019394   Mondal M;Sehwag S;Das M (Agricultural and Food Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal) : Optimization of phenolics extraction from undeutilized leaves of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) using response surface methodology. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(2), 89-99.

Tea phenolics are known for the health benefits, majorly against chronic disorders like cancer and cardiovascular. The study presents optimization of solid-solvent extraction conditions for phenolic extraction from underutilized leaves of tea plant (ULT) using response surface methodology (RSM). Initially, the effect of different extraction solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile and water) on extraction of phenolics from ULT was studied. The effect was found significant (F-test, P<60>0.05) with yield in order: methanol <62> acetone <62> water <62> ethnol <62> acetonitirle. The methanolic extract yielded maximum phenolic extraction with highest antioxidant activity as measured with DPPH and FRAP assay. In the second phase, using methanol as the solvent of choice, the experiments for optimization of phenolic extraction conditions was optimized by rotatable central composite design with solid:solvent, pH, temperature and time of extraction as independent parameters, and total phenolics content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) as dependent parameters. The optimized conditions was obtained as 1:40 solid solvent ratio at 2.75 pH, 40.98 ° C temperature and 4 h time with to obtain 59.53 mg GAE/g, 38.32 mg of QE/g, 5165.33 μ g BHA/ g and 7327.36 μ mol Fe (II)/g of ULT as TPC, TFC, DPPH and FRAP values, respectively. The study reveals the potentiality of extraction of natural antioxidants from underutilized leaves of tea plants.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

019393   Mol B;Kamath U B;Anusha N (School of Chemical & Biotechnology, Sastra Univ, Thanjavur-613 401, Email: anusha@scbt.sastra.edu) : Formulation and evaluation of hyoscine butylbromide parenteral dosage form. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2518-22.

A cost-effective, stable and efficacious parenteral formulation of hyoscine butylbromide, a quaternary ammonium derivative with antimuscarinic and anticholinergic activity used to relieve smooth-muscle spasm in gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary disorders, has been developed in the present study. This expensive drug is unstable in the presence of moisture, light and heat. We have investigated effect of temperature, light, pH and oxygen on the stability of drug. The drug was made into single dose-small volume injectable formulation for administration via intravenous. Formulation trails were carried out in different combinations of different buffers and excipients. Out of all the trials, the best optimized formulations which showed better stability as well as efficacy and which passed all tests satisfactorily when subjected to accelerated stability testing were finalized as commercially viable formulation.

11 tables, 10 ref

019392   Mithra S V A;et al. (ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rpsncrpb@yahoo.co.i.n) : DBT propelled national effort in creating mutant resource for functional genomics in rice. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 543-8.

In 2007, with the help of DBT, a research project to create mutant resources for functional genomics in rice was launched through a national initiative involving ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi; ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore; ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad; University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Genetically well-defined material is a prerequisite for functional genomics. Thus, the project aimed to generate EMS mutants in the background of an upland and short duration aus genotype, Nagina22, characterize the mutants and use them in crop improvement. As of now, nearly 85,000 rice M2 mutant populations have been created under the project. Based on field phenotyping, gain and or loss of function mutants for tolerance to herbicide spray, drought, salinity and resistance to rice leaf and panicle blast, sheath blight and high phosphorus (P) use efficiency under low P field have been identified. Notably, the herbicide-tolerant mutant identified is under the process of registration for distribution to public and private rice breeders under appropriate material transfer agreement. Besides this, the project also aims to serve as a 'National Repository of rice EMS mutant resource' for the researchers involved in rice biology and improvement in the country.

4 illus, 32 ref

019391   Liu G;Li M;Wang H;Yang J;Lou J;Hu Q;Ye Y;Gao X (Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission of Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu, P.R. China, Email: gao_xuemei@hotmail.com) : New biphenyl from Garcinia oligantha and its cytotoxicity. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2731-2.

A new biphenyl i.e., 3-methoxy-5-methoxycarbonyl-4-hydroxy-biphenyl (1) was isolated from the stems of Garcinia oligantha. Its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D- and 2D- NMR. This biphenyl was tested for its cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines (NB4, A549, SHSY5Y, PC3 and MCF7) and it showed modest cytotoxicity against SHSY5Y, A549 and MCF7 cell with IC₅₀ values of 7.1, 6.2 and 4.8 μM, respectively.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

019390   Li Y;Wang F;Yuan T;Yang G;Hu Q;Wang Z (College of Resources and Environmental, Southwest Univ, Chongqing 400716, P.R. China, Email: wang_zhengyin@163.com) : New homoisoflavonoid from flue-cured tobacco and its anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2741-2.

A new homoisoflavonoid, tabeanin A (1), was isolated from the stems of flue-cured tobacco (a variety of Nicotiana tabacum L). Its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compound 1 was also tested for its anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity and it shows potential anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity with inhibition rates of 36.8%.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

019389   Lezhnin Y N;Kravchenko D S;Kravchenko Y E; Chumakov S P;Frolova E I (NO, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian, Russian Federation, Moscow, GSP-7, Ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10) : Lentivirus-based system for fast expression and purification of recombinant proteins and its implementation for production of human CD44 extracellular part. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2139-45.

Development of novel highly selective anticancer therapeutics usualy requires large amount of target protein that serves as a bait for selection. In many cases these proteins posess posttranslational modifications or features, that could not be replicated in procaryotic expression systems, thus requiring more laborous and expensive expression in mammalian cells. Transfection-based eucaryotic producents, on the other hand, are unstable and gradually lose production yields. We developed novel lentivirus-based expression system for fast and simple production and purification of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells. Our expression system allows easy selection of producent cells with flow sorting, antibody-free assessment of secreted protein concentration in cellular media and fast two-stage purification of target protein devoid of any tag sequences. We implemented our expression system for fast production of highly efficient mammalian producent of CD44 receptor extracellular part and subsequent purification of properly folded and glycosylated protein.

5 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

019388   Kulkarni P;Gupta C (Microbiology Dep, Govt. V.Y.T. PG College, Durg, Chhattisgarh) : Heavy metals tolerance studies on the fresh water filamentous cyanobacterial species of Durg - Rajnandgaon district (CG) India. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(2), 217-20.

In the present study five filamentous abundantly growing indigenous Cyanobacterial isolates (Anabeana sp., Nostoc sp., Lyngbya sp., Microcoleus sp. and Oscittatoria sp.) were cultured using suitable growth media to obtain large biomass. These filamentous Cyanobacterial spp. have the ability to grow in mass quantity under ideal conditions and such ability provides usable biomass at minimal efforts. The isolates were then examined for their ability to tolerate selected heavy metals As, Cu, Hg and Pb under experimental conditions by the dilution method with different concentrations (5, 10, 15 ppm). All the five Cyanobacterial isolates showed various degree of tolerance for selected heavy metals. Oscillatoria sp. responded best among all.

8 ref

019387   Kujur A B;Lal G M (NO, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allahabad-211 007, Email: anubha.kujur@gmail.com) : Effect of hydropriming and osmopriming on germination behaviour of and vigor of soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds. Agric Sci Dig 2015, 35(3), 207-10.

