007244   Payasi A;Sanwal G G (Biochemistry Dep, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007) : Biochemistry of fruit ripening. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 51-60.

Ripening is the final stage of development of a fruit, which involves series of physiological and biochemical events leading to changes in colour, flavour, aroma and texture that make them both, attractive and tasty. It imparts numerous quality and nutritional characteristics to fruits, a significant component of the human diet. Texture changes during ripening help in determining the shelf life of a fruit and softening during ripening is associated with biochemical changes in cell wall. An understanding of these changes would help in formulating procedures to control fruit ripening. Review has been made to coalesce recent findings on biochemical aspects of fruit ripening in general and banana in particular.

125 ref

007243   Patil S L;Kale A (Biotechnology Centre, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: aakale2003@yahoo.com) : Biochemical events associated with bollworm complex resistance in cotton. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 61-9.

Leaves, squares and bolls of the wild species had significantly higher trypsin inhibitor activity and polyphenol contents than the cultivated susceptible species of cotton. The contents of structural barriers such as ADF, NDF, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were much higher in the wild species than the cultivated ones. The wild species, however, had lower soluble protein contents in the plant parts viz., leaves, squares and bolls. The levels of PPO and POD were found to be higher in the various plant parts of wild species than the cultivated species. The trypsin inhibitor activity, polyphenols, structural barriers, POD, PPO were decreased in leaves, squares and bolls of varieties of cultivated species after infestation of bollworm complex.

5 tables, 23 ref

007242   Pandey J;Sood S S;Jain R K (NO, Institute of Microbiol Technology, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, Email: rkj@imtech.res.in) : Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis: Characterizing the unseen. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 90-1.

Golden era of microbiology during early 1900s was based on the isolation and characterization of purified single cultures. However, since the understanding of limitations of culturing methods to decipher the majority of the microbial diversity, microbiologists have been keen to assess the abundance and distribution of microbial diversity by alternative methods. The quest has been further fueled by the idea of relating such information about the community structure to the ecosystem function. Therefore, the goal of new cohort of modem day microbiologists is to understand microbial community structure and dynamics within their natural habitats. Consequently, a wide variety of culture independent approaches and methods for microbial community structure determination have been develªoped and applied to varied ecosystems. By far the majority of such methods use direct isolation of genetic content from the environmental samples and PCR amplification of genes of interest for bypassing the culturing biases. Existing methods include Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA), Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP), Thermal and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (TGGE and DGGE), Amplified Length Heterogeneity (ALH) analysis and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis.

^ssc6 ref

007241   Paliwal P;Khemani L D (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative activities of Coccinia indica in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Indian J vet Res 2006, 15(2), 1-9.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of the plant Coccinia indica was assessed in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Lipid peroxidation was measured in normal, diabetic and treated animals. Blood sugar and lipid peroxidation level were higher and antioxidant level was found low in diabetic group from the normal group. A significant alteration in the blood sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidant activity was observed in diabetic animals exposed to ethanolic leaf ethanolic leaf+alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and glibenclamide for 15 consecutive days. Coccinia indica not only reduced the oxidative stress but also strengthened the antioxidative potential.

3 tables, 22 ref

007240   Ozarkar A D;Prakash D;Deobagkar D N;Deobagkar D D (Molecular Biology Research Lab and Institute of Bioinformatics and Bio, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: dddeo@unipune.ernet.in) : Distinct polymorphism of DBL α domain of the var gene in laboratory-cultured and clinical field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. Curr Sci 2007, 93(2), 219-23.

Plasmodiasis (malaria) is a major health problem in sub Saharan Africa and southern Asia. The deadly infectious disease kills more than a million people a year. The most fatal form of the disease is caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. P. falciparum harbours multi-copy var genes. The var genes encode PfEMP-l protein (P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein) which is deposited on the parasite-infected erythrocyte membrane. This protein plays a crucial role in the sequestration of P-RBC to an array of receptors on the endothelial cells of post-capillary venules. The phenomenon is implicated in the immunopathology of the disease. Analysed the Duffy binding-like domain (DBLα) of var genes by PCR in cultured parasites from India (FANSHS, PUNEl, FMN17), Thailand (SOHS, MP14), the Netherlands (3D7), and uncultured clinical isolates from malaria patients (Pune, India). The analysis shows extensive size polymorphism in the var gene repertoire when analysed using different combinations of primers of the DBLα domain. Though all the parasites used in the study have amplified multiple bands with the three sets of DBLα primers, it also shows distinct polymorphism between the Indian, Thailand and the Netherlands parasites, as well as between laboratory cultured and uncultured clinical field parasite isolates. The importance of these studies and the possible use of var gene polymorphism in the epidemiology of malaria to understand pathogenesis is discussed.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

007239   Omalu I C J;Duhlinska D D;Anyanwu G I;Pam V A;Inyama P U (Biological Sciences Dep, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria) : Immune responsivenss associated with experimental Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in immunocompetent rats. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 209-13.

Study was designed to study immune responses associated with experimental Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in immunocompetent rats. Thirty-four rats in 3 groups, A (Control), B (Intraperitoneal) and C (Oral) were given injections of 0.5 ml of 2 x 10⁶ of purified spores of Encephalitotozoon intestinalis spores and were observed for serum specific IgG for 21 days using both direct and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In indirect ELISA, specific IgG were detected on days 7, 14 and 21 for the group B rats and on day 21 for group C and in direct ELISA method, specific IgG were detected in-group Brats on days 7 and 21, for group C rats on day 21 only, while in the control rats, specific IgG were not detected. There was no significant difference between the direct and indirect methods (df=1, X², P<62>0.05). E. intestinalis was observed in stool samples of rats in l/12 (08.33%) on days 14 and 21 in group B, and in 4/10 (33.33%), 3/10 (25.00%) and 2/10 (16.67%) on days 7, 14 and 21 respectively in group C. In group A, which is the control rats, no microsporidia were observed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. There were no changes in the T-Iymphocyte counts of rats prior to and after inoculation with spores. Extensive lesions were observed along the intestinal walls especially on the middle and lower sections of group C rats only.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

007238   Naik R S (NO, Naik Nursing Home, Arya Nagar, Durg-491 001) : Genetic predisposition for Buerger's disease. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 108-10.

2 illus, 13 ref

007237   Murty D S;Gyaneshwari M (Microbiology Dep, SV Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Email: murtyds@rediffmail.com) : Blood cultures in paediatric patients: a study of clinical impact. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 220-4.

Study was undertaken to study the risk factors, duration of incubation for obtaining positive cultures, and the clinical impact of the culture report. A total of 220 samples from 107 pediatric patients presenting with suspected bacteraemia were processed aerobically. Cultures were positive in 18.7% of the samples. Most of the positive cultures were obtained after 24 hours of incubation of the broth and no isolates were obtained beyond day 4 of incubation. Therapy was modified in 54.23% of the patients after receipt of culture report. Incubation beyond four days (unless with specific indication like enteric fever) may be unnecessary for issuing a negative culture report. Repeated isolation of doubtful pathogens confirms true bacteraemia. Early culture report increases therapeutic compliance.

4 tables, 18 ref

007236   Mishra P;Padmadeo S R;Mishra B K (P.G. Biochemistry Dep, Patna University, Patna-800 005) : Isolation and screening of tannase producing Aspergillus strains from tannery soil. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 118-19.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

007235   Mariappan T;Srinivasan R (NO, Vector Control Research Centre (Indian Council of Medical Research), Pondicherry-605 006) : Susceptibility status of Culex quinquefasciatus (Visakhapattinam strain), vector of bancroftian filariasis against two organophosphorous compounds. Entomon 2006, 31(4), 315-17.

The susceptibility status of Culex quinquefasciatus (Visakhapattinam strain, Andhra Pradesh, south India) to two organophosphorous compounds viz., fenthion and temephos which are being currently used in mosquito control programme of the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatinam city was assessed. The LC₅₀, and LC₉₀ of Fenthion function were 0.00179, 0.00722 respectively and of temephos were 0.000259 and 0.00164 respectively. Both the insecticides were sufficiently toxic to be used in mosquito control programmes at Visakhapattinam though they were in use for the past few decades.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

007234   Mantur B G;Amarnath S K;Shinde R S (Microbiology Dep, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, District Hospital Campus, Belgaum-590 001, Email: drbgmantur@rediffmail.com) : Review of clinical and laboratory features of human brucellosis. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 188-202.

Infection with Brucella spp. continues to pose a human health risk globally despite strides in eradicating the disease from domestic animals. Brucellosis has been an emerging disease since the discovery of Brucella melitensis by Sir David Bruce in 1887. Although many countries have eradicated B. abortus from cattle, in some areas B. melitensis and B. suis have emerged as causes of this infection in cattle, leading to human infections. Currently B. melitensis remains the principal cause of human brucellosis worldwide including India. The recent isolation of distinct strains of Brucella from marine mammals as well as humans is an indicator of an emerging zoonotic disease. Brucellosis in endemic and non-endemic regions remains a diagnostic puzzle due to misleading non-specific manifestations and increasing unusual presentations. Fewer than 10% of human cases of brucellosis may be clinically recognized and treated or reported. Routine serological surveillance is not practiced even in Brucella - endemic countries and we suggest that this should be a part of laboratory testing coupled with a high index of clinical suspicion to improve the level of case detection. The screening of family members of index cases of acute brucellosis in an endemic area should be undertaken to pick up additional unrecognised cases. Rapid and reliable, sensitive and specific, easy to perform and automated detection systems for Brucella spp. are urgently needed to allow early diagnosis and adequate antibiotic therapy in time to decrease morbidity / mortality. The history of travel to endemic countries along with exposure to animals and exotic foods are usually critical to making the clinical diagnosis. Laboratory testing is indispensable for diagnosis. Therefore alertness of clinician and close collaboration with microbiologist are essential even in endemic areas to correctly diagnose and treat this protean human infection. Existing treatment options, largely based on experience gained <62> 30 years ago, are adequate but not optimal. In the experience, an initial combination therapy with a three drug-regimen followed by a two-drug regimen for at least six weeks and a combination of two drugs with a minimum of six weeks seems warranted to improve outcome in children and adult patients respectively with laboratory monitoring. A safe and effective vaccine in humans is not yet available. Prevention is dependent upon the control of the disease in animal hosts, effective heat treatment of dairy produce and hygienic precautions to prevent occupational exposure. Compiles the experiences and diagnostic and treatment paradigms currently employed in fighting this disease.

1 illus, 4 tables, 56 ref

007233   Malhotra S;Lal R (Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: duzdel@vsnl.com) : Genus Amycolatopsis: Indigenous plasmids, cloning vectors and gene transfer systems. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 3-14.

Genus Amycolatopsis is a member of the phylogenetic group nocardioform actinomycetes. Most of the members of the genus Amycolatopsis are known to produce antibiotics. Additionally, members of this genus have been reported to metabolize aromatic compounds as the sole sources of carbon and energy. Development of genetic manipulation in Amycolatopsis has progressed slowly due to paucity of genetic tools and methods. The occurrence of indigenous plasmids in different species of Amycolatopsis is not very common. Till date, only three indigenous plasmids viz., pMEA100, pMEA300 and pA387 have been reported in Amycolatopsis species. Various vectors based on the indigenous plasmids, pMEA100, pMEA300 and pA387, have been constructed. These vectors have proved useful for molecular genetics studies of actinomycetes. Molecular genetic work with Amycolatopsis strains is not easy, since transformation methods have to be developed, or at least optimized, for each particular strain. Nonetheless, methods for efficient transformation (polyethyleneglycol (PEG) induced protoplast transformation, transformation by electroporation and direct transformation) have been developed and used successfully for the introduction of DNA into several Amycolatopsis species. The construction of plasmid cloning vectors and the development of gene transfer systems has opened up possibilities for studying the molecular genetics of these bacteria.

^iia11 illus, 66 ref

007232   Madigubba S;Vishwanath K;Reddy G B K G; Vemuganti G K (Pathology Dep, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad-500 028, Email: drsailajamreddy@gmail.com) : Changing trends in ocular cysticercosis over two decades: an analysis of 118 surgically excised cysts. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 214-9.

Retrospective analysis of histology proven ocular cysticercosis cases seen over a period of 20 years (1981 through 2000) was done. The pathology record forms were reviewed for demographics, clinical features with specific reference to the location of cysts in four subgroups: subconjunctival; intraocular orbit and eyelid. The distribution of cases in four five-year periods namely group A: 1981-1985, group B: 1986-1990, group C: 1991-1995 and group D: 1996-2000 and the changing trends in the location of cysts was evaluated. One hundred eighteen cysts from 118 patients aged 4-72 (mean 17.1) years were submitted to the pathology service of S D Eye Hospital, Hyderabad. Male to female ratio was I:1.2. Total number of cases in groups A, B, C and D were 33, 41, 16 and 25 respectively. Location of cysts was subconjunctival - 74 (62.7%); intraocular-31 (26.3%); orbital-8 (7%) and lid-5 (4%). In last 20 years, significant decrease (P=0.0001) was noted in subconjunctival cases (85% vs. 28%) with a significant rise (P=0.0001) in intraocular cysticercosis (6% vs. 60%). Frequency of surgically excised ocular cysticercosis remained constant over last two decades with an increasing manifestation of intravitreal cysticercosis in the recent years. This could imply either improved diagnostic modalities, available expertise in vitreo-retinal surgery or ineffective medical treatment for intraocular parasitic infection. The relative decrease in extraocular cysticercosis is probably due to the increased preference and success with medical management.

6 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

007231   Kumar R V;Tripathi Y K;Yadav V P;Ahlawat S P; Gupta V K (NO, National Research Center for Agroforestry, Jhansi-284 003) : Estimation of genetic relationship in germplasm of Jatropha curcas L. based on peroxidase enzyme activity. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 75-1.

Among forty accessions studied NRCJ-32 exhibited highest (16.78) activity of peroxidase whereas NRCJ-46 lowest (0.7992) production of this enzyme. The differences observed in the enzymatic activity among the accessions were found adequate to analyze the extent of genetic variability at the intra-specific level. Highest genetic identity was observed between NRCJ-32 vs. NRCJ-46 (35.80%) whereas lowest (0.00%) or negligible between NRCJ-35 vs. NRCJ-41. If may help to generate information about growth, development pattern and plant defense mechanism such as stress tolerance, disease resistance of Jatropha curcas L. in terms of enhancement of yield and its components.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

007230   Krishna Murthy R;Cabral L;Vidya R;Dubey S K (Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Mic, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206, Email: dubey_santosh1@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and biological characterization of a tributyltin chloride degrading marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. from Bombay high oil field, India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1073-4.

2 illus, 22 ref

007229   Khaki P;Bhalla P;Sharma P;Chawla R;Bhalla K (Microbiology Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi-110 002, Email: preenadr@gmail.com) : Epidemilogical analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, auxotyping and serotyping. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 225-9.

Study was carried out to analyze the epidemiology of gonorrhea based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, auxotyping and serotyping in New Delhi, India. Sixty gonococcal isolates from males with urethritis, females with endocervicitis and their sexual contacts were studied. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, auxotyping and serotyping for epidemiological characterization. Observed nine antibiotic resistance patterns. Ninety-eight percent of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, while 20% isolates were penicillinase producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and 18.3% isolates were tetracycline resistant N. gonorrhoeae (TRNG). Eight auxotypes were observed, of which the NR (non-requiring), proline requiring and arginine requiring were most common auxotypes. On the basis of serotyping alone, the gonococcal isolates could be differentiated into three serogroups and 18 serovars. Serogroup WI represented 46.7% and WII/III represented 51.7% of isolates and one strain was WI and WII/WIII serogroup combination. When results of auxotyping and serotyping were combined (A/S) 29 Al/S classes could be identified. The most prevalent A/S classes were NR/Aost, NR/Arost, Prof Aost and Pro/Boprt. Although A/S typing had the highest discriminatory index, isolates recovered from index case and their sexual contacts were found to be identical by all typing methods.

4 tables, 18 ref

007228   Kaul S;Brahmadathan K N;Jagannati M; Sudarsanam T D;Pitchamuthu K;Abraham O C;John G (Medical Intesnsive Care Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore-632 004, Email: thambu@cmcvellore.ac.in) : One year trends in the gram-negative bacterial antibiotic susceptibility patterns in a Medical Intensive Care Unit in south India. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 230-5.

Observational study was conducted in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a 2100 bed tertiary care hospital in South India. All data regarding patient characteristics, disease characteristics, infective agents, identified along with their antibiotic sensitivity patterns and patient outcomes were prospectively recorded in MICU data base. Various bacterial pathogen antibiotic sensitivity patterns from August 2004 to May 2005 were prospectively documented. During this period 491 patients were admitted to the MICU. Data were analyzed using excel spreadsheets. Ceftazidime resistance reduced in Klebsiella spp. while cefotaxime resistance increased. In E. coli however, ceftazidime and cefotaxime resistance increased. Klebsiella resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime ranged from 25-50% and 14-91%, while E. coli resistance to these antibiotics ranged from 50-70% and 50 to 80% respectively. In Pseudomonas and the non-fermentil1g gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB) ceftazidime resistance decreased. Third generation cephalosporin resistance seemed to be reducing in the NFGNB, however, carbapenem resistance appeared to be increasing, possibly due to their increasing use. The study demonstrates the trend in antibiotic susceptibility pattern (AST) of common gram negative infections seen in intensive care units. It demonstrates the changes seen especially after a change in the protocol antibiotic. Changes in the AST patterns of Klebsiella, E. coli, Pseudomonas and non-fermenting gram negative bacteria were seen. The data on the changing antibiotic susceptibility trends we believe is an important pillar in our efforts at infection control especially in intensive care settings.

5 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

007227   Katoch R (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalay, Palampur-176 062) : Effect of elicitors and E. polygoni inoculation on the activity of phenol metabolizing enzymes in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 87-91.

Treatment of pea plants with two elicitors (salicylic acid and 4-aminobutyric acid) at 1, 3 and 5mM concentrations of these increase the activity of phenol metabolizing enzymes viz., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonialyase. There was a corresponding change in total and orthodihydroxy phenolic contents. Inoculation of plants with the spores of fungus E. polygoni also resulted in increase in of there parameters. Treatment with salicylic acid was more effective as compared to 4-aminobutyric acid. Spray with 5mM salicylic acid caused large variations in enzyme activities and phenolic contents. The treatment of pea plants with elicitors could strengthen the defense mechanisms by influencing the activity of phenol metabolizing enzymes and Increase in the phenolic contents, which are crucial for disease resistance mechanisms.

2 tables, 25 ref

007226   Katoch P (NO, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Noida-201 303, Email: parul.katoch@gmail.com) : Bacterial batteries. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 93.

^ssc1 ref

007225   Kar D (Life Scie Dep, Assam (Central) Univer, Silchar-11, Email: devashishkar@sify.com) : Panorama of wetlands in north-east India with special emphasis on their eutrophication status. Sci Soc 2006, 4(2), 167-80.

Study had been conducted on some of the wetlands in North-East (NE) India with special emphasis on their eutrophication status. This WWF-India sponsored research under the BHCP Programme revealed moderate eutrophic condition in Sone Beel, Sat Beel and Chatla Haor wetlands in Assam and the Kurti Beel in Tripura. On the other hand, Tumdillake in Mizoram and the Ganga lake in Arunachal Pradesh portrayed mild eutrophic condition. Abundance of BGA, macroªinvertebrates and air-breathing sturdy fishes, .like the Channa spp in many of the wetlands is a striking feature with regard to eutrophication. Proper eutrophication control measures, after proper assessment of limiting nutrients and alternative phosphorus control measures, could yield desirable results in management of eutrophication.

2 illus, 45 ref

007224   Jayanthi M (NO, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, 75, Santhome High Road, Chennai-28) : Engineering aspects of aqua farm design for sustainability of environment and aquaculture. Indian J Fish 2007, 54(1), 59-65.

Engineering aspects of farm design is an important asset for the development of sustainable aquaculture and environment. The aquaculture map prepared from IRS 1C- LISS III satellite data using Geographic Information System indicated that the area under aquaculture was 328 ha in and around Pichavaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Farm design details like slope of primary and secondary dikes, seepage control measures, pond bottom slope, pond and water spread area were measured from aquaculture farms located at Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu and compared with standard design parameters. Soil characteristics like pH, electrical conductivity, porosity and water holding capacity of the farms ranged from 7.51 to 8.29, 6.18 to 15.75 dS/m, 15.21 to 29.71% and 20.7 to 36.8% respectively. The velocity in the drainage channel varied from 0.32 - 0.73 m/sec. The seepage rate was as high as 5.2-13.1 cm/day in soil due to sandy nature. The texture of the soil varied from loamy sand to sandy loam. Village based drainage network is recommended to facilitate proper drainage of wastewater from aquaculture farm.

3 illus, 15 ref

007223   Jahageerdar S;Gopal Krishna;Prasad J K (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, ICAR, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Mumbai-400 061) : Effective spermatozoa to egg ratio for artificial insemination in Labeo rohita (Ham.). Indian J Fish 2007, 54(1), 107-15.

Study was carried out to estimate the minimum effective sperm to egg ratio for rohu (Labeo rohita) for artificial insemination using cryopreserved fish semen. The mean body weights of male and female brooders were 1.25 ± 0.002 and 1.48 ± 0.002 kg, respectively. The average quantity of milt produced was 2.18 + 0.006 ml. and the sperm concentration was 2.58 ± 0.16 X 10¹⁰ ml^-1. The mean number of eggs was 1225 ± 45 per ml. The average fertilization rate obtained with the sperm to egg ratio of 6000:1 was 26.07 ± 2.48; the rates were 48.27 ± 2.77 and 46.55 ± 3.32 for the ratio of 12000:1 and 15000:1, respectively, whereas it was 52.09 ± 3.18% with neat milt. It was found that the sperm to egg ratio of 12000:1 provides an optimum fertilization rate.

5 tables, 26 ref

007222   Goyal S;Kannangai R;Abraham A M;Ebenezer D L; Sridharan G (Clinical Virology Dep, Christian Medical College, Vellore-632 004, Email: rajeshkannangai@hotmail.com) : Lack of increased frequency of human immunodeficiency virus infection in individuals with Dengue-like illness in south India. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 300-1.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

007221   Goyal R;Singh N P;Kaur M;Talwar V (Microbiology Dep, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi-110 095, Email: renugoyal_123@yahoo.co.in) : Antimicrobial resistance in invasive and colonising streptococcus pneumoniae in north India. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 256-9.

Study was done to detect the antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae. One hundred twenty S. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens and 50 from nasopharyngeal sites were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination for penicillin and cefotaxime non-susceptible isolates. A total of 22 isolates (18.3%) from clinical sites and eight (16%) from nasopharyngeal sites showed decreased susceptibility to penicillin by oxacillin disk diffusion test. MICs of 26 of these resistant strains ranged from 0.12-1 μg/mL L (intermediate resistance) by broth dilution and E test. Only four isolates, two from sputum and two from nasopharyngeal swabs, showed MIC of 2 μg/mL (complete resistance). However, MIC of two cefotaxime resistant isolates (by disk diffusion) was in the susceptible range (0.5 μg/mL). Highest antimicrobial resistance was seen to cotrimoxazole (55.2%) and tetracycline (61.2%). Antimicrobial resistance to cotrimoxazole and tetracycline was much more in clinical isolates than colonizing isolates. Multi-drug resistant phenotype was detected in 76.9% (20 of 26) of isolates that were intermediately sensitive to penicillin and 50% (2 of 4) of penicillin resistant isolates (co-resistant to tetracycline and cotrimoxazole). Routine screening for antibiotic susceptibility is recommended for clinical isolates of pneumococci. Strains with reduced susceptibility to penicillin should be subjected to MIC determination to detect relative resistance or true resistance as such strains are associated with increased virulence. The choice of antibiotics should be guided by the prevalence of local resistance patterns of pneumococci.

^ssc2 tables, 16 ref

007220   Galvan A;De Castro F (Microbiology III Dep, Faculty of Biology, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain, Email: fercasat@bio.ucm.es) : Relationships among filamentous microoganisms in rotating biological contactors. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(1), 15-25.

Existing relationships were studied among the different types of filamentous microorganisms that appear in the biofilm of a biological contactor system. Using the hierarchical cluster analysis it was observed that, in all the stages, Beggiatoa sp. and the Eikelboom's types 0803 and 1863 always appeared associated, while Sphaerotilus natans was always associated with the morphological type 021N. The remaining microorganisms were associated in variable forms in the plants. In addition, different association models were obtained according to the season of the year and the stage-season interaction. It has also been observed that a significant correlation exists among the filamentous microorganisms studied and the different physical-chemical parameters.

7 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

007219   Gadakar P K;Phukan S;Dattatreya P M;Balaji V N (Structure Directed Molecular Design Group, Jubilant Biosys Limited, 96, Industrial Suburb, 2nd Stage, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore-560 022, Email: vnbalaji@jubilantbiosys.com) : Enrichment of potent GSK-3β inhibitors from docking studies in the enzyme active site. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1100-7.

Authors have presented molecular docking studies using Glide, in the active sites of the X-ray crystal structures and induced fit models of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-β/7). Using the docking score as the ranking metric, we have computed the enrichment of known GSK-3β inhibitors which are seeded in a decoy set of World Drug Index compounds. Interestingly, stu-dies have found that extra precision docking of compounds into the ensemble of protein structures either from X-ray data or induced fit models and ranking them by GlideScore, lead to the best retrieval of actives in the top 5% and 10% of the database with significant enrichment. Studies emphasize the significance of induced fit models in such enrichment when experimental data are limited.

3 tables, 25 ref

007218   Dewan M (P.G. Zoology Dep, D.A.V. College, Sector 10, Chandigarh) : Prevalence of diabetes in different religions of district Sangrur, Punjab. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 0000, 26(1), 33-7.

Study area constitutes basically people belonging to Hindu, Sikh and Muslim religions. It has been noticed that the prevalence of diabetic cases in Hindus (11.8%) and Muslim (11.9%) population is almost the same. However, incidence of disease is less in Sikh religion (6.9%) in comparison to other religions. Borderline cases are more in Muslim population (37.3%) than that of the Hindus (25.9%) and Sikhs (20.9%). The newly detected cases, however, are more in the Hindu population (6.3%) than in Sikh (5.3%) and Muslim (1.7%) population.

2 tables, 9 ref

007217   Chhabra M;Mittal V;Jaiswal R;Malik S;Gupta M; Lal S (WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Epidemiology, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi-110 054, Email: malachhabra@yahoo.co.in) : Development and evaluation of an in vitro isolation of street rabies virus in mouse neuroblastoma cells as compared to conventional tests used for diagnosis of rabies. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 263-6.

In vitro isolation of rabies virus using mouse neuroblastoma cells (MNA) was evaluated. The sensitivity and reliability of in vitro procedure was performed in comparison with mouse inoculation test (MIT), the in vivo method of virus isolation, direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and Sellers staining. Of the 33 animal brain samples tested, 24 (72.72%) were positive by MIT. Sensitivity of Sellers stain, FAT and rapid tissue culture infection test (RTCIT) was found to be 54.16, 100 and 91.6% respectively. Concordance of Sellers stain, FAT, RTCIT with MIT was found to be 66.6, 100 and 93.93% respectively. Two samples which were positive by FAT and MIT showed gross contamination in cell lines, which is one of the drawbacks of RTCIT. However, rabies virus could be isolated in MNA cells from two of the eight human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from c1inico-epidemiologically suspected cases of rabies. Both MIT and FAT showed negative results in the two CSF samples. RTCIT appears to be a fast and reliable alternative to MIT and holds promise in antemortem diagnosis of rabies, which is otherwise, a challenging task for a reference laboratory.

^ssc14 ref

007216   Chaturvedi M K;Bhatt S;Shukla N P (NO, National Envronmental Engineering Research Institute, Delhi Zonal Lab, A-93/94, Phase-1, Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi-110 028) : Hexavalent chromium removal under anaerobic and aerobic conditions by Bacillus circulans strain MNI. Pollut Res 2007, 26(1), 5-11.

Microbial strain isolated from spent chrome tanning liquor was identified as a new strain of Bacillus circulans as based on its morphology, biochemical characteristics, and its ability to reduce hexavalent chromium in potassium dichromate was investigated. The strain is designated as MNI. The study of this strain to reduce chromate was performed under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Rates of reduction of chromate were proportional to the initial cell density and the initial concentration of chromate. The initial pH was 6.8 and temperature was 30°C. The isolated strain could reduce as much as 10,000 mg.L-l of chromate in the nutrient broth. The percentage reduction with respect to initial chromate concentration increased with the time and maximum reduction with respect to initial chromate concentration were observed at 28 hours of incubation for all the levels of chromate concentration, which varied from 1000 mg.L-l to 10,000 mg.L^-l. Higher percentage reduction with respect to initial chromate concentrations was observed at level of 5000 mg.L^-l and 7500 mg.L^-l of initial chromate concentration in anaerobic conditions. Low percentage reduction with respect to initial chromate concentration was observed during incubation beyond 28 hours for all the concentration levels of chromate in anaerobic as well as aerobic conditions.

1 table, 2 illus, 32 ref

007215   Bednar M;Nemeckova V (Medical Microbiology Dep, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, Email: bednarm@cbox.cz) : Photometric screening for significant bacteriuria. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 301-2.

^ssc1 table, 3 ref

007214   Bannalikar A S;Verma R (Mycobacteria Lab, Bacteriology and Mycology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: rishendra_verma@yahoo.com) : Bacteriologic investigation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from environmental samples from animal dwellings. Indian J vet Res 2006, 15(2), 25-37.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from soil and water samples from animal dwellings were characterized by conventional and biochemical tests. Different decontamination methods were used in selective isolation of mycobacteria from soil and water samples. 3% sodium lauryl sulfate combined with 1% NaOH was found most suitable decontaminant for concentration of both soil and water samples. A total of81 soil and 20 water samples were processed resulting in isolation of 65 mycobacterial strains consisting 57 rapidly growing and 8 slowly growing mycobacteria. The mycobacterial isolates were identified and characterized based on growth rate, pigmentation and biochemical tests. The distribution of mycobacterial isolates as per Runyon's classification was; Group II (Scotochromogenic) 3 isolates (4.6%), Group III (Non-chromogenic & slowly growing) 5 isolates (7.7%) and Group IV (Rapidly growing) 57 isolates (87.7%). The species-wise distribution of 65 mycobacteria was M. fortuitum 33 (50.8%), M. smegmatis 4 (6.2%), M. chelonae 3 (4.6%), M. abcessus 2 (3.1%), M. phlei 9 (13%), M. vaccae 6(9.2%), M avium complex 5 (7.7%) and M. gordonae 3 (4.6%). The mycobacteria isolated from soil included M. fortuitum - 30 (52.6%), M. phlei - 9 (15.8%), M. vaccae and M avium complex - 5 (8.8%) each, M. smegmatis and M. chelonae - 3 (5.3% each) and M. abcessus - 2 (3.5%) while that from water samples included M. fortuitum - 3 (37.5%), M. gordonae - 3 (37.5%), M. smegmatis - 1 (12.5%) and M. vaccae-1 (12.57>). Most mycobacterial species isolated reacted uniformly in the key biochemical tests, variations were however noticed in M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. vaccae and M. avium complex for a few tests.

4 tables, 22 ref

007213   Arseculeratne S N;Atapattu D N;Kumarasiri R; Perera D;Ekanayake D;Rajapakse J (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Peradeniay, Sri Lanka, Email: chubby@sltnet.lk) : Use of MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl) -2, 5-diphenyl - 2H- tetrazolium bromide]-reduction as an indicator of the effects of strain-specific, polyclonal rabbit antisera on Candida albicans and C. krusei. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 267-71.

There is only scanty data on the effects of specific antibody, with or without complement, on Candida albicans or Candida krusei in cell-free systems in vitro, although previously published work has shown that specific antibody mediates anti-ªCandida immunity in vivo by inhibition of adherence to host cells or surfaces and by the promotion of phagocytosis and intra-phagocytic killing. MTI (3-[4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl] -2, 5-diphenyl-2H- tetrazolium bromide)-reduction method as a test of the viability of fungi was used to investigate the effect of complement, normal serum and immune serum on these two species of Candida that are of increasing importance as opportunistic pathogens. Reports that normal rabbit serum or strain-specific, polyclonal anti-Candida rabbit antibody, with or without guinea pig complement, did not cause the reduction of total cellªmass or of the viability of either C. albicans or C. krusei, in vitro as detennined by the MTI-reduction test. Complement alone without specific antibody, also, had no such effect on these two Candida species.

^ssc2 tables, 18 ref

007212   Anuradha K;Sailaja V V;Umabala P;Satheesh T; Lakshmi V (Microbiology Dep, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad-500 082, Email: lgorthi@hotmail.com) : Sensitivity pattern of gram negative bacilli to three β-lactam / β-lactamase inhibitor combinations using the automated API system. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 203-8.

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the spetrum of activity of three β - lactamase inhibitors. Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the clinical specimens received in the laboratory were included in the study. Using the API system (bioMerieux) during a one-year period, a total of 1,252 Enterobacteriaceae and 385 non-fermenters were evaluated. The percentage resistance of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates was 82.92% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 58.22% to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and 22.44% to piperacillin/tazobactam respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance of 96% to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and 61 to piperacillin/tazobactam and Acinetobacter baumannii showed 49% resistance to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and 77% resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam respectively. The isolates exhibited high resistance to all the generations of cephalosporins and the other groups of antibiotics except carbapenems. Piperacillin/tazobactam was found to be the most active combination of the three against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid against Acinetobacter spp. and Stenotrophomonas maltophila.

12 tables, 17 ref

007211   Alfaresi M S;Elkoush A A (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dep - Micarobiology Div, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Email: uaenow@emirates.net.ae) : Determination of hepatitis C virus genothypes by melting - cure analysis of quantitative polymerase chain reaction products. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 249-52.

Hepatitis C virus (HCY) is the major causative agent of non-A and non-B viral hepatitis. Factors associated with disease progression following HCY infection include the viral genotype, the patient's alcohol consumption, and viral load. In the study, the COBAS AMPLICOR HCY MONITOR test, a commercially available quantitative assay for HCY RNA, was used for HCY genotyping analysis. Amplification products obtained from 100 HCY-positive cases were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing using a single pair of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes and melting-curve analysis. Of 100 samples tested, two inhibited the PCR, two samples yielded discrepancies between our results and the reference laboratory results, and the remaining samples provided correct typing. It is suggested that HCY genotypes can be determined rapidly with FRET probes directly from COBAS AMPLICOR MONITOR test PCR products.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

007210   Ahuja I;Malik C P (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: ahuja_ishi@yahoo.co.in) : Changes in enzymatic activities of dark CO₂ metabolism and surcose metabolism during fruit development in Brassica sp. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(2), 97-9.

Enzymes PEP carboxylase, NADP⁺ malate dehydrogenease, NADP⁺ enzyme and glutamate oxaloacetate transminase decreased as the stage advanced (i.e. 10 to 40 DAA) in fruit wall as well as developing seeds. B. oxyrrhina had more activity of these enzymes than B. tournefortii. Both the species had maximum activity of Glutamate exalacetate transaminase compared with other enzymes in fruit wall and developing seeds at all the stages. Comparison of enzyme activities of sucrose metabolism revealed that Fructose 1, 6-biphosphatase decreased as the stage advanced in both the species whereas revers trend was noticed in case of sucrose phosphate synthase. Fruit wall had three fold more activity of surcorse phosphate synthase than in seeds whereas activity of F1, 6 BP was higher in developing seeds than fruit wall in both the species.

^ssc4 tables, 18 ref

007209   Abraham A M;Kavitha S;Joseph P;George R; Pillay D;Malathi J;Jesudason M V;Sridharan G (Clinical Virology Dep, Christian Medical College, Vellore-632 004, Email: asha_ma@yahoo.com) : Aciclovir resistance among Indian strains of Herpes simplex virus as determined using a dye uptake assay. Indian J med Microbiol 2007, 25(3), 260-2.

Resistance to aciclovir (ACV) among Herpes simplex virus (HSV) isolates is increasingly being reported in the literature particularly in immunocompromised patients. However, there is only limited data available from India despite widespread use of ACV in the hospital. A cross-sectional study was hence conducted to determine the aciclovir (ACV) susceptibility of HSV I and 2 isolates using a dye uptake (DU) assay. The study showed a 3.0% prevalence of ACV resistance among HSV-I strains (2/66, median IC₅₀ 0.098 μg/mL) while in HSV-2 strains, it was 7.8% (5/64, median IC₅₀ 0.195 μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for the HSV-I and HSV-2 strains resistant to ACV was greater than or equal to 6.25 μg/mL.

^ssc11 ref

006133   Wagh P;Sisodia S M;Narvekar S;Pandya B S; Binayke R (NO, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Hospital, Mumbai) : Sebaceoma. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 253.

006132   Viswanath G;Praveen;Hanumanthappa A R; Chandrappa N R;Baragundi Mahesh C (Microbiology Dep, J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere-577 004, Email: baja@sir.no) : Bacteriological study pyogenic meningitis with special reference to latex aggluthination. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 97-100.

Bacterial meningitis is an important and frequent devastating disease. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of pyogenic meningitis in our hospital in children and to find out the sensitivity of Gram stain, CRP and latex agglutination tests for the diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis from CSF sample. Out of 150 CSF samples studied, 40 were diagnosed as pyogenic meningitis. H.influenzae was the commonest organism (22.5%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae 15%, Staphylococcus aureus -10%, Acinetobacter species and coagulase negative Stapylococci 7.5% each, E-coli 5%, and a case each of Klebsiella species, Group B streptococci, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Enterococci. The sensitivity of Gram stain and Latex agglutination test was 90% and that of CRP test was 62.5%. As most of the cases included in our study were treated earlier, the culture positivity was only 62.5%. Hence, Gram stain and/or latex agglutination tests, if done properly are most rapid and reliable tests for the diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis.

4 tables, 15 ref

006131   Vishnu Prasad S;Balla M;Shivananda P G (Microbiology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Email: mamatha_98@yahoo.com) : Induction of resistance to fluoroquinolones in clinical and environmental isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 94-6.

An attempt to induce resistance to ciprofloxacin invitro was made against clinical and environmental isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This invitro manipulation of strains resulted in the increase of minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.4μg/ml to 1 μg/ml of the original strains to 9.0 to 12.5 μg/ml indicating development of resistance to ciprofloxacin and a major decrease in the size of zone diameters of norfloxacin and ofloxacin indicating cross resistance to these agents. Results indicate the induced resistance to ciprofloxacin can promote development of cross resistance to other fluoroquinolones. This suggests that caution should be taken while using fluoroquinolonesfor the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

1 table, 18 ref

006130   Venkatesh K;Niveditha S R;Kumar S;Srinivas K V;Rangaswamy R (Pathology and Dermatology Dep, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka) : Generalized eruptive histiocytosis - masquerading as hansen's. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 252.

006129   Varma D;Gupta S;Mandal A K (Pathology Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002) : Role of p53 and bcl2 as markers of vitamin A response in premalignant lesions of the oral cavity. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 15-17.

Oral cancer accounts for 40 to 50% of cancers diagnosed in India. Oral cancer is preceeded in most cases by pre malignant lesions-leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis and lichen planus. Stoppage of causative agents reverts premalignant lesions in some of the cases only. Thus anti oxidant therapy is being used to revert premalignant change to normal. Few studies available, have taken clinical parameters as indicators of response to therapy. Extensive medline search failed to reveal any study at the cellular level. This study attempts to investigate for the first time the role of p53 and bcl2 as markers of prognosis following vitamin A therapy. 24 cases of pre malignant lesions of oral cavity were studied.l lakh IU of vitamin A were given orally twice a week for 3 months. Biopsies were done before and after therapy. Haematoxylin and Eosin stain was done to confirm diagnosis. Immunostaining for mutant p53 and bcl2 was done on paraffin sections. 500 cells were counted over an average of 5 HPF and percentage positivity was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by applying the paired t tests. In 19 cases (79.2%) of premalignant lesions mutant p53 expression was zero before therapy, and remained unchanged even after the therapy .3 cases (12.5%) had high mutant p53 values which reduced following therapy (p= 0.037).Therapy thus proved effective in these cases. However, in 2 cases (8.3%) pre therapy values of zero showed an increase after vitamin A therapy. These were the cases which had dysplasia and were chronic smokers. In 2 cases (8.3%) pre therapy values of bcl2 were zero and remained unchanged even after therapy and these cases did not stop smoking even during the vitamin A therapy. In 12 cases (50.0%) higher pre therapy values were reduced after therapy (p<60>0.0001).Vitamin A therapy was effective in these cases. However, in 10 cases (42.0%) expression of bcl2 increased subsequent to therapy. Therapy failed in these cases because of chronic heavy smoking and tobacco chewing. Thus, in the majority of cases vitamin A was effective in preventing mutation of p53 (91.7%) and expression of bcl2 (58.0%). In effect, these two oncoproteins can be used as prognostic markers and follow up for anti oxidant therapy.

3 tables, 6 ref

006128   Vanishree B R;Prakash C J;Shankar A;Gandhi N (NO, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Karnataka) : Spectrum of changes in vaginal smears - a 110 cases in the light of bethesda system reporting. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 113.

Vaginitis and accompanying leucorrhoea is the most common disease of the female genital tract. Vagina when infected is accessable for various complications. Hence the objective is to analyze the Plethora of diseases, encountered in the back drop of 'Bethesda' system 2001, for early diagnosis and treatment. All patients who presented with history of leucorrhoea were examined. A total of 110 cases between the age group of 19 to 43 years were studied with reference to the type of pathology seen in the vaginal smears. Smears obtained were subjected to saline mount, Gram stain, KOH preparation and PAP stain. The period of study was from July 2004 to June 2005. The smears studied showed bacterial vaginosis in 45 cases , trichomonas in 5 cases, Candida in 6 cases, HPV in 2 cases, leptothrix and gonococci 1 each , 12 cases showed epithelial abnormalities which included 2 cases of malignancy. Reporting on vaginal smears needs to be standardized , in this veiw the 'Bethesda' system appears ideal for the study of vaginal smears.

ref 113

006127   Thapliyal N;Joshi U;Vaibhav G;Sayana A; Srivastava A K;Jha R S (NO, Uttaranchal Forest Hospital Trust Medical College, Haldwani Nainital, Uttaranchal) : Pilomatricoma: a diagnostic pitfall in early lesion on fine needle aspiration cytology. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 257.

006126   Tatke M;Sharma A;Sinha S;Daljeet Singh (Pathology and Neurosurgery Dep, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi) : Retrospective analysis of hypothalamic and chiasmatic pilocytic astrocytomas. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 117-18.

Aim is to compare the histology of hypothalamic/ chiasmatic PLA vis a vis cerebellar PLA, and to determine the incidence of recurrence in these tumours. Study the MIB-1 and p53 indices in the original and recurrent tumours. All the PLA diagnosed in the department from 1995-2005 were reviewed for histological features- monophasic vs biphasic, presence of mitosis and necrosis. Immunocytochemistry was carried out using antibodies to MIB-1 and p53 on representative paraffin sections of all cases. A total of 148 intracranial PLA were diagnosed, of which 99/148(66.89%) were cerebellar, 39/148(26.35%) were hypothalamic/chiasmatic and 10/148 (6.76%) were situated in other locations. 6/99 cerebellarPLA (6.06%) recurred after 1-6 yrs and 2/39 (5.13%)hypothalamic/ chiasmatic PLA recurred after 2 and 6 years.There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two. At histology, all tumours exhibited typical biphasic pattern except for one cerebellar PLA which had a monophasic pattern with presence of Rosenthal fibres. There was no mitosis. The MIB-1 index in all tumours was nil to less than 1% with no significant difference. There was no immunoreactivity to p53. There was no difference histomorphologi-cally, on recurrence rates or proliferative indices in PLA situated in cerebellum and hypothalamus/chiasma. The possible causes for recurrence will be discussed.

006125   Tanga K;Premlata C S;Rao C R (NO, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncolgy, Karnataka) : Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS). Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 251.

006124   Surendra Kumar;Chowdhury N (Pathology Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry-605 006, Email: skverma60@satyam.net.in) : Accuracy, limitations and pitfalls in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors by fine needle aspiration cytology. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 43-5.

The diagnosis of soft tissue tumors is one of the biggest diagnostic challenges in pathology. In this study, we attempted to measure the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing soft tissue tumors. All the cases of FNAC with cyto-histological correlation between January 2003 and August 2005 (a total of 72 cases) were collected and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values measured. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions was 0.8421, while the specificity and negative predictive value was 0.9412 for the same. The main problem was false negatives due to a borderline or low grade spindle cell sarcoma being classified as bening. However, only 18 cases could be typed precisely. Therefore, FNAC has a role in the initial diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas, but it should be used as a complement rather than a competitor to histopathology.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

006123   Somayajulu G L (NO, , Consultant Biochemsit & Technical Adviser DDRC, H.No. 1-4-880/2/45/4, Pranay Apartments, New Bakaram, Hyderabad-500 080, Email: somayajulugi@yahoo.com) : Haemolytic anaemia due to unstable haemoglobin arising from spontaneous mutation. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 92-3.

5 ref

006122   Singh S;Gupta R;Nigam S;Khurana N;Aggarwal S K;Uma Chaturvedi K;Mandal A K (NO, , 642 (Pocket E), Mayur Vihar Phase II, Delhi-110 091, Email: ashish_mandal@hotmail.com) : Clinico-pathological profile of 22 cases of cystic renal dysplasia. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 06-10.

Renal dysplasia is one of the major renal developmental anomaly characterized by abnormal structural organization and development of metanephric elements. It is usually detected antenatally or in early childhood. The kidney may be multicystic, aplastic, hypoplastic or duplex. Studies 22 cases of cystic renal dysplasia diagnosed over a period of ten years to identify the spectrum of morphological changes in dysplastic kidney, with special emphasis on mesenchymal changes. Clinical, radiological and gross morphological features were noted. Microscopic features were studied in detail, including the epithelial and mesenchymal changes. Twenty-one of the 22 cases studied were children. One case was a 21-year-old adult, which is a rare age at presentation. Male to female ratio was 1.1.1. One of the patients had contra-lateral ureteric stenosis, a rare anomaly reported with renal dysplasia. Ten patients, all autopsy cases, had multi-system congenital anomalies. As cystic renal dysplasia is not a hereditary disease, it must be differentiated from polycystic kidney disease. Other differential diagnoses are cystic nephroma and cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma. Histopathological examination is the final diagnostic tool since radiological features alone may not be sufficient to exclude other cystic renal lesions. Cartilage may not be seen in all cases of renal dysplasia. Once diagnosed, other associated anomalies should also be looked for.

5 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

006121   Singhal S;Shah V B;Asha Rupani;Bahal N K (Pathology Dep, T.N.M.C. and B.Y.L. Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai) : Non neoplastic lesions of bladder : a histopathological study. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 127.

006120   Singh T;Sharma P;Sural S;Mandal A K (Pathology and Orthopaedics Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi) : Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking tuberculosis: the role of immunohistochemistry in accurate diagnosis. Indian J Path Microbiol 2007, 50(1), 255.