022600   Kiran Mayi P (Biochemistry Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510) : Antimicrobial activiy of culture filtrates of Aspergillus niger causing black mold rot of onions and biochemical profile of onion infected with Aspergillus niger. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(2), 41-4.

Black mold rot was commonly encountered post crop disease where a large quantity of the material was damaged. An attempt has been made to isolate and enumerate the mvcoflora invading onions. Infected Onions were collected from the local market for a period of three months. The incidence of molds on unsterilized as well as surface sterilized samples was recorded. Aspergillus niger found to be dominant on onions were screened for antimicrobial activity. The toxins from Aspergillus niger exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

022599   Khan M;Saigal R P;Sethi R S (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology, , Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir-190 001) : Histological, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural of thyrotrophs in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(9), 933-6.

Study was conducted on the hypophysis cerebri from 56 buffaloes including male calves aged 1 week to 4 months and adult females in different phases of the reproductive cycle. Various differential staining methods and immunocytochemical methods were used on paraffin sections to localize and detail the thyrotrophs. Ultra thin sections from adenohypophysis pars distalis of 4 animals were used for the ultrastructural studies. The thyrotrophs were dispersed singly and localised within the follicles/acini, distributed maximum in caudal aspect (21.19%) of the pars distalis and decreased in central (17.37%) and dorsal (17%) regions followed by rostral (16.68%) and lateral (16.51%) regions, being minimum in the ventral (14.65%) regions. Average diameter of thyrotrophs was 8.7±0.28 mm, which increased considerably from 8.1 mm at J week of age to 9.3 mm and 10.7 mm in adults and females in advance pregnancy, respectively. These cells constituted 17.42% of the adenohypophysial cell population. In the cyclic females, they varied from 15.47 to 15.81% in proportions and, were maximum (23.32%) during 3 months of pregnancy. Of the chromophils they comprised 32.68% in 1-week-old male calf and decreased with age to 13.89% in adults. Ultrastructurally, the thyrotrophs appeared variably shaped as irregularly elongated or polygonal with some processes in male calf, and irregularly oval or elongated in adult females. They occurred singly wedged between other granulated cell types and contained relatively fewer, smaller and spherical electron dense secretary granules scattered all over the cytoplasm. The average size of the secretary granules was larger in calf as compared to adult cyclic females but maximum during pregnancy.

11 illus, 25 ref

022598   Khan A A;Zaki F A (Entomology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Ka, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: akhtaralikhan47@rediffmail.com) : Predatory response of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) feeding on the euonymus aphid, Aphis fabae solanella theobald (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Kashmir. J biol Control 2008, 22(1), 149-54.

The functional response and numerical response of third instar larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) feeding on the Euonymus aphid, Aphis fabae solanella Theobald, which is a key pest of Euonymus japonicus L. in Kashmir were investigated. The Type II functional response curve exhibited a curvilinear rise to plateau as the aphid densities increased and the curve predicted by Holling's disk equation did not differ significantly from the observed functional response curve. The attack rate and the handling time predicted by disk equation were 0.54 and 2.17, respectively. The attack rate (a) increased with the increase of prey (aphid) density. The numerical response curve had a linear rise to a plateau at fixed aphid density with varying density of C, carnea.

4 illus, 15 ref

022597   Kamalutheen M;Gopalakrishnan S;Syed Ismail T (Chemistry Dep, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Tirunelveli-627 012, Email: sgkrishrajes@yahoo.co.in) : Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of Merremia tridentata (L.) Hall. f.. E J Chem 2009, 6(4), 943-48.

The various extracts of Merremia tridentata were investigated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities in male albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was carried out using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model and the anti-arthritic activity was carried out using complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis model. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg bw) was used as a standard drug. The ethanol extract of M. tridentata exhibited significant dose dependent activity in acute inflammation and the doses of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw produced 38.3% and 42.8% inhibition respectively after 3 h as compared with that of the standard drug which showed 48.5% inhibition. In arthritis model, the doses of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw of the ethanol extract produced 49.0% and 51.7% inhibition respectively after 19 days when compared with that of the standard drug (55.5%). Both doses of the ethanol extract of M. tridentata exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities.

3 tables, 9 ref

022596   Kalamade V I;Pillai M M;Kalamade I S (Zoology Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Email: vahidkalamade@yahoo.com ) : Effect of Bacopa monniera on acid phosphatase activity of the prostate gland of D-glactose induced aging mice (Mus musculus). J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1449-54.

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a glycoprotein synthesized in the epithelial cells of prostate gland. There are two forms of PAP in well differentiated prostate epithelial cells, one is cellular form (cPAP), remaining intracellular and the other is secretory form (sPAP). These two forms have different isoelectric point values and exhibit differences in biochemical properties. PAP is the marker enzyme used for diagnosis of prostate cancer that most frequently occurs in aging prostate. During aging there is disturbance in the balance between oxidants and antioxidants system, hence there is increase in free radical formation. The unscavenged free radicals or their uncontrolled production exert cytotoxic effect on the cells and are considered to be the mediators of the etiology of pathological condition. Intake of antioxidants through vegetables and fruits lower the risk of old age disorders. Extracts of many plants also contain antioxidants useful to scavenge the free radicals. Bacopa monnier has a very long tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine and is also known to contain antioxidants. The study was under taken to find out the effect of leaf extract of Bacopa monniera on the PAP activity and its Km value in D-galactose induced aging mice prostate. PAP activity was found to be decreased in the prostate of D-galactose induced aging mice than the control, while the activity increased in Bacopa co-treated prostate as compared to aging induced prostate. The PAP activity of prostate in Bacopa recovery group was higher as compared to the natural recovery group. The Km value of PAP was found to be higher in aging induced prostate than in control, while it was reduced in Bacopa co-treated prostate. The value of PAP was less in the prostate of Bacopa recovery group than the natural recovery group. The study indicated that Bacopa monniera maintains the normal level of PAP in prostatic epithelial cells.

7 illus, 2 tables

022595   Joy B;Omanakutty M;Mathew M (Agro Processing & Natural Product Div, Industrial Estate, Trivandrum, Email: bjoy39@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial effects and chemical composition of the essential oil of Hyptis suaveolens poit leaves. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(4) , 384-8.

The composition of essential oil from the leaves of Hyptis suaveolem was studied by GC-MS. The major compounds identified from the oil were 5-caranol (18.5 %), α-humulene (9.6 %), allo-aromadendrene (9.3 %), Ermephilene (7.2 %), cis-sabinol (7.0 %) and camphor (4.7 %). Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was studied against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The oil showed antibacterial activity against both types of organisms especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

3 tables, 26 ref

022594   Joshi Pradnya A;Joshi Manali M (Microbiology Dep, Birla College of Arts, Science and Commernce, Kalyan-421 304, Email: pradnyajoi@rediffmail.com) : Survival and activities of L. Acidophilus and L. sporogenes in fermented dairy products. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1361-5.

Probiotics are live microbial food supplements, which when consumed in adequate amount, confer health benefits to consumer. Probiotic products available in Indian market are mostly pharmaceutical preparations such as, tablets, capsules and powders. Fermented dairy products can be used as a good source for delivering these probiotic bacteria to the consumers. For this purpose fermented dairy products, ice-cream and curd were evaluated in vitro. Both products were made using cultures L. acidophilus and L. sporogenes isolated from pharmaceutical preparations. Culture viability, bile tolerance,β -galactosidase production, cholesterol reduction were the criteria used toα evaluate effect of environment on probiotic cultures. Study showed significant increase in viability and bile tolerance for both cultures. β-galactosidase activity remained unaffected for all products. Both organisms showed in vitro cholesterol reduction potential. L. sporogenes was found to have equal potential as well known probiotic culture, L. acidophilus. Use of these organisms in dairy products is recommended. Probiotic dairy products are also recommended over probiotic pharmaceutical preparations.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

022593   Joshi P K;Saxena S C;Agarwal S;Arora S (Biochemistry Dep, (CBSH), College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant Univ of Ag, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand) : Edible vaccines: a panacea for developing countries. Int J Pl Sci 2008, 3(2), 654-8.

Vaccines have played a major role in combating various life threatening diseases and provide a protective sheath against a host of bacterial and viral infections. However, painful modes of delivery, increasing cost and risk of infection due to contamination have forced the scientists to develop alternative sources of vaccine production and delivery. A viable alternative has emerged in the form of "Edible vaccine", developed through genetic engineering using suitable host plant. Vaccines can be produced in plant parts that can be consumed raw and therefore, are labeled as edible vaccines. With encouraging results in limited human trials the edible vaccine program promises to give a disease free future to our coming generations.

28 ref

022592   Jimmy B;Jose J;Saravu K;Shastry B A (Pharmacy Practice Dep, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal-576 104) : Caspofungin: a novel broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Indian J Hosp Pharm 2008, 45(6), 183-8.

Caspofungin is the first agent in a new class of antifungal agents, the echinocandins, with a novel mechanism of action that damages the fungal cell wall by inhibiting glucan synthesis. United States Food and Drug Administration has approved caspofungin in January 2001 for the treatment of mucosal and invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis and empirical use in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia. As additional clinical data becomes available, it seems likely that the therapeutic role of caspofungin will expand. Caspofungin has an excellent safety profile with very little potential for nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. This review provides a comprehensive description of the drugs' mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, safety, clinical uses, dose and administration.

^iia43 ref

022591   Jain D;Sharma M C;Sarkar C;Gulati S;Kalra V; Singh S;Bhatia R (Pathology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi) : Congenital myophathies: a clinicopathological study of 25 cases. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(4), 474-80.

Congenital myopathies are rare. Authors want to present a clinicopathological analysis of 25 new cases. The clinical data of patients who were diagnosed with congenital myopathy between 2001 and 2006 was retrieved. Muscle biopsies were processed for H&E staining, enzyme histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Biopsies were also processed for ultrastructural analysis. During a period of 6 years, 1.12% of the muscle biopsies were diagnosed as congenital myopathies. The most common congenital myopathy was central core disease followed by nemaline rod myopathy and multi-mini core disease. Clinically, they have variable features. The final diagnosis was made with the help of enzyme histochemistry and ultrastructural features. The study emphasizes the importance of enzyme histochemistry and electron microscopic examination in the diagnosis of congenital myopathies especially in the absence of genetic studies.

6 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

022590   Hemalatha R (NO, , B-119, Pocket II, Kendriya Vihar, Sector 82, Noida, Email: latha.hema2004@gmail.com) : Anti-hepatotoxic and anti-oxidant defense potential of Tridax procumbens. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 164-9.

Tridax procumbens is a widely occurring medicinal herb used by ethnomedical practitioners. With increased use of chemicals and alcohol besides growing incidence of viruses and autoimmune diseases, the incidence of liver injury is growing for which conventional drugs used for treatment are often inadequate. Various models are adopted in pharmological studies for inducing hepatitis/ liver injury similar to those observed in human viral hepatitis, diabetes and oxidative stress. D-galactosamine with lipopolysacchride (LPS), carbontetrachloride (CCl₄) and paracetamol intoxication, diabetes induced with alloxan are widely used on rodents for this purpose. In vitro studies on Tridax procumbens (TP) revealed the anti-oxidant potential of the herb with chloroform fraction of the ethanolic extract showing maximum activity. It is also reported to possess anti-oxidant minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. In vivo studies on rodents on the anti-oxidant potential of TP induced through LPS, CCl₄ alloxan and paracetamol intoxication induced hepatitis confirmed the results from in vitro studies as a potential anti-hepatotoxic herb.

3 tables, 41 ref

022589   Harikrishnan B;Subramanian P;Subash S (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Antihyperammonemic effect of Withania somnifera on ammonium chloride induced wistar rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1417-20.

Study was undertaken to investigate the antihyperammonemic efficacy of Withania somnifera root, which has been used in Indian traditional medicine for many centuries. Studied the effect of oral administration of powdered root of W. somnifera (500 mg/kg; b.wt) on blood ammonia, plasma urea, uric acid, non-protein nitrogen and serum creatinine in control and ammonium chloride (AC) induced hyperammonemic rats. The levels of circulatory ammonia, urea, uric acid, non-protein nitrogen and creatinine decreased significantly in rats treated with W. somnifera and AC. These studies indicate that powdered root of W. somnifera may offer protection against AC induced hyperammonemia. The antihyperammonemic effect of W. somnifera may be due to (i) the presence of alkaloids, withanolids and flavonoids, (ii) normalizing the levels of urea and urea related compounds, (iii) its free radical scavenging property and (iv) its antioxidant property. The exact underlying mechanism is still unclear and further research needed.

1 table, 26 ref

022588   Gupta R D;Kaistha B P;Tripathi B R (Soil Science Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Some ecological factors affecting the population of Clostridium and beijerinckia in soils of Himachal Pradesh. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2407-11.

Forty-two selected soil horizons of 18 soil profiles, representing various bio- and climosequences from Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh were studied in respect of Clostridium and Beijerinckia population. The results indicated invariable presence of Clostridium bacteria in all the soil samples. Based on average values, A-horizons of all soil profiles had higher population of Clostridium than those of B. Population of Clostridium in relation to biosequences indicated their higher number in soils of forest lands. Like Clostridium bacteria, generally A-soil horizons had more number of Beijerinckia than B-horizons. From the counts of A-soil horizons, the relative richness of Beijerinckia in soils in respect of biosequences was : Grasslands > cultivated lands > forest lands. The soil pH and organic carbon contents influence the population of Clostridium and Beijerinckia. Soils of hot and less dry foothills climosequence showed more number of Clostridium, while the soils of warm and wet mountainous climosequence had more number of bacteria of the genus Beijerinckia. The nitrogen fixing capacity of Clostridium and Beijerinckia isolates from different soils varied widely not only in various soils but also differed in the soils of various biosequences and climosequences.

2 tables, 17 ref

022587   Goyal P;Khanna A;Chauhan A;Chauhan G;Kaushik P (Biotechnology Dep, Jaipuria Institute, Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, Email: pankaj.goyals@gmail.com) : In vitro evaluation of crude extracts of Catharanthus roseus for potential antibacterial activity. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 176-81.

Aim is to determine the antibacterial activity of crude extracts from different parts of Catharanthus raseus against several bacterial species of clinical significance. Extraction of each plant part in appropriate solvent followed by evaluation of antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion assay against a total of six bacterial stains. Further, minimum inhibitory concentration(s) was evaluated for active crude extracts. Data indicated that the pattern of inhibition depends largely upon the extraction procedure, the plant part used for extraction, state of plant part (fresh or dry), solvent used for extraction and the microorganism tested. Dry powder extracts of all plant parts demonstrated more antibacterial activity than extracts prepared from fresh parts. Furthermore, extracts prepared from leaves were shown to have better efficacy than stem, root, and flower extracts. Organic extracts provided more potent antibacterial activity as compared to aqueous extracts. Among all the extracts, the ethanolic extract was found to be most active against almost all the bacterial species tested. Hot water and cold water extracts were completely inactive. Gram-positive bacteria were found more sensitive than Gram-negative bacteria. The study promises an interesting future for designing potentially active antibacterial agents from Catharanthus roseus.

3 tables, 17 fref

022586   Faterpekar S K;Jain S K;Shrivastava A (Microbiology Dep, College of Life Sciences, Cancer Hospital and Research Instiute, Gwalior-474 009, Email: sudhirkjain1@rediffmail.com) : Degradation of horse hair by soil inhabiting keratinophilic fungi. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1471-6.

Ability to degrade horse hair by four keratinophilic fungi viz. Chrysosporium keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. siglerae and C. minutisporosum was determined by analyzing protein, sulphydryl group in culture fluid. The highest keratinolytic activity was observed in C. keratinophilum, that released 285 μ g/ml of protein after 3 weeks of incubation followed by 265 μg/ml, 260 μg/ml and 182 μg/ml by C. minutisporosum, C. tropicum, and C. siglerae respectively. The results of the work show that all the test fungi were able to utilize horse hair as sole carbon and nitrogen source and have an important role in bioremediation of keratinic waste.

6 illus, 45 ref

022585   Erkmen O (Food Engineering Dep, Gaziantep Univ, Faculty of Engineering, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey, Email: erkmen@gantep.edu.tr) : Inhibitory effects of selected turkish plant essential oils on the various bacteria. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(3), 303-10.

Six essential oils were evaluated for their antibacterial properties, against six bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus). Essential oils were introduced into tryptone soy broth (TSB) at a concentration from 0.001 to 1.5 % to determine the minimum tolerate concentration (MTC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for each pathogen. The most active essential oils against bacteria were Thymbra spicata, T. vulgaris, L nobilis and O. vulgare and the least effective was O. basilicum and C. cassia. These most effective essential oils showed MIC d" 0.075 % (v/v) and the others d" 0.75 % (v/v) for bacteria where MBC were d" 0.25 % and 1.0 (v/v) respectively. The lowest MTC value was obtained for L. monocytogenes with d" 0.0075 % (v/v) with tested essential oils and the highest MTC with d" 0.05 % (v/v) for E. coli. Gram-negative bacteria sowed more resistance to essential oils than Gram-positive bacteria.

3 tables, 28 ref

022584   Dhaduk J J;Patel B G;Patel I N;Rema S (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, ASPEE College of Home Science, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, Email: jj_dhaduk@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of nutritional quality of various tempeh preparations with Rhizopus oligosporus in rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1387-92.

Tempehs were prepared from soybean, bengal gram, cowpea and field beans with pure spore culture of Rhizopus oligosporus MTCC 556. Prepared soybean tempeh (ST), bengal gram tempeh (BT), cowpea tempeh (CT), field bean tempeh (FT) and basal diets were evaluated through diet intake, body weight gain, protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed efficiency ratio (FER), fecal loss, blood haemoglobin, liver and serum proteins as well as enzymes profile and organ weights to see any correlation between different proteins in these cultivars and their nutritive value as a source of protein for weanling albino rats (Charles foster strain). Significant differences were observed in the diet intakes, body weight gain, PER, FER, fecal loss, blood haemoglobin, liver protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme, serum protein, albumin, globulin and organ weight, while, A:G ratio, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzymes did not differ significantly when unfermented wheat:bengal gram (WB) (80:20) and various tempeh powders were fed. The enzymes ALP, ALT, AST and LDH did not differ significantly within the tempeh groups. BT and ST had better protein quality than that of other tempeh, and the values of most traits for FT group were lowest. BT and ST appeared palatable, digestible, nutritive, safe and quite efficient for growth in rat bioassay.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

022583   Dewanjee S;Bose S K;Sahu R;Mandal S C (Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Research Laboratory, Pharmacognosy Div, Pharmaceutical Technology Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Email: s.dewanjee@rediffmail.com) : Antidiabetic effect of matured fruits of Diospyros peregrina in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(2), 95-9.

The methanol extract of matured fruits of Diospyros peregrina was evaluated for its antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It was also intended to establish correlation with reduction of oxidative state associated with diabetes. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). Methanol extract was administered orally at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days in diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose level, serum lipid profiles, liver glycogen level, pancreatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as well initial and final changes in body weight were evaluated. Experimental findings showed significant antidiabetic potential of extract in terms of reduction of fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Observed data was found statistically significant in reduction of serum lipid and pancreatic TBARS levels whilst significant improvement was observed in liver glycogen level and body weight profiles in extract-treated diabetic rats. The effect of the extract particularly at 300 mg/kg was comparable to that of standard drug glibenclamide (1 mg/kg body weight).

4 illus, 29 ref

022582   Davies O A;Tawari C C;Abowei J F N (Fisheries & Aquatic Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State Univ of Science & Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Email: daviesonome@yahoo.com) : Zooplankton of Elechi creek, Noger delta, Nigeria. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2341-6.

A survey of zooplankton populations from five sampling stations on Elechi Creek was conducted for three months (October-December 2007). Monthly samples of zooplankton and surface water for physico-chemical parameters were collected at high tides according to standard methods. The plankton parameters studied were species composition, species diversity, abundance and occurrence. A total of 32 species from three taxa of zooplankton were identified. Copepods dominated the zooplankton (92.52%). The abundance of zooplankton did not vary significantly in the stations (2>1>3>4>5). There were slight fluctuations in the measured physico-chemical parameters. The results indicated the characteristic species and distribution of zooplankton in Elechi Creek during the dry months. Also, it provided information on the influence of some physico-chemical parameters on the zooplankton abundance. The presence of dominant copepods and high level of phosphate indicated an environment under stress and organic pollution.

4 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

022581   Dave G S;Kalia K (Biochemistry Lab, Lab No. 302 A, BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120) : Hyperglycemia, reactive oxygen species and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(2), 1367-77.

Reactive oxygen species plays a significant role as regulatory mediators in various signaling processes in normal physiology. Imbalance in redox status of the cells leads to generation of oxidative stress and is responsible for disturbance in normal cellular processes. Uncontrolled elevated circulatory sugar level in diabetes mellitus (Type-1 and Type-2) is strongly associated with increased oxidative stress and diabetes related secondary complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and myocardial infarction. Oxidative insult in diabetes reflects the uneven regulated web of antioxidative system and several other mechanisms of generation of free radicals. Various well defined molecular mechanisms have been implicated in hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, which seems to reflect a single glucose-mediated process of overproduction of free radicals by electron transport chain. The focus of the review is to summarize the mechanisms of generation of free radicals and their effect on development of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy as well as the direction to further investigations in the field of physiology and pharmacology.

7 illus, 124 ref

022580   Chandrashekhar C H;Latha K P;Vagdevi H M; Vaidya V P (Chemistry Dep, Sahyadri Science College (Autonomous), Shimoga, Email: lathahampole@gmail.com) : Anthelmintic activity of the crude extracts of Ficus racemosa. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(2), 100-3.

The crude extracts of Ficus mcemosa (Moraceae) were evaluated for anthelmintic activity using adult earthworms; the bark extract of Fiats racemosa exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous motility (paralysis) and evoked responses to pin-prick. With higher doses (50 mg/mL of aqueous extract), the effects were comparable with that of 3% piperazine citrate. However, there was no final recovery in the case of worms treated with aqueous extract in contrast to piperazine citrate with which the paralysis was reversible and the worms recovered completely within 5 h. The result shows that the aqueous extract possesses wormicidal activity and thus, may be useful as an anthelmintic.

4 illus, 19 ref

022579   Chandrasekhar S V A (Freshwater Biological Station, Zoological Survey of India, Hyderguda, Hyderabad-500 048) : Recreational value of wyra lake waters, Andhra Pradesh. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2347-9.

During the course of a random survey on Wyra lake, Khammam district in Andhra Pradesh, a study was undertaken in late January, 2008 to assess the water quality of the lake for health risks. The present paper reports the results of the survey and analysis of physico-chemical and bacteriological data of Wyra lake basin pertaining to the recreational purpose.

2 tables, 7 ref

022578   Chakraborty N;Sarkar G M;Lahiri S C (Retd. Professor, Chemistry Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sujitclahiri@yahoo.com) : Effect of viral infected plant materials and filterable agents on biomethanation. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(11), 1140-2.

Bioinethanation of common plant materials, both healthy and viral infected, was studied under anoxic conditions using inocula from different sources as well with filterable agents from viral infected plants. Biomethanation had always been found to be less with viral infected plants but the effect was not much. But with filterable agents, differential alterations or interferences in biomethanation were observed. The level of interaction may be organismic alloinhibition.

2 tables, 23 ref

022577   Chakraborthy G S (Pharmacology Dep, SVKM's NMIMS Univ, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Shirpur Campus, Maharashtra-425 405, Email: phdgs77@indiatimes.com) : Analgesic activity of various extracts of Punica granatum (Linn) flowers. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 149-50.

The extracts of flowers of Punica granatum (Linn). (N.O, Family Punicaceae) were investigated for analgesic activity in mice using hot plate method. The flowers of Punica granatum (Linn) were collected from the local market of Mumbai, Maharashtra and were in a dried condition. The dried powdered flowers (500 gm) were extracted in a soxhlet apparatus by using different solvents. Mice weighing 15-25 gm were taken for the experiment. The reaction time of animals in all the groups was noted at 30, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. All data were analyzed with Student-t test. The various extract of the flowers of Punica granatum (Linn) showed significant analgesic activity at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. A maximum analgesic activity was found at 60 min, after drug administration, which was equivalent to the standard drug used as morphine sulphate.

1 table, 7 ref

022576   Bhattacharyya N K;Mallick M G;Roy H;Das M K; Gautam D (NO, , Flat 4A, Shanti Apartments, 7/3, Motijheel Avenue, Kolkata 74, Email: drnbhattacharya@yahoo.co.in) : Clinicopathologic study of pelvic lesions managed by surgeons in a medical college in Kolkata in the last 2 years. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(4), 500-3.

Pelvic cavity is a basin-like space in the lowermost part of the abdomen where various neoplastic and non neoplastic lesions can occur involving its contents. When the nature of lesions are not clearly gynecological, patients are managed by surgeons. The study aims to asses the clinicopathologic analysis of neoplastic lesions of the pelvic cavity managed by surgeons particularly over a period of 2 years. Out of 162 total lesions, 102 cases were non neoplastic, such as appendicular lump, Tubo-ovarian (TO) mass, hematoma and 60 cases were neoplastic. Among the 60 cases of neoplastic lesions, 40 cases were benign comprised of twisted ovarian cyst, broad-ligament fibroid, and neurofibroma and 20 cases were malignant comprised of colorectal carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, liposarcoma, Primitive nurectodermal tumor (PNET), seminoma, and lymphnode metastasis. The lesions in such closed, difficult to approach areas throws clinicians into a diagnostic dilemma during both the preoperative and intraoperative period. Even pathologists cannot ascertain some diagnosis without the help of immunohistochemistry. So, to adopt early and concise management protocol, there should be more such studies in different institutions that are currently lacking in world literature.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

022575   Aswar M;Aswar U;Watkar B;Vyas M;Wagh A;Gujar K N (Pharmacology Dep, Sinhgad Institute of Pharmacy, Opp. SKN Hospital, Narhe Road, Narhe, Pune-411 041, Email: m_aswar@rediffmail.com) : Anthelmintic activity of Ficus benghalensis. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(3), 170-2.

The World Health Organization estimates that a staggering two billion people harbor parasitic worm infections. Parasitic worms also infect livestock and crops, affecting food production with a resultant economic impact. Despite this prevalence of parasitic infections, the research on anthelmintic drug is poor. As per WHO, only few drugs are frequently used in the treatment of helminthes in human beings. Anthelrnintics from the natural sources may play a key role in the treatment of these parasite infections. In view of this, an attempt has been made to study the anthelmintic activity of roots of Ficus benghalensis. Methanolic, aqueous, chloroform, petroleum ether extracts were used and studied for paralysis and death of earthworm. All the extracts were found not only to paralyze (Vermifuge) but also to kill the earthworms (Vermicidal), The aqueous and methanolic extract was found to be more effective to execute the earthworm.

1 illus, 19 ref

022574   Asha Devi N K;Balakrishnan K;Gopal R G; Padmavathy S (Zoology and Microbiology Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009, Email: rajasha81@yahoo.com) : Bacillus clausii MB9 from the east coast regions of India: isolation, biochemical characterization and antimicrobial potentials. Curr Sci 2008, 95(5), 627-36.

Ninety-one bacterial colonies were isolated from water samples of five coastal regions of southern India (Tamil Nadu). All these isolates were culture-purified and screened for antimicrobial activity against a battery of human pathogens. Among these, 33% of the isolates (n - 30) exhibited strong bactericidal and fun-gicidal properties against pathogens. One promising strain, designated as MB9, with strong antimicrobial activity against most of the pathogens tested was selected for further studies. Morphological, cultural, physiological, biochemical properties and molecular characterization, 16S rRNA sequencing and BLAST analysis (IMTECH, Chandigarh) indicated this strain as Bacillus clausil (100% similarity with GenBank sequences). The secondary metabolite (culture supernatant) produced by B. clausii MB9 at different salinities, temperatures and pH values was found to be stable at elevated temperature conditions. Moreover, the culture supernatant from this novel isolate remains active and retains its antimicrobial activities even after the supernatant was subjected to autoclav-ing temperatures (121°C). There was no significant loss of antifungal activity after treatment with various detergents. The results obtained in the present investigation indicate that B. clausii MB9 produced a novel, highly thermostable secondary metabolite showing a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Studies relating to the use this isolate as probiotics and also for the production of biocontrol agents (insect and mosquito larvicides), industrial enzymes (for leather dehairing and as a component of detergent) and molecular characterization of the active principle in the supernatant are in progress.

11 illus, 4 tables

022573   Ahmed A;Saha B;Patwardhan A;Shivprasad S; Nandi D (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Insittute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: nandi@biochem.iisc.ernet.in) : Major players in adaptive immunity: Humoral immunity. Resonance 2009, 14(5), 455-71.

Focus on some important features and key players involved in the adaptive immune response. The first part deals with the humoral immune response mediated mainly by immuno-globulins produced by the B cells. The second part deals with T cells, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-encoded molecules, and Recombination Activating Geqej4 (RAG) responsible for generating diverse B-cell receptors (BCR) and T-cell receptors (TCR). With the advent of newer and smarter infectious agents, it is important to understand the working of the immune network as more research in this area may facilitate the development of better protective strategies.

4 illus, 6 ref

022572   Ahmad Z;Barakzai M A;Idrees R;Bhurgri Y (Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi-74800, Sindh, Pakistan) : Correlation of intra-operative frozen section consultation with the final diagnosis at a referral center in Karachi, Pakistan. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(4), 469-73.

Correlation of intra-operative frozen section diagnosis with final diagnosis on permanent sections is an integral part of quality assurance in surgical pathology laboratories. However, there is scant data on this topic from Pakistan. Similarly, no local study has looked at frozen section turnaround times. Analyzes indications, discrepancies and deferrals for all frozen sections performed or received at our institution over a 1-year period and to determine the turnaround time for frozen section diagnoses. A retrospective study, was undertaken, of all frozen sections reported at our institution between 1st January 2006 and 31 st December 2006. The records of these cases were reviewed. The number and types of discrepancies, including sampling and interpretation errors were determined. The deferred cases and causes for deferral were also determined. The turnaround times of all cases were recorded. Agreement rates were calculated as percent agreement, sensitivity/specificity and positive and negative predictive values. A total of 356 specimens were received. Out of these, 14 cases (3.93%) were deferred to permanent sections. Of the remaining 342 cases, the discordant diagnostic frequency was 2.92% while the concordant diagnostic frequency was 97.08%. The most common pathological processes encountered were presence/typing of neoplasm (51.12%) and assessment of surgical margins (27.53%). The average turn-around time for frozen section diagnosis was 23 minutes; 60% of the cases were reported in 20 minutes or less. The accuracy of frozen section diagnosis at AKUH pathology department can be interpreted as comparable with most international quality control statistics for frozen sections. The overall error and deferral rates are within the range of previously published errors in pathology. Deferrals and errors in some sub-specialties were higher than in others. The results suggest specific measures should be taken to reduce the number of discrepancies. The overall goal is to reduce errors, reduce the number of deferrals and improve frozen section diagnosis turnaround times.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

022571   Agarwal V;Vinod P B;Krishnani N;Sharma R K (Pathology Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rarebareli Road, Lucknow-226 014, Email: vinita@sgpgi.ac.in) : Case of collapsing glomerulopathy associated with febrile illness. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(4), 509-11.

Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is a distinct clinicopathological entity characterized by high levels of nephrotic range proteinuria, rapidly progressive renal failure, marked parenchymal injury, and poor response to present therapeutic regimens. Growing awareness has led to the identification of associated conditions other than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and idiopathic. Reports a case of CG from India in a HIV-negative young female, presenting with heavy proteinuria and rapidly progressing renal failure preceded by a febrile illness.

^ccr2 illus, 6 ref

022570   Afzal M;Siddique Y H;Ara G;Nehal M (Zoology Dep, Aliarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh, Email: afzal1235@rediffmail.com) : Origins of human language how much non linear is it. Indian Biol 2007, 39(2), 19-22.

Language is a human system of communication thai is unique in the animal kingdom. Other forms of communication such as sign language, gestures and postures or physical movements are animaL. characteristics, however evolved these might be. What is the origin of human language? How has it been exclusive to the genus Homo sapiens? Such questions are yet not answered in its entirety. The origin of linguistic skill in human species has followed a unique evolutionary pathway, through accumulation of mutations and selection run over by its ecological and demographic transition from a primitive social organization to an advanced one with cultural transmission of learned behavior in the group. This model of learning is more Lamarckian following "Baldwin effect" (organic selection), which is, so to say, non-linear in contrast witn merely DNA base change in the genetic code: An account is provided herewith variety types of inheritance systems and the sequence of events leading to the origin of human language system.

1 illus, 15 ref

022569   Afzal M;Siddique Y H;Ara G (Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh, Email: afzal1235@rediffmail.com) : Gene duplication to multigene families: lessons from simulation studies. Indian Biol 2007, 39(2), 13-17.

Evolution has been the central anchoring principle of biological organization, come what may as new empirical data are becoming available with advanced molecular tools, the ordering of information and modelling, on evolutionary theories are being attempted. An ever increasing duty of theoretical scientists is to work out the details of evolutionary theory to the burgeoning data and link these with biological phenomena being studied. The problems of theoretical biology especially the evolutionary phenomena, pertain to species evolution, macro and mesoevolution, molecular evolution, ontogeny and development and Natural selection with all its diversification: kinship selection, altruism, density dependent selection, concerted evolution, molecular drive and genomic evolution in its entirety. Deals with origin of multi gene families in animal kingdom with reference to the work of Ohno, Ohta and also some bearing on punctuated equilibria of S.J. Gould.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

021586   Waheed A;Hassan M I;Van Etten R L;Ahmad F (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dep, St Louis University of School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA, Email: faizan_ahmad@yahoo.com ) : Human seminal proteinase and prostate-specific antigen are the same protein. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 195-207.

Human seminal proteinase and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were each isolated from human seminal fluid and compared. Both are glycoproteins of 32-34 kDa with protease activities. Based on some physicochemical, enzymatic and immunological properties, it is concluded that these proteins are in fact identical. The protein exhibits properties similar to kallikrein-like serine protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin and thiol acid protease. Tests of the activity of the enzyme against some potential natural and synthetic substrates showed that bovine serum albumin was more readily hydrolysed than casein. The results of the study should be useful in purifying and assaying this protein. Based on published studies and the present results, the broad proteolytic specificity of human seminal proteinase suggests a role for this protein in several physiological functions.

10 illus, 2 tables, 80 ref

021585   Vijaybhaskar V;Subbiah V;Jagreet Kaur; Vijaykumar P;Siddiqi I (NO, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: imran@ccmb.res.in) : Identification of a root-specific glycosyltransferase from Arabidopsis and characterization of its promoter. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 185-93.

Set of Ds-element enhancer trap lines of Arabidopsis thaliana was generated and screened for expression patterns leading to the identification of a line that showed root-specific expression of the bacterial uidA reporter gene encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS). The insertion of the Ds element was found to be immediately downstream to a glycosyltransferase gene At1g73160. Analysis of At1g73160 expression showed that it is highly root-specific. Isolation and characterization of the upstream region of the At1g73160 gene led to the definition of a 218 bp fragment that is sufficient to confer root-specific expression. Sequence analysis revealed that several regulatory elements were implicated in expression in root tissue. The promoter identified and characterized in the study has the potential to be applied in crop biotechnology for directing the root-specific expression of transgenes.

6 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

021584   Sujanya S;Poornasri Devi B;Sai I (Biosciences Dep, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, Anantapur-515 134, Email: b.psridevi@yahoo.com) : In vitro production of azadirachtin from cell suspension cultures of Azadirachta indica. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(1), 113-20.

Study aimed to elucidate the effect of nutritional alteration on biomass content and azadirachtin production in cell suspensions of the elite neem variety crida-8. Variations in total nitrogen availability in the medium in terms of different ratios of nitrate:ammonium showed that the ratio 4:1 revealed a profound effect, leading to a 1.5-fold increase in the total extracellular azadirachtin production (5.59 mg/l) over the standard MS medium. Reduction in sucrose (15 mg/l) in the medium exhibited a reduction in biomass and absence of azadirachtin, whereas total phosphate reduction raised intracellular azadirachtin production (6.98 mg/l). An altered medium with a nitrate:ammonium ratio of 4:1 coupled with complete elimination of phosphate enhanced biomass by 36% (59.36 g/l).

7 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

021583   Srinivasan T;Sridhar S;Ramakrishna M (Chemical Engineering Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: teeyesvee@yahoo.co.uk) : Treatment of synthetic glucose media by an integrated process of anaerobic digestion and reverse osmosis. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(3), 199-206.

A bio-kinetic study was conducted on a laboratory scale to evaluate the performance of an indigenously fabricated fixed film anaerobic reactor operated in upward flow mode for the treatment of synthetic glucose medium. The feasibility of using a combination of anaerobic treatment and reverse osmosis (RO) for generation of recyclable water from the effluent formed the basis of the study. The reactor was operated under different organic loading rates (OLR) and hydraulic residence times (HRT) at a constant feed pH of 7.0. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total alkalinity, pH and total volatile acids (TVA) were monitored in the samples drawn from different sampling ports provided in the reactor. Pilot-scale experiments using a spiral-wound thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide commercial membrane were carried out to investigate the potential of RO for processing the composite effluent emanating from the anaerobic process. Separation performance was evaluated at varying feed pressure (11-41 bar) and found to improve with increasing pressure. High rejection of dissolved solids (~ 98%), COD, BOD and almost complete removal of color were achieved with reasonable flux and water recovery.

15 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

021582   Srinivas M;Rajakumari S;Narayana Y;Joshi B; Katoch V M;Rajasekharan R;Balaji K N (Microbiology and Cell Biology Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: balaji@mcbl.iisc.ernet.in) : Functional characterization of the phospholipase C activity of Rv3487c and its localization on the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 221-30.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives and persists for prolonged periods within its host in an asymptomatic, latent state and can reactivate years later if the host's immune system weakens. The dormant bacilli synthesize and accumulate triacylglycerol, reputed to be an energy source during latency. Among the phospholipases, phospholipase C plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Mutations in a known phospholipase C, plcC, of M. tuberculosis attenuate its growth during the late phase of infection in mice. Hydrolysis of phospholipids by phospholipase C generates diacylglycerol, a well-known signalling molecule that participates in the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) through protein kinase C leading to macrophage activation. In the study, shows that M. tuberculosis possesses an additional cell wall-associated protein, Rv3487c, with phospholipase C activity. The recombinant Rv3487c hydrolyses the substrate phosphatidylcholine and generates diacylglycerol by removing the phosphocholine. Furthermore, Rv3487c is expressed during infection as it exhibits significant humoral immunoreactivity with sera from children with tuberculosis, but not with that from adult patients.

5 illus, 27 ref

021581   Sharma N;Chitre V (NO, , Flat-1, Valley View Building, Cabesa, Santacruz, Goa, Email: neelu12345@rediffmail.com) : In-vitro comparative study of wettability of four commercially available saliva substitutes and distilled water on heat-polymerized acrylic resin. J Indian Prosthodontic Soc 2008, 8(1), 30-5.

Purpose of the study was to compare wettability of distilled water and four saliva substitutes on DPI heat cure acrylic resin. : A total of 200 heat-cured acrylic samples were prepared of dimensions 2.5 x 1.5 x 2 mm. They were divided into five groups (40 samples in each group), and advancing and receding contact angles were measured using contact angle goniometer. The obtained values for advancing and receding contact angle and the resultant value of angle of hysteresis were subjected to statistical analysis. ANOVA was performed, which showed statistically significant values. The wettability of saliva substitute aqwet was found to be better as compared to other saliva substitutes and distilled water on heat-cured acrylic resin used in the study.

2 tables, 40 ref

021580   Sharma G;Rajesh Kumar;Pathania P C;Ramamurthy V V (National Pusa Collection, Entomology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012) : Biodiversity of lepidopterous insects associated with vegetables in India-a study. Indian J Ent 2008, 70(4), 369-84.

One hundred and fifty four localities covering fourteen states/union territories were explored through intensive and extensive surveys during 2003-07. Thirty one states/union territories were covered on the basis of collected/reference specimens of lepidopterous insects associated with vegetables in India studied in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. About 738 specimens belonging to 18 families under 11 superfamilies of order Lepidoptera had been collected from the field and 22 crops of vegetables were covered. A checklist prepared on lepidopterous insects associated with vegetables in India reveals that it comprises 152 species under 25 families and 14 superfamilies 110 species belonging to 21 families and 11 superfamilies were recorded in the present study. The observations reveal that the major superfamilies are Noctuoidea (62 species; 40.67%) and Pyraloidea (30 species; 19.33%); major families include Noctuidae (37 species; 24.34%) and Crambidae (25 species; 16.45%). The investigations on the nature of damage reveal that 40.79% are leaf feeders, 8.55% are pod borers, 7.89% each are fruit borers, defoliators and leaf rollers, 5.26% each are bud borers and leaf webbers, and 4.61% each are cut worms, leaf miners and stem borers. The salient details of their hosts, pest status or otherwise and their updated names and classification are provided.

7 tables, 58 ref

021579   Shahapur P R;Bair I;Shivananda P G (Microbiology Dep, BLDEA's Sri.B.M. Patil Medical College, Bijapur-586 103, Email: drprshahapur@yahoo.co.in) : CD4 and CD8 reference counts in normal healthy South-Indian adults. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(3), 280-81.

1 illus, 6 ref

021578   Sengupta S;Ganesh S (Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016, Email: sonalis@iitk.ac.in) : Non-coding RNAs in polyglutamine disorders: friend or foe?. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 303-6.

^iia 1 illus, 36 ref

021577   Sengupta M;Ray A;Chaki M;Maulik M;Ray K (Molecular and Human Genetics Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kunalray@gmail.com) : SNPs in genes with copy number variation: a question of specificity. J Genet 2008, 87(1), 95-7.

^ssc2 illus, 3 ref

021576   Saravana Bhavan P;Yuvaraj C;Leena M;Sangeetha M (Zoology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: bhavanps@yahoo.co.in) : Concentrations of total protein, lipid and carbohydrate in juveniles and sub adults of the prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii collected from the Cauvery river. Indian J Fish 2008, 55(4), 323-5.

Juveniles and sub adults of Macrobrachium malcolmsonii were collected from lower Anicut of the Cauvery River, Tamilnadu, India. Sample tissues such as hepatopancreas, gills and muscle were taken for analyzing total protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents. The content of these biochemical constituents showed an increasing trend from juveniles to different sub adult sizes. Among the three tissues tested, the concentration of total protein was found to be higher in the muscle, followed by hepatopancreas and gills. The concentration of total lipid was found to be higher in the hepatopancreas, followed by gills and muscle. The concentration of total carbohydrate was found to be higher in the muscle, followed by gills and least in the hepatopancreas. The overall percentage difference in concentration of total protein between juveniles and sub adults was found to be higher in the hepatopancreas, less in the muscle and least in the gills. In cases of total carbohydrate and total lipid, the overall percentage differences were found to be higher in the muscle, followed by gills and least in the hepatopancreas. The results clearly indicated that the content of these biochemical constituents proportionately increased with growth of the prawns. As far as muscle is concerned, in terms of nutrients, the proportion of total protein was found to be higher followed by total carbohydrate and total lipid.

1 table, 16 ref

021575   Sambasivan R;Pavlath G K;Dhawan J (Developmental Biology Dep, Pasteur Institute, 75724 Cedex 15 Paris, France, Email: jdhawan@ccmb.res.in) : Gene-trap strategy identifies quiescence-induced genes in synchronized myoblasts. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(1), 27-44.

Cellular quiescence is characterized not only by reduced mitotic and metabolic activity but also by altered gene expression. Growing evidence suggests that quiescence is not merely a basal state but is regulated by active mechanisms. The molecular programme that governs reversible cell cycle exit, focused on quiescence-related gene expression in a culture model of myogenic cell arrest and activation. Reports the identification of quiescenceinduced genes using a gene-trap strategy. Using a retroviral vector, generated a library of gene traps in C2C12 myoblasts that were screened for arrest-induced insertions by live cell sorting (FACS-gal). Several independent genetrap lines revealed arrest-dependent induction of βgal activity, confirming the efficacy of the FACS screen. The locus of integration was identified in 15 lines. In three lines, insertion occurred in genes previously implicated in the control of quiescence, i.e. EMSY - a BRCA2-interacting protein, p8/com1- a p300HAT-binding protein and MLL5 - a SET domain protein. The results demonstrate that expression of chromatin modulatory genes is induced in G0, providing support to the notion that this reversibly arrested state is actively regulated.

6 illus, 4 tables, 51 ref

021574   Renuka Devi P;Kokilavani R;Poongotha S G (Biochemistry Dep, Kovai Kalaimagal College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore) : Anti microbial activity of the various leaf extracts of Vitex negundo Linn.. Ancient Sci Life 2008, 28(2), 15-18.

The antibacterial activity of the leaves of Vitex negundo was festal against three bacteria Viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Peumoniae. The fresh, aqueous, heated aqueous extract, chloroform and methanolic extract of leaves were used for screening their antibacterial potential. The fresh and aqueous extracts of leaves in various dilutions were found to have antibacterial activity against the three bacteria.

15 ref

021573   Ramnath V;Rekha P S (Veterinary Physiology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Mannuthy, Thrissur-680 651) : Immunomodulatory property of brahma rasayana (BR) on heat stress induced disturbances of humoral immune defense in chicken. Amala Res Bull 2008, 28 Dec, 157-66.

The objective of the study was to find out variations in antibody mediated humoral immune response to hot humid environmental stress in cockerels and to test the efficacy of Brahma Rasayana (BR) supplementation as an antistress as well as adaptogenic agent.Local strain of egg type domestic chicken (Callus domesticus) was utilized for the present investigation. BR was fed orally @ 2g/kg body weight daily for 10 days prior to and during the experiment. Heat stress (HST) was provided by exposing the birds to a temperature of 40± 1°C and relative humidity 80 ± 5 per cent for 10 days.We evaluated the antibody litres developed against sheep RBC in all birds and found that BR treated HST/non heat stressed (NHST) birds exhibited an appreciably high anti SRBC litre as well as IgG and IgM litres when compared lo unlrealed HST/NHST conlrols. BR supplementation also brought aboul higher percentage of plaque and rosetle forming spleenocytes in HST/NHST birds when compared to unlrealed counterparts. Thus BR supplemenlalion during heal slress in chickens brings aboul enhanced humoral immune response and earlier adaplalion lo slressful hoi humid conditions.

5 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

021572   Rajesh S;Sinha S (NO, Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: sinha@ccmb.res.in) : Measuring collective behaviour of multicellular ensembles: role of space-time scales. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 289-301.

Living systems are spectacular examples of spatiotemporally organized structures. During the development of complex organization there is dynamic equilibrium between the local and global processes acting at the intra- and intercellular levels in multiple space and time scales. Although in modelling studies such spatiotemporal systems can be described by different space-time scales and at many organizational levels, the experimental quantities measured and predictions useful for practical applications are at a macroscopic (coarser or averaged) level/scale; these are limited by the resolution of the measuring method and experimental protocol. Addresses whether the spatiotemporal collective dynamics exhibited by a multiscale system can discriminate between, or be borne out by, the coarse-grained and averaged measurements done at different spatial and temporal scales. Using a simple model of a ring of cells, authors shows that measurements of both spatial and spatiotemporal average behaviour in this multicellular ensemble can mask the variety of collective dynamics observed at other space-time scales, and exhibit completely different behaviours. Such outcomes of measurements can lead to incomplete and incorrect understanding of physiological functions and pathogenesis in multicell ensembles.

9 illus, 36 ref

021571   Prabha S;Verghese S (Microbiology Dep, International Centre for Cardio, Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Frontier Lifeline Pvt Ltd, Dr. K.M. Cherian Heart Foundation, R-30-C, Ambattur Industria, Email: suji_prabha@sify.com) : Existence of proviral porcine endogenous retrovirus in fresh and decellularised porcine tissues. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(3), 228-32.

Swine are expected to be utilized as xenograft donors for both whole organ and cellular transplantation. A major concern in using porcine organs for transplantation is the potential of transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV). Tissue-engineered or decellularised heart valves have already been implanted in humans and have been marketed by certain companies after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The aim of this study was to examine the existence of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) in fresh and decellularised porcine tissues. Porcine tissues (both fresh and decellularised) were analysed using validated assays specific for PERV: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PERV specific GAG sequences were found in the porcine heart tissue samples using PCR for DNA and RT- PCR for RNA. All tissue samples (both fresh and treated tissues) like aortic valve, pulmonary valve and heart muscle showed the presence of PERV DNA. RT PCR for PERV was positive in all fresh tissues and was found to be negative in decellularised treated tissues. PCR is a rapid, specific test for the detection of PERV virus in xenografts. These findings have demonstrated that the presence of proviral DNA form of PERV in porcine tissues needs to be carefully considered when the infectious disease potential of xenotransplantation is being assessed.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

021570   Pinaud R;Terleph T A (Brain and Cognitive Sciences Dep, University of Rochester, NY 14627, USA, Email: pinaud@bcs.rochester.edu) : Songbird forebrain area potentially involved in auditory discrimination and memory formation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(1), 145-55.

Songbirds rely on auditory processing of natural communication signals for a number of social behaviors, including mate selection, individual recognition and the rare behavior of vocal learning - the ability to learn vocalizations through imitation of an adult model, rather than by instinct. Like mammals, songbirds possess a set of interconnected ascending and descending auditory brain pathways that process acoustic information and that are presumably involved in the perceptual processing of vocal communication signals. Most auditory areas studied to date are located in the caudomedial forebrain of the songbird and include the thalamo-recipient field L (subfields L1, L2 and L3), the caudomedial and caudolateral mesopallium (CMM and CLM, respectively) and the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). Focuses on NCM, an auditory area previously proposed to be analogous to parts of the primary auditory cortex in mammals. Stimulation of songbirds with auditory stimuli drives vigorous electrophysiological responses and the expression of several activity-regulated genes in NCM. Interestingly, NCM neurons are tuned to species-specific songs and undergo some forms of experience-dependent plasticity in-vivo. These activity-dependent changes may underlie long-term modifications in the functional performance of NCM and constitute a potential neural substrate for auditory discrimination. Evidence that suggests that NCM may be a site of auditory memory formation and/or storage.

^iia6 illus, 112 ref

021569   Peloi L S;Soares R R S;Biondo C E G;Souza V R;Hioka N;Kimura E (Chemistry Dep, State University of Maringa, Parana, Brazil, Email: ekimura@uem.br) : Photodynamic effect of light-emitting diode light on cell growth inhibition induced by methylene blue. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(2), 231-7.

Study was to propose the use of red light-emitting diode (LED) as an alternative light source for methylene blue (MB) photosensitizing effect in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Its effectiveness was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 26923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 26922), Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) and Artemia salina. The maximum absorption of the LED lamps was at a wavelength of 663 nm, at intensities of 2, 4, 6 and 12 J.cm² for 10, 20, 30 and 60 min of exposure, respectively. Assays with and without LED exposure were carried out in plates containing MB at concentrations of 7 to 140.8 μM for microorganisms and 13.35 to 668.5 μM for microorganisms or microcrustaceans. The LED exposure induced more than 93.05%, 93.7% and 93.33% of growth inhibition for concentrations of 42.2 μM for S. aureus (D-alue=12.05 min) and 35.2 μM for E. coli (D-value=11.51 min) and C. albicans (D-value=12.18 min), spectively after 20 min of exposure. LED exposure for 1 h increased the cytotoxic effect of MB against A. salina from 27% to 75%. Red LED is a promising light device for PDT that can effectively inhibit bacteria, yeast and microcrustacean growth.

6 illus, 27 ref