Seeds of soybean Cv. DS 2706 were primed with distilled water, KNO₃(1%), NaCl(0.5%) and PEG 6000(5%) for 8, 12, 24 and 48 hrs. at 25°C. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized design replicated four times with 17 priming treatments. Results of variance clearly showed the osmopriming and hydropriming had significant effect on seed germination and emergence. Mean comparison showed that the highest germination%, germination Index and vigor Index was achieved by priming with PEG₆₀₀₀(5%) for 12 hours. Maximum seedling length and dry seedling weight was obtained by hydropriming for 24 hours and least mean germination time and highest energy of emergence was achieved by osmopriming by NaCl for 12 hours.

1 table, 21 ref

019386   Krishnaswamy S;Madhan Mohan T (NO, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai-600 113, Email: mkukrishna@imsc.res.in) : Largest distributed network of bioinformatics centres in the world: Biotechnology information system network (DBT-BTISNET). Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 556-61.

The spread of bioinformatics centres across India is primarily due to the extensive infrastructure and network that was initiated way back in 1980s by S. Ramachandran, the first Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and is being supported at 168 locations across the country. Anticipating the dawn of bioinformatics globally as an integration of informatics and biology, the seeds were sown by the linkage set up by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) led by N. Seshagiri (Director General of NIC), in a remarkable collaboration with DBT. As with biotechnology, strong teaching initiatives by DBT at the post-graduate level across the country helped in the growth. The recent bioinformatics certification examinations and the consequent fellowships are part of a seminal exercise that tries to provide standards in an area which saw unregulated mushrooming growth in the last decade. Unlike in the USA and Europe, where bioinformatics was nucleated by sequence analysis, in India the strong crystallography and biophysics structural background from the tradition of G. N. Ramachandran resulted in the initial tilt of bioinformatics in India towards structural perspectives. The Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISNET) captured through development of databases, by the centres distributed across the country, recording the diversity of biological resources in the country. The advent of mega sequencing and the large-scale import of genomics and proteomics technologies resulted in the growth of many bioinformatics groups and companies, several of which have connections to the centres of the BTISNET. Following the bioinformatics policy document, the recent years have seen the nurturing of the North Eastern Bioinformatics Network and also international collaborative ventures with countries in Asia and Europe. The trend of an admixture of experimental and computational biology approaches that are needed for systems and synthetic biology is becoming common and signals the next phase of expansion and integration of the bioinformatics network.

4 illus, 17 ref

019385   Kim H H;Bong S J;Al-Dhabi N A;Arasu M V;Park S U (Well-Being Resources Dep, Sunchon National Univ, Republic of Korea, Email: mvalanarasu@gmail.com) : Variation in amino acid contents of pale green and purple kohlrabis (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes). Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2675-7.

Vegetables from the brassicaceae family are among the most commonly grown vegetables worldwide. Kohlrabi contains health-promoting phytochemicals and has good levels of minerals. Here, we investigated amino acid contents variations in pale green and purple kohlrabis. Twenty-one different amino acids were found in varying proportions in pale green and purple kohlrabis. The levels of these amino acids varied widely between the pale green and purple kohlrabis. Purple kohlrabi contained higher amounts of 15 different amino acids, whereas pale green kohlrabi contained higher amounts of 6 different amino acids. Arginine was 3.2 times and histidine, tyrosine, leucine and aspartate were twice as high in purple kohlrabi than in pale green kohlrabi. Purple kohlrabi contained approximately 1.5 times more glutamate, threonine, cysteine, isoleucine and lysine compared with pale green kohlrabi. Considering the total amount, glutamine was the most dominating amino acid in both kohlrabis. The amount of glutamine was 1460.60 mg/100 g dry wt. in pale green kohlrabi types, which is 1.7 times the amount in purple kohlrabi. Alanine and norvaline were twice higher and methionine was 1.5 times higher in pale green kohlrabi than in purple kohlrabi. Our results show that both kohlrabis contain varying amounts of amino acids, suggesting that both kohlrabis are excellent, potential sources of amino acids in the development of food supplements.

1 table, 15 ref

019384   Khambalkar P;Sridar R (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: pravinkhambalkar88@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of nitrogen fixing Burkholderia sp.. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 681-9.

The bacterium Burkholderia has been isolated from the rhizosphere soils of Mimosa, Lemon, Maize, Sugarcane, Sunfl ower, Rice, Bhendhi, Sunhemp, Co on and Chilly from the diff erent farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Biochemical and physiological characterization was done for the obtained isolates to screen for further studies by using starch hydrolysis, lipid hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis and catalase test, etc. The isolates were checked for their ability to fi x nitrogen by using diff erent medium like BMGM and N free BMGM medium. The isolates were also checked for nitrogenase activity by using gas chromatography. B1 and R1 isolates showed high nitrogenase activity (7.99 and 7.15 n moles of ethylene /hr./mg of cell protein respectively). Total genomic DNA was isolated and PCR with 16S rRNA gene specifi c primers carried out to yields amplicons of 1300 bp size in Burkholderia. The PCR was carried out with specifi c primers of nifH gene primer for selected isolates. It showed that selected four isolates were found to have nifH gene with 400 bp. The present study revealed that some of the Burkholderia sp. helps in plant growth promoting activities by fi xing nitrogen to enhance the yield of crop plants that can be exploited as bioinoculant in agriculture.

6 illus, 7 tables, 26 ref

019383   Kavitha B;Kavitha V;Shanmugam T R (Agricultural Economics Dep, PGP College of Agricultural Sciences, Namakkal-637 405, Email: kavisribala@gmail.com) : Economic analysis of farm risk under water stress production environment in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 773-81.

Agriculture is the single largest private sector occupation and is also considered to be the riskiest business since it mostly depends on the vagaries of nature. It is important for all decision makers to know the degree of risk involved in each activity. Once the risk corresponding to an a ainable level of expected return is known, depending on the risk taking ability, diff erent farm plans having diff erent level of risk can be taken up by diff erent farmer. In this context, the present study a empts to analyze the agricultural production risk in Namakkal district because of the availability of dry farms. In this study, survey was conducted in four blocks of the same district. The overall objective of the study is to analyze the farm risk to derive optimal input use and optimal cropping pattern under the conditions of risk by an appropriate risk programming models. In the case of cost of cultivation of selected crops, total cost was high i.e. Rs. 62208 for banana and followed by tomato i.e. Rs. 38976. Banana and tomato generated higher returns viz. Rs. 97976 and Rs. 49516 when compared to maize and groundnut. The results of quadratic production function concluded that when risk level increases, optimum quantity of inputs used for the production was decreased. The results showed that even though decline trend in income, the resources which were used in the cultivation as an effi ciency factor.

5 tables, 17 ref

019382   Idu M;Kingsley E C;Ovuakporie O;Idu F K (Plant Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria,) : Evaluation of diruetic activity Stachytarpheta jamaicensis(L.) Vahl. on wistar rats. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(2), 9-14.

Ethno-botanically, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis has been reported to be used in the treatment of several ailments and diseases such as diabetics, stomach pain, inflammation, dysentery, dyspepsia, fever, to mention a few. In Cuban herbal medicine (where the plant is called Verbena cimarroma), it is considered abortive, anticatarrhal (mucous reduction) antidiabetic, antiplasmodic, depressant of nervous system and having diuretic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the methanol leaf extract of S. jamaicensis for its acclaimed diuretic activity. The methanol extract of S. jamaicensis was administered to wistar rats, urinary excretion rate and electrolyte excretion were measured in the urine of the rats. Results of the qualitative phytochemistry show that S. jamaicensis methanol leaf extract contains tannins, saponins and flavonoids which have been implicated in previous reports to be secondary metabolites which were effective as diuretic agents. Diuretic activity was recorded at concentrations 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg with urine volume of 2.56±0.25 and 3.26±0.27 as against normal saline which served as control with urine volume of 1.28±0.10. The electrolyte excretion result also showed a concentration-dependent increase in comparism with the control. The study confirms that S. jamaicensis methanol leaf extract has a dose-dependent diuretic activity.

1 table, 19 ref

019381   Gupta R;Bhar K;Sen N;Bhowmick D;Mukhopadhyay S;Panda K;Siddhanta A (Biochemistry Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019, Email: asiddhanto@yahoo.com) : mRNA and protein levels of rat pancreas specific protein disulphide isomerase are downregulated during hyperglycemia. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(2), 100-7.

Diabetes (Type I and Type II) which affects nearly every organ in the body is a multi-factorial non-communicable disorder. Hyperglycemia is the most characteristic feature of this disease. Loss of beta cells is common in both types of diabetes whose detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. As this disease is complex, identification of specific biomarkers for its early detection, management and devising new therapies is challenging. Based on the fact that functionally defective proteins provide the biochemical basis for many diseases, in this study, we tried to identify differentially expressed proteins during hyperglycemia. For that, hyperglycemia was induced in overnight fasted rats by intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The pancreas was isolated from control and treated rats for subsequent analyses. The 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF-MS-MS analyses revealed several up- and down- regulated proteins in hyperglycemic rat pancreas including the downregulation of a pancreas specific isoform of protein disulphide isomerase a2 (Pdia2). This observation was validated by western blot. Quantitative PCR experiments showed that the level of Pdia2 mRNA is also proportionally reduced in hyperglycemic pancreas.

6 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

019380   Gupta P;Chakraborty D;Mittal R K (Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: priyangupta86@gmail.com) : Antifungal activity of medicinal plants leaf extracts on growth of Macrophomina phaseolina. Agric Sci Dig 2015, 35(3), 211-14.

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi goid) is a pathogen that causes Charcoal rot of mungbean resulting in to a great economic loss. In the present study effect of Ocimum sanctum L., Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f. and Astragalous tribuloides Delile extract on the survival of Macrophomina phaseolina was studied. The variety of different extracts of Ocimum sanctum L., Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait.f and Astragalous tribuloides Delile brings various biochemical changes under suitable condition. The alkaline extract of Ocimum sanctum L., shows the maximum growth of Macrophomina phaseolina, Acidic extract of Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f. and alcoholic extract of Astragalous tribuloides Delile show maximum growth of Macrophomina phaseolina. It showed that Macrophomina phaseolina was less reactive in these extract. On the other hand, aqueous acidic extract of Ocimum sanctum L., alkaline extract of Calotropis procera (Ait) Ait. f. and acidic extract of Astragalous tribuloides Delile showed minimum growth of Macrophomina Phaseolina. It indicated that Macrophomina phaseolina was more reactive in these plant extract.

3 illus, 23 ref

019379   Goyal M;Gautam R;Pardeep Kumar;Dhillon S (Molecular Biology Dep, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: goyalmeenu333@gmail.com) : Application of inter simple sequence repeat markers to analyze molecular relationships in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell). Agric Sci Dig 2015, 35(3), 195-8.

Wheat is one of the most important staple food crop and is cultivated throughout the world. High temperature stress is one of the major constrains to wheat production worldwide. This study was undertaken with the objective to assess polymorphism among 14 genotypes (7 thermo-sensitive and 7 thermo-tolerant) of wheat. Genomic DNA of these wheat genotypes was amplified using 40 ISSR primers. Out of 40 primers screened, 26 ISSR primers which produced reproducible alleles were selected for allele scoring. Using these 26 ISSR primers, 187 amplified products were obtained of which 101 were polymorphic. ISSR analysis generated a moderate level of average polymorphism i.e. 52.97%. Average of amplified and polymorphic alleles per primer was calculated as 7.2 and 3.9, respectively. Overall size of PCR amplified products ranged between 220 bp and 3000 bp. Based on similarity matrix data, the value of similarity coefficient ranged from 0.73 to 0.87 with an average genetic similarity of 0.80. Cluster analysis based on ISSR markers discriminated all the wheat genotypes into two major clusters, one consisted of thermo-sensitive genotypes and other had all thermo-tolerant genotypes along with one thermo-sensitive genotype S1 (WH157). ISSR-24 amplified ≈2200 bp band which was present in all 7 thermo-sensitive genotypes but absent in all thermo-tolerant genotypes. The above identified marker may potentially be used in marker assisted selection to develop thermo-tolerant wheat varieties.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

019378   Gopal M;Gupta A (Microbiology Section, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod-671 124, Email: murali.gopal@icar.gov.in) : Sci-fi film about a mars survivor calls our attention to the importance of microbiome in agriculture. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 15-16.

17 ref

019377   Goel A;Digvijaya;Garg A;Ashok Kumar (Pharmacology Dep, PDM College of Pharmacy, Bahadurgarh, Haryana-124 507, Email: akb_bits@yahoo.com) : Effect of Capparis spinosa Linn. extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment in rats.. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(2), 126-32.

Cognitive disorders in mankind are not uncommon. Apart from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD), various stresses also affect cognitive functions. Plants are known to be potential source of compounds that ameliorate several diseases including cognitive impairment. Here, we evaluated effect of aqueous extract of caper (Capparis spinosa) buds on lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment in rats using two different oral doses i.e. 10 (pre-treatment) and 30 mg/rat(post-treatment) through assessment of behavioural (Morris Water maze test and Y maze test), biochemical (Cholinesterase assay) and histopathological (H&E staining) parameters. Lipopolysaccharide (from E. coli) administration resulted in an increased neurodegeneration and time taken to reach the platform (in Morris water maze). The increased neurodegeneration in CA1 region of hippocampus was significantly reduced in animals which received caper bud extract; they showedmarked reduction in time taken to reach the platform at both the dose levels. The experiment demonstrated that caper bud extract exhibits potential protective effect against learning and memory damage induced by chronic administration of lipopolysaccharide (175 μg/kg) for 7 days. The results suggest that the caper bud extract could be explored for its use in the treatment of cognitive disorders.

4 illus, 31 ref

019376   Gaikwad S S;Munot H;Shouche Y S (NO, , Microbial Culture Collection, First Floor, Central Tower, Sai Trinity Building, Garware Circle, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune-, Email: yogesh@nccs.res.in) : Utility of DNA barcoding for identification of bird-strike samples from India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 25-8.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

019375   Endonova G B;Antsupova T P;Zhamsaranova S D; Lygdenov D V (NO, East Siberia State Univ of Technology and Management, 40V Klyuchevskaya ul., Ulan-Ude, Russia, 670013) : Study of flavonoid and antioxidant activity of Saponaria officinalis L. that occurs in Buryatia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2017-21.

The aim was to study the flavonoid composition of Saponaria officinalis, occurring on the territory of Buryatia, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the extracts of the aerial organs. The highest content of total flavonoids was noted in the leaves and inflorescences of Saponaria officinalis, gathered in sparse pine forest (near the city of Ulan-Ude). By the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method we conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the aerial part of Saponaria officinalis (S.officinalis). In the alcoholic extraction we identified 5 compounds of aglycone and glycosidic nature; apigenin derivatives are dominant (43.95 mg / g). The highest antioxidant activity of the extracts was in the leaves and inflorescence of Saponaria officinalis collected on abandoned sites near the village. Selenginsk (Kabansky region). To maximize the extraction of antioxidants from the plant material we studied various extractants and different variants of relations plant extract : buffer solution. We chose an optimum ratio of the plant extract and buffer solution 1: 9. With increasing the concentration of the plant extract at a dilution with buffer solurion a total content of water-soluble antioxidants increased and fat-soluble - decreased.

2 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

019374   Dolganyuk V F;Gavrilov B G;Babich O O; Dushlyuk L S;Noskova S Y (NO, , Federal State-owned Budgetary educational Institution of Higher Education "Kemerovo Institute of Food Science and Techno) : Analysis of the parameters of lactulose drying in terms of yield and quality of the finished product. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2325-31.

The dependence of the parameters of quality and yield of the finished product on the basic parameters of drying was studied. Such quality parameters as particle size, moisture content, and how they are affected by the drying temperature, the feed rate of the liquid in the chamber and air flow rate were considered. It is shown that the optimum drying temperature that allows to get the highest yield with a mass fraction of moisture not exceeding normalizable is 140-160°C. The feed rate of the solution that provides the maximum yield having the required humidity and the optimum particle size is 5-7 ml/min. The optimal values were also defined for the air flow rate at which the yield of the final product is the highest and the mass fraction of moisture in it is the lowest, which lie in the range of 15-25 m³/h. After determining the optimum parameters providing the highest yield of lactulose powder having the desired levels of quality, the studies of the organoleptic and physicochemical parameters have been conducted, as well as an analysis of the content of the toxic elements in the resulting product. The results of the analysis allow to conclude that the values of the investigated parameters in the obtained lactulose powder do not exceed the normalized values and the product in general meets the requirements set by the regulatory documentation.

6 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

019373   Dharmalingam K (Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Aravind Eye Care Systems, Madurai-625 020, Email: dharmalingam.k@gmail.com) : Human resource development in biotechnology. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 533-4.

Human resource in biotechnology meets creative thinking and advanced knowledge of the field. Programmes that impart both industrial training and research aptitude alone can provide suitable manpower for this unique industry. Therefore a concerted effort from all stake holders in general and DBT in particular is needed to make this programme a success in India.

1 illus

019372   Devasavaran K;Yong Y K (Human Anatomy Dep, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Univ Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: yoke_keong@upm.edu.my) : Anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of Malaysia tualang honey. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 47-51.

Inflammation is a biological response and a defence mechanism by the body to remove harmful stimuli followed by healing process. Healing is a process of skin and other soft tissue repair at the site of injury. However, uncontrolled inflammation could lead to serious illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which cause great impact on public health and economy. This necessitates supplementation with antiinflammatory properties to prevent or remove unnecessary inflammation and damage. For ages, Tualang honey (TH) has been used as a natural remedy for inflammation and wounds. TH also exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial and reproductive properties. This review collates the various studies on anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of TH. It also presents findings that indicate that honey may ameliorate ultraviolet-induced inflammation of the skin, chemical-induced inflammation of the eyes and oxidative stress on the eyes. Besides, wound-healing properties have also been highlighted here. These data suggest that TH might be a therapeutic agent in the management of inflammation and wound healing. However, there is a need to study the underlying mechanism of action of TH in vitro and in vivo, to develop a better understanding of its potential benefits.

^iia2 tables, 57 ref

019371   Deore P;Samantaray S (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388 110, Email: push.deore@gmail.com) : Assessment of diversity in Aloe barbadensis miller using morphological and molecular markers. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 531-8.

In this study, genetic diversity of 38 accessions of Aloe barbadensis, collected from diff erent parts of India were evaluated using morphological and random amplifi ed polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data. Statistical analysis showed signifi cant diff erences for all morphological characteristics among the accessions, suggesting that selection for relevant characteristics could be possible. The analysis of molecular diversity was used the RAPD technique, with 14 random primers of 10-mer oligonucleotides. RAPD analysis was performed with 14 primers chosen a er a previous screening. Signifi cant genetic variability among those 38 cultivars was obtained both at the morphological and molecular level. This study demonstrated that for determining the genetic variability among some cultivars, the molecular markers technique is more precise than the morphological traits.

2 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

019370   Deepika C L;Kandaswamy A;Pradeepa G (Biomedical Engineering Dep, PSG College of Technnology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: cldeepika@yahoo.com) : Efficient method for detection of inspiration phase of respiration in thermal imaging. J scient ind Res 2016, 75(1), 40-4.

Respiration rate and the time duration between successive respiration cycles are two important parameters required for detection of apnea disorders during a polysomnograph test. Conventional methods use thermistors and respiration belts to measure these parameters. These however cause patient discomfort and also tether the patient to the bed. Thermal imaging is proposed in literature for non-contact measurement of respiration rate, wherein the inspiration and expiration of the patient can be visually monitored as temperature variations from his thermal images. In this paper, a segmentation approach is proposed to accurately localize the low temperature region that occurs near the nostrils during inhalation.

6 illus, 9 ref

019369   Das A;Das D;Goswami R N;Bhuyan D;Sinha S (College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural Univ, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022, Email: arpana_agp@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of non-genetic factors on lactation milk yield and peak yield of swamp buffalo and their repeatability. Indian J Anim Res 2015, 49(3), 418-9.

A study was made to find out the effect of various non-genetic factors on lactation milk yield and peak yield based on 500 lactation records of 164 swamp buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Station, Assam Agricultural University. The overall mean of lactation milk yield and peak yield were found 514.16 ± 7.67 kg and 3.20 ± 0.05, kg respectively. Effect of lactation order and period of calving on both the trait were found to be significant (P<60>0.01). Lactation milk yield increased gradually from first to fourth lactation and then declined. Effect of season of calving was not found significant. The repeatability estimates for lactation milk yield and peak yield were 0.799 ± 0.003 and 0.448 ± 0.006, respectively.

1 table, 10 ref

019368   DAI J;Baskar R (Molecular Radiobiology Lab, Div of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11-Hospital Drive, Singapore-169 610, Email: baskarkmc@gmail.com) : Nitric oxide protects the quiescent human normal lung fibroblast cells after γ-irridation. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 23-4.

2 illus, 17 ref

019367   Chandra O;Chaubey K (Zoology Dep, Govt. V.Y.T.P.G. Autonomous College, Durg, Chhattisgarh) : Methods used in assessment of antioxidant activity of some mushroom. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(2), 251-4.

In recent years mushroom are gradually attaining popularity in our food system even at commercial level and its biochemical constituents have also been explored showing important phenolic compound terpenoid and flavonoid indicates about antioxidant property. So it is need of the time to evaluate antioxidant activity of mushroom especially for those being need in our society. The present paper highlights the 18 different methods of assessment of antioxidant activity of some mushroom.

48 ref

019366   Bitaab M A;Ranaei Siadat S O;Pazooki J; Sefidbakht Y (Marine biology Dep, Faculty of Biological Science, Shahid Beheshti Univ G.C. Evin, Tehran, Iran) : Antibacterial and molecular dynamics study of the dolabellanin B2 isolated from sea slug, Peronia peronii. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2023-35.

Marine gastropod, Peronia peronei, from north of the Persian Gulf, protein extraction was investigated using ultrafiltration, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). The mass spectra showed that, the isolated peptide is most probably Dolabellanin B2 that has been extracted before from other marine mollusk, Dolabella auricularia. The antibacterial activity of purified peptide was assessed against seven bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Broth micro-dilution method, standard disk diffusion assay and bio-autography were used for this aim. According to the results the identified peptide showed strong antibacterial activity against all mentioned bacterial strains. Computational studies through peptide modeling servers followed by 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation and surface electrostatic calculations indicates that this sequence could be most probably related to alpha helical cationic antimicrobial peptides (alpha-CAMPs) with overall charge of +1 at pH 7.

9 illus, 2 tables, 67 ref

019365   Bhatta A;Misra K D (Biotechnology Dep, DBT Communication Cell, Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi-110 003) : Biotechnology communication needs a rethink. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 573-8.

Biotechnology, like any other stream of science becomes irrelevant if it cannot be used by society at the right time. To get people to use biotechnology it should be acceptable, understandable and accessible to them. Herein lies the role of biotechnology communication. Making biotechnology relevant through communication is becoming more and more crucial to make people realize the importance of solutions to multifarious problems that biotechnology has to offer like food security, health, environmental problems and so on. This article underscores the communication approaches which need to be taken to reach that target.

25 ref

019364   Barua R;Alam M J;Salim M;Ashrafee T S (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Shahjalal Univ of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh, Email: mja.gebsust@yahoo.com) : Small scale production and characterization of xanthan gum synthesized by local isolated of Xanthomonas campestris. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(2), 151-5.

Xanthan gum is a commercially important microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Xanthomonas campestris. X. campestris is a plant pathogen causing various plant diseases such as black rot of crucifers, bacterial leaf blight and citrus canker disease resulting in crop damage. In this study, we isolated efficient local bacterial isolates which are capable to produce xanthan gum utilizing different sources of carbon (maltose, sucrose and glucose). Bacterial isolates from different plant leaves and fruits were identified as Xanthomonas campestris based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Among the 23 isolates, 70% were capable of producing gum. Taro plant, considered as new bacterial host, also have the capability to produce xanthan gum. Production conditions of xanthan gum and their relative viscosity by these bacterial isolates were optimized using basal medium containing commercial carbon and nitrogen sources and various temperature and rotation. Highest level of xanthan gum (18.286 g/l) with relative viscosity (7.2) was produced (Host, Citrus macroptera) at 28°C, pH 7.0, 150 rpm using sucrose as a carbon source at orbital shaker. Whereas, in lab fermenter, same conditions gave best result (19.587 g/l gum) with 7.8 relative viscosity. Chilled alcohol (96%) was used to recover the xanthan gum. FTIR studies also carried out for further confirmation of compatibility by detecting the chemical groups.

5 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

019363   Balakrishanan M H;Rajan M (Natural Products Chemistry Dep, School of Chemistry, Maduarai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: rajanm153@gmail.com) : Size-controlled synthesis of biodegradable nanocarriers for targeted and controlled cancer drug delivery using salting out cation. Bull Mater Sci 2016, 39(1), 69-77.

Research for synthesis of size-controlled carriers is currently challenging one. In this research paper, a method for size-controlled synthesis of biodegradable nanocarriers is proposed and described. Salting out method is suitable for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs for the encapsulation on carriers. This synthetic method is based on polylactic acid (PLA) and non-ionic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composed by CaCl₂ as salting out agent. This method permits size-controlled synthesis of particles between 50 and 400 nm simply by varying the concentration of salting out agents. We have prepared cisplatin (CDDP)-loaded PLA-CMC nanocarriers by salting out method, with varying salting out agent (CaCl₂) concentrations as 0.05, 0.2, 0.35 and 0.5 M. The nanocarriers were characterized for their size, surface charge and morphology by atomic force microscope, zeta potential analyser and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro drug-releasing behaviour of the nanocarriers were investigated. The cytotoxicity effect of nanocarriers and drug-loaded nanocarriers was tested against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

7 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

019362   Baehaki A;Syah D;Setyahadi S;Suhartono M T (Fisheries Product Technology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya Univ, Indralaya, South Sumatera, Indonesia, Email: ace76_none@yahoo.com) : Differences in protease expression of mutants Bacillus licheniformis F11. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2037-44.

The objective of the study was to investigate the differences in protease productions of mutans Bacillus licheniformis F11. In this study B. licheniformis F11.1 (DchiA; Dpga) and B. licheniformis F11.4 (DchiAB; Dpga) was used. Two types (LB and MLB + collagen) of media were used for bacterial growth, protease production and zymogram analysis : Luria Broth (LB) and Modified Luria Broth plus collagen (MLB +collagen) media. The LB media contained tryptone 1%, NaCl 1% dan yeast extract 0.5%. The Modified LB + collagen media contained tryptone 0.5%; NaCl 1%, yeast extract 0.25% and collagen 5%. Two protease producing B. licheniformis F11 mutans were screened from Palembang Indonesia, Bacillus licheniformis F11.1 (DchiA; Dpga) and Bacillus licheniformis F11.4 (DchiAB; Dpga). Both mutants showed different growth pattern and protease production in media containing collagen. F11.1 displays a higher protease activity than F11.4 in Luria Bertani media with an optimum after 15 hours for F11.1 and 15-25 hours for F11.4. Upon addition of collagen to LB medium F11.4 overmatched F11.1 with respect to collagenolytic activity. The presence of collagen led to a shift in the substrate preference of the two strains towards collagen compared to other protein substrates (gelatin, fibrin and casein). Zymogram analysis on gel embedded substrates suggests a higher molecular variation for strain F11.4. The different genetic mutation of the same species (Bacillus licheniformis F11.1 and F11.4) displayed different protease production patterns and substrate specificities especially on collagen.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

019361   Autade R H;Jadhav R M;Sukhadeo Gaikar P;Jori D B;Antre S H;Reddy P G (Plant Biotechnology Dep, College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Loni, Chandrapur Road, Rahata-413 736, Email: rishiz.autade@gmail.com) : Farmers perception, knowledge and attitude towards biotech (GM) crops at agrowon agriexpo-a survey.. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 753-61.

