013687   Salgotra R K;Bhat J A;Gupta B B;Sharma S (School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of J, Chatha, Jammu-190 008, Email: rks_2959@rediffmail.com) : Determination of genetic relationship among basmati and non-basmati rice (Oriya sativa L.) genotypes from North-West Himalayas using microsatellite markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 68-75.

In the present study, 25 microsatellite markers were used to determine the genetic relatedness among the 51 basmati and 14 non-basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes. A total of 82 alleles were detected by 25 markers, all of them (100%) were polymorphic. The polymorphic information content (PIC) among genotypes varied 0.253 (RM520) to 0.695 (RM206) with an average of 0.46. Pairwise genetic similarity coefficients between all genotypes ranged 0.1 to 0.6 with average of 0.39. Phylogenetic-based cluster analysis of the SSR data, based on distance, divided all genotypes into four groups (I, II, III & IV), consisting of 39, 7, 16 and 3 genotypes, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) confirmed the separation of basmati and non-basmati rice genotypes comparable to those from UPGMA analysis and were well in agreement. These results that the microsatellite SSR markers are efficient for measuring genetic relatedness among the rice genotypes, and can be usilized effectively for the differentiation of basmati and non-basmati rice genotypes. Present study also indicated that genetically basmati rice is different from that of coarse rice type, and supports the concept of independent evolution of basmati rice. The low level of diversity in local basmati suggested the introduction of diverse germplasm in the basmati breeding programme.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

013686   Sahare P;Moon A (Biochemistry Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-40 033, Email: moon.archana@gmail.com) : In-silico docking studies of phto-ligands againts E. Coli PBP3: Approach towards novel antibacterial therapeutic agents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3703-11.

Emergence of antibiotic resistance has become a serious problem worldwide. The extensive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics increases the number of multi drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. The major mechanisms that bacteria evolve to develop resistance against β-lactam class of antibiotics are the production of β-lactamases and expression of low affinity penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). These PBPs are involved in the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis. Hence, PBPs are the primary targets for developing antibacterial agents as its inhibition leads to irregularities in cell wall structure and eventually cell death. Bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants have been proven to reveal important pharmacological and therapeutic properties for developing novel antibacterial agents. The current study epitomizes the binding of phytochemicals to the transpeptidation (TP) domain of PBP3 of E. coli, a major causative agent of bacterial infection. The phytochemicals exhibiting antibacterial activities were selected as ligands for docking studies employing Schrodinger Suite (Maestro, LLC, New York, NY, 2015). Amongst all the phytochemicals studied, chlorogenic acid (CGA) was found to have highest affinity towards PBP3 TP domain. The bocillin binding assay corroborated the docking analysis. The blocking of active site of PBPs by phytochemicals opens up new avenues for screening and developing new phytochemical-based therapeutic - 108 - antibacterial agents.

12 ref

013685   Sah S;Sahgal M;Singh R (Amity Institute of Microbial Biotechnology, Amity Univ, Sector 125, Noida-201 303) : Concomitant ability of siderophore against iron paucity and Fusarium wilt in Lycopersicon esculentum. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 319-28.

Insoluble iron present in soil severely restricts its bioavailability for plant growth. Microorganisms present in the rhizosphere release siderophore to make it available to the plants. Among others, fluorescent pseudomonads are known to exert extensive biocontrol action against soil and root borne phytopathogens through release of siderophores. A total of 172 rhizobacterial isolates were obtained from two different ecosystems viz. forests and agricultural soils, among these 34 were found to produce siderophore with an apparent decrease in siderophore production when supplemented with 20 μM iron. With the aim of utilizing siderophore production as an antagonist against Fusarium oxysporium, isolates, four Pseudomonas isolates namely RSP7 (KR051487), RSP8 (KR051488), RSP3 (KR051489) and RSP5 (KR051490) were selected. Paired t-test analysis resulted in showing antagonism of RSP5 as 48.5% on plate, and the paired t-test value as 14with a significance of P <60> 0.01. RSP showed an antagonism of 20% on plate with t value of 31.1 and P <60> 0.01. Paired t-test analysis proved a highly significant antagonism with isolate RSP7 (t = 37.37, P <60> 0.001). The results among the four isolates are comparable with RSP3 as best enhancer and antagonist followed by RSP5 > RSP7 > RSP8. Siderophore mediated antagonism when iron = 20 μM and maximum shoot and root length and dry weight were observed with Pseudomonas as inoculants suggesting application of siderophore producing plant growth promoting rhizobacterial strains in crop productivity.

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

013684   Sadhu S;Kirubagaran R (Marine Biotechnology Group, ESSO-National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai-600 100, Email: sucheta.sadhu@gmail.com) : Morphology and phenotypic responses of haptophycear marine microalga Pavlova lutheri during Cr (VI) exposure - a laboratory study. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 719-24.

Marine microalga Pavlova lutheri (NIOT-3, EMA Accession No: LT009495), which is rich in ω-3 fatty acid, flavonoids, antioxidants, etc., has been explored as a model organism to IC₅₀ of Cr (VI) for 96 h and monitored in controlled laboratory condition to evaluate the morphological and phenotypic responses of the microalga. The study revealed declined growth rate (63.35%) and reduced pigment (chlorophyll a) production (66%) by the microalga during Cr (VI) exposure. In the micrometric study, while end to end cell length was found to be lessened by 11%, the average cell area was observed to be reduced by 16%. More interestingly, SEM images showed distorted morphology along with metal deposition on the cell surface corroborating with the earlier changes. FTIR spectra brought into light conclusively the involvement of the alkynes and anhydrides as major chelating ligands to bind Cr (VI) and preventing entry of Cr (VI) across the cell wall of P. lutheri during the exposure.

4 illus, 26 ref

013683   Sabapathy P C;Devaraj S;Kathirvel P (Microbial Biotechnology Dep, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: sabapathypoorna@gmail.com) : Parthenium hysterophorus: low cost substrate for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Curr Sci 2017, 112(10), 2106-11.

Parthenium hysterophorus is considered as one of the most devastating and hazardous weed; abundantly availale in several parts of the world, it is utilized as a substrate for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Bacterial strain Bacillus aerophilus, isolated from oil contaminated soil, was studied for its potential to accumulate PHA. Utilizing this cheap substrate, the highest yield of PHA content obtained was 5.4 g/l PHA with 11.92 g/l cell biomass. PHA produced was extracted using sodium hypochlorite method and the polymer synthesized was characterized as polyhydroxybutyrate (P3 (HB)) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

3 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

013682   Rostammiry L;Saeidiasl M R;Safari R;Javadian R (Food Science and Technology Dep, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Sabzevar, Iran) : Optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate by alcalase and trypsin. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 193-200.

Soybean protein isolate was hydrolyzed to obtain soybean polypeptide solution using alcalase and trypsin. The effects of three - 106 - independent variables including E/S (X₁), temperature (X₂) and pH (X₃), at three levels in actual and coded values (-1, 0, +1), were evaluated to determine the best complex of variables and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) has been considered as response to variables. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken Design was applied to optimization the condition of enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate. The optimal reaction conditions of soybean protein isolate hydrolyzed by alcalase and trypsin were that the E/S was 4.38 and 4.49%; pH was 8 and 7.11; temperature was 46.21 and 41.85°C, respectively and hydrolysis time wa s 45 and 60 minute respectively. RSM generated model predicted DH that 15.9782% for alcalase and 20.471% for trypsin could be achieved at these conditions and this model was valid based on the DH value obtained from the experimental study which was quite similar with the predicted value. High yield of DH obtained from the optimization process could produce soy protein hydrolysate with good nutritional and functional properties.

