040202   CHANDRASEKARAN M (Plant Protection Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tiruchirappalli - 620 027, Tamil Nadu, Email: chantrue2020@gmail.com) : Screening of bhendi accessions (Abelmoschus esculenthus [l.] moench) against the fruit borer, Earias spp. (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera). Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 163-8.

The study on screening of bhendi accessions against fruit borer (Earias spp.) infestation was conducted by evaluating 55 numbers of IC entries with 6 different varieties/hybrids as a local standard check to assess their performance in naturally infested field conditions in augmented block design with three replications. The identified resources of accessions further subjected to the artificial screening to cross verify their reaction against the incidence of sucking insect pests, viz., leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Out of 55 IC accessions screened, the entries viz., IC 27821-A, IC 42531, IC 22237-C, IC 42485-B, IC 43743, IC 43746-D, IC 45728 and IC 45804 were found to be the best tolerant sources for the management of fruit borer, Earias spp. with the cross resistance to leaf hopper and whitefly. The results on the artificial screening indicated that the identified tolerant sources were registered the minimum leaf hopper index ( 80/cm2 is in tune with the tolerant checks i.e., CO 4 and Arka abhay. Hence, the present investigation conclude that, these identified 8 accessions can be utilized in further breeding programmes to develop varieties/hybrids resistant to major insect pests of bhendi with good phenological traits

4 tables, 20 ref

040201   MAHARJAN S, UPADHYAY N, BHATTARAI A M (Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Nawalparasi, Nepal, Email: salinamaharjan82@yahoo.com) : Pesticides use pattern and handling practices among cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) growing farmers of parsa district of Nepal. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 155-62.

Pesticide is one of the major inputs for commercial vegetable farming in Nepal. The study examined pesticides use pattern and farmers’ knowledge, perception, awareness about pesticides and the handling practices. The study is based on survey data consisting of 150 samples collected randomly from Parsa district of Nepal. The results show that 54.7 % of the cucumber farmers used pesticides as control measure of insect and fungus in Parsa district. Out of which insecticides was found to be applied more i.e.68 % followed by the fungicides i.e. 22.33 % of total application volume sprayed. Regarding toxicity level farmers were found to use Moderately Hazardous Pesticides (II). The research identified that farmers do 2 times spray as mandatory frequency of application however, nearly half of farmers were found to spray pesticide four to five times. Regarding their knowledge 53 % of farmers found to read label on pesticide bottle/packages. More than half (57 %) of the farmers has found to receive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training but only 7 % practiced alternative pest control measures. Regarding the disposal only 6 % found to bury the empty bottles, packages after use and others throw the containers anywhere. The results show that, in Nepal, pesticide was mostly applied for the vegetable farming. If area under vegetable farming increases by 1 % the probability of the pesticide application by household is increased by the 22 %.

5 illus, 10 tables, 10 ref

040200   SURESH, BISHNOI O P (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar, Haryana, Email: suresh.nyol@gmail.com) : GGE biplot based stability analysis of durum wheat genotypes using statistical package GGEbiplotGUI. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 149-53.

The investigation was aimed to identify stable genotypes of durum wheat which can perform consistently under multiple environments. The experiment was conducted in Research Area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during rabi 2015-16. In the present investigation seven released varieties of durum wheat were evaluated on four environments (timely vs late sown, irrigated vs drought) in randomized block design with three replications. Grain yield data was collected from randomly selected five plants of each genotype and used to carry out GGE biplot analysis using the R software and GGEBiplotGUI package. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability among the genotypes. Significant variability was also observed due to both environment and GEI. The four environments were grouped into three major groups. Both irrigated environments were grouped together and were more alike for genotypic comparisons. Genotype WHD 948 was the most stable genotype in all the environments.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

040199   PANDEY R K, NAYAK D K , PRADHAN D, KAR R K (Nematology Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha, Email: ritupandey1091@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization among susceptible and resistant ridge gourd cultivars to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita through ISSR markers. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 145-8.

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is the main nematode pest with host range more than 3000 plant species causes vast damage worldwide. The knowledge of genetic diversity in a crop species is essential for its improvement. Microsatellite sequences are especially suited to distinguish closely related genotypes in crop like ridge gourd. Several susceptible and resistant ridge gourd cultivars to root-knot nematode were identified on the basis of artificial screening and the present investigation was under taken for purity discrimination and characterize of these cultivars at molecular level taking ISSR markers. Standardized reported procedure was followed in order to conduct the experiment. The phylogenetic tree constructed by UPGMA method generated two main clusters i.e., cluster-I and cluster - II. The cluster I was further sub-divided into sub-cluster IA and IB. The cluster I consisted of three varieties (Aneeta, Aarti and BSS-1009), while cluster II consisted of two varieties (Harsha and Priya). Sub-cluster IA consisted of one variety (Aneeta), while Sub-cluster IB consisted of two varieties (Aarti and BSS-1009). Polymorphic per cent ranges from 13.16 per cent (between BSS-1009 and Aneeta ) to 43.18 per cent (between Aarti and Harsha). This study showed that ISSR markers produced specific DNA fragments for the identification of ridge gourd varieties. The knowledge acquired through this investigation may play a pivotal role in the application of molecular markers in ridge gourd improvement programmes.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

040198   GARIYA K , DWIVEDI, G K , KUMAR V, TEWARI, S K (Vivekananda Global Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: vkskumar49@gmail.com) : Agrobiodiversity, composition and functional characteristics of homegardens in bhimtal block of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(2), 133-43.

Present investigation was carried out to access the agrobiodiversity, composition and functional characteristics of homegardens in bhimtal block of Nainital district, Uttarakhand during 2011-12. The study was carried out in three villages diversified in respect to elevation and agroecological situations viz., Amritpur (520 mts) at low hill, Jeolikote (1219 mts) at mid hill and Ghorakhal (2000 mts) at high hill in Bhimtal block of district Nainital. In these villages a total of 22 respondents of different economic status in each village with a total of 66 respondents were selected and interrogated for the information related to the study. It was found that 80.30 per cent household practicing homegardening and the tree species, fruit tree species (Malus domestica, Citrus sinensis, Psidium guajava), sacred groves species (Ficus roxburghii, Tamarindus indica, Aegle marmelos), timber, fuel wood and fodder tree species (Grevia optiva, Toona ciliata, Mangifera indica, Citrus aurentifolia) were contributed as 33.33, 38.09, 11.90 and 40.74 per cent respectively

1 illus, 7 tables, 33 ref

040190   PADHY C, RAJU P S (Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, Odisha, Email: chitrasenapadhy@cutm.ac.in) : Mental health of farmers- Need of the hour. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(1), 87-91.

Farmers are presently facing tough times. Farming is hard physical labour from morning to evening. Managing a farm can lead to monetary stress, anxiety, depression, financial ruin, marital strife, and addiction. The mental health message should reach not only to the farmers but also to the bankers, extension workers, counsellors and veterinarians. Farmers face a number of challenges when it comes to their mental health. Farming can create stress that can seriously impact the farmer’s well being. Some of the behavioural signs due to stress in farming are loss of interest in social activities, poor concentration, confusion, forgetfulness, indecision, impatience in relationships, irritability, and withdrawal from society. Some of the physical symptoms are poor or disturbed sleep, weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, stomach upset, headache, and chest pain. In farms and rural areas issues of mental health are often ignored. The present is not an easy time to be in agriculture. Low commodity prices and mounting input costs are resulting in poor returns from farming. This has led to mental stress amongst farmers, which when unaddressed can lead to serious consequences in the farming community. Farmers and their families facing high levels of stress get into depression and even nourish suicidal thoughts. In rural areas, there is a paucity of mental health professionals who are culturally competent to serve farmers. In times of great stress, farmers need someone to talk to and get advice from. It can make all the difference in sorting out during troubled situations. Extension workers and advisors should understand the mental well being of farmers. Social activities must be encouraged and avenues for entertainment must be created in rural areas for farmers to get away from farm stress.

31 ref

040180   MAITRA S, REDDY M D, NANDA S P (Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi- 761 211, Email: sagar.maitra@cutm.ac.in) : Nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana l. gaertn) in India. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(1), 3-21.

In India finger millet is mostly cultivated in resource poor soils of tropics and sub-tropics. Synchronizing nutrient supply with crop demand is essential to maximize yield and fertilizer use efficiency. It has been found that incorporation of N fertilizer during seeding stage increased yield as compared to broadcasting of fertilizer. The continuous application of inorganic N fertilizer reduced the soil organic carbon level. The foliar application of 2 % urea produced higher grain and straw yield. Application of fertilizer P @ 125 % recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) with recommended N, K and FYM in different fertility soils recorded higher grain and straw yield. Nutrient management for targeting production and sustainability, integrated nutrient management (INM) will be the most suitable option. Application of 100 % NPK along with FYM @ 10 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield and enriched the soil organic carbon. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) alone or in a combination with chemical fertilizers contributed to higher amounts of carbon inputs and build up a higher soil organic carbon pool in rain fed groundnut–finger millet rotation in alfisol of semi-arid region. Cropping system approach either sequential or intercropping with legume was found beneficial. Treating seeds with Azospirillum brasilense (N fixing bacterium) and Aspergillus awamori (P Solubilizing fungus) @ 25 g kg-1 seed of finger millet found to be beneficial. Soil test crop response (STCR) need to be considered for supplying nutrients more precisely with a target yield output. In the present paper, the available literature on different options of nutrients application to finger millet for sustainable productivity is reviewed.

3 tables, 44 ref

040179   VERMA A, CROSSA J, VARGAS M, JOSHI A K, SINGH G P (CIMMYT, Mexico, Email: ajay.verma1@icar.gov.in) : Adaptability measures for wheat genotypes evaluated under northern hills zone of country for irrigated timely sown conditions. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(1), 1-12.

Wheat genotypes were evaluated under multi environment trials for Northern Hills Zone of India to study the adaptability performance. Genotypes HS612, HS507 and HPW430 were of high yield and better adaptability by analytic measures of adaptability based on BLUP values during 2015-16. Two interaction principal components, accounted for 89.9 % of total GxE interaction sum of squares in biplot analysis. HPW428, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 had specific adaptations to Almora and Malan while HS616, HPW423, HPW430, VL2021, HPW426 expressed for Shimla and Khudwani locations. Wheat genotypes HS612, HS507 and HPW430 were cited by analytic measures as per BLUE values. HPW429, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 had specific adaptations to Almora and Malan while HS616, HS618, HPW425, HPW426, HPW430, VL2023, VL2021, HPW426 observed for Shimla and Khudwani. Second year (2017-18) had seen high yield and better adaptability of HS631, HS632, VL2030, VL2025 genotypes as per BLUP values. Biplot analysis expressed specific adaptations of HPW429, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 to Almora and Malan locations. BLUE values based measures showed high yield and better adaptability of HS631, HS632, VL2030, VL2025 genotypes. Biplot analysis while utilizing 79.5 % of total GxE interaction sum of squares exhibited specific adaptations of HPW446, VL907, HS632, VL2025, VL2030 to Almora and Shimla. Stratification of wheat genotypes as per BLUP values was more efficient than that by BLUE. Biplot analysis exhibited more of GxE interactions sum of squares by first two significant principal components based on BLUP as compared to BLUE values.

5 illus, 10 tables, 23 ref

039647   DREGER A, ADAMCZAK A ,LOZYKOWSKA K S , WIELGUS K (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Poland, Email: mariola.dreger@iwnirz.pl) : Pharmacological properties of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) and bioavailability of ellagitannins.. Herba Polo 2020, 66(1), 1-13.

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) is a well-known medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of urogenital diseases, stomach and liver disorders, skin problems, etc. E. angustifolium extracts show antiandrogenic, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities. The unique combination of biological properties demonstrated by the results of some studies indicates that fireweed has a positive effect in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and potentially in the prostate cancer chemoprevention. However, the efficacy of E. angustifolium phytotherapy is still poorly tested in clinical trials, while numerous beneficial effects of extracts have been documented in the in vitro and in vivo tests. Fireweed is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly ellagitannins. Currently, polyphenols are considered to be modulators of beneficial gut microbiota. The literature data support the use of ellagitannins in the prostate cancer chemoprevention, but caution is advised due to the highly variable production of urolithins by the individual microbiota. A better understanding of the microbiota’s role and the mechanisms of its action are crucial for an optimal therapeutic effect. This paper aims to summarize and discuss experimental data concerning pharmacological properties of E. angustifolium and bioavailability of ellagitannins – important bioactive compounds of this plant.

1 illus, 1 table, 74 ref

039465   KAPILDEV G, CHINNATHAMBI A, SIVANANDHAM G, RAJESH M, JEYARAJ M, SELVARAJ N, ALHARBI S A, GANAPATHI A (Microbial Biotechnology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: aganapathi2003@rediffmail.com) : Meta-Topolin and ?-cyclodextrin enhance multiple shoot and root production in black gram Vigna mungo (L.) hepper. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(5), 314-22.

The recalcitrant nature of black gram is the major constraint of in vitro regeneration and agrobacterium- mediated genetic transformation, to overcome this, a productive shoot regeneration protocol has been achieved in black gram cultivar T9 using 7-day old cotyledonary node explants excised from in vitro- raised black gram seedlings using meta-topolin. An aromatic cytokinin, meta-topolin along with BA (1.5+0.5 mg/L) in 0.50 strength MS medium with 1.5 % (w/v) sucrose exhibited a maximum number of multiple shoots (32.0±0.37 shoots/explant) at the end of 6 weeks of culture. The shoots were elongated in (6.40±0.50 cm/shoot) in MS medium supplemented with GA3 (2.0 mg/L). A maximum number of roots (9.60±0.50/shoot) and root length (11.20±0.73 cm/shoot) were obtained in combination with β-cyclodextrin (a cyclic oligosaccharide; 1.5 mg/L) and IBA (1.5 mg/L). The rooted plantlets were hardened and acclimatized with least mortality rate of 2 % in pot mixture consisting red soil:sand:farm yard manure (FYM) (2:1:1) and grown in green house with 85 % relative humidity. Ploidy levels were analyzed using flow cytometry which confessed the chromosomal stability in invitro raised plants similar to parent plants. This protocol may be useful for producing transgenic black gram with desirable agro-traits in Indian cultivars.

4 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

039424   TIPPABATHANI J, NELLORE J, KATHIRKANNAN P, NACHIYAR C V (Biotechnology Dep, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: sree_nellore@yahoo.com) : Developmental effects of three textile chemicals on locomotor activity, antioxidant markers and acetylcholine esterase activity in zebrafish. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(3), 212-8.

Textile chemicals discharged into the water bodies cause huge impact on human health and environment. However, the adverse effects of textile chemicals during critical period of brain development are not explored. This study uses zebrafish to assess the developmental toxicity of three textile chemicals. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 PPM) of Naphthalene sulfonic acid (NSA), Metanilic acid (MA) and Acid blue 113 (AB113) from 18 h post-fertilization (HPF) to 96 HPF, respectively. Several endpoints, such as mortality, morphological abnormalities and locomotor activity of embryos and larvae were studied. Biochemical detection of oxidative stress, glutathione and acetylcholine esterase was subsequently tested. The survival rate was decreased (LC (50): 1PPM) by NSA, MSA or AB113 and at > 5PPM a90 % mortality was observed respectively. Exposure to 1 PPM of NSA, MSA or AB113 significantly reduced the locomotoractivity in an age dependent manner. However, no neurodegenerative phenotypes were noted. The glutathione and acetylcholineesterase activity (P <0.05) was decreased while malondialdehyde content was accumulated by NSA, MSA or AB113 treatment. The overall findings suggest that the selected textile dyes exposed during critical window development is able to produce oxidative stress and exert noticeable effects on locomotor activity in zebrafish embryos by altering acetylcholine esterase activity.

6 illus, 36 ref

039335   SIROHI P, YADAV B S, AFZAL S, MANI A, SINGH N K (Biotechnology Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj - 211 004, Email: singhnand@gmail.com) : Identification of drought stress-responsive genes in rice (Oryza sativa) by meta-analysis of microarray data. J Genet 2020, 99, 35.

Meta-analysis provides a systematic access to the previously studied microarray datasets that can recognize several common signatures of stresses. Three different datasets of abiotic stresses on rice were used for meta-analysis. These microarray datasets were normalized to regulate data for technical variation, as opposed to biological differences between the samples. A t-test was performed to recognize the differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between stressed and normal samples. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed the functional distribution of DEGs in different stressed conditions. Further analysis was carried out using software RICE NET DB and divided into three different categories: biological process (homoiothermy and protein amino acid phosphorylation), cellular component (nucleus and membrane), and molecular function (zinc ion binding ad DNA binding). The study revealed that 5686 genes were constantly expressed differentially in Oryza sativa (2089 upregulated and 3597 downregulated). The lowest P value (P = 0.003756) among upregulated DEGs was observed for naringenin, 2-oxoglutrate 3-dioxygenase protein. The lowest P value (P = 0.002866816) among the downregulated DEGs was also recorded for retrotransposon protein. The network constructed from 48 genes revealed 10 hub genes that are connected with topological genes. These hub genes are stress responsive genes that may also be regarded as the marker genes for drought stress response. Our study reported a new set of hub genes (reference genes) that have potentially significant role in development of stress tolerant rice.

7 illus, 5 table, 33 ref

039221   AMBEHABATI K K, HANAPI S Z, BAZ A F E, SAYYED R Z, DAILIN D J, ENSHASY H A E (Teknologi Malaysia(UTM), Malaysia, Email: henshasy@ibd.utm.my) : Isolation and identification studies on potential xylanase producing strain Trichoderma sp. WICC F46 isolated from tropical soil. J Sci Ind Res 2020, 79(02), 153-9.

Trichoderma is one of few fungal species of high potential application as bio factory for xylanase production. During last few years increased demand have been observed on the need to isolate high efficient strains from soil sample and to use different microbiological and bioprocess engineering approaches to increase the production yield. In this work, efficient xylanase producer strain was isolated from soil and fully identified using phylogeny analysis. In order to develop an efficient submerged medium for xylanase production, media screening was carried out followed by optimization using one factor at a time (OFAT) method. After optimization of medium composition, the maximal xylanase volumetric production reached 311.71 UmL^-1. This medium was composed of corn cob, peptone, magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride, and ammonium sulphate.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

039185   SIDDIQUI M Z, AHMAD G, AMIN K M Y, AKHTAR S, REHMAN A (Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Natural Sciences, New Delhi- 110 025, Email: drzakiramu10@gmail.com) : HPLC profiling conclusively distinguished two important Unani drugs, namely, Suranjan Shirin (Colchicum autumnale) and Suranjan Talkh (Colchicum luteum). Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 170-3.

Suranjan (colchicum) is one of the prime drugs used for arthritis in Unani System of Medicine. Two varieties of the drug are available in the market under the name of Suranjan; one is Suranjan Shirin (Colchicum autumnale) and the other is Suranjan Talkh (Colchicum luteum). The two varieties are often confused with each other due to morphological resemblance. So there is a need to set a distinction between these two varieties of Suranjan. For this purpose the marker compound (Total Alkaloid Content) were estimated quantitatively and the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was conducted on both the drugs. 3 g of the powdered drug was extracted in petroleum ether and dissolved in 6 mL of 75 % ethanol to yield test sample. Methanol at a flow rate of 1 mL/min was used as a standard. The peaks eluted were detected at 254 nm and compared with the authentic standard at 3.2 min of retention time. The colchicine concentration was found to be higher in Suranjan Talkh (0.21 %) as compared to the Suranjan Shirin (0.15 %). Therefore the present study offers a phytochemical concentration criterion, namely, colchicine content to distinguish between Suranjan Shirin (Colchicum autumnale) and Suranjan Talkh (Colchicum luteum).

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

039176   GOPI B, SINGH R V, KUMAR S, KUMAR S, CHAUHAN S, CHAUHAN A, KUMAR A, SINGH S V (ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122, Email: rvsingh.icar@gmail.com) : Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CLEC7A, CD209 and TLR4 gene and their association with susceptibility to paratuberculosis in Indian cattle. J Genet 2020, 99, 99:14.

The aim of this study was to identify the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in bovine candidate genes CLEC7A, CD209 and TLR4, and explore the association between these SNPs with the occurrence of bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) disease. For this purpose, 549 animals were screened by a panel of four diagnostic tests, namely Johnin PPD test, ELISA test, faecal microscopy and IS900 blood PCR against Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) to develop case–control populations. SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Genotypic–phenotypic associations were assessed by the PROCLOGISTIC procedure of SAS 9.3. Of the seven SNPs; rs110353594 in CLEC7A gene and rs8193046 in TLR4 gene were found to be associated with PTB. For SNP rs110353594, odds of CC and CT genotypes vs TT genotype was 1.543 (0.420–5.667; 95 % CI) and 0.284 (0.104–0.774; 95 % CI), respectively which means that CT genotype was more resistant than TT and CC genotypes against bovine PTB. For SNP rs8193046, odds of AA and AG genotypes versus GG genotype was 0.947 (0.296–3.034; 95 % CI) and 3.947 (1.555–10.022; 95 % CI), respectively, i.e. probability for getting an infection in animals with AG genotype was 3.94 times more as compared to GG genotype. Hence, a selection programme favouring CT genotype for rs110353594 and against AG genotype for rs8193046 may be beneficial for conferring resistance against bovine PTB.

2 illus, 5 tables, 63 ref

039175   ZHA X, WANG X, LI J, GAO F, ZHOU Y (Minzu Univ, China, Email: gaofei@muc.edu.cn) : Complete chloroplast genome of Sophora alopecuroides (Papilionoideae): Molecular structures, comparative genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis. J Genet 2020, 99, 99:13.

Sophora alopecuroides belongs to the genus Sophora of the family Papilionoideae. It is mainly distributed in the desert and semidesert areas of northern China, and has high medicinal value and ecological function. Previous studies have reported the chemical composition and ecological functions of S. alopecuroides. However, only a few reports are available on the genomic information of S. alopecuroides, especially the chloroplast genome, which greatly limits the study of the evolutionary relationship between other species of Papilionoideae. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of S. alopecuroides. The size of the chloroplast genome is 155,207 bp, and the GC content is 36.44 %. The S. alopecuroides chloroplast genome consists of 132 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 41 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the taxonomic position of S. alopecuroidesin Papilionoideae, and the genus Sophora and the genus Ammopiptanthus were highly related. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the gene rearrangement in the evolution of S. alopecuroides. The comparison between S. alopecuroides and the species of the Papilionoideae identified a novel 23 kb inversion between the trnC-GCA and trnF-GAA which occurred before the divergence of Sophora and Ammopiptanthus of Thermopsideae. This study provided an essential data for the understanding of phylogenetic status of S. alopecuroides.

10 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

039113   SONG J, LUO H, XU Z, ZHANG Y, XIN H, ZHU D, ZHU X, LIU M, WANG W, REN H, CHEN H, GAO T (Qingdao Agricultural Univ, Qingdao- 266109, China, Email: gt_kelly@163.com.) : Mining genes associated with furanocoumarin biosynthesis in an endangered medicinal plant, Glehnia littoralis. J Genet 2020, 99, 1-11.

The endangered medicinal plant Glehnia littoralis is one of the important natural source of furanocoumarin, which has been used as mucolytic, antitussive, antitumour and antibacterial. However, the genetic information of furanocoumarin biosynthesis in G. littoralis is scarce at present. The objective of this study was to mine the putative candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of furanocoumarin and provide references for gene identification, and functional genomics of G. littoralis. We carried out the transcriptome analysis of leaves and roots in G. littoralis, which provided a dataset for gene mining. Psoralen, imperatorin and isoimperatorin were detected in G. littoralis by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Candidate key genes were mined based on the annotations and local BLAST with homologous sequences using BioEdit software. The relative expression of genes was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Further, the CYP450 genes were mined using phylogenetic analyses using MEGA 6.0 software. A total of 156,949 unigenes were generated, of which 9021 were differentially-expressed between leaves and roots. A total of 82 unigenes encoding eight enzymes in furanocoumarin biosynthetic pathway were first obtained. Seven genes that encoded key enzymes in the downstream furanocoumarin biosynthetic pathway and expressed more in roots than leaves were screened. Twenty-six candidate CYP450 unigenes expressed abundantly in roots and were chiefly concentrated in CYP71, CYP85 and CYP72 clans. Finally, we filtered 102 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) unigenes. The transcriptome of G. littoralis was characterized which would help to elucidate the furanocoumarin biosynthetic pathway in G. littoralis and provide an invaluable resource for further study of furanocoumarin.

11 illus, 1 tables, 15 ref

029166   GIRDHARWAL N (MBA Dep, KIET Group of Institutions Delhi - Meerut Road, Ghaziabad - 201 206, Email: Nitin.girdharwal@kiet.edu) : Microbiological study of indian paneer - a case study of Delhi city. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2018, 9(9), 4008-14.

Paneer has great value in diet because it is a rich source of high quality proteins, fat, and minerals. Paneer has a short life span of 2-3 days of refrigeration storage, but freshness of the product is lost after one day. So, the present study was carried out to know the quality of different brands of paneer sold in Delhi City. A total of 80 packets of eight different brands were analyzed for their quality. Wide variation in chemical composition like moisture (49 % to 64 %), fat (13.5 % to 24 %), protein (18 % to 23 %) and lactose (1.75 % to 4.23 %) existed in the samples. Total bacterial count was observed between 25.40 and 41.10 × 10⁴ /gm, yeast and mold count was observed to be 13.75 and 20.90 × 10¹ /gm, coli-form count was 3.95 to 7.65 × 10¹ /gm and Staphylococcus aureus count was 1.10 to 2.20 × 10¹ /gm. Instrumental hardness value varied between 27.56 and 62.22 N. About 75 % of the brands did not conform to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Act (FSSAI) labeling requirements. It is said that India is the largest producer of milk in the world, but improvisations like more awareness about FSSAI Act with respect to packaging, labeling, chemical, microbial requirements, etc. have to be brought about. Further, more hygienic environment during the production of paneer by establishing pre-requisite programs like good manufacturing techniques, good hygienic practices, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Programme have to be created by manufactures to bring out utmost quality products in the market.

8 tables, 24 ref

028124   LAL R, SONI K B, ALEX S, SREEKANTAN L, REGHUNATH B R (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellayani, Email: soni.kb@kau.in) : Identification and characterization of a protease encoding metagenome clone from dairy effluent. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(10), 583-6.

Metagenomic DNA was isolated from dairy effluent collected from a milk processing unit. The Hpa I digests of metagenome were cloned in pEZ BAC vector. The transformed DH5 colonies were selected by blue white screening on chloramphenicol (25 μg/ml) containing plates. Functional screening of the library on skim milk agar showed a clone having protease activity. This clone was confirmed to have a metagenome insert of size approx. 9kb. The crude cell extract of this clone at 24^th h of growth showed protease activity of 166.99 U/ml (111.32 U/mg protein). The protease was found to be alkaline and had maximum activity at 40 ^°C and pH 9.0.

3 illus, 15 ref

006807   LI M, BI J, LV B, ZHENG W, WANG Z, XIAO W, SUN Y, LI E (Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Nanjing Univ, Nanjing, China, Email: yangsun@nju.edu.cn) : An experimental study of the anti-dysmenorrhea effect of Chinese herbal medicines used in jin gui yao lue. J Ethnopharmacol 2019, 245, 112181.

Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San (当归芍药散) and Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Tang (桂枝茯苓汤) and among the herbal medicines commonly used to treat primary dysmenorrhea with proven record of effectiveness. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of herbal medicines on relieving primary dysmenorrhea in a murine model and to delineate a plausible mechanism. Herbal medicines in the form of pills (Wan) or capsules, including Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling capsule, Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-Wan, and Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu capsule were purchased from local drug stores in Nanjing. Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San filled from a local hospital. The identity of the drugs was validated by HPLC profiling. Female ICR mice were used for an induced dysmenorrhea model. The severity of dysmenorrhea was evaluated and scored, the motor coordination and balance affected by induced dysmenorrhea was assessed by a Rotarod test. Uterine inflammation and edema were examined after histological and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of the drugs on COX2 activity was evaluated enzymatically. The Chinese herbal medicines at dosages relevant to recommended uses in humans relieved painful responses, including abdominal wall contraction, pelvic twisting and/or rear limb stretching. The treatment also improved motor coordination, extending the time staying on a rotating rod from 2.64 ± 0.38 min of oxytocin-induced group to 8.59 ± 1.45 (DGSYs), 9.50 ± 1.47 (GZFLc), 8.04 ± 1.87 (GZFLw), 9.91 ± 1.62 (JWXYw), and 8.20 ± 1.35 min (SFZYc), respectively. H&E staining showed that treatment with ibuprofen or Chinese herbal medicines markedly decreased edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in uterine tissues. The treatment did not significantly affect pattern of COX2 staining. In an in vitro enzymatic assay, the Chinese herbal medicines showed strong inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2. The aqueous extracts from P. lactiflora or P. suffruticosa, two of the common components in the formulae tested, also showed anti-dysmenorrhea activity in the rotarod assay. The study demonstrates that traditionally used Chinese herbal medicines are effective against induced-dysmenorrhea. These herbal medicines relieve dysmenorrhea symptoms likely though inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity.

33 ref

006827   WAN Y, WAN Y-Z, QIAO C-X, XU X-F, WANG J, SHEN Y (Nanjing Normal Univ, Nanjing- 210 046, Email: Wander_999@163.com) : Immunoregenerative effects of the bionically cultured Sanghuang mushrooms (Inonotus sanghuagn) on the immunodeficient mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2019, 245, 112047.

Description of the pharmacological activities of Sanghuang mushrooms (Inonotus Sanghuang) can be traced back to Tang dynasty of China 1300 years ago. This mushroom has been widely accepted in China, Japan, Korea and certain regions of Europe as a nutraceutical medicine for enhancing immunity or an alternative medicine for prevention or inhibition of tumorigenesis. However, this mushroom is rarely available from the mulberry trees in the wild because of the rigorous conditions needed for formation of the Sanghuang mushrooms. This study aims to establish a practical protocol for culture, particularly for a bunch of production of Sanghuang mushrooms possibly to commercialize the cultured Sanghuang based on deep comparison of quality and pharmacological activities between the cultured and the wild Sanghuang. A phylogenetic tree containing five strains of the wild Sanghuang was constructed using rDNA markers. Different temperatures and medium compositions were surveyed to develop a practical protocol for culture of the Sanghuang mushrooms. 5-fluorouracil was used to induce the immunodeficient mice. Chemotherapeutic components and pharmacological activities were deeply analyzed between a cultured strain (SG) and three strains of the wild Sanghuang. Maintenance of a temperature of 22–28 °C and a high relative humidity of 90–95%, and use of a high ratio (80%) of mulberry tree sticks in the medium were critical to successful culture of Sanghuang. The cultured mushrooms were yellow with a uniform shape, while the wild Sanghuang was dark brown with a smaller and irregular shape. The cultured mushrooms contained significantly higher levels of polysaccharides, amino acids, and water-soluble nutraceuticals, whereas flavones in the wild Sanghuang were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Use of a dose of 8 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg to immunoregenerate the immunodeficient mice was comparable between the cultured and wild Sanghang based on analysis of hematological parameters and histological examination of the thymus and spleen in the treated mice. This study highlights the potential of the immunoregenerative functions of the cultured Sanghuang for cancer chemotherapy and suggests that the cultured Sanghuang can be an alternative to wild Sanghuang used for nutraceutical medicine.

40 ref

006805   KUMAR S (Zoology Dep, RM Jat Coll, Hisar– 125 001, Email: suresh_sang@yahoo.co) : Algal biomass to bio-energy: Recent advances. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2019, 19(3&4), 78-85.

The crops, grasses, trees, algae and cyano-bacteria in the presence of sun perform photosynthesis and store chemical energy in a wide range of feed stocks such as starch, sugars and lipids that can be used for the production of biofuels. The crop plants such as sugar cane, oil palm, sugar beet, rapeseed soyabeans, wheat and corn are extensively used for the production of biofuels such as ethanol, diesel and methane. Due to increasing world population and extensive droughts in major regions pressure on food supplies has resulted in growing concern and has led to a heated food versus fuel debate. Biofuel systems that do not require arable land is developed and these include lingo cellulosic processes which convert cellulose-based products from plants into liquid fuels. Myscanthus, Camelina, Switchgrass, Sorghum, and Poplar trees are some of good source of biofuel at present. The success of these systems is depend on research and development of energy-efficient manufacturing processes, typically enzymatic lignin digestion processes, although chemical digestion methods are also under investigation. Due to demand for large amounts of enzyme appears to be as mountable challenge, ultimately this technology might also contribute to food versus fuel concerns because of its dependence on forest. This in turn could lead to a forest versus fuel issue, unless waste products from agricultural and forestry systems are exclusively used, or feed stocks produced on non-arable land can be developed. Although these crops can be grown on non-arable land, their productivity remains linked to soil fertility and water supply, and the scale of cultivation required to make a meaningful contribution towards global energy consumption will inevitably require lands that are currently used for food production or forestry. Many micro algae can be grown in saline water and are able to produce a wide range of feed stocks for the production of biofuels, including biodiesel, methane, ethanol, butanol and hydrogen, based on their efficient production of starch, sugars and oils.

27 ref

006794   BHAT A H, PRABHU P, BALAKRISHNAN K (K.S. Rangasamy Coll of Technology, Tiruchengode- 637 215, Email: spunitha156@gmail.com) : A critical analysis of state-of-the-art metagenomics OTU clustering algorithms. J Biosci 2019, 44(6), 148.

Taxonomic profiling, using hyper-variable regions of 16S rRNA, is one of the important goals in metagenomics analysis. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering algorithms are the important tools to perform taxonomic profiling by grouping 16S rRNA sequence reads into OTU clusters. Presently various OTU clustering algorithms are available within different pipelines, even some pipelines have implemented more than one clustering algorithms, but there is less literature available for the relative performance and features of these algorithms. This makes the choice of using these methods unclear. In this study five current state-of-the-art OTU clustering algorithms (CDHIT, Mothur’s Average Neighbour, SUMACLUST, Swarm, and UCLUST) have been comprehensively evaluated on the metagenomics sequencing data. It was found that in all the datasets, Mothur’s average neighbour and Swarm created more number of OTU clusters. Based on normalized mutual information (NMI) and normalized information difference (NID), Swarm and Mothur’s average neighbour showed better clustering qualities than others. But in terms of time complexity the greedy algorithms (SUMACLUST, CDHIT, and UCLUST) performed well. So there is a trade-off between quality and time, and it is necessary while analysing large size of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data.

3 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

006815   RANA S, DUBEY K, DHINGRA A (Biotechnology Dep, U.I.E.T, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak, Haryana, Email: shellyranabiotech@gmail.com) : Enhanced biobutanol production by optimization of the medium from Clostridium acetobutylicum MTCC 11274 using macroalgae Gracilaria edulis. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 48-55.

Clostridial strain Clostridium acetobutylicum MTCC 11274 was employed for producing biobutanol in batch culture fermentation. The effects of various carbon sources, i.e., xylose, starch, dextrin, glucose, and mannose as well as nitrogen sources, i.e., yeast extract, peptone, beef extract, and soya protein were studied conventionally (one-factor-at-a-time). It was found that the maximum amount of biobutanol, i.e., 6.27 and 7.40 g/l was obtained from 60 g/l glucose and 5 g/l yeast extract, respectively. In addition to this, the interactions between pH, temperature, and glucose concentration were also taken into consideration for the optimization of biobutanol production with the help of Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology. CCD design was used for the optimization of the above-mentioned parameters and low and high values of variables were chosen by performing the steepest ascent experiment. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used for estimating the significance of the model coefficients. ANOVA revealed that the model was significant (p < 0.05) and the effects of the glucose concentration, pH, and temperature on biobutanol production were significant. It was found that 8.56 g/l biobutanol was produced under optimum fermentation conditions with 40 g/l Gracilaria edulis supplemented with 20 g/l glucose as a carbon source.

7 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

006810   NASSER M, KHARAT A S (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Email: mahfouznasser@yahoo.com) : Phenotypic demonstration of β-lactamase (ESβLs, MβLs, and Amp-C) among MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from Burn wound infected in Yemen. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 31-4.

In 2017, the World Health Organization published its first-ever list of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria “priority pathogens,” a catalog of 12 families of bacteria posing the greatest threat to human health. This list focuses on the risk of Gram-negative bacteria for multiple drug-resistant. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was at the top of the list and critical. A current study aiming to demonstrate the prevalence of β-lactamase among multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burn wound patients phenotypically. The isolates were identified then antibiotic susceptibility tested against 10 antipseudomonal agents, finally, phenotypically β-lactamase (ESβLs, MβLs, and Amp-C) production screened by combined disk diffusion test and Imipenem-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Results in the current study identified 98 P. aeruginosa isolates from 200 clinical specimens obtained from burn wound patients. Our result showed 65 (66.3%) of the 98 P. aeruginosa isolates were multiple drug-resistant (MDR) strains. Out of 65 isolates, 37 (56.9%), 21 (32.3%), and 40 (61.5%) were ESβLs, MβLs, and Amp-C producing P. aeruginosa, respectively, according to phenotypic detection method. We found co-expression of various β-lactamases. In the present study, 16 isolates showed co-existence of AmpC + ESBL, 16 isolates were having ESBL + MBL + AmpC, and five isolates were having co-existence of ESBL + MBL. The occurrence of ESβLs, MβLs, and Amp-C producing P. aeruginosa was demonstrated, calling for phenotypical determination of antibiotic resistance mechanisms should be performed regularly to guide antibiotic selection during therapy. Significant conclusions drawn from this work include a rise in the rate of β-lactamase (ESβLs, MβLs, and Amp-C) in MDR P. aeruginosa. Later research should, therefore, focus on the study of molecular characterization.

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

006796   ELKHODARY G M, GHONEIM A Z (Damanhour Univ, Damanhour, Egypt, Email: gihankhodry@hotmail.com) : Genetics characterization of fresh water clam Spathopsis rubens using ISSR-PCR markers. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 8-14.

Spathopsis rubens is freshwater bivalves distributed in the Nile River and its main canals all over Egypt. Four populations of S. rubens on Al-Mahmoudia irrigation canal at Damnhour, Egypt were collected and investigated for morphometric characters and genetic diversity by using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The results declared that both the length and height measurements of the collected samples from the different locations showed slight significant differences; however, no significant differences between the total weight and the width of the samples have found. High degree of correlation between temperature and total weight, height and length was reported in samples collected from the third location. Genomic DNA from the selected samples of each population was extracted and amplified using 10 ISSR primers. The primers (M2, M3, M8, M12, M17, F2, F4, and F9) showed 100% polymorphism. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram characterized the samples of S. rubens into two main definite clusters. The cluster of genotypes 2 and 3 recorded the highest similarity and distance indices at a distance of 0.60859, while genotypes 1 and 3 recorded the lowest similarity and distance indices at a distance of 0.1716.

4 illus, 5 tables, 39 ref

006801   KAUSHIK M, CHAHAR P, NEHRA A, KUMAR N, GILL R (Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak, Haryana, Email: rgillcbt@gmail.com) : Genomic glimpse of the chromatin modifier SET domain family in Plasmodium falciparum. J Commun Dis 2019, 51(4), 29-40.

Histones N-terminal tails are the sites for Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) that regulate the chromatin structure, thus chromatin associated processes. PTMs include methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and ribosylation. Histone lysine methylation is associated with both transcription activation and repression. The SET domain proteins carry out the histone lysine methylation on the N-terminal tails of histones H3 and H4 and are called Histone Lysine Methyltransferases (HKMTs). A total of ten SET domain genes have been identified in human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The present study provides detailed computational analysis of P. falciparumSET domain proteins (PfSETs). The analyses cover PfSET  family  in  terms of domain composition, physiochemical properties, subcellular localization, expression profiling and phylogenetic relationships. The work also highlights the conservation of important catalytic residues in PfSETs. The present study provides a detailed insight into the PfSET family, thus opens a platform for further developments.

8 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

006803   KAVITHA K, SHAMINI S (Organogenik Biotech Private Limited, Siruseri, Kanchipuram, Email: shaminisenthilkumar@gmail.com) : In-silico analysis of bioactive compounds from root exudates of Allium cepa. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 205-7.

The aim of our study was to analyze the isolated Steroidal Glycoside against Human Angiotensin receptor. In this study, the  steroidal glycoside  was  isolated  from  the  root  exudates  of  tissue  cultured Allium  cepa and  subjected  to  various spectroscopic analyses. The  steroidal  glycoside  was  also  docked  with  cardiac  protein  using  reliable  bioinformatics  tool and  found  that  the  steroidal  glycoside  have  a  very  good  control  against  the  cardiac  pain.  The  interesting  result  we  got from this study shows the importance of the unstudied part of the root exudates of medicinal value herb in therapeutic area especially in biopharmaceuticals.

5 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

006809   MOHAN S S, HILDA S, CHANDRASEHAR G, GOPARAJU A (Plant Pathology Dep, IIBAT, Padappai, Kanchipuram, Email: sweathasmohan@gmail.com) : Effect of Spirulina platensis extracts on earthworm, Eisenia fetida. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 130-6.

Earthworms are farmer‟s friend, which play an important role in the soil ecosystem. Hence, application of any agrochemical, biopesticides and any other biological products for crop protection needs to be evaluated for its effectiveness (toxicity) towards Earthworm. In the present experiment, three types of Spirulina platensis extracts were tested against earthworm, Eisenia fetida in a 14 day acute earthworm toxicity study. The Spirulina extracts were prepared using solvents, Acetone (100%), 95% Ethanol and 95% Methanol respectively. The concentrations of the extracts were prepared using in deionised water and mixed with artificial soil and incubated under controlled environmental conditions (at 20±2°C temperature in 400-800 Lux light intensity) for 14 days. Four replicates were maintained per treatment. Concurrent solvent controls and a control with deionised water were maintained for comparison. On day 14, the biomass change and the mortality of the earthworms were determined to assess the LC₅₀ (Lethal Concentration) and the NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) (related to biomass change and mortality) of the tested concentrations of the extracts. The study results revealed that all the extracts are safer to earthworms in the tested concentration. Hence, it is concluded that the Spirulina extracts are non-toxic to earthworms in artificial soil under laboratory conditions.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

006791   ARPUTHARAJ P, SUCHITHRA A, JACOB M, KALAIARASI J M V (Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Loyola Coll, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: arputharaj.9111@gmail.com) : HPTLC analysis and antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract of sea urchin (Arbacia Lixula) shell. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 101-5.

The study aimed to find out the phytochemical expression in shell of sea urchin Arbacia lixula by using the solvent ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was obtained and the presences of phytochemical or micro molecules were found by the HPTLC. Further, the extract was analyzed for its antimicrobial activity against the human pathogens both bacteria and fungi. The growth inhibition of bacteria and fungi was determined using the solvent extract and where the ability was compared with commercial available drugs. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the solvent extract was found against the bacteria and fungi used. As a result, the HPTLC showed 5 spot with different Rf values which shows the shells of sea urchin also rich with phytochemicals or micro molecules.

2 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

006821   SHARMA N, KAUR K (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Dep, Guru Nanak Girls coll, Model Town, Ludhiana, Email: niksshrma3@gmail.com) : Genome annotation of uncharacterised proteins in neisseria meningitidis K1207. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 76-82.

The origin of high-throughput biology has catalyzed a phenomenal improvement in our ability to identify new proteins. Structural and functional characterization of Hypothetical proteins reveal vital roles in bacteria, especially in pathogens related to human diseases. Neisseria meningitidis strain K1207 is a diplococcus Gramnegative bacteria that possesses enzymes that play important role in many cellular mechanisms. However, from its genome many proteins are Hypothetical or un-annotated. These functionally unknown proteins may specify important functions concerning biological role of this bacterium. By using bioinformatics tools the biological understanding of the organisms easily done through functional annotation analysis. There were different bioinformatics tools used for annotation- NCBI, MOTIF SCAN, INTERPRO, BLAST, TMMOD, CRNPRED, SOSUI, PROTPARAM, PSLPRED, PHYRE2. The sequence of 130 Hypothetical proteins were submitted to this workflow resulting in successful identification of proteins based on several parameters. Our study helps to found out two proteins at last, these proteins possess confidence score above 90 %. These proteins play important roles in aerobic and anaerobic growth of gram negative bacteria and also in various signaling pathways. Data obtain by bioinformatics tools might facilitate swift identification of prospective therapeutic targets and thereby enabling the search for new inhibitors or vaccines. Our research unlock the chance to analyze the various applications of these functionally predicted proteins in area of biotechnology.

4 tables, 25 ref

006826   VANTAMURI A B, MANAWADI S I, GURUVIN S K, HOLEYANNAVAR V M, SHETTAR D S (Biotechnology Dep, Karnatak Science Coll, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: adiveppa79@gmail.com) : Production of laccase by Ganoderma sp in submerged fermentation. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 67-71.

The present study focuses on enhancing the process parameters to achieve the maximum production of extracellular laccase by Submerged Fermentation (SmF). Culture conditions and medium composition play a major role in enzyme expression. Laccases are generally produced during the secondary metabolism of white-rot fungi growing on natural substrate or in submerged culture. Physiological demands vary among white-rot fungi and considerable research has been done on the influence of agitation, pH, temperature, carbon, nitrogen sources, microelements and their levels. Submerged fermentation involves the nurturing of microorganisms in high oxygen concentrated liquid nutrient medium. The production parameters production medium, pH, temperature, solvents, carbon and nitrogen sources were studied. Yeast extract peptone dextrose-Copper sulphate (YPD-Cu) medium good supporter for production of laccase. pH and temperature for highest laccase activity was found to be 6.0 and 4ºC respectively. Starch and peptone were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for maximum laccase production. Ethanol was the most suitable solvent for laccase production.

6 illus, 33 ref

006795   CHEN W, JING X, SUN L, CAI H C, WANG Y (Shanxi Normal Univ, Linfen- 041 081, Email: chenweide2007@126.com) : Genome cloning and genetic diversity of apple chlorotic leaf spot virus. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 514-9.

Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) with a wide distribution and variability is great threat to apple yield and quality. The systematic research on the occurrence, genetic structure and evolutionary mechanism is important for the prevention of ACLSV. In this study, 360 apple leaf samples were collected from Shanxi province and tested by RT-PCR, and the result showed that the incidence of ACLSV in Shanxi was ranged from 43.59% in Linfen to 68.18% in Wanrong. One new ACLSV isolate (shanxi14-MK368727) was collected from the positive samples, of which the genome (including the 5' and 3' ends) was 7507 bp and encoded 2536 amino acids. Compared with online database, the highest nd identity was between shanxi14 and KJ522693.1, and the lowest was shanxi14 and M58152.1. Phylogenetic analyzed based on genome showed that 25 isolated of ACLSV were divided two groups (Group I and II), which showed that was no significant correlation with geographic location. The selection pressures of POL, MP and CP were tested, the result proved the three genes were under negative selection pressure. The knowledge presented in this study will be useful in for the design of long-term, sustainable management strategies for controlling these viruses.

4 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

006799   JANANI D M, POORNIMA G, USHA B (Genetic Engineering Dep, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur- 603 203, Email: sundaram.usha@gmail.com) : In silico characterization of structural and functional impact of the deleterious SNPs on FSHR gene. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 492-9.

FSHR is an important gene which plays a major role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and influences the female reproductive cycle by regulating the Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Though this gene and its protein are extensively studied, no attempts have been made yet to methodically analyze the variants in this gene. One of the chief objectives during the analysis of human genetic variation is to distinguish between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are functionally neutral from those that contribute to the disorder. To predict the possible impact of SNPs on the FSHR structure and function, data were obtained from NCBI (dbSNP and dbVar) and validated manually. Various bioinformatics tools were used to predict the alterations at transcriptional, post transcriptional stages and protein interaction. Around 38 variants reported by NCBI Variation Viewer were sorted by SIFT and 14 of them were reported damaging, 13 were reported to be either benign or damaging by PROVEAN and Panther. From these 13 SNPs, the most damaging (11 SNPs) were modeled using Pymol and the energy difference between the native and mutated structure was calculated by Swiss PDB – Viewer. Based on our analysis, we have reported potential candidate SNPs for the FSHR gene involved in the regulation of ovarian pathophysiology.

3 tables, 32 ref

006820   SEONG E S, LEE J G, CHUNG I-M, YU C Y (Medicinal Plant Dep, Suwon Women’s Univ, Suwon- 16632, Email: cyyu@kangwon.ac.kr) : Changes of phenolic compounds in LebZIP2-overexpressing transgenic plants. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 484-91.

The bZIP gene is a transcription factor that plays various roles in relation to plant stress and hormone signaling. This gene is also involved in plant environmental stress and herbicide tolerance. We generated Nicotiana benthamiana transgenic plants with LebZIP₂-encoding gene isolated from tomatoes using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic seeds harvested from these T0 transgenic plants were grown and examined for gene transfer and changes in phenolic compounds in the T₁ generation. RT-PCR analysis using a primer specific to the LebZIP gene confirmed that the gene was transferred to the T₁ generation. We analyzed the increase and decrease tendency for 30 phenolic compounds using the T₁ generation-transgenic plants and investigated the mechanism between the specifically increased compound and LebZIP₂ gene. Gallic acid, homogentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, myricetin, t-cinnamic acid, and b-resorcyclic acid were identified as the phenolic compounds that increased in T₁ transgenic plants overexpressing the LebZIP gene. Among these, homogentisic acid at 246.75-1055.19 µg/g, was increased by 2-5 fold in the T₁ transgenic plants compared to the control. Protocatechuic acid was found at 1640.54-2456.00 µg/g and was increased by 2-4 fold in T₁ transgenic plants. t-Cinnamic acid was present in a small amount of 23.14 µg/g in the control, whereas it was 102.19-135.47 µg/g in T₁ transgenic plants, showing an increase of 4-5 folds. These results indicated that homogentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, and t-cinnamic acid among the 30 phenolic compounds analyzed, were significantly increased in LebZIP₂-overexpressing T₁ transgenic plants, and support the evidence that the LebZIP₂ gene is significantly involved in the increment of three phenolic compounds.

3 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

006828   WANG J, XIAOGUANG L V, SUN J, PENG M, SHI P (The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai Province- 810 001, Email: ship@ecust.edu.cn) : Proteomic changes in response to lipin1 overexpression in 293T human renal epithelial cells. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 466-74.

Lipin1, a member of the lipin family, serves as a phospholipid phosphatase or a co-transcriptional regulator in lipid metabolism. Recent studies also show that lipin1 is involved in many other cellular metabolism processes. However, the clear regulatory mechanism for lipin1 is unknown. The 293T human renal epithelial cell line represents a commonly used and well established expression system for recombinant proteins. Herein, we used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to explore the changes in protein expression induced by lipin1 overexpression in 293T cells. Western blotting was used to confirm one of the expression changes of related proteins. Subsequently, the function and relationship of these proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics approach. By using 2D-PAGE, approximately 152 proteins were separated and eleven proteins were found to be significantly affected by lipin1 overexpression compared to the control. Among them, three proteins (eEF-1B γ, CCT1 and CCT3) were up-regulated and other eight proteins (NDKA, Stathmin, HNRNP A1, TK, KRT1, PKM, RanBP1 and LDHB) were down-regulated. These proteins were successfully identified with peptide mass fingerprinting using MALDI-TOF-MS after in-gel trypsin digestion. The bioinformatic analysis showed that these proteins are classified into seven protein species, including transferase, cleavage enzyme, cytoskeleton protein, chaperone protein, regulatory protein, structural protein and oxidoreductase. The results highlight the potential roles of lipin1 involved in many cellular metabolism processes, including myelin synthesis, extracellular domain formation, membrane bound vesicle synthesis and companion protein T complex synthesis.

6 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

006830   YADAV P R, RAGHAVENDRA M, RAO T N (Biotechnology Dep, Rayalaseema Univ, Kurnool- 518 007, Email: mittargv@gmail.com) : Effect of Arthrospira platensis against sodium fluoride-induced haematological alterations. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 455-9.

The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Arthrospira platensis (ASP) against sodium fluoride (NaF) induced hematological alterations. Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I served as normal control. Group II served as toxic control. Group III served as plant control received ASP at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight (p.o). Groups IV-VI served as treatment groups, which received the hydro alcoholic extract of ASP at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight (p.o), respectively. All except group I and III received NaF (100 ppm) through drinking water for 30 days. Various blood parameters such as leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelet count were estimated. Results showed that ASP restored fluoride-induced hematological changes. In conclusion, the present study revealed that ASP has the good mitigative effect against sodium fluoride-induced hematological changes.

1 table, 36 ref

006822   SILAMBARASAN V, GAYATHIRI S, DEEPALAKSHMI G, BANU M S, NITHYA V, ARCHUNAN G (Animal Science Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli– 620 024, Email: grachu56@yahoo.co.in) : Cloning and sequencing of α-2u globulin of rat preputial gland to assess its longevity in the context of developing an effective rodent trap. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2019, 56(6), 433-8.

α-2u globulin, a pheromone binding protein found majorly in the preputial gland, was reported to involve in chemo-communication of rats. The biosynthesis of this pheromone binding protein is under complex multihormonal control and its regulation takes place at transcription level. Assessing and increasing the longevity of this protein may retain the volatility of pheromone. So far nearly 20 isoforms of α-2u globulin in rat have been studied. The present study was aimed to extend the longevity of pheromone compound by cloning and sequencing of the mRNA which codes for α-2u globulin in the preputial gland of Rattus novergicus. Unexpectedly, this study resulted in a new isoform, which is similar in function with α-2u globulin protein with some different exons removed. Further analysis with this isoform may pave a way for rodent pest management.

4 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

006800   KANNAKI T R, PRIYANKA E, HAUNSHI S (Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: trkannaki@gmail.com) : Concanavalin A- sandwich-ELISA for the detection of antibodies against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in chicken. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1656-60.

Concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin interacts with carbohydrate moieties of viruses and provide stable and sensitive detection when used as a capture agent. Indirect ELISA methods need purified Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or recombinant antigens for adsorption, whereas use of Con A as capture agent will enable the use of non-purified and non-concentrated virus as antigen replacing costly and time-consuming virus purification step. Con A based sandwich ELISA with non-purified NDV whole virus antigen with single serum dilution format has been developed in this study. The optimum concentrations of the capture agent, Con A and non-purified antigen preparations were determined by checker-board titration. Briefly, microplates were coated with predetermined optimum concentration of ConA (0.5 mg/ml; 50µg per well) and incubated for 18h at 4 °C. After washing, allantoic fluid with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota (HA titre, 210) at a constant predetermined dilution (1:1; 50µl) was coated and incubated for 45 min at 37 °C, followed by blocking with 2 % bovine serum albumin for 45 min at 37 °C. The antigen coated plates were used in the detection of antibody titre against NDV in serum samples at single serum dilution of 1: 500. Then, wells were added with goat anti-chicken IgG horseradish peroxidase conjugate and incubated for 1h at 37 °C, followed by addition of TMB substrate and the plates were read spectrophotometrically at 450 nm. ELISA antibody titres were determined by standard serial dilution of positive sera and endpoints were calculated by a subtraction method. By using positive negative threshold curve (PNT), intercept and slope of the standard curve were calculated. Total of 271 random chicken serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against NDV by Haemagglutination inhibition assay (HI), indirect ELISA and compared with the Con A- S- ELISA developed in this study. The Con A-S-ELISA showed a high coefficient of correlation (r=0.85, n=271, P<0.01) and an agreement of ê=0.99 with the commercially available Indirect-ELISA. The relative sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 85% respectively in comparison to HI test. Hence, the Con A-S-ELISA is a simple, easy and effective for monitoring serum antibody levels against NDV.

4 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

006818   SAHOO P R, MISHRA S R, MOHAPATRA S, SAHU S, SAHOO G, BEHERA P C (Veterinary Physiology Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: pravasvet86@gmail.com) : In silico structural and phylogenetic analysis of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in domestic animals. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1607-12.

This study has been able to determine the physiochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structure, and phylogenetic analysis of GAPDH among domestic animals under in silico platform. Eighteen nucleotide and protein sequence of GAPDH gene of different mammalian species were retrieved from National Centre for Biotechnology information (NCBI). The percentage of identity and similarity was done by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), physiochemical properties were analyzed by ExPASy”s ProtParam tool, the secondary and 3-D structure was predicted by GOR IV and Swiss modeling respectively. Phylogenetic analysis among the animals was done by Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis. It was found that the percentage of identity and similarity among all animals were almost more than 90 %. The physiochemical analysis showed this protein is very stable, hydrophilic and intracytoplasmic in nature. The secondary structure analysis showed that GAPDH has more number of random coil (49.85 %) Extended strand (27.93 %), alpha helix (22.22 %) of the protein. The QMEAN Z score was found 0.33 under protein modeling which interfered that this protein is of comparable quality. The phylogenetic analysis of this gene showed that the highest time of divergence occurred between sheep and common chimpanzee but least time of divergence observed between killer whale and dolphin. So it can be concluded that the GAPDH gene is highly conserved along all animal species.

4 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

006811   PAN F, YANG C, XIE Q, YANG Y, LUO X, GAN L (Veterinary Medicine Dep, Southwest Univ, Chongqing- 402 460, Email: gl9089@sina.com) : Glucocorticoids change the transcript levels of galanin, galanin receptor-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat hippocampal neurons. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1583-8.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can affect hippocampal structure and function in animals and humans. This study was designed to investigate the possible functional molecules and mechanisms involved in the action of GCs on hippocampal neurons. Rat primary hippocampal neurons were cultured and treated with glucocorticoids at a low concentration (LC, 10^-8 mol/L), a middle concentration (MC, 10^-7 mol/L) and a high concentration (HC, 10^-6 mol/L). The results indicate that GCs do not change the viability of hippocampal neurons but do change the catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The transcription expression levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), galanin (GAL), galanin receptor-2 (GALR2), and neuropeptide Y receptor-5 (NPYR5) genes in the HC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that hippocampal neurons launch the neuron protection pathways mediated by GAL, GALR2 and BDNF molecules when encountering an experimentally high concentration of corticosteroids.

22 ref

006819   SANKHYAN V, THAKUR Y P, DOGRA P K (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: sankhyan@gmail.com) : Genotyping of MHC class II DRB3 gene using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing in small ruminant breeds of Western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(12), 1551-8.

Sheep and goat farming especially under migratory system is an important activity in state of Himachal Pradesh. DRB locus of major histocompatibility complex is widely studied for its association with disease resistance. Present study was planned to analyse genetic diversity of DRB3 locus in small ruminant breeds of Himachal Pradesh using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing. 63, 68, 80 and 73 true to the breed animals belonging to Gaddi sheep, Rampur-Bushair sheep, Gaddi goats and Chegu goats, respectively were utilized. Amplification of exon 2 of DRB₃ gene yielded 285bp amplified product in different breeds. Three different digestion patterns corresponding to 2 alleles and seven digestion patterns corresponding to 4 alleles were observed with PstI and HaeIII restriction digestion. For Pst 1 digestion frequency of AA, AB and BB genotypes ranged from 0.09 to 0.22, 0.40 to 0.53 and 0.28 to 0.46 in different breeds studied. For HaeIII digestion frequency of five genotypes (AA, BB, CC, AB and AC) which were detected in all breeds varied from 0.18 to 0.32, 0.11 to 0.13, 0.07 to 0.17, 0.18 to 0.30 and 0.09 to 0.3 in different breeds, while frequency of CD and AD genotype unique to Rampur-Bushair sheep population was 0.09 and 0.06, respectively. The observed allele number (No) ranged from 5 to 6 in different breeds while effective allele number (Ne) ranged from 4.46 to 5.15 in different populations. H_obs and H_exp values ranged 0.42 to 0.49 and 0.55 to 0.59, respectively in different breeds. The nucleotide variability was detected using sequences from different breeds which was found at 36 places. In the present study the specific amplification of the exon 2 of DRB3 gene of native sheep and goat populations demonstrated marked polymorphism. Further association studies need to be carried out to investigate the association of these SNPs of DRB region with parasitic diseases.

6 illus, 5 tables, 31 ref

006831   YIGIN A, DEMIRCI M, ALTUN S K, DINC H (Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Harran Univ Veterinary Faculty, Sanliurfa, Turkey, Email: hikmetdnc@gmail.com) : Detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes in raw milk samples by real time PCR. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1504-8.

Presence of significant level of enterotoxigenic S. aureus in raw milk of sheep, goat and donkey may cause serious food borne disease. Many people worldwide, use raw milk in their daily life but data on presence of virulence genes in cow, sheep, goat and especially donkey milk seems to be very limited. For this reason, aim of this study was to determine the presence both S. aureus and nine staphylococcal enterotoxin genes in cow, sheep, goat and donkey milks. A total of 231 raw milk samples were collected from 48 cow, 65 goat, 65 sheep and 53 donkey were collected. To detect presence of S. aureus both conventional culture and real-time PCR were used and to detect nine staphylococcal enterotoxin genes directly in milk, real-time PCR was performed. Conventional culture and real-time PCR results were found to be similar for presence of S. aureus and it was detected in 52 (22.51%) out of 231 raw milk samples. Staphylococcal enterotoxin genes were detected in 27 out of 52 S.aureus positive samples and a total of 62 enterotoxin genes were detected in these samples. However enterotoxin genes could not be detected in two S. aureus positive donkey milk. Hence, real-time PCR proved to be reliable and faster than conventional methods to detect presence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus in milk. Raw milk samples from different animals many contain enterotoxigenic S. aureus. Therefore, one should be careful during raw milk consumption as enterotoxigenic S. aureus in milk may cause dangerous public health problem which need routine screening for this pathogen in milk.

5 tables, 27 ref

006792   BARO S, SHARMA K, BORAH B, TAMULY S, DEKA P, BORO P, DAS S K (Microbiology Dep, Veterinary Science Coll, Khanapara- 781 022, Email: sangeetabaro44@gmail.com) : Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of foot and mouth disease virus type ‘O’ and evaluation of its carrier state in cattle of Assam by real time PCR. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1497-1503.

The molecular epidemiological study of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been carried out from different outbreaks in Assam the present study is based on the nucleotide sequencing of circulating FMDV serotype. The samples were subjected to sandwich ELISA, multiplex-PCR and molecular phylogeny to identify the type species. The phylogenetic analysis of virus sequence revealed similarity with the Bangladesh isolates in the major branching pattern. The serotype ‘O’has found to be dominant and responsible for most of the recent outbreaks.The persistence of serotype ‘O’ and cytokines expression of IL-1α, IL-1α, IFN-α, TNF-α in blood of recovered animals were done by real time PCR. The findings indicated that IL-1α, IFN-α and TNF-α genes were up-regulated upto 3 months post infection but IL-1â found to be down regulated with progression of recovery. The present study thus supports that real-time PCR is a powerful technique for reliable detection of persistent FMDV in recovered animals.

16 ref

006806   LEISHANGTHEM G D, SINGH N D, SINGH A (Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: drgeetapatho@gmail.com) : Immunohistochemical detection of alpha-smooth muscle actin and S-100 in bovine mammary gland with mastitis. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1440-4.

Fibrosis is a common finding in chronic mastitis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a prominent role in fibrogenesis in adult tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether EMT occurs in bovine mastitis by assessing the expression or localization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), S-100 protein and caspase-3. Two normal bovine mammary gland tissue samples and five mastitic samples were used in the study. Antibodies to alpha-SMA, S-100 and caspase-3 were used for immunohistochemical studies. In mastitis there was increased expression of S-100 in the alveolar epithelial cells. Alpha-SMA was highly expressed in the areas where there is fibrosis in chronic mastitis. Further caspase-3 was observed in alveolar cells in mastitic tissue. Overexpression of S-100 and alpha-SMA directly correlates to the severity of mastitis.S-100 and alpha-SMA may serve as biomarkers to know the extent of tissue structural changes in mastitis. EMT could be one of the mechanistic pathways underlying the pathogenesis of fibrosis in mastitis. 

29 ref

006817   SAGAR N G, BHATTACHARYA T K, PRASAD A R, KUMAR P, CHATTERJEE R N, BHUSHAN B, KANAKA K K (Animal Genetics Dep, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly- 243 122, Email: bhattacharyatk@gmail.com) : Expression of stearoyl co-enzyme A desaturase (SCD) gene during the juvenile age in layer chicken. Indian J Anim Res 2019, 53(11), 1436-9.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is key enzyme in the production of triglycerides and cholesterol. Present study was conducted to know the expression pattern of the Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene in liver during juvenile age (0 day, 14th day, 28th day and 42nd day) in layer birds. Expression of SCD gene increased from the day of hatch to 42nd day, as the body weight and fat deposition increased. The mRNA expression levels of SCD gene during day 0 was differed significantly (P<0.05) with expression levels during other juvenile ages. When compared with SCD expression levels on the day 0 expression levels were up-regulated by 8198.64, 7245.99 and 5587.77 folds over day 14,  28 and  42 respectively. Serum concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol were found to be proportional to the expression levels of SCD gene in liver. It is concluded that SCD expression varied among different age groups during juvenile stages and had significant association with serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentration in layer chicken.

18 ref

006812   PATEL A, GADHAVI R (Dairy Microbiology Dep, Mansinhbhai Institute of Dairy & Food Technology, Mehsana- 384 002, Email: amiamipatel@yahoo.co.in) : Novel solidifying and gelling agents- Source, properties and prospective application. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2019, 13(4), 427-37.

Some microbial and plant origin proteins and colloidal polysaccharides act as solidifiers orstabilizers for solid or semi solid media preparation. They form a continuous three dimensional molecular network and provide firmness to the culture medium. Gelatin and agaragar are widely employed as solidified agents in the preparation of microbiological media. However, few bacteria and fungi are able to degrade these complex compounds and thus, there is a need of alternative solidifying agents. Current text discusses development of newly discovered gelling agents, their source and properties, and prospective application as solidifying agent in the microbiological media preparation.

4 tables, 36 ref

006825   VANASI B, MALOTHU R (Biotechnology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Email: rames-h_biotech@jntuk.edu.in) : Improvement in the production of L-lysne by ENU treated chemical mutagenesis of DDH gene recombinant strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum MTCC25069. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2019, 13(4), 406-23.

Auxotrophic mutant formed from ddh genere combinant MTCC25069 with blocked homoserinede hydrogenase showed an increased yield of LLysine of 24.89 g/l from normal ddh genere combinant MTCC25069 strain which had a yield of 20.66 g/l of L Lysine. The maximum yield of L-lysine for the auxotrophic mutant is attained at 7.5 pH, 300C of temperature and an incubation time of 96 hrs. The Auxotrophic mutant of ddhre combinant C. glutamicum showed nearly 6.52g/l more amount of l lysine than Auxotrophic mutant of wild type with 18.57 g/l of L Lysine. The Chemical mutagen ENU caused mutation in the Homoserine serine dehydrogenase enzyme diverted the Aspartyl â semialdehyde to bind with 2,3 Dihydrodipicolinate synthase to participate inthe L Lysine synthesis through 2,3 meso-Diaminopimelate (Meso-Dap). Being are combinant for diaminopimelate dehydrogenase(ddh) the auxotrophic mutant for the homoserine dehydrogenase follows the ddh pathway by over expression of ddh by deviating the Acetyltransferase and Succinyl transferase is the reason for the high yield of L- lysine production.

1 illus, 7 tables, 40 ref

006823   SONI S, KHAN S, JOSHI N (Biosciences Dep, Mody Univ of Science and Technology, Sikar- 332 311, Email: navybiotech@gmail.com) : Biochemical characterization and dye decolorization of selective microbial isolates from natural sources. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2019, 13(4), 357-65.

The estimation of dye decolorizing efficiency of microorganisms was initially carried out by the primary screening of isolates from the soil samples of Ambabari region Jaipur. Two microbial Strains Bacillus subtilis and Psedomonas stutzeri were isolated from the soil samples. Dye decolorizing efficiency was checked by plating and shake culture flask experiments, provided with the optimized conditions of temperature / time period.Selective isolated microbial strains were further analyzed spectrophotometrically for decolorization percentage, morphological analysis carried out by visualizing the colony parameters with respect to their size/ shape or color. Selective microbial isolate Bacillus subtilis was found with the capability of 73.52 % to decolorizie 1 ppm methylred in 96 h and 79.71 % capability to decolorize100 ppm methyl red in 96 h. The same isolate Bacillus subtilis was found with the capability of74.64 % to decolorize the 1 ppm orange G in 96 hand 80.80 % capability to decolorize the 100 ppm orange G in 96 hrs. Pseudomonas stutzeri was found with the capability of 70.16 % to decolorize1 ppm methyl red in 96 h and 77.17 % capability to decolorize 100 ppm methyl red in 96 h. Microbial isolate pseudomonas stutzeri was having capability of 72.80 % to decolorize the 1 ppm orange G in 96 h and 75.81% capability to decolorize 100 ppm orange G.

18 illus, 10 tables, 12 ref

006804   KUMAR N S S, GEETHA R S, VASU A T, RAMU D V (Biotechnology Dep, Vignan’s Foundation for Science Technology and Research Vadlamudi, Guntur- 522 213, Email: nssk84@gmail.com) : Performance assessment of biodiesel transesterified from Labeo rohita visceral oil using IC engine. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2019, 13(4), 348-56.

During recent years there is a growinginterest in producing biodiesel from fish wastesas alternative renewable source for declining fossilfuel resources. Present study aims at producingand transesterification of biodiesel from Labeorohita visceral mass. Resulted fatty acids methylesters was mixed with pure diesel in differentratios to investigate its efficiency as fuel in ICengine and the results were compared with purediesel. Ratios of fish-oil to diesel used inexperiments were 0:100, 10:90 and 20:80respectively. Results indicated that theperformance parameters of ignition power, IMEPand airflow ratios were higher with 10:90% and IP,BP, ITH, BTH, IMEP, BMEP and air flow ratioswere higher with 20:80 respectively.

11 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref