004348   Oberoi H S;Kalra K L (NO, Cent Inst of Post Harvest Engng and Technol, P.O. PAU, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: harinderoberoi@hotmail.com) : Screening of Aspergillus niger isolates for glucoamylase production. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 69-72.

Six isolates of Aspergillus niger obtained from different sources were screened for glucoamylase production and dry mycelial weight. Most of the isolates showed highest glucoamylase activity after 72 and 84 h but A. niger NCIM 1054 showed maximum glucoamylase acitivity of 42 U ml^-1 after 60 h. Least glucoamylase activity of 29 U ml^-1 was exhibited by A. niger MTCC 2587 : Maximum dry mycelial weight was observed after 144 h irrespective of the isolates. Highest dry mycelial weight was observed in case of A. niger NCIM 1248 closely followed by A. niger NCIM 1054 with A. niger M occupying the last position.

^ssc2 tables, 16 ref

004347   Nandish M S;Jagadeesh K S (Dep of Agric Microbiol, Univ of Agric Sci, Dharwad-580 005) : Pentachlorophenol degradation by Enterobacter NV-5: optimization of process parameters. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 25-9.

Amongst several local isolates, Enterobacter NV-5 grew well and produced yellowish colour surrounding the colony on mineral salts medium containing pentachlorophenol (100 ppm) as the sole carbon source. Additionally, the strain released maximum chloride into the medium indicating pentachlorophenol degradation. The process parameters were optimized. Sodium glutamate was found to be the best co-substrate with biotin supporting maximum degradation and growth. A pH of 7.0 was found to be optimum. Under the optimized conditions, the strain degraded 72 per cent pentachlorophenol in 5 days.

5 tables, 18 ref

004346   Mehta R;Mishra A S;Audholiya S (Inst of Rur Technol & Social Dev, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : Evidence for nitrification in virus infected cyanobacterial cultures maintained with amino-acids (Amines) as sole nitrogen sources. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 241-8.

Cyanobacteria Phormidium uncinatum, Plectonema boryanum, Nostoc muscorum and Anacystis nidulans were grown/incubated in combined nitrogen-free or nitrate, ammonium, glutamine or asparagines supplemented medium and infected with there respective cyanophages LPP-1, N-1, AS-1. The final cyanophage yield drastically reduced in nitrogen starved cultures but remained significantly high and roughly uniformed in combined nitrogen cultures. The nitrite and ammonia contents of Phormidium uncinatum cultures, sustained with amino acids (amines) as sole nitrogen sources, were considerably high due to inorganic nitrogen fixing and nitrate assimilating cultures failed to liberate any of the inorganic nitrogen and only nitrate was detected in ammonia supplemented cultures. In all cases, cyanophage infection rendered significantly high ammonia and nitrite liberation activities in amino acids (amines) sustained cultures (inact and broken cells) when compared with respective healthy cultures. Nitrification like "ammonia oxidation" reaction was established and assayed in cellular and cell-free preparations of infected and uninfected cyanobacteria. These data suggest a potent role of ammonia and amino acids (amines) oxidation in supporting phage multiplication via generating additional cellular reductants.

1 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

004345   Mackay T G;Lakhtakia A (Sch of Math, Univ of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, UK, Email: T.Mackay@ed.ac.uk) : Gravity induced negative refraction of electromagnetic waves. Curr Sci 2006, 90(5), 640-1.

12 ref

004344   Liu Q;Xue Q (NO, , , Email: liuqp@genomics.org.cn) : Comparative studies on sequence characteristics around translation initiation codon in four eukaryotes. J Genet 2005, 84(3), 317-22.

3 illus, 16 ref

004343   Lallu V;Shrivastava V K (Dep of Biosci, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : Occurrence and daily activity pattern of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica in two riverine forest fragments of Pachmarhi sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. J appl Biosci 2006, 32(1), 87-92.

The occurrence of Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) in two riverine forest fragments (Patch 1 and 2) of Paraspani area in Pachmarhi Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh (M.P) was studied by adopting the total count methodology. The total number of dreys observed in two patches was approximately 36 and 42, respectively. Ten to 12 animals were sighted in each of the two patches. These animals were also restricted to their own territory of large trees. Along with this, the daily activity was also monitored from dawn to dusk and it was found that these animals were very active during early morning and evening period and they spent their maximum time in foraging. Sighting of Ratufa indica centralis was recorded during the day from 0600-1800 h in winter season while in summer and monsoon it was monitored from 0530-1930 h. From the frequency of hourly activities it appeared that the peak of activity was reached late in the morning from 0800-0930 and in the afternoon from 1600-1700 h with a greater proportion of their time being spent on foraging. The feeding habits suggest that the animals prefer fruits from tall mature trees. The activity pattern of Ratufa indica showed a bimodal pattern in all seasons but the peaks were less pronounced in winter while the resting time increased in summer. The distribution of these animals was canopy continuity dependent and lack of this was responsible for their patchy distribution.

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

004342   Kumar A;Prasad R (Dep of Microbiol, HIMS, Dehradun, UA-248 140) : Biofilms. JK Sci 2006, 8(1), 14-17.

^iia16 ref

004341   Kuhad R C;Chopra P;Battan B;Kapoor M;Kuhar S (Dep of Microbiol, Univ of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi-110 021, Email: rameshkuhad@yahoo.com) : Production, partial purification and characterization of a thermo-alkali xylanase from Bacillus sp. RPP-1. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 13-23.

Bacillus sp. RPP-1, isolated from garden soil at University of Delhi, South Campus produced negligible cellulase, alkalo-Thermostablc xylanase in submerged fermentation (SmF). Among the various agro-byproducts tested, wheat bran induced the highest level of xylanase production (5740.0 IU L^-1). Peptone was found to be the best nitrogen source and supported maximum xylanase production (5840.0 IU L^-1). The partially purified xylanase was optimally active at 75°C, pH 7.0 with half-lives of xylanase at 70, 75 and 80°C were 120, 118 and 90 min, respectively. Xylanase was stable in a broad pH range 4.0-9.0 for more than 24 h at room temperature, retaining more than 65% of its activity. Surface-active detergents such as Tweens, Triton X-100 and SDS stimulated the xylanase activity up to 41%, whereas metal ions, such as Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ stimulated the xylanase up to 58%, and Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Co²⁺ and iodoacetamide and iodoacetic at 120, 118 and 90 min inhibited the enzyme activity.

9 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

004340   Kohli U;Dogra R C;Kapoor K K;Sharma P K (Dep of Microbiol, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: pksharma@hau.ernet.in) : Chitinolytic Pseudomonas maltophila antagonistic to root rot pathogens of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 45-9.

Forty bacterial isolates from rhizosphere of sunflower were screened for their antagonistic activity against two root-rot pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia scterotiorum. On the basis of inhibition zone on solid medium a Gram-negative antagonistic bacterium identified as Pseudonwnas maltophila that could be used as a biocontrol agent against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing root-rot of sunflower, was identified. Reduction in biomass of fungal pathogens was observed on addition of various levels of Pseudomonas maltophila cells (10⁴-10⁸ cells). Pseudonwnas maltophila was found to produce chitinase, which was responsible for the lysis of mycelial biomass. Pseudomonas maltophila showed good growth on chitin and cell wall preparations of both the fungi when supplied as a sole source of carbon.

4 tables, 24 ref

004339   Kizil S;Uyar F (Dep of Fld Crops, Fac of Agric Dicle Univ, Diyarbakir-21280, Turkey, Email: kizils@dicle.edu.tr) : Antimicrobial activities of some thyme (Thymus, Staureja, Origanum and Thymbra) species against important plant pathogens. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(2), 1455-61.

Essential oil components of Thymus kotschyanus, Satureja hortensis, Origanum onites and Thymbra spicata were determined by GC and antimicrobial and anti-fungal activities of essential oils of these plants against four plant pathogens were evaluated at concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 μg and incubation times of 24, 48 and 72 h. The major components of the essential oils determined by GC were thymol (41.6%) in Thymus kotschyanus, carvacrol in Origanum onites (40.7%), Satureja hortensis (20.6%) and Thymbra spicata (81%). Aqueous and hexane extracts of each plant were tested for their antibacterial activity by using agar disk diffusion method. The results indicated that all essential oils exhibit antibacterial activity against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Pseduomonas syringae pv. tomato and Macrophomina phaseoli, except Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum. In addition, it has been observed that gram +ve bacteria are more sensitive than gram -ve bacteria.

2 tables, 19 ref

004338   Kewedar S M R;Fulekar M H (Dep of Life Sci, Univ of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E), Mumbai-400 098) : Determination of lipid peroxidation in liver kidney and heart of white male albino rats. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 347-50.

The experiment has been carried out on Albino Rats treated with Doxorubicin and Etoposide. The treated rats showed significant weight reduction as compared to the control rats. The protein content in hepatic, renal and cardiac tissues of treated rats were found different than the control. The concentration of malondialdhyde (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was measured in the liver, kidney and heart by the method of Hermann Esterbauer and Kevin H. cheeseman. The finding of the research shows that these drugs are effective for treatment of the carcinogenic effects that could be occurred in mammalian species.

10 illus, 12 ref

004337   Karanth K P (NO, Indian Inst of Sci, Bangalore-560 012, Email: karanth@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Out-of-India gondwanan origin of some tropical asian biota. Curr Sci 2006, 90(6), 789-92.

Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the presence of Gondwanan lineages in tropical Asia including, the out-of-India hypothesis, the Eurasian route hypothesis, long-distance transoceanic dispersal and the boreotropical hypothesis. Recent molecular studies support an out-of-India Gondwanan origin of some tropical Asian taxa. Specifically these studies suggest that ancient Gondwanan lineages survived on peninsular India in spite of dramatic climatic changes and Late Cretaceous volcanism. Under this model, Gondwanan lineages dispersed into Asia when peninsular India collided with Asian plate. These Gondwanan lineages represent the remnants of unique ancient biota that require urgent attention from conservationists to preserve the overall evolutionary history of Indian biota.

2 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

004336   Jyotsna Ch;Chattopadhyay M K (Cent for Cell and Molec Biol, , Hyderabad-500 007) : Antarctic psychrophiles. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 325-8.

9 ref

004335   Jeevan Kumar R;Sohaib S.Md.;Jaleeli K A;Ahmad A (Dept of Phys Molec Biophys Laboratories, S.K. Univ, Anantpur-515 003) : Dielectric properties of animal bone. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect D 2006, 25(1), 15-20.

Dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, dissipation factor, of different bones located in bovine such as femur, tibia, humerus, radius/ulna (fore arm), metacarpus, metatarsus, scapula, skull, pelvis and rib for different physiological conditions (normal/wet and dry condition) are measured. Significant variation is observed. The variation in dielectric parameters of normal bone can be attributed to its porosity, heterogeneity in organic composition and water content. Dielectric behaviour of bone could be attributed to macrostructure polarization, Bone disease analysis would be possible through the dielectric studies. Measurement of dielectric properties may provide the means for quantitative diagnostics of bone status. In addition, better understanding of the relationship between bone density, and dielectric properties may help one to improve techniques related to electrical stimulation and follow-up of healing process in fractured bone.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

004334   Jadhav J P;Dake M S;Patil N B (Dep of Biochem, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: jadhavjyoti@indiatimes.com) : Variations of two pools of glycogen and ethanol in Saccharomyces carlsbergenesis. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(2), 1443-50.

Saccharomyces carlsbergenesis maintains two pools of glycogen, one soluble and the other insoluble and also topographically separated and metabolize them separately. Glycogen gets accumulated in the cells and its concentration greatly varies. The variations of these two pools of glycogen as a function of fermentation time, different sugar concentrations, different peptone concentrations and in different media when studied shows that sucrose is a better sugar than glucose. Since the yield of ethanol and glycogen is higher, optimum insoluble glycogen and ethanol are found to be at 36 h of fermentation. Though glycogen may serve as a substrate under anaerobic conditions for ethanol production, the availability of co-enzymes, co-factors and the necessary enzymes for the conversion are equally important.

8 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

004333   Jadhav J P;Dake M S;Patil N B (Dep of Biochem, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: jadhavjyoti@indiatimes.com) : Separation and characterization of beta-glucanases from Penicillium ochro-chloron. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(2), 1191-8.

Two pools of glycogen exist in yeast; cytoplasmic glycogen serves as energy reservoir and cell wall bound glycogen is released on treatment with β-glucanase. Search for specific β-glucanase showed that endo(1→3)-β-D-glucanase and β-glucosidase are produced in high concentration in the cultural filtrate of Penicillium ochro-chloron. The activity of (1→3)-β-D-glucanase was inducible, when insoluble β-glucans from the yeast cell wall were added in the medium (1% w/v). (1→3)-β-D-glucanase and β-glucosidase were separated by DEAE-sepharose ion exchange chromatography. Both the activities were retained by the column. Stepwise elution was achieved by using salt gradient, which resolved the retained protein into five peaks. The first peak eluted at 0.05 M NaCl concentration showed (1→3)-β-D-glucanase activity whereas the β-glucosidase activity was eluted at 0.12 M NaCl concentration. The kinetic properties of (1→3)-β-D-glucanase showed that the enzyme was maximally active at temperature 60°C, pH 5 and at 55.5 μg/mL substrate concentration when laminann was used as a substrate. Hg²⁺ inhibits the enzyme activity to some extent while Co²⁺ enhances enzyme activity. The molecular weight of (1→3)-→β-D-glucanase is in the range of around 45,000 daltons. β-Glucosidase shows maximum activity at temperature between 55-60°C, pH 5.5 and at substrate concentration 125 μg/mL when p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside is a substrate. The molecular weight of β-glucosidase is in the range around 1,13,000 daltons.

2 illus, 14 ref

004332   Hatungil R;Yalin S;Comelekoglu U;Bagis S; Ozlen Sahin N;Arslan H;Eroglu P;Berkoz M (Dep of Physiol Med Fac, Mersin Univ, Mersin, Turkey, Email: syalin01@hotmail.com) : Cadmium induced changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in brain of ovariectomized rats. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(2), 1467-73.

Study was designed to estimate the influence of chronic cadmium administration on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in brain tissues of ovariectomized female rats. Rats were divided into four groups as follows: control group, ovariectomy group (Ovx group), cadmium group (Cd group) and ovariectomy-cadmium group (Ovx-Cd group). Twelve weeks after the ovariectomy, isotonic cadmium chloride solution was administered to cadmium and ovariectomy-cadmium group rats as intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg three times a week for 18 weeks. The levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity showed a significant increase in the Cd and Ovx-Cd groups and a decrease in the Ovx group when compared to the control group. Catalase activity decreased in the Cd group while no change was observed in the Ovx and Ovx-Cd groups in comparison to the control group. The results of the study may suggest that chronic Cd administration induces oxidative stress in the ovariectomized rat brain as evidenced by the increasing lipid peroxidation upon alteration in the antioxidant status of the brain tissue.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

004331   Gupta A K;Chauhan M;Tandon S N;Sonia (Natn Res Cent on Equines, , Sirsa Road, Hisar-125 001, Email: akguptanrce@hotmail.com) : Genetic diversity and bottleneck studies in the Marwari horse breed. J Genet 2005, 84(3), 295-301.

Genetic diversity within the Marwari breed of horses was evaluated using 26 different microsatellite pairs with 48 DNA samples from unrelated horses. This molecular characterisation was undertaken to evaluate the problem of genetic bottlenecks also, if any, in this breed. The estimated mean (± s.e.) allelic diversity was 5.9 (± 2.24), with a total of 133 alleles. A high level of genetic variability within this breed was observed in terms of high values of mean (± s.e.) effective number of alleles (3.3 ± 1.27), observed heterozygosity (0.5306 ± 0.22), expected Levene's heterozygosity (0.6612 ± 0.15), expected Nei's heterozygosity (0.6535 ± 0.14), and polymorphism information content (0.6120 ± 0.03). Low values of Wright's fixation index, F_IS (0.2433 ± 0.05) indicated low levels of inbreeding. Study indicated the existence of substantial genetic diversity in the Marwari horse population. No significant genotypic linkage disequilibrium was detected across the population, suggesting no evidence of linkage between loci. A normal 'L' shaped distribution of mode-shift test, non-significant heterozygote excess on the basis of different models, as revealed from Sign, Standardized differences and Wilcoxon sign rank tests as well as non-significant M ratio value suggested that there was no recent bottleneck in the existing Marwari breed population, which is important information for equine breeders. Also revealed that the Marwari breed can be differentiated from some other exotic breeds of horses on the basis of three microsatellite primers.

1 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

004330   Devaki T;Shivashangari K S;Ravikumar V; Govindaraju P (Dep of Biochem, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: devakit@yahoo.co.uk) : Effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on tissue anti-oxidant defense system during ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. J nat Remedies 2005, 5(2), 102-7.

Deals with the effect of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (BD) on tissue defense system against ethanol-induced hepatic injury in rats. Ethanol (20% alcohol-2.5 ml/100 g body weight for 90 days) was used for the induction of hepatotoxicity. BD extract (150 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days) was administered orally to rats intoxicated with ethanol. Induction with ethanol resulted in an increase in the levels of lipid peroxides with a concomitant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glulathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels. Post treatment with BD root extract reversed the deleterious effects of ethanol and the enzyme activities were found to be near normal. These findings demonstrate the protective nature of BD root extract against ethanol-induced liver damage, proving it to be a potent antioxidant.

3 tables, 33 ref

004329   Dangi B S;Agrawal B K;Yadav B S (Dep of Biochem and Cardiology, Gandhi Med Coll, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Changes in CK-MB level in acute myocardial infarction. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 239-40.

Cardiac markers (Serum proteins) are tools in diagnosis of myocardial infarction. CK-MB is most valuable cardiac marker released from the damaged heart muscles. Total 196 Ml patients and 104 controls (normal subjects) were studied in Cardiology Department of Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal. Initial elevation of CK-MB occurs after 6 hours, mean time to peak elevation was 8-24 hrs and time to return to the baseline was <62>48 hrs. In male controls the mean CK-MB level was 19.34 ± 2.83 IU/L and in female the mean CK-MB level was 19.32 ± 3.65 lU/L. The mean value of CK-MB at different time intervals in Ml patients were 245.12 <145> 64.56 at 8-16 hrs, 230.50 ± 44.88 IU/L at 17-24 hrs, 88.33 ± 3.84 IU/L at 25-32 hrs. 74.50 ± 38.19 IU/L at 33-40 hrs and 50.66 ± 2.32 IU/L at 41-48 hrs. The difference in CK-MB level among male and female controls was statistically insignificant.

1 illus, 10 ref

004328   Chimwamurombe P M;Wingfield B D;Botha A M; Wingfield M J (Dep of Biol, Univ of Namibia Post Bag-13301, Windhoek, Namibia) : Production of polygalacturonases in isolates of Cryphonectria cubensis of differing pathogenicity. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 253-9.

Cryphonectria cubensis causes a serious stem canker disease on Eucalyptus in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Previously, it was shown that isolates of C. cubensis display varying levels of pathogenicity. The aim of the study was to consider whether a relationship exists between the production levels of polygalacturonases and pathogenicity in isolates of C. cubensis. Seven isolates of C. cubensis known to have differing levels of pathogenicity were assessed for polygalacturonase production using agarose gel diffusion and reducing sugar assays. Results showed that the levels of polygalacturonase production are not significantly different in natural isolates of C. cubensis that have different pathogenicity levels. However, in one hypovirulent isolate, CMW6009, which has been artificially transfected with hypovirus CHV1-713 from Cryphonectria parasitica. a delay of six days in the production of polygalacturonases was observed. Concluded that polygalacturonases probably have a minor role in determining the pathogenicity of the C. cubensis. Furthermore, the hypovirus CHV1 -713 that causes hypovirulence in C. cubensis, has a major role in controlling pathogenicity and its mechanism of action may involve disruption of the production of polygalacturonases and other cell wall degrading enzymes.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

004327   Cheng Q Q;Lu D R (St Key Lab of Genet Engng, Inst of Genet Fudan Univ, Shanghai-200 433, People's Republic of China, Email: drlu@fudan.edu.cn) : PCR-RFLP analysis of cytochrome b gene does not support Coilia ectenes taihuensis being a subspecies of Coilia ectenes. J Genet 2005, 84(3), 307-10.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

004326   Casares P;Pineiro R;Carracedo M C (Departmento de Biologia Funcional Area de Genetica, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo-33071, Spain, Email: pcg@uniovi.es) : Is premating isolation in Drosophila overstimated due to uncontrolled factors. J Genet 2005, 84(3), 259-64.

Sexual isolation in Drosophila is typically measured by multiple-choice mating tests. While many environmental variables during such tests are controlled by the researcher, there are some factors that are usually uncontrolled. Demonstrated, using Drosophila melanogaster and D. pseudoobscura flies, that the temperature of rearing, preadult density, and level of consanguinity, can all produce differences in mating propensity between genetically equivalent flies. These differences in mating propensity, in turn, can give rise to statistically significant results in multiple-choice mating tests, leading to positive isolation values and the artifactual inference of sexual isolation between populations. This fact agrees with a nonrandom excess of significant positive tests found in a review of the literature of Drosophila intraspecific mating choice. An overestimate of true cases of sexual isolation in Drosophila in the literature can, therefore, not be ruled out.

4 tables, 38 ref

004325   Bose D;Sen A (Dep of Bot Molec Genet Lab, Univ of North Siliguri, West Bengal-734 013, Email: senarnab_nbu@hotmail.com) : Isolation and heavy metal resistance pattern of Frankia from Casuarina equisetifolia nodules. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 9-12.

Six strains of Frankia were isolated from the root nodules of Casuarina cquisetifolia using a newly standardized technique. The strains showed typical Frankia culture characteristics in liquid Q_mod as well as in nitrogen free defined propionate deformal medium (DPM). The vesicles were produced only in DPM medium. Visible nodule and typical root hair deformation was observed on Casuarina seedlings in reciprocal inoculation. Frankia strain CeSil was studied for sensitivity to nickel, copper, lead, cadmium and cobalt salts. It was found to be resistant to high concentration of cadmium and cobalt salts.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

004324   Billaiya S K;Yadava H S;Tikle A N (NO, J.N. Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jablapur-482 004) : Phenotypic stability analysis for fodder yield and crude protein yield in oat. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 429-30.

Ten genotypes were tested at four locations to determine the stability in fodder yield and crude protein yield in oat. The differences among the genotypes and environment were highly significant. Genotypes OS 6, UPO 272 and JHO 2001-1 for fodder yield and Kent, JO 6, JHO 2001 -3 for crude protein yield were average responsive and stable. OL 125, SKO 12 and SKO 20 were responsive and unstable for fodder yield. Genotypes SKO 20, SKO 12 and JHO 2001-2 were responsive to favorable condition and stable for crude yield. These genotypes can be potential donor for improvement in fodder yield with better quality and stability in oat.

2 tables, 2 ref

004323   Ahlawat O P;Gupta P;Rai R D;Tewari R P (Natn Res Cent for Mushroom, (ICAR), Chambaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh-173 213, Email: alhawat_op@rediffmail.com) : Variations in biochemical properties of different strains of Volvariella volvacea Bull. Fr. Sing. under different conditions. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 31-7.

Many-fold enhancement in chitinase and protease activity was recorded in fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of Volvariella volvacea OE-140 after storage at 4°C for 72 to 96 h, while no such change was observed in N-acetyl-<98>-glucosaminidase. Associated decrease in protein content of fruiting bodies on their storage confirmed the role of chitinase and protease in the fruiting body liquefaction and inactivation of the mycelial cultures. The fresh fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of other parent strains from diverse agro-climatic regions showed wide variations in the activity of chitinase, protease, N-acetyl-(<98>-glucosaminidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes and protein content. However, strains of same origin showed more similarity in these two aspects. The protein profiles of the fresh fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of different strains as well as of train, OE-140 stored up to 96 h in refrigerator did not show any qualitative variation.

2 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

004322   Abraham T J (Dep of Fishery Path and Microbiol Fac of Fishery Sci, West Bengal Univ of Anim and Fishery Sci, Chakgaria, Panchasayar P.O., Kolkata-700 094, Email: jawaharabraham@rediffmail.com) : Antibiotic resistance of luminous bacteria from penaeid shrimp farms. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(1), 66-7.

Frequency of resistance to antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, nitrofurantoin, oxytetracycline and Trimethoprim in luminous bacteria of penaeid shrimp farm environments was studied. The study identified the penaeid shrimp hatchery as a potential reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The luminous bacteria from shrimp farms and coastal water were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol whereas majority of the shrimp hatchery isolates were resistant. The high incidence of multiple antibiotic resistances among these bacteria from the shrimp farm may make the aquaculture effluents a concern for public health significance.

^ssc2 tables, 11 ref

003220   Thakur M S;Mehta H S;Mattu V K (Department of Biosciences, H.P. University, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005) : Distributional records of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) from Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India. Ann For 2006, 14(1), 83-5.

Fourteen species belonging to eleven genera and four families of sub-order Rhopalocera are reported for the first time from Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh. Of these one species has been recorded viz. Vanessa egea (Cramer), The Eastern Comma for the first time for the butterfly fauna of Himachal Pradesh. Their systematic account and exsiccate has been provided.

5 ref

003219   Sundar S K;Nelson N (Department of Microbiology, N.I. College of Arts and Science, Kumaracoil) : Sequence and structural analysis of streptococcus pyogenes-M protein. Biosci Res Bull 2005, 21(2), 109-16.

The primary structure of the group A Streptococci M protein 'retrived from SWISS-PROT' was subjected to compositional, domain, fingerprint, secondary & tertiary structure analysis with the help of (basic) bioinformatics tools to establish its functions. The compositional analysis of the protein revealed that the query protein was a stable one. The sequence was then subjected to Blast P & T blast n analysis to obtain similar sequences. The related sequences when subjected to multiple alignments revealed three motifs. Secondary structure analysis and transmembrane analysis revealed that this protein has helix predominant in the secondary structure. Homology modelling with similar sequences from SCOP database established the folded tertiary structure of the query protein. These analyses revealed that the query protein consists of conserved C-terminal hydrophobic hexa peptide region similar to other non-Pathogenic Gram positive cocci & other sero types of these bacteria.

2 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

003218   Suman G;Naravaneni R;Jamil K (Department of Genetics, Bhagawan Mahavir Medical Research Centre, A.C. Guards, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: kaiser.jamil@gmail.com) : In vitro cytogenetic studies of cypermethrin on human lymphocytes. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(3), 233-9.

Assessment of cytotoxicity and response to external factors like pesticides were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolmm bromide (MTT) or MTT assay, which measures mitochondrial metabolism in the entire cell culture and provides information about the percentage of ceil survival. Utilizing the MTT assay, the cytotoxicity of cypermethrin was determined on lymphocyte cultures from human peripheral blood samples, the short-term lymphocyte cultures were incubated with various aliquots of the cypermethrin and the LC₅₀ was found to be 33.6 μM. Lymphocytes treated with low-doses (1/10 of LC₅₀) of cypermethrin showed an increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and found to be significant. Karyotype analysis revealed more satellite associations and chromosomal breaks in cypermethrin treated samples. Low-doses of the pesticide also induced single-strand breaks in the DNA as assessed by comet assay. The pesticide caused increase in the comet tail length with increase in pesticide concentration, implicating genotoxicity in somatic cells. It is concluded that In vitro assays could give important information of the mechanism of toxicity at low dosages and impact on genetic material of human origin.

3 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

003217   Sivakumar K;Sahu M K;Manivel P R;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502) : Optimum conditions for L-glutaminase production by actinomycete strain isolated from estuarine fish, (Chanos chanos Forskal, 1775). Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(3), 256-8.

Actinomycetes were isolated from skin, gills and gut contents of estuarine fish, Chanos chanos using Kuster's agar medium. Out of 20 strains tested, the strain LG-10 which was tentatively identified as Streptomyces rimosus showed L-glutaminase activity. Optimum production of L-glutaminase enzyme (17.51 IU/ml) was observed after 96 h of incubation at 27°C, pH 9 and glucose and malt extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The study indicated scope for the use of S. rimosus as an ideal organism for the industrial production of extracellular L-glutaminase.

2 tables, 12 ref

003216   Sharma P K;Kapoor K K (Department of Microbiology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: pksharmal957@yahoo.com) : Problem and prospective of nitrogen fixation in agroforestry systems. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(3-4), 145-61.

Nitrogen fixing trees (NFTs) are gaining importance in agroforestry and silvipastoral systems throughout the world. The NFTs form symbiotic association with rhizobia or Frankia and fix about 60-600 kg N ha^-1yr^-1. Among the higher plants, root nodulation is restricted to Rosid clade I comprising leguminous and non-leguminous plants nodulated by rhizobia and Frankia. Host specificity for nodulation is regulated by the exchange of molecular signals between plant and the symbiont, such as flavonoids and Nod factors. The biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in NFTs plays an important role in improving crop productivity and soil fertility. However, systematic studies on nitrogen fixing ability of NFTs and their contribution to soil amelioration are lagging because simple methods to estimate BNF potential in adult trees under field conditions are lacking. The NFTs are often planted on degraded lands and under these conditions bioric and abiotic stresses limit nitrogen fixation. Development of Rhizobium and Frankia strains tolerant to extremes of soil pH, salinity and temperature can help to improve BNF in NFTs and thus help in soil amelioration. Incorporation of foliage of NFTs in soil through litter fall and green manure as in shaded perennial crop systems and alley cropping adds plant nutrients, which upon mineralization are available to the intercrop. The mineralization rate is influenced by the plant species, soil and the climate. Detailed studies on factors affecting BNF in NFTs will help to remove constraints for successful utilization of nitrogen-fixing ability for afforestation on degraded and marginal lands.

2 tables, 178 ref

003215   Schweighofer A;Meskiene I (Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, A-1030 Vienna, Austria, Email: irute.meskiene@univie.ac.at) : Regulation of plant signalling pathways by protein phosphatases: PP2Cs as key regulators. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(3-4), 181-90.

Each organism is communicating with environment by receiving external signals from cell membranes, transmitting/processing the information and responding selectively to diverse inputs. A fundamental strategy exercised in these transmissions is based on reversible protein phosphorylation that is mediated by concerted action of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play the key role in these transmissions. The magnitude and duration of signalling is important for the promotion of the response reaction and is determined by MAP kinases activity, which is a result of action of upstream activating protein kinases and protein phosphatases that inactivate the MAPKs. MAPKs are activated by upstream MAPK kinases through phosphorylation of conserved threonine and tyrosine in their activation loop. The inactivation of MAPKs involves dephosphorylation of each or both threonine and tyrosine residues. Therefore, phosphatases that inactivate MAPK include tyrosine-specific, dual-specific (threonine/tyrosine) and serine/threonine specific protein phosphatases in yeast and animal cells. It is just beginning to uncover the regulation of MAPK pathways by phosphatases in plants. Describes the regulation of plant MAPK-signalling pathways by phosphatases and concentrate particularly on the involvement of PP2C-type phosphatases in this process. Additionally, we will highlight the role of plant PPZCs in other signalling pathways.

98 ref

003214   Sathish Sekar D;Subramanian S (Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025) : Hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia seeds extract on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. J nat Remedies 2006, 6(1), 41-52.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic efficacy of the seeds of two common varieties of Momordica charantia extract (MCSEt1 and MCSEt2) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (55mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes in rats. MCSEt1 and MCSEt2 extracts (150 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for 30 days to experimental rats. The fatty acid composition of liver and kidney were analyzed by gas chromatography. Oral administration of MCSEt1 and MCSEt2 extracts resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids in plasma and tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The altered fatty acid composition in liver and kidney were restored by the treatment. Glibenclamide was used as a reference drug to compare the efficacy of the seeds extract. Though both the varieties exhibited significant lipid lowering properties, the efficacy was pronounced in MCSEt1 compared to MCSEt2 and glibenclamide. The results of this study confirm the hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia.

6 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

003213   Sahu M K;Sivakumar K;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: aurosiva@yahoo.co.uk) : Isolation and characterisation of marine actinomycetes inhibitory to human bacterial pathogens. Geobios 2006, 33(2-3), 173-7.

A total number of 40 strains of actinomycetes were isolated from the sediments of the Vellar estuary. They were tested for their antagonistic activity against the potential human bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas vulgaris, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, 5 strains showed good activity against the tested pathogens and they were tentatively identified upto species level.

4 tables, 20 ref

003212   Padmanabha B;Belagali S L (Deptt. of Studies in Environmental Science, University of Mysore, Mysore-570 006, Email: padmanabhavb@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of heavy metals on rotifers in the lakes of Mysore-a model approach. Res J Chem Envir 2006, 10(1), 48-50.

Studies on the effect of some heavy metals (Zinc, Cobalt, Nickel and Lead) on the diversity and dominance of rotifers were conducted in different lakes of Mysore, Karnataka, using some community parameters. A correlation has been made between the heavy metal concentration and various community parameters through bivariate and multivariate analysis where in community parameters are taken as dependent variables and different heavy metal concentration as independent variables. An attempt towards ecotoxicological analysis of heavy metal concentrations on the rotifers.

4 tables, 12 ref

003211   Ohashi M (NO, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institutes of N, Okazaki-444 8787, Japan) : Basic function of lipids in intracellular membrance traffic. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(3-4), 97-107.

For the functional continuation of the cellular endomembrane system, molecules must be targeted to specific locations by membrane traffic. Membrane traffic can be viewed as formation of membrane domains, followed by the fusion of these domains with target membranes. These domains bear specific protein-lipid composition, and experience dynamic reorganizations during membrane traffic processes. The physicochemical bases for such domain formation are molecular interactions, such as protein-protein, lipid-protein, and lipid-lipid interactions. Whereas the roles of protein-protein interactions in membrane traffic have been studied intensively, lipid-protein and lipid-lipid interactions have attracted substantial attention only recently. Membrane traffic is a manifestation of all of these intermolecular interactions. Summarizes and discusses the current ideas of how lipids, such as polyphosphoinositides, cholesterol, and sphingolipids, contribute to membrane traffic.

3 illus, 70 ref

003210   Meenakumari H R;Hosmani S P (Studies in Environmental Science Dep, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006) : Efficiency of the H₂ S paper strip test to detect faecal coliforms in groundwater samples. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(1), 65-70.

Three hundred groundwater samples from bore wells of Mysore City were subjected to a simple H₂S paper strip test. The test was conducted during pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons; 43% of samples were contaminated and 57% of samples were negative to the test. Samples from the north and south zone were more contaminated indicating poor hygienic conditions in these areas. The highest contaminated water samples detected from this test were during the post monsoon with 55 samples showing positive to the test. Reduced contamination during post monsoon may be due to low temperature, while during monsoon, recharge and addition of rainwater may have diluted the contamination process. H₂S paper strip test is reliable, in expensive and simple to perform. It can be used for rapid monitoring of microbiological quality of drinking water during epidemics of water infections.

3 tables, 23 ref

003209   Krishnamoorthy P;Vaithinathan S;Bhuvaneswari A (Division of Reproductive Biology and Herbal Research, J J College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai-622 404, Email: pkmoorthy68@rediffmail.com) : Protective effect of Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skels seed extract on lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(2), 103-7.

The effect of Black plum, Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skeels (syn. S. jambolanum DC.) seed extract on lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats was studied. Alloxan 150mg (mg/kg body weight) increased significantly the glucose level in blood and induced the Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) in liver. The antioxidant enzymes Catalase (CAT), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver were decreased. Oral administration of the extract for 15 days to alloxan treated animals showed remarkable increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the level of lipid peroxidation activity and blood glucose. The results suggest that seed extract of the plant is an antioxidant and acute hyperglycameic drug and might be used in the regulation of Lipid peroxidation without detectable adverse side effects.

1 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

003208   Kothai R;Arul B (NO, Vinahyaka Mission's College of Pharmacy, Yercaud Main Road, Salem-636 008) : Anti microbial activity of Bougainvillea spectabilis. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(1), 95-7.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Linn. belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae was investigated for antibacterial activity against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, using agar diffusion method. The result showed that the ethanolic extract has significant antibacterial activity. The zone of inhibitions were found to be 21, 17.3, 17 and 21.2 mm for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella and E. coli, repsectively for the ethanolic extract of B. spectabilis. This finding supports the therapeutic claims for this herb as useful agaisnt bacterial infeciton.

^ssc1 illus, 5 ref

003207   Das S;Lyla P S; Ajmal Khan S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: surajit@myself.com) : Marine microbial diversity and ecology importance and future perspectives. Curr Sci 2006, 90(10), 1325-35.

The world ocean with a coastline of 312,000 km (193,000 miles) and a volume of 137 x 10⁶ km³, is the largest ecosystem on earth, and has been used for a variety of purposes by man for millennia. Because of its large volume and vast area, influence of the world ocean on world climate is profound. Microorganisms occur nearly everywhere in nature and occupy an important place in human view of life. Marine microbes represent a potential source for commercially important bioactive compounds and their bioremediation capabilities are also remarkable. They also play a crucial role in decomposition of organic niatter and cycling of nutrients. Microbes also serve as food for some bottom-living organisms. The knowledge of marine microbial diversity has, however, been severely limited by relying on microorganisms that have been cultured.

1 table, 117 ref

003206   Daas N;Gopal Reddy R G;Polasa H (Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : Detection and elimination of plasmid DNA using curing agents in iron oxidising Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Appl Sci Period 2005, 7(3), 149-55.

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is the most significantly studied organism in biogeochemical cycle. It is aerobic, chemolithotrophic organism, derives its energy from oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric form. This organism is employed in leaching of low grade mineral ores for extraction of precious metals. It has genome of about 2.8x10⁶ base pairs. Plasmid number varies from zero to five per cell. Curing compounds and physical agents are used to eliminate plasmid DNA and its role in iron oxidation.

2 tables, 23 ref, 1 photgraph

003205   Chaudhuri R K;Mukherjee M;Sengupta D;Mazumder S (Department of Biochemistry, University College of Science, University of Calcutta,, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: smbioc@caluniv.ac.in) : Limitation of glucose oxidase method of glucose estimation in jaundiced neonates. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(3), 254-5.

Most widely used method for estimation of plasma glucose is that adopted by Trinder's using glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) system. This method gives much lower blood glucose values with blood samples of neonatal jaundice (plasma bilirubin level <62> 10 mg/dL) of age 10±5 days than with samples of neonates of the same age group without jaundice or older children suffering from other diseases like acute respiratory distress, septicemia.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

003204   Bhojwani J (NO, , E-33, HIG Colony,Indore-452 008, Email: jbhojwani2005@gmail.com) : Tailor made stem cells. Curr Sci 2006, 90(10), 1311-14.

3 illus, 5 ref

003203   Annapoorani S;Hajara Sheereen N;Hema R (Biochemistry Dep, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore-641 043) : Hepatoprotective effects of protein fractions of selected medicinal plants against CCL₄ induced mice. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(1), 83-90.

Many medicinal plants have been found to be protective against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and are used in the treatment of chronic diseases. In vitro cytotoxic studies revealed the fifty percent effective dose of the phosphate buffered saline extracts of Aegle marmelos (190μg). Coleus aromaticus (125 μg), Cynodon dactylon (277.24 μg) and Ocimum sanctum (192.5 μg). In vivo studies further confirmed the protective effects of these extracts on Carbon tetra chloride (CCl) induced cytotoxicity in Swiss albino male mice, which was determined by the estimation of enzyme and non-enzyme anti oxidants.

3 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

003202   Aladakatti R H;Ahamed R N (Department of Studies and Research in Zoology, Post Graduate Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003) : Azadirachta indica A. juss induced changes in spermatogenic pattern in albino rats. J nat Remedies 2006, 6(1), 62-72.

The leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss was tested to find the antispermatogenicity in seminiferious epithelium of rats. Male albino rats were administered orally (by gavage), 100 mg/ body weight Azadirachta indica leaf powder with or without testosterone (IM). Suitable controls were maintained. Damaged seminiferous tubules and abundance of vacuoles of varying size were observed in Azadirachta indica treated rats. The germ cells showed overall decrease in cytoplasmic ground substance. Leydig cells exhibited characteristics of degeneration with condensed nuclei. Total count of spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells were reduced. The cell and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells were also reduced. From the results obtained, it can be observed that Azadirachta indica effects on the testis are possibly due to gonadotrophic hormone deficiency, caused directly or indirectly. The probable mode of antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic actions of the medicinal plant is discussed.

12 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

002349   Verma K S;Jain V (Dep of P.G. Stud and Res in Biol Sci, R.D. Univ, Jabalpur) : Indirect Elisa-its comparative usefulness over double diffuslon as an immunological tool to detect humoral antibody response against some aspergillus antigens in immunosuppresed cancer patients. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 857-60.

Aspergillosis is considered to be second only to candidiasis in the frequency of mycosis among cancer patients. Serology is often required to make perfect diagnose about fungal mycosis. In the short study patient's immunological response has been checked by indirect ELISA and double diffusion (DD) method against fungal antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flaws and Aspergillus niger. Indirect ELISA has been found more sensitive than DD in'detecting possible aspergillosis among immunosuppresed cancer patients.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

002348   Umamaheswary K;Sahu M K;Sivakumar K; Thangaradjou T;Smithra D;Kannan L (NO, Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: aurosiva@yahoo.co.uk) : Investigation on L-glutaminase producing actinomycete strain LG-33 from the estuarine fish, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Envir Ecol 2005, 23(4), 942-7.

Actinomycetes were collected from different parts viz. skin, gills and gut contents of estuarine fish Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus-, 1758) using Kuster's agar medium from the Vellar estuary, situated along the southeast coast of India. Out of the 40 strains tested, only the strain LG-33 showed good L-glutaminase activity and it was taken up for further studies. The various process parameters which influence L-glutaminase production of the strain LG-33 were optimized at different temperature (21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 C), pH (5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10), carbon sources (glucose, maltose, manitol, mannose, sucrose and sorbitol), nitrogen sources (peptone, yeast extract, beef extract, malt extract, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate), sodium chloride concentration (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%), amino acids (methionine, L-glutamine, L-asparagine and L-histidine) and incubation periods (24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours). After process optimization, a time course study was conducted. Maximal enzyme production (18.93 lU/ml) was observed at pH 9, temperature 36 C, glucose and malt-extract as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively, L-glutamine as an amino acid, after 72 hour of incubation. The strain LG-33 possesses LL-DAP and it contains glycine in its cell wall. Presence of LL- DAP indicates the cell wall chemotype -1. Based on chemotaxonomical and conventional methods of identification, the strain LG-33 has been tentatively identified as Streptomyces galbus. The present study indicates scope for the use of S. galbus as an ideal organism for the industrial production of extracellular L-glutaminase.

7 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

002347   Uma C;Sasikumar J M (Dep of Biochem, Karpagam Arts and Sci Coll, Coimbatore-641 021) : Antimicrobial activity of traditional medicinal plants from southern western ghats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 665-70.

Different organic and alcoholic extracts of Calotropis gigantia R. Br., Justicia adhatoda. Linn., Moringa oleifera. Lam., Piper betle. Linn, were tested for their antimicrobial activity against certain bacterial pathogens Escherchia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae and fungal strains of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus species. The plant extracts exhibited broader and moderate activity against all the microbial pathogens at all 100mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL concentrations.

3 tables, 27 ref

002346   Tambekar D H;Kharate M A (Dep of Microbiol, Amravati Univ, Amarvati-440 602) : Antimicrobial properties of leaves extract of some edible plants. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 867-72.

Several plants in folk and other traditional systems of medicines are therapeutic and have antimicrobial activity. Efforts are thus directed to identify these plant leaves or their extract, which have antimicrobial property and no ill effect. Extract of 22 plants leaves were studied for their antimicrobial properties and concluded that Ocimum sanctum showed inhibitory effect on E.coli, S. aureus, E. feacalis, S. typhi, V. cholerae, Pr. mirabilis, Ps. aeruginosa, Yer. enterocolitica and piper betle on E. coli, S. aureus, E. feacalis, S. typhi, V. cholerae, Pr. mirabilis, Ps. aeruginosa, Yer. enterocolitica. The leaves extract of various plants such as Tulsi, pudina and betle showed antimicrobial activity of E. coli, S. aureus, E. feacalis, S. typhi, V. cholerae, Pr. mirabilis, Ps. aeruginosa, Yer. enterocolitica while Piper betle showed resistance to Str. pneumoniae. Thus, these leaves of these plants can be used in our daily diet to control urinary tract infection, skin infection, enteric fever and respiratory infections.

2 tables, 11 ref