013374   Banjo A D;Lawal O A;Olusola O O (Dep STOPWORD Biol Sci, Olabisi Onabanjo Univ, Ago-Iwoye P.M.B.2002, Ogun State, Nigeria, Email: adaba55@yahoo.co.uk) : Bacteria associated with Hermetia illucens (Linaeus) Diptera: Stratiomyidae. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(3), 351-4.

Studies carried out on Hermetia illucens (soldier fly) showed that some bacteria are isolated which include as the Micrococcus sp. Streptococcus sp, Bacillus sp and Aerobactcr aerogens were isolated which include. These micro-organisms were isolated from the gut and the external surface of the organism. These organisms affect humans in one way or the other, either consumed directly or indirectly through feeding on the animals that have consumed them. It has been shown that these soldier flies occur in the poultry litters or in dirty environments or in places where proper sanitary and hygiene are not observed. Rearing them in aseptic conditions or environments would prevent H. illucens being a carrier of these pathogenic microbes.

3 tables, 19 ref

013373   Banjo A D;Lawal O A;Elele B U (Dep STOPWORD Biol Sci, Olabisi Onabanjo Univ, Ago Iwoye, P.m.b.2002, Ogun State, Nigeria) : Preliminary investigation of the entomological indicators of biological integrity and nutrient strength in erilope stream Ago-Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(3), 343-9.

Biological integrity and nutrient strength at five sites in Erilope stream was studied using insects and the physico-chemical analysis of the stream as indicators between June and October 2003. The total number of insect sampled was 204, which belonged to four Orders and seven different Families. There was no significant difference in the abundance of Dystiscid beetle, black fly and water spider at the five site (P≤0.05). There was significant difference in the abundance of Dragon/Damsel fly, Pond skater and whirligig beetle for the five different sites (P≤0.05). The site D of the stream showed the highest representation of all insect sampled. The mean value of the physico-chemical analysis of the stream for the five different sites showed no significant level of difference. The least significant difference (LSD) of the abundance of insect showed that sites A, B and C were not conducive for the insects sampled. The correlation coefficient indicated a strong relationship between the number of individual of Dragon/Damsel fly, Dystiscid and whirligig beetle and the Magnesium content and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the stream, the pond skater and water correlated negatively with the Nitrogen content and Temperature of the stream. Based on these finding the water body was considered a highly polluted ecosystem whose pollution resulted majorly from anthropogenic activities (dumping of refuse, defecation and discharge of different waste into the stream).

1 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

013372   Azam M S;Islam M S;Ahmed A S;Alam M S (Dep STOPWORD Fish Biol STOPWORD Genet, Bangladesh Agric Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh) : Population structure of mottled nandus (Nandus nandus) of the old Brahmaputra river basin revealed by RAPD markers. J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 9-15.

Random Arnplified Polymorphic DNA technique was used to examine the population structure of three populations viz. Satpaika; Nalgaira and Gaffargaon of mottled nandus (Nandus nandus) of the old Brahmaputra river basin. Eleven polymorphic loci were detected using three decamer random primers. The percentages of polymorphic loci were 32, 32, and 40 while the Nei's gene diversities were 0.129, 0.116, and 0.156 for the Satpaika, Nalgaira, and Gaffargaon populations, respectively. The coefficient of gene differentiation (G_ST) and estimate of gene flow per generation (N_m) were found to be 0.088 and 5.16 respectively indicating a low level of genetic divergence among populations. Only one locus causing significant (P₉₅) departure from homogeneity across all populations also supported the above findings. Nevertheless, the preliminary study revealed that RAPD technique could be an effective tool in the assessment of population genetic structure of mottled nandus.

3 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

013371   Anand S;Rati E R (NO, Hum Resour Dev Cent Fd Technol Res Inst, Mysore-570 020, Email: reddiya@yahoo.com) : Ochratoxigenic fungal contamination of food commodities. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(3), 511-14.

Samples of maize, sorghum, groundnut, rice, chillies, coffee beans, groundnut cake, poultry feed, cotton seed and dried coconut purchased from retail shops in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, India were screened for the presence of toxigenic Aspergillus ochraceus fungi and ochratoxin contamination. The incidence of Aspergillus ochraceus group of fungi in food and feed samples was 20.5% (15/73) with a load ranging 100-20,000 CFU/g. A. ochraceus group of fungi were dominant in maize, coffee and poultry feed samples. Twenty two isolates belonging to Aspergillus ochraceus group were isolated. Among them 59.2% (13/22) isolates were found to produce ochratoxin. The Penicillium spp and other fungal spp isolated from food samples did not elaborate ochratoxin. Of the food and feed samples tested for mycotoxin contamination, two samples showed the presence of both the aflatoxin B₁, and ochratoxin A and one sample of coffee had both ochratoxin A and citrinin contamination. The sample of groundnut cake and poultry feed samples had aflatoxin B₁, (3.4 and 10 ppm respectively) and ochratoxin A (0.4 and 0.2 ppm respectively). A sample of coffee bean had citrinin mycotoxin and ochratoxin A (0.5 ppm and 1.25 ppm respectively).

4 tables, 25 ref

012196   Yandigeri M S;Pabbi S (Cent for Conserv and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae Div of Microbiol, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sunilpabbi@lycos.com) : Response of diazotrophic cyanobacteria to alternative sources of phosphorus. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 131-4.

Nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria Westiellopsis prolifica and Anabaena variabilis were examined for their response to Mussorie Rock Phosphate (MRP) and Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) in terms of chlorophyll and soluble proteins content and AR activity. Both showed a concentration dependent increase in all the parameters in presence of these insoluble sources of P with anabaena varia bilis scoring over Westiellopsis prolifica. These algae solubilized MRP and TCP, not only to meet their growth requirement but also increased available P in the medium.

4 tables, 20 ref

012195   Yadav S K;Singla-Pareek S L;Reddy M K;Sopory S K (Pl Molec Biol Lab, Int Cent for Genetic Engng and Biotechnol, Aruna Asaf All Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: sopory@icgeb.res.in) : Methylglyoxal detoxification by glyoxalase system: a survival strategy during environmental stresses. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 1-11.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly cytotoxic compound produced mainly through the β-elimination of phosphoryl group from 1, 2-enediolate form of both triose phosphates of glycolysis pathway. Since glycolysis occurs in all organisms, MG formation seems to be an unavoidable consequence of this pathway. Rate of MG production inside a cell increases even when there is an imbalance between the rates of upper and lower half of glycolysis. Environmental factors may cause this type of imbalance and leads to higher MG production. In eukaryotes, MG is mainly generated through non-enzymatic reactions while MG synthase play a major role in MG production in case of bacteria. MG modifies amino acid residues in proteins and reacts with guanyl nucleotides in DNA, impairing the biochemical functions of these important macromolecules. Therefore excessive production of MG leads to cell death. Most of the organisms protect themselves from deleterious effects of MG by detoxifying it with the help of glyoxalase pathway which comprises of two enzymes, gly I that uses GSH as a cofactor for the conversion of MG to S-D-lactoylglutathione and gly II that gives GSH back to the system leading to the production of D-lactate. This pathway has been reported from a diverse group of organisms like; humans, mouse, yeast, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and plants. Presents a brief account of the conditions under which MG is produced inside the cell and detoxified, particularly in bacteria, yeast and plants. Also, experimental evidence for the accumulation of MG under abiotic stresses in plants and regulation of its levels by the overexpression of enzymes of glyoxalase pathway in transgenic plants are presented.

3 illus, 1 table, 83 ref

012194   Yadav S K;Singh R (Dep of Biotechnol, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: sudhir@hau.nic.in) : Developmental changes in activities of enzymes of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways in cytosolic and leucoplastic fractions of developing seeds of Brassica campestris L. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 71-80.

Activities of cytosolic and leucoplastic glycolytic and oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathways enzymes increased by an average of 60 and 90 per cent, respectively between early (20 days after anthesis, DAA) and mid-early (35 DAA) stages of seed development, whereas, between early (20 DAA) and mid-late (50 DAA) stages, the activities increased by an average of 40 and 70 per cent, respectively. Activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex and acetyl CoA carboxylase increased by 2 and 1.5 fold during mid-early and mid-late stages of seed development, respectively. These results indicated the leucoplastic fraction to contain the full complement of the enzymes of glycolysis and OPP pathway. Furthermore, the increase in the activities of these enzymes at mid-early and mid-late stages was commensurate with the synthesis of fatty acids at rates comparable to the level of oil accumulation. However, the enzymes of the two pathways exhibited higher activities in cytosolic fraction compared to those in the leucoplastic fraction throughout the period of seed development. This suggested the need for exchange of metabolites in the two compartments through various translocators for acting in cooperation to produce energy, reductants and carbon skeletons for different biosynthetic activities.

1 illus, 1 tables, 16 ref

012193   Vishnudasan D;Khurana P (Dep of Pl Molec Biol, Cent for Pl Molec Biol Univ of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-170 027, Email: paramjitkhurana@hotmail.com) : New paradigms towards appraising plant parasitic nematodes infestation with special emphasis on cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae). Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 33-50.

Plant parasitic nematodes are obligate parasitic round worms belonging to the phylum Nematoda. They cause extensive agricultural crop damage and therefore strategies to control their population involve various approaches. The conventional strategies entail the use of plant based products, while physical strategies necessitates effective farmland practices-such as crop rotation, solarization etc. Moreover the use of hazardous chemicals has proved futile in curtailing the exacerbated damage caused by the nematodes, therefore necessitating the need for new paradigms to confront the menace. Breeding involves pyramiding genes towards conferring resistance to certain pathotypes is promising and effective but is a long drawn out process and therefore Genetc engineenng offers a ray of new hope to combat the nuisance. However engineering resistance has its own drawbacks and should be adopted keeping in mind is shortcomings as extensive farming may break resistance offered by the transgenics towards a particular pathotype. Therefore opportunities towards evaluation of the nematode resistance mechanism in plants should be viewed in a broader perspective to address the effectiveness of the various strategies.

2 tables, 179 ref

012192   Verma D;Yadav R C;Yadav N R;Chowdhury V K; Chowdhury J B (Dep of Molec and Cell Biol, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, Email: rcyadav@hau.ernet.in) : High frequency plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 135-9.

Effective plant regeneration procedure was optimized in two cultivars of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) Hara Madhu and Madhu Rus) using cotyledons as explant. Media containing Benzyl adenine (BA) alone and in combination with Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Kinetin were used to induce shoot formation in vitro. MS medium supplemented with 0.22 μM BA was found most responsive. Higher concentrations of BA as well as addition of NAA were not effective in increasing shoot regeneration response. Replacement of BA with kinetin reduced the per cent shoot regeneration in both the cultivars. A further increase in number of shoots regenerated per cotyledon in both the cultivars was observed by adding AgNO3 alongwith BA. On the other hand, TDZ reduced the number of shoots drastically in both the genotypes if added with BA. The best responding medium was found to be MS medium containing BA (0.22 μM) and AgNO₃ for both the cultivars as 100% cultured cotyledons produced shoots giving a yield of 91.66 and -71 shoots per cotyledon in cvs. Hara Madhu and Madhu Rus respectively.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

012191   Verma A K;Chand L (Dep of Biochem, Coll of Basic Sci and Humanities G.B. Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: akv72@rediffmail.com) : Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) with uidA and cryIA(b) genes. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 99-109.

The effects of co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, regeneration and selection conditions on the transformation efficiency of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) with three explants; leaf disc, cotyledons and mature decapitated embryonic axes of two genotypes Bahar and UPAS120 have been investigated. Factors such as co-cultivation in solid, liquid, preculture in solid, liquid and use of acetosyringone (100 μM) during co-cultivation were assessed. Two days of co-cultivation on regeneration medium improved the transformation efficiencies. Explant, mature decapitated embryonic axes of genotype Bahar gave highest amount of regeneration in comparison to other explants after co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefacicns. β-Glucuronidase (GUS) activity was tested after 10 days of co-cultivation of intact explants with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 (pBI121) and after 30 days in calli and in regenerated shoots. After 20 days the transformed shoots with crylA(b) genes were selected on 75 μg ml^-1 kanamycin. Out of (initially cultured) 1000 explants, only two transformed plants (T^0-1 and T^0-2 were obtained that showed amplification of the transformed DNA fragment by palymerase chain reaction (PCR). Southern blot hybridization confirmed the stable integration of the crylA(b) gene in both the transformed plants (T^0-1 and T^0-2). A transformation efficiency of 0.33% and 0.20% were achieved for uidA and crylA(b) genes by optimized transformation procedure. Transformed plants were fertile, normal in phenotype and seeds were collected for T₁ generation.

4 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

012190   Tripathi M K;Yadav M K;Gaur A K;Mishra D P (Dep of Biochem, Coll of Basic Sci and Humanities G.B Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar-263 145, Email: anilgaur123@redifmail.com) : PCR based isolation of psbA (herbicide binding protein encoding) gene using chloroplast and genomic DNA from Phalaris minor biotype (s). Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 161-3.

Phalaris minor, a prominent weed of wheat, has developed resistance against the herbicide isoproturon, which has been widely used to control it. Resistance against isoproturon in P. minor may be due to modification of its targets site, the Dl protein (32 kDa quinone binding protein) encoded by psbA gene which results in reduced binding of the herbicide. Chloroplast DNA was extracted from susceptible and resistant biotypes of Phalaris minor. Isolated chloroplast and genomic DNAs were used to amplify the psbA gene using specific forward and reverse primer sequences designed on the basis of available database. Results indicate that SDS method of DNA isolation was better. The PCR amplified products of genomic and chloroplast DNA from isoproturon sensitive and resistant biotype showed similarity with respect to size of amplicons.

^ssc1 illus, 10 ref

012189   Timande S;Ghosh A (Dep of Microbiol, D.B. Sci Coll, Gondia-441 614) : Prevalence and antibiograms of Salmonella strains from paneer sold in Gondia city. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 199-204.

Contamination of paneer by Salmonella spp. could be important factor of gastro intestinal illness in consumers. Hence, study was conducted to isolate and identify Salmonella strains in paneer samples sold in Gondia city. Twenty five samples of paneer were brought in the Laboratory. Out of twenty five paneer samples collected, 28% were Salmonella positive. The thirty three Salmonella strains were isolated and identified by using various selective media and biochemical tests. For isolation, standard microbiological procedures were used. All the Salmonella isolates were found susceptible to gentamycin and ampicillin but resistant to penicillin. The minimum inhibitory concentration of resistant strains was over 128 μ/ml for penicillin. 63.6% Salmonella isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices of many isolates was found greater than 0.2.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

012188   Thamizh Vendan R;Thangaraju M (Dep of Microbiol, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Developing suitable strains of phosphobacteria for acid and alkali soils. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 289-90.

Eight isolates of phosphate solubilizing bacteria were isolated of which four from acid soil and four from alkali soils ₅. The isolates were tested for their ability to solubilize bound form of phosphate in vitro. The isolates AC-1 and AC-4 of acid soils, and AL-1 and AL-3 of alkali soils were found to be superior strains as they formed larger clearing zones on the Sperber's medium, solubilized more amount of tricalicum phosphate in Pikovskaya's broth and reduced the pH of the growth medium.

3 tables, 11 ref

012187   Tambekar D H;Kadu S B (Dep of Microbiol, Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602) : Screening of Bacillus subtilis from soil for antimicrobial activity. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 300-3.

It was found that B. subtilis produced an antimicrobial substance, which had inhibitory effect against bacteria and fungi. It was found that all test bacteria were sensitive to all strains of B. subtilis isolated from different areas. Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli were found to be highly sensitive Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found to be moderate sensitive while Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexeneri were found to be least sensitive amongst the test bacteria examined.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

012186   Shukla K K;Rahi D K;Rajak R C;Pandey A K (NO, Cent for Mycorrhizal Res Energy Res Inst, New Delhi) : Studies on spawn production of an indigenous edible species of Lentinus cladopus (LEN). J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 182-7.

Spawn is the pure vegetative growth of edible mushroom on suitable substrate which is used for its respective cultivation. In communication, various parameters (substrate type, CaCO₃ and CaSO₄.7H₂O ratio, temperature and boiling period) necessary for spawn preparation has been optimized for an indigenous edible mushroom species of Lentinus cladopus found in Madhya Pradesh. The result obtained revealed the wheat grain boiled for 15 minutes, mixed with CaCO₃ and CaSO₄.7H₂O in the ratio of 2:6%, incubated at 28±1°C supported the maximum mycelial colonization by the test fungus.

4 illus, 6 ref

012185   Sharmila P S;Prasad Reddy B V;Saradhi P P (Dep of Envir Biol, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: saradhi@ndf.vsnl.net.in) : Efficient somatic embryogenesis from root segments of Sesbania sesban by finetunine the levels of auxin and cytokinin. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 121-6.

Potential of cytokinins and auxins to induce somatic embryos from root segments of Sesbania sesban (Fabaceae) was studied. Somatic embryos emerged directly from the root segments in the presence of 6-benzylaminppurine (a cytokinin) (BAP). Optimal level of BAP for the induction of somatic embryos directly from root segments was 1 (μM. Callus induced from the root segments also showed somatic embryogenesis in the presence of BAP and the optimal level of BAP required for this phenomenon was 5 μM. Secondary and tertiary embryos emerged from the primary embryos upon their subculture on media with BAP. In general, β-naphthaleneacetic acid (an auxin) (NAA) significantly curtailed the somatic embryo induction potential of BAP, while promoting callus induction. Although, roots emerged from isolated embryos in the presence of 0.1 μM NAA, no shoot elongation was recorded for a long time. Gibberellic acid (a gibberellin) (GA₃) promoted shoot elongation along with root elongation in the presence of NAA. Healthy plantlets emerged from individual somatic embryos in the presence of 0.1 μM NAA in combination with 5 μM GA₃. Cent percent survival of the plantlets was achieved by inoculating the inoculum of Glomus fasciculatum around the roots during transplantation.

4 illus, 33 ref

012184   Sengar R S;Gaur A K (NO, , 23, Shiv Nagar Colony, IVRI Road, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Polymorphism in soybean on the basis of electrophgretic profile of seed proteins with special reference to trypsin inhibitor. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 165-8.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic affinities among different varieties of soybean grains obtained from Pantnagar (Uttaranchal) were investigated by analyzing seed protein profiles of SDS-gels. The study revealed presence of varied quantity of trypsin inhibitor an antinutritional factor in different varieties of soybean. Maximum trypsin inhibitor was found to be present in PK-1042, whereas minimum quantity of inhibitor was observed in PK-1029. These observed amounts during this investigation suggested an easier mode of screening the presence of antinutritional factor in soybean grain quantitatively, which is common and popular source of supplementation of the dietary protein in avian or human diets. Chemistry of different varieties of soybean grains revealed maximum content of crudeprotein (48.27%), crude fat (22.67%) and crude fibre (8.97%) in PS-1092, PK-1092 and T-49 varieties of soybean, respectively.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

012183   Saraf M;Dhandhukia P (Dep of Microbiol, Univ school of Sci Guj Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Response of Sinorhizobium meliloti to high salt concentration and effect of added osmotica. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 250-7.

