ISA

Effect of biopesticides in combination with systemic and non-systemic fungicides on growth of some pathogenic fungi

Khandare K R;Waghmare M B;Khandare N K;Patil A V;Kamble S S

Metabolism dependent and independent adsorption of rathilene blue and rathilene brown dyes by Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis cultures

Gupta S G;Shah P S;Nakade M A;Pawar A R

Genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax

Das A;Bajaj R;Mohanty S;Swain V

009004 Das A;Bajaj R;Mohanty S;Swain V (Evolutionary Genomics and Bioinformatics Lab, National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi-110 054) : Genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1516-24.

Understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the malaria parasite and how it is genetiªcally distinct in different regions of the genome and populations, may open up new avenues to population-specific malaria control measures. The two principal human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, seem to be very different in origin and in phylogenetic resemblance to other species of Plasmodium. Further, the mortality and morbidity that these two parasites express are quite different, so also the percentage of nucleotide composition in their respective genomes. However, the net genetic diversity at the molecular level (in different independent genes and in both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes) seems to have very little differences, with P. vivax at a slightly higher scale. Whereas African populations of P. falciparum are highly diverse at the DNA level among other populations, high genetic diversity was found in Asian P. vivax; clearly depicting that P. falciparum has possibly originated in Africa and P. vivax in Asia. Furthermore, the findings of a comparably higher genomic diversity in P. vivax corroborate to earlier hypothesis of being older than P. falciparum and also a close genetic affinity with the malaria parasite species of Asian monkeys. On the other hand, P. falciparum is genetically much similar to the chimpanzee malaria parasite, P. reichenowi. The advancements in genomics and parallel statistical analyses of the DNA sequence data so far have succeeded in revealing new evolutionary information on the parasite genes and populations and generate renewed hopes for effective and common vaccines for both forms of malaria.

3 illus, 65 ref

Organisms do not adapt, rather they are adapted

Choudhuri A;Bhattacharya A

Vaccines for malaria - prospects and promise

Chauhan V S

Effect of phosphorus and boron on yield and quality of sugarcane juice and jaggery

Bhite B R;Bhoite D S;Pandhare R A;Naik R M; More N B;Bhoi P G

Effect of presowing chemical treatment on germination of Coriandrum sativum L. seed

Anjali Sabale;Kale P B

Silence of the genes

Utpal Nath;Das S

Protein aggregation: a perspective from amyloid and inclusion-body formation

Thomas S I;Balaji P V

Hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities of seeds of Myristica fragrans in normoglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Somani R S;Singhai A K

Effect of glycine on plasmid curing of Lactobacillus sp and Aeromonas sp species from poultry meat

Shinde S V;Zade N N;Kolhe R P;Karpe A G

Biodiversity of diatoms and assessment of water quality of Godawari river at Nasik

Sanap R R;Mohite A K;Pingle S D;Gunale V R

Molecule matters

Samuelson A G;Jabadurai J

High pressure research on materials

Sahu P C;Chandra Shekar N V

Reverse osmosis

Rao S M

Determination of lipopolysaccharide by SDS-page of microorganism isolated from milk and milk products

Pankaj Kumar;Tripathi M K;Singh L

Identification of the enteric bacteria by iron oxide from the Karon river

Nasrollah K;Manoochehr M;Reza B M;Eraj N; Ehsan A

Induced experimental diabetes and its impact on the rabbit brain

Mir S H;Baqui A;Bhagat R C;Darzi M M;Mir M S; Shah A W

Biodegradation of phenol by oxygenase producing thermophilic microorganisms

Mathur N;Nigam V K;Ashwani Kumar;Ghosh P

Amendments of antioxidant enzyme status in different skeletal muscle fibers under age induced oxidative stress conditions with reference to exercise training

Mallikarjuna K;Nishanth K;Bhaskar Reddy T; Sathyavelu Reddy K

On the study of carbohydrates in teleosts - III effects of tolbutamide administration on glucose and glycogen in Tilapia mossambica (Peters) and Macrones gulio (Hamilton)

Lahir Y K

008186 Lahir Y K (Biology Dep, Jai Hind College, Basantsing Institute of Science, A - Road, Church Gate, Mumbai-400 020) : On the study of carbohydrates in teleosts - III effects of tolbutamide administration on glucose and glycogen in Tilapia mossambica (Peters) and Macrones gulio (Hamilton). Biochem Cell Archs 2007, 7(2), 199-204.

Tolbutamide, sulfonamide and sulfonamidc derivatives have been reported to play -role in activating beta cells of the pancreas in order to elevate the insulin production and influence carbohydrates. Although it is reported that in general fish are intolerant to glucose but in present study the fluctuations in the contents of glucose and glycogen have been observed in fresh water and marine fish. This investigation reports on the effects of tolbutamide on the contents of glucose and glycogen in the tissues of T. mossambica an herbivore, fresh water fish and M. gulio, a carnivore, marine fish. Administration of tolbutamide caused decline in glucose and glycogen contents in the tissues of these fish during early hours of the drug administration. The glucose contents in liver, heart , blood and body muscles of T. mossambica and were found to reach quite close to the control values after 6 hours drug administration while glucose contents in the blood and body muscles in M. gulio were found to be elevated quite more than the control values in the same period. The glucose contents in liver and heart in this did not reach up to the control level"even after 6 hours of drug administration. The glycogen contents in liver and body muscles in T. mossambica were found to be reduced initially and reached quite close to the control values during 6 hours, while in heart of the same fish glycogen contents fluctuated up to 6 hours. The glycogen contents in liver of M. gulio declined up to 4 hours and then elevated but did not reach close to the control values. The glycogen contents in the heart of M. gulio declined very slightly during 2 hours of drug administration and remained elevated while the glycogen contents in body muscles were found to be elevated during 2 hours followed by gentle declines.

4 tables, 12 ref

Biodegradation potential of the selected bacterial strains isolated from Sagar lake

Kumari S;Mehta A;Shukla S;John J;Mehta P

Phytochemical and antibacterial studies on bark extracts of Saraca asoca (roxb.) against pathogenic bacteria

Katiyar K;Lokendra Singh;Kunal Kishor;Vats P

Eliminating ecological overshoot

John Cairns

Water temperature and primary production in the euphotic zone of a tropical shallow freshwater lake

Chattopadhyay C;Banerjee T C

Relationship of Pasteurella multocida B: 2 plasmids with antibiotic resistance
Chachra D;Jand S K;Coote J;Parton R;Arora A K

008181   Chachra D;Jand S K;Coote J;Parton R;Arora A K (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Relationship of Pasteurella multocida B: 2 plasmids with antibiotic resistance. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(11), 1111-14.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

Preparing for the post-industrial age
Cairns J

008180   Cairns J (Biological Sciences Dep, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ, Blacksburg, Virginia-24061, USA) : Preparing for the post-industrial age. Asian J expl Sci 2008, 22(1), 13-24.

The Industrial Age has been made possible by cheap, abundant fossil fuels, primarily petroleum and coal. The life expectancy of an industrial civilization is about 100 years. Some forecasts estimate the critical period of the current age to be from 1930 to approximately 2030. A key to this range is peak oil, which may occur in 2007. After peak oil, a terminal decline will occur in the industrial civilization because replacement or substitute energy sources are not as attractive as petroleum. Coal is a poor replacement for petroleum and produces twice as many greenhouse gases and also is finite in reserves. Nuclear energy poses formidable radioactive waste disposal problems, and, in France and Spain, nuclear power plants had to shut down when the cooling water became too warm. Biofuels have serious problems, the worst of which is reducing the food supply. Predictions that the human population will reach 9 billion in 2050 means less per capita energy even if energy availability does not diminish and much less per capita if it does diminish as peak oil models predict. The post-industrial age is almost certain to be an age of scarcity with painful contrasts to the cornucopian Industrial Age. Alternative energy sources such as wind and solar are essential, but will not replace the "fossil sunlight" of the Industrial Age.

ref

The globalization of Homo sapiens
Cairns J

008179   Cairns J (Biological Sciences Dep, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ, Blacksburg, Virginia-24061, USA) : The globalization of Homo sapiens. Asian J expl Sci 2008, 22(1), 1-12.

Homo sapiens began as a small-group species 160,000 years ago and remained tribal until the Agricultural Revolution about 10,000 years ago. Exponential growth began at that time and accelerated during the Industrial Revolution until, during the 20th century, the population doubling time was less than the human life span in some countries. In the latter part of the 20th century, the ecological overshoot rose to 24%, which meant humankind was exceeding Earth's carrying capacity. In addition, global heating and other types of climate change threatened to reduce food supplies, while population continued to grow. About one-half the population lived reasonably successfully in urbanized areas, although post-peak oil would probably make this undertaking more difficult. Most important, nations had not developed world governance to manage such problems as: (1) global heating and other types of climate change, (2) acidification of the oceans, (3) regulation of carbon dioxide [which affects both problems (1) and (2)] and other greenhouse gases, (4) stabilization of the human population within Earth's carrying capacity, (5) equitable and fair allocation of resources among humans and with the 30+ million other life forms with which humans share the planet, (6) management of the global commons, (7) requiem for reason. In order to address these global problems successfully, humankind must quickly develop global governance systems that transcend national limits so that the biospheric life support system is restored to and maintained in a healthy condition.

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Genetic burden of red cell enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in two major scheduled tribes of Sundargardh district, northwestern Orissa, India
Balgir R S

008178   Balgir R S (Human Gentics Div, Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR), Opposite Kalinga Hospital, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar-751 023, Email: balgirrs@yahoo.co.in) : Genetic burden of red cell enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in two major scheduled tribes of Sundargardh district, northwestern Orissa, India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(6), 768-74.

Study was carried out with the aim of field evaluation of the incidence/ prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in two tribal populations, Bhuyan and Kharia of Orissa. It was found that the overall deficiency of enzyme was high in both Kharia (24.9%) and Bhuyan (16.9%) Scheduled Tribes and the difference between them was also statistically highly significant (P<60>0.001). Both males and females were equally vulnerable. The frequency of G-6-PD deficiency was recorded to be 22.5, 16.8 and 13.7% in Paraja, Paik and Paudi Bhuyans, respectively in Sundargarh District, Orissa. The deficiency was higher in Dhelki Kharia (30.4%) in comparison to Dudh Kharia (20.4%), suggesting their genetic divergence from each other in due course of time (P <60> 0.001). The deficiency of 30.4% in Dhelki Kharia tribal community reported from Orissa is the highest in India. The genetic burden of G-6-PD deficiency is very high in these tribal populations of Orissa, which may result in a high degree of morbidity, mortality and neonatal wastage. From clinical point of view, antimalarials should be administered with caution in malaria-endemic tribal populations.

3 tables, 29 ref

Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism
Arora H

008177   Arora H (School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilaya Vishwavidhyalya, Takshshila Campus, Indore-452 001) : Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism. Biochem Cell Archs 2007, 7(1), 57-67.

In the present investigation, efforts have been made to detect the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) which is a DNA sequence variation occurring between the members of the same species. Isolation of genomic DNA was made from the blood samples. WEE1 gene found on the human 11th chromosome was selected for the purpose. Eight sets of primers were used for the standardization of WEE1. The genomiphi DNA was produced by amplification of normal DNA samples. Sequencing of the amplified and eluted samples was done by following the sequencing PCR protocol. The SNPs found were NOVEL SNP.

3 tables, 12 ref

Separation and partial characterization of N-acetyl β-D glucosaminidase from chickpea seeds
Aheromand M;Bhide S V

008176   Aheromand M;Bhide S V (Biochemistry Dep, Medical Sciences Ahwaz Jondi Shapur Univ, Ahwaz, Iran) : Separation and partial characterization of N-acetyl β-D glucosaminidase from chickpea seeds. Biochem Cell Archs 2007, 7(2), 225-30.

A soluble N-acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase from chickpea seeds were purified by conventional methods of protein isolation. Analytical electrophoresis of the purified preparation in 12% polyacrylamidegels stained with Coomassie blue and silver staining was found to give a single band for enzyme activity. The Km and Vmax values for p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl>glucosaminide were determined to be 45.5 uM and 741.8 units, respectively. The purified enzyme is a glycoprotein with 3.1% carbohydrate. Optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme activity were 4.8 and 40°C.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

Novel β -D-galactosidase from chickpea seeds
Aberomand M;Bhide S V

008175   Aberomand M;Bhide S V (Biochemistry Dep, Medical Sciences Ahwaz Jondishapur Univ, Ahvaz, Iran, Email: aberumand@yahoo.com) : Novel β -D-galactosidase from chickpea seeds. Biochem Cell Archs 2007, 7(2), 245-51.

A new β-D-galactosidase was purified to apparent homogeneity from chickpea seeds. The enzyme was purified by procedures including precipitation with ammonium sulfate, ion-exchange chromatography on CMCellulose and affinity chromatography. These steps resulted a purification of 1338.6 -fold, a yield of about 9.5%. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 23.4 kDa and 24.6 kDa by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE, respectively. The pH and temperature optimum of the activity were about 3.6 and 50°C respectively. The Vmax and Km value for the enzyme were 75.1 and 1 mM for p-nitrophenyl (3-D-galactopyranoside. β-D-galactosidase obtained with 1.1% of carbohydrate.

4 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

Assessment of cytotoxic potentiality of medicinal plant (Momordica charantia) furit extract on the root meristem cells of Vicia faba
Yadav S;Yadav H

007262   Yadav S;Yadav H (Botany Dep, Plant Cytogenetics Lab, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 001) : Assessment of cytotoxic potentiality of medicinal plant (Momordica charantia) furit extract on the root meristem cells of Vicia faba. Pollut Res 2007, 26(1), 113-16.

Momordica charantia fruit extract aqueous solution was proved to be mitodepressive except with l00 ppm concentration for 2 hrs. treatment. The mitodepressiveness increased as the time of exposure was increased. Several chromosomal aberrations were also induced during the treatment. The significant aberrations recorded were breakage of chromosomes, chromatid separation, chromosomal clumping and extrusion at metaphase. Chromosomal breakage, bridge formation and polarity abolition at anaphase were also recorded.

1 table, 11 ref

Paddy straw as substrate for ethanol production
Wati L;Kumari S;Kundu B S

007261   Wati L;Kumari S;Kundu B S (Microbiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: lwkraj@hau.ernet.in) : Paddy straw as substrate for ethanol production. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 26-9.

Pretreatment of paddy straw with 2% sodium hydroxide at 15 psi for 1 h resulted in 83% delignification. The hydrolysis of alkali treated paddy straw with a commercial preparation of cellulase for 2 h at 50°C resulted in release of 65% total reducing sugars. Maximum sugars were released at enzyme loading of 1.5% (v/v). The fermentation of hydrolysate supplemented with nutrients by S. cerevisiae resulted in the production of 20-30 g L^-1 ethanol after 48 h incubation which was further improved with addition of yeast nitrogen base and inoculated with 1% (w/v) yeast cells.

4 tables, 14 ref

Hydro-biological assessment of Daryabganj lake, Etah dist., Uttar Pradesh
Vishwakant;Saxena R S

007260   Vishwakant;Saxena R S (Zoology Dep, Agra College, Agra-282 002) : Hydro-biological assessment of Daryabganj lake, Etah dist., Uttar Pradesh. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 126.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

Coral reef fish abundance and diversity of seagrass beds in Kavaratti atoll, Lakshadweep, India
Vijay Anand P E;Pillai N G K

007259   Vijay Anand P E;Pillai N G K (NO, American Soyabean Association, N. 149, Jor Bagh, New Delhi-110 003) : Coral reef fish abundance and diversity of seagrass beds in Kavaratti atoll, Lakshadweep, India. Indian J Fish 2007, 54(1), 11-20.

The community organization of coral reef fishes in the seagrass sub-habitat of Kavaratti toll, Lakshadweep, India was studied during the period from January 1991 to June 1992. Twenty-seven families represented by 65 species were recorded by the visual censes method. The community diversity for families and species was 2.49 and 3.14 respectively. Juveniles and sub-adults of the most adult reef fish, which inhabit other sub-habitats, were recorded here. The high species diversity in the seagrass beds is due to their roles as nurseries, shelter and foraging grounds for many species. Labridae, Chaetodontidae, Acanthuridae and Mullidae were the most speciose families. Ocurrence of siganids was highly seasonal. The cover that seagrass canopy provides conceals many species and perhaps influenced counts. The occurrence of balistids could be related to the presence of interstitial and patches and abundant invertebrate food. Scorpaenids subsisted on abundant invertebrates and juveniles fishes. High counts and pronounced variations make seagrass beds unstable habitats. However, monsoon assemblages were relatively stable perhaps due to lack of excessive new recruits and a habitat shift by most species.

2 tables, 22 ref

New record of the stromateoid fish Psenopsis intermedia (Piontrovskiy, 1987) from Indian waters
Thomas S;Rohit P

007258   Thomas S;Rohit P (NO, Mangalore Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institu, Mangalore-573 001) : New record of the stromateoid fish Psenopsis intermedia (Piontrovskiy, 1987) from Indian waters. Indian J Fish 2007, 54(1), 127-30.

The occurrence of Psenopsis intermedia off Malpe, in the Arabian sea, which is not recorded so far from the Indian waters is reported. The comparison of the mersitic and morphometric characters of the specimens with the holotype and paratype of the species is presented.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in patients with carcinoma of prostate
Surapaneni K M;Venkata Ramana G

007257   Surapaneni K M;Venkata Ramana G (Biochemistry Dep, Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Chinoutpally, Gannavaram-521 286, Email: krishnamohan_surapaneni@yahoo.com) : Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in patients with carcinoma of prostate. Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2006, 50(4), 350-4.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer found in men above the age of fifty years and is frequently diagnosed in men between 45 and 89 years of age with a median age of 72 years. This work was undertaken to assess oxidative stress and anti oxidant status in patients with carcinoma of prostate. Glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) levels in Erythrocytes and plasma Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) levels were estimated in patients with carcinoma of prostate and compared to controls. It was observed that Erythrocyte GSH levels were significantly lower and Erythrocyte MDA & SOD levels were significantly higher in patients with carcinoma of prostate compared to controls. No significant change was observed in case of GST compared to controls. Oxidative stress may be involved in prostate cancer as evidenced by the higher MDA levels and lower GSH levels. The increased activity of antioxidant enzyme may be a compensatory regulation in response to oxidative stress.

1 table, 24 ref

Impact of education on knowledge, attitudes and practices among various categories of health care workers on nosocomial infections
Suchitra J B;Lakshmi Devi N

007256   Suchitra J B;Lakshmi Devi N (Microbiology Dep, Mysore University, Mysore-570 006, Email: suchitrapreetham@yahoo.com ) : Impact of education on knowledge, attitudes and practices among various categories of health care workers on nosocomial infections. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 181-7.

The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices among the different health care workers (HCWs) on nosocomial infections. A total of 150 HCWs, doctors (n=50), nurses (n=50) and ward aides (n=50) were included. A questionnaire was administered to the HCWs to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices on nosocomial infections. A scoring system was devised to grade those (KAP score). They were further subjected to a series of similar questionnaires at intervals of 6, 12 and 24 months after an education module. Subjects in each category of staff (n=10) were observed for compliance to hand washing practices in the ward in the post-education period. Statistical analysis was done using statistical software. The study showed an increase in the number of subjects in each category scoring good and excellent in the post-education questionnaire; however this declined with the progress of time. It was observed that the compliance level to hand washing practices differed among the different HCWs. Total compliance was 63.3% and ward aides were most compliant 76.7% (adjusted Wald 95% CI= 58.80- 88.48). Education has a positive impact on retention of knowledge, attitudes and practices in all the categories of staff. There is a need to develop a system of continuous education for all the categories of staff. In order to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections, compliance with interventions are mandatory.

1 illus, 8 tables, 19 ref

Typing of Aeromonas hydrophila of fish and human diarrhoeal origin by out membrane proteins and lipopolysaccharides
Subhashkumar R;Vivekanandhan G;Raja S S S; Natarajaseenivasan K;Thayumanavan T;Lakshmanaperumalsamy P

007255   Subhashkumar R;Vivekanandhan G;Raja S S S; Natarajaseenivasan K;Thayumanavan T;Lakshmanaperumalsamy P (NO, Biologic Research Centre, Peelamedu, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: plpsamy@rediffmail.com) : Typing of Aeromonas hydrophila of fish and human diarrhoeal origin by out membrane proteins and lipopolysaccharides. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 46-50.

Study was undertaken to discriminate the strains of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish and diarrhoeal samples by SDS-PAGE analysis of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). Common bands at 47 kDa positions for OMPs and at 31-38 kDa for LPSs were observed. No strain of A. hydrophila from clinical or fish samples was found identical in either OMPs or LPSs profile.

2 illus, 22 ref

Alterations in the protein metabolism of the fish, Mystus vittatus exposed to pesticidal stress under laboratory condtitions
Sornaraj R;Ranjit Singh A J A;Pushparaj A

007254   Sornaraj R;Ranjit Singh A J A;Pushparaj A (Zoology Dep, Kamaraj College, Thoothukudi-628 003) : Alterations in the protein metabolism of the fish, Mystus vittatus exposed to pesticidal stress under laboratory condtitions. Pollut Res 2007, 26(1), 107-12.

Changes in protein metabolism was observed in the fish M. vittatus on treatment with two sub lethal concentrations of parrysulfan, an organochlorine pesticide (0.1672 ppm and 0.3345 ppm) and sicocil, an organophosphate pesticide (0.3358 ppm and 0.6717 ppm). The level of total protein content decreased in the muscle and in the liver tissues. The levels of free amino acid, acid protease and alkaline protease in muscle and liver tissues of the pesticide exposed fish showed an increasing trend in correlation with the increase of duration of exposure and concentration of pesticide treatment. About 43 - 48% reduction was observed in the protein content of the muscle and 47 - 48% in the liver tissues. About 50% increase was observed in the free amino acid content in both muscle and liver tissues but with regard to acid protease and alkaline protease, it was surprise to record an increase of 80% in both the muscle and liver tissues. High-energy demand associated with the pesticidal stress condition was met out by utilization of body protein in glycogenesis.

4 tables, 23 ref

Protective potential of probiotics against colon cancer - mechanistic consideration
Singh N K;Sinha P R;Arvind Kumar

007253   Singh N K;Sinha P R;Arvind Kumar (Animal Biochemistry Div, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: nikhil24216@yahoo.com) : Protective potential of probiotics against colon cancer - mechanistic consideration. Indian J Dairy Sci 2007, 60(4), 223-9.

Studies offer evidence for a variety of mechanisms which might include: effect of probiotics on bacterial enzyme activity; antigenotoxicity of probiotics; effect on aberrant crypt foci formation; effect on concentration of secondary bile acids; immune system stimulation and role of probiotic metabolites in cancer prevention.

1 illus, 40 ref

Antioxidant activity and nutraceutical potential of some soybean varieties
Singh B N;Barthwal J;Upadhyay G;Singh H B; Dhan Prakash;Singh R L

007252   Singh B N;Barthwal J;Upadhyay G;Singh H B; Dhan Prakash;Singh R L (Nutraceutical Chemistry Dep, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Antioxidant activity and nutraceutical potential of some soybean varieties. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 83-6.

In order to find antioxidant activity and nutraceuticai potential, seeds, leaves and pod pericarp of nine varieties of Glycine max were analysed for their total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant activity (AOA) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA). TPC showed wide variation from 15.9 to 125.6 mg GAE/g and AOA was ranged from 11.2% (seeds, JS-355) to 82.1% (leaves, VLS-47). The leaf extracts of variety Indra Soya, NRC-2, PS-1042 and VLS-47 exhibited high amounts of TPC (91.6-125.6 mg GAE/g extract) and AOA (53.7-82.1%). In general, leaves of all the varieties were found to have higher TPC and antioxidant activity followed by seeds and pod pericarp. They were further subjected to FRSA assayed by DPPH free radical and expressed in terms of IC₅₀ (inhibitory concentration) that ranged from 0.07 to 1.78 mg/ml, EC₅₀ (efficiency concentration) from 3.0 to 77.3 mg/mg DPPH and ARP (antiradical power) from 1.2 to 32.9. The leaves of varieties VLS-47 showed the highest FRSA followed by Indra Soya and PS-1042 as evident by their low IC₅₀ EC₅₀ and high ARP values, than rest of the varieties. The reducing power expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent (ASE/ml) of leaf extracts of these varieties (1.1-1.5 ASE/ml) was found to be better than reference standard. The specific phenolic composition showed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, daidzein, genestein, kaempferol, quercetin and rutin. Among all the varieties studied, leaves of VLS-47 were found to possess higher gallic (72.5 μg/g) and ferulic acids (47.2 μg/g). The results may be of importance for development of antioxidant nutraceuticals and bio-pharmaceuticals.

2 tables, 20 ref

Nanobacteria-Not life forms but nano-particulate nidi for calcification
Sharma O P

007251   Sharma O P (NO, Indian Veterinary Research Institute Regional Station, Palampur-176 061, Email: omsharma53@yahoo.com) : Nanobacteria-Not life forms but nano-particulate nidi for calcification. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 92.

^ssc10 ref

Nanobacteria - not life forms but nano-particulate nidi for calcification
Sharma O P

007250   Sharma O P (NO, Indian Veterinary Research Institute Regional Station, Palampur-176 061, Email: omsharma53@yahoo.com) : Nanobacteria - not life forms but nano-particulate nidi for calcification. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 92.

^ssc10 ref

Circulating filarial antigen in serum and hydrocele fluid from individuals living in an endemic area for bancroftian filariasis
Shah A P;Mulla S A

007249   Shah A P;Mulla S A (Microbiology Dep, Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat-395 001, Email: draartishah@yahoo.co.uk) : Circulating filarial antigen in serum and hydrocele fluid from individuals living in an endemic area for bancroftian filariasis. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 253-5.

Study examined circulating filarial antigen by monoclonal antibody Og4C3-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 114 men with hydrocele, living in an endemic area. Nocturnal blood and hydrocele fluid were collected and examined for microfilaria. ELISA was performed on serum and hydrocele fluid for detection of antigen. Amongst 114 cases, 5(4.4%) showed microfilaria in blood but none in fluid. ELISA was positive in 13(11.40%) serum and 5 (4.4%) fluid samples. All five fluid antigen positive cases were positive for antibodies and showed microfilaria in blood. These findings emphasize the use of circulating filarial antigen detection and alternative usage of hydrocele fluid for diagnosis of filariasis.

^ssc1 table, 13 ref

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an emerging infection in a non-endemic area and a brief update
Rastogi V;Nirwan P S

007248   Rastogi V;Nirwan P S (Microbiology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer-305 001, Email: drvjlata@rediffmail.com) : Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an emerging infection in a non-endemic area and a brief update. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 272-5.

Reports the emergence of a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) in the Ajmer city of Rajasthan, India, a previously non-endemic area. Between January-February 2006, 13 new indigenously acquired cases of CL were diagnosed among the patients attending the Skin and STD department, JLN Hospital, Ajmer. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, demonstration of amastigotes (LT bodies) in Giemsa stained smear of the lesion and response to intralesional / local anti-leishmania drug therapy. In addition, culture of the pro mastigote forms of L. tropica from the lesion was successfully attempted in four of the smear negatives cases. By retrospective analysis, 23 new indigenous cases of CL have been diagnosed in the same setting during the period January 2004 - December 2005, based on clinical and therapeutic response alone. There was no clear-cut history of sandfly bite and travel outside the district or state to endemic area in any of the cases. However, all of them came from a common residential area (famous dargah of Ajmer) and the peak incidence was seen in January, four months after the famous Urs fair of Ajmer, the location was urban and the lesions were characteristic of L. tropica. Therefore, the disease is suspected to be anthroponotic. These features are suggestive of a common mode of transmission, source and/or vector signalling introduction of this infection into a non-endemic area.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

Differential scanning calorimetric studies on the interaction of N-acylethanolamines with cholesterol
Ramakrishnan M;Tarafdar P K;Kamlekar R K; Swamy M J

007247   Ramakrishnan M;Tarafdar P K;Kamlekar R K; Swamy M J (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dep, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA, Email: mjssc@uohyd.ernet.in ) : Differential scanning calorimetric studies on the interaction of N-acylethanolamines with cholesterol. Curr Sci 2007, 93(2), 234-8.

Earlier studies have suggested the formation of a 1:1 (mol/mol) complex between N-myristoylethanolamine (NMEA) and cholesterol in aqueous dispersion. In the study, this interaction has been investigated further by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on dry mixtures of NMEA, N-palmitoylethanolamine (NPEA) and N-stearoylethanolamine (NSEA) with cholesterol. The results obtained indicate that addition of cholesterol to NMEA leads to a new phase transition at 86.5°C, besides the solid-liquid phase transition of NMEA at 95°C. The intensity of the peak corresponding to the new transition increases with cholesterol content up to 50 mol %, but decreases thereafter, whereas the intensity of the peak corresponding to the melting of NMEA decreases with increasing cholesterol content, with concomitant and gradual shift to lower temperatures and vanishes at 50 mol % cholesterol. These results are consistent with the formation of a 1:1 molar complex between NMEA and cholesterol proposed earlier and indicate that these two amphiphiles are associated in the solid state as well. DSC studies on hydrated mixtures of NPEA and NSEA with cholesterol yielded results that parallel those obtained with the NMEA/cholesterol system, indicating that these two long-chain NAEs also form 1: 1 (mol/mol) complexes with cholesterol.

3 illus, 30 ref

Dechlorination of chlorobenzoates by an isolated bacterial culture
Raji S;Mitra S;Sumathi S

007246   Raji S;Mitra S;Sumathi S (Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: sumathis@iitb.ac.in) : Dechlorination of chlorobenzoates by an isolated bacterial culture. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1126-9.

Range of chlorobenzoates is produced as dead-end metabolites during the microbial degradation of chlorinated aromatic compounds, including polychlori-nated biphenyls (PCBs) and some herbicides. Hence studies on the microbial degradation of composites of chlorobenzoates are important for developing an effective bioremediation technology. An isolated bacterial culture had the ability to tolerate and grow in the presence of 2-chlorobenzoate (2-cba), 3-chlorobenzoate (3-cba), 4-chlorobenzoate (4-cba), a mixture of these chlorobenzoate isomers, 4-chloro,2-nitrobenzoate (4cnb) and chlorobenzene (cbz) using benzoate as the growth substrate. The microbial culture was able to dechlori-nate all the above-mentioned chloroaromatics as well as their mixture to the extent of 50-75 % under aerobic conditions. The rate of dechlorination followed the order mixture <62> 3-cba <62> 4-cba <62> 2-cba, with maximal release of 60, 75, 60 and 50 ppm of free chloride respectively, in the presence of 0.6% benzoate. Dechlorination appeared to begin at the end of the exponential growth phase and followed a linear course until the end of the lytic phase. The dechlorinating property of the isolated bacterial culture enabling it to act on mixtures of chlorinated benzoates in the presence of growth substrates such as benzoate may be useful for remediation of sites contaminated with PCB.

4 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

AIDS EPI centres are urban slums in Warangal (A.P.), south India
Radha Krishna M;Krishna Reddy M;Laxmi Prasad K;Rama Krishna D

007245   Radha Krishna M;Krishna Reddy M;Laxmi Prasad K;Rama Krishna D (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, Email: mrkrishnamuttineni@yahoo.co.in) : AIDS EPI centres are urban slums in Warangal (A.P.), south India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 0000, 26(1), 39-43.

Warangal is the largest city and a municipal corporation in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh, a southern state of India. The city is located in the Telangana region of the state. It is the fourth largest city in Andhra Pradesh and the 32nd biggest city in India, with a population of 928,570 (including Hanumakonda). Slums are located on city out skirts and at Industrial areas, railway, bus stations. In slum areas, clinics are maintained by private medical practitioners with focus on injection treatment. During the period between April 2004 and April 2005, with the help of established questionnaire and informed consent, HIV positive status was recorded in various private medical practitioners' clinics located in slums. In April 2004, 21.87% and in April 2005, 31.25 HIV Sero prevalence and incidence was recorded. In one year period, it is increased by 10%. These results show that infection was increasing in urban slum areas due to various reasons. Non-Governmental organizations, Governmental organizations should provide mandatory training to private medical professionals on HIV/AIDS awareness programs and also provide a facility to recycle the clinical waste of the same and provide safer needle devises to blunt the needles after use.

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