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.

001287   Vinayaka K S;Krishnamurthy Y L;Prashith Kekuda T R;Praveen Kumar S V;Sudharshan S J;Chinmaya A (Studies and Research in Applied Botany Dep, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577 451, Email: prashith_kekuda@rediffmail.com) : Larvicidal and wormicidal efficacy of methanolic extracts of five macrolichens collected from Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 327-31.

Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects acting as vector for many tropical and subtropical diseases. Helminthes are recognized as a major problem to livestock production throughout the tropics. The larvicidal and wormicidal potential of methanolic extracts of five macrolichens Ramalina nervulosa (Mull. Arg.) Abbayes (Ramalinaceae), Ramalina pacifica Asahina (Ramalinaceae), Roccella montagnei Bel. Em. D.D. Awasthi (Roccellaceae) and Usnea galbinifera Asahina (Parmeliaceae) and a foliose lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex nyl.) Hale (Parmeliaceae) collected from Bhadra wildlife sanctuary were investigated. The crude methanolic extracts of the lichens were subjected to analysis of secondary metabolites using TLC. The larvicidal potential was evaluated using the second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The percentage mortality and the LC50 values for various concentrations of the lichen extracts were determined. Indian earth worm model was employed to determine wormicidal potential of the lichen extracts. The different lichen extracts showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as Usnic acid, Lecanoric acid, Sekikaic acid etc in TLC. All the extracts were found to possess good larvicidal potential. A marked wormicidal activity was observed in case of lichen extracts. The results showed dose dependent activity of lichen extracts. Among lichens tested, more potent activity was observed in case of P. tinctorum. The wormicidal efficacy of extract of P. tinctorum was found to be greater when compared to standard piperazine citrate. The larvicidal and wormicidal activity of lichen extracts may be due to the presence of active metabolites. The lichen metabolites could be used against mosquitoes and intestinal worms. Further studies are to be carried to isolate and to subject the metabolite against larvae and worms.

3 tables, 23 ref

001286   Vijayalakshmi A;Ravichandran V;Udaykishan; Swathi;Velraj M;Jayakumari S (Pharmacognosy Dep, Vels Univ, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 114) : Antimicrobial studies on the rhizome of Smilax china Linn. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 389-91.

Development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics, led us to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of medicinal plant-rhizome of Smilax china by Disc diffusion technique. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using Agar streak dilution technique to determine the antimicrobial potency. Large zones of inhibition were observed for both chloroform and ethanol extract of the rhizome of Smilax china in disc diffusion screening against three gram positive and two gram negative bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. The MIC values against these bacteria ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mg/ml. In antifungal screening, the extracts showed large zone of inhibition against the fungus Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates and small zone of inhibition against Candida albicans. Phytochemicals present in the extract was screened qualitatively. Thus the present study brought to light the scientific data on the anti-infective property of the plant.

2 tables, 20 ref

001285   Veetil P K;Mukkadan JK (NO, Little Flower Medical Research Centre, Angamaly-683 572, Email: ifmrcang@satyam.net.in) : Effects of scopolamine on a novel alternated dual task. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 315-21.

A novel alternated dual task (ADT) was designed to clarify whether increasing novelty and alternation factors in a task will increase or decrease the short term and long term memory in rats. Rats were made to learn T-maze spontaneous alternation task and radial arm maze (RAM) task alternatively. Another group of rats were made to learn both the task separately without any alternation. For assessing the involvement of hippocampus in ADT we used the administration of anticholinergic drug scopolamine (SC). By aiming at resolving the ambiguity of whether SC impairs long term memory or not, a second retention phase was introduced, which was done ten days after first retention phase. Behavioural experiments consisted of three phases as acquisition, first retention and second retention phases. Different groups were assigned by administering SC (intraperitoneal injection at a dose of Img/Kg body weight) during different phases, and control groups received saline injection. Group of rats performing ADT could acquire the tasks more easily than non alternated dual task group. Also retention capacity of ADT group was significantly more. SC administration decreased acquisition capacity, but the effect was less in ADT group. Second retention was never influenced by SC, but first retention showed a deficit. It may be concluded that alternated dual task help to learn a complex task faster than learning it in isolation from other tasks. The influence of anticholinergic drugs like SC can be decreased by adapting procedures like alternated dual task, especially for earlier retention. And the ambiguity of whether SC influence retention is better clarified by this study, mentioning that SC deficit is not seen for a well learned procedure, but can be observed during retention if the procedure is not well consolidated in long term memory.

2 illus, 29 ref

001284   Uma Sekar;Shanthi M (Microbiology Dep, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai-600 116, Email: umasekar02@yahoo.co.in) : Expanding family of beta lacteamases. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 72-86.

4 tables, 31 ref

001283   Thakar Y S;Nagdeo N;Sable V (NO, Vishakha Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, 612, 'A' Wing, Lakmat Bhawan, Wardha Road, Nagpur-440 012, Email: yagneshthakar@yahoo.co.uk) : Salmonella osteomyelitis-an unusual presentation. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 100-3.

This is a case of osteomyelitis of hand due to Salmonella typhi in otherwise healthy child who did not have any predisposing factors to suffer from complications of enteric fever. Salmonella typhi was isolated from the pus drained from the lesion on surgical intervention. Retrospective history suggested that the child had suffered from enteric fever and was treated by some private practitioner. Subsequently she had a fall resulting in swelling of the forehand; the x-ray did not reveal any fracture. Subsequent x-ray after 15 days showed pathological fracture and changes of osteomyelitis indicating that Salmonellae had persisted and caused the infective lesion and pathological fracture as soon at the site of trauma. After managing it conservatively for some time finally surgical intervention was done, the pus was cultured and S. typhi was isolated which was mufti drug resistant. The patient was now adequately treated with antibiotics on the basis of culture report and the patient responded well.

4 illus, 10 ref

001282   Suresh S;Suriyavathana M;Aranganathan J; Naveenbabu B (Biochemistry Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem-636 001, Email: suriyaveda@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative evaluation of antioxidant properties of cassava varieties (CO5 and H226). Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 383-5.

Study is aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Cassava varieties (CO5 and H226). Cassava (manihot esculenla crantz) is a major source of dietary energy for human and domestic animals in many tropical countries. It's starchy staple roots are very rich in carbohydrates. Cassava plants have anti-cancer properties. In the present study we have explored the importance of cassava varieties (CO5 and H226). Since Free radicals and related species have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Free radicals can adversely alter lipids, proteins and DNA and have been implicated in aging and a number of human diseases. The antioxidants were estimated (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, Glu-6 phos dhase, Vit-E, Vit-C, GSH) in the Ethanolic extract of cassava varieties (COS and H226) using standard protocol. Among the two varieties CO5 have good store of antioxidants than H226.

2 tables, 17 ref

001281   Suchetha Kumari N;Shantharam M;Vinayachandra; Damodara Gowda K M;Shetty A V (Biochemistry Dep, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Email: sucheetha49@gmail.com) : Sialic acid and antioxidant status in Indian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in and around Mangalore. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 376-9.

Serum Sialic acid is a marker for the acute phase response. The aim of the present study was to investigate the status of Sialic acid and Total antioxidant in Indian type 2 diabetic patients. Fasting and postprandial blood samples are taken from 252 subjects of which 132 were diabetes mellitus (DM) and 120 were healthy individuals without complication, diagnosed as per WHO criteria. The case history of patients was taken and they were categorized according to the duration of the diabetes in to two groups. The entire blood sample was analyzed for total Sialic acid. Total antioxidants, nitric oxide, SOD (super oxide dismutase) Spectro photometrically. There was significant increase in serum Sialic acid (p=0.000) and significant decline in total antioxidant (p=0.000) as the duration of diabetes increases. There was increase in nitric oxide level (p=0.000) and decrease in SOD level (p=0.000) as increase in the duration of diabetes. The present study indicates that the elevated level of serum Sialic acid, Nitric oxide and decline in total antioxidant status, SOD respectively, as the duration of diabetes increases.

2 tables, 27 ref

001280   Subha Revathi K;Neelambikai N (Physiology Dep, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore-641 014, Email: subhanandha@gmail.com) : Influence of meals on QT interval in healthy individuals. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 365-6.

The food we take regularly to sustain life produces many physiological changes, amongst the various changes the cardiovascular system responds by producing mesenteric hyperemia which is found to be mediated through the sympathetic nervous system. The influence of autonomic nervous system has been studied by various electrophysiological studies. In this study the influence of meals (solids & liquids) on QT interval has been studied in healthy individuals. 29 healthy subjects (males & females), aged 19 - 21 years were selected randomly and divided into three groups. Group A (llsubjects) ingested a 500Kcal meal, Group B (llsubjects) who ingested fruit juice (SOOKcal) and Group C (7 subjects) who ingested isovolumic amounts of water. The Electrocardiogram was taken prior to the ingestion of meals/juice/water and 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45minutes & 60 minutes after the ingestion of meals/juice/water. The results showed lengthening of QTc 15 minutes after the ingestion meals/juice and the lengthening persisted for the study period of 60 minutes and no such changes were seen in the subjects who ingested isovolumic amounts of water (1). This indicates the influence of Sympathetic nervous system activity and the response of QTc lengthening being directly related to energy value of food stuffs.

1 table, 6 ref

001279   Singh A M;Jain A;Ghai R;Goel P;Kumar M;Khare S (Anatomy Dep, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, Email: drmukesh_3173@rediffmail.com) : Body mass index in adult Indian Punjabi male Jat-Sikhs and Banias. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 386-8.

Obesity is a disease in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected. It is a well known fact that overweight and obesity lead to serious health consequences. Risk increases progressively as BMI increases. The screening of population is important as after classifying, it brings overweight people under medical scanner and also ensure that help can be provided to them before they go from fact to obese stage. BMI is defined as the individuals body weight divided by the square of their height. The BMI mathematical formula is BMI - kg/m^{2. It is an inexpensive, easy to perform and one of the best methods of screening of population for assessment of overweight and obesity. BMI prime is the modification of BMI system. It is the ratio of actual BMI to upper limit BMI. It is useful clinically because individual can tell at a glance what percentage they deviate from their upper weight limit. The present study is conducted on 300 adult male Jat Sikhs and 300 adult male Banias of Punjab of Indian origin. The aim of present study is to investigate the epidemiology of BMI, overweight and obesity among these populations. For this, weight and height was measured and BMI and BMI prime were calculated. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is 25% in Jat Sikhs and 41% in Banias. These values are more than the national values (12.1%). The results of present study indicates that obesity is becoming a problem of concern in Punjabis particularly Banias.}

3 tables, 10 ref

001278   Sharan B;Singh M;Veeranna H B;Sathyaprema Kumari N (Physiology Dep, Narayana Medical College, Nellore-524 002, Email: sharansreesid@gmail.com) : Visual contrast sensitivity function in school children. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 360-4.

Visual contrast sensitivity function is a better way of assessing a person's visual capability than visual acuity testing by Snellen's (test) chart. This is especially so in diseases like glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retinal disorders and anterior segment diseases, where vision remains normal but visual contrast sensitivity function changes. Also early detection of visual problems is important in children to prevent the development of irreversible, inappropriate neural circuitry, which is possible by visual contrast sensitivity function testing. This study was undertaken to establish normal visual contrast sensitivity function data in school children by use of Bailey-Lovie contrast sensitivity. This study was carried out in 297 school children and compared with 107 adults. High contrast (HC) and low contrast (LC) were tested and scored by LogMAR and VAR score. Visual contrast sensitivity function increases progressively with age and reaches adults like values around (9-10 years) for HC and 12-13 years for low contrast. This data may prove valuable to the clinician in evaluation of visual function in children.

4 tables, 19 ref

001277   Sandikar B M;Awasthi R S (Microbiology Dep, Maharashtra Udayagiri Mahavidyalaya, Udgir, Latur) : Preparation and shelf-life study of Pseudomonas and Bacillus bioformulations against phytopathogenic Pythium and Fusarium species. Int J Pl Prot 2009, 2(2), 251-4.

Four Pseudomonas and three Bacillus isolates from rhizosphere of healthy tomato and cotton plants with potent antifungal activity against phytopathogenic Fusarium and Pythium species were used to prepare bioformulations. Talc and dried fecal pellets (DFP) of sheep and goats were used as carrier materials, along with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a sticking agent. The formulations were stored at room temperature (30°C) and cold conditions (4°C) and tested for viability, after each month. The bioformulations of Bacillus species were relatively more durable than Pseudomonas species. Storage of bioformulations at 4°C was found significant than at room temperature. The DFP based formulations of Pseudomonas as well as Bacillus species were more durable than their talc based formulations. DFP I was found to be the best carrier material for formulation of bacterial biocontrol agents.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

001276   Samhita L (Midrobiology and Cell Biology Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: aysaal_is@yahoo.co.in) : Handicap principle. Resonance 2010, 15(5), 434-40.

The Handicap Principle is an idea proposed by the husband and wife scientist team of Amotz and Avishag Zahavi from Israel in the 1970's. It is among the most innovative ideas of the 20th century in the field of behavioural biology and attempts to explain several long-standing puzzles that have baffled naturalists since the time of Darwin. Although the theory was initially met with scepticism by the scientific community, with time and with sophisticated mathematical modelling it has now gained wider acceptance. In the book explaining their idea, the authors discuss various observations of animal behaviour in the wild and suggest how these can be explained using the handicap principle. Both experiments and long-time observations of animal behaviour fit in smoothly with the authors' hypotheses for the most part. Discusses the concept of the handicap principle and its application to various biological phenomena.

1 ref

001275   Sambathrani K;RoselinIndumathi K (NO, Avinashillingam Deemed University for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Problem solving ability of visually impaired and sighted pupils-a comparative study. Res Highlight 2010, 20(3), 174-80.

Problem solving ability is not an easy task. Exposure and experience is the vital means for problem solving, which may be easily imbibed by the sighted when compared to visually impaired. Keeping this in view the study was undertaken. The investigation emphasizes that even the visually impaired can also be trained in acquiring problem solving skills on par with the sighted. This can be achieved if appropriate environment (which included parenting, schooling and attitude of the society) is provided at the earliest possible. Thus, it is hoped that with little guidance, skills may be developed among students in problem solving innovative assignments may be encouraged and questions in examination may be based on reasoning ability for allowing them to think and answer.

6 tables, 3 ref

001274   Sailaja J;Shaker I A;Reddy P G (Molecular and Biochemistry Dep, College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Loni, Ahmednagar (M.S.)) : In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of Anona squamosa and tribulus terrestris leaf extracts. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 487-89.

Effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of Anona squamosa and Tribulus terrestris on the growth of Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Gram positive Staphyloccous epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae bacterial strains was evaluated in vitro by Agar well diffusion assay method. The extracts inhibited the growth of all test organisms. Extract ofA.squamosa exhibited greater antibacterial activity than T. terrestris. Gram positive strains were found more sensitive than Gram negative strains. Ethanol extract showed comparatively more inhibitory effect than aqueous extract. Staphyloccous epidermidis was found more sensitive to the leaf extracts of A.squamosa while Streptococcus agalactiae to that of T. terrestris. Zone of inhibition increased with increase in concentration of the extract. The results may be of importance in identification of new potential antibacterial compounds in plants.

2 tables, 20 ref

001273   Robinsan M D;Robinsan;Busaidi B A (Biology Dep, Sultan Qaboos Univ, PO Box 36, Al Khoud, PC 123, Oman, Email: mrobins@squ.edu.om) : Assessment of the rangeland vegetation on the Saiq plateau, Jebel Akhdar, Oman. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(4), 313-20.

Rangeland vegetation of the Saiq Plateau, Sultanate of Oman was assessed at 14 sites using line-point intercept transects. This research is the first to quantify variables relevant to the rangeland's ecological condition and its ability to sustain a livestock industry. Canopy cover by perennial species was generally low (2.7 to 7.3%). The dominant cover species were: a coarse grass (Cymbopogon sp.), a small thick-leafed shrub (Helianthemum Hppii), a large spiny shrub (Sideroxylon muscatense), an aromatic prostrate perennial (Teucrium mascateme) and Dodonaea viscosa, a chemically defended invasive shrub. More palatable grasses and forbs were rare and had very low coverage. Large areas of bare, unprotected ground commonly occupied from one-third to over half of a 50-meter transect. Most canopy gaps between perennial plants were greater than 200 cm. Exposed bedrock covered a considerable area, perhaps one-third of the rangeland. Together, the variables indicate that most of the sites are badly degraded and at risk to increasing loss of soil and vegetation. We conclude that the range is overstocked, and this is supported by the fact that many herders must buy costly supplemental feeds to provide sufficient energy and nutrients to their animals.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

001272   Robinsan M D;Nabhani S A (Biology Dep, Sultan Qaboos Univ, PO Box 36, Al Khoud, PC 123, Oman, Email: mrobins@squ.edu.om) : Assessment of rangeland soils on the Saiq Plateau, Jebel Akhdar, Oman. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(4), 321-7.

Variables indicating the stability and hydrologic function of rangeland soils of the Saiq Plateau have never been assessed. Used standard soil analytical methods to quantify soil texture, stability, organic matter and water holding capacity at 14 sites across the width of the Plateau. The soils were mainly loams. Three-fourths of the 756 transect samples were unstable, indicating the landscape is vulnerable to erosion. Although the quantity of organic matter (1.7- 7.6%) is similar to North American grasslands, the soils were often azonal and lacked a dark humic layer, suggesting low rates of decomposition. Soil organic matter and water-holding capacity are significantly correlated (P< 0.0001) and both variables are significantly greater under trees and shrubs than on open rangeland (P< 0.0001). This pattern of higher concentrations of organic matter around perennial vegetation and notably less in the plant interspaces characterizes heavily grazed rangelands. A livestock management plan is suggested that could allow soils and vegetation to recover.

6 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

001271   Reenaa M;Rajendran P (Microbiology Dep, Dr. A.L.M. Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Madras U, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: rajendranparam@hotmail.com) : gmh A gene expression and virulence in Haemophilus ducreyi from chancroid cases. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 373-5.

Haemophilus ducreyi is a Gram negative bacteria which causes chancroid, a soft chancre sexually transmitted disease. There are various virulence factors associated with Haemophilus ducreyi and the progress of the disease. The present study is on gmh A gene as one of the maker or virulence factor in chancroid cases from Tamilnadu. Information on chancroid and gmh A gene are scanty in Indian Medical literature. Twelve strains of Haemophilus ducreyi were isolated from genital ulcer cases during 1999 - 2002 and were subjected to identification of gmh A gene by PCR according to the procedure of Bauer et al (1998). gmh A gene (1.6 Kb M.wt) was identified in three out of twelve strains tested. This is the first report from Tamilnadu on the gmh A gene in Haemophilus ducreyi. The study suggests that the gmh A gene may not be the only factor responsible for virulence and disease progression in Haemophilus ducreyi.

1 illus, 6 ref

001270   Pushpa Devi;Arora U;Kamaljit Kaur (NO, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, Email: adarshkumar_27@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing gram negative uropathogens in a tertiary care hospital. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 56-65.

Gram-negative uropathogens isolated from hospitalised patients are often multidrug resistant. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing strains among gram negative isolates constitute a serious threat to the favourable outcome of infection. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ESBL producing strains among 340 gram-negative uropathogens. Uropathogens isolated were identified by colony characters, gram staining and biochemical reactions and subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Isolates resistant to third generation cephalosporins were selected for detecting ESBL production by double disc synergy method and E test using Ceftazidime, combination of Ceftazidime and Clavulanic acid. Esch.coli 217(63.82%), was the predominant isolate followed by Klebsiella spp. 47(13.83%), Enterobacter spp. 35 (10.29%). ESBL production was observed among 149 (43.83%) isolates and maximum ESBL production was seen among Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.59%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (65%). Since ESBL production was high among uropathogens; routine ESBL testing for uropathogens along with conventional antibiogram would be useful for all cases of UTI. Measures for control and prevention of ESBLs among the hospitalized should be initiated.

5 tables, 31 ref

001269   Patel M;Shaikh W;Singh S K (Physiology Dep, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad-388 325, Email: minalpatel78@rediffmail.com) : Relation of body fat percentage and fasting blood sugar level in the Gujarati adolescents. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 370-2.

Modernization, industrialization and better economic conditions have produced changes in the life style. These are more favorable for the prediabetic conditions. So, main objective of the study was to find out the relation of body fat percentage (BF%) with fasting blood sugar (FBS) level in the Gujarati adolescents. A randomized, non-experimental and cross sectional pilot study was done on the 22 male and 16 female voluntary participants of age group 18-19 yrs. BF% was measured by bioelectrical impedance and blood glucose was measured in the fasting state using the capillary blood. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Student's unpaired t-test were used to find statistical significance. BF% showed a significant positive correlation (R=0.33) with FBS independent of gender. When the significance was tested by gender, there was a significant high FBS in females with high BF% as compared to those with low BF%. There was no significant difference in FBS among males with higher BF% as compared to those with normal. A study shows that BF% affects FBS in adolescents.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

001268   Paranjape A N;Rangarajan A (Molecular Reproduction Development and Genetics Dep, (MRDG) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: anu@mrdg.iisc.ernet.in) : How to protect the chromosomal ends?. Resonance 2010, 15(6), 538-47.

The 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to three scientists - Elizabeth H Blackburn, Carol W Greider and Jack W Szostak - for their work during early 1980s and 1990s which helped unravel the molecular mechanisms of protection of chromosomal ends by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Their discovery has had major implications in the fields of ageing and cancer research. Blackburn and Greider are the ninth and tenth women scientist, to get this award in physiology or medicine and this is the first time that two women scientists have shared the prized.

7 illus, 8 ref

001267   Pandey A K;Das A;Bhattacharya A K (Physiology Dep, GSL Medical College & General Hospital, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Email: drpandeyak@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative study of lipid-profile and signal averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) at menopause. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 349-52.

The female sex steroids Estrogen and Progesterone have been shown to influence Lipid metabolism and cardiovascular functions. Until the time of menopause, it appears that women enjoy some protection from early coronary heart disease that men do not. However, once menopause is established the risk of coronary heart disease may either promptly escalate to the same or cross the rate as in men. As women age, and natural estrogen levels fall, the incidence of coronary heart disease increases. The aim of this study was to compare the lipid profile and signal averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) as predictors of future cardiovascular complication in post menopausal women. The study was carried out in 57 randomly selected postmenopausal (Natural/ Surgical) women attending the New Civil Hospital and Govt. Medical College, Surat during the period January to June 2003. Subjects were examined clinically and a thorough cardiovascular evaluation was performed. The instrument used for SAECG recording was HYPEC HA- 200 System analyzer. For lipid profile blood samples were collected after 12 to 16 hours of overnight fasting. Data was analyzed by using "epi-info 6" package.  When we compared the lipid profile and SAECG based on blood pressure status, BMI and duration of menopause, it was found that all the parameters of the lipid profile were within the normal limits in both the groups but it was towards abnormal side in hypertensive, overweight and duration of menopause <5 years (surgical menopause) and >15 years. Signal averaged ECG can not be used as a screening test for future prediction of arrhythmia or IHD in all cases of menopause. However, in selected cases such as early menopause (surgical), and all menopausal women above 65 year old or duration of menopause > 15 years, it can be used as a screening test for further electrophysiological studies.

3 tables, 18 ref

001266   Nanjundiah V (NO, Indian Institute of Science and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced S, Bangalore-560 012, Email: vidya@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Waddington, canalisation and genetic assimilation. Resonance 2010, 15(6), 503-13.

2 illus, 7 ref

001265   Nanda N;Sen S K;Arokiaraj M C (Biochemistry Dep, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: anada31@rediffmail.com) : Gender difference in the prevalence of myocardial infarction in pre-diabetic individuals. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 367-9.

Recently it has been suggested that individuals with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We collected retrospectively the data of all patients admitted for the first time for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and analyzed the data of patients diagnosed as a pre diabetic based on their serum glucose values. Male gender is recognized as a risk factor for coronary artery disease below the age of 45. Mean age of all our cases was above 55 years. However, after excluding patients with family history for diabetes mellitus out of 26 cases which were found to be in pre diabetic state only 6 were females. We did not find any difference in the severity of diseases and degree of biochemical alterations in male and female cases (except packed cell volume in male patients) suggesting that gender difference might not exist in severity of the diseases pre diabetic MI patients. However, our study also revealed that among pre diabetic subjects male gender is more associated with the incidence of myocardial infarction especially after the age of forty. Contrarily, though the number of incidences of pre diabetic females of same age group suffering from MI is less they suffer from equal severity of the disease compared to males.

3 tables, 6 ref

001264   Naidu L M;Kishore Babu N (Biochemistry Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Paradesh) : Evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity of Portulaca quadrifida L.. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 494-97.

The antimicrobial activity of hexane, methanol and aqueous extracts of Portulaca quadrifida (Portulacaceae) was tested by agar gel diffusion method. All the three extracts at a concentration of 100 mg/ml showed zone of inhibition ranged from 15-25 mm against 1 x 10^{7 microbial cells. Methanol extract was most effective against both bacteria and fungi. Hexane extract showed moderate where as aqueous extract showed low activity. The largest zone of inhibition against E. coli indicates that the extract was simply inhibitory towards this microorganism and Bacillus subtilis was most resistant bacteria. All extracts of Portulaca quadrifida showed different levels of antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Tetracyclin and Nystatin were used as standard reference.}

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

001263   Nagaraj S;Dias M;Muralidharan S (Microbiology Dep, St. John's Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore) : Prevalence of serologically determined typhus fevers from a tertiary care centre: a persistent pattern. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 90-4.

Weil felix still remains the mainstay to diagnose spotted fevers in many laboratories, due to lack of easily available more specific tests. A retrospective analysis of the data over the past 10 years of the Weil Felix test in patients with suspected spotted fevers is presented. It is interesting to note that there is a typical seasonal distribution of the reported test results during the year and over the years.

4 tables, 10 ref

001262   Murgod R;Furruqh S;Venkatesh T (Biochemistry Dep, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bangalore-560 066, Email: roopamurgod@gmail.com) : Development of reference range for biochemical parameters of liver and renal functions in Bangalore city population. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 357-9.

It is mandatory for any laboratory to adopt "Reference Ranges". As on date, most of our laboratories are using the text book values, which give reference ranges of the western population. Hence there is a pressing need for the establishment of reference ranges and reference limits for various parameters in routine biochemistry in an Indian population. In this study, reference ranges for biochemical parameters of liver and renal function in a Bangalore City population were determined. 153 healthy subjects were chosen from the Health Plan Department of St. Johns Medical College Hospital after clearly defining inclusion and exclusion criteria and their samples were analyzed for FBS, liver and renal function tests. The results obtained were compared with the values that are currently being used. It was found that there was a shift in the reference range for the analytes-FBS, total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin. The reference range for blood urea had remained the same, whereas the reference range for creatinine had widened. It was concluded that the reference ranges for each population varies and therefore it necessitates the need to establish reference ranges for various parameters in each clinical laboratory.

1 table, 14 ref

001261   Mohammadpour A A;Razi H (Basic Sciences Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi Mashhad Univ, Mashhad, Iran P.O. Box-17 93) : Age related changes in the morphology of adrenal glands in cow. Indian vet J 2009, 86(3), 293-4.

Forty pairs of adrenal glands in Holestein cow were histomorphometrically studied tn four different age groups, viz 6 to 9 months, 9 to 12 months, 12 to 15 months and 15 to 18 months of ages. The mean weight, length, width and thickness of the left adrenal gland were significantly greater than the right. There was a significant difference in thickness of medulla and cortex of modulla and cortec in this age groups studied.

1 table, 2 ref

001260   Misra H S;Rajpurohit Y S;Khairnar N P (Molecular Biology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085) : Antioxidant from a radioresistant bacterium: its role in radiation resistance beyond oxidative stress tolerance. BARC Newsl 2010, (May-Jun), 1-9.

In living cells, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are produced as the byproducts of metabolic processes during aerobic respiration or during growth under unfavorable conditions. Organisms have evolved different strategies, involving both antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules to detoxify these species. These reactive molecules, if not detoxified, can cause oxidative damage to cellular components, resulting in metabolic defects, ageing, mutagenesis and eventually cell death. The level of oxidative stress tolerance, therefore, depends on the ability of an organism to counteract the deleterious effects of these reactive species. Organisms having higher tolerance to oxidative stress are believed to effectively scavenge ROS and hence, are good model systems to study oxidative stress tolerance mechanisms. These organisms can also be a preferred source for identification of novel antioxidant molecules. Deinococcus radiodurans has been widely characterized for its exceptionally high tolerance to y radiation and hydrogen peroxide. The γ-radiation produces both DNA single strand and double strand breaks (DSB) and imposes oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species. We are, currently, involved in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the extraordinary tolerance of Deinococcus radiodurans to ionizing radiation by studying the DNA repair as well as the oxidative stress tolerance in Deinococcus radiodurans. Deinococcus genome encodes a genetic system for the synthesis of pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) with anticipated antioxidant properties. We characterized PQQ for its antioxidant properties both in vivo and in vitrc, Escherichia coli, a radiation and oxidative stress sensitive bacterium, when genetically engineered for making PQQ, showed higher tolerance to both oxidative stress and UVC radiation. On the other hand, the Deinococcus cells lacking PQQ become hypersensitive to γ radiation, perhaps, due to a defect in both oxidative stress tolerance and DSB repair. The proteins through which PQQ supports DNA repair and radiation tolerance were characterized from both E coli and Deinococcus. PQQ stimulates the activity of these proteins in vitro. Deletion of a gene encoding deinococcal protein having PQQ binding site from this bacterial genome makes it sensitive to g radiation. These findings together suggest an additional role of PQQ in extraordinary radiation resistance and DSB repair in this bacterium. Further studies will be required to understand the mechanism of PQQ action in radiation resistance and DSB repair in bacteria and other organisms.

8 illus, 19 ref

001259   Kulkarni N;Latti R G;Goudar S S (Physiology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Meical College, Belgaum-590 010, Email: ramachandra.latti@rediffmail.com) : Cross sectional study to determine pain threshold and tolerance among I MBBS students at Belgaum. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 340-4.

Pain has been underlying cause for many of health related problems. Present study was undertaken to compare the gender difference in pain threshold and pain tolerance in the different phases of menstrual cycle among MBBS phase I students of J N Medical College, Belgaum admitted in the year 2007-08. 105 students of MBBS phase I were screened of which 70 boys & 35 girls were taken. Among the girls pain threshold & pain tolerance in different phases of menstrual cycle were studied.Pain threshold & pain tolerance were measured by cold pressure task. The pain threshold & tolerance were higher in males as compared to females. Comparison in females in different menstrual cycle shows pain threshold & tolerance in proliferative phase was higher, lower pain threshold & tolerance in secretory phase due to the fluctuation of gonadal hormones. These results were statistically significant. Gender differences in pain threshold & tolerance & fluctuation of hormonal levels are to be considered for novel strategy for effective treatment for advising analgesics.

6 tables, 19 ref

001258   Krishnamurthy V;Vijay Kumar G S;Nagaraj E R (Microbiology Dep, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur-572 107) : Bacteriological profile of ventilator associated pneumonia cases in Tumkur. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 66-71.

Invasive diagnostic or therapeutic medical modalities in the intensive care unit (ICU) are a major threat to the patient safety. Such maneuver lead to ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). A well established predisposing risk factor is found to be the antibiotic misuse. Emergence of β lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae, pan resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sps and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the leading agents of VAP has complicated management of VAP. The aim of the study was to identify the bacterial pathogens and detect the drug resistance pattern among the isolates. This prospective study was done between January 2006 to July 2008. Tracheal aspirate (TA) was collected from clinically suspected cases of VAP. Gram stained smear examination and quantitative culture was done to establish the diagnosis of VAP. The rate of VAP was found to be 25%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.04%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (22.82%) were the commonly isolated pathogens. 44.73% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 75% Escherichia coll were found to be ESBL producers. 7% of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates produced AmpC β lactamase and 1.42% Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found to be metallo β lactamase producers. Rate of VAP at the different ICUs is high. MDR gram negative bacilli are the major pathogens. Judicious and timely use of appropriate antibiotic in consultation with the microbiology laboratory results is needed to prevent grave sequelae.

8 ref

001257   Kavita Raja;Ajit Kumar V K;Namboodiri N (Microbiology Dep, SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram-695 011, Email: kavita_raja@sctimst.ac.in) : Cardio embolic stroke with prosthetic valve endocarditis/bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus. J Acad clin Microbiol 2009, 11(2), 95-9.

A case of cardio embolic stroke with Prosthetic valve endocarditis/bacteraemia due to Staphylococcus aureus is reported here. Problems encountered during treatment and how they were solved, to lead to a successful cure is discussed.

1 illus, 5 ref

001256   Kadi S;Desai P B;Chetana K;Manjunath S (Biochemistry Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum-590 010, Email: drsumangalamk@yahoo.com) : Cerebrospinal fluid enzyme markers in meningitis. Biomedicine 2009, 29(4), 336-9.

To assess the diagnostic and prognostic usefulness and to evaluate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in differentiating meningitis. Forty (40) subjects served as controls and 40 patients of meningitis of different types (tubercular, pyogenic and viral) served as cases. The controls and cases were from both sexes and age above 18 years. The parameters were estimated by standard biochemical methods. The activities of LDH, ADA and AST in the CSF of meningitis cases were significantly increased as compared to controls (p<0.000). A highly significant increase in CSF LDH (p < 0.000) and AST (p< 0.001) activities were observed in tubercular meningitis (TBM) and pyogenic meningitis (PM) as compared to controls, while their increase was non-significant in viral meningitis (VM) (p >> 0.05) as compared to controls. A highly significant increase in CSF ADA activity (p< 0.000) was observed only in TBM as compared to controls, while the increase was non-significant in PM and VM as compared to controls (p > 0.05). The study concludes that the above mentioned parameters would be sensitive biochemical markers for diagnosing and differentiating meningitis.

4 tables, 22 ref