015250   Gantait S;Das A;Mandal N (Crop Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Univ Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: saikatgantait@yahoo.com) : Stevia: a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacological properties and in vitro regeneration. Sugar Tech 2015, 17(2), 95-106.

Present review illustrates the pharmacological properties and production of planting materials through in vitro organogenesis of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni). The plant is native to Paraguay; however, the main producers of stevia are Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Brazil, Malaysia and India. This plant is recorded as having a non-caloric natural sugar, alternative to artificially produced sugar substitutes and hence traditionally has been used to sweeten beverages. This article enumerates an overview on pharmacological and micropropagation aspects which are of use to researchers for further exploration for the indispensable improvement of this potential herb with medicinal importance.

2 tables, 111 ref

015249   Elhassan I A;Ibrahim N Y;Mahmoud O M;Salam A M;Elrasoul R H (Pharmaceutical Industries Dep, Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre, P O Box 268, Khartoum, Sudan) : Anti-tubercular activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus, C. nervatus and C. proximus. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 19-23.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, especially with the emergence of drug resistance. It ranks as the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide, after the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This research was conducted to evaluate in vitro anti-tubercular activity of the essential oils from three aromatic herbs belong to the Genus Cymbopogon (Family Poaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (leaves), C. nervatus (inflorescences) and C. proximus (leaves and inflorescences). The essential oils were tested in vitro for their activity against nine clinical isolates and arnreference susceptible strain (H37Rv) M. tuberculosis, using Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium containing glycerol, at concentrations of 75-15 μl/mL. Evaluation of antitubercular activity was determined using the absolute concentration method which is expressed in terms of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The investigated essential oils from the genus Cymbopogonexhibited anti-tubercular activity, in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, towards all the tested strains of M. tuberculosis isolates, up to concentration of 15 μl/ml for each oil. Some strains showed resistance towards Rifampicin, a marker drug for MDR-TB. This research findings represents additional challenges for essential oils as promising natural products leads for tuberculosis (specially MDR) drug discovery and development.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

015248   Das Mitra S;Ghosh S K;Krishnamoorthy P; Chakraborty A;Nimita Venugopal C;Roy M;Shome B R;Rahman H (NO, National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560 024) : Characterization of TLR expression in Staphylococcus aureus induced mastitis in mice model by probe based real time PCR. Indian J Anim Sci 2014, 80(10), 1043-7.

Staphylococcus aureus infection of the bovine mammary gland can result in a spectrum of clinical outcomes ranging from acute to chronic and subclinical. A molecular understanding of the principles causing this is particularly important to eventually develop innovative strategies for prevention and treatment in mastitis. The present study characterized the temporal (2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48h) expression of 5 important toll like receptors (TLR 2, TLR 4, TLR 9, TLR 11 and TLR 12) induced by S. aureus intramammary inoculation (IMI) in established mice model employing probe based real time PCR (RT-PCR). S. aureus challenge provoked transcriptional expression of each of the 5 TLRs in a temporal manner with maximum expression at 8 h after IMI. S. aureus maximally altered the mRNA concentration of TLR 9 and TLR 12 (<62> 5 fold) over the PBS control. We found TLR2 to be weakly (1- to 2-fold) regulated by the S. aureus challenge in this study. This study emphasized the contribution of other TLRs besides the most commonly studied TLR 2 and TLR 4 in activating immune response by switching on several receptors mediated signalling cascades. This study sheds light into the diverse pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) mediated mechanisms involved in host pathogen interaction.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

015247   Chopra A;Gupta I D;Verma A;Vohra V (NO, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132 001) : Detection of allelic variants in lactoferrin gene promoter using created restriction site PCR-RFLP and its association with mastitis. Indian J Anim Sci 2014, 80(10), 1068-70.

Incidence of mastitis may be associated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Cows (350), belonging to Sahiwal and Karan Fries were screened. Polymorphism of bovine lactoferrin gene promoter was determined by using created restriction site polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results indicated that lactorferrin gene promoter is polymorphic and showed varied levels of polymorphism among Sahiwal and Karan Fries cattle. Three genotypes were identified, viz. EE, EF and FF in Sahiwal cattle and EE genotype was absent in Karan Fries cattle. Association of SNP identified with incidence of mastitis using chi square test, revealed nonsignificant association with mastitis incidence.

1 table, 11 ref

015246   Bhukal N;Singh R;Mehta N (Plant Pathology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Progression and development of sheath blight of rice in relation to weather variables. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 166-72.

Role of weather parameter in the progression and development of the sheath blight of rice revealed that a maximum temperature range between 31 C to 33 C, minimum range between 16 C to 25 C and relative humidity (morning and evening) more than 90 per cent played major role in the progression of the disease. The regression equation developed indicates that minimum tempreature played major role in the development of the sheath blight of rice. The weekly disease progression in Basmati CSR 30 ranged from 1.66 to 7.12, 1.94 to 6.00 and 3.97 to 6.94 per cent during first, second and third date of transplanting, respectively while the corresponding figures for the other variety HKR 127 were 2.61 to 13.54, 2.79 to 31.43 and 7.38 to 29.86. The delayed transplanting resulted in lesser disease severity in Basmati CSR 30 while the reverse trend was observed in HKR 127.

7 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

015245   Bhowmik L;Khan P K;Bhowmick S;Bose R;Roy S; Maitra N J;Mukherjee P;Nandi S K (NO, Ramkrishna Asram Krishi Vighyan Kendra P.O.-Nimpith Ashram, South 24 Parganas West Bengal-743 338) : Surgical management of teat spider and teat fistula in a dairy cow. Indian J Anim Hlth 2015, 54(2), 157-8.

This case report represents a clinical study of 3.5 years of age crossbred Jersey cow presented in cattle farm of RAKVK, Nimpith with the history of leaking milk from left hind teat, physically diagnosed as teat spider alongwith teat fistula and thereby it's successful surgical management.

^ssc7 ref

015244   Barad A H;Jethva D M;Balas T K;Chandravadiya T K (Biocontrol Researc Laboratory, Entomology Dep, Junagadh Agriculture Univ, Junagadh-362 001) : Impact of different doses of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) samson against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on pigeonpea. Pestology 2015, 39(12), 58-60.

Laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effective dose of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infesting pigeonpea at Junagadh Agricultural University Campus, Junagadh during 2009-10. The results revealed that N. rileyi @ 2.5 g/litre proved to be the most effective dose among five doses tested against the developmental stages (eggs, larva, pupa and adult) of H. armigera. The mortality was increased with the increase in the doses of this mycoinsecticide.

1 table, 6 ref

015243   Bankar A M;Dole M N (Quality Assurance Techniques Dep, STES. SMT, Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Kindhwa, Pune-411 048) : Formulation and evaluation of herbal antimicrobial gel containing Musa acuminata leaves extract. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 1-3.

Musa acuminata, commonly known as banana plant is vastly being consumed across the world. It is known for many antimicrobial activities and reports show that phenolic compounds mainly contribute to this trait. Considering these advantages an herbal gel containing 4% extract obtained from plant leaves was prepared. Extraction of phenolic compound from leaves was carried out using suitable solvent. The phenolic recovery from acetone extract was showing good antimicrobial activity. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (pH, viscosity, Spreadability and homogeneity) were determined. The herbal gel showed that formulation containing Musa acuminata leaves extract have better antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity was carried out against E.coli and Candida albicans.

2 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

015242   Balodi R;Kumar J (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand-263 145, Email: jkumar56@gmail.com) : PCR assay for rapid and accurate detection of Magnaporthe oryzae in rice (Oryza sativa) using primers specific to PWL gene family. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2015, 45(2), 144-55.