Public including farmers perceptions about Biotech Crops (GM crops ) is infl uenced by a broad range of issues, including environmental safety, ethics, cultural diversity, political environment, educational status, religious conviction, legal repercussions, economic gain, and socioeconomic impact. The present survey was done to spread the awareness about GM crops and Agriculture Biotechnology among the farmers and to know the extent of farmer's perception, knowledge, readiness and support for genetically modifi ed crops and biotechnological applications. Face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted with randomly selected 173 farmer respondents. The results of the survey revealed that the farmers are ready to adopt GM crops for plantation as it off ers improved yield in low production cost and would like to promote the GM food to the consumers, but combined appropriate policies, awareness and communications strategy, eff ective regulatory system is need of time to cope with the ever-increasing misconception spread by the anti-GM lobby without any scientifi c background. GM crops concerns coined by the anti-GM crops sightseer visited to the "Agri Biotechnology and GM crop awareness" stall at Agrowon AgriExpo - 2014 were noted and satisfactory scientifically based answers were given. The finding of the study can help policymakers for designing the GM crop awareness system considering the farmers interest.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

019360   Asyaari M;Aditiawati P;Akhmaloka;Hertadi R (Biochemistry Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Tecknologi Bandu, Jl. Ganesha no. 10 Bandung 40132, Indonesia, Email: rukman@chem.itb.ac.id) : Cloning and sequence analysis of lipase gene of halophilic bacteria isolated from mud crater of Bledug Kuwu, Central Java, Indonesia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 1903-12.

Five lipase genes (lipab4, lipab8, lipab15, lipag18, and lipab18) were isolated from Halomonas and Chromohalobacter local strains of Bledug Kuwu isolates. Based on amino acid sequence analysis, the genes showed some unique motif of amino acid sequences. All of lipases were classified as member of family IV (HSL=hormone-sensitive lipase). These lipases show high similarities of conserved regions with lipolytic of Halomonas and formed a distinct cluster with other types of HSL, such as esterase/lipase and carboxylesterase. All of lipases contain more negative charged of amino acid residues compared to the mesophilic and thermophilic ones, and tend to have similarity to lipases of moderate halophilics. The result of homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that these lipases were clustered into three groups. Group I (lipab8, lipab18 and lipag18) are close to lipolytic gene of Halomonas elongata DSM 2581, while groups II (lipab4) and III (lipab15) create new branches in the phylogenetic tree. In addition, analysis of GC, GC-AT and GC-AT content on the codon usage of the genes revealed the unique profile compared to that the other lipase genes.

8 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

019359   Asadi-Ghalehni M;Rasaee M J;Khosravani M;Bazl M R;Mohamadi M;Fatemi F;Sadroddiny E (Medical Biotechnology Dep, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran Univ of Medical S, Tehran, Iran, Email: sadroddiny@sina.tums.ac.ir) : In silico and in vitro evaluation of a recombinant fusion peptide as a novel candidate vaccine for EGPR-positive tumors. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2405-10.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). EGFR over expressed in different cancers like neck, lung and breast. Various approaches have been used to activate the immune system against EGFR⁺ cancer such as vaccine therapy. Herein a recombinant fusion peptide composed of EGFR mimotope and L2 domain of EGFR designed. Using in silico studies the potency of the peptide as a vaccine evaluated. This peptide was then cloned into an expression vector and expressed in E. Coli. The ELISA results of the purified peptide against anti EGFR antibodies showed that this peptide could be functional as a vaccine candidate against EGFR-positive tumors.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

019358   Apparao B J (NO, Jijamata College of Science and Arts, Dnyaneshwarnagar, Po. Bhende (Bk), Tal. Newasa, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra-414 605) : Isolation and characterization of low phytic acid mutant in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(2), 213-16.

Total phosphorous (about 70%) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed is stored primarily as phytic acid (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6, hexakisphophate), which is indigestible and nutritionally unavailable to humans and non-ruminant livestock. Efforts are on to produce low phytic acid mutants that possess low total organic (Pytic acid) and high inorganic phosphorous, which is biologically available. The present investigation was undertaken with an objective of isolating low phytic acid (1 pa) mutants in soybean through induced mutations. Dry seeds of soybean var. MACS-450 (Well adapted variety), irradiated by ⁶⁰Co γ-rays with doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy, were sown in the field and M₂ and M₃ progenies were raised. M₂ progeny were screened for various yield contributing traits and 14 different types of mutations were recognised. All these were recovered in M₃ generation as viable mutants and they were screened for presence of low total Phosphorous content following Vanadomolybdate yellow colour method. A significant and remarkable achievement of this investigation is identification and isolation of low phytic acid mutant containing low levels of total Phosphorous. These 1 pa mutants exhibited 60.47% reduction in total seed phosphorus and differed significantly in yield contributing traits from its wild-type progenitor. The mutants were taller, showed increase in number of branches, pods, seeds and yield per plant, as compared to their control check cultivar.

2 tables, 12 ref

019357   Anu A;Prasad B D;Ravindra Kumar;Pankaj Kumar; Patel V B;Jha R N (Hortculture Dep, Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, Email: dev.bishnu@gmail.com) : Clonal variability studies in 'langra' mango (Mangifera indica L.) using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 567-81.

Mango is one of the most economically important tropical fruits grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Being a delicious and widely cultivated fruit, it is regarded as 'the King of fruits' on the Indian subcontinent and the 'national fruit of India' because of the flavour and nutritional qualities. Mango has rich intra-specific diversity, with about 1600 and 1000 cultivars of mango present globally and India, respectively. 'Langra' is one of the leading commercial mango varieties of Northern India including Bihar which is known for mildly fibrous flesh and with a distinct pleasant taste and turpentine flavour. Significant variation exists among the clones of 'Langra' mango with respect to fruit shape, size, colour, quality and taste. Several studies have been made on characterization of intra-varietal variability of many different cultivars of mango. However, clonal variability studies in 'Langra' mango are limited. In this present investigation, an a empt were undertaken to study the clonal variability exit in some 'Langra' mango using morphological, biochemical and Molecular Markers. These results provide evidence that a signifi cant level of genetic variation exits among 10 clones of 'Langra' mango which can be used for mass multiplication of superior clone(s) and can be further utilized in breeding programs.

4 illus, 6 tables, 65 ref

019356   Anatala T J;Gajera H P;Mandavia M K;Dave R A; Kothari V V;Golakiya B A (Biotechnology Dep, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh-362 001, Email: harsukhgajera@yahoo.com) : Leaf proteome alterations in tolerant pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) genotype under water stress. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2015, 8(3), 539-49.

Drought tolerant pearl millet genotype was used for differential physiological and proteomic analysis. The water stress was imposed on 20 days seedling up to fi ve days. The physiological parameters viz. soil moisture content, relative water content (RWC), shoot length (cm) were studied from drought and control seedling a er 25 days. The results showed signifi cant changes on RWC and soil moisture content was decreased under water stress. Proteome analysis of 2D gel electrophoresis indicates around 1262 well resolved spots within the 4-7 pH and 10-110 kDa ranges. Image analysis revealed the presence of both, qualitative and quantitative changes between two treatments. The proteomic changes were observed in tolerance genotype J-2340 resulted total 84 spots protein (22.5-97.4 kDa, pH- 4.00 to 6.73) matches with control and water stress treatments. However, 32 proteins up regulated (29.0-97.4 kDa, pH 4.20-7.00) and eight down regulated (57.9-97.4kDa, pH 4.00 to 6.68) were observed a er imposing water stress.

3 illus, 6 tables, 19 ref

019355   Anandhavalli N;Mol B;Manikandan S;Anusha N; Ponnusami V;Rajan K S (School of Chemical & Biotechnology, Sastra Univ, Thanjavur-613 401, Email: anusha@scbt.sastra.edu) : Green synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles using water extract of Murrya koenigi and its photocatalytic activity. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2523-6.

Green synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles has been carried out from copper sulphate pentahydrate using the water extract of Murrya koenigi. The components present in the water extract react with copper sulphate pentahydrate to form an intermediate, which upon calcination at 300 ρ resulted in the formation of cupric oxide. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape and about 33-40 nm in size. X-Ray diffraction pattern confirmed the crystalline nature of cupric oxide. The green-synthesized cupric oxide nanoparticles possess excellent photocatalytic activity with about 80% dye degradation in 10 min from initial concentration of 50 ppm.

6 illus, 30 ref

019354   Al-Yahya A A I (College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: alya7ya@su.edu.sa) : Antiulcer effect of Commiphora molmol Engl. (Burceraceae) oleo-gum-resin and its interaction with ranitidine, as demonstrated by histological studies. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 1931-6.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol Engl.) is a widely used herb throughout the world. The present study evaluates the ulcer healing effect of myrrh and effect of co-administration of myrrh with ranitidine on ulcer healing in acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcers in rats. Myrrh was administered at two different doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg orally while ranitidine was given at a dose of 50 mg/kg orally. Myrrh increased the healing of the ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. It increased the ulcer score and ulcer index compared to vehicle treated animals. Histological studies of the ulcerated tissues supported the macroscopic findings as demonstrated by regeneration of surface epithelium. As expected, ranitidine increased gastric ulcer healing while the combination of ranitidine and high dose of myrrh (1000 mg/kg, p.o) showed increased ulcer healing compared to ranitidine alone. It was concluded that myrrh increases gastric ulcer healing and potentiates the effect of ranitidine on ulcer healing in rats.

7 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

019353   Akhtar T;Sheikh N (Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, Punjab Univ, Q-A Campus, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: s_nadeem77@yahoo.com) : Chemopreventive prospective of dietary spices against hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Sci 2016, 110(4), 579-83.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary liver cancer, is one of the most fatal cancers having universal prevalence. Developing countries of Asia and Africa are reported with more HCC cases compared to the United States and Europe. Surgical resection and liver transplantation present limited treatment choices for HCC. It is need of the hour to investigate promising alternative chemopreventive and therapeutic strategies to control the disease. In most cases HCC develops and progresses in an environment of inflammation and oxidative stress. Phytochemicals such as dietary spices and their active components gifted with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offer an appropriate alternative mitigation of HCC. Ginger, turmeric and garlic are the commonly used spices. Studies suggest that these have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumour activities. This article reviews their apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects as well as involvement of various molecular signalling pathways.

3 illus, 67 ref

019352   Abtahi M S;Mohammadi Z;Hatef B;Amini M; Khorrami M;Aghanoori M R (Medicine Dep, Baqiyatallah Univ of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email: boshrahatef@yahoo.com) : Antifungal effect of flavonoid extract of trachyspermum ammi plant on the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-18 and TNF-α in articular chondrocyte cells. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2081-7.

The Trachyspermum ammi plant has anti-fungal properties. Some fungi such as a yeast two Sporothrix schenchii produces the arthritis in pack animals. The aim of this study is to examine the anti-fungal effects of this plant on the pro-inflammatory bio-markers, which are important in the course of fungal diseases. At first, the ethanol extract of the Trachyspermum ammi plant was provide by the Iranian biological resource center. We used chondrocyte cells as samples because they were similar to the cells with fungal infection. Then chondrocytes (5x10⁵ cells/well) were incubated at a humidity of 90%, 5% CO2 and 37 UC for 72 h with control media alone or with Trachyspermum ammi at concentrations of 10 ig/ml. One set of cells was activated for 1 h with mannose (3 mg/ ml) for both reverse-transcriptase PCR and real-time PCR analysis of Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) expression. The activated cells by mannose treated by the Trachyspermum ammi extract reduced TNF-alpha expression as activated cells by mannose with fluconazole. However the IL-18 gene expression was reduced by both treatments but fluconazole had better effect. Based on the PCR and Real-time PCR methods analysis of inflammatory gene expression, Trachyspermum ammi plant such as the flavonoids has noticeable anti-fungal properties on chondrocyte cells.

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

018375   Vijay N;Harikrishna P;Ghosh S K;Bhure S K (Biochemistry Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Molecular cloning and expression of buffalo ESX-1 gene: A marker for X-chromosome bearing spermatozoa. Indian J Anim Res 2015, 49(4), 442-7.

Extra-embryonic tissue-spermatogenesis homeobox gene 1 (ESX-1), an X-linked gene that encodes homeobox protein, expresses specifically in X-chromosome bearing spermatozoa. The antibodies against this recombinant protein will be useful to assess the efficiency of sex sorted semen in buffalo. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken to clone and express the ESX-1 gene and then to study the characteristics of the expressed protein. In this investigation, the cDNA of ESX-1 was cloned, sequenced and expressed in E. coli. Predicted amino acid sequence of ESX-1 had shown highest homology with Bos taurus (91.6%). The homeobox region had shown the identity of 98.4%, 70.5%, 70.5%, 69.4% and 69.4% respectively with Bos taurus, Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Macaca mulatta and Mus musculus. Expressed protein was purified using Cobalt-Agarose affinity column. SDS-PAGE showed a product <126>27kDa recombinant fusion protein. The purified product was confirmed by Western blot analysis using Ni-NTA anti hisitidine HRPase conjugate. The antibodies against ESX-1 protein can be used for evaluation of sex sorted semen.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

018374   Verma D;Singla A;Lal B;Sarma P M (TERI, Darbari Seth Block Indira Habitat Centra, New Delhi-110 003, Email: priyangshumsarma@yahoo.co.in) : Conversion of biomass-generated syngas into next-generation liquid transport fuels through microbial intervention: potential and current status. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 329-36.

The production of biofuels from synthesis gas that utilizes a wide variety of biomass is an emerging concept, particularly with the focus on biomass-based economy. Biomass is converted to synthesis gas via gasification, which involves partial oxidation of the biomass at high temperature. This route of ethanol or liquid biofuel production has the advantage of utilizing the entire biomass, including the lignin content. Though the technology is yet to be established, there is a major breakthrough in understanding the microbial route of synthesis gas conversion. Acetogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium aceticum, Acetobacterium woodii, Clostridium carboxidivorans and Clostridium autoethanogenum have already been reported to play a role in the conversion of synthesis gas to ethanol and acetic acid. Poor mass transfer properties of the gaseous substrates and low ethanol yield from these biocatalysts are the major challenges, preventing the commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology. This article reviews the existing literature on biomass-derived synthesis gas fermentation into biofuels, specifically ethanol. Special emphasis has been laid on understanding the need of synthesis gas fermentation and its bioconversion into next-generation liquid transport fuels. However, advantages of microbial process over conventional methods and the role of different microorganisms and pathways used have also been described. The article also outlines the challenges and future research directions regarding up scaling and commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology.

^iia1 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

018373   Tavhare S D;Nishteswar K;Shukla V J (Dravyaguna (Clinical Pharmacology) Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Training and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat, Jamnagar-361 008) : Effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of Asvagandha w.r. to lunar cycles. Ancient Sci Life 2016, 35(3), 150-8.

Aim is to assess the effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of Asvagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) w.s.r. to lunar cycles. The plant specimens were collected from Jamnagar identified pharmacognostically and cultivated under a defined habitat in a herbal garden of IPGT and RA on 7 Oct 2013. The root samples were collected on every paurnima (full moon) and amavasya (new moon) days in sisira and grisma rtu (as per classics) of the year 2013-14. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, ash values, extractive value, total alkaloid content, total flavonoids content (UV spectrometer with AlCl3 reagent), total phenolic content (Singleton and Rossi method), total carbohydrate content (UV spectroscopy with glucose as standard), UV-VIS-NIR and HPTLC were determined. The results of the analytical studies clearly validate the logic of the recommendations of Susruta and Cakrapani. According to these recommendations, usna virya drugs must be collected during agneya rtu i.e. grisma rtu. In present study, total phenolic, flavonide and carbohydrate content were found more in pournima samples. GAP samples showed maximum differentiation from rest of the samples with regards to TCA, TCW, TFW, MEx, WEX, pH etc. parameters. The Grisma Jyestha Paurnima (GJP) and Asadha Paurnima (GAP) samples were found to be superior than amavasya samples w.r.t. functional groups and withanoloid content respectively on HPTLC. The observations of experimental studies validate the concept of seasonal as well as lunar collection of herb Ashwagandha to yield a drug of superior quality of active principles.

5 illus, 7 tables, 8 ref

018372   Sun S;Dai W;Yu H;Wang Y;Wang X;Peng S (NO, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University f, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China, Email: shums1975@126.com) : Antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz against pathogenic bacteria of cow mastitis. Indian J Anim Res 2015, 49(6), 827-9.

As the problems of bacterial resistance and safety of dairy products have become more prominent, alternative medicine for antibiotics in treating cow mastitis is needed. In the present study, antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz against the main pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae) of cow mastitis was evaluated using disc diffusion method. The results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the two herbs both could inhibit the four pathogenic bacteria of cow mastitis at different level. All extracts of the two herbs displayed the highest antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli than other bacteria. For Portulaca oleracea L., ethanolic extracts had higher antibacterial activities than aqueous extracts except for against Escherichia coli. However, for Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz, ethanolic extracts had lower antibacterial activities than aqueous extracts. These results indicate that extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz have the potential to be used in treating cow mastitis.

2 tables, 13 ref

018371   Srivastav A K;Das P (Biotechnology Dep, Bengal College of Engineering & Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal) : Phytochemical extraction and characterization of Acorus calamus, Moringa oliefera, Cucurbita maxima, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Chrysanthemum leucanthemum fpr their anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2015, 4(3), 356-77.

Large number of the plants are claimed to possess the antibiotic properties in the traditional system and are also used extensively by the tribal people throughout the world. It is now mostly thought that nature has given the cure of every disease in one form or another. Plants have been known to cure people from various diseases in Ayurveda. Effects of crude extracts of the petals of Hibiscus rosa sinensis, cucurbita maxima, leaves of Moringa oliefera, aerial parts of C. leucanthemum and rhizome of Acorus calamus were studied for the antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The research showed that the methanolic extract were more effective than the aqueous extract. The antioxidant activity of the five samples were carried out using DPPH which showed that out of the five plants Moringa oliefera and Acorus Calamus has better antioxidant properties which could be very useful against reactive oxygen species that are formed during oxidative stress.

12 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

018370   Srinivasan R;Natarajan D;Shivakumar M S (Natural Drug Research Laboratory, Biotechnology Dep, Periyar University, Periyar Palkalai Nagar, Salem-636 011, Email: natarajpu@gmail.com) : Antioxidant compound Quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (1→6)-β-D-glucose (Rutin) isolated from ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Memecylon edule Roxb (Melastamataceae). Free Radical Antioxidant 2015, 5(1), 35-42.

Present study was aimed to isolate antioxidant principle from leaf ethyl acetate extract of Memecylon edule for the first time. M. edule belongs to Melastamataceae family, possess various biological properties and folklore uses. Isolation of antioxidant compound was carried out by DPPH radicals scavenging activity guided method and employing chromatography techniques (TLC and column chromatography). The structure of isolated bioactive compound (Rutin) was confirmed by using various spectral data like UV, FT-IR, LC-MS, CHNS analysis, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, DEPT-135, HMBC and HSQC. In vitro antioxidant activity of isolated compound was evaluated by using DPPH radical, nitric oxide radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) with reference to ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison test were performed. DPPH activity guided isolation resulted isolation of Rutin. Isolated rutin exhibited remarkable scavenging capacity on all tested radicals in a concentration dependent manner. The results also showed that Rutin harbor strong reductive capacity on hydroxyl radicals with lowest IC₅₀ value (17.06 μg/ml) and strong ferric ion (Fe³⁺) chelation (EC₅₀ value 17.29 μg/ml) potential. The results of the present investigation concluded that the leaf ethyl acetate extract of M. edule is a good source of Rutin which harbor significant antioxidant potential.

1 illus, 7 tables, 35 ref

018369   Shukla P;Singh B;Saini A;Jyotsna;Haldar S; Singh J (NO, Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh-160 036, Email: jag@imtech.res.in) : Efficient PCR-based epitope gene tagging in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Curr Sci 2016, 110(2), 146-8.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref