017293   Boopathy N R;Gupta R K;Ramudu K N (Biotechnology Dep, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Email: boopathyclri@gmail.com) : Production of α-galactosidase from Aspergillus foetidus MTCC 6322 by solid state fermentation and its application in soymilk hydrolysis. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(1), 72-5.

Production of α-galactosidase from the wild fungal strain Aspergillus foetidus MTCC 6322 using solid state fermentation (SSF), its characterization, and its efficacy in the hydrolysis of soymilk using response surface methodology were studied. The optimum conditions for production of α-galactosidase by SSF were: wheat bran (10 g), moisture content (64%), inoculum volume (1.0 mL; 6 x 107 spores/mL) with a yield of 4.1 x 103 units per gram dry substrate (U/gds) at 96 h. The enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 6.0, temperature 40°C, pH stability between 5.0-8.0, and temperature stability between 30-40°C. The enzyme was stable in the presence of trypsin, lipase, and collagenase and it showed susceptibility of the substrates such as raffinose, melibiose, guar gum and soymilk to hydrolysis in varying degrees. The optimized conditions for soymilk hydrolysis were: soymilk (10 mL) from defatted soybean meal (1.5%), a-galactosidase (0.15 UmL^{-1) at 30°C, pH 6.0 and duration of 1 h.}

3 illus, 23 ref

017292   Bhattarai A;Ali S;Bhardwaj S V (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan, Himachal Pradesh) : Production of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) free gladiolus shoots by meristem tip culture. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 107-11.

Gladiolus cultivar Morala was selected based on specific symptoms of infection (leaf streaking, colour breaking etc.). On serological indexing, Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) were found to be the infecting agents. Meristems were excised and cultured on different media. Medium containing half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg^{-1 I and 1,0 mg-1 I IAA was found to be best for meristem survival. The size of meristem was directly proportional to their survival. BYMV was detected in shoots raised from 0,3-0.4 mm size of meristem but CMV was eliminated from even 0,9-1,0 mm meristem.}

4 tables, 8 ref

017291   Banerjee S;Bhowmick N;Ghosh T;Saha R;Haque F N;Das A;Banerjee R (Biotechnology Dep, Heritage Institute of Technology, Chowbaga Road, Anandapur, P.O. East Kolkata Township, Kolkata-700 107) : Antibacterial activity of Txora coccinea against selected bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical samples. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 103-6.

Present work aimed at exploring the antimicrobial activities of flower and leaf extracts of Ixora coccinea, belonging to the Rubiaceae family against clinical samples from tertiary health care hospital patients. In this study aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of both flower and leaf were screened. Antibacterial activity was screened against these samples and also against reference strains by means of agar-well diffusion method. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of both flowers and leaves of /. coccinea showed promising antibacterial activity against both the clinical and reference Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The phytochemical screening of the organic plant extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and tannins.

4 tables, 10 ref

017290   Asha Ram;Dinesh Kumar;Singh N;Anand A (NO, National Research Centre for Agro-Forestry, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ashusirvi84@gmail.com) : Effect of sulphur on growth, productivity and economics of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa). Indian J Agron 2014, 59(3), 404-9.

A field experiment on rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping system was conducted during the rainy season (kharif) of 2010 and 2011 with 5 treatments in rice (viz. control and 30 and 60 kg S/ha each through gypsum and phosphogypsum) and 3 treatments in wheat (viz. 0, 15 and 30 kg S/ha through elemental sulphur) at New Delhi. Irrespective of the sources, sulphur application had a positive and significant influence on growth parameters, sulphur uptake, sulphur-use efficiency, yield attributes and grain yield of aerobic rice. The sulphur uptake by grain and straw of rice increased with sulphur applied through gypsum or phosphogypsum. The highest agronomic efficiency, crop-recovery efficiency and physiological efficiency was observed with S applied @ 30 kg S/ha through gypsum. Averaged across 2 years, application of sulphur through gypsum @ 30 kg S/ha, gypsum @ 60 kg S/ha, phosphogypsum @ 30 kg S/ha and phosphogypsum @ 60 kg S/ha increased the grain yield of rice by 9.5, 11.2, 8.7 and 10.7% respectively, over the control (no sulphur). However, significant response to sulphur was observed only up to 30 kg S/ha applied through either of the sources. Sulphur application @ 60 kg S/ha gave the highest net returns but statistically not superior to 30 kg S/ha. The highest benefit: cost ratio was recorded with application of sulphur @ 30 kg/ha through gypsum.

2 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

017289   Anani K;Adjrah Y;Ameyapoh Y;Karou S D;Agbonon A;Souza C D;Gbeassor M (NO, Labnoratoire de Microbiologie et de Controle de Qulaite des Denrees Al, F) : Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Jatropha multifida L. (Euphorbiaceae). Pharmacog Res 2016, 8(2), 142-6.

This study aims to investigate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the leaves ethanolic extract. The antimicrobial activity was assayed by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards broth microdilution method on strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomoas aeruginosa isolated from wounds, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was performed by carrageenan and histamine induced paw edema method in rat modele. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used for the antioxidant activity. The antibacterial assay showed an in vitro growth inhibition of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in dose-dependent manner, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2.5 to 3.12 mg/mL for S. aureus and from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa. The maximum paw anti-inflammatory effect occurred after 3 and 5 h administration of histamine and carrageenan, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging and the FRAP assays yielded weak antioxidant activity. J. multifida possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities that could justify the use of the plant for the treatment of wounds in the folk medicine.

2 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

017288   Alsaedi G;Ashouri A;Talaei-Hassanloui R (Plant Protection Dep, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran Univ, Karaj, Iran) : Behavioral responses of the three Trichogramma species to different odor sources. J Ent Zool Stud 2016, 4(4), 19-24.

Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), commonly known as the tomato borer, represents one of the tomato main pests since it had been explored. Eggs of the T. absoluta moth on tomato plants can be parasitized by variety species of Trichogramma as T. brassicae, T. evanescens and T. embryophagum. This study was conducted to test the behavioral responses of parasitoids to infested plants, herbivore induced plant odors from plants infested with T. absoluta and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt treated plants) in an airflow Y-tube olfactometer. Odors emitted by tomato plant elicited a behavioral response from females of Trichogramma species. The results showed that parasitoid T. embryophagum females have been positively attracted to the healthy tomato plants (60%) comparing with clean air jar, T. brassicae, T. evanescens and T. embryophagum females have been positively attracted to the tomato plants infested with T. absoluta eggs/larvae (65%, 60% and 60%) comparing with non-infested plants female parasitoids were not attracted, and had a negative response, experiments preference ability to use Trichogramma spp. to control T. absoluta eggs. Trichogramma spp. females were consistently weaker toward Bt spray on tomato plants, that refer there are no effect from using Bt on control T. absoluta eggs.

3 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

017287   Adaramoye O A;Azeez A F;Ola-Davies O E (NO, , Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences) : Ameliorative effects of chloroform fraction of Cocos nucifera L. Husk fiber against cisplatin-induced toxicity in rats. Pharmacog Res 2016, 8(2), 89-96.

Present study investigated the protective effects of chloroform fraction of Cocos nucifera husk fiber (CFCN) against Cis-induced organs' damage and chromosomal defect in rats. Quercetin (QUE), standard antioxidant, served as positive control. Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups and treated with corn oil (control), Cis alone, Cis + CFCN, CFCN alone, Cis + QUE, and QUE alone. QUE and CFCN were given at 50 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, by oral gavage for 7 days before the rats were exposed to a single dose of Cis (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) at the last 36 h of study. Administration of Cis alone caused a significant (P <60> 0.05) increase in the levels of serum creatinine and urea by 72% and 70%, respectively, when compared with the control. The activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase was significantly (P <60> 0.05) increased while alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were insignificantly (P <62> 0.05) affected in Cis-treated rats. Furthermore, the activities of hepatic and renal catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and levels of reduced glutathione were significantly (P <60> 0.05) decreased in Cis-treated rats with concomitant elevation of malondialdehyde. Cis exposure increased the frequency of micro nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCE) by 92%. Pretreatment with CFCN inhibited lipid peroxidation, enhanced the activities of some antioxidative enzymes and reduced the frequency of mPCE. Chloroform fraction of CFCN may protect against organs damage by Cis. Further studies are required to determine the component of the plant responsible for this activity.

10 illus, 5 tables, 54 ref

017286   Acharya M K;Ashok Kumar (NO, CSKHP Agricultural Univ, Shivalik Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kangra-176 001, Email: mkacharya2006@gmail.com) : Antifungal activity of saponins from Cassia fistula Linn. against Alternaria brassicae of rapeseed-mustard. Indian J agric Biochem 2015, 28(2), 110-14.

Crude and different solvent (EtOAc, n-BuOH and MeOH) fractions of Cassia fistula Linn. were evaluated for their effectiveness for inhibition of conidial germination of Alternaria brassicae. MeOH fraction was most effective with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 290μg/ml. The subsequent bioassay guided fractionation and isolation of bioactive compounds of methanolic leaf extract of Cassia fistula was done on open column liquid chromatography. CSFs II and IV were effective at 2.5% dilution (16.5 and 14.75 μg/ml), whereas CSFs III, V, VI, VII and VIII were effective at 5% dilution (29.75-33 μg/ml). Methanolic crude extract and CSF I of Cassia fistula exhibited antifungal activity against A. brassicae by direct bioautography. The effect of CSFs of Cassia fistula was observed on development of Alternaria blight using detached-leaf inoculation method. Only CSF I at concentration of 80μg/ml (10% dilution) completely inhibited lesion development of A. brassicae on detached leaves of Indian mustard. TLC bioautography with A. brassicae and diagnosis with Godin reagent indicated the presence of bioactive saponins in CSF I of Cassia fistula.

3 illus, 18 ref

016486   Zhang X S;Jiao X L;Du J;Yang J X;Ji C H;Gao W W (Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing-100 193, China, Email: wwgao411@sina.com) : The impact of phnolic acids on the growth of american ginseng. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 77-90.

The combined activities of mixtures of nine phenolic acid autotoxins (PCM), [trans-cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, salicylic acid, syringic acid, benzoic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid] were investigated on embryo and seedling growth of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.). Both root and shoot growth of American ginseng embryo were considerably inhibited by PCM at 0.55-4.4 mg/mL concentrations. The PCM solution at 0.02-0.5 mg/mL significantly reduced the ginseng seedlings growth by inhibiting the leaf photosynthesis. However a weak autotoxicity was observed, when plants were grown in soil due to degradation of the applied PCM. Our results demonstrated that phenolic acids are autotoxic against the American ginseng embryo and seedling growth in vitro, but the autotoxicity can be altered by soil conditions.

7 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

016485   Zhang J;Salahuddin L J;Yang L X;Wang H R;You L X (Shool of Forestry, Northeast Forestry Univ, Harbin 150 040, China) : Effect of larch (Larix gmelinii) phenolic acids on machurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) soil microbial community structure. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 123-35.

Investigated the effects of four Larix gmelini (larch) phenolic acids (2, 4-2 hydroxy benzoic acid, 7-hydroxyl coumarin, ferulic acid, abietic acid) on soil phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition in Fraxinus mandshurica (Manchurian ash) soil. Sixteen combinations of 4- phenolic acids of larch rhizosphere and bulk soil were added to one year old Manchurian ash seedling pot cultured soil during Spring, Summer and Autumn 2011, We found that some of the larch rhizosphere and bulk phenolic acids combinations out of 16 groups acted as allelochemicals which stimulated and inhibited the Manchurian ash seedlings and microbial biomass of the soil. Larch rhizosphere phenolic acids combination significantly increased the seedling biomass and microbial biomass than control.. Specific phenolic acids were responsible to affect the abundance of specific microbe in the soil. Thus some phenolic acids in larch rhizosphere soil have stimulatory potential, which improved the productivity of Manchurian ash in inter-planting with larch. It is thus concluded from the experiment that the establishment and management of Manchurian ash can be improved by inter-planting with larch in northeast of China.

2 illus, 5 tables, 49 ref

016484   Yasser E N;Shawkat E N;Samir A (Environment and Earth Science Dep, Faculty of Science, The Islamic Univ, Gaza, Palestine, Email: y_el_nahhal@hotmail.com) : Impact of organic contamination on some aquatic organisms. Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 45-53.

Contamination of water systems with organic compounds of agricultural uses pose threats to aquatic organisms. Carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and diuron were considered as model aquatic pollutants in this study. The main objective of this study was to characterize the toxicity of organic contamination to two different aquatic organisms. Low concentrations (0.0-60 μmol/L) of carbaryl, diuron and very low concentration (0.0-0.14 μmol/L) of chlorpyrifos and their mixtures were tested against fish and Daphnia magna. Percentage of death and immobilization were taken as indicators of toxicity. Toxicity results to fish and D. magna showed that chlorpyrifos was the most toxic compound (LC₅₀ to fish and D. magna are 0.08, and 0.001 μmol/L respectively), followed by carbaryl (LC₅₀to fish and D. magna are 43.19 and 0.031 μmol/L), while diuron was the least toxic one (LC₅₀values for fish and D. magna are 43.48 and 32.11 μmol/L respectively). Mixture toxicity (binary and tertiary mixtures) showed antagonistic effects. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference among mixture toxicities to fish and D. magma. Fish and D. magam were sensitive to low concentrations. These data suggest potent threats to aquatic organisms from organic contamination.

5 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

016483   Wadia R;Rekhate C (NO, , Chemical Engineering Dep, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: ritu_wadia@rediffmail.com) : Production of biodiesel from waste rice bran cooking oil. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 701-5.

This paper deals with the etherification and transesterification method used from rice bran oil of fresh and waste cooking oil with methanol to produce biodiesel in presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst and sulphuric acid. The physical properties of rice bran biodiesel viscosity, flash point, pour point, cloud point, water content and density were compared with Indian standard specifications.

1 illus, 1 table, 55 ref

016482   Venu R;Singh T T;Veeraharin R;Rajesh D; Srilatha C (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati-517 502, Email: venuparas2001@yahoo.com) : First report of Cobboldia elephantis (Cobbold, 1866) larvae in a free ranging wild elephant from Andhra Pradesh, India. J parasitic Dis 2015, 39(2), 168-70.

Larvae of Cobboldia elephantis have been reported from the stomach of a free ranging wild elephant (Elephas maximus) while conducting post mortem examination at Palamner forest range, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. This is the first report of C. elephantis in free ranging wild elephant in Andhra Pradesh state, India.

4 illus, 8 ref

016481   Vaithiyanathan V;Mirunalini S (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu) : Assessment of antioxidant potential and acute toxicity studies of whole plant extract of Pergularia daemia (Forsk). Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 54-60.

Pergularia daemia (Asclepiadacea) is a fetid- smelling perennial herb growing well along the river bang and road sides of India. Naturally the plant has powerful antioxidants including polyphenols, flavanoids, steroids and terpenoids. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential and to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of crude ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Pergularia daemia. The plant Pergularia daemia possess effective scavenging activity against 2, 2' azino bis (3 ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulfonic acid (ABTS), nitric oxide and reducing power radicals at different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 μg/mL) of both extracts. From the above in vitro assay we have exposed that the methanolic extract exert higher antioxidant activity at 400 μg/mL than ethyl acetate extract. Acute toxicity study revealed that the extracts showed no signs of toxicity upto a dose level of 2500 mg/kg b.wt. Thus our findings provide that both extracts of Pergularia daemia possess a strong antioxidant capacity and are relatively has high margin of safety.

4 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

016480   Umamaheswari R;Bairwa A;Venkatasalam E P; Sudha R;Singh B P (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Muthorai, Udhagamandalam-643 004) : Effect of biofumigation on potato cyst nematodes. Potato J 2015, 42(2), 124-9.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis (Woll) and G. pallida (Stone) hinder the sustainable production of potato in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. It remains as a serious endemic pest of potato in this region due to intensive cultivation of potato and favourable climatic conditions. Hence, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bio-fumigation by incorporating chopped residues of radish, cabbage and cauliflower in potato cv. Kufri Giriraj. One set of treatments were covered with transparent polyethylene sheets for 4 weeks before planting and another set was left uncovered. The biofumigants were compared with the chemical nematicide carbofuran @ 2 kg a.i /ha. The treatments were replicated thrice in a randomized block design. The results revealed that all the treatments significantly increased the potato yield and decreased the nematode population. Incorporation of radish leaves @ 1 kg/m2 and covering with polyethylene sheet recorded maximum growth parameters, yield (25.97 t/ha) and minimum PCN reproduction factor (Rf) 1.21. It was on par with carbofuran treatment which yielded 25.09 t/ha and PCN reproduction factor (Rf) 1.24 and was followed by cabbage and cauliflower residues covered with polyethylene sheet.

1 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

016479   Suseno S H;Fitriana N;Jacoeb A M;Saraswati (Technology of Aquatic Products Dep Fisheries and Marine Sciences Facu, Bogor Agricultural Univ, JI. Agatis, Kampus IPB Dramaga, Bogor-16680, West Java- Indonesia, Email: sug_thp@yahoo.com) : Optimization of sardine oil neutralization process from fish meal industry by- product. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2507-14.

This study aimed to optimize the neutralization process of sardine oil. Central composite design of RSM was used as experimental design with two variables, NaOH concentration and neutralization temperature. The result showed that quadratic regression model for yield and PV as response and linear regression model for FFA as response were suitable to explain the interaction between variables and responses. The optimum operation condition was reached by a treatment of NaOH 18 ° Be at 40 ?. Its desirability value was 0.534. The validation of optimum point resulted 85.90% of oil yield, 90.77% FFA reduction, and 36.92% PV reduction.

3 illus, 7 tables, 17 ref

016478   Suresh Kumar;Raizada A;Biswas H;Mishra P K (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Bellary-583 104, Email: skdcswcwcrti@gmail.com) : Assessing the impact of watershed development on energy efficiency in groundnut production using DEA approach in the semi-arid tropics of Southern India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(10), 1831-7.

The present study is aimed at assessing the impact of watershed development on the energy efficiency in groundnut cultivation. Overall technical, pure technical and scale efficiency increased by 11, 3 and 12% over the pre-watershed scores due to watershed development. Estimated potential for saving input energy was 3608, 3223 and 2907 MJ ha^{-1 for marginal, small and large farmers respectively, in groundnut production while maintaining status quo for energy output. Farm size, age of farmer, number of livestock owned and implementation of watershed activities were identified as key determinants for higher overall energy efficiency.}

1 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

016477   Suman P;Ramkumar K Y;Venkata Smitha P;Hara Sreeramulu S (PG Biotechnology Dep, Dr. V.S. Krishna Govt. Autonomous College, Visakhapatnam-530 013, Email: drharasreeramulu@gmail.com) : In vitro antiarthritic, antioxidant and In vivo cytotoxic activity of yogaraja guggulu. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 3005-13.

Yogaraja guggulu a poly herbal formulation, consisting of 29 ingredients, has been used for the neurological, musculoskeletal disorders and in general practice, used for osteo arthritis. In vitro antiarthritic activity is done against pathogens which also include septic arthritis causing microorganisms. This study focused on determining antimicrobial efficacies of methanol (A), ethylacetate (B) and hexane extracts (C) of the Yogaraja guggulu by measuring the zone of inhibition. In vitro antioxidant activities were also assayed by 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. Antimicrobial activity was tested against the pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococci bacteria; Pathogenic fungi: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida bombi, Candida utilis and Trichophyton rubrum. In these three extracts methanol extract (A) showed better zone of inhibition (19-50 mm) when compared with ethyl acetate (B) and hexane (C) (9-40 mm) and (9-45 mm) respectively, against the tested pathogens. DPPH antioxidant activity of all the three extracts showed potent radical scavenging activity in comparison with the positive control, ascorbic acid. The IC50 values are 424.89, 419.39, 413.60 and 394.56 ug/ml for A, B, C and ascorbic acid, respectively. The FRAP method also showed excellent antioxidant potential with methanol extract (A) (90.454 mg of Gallic acid equivalents/g) when compared with other extracts B (86.571 mg GAE/g) and C (82.472 mg GAE/g). In vivo Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) of the methanol (A), ethyl acetate (B) and hexane extracts (C) of the Yogaraja guggulu and correlate cytotoxicity results with known pharmacological activities of the plants. Novel cytotoxic, antitumor compounds can be isolated from potential plant sources through the assessment of cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in terms of LC50 (lethality concentration). Ten nauplii were added into three replicates of each concentration of the test samples. After 24 hours the surviving brine shrimp larvae were counted and LC50 was assessed. Results showed that the extracts of methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts were potent against the brine shrimp with LC50 values of 55, 10, and 100 ppm (μg/mL), respectively. It indicated that bioactive components are present in these plants that could be accounted for its pharmacological effects. The results validate the potent use of against septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and skin diseases. The results are an evidence for the existence of synergism among the compounds of different ingredients and validate the use of Yogaraja guggulu for various ailments.

24 ref

016476   Soni S S;Godara A K (Horticulture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: akgodara11@gmail.com) : Effect of foliar application of borax, FeSO₄ and MnSO₄ on vegetative growth and flower production in gerbera. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 581-4.

Micronutrients requirement of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii, H. Bolus) cv. "Winter Queen" grown under greenhouse condition was studied at CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The treatments consisted of fortnightly and monthly spraying of Borax, FeSO₄ and MnSO₄ at 0.1 and 0.3 % concentration along with control (distilled water). The result shows that the vegetative and floral character of gerbera tended to improve with the foliar application of Borax, FeSO₄ and MnSO₄ at both concentration (0.1% and 0.3%) and both the intervals (fortnightly and monthly) over control. The foliar application of FeSO₄ at 0.3% at 15 days interval recorded the maximum plant height (45.29 cm), plant spread (63.00 cm), number of leaves (45.23) leaf area (6270.79 cm^{2) and number of suckers (6.13). Borax at 0.3% significantly reduced the time taken for flowering among all the treatments. The maximum number of flowers (22.69) with longest stalk length (61.62 cm) and the maximum size (13.82 cm) were recorded with Borax at 0.3% at 15 days interval.}

2 tables, 21 ref

016475   Singh L B;Yadav R;Abraham T (Agronomy Dep, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007, Email: rjyadav108@gmail.com) : Response of different levels of zinc and methods of boron application on growth, yield and protein content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 585-8.

Field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of zinc levels and methods of application of boron on the growth, yield and protein content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during the winter (Rabi) season in two consecutive years, i.e. 2003-04 and 2004-05 at the Allahabad agricultural Institute - Deemed University, Allahabad. Texture of the soil was sandy loam, slightly alkaline in nature, nitrogen (61.70, 68.62 kg/ha), phosphorus (10.48, 15.45 kg/ha) and potash (188.23, 220.03 kg/ha). The treatments comprised three levels of zinc (0, 3.5 and 7 kg ha^{-1) through zinc sulphate and four methods of application of boron (0, soil application @ 0.5 kg ha-1, foliar spray @ 0.5kg ha-1 at 45 and 60 days after sowing and soil application @ 0.25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray @ 0.25 kg ha-1 at 45, 60 DAS) as borax, making 12 treatment combinations, each replicated three times. On the basis of the findings of the experiment, zinc @ 7 kg ha-1, soil application of boron @ 0.25 kg ha-1 + foliar application of boron @ 0.25 kg ha-1 and their combination (i.e., 7 kg ha-1 zinc + soil application of boron @ 0.25 kg ha-1 + foliar application of boron @ 0.25 kg ha-1) was found superior over all other treatments in relation to plant height, dry weight, effective tillers yield and yield attributes and protein content in grains, of wheat crop.}

2 tables, 30 ref

016474   Singh A K;Anil Kumar;Yadav A L (Horticulture Dep, College of Horticulture & Forestry, N.D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad-224 229, Email: ashu9889801958@gmail.com) : Effect of pruning intensity, foliar feeding of P.G.R. and micro nutrients on physico-chemical attributes of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis) fruits. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 675-8.

Field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of pruning intensity, foliar feeding of P.G.R. and micro nutrients on physico-chemical attributes of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis) fruits. Significantly higher fruit size (length and breadth) was analyzed by foliar spray of ZnSO₄ @ 0.4 per cent. Pruning levels also had significant effect on fruits size. The maximum weight of fifty fruits was recorded with foliar feeding of ZnSO₄ @ 0.4 per cent. Higher weight of fruits was also weighed with pruning at 50cm above from the ground level. Effect of plant growth regulators and micro-nutrients spray was non-significant to influence pulp stone ratio. Significantly higher TSS value in fruits was analyzed by foliar spray of ZnSO₄ 0.4 per cent and the maximum TSS was recorded with pruning at 50 cm above from the ground level. The maximum reducing, non-reducing and total sugars have been observed with foliar spray of ZnSO₄ 0.4 per cent. Remarkable reduction in acidity of fruit was observed with the foliar spray of ZnSO₄ 0.4 per cent. The foliar spraying of ZnSO₄ 0.4 per cent was found significantly most effective in increasing ascorbic acid content of fruit. Employing pruning at 50 cm also showed higher ascorbic acid content.

3 tables, 15 ref

016473   Singariya P;Mourya K K;Padma Kumar (Laboratory of Tissue Culture and Secondary Metabolites, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: premlatasingariya@gmail.com) : Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of acetone extract of marwar dhaman grass for bio-active compounds. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1065-74.

The investigation was carried out to determine the possible bioactive components of Cenchrus setigerus using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All the samples were dried firstly at 60°C for 2 days in an oven after that leave it on room temperature. They were then macerated to powder form with a mixer grinder. The powder was stored in air sealed polythene bags at room temperature before extraction. The chemical compositions of the acetone extract of C. setigerus were investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and WILEY 8 library. Total 67 components of the above said plant were identified. This is the first report of identification of components from the whole plant of C. setigerus by GC-MS.

2 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

016472   Sharma R;Kambala V S R (ChemCentre, Building 500, Manning Rd Bentley WA 6102) : Assessment of nutrient loading on attapulgite blends and their potential release from the soil: A preliminary study. J appl Geochem 2015, 17(4), 437-43.

Attapulgite (APA) had been used by industry for more than 40 years before it was recognized as a distinct clay mineral. Its chemical composition and some of its properties were sufficiently similar to montmorillonite to cause this confusion (Grim, 1953). With the realization that APA was indeed a unique mineral, considerable efforts have been expended over the years by industry to take advantage of its characteristic properties in industrial applications but not from an agricultural point of view. The main objective of this study was to develop the most suitable APA blend with the application of different fertilisers for broad acre agriculture usage. Nine blends were developed after mixing of different fertilisers (on the basis of % nutrient) with 100 gm of APA ((T0 (APA, Control), T1 (CAN + K₂SO₄), T2 (Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) + K₂SO₄ + Trace elements), T3 ((Double super phosphate (DSP)), T4 (DSP + Trace), T5 (Di-ammonium phosphate(DAP)), T6 (DAP + Trace), T7 (CAN + K₂SO₄ + DSP + DAP + Urea), T8 (CAN + K₂SO₄ + DSP + DAP + Urea + Trace)) with 3 replicates. The blended material was dried at 40°C in a fan forced oven and samples were prepared to a C-fraction (i.e. <60> 150 μm size) for blending. The blends were analysed for chemical properties such as pH (H2O), electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), water soluble phosphorus (WSP) and trace elements. The results show that all the blends are moderate to mildly alkaline except T4 (pH 5.86) which is slightly acidic in character. The percent TN content was significantly higher for T6 blend (0.84%) compared to other blends, which is due to higher N percent in DAP (18%) compared to no N in T3 and T4 (DSP). Similarly TP was also found to be higher in T5 and T6 blend compared to other blends which is due to the higher percent P content in DAP (46%) compared to DSP (17%). Water soluble P content was not significantly differing between T3 and T4 whereas significant a difference was observed between T5 and T6. Higher nutrient load on T4 and T6 blends and their neutral to acidic nature suggest that these blends could be more useful from an agriculture point of view. The above findings indicate the usefulness of application of attapulgite blends in improving soil structure and nutrient supply potential particularly available P of sandy soils, when compared to sand and attapulgite application. Short time interval did not affect the availability of nutrient from the soil but there is still a need to assess nutrient availability from the blends on the basis of longer time interval.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

016471   Sharma D;Banyal S K;Jarial K (Institute of Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Ner, Hamirpur-177 001, Email: deepabanyal@gmail.com) : Performance of some garlic genotypes (Allium sativum L.) under sub-tropical conditions of Himachal Pradesh. J Spices aromatic Crop 2015, 24(2), 106-11.

Twenty six genotypes of garlic collected from commercial garlic growing pockets of Himachal Pradesh were evaluated for two consecutive years. Observations were recorded on various horticultural traits. The analysis of data revealed that the germplasm differed significantly for morphological attributes, yield and storage performance. The height of the plants varied from 39.70 cm to 76.71 cm. Length and width of the individual bulb ranged from 3.69 cm to 4.96 cm and 4.00 cm to 5.33 cm, respectively. The number of cloves/bulb and individual bulb weight also varied significantly. Per hectare yield of garlic genotypes varied from 0.92 t ha^{-1 to 2.60 t ha-1, lowest yield was recorded in NG-12 and highest in Agrifound Parvati. NG-25 had minimum storage loss (5.79%) after three months of storage. Considering yield and other parameters, the lines NG-1, NG-11, NG-25 and Agrifound Parvati were found promising.}

4 tables, 8 ref

016470   Sahu S;Samanta S;Harish D R;Sudhakar N R; Raina O K;Shantaveer S B;Madhu D N;Ashok Kumar (Parasitology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Email: sudhi463@gmail.com) : Molecular cloning and characterization of arginine kinase gene of Toxocara canis. J parasitic Dis 2015, 39(2), 211-15.

Toxocara canis is an important gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and also a causative agent of visceral larva migrans in humans. Arginine kinase (AK) gene is one of the important biomolecule of phosphagen kinase of T. canis which is emerging as an exciting novel diagnostic target in toxocarosis. The present study was carried out to clone and characterize AK gene of T. canis for future utilization as a diagnostic molecule. Total RNA was extracted from intact adult worms and reverse transcription was done with oligo dT primers to obtain complementary DNA (cDNA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using cDNA as template with specific primers which amplified a product of 1,202 bp. The amplicon was cloned into pDrive cloning vector and clone was confirmed by colony PCR and restriction endonuclease analysis. Sequence analysis of the gene showed 99.8 and 77.9% homology with the published AK gene of T. canis (EF015466.1) and Ascaris suum respectively. Structural analysis shown that the mature AK protein consist of 400 amino acids with a molecular wt of 45360.73 Da. Further expression studies are required for producing the recombinant protein for its evaluation in the diagnosis of T. canis infection in humans as well as in adult dogs.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

016469   Sagare D B;Shetti P;Reddy S S;Surender M; Pradeep T (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Jayashankar Telangana State Agricutural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: deepti.sagare@gmail.com) : Screening of maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm for crtRB1-3'TE allele enhancing provitamin A concentration in endosperm. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 673-4.

Among the several genes involved in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway crtRB1 is one of the crucial gene with three polymorphic sites viz., 5'TE, InDel4 and 3'TE, significantly associated with variation for endosperm carotenoids in maize. 3'TE (Transposable element) polymorphism of crtRB1 gene has three alleles, among which 543bp allele (allele1/favourable allele) alone can double the β-carotene concentration in maize endosperm. There is a strong relation between allele1 of crtRB1-3'TE and β-carotene concentration in maize kernel. This enables the opportunity to use marker assisted selection (MAS) for allele 1 of crtRB1-3'TE gene in enhancing carotenoid breeding programme. To identify the maize inbreds carrying allele 1 of crtRB1-3'TE we screened seventy inbred lines using crtRB1-3'TE gene specific marker and identified four inbreds (MGU 23379, MGU 23207, BAJIM 12-11 and CM 150) possessing allele1.

3 tables, 14 ref

016468   Rattanakom S;Yasurin P (Food Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Biotechnology, Assumption Univ, Bangkok 12040, Thailand, Email: patchaneeYsr@au.edu) : Chemical profiling of Centella asiatica under different extraction solvents and its antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 2453-9.

Centella asiatica (L) urban, synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica, is found almost all over the world. This plant is famous in Ayurvedic medicine and used in the management of central nervous system, skin and gastrointestinal disorder. Thus this research had been done to evaluate the effect of solvent extraction (Ethanol, Chloroform and Hexane) of C. asiatica on chemical profile, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity against some foodborne pathogens. The result showed that all solvents (ethanol, chloroform and hexane) used in extraction showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica Typhimurium U302, S. enterica Enteritidis, S. enterica 4,5,12:I human (US clone), Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis at 50mg/ml concentration. In antioxidant part, ethanolic extract gave highest phenolic content and FRAP value. The results also showed that different extraction solvent gave different chemical profile. Hexane extract C. asiatica showed lowest in both antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Ethanolic and chloroform extract of C. asiatica showed promising potential in both antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

016467   Parida B R;Oinam B (Civil Engineering Dep, Shiv Nadar Univ, Greater Noida-201 314, Email: bikashrp@gmail.com) : Unprecedented drought in North East India compared to Western India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(11), 2122-6.

The rainfall distribution over Western and North East India during the southwest (SW) monsoon season is geographically distinct with the heaviest seasonal rainfall occurs over the North Eastern Region (NER), while the lowest rainfall occurs over the Western region (Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat, and also in Rajasthan). Gujarat is located in arid to semiarid region and has more drought-prone areas. In contrast, Assam and Meghalaya have humid climate and occurrence of drought is unusual. Here, we analyse the percentage departure of rainfall for nearly two decades (1997-2014) along with crop statistics. Our results indicate that the SW monsoon rainfall in the NER has gradually dropped in recent years compared to the 1980s and 1990s. As a result, these regions have witnessed frequent unprecedented drought than Western India. In NER, probability of drought occurrence was 54%, and it is 27% for Western India in the recent decade (2000-2014). The frequent drought has caused adverse agricultural impacts and our results show a significant negative rice production anomaly during drought years 2005-06 and 2009 in Assam. Drought impacts were also reported from other states in NER during 2010-11 and 2013. Drought associated with El Nino was not so strong; however, increasing temperature and increased monsoon season rainfall variability have an impact on global climate change. This may cause warming-induced drought leading to adverse impact on agriculture and food security in the NER.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

016466   Padmanaban G (Bio-chemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: geepee@biochem.iisac.ernet.in) : Nobel shot in the arm for neglected infectious disease research. Curr Sci 2015, 109(9), 1537-40.

^ssc2 illus, 7 ref

016465   Okoli B J;Ndukwe G I;Habila J D;Lawson L; Jummai A T (Chemical Sciences Dep, Bingham Univ, Karu, Nigeria) : Isolation and characterization of three pentacyclic triterpenoids from aerial parts of Canarium schweinfurthii (ENGL) (Burseraceae). Int J chem Stud 2016, 4(4), 55-62.

General Phytochemical screening of the aerial parts of Canarium schweinfurthii revealed the presence of triterpenes. Extensive Phytochemical investigation of the chloroform and ethylaceate extract of the rhizome afforded compounds which were identified by I.R, ^{1HNMR and 13CNMR. Pentacyclic triterpenoids of three different classes; oleanane-type triterpene, ursane-type triterpene, and lupine-type triterpene were isolated from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Canarium schweinfurthii. On the basis of their spectroscopic data, their structures were elucidated on the basis of physical and spectral techniques, besides comparison with literature data. The structure of the isolated compounds 1, 2 and 3 were established as 3β-hydroxyl olean-12, 18-diene (β-amyrin), 3β-hydroxyllup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (Betulinic acid) and 3β-hydroxyl ursa-5,11,19-triene (uvaol) respectively. The compounds are reported for the first time from this plant.}

9 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

016464   Nivetha K;Uma Maheswari T (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Influence of genotype and seed weight on the performance of root and the success of softwood grafting in jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus lam.). Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 875-8.

Experiment was carried out to standardize the genotype and seed weight on root stock production was laid out in a factorial completely randomized block design, replicated thrice with twenty treatment combinations. It consisted of five different genotypes of jack collected from Panruti (G1), Virdhachalam (G2), A. Puthur (G3), Kadampuliyur (G4) and Neyveli (G5) with four different seed weight 4 g (W1), 5 g (W2), 6 g (W3) and 7 g (W4). The results of the experiment revealed that among these genotypes, G1 (AH-1) was the promising genotype in achieving maximum value for the characters like germination percentage, shoot length, root length, plant height, vigour index, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem girth, fresh and dry weight of seedling, which was followed by G4 (AH-4). Among the various seed weight tried, the above said characters were favourably enhanced by W4 (7g) followed by W3 (6g). Among the various factorial combinations, rootstocks produced from 7g seed of Panruti collection (G1W4) recorded the maximum values for these growth characters. This was followed by 7g seed of Kadampuliyur collection achieved (G4W4) the next best value for these characters. Further, after doing soft wood grafting, the characters like graft success and graft survival percentage, days taken for first and last sprouting, number of sprouts, sprouting percentage, number of leaves, leaf area, plant height and stem girth were maximum in the factorial combination of G1W4 and it was followed by G4W4.

2 tables, 6 ref

016463   Naveen Prasad B S;Govindaraju K;Ganesh Kumar V;Suganya K S U;Anand K V (Chemical Engineering Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: bsnaveenprasad@gmail.com) : Graphene from sugarcane extract and its application on organic dyes adsorption. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 813-18.

Present work deals in preparation of graphene from sugarcane extract via a facile green approach. Graphene silica composite (GSC) is prepared using silica gel and the formation of GSC was confirmed from Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectral analysis. Efficiency of graphene silica composite (GSC) in the adsorption of organic dyes from water was investigated using Congo Red (CR), Methyl Red (MR) and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) as model dyes. GSC was used as a suitable adsorbent for the removal of dyes (CR, MR and EBT) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption of dyes by GSC was observed by UV-vis spectroscopic analysis. UV results also showed higher adsorption efficiency of GSC with better adsorption of dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption characteristics varied with the initial concentration of dyes in solution.

5 illus, 24 ref

016462   Nandapure S P;Wankhade S G;Imade B S;Jadhao S M;Kumar A (NICRA, AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Email: sachin.nandapure@gmail.com) : Influence of nutrient management on macro and micro nutrients availability of inceptisols under java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus). Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 637-42.

Experiment conducted at Nagarjun Medicinal Plants Garden, Dr. P.D.K.V., Akola during kharif 2009-10 and 2010-11 under randomized block design with thirteen treatment combination replicated three times. The experimental soil was calcareous in nature and moderately alkaline in reaction. The fertility status of the soil was moderate in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen and available phosphorus and very high in available potassium while the soil micronutrient contents (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) were above the critical level. The treatment imparted to Java citronella were control (no fertilizer/manure), 5 t FYM ha^{-1, 10 t FYM ha-1, 80:20:40 kg NPK ha-1, 100:30:60 kg NPK ha-1, 140:40:80 kg NPK ha-1, 5 t FYM + 80:20:40 kg NPK ha-1, 5 t FYM + 100:30:60 kg NPK ha-1, 5 t FYM + 140:40:80 kg NPK ha-1, 10 t FYM + 80:20:40 kg NPK ha-1, 10 t FYM + 100:30:60 kg NPK ha-1, 10 t FYM + 140:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 and 100 kg N through FYM (based on FYM analysis). The results revealed that maximum availability of macronutrients (N, P, K, S) was observed through the application of 10 t FYM + 140:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 and the highest micronutrients availability of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu with the application of 100 kg N through FYM. Hence, from the two years of experimentation and among the different treatments of nutrient management it can be concluded that, application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 in combination with chemical fertilizer @ 140:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 was found more beneficial way of nutrient management to improve the availability of macro and micro nutrients status of soil under Java citronella.}

2 tables, 25 ref

016461   Mathankumar M;Tamizhselvi R;Manickam V; Purohit G (School of Bioscience and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: tamizhselvi.r@vit.ac.in) : Assessment of anticarcinogenic potential of Vitex trifolia and Triticum aestivum linn by in vitro rat liver microsomal degranulation. Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 114-18.

The main objective of this preliminary study is to confirm the synergistic anticarcinogenic potential of Vitex trifolia and Triticum aestivum ethanolic extracts. Rat hepatic microsomal degranulation is a short - term technique that has been used for the detection of potential chemical carcinogens, in vitro. The present study has been carried out to study the inhibition of ribosome- membrane disruption against 3, 8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-pheylphenanthridinium bromide (EB), as the degranulating agent, by measuring the RNA/protein ratios of microsomal membranes in the presence or absence of V.trifolia and T. aestivum extracts. These two extracts were further evaluated for cytotoxic effect in HCT 116 and A549 cell lines. V. trifolia and T. aestivum protects hepatic microsomes against the degranulatory attack by the carcinogen EB showed a significant reduction in the proliferation of the HCT 116 and A549 cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extracts of the plants, V. trifolia and T. aestivum individually possessed anti-degranulatory potential. Importantly they act synergistically, possess appreciable anticarcinogenic properties, based on their ability to inhibit EB induced liver microsomal degranulation.Further these extracts inhibit cell proliferation of cancer cell lines.

1 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

016460   Manoharan S;Rajasekaran D;Prabhakar M M; Karthikeyan S;Manimaran A (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai Univ, Chidambaram-608 002, Email: sakshiman@rediffmail.com) : Modulating effect of Enicostemma littorale on the expression pattern of apoptotic, cell proliferative, inflammatory and angiogenic markers during 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 130-40.

Enicostemma littorale leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases, including inflammation and cancer. This study has taken effort to explore the antitumor initiating potential of E. littorale leaves (ElELet) by analyzing the expression pattern of apoptotic (p53, Bcl-2 and Bcl-2 associated X-protein), cell-proliferative (cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen), angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor), invasive (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9), and inflammatory (NF-κB and cyclooxygenase-2) markers during 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Oral tumors were induced in the buccal pouches of hamsters using the potent site and organ specific carcinogen, DMBA. DMBA application 3 times a week for 14 weeks resulted in tumor formation in the buccal pouches. Hundred percent tumor formations with dysregulation in the expression pattern of apoptotic, cell proliferative, inflammatory, angiogenic, and invasive markers were observed in the buccal pouches of hamsters treated with DMBA alone. ElELet at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight orally to DMBA treated hamsters significantly prevented the tumor formation as well as corrected the abnormalities in the expression pattern of above mentioned molecular markers. ElELet thus modulated the expression pattern of all the above mentioned molecular markers in favor of the suppression of cell proliferation occurring in DMBA induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

9 illus, 2 tables, 76 ref

016459   Majed F;Nafees S;Rashid S;Ali N;Hasan S K;Ali R;Shahid A;Sultana S (Medical Elementology and Toxicology Dep, Faculty of Science, Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chempreve, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, Email: sarwat786@rediffmail.com) : Terminalia chebula attenuates DMBA/Croton oil-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in swiss albino mouse skin. Toxic int 2015, 22(1), 21-9.

The present study was designed to investigate underlying molecular mechanism for antitumorigenic potential of Terminalia chebula (TC) against chemically-induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. It is used as herbal medicine because it exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activity. However, the precised underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In light of the important role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress in carcinogenesis, chemopreventive efficacy of TC against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA), and croton oil-induced 2-stage skin carcinogenesis was studied in terms of cytoprotective antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammatory responses, and expression of various molecular markers in skin tissues. We found that topical application of TC at dose of 30 mg/kg b. wt. mouse effectively suppressed oxidative stress and deregulated activation of inflammatory mediators and tumorigenesis. Histological findings further supported the protective effects of TC against DMBA/croton oil-induced cutaneous damage. The findings of the present study suggest that the chemopreventive effect of TC is associated with upregulation of endogenous cytoprotective machinery and downregulation of inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)-6, COX-2, i-NOS, ODC, and NF-κB).

8 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

016458   Lal D;Tripathi V K;Kumar S;Nayyer M A (Horticulture Dep, C.S. Azad Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur) : Effect of pre-harvest application of gibberellic acid, NAA, and calcium nitrate on fruit drop, maturity and storage quality of kinnow mandarin. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 561-4.

For studying the effect of pre-harvest application of Gibberellic acid, NAA, and Calcium nitrate on fruit drop, maturity and storage quality of Kinnow mandarin the present experiment was conducted. Two sprays of these plant bio-regulators and nutrient were done on 15th of September and November, 2011. From various observations recorded, it was noted that the foliar application of Gibberellic acid 100 ppm, NAA 20 ppm significantly reduced fruit drop (16.80% and 14.28%) and calcium nitrate at 2.0 per cent (23.28%) was recorded. Higher level of Gibberellic acid 100 ppm and calcium nitrate at 2.0 per cent delayed maturity by (296.95 and 293.58 days). Harvested fruits were stored up to different days at ambient temperature in 100 gauge polythene bags. It was recorded that the calcium nitrate at 2.0 and 1.5 per cent and NAA 20 ppm prove more effective in minimizing the loss of fruit spoilage, fruit weight, fruit juice, ascorbic acid, TSS and total sugars.

3 tables, 23 ref

016457   Kumar P;Gambhir G;Gaur A;Srivastava D K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173 230, Email: dksuhf89@gmail.com) : Molecular analysis of genetic stability in In vitro regenerated plants of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1470-5.

Genetic integrity of tissue culture-raised plantlets of broccoli cv. Solan green head from India was assessed using RAPD. First, highly efficient, reliable and highfrequency shoot regeneration was achieved in leaf (62.96%) and petiole (91.11%) explants on MS medium containing 4.5 mg/l BAP + 0.019 mg/l NAA, and 4.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA respectively. Maximum rooting ability (93.99%) with healthy and vigorous roots was observed on MS medium containing 0.20 mg/l NAA. The regenerated plantlets with welldeveloped shoot and root system were acclimatized successfully. For genetic stability studies, a total of 66 amplicons were amplified using 15 informative primers with a high degree of monomorphism (88.45%) across the mother plant and 20 randomly selected in vitro regenerated plantlets.

2 illus, 2 ref

016456   Kulkarni S;Bala M;Risbud A (National AIDS Research Institute (ICMR), Bhosari, Pune-411 026, Email: svk51@hotmail.com) : Performace of tests for identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Indian J med Res 2015, 141(6), 833-5.

^ssc1 table, 10 ref

016455   Khwaza G;Verma Y (Biochemistry and Biochemical Engineering Dep, Jacob School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allahabad-211 007, Email: yashodhara.verma0@gmail.com) : Effect of lead and cadmium stress on biochemical parameters and antioxidant activity in germinated seedling of Cicer arietinum L.. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 717-21.

Goal of the present study was to compare the biochemical parameters viz. (protein, crude fiber, crude fat, total carbohydrate and moisture content), enzymatic antioxidants viz. (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidae glutathione reductase and catalase) and non enzymatic antioxidant viz. (total phenol, ascorbic acid, DPPH inhibition and proline). Cicer arietinum L. cv Radhey under heavy metal (lead and cadmium) treatment. Plants were subjected to 25 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm heavy metal treatments for 7 days, 14 days and 21 days compared to controls. The biochemical activity (protein, crude fat, crude fiber, total carbohydrate and moisture content) showed an decrease with the increasing level of lead and cadmium and day by day increase the activity and antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase) is showed an increase with the increasing level of lead and cadmium and increase the day by day increase the activity and non enzymatic antioxidant (ascorbic acid, total phenol, DPPH and proline) is showed an increase with the increasing level of lead and cadmium the activity and day by day decrease the activity. Therefore, Cicer arietinum L. cv Radhey is considered as moderate tolerant cultivar.

4 tables, 22 ref

016454   Khalaf N A;Naik R R;Shakya A K;Shalan N; Al-Othman A (Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman Univ, PO Box 263, Amman-19328, Jordan, Email: rajashrinaik4011@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal activity of ethanolic extract of some selected medicinal plants grown in Jordan and Palestine. Oriental J Chem 2015, 31(4), 1923-8.

Herbs like Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae), Peganum harmala (Nitrariaceae), Teucrium polium (Lamiaceae), Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae), Artemasia herba-alba (Asteraceae) and Arum palaestinum (Araceae) have been studied for its various biological activities, the extract of fresh aerial parts of plant have not been reported for their antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities. Our aim was to study the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activity of ethanolic extract of fresh aerial parts of the plant. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema method, DPPH free radical scavenging activity (antioxidant) and effect of extract on gastro-intestinal tract motility was studied. Phenolic content of Verbena officinalis was higher (652.5 mg GAE %) than the other plant extracts. Whereas antioxidant activity is concerned the Rosmarinus officinalis exhibited highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀= 6.25 μg/ml), and showed excellent anti-inflammatory (65.5% ) as compared to ascorbic acid (6.14 ± 0.09 μg/ml) and diclofenac sodium (70.1%) respectively. Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract showed significant inhibition of the gastrointestinal activity (31.3%) when compared to all the other ethanolic extracts. The ethanolic extract of Arum palaestinum Bioss did not show any significant anti-inflammatory activity nor had any effect on gastrointestinal tract inhibition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

016453   Jilsha G;Viswanad V (Pharmaceutics Dep, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Univ, AIMS Healthcare Campus, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi-682 041, Email: jilshajanaki@gmail.com) : Nanosponge loaded hydrogel of cephalexin for topical delivery. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2781-9.

Cephalexin is a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic which is used for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infection, urinary tract infection and diabetic foot infection. Since cephalexin is not available as topical formulation, cephalexin was formulated into nanosponge loaded hydrogel as it can enhance skin permeation. Nanosponges of cephalexin were prepared using hydroxyl ethyl cellulose and poly vinyl alcohol by emulsion solvent evaporation method. The particle size and entrapment efficiency was found in the range of 200- 400 nm and 88.5%- 95.6% respectively. Based on the characterization, nanopsonges with high entrapment efficiency and least particle size (NS2) was selected for hydrogel formulation. Five different formulations of hydrogels were prepared by using carbopol 934 with varying concentration of penetration enhancer (propylene glycol) and various evaluation studies were carried out. The in vitro release studies revealed that the formulation with higher concentration of penetration enhancer (15% propylene glycol) showed greater drug release. From the kinetic study, the best linearity was found with first order and Higuchi's equation. The permeation studies showed that the formulation having higher concentration of permeation enhancer showed good skin permeation. The histological investigation on porcine skin indicated a disruption of the stratum corneum, suggesting improved permeation of the drug.

24 ref

016452   Jiang P;Zheng D F;Tian W;Du N N;Zhang X;Zhang A L (Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silvicul, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestr, Lin'an 311 300, Zhejiang, China, Email: red_flag11@163.com) : Identification of allelochemicals in Chrysanthemum indicum L. and their fungicidal potential against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 137-46.

Using GC-MS and UPLC-PDA-MS, allelochemicals (apigenin, luteolin, 2,4-Ditertbutyl phenol, and diethyl phthalate) were detected in C. indicum L. root exudates, leaves and stem extract. The allelopathic effects of these allelochemicals on Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. was studied in vitro. It was found that mycelial growth was significantly reduced by these chemicals in the following order: 2,4-Ditertbutyl phenol <62> diethyl phthalate <62> luteolin <62> apigenin. The A. macrocephala seed germination and seedling growth tests showed that these four allelochemicals were also allelopathic. Diethylphthalate and 2,4-Ditertbutylphenol, present both in the aerial parts and the root exudates have the potential to control the fungi S.rolfsii.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

016451   Javid S;Vatankhah M (Polymer Engineering Dep, Mahshahr Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Maharashtra) : Fundamental investigation on the mechanisms of shape memory polymer reversibility. Int J chem Stud 2016, 4(4), 43-5.

Shape memory materials are a new generation of materials for numerous applications in the field of life and industry have found. The use of these materials in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, electric or magnetic fields and changes in pH, a new technology in engineering science. Changing the properties of bulk materials such as changes in shape, color and refractive index of this is the use of external stimuli. In fact, these shape memory materials in their molecular structure and can store in its primary structure. Materials that exhibit shape memory, the ability to change shape and stay in a temporary shape and its permanent shape recovery are caused by external stimuli. Of shape memory materials in specific applications such as intelligent fibers, tubes with retractable liquidity, packaging and medical care, such as self-adjusting orthodontic wires and stents for blood vessels are open. In this study, an overall strategy reversible shape memory in a semi-crystalline materials was found that the strategy of combining three different behavior of shape memory include conventional one-way shape memory, reversible shape memory two-way and one-way shape memory, was obtained.

1 illus, 18 ref

016450   Jat L K;Meena S K;Singh Y V;Prasad M;Singh L (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: lokeshbhu88@gmail.com) : Jatropha curcas for biofuel: a hope of future renewable energy. Pollut Res 2015, 34(4), 805-9.

India is said to be one of the fourth largest consumers of energy behind US, China and Japan, but the growing gap between consumption and domestic output is a cause of concern. India's share in global oil reserves is about 0.5 percent, whereas its share in global consumption is about 3 percent. In the current scenario, exploring energy alternatives in the form of bio-fuels viz. ethanol and biodiesel assume top priority. Biodiesel is non-toxic and environmental friendly as it produces substantially less carbon monoxide and no sulphur dioxide emissions without any un-burnt hydrocarbons. Biodiesel reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates and air toxicity. Biodiesel is a renewable liquid fuel that can be produced locally thus helping reduce the country's dependence on imported crude. The establishment of biomass plantations on wastelands is likely to affect local livelihoods and can affect surrounding ecosystems by influencing hydrologic flows and processes such as erosion. India's 68.35 million hectare area are considered as wasteland and production of bio-fuel from feedstock's grown on wastelands is considered a means of addressing concerns about climate change and improving energy security while at the same time providing an additional source of income for the land users. Two sources of bio-fuels, ethanol and biodiesel are gaining world wide acceptance as one of the solutions for the problems of environmental degradation, energy security, restricting imports, rural employment, agricultural economy, owing to reduce dependence on oil import; saving in foreign exchange and reduced vehicular pollution.

1 illus, 10 ref

016449   Ishak M S;Ismail B S;Yusoff N (School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Sciece and Technology, Univ Kebangsaan Malayia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: ismail@ukm.edu.my) : Allelopathic potential of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit on the germination and seedling growth of Agaratum conyzoides L., Tridax procumbens L. and Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 109-22.

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of Leucaena leucocephala leaf and seed on the germination and growth of Ageratum conyzoides, Tridax procumbens and Emilia sonchifolia. The allelopathic activity of L. leucocephala was evaluated using the Sandwich Method, Dish Pack Method and Plant Box Method. The germination, root growth, hypocotyl growth and fresh weight of A. conyzoides, T. procumbens and E. sonchifolia decreased with increasing concentrations of L. leucocephala leaf and seed debris incorporated into the soil. At the highest concentration (66.7 g/L) of aqueous seed extract the germination of A. conyzoides, T. procumbens and E. sonchifolia was reduced by 74%, 76% and 75% of the control, respectively. Leaf and seed litter leachate showed strong inhibitory activity on the radicle growth of A. conyzoides, T. procumbens sand E. sonchifolia. Root exudates of L. leucocephala also inhibited the root growth of T. procumbens. Thus L. leucocephala leaf, seed and root proved allelopathic to germination and seedling growth of the tested bioassay species.

10 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

016448   Isalm M S;Alam M T;Haque M M;Hossain M S (Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Dep, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Email: saiful@ru.ac.bd) : Isolation and affinity purification of peroxidase from daikon. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2813-9.

Peroxidase enzyme plays an important role in pharmaceutical, Industrial and various research laboratories. This enzyme can be purified by various different method. Our research trend was to purify the enzyme in a convenient and easy way. For this purpose a new affinity column was prepare by immobilizing PABA to N-HydroxySuccinamaideagarose gel. The presence of peroxidase was investigated on various Bangladeshi vegetables, such as, daikon, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato and sweet potato. Based on a previous screening experiment, daikon contains the highest amount of peroxidase. The juice of daikon was first extracted by tincture press and subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation. The precipitate was dissolved in 25 mM phosphate buffer, pH7.4 containing 500 mMNaCl, 1 mM MnCl₂ and 1 mM CaCl₂. The crude extract thus obtained was subjected to an inhibitor affinity chromatography (IAC) method. Here, we have taken advantage of the affinity of peroxidase toward p-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide (PABAH) and subsequent recovery of the peroxidase by a known destabilizing agent ascorbic acid. The partially purified sample was applied to the column containing p-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide immobilized on agarose equilibrated with the same buffer. After washing the column with this buffer, daikon peroxidase was eluted with 5 mM ascorbic acid in the initial buffer. The eluted fraction showed 60 folds purification as judged by peroxidase activity measurement.

10 ref

016447   Haque M N;Ali M H;Roy T S (Agronomy Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Univ, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, Email: sumon2539@gmail.com) : Effect of arsenic levels on yield performance of some important potato varieties in Bangladesh. Potato J 2015, 42(2), 146-52.

2 tables, 24 ref

016446   Ganugapati J;Mukundan M;Mandava A;Ahuja S J (Biotechnology Dep, Sreenighi Institute of Science and Technology, Yamnampet, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad-501 301, Email: gpljayasree@sreenidhi.edu.in) : Insilico analysis of vinca alkaloids as antimitotic and anti-microtubule agents: a potential cure cancer. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2841-5.

Vinca alkaloids are a subset of drugs obtained from the Madagascar periwinkle plant, Catharanthus roseus and have hypoglycemic as well as cytotoxic effects. They are used for treating diabetes, high blood pressure and have been used as disinfectants. The vinca alkaloids are important for being cancer fighters, as they work by inhibiting the ability of cancer cells to divide. Upon acting on tubulin, they prevent the formation of microtubules, an essential component for cellular division. . There are four major vinca alkaloids in clinical use: Vinblastine (VBL), vinorelbine (VRL), vincristine (VCR) and vindesine (VDS). Vinblastine is most often used to treat breast cancer and germ cell tumors. Vinorelbine has exhibited significant antitumor activity in patients with breast cancer and anti proliferation effects on osteosarcoma (bone tumor cells). Vincristine is FDA approved to treat Wilm's tumor, acute leukaemia and other lymphomas. Vindesine is used in the treatment of melanoma, lung cancers and uterine cancers. Vinflunine is used for the treatment of second-line transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium. In the present study Tubulin Alpha-Beta was used for docking studies with the above said alkaloids. Auto dock binding energies and binding interactions of the Vinca alkaloids indicate that Vinblastine is the most probable inhibitor of Tubulin Alpha-Beta.

28 ref

016445   Espinosa-Rodriguez C A;Del-Toro G V;Sarma S S S;Nandini S (Posgrado en Ciencias del Mary Limnologia, Univ Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Univ, Av. Univ 3000 CP 04510, Mexico city, Mexico, Email: sarma@unam.mx) : Allelopathic activity and chemical analysis of crude extracts from the macrophyte Egeria densa on selected phytoplankton species. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 147-59.

Egeria densa is an invasive macrophyte in Mexico and its allelopathic effects on phytoplankton species are poorly documented. Hence, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of crude extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) from E. densa on Scenedesmus acutus, Chlorella vulgaris, Monoraphidium sp. and Nitzschia palea. The hexane extracts yielded less quantity of crude extract, while methanol resulted in higher amount. We detected 9-compounds, of which saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and phenols were most abundant. Agar diffusion in disc bioassays showed inhibition halos of different sizes depending on the extract, concentration, solvent type used and the tested phytoplankton species. In C. vulgaris and S. acutus, the inhibition halos of <62>20 mm diameter were observed in treatments containing ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The results suggested that E. densa contained substances that could change the composition of phytoplankton communities through their inhibitory and/or allelopathic effects.