003221   Nirala S K;Bhadauria M;Upadhyay A K;Mathur R; Mathur A (Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Lab, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474 011) : Reversal of effects of intra peritoneally administered beryllium nitrate by tiron and CaNa₃DTPA alone or in combination with α-tocopherol. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 955-63.

To evaluate therapeutic efficacy of chelating agents tiron (Sodium-4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulphonate) and CaNa₃DTPA (Calcium trisodium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) in presence of α-tocopherol against beryllium induced toxicity, adult female albino rats were exposed to beryllium nitrate for 28 days followed by therapy with tiron (471 mg/kg, ip) and CaNa₃DTPA (35 mg/kg, ip) alone and in combination with α-tocopherol (25 mg/kg, po). Results revealed non-significant fall in haemoglobin and total serum protein content while significant fall in blood sugar level and activity of serum alkaline phosphatase. On the other hand, significant rise in the activity of serum transaminases and LDH was noticed after beryllium administration. Significant increase in total and esterified cholesterol was found in liver and kidney after toxicity. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased level of reduced glutathione in both the organs showed oxidative stress due to beryllium exposure. Histopathological and ultrastructural observations of liver and kidney revealed lesions due to beryllium toxicity followed by recovery due to combined therapy. CaNa₃DTPA showed moderate therapeutic efficacy; however, its effectiveness was enhanced with α-tocopherol to some extent. Tiron in combination with α-tocopherol exerted statistically more beneficial effects in reversal of beryllium induced biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural alterations.

003220   Mridha D;Saha D;Sarkar S (NO, Bharat Technology, Banitabla, Uluberia, Howrah-711 316) : Analgesic activity of leaves of Sida acuta on rat. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 111-14.

Extraction of leaves of Sida acuta (Wealth of India, Raw Materials), family Malvaceae was carried out using petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and distilled water in succession. The extracts were evaluated for analgesic activity. The acetone extract showed significant analgesic activity.

1 table, 18 ref

003219   Mondal U K;Sur S;Bothra A K;Sen A (Chemiinformatics Bioinformatics Laboratory (UKM, AKB), Chemistry Dep, Raiganj Univ College, Raiganj-733 134, Email: senarnab_nbu@hotmail.com ) : Comparative analysis of codon usage patterns and identification of predicted highly expressed genes in five Salmonella genomes. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 313-21.

Purpose is to anlyse codon usage patterns of five complete genomes of Salmonella, predict highly expressed genes, examine horizontally transferred pathogenicity-related genes to detect their presence in the strains, and scrutinize the nature of highly expressed genes to infer upon their lifestyle. Protein coding genes, ribosomal protein genes, and pathogenicity-related genes were analysed with Codon W and CAI (codon adaptation index) Calculator. Translational efficiency plays a role in codon usage variation in Salmonella genes. Low bias was noticed in most of the genes. GC3 (guanine cytosine at third position) composition does not influence codon usage variation in the genes of these Salmonella strains. Among the cluster of orthologous groups (COGs), translation, ribosomal structure biogenesis [J], and energy production and conversion [C] contained the highest number of potentially highly expressed (PHX) genes. Correspondence analysis reveals the conserved nature of the genes. Highly expressed genes were detected. Selection for translational efficiency is the major source of variation of codon usage in the genes of Salmonella. Evolution of pathogenicity-related genes as a unit suggests their ability to infect and exist as a pathogen. Presence of a lot of PHX genes in the information and storage-processing category of COGs indicated their lifestyle and revealed that they were not subjected to genome reduction.

4 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

003218   Mitra Mazumder P;Farswan M;Parcha V (NO, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi-835 215) : Hypoglycaemic effect of Ficus arnottiana Miq. bark extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(5), 478-82.

Different species of the genus Ficus Linn. such as Ficus bengalensis Linn., F. glomerata Roxb. and Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham. have been studied for their antidiabetic potential and used in folklore system of medicine for diabetes. In the present study, the effect of different extracts of F. arnottiana Miq. bark was evaluated on fasting and posts prandial blood sugar in normal and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in neonates. Oral administration of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts of the bark (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days caused a decrease in fasting blood sugar (FBS) in diabetic rats. Among all the extracts, acetone extract was found to lower the FBS significantly (P<0.001) in diabetic rats. Acetone extract also caused a significant decrease (P<0.01) in post prandial blood sugar level in diabetic rats. Results of the test were compared with the standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (5mg/kg, p.o). Thus the study indicates that the acetone extract of F. arnottiana possess antidiabetic potential.

003217   Mendiratta D K;Kaur H;Deotale V;Thamke D C; Narang R;Narang P (Microbiology Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram-442 102, Email: dkmendiratta@rediffmail.com) : Status of high level aminoglycoside resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis in a rural hospital of Central India. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 369-71.

Considering the emergence of high level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) in enterococci study was undertaken to determine their status in a rural setting. HLAR by disc diffusion and agar dilution, β lactamase by nitrocefin disc and vancomycin resistance by agar dilution was determined in 150 enterococcal isolates, as per NCCLS guidelines. Only two species, Enterococcus faecalis (85.5%) and Enterococcus faecium (14.7%) were recovered, mostly from blood. Forty six percent showed HLAR. Multi drug resistance and concomitant resistance of HLAR strains to P lactams were quite high. None showed β lactamase activity or vancomycin resistance.

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003216   Manish Kumar;Singh P K;Gupta A K;Vajpeyi A K; Sharma M K (Zoology School of Life Sciences Dep, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002, Email: manishzoology06@yahoo.com) : Changes in morphological profile, hepatic index and hepatic total lipids activiy after (Chlorophytum borivilianum) root extract in albino rat. J Nat Conserv 2008, 20(1), 165-8.

The present work was carried out to evaluate the effect of Chlorophytum borivilianum root extract on morphological profile (body weight and liver weight), hepatic index and hepatic total lipids content in albino rats. Oral administration of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum (200 mg/ kg body weight) for 7,15,30,45 and 60 days, resulted in significantly increased body weight (p<0.01), liver weight (p<0.01), liver index (p<0.05) and hepatic total lipids (p<0.05). The present study revealed that the improve body weight, liver weight and hepatic total lipids activity due to beneficial action of aqueous root extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum.

1 table, 7 ref

003215   Maity P;Hansda D;Bandyopadhyay U;Mishra D K (Drug Target Discovery and Development Div, Central Drug Research Institute, (CDRI), CSIR, Chatter Manzil Palace, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Biological activities of crude extracts and chemical constituents of Bael, Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 849-61.

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.) is an important medicinal plant of India. Leaves, fruits, stem and roots of A. marmelos have been used in ethno medicine to exploit its' medicinal properties including astringent, antidiarrheal antidysenteric, demulcent, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds purified from bael have been proven to be biologically active against several major diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential of crude extracts of A. marmelos in the treatment of many microbial diseases, diabetes and gastric ulcer. This review covers the biological activities of some isolated chemical constituents of A.marmelos and preclinical studies on some crude extracts and pure compounds to explore novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic application.

003214   Madhava Charyulu E;Sekaran G;Suseela Rajakumar G;Gnanamani A (Microbiology Div, Central Leather Research Institute, (C S I R), Adyar, Chennai-600 020) : Antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolite from marine isolate, Pseudomonas sp. against Gram positive and negative bacteria including MRSA. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 964-8.

Proteobacterium isolated from coastal region of Chennai, India, produced appreciable secondary metabolite and partial purification of the obtained secondary metabolite demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both Gram positive and negative organisms including MRSA (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus). Identification of the isolate using biochemical tests, 16s rDNA sequence analysis, G+C content and electron microscopy studies revealed, isolate belonged to Pseudomonas genera. Extraction, purification, characterization and antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolite carried out using various standard instrumental techniques suggested that the active fraction was of 272 m/z with a stable fragment of 244 m/z and also displayed stable free radical activity assessed using EPR analysis. This stable free radical activity of secondary metabolite mediated its antimicrobial activity.

003213   Lakshmi B V S;Sudhakar M;Neelima N;kasthuri N;Umarani V (NO, Malla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Dhulapally, Maisammaguda, Secunderabad-500 014) : Anti-bacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of dried fruit of Lagenaria siceraria. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 123-8.

Work was undergone to investigate anti-bacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Lagenaria siceraria in rats and mice. The ethanolic extract of dried fruits was studied for antibacterial activity by paper disc method. The extract at different concentrations exhibited significant anti-bacterial activities. The ethanolic extract was studied for its analgesic effect on acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin pain tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated employing the acute inflammatory model (carrageenan) and subacute inflammatory model (formalin) in rats. The extract exhibited inhibition of writhing and also showed a significant (P<0.05) inhibition of both the phases of the formalin pain test, but with a more intense effect on the first than on the second phase. In the inflammatory models, the extract significantly inhibited carrageenan and formalin induced hind paw edema. The results support the traditional use of this plant in some infectious, painful and inflammatory conditions.

5 tables, 18 ref

003212   Kalonia H;Puneet Kumar;Nehru B;Anil Kumar (Pharmacology Div, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre for Advanc, Chandigarh-160 014) : Neuroprotective effect of MK-801 against intra-striatal quinolinic acid induced behavioral, oxidative stress and cellular alterations in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 880-92.

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor disturbances, subcortical dementia and psychiatric disturbances. Pathogenesis of HD revolves so far around excitatory amino acids as the primary cause of neuronal loss. However, number of recent reports suggests the involvement of excitotoxicity and oxidative damage. In the present study, first the dose of quinolinic acid that mimics the symptoms of HD was standardized and then the neuroprotective effect of MK-801 (noncompetitive NMDAr antagonist) was evaluated against intrastriatal quinolinic acid induced behavioral, oxidative stress and cellular alterations in rats. A single unilateral (ipsilateral striatum) injections of quinolinic acid (100, 200 and 300 nM) were made in to striatum. Animals were tested for motor functions using actophotometer and rotarod apparatus. Quinolinic acid (300 nM) significantly reduced the body weight and caused motor in-coordination and produced oxidative damage in the cortex and striatum as indicated by raised lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, depletion of superoxide dismutase, catalase and different glutathione levels. Beside, quinolinic acid (300 nM) significantly altered the mitochondrial enzymes complex levels and caused histopathological alterations in the striatum. MK-801(0.02, 0.04, 0.08 mg/kg, ip) treatment significantly improved body weight, behavioral alterations (locomotor activity and rotarod performance) and attenuated oxidative damage and mitochondrial enzymes complex dysfunction. Besides, MK-801 treatment significantly reversed histopathological alterations in striatum. The results suggest antioxidant and neuroprotective action of MK-801 against the quinolinic acid induced Huntington's like behavioral, oxidative stress and cellular alterations in rats.

003211   Kallesh D J;Hosamani M;Balamurugan V; Bhanuprakash V;Yadav V;Singh R K (Virology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar-263 138) : Quantitative PCR: A quality control assay for estimation of viable virus content in live attenuated goat pox vaccine. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 911-5.

Efficacy of live viral vaccine and vaccine-induced sero-conversion depends on the optimum number of live virus particles in a vaccine dose, which is one of the important aspects of quality control. In the present study, TaqMan® probe quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) based on conserved DNA pol gene of capripoxvirus was developed for the quality control of attenuated monovalent goatpox and/or combined attenuated goatpox and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccines. Cells infected with vaccine virus were harvested at critical time point and subjected to QPCR. A critical time point for harvest of Vero cells infected with various log10 dilutions of reference virus was determined to be 36 h (highest slope 3.062), by comparison of slopes of standard curves established with harvests at different time intervals. The assay method was evaluated using different batches of goatpox vaccine, and bivalent goatpox and PPR vaccine. The titers estimated by QPCR and TCID50 method were comparable to each other. The QPCR assay thus, could be used as an alternate method or supplementary tool for estimation of live GTPV particles in monovalent goatpox or bivalent goatpox and PPR vaccines.

003210   Kalia V K (Neurophysiology Dep, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore-560 029, Email: vkkalia@nimhans.kar.nic.in) : Cost effective utilization of existing resources for biomedical research in India. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1118-20.

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003209   Jose A;Sathianarayanan S;Abraham S;Thomas D G;Trisa Baby L (Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Viswa Vidhyapeetham Univ, AIMS Health Care Campus, Kochi-682 026, Email: sreesha22@yahoo.com) : Diuretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Justicia tranqurbariensis. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 119-21.

Water and alcoholic extract of arial parts of Justicia tranquebariensis (Acanthaceae) were subjected to various phytochemical analysis to identify carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and lignin. Both the extracts were investigated for diuretic activity. Parameters which taken into account during the experimental work on each rat was total urine volume and the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the urine. The extracts showed a potent diuretic effect with increase in electrolyte concentration in urine, when compared with standard drug (frusemide) in albino rats.

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003208   Jemina S A;Verghese S (Microbiology Dep, International Centre for Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, A Unit of Frontier Lifeline, R-30C, Ambattur Industrial Estate Road, Mogappair, Chennai-600 101, Email: sam_jemi@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular characterization of nosocomial CTX-M type β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from a tertiary care hospital in South India. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 365-8.

CTX-M group of extended spectrum β lactamases (ESBLs) represents a rapidly emerging problem in many countries. The prevalence of nosocomial bla_CTX-M-1 producing Enterobacteriaceae strains has not been reported earlier in Indian hospitals. Study describes molecular subtyping of nosocomial bla_CTX-M producing strains of Enterobacteriaceae. Polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for bla_CTX-M-1 coding genes was used to identify 95 Enterobacteriaceae strains producing bla_CTX-M positive isolates. Of the 95 bla_CTX-M producing isolates, 45 strains were positive for bla_CTX-M-1 bla_CTX-M-1 was found to be most prevalent in Klebsiella strains.

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003207   Jalaj R K;Verma L P (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Pusa, Samestipur-848 125) : Temporal variations in occurence of nitrifying, denitrifying and phosphate solubulizing bacteria in the water of traditional bheries of West Bengal. J Nat Conserv 2008, 20(1), 103-7.

The result of the study on the seasonal changes in bacterial population of nitrifying, denitrifying and phosphate solubilizing bacteria in selected brackish water bheries in west Bengal is reported. The bacterial population in general increases during the initial phase (March, April, may) of culture and decreased during the latter part of culture period (Oct., Nov., Dec.) in the bheries culture system. Bacteria play a significant role in nutrient dynamics of pond ecosystem hence the population dynamics of bacteria will certainly prove worthiness in better understanding of aquatic ponds ecosystem.

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003206   Huq F;Fasim F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney Univ, Sydney, Email: f.huq@usyd.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of strychnine. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(4), 237-42.

Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that strychnine and its metabolites differ in their kinetic lability with LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 4.55 to 5.40 eV from DFT calculations. The metabolites ST-N-OX and 21,22-DEHST are found to have the lowest LUMO-HOMO energy differences and hence are expected to be most labile. The molecular surfaces of strychnine, ST-EPOX, ST-N-OX and 11,12-DEHST are found to abound in electron-deficient regions so that they may react with cellular nucleophiles such as reduced form of glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus causing depletion of glutathione and oxidation of nucleobases in DNA respectively. The depletion of cellular glutathione level is expected to induce cellular toxicity due to oxidative stress whereas the oxidation of nucleobases would cause DNA damage.

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003205   Gupta S;Sharma S B;Prabhu K M (Biochemistry Dep, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 095) : Ameliorative effect of Cassia auriculata L. leaf extract on glycemic control and atherogenic lipid status in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 974-80.

Oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Cassia auriculata L. (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body wt daily for 21 days) to alloxan-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rabbits produced dose dependent fall in fasting blood glucose up to 400 mg/kg dose from day 3 to day 21. Further, a significant elevation in the levels of insulin and reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was observed in both MD and SD rabbits when treated with 400 mg/kg dose of the extract. The significant decrease in serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) with a concomitant increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was exhibited by MD as well as SD rabbits following treatment with the extract. Atherogenic indices (TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C) were also significantly reduced in both diabetic models of rabbits fed with the extract. Effect of the extract at 400 mg/kg dose was comparable to that of glibenclamide (600 μg/kg), a reference antidiabetic drug. Thus, the present study demonstrated that aqueous leaf extract of C. auriculata can be a possible candidate for antidiabetic drug.

003204   Gupta P K (Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, CCS Univ, Meerut, Email: pkgupta36@gmail.com) : Ultrafast and low-cost DNA sequencing methods for applied genomics research. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt II), 92-102.

The availability of human genome sequence and the emergence of personal genomics era recently created a demand to bring down the cost of human genome resequencing to US $ 1000, to make it clinically useful. As a result, sequencing systems using Sanger's technology have been scaled-up, and several ultrafast and low-cost sequencing systems using newer technologies have been developed and launched during 2005-07. Three sequencing platforms, which became available for genomics research in 2007 include the following: (i) Genome Sequencer 20 (launched in 2005) and upgraded Genome Sequencer FLX (launched in 2007), both developed and commercialized jointly by 454 Life Sciences and Roche Applied Science; (ii) Solexa Genome Analyzer (earlier called Solexa 1G) developed by Solexa (later acquired by Illumina) and launched in early 2007, and (iii) SOLID system, developed and launched in October, 2007 by Applied Biosystems. According to available reports, as many as more than 60 454/Roche Genome Sequencers 20/FLX and at least two dozen Solexa Genome Analyzers are already being used by different genome research centres globally. ABI SOLiD machines will also become available shortly at several centres. Recently. Solexa's sequencing system has also been used for chromatin imrnunoprecipitation sequencing approach (ChIPSeq) to study DNA methylation and histone modifications at the whole genome level. Several other technologies are also being tested to allow further reduction in cost and time needed for DNA sequencing. For instance, several single molecule sequencing technologies, including nanopore sequencing, which arc likely to become available in foreseeable future, should reduce further the cost and time of DNA sequencing. A major limitation with some of these modern sequencing systems (e.g.. Solexa and ABI systems), however, is the upper limit of read lengths of about 35bp per run. But, in parallel with the development of these sequencing systems, computer algorithms are being developed, which will allow assembly of these small sequences into whole genome sequence, to allow de novo whole genome sequencing even with these machines providing only short read lengths. All these aspects involving a revolution in DNA sequencing technologies are briefly discussed in this brief review.

7 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

003203   Ene A C;Atawodi S E;Ameh D A;Nnamani C N;Apeh Y E O (Biochemistry Dep, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria) : Antitrypanosomal effects of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of Artemisia maciverae Linn.. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 981-6.

Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of A. maciverae were studied in vitro and in vivo for activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in Swiss albino mice. Thereafter, the chloroform extract which showed the highest activity in both in vitro and in vivo assessments was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation. The crude extracts and the fractions of the chloroform extract of A. maciverae were screened for phytochemicals and secondary metabolites. Combined fractions 54-57 of this extract showed the highest in vitro antitrypanosomal activity, and at 10 mg/kg body weight, this fraction cleared the parasitemia completely from T. brucei brucei infected Swiss albino mice after 7 days of treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of parasitemia when the infected mice treated with this fraction was compared with the standard trypanocidal drug, diminal. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that the crude extracts contained secondary metabolites like flavonoids, triterpenes, terpenoids, tannins, phlobatannins and alkaloids, while the active fraction contains only triterpenes and alkaloids. It can be inferred that fraction 54-57 contains the active component responsible for the high antitrypanosomal activity of the chloroform extract of A. maciverae.

003202   Chatterji D;Rajdev P (Molceular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: dipankar@mbu.iisc.ernet.in) : Macromolecular recognition at the air-water interface: application of Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1226-36.

Proximate aim of this review is to investigate the specific interaction between two macromolecules, either two complementary strands of DNA or the binding of DNA with a protein. Although a lot of experiments have been done to address these issues, our aim here is different. We either create a dense brush of DNA chains at the air-water interface or orient a large protein, like RNA polymerase, such that they are amenable for specific interaction at the surface. The advantage of our system is that the macromolecules are stretched, oriented parallel to each other, and their concentrations can be made similar to these encountered in real nuclei. In this way we plan to construct an 'artificial nucleus'. Other methods adopted so far can check for the possibility of collective behaviour and the effect of chain elongation or compaction. We have used Langmuir-Blodgett technique for the same and extensively performed FTIR and AFM experiments to monitor the L-B surface. Each macromolecule has been attached by one of its extremities to a hydrophobic buoy to keep it at the interface. Detailed thermodynamic analysis results in some interesting conclusions.

1 illus, 85 ref

003201   Chacko B;Varaiya A;Dedhia B (Microbiology Dep, Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: amivaraiya@yahoo.com) : Imipenem resistant metallo β lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 398-407.

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003200   Bhat G K;Jathana L S;Kumar A (Microbiology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore-575 001, Email: gkbhat61@yahoo.co.in) : Phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance in nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 398-9.

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003199   Bhandarkar M;Timande S (P.G. Dep of Microbiology, D.B. Science College, Gondia-441 614) : Bactracin pruduction by Bacillus subtilis B7. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 11-19.

Bacillus isolates were obtained from milk samples collected from vendors of Gondia city (M.S.). The Bacillus isolates were screened for their antibacterial potential by shake flask fermentation at 37°C. Antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM 5O21). Antibacerial activity was measured in terms of zone of inhibition (mm). According to Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, the Bacillus isolate B7 showing maximum antibacterial activity was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Identification of antibiotic was done by Thin Layer Chromatography and migrated antibiotic was detected by Bioautography. Cultural conditions for Bacillus subtilis B7 best antibacterial activity were optimized. Bacillus subtilis B7 showed maximum antibacterial activity (zone of inhibiton-21mm) when cultured using medium of composition: l%w/v glucose as carbon source, 0.2% w/v glutamic acid as nitrogen source and with an initial pH of 7.0.In shake flask fermentation, 24 hours old vegetative inoculum (4% v/v) showed maximum antibacterial activity at 37°C after 48 hours.

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003198   Barua C C;Roy J D;Buragohain B;Barua A G; Borah P;Lahkar M (Pharmacology & Toxicology Dep, College of Veterinary Science, AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022) : Anxiolytic effect of hydroethanolic extract of Drymaria cordata L Willd. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 969-73.

Drymaria cordata hydroethanolic extract (DCHE) at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg (po) was administered to study anxiolytic effect. Different models for anxiolytic activity viz. Hole board, Open field, Elevated plus maze, Light/dark exploration model were used. In the hole board model, there was dose dependent and significant increase in the numbers of head pokes and the time of head dipping in the treated groups in comparison to the vehicle. In open field test, the number of rearing, assisted rearing and numbers of squares traversed increased significantly. Similarly, in elevated plus maze test, there was significant increase in the time spent and number of entries in open arm as compared to the time spent and number of entries in closed arm in dose dependent manner. In light/dark exploration test, another model for anxiolytic activity, the time spent in lit box , number of crossing and the latency period increased significantly with reduction in time spent in dark box after treatment with DCHE. The presence of phytochemicals viz. triterpenes, diterpenes, steroids and tannins might contribute to its anxiolytic activity.

003197   Barranes F J (UNESCO Chair of Biophysics & Molecular Neurobiology and Instituto de I, de Batia Blanca, Universidad Nacional del, Sur-Conicet, C.C. 857, B8000FWB Bahia Blanca, Argentina, Email: rtfjb1@criba.edu.ar) : Dialogue between membrane lipids and acetylcholine receptor. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1150-64.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is the archetype molecule in the superfamily of Cys-looped ligand-gated ion channels. Members of this superfamily mediate fast intercellular communication in response to endogenous neurotransmitters. This review focuses on structural and functional crosstalk between the AChR and the iipids in its membrane microenvironment. Influence on receptor properties is mainly exerted by the AChR-vicinal ('shell', 'boundary' or 'annular') Iipids, which occur in the liquid-ordered phase as opposed to the more disordered and 'fluid' bulk membrane Iipids. Changes in Forster's energy transfer (FRET) efficiency induced by fatty acids, phospholipids and cholesterol have led to the identification of discrete sites for these Iipids on the AChR protein. Electron-spin resonance spectroscopy has established the stoichio-metry and selectivity of the shell lipid for the AChR and disclosed lipid sites in the AChR transmembrane region. Combined single-channel and site-directed mutagenesis data fostered the recognition of lipid-sensitive residues in the transmembrane region, dissecting their contribution to ligand binding and channel gating, opening and closing. Experimental evidence supports the notion that the interface between the protein moiety and the adjacent lipid shell is the locus of a variety of pharmacologically relevant processes, including the action of steroids and other Iipids.

3 illus, 137 ref

003196   Bakhshi Khaniki G (NO, Payame Noor Univ, P.O. Box 19395-4697, Tehran, Iran, Email: Bakhshi@pnu.ac.ir) : Differential giemsa staining patterns in chromosomes of three iranian species of Fritillaria spp. group. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt II), 136-46.

On the basis of C-band patterns and other karyologic features three species are described for the Iranian Fritillaria spp. group, F. caucasica (Adams), F. uva-vulpis (Rix) and F. assyriaca (Baker). All the three species have a similar basic karyotype (n=12), consisting of large symmetric (m, sm) and smaller asymmetric (st, t) chromosomes, but C-bands differ between them. The bands are located at centromeric, intercalary, and telomeric positions and adjacent to secondary constrictions. F. caucasica and F. assyriaca differ from others in the possession of a submetacentric chromosome pair. Further aspects of constitutive heterochromatin, heteromorphism, equilocal C-band distribution, C-banding evo-lution, and the role of C-banding in taxonomy are discussed.

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003195   Anuradha A;Annadurai R S (NO, , Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation, K.R. Road, P.O. Box 406, Bangalore-560 004, Email: rsa61@yahoo.com) : Biochemical and molecular evidence of azadirachtin binding to insect actins. Curr Sci 2008, 95(11), 1588-93.

Azadirachtin, a neem seed terpenoid is effective against serious lepidopteran crop pests like Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera litura. The mode of action of aza-dirachtin and its cellular target in insects has been largely unexplored, although physiological and morphological defects have been documented. Understanding the mechanism of action of this complex natural molecule at the cellular level is crucial to define safety and entomo-specific affinity. Actin has been recently indicated as a putative target of azadirachtin in vivo and in silico using Drosophila melanogaster. In this communication, the target of azadirachtin in Plutella and Drosophila has been validated by in vitro polymerization assays of actin and its mRNA transcript profiles of ActSC, a ubiquitous cytoplasmic and Act57B, a muscle-specific isoform. Further, phalloidin labelling of Spodoptera haemocytes identifies the exact passage of azadirachtin on the highly proliferating developmental tissues.

003194   Anju Aniyathi M J Et Al (NO, J. J. College of Arts and Science, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai-622 404, Email: lathagopalakrishnan@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Capparis brevispina DC. stem bark. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(5), 514-9.

Effect of the ethanol extract of the stem bark of Capparis brevispina DC. (CB) was studied against paracetamol (overdose) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained against liver damage induced by overdose of paracetamol (Acetaminophen) as evident from decreased serum levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (SAKP) and bilirubin (SB) in the CB treated groups (250, 500 mg/kg), compared to the intoxicated controls. The hepatoprotective effect was further confirmed by histopathological studies of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of nuclear pycnosis, hepatocyte congestion and necrosis, when compared with the liver of the toxin group of animals. CB extract also showed significant free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Thus, the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver disorders.

003193   Alam J;Singh B R;Hansda D;Singh V P;Verma J C (National Salmonella Centre (Vet.), Bacteriology and Mycology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar-243 122, ) : Evaluation of aroA deletion mutant of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Abortusequi for its vaccine candidate potential. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 871-9.

The study on a defined deletion aroA mutant (B-26) of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Abortusequi (S. Abortusequi) for residual virulence and safety in experimental model revealed that the virulence of the strain was at no difference in any of the cell assays (caprine alveolar macrophages, bovine alveolar macrophages, guinea pig blood mononuclear cells and horse blood mononuclear cells) than that of its parent virulence plasmid cured (S-787) and wild type (E-156) strains. The mutant did not cause any apparent illness in baby guinea pigs (15 days old), adult male and female guinea pigs and also not in pregnant (54-55 days of gestation) guinea pigs through oral (4.2 x 10^{9 cfu/ animal) and intramuscular (im) routes (4.2 x 107 cfu/ animal). In pregnant females the mutant also induced abortion as its parent (E-156) though to lesser extent (33%) than the parent strain (100%) on inoculation through intravaginal (4.2 x 109 cfu/ animal) and intraperitoneal (4.2 x 107 cfu/ animal) routes. The babies born from mutant inoculated mothers survived better and were also resistant to intraperitoneal lethal challenge (7.82 x 109 cfu/ animal) with 100% protection. Female guinea pigs challenged after 135-165 days of inoculation with the mutant afforded 100% protection from abortion and mortality caused by lethal infection (7.82 x 109 cfu/ animal) of wild type S. enterica Abortusequi (E-156). The study revealed that aroA mutant (B-26) was safe through oral and im routes for immunization and afforded 100% protection against salmonellosis for more than 5.5 months in guinea pigs. Although immunization with aroA mutant in experimental model afforded good protection against abortion and mortality induced by S. Abortusequi, further studies are needed in horses to exploit the strain's vaccine potential in the natural host.}

003192   Akhtar M;Pillai K K;Vohora D (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062, Email: makhtar_ph@jamiahamdard.ac.in) : Effects of histamine H₃ receptor ligands in two anxiety models of mice.. Indian J pharm Educ Res 2008, 42(1), 19-22.

Anxiety is the most prevalent psychiatric illness in the general community. Increasing evidence supports a role for histamine in anxiety. It is reported that people with low histamine have typical symptoms of anxiety. The pjpseftt study aims to clarify the effect of histamine H₃ receptor ligands [R (∝) methylhistamine (RAMH), a selective agonist and thioperamide (THP) a selective histamine H₃ receptor antagonist] on the two most extensively employed paradigms for studying anxiety in mice. Diazepam pretreattnent (1 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in a significant increase in the number of licks and increase in number of shocks. No significant effects were observed with THP and RAMH (p>0.05). Administration of diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in a significant increase in the time spent in the open arms and a reduction in time spent in closed arms. Neither THP nor RAMH significantly changed these variables (p>0.05). Pretreatment with diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in a significant increase in the number of open arm entries. THP and RAMH did not produce any significant change in the number of open and closed arm entries (p>0.05). In our study, histamine H₃ receptor ligands failed to modify the state of anxiety in elevated plus maze and Vogel's conflict test. The differential effects observed in study, could be related to the doses employed and the animal species used. Our results, however, suggest a lack of significant effect on anxiety following either histamine receptor stimulation or blockade.

2 tables, 14 ref

002213   Yasir Hasan S;Mohammad A (Human Genetics and Toxicology Lab, Section of Genetics, Zollogy Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: yasir_hasansiddique@rediffmail.com) : Protective effect of apigenin against the genotoxic damage induced by estradiol-17 β. Res J Biotechnol 2009, 4(1), 66-70.

The use of traditional natural preparations from plant materials for the treatment of various diseases by the majority of people have led to assess the modulating action of plants extract/ products when associated with other substances. Estradiol-17β is a well known steroid hormone (estrogen) and has been reported to induce genotoxic damage and tumor formation in various experimental models both in vitro as well as in vivo. Estradiol-17β is also used in oral contraceptives formulation in combination with synthetic progestins. The prolonged users of oral contraceptives have been reported to develop various types of cancers. Natural plant products play an important role in reducing the genotoxic damage by the steroids. In this context the effect of apigenin was studied against the genotoxic damage induced by estradiol-17β. The treatment of apigenin at concentration of 5, 10, 15 and 20 μM was given along with 10 and 20 μM of estradiol-17β separately and respectively. The treatment of apigenin results in the reduction of the sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), thereby suggesting a protective role of apigenin against the estadiol-17β genotoxic damage.

4 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

002212   Yap C K (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Putra Malaysia Univ, 43400 UPM, Email: yapckong@hotmail.com) : Ecological viewpoint on the variations of water temperature, salinity, conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen during a 45-minute tidal outflow at a small tropical esturay. Res J Chem Envir 2009, 13(2), 86-92.

Study of ecology includes how a living organism interacts with its surrounding which includes living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components. KTBatu of'Pahang is a pristine recreational rocky shore (Figure 1), located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Figure 2). Therefore, this allows study on the natural variation of physico-chemical parameters more effective with minimal anthropogenic impact.

^ssc5 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

002211   Yadav V R;Sarasija S (Pharmaceutics Dep, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Hosur Road, Bangalore-560 027, Email: sarasija_s@hotmail.com) : Sensitive reversed phase HPLC method for the determination of curcumin. Pharmacog Mag 2009, 5(17), 71-4.

A simple, precise, rapid and accurate, binary reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of curcumin a natural drugs with short run time. Chromatographic separation was achieved by using Merck C15 (250 cm X 4.6 mm) Column with mobile phase acetonitril: tetrahydrofuran: 2% acetic acid 50:30:20 (2%) was used. The flow rate was 0.7 ml/min. The retention time was 4.587 minutes. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of curcumin were between 3.68 to 8.125 ng/ml for 50- κJL injection volumes. The percentage recovery of curcumin was found to be 97.2 to 98.4 and Relative standard deviation was 0.345% and 1.160 37>. The developed HPLC method can therefore be applied to both in vitro studies of curcumin formulations as well as drug estimation in biological samples.

1 illus, 2 table, 17 ref

002210   Vyawahare N S;Bodhankar S L (AISSMS College of Pharmacy, , Kennedy Road, Pune-411 001, Email: neerajsv@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Argyreia speciosa extract on learning and memory paradigms in mice. Pharmacog Mag 2009, 5(17), 43-8.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Argyreia speciosa (AS) on learning and memory paradigms in mice. Radial arm maze and morris water maze were the screening tests used to assess the activity of the extract. Piracetam served as a reference standard. The mice pretreated with AS 200 or AS 400 mg/kg or Piracetam (150mg/kg) showed a decrease in number of days required to make the mice learned, time taken to find food by the learned mice in radial arm maze. In morris water maze, the mice treated with the above mentioned doses showed a significant reduction in the number of days required to make the mice learned, escape latency of learned mice and number of circles completed before it escapes on to the platform. The results suggest facilitation of spatial learning and memory processes and thereby validated its traditional claim of being tonic in dullness of intellect.

2 illus, 2 table, 22 ref

002209   Vyas R;Raval K V;Dikshit N (Physiology Dep, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad-380 016, Email: rashmifvyas@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of raja yoga meditation on the lipid profile of post-menopausal women. Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2008, 52(4), 420-4.

Coronary artery disease is an important cause of death and disability among older women. Modification in lipid profile lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. It is claimed that yoga and transcendental meditation have a cholesterol lowering effect. This study was designed to assess the effect of raja yoga meditation of Brahmakumaris which is very simple to practice, on serum lipids in normal Indian women. 49 normal female volunteers were the subjects. They were divided into pre-menopausal (n=23) and post-menopausal (n=26) groups. They were further divided into non-meditators (who had never done any kind of meditation), short-term meditators (meditating for 6 months to 5 years) and long-term meditators (meditating for more than 5 years). Lipid profile was assessed using their respective reagent sets. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in non-meditators were significantly more in post-menopausal women as compared to pre-menopausal women. Serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly lowered in both short and long term meditators as compared to non-meditators in post- menopausal women. No significant difference was observed in lipid profile in pre- menopausal women. Raja yoga meditation lowered serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein - cholesterol in post-menopausal women thus reducing the risk of coronary artery disease in them.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

002208   Upadhyay R K;Ahmad S (Zoology Dep, D D U Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: rkupad@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of purified honeybee toxins against seven bacteria. J appl Biosci 2008, 34(2), 157-62.

Buffer soluble toxins from Indian honeybee Apis indica, isolated by gel filtration chromatography, were purified on a Sephorose (CL-6B 200) column. Eluted fractions (two major proteins peaks) were pooled, lyophilized and solubilized in known quantity of PBS. MIC values were determined against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 15380), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Lactobacillus addophilus (ATCC 53103), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341), Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 12755), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778) and found to be 0.915, 1.83 and 3.66 mg/ml for E. coli, B. cereus, S. aureus and L. addophilus. K. pneumoniae was less susceptible (MIC 29.28 mg/ml). MBC value for K. pneumoniae, L. addophilus, M. luteus, S. pneumoniae, and B. cereus were similar (7.32 mg/ml) while it was 14.68 mg/ml for S. aureus. Maximum diameter of inhibition zone (23mm) was obtained against S. aureus and minimum (18mm) against M. luteus and L. addophilus. Purified honeybee toxin displayed similar, better or worse antibacterial activity against seven different bacteria in comparison to the three antibiotics, where diameter of inhibition zones ranged between 15-26mm.

3 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

002207   Teodorova Svetla E (Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria, Email: seteodor@tea.bg) : Biodynamics - a new science field ?. Res J Chem Envir 2009, 13(2), 99-103.

The assessment of various damages and environmental influences on living organisms could be advanced if there are prompt and easy methods for recording of their health status. In this context new science field, biodynamics is suggested. Understands here biodynamics as a science field (like thermodynamics, electrodynamics etc.) but not as a field containing different non-linear and others mathematical models describing dynamical systems, including biological objects. New state variables: vitality and optimal vitality as integral pheno-menological characteristics, uniquely determining the status of a living system, are stated. Vitality is presumed to be in biodynamics a quantity of a similar rank as temperature in thermodynamics. Quantities biological energy and synergy are introduced. The synergy is assumed as a measure of Selfregulation quality. Biological principle for maximum synergy is stated. The conception proposed is illustrated on the case of recovery process of biological object after some transitory disturbance. Based on variational principle an equation describing recovery process of the biological object is obtained. The possibility to measure such quantity as vitality could provide a great benefit for biology and medicine, for example, for a quick evaluation of the health status in human.

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002206   Tamilvanan M;Kandhari J;Gopi R (Plant Pathology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Effect of antagonists spray on rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in pot culture. J mycopathol Res 2008, 46(2), 259-62.

Study was undertaken to assess the percent disease incidence, relative lesion height, disease severity and 1000 grain weight against sheath blight of rice through two different antagonists, individually as well as in combination. One set of plants was sprayed two days before inoculation (pre-inoculation) and the other set two days after inoculation (post-inoculation). For comparison, one set of plants was also sprayed with sheathmar 3L (2.5%) and Kalisena (-4. n/ger AN-27 @ 10^{6 cfu ml-1). Pre-inoculation spray of Trichoderma koningii 5201 + Chaetomium cochliodes 3319 showed maximum reduction (39.4%) of the disease incidence, disease severity (36.3%), relative lesion height (37.5%) and 45.0% increase in 1000 grain weight followed by post inoculation of the same treatment.}

2 tables, 23 ref

002205   Sujatha D;Priyadarshini D;Bharathi K;Prasad K V S R G (Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidyalayam, Womwn's Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: kvsrgprasad@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of Syzygium alternifolium for Antiulcer and antioxidant activities. J pharm Res 2008, 7(2), 56-61.

In the study, ethanoiic extract of the leaves of S. alternifolium was evaluated for its antiulcer and ahtioxidant activities. The antiulcer activity was evaluated by pylorus ligation (Shay rat model), stress ulcers, indomethacin-induced and ethanol-induced mucosal damage models and the parameters monitored were ulcer index, total acidity, pH and severity score. The in vivo antioxidant parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase and catalase were also assessed. The extract was also evaluated for its potential to scavenge nitric oxide and 2- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radicals. The ethanoiic extract of S. alternifolium was safe orally and exhibited no gross behavioral changes. The results obtained in this study revealed the efficacy of the leaf extract of S. alternifolium as antiulcer agent, supporting the claim made in the indigenous system of medicine. The S. aiternifolium also exhibited potent antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

5 tables, 39 ref

002204   Sri Jaya M;Gayathri S (Home Science Dep, Food Science & Nutrition, Sri Sathya Sai Univ, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Email: psrijaya@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activity of wheat grass and impact of supplementing grass extract on anaemics.. Biomed 2009, 4(3), 262-8.

Study was done to investigate the antioxidant activity of wheat grass. Antioxidant properties of food constituents such as chlorophyll, polyphenols and Ascorbic acid were analyzed. H₂O₂ scavenging activity was investigated to assess the ability of plant extract to scavenge H₂O₂. The overall mean of dietary antioxidant constituents was 152.86 ± 0.18 mg of ascorbic acid, 7389 ± 0.471mg polyphenols, 59.22 ± 0.08 mg chlorophyll. The mean scavenging activity was higher for wheat grass in comparison with other conventional green leafy vegetables. The study also investigated the effectiveness of wheat grass juice on the activity of certain antioxidant vitamins and enzymes. Supplementing wheat grass juice (200 ml/day) to anaemics showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) on serum indices of certain constituents. Over all it would seem that the protective effect of wheat grass can be attributed to antioxidant constituents, including vitamin C, Polyphenols, Chlorophyll etc.

2 tables, 11 ref

002203   Sivaraman G K;Sanjeev Kumar (Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: skgcari@yahoo.co.uk) : Estimation of genetic distance between specialized broiler chicken lines selected divergently for immunocompetence index using RAPD-PCR data. Indian J vet Res 2008, 17(2), 1-8.

Genetic distance between divergent IC-index broiler chicken lines was estimated by RAPD-PCR technique employing 12 random primers. The Ic-index was based on four important immunological traits viz., response to SRBC, PHA-P response, serum lysozyme activity and IgG level. Genomic DNA samples isolated from 20 birds of each line were subjected to RAPD-PCR analysis. Both, within line as well as between line band sharing frequencies (BSF) were estimated, which ranged from 0.72 to 0.93 in high IC-index line and 0.70 to 0.96 in low IC-index line, with different primers, whereas the between line BSF ranged from 0.73 to 0.90. A genetic distance (pooled over the primers) of 0.177 was estimated between lines. Present investigation revealed that 2 generations of selection based on IC-index has resulted in a genetic distance of lower magnitude only between the divergent lines.

2 illus, 2 table, 25 ref

002202   Singh R;Saxena S;Joshi C;Singh N P;Ahuja S (Anaesthesiology & Critical Care Dep, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi-110 095, Email: ranjusingh1503@yahoo.com) : Bacterial colonization of lumbar epidural catheters for postoperative analgesia: implications for clinical practice.. J Anaesth clin Pharmac 2008, 24(2), 183-8.

Infections associated with long term epidural catheters have been described but limited information is available regarding infections associated with short term epidural catheters. How long can an indwelling epidural catheter be left in situ without risking local or systemic infection is still not established. This study was designed to prospectively determine the bacterial colonization rate of lumbar epidural catheters inserted for postoperative analgesia and to determine the incidence of serious epidural space infections in an attempt to specify a safe duration for which the epidural catheter can be left in-situ. Lumbar epidural catheters were inserted aseptically in adult ASA grade I and II patients undergoing elective surgery. Epidural analgesia using local anaesthetics and/or opioids was used for postoperative analgesia for a period of 72 hours after which the catheter was removed and sent for microbiological culture where these were semiquantitatively cultured and microbial isolates identified. A total of 225 epidural catheters were inserted and data from 216 (96%) catheters was available. Out of these 159 (73.61%) were sterile and 57 (26.38%) were colonized. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism which was isolated in catheter tip followed by Acenetobacter species and Citrobacter species. None of the patients showed any evidence of local or systemic infection. The results of this study suggest that although the rate of colonization is high there are no serious local or systemic infections with epidural catheter short term (72 hours) analgesia in adult postoperative patients and we suggest that the epidural catheter can be safely left in-situ for 72 hours.

2 tables, 27 ref

002201   Singh P K;Manish Kumar;Gupta A;Vajpeyi A P; Singh D P (Zoology Dep, School of Life Science, Khandari Campus, Email: manishzoology06@yahoo.com) : Effect of combined diuretic drug furosemide with spironolactone on lipid profile in albino rats. Ecotech 2009, 1(1), 51-4.

Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic, which is widely used in the treatment of hypertension and primary aldoster-onism; while furoscmide is a loop diuretic drug. We investigated side effects of combined diuretic drug treatment on the serum lipid profile in albino rat and they were treated with combination of Spironolactone and furoscmide at (100 mg/kg body weight) for a period of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Furosemide with Spironolactone treated rats showed an increased serum total cholesterol, triglyccride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotcin (VLDL) significantly (P<0.001) and decreased HDL significantly (P<0.01) in treated groups and compared to the control groups. These results have suggested that combined diuretic drug treatment of furosemidc with Spironolactone exhibits hyperlipidemic effects.

1 table, 15 ref

002200   Salih Fadhil M;Al-Hanshi Maysa S S;Pillay Avin E (Clinical and Biomedical Physics Dep, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos Univ, P.O. Box 35, Al-Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman, Email: fadhilsalih@gmail.com) : Cytotoxic consequence of D₂O-induced chemical transformation of thymine and uracil. Res J Biotechnol 2009, 4(1), 45-9.

Chemical transformation of thymine and uracil was observed in the presence of D₂O. The products of the relevant reactions were confirmed spectrophotometrically. Pure samples were dissolved in solutions of the D₂O, corresponding to concentrations of typically 10^-2 mM. The deuterated solvent caused chemical transformation in the two chemical compounds tested and produced intense characteristic absorbance maxima between 200-400 nm. The biological effects of such transformations were investigated using Bacillus pumilis. Bacterial cells were suspended in D₂O at 0°C and 37øC. Samples were taken after different periods of contact and numbers of survivors were scored. Dramatic reduction in cellular viability was observed in the first few minutes. Cells kept in ice continued losing viability up to about 90% in 80 minutes. However, when cells were maintained at 37°C, they managed to recover fully in 60 minutes after a lag period of 10 minutes. Cells exposed to D₂O at 0°C for 20 minutes and then maintained at 37°C started recovering at a rate similar to that seen with cells kept continuously at 37°C. Potentially lethal damage is thought to be induced by D₂O and this type of damage can be repaired if injured cells were kept for some time in an environment free of growth supporting materials.

4 illus, 31 ref

002199   Sachar R K;Soni R K;Satija M;Singh G P I (Community Medicine Dep, SGRDIMSR, Sri Amritsar) : Analytical study of sex ratios at birth in a rural area of Punjab. Indian J maternal child Hlth 2009, 11, (NULL).

In the study Secondary Sex Ratios (SSR) at birth were analyzed from the records of Rural Field Practice Area of Department of Community Medicine, Dayanand Medical College Ludhiana, Punjab, from the year 1991 to 2008 (Nov.). The registration of pregnancies and their outcome is known in cent percent cases. For purposes of comparison and analysis a SSR 106 males for 100 females was taken as normal. For the total period there were 5794 births (3123 and 2671 females), giving a SSR of 116.9, which was highly skewed in favor of males (p-0.0000). A further analysis, parity wise, revealed that for the fist born the SSR were 106.2, which was very much normal. However for the second, third and four plus birth order the SSR was 120,131 and 118.5, respectively, which clearly indicates sex selective fertility control.

002198   Ramnika A;Singh G P I;Sachar R K;Aditya K; Soni R K (Community Medicine Dep, AIMSR, Bathinda, Email: drramnika@yahoo.co.in) : Pattern of domestic accidents in children in a rural area of Punjab. Indian J maternal child Hlth 2009, 11, (NULL).

Objective is to study the frequency and type of domestic accidents in children below 15 years of age. Prosective Eidemioloical study was was conducted in rural area of Dehlon block, Ludhiana district, Punjab. 669 children aged less than fifteen years were studied for a period of one year from Mar 2004 to Feb 2005. Frequency of domestic accidents was studied in them as per Age, sex, mode of injury and category of injury. A total of 153 accidents occurred in one year in children under-15 years of age. Incidence density was calculated to be 228 accidents per thousand person-years of observation. 35.32% children in the age-group of 0-5 years & 16.85% children in 5-15 year age-group met with an accident in one year. In both the age groups, more accidents occurred in males (58.82%) as compared to females (41.17%). There were 53.2 % Trivial, 27.3% Minor & 11.7% serious accidents in under-five age-group. In 5-15 year age-group, there were 23.7 % Trivial, 40.8 % Minor and 23.7 % Serious accidents. There was no Fatal accident in either of the two groups.

002197   Pieme C A;Penlap V N;Ngogang J;Kuete V;Catros V;Moulinoux J Ph (Microbiology Laboratory, Biochemistry Dep, Facultry of Science, University of Yaounde I, P O Box 812, Cameroon, Email: apieme@yahoo.fr) : In vitro effects of extract of Senna alata (Ceasalpiniaceae) on the polyamines produced by Leukaemia cells (L 1210). Pharmacog Mag 2009, 5(17), 8-13.

The study reports the effects of S. alata (Ceasalpiniaceae) extract on the metabolism of polyamines resulting from the proliferation of leukaemia cells (L 1210). The results established that the inhibition of cell proliferation was significantly increased with the concentration of extract from 28 to 32.80 after 72 h. The percentage of cells viability changed significantly from 9.72 to 80 when cells are treated with extract alone, in combination with DFMO or putrescine. The levels of the intracellular yield of putrescine, spermidine and spermine were also reduced by the extract compared to the control. The DFMO-extract complex enhanced the inhibition of the production polyamines up to 95 . In opposite, the complex S. alata- putrescine complex stimulated significantly its biosynthesis of polyamines. A significant reduction of the level of protein after 72 h of treatment was observed. This result corroborated with the reduction of polyamines resulting from inhibition cell proliferation.

4 table, 35 ref

002196   Paramita S;Sharma N;Benjamin A I (Community Medicine Dep, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana-141 008, Email: drparamita25@indiatimes.com) : Risk factors for low birth weight: a case control study in Ludhiana, Punjab. Indian J maternal child Hlth 2009, 11, (NULL).

Objective is to identify significant risk factors for LBW in women delivering in a teaching hospital with a view to suggest ways to minimize the incidence of LBW in this population. Case control study. 50 cases (LBW newborns) and 100 controls (normal birth weight newborns) born in Christian Medical College Hospital, Ludhiana, were studied. The data was analyzed in Epi-lnfo software. Statistical analysis included the exposure rates in percentages for the risk factors under study, the Odd's Ratio and its 95% Confidence Interval. Multivariate analysis was also carried out, using SPSS software, to assess the association of LBW with individual risk factors while controlling for the others. Primi parity, prematurity, antenatal complications and maternal weight gain < 10 Kg during the pregnancy were found to be significant risk factors for LBW. Multivariate analysis reinforced these findings while markedly strengthening the association of primiparity with LBW and also identifying maternal height < 155 cms as a significant risk factor for LBW. The study underscores the need for improving maternal nutritional and providing better antenatal care by implementing the risk approach, particularly in the primigravida.

002195   Pankaj Kumar (Research Scholar, Zoology Dep, Jai Prakash Univ, Chapra) : Physico-chemical analysis of the pond Rajendra sarovar for fish culture. Ecotech 2009, 1(1), 39-40.

Physico-chemical studies of pond named "Rajendra Sarovar" of Chapra town was conducted during the post monsoon season of 2007-08. Water samples were collected from three sites and the several parameters like temperature, pH, turbidity, EC, chloride ion concentration, total alkalinity and hardness, DO, BOD, COD, phosphate and fluoride ion concentration, iron, nitrate and nitrite ion concentration were measured. The value of these parameters indicate that the water body is becoming little bit polluted due to domestic wastes, dirty cloth washing and bathing of domestic animals which can be controlled by artificial means. Overall it was found that water is fit for fish culture.

3 tables, 6 ref

002194   Pachauri S D;Bhatt D;Srivastava R K (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard Univ), New Delhi-110 062, Email: shaktideep@gmail.com) : Phytochemical and biological investigations on Moringa oleifera (Lam.). J pharm Res 2008, 7(3), 129-35.

Moringa oleifera (Lam.), family Moringaceae, commonly known, as Sahijan tree is a small or medium sized tree, cultivated through out India. Indigenous to northwestern India with plentiful on recent alluvial land or near river beds and streams. Different parts of the tree have been used in the traditional system of medicine. The fresh root is used as a cardiac tonic; root and root bark are considered carminative, stomachic, and to treat asthma. Decoction of root is prescribed as a gargle in hoarseness and throat sore. The flowers are used as a tonic and diuretic. The fruit is used to treat diseases of liver and spleen. Thus, an extensive literature work on the phytochemical and biological evaluation has been done to show the importance of Moringa oleifera.

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