014263   Manikonda P;Puthankalam S K;Masarapu H;Pothur S (Virology Dep, Sri Venkateshwara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Development of duplex RT-PCR for detection of Konjac mosaic virus and spathiphyllum chlorotic vein banding virus in taro and peace lily. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 120-2.

Konjac mosaic virus (KoMV) and Spathiphyllum chlorotic vein banding virus (SCVbV) infecting aroids in Andhra Pradesh, India have recently been reported as distinct potyviruses. Primers were designed based on their partial genome sequence (GenBank A/C EU979524, GQ421462) to detect above viruses by duplex-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (duplex RT-PCR). Using this method, the two viruses were individually detected in limited number of filed/nursery collected Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Spathiphyllum spp. (peace lily). No co-infections with two viruses were traced among the screened samples. However, they were simultaneously detected in the simulated leaf samples of taro and peace lily (1:1, w/w).

^ssc4 illus, 17 ref

014262   Liu X;Ma T;Wang H;Sheng Z;Dou X;Wang K;Li Z; Pan Z;Chang G;Chen G (NO, Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu-225 125, China) : Up-regulation NLRC5 and NF-kB signaling pathway in carrier chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar pullorum at different persistence periods. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 132-9.

The immune performance, SNPs and expression levels of candidate genes (IL1-β, Nramp1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and NLRC5) were analyzed in carrier chickens of a Chinese indigenous breed infected with Salmonella enterica Serovar Pullorum at different persistence periods (12, 19 and 24 weeks of age). Carrier birds at 19 weeks of age presented significant difference in most immune parameters, as compared to carriers at 12 and 24 weeks of age, while no significant difference in most immune parameters was observed between carriers at 12 and 24 weeks of age. The genotype distributions of IL1-β and TLR4 presented significant differences between carriers and healthy birds. The expression levels of most candidate genes in carriers at 19 weeks of age were significantly higher than that in carriers at 12, 24 weeks of age and healthy birds and reached 1% level of significance between carriers at 19 weeks of age and healthy birds. The expression patterns of all genes, but IL-1β and NLRC5 between carriers at 12 and 24 weeks of age in all tissues were similar. Compared with carriers at 12 weeks of age, IL1-β was significantly down-regulated, but NLRC5 was significantly up-regulated in carriers at 24 weeks of age. Our study demonstrated that immune performance of carrier birds was severely impaired at age of sexual maturation and NLRC5 might play as a negative mediator of NF-κB pathway involved in immune response to asymptomatic infection by S. Pullorum. The TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway might be suitable for study on S. Pullorum infection in Chinese indigenous breeds.

1 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

014261   Liju V B;Jeena K;Kuttan R (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 55) : Effect of turmeric essential oil on growth of Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin production and toxicity. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 32-8.

Aflatoxins are one of the most potent toxic substances that occur naturally produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin poisoning is reported from all parts of world in human and almost all domestic and non-domestic animals. Present study describes the role of turmeric essential oil on aflatoxin Bl production and growth of A. flavus. Turmeric essential oil (TEO) significantly inhibited the growth and dry weight of A. flavus in a concentration dependent manner. TLC analysis showed the presence of different type aflatoxin in control sample and there was a significant decrease in TEO treated sample. TEO inhibited the aflatoxin production by 95.19% as well as the concentration needed for 50% inhibition of aflatoxin production was found to be 0.7 μg/ml. Administration of TEO significantly reduced the AFB1 induced toxicity. The result indicated that TEO showed a significant inhibition of aflatoxin production, growth of A. flavus and toxicity in a concentration dependent manner.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

014260   Lee J;Weon J B;Bo Ra Y;Eom M R;Ma C J (Medical Biomaterials Engineering Dep, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National Univ, Chuncheon-200 71, Korea, Email: cjma@kangwon.ac.kr) : Simultaneous determination three phytosterol compounds, campesterol, stigmasterol and daucosterol in Artemisia apiacea by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array ultraviolet/visible detector. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 297-303.

The analytes were separated on a Shiseido C₁₈ column (5 μm, 4.6 mm I.D. x 250 mm) with gradient elution of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelengths were set at 205 and 254 nm. Validation of the method was performed to demonstrate its linearity, precision and accuracy. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R^{2 <62> 0.9994). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were within the ranges 0.55-7.07 μg/mL and 1.67-21.44 μg/mL, respectively. And, the relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were <60>2.93%. The recoveries were found to be in the range of 90.03-104.91%. The developed method has been successfully applied to the analysis for quality control of campesterol, stigmasterol and daucosterol in A. apiacea.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

014259   Lawrence L;Menon S;Sivaram V P;Padikkala J (NO, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar P O, Thrissur-680 555) : Induction of morphogenic callus and plantlet regeneration of Gmelina arborea Linn. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 39-44.

Gmelina arborea Linn, is a medicinally important tree widely used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat a number of diseases and the wood of the plant is used in furniture industry. As a result, the uprooting of the plant is increasing. Therefore, the study was aimed to induce callus regeneration from different explants and propagation of in vitro plantlets to find an alternative source which can meet the demanding need for seedlings. Explants were sterilized by using 0.1% mercuric chloride and cultured on Murashige Skoog's (MS) medium with 3% sucrose and 0.75% agar for induction of callus and indirect organogenesis by differential application of growth regulators such as BA, IAA and IBA. Induced callus was immediately transferred to MS medium containing different concentrations of phytohormones for shoot and root induction. Maximum generation of callus was obtained from a combination of 1 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L IBA from internodal explants. Highest shootlet number (4.83 ± 0.17) were observed on media fortified with BA 6 mg/L. Concerted efforts of BA 0.5 mg/L and IBA 2 mg/L showed callus with highest root number (6.77 ± 0.94). In vitro raised shoots developed roots and 1 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L IBA was found capable to induce maximum rootlet number (10.0 ± 9.82). The results demonstrated that the internodal explants were the best source for callus induction and the callus generated was suitable for indirect plantlet regeneration.

4 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

014258   Lahoti K S (NO, , 10, Indira Devi Town, Near Middle Ring Road, Wathoda Road, Nandanvan, Nagpur-440 009, Email: dentistksl@rediffmail.com) : Effect of various chemical agents used in gingival retraction systems on smear layer: scanning electron microscope study. Contemp clin Dent 2016, 7(1), 27-30.

Chemical agents used for gingival retraction affects the smear layer. To determine the effect of three different chemical agents used for gingival retraction systems on smear layer. Four human premolars were prepared using air-rotor with air-water spray to receive full crown restoration. Three of them were treated with 21.3% aluminum chloride for 10 min, 0.05% oxymetazoline hydrochloride for 10 min, and expasyl for 2 min, respectively. One sample was left untreated. Then, the tooth specimens were rinsed with tap water to remove any residue of test materials. All the samples (treated and untreated) were processed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Processed samples were examined under SEM at x 2400 to evaluate the effect of chemical agents on smear layer. SEM examination revealed that 0.05% oxymetazoline hydrochloride for 10 min produced no alteration to smear layer followed by minimum alteration by expasyl for 2 min and complete removal of smear layer with etching of dentin with 21.3% aluminum chloride for 10 min. 0.05% oxymetazoline hydrochloride and expasyl are kind to smear layer.

5 illus, 19 ref

014257   Krishnamurthy S L;Prashanth Y;Rao A M;Reddy K M;Ramachandra R (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: krishnagene@gmail.com) : Assessment of AFLP marker based genetic diversity in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.& C. caccatum L.). Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 49-54.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a leading spice cum vegetable crop grown commercially in India. Selection of parents is one of the important steps in hybrid breeding programme. The efficiency of hybrid breeding programme could be increased if the inbred lines per se could be screened for genetic diversity using molecular markers. The present study was conducted to assess the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker based diversity in 59 (3 C. baccatum L. and 56 C. annuum) chilli genotypes during 2009 at University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore. The 8 AFLP primer combinations generated a total of 414 amplicons, of which 389 were polymorphic with an average of 48.62 bands. The primer combination, EcoRI+AGC and Msel+GCT was found to amplify a highest number of 81 scorable bands with 97.53 per cent polymorphic bands. The PIC (polymorphic information content) values ranged from 0.84 to 0.97 with a mean of 0.93. All C. baccatum species (PBC 1752, PBC 80 and susceptible baccutum) were grouped in cluster I and other 56 chilli genotypes (C. annuum) were grouped in nine different clusters. The variation range of genetic similarity (GS) coefficients in two groups differed only slightly, where the values varied from 0.19 to 0.85 in Taiwan and from 0.24 to 0.90 in Indian genotypes. This indicates potentially identical diversity in Indian and Taiwan chilli gene pools. Considering the high polymorphism and data frequency revealed by AFLP markers, the technique is recommended for chilli genetic studies and for the identification of chilli genotypes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

014256   Kowsalya R;Sankaranarayanan S;Uma A;Cameotra S S (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Univ, Maduravoyal, Chennai-600 095, Email: kowsalyapurushothaman@gmail.com) : Effect of different culture conditions of the production of laccase from basidiomycetes fungal isolate Pleurotus ostreatus VPM - 1 under solid state fermentation. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 629-34.

Production of laccase by Pleurotus ostreatus was studied on solid state fermentation. Culture parameters such as type and concentration of substrate, pH, moisture, and temperature were optimized in solid state fermentation. Substrates such as coconut coir, paddy straw, rice bran, wheat bran, and sugarcane bagasse were tested to assess their suitability to produce maximum yield of laccase. pH ranges tested varied from 4 to 8. Moisture (%) tested varied from 40% to 80%. Temperatures at which the laccase yield was tested were 30°C to 70°C. The maximum laccase yield of 270.4 U/mL was obtained in rice bran as substrate With 70% moisture content, pH 6.0, and temperature 40°C. Pleurotus ostreatus is a potential producer of laccase enzyme using solid state fermentation and can be exploited for further biotechnological applications. This optimized methodology in this study offers scope for economic utilization and value addition of agro -residues.

2 tables, 28 ref

014255   Kishore K;Patnaik S;Shukla A K (NO, Directorate of Research on Women in Agriculture (DRWA), Baramunda, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: kkhort12@gmail.com) : Optimization of method to alleviate in vitro shoot tip necrosis in Trichosanthes dioica roxb.. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 107-11.

Shoot tip necrosis (STN) has been observed to be the major limiting factor for in vitro regeneration of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. The intensity of necrosis at shoot multiplication stage was relatively higher (82%) when compared with rooting stage (64%). The necrosis appeared with the yellowing of apical leaves after 1 wk of first subculture (14 d) and progressively increased resulting in leaf burn and death of more than 80% of cultures within 5 wk. Among various methods, viz., subculture intervals, manipulation in media salt strength, levels of plant growth regulators, sucrose, calcium and boron, tested to control STN, only calcium significantly alleviated the intensity of necrosis. Transfer of affected cultures to Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.68 mM calcium chloride reduced the STN intensity by about 90% both at shoot multiplication and rooting stages. Additionally, calcium supplemented medium gave maximum multiplication index and axial and lateral shoot length. Apart from calcium, subculture interval and boron also reduced the incidence of STN though at low level. Subculture at 1 wk interval had 52% STN incidence compared to those subcultured at 2 wk (85%) and 3 wk intervals (100%), whereas boron (0.64 μM) could reduce the incidence up to 24%.

5 illus, 14 ref

014254   Kim J S;Ahn J D;Suin C (Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College of London, London, UK, Email: sicho@pusan.ac.kr) : Effects of valerianae radix et rhizoma extract on psychological stress in mice. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 381-8.

Mice were put under PS with communication box method: Restraining mice and forcing to see other mice underfoot shock stress. Measurements on plasma corticosterone, noradrenaline and lipid peroxidation, and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests were carried out to determine the effect of VRe administration on physiological and behavioral responses of mice. VRe showed anxiolytic effects in plasma corticosterone, noradrenaline, and EPM transfer latency levels, but it did not show any significant effects on the other indicators. V. fauriei, which has been used as a natural anxiolytic drug, exerts positive effects in the communication box induced PS in mice.

9 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

014253   Kaushik M S;Mishra A K (Laboratory of Microbial Genetics, Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: akmishraau@rediffmail.com) : Iron induced modifications in physiological attributes and SDF-PAGE of whole cell proteins pattern of Anabaena PCC 7120 and its derivative ntcA mutant. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 87-93.

Influence of the various levels of iron (0-500 μM) on Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and its derivative CSE2 mutant impaired in ntcA gene have been investigated to determine the requirement of specific concentration of iron for the regulation of photosynthetic pigments, cellular constituents, heterocyst spacing pattern, enzyme activities and SDS-PAGE of whole cell protein profiling. Iron at lower concentrations (≤ 50 μM) causes increase in chlorophyll a, carotenoid, phycocyanin, carbohydrate, protein, nitrogenase, nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in wild type as well as in mutant strain (except nitrogenase and nitrate reductase activities), while higher concentrations (<62>50 μM) were toxic and cause significant reductions in these physiological attributes. Nitrogenase and nitrate reductase activity were found absent in ntcA mutant. Further, 50 μM iron concentration also supported the maximum heterocyst frequency with changed heterocyst spacing pattern in wild type, whereas no visible sign of heterocyst development was observed in mutant strain. SDS-PAGE of whole cell protein revealed the occurrence of maximum number of bands at 50 μM iron concentration in both wild type and mutant strain. Results suggested that 50 μM of iron concentration was the specific concentration (critical concentration) that supported optimal physiological and biochemical activities in Anabaena 7120 and its mutant strain CSE2 (ntcA).

5 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

014252   Kalra S;Upadhyay A;Niwas R;Gopal M (Agricultural Chemicals Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: madhubangopal@gmail.com) : Degradation of pesticides in water by photo fenton reaction. Pesticide Res J 2015, 27(2), 146-54.

Usage of pesticides in plant protection and public health results in pesticide contamination of ground and surface waters. To protect the quality of drinking and surface waters, chemical oxidation is a treatment option. Recoveries of sixteen pesticides of six different groups from spiked (20-800 μg pesticide amounting to 0.2-8.0 ppm in water) samples of water varied from 75 to 99.8%. Generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH<35>) in situ by reacting ferrous sulphate with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of UV radiation (photo-Fenton reaction) could degrade herbicides and organophosphorus pesticides from 92 to 100%. Persistent chlorpyrifos insecticide could be degraded up to 92.6%. GC/MS analysis exhibited that the peaks due to atrazine, pendimethalin and metribuzin herbicides disappeared after the treatment of contaminated water. Organochlorines (OCs) could be degraded up to 60-70%, and degradation of synthetic pyrethroids varied. Neonicotinoids analysis by HPLC proved that imidacloprid and thiacloprid could be degraded over 85%. The results hold potential for reducing the amount of multiple pesticides in water.

5 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

014251   Joshi V;Tiwari K L;Jadhav S K (School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur-492 010) : In vitro propagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) murray using semisolid and liquid medium. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 112-16.

Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray (Family: Asteraceae) is a multifunctional medicinal plant, which is a major source of alkamides including spilanthol reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities. Therefore, an efficient in vitro propagation protocol is requisite for conserving and meeting the ever increasing industrial demands of this plant. The present study investigates the effect of agar concentration and liquid medium on in vitro proliferation of S. acmella. Nodal segments of a healthy plant; were surface sterilized and inoculated on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BA (benzylaminopurine). Maximum bud break was observed in MS containing 0.5 mg/L BA. Maximum multiple shoots (6.20±0.45) with good mean shoot length (8.01±0.87 cm) was observed in liquid MS with 1 mg/L Kn (kinetin) in comparison with the semi solid medium. The regenerated shoots showed rooting without addition of any auxins but rooted best in MS medium containing 1 mg/L IBA and successfully hardened to ex vitro conditions using cocopeat irrigated with 1/2 MS, followed by transfer to soil with 100% survival.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

014250   Jeena K;Liju V B;Kuttan R (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur-680 555) : Anti-tumor activity of ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 69-74.

In the present study, the cytotoxicty of ginger essential oil (GEO) towards Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell lines were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method, In vitro cytotoxicity of GEO to L929 cells in culture was checked by MTT assay. The antitumor activity of GEO was determined by using DLA cell line induced solid tumor and EAC cell line induced ascites tumor models in mice and its comparison with standard anticancer drug cyclophosphamide. GEO showed potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against DLA and EAC cell lines. IC₅₀ value for DLA cell line was 11 μg/ ml and for EAC cell lines 18 μg/ml. The IC₅₀ of GEO was found to be 41 μg/ml against the L929 cell lines and to Vero cells was found to be <62>100 ug/ml. The treatment with GEO (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the volume of solid tumor development by 54.4% and 62.4%, respectively. The life span was increased up to 50% in 1000 mg/kg b.wt GEO treated ascites tumor induced animals. This indicates the significant in vitro cytotoxic and antitumor properties of GEO suggesting its potential use as an anticancer agent.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

014249   Jain A;Sharma N S;Agrawal R K;Arora A K (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, School of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal S, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004, Email: ankitjain271@gmail.com) : Expression, purification and immunological characterization of Omp25 gene of Indian field isolate of Brucella abortus. Indian vet J 2015, 92(10), 37-40.

Present study was aimed to express and purify recombinant outer membrane protein 25 (Omp25) from Indian field isolate of Brucella abortus and to characterize it immunologically. The Omp25 protein is highly immunogenic in nature. The methods standardized in the present study may be followed for bulk production of recombinant Omp25 which can be utilized in the development of indigenous sero-diagnostics like ELISA and safer subunit vaccines against Brucella abortus in near future.

5 tables, 8 ref

014248   Irabanta Singh N;Khumanthem N (Centre of Advanced Studies in Life Sciences, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Manipur-795 003) : Screening of cyanobacteria from the soil of paddy field for biotechnological applications. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 55-8.

Cyanobacteria gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology, Cyanobacteria gained much attention as a rich source of bioactive com-pounds and considered as of the most promising groups of organisms. They produce metabolites with diverse biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antiplasmodial, algicide and immunosuppressive are obtained. Soil Cyanobacteria isolated from the rice paddy fields of different topographical locations across Manipur were evaluated by agar plate diffusion test for antifungal activity. Aqueous, petroleum and methanol extracts from cyanobacterial strains were examined for antifungal properties against three, phytopatho-logical fungi causing disease in rice. Of total Cyanobacteria isolated twenty Cyanobacteria exhibited antifungal effects. The high inhibition of the pathogens was shown by methanol extracts.

2 tables, 24 ref

014247   Hashemnia S;Mokhtari Z;Tashkhourian J; Movahedi A A M (NO, Persian Gulf Univ, Bushehr-75169, Email: _shashemnia@pgu.ac.ir) : Effect of covalent attachment of neomycin on conformational and aggregation properties of catalase. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 189-95.

Carboxylic groups of glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues of catalase (CAT) were chemically modified using the treatment of the enzyme with 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylamino) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and neomycin. The effect of covalent attachment of neomycin on the enzymatic activity, conformational and aggregation properties of CAT was investigated. The modification of CAT with different concentrations of neomycin showed two different types of behavior, depending up on the concentration range of neomycin. In the concentration range from 0.0 to 5.2 mM, neomycin-modified CAT, compared to the native enzyme exhibited higher α-helix content, reduced surface hydrophobicity, little enhancement in CAT activity and a better protection against thermal aggregation, whereas at concentrations greater than 5.2 mM, the modified enzyme exhibited a significant decrease in CAT activity and an increase in random coil content which may result in disorder in the protein structure and increase in thermal aggregation. This modification is a rapid and simple approach to investigate the role of aspartate and glutamate residues in the structure, function and folding of CAT.

6 illus, 13 ref

014246   Halder J;Kodandaram M H;Rai A B;Singh B (NO, ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi-221 305, Email: jaydeep.halder@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of some newer Acaro-insecticides against yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)) and thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis hood) in chilli. Pesticide Res J 2015, 27(2), 171-4.

Field experiments conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi during 2011-14 to evaluate the efficacy of different newer molecules against yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks) and thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) infesting chilli revealed that maximum reduction in mite population was obtained in treatment with chlorfenapyr @ 1.5 mL L^{-1 (69.95%) followed by spiromesifen @ 0.6 mL L-1 (57.43%) and fipronil @ 0.35 g L-1 (57.29%). In case of thrips, maximum reduction was achieved with fipronil (75.41%) followed by spiromesifen (58.29%). Significantly higher green chilli yield (121.43 q ha-1) was obtained from chlorfenapyr treated plots followed by fipronil (110.14 q ha-1), spiromesifen (109.65 q ha-1) and fenazaquin (108.67 q ha-1) indicating superiority of these newer molecules over the conventional ones. However, the maximum cost benefit ratio was recorded in dimethoate 30 EC followed by dicofol 18.5 EC and chlorfenapyr 10 SC. Chlorfenapyr 10 SC was found to be the most effective and yielded the highest among all the treatments but showed lower C: B ratio of 1: 8.36 due to its relatively high cost.}

2 tables, 26 ref

014245   Gill K K;Aggarwal R;Goyal P (School of Climate Change & Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: kgill2002@gmail.com) : Rainfall probabilities for crop planning in Ludhiana by Markov chain analysis. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 16-20.

The rainfall data of Ludhiana fora period of 43 years covering 1970 to 2012 have been collected from School of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology to work out the wet and dry spells. The study was planned to find the rainfall variability and amount of rainfall at different probability levels for the year 1970-2012. The rainfall data was analyzed on weekly basis to work out the initial probability for rainfall at different levels i.e. <62> 5 mm, <62> 10 mm, <62> 20mm, <62> 30 mm, <62> 40 mm and > 50 mm using Markov chain model. The study results in estimation of maximum and minimum initial probability for standard meteorological week. This will be useful to analyze the rainfall distribution patterns during different season's viz. monsoon (July-September), rabi season (October- December) and kharif season (June - October). Rainfall during the pre-sowing period is pre-requisite for land preparation as well as for moisture conservation. The results will be useful for deciding the sowing time of crop/ crop variety (early sown/late sown), irrigation/fertilizer scheduling and harvesting time for different crops. In addition to this study will also be, useful for determining the runoff volume, peak runoff rate and hence can be used for designing of rainwater harvesting structures.

6 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

014244   George S;Nesheera K K;Sindu P C;Jacob J (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences (Affiliated to Kerala Univ of Heal, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Fasting osteocalcin correlates negatively with body mass index in presence and in absence of statistical positive outliers of distribution. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 182-92.