Sinorhizobium meliloti was isolated from the root nodules of Trigonella graceum growing -in the semiarid region of Gulf of Khambhat. The study was conducted to determine the growth response of the isolate to high temperature, pH and salt stresses. Rm-1 was found to grow optimally upto 6% of NaCl and pH 11. An increase in growth upto 40°C was observed , which gradually declined after 42°C upto 50°C. The effect of range of salts of chloride and sulphates were studied at 2.5 and 5% (w/v) on the growth of Rhizobium and it was seen that this effect depends on the ion form used. The concentrations of the salts used were high and even at 5% complete inhibition in the growth could not be recorded. Some substances like glutamate, sucrose and calcium chloride were tested as osmotica. Sucrose at 2.5% of NaCl proved to he an osmoprotectant. However, glutamate showed alleviation in growth even at 5% of NaCl. Attempts were made to study interaction of pH, temperature, sodium chloride and osmotica using factorial design experiments. The results reveal the vital role played by added osmotica to enhance the growth and survival of Rm-1 in semiarid conditions.

5 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

012182   Rohini V K;Manjunath N H;Rao K S (Dep of Biochem, Indian Inst of Sci, Bangalore-560 012, Email: baradwaj@biochem.iisc.ernet.in) : Studies to develop systems to mobilize foreign genes into parasitic flowering plants. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 111-20.

Methods to introduce foreign genes into three taxonomically unrelated members of parasitic flowering plants Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (Cuscutaceae); Santalum album L. (Santalaceae) and Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettings. (Loranthaceae) via the Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated gene delivery were developed and the amenability of these plants to transformation was demonstrated. Vine apices of C. reflexa were inoculated with Agrobacterium and made to grow in vitro. Photo regimes were also determined for these cultured vine segments for flower induction. Endosperm of mature fruits of S. album were co-cultivated, de-differentiated in vitro and embryogenic cultures established. Agrobacteriiim co-cultivated embryo and the surrounding endosperm of D. falcata mature fruits were cultured for shoot bud regeneration. The optimization of transformation protocols involved pre-induction of vir genes with wounded tobacco leaf extracts in Winans' AB medium, increase in the infection time depending on the parasite used, pricking of the target tissues with a sewing needle before bacterial inoculation. The target tissues and the regenerants were initially examined for their transformability using the uidA gene. The uidA gene (that codes for GUS) that expresses in plant tissues only and which eliminates the possibility of background bacterial expression in the plant tissues was chosen for transformation. The GUS expression in Cuscuta was observed in the primary transformants (vine tips), laterals that developed subsequently from these vine apices following growth as also in the flower buds that were induced on the in vitro growing vines under kanamycin selection. In S. album, uidA. gene activity was seen in the co-cultivated endosperm, in the callus derived from the selected portions of the endosperm and in the somatic embryos developed from the callus. In D. falcata, GUS expression was seen throughout the co-cultivated endosperm and in the region of the germinating embryo from which the shoot buds differentiated in a chimeric fashion. The transformation events were further evaluated in the primary transformants by PCR analysis and Southern blotting.

6 illus, 55 ref

012181   Rao B S;Bhat N N (Radiological Phys & Advis Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Mumbai-400 085) : Optimisation of interfraction interval in multiple fractions daily schedules. J med Phys 2004, 29(4), 262-5.

During the last two decades, radiation therapy of cancer has been going through improvements with the introduction of new and advanced techniques. Hence, the development of theories based on strong mechanistic details of radiology gained paramount importance. In the case of linear quadratic model, with adequate knowledge of repair coefficient for different normal tissues, it is possible to introduce an optimum interval between fractions to reduce the normal tissue damage to an acceptable limit and keep the tumor biologically effective dose (BED) to the maximum. Calculates the BED for multiple fraction daily (MFD) schedules for tissues with different α/β values and different repair kinetics based on radiobiological repair models.

3 illus, 5 ref

012180   Ramesh S;Das S;Khan S A;Lyla P S (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-600 502) : Biochemical changes in relation to moulting of estuarine hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus (De Haan). Aquacult 2005, 6(2), 191-5.

The changes in biochemical composition in relation to moult cycle of estuarine hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus were studied. Biochemical constituents in tissues as muscle and hepatopancreas varied in relation to the moult stages. Total protein (25.55% in muscle and 36.20% in hepatopancreas) and total lipid (6.45% in muscle and 8.20% in hepatopancreas) were found more during the intermoult period. Total carbohydrate (5.25% in muscle and 6.40% in hepatopancreas) and ash (19.10% in muscle and 22.10% in hepatopancreas) contents were observed to be more during the premoult stage. The moisture content was high in muscle (82.25%) and hepatopancreas (71.85%) during fresh moult period. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences (<60>0.05) in biochemical constituents between moult stages.

2 tables, 22 ref

012179   Purama R K;Goyal A (Dep of Biotechnol, Indian Inst of Technol Guwahati, North Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039) : Dextransucrase production by Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 89-107.

Microbes produce an array of exopolysaccharides which form a biofilm around the cells facilitating attachement of the cells to surface, colonization and providing protection against unfavourable conditions. Xanthan, alginate, pullulan, dextran, alternan, levan and inulan are some of the examples. Dextran, alterman, levan and inulan are produced by a group of bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus family. These compounds are derived from sucrose derivatives like glucose and fructose, where glucose gets polymerized to dextran while fructose is used as energy source by the exocellular or cell membrance bound enzymes. The gram-positive Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F, which synthesizes the extracellular homopolysaccharide dextran, is an extensively used organism for the industrial production of dextransucrase. Dextran gained importance owing to its applications in the pharmaceutical, food, photo film manufacturing and fine chemical industries. The maintenance and production media composition and culture conditions have been optimized for the large scale production of dextransucrase. Low cost carbon and nitrogen sources like sugar-beet molasses, corn steep liquor and wheat bran extract have been successfully employed for large-scale preparation of dextransucrase by fermentation process. Mutants were developed and fermentation techniques like batch, semi-continuous fermentation by free and immobilized cells were tried to economize commercial production of dextransucrase. Present communication reviews the available information on cultural conditions and nutritional requirements for the production of dextansucrase by Leuconostoc sp.

^iia2 tables, 85 ref

012178   Patel N P;Bhattacharya K;Vijiyan V;Hota P K; Singh D N (Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Cent, , Cuttack-753 007, Email: nppatel03@hotmail.com) : The role of miniature ionization chamber in comprehensive quality assurance for surface mould HRD brachtherapy. J med Phys 2004, 29(4), 254-61.

The goal of the radiation therapy can be achieved if the prescribed dose is delivered to the defined target volume accurately with acceptable uncertainty. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of dose delivery in brachytherapy, where measured dose was to be compared with treatment planning system (TPS) calculated dose under the comprehensive quality ssurance. The therapy level ionization chamber of 0.1 cc volume was placed inside the surface mould (wax medium) designed for the treatment of carcinoma of skin. The delivered dose was measured during the treatment for all fractions. The theoretical study on non-uniformity correction factors for 0.1 cc chamber and experimental study on relative transmission factor from was to water medium that influence the measured dose were performed. The variation in TPS-calculated dose at the reference points inside chamber sensitive volume was observed to be 17.5% of the mean dose. The relative transmission factor from was to water medium was 0.9934 per cm. The difference between the measured dose and TPS-calculated dose was 2.52%. The uncertainty in dose measurement was estimated to be ±3.8%. the accuracy of dose delivery was found well within the prescribed limit.

7 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

012177   Otvos E;Tuba Z (Dep of Bot & Pl Physiol, Fac of Agric & Envir Sci Szent Istvan Univ, Pater K. u. 1., H-2103 Godollo, Hungary, Email: tuba@fau.gau.hu) : Ecophysiology of mosses under elevated air CO₂ concentration. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 65-70.

In general, bryophytes show an immediate positive response of photosynthesis to elevated CO₂, but the longer term effect is usually reduced by down-regulation or feedback inhibition of photosynthesis, or other limitations on production and growth. In bryophytes, enhanced short-term photosynthesis may or may not be reflected in increased production. The present ambient CO₂ concentration can be suboptimal for mosses, so short-term laboratory experiments show a positive response to elevated CO₂. When exposure to elevated CO₂ lasts for a prolonged time (20-40 days), the primary advantageous effects start to decline and signs of negative, downward acclimation of photosynthetic system in mosses can also be detected. Summarizes present knowledge of ecophysiological responses to elevated air CO₂ of mosses including peat mosses.

^iia44 ref

012176   Narayana K J P;Vijayalakshmi M (Dep of Microbiol, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Guntur-522 510, Email: vijaya_muvva@yahoo.com) : Cultural, physiological and antimicrobial properties of Streptomyces tanashiensis MTCC 6277. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 161-3.

Cultural properties of Streptomyces tanashiensis MTCC 6277 were studied on eight culture media. The morphological, physiolohical and antimicrobial characters of the isolate were recorded. The strain exhibited resistance to chloramphenicol, penicillin and streptomycin. The isolate had the ability to produce enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, chitinase, tyrosinase and nitrate reductase. The strain showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Candida albicans and Penicillium spp.

^ssc2 tables, 19 ref

012175   Mehetre S S;Eapen S;Gomez M;Aher A R (All India coordinated Cott Improv Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Molecular and cytomorphological analysis of interspecific hybrid of CMS Gossypium hirsutum L. and Gossypium anomalum, Waw. & Peyr. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2005, 65(3), 167-72.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was employed to characterize the interspecific hybrid of G. hirsutum 76 IH x G, anomalum and test its hybrid status. Out of 24 random primers screened, 12 were selected which generated 182 amplification products of which 98 amplicons were polymorphic. Based on the presence or absence of DNA bands in the female parent, offspring and male parent, the molecular markers could be classified into seven Groups. Group I markers shared bands in both parents and offspring, Group II markers shared bands in female and offspring, Group III markers shared bands in both parents, Group Iv markers shared bands in male parent and offspring; Group VII markers were present only in male parent. Of these, only Group IV markers (because of the presence of true distinct bands present in male parent) are suitable for identifying the hybrid status of the offspring. In this study, 63.3% of the RAPD markers revealed additivity among parent and offspring G. hirsutum 76 IB x G. anomalum, 34.7% of parental markers (Group III, V and VII) were absent in the offspring while 2% unique markers (Group VI) were present. The hybrid in the present study showed Group Iv markers common with male parents, which clearly shows that DNA based technology such as RAPD could be used with greater speed to detect true interspecific hybrids of Gossypium. Further the trueness of the hybrid was also confirmed on the basis of cytomorphological observations. The significance of this hybrid in introgression of desirable genes from the wild species G. anomalum to cultivated G. hirsutum is discussed.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

012174   Magotra V;Bupesh Kumar;Mishra M N (Div of Pl Breed & Genet, R.B.S. Coll, Bichpuri, Agra-283 105) : Mutagenic effects of gamma rays on frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll and macro-mutation in M₂ generation of urd bean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper). Envir Ecol 2005, 23(Spl 3), 582-5.

Experiment with M₂ generation of T-9 variety of urd bean irradiated with the mutagenic effects of gamma rays (5 kR, 10 kR 15 kR, 20 kR, 25 kR, 30 kR, 35 kR. 40 kR, 45 kR and 50 kR) was conducted during kharif of 1999 for assessing the mutagenic effects of gamma rays on frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll and macromutations in urd bean. The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutations was observed under 15 kR and 35 kR. However, the spectrum of chlorophyll mutations was quite narrow as only three types different mutagenic treatments of gamma rays. The spectrum of macromutations revealed that mutagenic treatments viz., 5 kR for leaf morphology, 25 kR for plant type, 15 kR and 25 kR for pod character and 5 kR for seed character have yielded the highest frequency and spectrum of macromutations.

2 tables, 8 ref

012173   Latha V;Panneerselvam A;Saravanarnuthu R (P G and Res Dep of Bot and Microbiol, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam Coll (Autonomous), Poondibari -613 503) : Studies on the saprophytic survival Sclerotium rolfsii in soil under treatment of fungicides. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 307-9.

Sclerotium rolfsii, soilborne fungal pathogen, causes diseases on a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. Saprophytic survival of S. rolfsii causing root rot of groundnut, in soil treated with fungicides namely bavistin and fytolan, was studied by burying the precolonized stembits of groundnut. The percentage suppression of the pathogen in the soil amended with fungicides of bavistin and fytolan has been discussed.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

012172   Kovi R C;Dahiya S;Prasad G;Minakshi (Dep of Anim Biotechnol, Coll of Vet Sci CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Evaluation of new primers targeting serogroup specific genes for detection of bluetongue viruses by RT-PCR. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 103-7.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

012171   Khade Ranjana G;Mane Priyadarshani N;Dasgupta D (Dep of Microbiol, Inst of Sci, Mumbai-400 032) : Production and partial characterization of extracellular bioemulsifier of Candida valida. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 144-51.

Investigates bioemulsifiers from soil microorganisms. It was found that Candida valida isolated from soil which was continuously exposed to oil, produced emulsifiers with improved stability and emulsification property over commonly used food emulsifiers e.g. carboxymethylcellulose and gum arabic. Standard emulsification assay employed to examine food grade emulsifiers was used in this study. Crude preparation of the emulsifier of C. valida had carbohydrate content of 65% and protein content of 5%. Maximum production of bioemulsifier occurred when glucose was used as the carbon source. Emulsification activity and stability of the emulsifier was not affected by temperature, pH and salinity.

5 illus, 3 tables

012170   Ishwar Singh;Ved Pal Singh (Appl Microbiol and Biotechnol Lab Dep of Bot, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: vpsingh_biology@rediffmail.com) : Effect of plant extracts on mycelial growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 139-42.

Extracts of Allium sativum, Syzygium aromaticum, Trachyspermum ammi and Zingiber officinale were screened for antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties on Aspergillus flavus CMI 102566. Complete inhibit of alflatoxin synthesis, with varying degree of inhibition of mycelial growth was observed after the addition of plant extracts in the culture medium. Extract of Z.officinale at day 4 promoted mycelial growth but retarded aflatoxin production. In contrast, the extracts of S.aromaticum and T. ammi inhibited both aflatoxin synthesis as well as mycelial growth. A. sativum extract inhibited mycelial growth at day-4, but had negligible effect on aflatoxin production.

1 table, 20 ref

012169   Hossain M T;Cherry H M;Anwar M N (NO, , , Email: anwarmn54@yahoo.com) : Optimization of some factors affecting the production glucoamylase by Aspergillus funiculosus. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 143-6.

Fungal isolate AP5 was isolated from stored rice and identified as Aspergillus funiculosus G.Smith. The isolate showed maximum glucoamylase production at 27°C and pH 5.0, in 4 days of incubation. Rice powder as carbon source and malt extract as nitrogen source were found to induce glucoamylase production by the isolate. Maximum glucoamylase activity was achieved at 45°C and pH 4.5 along with 2% starch during enzyme-substrate reaction.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

012168   Gupta S P;Sharma M (NO, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agric Sci & Technology-Jammu, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rajouri-185 131) : Genotype x environment interaction in forage sorghum. Envir Ecol 2005, 23(Spl 3), 500-2.

Genotype-environment interactions were studied by growing 18 genotypes of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) for green fodder and dry matter yields. Genotypes S-512, HC-136, S-199, G-84, S-490, SSG-59-3 and HC-171 were highly responsive whereas genotype HC-136, IS-2389 and S-199 were poor in response for green fodder yield while for dry matter yield these genotype expressed high response. Genotypes found most unstable for both green fodder and dry matter yield were S-513, IS-2389, HC-260 and IS-3237. Considering the mean yield and low deviation from regression, genotypes G-84, S-490, IS-651, HC-471 and S-512 were high yielding and most stable for both the traits under study. Therefore use of these genotypes in forage sorghum breeding programs has been advocated.

2 tables, 6 ref

012167   Gupta M;Boora K;Sharma S;Chaudhary K (Dep of Biotechnol and Molec Biol Dep of Ent, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: kamlac@hau.ernet.in) : Characterization of native strains of Bacillus thuringinensis effective against Helicoverpa armigera. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 121-4.

Native strains of Bacillus thuringinensis having insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa armigera were characterized. Out of 367 strains, 12 showed more than 60% mortality against second instar larvae of H.armigera. These strains were characterized into different subspecies based on acid production from sucrose and salicin, esculin utilization and production of lecithinase. They belonged to subspecies kurstaki, thuringiensis, sotto and dendrolimus. One isolate could not be identified. Some strains contained large plasmids. These strains were further characterized using primers specific for cry 1Ab gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR analysis of selected strains generated a PCR product profile characteristic of B.thuringiensis strains, which are insecticidal to lepidopteran insects.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

012166   Gomathi K A;Nailwal T K;Bains G;Shukla A;Pant R C (NO, Coll of Basic Sci & Humanities G.B Pant Univ of Agric & Technol, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: pant_rc@yahoo.co.in) : Rapid and efficient procedure for extracting high quality genomic DNA from mango (Mangifera indica L.). Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 169-71.

Isolation of high molecular weight and high quality DNA from tree crops is notoriously difficult due to the presence of phenolics. A simple and efficient method for isolation of DNA from seven varieties of healthy and malformed floral tissues of mango (Mangifera indica L.) is reported. Results indicate that the amount of DNA in malformed tissues is higher than in its corresponding healthy tissues. The cause of higher DNA content in malformed tissues is yet to be discovered.

^ssc2 illus, 7 ref

012165   Goel R;Sharma R C;Manrao M R (Dep of Chem Dep of Seed Technol, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: ramesh_pau@yahoo.com) : Antifungal potential of benzal derivatives. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 135-7.

Antifungal action of four benzal derivatives was examined against Puccinia striiformis, Puccinia recondita, Ustilago tritici, Alternaria brassicae and Pestalotia psiddi by spore germination inhibition method. The results have been expressed in terms of ED50 and ED90 values. Benzalmalononitrile (IIIa) was found to be the best. The efficiency of this compound against P. striiformis (ED50 40 ppm) was found to be comparable to standard fungicides.

1 table, 11 ref

012164   Dwivedi C P;Tiwari O N;Nayak R;Dwivedi S; Singh A;Sinha S K (NO, Coun of Sci and Technol U.P., 9-Nabiullah Road, Surajkund Park, Lucknow-226 018, Email: satyesh_s@hotmail.com) : Effect of green manures of Sesbania rostrata and Vigna radiata and biofertilizers on soil sustainability and crop productivity in rice wheat cropping system. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 141-7.

Field experiment was conducted during 2000-01 to 2001-02 as to study the effect of green manures (GM) from Sesbania rostrata and Vigna radiata and biofertilizers (blue green algae and Azotobacter) with graded level of inorganic nitrogen (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg/ha) on sustainability of soil as well as productivity of crops in rice-wheat cropping system at agriculture farm of Regional Institute of Rural Development (RIRD), Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow. The organic carbon (0.01 to 0.22%), total nitrogen (0.010 to 0.032%) and available phosphorus (1 to 7 Kg/ha) of the soil were found to get improved in general with GM (S. rostrata and V. radiata) and biofertilizers (Blue green algae and Azotobacter) in rice-wheat cropping system at each level of chemical nitrogen as compared to their respective controls. Grain yield (q/ha.) of paddy at N60 + GM + BGA and that at N120 only was observed 50.00 and 44.25, and 48.92 and 43.94 with S. rostrata and V. radiata, respectively. Grain yield (q/ ha) of wheat at N90 + GM + BGA/AZB and N120 + GM0 + BGA0/AZB0 was 47.00 and 37.18, and 37.55 and 34.22 in plots earlier treated by S. rostrata and V. radiata, respectively. The results indicated the possibility of saving about 90-120 Kg chemical N/ha with simultaneous increase in grain yield by 10 to 25% in both the crops. The maximum nitrogen use efficiency (NUE, kg grain/kg N applied) was recorded 146.00 and 143.00 in paddy and 123.33 and 100.00 in wheat at N30 + GM + BGA/AZB with S. rostrata and V. radiata, respectively.

4 tables, 19 ref

012163   Chrisolite B;Sugumar G;Velayutham P;Felix N (Dep of Fish Processing Technol, Fish Coll and Res Inst Tamil Nadu Vet and Anim Sci Univ, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: sugumar_mg@yahoo.com) : Bacterial incidence in water and sand at fish landing sites along the Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 155-9.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of bacterial flora of samples of water and beach sand collected from four fish landing sites of Thoothukudi was done for one year from June 2003 to May 2004. Althogh the bacterial counts varied widely in water and sand samples from Thirespuram landing centre, Fishing harbour, South landing centre and Port beach landing centre, there was no marked seasonal variation. There was no significant relationship between heterotrophic bacterial density and physicochemical parameters (P<62>0.05). The dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels varied considerably between landing centers indicating the extent of pollution. Quantitative analysis showed dominance of Gram positive over Gram negative bacteria in all samples except in sand samples from Thirespuram landing centre.

3 tables, 13 ref

012162   Charyulu P B B N;Rajaramamohan Rao V (Dep of Microbiol, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003) : Nitrogen fixation as influenced by different levels of cellulose in paddy soils. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 169-75.

Effect of different levels of cellulose (0.2-3.0%) on heterotrophic nitrogen fixation in three paddy soils, incubated under flooded and nonflooded conditions, was investigated employing both acetylene reduction and ¹⁵ N tracer techniques. Increasing levels of cellulose, up to 2% level, enhanced nitrogen fixation in the soils and the effect was more pronounced under flooded conditions. Nitrogen fixation was low in an acid saline soil and the commencement of the activity was delayed in comparison with other soils. ¹⁵N₂ incorporation studies also indicated similar effects of cellulose amendment on nitrogen fixation in these soils suggesting that addition of cellulose greatly enhanced the nitrogen-fixing capacity of rice soils, the effect varying with the soil type and water regime.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

012161   Bhonsle S A;Attar Y C;Ingale P;Yekane D (Dep of Microbiol, Rajaram Coll, Kolhapur-416 004) : Microbial decolourisation and degradation of distillary spent wash. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(2), 324-7.

Spent wash sample was collected from Warana distillery (M. S.) and physicochemical analysis was performed. It shows high COD, Na, Cl and K value. By enrichment culture technique yeast spp was isolated and was used in microbial treatment of spent wash. Microbial treatment shows prominent decolourisation of mellanoidine and degradation of spent wash; which results in reduction in COD, Na, and Cl concentration. The isolated yeast spp. shows more decolourisation at 50% concentration but degradation results of 50% and 100% concentration were found nearly same.

^ssc2 tables, 6 ref

012160   Bhattacharya J;Singh a k;Singh R K S;Rai A N (Biochem Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: rai_amar@hotmail.com) : Metronidazole as a specific inhibitor of nitrogenase activity in the heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc ANTH, an isolate from Anthoceros punctatus. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 115-20.

Effect of metronidazole on growth and nitrogen metabolism of the N₂-fixing heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc ANTH and its paraquat-resistant (PQ-R), chlorate-resistant (Clo-R) and net NIF mutants was studied. Metronidazole inhibited the diazotrophic growth of Nostoc ANTH and its PQ-R and Clo-R mutants when grown in the absence of combined nitrogen. The drug inhibited nitrogenase activity completely within 3h of treatment but did not affect the activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, and ammonium transport. All the strains grew well in presence of metronidazole when the growth medium was supplemented with sources of combined nitrogen. The het Nif strain, which lacked heterocysts and was unable to fix N₂ remained unaffected by metronidazole in medium supplemented with combined nitrogen. The inhibition of diazotrophic growth by metronidazole was ascribed to the impairment of nitrogenase activity.

2 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

012159   Bhardwaj R L;Roy K S (Dep of Anat and Histology, Coll of Vet Sci CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Histomorphological study on the ovary of prepubcrtal Indian buffalo Bubalus bubalis. Indian J Anim Sci 2005, 75(5), 499-502.

Histomorphological study was conducted on the ovary of 3 prepubertal buffaloes. The surface epithelium of the ovaries was simple cuboidal to simple columnar and surface infoldings were low. The average height of epithelium was 9.17±0.68 μm. The average thickness of tunica albuginea was 59.76±2.30 μm. Ovarian stroma was dense fibrocellular comparised mesenchymal cells differentiating into fibroblasts with collagen fibres and reticular fibres. No elastic fibres could be seen except at perivascular area and in the walls of the blood vessels. Smooth muscle cells were also observed. Ovarian follicles at different states of development were observed. Polynuclear ova were also observed. The interstitial gland cells were seen at locations. The mast cells were seen in perivascular area. The rate ovary and mesonephric tubules were lined with cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. Blood vessels of different caliber were seen in medulla. Luteal cell aggregate was seen in close vicinity of atretic follicle.

4 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

012158   Banerjee M;Sharma B D;Mishra S;John J; Chatterjee J (Lab of Algal Biotechnol Dep of Biosci, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026, Email: meenakshi_banerjee@indiatimes.com) : Regulatory effect of light and oxygen on nitrogen fixation by Anabaena cycadae in cycas. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(1), 93-7.

Anabaena cycadae mediated N2 fixation was measured in Cycas under light/dark, aerobic/ anaerobic conditions and in the presence of different concentrations of O₂. Freshly isolated Anabaena cycadae was highly sensitive to light and dark conditions bringing about four fold increase in N₂ fixation in light and 4.5 fold decrease in dark. The response of cultured alga was totally different in which light and dark did not affect nitrogen fixation measured as acetylene reduction assay. The behavior of freshly isolated alga was also very different in the presence and absence of O₂. Oxygen concentration as low as 2% brought about marked effect on nitrogen fixation in light and dark. In cultured alga, O₂ concentration did not produce any significant change. The study elucidates the regulatory effect of O₂ in controlling N₂ fixation in the Anabaena cycadae symbiosis.

4 tables, 19 ref

012157   Arora S;Bal M (Dep of Physiol, Univ Coll of Sci & Technol, 92, A P C Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: manjusrb@vsnl.net) : Extended spectrum beta-lactamase production in clinical isolates from hospitals at Kolkata. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 125-30.

Clinical isolates resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics have become an ever-increasing problem, especially due to the production of Extended-Spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that can hydrolyze a wide spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics. The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of ESBL producers in major hospitals of Kolkata. 284 non-repeat clinical isolates were taken from five major hospitals of Kolkata and screened for ESBL production by Disk Agar Diffusion (DAD) using third generation cephalosporins (3GC) and Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) with and without clavulanic acid (CA), as per National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). 87 (30.6<37) strains were resistant to at least two 3GC out of which 46 (16.2%) were found to be ESBL-prooducers and confirmed phenotypically by DDST. ESBL production in 26 (56.5%) of Escherichia coli, 12 (26.1%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 4(8.6%) of Klebsiella spp., 2(4.3%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2(4.3%) of Proteus vulgaris were found. Some of the representative isolates were screened for the presence of plasmid DNA. Both large and small plasmids were found in these strains. A tinding of 162% of ESBL producing clinical strains from Kolkata has been reported. ESBL producers can cause a major therapeutic failure in Kolkata if not detected and reported in time.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

012156   Ahmed F A;Raquib M;Bhattacharya M;Chattarjee A (NO, Natn Res Cent on Yak (ICAR), Dirang, West Kameng-790 101) : Riboflavin (vitamin B₂) in yak meat. Indian J Anim Sci 2005, 75(5), 549-50.

Riboflavin content in meat of yaks that were reared in semi-intensive management system, was studied. The rivoflavin in yak meat ranged from 0.106 to 0.208 mg/kg. The mean concentration of riboflavin in yak was much higher than bison.

7 ref

012155   Acharya A;Kanwar S S;Saini R;Kalia A K (Departments of Microbiol and Agric Engng, CSK Himahal Pradesh Agric Univ, Palampur-176 062, Email: sskanwar@hillagric.ernet.in) : Evaluation of different consortia for biomethanation under psychrophilic conditions : laboratory and field studies. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(2), 109-14.

Bimethanation with different consortia under psychrophilic conditions was studied under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, it was studied in batch digesters at 15±10°C for 30 days hydraulic retention time (HRT) using different consortia viz. simple consortium, microbial consortium of Central Institute for Research on cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai (India) and consortium of Antarctica supplied by Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior (India). The microbial consortium of CIRCOT, Mumbai, activated in fresh cattle dung slurry and simple consortium yielded 1.025 and 0.865 L biogas, respectively, with maximum number of methanogens (45x106 mL^-1). The microbial consortium of CIRCOT, Mumbai, activated in autoclaved cattle dung slurry and consortium of Antarctica resulted in biogas production of only 0.570 and 0.445 L, respectively. The methanogenic counts in these digesters were low whereas sulphate reducing bacteria were high. The counts of proteolytic bacteria were high (105 mL^-1 in digesters inoculated with CIRCOT, Mumbai consortium. the field studies were carried out in 1 m³ Deenbandhu biogas plants with CIRCOT, Mumbai consortium activated in fresh cattle dung slurry which increased biogas production by 16-18% in the first year during winter months. However, this increase became negligible in the subsequent year.

1 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

011287   Yamazaki E;Inagaki M;Kurita O;Inoue T (Industrial Res Div, Sci and Technol Promotion Cent, Mie Prefecture, Takachaya 5-5-45, Tsu, Mie 514-0819, Japan, Email: yamazeoo@pref.mie.jp) : Kinetics of fatty acid binding ability of glycated human serum albumin. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(4), 475-81.

Kinetics of fatty acid binding ability of glycated human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated by fluorescent displacement technique with l-anilino-8-naphtharene sulphonic acid (ANS method), and photometric detection of nonesterified-fatty-acid (NEFA method). Changing of binding affinities of glycated HSA toward oleic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid, and caproic acid, were not observed by the ANS method. However, decreases of binding capacities after 55 days glycation were confirmed by the NEFA method in comparison to control HSA. The decrease in binding affinities was: oleic acid (84%), linoleic acid (84%), lauric acid (87%), and caproic acid (90%), respectively. The decreases were consistent with decrease of the intact lysine residues in glycated HSA. The observation indicates that HSA promptly loses its binding ability to fatty acid as soon as the lysine residues at fatty acid binding sites are glycated.

6 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

011286   Wang W;Ohse K;Liu J;Mo W;Oikawa T (Sch of Urban and Envir Sci, Northeast Norm Univ, Jilin, Changchun 130024, People's Republic of China, Email: wendy_wangw@tom.com) : Contribution of root respiration to soil respiration in a C₃/C₄ mixed grassland. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(4), 507-14.

Spatial and temporal variations of soil respiration were studied from May 2004 to June 2005 in a C_{3/C4 mixed grassland of Japan. The linear regression relationship between soil respiration and root biomass was used to determine the contribution of root respiration to soil respiration. The highest soil respiration rate of 11.54 μmol m^-2 s^-1 was found in August 2004 and the lowest soil respiration rate of 4.99 μmol m^-2 s^-1 was found in April 2005. Within-site variation was smaller than seasonal change in soil respiration. Root biomass varied from 0.71 kg m^-2 in August 2004 to 1.02 in May 2005. Within-site variation in root biomass was larger than seasonal variation. Root respiration rate was highest in August 2004 (5.7 μmol m^-2 s^-1) and lowest in October 2004 (1.7 μmol m^-2 s^-1). Microbial respiration rate was highest in August 2004 (5.8 μmol m^-2 s^-1) and lowest in April 2005 (2.59 μmol m^-2 s^-1). Author has estimated that the contribution of root respiration to soil respiration ranged from 31% in October to 51% in August of 2004, and from 45% to 49% from April to June 2005.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

011285   Vyas A;Vyas D (Lab of Microbial Technol and Pl Path Dep of Bot, Dr Hari Singh Gour Univ, Sagar-470 003) : Production of fungal cellulases by solid state bioprocessing of groundnut shell wastes. J scient ind Res 2005, 64(10), 767-70.

Groundnut shell was found to be potent inducer of cellulases by Aspergillus terreus, A. nidulans and Trichoderma viride in solid-state fermentation. Combination of A. terreus and Trichoderma viride was best for cellulase production.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

011284   Vijayakumar P S;Subramanian P (Dep of Envir Sci, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Rapid cellulose degradation by Pleurotus supplemented with cell crude extract. Mushroom Res 2004, 13(1), 27-8.

In an attempt to overcome lag phase in composting of a recalcitrant material like coir pith was carried out by different combination of Bacillus, Trichoderma, Pleurotus, Bacillus cell extract and Trichoderma cell extract to select the most effective consortia. Rapid cellulose degradation at the initial stage was recorded in the treatment with Pleurotus + Trichoderma cell extract + Bacillus cell extract.

1 table, 4 ref