001249   Bajpai P;Srivastava K;Shakya S;Saxena P N; Mishra Bhattacharya S (Parasitology Div, Central Drug Research Institute, Post Box No. 173, Lucknow-226 0016, Email: shailja_cdri@rediffmail.com) : Improvement in the efficacy of existing combination of antifilarials by inclusion of tetracycline in rodent model of brugain filariasis. Curr Sci 2007, 92(5), 655-8.

Newer control strategies like combination drug therapy have proved effective against a variety of pathogens, including filarial parasites. The recent discovery of Wolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiont present in the fila-rial parasites, dependence of parasites on the bacteria for their own survival, and fecundity and bacterial sensitivity to tetracycline have given new hope to the ongoing antifilarial drug development programme, especially in view of the conflicting combination field trial results obtained from various geographical regions. The present studies were therefore planned to investigate whether adding tetracycline to the already recommended combinations of antifilarials would lead to further improved antifilarial efficacy in terms of killing of adult worms or their sterilization. The study therefore employs the Brugia malayi/Mastomys concha model in order to extrapolate the findings in human filarial patients. Different combinations were used and all of these proved to exert greater micro and macrofilaricidal action. The best combination (di-ethylcarbamazine + ivermectin + albendazole) exerted remarkable macrofilaricidal efficacy (63%), sterilized all the surviving female parasites and completely eliminated microfilariae from the peripheral blood on day 90 post-treatment. Tetracycline enhanced the em-bryostatic action of all the filaricides, although it alone did not demonstrate any significant embryostatic efficacy when administered for five consecutive days. The present findings thus strongly suggest the limited clinical trial of tetracycline in combination with the standard filaricides.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

001248   Asthana A;Pandey A (Microbiology Dep, Subharti Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi-Haridwar By Pass Road, Meerut-250 002, Email: ashuashuasthana@rediffmail.com) : Comparative study of direct and concentrated acid fast smears of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive specimens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 75-7.

Tuberculosis retains its foothold among human populations despite increasing implementation of highly effective diagnostic and control measures around the world. Although highly evolved molecular diagnostic techniques for detection of Mycobacterium species are available, acid fast staining remains the gold standard. Compared the sensitivity of smears from culture positive specimens for detection of A.F.B. made directly from respiratory specimens of 510 patients to that obtained with parallel smears made from concentrating the specimens (concentrated A.F.B. smear). Two major hospitals of Meerut city, Chatterpati Shivaji Subharti Hospital and Lok Priya Hospital were selected and samples were processed as per WHO guidelines. In our finding 356 samples grew on Lowenstein- Jensen Media. In which only 242 were M. tuberculosis positive. On comparing M. tuberculosis positive specimens by microscopy, it was founds that only 24.8% direct smear were positive for acid-fast bacilli. It can thus be concluded that concentration method was significantly more sensitive than direct smear method, in detecting the positive case. Hence, it may be better to observe concentrated smear samples instead of observing direct smears to declare a tuberculosis patient free from disease.

1 table, 7 ref

001247   Anjana;Umar S;Iqbal M;Abrol Y P (Botany Dep, , Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110 062, Email: s_umar9@hotmail.com) : Are nitrate concentrations in leafy vegetables within safe limits?. Curr Sci 2007, 92(3), 355-60.

Leafy vegetables are an important source of nutrition in the human diet. Estimation of nitrate concentration in samples of leafy vegetables collected from the. local markets of Delhi has revealed that a significant number of spinach and chenopodium samples contained nitrate in concentrations higher than the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limit for an average 60 kg person (if consumed @ 100 g/day). However, nitrate concentration in fenugreek, coriander and sowa samples was well within the safe limits for consumption. On the basis of our findings with market samples, extensive studies were conducted in nine genotypes of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown under greenhouse conditions. The genotypes varied markedly in their nitrate concentration as well as nitrate reductase activity. At the three-week stage of plant growth, one genotype, and at the six-week stage, six of the nine genotypes under investigation exceeded the ADI limit. Petioles possessed several times higher level of nitrate than the leaf laminae in market samples as well as in the genotypes. All the genotypes showed diurnal variation in nitrate accumulation with minimum concentration at noon. These findings warrant thorough investigation of nitrate levels in other leafy vegetables consumed regularly and the ways and means to control them.

7 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

001246   Alam S;Butt M S;Iqbal Z (Applied Economics Research Centre, Karachi Univ, Karachi 75270, Pakistan, Email: aerc@cyber.net.pk) : Fertility regulation behavior in Pakistan: demand for child, supply of children and cost of fertility regulation. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(1), 1-10.

Analyses empirically the rationale of 'new approach' of family planning, through explaining the current, past and future intended use of deliberate fertility regulations by Pakistani fecund married women. For this a modified version of the Easterlin and Crimmin's model-formulated by Ahmed ('87) was utilized and estimated through logit regressions. The result indicates the desired demand for children emerged as main driving force in explaining deliberate use of fertility regulation by married Pakistani women. As for variables related to the potential supply of children, it is found that extended birth intervals and duration of breast-feeding and higher rate of infant and child mortality reduce the probability of use of deliberate fertility regulation for all types of user. Among the socio-economic variables, education of the mother as well as of her spouse is significant corresponding to the current and past users but surpassingly insignificant in the case of would be users. It is interesting to note that respondent's work status does not significantly influence the family planning behavior. The main policy implication which emerged from this study is that those families which do not have preconceived notion about their desired family size and have information to use but never used any contraception should be the 'target-group' of 'new approach' of family planning, in the country. Present analysis also supports the view that policies, which promote breast-feeding practices, extended formal education of women and reduced infant and child mortality rate would reduce the need for direct investment for family planning in the country.

2 tables, 37 ref

001245   Akella S;Mitra C K (School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: neuron555@yahoo.co.in) : Electrochemical studies of glucose oxidase immobilized on glutathione coated gold nanoparticles. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 82-7.

Glutathione (L-g -glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-L-glycine; GSH) forms a surface monolayer on gold nanoparticles by tethering via sulfur bonds (Au:GSH). Glucose oxidase (GOx; EC 1.1.3.4) was immobilized by covalent chemical coupling reactions on to Au:GSH nanoparticles and the enzyme coupled nanoparticles formed a stable colloid (stable for several weeks) in water. The immobilized enzyme was investigated for electrochemical characteristics to monitor the FAD (prosthetic group of the GOx) redox potentials. Various concentrations of substrate (glucose) were added to check the oxidation characteristics. It was observed that with increase in substrate concentrations, the oxidation rate increased proportionally with the current. The present study demonstrated that GOx was effectively coupled to the gold nanoparticle (Au:GSH). The coupled nanoparticle system could be used in a potential biosensor application. Similarly, other enzymes (e.g., horseradish peroxidase) could be immobilized to the Au:GSH nanoparticles via the peptide arm (GSH) to achieve the desired characteristics needed for a specific application in biosensor.

001244   Ahmed Moharram S;Charith Raj A P;Janardhana G R (Studies in Botany and Microbiology Dep, Mysore Univ, Molecular Phytodiagnostic Lab, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: janardhanaplantclinic@india.com) : Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in ice creams sold in Mysore city and detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 151-4.

Listeria monocytongenes is one of the most important food-borne pathogens causing illness in humans and animals. Reports the incidence of L. monocytogenes in ice-cream samples collected and analyzed from different ice cream Parlors of Mysore City. Eighty ice cream samples were analyzed for the L. monocytogenes by culture method followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) detection. Three samples (5%) out of 60 unbranded samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, none in other 20 branded samples of ice creams. To replace the lengthy, laborious and often costly, conventional, microbiological, biochemical methods, authors have employed PCR technique for the quick and specific detection of L. monocytogenes using iap gene primers encode for invasive associated proteins (p60) common to all Listeria spp. PCR technique makes diagnosis of L. monocytogenes in ice creams samples much easier and more accurate.

1 illus, 1 tables, 19 ref

001243   Agrawal R;Tikoo A;Roy R K;Rajeev Singh; Arshdeep Singh (Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Div, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Skuast-J, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Email: rajesh.agrawal76@gmail.com) : Isolation, serogrouping and antibiogram of Escherichia coli of wild animals. Zoos Print J 0000, 22(11), 2899-900.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

001242   Acharia S S;Arun Kumar;Gupta K M (Botany Dep, R. D. & D. J. College, Munger-811 201) : Influence of population density of Solanum anguri and solanum surattense on their growth performance. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 135-6.

Growth performances of Solanum anguri and Solanum surattence at various population density were studied. It was revealed that intraspecific competition affected most of the morphological parameters taken into consideration in both the weed species. There was decline in the values of most of the parameters with the increase in population density. The intensity of the effect varied in these species.

1 table, 7 ref

000256   Zhang Z;Cheng X;Wang C;Xue Z;Yang L;Xi Z (Chemistry Dep, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China, Email: xscheng@ustc.edu.cn) : Studies on interactions between plant secondary metabolites and glutathione transferase using fluorescence quenching method. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 101-5.

The interactions between plant secondary metabolites (tannic acid, rutin, cinnamic acid and catechin) and glutathione transferase (GST) were investigated by fluorescence and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Intrinsic fluorescence of GST was measured by selectively exciting their tryptophan (Trp) residues and quenching constants were determined using the Stern-Volmer equation. The binding affinity was found to be strongest for tannic acid and ranked in the order tannic acid<62>rutin<62>cinnamic acid<62>catechin. The pH values in the range of 6.7-7.9, except for tannic acid, did not affect significantly the affinity of rutin, cinnamic acid and catechin with GST. Results showed that the fluorescence quenching of GST was a static quenching. Fluorescence quenching and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy suggested that only the tannic acid changed the microenvironment of the Trp residues. Furthermore, the number of binding sites and binding constants at different pH values showed that tannic acid had strongest affinity towards GST and hydrogen bonding played an important role in the affinity between GST and the metabolites.

000255   Venkatesan T;Jalali S K;Murthy K S;Bhaskaran T (NO, , Project Directorate of Biological Control, P.B. No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024) : Rearing of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) on artificial diet and its predatory efficiency against Aphis craccivora Koch.. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2006, 14(2), 277-9.

Attempt was made to rear Cheilomenes sexmaculata larvae on freeze-dried artificial diet originally developed for rearing Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Larval duration of the predators reared on artificial diet was significant more than that of aphid (Aphis craccivora ) reared predators. The adult emergence differed significantly between 2 (60.4%) and 3 days old larvae (62.9%) compared to those larvae, which were reared on aphids (68.1). Artificial diet reared predators survived for 48.0 to 52.0 days which was significantly different from the aphid reared predators (78.0 days). The adult emergence of the predator on artificial diet and aphids was significantly different. The number of aphids consumed by artificial diet reared and aphid reared on C. sexmaculata larva was 238.0 and 245.0 aphids, respectively and they were at par.

2 tables, 5 ref

000254   Thirumaran G;Anantharaman P (CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Antibacterial activity of marine macro alga (Caulerpa scalpeliformis) from gulf of mannar biosphere reserve. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(2), 430-2.

Acetone, petroleum ether, diethyl either, methanol and ethanol crude extracts from Caulerpa scalpeliformis were tested against 15 bacterial pathogens. The maximum antibacterial activity recorded from diethyl ether extracts against Staphyllococcus aureus and proteus vulgaris. Minimum activity was noted in methanol extracts against Salmonella typhi. Micrococcus sp and Shigella boydii.

1 table, 17 ref

000253   Srivastava R K;Yadav K K;Manoj Kumar;Trivedi S P (Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Synthetic pyrethroid, devicyprin induced hepatotoxic lesions in snake headed fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch.). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 67-71.

Synthetic pyrethroids are broad spectrum, photo-stable insecticides accounting for more than 30% of global insecticide consumption. They are widely used for rice and wheat crop protection in India. The objective of this study was to use the snake headed fish, Channa punctatus as a model to evaluate concentration dependant and exposure mediated effects on the histo-anatomical structure of the liver. Chronic bio-assays were conducted in. laboratory by exposing the fish to sub-lethal concentration of 0.033ppm of Devicyprin [Cypermethrin 25%] for 15, 30 & 45 days of exposure periods. Gross inflammation, pycknosis of hepatocytic nuclei, necrosis and Vacuolization are some of the prominent findings, which increase according to the exposure periods. Longest exposure of 45 days have peculiar hepatic damage in terms of clumping of hepatocytes. The effects were more pronounced for longer duration of exposure periods. This study strongly suggests that exposure to Devicyprin results in gross anomalies in liver architecture and thus affecting the process of bio-transfarmation of xenobiotics for which liver is the chief-site.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

000252   Singh P K;Manish Kumar (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Khandari Campus Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Short-term effect of the antihypertensive agent indapamide on liver lipid profile in albino rat. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 85-8.

Effects ofantihypertensive agent, indapamide exposure on liver lipid profile in albino rats was studied using 2.5 mg kg^-1/day for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. A significant increase (p<60>0.01) in total lipids, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and significant decrease (p<60>0.01) in the level of triglyceride and (p<60>0.001) in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was observed in animals exposed to Indapamide. The clinical significance of changes in liver lipids and lipoprotein due to the adverse side effect of indapamide drug on the lipid metabolism were also noticed. In order to identify the pre-existing hyperlipidemia, before indapamide drug treatment liver lipid level was measured. During treatment biochemical changes were also checked.

1 table, 26 ref

000251   Sheeba S;Ramanujan N (Zoology Dep, C.M.S. College, Kottayam-686 001) : Longitudinal distribution of benthic flora and fauna of Ithikkara river, Kerala. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 183-6.

Distribution of benthic flora and fauna was studied for the Ithikkara river at six sites. The benthic algal community was dominated by diatoms. Benthic algal flora composed of 2 species of Cyanophyceae (blue green algae), 9 species of Chlorophyceae (green algae), 17 species of Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and 2 species of Euglenophyceae. Benthic fauna composed of16 species of Protozoa, 9 species of Annelida, 14 species of Crustaceae (Arthropoda), 8 species of nymph/larvae of insects (Arthropoda), 5 species in Mollusca and one species of nematode worm (Achelminthes). Protozoans were mainly found in upstream region and crustaceans in down stream region.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

000250   Ruhela S;Pandey A K;Khare A K (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001) : Effect of experimental Procamallanus infection on certain blood parameters of Clarias batrachus (Teleostei: siluroidae : clariidae). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 73-6.

Effect of experimental Procamallanus infection on blood parameters such as glucose, protein, cholesterol and urea levels of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus, has been studied. The infected catfish showed decrease in serum glucose, protein and cholesterol values as well as increase in urea level after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection. The observed hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypocholesterolemia in the present study have been attributed to the disturbances in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. The increased serum urea level may probably be due to nephrotoxic effects of endotoxins/exotoxins elaborated by the nematode parasites present in the gastrointestinal tract of the catfish.

1 table, 31 ref

000249   Roy K;Dalai M K (Drug Theoretics & Cheminformatics Lab, Division of Medicinal & Pharmac, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kunalroy_in@yahoo.com) : Exploring QSAR of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding affinity of N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-yl-glyoxylamides using physico-chemical descriptors. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 114-21.

The QSAR study has attempted to explore the structural and physicochemical requirements of ligands N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-yl-glyoxylamides for binding with peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). The calcu-lated partition coefficient values show parabolic relations with the PBR binding affinity, suggesting that the binding affinity increases with increase in the partition coefficient of the compounds until it reaches the critical value after which the affinity decreases. The critical value of logP is within range of 6.052-6.410. Furthermore, positive Wang-Ford charge values of carbonyl oxygens of the glyoxamide moiety and negative Wang-Ford charge value of the glyoxamide nitrogen are conducive for the binding affinity. Again, the indole moiety should have favorable charge distribution. Higher values of the parameters dipole moment (Dipole) and moment of inertia (I_z) of the ligands are conducive for the binding affinity. The presence of hydrogen atom at R₂ and cyclic moiety at R₁ and R₂ positions are detrimental to the binding affinity.

000248   Rathore G;Vijay Singh;Gokhlesh Kumar;Raja Swaminathan T;Mahanta P C (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, , Lucknow-226 002) : Antibiotic sensitivity and characterization of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish and water samples. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 41-3.

Six months (January 2004- June 2004) sampling was done 50 km around Lucknow fish markets and fish farms. Fish and water samples were enriched in Alkaline Peptone Water and spread on Starch Ampicillin Agar. The presumptive identification was done by amylase test. Twenty-seven samples were processed and total 36 isolates ofAeromonas hydrophila were recovered. All isolates were resistant to Cephalothin, Ampicillin, Novobiocin, Nitrofurazone and sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol and Co-trimaxazole. Sixty percent isolates of A. hydrophila were aerolysin positive.

1 table, 10 ref

000247   Raju M;Krishnakantha T P;Baskaran V (Biochemistry and Nutrition Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 020, Email: basrev@yahoo.co.in) : Determination of vitamin A value of familiar and less familiar Indian green leafy vegetables. J rur Technol 2006, 3(1), 22-7.

Consumption of Green Leafy Vegetables (GLVs) is widely recommended, as they are good source of bioactive molecules such as carotenoids and minerals. GLVs (n=37) were evaluated for provitamin A carotenoid levels using HPLC technique and their vitamin A activity as Retinol Equivalent (RE) has been studied. Among 37 GLVs screened, 21 were found to contain β-carotene higher than 0.25 g/kg dry weight. Interestingly, less familiar GLVs, in particular, Chenopodium album L., Commelina benghalensis L., Phyllanthus niruri L., Rumex acetosella L. and Solanum nigrum L. were found to contain higher level of β-carotene (0.5 to 1.15 g/kg dry weight) and the RE (RE of α-carotene + β-carotene) ranged from 8351 to 19101 compared with familiar GLVs. α-Carotene was detected in Amaranthus viridis L.. Basella alba L., Beta vulgaris L., C. benghalensis L., Daucus carota L., Murraya koenigii L., Piper betle L., Talinum cuniefolium L. and Triblfus terrestris L. , which ranged from 0.03 to 0.37 g/kg dry weight. Results indicate that less familiar GLVs were found to contain higher level of provitamin A carotenoids and RE. Hence, they could be exploited as a good source of vitamin A to manage vitamin A deficiency malnutrition.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

000246   Patel S P;Patel M A;Modi H R;Katyare S S (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat 390 002) : Improved method for estimation of inorganic phosphate: Implications for its application in enzyme assays. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 88-93.

The conventional method of Fiske and Subba Row for the estimation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) is although rapid, but suffers from the disadvantage that the color is unstable and hence the optical density (OD) measurements have to be carried out within a short time span of 8-12 min. This poses a restriction on the number of samples, which can be handled in a batch. Although, modified procedures involving use of alternate reducing agents/or increasing the concentration of H2SO4 in conventional method have been subsequently developed, but the problem of color stability could not be solved. In addition, the use of higher concentrations H₂SO₄ has rendered the methods unsuitable in enzyme assays, especially if the acid labile phosphate containing substrates have been used. In the present study, attempts have been made to suitably modify the method to improve the stability of the color and sensitivity and also for its applicability in enzyme assays, especially when acid labile phosphate containing substrates such as ATP is used. We used the higher concentrations (0.625, 0.8 and 1.0 N) of H2SO4 rather than 0.5 N used in the conventional assay procedures. Under these conditions, the reagent blanks do not develop color for up to 24 h, whereas the intensity of the molybdenum blue color in the standard and/or experimental tubes increased with time reaching optimum value at 24 h. Simultaneously, the absorption maximum shifts from 660 nm to 820 nm. The highest concentration of H₂SO₄ (1.0 N) is found to be the most effective in the process of color development. The sensitivity of the method is from 1.7 to 2.1 times higher, as compared to the conventional Fiske and Subba Row method for the measurements carried out at the end of 15 min at 820 nm and with the highest concentration of H₂SO₄ (1.0 N); the sensitivity increased 4.8-fold at the end of 24 h. Presence of glucose and sucrose (1-10 mM), NaCl and KCl (5-100 mM), MgCl₂ (1-10 mM) and BSA (10 to 500 μg per assay tube) do not interfere either with color development or with OD measurements. The extent of ATP hydrolysis is 1.6 to 3.4% for up to 1 h, depending upon the concentration of H₂SO₄ used. Only negligible hydrolysis of G6P is observed under these conditions. These results suggest that the presently modified method is suitable for Pi analysis in the enzyme assays, in the presence of labile phosphate containing substrates.

000245   Narayani Prasad;Ray R P K (Bio Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Basic Science and Humanities Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Bihar, Pusa (Samastipur)-848 125) : Ultrasonic study of the effect of size on the interaction of glutamine with metals. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2006, 32(2), 131-5.

Four glutamine-metallic salt mixtures, namely (i) Glutamine + Baryllium sulphate (ii) Glutamine+Zinc sulphate (Hi) Glutamine + Cadmium Sulphate (iv) Glutamine + Chleride Chloride have been studied ultrasonically using as variable-path ultrasonic interferometer working at 2MHz. The experimental results have been discussed on the basis of Bjerrum's theory of association. The valency and size of the associating ions have been used to explain significance of the theory and extent of chelation. The condition for a metal ion to form a chelate with Glutamine under experimental conditions has also been deduced.

8 illus, 16 ref

000244   Nandel F S;Saini A (Biophysics Dep, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, , Email: fatehhar@pu.ac.in) : Construction and design of single stranded collagen-like structure. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 106-13.

Polytheonamide B, a 48 residue long highly cytotoxic polypeptide extracted from marine sponges contains amino acids of alternate chirality and the N-terminal region is rich in t-Leu residues. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of these alternate chiralities and conformational behavior of various model peptides containing t-Leu, in order to explore their role in designing bioactive peptides that shall offer advantages comparable to polytheonamide B, while circumventing its limitations. The conformational behavior of various peptides constructed from t-Leu of the form Ac-(l/d-X-l/d-Y)_n-NHMe, where X = Gly/Ala/Leu and Y = t-Leu has been studied and compared with the corresponding peptides containing Leu residue. The results show that the helix driving capacity of l and d forms of t-Leu is less than that of Leu residue. In poly t-Leu peptides, the population of collagen/inverse collagen-type structures or right/left handed-helical structures for l and d forms respectively is found to be chain length-dependent. The stability of the helical structures is increased by <126>2 kcal per residue over the collagen-type structure in poly t-Leu peptides with chain length greater than five residues. Molecular view of peptides in collagen-type structure shows that the bulky side chains of t-Leu residues mask the NH moieties of the peptide bond, while the carbonyl groups lying along the helical groove are accessible to the small solvent molecules. Molecular model building suggests that one ethylene glycol molecule interacts by forming hydrogen bonds with carbonyl groups of two adjacent t-Leu residues. This seems the first study of its own kind on the construction of a single-strand collagen/inverse collagen-type structure using unusual amino acid residues. Such synthetic collagen mimetic peptides shall exhibit specific affinity to natural collagen under controlled thermal conditions (heat or laser treatment) and hence can be explored as a new targeting method to attach therapeutic drugs to collagens in the living tissues and to biomaterials that incorporate natural collagens.

000243   Mondal G;Chatterjee U;Samanta S;Chatterjee B P (Biological Chemistry Dep, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032, Email: cbishnup@gmail.com) : Role of pepsin in modifying the allergenicity of Bhetki (Lates calcarifer) and Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) fish. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 94-100.

The effect of pepsin digestion on the allergenicity of raw and thermally processed (boiled and fried) fish muscle extracts of two widely consumed fishes bhetki (Lates calcarifer) and mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) was studied. Sere were collected from 110 patients who were hypersensitive to fish, as evidenced by their clinical history, symptoms and positive skin-prick test results. The various extracts after digestion with pepsin at different times of incubation were tested for specific IgE-binding activity by ELISA and immunoblotting with patients' sera. All the extracts of both the fishes retained their allergenicity as evidenced by ELISA and immunoblotting. In bhetki, maximum allergenicity was found in the pepsin-digested fried extract, whereas similar treatment decreased the allergenicity in fried mackerel. Results showed that raw as well as thermally processed allergens of both the fishes maintained strong allergenicity, even after digestion with pepsin for different time periods. The study revealed that the fish proteins played an important role in manifestation of allergy, due to their stable structure, which was retained even after pepsin and heat treatment.

000242   Mokhtary M;Bahador N (Biology Sciences Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Kazeroum Branch, Kazeroum Shiraz Road, Kazeroum, Iran) : Effect of lead on thyroid hormones and liver enzymes in rats. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 579-84.

Forty adult male wistar rats were studied in the form of experimental, sham and control groups. Experimental group was in turn divided into three subgroups, which received lead acetate at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg orally in 15 days. Sham group received distilled water and control group received nothing. At the end of the 15th day, blood samples were taken and concentrations of T3, T4, TSH, AST, ALT and ALP were measured. The assessed results were studied using Tukey test. The findings after statistical analysis showed that concentration of TSH, AST and ALP have a significant decrease but concentration of T4 has a significant increase at P <60> 0.05 level after receiving lead acetate as compared with the control group. The lead has an effect on thyroid hormones by causing damage to thyroid function by inhibiting deiodination of T4. Inorganic lead acetate is a prooxidant and damage the cellular membrane lipids leading to membrane fragility and permeability. On the other hand T3 has an effect on the activity and releasing of ALP so decrease of T3 by lead, decreased the release of ALP.

6 illus, 18 ref

000241   Marcantonio B;Guido P;Michele G A G;Daniela B;Sabrina M (Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Universita di Venezia, DD 2137 30123, Venezia, Italy) : Transport of cadmium in biological membranes. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 29-34.

Addition of small amounts of Cd⁺⁺ to lysosomes induces a rapid alkalinization in the matrix. The various possible reasons for this process have been analysed and it has been concluded that C⁺+ enters the matrix as an electroneutral Cd(OH)₂ compound. As the lysosomal bilayer of the membrane has the same composition as the cell membrane, this mechanism could explain the means of entry of Cd⁺⁺ into the cell, without postulating the utilization of a physiological carrier.

5 illus, 28 ref

000240   Kolekar V (NO, Estuarine Fisheries Research Centre, Central Fisheries, B-12, Hans Society, Harni Road, Vadodra) : Ecology and fisheries status of Keetham lake of Agra (U.P.)in early nineties. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(2), 253-9.

Keetham lake situated of the northwest of Agra is a small reservoir, was investigated during early nineties for evaluation of its productivity status. High productivity status was evinced due to its high levels of macronutrients range between 0.044 to 0.082 mgl¹ (nitrate), 0.25 to 0.46 mgl^-1 (phosphate), 33.73 to 34.58 mgl^-1 (calcium), 2.08 to 2.17 mgl^-1 (magnesium) and 5.01 to 6.8 mgl^-1 (silicate) influenced the productivity of lake. Primary production and chlorophyll "a" contents showed a moderate range between 694.86 to 1171.40 rng Cm^-2 d^-1 and 5.58 to 6.93 mgm³, respectively. The concentration of plankton abundance showed a moderate presence between 841 and 2559 ul^-1, with dominance of phytoplankton except in winter season. Molluscs among the benthic organisms formed a dominant group followed by Dipterans, Hemipterans, Odonats, etc. Gadusia chapra formed most dominant fish forming 86.44% of the total fish catch. Major carp fishery was of low order.

1 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

000239   Khan S J (Botany Dep, The Institute of Science, 15-Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Mycofloral diversity of the contaminated soils and the role of these fungi in bioremediation. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 77-9.

Soils contaminated with Industrial wastes form a unique ecological niche for microbial exploration and fungi are better suited for bioremediation because of their greater reach in the environment. The present study deals with the diversity of the fungi in the contaminated soils from near the fertilizer industries and their role in decontamination of toxic metal contaminants. Biosorption and bioaccumulation of metals as a means of bioremediation are increasingly becoming important as the pollution control norms are becoming more stringent. Fungi can be used as a cheap and efficient method of decontamination of soils thus providing an ecologically sound approach to these otherwise hazardous situations. A total of six fungal species were isolated by soil dilution method. Some of the dominant fungi like Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicilium sp. Were used for remediative studies, which have shown that all the test fungi could leach the metals like Fe, Zn etc. from the medium in which they could grow and thus can prove to be useful for the purpose of the decontamination of these metals.

3 tables, 10 ref

000238   John B;Subodh Kumar;Deb S M;Mitra A;Niranjan S K;Naskar S;Sharma A (NO, IVRI, Izatnagar-243 122) : Characterization of partial integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) gene in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(3), 255-6.

An attempt was made to ascertain polymorphism in a 11 8 bp fragment corresponding to exon-10 of ITGB1 gene, which was amplified in Murrah 45 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The TasI -RFLP analysis showed the absence of mutant allele in the buffalo population studied. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exist in buffalo sequences when compared to that of cattle. Three amino acid changes have occurred in buffaloes compared to human sequences corresponding to G387S, S390P and S396N. The sequence of the amplicon, which was the first report on buffalo ITGB1, was submitted to Genbank.

1 illus, 7 ref

000237   Gokhlesh Kumar;Rathore G;Vijay Singh;Raja Swaminathan T;Mishra B N;Kapoor D (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR), , Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002) : Isolation of Edwardsiella tarda from ulcerative Ophiocephalus punctatus and its antibiotic sensitivity. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 45-9.

Total of 16 Edwardsiella tarda isolates were recovered from muscle and kidney samples of Ophiocephalus punctatus and biochemically confirmed. E. tarda was found to be in 31% of muscle and 2% of kidney samples. All isolates were negative for hemolysin and lipase tests. All the isolates were sensitive to oxytetracycline, ampicillin, co-trimaxazole, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin and resistant to erythromycin and novobiocin.

1 table, 23 ref

000236   Goel H;Mittal B (Gentics Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226 014, Email: balraj@sgpgi.ac.in) : ACTN3: athlete gene prevalence in North India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(1), 84-6.

Alpha actinin is an actin-binding protein involved in anchoring thin filaments of actin to the Z-line of myofibrils. Two structural isoforms of alpha-actinin_(ACTN2 and ACTN3) are present in fast twitch (type 2) fibres of the skeletal muscle. ACTN3 gene has two alleles, R and X; the R allele is able to code for full length protein, while no functional protein results from the X allele due to a nonsense mutation (R577X) in exon 16 of ACTN3. The presence of X and R alleles of ACTN3 has been reported to affect the sprinting and endur-ance abilities of elite athletes. Therefore, ACTN3 is also known as the 'althlete gene'. The frequencies of the two alleles show considerable variation in different populations of the world. The aim of the present study was to determine the status of R and X alleles of ACTN3 in North Indian population. Using PCR-RFLP, we found homozygous R in 27 (22%), heterozygous RX in 76 (61%) and homozygous X in 22 (17%) out of 125 healthy voluntary blood donors. The study revealed that frequencies of both alleles and genotypes of ACTN3 in North Indians are similar to those of Caucasian populations.

1 illus, 2 tables, ref

000235   Game B C;Navale A M (Seed Technology Research Unit, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Maharashtra) : Effect of VAM inoculation on nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by custard apple seedlings. Asian J expl Chem 2006, 1(1), 1-2.

In the pot culture experiment, all the three VA-Mycorrhizae (Glomus epigaeum Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora calospora) either singly or in combinations significantly increased the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by custard apple seedlings over non-mycorrhizal (control) plants. The combined inoculation of all the three mycorrhizae was superior over all the inoculation treatments in recording the maximum nitrogen and phosphorus uptake.

3 tables, 8 ref

000234   Doi R;Puriyakorn B (NO, Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Udom Sap,Wang Nam Khieo, Nakhom Ratchasima Province 30370, Thailand, Email: skrt@doramail.com) : Physico-chemical and bacterial profiling of soils for describing a land-degradation gradient. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1050-4.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

000233   Chandra A M;Ghosh G N;Barman S;Iqbal R;Sadhu N (Physiology Dep, Univ College of Science, 92. A. P. C. Road, Kolkata-700 009) : Effect of thermal load on work efficiency of female university students. Indian J Physiol Allied Sci 2006, 60(2), 50-7.

Study was conducted on 6 young female University students, selected randomly from Calcutta University's post-graduate program. Their pre-exercise heart rate and other physical parameters were recorded. They performed exercise on bicycle ergometer in a psychometric chamber where exercises were done in as well as fixed set temperature at work loads of 30 Kg-m/h which was increased to 60 Kg-nt/h after 12 min and continued for another 12 min. Their heart rate was noted during 6th and 12th min of exercise at both work loads in both conditions without stopping the exercise. The WBGT, CT indices. PWC₁₇₀. %MHR, % VO₂max were determined. Our observation showed that WBGT and CT indices of the chamber were increased from 22.8°C and 23.3°C respectively to 33.5°C and 31.9°C respectively. The PWC₁₇₀ of the student were lowered, and VO₂ max increased with an increase in thermal indices (WBGT, CT). This observation reveals that thermal load plays an important role on the physical work capacity of the students. Heart rate was increased.(182 beats/min) 12th minutes of exercise.

5 tables, 25 ref

000232   Chand G B;Verma P;Nath A (Zoology P.G. Dep, Cell Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Patna Univ, Patna (Bihar)) : Hormonal imbalance and testicular atrophy in fresh water air breathing fish Clarias batrachus (linn) under sublethal doses of carbamate. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 19-24.

Comprehensive study of serum 3,5,3' Triodothyronine (T₃), 3,5,3'.5' Tetra iodothyronine (T₄) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) of control Clarias batrachus and 0.5 ppm and 1.5 ppm carbamate treated Clarias batrachus for 2,4 and 8 days respectively has clearly revealed a wave of thyroid hormonal imbalance set in due to carbamate toxicity. In both 0.5 ppm and 1.5 ppm carbamate treated fish, serum T₃ initially decreases in 2 days and shoots up in 8 days treatment. Serum T₄ in 0.5 ppm carbamate treatment shoots up abnormally in 8 days treatment. However in 1.5 ppm carbamate treatment, it shoots up just within 2 days. Serum TSH overall increases in both 0.5 ppm and 1.5 ppm carbamate treatment. SEM studies of testicular tissues of carbamate treated fish have shown numerous blebs, protuberances, exccytic vesicles, fusion of head of spermatozoa and formation of several cross bridges between two heads. Besides appearance of numerous multiflagellate spermatozoan and increased macrophagic activities are prominent. The tail of spermatozoa shows nodular thickening and becomes curved. Besides fusion of testicular cell, pseudopodial body formation, vacuolation and clumping of Nuclear materials are prominent. Apart from few behavioural changes, appearance of blood stained scars on the skin, discolouration, sluggishness, swelling of abdomen are prominent features of carbamate toxicity. In extreme condition it results in death of fish. Carbamate treatment in fish causes a wave of thyroid hormonal imbalance which may be considered as bioindicator of aquatic toxicity.

8 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

000231   Bhattacharyya D;Basu A;Sen P C (Chemistry Dep, Bose Institute, 93/1, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: senpc03@yahoo.com) : Purification of protein from a crude mixture through SDS-PAGE transfer method. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 122-5.

SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) transfer method was used for purification and enrichment of the protein from crude sample. Coomassie blue/ZnSO₄ stained protein band(s) containing intact polyacrylamide gel were loaded on to another polyacrylamide gel either alone or as pooled gel bands. Two/three bands were combined together and arranged tightly over one another, sealed with stacking gel and ran in another gel, which was quite useful for enrichment and purification of a particular protein from a complex mixture. Recovery of protein by gel transfer method was found to be 70% in case of ZnSO₄ staining, whereas around 30% recovery was possible, following Coomassie blue staining. The method described here for purification of protein(s) from a complex mixture, following gel transfer procedure could be useful for further characterization of the desired protein.

000230   Baile V V;Pathan J G K (Zoology P.G.T. Dep, R.T.M. Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Variations in proteins related to the ovarian cycle in Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (peters). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 1-9.

In African continuous breeder, Oreochrornis mossambicus, the interrelationship of nervous, endocrine and somatic tissues with ovarian cycle related to protein content is ascertained by their histochemical demonstration and biochemical estimation. Proteins are further separated electrophoretically by SDS-PAGE. In brain (telencephalon, diencephalon) and pituitary, highest protein content was found in preparatory phase and lowest was in the spawning phase. Among somatic components, liver and muscles showed highest protein in preparatory phase, which gradually declined towards prespawning and was lowest in spawning phase. In contrast, ovary showed highest proteins in the spawning phase and lowest in the preparatory phase. When proteins were electrophoretically separated by SDS-PAGE, in telencephalon, 60 KDa protein band was more prominent in all the phases. Whereas, in diencephalon 66 KDa protein was present in all the phases. However it was more prominent in the preparatory and spawning phases. Pituitary has 27 KDa protein band in all the phases except in the preparatory phase. In ovary, initially low molecular weight proteins prevailed in the preparatory phase. In spawning phase, both lower and higher molecular weight bands ranging from 2.5 to 235.7 KDa were present. In liver, higher molecular weight proteins dominated in preparatory and prespawning phases. In muscles, 60 KDa protein band was present in all the phases

10 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

000229   Arun Nagendran N (P.G. and Research Dep of Zoology and Microbiology, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Stream characteristics and biomonitoring of Perumal Patha Odai, Karanthamalai, Tamilnadu. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 57-62.

Perumal patha odai, a second order hill stream of Karanthamalai, Tamilnadu was investigated for its stream and physicochemical characteristics. The stream health was also assessed through Biological Monitoring Working Party Score system using aquatic insects as bioindicators. The calculated Total Site Score and Average Score Per Taxon for the stream were 49 and 7 indicating the stream system was less disturbed.

3 tables, 39 ref

000228   Ananthakrishnan T N;Annadurai R S (NO, , Flat No. 6, `Dwaraka' 22 (42), Kamdar Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034) : Thrips-tospovirus interactions: biological and molecular implications. Curr Sci 2007, 92(8), 1083-6.

Occurrence of thrips vectors in considerable numbers enables their functioning in a dual role as vectors and as direct crop pests. The resistance of thrips to pesticides has enabled quick transmission of viruses, the transient nature of their populations being essentially responsible for the infection. The feeding behaviour of thrips contributes in a large measure towards their ability to act as vectors, enabling leaf-to-leaf transmission of the tospoviruses. The specific associaªtion of the tospoviruses and thrips vectors, particularly relating to the molecular profiles, needs increasing scrutiny to come to proper conclusions. A better understanding of the nature of virus multiplication and the pathways leading to their entry into the salivary glands and the ability of the second instar larvae to inoculate plants need further inputs. The intraspecific diversity of thrips vectors as a result of population studies from various parts of the country, would further enable a better understanding of the ability of each species to transfer the virus, besides better appreciation of the chemical ecology of thrips-host-plant interaction, not to mention the relevance of serodiagªnosis in detecting disease or health.

1 illus, 20 ref

000227   Akella S;Mitra C K (School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: neuron555@yahoo.co.in) : Electrochemical studies of glucose oxidase immobilized on glutathione coated gold nanoparticles. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 82-7.

Glutathione (L-g -glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-L-glycine; GSH) forms a surface monolayer on gold nanoparticles by tethering via sulfur bonds (Au:GSH). In the study, glucose oxidase (GOx; EC 1.1.3.4) was immobilized by covalent chemical coupling reactions on to Au:GSH nanoparticles and the enzyme coupled nanoparticles formed a stable colloid (stable for several weeks) in water. The immobilized enzyme was investigated for electrochemical characteristics to monitor the FAD (prosthetic group of the GOx) redox potentials. Various concentrations of substrate (glucose) were added to check the oxidation characteristics. It was observed that with increase in substrate concentrations, the oxidation rate increased proportionally with the current. The present study demonstrated that GOx was effectively coupled to the gold nanoparticle (Au:GSH). The coupled nanoparticle system could be used in a potential biosensor application. Similarly, other enzymes (e.g., horseradish peroxidase) could be immobilized to the Au:GSH nanoparticles via the peptide arm (GSH) to achieve the desired characteristics needed for a specific application in biosensor.

000256   Zhang Z;Cheng X;Wang C;Xue Z;Yang L;Xi Z (Chemistry Dep, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China, Email: xscheng@ustc.edu.cn) : Studies on interactions between plant secondary metabolites and glutathione transferase using fluorescence quenching method. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 101-5.

The interactions between plant secondary metabolites (tannic acid, rutin, cinnamic acid and catechin) and glutathione transferase (GST) were investigated by fluorescence and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Intrinsic fluorescence of GST was measured by selectively exciting their tryptophan (Trp) residues and quenching constants were determined using the Stern-Volmer equation. The binding affinity was found to be strongest for tannic acid and ranked in the order tannic acid<62>rutin<62>cinnamic acid<62>catechin. The pH values in the range of 6.7-7.9, except for tannic acid, did not affect significantly the affinity of rutin, cinnamic acid and catechin with GST. Results showed that the fluorescence quenching of GST was a static quenching. Fluorescence quenching and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy suggested that only the tannic acid changed the microenvironment of the Trp residues. Furthermore, the number of binding sites and binding constants at different pH values showed that tannic acid had strongest affinity towards GST and hydrogen bonding played an important role in the affinity between GST and the metabolites.

000255   Venkatesan T;Jalali S K;Murthy K S;Bhaskaran T (NO, , Project Directorate of Biological Control, P.B. No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024) : Rearing of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) on artificial diet and its predatory efficiency against Aphis craccivora Koch.. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2006, 14(2), 277-9.

Attempt was made to rear Cheilomenes sexmaculata larvae on freeze-dried artificial diet originally developed for rearing Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Larval duration of the predators reared on artificial diet was significant more than that of aphid (Aphis craccivora ) reared predators. The adult emergence differed significantly between 2 (60.4%) and 3 days old larvae (62.9%) compared to those larvae, which were reared on aphids (68.1). Artificial diet reared predators survived for 48.0 to 52.0 days which was significantly different from the aphid reared predators (78.0 days). The adult emergence of the predator on artificial diet and aphids was significantly different. The number of aphids consumed by artificial diet reared and aphid reared on C. sexmaculata larva was 238.0 and 245.0 aphids, respectively and they were at par.

2 tables, 5 ref

000254   Thirumaran G;Anantharaman P (CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Antibacterial activity of marine macro alga (Caulerpa scalpeliformis) from gulf of mannar biosphere reserve. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(2), 430-2.

Acetone, petroleum ether, diethyl either, methanol and ethanol crude extracts from Caulerpa scalpeliformis were tested against 15 bacterial pathogens. The maximum antibacterial activity recorded from diethyl ether extracts against Staphyllococcus aureus and proteus vulgaris. Minimum activity was noted in methanol extracts against Salmonella typhi. Micrococcus sp and Shigella boydii.

1 table, 17 ref

000253   Srivastava R K;Yadav K K;Manoj Kumar;Trivedi S P (Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Synthetic pyrethroid, devicyprin induced hepatotoxic lesions in snake headed fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch.). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 67-71.

Synthetic pyrethroids are broad spectrum, photo-stable insecticides accounting for more than 30% of global insecticide consumption. They are widely used for rice and wheat crop protection in India. The objective of this study was to use the snake headed fish, Channa punctatus as a model to evaluate concentration dependant and exposure mediated effects on the histo-anatomical structure of the liver. Chronic bio-assays were conducted in. laboratory by exposing the fish to sub-lethal concentration of 0.033ppm of Devicyprin [Cypermethrin 25%] for 15, 30 & 45 days of exposure periods. Gross inflammation, pycknosis of hepatocytic nuclei, necrosis and Vacuolization are some of the prominent findings, which increase according to the exposure periods. Longest exposure of 45 days have peculiar hepatic damage in terms of clumping of hepatocytes. The effects were more pronounced for longer duration of exposure periods. This study strongly suggests that exposure to Devicyprin results in gross anomalies in liver architecture and thus affecting the process of bio-transfarmation of xenobiotics for which liver is the chief-site.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

000252   Singh P K;Manish Kumar (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Khandari Campus Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Short-term effect of the antihypertensive agent indapamide on liver lipid profile in albino rat. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 85-8.

Effects ofantihypertensive agent, indapamide exposure on liver lipid profile in albino rats was studied using 2.5 mg kg^-1/day for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. A significant increase (p<60>0.01) in total lipids, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and significant decrease (p<60>0.01) in the level of triglyceride and (p<60>0.001) in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was observed in animals exposed to Indapamide. The clinical significance of changes in liver lipids and lipoprotein due to the adverse side effect of indapamide drug on the lipid metabolism were also noticed. In order to identify the pre-existing hyperlipidemia, before indapamide drug treatment liver lipid level was measured. During treatment biochemical changes were also checked.

1 table, 26 ref

000251   Sheeba S;Ramanujan N (Zoology Dep, C.M.S. College, Kottayam-686 001) : Longitudinal distribution of benthic flora and fauna of Ithikkara river, Kerala. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 183-6.

Distribution of benthic flora and fauna was studied for the Ithikkara river at six sites. The benthic algal community was dominated by diatoms. Benthic algal flora composed of 2 species of Cyanophyceae (blue green algae), 9 species of Chlorophyceae (green algae), 17 species of Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and 2 species of Euglenophyceae. Benthic fauna composed of16 species of Protozoa, 9 species of Annelida, 14 species of Crustaceae (Arthropoda), 8 species of nymph/larvae of insects (Arthropoda), 5 species in Mollusca and one species of nematode worm (Achelminthes). Protozoans were mainly found in upstream region and crustaceans in down stream region.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

000250   Ruhela S;Pandey A K;Khare A K (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001) : Effect of experimental Procamallanus infection on certain blood parameters of Clarias batrachus (Teleostei: siluroidae : clariidae). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 73-6.

Effect of experimental Procamallanus infection on blood parameters such as glucose, protein, cholesterol and urea levels of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus, has been studied. The infected catfish showed decrease in serum glucose, protein and cholesterol values as well as increase in urea level after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection. The observed hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypocholesterolemia in the present study have been attributed to the disturbances in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. The increased serum urea level may probably be due to nephrotoxic effects of endotoxins/exotoxins elaborated by the nematode parasites present in the gastrointestinal tract of the catfish.

1 table, 31 ref

000249   Roy K;Dalai M K (Drug Theoretics & Cheminformatics Lab, Division of Medicinal & Pharmac, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kunalroy_in@yahoo.com) : Exploring QSAR of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding affinity of N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-yl-glyoxylamides using physico-chemical descriptors. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 114-21.

The QSAR study has attempted to explore the structural and physicochemical requirements of ligands N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-yl-glyoxylamides for binding with peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). The calcu-lated partition coefficient values show parabolic relations with the PBR binding affinity, suggesting that the binding affinity increases with increase in the partition coefficient of the compounds until it reaches the critical value after which the affinity decreases. The critical value of logP is within range of 6.052-6.410. Furthermore, positive Wang-Ford charge values of carbonyl oxygens of the glyoxamide moiety and negative Wang-Ford charge value of the glyoxamide nitrogen are conducive for the binding affinity. Again, the indole moiety should have favorable charge distribution. Higher values of the parameters dipole moment (Dipole) and moment of inertia (I_z) of the ligands are conducive for the binding affinity. The presence of hydrogen atom at R₂ and cyclic moiety at R₁ and R₂ positions are detrimental to the binding affinity.

000248   Rathore G;Vijay Singh;Gokhlesh Kumar;Raja Swaminathan T;Mahanta P C (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, , Lucknow-226 002) : Antibiotic sensitivity and characterization of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish and water samples. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2006, 6(1-2), 41-3.

Six months (January 2004- June 2004) sampling was done 50 km around Lucknow fish markets and fish farms. Fish and water samples were enriched in Alkaline Peptone Water and spread on Starch Ampicillin Agar. The presumptive identification was done by amylase test. Twenty-seven samples were processed and total 36 isolates ofAeromonas hydrophila were recovered. All isolates were resistant to Cephalothin, Ampicillin, Novobiocin, Nitrofurazone and sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol and Co-trimaxazole. Sixty percent isolates of A. hydrophila were aerolysin positive.

1 table, 10 ref

000247   Raju M;Krishnakantha T P;Baskaran V (Biochemistry and Nutrition Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 020, Email: basrev@yahoo.co.in) : Determination of vitamin A value of familiar and less familiar Indian green leafy vegetables. J rur Technol 2006, 3(1), 22-7.

Consumption of Green Leafy Vegetables (GLVs) is widely recommended, as they are good source of bioactive molecules such as carotenoids and minerals. GLVs (n=37) were evaluated for provitamin A carotenoid levels using HPLC technique and their vitamin A activity as Retinol Equivalent (RE) has been studied. Among 37 GLVs screened, 21 were found to contain β-carotene higher than 0.25 g/kg dry weight. Interestingly, less familiar GLVs, in particular, Chenopodium album L., Commelina benghalensis L., Phyllanthus niruri L., Rumex acetosella L. and Solanum nigrum L. were found to contain higher level of β-carotene (0.5 to 1.15 g/kg dry weight) and the RE (RE of α-carotene + β-carotene) ranged from 8351 to 19101 compared with familiar GLVs. α-Carotene was detected in Amaranthus viridis L.. Basella alba L., Beta vulgaris L., C. benghalensis L., Daucus carota L., Murraya koenigii L., Piper betle L., Talinum cuniefolium L. and Triblfus terrestris L. , which ranged from 0.03 to 0.37 g/kg dry weight. Results indicate that less familiar GLVs were found to contain higher level of provitamin A carotenoids and RE. Hence, they could be exploited as a good source of vitamin A to manage vitamin A deficiency malnutrition.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

000246   Patel S P;Patel M A;Modi H R;Katyare S S (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat 390 002) : Improved method for estimation of inorganic phosphate: Implications for its application in enzyme assays. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(2), 88-93.

The conventional method of Fiske and Subba Row for the estimation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) is although rapid, but suffers from the disadvantage that the color is unstable and hence the optical density (OD) measurements have to be carried out within a short time span of 8-12 min. This poses a restriction on the number of samples, which can be handled in a batch. Although, modified procedures involving use of alternate reducing agents/or increasing the concentration of H2SO4 in conventional method have been subsequently developed, but the problem of color stability could not be solved. In addition, the use of higher concentrations H₂SO₄ has rendered the methods unsuitable in enzyme assays, especially if the acid labile phosphate containing substrates have been used. In the present study, attempts have been made to suitably modify the method to improve the stability of the color and sensitivity and also for its applicability in enzyme assays, especially when acid labile phosphate containing substrates such as ATP is used. We used the higher concentrations (0.625, 0.8 and 1.0 N) of H2SO4 rather than 0.5 N used in the conventional assay procedures. Under these conditions, the reagent blanks do not develop color for up to 24 h, whereas the intensity of the molybdenum blue color in the standard and/or experimental tubes increased with time reaching optimum value at 24 h. Simultaneously, the absorption maximum shifts from 660 nm to 820 nm. The highest concentration of H₂SO₄ (1.0 N) is found to be the most effective in the process of color development. The sensitivity of the method is from 1.7 to 2.1 times higher, as compared to the conventional Fiske and Subba Row method for the measurements carried out at the end of 15 min at 820 nm and with the highest concentration of H₂SO₄ (1.0 N); the sensitivity increased 4.8-fold at the end of 24 h. Presence of glucose and sucrose (1-10 mM), NaCl and KCl (5-100 mM), MgCl₂ (1-10 mM) and BSA (10 to 500 μg per assay tube) do not interfere either with color development or with OD measurements. The extent of ATP hydrolysis is 1.6 to 3.4% for up to 1 h, depending upon the concentration of H₂SO₄ used. Only negligible hydrolysis of G6P is observed under these conditions. These results suggest that the presently modified method is suitable for Pi analysis in the enzyme assays, in the presence of labile phosphate containing substrates.

000245   Narayani Prasad;Ray R P K (Bio Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Basic Science and Humanities Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Bihar, Pusa (Samastipur)-848 125) : Ultrasonic study of the effect of size on the interaction of glutamine with metals. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2006, 32(2), 131-5.

Four glutamine-metallic salt mixtures, namely (i) Glutamine + Baryllium sulphate (ii) Glutamine+Zinc sulphate (Hi) Glutamine + Cadmium Sulphate (iv) Glutamine + Chleride Chloride have been studied ultrasonically using as variable-path ultrasonic interferometer working at 2MHz. The experimental results have been discussed on the basis of Bjerrum's theory of association. The valency and size of the associating ions have been used to explain significance of the theory and extent of chelation. The condition for a metal ion to form a chelate with Glutamine under experimental conditions has also been deduced.

8 illus, 16 ref