Osteocalcin, secreted by osteoblast in bone, is a marker of bone formation. Increased level is seen during increased bone formation before eighteen years of age and increased bone turnover in osteoporosis. Osteocalcin has a circadian rhythm with peak levels around 4 am (early morning) and lowest is seen in the afternoon. Osteocalcin was reported to have functions outside bone metabolism, such as energy metabolism, glycemic control, increasing insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. In this study, we have evaluated the correlation of fasting Osteocalcin with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference which are related to insulin resistance. Fasting Osteocalcin distribution was positively skewed and with number of outliers. As the sample was not normally distributed, non-parametric method, Spearman's Rho (r_s) was used to evaluate correlation. Fasting Osteocalcin was significantly and negatively correlating with BMI (P = 0.001) and had a correlation with waist circumference with borderline significance (P = 0.06). After removal of outliers, fasting osteocalcin was still not normally distributed and, therefore, correlation was analysed by Spearman's rho. It was significantly correlating with BMI (P = 0.009) but was not with waist circumference (P = 0.134). Log transformation of the fasting osteocalcin after removal of outliers converted the distribution to normal and parametric method of Pearson's correlation (r) showed a significant and negative correlation with BMI (P = 0.018) and not with waist circumference. (P = 0. 231). The negative correlation of osteocalcin with BMI is related to the reported function of osteocalcin in increasing insulin sensitivity. Increasing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes leads to obesity. Positive outliers are levels of osteocalcin above the normally distributed levels. The significant correlation in the presence and absence of outliers indicate its functional roles at normal and at increased levels.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

014243   George K G;Kuttan G (Amala Cancer Research Centre (Recognized Centre, Calicut Univ), Amala Nagar P O, Thrissur-680 555) : Effect of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC on the hematopoietic system in correlation with the reduction of lipopolysaccharide induced proinflammatory cytokine level. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 205-9.

Emilia sonchifolia, belonging to the family of Asteraceae is a traditionally used medicinal plant seen in most tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and is well known for its pharmacological properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effect of E. sonchifolia was investigated using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced in vivo inflammatory model. Administration of E. sonchifolia significantly reduced the LPS induced elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and IL-6 in mice. Alcoholic extract of E. sonchifolia was also found to significantly (p <60> 0.001) enhance the number of haematopoietic stem cells exhibiting potent regulatory effect of E. sonchifolia on the hematopoietic system.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014242   Garg P;Saharan R P;Gupta M (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: czarpankaj@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization and validation of micro-satellite markers linked with grain yield components for drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Appl biol Res 2015, 17(3), 231-41.

The present study was aimed to enhance breeding efficiency, parental genetic distance and conferring drought tolerance in wheat. Eight, diverse wheat genotypes were selected as parents, crosses attempted in a diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) and 28 F1s developed. One hundred six F2 plants taken from cross between DBW 17 (drought susceptible) and WH 1080 (drought tolerant) were evaluated. Grain yield showed significant positive correlation with effective tillers plant-1, grains spike-1, biomass plant-1 and harvest index and significant negative correlation with days to heading and days to anthesis in F2 populations indicating the feasibility of improving grain yield. A total of 42 amplicons were detected in 106 F2 plants and the number of amplicons locus-1 ranged from 1-3 with an average of 2.10 amplicons locus-1. In cross DBW 17 x WH 1080 dendrogram was constructed and genotypes got clustered into eight major groups at the similarity coefficient value of 0.56. Cluster I included drought susceptible parent DBW 17 and cluster II had tolerant drought parent WH 1080. The markers showed 3.7 and 18.0% phenotypic variation in drought condition traits viz., effective tillers plant-1 and coleoptile length, respectively. Marker Xgwm573 was found associated with days to heading and days to anthesis and Xgwm369 with 1000-grain weight, coleoptile length and chlorophyll content.

4 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

014241   Gajendiran A;Nandi D;Abraham J (Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: jayanthi.abraham@gmail.com) : Mycoadsorption of mercury isolated from mercury contaminated site. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 535-8.

Mercury pollution remains a contemporary problem. The effective removal of mercury from polluted soil or water has been possible with the help of bacteria, fungi, algae and few plants with growing application of bioremediation. Bioremediation has proved to be the most cost effective and effective method in removal of toxicity from the environment. This investigation was aimed at removal and adsorption of mercury present in soil samples collected from marine and terrestrial soil employing fungi. Different concentrations of mercury were used in the sample and the growth of microorganisms was observed. Three fungal strains were found to have a pronounced growth in mercury contaminated soil and thus were employed for this study. MIC was performed to study the fungal growth through biomass assay of fungus and various sophisticated technique have been applied to investigate the adsorption of mercury and these methods includes atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

6 ref

014240   Dutta A (NO, Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station (Government of West Bengal), Berhampore-742 101, Email: amitavapors@gmail.com) : Effect of pollination on hybrids and inbred lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). SATSA Mukhapatra 2016, 20, 177-90.

^ssc16 ref

014239   Divya P D;Mukundan S;Lawrence L;Fulzele D; Padikkala J;Babu T D (NO, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar P O, Thrissur-680 555) : Radiation induced enhancement of baicalein production in callus of Scutellaria wightiana benth and assessment of somaclonal variation by RAPD analysis. Amala Res Bull 2015, 35, 167-72.

Baicalein, a well-known anticancer agent is reported to possess in Scutellaria wightiana, a rare species seen in Western Ghats of Kerala. In the present study, in vitro callus of S. wightiana was generated and the baicalein content estimated by HPLC was 1.19%. For the enhanced production of baicalein, the callus was irradiated using 6MV-X ray at a dose of 1 Gy. The callus collected at different time intervals of 1, 3 and 6 days after irradiation was lyophilized and extracted with chloroform. The maximum production of baicalein content was estimated to be 1.66% in callus after 1 day of irradiation which was only 0.078% in untreated callus. The genetic variations in calli analyzed by RAPD analysis is found less.

4 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

014238   Dhal A;Beura S K;Palai S K (NO, , KVK, Manijanga, Jagatsinghpur-754 160) : Effect of botanicals on the management of alternaria blight of tomato in Odisha. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 323-6.

Efficacy of 9 plant products such as ginger (Gingiber officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), karanj (Pongamia pinata), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), bel (Aegel marmelos), patalgaruda (Rauwolfia serpentina) and kochila (Strychnus nuxvomica) were studied for the management of Alternaria leaf blight disease of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Field trials were conducted for three consecutive rabi season 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 in the farmers field at Tirtol (Jagatsinghpur) of Odisha with the variety Utkal Kumari (BT-10). The trial was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The row to row spacing of 60 cm and plant to plant spacing of 40 cm was adopted in plot size of 8.1 sq.m (3.0 x 2.7 m) with a fertilizer dose of 125:60:100 kg N₂:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha. Among the different treatments, two sprays of neem leaf extract (20%) at 10 days intervals after the disease appearance proved to be very effective against Alternaria solani with mean PDI of 5.5% corresponding to maximum mean tomato fruit yield of 341.8q/ha which registered 90.9% disease * reduction and 60.9% increase in fruit yield over control, The same treatment also recorded maximum cost benefit ratio of 1:21.1. Foliar spraying with Gingiber officinale, Strychnus noxvomica and Rauwolfia serpentina also found promising accounting foil 86.0%, 82.7% and 76.6% disease reduction giving rise to 53.6%, 46.8% and 39.3% increase in fruit yield with benefit cost ratio of 11.9, 15.9 and 13.2 respectively. However the control plot recorded maximum mean disease incidence of 60.6% with minimum fruit yield of 212.4 q/ha.

1 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

014237   Dhakar K;Kooliyottil R;Joshi A;Pandey A (Biotechnological Applications, G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal Almora-263 643, Email: anita@gbpihed.nic.in) : Simultaneous production of ligninolytic enzymes by a temperature and pH tolerant strain of Aspergillus niger under different cultural conditions. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 81-6.

Ligninolytic activity, represented by laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP), of a temperature arid pH tolerant strain of Aspergillus niger isolated from a temperate location in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), has been studied under different cultural (physico-chemical & nutritional) conditions. In plate assays, the fungus exhibited ligninolytic activity at wide range of temperature (5-45°C) and pH (3.5-9.5). In quantitative estimations, carried out at 15, 25 and 35°C, production of laccase was favoured by low temperature (15°), while production of LiP and MnP were favoured by higher temperatures (25 & 35°C). At optimum growth temperature (25°C), laccase production was the maximum at 7.5 pH. LiP and MnP production was favoured between 7.5 to 9.5, and 5.5 to 9.5 pH, respectively. Amongst nutritional sources, nitrogen sources were recorded as better enhancers for enzyme production, followed by vitamins and carbon sources. Folic acid (0.01%) was also found to be a good enhancer for production of all the three enzymes.

3 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

014236   Datta S;Kaashyap M;Gupta P (Biotechnology Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, Email: subhojitdattal@gmail.com) : Development of EST derived microsatellite markers in chickpea and their validation in diversity analysis. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 55-8.

Microsatellites are widely used as genetic markers because they are co-dominant, multi-allelic, easily scorable and highly polymorphic. In order to enhance availability of genomic resources, microsatellite loci were identified from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), the third most important grain legume in the world. A total of 20 SSR markers were developed from EST clones of wilt resistant cultivar (JG 315) of chickpea. Chickpea varieties (15) were analyzed for genetic diversity with these markers, which produced a total of 35 alleles with a mean of 1.5 alleles per primer. About 5 markers were polymorphic in the selected genotypes and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.12 to 0.87 with an average of 0.32. These microsatellite markers will be useful in diversity analysis, mapping agronomically important traits and marker assisted breeding in chickpea.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

014235   Dabhi B;Mistry K N;Patel H;Lal S (Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Bio, Affilated to Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 121, Gujarat) : Vascular endothelial growth factor insertion/deletion gene polymorphism in West Indian patients of type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 209-212.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent multi-functional cytokine which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of DN. In this study, we evaluated the possible association of the VEGF gene (I/D) polymorphisms with DN in type 2 diabetes patients in West Indian population. Genotyping (I/D) of the VEGF gene polymorphism was done by the polymerase chain reaction. A total of 103 patients with type 2 diabetes, 102 patients with DN, 108 patients with non-diabetic nephropathy and 143 healthy controls were genotyped. The frequency of VEGF genotype distribution and biochemical parameters like creatinine and HbA1c were compared in diabetic, diabetic nephropathy, non diabetic nephropathy and control groups. We found significant difference in creatinine level in DN and NDN groups on comparison with control group. Our study suggests that I/D polymorphism in the promoter region of the VEGF gene is not associated with DN in type 2 diabetes patients, but might have a role in development of non-diabetic nephropathy.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

014234   Chittela R K;Melzer M;Sainis J K (Molecular Damage and Repair Section, Molecular Biology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai-400 085, Email: rajanik@barc.gov.in) : Comparison of activity of OsDmc 1A recombinase of rice (Oryza sativa) in presence of Ca<. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 161-8.

Recombinases are known to play an important role in the homology search and strand exchange during meiosis as well as homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair specifically require Mg^{2+ ion for their activity. The Ca2+ has been shown to stimulate the strand exchange activity of hDmc1 and ScDmc1 by forming the extended filaments on DNA. Oryza sativa disrupted meiotic cDNA1A (OsDmc1A), a homologue of yeast and human Dmc1 from rice shows the hallmark functions of recombinase. Here, we report the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on OsDmc1A activity from rice (Oryza sativa). OsDmc1A showed a concentration-dependent binding with both single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) substrates in presence of Mg2+ or Ca2+. The ssDNA and dsDNA binding activities, as well as renaturation activity of OsDmc1A were similar in the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+. Increasing the Ca2+ or Mg2+ increased the DNA binding, renaturation and strand exchange of OsDmc1A. But, OsDmc1A showed only a slight stimulation of strand exchange activity in presence of Ca2+, when compared the activity in presence of Mg2+. Electron microscopy showed that OsDmc1A formed ring-like structures in presence of Mg2+ or Ca2+. However, OsDmc1A formed filament like structures with both ss and dsDNA in presence of Mg2+ or Ca2+. Taken together, Ca2+ did not affect OsDmc1A recombinase activity significantly.}

5 illus, 15 ref

014233   Chaturvedi P;Mukherjee S;Singh P;Srivastava K;Joseph J;Roy T;Semwar K P;Chowdhary A (NO, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Parel Mumbai-400 012, Email: pratibha.c@rediffmail.com) : Effect of homeopathic preparationa calendula on production of pheonols in Tylophora indica and Curcuma longa. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 115-19.

Present study deals with the enhancement in the production of the active compounds Kaempferol and Curcumin of Tylophora indica (Asclepeadaceae) and Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) respectively. In this study different concentrations of Jasmonic acid (5,10,15,20 μM) and diluted homeopathic medicine Calendua 30 C (1 : 20) were used to increase the production. Zenk Production media was used as basal media in all the instances. Directly plant material (leaves of Tylophora indica and rhizome of Curcuma longa) were used as explants instead of callus, which reduced the time as well expenditure. The content of both the compounds (50.98% : Kaempferol; control: 5.27% and Curcumin : 48.112% control: 9.66%) were increased significantly. The maximum increased content was obtained in cultures, induced by 15μM of Jasmonic acid and diluted Calendula 30 C (1 : 20). This study Was a new kind of study, where Homeopathic medicine was used to enhance the secondary metabolites production in tissue culture, There are many reports which reveal the use of Jasmonic acid as phytoalexin enhancer which in turn helps in defense mechanism of plant and eventually bio-enhancement in the secondry metabolites producion obtained. The study is showing the synergistic effect ofjasmonic acid and Calendula in Production of phenols in vitro.

23 ref

014232   Bose D (Biological Sciences Dep, Yobe State Univ, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria) : Comparative study on production and purification of itaconic acid by Aspergillus terreus utilizing maize flour, corn starch and waste potatoes. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 237-44.

Itaconic acid (IA) is a promising organic acid with a wide range of applications and the potential to open up new application fields in the area of polymer chemistry, pharmacy, and agriculture. In this study, a systematic process optimization was performed with an Aspergitlus terreus MTCC 479 strain. In the present study, cheapest raw materials like maize flour, waste potatoes and corn starch were used. Acid and enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out by production of amylase (enzyme activity 126 U/ml) using Aspergillus oryzae NClM 645. Itaconic acid production was 15.5 g/l from control (with pure glucose), 10.3 g/l from corn starch, 6.5 g/l from maize flour and 5.8 g/l from waste potatoes at 120 h. After purification by Solvent extraction method by using n-Butanol as solvent, Itaconic acid concentration was increased 2-3 times i.e. 40.80 g/l for control, 35.75 g/l for corn starch, 22.75 g/l for maize flour and 17.55 g/l for waste potatoes respectively using 1:3 aqueous to organic phase ratio. Therefore our present research is a comparative study for production of itaconic acid by cheap raw materials. This research also indicates the use of inexpensive method for purification contributing in reduction of the process economics.

2 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

014231   Bhatia A;Rajpal A;Madan S;Kazmi A A (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), Roorkee-247 667, Email: sonaakansha@gmail.com) : Techniques to analyze microbial diversity during composting- A mini review. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 19-25.

One of the most versatile and remunerative techniques for handling biodegradable solid wastes is composting. Composting refers to aerobic degradation of organic material and is one of the main waste treatment methods used for treating separated organic waste. Microbes play a key role as degraders during the composting-process and microbiology of composting has been studied for decades. Microorganisms participating in the self-heating phase of composting material could be characterized through cultural enumeration of microbe populations on one hand and, on the other hand, by a molecular investigation of the microbial community by restriction enzyme analyses of a clone library of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. It is well known that, with the traditional culture-based methods, only a small fraction (below 1%) of the species in a sample is normally detected. Furthermore, microbes can be mutualistic, symbiotic and parasitic and for these microbes growth conditions are hard to mimic. Use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) have substantially enhanced the charm of the independent methods. The present review reveals the lack of sensitivity and specificity of culture dependent methods and preference of culture independent approach in microbial ecology to study the microbial diversity in a complex process of solid waste composting.

^iia56 ref

014230   Bacha A B;Moubayed N M S;Abid I (Biochemistry Botany and Microbiology Dep, Science College, King Saud Univ, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia, Email: abirghanouchi@yahoo.fr) : Thermostable, alkaline and detergent-tolerant lipase from a newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus Stearothermophilus. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(2), 179-88.

Lipases are the enzymes of choice for laundry detergent industries, owing to their triglyceride removing ability from the soiled fabric, which eventually reduces the usage of phosphate-based chemical cleansers in the detergent formulation. In this study, a novel thermo-alkaline lipase-producing strain identified as Bacillus stearothermophilus was isolated from the soil samples of olive oil mill. Enhanced lipase production was observed at 55°C, pH 11 and after 48 h of incubation. Among the substrates tested, xylose (a carbon source), peptone (a nitrogen source) and olive oil at a concentration of 1% were suitable substrates for enhancing lipase production. MgSO₄ and Tween-80 were suitable substrates for maximizing lipase production. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a single CM-Sephadex column chromatography and revealed molecular mass of 67 kDa. The enzyme (BL1) was active over a wide range of pH from 9.0 to 13.0, with an optimum at pH 11.0, exhibited maximal activity at 55°C and retained more than 70% of its activity after incubation at 70°C or pH 13 for 0.5 h or 24 h, respectively. The enzyme hydrolyzed both short and long-chain triacylglycerols at comparable rates. BL1 was studied in a preliminary evaluation for use in detergent formulation solutions. This novel lipase showed extreme stability towards non-ionic and anionic surfactants after pre-incubation for 1 h at 40°C, and good stability towards oxidizing agents. Additionally, the enzyme showed excellent stability and compatibility with various commercial detergents, suggesting its potential as an additive in detergent formulations.

6 illus, 5 tables, 58 ref

014229   Arya S;Lal P;Singh P;Kumar A (NO, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Intergrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: ashokigib@rediffmail.com) : Recent advances in diagnosis of HIV and future prospects. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 9-18.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major cause of death globally. It causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) characterized by relentless destruction of human immune system. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects the CD4 presenting cells of human immune system, such as, macrophages and dendritic cells. People die of AIDS because the disease remains undetectable for a long time after the initial viral infection. Hence, a simple, accurate and economical technique is required to detect HIV in early stage of infection with high specificity and sensitivity. Presently, HIV is diagnosed by various immunological and molecular techniques, such as, ELISA, rapid tests, Western blot, indirect immunoassay, radioimmuno-precipitation, line immunoassay and nucleic acid based tests. The current methods are non-confirmatory because of certain limitations, which further requires other confirmatory tests. In recent years, research has been focused on alternative methods to improve diagnosis of HIV. HIV biosensor based on specific gene will be rapid, sensitive and specific confirmatory test and can save life of several patients. The present review highlights and updates present technologies and progress in new approaches for the diagnosis of HIV with merits and demerits of present technologies.

1 illus, 2 tables, 87 ref

014228   Annamalai P;Thayman M;Rajan S;Raman L S; Ramasubbu S;Perumal P (Biotechnology Dep, Periyar Univ, Karuppur, Salem, Email: perumaldr@gmail.com) : Ethyl acetate extract from marine spong Hyattella cribriformis exhibit potent anticancer activity by promoting tubulin polymerization as evidenced mitotic arrest and induction of apoptosis. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(42), 345-55.

Marine sponges are important sources of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the anticancer properties of Hyattella cribriformis ethyl acetate (EA) fraction in various cancer and normal cell lines. anticancer assay was carried out in 15 cell lines to evaluate the anticancer potential of the EA fraction. Impact on cell cycle distribution was determined using flow cytometry. The fraction was investigated for interfering microtubules assembly in both in vitro and cellular assay. Further studies were conducted to determine the fraction induced cell death (apoptosis) using calcein/propidium iodide dual staining, activated caspase-3 and phosphorylation of Bcl-2 protein at Ser70. DNA fragmentation assay was performed to confirm the apoptosis. EA fraction exhibited potent inhibition of cancer cell growth and resulted in 50% growth inhibition (GI₅₀) of 0.27 μg/mL in A673 cell line. Sarcoma (MG-63, Saos-2) and ovarian (SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3) cancer cell lines also showed superior anticancer activity GI₅₀ of 1.0 μg/mL. Colon and breast cancer cell lines exhibited moderate GI compare other cancer cell lines and normal human lung fibroblast showed GI₅₀ of 15.6 μg/mL. EA fraction showed potent G2/M phase arrest in A673 cell line and induced apoptosis at 48 h exposure. EA fraction promoted microtubule polymerization in tubulin polymerization assay and increased level of polymerized tubulin in the HeLa cells. Fraction induced the activation of caspase-3 and phosphorylation of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein. Fraction induced DNA fragmentation in HeLa cells as evidence of apoptosis. Marine sponge H. cribriformis EA fraction exhibited potent anticancer activity through tubulin polymerization and induction of apoptosis.

9 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

014227   Akhtar M;Jaiswal A;Ahkmad E;Jaiswal J P; Qureshi M I;Tufchi M;Kumar A;Singh N K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, G B Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: narendraksingh2@gmail.com) : Molecular cloning and characterization of a cold-induced gene encoding DRE-binding transcription factor from cold-arid adapted ecotype of Lepidium latifolium L.. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(1), 26-32.

Dehydration-responsive, element binding (DREB) transcription factors binds to dehydration responsive element (DRE)/C-repeat (CRT) cis-element, induces a set of abiotic stress-related genes and imparts stress endurance to plants. In the present study, a DREB1 like gene, designated as LIDREB1A, was isolated from highly cold adapted ecotype of Lepidium tatifolium L. Its full-length cDNA (JN561592) sequence (925 bp) consisted of a 642 bp ORF, encoding a protein of 213 aa with deduced mol mass of 23.98 kDa and a theoretical pI of 4.81. L1DREB1A protein consisted of a typical AP2 domain, DREB1 type nuclear localization signal (NLS), C-terminal acidic domain and other signature sequences. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that it is genetically divergent from both monocot as well as dicot plants. Semi quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that this gene is up-regulated in response to cold stress but remained unchanged in response to either salt or drought stress. Further, functional validation of LIDRE1A gene may help its deployment in crop plants using genetic engineering approach for development of cultivars tolerant to abiotic stresses.

5 illus, 26 ref

014226   Abraham J;Reddy M S (Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: jayanthi.abraham@gmail.com) : Enhanced degradation of monocrotophos using Achromobacter strain JAS10 and Aspergillus sp. isolated from sugarcane fields in Vellore. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 539-45.

In the present work, as a measure of bioremediation, soil bacteria and fungi capable of degrading monocrotophos were isolated from pesticide contaminated sugarcane field in Vellore. Four bacterial and 3 fungal isolates which had the ability to degrade monocrotophos (MCP) were isolated by enrichment technique. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the pesticide was evaluated and among the four isolates only one strain was found to grow well and degrade monocrotophos at 1000 mg I^{-1. The 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed the isolate to be Achromobacter sp. Among the three fungal isolates, only one strain was capable of withstanding 900 mg I-1 concentration of monocrotophos and it was identified as Aspergillus sp. Biodegradation studies confirmed that monocrotophos was degraded by JAS10 and F2 strain within 24 h to an undetectable level. These results suggest that the isolated strains could be used in the bioremediation of soil contaminated with monocrotophos.}

5 illus, 15 ref

013292   Zhu J;Chen L;Hu X;Song L;Wang M;Yu R (Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan Univ, Guangzhou-510 632) : Region-selective biosynthesis of artemisinic acid glycosides by crown galls of Panax quinquefolium and their invitro antitumor activities. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 518-23.

To investigate the bioconversion of AA by transgenic crown galls of Panax quinquefolium, AA was administered into crown galls of P. quinquefolium and co cultured for 2 days. The methanol extract was separated by column chromatography, and the structures of two biosynthesis products were elucidated by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Co culture time curves on conversion were also established. In addition, the effects of AA on the growth and ginsenosides production of crown galls of P. quinquefolium were investigated. Furthermore, the in vitro antitumor activities of AA and two glycosides against HepG2 cell line were evaluated by 3 (4,5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Glycosylation of AA by crown galls of P. quinquefolium was observed, and two region selectively glycosylated products were obtained (AA-1, AA-2), involving one new compound (AA-2). Their structures were elucidated to be AA β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (AA-1) and AA β-D-glucopyranosyl (2 → 1) β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (AA 2). The maximum yield of AA 1 was 19.3% on the 1st co culture day while that of AA 2 was 59.1% on the 2nd day. MTT assay showed that the activity of monosaccharide glycoside (AA 1) was better than that of disaccharide glycoside (AA 2). Two AA glycosides involved one new compound with potential antitumor activity were obtained by region selective biosynthesis with crown galls of P. quinquefolium.

5 illus, 22 ref

013291   Zhou Z G;Zhang C Y;Fei H X;Bai Y (NO, Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, Email: zhonglili2015@163.com) : Phenolic alkaloids from Menispermum dauricum inhibits BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells by blocking of hedgehog signaling pathway. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(44), 690-7.

Objective is to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of PAMD against PC cell BxPC-3. F assay was used to assess cell proliferation inhibition of PAMD; the apoptotic induction and cell cycle arrest was detected by flow cytometry; the BxPC-3 xenograft was established to evaluate the tumor growth inhibition of PAMD; hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to analyze the pathological morphology of tumor tissues; immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot was adopted to detect the protein levels; quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA expressions. PAMD shows time-and dose-dependent proliferation inhibition on the BxPC-3 cell, induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis in vitro. PAMD also showed better inhibition of tumor growth and a preferable safety profile compared with chemotherapeutic regimen 5-fluoro-2, 4 (1 H, 3 H) pyrimidinedione in BxPC-3 xenograft in vivo. Furthermore, PAMD directly decreases the protein and mRNA levels of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and its downstream transcription factor Gli-1 in the BxPC-3 tumor tissues. The treatment of PAMD displayed Hh signaling pathway blockade through decreasing the protein and mRNA levels of Shh and its downstream transcription factor Gli-1, suggesting a promising strategy in treating human PC.

4 illus, 28 ref

013290   Zhang Y;Lu T;Li M;Xue T;Liu H;Zhang W;Ding X; Zhuang Z (College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal Univ, Nanjing-210 046, China, Email: dingxynj@263.net) : Anti-aging effect of polysaccharide from Bletilla striata on nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 449-54.

Objective is to investigate whether BSP has anti aging effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. After treatment with BSP, the lifespan, locomotion ability, and stress resistance of C. elegans was determined. To provide insight into the underlying mechanism for the anti aging effect of BSP, we measured its effect on bacterial growth, brood size of C. elegans, and the insulin/insulin like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway. After BSP treatment, the lifespan of C. elegans was extended, and its locomotion ability and stress resistance were increased. BSP was found to have no effect on bacterial growth or on reproduction of C. elegans, However, mRNA levels of age-1 and hcf-1 were reduced after BSP treatment. Additionally, we observed that BSP did not extend the lifespan of daf 16 mutant animals. BSP produces an anti aging effect on C. elegans through the insulin/IGF signaling pathway and holds promise for future development as a functional food.

6 illus, 33 ref

013289   Zaman G;Shekar M C;Laskar S;Ferdoci A M;Rank D N (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural Univ, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022, Email: gzaman60@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization of Assam local pig. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(3), 416-19.

Detailed genetic diversity of Assam Local pig population was studied through microsatellite markers. Most of the studied loci were polymorphic in nature and a total of 163 alleles were observed across all the loci. The range of alleles was found to be from 2 to 11 with a mean of 6.52±2.311. The frequency distribution of microsatellite alleles in the population was from 0.0208 to 0.9091. The overall mean of observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.50±0.272 and 0.71±0.182, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.67±0.184 and Shannon's information index (I) was sufficiently high with a mean of 1.53. The within population inbreeding estimate (FIS) value (0.273) indicated shortfall of heterozygosity in the population. The bottleneck analysis revealed that population had not undergone any recent reduction.

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

013288   Yoon J Y;Et. Al. (Genetic Engineering Dep, Sungkyunkwan Univ, Suwon-440 746, Korea, Email: jaecho@skku.edu) : Direct protein kinase B-targeted anti-inflammatory activity of cordycepin from artificially cultured fruit body of Cordyceps militaris. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 477-85.

Cordyceps militaris is one of well-known medicinal mushrooms with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities. The objective of the following study is to isolate chemical components from the ethanol extract (Cm-EE) from Cordyceps militaris and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities. Column chromatographic separation was performed and anti-inflammatory roles of these compounds were also examined by using NO production and protein kinase B (AKT) activity assays. From Cm-EE, 13 constituents, including trehalose (1), cordycepin (2), 6-hydroxyethyladenosine (3), nicotinic amide (4), butyric acid (5), β-dimorphecolic acid (6), a-dimorphecolic acid (7), palmitic acid (8), linoleic acid (9), cordycepeptide A (10), 4-(2-hydroxy-3-((9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyloxy)propoxy)-2-(trimethy lammonio)butanoate (11), 4-(2-hydroxy-3-(palmitoyloxy)propoxy)-2-(trimethylammonio)butanoate (12), and linoleic acid methyl ester (13) were isolated. Of these components, compound 2 displayed a significant inhibitory effect on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, this compound strongly and directly suppressed the kinase activity of AKT, an essential signalling enzyme in LPS-induced NO production, by interacting with its ATP binding site. C. militaris could have anti-inflammatory activity mediated by cordycepin-induced suppression of AKT.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

013287   Yoo G;Park S J;Lee T H;Yang H;Baek Y S;Kim N; Kim Y J;Kim S H (College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei Univ, Incheon-406 840, Republic of Korea, Email: kimsh11@yonsei.ac.kr) : Flavonoids isolated from Lespedeza cuneata G. Don and their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglia cells. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 651-6.

In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents of L. cuneata and evaluated their effect on NO production using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated BV2 cells. The 80% methanol extract of the aerial part of L. cuneata were used for the isolation of flavonoids. The isolated compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. To evaluate the effect on inflammatory NO production, LPS stimulated murine microglia BV 2 cells were used as a screening system. Nine flavonoids were isolated from the aerial parts of L. cuneata. Among the isolated flavonoids, compounds 4, 5, 7 and 9 are reported from the genus Lespedeza for the first time. Moreover, compounds 1 and 6 showed significant inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS stimulated BV2 cells without cell toxicity. In this study, nine flavonoids were isolated from L. cuneata. Among the compounds, only 1 and 6, which have free hydroxyl groups at both C3 and C7 showed significant inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS stimulated BV2 cells. These results suggested L. cuneata and its flavonoid constituents as possible candidate for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

013286   Yang H;Hua Wu Y;Xue Wei W;Zi Hao L;Yu Ping S; Xiao Bin J (Chinese Materia Medica Dep, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Univ, Jiangsu Province, China, Email: jziaobin2005@hotmail.com) : In situ pressurized biphase acid hydrolysis, a promising approach to produce bioactive diosgenin from the tubers of Dioscorea zingiberensis. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 636-42.

A novel technology, in situ pressurized biphase acid hydrolysis was constructed for the first time to simplify extraction process, increase extraction yield and decrease the consumption of mineral acids. The method developed in this study has been optimized and verified through orthogonal design for experiments, in which the effect and their significance of four factors including molarity of acid, temperature, extraction duration and sample quantity have been investigated. Then, the comparison was conducted among the newly developed method and other reported methods. The diosgenin was also isolated by column chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis for structural confirmation. It was found that temperature is the factor of the most influence and the highest extraction yield at 2.21% has been achieved while the hydrolysis was performed at 140°C for 1.5 h in 0.20M H₂SO₄ solution with petroleum ether under an uncontrolled pressurized condition. And, compared to the others, the increment in the extraction yield of new method was 20.8 <126> 74.0%, and the consumption of H₂SO₄ was reduced by 17 times at most. This method is a much cleaner and more efficient approach for extraction of diosgenin from the tubers, and is promising to be applied in pharmaceutical industry.

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

013285   Wu S;Jin Y;Liu Q;Liu Q A;Wu J;Bi Y A;Wang Z; Xiao W (College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing Univ of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100 102, China, Email: xw_kanion@163.com) : On-line quantitative monitoring of liquid-liquid extraction of Lonicera japonica and Artemisia annua using near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 643-50.

Eleven batches of JQ extraction solution were obtained, ten for building quantitative models and one for assessing the predictive accuracy of established models. Neochlorogenic acid (NCA), chlorogenic acid (CA), cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA), isochlorogenic acid B (ICAB), isochlorogenic acid A (ICAA), isochlorogenic acid C (ICAC) and soluble solid content (SSC) were selected as quality control indicators, and measured by reference methods. NIR spectra were collected in transmittance mode. After selecting the spectral sub ranges, optimizing the spectral pretreatment and neglecting outliers, partial least squares regression models were built to predict the content of indicators. The model performance was evaluated by the coefficients of determination (R2), the root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) and the relative standard error of prediction (RSEP). For NCA, CA, CCA, ICAB, ICAA, ICAC and SSC, R^{2 was 0.9674, 0.9704, 0.9641, 0.9514, 0.9436, 0.9640, 0.9809, RMSEP was 0.0280, 0.2913, 0.0710, 0.0590, 0.0815, 0.1506, 1.167, and RSEP was 2.32%, 4.14%, 3.86%, 5.65%, 7.29%, 6.95% and 4.18%, respectively. This study demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy could provide good predictive ability in monitoring of the content of quality control indicators in liquid liquid extraction of JQ.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

013284   Wang D;Zhang B B;Qu X X;Gao F;Yuan M Y (Medicinal Plants Dep, Agronomy College, Sichuan Agricultural Univ, Wenjiang Region, Chengdu-611 130, P.R. China, Email: gaofeng@sicau.edu.cn) : Microwave-assited extraction of polysaccharides from Yupingfeng powder and their antioxidant activity. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(43), 546-54.

Single factor effect trends were achieved through yields and contends of YPF P obtained from different extracting conditions. Then through a three level, four variable Box Behnken design of response surface methodology adopting yield as response, the optimal conditions were determined as follows: Material/solvent ratio 1:23.37, microwave power 560 W, Extraction temperature 64°C, and extraction time 9.62 min. Under the optimal conditions, the YPF P extraction yield was 3.23%, and its content was detected as 38.52%. In antioxidant assays, the YPF P was tested to possess 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities with an IC50 value of 0.262 mg/ml. In addition, YPF P was also proved to have relatively low ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), compared to Vc, through FRAP assay. In the microwave assisted reflux extraction research, good YPF P yield was achieved from materials with relatively low YPF P content. And for the first time, both DPPH and FRAP assays were conducted on YPF P, which proved that the antioxidant activity of YPF P contributed to the functions of this medicine.

9 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

013283   Tahir N A R (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Field Crops Dep, Sulaimani Univ, Bakrajo, Sulamani, Kurdistan, Iraq) : Identification of genetic variation in some faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes grown in Iraq estimated with RAPD and SDS-PAGE of seed proteins. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(3), 351-6.

Genetic diversity was estimated among ten faba bean genotypes grown in Iraq using RAPD-PCR and biochemical (SDS-PAGE) markers. Out of 18 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers, 16 were found polymorphic. A total of 140 amplified bands and 75 polymorphic allelic variants were observed, ranging from 2 to 9 per locus with an average of 4.68. Out of 75 polymorphic bands, a total of 7 unique bands (4 positives and 3 negatives) were registered, and could be deemed for marker assisted selection. Genetic distance coefficients between the genotypes ranged from 0.400 to 0.725. Cluster analysis was carried out using the average linkage method and Jaccard coefficient was used to construct a dendrogram. The faba bean genotypes were clustered into five major groups at distance level of 25. Group A comprised of Zaffaron, Yieldiz, Viola, Local Check-Australia, Tolera and Zaina, while group B comprised of Baby Green and Seher grouped in the C. Further, group D comprised of Swri and group E included Cirilla. The maximum similarity among faba bean genotypes was revealed between Zaffaron and Yieldiz, whereas the most distant genotypes in the dendrogram were Swri and Cirilla. The results of SDS-PAGE revealed a total number of 10 protein bands with different mol wt. Data of SDS-PAGE exhibited only 5 protein polymorphic bands with 50% polymorphism. The SDS-PAGE analysis of seed protein profiles created three major clusters at distance levels of 12. The cluster I included Zaina, Zaffaron, Swri and Seher. The cluster II comprised Yieldiz, Baby green, Tolera, Viola and Cirilla. The last cluster included Local check-Australlia. In conclusion, this information would be useful for future genome mapping program. RAPD analysis would also assist faba bean breeders as index to develop genotypes with varied genetic background in order to realize sustainability in faba bean production in the country. The present study also showed that numerical analysis of seed protein profiles displays no final response to the identity of faba bean genotypes. However, the method can supply information for the discrimination of faba bean genotypes in Iraq.

4 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

013282   Survase S A;Bankar S B;Annapure U S;Singhal R S (Food Engineering and Technology Dep, Institute of Chemical Technology, Univ of Mumbai Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: shrikantrajel@gmail.com) : Effect of agitation and aeration of production of cyclosporin A in batch cultures of Tolypocladium inflatum MTCC 557. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(3), 393-401.

Present study reports the effects of aeration and agitation on growth and production of the cyclosporin A (CyA) in batch fermentor cultures of Tolypocladium inflatum MTCC 557. Dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, dry cell wt, CyA titer and sugar utilization were continuously measured and determined. In the first step, the effect of agitation was evaluated by changing the agitation speed in the range of 250 to 450 rpm at 1 vvm. Further, after selecting the optimum agitation speed, the aeration rate was varied between 0.5 vvm to 1.0 vvm. Efficiency of aeration and agitation was evaluated through oxygen mass transfer coefficient (k_La). Maximum CyA production of 1274 mg/L with specific productivity of 0.152 mg/g.h was obtained at 350 rpm agitation and 0.75 vvm aeration. The k_La of the fermentation system supporting maximum production (350 rpm, 0.75 vvm) was 0.113 h^{-1. The oxygen transfer rate (OTR), oxygen utilization rate (OUR), and specific oxygen uptake rates (qO₂) in the fermentation broth were also determined.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

013281   Sulekha M (Chemistry Dep, DAV College, Abohar, Punjab) : Nanotechnology for waste water treatment. Int J chem Stud 2016, 4(2), 22-4.

Sufficient and adequate supply of clean, safe and potable water on a regular basis, are among the foremost issues faced by the people now a days. To accomplish this objective wastewater should be treated so that it can be reused and also the environment should be saved by the harmful effects of the untreated wastewater. Here we will study the use of nanotechnology that can help in wastewater treatment. As we all know traditional wastewater treatment technologies continue to be ineffective for providing ample safe water due to increasing demand of water along with severe health guidelines and emerging contaminants. The development of cost-effective and steady materials and methods for providing the drinkable water in sufficient amounts is the need of the present world. Nanotechnology-based multifunctional and highly efficient processes are providing affordable solutions to wastewater treatments that do not require large infrastructures or centralized systems. The aim of the present study is to review the possible applications of the nanotechnology for the removal of pollutants from wastewater.

11 ref