NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJBT Vol.06(3) [July 2007]

In vitro shoot regeneration from leaf and nodal explants of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: In vitro shoot regeneration from leaf and nodal explants of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less

Authors: Seetharam, Y N; Rajanna, L N; Jyothishwaran, G; Aravind, B; Sharanabasappa, G; Mallikharjun, P B

Abstract: Multiple shoots were obtained from leaf and nodal explants of Vernonia cinerea on MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP. Maximum numbers of shoots were obtained from leaf and nodal explants at 3.0 mg L^-1and 2.5 mg L^-1 concentrations of BAP, respectively. Shoot multiplication and their development was better on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg L^-1) along with NAA (1.5 mg L^-1) for both the explants. Rhizogenesis was observed when in vitro shoots were subcultured in half strength MS medium containing IAA (1.5 mg L^-1). The in vitro raised plantlets were acclimatized and established successfully in the field.

Page(s): 418-420

Study of quality parameters in vermicomposting

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Study of quality parameters in vermicomposting

Authors: Borah, M C; Mahanta, P; Kakoty, S K; Saha, U K; Sahasrabudhe, A D

Abstract: In the present study, vermicompost samples were tested for chemical constituents. Effect of temperature and density of cocoons on the production of vermicompost was also studied. Samples collected from vermicompost units installed in the laboratory as well as in the field provided an opportunity to analyze quality assessment of the vermicompost and introduction of a three-pit system of vermicomposting.

Page(s): 410-413

In vitro propagation of Dendrobium microbulbon A. Rich―A rare ethnomedicinal herb

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: In vitro propagation of Dendrobium microbulbon A. Rich―A rare ethnomedicinal herb

Authors: Sharma, Urvashi; Rao, V Rama; Mohan, J S S; Reddy, A S

Abstract: Dendrobium microbulbon A. Rich (Orchidaceae) is a small epiphytic rare orchid used in stomachache by the tribal people of Gujarat. The present study deals with the development of a suitable protocol for its clonal propagation using pseudobulbs as explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of auxin and cytokinin was used either alone or in combination for induction, multiplication, elongation and rooting of in vitro shoots. MS medium fortified with 3% sucrose, 7.5 mg L^-1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 20 mg L^-1benzyl aminopurine (BAP) showed axillary bud initiation. MS medium with 2.0 mg L^-1 BAP favoured production of maximum number of shoots (39 shoots), elongation of shoots as well as bulblets formation. In vitro raised shoots were rooted on Knop salts with MS vitamins and MS iron salts. During acclimatization, 60% of the plantlets survived after their removal from in vitro conditions.

Page(s): 381-384

Improving decision making for drug candidates: A computational approach for benzthiazoles as antifungal

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Improving decision making for drug candidates: A computational approach for benzthiazoles as antifungal

Authors: Sangamwar, Abhay T; Deshpande, Uday D; Pekamwar, Sanjay S; Vadvalkar, Sudhir M

Abstract: To improve the decision making for selecting a molecule for synthesis from a set of virtually designed antifungal compounds, four in silico approaches are discussed and their optimization have been confirmed by in vitro methods. First, a set of compounds was designed over QSAR analysis and selected over predicted activities by best QSAR equation (r²>0.9) to increase the probability of finding new chemical entities. To reduce the burden of synthetic chemistry, Rule of Five was applied for screening druggable compounds. Second, OSIRIS was used to predict toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Third approach was prediction of biological activity spectra for substances (PASS) and fourth was molecular docking to analyze the actual interaction involved after binding with the target receptor. All compounds of the series passed rule of five. On the basis of OSIRIS prediction results, nine compounds were selected. PASS predictions have resulted into suitability of only one compound (test 30) as antifungal. Molecular docking at BioMed CAChe workstation was then performed for this compound. Comparison of active site residues at receptor binding and dock score with fluconazole has further confirmed the compound for synthesis. The synthesized compound has given MIC 16 µg/mL at antifungal assay against Candida albicans by potato dextrose agar method. It confirmed that in silico approaches are useful to find out a new drug with more accuracy.

Page(s): 389-396