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Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis (SP), is a filamentous blue-green alga with high nutritional value that makes it a promising component for fish meal (FM) replacement in aqua feeds. With this persp...

The economic expansion of estuarine mud crab Scylla olivacea necessitated for the inclusive research on its biological characteristics, especially morphological features. This study explored the gender- specific growth pattern and condition factors of S. olivacea from the coastal waters of Sundarbans, Bangladesh. A total of 360 S. olivacea were collected using a nonmechanized trap from the landing center of Rampal Upazila at Bagerhat District in Bangladesh, and their body weight (BW), carapace width (CW), carapace length (CL), abdominal length (AL), and propodus length (PL) were measured. The male-to-female ratio was 1:0.87, and females (BW: 107.02 ± 24.99 g, CW: 7.98 ± 0.74 cm) were significantly heavier than males (BW: 98.03 ± 24.00 g, CW: 7.48 ± 1.02 cm). The inter-relationship of CW with BW, CL, AL, and PL was significant. Body weight showed a negative allometric growth pattern with CW (b 3) in male crabs but an isometric growth pattern (b = 3) in female crabs. The calculated mean condition factors (Fulton’s condition factors, allometric condition factors, and relative condition factors), for male and female crabs were higher than or close to one, indicating crabs were in a healthy state and the average relative weight was 100 g and above for both male and female samples were in healthy physiological condition in the study area. This study provides knowledge on the current condition and distinguishing morphometric features of local S. olivacea which will assist fisheries resource managers and conservation biologists for the better management of this commercially important crab species in Bangladesh waters.

The regulatory network of R2R3 MYB transcription factors in anthocyanin biosynthesis is not fully understood in blue-coloured berries containing delphinidin compounds. We used blue berries of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) to comprehensively characterise flavonoid-regulating R2R3 MYBs, which revealed a new type of co-regulation in anthocyanin biosynthesis between members of MYBA-, MYBPA1- and MYBPA2-subgroups. VmMYBA1, VmMYBPA1.1 and VmMYBPA2.2 expression was elevated at berry ripening and by abscisic acid treatment. Additionally, VmMYBA1 and VmMYBPA1.1 expression was strongly downregulated in a white berry mutant. Complementation and transient overexpression assays confirmed VmMYBA1 and VmMYBA2 to induce anthocyanin accumulation. Promoter activation assays showed that VmMYBA1, VmMYBPA1.1 and VmMYBPA2.2 had similar activity towards dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), but differential regulation activity for UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) and flavonoid 3'5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) promoters. Silencing of VmMYBPA1.1 in berries led to the downregulation of key anthocyanin and delphinidin biosynthesis genes. Functional analyses of other MYBPA regulators, and a member of novel MYBPA3 subgroup, associated them with proanthocyanidin biosynthesis and F3'5'H expression. The existence of 18 flavonoid-regulating MYBs indicated gene duplication, which may have enabled functional diversification among MYBA, MYBPA1 and MYBPA2 subgroups. Our results provide new insights into the intricate regulation of the complex anthocyanin profile found in blue-coloured berries involving regulation of both cyanidin and delphinidin branches.

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationships between fish length, otolith size and otolith weight. A total of 180 Sperata aor and 171 Labeo bata specimens were collected monthly during January 2016 to March 2017 from the River Ganga at the Narora site. Student’s t-test showed no significant differences in the size of right and left otoliths in the selected fish species, therefore, a single linear regression based on the left otolith was carried out. Fish length was plotted against otolith weight, otolith length and otolith height. Moreover, otolith length was plotted against otolith weight and otolith height. The linear regression model was found to fit the data well for fish length to otolith size in both selected fish species. A strong relationship between otolith length and weight was found in both species (r2 > 0.8). Furthermore, the study revealed that fish length is potentially related to otolith size and a strong relationship between fish length and otolith size exists in S. aor (mean r2 = 0.89) as compared to L. bata (mean r2 = 0.70). Such relationships should be determined for the fish species that are ecologically and socio-economically important in order to understand their trophic relationships, population dynamics and yield estimates.

Landmark-based truss morphometry was used to identify stock structure of striped snakehead, Channa striata, in the river Ganga and its tributaries: river Yamuna and river Gomti. The fish samples were collected from Narora site of the river Ganga, Agra site of the river Yamuna and Lucknow site of the river Gomti from November 2012 to May 2016. Ten morphometric landmarks were selected to construct truss network on the fish body. Transformed truss network measurements were subjected to principal component analysis, discriminant function analysis and univariate analysis of variance. The first principal component (PC I) explained 40.2% of total variation while PC II and PC III explained 9.86 and 6.68%, respectively. The step-wise discriminant function analysis retained six variables that significantly discriminated the populations. Using these variables, 89.2% were correctly classified into their original groups. Of the total 35 transformed morphometric measurements, 28 exhibited significant differences among the populations. Results indicate the presence of different stocks of C. striata in the selected rivers of the Gangetic river system.

Being more sensitive to salt stress among the cereals, growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been habitually affected by salinity. Although, several practices have evolved to sustain the growth of rice under salinity, the enormous role of calcium (Ca2+) as a signalling molecule in salt stress mitigation is still arcane. Considering this fact, an experiment was performed aiming to explicate the mechanism of salt-induced growth inhibition in rice and its alleviation by exogenous Ca2+. At germination stage, 10 mM and 15 mM CaCl2 primed rice (cv. Binadhan-10 & Binadhan-7) seeds were grown in petri dishes for 9 days under 100 mM NaCl stress. At seedling stage, 9-day-old rice seedlings grown on sand were exposed to 100 mM NaCl alone and combined with 10 mM and 15 mM CaCl2 for 15 days. This research revealed that salinity radically slowed down growth of rice seedlings and Ca2+ treatment noticeably improved growth performances. At germination stage, 10 mM CaCl2 treatment significantly increased the final germination percentage, germination rate index (in Binadhan-7), shoot, root length (89.20, 67.58% in Bindhan-10 & 84.72, 31.15% in Bindhan-7) and biomass production under salinity. Similarly, at seedling stage, 10 mM CaCl2 supplementation in salt-stressed plants enhanced shoot length (42.17, 28.76%) and shoot dry weight (339.52, 396.20%) significantly in Binadhan-10 & Binadhan-7, respectively, but enhanced root dry weight (36.76%) only in Binadhan-10. In addition, 10 mM CaCl2 supplementation on salt-stressed seedlings increased the chlorophyll and proline content, and oppressed the accretion of reactive oxygen species thus protecting from oxidative damage more pronouncedly in Binadhan-10 than Binadhan-7 as reflected by the elevated levels of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity. The 15 mM CaCl2 somehow also enhanced some growth parameters but overall was less effective than 10 mM CaCl2 to alleviate salt stress, and sometimes showed negative effect. Therefore, supplementary application of calcium-rich fertilizers in saline prone soils can be an effective approach to acclimatize salt stress and cultivate rice successfully.

Dichapetalum madagascariense Poir (Dichapetalaceae) is traditionally used to treat bacterial infections, jaundice, urethritis and viral hepatitis in Africa. Its root contains a broad spectrum of biologically active dichapetalins. To evaluate the plant's effect on human MCF-7 cells and its' antibacterial and antiparasitic potentials, we isolated and identified the known dichapetalins A and M from the roots. Both dichapetalins were tested on six bacterial strains (Shigella flexneri, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella paratyphi B, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and two parasite strains; Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Leishmania donovani using the Alamar Blue assay system. Dichapetalins A and M were more potent against B. cereus with IC50 values of 11.15 and 3.15 μg/ml, respectively, compared to the positive control ampicillin (IC50 = 19.50 μg/ml). Dichapetalins A (IC50 = 74.22 μg/ml) and M (IC50 = 72.34 μg/ml) were less active against T. b. brucei, compared to the standard Suramin (IC50 = 4.96 μg/ml). Dichapetalin M showed moderate activity against L. donovani (Amphotericin B: IC50 = 0.21 μg/ml) with an IC50 of 16.80 μg/ml. In human MCF-7 cells expressing the NR1I2 receptor, the activity of dichapetalin M was higher (IC50 = 4.71 μM and 3.95 μM) for 48 and 72 h of treatment, respectively compared to Curcumin with IC50 of 17.49 μM and 12.53 μM for 48 and 72 h of treatment, respectively. Results from in vitro expression studies with qPCR confirmed an antagonistic effect of dichapetalin M on PXR (NR1I2) signaling; supporting the PXR signaling pathway as a possible mode of action of dichapetalin M as predicted by in silico results. These findings confirm previous studies that D. madagascariense can be a source of potential lead compounds for development of novel antibiotic, antiparasitic and anticancer medicines, and provide further insights into the mechanism of action of the dichapetalins.

Salinity is one of the most brutal abiotic stressors, commencing a great stumbling block in the way of attaining food security in Bangladesh. Cultivation of rice in saline soils can be possible after enhancing its salt tolerance. This study aimed to examine the potential impact of exogenous calcium (3 and 5 mM Ca2+ in CaCl2) on conferring salt tolerance in rice (cv. BRRI dhan28). At the germination stage, Ca2+-primed seeds were grown under 100 mM NaCl stress conditions for nine days. At the seedling stage, rice seedlings were grown in a sandponic culture with Hoagland′s nutrient solution amended or not amended with 100 mM NaCl for 20 days with or without Ca2+ supplementation. Our results revealed that NaCl-stressed rice plants showed highly compromised germination indices and growth parameters, which could be attributed to reduced shoot and root growth, decreased photosynthetic pigments, increased H2O2 accumulation, and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA). On the other hand, exogenous Ca2+ application noticeably improved germination indices, growth and biomass-related parameters under salt stress. Ca2+-treated salt-stressed plants displayed amplified chlorophyll content, as well as suppressed the accumulation of H2O2, contributing to oxidative damage protection. Ca2+ supplementation for salt-stressed rice seedlings elevated relative water content without increasing excess proline, indicating the role of Ca2+ in maintaining water balance under stressful conditions. Furthermore, exogenous Ca2+ decreased membrane injury under NaCl stress, as mirrored by notably diminished levels of MDA in stressed seedlings. The defensive role of Ca2+ counter to oxidative stress was connected with the elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase. In general, the best results in terms of growth at both germination and seedling stages were obtained in response to 3 mM Ca2+ treatment. Finally, Ca2+ supplementation can be an effective practice to cultivate rice in saline soils.

Gamma radiation, various absorbed doses (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 krad) effects were evaluated on sunflower (Helianthus annus. L.) germination and growth characteristics. Sunflower healthy seeds were exposed to gamma radiation source Co60 at nuclear institute for food and agriculture and exposed seeds were grown under controlled laboratory conditions. In comparison to control, gamma radiation absorbed doses affected the measured response positively i.e., radical length, plumule length, number of roots, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, germination percentage, time of germination and diameter of hypocotyl of sunflower enhanced up to 83.15%, 70.32%, 73.03%, 4.80%, 3.26%, 72.0%, − 18.88% and 12.58%, respectively. The time of germination, fresh weight and percent moisture contents enhanced insignificantly, however, the response was higher than control. All gamma radiation absorbed doses showed a stimulatory effect on sunflower germination and seedling growth characteristics. The low gamma radiation absorbed doses were found to be more effective versus higher doses for enhancing the germination and growth characteristics of sunflower. In view of positive effect of gamma radiation of sunflower germination and growth characteristics, it is concluded that this techniques could possibly be used for the enhancement of germination, growth and ultimately yield in sunflower in areas where germination is low due to unfavorable conditions.

Intensified salt stress is an acute hindrance to crop cultivation, whereas plant signaling molecules can efficiently prompt salinity tolerance. Therefore, this study was accomplished to explore the potential salinity stress-mitigating effect of different signaling molecules in rice. The rice (cv. BRRI dhan29) seeds were immersed in 20 mM KNO3, 0.15 mM H2O2, 0.8 mM AsA (ascorbic acid) and 10 mM CaCl2 solutions for 24 h. Eventually, primed seeds were exposed to 75 mM NaCl in Petri dishes during germination. Moreover, 14-day-old rice seedlings were pretreated with different agents, viz., KNO3, H2O2, AsA and CaCl2 (concentrations were same as previous), for 2 days. Primed and non-primed seedlings were grown for 4 days under 75 mM NaCl stress condition. The result revealed that salt stress caused reduced germination indices and pre-seedling and seedling growth inhibition and impaired photosynthetic capacity, whereas catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) activities were decreased in salt-treated plants. However, application of the four signaling molecules promoted the germination indices and growth and resisted chlorosis. Pretreatment with CaCl2 and AsA was observed to be relatively more efficient in conferring salinity tolerance of rice as reflected from the significant enhanced germination and growth in the saline medium by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, both at germination and seedling stage. All the selected signaling molecules significantly detoxified excess ROS, i.e., H2O2 and $${\text{O}}_{2}^{ \cdot - }$$ and reduced lipid peroxidation by up-regulating the enzymes, CAT, APX and POX. Moreover, H2O2 and KNO3 pretreatment also mitigated salt-imposed oxidative stress and enhanced growth performance of rice seedlings. Overall, the study confirms that CaCl2 and AsA pretreatment were more effective than H2O2 and KNO3 priming to improve salt tolerance in rice.

The amino acids are one of the major cellular components of plants, which are involved in different metabolic pathways. In present study, effect of artificial gravistimulation on amino acid profiles of pea, rice, corn, wheat during early growth stages was investigated. One-axis clinostat was used for gravistimulation application, which was applied at embryonic stage. Amino acid profile was measured in 10-days old seedlings of pea, rice, corn and wheat cultivars. The effect of clinostat rotation was also evaluated under salt stress and MS medium supplement. Germinated pea, rice, corn and wheat seedlings were grown under the gravity condition for specific time interval. Corn and wheat seeds showed slow germination as compared to pea and rice cultivars. The rate of amino acid formation under gravity condition was significantly higher than control (un-treated seedling). The variation in amino acid profile of pea, rice, corn and wheat cultivars vary deferentially. Results revealed that gravistimulation applied through clinostat has positive effect on amino acid profile in plant tissue and future studies should be focused on growth, biochemical, physiological at lateral stages of growth.

Background and objectives Bombay phenotype is characterized by the lack of H substance both on red blood cell (RBC) surface and in body secretions. Mutations of fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) and fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) genes are resulted in this rare phenotype. Materials and methods Five unrelated patients were tested by hemagglutination and adsorption/elution techniques for the presence of ABH antigens. The saliva specimens were analysed by hemagglutination inhibition method. The exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene were sequenced to determine ABO genotype. The coding fragments of FUT1 and FUT2 were amplified and sequenced by specific primers. Results Serologic investigation confirmed Bombay phenotype in all individuals. FUT1 molecular analysis revealed a novel large deletion. Also two novel homozygous mutations were detected; one was a missense mutation (392T>C, L131P) and the other a three nucleotide deletion (668_670delACT, Y224del). FUT2 sequencing showed one reported null allele (428G>A, W143X) and one homozygous deletion of FUT2. Conclusion Although FUT2 deletion has been reported, this is the first report of FUT1 deletion. Finding two FUT1 novel alleles in Iranian people is indicative of mutation diversity in this gene.

Sustainable management of the long-whiskered catfish Sperata aor (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges River justifies precise stock-specific information on age and growth. The aim of the present study was to estimate the age and growth of three stocks, namely Narora–Kanpur, Varanasi and Bhagalpur, of S. aor from the Ganges River. Among the hard structures chosen for analysis, vertebrae provided precise age estimates up to 9 years of age in all the three stocks of S. aor based on average percentage error. Edge analysis of vertebrae and marginal increment ratio analysis of sectioned otoliths showed annulus formation once per year during April–June. The von Bertalanffy growth rates showed significant differences between the sexes and among the stocks. The growth coefficient k (0.24–0.30 year–1) showed rapid growth relative to asymptotic length (L∞) in all three stocks. The growth performance index was nearly the same for all three stocks. The results of the present study can be used in formulating scientifically sound management policies in view of anthropogenic threats to the populations of S. aor from the Ganges River.

Traditional rice landraces of coastal area in Bangladesh are distinct regarding their phenotype, response to salt stress and yield attributes. With characterization of these landraces, suitable candidate genes for salinity tolerance could be identified to introgress into modern rice varieties. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to uncover prospective rice landraces tolerant to salinity. Relying on morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters 25 rice genotypes were tested for salt tolerance at germination and seedling stage. At germination stage 0 and 12 dSm−1 salinity were imposed on rice genotypes. Ward’s cluster analysis divided rice genotypes into three clusters (susceptible, moderately tolerant and tolerant) based on the physiological indices. The tolerant rice landraces to salinity were Sona Toly, Nakraji and Komol Bhog. At seedling stage screening was performed following IRRI standard protocol at 12 dSm−1 salinity level. Based on all morphological and biochemical parameters Komol Bhog was identified as the highly salinity tolerant landrace while Bolonga, Sona Toly, Dud Sail, Tal Mugur and Nakraji were found as tolerant to salinity. Molecular characterization using two simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, viz. RM121 and RM337 displayed Bolonga, Til Kapor, Panbra, Sona Toly, Bina Sail, Komol Bhog, Nakraji, Tilkapur, Gajor Goria and Gota were tolerant landraces through genetic similarity in dendrogram. These identified salt-resistant landraces can be used as promising germplasm resources for breeding salt-tolerant high-yielding rice varieties in future.

The current research work was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of different solvent extracts of Forsskaolea tenacissima. This investigation revealed that ethyl acetate extract exerted maximum inhibition (56%) of the growth of Providencia mirabilis and 48% of Aspergillus fumigatus. Penecillium was the most resistant fungi and was unaffected by any extracts. The analgesic activity of these extracts at a dose of 150 mg/kg increased the reaction time after 60, 90, 120 and 180 min compared to the initial latency as well as that of control group in the hot plate method. The number of writhes recorded after 150 mg/kg extract were comparatively lower (56±3.74) than that of normal saline group (76±4.15) in acetic acid-induced writhing test. The antipyretic effect of the plant extracts at 300 mg/kg was comparable with normal saline.

Thermostable alkaline serine protease gene of Geobacillus stearothermophilus B-1172 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using pET-22b(+), as an expression vector. The growth conditions were optimized for maximal production of the protease using variable fermentation parameters, i.e., pH, temperature, and addition of an inducer. Protease, thus produced, was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography with 13.7-fold purification, with specific activity of 97.5 U mg(-1) , and a recovery of 23.6%. Molecular weight of the purified protease, 39 kDa, was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme was stable at 90 °C at pH 9. The enzyme activity was steady in the presence of EDTA indicating that the protease was not a metalloprotease. No significant change in the activity of protease after addition of various metal ions further strengthened this fact. However, an addition of 1% Triton X-100 or SDS surfactants constrained the enzyme specific activity to 34 and 19%, respectively. Among organic solvents, an addition of 1-butanol (20%) augmented the enzyme activity by 29% of the original activity. With casein as a substrate, the enzyme activity under optimized conditions was found to be 73.8 U mg(-1) . The effect of protease expression on the host cells growth was also studied and found to negatively affect E. coli cells to certain extent. Catalytic domains of serine proteases from eight important thermostable organisms were analyzed through WebLogo and found to be conserved in all serine protease sequences suggesting that protease of G. stearothermophilus could be beneficially used as a biocontrol agent and in many industries including detergent industry.

Summary Otolith chemistry was used to study the stock structure of Channa punctata collected from the River Ganga and its tributaries, the rivers Yamuna and Gomti. Whole sagittal otoliths were subjected to acid digestion to analyse the trace elements (Ca, Na, Mg, Sr, Mn, Ba, Fe and K) using ICP-AES. Data were subjected to appropriate statistical treatments, such as univariate anova, ancova, manova and DFA in order to delineate the fish stock(s) accurately. Mean concentrations of Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Ba, Fe and K in the otoliths of the fish from selected sites of the different rivers were significantly (P 0.05). In classification statistics, 96% of individuals were correctly classified to their original groups. The scatter plot of DF-I vs DF-II depicted the presence of different stocks in the River Ganga and its selected tributaries. Variations in the microchemistry of the otoliths showed the presence of four C. punctata stocks in the three selected rivers.

Background: Infection is an important cause of mortality in burns. Rapidly emerging nosocomial pathogens and the problem of multi-drug resistance necessitates periodic review of isolation patterns and antibiogram in the burn ward. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the frequency of bacteria in burn wound with their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Method: This cross sectional study was conducted in the laboratory of Department of Microbiology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka and samples were collected from the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Bacterial isolates from 108 wound swabs taken from burn patients were identified by conventional biochemical methods and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed. Result: Out of 98 bacteria E. coli (20.4%) was most common and 25.0% of these bacteria were ESBL producer. Out of 14 Klebsiella species ESBL producer was in 6(42.9%). ESBL producing Proteus species (21.4%) and Pseudomonas species (14.9%) were also detected. Klebsiella (33.91%) was the predominant organism closely followed by Pseudomonas (31.84%). Conclusion: E. coli is the most common ESBL producing bacteria causing the burn wound infection. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v10i2.17959 J Sci Found, 2012;10(2):63-69

not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v20i0.17739 J. bio-sci. 20: 171-177, 2012

Brassica species are vulnerable to narrow genetic base due to the ignorance of their wild relatives which possess many superior characters. This study was aimed to explore the genetic diversity in five Brassica species from U triangle as well as in their wild relative Eruca sativa. For the complete insight of genetic diversity, four accessions, each from five species of genus Brassica along with one species of Eruca collected from different geographical locations (exotic and indigenous) were selected. Six yield associated parameters viz., primary branches plant-1, plant height, main raceme length, silique length, silique width and silique main raceme-1 were studied. Highly significant variations among all species were observed. Mean performance showed that wild relative E. sativa was superior for primary branches plant -1 and plant height, which are the main yield associated traits. In case of Brassica species, B. campestris gave the lengthiest main racemes, B. nigra produced more silique main raceme-1 and B. carinata produced the longest and widest silique.

Conocarpus lancifolius is a perennial ornamental plant adapted to the semi-arid conditions of Kuwait. It accumulates most of its biomass during the stressful summer conditions which includes UV-B irradiation. The study evaluated equivalent UV-B irradiation intensities that plants would normally experience sometime during the course of a year in Kuwait. Leaf area, plant height, photosynthetic parameters, Lipid Peroxidation (LP) and Phenyl Alanine Lyase (PAL) were measured in C. lancifolius plants exposed to different UV-B treatments. UV-B treatments decreased leaf area and plant height but induced the formation of lateral branches. Chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence measured as maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and Electron Transport Rate (ETR) decreased in the short term or the first 10-20 days after treatment. Lipid Peroxidation (LP) measured in terms of Malondiadehyde (MDA) content decreased in the long term after a short term increase but Phenyl Alanine Lyase (PAL) activity increased linearly by 41.2, 66.8 and 78.6% after 30 days. There was also Positive Linear Correlation between UV-B dosage and total flavonoid accumulation which was localized in epidermal cell walls, trichomes and cuticular layer. The response of C. lancifolius to ameliorate and/or tolerate UV-B stress involved multiple mechanisms that included increased concentrations of PAL activity, increased flavonoids production; and reduced lipid peroxidation. The net effect of flavonoid accumulation and PAL enzyme activity probably contributed significantly to the protection or tolerance of the species to the effects of UV-B.

Ageing precision from otoliths, vertebrae and pectoral spines was studied in Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis and Wallago attu. In C. batrachus, otoliths showed the highest (92.9 %) agreement between readers followed by vertebrae (87 %) and pectoral spines (83.8 %). The highest percentage of agreement (87 %) and lowest average percentage of error (1.89 %) and coefficient of variation (3.81 %) values were observed between otoliths and vertebrae age estimates. In H. fossilis, vertebrae showed the clearest annual rings and had highest (90.8 %) PA values between readers, followed by otoliths (80.3 %) and pectoral spines (73.7 %). The highest PA and lowest APE and CV values were found between vertebrae and otoliths estimates. In W. attu, otoliths showed the highest PA (86.7 %) values between readers followed by pectoral spines (70.3 %) and vertebrae (67.9 %). The highest PA and lowest APE and CV values were found between otoliths and pectoral spines. On account of the highest PA, lowest APE and CV values, the most suitable ageing structure was otolith in C. batrachus and W. attu, while vertebrae in H. fossilis. If mean age estimates are considered then in the absence of the most suitable ageing structure, alternatively, vertebrae can be used in C. batrachus, otoliths in H. fossilis and pectoral spines in W. attu.

Conocarpus lancifolius (Engl) is an important plant used in greenery projects in the State of Kuwait. Its sustainability, in the arid environment of Kuwait under high light intensity and other stress factors, is critical for the State of Kuwait. Here, we report the effect of variable UV-B exposure (1.8, 3.6, 7.2 kJ m−2) on the growth and development of C. lancifolius. UV-B, being a free radical generator triggers antioxidant defenses in the plant by enhanced synthesis of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proline. Thus, total phenolic compounds increased by 132.1%, flavonoids by 91.5% and proline by 55.6%. Antioxidant enzymes are important for protection against oxidative stress. The antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase were increased by 38.6, 30.4, 10.5%, respectively, while ascorbate peroxidase was elevated by 57.8%. A significant increase in the antioxidant defenses in response to UV-B irradiation of C. lancifolius suggests that the plant is well adapted to the arid environment of Kuwait.

Summary Ages were estimated from otoliths, opercular bones, scales, and vertebrae of 514 specimens of Channa punctata from three Indian rivers – the Ganga, Gomti, and Yamuna – to evaluate the potential bias of age estimates between readers and between pairs of aging structures. Standard procedures were followed to prepare and study the age structures. Among all structures, otoliths showed highest (97.4%) values of agreement between readers' age estimates followed by the opercular bones (89.5%), scales (84.2%) and vertebrae (78.9%). Because of the highest percentage of agreement and lowest average percentage of error (0.05%) and coefficient of variation (0.76%) values between readers, otoliths were considered the most suitable aging structure for C. punctata. When otoliths ages were compared with those of the other structures viz., opercular bones, scales and vertebrae, percentage of agreement was found highest between estimates (90.8%) of otoliths and opercular bones.

Vaccination is considered as an important tool to control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). A good quality vaccine containing relevant serotypes and matching strains is a pre-requisite for vaccination to be effective. The present study investigated the quality of different brands of FMD vaccine available in Pakistan, including three locally produced and two imported products. All the vaccines were found free of bacterial or fungal contamination. No adverse effects were noted in suckling mice and buffalo calves inoculated with the vaccines, showing that the vaccines were sterile and safe. The humoral immune response to the FMD vaccines was determined in buffalo calves for 234 days post-vaccination. Very low humoral immune responses against FMD serotypes O, A and Asia 1 viruses were detected to the locally produced vaccines. The imported vaccines, however, elicited a higher antibody response which persisted for a long period in one of the 2 vaccines. The present study highlights the need of assessing an independent vaccine quality control of finished FMD vaccine products.

In the present study, in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of different extracts of Podophyllum hexandrum seed were investigated. Different polarities crude extracts were prepared through Soxhlet extractor and were used for the determination of antioxidant potential by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH), reducing power, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxic activity was carried out by the Sulphorhodamine B (SRB) method. The highest phenolic content of 465 ± 5.55 mgGallic Acid Equivalent(GAE) /g was observed in methanol extract followed by ethanol (359 ± 8.52) and aqueous extract (291 ±4.5 mgGAE/g). At a concentration of 700 μg/ml, DPPH radical scavenging activity was found to be highest in methanol extract (86 ±1.5%) followed by ethanol extract (78 ± 1.2), aqueous extract (71 ± 1.5), and ethyl acetate extract (64 ± 1.5%). At a concentration of 300 μg/ml, 76%, 65%, 65%, and 60% inhibition on microsomal lipid peroxidation was observed with methanol, ethanol, aqueous, and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extracts (100 μg/ml) was tested on three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT-116, and HeLa) using the SRB assay. These results clearly indicate that Podophyllum hexandrum seed extracts possess free radical savaging and cytotoxic activity and can be used against various oxidative stressrelated pathological conditions.

The effect of variable temperatures (10–50 °C) on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in Conocarpus lancifolius was evaluated. Additionally, the ability of the species to synthesize heat-shock proteins (HSPs) to protect against high temperatures, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a by-product of lipid peroxidation was investigated. Plants at 10 °C showed virtually no measurable growth, leaf discoloration and a few brown lesions, while high temperatures (40 and 50 °C) promoted growth and lateral branch development. Chlorophyll content index, photochemical efficiency (F v/F m) of PS II, electron transport rate and photosynthetic rate declined with decreasing temperature but increased significantly at higher temperatures. Heat-shock protein (HSP 70 kDa) was produced at temperatures 30–50 °C and an additional 90 kDa protein was also produced at 50 °C. Increase in the efficiency of excitation energy captured by the open PS II reaction centers (F v/F m) increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with the accumulation of HSP 70 at higher temperatures. However, at low temperatures the concentration of MDA increased significantly, indicating lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress. The production and accumulation of HSP 70 and 90 kDa coupled with increased electron transport rate and photochemical efficiency can be used to assess survival, growth capacity and to some extent the tolerance of C. lancifolius to elevated temperatures.

Summary The present study was undertaken with the objective to investigate the intraspecific variation of Channa punctatus on the basis of morphometric characters using the truss network system that was constructed from the fish body. Fish samples were collected from the Narora (n = 62) and Kanpur sites (n = 46) of the Ganga River, the Firozabad site in the Yamuna River (n = 66) and at the Lucknow site of the Gomti River (n = 60). Data were subjected to principal component analysis, discriminant function analysis and univariate analysis of variance. The first principal component (PC I) analysis explained 47.75% of total variation while PC II and PC III explained 8.18 and 7.48%, respectively. The step-wise discriminant function analysis retained seven variables that significantly discriminated the populations. Using these variables 81.85% of the original groups were classified into their correct samples. Misclassification was higher for the samples from Ganga River (19.6% at the Kanpur site and 19.4% for the Narora site). Of the total 27 transformed morphometric measurements, 23 exhibited significant differences among the populations. These findings indicate the presence of different stocks of fish from the three rivers.

Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. (Combretaceae) is a non-native ornamental shrub with a high tolerance to semi-arid conditions, grown in the State of Kuwait. Although the plant has a remarkable growth rate under extreme conditions of drought and temperature, biochemical defense-related mechanisms remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the physiology of C. lancifolius under abiotic stress conditions. The plant was exposed to variable drought, salinity and temperature stress conditions and in addition to antioxidant defense compounds, photosynthetic and electron transport rates were measured. Ascorbic acid, phenols and flavonoids were quantified as defense compounds in C. lancifolius . The photosynthetic and electron transport rates decreased under drought and high salinity, but increased with increasing temperature. Phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid contents were positively correlated with electron transport and photosynthetic rates in experiments at higher temperature. Plant phenols increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) from 5.37 mg g −1 in controls to 8.75 mg g −1 in drought-stressed plants. This increase paralleled with an increase in flavonoid content. A consistent increase in phenols/flavonoids was also observed with increasing temperature, salinity and polyethylene glycol (PEG stress). The tolerance of C. lancifolius to extreme temperature stress showed a high correlation with the synthesis of ascorbic acid and flavonoids, indicating their biochemical role in protecting plant cells from damaging reactive oxygen species produced under stress. Ascorbic acid significantly increased ( p ≤ 0.05) from 426 μg g −1 in response to temperature stress at 10 °C to 477 μg g −1 in plants grown at 40 °C. Meanwhile, flavonoid content increased significantly from 3.38 to 5.07 μg g −1 DW in response to higher temperature and drought. A decrease in the concentration of ascorbic acid and photosynthetic and electron transport rates, however, was observed in PEG-induced drought, with water deficit and salt-stressed plants. The decrease in ascorbic acid was accompanied with an increase in the total phenols and flavonoids.

Prebiotics are being used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry industry with a variable degree of success. This trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on growth performance, selected colonic bacterial population, and immune response in maternally-isolated rock pigeons. The pigeons (n = 36) were randomly distributed in 4 treatment groups (n = 9 per group) with 3 replicates or pens (n = 3) in each group. Birds were fed either a corn/wheat-based basal diet (control group/CON) or the same diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.5% MOS for 35 d. On d 35, birds were killed to collect visceral organs, colonic contents, and serum. Colonic contents were used to enumerate selected microbiota and serum was used to detect antibody titer against the Newcastle disease virus. Cell-mediated immunity was determined by measuring the skin thickness following 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene challenge. Results showed that supplementation did not affect the BW of birds. During wk 4, feed intake was significantly higher in the 0.2% (187.9 ± 0.86) and the 0.5% (186.4 ± 0.86) MOS-supplemented groups compared with the CON group (180.7 ± 0.86). Gizzard weights (with and without digesta) were significantly higher in the MOS 0.1% (10.67 ± 0.33 and 8.22 ± 0.26) and the MOS 0.2% (9.91 ± 0.33 and 7.94 ± 0.26) groups compared with the CON group (7.56 ± 0.33 and 6.25 ± 0.26). Small intestinal weight was significantly higher in the MOS 0.2% group (14.71 ± 0.56) compared with the CON group (9.56 ± 0.56). Lengths of small intestine (MOS 0.1% = 92.56 ± 1.69, MOS 0.2% = 90.79 ± 1.69, MOS 0.5% = 90.57 ± 1.69) in all the MOS-fed groups and large intestine in the 0.1% (3.50 ± 0.02) and the 0.5% (3.47 ± 0.02) MOS-fed groups were significantly higher than the CON group (small intestine = 77.63 ± 1.69, large intestine = 2.41 ± 0.02). Weights of heart, liver, pancreas, and large intestine remained unaffected. Feeding of MOS did not influence colonic population of Escherichia coli, Clostridia, and Bifidobacteria. Lactobacilli count was significantly higher in the 0.2% MOS-fed group (9.77 ± 0.12) compared with the CON group (9.19 ± 0.16). Mannan-oligosaccharide did not affect the immune response of the birds as antibody titer against the New Castle disease virus and the cell-mediated immunity remained similar in all the treatment groups. In conclusion, dietary MOS supplementation influenced only the colonic lactobacilli population without any apparent effects on the production performance in growing pigeons.

Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. crece naturalmente en Djibouti, Somalia y Este de Africa, y Sur de Asia. La especie fue introducida en Kuwait, donde esta expuesta a varios estreses: contaminacion ambiental, salinidad, alta temperatura y condiciones climaticas adversas. Estas condiciones prevalecen en este ambiente semiarido. En este estudio, se investigaron los efectos de la salinidad (2, 6 y 10%), temperatura (20, 30 y 40 °C), polietilenglicol (10, 30 y 60%) y sequia en C. lancifolius . La acumulacion de proline (Pro) (5,5 ± 0,03 μ g/g de peso seco; p≤0,05-0,005), proteina (16,47 ± 0,052 mg/g; p≤0,001), aminoacidos libres (10,92 ± 0,082 mg/g; p≤0,006) y lipidos (116,05 ± 2,17 μ g/g; p≤0,05) se midieron en plantas regadas con 60% de polietilenglicol (PEG) por 6 dias. Incrementos similares en la acumulacion de osmolitos se observaron en plantas expuestas a estreses por deficiencia hidrica, NaCl, y temperatura. La acumula - cion de osmolitos se correlaciono con la actividad fotosintetica y la tasa de transporte de electrones. Se detectaron quince fosfolipidos diferentes en extractos vegetales por TLC, y se identificaron seis aci - dos grasos principales por analisis GC/MS. Al 4o dia, el acido graso omega-3, acido linoleico, fue el acido graso predominante (61,32%) en las plantas tratadas con PEG al 10%. La alta concentracion de este acido graso omega-3 podria ayudar a C. lancifolius a adaptarse a las condiciones semiaridas en el Estado de Kuwait. Las implicancias de este estudio podrian destacar la sustentabilidad de C. lancifolius

Scales, opercular bones, otoliths, vertebrae, and dorsal fin rays were compared to ascertain the best aging structure of Cirrhinus mrigala. All structures showed alternating opaque and translucent bands that were interpreted as annuli; however, structures differed greatly in the clarity of their presumed annual marks. Age estimates were compared by calculating the percentage of agreement (PA), average percentage of error (APE), and coefficient of variation (CV) and by constructing age bias plots. Age estimates were evaluated between readers and between the pairs of aging structures. Among all structures, scales showed the clearest annual rings and had highest (94.6%) PA between readers, followed by opercular bones (88.6%), otoliths (83.9%), vertebrae (79.9%), and dorsal fin rays (62.4%). Due to highest PA and lower minimal aging error, the scales were considered the most reliable bony structure for aging C. mrigala. When scale ages were compared with those of the other structures, the highest PA and lowes...

Leaf traits, structure and water status of Conocarpus lancifolius, a Combretaceae were investigated under semi-arid conditions. The leaf traits examined included leaf area and thickness, stomatal distribution, sclerophylly, succulence and relative water content. Additionally, the types of secretory structures, histochemistry of trichomes, and chemical nature of the cuticlular waxes were evaluated. Leaves showed xerophytic characteristics including a high degree of sclerophylly, thick cuticle and outer epidermal cell wall, low relative water content and high trichome density on younger leaves. The species has two types of trichomes; a secretory, short-stalked capitate trichome and a non-secretory trichome with a bulbous base and a pointed tip. The leaves also have a pair of extrafloral nectaries on both sides of the distal end of the petiole, 3-4 pairs near the leaf apex and two secretory ducts or cavities on mature leaves that secreted polysaccharides, epicuticlar waxes and polyphenols. Compared to young leaves mature leaves had almost 3 times total cuticular wax deposit or load. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic, stearic, nondecanoic, behenic and arachidic acids. The leaf traits and structures are discussed in relation to semi-arid habitat.

Bergenia ligulata Wall., family Saxifragaceae, is an Indian folk medicine used for a variety of pharmacological effects. In this study, evidence is provided in animal model to demonstrate the role of aqueous as well as 50% ethanolic extract of B. ligulata in inflammation and as antibacterial agent. Oral administration of the extract at a dose level of 1 gm/kg bw showed anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity as evaluated using pharmacological and biochemical parameters. The effect was studied on biochemical parameters reportedly perturbed in inflammation. While the extract treatment could alleviate the level of succinate dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase, which increase in inflammation, the level of superoxide dismutase increased following the treatment with the extract as well as the diclofenac. Role of oxygen free radicals/peroxides was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation and glutathione. Treatment with the extract could significantly decrease the enhanced level of lipid peroxidation in inflammation, and increased the level of glutathione. Further, the antibacterial activity of various fractions was tested in vitro using cultures of Escherichia coli, Baccillus subtilis, and S. aureus, and the fractions were found to be antibacterial. The antifungal activity was also tested using the culture of Saccharomyces. However, the drug was ineffective in inhibiting fungal growth. Results provide evidence suggesting the anti-inflammatory as well as the antibacterial role of B. ligulata, thus implicating the plant extract in treatment against the bacterial infection and inflammation.

Rheum emodi has been traditionally used to treat pathological ailments like fevers, ulcers, bacterial infections, fungal infections, jaundice and liver disorders. Some workers have worked out anti-tumour activity of Rheum emodi but very little is known about the mechanisms involved. In the present studies we have evaluated the effects of Rheum emodi rhizome extract on signal pathways on expression of iNOS gene and release of NO in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. The studies could pave the way for understanding some of the treatment principles of the plant extract. The data indicate that Rheum emodi may have an immuno-enhancing effect through the release of various cytokines.

The present study was undertaken with a view to compare the precision and reliability of the age readings obtained from different bony structures of some important freshwater teleosts viz., Labeo rohita (Hamilton), Catla catla (Hamilton) and Channa marulius (Hamilton). Standard procedures were followed to prepare and study the age structures. In L. rohita and C. marulius percent agreement between reader's age estimates was highest for scales, i.e. 96.3% and 90.5%, respectively and in C. catla percent agreement was highest (93.3%) for opercular bone. When scale ages were compared with other alternative structures viz., otoliths, opercular bone, vertebral centra and dorsal fin rays, percent agreement was found highest between scale and opercular bone age estimates (77.8%) in L. rohita and between scale and otoliths (94.8%) in C. marulius . In case of C. catla highest percent agreement was found between opercular bone and scale age estimates. In L. rohita each of the ageing structure showed significant ( P C. catla mean age estimates from opercular bone were comparable ( P > 0.05) to the values obtained from all other structures except dorsal fin rays. In C. marulius mean age estimates from scales were comparable ( P > 0.05) to those from all other structures except from dorsal fin rays. Results indicated scales to be the most suitable structure for ageing L. rohita and C. marulius and opercular bone for C. catla . However, in C. catla also scales may be used as a non-destructive method of age estimation with satisfactory results.

Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate Cordia myxa L. (CM) extracts as hepatoprotective agents, through their antioxidant activities.Design/methodology/approach – Oxydative liver damage in rats was induced in Wister rats by two agents: carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TA). Oxydative damage was evaluated by a measurement of aspartate transaminase (AST), glutamate transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in sera of the rats. Several extracts of Cordia myxa were prepared and were fed to experimental animals over a period of two weeks. Liver recovery was assessed by measuring the above hepatic enzymes and their comparison with the control group of animals. Phenolic content of the extracts was measured by Folin‐Ciocalteu reagent and was calculated as gallic acid equivalents. α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to measure antiradical activity of the extracts and it was compared with ascorbic acid.Findings – Maximum fruit extract can be obtained by hand‐macerating the p...

Several methods are currently employed to manipulate rumen fermentation to enhance postingestion nutritive value of fibrous forages through use of biotechnology including inoculants of native and recombinant rumen microorganisms, natural adaptation and microbial feed enzymes. In this essay, progress and problems related to manipulation of rumen ecosystem through inoculation of natural and genetically modified rumen microorganisms are discussed. Also advancements in exogenous fibrolytic enzymes to improve digestibility of fibrous diets is briefly reviewed.

The present work was aimed at studying the bioleachability of metals from electronic scrap by the selected moderately thermophilic strains of acidophilic chemolithotrophic and acidophilic heterotrophic bacteria. These included Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and an unidentified acidophilic heterotroph (code A1TSB) isolated from local environments. Among the strategies adapted to obtain enhanced metal leaching rates from electronic scrap, a mixed consortium of the metal adapted cultures of the above-mentioned bacteria was found to exhibit the maximum metal leaching efficiency. In all the flasks where high metal leaching rates were observed, concomitantly biomass production rates were also high indicating high growth rates. It showed that the metal bioleaching capability of the bacteria was associated with their growth. At scrap concentration of 10 g/L, a mixed consortium of the metal adapted cultures was able to leach more than 81% of Ni, 89% of Cu, 79% of Al and 83% of Zn. Although Pb and Sn were also leached out, they were detected in the precipitates formed during bioleaching. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sixteen strains of acidophilic bacteria were screened for their abilities to adhere to pyrite ore, glass beads and ferric hydroxysulfates. These were three culture collection and two isolated strains of the iron- and sulfur-oxidizer, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, two each of the sulfur-oxidizer Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and the iron-oxidizer Leptospirillum ferrooxidans (the type strain and a mine isolate in either case), five heterotrophic acidophiles (four Acidiphilium and one Acidocella sp.) and two moderately thermophilic iron/sulfur-oxidizers (Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and Sulfobacillus acidophilus). Considerable variations were found between different species of acidophiles, and also between different strains of the same species, in how they attached to the three solid materials tested. Attachment to the solid substrata generally increased with time (over 100 min) though > 99% of one At. ferrooxidans isolate (strain OP14) were attached to pyrite after just 10 min exposure. Most acidophiles attached more readily to pyrite than to glass beads, and attachment to ferric hydroxysulfates was highly variable, though one At. ferrooxidans isolate (strain SJ2) and one heterotrophic acidophile (Acidocella sp. het-4) both attached strongly to ferric iron precipitates (jarosites and schwertmannite) that formed in cultures of At. ferrooxidans grown at pH > 2. The results of these experiments showed that even closely related strains of acidophilic bacteria can display very different propensities to attach to solid materials, an observation that may explain the somewhat disparate results reported on occasions by research groups that have examined single, or limited numbers of strains, of acidophiles (mostly At. ferrooxidans). The significance of differential attachment of mineral-oxidizing and other acidophiles to pyrite and other solids is discussed in the context of biohydrometallurgy.

Water limitation is undoubtedly a critical environmental constraint hampering crop production in arid and semiarid areas. The present study was conducted to assess the water deficit stress consequences of yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) in mungbean. A field experiment was conducted at Educational Farm, Crop Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, Kind Saud University, Saudi Arabia during 2012–2013. The trial was comprised of four irrigation intervals viz. (3, 5, 7 and 9 day intervals) as well as three mungbean genotypes; Kawmay-1, VC-2010 and King. The experiment was arranged under split plot design with irrigation as the main plot and genotype as subplot treatment, and replicated thrice. Plant height, 100 seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, harvest index and WUE were recorded at harvesting. Results revealed that a decrease in irrigation had significantly hampered all the studied parameters except WUE. The differences found among mungbean genotypes were significant. Whereas irrigation-genotype interaction was significant for seed yield, harvest index and WUE. Plant height, shoot weight and biological yield were recorded as non-significant for irrigation-genotype interaction. The minimum irrigation interval (3 days) produced the maximum values, while VC-2010 comparatively performed best under low irrigation levels. It is concluded that mungbean may be successfully adopted under the Saudi Arabian climate, but it needs frequent irrigation. However, genotypic variations are a hope to developing improved varieties with a higher WUE.

Impact of polyhouse culture was examined on ovarian maturity, growth, muscle and egg composition in two Indian major carps: rohu, Labeo rohitaand catla, Catla catla; and two Chinese carps: grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellaand silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrixduring winter. Eight females (2+ years age group) of each species, were stocked in polyhouse and outdoor concrete tanks (250 m2), in duplicate. Results of the study revealed that polyhouse-cutured fishes, in general, exhibited better (P 70%) at migrating germinal vesicle ...

The impact of chemical enhancers on the biotransformation of testosterone has been exploited. Application of crude cell concentrates to produce Bacillus stearothermophilus-mediated bioconversion of testosterone at 65 °C for 72 h has been examined. After incubation, the xenobiotic substrate was added to the concentrated whole cell suspensions. The enhancer molecules were included in the whole cell suspension. The resultant products, after extraction into an organic solvent, were purified by thin layer chromatography and identification was carried out through spectroscopic data. Five steroid metabolites 9,10-seco-4-androstene-3,9,17-trione, 5α-androstan-3,6,17-trione, 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3,6-dione, 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-6-one and 17β-hydroxyandrost-4,6-diene-3-one were identified as biotransformation products of testosterone. A possible biosynthetic route for these bioconversion products is postulated.