunga, Mumbai, Email: ksladdha@udct.org) : Stability testing of herbal products. Pharma Rev 2008, 6(33), 109-12.

Significance and indispensability of stability testing in development of dosage forms/formulation is well recognized the pharmaceutical industry. Stability testing is necessary to ensure the product is of acceptable quality throughout its entire dotage period. Important part of quality control of herbal products is the evaluation of the chemical stability of a finished product tag the storage period. Measuring chemical stability is very challenging task due to the complexity of a plant extract, which may contain thousands of different compounds. The purpose of stability testing is to provide evidence on how the quality of herbal products varies with the time under the influence of environmental factors, especially temperature, humidity, and oxygen and enables recommended storage conditions, retest periods and shelf lives to be established. In order to do this, it is necessary to monitor compliance of the herbal products with a suitable quality specification throughout the shelf life.

1 table, 9 ref

010723   Thakkar Mehul H;Patel Vijay A;Solanki Ajit N; Choudhary Bharat G (Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat Univ, Kherva, Mehsana, Gujarat, Email: mehulthakkar_mpharm@yahoo.co.in) : Field flow fractionation: an emerging separation technique in biotecjnology. Pharma Rev 2008, 6(33), 68-71.

Pharmaceutical filed requires high quality standards. Various kinds of process are carried out to maintain high quality standards. Analytical science plays an important role to control as well as to assure the standard of pharmaceutical products. Varity of analytical and separating techniques are currently in used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of products. Field Flow Fractionation (FFF) is one of the most versatile separating techniques among allothertechniques. Various kinds of FFF techniques are under used. Aim of this review is to provide information about various FFF techniques and give brief application of FFF in biotechnological field.

18 ref

010722   Tambhale G V;Dhawale R N;Hajare S T;Kamble N S (College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Response in growth performance to compounded v/s homemade concentrate by osmanabadi kids. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 3(2), 184-9.

The quantitiye aspects and palatability MAIDC manufactured kid concentrate (T₁) was compared with homemade concentrate mixture prepared from locally available agricultural byproducts (T₂). Nine weaned and growing kids in each treatment were fed homemade (control) concentrates along with required roughages for 98 days with a digestion trial conducted during last week. The observations on nutrient intake, body weight, linear body measurements and outgo of nutrient were recorded, and tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. The mean live weight of kids under MAIDC (T₁) and homemade concentrate (T₂) feeding were significantly increased from 7.1 and 7.2 kg to 9.6 and 11.13 kg, respectively. The nutrient contents of two feeds showed the values of DM, CP, CF, NEE, EE and ash as 90.65, 18.00, 17.04,49.16, 8.9,6.9 per cent in MADIC feed and 91.86, 19.80,8.01,61.0,9.11,2.08 per cent, respectively in homemade concentrates. The difference between two treatments for final gain in height and for final body length of the kids was non significant. The difference between two treatments for final chest girth was also non significant. Period had significantly influenced the intake of water. The difference between the treatments for final feed intake of feed was significant indicating superior palatability of homemade over MADIC feeds. The digestibility coefficients for DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE of MADIC concentrates were 50.20, 75.56, 74.81, 86.71,65.01 and the corresponding values for the homemade concentrates were 58.42, 72.72, 74.42, 82.60 and 66.57, respectively. The economics of feeding revealed that for one kg gain in body weight of Rs. 45.14 for MADIC and Rs. 40.42 for homemade concentrate were incurred. Feeding homemade concentrate mixture is always beneficial and can be recommended to the goat farmers.

14 tables, 6 ref

010721   Shanker S;Boora K S;Chaudhary K (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Bioefficacy of native isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis S6 against Helicoverpa armigera under field conditions in cotton. Ann Biol 2009, 25(1), 1-6.

Native population of Bacillus thuringiensis is a potential bio-control agent because of its adaptability to various environmental conditions including soil. B. thuringiensis S6 was isolated from cotton field soil. The bio-efficacy of the culture was evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera under laboratory as well as field conditions. B. thuringiensis isolate S6 at 1 x 10^{9 cells/ml showed the highest insect mortality of 95-100% against H. armigera under laboratory conditions after 96 h of treatment. However, under field conditions, insect mortality of about 76% was observed in cotton when B. thuringiensis culture was used at a concentration of 1 x 109cells/ml. At lower cell concentration (1 x 108 cells/ml), insect mortality of about 73% was observed in cotton after seven days of spray. Commercial Bt formulation Halt showed 70% mortality during the same period.}

3 tables, 12 ref

010720   Sehgal R (NO, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Email: pharma1978@gmail.com) : Biogenerics - opportunitis and challenges ahead. Pharma Rev 2008, 6(33), 40-4.

Global pharmaceutical industry today is the increasing cost of drug development. Over the years, with the rising healthcare costs, most of the major branded drugs and biopharmaceuticals might go beyond the reach of the average patients. Thus, with increasing cost of healthcare delivery, regulatory authorities worldwide should shift focus on the affordable generic versions of these biotherapeutics. In addition, streamlining of regulatory processes and drafting protocols and guidelines for approval of biogenerics across the globe would help in price erosion to some extent.

2 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

010719   Saxena A K;Singh D;Gajendra Singh (Human Cytogenetic Laboratory, Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surg, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi) : Acrolein induces unilateral hypertrophy and associated histopathalogical changes during germ cell differentiation in mature rat ovary.. Biomed Res 2009, 20(2), 89-93.

Acrolein is an important chemical molecule of the global environment. It has dual importance as a by product of industrial wastes, automobile exhaust, and secondly an active metabolite of cyclophosphamide metabolic pathway. Acrolein is highly reactive unsaturated three carbon aldehyde. The importance of this chemical molecule increased several folds because of high reactivity; therefore, study has been designed with the aim to evaluate the effect of low dose (1mg/kg body wt. /day), continuous exposure (i.p.) of acrolein alone or with ascorbate (5 mg/kg body wt) for 10 days to rats. Reproductive performance of the treated rats were observed by serial mating experiments with opposite sex of the same strain. Infertility (33%) was observed when compared with controls. Most interesting finding is significant reduction (P<0.001) in the size of germ cell - populations i.e. primary, secondary and graafian follicles in medulla as well as in cortex region of the ovary as observed in experimental group. In another set of experimental group where antioxidant (ascorbic acid) was supplemented along with acrolein which shows regeneration of germ cells proliferation, suggesting ascorbate help to prevent cell-damage during cell-division in female go-nads. The study was also further extended to observed genetic damage in term of chromosomal aberrations assay which reveals that significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed when compared with control groups.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

010718   Sandhu S S;Thakur R (NO, Centre for Advance Research & Development, People's Group, Bhopal-462 010, Email: hod@acadrnd.peoplesgroup.in) : Improving quality of our life through biotechnology. Peoples J scient Res 2008, 1(2), 45-7.

^iia18 ref

010717   Saha M (NO, B.N. Bandodkar College of Science, Thane-400 601, Email: m_saha@sify.com) : In vitro propagation of Carica papaya L. cv. redlady from shoot apex and node explants. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 1-2.

Carica papaya L. cv. RedLady is tolerant to papaya ring spot virus. In the present study multiple shoots were obtained from shoot apex and node explants of two month old seedlings regenerated in vitro of Carica papaya L. cv. Red Lady. The shoot apex and node explants were inoculated on MS medium fortified with BAP, NAA, adenine sulphate and coconut milk in various combinations. IBA dip treatment given to the cut end of the shoots produced healthy roots. The combination of soil: vermiculite: cowdung (1:1:1) were used as substratum for the hardening of the plantlets.

2 tables, 7 ref

010716   Ray R R (Zoology Dep, Presidency College, Kolkata-700 073) : Production of extra cellular amylase from waste starches by Pseudomonas stutzeri. J mycopathol Res 2009, 47(1), 75-7.

A newly isolated strain of Psoudornonas stutzeri MTCC 8741 could synthesize extra cellular amylase in presence of various waste starches of which pulse powder showed the best result. The highest production of enzyme was achieved at 24th hour of growth. The enzyme synthesis was enhanced in presence of Ca^{2+ and K+ ions but remained unaffected in presence of toxic metal ions like As3+, Pb3+ and Li3+ and natural antimicrobial agents. The strain showed resistance against marcolide and replication blocking antibiotics.}

1 table, 10 ref

010715   Ravangave L S;Munde B S;Minase P B;Pawar B H (Physics Dep, Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Loha, Dist. Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: Isravangave@gmail.com) : Discrimination between normal and cancerous breast tissure using synchronous luminescence spectroscopy. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 7-9.

The Synchronous Luminescence spectroscopy (SLS) is employed to discriminate the normal and malignant breast tissues. The SL spectra are recorded in the 280 to 650 nm excitation range, with constant wavelength intervals of 20 nm between emission and excitation on four normal and corresponding four malignant breast tissues. The SLS spectra exhibit the fluorescence bands at about 350, 400, 470, and 515 nm assigned to tryptophan, collagen, NADH and carotenes. It is concluded that the fluorescence from fluoreophores such as tryptophan, collagen; NADH and carotenes undergoes changes during the tissue transformation process from normal to begin cancerous. These luminescent pigments help to detect and characterize normal and malignant breast tissues using SL technique. The synchronous luminescence spectra clearly show the differences in the fluorescence properties between normal and corresponding malignant tissues. The variation of intensity ratio (C/N) may be help to detect the stage of the cancer.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

010714   Rakesh Kumar;Anju Kumari;Ahlawat S;Sindhu A; Sharma J (Biotechnology Dep, Ambala College of Engineering and Applied Research, Mithapur, Ambala Cantt., Haryana) : Production of tannase under solid-state fermentation using amla and Jamun leaves. Ann Biol 2009, 25(1), 7-12.

Tannase enzyme production was studied under solid state fermentation using different tannin rich substrates like her leaves (Zyzyphus mauritiana), jamun leaves (Syzygium cumini), amla leaves (Phyllanthus emblica), jamun seed, kikar bark (acacia), eucalyptus leaves, eucalyptus bark and jamun bark. The maximum production of tannase was found to be at 30°C after 96 h of incubation. Tap water was used as moistening agent, with pH 5.5 in ratio of 1 : 2 (w/v) with solid substrate. No external carbon and nitrogen sources were added to the medium.

5 illus, 12 ref

010713   Radhika J;Pazhanithambi G;Brindha P (Biochemistry Dep, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College, Tiruchirappalli-620 005, Email: brindhajana@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant and free radical scavenging property of Salvia coccinea Buc'hoz. Biomedicine 2009, 29(1), 52-5.

Plant research has been intensified worldwide in the recent times. A large number of medicinal plants and their purified constituents have shown beneficial therapeutic potentials and have been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity. Hence, the present study focuses on the antioxidant activity of Salvia coccinea Buc'Hoz in CCl₄ induced oxidative stress in Albino rats. Aqueous extract of S. coccinea was prepared as per protocol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the experimental models with CCl₄. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation. Blood and tissue were collected for the estimation of LPO, SOD CAT, GSH, GPx and total protein. CCl₄ intoxication showed an elevation in the LPO levels and a decrease in SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx and total protein levels indicating liver damage. Antioxidant status was restored in AESC treated group. The restoration of the antioxidant status in AESC treated groups suggests effective scavenging activity of the extract of S.coccinea. Thus, the present study depicts the antioxidant activity of S. coccinea Buc'Hoz.

010712   Patel M K;Suman;Ashok Kumar (NO, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: ashokigib@rediffmail.com) : Recent laboratory techniques for diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2008, 1(1), 1-10.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluids in a spinal cord and of the fluids that surrounds the brain causing damage of meninges. It can be caused by either viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is less severe and resolves without specific treatment while bacterial meningitis can be severe and may results brain damage and finally death. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are very important in meningitis. Different serogroups, virulent genes causing bacterial meningitis, recent laboratory diagnostic techniques and biochemical methods which are mostly used in different labs have been described. PCR and recent development of DNA biosensor for meningitis can play important role for rapid diagnosis and save lives of several people infected with Neisseria meningitidis.

1 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

010711   Murugaian P;Srikumar R;Thangaraj R (Biotechnology Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, College for Women, Orathanadu-614 625) : Phytochemical estimation and antibacterial activity of Heliotropium indicum (L) against the common bacteria isolated from human beings. Biomedicine 2009, 29(1), 48-51.

Phytochemicals are the plant-derived naturally occurring compounds showed antimicrobial activity. The lack of data on antibacterial activity of Heliotropium indicum makes this study useful. In the present study phytochemical estimation (phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids) and antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Heliotropium indicum was tested against the common bacterial isolates (Staph. aureus, Bacillus substilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella typhi) from human by Kirby-Bauer's disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. The ethanolic leaf extract of H. indicum has high phytochemical content than aqueous extract. In antibacterial activity, ethanolic extract showed high inhibitory action against the tested bacterial strains in both disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods than the aqueous extract. The present study revealed that both aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of H. indicum have antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains tested. This antibacterial activity of H. indicum may be due to the presence of the phytochemicals contents and this study also showed ethanol is an ideal solvent.

4 tables, 21 ref

010710   Kulkarni S S;Kamble R K;Patil S S;Shembekar V S (Biotechnology Dep, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Latur-413 512, Email: sachin314@gmail.com) : Development of isoniazide based new classes of antitubercular drugs using QSAR approach. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 10-13.

Multi-Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (MDR) is the resistance to at least two anti- mycobacterial drugs. Present day the infection of the tubercle bacterium is treated with the two of the popular drugs namely Isonizide and refamcin. As these are the traditional drugs used since long time, because of continuous exposure, the efficiency of these drugs has lowered down leading to the development of concept called as multidrug resistance. Because of development of multidrug resistance by Tubercle bacilli towards these drugs it is necessity of the time to find the alternative drugs to overcome the problem of MDR mycobacterial infection. In that regard we have screened the prodruge Isonizide by replacing its reactive side chain which will enhance the rate of hydrolysis of the drug, thereby increasing the efficiency of drug to act against tubercle bacilli upon in vivo administration by using bioinformatics based Qualitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) approach. Finally the discussion is made to suggest the highly efficient molecule for inhibiting the growth of Tubercle bacilli

2 tables, 25 ref

010709   Karthikeyan J;Bavani G (Biotechnology Dep, D.G. Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106, Email: dr_jk5@yahoo.com) : Effect of cadmium on lactate dehyrogenase isoenzyme, succinate dehydrogenase and NA<. J envir Biol 2009, 30(5; Suppl), 895-8.

Cadmium is known to be an environmental and industrial pollutant. Exposure to cadmium is known to affect various tissues. The purpose of this study is to determine the toxic effects of cadmium on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes. Administration of cadmium chloride (3 mg kg^-1) resulted in the reduction of LDH₄ fraction of liver tissue indicating the inhibitory effect of cadmium. The LDH₁ LDH₃ and LDH₅ fractions showed decreasing trend initially but there was a significant increase later. In contrast the LDH₂ fraction showed increasing trend after 24 hr from the last dosage it was elevated after 30 days. The total activity of LDH in liver showed gradual reduction in both groups. The activity ofsuccinate dehydrogenase (SDH) the mitochondrial enzyme has been observed to be inhibited by cadmium with the possibility of interfering with energy transport mechanism. Na⁺-K⁺ -ATPase activity of liver also showed similar decrease after cadmium administration which may lead to general deficit in cell membrane transport. As cadmium shows drastic decrease in all the enzymes studied, the LDH₂ fraction which sharply rises from the control may be used as a marker enzyme to asses the liver injury.

2 tables, 37 ref

010708   Kamble R D;Kshirsagar R V;Jadhav A R (Biotechnology Engineering Dep, Tatyasaheb Kore Institute of Engineering & Technology, Warananagar-416 113, Email: rajashri.kamble@gmail.com) : Production of xylanases by fungal strains from compost under solid state and submerged fermentation conditions. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 25-6.

About hundred fungal strains were isolated from compost soil samples collected from different districts of Maharashtra State of India. The strains were screened for xylanase production using xylan agar media as it has potential application in food industries. On the basis of clearing zones formed, ten fungat strains were selected, identified and subjected for solid state and submerged fermentations, to produce maximum amount of cellulase-free xylanase. Almost eight of the fungal strains produced cellulase-free xylanase during submerged fermentation, while eight of the fungal strains produced cellulase along with xylanase in solid state fermentation.

2 tables, 15 ref

010707   Kadam A S (Botany Dep, D.S.M. College, Jintur Dist. Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Response of sugarcane varieties to callus proliferation under different 2,4-D levels. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 21-2.

The work has been carried out to study the in vitro response of three varieties viz. Co. 86032, Co. 7714 and Co. 671 for callus proliferation to develop somaclonal variations. Explants viz. apical meristem were used to produce callus on MS medium sugarcane supplemented with three levels of 2, 4 - D viz. 1 mg, 2mg and 3 mg/l. 671 and Co86032. The variety Co 7714 produce the callus earlier than Co671 and Co86032. The callus of Co86032 and 7714 was friable, soft and creamy white where as the callus of Co671 was soft and compact. Fresh and dry weights of calli of each cultivar were recorded after one week of third subculturing. Varietal response was noticed for callus proliferation. The fresh and dry weight of callus was varied with variety and levels of 2,4-D. The maximum fresh weight was noticed in Co. 7714 followed by Co. 671 and Co. 86032 respectively. The variety Co.7714 responded positively with higher concentration of 2,4-D and the concentration of 2,4-D at 3mg/l, showed highest growth in all the varieties. Non significant difference for dry weight was observed.

2 tables, 7 ref

010706   Haneef J;Sreeja S (Cancer Endocrinology Lab, Cancer Biology Div, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud P.O., Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014, Email: ssreeja@rgcb.res.in) : Phytoestrogens: an overview. Icfai Univ J Biotechnol 2009, 3(1), 48-60.

Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds with binding affinity for the estrogen receptor and consequently have estrogen like activity. Phytoestrogens are found predominantly in estern or soy-based diet compared to normal western diet. These compounds have manifold physiological effects in humans and their potency depends upon their ability to interact with estrogen receptors, ER-α and ER-β. In this review, (i) the structural relationships between phytoestrogens and physiological estrogens, and presence of phytoestrogens in our diet; (ii) proposed mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens; (iii) beneficial as well as determental effects of phytoestrogens; and (iv) present status of research to evaluate phytoestrogens in the prevention and treatment of different types of cancers and other diseases are examined. Exploring our floral diversity would be helpful in finding plants with potential estrogenic activity, which in turn could be used in the treatment of various ailments afflicting women.

1 illus, 2 tables, 75 ref