2 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

013681   Reddy C V;Kamble A K;Patil S J (Biotechnology Dep, Luqman Degree College, Gulbarga-585 105, Email: shajapatil@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antifertility activity of Achyranthus aspera leaves in female mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3794-801.

Present study was conducted to know the antifertility potential of Achyranthus aspera leaves in female mice and has shown promising results of antiovulatory activity, estrogenic and constant teratogenic activities. Administrations of A. aspera leaves methanolic extract at the dosage 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight were subjected for testing their antiovulatory, estrogenic and teratogenic activity in female mice by applying statistical analysis in gravimetric, biochemical and histopathological parameters of ovary and uterus. At autopsy on day 31st, both the dose treated mice revealed increase in ovarian weight, histological changes like increasing number of atretic follicle and decreases in healthy developing follicles, Graafian follicles and corpora lutea. Total cholesterol content and alkaline phosphatase of the ovary were increased and protein, glycogen, acid phosphatase content were decreased. Teratogenic activity did not alter any changes in the morphological and physiological behavior of experimental period. Results suggested that, methanolic extract of A. aspera leaves are more active at low dose compared to high dose and might be used as an herbal contraceptive in females.

37 ref

013680   Reddy C V K;Keerthi U;Swamy A V N;Rao D M (Bioprocess Unit, Biotechnology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Ananthapuramu, Email: rao.muralidhara@gmail.com) : Biotin auxotroph mutants of native Corynebacterium glutamicum for the fermentative production of L-glutamic acid. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 415-19.

The present paper deals with isolation of C.glutamicum strain and strain improvement of C.glutamicum by mutation studies for the production of L-Glutamic acid. Native isolate of C.glutamicumwas manipulated to excrete L-glutamate. The modified protocol was used in this paper to trigger L-glutamate excretion. The important feature of this protocol is to achieve a biotin concentration that is low enough to activate glutamate excretion but high adequate to still allow sufficient growth of the cells. To achieve this appropriate biotin concentration, a pre cultivation step is required in order to deplete the cells of biotin. Later Physical Mutation was induced on Biotin depleted C.glutamicum strain.

2 illus, 14 ref

013679   Reddy A R K;Grace J R (NO, SPACES Degree College Sri Prakash Vidya Soudham, Payakarao peta, Vizag dist, Andhra Pradesh-531 126, Email: akhilbio@gmail.com) : Anticancer activity of methanolic extracts of selected mangrove plants. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3852-6.

Anti cancer activity of four selected mangrove plants Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Aegiceras corniculatum, Aegialitis rotundifolia and Lumnitzera racemosa against HepG2 cell line was studied. During the present investigation, crude methanol extracts of selected mangrove plants were prepared using soxhlet apparatus. In vitro anti cancer activity of mangrove plant extracts at various concentrations (10 to 200 ug/ml) was studied against the chosen cell line using MTT assay (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). All the four extracts showed anti cancer activity. Off which methanolic - 105 - extract of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza has shown lower IC₅₀ value than Aegialitis rotundifolia, Lumnitzera racemosa, Aegiceras corniculatum respectively, indicating its greater anti cancer activity. The present study indicates that the methanolic mangrove plant extracts were effective against tumor cells and possess anticancer activity.

25 ref

013678   Ravikumar K S;Greeshma P V;George V; Janardhanan K K (Microbiology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala, Email: kkjanardhanan@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Fomitopsis dochmius (Berk & Broome) Ryvarden. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3666-74.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of various solvent extracts of Fomitopsis dochmius, a polypore found in Western Ghats of Kerala, India were investigated. Petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), 70% aqueous ethanol (ETH) and hot water (AQ) extracts of the fruiting bodies of the mushroom were examined for their antioxidant activities. PE was found to show activity against hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation and ABTS.+ radicals. EA extract was able to scavenge DPPH., hydroxyl, and ABTS.+ radicals and also showed ferric ion reducing and lipid peroxidation inhibition properties. ETH and AQ extracts were active against all the above mentioned radicals besides superoxide and nitric oxide radicals. Since ETH extract showed higher antioxidant activity than other solvent extracts, its anti-inflammatory property was examined. The extract, at a dose of 500 mg/ kg body weight, was found as effective as the standard anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (10 mg/ kg body weight). The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the four extracts indicated that the fruiting body of the mushroom contained steroids, terpenes, coumarins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones and polysaccharides

36 ref

013677   Ranjan A;Ghosh S;Chauhan A;Jindal T (NO, Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201 303, Email: aranjan@amity.edu) : Molecular docking and site directed mutagenic approach to investigate the role od trp86 of human acetylcholinesterase with organophosphates. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3802-9.

Docking and site directed mutagenesis approach was used to explore mode of binding and inhibition for human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) and organophosphates (OPs). More than 200 OP molecules were investigated using Glide docking module of Schrodinger suit as co-crystal structure between two are not available in Protein Data Bank. In - 104 - initial screening Trp86 was found to be involved in maximum Pi-Cation interaction on anionic subsite of hAChE other than Ser203 (Catalytic site). With extra precision glide docking Phoxim Ethyl Phosphonate (PEP) tops among 200 OPs based on glide docking score and interacted with Trp86, Gly121 and Ser203 whereas MM-GBSA score shows less binding affinity than heptenophos and dichlorovos. Trp86 preferred Pi interaction with ring bearing OPs and hydrophobic interactions with smaller OPs without ring bearing structures. Site directed mutagenesis at Trp86 (Trp86 to Ala86) shown the deterioration of the binding site in terms of size reduction, loss of electrostatic and geometric stabilization in binding cavity and significant reduction in binding of OPs in preferred orientation. Dock score of both wild and mutated hAChE shows a perfect qualitative agreement (R² = 64.1%) towards the study. Study suggests role of Trp86 on binding site is inevitably important for inhibition of Human AChE. This study also infers that development of antidotes could be more efficient when Tr86 is also taken into consideration during development of pharmacophores.

24 ref

013676   Ramesha K P;Alex R;Rao A;Basavaraju M;Haritha P;Geetha G R;Kataktalware M A;Das D N;Jeyakumar S (NO, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Southern Regional Stat, Adugodi, Bengaluri-560 030, Email: kpragb@gmail.com) : Status of genetic disorders among indigenous and crossbred breeding bulls in India. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 138-40.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

013675   Raju N J;Pawar V S;Vishala T C (NO, Siddhartha Institute of Pharmacy, Narapally, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email: raju8859@gmail.com) : Anti hyperlipidermic activity of Spondias pinnata fruit extracts. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2017, 9(4), 178-81.

Hyperlipidemia is the greatest risk factor of coronary heart disease. Medicinal plants play a major role in hypolipidemic activity. Literature claims that Saponins are able to reduce hyperlipidemia. Based on high saponin content in herbal plants, Spondias pinnata (SP) was selected and the present study focus on the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of methanolic extracts of fruits of SP against Triton induced hyperlipidemia in rats. SP was administered at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg (p.o) to Triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Fenofibrate was used as reference standard. The statistical analyses were carried out using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet's multiple comparisons test. The present investigation shows that all triton induced rats displayed hyperlipidemia as shown by their elevated levels of serum and liver cholesterol, triglyceride, PL, VLDL, LDL and the reduction in the HDL level. It can be concluded that SP 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment was effective in cholesterol, PL, TG, VLDL, LDL and HDL in a dose dependant manner.

2 table, 20 ref

013674   Rahimifard N;Moghni M;Aghilee N;Moslemi L (Microbiology Dep, Food and Drug Control Laboratories(FDCL), Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOH), Tehran, Iran, Email: mandanamoghni@gmail.com) : Antibacterial effect of Dionysia revoluta Boiss. extracts on Acinetobacter bumannii isolated from wound of burned patients. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 219-224.

