012276   Joseph C G;Hoong L T K;Ahmad F B H (Industrial Chemistry Program, School of Science and Technology, Malasiya Univ, Sabah, 88 999 Kota Kinabahu, Sabah, Malasiya) : Preparation and characterization of Activated carbon derived from rubber wood sawdust (Heavea brasiliensis): textural and chemical characterization. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 403-10.

Activated carbons from rubber wood sawdust (RW) were prepared by physical and chemical activation using potassium hydroxide as the dehydrating agent. A two-stage activation process method was used; with semi-carbonization stage at 200°C for 15 minutes as the first stage followed by an activation stage at 500øC for 45 minutes as the second stage. The precursor material with the impregnation agent was exposed straightaway to semi-carbonization and activation temperature unlike the specific temperature progression as reported in the literature. All experiments were conducted in a laboratory scale muffle furnace under static conditions in a self generated atmosphere covering process parameters such as impregnation ratios.By using this method, the RW20% prepared with the impregnation ratio of 20% had the highest Iodine Number and Methylene Blue adsorption capacity which were 72.39 mg/g and 40mg/g respectively.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

012275   Jey A M;Udhaya V;Vasudevan R (Microbiology Dep, Rajesh Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram-608 002) : Saprophytic and pathogenic fungi of plants causing keratitis in humans. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 507-10.

To analyse the role of saprophytic and pathogenic fungi of plants in causing fungal keratin's in humans. Microbiological analysis was carried out for 500 corneal ulcer (keratitis) cases excluding viral keratitis. 230 (46%) cases were found to be of fungal aetiology. History of corneal injury due to agricultural field work was seen in 161 (70%) cases. Prevalance of fungal keratitis was significantly high during harvesting seasons. The predominant fungal isolates were Fusarium species, Aspergillus species and dematiaceous fungi. Fungi of plants are getting implanted in the corneal tissue during the corneal injury due to fieldwork and cause keratitis. Corneal injury due to agricultural field work occurred in 70% of fungal keratitis. The predominant fungal isolates of keratitis are well known saprophytic or pathogenic fungi of plants. There is significant increase in the prevalence of fungal keratitis during harvesting seasons. These denote that the saprophytic or pathogenic fungi of plants are causing fungal keratitis in humans.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

012274   Jayaprakash A;Mary Violet Christy A;Shankar T;Jawahar M (Microbiology and Biotechnology Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur) : Biocontrol evalution of Fusarium from phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 711-12.

All known enzyme are produced in living cells in deed, without enzymes living cells could not function. Enzymes are of many different types. They promote the synthesis and breakdown of biological molecules as well as a range of plant, microbes and animal tissues. Phosphatases are key enzymes in liberating and recycling the phosphate that is necessary for many fundamental biological processes. Hence in the present research programme planned to isolate the phosphate solubilizing bacteria from soil, to transform the bacterial plasmid to non-pathogenic fungi and evaluating the phosphate solubilizing capacity in transformed non pathogenic Fusarium. Genetic analysis of transformed non-pathogenic Fusanum species was analyzed in agarose electrophoresis along with bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA and non-pathogenic Fusarium DNA With aid of transformation technology the compitant non-pathogenic Fusarium species has the ability to solubilize phosphate as well as it will act as a biocontrol agent.

2 illus, 8 ref

012273   Jadhav U (Life Sciences Dep, Univ of Mumbai, Santacruz(E), Mumbai-400 098) : Contamination development, detection and disposal in animal tissue culture. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 817-20.

4 ref

012272   Hulkoti B;Taranalli A D;Ashok Purnima; Sambanthan Thirugnana A (Pharmacology Dep, K.L.E.S`s College of Pharmacy, Banglore) : Phharmacological evaluation of thiazolidinone derivatives for anti ulcer and antibacterial activity. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 615-20.

Newly synthesized thiazolidinone derivatives were evaluated for anti-ulcer and antibacterial activities. The anti-ulcer activity of thiazolidinone derivatives was screened by pylorus ligation and ethanol-induced ulcer methods in the doses of 20 and 30mg/kg. All the four test compounds showed significant percentage preventive ulcer ratio when compared to standard. The antibacterial activity was screened by agar cup plate method and the test compounds have also shown significant activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms compared to their standards.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

012271   Hassan W H B;Sayed Z I A E;Proksch P (Pharamcognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazing Univ, Egypt,) : New bioactive metabolites isolated from sponge Hamigera hamigera. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 351-8.

Twenty four ethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3α-ol (1), trans-P-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (2), para-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), hamigeramine A (new alkaloid, 4) and Hamiguanasinol A (new nucleoside, 5) were isolated from the sponge Hamigera hamigera and their structures were established on the basis of UV data, NMR analysis and mass spectra. The extracts showed activity in fish feeding assay and were inactive in brine shrimp and antimicrobial assay.

5 tables, 36 ref

012270   Harsha T S;Yamakanamardi S M;Mahadevaswamy M (Studies in Zoology Dep, Aquatic Microbial Ecology Research Laboratory, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: mesadamy@rediffmail.com) : Heterotrophic free-living and parcticle-bound bacterial cell size in the river Cauvery and its downstream tributaries. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 363-74.

First comprehensive study on planktonic heterotrophic bacterial cell size in the river Cauvery and its important tributaries in Karnataka State, India was done.The initial hypothesis that the mean cell size of planktonic heterotrophic bacteria in the four tributaries are markedly different from each other and also from that in the main river Cauvery was rejected, because all five watercourses showed similar planktonic heterotrophic bacterial cell size. Examination of the correlation between mean heterotrophic bacterial cell size and environmental variables showed four correlations in the river Arkavathy and two in the river Shimsha. Regression analysis revealed that 18% of the variation in mean heterotrophic free-living bacterial cell size was due to biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the river Arkavathy, 11% due to surface water velocity (SWV) in the river Cauvery and 11% due to temperature in the river Kapila. Heterotrophic particle-bound bacterial cell size variation was 28% due to chloride and BOD in the river Arkavathy, 11% due to conductivity in the river Kapila and 8% due to calcium in the river Cauvery. This type of relationship between heterotrophic bacterial cell size and environmental variables suggests that,though the mean heterotrophic bacterial cell size was similar in all the five water courses, different sets of environmental variables apparently control the heterotrophic bacterial cell size in the various water bodies studied in this investigation. The possible cause for this environmental (bottom-up) control is discussed.

3 illus, 42 ref

012269   Frank Peterside N;Eton E E (Microbiology Dep, Faculity of Science, Univ of Port Harcourt, P M B 5323 River State, Nigeria) : Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pupils of university of port-harcourt demonstration primary school, river state, Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 543-6.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria was investigated in 100 pupils (6-13 years of age) of the University of Port Harcourt Demonstration primary School. Urine samples were collected and cultured on cystine- lactose electrolyte deficiency (CLED) agar for 24 hours at 37°C, Significant growth was observed in 13% of the samples. Of the organisms isolated, E. coli was predominant, 38%. Others are, S. aureus; 23%. Proteus, 15%, S. epidermidis 15% and Pseudomonas, 8%. The most commonly isolated organisms were found to be sensitive to Strepomycin. It is recommended that pupils in primary schools be examined for asymptomatic bacteria and appropriate antibiotics administered.

3illus, 5 tables, ref

012268   Feit I N;Pawlikowsk J;Zawilski C (NO, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA, Email: ifeit@fandam.edu) : Model for cell type iocalization in the migrating slug of Dictyostelium discoidcum based on diffrential chemotactic sensitivity to cAMP and differential sensitivity to suppression of chemotaxis by ammonia. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 329-38.

Three basic cell types in the migrating slug of Dictyostelium discoideum show differential chemotactic response to cyclic AMP (cAMP) and differential sensitivity to suppression of the chemotaxis by ammonia. The values of these parameters indicate a progressive maturation of chemotactic properties during the transdifferentiation of slug cell types. Presents a model that explains the localization of the three cell types within the slug based on these chemotactic differences and on the maturation of their chemotactic properties.

8 tebles, 4 illus, 20 ref

012267   Feder M E (Organismal Biology and Anatomy Dep, The Committees on Evalutionary Bio, Chigago Univ, 1027 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA, Email: m-feder@uchicago.edu) : Key issue in achievng an intregrative prespective on stress. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 433-40.

Integrative perspective on molecular mechanisms of stress resistance requires understanding of these mechanisms not just in vitro or in the model organism in the research laboratory - but in the healthy or diseased human in society, in the cultivated plant or animal in agricultural production, and in populations and species in natural communities and ecosystems. Such understanding involves careful attention to the context in which the organism normally undergoes stress, and appreciation that biological phenomena occur at diverse levels of organization (from molecule to ecosystem). Surprisingly, three issues fundamental to achieving an integrative perspective are presently unresolved: (i) Is variation in lower-level traits (nucleotide sequences, genes, gene products) seldom, commonly, or always consequential for stress resistance? (ii) Does environmental stress reduce or enhance genetic variation, which is the raw material of evolution? (iii) Is the present distribution of organisms along natural gradients of stress largely the result of organisms living where they can, or is adaptive evolution generally sufficient to overcome stress? Effective collaboration among disciplinary specialists and meta-analysis may be helpful in resolving these issues.

3 illus, 47 ref

012266   Farah J Y;Gendy N S E (NO, National Research Center, EI-Dokki, Cairo, (Egypt)) : Performance and kinectic studies on biosorption of astrazon blue dye by dried biomass of Baker`s yeast as a low cost biosorbent. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 359-70.

Effects of adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, and initial dye concentration on adsorption of Astrazone Blue (F2RL 200%) basic dye onto dried biomass of Baker's yeast have been investigated in this study. The specific uptake capacity of dye decreases with the increase of sorbent dosage. The maximum dye uptake has been obtained at moderate agitation speed of 150 rpm.The amount of dye adsorbed per gram biomass increases with increasing initial dye concentration and contact time. The kinetic experimental data of the effect of initial dye concentration were analyzed using four kinetic equations including pseudo-second-order model, intraparticle diffusion model, Elovich model and the modified Freundlich model. The best fit equation was identified by four error functions; residual root mean square error, chi-square test, sum of the squares of the errors and average relative error. Modified Freundlich model gave the lowest error function values and consequently best fitting the adsorption data. A design for a batch adsorption unit using data from previous isotherm studies has been done in this study. Comparative study for the cost of Astrazone Blue dye removal with dried biomass of Baker's yeast and commercial activated carbon (NORTI) illustrated that the expected cost of removing dye with dried biomass of Baker's yeast is about 18.79% of that of commercial activated carbon.

11 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

012265   Ezeama C F;Efiuvwevwere B J O (Food Science and Technology Dep, Michael Okpara Univ of Agriculture, Umudike P M B 7267, Umuahia, Nigeria) : Microbiological assessment of freshwater snail (Pila ovata) and their diffrent habitat locations and physico-chemical qualities of the habitat. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 469-75.

Freshwater snails (Pila ovata) were harvested from four locations (Akpoha, Ibii, Onu-Asu and Oziza) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The microbiological qualities of the snails (and its habitat) and the pH, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen of the water (habitat) at each location were investigated. The total viable counts (TVCs), total anaerobic counts (TACs), total coliform counts (TCCs) and the total faecal coliform count (TFCs) in water differed significantly (P = 0.05 ) with TVC being the highest (6.75 log₁₀ cfu mL^-1) in water from Akpoha and lowest (5.41 log₁₀ cfu mL^-1) in water from Oziza. The TVCs of the intestinal and meat portions of the snail differed, being 7.53 and 3.42 log₁₀ cfu g^-1 respectively as typically observed in samples from Akpoha. The TACs were highest (>log 4 cfu g^-1) in the intestine than in the meat (> log 2 cfu g^-1). The microbial profile of the meat was less diverse than that of the habitat. The most prevalent bacteria isolated from the waters and the snails were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella enteritidis. The mean temperature, salinity levels, pH and the dissolved oxygen (DO₂) of the ecosystem (waters) differed from location to location with the temperature ranging from 27.60 to 29.10°C, salinity level from 1.06 to 1.65 ° C <62> pH from 7.80 to 9.04 while the DO₂ ranged from 5.14 to 5.86 mg L^-1. The differences observed in the microbiological and physico-chemical parameters of the habitats were associated with human activities that prevailed in the environment.

3 illus, 28 ref

012264   Evgen'Ev M B;Garbuz D G;Shilova V Y;Zatsepina O G (NO, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Vavilov Street 32, Moscow 19999, Russia, Email: misha572001@yahoo.com) : Molecular mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation of xeric animals. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 489-99.

Investigated the adaptive role of heat shock proteins in different animals, including the representatives of homothermic and poikilothermic species that inhabit regions with contrasting thermal conditions. Adaptive evolution of the response to hyperthermia has led to different results depending upon the species. The thermal threshold of induction of heat shock proteins in desert thermophylic species is, as a rule, higher than in the species from less extreme climates. In addition, thermoresistant poikilothermic species often exhibit a certain level of heat shock proteins in cells even at a physiologically normal temperature. Furthermore, there is often a positive correlation between the characteristic temperature of the ecological niche of a given species and the amount of Hsp70-like proteins in the cells at normal temperature. Although in most cases adaptation to hyperthermia occurs without changes in the number of heat shock genes, these genes can be amplified in some xeric species. It was shown that mobile genetic elements may play an important role in the evolution and fine-tuning of the heat shock response system, and can be used for direct introduction of mutations in the promoter regions of these genes.

8 illus, 53 ref

012263   Dhumne U M;Umap A A;Narwadiya S C (NO, National Institute of Miner`s Health, JNARDDC Campus, Opp Wadi Staton Wadi, Nagpur-440 017) : Prevalence of hyperlipidemia among the Sindhi community: a case study. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 809-12.

Estimation of lipids study was done among 100 subjects in Sindhi community group. Other 70 subjects in general community group studied as the control group. Subject's data was recorded with respect to age, height, sex, weight, food habit, smoking habit etc. Total 170 subjects were participated in this study. 12 hrs fasting blood samples were collected and analysis was done on biochemistry semi-auto analyzer in the clinical laboratory. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Software Epi Info. The study showed that was 69 % subjects were obese. 19% subjects found were with hypercholesterolemia. According to many researcher Hypercholesterolemia and obesity is the major risk factor for Coronary Heart Disease. Study found percentage shows serious problem among the Sindhi community. Study shows necessary to advice eating right, regular exercise, no smoking, avoid alcohol, consumption of unsaturated fatty acids and regular check up of the body.

3 tables, 5 ref

012262   Das P D;Raina R;Prasad A R;Sen A (NO, Laboratory of Entamology Chemical Laboratory, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune-411 008, Email: a.sen@ncl.res.in) : Electroantennogram responses of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera; Gelichiidae) to plant volatiles. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 339-49.

Electroantennograms (EAGs) were recorded from males and females of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella in response to a broad range of plant volatile compounds belonging to diverse chemical classes. The responses to 27 compounds were evaluated, which indicated significant differences in EAGs between chemicals as well as between sexes. The fatty acid derivatives comprising essentially green leaf volatile components elicited significantly greater responses in females. The response profile of males was, in general, lower than that of females. EAG responses to the oxygenated and hydrocarbon monoterpenes were lower in both males and females. Dose-response studies indicate differences in response between the sexes and concentrations, suggesting the existence of sexual dimorphism. Compounds belonging to the fatty acid derivatives class appear to be important for an oligophagous pest such as the potato tuber moth and the findings are discussed in relation to host plant selection in this species.

2 tables, 3 illus, ref

012261   Dahlhoff E P;Rank N (Biology Dep, Santa Clara Univ, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA, Email: EDahihoff@scu.edu) : Role of Stress proteins in respones of a montane willow leaf beetle to enviromental temprature variation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 477-88.

Heat shock response is a critical mechanism by which organisms buffer effects of variable and unpredictable environmental temperatures. Upregulation of heat shock proteins (Hsps) increases survival after exposure to stressful conditions in nature, although benefits of Hsp expression are often balanced by costs to growth and reproductive success. Hsp-assisted folding of variant polypeptides may prevent development of unfit phenotypes; thus, some differences in Hsp expression among natural populations of ectotherms may be due to interactions between enzyme variants (allozymes) and Hsps. In the Sierra willow leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, which lives in highly variable thermal habitats at the southern edge of their range in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, California, allele frequencies at the enzyme locus phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) vary across a climatic latitudinal gradient. PGI allozymes differ in kinetic properties, and expression of a 70 kDa Hsp differs between populations, along elevation gradients, and among PGI genotypes. Differences in Hsp70 expression among PGI genotypes correspond to differences in thermal tolerance and traits important for reproductive success, such as running speed, survival and fecundity Thus, differential Hsp expression among genotypes may allow functionally important genetic variation to persist, allowing populations to respond effectively to environmental change.

4 illus, 103 ref

012260   Cimen C;Demir H;Gur A;Kubilay S (Chemistry Dep, Science and Arts Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Van-650 80, ) : Investigations of the inhibition kinetic of some drug and chemicals on enzyme of polyphenol oxidase purified from apricot`s(salak). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 659-64.

Polyphenol oxidase (PRO) was purified from Igdir apricot, with a 367 fold purification of PPO by affinity chromatography being achieved. Amount of the protein was determined according to Bradford method. Vmax and Km values were found by means of Lineweaver- Burk graphs. Asetly salisilic acid, paracetamol, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium sulphate, copper sulphate, glucose, sodium nitrite, sodium chlorure, glisine, sodium azide, 2-merkaptoethanol, tyrosine, citric acid, etilendiamin tetra acetic acid (EDTA) ve p-amino benzoic acid were used as inhibitor. Inhibition constants Ki of each inhibitor were found from Lineweaver-Burk graphs. It was found that the p-aminobenzoik acid function showed the highest inhibitory effect.

1 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

012259   Chong K P;Mansfield J W;Bennett M H;Rossiter J F (School of Science and Technology, Univ Malaysia Sabah, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia) : In Vitro antimicrobial activity and fungitoxicity of camalexin from Arabidopsiss thaliana against Botrytis cinerea. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 477-83.

Antimicrobial activity and fungitoxicity of phytoalexin from Arabidopsis thaliana, camalexin against Botrytis cinerea had been studied in vitro. In a series of experiments, the activity of camalexin had been measured against spores and various types of germ tubes of B. cinerea. Activities were assessed based on the percentage of germination and mortality of germ tube besides germ tube development after challenged by camalexin. It was found that ungerminated conidia were more susceptible than older sporelings to the fungitoxic and inhibitory effects of camalexin. Higher concentrations of camalexin tested, produced significantly higher percentage of mortality and found to be more inhibitory compared to other lower concentrations tested for both conidia and germ tube.

9 illus, 17 ref

012258   Chong K P;Kee K C;Desyi A N (School of Sustainable Agriculture, Univ Malaysia, Sabah, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia) : Comparison of aging effect on accumulation of Sakuranetin in paddy and camalexin in Arabidopsis Thaliana after elicited by silver nitrate. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 463-7.

Antimicrobial activity and fungitoxicity of phytoalexin from Arabidopsis thaliana, camalexin against Botrytis anerea had been studied in vitro. In a series of experiments, the activity of camalexin had been measured against spores and various types of germ tubes of B. cinerea. Activities were assessed based on the percentage of germination and mortality of germ tube besides germ tube development after challenged by camalexin. We found ungerminated conidia were more susceptible than older sporelings to the fungitoxic and inhibitory effects of camalexin. Higher concentrations of camalexin tested, produced significantly higher percentage of mortality and found to be more inhibitory compared to other lower concentrations tested for both conidia and germ tube.

2 illus, 26 ref

012257   Brakefield P M;Pupe J;Zwaan B J (Institute of Biology, Leiden Univ, PO Box 9516,2300 RA Lesiden, The Netherlands, Email: p.m.brakefield@biology.leidenuniv.nl) : Devlopmental plasticity and acclimation both contribute to adaptive to alternating seasons of plenty and of stress in Bicyclus butterflies. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 465-75.

Plasticity is a crucial component of the life cycle of invertebrates that live as active adults throughout wet and dry seasons in the tropics. Such plasticity is seen in the numerous species of Bicyclus butterflies in Africa which exhibit seasonal polyphenism with sequential generations of adults with one or other of two alternative phenotypes. These differ not only in wing pattern but in many other traits. This divergence across a broad complex of traits is associated with survival and reproduction either in a wet season that is favourable in terms of resources, or mainly in a dry season that is more stressful. This phenomenon has led us to examine the bases of the developmental plasticity in a model species, B. anynana, and also the evolution of key adult life history traits, including starvation resistance and longevity. We now understand something about the processes that generate variation in the phenotype, and also about the ecological context of responses to environmental stress. The responses clearly involve a mix of developmental plasticity as cued by different environments in pre-adult development, and the acclimation of life history traits in adults to their prevailing environment.

5 illus,41 ref

012256   Bhoosreddy G I;Wadher B J;Patel N (P G Microbiology Dep, Dhote Bandu Science College, Goinda-441 614) : Incidence and characterization of Salmonella from local milk dairies. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 577-80.

Out of 50 milk samples analyzed thirty samples were found to contain Salmonella Efficacy of lactose broth as pre-enrichment medium and TT broth as enrichment medium has allowed greater isolation of Salmonella. Efficacy of TSI and LIA compared, the results of which show that additional 24h incubation is required to give typical alkaline red slant with acidic yellow butt and darkening of the medium due to H₂S production not within 24 hours as per the reports of BAM. BSA as selective plating media for isolation and halo effect characteristic of Salmonella species required 24h without an additional 24h incubation. XLD and HE agar streaked with growth from presumed positive TSI slants did not give characteristic colonies of Salmonella and allowed fewer isolation.

3 tables, 10 ref

012255   Bhattacharya S;Dey D;Roy S S (Molecular Endrocrinology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S C Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, Email: smrbhattacharya@yahoo.co.in ) : Molecular mechanism of insulin resistance. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 405-13.

Free fatty acids are known to play a key role in promoting loss of insulin sensitivity, thereby causing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism involved is still unclear. In searching for the cause of the mechanism, it has been found that palmitate inhibits insulin receptor (IR) gene expression, leading to a reduced amount of IR protein in insulin target cells. PDK1-independent phosphorylation of PKCe causes this reduction in insulin receptor gene expression. One of the pathways through which fatty acid can induce insulin resistance in insulin target cells is suggested by these studies. Provides an overview of this important area, emphasizing the current status.

3 illus, 63 ref

012254   Bettencourt B R;Hogan C C;Nimali M (Biology Science Dep, Massachusetts Lowell Univ, 1 Univ Ave, Lowell, MA 01854, USA, Email: brain_bettencourt@uml.edu) : Polyglutamine expansion in drosophila: thermal stress and Hsp70 as selective agents. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 537-47.

Repetitive DNA sequences that encode polyglutamine tracts are prone to expansion and cause highly deleterious phenotypes of neurodegeneration. Despite this tendency, polyglutamine tracts.("polyQs") are conserved features of eukaryotic genomes. PolyQs are the most frequent protein-coding homotypic repeat in insect genomes, and are found predominantly in genes encoding transcription factors conserved from Drosophila through human. Although highly conserved across species, polyQ lengths vary widely within species. In D. melanogaster, polyQs in 25 genes have more alleles and higher heterozygosity than all other poly-amino acid tracts. The heat shock protein Hsp70 is a principal suppressor of polyQ expansions and may play a key role in modulating the phenotypes of the alleles that encode them. Hsp70 also promotes tolerance of natural thermal stress in Drosophila and diverse organisms, a role which may deplete the chaperone from buffering against polyQ toxicity. Thus in stressful environments, natural selection against long polyQ alleles more prone to expansion and deleterious phenotypes may be more effective. This hypothesis can be tested by measuring the phenotypic interactions between Hsp70 and polyQ transgenes in D. melanogaster undergoing natural thermal stress, an approach which integrates comparative genomics with experimental and ecological genetics.

3 illus, 2 tables, 57 ref

012253   Bell A (Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National Univ, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia, Email: andrew.bell@anu.edu.au) : Detection without deflection? a hypothesis for direct sensing of sound pressure by hair cell. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 385-404.

It is widely thought that organisms detect sound by sensing the deflection of hair-like projections, the stereocilia, at the apex of hair cells. In the case of mammals, the standard interpretation is that hair cells in the cochlea respond to deflection of stereocilia induced by motion generated by a hydrodynamic travelling wave. But in the light of persistent anomalies, an alternative hypothesis seems to have some merit: that sensing cells (in particular the outer hair cells) may, at least at low intensities, be reacting to a different stimulus - the rapid pressure wave that sweeps through the cochlear fluids at the speed of sound in water. This would explain why fast responses are sometimes seen before the peak of the travelling wave. Yet how could cells directly sense fluid pressure? A model is constructed of the outer hair cell as a pressure vessel able to sense pressure variations across its cuticular pore, and this 'fontanelle' model, based on the sensing action of the basal body at this compliant spot, could explain the observed anomalies. Moreover, the fontanelle model can be applied to a wide range of other organisms, suggesting that direct pressure detection is a general mode of sensing complementary to stereociliar displacement.

11 illus, 118 ref

012252   Ballal A;Basu B;Apte S K (Molecular Biology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: sksmbd@barc.gov.in) : Kdp-ATP ase system and its regulation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 559-68.

K⁺, the dominant intracellular cation, is required for various physiological processes like turgor homeostasis, pH regulation etc. Bacterial cells have evolved many diverse K+ transporters to maintain the desired concentration of internal K+. In E. coli, the KdpATPase (comprising of the KdpFABC complex), encoded by the kdpFABC operon, is an inducible high-affinity K+ transporter that is synthesised under conditions of severe K+ limitation or osmotic upshift. The E. coli kdp expression is transcriptionally regulated by the KdpD and KdpE proteins, which together constitute a typical bacterial two-component signal transduction system. The Kdp system is widely dispersed among the different classes of bacteria including the cyanobacteria. The ordering of the kdpA, kdpB and kdpC is relatively fixed but the kdpD/E genes show different arrangements in distantly related bacteria. Studies have shown that the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain L-31 possesses two kdp operons, kdpl and kdp2, of which, the later is expressed under K+ deficiency and desiccation. Among the regulatory genes, the kdpD ORF of Anabaena L-31 is truncated when compared to the kdpD of other bacteria, while a KdpE-like gene is absent. The extremely radio-resistant bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans strain Rl, also shows the presence of a naturally short kdpD ORF similar to Anabaena in its kdp operon. The review elaborates the expression of bacterial kdp operons in response to various environmental stress conditions, with special emphasis on Anabaena. The possible mechanism(s) of regulation of the unique kdp operons from Anabaena and Deinococcus are also discussed.

2 illus, 61 ref

012251   Asha K R T;Ramaswamy V (Biochemistry Dep, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Kalikkavilai-629 153) : Peep into the potential of extremophiles. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 741-8.

The nutritional analysis of elite cultivars of Tamil Nadu and Kerala was carried out in the edible fruit pulp region. The minerals, vitamins, fat, fiber, micro and macro nutrients were compared among the different cultivars. The popularization of certain rare cultivars highlighting its nutrient profile is reported in this article.

18 ref

012250   Asea A (Div of Investigative Pathalogy, Scott & White Clinic and Texas A&, M Univ System Health Science Center of Medicine, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, Tx 76508, USA, Email: asea@medicine.tomhsc.edu) : Mechanisms of HSP72 release. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 579-84.

Currently two mechanisms are recognized by which heat shock proteins (HSP) are released from cells; a passive release mechanism, including necrotic cell death, severe blunt trauma, surgery and following infection with lytic viruses, and an active release mechanism which involves the non classical protein release pathway. HSPs are released both as free HSP and within exosomes. This review covers recent findings on the mechanism by which stress induces the release of HSP72 into the circulation and the biological significance of circulating HSP72 to host defense against disease.

72 ref

012249   Arya R;Mallik M;Lakhotia S C (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Varanasi-221 005, Email: lakhotia@bhu.ac.in) : Heat shock genes-integrating cell survival and death. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 595-610.

Heat shock induced gene expression and other cellular responses help limit the damage caused by stress and thus facilitate cellular recovery. Cellular damage also triggers apoptotic cell death through several pathways. This paper briefly reviews interactions of the major heat shock proteins with components of the apoptotic pathways. Hsp90, which acts as a chaperone for unstable signal transducers to keep them poised for activation, interacts with RIP and Akt and promotes NF-kB mediated inhibition of apoptosis; in addition it also blocks some steps in the apoptotic pathways. Hsp70 is mostly anti-apoptotic and acts at several levels like inhibition of translocation of Bax into mitochondria, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, formation of apoptosome and inhibition of activation of initiator caspases. Hsp70 also modulates JNK, NF-kB and Akt signaling pathways in the apoptotic cascade. In contrast, Hsp60 has both anti- and pro-apoptotic roles. Cytosolic Hsp60 prevents translocation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax into mitochondria and thus promotes cell survival but it also promotes maturation of procaspase-3, essential for caspase mediated cell death. Our recent in vivo studies show that RNAi for the Hsp60D in Drosophila melanogaster prevents induced apoptosis. Hsp27 exerts its anti-apoptotic influence by inhibiting cytochrome c and TNF-mediated cell death. aβ crystallin suppresses caspase-8 and cytochrome c mediated activation of caspase-3. Studies in our- laboratory also reveal that absence or reduced levels of the developmentally active as well as stress induced non-coding hsrω transcripts, which are known to sequester diverse hnRNPs and related nuclear RNA-binding proteins, block induced apoptosis in Drosophila. Modulation of the apoptotic pathways by Hsps reflects their roles as "weak links" between various "hubs" in cellular networks. On the other hand, non-coding RNAs, by virtue of their potential to bind with multiple proteins, can act as "hubs" in these networks. In view of the integrative nature of living systems, it is not surprising that stress-induced genes, generally believed to primarily function in cell survival pathways, inhibit or even promote cell death pathways at multiple levels to ensure homeostasis at cell and or organism level. The heat shock genes obviously do much more than merely help cells survive stress.

8 illus, 130 ref

012248   Anyaehie U S B;Nneli R O;Nwagha U I;Njoka C J;Nweke M L (Physiology Dep, College of Medicine, Nigeria Univ, Enugu Campus, Nigeria) : Leukocyte profile of apparently healthy prospective blood donors in qwerri, Nigeria. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 471-6.

Describes leukocyte parameters in apparently healthy adults with a goal to define peculiarities in leukocyte parameters that can be useful for comparative evaluation of Nigerian patients by clinicians. Utilizing microscopic examination of Leishman's stained slides of venous blood from of one thousand two hundred and thirty (1,230) subjects, reported Relative neutropenia and lymphocytosis due mainly to lymphocyte dominance. Also noted raised eosinophils and leucopenia which was significant among commercial blood donors. In conclusion, Nigerians may exhibit leucopenia, relative neutropenia with lymphocyte dominance and eosinophilia most likely as a reflection of dietary and environmental/health status rather than as an inherited trait.

3 tables, 18 ref

012247   Annie Pritima R;Dwarakanath S K (Research and zoology Dep, The American College, Madurai-625 002) : Humoral immune response (to cellular antigen "A" HRBC) in mice to few anti-inflammatory durgs. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 603-6.

Need for anti-inflammatory drugs are on the rise. These drugs are effective with some side effects. Humoral immune response and blood cell count, after the administration of chosen drugs [Minicam D T, Nimulid, R-Compound, Rumalaya and Rumatone- forte] were studied. On comparison maximum suppression [therapeutic dose], was found for Rumatone -forte, followed by Minicam D T and Rumalaya. R-compound and Nimulid administered mice showed least suppression. Mild variation of white blood cells, was caused by Nimulid and Rumatone - forte. While the change caused by R-Compound, Minicam D T and Rumalaya were marked.

5 illus, 21 ref

012246   Annapurna S;Gasthya A;Raju K C (Microbiology Dep, Administrative Management College, 18 KM, BannerghattaRoad, Bangalore- 560 083) : Prevalence of dermatophytic infections in Bangalore, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 717-20.

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that can utilise keratin as a substrate for growth while non dermatophytes use other substrates (ex:lipids). Thus the dermatophyles are a group of closely related fungi (skin, hair and nails) of humans and other animals to produce dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as ring worm. Infection is generally cutaneous and is restricted to the nonliving cornified layers because of the inability of the fungi to penetrate the deeper tissues or organs of immunocompetent hosts. The knowledge of dermatophytosis in a particular area is a must to detect the outbreak of the disease in that area. The prevention and control of dermatophyte infection must take into consideration the area involved, the etiologic agent and the source of infection. The present work was undertaken to study the prevalence of dermatophytic infection in Bangalore among all age group individuals visiting the dermatologists of the area with a history of different dermatophytic infections on different sites of the body. The school children were given importance as they are more susceptible to the infection as not only they interact closely but also have an intimate contact with animals like cat, dog, and cattle. The study group consists of 20 patients with dermatophytic infection and 6 control group who were negative for dermatophytic infections by both microscopy and culture.

22 ref

012245   Al-Sobhi O A (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Taibah Univ, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), ) : Impact of Nacl salinity on the germination of Acacia mellifera, Aloe vera, Amaranthus graecizans and Lawsonia intermis plant seeds growing in Saudi Arabia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 371-6.

Determined the salinity effect on seed germination of Saudi Arabian plant species namely Acacia mellifera, Aloe vera, Amaranthus graecizans and Lawsonia inermis. The response of seeds to different NaCI concentrations varied and the delay in radicle growth was proportional to salt concentration. Acacia mellifera seeds gave their maximum radicle growth after 10 days and the reduction in radicle growth was 92.7% compared to control. The growth of radicle continued for 13 days to record the maximum value in the case of Aloe vera. The delay in radicle growth was lower than that of Acacia mellifera. The radicle growth indicated that the Aloe evera was slightly more tolerant to salinity stress, since the radicle growth recorded at 200% NaCI was reduced by 87.2%. On the other hand, Amaranthus graecizans showed a reduction of 91 % in the radicle length at 100% NaCI compared to the control. Lawsonia inermis showed a reduction of 76% in radicle length compared to the control and about 10% lower than that of Aloe. Lawsonia inermis showed the highest germination percentage followed by Aloe vera, Amaranthus graecizans then Acacia mellifera in a descending order. The correlation coefficient calculation between NaCI concentration and percentage germination showed that the strongest relation was found in Lawsonia inermis followed by Aloe vera, Acacia mellifera the Amaranthus graecizans.

1 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

012244   Aggarwal P;Nag T C;Wadhwa S (Anatomy Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029, Email: shashiwadhwa@hotmail.com) : Age-related decrease in rod bipolar cell density of the human retina: an immunohistochemical study. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 293-8.

During normal ageing, the rods (and other neurones) undergo a significant decrease in density in the human retina from the fourth decade of life onward. Since the rods synapse with the rod bipolar cells in the outer plexiform layer, a decline in rod density (mainly due to death) may ultimately cause an associated decline of the neurones which, like the rod bipolar cells, are connected to them. The rod bipolar cells are selectively stained with antibodies to protein kinase C-a. This study examined if rod bipolar cell density changes with ageing of the retina, utilizing donor human eyes (age: 6-91 years). The retinas were fixed and their temporal parts from the macula to the mid-periphery sectioned and processed for protein kinase C-alpha immunohistochemistry. The density of the immunopositive rod bipolar cells was estimated in the mid-peripheral retina (eccentricity: 3-5 mm) along the horizontal temporal axis. The results show that while there is little change in the density of the rod bipolar cells from 6 to 35 years (2.2%), the decline during the period from 35 to 62 years is about 21% and between seventh and tenth decades, it is approximately 27%.

1 table, 3 illus, ref

012243   Abdelwahab M;Fouad B (Agronomy and Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Science of Engineers, Mastaganem Univ, Algeria) : Effect of the green tea on the crystallization of brushite in the artificial urine with pH 6.5. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 411-20.

Tea plant, Camellia sinensis is cultivated for its sheets whose infusion and decoction allow the preparation of drink the most consumed in the world. Today, it is almost regarded as a drug. Certain crystalline species are evocative of a urinary supersaturation being able to rise of very different causes. Thus the brushite of the IVd type is induced by hypercalciuries with generally hyperphosphaturie and /or hyperparathyroidie, disorder of the acidification, renal anatomical anomaly. The description of a possible inhibiting action of the tea on phosphocalcic crystallization with pH=6.5 can have very positive repercussions on the public health. That encouraged us to test in vitro the effect of its infusion and its decoction with three different concentrations on phosphocalcic crystallization starting from the artificial urine with pH=6.5. Developed a simple method of microphotography of which the duration of the experiment is 41 minutes. It makes it possible to appreciate the three phases of crystallization (nucleation, growth and aggregation). The kinetics of phcsphocalcic crystallization with pH=6.5 was studied starting from the artificial urine. The crystallizable solutions of the urine artificial, and three concentrations different from the tea (C₁=4g.L^-1 C₂=16g.L^-1 and C₃=32g.L^-1) prepared by infusion (t₁=5mn, t₂=10mn and ₃=15mn) and by decoction were maintained with 37°C, under constant agitation (150rpm) and with the darkness, to remain close to the physiological conditions. The follow-up of the kinetics of crystallization by optical microscope with polarized light and the spectral analysis by infra-red transformed of Fourier, reveal that, in the artificial urine without inhibitor, the formed crystals with pH=6.5 are brushite. The concentration (C₁=4g.L') of the tea has a promoter effect on the three phases of crystallization. The addition of the C₂=16 g.L^-1 concentration prepared by infusion during 15mn and decoction caused a reduction in the average size of the crystals and aggregates. The percentage of inhibition of the average size of the crystals and the aggregates of 63% and 84% for respectively C₂ is infused during 15 minutes (t₃) and by decoction. The inhibiting effect of the C₃ concentration on the crystallization of brushite with pH=6.5 is clearly highlighted in all the cases of figure. Its intensity varies according to the method of preparation. The percentage of inhibition of the average size of the crystals and the aggregates reaches 47%, 69%, 89% and 99% for respectively t₁, t₂, t₃, and decoction. Inhibition is proportional to times of infusion and it is maximum for the decoction.

2 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

011125   Vijily M E;John De Britto A;Jeba Rajasekhar R V (Botany Dep, St. Mary's Coll, Thoothukkudi) : Heavy metal pollution in the salt pans of thoothukundi region, T.N. India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 291-6.

The status of heavy metals present in the water that is used in the salt pans of Thoothukudi region is monitored over a period of a year. Collection of water samples and the subsequent analyses for the estimation of heavy metals are executed on the basis of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, India) recommended methods. All relevant meteorological parameters are simultaneously monitored during sampling for revealing the influence of them on the status of water quality with special reference to heavy metals. The results show that the concentrations of heavy metals are in the order of Zn <62> Cu <62> Hg <62> Pb <62>> Cr <62> Ni at most of the saltpans and the water used in salt pans that are situated nearby the industries, endures relatively higher levels of pollution. The statistical analysis of the generated database on heavy metal concentrations reveals that there are significant variations in the concentrations of the pollutants of current concern with respect to saltpans. It can be concluded that adequate abatement measures are to be implemented at once as heavy metal pollution may cause long term effects on the health of the consumers of this commercial product.

6 illus, 13 ref

011124   Vijayendra S V N;Rastogi N K;Shamala T R;Anil Kumar P K;Kshama L;Joshi G J (Food Microbiology Dep, CFTRI, Mysore-570 020, Email: sunvijayendra@yahoo.com) : Optimization of polyhydroxybutyrate production by Bacillus sp. CFR 256 with corn steep liquor as a nitrogen source. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 170-5.

Polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHAs), the eco-friendly biopolymers produced by many bacteria, are gaining importance in curtailing the environmental pollution by replacing the non-biodegradable plastics derived from petroleum. The study was carried out to economize the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by optimizing the fermentation medium using corn steep liquor (CSL), a by-product of starch processing industry, as a cheap nitrogen source, by Bacillus sp. CFR 256. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the fermentation medium using the variables such as corn steep liquor (5-25 g l^-1), Na₂HPO₄ 2H₂O (2.2-6.2 g l^-1), KH₂PO₄ (0.5-2.5 g l^-1), sucrose (5-55 g l^-1) and inoculum concentration (1-25 ml l^-1). Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) experiments were carried out to study the complex interactions of the variables. The optimum conditions for maximum PHB production were (g l^-1): CSL-25, Na₂HPO₄ 2H₂O-2.2, KH₂PO₄ - 0.5, sucrose - 55 and inoculum - 10 (ml l^-1). After 72 h of fermentation, the amount of PHA produced was 8.20 g l^-1 (51.20% of dry cell biomass). It is the first report on optimization of fermentation medium using CSL as a nitrogen source, for PHB production by Bacillus sp.

^ssc5 tables, 17 ref

011123   Tripura C;Sudhakar Reddy P;Reddy M K; Sashidhar B;Podile A R (Plant Sciences Dep, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: arpsl@uohyd.ernet.in ) : Glucose dehydrogenase of rhizobacterial strain of Enterobacter asburiae involved in mineral phosphate solubilization shares properties and sequence homology with other members of enterobacteriaceae. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 126-31.

Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) of Gram-negative bacteria is a membrane bound enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and is involved in the solubilization of insoluble mineral phosphate complexes. A 2.4 kb glucose dehydrogenase gene (gcd) of Enterobacter asburiae sharing extensive homology to the gcd of other enterobacteriaceae members was cloned in a PCR-based directional genome walking approach and the expression confirmed in Escherichia coli YU423 on both MacConkey glucose agar and hydroxyapatite (HAP) containing media. Mineral phosphate solubilization by the cloned E. asburiae gcd was confirmed by the release of significant amount of phosphate in HAP containing liquid medium. gcd was over expressed in E. coli AT15 (gcd::cm) and the purified recombinant protein had a high affinity to glucose, and oxidized galactose and maltose with lower affinities. The enzyme was highly sensitive to heat and EDTA, and belonged to Type I, similar to GDH of E. coli.

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

011122   Tripathi P;Srivastava S (Scool of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi-110 068) : Development and characterization of nickel accumulating mutants of Asperigillus nidulans. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 241-50.

Stable mutants of Aspergillus nidulans, resistant to 1 mM Ni were developed by step-by-step repeated culturing of the fungus on the medium containing increasing concentrations of nickel chloride. Characterization of mutants could differentiate them into two categories Ni^R I and Ni^R II. Each category of mutants exhibited alterations in growth, conidial germination and melanin secretion both in Ni-free and Ni-containing media. Ni^R II mutants were little slow in growth with sparse mycelia and conidiation but showed high melanin secretion and higher Ni-uptake in comparison to Ni^R I mutant. Studies involving metabolic and translational inhibitors could prove that Ni-accumulation was biphasic. The initial energy independent surface accumulation was found to be followed by energy dependent intarcellular uptake. Increase in the concentration of the metal in the medium or the time of exposure did not proportionately increase the metal uptake by the mutants. Ni-uptake followed Michaelis-Menton saturation kinetics, which was enhanced under optimum pH of 6.5-7.5 and reduced complexity of the medium due to free availability of ions. Resistance to Ni was found to be constitutive in Ni^RI mutant, and could be induced in Ni^RII mutant.

19 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

011121   Tamang J P;Dewan S;Tamang B;Rai A;Schillinger U;Holzapfel W H (Food Microbiology Lab, Botany Dep, Sikkim Government College, Gangtok-737 102, Email: jyoti_tamang@hotmail.com) : Lactic acid bacteria in Hamei and Marcha of north east India. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 119-25.

Hamei and Marcha are mixed dough inocula used as starters for preparation of various indigenous alcoholic beverages in Manipur and Sikkim in India, respectively. These starters are traditionally prepared from rice with wild herbs and spices. Samples of Hamei and Marcha, collected from Manipur and Sikkim, respectively, were analysed for lactic acid bacterial composition. The population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was 6.9 and 7.1 Log cfu/g in Hamei and Marcha, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characters, LAB strains isolated from Hamei and Marcha were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis. Technological properties of LAB such as antimicrobial properties, effect on acidification, ability to produce biogenic amines and ethanol, degree of hydrophobicity and enzymatic activities were also performed. Pediococcus pentosaceus HS: B1, isolated from Hamei, was found to produce bacteriocin. None of the strains produced biogenic amines. LAB strains showed a strong acidifying ability and they also produced a wide spectrum of enzymes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

011120   Sivakumar K;Sahu M K;Thangaradjou T;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502) : Research on marine actinobacteria in India. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 186-96.

Marine actinobacteriology is one of the major emerging areas of research in tropics. Marine actinobacteria occur on the sediments and in water and also other biomass (mangrove) and substrates (animal). These organisms are gaining importance not only for their taxonomic and ecological perspectives, but also for their unique metabolites and enzymes. Many earlier studies on these organisms were confined only to the temperate regions. In tropical environment, investigations on them have gained importance only in the last two decades. So far, from the Indian peninsula, 41 species of actinobacteria belonging to 8 genera have been recorded. The genus, Streptomyces of marine origin has been more frequently recorded. Of 9 maritime states of India, only 4 have been extensively covered for the study of marine actinobacteria. Most of the studies conducted pertain to isolation, identification and maintenance of these organisms in different culture media. Further, attention has been focused on studying their antagonistic properties against different pathogens. Their biotechnological potentials are yet to be fully explored.

^iia1 table, 91 ref

011119   Singh S V;Singh A V;Singh P K;Sohal J S;Singh N P (Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom-281 122, Email: shoorvir_singh@gmail.com) : Evaluation of an indigenous ELISA for diagnosis of Johne's disease and its comparison with commercial kits. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 251-8.

Study reports high prevalence of Johne's disease in farm goatherds and sheep flocks, using sensitive tests (fecal culture and ELISA kit.). Results of Type 1 reaction in kit 1 were optimally correlated with culture and were good for estimating the sero-prevalence. For controlling Johne's disease in endemic herds initial removal of the animals in strong positive category (Type 1 reactors), may help to remove heavy shedders.

10 tables, 28 ref

011118   Singh R;Singh S (Agro-processing Div, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal-462 038) : Design and development of batch type acetifier for wine-vinegar production. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 153-9.

Batch type acetifier based on the principal of acetic acid fermentation was designed and tested for production of wine-vinegar from the pineapple peel waste. The pineapple peels along with starter solution was fed to the inner SS perforated peel-solid separator tank 130 mm dia having perforations of 50 mm size. The concentric perforated peel-solid separator circular tank was fitted inside the collecting tank having 255 mm dia. The pineapple peels and starter solution in perforated peel-solid separator tank was agitated and atomized by tubing agitator 200 mm long having 1 mm dia. hole to spray fermented solution at 20 rpm. The agitator was connected with stirring pump. Lift pump was fitted at the bottom of the collecting tank to lift and supply fermented solution to agitator. The capacity of the batch type Acetifier based on present working design was 3.5 liters of wine-vinegar per day for 8 hours for a quality end product at 2% acidity.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

011117   Sharma S;Agarwal L;Saxena R K (Microbiology Dep, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: rksmicro@yahoo.co.in) : Statistical optimiszation for tannase production from Aspergillus niger under submerged fermentation. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 132-8.

Statistically based experimental design was employed for the optimization of fermentation conditions for maximum production of enzyme tannase from Aspergillus niger. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) falling under response surface methodology (RSM) was used. Based on the results of `one-at-a-time' approach in submerged fermentation, the most influencing factors for tannase production from A. niger were concentrations of tannic acid and sodium nitrate, agitation rate and incubation period. Hence, to achieve the maximum yield of tannase, interaction of these factors was studied at optimum production pH of 5.0 by RSM. The optimum values of parameters obtained through RSM were 5% tannic acid, 0.8% sodium nitrate, 5.0 pH, 5 x 10<sup>7</sup> spores/50mL inoculum density, 150 rpm agitation and incubation period of 48 h which resulted in production of 19.7 UmL<sup>-1</sup> of the enzyme. This activity was almost double as compared to the amount obtained by `one-at-a-time' approach (9.8 UmL^-1).

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

011116   Sharma O P (NO, Indian Veterinary Research Institute Regional Station, Palampur-176 061, Email: omsharma53@yahoo.com) : Bacterial glycosidases for making universal blood group O - the Holy Grail of blood transfusion. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 180.

4 ref

011115   Sharma A;Chandraker S K;Bharti M (Bacteriology Lab, Post Graduate Studies and Research in Biological St, R.D. University, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: anjoo_1999@yahoo.com) : Nontubercular mycobacteria in drinking water of some educational institutes in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), India. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 233-40.

Sixteen isolates of Nontubercular Mycobacteria species were isolated from drinking water supply of some educational institutes in Jabalpur during July 2006 and were identified by biochemical test, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and PRA ( PCR restriction enzyme analysis) of rpoB gene. Out of 21 water samples total 16 isolates of nontuberculous mycobacteria were identified, as M. terrae (6), M. szulgai (4), M. gordonae (3), and one each as M. malmoense, M. kansasii, and M. gastri.

3 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

011114   Shamkuwar P B;Shahi S R;Kale M A;Somani V G; Saini V;Shaikh S A;Shaikh S S;Shinde N V;Shinde N M (NO, Pharmacy College Govt, Vedant Road, Aurangabad, M.S.-431 005, Email: sadhanashahi@yahoo.com) : Influence of extra cellular calcium on the additive effect of caffeine on the cardiac response to catecholamine. Rasayan J Chem 2008, 1(1), 140-8.

At different extra-cellular calcium concentrations, the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol and isoproterenoi in combination with caffeine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor have been evaluated in the isolated frog heart and the isolated guinea pig left atria to investigate whether extra-cellular calcium produces any effect on the additive effect of the caffeine on the cardiac response to catecholamine. Cumulative dose response study of isoproterenoi and isoproterenoi in presence of caffeine at different extra-cellular calcium concentration was performed. The study revealed an increase in additive effect of caffeine on the cardiac response to catecholamine with increase in extra-cellular calcium concentration, but increase in extra-cellular calcium concentration decreased the myocardial responsiveness to additive effect of caffeine and isoproterenoi combination. The mechanism of positive inotropic effect of isoproterenoi and caffeine involves increase in intracellular cAMP by different pathways and extra-cellular calcium produces positive inotropic effect by initiating the interaction between the contractile proteins actin and myosin. The study revealed that an increase in the concentration of extra-cellular calcium increased the additive effect of caffeine and isoproterenol combination, but a decrease in the myocardial responsiveness was observed.

4 illus, 14 ref

011113   Selvakumar G;Saha S;Kundu S (NO, Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (ICAR), Almora-263 601, Email: gselva74@rediffmail.com) : Inhibitory activity of pine needle tannin extracts on some agriculturally resourceful microbes. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 267-70.

Crude extracts of water and solvent extractable tannin fractions from pine needles were found to contain tannin concentrations of 10.15% and 13.15% tannic acid equivalents respectively. Thin Layer Chromatography revealed the presence of four distinct phenolic compounds, amongst which two were tannic acid like compounds. Both the extracts were found to be inhibitory to several microbes of agricultural importance. Amongst the bacterial strains studied, Azotobacter sp (VL-A2) was able to tolerate upto 1000 ppm of crude tannin concentration without any growth inhibition. While growth of Rhizobium (VL-R1) and Bacillus halodurans (MTCC 7181) was inhibited by crude tannin concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm respectively of both water and solvent extracted tannins. Among the fungal genera, Pleurotus djamor was found to tolerate up to 10000 ppm of crude tannins, while Trichoderma virescens (MTCC 6321) and T. reesii could tolerate up to 3000 ppm of both water extractable and acetone extractable crude tannins without any growth inhibition.

^ssc3 tables, 23 ref

011112   Sawant S A;Tamhane B M;Pramanik S M;Ghatnekar S D (NO, , Pro-Vice Chancellor's Bunglow, Patan Jain Mondel Marg, University Sports Pavilion, Near Hindi Vidya Bhavan, Marine Drive) : Thermostablity of microorganisms present in biofertilizers. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 303-7.

Comparative study of four branded biofertilizers with respect to thermo stability of microorgarusms present in them was conducted. In the present study, Growmore, a wholesome biofertilizer of Suvash Biogenics, was selected for the purpose. The microbial thermo stability of this brand was compared to three other brands namely Cell-rich (Excel Industries Limited), Bio-meal (Farm Organics Private Ltd.) and Harit Karvir (Zoom Biofertilizers Pvt. Ltd.) all of which were procured from the local agro service centre. The aim was to study the activity of microorganisms present in them at 0° - 4°C, 15°C, 30°C and 45°C. The biafertilizers were tested for presence of useful soil microorganisms such as Cellulose degraders, Nitrogen fixers, Phosphate solubilizers and Potassium enrichers. In apdition, total algal count and total protozoan count of all these biofertilizers was also dete.rmined. Special stress was given to identify the pathogens present at variable temperatures. Results indicated that in relation to the other three brands studied, Growmore biofertilizer had appreciable thermostability at lower temperature of 0° to 4°C as well as at high temperature range of 45°C .It was further found that in case of Cell-rich and Bio-meal, at the extreme temperatures on the lower as well as the higher side, the useful microorganisms were highly dormant or inactive. In addition, they were also found to be containing pathogens. Harit Karvir, also found to be containing pathogens, lacked notable increase in microbial activity specifically at the extreme temperatures and hence probably the least stable among the four selected biofertilizers. Growmore biofertilizer consisting of thermostable useful micro organisms and with complete absence of any pathogens emerged as the clear winner and startlingly its performance at 0° to 4°C and at 45°C was remarkable.

3 tables, 11 ref

011111   Santhy K S;Sherly P G;Arulraj P (Life Sciences Dep, Avinashilingam Deemed Univ, Coinbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Antimutagenic activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 255-8.

Pomegranate has a long history of herbal use dating back more than 3000 years. In the present investigation antimutagenic effects of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of pomegranate peel and seed were evaluated in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains. Addition of Sodium azide and Daunomycin, two well known mutagens at a concentration of 10 μland 6 μl per plate respectively resulted in the induction in the histidine revertant colonies. However addition of 10 lμ of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of pomegranate peel and seed to 10 μl of Sodium azide and 6 μl of Daunomycin treated plates resulted in the inhibition in the number of histidine revertant colonies. Further more, supplementation with all the four extracts of pomegranate peel and seed at a concentration of 10 μl and 6 μl per plate respectively in the presence of S9 fraction also led to a significant inhibition in Sodium azide and Daunomycin induced colony formation. The antimutagenic activity of methanol extract of pomegranate peel and seed was found to be higher than that of other extracts. Hence the study revealed that pomegranate peel and seed has protective efficacy in Sodium azide and Daunomycin induced mutagenicity in microbial test system

2 tables, 9 ref

011110   Saha S K;Das R;Bora K N;Uma L (Biology Dep, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3258, USA, Email: lumaprabakar@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity of epilithic cyanobacteria from freshwater streams of Kakoijana reserve forest, Assam, India. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 219-32.

Biodiversity of epilithic cyanobacteria from one of the unexplored habitats of freshwater streams of Kakoijana reserve forest of Assam, India was estimated. Lists a total of 29 species representing 18 genera of 12 families and 4 orders as per recent system of classification. Morphological descriptions, common habitats and distribution pattern were described for each species identified that were represented systematically. Of these 29 species, 11 were unicellular, 9 non-heterocytous filamentous and 9 heterocytous filamentous forms. nitrogen fixing heterocytous forms such as, C. epiphytica, C. scopulorum, N. humifusum, N. punctiforme, N. oryzae and S. millei, were common to the neighboring paddy fields.

29 illus, 78 ref