014881   Shekhawat M;Singh P;Kumar R (Department of Chemistry, S.K. Government College, Sikar-332 001) : Quantative structure-activity relationship study of orally cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhabitors of derivatives of 3-phenoxypyran-4-one. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 50-5.

The cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition activities of the derivatives of 3-phenoxypyran-4-one were analyzed through multiple-regression analysis (MRA). Appropriate physicochemical parameters, identified for the substitutems of phenyl ring, attached to 3-phenoxypyran-4-one moiety were quantitatively correlated with COX-2 and COX-1 inhibition activities of these compounds. The derived significant correlation equation for COX-2 inhibition suggested that the ortho-substituent with negative resonance parameter, the para-substituent with lower dipole moment and the meta-subsliluent having higher resonance parameter were advantageous for the activity. The derived correlation equation for COX-1 inhibition suggested the significance of resonance effect for ortho-substituents and electron-donating effect for para-substkuent. A few potential congeners were also suggested for further synthesis.

2 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

014880   Sandhya S;Achan M A;Sudhakaran P R (Department of Biochemistry, Univesity of Kerala, Kariavatton, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: prsbn@md4.vsnl.net.in) : Parallel changes in fibronectin and α₅β₁ nitergin in articular cartilage in type II collage-induced arthritis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 14-18.

Interactions of cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) are mediated through specific cell surface receptors, belonging to the integrin family of transmembrane proteins. Integrins have been shown to be involved in chondrocyte-matrix interactions in the cartilage. In this study, the status of a matrix glycoprotein fibronectin (FN) and its receptor α₅β₁ integrin in the articular cartilage in collagen type II-induced experimental arthritis in rats, as well as in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients was investigated. Experimental arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of type-II collagen (300 μg/100 g body wt) and Freund's complete adjuvant. Saline-treated animals served as control. Clinical severity was indicated by increase in paw volume. Significant increase in the activities of lysosomal enzymes β-glucuronidase and p-hexosaminidase was observed in synovial effusate, serum and cartilage of arthritic animals, when compared to untreated control, indicating dysfunction of cartilage. Changes in FN and α₅β₁ integrin were studied by ELISA. A progressive increase was observed in the FN level in synovial effusate and cartilage of arthritic animals, when compared to untreated controls. FN levels were also significantly high in synovial fluid of osteoarthritic patients. A significant increase in the levels of α₅β₁ integrin was found in cartilage of arthritic rats. Parallel changes in FN and α₅β₁ integrin indicated that alterations in FN and α₅β₁ integrin in chondrocytes constituted one of the molecular mechanisms during progression of arthritis.

4 illus, 38 ref

014879   Ray S;Sengupta A;Ray A (Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Vanderbit University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN-37232, USA.) : Effects of paraquat on anti-oxidnat system in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 432-8.

The toxic effects of paraquat on the anti-oxidant defense system of male albino rats were evaluated, after administering either a single dose (1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg of body weight) or continuous daily doses (same as above, i.e., 1.5 mg/kg and 7.5 mg/kg of body weight) for 3 and 7 days. Glutathione levels in blood cells, liver, lung and kidney tissues decreased in a dose and time dependent manner. Glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity decreased, whereas the activity of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase increased in paraquat exposure. Malondialdehyde formation also increased in a dose and time dependent manner. The alterations of anti-oxidant system particularly glutathione can be utilized as biomarkers during management of paraquat poisoning.

2 tables, 44 ref

014878   Rana S V S;Chaudhary N;Verma Y (Zool Dep, Toxicol Lab, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004) : Circadian variation in lipid peroxidation induced by benzene in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 253-7.

Time-dependent effect of benzene, a potent carcinogenic industrial solvent, on lipid peroxidaiton and associated mechanisms has been studied in liver and kidney of rats. Significant differences were observed in the values of urinary phenol, microsomal malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH) and cytochrome P₄₅₀2E1 in rats treated with benzene in morning and evening hours. Highe'r were the values for urinary phenol and hepatic microsomal malondialdehyde in rats administered benzene in evening hours. Contrarily, higher were the values for GSH and cytochrome P₄₅₀2E1 in rats treated with benzene in morning hours. Increased microsomal lipid peroxidation has been attributed to low GSH status, whereas increased phenol concentration could be related to low activity of cytochrome P₄₅₀2E1 in the liver of rats in evening hours. It is concluded that circadian rhythmicity in hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme system and GSH contributes in toxicity of benzene. The results are important from occupational health point of view.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

014877   Ramchandra Prabhu H;Nandani M (Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical college, Manglore-575 001) : Inhibition of selenium dependent glutathione perosidase and superoxide dismutase in rats by diethyldithiocarbamate: effect of pre-administration ofα-tocopherol. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 465-8.

Rats pre-administered with α-tocopherol (10 mgs/day) for 7 days afforded a significant protection at the tissue level against the lowering of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, especially the selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase. The protective action of α-tocopherol in the diethyldithiocarbamate treated rats may be attributed to its antioxidant/free radical scavenging action. It is concluded that selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase and α-tocopherol act in a complementary fashion to block free radical formation.

4 tables, 21 ref

014876   Qureshi A H;Prakash T;Patil T;Viswanathswamy A H M;Gouda A V;Prabhu K;Setty S R (NO, S.C.S. College of Pharmacy, Harapanahalli-583 131, Email: rssiddamsetty@rediffmial.com) : Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of flowers of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br. in CCl₄ induced hepatic damage. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 304-10.

Hepatoprotective activity of 70% ethanolic extract of flowers of C. procera was studied against CCl₄ induced hepatic injury in albino rats and mice. In addition, antioxidant activity was studied by in vitro models. Pre-treatment with 70% ethanolic extract (CPA) reduced the biochemical markers of hepatic injury like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, HDL and tissue glutathione (GSH) levels. Similarly pretreatment with CPA reduced the CCl₄ induced elevation in the pentobarbitone sleeping time. Histopathological observations also revealed that pretreatment with CPA protected the animals from CCl₄ induced liver damage. CPA demonstrated dose dependant reduction in the in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation induced by CCl₄. In addition it showed dose dependant free radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that flowers of C. procera possess hepatoprotective property possibly because of its anti-oxidant activity. This property may be attributed to the quercetin related flavonoids present in the flowers of Calotropis procera.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

014875   Ozylimaz G;Tukel S S;Alptekin O (Department of Chemistry, University of Mustafa Kemal, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, 31010 Hatay, Turkey, Email: gozyilmaz@gmail.com) : Kinetic properties and storage stability of catalese immobilised on to florisil. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 38-43.

The covalent immobilization of bovine liver catalase (CAT) on to florisil via glutaraldehyde was investigated. Optimum immobilization pH and temperature were determined as pH 6.0, 10°C respectively, while the amount of initial CAT per g of carrier and immobilization time was determined as 5 mg g^-1 and 120 min, respectively. The V_max values for free and immobilized CAT were found to be 1.7 x 10⁵ and 2.0 x 10⁴ μmol H₂O₂. min^-1 mg protein^-1, respectively, whereas K_M values were 33.3 mM and 1722.0 mM respectively. Operational stability was determined by using a stirred batch-type column reactor. Immobilized CAT retained about 40% of its initial activity after 50 uses. It showed higher storage stability than free CAT at 4°C and 25°C. Its storage stability increased with increasing relative humidity (RH) from 0 to 20% of the medium. The highest storage stability was obtained in 20% RH, however, further increase in RH from 40 to 100% significantly decreased the storage stability.

6 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

014874   Nongbri D;Sharma R (Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shilong-793 022) : Postnatal regulation of glucocorticoid receptor in the live of chicken. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 7-13.

The specific binding of [³H]-dexamethasone to glucocoticoid receptor (GR) and activation of hormone-receptor (H-R) complexes from the liver of chicken at day 0, 5, 10, 30, 60 and 90 were investigated to find out GR regulation during postnatal development. Results showed that GR level (fmol/mg protein) reached a peak by day 5 of postnatal age and was significantly higher (+ 42%) than observed at day-0 (day of hatching), as evidenced also by protein blot experiments and Scatchard analysis of binding data. The GR concentration declined gradually up to day 30, and thereafter, no significant change was observed at day 60 and 90 of postnatal ages. The temperature and salt-dependent activation of GR showed no significant differences in 0 and 30-day old chicken, as determined by DNA-celluIose binding assay. However, nuclear binding of temperature and salt-activated GR complexes was significantly higher in 0-day old chicken. Cross-mixing experiments (wherein nuclei of day-0 were incubated with the H-R complexes of day-30 and vice-versa) revealed the role of nuclear specificity in higher binding of temperature and salt-activated H-R complexes at day-0 of postnatal age. DNase I extraction of nuclei bound to activated H-R complexes showed higher extractability at day-0 (70%), compared to day-30 (44%). Above findings suggested that changes in GR concentration as well as chromatin organization might play an important role in glucocorticoid-mediated responses during postnatal development of chicken.

6 illus, 45 ref

014873   Navalakhe R M;Nandedkar T D (NO, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: cellbioirr@hotmail.com) : Application of nanotechnology in biomedicine. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(2), 160-5.

Nanotechnology is the development of engineered devices at the atomic, molecular and macromolecular level in nanometer range. Nanoparticles have potential application in medical field including diagnostics and therapeutics. Nanotechnology devices are being developed for diagnosis of cancer and infectious diseases which can help in early detection of the disease. Advances in nanotechnology also proved beneficial in therapeutic field such as drug discovery, drug delivery and gene/protein delivery. Nanoparticles can be constructed by various methodology so that effect can be targeted at desired site. Some of the applications of nanoparticles in medicine as diagnostics and therapeutics which can be employed safely at the clinical level have been described. On other hand, as the particles become generally smaller their likehood of causing harm to the lung increases. Therefore, there is a need to study safety of nanoparticles.

^iia28 ref

014872   Mir H A;Rajawat J;Pradhan S;Rasheedunnisa Begum (Biochemistry Dep, Science Faculty, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: rasheeda@icenet.co.in) : Signaling molecules involved in the transition of growth to development of Dictyostelium discoideum. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 223-36.

Social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, a powerful paradigm provides clear insights into the regulation of growth and development. In addition to possessing complex individual cellular functions like a unicellular eukaryote, D. discoideum cells face the challenge of multicellular development. D. discoideum undergoes a relatively simple differentiation process mainly by cAMP mediated pathway. Despite this relative simplicity, the regulatory signaling pathways are as complex as those seen in metazoan development. However, the introduction of restriction-enzyme-mediated integration (REMI) technique to produce developmental gene knockouts has provided novel insights into the discovery of signaling molecules and their role in D. discoideum development. Cell cycle phase is an important aspect for differentiation of D. discoideum, as cells must reach a specific stage to enter into developmental phase and specific cell cycle regulators are involved in arresting growth phase genes and inducing the developmental genes, Presents an overview of the signaling molecules involved in the regulation of growth to differentiation transition (GDT), molecular mechanism of early developmental events leading to generation of cAMP signal and components of cAMP relay system that operate in this paradigm.

^iia4 illus, 92 ref

014871   Mandal A;Batabyal S K;Poddar M K (Biochemistry Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, B C Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: poddarmk@yahoo.co.in) : Long-term caffeine-induced inhibition of EAC cell progression in relation to gonadal hormonal status. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 347-52.

Inhibitory action of caffeine (a tri-methylxanthine alkaloid) on progression or pathogenesis of lung, breast and ovarian cancer including Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell development has been reported. This information led the authors to study the effect of long-term administration of caffeine (20 mg/kg/day; po for 22-27 consecutive days) on the development of EAC cells in relation to serum gonadal hormones (LH, FSH, 17-OH-β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone) in adult Swiss albino female mice. Measurement of gonadal hormones in serum using R1A showed that (a) long-term caffeine treatment significantly increased LH (except for 27 consecutive days) and decreased FSH (except for 24 and 27 consecutive days) and both E2 and progesterone (except for 22 and 24 consecutive days) levels, (b) development of EAC cell for 10-15 days, significantly increased LH but decreased FSH, E2 and progesterone levels and (c) long-term caffeine consumption during the development of EAC cell (i) restored the EAC cell- or caffeine-induced induction of LH and reduction of FSH level to their normal levels and (ii) withdrew/reduced the EAC cell-induced reduction in only E2 but not progesterone level. These results therefore, suggest that prolonged caffeine exposures may inhibit the development of EAC cell through the reduction or restoration of EAC cell-induced disruption of ovarian hormonal status to their normal status via the modulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis.

1 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

014870   Maity B;Guru P Y (Division of Laboratory Animals, Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Labor, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: bmaity2000@yahoo.com) : Genetic diversity and molecular characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli from different species of laboratory rodents. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(2), 210-5.

Escherichia coli has been intensively studied under various aspects in general bacteriology. In this study, 10 RAPD primers were examined in pathogenic E. coli isolated from laboratory rodents like Swiss, PS, BALB/c, C?3H/J and SMA mice; SD, CF, DR, Wistar and Lew rats; Cotton rats, Mastomys and Mongolian gerbils suffering from diarrhoea to establish genetic diversity and molecular characterization in different rodent species. It has been found that the largest amplified products were 2000 bp and lowest 200 bp and the number of scorable bands for responding primers ranging from 1 to 8 with an average of four bands. A total of 6,724 bands were scored against 10 RAPD primers for E. coli in different rodent species. RBM 1 (RAPD primer) was amplified with 1000 bp bands in all rodent species. The dendogram revealed three groups among pathogenic E. coli strains of 13 rodent species which were almost similar except Wistar and SD rats due to their genetic diversity. The linkage distance between Wistar vs. SD was 0.06, and CF vs. Mastomys was 0.01. It is concluded that the pathogenic E. coli that may cause watery, non-bloody diarrhoea to watery-bloody diarrhoea and dysentery could be easily identifed using RBM 1 primer in laboratory rodents.

8 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

014869   Kulkarni S K;Singh K;Bishnoi M (Centre with Potential for Excellence in Biomedical Sciences (CPEBS), Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: skpu@yahoo.com) : Involvement of adenosinergic receptors in anxiety related behaviours. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 439-43.

The effect of adenosine (A₁ and A₂ receptor agonist), caffeine (A₂A receptor antagonist), theophylline (A₂A receptor antagonist and their combination was studied in anxiety related behaviours using elevated zero maze and elevated plus maze paradigms and compared their various behavioural profiles. Adenosine (10, 25, 50,100 mg/kg) significantly showed anxiolytic effect at all the doses, whereas caffeine (8, 15, 30, 60 mg/kg) and theophylline (30, 60 mg/kg) showed psychostimulatory action at lower doses and anxiogenic effect at higher doses. Pretreatment with caffeine (8, 15, 30 mg/kg) and theophylline (30 mg/kg) reversed the anxiolytic effect of adenosine. The study suggested the involvement of adenosinergic receptor system in anxiety related behaviours.

2 illus, 21 ref

014868   Kishore K;Sinha S K;Kumar R;Gupta N C;Dubey N;Sachdev A (Biochemistry Div, IARI, New Delhi-110 012, Email: arcs_bio@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization of microsomal omega-6-desaturase gene (fad2-1) from soybean. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 390-7.

Genomic DNA sequence (fad.2-1) encoding seed specific microsomal θ-6 desaturase was isolated from soybean (Glycine max. L.cv. Pusa - 9702). A positive genomic done of 1852 nucleotides containing a single uninterrupted 3' end region region with an ORF of 1140 bp encoding a peptide of 379 amino acids, a complete 3' UTR of 206 bp and 86 bp of 5' UTR interrupted by a single intron of 420 bp was obtained on screening the sub-genomic library of soybean. Southern blots revealed at least two copies of the gene per haploid genome. Analysis of the translated product showed the presence of three histidine boxes, with the general sequence HXXXH and five probable transmembrane segments reported to be involved in substrate specificity.

6 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

014867   Kataria S;Jain K;Guruprasad K N (School of Life Sciences, Vigyan Bhavan, Khandwa Road Campus, D.A. University, Indore-452 001) : UV-B induced change in antioxidant enzymes and their isoforms in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cotyledons. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 31-7.

To assess the role of antioxidant defense system on exposure to ultra-violet-B (UV-B) radiation, the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), as well as the level of antioxidants ascorbic acid (AA) and α-tocopherol were monitored in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var long green) cotyledons. UV-B enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as AA content, but decreased the level of α-tocopherol. Significant increase was observed in the activities of SOD and GPX. Analysis of isoforms of antioxidant enzymes by native-PAGE and activity staining revealed three isoforms of GPX in unexposed dark-grown cotyledons (control), and their intensity was enhanced by UV-B exposure. In addition, four new isoforms of GPX were observed in cotyledons after UV-B exposure. Although no new isoforms were observed for the other antioxidant enzymes, the activities of their existing isoforms were enhanced by UV-B.

5 illus, 40 ref

014866   Jaya Kumari;Sahoo P K;Giri S S (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: pksahoo1@hotmail.com) : Effects of polyherbal formulation 'ImmuPlus' on immunity and disease resistance in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita at different stages of growth. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 291-8.

Series of experiments were performed to determine the impact of polyherbal immunomodulatory formulation 'ImmuPlus (AquaImmu) on growth, immunity and disease resistance of rohu (Labeo rohita), one of the Indian major carp at different stages of growth. Rohu larvae were fed on plankton, ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed, and plankton plus ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed (ImmuPlus added at three dose levels of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g/kg feed) from 4th day of hatching to 14th day. ImmuPlus-mixed diets enhanced growth of larvae, survival and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge, compared to only plankton-fed group. In two other experiments, advanced rohu larvae and fingerlings were fed with ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed (at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) for 15, 30 and 45 days. At the end of 45 days for advanced larvae and 30 days for fingerlings, the fish fed with ImmuPlus at 1.0 g/kg level showed significantly higher growth and disease resistance against A. hydrophila challenge. In a separate experiment, juveniles of rohu were fed with 1 g/kg of ImmuPlus incorporated feed for 15 and 30 days. At the end of the trial, the ImmuPlus fed fish showed enhanced non-specific immunity (as measured through nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay, serum lysozyme activity, serum haemolysin titre and resistance against A. hydrophila challenge in non-vaccinated fish as well as specific immunity levels (as measured through bacterial agglutination titre against A. hydrophila in vaccinated fish). Incorporation of ImmuPlus at 1 g/kg level in the diet of rohu may be beneficial for enhancing disease resistance.

1 illus, 5 tables, 32 ref

014865   Das J K;Khuda-Bukhsh A R (Department of Zoology, Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235) : GC-rich heterochromatin in silver stained nucleolar orgnaizer regions (NORS) fluoresces with chromomycin A₃ (CMA₃)staining in three species of teleostean fishes (pisces). Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 413-18.

In a bid to ascertain the molecular architecture of the silver positive regions (NORs) in chromosomes of three species of fish, namely, Hemibagrus menoda (Hamilton), Sperata seenghala (Sykes) (Fam: Bagridae) and Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) (Fam: Mastacembelidae), an additional staining methodology using a fluorochrome dye (Chromomycin A₃) was deployed along with the AgNO₃ technique. The nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) were located terminally at the shorter arms (Tp) of one pair of submetacentric chromosomes (No.3) in H. menoda (2n=58), at the longer arms (Tq) of one pair of submetacentric chromosomes (No.5) in S. seenghala (2n=50) and at the shorter arm (Tp) of one pair of homologous submetacentric chromosomes (No.6) in M. armatus (2n=48). Staining with Chromomycin A₃ produced bright fluorescing zones in GC- rich heterochromatin of Ag-positive NORs. The results indicate a more general trend of existence of an overlapping region between NOR and GC- rich fluorescing zones, the active sites of rRNA genes (rDNA) in this primitive group of vertebrates although exceptions to this situation has been reported in a couple of extant fish species earlier. More data utilizing such combined methodologies are warranted to understand the structural organization of fish chromosomes more precisely.

2 illus, 46 ref

014864   Dalli A K;Saha G;Chakraborty U (Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Botany Dep, Univ of North Bengal, Siliguri-734 013, Email: chakrabortyusha@hotmail.com) : Characterization of antimicrobial compounds from a common fern, Pteris biaurita. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 285-90.

Methanol extract was prepared from the fronds of Pteris biaurita and partial purification was done by solvent partitioning with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate, followed by hydrolysis and further partitioning with ethyl acetate. The three fractions, thus obtained were bioassayed separately against five test fungi- Curvularia lunata, Fomes lamaoensis, Poria hypobrumea, Fuasrium oxysporum and a bacterium- Bacillus pumilus, by spore germination, radial growth and agar cup techniques. Results revealed that ethyl acetate fraction (III) contained the active principle. TLC plate bioassay of the active fraction revealed inhibition zone at an Rf of 0.5-0.65. Silica gel from this region was scraped, eluted in methanol and subjected to UV-spectrophotometric analysis. An absorption maxima of 278 nm was recorded. HPLC analysis of TLC-eluate revealed a single peak with retention time of 8.1 min. GC-MS analysis revealed six major peaks in the retention time range of 7.2:10.9 min. Comparison with GC-MS libraries revealed that the extracts may contain a mixture of eicosenes and heptadecanes.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

014863   Chauhan A;Gupta S;Mahmood A (Biochemistry Dep, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: akhtarmah@yahoo.com) : Effect of tannic acid on brush border disaccharidases in mammalian intestine. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 353-8.

Tannic acid is a glucoside (penta-m-digallolyl-glucose), which exhibits a wide variety of physiological functions. Around neutral pH, 0.4 mM tannic acid produced 84% inhibition of rat brush border sucrase activity, but 35-40% enzyme inhibition was observed in the rabbit intestine at 0.08 mM concentration. In the mice, 74-77% enzyme inhibition was observed at 0.05 mM concentration of tannic acid. The observed inhibition was reversible in rat intestine. Tannic acid (0.2 mM) also inhibited lactase (18% in adult and 71% in suckling animals), maltase (76%) and trehalase (88%) activities in rat intestine. pH versus activity curves showed that 0.2 mM tannic acid inhibited enzyme activity in rat by 91% at pH 5.5 which was reduced to 14% at pH 8.5 compared to the respective controls. In the rabbit 18-60% enzyme inhibition was noticed below pH 7.0, however at pH 8.5, it was of the order of 38%. Kinetic analysis revealed that tannic acid is a competitive inhibitor of rat brush border sucrase at pH 6.8. Effect of tannic acid together with various -SH group reacting reagents revealed that the enzyme inhibition is additive in nature, suggesting the distinct nature of binding sites on the enzyme for these compounds. The results suggest that tannic acid is a potent inhibitor of intestinal brush border disaccharidases, and could modulate the intestinal functions.

4 illus, 20 ref

014862   Bhat S;Rao G;Dilip Murthy K;Gopalakrishna Bhat P (Biochemistry and Physiology Dep, Melaka Manipal Med Coll, International Centre for Health Sci, Manipal-576 104) : Influence of alignment of the pyramid on its beneficial effects. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 455-8.

Present study was aimed to find out whether a change in the alignment of the pyramid from the north-south axis causes any variation in the effects produced by it on plasma cortisol levels and markers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes of adult female Wistar rats. Plasma cortisol and erythrocyte TBARS levels were significantly lower whereas erythrocyte GSH was significantly higher in rats kept in pyramid that was aligned on the four cardinal points - north, east, south and west, as compared to normal control rats. Although there was a significant difference in the plasma cortisol level between normal control group and the group of rats kept in randomly aligned pyramid, there was no significant difference between these two groups for the other parameters. Erythrocyte TBARS levels in the group of rats kept in the randomly aligned pyramid was significantly higher than that in the group kept in the magnetically aligned pyramid. The result suggest that the north-south alignment of the pyramid is crucial for its expected effects.

1 illus, 21 ref

014861   Bhat A S;Ramachandaran G;Anil Kumar T B; Sanath Kumar V B (Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Banglore-560 065, Email: amartasbhat@yahoo.co.in) : Partial purification and characterization of chitinase from finger millet (Eleusine coracana (l.) gaertn.) leaves. J Pl Biol 2005, 32(3), 161-7.

Chitinase was purified from the leaves of blast-resistant finger millet genotype-I8IE by using ammonium sulphate precipitation and chitin affinity chromatography. The purification was 24-fold and the recovery was 18%. The enzyme preparation from the affinity column was partially pure as it showed twelve acidic isoforms and six basic isoforms upon anodic and cathodic PAGE respectively under native conditions followed by activity staining for chitinase. Further purification of different isoforms to homogeneity, by HPLC on Resource-S cation exchange column or Sephadex G-75 gel filtration column was not achieved under the conditions tried. The partially pure chitinase preparation showed fifteen protein bands on SDS-PAGE analysis, with the molecular weights of different isoforms ranging between 12 and 51 kDa. Out of fifteen protein bands, three bands at an estimated molecular weights of 27.0, 29.4 and 31.5 kDa showed chitinase activity upon renaturation and activity staining. The partially pure chitinase preparation showed lysozymal activity against cell walls of Micrococcus lysodiekticus and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Sclerotium rolfsii and Pyricularia grisea.

7 illus, 1 table

014860   Baskar R;Rajeshwari V;Sathish Kumar T (Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 006, Email: bhubakshi@rediffmail.com) : In vitro antioxidant studies in leaves of Annona species. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 480-5.

Antioxidant potential of leaves of three different species of Annona was studied by using different in vitro models eg., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxy radical and lipid peroxidation. The ethanolic extract of A.muricata at 500 μg/ml showed maximum scavenging activity (90.05%) of ABTS radical cation followed by the scavenging of hydroxyl radical (85.88%) and nitric oxide (72.60%) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. In contrast, the extract of A.reticulata showed better activity in quenching DPPH (89.37%) and superoxide radical (80.88%) respectively. A.squamosa extract exhibited least inhibition in all in vitro antioxidant models excepting hydroxyl radical (79.79%). These findings suggest that the extracts of A. muricata possess potent in vitro antioxidant activity as compared to leaves of A. squamosa and A.reticulata suggesting its role as an effective free radical scavenger, augmenting its therapeutic value.

3 tables, 5 ref

014859   Anilkumaar K R;Nagraj N S;Santhanam K (Biochemistry and Nutrition Discipline, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore-570 011) : Reduction of hexachlorocyclohexane-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in rat liver by Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(5), 450-4.

The effect of prefeeding of dehydrated E. officinalis (amla) powder at 5 and 10% levels on hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-induced changes in multicomponent antioxidant system and lipid peroxides in rat liver was studied. HCH induced significant elevation in hepatic malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides. The prefeeding of amla at 10% level could decrease the formation of these lipid peroxides significantly. The HCH abuse resulted in a significant reduction in hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities with an elevation in the activities of glutathione peroxidase and y -glutamyl transpeptidase (GOT). On the other hand, the HCH-induced impairment in hepatic catalase, G-6-PDH and SOD activities were modulated by amla at the 10% level of intake. Prefeeding of amla at 5 and 10% levels appeared to reduce the HCH-induced raise in renal GOT activity. The results show the elevation of hepatic antioxidant system and reduction of cytotoxic products as a result of prefeeding of amla, which were otherwise affected by the HCH administration.

1 illus, 2 table, 28 ref

014858   Abhyankar G;Reddy V D (Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: vdreddycpmb@yahoo.com) : Rapid micropropagation via axillary bud proliferation of Adhatoda vasica Nees from nodal segments. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 268-71.

Protocol for rapid multiplication of Adhatoda vasica has been developed through nodal explants from field grown mature plants. The maximum number of shoots, i.e., 7.75 ± 0.392 differentiated from split nodal halves on MS medium supplemented with BA (10.0 mg/l) during 4 weeks of culture. Maximum number of shoots formed per explant increased to ca. 30 within 6 weeks of subculture on medium containing BA (1.0 mg/l) and Kn (1.0 mg/l). The isolated shoots rooted 90% in MS medium containing IB A (0.1 mg/l) in 2 weeks. The rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to soil in glasshouse and subsequently in field. The plantlets rooted in liquid medium did not survive, but those rooted on solid medium showed more than 75% survival. In vitro raised plants grew successfully ex vitro till flowering.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

013805   Zhu Z T;Li Y M;Guo Y T;Sun M;Zhao Y F (The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biolo, Tsinghua Univ, Beijing 100084, P.R. China, Email: liym@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn) : A new fragmentation rearrangement of the N-terminal protected amino acids using ESI-MS/MS. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(6), 372-6.

Novel fragmentation rearrangement reaction with a carboxyl oxygen negative charge migration was observed in the N-terminal protected amino acids including Fmoc-protected phosphoserine, phosphothroenine, and phosphotyrosine and their analogues using the electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The possible mechanism of a five-membered ring transition state was proposed and supported by the further experiments. It was found that the tendency of the rearrangement was determined by the blocking status of its C-terminal and the reaction was proved to be independent of the N-terminal and side-chain protecting groups of the amino acids.

2 i, 1 t, 25 r, 2 s

013804   Yadav B S;Sharma P K;Sharma N (Molecular Spectroscopy and Biophysics Laboratory, D.N (P.G) College, Meerut-250 002) : Vibrational spectral studies of 4-hydroxy-2-methyl quinoline. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2006, 18(3), 315-22.

The vibrational spectra (IR and Raman) of 4-hydroxy-2-methyl quinoline have been recorded in the region 400 - 4000 cm^-1 and 40 - 4000 cm^-1 respectively. The assignments of fundamentals are proposed and discussed by assuming the molecule under Cs point group symmetry. Hydrogen bonding and tautomeric behaviour of the molecule have also been discussed.

5 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

013803   Wong P S;Sariah M (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agricultue, Univ Putra Malaysia,, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor DE Malaysia, Email: sariah@putra.upm.edu.my) : Beta-D-glucuronidase gene (gusA) and green fluorescent proteins (gfp) as a tool for monitoring the spatial distribution of Fusarium oxysporum in banana rhizosphere. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 173-8.

Nonpathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum (Fo4) was successfully transformed with (β-D-glucuronidasVgene (gus4) (Gus system) from Escherichia coli and green fluorescent proteins (gfp) via (Agrobdcterium tumefactens-mediated transformation method with hygromycin B resistance gene as selectable marker. The GUS expression was detected by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-g-D- glucuronide (X-Gluc) and gfp expression detected by observation using the fluorescence microscopy. The transformants were stable in culture over a period of five conidiation cycles based on the cultural and morphological descriptions, antagonistic activity towards F. oxysporum f sp. race 4 (FocR4) and DNA polymorphism. Expression of the gusA was also detected during growth and colonization of the fungus in the soil and rhizosphere of banana, indicating that GUS and gfp fusion system can be used to develop a direct system for monitoring the spatial distribution of potential antagonist in the banana rhizospherer.

3 illus, 22 ref

013802   Vimala A;Rath C C;Sree A;Patanayak S (Forest and Marine Products Div, Regional Research Laboratory, , Bhubaneswar-751013, Email: asree@rrlbhu.res.in) : Biodiversity and antimicrobial properties of cultivable microbial association of marine sessiler organisms of Orissa coast (Bay of Bengal). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(1), 17-22.

Microbes are known to form a highly specific and symbiotic relationship with filter feeding organisms Like sponges, with their nutrient-rich and host-associated environments forming unique niche for microbial exploitation. Here, a total of 110 culturable microorganisms (83 bacteria and 27 fungi) were isolated from nine marine sponges and two corals off Orissa coast, Bay of Bengal and subsequently studied for their biodiversity and antimicrobial properties. Bacterial isolates belonged to four 'gram forms' comprising of 8 genera with gram-negative rods forming the predominant group. The fungi belonged to four genera. Antimicrobial potential of the bacterial isolates was studied against 16 pathogens including aquaculture pathogens, plant pathogens and human skin disease causing pathogens. Out of 83 bacterial isolates 19 belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Bacillus and Micrococcus exhibited species - specific activity. Bacillus sp (RRL15) was found active against all the three groups of pathogens.

3 illus, 39 ref

013801   Vijaya T;Sandhya A (Biotechnology Dep, S.V. Univ, Tirupati-517502) : Response on Withania somnifera (Dural) to phosphorus and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 335-7.

Glass house trail was established to test the effectiveness of a species of VAM fungi, Glomus fasciculatum extracted from the hill area on Tirumala, on the growth of Withania somnifera for 6 phosphorous (P) rates (0, 5,10, 25, 75, 225 mg/kg). Withania somnifera plants that received VAM colonization exhibited enhanced P uptake, improved dry weight production and higher index tissue P concentration than those without VAM. There was 28% dry weight increase with VAM when 5 mg P/kg was added, but there was a significant (P<0.005) reduction in the case of 225 mg P /kg. VAM colonization was least at the higher P application for VAM treated plants than that of plants without VAM.

1 illus, 9 ref

013800   Vijaiyansiva G;Mohammad Hussain K;Prasanna Lakshmi J (Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai) : Moleculear characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria from chromium contaminated tannery effluents. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 651-4.

A gram negative bacterium (Salmonella) was isolated from a chromium-contaminated site that was capable of inducing a plasmid when grown in chromium enriched medium. The isolate was able to induce a high molecular weight fragment from its genomic DNA when it was incubated with the high concentration of 2mMollit^-1 Chromium. Analysis of the genomic DNA and plasmid DNA from the isolate revealed a high molecular weight genomic DNA breakups and two lower molecular weight plasmid DNA, Hence the mechanism of resistance in Salmonella is plasmid mediated from its own genomic DNA breakup.

8 illus, 1 table

013799   Vidya P;Desai S R P;Ussui K K (Food Technology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400085) : Pretreatment of lignocellulose by gamma rays and electron beam for enhanced degradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 253-8.

Effect of pretreatment of lignocellulosic material like rice and wheat straw by using gamma rays and electron beam at various doses on the biodegradation of lignin by P. chrysosporium was investigated. It was observed that irradiated samples were more efficiently degraded by P. chrysosporium than untreated samples. The lignin biodegradation was monitored by the loss in dry weight and Klason lignin and release of radioactivity from 14C labeled lignin. The effect of pretreatment of cellulose on biodegradation by P. chrysosporium was monitored by the amount of endoglucanase and exocellobiohydrolase (CBH) enzyme secreted by the organism when grown on pretreated cotton. The induction of the cellulase enzymes was found to be higher in pretreated samples as compared to the untreated samples. The optimum dose was found to be 750 Gy for gamma rays and 2500 Gy for electron beam.

6 illus, 31 ref

013798   Trivedi R;Bhatt S A (Life Science Dep, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat Univ, Patan 384 265, Email: trivediratna@yahoo.com) : Phosphatase activity in semi arid soils of Patan. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 303-5.

Phosphatase activity at four sites differing in topography and texture at two depths viz., 0-10 & 20-30 cm was studied from semi-arid soil of Patan during June 2001 to May 2002 in early stage of monsoon and post monsoon seasons. All the four sites showed varied Phosphatase activity during the study. Site-II shows highest alkaline Phosphatase activity during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons. Site-IV showed lowest acid Phosphatase activity during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons.

2 illus, 7 tables, 4 ref

013797   Tripathi C K M;Tripathi D;Vandana Praveen; Vinod Bihari (Division of Fermentation Technology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ckmtcdri@yahoo.com) : Microbial diversity-Biotechnological and industrial perspectives. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 326-32.

Biodiversity is an addition sum of the studies on genetic, taxonomic commercial and ecosystem aspects of living systems. All the living individuals of a species contain a distinct combination of genes and the intrinsic interaction among the gene pool influences evolution, survival and phenotypic/genotypic changes of the part of the biodiversity i.e. community. The amount of genetic diversity within population varies tremendously and much of modern conservation biology is concerned with the maintenance of genetic diversity within the population of plants, animals and microbes. Germplasm, obtained with the vast biodiversity, provides a major source of biological material for the development of medicines, vaccines, pharmaceutical products, improved crop and animal varieties and for other environmental applications. Industrialized nations, who have the technology and resources to patent and develop commercial biological products, are having the benefits of biodiversity through the collected and conserved germplasm flowing through the international research centers. In fact a particular genetic contribution usually represents only a small percentage of the total value of the eventual products. In addition, the research and development process required to commercialize a particular product requires enormous technical efforts. The principle of patenting genes is the morally or ethically correct is a matter of intense debate. However, geneticists, having conceived of the technologies with vast and immediate therapeutic, food and environmental values must try to bring to the material to market as soon as possible.

^ia32 ref

013796   Timande S P;Ramani B K (Post Graduate Department and Microbiology, D B Sciences college, Gondia-441 614) : Production of amalyse in liquid culture by strain of Bacillus subtilis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 557-60.

Various reports have appeared on microbial synthesis of amylase on solid substrates and in liquid media under stationary and submerged conditions. It appears from all these reports that the production of amylase is dependent on the strains, composition of media and methods of cultivation. An amylase producing bacteria were isolated form soil and cultural conditions were optimized for production of amylase. Studies on nutritional requirements of Bacillus subtilis for production of amylase revealed that optimum conditions were achieved in fermentation culture medium containing 2% starch and incubated at 37°C for 4 days at pH 7.0. The strain was found to utilize starch as best carbon source followed by wheat floor for production of amylase. Peptone was utilized as best nitrogen source. 0.2% v/v was optimum inoculum size, shaking accelerated the enzyme production. Maximum enzyme production was found with incubation period of 96 hours. Enzyme activity was exhibited at pH 7 and temperature 37°C. NaCl accelerates enzyme activity at lower concentration. MgCl₂ and CuSO₄ also accelerated the enzyme activity. Incubation period for optimum enzyme activity was 20 minutes, enzyme concentration was found to be 0.8ml and optimum substrate concentration was 400 micrograms Km was found to be 142.8 μg Ms/Ml and Vmax 0.4μ, moles/min from simple L- B plot. The Micnaelis - Menten Constant (Km) and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) were determined by Linewever Burk Plots using starch ( concentration between 100 μgms to 1000 μgms).

5 illus

013795   Thaakur S R (NO, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vi, Tirupathi-517 502) : Antibacterial activity of Adhatoda vasica leaf extract. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 287-9.

Antibacterial activity of leaf extract of Adhatoda vasica was studied against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus purmilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus flavus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Esherichia coli. Antibacterial activity was determined by disc diffusion method. Methanolic extract was found to be effective against gram +ve microorganisms where as mild activity was observed against gram -ve microorganisms.

2 tables, 9 ref

013794   Tambekar D H;Mankar S S (Microbiology P.G. Dep, Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602) : Studies on antimicrobial spectrum of rose petals against bacterial pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 367-72.

Total 27 varieties of roses petals were studies for their antibacterial activities. Out of these, petals of 19 varieties were found moderate to strong antibacterial against all the tested bacteria and the remaining 8 varieties were weak antibacterial. The Pseudomonas aeruzinosa was found to be highly sensitive against all the 27 rose varieties with maximum zone of inhibition (30 mm). The Bacillus coagulans, E.coli, Shigella flexeneri, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella typhi were moderately and Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebisella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium were weakly sensitive. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which were resistance to most of standard antibiotics, found sensitive to almost all varieties of rose petals. In most of the rose varieties, the antibacterial activities were more or less same with tested rose petals. Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to five varieties and Escherichia coli, Bacillus coagulans; Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi were resistant to one variety each. Therefore petals of these rose varieties can be used against infection caused by these organisms that may decrease the use of antibiotics and its ill effects. Thus this natural cure can be partially replaced the use of antibiotics.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

013793   Tambekar D H;Kerhalkar S A (Post Graduate Microbiology Dep, Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602) : Cow urine : A bioenhancer for antibiotics. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 329-33.

Cow Urine (Gomutra) has therapeutic values mentioned in Ayurveda and its pharmaceutical compositibn containing antibiotic and cow urine distillate as a bioenhancer was granted a US patent. Observation concluded that cow urine and cow urine distillate increased the activity of antibiotics against tested bacterial pathogens. Cow urine distillate was more effective bioenhancer than cow urine in combination with antibiotics. The investigation has direct implication in drastically reducing the dosage of antibiotics and drugs while increasing the efficiency of absorption of bioactive molecule, there by reducing the cost and toxicity of treatment.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

013792   Talebi S M;Iravani M (Department of Chemistry, Isfahan university, Ifsahan 81745, Iran) : New spectrophotometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid based on its reducing effects on chromiun (VI). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 429-31.

New spectrophotometric method based on reduction of chromium(VI) was developed for the determination of trace ascorbic acid. Chromium (VI) was reduced to Cr (III) by ascorbic acid. A solid phase extraction using cellulose was proposed to separate Cr (III) from the remainder of Cr(VI). The excess Cr (VI) was finally determined and used for calculation of ascorbic acid concentration. The parameters affecting the reaction of ascorbic acid with Cr (VI) and also those affecting the separation efficiency of remainder Cr (VI) were optimized. The proposed method showed capability for sensitive determination of trace ascorbic acid. The method was successfully applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juice and pharmaceutical.

4 illus, 13 ref

013791   Talebi S M;Dadfarnia S;Amani Z (Department of Chemistry, the University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81745 Iran) : Determination of lead and cadmium in maternal and neonatal bloods by electrothermal atomic absorption spectromery. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 419-21.

Levels of lead and cadmium in maternal and neonatal bloods were determined by electro-, thermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The blood levels of Pb and Cd in women resident in the city of Isfahan was compared with those who were living in rural areas and far from the industrial zones and a considerable difference was found between them. The possibility of transportation of Pb and did from placenta was investigated by analysis of maternal and neonatal bloods and showed :that the both elements can transfer from mothers blood to their babies, the transportation rate of lead was more than that for cadmium.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

013790   Suresh P K;Sajeetha Begam K A;Ashok Kumar R (Department of Biotechnology and Industrial Biotechnology, Karpagam Arts and science College, Coimbatore-641 021) : Micronuclei-is it an indicator of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity? - relevance of including this assay in mutagenicity / carcinogenicity assesment. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 657-9.

Micronuclei are oval to round bodies, found within the cytoplasm, but outside the main nucleus. They could be formed either as a result of direct genotoxic insult (primary genotoxicity) or could be secondary to cytotoxicity-induced DNA damage. Hence, at non-cytotoxic doses, their levels may be an indicator of genotoxic potential (biomarker) of a chemical carcinogen and hence, could be used as a preliminary assay for their toxicological assessment. Furthermore, this could also be an indicator that other submicroscopic changes may have occurred. However, the scoring criteria should be consistently followed to minimize scorer bias. This genotoxicity assay, when correlated with other assays like measuring DNA adduct levels, would be useful to potentially identify the limits of sensitivity for this assay as well as its specificity, so that the same could be used to screen workers, for genotoxicity, in the occupational setting, to identify individuals at an increased risk.

24 ref

013789   Suresh Kumar;Arul L;Talwar D;Raina S K (National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rainask@hotmail.com) : PCR amplification of minimal gene expression cassette: an alternative, low cost and easy approach to 'clean DNA transformation. Curr Sci 2006, 91(7), 930-4.

Reports an alternative and easy approach to generate sufficient quantity of minimal gene expression cassette (promoter-open reading frame-terminator) DNA by PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. Isolating the minimal gene cassette DNA in large quantities by restriction digestion and gel extraction for biolistic-mediated 'clean DNA' transformation, is not only a cumbersome and time-consuming process, but also laborious and expensive. The minimal cassette for GUS gene, generated from pCAMBIA-1305.1, was used as a reporter system for bombardment of mature embryo-derived calluses of indica rice IR-64. Transient GUS expression in the bombarded calluses showed no significant difference, in terms of GUS expression units, whether the GUS gene cassette was generated by restriction digestion or PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. The results demonstrated that PCR amplification of the minimal gene cassette using high fidelity DNA polymerase is a reliable, low cost and easier approach to 'clean DNA' transformation.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013788   Sunitha M;Rani E;Devaki K (Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Arts and Sciences College, Coimbatore-641 021) : Production of cellulase from Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis usign pine apple peel as ssubstrare by solid state fermination. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 577-80.

Fruit juice waste pineapple peel was used for the production of cellulase using Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis by solid state fermentation.. The enzyme yield was maximum from Bacillus subtilis compared to A.niger. Both species follow the same requirement pattern of 10 gm substrate,75% moisture content,2 days incubation period, 35°C incubation temperature. Addition of carbon source like Glucose, Galactose, Maltose, Starch, Sucrose is not! influencing enzyme production in A.niger where as in B.subtilis the addition of 0.01 g of Glucose and Starch increase the yield considerably. Addition on Nitrogen sources like Beef extract and Sodium nitrate increase the enzyme yield in A.niger and B.subtilis all the nitrogen source used increase the enzyme production to certain extent except Ammonium .nitrate and Ammonium chloride.

8 illus, 13 ref

013787   Subhatara S;Ganamani A;Maryviolet Christy A (Department of Biotechnology, Thanthai Hans Roever college, Perambalur-621 212) : Extraction of serine protease from Perionyx excavatus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 615-6.

Proteolytic enzymes or proteases catalyze the cleavage of peptide bonds in proteins. Peptide bond cleavage is one of the most frequent enzymatic modifications of proteins. Recent studies of proteolytic enzymes have focused on the regulatory roles in the variety of physiological processes. Serine proteases are characterized by the presence of a serine group in their active site. Earthworms secrete proteases which degrade casein, gelatin, fibrin and the lyphoilized powder of earthworms have long been used for antipyretic and diuretic purpose. So in the present research programme it has been planned to extract the enzyme serine protease and analyze their fibrinolytic activity, molecular weight and zymogram activity from perionyx excavatus. The maximum fibrinolytic activity of the serine protease was observed in the zone of lysis. The molecular weight determination was in the range between 23-35kDa. Further confirmation by zymogram using two types of substrates (Bovine serum albumin and casein) substantiates the purity of the enzyme extracted.

3 illus, 5 ref

013786   Sridevi M;Mallaiah K V (Department of Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjun University, Nagarjun Nagar-522 510, Email: kvmallaiah@rediffmail.com) : Variability in biochemical activities and protein profiles of Rhizobium isolates from Sesbanis species. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 639-40.

Rhizobium strains from root and stem nodules of Sesbania species were isolated and studied for biochemical activities and protein profiles. It was observed that the Rhizobium isolates of Sesbania species showed wide variation in tryptophanase, protease, nitrate reductase, lysirie decarboxylase, amylase, urease and citrase activities. None of the isolates produced gelatinase, caseinase, lipase, phenylalanine deaminase and DNase activities. The isolate from root nodules of S. procumbens (SPR) has the ability to solubilize the insoluble tricalcium phosphate. The isolates viz; SRR, SPR, SGR and SSR produced IAA in the culture medium. Analysis of total cellular proteins of Rhizobium isolates indicate that the banding pattern of SGR, SPR, SPS and SRS is almost similar, white the Rhizobium isolate from S. aculeata (SAR) is distinctly different from other isolates of Sesbania species.

1 table, 8 ref

013785   Sivanesan D;Hazeena Begum V (Unit of Biochemistry, Dep of Siddha Medicine, Faculty of Science, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur-613 005, Email: drhazeenabiomed@yahoo.com) : Preventive role of Gynandropsis gynandra L., against aflatoxin B1 induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanism in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 299-303.

G. gynandra extract was found to potentially diminish the rate of lipid peroxidation, with a significant increase in the levels-of enzymatic (superoxide disrriutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione vitamins E and C, and uric acid) antioxidants, which were found, altered during aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) injection. The result confirmed that G.gynandra extract exerts its chemopreventive efficacy by preventing the. rate of lipid peroxidation and influenced the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in AFB₁, induced male albino rats.

3 tables, 45 ref

013784   Sivakumar N;Saravanan V;Balakumar S (Microbiology Dep, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College, T.V. Koil, Trichy-05, Email: microshivaak@yahoo.co.in) : Bacterial decolourization and bioremediation of an anaerobically digested molasses spent wash. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 291-5.

At the present investigation were known to be capable of dealing with the reduction of COD and colour using native bacterial cultures such as Bacillus megatherium SW₃ and Bacillus subtilis SW₈. Bacterial enrichment cultures were set up to obtain isolates capable of DMSW decolonization and bioremediation Two bacterial cultures-SW₃ and SW₈ were obtained using effluent sample from a Trichy Distillery plant. Both grown well in 7.5% (v/v) diluted digested spent wash supplemented with glucose and urea as a readily available carbon and nitrogen source. Optimum condition for growth and DMSW decolonization were at pH 7.2, temperature 37°C, 5% (w/v) of glucose, and 2% (w/v) urea in a minimal salt medium. The maximum decolourization (51%, 52.5% and 57%) and COD reduction (53%, 54.5% and 59%) was found after 5 days of incubation under the optimized condition were achieved for cultures SW3 SW, and consortia (SW₃ + SW₈) respectively.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

013783   Singh L S;Bailung B;Baruah I;Bora T C (Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO), Post bag no. 2, , Tezpur, Assam-784001) : Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of bacteria isolated form Loktak lake of Manipur, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(2), 271-3.

Loktak lake of Manipur, a fresh water environment with, floating islands, one of the unique habitat of its kind was investigated as a source of bacteria to screen for the production of novel bioactive compounds. A total of 24 bacteria with distinct characteristic features were isolated from the soil samples by plating on Nutrient agar medium. The centrifuged cell free culture-filtrate was studied for antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms such as E.coli, Kebsiella pneumoniae, Bactllus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulzaris/Candida albicans, fusarium moniliforme by employing Agar cup diffusion method. It was observed that 7 isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity, of these, 6 isolates showed both antibacterial as well as antifungal activity while one isolate showed antibacterial activity only. The culture filtrate of isolate no. B 24 showed maximum inhibition zone (20 mm) in case of S.aureus and second maximum in case of Candida albicans (34 mm) when compare to other isolates.

3 tables, 12 ref

013782   Shafiqur Rehman Md;Anwar M N (Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh) : Fungitoxic and cytotoxic activity of a novel compound 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester of Plumbago zeylanica linn.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 461-4.

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (diisooctyl phthalate) isolated from roots of Plumbago zeylanica was screened for its antifungal activity against six phytopathogenic fungi viz.,Alternaria alternata, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina and Colktotrichum corchori. The antifungal activity of the compound was evaluated using poisoned food and broth macrodilution methods. The diisooctyl phthalate (200 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL medium) inhibited the radial mycelial growth of all the test fungi to varied degrees. The lowest MIC (10 μg/mL) and MFC (20 μg/mL) values were recorded against M. phaseolina, and M. phaseolina and B. theobromae respectively. Cytotoxic activity (LC₅₀ of the compound has been determined on newborn brine shrimp (Artemia salina). LC₅₀ of the compound was recorded as 8.69 ug/mL against newborn brine shrimp.

3 tables, 13 ref

013781   Seetharamaiah K V (Dept. of Plant Breeding, Agricultural College, Bapatla) : Combining ability analysis for yield and its component characters in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Ann Biol 2005, 21(2), 149-53.

Fifteen hybrids generated from six parents were studied alongwith parents for combining ability for number of productive tillers per hill, total chlorophyll (%), grain yield per plot, potein content (37>), number of grains per panicle, leaf nitrogen (%) at flowering stage, volume expansion ratio, L/B ratio, harvest index, test weight, amylose content, LAI and kernel weight. Among the parents BPT 5204, MTU 2067 and NLR 33641 were found to be good general combiners for grain yield and leaf nitrogen per cent. BPT 4358 was best general combiner for amylose content. The most promising specific combinations were ACR 5780 x BPT 1786 , ACR 5780 x NLR 33461, BPT 5204 x BPT 1768, BPT 5204 X MTU 2067, BPT 5204 x BPT 4358 and NLR 33641 x BPT 4358 for grain yield.

3 tables, 7 ref

013780   Samanta M;Dash S S;Mohanty S (Aquatic Microbiology Div, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (Indian Council of Agricul, P.O. Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002) : Characterisation of transferable drug resistance plasmid of Vibrio alginolyticus infecting post larvae of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(1), 61-4.

Use of wide range of antibiotics to reduce losses associated with vibriosis has resulted in an increased population of multidrug resistant Vibrio strains. Two Vibrio species viz. V. alginolyticus & V. mimicus were isolated from dead post larvae of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii on the basis of their growth on TCBS agar and reaction to a series of biochemical tests. Among these, V. alginolyticus was found to be multidrug resistant like polymyxin-B, ampicillin, sulphadiazine, gentamicin, nalidixic acid. Isolation of plasmid by miniprep plasmid extraction method followed by agarose gel electrophoresis has revealed the presence of a 10 Kb plasmid only in V. alginolyticus. Transformation of E. coli DH5α strain with the 10 kb plasmid resulted in ampicillin resistance. This concludes that in V. alginolytics at least ampicillin resistance property is conferred by the transferable 10 kb drug resistance plasmid.

1 illus, 1 tables, 11 ref