ID: 56047
Title: Effect of abattoir waste disposal on soil physico-chemical, biological properties and enzyme activities
Author: S Radha, V J Nithya, R Himakiran Babu, A Sridevi, G Narasimha and N B L Prasad
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Abattoir waste, physico-chemical, biological properties, soil enzyme
Abstract: The effect of abattoir (slaughterhouse) waste on soil physico-chemical, biological properties and enzyme activities were investigated in the present study. The abattoir waste consists of bones, horns and faecal components, slurry of suspended solids, fat, blood, paunch content and soluble materials. Direct disposal of abattoir waste onto the soil alters the physico-chemical, biological and enzymatic properties of the soil. Results of physical analysis shown contaminated soil with abattoir waste had grey color with bad smell and had high electrical conductivity and water holding capacity. The pH of disposal soil with waste was less than that of control soil. Improved chemical properties of the test soil were observed because of the presence of organic carbon content, potassium and phosphate contents. High count of bacterial and fungal populations was found in test soil. Soil enzyme activities were measured with addition of substrates, casein for protease and starch for amylase, to soils and formation of hydrolytic products tyrosine and maltose from substrate were estimated in the soil at periodic intervals. With increased incubation period the two enzymes activities enhanced up to 14th day interval and after wards both were declined up to 21st day incubation in the both contaminated and control soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56046
Title: In vitro propagation of Wattakaka volubilis Benth. Ex Hook F. from nodal explants
Author: R Manonmani and P Francisca
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Wattakaka volubilis, in vitro propagation, nodal explants, MS medium
Abstract: Wattakaka volubilis Benth. Ex Hook. F. a medicinal plant has been successfully micropropagated using nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium with different concentraions (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 mg/L) of kinetin (Kn). A maximum of 9 shoots were observed at 3.0 mg/L Kn with the average length of 4.6 cm followed by 4.0 mg/L BA + 0.05 mg/L NAA from which 7 shoots were observed with the length of 3.4 cm. The regenerated shoots were excised and transferred to rooting medium containing auxin (NAA) at different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/L). The highest of 60% rooting was observed at 0.3 mg/l NAA. The in vitro derived plantlets were hardened and acclimatized in soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56045
Title: Replacing of Artemia nauplii with artificial diet for larval rearing of giant fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De man)
Author: A Rangappa, T Raj Kumar and M Srinivasulu Reddy
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Artemia, Artificial diets, larval rearing
Abstract: The present investigation was aimed to partial replacement fo Artemia nauplii with artificial diet for larval rearing of M. rosenbergii. In the present study one artificial diet was prepared and used for partial replacement of Artemia nauplii. Three feeding trial experiments have been done. In first Experiment (E1) larvae were fed with Artemia nauplii while second (E2) and third (E3) Artemia nauplii was replaced with artificial diet 25% and 50% respectively. After experimental period water quality parameters and survival rate of larvae were determined. Maximum survival rate (43%) was recorded with E3.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56044
Title: Lepidopteran community organizations and distribution in a rice field of North-west Kashmir Himalaya, (J & K), India
Author: S W N Bahaar and G A Bhat
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Lepidoptera, density, distribution, rice field, Kashmir
Abstract: In the study on the rice field Lepidoptera of north-west Kashmir (34002 ' N; 74016E ' ) a total of 22 taxa belonging to 8 families of butterflies and moths were registered. The qualitative dominance of various families was depicted as: Nymphalidae (6 taxa) < Pieridae (5 taxa) < Lycaenidae (4 taxa) < Noctuidae (2 taxa); Geometridae (2 taxa) < Hesperiidae (1 taxon); Arctiidae (1 taxon); Crambidae (1 taxon). Diversity was calculated using Simpsons Index (D), Simpsons Index of Diversity (1-D), Simpsons Reciprocal Index (1/D), Shannon-Weiner Index (H ' ), Margalef Richness Index (d), and Evenness Index (e) depicting a rich assemblage of lepidopteran fauna highlighting the contribution of rice fields in maintaining biodiversity of this region. The impact of anthropogenic interferences on the density and distributions was quite evident.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56043
Title: Checklist of microfungi in Kerala, India
Author: Manuel Thomas, Abin Varghese, Rajani Rajan, K Abraham Samuel and Punnen Kurian
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Microfungi, ascomycota, zygomycota, basidiomycota, Kerala
Abstract: An attempt to prepare a checklist of microfungi in Kerala, India was undertaken. A total of 79 genera representing 169 species of fungi, comprising 42 families were reported from Kerala. The checklist is based on the available published literature.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56042
Title: Multiple antibiotic resistance profile of soil bacteria isolated from Mahatma Gandhi University Campus, Kottayam, Kerala, India
Author: M P Krishna, Rinoy Varghese, Devi K. Balan, H T Harsha, and A A Mohamed Hatha
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Soil bacteria, Antibiotic resistance
Abstract: In the present work, multiple antibiotic resistance patterns of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from the soils of Mahatma Gandhi University campus was studied. A total of 46 bacterial strains were isolated and tested for their sensitivity to 10 commonly used antibiotics (ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, penicillin, amikacin, lincomycin, novobiocin, vancomycin and tetracycline) using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Moer than 90% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Resistance to ampicillin (73.91%), Penicillin (60.8%), lincomycin (43.47%) and nalidixic acid (21.73%) were frequently encountered. While none of the isolates were resistant to amikacin, resistant to gentamicin (2.17%) and tetracycline (2.17%) was very low. A total of 18 resistant patterns were observed among the isolates and the most frequent (30.4%) resistant pattern was PA (penicillin-ampicillin). Many isolates had acquired multiple drug resistance (MDR). Elucidation of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index and resistance patterns of each isolates, which revealed high prevalence of MAR among the isolates encountered in the present study.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56041
Title: Detection of species specific milk by using polymerase chain reaction
Author: Anupam Singh, Ashwani Kumar Singh, Jitender Singh and Raghvendar Singh
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Multiplex PCR, Milk adulteration, milk
Abstract: The adulteration of food products is a significant problem in the food processing and production. Most frequently, such products are adulterated that are produced in big quantities and further, the expensive producs whose adulteration brings a profit. This is how fraudulent producers try to cheat consumers and authorities. Adulteration of costly milk with cheaper one becomes a matter of concern for research workers. Buffalo milk is frequently used for adulteration because of its prevailing production in the world and its lower price as compared to other types. The present study was carried out for detection of milk species with the use of cytochrome b gene variability by PCR. Milk samples from Buffalo, sheep and goat were utilized for molecular analysis. The milks of these principal dairying species are well characterized. Genomic DNA was isolated from four samples of each species. Mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified by PCR using a common forward primer and species-specific reverse primer. PCR cycling protocol included initial denaturation at 940C for 5 minutes then followed by 40 cycles of 940C for 30 seconds, 600C for 30 seconds 720C for 30 seconds and final extension at 720C for 10 minutes. PCR amplicons were resolved by Agarose gel electrophoresis and for each species produce a characteristic band pattern. The PCR products showed species - specific DNA fragments of 155 bp, 270 bp, 330 bp from goat, Buffalo and sheep respectively and will help traders and consumers against milk adulteration.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56040
Title: Antimicrobial activity of locally available ripened and unripened cutivars of Musa x paradisiaca L. (Banana)
Author: N Jyothirmayi, S H K R Prasad and N Mallikarjuna Rao
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Musa x paradisiaca L, antibacterial, phytochemicals
Abstract: Banana a locally available with pomological significance has been exploited commercially from ancient time ' s shows certain pharmaceutical uses viz., antibacterial, antimalarial, antitumorous and antiparasitic properties. Musa x paradiasaca L., a local cultivar is used clinically for dietary purposes and for some intestinal disorders, but its beneficial effects have never been attributed to the presence of antibiotic substances. The antibacterial activity of solvent extracts of Musa sp. were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method against gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus flavus and Bacills cereus and gram-negative bacteria viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Phytochemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids. The spectra of activities displayed by the extracts can be attributed to the presence of these phytochemicals which signifies the potential of banana as a source of therapeutic agents and may provide focus in the on going search for antimicrobial agents. Hence the present investigation was undertaken to study the antibacterial activity of fruit pulp of aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of local varieties of both ripened and unripened Musa sp.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56039
