023731   Shirsathi M S;Pandit R S;Bagde U S (Life Sciences Dep, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Mechanism of action of Ageratum conyzoides plant extract on pathogenic bacteria. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(2), 147-56.

Ageratum conyzoides is an annual herb, belongs to the family Asteraceae, growing as weed and it is used in indigenous medicine in Asia, Antibacterial activity of the Ageratum conyzoides plants against pathogenic microorganisms was studied in laboratoy condition, The mechanism of action of Ageratum conyzoides leaf extract on pathogenic microorganisms was also investigated, In case of Salmonella paratyphi, at 4.5 mg/ml concentration, the growth was completely inhibited thereby making it as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), blocked synthesis of protein, DNA and RNA and arrested the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes. S. paratyphi, incorporated 6%, 67%, 27% plant extract (phenolic compounds) in cell wall, cell membrane and cytoplasm respectively, where as S.marcesans incorporated 12%, 56% and 32% in cell wall, cell membrane and cytoplasm respectively, In case of Serratia marcesans at 3 mg/ml hot ethanol leaves extract concentration the growth was completely inhibited and hence it was the (MIC), synthesis of protein, DNA, RNA and dehydrogenase enzymes such as glutamic dehydrogenase and Isocitric dehydrogenase was inhibited, Since the activity of dehydrogenase was inhibited cells were incapable of oxidizing the substrate, thereby limiting the supply of energy rich compounds like ATP, Resultantly, synthesis of macromolecules decreased considerably and growth and multiplication of cells got ceased.

8 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

023730   Shirgaonkar P B;Kumbhar P T;Ghosh J S; Govindwar S P (Microbiology Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Lipolytic activity of psychrophiles isolated from unsalted butter. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 118-22.

Psychrophiles isolated from unsalted butter was found to produce extracellular lipase. The growth of this organism could contribute to flavor defect in milk & dairy product. Lipolytic psychrophiles have been extensively studied in the meat and poultry industry. In study, the lipolytic activity was detected by copper soap formation after 48 hour at 4°C. The extracellular lipase was collected after inoculation of the organism into trypticase soy broth. The lipase was studied with respect to its activity. The optimum pH was found to be 5 and optimum temperature 0°C and 30°C.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023729   Sheeba V (NO, Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research, No.4, Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru-560 080, Email: sheebavasu@gmail.com) : Drosophila melanogaster circadian acemaker circuit. J Genet 2008, 87(5), 485-93.

As an experimental model system, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been seminal in shaping our understanding of the circadian clockwork. The wealth of genetic tools at our disposal over the past four decades has enabled discovery of the genetic and molecular bases of circadian rhythmicity. More recently, detailed investigation leading to the anatomical, neuro-chemical and electrophysiological characterization of the various neuronal subgroups that comprise the circadian machinery has revealed pathways through which these neurons come together to act as a neuronal circuit. Thus the D. melanogaster circadian pacemaker circuit presents a relatively simple and attractive model for the study of neuronal circuits and their functions.

2 illus, 67 ref

023728   Seth P;Koul N (Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, N H-8, Manesar-122 050, Email: pseth@nbrc.res.in) : Astrocyte, the star avatar: redefined. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(3), 405-21.

Summarizes the past and present knowledge of glial cell functions that has evolved over the years, and has resulteain a new appreciation of astrocytes and their value in studying the neurobiology of human brain cells and their functions. and highlights recent advances in the role of glial cells in physiology, pathophysiology and, most importantly, in adult neurogenesis and "stemness", with special emphasis on astrocytes.

^iia1 table, 204 ref

023727   Serizawa H;Anemiya T;Itoh K (Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National Univ, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan, Email: seri@qb3.so-net.jp) : Patchines in a minimal nutrient - phytoplankton model. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(3), 391-403.

Presents a minimal two-component model that can exhibit various types of spatial patterns including patchiness. The model, comprising nutrients and phytoplankton, includes the effect of nutrient uptake by phytoplankton as a Rolling type II functional response, and also includes the effect of zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton as a Holling type II non-dynamical term. The mean-field model without the diffusion and advection terms shows both bistability and limit-cycle oscillations as a few parameters such as the input rate of nutrients and the maximum feeding rate of zooplankton are changed. If the parameter values are chosen from the limit-cycle oscillation region, the corresponding reaction-advection-diffusion equations show spatial pattern formations by the combined effects of advection and diffusion by turbulent stirring and mixing, and biological interactions. As the nutrient input is increased, the system behaviour changes from the extinction of the entire phytoplankton to the formation of filamentous patterns, patchiness patterns and homogeneous distributions. These observations suggest that the spatial pattern of phytoplankton can function as an indicator to evaluate the eutrophication level in aquatic ecosystems.

7 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

023726   Sejian V;Srivastava R S;Varshney V P (Physiology and Biochemistry Div, CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan-304 501) : Pineal-adrenal-thyroid relationships under thermal stress: effect on circulating levels of thyroid hormones in goats. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(11), 1263-4.

Examines the effect of melatonin on circulating thyroid hormones in the absence of glucocorticoids in female goats under short-term thermal stress. Female goats (6) were used in the study and they served as self controls prior to start of the experiment. Thermal stress significantly increased the T₄ level while nonsignificantly increasing T₃ Chemical adrenalectomy significantly reduced the plasma levels of the T₄ and T₃. Melatonin further reduced significantly the levels of thyroid hormones. The obtained result suggests an endocrine relationship existing between pineal, adrenal and thyroid glands to control the level of circulating thyroid hormones under thermal stress.

ref

023725   Schantz M V (Faculty of Heath and Medical Sciences, Survey Univ, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK, Email: m.von.schantz@survey.ac.uk) : Phenotypic effects of genetic variability in human clock genes on circadian and sleep parameters. J Genet 2008, 87(5), 513-19.

Circadian rhythms and sleep are two separate but intimately related processes. Circadian rhythms are generated through the precisely controlled, cyclic expression of a number of genes designated clock genes. Genetic variability in these genes has been associated with a number of phenotypic differences in circadian as well as sleep parameters, both in mouse models and in humans. Diurnal preferences as determined by the selfreported Horne-Ostberg (HO) questionnaire, has been associated with polymorphisms in the human genes CLOCK, PERI, PER2 and PER3. Circadian rhythm-related sleep disorders have also been associated with mutations and polymorphisms in clock genes, with the advanced type cosegrating in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with mutations in the genes PER2 and CSNK1D, and the delayed type associating without discernible Mendelian inheritance with polymorphisms in CLOCK and PER3. Several mouse models of clock gene null alleles have been demonstrated to have affected sleep homeostasis. Recent findings have shown that the variable number tandem polymorphism in PER3, previously linked to diurnal preference, has profound effects on sleep homeostasis and cognitive performance following sleep loss, confirming the close association between the processes of circadian rhythms and sleep at the genetic level.

^iia71 ref

023724   Satapathy K B (Botany Dep, Vyasanagar College, Jaipur Road-755 019, Email: kbsbot@yahoo.com) : Interesting ethnobotanical uses from Juang, Kolha and Munda tribes of Keonjhar district, Orissa. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 99-105.

Ethnobotanical studies on Juang, Kolha and Munda tribes of Keonjhar district of Orissa are presented in this paper. The survey has recorded interesting therapeutic and other folk uses of 50 plant species distributed over 30 families.

21 ref

023723   Saraf A;Saraf A (Botany Dep, The Institute of Science, Mumbai-32, Email: draparnasaraf@yahoo.co.in) : Phytochemical studies and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Zanthoxylum budrunga DC wall.. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 21-3.

Zanthoxylum budrunga DC Wall belongs to family Rutaceae. The fruits and bark were screened for secondary metabolites contributing to the medicinal value of Zanthoxylum. Screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, steroids, sterols, alkaloids in both the: bark and fruits. In this study the efficiency of Zanthoxylum against pathogenic bacteria were investigated. Bactericidal assays were done using the terpenes isolated from the bark and; alkaloids isolated from the fruits. Significant in vitro antibacterial activities were found. The zones of inhibition produced by the pure compounds laid between 5mm to 9mm for bark extracts andSmrn to 8mm for extract from fruits.

2 tables, 16 ref

023722   Sandikar B M;Awasthi R S (Microbiology Dep, Maharashtra Udayagiri Mahavidyalaya, Udgir-413 517) : Phosphate solubilization by antifungal Pseudomonas species isolated from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) rhizosphere. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 141-6.

Two hundreds Pseudomonas cultures were isolated from rhizosphere of tomato plants and tested for antifungal activity. Among these, seven isolates showed antifungal activity against the damping-off pathogens Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum. On the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical characters these isolates were identified as Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescens and P. aeruginosa. These antifungal Pseudomonas cultures were tested for phosphate solubilization and four of them were founds active phosphate solubilizers. P. fluorescens-l8 and P. putida-56 showed good antifungal as well as phosphate solubilization activity. These isolates can be developed to apply in soil to enhance soil fertility and protect the crops from fungal pathogens i.e. as biofertilizers as well as biocontrol agents.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

023721   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd. Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, KARJAT-410 201, Email: drsalgare@rediffmail.com) : Wheather optimum pollen germination and tube length attained in the same growth medium (Sucrose + 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) by five cultivars of apocynaceae. J Envir Biosci 2008, 22(1), 129-33.

All the concentrations of 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid tried found to be toxic for the germination of pollen of F-24 series of red-flowerd cultivar of Nerium odorum, while none of the concentration of the phenolic compound could stimulate the germinationof pollen of F- series of N. odorum and F-24 series of pink-floweed cultivar of Catharanthus roseus. 2,5- Dihydroxybenzoic acid stimulated the germination of pollen of 7 series and tube growth of 9 series out of 10 series of the Apocynaceae (Table 1). 10^-8-5 mg/ml proved to be the widest range of concentrations of the phenolic compound which stimulated the germination of pollen as well as tube growth of the Apocynaceae. An optimum concentration of 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid produced as high as 400.00% and 8376.19% stimulation in th germination of pollen and tube growth of the Apocynaceae respectively. The tube length in vitro culture of the phnolic compound (in an optimum concentrtion) is 9.84% in F series of red-flowered cultivar of Nerium odorum of the tube length found in vitro is the longest of all the cultivars investigated of the Apocynaceae.

^iia1 table, 19 ref

023720   Saikia B (Botany Dep, Chaiduar College, Gohpur-784 168, Email: bipul_sai@yahoo.com) : Ethnomedicinal uses of Polygonum strigosum among Mishing tribes of gohpur sub-division in Sonitpur district, Assam. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 150-1.

Information on ethnomedicinal uses of Polygonum strigosum collected from Mishing tribes of Gohpur has been dealt with in this article. The plant has been used since long time for treating amoebic and bacillary dysentery of man and domestic animals.

9 ref

023719   Saeedi M;Morteza-Semnani K (Pharmaceutics Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medi, Sari, Iran) : Effect of the essential oil of Eryngium caeruleum on percutaneous absorption of Piroxicam through rat skin. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(5), 485-95.

Recently, in order to improve drug permeation trough the skin, penetration enhancers have attracted a great deal of interest in increasing percutaneous absorption. Natural ctfhipounds like terpenes have been suggested as promising non-toxic, non-irritating transdermal penetration enhancers. This investigation aimed to study the effect of different concentrations of essential oil ofEryngium caendeum on the transdermal absorption of piroxicam. Piroxicam solubility was evaluated and several formulations were developed. The stable gel was chosen and enhancing effects of essential oil with different concentrations (0.25-5.0 % w/w) on the permeation of piroxicam were evaluated using Franz diffusion cells fitted by rat skin. PEG 200: buffer 7.4 (40:60) were used as suitable solvent for selected formulation. The results showed that in all cases (formulations containing plant essential oil) the greatest enhancement of the skin transport occurs at the highest concentration of the enhancer (P < 0.01). There is no direct linear relationship between E. caeruleum essential oil and the permeation rate. The most outstanding penetration enhancer was plant essential oil in 5 % w/w, providing an almost 8.56-fold increase in permeability coefficient of piroxicam. E. caeruleum essential oil have shown ability to enhance the permeation of piroxicam across rat skin. Based on anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this genus, and traditional uses, the enhancer effects of E. caeruleum will be emphasized.

3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

023718   Rose M R;Burke M K;Shahrestani P;Mueller L D (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dep, California Univ, Irvine, CA 92697-2525, USA, Email: mrrose@uci.edu) : Evolution of ageing since Darwin. J Genet 2008, 87(4), 363-71.

In the late 19th century, the evolutionary approach to the problem of ageing was initiated by August Weismann, who argued that natural selection was more important for ageing than any physiological mechanism. In the mid-twentieth century, J. B. S. Haldane, P. B. Medawar and G. C. Williams informally argued that the force of natural selection falls with adult age. In 1966, W. D. Hamilton published formal equations that showed mathematically that two 'forces of natural selection' do indeed decline with age, though his analysis was not genetically explicit. Brian Charlesworth then developed the required mathematical population genetics for the evolution of ageing in the 1970's. In the 1980's, experiments using Drosophila showed that the rate of ageing evolves as predicted by Hamilton's 'forces of natural selection'. The discovery of the cessation of ageing'late in life in the 1990's was followed by its explanation in terms of evolutionary theory based on Hamilton's forces. Recently, it has been shown that the cessation of ageing can also be manipulated experimentally using Hamilton's 'forces of natural selection'. Despite the success of evolutionary research on ageing, mainstream gerflntological research has largely ignored both this work and the opportunity that it provides for effective intervention in ageing.

6 illus, 60 ref

023717   Roff D A (Biology Dep, California Univ, Riverside, CA 92521, USA, Email: Derek.roff@ucr.edu) : Defining fitness in evolutionary models. J Genet 2008, 87(4), 339-48.

Analysis of evolutionary models requires an appropriate definition for fitness. In this paper, I review such definitions in relation to the five major dimensions by which models may be described, namely (i) finite versus infinite (or very large) population size, (ii) type of environment (constant, fixed length, temporally stochastic, temporally predictable, spatially stochastic, spatially predictable and social environment), (iii) density-independent or density-dependent, (iv) inherent population dynamics (equilibrium, cyclical and chaotic), and (v) frequency-dependent or independent. In simple models, the Malthu-sian parameter V or the net reproductive rate R₀ may be satisfactory, but once density-dependence or complex population dynamics is introduced the invasion exponent should be used. Defining fitness in a social environment or when there is frequency-dependence requires special consideration.

^iia1 table, 91 ref

023716   Rawat M;Jakher G R (Zoology Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: rawatcorner@yahoo.co.in) : Distribution of indicator bacteria in a tropical man-made lake of Jodhpur city, Rajasthan, India. J Envir Biosci 2008, 22(1), 1-8.

The spatial and temporal distribution of indicator bacteria in a small, multiple use water reservoir in Jodhpur, Rajasthan was quantified over the period November, 2005 to December, 2006. High level of total coliform count total faecal count and faecal streptococcus colonies (annual mean concentration ± S.D. of 30943 ± 10680,10976 ± 1879 and 2050 ± 388, respectively) were observed, while linear correlation analysis found a weak positive relation between total and faecal coliform bacteria (r = 0.13). External sources responsible for the high bacterial growth are mentioned in detail in text. Seasonal trend in bacteria concentrations were also noticed.

25 ref

023715   Ravangave L S;Pawar B H (Physics Dep, Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Loha, Dist. Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: Isravangave@gmail.com) : Spectroscopic study of impact of essential nutrients on the growth of cotton. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 27-30.

Absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy are employed to investigate the effect of essential nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) The chlorophyll-a, chtorophyll-b and total chlorophyll, is estimated, from the young cotton leaf. The absorption ratio A₄₃₀/A₆₆₃ obtained using the data of absorption spectra. The intensity of fluorescence emission at PSII is studied. The total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b are decreased and A₄₃₀/A₆₈₃ values are increased in nutrient deficient plants. The intensity of fluorescence emission at PSII reaction centre is increased for stressed plants as compared to trormal plants.

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

023714   Rakh R R;Raut L S;Dalvi S M;Aithal S C;Manwar A V (Microbiology and Botany Dep, Shri Guru Buddhiswami Mahavidyalaya, Purna, Email: ravindra.rakh@rediffmail.com) : Efficacy of secondary metabolites of rhizospheric isolate CA/RN against (Sclerotium rolfsii sacc.. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 13-17.

Twenty five bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric soil. All the isolates were tested for antagonistic activity against phytopathogen, i.e. S. rolfsii by dual culture method. A rhizospheric isolate, named as CA/RN shown maximum inhibition -(100 %) of S. rolfsii. Biocontrolling mechanism was detected by using different methods such as non-volatile diffusible metabolite, volatile metabolite, HCN and Siderophore detection. Rhizospheric isolate CA/RN produced non-volatile diffusible metabolite, volatile metabolites and siderophore which inhibited the growth of S. rolfsii in vitro.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

023713   Rajkumar A S;Jaffar Ali B M (Life Sciences Div, AU-KBC Research Centre, MIT, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 044, Email: jaffar@au-kbc.org) : Microrheology of concentrated DNA solutions using optical tweezers. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 381-6.

Semiflexible biopolymers play a vital role in shaping cellular structure and rigidity. Reports the determination of microrheological properties of concentrated, double-stranded calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) solutions using passive, laser-scattering based particle-tracking methodology. From power spectral analysis, we obtain dynamic shear moduli of the polymer solutions stretching over three decades of frequency (10⁰-10³ Hz) and over concentration ranges spanning from very dilute to concentrated regime. We also study the effects of altered ionic strength and denaturation on the shear modulus. Our results indicate that (CT-DNA) exhibits predominantly elastic behaviour in the concentration range we probed. From the measurements of the plateau shear modulus, G_p, we conclude that DNA generally behaves like a semiflexible polymer in a good solvent even at low ionic strength. We have thus demonstrated application of passive microrheological method using optical tweezers to DNA solutions. Further extensions of the technique and its applications are discussed.

8 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

023712   Rajesh M S;Harish M S;Sathyaprakash R J; Raghuram Shetty A;Shivananda T N (Pharmacology Dep, Government College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560 027, Email: tns@iihr.ernet.in) : Antihyperglycemic activity of the various extracts of Costus speciosus rhizomes. J nat Remedies 2009, 9(2), 235-41.

Costus speciosus is known to possess antidiabetic properties and used in local health traditions in India but the validation of drug is not done. The activity of various fractions of drug is also not reported. In view of its immense potential in andiabetic properties, systematic study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the antiªhyperglycemic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of e. specioslls rhizomes on over night fasted, Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose level (BGL) monitored at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes suggested that all extracts of e. speciosus resulted in reduction of BGL significantly except pet ether extract. Aqueous extract and methanolic extracts reduced initial BGL of387 to 120 mg/dl and 303 to 161 mg/dl respectively at the end of 240 minutes. Similar studies conducted with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) confirmed the above findings suggesting that aqueous extract and methanolic extracts of C. speciosus were highly etfective in bringing down the BGL from 590 to 96 mg/dl and 570 to 128 mg/dl respectively at the end of 240 minutes, which was on par with the glibenclamide. Results from multiple dose studies wherein the drug was administered for 14 days also confirmed the above findings and the serum lipid profiles high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were found to be optimum in aqueous or methanolic extracts on par with normal healthy rats or standard drug glibenclamide treated rats.

4 tables, 9 ref

023711   Rajeev Ranjan Kumar;Yadav C L;Garg R;Banerjee P S;Vatsya S (Parasitology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand-263 145) : Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats in some parts of north-west India. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(11), 1244-6.

Total of 9261 sheep and 7262 goat faecal samples were examined from April 2001 to March 2006 from different areas of Western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. 5432 (58.65%) faecal samples of sheep and 3999 (55.06%) samples of goats were positive for different gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Highest prevalence of GIN in sheep and goats was observed during November (69.64%) closely followed by September (66.14%). Maximum prevalence was recorded during the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003, respectively. The mean EPG was observed to be higher in sheep (317.34) as compared to goats (286.85). Coproculture study revealed Haemonchus contortus as the predominant GIN in sheep and goats followed by Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum columbianum and Strongyloides papillosus, however, Bunostomum trigonocephalum was recorded only in sheep. Occasionally Trichuris ovis in sheep and goats and Chabertia ovina in sheep was also recorded.

1 table, 18 ref

023710   Queenie Magi Devapriya D;Ramesh Kumar T (Zoology Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamilnadu) : Impact of heavy metal zinc on biochemical changes in the adult male insect Sphaerodema rusticum in relation to reproduction. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 15-18.

An attempt was made to find out the effect of sublethal concentration of heavy metal zinc (25 ppm for 48 h) exhibited a significant decline in the contents of glucose and glycogen in the fat body, testes and seminal vesicle. A decrease in the protein content of the treated insects in the present studies suggest two possibilities of either decreased protein synthesis or increased proteolytic activity. This indicates that the zinc appears to interfere with carbohydrate metabolism.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

023709   Praba T;Kanimozhi K;Panneerselvam A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, , Poondi-613 503) : Molecular characterization of marine Phormidium retzii (Ag.) using rapd - PCR technique. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 177-80.

Marine cyanobacterial strains Phormidium retzii SGMO1 and P. retzii SGM02 were collected, idenªtified and purified. Microscopic examination was done to check the purify of the cultures and the identification was confirmed based upon the keys given by Desikachary. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the selected strains using agarose gel electrophoresis. RAPD-PCR using arbitrary primer is used to differentiate the cyanobacterial cultures. The primer CRA23 could be used as a genetic marker to distinguish between the two strains of Phormidium retzii.

1 table, 10 ref

023708   Potia M A;Vaidya V K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Mdame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: miqdadalipotia@gmail.com) : Prevalence of multidrug resistance in gram negative bacteria. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 35-9.

Study was conducted to determine the resistance pattern of 100 Gram negative bacteria isolated from a tertiary care hospital, Mumbai. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (A.S.T) using 18 antibiotics revealed a varying resistance pattern towards various groups of antibiotics used. An extremely high rate of multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P.aeruginosa, A.baumannii, B. cepacia and Enterobacter spp.

2 tables, 16 ref

023707   Peforaro M;Tauber E (Genetics Dep, Leicester Univ, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK) : Role of micro RNAs (miRNA) in circadian rhythmicity. J Genet 2008, 87(5), 505-11.

JylicroRNA (miRNA) is a recently discovered new class of small RNA molecules that have a significant role in regulating gene and protein expression. These small RNAs (~22 nt) bind to 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) and induce degradation or repression of translation of their mRNA targets. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in various organisms and have been shown to play a significant role in development and normal cell functioning. Recently, a few studies have suggested that miRNAs may be an important regulators of circadian rhythmicity, providing a new dimension (posttranscriptional) of our understanding of biological clocks. Here, we describe the mechanisms of miRNA regulation, and recent studies attempting to identify clock miRNAs and their function in the circadian system.

^iia75 ref

023706   Pawar S K;Lakde H M;Shendge K M;Pentewar M S; Pulle J S;Mane A M (Gramin Mahavidyalaya, , Vasantnagar, Tq. Mukhed Dist. Nanded, Maharashtra) : Qualitative evaluation of planktonic biomass of panshewadi dam from Kandhar taluka (MS) India. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 133-4.

The plankton communities are an ecologically important group of aquatic organisms and are influenced by the quality of water. Zooplankton and phytoplankton occupy an important position in the tropic structure and play the major role In the energy transfer in an aquatic ecosystem. The Panshewadi dam is one of the most important aquatic reservoirs from Kandhar taluka, situated at 77° E 11' N 0" longitude and 18° E 47' N 0" latitude. The present study attempts to analyze community structure and diversity of Zooplankton in the Panshewadi dam, during the study period from June 2007 to May 2008. Out of 37 species of Zooptanktons 35 species of Phytoplanktons were observed in the present investigatipn.

2 illus, 16 ref

023705   Patolf S S;Patil M;Mahajan R T (Zoology Dep, S.G. Patil, A.S.C. College, Sakri (Dhule) Sakri, Maharashtra) : Repellent and antifeedant properties of Cestrum nocturnum against red flour beetle : Tribolium castaneum (herbst). Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 19-22.

Cestrum nocturnum Linn. is an ornamental shrub. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant's leaves were evaluated against Tribolium castaneumI (Herbst) using standard techniques in the laboratory providing optimum temperature and humidity conditions. The alcoholic extract at 5% dose concentration acts as 100% repellent while complete feeding deterrent was noticed at 4% dose concentration when beetles are fed on wheat flour. The alcoholic extract was more effective than aqueous extract.

2 tables, 17 ref

023704   Pathani S S;Joshi P (Zoology Dep, Kumaun Univ, S.S.J. Campus, Almora-263 601) : Population dynamics of plankton in the Nanak Sagar reservoir of Uttarakhand, India. J Envir Biosci 2008, 22(1), 77-86.

The plankton of Nanak Sagar reservoir (Uttarakhand State) was studied for two years (2003 and 2004). Some 36 taxa of phytoplankton were collected from the reservoir. They are chlorophyeace (17) and Bacillariophyceae (14) being the main components and cyanophyceae with 5 species in the lentic water. Maximum number of chlorophyeace was encounted during March where as the species richness of diatoms was maximum during October. There were 18 genera/species of various zooplankton (rotifera and crustacean) in water of the Nanak Sagar reservoir, Uttarakhand but their was not a single genera/species of protozoa was identified during two years of study (2003-2004). Chief components of zooplankton are rotifers and crustaceans including cladocerans, cyclops and copepods. The phytoplankton and zooplankton showed monthly, seasonal (bi-modal) and yearly fluctuation in the study.

4 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

023703   Parab P S;George I A (Life Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (East). Mumbai-400 098, Email: ptcmudlsc@yahoo.co.in) : Miniaturization of bixin extraction protocol from Bixa orellana L. seeds. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 6-7.

One of the current extraction procedures for bixin requires 10g of seeds. An extraction procedure for bixin has been developed in which 20mg and 100mg of sample is used for the bixin extraction. The bixin content was estimated spectrophotometrically. Statistically there is no significant difference in the amount of bixin extracted by miniaturized methods and the standard method.

1 table, 8 ref

023702   Ozsoy N;Yanardag R;Can A;Akev N;Okyar A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116, Istanbul, turkey, Email: nakev@istanbul.edu.tr) : Effectiveness of Aloe vera versus glibenclamide on serum lipid parameters, heart and skin lipid peroxidation in type-II diabetic rats. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 2679-89.

Study was undertaken to investigate the beneticial effects of Aloe vera extracts in comparison to glibenclamide on serum lipid parameters. liver glycogen and on heart and skin lipid peroxidation. Type II diabetes was induced by 100 mg/kg, streptozotocin injection to neonatal rats (nO-STZ). The diabetic rats were separated into four groups and each group was given the following samples by gavage, daily for 15 d: I. Diabetic (Control): 6 mL/kg phosphate buffered saline (PBS); II. Diabetic + Aloe gel: 10 mL = 63 mg/kg Aloe vera leaf gel extract; III. Diabetic + Aloe pulp: 500 mg/kg Aloe pulp extract; IV. Diabetic + Glibenclamide: Glibenclamide (l mg/kg). On day 15. blood and liver, skin and heart tissues were taken from each rat. In diabetic group given A. vera extracts, serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index (AI), total lipid, sialic acid, skin and heart tissues lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels decreased, whereas serum HDL-cholesterol, liver glycogen, serum total protein levels increased, in comparison to diabetic controls. In the diabetic group given glibenclamide, AI and heart LPO which were diminished in Aloe given groups were rised, whereas HDL-cholesterol, liver glycogen which were increased in Aloe groups were reduced. These results reveal that diabetes mellitus increased oxidative damage in skin and heart tissue and that Aloe vera has an ameliorating effect better than glibenclamide on the oxidative stress via its antioxidant property. The administration of A. vera extracts may be also able to reduce hyperlipidemia which is one of the complications related to the risk of diabetes.

5 tables, 56 ref

023701   Ozsahin A D;Kiran O (Biology Dep, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Avsar Kampusu, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, Email: azkiran@ksu.edu.tr) : Cellulase production by a Bacillus sp. C6. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 3115-20.

Studies cellulase activities of Bacillus sp. strains isolated from the samples of soil, water and waste taken from nearby paper-mills in Kahramanmaras have been investigated and techniques to increase enzyme activities have been applied. By performing the intensifying of cellulase from Bacillus sp. strains which show the highest activity of cellulase, enzyme amounts have been investigated. In additional, interval of pH and temperature that enzyme has shown optimum activity has been found. It has been determined that cellulase enzyme performs the optimum activity at pH 10 and 40 DC temperature. Furthermore, it has been observed that metal ions and concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose have affected enzyme activity.

5 illus, 27 ref

023700   Nayebzadeh H;Tarrahi M J;Dezfolian O (Parasitology Dep, Lorestan Univ, Khorramabad, Iran, Email: hassanayeb@yahoo.com) : Survey of the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm) infection in nursery schools in Khorramabad, Iran. J expl Zool 2008, 11(1), 175-7.

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the most common helminth parasites from which even rich and educated people suffer. The Infection Is transmitted via oraly. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence rate of infection in nursery schools in Khorramabad. 1220 cases from 30 nursery schools in Khorramabad were tested by Graham method. In addition, a questionnaire including some informations such as children's sex and age as well as parents' educational status was delivered to the parents to be filled. The prevalence rate of infection was 5.7% overall. There was a significant difference in respect of children's age, parents* educational level and family population between infected and non infected groups. 5.7% prevalence as compared with other cities shows that the infection rate of the oxyuriasis is low in nursery schools in Khorrambad. It is suggested that in order to find out the real reason behind low infection in Khorramabad's nursery schools a survey can be conducted in primary schools in this city.

3 tables, 11 ref

023699   Nagashree R;Latha R;Anand C;Karthikeyan V (Physiology Dep, P.S.G. Institute of medical Sciences & Research Peclamedu, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: nagashreephysiology@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of Hibiscus esculentus fruit on arsenic induced oxidative changes in albino rats. J nat Remedies 2009, 9(2), 170-6.

Study was undertaken to assess the anti peroxide effect of Hibiscus esculentus fruit on various tissues, blood cell counts and haemoglobin of arsenite exposed albino rats. H.esculentus fruit extract (200 mg/kg body wt/day) obtained by continuous hot percolation in soxhlet apparatus and was administered orally to albino rats. Its protective effect was detemlined on sodium arsenite induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of various tissues, blood cell counts and haemoglobin of rats. A significant reduction in arsenic induced LPO in brain, heart, lungs and liver was observed after the administration of H.esculentus fruit extract. The blood lactate and SOD levels in tissues decreases when the extract was given with arsenite. There was a significant increase in RBC, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, haemoglobin and percentage of body weight in rats administered with H.esculentus. These results indicate that people exposed to higher levels of arsenite can increase their intake of H.esculentus, as the quercetin 3-O-glucoside which is the major antioxidant of H.esculentus has a possible protective role on LPO status of certain tissues and blood cell counts of arsenic exposed rats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

023698   Morey S S;Ali Y A;Bhalekar U K (Microbiology Dep, R.I.T. College of Science, Akola-444 001) : Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Escherichia coli isolates from UTI of pregnant women. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 205-8.

The Urinary tract infection accounts for the majority of infection that an average women contract at least once during her life time. The risk of UTI is even greater in the pregnant women as it my lead to termination of pregnancy if not treated properly or if the drug given for treatment is harmful for the fetus. The major cause of UTI in patients are the uropathogens and the most important being the Escherichia coli. The antibiotics viz. Fosfomycin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin etc are the important drugs for the treatment of UTI. The present study has been given more emphasis on isolation of E.coli as uropathogens and its susceptibility / resistant pattern against various antibiotics.

3 tables, 4 ref

023697   Mohanty B R;Sahoo P K (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneshwar-751 002) : Sequence analysis and tissue-specific expression of the B₂-microglobulin gene in Aeromonas hydrophila infected Cirrhinus mrigala. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(12), 1426-30.

Partial complementary DNAs of β₂-microglobulin genes were cloned from the livers of five species in four genera of Indian carps (Indian major carp species: Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala', medium carp: Puntius sarana; minor carp: Labeo bata) subsequent to polymerase chain reaction amplification with self-designed primers derived from conserved regions of B₂-microglobulin cDNA sequences. The partial B₂-microglobulin cDNAs of the five species of carps had sizes from ) 75 to 206 bp and encoded open reading frames consisting of 58-68 amino acids. The alignment of carp cDNA sequences showed 90.2 to 98.8% homology and that of the deduced amino acid sequences showed 82.7 to 96.5% homology. The relationship among the four genera of Indian carps is well correlated with that derived from classic morphologic analyses as showed by a phylogenetic tree constructed of amino acid sequences of β₂-microglobulin cDNAs from carps. The tissue-specific expression of the B₂-microglobulin gene was studied in various tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, brain, muscle, testis, heart, intestine, gill and fin) from apparently healthy (control), moribund and survived Cirrhinus mrigala, experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. β₂-microglobulin mRNA was detected in all the tissues analyzed irrespective of the bacterial infection.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

023696   Modak S V;Biradar S D (P.G. Dep of Botany, D.S.M. College, Parbhani-431 401, Email: sunilmodak@rediffmail.com) : Screening for antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plant species of kinwat forest, Dist. Nanded. Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 60-2.

The antimicrobial activity of plant extract was evaluated with some bacteria. The aqueous extracts and organic solvents like methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of five plants each belongs to different families were evaluated for antibacterial activity against medically important bacteria Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherischia coli, Shigella dysentrae. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. The aqueous extracts were less active but methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed some degree of antibacterial against tested bacterial strains. Among the plant species screened methanol extracts of Aegel marmelos, Cassia fistula, Pongamea pinnata, Butea monosperma and Solarium virginianum showed best antibacterial activity.

2 tables, 8 ref

023695   Mishra S (Botany Dep, S.N. Govt. P.G. College, Khandwa-450 001, Email: smishra_knw@rediffmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal studies of korku tribe, with gotra names derived from plant names, from Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh. Ethnobotany 2008, 20(1-2), 122-7.

Reports ethnomedicinal uses of plants practised by Korkus tribals from Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh. These tribals have their Gotras or clan names based on the names of certain plants, showing their close affinity to them. These symbols are called their 'Totems'. The study deals with 31 angiospermic species belonging to 28 genera of 19 families used for treatment of various ailments. These plants are prevalent among the forest ranges of Khandwa district.

2 tables, 6 ref

023694   Mishra G;Shriharsh V (NO, Amity College of Commerce and Finance, AUUP) : Application of transactional analysis for effective techer-pupil relationship. Amity J behavioural Forensic Sci 2008, 4(1), 41-9.

The analyses the significance of transactional analysis in building effective teacher-pupil relationship. Transactional analysis is a theory of human personality and a system for the improvement of human relations. Focuses on the applications of transactional analysis as a systematic approach to understand the level between teacher and students. Eric Berne credited with the development of three ego states i.e. child, adult and parent ego states. Explains how the understanding of the three ego states, life positions and strokes help in building effective teacher-student relationship in today's competitive environment.

2 illus, 1 able, 8 ref

023693   Merghache S;Hamza M;Bendahou M;Tabti B (Chemistry Dep, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Natural Substances an, University of Tlemcen, P.O. Box 119, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria, Email: merghach_s@yahoo.fr) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Ruta chalepensis L. essential oil from Algeria. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 2989-96.

The essential oil from aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis L. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. 20 Compounds were identified representing 93.99-98.58 % of the oil. 2-Undecanone (79.06-82.74 %) was the major constituent, followed by 2-decanone (3.53 - 4.38 %). Variation in essential oil composition, physico-chemical properties and yields was studied according to state of material used (fresh or dry) and years of collection of the plant. The essential oil of aerial parts was tested for its anti-microbial activity using paper disc diffusion method. The oil was ineffective on the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogens. In the contrast the essential oil demonstrated significantly antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria Sp., Trichoderma Sp. and Candida albicans.

3 tables, 30 ref

023692   Mehta P M;Ali Y A;Musaddiq M (Microbiology Dep, Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Akola-440 001) : Effect of mouthwashes and toothpastes against caries inducing Streptococcus mutans. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(2), 196-9.

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli are found to be associated in mouth of majority of humans and cause dental caries. Streptococcus mutans are gram positive cocci, about 0.8 - 1.0 μ in diameter occurªring in pairs, or short or medium chains. They are non-motile, non-sporing facultative anaerobe and secretes extracellular polysaccharide which adheres to tooth surface and forms plaque. The caries inducing bacteria multiplies in plaque, produces acid which is responsible for dental caries. Various mouthwashes and toothpastes are used for removal of plaque. In the study the efficacy of various antiplaque agents including mouthwashes viz Hexidine, Listerine etc and toothpastes viz Colgate, Pepsodent etc. are determined by its action on caries inducing Streptococcus mutans.

^ssc3 tables, 9 ref

023691   Manish Kumar;Singh P K;Vajpeyi A P;Gupta A K; Sharma M K (Zoology Dep, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Anabolic action of alcoholic extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santf on serum protein profile in albino rats. J expl Zool 2008, 11(1), 133-5.

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Liliaceae) is a rare divine graced herb to offer all the effect required for achievement of health for excellence or for attaining the ultimate positive health. The study was designed to investigate effect of C. borivilianum on serum protein profile in albino rate. Administration of ethanolic root extract of C. borivilianum was shown to induce a significantly increase serum total protein (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.0l) and total globulins (p<0.601); while non significantly (p>0,05) increase A/G ratio in rats. So, it was observed that there is significant increase in the serum protein after the ethanolic root extract of C borivilinum on protein metabolism.

1 table, 10 ref

023690   Kwan L;Bedhomme S;Prasad N G;Chippindale A K (Biology Dep, Queen's Univ, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada, Email: chippind@queensu.ca) : Sexual conflict and environmental change: trade-offs within and between the sexes during the evolution of desiccation resistance. J Genet 2008, 87(4), 383-94.

Intralocus sexual conflict occurs when males and females experience sex-specific selection on a shared genome. With several notable exceptions, intralocus sexual conflict has been investigated in constant environments to which the study organisms have had an opportunity to adapt. However, a change in the environment can result in differential or even opposing selection pressures on males and females, creating sexual conflict. We used experimental evolution to explore the interaction between intralocus sexual conflict, sexual dimorphism and environmental variation in Drosophila melanogaster. Six populations were selected for adult desiccation resistance (D), with six matched control populations maintained in parallel (C). After 46 generations, the D populations had increased in survival time under arid conditions by 68% and in body weight by 20% compared to the C populations. The increase in size was the result of both extended development and faster growth rate of D juveniles. Adaptation to the stress came at a cost in terms of preadult viability and female fecundity. Because males are innately less tolerant of desiccation stress, very few D males survived desiccation-selection; while potentially a windfall for survivors, these conditions mean that most males' fitness was determined posthumously. We conjectured that selection for early maturation and mating in males was in conflict with selection for survival and later reproduction in females. Consistent with this prediction, the sexes showed different patterns of age-specific desiccation resistance and resource acquisition, and there was a trend towards increasingly female-biased sexual size dimorphism. However, levels of desiccation resistance were unaffected, with D males and females increasing in parallel. Either there is a strong positive genetic correlation between the sexes that limits independent evolution of desiccation resistance, or fitness pay-offs from the strategy of riding out the stress bout are great enough to sustain concordant selection on the two sexes. We discuss the forces that mould fitness in males under a regimen where trade-offs between survival and reproduction may be considerable.

6 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

023689   Kumar S;Singh S V;Singh A V;Singh P K;Sohal J S (Microbiology Laboratory, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Uttar Pradesh-281 122) : Inter-species transmission of 'Bison type' genotype of MAP between Boselaphus tragocamelus (blue bulls) and small ruminant population in India. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(11), 1186-91.

Presence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) was investigated in free ranging antelopes using direct microscopy, culture, IS900 PCR. IS900 element of MAP from Nilgai and goats were sequenced and compared to study the variations in this element from 2 different species. MAP cultures from Nilgai were typed using standard IS1311 PCR-REA to study the interspecies sharing of MAP between Nilgai and closed farm herds of goats and sheep sharing same campus. Faecal samples were collected from 2 geographical regions (Mathura and Kanpur Dehat districts) separated by 300 km in north India. Of the 42 samples cultured, MAP colonies were recovered from 23.8% Nilgai. Of the 10 positive faecal samples, 2 were in 'Super shedder (> 1000 cfu/g) category and rest were moderate (< 10-100 cfu/g) shedders. None of the Nilgai from Kanpur rural area was positive in culture. The 229 bp fragment targeting specific IS900 sequence was amplified from DNA isolated from all the positive MAP cultures of Nilgai. Using IS 1311 PCR-REA, MAP colonies were genotyped as 'Bison type'. Goatherds and sheep flock located at the institute are endemic for MAP infection and share 303.52 ha of wastelands in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh with Nilgai MAP strains isolated from goats and sheep were also genotyped as Bison type. Nucleotide sequence of IS900 from MAP Bison type strain (S 5) of goat origin and MAP (B 42) from Nilgai showed difference of 2 base pairs at the11th and 12th position (Genbank accession number EU130943).

3 tables, 34 ref

023688   Kulkarni R Y;Dev D V (NO, , Rich Boy's Hostel, Sathe Chowk, Parli Road, Ambajogal, Dist.-Beed-431 517) : "Biomass productivity through co-cultivation of grass Pennisetum typhoideum L. C. Rich. with shrubland species.". Mendel int J 2008, 25(1-4), 15-16.

Studies process based on farming to enhance marketable biomass was the objective to eliminating ecological risk through designing a suitable model to our needs. "A wasteland development for biomass production" could be a pathway in rural set up.

3 tables, 6 ref

023687   Krishnamurthy V;Gunalan G;Haridas S; Thangamani V (Biochemistry Dep, Bharathi Women's College, Chennai-600 108, Email: viji42research@yahoo.co.in) : Biochemical changes in neutrophils of cervical cancer patients treated with <. Curr Sci 2008, 94(9), 1195-7.

Cervical carcinoma is the second most common mali-gnancy of the female genital tract in India. The highest incidence occurs at Chennai. This study was conducted on 30 women with biopsy-proved squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix of stage IIb. The neutrophil count increased significantly in cancer patients compared to control subjects. Total protein, glycogen and total lipid increased in neutrophils of cervical cancer patients. The level of cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty acids increased significantly in neutrophils of such patients compared to control subjects. The activity of alkaline phosphatase increased significantly in cervical cancer patients. Upon treatment with cobalt-60, these changes were brought to near-normal levels. This study highlights the impairment in the neutrophil function in cervical cancer patients, which may lead to reduced immune status.

1 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

023686   Konwar B;Saikia B;Sarma K (Surgery and Radiology Dep, Central Agricultural Univ, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram-796 014) : Intra-peritoneal adhesion in rabbit. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(11), 1254-6.

Intra-peritoneal adhesion and their treatment were evaluated in 4 groups of 8 rabbits each. The group A was treated as control and group B, C and D were treated with placentrex, povidone iodine and human amniotic membrane respectively. The mean total protein, nucleated cell count and neurtophil were significantly increased in peritoneal fluids of group A, whereas macrophage count increased in all the groups. Intra-peritoneal administrations of povidone iodine to serosal cuts at uterus and stomach in rabbits were much more effective in preventing intra-abdominal adjiesion formation after surgical manipulation than the placentrex and human amniotic membrane.

13 ref

023685   Kolet M (Botany Dep, B N Bandodkar College of Science, Chendani, Thane-400 601, Email: mjkolet@hotmail.com) : Utilization of isolates of the cellulolytic genus Chaetomium in the biodegradation of religious refuse (Nirmalaya). Bionano Front 2009, 2(2), 135-6.

Ever since the initial reports on involvement of cellulptytic organisms in the process of decomposition, there have been multifaceted studies utilizing Various organisms from this group as activators for hastening the process of composting.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

023684   Kaya M (School of Physical Education and Sport, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara 06500, Turkey, Email: mkaya@gazi.edu.tr) : Comparison of urine and blood zinc levels of futsal players before and after the match. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 3203-8.

Study is concerned the determination of the changes in urine and blood zinc levels of the players before and after a futsal match. The mean pre and post match concentrations were found as 1.4370±0.3808 and 3.1230±2.1627 μg/dl which marked a statistically significant increase. The results were in good accordance with literature.

1 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

023683   Kavita P;Burma P K (Genetics Dep, Delhi Univ, South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: pburma@hotmail.com) : Comparative analysis of green fluorescent protein and β-glucuronidase protein-encoding genes as a reporter system for studying the temporal expression profiles of promoters. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(3), 337-43.

The assessment of activity of promoters has been greatly facilitated by the use of reporter genes. However, the activity as assessed by reporter gene is a reflection of not only promoter strength, but also that of the stability of the mRNA and the protein encoded by the reporter gene. While a stable reporter gene product is an advantage in analysing activities of weak promoters, it becomes a major limitation for understanding temporal expression patterns of a promoter, as the reporter product persists even after the activity of the promoter ceases. Study is comparative analysis of two reporter genes, β-glucuronidase (gus) and green fluorescent protein (sgfp), for studying the temporal expression pattern of tapetum-specific promoters A9 (Arabidopsis thaliana) and TA29 (Nicotiana tabacum). The activity of A9 and TA29 promoters as assessed by transcript profiles of the reporter genes (gus or sgfp) remained the same irrespective of the reporter gene used. However, while the deduced promoter activity using gus was extended temporally beyond the actual activity of the promoter, sgfp as recorded through its fluorescence correlated better with the transcription profile. Our results thus demonstrate that sgfp is a better reporter gene compared to gus for assessment of temporal activity of promoters. Although several earlier reports have commented on the possible errors in deducing temporal activities of promoters using GUS as a reporter protein, experimentally demonstrate the advantage of using reporter genes such as gfp for analysis of temporal expression patterns.

4 illus, 22 ref

023682   Kathar B;Sharma O P;Jain H K (Aquaculture Dep, College of Fisheries, Udaipur, Email: kathar_bablu@yahoo.co.in) : Efficacy of fermented cereal flours and decomposed kitchen waste in augmenting production of aquatic microbial and zooplankton populations. Indian J Fish 2008, 55(3), 261-5.

Investigation was carried out for a period of 50 days in cement cisterns to evaluate the efficacies of fermented rice (T₁), maize (T₂), wheat flour (T₃) as well as decomposed kitchen waste (T₄) in the production of microbial and zooplankton population. These were added @ 10 mg 1-1. The effect of different treatments on the bacterial and zooplankton population was quite significant. The average total bacterial population in 7 weeks duration was found to be highest (1817 No./ml) in T₁, followed by T₃ (1278 No./ml), T₁ (1234 No./ml), and control 1)62 No./ml). Highest zooplankton population of 5553 No./l was obtained from T₄ followed by T₂ (4910 No./l), T₃ (4357 No./l), T₁ (3220 No./l) and control (2113 No./l). The results indicated highest efficacy of decomposed kitchen waste under the existing environmental conditions. The coefficient of correlation between the average total bacterial population and average total zooplankton population was found significant.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref