022732   Ashish Kumar;Sanjay Kumar;Pal A K (NO, B.R. Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Genetic variability and characters association for fruit yield and yield traits in cucumber. Indian J Hort 2008, 65(4), 423-8.

Study on variability, heritability, genetic gains, correlation coefficients and path coefficients in twenty five diverse cucumber genotypes was carried out for fruit yield and yield attributing traits. The genotypes exhibited significant differences for all the traits under study. A wide range of variability along with estimates of PCV and GCV was observed for days to 1st female flower anthesis, number of primary branches/plant, number of fruits/plant, number of node bearing female flowers/plant, fruit length, fruit weight, cavity of fruit at edible stage and fruit yield/plant. High heritability and high expected genetic gain were observed for days to 1st female flower anthesis, number of primary branches/plant, number of fruits/plant, fruit length and fruit diameter, 100-seed weight, cavity of fruit at edible stage and fruit yield/plant indicate that these characters had additive gene effect and therefore, these are more reliable for effective selection. Correlation coefficient and path coefficient revealed that fruit yield could be successfully improved upon by making selection for greater number of primary branches/plant, and number of fruits/plant.

4 tables, 17 ref

021688   Yasodha R;Sumathi R;Chezhian P;Kavitha S; Ghosh M (Plant Biotechnology Div, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, P.O. Box 1061, Forest Campus, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: yasodha@icfre.org) : Eucalyptus microsatellites mined in silico: survey and evaluation. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 21-5.

Eucalyptus is an important short rotation pulpy woody plant, grown widely in the tropics. Recently, many genomic programmes are underway leading to the accumulation of voluminous genomic and expressed sequence tag sequences in public databases. These sequences can be utilized for analysis of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) available in the transcribed genes. In this study, in silico analysis of 15,285 sequences representing partial and full-length mRNA from Eucalyptus species for their use in developing SSRs or microsatellites were carried out. A total of 875 EST-SSRs were identified from 772 SSR containing ESTs. Motif size of 6 for dinucleotide and 5 for trinucleotide, tetranucleotide, and pentanucleotides were considered in locating the microsatellites. The average frequency of identified SSRs was 12.9%. The dinucleotide repeats were the most abundant among the dinucleotide, trinucleotide and tetranucleotide motifs and accounted for 50.9% of the Eucalyptus genome. Primer designing analysis showed that 571 sequences with SSRs had sufficient flanking regions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer synthesis. Evaluation of the usefulness of the SSRs showed that EST-derived SSRs can generate polymorphic markers as all the primers showed allelic diversity among the 16 provenances of E. tereticornis.

1 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

021687   Wang P;Liang Z;Zeng J;Li W;Sun X;Miao Z;Tang K (State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China, Email: kxtang1@yahoo.com) : Generation of tobacco lines with widely different reduction in nicotine levels via RNA silencing approaches. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 177-84.

Issues related to the nicotine content of tobacco have been public concerns. Several reports have described decreasing nicotine levels by silencing the putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT) genes, but the reported variations of nicotine levels among transgenic lines are relatively low in general. Describes the generation in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines with widely different, reduced nicotine levels using three kinds of RNA-silencing approaches. The relative efficacies of suppression were compared among the three approaches regarding the aspect of nicotine level in tobacco leaves. By suppressing expression of the PMT genes, over 200 transgenic lines were obtained with nicotine levels reduced by 9.1-96.7%. RNA interference (RNAi) was the most efficient method of reducing the levels of nicotine, whereas cosuppression and antisense methods were less effective. Gives clues to the efficient generation of plants with a variety of metabolite levels, and the results demonstrate the relative efficiencies of various RNA-silencing methods.

4 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

021686   Verma N;Kalra S (Biotechnology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala, Punjab, Email: neelamverma_2@rediffmail.com) : Single step purification of D-amino acid oxidase and mPEG-conjugated-D-amino acid oxidase from Trignopsis variabilis by HPLC. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2008, 4(2), 127-34.

D-amino-acid oxidase (1.4.3.3) is a flavoprotein. It catalyses oxidative deamination of D-amino acids to 2-Oxo acids producing NH3 and H2O2. In yeast, the enzyme is involved in the catabolic utilization of D-amino acids. T. variabilis (TvDAAO) is characterized by higher turnover number, good stability under a wide range of reaction conditions. Enzymes such as the D-amino acid oxidase, which is almost ubiquitous to organisms of many kingdoms, is missing in all plants investigated.D-Ammo acid oxidase has been purified using Lichrospher(R) WR 300 RP-18 (S μm) column by HPLC from Trignopsis variabilis and the Retention time, enzyme activity and protein content of purified D-Amino acid oxidase and mPEG-Conjugated-D-Amino acid Oxidase have been investigated. D-Amino Acid Oxidase units are maximum in the 3rd fraction having the specific activity 72 LU/mg. The retention time of crude enzyme is 2.33 to 3.90 minute. The retention time of purified D-Amino Acid Oxidase is 2.74 min having the specific activity 153.3 I.U./mg.But the retention time of mPEG- conjugated D-Amino Acid Oxidase is 2nd minute as the molecular weight of D-amino acid oxidase has been increased by conjugation with mPEG propionaldehyde, so the retention time of conjugated D-amino acid oxidase has decreased. The purification fold of purified fractions of free D-AAO and conjugated D-AAO is almost same as 5.5. There is almost no change in the enzyme activity of D-AAO after conjugation.

5 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

021685   Singh A;Shukla A K;Shasany A K;Darokar M P; Khanuja S P S (Genetic Research and Biotechnology Div, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR), P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015) : Impact of geneomics on aroma research. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2008, 30(3), 276-80.

Forward genetics approaches are difficult to use for identification of new aroma-related genes due to lack of efficient system for the identification of fragrance mutants. In the recent past, studies on plant secondary metabolism, including those on aroma-producing phytoconstituent biosynthesis-related genes, have been greatly facilitated by the advent of novel genomics approaches that allow quick access to the genomes of plants that have not yet been fully characterized at the genetic level. The information available from related plant species and analogous reactions in primary metabolism in the same plant has been exploited to identify functionally related genes of plant secondary metabolism, including those involved in aroma generation. Here author reviewed some examples of application of genomics tools aimed at isolating and characterizing genes involved in the formation of key aroma-metabolites and discuss the potential of utilizing genes that code for the formation of volatile compounds, for the improvement of the quality properties of aromatic plants and other agricultural produce. Plant aroma is a composite character that is determined by a complex mixture of low-molecular-mass volatile phytomolecules, most of which belong to the three major classes - phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and fatty acid derivatives. These volatile phytomolecules are lipophilic in nature and have high vapour pressures that are required for their ecophysiological roles. Their biosynthesis involves theremoval of hydrophilic moieties and oxidation/hydroxylation, reduction, methylation, and acylation reactions. The study of aroma generation at biochemical level is a challenging task due to the invisibility of aroma and the dynamism of its composition, where minor variation in its phytochemical composition yields an entirely different aroma effect. Arabidopsis has not proven to be a good model system to study the genesis of aroma since it produces very low amounts of volatile chemicals. Most of the small number of floral scent genes that have been isolated have been through classical biochemical methods from plants having highly fragrant flowers, like Clarkia breweri and Antirrhinum majus. Although the number of different flower volatiles is very large, they are biosynthesized by a relatively smaller number of mostly overlapping biosynthetic pathways. Large-scale sequencing of ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) and annotational analysis of EST datasets supplemented by array technology has been helpful to identify novel genes involved in aroma chemical biosynthesis. The EST approach has been successfully employed for putative identification of genes involved in seent formation in rose, strawberry, mint, apple, etc. Some of the aroma-related genes that have been isolated from different plant sources are linalool syntthase, S. adenosyl-1-Met: (iso) eugenol O-methyltransferase (IEMT), acetyl- CoA:benzylalcohol acetyltransferase (BEAT), S-adenosyl- 1-Met:salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (SAMT), and S-adenosyl-l-Met:benzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (BAMT), germacrene D-synthase, etc. The presently available data of aroma-related genes reveals that mutations that create minor modifications in protein sequences can lead to new enzymes that catalyze the formation of different aroma compounds. Thus a bioinformatics-based approach (only sequence homology comparison without an enzymatic assay) for the examination of various plants containing variant enzymes (which seem to be same upon sequence comparison) can be extremely useful for new gene identification.

27 ref

021684   Shivayogimath C B;Sunita G;Manoj Kumar B (Environmental Engineering Dep, Basaveshwar Engineering College, Bagalkot-587 102, Email: sunita_dav@yahoo.co.in) : Role of solid acid catalysts in bio diesel production. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(3), 207-12.

Biodiesel is gaining importance as an alternate source of attractive fuel because of depleting fossil fuel resources. It is produced by trans-esterification, in which oil or fat reacts with a monohydric alcohol in presence of a catalyst. Trans-esterification of sunflower oil with methanol is carried out by using zirconia supported isopoly and heteropoly tungstates (HPAs) as catalysts. Effects of reaction parameters, such as catalyst types and its concentration, molar ratio of sunflower oil to methanol, reaction temperature and time, have been optimized to get higher conversion of sunflower oil and the product distribution of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in the trans-esterfication reaction.

7 illus, 5 tables, 5 ref

021683   Rezaei Zarchi S;Saboury A A;Javed A;Barzegar A;Ahmadian S;Bayandori Moghaddam A (NO, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Email: saboury@ut.ac.ir) : Nano-composition of riboflavin-nafion functional film and its appliction in biosensing. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 279-87.

Novel nafion-riboflavin membrane was constructed and characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric techniques. The estimated average diameter of the designed anoparticles was about 60 nm. The functional membrane showed a quasireversible electrochemical behaviour with a formal potential of -562 ± 5 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) on the gold electrode. Some electrochemical parameters were estimated, indicating that the system has good and stable electron transfer properties. Moreover, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized on the riboflavin-nafion functional membrane. The electrochemical behaviour of HRP was quasi-reversible with a formal potential of 80 ± 5 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). The HRP in the film exhibited good catalytic activity towards the reduction of H₂ O₂. It shows a linear dependence of its cathodic peak current on the concentration of H₂ O₂, ranging from 10 to 300 μM.

6 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

021682   Pruthviraj R D (Chemistry Dep, M S Engineering College, Bangalore) : Plant biotechnology in the 21<. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(2), 445-52.

In a world, where population growth is outstripping food supply, agricultural and especially plant-biotechnology, needs to be swiftly implemented in all walks of life. Achievements today in plant biotechnology have already surpassed all previous expectations, and the future is even more promising. The full realisation of the agricultural biotechnology revolution depends on both; continued successful and innovative research and development activities and on a favorable regulatory climate and public acceptance. Biotechnology should be fully integrated with classical physiology and breeding: (i) as an aid to classical breeding, (ii) for generation of engineered organisms, and (iii) for integration of microorganisms into agricultural production systems. Biotechnology is now-a-days changing the agricultural and plant scene in three major areas: (i) growth and development control (vegetative, generative and reproduction/propagation), (ii) protecting plants against the ever-increasing threats of abiotic and biotic stress, and (iii) expanding the horizons by producing speciality foods, biochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

^iia6 ref

021681   Kiran Sree P;Ramesh Babu I;Usha Devi N S S N (C.S.E., S.R.K.I.T Dep, , Vijayawada, Email: profkiran@yahoo.com ) : Novel protein coding region identifying tool using cellular automata classifier with trust-region method and parallel scan algorithm (NPCRITCACA). Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2008, 4(2), 159-71.

Genes carry the instructions for making proteins that are found in a cell as a specific sequence of nucleotides that are found in DNA molecules. But, the regions of these genes that code for proteins may occupy only a small region of the sequence. Identifying the coding regions play a vital role in understanding these genes. A new measure for gene prediction in eukaryotes is presented. Analysis of all the experimental genes of S. cerevisiae revealed distribution of the phase in a bell-like curve around a central value, in all four nucleotides, whereas the distribution of the phase in the noncoding regions was found to be close to uniform. Similar findings were obtained for other organisms. Several measures based on the phase property are proposed. In protein coding regions, this rotation is assumed to closely align all vectors in the complex plane, thereby amplifying the magnitude of the vector sum. In noncoding regions, this operation does not significantly change this magnitude. Computing the measures with one chromosome and applying them on sequences of others reveals improved performance compared with other algorithms that use the 1/3 frequency feature, especially in short exons. The phase property is also used to find the reading frame of the sequence. In this paper we propose a NPCRITCACA tool for finding these protein coding regions which uses a Decision Tree Based classifier. This tool uses trust region method to find the closet (optimized) DNA nucleotide. It also uses a Sequential PRM-based protein folding algorithm for finding the point where these proteins add to the ladder. Cellular automata based parallel scan algorithm is used to provide parallel processing of the strides and its transitions. This proposed tool produces more accurate results, than that have previously been obtained for a range of different sequence lengths. Experimental results confirm the scalability of the proposed classifying tool to handle large volume of datasets irrespective of the number of classes, tuples and attributes. Good classification accuracy has been established.

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

021680   Kaul K (Biotechnology Div, I.H.B.T., Palampur-176 061) : Isolation and purification of genomic DNA from Withania somnifera for analytical applications. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2008, 4(2), 151-7.

A simple, cost effective and efficient protocol for isolating total genomic DNA from fresh leaves of Withania somnifera was developed. The method involves a modified CTAB extraction employing 2-3% CTAB extraction buffer, the primary purification process consists of washing the DNA with phenol while it is complexed with CTAB and dissolved in 1.4 M NaCl. Isolated DNA was completely digestible with restriction endonucleases (Eco Rl and Msel) and amplifiable in the polymerase chain reaction indicating freedom from contaminating compounds. PCR conditions were optimized for RAPD analysis. Using this process we have found it possible to isolate DNA from 20 different genera of medicinal plants from north western Himalaya.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

021679   Karaca H;Ince A G (Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz Univ, Antalya 07059, Turkey, Email: mkaraca@akdeniz.edu.tr) : Minisatellites as DNA markers to classify bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.): confirmation of minisatellite in amplified products. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 83-6.

2 illus, 20 ref

021678   Kapilan N;Reddy R P (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Nagarjuna College of Engineering, Devanahalli, Bangalore-562 110) : Exhaust emissions of mahua oil operated compression ignition engine. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(3), 223-6.

The world is confronted with fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. The energy demand and pollution problems lead to research for an alternative renewable energy sources. Vegetable oils and biodiesel present a very promising alternative fuel to diesel. An experimental work was carried out to study the feasibility of using raw mahua oil (MO) as a substitute for diesel in dual fuel engine. A single cylinder diesel engine was modified to work in dual fuel mode and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was used as primary fuel and mahua oil was used as pilot fuel. The results show that the performance of the dual fuel engine at the injector opening pressure of 220 bar and the advanced injection timing of 30°bTDC results in performance close to diesel base line (DEL) operation and lower smoke and oxides of nitrogen emission.

6 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

021677   Jayanthi S;Ananthasubramanian M;Appalaraju B (Biotechnology Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: ananthasubramanian@yahoo.com) : Assessment of pheromone response in biofilm forming clinical isolates of high level gentamicin resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(3), 248-51.

Twenty five clinical isolates of high level gentamicin resistant Enterococcus faecalis were tested for their biofilm formation and pheromone responsiveness. The biofilm assay was carried out using microtiter plate method. Two isolates out of the 25 (8%) were high biofilm formers and 19 (76%) and four (16%) isolates were moderate and weak biofilm formers respectively. All the isolates responded to pheromones of E. faecalis FA2-2 strain. On addition of pheromone producing E. faecalis FA2-2 strain to these isolates, seven of 19 (37%) moderate biofilm formers developed into high biofilm formers. Similarly one of the 4 (25%) weak biofilm formers developed into high level biofilm former. Twelve (48%) of the 25 isolates were transconjugated by cross streak method using gentamicin as selective marker. This proves that the genetic factor for gentamicin resistance is present in the pheromone responsive plasmid. Among these twelve transaconjugants, seven isolates and one isolate were high biofilm formers on addition of E. faecalis FA2-2 and prior to its addition respectively. Out of the total 25 isolates, eight transconjugants for gentamicin resistance could turn to high biofilm formers on addition of the pheromone producing strain. All the isolates were resistant to more than two antibiotics tested. All the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. The results indicate the significance of this nosocomial pathogen in biofilm formation and the role of pheromone responding clinical isolates of E. faecalis in spread of multidrug resistance genes.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

021676   Jarvis D E;Kopp O R;Jellen E N;Mallory M A; Pattee J;Bonifacio A;Coleman C E;Stevens M R;Fairbanks D J;Maughan P J (Plant and Animal Sciences Dep, Brigham Young Univ, Provo, UT 84602, USA, Email: Jeff_Maughan@byu.edu) : Simple sequence repeat marker development and genetic mapping in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). J Genet 2008, 87(1), 39-51.

Quinoa is a regionally important grain crop in the Andean region of South America. Recently quinoa has gained international attention for its high nutritional value and tolerances of extreme abiotic stresses. DNA markers and linkage maps are important tools for germplasm conservation and crop improvement programmes. Here we report the development of 216 new polymorphic SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers from libraries enriched for GA, CAA and AAT repeats, as well as 6 SSR markers developed from bacterial artificial chromosome-end sequences (BES-SSRs). Heterozygosity (H) values of the SSR markers ranges from 0.12 to 0.90, with an average value of 0.57. A linkage map was constructed for a newly developed recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population using these SSR markers. Additional markers, including amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), two 11S seed storage protein loci, and the nucleolar organizing region (NOR), were also placed on the linkage map. The linkage map presented here is the first SSR-based map in quinoa and contains 275 markers, including 200 SSR. The map consists of 38 linkage groups (LGs) covering 913 cM. Segregation distortion was observed in the mapping population for several marker loci, indicating possible chromosomal regions associated with selection or gametophytic lethality. As this map is based primarily on simple and easily-transferable SSR markers, it will be particularly valuable for research in laboratories in Andean regions of South America.

1 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

021675   Jaimsha Rani V K;Padikkala J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar PO-680 555) : Chemoprotective effect of Cyclea peltata Lam. on cyclophosphamide induced toxicities. Amala Res Bull 2008, 28 Dec, 81-6.

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the protective role with 70 % methanolic extract of Cyclea peltata leaves against cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced liver, kidney and serum toxicities. The level of lipid peroxidation was analysed in serum, liver and kidney. Administration of CTX caused a marked cellular damage, characterized by a significant increase in serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, creatinine, urea concentrations which were decreased in extract treated groups. There is a significant decrease in GSH levels after CTX administration, it was increased significantly by the administration of Cycleapeltata leaves extract. The reduced activities of GPx, SOD and CAT in CTX alone treated groups were increased significantly by the administration of extract. The increase in lipid peroxidation in serum, liver and kidney were reduced towards normal level with treatment of Cycleape/tata extract. Thus the administration of Cyclea peltata caused a protective effect against CTX induced toxicities.

8 illus, 24 ref

021674   Hanur V S (Biotechnology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560 089, Email: vageesh@iihr.ernet.in) : Bt resistance and monophagous pests: handling with prudence. Curr Sci 2008, 95(4), 449-51.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

021673   Gupta S;Kaul V;Srivastava K;Monobrullah M (NO, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum-834 010) : Pathogenicity and in vivo culturing of a local isolate of Steinernema carpocapsae against Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Indian J Ent 2008, 70(4), 346-9.

Experiments were conducted in the laboratory to find out the pathogenicity of local isolate of Steinernema carpocapsae against 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae of tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Study revealed cent per cent mortality after 96 hours in all the tested larval instars and at all the doses. The LC₅₀ values varied between 11.41 and 27.17 infective juveniles per larva in all the instars. The LT₅₀ values of 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larva of S. litura were observed to be 24.8, 31.5 and 38.8 hours, respectively. Fifth instar larvae of S. litura at a dose of 160 infective juveniles per larva produced maximum infective juveniles (3.29 x 10⁵) whereas minimum number of infective juveniles (0.97 x 10⁵) was obtained from 3rd instar larvae at a dose of 10 infective juveniles per larva.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

021672   Ghatnekar S D;Sharma S M;Ghatnekar S S;Karnik D A (Biotechnology Resource Centre, , G/1, Adinath, Shaikh Misery Road, Wadala (E), Mumbai-400 037) : Spirulina (Blue green micro alga) - a probiotic nutraceutical food supplement for 21st century. Green Fmg 2009, 2(5), 335-6.

Probiotic biofertilizers, and transgenic plants can be banked upon to improve the productivity of every acre under agriculture in the country. In addition, appropriate infrastructural facilities need to be developed to improve the shelf life of the food produced and its proper distribution to every countryman. Another way to cope up with the probable food and nutrition crisis in coming days is by using alternative food or food supplement like a blue green micro alga Spirulina. It has high protein (70%) content, ideal combination of vitamins, and minerals and important pigments like beta-carotene, phycocyanin etc. These contents make Spirulina an ideal food supplement with therapeutic value hence categorized as nutraceutical. Its requirement in small quantity per individual makes it easy to store and distribute. It conserves a very important resource that is water because its cultivation needs very less amount of water in relation to other conventional crops. Biotechnology Resource Centre (BRC) has developed an environment friendly organic media called BRC-Spiro, for the commercial cultivation of Spirulina in which the growth rate is increased by at least 40%, time for cultivation is reduced by at least 27% and nutritional profile of such organic Spirulina is better in relation to Spirulina cultured on traditional chemical media. Further BRC has devised technology to cultivate Spirulina in effluents of diverse industries. Spirulina cultivated in effluents is being tested for its efficacy vis-a-vis nutrition in test systems of mice and Tilapias.

2 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

021671   Fijesh P V;Padikkala J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar PO-680 055) : Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of Cyclea peltata Lam.. Amala Res Bull 2008, 28 Dec, 46-52.

The anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity of 70% methanolic leaf extract of Cyclea peltata was evaluated in rodents using carrageenan, dextran, and formalin induced paw edema, and also ethanol induced gastric ulceration. Results showed that the extract at doses 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg inhibited the inflammation induced paw edema in a dose related manner. The administration of the extract also showed a significant and dose related inhibition of ulcer index and the enhancement of antioxidants in gastric mucosa against ethanol induced gastric ulceration. These findings suggest that the leaves of Cyclea peltata possess anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity.

5 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

021670   Dhawan S S;Shasany A K;Gupta S;Bakhla A;Pal S;Nair P;Khanuja S P S (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015) : Screening and analysis of expressed sequence tags from the trichome specific cDNA library of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis). J med aromatic Pl Sci 2008, 30(3), 281-5.

Menthol is best known for the monoterpenes, both either as a pure compound or employed as an ingredient and it is a major component of the essential oil sequestered in the Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis) of the family Lamiaceae. Because of its pleasant flavor and aroma and its cooling-anesthetic effect, (-)-Menthol in all forms likely exceeds 7,000 metric tons annually with a raw product value approaching US$ 300 million. The essential oil of mint is biosynthesized and stored in specialized anatomical structures, termed as glandular trichomes, on leaf surfaces. Given the commercial value of these oils, the processes involved in their biosynthesis and secretion are the attractive targets for genetic engineering. The use of isolated oil gland secretory cell messages to generate a cDNA library has proven to provide an excellent source of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) related specifically to essential oil biosynthesis and accumulation. Collection of ESTs from metabolically active tissues can provide quantitative estimates of gene expression levels and thus are being exploited to unravel plant metabolic and regulatory network. Here we report on a functional genomics approach directed towards the characterization of genes involved in essential oil formation in M. arvensis, that was initiated with the construction of an oil gland secretory cell cDNA library as a part of an ongoing effort to identify genes of essential oil (monoterpene) biosynthesis, we have obtained sequence information from 200 randomly selected cDNA clones from mint (M. arvensis) oil gland secretory cell cDNA library. The screened ESTs were classified into different functional groups according to their sequence characteristics based on homology with already available public databases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

021669   Chandavar V R;Naik P R (NO, Yuvaraja's College, University of Mysore, Mysore-570 005, Email: prakashrnaik@yahoo.co.in) : Immunocytochemical detection of glucagon and insulin cells in endocrine pancreas and cyclic disparity of plasma glucose in the turtle Melanochelys trijuga. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 239-47.

Investigation was carried out to know the seasonal variation in plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon cells during the reproductive cycle of untreated Melanochelys trijuga. Pancreatic endocrine cells were immunochemically localized. Insulin-immunoreactive (IR) cells occurred in groups of 3-20 and were in close apposition, while glucagon-IR cells were distributed individually between the exocrine pancreas or formed anastomosing cords where cells were not intimately attached. Whenever both IR cell types were present together forming an islet, insulin-IR cells formed clusters in the centre with glucagon-IR cells being scattered at the periphery. Glucagon-IR cells seemed to be secretory throughout the pancreas during the reproductive cycle, while insulin-IR cells were found to be pulsating in their secretion. Mean size of the islet was 1.306, 0.184 and 2.558 mm in the regenerative, reproductive and regressive periods, respectively. In general, insulin-IR cells measured 5.18 μm and glucagon-IR cells 5.22 μm in their longest axis. Invariably, glucagon-IR cells were more in number than insulin-IR cells. The fasting plasma glucose level was 69.97 mg% during the regenerative period, which increased to 97.96 mg% during the reproductive period, and reached a peak value of 113.52 mg% in the regressive period.

4 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

021668   Chakrapani B P S;Sandeep Kumar;Subramaniam J R (Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016, Email: jamuna@iitk.ac.in) : Development and evaluation of an in vivo assay in Caenorhabditis elegans for screening of compounds for their effect on cytochrome P₄₅₀ expression. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 269-77.

Most drugs and xenobiotics induce the expression of cytochrome P 450 (CYP) enzymes, which reduce the bioavailability of the inducer and/or co-administered drugs. Therefore, evaluation of new drug candidates for their effect on CYP expression is an essential step in drug development. The available methods for this purpose are expensive and not amenable to high-throughput screening. Authors developed a fluorescence-based in vivo assay using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans worms that express the green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of various CYP promoters. Using this assay, it has been found striking similarities between the worm CYPs and their human orthologs in their response to treatment with various drugs. For example, the antibiotic rifampicin, one of the strongest inducers of the human gene CYP3A4, was the strongest inducer of the worm ortholog CYP13A7. Since worms can be easily grown in liquid medium in microtitre plates, the assay described is suitable for the screening of a large number of potential lead compounds in the drug discovery process.

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

021667   Brahmachari S K (Functional Genomics Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR), Mall Road, New Delhi-110 007, Email: skb@igib.res.in) : Genetic landscape of the people of India: a canvas for disease gene exploration. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 3-20.

Analyses of frequency profiles of marker on disease or drug-response related genes in diverse populations are important for the dissection of common diseases. Reports the results of analyses of data on 405 SNPs from 75 such genes and a 5.2 Mb chromosome, 22 genomic region in 1871 individuals from diverse 55 endogamous Indian populations. These include 32 large (>10 million individuals) and 23 isolated populations, representing a large fraction of the people of India. We observe high levels of genetic divergence between groups of populations that cluster largely on the basis of ethnicity and language. Indian populations not only overlap with the diversity of HapMap populations, but also contain population groups that are genetically distinct. These data and results are useful for addressing stratification and study design issues in complex traits especially for heterogeneous populations.

9 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

021666   Bhat R S;Patil V U;Chandrashekar T M;Sujay V; Gowda M V C;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: bhatramesh12@rediffmail.com) : Recovering flanking sequence tags of a miniature inverted-repeat transposable element by thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR in peanut. Curr Sci 2008, 95(4), 452-3.

^ssc2 illus, 22 ref

021665   Bajaj R;Mohanty S;Dash A P;Das A (Evolutionary Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, National Institute of Malaria Research, 22 Sham Nath Marg, New Delhi-110 054, Email: aparup@mrcindia.org) : Fine-scale genetic characterization of Plasmodium falciparum chromosome 7 encompassing the antigenic var and the drug-resistant pfcrt genes. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 59-64.

The fact that malaria is still an uncontrolled disease is reflected by the genetic organization of the parasite genome. Efforts to curb malaria should begin with proper understanding of the mechanism by which the parasites evade human immune system and evolve resistance to different antimalarial drugs. We have initiated such a study and presented herewith the results from the in silico understanding of a seventh chromosomal region of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum encompassing the antigenic var genes (coding pfempl) and the drug-resistant gene pfcrt located at a specified region of the chromosome 7. We found 60 genes of various functions and lengths, majority (61.67%) of them were performing known functions. Almost all the genes have orthologs in other four species of Plasmodium, of which P. chabaudi seems to be the closest to P. falciparum. However, only two genes were found to be paralogous. Interestingly, the drug-resistant gene, pfcrt was found to be surrounded by seven genes coding for several CG proteins out of which six were reported to be responsible for providing drug resistance to P. vivax. The intergenic regions, in this specified region were generally large in size, majority (73%) of them were of more than 500 nucleotide bp length. We also designed primers for amplification of 21 noncoding DNA fragments in the whole region for estimating genetic diversity and inferring the evolutionary history of this region of P. falciparum genome.

6 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

021664   Ashnagar A;Gharib Naseri N;Andikaei S M (School of Pharmacy, Ahwaz Jundi Shapour Univ of Medical Sciences, AHWAZ, IRAN, Email: aashnagar2003@yahoo.com) : Isolation and identification of the major chemical compounds found in different parts of capparis spinosa plant grown aroung the city of Izeh, Iran. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(2), 453-58.

Solvent extraction of different parts of Capparis spinosa plant grown around the city of Izeh, Iran (the leaves, flowers, fruits and roots) in methanol was carried out separately. The methanolic extracts were concentrated and column chromatographed on silica gel with diethyl ether, then water as the mobile phase. The results showed the separation of two fractions with R_f = 0.86 and 0.75. The fraction with R_f = 0.86 was found almost in the leaves, fruits and flowers of the plant and characterized as methyl linoleate through its HNMR, IR and Mass Spectra data. The fraction with R_f = 0.75 was the another major component found in the roots of the plant and tentatively identified as a steroidal saponin.

8 ref

021663   Akanksha;Mallik M;Fatima R;Lakhotia S C (Cytogenetics Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: lakhotia@bhu.ac.in) : Hsrω<. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 87-90.

^ssc2 illus, 13 ref

020838   Yasodha T;Prayanka R;Sivasudha S (Biotechnology Dep, Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering, Mamandur-603 111, Email: tekindia@gmail.com) : Biosorptive potentiality of agarose immobilised biomass of Anabaena (AIBA) for Ni(II) recovery. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 11-13.

The biosorption process for the removal of Ni(II) by Agarose Immobilized Biomass of Anabaena (AIBA), a newly developed immobilized biosorbent was characterized. The effects of pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage and contact time on metal uptake capacity of AIBA were studied in the present investigation. The Kinetic experiments showed that the process equilibrium was reached quickly in less than 30-40 minutes. It was found that the equilibrium dependence between biosorption capacity and metal ion concentration could be described with Freundlich equation. Maximum biosorption capacity for AIBA was found upto 71% Ni (II) / g of immobilized biomass in 5 elution cycles using 0.1 N sulphuric acid.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

020837   Vishen A;Wadhwani R;Pandey Y N;Singh A (Chemistry Dep, K.S.S. P.G. College, Ayodhya, Email: ashish_vishen@yahoo.co.in) : Bioremediation of metals by a duckweed (Lemna minor L.) from paper mill effulents. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 375-6.

To study the bioremediation of heavy metals by a duckweed (Lemna minor L.) from paper mill effluents; the duckweeds were exposed to 100, 75, 50 and 25% effluent concentrations at varying exposure durations (7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The result revealed that the maximum amount of metal accumulated from 100% effluent concentration after 28* day of exposure.

2 tables, 6 ref

020836   Thangavel K;Ganesan V (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli-627 412) : Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacognostic studies on Holarrhena antidysenterica. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 7-10.

Basic phytochemical and pharmacognositc investigations were carried out in stem tissues of a small deciduous tree of medicinal value - Holarrhena antidysenterica (Family: Apocyananceae). Presence of alkaloid, phenolics, tannins and triterpenoid related compounds have been identified through preliminary phytochemical tests. These observations were authenticated through pharmacognostic studies by applying the specific stains on fresh free hand cross sections of stem tissue.

6 tables, 13 ref

020835   Singh S;Asthir B;Bains N S (Biochemistry and Chemistry Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: Asthir b.asthir@rediffmail.com) : High temperature tolerance in relation to carbohydrate metabolism in barley. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 561-5.

Effect of high temperature in relation to carbohydrate metabolism was studied in the developing grains of heat susceptible (VJM 540) and heat tolerant (VJM 318) genotypes of barley during timely sown (December 2005) and in the late sown crop (January 2005).Activities of acid- and neutral invertase, sucrose synthase and total amylase showed their peak activity one week earlier during late sown conditions when compared to timely sown crop. In general, acid invertase activity predominated over neutral invertase activity in both genotypes. A premature cessation of starch deposition occurred during late sown conditions due to shortening of grain filling period which was not compensated by higher rate of grain growth. The more reduction in starch content was not due to assimilate supply rather its utilization is affected at higher temperature

2 illus, 16 ref

020834   Sharma S;Saxena A K;Gill B S;Dhillon S K (Plant Breeding Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Identification of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes with superior quality traits and their correlations with oil and protein. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2008, 68(3), 265-8.

Seventy four soybean genotypes of five different groups i.e. SL, PK, DS, Bragg and Pusa were analysed for physico-chemical and cooking quality. Oil correlates negatively with protein, cooking time and volume expansion after soaking. No Kokroos were found in any of the tested genotypes. Water absorption after soaking/cooking correlates positively with volume expansion. Genotypes of SL group exhibited superiority over other groups w.r.t. most of the quality traits and yield. Protein correlates negatively with yield (r = -0.16) and oil (r = -0.51).

2 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020833   Sharma R;Agarwal A (Botany Dep, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 001) : Effect of basal and foliar application of micronutrients on total chlorophyll nitrogen content and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 595-7.

Effectiveness of basal and foliar application of micronutrients (ZnSO₄, FeSO₄ and MnSO₄) was tested on total chlorophyll, nitrogen content and yield traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum PBW- 343). The basal application (ZnSO₄- 25 Kg'm,FCSO₄,-25 Kg/ha and MnSO₄,-IO Kg/ha) and foliar application (ZnSO₄,-5 Kg/ha, FeSO₄-5 Kg/ha and MnSO₄- 5 kg/ha) increased the total chlorophyll, nitrogen content and yield. However basal application of micronutrients was found more effective than foliar application in all the three parameters.

3 tables, 11 ref

020832   Saraswathi T;Vadivel E;Hemalatha P (NO, Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, P.G. Palayam (P.O.) Salem-636 119) : Callus induction studies in Aloe vera (L.) burm. F. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 17-20.

Three different types of explants viz., leaf (base, middle and tip regions), shoot tip, root were cultured on MS medium containing 2,4-D,NAA,Kin and their combinations. Callus was induced from middle portion of the leaves only in Aloe vera. Highest (77.67%) and earliest callusing (43.25 days) were observed on MS medium containing 2, 4-D (2 mg 1^-1) + Kin (1 mg 1^-1)- Callus proliferation was observed on 2,4-D (2mg 1^-1) + Kin (2mg 1^-1) containing medium. Callus induction was not influenced by the season of explant collection.

5 tables, 13 ref

020831   Sagar A;Thakur S (Biosciences Dep, H.P.U., Shimla-171 005, Email: asbio@rediffmail.com) : Fungal associates of Aloe vera Linn. and Menthya Viridis L.. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 369-74.

Aloe vera and Mentha viridis are multipurpose shrubs, which are frequently used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Studies conducted on the fungal associates of Aloe vera revealed the presence of 22 fungal species belonging to 14 genera [Absidia, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Baratalinia, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Coniothyrium, Fusarium, Graphium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Starkeyomyces, Trichoderma and Tritirachium] in its rhizosphere.. Studies conducted on the fungal associates of Mentha viridis revealed the presence of 21 fungal species belonging to 11 genera (Allternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Coniothyrium, Fusarium, Gibberella, Gilmaniella, Myrothecium, Penicillium and Trematostroma) in its rhizosphere. Three fungal endophytes (Penicillium funiculosum, Macrophomina sp. and Trichoderma viride) and twelve species of VAM spores (A. scrobiculate, A. foveata, A. laevis, A. myriocarpa, A. mellea, Endogone sp., Gigaspora calospora, G. gigantea, Glomus fasciculatum, G. intraradices, G. reticulatum and G. macrocarpum) has also been isolated from different plant parts (root, stem and leaves) and soil samples of Aloe vera, respectively. Three fungal endophytes (Curvularia prasadii, Macrophomina sp. and Trichoderma fertile) and 9 species of VAM spores (Acaulospora delicate, A. laevis, A. tuberculata, A. spinosa, Gigaspora margarita, Glomus intraradices. G. goesporum, G. mossea and G. macrocarpum) has also been isolated from plant parts and soil samples of Mentha viridis respectively.

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020830   Reddy S K;Vijaya Bhasker Reddy A;Haritha C (Botany Dep, P.G. College of Science, Osmania Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad-4) : Comparative protein modeling by satisfaction of spatial restraints of transcriptase repressor from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 53-6.

Comparative modeling or homology modeling or knowledge is based on principle that evolutionary related proteins have similarity in structure. This method aims to build structure of unknown protein (target) based on the similarity to the one or more protein structures (template). This similarity is very high in core region consisting of secondary structural elements (alpha helices, beta sheets), very low in loop regions connecting secondary structure. In this investigation, one of the putative protein is used for comparative modeling from Streptococcus pneumoniae TIGR 4 database. This bacteria causes harmful diseases to human beings. So it is aimed to build a model and attribute function to this putative protein. The template considered for modeling is 1B4A from Bacillus stearothermophilus with resolution range of 2.5 (angstrom) X-ray diffraction. The refined sequence - structure alignment as obtained by 3D PSSM was used to construct 3D models of transcriptase represser using MODELLER. For Modeller the option is given to generate 20 models, of the 20 models, one was selected based on the lowest value of probability density function (PDF). The lowest PDF indicates that the corresponding model satisfies the structural restrains to the maximum extent possible. This model was then submitted to verify 3D programme and the graph was obtained. Template also submitted to verify 3D and the results obtained in the model are almost similar. Loop model is done for the model based on Ramachandran plot. The Ramachandran plot showed large majority of the residues about 125 (86.2%) were in completely allowed region, and only 2 residues (1.4%) were in disallowed region stereo chemically satisfying the model.

4 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

020829   Prasad K;Meena R;Siddhanta A K (Marine Biotechnology and Ecology Discipline, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Gijudheka Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: kamlesh@csmcri.org) : New approach to functionalize agar and k-carrageenan based thin films with improved barrier properties. J Polym Mater 2008, 25(3), 373-80.

Agar and k-carrageenan are seaweed polysaccharides and by virtue of their gelling nature, they exhibit excellent film forming properties. Discloses recently a novel process for preparation of biodegradable film from semi-refined K-carrageenan (US Patent No. 7,067,568). A new approach of functionalization of seaweed polysaccharide based thin films leading to partial hydrophobization using methyl methacrylate (MMA) was achieved by carrying out grafting reaction prior to casting the films, in the presence of potassium persulphate (KPS) in the film forming dispersions based on agaror k-carrageenan under microwave irradiation, instead of using the film directly for this reaction as it is usually done. The hydrophobicity of the films was measured by contact angle and swellability measurements, which showed that the films thus prepared became significantly hydrophobic compared to those of the parent polysaccharides. FT-IR (ATR), SEM-EDAX and ESI-MS/MS analysis confirmed grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on the polysaccharides and films. The pore size of the films determined from water vapour permeability (WVP) values indicated their potential utility in pervaporation and gas separation membrane applications. The biodegradability of the functionalized films was also studied. Study thus provides a new one-pot method of preparing partially hydrophobic thin films, which would have wider applicability.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

020828   Muthukumar M;Rabeeth M;Pati R;Sujatha K; Srivastava N;Kamle M (Biotechnology Laboratory, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow-227 107, Email: rajeshpati777@gmail.com) : Isolation, purification and biochemical characterization of lectin from oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 41-6.

Pleurotus sajor-caju, edible oyster mushroom is rich sources of nutrients and also has equally important pharmaceutical value. In this paper, we have reported on a lectin isolated, partially purified and characterized from Pleurotus sajor-caju and was designated as PSL. This lectin was found to be a glycoprotein with sugar binding specificity for N-acety 1-D-Galactosam ine and D-Galactosamine. The molecular size of PSL was determined as 35 kDa from Sodium dodecylsuphate-Polyacrylamide gel where as its apparent native molecular size from Native-PAGE as well as Gel filtration was found to be 70 kDa, proving it as adimeric protein of two identical subunits. PSL agglutinated human erythrocytes of O and B blood groups, which was detected by quantitative haemagglutination. Metal ions were not required for PSL activity. The optimum pH for PSL activity was found to be 7-7.5 and PSL activity was stable in the pH range of 4.5 - 8.0. Thermal inactivation process was found to drastically reduce PSL activity.

3 illus, 28 ref

020827   Mahala N;Jain S;Jain R K (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rajinder.jain@gmail.com) : Phenotyping and microsatellite marker analysis of CSR10 (salt tolerant indica) x HBC19 (Taraori basmati) F₆ lines obtained using single seed descent method. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2008, 68(3), 248-54.

Population in F₆ generation comprising of 201 lines derived from the cross between CSR10 (salt tolerant, indica) and Taraori Basmati (HBC19) using single seed decent method, was evaluated for variation in agronomic and Basmati grain quality traits and for microsatellite allelic profile in relation to the parental rice varieties. Substantial variability was observed for plant height, productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, yield per plant, kernel length (L) and breadth (B) and L/B ratio. The grain yield per plant showed positive correlation with number of productive tillers per plant and 1000-grain weight. Kernel length and breadth respectively had positive and negative correlations with L/B ratio. The path coefficient analysis recorded that number of productive tillers per plant, plant height and 1000-grain weight were the main contributors towards grain yield. A total of 20 randomly selected F₆ plants were subjected to SSR marker analysis using 15 SSR markers covering all the chromosomes. The F₆ plants had an allele from either of the two parental lines (homozygous condition) or alleles from both the parental rice varieties (heterozygous condition). At three SSR loci new/recombinant alleles were observed, which indicate the active recombination between genomes of two rice varieties. SSR allelic profile based two dimensional principal component analyses demonstrated high level of diversity between CSR10 and HBC19 with the 20 CSR10 x HBC19 F₆ plants interspersed between them. SSR analysis also showed an average homozygosity of 93.3% in F₆ lines, which is close to expected value of 98%.

1 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

020826   Madhavakrishnan S;Manickavasagam K;Sameena Y; Selvam K;Kairvelu K;Pattabhi S (Chemistry Dep, Karpagam Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Adsorption of iron (II) from aqueous solution using Ricinus communis pericarp carbon as an adsorbent. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 391-6.

Activated carbon prepared from Ricinus communis pericarp (RCP) was used to remove Fe(ll) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption technique under varying conditions of agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and desorption. The effective pH was found to be 5 ± 0.2. Adsorption followed both Langmuirand Freundlich isotherm models.

8 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020825   Kurian G A;Ravi Kumar;Venkatesh V;Swesh S; Jose Paddikkala (MMM-Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, 4A Jayalalithanagar, Mogappair, Chennai-37, Email: ginokurian@hotmail.com) : In vivo and in vitro evaluation of free radical scavenging potential of methanol extract of Desmodium gangeticum root: a possible explanation through GC mass analysis. Pharmacog Mag 2008, 4(15), 162-171.

The investigation focuses on the in vitro and in vivo free radical scavenging property of the aqueous extract of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root on experimentally induced ischemic reperfused rat heart. The free radical scavenging potential was studied in vitro by using different antioxidant models such as DPPH, super oxide scavenging activity, hydroxide scavenging activity and nitric oxide scavenging activity. Aqueous extract of DG, 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight was administrated once daily for 30 days orally in Wister rats to evaluate the in vivo free radical scavenging potential. Thereafter, hearts were isolated and subjected to ischemic reperfusion injury with the help of Langendroff apparatus. The experimental group consists of normal, ischemic control, reperfusion control and drug. Lipid peroxide products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were significantly increased during ischemia and ischemic-reperfusion. The enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) in the myocardial tissue homogenate showed a significant decrease during ischemia and ischemic-reperfusion. Pre treatment of rats with DG (50 or 100mg / kg b.wt.) orally for 30 days daily caused a significant effect in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The in vitro antioxidant study was found to inhibit lipid per-oxidation (LP) and scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Concentration needed for 50% inhibition of DPPH, superoxide scavenging activity, hydroxide scavenging activity and nitric oxide scavenging activity were found to be 38.5, 21, 50.5, 50ug/ml respectively. Administration of DG to normal rats did not have any significant effect on any of the parameter studied. The results of study showed that DG possesses activity to scavenge the free radical generated during ischemia and ischemic-reperfusion.

5 tables, 33 ref

020824   Kumar S;Saxena S N;Jat R S;Sharma R (Plant Biotechnology Centre, Agriculture Research Station, Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner-334 006, Email: ravtarrau@yahoomail.com) : Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation of moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jazq) Maechal]. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2008, 68(3), 327-9.

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020823   Hasnain S;Subodh Narayan;Chandrawati Jee (Bio Technology Dep, A.N. College, Patna, Bihar) : Assessment of ground water quality in Patna, Bihar India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 617-20.

One hundred samples of ground water from 10 selected sites representing all the three zones of Patna viz. Eastern, Central and Western were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics with special reference to its vital parameters, i.e. Conductivity, pH, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Sulphate, Nitrate, DO, T.D.S. The results were compared with standard Indian and International norms. The mean value of conductivity (560.6, umhos/cm), T.D.S. (417.3 mg/L), pH (7.63 mg/L), Sulphate (2.60 mg/L), Nitrate (0.47 mg/L). The Ground water quality of Patna was found to be well within the National and International norms. There was no significant difference in the quality of ground water on the basis of physico-chemical characteristics in between the three zones studied.

2 tables, 4 ref

020822   Gajbhiye V R (Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Maharaja Bagh, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : In vitro shoot regeneration of Rauvolfia serpentina through stem culture. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 225-7.

Stem tissues were excised from the mature plants of species of Rauvolfia serpentina and surface sterilized with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 5 minutes and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of (0.1-2.0 rng 1^-1) NAA, (0.5-2.0 mg 1^-1) 1AA, (2.0 mg l^-1) 2,4-D, (0.5-2.0 mg l^-1) KIN and adenine sulphate in combination with BAP (0.5-2.0 mg l^-1) for the induction of callus and also for induction of shoots. The best response for callus induction and growth was obtained on a medium containing (1.0 mg l^-1) 1AA + (2.0 mg l^-1), BAP, (1.0 mg l^-1), NAA + (0.5 mg l^-1) KIN, (1.0 mg l^-1) 1AA + (1.0 mg l^-1) BAP and (2.0 mg l^-1) 2,4-D + (1.0 mg l^-1) BAP. The results showed a variable shoot-forming capacity depending on the combination of growth regulators used in the culture medium. Of the several combinations, MS medium supplemented with (0.5 mg l^-1) 1AA + (1.0 mg l^-1) BAP and (0.5 mg h^-1) NAA+ (1.0 mg l^-1) BAP with 5.0 mg l^-1 adenine sulphate were the most effective showing high shoot regeneration frequencies associated with high number of shoots per explants. The number of shoots produced increase with the concentration of cytokinin at 1.0 mg l^-1 BAP and showed high frequency of explants exhibiting compact green callus. When this callus was supplemented on MS medium, shoot regeneration and proliferation was obtained in varying concentrations of cytokinins i.e. (0.5 mg l^-1) NAA and (0.5-2.0 mg l^-1) KIN within 30 days. The proliferated shoots were rooted on full strength/half strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^-1 IBA. These rooted seedlings were hardened and later transferred to the soil condition. This study showed that, the adventitious shoot regeneration from stem explants of R. serpentina could be useful method for the multiplication of an important medicinal plant, allowing for the rapid propagation of selected clones.

3 tables, 9 ref

020821   Dixit S K;Sanjay Kumar (Horticulture Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : In vitro clonal propagation of rose (Rosa indica var. odorata). Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 15-16.

Culture contamination and browning is a serious problem in in vitro propagation of rose, phenolic compounds release from cut ends of explant are responsible for culture browning and poor shoot regeneration. It is observed that sealing of cut ends of explants with pre-sterilized paraffin wax was found to control browning by preventing exudation, permitted culture establishment to the tune of 89.38% as compared to control (22.98%). It was also observed that minimum phenol exudation from the cut end of explants was recorded with paraffin wax. Among all the interaction between explants, sterilants and duration of treatment, highest culture establishment was observed with 3 minutes treatment of 0.1% HgCl₂. Minimum culture establishment was recorded in nodal segment treated with HgCl₂, and NaOCl for one minute. In both types of explants shoot tip showed minimum contamination in comparison to nodal segment when treated with HgCl₂ and NaOCl for three minutes. Necrosis in explants was occurred when treated with HgCl., and NaOCl for 5 minutes.

2 tables, 10 ref

020820   Chhetri D R;Pradhan B;Roy S C;Mukherjee A K (NO, , Post Box No. 79, Darjeeling-HPO, 734 101) : Isolation and biochemical characterization of L-myo-Inositol-1-phosphate synthase from Swertia bimaculata Hook. f. & Thoms.. J Hill Res 2008, 21(2), 59-66.

The cellular level of myo-inositol is controlled by the enzyme L-myo- inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS). The enzyme MIPS have been partially purified from the Swertia bimaculata. a temperate medicinal plant. The enzyme specifically utilized D-Glucose-6-phosphte and NAD⁺ as its substrate and co-factor respectively. It shows pH optima between 7.0 and 7.5 while the temperature maximum was at 30 °C. The enzyme activity was remarkably stimulated by NH₄⁺ and highly inhibited by Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The K_m values for D-glucose-6-phosphate and NAD⁺ was found to be as 0.32 mM and 0.16 mM respectively while the V_max values were 1.65 mM and 0.84 mM for D-glucose-6-phosphate and NAD⁺, respectively.

4 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

020819   Basaran D;Opak-Kara Y (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dicle Univ, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey, Email: dbasaran@dicle.eud.tr) : Biosorption method of removal of chromium(III) accumulated with Nasturtium officinale in water. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1937-42.

Nasturtium officinale was used as a biosorption plant to remove Cr³⁺ present in water. For these studies, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 ppm solution of Cr³⁺ has been prepared in water. Nasturtium officinale was immersed in the experimental solutions for 24, 48 and 72 h. The general apperance of the plants have been observed before and after 24, 48 and 72 h. The plants have been analyzed with atomic absorption for measuring the concentration. The initial and final values of concentration of Cr³⁺ have been found by drawing the calibration lines in UV region. The wet weight has been measured with sensitive balance. The amount of Cr³⁺ absorption by plant has been calculated with the dependence of the wet weight.

1 table, 8 ref

020818   Bansal Y K;Dubey G (Bioscience Dep, R.D. Univ, Jabalpur-482 001) : Regeneration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in common salt (NaCL) stress environment. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 153-5.

Axillary bud explants of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) were cultured on the regeneration medium (MS Medium + 0.1 mgl^-1 BAP+ 0.1mgl^-1KN) in presence of NaCl ranging from 0-5000 mgl^-1. Complete plantlet formation occurred in presence of NaCl stress. Axillary bud explant exhibited salt tolerance at 5000 mgl^-1 NaCl.

5 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

020817   Akinnibosun H A;Rotimi J;Aigbogun O C (Plant Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Life Sciences, Benin Univ, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City-300001, Edu State, Nigeria, Email: hakinnibosun@yahoo.co.uk) : Larvicidal activity of leaf extracts of neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Family: Meliaceae) against mosquito larvae of Aedes aegypti Linn. (Diptera: culicidae). Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 509-13.

Aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was evaluated for larvicidal activity against the late 3rd and early 4th instars larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito following the WHO protocol. 100% mortality was recorded at 60 and 70 minutes of setting up the experiment using 0.3 g/ml (30%) and 0.2 g/ml (25%) concentrations of the aqueous leaf extracts respectively. LC₉₀ and LC₅₀ were recorded at 75 and 85 minutes of setting up the experiment using 0.1g/ml (10%) and 0.2 g/ml (20%) concentrations respectively. Azadirachta indica crude leaf extracts showed a significant larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae at all concentrations tested when compared with the control (p< 0.05) and is thus recommended for the control of this vector of yellow fever, malaria fever, dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).

1 illus, 36 ref

019811   Yuliana N;Garcia V V (NO, Jurusan Teknologi Hasil Pertanian (THP), Fakultas Pertanian) : Influence of Pediococcus acidilactici as a starter on the flavour of tempoyak (fermented durian). Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(3), 304-10.

Pediococcus acidilactici UP02 was used as a starter for the fermentation of tempoyak (Durio zibethinus Murr.), a traditional Indonesian fermented fruit. The flavour of tempoyak was compared to those in spontaneous fermentation (no starter added). The results showed that addition of P. acidilactici UP02 in tempoyak fermentation decreased the quantity of sulphur components, reduced the sugar content, and increased various non-sulphur compounds as well as, non-volatile acidity and contents of organic acids (lactic, malic, and acetic). Sensory evaluation showed that there was no significant difference among the samples for sourness and aroma. However, the P. acidilactici UP02-inoculated sample was more acceptable than the sample with no-starter treatment. On the basis of the results of GC-MS, the flavour components of tempoyak with P. acidilactici UP02 treatment were observed to have 48 compounds, mainly composed of dimethyl disulfide and diethyl disulfide followed by ethane,1-1-bis ethylthio.