Title: Antimicrobial screening and GC-MS analysis of marine sponge Crambe crambe
Author: W A Manjusha, W A Anusha, Minimohan and Jency George
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Crambecrambe, Crambine, Azoxazole, Caprylicacid, Decylic acid, Pelargicacid, Ptilomyclain
Abstract: The Marine environment is a rich source of both biological and chemical diversity. This diversity has been the source of unique chemical compounds with the potential for industrial develoment as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, molecular probes, enzymes, fine chemicals and agrichemicals. Each of these classes of marine bioproducts has a potential multi-billion dollar market value Crambe crambe is a promising organism for producing numerous bioactive metabolites important from a pharmacological standpoint. The present work was initiated to study the antimicrobial activity and identification of compound responsible for teh antimicrobial activity. It was found that the extract prepared from Crambe crambe successfully prevent the growth of gram positive bacteria as well as gram negative bacteria. Individual constituents of the extract were identified by WIILEY and NIST database matching by comparison of mass spectra with published data and by comparison of their RRts. The identified compounds, includes, crambescidin, crambine, Azoxazole, Triethylborane, 1-Pentyne, 4 Pyridinol, Propylisobutylether, Caprylicacid, Vemine, Decyclic acid Pelargiacid, Ptilomyclain.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56038
Title: Influences of chronic stress and antidepressant treatment on the level of BDNF in rat hippocampus: A study in animal model of depression
Author: Ritabrata Banerjee, Madhusudan Das, Amal Chandra Mondal, Anup Kumar Ghosg and Balaram Ghosh
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), depression, escape - test, fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX)
Abstract: Stress-induced helplessness in rodents constitutes a well-defined model to investigate neurobiological mechanism of depression. The macromolecule BDNF (Brain derived neurotrophic factor) is a key neurotrophic factor in brain. It plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis and pharmacotherapy of mental disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia. In recent years, studies have shown that cognitive process, which are impaired in the course of mental disorders, significantly change BDNF levels in the brain. In this study, we investigated BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus in rats treated with an established model of depression called Learned helplessness compared to normal controls. BDNF levels were transiently decreased in the hippocampus regions of the Learned helpless rats compared to normal control rat groups. Antidepressant fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX) was adminstered to rats at a dos of 10 mg/kg/day for consecutive 20 days. We found that the antidepressant (FLX) treatment significantly increases BDNF levels in the hippocampus regions compared to only stressed rats. In conclusion, a significant decrease of BDNF in hippocampus constitutes the most striking correlate of neurobiological changes in this stress-induced behavioral model of depression.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56037
Title: Qualitative and quantitative examination of plant growth hormone production using Azotobacter isolated from seagrass ecosystem of Tondi, India
Author: V Kalaigandhi and E Kannapiran
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Hormone, Gibberellic acid, Indole acetic acid
Abstract: 11 strains of Azotobacter sp isolated from the seagrass ecosystem of Tondi, India were examined for the plant growth hormone production in vitro. Production of hormones like Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA) by the isolates was analyzed using TLC, HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. Rf values ranging from 0.85 to 0.53 for IAA were recorded in TLC. The retention time and peak values obtained by HPLC were similar to those of the standard. Spectrophotometric study revealed that the isolates produced 85 ?g/L (MA 45) to 400 ?g/L (MA 326) of IAA and 70 ?g/L to 355 ?g/L of GA. It is concluded that the isolates produce significant quantities of the growth hormones like IAA and GA.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56036
Title: Abiotic -stress induced studies on boiling stable acid phosphatases activities (BSA-Pases) in Triticum aestivum
Author: Arun Dev Sharma and Gurmeen Rakhra
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Acid phosphatase, boiling stable proteins, wheat
Abstract: Acid phosphatase (A-Pases) are widely found in plants having intracellular and extracellular activities. Phosphatases are believed to be important for phosphorous scavenging and remobilization in plants, but its role in adaptation to abiotic stresses at germination level has not been critically evaluated. To address this issue, the effect of osmotic stress, salt stress and heat shock on boiling stable acid phosphatases in wheat embryos and endosperm was investigated. In comparison with control embryos, water content decreased markedly under osmotic and salt stress treatments. However, no significant change in water content was observed under heat treatment. In endosperm no significant change in water content was observed under any treatment. Furthermore, with comparison to control, a considerable increase in boiling stable acid phosphatase activity was observed in embryos under stress and heat treatments, however, in endosperm a significant increase in boiling stable acid phosphatase activity was observed only under osmotic stress. These findings suggest that changes in the phosphatase enzymes might play important roles in adaptation of germinating seeds, to changing environmental conditions. Based upon these results, a possible physiological role of phosphatase in germinating wheat seeds is discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56035
Title: PVC degrading fungi in dumping yard soil
Author: Rajani Rajan and Punnen Kurian
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Protease, immobilization, matrices, polyacrylamide
Abstract: Plastics are versatile and have wide applications in every facets of human life. Among thermoplastics PVC is the most commonly used in electronics, automobile, upholstery, plumbing and flooring. Burgeoning use of plastics has now become one of the serious environmental issues as they are non-degradable. However recent attempts showed that few microorganisms like fungi have ilmited biodegradable. However recent attemts showed that few microorganisms like fungi have limited biodegradation potential with specific plastics in natural conditions. The diversity and load of PVC degrading fungi associated with the dumping yard soil Vadavathoor, Kottayam was evaluated using the clear-zone method. The fungal load ranges from 5.0 x 102/g dry soil to 9.1 x 102 / g dry soil. The predominant genera include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chrysosporium, Cunninghamella, Mucor, Alternaria and Rhizopus. Among the isolates Aspergillus, Penicillium and Chrysosporium could readily grow on PVC powder. The ability of the fungi to produce various depolymerase enzymes such as amylase, cellulose, gelatinase, protease, ligninase and lipase were also determined. The result suggests that the biodegradation potential of the selected fungi with PVC is promising.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56034
Title: Antimicrobial activity of Ixora coccinea flowers
Author: N S Philomina and S Pradeep Kumar
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Ixora coccinea, anti bacterial activity, flowers
Abstract: Ethanol, methanol and distilled water extracts of Ixora coccinea flowers was studied for antibacterial activities by well plate method and filter paper method. The ethanol extract was found to be more active than the methanol and distilled water extracts. The results indicate that the flowers have potential antibacterial activity and are concentration dependent. The flower extract was more active against gram negative bacteria than gram positive bacteria.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56033
Title: Diet compositionof four commercially economic important species from Nigerian coastal waters
Author: Adesola Olayinka Osibona and Emmanuel Babatunde Eniola
Editor: P K Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 4, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Frequency of occurrence, numerical methods, empty stomach, Omnivore, plankton, invertebrates
Abstract: The food and feeding habits of four indigenous commercial fish species, namely Clarias gariepinus, Tilapia zillii, Pentanemus quinquarius and Pseudotolithus typus was investigated. Fish species were procured from fishermen every month. Specimens that were dead on purchased were chilled with iced blocks at the point of collection and transported to the laboratory. A total of 670 fish specimens were examined and their stomach contents analyzed. Frequency of occurrence and numerical methods were employed in this study. The result of analysis showed that 159 (23.73%) of all the species examined had empty stomach. C. gariepinus was found to be an omnivore feeding on insects, plankton and invertebrates, consisting of five families. In T. zillii, planktonic organisms constituted the greater part of the food items found in the stomachs. P. quinquarius and P. typus fed mainly on small fishes and crustaceans. There was no statistical difference in the feeding habits of these four species. Pollutants from the environment on the coastal waters do not affect the feeding habit of the species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None