Attempt was made to develop a polymerase chain reaction-based assay for specific, sensitive and economical detection of the pathogen from seeds. gene family specific primer was designed using NCBI-Primer designing tool and a PCR assay was standardized. The primer produced an amplicon of 200 bp with the genomic DNA of spp and sensitivity of the assay was found to be 50 pg μl. The primer was found to be very specific, as with other fungal and bacterial pathogens tested, it did not produce 200 bp amplicon. Seed assay was developed with infected seeds of five different rice varieties. Sensitivity of the seed assay was found to be 5 per cent though after enrichment of seeds in potato dextrose broth the sensitivity of the assay increased to 1 per cent. The assay was found to be specific with seeds also, as only 200 bp amplicon was observed in every PCR. Further, on comparison of the PCR assay with the conventional methods used in the detection procedures, it was found that the assay is more specific with high positive predictive value, indicating its usefulness in detection protocols. Results obtained in this study indicate that gene specific primer could be utilized for sensitive and specific detection of the assay will be useful in determining rice seed health and thus will help in effective and economic management of the disease by adopting knowledge based management program.

10 illus, 5 tables, 27 ref

015241   Balakrishnan G;Meenambigai T V (Leptospirosis Research Laboratory, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sci, Chennai-600 051) : Rapid diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis by LipL32 based polymerase chain reaction. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 11(3), 30-1.

The present study was undertaken to diagnose acute cases of bovine leptospirosis by PCR. A total of 42 bovines serum samples suspected for leptospirosis were subjected to PCR to amplify LipL32 gene. The study revealed the amplicon size of 756 bp in 38 (90.47%) sera samples. The clinical signs in these positive cases included abortion, repeat breeders, jaundice and haemorrhagic mastitis. The present study indicated that the PCR which amplify the LipL32 is most sensitive, rapid and reliable method in diagnosing the leptospirosis in cattle. Since, LipL32 is conserved in all the pathogenic leptospires, it could be widely used for the diagnosis of leptospirosis in animals and human beings.

6 ref

015240   Bajya D R;Chilana P;Lakharan M C (Bioscience Div, Institute of Pesticides Formulation Technology, Sector 20 Udyog Vihar, Gurgaon-122 016, Email: deva.bajya@gmail.com) : Evaluation and dose standardization of newly combination fungicide amistar xtra 280 SC (Azoxystrobin 18.2(37)+ Cyproconazole 7.3(37)) for control of wheat diseases. Pestology 2015, 39(12), 50-4.

ungicides, weedicides, insecticides etc. are all pesticides used for protection of plant. A fungicide is a group of pesticide that controls fungal disease by either inhibiting or killing the fungus that causes the disease. New combination fungicide Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Cyproconazole 7.3% WAV (Amistar Xtra 280 SC) against rust and powdery mildew diseases in wheat were evaluated. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi season (November 2011 - April 2012 & November2012 - April 2013) at research farm of Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurgaon. Two sprays were done at the 15 days of intervals. Four differential doses of Amistar Xtra 280 SC viz. 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 ml per litre water were applied on wheat crop. Amistar Xtra 280 SC @ 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 ml per litre water was highly effective in checking the rust and powdery mildew diseases compared to single product Azoxystrobin 23 SC (Amistar 25 SC) (1.00 ml per litre of water), Cyproconazole 10% SL@ 1.50 ml per litre of water and other standard check Propiconazole 25% EC (Tilt 25 EC) @ 1.00 ml per litre water and Triadimefon 25% WP (Bayleton 25 WP) @ 1.00 gm per litre. Almost all the treatment showed very good control of rust and powdery mildew. Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Cyproconazole 7.3% W/W (Amistar Xtra280 SC) @ 1.00 & 1.25 ml/litre of water were found to be very effective or best treatments for the management of rust and powdery mildew diseases on wheat. No significant differences in yield "among" Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Cyproconazole 7.3% WAV (Amistar Xtra 280 SC) @ 1.25 ml/litre, 1.00 ml/litre, 0.75 ml/litre and Amistar 25 SC@ 1.00 ml/litre was found. Significantly lower yield was recorded in Cyproconazole 10% SL @ 1.50 ml/litre and Propiconazole 25% EC @ 1.00 ml/litre of water and Triadimefon 25%WP @ 1.00 g/litre of water. Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Cyproconazole 7.3% WAV (Amistar Xtra 280 SC) @ 0.75ml/litre and above doses is recommended for effective control of powdery mildew and rust diseases on wheat crop.

3 tables, 8 ref

015239   Abubakar M K;Wasagu R S U;Usman J N;Galadima L G (Biochemistry Dep, Usmanu Danfodiyo Univ, Sokoto, P M B 2346 Sokoto, Nigeria) : Effect of methanol and aqueous leaf extract of Mitracarpus scabrum in alloxan induced diabetic rats. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(1), 4-7.

Diabetes mellitus is serious metabolic disorder affecting large number people worldwide. It is associated with derangement of carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. This study investigate the activity of Mitracarpus scabrum leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/Kg). Rats were divided into four groups. Group I (standard control): treated orally with the reference drug, Glibenclamide. Group II (diabetic Control): diabetic rats untreated. Group III and IV: diabetic rats treated with methanol and aqueousrnleaf extract of M. scabrum (300 mg/kg). After the last treatment, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum glucose, liver enzymes, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL. Methanol and aqueous leaves extracts significantly decreased (P <60> 0.05) fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats from 10.10 ± 4.815 to 5.80±1.608 mmol/l and 18.85±8.33 mmol/l to 12.525±7.463 mmol/l respectively. The extracts also caused a significant (P <60> 0.05) decrease in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and increase in HDL-cholesterol. This results revealed that M. scabrum is effective in the management of diabetes mellitus.

4 tables, 29 ref

015238   Abbasi Z;Rezaei M (Sugar Beet Research Dep, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran, Email: abasi@sbsi.ir) : Development of sugar beet salt tolerant triploid hybrids. Sugar Tech 2015, 17(2), 181-8.

Salinity is a major constraint on crop productivity in arid regions of Iran which decreases sugar beet yield. In order to identify and select salt tolerant triploid hybrids, 20 sugar beet three-way hybrids produced by crosses between 10 salinity improved pollinators and two cytoplasmic male sterile monogerm (231 x 261) and multigerm (MSC2 x A1) lines as seed parents. In 2007-2008 growing seasons, the 20 resulting hybrids along with five check varieties were evaluated in field study using a lattice square (5 x 5) design with three replications, and irrigated with 12 dS m^{-1 irrigation water. The combined analyses showed that the genotypes differed significantly (P <60> 0.01) for the most studied traits such as root yield; sugar yield; white sugar yield; sugar content; white sugar content; Na+ content; K+ content; extraction coefficient of sugar and molasses sugar indicating the presence of genetic variation and possibility of selection for sugar beet salinity tolerant lines under saline condition. The mean comparison for yield traits showed that monogerm triploid hybrids (261 x 231) x 19669-T and (261 x 231) x 13030 and multigerm triploid hybrids (MSC2 x A1) x JIT13, (MSC2 x A1) x C3.3, (MSC2 x A1) x 13030 and (MSC2 x A1) x 13022 produced 5.52 t/ha root yield and 1.38 t/ha sugar yield more than the mean of the checks under salinity stress across 2 years. Also, the means of five top hybrids showed 1.52% sugar content, 1.77% white sugar content and 3.19% extraction coefficient of sugar more than the mean of the checks. These hybrids had 0.93 meq/100 gr K+ and 0.81 meq/100 gr Na+ less than the mean of the checks. These promising hybrids are currently being tested in Roudasht Agricultural Research Station as an important step towards development of sugar beet salt tolerant triploid hybrids.}

1 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

014300   Zhang W;Ouyang Z;Zhao M;Wei Y;Peng H;Wang Q; Guo L (School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Univ, Zhenjijang-212 013, P.R. China, Email: ezhenouyang@ujs.edu.cn) : The influences of inorganic elements in soil on the development of famous region Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 337-44.

The aim was to discuss the relationship between geo-herbalism of A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC. and inorganic elements in soil. The contents of 15 kinds of inorganic elements in the rhizoma of A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC. and soils from various regions were determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer and the data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0 software. The contents of inorganic elements in rhizoma of A. Lancea and in soil with different geological background were different. The soils in the famous region contained high aluminum, iron, sodium and low sulfur content. The rhizoma of A. Lancea contained high aluminum, lithium, manganese and low iron, sulfur content. The famous-region crude drugs had a strong tendency to accumulate selenium, manganese. Ten characteristic elements of A. Lancea were K, Ca, S, Al, Li, Ti, Mn, Pb, Ni, SE. The contents of inorganic elements in rhizoma of A. Lancea showed a significant positive interrelationship with those in soil. It was identified that inorganic elements play an important role in forming authenticity A. Lancea (Thunb.) DC.

2 illus, 7 tables,14 ref

014299   Zeng X;Zhao D (Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovatio, Minstry of Education, Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, China, Email: dgzhao@gzu.edu.cn) : In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation in asakura-sanshoo (Zanthoxylum piperitum(L.) DC.F.inerme Makino) an important medicinal plant. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 374-80.

Asakura-sanshoo (Zanthoxylum piperitum [L.] DC. f. inerme Makino) is an important medicinal plant in East Asia. Transgenic technique could be applied to improve plant traits and analyze gene function. However, there is no report on regeneration and genetic transformation in Asakura-sanshoo. To establish a regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation system in Asakura-sanshoo, which could be used for cultivar improvement and gene function analysis. The various combinations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were explored for the optimal plant regeneration from petiole and stem of Asakura-sanshoo. The half-strength woody plant medium (WPM) with different concentrations of NAA and IBA was used to induce root. For genetic transformation, A. tumefaciens strain EHA-105 harboring the plasmid pBin-Ex-H-ipt which carries the isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene, β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and kanamycin resistance gene neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) were used. The transformation efficiency was detected by the kanamycin resistant frequency. Petioles and stems were obtained from the in vitro cultured Asakura-sanshoo. The petiole and stem segments were precultured for 3 days, and then inflected using the bacterium at the concentration of OD₆₀₀ 0.5-0.8 for 10 min, followed by 3 days co-cultivation. Selection of the transgenic plants was carried out after 7 days the regeneration using gradient kanamycin at 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L, respectively. Successful transformed plants were confirmed by GUS histochemical assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and Southern blotting analysis. The highest shoots regeneration was obtained on WPM supplement with 0.5 mg/L BA and 0.2 mg/L NAA. The optimal rooting medium was half strength macro-element WPM. The kanamycin resistant frequency of petiole and stem was 24.66% and 25.93%, respectively. Thirty-five shoots in thousands adventitious buds were confirmed through GUS histochemical assays, PCR, RT-PCR, and Southern blotting. The regeneration shoot per explants elevated 5.85 fold compared with the wild-type plants. Individual transgenic Asakura-sanshoo lines were obtained. In this paper, it first revealed the expression of ipt gene significantly promoted the adventitious buds induction in Asakura-sanshoo as the same action as in other plants.

4 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

014298   Tipre S;Pindi P K;Sharma S (Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi-110 016, Email: shilpi@dbeb.iitd.ac.in) : Biotechnological potential of a halobacterium of family bacillaceae. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 65-71.

Study aimed at assessing the biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. PU1^{T (JCM-16712, NBRC-106750, KCTC-13722), a halotolerant bacterium of the family Bacillaceae isolated from saline rhizosphere of Sesbania grandiflora from Mahabubnagar (16.4600° N, 77.5600° E), India, with respect to its plant growth promoting (PGP) properties, and as a source of halotolerant enzymes and intracellular osmolytes. PGP parameters assessed were indoleacetic acid production, phosphate solublization, ammonia production and siderophore production. The isolate was found to be positive for amylase and lipase production, phosphate solubilization and indoleacetic acid production, all under salt stress (ranging up to 6%), and showed growth on nitrogen free NFb medium suggesting ability of nitrogen fixation. Intracellular osmolytes, a unique feature of halotolerant bacteria, was also quantified under varying salt stresses. These results indicate that halophilic bacterium, Bacillus sp. PU1T, exhibits a multitude of properties ranging from PGP to enzyme production. Multiple beneficial traits displayed by the halophilic isolate makes it a potential candidate for commercial applicability, viz., as a biofertilizer helping enhanced plant growth under saline stresses, as a producer of a unique class of 'halotolerant' enzymes and as a producer of high-value compatible solutes (a property exhibited exclusively by halophilic organisms).}

6 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

014297   Thriveni H N;Ravikanth G;Vasudeva R; Ganeshaiah K N;Shaanker R U (Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, College of Forestry, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad Sirsi Campus, Sirsi-581 401, Email: umashaanker@gmail.com) : Camptothecine and methoxy camptothecine from callus cultures of Miquelia dentata Bedd.- A rare plant of the Western Ghats of India. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 123-6.

Miquelia dentata Bedd. (Family: Icacianceae) is a small climbing shrub producing anti-cancer alkaloid, camptothecine (CPT). The plant occurs sparsely in the southern parts of the forest of Western Ghats, India. Callus cultures of the plant were established using leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with several plant growth regulators. The highest callus growth was obtained in the medium with 1.0 mg/L each of indole butyric acid (IBA) and benzyl adenine purine (BAP). The calli cultures produced CPT (5.4 μg/mg of the dry wt) and traces of methoxy camptothecine (MCPT).

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

014296   Sur T K;Hazra A K;Bhattacharyya D;Hazra A (Pharmacology Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244B, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata-700 020, Email: drtapaskumarsur@gmail.com) : Antiradical and antidiabetic properties of standardized extract of sunderban mangrove Rhizophora mucronata. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 389-94.

In the present study, we standardized the 80% methanolic standardized extract of R. mucronata leaves (RH) and found out its antiradical and antidiabetic activities. The methanolic extract of R. mucronata leaves (RH) was standardized and quantified for phenolics, flavonoinds, gallic acid, quercetin, and coumarin. The reducing abilities and antiradical activities of RH were performed in vitro methods like, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxides, superoxides, hydroxyl, and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid). Thereafter, RH was evaluated for it antidiabetic potentialities on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type-2 diabetes. STZ (90 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered to 2 days old pups to induce diabetes. RH was fed at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg and glibenclamide (positive control) at 5 mg/kg, when the rats were 6 weeks old and continued for 10 weeks. Fasting glucose was monitored before and after the treatment. Further, lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione level were estimated on rat liver. The results obtained from this study revealed RH possesses flavonoinds and also gallic acid, quercetin, and coumarin. Further, it has antiradical activities. It has also reduced blood glucose level in type-2 diabetic rats and reduced the formation of lipid peroxidation in liver. RH enhanced the level of glutathione in liver tissue. RH exhibits source of natural antioxidants and great potentialities as an antidiabetic agent by improving the hyperglycemia through its antiradical action.

1 illus, 41 ref

014295   Sumantran V N;Mishra P;Sudhakar N (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute Univ, Maduravoyal-600 095, Email: venil.sumantran@gmail.com) : Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes regulating lipid metabolism during melanoma progression. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 125-31.

New hallmark of cancer involves acquisition of a lipogenic phenotype which promotes tumorigenesis. Little is known about lipid metabolism in melanomas. Therefore, we used BRB (Biometrics Research Branch) class comparison tool with multivariate analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in human cutaneous melanomas, compared with benign nevi and normal skin derived from the microarray dataset (GDS1375). The methods were validated by identifying known melanoma biomarkers (CITED1, FGFR2, PTPRF, LICAM, SPP1 and PHACTR1) in our results. Eighteen genes regulating metabolism of fatty acids, lipid second messengers and gangliosides were 2-9 fold upregulated in melanomas of GDS-1375. Out of the 18 genes, 13 were confirmed by KEGG pathway analysis and 10 were also significantly upregulated in human melanoma cell lines of NCI-60 Cell Miner database. Results showed that melanomas upregulated PPARGC1A transcription factor and its target genes regulating synthesis of fatty acids (SCD) and complex lipids (FABP3 and ACSL3). Melanoma also upregulated genes which prevented lipotoxicity (CPT2 and ACOT7) and regulated lipid second messengers, such as phosphatidic acid (AGPAT-4, PLD3) and inositol triphosphate (ITPKB, ITPR3). Genes for synthesis of pro-tumorigenic GM3 and GD3 gangliosides (UGCG, HEXA, ST3GAL5 and ST8SIA1) were also upregulated in melanoma. Overall, the microarray analysis of GDS-1375 dataset indicated that melanomas can become lipogenic by upregulating genes, leading to increase in fatty acid metabolism, metabolism of specific lipid second messengers, and ganglioside synthesis.

2 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

014294   Sridar R;Veerender K;Sivaji M;Gayathri R (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Tamil Nadu Agricult, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: sridar@hotmail.com) : Genetic diversity of sulphur oxidizing bacteria from different ecosystems. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 72-80.

Sulphur is one of the fourth major nutrients after N, P, and K for oil crops and pulses. To explore the possibility of meeting the sulphur nutrition of groundnut crop through bioinoculant, in the present study, a total of 24 isolates of sulphur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) obtained from different ecosystems were screened. Among the screened isolates, VSS4 isolate produced 72 rag 100 mL^{-1 sulphate from elemental sulphur. Species diversity, phylogenetic affiliations and environmental occurrence patterns of SOB were, investigated by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Finally, based upon the suphate production, pH reduction and other biochemical studies, four isolates, v/z.,VSS4, VSM8, VSB3 and VST3, were selected, for the study of genetic diversity between different ecosystems by using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences and phylogenetic analysis. SOB isolates VSS4, VSM8, VSB3 and VST3 were identified as Pseudomonas sp., Burkholderia sp., Exiguobacterium sp., and Bacillus sp., respectively. For the conformation of their chemoautotrophic nature, the selected isolates were screened with the primers of cbbL (form I), cbbM (form II) genes of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). All the four selected isolates were chemoautotrophic in nature as they showed the presence of cbbL (form I) gene.}

9 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

014293   Soorya P I;Arunaksharan N;Mannuthy R J; Raghavamenon A C (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Center, Amala Nagar P O, Thrissur-680 555) : Epithelial mesenchymal transition: an evident base of cancer metastasis. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 60-8.

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of conversion of an epithelial cell into an elongated cell with mesenchymal phenotype. During this, epithelial cells lose their junctions and apical-basal polarity, reorganize their cytoskeleton, undergo a change in the signaling programmes that define cell shape and reprogram gene expression. This transition increases the movement of individual cells and enables the development of an invasive phenotype. EMT usually occurs in physiologic processes such as embryogenesis and wound healing as well as pathologic conditions including, fibrosis and malignant tumors. The changes in phenotype occur during EMT are regulated by several transcription factors including Snail, Slug, Twist, ZEB1 and 2 and the Smad proteins. These transcription factors are activated by several signaling pathways including TGF-β, NF-κB, Wnt, Notch and others. Major inducers of EMT in tumor cells include a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tumor site, hypoxic conditions and many stem cells present in tumor microenvironment. The aim of the present review was to analyze the recent developments in the field of epithelial mesenchymal transition associated with cancer metastasis. The area is intricate and researches are trying to understand the molecular interplay involved. In future EMT pathway may become a significant drug target in the treatment of advanced cancers.

1 illus, 61 ref

014292   Sivaram V P;Menon S;Lawrence L;Padikkala J (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre (Recognized Research Centre, Calicut Univ, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Antithrombotic and anticoagulant activities of Desmodium gyrans (DC). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 52-9.

Antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties 70% methanolic extract of a medicinally known Desmodium gyrans (DC) was studied. Clotting time, prothrombin time, plasma recalcification time and platelet aggregation studies were performed in blood collected from Desmodium gyrans extract treated male Sprague Dawley rats. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was assessed in vitro using platelet rich plasma sample. The treatment with extractgave a delay in coagulation by 14.6% in prothrombin time assay. Plasma recalcification time also was enhanced with treatment. Collagen induced platelet aggregation of platelet rich plasma was brought down significantly. On treatment lipid peroxidation was brought down by 29.94% compared to the control.

5 tables, 21 ref

014291   Singh S;Purohit V K;Prsad P;Nautiyal A R (High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H N B Garhwal Univ, Srinagar-246 174, Email: vijaykantpurohit@rediffmail.com) : Micropropagation of Valeiana wallichii DC. (Indian valerian) through nodes. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 127-30.

In vitro propagation method was developed for obtaining large number of plantlets of Valeriana wallichii DC. (Valerianaceae), an indigenous high value medicinal and aromatic plant species of Indian Himalayan region, using nodes of in vitro grown seedlings. High frequency shoot proliferation was induced in explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kn), adenine sulphate (AS) and thidiazuron (TDZ). Amongst all the tested cytokinins, 3.0 μM BA was found to be the most effective and an average of 12.0 shoots per nodal explant were formed after 15 d of culture. Higher concentration of TDZ (3.0 μM) was found least effective among all the cytokinins used for shoot induction. Rooting (100%) was observed in PGR-free Murashige and Skoog medium after 12 d of incubation of microshoots. Well rooted plantlets (30-d-old) were successfully transplanted and established in mixture of soil and sand (3:1) under partially shade conditions.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

014290   Singh R;Kumar K;Kumar M;Agarwal P;Magapatra P S;Bag S (Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Climatology Div, , Indian Veterinary Institute, Email: bag658@gmail.com) : Expression analysis of BAX and GHR genes between parthenogenetic and IVF embryos in caprine. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 117-19.

Present study was carried out to compare the expression of proapoptotic (BAX) and growth hormone receptor genes (GHR) between diploid parthenogenetic and IVF (in vitro fertilization) derived preimplantation embryos in caprine. For the study, a group of oocytes were fertilized with freshly collected goat semen for production of IVF derived embryos. While another group of oocytes were activated using 7% ethanol in mSOF (modified synthetic oviductal fluid) for 5 min, followed by 4 h incubation with 2 mM 6-DMAP (6-dimethyl amino purine) in mSOF for production of diploid parthenogenetic embryos. After treatment, the oocytes were further cultured in mSOF medium for embryo development. Total RNA was isolated from morula stage diploid parthenogenetic and IVF embryos and cDNA was synthesized. The relative expression of BAX and GHR genes was analysed using real time PCR. The relative expression of BAX gene showed 18.12-fold up regulation (P<60>0.05), whereas GHR gene showed 0.15-fold down regulation (P<60>0.05) in diploid parthenogenetic as compared to IVF derived embryos. The present study suggests marked variation in expression of proapoptotic as well as growth related genes in parthenogenetic embryos, which might be the reason for their improper development.

^ssc3 illus, 9 ref

014289   Singh A L;Chaudhary S;Kayastha A M;Yadav A (Bioremendiation Laboratory, Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: ashalata65@rediffmail.com) : Decolorization and degradation of textile effluent with the help of Enterobacter asburiae. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 101-6.

Bacterial strain identified as Enterobacter asburiae, based on its 16s rDNA sequence study, was isolated from textile industry effluent of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The bacterial strain was able to degrade 98% textile effluent within 60 h at 35 mg/mL of the bacterial biomass under aerobic condition. The maximum textile effluent degradation was recorded at pH 8 and at temperature of 32°C. Ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum analysis of the bacterial treated textile effluent showed complete disappearance of the peaks at <126> 630 nm and at <126> 410 nm. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study revealed the presence of new sharp peak at <126> 1403 cm^{-1 indicating the biodegradation of dye effluent. Besides, the colorlessness of bacterial cells also indicated that E. asburiae had the capacity to decolorize the textile effluent through biodegradation instead of absorption on the surface. Gel-electrophoretic studies showed the presence of low mol wt (10.43 kDa) protein in the bacterium under dye stress condition supporting the mechanism of biodegradation.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

014288   Silpa P;Kuzhivelil B T;Babu T D (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre (Recognized Research Centre, Calicut Univ, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Emerging concerns on para-phenylenediamine (PPD). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 178-81.

Peoples are always tried to be look more attractive in their physical appearance, this is the fact remains behind the popularity of hair dyes. A number of chemicals are included in hair dyes, but some of them produce harmful effects like various forms of allergies and even chronic degenerative diseases including cancer. Over years, epidemiological studies of international agencies like Food and Drug administration (FDA), American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals that chemicals present in the hair dyes have a potential for developing various forms of cancers in hair dyes workers and barbers. Increased risk of bladder and breast cancer was also reported related to its usage, but these results are contradictory. Nearly most of the hair dyes marketed in the world comprises para-phenylenediamine (PPD) as coloring agent. Health hazards like allergy, eye irritation, respiratory distress, asthma, gastritis and renal failure, myocardial rhabdomyolysis, aplastic anemia and optic atrophy are clinically reported to the exposure of PPD. Relatively fewer studies have been published with the relation of PPD to cause cancer. Because of greater part of peoples use hair dyes, researchers have tried to find whether any cancer risk is associated with the exposure of PPD in hair dye. Furthermore, as a widely used product, even small amount of threat may have great public health impact.

1 illus, 20 ref

014287   Sharma J G;Singh M K;Chakrabarti R (Biotechnology Dep, Delhi Technological Univ, Bawana Road, Delhi-110 042) : Physiological response of Catla catla larvae fed with Achyranthes aspera seed enriched diet and exposed to UV-B radiation. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 158-60.

The antioxidant and growth stimulating properties of seeds of Achyranthes aspera were evaluated on UV-B irradiated Catla catla (catla) larvae. Catla larvae (initial weight: 1.2 ± 0.01 mg) were fed with four different diets - D1, D2 and D3 containing 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5% seeds of A. aspera and D4, control diet for 35 days. The larvae were then exposed to UV-B radiation (80 μW/cm^{2) on every alternate day for 20 days. Survival, growth, tissue glutamic oxaloacetic transminase (GOT), tissue glutamate pyruvate transminase (GPT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were studied in larvae on day-21 of irradiation. Significantly (P <60> 0.05) higher survival and average weight were found in D3 diet fed fish compared to the other groups. Survival rate was 8-16% higher in seed enriched diet fed groups, compared to the control one. Higher levels of GOT and GPT found in control diet fed larvae showed the degree of tissue damage due to UV-B exposure. Significantly (P <60> 0.05) lower level of GPT in D3 indicated the UV-B protective effect of the seed of A. Aspera (earlier, the presence of ecdysterone, essential fatty acids and amino acids, polyphenolic compounds, steroids, etc. has been reported from seed). TBARS which indicated the level of tissue lipid peroxidation were significantly (P <60> 0.05) higher in control group, compared to the other feeding schemes. NOS level was significantly (P <60> 0.05) higher in D2 and D3, compared to the D1 and control groups. In conclusion, supplementation of A. aspera seed (0.5%) improved the physiological condition (in terms of reduce lipid oxidation and better immune system) and gave bioprotection to catla larvae challenged with UV-B stress.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

014286   Shakil S K;Sultana S;Hasan M M;Hossain M M; Ali M S;Prodhan S H (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Shahjalal Univ of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh, Email: shamsulhp@yahoo.com) : SSR marker based genetic diversity analysis of modern rice varieties and coastal landraces in Bangladesh. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 33-41.

In Bangladesh, large cultivable areas lie in the coastal saline zone where rice cultivation is largely hindered by the salinity. This problem can be effectively addressed by identifying salt-tolerant genotypes using both conventional and modern biotechnological methods. In the present study, the genetic relationship among 24 rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes including Pokkali, the salt tolerant benchmark, 5 BRRI released modern varieties and some coastal landraces were assessed using 19 rice SSR markers. A total of 110 reproducible polymorphic alleles were identified from the loci with an average of 5.79 alleles per locus (range from 3-12 alleles). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values enumerated from the data obtained from allelic variation ranged from 0.3694 (RM18) to 0.8711 (RM493) with an average of 0.6533. Based on the discriminatory power value (D-value) calculated from the allelic information revealed RM493 (0.9203) as the best diagnostic PCR marker for varietal identification. The UPGMA cluster revealed six main genetic groups at a cut off value of 32% of similarities comprising of three separate clusters formed by BRRI dhan47 (Cluster III), Lolo (Cluster IV) and Purbachi (Cluster V). The reference salt tolerant cultivar Pokkali and Nonabokra clustered with 4 other tolerant and moderately tolerant rice cultivars in cluster I. The highest genetic dissimilarity was found between Pokkali and Nona (85.29%), Pokkali and Nona kochi (85.29%), and Purbachi and Nona kochi (85.29%), whereas Lona kuchi and Nona kochi (23.69%) showed the lowest genetic dissimilarity between them. DNA fingerprints of these rice cultivars by means of SSR markers provided meaningful data, which can be extended by additional SSR markers, and that information will enable maximized selection of diverse parents and assist in broadening the germplasm based on future rice breeding programmes.

3 illus, 2 tables, 52 ref

014285   Shaji E M;Ramavarma S K;Narayanankutty A; Kuttappan R M;Babu T D;Kuzhivelil B T;Raghavamenon A C (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre (Recognized Research Centre, Calicut Univ, ) : Preliminary phytochemical screening, cytotoxic and antitumor studies of Simarouba glauca DC. (Laxmitaru). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 15-23.

Simarouba glauca DC. (Laxmitaru) has been gained much attention recently in South India, as a supportive medicine for patients undergoing various sorts of cancer treatments. An inquisitive approach had made to disclose the reliability of the plant as a promising drug for cancer. The study included phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity, acute toxicity and antitumor effects of methanolic extract (ME) of S. glauca in murine models. Phytochemical analysis of ME unveiled the presence of tannins, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and carbohydrates and TLC resulted in the detection of total twenty eight bands out of which eleven were observed under white light, nine bands under iodine vapour and remaining eight bands were visualized in UV (254 nm). ME of S. glauca exhibited low levels of cytotoxicity when treated with cancer and normal cells (IC₅₀ <62>100 μg/mL) in short term assay. In MTT assay, cell viability were found high on all cell lines tested i.e., HepG2 (79.78 ± 0.02%), HeLa (81.42 ± 0.02%), HCT-15 (89.61 ± 0.01%) and Vero (81.63 ± 0.64%) at 100 μg/100 mL. Acute toxicity level was above 2 mg/kg b. wt in female rats. The mean survival rate was found 20.17 ± 5.08 days at 200 mg/ke b. wt drug administrated animals and 18.83 ± 4.40 days at 400 mg/kg b. wt drug concentration in contrast with 18.17 ± 3.19 days in control animal group. The pre-treatment groups for five consecutive days had mean survival rate of 19.67 ± 2.16 and 21.67 ± 2.07 days at 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt respectively. Over all, the ME extract of S. glauca did not reveal potential cytotoxicity or tumour reducing activity.

4 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

014284   Shabna A;Anto R J (Cancer Research Div, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014) : Role fo MITF in melanoma. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 24-31.

Melanoma is a malignancy of melanocytes, the pigment producing cells in the skin and MITF is a key transcription factor regulating the signaling environment of melanoma. Its activity is often regulated by activators and repressers acting upstream of MITF operating on transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. The mutation dependent alteration in any of these regulations will lead to the increased activity of MITF, which has often been reported in melanoma cases. The enhanced activity of MITF regulates the transcription of various genes involved in the survival of melanoma such as cell cycle control, proliferation, invasion and differentiation. The crucial involvement of MITF in the vital survival process of melanoma cells makes it an attractive target for melanoma therapy. In this review we discuss different factors regulating MITF and the crucial pro-survival factors that are regulated by MITF.

39 ref

014283   Seemanthini R;Jani R G (Veterinary Medicine Dep, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry Anand Agricultural Un, Anand, Email: vetjani@gmail.com) : Haematological and biochemical parameters of captive spotted deer (Axisaxis) as a reference value. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2015, 11(1), 65-9.

Haematological and blood biochemical status were measured in 20 sedated chital deer (Axis axis) (2-8 years of age) reared in different captive environment to compare as reference values vis-avis domestic small ruminants for assessing their health status. Haemoglobin, haematocrit (PCV), total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count were measured to show 10.8± 0.87 g/dl, 38.0 ±0.7%, 12.6±0.8 x 106 and 5.20 ±0.2 x 103 respectively. The mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were found to be 28.6±1.4μ3, 8.2±0.6 μg, and 26.4±1.5% respectively. The erythrocyte size was of microcytic type in spotted deer. Amongst the different leukocyte neutrophil predominated (58.0 ±1.50%) over lymphocyte (40.0 ±1.24%) compared to other small ruminant species. Plasma glucose, serum total protein, cholesterol and urea concentration were 68.00±8.01 mg/dl, 9.80±0.60g/dl, 134.00 ± 09.20 mg/dl and 24.20 ±0.36 g/dl respectively. Serum calcium and phosphorus showed in normal range stress of handling due to chemical immobilization and restraint may have induced some alteration in these haemato-biochemical parameters which is difficult to be eliminated and similar observation may be compiled for reference in captive deer species.

2 tables, 14 ref

014282   Saxena T;Agarwal B K;Naz S (Medical Biochemistry Dep, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhaya Pradesh, Email: drtriptidrtriptisaxen05@gmail.com) : Pranayam- A potent supressor against inflammation in hypertensive subjects. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(2), 273-8.

Total 100 hypertensive subjects and 100 sex matched controls were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria was patients with blood pressure 140/90 mm of Hg, while patients with secondary hypertension, stroke, CAD, Ml and diabetes mellitus were excluded. Serum hs-CRP was estimated by Latex enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Serum Uric acid was estimated by Uricase / POD end point assay. We estimated hs-CRP and Uric acid in hypertensives and controls, then we suggested hypertensives for 3 months Pranayam, again the same parameters were estimated and compared by using Students t test and one - way ANOVA to determine significant differences. Before Pranayam, hs-CRP was increased significantly (<60> 0.001) in hypertensive subjects compared to controls. Uric acid was also increased significantly (p<60> 0.001) in hypertensives compared to controls. But after 3 months Pranayam, there was significant (p<60> 0.001) decrease in hs-CRP and insignificant (p<62>0.05) decrease in uric acid levels in hypertensives compared to hypertensives before Pranayam. It was concluded that Pranayam can significantly suppress inflammation and can reduce inflammatory markers (hs-CRP & Uric acid) in hypertensives. There is positive co-relation between hs-CRP and uric acid in hypertensive subjects, which are all documented as proinflammatory markers for hypertension.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

014281   Rong Rong Z;Dan Yi L;Zhen Ya Y;Zhao W;Pui Hay B P;Pang Chui S;Ren Wang J;Zhi Guo M (College of Pharmacy, Jinan Univ, Guangzhou, 510 632,c china, Email: rwjiang2008@126.com) : Simultaneous quantification of six alkaloid components from commercial stemonae radix by solid phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 360-7.

The objective was to develop an analytical method with multiple markers for quality survey of commercial stemonae radix. A method for simultaneous determination of six compounds in commercial stemonae radix was performed using solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector. The separation was carried out on an Agilent TC-C18 column with 0.1% acetonitrile solution of triethylamine aqueous solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phase under gradient elution within 70 min. The hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) was successfully used to classify the samples in accordance with their chemical constituents. Linearity (R^{2 <62> 0.9990), intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviations <60>4%), limit of detection (0.011-0.086 μg/mL), limit of quantification (0.033-0.259 μg/mL) of the six alkaloids were determined, and the recoveries were between 96.6% and 103.7%. The method was successfully applied to analysis 36 batches of commercial stemonae radix. All the samples could be classified into five clusters by HCA. This article provides an accurate and simple analytical method for quality survey of commercial stemonae radix. Because of the significant chemical variations, careful selection of Stemona sources with obvious antitussive value but devoid of croomine followed by good agricultural practice and good manufacturing practice process is suggested.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

014280   Rawal S;Mehta A K;Thakral S K (NO, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar) : Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on nutrient content, uptake and yield of Bt-cotton under irrigated conditions. Man Made Text India 2015, 58(10), 381-84.

A field experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, KVK farm, Sirsa during kharif 2011 to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on nutrient content, uptake and yield of hybrid Bt cotton. The uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in plant and seed increased upto 100% Recommended Dose (RD) of phosphorus and 125% RD of nitrogen respectively. However, increase in N content in seed was observed with the application of 100% RD of nitrogen over 75% RD of nitrogen. Among various doses of fertilizers 100% RD of phosphorus and 100% RD of nitrogen recorded significantly higher yield (3849 kg/ha) and (3723 kg/ha) respectively over 75% RD, which remained statically at par with further increase in nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The paper gives the results of the study and reveals that the seed cotton yield of Bt cotton increased to the tune of 17.22 and 16.42 per cent with the application of 100% RD of nitrogen and 100% RD of phosphorus respectively as compared to 75% RD of each nutrient.

30 ref

014279   Ramavarma S K;Unnikrishnan A P;Manalil J J; Suseela I M;Narayanakutty A;Babu T D;Raghavamenon A C (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar P O, Thrissur-680 555) : Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Uvaria narum seed oil (UNSO). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 107-12.

Uvaria narum (Annonaceae) is a herbal plant used in rheumatism, jaundice, biliousness and fevers. The root bark yields an essential oil which used in Indian traditional medicine for erysipelas, eczema, fever, biliousness and rheumatism. In the present investigation, the seed oil of Uvaria narum (UNSO) was tested for its antiproliferative and antioxidant activities in vitro. The antioxidant activities of UNSO were evaluated by using DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant assay and AAPH-induced RBC hemolysis assay. Profound antioxidant activity was shown by UNSO in scavenging stable free radicals of super oxide, 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals and 50% inhibition obtained with concentrations of 95, 101and 87.5 μg/ml, respectively. AAPH induced hemolysis was inhibited with an IC₅₀ 98.5 μg/ml. It was detected that UNSO possessed moderate FRAP values with EC₅₀ 45 jug/ml. The antiproliferative activity against different cancer cell lines was performed using MTT assay. Concentration for 50% loss in viability for Vero, HCT-15 and HepG2 cells were 48.05, 40.0 and 50.30 μg/ml, respectively. In the case of HeLa cell, 50% viability is attained at the concentration of 100 μg/ ml. The UNSO could be a new candidate for future research in cancer prevention and chemotherapy.

4 illus, 16 ref

014278   Rahaman S M;Dey K;Chakraborti T;Chakraborti S (Biochemistry and Biophysics Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sajalchakraborti11@gmail.com) : Angiotensin II inhibits Na<. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 119-24.

Role of angiotensin II in regulating Na^{+/K+-ATPase activity has been investigated in bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (BPASMCs). Our study reveals that angiotensin II inhibits the Na+/K+ATPase activity via glutathionylation of the pump with the involvement of an increase in NADPH oxidase-derived O₂.-. Additionally, angiotensin II treatment to the cells increases the inhibitory potency of the 15.6 kDa inhibitor towards the Na+/K+ATPase activity.}

4 illus, 27 ref

014277   Pundlik M A;Doley S;Tumlam U M;Awandkar S P; Kesharkar J A;Tembhurne P A;Gohain S;Ingle V C (Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Biotechnology Dep, Nagpur Veterinary College, MAFSU, Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Email: vkingle@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of multi-antibiotic-resistant E. coli from diarrhoeic companion dogs. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2015, 11(1), 14-16.

A study was undertaken to investigate the virulence potential and antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli isolated from diarrheic companion dogs. The haemolysin production was recorded in 85.71% isolates while 92.85% isolates were shown to possess CR binding ability. Both these characteristics were recorded in 85.71% isolates. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test revealed multiple antibiotic resistances developed in these isolates. The results alarm the potential public health hazards of E. coli from companion dogs.

1 table, 12 ref

014276   Poornima D (Biotechnology Dep, Univ College of Science, Tumkurd Univ, Tumkur-572 101, Email: littlegirish@hotmail.com ) : Phytochemical study of leaf calli of Quisqualis indica Linn.. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 153-4.

Leaves of Quisqualis indica Linn. (Family : Combretaceae) is commonly known as Rangoon creeper, has many medicinal properties and used in traditional and modern medicines. The powdered leaf calli was studied for examination of morphological and microscopic characters and phytochemical test. The studies revealed that the leaf calli on WPM supplemented with (0.5 - 2.0 mg/1) resulted nodular friable proliferative callus. The crude petroleum ether extract of leaf calli showed the presence of proteins and polyphenols.

12 ref

014275   Poornima D (Biotechnology Dep, Univ College of Science, Tumkur Univ, Tumkur-572 101, Email: littlegirish@hotmail.com) : Acclimatization of in vitro regenerated Tristellateia australis gaertn. -A woody exotic ornamental climber for parks and amenity areas. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 149-50.

Woody ornamentals have the advantage of being perennial and become popular choice for landscaping. An attempt has been made to develop protocol for rapid clonal propagation of Tristellateia australis Gaertn. using nodal segments. Multiple shoots induced on axillary meristems could induce roots on root inducing medium. The regenerated shoots were hardened using Peat + Coarse soil + 1.0% Sucrose + Vi MS results in maximum number of survival of plants.

1 illus, 5 ref

014274   Patel S;Tiwari S;Mishra N K;Pisalkar P S; Khokhar D (Agricultural Processing & Food Engineering Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: patels47@rediffmail.com) : Indigenous processing of Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) for the extraction of starch in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(3), 213-20.

Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., commonly known as Tikhur in Hindi, occurs widely in many parts of India. It is traditionally recognized as medicinal plant and also contains starch in its rhizomes. In some forest tubers, extraction of starch is simple; whereas this is not always so with other tuber starches. An exhaustive survey was conducted in Baster region of Chhattisgarh to explore the traditional practice of extraction of starch from Tikhur rhizomes being followed by the tribals/ forest dwellers and to document the same. Information was documented by Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) technique followed by live demonstration of the actual methodology. The paper discusses, various unit operations essential in the extraction of starch from Tikhur rhizomes. Efforts have also been made to record the traditional knowledge of ethnic people in relation to Tikhur starch preparation with due justification and practical implications. The purpose of the investigation was also to provide protection to the knowledge of forest dwellers and document it before it is lost under the onslaught of development process. The knowledge would help researchers, scientists and development workers in adding value to the indigenous knowledge for sustainable development.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

014273   Pal M;Gebrezgabher W;Samajpati N;Manna A K (Microbiology Dep, Immunology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agric, P.B.No. 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopa, Email: palmahendra2@gmail.com) : Growing role of non-candida albicans Candida species in clinical disorders of humans and animals. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 41-8.

During the last two decades, fungi have been recognized as an important cause of serious infections with increased frequency. Among the fungi, Candida species are opportunistic agent, which are occurring as normal inhabitants of the digestive tract, oral cavity, and vagina of humans, and domestic animals. Twenty years ago, C. albicans represented 80% of Candida species recovered from patients with oral and systemic candidiasis. Although C, albicans continues to be the most frequently isolated species, the number of infections caused by non-Cartdida albicans Candida species (NCAC) such as Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, Candida lusitaniae, Candida kefyr, Candida famata, and Candida rugosa have increased significantly over the last two decades. NCAC species accounted for 10%--40% of all systemic candidiasis from 1970 to 1990, and this proportion reached 35%-65% in the last two decades. This is mainly associated with the advanced diagnostic methods, the introduction and widespread use of better medical practices, the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, an increase in the number of invasive surgical procedures, the emergence of HIV and AIDS. Even though there is significant geographic variation in the frequency of NCAC species, C, glabrata remains the most common NCAC species, and C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei are also frequently isolated in most regions of the world. More studies are warranted to determine the clinical significance of NCAC in humans as well as in various species of animals.

1 table, 42 ref

014272   Nongkhlaw R M W;Joshi S R (Microbiology Laboratory, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: srjoshi2006@yahoo.co.in) : L-Asparaginase and antioxidant activity of endophytic bacteria associated with ethnomedicinal plants. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 59-64.

Present investigation was aimed at assessing production of L-asparaginase by endophytic bacteria, associated with ethnomedicinal plants of North-east India, keeping in view their relevance as anticancer agents. In recent years, microbial asparaginases have drawn particular interest because of their potential antineoplastic properties and significant application in food industries. Among the endophytes, Serratia marcescens cenA, Bacillus subtilis cenB, B. methylotrophicus PotA and B. siamensis C53 produced significant level of L-asparaginase. Their enzyme activity was determined at different incubation periods and the maximum L-asparaginase activity was noted in the culture filtrate of endophytic S. marcescens cenA (0.8579 IU.mL^{-1), followed by B. methylotrophicus PotA (0.8379 IU.mL-1) at 96 h. The study also revealed that endophytic bacteria had good antioxidant properties, with S. marcescens cenA showing the highest activity (IC₅₀=17±0.013 mg.mL-1).}

4 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

014271   Nagdev K J;Kashyap R S;Bhullar S S;Purohit H J;Taori G M;Daginawala H F (Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Central India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur-440 010, Email: raj_ciims@rediffmail.com) : Comparision of real-time PCR and conventional PCR assay using IS6110 region of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for efficient diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 94-100.

Present study was aimed at evaluating the role of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and comparison of its performance with the in-house conventional PCR (C-PCR) assay. A RT-PCR assay using SYBR green methodology and C-PCR targeting a segment of the gene for mycobacterial IS6110 region were evaluated in 109 clinical samples consisting of 59 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and 50 sputum samples for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). When compared with the findings of clinical observations, the sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR in detecting TBM was 87.5 and 88.5%, respectively and that of C-PCR assay was 79.1 and 88.5%, respectively in the same set of CSF samples. For detecting PTB, sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR was 91.7 and 84.6% and C-PCR assays was 77 and 92.8%, respectively in sputum samples. The overall accuracy of the RT-PCR assay was higher compared with that of the C-PCR assay. Additionally, the RT-PCR has the advantage of a short experimental time, low risk of sample contamination, and offers the possibility to quantify bacterial load, making it a powerful tool for the rapid diagnosis of TBM and PTB.

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014270   Murali V P;Kuttan G (Amala Cancer Research Centre (Recognized Centre, Univ of Calicut), Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Protective effect of Curculigo orchiodes gaertn against cyclophosphamide induced urotoxicity. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 45-51.

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Family: Amaryllydaceae) is a well known medicinal plant with immunomodulatory and rejuvenating effects. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an alkylating agent widely used for treating a variety of human malignancies, but associated with different toxicities too. Present study is designed to analyse the ameliorative effect of the methanolic extract of C. orchioides on the urotoxicity induced by CPA. Male Swiss albino mice were administered with a single dose of CPA (1.5 mmol/kg b. wt.) to induce urotoxicity after 5 days of prophylactic treatment with C. orchioides extract (20 mg/kg b.wt). Mesna (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) was used as a control drug. Serum and urine levels of urea and creatinine were checked and the plant extract was found to be effective in ameliorating the urotoxic side effects of CPA. C. orchioides was found to be effective against the CPA-induced bladder toxicities by its antioxidant and antiinflammatory capability.

4 tables, 22 ref

014269   Mulik M B;Laddha K S (Medicinal Natural Products Research Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Science, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga (East), Mumbai-400 019, Email: mandarmulik@yahoo.com) : Isolation, characterization and quantification of bioactive dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan (-)-cubebin from fruits of Piper cubeba L.f.. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(3), 189-93.

The fruits of Piper cubeba L.f. have significance in traditional medicine (Ayurveda) and reports say that its activity is due to major lignan (-)-cubebin, which is a bioactive dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan and possess analgesic, anti-histaminic, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Column chromatography is mostly used for the isolation of lignans from plant sources which is laborous and time consuming process. Therefore, the purpose of this research work is to develop simple and convenient method for isolation of (-)-cubebin from fruits of P cubeba L.f. The isolated compound was characterised by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV/visible spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analysis (NMR). Further high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify (-)-cubebin in chloroform extract of the fruits.

2 illus, 21 ref

014268   Michalska M;Kozakiewicz M;Bodek A;Bodek K H (Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Dep, Medical Univ of Lodz, 90-151, Poland, Email: kazimiera.bodek@umed.lodz.pl) : Estimation of the use of fibrin and collagen membranes as carriers for platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in the presence of amoxicillin. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 196-202.

Effect of homogeneous fibrin (Fb), collagen (Coll) and composite fibrin-heparin (Fb-Hp), fibrin-collagen (Fb-Coll) membranes on in vitro release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) was evaluated in the presence or absence of amoxicillin using of the ELISA immunoassay test. Amoxicillin concentration was determined spectrophotometrically at 272 nm. The process of the PDGF-BB growth factor and amoxicillin release from the studied membranes was of a two-phase nature in the majority of the systems analysed. The PDGF-BB was released in the highest amount from the Coll membrane (M7) without the presence of amoxicillin - 546.2 ±7.47 pg, t_0.5 = 0.88 h and 202.5 ± 6.83 pg, t_0.5 = 26.65 h during the first phase and second phase, respectively. The lowest PDGF-BB release was observed from composite M4 (Fb-Hp) membrane - 5.88 ± 0.81 pg, t_0.5 = 1.69 h; and 110.2 ± 6.48 pg, t_0.5 = 855.6 h during first and second phase respectively. An optimal release of amoxicillin was observed in the case of the composite M6 (Fb-Coll) membrane - only in the second phase: 64.2 ± 7.8 μg, t_0.5 = 83.5 h. The lowest and delayed amoxicillin release was achieved for M4 membrane (approx. 17.1 ± 1.12 μg, t_0.5 = 46.5 h). The results of the PDGF-BB release and amoxicillin from membranes indicated a correlation between the level of release and composition of the film. Our results suggested that fibrin and collagen membranes may be beneficial to enhance periodontal bone regeneration.

2 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

014267   Miao X;Wu X;Shi W (Neurosurgery Dep, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong Univ, No 256 Friend West Road, Xi'an City, Shanxi Province-710 068) : Unbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in neurological disorders: a clinical study. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 140-6.

Authors investigated the intrathecally administrated unbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) by lumbar puncture and assessed the technical difficulties and effects in various neurological conditions. One hundred patients underwent subarachnoid placement of UC-MSCs between December 2006 and May 2010 in the Affiliated Hospital of Medicine. Technical difficulties in patients in the form of localization of subarachnoid space, number of attempts, and post-procedural complications were evaluated. Functional evaluation was done using Hauser Ambulation Index (HAI) by the stem cell transplant team on a regular basis. All patients were followed-up for more than 1 yr after the treatment. Clinical symptoms, related biochemical index and photographic examinations were observed regularly. We encountered technical difficulties in 31 patients (31%) in the form of general anesthesia supplementation and difficulty localizing the lumbar space. Side effects (headache, low-grade fever, low back pain and lower limb pain) were observed in 22 (22%) patients, which were treated with symptomatic therapy within 48 h. One year after the treatment, functional indices improved in 47 patients (47%): 12 patients with spinal cord injury, 11 patients with cerebral palsy, 9 patients with post-traumatic brain syndrome, 9 patients with post-brain infarction syndrome, 3 patients with spinocerebellar ataxias, and 3 patients with motor neuron disease. In conclusion,intrathecal administration of UC-MSCs is a safe and effective way to treat neurological disorders. Our encouraging results of intrathecal administration of UC-MSCs indicate the potential of restoration of lost tissue and improvement of function in patients with profound neurological defects and inefficient conventional cure. These data support expanded double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for this treatment modality.

1 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

014266   Menon S;Lawrence L;Syamily P S;Sivaram V P; Padikkala J (NO, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Hepatoprotective effect of Annona muricata Linn. fruit pulp and estimation of its total phenol and flavonoid contents. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 116-23.

In the current investigation, Annona muricata Linn. fruit pulp was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated for 15 days with A muricata fruit pulp at low (1 g/kg b.wt) and high doses (2 g/kg b.wt). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as the standard drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using paracetamol in a single oral administration of 1.5 g/kg b wt dosage on 15th day. SGOT, SGPT and ALP were elevated in the untreated control group, but were found to be significantly reduced in the pretreated groups in a dose dependent manner. Paracetamol administration produced significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, albumin and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters like SOD, GSH, GPx and catalase in the untreated control. But with the administration of Annona fruit pulp, the level of antioxidant parameters were near normalcy, even after paracetamol administration. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in untreated control, while the treated group exhibited resistance to lipid peroxidation, as evident from lower levels of MDA generation in the assay. Histopathological examination also revealed considerable tissue damage in the control group, which was not devastating in the pre-treated groups. In phytochemical analysis, each gram of A. muricata fruit pulp showed the presence of flavonoids (0.837 ±0.011 mg equivalent of quercetin) and phenols (0.179 ± 0.003 mg equivalent of gallic acid).

2 illus, 25 ref

014265   Menon K D;Babu T D (NO, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Preliminary phytochemical analysis and sub-acute toxicity studies of Apodytes dimidiata methanolic leaf extract (AMF). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 124-32.

Apodytes dimidiata reported to possesses various biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatoy and anti-tumour. The aim of the present work was to screen the metabolites present in active methanolic extract (AMF) of Apodytes dimidiata qualitatively by phytochemical tests and quantitatively by GC-MS analysis. The sub-acute toxicity of AMF was analysed on BALB/c mice. The preliminary phytochemical screening of AMF revealed the presence of important phytoconstituents like saponons, terpenes, carbohydrates, tannins and flavonoids. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 76 constituents and the major components identified were n-hexadecanoic acid (38.33%), 7-tetradecenal, (Z)-(9.76%) and octadecanoic acid (6.88%). Moreover, in sub-acute toxicity studies, the animals that were treated with AMF (up to 500 mg/kg b wt) did not manifest any significant clinical or macroscopic signs of toxicity.

2 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

014264   Mann S;Satpathy G;Gupta R K (Univ School of Biotechnology, GGS Indraprastha Univ, Dwarka-110 078, New Delhi6erkg67ap@yahoo.com) : In vitro evaluation of bio-protective properties of underutilized Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don fruit of Meghalaya. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(3), 183-8.

Oxidative stress causes an imbalance between systemic manifestation of reactive free radicals and biological systems' ability to detoxify reactive intermediates, thus causing damage to all components of cells. Natural polyphenols with promising antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities can counter oxidative damage in cells. The present study focuses on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer activity of the MeOH extract of fresh soh-phie (Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) fruits and their relation to phytoconstituents in vitro. The levels of phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol compounds were found to be 26.21±0.1 GAE μg/mg dry extract, 38.00±0.5 RE μg/mg dry extract and 122.75±0.1 RE μg/mg dry extract, respectively. MeOH extract showed DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate) and ABTS (1,2,2'-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner with maximum inhibition of 91.91±0.2% and 82.57±2.9%, respectively. GC/MS screening revealed the presence of 4H-Pyran-4-one, pentadecanoic acid, 2-furancarboxaldehyde, phytol and hexadecanoic acid which may be responsible for its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. LC-MS data also reveals presence of ferulic and gallic acid, which may have a significant role towards its anticancer activity. The data suggest that the MeOH extract of Soh-phie fruits has potential to be used as a source of natural antioxidants and preservative in the food industry.

3 tables, 30 ref