NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJEB Vol.49(07) [July 2011]

A novel method of plasmid isolation using laundry detergent

Title: A novel method of plasmid isolation using laundry detergent

Authors: Yadav, P; Yadav, A; Garg, V; Datta, T K; Goswami, S L; De, S

Abstract: Since the discovery of plasmid, various methods have been developed to isolate plasmid DNA. All the methods have one common and important target of isolating plasmid DNA of high quality and quantity in less time. These methods are not completely safe because of use of toxic chemicals compounds. The developed protocol for plasmid extraction is based on the alkaline lysis method of plasmid preparation (extraction at pH 8.0) with slight modifications. Cell lysis reagent sodium dodecyl sulfate is replaced by lipase enzyme present in laundry detergent. A good plasmid preparation can be made, which is well suited for subsequent molecular biology applications. By taking safety measures on count, contaminants like, RNA and protein can be completely avoided with maximized plasmid yield. The resultant plasmid quality and quantity can be well comparable to other prevalent methods.

Page(s): 558-560

Behavioural responses of desert gerbil, Meriones hurrianae after removal of scent marking gland

Title: Behavioural responses of desert gerbil, Meriones hurrianae after removal of scent marking gland

Authors: Idris, Mohd.; Tripathi, R S

Abstract: The desert gerbil, M. hurrianae scent marks the general substratum in its territory with the sebum exudation of mid abdominal gland and urine. Having assessed number of functions, which scent marking plays in the social life of these rodents, the scent marking behaviour was studied in animals, in which the gland was surgically removed and was compared with that of intact rodents. After recovery from the operation, the scent marking frequency of both male and female M.hurrianae declined significantly and was maintained at a low level. Surprisingly, scent marking with urine also declined considerable with time. After 5 months of the operation, desert gerbils were given a choice to respond to male and female sebum odours. The frequency of their scent marking with either sebum or urine did not show any significant enhancement as compared to their initial marking rate. However, the duration of their stay and scent marking frequency near the source of the sebum odour was more that in the clean side of the cage. The role of such altering behaviors of M. hurrianae and their impact on social organization are discussed.

Page(s): 555-557

Inhibition of Naja nigricolis (Reinhardt) venom protease activity by Luffa egyptiaca (Mill) and Nicotiana rustica (Linn) extracts

Title: Inhibition of Naja nigricolis (Reinhardt) venom protease activity by Luffa egyptiaca (Mill) and Nicotiana rustica (Linn) extracts

Authors: Ibrahim, M A; Aliyu, A B; Abusufiyanu, A; Bashir, M; Sallau, A B

Abstract: Luffa egyptiaca and Nicotiana rustica are used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites and were evaluated for inhibitory activities on Naja nigricolis venom protease. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. egyptiaca significantly reduced the maximum velocity (V_max) and the computed index of physiological efficiency (K_cat) of the enzyme in a dose dependent fashion. The protease activity was non-competitively inhibited by the aqueous extract of N. rustica with the V_max significantly decreased and the K_M remained unchanged. However, the N. rustica ethanol extract completely inhibited the protease activity. Ethyl acetate fractions partitioned from ethanol extracts of both plants were also found to completely inhibit the N. nigricolis venom protease activity at 0.1 and 0.05%. The use of these plants could be important in the treatment of snakebites.

Page(s): 552-554

Distinct synergistic action of piperacillin and methylglyoxal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Title: Distinct synergistic action of piperacillin and methylglyoxal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Authors: Mukherjee, Sayanti; Chaki, Shaswati; Das, Sukhen; Sen, Saswati; Dutta, Samir Kr.; Dastidar, Sujata G.

Abstract: The dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal is a natural constituent of Manuka honey produced from Manuka flowers in New Zealand. It is known to possess both anticancer and antibacterial activity. Such observations prompted to investigate the ability of methylglyoxal as a potent drug against multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 12 test P. aeruginosa strains isolated from various hospitals were tested for their resistances against many antibiotics, most of which are applied in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. Results revealed that the strains were resistant to many drugs at high levels, only piperacillin, carbenicillin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin showed resistances at comparatively lower levels. Following multiple experimentations it was observed that methylglyoxal was also antimicrobic against all the strains at comparable levels. Distinct and statistically significant synergism was observed between methylglyoxal and piperacillin by disc diffusion tests when compared with their individual effects. The fractional inhibitory concentration index of this combination evaluated by checkerboard analysis, was 0.5, which confirmed synergism between the pair. Synergism was also noted when methylglyoxal was combined with carbenicillin and amikacin.

Page(s): 547-551