Dionysia revoluta Boiss is a member of primulaceae. This plant is distributed locally across south region of Iran. Antimicrobial activities against some species have been reported from the extracts and fractions of this plant. In the present study antimicrobial activities of the methanol, chloroform and crude extracts against 50 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from wound of burned patients hospitalized at Motahari hospital in Tehran and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 10572 were evaluated. The samples of plant were collected from Hormozgan province. The plant were first dried and blended and extracts were prepared by standard methods of maceration. The extracts then were allowed to air dried. The dried concentrated extracts were kept within glass vials under - 103 - standard conditions until used. 50 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from wound of burned patients were diagnosed by GNA-GNB microgen kit. Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 10572 was used as standard strain. Standard agar diffusion methods (disk diffusion and well diffusion) were used to examine the antimicrobial effects of different concentrations of plant extracts against the bacteria. All three extracts had antibacterial effects on Acinetobacter baumannii. Water extract at 2000μg/ml showed the maximum inhibition zone (15 mm). Well diffusion methods was more efficient method and sixteen isolates (32%) were shown growth inhibition zone to all extracts and showed growth inhibition zone from 12 mm to 15 mm in this method. We concluded that the antimicrobial activity of Dionysia revoluta Boiss against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii is valuable. Further investigation for determining of MIC and MBC and especially in vivo studies are recommended.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

013673   Rahimi S;Rahimi S (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Payam Noor Univ, P.O.Box, 19395-3697 Tehran, Iran, Email: srahimi1919@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the cattle ration feed contamination amount with the Aspergillus fungi by PCR-based technique and based on ITS gene sequences. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 53-61.

Aflatoxin is carcinogenic metabolites that produced by a number of species Aspergillus section Flavi. Cattle feed contaminated with Aflatoxin endanger human and animal health. The aim of this study is to determine amount of contamination to the Aspergillus section Flavi in five main animal feed with PCR molecular technique based on ITS regions and fungal colony. In this study, 121 ration samples were used from 21 industrial animal husbandry warehouses and silage in Tehran and Alborz Province. After isolating and culture in specific sphere of yeast extract sucrose agar (YESA), isolated Aspergillus fungi were studied by macroscopic and microscopic method. For molecular identification of the Aspergillus fungi from PCR method, ITS sequencing also was used and finally grown colonies were counted to determine an amount of the fungal contamination. The results showed that 67 samples from 121 ones were positive in which represents the 55/37% contamination amount to the Aspergillus fungi, and also the highest level of fungal contamination in imported barley, wheat bran, soybean meal and corn is about 14/16%, 12/5%, 10/83% and 10/83% respectively, while the lowest fungal contamination belongs to the internal barley with 7/5%. Therefore, there is the need to develop a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the detection of Aspergillus fungi. With regard to the high fungal contamination of imported cattle feed while its amount is very low in internal products, it is better that officials try to increase internal production as well as more controlling over the production, transport and import of cattle feed.

5 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

013672   Qadariyan L;Syahir S N;Fyadlon A;Bhuana D S; Mahfud M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut T, , Sepuluh Nopember, 60111, Indonesia, Email: lailatul_2008@yahoo.com) : Optimization of in-situ transesterification process of biodiesel from nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) seed using microwave. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(3), 952-8.

The purpose of this study was to optimize the in-situ transesterificaiton process of biodiesel from nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) seed using the microwave. In this study, three independent variables (microwave power, KOH concentration and in-situ transesterification time) were explored. The optimum in-situ transesterification conditions obtained by Box-Behnken Design (BBD) were as follows: microwave power 502.124 W, KOH concentraion 0.499241% and in-situ transesterification time 19.0717 min. Under these optimized conditions, the yield of biodiesel reached 60.5887%. The predicted values indicated that the model equation for optimization of the in-situ transesterification process - 102 - of biodiesel from nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) seed by response surface method was matched reasonably well in accordance with the actual observed values. It can be seen from the suitability of the model equation for predicting the central point response value that was tested under the central poing conditions.

7 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

013671   Pour H A;Naserian A A;Vakili A R;Tahmasbi A M (Ph.D Student of Ruminant Nutrition, Ferdowsi Univ of Mashhad International Campus, Mashhad, Iran, Email: AbasaliN@yahoo.com) : Effect of essential plant oil used as an additive to alter silage fermentation in ruminant by In vitro. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 145-52.

The subject of this research was to evaluate the effect of adding different levels (0, 2ml) essential oils of thyme (Thymus) and Menthapiperita (Carvacrol) on alfalfa silagedegradability byin vitro gas production and in vitro gas production kinetics. In vitro gas production values were determined by using rumen liquor from three lactation Holstein cows in times of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The results of this paperreport that, the effects of essential oils of thyme (Thymus) and Menthapiperita (Carvacrol) were significant. In vitro gas production was decreased by essential oils of thyme (Thymus) and Menthapiperita (Carvacrol). These essential oils and their different doses or combinations in alfalfa silage could be used to improve the performance of ruminants. Moreover, essential oils may act at different levels in energy and protein metabolic pathways, therefore their careful selection and combination may be a useful tool to effectively manipulate rumen fermentation.

3 tables, 36 ref

013670   Parida S R;Beura S;Rout S;Beura R;Jagadev P N (Biotechnology Dep, GITAM Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: srout.forestry@gmail.com) : Fast protocol for high frequency in vitro cloning of banana (Musa acuminata) cv. grande naine. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 72-9.

An investigation was conducted on Fast Protocol for High Frequency in vitro cloning of Banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine at the - 101 - Biotechnology-cum-Tissue Culture Center, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, during the year 2012. This has helped to determine the best media compositions for shoot multiplication and rooting of cv. Grande Naine, so as to get optimum results with a minimized cost of production. MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/1 Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.0 mg/1 Kinetin gave the highest number of shoot/explants (11.33) in 30 days. However, MS medium when supplemented with 6.0 mg/1 BAP produced a maximum number of leaves (19.07) with a maximum height 2.73 cm. Among various concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for rooting. Half MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/1 IBA was found to be ideal for early rooting and producing more number of roots in 21 days. However, MS basal medium was found to be the best treatment to support the formation of long roots. This protocol can be very useful to the future research worker and as well as entrepreneurs for mass production of banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine.

5 tables, 24 ref

013669   Padmapriya C;Murugesan R (Agric. Microbiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: agri.padma@gmail.com) : Optimization of SSF parameters for natural red pigment production from Penicillium purpurogenum using cassava waste by central composite design. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1663-9.

Pencillium purpurogenum 8904.12, a red pigment producer, was isolated from soil screened and selected based on the pigment production. The pigment production by P.purpurogenum was optimizedby using factorial design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in SSF. Cassava waste is a low cost and nutrient rich substrate used in this study as a substrate. RSM based central composite design was employed to obtain best combination of substrate concentration, inoculum volume, incubation time, initial moisture and initial pH. By the point prediction tool of Design-Expert 8.0, the optimum values of the factors for maximum red pigment production were determined. Under the optimized conditions (substrate concentration 10 g, inoculum volume 5 ml, 15 days incubation time, 50% initial moisture and initial pH of 6), the red pigment yield was 28.33 colour value units / g of dry fermented substrate which agreed closely with the predicted yield. The model showed that the value of R2 (0.9936) was high and p-value of interaction of variance was <0.0001. Hence the model can be said to be of highly significant. A significant Increase in red pigment production was achieved using RSM. Thus, utilization of cassava waste for red pigment production in this study could provide the most effective use of cassava resource, and lead to technology of development for its further utilization and value addition.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

013668   Nallusamy S;Sendilvelan S;Bhaskar K;Manikanda Prabhu N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Dr. M G R Educational and Research Institute, Chennai-600 095, Email: ksnallu@gmail.com) : Analysis of performance, combustion and emission characteristics on biofuel of novel pine oil. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(3), 873-80.

Increasing fuel prices lead to developing an alternative renewable fuel for internal combustion engines. Pine oil possesses lower viscosity, boiling point and flash point, similar to other plant based fuels like ethanol and eucalyptus oil. Pine oil has been identified to contain terpineol, a higher alcohol, along with pinene, which is an alicyclic hydrocarbon. In this research work, the various performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder direct infection diesel engine were studied by using alternative fuel of the biofuel mixed with pine oil and its blends. The results were compared with standard diesel fuel. From the results, it was found that there is a slight increase in brake thermal efficiency and a decrease in brake specific fuel consumption in all pine blended fuels when compared with regular diesel fuel. The use of pine oil resulted in lower emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and increased emissions of nitrogen oxides.

8 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

013667   Murukutla V;Sajia P (Pharmaceutics Dep, SIMS College of Pharmacy, SIMS Group of Institution, Mangaldas Nagar, Guntur-522 001, Andhra Pradesh) : Enhancement of dissolution rate of clofibrate by using various solid dispersion techniques. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2016, 5(3), 10-29.

The aim of the present research work, Clofibrate a BCS class II Anti-hyperlipidemic drug belongs to fibrate class was formulated as solid dispersions by using various hydrophilic carriers to enhance the solubility, dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. Kneading technique is used to prepare solid dispersions of Clofibrate. Solid state characterization of solid dispersions is done by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometry and X-ray powder Diffraction studies, Scanning electron microscopy. The solid dispersions can be evaluated by in-vitro dissolution studies. To develop the solid oral dosage form (Tablets) with Clofibrate solid dispersions. To study the physical parameters of tablets prepared by direct compression, which includes hardness, friability, weight variation, and disintegration. To estimate the % drug content in the solid dispersions and the fabricated formulations. To evaluate the drug release from the tablets by in-vitro dissolution studies and to compare in-vitro dissolution profile of fabricated formulation with marketed formulation.

20 illus, 9 table, 15 ref

013666   Mondal R;Das S;Mahato K;Borah S;Junejo J A; Zaman K (Pharmaceutical Science Dep, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh, Assam, Email: z_kamar2003@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of anti-arthritic potencial of the hydro-alcoholic extract of the stem bark of Plumeria rubra in freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3675-88.

To investigate the anti-arthritis effects of hydro-alcoholic stem bark extract (HSBE) of Plumeria rubra in Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model in wistar albino rats. Paw edema was produced by sub-plantar injection of 0.1 ml of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and paw volume was measured with plethysmometer. HSBE of the plant P. rubra (250 mg/kg & 500 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for 14 days. Arthritic assessment was carried out based on parameters including paw edema, body weight, and spleen index. At the end of study period, animals were sacrificed and various biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, radiological and histological parameters were evaluated. Administration of HSBE significantly attenuated the behavioral, biochemical, hematological, radiological alteration induced by the CFA in dose dependent manner. From our study, we can conclude that the hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant has the potent activity to check the arthritis edema as well as inflammation & body weight. The potency of ant-oxidant activity was managed significantly. The radiological and histopathological investigations revealed that the extract produce significant reduction in mononuclear infiltration and bone erosion showed against adjuvant induced arthritis

50 ref

013665   Moharil M P;Gawai D;Dikshit N;Dudhare M S; Jadhav P V (Biotechnology Centre, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural Univ, Akola-441 104, Email: dikshitn@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity in Indian barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp. complex) using morphological and molecular markers. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1643-8.

In the present study, morphological and molecular markers (RAPD primers) were used to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic relationships among 21 accessions of Echinochloa spp. complex comprising the wild and cultivated species collected from Melghat and adjoining regions of Vidarbha, Maharashtra. The availability of diverse genetic resources is a prerequisite for genetic improvement of any crop including barnyard millet. A high degree of molecular diversity among the landraces was detected. Among the 21 genotypes, two major groups (A and B) were formed, at 67.28% similarity, which clearly encompasses 15 accessions of E. frumentacea and 6 accessions of E. colona. Higher similarity was observed in accessions of E. frumentacea. The accessions IC 597322 and IC 597323 also IC 597302 - 99 - and IC 597304 showed more than 94% similarity among themselves. The classification of genetic diversity has enabled clear-cut grouping of barnyard millet accessions into two morphological races (E. frumentacea and E. colona).

2 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

013664   Mittal J;Mishra Y;Singh A;Batra A;Sharma M M (Biosciences Dep, Manipal University Jaipur, VPO Dehmikalan, Tehsil Sanganer, Jaipur-303 007, Email: madanmohan.sharma@jaipur.manipal.edu) : Efficient micropropagation of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook F & Thoms: a NMPB prioritized medicinal plant. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 133-7.

Efficient plant regeneration protocol was developed through direce organogenesis in T. cordifolia, a National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) prioritized medicinal plant. Mature in vivo nodal explants were used for optimal development of multiple shoots in vitro. Maximum number of shoots per nodal explant (7.9±0.45) with the highest shoot length (9.3±0.48 cm) was developed on MS medium supplemented with N6-benzyladenine (4.44 μM) in combination with N6-2-iso-pentenyl adenine (2.45μM). During the shoot multiplication, leaching of phenolics was observed and to avoid this, different adjuvants (activated charcoal, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and ascorbic acid) were used. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone at 1.0% in combination with optimized hormones when incorporated in MS medium, phenolic secretion was controlled successfully. The highest % response of rooting (89%) with 8.3±0.46 cm root length was observed on 1/2 strength MS medium augumented with indole butyric acid (2.45 μM). Complete plantlets were transferred to earthen pots containing a mixture of autoclaved garden soil and cocopeat (2:1) and then shifted to the culture chamber for further hardening and acclimatization. Plants after acclimatization sirvived well in nature.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

013663   Mishra A;Thakur M;Alok S (NO, Advance Institute of Biotech and Paramedical Sciences, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ashish01advance@gmail.com) : Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of polysacchride fraction of Inula racemosa, Bombax ceiba and Allium sativum. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3749-55.

Inula racemosa, Bombax ceiba and Allium sativum are important class of drug known as "Rasayana". The Polysaccharide fraction of all the three Drugs was isolated from hot water extraction yielding about 50-60% of fructan fraction (Polysaccharide). The polysaccharide fraction was evaluated for immunomodulatory activity by antibody titer and cellular immune response. The immunosuppressant drug azathioprine (100 mg/Kg/body weight) was used in order to evaluate the potency of immunomodulation of fructan fraction of rasayana drugs. The toxicological studies was made and a dose of 1000mg/Kg for Inula racemosa and Bombax ceiba and 1200mg/kg in case of Allium sativum was found to be not toxic. The non specific immunity determined by survival rate against Candida - 98 - albicans infection was improved after treatment with fructan fraction. An increase in delayed type hypersensitivity response (DTH), % neutrophil adhesion and in vivo phagocytosis by carbon clearance method was observed after treatment with fructan fraction. The Immunostimulant activity of fructan fraction in dose of 200mg/kg of body weight was found to be more effective than 100mg/kg of body weight. The immunomodulation role of rasayana drugs is reported and established in several reported research but the present study claims the role of fructan fraction in immunomodulation

19 ref

013662   Mehta D;Satyanarayana T (Microbiology Dep, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, Email: tsnarayana@gmail.com) : Molecular characteristics of native and recombinant amylolytic biocatalysts of the extreme thermophile Geobacillus thermoleovorans. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 9-21.

Annual sale of amylolytic enzymes is estimated to reach $2,238.4 million by 2018. Starch hydrolyzing enzymes find major applications in baking, alcohol, detergent and textile industries. Geobacillus thermoleovorans, an extremely thermophilic bacterium, is a well known producer of starch hydrolyzing enzymes. With the advent of high throughput geonome sequencing technologies and availability of large amount of sequence data, it has become easy to produce thermostable recombinant enzymes in mesophilic hosts with no loss of emzyme characteristics, making the overall process economical. This review focuses on the native and recombinant starch hydrolyzing enzymes from G. thermoleovorans, their production, characteristics, structure-function aspects and potential industrial applications.

2 illus, 99 ref

013661   Lokesh T;Sarada B;Swarnalatha K;Kareem M A; Varadacharyulu N C (Biochemistry Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapuramu, Andra Pradesh-515 003, Email: nchvaradacharyulu@yahoo.com) : Antihaemolytic activity of phytochemical aqueous extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus and Phyllanthus emblica in red blood cells of - 97 - human subjects receiving chronic alcohol and cigarette smoking. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3857-64.

Medicinal plants are natural gift to human lives to promote disease free healthy life. Worldwide believe that herbal remedies are safer and less damaging to the human body than synthetic drugs. The heartwood of Pterocarpussantalinus (PSB) and the fruit of Phyllanthusemblica (PEF) are important medicinal parts with several ethnomedicinal properties. Keeping in view their importance, this work was carried out to investigate the qualitative, quantitative determination of crude phytocompounds and their effect on ethanol-induced haemolysis in human subjects. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some important active ingredients. In vitro studies showed that aqueous extracts of PEF and PSB possesses antioxidant as well reduced hemolytic activity on different subjects were found in the following order Smokers <62> alcoholic smokers <62> alcoholics. Our data shows that the active compounds present in PSW and PEF may offer protection against free radical mediated oxidative stress in RBC of humans with ethanol - induced haemolysis.

30 ref

013660   Ling S J;Oh D L;Chia A Y Y (School of Biosciences, Taylor's Univ, Lakeside Campus, Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Email: sukdv84@gmail.com) : Molecular docking studies of glycyrrhizic acid (GA), glycyrrhetic acid (GE) and glabridin (GLA) with estrogen receptors (ERs). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 1-11.

Treating post-menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy is associated with various health risks. Alternatively, licorice root is often used to relief post-menopausal symptoms in traditional medicine. The bioactive components of licorice root, such as GA, GE and GLA, have been previously studied in vitro for their estrogenic effects. In this study, they were subjected to molecular docking study to further acknowledge their estrogenicity. GA and GE showed positive binding energy in the molecular docking study, suggesting that they could not bind nor activate ERs. Intermolecular interaction analysis identified multiple sites of unfavorable steric bumps, indicating pentacyclic structure and methyl side groups of GA and GE were detrimental to formation of energy favorable positions in ligand binding cavity of ERs. On the other hand, GLA could be docked into the ligand binding cavity of ERs, though with comparatively higher binding energy to that of 17β-estradiol (E₂). It was observed that the rotatable 1,3-benzenediol of GLA is essential for GLA-ERs binding. Furthermore, oxidation of the methyl side groups of GLA might improve the binding affinity. In conclusion, GLA, not GA and GE, is a partial ERs agonist and could be further modified to design novel semi-synthetic post-menopausal drugs.

11 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

013659   Kusuma H S;Syahputra M E;Parasandi D;Altway A;Mahfud M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Instut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, 60111, Indonesia, Email: heriseptyakusuma@gmail.com) : Optimization of microwave hydrodistillation of dried patchouli leaves by response surface methodology. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(3), 861-5.

Deals with the optimization of patchouli oil yield in microwave hydrodistillation using response surface methodology (RSM). The factors considered were microwave power (A), feed to the solvent ratio (B) and extraction time (C). These parameters were varied at two levels. The conditions of optimum patchouli oil yield predicted were microwave power of 467.517 W, feed to solvent ratio of 0.432 g/Ml and extraction time of 152.122 min. These factors gave an optimum patchouli oil yield of 4.862%. The significant model terms are extraction time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that the model was significant as evidenced from R² of 0.9036 and the model F-value of 7.29. The patchouli oil yield predicted by the model was closed to the experimentally determined values (1.85<37 and 1.87% respectively); hence the model can be used for prediction of patchouli oil yield in essential oil extraction from dried patchouli leaves using microwave hydrodistillation method.

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

013658   Kuppusamy P;Soundharrajan I;Srigopalram S; Yusoff M M;Maniam G P;Govindan N;Choi K C (Cell biology Laboratory, Grassland and Forage Div, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Seonghwan-Eup, Cheonan-Si, Chungnam 330-801, Republic of Korea, Email: chojwh@korea.kr) : Potential pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of diatoms microalgae. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 663-7.

Naturally occurring two girdle band valves of diatoms are made up of siliceous material as covering the cell wall of the organism. The unicellular microalgae are coming under bacillariophyceae groups and identified more than 10,000 species. It found in various natural sources such as sea water, river, ponds and wastewater. Diatom is very small in size approximately 20-200 nm. The microalgae diatoms are used in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries due to the smaller in size and structure. Also, the nanoscale structures of diatom frustules are highly observed and using as a drug delivery material for therapeutic approaches. On other hand, diatom is one of the main sources of the food chain in the marine system. It is the photosynthetic organism which synthesis the required foods themselves by photosynthesis. Diatoms utilize the atmospheric CO₂ and releases oxygen through the biochemical process and maintain the atmospheric CO₂ level when the biological process occurred. In addition, the diatom microalgae contain the high amount of unsaturated fatty acids (50-60%), lipids, polysaccharides and other biomolecules which are used in the chronic and acute diseases treatments. In this review, we are mainly focused on the diatoms for therapeutic applications in - 96 - different pharmaceutical and biomedical arena.

1 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

013657   Krishnan S R S;Siril E A (Botany Dep, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thirvanathapuram-695 581, Email: saranyakrishansr@gmail.com) : Elicitor and precursor mediated anthraquinone production from cell suspension cultures od Oldenlandia umbellata L. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3649-57.

Enhanced production of anthraquinones from cell suspension cultures of Oldenlandia umbellata were established through elicitor or precursor treatment. Stock cell suspension cultures were developed in liquid MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM NAA using friable calli. Standardization experiments of suspension cultures revealed that 10 μM NAA added liquid MS medium was optimum for the growth and AQ accumulation from O. umbellata suspension cultures. 10 μM NAA produced 9.96 mg g -1dw AQ on 30th day of incubation. Later enhanced AQ production was achieved by the addition of elicitors or precursors into the standardized media on 25th day of incubation and AQ quantification was done after 5 days of incubation. Addition of elicitors or precursors resulted in a sudden increase in AQ content. 25 mg L-1 pectinadded suspension cultures produced 35.67 mg g-1dw AQ and precursor feeding with 50 mg L-1a-keto glutaric acid resulted in the accumulation of 42.63 mg g-1dw AQ. HPLC analysis of elicitor or precursor mediated suspension cultures revealed the presence of alizarin and purpurin in samples. The overall AQ production by the addition of elicitors or precursors showed an increment when compared to that of control (9.44 mg g-1dw AQ).

30 ref

013656   Kola S G;Selvam M M (Biotechnology Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Jeppiar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai-600 119, Email: masilamaniselvam@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of bioluminescent bacteria from marine organisms. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 797-801.

Squids, Deep sea shrimps and sea water were analysed for the presence of bioluminescent bacteria. Biochemical characterization of different - 95 - isolates and species identification was done using simple taxonomic key used for classification of marine bioluminescent bacteria. Plasmid curing technique was performed to confirm the presence of lux genes in chromosomal DNA and not plasmid DNA of these bioluminescent bacteria.

6 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

013655   Khan A M;Ameen M;Fatima N (Research Laboratory of Bioenergy (RLB), Chemistry Dep, Federal Urdu Univ of Arts, Science and Technology, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus, Road Univ, Karanchi-75300, Pakistan, Email: dr.abdulmajeedkhan@fuuast.edu.pk) : Production of green and renewable biodiesel from marine brown alga Sargassum tenerrimum. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 815-21.

The present research work demonstrates the production of biodiesel from the oily content of marine macroalga Sargassum tenerrimum via mechanical stirring and microwave irradiations. The algal oil as well as direct algal biomas were subjected to methanolysis and ethanolysis using Na metal, NaOH and H₂SO₄ as catalysts. Mechanical stirring was found to be relatively slow but more feasible method for transesterification while microwave irradiation was observed to be too fast method with certain limitations like vigorous bumping that would be uncontrolable on large scale. Na metal was the most reactive catalyst that produced FAME (82%) and FAEE (80%) by mechanical stirring at room temperature whereas it produced FAME (88%) and FAEE (85%) by microwave heating within 1-5 minutes. Na metal was found to be very reactive, NaOH was the moderate while H₂SO₄ was the slowest catalyst for transesterification. Methanol was found to be more reactive due to its smaller size as compared to ethanol. Algal oil produced significant amount of biodiesel as compared to the algal biomass due to maximum interaction of reactants with oil. Biodiesel production was confirmed by TLC examination and by comparing the fuel properties of biodiesel with the ASTM standard limits of biodiesel.

5 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

013654   Kazemi M J;Kargar M;Nowroozi J;Sepahi A A; Doosti A;Manafi Z (Microbiology Dep, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, IR Iran, Email: biolongco@yahoo.com) : Optimization and comparison of different procedures of preparation GELRITE and starch as solidifying agents for culturing indigenous thermoacidophilc miocroorganisms and how to keep them at the temperature of 70°C. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 63-68.

One of the problems with thermoacidophilic microorganisms is purifying them through solid media and that's why purifying them in most cases has been done using serial dilution. Basal salts and solidification agents used in media have an important role in growing microorganisms. The purpose of this study was preparing the solidified medium with GELRITE and Starch for isolating and purifying indigenous thermoacidophilic microorganisms from - 94 - Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex in Iran. We used various methods in this study to prepare and optimize GELRITE medium for thermoacidophilic microorganisms. The best method is as follows: GELRITE was separately dissolved in 40 ml of distilled water. The bottle of GELRITE was placed on magnetic stirrer at 90°C and a magnet was placed in it to stir. The magnet was agitated at 520 rpm for 40 minutes to cause the solution appear dispersed, homogeneous and clear. Various methods were also applied to prepare starch as a solidification factor to culture this group of microorganisms which none succeeded. GELRITE was clear after preparing, and after one month a lot of tiny colonies were observed on GELRITE plates. The first colonies appeared during the first week. When the colonies were removed using a loop -since the colonies were so tiny- the solidified medium was removed, too. Industrializing the thermophilic microorganisms has always encountered difficulties due to culturing insufficiencies and hardness. A confident method for culturing thermoacidophilic microorganisms on a solidified medium with GELRITE and how to keep the plates at the temperature of 70°C is introduced in this study. This method allows both preparing the solid medium for culturing thermoacidophilic microorganisms and keeping it for a long time (1 month or more) at 70°C or even higher.

4 illus, 20 ref

013653   Kaur H;Bose S K;Vadekeetil A;Geeta;Harjai K; Richa (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of flowers of Achillea filipendulina. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2017, 9(4), 182-6.

Achillea filipendulina is an aromatic plant of family Asteraceae with bright yellow colour flowers. The objective of the study was to extract the essential oil from the flowers of the selected plant using Clevenger apparatus, to analyse the chemical composition of the oil using GC-MS and to screen the essential oil for its antibacterial property against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. GC-MS results revealed that the main chemical constituents present in the oil were trans 2,7 Dimethyl 4,6 octadien-2-ol (27.93%), borneol (21.44%) and santolina triene (7.13%). The results of agar well diffusion assay revealed that the oil showed antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oil was determined against the sensitive bacteria. MIC values against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were similar (0.312% v/v) and for Bacillus cereus, MIC value was found to be (0.156%). Results indicated the great antibacterial potential of oil of this plant against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

1 illus, 3 table, 36 ref

013652   Kalia P;Kumar N R;Harjai K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: preeti.kalia84@gmail.com) : Efficacy of different extracts of propolis against Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium: In vitro in vivo study. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(1), 144-9.

The study focussed on the antibacterial and antioxidative effect of honey bee propolis on typhoid causing bacteria i.e. Salmonella. Water, ethanol, - 93 - methanol were used as solvents for making of extracts. Both Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were calculated for all the three extracts. MIC of ethanolic extract of propolis was 160 mg/ml. It was 200 mg/ml for methanolic and 220mg/ml for wa-ter extracts respectively. Moreover, time kill analysis results confirmed that there was a significant reduction (p<60>0.05) in log count of bacteria when treated with ethanolic extraxt of propolis (3.98±0.15 log cfu/mL) and methanolic (4.66±0.05log cfu/mL) extract of propolis as compared to Salmonella control (7.72±0.03 log cfu/mL) in in vitro experiments. For the in vivo studies, BALB/c mice was used as an murine model of typhoid. Levels of different liver marker enzymes and antioxidants like Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) were observed in infected and all the treated groups. By comparing the results, it was concluded that ethanolic extract of propolis showed maximum antimicrobial activity as compare to the rest two. So the results of present study encourages the potential of ethanolic extract of propolis as an alternative treatment for typhoid and its use in combination with standard antibiotics can also be explored.

2 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

013651   Johar V;Kajla S;Dhillon R S;Bhatia P (Forestry Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: rsdhillon67@gmail.com) : Evaluation of genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in Melia dubia Cav.. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 76-83.

Random amplied polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in populations of Melia dubia Cav. syn. M. composita Willd. (Family: Meliaceae) (Burma dek) from different agroclimatic regions of India. Of the 38 decamer primers used, 13 yielded polymorphic banding patterns. In total, 105 different bands were reproducibly obatined, of which 69 (65.7%) were polymorphic. The polymorphisms were scored and used in band-sharing analysis to identify genetic relationships. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 24 populations into two major groups. Similarity indices ranged from 0.80 to 0.91, indicating that Burma dek germplasm within India constitutes considerably narrow genetic base.

4 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

013650   Jangra M R;Batra R;Ikbal;Jain A;Ahlawat R; Sikka V K (Molecular Biology Dep, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Hisar-125 004, Email: jangra.mukesh02@gmail.com ) : Statistical media optimization studies for growth and polydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by Pseudomonas spp.. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1278-85.

Using glucose as carbon source and mustard cake and yeast extract as nitrogen sources bacterial isolate Pseudomonas B2 exhibited a maximum PHB recovery of 0.620 (in terms of O.D.) and PHB weight of 0.27g/L in 96 h. To determine the possibility of growth potential of Pseudomonas spp., it was grown in different carbon sources like fructose, glucose, maltose, mannitol etc. and it was found that glucose yielded good growth and PHB produc-tion. In order to incorporate cost effective nitrogen and carbon source, mustard cake and cotton cake as nitrogen source and molasses as carbon were used in medium. Statistical media optimization design was used to optimize the culture conditions for maximizing the PHB production. A maximum of 0.37 g/L of PHB and 0.746 (O.D.) PHB recoveries were obtained using optimized concentrations. Batch kinetics can be used for model development, which will make possible simulation of nutrient limited cultivation(s) for over accumulation of PHB. FTIR studies confirmed the presence of PHB.

7 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

013649   Hashim F J;Hussain S M;Shawkat M S (Biotechnology Dep, College of Science, Baghdad Univ, Baghdad, Iraq, Email: farah_bio_2020@yahoo.com) : Separation, characterization and anticoagulant activity of coumarin and its derivatives extracted from Melilotus officinalis. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 13-23.

Coumarin is a phenolic natural product extracted from yellow clover Melilotus officinalis by maceration in ethanol solvent. Crude extract was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography then divided into two portions, first one characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and investigated for anticoagulation activity by prothrombin time (PT) while the second portion subjected for fractionation using column chromatography (CG) and fractions were characterized by FTIR, each fraction was detected as anticoagulant agent. As results, coumarin crude extract eluted with retention time (7.6 min.) as - 92 - standard coumarin by HPLC, molecular spectrums of fractions obtained by column chromatography were measured using FTIR. Anticoagulation activity of crude extract results were dose dependent pattern. We concluded that M. officinalis is a good source for coumarin and coumarin derivatives as shown in (HPLC) analysis while using column chromatography (CG) and (FTIR) considered as valuable techniques for separation and characterization.

12 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

013648   Harsha;Meena J K;Bhajan R;Pant U;Talha M (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar-260 314, Email: harshrewasia325@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity using DNA markers among Brassica ropa var. yellow sarson germplasm lines collected from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand hills. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1333-40.

The genetic diversity and the relatedness among thirty-one germplasm lines of yellow sarson collected from eastern UP were evaluated using morphological characters and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Molecular parameters viz. A total number of bands, average polymorphic band, average percent polymor-phism, average polymorphic information content (PIC), Jaccard's similarity coefficient, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) and dendrogram generated using RAPD markers. A total of 148 different polymorphic amplification products were obtained using 10 selected decamer primers. The Jaccard similarity coefficient ranged from 0.557-0.899. Maxi-mum polymorphism detected was 100%.The range of amplification was from 190bp to 9 kb. Some unique bands were also reported with different primers that can be used for the identification of particular accession. PYSC-11-11 and PYSC-11-36 genotypes showed a maximum number of unique loci of different size. 31 germplasm lines grouped into two major clusters I and II based on RAPD profiling. Morphological characterization was done on the basis of leaf, petal and beak characteristics. The similarity value among the germplasm lines ranged from 0.222 to 1.000 using morphological descriptors. The dendrogram generated grouped the germplasm accession into two ma-jor groups at 44% similarity value. The cluster analysis was comparable up to some extent with Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) of two and three-dimensional plots. The variability revealed by morphological and molecular profile were found to be non-comparable. This study indicated the presence of high genetic diversity among collected yel-low sarson germplasm, which could be used for developing for breeding and germplasm management purposes.

8 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

013647   Harikrishna P;Bhure S K;Shende A M;Nagaleekar V K;Singh P;Pawde A M (Animal Biochemistry Dep, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: sdbhure@rediffmail.com) : Expression of canine relaxin precursor protein in Pichia pastoris host: a possible tool for early pregnancy diagnosis. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 44-9.

In canines, a physical examination and ultrasound technique remain the most common methods of pregnancy diagnosis. The rapid detection of pregnancy is important in canines. There are several reports of peptide hormone relaxin to be exclusively produced in pregnant bitches and not by non-pregnant or pseudo pregnant bitches. We present here the expression of canine relaxin in Pichia pastoris GS 115 host. The cDNA prepared using canine placental total RNA was used to amplify 432 bp relaxin gene, which was subsequently cloned in pPICZ-alphaA vector and followed by transformation into Pichia pastoris GS 115 strain by electroporation. The zeocin resistant recombinant clones were confirmed by colony PCR and sequencing. One of the positive clones was selected for protein expression in culture medium. The supernatant was taken and precipitated using 20% TCA in acetone. The recombinant relaxin precursor protein showed a mol wt of 24 kDa, which is higher than the expected 19 kDa and that could be - 91 - due to glycosylation in the Pichia pastoris. The 24 kDa recombinant protein was detected up to 48 h of post-induction. This is the first report describing the expression of recombinant canine relaxin in Pichia pastoris. The polyclonal antiserum against canine relaxin would be useful for detection of pregnancy in bitches and also assessing the prognosis of canine mammary tumors.

5 illus, 22 ref

013646   Haridas N;Sreekumar S;Buju C K (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Puthenthope, Thiruvanathapuram-695 586, Email: drseekumar@rediffmail.com) : In silico validation of anti-tuberculosis activity in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.F) nees. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2017, 9(4), 201-9.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although drugs are available for its treatment, administrations of those drugs have so many limitations and emergence of drug resistant strains of bacteria necessitate for the discovery of novel drugs. Plants are the best source of novel drugs and they are safe to use. Andrographis paniculata has been used in the Indian traditional medicine against tuberculosis, however, its efficacy was not tested and chemical molecules having the drug property are not identified. In the present investigation a total 140 chemical molecules derived from A. paniculata, 114 compounds collected from databases and 26 compounds determined through GC-MS analysis, were docked with three target proteins such as filamentous temperature sensitive protein Z (FtsZ), decaprenyl phosphoryl-beta D ribofuranose 2 epimerase (DprE1) and pantothenate kinase (PanK) and based on the lowest binding energy (.-5kcal/mol) hit molecules were identified. Further hydrogen bond interaction and drug-likeness property analysis revealed that the compound β-sitosterol have inhibitory activity against FtsZ and DprE1. The compound 3,14 dideoxyandrographolide/andrograpanin showed least binding energy with PanK protein. The toxicity and drug-likeness property analysis indicated that among the hit molecules β-sitosterol is a promising lead molecule for the development of anti-tuberculosis drug. The results also substantiate the traditional use of this plant against tuberculosis.

3 illus, 4 table, 30 ref

013645   Gupta V;Rakesh Kumar;Chaudhary D;Yadav N (Textile and Apparel Designing Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vandana.g3129@gmail.com) : In-vitro analysis of potential antibacterial activity of three medicinal plants. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(3), 1497-1500.

The present study was aimed to examine and compare the antibacterial activity of hot methanolic extract of medicinal plants viz. Portulaca oleracea (purslane), Syzygium cumini (L.) (jamun), Psidium guajava (L.) (guava). Antibacterial activity was carried by using agar well diffusion method, against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Results indicated that all the three plant extracts possess antibacterial property against Gram-positive bacteria and no activity was found against Gram-negative bacteria. Moderate zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was exhibited by S. cumini (L.) (11mm and 12mm) and P. guajava (L.) (10mm and 11mm) and weak zone of inhibition was exhibited by P. oleracea (5 mm and 6mm). In conclusion, S. cumini - 90 - (L.) and P. guajava (L.) possess better capabilities of being a good candidate in search for natural antibacterial agent against infections and diseases causing Gram-positive bacteria as compared to P. oleracea.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

013644   Gupta S;Singh S V;Bhatia A K (Biotechnology, Microbiology and Immunology Dep, GLA University, Mathura-281 406, Email: shoorvir_singh@rediffmail.com) : Revisited immune reactivity between native semi-purified protoplasmic (caprine) versus commercial purified protoplasmic (bovine) antigens for the screening of goat herds endemic for Johne's disease. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 22-9.

Present study compared the immune-reactivity of 3 antigens of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) sourced from different geographical regions and livestock species for the diagnosis of Johne's disease (JD) in goats. Screening of 360 faecal and serum samples of goats by microscopy, i-ELISA, b-ELISA and r-ELISA gave 56.9, 40.0, 34.4 and 5.2% positive samples, respectively. Considering all the 4 tests (microscopy; i-ELISA, b-ELISA & r-ELISA kits), 3.0 and 35.2% goats were found common positive and negative, respectively. Of 3 ELISA tests, i-ELISA had the highest sensitivity, followed by b-ELISA and r-ELISA kit. 'i-ELISA based on 'indigenous antigen' recovered from native ('Indian Bison Type') MAP strain of goat origin had superior immune reactivity as compared to imported commercial PPAs (protoplasmic antigens) of bovine origin (b-ELISA from Allied Monitor Inc., USA) and commercial ELISA kit for ruminant species (ID Vet, France). Lower immune-reactivity of commercial antigens as compared to 'indigenous antigen' indicated that search for universally acceptable 'ELISA kit' is not practically possible.

1 illus, 7 tables, 34 ref

013643   Guha A P;Khan S;Zari S R (Agriculture and Food Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: amareshb142@gmail.com) : Comparative study of microwave assisted hydro-distillation with conventional hydro-distillation for extraction of essential oil from Piper betle L.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 401-7.

Microwave assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) is a new technique utilizing a modified microwave oven with Clevenger apparatus in the extraction process. MAHD was carried out to study its effect on extraction process at different power levels and leaf to water ratio. The MAHD extraction method was compared with conventional hydro-distillation (CHD) for extraction of essential oil (EO) from betel leaf (Piper betle L.) in terms of extraction yield, extraction time, energy requirement and quality of essential oil - 89 - obtained. The extraction yield was generally improved by increasing microwave power level and also by increasing leaf to water ratio. The main components found by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were same for the oil extracted from both MAHD and CHD. There is no significant difference in the results obtained from physical properties and radical scavenging activity evaluation. MAHD was found to be more energy efficient and required less extraction time (50 minutes as compared to 210 minutes in CHD) without adversely affecting the quality of essential oil. The results obtained in this study encouraged the application of MAHD method for extraction of the essential oil. Therefore, it can be used as a good alternative method to obtain essential oils from betel leaf.

5 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

013642   Ghani A E A;Dora G A;Hassan W H B;Abdallah R H;Salam E A E (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig Univ, Zagazig, Egypt, Email: wafbadr@yahoo.com) : New saponins from Albizia lebbeck (L) Benth flowers. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(9), 3617-32.

Two new oleanane triterpene type saponins named lebbeckanin I (1) and lebbeckanin II (2), in addition to a new isomer of methyl inositol, D-1-O-methyl-cis-inositol (3), were isolated from butanol fraction of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth flowers. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including MS, 1H & 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC & HMBC. The fraction containing mixture of compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HePG-2 (Hepatocarcinoma), HEP-2 (Larynx carcinoma), HELA (Cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (Breast carcinoma) and HCT-116 (Colon carcinoma) cell lines with LD50 values of 1.74, 3.42, 4.29, 0.65 and 0.74 μg respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial screening of the same fraction was evaluated and showed variable degrees of activity against all the tested organisms. It is notable that the same fraction showed antifungal activity against Syncephalastrum racemosum (RCBM 05922) stronger than that exhibited by Amphotericin B.

23 ref

013641   Gaur A;Srivastava D K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173 230, Email: dksuhf89@gmail.com) : Effect of thidiazuron on in vitro regeneration potential of colyledon and hypocotyl explants of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis). Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 126-32.

Plant regeneration studies were carried out with cotyledon and hypocotyl explants on four different combinations and concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ), i.e., TDZ, TDZ+IAA (indone acetic acid), TDZ+NAA (naphthelene acetic acid) and TDZ+adenine, in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis cv. Pusa Snowball K 1). Among the forty combinations tried, the maximum percent shoot regeneration was observed in hypocotyl explants (96%) on MS medium supplement with 0.44 mg/L TDZ+0.08 mg/L IAA; whereas in case of cotyledon explants, only 64% shoot regeneration was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 0.77 mg/L TDZ+79.7 mg/L adenine. For root regeneration, the in vitro regenerated shoots were cultured on MS medium containing different concentration of IBA. The regenerated plantlets were transferred to the pots containing cocopeat and acclimatized. Thus, an efficient and reproducible plant regeneration protocol has been standardized in cauliflower cv. Pusa Showball K 1.

1 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

013640   Fan R;Zhao J;Du Y;Zhao W;Guo W;Yang J;Chen X (National and Local United Engineering Laboratory and Chinese Herbal Me, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, P R China, Email: chenxiajlu@163.com) : Biodiesel production from Fructus schisandrae seed oil. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 114-18.

In the present study, authors used Fructus Schisandrae as a raw material to produce biodiesel. The seed oil yield of Fructus Schisandrae was founr to be 41.926±0.206%. In the seed oil, major fatty acids were linoleic acid (75.21%) and oleic acid (16.32%). For biodiesel transesterification, authors found that immobilized lipase-base catalyzed transestrification using methanol and tert-butanol was the optimal method. In this method, the yield of biodiesel could reach 89.140±270%. Main components of the produced biodiesel were methyl palmitate, methyl oleate and methyl linoleate; methyl linoleate was the most abudant one. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel met all the standards of biodiesel and the key technical indicators exceeded that of the number zero diesel oil. Our findings not only turn the excessive waste into raw materials for biodiesel, but also have broad application prospects in development of clean energy.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

013639   Dhanavathy G;Jayakumar S (Biotechnology Dep, School of Bioengineering, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, Email: dhanavathy.g@ktr.srmuniv.ac.in) : Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of swertiamarin a lead compound isolated from Enicostemma littorale Blume in wistar rats. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 381-90.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease caused by inherited or acquired deficiency in insulin secretion and/or by decreased responsiveness of the organs to insulin, is currently one of the most costly and burdensome diseases and affects about 5% of the global population with diabetic complications. Traditional herbal medicine has been widely used for disease treatment and is recognized as an interesting alternative to conventional medicine. Even natural herbal drugs are toxic above a certain concentration and hence it is essential to find out the effective concentration of the drug. Hence the amount of this swertiamarin to be administered in diabetic rats is an important factor in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Thus the assessment of effective dosage of the drug for fixing the dose is the most essential step in deciding the optimum activity of the drug. Inorder to achieve the optimum dosage, acute and subchronic toxicity studies of swertiamarin in Wistar rats was performed.

5 illus, 50 ref

013638   Desu P K;Rao P V;Gayathri D;Sagarika P; Prasanth N;Dilleswari K (Pharamaceutics Dep, Sri Sivani College of Pharmacy, Chilakapalem jn, Srikakulam-532 402) : Formulation and evaluation of rapid dissolving films of zolmitriptan by using natural polymer. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2016, 5(3), 39-48.

The study was aimed to formulate and evaluate rapidly dissolving films of Zolmitriptan by using naturally extracted banana powder which is act as a natural super disintegrant and Hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose is used as film forming agent. Zolmitriptan is a 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D antagonist which is an antimigraine. Rapid dissolving films are meant to be dissolved in saliva and remain in oral cavity until swallowed. The films are prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized by UV, FTIR studies. The suitable plasticizer and its concentration were selected on the basis of flexibility, tensile strength and stickiness of the film. In the present study propylene glycol was used as plasticizer. Films were evaluated for drug content and the drug loading capacity - 87 - was found to be 99.6% per²cm². The dissolution profile, disintegrating time and folding endurance were found to be satisfactory. Thermal stability of the film and drug-excipient interactions was investigated by FT-IR, results show that there is no interaction between drug and excipients used. Further, the optimized films were evaluated and it was found that the films disintegrate within 1 min. Hence it is concluded that zolmitriptan rapid dissolving films by using natural polymer are successfully developed and evaluated.

1 illus, 4 table, 8 ref