009156   Vinayak V;Dhawan A K;Gupta V K (NO, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karna-131 001) : Efficacy of non-purine and purine cytokinins on shoot regeneration in vitro in sugarcane. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 227-31.

Effect of two non-purine cytokinins, TDZ [N-phenyl-N› - (1,2,3-thidiazol-5-yl) urea] and 4-CPPU [N- (2-chloro-4-pyridyl) N-phenylurea] and meta-topolin [6 (3-hydroxybenzylamino) purine] a biologically active aromatic compound, on shoot regeneration in sugarcane var. CoS 8436 and Co 1148 and S. officinarum clone 'Gungera' was observed at 15, 25 and 35 d. 4-CPPU significantly enhanced shoot regeneration in var. CoS 8436, but showed no effect or caused only a slight promotion in var. Co 1148 and clone 'Gungera'. Meta-topolin was most effective in promoting shoot regeneration at 5 μM in var CoS 8436, at 1 μM in var Co 1148 and at 10 μM in in clone Gungera. The best response to TDZ was observed at 0.01 μM in vars CoS 8436 and Co 1148 and at 0.1 μM in clone Gungera. Thus, there was a clear varietal response of sugarcane to these chemicals. Clone 'Gungera' responded best to meta-topolin, CoS 8436 to 4-CPPU and Co 1148 to TDZ. Results obtained in this work clearly demonstrate TDZ induced shoot regeneration in sugarcane at unusually low concentration, such as 0.01 μM and 0.1 μM. Further, 4-CPPU, meta-topolin and TDZ simulate cytokinin activity and may thus provide a better substitute of cytokinins like BAP or Kn that are generally used in tissue culture.

009155   Upadhayay P;Rehan H S (Pharmacology Dep, LHMC, New Delhi-110 001, Email: harmeetrehan@hotmail.com) : Antisense oligonucleotides: recent advances and potential indications. JK Practnr 2007, 14(1), 1-5.

^iia4 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

009154   Tiwari V V;Rai M K (Biotechnology Dep, S.G.B. Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602, Email: mkrai123@rediffmail.com) : Incidence of Candida albicans infection in cerebrospinal fluid - a first report from Vidarbha, Central India. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 71-5.

The candidial infection of cerebrospinal fluid is an uncommon manifestation but may have an usual occurrence in an immunocompromised patients treated with broad spectrum antibiotics in association with intravenous hyper alimentation following the surgical manipulation of mucosal surface colonized with Candida species. In the present study, the CSF samples of the patient were collected and the organism isolated was identified as C. albicans. So far, there is no report of C. albicans in CSF from Vidarbha region, hence an attempt has been made.

4 illus, 16 ref

009153   Sudheer Pamidimarri D V N;Meenakshi;Sarkar R; Boricha G;Reddy M P (Discipline of Wasteland Research, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002) : Simplified method for extraction of high quality genomic DNA from Jatropha curcas for genetic diversity and molecular marker studies. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 187-92.

Simple and efficient protocol for the extraction of high quality genomic DNA from different tissues, including callus generated from leaves of Jatropha curcas has been developed. The important steps in this protocol include (a) use of 3.5 M NaCl in extraction buffer; (b) 2.0 M NaCl (final concentration) during precipitation; (c) Tris saturated phenol in place of phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol at purification phase; (d) 80% ethanol for DNA precipitation, and (e) performing all the steps at RT. The DNA thus extracted from the leaves had 1.81±0.063, OD at A260/280 and the yield was 120 to 140 μg/g of material. The extracted DNA was found suitable for restriction digestion, ligation and PCR amplification. It was also used for DNA fingerprinting techniques, RAPD and AFLP, for development of molecular markers and studies on genetic diversity.

009152   Somvanshi P;Seth P K (NO, Bioinformatics Centre, Biotech Park, Sector-G, Jankipuram, Lucknow-226 021) : Prediction of T cell epitopes for the utility of vaccine development from structural proteins of dengue virus variants using in silico methods. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 193-8.

The spread of dengue virus, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) has increased significantly in the past two decades and thus has been a major concern of public health globally. Dengue virus infection can lead to a wide range of manifestations in the form of undifferentiated fever, classic dengue fever, DHF with plasma leakage, which leads to hypovelmic shock DSS. A new strategy for developing prophylactic and therapeutic application of pathogen-specific immunity was provided from epitope-based vaccines; it is a critical requirement for the identification and selection of T cell epitopes that act as vaccine target. Immunoinformatics serves as a valuable tool to screen and select antigenic peptide sequences as potential T cell epitopes for binding affinity with HLA alleles. We studied dengue variants conserved epitopes in three structural proteins, capsid, envelope and precursor membrane, which recognize some highest binding affinity HLA. A total of 45 promiscuous nanomer candidate epitopes for HTL are recognized against MHC Class II and 28 promiscuous epitopes are recognized against CTL for MHC class I. This computational prediction analysis will improve our understanding of T cell immune response and help in identifying the antigenic peptide for formulation of antigen based diagnostic kit and peptide based subunit vaccine design against dengue virus.

009151   Singh P K;Sharma K P (Botany Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Microflora (fungal and bacterial) of selected terrestrial and marshy species of rhizosphere in response to spent wash treatments. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 240-3.

16 fungal species were recorded in the rhizosphere of 4 terrestrial species [Acacia farnesiana (Linn.) Willd, A. leucophloea (Robx.) Willd, A. nilotica (Linn.) Del. and A. raddiana Savi] and 4 marshy species (Arundo donax Linn., Phragmites karka Steud, Typha angustata Bory & Chaub and Scirpus tuberosus Derf.) grown in tap water (control) and spent wash treatments (COD = 750-12,000 ppm). Their species richness was relatively higher (2-folds) in the spent wash treatments than their respective controls while their colony forming units were almost similar, exceeding in number to more than 300 units for a particular fungal species in the community. Aspergillus was the most dominant genus (4 species) followed by Fusarium (2 species) while the remaining 10 genera had one species each. The bacteria were Gram (+) bacilli and cocci arranged singly and in chains (also in bunches in cocci). In comparison to control, their CFU values were significantly higher (2-10-folds) in spent wash treatments, especially in the rhizosphere of marshy species.

009150   Sasikumar S;Raveendar S;Premkumar A; Ignacimuthu S;Agastian P (Plant Biotechnology Unit, Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034) : Micropropagation of Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell. Arg.-a threatened medicinal plant. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 223-6.

An efficient in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell. Arg., a wild threatened medicinal plant. The plants were regenerated from young nodal buds and shoot tips. The morphogenic frequency of shoot bud induction and shoot multiplication was significantly higher in nodal segments when compared to shoot tips. Maximum number of shoots (22.2±0.84) with high frequency of shooting response (82%) was obtained in nodal explants cultured on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg L^-1 BAP. Maximum shoot height of 15.8 cm was achieved. Caulogenic effect of BAP was found to be significant compared to Kn. The excised shoots were cultured on MS medium with various concentrations and combinations of auxins for rooting. Maximum number of healthy rootlets (14.8±2.07 cm) with 90% rooting response was observed due to a synergistic action of IBA (1.0 mg L^-1) and IAA (0.5 mg L^-1) on half strength MS basal medium. The regenerated plantlets were transferred to the natural habitat with 86.2% success.

009149   Saiprasad G V S;Mythili J B;Anand L;Suneetha C;Rashmi H J;Naveena C;Ganeshan G (Biotechnology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore-560 089) : Development of Trichoderma harzianum endochitinase gene construct conferring antifungal activity in transgenic tobacco. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 199-206.

Trichoderma harzianum is a popular biocontrol agent used extensively against phytopathogenic fungi. The mode of action of this fungus is through secretion of cell wall degrading enzymes including chitinases. Thus, the chitinase genes isolated from T. harzianum have been successfully utilized in the production of transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to several fungi. The stringent rules of IPR necessitates that genes are cloned and constructs are developed from the local isolates of this fungus. In view of which full length chitinase gene was isolated and a construct was developed under the expression of constitutive promoter CaMV 35S for use in plant transformation. Expression of chitinase gene in transgenic tobacco plants was found to be higher as revealed by the endochitinase assay and relative quantitative RT-PCR. Its efficacy in inhibiting the fungal growth was also reported in vitro as well as in vivo in the detached leaves of tobacco transformants containing the gene. Thus, the development of T. harzianum chitinase gene construct (pIIHR-Th-Chit) would facilitate the exchange of the construct amongst researchers in the country for the development of fungus resistant transgenic plants.

009148   Raja Sreelatha V;Sandhya Rani S;Krishna Reddy P V;Naveen M;Ugraiah A;Pullaiah T (Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003) : In vitro propagation of Caralluma sarkariae Lavranos & Frandsen - An endemic and endangered medicinal plant. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 236-9.

An efficient protocol has been developed for in vitro propagation of Caralluma sarkariae Lavranos & Frandsen via mature internodal derived callus. Optimal callus was developed for regeneration from mature internodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of auxins. Maximum number of shoots were regenerated (65%) from the callus on MS medium supplemented with 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) 2.0 mg/L + kinetin (KN) 0.5 mg/L + naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 0.5 mg/L. Individual elongated shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium containing NAA 0.1 mg/L. Regenerated plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully transferred to soil.

009147   Priyamvada;Tiwari R;Saharan M S;Chatrath R; Siwach P;Mishra B (NO, Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal-132 001) : STS marker based tracking of slow rusting Lr34 gene in Indian wheat genotypes. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 207-13.

Bi-allelic STS marker was used to confirm the presence of adult plant durable rust resistance gene Lr34 in advance generation breeding lines. These lines were scored for leaf rust three times at an equal interval and the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. The lower AUDPC values of Lr34 positive lines confirmed their slow rusting nature. In the absence of direct selection method, the breeders are selecting Lr34 gene carrying lines unintentionally as they showed better resistance. Lines possessing Lr34, an 'undefeated gene', should be used in breeding programme in order to have a broad-spectrum durable leaf rust resistance.

009146   Prakasham R S;Sreenivas Rao R;Hobbs P J (Bioengineering and Environmental Centre, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 607, Email: prakasam@iict.res.in) : Current trends in biotechnological production of xylitol and future prospects. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 8-36.

Describes recent research developments on biological conversion of hemicellulosic biomass towards production of xylitol by taking advantage of power of biotechnology. Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol with established commercial uses in different healthcare sectors and especially as an alternative sweetener for diabetic persons. Xylitol can be synthesized either by chemical hydrogenation of xylose or by fermentation. The precursor xylose is produced from biomass by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis and can be converted to xylitol primarily by yeast strains which offer the possibilities of economic production by reducing required energy when compared to chemical production. Biomass hydrolysis under an acidic environment is the most commonly used practice and is influenced by various process parameters. Several microbial growth inhibitors are produced during chemical hydrolysis that reduce xylitol production from xylose, a detoxification step is therefore essential. Enzymatic hydrolysis has advantages over chemical conversion although more research is necessary to reduce inhibition due to structural variation from different substrates or plant species. Enzymatic xylitol production is mostly an integral process of microbial species belonging to the Candida genus. Extensive research has been performed to screen for xylitol producing microbial strains as well as to understand microbial metabolism, the xylitol metabolic pathway, cofactor requirements, development robust recombinant strains, optimization of bioconversion parameters and xylitol production strategies using free and immobilized cells. The imperative role of hydrolysis of xylose containing biomass and subsequent process parameters has major impact on economis of bioconversion. The review identifies ways forward for improved enzymatic xylitol production to compete with current chemical processes.

4 tables, 159 ref

009145   Prajapati O K;Pandey P K (Biotechnology Dep, J.C. Bose Institute of Life Science, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Copper efflux in tolerant strain of Nostoc calcicola Breb possible way of metal tolerance. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 130-2.

Cu-resistant/tolerant (Cur) strain of Nostoc calcicola showed only 26% less cellular metal buildup (72,15 n mol Cu mg^-1 protein) at 1 h compared to less Cu-sensitive (Cus) i.e., 96.89 n mol Cu mg^-1 protein at 1 h. Such a marginal reduction of Cu-uptake in Cur strain could not be taken as the sole mechanism of Cu-tolerance as the same strain also showed Cu-efflux.

2 illus, 3 ref

009144   Porika M;Veldandi U K;Kolanu R;Tippani R; Devarakonda R K;Abbagani S (Biotechnology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: nandamas@rediffmail.com) : Detection of telomerase activity in different cancer tissues: a diagnostic marker. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 105-10.

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that plays an important role in cell immortalization and carcinogenesis. It is not detectable in normal somatic cells. Examined the usefulness of telomerase activity for diagnosing cancer by utilizing telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. Telomerase activity was analyzed in cancer tissue samples (breast, prostate, lung) using highly sensitive non-isotopic PCR-basedTRAP assay. In total, 45 histologically diagnosed specimens were analyzed including breast cancer (10), prostate cancer (10), lung cancer (10) and normal tissue samples (breast, prostate and lung) (15). In nine out of ten breast cancer, eight out of ten prostate cancer and ten out of ten lung cancer samples showed telomerase activity. Telomerase activity was detected in positive control and in all most all tumor samples but not detected in normal, heat treated and negative control samples. Detection of telomerase is important for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

2 illus, 26 ref

009143   Patel D H;Wi S G;Bae H J (Bio-energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, South Korea) : Modification of overlap extension PCR: A mutagenic approach. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 183-6.

In vitro site-directed repair or creation of a mutation is an invaluable technique in genetic and protein engineering. Several methods have appeared in literature but still require many modifications. Describes a rapid and efficient modified overlap extension PCR method for multiple uses in mutagenesis studies. The protocol is based on two rounds of PCR with the help of two sets of primers, two flanking and two internal mutagenic primers. Two fragments of DNA prepared in first round of PCR are then allowed themselves to anneal in the second stage of PCR using gradient annealing temperature without using flanking primers. This protocol has been used for correcting a mutation caused in exoglucanase (CBHII) gene of Trichoderma spp. Successfully synthesises the full length of gene from two fragments in the second round of PCR in lesser time.

009142   Nagalaxmi S;Vijayalakshmi M;Subrahmanyam A (Biotechnology Dep, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut-250 002, Email: mycothermal@yahoo.co.in) : Gliomastix indicus sp. nov.. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 111-12.

Gliomastix indicus S. Nagalakshmi & A. Subrahm sp.nov. was isolated from a wasteland soil sample collected at Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu. It rapidly grows on all common mycological media like malt extract, potato-dextrose agar etc. Due to the presence of catenulate amerospores, it is assigned to the genus Gliomastix. It stands distinct from all the known species in having rapid growth rate and larger conidia. Its ability to reduce paper mill effluent and colour is an additional feature of distinction.

1 illus, 2 ref

009141   Mehrotra R;Sanjeev Kumar;Mehrotra S;Singh B D (School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005) : Seed storage protein gene regulation-A jig-saw puzzle. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 147-58.

Seed storage proteins are synthesized in high abundance during seed development and maturation, and are characterized as mid-embryogenesis and late-embryogenesis abundant proteins. The regulation of transcription of seed-protein gene families is not coordinated and transcription of each gene family is independently regulated. All seed protein gene families are regulated, in part, at the transcriptional level and a number of cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors are involved in this regulation. In many cases, a combinatorial interaction among transcription factors plays a critical role. In addition, CpG methylation has been found to be responsible for maintenance of the seed protein genes in an inactive state in tissues other than developing seeds. In some cases, a type of post-transcriptional control has been reported. In these cases, even when the transcription rates of seed protein and non-seed protein genes are similar, their mRNA levels vary upto 10000-fold. Formation of hairpin-loop structure in zein mRNA has been reported to serve as a kind of translational control. Proteins like Hsp70/Bip have been reported to play a critical role in the developing endosperm. This review highlights the regulation of seed storage protein genes at various levels with a view to understand the biological mechanisms regulating their synthesis.

009140   Lavanya M;Venkateshwarlu B;Poornasri Devi B (Biosciences Dep, Sri Sathya Sai University, Anantapur Campus, Anantapur-515 001) : Acclimatization of neem microshoots adaptable to semi-sterile conditions. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 218-22.

The hardening of in vitro propagated microshoots of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) was carried out using 3 methods under semi-sterile conditions in low cost mini-polytunnels and a shade house. The percentage survival and rooting response was 16.25% in the first (2:1, v/v, sand and soil with 1'' x 1'' central cylindrical cocopeat plugs) and second method (1:1, v/v, cocopeat: bio-fertilizer), but was 100% in the third method (2:1, v/v, sand and soil with 1:1, v/v, cocopeat:biofertilizer and addition of Trichoderma viride. During the acclimatization process, the chlorophyll content in leaves gradually increased from 0.97 (stage I) to 1.35 (stage II), 1.56 (stage III) and 2.14 mg/g (stage IV), indicating a shift in the mode of nutrition from heterotrophic through myxotrophic to autotrophic. Similarly, the percentage water loss from the leaves of plantlets decreased from 90.38 (stage I) to 46.83% (stage IV), indicating stomatal development and progressive hardening. Ex vitro rooting and use of the bio-control agent could bring down the cost of production and make micropropagation of neem feasible and to be adopted as a rural enterprise.

009139   Kumar S;Dixit S P;Pathodiya O P;Khadha B S; Chander R;Vyas M K;Wickramaratne S H G;Gupta S C;Jagdeep Kaur (Biotechnology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Association of PCR-SSCP variants of growth hormone gene with growth traits in Sirohi breed of goat. Indian J Small Rumin 2008, 14(2), 198-204.

Genetic variability in promoter and exonic regions (4 and 5) of goat growth hormone gene (gGH) in Sirohi breed of goat was investigated by Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. DNA samples of 188 Sirohi goats were analyzed. Six conformational patterns were observed in each of the regions comprising exon 4 and 5. The analysis revealed 8 conformational patterns in the promoter region. The establishment of an association of these SSCP patterns with body weights at 3, 6 and 9 months of age was attempted. The animals having AH variant in the promoter region had significantly lower birth weight (2.23 kg) compared to AH variants (2.57 kg) Statistically significant differences were also revealed in the body weights at 9 and 6 months of age among the variants in the region comprising exon 4 and 5, respectively.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

009138   Kumar A;Rout P K;Mandal A;Roy R (Genetics and Breeding Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG), Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura-281 122) : Kappa-casein gene polymorphism in Indian goats. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 214-7.

The work was carried out to analyse the k-casein variants in five Indian goat breeds by SDS-PAGE, PCR-RFLP and SSCP method. A total of 152 unrelated blood samples and 102 milk samples belonging to Barbari, Beetal, Marwari, Surti and Local MP (non-descript) goats were used for analysis. SDS-PAGE exhibited k-casein allele A in all the breeds. Moreover PCR+RFLP analysis also confirmed the presence of AA genotype in all the breeds. PCR-SSCP analysis of k-casein genetic variant showed the k-casein A and B allele in the analysed samples. The k-casein A allele was the dominant variant found in all analyzed breeds with frequencies ranging from 0.70 (Barbari) to 0.8 (Local MP). The variant B was most frequent in Barbari goats as compared to other breeds.

009137   Kokare C R;Chakraborty S;Khopade A N;Mahadik K R (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Dep, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-411 038) : Biofilm: Importance and applications. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 159-68.

Biofilm is an assemblage of the microbial cells that is irreversibly associated with a surface and usually enclosed in a matrix of polysaccharide material. Biofilm is composed primarily of microbial cells and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Extracellular polymeric matrix plays various roles in structure and function of different biofilm communities. Adhesion to the surface provides considerable advantages such as protection against antimicrobial agents, acquisition of new genetic traits, and the nutrient availability and metabolic co-operability. Anthony van Leeuwenhoek, who discovered microbial attachment to his own tooth surface, is credited with the discovery of biofilm. The formation of biofilm takes place in three steps. Biofilm is responsible for chronic bacterial infection, infection on medical devices, deterioration of water quality and the contamination of food. This article provides an overview of the formation of biofilm, structure, role in microbial communities and its applications.

009136   Kempraj V;Bhat S K (NO, , Biotechnology Research Centre, Rai Foundation, Gottigere, Bannarghatta Road, Bangaluru-560 083, Email: sumangala.bhat@raifoundation.org) : Ovicidal and larvicidal activities of Cyperus giganteus Vahi and Cyperus rotundus Linn. essential oils against Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(5), 416-19.

Ovicidal and larvicidals efficacy of essential oils extracted from the tubers of Cyperus giganteus Vahl and Cyperus rotundus Linn. was studied on eggs and fourth instar larvae of Aedes albopictus (Skuse). The eggs and larvae were exposed to serial concentration of the oils ranging from 5-150 ppm and kept under observation for 24 fa. Both the oils showed remarkable ovicidal and larvicidal activities indicated by EC₅₀ values of < 5 ppm and LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of < 20 ppm. The results obtained suggest that the essential oils of these Cyperus species can serve as a potential source of natural mosquitocidal agents.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

009135   Karthikeyan K;Chandran C;Kulothugan S (Plant Tissue Culture Lab, P G and Research Department of Botany and Mi, A V V M Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi-613 503) : Rapid clonal multiplication through in vitro axillary shoot proliferation of Centella asiatica L.. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 232-5.

Single nodal explants isolated from field grown plants of Centella asiatica, an important medicinal plant, when cultured for 4 wks on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing different concentrations and combinations of BAP and Kn produced multiple shoots. A maximum of 15.24 shoots/node were produced after 30 d of culture in the presence of 2.0 mg/L BAP. Individual shoots (2-5 cm), when transferred onto full strength MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L IBA induced maximum number of roots (12.6). The rooted plants were successfully established in greenhouse condition after hardening.

009134   Ghosh A S;Bhattacharyya D;Chandra M; Bhattacharyya T K (Post Graduate Dep of Biochemistry, Oriental Institute of Science & Technology, VIH Campus, Midnapore (West)-721 102, Email: tkbhatta@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of DENA induced hepatocarcinogenesis on neuroendocrine levels in male rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 498-504.

Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by injecting diethylnitrosamine (DENA); 150 mg/kg body weight, ip, a well known liver carcinogen and a mutagenic agent. Concurrent with the induction of hepatocarcinoma, psychological stress was also elicited from the changes in brain neurotransmitters. Noradrenaline and dopamine, the neurotransmitters of sympathetic system were estimated from the whole brain and corresponding hormones T₃, T₄ and prolactin were estimated from the blood of such rats. The neuroendocrine cascade and the marker enzyme gamma glutamyl transferase were estimated at 7, 14, 21 and 30 weeks. A direct relationship between noradrenaline, T₃ and T₄ and a reciprocal relationship between dopamine and prolactin were observed, which may be correlated to the carcinogenic effect of DENA.

5 tables, 50 ref

009133   Garg S;Ali R;Anil Kumar (School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilya Univ, Khandwa Rd., Indore-452 001, Email: ak_sbt@yahoo.com) : Production of alkaline xylanase by an alkalo-thermophilic bacteria, Bacillus halodurans, MTCC 9512 isolated from dung. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 90-6.

An alkalo-thermophilic bacteria from dung has been isolated using Emerson medium in the agar plates. The bacteria has growth at the pH 10 and temperature 55°C. The bacteria was screened for the xylanase activity using Congo red dye followed by wash out by 1 mM sodium chloride. A clear zone around the colony in the replica plate was considered to have xylanase activity. The suspected colony in another replica plate was grown in Emerson broth and extracellular xylanase enzyme activity was analyzed by the colorimetric method using dinitro salicylic acid for estimation of reducing power. The morphological study of the bacteria was done after Gram stain and using 40x amplification in the phase contrast microscope. The isolated bacteria retained violet color after washing with acetone. Therefore, it is gram positive. Further characterization using various morphological, physiological and biochemical tests confirmed the bacteria as Bacillus halodurans and was given Accession number MTCC 9512 by TMTECH, Chandigarh. Growth conditions for the bacteria were optimized for maximum production of xylanase. The maximum amount of xylanase activity was found at the pH 9.5 and temperature 55°C. The growth of the bacteria and enzyme production were monitored up to 52 hours and it was found that the bacteria grew logarithmically up to 30 hours. Different carbon sources viz. xylan, sucrose, glucose, starch individually at 0.5% concentration were used in the Emerson growth medium. Maximum biomass growth was found with xylan whereas xylanase was maximally produced with glucose as carbon source. Therefore, glucose was considered to be the best inducer followed by xylan among the various carbon sources used. The enzyme was enriched by using 0-80% ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by desalting through Sephadex-G-25 gel filtration. The results indicated inhibitory nature of ammonium sulfate.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

009132   Belewu M A;Yahaya A A (Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Animal Productio, Ilorin Univ, Nigeria) : Effects of fungal treated and untreated shea-butter cake on carcass measures of goats. Green Fmg 2008, 1(12), 55-6.

Investigated the effect of dietary fungal treated and untreated shea-butter cake (SBC) on carcass quality of Red Sokoto goats (n=20). The experiment was conducted for a 56 day period in a completely randomized design model. Animal were slaughtered at the end of the trial period and weights of kidney, lungs, spleen heart, gut fill, carcass and dressing percentage were measured. The results showed increasing dressing percentage and live weight at slaughter for animal fed diet D (7.5% fungus treated shea-butter cake). At the highest level of inclusion (15% fungus treated/untreated SBC) the live weight recorded was reduced by 2.3/or 1.9kg respectively. The carcass weight followed similar trend. Filled gut weight was significantly higher for diet B (15% fungus treated SBC diet) compared with other diets. Animals fed untreated shea-butter cake based diets had significantly higher weights of lungs, liver and spleen. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that feeding of fungus treated shea-butter cake to Red Sokoto goats enhanced both the carcass weight and dressing percentage mostly at 7.5% level of dietary inclusion.

3 tables, 6 ref

009131   Ansari M I;Grace Chen S C (Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity Univ, Lucknow Campus, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow-226 010) : Current trends in molecular genetic analysis of leaf senescence process for crop improvement. Green Fmg 2008, 1(12), 57-60.

Leaf senescence is one of the key stages of plant development, it is highly complex and regulated process. In the last decade, the main focus of research has been on the identification of senescence mutants, as well as on the genes that show enhanced expression during leaf senescence. Analysis of these is to expand our understanding of the processes by which senescence functions. Recent rapid advances in genomics resources, are providing scientists with a dazzling array of tools for the identification and functional analysis of the genes and pathways involved in senescence. In this review, we present the current trends in molecular genetic analysis of leaf senescence for crop improvement.

23 ref

009130   Agarwal R;Rout P K;Singh S K (Genetics and Breeding Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura-281 122) : Leptin: A biomolecule for enhancing livestock productivity. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 169-76.

Livestock play a significant role by providing food security as well as income resource for less poor people in our country. It is necessary to enhance and sustain the production efficiency of livestock species in the changing face of population scenario to feed a large growing population. Therefore, it is important to adopt different strategies to increase productive efficiency of livestock. Leptin is one of the most useful biomolecule to act as a marker for identifying high performing individuals leading to better adaptability and productivity. Leptin has a pleiotropic effect on regulating apetite, energy metabolism, growth, reproduction, body composition and immunity. It is mostly produced in the white adipose tissue and informs the central nervous system (CNS) about the total fat depot of the body. Leptin is also involved in regulation of nutritional status and reproductive function and also regulates fetal development in livestock. Plasma leptin level increases linearly with increases in body fat mass. Leptin reduces feed intake in rodents, ruminant and other livestock species and also plays a role in energy expenditure. The physiological properties support leptin as a strong candidate gene for evaluation of genetic polymorphisms, which has further been associated with growth, milk yield and other economic traits in different livestock. The present review deals with the leptin structure and its implications in regulation of growth, reproduction, immunity and also enhancing livestock productivity.

009129   Abbasi T;Gajalakshmi S;Abbasi S A (Center for Pollution Control and Energy Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry-605 014) : Towards modeling and design of vermicomposting systems: Mechanisms of composting/vermicomposting and their implications. Indian J Biotechnol 2009, 8(2), 177-82.

Several studies have been reported, and are continued to be done by scientists especially in Asia, in which earthworms are added to one or other substrate undergoing composting. The concerned authors call it 'vermicomposting'. Other authors use the term 'vermicomposting' to denote processes in which earthworms are made to feed upon one or other substrate, to generate a useful product (vermicast). Present review has embarked on a series of efforts aimed at clearly defining the mechanism of vermicomposting process and to model it. This, in turn, is envisaged to be made the basis for developing rational criteria with which vermireactors are to be designed and operated in a manner that maximizes the process efficiency and minimizes the production cost. During the course of these efforts, authors have conducted a detailed analysis of the steps associated with composting and vermicomposting. Based on an analysis of the experiments done earlier by authors, as also on the work published by others, it is now reported that composting and vermicomposting are essentially different types of processes involving different bioagents, process conditions, reactor operation strategies, and process control parameters. Hence, to achieve optimal results, the two processes should be run in isolation, composting should always precede vermicomposting, and never in combination. It is also suggested that the term 'vermicomposting' should be used only to denote the process in which reactor systems are used to transform biodegradable substrates into vermicasts.

008453   Vasu K;Singaracharya M A (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Antimicrobial activity of certain aquatic angiosperms against some pathogenic bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 609-13.

Twenty aquatic plants dominant in this region were selected for their antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus. Among these plants the flowers of Nymphaea nouchali, Ipomea aquatica and Ludvegia parviflora were effective. The' solvents methanol, ethanol were useful in extraction of antimicrobial compounds from the plant materials. The aqueous extracts of the plant were not so effective while petroleum ether failed to extract any antimocrobial compounds from the plants. Aponogeton natans and Sagittarin guayanensis are the aquatic plants without any antimicrobial activity in any solvent extracts.

3 tables, 35 ref

008452   Shrivastava R;Sarkar R;Chauhan U K (School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engg. VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014) : Effect of herbicides on biochemical and physiological properties of oscillatoria laete-virens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 563-7.

Chemical herbicides which inhibit photo system II used for evaluating growth inhibition of Oscillatoria laete-virens. In each of the herbicides used LC₅₀ for growth and I₅₀ for long term effect on photosynthesis are of similar values. The I₅₀ values against O.laete-virens for atrazine, bentazone, diuron and metribuzin respectively are 48 nM, 6.4 nM, 2 nM and 11 nM which are considerably less than the corresponding concentration for spinach thylakoids. The secondary manifestation of herbicides effect on O. laete-virens is the changes in pigment profiles, phycocyanin concentration increased many fold compared to chlorophyll. The other major change is that the non-polar lipid fractions triglycerides (TAG) is lost and new lipid free cholestrol (Fe) has appeared which could be an indication of herbicide effect.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

008451   Ramya S;Pugalendhi T;Dhinakar Raj G;Shaila M S (Post Graduate Dep of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi-626 124, Email: marinedrug@rediffmail.com) : Detection of antibodies against canine distemper virus using competitive elisa. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 699-704.

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection causes a frequently fatal systemic disease in a broad range of carnivore species, including domestic dogs. Various virologic and serologic methods are used for the diagnosis of the disease. In this shady, competitive ELISA with monoclonal antibodies and mono-specific rabbit serum was used to detect the antibodies of CDV in dogs aged from 3 to more than 12 months. A total of 70 serum samples were tested, of which the cELISA showed a maximum of 79.4% antibodies to CDV with rabbit serum. Maximum prevalence of antibody was observed in the dogs of age group between 10-12 months. However there was no correlation between the prevalence of CDV antibodies and the ages of dogs sampled. The result also indicates that vaccinated dogs produced a maximum number of positive (82%) with rabbit serum than the unvaccinated dogs. The cELISA was 68.5% sensitive and 75% specific. Further, it has been confirmed that the competitive ELISA and was highly specific and sensitive and practically applicable method to detect CDV antibodies.

6 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

008450   Ramteke A P;Patil M B (Biochemistry Dep, Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Isolation of a thermostable lectin from the leaves of T. Procumbans Linn. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 633-8.

T. procumbans L, a wild medicinal plant was found to contain galactose specific lectin in leaves. The lectin was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography and was found to have molecular weight of 23 kD. The purified lectin could agglutinate erythrocytes of human blood group 'A', 'B', 'O', rabbit and other animal. The lectin did not require any metal ion for agglutination, however Hg⁺⁺ inhibited the agglutination. The agglutination was also inhibited by α - D - galactose and galactose derivatives. The lectin was found to exhibit a and β - galactosidase activities. The lectin was found to be stable at higher temperatures and a wide range of pH.

4 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

008449   Ramachandra Y L;Padmalatha Rai S;Sujan Ganapathy P S;Sudeep H V;Krishnamurthy N B (Biotechnology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shimoga-577 451, Email: ylrkar@yahoo.co.in) : Chitinase production by solid state fermentation using shrimp waste. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 615-20.

Screened 187 acidophylic chitinolytic microbes and made an attempt to produce chitinase by Solid State Fermentation (SSF) using shrimp waste as substrate for 3 different selected microorganisms. It was observed a maximum of 56.8, 34.0, 17.2 U/gIDS chitinase production by Oerskovia sp., Sporolactobacillus sp. 2, Sporolactobacillus sp.1, respectively after 72 hours of incubation in a shrimp waste medium containing 60% moisture content and in an arbitrarily selected conditions of 32°C. Results of the present study indicate scope for the utilization of shrimp waste as a novel substrate for chitinase production by Solid State Fermentation.

6 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

008448   Ramachandra Y L;Padmalatha Rai S;Sujan Ganapathy P S (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri-577 451) : Characterization of seed protein and peroxidase activity in some germplasm of coffea. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 629-32.

In the study the endosperm protein of the four hybrid materials, i.e., S.288, Ligenioides, Racemusta and HDT were studied by SDS-PAGE. The banding pattern showed variation in Rm value, width and intensity of bands. Further, unique protein bands were observed in the materials S.288 and HDT. Peroxidase activity indicated high constitutive level of peroxidase activity in HDT. The results indicated its possible utility in identification of resistant plants and characterization of coffee germplasm.

3 tables, 12 ref

008447   Muthukrishnan S;Sanjayan K P (G.S. Gill Research Institute, Guru Nanak College, Chennai-600 042) : Diversity of alkalotolerant fungal species in Pongamia glabra vent. leaf litter samples of guindy reserve forest, Tamil Nadu. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 597-500.

Leaf litter is a major habitat for fungal colonization wherein they play an important role in the degradation of cellulose. In recent years importance is given to our understanding of the diversity of alkalotolerant and alkalophilic fungi, since they have great scope for industrial application. Samples of Pongamia glabra Vent. leaf litres were collected from the Guindy reserve forest as a representative of a mesophilic habitat and alkalotolerent fungal species were isolated using the moist chamber and serial dilution techniques. Eight species of fungi were isolated through pure cultures technique and their alkalotolerance studied using pH ranging between 7 and 10. The frequency of occurrence of these species was calculated and growth characteristics studied in relation to the alkalinity and pH. The fungal species were tested for alkaline amylase, lipase, cellulase, chitinase and protease enzymes at pH 8 through plate assays. Penicillum citrinum is a promising alkalotolerent fungal species with good amylase, protease and cellulase activity at alkaline pH.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

008446   Murugan S;Uma Devi P;Selvi S;Cmnnaswamy P; Mani K R (School of Biotechnology, Karunya Univ, Coimbatore-641 144) : Antimicrobial potential of ethanolic extracts of Indian propolis (EEIP'S) against human pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 557-61.

Aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Indian propolis. The in vitro activity of propolis against Gram positive bacteria Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus mutans, Gram negative bacteria include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio cholerae; yeast include Candida albicans, Candida cruezi isolated from human infections was studied by the well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity was tested with 95% Ethanolic Extracts of Indian Propolis (EEIP's) against the test microorganisms. Among the bacteria, Gram positive MRSA growth was inhibited at 900 μg/mL followed by S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, V, cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, S. typhi, K.pneumoniae all being inhibited at 700 μg/mL. E. coli was highly susceptible among the tested microorganisms at 600μg/mL. Among the yeast strains tested, Candida albicans was inhibited at 700μg/mL where as the other strain C.cruzei exhibited high resistance. The relative order of susceptibility among the tested microorganisms was: S. aureus > S. mutans = P. aeruginosa = V. cholerae = Salmonella typhimurium = S. typhi = K. pneumoniae = Candida albicans > E.coli. Our findings confirm the traditional therapeutical claims for Indian propolis.

1 table, 21 ref

008445   Mishra N;Singh L K (NO, , 739, Y-1 Block, Kidwai Nagar, (Near Pathrai Devi Mandir), Kanpur-208 011, Email: neerajhbti@gmail.com) : Comparative studies to determine the effect of the media constituents for acid protease production by submerged fermentation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 509-13.

Among wide variety of enzymes, the proteolytic enzymes i.e., protease account for 60% of the industrial enzymes market. This work is carried out to check the effect of various media constituents on the acid protease production by submerged fermentation. The effect of different carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, lactose, and combination of lactose and sucrose) on the proteolytic activity of acid protease produced by Aspergillus awamori MTCC 548 was studied. With glucose, high proteolytic activity and maximum sugar utilization have been observed. The various concentrations of glucose (0.5 to 3%) were examined and 1% concentration was found to be optimum, showing proteolytic activity of 0.11 U/mL with 79% sugar utilization. Among different nitrogen sources such as casein, skim milk powder and peanut meal. The 2% peanut meal was found better for enzyme production with increased proteolytic activity of 0.216 U/mL with 80% sugar utilization. The effect of additives such as Tween -80 and chemicals like CaCl₂ and skim milk powder on proteolytic activity was also studied and it was found that 0.05% Tween 80 was effective in the enzyme production with proteolytic activity of 0.227 U/mL and maximum sugar utilization of 95%.

9 ref

008444   Mishra K;Misra K K (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: misrakk@vsnl.com) : Role of whole genome duplication in tinkering process. Curr Sci 2008, 94(8), 981-2.

^ssc1 illus, 10 ref

008443   Karunai Selvi B;David Ravindran A (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi-6) : Impact of phosphate solubilizing microorganism and Rhizobium on growth, nutrition and microbial load of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp) fertilized with rock phosphate. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 621-4.

Cowpea was inoculated with phosphate solubilizing microorganism and Rhizobium sp. along with rock phosphate in sterilized vermiculite using plastic pots. Plants inoculated with phosphate solubilizing microorganism, Rhizobium sp. with rock phosphate recorded highest seed germination, shoot and root length, fTesh and dry weight of shoot and root, number of nodules and nutrient content as compared to inoculation with either one organism or two organisms. Interaction between host and symbionts also varied with cultivars. From the present study it can be concluded that phosphate solubilizing microorganism and Rhizobium sp. along with rock phosphate combination can have important impact on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake in cowpea.

4 tables, 16 ref

008442   Humnabadkar R P;Saratale G D;Govindwar S P (Biochemistry Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Decolorization of purple 2R by Aspergillus ochraceus (NCIM-1146). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 693-7.

Aspergillus ochraceus (NCIM-1146) have ability to decolorize various textile dyes Viz. purple 2R, orange TG22, yellow HE64, red HE7B and golden yellow HER was determined with Aspergillus ochraceus (NCIM-1146) by monitoring the decrease in absorbance of each dye in the culture supernatant. Decolorization performance of purple 2R with various conditions such as; different media, concentration of dye, agitation and static conditions were studied. The decrease in dye decolorization capability of mycelium was observed with increasing dye concentration in repeated batch mode. Spectrophotometric data revealed that the process involved in decolorization is through microbial metabolism but not biosorption. Phytotoxicity study demonstrated no toxicity of the biodegraded products for plants with respect to Phaseolus mungo and Sorghum vulgarae. This study suggests that Aspergillus ochraceus could be a useful tool for textile effluent treatment and the alternative to the traditional physicochemical process.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

008441   Hossain S M;Das M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai-623 806) : Bioremediation and biomethanation of black liquor in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactor. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 247-54.

The present continuous studies are undertaken to develop an effective anaerobic digestion process of black liquor (wastewaters from kraft pulping) for biogas generation using actively digested sludge from a sewage plant in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactor. Attempts are made to optimize hydraulic retention time (HRT), initial feed pH, feed tempreature and flow rate of feed for maximum production fo methane (CH₄) and removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) from black liquor. Methane gas is analyzed by using flame-ionization detector (FID) which is a one of the gas chromatograph (GC). The optimum HRT is 8 hr and optimum initial pH of feed is observed as 7.5, respectively. The optimum feed temperature is 40°C and optimum feed flow rate is 16 L/min with maximum organic loading rate (OLR) is 13.057 kg COD/m³/hr, respectively. The organic loading rates (OLR) are calculated on the basis of COD inlet in the reactor in different flow rates. The maximum methane (CH₄) gas consitutes 64.82% (v/v) of the total biogas generation. The maximum biogas yield rate is 0.723 m³/kg COD/m³/hr with methane yield rate of 0.530 m³/kg COD/m³/hr, respectively at optimum parameters. The maximum COD and BOD remediation of the black liquor wastewaters are 79.63% (w/w) and 81.54% (w/w) with maximum OLR of 11.686 kg COD/m³/hr, respectively.

9 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

008440   Britto A J D;Petchimuthu K;Nirmal Kumar N; Maridass M;Rekha G S (Plant Molecular Biology Research Unit, Plant Biology and Biotechnology, St.Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627 002, ) : Preliminary phytochemical studies on Indigofera linnaei Ali (fabaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(4), 948-52.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out of Indigofera linnaei Ali - a very useful and much exploited medicinal plant of Tirunelveli Hills in Tamilnadu. Physico-chemical parameters, phytochemical analysis and Thin Layer Chromatography were carreid out. The preliminary study will be helpful to study the active principles using modern techniques in the later part of this work.

5 tables, 11 ref

008439   Adi V K;Karanth N G K (Biotechnology Dep, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere-577 004, Email: drveena.adi@gmail.com) : Scanning electron microscope (sem) studies on wheat bran fortified with fenthion. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 505-8.

The study a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study of wheat bran used as a substrate during solid state fermentation (SSF) is carried out. While the wheat bran was fortified with an OP pesticide, fenthion and inoculated with Bacillus subtilis at the laboratory scale. This describes the sequential disintegration of wheat bran while the organism produced biosurfactant.

9 ref

007314   Subba Rao K (Center for Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500 085, Email: ksrsl@yahoo.com) : Free radical induced oxidative damage to DNA: relation to brain aging and neurological disorders. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 9-15.

Free radicals are produced in cells by cellular metabolism and by exogenous agents. These species react with biomolecules in cells and one of the important targets is DNA. This kind of damage, often referred to as oxidative DNA damage, has consequences in various organs and particularly in brain, in view of its high metabolic activity and oxygen consumption. The consequences include mutagenesis of various kinds ranging from simple oxidation of bases to large deletions through single and double strand breaks. In brain, because of its post-mitotic nature, oxidative damage to DNA is seen more often at the level of bases. A major route for repairing oxidative damage to bases is base excision repair (BER). It is increasingly becoming apparent that defects in repairing oxidative DNA damage can lead to a number of neurological disorders like Alzheimer and Parkinson. Our recent studies have clearly demonstrated that BER is highly compromised in brain cells with increasing age and this could well be one of the major causative factors for normal aging and the associated deteriorating mental conditions, including certain neurological abnormalities.

007313   Ramachandra Y L;Padmalatha Rais S;Sudeep H V; Sujan Ganapathy P S;Kavitha B T;Krishnamurthy N B (Biotechnology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shimoga-577 451) : Evaluation of leaf quality at different growth stages and maturity levels of selected mulberry varieties. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(1A), 272-6.

Leaf quality of five selected varieties of mulberry viz. S₃₆, S₅₄, M₅, DD and V₁ from Shimoga and Chikmagalore districts were evaluated for leaf moisture content, protein, sugar, total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a/b ratio at different growth periods (30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 days after pruning) and levels (tender-1, tender-2, medium, mature and over mature). Significant differences were recorded among the varieties. Among all, variety V₁ showed better values for all the parameters except chlorophyll a/b ratio.

5 tables, 21 ref

007312   Purama R;Singh G;Majumder A;Venkata Dasu V; Goyal A (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: arungoyl@iitg.ernet.in) : Dextransucrase production from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-640 in batch fermentation. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(4), 1497-1504.

Dextransucrase was produced by fermentation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-640 using sucrose as carbon source. The production of dextransucrase in high yields is of great importance for dextran biosynthesis. The pH conditions were investigated for maximizing the production of dextran sucrase from this strain in batch fermentation. There was a marginal increase of activity of dextran sucrase when fermentation was carried out at controlled pH at 7 when compared to the fermentation at uncontrolled pH. The pHs lower than 7.0 did not enhance the enzyme activity. The higher K₂HPO₄ concentration (0.3 M) in the medium resulted in 10 % increase of dextransucrase activity as compared to the uncontrolled pH nm at 0.11 M K₂HPO₄.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

007311   Prasad S;Ram P C;Singh J P;Khan N A (Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (Biotechnology) Dep, N.D. Univ of Ag. & Tech., Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of water logging durations on plant height, leaf area, starch content, catalase activity and grain yield of maize genotypes. Int J Pl Sci 2007, 2(2), 180-4.

Pot culture experiment was conducted at experimental site of department of crop physiology NDUAT, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) in Kharif season. Four maize genotypes (CM-500, CM.-136, CM-128 and CM-210) were selected to expose 5 days and 8 days durations of water logging (WL) separately to 30 days old plants. Plant height, leaf area and starch content were decreased under WL condition. Severely of decreasing pattern was found more as WL duration increases irrespective of genotypes. The significant differences were noted among genotypes for WL tolerance. CM-500 and CM-136 were less affected to WL durations because it possessed high starch content before WL and high catalase activity just after WL. Grain yield was recorded only in 5 days WL plant where as 8 days WL plant failed to produce any grain yield. High accumulation of starch before WL and more catalase activity just after WL can be used as trait for identification of WL tolerant maize genotypes.

23 ref

007310   Narayanan C M;Narayan V (Chemical Engineering Dep, National institute of Technology, Durgapur-713 209, Email: cmn_recd@yahoo.co.in) : Software package for process simulation and computer aided design of expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) bioreactor. Indian chem Engr 2008, 50(2), 122-8.

An attempt has been made to develop a simulation model and software package for computer aided design of an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) bioreactor. It is observed that an EGSB is better modeled as a plug flow dispersion reactor with a specified magnitude of axial dispersion. Diffusional resistance for substrate transport into the sludge granules is also accounted for through a suitably designed effectiveness factor, which is a nonlinear function of substrate concentration at granule-liquid interface and the granule diameter. The model equations, being nonlinear differential equations, are solved numerically using a specifically developed numerical algorithm. The model results have been compared with pilot plant data on a number of typical EGSB bioreactors and the agreement has been encouraging.

4 illus, 6 ref

007309   Manoj Muthu Kumar S;Ghosh D;Das D (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, , Email: ddas@hijli.iitgp.ernet.in) : Improvement of microbial fuel cell for power generation. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(4), 1603-9.

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) are devices that convert microbial metabolic power into electricity. The effect of the electrode total surface area was studied on a two chamber; salt bridge MFC and a new platinum coated (0.5μm) tantalum electrode were used as a cathode electrode. The total surface areas of electrodes were varied as to cm², 20 cm² and 30 cm², where the maximum power densities obtained each case were 151.2 mW/m², 221.5 mW/m² and 148.47 mW/m². The maximum power density was recorded when the total surface area of the electrode (normalized to the anode electrode) was equal to the sectional area of the connecting salt bridge. There was an increase in the power density (from 186 mW/m² to 221.5 mW/m²) under similar conditions when Platinum coated tantalum electrodes were used cathode electrode.

3 illus, 16 ref

007308   Majumder A;Goyal A (Biotechnoloy Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: arungoyl@iits.ernet.in) : Use of statistically designed medium for improved glucansucrase productin from Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146 in a bioreactor. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(4), 1525-31.

The production of extra-cellular glucansucrase from Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146 in a bioreactor was studied. The nutrient requirements of this microorganism were optimized previously by statistical method for maximum enzyme production in flask cultures. The process was scaled up to a 5.0 litre bench top bioreactor from 100 ml flask cultures. The fermentation of Leuconostoc dextranicum yielded glucansucrase and glucan. A maximum activity of 5.8 Vim I of glucansucrase was obtained, which was 90% of that achieved in flask cultures. The biomass was 6.6 g/l and the specific growth rate was 0.03 h^-1. The enzyme yield of 1.7 V/mg cells and 105 mg/l of glucan were obtained.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref