005347   Kim W K;Son Y S;Lee J H;Hong J P;Kim Y S;Lee J W;Jo Q (Fisheries Resources Management and Enhancement Team, East Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Gangwon-210-861, Korea, Email: qtjo@nfrdi.re.kr) : Macrobenthic community at type and age-different artificial reefs located along the Korean coast of the East sea. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 501-5.

Two types of artificial reefs, one for simple (S-AR), another for complex artificial reef (C-AR), were installed on a Korean coast of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) where a barren ground was progressive. Compared with macrobenthic organisms at NHB (natural hard bottom) control, AR (artificial reef) enhanced seaweed composition, reducing echinoderm composition, mostly sea urchins, the causative animal of the barren ground. Composition of the two mutually exclusive communities was AR type-specific, the C-AR exerting better function over S-AR by enhancing higher seaweed composition. However, this ecosystem-sound composition at C-AR was maintained only within 10 years. Another negative aspect of the AR was an unexpectedly higher composition of tunicates that can be a sign of nutrient-rich environment in the Korean waters. Overall, C-AR was more agreeable when simply based on its function excluding construction cost.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

005346   Kim M N;Bang H J (Biology Dep, Sangmyung Univ, Seoul-110-743, Korea@mnkim@smu.ac.kr) : Detection of marine pathogenic bacterial Vibrio species by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 543-6.

Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed to accomplish quick and accurate detection of Vibrio species. The primers prepared with 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region exhibited an excellent species-specificity for Vibrio sp and detected Vibrio sp more successfully than the conventional culture method. Multiplex PCR was also fruitful not only for the identification of the 5 standard Vibrio sp simultaneously, but also for the detection of Vibrio sp in the samples collected from the natural environment.

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

005345   Kim G H;Klochkova T A;Kang S H (Biology Dep, Kongju National Univ, Kongju, Chungnam 314-701, Korea, Email: shkang@kopri.re.kr) : Freshwater and terrestrial algae from Ny-Alesund, svalbard (high arctic sea area). J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 485-91.

Field survey of algae and cyanobacteria from terrestrial and freshwater habitats in the vicinity of arctic Ny-Alesund, Svalbard (79°N) (high Arctic sea area) was performed in June 2006. Species diversity and abundance were evaluated by using epifluorescence microscopy and culturing methods. In total, 29 taxa in 25 genera were identified, of which Leptolyngbya spp., Trichormus sp, and Chlamydomonas nivalis were abundantly present in almost every sample. In several locations, blooms were formed by species C. nivalis, Scotiellopsis sp., Klebsormidium flaccidum, Zygnema sp., Meridion circulare, Tabellaria fenestrata and Fragilaria sp. Eleven new species from this locality are described.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

005344   Kim G H;Han H K;Lim K J (Biology Dep, Kongju National Univ, Kongju, Chungnam 314-701, Korea, Email: ghkim@kongiu.ac.kr) : Taxonomic re-appraisal of Antithamnion sparsum tokida (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta). J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 547-53.

Taxonomic criterion of Antithamnion sparsum was re-appraised in comparison with A. densum and A. defectum based on crossing experiments, mphobgical observation, chromosome study, and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. These species had a very similar morphology, but me sexually isolated. The chromosome number was n = ca. 24 for A. densum, n = ca. 21 for A. defectum, and n = ca. 44 for A. sparsum. All isolates of A. sparsum and A. densum showed polysiphonia-type life history. Asexual reproduction was induced by favorable environmental conditions. In A. sparsum, 1-2% of male plants developed mitotic tetrasporangia together with spermatangia. ln A. densum, 5-10%of tetraspores developed into asexual tetrasporophytes. Phylogenetic relationships between these species were examined using RAPD analysis, and A. glanduliferum was used as an outgroup. A total of 167 polymorphic RAPD markers amplified from 15 different primers were analyzed. Results suggested that these species were closely related, with A. defectum plsced in the middle of A. sparsum and A. densum. Chromosome study and RAPD analysis implied that A. sparsum first separated from A. defectum through polyploidization and later A. densum evolved. These species may present another example of the narrow species concept in the genus Antithamnion.

5 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

005343   Kaushal D K (ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, ICAR Parisar, P.O. Bihar Veterinary College, Patna-800 014) : Benthic macrofauna of pong reservoir, Himachal Pradesh. J Inld Fish Soc India 2008, 40(1), 65-8.

Investigation conducted on the macrobenthic fauna of Pong reservoir during 1991-92 to 1994-95 depicted a bimodal pattern of distribution with major peak during winter. Dipterans dominated the benthos in the reservoir constituting 48.2% (1994-95) to 78.5 % (1991 -92). Molluscan fauna were abundant in intermediate sector compared to lentic and lotic sectors. Nutrient status of soil, morphometric and hydrographic features of the reservoir influence the distribution of benthic macrofauna. The reservoir level had an inverse relation with the density of benthos. It is suggested not to stock fishes like Cyprinus carpio and Puntius sp. in the reservoir as they may not get adequate food in the ecosystem.

1 table, 11 ref

005342   Jing Y J;et al. (College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F Univ, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Yangline, Shaanxi 712100, China, Email: chenhong1212@263.net) : Three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 673-9.

The LHX3 gene encodes LIM homeodomain class transcription factors that have important roles to play in pituitary and nervous system development. On the one hand, mutations of LHX3 are associated with deficiencies of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), luteotrophic hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); on the other hand, mutations of LHX3 are also associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases in human and animal models. To date, few polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene have been reported. In this study, polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods were employed to screen the genetic variations within the bovine LHX3 gene in 802 Chinese indigenous cattle. The results revealed three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): AY923832: g.7553G>A, 7631 C <62> T and 7668C <62>G. Among them, a synonymous mutation of exon II was identified: GAG (Glu) <62>GAA (Glu) at position 72 aa (AY923832:g.7553G <62> A) of LHX3 (403aa) in the four Chinese bovine breeds. Significant statistical differences in genotypic frequencies for exon II and its flanking region of the LHX3 gene implied that the polymorphic locus was significantly associated with cattle breeds by the χ^{2-test (χ2 = 68.975, df = 6, P <60> 0.001). Hence, the three novel SNPs not only extend the spectrum of genetic variations of the bovine LHX3 gene, but could also possibly contribute to conducting association analysis and evaluating these as genetic markers in bovine breeding and genetics, and CPHD detection.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

005341   Jeon J K;Lee J S;Shim W J;Aarakawa O;Takatani T;Honda S;Noguchi T (Marine Bioscience and Technology Div, Kangnung National Univ, and EMBRC, Gangneung, 210 702 Korea, Email: jkjeon@kangnung.ac.kr) : Changes in activity of hepatic xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes of tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes) exposed to paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 599-603.

Attempts were made to examine the effect of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSP) on hepatic xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) of tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes). Two groups of nontoxic tiger fish were analyzed, and one group was fed with a PSP-containing diet (PSP group), and another with a PSP-free diet (control group). After 60 days of feeding, they were compared to each other, mainly in terms of the activity of XMEs. Both groups did not differ from each other significantly, in body weight gain, hepatosomatic index, and condition factor. Hepatic level of cytochrome P450 was lower in PSP group than control group. NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and ethoxyresorufin-0-deethylase (EROD) exhibited a reduced activity in PSP group than control group. Statistical analysis found that the activity or concentration of those enzymes correlated with the hepatic levelofPSP, with r^{2=0.497- 0.671.}

3 illus, 26 ref

005340   Jayaraman R (Molecular Biology Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: aarjay007@rediffmail.com) : Bacterial persistence: some new insights into an old phenomenon. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 795-805.

Bigger discovered more than 60 years ago, at the very beginning of the antibiotic era, that populations of antibiotic-sensitive bacteria contained a very small fraction (approximately 10^{-6) of antibiotic-tolerant cells (persisters). Persisters are different from antibiotic-resistant mutants in that their antibiotic tolerance is non-heritable and reversible. In spite of its importance as an interesting biological phenomenon and in the treatment of infectious diseases, persistence did not attract the attention of the scientific community for more than four decades since its discovery. The main reason for this lack of interest was the difficulty in isolating sufficient numbers of persister cells for experimentation, since the proportion of persisters in a population of wild-type cells is extremely small. However, with the discovery of high-persister (hip) mutants of Escherichia coli by Moyed and his group in the early 1980s, the phenomenon attracted the attention of many groups and significant progress has occurred since then. It is now believed that persistence is the end result of a stochastic switch in the expression of some toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules (of which the hip A and hip B genes could be examples), creating an imbalance in their intracellular levels. There are also models invoking the involvement of the alarmone (p) ppGpp in the generation of persisters. However, the precise mechanisms are still unknown. Bacterial persistence is part of a wider gamut of phenomena variously called as bistability, multistability, phenotypic heterogeneity, stochastic switching processes, etc. It has attracted the attention of not only microbiologists but also a diverse band of researchers such as biofilm researchers, evolutionary biologists, sociobiologists, etc. In this article, I attempt to present a broad overview of bacterial persistence to illustrate its significance and the need for further exploration.}

74 ref

005339   Jaiswal S A;Qureshi M I (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (MAFS Univ), Parbhani-431 402, Email: satyamaj@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla) on lead acetate induced histopathological changes in the vital organs of wistar rats. Anim Sci Reptr 2010, 4(1), 27-31.

The ancient Indian texts on ayurveda has extolled the therapeutic properties of the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla). However, there is no reference on its efficacy in heavy metal intoxication. The present study illustrates the therapeutic effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla) fruits on lead acetate induced histopathological changes in vital organs e.g. liver, kidneys and brain in Wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was fed on balanced diet of rat pellet (control). The rats in Group II were given lead acetate @ 1000 mg/kg feed/ day thoroughly mixed with the basic diet. The rats in Group III were given pulverized fruit of Phyllanthus emblica L. mixed with the basic rat feed at the concentration of 50 g/kg (w/w) along with lead acetate @ 1000 mg/ kg feed daily. The treatments were continued for sixty consecutive days. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidneys and brain carried out at the end of the experiment reflected the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and neuroprotective properties of Phyllanthus emblica L. against induced lead toxicity in Wistar rats.

3 illus, 14 ref

005338   Jaiswal S A;Qureshi M I (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (MAFS Univ), Parbhani-431 402, Email: satyamaj@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Phyllanthus emblical L. (Amla) on haematological and biochemical parameters in lead acetate induced toxicity in wistar rats. Anim Sci Reptr 2010, 4(1), 22-6.

The ancient Indian texts on ayurveda has extolled the therapeutic properties of the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla). However, there is no reference on its efficacy in heavy metal intoxication. The present study illustrates the effect of the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. (Amla) on the haematological and biochemical parameters in lead acetate induced changes in Wistar rats. For this experiment, thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten each. The rats in group I were fed on balanced diet of rat pellet (control). The rats in Group II were given lead acetate @ 1000 mg/kg feed/ day mixed with the basic diet. The rats in Group III were given pulverized fruit of Phyllanthus emblica L. mixed with the basic rat feed at the concentration of 50 g/kg (w/w) along with lead acetate @ 1000 mg/kg feed daily. The treatments were continued for sixty consecutive days. The analysis of haematological (Haemoglobin concentration and Total Erythrocyte Count) and biochemical (Blood Urea Nitrogen, Serum aspartate transaminase and Serum alanine transaminase) parameters reflected that Phyllanthus emblica L. protected the haematic, renal and hepatic systems of Wistar rats from lead toxicity.

2 tables, 8 ref

005337   He J;Huang C;Tong A;Chen B;Zeng Z;Zhang P; Wang C;Wei Y (The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan Univ, Cheng Du 610041, People's Republic of China, Email: chtwang@163.com) : Proteomic analysis of cervical cancer cells treated with suberonylanilide hydroxamic acid. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 715-21.

Suberonylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is an orally administered histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) that has shown significant antitumour activity in a variety of tumour cells. To identify proteins involved in its antitumour activity, we utilized a proteomic approach to reveal protein expression changes in the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa following SAHA treatment. Protein expression profiles were analysed by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and protein identification was performed on a MALDI-Q-TOF MS/MS instrument. As a result, a total of nine differentially expressed proteins were visualized by 2-DE and Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) staining. Further, all the changed proteins were positively identified via mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis. Of these, PGAM1 was significantly downregulated in HeLa cells after treatment with SAHA. Moreover, PGAM1 has been proven to be downregulated in another cervical cancer cell line (CaSki) by western blot analysis. Together, using proteomic tools, we identified several differentially expressed proteins that underwent SAHA-induced apoptosis. These changed proteins may provide some clues to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying SAHA-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer.

4 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

005336   Hall B K (Biology Dep, Dalhousie Univ, Halifax NS Canada, B3H 4JI, Email: bkh@dal.ca) : Neural crest and neural crest cells: discovery and significance for theories of embryonic organization. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 781-93.

Neural crest has long fascinated developmental biologists, and, increasingly over the past decades, evolutionary and evolutionary developmental biologists. The neural crest is the name given to the fold of ectoderm at the junction between neural and epidermal ectoderm in neurula-stage vertebrate embryos. In this sense, the neural crest is a morphological term akin to head fold or limb bud. This region of the dorsal neural tube consists of neural crest cells, a special population(s) of cell, that give rise to an astonishing number of cell types and to an equally astonishing number of tissues and organs. Neural crest cell contributions may be direct - providing cells - or indirect - providing a necessary, often inductive, environment in which other cells develop. The enormous range of cell types produced provides an important source of evidence of the neural crest as a germ layer, bringing the number of germ layers to four - ectoderm, endoderm, mesoderm, and neural crest. Authors provide a brief overview of the major phases of investigation into the neural crest and the major players involved, discuss how the origin of the neural crest relates to the origin of the nervous system in vertebrate embryos, discuss the impact on the germ-layer theory of the discovery of the neural crest and of secondary neurulation, and present evidence of the neural crest as the fourth germ layer. A companion paper (Hall, Evol. Biol. 2008) deals with the evolutionary origins of the neural crest and neural crest cells.

^iia3 illus, 2 tables, 90 ref

005335   Gomez C M (Experimental Psychology Dep, Sevilla Univ, Sevilla 41018, Spain) : Numerical exploration of the influence of neural noise on the psychometric function at low stimulation intensity levels. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 743-53.

Relationship between stimulus intensity and the probability of detecting the presence of the stimulus is described by the psychometrical function. The probabilistic nature of this relationship is based on the stochastic behaviour of sensory neural channels and sensory networks involved in perceptual processing (Kiang 1968). This study tries to establish a continuum of variability across different levels of integration in the central nervous system. Once the opening and closing times of ionic channels was simulated, a threshold to the collective behaviour of voltage-gated ionic channels was imposed in order to generate the spike train of a single neuron. Afterwards, the trains of spikes of different neurons were added up, simulating the activity of a sensory nerve. By adding the activity due to the stimulus to the spontaneous neural behaviour, the psychometric function was simulated using a thresholding approach. The results can replicate the stochastic resonance phenomenon, but also open up the possibility that attentional phenomena can be mediated not only by increasing neural activity (bursting or oscillatory), but also by increasing noise at the neural level.

5 illus, 30 ref

005334   Gomathi V;Ramalakshmi A;Ramasamy K (Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Microbial diversity and fungal symbiont of termite ecosystem. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(2), 139-48.

Macrotermitinae, a fungus growing termites have sophisticated and symbiotic relationship with different microflora viz., cellulolyzers, nitrogen fixers and antibiotic producers in their gut system. Termites depend on a range of different microflora in their guts to facilitate digestion of the plant material ingested. Azotobacter and Beijerinckia, aerobic nitrogen fixing, extra cellular polysaccharide producing bacteria were predominant in the fore gut of the termite. They form stable soil aggregates in the acid lateritic soil which could control erosion in the forest ecosystem. Clostridium and Klebsiella anaerobic nitrogen fixing bacteria present in midgut of termites, are sites for digestion process for all the lignocellulosic material available in the ecosystem. Termitomyces, a fungal symbiont of basidiomycetes were grown in special structure viz., fungus comb (macerated woody material) which germinate and begin spreading hyphae through the comb. Termitomyces in a Macrotermes delignify and digest cellulose which converting it to simpler sugars and nitrogen that serve as the termite actual food. The fungus garden is a kind of extra corporeal digestive system to which termites have 'out sourced' cellulose digestion.

3 tables, 30 ref

005333   Ghosh J R;Mistry S;Ghosh Roy A;Basak S; Bandyopadhyay A R (NO, , , Email: arbaner@rediffmail.com) : Relationship between adipose tissue distribution and fat mass in Bengalee males of Howrah, West Bengal. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2008, 43(3), 287-92.

Highlights relation between adipose tissue distribution measures and fat mass among 200 adult Bengalee males of Howrah, West Bengal. Of the all adipose tissue distribution measures, waist circumference revealed significantly high positive correlations with percent body fat, fat mass and explained distinctly large amount of variation of percent body fat and fat mass. The results indicate, waist circumference is the best adipose tissue distribution measure compared to waist hip ratio, conicity index and skinfold measures.

2 tables, 24 ref

005332   Ghose D;Jose L;Manjunatha S;Rao M S;Prakasa Rao J (Physiology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576 104, Email: jprao2001@gmail.com) : Inherent rhythmcity and interstitial cells of cajal in a frog vein. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 755-9.

Interstitial cells of Cajal are responsible for rhythmic contractions of the musculature of the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels. The existence of these cells and spontaneous rhythmicity were noticed in amphibian vein and the findings are reported in this paper. The postcaval vein was identified in the frog, Rana tigrina and was perfused with amphibian Ringer solution after isolation. Contractile activity was recorded through a tension transducer connected to a polygraph. The isolated postcaval vein showed spontaneous rhythmic activity. Addition of cold Ringer solution decreased, while warm Ringer increased, the rate of contraction. Adrenaline caused inhibition of rhythmic activity at a dosage that increased the rate of isolated sinus venosus. Sections of the postcaval vein, when stained supravitally with methylene blue, showed the presence of interstitial cells of Cajal. Photic stimulation of the vein in the presence of methylene blue led to a significant decrease in the rate of spontaneous beating of the vein. These findings indicate that the postcaval vein of frog is capable of inherent rhythmcity, which is dependent on the interstitial cells of Cajal but is independent of the sinus venosus.

7 illus, 17 ref

005331   Comis A;Tyler M;Mylecharane E;Spence I;Howden M (School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Deakin Univ, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia, Email: m.howden@unsw.edu.au) : Immunization with a synthetic robustoxin derivative lacking disulphide bridges protects against a potentially lethal challenge with funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) venom. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(1), 35-44.

The venom of male Atrax robustus spiders is potentially lethal to primates. These spiders have been responsible for a number of human deaths. Robustoxin is the lethal toxin in the venom. It is a highly cross-linked polypeptide that has 42 ammo acid residues and four disulphide bridges. If these bridges are broken, the resulting polypeptide is non-toxic. Robustoxin was chemically synthesized with all of its eight cysteine residues protected with acetamidomethyl groups in order to avoid formation of disulphide bridges. The resulting derivative was co-polymerized with keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Two Macaca fascicularis monkeys were immunized with this conjugate. The monkeys were challenged, under anaesthesia, with a potentially lethal dose of male A. robustus crude venom. Both monkeys showed some minor symptoms of intoxication but recovered fully with no adverse after-effects. Immunization with the same immunogen, in the absence of keyhole limpet haemocyanin, did not protect a third monkey. The N-terminal 23 amino acid peptide derived from the sequence of robustoxin was synthesized and conjugated with ovalbumin. A fourth monkey was immunized with this conjugate. However, it was not protected against challenge. The implications of these results for the preparation of synthetic peptide vaccines are discussed.

3 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

005330   Choi Y H;Lee J Y;Chang Y J (Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National Univ, Nam-gu, Busan 608-737, Korea, Email: yichang@pknu.ac.kr) : Influence of developmental stages and protective additives on cryopreservation of surf clam (Spisula sachalinensis) larvae. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 461-3.

Study was performed to find out the optimal larval stage and the most desirable protective additives for cryopreservation of surf clam, Spisula sachalinensis larvae. The survival rates of frozen-thawed larvae increased with post developmental stage. The highest value of 96.1±1.0% was achieved using umbo stage larva as developmental stage and 0.2 M sucrose as protective additive.

3 illus, 8 ref

005329   Choi J H;Kim J N;Kim M H;Chang D S;Yoo J T; Kim J K (Fisheries Resources Research Team, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619-705, Korea, Email: choijh@momaf.go.kr) : Population biology and feeding habits of the nephropid lobster Metanephrops thomsoni (Bate, 1888) in the East China sea. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 453-6.

Population biology and feeding habits of the nephropid lobster Metanephrops thomsoni (Bate) was studied from a field survey sampled with bottom trawls in the East China Sea. The female/male ratio was 1.06:1. Three size-class groups were discriminated for both sexes, which may correspond to one to three year-old cohorts. The average stage fecundity was 4 71 in each brood. Larger than two-year-size-class females are multi broods during the breeding season. Gut analysis showed that this lobster is a common carnivore and mainly consume crustaceans and fishes, regardless of sex and carapace length size.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

005328   Cho S H;Cho J Y;Kang S E;Hong Y K;Ahn D H (Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Pukyong National Univ, Busan, 608-737, Korea, Email: dhahn@pknu.ac.kr) : Antioxidant activity of mojabanchromanol, a novel chromene, isolated from brown alga Sargassum siliquastrum. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 479-84.

Silica gel chromatography, HPLC, El -Mass, and NMR analyses were performed in order to determine the structure obtained from the separation and refinement of the main components of an ethanol extraction of Sargassum siliquastrum, which indicated its antioxidant activity. An ethanol extraction of Sargassum siliquastrum demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate when isolated by silica gel chromatography. This amounts to 84.9±1.2% of its 0.5 mg ml^{-1 concentration. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measurements from 3 isolations of an HPLC separation of ethyl acetate showed that the antioxidant activity of peak 2 was the most dominant at 84.08% in a.0.5 mg mi-1 concentration. Peak 2 was verified as a type of chromene through El-Mass and NMR analysis. Its metal sealing characteristic was low while its characteristic of TBARS and DPPH erasure indicated similar or higher levels of metal sealing characteristic. The NMR Rspectroscopic data was used to elucidate the structure of this new compound, which showed strong antioxidant activity in the assay.}

4 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

005327   Bose K;Bisai S (Anthropology Dep, Vidayasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: banda@vsnl.net) : Prevalence of underweight and stunting among school children in West Bengal. Indian J Pediat 2008, 75(12), 1272.

4 ref

005326   Biswas S (Biological Sciences Dep, George Washington Univ, 2023 G Street NW, Washington DC, 20052, USA, Email: sayantan@gwmail.gwu.edu) : Did biotic impoverishment facilitate phenomenal diversification in Sri Lanka?. Curr Sci 2008, 95(8), 1021-5.

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a tremendous increase in novel descriptions of its endemic diversity. Recent phylogenetic analyses and taxonomic revisions from disparate groups are repeatedly reinforcing this independent nature of the island's diversity compared to Peninsular India. Given Sri Lanka''s proximity to the mainland, such in situ speciation calls for an explanation. Here I propose a scenario, which builds upon the earlier observation that lineages on the Indian plate experienced significant turnover during its continental drift and subsequent climate change. I hypothesize that the degree of this past extinction was differential, with Sri Lanka experiencing a higher degree of impoverishment than Peninsular India. This difference created ecological opportunities and facilitated speciation in taxa that survived on the island or later reached the island. Testable predictions under this scenario of impoverishment are discussed and suitable groups for detailed studies in future are also highlighted.

3 illus, 43 ref

005325   Barai S R;Suryawanshi S A;Pandey A K (Zoology Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002, Email: akpandeycifa@yahoo.co.in) : Levels of plasma sodium and potassium as well as alterations in adrenal cortex of Rattus norvegicus in response to sublethal heroin administration. J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 253-8.

In order to record the effects of sublethal heroin administration on plasma mineral metabolism, the drug was administered intramuscularly (16.4 mg kg^-1 body weight day^-1; 0.75 LD₅₀ dose) in Rattus norvegicus for 30 days. Plasma sodium and potassium levels of the control rats fluctuated between 153.14 ± 2.88-157.23 ± 2.16 meq l^-1 and 5.04 ± 0.32-5.63 ± 0.41 meq /^-1, respectively. Plasma sodium level of the treated rats registered a progressive decline (p<60> 0.01) at 24 hr with the minimum value (126.53 ± 2.68 meq I^-1) on day 30 whereas plasma potassium level registered a progressive increase during entire period of the treatment with peak (8.78 ± 0.23 meq I^-1) on day 30. Though sublethal herion adminstration for 30 days elcited cytoplasmic vacuolation in all the three zones of adrenal cortex, much of cytological alterations were observed in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata cells. In zona glomerulosa cells, degenerative changes in the organelles were more pronounced as evident by the loss of typical cristae in the mitochondria and hormone granules were rarely seen in these cells. Though rough endoplasmic reticula were scanty, many lipid granules encountered in zona glomerulosa cells of the treated rats.

8 illus, 29 ref

005324   Aritakula A;Ramasamy A (Biological Sciences Div, Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation, K R Road, P O Box 406, Bangalore-560 004, Email: aaritakula@gmail.com) : Drosophila-based in vivo assay for the validation of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor/Ras pathway. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 731-42.

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a common phenomenon observed in most cancers. Clinical treatment of such cancer involves the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as gefitinib and erlotinib which are inhibitors of tyrosine kinase (TK). These small molecules bind to the ATP-binding sites of the TK domain of EGFR. Our in silica analysis suggests that the TK domains of Dmsophila and human EGFR are highly conserved. We therefore employed the Drosophila system to validate the in silico observations made with two important anticancer drugs. Since a large number of mutant flies are available, it was possible to investigate the various components of the EGFR/Ras/Raf/ MAPK pathways and the phosphorylation status of diphosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (dp-ERKl/2). These studies confirm the binding of the anilinoquinazolines to the Drosophila EGFR protein and modulation of its activity. Thus, Drosophila appears to be a robust and simple model system for screening newer anticancer drugs that act as TK inhibitors (TKIs).

7 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

005323   Achary M S;Nagarajaram H A (NO, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), ECIL Road, Nacharam, Hyderabad-500 076, Email: han@cdfd.org.in) : Comparative docking studies of CYP1b1 and its PCG-associated mutant forms. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(5), 699-713.

Molecular docking has been used to compare and contrast the binding modes of oestradiol with the wild-type and some disease-associated mutant forms of the human CYPlbl protein. The receptor structures used for docking were derived from molecular dynamics simulations of homology-modelled structures. Earlier studies involving molecular dynamics and principal component analysis indicated that mutations could have a disruptive effect on function, by destabilizing the native properties of the functionally important regions, especially those of the haem-binding and substrate-binding regions, which constitute the site of catalytic activity of the enzyme. In order to gain more insights into the possible differences in substrate-binding and catalysis between the wild-type and mutant proteins, molecular docking studies were carried out. Mutants showed altered protein-ligand interactions compared with the wild-type as a consequence of changes in the geometry of the substrate-binding region and in the position of haem relative to the active site. An important difference in ligand-protein interactions between the wild-type and mutants is the presence of stacking interaction with phenyl residues in the wild-type, which is either completely absent or considerably weaker in mutants. The present study revealed essential differences in the interactions between ligand and protein in wild-type and disease mutants, and helped in understanding the deleterious nature of disease mutations at the level of molecular function.

3 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

004255   Wang J L et al (NO, Central South University, Changsha-410 008, People's Republic of China, Email: bstang7398@yahoo.com.cn) : Lack of variation of ATTCT pentanucleotide repeats at ATXN10 gene between clinically diagnosed ataxia patients and normal individuals originated from Chinese Han. J Genet 2008, 87(3), 283-6.

3 illus, 18 ref

004254   Vijayarani K;Kumaman K (Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences U, , Chennai-600 007) : Rapid method for PCR amplification of specific genes of Mycobacterium avium sub sp. paratuberculosis. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(10), 1049-51.

Describes a simple and rapid method for amplifying various genes of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by polymerase chain reaction. Culture supernatants of MAP, when used as template resulted in the amplification of IS 900, ISMav2, ISMap02, and superoxide dismutase genes of MAP. This method circumvents the specific isolation of genomic DNA from concentrated MAP organisms for amplifying MAP genes and saves valuable reagents and time.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

004253   Vijaya M;Kanthimathi S;Ramesh A (Genetics Dep, Dr ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: vijim@mail.com) : Genetic study of scheduled caste populations of Tamil Nadu. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 171-4.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

004252   Verma K S;Saxena N;Baliyani N;Kosta D K (Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Biosciences, R.D. University, Jabalpur-482 001) : Isolation, purification and pharmacological studies of saponins from a medicinal plant Bryonopsis laciniosa. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 111-14.

Bryonopsis laciniosa commonly known as Shivalingi belongs to family cucurbitaceae and is an annual herb found throughout in India Ethanobctanical litrature of India suggests the use of plant for treatment of inflammations and also to regenerate germinal epithelium in both males and females, producing their reproductive organs respectively. The whole plant is of pharmacplogical importance and is considered to have toxic properties. Studies extraction, isolation, purification and pharmacological effects were seen. Extration was done by defattining the whole dried plant by petroleum ether and then subjecting it to methanol extraction in soxhlet extractor for 18-20 hrs. Isolation of saponins was done with partition fractionation twice, first by using solvents chloroform and carbon tetrachloride and then with n-Butanol and water. n-Butanol fraction contains sapooins as confirmed by TLC. Purification Was done by affinity polarity by increasing ratio of CHCI₃: CH₃ OH:H₂O from 65: 20 : 10 to 65 : 35 : 10 (respectively. Elution was done by using 30 % methanol. Presence of saponins was checked by TLC. Like fractions were pooled together and were concentrated. The concentrate was then further purified by coloumn chromatography and was designated as compound 1. This compound 1 was used for pharmacological studies, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiªinflammatory, diuretic and sperm immobilization effects.

1 table, 21 ref

004251   Velanganni J;Kadamban D (Plant Science Department, K.M. Centre for Studies, Pondicherry-605 008, ) : In vitro propagation of Gerbera jamesonii adlam. J phytol Res 2008, 21(2), 253-5.

Gerbera jamesonii Adlam is an ornamental plant of Asteraceae. It is an herbaceous perennial, native of South Africa and is popularly known as "Barberton daisy" or "Transvaal daisy". It has a' short flowering season but the market demand is heavy. Hence, in the study in vitro culture trials of this herb were carried out using stem tip explants on MS medium supplemented with different concenªtrations of auxin and cytokinins. The stem tip explants cultured on MS medium without auxin and cytokinin did not show any callus formation within 12 days of inoculation. MS medium fortified with IAA (2 mg/l) +BAP (10 mg/l) developed six shoots whereas the other cultures with Kn developed only four shoots, Micro shoots on MS medium amended with IAA developed more roots as compare to IBA after four weeks of inoculation and incubation.

3 tables, 20 ref

004250   Tripathi A;Jhala R;Byamal S;Sharma V K (NO, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Applied Sciences, JECRC campus, Shri Ram Ki Nangal, Tonk Road, Jaipur) : Induction of callus in Catharanthus roseus L. J phytol Res 2008, 21(2), 307-9.

Callus induction in one of the significant stages of plant tisue culture. Auxins and cytokinins were added to tissue culture media to raise callus culture. Leaves were found to be result oriented explants. Individual hormones did not show marked effect.

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

004249   Theng A D;Gajare K A;Deshmukh A A (Zoology Dep, Government Rajaram College, Kolhapur, Email: ashish_cellbio@rediffmail.com) : Protective effects in vitro supplementation of ascorbic acid on plasma membrane, acrosomal membrane and mitochon-drial activity index of human spermatozoa. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 291-6.

Spermatozoa were the first type of cells reported to produce free radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated damage to sperm is a significant contributing factor to male infertility. Impaired motility, impaired fertilization and oxidative DNA damage are the three inter-related mechanisms that account for oxidative stress mediated male infertility. Spermatozoa lack cytoplasmic antioxidant defense due to exclusion of cytoplasm and therefore rely upon antioxidants present in the seminal plasma. Centrifugation of a semen sample prior to its use for intra-uterine insemination (ICI) and In in vitro Fertilization (IVF) induce oxidative stress. Therefore there is need to supplement the semen with antioxidants. In the investigation attempts were made to study the effects of in vitro supplementation of non-enzymatic antioxidant ascorbic acid on sperm plasma membrane integrity, acrosome intactness and mitochondrial activity index. There was highly significant (p<0.001) improvement in these parameters that relate to the healthy state of the spermatozoa.

1 table, 35 ref

004248   Surekha C;Arundhati A;Seshagiri Rao G (Biochemistry Dep, College of Science, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: surekha@yaho.co.in) : Factors enhancing transformation efficiency of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 63-70.

Studies factors that modulate the transformation efficiency of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) were examined using different strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens harbouring binary plasmid with β-glucuronidase gene as a reporter gene under the transcriptional control of CaMV35S promoter. Factors examined were the genotype, Agrobacterium strains, cocultivation period, soaking time of seeds and use of acetosyringone. Transformation frequency was calculated by the number of gus positives given by embryonal segments. Transformation efficiency was higher when the explants were cocultivated for 3 days with overnight soaked seeds. The pigeon pea genotype ICPL 87 was more amenable to Agrobacterium transformation than LRG 30 and ICPL 85063. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 with plasmid pBIl21 was more superior in facilitating the transfer of uidA gene to pigeonpea explants compared to other strains (LBA 4404 with plasmid pAD288 and GV 2260), Addition of acetosyringone to the MS medium gave little higher transformation frequencies than without acetosyringone in the, medium.

3 illus, 4 tables, 46 ref

004247   Spresser C R;Marshall S E;Carlson K A (Biology Dep, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849, USA) : Characterization of gene expression regulated by human OTK18 using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for innate immunity. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 109-17.

OTK18 is a human transcriptional suppressor implicated in the regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type-one infection of mononuclear phagocytes. It is ubiquitously expressed in all normal tissues, but its normal homeostatic function is yet to be characterized. One hypothesis is that OTK18 aids in the regulation of the innate immune system. To test this hypothesis, cDNA microarray analysis was performed on the total RNA extracted from Drosophila melanogaster embryonic Schneider 2 (S2) cells transfected with either pEGFP-OTK18 (enhanced green fluorescent protein) or empty vector controls (pEGFP-N3) for 6, 12 and 24 h. cDNA microarray analysis revealed differential expression of genes known to be important in regulation of Drosophila innate immunity. The expression levels of two genes, Metchnikowin and CG16708 were verified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. These results suggest a role for OTK18 in innate immunity.

1 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

004246   Sivakumari V;Dhinakaran J;Rajendran A (NO, Department of Environmental and Herbal Sciences, Thanjavur-613 010, Email: vsiva246021@yahoo.co.in) : Screening and productivity of penicillin antibiotic from Penicillium sp. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 247-8.

Highlights the antagonism effect of Penicillium isolates, which were screened against the test organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Penicillium sp. Penicillium notatum and Penicillium chrysogenum isolates were used for penicillin biosynthesis. The antibacterial activities of fermented crude penicillin extract were assayed by disc diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in Gram positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus) when compared with Gram negative organisms. The isolated Penicillium chrysogenum can be used for large-scale penicilin antibiotic production.

3 tables, 13 ref

004245   Singh V S;Palod J;Shukla S K;Shukla P K (NO, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Influence of a herbal anticoccidial on growth, parasitological, haematological parameters and carcass traits of broilers experimentally infected with mixed field isolates fo Eimeria species. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(10), 1057-62.

Experiment was conducted to study the influence of a herbal anticoccidial powder on growth performance, parasitological, haematological parameters and carcass traits of broilers in 3 groups with 2 replicates of 20 chicks in each. Standard broiler diet without anticoccidial was fed to gr A broilers while diet supplemented with herbal anticoccidial @ 6 g/kg feed without or with sodabicarb 1 g/kg to gr Band C respectively. On day 21, broilers of each group were divided into 2 sub-groups, non-infected and infected (A₁-A₂, B₁-B₂ and C₁-C₂) and infected with 60,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. The results showed that supplemented groups B₂, C₂ had significant effect on postªinfection growth performance, heamatological and parasitological parameters. All these parameters showed better efficacy of C₂ as compared to B₂. Eviscerated, giblet and spleen weights were higher in B₂ and C₂ than A₂ while liver and pancreas weights were higher in A₂. It is suggested that herbal anticoccidial with sodabicarb as a feed additive is highly effective against moderate mixed coccidial infection.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

004244   Singh P K;Seema Kumari;Gupta A K;Manish Kumar;Vajpeyi A P;Sharma M K (Zoology Dep, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Beneficial effect of Commiphora mukul on the hepatic lipid profile in albino rats. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 505-6.

Experimental study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of gum of Commiphora mukul on the hepatic lipid profile in albino rats. The wistar albino rats received aqueous extract of gum of Commiphora mukul at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for 7, 15, and 30 days, showed remarkable decrease significantly in total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL while HDL significantly increased. These data suggest that the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of gum of Commiphora mukul by the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and LDL catabolism. The gum extract examined in this study can be utilized as good health or for full treatment of hyperlipidemia.

1 table, 9 ref

004243   Sharma V;Singh D P;Bhatnagar M C (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001) : S D H poisoning in liver and muscles of Labeo rohita exposed to profenofos. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 427-9.

Major carp Labeo rohita procured from pollution free water resource, was treated chronically with 1/5th (96h TLm) cone. of an organophosphate pesticide, Profenofos. The concentration used was 0.0548 mg/I. The time period for exposure of the fish was 30 days. After 30 days exposure of fish the specific activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) was estimated in liver and muscles. It was found that there was a significant inhibition (P<0.01) in the activity of SDH under the stress of pesticide as compared to the control. The inhibition when calculated came out to be 66.07% in liver while 57.33% in muscles. The inhibition in the SDH activity may be due to damage in architectural integrity and permeability of mitochondria causing decreased synthesis of the enzyme in the tissues.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

004242   Sharma L (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesr-835 215, Email: lkshama@bitmesra.ac.in ) : Micropropagation of Ageratum conyzoides L. - an important medicinal plant. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 47-52.

A protocol was developed for rapid clonal propagation of an important medicinal plant, Ageratum conyzoides through in vitro culture of mature nodal explants. Multiple shoots were induced on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with varying concentrations and combinations of auxins and cytokinins (indolyl-3 acetic acid, napthalene acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 6-furfuryl aminopurine and 6-benzyl aminopurine). Maximum number of multiple shoots were developed in plant medium fortified with 3.0 mg/l concentration of IAA-BAP combinations. The shoots were transferred for elongation to plant medium fortified with 3.0 mg/l of BAP & IAA with 600 mg/l activated charcoal. In the study, out of all the auxin-cytokinin combinations tried, IAA-BAP combinations proved best effective for inducing multiple shooting and roots were formed at (2.0 and 3.0 mg/l) rather then IAA-KN combinations.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

004241   Roychoudhury A;Basu S;Sengupta D N (Botany Dep, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Lab, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700019, Email: aryadeep.rc@gmail.com) : Analysis of comparative efficiencies of different transformation methods of E. coli using two common plasmid vectors. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(5), 395-400.

The efficiencies of different transformation methods of E. coli DH5_α strain, induced by several cations like Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Rb⁺ and especially Ca²⁺, with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were compared using the two commonly used plasmid vectors pCAMBIA1201 and pBI121. The widely used calcium chloride (CaCl₂) method appeared to be the most efficient procedure, while rubidium chloride (RbCl) method was the least effective. The improvements in the classical CaCl2 method were found to further augment the transformation efficiency (TR)_E for both the vectors like repeated alternate cycles of heat shock, followed by immediate cold, at least up to the third cycle; replacement of the heat shock step by a single microwave pulse and even more by double microwave treatment and administration of combined heat shock-microwave treatments. The pre-treatment of CaCl₂-competent cells with 5% (v/v) ethanol, accompanied by single heat shock also triggered the (TR)_E, which was further enhanced, when combined heat shock-microwave was applied. The minor alterations or improved approaches in CaCl₂ method suggested in the present study may thus find use in more efficient E. coli transformation.

004240   Rosenbusch B;Schneider M;Michelmann H W (Gynecology and Obstetrics Dep, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany, Email: bernd.rosenbusch@uniklinik-ulm.de) : Human oocyte chromosome analysis: complicated cases and major pitfalls. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 147-53.

Human oocytes that remained unfertilized in programmes of assisted reproduction have been analysed cytogenetically for more than 20 years to assess the incidence of aneuploidy in female gametes. However, the results obtained so far are not indisputable as a consequence of difficulties in evaluating oocyte chromosome preparations. Because of the lack of guidelines, it has been decided to summarize for the first time, the possible pitfalls in human oocyte chromosome analysis. Therefore, screened the material from the previous studies and compiled representative, complicated cases with recommendations for their cytogenetic classification. Points out that maturity and size of the oocyte are important parameters and that fixation artefacts, as well as the particular structure of oocyte chromosomes, may predispose one to misinterpretations. Moreover, phenomena related to oocyte activation and fertilization are illustrated and explained. This compilation may help to avoid major problems in future studies and contribute to a more precise, and uniform assessment of human oocyte chromosomes.

8 illus, 24 ref

004239   Riazalhosseini B;Hassan Z M;Mostafaei A; Pakravan N;Mansori K;Mahdavi M;Mohagheghi M A;Nahvijoo A (Biochemistry Dep, Research and Science Unit, University of Azad Islami, Tehran, Iran) : High molecular weight fraction of shark cartilage can inhibit the growth of K562 tumor cell and abolish angiogenesis. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 459-63.

Shark cartilage is one of the complementary medicines used for cancer patient to inhibit tumor progression. Researchers believe that mechanisms effective on tumor regression include - anti angiogenesis, direct cytotoxicity on tumor cell and enhancement of immune response. The 100 kD fraction of shark cartilage protein extract was purified using precipitation PEG and gel chromatography and followed by evaluation of in vitro anti angiogenesis and cytotoxicity effect on erythroleukemic K562 cell line and normal lymphocytes. Purification of 100 kD fraction of shark cartilage protein was accomplished in two steps, including partial purification using precipitation system and gel chromatography to further purify the 100 kDa molecule. Then, cytotoxic effect of 100 kDa fraction of shark cartilage on K562 cell line was assessed. Growth of K562 treated with 100kDa fraction was significantly decreased in comparison with the untreated K562 cell. In addition the effect of the 100 KDa fraction on angiogenesis was investigated using HBMEC cell line. The result shows inhibitory effect of 100 kDa fraction on the development of blood vessels compared to the control. The study shows that this protein is cytotoxic for tumor cells, but not for normal lymphocytes. Also, this fraction has strong inhibitory effect on HBMEC proliferation and migration in fibrin matrix. This fraction could be a good candidate for further studies in cancer immunotherapy.

3 illus, 26 ref

004238   Rattan Singh;Gupta S (Zoology Dep, Dev Samaj Colelge for Women, Ferozepur City-152 002, Email: rms1673@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of garlic oil supplementation against stavudine induced genotoxicity. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 335-39.

Stavudine, an antiretroviral is most widely used nucleoside analogue of thymidine for the treatment of AlDS/HIV. It is also effectively used in decreasing plasma HIV RNA and for the reduction of transmission from the infected mother to infant. But the outstanding benefits of this drug are overshadowed by the side effects. It produces ROS which causes oxidative damage to DNA and causes liver failure. During the investigations, the antioxidant status of garlic oil has been evaluated for 24hrs, 48hrs and 72 hrs against the genotoxicity of Stavudine on mice by applying chromosomal analysis and comet assay. Stavudine produces all kinds of numerical and structural aberrations. It also causes DNA damage. The pretreatment of garlic oil (low dose / high dose) followed by treatment of Stavudine helps in the reduction of genotoxicity of Stavudine. The protective effects of high dose of garlic oil were more encouraging than that of low dose of garlic oil.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

004237   Rajkumar R;Ilayaraja R;Mucignat C;Cavaggioni A;Archunan G (Center for Pheromone Technology, Animal Science Dep, School of Life Sc, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: garchu56@yahoo.co.in) : Identification of α2u-globulin and bound volatiles in the Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus). Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(4), 319-24.

The α2u-globulin (α2u) is a pheromone carrier urinary protein believed to be relevant for sexual communication among rats and is characterized in laboratory rats. In the study 17 kDa protein and the bound pheromones were characterized in a population of wild-type Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus). The protein was purified by two runs of Sephadex G-50 chromatography and analyzed with SDS-PAGE with MALDI-TOF/MS. The results of MASCOT search identified the protein as an α2u and suggested a role for binding pheromones. To confirm the protein bound volatiles, purified α2u was extracted with dichloromethane and volatile molecules were detected using of gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 1-Chlorodecane was detected as the predominant compound and 2-methyl-N-phenyl-2- propenamide, hexadecane and 2,6,11-trimethyl decane as the minor compounds. The simple method of protein purification and the identification of bound volatiles may help in designing efficient pheromone-based rat traps.

004236   Qu Y;Yang Z;Jin F;Sun L;Zhang C;Ji L;Sun H; Wang B;Wang L (NO, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of th, Bejing 100101, People's Republic of China, Email: lwang@genetics.ac.cn) : Ser311 Cys variation in the paraoxonase 2 gene increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in northern Chinese. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 165-9.

3 tables, 19 ref

004235   Qi Lun Y;Ping F;Ke Cheng E;Guang Tang P (NO, Maize Research Institute, Yaan, Sichuan Province 625014, People's Republic of China, Email: yql641@yahoo.com.cn) : Genetic diversity based on SSR markers in maize (Zea mays L.) landraces from Wuling mountain region in China. J Genet 2008, 87(3), 287-91.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

004234   Purushothaman D;Elliott R W;Ruvinsky A (NO, Institute for Genetics and Bioifnormatics, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia, Email: aruvinsk@une.edu.au) : Search for transmission ratio distortions in offspring from crosses between inbred mice. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 127-31.

Equal transmission of the two alleles at a locus from a heterozygote parent to the offspring is rarely violated. Beside the differential embryonic mortality, nondisjunction and gene conversion that are rather irregular forms of transmission-ratio distortion (TRD), there are two major forms of departure from Mendelian segregation. The first, found in females, based on the asymmetric nature of female meiosis, is usually referred to as meiotic drive, and has been well documented in a few cases. The second is segregation distortion found in males. There are several known male-related segregation distortion systems that are caused by different fertilizing capacity of sperm cells carrying alternative alleles at a particular locus. Observation of TRD effects requires a sufficient number of offspring produced by a parental pair. As individuals in a population most likely have different genotypes in TRD affecting loci, the total transmission ratio is close to the expected Mendelian ratio and masks potential TRD effects. Highly inbred strains of laboratory mice provide a very good model for studying this phenomenon, because comparing two mice strains is effectively similar as comparison of two individuals in a population. The study tests both forms of TRD in progeny of F1 hybrids from reciprocal crosses of inbred mice. Three previously unknown instances of TRD in females were observed. Therefore, the study concludes that some genes in females may carry alleles that can cause segregation distortion.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

004233   Prasad S K;Kulshreshtha A;Qureshi T N (NO, School of Studies in Zoology and Biotechnology, Vikram University, Ujjain-456 010, Email: drskprasad2006@rediffmail.com) : Antihyperglycemic activity of Catharanthus roseus (L.) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 353-7.

In the study the anti hyperglycemic potential of Catharanthus roseus (Family: Apocynaceae), a traditionally used medicinal plant was assessed in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model and was compared with the Glibenclamide (GOC), standard drug used to treat diabetes. Aqueous extract of leaves of Catharanthus roseus (CR) at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight were given orally for 15 days showed significant increase (P<0.001) in body weight. Parallel significant increase (P>0.001) in body weight was showed by glibenclamide treated group. Significant reduction (P< 0.001) was found in blood glucose level in both (CR and GBC) treated group. Antihyperglycemic activity after 15 days was also followed by significant reduction (P< 0.001) in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAl c %) in CR as well as GBC treated groups. Serum insulin level was found statistically significant increase (P< 0.001) in both (CR and GBC) treated group as compared to their diabetic control. Therefore it can be concluded that aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus leaves has shown significant antihyperglycemic activity in a rat model.

31 ref

004232   Pogorelko G V;Fursova O V (NO, Nikolai Invanovich Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of S, Gubkin Street 3, 119991, Moscow, Russia, Email: gopogorelko@yandex.ru) : Highly efficient miPCR method for isolating FSTs from transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 133-40.

Exact localization of an insertion in the genome of transgenic plants obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is an integral part of most experiments aimed at studying these types of mutants. There are several methods for isolating unknown nucleotide sequences of genomic DNA which flank the borders of T-DNA integrated in the genome of plants. However, all the methods based on PCR have limitations which in some cases do not permit the desired objective to be achieved. Developed a new technique for isolating flanking sequence tags (FSTs) via modified inverse PCR. This method is highly efficient and simple, but also retains the advantages of previously well-documented approaches.

8 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

004231   Patil K P;Chaudhari B L;Chincholkar S B (NO, School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra University, PO Box: 80, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: blchaudhari@hotmail.com) : Screening for pharmaceutically important exopolysaccharide producing Streptococci and partial optimization for EPS production. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 329-40.

Capsular exololysaccharide, hyaluronic acid produced by Streptococcus equip subsp, zooepidemicus, carries high importance in pharmaceutical as well as biomedical field. In this direction, isolation and screening for exopolysaccharide producing streptococcus from nasopharynx of horses from Maharashtra and its neighbouring place was carried out. Out of 70 samples, none was observed to be Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus while, exopolysaccharide producing BM2 was isolated which showed close association with Streptococcus dysgalactiae with potential to produce hyaluronic acid. BM2 was compared with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (ATCC 43079), Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (MTCC 3523) which produced exopolysaccharide 0.052, 0.050 and 0.097 g/l respectively. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (MTCC 3523) gave higher productivity; hence primary optimization studies were carried out to achieve maximum its growth and exopolysaccharide production.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref