006332   Sanyal P K;Sarkar A K;Patel N K;Pal S;Mandal S C (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Indira Gandhi Kris, Anjora, Durg-491 001) : Evaluation of Chhattisgarh isolates of nematode trapping fungi for their short-term environmental impact: studies with earthworm and mice. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 37-9, 41-2.

Chhattisgarh isolates of Arthrobotrys oligospora and Duddingtonia flagrans, nematode trapping fungi were screened for their possible short-term environmental impact using earthworm and mice model. Following skin contact and feeding of these fungi to earthworm and mice for assessing their adverse effect on them, if any, no evidence of external or internal mycosis was observed in these animals. This short-term study provided evidence that the fungi are fairly environment-friendly and could easily be deployed in animals as biocontrol agents through oral route.

11 illus, 5 ref

006331   Sanyal P K;Sarkar A K;Patel N K;Pal S;Mandal S C (Veterinary Parasitology Div, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Indira Gandhi Kris, Anjora, Durg-491 001) : Evaluation of Chhattisgarh isolates of nematode trapping fungi for their short term environmental impact: studies on mycostasis benzimidazole compounds. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 17-20.

Albendazole anthelmintic displayed antimycotic effect on the nematode-trapping fungi when in vitro studies were conducted. Duddingtonia flagrans appeared to be more sensitive to albendazole compared to Arthrobotrys oligospora. In fact, growth of A. oligospora was more vigorous at 0.5 ppm concentration of albendazole compared to controls. The fungicidal effect could also be demonstrated through in vivo studies where total mycostatic effect could be demonstrated in goats, when albendazole sulphoxide metabolite concentration in blood was around 0.6 μg ml^{-1 (4-12 h post-administration of albendazole). Profuse fungal recovery could be obtained for the first two days before administration of albendazole and from 36 h of albendazole treatment onwards. While no fungus could be recovered from the faeces of animals during 4-12 h of albendazole administration, scanty fungal recovery could be made on hour 2, 18 and 24 of albendazole administration. These experiments provided evidence that both chemical and biological control should not be used simultaneously during integrated management of parasitic gastroenteritis in livestock.}

3 illus, 7 ref

006330   Sanyal P K;Sarkar A K;Patel N K;Pal S;Mandal S C (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Indira Gandhi Kris, Anjora, Durg-491 001) : Evaluation of Chhatisgarh isolate of nematode trapping fungus Duddingtonia flagrans for their short-term environmental impact: studies on fungal spread and faecal decomposition. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 5-8.

Experiments were conducted to understand the extent of spread of Duddingtonia flagrans once deposited in faeces and alteration, if any, of the organic content of faeces by the fungus which would serve as indirect evidence of its short-term environmental impact. The findings of the experiments suggest that D. flagrans could not spread beyond the faeces on which it was deposited, survived long enough to trap animal parasitic nematode larvae and was ultimately overpowered by other microbes present in the soil/faeces/plants. The organic matter content of faeces remained unaltered. The results provided evidence that the fungus had no significant short-term adverse effect on the micro-environment.

4 illus, 11 ref

006329   Sampath S;Madhava Rao T;Kondal Reddy K;Arun K;Reddy P V M (Livestock Products Technology Dep, College of Veterinary Science, S V Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: hyd2-kkreddy5@sancharnet.in) : Effect of germination on oligosaccharides in cereals and pulses. J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(2), 196-8.

Oligosaccharides (stachyose, raffinose, maltotriose, maltotetraose, maltopentaose, maltohexaose, maltoheptaose) content in different cereals and pulses was estimated and the effect of germination on them was also investigated considering their importance as prebiotics. Quantification involved hot water extraction (98°C/ 2 h) of oligosaccharides, different filtrations, followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with a refractive index (RI) detector. Stachyose content was (in mg/g of DM) in green gram 1.2, sorghum 0.1, barley <0.05, wheat <0.05 and black gram 8.3. The raffinose content was (in mg/g of DM) in barley 0.07, wheat 5.2, cowpea 4.3, green pea 2.0, black gram 2.2, pigeon pea 1.3 and soybean 3.0. The maltotriose content was observed (in mg/g of DM) in sorghum 0.5, chickpea 0.4, maize 0.5, rajma 0.5 and masoor dal (Lathyrus sativus) 0.6. In few samples, more than one oligosaccharide was observed as in green gram (stachyose, maltohexaose), sorghum (stachyose, maltotriose), barley (stachyose, raffinose), wheat (stachyose, raffinose) and black gram (stachyose, raffinose). In ragi, bajra and rice maltooligosaccharides were absent. Germination of seeds for 48 h resulted in complete disappearance of stachyose and raffinose in cereals and pulses. The maltotriose content in pulses completely disappeared on germination but among cereals, 45.1 and 57.3% loss was observed in sorghum and maize, respectively, whereas complete loss was seen in other cereals tested.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

006328   Samanta S;Singh B P;Raina O K;Rao J R;Goswami T K (Parasitology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122) : Kinetics of antibody response against hydatidosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 33-6.

Swiss albino mice were experimentally infected with protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin through intraperitoneal route. The sera samples of experimentally infected mice were collected at an interval of 15 days and the antibody responses were tested in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against different antigenic fractions of protoscolieces. The antibody response in mice against soluble proteins of protoscolieces (SP-P) was significant throughout the observation period of 180 days w.e.f. day 15-post infection (p.i.). The peak response was observed on day 120 p.i. although substantial ELISA values were recorded during 75 to 150 days p.i. With the excretory-secretory antigen of protoscolices (ES-P), a significant antibody response was recorded from day 15 p.i. and higher ELISA values were recorded during day 105 to 135 p.i. and the peak response was observed on day 120 p.i. The steady increase in antibody response up to around 120 days p.i. and thereafter declining trends of antibody response against the infection were evident. However, a significant response throughout the experiment was observed. The trend of anti-procoscolieces IgG level may be coinciding with cyst development in the experimental infection.

2 illus, 22 ref

006327   Samanta K;Chowdhury R;Bhattacharya P (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: pinaki_che@yahoo.com) : Response of cell growth due to change in chromium concentration during bioconversion of hexavalent chromium, using mixed culture system. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(2), 101-10.

Macrokinetic study on the bioconversion of hexavalent chromium present in tannery waste was carried out using chemostat as a contacting device. Two monocultures viz. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp., isolated and purified from native source, were used as biocatalysts. Although bioconversion of Cr^{+6 to Cr+3 is not strictly an enzyme process, it was observed that the global conversion equation for this complex biotic-abiotic process follows Monod's substrate uninhibited model equation.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

006326   Randhawa G J;Chhabra R;Singh M (National Research, Centre on DNA Fingerprinting, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: gjr@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Molecular characterizatin of Bt cauliflower with multiplex PCR and validation of endogenous reference gene in brassicaceae family. Curr Sci 2008, 95(12), 1729-31.

Bt cauliflower is one of the important genetically modified (GM) crops approved for Biosafety Research Level 1 field trials in India. Towards developing reliable qualitative and quantitative PCR methods for detecting and monitoring GM crops, in the present study, molecular detection of cry 1Ac gene CaMV 35S promoter and an endogenous gene in Bt cauliflower was carried out by simplex and multiplex PCR. Furthermore, validation of S-locus receptor kinase (SRK) as the endogenous reference gene for the Brassicaceae family using simplex PCR has also been undertaken.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

006325   Ramakrishhna B V;Jayaprakasha G K;Jena B S; Singh R P (NO, Government College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560 027, Email: rpsingh@cftri.res.in) : Antioxidant activities of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces and fruit extracts. J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(3), 223-7.

Antioxidant rich fractions were extracted from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces and fruits using ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The extracts were screened for antioxidant property using α, α-diphenyl-β-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene-linoleate model systems. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetone, methanol (MeOH) extracts of calyces and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) showed 89.4, 82.97, 91.4 and 91.1% antioxidant activity (AA) with DPPH and 82.6, 76.9, 85.4 and 91.4% using β-carotene-linoleate model systems, respectively at 500 ppm. The methanolic extract of the calyces showed highest reducing power. However, the fruit extracts showed comparatively lower activities as compared to calyces extracts. Owing to higher AA of the extracts of calyces, these were selected to study their effect on lipid peroxidation. At 500 ppm, the ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol extracts of calyces showed 29.2, 34.1 and 48.6% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenates using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. The studies can be further extended to exploit their possible application for the preservation of food products as well as health supplement and nutraceuticals.

7 illus, 29 ref

006324   Rafiyuddin M D;Narasimha Rao K;Girisham S; Reddy S M (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Interaction of Penicillium puberulum and spermosphere fungi of wheat and its impact on penitrem a production. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(11-12), 333-6.

Interaction of Penicillium puberulum and spermosphere fungi of wheat and its impact on penitrem A production was investigated by paired plate. Alternaria alternata, Curvularia oallescens and Drechslera rostrata were responsible for total inhibition of penitrem A production. Rest of the fungi inhibited for penitrem A production by P. puberulum to varying degree. No positive correlation could be observed between biomass and oenitrem A production.

1 table, 13 ref

006323   Pallabhi Dev;Islam S;Das M (Parasitology Div, ICAR Regional Complex for North Eastern Hills Region, Umium, Shillong-3) : Ecology and biology of aquatic snails and their control: I. comparative biology and development of five freshwater snails from Assam. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 9-12.

Development biology of five parasitologically active aquatic snail species was studied in laboraory condition. The incubation period of Lymnaea (Psedosuccinea) acuminata f. rufescens (Gray), L. (Pseudosuccinea) luteola f. ovalis (Gray), Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshyes), Gyraulus convexiusculus (Hutton) and Segmentina trochoidea (Benson) were 9-12, 10-12, 89, 9-11 and 8-10 days, respectively. The first egg to egg cycle was 144-147, 142-145, 81-85 and 105-110 days for L. (P) acuminata f. rufescens, L. (P) luteola f. ovalis, G. convexiusculus land S. trochoidea, respectively. Field studies conducted in three wetland sites within a GPS marked location (26°05' - 26°15' N lat, 91°50' E long) and an analogus map prepared based on remotely sensed satellite data (IRS-IB LISS 2A, FCC) revealed variation in population dominance of the five snail species over a one year time period. L. luteola f. ovalis and G. convexiusculus are naturally present throughout the year within a range of 5-10% prevalence rate. Two plateaus i.e. Septemper to November and February to July in reference to availability of L. acuminata f. rufescens, I. Lexustus and S. trochoidea population was recorded in the study area. There was species-wise variation in aestivation period and re-emergence of the snail population in the wetland.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

006322   Opara K N;Usip L P;Akpabio E E (Zoology Dep, Univesity of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria, Email: nkopara@yahoo.com) : Transmission dynamics of Simulium damnosum in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. J Vector Borne Dis 2008, 45(3), 225-30.

Describes the entomological parameters of transmission in three rural communities of Akwa Ibom State, prior to ivermectin intervention in 2004. Blackflies were caught using human bait and 90% of the flies were dissected for parity. All parous flies were further dissected for the presence of filaria larvae. Monthly and annual biting rate, and transmission potential were calculated using standard methods. A total of 4296 adult Simulium damnosum were caught on human bait, 4119 were dissected of which 208 (5.1%) were infected with Onchocerca volvulus larvae. Transmission parameters varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the three villages. Annual biting rates, ranged from 9490 to 11,218 bites per person per year. The annual transmission potential ranged from 131 to 189 infective larvae per person per year, monthly biting rate and monthly transmission potential varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the three villages. Transmission was highly seasonal occurring during the peak of rainy season from August to October. There was no transmission during the dry periods - November to March, and the early rainy periods - April to May. The diurnal biting activity of the fly exhibited a bimodal pattern with a morning peak (0900-1000 hrs) and a more marked evening peak (1600-1700 hrs). The results indicate that there is a temporal and spatial variation in the transmission dynamics of S. damnosum in the study area.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

006321   Niranjan A;Dhan Prakash (Nutraceutical Chemistry Dep, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: abhishek_niranjan@yahoo.co.in) : Chemical constituents and biological activities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(2), 109-16.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used as spice, preservative, colouring matter and has wide range of medicinal and pharmacological applications. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, nematocidal, antiparasitic, antispasmodic and anticarcinogenic activities. It is a potent scavenger of a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite and nitric oxide. It is a inhibitor of ROS generating enzymes, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase and plays active role in the inhibition of COX-I and COXII enzymes that are involved in the inflammatory reaction. The turmeric extract protects lipids, haemoglobin, and red blood cells from lipid peroxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide. It prevents oxidative damage and inhibits binding to toxic metabolites to DNA. Safety evaluation studies indicate that turmeric is well tolerated at very high dose (0.5 to 1.5 g/day/person) without any toxic effects. Turmeric contains 3-6% polyphenolic compounds, collectively known as curcuminoids, which is a mixture of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids are major components responsible for various biological actions. Pure curcumin has more potent superoxide anion scavenging activity than demethoxycurcumin or bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin acts as a pro-oxidant in the presence of transition metal ions (Cu and Fe) and is a potent bioprotectant with a potentially wide range of therapeutic applications.

^iia1 table, 101 ref

006320   Nandedkar P V;Saxena V K;Saxena M;Ahmed K A; Kumar S;Singh R;Jain P;Nehete S B (Stem Cell Biology Dep, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai (M.S.)) : Growth related candidate genes in relation ot musculoskeletal deformities in coloured synthetic male line parents. J Bombay Vet Coll 2009, 17(1), 52-4.

The study was carried out in musculoskeletal deformed birds for screening the relation of their deformed growth with growth related candidate genes (TGF-b2, IGF-1, GHR, Myostatin, BMP-2) by PCR-RFLP. The overall incidence of musculoskeletal deformities in the hatch (nearly 1500 chicks) was 0.8 % associated with legs and wings (twisted leg, Perosis, reluctance to move and a stilted gait). The overall means of body weight at 3^rd and 5^th week of age were 402.19±51.62 and 854.39±96.07 gm, respectively. Candidate genes mediating growth promotion (TGF-a2, IGF-1 and GHR) as well as gene exerting negative regulation on growth (myostatin) along with one gene (BMP-2) influencing bone formation were analysed in coloured broiler male line. There was no significant effect of genotypes of gene on the growth of deformed birds. At seventh weeks of age the hemaiobiochemicals (Ca, P, T₃ and T₄) did not show significant difference among genotypes of different candidate genes compared by t-test.

3 tables, 5 ref

006319   Mohanty B;Mohanty S;Parija S (Biochemistry & Biotechnology Labaratory, Fishery Resource and Environm, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institue, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 009, Email: bimalmohanty12@rediffmail.com) : Universal red blood cells. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(5-6), 161-9.

ABO blood group system is the most well-known and medically important blood group system in transfusion medicine. Eliminating the risk for ABO-incompatible transfusion errors and providing enough of the right blood to the patients is an important need that can be achieved by creating a universal blood inventory of universal RBCs. Enzymatic removal of blood group ABO antigens to develop universal red blood cells (RBCs) was a pioneering vision originally proposed in 1980s. Although the feasibility of this approach was demonstrated in clinical, trials for group B RBCs, a major obstacle in translating this technology to clinical practice was the lack of efficient glycosidase enzymes. In a major breakthrough, Henrik Clausen of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and his co-workers have identified the enzymes glycosidases from two species of bacteria that can do the job quickly and efficiently. These scientists screened 2,500 fungi and bacteria and identified two species, Elizabethkingia meningosepticum and Bacteroides fragilis, which make enzymes that can function like biological scissors to cut off the terminal ends of A and B. These two bacterial enzymes α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases (EC 3.2.1.49) and α-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.22) are capable of efficient removal of A and B antigens, respectively, at neutral pH with low consumption of recombinant enzymes. The enzymatic conversion processes hold promise for achieving the goal of producing universal RBCs, which would improve the blood supply while enhancing the safety of clinical transfusions.

4 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

006318   Mishra A K;Mishra A;Bhargava A;Pandey A K (Biochemistry Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: akpandey23@rediffmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from the leaves of Cinnamomum spp.. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(11-12), 341-5.

This study was to examine the antibacterial effects of variety of ( Cinnamon essential oils on major pathogenic organisms. The hydro distilled oils extracted from the leaves of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. tamala and C. camphora were tested for their antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory disc concentration (MIDC) were evaluated by the Kirby paper method. The antibiotic sensitivity of these isolates was also examined. All the oils exhibited complete inhibition of bacterial growth against test organisms. MIDC of oils against various pathogens ranged from 1.25-2.5 μ/disc. C. zeylanicum oil showed the strongest activity fo!lowed by C. camphora and C. tamala oils. Results reported indicate that cinnamon oil can be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent for the treatment of several infections including some respiratory tract infections in man.

2 tables, 24 ref

006317   Madhavi Latha G;Muralikrishna G (Biochemistry and Nutrition Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Mysore-570 020, Email: krishnagm2002@yahoo.com) : Optimized procedure for the isolation of acetic acid esterase from malted finger millet (Eleusine coracana). J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(4), 295-9.

The activity of this enzyme was maximum in 72 h malted ragi compared to 24, 48, 96 h malts and coleoptiles. Pretreatment of the seeds with exogenous gibberellic acid (0.3 μM) enhanced the AAE activity by 2 fold. Tris buffer (75 mM, pH 9.0) was the best extractant. Addition of reduced glutathione (GSH, 100 mM), polyvinylpolypyrrollidone (PVPP, 0.5%), Triton X-100 (0.75%), CaCl₂ (6 mM) and MgCl₂, (4 mM) to Tris buffer (75 mM, pH 9.0) prior to the extraction of AAE from 72 h malt enhanced the AAE activity. The temperature optima and stability of the crude AAE was 30°C. Among several amino acids tested for stabilizing effect on AXE, only glycine stabilized the enzyme at 50°C.

5 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

006316   Kurup S P;Azhahianambi P;Ghosh S (Entomlogy Lab, Parasitology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Email: sghoshp@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of surface area to weight ratio of egg masses on the hatchability of Boophilus microplus eggs. J Vector Borne Dis 2008, 45(2), 164-9.

On global basis, ticks transmit a number of pathogens than any other arthropod vector, and are among the most important vectors of diseases affecting humans, livestock and companion animals. Control of the vector has been focused on integrated management involving strategic use of insecticides, use of vaccines, use of herbal acaricides and breed resistance. It has been established that tick vaccine is working on limiting the egg laying potentiality and subsequent hatchability of the ticks fed on immunized animals. To generate entomological data following immunization of animals against ticks an experiment was conducted to establish the role of water content in egg masses for successful hatching into larvae. Different size and shape of egg masses of Boophilus microplus, Izatnagar isolate were obtained by manipulating the egg laying process. The weight of the egg masses was measured, keeping their integrity and surface areas of respective egg masses were calculated with the aid of computer software. Larvae hatched from the respective egg masses were counted individually. It is clear that, with an increase in the exposed surface area of the cylindrical egg mass per unit weight, there is a reduction in the number of larvae hatched out. Also, the spherical egg masses significantly (0.026 at 95% confidence level) yielded more larvae per unit weight in comparison to the cylindrical egg masses. It has been established that the larval count yielded from an egg mass is more or less dependent on the surface area : weight ratio of the respective egg masses rather than on either the surface area alone or weight of the egg mass alone.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

006315   Khan F;Sherwani A F;Afzal M (Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : Chromosomal aberration and micronucleus studies of two topoisomerase (II) targeting anthracylines. J envir Biol 2009, 30(3), 409-12.

Anthracycline antibiotics are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. Doxorubicin and Idarubicin, topoisomerase-targeting anthracyclines, were examined for their effect on chromosomal aberration and micronucleus induction in cultured human lymphocytes employing lymphocyte transformation test and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. A statistically significant dose-dependent increase in micronucleus frequency (p < 0.001) in binucleated cells was seen as well as a significant increase in chromosomal aberration frequency was also observed for both the drugs. A variety of aberrations were scored including terminal deletions, breaks, gaps, exchanges, fragment formation, ends rejoining, interstitial deletions etc. Nuclear division index was also calculated and showed a cell cycle delay towards higher doses. A number of necrotic and apoptotic cells were also observed at higher concentrations. This confirms the two drugs to be clastogenic and aneugenic.

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

006314   Jafar T;Tripathi G;Mehndi A A;Mandal K;Gulati S;Sharma R K;Baburaj V P;Awasthi S;Agrawal S (Medical Genetics Dep, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in Indian children with idiopathi nephrotic syndrome. Int J Hum Genet 2009, 9(1), 49-55.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the most common glomerular disorder of childhood. In the present study we have investigated the prevalence of VDR gene polymorphisms in INS patients and healthy controls in North Indian population to assess the role of VDR genes in INS as these patients are at high risk to develop metabolic bone disease. Genotyping of four polymorphic sites (FokI, ApaI, TaqI and BsmI) in the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene of 108 unrelated nephrotic patients and 569 healthy controls were performed by PCR-based method. The genotype frequencies were compared among INS and controls. There was significant difference at three polymorphic sites except at TaqI. When the two high risk genotype ff of Fokl and BB of BsmI of VDR were combined we found that the risk was increased to ~3.5 folds. Our results revealed the VDR gene polymorphism may have a significant role.

3 tables, 26 ref

006313   Harpreet Kaur;Daljit Kaur (Zoology Dep, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002) : Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasities in domestic animals of Patiala and its adjoining areas. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 25-8.

Study prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among cattle (82.35%), sheep/goat (87.05%) and horses (76.47%) of Patiala and its adjoining areas has been reported. Coprological examination revealed total prevalence to be as high as 82% either as single or mixed infections. The GI parasites detected in cow/buffalo were Toxocara vitulorum (78.57%), Haemonchus sp. (57.14%) followed by Cryptosporidium sp. (50%), Eimeria sp. (50%), Oesophagostomum sp. (42.86%) and Trichuris sp. (14.29%). In sheep/goat, the different parasites detected were Trichostrongylus sp. (78.57%), Haemonchus sp. (64.29%), Strongyloides sp. (57.14%), Cryptosporidium sp. (57.14%), Oesophagostomum sp. (42.86%), Moniezia sp. (21.43%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (14.29%) where as in horse, the parasites detected were Parascaris equorum (84.61%), Strongyloides sp. (76.92%) and Trichostrongylus sp. (38.46%). The percentage incidence of mixed helminth and protozoan infections in cow/buffalo was 78.57%, in sheep and goat 85.71% and in horse (84.62%).

2 tables, 13 ref

006312   Harikrishnan T J;Edith R;Ponnudurai G (NO, Veterinary Dispensary, Manampathy, Chinglepet, Tamil Nadu) : Observations on Hepatozoon canis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus. J Vet Parasitol 2008, 22(2), 1-4.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks that fed on dogs infected with Hepatozoon canis either naturally or experimentally, revealed the presence of oocysts of the parasite in the haemocoele. Oocysts were multisporocystic (132-148) with spherical to oval sporocysts that contained 8-16 sporozoites. H. canis was experimentally transmitted to a dog through oral feeding of infected adult R. sanguineus ticks and transtadially from nymphs to adult R. sanguineus ticks. Transtadial transmission from larvae to nymphs could not be effected. Sporocysts in various stages of development were observed as early as 8 days post-infection in ticks.

15 illus, 8 ref

006311   Geipel A;Eggermann T;Knopfle G;Schwanitz G; Patzold U;Hansmann D (Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine Dep, Hospital bonn Univ, Germany) : Non-mosaic trisomy 7 in chorionic villi and trisomy 18 in the fetus: an ectreme form of mosaic variegated aneuploidy?. Int J Hum Genet 2009, 9(1), 1-4.

Mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA) is characterized by multiple trisomies. The parallel existence of two non-mosaic trisomies of two different chromosomes in the fetus and the placenta has not been published to date. We report here on a putative extreme form of MVA in a pregnancy with a non-mosaic trisomy 7 in CVS and a non-mosaic trisomy 18 in amniotic fluid. The trisomy 7 was not detected in amniocytes, but a non-mosaic trisomy 18 was diagnosed. Both aneuploidies were confirmed through STR typing of the respective tissue. We infer a postzygotic mitotic origin of both aneuplodies based on the observed reduction of maternal heterozygosity to homozygosity in the analysed markers. It is indeed well conceivable that mitotic errors occur in the early embryo briefly after differentiation into trophoblast and epiblast, resulting in a complete fetal-placental discordance such as the one observed in our case. However, the observation that trisomies 7 and 18 are among the most common aberrations in MVA would support our assumption that the complete discordance of the chromosomal complement in our case represents an extreme form of MVA.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

006310   Das S;Lyla P S;Ajmal Khan S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: Surajit@myself.com) : Chracterization and identification of marine actinomycetes-existing systems, complexities and future directions. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2008, 31(5-6), 149-60.

Actinomycetes are Gram-positive bacteria with branched hyphae. Because of their well-developed morphological and cultural characteristics, actinomycetes have been considered as a group well separated from common bacteria. Although earlier occurrences of marine actinomycetes were considered as the terrestrial run-off, the molecular research proved that actinomycetes are the native flora in the marine environment. Biodiversity of actinomycetes has been studied from different niches of the marine realm. Marine actinomycetes constitute an important and potential source of novel bioactive compounds and take part in decisive action in the environment for degradation and turnover of various materials. Therefore, marine actinomycetes have gained special attention during the last decade. However, classification and taxonomy of marine actinomycetes is quite frustrating and daunting task due to their abrupt distribution in the marine environment, slow growth and several complex biochemical tests in the conventional way, besides the non-availability of facilities for molecular methods. Moreover, the identification key followed also dates back which overlook the description of novel species/taxa.

149-60

006309   Civilini M (Food Science Dep, Environmental Microbiology Sect, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2-33100 Udine, Italy) : Identification and characterization of bacteria isolated under selective pressure of volatile organic compounds. J envir Biol 2009, 30(1), 99-105.

Several bacterial strains tolerant to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were isolated from the air emissions of a typical industrial wood painting plant. Four strains that grew vigorously on a mineral salt basal medium and VOC-saturated atmosphere were identified using BIOLOG and fatty acids analysis. A 16S rDNA sequence comparison was also performed on three of the four strains. Their phylogenetic positions were respectively: MC8M6 of the genus Arthrobacter, MCEP3 of the genus Microbacterium, MCEPFL2 of the genus Rhodococcus. The fourth strain, C14, was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the four strains showed multiple carbon sources among toluene, butyl acetate, ethoxy propyl acetate, isobutyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, diaceton alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone. By identifying a particular strain, an evaluation of its risk group can be made by comparing it to each strain type within important world-wide culture collections. This is the first step required to implement correct procedures using the strains and in implementing the appropriate biosafety containment in large scale applications.

4 tables, 29 ref

006308   Chithra M;Muralikrishna G (Biochemistry and Nutrition Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 020, Email: krishnagm2002@yahoo.com) : Improved method for obtaining xylanase from finger millet Eleusine coracana var. `Indaf-15') malt. J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(2), 166-9.

In finger millet (Eleusine coracana, var. `Indaf-15') xylanase activity (XA) was found to be increased during the malting period and was highest in 96 h. Acetate buffer (pH 6.0, 0.1 M) was found to be the best extractant for obtaining maximum XA. Two consecutive extractions yielded maximum XA from 96 h finger millet malt. Polyvinyl polypyrrolidine (PVPP) and Triton X-100 added to the extractant enhanced the xylanase extractability and maximum activity was observed at 0.5 and 1%, respectively. XA was highest by co-extraction with reduced glutathione at 5 mM concentration. Finger millet seeds subjected to steeping in 0.6 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃) yielded maximum XA at 48 h of malting period. XA be increased by the addition of metal ions such as CaCl₂ (20 mM) and MgCl₂ (10 mM) to the extraction medium. Hence, acetate buffer (pH 6.0, 0.1 M) consisting of reduced glutathione (5.0 mM), PVPP (0.5%), Triton X-100 (1.0%) and CaCl₂ (20 mM) was the optimum condition to isolate maximum XA (1.55 μmol/min) from 96 h finger millet malt.

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

006307   Anitha Gopal B;Muralikrishna G (Biochemistry and Nutrition Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Mysore-570 020, Email: krishnagm2002@yahoo.com) : Physico-chemical characteristics of native and pancreatic alpha-amylase digested cereal and finger millet starches. J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(4), 300-4.

Composition and pancreatic enzymic digestibility profiles of starches isolated from finger millet (ragi) (Eleusine coracana, var. 'Indaf-15'), rice (Oryza sativa, var. 'Jaya'), wheat (Triticum aestivum, var. 'DPW - 225') and maize (Zea mays, var. 'NAC - 6002') were determined. The gelatinisation temperature (65±3°C) and the elution profile of the starches were comparable, the molecular weight of amylose for maize starch was higher than that of ragi, wheat and rice as determined on Sepharose CL-2B. However, the differential scanning calorimetry thermogram showed higher range of melting, broad span of endotherm with increased enthalpy of gelatinisation for maize starch followed by ragi, wheat and rice starches. Degree of crystallinity varied for the above starches with maize starch (41.4%) significantly higher, followed by ragi (37.3%), wheat (37.0%) and rice (35.8%). Pancreatic α-amylase digestibility of cereal starches was better than their respective flours. Least digestibility was observed for maize starch followed by ragi, wheat and rice starches. Maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose were the major oligosaccharides liberated from the starches upon pancreatic α-amylolysis.

3 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

006306   Anitha Devi U;Singara Charya M A (Microbilogy Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Chemical osygen demand (COD) in Lower Manair dam (LMD) and Kakatiya canal (KC), Karimnagar, Andhra pradesh. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(4), 353-9.

Chemical Oxygen Demand levels in Lower Manair Dam and Kakatiya Canal waters, Andhra Pradesh were estimated during July 1999 to June 2001 at monthly intervals. The COD level varied between 10 and 190 mg/l with seasons and with release of chemical substances from agricultural wastes and sewages. The highest COD value was recorded at site I, Jagtial (190 mg/l) of Kakatiya Canal. The average COD values in dam waters were ranged between 81 and 141 mg/l during 1999 - 2000 and 34 to 162 mg/l during 2000-2001.

4 illus, 24 ref

005370   Yoon M;Choi Y S;Jin H J;Sohn Y C;Lee S K;Jin D H (Faculty of Marine Bioscience and Technology, Kangnung National Univ, Gangneung 210-702, Korea, Email: dhjin@kangnug.ac.kr) : Heteropolymorphism of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 gene for the population analysis of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 567-70.

Mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) has been frequently used as genetic markers for the population genetic studies. In this study, we used chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) from Korea, Japan and America, and compared their mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) genes by DNA sequence analysis. Sequence variation was studied in the ND3 among total 11 individuals from three populations. The ND3 gene was amplified by PCR targeting parts of cytoc/irome oxidase III gene (COIII) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4L gene (ND4L). ND3 gene sequence, encoded 752 bps, presented some genetic variation in the chum salmon populations. The observed nucleotide variations inferred the distinct genetic differentiation of American salmons from Korean and Japanese chum salmons. Six sites of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were explored in the ND3 locus. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis also showed a clear heterogenous band in American salmons compared to Asian salmons.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

005369   Yoo J S (NO, Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion, Seoul-137-941, Korea, Email: jsyoo@kimst.re.kr) : Productivity and abundance of bacteria and phytoplankton in incheon dock, western coast of Korea. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 531-4.

Monthly variations of abundance and productivity of bacteria and phytoplankton were investigated in 2002 at Incheon Dock in Korea, almost closed marine ecosystem. Incheon Dock has unique marine environment with scarcely a current and waves such as in a lake. The bacterial abundance was 0.4-6.3 X 10^{6 cells-ml-1, while the bacterial productivity showed in the range of 0.7-26.3 mgC m3 hr-1. The phytoplankton chlorophyll-a concentrations fell between 2.1 and 18.1 μg l-1, where nanoplankton fractions contributed in 32.5-96.78% (average: 73.2%). The algal bloom occurred in March and August, and primary productivity measured by using 14C method, showed a fluctuation ranging from 49.4 to 4,359.4 mgC m-2 day-1. The primary productivity of nanotoplankton accounted for 79% of total phytoplankton. Meanwhile, the ratio of bacterial productivity over primary productivity was between 2.0 and 7.7. This study showed that the abundance and productivity of bacteria and phytoplankton were higher at Incheon Dock than those at other coastal areas in Korea. Especially, the assimilation number was higher at Incheon Dock than that at lake Shihwa which is a severely eutrophicated area. This result indicates that Incheon Dock has unique ecosystem oceanographically and topographically, and it differs from other coastal areas in terms of the low trophic level organisms being abundant and highly productive.}

3 illus, 23 ref

005368   Wadhawan V K (Raja Ramanna Fellow (DAE), Solid State Physics Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, Email: vkw1412@gmail.com) : Complex system: an introduction, 1. Information theory, chaos theory and computational complexity. Resonance 2009, 14(8), 761-81.

Characteristic feature of complex systems is the emergence of unexpected properties or behaviour. Complexity, beyond a certain threshold, may even lead to the emergence of new principles. It is a one-way traffic: The new principles and features may be sometimes deducible from, but are not reducible to, those operating at the lower levels of complexity. Reductionism stands discounted. Complexity is rampant in the animate world. It arises in inanimate systems also, some examples being multiferroic materials and certain nanoconipqsites', as also a variety of soft-matter systems. Eccosphere is also a giant, highly complex, open system, which we do not understand much at present. Mastering complexity is the next big challenge for science. Conceptual breakthroughs are needed. Describe complex materials as well as some ter-restrial and cosmic aspects of complexity.

3 illus, 15 ref

005367   Vashist M;Neelkamal;Yadav R (Biochemistry & Genetics Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001) : Phenotypic variability and delayed development in down syndrome patients. J Cytol Genet 2008, 9(1), 49-56.

Down syndrome is most common aneuploid condition caused by the presence of an extra 21 chromosome and it is a major cause of mental retardation (Lazzaro, 2001). Individuals with Down syndrome have a constellation of features that help the clinician to make a diagnosis, still there is considerable variation in the physical appearance of individuals with Down syndrome In present study we found that while physical phenotype of Down syndrome is relatively consistent, the nature and degree of physical appearance, development behavior and intellectual ability differ significantly among affected individuals. Most physicians seem to believe that there can be no question of degree of mongolism. But inspite of great similarity among mongoloids there exist a degree of variation at least to the same degree that normal do.

7 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

005366   Tata J R (NO, National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK, Email: jtata@nimr.mrc.ac.uk) : Getting hooked on thyroid hormone action: a semi-autobiographical account. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 653-7.

7 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

005365   Sugumar G;Chrisolite B;Velayutham P;Selvan A; Ramesh U (NO, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and An, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: sugumar_mg@yahoo.com) : Occurrence and seasonal variation of baterial indicators of faecal pollution along Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 387-91.

The prevalence and seasonal variation of bacterial indicators of faecal pollution such as total coliform bacteria, faecal coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and faecal streptococci were investigated in samples of water and beach sand from the four fish landing centres of Thoothukudi. Further, the samples were screened for Salmonella to study the reliability of faecal indicator bacteria as an index of human pathogenic bacteria. Total coliform bacteria, faecal colilorm bacteria and Escherichia coli were isolated from all four landing centres from undetectable to the maximum detectable level of over Most Probable Number 140 throughout the year with no obvious seasonal variation. Faecal streptococci were also detected in most samples. There was no discemable relationship between faecal indicators and physical parameters. The relationship between faecal indicators and Salmonella was not significant (p<62>0.05). The results showed that the coastal waters along Thoothukudi is polluted and presents a potential risk to public for recreational and fishing activities.

6 tables, 22 ref

005364   Shabana Praveen;Rawat R S (Zoology Dep, Agra College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Email: shabanaparveen96@yahoo.in) : Total erythrocyte count in workers of iron foundries at industrial estate, Agra, U.P.. Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 91.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

005363   Rudatsikira E;Mataya R H;Siziya S;Muula A S (Epidemiology and Biostatistics Dep, Loma Linda Univ, School of Public Health, Loma, Linda, California, United States of Amrica) : Association between bullying victimization and physical fighting among filipino adolescents: results from the global school-based health survey. Indian J Pediat 2008, 75(12), 1243-7.

Interpersonal violence is an important, but neglected public health issue in low and middle-income countries. Adolescent physical fighting not only results in injury, disability and death, but is also associated with other potentially harmful behaviors such substance use and premarital sex. The study aims at dose-response association to prevent adolescent problem behaviors. Used data from the 2003-2004 Global School-Based Health Survey conducted among school adolescents in the Philippines. We estimated the prevalence of bullying victimization and physical fighting. We also conducted logistic regression analysis to assess the association between a selected list of explanatory variables and physical fighting. We hypothesized that there would be a dose-response relationship between physical fighting and number of times the adolescent reported being bullied in the past 30 days. Of the 7,338 respondents, 35.5% (34.7% males and 36.1% females) were bullied and 50.0% (51.6% males and 48.8% females) reported having been in a physical fight in the past 12 months. There was a dose-response relationship between bullying victimization and physical fighting (p-trend <60> 0.001). Compared to subjects who were not bullied, those who reported being bullied were more likely to engage in physical fighting after controlling for age, gender, substance use (smoking, alcohol drinking or drug use), and parental supervision (OR=2.38; 95% Cl [1.99, 2.86] for 1-2 days of bullying victimization per month, OR=3.55; 95% Cl [2.61, 4.83]) for 3-5 days/month per month, OR=4.45; 95% Cl [2.61, 7.60]) for 6-9 days/month, OR=1.91; 95% Cl [1.17, 3.13]) for 10-30 days/month. The dose-response relationship between physical fighting and the number of times an adolescent had been a victim of bullying deserves further study. If causal relationship exists, preventing bullying, even if not totally eliminated, may have significant results in preventing physical fighting.

2 tables, 28 ref

005362   Roy A K;Martha S R (Bioinformatics Center, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002) : Association between genes and codons of Cyprinus carpio : a multivariates statistical approach. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(1), 32-8.

Total of 13 gene sequences of Cyprinus carpio available in the Genbank are made to undergo a detailed Correspondence Analysis (CoA). After the Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU) values are extracted using Codon Usage software, CoA using the statistical package SPSS (14.0) is carried out which reveals that all genes except two located far away from the origin in the plot generated, follow a common trend. These genes prefer TGT, AAG, CGT and gene 13 is associated with codons GGC, TTA, TAG while all other genes viz. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 prefer GCG, CGG, TGC, TAG, ATA, TCG, GGA, GTC, CAG, CTC, CTG, CTT, ATC, CAC, TGA, ATG, AAT, ACC, GAA, TTC, AAC, GCA, GAC, ACT, GTA etc over other codons for synthesizing their respective proteins and hence they are associated with codons that are GC ending.

2 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

005361   Ramasesha S (Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: 560 012) : Lighting the world with molecules. Resonance 2009, 14(8), 782-98.

Efficient lighting and display have become important concerns in the energy-starved modern world. This has led to new paradigms in lighting and display technologies. Organic molecules provide a new class of active materials for such technologies. Gives the basic science behind the design of such molecular material used in displays and lighting.

8 illus, 7 ref

005360   Praveen Karanth K (Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: karanth@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Primate numts and reticulate evolution of capped and golden leaf monkeys (Primates: Colobinae). J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 761-70.

Recent phylogenetic study of langurs and leaf monkeys of South Asia suggested a reticulate evolution of capped and golden leaf monkeys through ancient hybridization between Semnopithecus and Trachypithecus. To test this hybridization scenario, I analysed nuclear copies of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (numts) from capped, golden and Phayre's leaf monkeys. These numts were aligned with mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences of various species belonging to the genera Semnopithecus and Trachypithecus. In the phylogenetic tree derived from this alignment, the numts fell into three distinct clades (A, B and C) suggesting three independent integration events. Clade A was basal to Semnopithecus, and clades B and C were basal to Trachypithecus. Among the numts in clades A and C were sequences derived from species not represented in their respective sister mitochondrial groups. This unusual placement of certain numts is taken as additional support for the hybridization scenario. Based on the molecular dating of these integration events, hybridization is estimated to have occurred around 7.1 to 3.4 million years ago. Capped and golden leaf monkeys might have to be assigned to a new genus to reconcile their unique evolutionary history. Additionally, northeast India appears to be a 'hot spot' for lineages that might have evolved through reticulate evolution.

3 tables, 28 ref

005359   Peng S Q;Zhu J H;Li H L;Tian W M (State Key Laboratory of Tropical Crop Biotechnology, Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China, Email: shqpeng@163.com) : Cloning and characterization of a novel cysteine protease gene (HbCp1) from Hevea brasiliensis. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 681-90.

Full-length cDNA encoding a cysteine protease, designated HbCPl, was isolated for the first time from Hevea brasiliensis by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. HbCPl contained a 1371 bp open reading frame encoding 457 amino acids. The deduced HbCP1 protein, which showed high identity to cysteine proteases of other plant species, was predicted to possess a putative repeat in toxin (RTX) domain at the N-terminal and a granulin (GRAN) domain at the C-terminal. Southern blot analysis indicated that the HbCPl gene is present as a single copy in the rubber tree. Transcription pattern analysis revealed that HbCP1 had high transcription in laticifer, and low transcription in bark and leaf. The transcription of HbCPl in latex was induced by ethylene and tapping. Cloning of the HbCPl gene will enable us to further understand the molecular characterization of cysteine protease and its possible function in the rubber tree.

7 illus, 41 ref

005358   Padmanabhan T (IUCAA, Post Bag 4, Pune Univ Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: paddy@iucaa.ernet.in) : Random walk through random walks - II. Resonance 2009, 14(8), 799-806.

Discuss the dimension dependency of some of the features of the random walk, describe an unexpected connection between random walks and electrical networks and finally discuss some remarkable features of random walk with geometrically decreasing step-length.

3 ref

005357   Ni M;Yu B;Huang Y;Tang Z;Lei P;Shen X;Xin W; Zhu H;Shedn G (Pathogen Biology Dep, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Univ of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China, Email: andybing666@hotmail.com) : Homology modelling and bivalent single-chain Fv construction of anti-HepG2 single-chain immunoglobulin Fv fragments from a phage display library. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 691-7.

Authors prepared single-chain immunoglobulin Fv fragments (scFv) SLH10 specific for the HepG2 cell line after biopanning from a large human-naive phage display library (Griffin. 1 Library). The three-dimensional (3D) structure of SLH10 was modelled by the Insight II molecule simulation software. The structure was refined using the molecular dynamics method. The structures with the least steric clashes and lowest energy were determined finally. The optimized structures of heavy (VH) and light (VL) variable chains of SLH10 scFv were obtained. Then SLH10 bivalent single-chain Fv (BsFv) was constructed that would be suitable for high-affinity targeting. SLH10 BsFv was generated by linking scFvs together and identified by sequencing. Its expression products were confirmed by western blot analysis. The relative molecular masses of scFv and BsFv were approximately 30 kDa and 60 kDa, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed that SLH10 BsFv bound the selected cell lines with greater signal intensity than the parental scFv. The improved antigen binding of SLH10 BsFv may be useful for immunodiagnostics or targeted gene therapy for liver cancer.

4 illus, 29 ref

005356   Nandi D;Bhosale M (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: nandi@biochem.iisc.ernet.in) : Neuronal modulation of the immune response. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 635-7.

1 illus, 14 ref

005355   Mutharayappa R (Population Research Centre, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore) : Morbidity pattern and cost of health care in Karnataka. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2008, 43(3), 247-70.

The main focus of the paper is to examine the prevalence of morbidity and type of illness, and cost of treatment for illness. Keeping this in view, the data available from the National Sample Survey (NSS) 60th round conducted during January to June, 2004 were used. The NSS data for Karnataka are based on information from a sample of 3,365 households and 16,986 individuals and collected information on the prevalence of different diseases and physical disabilities. The NSS 60th round also collected data on duration of illness and hospitalization during the last 365 days and expenditure incurred.

10 tables

005354   Mohanty R B (NO, N. C. College, Jaipur, Orissa) : Concept of heredity in folklores of Orissa : an ethnobiological envision. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2008, 43(3), 281-6.

Fifteen ancient Oriya folklores or folk sayings relating to perception on heredity and its consequences are highlighted. These are originated from close observation and study of the phenotypic characters of living organisms including plants, animals and human beings for generations. The present relevance of such ancient observations are analysed.

10 ref

005353   Miao R;Wei J;Zhang Q;Sajja V;Yang J;Wang Q (School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou Univ, Lanzhou 730000, P R China) : Redifferentiation of human hepatoma cells (SMMC-7721) induced by two new highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 723-30.

Bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes are a class of biologically active compounds that has antitumour, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and antivenom properties. Investigated the effect of two new highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes (HOBS) isolated from Cremanthodium discoideum (C. discoideum) on tumour cells. Our results showed that HOBS induced morphological differentiation and reduced microvilli formation on the cell surface in SMMC-7721 cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that HOBS could induce cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Moreover, HOBS was able to increase tyrosine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase activity, decrease α-foetoprotein level and γ-glutamyl transferase activity. In addition, we found that HOBS inhibited the anchorage-independent growth of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, all the above observations indicate that HOBS might be able to normalize malignant SMMC-7721 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing redifferentiation.

6 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

005352   Melendez-Hevia E;Paz-Lugo P D (NO, Instituto del Metabolismo Celular, Carretera Vecinal de El Sauzal, 160 A, El Sauzal, 38360 Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Email: emelhevia@metabolismo.ws) : Branch-point stoichiometry can generate weak links in metabolism: the case of glycine biosynthesis. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 771-80.

Although the metabolic network permits conversion between almost any pair of metabolites, this versatility fails at certain sites because of chemical constraints (kinetic, thermodynamic and stoichiometric) that seriously restrict particular conversions. We call these sites weak links in metabolism, as they can interfere harmfully with management of matter and energy if the network as a whole does not include adequate safeguards. A critical weak link is created in glycine biosynthesis by the stoichiometry of the reaction catalyzed by glycine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1), which converts serine into glycine plus one C₁ unit: this produces an absolute dependence of the glycine production flux on the utilization of C₁ units for other metabolic pathways that do not work coordinately with glycine use. It may not be possible, therefore, to ensure that glycine is always synthesized in sufficient quantities to meet optimal metabolic requirements.

4 illus, 42 ref

005351   Louise Roth V;Mercer J M (Biology Dep, , Box 90338, Duke Univ, Durhan NC 27708-0338, USA, Email: vlroth@duke.edu) : Differing rates of macroevolutionary diversification in arboreal squirrels. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 857-61.

Current diversity is the result of macroevolutionary processes of origination and extinction of lineages through time. Here we make use of a fossil-calibrated molecular-clock phylogeny of modern squirrel genera to estimate both rates of 'birth' and 'death', and the net rate of accumulation of lineages since the origin of the squirrel family (Sciuridae) 36 Ma. As a family, the Sciuridae have exhibited modest rates of diversification in comparison with other mammalian clades. Within the Sciuridae, lineages of squirrels have accumulated at higher rates in geographically localized subclades in the tropics of different continents. The rate is strikingly high in the Sciurini of South America, which first entered and radiated within that continent comparatively recently (less than 3 Ma). It is noteworthy that the most rapidly diversifying groups are also relatively young. Because extinctions lag behind originations, the effects of extinction are not yet detectable in relatively recent radiations. The balance of origination and extinction is fragile, and is likely to become more so if increases in extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change and other human activity are not mitigated.

4 illus, 10 ref

005350   Lee H S, et al (Marine Biotechnology Dep, Soonchunhyang Univ, Asan City-336 745, South Korea, Email: leechungwol@hanmail.net) : Screening and formulation of chemoattractant coatings for artificial reef structures. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 605-12.

Study was carried out to augment the colonization of marine benthic communities on artificial reef structure. Increasing marine pollution along with various natural hazards cause severe damages to marine algae and associated fauna. In recent years, artificial reefs have been deployed in coastal regions of several parts of the world in order to increase the marine productivity. They are mainly built with concrete materials, however, their leachates have considerable impacts on algae. Therefore to increase the algal colonization five chemoattractants such as ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, ammonium nitrate, sodium phosphate and ferrous lactate were screened against spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa, FeS0₄ /ZnO (8:2) and ferrous lactate coatings showed the highest spore attachment with 52 ± 5.2 cm² and 79.5 ± 10.2 cm² spores respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore using these chemoattractants, coating formulations were made and their performances were investigated at East coast (Ayajin harbor) and South coast (Meejo harbor) of Korea. A maximum fouling coverage (with green algae 25%, red algae 11.3% and brown algae 63.7%) was estimated from ferrous lactate coatings (p<0.01). Different composition of costing formulations and their chemoattractive properties were evaluated.

5 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

005349   Lahariya C (NO, , 395/396, Darpan Colony, Thatipur, Gwalior-474 011, Email: ck1800@rediffmail.com) : Child survival and the need for wider dissemination of health research. Indian J Pediat 2008, 75(12), 1253-6.

Bellagio meeting on child survival was held in February 2003, where first reliable estimates on child morbidity and mortality were made and, the effective preventive and treatment interventions for reducing under five child deaths were identified. The meeting gave a momentum to child survival efforts across the world. This review summarizes the child survival series published thereafter and outlines the evidences generated. The author argues that the meeting was a landmark step, and the need for these interventions is still the same as it was five years back. The author adds that health research has ever since been on the agenda of international community; however, the equally important step of wider dissemination of available knowledge, to fill the "delivery gap", has almost been neglected. This paper provides evidences of how health research and its wider access to policy makers and implementers can improve the child survival. The author also calls for an immediate mechanism to make health research easily available and accessible, to the practitioners in the developing nations.

1 table, 54 ref

005348   Klochkova T A;Cho G Y;Boo S M;Chung K W;Kim S J;Kim G H (Biology Dep, Kongju National Univ, Kongju, Chungnam-314 701, Email: ghkim@kongju.ac.kr) : Interactions between marine facultative epiphyte Chlamydomonas sp. (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyta) and ceramiaceaen algae (Rhodophyta). J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 427-35.

Previously unrecorded marine Chlamydomonas that grew epiphytic on ceramiaceaen algae was collected from the western coast of Korea and isolated into a unialgal culture. The isolate was subjected to 18S rDNA phylogenetic analysis as well as ultrastructure and life cycle studies. It had an affinity with the marine Chlamydomonas species and was less related to freshwater/terrestrial representatives of this genus. It had flagella shorter than the cell body, two-layered cell wall with striated outer surface and abundant mucilaginous material beneath the innermost layer, and no contractile vacuoles. This alga grew faster in mixed cultures with ceramiaceaen algae rather than in any tested unialgal culture condition; the cells looked healthier and zoosporangia and motile flagellated vegetative cells appeared more often. These results suggested that this Chlamydomonas might be a facultative epiphyte benefiting from its hosts. Several ceramiaceaen algae were tested as host plants. Meanwhile, cell deformation or collapse of the whole thallus was caused to Aglaothamnion byssoides, and preliminary study suggested that a substance released from Chlamydomonas caused the response. This is first report on harmful epiphytic interactions between Chlamydomonas species and red ceramiaceaen algae.

5 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref