014874   Anuradha P;Rani D J;Pasha S A;Sravani K (NO, , Criya Biolabs Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Purification and enzyme properties of an extracellular endo-β-1, 4-glucanase from Paenibacillus amylolyticus MTCC 8084 isolated from sugarcane fields. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 183-8.

Endo-β-1,4-glucanase is an extracellular key enzyme used by bacteria to decompose cellulose of sugarcane crop residue. It has been purified from Paenibacillus amylolyticus MTCC 8084 isolated from sugarcane fields. The dialysed crude enzyme preparation was loaded on to a DEAE-Sepharose an ion-exchange column. Active fractions were collected and loaded on to a Sephadex G-75 column for further purification. The purification fold was 11.7 with a recovery yield of 29.4%. Specific activity of enzyme was 4.16 U/mg. The purified endo-β-1,4-glucanase gave a single protein band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular weight is approximately 93 kDa. The optimal temperature and pH were 50° C and 5.0, respectively. Apparent kinetic parameters Km and V max were determined 8.2 mg/ml and 167 U/min/mg, respectively. Enzyme activity was stimulated by Cu^{+2 and inhibited by Hg+, Ag+2, AI+3 and EDTA.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014873   Amsaveni V;Sudha S S (Microbiology Dep, Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore-646 014, Email: amsa.publicatin2009@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of different plant extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 947-9.

A preliminary screening of ten different medicinal plants for antibacterial activity was carried out. Most of these plants are mentioned in the traditional systems of medicine as sources of aseptic agents. Crude, ethanol and acetone extracts of.all the plants were tested for their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was found in ethanolic extracts, followed by acetone and crude extracts of all the plants tested.

1 table, 16 ref

014872   Ambikar D B;Harle U N;Khandare R A;Bore V V; Vyawahare N S V (Pharmacology Dep, AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Kennedy Road, Pune-411 001, Email: neerajsv@rediffmail.com) : Neuroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of dried fruits of Trapa bispinosa Roxb on lipofuscinogenesis and fluorescence product in brain of D-galactose induced ageing accelerated mice. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 378-82.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract T. bispinosa (TB) was studied on fluorescence product and biochemical parameter like lipid peroxidation, catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity in the brain of female albino mice. Ageing was accelerated by the treatment of 0.5 ml 5% D-galactose for 15 days. This resulted in increased fluorescence product, increase lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant enzyme like glutathione peroxides and catalase in cerebral cortex. After co-treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of TB (500 mg/kg, po) there was decrease in fluorescence product in cerebral cortex. Moreover, TB inhibited increase lipid peroxidation and restores glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity in cerebral cortex as compare to ageing accelerated control group. To conclude TB found to be effective antioxidative agent which could to some extent reverse D-galactose induced ageing changes resulted due to oxidative damage.

1 table, 32 ref

014871   Amandeep Kaur;Ranvir Singh;Dey C S;Sharma D S;Bhutani K K;Singh I P (Natural Products Dep, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar-160 062, Email: ipsingh@niper.ac.in) : Antileishmanial phenylpropanoids from Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd.. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 314-17.

Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (100 μg/ml) of Alpinia galanga rhizomes exhibited significant activity in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani. Twelve compounds namely, methyleugenol (1), p-coumaryl diacetate (2), 1 '-acetoxychavicol acetate (3), l'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (4), trans-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol (5), trans-3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol (6), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (7), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (8), trans-p-coumaryl alcohol (9), galangin (10), trans-p-coumaric acid (11) and galanganol B (12) were isolated from these extracts. Of these, compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 were found most active in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani with IC₅₀ values of 39.3, 32.9, 18.9 and 79.9 μM respectively. This is the first report of antileishmanial activity of the extracts and isolated constituents of A. galanga.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014870   Akanksha;Srivastava A K;Maurya R (Medicinal and Process Chemistry Div, Central Drug Research Institute, CSIR, Lucknow-226 001, Email: mauryarakesh@rediffmail.com) : Antihyperglycemic activity of compounds isolated from Indian medicinal plants. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 294-8.

Eleven antidiabetic Indian medicinal plants were investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model and provided scientific validation to prove their antihyperglycemic activity. Antidiabetic principles from five plants were isolated. All the compounds isolated were evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model and activities were compared with standard drug metformin. Some compounds were also screened in db/db mice. Two compounds (PP-1 and PP-2) inhibited significantly the activity of PTPase-1B in an in vitro system. This might be the underlying mechanism of antihyperglycemic activity of these compounds.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

014869   Abbas M;Nawaz R;Shahid M;Nawaz M;Alim M; Rafique Asi M (Chemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad-38040, Email: mshahiduaf@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of urinary excretion and renal clearance of deferiprone, creatinine, iron and zinc in human. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4583-92.

Iron chelators are used in medicine to protect patients from the consequences of iron overload and iron toxicity. Deferiprone (1,2-dimethyI-3-hydroxypyrid-4-one), which belongs to the family of a-ketohydroxy-pyridines, is an oral iron chelator that is used clinically, mainly in patients with thalassemia. The urinary excretion and renal clearance of deferiprone was investigated in 24 healthy male volunteers following oral administration of a single dose 500 mg. Concentration of deferiprone in plasma and urine was determined by high performance liquid chromato-graphy, iron and zinc by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the concentration of creatinine by chemistry analyzer. Total amount of deferiprone excreted in 24 h was 13.7 ± 1.24 mg. The renal clearance of endogenous creatinine was 0.90 ±0.11 mL/min/Kg and deferiprone was 0.29 ± 0.04 mL/min/Kg being about one third of the filtration clearance. The renal excretory mechanisms involved glomerular filtration, excreting only 2.73% of the oral dose of deferiprone through urine. Lower values of the deferiprone renal clearance than the GFR indicate that the excretion of the drug through kidneys involves glomerular filtration and extensive renal tubular back diffusion or reabsorption. The literature for excretion and renal clearance parameters of deferiprone is inadequate; however similarities and differences were both observed when the present findings were compared with the cited results.

4 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

014913   Verma A K;Upadhayaya A;Pathak S R;Usha Singh (Basic Principles Dep, IMS, BHU, Varanasi-211 005, Email: alok_bhu2004@rediffmail.com) : Anti-stress effect of alcoholic extracts of some ayurvedic plants in immobilized stressed charles foaster rats strains. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 951-5.

Investigation is a comprehensive study of extract on pattern of serum immunoglobulins. The study was undertaken to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of 70% ethanolic extracts of Nymphaea stellata(Nymphaeceae), Sida cardifolia (Malvaceae), Ipomea digitata (Convolvulaceae) and Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaegnaceae) on humoral response in chales foaster rats strain against immobilization stress induced immune suppression.

014912   Velanganni A A J (Biochemistry Dep, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai-622 422, Email: ajvelanganni@gmail.com) : Effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and their analogues on azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with p-dimethylaminoazobenzene. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 373-7.

p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) is an azo-dye and known to cause liver tumour in rats. Azo-dye binding protein is a specific cytosolic protein involved in the translocation of azo-dye carcinogen metabolites from liver cytoplasm into the nucleus. Administration of vitamin A (40,000 and 50,000 1U), L-ascorbic acid (500 and 1,000 mg) and vitamin E succinate (200-500 rag) reduced the amount of azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with DAB. Supplementation of high doses of vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate, sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate had no effect on the quantity of azo-dye binding protein in liver. When the vitamin mixture was given, the level of azo-dye binding protein decreased in the liver at all the studied doses, which may be due to their synergistic effect.

6 illus, 24 ref

014911   Veeramani T;Kaja Magdoom B;Yogananth N (NO, , 54, Eravancherry, Melatheru, Sankaranpandal (P.O.) Tharangambadi (T.K.), Nagapattinam-609 308, Email: veeracois@yahoo.co.in) : Macro and meiobenthos in coramantal coast (East coast of India). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 789-92.

Benthic fauna of the sandy shores in study area comprised 17 Taxonomic groups, dominated by Nematodes (52%), Polycheates (6%), Bivalves (1%), Herpacticoid copepods (5%), Foraminiferans (20%), Benthic microflora (9%), Turbellarian (3%) and others (7%). The population density varied from one station to another 247 to 935 Nos./lO cm2, organic carbon content in the sediment ranges from 0.25 to 2.32 mg/g and total phosphorus in sediment 1.3 to 2.57 mg/g. Abundance of Benthos occurred in St.3 (Nematodes), the nematodes and polycheates genus Pisionidae are abundant in St.4. Current results showed that rich biodiversity of benthic fauna due to availability of food materials and favorable environmental conditions including the shoreline vegetation, physico-chemical factors and magnitude of organic pollution.

6 illus, 22 ref

014910   Thakkker J N;Shah K;Kothari I L (B.R.D. School of Biosciences, Satellite Campus, Bakrol, Anand, Gujarat-388 120) : Elicitation, partial purificatio and antifungal activity of β-1, 3-glucanase from banana plants. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 10-16.

Elicitor prepared from the pathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, was effective in increasing the resistance of banana plants against fusarial wilt. Elicitor treated banana plants shown increase in PR proteins. Extraction buffer (0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.2) was optimized tor the extraction of β-1, 3-glucanase, a PR protein. A 100 kD size β-1, 3-glucanase had been partially purified using ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography which showed direct antifungal effect on the pathogenic strain. Therefore, it can be concluded that this could be one of the possible mechanism of action induced in banana plants on exposure to elicitor against fusarial wilt.

3 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

014909   Talebi S M;Talebi P S;Abdullah A H (Faculty of Science, Isfahan Univ, Isfahan 81745, Iran, Email: smtalebi@yahoo.com ) : Determination of fluoride in commercially packed black tea by ion selective electrode. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 697-9.

Determination of fluoride in commercially available black tea samples was performed using a fluoride selective electrode. The results obtained from the recovery test indicated that the method is quite reliable for determination of fluoride ion in aqueous solutions. The effects of time of infusion, pH, volume of water and also water hardness in releasing of fluoride from different brands of black tea were investigated and showed that pH & volume of water had no influence on the extraction of fluoride while period of infusion and water hardness showed obvious effect on the efficiency of releasing fluoride from tea samples. The concentration of fluoride in tea samples after 10 min infusion was in the range of 127-186μg/g.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

014908   Takeuchi Y;Matsumoto Y;Miki T;Yokoyama T; Warita K;Wang Z Y;Ueno T;Yakura T;Fujita M (Anatomy and Neurobiology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa Univ, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan, Email: takeuchi@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp) : Anterograde synaptic transport of neuronal tracer enzyme (WGA-HRP): further studies with Rab3A-si RNA in rats. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 149-54.

Neuronal tracer enzyme of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was employed to elucidate the detailed morphology of anterograde synaptic transport. After injection of WGA-HRP into the vagus nerve, sensory terminals in the nucleus of solitary tract (NST) were observed at the electron microscopic level using the tetramethyl benzidine and diaminobenzidine methods. In neuropil of the NST, electron-dense HRP-reaction product (HRP-RP) showed various types of lysosomal-like structures. The RP characterized by containing membranous substance crossed synapses forming a mass without membrane surrounding the RP. Additionally, phenomena of anterograde synaptic transport of the RP and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles never occurred simultaneously. These findings raised the possibility of inducing synaptic transport of WGA-HRP at the stage of no neurotransmitter release, i.e. no activation of neuron. Therefore, further experiments were performed after co-injection of Rab3A-siRNA with WGA-HRP into the vagus nerve. This co-injection frequently resulted in not only suppression of vesicle trafficking to active zones and docking to pre-synaptic membranes but also abnormal aggregation of synaptic vesicles at terminals. Furthermore, synaptic transport of WGA-HRP, including secretion, followed by endocytosis of post-synaptic neurons was better seen in the experiments.

4 illus, 23 ref

014907   Taghavi Jelodar H;Chaugule B B;Ghole V S (Biology Dep, Faculty Sciences, Mazandaran Univ, Babolsar, Iran, Postal Code: 47416-1467 Babolsar, Iran, Email: taghavi25@yahoo.com) : Comparative account of bacteria in extensive and semi-intensive water shrimp ponds (Penaeus monodon). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 711-15.

In the present study, the total bacterial populations of brackish water shrimp culture were conducted for 5 months at Pancham Aquatulture shrimp farms in 2007. Total bacteria varied considerably from 14-25 x 103 cfu mL^{-1 in initial, 51-97x104 cfu mL-1 in cultured and 105-131x105 cfu mL-1 in harvest experiments at extensive ponds and 14-29x103 cfu mL-1, 72-104x104 cfu mL-1 and 128-173x105 cfu mL-1 for semi-intensive ponds in initial, culture and harvest, respectively. Generally, data showed the bacteria concentration increasing from the initial phase to the harvested media at the ponds of two cultivation methods. Six different bacteria were determined in ponds before cultivation, which included Staphylococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus xylosus, Chromobacternum violaceum, Hafnia alvei, Aeromons salmonicida and Acinetobacter baumnii, while five bacterial species were observed after cultivation. In harvest phase, bacteria diversities were 12 species. The results showed in spite of the decline of the bacteria diversity, the population increased within both extensive and semi- extensive ponds. Among the bacteria species only Vibrio alginolyticus and V. arahaemolyticus were pathogenic bacteria. However main species of bacteria of the brackish shrimp ponds were Pseudomonas stutzeri, P. putida, P. mendocina, P. aeruginosa, P. alcaligenes and Aeromons salmonicida.}

3 tables, 22 ref

014906   Suseela M R;Pushpa D J (Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai Univ, Chidambaram, Email: manimegalai@yahoo.co.in) : Method to improve the sensitivity of semen culture in identifying the bacteriospermia in male infertility. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 757-60.

The study was designed to determine the increase in the culture Positivity in semen culture by routine culture method and after centrifugation of the same semen samples. Methodology: Semen samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic infertile males were studied for bacteriospermia by conventional culture method and culture after centrifugation of the same samples. Culture plates were examined and colonies were identified. Age of the patients, sperm count and type of motility and morphology of spermatozoa were also recorded. Results: Bacteriospermia in semen culture showed the growth of E.coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Enterococci, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Mycoplasma, Gonococci, Providentia and Proteus. Organisms like E.coli, Enterococci and Coagulase positive Staphylococci play an important role in sperm impairment. Semen culture of asymptomatic infertile males showed increased culture positivity than the semen Culture of symptomatic infertile males. Semen culture after centrifugation improved the identification of bacterial Growth especially in asymptomatic young males of infertile group.

3 tables, 25 ref

014905   Soundari S G;Sashi V (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Microbial xylanase: its important role in various industries. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 191-5.

Xylanase enzymes, hydrolyze xylan subtrates and play a major role in industries.Xylanases are most distributed enzymes in bacteria, fungi and plants. For commercial applications,xylanases should ideally be produced quickly and in large quantities from simple and inexpensive substrates. Natural xylan sources such as agricultural and forestry wastes, paper industry wastes and various fruit wastes are potential raw materials for xylanase production. Among these, food industry wastes contain high amount of xylan,as its one of the main polymers in the plant cell wall. These wastes are potential raw material for xylanase production and as xylanases have a wide range of application, in fruit juice extraction, separation of oil and grease by crude xylanase paper and pulp industry, bread making, degumming of plant fibers and also acts as detergents, nutrition for pigs and chickens and recycling of waste cotton. The present review mainly sates the xylan structure, biodegradation of xylan,xylanase and applications of xylanase in various industries.

31 ref

014904   Sinha K K;Udgaonkar J B (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Resarch, Bangalore-560 065, Email: jayant@ncbs.res.in) : Early events in protein folding. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1053-70.

Many proteins take at least a few seconds to fold, but almost all proteins undergo major structural transitions within the first millisecond (ms) of folding. Understanding the nature of the product of the first ms of folding is important because it sets the stage for the major folding reaction that follows. The past decade has seen major advances in methodologies that have enabled temporal and structural resolution of events happening in the first ms of folding. An important very early event appears to be the collapse of the poly-peptide chain to form a compact globule. A specific structure also appears to form within the first ms, and it appears for several proteins that this happens only after the initial chain collapse reaction. Hence, when studied at the first ms of folding, the compact globule appears to be a specific folding intermediate. The accumulated kinetic data suggest that structure formation in the first ms may be highly non-cooperative and may occur in many steps. Multiple folding routes appear to be available, and the nature and extent of structure formation in the first ms may depend on the dominant route utilized under a particular folding condition. There is now evidence suggesting that the energy barrier encountered by the collapsing polypep-tide chain can be as small as ~k_BT, bringing out the possibility that initial chain collapse and structure formation may even be gradual transitions. Understanding how such continuous transitions can still lead to the development of a specific structure during subms folding reactions poses a difficult experimental challenge.

4 illus, 1 table, 221 ref

014903   Siddique Y H;Beg T;Afzal M (Human Genetics and Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: yasir_hasansiddique@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Centella asiatica L. extract against ethinylestradiol-induced genotoxic damage on cultured human lymphocytes. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 166-72.

In this study the effect of Centella asiatica L. extract was studied against genotoxic doses of ethinylestradiol on human lymphocytes culture. The different doses of C. asiatica L. extract i.e. 1.075xl0^{-4, 2.125xlO-4 and 3.15xl0-4 g/ml were treated separately with 5 μ M of ethinylestradiol. Similar treatments were given with 10 μ M of ethinylestradiol. The treatments result in a significant dose dependent decrease in chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges on human lymphocyte cultures induced by 5 and 10 μ M of ethinylestradiol. The selected doses of C. asiatica L. extract were not genotoxic itself. Hence it is concluded that C. asiatica L. extract reduced the genotoxic damage during the ethinylestradiol therapy in patients and thereby reducing the chances of cancer development in humans.}

4 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

014902   Shyam Prasad G;Girisham S;Reddy S M (NO, , H.No. 16-4-168, Fort Road, Warangal-506 002, Email: shyamprasad1919@yahoo.com) : Microbial transformation of albendazole. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 415-20.

Screening scale studies were performed to biotransform anthelmintic drug albendazole by using twelve bacterial strains representing six genera and five actinomycetes cultures. Among the cultures studied, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 619, Escherichia coli MTCC 118 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109 could transform albendazole to one metabolite whereas, Enterobacter aerogenes NCIM 2695, Klebsiella aerogenes NCIM 2258, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NC1M 2074 and Streptomyces griseus NCIM 2622 could transform albendazole into two metabolites in significant quantities. The transformation of albendazole was identified by HPLC. Based on LC-MS-MS data, the two metabolites were predicted to be albendazole sulfoxide (M1) and albendazole sulfone (M2), the major mammalian metabolites reported previously. Since M1 is active metabolite, the results prove the versatility of microorganisms to perform industrially attractive chemical reactions.

3 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

014901   Shakya K;Shukla N P (NO, , V/6, South City Enclave, Bavadia Kalan, E-8 Extension, Bhopal-462 039, Email: kavi_shakya@yahoo.co.in) : Synergistic effect of five medicinal plants on gluthione peroxidase and reduced glutathione in asthmatic mice. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 963-8.

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of five medicinal plant extracts and their synergism on the occurrence of oxidative stress in the liver of mice during asthma by measuring the status of the antioxidant defense system. The extracts were administered orally and their effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in egg albumin induced mice. Alpha tocopherol was used as standard reference drug. A significant increase in the activities of glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione was observed in liver on treatment with different concentrations of all the extract with the polyherbal composition showing the highest activity, as comparable to that of the standard. Since the study of induction of the antioxidant enzymes is considered to be a reliable marker for evaluating the antiasthmatic efficacy of the medicinal plant, these findings suggest a possible antiasthmatic role for all the plant extract.

1 table, 15 ref

014900   Sasi A;Manthiri Kani S;Jagadeesh C;Ravinder Singh C;Ravi Kumar M (Post Graduate and Research Dep of Microbiology and Biotechnology, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukottai-622 422, Email: vavamicro@gmail.com) : Isolation and enueration of mycosybionts from leucosolenia; along the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 907-12.

Distribution of fungi in sponges (Leucosolenia) Muthu kuda along the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has been studied in terms of species diversity, seasonal variation with collected water samples, sediments and Leucosolenia sponges at four different sampling stations namely Muvamkulam(S1), K3 Munabu(S2), Pampairmunai(S3), Kannakadu(S4). Along the three different seasons (Winter, Summer, Pre-monsoon) for a period of (January, March, April, May, July and August 2007). The result shows the highest diversity (36)in Kannakadu(S4)and low in Pampairmunai(S3) in case of water and sediments. But incase of Leucosolenia only 37 fungal species were isolated. Further studies shows that maximum 60fungal species were isolated and enumerated in pre monsoon, but in case of winter and summer shows only58 species and 36 species incase of water and sediments. But in case of Leucosolenia maxium fungal species were isolated and enumerated at pre monsoon 37 fungal species. But incase of winter and summer 30 species and 25 species were isolated and enumerated. From this Aspergillus spp shows maximum number 14 species. Alternaria spp and Cladosporium spp were present only one species respectively.

4 illus, 4 tables

014899   Rodrigues R S;Savant S B;Jagtap T G (Biological Oceanography Div, National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR), Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: tanaji@nio.org) : Note on Ruppia species (Ruppiaceae) from the abandoned saltpan in the gulf of Kutchh, India. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(4), 457-60.

Ruppia bed measuring ~ 0.015 km^{2 was observed from the shallow waters in the saltpan. The salinity and temperature of the overlying waters of the bed was 22.7 PSU and 30°C, respectively. Vegetative features, ecological and environmental characteristics, confirmed close resemblance of the genus with Ruppia rostellata Koch. However, pollen morphology is suggestive of an ecological adaptation or a new variety of R. rostellata. Vegetation remains for the short period (June-October) during monsoon. Annual occurrence of R. rostellata bed from the region could be attributed to the reduced salinity and temperature with the onset of monsoon. Epiphytic flora was mostly dominated by species of Lyngbya and Navicula.}

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

014898   Rajasulochana N;Gunasekaran S (Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology Dep, Presidency College, Chennai-600 005, Email: rajasoluchana_n@ymal.com) : Analysis on the seasonal variations in carrageenans of Hypnea flagelliformis and Sarconema filiforme by FTIR spectroscopy. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4547-52.

Carrageenans are the most common and abundant ceil wall polysac-charides of red algaeand are commercially important sulphated galactans. In the present study, polysaccharides extracted from Hypnea flagelliformis and Sarconemafiliforme of summer and winter collections, were examined by FTIR spectroscopic analysis. The spectra of Hypnea flagelliformis collected in both seasons are correspondingly similar to that of kappa carrageenan. FTIR spectra of Sarconemea filiforme showed a peak at 805 cm^{-1 which fconfirms the presence of 3,6-anhydro galactose-2-sulphate. This is characteristic of iota carrageenan. The seasonal variations occur in the absorption bands of polysaccharides.}

3 tables, 8 ref

014897   Pindi O J (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru Univ, Mahabubnagar-509 001, Email: pavankumarpindi@gmail.com) : Arbuscular mycorrhizal association of some agroforestry tree species in two social forestry nurseries of Mahabubnagar district (A.P.), India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 891-8.

AM colonization of different Agroforestry tree species in two social forestry nurseries was investigated. Percentage of AM infection, number of resting spores and AM fungi species varies both with tree species as well as in two different nurseries. This variation attributed to various factors such as mycorrhizal status and other management practices. In both nurseries Glomus species dominated in all tree species followed by Sclerocystic, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Scutellospora and Entrophospora. Interestingly, Azadirachta indica and Terminalia catappa have shown maximum and minimum infection respectively in both the nurseries.

2 tables, 24 ref

014896   Patel J P (Biology Dep, V.P. and R.P.T.P. Science College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Effect of chemical treatment on electrolytic conductivity and pH of cut flowers of rose during post harvest vase life. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 7-9.

Deals with the screening of certain potential minerals salts and plant growth regulators along with the organic nutrient sucrose in Rosa hybrida L. cv. 'Gladiator'. The given 20-24 hrs. treatments after about 20-24 hours of harvest, (i). Aluminium sulphate (300 mg I^{-1) + Sucrose (5%) + GA₃ (20 mg I-1) spray; (ii) Aluminium sulphate (300 mg l-1) + Sucrose (5%) + Kinetin (20 mg l-1) spray; (iii) Clobalt nitrate (250 mg l-1) + Sucrose (5%) + Kinetin (20 mg l-1) spray; (iv). Silver nitrate (10 mg l-1) + Sucrose (5%) + Kinetin (20 mg l-1) spray. An increase in electrolytic conductivity and pH of the cell sap was observed which can be used as an indicator of senescence during postharvest life of rose flowers.}

1 illus, 5 ref

014895   Oloyede O I (Biochemistry Dep, Ado-Ekiti Univ, Negeria, Email: pjmoloyede@gamil.com) : Biochemical changes induced during administration of aspirin in albino rat tissus. Bull chem Sci 2008, 6(1), 37-44.

Effects of oral administration of aspirin (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 300mg/kg) on enzyme activities in some albino rat tissues were investigated. Enzymes assayed were alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Investigation on organ and body weight changes showed that aspirin administration affected the growth of the test animals. The results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the liver, kidney and heart of the test animals. The result obtained showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the activity of aspartate transaminase in the kidney and the heart. The increase observed in the activity of the enzymes could be attributed to increased protein synthesis during repairs of the damages caused by aspirin. The test animals administered 75mg/kg showed a significant reduction in the activity of Aspartate transaminase in the liver and a corresponding increase in the plasma. Also, the test animals administered 300mg/kg of aspirin showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the level of total protein in the liver and a corresponding increase in the plasma. This shows leakage of intracellular components due to damage to the cell membrane. The study shows that oral administration of aspirin has toxic effects on the organ studied.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

014894   Nikam P;Nikam S;Sontakke A;Khanwelkar C (Biochemistry Dep, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, District Hospital Campus, Belgaum-590 001, Email: nikam31@gmail.com) : Biochemical changes in alcoholic hepatitis with Phyllanhus Amarus therapy. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 192-7.

Alcoholic hepatitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study focuses on Phyllanthus Amarus therapy and its effect on liver in alcoholic hepatitis. The therapy tries to protect the liver by investigating liver profile enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation. The study consists of 50 well diagnosed alcoholic hepatitis males aged between 33 to 55 years. The control group includes 50 age-matched normal healthy persons. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation [LPO]. Parameters like serum bilirubin, total proteins and activity of liver profile enzymes were chosen. The activity of enzymatic antioxidants, superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], catalase, and levels of non- enzymatic antioxidant vitamin E and vitamin C were measured in plasma or erythrocytes. Methods used in the study are mainly enzyme kinetics by auto-analyzer and turbidimetry. Plasma LPO levels were significantly high but activity of SOD, GPx, catalase, and levels of vitamin E and vitamin C were significantly lowered in alcoholic hepatitis when compared with controls. After phyllanthus amarus therapy, for four and eight weeks, plasma LPO levels significantly decreased and activity of SOD, GPx, catalase and levels of vitamin E and C significantly increased in alcoholic hepatitis. This study concludes that the imbalance between oxidative stress and anti-oxidants may play an important role in alcoholic hepatitis. Elevated free radicals may cause hepatic cell loss and play a role in pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis. This study strongly suggests that the therapy of phyllanthus amarus increases activity antioxidants and reduces lipid peroxidation; protects liver from damage due to free radicals in alcoholic hepatitis.

4 tables, 28 ref

014893   Mehta M H (The Science Ashram, Gujarat Life Sciences, 9, Krishna Industrial Estate, Gorwa, Baroda-390 016, Email: chairman@glsbiotech.com) : Cellulosic ethanol. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1297.

4 ref

014892   Maheshwari R (Biochemistry Dep, , Lives at 53/13, Sriteertha Apartments, 4th Main, 17th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003, Email: ramesh.maheshwari01@gmail.com) : Cellulosic ethanol as transportation fuel: hype no longer. Curr Sci 2009, 96(4), 455-6.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

014891   Khanna N;Arora D;Halder S;Mehta A K;Garg G R; Sharma S B;Mahajan P (Pharmacology Dep, University College of Medicinal Sciences, Delhi-110 095, Email: naresh.khanna@gmail.com) : Comparative effect of Ocimum sanctum, Commiphora mukul, folic acid and ramipril on lipid peroxidation in experimentally-induced hyperlipidemia. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 299-305.

Treatment with C. mukul and O. sanctum, showed a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels respectively. O. sanctum also significantly increased serum HDL-cholesterol compared to control. Serum MDA levels were significantly reduced in all the treated groups compared to control suggesting that each of the drugs under study were effective in their free radical scavenging action. Erythrocyte SOD activity was increased in all the treatment groups with C. mukul showing the maximum effect followed by O. sanctum, folic acid and ramipril. The erythrocyte CAT activity was significantly increased in all the drug treated groups with maximum increase seen in O. sanctum and ramipril treated groups, whereas lesser effects were observed with C. mukul and folic acid groups. Thus, the indigenous drugs, C. mukul and O. sanctum had beneficial effect on hypercholesterolemic rabbit model, both in terms of lipid profile as well as antioxidant potential. Ocimum sanctum was found to be the most promising of all the drugs. Moreover, it could be hypothesized that these plant products along with folic acid and ramipril can be explored for synergistic effect for treatment for hypercholesterolemic conditions.

1 illus, 6 tables, 45 ref

014890   Kaviarasan S;Muniandy S;Qvist R;Ismail I S (Medicine Dep, Malaya Univ, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: sekaran@um.edu.my) : Gene expression profile in leucocytes of type 2 diabetic subjects. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 158-65.

Communication between insulin target tissues and beta-cells initiate compensatory responses which increase insulin production. Correlated changes, in gene expression between tissues, can provide evidence for such intercellular communication. We profiled gene expression studies in Type 2 diabetic subjects to unveil the mechanistic factors involved. Our results showed that genes involved in carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways, glycan of biosynthesis, metabolism of cofactors and vitamin pathways, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, signal transduction pathways, neuroactive ligand receptor interaction were upregulated in diabetes compared to healthy subjects. In contrast, genes involved in cell adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, insulin signaling, PPAR signaling pathways were downregulated in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). β₂ - microglobulin, a MHC class I molecule was strongly downregulated in diabetic subjects. Further, genes involved in inflammatory pathway are differentially expressed in subjects with T2DM. Hence, it was evident that genes concerned with pathways of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism, neuronal function and inflammation play a significant role in the pathobiology of T2DM.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

014889   Jadhav B L;Mane S M;Jamkhedkar S S (Life Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari Campus, Santacruz (E), Mumabi-400 098, Email: drbljadhav@gmail.com) : Activity guided fractionation and phytochemical analysis of Bruguiera cylindrica leaf. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 837-42.

Antimicrobial properties and phytochemical analysis of Bruguiera cylindrica leaf were studied. The cold and hot extracts of leaf were made in petroleum-ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol solvents and tested against broad spectrum human pathogens. The crude and activity guided ethanol fraction inhibited growth of most of the test organism. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.5 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL. The growth of S. typhi and B. subtilis was inhibited at 0.5mg/mL and for rest of the test organisms it was 5mg/mL. The activity guided fractionation indicated bioactive principles in only the crude ethanol and activity guided ethanol fraction (fraction 'g'). The HPTLC analysis and various confirmatory tests for bioactive principles of the ethanolic fraction revealed the presence of anthraglycosides, cardiac glycosides, bitter principles, essential oils, valeportriates and coumarins in the ethanol fraction.

5 tables, 20 ref

014888   Hasani N A H;Bak K;Wan Ngah W Z (Biochem Dep, Med Fac, Ukmmed Molecular Biol Instn (UMBI), Kebangsaan Univ, Kuala Lumpur-50300, Malaysia, Email: zurina@medic.ukm.my) : Palm oil γ-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol increased apoptosis of hepatoma Alexander cells. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 180-5.

Gamma-tocotrienol (GTT) has been reported to exhibit anti-proliferation effect on breast cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-435 and MCF7 possibly through enhancement of apoptosis. The effect of GTT and δ- tocopherol (ATF) was determined in a hepatoma cell line (Alexander) and a normal liver cell line (Chang). Cell proliferation was determined using 5-Bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) detection method. Alexander cells was sensitive to -tocotrienol-anti proliferation effect with 59.7% to 69.1% (P < 0.001) inhibition, starting at a concentration of 100 M. Treatment with ATF showed a lesser inhibition in the proliferation activity of Alexander cells by 16.9% to 19.6% (P< 0.001) starting at a concentration of 200 M. However, both the compounds had no effect on Chang cells. Gamma-tocotrienol showed an IC₅₀ inhibition of Alexander cells growth at a dose of 66 M (P < 0.05). Growth inhibition of Alexander cells by ATF was lower with IC₂₀ value of a concentration of 300 M (P < 0.05). GTT induced maximum apoptotic activity of Alexander cells at a concentration 150 M of treatment as compared to ATF at a concentration 500 M. Apoptosis was also shown by the presence of the cellular DNA laddering fragments by both the compounds. GTT and ATF also induced a 50% (P < 0.05) and 11% (P < 0.05) of nuclear apoptotic morphological changes in Alexander cells, respectively as detected using propidium iodide staining. The results suggested that palm oil GTT exhibited a higher anti-proliferation effect compared to ATF on Alexander cells probably through induction of apoptosis.

3 illus, 18 ref

014887   Goel A;Sandeep Kumar;Dilip Kumar Singh;Bhatia A K (Microbiology & Immunology Dep, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P.Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Pasu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura-281 001, Email: akbhatia33@yahoo.com) : Wound healing potential of Ocimum sanctum Linn. with induction of tumor necrosis factor-α. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 402-6.

Ocimum sanctum, a well known herb in Indian medicine, possesses various therapeutic properties including healing properties and cytokine induction. Wound healing activity of cold aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaves along with its effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was assessed using excision model of wound repair in Wistar albino rats. After application of the O. sanctum extract, rate of epithelization with an increase in wound contraction was observed. In animals, treated with 10% O. sanctum extract in petroleum jelly, wound healing was faster as compared to control group which were treated with petroleum jelly alone but significant accelerated healing was noticed in animals which in addition to the topical application of 10% extract of O. sanctum, were prefed with 250mg/kg body weight of aqueous O. sanctum extract daily for 20 consecutive days. During wound healing phase TNF-a level was found to be up regulated by O. sanctum treatment. Early wound healing may be pronounced due to O. sanctum extract, by elevating TNF-α production.

2 illus, 32 ref

014886   Gilhotra N;Jain H;Dhingra D (Pharmacology Div, School of Pharmacy, Gyan Vihar Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: neeraj_gilhotra@yahoo.co.in) : Differential effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on anxiety in unstressed ans stressed mice. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 365-72.

Effects of selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and aminoguanidine (AG), a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on anxiety in unstressed and stressed mice were investigated using elevated plus maze (EPM) test and light-dark test (LDT). 7-NI (20 and 40 mg/kg, ip) produced anti-anxiety effect in unstressed mice but not in stressed mice. AG (50 and 100 mg/kg, ip) produced anxiolytic effect in stressed mice and failed to produce the similar effect in unstressed mice. Nitrite levels were increased in stressed mice, but not in unstressed mice, exposed to EPM and LDT for 5 min. Increased nitrite levels in stressed mice were attenuated by AG, but not by 7-NI. The effects of AG were enhanced by pyrrolidine-dithio-carbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-KB induction, in stressed mice. The results suggest the possible role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in stress-induced anxiogenesis as compared to unstressed mice, where neuronal form of NOS may plays predominant role.

3 tables, 61 ref

014885   Ghosh R;Chattopadhyay P K;Chattopadhyay B;Pal D (NO, Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 098, Email: clt@vsnl.net) : Antibiotic resistance profile of halophilic microorganisms isolated from tannery effluent. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 80-6.

Halophiles are defined as organisms showing considerable growth at salt concentrations higher than 100 g L^{-1. Based on the halophilicity, halophiles can be broadly classified as slightly, moderately or extremely halophilic depending on their requirement for NaCl. Halophilic microorganisms, metabolically diversified, comprising Archaea, Bacteria, and Eucarya, are found distributed all over the world in hypersaline environments including drained soak liquor and brine cured hides. Plasmids mediating resistance to antimicrobial agents have been found in many halophilic bacteria examined so far. For the purpose of protection of salt cured hides, adequate knowledge and exposure related to characteristics of halophilic bacteria is very important as halophilic microorganisms secrete bacterial collagenases responsible for collagen damage in the form of 'Red heat'. All the halophilic bacteria isolated from the drained soak liquor used in these experiments were proved to be motile, aerobic and extremely pleomorphic Gram negative organisms. The growth curve of the halophilic bacteria showed slower growth profile at 37°C compared to E. coli. Effective plasmid isolation further strengthened the antibiotic resistance of the halophiles. Analysis of drained soak liquor was followed to examine the related important features of the halophilic species. Optimum salinity of media and pleomorphic Gram-negative nature of halophiles were found as causative factors of insensitivity to antimicrobial agents (AMA). It was found that darkness and low temperature would resist 'Red heat' on hides.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

014884   Ghasi S;Mbah A U;Nze P U;Nwobodo E;Ogbonna A O;Onuaguluchi G (Pharmacology and Therapeutics Dep, Nigeria College of Medicine Univ, Enugu, Nigeria, Email: samuelghasi@yahoo.com) : Interventional role of piperazine citrate in barium chloride induced ventricular arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats. Biomed Res 2009, 20(3), 186-91.

Interventional potential of piperazine in Barium Chloride (BC) -induced ventricular arrhythmias was investigated in the rats. Various forms of arrhythmias were induced in 10 rats and piperazine (30mg/kg) was given in each case to reverse arrhythmia to sinus rhythm. Five out of six cases of induced ventricular tachycardia (83.3%) were reverted to sinus rhythm by piperazine. Again, 33% success was seen when ventricular fibrillation was induced. One of the three cases was reverted to the sinus rhythm as was also the only case of pulsus bigeminus observed. Piperazine, therefore, has the potential of a good anti-arrhythmic agent. Piperazine was shown to be a more effective antiarrhythmic agent than propranolol against BC-induced ventricular fibrillation. Propranolol not only failed to revert any of the ventricular fibrillations to sinus rhythm, but in two of four cases was not able to reverse the induced ventricular tachycardia. Although piperazine failed to control ventricular fibrillation with the same degree of effectiveness, piperazine has a remarkable therapeutic value in the management of ventricular tachycardia.

7 illus, 48 ref

014883   General T;Mamatha V;Divya V;Anu Appaiah K A (PG Dep of Microbiology, Mangalore Univ, Cauvery Campus, Madikeri-571 201, Email: anuapps@yahoo.com) : Diversity of yeast with β-glycosidase activity in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) plant. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1501-5.

Microbial contribution to vanilla flavour development has not been fully investigated. The precursor molecules of vanillin are converted to vanillic acid by β - glycosidase enzyme. Contribution of β -glycosidase enzyme from plant and microbial sources during the process of curing is yet to be fully understood. In the present work the diversity of yeast from rhizosphere soil in curing and storing of bean has been studied. Yeast with β - glycosidase activity was 0.47% in the field, which increased to 1.75% during curing of the total diversity. A total of 4655 isolates with 86 morphological different colonies were screened, of which 35 forms belonging to 17 genera were found to be β -glycosidase producers. Further testing for their ability to convert ferulic acid to vanillic acid proved all the 35 forms utilized ferulic acid. Bullera sp. (MVY22) was found to be the most promising, which was further investigated for its conversion ability. HPLC analysis proved the conversion of ferulic acid to vanillic acid by this isolate.

1 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

014882   Erosy N;Kaynak L (Horticultural Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk Univ, Konya, Turkey, Email: nersoy@selcuk.edu.tr) : Levels of internal indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid in different physiological growth periods in the leaves of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4141-8.

The loquat fruit variety, which blooms in fall and bears flowers and fruit in winter, differs from other varieties in terms of periods of physiological growth. Plants produce the nutrients they need with their leaves. Hence, it is important to determine the levels of internal growth regulating substances found in leaves of the loquat fruit in different growth periods. The present study aims to determine internal indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels by taking samples from the leaves of the Gold Nugget and Akko XIII loquat fruit varieties in different physiological growth periods. According to the results, the total-IAA level increased two-fold in the first year in May, when fruit begin to ripen, in comparison to August, when morphological differentiation occur, an one-fold in the second year. The total-IAA level in the Akko XIII loquat fruit variety increased one-fold in May in comparison to August in the first year and 4-fold in the second year. The total-ABA level in the Gold Nugget loquat fruit variety decreased three-fold in May in comparison to August in the first year and four and a half-fold in the second year. On the other hand, the total-ABA level in the Ako XIII loquat fruit variety decreased nearly three-fold in May, when fruit begin to ripen, in comparison to August, when morphological differentiation occurred and 3-fold in the second year.

1 table, 18 ref

014881   Das S K;Mukherjee S;Vasudevan D M (Biochemistry Dep, Agartala Govt Medical College, Kunjaban P.O., Agartala-799 006, Email: drsubirkdas@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of long-term ethanol consumption on adhesion molecules in liver. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 394-401.

Adhesion molecules play an important role in the pathogenesis of several diseases. In this study, expression of adhesion molecules was examined in the setting of chronic alcohol induced liver damage of male albino Wistar strain rats (16-18 weeks-old, 200-220 g) in a time dependent manner. Decreased protein level and increased activities of liver marker enzymes in response to the chronic ethanol (1.6 g ethanol/kg body weight/day) exposure, indicated that these animals suffered from liver damage in a time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that chronic ethanol treatment induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in liver tissues of rats with duration of ethanol exposure. The results suggest that the adhesion molecules may be associated with the initiation of hepatic injury during alcohol intoxication.

3 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

014880   Chavadar M S;Bajekal S S (Microbiology Dep, Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad-415 124, Email: maheshchavadar@yahoo.co.in) : Magnetotactic bacteria from Lonar lake. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 957-9.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are motile, aquatic pro-karyotes that swim along geomagnetic field lines. These bacteria display a myriad of cellular morphologies, including coccoid, rod, vibrioid, spirilloid etc. with their unique 'magnetosomes' within the cells. The Lonar lake in Maharashtra, formed due to a meteorite impact crater, is a closed basin lake characterized by high alkalinity and salinity. The MTB isolated by the 'magnetic collection' and 'capillary racetrack' methods showed a typical response in the form of movement towards the magnet and precise alignment at the edge of the hanging drop. Intracellu-lar iron accumulation studies on these bacteria showed up to 11.5 times more iron than non-magnetic bacteria.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

014879   Chatterjee M;Verma P;Palit G (Pharmacoloy Div, Central Drug Research Institute, CSIR, Lucknow-226 001, Email: gpalitcdri@gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of Bacopa monniera and Panax quniquefolium in experimental anxiety and depressive models in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 306-13.

The study was undertaken to compare medicinal plants against mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MAD) to evaluate their potency in combating MAD disorders. Previous studies from our lab have shown that Bacopa monniera (BM), and Panax quniquefollum (PQ) have significant adaptogenic properties. Hence, we have further confirmed their activity in stress related disorders like anxiety and depression in animal model, rodents and assessed their efficacy. In our experimental protocol, gross behaviour was observed through Digiscan animal activity monitor. Anxiety was studied through light dark test, elevated plus maze test and holeboard test. Depression experiments were conducted following tail suspension test and forced swim test. Further, rotarod test was also used to study any defects in motor in-coordination in mice. It was observed that BM at the dose of 80 mg/kg (po) and PQ at 100 mg/kg (po) were effective as an anti-anxiety as well anti-depressant activity and had no motor in-coordination in mice. Hence, these extracts can be used as a potent therapeutic agent in treating mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MAD).

5 illus, 31 ref

014878   Brahma A;De D;Bhattacharyya D (Structural Biology and Bioinformatic Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032, Email: debasish@iicb.res.in) : Rayleigh scattering technique as a method to sudy protein-protein interaction using spectrofluorimeters. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 940-6.

Rayleigh scattering intensity of a protein solution can be measured using a spectrofluorimeter when its excitation and emission wavelengths coincide. Such scattering intensity from proteins having no chromophoric groups in the visible region has been studied at 350 nm. Linear dependence of scattering intensity with molecular weight and concentration of proteins has been observed according to the modified Debye-Zimm relation. In the absence of self-aggregation, scattering intensity observed from non-interacting proteins was additive. Assuming that globular proteins are spheres, analysis using Stoke's radii of the proteins predicted that the change in scattering intensity during association-dissociation of homo multimeric proteins will be at most ±10%. This has been confirmed from experimental data. However, significant deviation from additive values of scattering intensity was observed among interacting proteins of unequal sizes as the character of the solution was changed from 'ideal' to 'non-ideal'. The protocol may be applied to evaluate different parameters of protein-protein interaction.

7 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

014877   Bijayalaxmi Devi N;Yadava P S (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003, Email: yadavps1@yahoo.co.in) : Emission of CO₂ from the soil and immobilization of carbon in microbes in a subtropical mixed oak forest ecosystem, Manipur, Northeast India. Curr Sci 2009, 96(12), 1627-30.

Emission of CO₂ from the soil and immobilization of carbon in the microbes were studied in two forest stands of a subtropical mixed oak forest located at Langol hills near Imphal city, Manipur (24°45'N lat. and 93° 55'E long.) at an altitude ranging from 780 to 910 m amsl, using alkali absorption method and chloroform fumigation extraction method. The CCh emission rate was lowest during the winter season (149.00 and 138.49 mg CO₂ m^{-2 h_-1) and highest during the rainy season (250.94 and 220.48 mg CO₂ m-2 h_-1) in both the forest stands. The immobilization of carbon in the microbes was maximum during the rainy season (1182.6 and 740.73 μg g-1) followed by summer (738.32 and 392.92 μg-1), and minimum during the winter season (465.14 and 382.58 (μg g-1) across the two stands. Out of the total soil organic carbon, maximum immobilization of microbial C occurs in the rainy season (2.7%) and minimum in the summer season (1.2%). Thus, emission of CO₂ from the soil and immobilization of carbon in the microbes are strongly influenced by the seasons.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

014876   Arunkumar S;Sivakumari V;Muthuselvam M;Baskar N V (Environmental and Herbal Sciences Dep, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu) : Production and partial purification of cellulose by Basillus subtilis fumigatus fermented in coir wase and sawdust. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 123-7.

Basillus subttiis was used as fermentative organism for the production of cellulose enzyme using cheap substrate such as coir waste and sawdust. Maximum cellulose enzyme productivity was noted on coir waste compared with saw waste. Cellulose productivity was optimized in various physico-chemical parameters, such as pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources. Cellulose enzyme protein fraction was analyzed by SDS-PAGE method. Coir waste can be used as the substrate for the large scale production of cellulose enzyme using Basillus subtilis.

7 tables, 9 ref

014875   Arunkumar A;Sivakumari V;Diwakar V; Senthilkumar S (Environmental and Herbal Sciencesw Dep, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu) : Lipase productivity of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using cheap substrates. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 179-82.

In the study the lipase-producing organism were isolated from the soil sample using olive oil containing medium. The isolates were identified based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics. The isolated Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were inoculated in to inoculam medium and incubated at 37° C for 24hours used as the inoculum. The inoculums mixed with fermentative substrate like molasses and soybean, after incubation, the lipase was estimated. In the study high lipase activity (0.31±μ/ml/min) was observed in Candida albicans inoculated medium. Effect of physiochemical parameter was analyzed for optimum enzyme productivity in this study maximum productivity was noted in pH-7 and temperature 35-40°C. Lipase productivity also studied in the free immobilized cell. In this study lipase productivity was maximum noted in the immobilized cell (0.51± 0.09μ/ml/min).

4 tables, 21 ref

014874   Anuradha P;Rani D J;Pasha S A;Sravani K (NO, , Criya Biolabs Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Purification and enzyme properties of an extracellular endo-β-1, 4-glucanase from Paenibacillus amylolyticus MTCC 8084 isolated from sugarcane fields. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 183-8.

Endo-β-1,4-glucanase is an extracellular key enzyme used by bacteria to decompose cellulose of sugarcane crop residue. It has been purified from Paenibacillus amylolyticus MTCC 8084 isolated from sugarcane fields. The dialysed crude enzyme preparation was loaded on to a DEAE-Sepharose an ion-exchange column. Active fractions were collected and loaded on to a Sephadex G-75 column for further purification. The purification fold was 11.7 with a recovery yield of 29.4%. Specific activity of enzyme was 4.16 U/mg. The purified endo-β-1,4-glucanase gave a single protein band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular weight is approximately 93 kDa. The optimal temperature and pH were 50° C and 5.0, respectively. Apparent kinetic parameters Km and V max were determined 8.2 mg/ml and 167 U/min/mg, respectively. Enzyme activity was stimulated by Cu^{+2 and inhibited by Hg+, Ag+2, AI+3 and EDTA.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014873   Amsaveni V;Sudha S S (Microbiology Dep, Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore-646 014, Email: amsa.publicatin2009@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of different plant extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 947-9.

A preliminary screening of ten different medicinal plants for antibacterial activity was carried out. Most of these plants are mentioned in the traditional systems of medicine as sources of aseptic agents. Crude, ethanol and acetone extracts of.all the plants were tested for their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was found in ethanolic extracts, followed by acetone and crude extracts of all the plants tested.

1 table, 16 ref

014872   Ambikar D B;Harle U N;Khandare R A;Bore V V; Vyawahare N S V (Pharmacology Dep, AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Kennedy Road, Pune-411 001, Email: neerajsv@rediffmail.com) : Neuroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of dried fruits of Trapa bispinosa Roxb on lipofuscinogenesis and fluorescence product in brain of D-galactose induced ageing accelerated mice. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(4), 378-82.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract T. bispinosa (TB) was studied on fluorescence product and biochemical parameter like lipid peroxidation, catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity in the brain of female albino mice. Ageing was accelerated by the treatment of 0.5 ml 5% D-galactose for 15 days. This resulted in increased fluorescence product, increase lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant enzyme like glutathione peroxides and catalase in cerebral cortex. After co-treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of TB (500 mg/kg, po) there was decrease in fluorescence product in cerebral cortex. Moreover, TB inhibited increase lipid peroxidation and restores glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity in cerebral cortex as compare to ageing accelerated control group. To conclude TB found to be effective antioxidative agent which could to some extent reverse D-galactose induced ageing changes resulted due to oxidative damage.

1 table, 32 ref

014871   Amandeep Kaur;Ranvir Singh;Dey C S;Sharma D S;Bhutani K K;Singh I P (Natural Products Dep, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar-160 062, Email: ipsingh@niper.ac.in) : Antileishmanial phenylpropanoids from Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd.. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 314-17.

Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (100 μg/ml) of Alpinia galanga rhizomes exhibited significant activity in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani. Twelve compounds namely, methyleugenol (1), p-coumaryl diacetate (2), 1 '-acetoxychavicol acetate (3), l'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (4), trans-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol (5), trans-3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol (6), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (7), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (8), trans-p-coumaryl alcohol (9), galangin (10), trans-p-coumaric acid (11) and galanganol B (12) were isolated from these extracts. Of these, compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 were found most active in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani with IC₅₀ values of 39.3, 32.9, 18.9 and 79.9 μM respectively. This is the first report of antileishmanial activity of the extracts and isolated constituents of A. galanga.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014870   Akanksha;Srivastava A K;Maurya R (Medicinal and Process Chemistry Div, Central Drug Research Institute, CSIR, Lucknow-226 001, Email: mauryarakesh@rediffmail.com) : Antihyperglycemic activity of compounds isolated from Indian medicinal plants. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(3), 294-8.

Eleven antidiabetic Indian medicinal plants were investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model and provided scientific validation to prove their antihyperglycemic activity. Antidiabetic principles from five plants were isolated. All the compounds isolated were evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model and activities were compared with standard drug metformin. Some compounds were also screened in db/db mice. Two compounds (PP-1 and PP-2) inhibited significantly the activity of PTPase-1B in an in vitro system. This might be the underlying mechanism of antihyperglycemic activity of these compounds.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref