003296   Prasad M;Vasistha H B;Kotiyal P B (Forest Ecology and Environment Div, Forest Soil and Land Reclamation Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006) : Soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in forest ecosystem of Mussorie hills of Western Himalaya: A comparison between natural oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forest and Cupressus torulosa plantation in a restored site. e-J appl For Ecol 2016, 4(1), 41-6.

Natural forest of Oak (Quercus. leucotrichophora) and Cupressus torulosa plantation are two stands selected for study. The study was conducted to determine how natural forest and Cupressus torulosa plantation at restored site would differ in soil microbial biomass and soil organic carbon. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), soil organic carbon (SOC) at 0 to 30 cm soil layers were investigated by making chemical and biological measurements in the stands of natural forest of Oak and plantation of Cupressus torulosa at restored site. Both MBC and MBN have significantly different in the two types of vegetation stands. Moreover the value of MBC and MBN followed a similar pattern during the different seasons, having peak value during summer. Our results indicate that Oak natural forest is better sustaining soil microbial biomass and organic carbon than the Cupressus torulosa plantation in the temperate forest of western Himalaya.

003295   Phukan S;Ahmed A (Pharmacology Dep, Gauhati Medical College and Hospitasl, Guwahati-781 032, Email: swapnaphukan@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the antimicrobial, analgesic and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Averrhoa carambola. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1716-23.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial, analgesic and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Averrhoa Carambola. To test the antimicrobial activity the organisms used were S. aureus, Klebsiella sp, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, C. albicans. Zone of inhibitions produced by sensitive organisms were demarcated by a circular area of clearing around plant extract impregnated discs and were compared with zone of inhibitions of positive controls. Analgesic activity was tested by two methods: acetic acid induced writhing test and Eddy's hot plate mediated pain reaction. The animals were divided into 5 groups: Group I (Normal control), Group II (Standard drug), Group III, IV, V (Etahnolic extract of A.carrambola in the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg respectively). To test the antioxidant activity, the mice were divided into 6 groups containing. Paracetamol in the dose of 250mg/kg p.o was administered to all the groups except the first group, which was taken as the normal control, for 10 days to induce oxidative stress. Silymarin in the dose of 25mg/kg p.o was given to the third group as a standard antioxidant. Group IV, V and VI received extract in the dose of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg respectively. Mean±SEM values were calculated for each group. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post analysis was done by Dunnett's test. Results were found to be significant (p<60>0.05). The results of the present study revealed the antimicrobial, analgesic and antioxidant activity of the leaf ethanolic extract of A. carrambola.

15 ref

003294   Ngobisa A I C N;Ntsomboh Ntsfong G;Yun W M; Dzarifah M Z;Ndongo P A O (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Univ Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: boulnyaka@yahoo.com) : Transcriptional expression of three putative pathogenesis-related proteins in leaves of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) inoculated with Neofusicoccum ribis. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(2), 11-5.

Pathogenesis related-proteins (PR-proteins) and enzymes are important tools for understanding the molecular markers of plant response to external factors. In this study, semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was optimized to detect the expressions of two PR-proteins and one enzyme extracted from the leaf RNA of two rubber clones (PB 350 and RRIM 2002) at four-period intervals. The expression patterns of enzymes β-1,3-glucanase (Glu), chitinase (Chit), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) in the leaf tissues of the clones RRIM 2002 and PB 350 to Neofusicoccum ribis were expressed by up and down regulations and varied with time. The trial inoculation indicated that the gene expressions were significantly higher in tolerant clones (RRIM 2002) than in the susceptible clones (PB 350). Gene expression analysis of the biomarkers revealed that the earlier detection markers in infections occurred within 5-10 days post infection and showed significant correlation with disease development, ranging from 1.67-3% in the RRIM 2002 clone and approximately 8.33% in the PB 350 clone. This is the first study on the infection and up-regulation of gene expression in rubber leaves infected with N. ribis. This study showed the importance of exploring the SK10 isolate as an indicator of infection ability and positive fungal-host interaction.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

003293   Narendr Kumar;Ram M R;Mohammad R (Biotechnology Dep, Mohan Lai Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Rajasthan) : Developmenta and validation of stability indicating RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of aloin and aloe-emodin. Adv appl Res 2016, 8(1), 34-8.

Aloe vera (Liliaceae) extracts, aloin and aloe emodin were simultaneous analysed by the development and validation of a sensitive precise and stability indicating HPLC method. Reversed phase chromatography was performed on a Cl 8 column with methanol-water, 1: 1 (%, v/v), as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min^{-1. Detection was performed on fluorescence detector at existing wave length (410 nm) and emitting wave length (510 nm). Sharp peaks were obtained for aloin and aloe emodin at a retention time of 7.5 ± 0.04 min and 21.3 ± 0.15 min, respectively. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship between response and concentration in the range 0.25 |ig mL-1 to 1.1 |ig mL-1 for both aloe emodin and aloin. The regression coefficient for aloe emodin and aloin were 0.9996 and 0.9909, respectively. The detection (Limit of detection - LOD) and quantification (Limit of quantification - LOQ) limits for aloe emodin and aloin were 0.2 |ig mL-1 and 0.25 |ig mL-1, respectively. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines for accuracy, precision, reproducibility, specificity, robustness, limits of detection and quantification. Statistical analysis proved the method was precise, reproducible, selective, specific and accurate for the analysis of aloin and aloe emodin. The wide linearity range, sensitivity, accuracy short retention time and simple mobile phase implied that the method showed high precision and accuracy and suitable for routine quantification of aloin and aloe emodin.}

003292   Naha B C;Prasad A;Sailo L;Chaudhary R;Om Prakash (Animal Genetics Div, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Email: binoychandranaha@gmail.com ) : Concept of genome wide association studies and its progress in livestock. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(1), 39-42.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have a powerful strategy to detect the genetic contributors to complex traits in livestock. GWAS are based on discovery of new genetic variants that effect a phenotype of animal. For GWAS, we consider ethical considerations, study design, selection of phenotype of animal, power considerations, sample tracking, storage issues and genotyping product selection. During execution of GWAS, important steps involves DNA quantity and preparation, genotyping methods, quality control checks of genotype data, imputation, tests of association and replication of association signals. The field of animal genetics can help guide an investigator in making practical and methodological choices that will help to determine the overall quality of GWAS results. GWAS is helpful to be aware of these aspects to maximize the likelihood of success, mainly where there is an opportunity for implementing them prospectively in livestock.

41 ref

003291   Meti S K;Sidram B Y (Agricultural Extension education Dep, College of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur-584 104) : Knowledge and perception of farmers about laser land levelling technology. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(1), 134-8.

The present study was conducted purposively in Raichur (Sindhnur), Koppal (Gangavathi), Gulbarga and Bellary districts of Karnataka state during 2013-2014. List of farmers who have adopted the laser land levelling technology was obtained from the farm power and machinery department of College of Agricultural Engineering, Raichur and all the farmers who adopted laser land levelling technology were contacted personally. The data was collected from the respondents using structured pretested interview schedule and was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The results of the study revealed that, majority (72.88%) of the farmers belonged medium knowledge category with respect to laser land levelling technology. With regard to individual aspects of laser land levelling technology, majority of the respondents were having full knowledge regarding labour saving in sowing and harvesting and knowledge about various advantages of the technology on crop cultivation followed by preliminary land preparation operations required before using the technology for proper levelling and knowledge regarding reduction in cost of cultivation and suitability of the technology to the dry land farmers for proper rain water use). Majority (86.44%) of the respondents correctly perceived Laser leveling facilitates various field operations efficiently like use of cone weeder etc. Majority of the respondents expressed that, laser land levelling technology helps in saving of 2-3 irrigation water and less water is required for irrigating for more area as the major advantage. High cost of the equipment which cannot be maintained by small farmers and technology is not suitable for small land holdings were the major constraints experienced by the majority of the respondents. Majority (86.44%) of the respondents expressed that laser land levelling increases cultivable area due to removal of bunds. Hence administrators, policymakers and extension agencies involved in agricultural extension services should take necessary action to provide subsidy on laser land leveller and create awareness among the farming community through intensive extension educational activities for adoption of laser land levelling technology.

3 ref

003290   Mandvikar A;Hande S V;Yeole P;Goswami K;Reddy M V R (Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Borgaon (M), Wardha-442 001, Email: goswamikln@gmail.com) : Therapeutic potential of novel heterocyclic thiazolidine compounds against human lymphatic filarial parasite: An in vitro study. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1480-92.

Following World Health Organization tropical disease research mandate, there is definitive need for search of new lead molecules for development of drug against human lymphatic filariasis. Thiazolidineone derivatives has shown versatile therapeutic potential. The present study has been undertaken to explore the possible antifilarial effect of such synthetic compounds against filarial parasite, Brugia malayi. A series of 12 thiazolidineone derivatives, following synthesis and characterization, were screened for antifilarial potential in vitro against microfilarial stage of Brugia malayi; those showed significant effect were tested against adult parasites also. The pharmacological response in terms of loss of parasitic motility was assessed under microscope. Further dose dependent response and potential lethality onto host cells for such effective drugs were carried out. Out of the tested compounds, four such compounds showed significant activity and those were tested against the adult worms; one of these compounds showed marked effect. The corresponding IC₅₀ and LD₅₀ values were deduced for each of these four effective compounds. Most of them showed a good therapeutic index. Since the standard drug Diethyl Carbamazine Citrate is largely dependent on the host innate immune response and also not effective as microfilaricidal, hence the observed result with that thiazolidineone compounds have definitive potential for being considered as important therapeutic lead molecules against both microfilarial as well as the adult stage of the parasite.

27 ref

003289   Mahamat O;Christopher T;Odette K M;Albert K (Biological Sciences Dep Faculty of Sciences, Univ of Bamenda, Cameroon, Email: oumar.mahamat@yahoo.fr) : Evaluation of mixtures of aqueous extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi and Boswellia dalzeilii as interacting products in regulation of phagocytosis and lymphocytes proliferation. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1406-12.

The current study aimed to test the effect of the aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzeilii and Pseudecedrela kotschyi using three different mixing ratios (B. dalzeilii:P. kotschyi) 3:1, 2:2, and 1:3. The assays concerned the study of the interactions in the modulation of phagocytic index, nitric oxide production, lysosomal enzymes and myeloperoxydase activity in macrophages and regulation of lymphocytes proliferation. The study results showed that the extracts of these plants exhibited antagonistic effects in the phagocytic index and production of NO while they produced synergetic effects in the stimulation of MPO-dependent activity and lymphocytes proliferation. Antagonistic effects were produced in the ratios 3:1 and 2:2 and synergetic properties in the ratios 1:3 for the stimulation of the activities of the lysosomal enzymes. These results look quite interesting and important and merit further investigations to support the present findings.

20 ref

003288   Lapig J D S;Arellano R N;Bautista L M A; Santiago C D;Montemayor S S (School of Pharmacy, Centro Escolar Univ, 9 Mendiola St., San Miguel, Manila, Philippines) : Physicochemical characterization of Jatropha curcas L. seed oil from Bulacan, Philippines. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2016, 6(3), 604-7.

Seeds of Jatropha curcas L. collected from the locality of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Philippines were utilized in the study. The oil was extracted using n-hexane by Soxhlet apparatus and physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition were determined using standard methods. The physicochemical characteristics showed: oil yield 45.07%, refractive index 1.4651, acid value 31.5, saponification value 195.7, and iodine value 92. Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) analysis of J. curcas L. seed oil indicated the presence of palmitic acid (13.5%), stearic acid (6.9%), oleic acid (51.8%), linoleic acid (26.6%) and linolenic acid (0.2%). Due to its high percentage yield and of good quality as determined by its physicochemical properties, J. curcas L. seed can be a sustainable source of oil for agricultural, industrial and medicinal uses.

3 tables, 21 ref

003287   Laila O;Murtaza I;Abdin M Z;Showkat S (Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Lab, SKUAST-K, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-191 121, Email: imz_murtaza@hotmail.com) : Germination of fenugreek seeds improves hypoglycaemic effects and normalizes insulin signilling pathway efficiently in diabetes. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1535-46.

Recent reports show that germination process increases the hypoglycemic activity of seeds many fold, and can act in a better way for diabetes management. Despite large use of fenugreek seeds than any part of the plant for the treatment of broad range of maladies including diabetes, the anti-diabetic effects of germinated seeds have not been assessed. In the present study, the effect of 21 days oral administration of germinated fenugreek seed extracts (100mg/kg bw, 200mg/kg bw, and 300mg/kg bw) on various biochemical markers like blood, glucose, blood insulin, hepatic glycogen content and key molecular markers of insulin signalling pathway in STZ-induced diabetic rats were assessed. Compared to its respective seed extract, the aqueous sprout extracts from IL8 seed genotype showed significantly higher hypoglycemic activity against the diabetic state and the best dose was established to be 300mg/kg bw. The antidiabetic effect of sprout extracts were quite comparable to standard antidiabetic drug, Voglibiose (1mg/kg bw). The germinated seed extract normalised significantly, various dysregulated biochemical and molecular markers of insulin signalling pathway than their seeds including Akt2 and GSK-3β and GS in the diabetic rats within 21 days of experimental period. To best of our knowledge, we report for the first time that germination of fenugreek seeds increases their antdiabetic activity many fold than their respective seeds. We also demonstrated a mechanistic rationale of germinated fenugreek seeds to be used alone or as an adjuvant to current therapies for better management of diabetes.

31 ref

003286   Kyei F;Asante D;Edekor A M;Sarpong E;Gavor E; Konja D (College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Cape Coast, Ghana, Email: fkyei@ucc.edu.gh) : Down-regulation of Id1 and Id3 genes affects growth and survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(2), 23-9.

Inhibitors of DNA (Id) proteins have been implicated in cell growth, cell cycle control, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Studies reveal that Id1 and Id3 may be required for angiogenesis in adult tissues. This work aimed at investigating the consequences of loss-of-function of Id protein on growth and apoptosis in an in vitro model using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Using automated image analysis software (CellProfiler Analyst), cell cycle profiles of cell populations following siRNA down-regulation of Id proteins were investigated. Also, cell viability analysis with 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was evaluated. The study also employed flow cytometry using mitochondrial membrane-potential marker (3, 3'-Dihexyloxacarbocyanine Iodide) (DiOC6) and Propidium Iodide (PI) as a marker of non-viable necrotic cells. Down-regulation of Id1 and Id3 reduced viable HUVECs populations. In addition, knock down of Id1 and Id3 showed cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, cell death analysis following the silencing of Id1 and Id3 induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that the inhibition of Id1 and Id3 may impair endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis and may also provide an attractive target for the development of new therapies for angiogenic disorders.

5 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

003285   Kumar D;Dhiman S;Rabha B;Goswami D;Yadav K; Deka M;Veer V;Baruah I (Medical Entomology Div, Defence Research Lab, Tezpur, Guwahati, Assam, Email: sunildhiman81@gmail.com) : Typing of Plasmodium falciparum DNA from 2 years old Giemsa-stained dried blood spots using nested polymerase chain reaction assay. Indian J med Microbiol 2016, 34(2), 210-12.

A panel of 129 Giemsa-stained thick blood spots (TBS) confirmed for Plasmodium falciparum infection having different levels of parasite density were collected from a malaria endemic area. DNA was extracted and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to amplify P. falciparum DNA. Nested PCR assay successfully amplified P. falciparum DNA at a very low parasitaemia of-10 parasites/μl of blood. Current PCR assay is very simple and can be used retrospectively to monitor the invasion and prevalence of different Plasmodium species in endemic areas.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

003284   Krishnamoorthy R;Ramaswamy M (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Vinayaga College of Arts and Science, Ulundurpet-606 107, Email: jasmine2546@gmail.com) : Anticancer activity of an ethanol extract of Coleus forskohlii root against gastric cancer cells in-vitro. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1603-11.

Coleus forskohlii is an Indian medicinal plant it treat various diseases of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of an ethanol extract of Coleus forskohlii against gastric cancer in AGS cancer cell lines. Gastric carcinoma cells were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity, Ao/EtBr staining for apoptotic cells, apoptotic DNA fragmentation in response to Coleus forskohlii extract. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase-3 were analyzed through Western blotting. Treatment with Coleus forskohlii extract inhibited AGS cell proliferation dose and time dependently. Cells exposed to Coleus forskohlii extract showed typical hallmarks of apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, Coleus forskohlii ethanol extract has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on Gastric carcinoma cells. Its mechanism of action might be associated with the apoptosis induction through up-regulation of the protein expressions of caspase-3 down-regulation of the protein expression of Bax and Bcl2.

28 ref

003283   Khouya T;Ramchoun M;Hmidani A;Amrani S; Harnafi H;Benlyas M;Filali Zegzouti Y;Alem C (Lab of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, Univ Moulay Ismail, 52000 Errachidia, Morocco, Email: tarikkhouya@yahoo.com) : Chemical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activity of aqueous extract and organic fractions of Thymus zygis L. sub sp. Gracilis. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1396-1405.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of aqueous extract and organic fractions of Thymus zygis. Water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol were used as extractant solvents. The fractions were analyzed by HPLC and screened for their antioxidant activity in vitro using different assay. In vivo, the fractions were evaluated by use of the oil croton-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema model in mice and rat, respectively. Prothrombin Time and Partial Thromboplastin Time were used to determine the effect of aqueous extract, methanol, aqueous fractions and coumarone-rich extract on intrinsic, extrinsic and/or common pathway of the coagulation cascade. All fractions were found to possess considerable antioxidant activity and the rosmarinic acid is the major polyphenol compound in majority fractions. In comparison with the indometacin, the hydrophobic fractions presented stronger anti-inflammatory activity in the croton oil induced edema. Methanol and acetate ethyl fractions (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the edema induced by carrageenan and their effect was comparable to the reference drug indometacin (10 mg/kg). In partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time tests, all fractions tested showed the strongest anticoagulant activity.

30 ref

003282   Khamees H A;Ali S H M;Ahmed B S;Alnajjarr A (Microbiology Dep, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriy Univ, Baghdad-Iraq, Email: hindali10@yahoo.com) : RNA-in situ hybridization, LMP-1, EBNA-2 for molecular localization of latent epstein-barr virus early repeats in thyroid tissues with papillary carcinoma and simple nodular goiter. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(1), 139-45.

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is ubiquitous virus which infects the majority of the human population and is the causative agent of many tumors. This virus expressed many proteins and it is associated with a variety of B-cell tumors. Recently many studies have suggested a causal relationship between EBV and differentiated thyroid cancer. In this study we investigated the association between EBV and papillary thyroid cancer. Aim of this study to found the correlation between EBV latency proteins in papillary thyroid cancer patients. Expression of (EBERs, LMP-1, EBNA-2) in thyroid tissue was evaluated in 30 patients and 30 simple nodular goiter as control by In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Increased of EBERs, was significantly higher in papillary thyroid cancer patients compared with control patients. Our result suggests that these EBV proteins are accusation with papillary thyroid cancer.

28 ref

003281   Jenin G A;Babu M M;Murugan M;Murugan T (Biochemistry Dep, Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science, Neyyoor-629 252, Email: muruganbt@gmail.com) : Isolation and identification of chitinase producing native fungi from saltpan of Puthalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(3), 1-5.

The objective of the present study is isolation and identification of native chitinolytic fungal strains from infected Artemia collected for salt pan of Puthalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. A total of 10 fungi (J1 to J10) were isolated from homogenized Artemia sample and screened for chitinase activity on chitin agar plates. In this study, 5 fungi (J1, J3, J4, J5, & J8) showed positive result of chitinase activity and 2 best strains (J1 & J5) were selected for further study. Fungi J1 and J5 were identified as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus respectively. Greater quality of the enzyme production was achieved with the above strains and the molecular weight of the chitinase was determined by SDS-PAGE it was found to be around 23 KDa. Finally, degradation property of enzyme was assayed with chitin shell waste powder and observed that, degradation activity was higher in shrimp shell powder followed by Prawn shell. The fungal strains such as A. niger and A. fumigatus have been identified as good chitinase producers.

2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

003280   Jedage H D;Manjunath K P (Pharmacognosy Dep, K.L.E. Univ, College of Pharmacy, Vidyanagar, hubli-580 031, Email: haribajedage@gmail.com) : Phytochemical, pharmacological evaluation of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. bark extract for nephroprotective activity. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1564-71.

Gentamicin causes kidney cellular damage by alterations in biological functions. This study evaluated the nephroprotective potential of the ethanolic extract and its fraction originating from Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. (Sapindaceae) bark against the Gentamicin - induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Objective is to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of ethanol extract and its organic solvent fraction of S. emarginatus Vahl. in gentamicin-induced acute renal failure in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day for ten days. The treatment was done with silymarin 50 mg/kg, ethanol extract 200 mg/kg/p.o. and its ethyl acetate fractions 100 mg/kg/p.o. bark of S. emarginatus was determined using parameters serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, protein, other parameters are kidney weight, body weight, urine volume and histopathology of kidney. It was observed that the ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate fractions bark of S. emarginatus has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner. In histopathological study the gentamicin-induced glomerular congestion, peritubular inflammation, tubular desquamation, tubular congestion, interstitial haemorrhage and odema of the kidney cells were found to be reduced in the group receiving the bark extracts of S. emarginatus along with gentamicin. The present study that ethanol and its ethyl acetate fraction possessed nephroprotective activity. The isolated fraction was found to exhibit greater nephroprotective activity than the ethanol extract.

36 ref

003279   Harpreet Kaur;Chhillar S (Zoology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: harpreetbimbra@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic analysis of some hard ticks from India using mitochondrial 16s rDNA. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(3), 24-32.

The present study was conducted to analyze inter-relationships between Indian hard tick using mitochondrial 16s rDNA. The sequence alignment consisted of 85 sequences, 32 sequences of 16s rDNA belonging to 7 species of two genera viz. Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma generated from PCR amplified products and 53 sequences of hard ticks from India available in genbank database. The NJ analyses conducted in MEGA6 revealed that Haemaphysalinae is basal to the clade of Rhipicephalinae + Hyalomminae in the metastriate lineage while Ixodinae was basal in Ixodidae. There were two large clades, one clade of Hyalomma anatolicum, Hy. excavatum, Hy. hussaini and Hy. brevipunctata and second clade of Rhipicephalus (Rhipicephalus) + Rhipicephalus (Boophilus). The results provide evidence for the contention of polyphyly of Rh. (Rh.) sanguineus and species complex status of Rh. (B.) microplus. A further molecular study from wider distributional area using more genetic markers is needed to confirm these observations.

4 illus, 2 tables, 62 ref

003278   Hammud K K;Kadham E M;Raouf A M;Neema R R; AlSammarrie A M A (NO, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq) : FTIR, XRD, AFM, and SEM spectroscopic studies of chemically MW-waste cooked tea activated carbon. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2016, 6(3), 543-55.

Microwave-induced activation process with or without ultrasonic technique was performed to produce activated carbon from waste cooked tea. This material was activated by using Clorox or concentrated H₂SO₄- HNO₃ mixture as individual activating agent. Different spectroscopic (FTIR, XRD, SEM, and AFM) techniques were applied to qualify the resulted properties as results of activation process and applied activating agent. The qualitative and quantitative analysis with statistical information of several prepared samples were summarized, discussed, and compared with our recently published paper that demonstrated the existence of micro- and nano- structural particles. The selection of waste cooked tea as a starting material subjected to microwave irradiation or ultrasonic as eco-friendly activation process beside different chemicals as activating agents with their spectroscopic results suggested that the prepared activated carbon representing an economically promising material with wide spectrum of applications.

11 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

003277   Goswami P K;Srivastava R S (NO, Pacific Univ, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Development and evaluation of herbal syrup from root extract of Nothosaerva brachiat & Gomphrena celosiodies. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2016, 6(3), 473-5.

Medicinal plants are used to treat various ailments from time immemorial. There are very limited options available to treat the kidney stone. So two medicinal plants viz. Nothosaerva brachiata & Gomphrena celosiodies were selected to formulate herbal formulation which have been reported to be used in kidney stones in traditional literature. The part of plant selected was root by referring to the literature. The plant roots were powdered and most suitable dosage form found to be developed was syrup so herbal syrup was formulated. The syrup formulation was then evaluated for different parameters prescribed according to official compendia.

3 tables, 12 ref

003276   Ghan S Y;Chin J H;Thoo Y Y;Yim H S;Ho C W (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI Univ, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: cwho@ucsiuniversity.edu.my) : Acute oral toxicity study of Aquilaria crassna and α-tocopherol in mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1456-61.

The combination of agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) young leave with α-tocopherol (α-TOH) showed a synergistic effect which helps to protect the food from lipid oxidation. The present study was designed to elucidate the acute toxicity of the mixture of A. crassna young leaves crude ethanolic extract (CE) and α-TOH on Balb/c mice. This acute oral toxicity study was carried out based on OECD 423 guidelines by using female Balb/c mice weighing 15-25 g. First group was served as control group which received dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) while second, third and fourth group were orally administered with single dose of 2000 mg/kg of CE, α-TOH and a mixture of CE and α-TOH (1:2), respectively. Throughout 14 days of observation, no behavioural changes were seen in all the treated animals. Body weight for each mouse and the relative organ weights for liver, kidney, lung, heart and spleen showed insignificant different (p <62> 0.05) when compared to the control group. These results indicate the safety of the acute exposure of the A. crassna CE, α-TOH and the mixture of A. crassna CE and α-TOH at dose of 2000 mg/kg in female mice, without causing any adverse effects. The oral lethal dose(LD50) of A. crassna CE, α-TOH and CE/α-TOH mixture were suggested to be greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight in female mice.

21 ref

003275   Gangwar S K (College of Medical & Health Science, School of Veterinary Medicine Wollega Univ, Nekemte, Oromia Region, Ethiopia) : Honey physio-chemical parameters and its application with reference to Ethiopia. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(1), 16-24.

Ethiopia owns about 10 millions of bee colonies, the largest bee population in Africa and the largest honey producer in Africa and the ninth largest honey producer all over the world. The total honey production of Ethiopia is estimated up to be 43 000 tons, and only a small portion of this is marketed. Beside poor marketing conditions the main reason is that about 80% of the total Ethiopian honey production goes into the local "Tej" preparation, (honey mead), a national drink consumed in large quantities. More than 95% of the honey in Ethiopia is produced through traditional hives. In recent years some honey processing enterprises have appeared in the market, involved in the production of cream and table honey. Mostly, these enterprises collect honey from groups of outgrower farmers in Southern Ethiopia (Keffa region, Agaro Area), Gojam, Gonder, Wollo and Tigray. Those enterprises plan to export abroad including the European Union and the Middle East markets.

69 ref

003274   DeFreece C B;Casey J W;Grimm C C;Wasserman R L;Mattison C P (Biology Dep, Xavier Univ of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA, Email: chris.mattison@ars.usda.gov) : Treatment of cashew extracts with aspergillopepsin reduces IgE binding to cashew allergens. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(2), 1-10.

Enzymes from Aspergillus fungal species are used in many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae were cultured on media containing cashew nut flour to identify secreted proteins that may be useful as future food allergen processing enzymes. Mass-spectrometric analysis of secreted proteins and protein bands from SDS-PAGE gels indicated the presence of at least 63 proteins. The majority of these proteins were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, but there were also enzymes involved in lipid and protein metabolism. It is likely that some of these enzymes are specifically upregulated in response to cashew nut protein, and study of these enzymes could aid our understanding of cashew nut metabolism. Aspergillopepsin from A. niger was one of the proteolytic enzymes identified, and 6 distinct peptides were matched to this protein providing 22% coverage of the protein. Cashew extracts were incubated with a commercially available preparation of Aspergillopepsin (Acid Stable Protease, ASP) using simulated gastric fluid conditions to determine if ASP could degrade the protein and lower antibody binding to cashew allergens. Following treatment of cashew extract with ASP, a significant reduction was observed in cashew allergen binding to rabbit anti-cashew IgG using an immunoblot assay and serum IgE antibodies from cashew allergic individuals using competitive ELISA. These findings highlight the possible application of Aspergillopepsin/ASP from A. niger in food processing steps to attenuate cashew nut and other tree nut or peanut allergens.

3 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

003273   Dali M;Wahyuni A S;Trisharyanti I;Azizah T; Suhendi A;Saifudin A (Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, Email: muhammad.Dai@ums.ac.id) : Antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus niruri L. herbs: in vitro and in vivo models and isolation of active compound. Natn J Physiol Pharm Pharmac 2016, 6(1), 32-7.

Objective is to examine their potential activity of becoming antioxidant, using in vitro and in vivo models and isolate active compound. The antioxidant activity of the samples was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as radical compounds. The decrease of DPPH radical was measured using spectrophotometer at 517 nm, after an incubation for 30 min. The highest antioxidant activity of the sample was then continued with in vivo model using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Paracetamol was used as an inducer to increase the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma, with doses of 2.5 g/kg BW. The rats were divided into four groups: negative control, dose of 50 mg/kg BW, dose of 100 mg/kg BW, and dose of 200 mg/kg BW. Isolation method was guided by antioxidant activity by using fractionation and column chromatography. The obtained compound was then characterized by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and compared with the earlier study. The IC₅₀ value of these samples were 14.21 ± 0.73; 14.41 ± 1.13; 98.66 ± 9.59; and 237.33 ± 17.26 mg/mL, respectively, and the total phenolic contents were 81.59 ± 2.85; 154.09 ± 11.61; 6.36 ± 3.99; 2.03 ± 0.78 mg/g of sample extract, respectively. The in vivo study showed that P. niruri with dose of 100 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW were able to reduce MDA levels by 90.44% and 92.64%, respectively. Meanwhile, the proton and carbon NMR spectra showed that the isolate was quercetin. The IC50 value of the isolate, being 5.85 mg/mL, was lower than that of vitamin E, which was 6.85 mg/mL. The extract shows a potential effect with antioxidant activity, both in in vitro and in vivo models. Quercetin is the active compound, the antioxidant activity of which is higher than that of vitamin E.

3 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

003272   Chandra K B;Rao V U;Pattnaik S;Basi S (Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjunanagar-522 510, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, Email: King_kolli@rediffmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity screening of marine bacteria isolated from the machilipatnam sea coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(3), 15-19.

Bacterial colonies were obtained from water samples collected from sea-coast of Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh in South India. The isolates were cultured, named as M1, M2, M3 etc., and screened for antibacterial action. Among the 40 representative isolates obtained, three isolates showed substantial antibacterial activity with more than 10 mm of zone of inhibition against two test bacteria used in preliminary screening. These three isolates marked as M20, M22 and M23 showed most outstanding results against all the test bacteria used in further testing of antibacterial activity. The isolate M20 showed the highest activity with a zone of inhibition of 16mm against Serratia marcescens, 14 mm against E. coli and Shigella, and with 12 mm against Salmonella paratyphi and Bacillus cereus. The isolates M20, M22 and M23 were analyzed for their morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics and tentatively identified as Alcaligenes sp. (M20), Bacillus sp. (M22) and Bacillus sp. (M23) from the performed biochemical tests.

3 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

003271   Chamakuri K;Muppavarapu S M;Yellu N R (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Kakinada-533 003, Email: msmurthy1093@gmail.com) : Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of some novel hydrazone derivatives derived from 3-((4-formyl-2-methoxypehenoxy)methyl) benzonitrile. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1633-9.

Hydrazones are an important classe of biologically active compounds found in many synthetic compounds. In view of their importance in synthetic chemistry, the present article reported that a new series of novel hydrazone derivatives (4a-e) were synthesized by condensation of 3-((4-formyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)methyl)benzonitrile(3) with different benzohydrazides and confirmed by their IR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectral data. Further these synthesized derivatives (4a-e) were evaluated for their biological activities such as antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial activities. All the derivatives were showing the pharmacological activities mainly due to the presence of pharmacophore, azomethine group (CONH- N=CH) and were modified with various substituents. Among all the compounds 4a, 4d, and 4e incorporated with 4-methoxy, 4-chloro and 2,4-dichloro moieties exhibited more antiinflammatory activity and the remaining compounds 4b and 4c incorporated with 4-bromo and 2-bromo substituents showed moderate activity when compared with standard reference, indomethacin. The compounds 4d, 4e and 4b showed good analgesic activity and remaining compounds 4a and 4c showed moderate activity comparable to that of standard drug diclofenac. The compounds 4a and 4e exhibited excellent antibacterial activity and the compounds 4b, 4c and 4d showed less activity when compared with standard drug, Gentamycin.

27 ref

003270   Bhattacharyya S (Microbiology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna-801 505, Email: sayantheboss@yahoo.co.in) : New alternative compounds inhibiting Candida growth and biofilms. Indian J med Microbiol 2016, 34(2), 249-50.

4 ref

003269   BhanisanaDevi R K;Nandakumar Sarma H;Sanjiv Kumar (DST(WOS-A) Govt. of India Physics Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur., Pin Code-795 003, Email: bhanisanark@gmail.com) : Trace and major elements in anti-urolithiatic medicinal plants. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1640-4.

The inhibitory role of trace and major elements in urinary stone crystallization was investigated in five widely used anti-urolithiatic medicinal plants of North East India. Fifteen elements namely K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se and Br were detected with different concentrations (in ppm level) by Proton Induced X-ray Emission(PIXE) technique while light elements namely F, Na, Mg, Al, P and Cl by Proton Induced Gamma ray Emission(PIGE) technique in the studied plants. Analysis was performed on thick targets (pellets) prepared using the powders of specimens through a series of processing steps. Thick targets of plant based Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were served as standardization of PIXE and PIGE set up.

19 ref

003268   Anup C P;Kini K R (Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru-570 006, Karnataka, Email: krk@appbot.uni-mysore.ac.in) : Analaysis of dynamics of proteome in resistance cultivar of pearl millet seedlings during Sclerospora graminicola infection. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(2), 67-71.

The current study was performed to analyze the dynamics of proteome in resistant cultivar of pearl millet seedlings during early hours of downy mildew infection. This was achieved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE)-nano LCMS/MS based approach. Total protein extract from two-day-old pearl millet seedlings harvested 6 h post inoculation with pathogen, was fractionated by 2DE on 5-8 pI range IPG strips. Among the 210 protein spots detected by the PD-Quest software, 21 proteins were found to be up-regulated and 14 proteins down-regulated. Differential regulation of these proteins during downy mildew infection was found to be significant at p ≤ 0.05. Majority of these proteins belonged to the following functional categories: energy and metabolism (32%) category as well as stress and defense (32%). Unlike the previous proteomic study in pearl millet, the present study showed differential accumulation of early expressing defense-related genes such as those involved in reactive oxygen species mediated pathways, pathogenesis-related proteins and other interconnecting pathways responsible for coordinating the resistance mechanism of the plant. The current findings shed light on the vital differentially regulated proteins of pearl millet during early phase of pathogen infection that can be targeted as future disease management strategy.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

003267   Ali S K;George Priya Doss C;Anbalagan M (Medical Biotechnology Div, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore, Tamil Nadu) : Impact of G406S and G40R mutants associated with blood coagulation factor xa: Molecular simulation approach. Biomed Res 2015, 26(4), 682-5.

Factor Xa is a serine protease which activates thrombin and plays a significant role in blood coagulation pathway. Mutations in Factor Xa could be interfaced with thrombosis. To address this issue, we implemented in silico prediction algorithms SIFT, PolyPhen 2.0, I-Mutant 3.0, Align GVGD, to classify the variants as pathogenic. Based on prediction algorithm scores, two variants G406S and G420R were predicted as highly deleterious from a pool of 58 nsSNPs/variants. To analyze the dynamic behavior mutant proteins G406S and G420R, molecular simulation analysis was carried out for 5000ps. This computational work might help us in understanding the effects of mutations on wild Factor Xa protein.

1 illus, 19 ref

003266   Ajambang W;Mondjeli C;Ntsefong G N;Sundarsono S (PMB Lab, Agronomy and Horticulture Dep, Bogor Agricultural Univ, Indonesia, Jalan Meranti 16680 Bogor, Indonesia, Email: wajambang@yahoo.com) : RNA-Seq analysis reveals influence of sugar level and photoperiod on seasonality in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) sex-specific inflorescence emergence. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(2), 16-22.

We induced male inflorescence formation on 162 oil palm trees of 14 years old by complete defoliation. Inflorescence emergence data was analysed within a five-year period. Total RNA was extracted from un-emerged inflorescences of both completely defoliated and non-defoliated trees for gene expression studies. The aim was to investigate the effects of voluntary time-specific inflorescence induction on the seasonal trend of inflorescence emergence; including the molecular mechanisms regulating inflorescence emergence in oil palm. Male inflorescence emergence increased by 104.2% after complete defoliation stress treatment. The time between induction and emergence of inflorescence was 17.83 months. There was an increase of 58.8% in male inflorescence emergence during the wet season as compared to the dry season although equal numbers of trees were treated for each season. Male inflorescence emergence was seasonal irrespective of the time or season of inflorescence induction, indicating that sex specific inflorescence emergence in oil palm is pre-programmed and synchronised, depending on seasonal cues. Response to carbohydrate status, light and temperature were among the highly enriched functional clusters obtained from 1,214 differentially expressed genes (DEG). Knowing the factors controlling inflorescence emergence, crop production estimation and breeding strategies can efficiently be designed by agronomists and breeders.

5 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

003265   Achaiah G;SridharGoud N;Praveen Kumar K; Mayuri P (NO, Univ College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal, Telangana, Email: sridhar.ku23@yahoo.in) : Review on 2-substituted benzothiazoles: Diversity of synthetic methods and biological activities. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1375-82.

In recent years heterocyclic compounds analogues and derivatives have attracted wide attention due to their useful biological and pharmacological properties. Benzothiazole is a privileged bicyclic ring system with diverse applications. The small and simple benzothiazole nucleus is present in compounds involved in research aimed at evaluating new products that possess biological activities, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, ant tubercular activities. These compounds have special significance in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their remarkable pharmacological potentialities. This review is mainly focus on the research work reported in the recent scientific literature on different biological activities of benzothiazole compounds.

29 ref

003264   Abood A M;Elshal M F (Physiology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Univ, Saudi Arabia) : VDR stimulation improves outcome of isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats via down-regulation of cardiac inos gene expression. Biomed Res 2015, 26(4), 755-64.

Coronary heart disease has been reported to become a leading cause of death by the end of this decade. Isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction is a well-known model to study myocardial infarction which is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, vitamin D has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study has been designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D receptor stimulation by a vitamin D receptor agonist, paricalcitol, on the outcome of isoprenaline (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Forty rats were divided into four equal groups (n= 10) for a 4-week experimental period. The first group (C) consisted of normal rats, the second group: normal rats injected with paricalcitol (C+P) at a dose of 200ng/kg 3 times a week for four weeks, these rats were used as a positive control. The third group consisted of rats injected with isoprenaline at a dose of 100mg/kg for the last 2 successive days of the study period, and the fourth group, isoprenaline-injected rats pretreated with paricalcitol. The same injection protocols for PC and isoprenaline were followed in the 4th group. The results showed that the ISO group exhibited significant ECG changes, cardiac enzymes and a histopathological picture of myocardial infarction. Pretreatment with PC before ISO injection resulted in minimal changes in the heart evidenced by near normal ECG, cardiac enzymes and histopathology. The serum tumour necrosis factor-a, Interlukin-6, as well as cardiac malondialdehyde and nitrites were significantly higher in ISO-treated rats compared to normal rats. Similarly, the cardiac content of inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA was significantly elevated in ISO-injected animals. However, these parameters in rats subjected to ISO injection pretreated with PC were not significantly different from their counterpart controls. In conclusion, VDR stimulation with paricalcitol appears to have a protective action against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction via exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, together with the down-regulation of cardiac inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression.

2 illus, 11 tables, 36 ref

003263   Aadil N;Benyassine K;Benaji B;Benchekroun Y (Lab of Pharmacology, Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II Univ of Casablanca. Route d'El jadiada, BP 5366, Casablanca, Morocco, Email: n.aadil@fsac.ac.ma) : Effect of ramadan fasting and life habits on the antipyrine test, urine volume and pH. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(4), 1422-9.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Ramadan fasting and life rhythm eating rhythm on some elimination parameters, such as the antipyrine clearance, urinary volume and pH. A single oral dose of Antipyrine was administred to 14 healthy volunteers at 08:00 p.m. All the volunteers were submitted to four treatment phases; the first one was carried out 1 week prior to Ramadan (PR), the second on the first week of Ramadan (R1), the third on the third week of Ramadan (R3) and the last one 3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). The salivary kinetic of antipyrine was determined for each treatment throughout the 48 hours following drug intake. Eight urine collections were performed after each antipyrine intake, their volumes and pH were immediately determined. Saliva antipyrine concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). No significant differences were found in salivary antipyrine elimination half-life t1/2 and clearance between the four periods studied. The 24 hours urine volume was not significantly modified during Ramadan. However, its circadian variations showed a significant increase during the night (F = 4,046, p <60> 0.05) and a significant decrease in the afternoon (F = 3,245, p <60> 0,05) during Ramadan. The urine pH is significantly influenced by the data collection time and also by Ramadan with (F = 3, 1789, p <60> 0,05) and (F = 18,3133, p <60> 0,0001), respectively.

39 ref

002398   Veeresh;Pramod Kumar;Gupta V R M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, Mahabubnagar, Telangana-509 001, Email: getveereshyadav@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostic studies on roots of Trianthema decandra Linn., aizoaceae. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(2), 103-8.

Trianthema decandra Linn., belongs to family Aizoaceae, commonly known as "Punarnavi" in Sanskrit, "Gadabandi" in Hindi, and "Vellai sharuni" in Tamil. This plant is globally distributed tropical and sub tropical regions. In India it grows in dry-soil lands. It has been known since ancient times for curative properties and has been utilized for treatment of various ailments such as burns and wounds. The roots is aperients, and said to be useful in hepatitis, asthma and suppression of the menses. A decoction of the root-bark is given as an aperient. The juice of the leaves dropped in to the nostrils relieves one-sided headache. 1 In the present investigation, the detailed Pharmacognostic study of Trianthema decandra root is carried out to lay down the standards, which could be useful in future Forensic identification of unknown plant material. The study includes macroscopic, microscopic, preliminary phytochemical screening and physicochemical evaluation. The objective this was to characterize the unknown plant material. In recent years there has been rapid increase in the standardization of selected medicinal plant of potential therapeutic significance. Despite the modern techniques, identification of plant drug by Pharmacognostic study is more reliable.

8 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

002397   Uniyal A;Kainthola A;Tiwari S C;Bisht N S (Botany and Microbiology Dep, HNB Garhwali Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174) : Phosphate phosphate solubilisation efficiency of bacterial flora associated with traditional livestock manure in central Himalaya: a potential option for mountain agro-ecosystem. J Mount Res 2015, 10(Dec), 99-108.

Presently not only in India but in the whole world much attention is being given to organic farming. In remote rural areas of the Himalaya this process of traditional organic farming is still in practice. It not only maintains the soil fertility but crop production is also for better in terms of quality and quantity subject to other climatic factors. Microbial degradation of livestock material starts from the very beginning when it comes in contact to the environmental factors. This open heap system invites both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Plant growth promoting activity in terms of phosphate solubilising efficiency of indigenous bacterial population of livestock manure during decomposition is given in the present report. A total of 58 bacterial strains were isolated out of which 27 were found positive for phosphate solubilisation and 40 strains were observed to produce ammonia in broth medium in the present study,. The bacterial strain 827/2912(2) showed highest amount of phosphate solubilised (320 μg/ml) with solubilisation index 5.2 after 120 days of progressive decomposition, followed by B24/1610(3) and U5/1610 with 318 and 300 μg/ml respectively after 60 days of decomposition. This study also indicated a negative correlation between pH of the medium and the amount of phosphate to be solubilised by bacteria. There are no earlier reports available on the isolation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from traditional livestock manure during decomposition process in Uttrakhand Himalaya.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

002396   Tiwari S;Singh S;Tripathi S;Sunil Kumar (NO, Rameshwaram Instituteof Technology and Management, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: singh.shweta252@gmail.com) : Pharmacological review: Passiflora species. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(1), 10-8.

Plants have been the basis of many traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years and have continued to provide new remedies to mankind. They are one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds. The genus Passiflora L. comprises about 520 species of dicotyledonous plants in the family Passifloraceae. Passiflora incarnata and P. alata, also commonly known as Passion flower, are two species of a perennial climbing vine with beautiful exotic flowers and delicious fruit that grow worldwide, preferring subtropical, frost-free climates. They are native to the tropical and semi-tropical United States (Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas), Mexico, Central American, and from Brazil to Paraguay through northern Argentina. It is used extensively for treatment of some diseases like as anxiety, insomnia, convulsion, sexual dysfunction, cough and cancer. Passionflower is currently official in the national pharmacopeias of Egypt, France, Germany and Switzerland, and also mongraphed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the British Herbal Compendium, the ESCOP monographs, the Commission E, the German Standard Licenses, the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, and the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. The present article including the detailed exploration of pharmacological properties of P. incarnata is an attempt to provide a direction for further research.

3 illus, 68 ref

002395   Tegegne W A (NO, , ) : Analysis of heavy metal levels in some edible fruits from selected markets in Ethiopia. J Modern Chem chem Technol 2015, 6(1), 1-8.

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of nine heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cu,Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd) in selected edible fruits namely: avocado, mango, papaya,pineapple, orange and banana purchased from Awassa and Addis Ababa markets. Dry ashing method was used for the digestion of samples. The heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in Addis Ababa market ranged from 0.39-3.13, 3.82-57.07, 1.81-6.76, 1.2-4.04, 0.30-0.67, 0.17-0.50, 0.14-0.39 and 0.09-0.37 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr and Pb, respectively. In fruit samples collected from Awassa market the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr and Pb ranged from 0.13-0.50, 0.87-11.60, 0.46-1.60, 0.27-1.27, 0.08-0.22,0.10-0.25, 0.06-0.12 and 0.07-0.18 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Cadmium was not detected in any of the samples. In addition, the mean concentrations of metals in the fruits collected from Addis Ababa market decreases in the following order: Fe <62> Zn <62> Mn <62> Cu <62> Co <62> Ni <62> Cr <62> Pb <62> Cd while fruits collected from Awassa market decreases in the following order: Fe <62> Zn <62> Mn <62> Cu <62> Ni <62> Co <62> Pb <62> Cr <62> Cd. The levels of metals studied were all below the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Hence, they are safe for the localconsumers.

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002394   Sun M;Su M;Sun H (College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei Univ, Key Lab of Analytical Science and Technology of Hebei Province, Baoding-071 002, Email: hanwen@hbu.edu.cn ) : Spectrofluorimetric study on the interaction of iosartan potassium and bovine serum albumin. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(3), 1026-34.

The interaction of losartan potassium (LP) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by fluorescence quenching in combination with UV-Vis spectroscopic method under near physiological conditions. The fluorescence quenching rate constants and binding constants for BSA-LP system were determined at different temperatures. The fluorescence quenching of BSA by LP is due to static quenching and energy transfer. The results of thermodynamic parameters, ΔH (-134.3 kJ mol^{-1), ΔS (-368 J mol-1 K-1) and ΔG (-24.52 to -20.83 kJ mol-1), indicated that van der Waals interaction and hydrogen bonding played a major role for LP-BSA association. The competitive experiments demonstrated that the primary binding site of LP on BSA was located at site II in sub-domain IIIA of BSA. The distance between LP and a tryptophane unit was estimated to be 3.183 nm based on the F”rster resonance energy transfer theory. The binding constant (Ka) of BSA-LP at 298K was 1.932 x 104 L mol-1. Synchronous fluorescence and three-dimensional fluorescence studies showed that the presence of LP could change the conformation of BSA during the binding process.}

34 ref

002393   Suman Kumari;Sharma N;Joshi R;Gulati A;Sharma P C (Agronomy Dep, Forages and Grassland Management, College of Agriculture, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062, Email: sharma_neelam29@rediffmail.com) : Dissipation studies of metribuzin in alfisol soils and its terminal residues in potato tubers. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(2), 449-55.

A field investigation was conducted to determine dissipation behaviour in soil and terminal residues of metribuzin in potato crop applied at half the recommended dose (0.25 kg. ha^{-1), recommended dose (0.50 kg. ha-1) and double the recommended dose (1.00 kg. ha-1). Soil samples at different time intervals after herbicide spray and potato tuber samples at the maturity of crop were collected, processed and subjected to metribuzin residue analysis by a validated gas chromatography method with an accepted recovery of above 80%. In all herbicide treatments, more than 90% of applied herbicide in soil dissipated within 45 days after herbicide application. Metribuzin residues in potato tubers at the time of harvest were below detectable levels. This indicated that the metribuzin did not leave any residues in potato tuber at any of the applied doses. From the study, it may be concluded that pre emergence application of metribuzin in potato for weed management could be considered safe, as its residues were below the prescribed MRL (0.05 mg. kg-1).}

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

002392   Sujata Kumari;Manjhi B K;Beura K S;Rakshit A (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221 005, Email: amitavar@bhu.ac.in) : Decomposition Bt cotton residues affecting soil microbial activity under varied soils. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(2), 359-64.

The effect of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton residues on soil microbiological activity was investigated. Greenhouse study was carried out during the 2011 wet season (March to August) at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. It was experimented on three different soil orders that included entisol, inceptisol and alfisol. Bt cotton (var.NCS-138) and its non-transgenic isoline (var.NCS-138) were grown until maturity along with one control treatment. Microbial population count, Dehydrogenage activity and Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) were estimated following standard protocols. The decomposition of cotton crop residues resulted increased micro-flora populations and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). When residue was retained, non- Bt cotton showed higher populations of micro-flora as well as MBC that of Bt-cotton. Results from the study revealed that a significant reduction (7.5%) of the dehydrogenase activity was there in case of Bt-cotton. The interaction effect between soil type and varieties was found to be non significant for the soil micro-flora populations for different sampling stages throughout the incorporation period.These results suggest that Bt-transgenic cotton tissues have no apparent effect on soil microbial activity.

2 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

002391   Srivastava B;Verma S C;Sharma V C;Vashisth E; Singh R;Jadhav A D (National Research Institute for Ayurveda, Siddha Human Resource Development, Aamkho, Gwalior-474 009, Email: bhavanakan@gmail.com) : Comparative physiochemical, phytochemical and high performance thin layer chromatography evaluation of stem bark and small branches of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(3), 149-55.

Over-harvesting of many traditional medicinal plants has become a threat to the country's species diversity and has resulted in the endangerment of certain medicinal plant species. In the near future, many plant species may be totally unavailable for the use of industry due to over exploitation. The present study outlines the concept of plant part substitution. The studies were carried out in Ailanthus excelsa to evaluate the possibilities of using small branches in place of stem bark which will help sustainable utilization. Stem bark and small branches of Ailanthus excelsa are comparedon the basis of physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Phytochemical analysis and HPTLC of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed many similarities whichsuggests that small branches may have nearly similar active potency like stem bark and may provide the base for further study to use small branches as a substitute of stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa. Study will be helpful in identification and quality control of Ailanthus excelsa and can provide standard HPTLC profiles of Ailanthus excelsawith selected solvent system for use as a reference for proper identification/ authentication of drug.

3 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

002390   Singh V;Rawal V;Lakhnpal S;Jain P;Dahiya S; Tripathi C C (Biotechnology Engineering Dep, Institute of Engineering and Technology Univ, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana, Email: vipinnikbt@gmail.com) : Immobilized bacteriophage used for specific detection of E.Coli using electrochemical impedance sensing. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(9), 3913-19.

In the present study, bacteriophage based electrochemical analysis is applied to detect pathogenic E.coli bacteria. Phages are parasites that only infect one specific bacteria, can be useful to identify bacterial contaminants in food, water, etc. Phage has been isolated from various water sources such as waste, stagnant and sewage water by overlay method against host bacteria. Titer of phages was calculated to be 10^{7 pfu/ml using 10-fold dilutions. Morphology and identification of phage was done using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) by staining with Uranyl Acetate. The phage capsid was about 78 nanometers (nm) in diameter with tail of length 527 nm as compared to wild type lambda phage whose head is about 65 nm. Plaque reaction activity was observed within 4- 6 hrs against host bacteria by spot test. It is therefore proposed that the isolated phage is lambda like virus and lytic life cycle. Bacteriophages are immobilized onto platinum (pt) electrode by self-assembled molecular monolayer (SAM) and electrochemical impedance analysis performed for a rapid and specific detection of E.coli cell. Impedance spectra for sensors of different concentrations of E. coli are recorded in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and impedance were obtained in a frequency range from 100 mHz to 100 kHz, using a modulation voltage 10 mV. Rapid and Specific detection with very low concentration of E. coli (104 cfu/ml). This work proposes that measurements of impedance of cell suspensions can provide an alternative method quantifying bacterial cells that is very simple, rapid, economical and a direct means of detecting a specific bacteria.}

37 ref

002389   Singh N V;Saminathan T;Chandra R;Awachare C; Babu K D;Mundewadikar D M;Pal R K (ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate, , NH-9, Solapur-Pune Highway, Kegaon(PO), Solapur-412 255, Email: nripendras72@gmail.com) : RNA isolation from high polyphenol containing tissues of pomegranate. Indian J Hort 2015, 72(2), 273-7.

Three methods of RNA isolation were evaluated based on quality and quantity of the RNA isolated. The methods used for RNA isolation were CTAB-LiCl method, Direct-zol^{TM RNA MiniPrep (ZymoResearch), and TRIzol® reagent (Life Tech.). RNA quality was assessed using spectrophotometric methods, agarose gel electrophoresis and Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. RNA isolation using modified CTAB-LiCl was found effective in extraction of sufficient quantity and high quality RNA from new leaves (617 μg/g FW), seedlings (636 μg/g FW) and flower buds (603 μg/g FW) having RNA integrity number (RIN) values of 8.5 each.}

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

002388   Singh N;Tailang M;Mehta S C (Pharmacology dep, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Email: namrata.singhms@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening of Desmodium triflorum Linn.. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(1), 43-9.

The plant of Desmodium triflorumLinn (Fabaceae) are reported to have great medicinal value. The aim of this study to evaluate pharmacognostic evaluation including examination of morphological characters, ash value, powder analysis, and extractive values were carried out. Phytochemical screening including chemical examination and chromatographic study were also carried out. This would help to scientifically justify its pharmacological activities of particular chemical constituents in different extracts.

2 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

002387   Sharma Y;Dua D;Nagar A;Srivastava N S (J-3 Block, Cell Line Metabolism Lab, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity Univ, Uttar Pradesh, Noida Sector-125, Email: nsinha@amity.edu) : Antibacterial activity, phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of stem of Nicotiana tabacum. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(3), 1156-67.

The parts of the Nicotiana tabacum plant have been known to possess a wide range of biological activities. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity, phytochemical screening and the antioxidant activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the stem of Nicotiana tabacum. The antibacterial activity was observed against two gram positive bacteria (Bacillus amyloiquefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus) & two gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in its aqueous, ethanolic, acetone and methanolic extracts by agar well diffusion method where maximum antibacterial activity found to be present in the methanolic and ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition length of 10.667±1.527 mm and 8±1.00 mm, respectively. Phytochemical screening of aqueous, ethanolic & methanolic extract revealed the presence of saponin, flavonoids and alkaloids. Flavonoid content in stem was found to be 838 mg QE/g of extract in the 80% of ethanol extract by aluminium chloride colometric method. Antioxidant activity was observed in order to estimate the superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione content, glutathione s transferase & lipid peroxidation i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the aqueous and methanolic extract where methanolic extract has shown a high level of antioxidant activity. The present study suggests that the stems of Nicotiana tabacum can be as a good antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.

32 ref

002386   Sharma R N;Sharma D P;Shylla B (Fruit Science Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: shyllabunty@yahoo.com) : Effect of hand and chemical thinning on growth, production and fruit size in nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) batsch var. nucipersica] cv. May Fire. Indian J Hort 2015, 72(2), 282-4.

The present investigation was conducted on 10-year-old May Fire nectarine plantations at the experimental orchard of Horticulture Research Station, Kandaghat, Himachal Pradesh during 2011-2012. Experimental trees were given the treatments, viz. retention of 3, 4 and 5 fruits per fruiting shoot after selective removal of fruits with hand at pea stage, foliar application of ethrel at 200 and 300 ppm, NAA at 40 and 60 ppm and thidiazuron at 20 and 40 ppm two weeks after petal fall and un-thinned control with three replications in randomized block design. Foliar spray of NAA at 40 ppm significantly increased the per cent fruit thinning, the yield of "A'' grade fruits, fruit size and rate of photosynthesis. However, the higher increase in shoot growth, tree volume, leaf area, leaf to fruit ratio were recorded under the treatment of hand thinning to retain 3 fruits per shoot. The lowest fruit drop was found with NAA 60 ppm and T₃-Retention of 5 fruits per shoot in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

002385   Sharma D K;Gupta V K;Mondal D B;Singh M; Mandal R S K;Raguvaran R (Division of Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly-243 122, Email: dr.dushsharma@gmail.com) : Evaluation of In vitro antioxidant capacity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of eight different plans materials. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(9), 4086-91.

The plants and their materials have been utilized for treatment of various diseases in human and animals which are rich source of antioxidants due to presence of phytonutrients such as vitamins (alpha- tocopherol, Ascorbate, carotenoid) or minerals (zinc, selenium) and flavanoid, polyphenols and flavoproteins which exert their action through scavenging free radicals in vivo system. Hence search for new natural antioxidant is required. Aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity of extracts of different plant materials qualitatively and quantitatively, by in vitro tests. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared from eight different plant material viz., Phyllanthus emblica (fruit), Tectona grandis (leaves), Solanum nigrum (leaves), Momordica charantia (fruit), Ficus bengalensis (leaves), Asparagus racemosus (roots), Swertia chirata (leaves), Curcuma longa (leaves). Phytochemical analysis of these plant extracts were performed for determination of antioxidant capacity by in vitro qualitative and quantitative tests. In vitro qualitative analysis revealed presence of alkaloid, phenol and flavonoids in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tectona grandis followed by Solanum nigrum, Phyllanthus emblica. In vitro quantitative test by FRAP assay revealed highest values in ethanolic extract of P.emblica (6.51±0.08 μ mol of FeSO₄/mg) followed by aqueous extract of P.emblica (6.16±0.02 μmole of FeSO₄/mg). Percentage inhibition of Ascorbate iron phospholipid was found highest values in aqueous extracts of T. grandis (55.49±0.25%) followed by P. emblica (54.79±0.17%). Critical analysis of qualitative and quantitative test revealed best antioxidant capacity in aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica and Tectona grandis among all 16 extract of different plant materials.

31 ref

002384   Shah S K;Patel C J;Rathore B S;Desai A G (NO, S.D. Agricultural Univ, Main Castor Mustard Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat-385 506, Email: sarveshshah@gmail.com) : Evaluation of castor stems residue for cellulose and lignin content. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(2), 331-4.

Castor is an important crop of arid and semi-arid regions of the country. The castor cultivation in India is increasing year after year. In India, Gujarat and Rajasthan are two major states producing more than 80% of total castor production. The castor seeds are crushed or expelled to get castor oil, which is further used to make many important derivatives for industrial purposes. Castor being more remunerative crop to farmers of arid and semi arid region and the adoption of castor cultivation has improved the livelihood of farmers. Due to non-perishable nature of castor seeds, sometimes farmers store castor for long times growing seasons without any reduction in marketable quality of castor seeds. Cellulose is the major component of castor plant and the paper is composed of cellulose fibers. Paper and pulp industry has found suitability of use of sugarcane bagasse as raw material for paper production. Castor GCH-7 hybrid plants attained an average height of 100-110 cm with 25-30 branches. The diameter of main spike branch and sub-spike branches were ranged between 3.0-5.0 cm and 2.0 to 3.0 cm, respectively. The cellulose content was observed to 45.7%. The present study showed that the cellulose content in castor stem was remarkably higher than the other agro waste, therefore have potential to be used in paper industry, which was around 11% more than sugarcane bagasse, 25% more than rice straw and 50% more than wheat straw. In the present study, the lignin content was found 17.2%. The present study showed that the lignin content in castor stem was less than the other agro waste used in paper industry, which was around 30% less than sugarcane bagasse, 40% less than rice straw while 7% more than wheat straw. The ash content of castor samples was observed to 2.3%.

3 tables, 5 ref

002383   Selokar N L;Saini M;Agrawal H;Raja A K;Sahare A A;Priya D;Palta P;Chauhan M S;Manik R S;Singla S K (Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: singlasuresh@yahoo.com) : Milk-derived epithelial cells area a potential source of donor genome for the production of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cloned embryos. Curr Sci 2016, 110(8), 1411-13.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref