023534   Shailajan S;Singh D;Tiwari B (Herbal Research Lab, Ramanarain Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: sunitashailajan@gmail.com) : Evaluation of morphological and geographical variation in the content of ursolic acid from Carissa carandas Linn. using HPTLC. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(4), 40-43.

Ursolic acid (UA), a hydroxyl pentacyclic triterpenoic acid found in Carissa carandas Linn., a folk medicine used for the treatment of various diseases and also an important component of plant based medicine. In the present work, a precise, accurate and reproducible densitometric HPTLC method is developed and validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, recovery, specificity and ruggedness for the estimation of ursolic acid from various samples of Carissa carandas Linn. Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates with toluene: methanol (8: 1, v/v) as a mobile phase. Detection of ursolic acid was achieved by derivatizing the plate with 10% methanolic sulphuric acid followed by heating at 110°C for 10 min. Camag TLC scanner 4 equipped with winCATS software was used for densitometric scanning at 366 nm. The method was found applicable to evaluate the impact of morphological and geographical variations in the ursolic acid content from Carissa carandas ripe fruits and different morphological parts of Carissa carandas. Ursolic acid content in different morphological parts of Carissa carandas was found in the following order: Fruits <62> leaves <62> stems <62> flowers <62> seeds. Samples collected from Rajapur showed the maximum content while sample from Lonavla had minimum. The developed method was found useful for quantitation of bioactive marker ursolic acid from different samples of Carissa carandas and can be used as a routine quality control tool for the assessment of botanicals.

3 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

023533   Shah S;Barai S R (Zoology Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002, Email: sandhyashah119@gmail.com) : Effect of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) on haematological parameters of male albino rat. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 85-88.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Ocimum sanctum (1g/kg body weight/day) administration for 60 days in male albino rats on haematological parameters weighing between 100-150 g obtained from the disease free stock of the animal house were used for the experiment. The experiment was divided in short term days and long term days. The rats were divided in two groups control and experimental. Experimental rats were administered aqueous dose of Ocimum sanctum, and control rats received vehicle. Blood parameters were recorded in male albino rats. Significant changes were observed in Hb content, RBC, WBC count, PCV, MCV, MCHC and MCH values (P<60>0.05) by days 60 of the Ocimum sanctum administration.

2 tables, 27 ref

023532   Sethi S;Prakash O;Pant A K (Chemistry Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: oporgchem@gmail.com ) : Antioxidant potential and total phenolic content of essential oil and various extracts from Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.) roscoe. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4085-8.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant assays of essential oil and different extracts from Alpinia malaccensis (Zingiberaceae) rhizomes. The essential oil was found to possess higher phenolic contents (50.30 μg/mL) than the extracts. The antioxidant assay of essential oil and extracts evaluated by different methods revealed good to moderate antioxidant potential with different IC₅₀ values viz. (160.62-230.34 μg/mL) in Fe³⁺ reducing power, (97.68-242.70 μg/mL) in Fe2+ metal chelating ability, (66.40-151.25 μg/mL) in DPPH, (61.81-136.16 μg/mL) in OH radical, (68.68-133.46 μg/mL) in NO radical and (58.33-199.87 μg/mL) in superoxide anion scavenging activities respectively in comparison to the standard antioxidants, butylated hydroxyl toluene, catechin, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. Based on these observations it can be concluded that this important herb can be a good source to develop a safe, ecofriendly and sustainable natural antioxidant and food preservative.

2 tables, 18 ref

023531   Sen C K;Paul B;Biswas B K;Shahid-UD-Daula A F M (Pharmacy Dep, Noakhali Science and Technology Univ, Noakhali-3802, Bangladesh, Email: pharmasen@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity of Lagenaria siceraria crude extract obtained from its flowers. Int J Pharmac 2015, 2(1), 28-32.

Many herbal remedies have been employed in various medical systems for the treatment and management of different diseases. The plant Lagenaria siceraria, a plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. The n- hexane extract of Lagenaria siceraria was screened for antimicrobial activity against a wide range of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. The results obtained were compared with that of a standard antibiotic, kanamycin. The n-hexane extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (17.25mm), and Salmonella typhi (17.80 mm). But there was no antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholera, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

3 tables, 15 ref

023530   Saranya I H;Krishnaveni S;Sridar R (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: scientisthema@yahoo.com) : Screening, characterization and production of lipase producing bacteria from different oil mill wastes. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(2), 96-100.

Unique strains of lipase producing bacteria were isolated from different oil mill wastes and characterized for its morphological characters. The best lipase producing isolate was selected among 20 isolates by screening them in the selection medium. The 16S rRNA sequencing of the best isolate revealed it as Enterobacter sp. The extracellular lipase activity (3.018 U mL^-1) was higher than its intracellular activity (2.207 U mL^-1) when grown in the production medium. The extracellular lipase was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis and checked for its optimum activity. The enzyme showed maximum activity at alkaline pH (10.0) and at a temperature of 30°C. This alkaliphilic extracellular enzyme has huge industrial potential.

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023529   Rezaeian S;Saadatmand S;Sattari T N;Mirshamsi A (Biology Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran) : Antioxidant potency of Iranian newly cultivated wild mushrooms of Agaricus and Pleurotus species. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 534-42.

Although Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus are two major cultivated mushrooms in Iran, a range of different other species of Agaricus and Pleurotus mushrooms grow wild in various habitats of the country. However, limited study has been undertaken to investigate antioxidant potency of the Iranian cultivated or wild mushrooms. This study aimed to evaluate antioxidant capacity of methanol-dichloromethane (1:1) extracts of commercially cultivated and newly cultivated wild species of Agaricus and Pleurotus, using chemical and biochemical techniques. In general, the results revealed that all the tested mushroom demonstrated substantial antioxidant activities against various oxidant systems. Specifically, the newly cultivated wild A. devoniensis proved to be a superior antioxidant among the tested mushrooms, due to having high levels of phenols, efficient scavenging activities on 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, relatively high chelating abilities, and an apparent high reducing power. In view of total flavonoids and prevention of lipid peroxidation, however, it was a commercial strain of P. ostreatus that ranked the first. The findings of this research might have implications in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases through the diet; thus they may justify efforts to extract natural antioxidant ingredients from the wild mushrooms tested in this study, or to use them directly in the diet.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

023528   Ranjitha K;Narayana C K;Roy T K (Post Harvest Technology Div, ICAR-Indian Instuitute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake (PO), Bengaluru-560 089) : Process standardization and quality evaluation of wine from Cavendish banana (Musa, genome AAA) cv. Robusta. Indian J Hort 2015, 72(1), 153-5.

An investigation was carried out to standardize the process and quality evaluation of dry wine from banana (Musa sp.) cv. Robusta. The yeast strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCD522 and Saccharomyces fermentatii UCD519 were found to be suitable starter culture strains for banana wine preparation. Use of unpasteurized juice diluted in 2:1 ratio as the fermentative substrate significantly improved the sensory quality of banana wine as compared to wines from pulp, pasteurized and natural juice. The standardized process resulted in wine with 11.67% alcohol, 0.75% total acidity and 0.04% volatile acidity.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

023527   Rai A K;Singh R R;Pandey N (Bioinformatics Dep, Micelles Life Sciences Private Limited, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ashish@micelleslifesciences.com) : Designing inhibitors against hexokinase 1 and hexokinase 2 domain mutations of GCK and studying its association in diabetes. J biol Engng Res Rev 2015, 2(1), 15-19.

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. In this study we analyzed the involvement of Hexokinase 1 and 2 domain of GCK (Glucokinase). Hexokinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose intoglucose-6-phosphate (G6P) providing enough activation energy for the glycolytic process to start. A variety of tools and search engines are used to arrive the sequence, structure and function of protein. Disorder regions and surface properties, protein binding site was identified to dock specifically to the ligand. This protein was optimized to reach to maximum stability with minimum energy. Molecular dynamics simulation had been performed of target and ligand separately by applying periodic boundary condition, AMBER force field for protein and TRIPOSE force field for ligand. The molecules were energetically minimized by conjugate gradient method. Tripose SYBYL software have been used for molecular dynamic study. The drug discovery program includes finding all chemical compounds having potential to inactive the protein. Optimizing the candidate drugs and performing docking using bioinformatics software Argus Lab, Hex and Molegro.

6 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

023526   Prasannalaxmi K;Usha Rani P (Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indiann Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: usharanipathipati@gmail.com ) : Interactions between herbivore Leucinodes orbonalis G. and its host plant Solanum melongena L.: A study on insect induced direct plant responses. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(2), 273-86.

In laboratory assays, we studied the directly induced defence mechanisms and plant pest relations between the host eggplant (Solaum melongena L.) and its specific pest Leucinodes orbonalis G. The plant induced nutritional changes, quantitative differences in anti-oxidative enzymes and secondary metabolites were analysed in the pest attacked plants and compared with normal (non-attacked) eggplants. The nutritional qualities (carbohydrate, protein and amino acid content) of the leaves of fruit infested eggplants increased significantly than normal leaves. The chlorophyll content of leaves increased in the infested plants. The increased production of reactive oxygen species [(ROS), indicator of activation of plant defences] further increased the lipid peroxidation. The total phenols, total flavonoids and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities were significantly enhanced in infested S. melongena plants. The phenols in infested leaves were quantified and their role in plant resistance was observed. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorobenzoic acid, epicatechin and vanillic acid contents increased, but chlorogenic acid content was decreased. Along with these phenols, 8 unidentified phenols were also found. Amount of total antioxidants (measured by the scavenging capacity of leaf extract) was considerably increased in infested plants than normal - plants. Additionally, activities of oxidative enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) were strikingly induced in L. orbonalis infested eggplants. We demonstrated that the oxidative damage due to pest feeding elevated the levels of biochemicals, phenolic acids, and enzymes which may play major role in plant defence.

6 illus, 1 table, 64 ref

023525   Prakash N K U;Bhuvaneswari S;Nandhini R S; Azeez N A;Al-Arfaj A A;Munusamy M A (Research and Development, Marina Labs, No. 14, Kavya Gardens, N.T. Patel Road, Nerukundram, Chennai-600 107, Email: nkudayaprakash@gmail.com) : Floral synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Stenolobium stans L.. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4089-91.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles has preference due to their non-pollutant nature when compared with other methods of synthesis. In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using green technology as a single step which is cost effective and eco-friendly method. The aqueous floral extract of Stenolobium stans belonging to family Bignoniaceae was used in this study. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized for their plasmon resonance using UV-visible spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Laser particle size analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to study other characters. The UV-visible spectrum showed the absorbance peak at 455 nm. The average size range of nanoparticles was recorded as 7.8 to 45.3 nm through SEM and the presence of silver was recorded through EDS. The zeta particle analyzer revealed the average size range of 28.51 nm. Further the presence of phenolics and other organic group was confirmed through FTIR, which reveals that the floral extract of Stenolobium stans is involved in synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Thus, the floral extract of Stenolobium stans can be used as a potential source for the synthesis of same.

7 illus, 18 ref

023524   Pattarith K (Science Dep, Faculty of Science and Technology, Pharanakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat Univ, Pharnakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand, Email: spectro_aas@hotmail.com) : Dye-sensitized solar cells using Carissa carandas Linn. fruits extract as dye sensitizer. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4190-2.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising light harvesting material. The dye sensitizers using as solar energy absorber play a crucial on the conversion efficiency. There are two types of dye sensitizers; organic dyes and inorganic dyes. The organic dyes, derived from nature, have some advantages over the inorganic metal complex dyes as follow; (1) higher absorption coefficients; (2) wide range of absorption spectrum; (3) low-cost and environmentally friendly. In this study, the natural dyes extract from Carissa carandas Linn. fruits was used as sensitizers to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells. The UV-visible adsorption characteristics of natural dye solution were shown to absorb in visible region at λ_max 537.92 nm. The light conversion efficiency (η) of dye-sensitized solar cells reached 1.19% with a short-circuit current density (I_SC) of 3.08 mA cm^-2, an open circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.64 V and a fill factor (ff) of 0.56.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

023523   Noor S;Ali S;Hussain T (Chemistry Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad, Pakistan) : Optimization of dye extraction conditions from (Camellia sinensis) green tea leaves using response surface methodology. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4111-4.

Natural dyes are potential source of colourants for textile industries. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions of natural dye from green tea leaves using response surface methodology. Extraction pH, time and material to liquor ratio (M:L) were taken as input variables in the central composite experimental design (CCD) and the colour strength (K/S) of the fabric dyed with the extracted colourant was taken as response. It was found that maximum colour strength of the extract could be obtained at 6.6 pH in about 1 h extraction time at 1:33 M:L. It was further found that effect of pH, time and M:L was significantly non-linear. The second order regression equation for K/S indicated 91% variation in the response that could be explained by the terms included in the equation. The colourant extracted at the optimized conditions showed good washing, light and dry rubbing fastness but poor wet rubbing fastness.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

023522   Nithya D M;Shajahan M (Life Sciences Dep, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central Univ of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur-610 104, Email: nithyadevi77@gmail.com) : Efficacy of Dolichos biflorus seed decoction in the management of urolithiasis. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(2), 111-15.

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam {Dolichos biflorus}) is commonly used as a phytotherapeutic agent. The effect of oral administration of seed decoction of Dolichos biflorus on ammonium oxalate urolithiasis was studied in male Wistar albino rats. Ammonium oxalate feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium, oxalate and phosphate. Supplementation with seed decoction of Dolichos biflorus significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. The increased deposition of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of calculogenic rats were significantly (P <60> 0.05) lowered by curative and preventive treatment using seed decoction.

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023521   Nethravathi S P;Yadahalli K B (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101, Email: kbyadahalli@gmail.com) : Morphological and biochemical characterization of citrus canker isolates. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 117-20.

Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri is an important and devastating disease causing huge economical losses. The causal agent was isolated from the infected leaf of acid lime orchards. Morphological and biochemical studies were carried out to find out the variation in the growth of isolates. All isolates were gram negative and rod shaped bacteria. Average size of the colony ranged between 2.35 to 2.42 mm and almost all the isolates were bright yellow to yellow in color and oval to circular in shape. All isolates liquefied the gelatin, hydrolyzed the starch, produced H₂S and positive for catalase and oxidase reaction. The organism utilized various carbon sources viz., glucose, fructose, sucrose, dextrose and produced mild acid. Three isolates showed negative reaction in production of acid from maltose and none of the isolates utilized lactose, mannose and mannitol.

3 tables, 5 ref

023520   Nestorovic Zivkovic J;Dmitrovic S;Jovanovic V;Zivkovic S;Bozic D;Anicic N;Misic D (Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Univ of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia, Email: smile@ibiss.bg.ac.rs) : Allelopathic potential of essential oil of Nepeta rtanjansis. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(2), 207-20.

Authors studied the allelopathic potential of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklic and Milojevic essential oil and pure a- and β-pinene on seed germination of 4-crops (Lepidium sativum L., Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'May Queen', Lotus corniculatus L. cv. Bokor and Brassica napus L. cv. napus) and 3-weed species (Stellaria media (L.) Vill., Rumex crispus L. and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. ecotype Columbia). Nepetalactones are dominant compounds in essential oil of N. rtanjensis (88%), while a- and β- pinene were present in low concentrations (3% and 0.4%, respectively). We found the species-specific and dose-dependent effects of essential oils and pure compounds on seed germination of test species. Among tested crops, L. sativa proved to be the most sensitive, while B. napus was most tolerant to both essential oil and pure monoterpenoids. S. media weed was the most susceptible, while R. crispus was most tolerant. Due to its high allelopathic potential, of nepetalactones, N. rtanjensis essential oil could be developed as promising natural bioherbicide to control weeds.

6 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

023519   Neelam C;Rawat D;Chaoudhary S (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Banasthali Univ, Tonk-304 022, Email: neelam295chaturvedi@rediffmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of jackfruit seed floue, soybean flour and their blended flour against pathogenic bacteria. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(2), 132-5.

Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of jackfruit seed, soybean and their blend was assessed against certain gram negative and positive bacterial stains, using agar well diffusion method. The results suggest that the aqueous extracts of jackfruit seed, soybean and their blend [jackfruit (70): soybean (30)] showed significant activity against the bacterial strains. The extract of the blend showed highest zones of inhibition, from 13 mm to 18.5 mm when compared to the standard, tetracycline (18 mm-21 mm). The activity index of the aqueous extract of blend was higher against E. coli followed by B. subtilis, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa when compared to the extracts of jackfruit seed and soybean. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for all the three extracts ranged between 0.16 to 2.6 mg mL"¹. Extracts of jackfruit seed and the blend showed lowest MIC value when compared to soy extract. From the screening experiment, blended flour extract showed notable antibacterial activity.

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023518   Mya M M;Aye Y Y;Oo A W;Saxena R K (Medical Entomology Research Div, Medical Research (Lower Myanmar), Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar, Email: rksaxena369@gmail.com) : Effect of Citrus hystrix DC leaves ethanol extract on larvae of Aedes aegypti. J biol Engng Res Rev 2015, 2(2), 1-6.

Vector Control Program is an important public health mission for the eradication of vector-borne disease. Aedes aegypti mosquito is a main vector for transmitting the viruses of dengue. Eradication of Aedes aegypti at larval habitat from the domestic environment is the only way to prevent dengue transmission. In present study Citrus hystrix (Kaffir lime) leaves ethanol extract was used for the elimination of larvae of Aedes aegypti. Larvicidal effects of Citrus extract in different dilutions on larvae of Aedes aegypti were monitored according to WHO Guidelines for Laboratory Testing of Mosquito. Results of study found that at 2.4%, 2.1%, 1.8%, 1.5% and 1.2% concentrations of Citrus hystrix leaves ethanol extract caused 99.5%, 85.5%, 62.5%, 26.5% and 2% mortality of Aedes larvae in 24 hrs. respectively. However 1.2% concentration showed almost negligible larvicidal effect. Result of study suggests that high concentrations of Citrus hystrix leaves ethanol extract can be used for the eradication of Aedes aegypti.

1 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

023517   Mohd-Fazirul M;Nor-Ashikin M N K;Kamsani Y S; Ab-Rahim S;Norhazlin J M Y;Wan-Hafizah W J;Razif D;Froemming G R A; Kapitonova M Y (Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Faculty of Medici, Uniersiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Sg Buloh Campus, 46000 Sg Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia) : Comparison of the effects of three commercial media on preimplantation mouse embryo development and morphological grading. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 477-84.

Embryo culture is a vital procedure in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Assessment of embryonic morphology and development is of importance in the selection of embryos for transfer. Survivability of embryos in culture media depends on nutrient supply to maintain embryonic growth at every stage of preimplantation development. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of M16, HTF and KSOM commercial media on preimplantation embryonic development and morphological grading. Female mice were superovulated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 h later. The oviducts were flushed at 23 -25 h post-hCG using M2 medium. Embryos with two pro-nuclei were selected for culture. A total of 240 embryos were equally divided for culture in M16, HTF and KSOM media. Embryonic development and morphological grading were observed at 48, 67, 74, 93 and 11 h post-hCG until the hatched blastocyst stage. Significantly higher numbers of blastocysts was observed in HTF and KSOM cultures at 93 h post-hCG, compared to M16 culture (p<60>0.05). HTF showed a significantly higher number of Grade B4 blastocyst (p<60>0.05), while KSOM showed a significantly higher number of Grade B1 blastocysts (p<60>0.05), compared to M16. Morphological quality appeared to be stage dependant. M16 medium showed significantly higher number of 8-cell stage (n=62) compared to HTF (p= 0.026). Our observations suggested that for ICR mouse embryos, M16 is effective in promoting precompaction stage development until the 8-cell stage, while HTF and KSOM were more effective in promoting post-compaction stage development, hence producing more blastocysts.

8 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

023516   Mishra R R;et al. (Biotechnology Dep, Ashoka Institute of Technology & Management, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Biotechnology from health to wealth & future challenges-I. J biol Engng Res Rev 2015, 2(1), 25-32.

Biotechnology is the combination of engineering, science and technology where we could evaluate the application of biological organisms, systems, bioprocesses by various industries to learn about the science of life and the improvement of the value of materials and organisms. Since 20th Century, when five proteins from genetically engineered cells had been approved as drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA), biotechnology grown up a height where we can say the upcoming decade would be of the decade of biotechnology. At the present biotechnology has wider application in the major areas, including health care, crop production, agriculture, nonfood uses of crops and environmental issues. Keeping these facts in our mind we, planed this multicentre study. It was started since 2013; A total 43 selected abstract of studies of BTSPARK-14, and BTSPARK-15 were included to evaluate the present status of biotechnology, its implication in various interdisciplinary and translational fields. Studies were categorized in to four subheads first; past evaluation of biotechnology, second, development of newer biotech concepts, third, biotech process development and fourth was discovery development and implication of biotechnology. It is conclude that there is high need of attention to spread biotechnological process and products among common peoples through the biotechnological professional or researchers.

4 illus, 33 ref

023515   Li W;Lin Z;Yang C;Wang Y;Qiao Y (College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing Univ of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China) : Study on the chemical constituents of Momordica charantia L. leaves and method for their quantitative determination. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 415-19.

Momordica charantia L. is a herbaceous climbing plant in the genus Momordica of family Cucurbitaceae. It is to study the chemical constituents of Momordica charantia L. leaves and establish the method for determination of their total saponin content. Momordica charantia L. leaves are isolated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies, and the resulting compounds are structurally elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. Total saponins in Momordica charantia L. leaf extract are quantitatively determined by spectrophotometry with Momordicin I as the standard substance. Five compounds are isolated from the 80% ethanol extract of Momordica charantia L. leaves, which are identified as Momordicin I (1), Momordicin IV (2), Aglycone of Momordicoside I(3), Aglycone of Momordicoside L (4) and Karavilagenin D (5), respectively. Total saponins have a good linear relationship with the absorbance within a range of 0.005<126>0.025 μg, recovery is 100.27%, and RSD= 1.20% (n= 6). The isolated compounds are all triterpenoids. The present quantitative determination method is simple, fast and accurate, which can be used as the method for determination of triterpenoid content in Momordica charantia L. leaves.

1 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

023514   Kumar V;Ghode P;Jain S K (Drug Discovery and Research Laboratory, SLT Institute of Phramaceutica, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central Univ), Bilaspur-495 009, Email: sanmatijain72@yahoo.co.in) : Quantitative structure activity relationship studies on imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives as murine leukemia cell inhibitors. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4040-4.

A series of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thaidiazole derivatives was subjected to QSAR analysis and the generated models show good correlation between murine leukemic cell inhibitory activity and thermodynamic, electronic as well as steric properties of the derivatives. Most significant model was found to have squared correlation coefficient (r²), cross validated correlation coefficient (Q²) and predictive correlation coefficient (R²_pred) 0.72, 0.56 and 0.72 respectively. The key descriptors are partition coefficient, cluster count and principal moment of inertia about X-axis (PMI-X). The negative coefficient value for partition coefficient and principal moment of inertia indicate that lower value leads to better murine leukemia cell inhibitory activity whereas higher value leads to decrease in activity. Positive coefficient value of cluster count indicates that higher value leads to better murine leukemia cell inhibitory activity whereas lower value leads to decrease in activity.

2 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

023513   Kuddus M;Arif J M;Yunus G;Jamal Q M S (Biochemistry Dep, College of Medicine, Hail Univ, Hail, Saudi Arabia, Email: mkuddus@gmail.com) : Theoretical and In silico analysis of molecular interaction of anti-trypanosomal drug berenil and its analog with calf thymus DNA. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 45-52.

Several studies suggested that Berenil, an anti-trypanosomal drug, acting as minor groove binders intercalates with DNA subsequently providing thermal stabilization to the drug-DNA complex. In the present study, we theoretically analyzed Berenil binding with calf thymus DNA using experimental models of De-Abreu et al (2008) to explain the melting behaviour and heat capacity of DNA in the presence and absence of Berenil. Drug-DNA complex were also analyzed for the interactions and binding energy of the docked structure through in silico analysis. Using modified Zimm and Bragg theory the sharpness of transition was examined in terms of half width and sensitivity parameter (ΔH/σ). The molecular docking technique was adopted to find out the binding affinity of Berenil and its derivatives with DNA. All obtained conformations of drug-DNA complex were analyzed for the interactions and binding energy of the docked structure using Discovery Studio. The results of theoretical analysis concluded that the various parameters such as heat capacity curve, transition profile, half widths and sharpness of the transition are in good agreement with the experimental measurements for binding of Berenil determined through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Molecular docking studies of Berenil and its analog N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-Berenil (NHB) using Accelrys Discovery studio client 4.1 further confirmed that Berenil exhibited better binding parameters in terms of higher binding energy with lower inhibition constant compared to the NHB. Theoretical analysis proposed in this study in conjunction with in silico tools could provide a reliable approach to design potential therapeutic DNA binding agents and understand their interaction.

5 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

023512   Kuddus M;Arif J M;Ali A;Kausar M A;Shahid S M A;Parveen K;Siddiqui W A (Biochemistry Dep, College of Medicine, Hail Univ, Hail, Saudi Arabia, Email: mkuddus@gmail.com) : Chemical fingerprinting of bioactive compounds of Carica papaya Linn (Indian variety) seed oil. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 9-20.

Carica papaya Linn is commonly known as papaya in English and Papita in Hindi. Papaya is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values throughout the world. The properties of different parts of papaya plant are also well known in traditional system of medicine. Since past few decades medicinal applications of papaya are well considered by research community and used for treatment of various diseases. In this study, we analyzed biochemical constituents of Indian papaya seed oil through GC-MS. The objective of study wasto analyze the phytochemical components of Carica papaya seed oil using GCMS. The results of GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of vitamins, terpenes, terpenoids, alkaloids, lactones, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, amides, ethers and fatty acids in Carica papaya seed oil. The results showed that there are total 64 different compounds including L-Ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (12.27%), Limonene (8.57%), cis-methyl-dihydrojasmonate (6.02%), 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropyl acetate (5.27%), n-Hexyl-salicylate (4.64%), Linalool (4.60%), Lilial (4.43%), a-Hexylcinnamaldehyde (4.40%), 2-Tert-butylcyclohexanol (3.41%), 1,2-Dimethylpropyl acetate (3.36%), (E)-12-musk decenone (3.31%), Oxacyclohexadec-(13E)-en-2-one (2.48%) etc. In conclusion,the applications of Carica papaya oil by traditional physicians for various diseases are supported by presence of different bioactive compounds. Moreover, isolation and purification of specific bioactivecompounds couldplay potential role in future exploration of novel drugs and food applications.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

023511   Koner A;Bhaumik U;Banerjee A;Ghosal S K (Biotechnology Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal-713 104, Email: atanukoner@gmail.com) : Effect of silver and lead nitrates on implantation interference, miscarriage and teratogenicity: a preliminary report. Bioscan 2015, 10(2), 505-10.

The present work elucidates the menacing effects of silver and lead nitrates on both the pregnant mice and developing embryos. Consequent upon the subcutaneous injection of different concentrations of AgNO₃ and PbNO₃, the inseminated females were invariably confronted with episodes like preterm delivery, gastrointestinal complications, fetotoxicity and precocious parturition of congenitally malformed embryos.These stillborns, unlike the control embryos of the same age group, were destitude of eyes, ears and hair follicles. They ultra structurally displayed the presence of aberrant hepatocytes and renal corpuscles. The oral administration of these compounds to mated females generated a panoplyof augmented phenomena including implantation failure and disanchorage of placenta. Several mated mice developed intestinal neoplasia, lung tumor and other visceral anomalies.

5 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

023510   Khuttan S R;Kocher D K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: dkocher2002@pau.edu) : Incidence of parasitic helminths on commonly consumed salad vegetables and their sources of contamination. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 41-4.

Raw vegetables are great source of vitamins, dietary fibers and minerals. Vegetables, especially salads, are an important route of transmission of intestinal helminthic parasites. Vegetable samples collected seasonally from three vegetable fields and three local markets of Ludhiana city, Punjab were assessed for the parasitic helminth infestation. Samples were also processed for determination of parasitic contamination from various sources like soil, irrigation and reservoir tank water. Incidence of parasitic helminths in vegetables was found to be highest during rainy season (50.90%) followed by winter (35.89%) and least in summer (21.29%) irrespective of site of collection. Vegetable samples collected from local markets showed high contamination (31.94-55.56%) in comparison to vegetable fields (0-41.67%) during all the seasons. Out of the tested sources of contamination, samples of irrigation water showed highest helminth infestation (44.44-88.89%) during all seasons in comparison to soil (40.74-77.78%) and reservoir tank water (11.11-44.44%). Leafy vegetables were found to be highly contaminated (52.52%) with parasitic helminth followed by root/modified stem vegetables (37.96%) and fruit vegetables (21.43%).

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

023509   Kaushik A;Jadhav S K (School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur-492 010) : Optimization of electrode material for bioelectricity production through microbial fuel cell. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2016, 24(2), 128-34.

Fusel cells are one of the most essential topics in research. Microbial fuel cell is a newest type of fuel cells that can generate electricity from renewable biomass by means of microorganisms as biocatalysts. There are diverse factors that can be considered in the development and improvement of MFC performance. Among effective parameters in Microbial Fuel Cells, substrate types and electrode composition play a crucial role in its performance. In this study, a dual chamber MFC is fabricated to check its dual function of bioelectricity production and simultaneously wastewater treatment. The present work is an experimented investigation concerned with selection of the best pair of electrodes. The various combinations of anode/cathode materials as copper, zinc, aluminium and carbon for Microbial Fuel Cells has been systematically studied and out of which Zn/C pair gave higher voltage output of 1.24±0.001 V and current of 3.28±0.012 mA with Gudiyari nala wastewater. Simultaneously, analysis of wastewater was also performed before and after the operation. Significant reduction in COD by 66.67% with Gudiyari nala wastewater, indicated effective wastewater treatment in batch experiments. This work may help in the optimization of parameters for maximum production of bioelectricity to recompense the upcoming need of electricity as well as reduces the dependency of fossil fuels.

3 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

023508   Karmakar A;Malik U;Barik A (Zoology Dep, Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, West Bengal) : Effect of leaf epicuticular wax compounds from Soena amplexicaulis (Lam.) Gandhi of olfactory responses of a generalist insect herbivore. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(2), 253-72.

The TLC, GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of surface waxes of young, mature and senescent leaves of Solena amplexicaulis plants revealed 19, 18 and 21 n-alkanes between n-C₁₅ and n-C₃₆, respectively and 14 free fatty acids between C12:0 and C22:0 fatty acids. In glass Y-tube olfactometer bioassay under laboratory condition the A. foveicollis females were attracted to surface waxes of young, mature and senescent leaves from S. amplexicaulis plants at the minimum concentrations of 6, 6 and 8 μg/ml, respectively. The insect showed highest attraction to 10 μg/ml epicuticular waxes from mature leaves than the same amount of epicuticular waxes from young and senescent leaves. The insect was attracted to individual synthetic pentadecane, heptacosane, nonacosane, palmitic acid, stearic acid and alpha-linolenic acid at 0.60, 0.50, 0.80, 4, 3 and 0.30 μg/ml, respectively in a dose response bioassay. The insect displayed highest attraction to a synthetic mixture of 0.93, 0.26, 3.09, 1.52 and 0.29 μg/ml of pentadecane, nonacosane, palmitic acid, stearic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively and hence, this combination might be used for insect pest management programme such as baited traps.

5 illus, 4 tables, 57 ref

023507   Jiang T;Zhang J;Zhang Y;Shi Y;Wang J;Ma R (Breast Surgery Dep, Qilu Hospital of Shandong Univ, Jinan-250 012) : Volatile constituents in Du Jio Lian and their effects on proliferation of breast cancer T47D cell lines. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 431-6.

To identify volatile constituents in Typhonium giganteum Engl., and clarify their effects on proliferation of breast cancer T47D cell lines. Volatile constituents in Typhonium giganteum Engl. are extracted by steam distillation, and determined by GC-MS. 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment of T47D cells with different concentrations of Typhonium giganteum Engl. volatile (DJL-V) constituents, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay, inverted optical microscopic observation, flow cytometry (FCM) and agarose gel electrophoresis are used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. 15 major chemical constituents are isolated and identified from DJL-V, with a detection rate of 76.41%. DJL-V can significantly inhibit T47D cell proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner within a certain concentration range, and can induce its apoptosis. T47D cell apoptosis rates are 7.51%, 13.45% and 13.79%, respectively, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment with 100 g/L DJL-V. The degree of apoptosis is positively correlated with the time. 72 h after treatment, distribution of S phase (DNA synthesis phase) cells increases significantly. DJL-V has proliferation inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects on T47D cells; and its anti-tumor mechanism is associated with the induction of apoptosis.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

023506   Jayanthi C;Revathi K (Zoology Dep, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai-600 008, Email: jaynu.cr@gmail.com) : Effect of saaf [75%] on carbohydrate and glucose metabolism in fresh water fish Labeo rohita. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 53-9.

The scope of the present work is to analyze the effect of SAAf 75% (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%) on carbohydrate and glucose metabolism in fresh water fish Labeorohita(rohu) exposed to SAAf 75% for a period of 21 days. Preliminary acute toxicity tests were carried out to find the median lethal tolerance limit (LC₅₀) of the fish to the pesticide mixture for 96hrs and 95% confidence limits were calculated. The 96hr LC₅₀value for 75% was found to be 16.62 mg/L. One fortieth (0.41 mg/L)and one-twentieth (0.83 mg/L) value was taken as the two sub-lethal concentrations for the study. The fishes were maintained in two different sub-lethal concentrations for a period of 21 days anda control group was also maintained for the same period. An overall significant reduction (P <60> 0.01) was witnessed in the total carbohydrate and glucose content of all the tissues exposed to both the sub-lethal concentration when compared to the control group of fishes, at regular intervals of 7, 14, and 21 days.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

023505   Husain R;Vikram N;Kumar D;Khan N A;Gyanendra K;Malik A;Ali A (Biotechnology Dep, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut-250 002, Email: rajahusain02@gmail.com) : Isolation, characterization and optimization of amylase enzyme activities using submerged fermentation from Bacillus sp.. Bioscan 2015, 10(2), 623-8.

Amylase is an important digestive enzyme used in medical studies and has several industrial and commercial applications. Due to the enormous importance of this enzyme, this study was focused on optimization of culture conditions favoring the maximum enzyme production by Bacillus sp. using submerged fermentation. The optimum conditions for enzyme production were standardized using various parameters such as incubation period, pH and temperature. The production of enzymes was found maximum (28.42 U/mL) at 120 hrs after incubation. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme activity were found to be 40°C and 6 respectively. Supplementation of various carbon and nitrogen sources resulted in marginal increase in α-amylase production. Highest production was observed with starch (29.17 U/mL) and ammonium sulphate (21.90 U/mL), while amongst the minerals, magnesium sulphate (1mM) was found to induce the maximum production of amylase (37.33 U/mL).

7 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

023504   Hou G;Xue G;Yue L;Zhang Q (Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224051, P.R. China) : Preparation and activation mechanism of rice husk based mesoporous carbon. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4285-7.

Mesoporous carbon was prepared by a combined method of carbonization and activation processes, in which rice husk and KOH were used as carbon source and activator, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms (ADI) were measured by specific surface area instrument, the pore size distribution and pore volume were calculated by BET equation and BJH method. The mesoporous characteristic was characterized by small angle X-ray diffraction. The gas and solid composition from husk activation process was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and simultaneous thermal analysis mass spectrometry (TG-MS), then the pore forming mechanism was speculated. The results show that the average pore size of the prepared mesoporous carbon was as high as 4.54 nm and the specific surface area and mesopore rate were 2174.09 m²/g and 78.73%, respectively. The K₂Si₄O₉ was found in the activated rice husks, it may be from reaction SiO₂ of rice husk with the decomposer K₂O of KOH.

7 illus, 9 ref

023503   Hewawasam R P;Jayatilaka K A P W (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhuna Univ, Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, Email: ruwaniph@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant effect of crude water extract of Vetiveria zizanioides (gramineae) in mice with acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity. Int J Pharmac 2015, 2(1), 11-20.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug. Large dose of APAP results in severe hepatic necrosis due to the oxidative stress. This work evaluates the antioxidant activity of crude water extract of Vetiveria zizanioides rootsagainst a single dose of APAP induced acute hepatotoxicity. Mice were treated with 300 mg/kg of APAP dissolved in saline and fasted for 16h. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC, 500 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. The activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly 4 h after APAP administration. Oral administration of crude water extract of Vetiveria root at a dose of 0.9 g/kg before or after the oral administration of APAP significantly reduced (P<60>0.05) the elevated values of serum ALT, AST, ALP and hepatic morphologic changes induced in mice. Antioxidant status, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were reduced significantly (P<60>0.05) and the lipid peroxidation and the activity of GPx were enhanced significantly in the APAP treated group. Vetiveria root extract markedly inhibited lipid peroxidation, oxidation of glutathione and enhanced the activities of GR and GST in mouse liver homogenate (P<60>0.05). Although the effects of NAC and Vetiveria root extracts were comparable in replenishing GSH in APAP toxicity, pre or post-treatment with Vetiveria showed better effects on GR and GST levels in liver homogenates. Hepatoprotective effect of the crude water extract of Vetiveria root against APAP induced acute toxicity may be mediated by preventing the decline of hepatic antioxidant status.

1 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

023502   Gopan Raj;Pradeep N S;George V;Sethuraman M G (Chemistry Dep, Sree Narayana College, Punalur, Kollam-691 305, Email: drgopanraj@hotmail.com) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) alston leaf oil. Indian J Chem-Sect B 2016, 55(6), 747-51.

Chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Syzygium caryophyllatum has been analyzed by GC and GC-MS Twenty four compounds representing 89.7% of the oil have been identified. Major components are δ-cadinol (42.1%), caryophyllene <60>9-epi-β<62> (13.4%) and selin-11-en-4-α-ol (5.4%). Antimicrobial activity of the leaf oil has been carried out by disc diffusion method in vitro antimicrobial assay. As compared to standard fluconazole, a 1:2 dilution of the leaf oil shows strong inhibition against strains of Candida albicans. The Syzygium leaf oil exhibits a pronounced activity against Candida albicans with a minimal-inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 44.0 μg/mL.

3 tables, 28 ref

023501   Ghorab M M;Alsaid M S (Pharmacognosy Dep, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Univ, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Synthesis of some tricyclic indeno [1, 2-d] pyrimidine derivatives as a new class of anti-breast cancer agents. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 420-5.

As part of our search for anti-breast cancer agents a new series of tricyclic 4-substituted-2-yl)-2- thioxo-3, 4-dihydro-1H-indeno [1, 2-d] pyrimidin-5(2H)-one 4-9 were obtained in one pot synthesis by a modification of the Biginelli Reaction. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by microanalyses, IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and mass spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell line (MCF7). Most of the screened compounds showed interesting cytotoxic activities compared to Doxorubicin as reference drug. Compounds 8, 5, 7 and 4 (IC₅₀ values 10.25, 23.48, 27.51 and 28.85 μM) revealed higher cytotoxic activities than the Doxorubicin as reference drug with IC₅₀ value (32.00 μM). Also, compound 9 is nearly as active as Doxorubicin with IC₅₀ values (33.55 μM). Compound 6 showed moderate activity.

1 table, 45 ref

023500   George S K;Priya Doss C;Adalarasu K (Biomedical Engineering, SBST VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014) : Analysis of physiological signal variation between autism and control group in south indian population. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 525-9.

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder caused due to malfunction in brain development. It is an emerging field in child psychiatry in the world. Moreover in developing countries like India there is a need for awareness regarding autism among the medical professionals. The proposed research was to investigate variation in the physiological parameters between autism and normal children. Eighty Indian Children subjects (40 Normal and 40 Autism) from a special school participated voluntarily in this study with age group ranging from 8-13 years. Photoplethysmograph (PPG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) signal were recorded during mental task through clue cards with visual like alphabets, numbers, fruits, colors, and animals. The experiment was performed during the forenoon session for both normal and autism children. The task performance is measured by calculating the error of commission and omission. PPG and GSR signal are pre-processed, and dicrotic notch, heart rate (HR) and GSR feature are extracted from the acquired signal. The nonparametric Mann- Whitney-U tests were performed. The heart rate, dicrotic notch, and GSR were significantly (p<60>0.05) high for the autism group when compared to control children. The current study result implies that PPG and GSR signals recorded for the autistic children are high in comparison with normal children.

2 tables, 15 ref

023499   Gayathri R;Sathyanarayana B N (NO, Horticultural Sciences (Bagalkot) Univ, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: gayathriacharya711@gmail.com) : In vitro culture of three elite clones of jackfruit. Bioscan 2015, 10(2), 713-17.

Studies on in vitro culture in three elite clones of jackfruit were carried out during 2012-13 at PG Centre, UHS (Bagalkot), GKVK, Bengaluru. Three elite clones of jackfruit (Clone no. 1, 2 and 3) were identified from Doddaballapur, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka and used for the study. In the in vitro study, survival of shoot tips and nodal segments was highest (62.5%) in January with least fungal (14%) and bacterial contamination (23.5%) whereas least survival was recorded during September (20%). Shoot tips were suitable explants with highest shoot length (3.04 cm) over nodal segments (1.84 cm) with highest leaves (3.18). Chloramphenicol (60 mg/L) recorded least bacterial contamination (6.33%) and highest survival (80.60%) of the culture against basal medium (86.32% bacterial contamination with culture survival of 7.16%). BAP (2 mg/l) gave highest leaves (2.86) and longest shoots (3.08 cm) in vitro. Number of shoots was more in clone no. 2 (1.93) and highest shoot length (2.57 cm) was recorded in clone no. 3. From the study, it can be concluded that explants survival was highest when collected during January, chloramphenicol as antibiotic was effective in reducing bacterial contamination and BAP (2 mg/l) was effective for shoot proliferation of in vitro culture.

1 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

023498   Gautam A;Wadhwa R;Thakur M K (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Email: mkt_bhu@yahoo.com) : Assessment of cholinergic properties of Ashwagandha leaf-extract in the amnesic mouse brain. Ann Neurosci 2016, 23(2), 68-75.

In our earlier study, we have shown the memory enhancing and scopolamine-induced amnesia recovery properties of Ashwagandha leaf extract using behavioral paradigm and expression analysis of synaptic plasticity genes. However, the exact mechanism through which Ashwagandha demonstrates these effects is still unknown. In the present study, we hypothesized that the alcoholic extract of Ashwagandha leaves (i-Extract) possesses cholinergic properties, which in turn inhibit the anti-cholinergic nature of scopolamine. Therefore, the potential of i-Extract to recover from the scopolamine-induced cholinergic deficits was assessed by measuring acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) and Arc (synaptic activity-related gene) expression level in the mouse brain. The enzymatic activity of acetyl cholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase was assessed through colorimetric assays, and expression level of Arc protein was examined by Western blotting. Furthermore, mRNA level of these genes was examined by semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. We observed that the treatment of i-Extract in scopolamine-induced amnesic mouse attenuates scopolamine-induced detrimental alterations in the cholinergic system. Thus, our study provided biochemical and molecular evidence of cholinergic properties of Ashwagandha leaf extract during brain disorders associated with cholinergic dysfunction.

4 illus, 31 ref

023497   Galyautdinov I V;Sadretdinova Z R;Muslimov Z S;Gareev V F;Khalilov L M;Odinokov V N (Institute of Petrochemistry and Catalysis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lab of Organic Synthesis, Prospect Oktyabrya, Ufa, Russian Federation) : New minor phytoecdysteroids from the juice of Serratula coronata L. (Asteraceae). J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(5), 30-4.

Minor phytoecdysteroids - ajugasterone C 2-, 3-, and 11-acetates and calonysterone were isolated for the first time from the Serratula coronata plant. Out of these, ajugasterone 11-acetate is new ecdysteroid.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

023496   Dong S J;Bi X D;Wang N;Song L;Dai W;Zhang S L (Key Lab for Aqua-Ecology and Agriculture of Tianjin, Fisheries Science, Tianjin Agricultural Univ, Jinjing Road 2, Tianjin 300 384, China, Email: hy_101018@yahoo.com) : Algicidal activity of Cladophora fracta on red tide-forming microalgae Heterosigma akashiqo and Gymnodinium breve. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(2), 231-40.

The effect of algicidal allelochemicals in Cladophora fracta (O.F.Muller ex Vahl) Kutzing, on the growth of two microalgae, Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara and Gymnodinium breve Davis was investigated. The aqueous extract as well as the ethyl acetate extract of the ethanol extract, strongly inhibited the growth of both the microalgae. Using GCMS, the active substances in the ethyl acetate fraction were identified, as DIBP (1, 2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 2-methylpropyl ester), DBP (1, 2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-methylpropyl) ester) and DOA (Hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester).

5 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

023495   Dineshkumar M;Kannappan S;Sivakumar K (Genetic and Biotechnology Unit Central Institute of Brackishwater, Aquaculture (CIBA-ICAR), Chennai-600 028, Email: sudalikanna@gmail.com) : Effect of marine plant (Excoecaria agallocha) extract against luminescence disease causing Vibrio harveyi during shrimp larviculture. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(1), 62-69.

Crude extract of was tested for antagonism against Vibrio harveyi and an inhibitory zone of 9.9 ± 0.4 mm was observed. When V. harveyi was grown in Luria Bertani (LB) agar with crude extract of plant, the growth of microorganisms decreased from 2.946 to 1.782 OD in 5 days. In control, V. harveyi growth increased from 3.290 to 3.592 OD. When V. harveyi was treated with the plant extract, proteolysis, lipolysis, phospholipase and thermonuclease activity and bio-luminescence was weak. Similarly, crude bacteriocin OD values showed a decreasing trend from 1.937 to 1.452 OD as compared to the control from 2.073 to 1.739 OD. The disruption of protease production ranged from 0.010 to 0.121. Exopolysaccharide production of V. harveyi decreased from 2.791 to 2.691 OD as compared to the control (3.387 to 3.23 OD). The reduction in the cumulative percentage mortalities in the treatment tank was 4 to 14% due to the addition of crude extract of E. agallocha when compared to the control. The results suggested that the crude extract of E. agallocha can be used as a non-antibiotic agent to control shrimp disease caused by V. harveyi.

023494   Dayal V;Johri P K (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur-208 001) : Histomorphology of alimentary canal of Mylabris pustulata Thunb. (coleoptera : meloidae) exposed to some phytotoxins. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 61-5.

It is revealed that four botanical insecticides viz., Thevetia nerrifolia, Euphorbia nivulia, Murraya paniculata and Hyoscyamus reticulates have significant effect on foregut and midgut cellular and on muscles arrangement and structure. The two botanical insecticides viz., Azadirachta indica and Annona squamosa do not have significant histopathological changes in foregut and midgut and stand at par to control. The generalised effect of four botanical insecticides (Thevetia nerrifoila, Euphorbia nivulia, Murraya paniculata and Hyoscyamus reticulates) used have caused degeneration, dehydration and vacuolisation of foregut and midgut epithelium, liberation of cytoplasmic fragments and nuclei in to the lumen, clumping of chromatin material and degengeration of regenerative cells and thinning of circular muscles and detachment of longitudinal muscles. At places complete desquamation of midgut epithelium of four botanical insecticides treated insects. It has also been observed that retention of food contents has been observed in the lumen of complete alimentary canal of all six botanical insecticides treated insects. It is revealed that vacuolisation, clear spaces, accelerated secretion, the decrease in the regenerative activity of the cells, the rejection of older epithelial cells and the pycnotic epithelial cells are the general histopathological damages observed in the present investigation. These studies lead to the conclusion that the four botanical insecticides (Thevetia nerrifolia, Euphorbia nivulia, Murraya paniculata and Hyoscyamus reticulates) cause considerable damage to the fore and midgut to the extent that they even prove fatal to the test insect.

14 illus, 5 ref

023493   Choubey A;Garg G (School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Neurochemical screening of Pterospermum acerifolium in animal models. Int J Pharmac 2015, 2(1), 38-43.

Pterospermum acerifolium is common plant in India is considered carminative, stimulant and emmenagogue. In the present study, ethanol extract of bark of Pterospermum acerifolium have been evaluated for Neurochemical study. Treatment with ethanolic extract of Pterospermum acerifolium was found to significantly decrease the serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) and -endorphin (-EP) as well as the brain and serum level of norepinephrine (NE). Furthermore, ethanolic extract of Pterospermum acerifolium was able to significantly reverse the chronic stress by decreasing the brain and serum levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The results obtained from this study suggested that the memory-enhancing effect of ethanolic extract of Pterospermum acerifolium was mediated through regulations of neurochemical and neuroendocrine systems. From the present study it was concluded that the herbal drugs can be potentially used to control the state of CNS disorders. Further investigations are, however, necessary to explore mechanism(s) of action involved in these pharmacological activities.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

023492   Chavan R;Chaturvedi P;Chowdhary A (Virology & Immunology Dep, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: raulchavan@gmail.com) : Anti-influenza potential of alkaloidal molecules of Jatropha curcas leaves. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4705-4711.

Present study reports the in-vitro antiviral effect of isolated alkaloidal compound of Jatropha curcas leaves against Influenza virus by Hemagglutination (HA) reduction assay in two different layouts of simultaneous and post-treatment assay. The alkaloidal compound was used for anti-influenza activity in the non-cytotoxic range. The separated compound (R_f 0.5) was eluted, crystallised and identified by using NMR and FTIR analysis and co-TLC with standard compound of Tetra Methyl Pyrazine(TMP). The Thin Layer Chromatographic analysis showed that ethyl acetate: dichloromethane (1:1) was the best solvent for alkaloidal separation. The identified Tetra-Methyl Pyrazine showed 100% reduction in HA in the post-treatment assays at the concentration of 10mg/ml and 5mg/ml. In simultaneous assay, HA was reduced to 71% and 42% at concentration of 10mg/ml and 5mg/ml respectively. These results suggest that TMP has strong anti-Influenza virus activity that can inhibit viral attachment and/or viral replication and may be used as viral prophylaxis.

32 ref

023491   CHaudhary K (Zoology Dep, R. G. (P.G.) College, Meerut-250 001, Email: dr.kalpanachaudhary@gmail.com) : Status of malic dehydrogenase and α - glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase ezymes after CCl₄ administration in hypo and hyperthyroidic rats. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 121-4.

The status of malic dehydrogenase and α - glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase enzymes in the liver that could be induced by thyroid hormones was studied in the wistar strain of albinorats, Rattus rattus (albino). Malic enzyme (ME) can be induced by thyroid hormones and it is a major source of NADPH used in fatty acid synthesis. Another enzyme, mitochondrial α - glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase is a thyroid hormone inducible enzyme associated with mitochondrial electron transport system. Since liver is the major organ for lipid and thyroid hormone metabolism, it was thought worthy to study these enzymes in the liver of carbontetrachloride treated rats.

3 tables, 12 ref

023490   Bhat M K;Shah N (School of Pharmacy, R. K. Univ, Rajkot, Gujarat, Email: kmb_0999@yahoo.co.in) : Acute toxicity, In-vitro urolithiatic & diuretic evaluation of methanolic extract of Hygrophila salicifolia, whole herb in rat. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2016, 8(2), 111-16.

Hygrophila salicifolia (Family: Acanthaceae) is an erect herb, nearly glabrous, mainly whole herb used as raw material in medicine. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate acute toxicity, in vitro urolithiatic and diuretic activity of methanolic extract of Hygrophila salicifolia, whole herb. Methanolic extract of Hygrophila salicifolia was administered to experimental rats orally at 2000 mg/kg p.o. The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated as per OECD guideline 420. The LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be between 2000-5000 mg/kg p.o. Urolithiatic activity was determined for all extracts using Conductometric titration and crystal growth inhibition. Methanolic extract of Hygrophila salicifolia was administered to experimental rats orally at doses 300 & 500 mg/kg p.o. Furosemide (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control. The diuretic potential of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume, Diuretic index, Lipchitz value, Saliuretic index, Na+/K+ ratio and excretion of sodium-potassium content. The present study provided quantitative and qualitative basis for explaining non toxicity, urolithiatic and diuretic potential of methanolic extract of Hygrophila salicifolia.

9 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

023489   Bharathi V; Kanaka M (PG and Research Biochemistry Dep, S.T.E.T .Women's College, Mannargudi, Tamilnadu-614 001, Email: bharathiviswanathanbio@gmail.com) : Production of extracellular cellulase using Bacillus species isolated from red soil and optimization of cellulase activity. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4857-65.

Enzymes plays a major role in industries like textile, leather, sugar, paper, rubber, tea etc., Microbes plays important role in enzyme production due to their fast growth rate, easy to manipulate for getting highly stable enzymes through genetic engineering and requires shorter time for production and purification steps. In our present study, we concentrated on the enzymes used in textile industries. Recently, many novel enzymes that prove to be the efficient in the process of desizing, peroxide removal, bio polishing have been developed for textile industries. In commercial point of view, finding of new enzymes with high activity and desired properties that can be potentially used for those processes is a continuous process. Hence, we tried to isolate the cellulolytic bacteria from red soil and produced the enzyme cellulase using specific media. The isolated bacterial species was identified as Bacillus species by morphological and biochemical analysis. Further the cellulase activity was analyzed and the parameters like pH, temperature, substrate concentration, and incubation time were also optimized.

12 ref

023488   Baweja S;Babbar B K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sonubaweja3@gmail.com) : Growth performance and tissue fatty acid composition of Cyprius carpio (Linn.) reared on feeds containing animal fats as fish oil replacement. Bioscan 2015, 10(2), 655-60.

A sixty day feeding experiment was conducted to study the effect of fish oil replacement in the diet of common carp fingerlings with two terrestrial animal fats viz. poultry fat (PF) and goat fat (GF) on survival, growth performance and fatty acid composition. Nine isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated, containing 20% lipid sources. Fish oil (FO) was used in control diet, which was substituted by 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with the alternative lipid sources in other eight diets. Survival rate recorded during the experimental period was 100% for all treatment groups. Net weight gain (1.22-1.41g), specific growth rate (0.19-0.22%) and proximate composition of fish fed different experimental diets were not significantly different (p ≤ 0.05). However, tissue fatty acid compositions differ significantly among fish fed control diet and other treatment diets). The n-3/n-6 ratio of fish fed control diet (diet 1) was quite higher (1.31%) compared to that in fish fed the other diets. In conclusion, the results show that partial replacement (25 to 50%) of fish oil with animal fats is possible without any negative effect on growth performance, survival, proximate and fatty acid composition of fish with an additional benefit of reduction in the cost of fish feed.

6 tables, 28 ref

023487   Ashrafi M A;Pandit G K (Biochemistry Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736 165, Email: gkpandit@yahoo.co.in) : Variation in the formation of some biomolecules in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var capitata) leaf induced by endosulfan. Bioscan 2015, 10(2), 539-43.

Synthetic pesticides, used to control the pests of various crops, have an effect in the quantitative formation of their biomolecules as well. The present experiment was carried out to study the effect of different doses (control, T₁: 0; recommended, T₂: 0.844 L ha^-1 and double of recommended, T₃: 1.688 L ha^-1) of endosulfan on the formation of carbohydrate, total free amino acid, protein, total phenol and total chlorophyll contents of cabbage leaf on 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after application (DAA). In comparison with 1st DAA, the carbohydrate content decreased to 6.20 and 5.29% for T₂ and T₃ doses respectively on 35th DAA with no change in control. The total free amino acid content increased to the extent of 110.21, 92.87 and 99.79% and the protein content decreased to 57.37, 30.72 and 37.11% as recorded on 35th DAA in case of T₁, T₂ and T₃ doses respectively. The total phenol level increased to 18.42, 27.65 and 35.33% for T₁, T₂ and T₃ doses respectively on the last DAA. The total chlorophyll content was also found to increase to 25.64, 23.81 and 27.50% on 35th DAA in case of T₁, T₂ and T₃ doses respectively with a decrease in midway. So the trend of formation of the studied biomolecules as observed in cabbage leaf due to endosulfan varied differently.

5 tables, 27 ref

023486   Arya N;Prakash O;Tripathi S;Vivekanand;Pant A K (Chemistry Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: oporgchem@gmail.com) : Curcuma longa L: elemental and nutritional profiling of fifty accessions from Uttarakhand region in India. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(11), 4160-6.

In present study, the elemental and nutritional values of Curcuma longa L. cultivated from 50 different regions of Uttarakhand in India were analyzed. The result showed wide variations in different elemental and nutritional content. Turmeric rhizomes collected from different regions were nutritious and falls within the safe limit which was required for normal body functioning, reproduction, development and maintenance.

3 tables, 30 ref

023485   Arikatti S;Murthy M M;Sonyal S (Agril. Microbiology Dep, GK VK, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore-560 065, Email: shivaraj.ma@gmail.com) : Identification of bacterial consortium for generation of electricity in microbial fuel cell (MFC). Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 193-6.

Nowadays, Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) are very promising technology in mitigating greenhouse gas effect. MFC is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy by their catalytic reaction. An attempt was made to generate electricity by using cattle dung.Among different types of waste water formulations used with sterilized cattle dung slurry, it was found that, biogas slurry was producing stable and maximum voltage followed by sewage waste water. The bacterial consortium identified for electric power generation from biogas slurry had Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Cellulomonas sp., Staphylococcus sp., Enterobacter sp. and Micrococcus sp. as the major components.

1 table, 11 ref