gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity in mice: age dependent changes and effect of cortisol.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity in various organs of mice during ontogenesis has been determined. The activity profile in foetus, neonates and the adult animal were compared to ascertain the functional significance of the enzyme. In addition, the effect of cortisol on gamma-GT activity in adult kidney is presented.     

Antimicrobial resistance and production of beta-lactamases in Bulgarian clinical isolatesMoraxella catarrhalis

One hundred and fifteen strains ofMoraxella catarrhalis from inpatients and healthy children were collected from 2000 to 2005. MICs to 17 antimicrobial agents from different groups were determined. High resistance rate to penicillin G, aminopenicillins and first generation cephalosporins (98.26%) was found. Susceptibility to cefuroxime, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone was from 86.08 to 97.40%. AllM. catarrhalis strains were susceptible to aminopenicillin/inhibitor combinations, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. The susceptibility rates to azithromycin, clarithromycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were reduced in range of 6–9%. Presence ofbro1 orbro2 genes was revealed in 113M. catarrhalis strains by PCR. The overall prevalence of the BRO-1 and BRO-2 enzymes was 92.92 and 7.08% respectively. MICs of Penicllin were significantly higher inbro1 positive isolates.     

Conservation and Propagation of High Altitude Medicinal and Aromatic Plant: Hedychium spicatum

The micropropagation of H.spicatum, a medicinal and aromatic plant was investigated as an option for conservation and propagation, as wild populations are fast depleting. The source of raw material is rhizomes of plants that are collected from the wild. There is no planned cultivation of the plant. Multiple shoot cultures were established on MS medium supplemented with BAP and IAA from the pre-existing buds on the rhizome. Prolonged cultivation on the same medium or transfer to hormone free medium induced roots/rhizome formation; liquid medium proved more suitable. Greenhouse hardened plants were transferred to field. A successful protocol with 99% root formation and 80–85.5% field survival has been formulated.