017521   Changamma C (Zoology Dep, S.V. University PG Centre, Kavali-524 201, Email: challa_changamma@yahoo.co.in) : Biochemical studies on the antispermatogenic effect of Carica papaya Linn. seed extraction. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2008, 27(2), 115-21.

The testicular metabolic activities were studied by the administration of carica papaya seed extraction. Male albino rats were treated with carica Papaya seed extraction at the dose of 5mg/kg body weight/ day for 7 days. The glycogen metabolism of the testis was evaluated. The decreased glucose and glycogen content was noted through accelerated glycogenolysis. This might reveal its possible mobilization towards either hexose monophosphate or diphosphate pathway. The concentration of the enzymes aldolase and phophorylase were elevated slightly. The elevated FDP-aldolase suggest the stepped-up operation of hexose diphosphate pathway. The higher content of pyruvic acid showed higher rate of glycolysis. The decreased content of lactic acid in spite of elevated glycolysis suggests the possible stepped up mobilization of lactic acid into citric acid cycle.

1 table, 24 ref

017520   Bhalke R D;Mandole Y P;Mali N B (Pharmacognosy Dep, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kopergaon-423 603) : Effect of various extracts of Argemone mexicana (Papaveraceae) stem on cloninine and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2009, 10(1), 121-6.

Study reports the anti-cataleptic activity of stems of Argemone mexicana Linn. as the drug is traditionally used as antiasthamatic. For induction of catalapsy, clonidine and haloperidol were used. Amongst all the extracts at 50 mg/kg, i.p. and standard drug pheniramine maleate at 10 mg/kg, i.p. only aqueous extract (50 mg/kg, i.p.) of stem significantly inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy and haloperidol induced-catalepsy. It may be concluded that antihistaminic activity may be due to polar constituents of Argemone mexicana

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

017519   Behare P V;Rameshwar Singh;Kumar M;Prajapati J B;Singh R P (Dairy Microbiology Div, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: pradip_behare@yahoo.com) : Exopolysaccharides of lactic acid bacteria. J Fd Sci Technol 2009, 46(1), 1-11.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains secrete extracellular polysaccharide either associated with bacterial cell wall or liberated into the medium. The term exopolysaccharide (EPS) is used to describe either type of extaracellular polysaccharide. EPS plays an important role in the improvement of physical properties of fermented milks, acting as a stabilizer, viscosifier, emulsifier or gelling agent thereby providing the product with natural thickness. Besides, EPS of LAB are thought to have beneficial effects on human health such as cholesterol-lowering ability, anticanceral, immunomodulating and antitumoral activities and prebiotic effect. Consumer's demand for natural, healthy and low-calorie food has increased interest in the dairy industries for development and manufacture of low-fat/fat-free fermented milk products. But fat removal has several undesirable effects on technological properties of fermented milks leading to inferior flavour, texture and rheological properties that consequently hamper consumer acceptability. EPS producing LAB cultures are interesting which offer a natural and usually simplest way for making low-fat/fat-free fermented milks with more acceptable flavour and sensory attributes. Discusses the work reported on EPS producing LAB, factors affecting EPS production by LAB, types of EPS and their properties. Literature survey on application of EPS producing LAB in dairy product manufacture has also been presented.

^iia4 tables, 44 ref

017518   Bandyopadhyay B;Varshney J P;Ghosh M K;Sarkar M (NRC-YAK, ICAR, Dirang-790 101) : Endocrinological and pathological profiles of mice fed lithogenic diet. Indian vet J 2008, 85(7), 710-11.

Cholesterol - cholic acid diet induced hepatomegally and choleithiasis in the mice. Histopathological section revealed massive hepato cytomegaly, hyperchromatic nuclei and mononuclear cells in liver and hyper plastic and desquamated epithelium of the gallbladder. Lithogenic diet induced significant elevation of serum cortisol and testosterone and decrease of insulin in all the mice.

2 illus, 8 ref

017517   Baiu S H;El-Ajaily M M;El-Barasi N M (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Garyounis Univ, Benghazi, Libya, Email: melagaily@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of schiff base chelates of divalent metal ions. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 5-10.

Some new chelates of Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) ions with Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and thiourea have been synthesized and investigated by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, infrared and electronic spectra. The elemental analysis data exhibited the formation of 1:1 [M:L] ratio. The obtained molar conductance values revealed that all the chelates are non-electrolytic in nature. The infrared spectral data showed the chelateation behaviour, which is through to the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the ligand. The electronic absorption spectral data displayed the existence of π-π*, n-π* (HC=N) transitions and the expected geometrical structures. By testing the effects of these Schiff base ligands on five species of bacteria (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis) in vitro, it has been found that Mn(II) chelate was very effective, Co(II) chelate had moderate effect and no effect of Cu(II) chelate was found on these bacteria. The effects of Mn(II) and Co(II) chelates increased with higher concentrations.

4 tables, 17 ref

017516   Ayvaz A;Karaborklu S;Sagdic O (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Erciyes Univ, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey, Email: ayvaza@erciyes.edu.tr) : Fumigant toxicity of five essential oils against the eggs of Ephestia kuehniella zeller and Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 596-604.

The ovicidal activity of five essential oil vapours distilled from savory Satureja thymbra L., laurel Laurus nobilis L., myrtle Myrtus communis L., lemon Citrus limon L. and marjoram Origanum majorana L. were tested against of two stored-product moths namely the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella and the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella. Of all the samples tested, the essential oil obtained from savory produced 100 % mortality for the eggs of both E. kuehniella and P. interpunctella. The highest mortalities caused by essential oils of myrtle, laurel, marjoram and lemon were 57.50, 45.83, 42.50 and 27.50 % for E. kuehniella eggs and were 41.66, 50.83, 57.50 and 26.66 % for P. interpunctella eggs, respectively. At the moderate dose (50 μL/L air) the LT₉₉ values of the most effective essential oil savory were 158.50 and 81.88 h for the eggs of E. kuehniella and P. interpunctella, respectively.

2 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

017515   Ao C;Araki N;Tawata S (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0213, Email: aoweikun@yahoo.com) : Cyclooxygenase inhibitory compounds with antioxidant activities from Sophora subprostrata. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 745-54.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Sophora subprostrata has been used as an antipyretic, antidote and analgesic. For the purpose of searching for bioactive compounds exerting antiinflammatory activity, two-quinolizidine alkaloids were isolated by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity-directed chromatographic fractionation from the aerial portion of S. subprostrata. These alkaloids were identified as matrine and oxymatrine, respectively. Matrine showed significant COX-1 inhibitory activity IC₅₀: 31.3 μM) and moderate COX-2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀:188.5 μM), whereas oxymatrine showed less COX-1 (IC₅₀: 197.8 μM) and COX-2 (IC₅₀: 385.1 μM) inhibitory activity. Both matrine and oxymatrine exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner by PMS-NADH system test (EC₅₀192.5 and 275.8 μM, respectively). This is the first report on cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant activities from matrine and oxymatrine in vitro and provides certain scientific supports for the medicinal use of these two compounds from S. subprostrata for inflammatory disorders.

5 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

017514   Ansari A H (Applied Mathematics Dep, , Gondar, Ethiopia, Email: ansaridranwar.rediffmail.com) : Facilitated oxygen diffusion in muscle fibre. Curr Sci 2008, 95(6), 751-9.

Highlights the problem arising from the diffusion of oxygen in living tissues, which continuously consumes oxygen. Oxygen not only diffuses into the muscle fibre, but also binds with the myoglobin to produce oxymyoglobin. In the absence of external oxygen supply, oxymyoglobin releases oxygen to meet its deficiency. However, the oxygen concentration at the centre of the muscle soon becomes zero, giving rise to oxygen debt, a highly undesirable condition. The condition which determines the movement of the boundary separating the oxygen and non-oxygen media, depends upon the rate of absorption of oxygen by the medium. The problem is solved using the explicit finite-difference scheme. The oxygen concentration has been obtained at any point in the medium as a function of rate of oxygen consumption and the facilitated diffusion parameter at any time. The results obtained have been compared with the modelling data available in the literature, and are found to be in close agreement.

13 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

017513   Anil Kumar V;Venkateshwarlu P;Janaiah C (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Exposure of sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam alters serum enzymes in fresh water fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2008, 27(2), 131-7.

Sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam (organochloride), on the serum enzymes of fish, Channa punctatus were altered during the toxic exposure periods at different time intervals. The activities of different serum enzymes such as aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), iso-citrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), pyruvate kinase, SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatases, acid phosphatases and creatine kinase (CK) were altered under the impact of thiamethoxam. The high activities of transaminases indicated that thiamethoxam could induce malignance and hepatobiliary disease. Enhancement in creatine kinase leads to impairment of central nervous system (CNS) under toxic stress. The enhanced activities of phospatases might be due to lysosomal mobilization. The increased serum dehydrogenases revealed the damage of kidney and liver of exposed fish.

2 tables, 33 ref

017512   Ahirrao R A;Borse L B;Pawar S P;Rane B R; Desai S G;Alagawadi K R (P.S.G.V.P.M's College of Pharmacy, , Shahada, Dist- Nandurbar, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Corchorus trilocularis Linn. seed oil. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2009, 10(1), 117-20.

Anti-flammatory activity of petroleum ether extract of Corchorus trilocularis Linn. seed oil was determined in carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The result indicates that petroleum ether extract of seed oil of Corchorus trilocularis Linn. inhibited rat paw edema significantly (p<0.0l) as compared to standard drug Aspirin (p<0.0l) and untreated control group.

1 table, 12 ref

016395   Yasouri F N;Ghaemi N;Tanzadeh J (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Guilan Univ, Namjo Street, Rasht, Iran,, Email: yasouri@guilan.ac.ir) : Isolation and identification of the thermophilic amylase-producing bacteria from soil of North of Iran. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4593-4601.

Soil samples were screened from amylase- producing bacteria on starch agar medium (Nutrient Agar containing 1% soluble starch). Amylase-producing bacteria was identified by clear zones of starch hydrolysis around colonies by flooded with lugol solution. Starch containing areas are coloured dark blue, while areas around the colonies hydrolysis starch were clear, showing the effect of extracellular amylase that had broken the bonds in the starch. 31 Thermostable amylase producing bacteria were isolated from different soil samples (Compost, Hot spring and Manures) collected from various parts of North of Iran. These bacteria were examined for various morphological and biochemical characteristics according of Bergey's manual of determination bacteriology. The best starch degrader were Bacillus species.

3 tables, 49 ref

016394   Vohra J;Singh S V;Singh A V;Singh P K;Sohal J S (NO, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mokhdoom, Uttar Pradesh-281 122) : Detection and characterization of Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis from vaginal secretions of post-parturient farm goats, using culture, IS 900 and ELISA kit. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(5), 441-5.

Vaginal secretions and sera from 29 post-parturient farm goats were secreened by culture, IS900 PCR and indigenous ELISA kit to know the presence of MAP in reproductive tract after parturition. Decontaminated pellets from vaginal secretions and MAP cultures were processed for DNA isolation and screened by IS900 PCR. Positive DNA samples on amplification yielded specific 229 bp band from pellets of vaginal secretions. Of 10 DNAs obtained from 29 pellets, 4 were amplified. Soluble protoplasmic (PPA) antigen from MAP 'Bison type' strain cultured from terminal case of JD in goat was used in ELISA kit. Vaginal secretions (VS) 37.9% each were positive in culture and ELISA from 29 goats of farm herds. Of the 3 tests, culture was the most sensitive. There was poor correlation (37.5%) between culture of VS and strong positives in ELISA kit. However, correlation was good between positives, low positives and suspected goats in S/P ratio with culture of VS. This study was maiden attempt and reports high presence and recovery of MAP in vaginal secretions of post parturient farm goats in India by culture and ELISA kit. Positive IS900 PCR in DNA pellets confirmed presence of MAP. Vaginal secretion was potential source of contamination to new born kids and animals handlers and was a good clinical material to screeen post parturient female goats. It also indicated potential contamination of fetus during pregnancy in JD infected goats.

2 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

016393   VijayRaghavan K;Rodrigues V (NO, National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bellary Road, Bangalore-560 065, Email: Veronica@ncbs.res.in) : Never riding the tide, Seymour Benzer - the founder of neurogenetics. Resonance 2008, 13(10), 909-15.

Seymour Benzer pioneered the use of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for the study of nervous system function and development. His research spanned a range of topics from identification of mutations resulting in temperature-induced paralysis to neurodegenerative diseases andcircadian rhythm. Benzer's indomitable style as a scientist is well worth emulating; his work was driven by his curiosity rather than public pressure or fashion trends.

2 illus, 8 ref

016392   Vijayarani K;Premalatha B;Jagannathan S; Mahalinga Nainar A (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai) : Selective isolation and characterization of Fibrobacter succinogenes from rumen. Indian vet J 2008, 85(10), 97-8.

^ssc8 ref

016391   Vanderkar G;Jain D;Jain S (Shri Ravishankar College of Pharmacy, Bypass Road, Bhanpur, Bhopal-462 010, Email: jainsurendra@rediffmail.com) : Statistical concepts utilized to derive a QSAR and their application to pharmaceutical research. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4151-60.

The combinatorial possibilities of hypothetical strategy for even simple systems can be explosive. For example, the number of compounds required to be synthesized in order to place 10 substituents on the four open positions of an asymmetrically disubstituted benzene ring system is ca. 10000. The alternative to this approach of compound optimization is to develop a theory that quantitatively relates variatioins in biological activity to changes in molecular descriptors that can easily be obtained for each compound. The present article explains the statistical concepts used to derive a QSAR and reviews the application of these techniques to pharmaceutical research.

4 tables, 29 ref

016390   Umamaheswara Rao V (Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagrjunanagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of bavistin foliar spray on VAM colonization and growth parameters in six groundnut cultivars. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 5-9.

The impact of application of plant protection chemical bavistin as foliar spray on AM colonization and plant growth parameters like root length, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, nodule number and nodule weight of six groundnut cultivars viz., 87779 ICGV, CS 52, FDRS 4, 414332, Gangapuri and J 11 was studied. For the study, the cultivars were raised in field plots. The phosphorus and nitrogen contents of plant material was also estimated. The bavistin spray significantly decreased the per cent infection and number of spores in roots of six cultivars at 50 days, 70days and 90days samplings. Except the shoot dry weight at 70days and 90days samplings, all the other parameters studied including 'P' and 'N' contents were negatively affected by the bavistin foliar spray.

9 tables, 13 ref

016389   Turan Akkoyun H;Dostbil N (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Van, Turkey, Email: ndostbil@yyu.edu.tr) : Antibacterial activity of some species of Umbelliferae. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4862-6.

The antimicrobial activities of some species of Umbelliferae (Anethurn graveolens L., Petroselinum crispum, Coriandrum sativum L.) have been studied. For this purpose herb extracts which were prepared in diethyl-ether were tested to bacteria strains, P. aeruginosa ATCC 25853, E. coli ATCC 11239, K. pneumoniae FML 5, M. luteus ATCC 9345, E. faecalis ATCC 29212, B. megaterium DSM 32 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 with disk diffusion method as in vitro. It is determined that herbs which were investigated show different levels of inhibitory activity to test strains, dill affects all of the bacteria, parsley and coriander have minimum antimicrobial activity.

1 table, 28 ref

016388   Tripathi A K;Rajora V S;Gupta D K;Shukla S K (Veterinary Teaching Hospital, SKUAST, Jammu-181 102) : Immunomodulatory activity of Ocimum sanctum and its influence on cyclophosphamide induced immunosupression. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(1), 33-6.

Investigation communicates the immunoimodulatory effects of Ocimum sanctum on cyclophasphamide-induced immunosupression in rats. The findings revealed that Ocimum sanctum produced significant increase in total leukocyte count, per cent lymphocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, total proteins, globulins and total immunoglobulin concentrations. However, neutrophils, monocytes, serum albumin and albumin: globulin ratio decreased in treated groups as compared to normal and immunosuppressed rats. Lymphocyte stimulation test revealed significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation in rats administered with extract of the plant.

1 table, 20 ref

016387   Thilagavathi G;Kannaian T (Textile Technology Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: g_thilaga@hotmail.com) : Application of prickle chaff (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) leaves as herbal antimicrobial finish for cotton fabric used in healthcare textiles. Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(4), 330-4.

Prickly chaff (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) leaves are reported to have antimicrobial properties. An innovative approach was made to utilize this eco-friendly and renewable source for production of microbial resistant fabric. The chemical nature of the leaf extract was determined using HPLC and extraction of active substance from the leaves was done using methanol. The method of application of this herbal extract on cotton fabric using citric acid as cross-linking agent and the process variables have been standardized using Box and Behnken three level three variable experimental design. The antimicrobial activity of the finished fabric based on optimized process parameters was assessed against bacteria that normally exist in the textile environment like Gram positive, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Gram negative, Escherichia coli (ATCC 11230) by both quantitative method (AATCC 100) and qualitative methods like Parallel Streak (AATCC 147) and Agar Diffusion method (SN 195 920). The finished cotton fabrics showed the bacterial reduction percentage of 92 and 50 against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively.

6 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

016386   Tharavathy N C;Krishnamurthy M (Bioscience Dep, Mangalore Univ, Mangalagangothri-574 199) : Impact of malathion on oxidation pond performance. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 745-50.

Studies were carried out on the toxic effects of malathion on sewage quality, algae, and protozoan density.The pond performance was evaluated in terms of reduction of BOD level and phosphate. On day 20, BOD level was reduced to 82%, 67%, 40%, 34% and 10% of the original value respectively in control, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% malthion treated ponds. Similarly catalase amylase, protease and phosphatase activities were reduced drastically with the increase in pesticide levels.The densities of algae and protozoa were maximum in the untreated control than malathion treated ponds.Among the 15 algae recorded, Oscillatoria brevis was found to be most resistant and Pinnulaha viridis was found to be most sensitive to malathion toxicity. In case of 8 protozoa species studied, Oikomonas termo was relatively resistant but Lionotus sp. was most sensitive to malathion toxicity.

2 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

016385   Temur A;Atli A;Karadag H;Donmez H H;Askerov F (Faculty of Education, Yuruncii Yil Univ, 65080 Van Turkey) : Biochemical and histochemical study on the hypothalamus at some periods of starvation and refeeding after starvation. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4135-42.

This study was carried out to determine biochemical and histochemi-cal alterations in the lateral (feeding centre) and ventro-medial (satiety centre) nuclei of hypothalamus in rats starved and refed after some periods of starvation. 180 Wistar albino rats were used in the investigation. The rats were starved for a periods of 1, 3, 5 and 7 d. The rats starved 5 d were refed for a periods of 5, 10, 15 and 30 d. The activity of the neutral peptide hydrolase was biochemically determined in the hypothalamus. In addition, histochemical investigation was made in the feeding and satiety centres. It was observed that the activity of the neutral peptide hydrolase became closer to the levels of the control group at 30th d of refeeding after 5 d starvation. It was concluded that the feeding centre was more sensitive to starvation than the satiety centre and the satiety centre was restored earlier than the feeding centre.

2 tables, 26 ref

016384   Sureshkumar S;Kanagasabail R;Sivakumar T; Chandrasekar M J N;Thiruvenkatasubramaniam R;Thenmozhi S (J K K Nataraja College of Pharmacy, Post Box No. 151, Komarapalayam, Email: sureshjkk@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobiological studies on different essential oils of wedelia species (W. chinensis, W. trilobata and W. biflora) and Eclipta alba (Asteraceae). Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4674-8.

The essential oil of Wedelia chinensis, Wedelia biflora, Wedelia trilobata and Eclipta alba (1 μg/mL) were evaluated for its anti microbiological study against (gram positive and gram negative) bacteria and also with fungi by paper disc diffusion technique. The oil of Wedelia trilobata found to be effective against gram positive and active against all the tested fungi. The other essential oils of Wedelia chinensis, Wedelia biflora and Eclipta alba were exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activity when it was compared to that of standard ciproflacin (10 μg/disc).

2 tables, 19 ref

016383   Sur U K (Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, PO Box 23-166, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Email: uksur99@yahoo.co.in) : Nature's strongest glue: a potential alternative to commercial super glue. Curr Sci 2008, 94(12), 1563-4.

2 illus, 8 ref

016382   Sunil Babu K;Ammani K (Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar, Andhra Pradesh) : Antimicrobial activity of Morus alba L.. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 124-6.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

016381   Somasekhara Reddy N;Shanmugam K R;Munikrishna Reddy K;Mallikarjuna K;Sathyavelu Reddy K (Molecular Biology and Exercise Physiology, Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Modulation of brain antioxidant enzymes in response to treadmill exercise training with reference to aging. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 73-8.

Aging is an universal, intrinsic, progressive, irreversible and deleterious phenomenon. As age advances, several enzymes show an increase, while some decrease and some do not show any change in their activities. These specific alterations in the enzymes must have inflicted a great impact on the process of aging. This process is thought to be related to increase in free radicals generation and oxidative stress. In the present study an attempt was made to investigate the impact of exercise training on aging by selecting two age groups (3 months as "young" and 18 months as "old"). Standard protocols were followed for the assay of selective antioxidant enzymes with rat as an animal model. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased with the advancement of age. The decline in antioxidant enzymes with age could be due to the disturbances of intracellular prooxidant-antioxiadnt homeostasis, which leads to cell death. However, the activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx and levels of GSH were augmented with exercise training in both age groups of rats. The elevation of SOD observed might be aimed at the removal of superoxide anion radicals generated due to aging process. Where as, the increase in GPx activity indicate its active participation in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides generated via dismutation of super oxide anion by SOD. It was concluded that 2 months treadmill exercise is beneficial in order to avoid detrimental effects of free radical generation during the process of aging.

1 table, 40 ref

016380   Singh K K;Das M M (Plant Animal Relationship Div, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003) : Effect of fibrolytic enzyme treatment of oat hay on rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization in goats. Indian vet J 2008, 85(10), 52-4.

The exogenous fibrolytic enzyme treated (@ 4 g/kg) oat hay along with concentrate mixture was evaluated for its effect on rumen fermentation pattern and nutrient utilization in adult male (Bundelkhandi) goats. The TVFA concentration was significantly higher in enzyme treated than control goats. The rumen ammonia N and total N concentration were similar in both groups. The CMCase and xylanase activity in goats received enzyme treated diet was higher as compared to untreated diet. The dry matter intake was similar in both groups, however, the digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP and fiber fractions were significantly higher in enzyme treated group. The N balance was similar in both groups. It was concluded that enzyme treatment improved the digestibility of nutrients in goats.

1 table, 11 ref

016379   Shrivastava S;D'Souza S F;Desai P D (Microbiology Dep, Bhavan's College, Andheri(W), Mumbai-400 058, Email: sandhya_s10@rediffmail.com) : Production of indole-3-acetic acid by immobilized actinomycete (Kitasatospora sp.) for soil applications. Curr Sci 2008, 94(12), 1595-1604.

Soil isolate Kitasatospora sp., an indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producing strain was encapsulated in calcium alginate bead for soil applications. It was studied for growth pattern culturally, as well as by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The surface of the bead was found to be teaming with mycelial microcolonies showing hyphae formation initially and sporulation by the seventh day of entrapment. The immobilized cells produced higher concentration of IAA over a prolonged period compared to free cells. Similar results were also found when the free and entrapped cells were inoculated in sterile and simulated soil. Kitasatospora sp. demonstrated fairly good tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, viz. pH, temperature, salinity and heavy metals, particularly under encapsulation, rendering it suitable for application under variable soil conditions.

10 illus, 45 ref

016378   Shilpkar P;Bhandari S C;Shah M (NO, Biogas Research and Extension Centre, Gujarat Vidyapith, Sadra, Gandhinagar, Gujarat) : Microbiological chelation of iron. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(4), 725-30.

Lab-cum-pot experiment was conducted to evaluate chelated iron solutions (supernatant) prepared by aerobic fermentation (64 days) of fresh cow dung-water mixtures (1:5 ratio w/v) supplemented either with Soccharomyces cerevisiae and/or ferrous sulphate (5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 gL^-1). Result show that the pH of chelating solutions decreased initially up to 55 days and increased thereafter. Increasing concentration of FeSO₄ resulted in significantly increased content of phosphorus, manganese and zinc in supernatant whereas their content decreased significantly in sediment but iron concentration increased significantly in both supernatant and sediment. Iron chelated supernatant solution (20g FeSO₄ L^-1) had significantly higher concentration of Mn and Zn compared of those of supplemented with less of FeSO₄ and was at par to higher ones.These chelated supernatant solutions were sprayed on soybean (Glydne) "max) variety PK-472. At harvest of crop result show that yield and N, P, Fe and Mn uptake were significantly superior under plants sprayed with chelated solution (20g FeSO₄ L^-1). Available nutrients status of soil at harvest (N, P, Fe and Mn) was significantly higher under plants sprayed with chelated iron solution (20g FeSO₄ L^-1).

5 tables, 14 ref

016377   Sharma A K;Kailash Babu;Naveen Kumar;Maiti S K;Goswami T K;Sharma A K (Surgery Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh-243 122) : Bovine pericardium and ultrasound therapy for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects in rabbits. Indian vet J 2008, 85(10), 22-6.

On the basis of results it can be concluded that bovine pericardium crosslinked with 0.5% glutaraldehyde could not make the graft cent percent immunologically inert, however, graft rejection was not seen. Ultrasound therapy stimulated the wound healing process by reducing the inflammatory process and increasing the cellular proliferation at the site of repair.

1 table, 13 ref

016376   Shah T A;Ali A (Gene Expression Laboratory, Biosciences Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) : Plasmid-borne mercury resistance in aquatic Escherichia coli. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 103-6.

Bacteria (E. coli) isolated from different aquatic bodies of India were analyzed for their tolerance to mercury (HgCl₂). Out of the 30 isolates of E. coli, collected from water samples of four geographically distinct regions and hospital settings in India, 8 strains showed significantly high levels of tolerance to the inorganic form of mercury i.e. mercury chloride (HgCl₂). All the eight strains revealed the presence of a plasmid of approximately 24 kb, and transformation of the isolated plasmids into the mercury-sensitive competent cells of E. coli DH5α rendered the transformants resistant to the same concentration of mercury as wild type-strains.

3 tables, 20 ref

016375   Sanyal A K (NO, , Zoological Survey of India, 'M' Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Glimpse on status of biodiversity in India. Indian Sci Cruiser 2008, 22(3), 35-9.

The sustainable livelihood of humankind depends on mutual interaction between living and nonliving components in the ecosystem. The living partner includes plants, animals and microorganisms. Their variety and variability together is referred as biodiversity. The megadiversity country India is very rich in biodiversity comprising 7.8% of the world's known live forms. The country has as many as 91,000 species of animals and 47,000 species of plants. Unfortunately, the biodiversity, the world's most fundamental capital stock, is under threat due to natural as well as anthropogenic. pressured. Highlights in brief the present status of Indian biodiversity.

2 tables, 6 ref

016374   Sanobari F;Banisaeid S (Chemistry Dep, Urmia Univ, Urmia-57154, Iran, Email: sepid_bani@yahoo.com) : Determination of atmospheric particulate matter and heavy metals in air of Tabriz city Iran. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4143-50.

A network of seven sampling stations for the monitoring of elemental concentration of SPM in the air of Tabriz was established. Sampling was carried out from October 2002 and continued until September 2003. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrom-etry (AAS) methods were employed to obtain the monthly concentrations of V, Ca, Al, Fe, Mn, Sc and Zn in Tabriz air. The mean annual concentration (in μg/m³) of 8 elements were found to be : Ca 12.065 (± 17.33%), Al 2.207 (±49.94%), V 0.007 (±21.47%), Fe 1.829 (±57.21%), Sc 0.0007 (±25.84%), Mn 0.038 (± 36.07%) and Zn 0.102 (± 25.17%), Pb concentration has already been studied. The results of the study show that vehicle (traffic) pollution in Tabriz air is higher than WHO and EPA standards and natural and industrial pollution are exceeding international guidelines in some seasons.

3, illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

016373   Rajkumar R;Srivastava S K;Varshney V P; Mahmood S (Animal Reproduction Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Effect of medicinal plants Saraca asoca and Trigonella foenum - graecum in anoestrus cows. Indian vet J 2008, 85(12), 39-41.

The experiment was undertaken to study the effect of Saraca asoca and Trigonella foenum-graecum on reproductive performance, serum progesterone and macro minerals profile in 24 anoestrus cows divided into 4 groups. The percentage of animals induced in oestrus and overall pregnancy rate using fenugreek seed were higher (83.33 and 80.00%) as compared to S. asoca at both 50 and 100 gm dose level (66.66 and 50.00%). The time taken for onset of oestrus was shorter in 100 g. S. asoca group as compared to 50 g. S. asoca group and fenugreek group. The mean serum progesterone concentration tended to rise in all treatment groups towards day 20 indicating initiation of cyclicity and formation of corpus luteum in some of the treated cows. The mean serum phosphorus level was significantly higher in fenugreek seed treated group as compared to pre treatment level.

1 table, 7 ref

016372   Rai S;Aggarwal K K;Babu C R (School of Biotechnology, GGS Indraprastha Univ, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110 006, Email: kkagg36@yahoo.com) : Isolation of a serine kunitz trypsin inhibitor from leaves of Terminalia arjuna. Curr Sci 2008, 94(11), 1509-12.

A serine Kunitz protease inhibitor was isolated from the semi-mature leaves of Terminalia arjuna, a host plant for Antheraea mylitta, using ammonium sulphate fractionation, gel permeation chromatography and trypsin-sepharose affinity chromatography. A 29-fold purification of T. arjuna Trypsin Inhibitor (TaTI) with a yield recovery of 3.2% was achieved. The purified protease inhibitor (TaTI) was resolved into a single protein band corresponding to molecular weight of 19.0 kDa on 12% SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions, whereas an additional band of 21.5 kDa was observed when the same fraction was resolved on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. TaTI inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin, but showed higher affinity for trypsin compared to chymotrypsin. However, it is more effective on bovine trypsin than midgut trypsin of tasar silkworm. TaTI retains its activity over a wide range of temperatures (0-100°C) and pH (2.0-8.0), with pH optimum of 8.0. These observations indicate that TaTI is not only specific to tasar silkworm but also to bovine serine proteases. Hence it can be considered as a generalist protease inhibitor.

4 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

016371   Prabhakaran K;Ramesh A;Usa Rani M V;Majumder P P (Genetics Div, Environmental Sciences Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: pkp601@rediff.com) : Did human DRD2 haplotypes originate in India? a survey of haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium in the tribes of Eastern ghats, South India. Curr Sci 2008, 94(12), 1589-94.

The three marker systems in study are highly polymorphic in all the four tribal populations and the haplotype system showed high levels of heterozygosity than the Nilgiri Hill tribes and those in other parts of the world, except Africa. Out of the possible eight haplotypes, seven are commonly shared by all the populations. The ancestral allele B2D2A1 accounts for 0.028 to 0.166, which was present in all the groups consistently. The linkage disequilibrium was statistically significant in all the populations. The results show a chance of Indian origin or back migration of human DRD2 haplotypes. Data obtained in this study on DRD2 represent one of the small, but growing number of datasets examining disequilibrium and haplotype frequencies in human populations and also indicate that the gene flows from the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats. These populations might be one of the oldest among other Indian populations.

3 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

016370   Murudkar A;Mundhada S S;Tatke P A (C U Shah College of Pharmacy, S N D T Women's University, Mumbai-400 049) : Antibacterial activity of Mimusops elengi linn bark against dental pathogens. Indian J pharm Educ Res 2007, 41(2), 114-20.

Dried and powdered bark of Mimusops elengi Linn, was extracted with various solvents and all the extracts were evaluated for physicochemical parameters and antibacterial activity against different Gram positive, Gram negative microorganisms and organisms isolated from tooth tartar of dental patients. Chloroform extract showed prominent antibacterial activity in preliminary screening. It was further undertaken for detailed antibacterial study and TLC followed by HPTLC analysis. Chloroform extract of bark exhibited prominent antibacterial activity at 200mg against all the test microorganisms especially organisms isolated from tooth tartar of dental patients proving its effectiveness in various periodontal diseases.

4 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

016369   Krishana Ram H;Ramachandra M M (Zoology Dep, Jnanabharathi, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: krishnaramasha@yahoo.com) : Limnological studies on thalli lake, Krishanagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4), 1518-22.

Limnological study was carried out on Thalli lake, for a period of one year during 2003. A total of 14 parameters were studied. The water was found to be alkaline throughout the study period with pH ranging between 7.0 to 7.8. The dissolved oxygen varied from 5.0 to 8.8 ppt, biological oxygen demand varied from 1.4 to 2.0 mg/liter. Alkalinity varied from 116-161 mg/liter. The nutrient values were found to be below permissible levels and lake was found to be oligotrophic in nature.

2 tables, 16 ref

016368   Karthiayini K;Nayeem M (Physiology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala-680 651) : Effect of urea feeding on pH and microbial population in the rumen of cows. Indian vet J 2008, 85(12), 23-5.

The study revealed that incorporation of urea at the rate of 0.82% in the cattle ration replacing the protein concentrate will not adversely affect the ruminal pH as well as microbial populations of the rumen in non lactating crossbred cows fed with concentrates once a day.

1 table, 13 ref

016367   Joshi A (Evolutionary and Organismal Biology, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore-560 064, Email: ajoshi@jncasr.ac.in) : Hardy-weinberg equilibrium and the foundations of evolutionary genetics. II Inertial state in population genetics. Resonance 2008, 13(10), 951-70.

Year 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the enunciation of the principle defining the inertial state of populations from a genetic viewpoint through the independent publication of papers on the topic by G H Hardy and W Weinberg. In this part, formally build up the model that underlies the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, as well as its mathematical representation.

2 ref

016366   Jayaraman R (School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: aarjay007@rediffmail.com) : Seymour Benzer and T4 rII, running the map into the ground. Resonance 2008, 13(10), 898-908.

Presents briefly Benzer's outstanding work on the fine structure of the rII region of bacteriopage T4. These path-breaking studies contributed significantly to our understanding of the structure, organization and function of genes.

5 illus, 6 ref

016365   Gomathi V;Ramalakshmi A;Ramanathan A (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu) : Environmental influence on physico-chemical and biological activities of fungus growing termite (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae). Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 88-92.

Fungus cultivating termites are important, highly specific insect microbe symbionts in Asia and Africa: The aim of this study was to determine physical, chemical and biological parameters of the fungus comb of Macrotermitinae collected from the different locations of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The pH of the fungus comb was 4.4 to 4.8 and moisture content about 46.92 to 52.80%. The Carbohydrate: Lignin ratio of old combs varied between 1.55 to 2.08 (w/w) and C: L ratio of New comb varied between 0.6 to 0.86 (w/w). The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of fungus comb varied from 0.75 to 1.8%, 0.175 to 0.193% and 0.075 to 0.08% on dry weight of fungus comb, respectively. The distribution of other fungi and also the symbiotic fungi Termitomyces in the nest of Macrotermitinae was also investigated in this study.

4 tables, 27 ref

016364   Gautam V;Sahni Y P (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur-482 001) : Analgesic activity of Curcuma longa on hot plate induced nociception. Indian vet J 2008, 85(10), 16-18.

The alcoholic extract of Curcuma longa (600 mg /kg body weight, intraperitoneally) produced potent analgesic activity after two hours of administration and then it starts declining slowly up to four hours of the study. The analgesic activity of Curcuma longa may be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and histamine and 5-HT release. Curcumin only inhibit COX-II enzyme without interfering with the activity of COX-I enzyme thereby Curcuma longa does not produce any side effect.

1 table, 10 ref

016363   El-Bassuony A F (Mathematical and Life Sciences Dep, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima Univ, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan, Email: ahnnbass@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of new polyester diterpenes from Euphorbia guyoniana. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(6), 4553-62.

The dichloromethane extract of the aerial parts of Euphorbia guyoniana afforded two new polyesters diterpene, named guyonianin C and D, a rare classes of bicyclic diterpenes. Their structure were established by high-field NMR spectroscopic methods, including DEPT, COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC.

3 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

016362   Devaguptapu S;Mehdiratta R;Saberwal G (NO, , TMP Searchers, No.H1/5, H1 Block, 1st Main Road, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thriuvanmiyur, Chennai-600 041, Email: ritu.m@avesthagen.com) : Bio-business in brief: the case of cytokinetics Inc.. Curr Sci 2008, 94(12), 1576-81.

One of the best ways to build a discovery biopharma company is to have a unique class of molecu-lar targets, a good patent portfolio, venture capital to power growth, experienced and wise advisors and, in due course, strategic collaborations with big pharma companies. The more these conditions are met, the more likely the success of the venture. The company Cytokinetics - built around its academic expertise in the area of the cytoskeleton and motor proteins - fulfilled all these criteria and serves as a good case study for future entrepreneurs of this sort.

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

016361   Chhabra S;Randhawa S S;Sharma R;Jindal R (Clinical Veterinary Medicine Dep, Ethics and Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana-141 004) : Efficacy of parenteral iodine administration on hyperthermia in dairy cows. Indian vet J 2008, 85(12), 106-7.

^ssc5 ref

016360   Cevik A;Karatas F;Kara H;Genc M;Koca M (Pathology Dep, Facultuy of Veterinary, Firat Univ, Elazig, 23119, Turkey, Email: acevik23@yahoo.com) : Effects of the 2-aminoimidazoline on rat kidney and liver. Indian vet J 2008, 85(12), 20-2.

Aim of the study was to investigate structural and biochemical changes in liver and kidney of rats treated with synthetic N- (1,3-benzothiazo! - 2-yl)-N-(4,5 - dihydro-1, H-imidazol-2-yl) amine (2-Amdz). In the liver and kidney vitamin A, E, and-C levels decreased significantly compared to controls (P < 0.05) whereas liver and kidney MDA levels were higher than control levels (P < 0.005). Focal mononuciear cell infiltrations, diffuse megalocytosis and cogulative necrosis were seen in the liver. In the kidneys, haemorrhages in the interstitial region and dense lymphocytosis infiltration in the cortical part were seen. As a result, it can be suggested that 2-Amdz induced a severe stress and increased the amount of free radicals and significantly decreased the levels of antioxidant and vitamins in liver and kidney.

2 tables, 10 ref

016359   Bora M;Ahmed F A;Bandyopadhyay B;Sarkar M; Mohan P;Khanikor H N;Rajkhowa C;Ghosh M K;Bhattacharya M (National Research Centre on Yak, ICAR, Dirang-790 101) : Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in mithuns. Indian vet J 2008, 85(12), 30-2.

Disposition kinetics of enrofloxacin was studied in adult male mithuns after single intramuscular administration at the dose of 5 mg. kg^-1 body weight. The plasma concentration of enrofloxacin was estimated by non-compartmental model. Study area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) was found to be 7.77 ± 0.057 μg.h.ml^-1. Mean Residence Time (MRT) calculated as the ratio of AUMC : AUC was 4.67 ± 0.107 h. Apparent volume of distribution (V_d) for enrofloxacin after single intramuscular administration was 3.009 ± 0.0077 L Kg^-1 in mithuns and the estimate of total body clearance (Cl_B) for enrofloxacin was 642.98 ± 4.78 ml.h^-1. kg^-1. The elimination half-life (t_1/2) of enrofloxacin obtained in the present study (3.24 ± 0.075 h) after intramuscular administration. In order to maintain a satisfactory therapeutic level it is necessary to administer enrofloxacin at the dose of 5 mg.kg^-1 body weight intramuscularly in mithuns at 12 h interval.

10 ref

016358   Bikshapathi T;Srinivas Reddy A;Estari M; Krishna Reddy M (Reprodutive Physiology Unit, Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh) : Prevalence of low obesity and high under nutrition in socio economic status of school childrens. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 59-62.

Changing trends in body weights in children is important for public health policy. It can be said that children in developing countries presently suffer from double jeopardy of malnutrition. Urban children are afflicted with problems of over-nutrition while rural and slum children suffer from effects of undernutrition. To determine changing trends in nutritional status, body-mass index and obesity in school children aged 11-17 years are considered. All children being admitted in a government school in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh were evaluated in the year 2007 and 2008. Height was measured using a standard tape and weight was measured using a well-calibrated sprig balance. 442 school children were examined in the year 2007 and 374 in the year 2008 in classes 6th to 12*. There is an increasing trend in height, weight and BMI with increasing age in both the 2007 and 2008 years. In the year 2007, 11% were overweight and 5% were obese while in the year 2008, 10% were overweight and 6% were obese. Overweight corresponding to adult BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m² was present in 2% school children in both the examinations while the prevalence of obesity corresponding to adult BMI of >30 kg/m² was present in very small number (0.2% and 0.3%). At all the age groups there was a high prevalence of wasting in both examination, in 2007 wasting was present in 36.4% school children and in the year 2008 in 26.2% school children. There was a significant decline in prevalence of wasting from the year 2007 (36.4%) to the year 2008 (26.2%). The above results stated the need of urgent dietary intervention programme. Further studies are required to investigate into problem and to supplement the key nutrient which is required to ensure a good nutritional status in children.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

016357   Anuradha P;Jhansi Rani D;Vijaya Lakshmi K; Abid Pasha S (NO, , Criya Biolabs, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Bacterial cellulases. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 4(1), 113-19.

^iia2 illus, 3 tables, 57 ref

015270   Verma K S;Pathak A K (Aeroallergens and Immunology Laboratory, Biological Sciences Dep, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: pathak.apurva@gmil.com) : Comparative analysis of forecasting methods for aerobiological studies. Asian J expl Sci 2009, 23(1), 193-8.

Forecasting of air borne fungal spores are a problem for a long time to the many aero biologist. Time series analysis using ARIMA and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis are the methods generally in use. After introduction of artificial intelligent in forecasting the situation is changed, but the efficiency of these models are still under question. This study revealed that, for the short term forecasting all the three models are given significant level prediction of >95% accuracy. However, for long term due to the generalization made by the Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis and Neural Network Application can gave a significant prediction.

4 tables, 23 ref