011109   Prakash O et al (Molecualr Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: duzdel@vsnl.com) : Polyphasic approach of bacterial classification - an overview of recent advances. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 98-108.

Genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic methods for determining taxonomic position of microbes constitute what is known as the `polyphasic approach' for bacterial systematics. This approach is currently the most popular choice for classifying bacteria and several microbes, which were previously placed under invalid taxa have now been resolved into new genera and species. This has been possible owing to rapid development in molecular biological techniques, automation of DNA sequencing coupled with advances in bioinformatic tools and access to sequence databases. Several DNA-based typing methods are known; these provide information for delineating bacteria into different genera and species and have the potential to resolve differences among the strains of a species. Therefore, newly isolated strains must be classified on the basis of the polyphasic approach. Also previously classified organisms, as and when required, can be reclassified on this ground in order to obtain information about their accurate position in the microbial world. Thus, current techniques enable microbiologists to decipher the natural phylogenetic relationships between microbes.

^iia3 illus, 73 ref

011108   Patel R;Patel H V;Patel V M;Patel M M (Pharmaceutics Dep, Shree S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Edu. & Res, Ganpat Vidyanagar, Kherva) : Polymerase chain reaction and its significance in biological science. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 405-12.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular biological technique for amplifying (creating multiple c les of) DNA without using a living organism, such as E. coli or yeast. PCR is commonly used in medical and biological research labs for a variety of tasks, such as the detection of hereditary diseases, the identification of genetic fingerprints, the diagnos.is of infectious diseases, the cloning of genes, and paternity testing. In this article, the basic principles and techniques of the polymerase chain reaction and its significance in the diagnosis of various infective diseases and genetic disorders have been discussed.

3 illus, 17 ref

011107   Pandian M R;Sharmila Banu G;Kumar G (Centre for Biotechnol, Muthayammal Coll of Arts and Sci, Kakkaveri, Rasipuram, Namakkal, Tamilnadu-637 408) : Antimicrobial activities of natural honey from medicinal plants on antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 219-24.

Samples of natural honey from different medicinal plants were studied for their antimicrobial activities on antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria isolated from human pathology. Samples of honey from four different plants mainly Thespesia populnea, Calotropis gigantea, Leucas aspera, Azadirachta indica and multifloral were collected from different regions in Tamilnadu. Dilutions of honey ranging from 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 were tested by the agar well diffusion method on various strains of bacteria including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus and Pseudomonas. Results revealed that most of strains were inhibited by the dilution 1/2 and 1/4. The Gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to honey than Gram positive bacteria. No difference among the different origins of honey (plants) was observed. All the samples showed strong antimicrobial activities on the bacterial strains, which were first tested for their resistance to antibiotics.

5 tables, 23 ref

011106   Palivela H;Elizabeth K M;Ghole V S (Envir Sci Dep, Univ of Pune, Pune) : Oral cancer: reverse smoking and chewing smokeless carcinogens in slum dwellers of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 287-9.

Carcinogenic effect of reverse smoking and chewing carcinogens on oral cancer of the individuals from five slum areas of Srikakulam district was assessed in the present study. The use of cigars, cigarettes, and beedi, the chewing substances such as gutka, tobacco, gudaku and their effect on oral cancer was very high in the slums surveyed. The highest percentage of oral cancers (79.4%) were observed in Nakka veedhi and Dammala veedhi slums. The effect of oral cancer (due to the use of carcinogenic substances) on age, sex, diet, other diseases and socioeconomic status of the slum dwellers was evaluated.

2 tables, 4 ref

011105   Murthy P;Vanajakshi V;Vijayalakshmi G (Food Microbiol Dep, Central Food Technol Res Inst, Mysore-570 020, Email: pushpamurthys@yahoomail.com) : Antimicrobial activity of polyketides of Monascus purpureus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 225-9.

Ascomycetous fungus, Monascus purpureus recently has gained importance as a dietary supplement due to its anticholostemic property. In addition, Monascus has been widely used in the Oriental countries for many centuries as a natural food colorant" and in medicine. Polyketide pigments are produced by Monascus sp. After 12 days of incubation, the total red pigment was extracted from the mouldy red rice by the solvent extraction method. The antimicrobial effect of total crude pigment was studied against pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria like Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes. Comparative studies with standard antibiotics were carried out to observe the effectiveness of the pigment. Also, antifungal activity of the pigment extract were studied against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium sp. Antimicrobial effect was determined by standard disc plate agar diffusion assay. The pigment extract was effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. A comparison of effect of pigment to that of different antibiotics carried out revealed significant information as to whether extracts can be employed as replacements or as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic agents.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

011104   Mishra B K;Pandey A K;Lata (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Email: latarajat@yahoo.co.in) : Lignocellulolytic enzyme production from submerged fermentation of paddy straw. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 176-9.

Five strains of cellulolytic bacteria and four strains of Phanerochaete chrysosporium were evaluated for the lignocellulolytic enzyme production during submerged fermentation (SmF) of paddy straw. Extra-cellular enzyme assay for CMCase, FPase, Cellobiase, Xylanase, Lignin peroxidase and Laccase enzymes was performed after 7 and 15 days of submerged fermentation. Cellulomonas cellulans MTCC 23, Cytophaga hutchinsonii NCIM 2338 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium MTCC 787 were found to produce higher lignocellulolytic enzyme activities than rest of the cultures after 15 days of fermentation.

^ssc4 tables, 23 ref

011103   Mandal S M;Mondal K C;Dey S;Pati B R (Microbiology Dep, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721 102, Email: sm_crf@yahoo.com) : Rapid colony screening method for the detection of arsenate-reducing bacteria. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 167-9.

Rapid and simple method has been developed for the detection of arsenate reducing bacteria based on the presence of arsenite [As (III)], the end product of anaerobic arsenate [As (V)] respiration. Confirmation of As (III) product is made by the reduction of starch-iodine complex. The method can be used over a large pH range (5.5-9.0) and can easily be determined at arsenite concentration as low as 0.025 mM. Major advantages of this technique are that a large number of samples can be analyzed easily at a time.

^ssc3 illus, 10 ref

011102   Malhotra S;Sharma P;Hansi Kumari;Ajaib Singh; Rup Lal (Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: duzdel@vsnl.com) : Localization of HCH catabolic genes (lin genes) in Sphingobium indicum B90A. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 271-5.

Locations of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) catabolic (lin) genes were investigated in HCH degrading sphingomonad, Sphingobium indicum B90A (that was isolated from India). Southern blot analysis revealed the presence of linA1, linC, linDER and linX (linX1 and linX2) on the plasmid DNA in Sphingobium indicum B90A.

^ssc1 illus, 28 ref

011101   Majumder A;Purama R K;Goyal A (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: arungoyl@iitg.ernet.in) : Overview of purification methods of glycoside hydrolase family 70 dextransucrase. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 197-206.

Various methods such as precipitation by ammonium sulphate, ethanol or polyethylene glycol, phase partitioning, ultrafiltration and chromatography have been used to purify the enzyme. Purification of dextransucrase is rendered difficult by the presence of viscous dextran in the medium. However, processes like ultra-filtration, salt and PEG precipitation, chromatography and phase partitioning have been standardized and successfully used for higher scale purification of the enzyme. A recombinant dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512F with a histidine tag has been expressed in E. coli cells and purified by immobilized metal ion chromatography. Reports the available information on purification methods of dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains.

^iia69 ref

011100   Maheshwari R (NO, , , Email: ramesh.maheshwari@gmail.com) : Combating antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 181-3.

3 illus, 3 ref

011099   Khurana S;Kapoor M;Gupta S;Kuhad R C (Microbiology Dep, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: kuhad@hotmail.com) : Statistical optimization of alkaline xylanase production from Streptomyces violaceoruber under submerged fermentation using response surface methodology. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 144-52.

Response surface methodology employing central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize fermentation medium for the production of cellulase-free, alkaline xylanase from Streptomyces violaceoruber under submerged fermentation. The design was employed by selecting wheat bran, peptone, beef extract, incubation time and agitation as model factors. A second-order quadratic model and response surface method showed that the optimum conditions for xylanase production (wheat bran 3.5% (w/v), peptone 0.8% (w/v), beef extract 0.8% (w/v), incubation time 36 h and agitation 250 rpm) results in 3.0-fold improvement in alkaline xylanase production (1500.0 IUml^-1) as compared to initial level (500.0 IUml^-1) after 36 h of fermentation, whereas its value predicted by the quadratic model was 1347 IUml^-1. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.9718, ensuring a satisfactory adjustment of the quadratic model with the experimental data.

2 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

011098   Jose S;Beegum G R J (Biotechnology Dep, St Thomas College, Pala, Kerala) : In vitro susceptibility of viridans streptococci to leaf extracts of Mangifera indica. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 160-3.

Susceptibility of Viridans streptococci to leaf extracts of Mangifera indica was studied on 53 clinical isolates from 39 patients. All the isolates were found to be susceptible to both water and methanol extract of M. indica leaves. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol extract for all isolates were <60>50 mg/mL and MIC of water extract for all isolates were <60>200 mg/mL. Methanol extract was found to have better action against Viridans streptococci than water extract.

^ssc3 tables, 13 ref

011097   Ingle S (Microbiol and Biotechnol Centre Dep, Fac of Sci, M.S. Univ of Baroda, Baroda-390 002, Email: ingle@india.com) : Enhancement of host spectrum activity of B. thuringiensis and B. sphaericus by conjugation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 243-4.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) are the potent and safe mosquito larvicidal bacteria having different properties and host specificities. Bti is more toxic to Aedes and Culex mosquito larvae where as Bs is more toxic to Culex and Anopheles mosquito larvae and not against Aedes. Host spectrum activity of these entomopathogens was increased by cell mating among Bti and Bs. Maximum transcipients were isolated from mating mixture at 4 h of incubation period. The LC₅₀s of transcipients TCl, TC2 and TC3 toxin were found to be 0.026, 0.04 and 0.03μg/ml respectively. ICPs of transcipients TCl, TC2 and TC3 showed immunoreactivity with polyclonal antibodies raised against total solubilized crystal protein of Bti and Bs.

2 tables, 6 ref

011096   Goel A K;Bhadauria S;Pramod Kumar;Kamboj D V; Lokendra Singh (Biotechnology Div, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior-474 002, Email: akgoel173@yahoo.co.uk) : Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction for detection of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae from environmental water samples. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 207-11.

Rapid and sensitive direct cell semi-nested PCR assay was developed for the detection of viable toxigenic V. cholerae in environmental water samples. The semi-nested PCR assay amplified cholera toxin (ctxA2B) gene present in the toxigenic V. cholerae. The detection sensitivity of direct cell semi-nested PCR was 2 x 10³ CFU of V. cholerae whereas direct cell single-step PCR could detect 2 x 10^CFU of V. cholerae. The performance of the assay was evaluated using environmental water samples after spiking with known number of Vibrio cholerae O1. The spiked water samples were filtered through a 0.22 micrometer membrane and the bacteria retained on filters were enriched in alkaline peptone water and then used directly in the PCR assay. The semi-nested PCR procedure coupled with enrichment could detect less than 1 CFU/ml in ground water and sea water whereas 2 CFU/ml and 20 CFU/ml could be detected in pond water and tap water, respectively. The proposed method is simple, faster than the conventional detection assays and can be used for screening of drinking water or environmental water samples for the presence of toxigenic V. cholerae.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

011095   Dharmadhikari S M;Peshwe S A;Andhale M S (NO, , B-2, Meridian Status, Vishrambaug Colony, Near Youth Hostel, Aurangabad-431 001) : Properties of cloned alpha amylase from E. coli. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 259-62.

Bacillus sp. SK2 expressing a amylase gene was purified, it was showing maximum absorption at 259 run and Tm in between 85 to 90°C. The a amylase gene from Bacillus sp. SK2 was cloned and expressed in E. coli 8J 83. The transformed E.coli secreted up to 64% of the cloned gene product into the medium. The - recombinant enzyme showed improved functionality in terms of activity at a wider pH range and at higher temperature, as compared to the crude enzyme from the donor strain. The cloned E. coli resulted maximum a amylase activity after 24 hrs as compared to Bacillus sp. (48 hrs). The transformed cells produced substantial amylolytic activity. A seven-fold increase in a amylase activity was found in cell suspension as compared to cell free extract.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

011094   Bhatnagar P;Khan A A;Jain M;Kaushik S;Jain S K (Microbiology Dep, College of Life Sciences, Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Gwalior-474 009, Email: sudhirkjain1@rediffmail.com) : Microbiological study of khoa sold in Chambal region (Madhya Pradesh). Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 263-6.

Study was conducted to analyze bacterial contaminants /pathogens in Khoa samples sold in Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. Total Fifty samples of Khoa were brought from different localities of Chambal region at random and processed. Bacterial colony counts were also performed. Staphylococcus species and Streptococcus species were the predominant isolates. The viable counts obtained ranged from 1.3X10⁴ to 2.1X10⁶ CFU/g. Contamination of Khoa by pathogenic bacteria could be an important factor of gastrointestinal infections including food poisoning and food borne illness. Adequate consumer protection can be achieved by measuring the microbiological data of product.

^ssc2 tables, 18 ref

011093   Bharali S;Purama R K;Majumder A;Fontes C M G A;Goyal A (Biotechnology Dep, IIT Guwahati, North Guwahati-781 039) : Functional characterization and mutation analysis of family 11, carbohydrate-binding module (CtCBM11) of cellulosomal bifunctional cellulase from Clostridium thermocellum. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 109-18.

Non-catalytic, family 11 carbohydrate binding module (CtCBM11) belonging to a bifunctional cellulosomal cellulase from Clostridium thermocellum was hyper-expressed in E. coli and functionally characterized. Affinity electrophoresis of CtCBM11 on nondenaturing PAGE containing cellulosic polysaccharides showed binding with β-glucan, lichenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose. In order to elucidate the involvement of conserved aromatic residues Tyr 22, Trp 65 and Tyr 129 in the polysaccharide binding, site-directed mutagenesis was carried out and the residues were changed to alanine. The results of affinity electrophoresis and binding adsorption isotherms showed that of the three mutants Y22A, W65A and Y129A of CtCBM11, two mutants Y22A and Y129A showed no or reduced binding affinity with polysaccharides. These results showed that tyrosine residue 22 and 129 are involved in the polysaccharide binding. These residues are present in the putative binding cleft and play a critical role in the recognition of all the ligands recognized by the protein.

5 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

011092   Banta G;Kahlon R S (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: banta_ss42@yahoo.co.in) : Dehalogenation of 4 - chlorbenzoic acid by Pseudomonas isolates. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 139-43.

Twenty three bacterial isolates either pure or consortium were initially screened on the basis of their ability to degrade as well as dechlorinate 4 - chlorobenzoic acid (4-CBA). Based on comparative growth response, three pure isolates Pseudomonas putida GVS-4, Pseudomonas aeruginosa GVS-18 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa GWS-19 and a consortium SW-2 was finally selected for further studies. The enzyme studies performed with cell free extracts revealed that dehalogenase activity was substrate specific with maximum activity at 300 μgml^-1 substrate concentration. Catechol 1, 2 dioxygenase activity was found to be present in cell free extracts suggesting that 4 - chlorobenzoic acid (4-CBA) is catabolized by ortho-ring cleavage pathway. The dehalogenase enzyme profile showed single enzyme band in case of GVS-4 (Rm 0.76), GVS-18 (Rm 0.84), GWS -19 (Rm 0.85) and two bands in SW-2 (Rm 0.71 & 0.10).

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

011091   Anuradha P;Vijayalakshmi K;Umamaheswari P; Haritha D S;Jyothsna K P (Appl Microbiol Dep, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Production and characterization of three extracellular cellulases from Bacillus sp. involved in the degradation of sugarcane crop residue. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 267-71.

Cellulolytic bacteria were isolated on Cellulose Agar medium and screened by cellulolysis method. The isolated six bacterial strains from sugarcane fields StA, StB, Stc, StD, StE and StF were identified as Bacillus sp. based on morphological, biochemical and physiological characters. The strain StA exhibited highest cellulolytic activity and is producing a cellulase enzyme complex. Activities of individual enzyme components of cellulase system were assayed. Maximum production of exo β-glucanase, endo β-glucanase and β-glucosidase was found at 55°C and pH 8, indicating the thermotolerant nature of the enzymes. Effect of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen sources, surfactants and cellulose concentration on cellulase production was studied. CuSO₄ increased the activity of all the enzyme components, while EDT A, NaN₃ inhibited the activity of all the three enzyme components.

7 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

011090   Ahmed John S;Ahamed Jeelani Basha A; Packialakshmi N;Lawa Sheela Devi A (Molecular Genetics Res Lab, Post Graduate and Res Bot Dep, Jamal Mohamed Colle, Tiruchirapalli-620 020) : Application of effective microorganisms for the purification of different kinds of waters. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 337-40.

Colifonn containing water samples treated with Effective Microorganisms solution were studied. The Effective Microorganisms solution containing Effective microbes (non - pathogenic), that inhibit the colifonn activity. Four different volumes of Effective Microorganisms solution were added to the one litre of unpotable water sample. The Effective Microorganisms solution was found to be most effective against colifonn bacteria.

3 tables, 7 ref

010193   Theinert S;Forgber M;Walden P (Dermatology Dep, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt Univ, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany, Email: peter.walden@charite.de) : Serological immune responses to Leishmania antigens in visceral leishmaniasis. Sci Cult 2007, 73(7-8), 191-200.

Rapid progress of the genome sequencing projects for infectious agents including Leishmania increasingly guides molecular immunology research on immunodoininant antigens for vaccines and new iminunological diagnostics. Used molecular genetic and proteomic approaches to map the overall antigenicity of Leishmania parasites in visceral leislunaniasis and to elucidate the immunological properties of specific antigens including immunodoniinance, variability and accessibility for targeted immune responses.

2 tables, 30 ref

010192   Singh I;Singh V P (Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: vpsingh_biology@rediffmail.com) : Phosphatases in aflatoxin-producing and non-producing strains of Aspergillus flavus link.. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1362-3.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

010191   Saharan B S;Badoni P;Narula N (Dep of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana)) : Isolation and characterization of Azotobacter species from soils. Ann Biol 2007, 23(2), 109-16.

Azotobacter is an aerobic soil-swelling organism with a wide variety of metabolic capabilities which include the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen by converting it to ammonia. Total 19 samples were collected from various sites of Dehradun. The soil samples collected were of rice-wheat, rice-maize, rice-pea rotation system and various agro-ecosystems. Total 30 isolates were obtained from the collected soil-samples The isolates were named as APB-1 to APB-30. The isolates gave morphology like circular, pulvinate, raised and smooth colonies. Out of 30, almost 50% were gram negative and others were gram positive. On the basis of morphology and gram reaction, only seven cultures (APB-1, APB-5, APB-9, APB-17, APB-22, APB-24 and APB-27) were seleted. Among different isolates, the maximum IAA was produced by APB-24 (0.026) followed by APB-27 (0.023) and APB-22 (0.019). APB-1 and APB-5 also produced significant amount of phytohormone (IAA) i.e. 0.014 and 0.012, respectively. The isolate APB-17 produced very less amount i.e 0.005. Maximum PHB production was shown by isolate APB-22 (0.981). This was followed by APB-27 (0.968) and APB-1 (0.954). The significant amount of PHB was also produced by the isolates APB-17 (0.824), APB-5 (0.723), APB-9 (0.625) and APB-24 (0.241). The isolates APB-1, APB-5, APB-17 and APB-22 showed 90% germination of wheat seeds. Further the isolates have positive result on root and shoot proliferation. The maximum root and shoot length was observed in caseof isolate APB-9 (30 and 40 mm, respectively).

7 tables, 11 ref

010190   Prabhakara H R (Bangalore Plasmatek Pvt. Ltd, , 302, RV Apartments, Sri Rama Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore-560 004, Email: plasmatek96@yahoo.com) : Plasma assisted physical vapour deposition. Bull Indian Vacuum Soc 2006, 9(4), 3-12.

Modification of the surface properties of a solid by appropriate coatings has been practised by man since prehistoric days. Introduction of new technologies like electroplating and physical vapour deposition in vacuum over the past hundred years has resulted in unprecedented growth in the in this field. During the past two decades non equilibrium plasmas have revolutionised the surface coating technologies opening up a variety of applications which are otherwise impossible. Principles and practise of some of these new coating techniques would be brieffy presented in this talk. Bangalore Plasmatek has developed a prototype coating system based on vacuum arcs and magnetron sputtering. Our experience in developing special coatings acceptable to end-users would also be discussed.

13 illus, 21 ref

010189   Naidu V S G R;Paroha S (National Research Centre for Weed Science, , Jabalpur-482 004) : Petiole morphology in water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes mart. solms) is an indication of the nutrient status of the habitat. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 221-4.

An experiment was conducted to study the blomass production of water hyacinth grown in different growth medium. It was observed that there is variability in petiole morphology with respect to growth medium. The long and narrow petioles were found in the plants grown in nutrient rich soil and hoagland solution. Whereas, the petioles were very short and swollen under nutrient poor distilled water. It suggests that the nutrient availability in the medium has direct bearing on the petiole growth. Obserations on the petiole growth reflect the nutrient status of the habitat there by growth and performance of the water hyacinth in waste water treatment.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

010188   Mohapatra S K;Chakraborty K;Kahn N;Sinha A (NO, Sinha Institute of Medical Science and Technology, Garia, Calcutta-700 084, Email: asruksinha@yahoo.com) : Aspirin induced thrombolysis in the presence of platelets. Indian J Physiol Allied Sci 2006, 60(3), 58-71.

Aspirin, a well-known inhibitor of platelet aggregation is extensively used for the prevention / treatment of coronary artery disease. The inhibitory effect of the compound is reported to be mediated through the inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase. It is currently believed that aspirin has no effect on the formed thrombus (micro aggregates of platelets embedded in fibrin mass), which results in coronary artery disease. It was found that the exposure of platelets to aspirin cither in vitro (4 μM) or in vivo (volunteers ingested 150 mg aspirin) resulted in fihrinnlysis of the formed "thrombus" produced by the recalcification of platelet-rich plasma due to the production of NO in these cells by the compound. The lysis of clot in the presence of aspirin was found to be related to the fibrinolysis with simultaneous appearance of fibrin degradation products due to the generation of scrinc protcinase activity by NO in the assay mixture. The treatment of human plasminogen with NO was found to directly activate plasmin.

7 illus, 37 ref

010187   Kumar A;Tripathi V;Pushpangadan P (Plant Genomics Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering D, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : DNA marker-based genetic variation in Cassia fistula L.. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2007, 67(2), 173-6.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

010186   Gunaseelan R;Shanthi Sankaralingam;Sowmya Ramesh;Datta M (NO, , Medical Director, Social Scientist, Epidemiologist, Chennai Dental Research Foundation, 56, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Myl, Email: gunaraga@md2.vsnl.net.in) : Areca nut use among rural residents of Sriperambudur taluk: a qualitative study. Indian J dent Res 2007, 18(1), 11-14.

The main objective of the study was to understand the perceptions of the residents of rural part of Sriperambudur Taluk, regarding areca nut use. This article discusses the findings of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions at rural part of Sriperambudur Taluk. A community-based survey was conducted using qualitative methods. Out of 168 villages, 11 were randomly chosen. Fifteen in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions were conducted. Only those above 10 years of age and who used areca nut either in processed or un-processed form were included in the study. Among different forms of areca nut products, the use of Hans, which is a commercial flavored product containing areca nut, tobacco and other ingredients is believed to be the most prevalent habit in all the age groups. Chewing areca nut is the initiating habit, leading to other habits such as smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages. Residents less than 30 years of age chew areca nut products for fun or because of peer pressure whereas the 30 to 50 year olds get habituated due to reasons such as boredom and family problems. Although there is awareness regarding the ill-effects of tobacco use, there is not much awareness regarding areca nut. According to the residents, the community has not given enough thought regarding areca nut products and therefore no action has been taken to mitigate this high-risk behavior. It is the perception of the community that there is an increasing trend in the use of areca nut especially the commercial forms such as Hans, in rural Tamilnadu. Habit gets initiated at a very young age; therefore age specific intervention programs should be implemented. Periodic research should be conducted to better understand the changing trends of chewing areca nut products.

15 ref

010185   Das S;Lyla P S;Ajmal Khan S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annmalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: surajit@myself.com) : Present status and the application of statistical tools in marine microbial biodiversity. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(5-6), 147-58.

Microbial biodiversity prediction can be made using statistical approaches that are routinely used in the ecological studies. Both rarefaction and richness estimators may be applied to microbial data sets for nonparametric estimators in predicting and comparing bacterial species number. The species richness is estimated by the univariate method which includes indices as Simpson Index, reciprocal of Simpson's Index, rarefaction index, non parametric model and in graphical technique the 95% confidence interval. To estimate the species diversity and evenness, Shannon Wiener index and Pielou's evenness are used respectively Apart from these, Hill numbers, Arrhenius relationship, K-dominance curve, F-statistic and Jaccard's Index of similarity can be used us univariate methods. In the multivariate approach, Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) and Index of Multivariate Dispersion (IMD) are used to analyze the variability. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) is also applied to the similarity matrix underlying the ordination or classification of samples.

3 illus, 80 ref

010184   Dahiya P;Chaudhury A;Subhash Chand;Dilbagh N (Dep of Biotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar-125 001) : Isolation and characterization of an extracellular lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa M-13. Ann Biol 2007, 23(2), 103-7.

Among the 13 bacterial strains isolated from oil industry soil samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa M-13 was selected for lipase characterization because of its high lipase activity. The bacterial strain presented a volumetric lipase activity of 2.65 U/ml in medium containing nutrient broth supplemented with 2% olive oil after 24 h of incubation. P.aeruginosa M-13 lipase was optimally active at pH 7.0 and at 35°C temperature. The lipase is capable of hydrolyzing synthetic triglycerides and a variety of lipidic substrates.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

009026   Warhurst D C (NO, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Email: david.warhurst@1shtim.ac.uk) : Understanding resistance to antimalarial 4-aminoquinolines, cinchona alkaloids and the highly hydrophobic arylaminoalcohols. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1556-60.

Effectiveness of more hydrophobic 4-aminoquinoli like desethylamodiaquine in chloroquine resistance in Africa is possibly associated with the more hydrophobic PfCRT 72CVIET76 haplotype, in contrast with SVMNT and CVMNT. Resistance to 4-aminoquinolines in the presence of modified PfCRT is enhanced by residue changes in another lysosomal membrane protein, PGH-l, a member of the multidrug-resistance associated `A TP-binding cassette' (ABC) protein group. PGH-l mediates resistance to arylaminoalcohols, like quinine and other cinchona alkaloids and to the highly hydrophobic arylaminoalcohols (HHAAs) such as mefloquine. In quinine resistance, PGH-l residue-changes are similar to those seen in enhanced 4-aminoquinoline resistance. In contrast, increased copy number of wild-type PGH-l is found in clinical resistance to the HHAA mefloquine. There is also evidence of some interaction between the arylaminoalcohols and PfCRT. In the case of quinine and its diastereomer quinidine, sterospecificity has been demonstrated. Although the main genetic determinants of resistance are now clear, there is some evidence for the involvement of other genes.

6 illus, 60 ref

009025   Vijaya Lakshmi R;Madhukar J;Prasad M S K (Biochemistry Dep, NRI Medical College, China Kakani, Andhra Pradesh) : Isolation and amino acid composition of pigeon (Columba livia) egg white and egg yolk riboflavin carrier protein. Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 1-4.

Riboflavin carrier protein (RCP) from pigeon egg white and egg yolk have been isolated. The molecular weight of purified RCP of pigeon egg white and yolk has been found to be nearly same as that of previously isolated hen egg white and yolk RCPs. The amino acid composition of pigeon RCPs were observed to be almost similar to that of hen RCPs.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

009024   Vaidya V K;Khade R G;Rajyaguru B S (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Bioburden of medicinal herbs. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 36-8.

Herbal pharmaceutical formulations have a growing market in the western countries. Despite a great demand, there is a complete lack of quality control standards that are applied to them. The investigation aimed at studying the microbial load (bioburden) of various medicinal herbs like Dagadphul, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Amla, Behada, Harde and Dalchini that are commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations. The load was determined in terms of total viable count along with counts of Yeasts and moulds, Streptococci, Staphylococci and Coliforms. Bioburden of ''Triphala Churna" made up of Amla, Behada and Harde belonging to three different batches was also studied and compared with WHO standards. The results revealed varied microbial load on these medicinal herbs. Though the raw materials used in the preparation of the "Churna" were of acceptable quality, the "Churna" from different batches showed variation in the bioburden.

1 table, 6 ref

009023   Thombre V K;Jadhav S W (NO, Agricultural Rersearch Station, Lonavala-410 401) : Sources of resistance in rice agaisnt blast disease. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 88-9.

5 ref

009022   Sreekantha;Subash Chandran M D;Mesta D K;Rao G R;Gururaja K V;Ramchandra T V (Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Fish diversity in relation to landscape and vegetation in central Western Ghats, India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1592-1603.

Western Ghats, one of the well-known biodiversity hotspots of the world, harbours 289 species of fresh-water fish of which 119 are endemic. The ecosystems in this region have been, over the past 150 years or so, experiencing tumultuous changes due to the ever-increasing human impacts. In this regard, a study was conducted in Sharavathi River, central Western Ghats to understand fish species composition with respect to landscape dynamics. The study, using a combination of remote-sensing data as well as field investigations shows that the streams having their catchments with high levels of evergreenness and endemic tree species of the Western Ghats were also richer in fish diversity and endemism, compared to those catchments with other kinds of vegetation. This illustrates that the composition and distribution of fish species have a strong association with the kind of terrestrial landscape elements and the importance of landscape approach to conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems. Occurrence of endangered, endemic species and the discovery of two new species of genus Schistura reaffirm the `hottest hotspot' status of the Western Ghats, a repository of biological wealth of a rare kind, both in its aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

6 illus, 7 tables, 41 ref

009021   Shrinivas Munjam;Girisham S;Reddy S M (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Protease production by some anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 75-7.

Protease production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides Rhodocyclus gelatinosus and R. tenuis in two different synthetic media was investigated R. tennuis secreted maximum protease in Biebl and Pfening's medium supplemented with egg albumin on 10th day after incubation, while R. sphaeroides could secrete comparatively more amount of protease after 10 days of incubation. R. palustris and R. gelatinosus were poor producers of protease. Comparatively higher production of protease in the presence of egg albumin suggests adaptive nature of enzyme protease secreted by the bacteria under investigation. The pH drift was towards alkaline side. There was no correlation between growth of bacterial and proteas production.

1 table, 15 ref

009020   Sarna S;Bhola R K (Zoology Dep, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781 014, Email: sunitisarna@yahoo.com) : Enhancement of cytotoxicity and DNA binding of cisplatin in Dalton's lymphoma cells by α-tocopherol. Curr Sci 2007, 93(9), 1300-4.

Combination treatment of cisplatin and α-tocopherol on Dalton's lymphoma cells in vitro was studied in order to examine the effect of α-tocopherol on cisplatin cytotoxicity and binding of platinum to DNA (DNA platination) or its removal from DNA. Cisplatin cytotoxicity which is measured as cell survival of Dalton's lymphoma cells was found to be enhanced by various factors, including concentration of drug, treatment duration and presence of α-tocopherol in the medium. Tumour cells treated with increasing concentrations of cisplatin or cisplatin with α-tocopherol lower cell survival and increase DNA platination. There was a significant correlation between percentage survival of Dalton's lymphoma cells and DNA platination. The study of percentage removal of platinum has shown an inverse linear correlation between DNA damage and DNA repair. The enhanced cytotoxicity of cisplatin by α-tocopherol could be attributed to increased platinum binding to DNA, which might decrease DNA repair.

4 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

009019   Sangeeta Kumari;Sahu K;Shukla S (Microbiology Lab, Botany Dep, Faculty of Life Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar) : Enzymatic properties of bacterial protease. Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 181-3.

Enzymes are macromolecules, with highly specialized catalytic functions produced by all living organisms. Enzymes are responsible for many essential biochemical reactions in microorganisms, plants, animals and human beings. Their existence was associated with the history of ancient Greece where they were using enzymes from microorganisms in various processes. Modern genetic engineering techniques have made it possible to produce relatively rare enzyme with many of industrial and medical applications in large quantities. Although enzymes derived fro.m a range of organism are being used commercially, certain properties of these proteins can be further improved. For example, it may be advantageous to increase the heat stability or alter the pH optimum of an enzyme thus improve the efficiency of a defined process. The present article reviews some environmental effects on bacterial strains which are producing proteases.

22 ref

009018   Ramasarma T;Rao A V S (NO, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad-500 076, Email: ramasarma@hotmail.com) : Catalytic activity of superoxide dismutase: a method based on its concentration-dependent constant decrease in rate of autoxidation of pyrogallol. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1481-2.

^ssc1 illus, 11 ref

009017   Prabhuswamy M;Srinath S;Girimaji S;Seshadri S (NO, , F4, Kabini Hostel, NIMHANS, Bangalore-560 029, Email: ypmukesh@gmail.com) : Outcome of children with school refusal. Indian J Pediat 2007, 74(4), 375-9.

Assesses prospectively the psychiatric diagnostic status, psychosocial correlates, and short-term outcome of youngsters with school refusal. Thirty-three subjects (8-16 years) presenting with school refusal to a tertiary Child and Adolescent Psychiatry service were evaluated. Instruments administered at baseline and after 3 months (including an outcome measure at 3 months) were: The Missouri Assessment of Genetics Interview for Children (MAGIC) to ascertain psychiatric diagnoses, a modified version of Parent Interview Schedule (PIS), and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Twenty-nine subjects (87.9%) had a psychiatric diagnosis at baseline. Depressive disorder (63.6%) was commonest followed by specific phobias (30.3%). Psycho-social factors influenced school refusal in a majority (87.9%). Twenty of the thirty subjects (66.6%) who could be followed-up had returned to school. Psychiatric diagnosis persisted in 16 subjects. Younger age, being last-born, no or one diagnosis, and good baseline functioning predicted a favorable outcome. Psychiatric morbidity is high in a clinic population of youngsters with school refusal. It is associated with temperamental, family, and other environmental adversities. Short-term outcome in these children is largely favourable in terms of return to school and global functioning.

3 tables, 25 ref

009016   Pillai S G;Patil M B (Botany Dep, Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani) : Mycotoxigenic fungi in bakery. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 71-2.

Aeromycoflora of bakery in relation to the incidence of mycotoxigenic fungi during the year 2005-2006 was carried out. Altogether 11 genera could be spotted during the observation period. The incidence of Aspergillus (favus, Aspergillus niger and Asperagillus fumigatus followed by Pencillium species was highest. Species of Mucor, Rhizopus and Trichothecium were low in their percentage of incidence.

1 table, 5 ref

009015   Patil S S;Dakore H G (Botany Dep, Yeshwant College, Nanded-431 602) : Comparative study on yield performance and nutritive value of oyster mushroom on soybean straw. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 57-9.

Research experiment was carried out to investigate the yield performance and nutritional composition of three Pleurotus species (P. Sajor-caju, P. (forida and P. ostreatus) on soybean straw. The P. florida showed maximum yield with high percent of mostrure, total carbohydrate, crude fiber and ash. The P. ostreatus showed highest percent of fat while highest protein was observed with P. sajor-caju.

2 tables, 9 ref

009014   Patel A B;Prabhu A S;Dibley M J;Kulkarni L R (NO, , 125, Raj Nagar, Opposite Tidke Vidyalay, Katol Road, Nagpur-440 013, Email: archana_patel@vsnl.com) : Tool for rapid socioeconomic assessment. Indian J Pediat 2007, 74(4), 349-52.

Validates a simple wealth index scale (WIS) based assessment of socioeconomic status and compare it with existing Kuppuswamy (KUP) scale. Families of 300 children aged 6 to 59 months of acute diarrhoea enrolled in a cross-sectional study were interviewed for socio economic status using both 8 item ownership scale (WIS) and Kuppuswamy (KUP) scale, validated against a reference standard Income Scale (IS). Out of 111 people classified as low based on Income scale (IS), 17% were identified by WIS, and 21% by KUP. In the upper low, 69.4% were identified by WIS and 84.3% by KUP. Amongst the low middle group the WIS identified 27.6% while KUP identified 10.6% and amongst upper middle patients 30% were identified by WIS and 15% by KUP. There were none in the upper income of WIS or KUP category. The WIS performed well in all income categories whereas the KUP was better for upper low and low income categories. The agreement between WI and KUP was 55.56%. KUP scale is lengthy and difficult to administer by pediatric students and biased towards professional qualifications and education, rather than actual standard of living. It can be replaced by a simple 8 item ownership scale (WI) which is robust for all income groups and also shows good agreement with KUP.

3 tables, 10 ref

009013   Parmar G M;Kapadia M N;Jadav N B;Zizala V J (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Jamnagar, (Gujarat)) : Avoidable losses due to Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) in mustard. Asian J Bio Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 73-5.

A field experiments was conducted to estimate the avoidable losses caused by Lipaphis erysimi in mustard sprayed with fungal biopestcides alone and in combination with synthetic insecticides. The percentage of avoidable yield losses in mustard seed were found varying from 11 to 68 %. Acephate 0.05 % recorded lowest yield loss of 11 % followed by Verticillium lecanii @ 1.0 kg/ha + imidadoprid 0.0025 per cent (14 %) and V. lecanii @ 1.0 kg/ha + acephate 0.025 per cent (20 %). Higher avoidable loss (38 to 55 %) observed in the treatment of V. lecanii @ 2.0 kg/ha, Beauveria bassiana @ 2.5 kg/ha and azadirachtin 0.000375 %.

1 table, 4 ref

009012   Panneer Selvam A;Geetha D (Physics Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: gee_d72@yahoo.co.in) : Ultrasonic studies on HIV drug: β-cyclodextrin: Polyvinylpyrrolidone ternary complex formation. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect D 2007, 26(1), 59-65.

Investigates the effect of the presence of the water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) mw: 40,000 g/mol on the complexing of the anti-virul drug Lamivudine, with β-cyc1odextrin (β-CD). The data show that the polymer interacts with the free Lamivudine and with the Lamivudine; β-CD inclusion complex, in both cases with particular intermolecular interaction was studied using ultrasonic technique under different concentrations at a temperature 303 K. The presence of PVP, changes the drug: β-CD interaction, a Lamivudine: β-CD: PVP complex was formed. In addition, the presence of PVP produces a strong increase in the binding constant at a particular concentration (1%). In the ternary complex, the Lamivudine is wrapped at both ends for the β-CD. In this complex the polymer seems to act as a bridge between both β -CD molecules that bind the Lamivudine.

3 tables, 18 ref

009011   Nirbhay Kumar (NO, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Molecular Microbiology and I, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA) : Vaccine to prevent transmission of human malaria: a long way totravel on a dusty and often bumpy road. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1535-44.

Goal for an effective malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) is to induce immunity against the stages of the parasite that infect mosquitoes so that malaria transmission can be reduced or halted. Malaria transmission is generally spatially confined to an infectious source, thus a TBV used in a community can effectively suppress malaria transmission to others. Antibodies induced by TBVs target antigens on the surface of sexual and mosquito midgut stages of the malaria parasite and antibodies interfere with the development of the parasites in the midgut of the mosquito. Proteins synthesized in the gametocytes (pre-fertilization antigens, in Plasmodium falciparum: Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) and in the zygotes-ookinetes (post-fertilization antigens, in P. falciparum: Pfs25 and Pfs28) represent some of the key target antigens for the development of TBVs. All the four proteins contain multiple cysteine-rich sequences and the epitopes recognized by transmission-blocking antibodies are reduction-sensitive conformational in nature. The inability to express properly folded proteins has frustrated a protein-based TBV development approach and DNA-based vaccine constructs were envisaged to overcome the conformational problem in recombinant proteins. Indeed studies in mice and monkeys have firmly established the value of DNA-based TBV approach. Although immunogenic in larger animals, delivery of DNA-based TBVs needs to be further optimized to elicit a strong and long lasting functional immune response. This DNA vaccine platform can also facilitate evaluation of a cocktail of pre-and post-fertilization antigens in pre-clinical setting prior to the development of an ideal and effective TBV for clinical trials in human volunteers.

3 illus, 92 ref

009010   Mridula R M;Katti R J;Rajesh K M (Fisheries Resources and Management Dep, College of Fisheries, Karnatak, Animal and Fisheries Sciences Univ, Mangalore-575 002, Email: mridularajesh789@yahoo.co.in) : Zooplankton biomass and composition in the Arabian sea off Mangalore, south-west coast of India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 623-8.

Copepods formed the bulk (80%) of the total zooplankton and showed decline in numbers with increased depth. Similar to copepods, copepodites (larvae of copepods) were also present throughout the period of study. The other zooplankton groups noticed were chaetognaths, chaetognath larvae, echinoderm larvae, gastropod larvae, bivalve larvae, protochordates and fish eggs and larvae. Spatially the population density was high in the area receiving treated effluent.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

009009   Mitra M;Kumar P V;Chakrabarty S;Bharati P (Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B.T. Road, Kolkata-700 108, Email: bharati@isical.ac.in) : Nutritional status of Kamar tribal children in Chhattisgarh. Indian J Pediat 2007, 74(4), 381-4.

Nutritional status was assessed among 309 Kamar children (161 boys and 148 girls) aged 4-12 years. In this cross-sectional study, 24-hours dietary recall method was used to assess dietary intakes of children. Height and weight were recorded and children were classified by WHO criterion (Z-score) using nutritional indices i.e. weight for age, height for age and weight for height. NCHS data were used as reference. Mean energy and protein intake per day were measured and compared with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of Indian standards. More than 90 percent of children (both boys and girls) in the age group of 4-6 years suffered by underweight (<60>-2 SD weight for age), which was comparatively lower in 7-9 and 10-12 years age group children. 84.51 percent of boys suffered by stunting (<60>-2 SD height for age), which was much higher than girls (47.54%) in 4-6 years age group. Similarly, 80 percent of 4-6 years age group children were affected by wasting (<-2 SD weight for height). The consumption of energy and protein were also much lower among Kamar children than the RDA of India throughout the ages. Undernutrition in the form of underweight, stunting and wasting and low consumption of dietary intake (energy and protein) was found to be widely prevalent among Kamar tribal children. Therefore, an urgent dietary intervention programme is necessary. Further studies are required to investigate into problem and to supplement the key nutrients which are required to ensure a good nutritional status in children.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

009008   Medhi G K;Hazarika N C;Mahanta J (NO, Regional Medical Centre, NE Region, ICMR, Post Box-105, Dibrugarh-786 001, Email: icmrrcdi@hub.nic.in) : Nutritional status of adolescents among tea garden workers. Indian J Pediat 2007, 74(4), 343-7.

Study was conducted to evaluate growth and nutritional status using weight and height based indicators among tea garden adolescent boys and girls of Assam aged between 10-18 years. A cross sectional study was carried out in the tea gardens of Dibrugarh district of Assam through house to house visit. Households were selected through two stage sampling design to reach out the adolescents. Height and weight were measured using standard procedures. Body mass index (BMI) was computed from height and weight. Height-for-age below 3rd percentile values of NCHS reference was classified as stunting. BMI-for-age below 5th percentile values of WHO recommended reference was classified as thinness. Total numbers of 605 adolescents (boys-291, girls-314) participated in the study. School enrollment rate was only 59.2%. Prevalence of stunting was 47.4% and 51.9% among boys and girls respectively relative to NCHS reference, which reduced to almost 30% while Indian reference data was used. Prevalence of thinness was higher among boys (59.5%) than girls (41.3%) counterparts. Mean BMI among girls was higher at all ages than boys. Almost half of the adolescents were stunted and most of them were thin. Problem of overweight was seen in less than 0.5% of adolescents. Factors typical to underdeveloped society seems to contribute to the moderate to high prevalence of undernutrition among adolescents working in tea gardens.

3 tables, 18 ref

009007   Lanzer M;Rohrbach P (NO, Hygiene Institut, Abteilung Parasitologie, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany, Email: michael_lanzer@med.uni-heidelberg.de) : Subcellular pH and Ca<. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1561-70.

Data btained, using live cell imaging, have led to the hypothesis that the digestive vacuole serves as a dynamic intracellular Ca²⁺ store or that changes in the pH gradient across the digestive vacuolar membrane are associated with certain drug resistance phenotypes. However, both these hypotheses and the underpinning data have been challenged on the grounds that alternative explanations are possible to account for the data obtained. Reviews the known problems that can arise when imaging live P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes.

5 illus, 103 ref