013187   Gunasekaran S;Natarajan R K;Renganayaki V (PG and Research Dep of Physics, Presidency College, Chennai-600 005) : Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of metformin and glibenclamide as a single agent or in combination by fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Int J chem Sci 2008, 6(2), 761-72.

Explains the IR spectroscopy based analytical method to compare the efficacy of monotherapy and combination therapy of type-2 diabetes drugs, namely metformin and glibenclamide.The technique uses the IR spectra of air dried fasting and post prandial sera treated with metformin, glibenclmide and their combinations, respectively. The characteristic spectral features and patterns have been identified as the basis to distinguish spectra corresponding to healthy subjects from those corresponding to diabetic patients. The therapeutic efficacy of the two drugs is analyzed by comparing the absorption level, of the diabetic sera treated with either metformin or glibenclamide or the combination. Quantifies the spectral differences between healthy, fasting and post prandial sera, three intensity ratio parameters are introduced. Also, substantiates the findings, one way ANOVA analysis has been carried out. The combination therapy was found to be better than monotherapy. Results matched with those obtained by clinical methods. FTIR spectroscopy is a sensitive analytical tool to compare the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by quantitative analysis of the spectra of diseased sera, treated with the respective drugs.

3 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

013186   Eggermann T;Gamerdinger U;Knopfle G;Patzold U;Gembruch U;Hansmann M;Schwanitz G;Hansmann D (Institute of Human Genetics, Pauwelsstr 30 D-52074 Aachen Univ, Germany, Email: teggermann@ukaachen.de) : Mosaic trisomy 1q due to a de novo translocation in a foetus with early developmental abnormalities (karyotype 46,XY,der(14),t(1;14)(p11;p11.2)/46,XY) delineation of parent and cell stage of origin. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(4), 317-23.

Pure trisomies of the whole Ipng arm of chromosome 1 are extremely rare and have been reported only once in association with mosaicism., Reports on a malformed foetus with mosaic trisomy 1 p 11 to 1 qter whose clinical features were partially in accordance with those of previously described trisomy 1 q patients. An additional long arm of chromosome 1 was translocated onto 14p11.2 (karyotype: mos46,XY,der(14)t(l ;14)(p 11 ;p 11.2)/ 46,XY). Mosaic formation of the partial trisomy 1 was investigated in seven different somatic tissues of first and second trimester pregnancy. The distribution of the pathologic cells was unequal, ranging from 4 to 93%. The duplicated region was paternal in origin. We were able to delineate two possible complex formation mechanisms involving paternal meiosis and postzygotic mitoses.

2 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

013185   Dutta B K;Aich J C;Srivastava R B (Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO), Biotechnology Div, Post Bag No. 2, Tezpur, Assam-784 001, Email: biiplab_dutta@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial potentiality of Eucalyptus citriodora and Cymbopogon citratus oil. Biomedicine 2008, 28(3), 216-18.

Undiluted and diluted essential oils from Eucalyptus citriodom (leaf) and Cymbopogon citratus (leaf) were compared with two standard antibiotics by 'disc diffusion method' against Candida albicans. Undiluted E. citriodora oil showed highest zone of inhibition (ZI) (25.4mm) than undiluted C. citratus oil (22mm) whereas two antibiotics i.e. clotrimazole and miconazole (l000ppm each) recorded less ZI (14mm, 10.8mm) than that of both 50% diluted oils (17mm, 15.4mm), respectively.

1 table, 8 ref

013184   Devi P;D'Souza L;Kamat T;Rodrigues C;Naik C G (Bio-organic Chemistry Lab, Chemical Oceanography Div, National Institute of Oceanography, CSIR, Dona Paula, Goa-403004, Email: dprabha@nio.org) : Batch culture fermentation of Penicillium chrysogenum and a report on the isolation, purification, identification and antibiotic activity of citrinin. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(1), 38-44.

Batch fermentation of Penicillium chrysogenum, MTCC 5108 was carried out using potato dextrose broth medium prepared in seawater: distilled water (1:1). Biomass as dry weight was determined by gravimetric analysis. Citrinin, the main secondary metabolite, is produced in large quantities during the stationary phase of growth. The yield amounted to approximately 530 mg l^-1. After optimization of culture conditions, P. chrysogenum was mass cultured and citrinin was isolated and purified from the medium using a combination of chromatographic techniques (Thin layer and column chromatography). Citrinin, thus obtained was characterized on the basis of its spectral data (UV, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electrospray Ionization Mass spectra). The study consists report on the effect of the concentration of citrinin on the growth of the culture and antibiotic activities assayed by disc diffusion method using clinical pathogens.

013183   Deshpande T M;Shyama S K;Pandey A K (Zoology Dep, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206, Email: tridesh@yahoo.com) : Genetic studies of breast cancer patients in Goa, India. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(3), 263-8.

Chromosomal Aberrations (CA) may play a key role in tumor initiation, promotion and progression stages of carcinogenesis. Presence of such CA in the normal Peripheral Blood Culture (PBC) could be used to identify individuals in high-risk groups. Therefore, early diagnosis, cure and in some cases, prevention of such tumors can be achieved. Molecular analysis at population level is a tedious and very costly technique. Hence, a primary screening of Breast Cancer (BC) patients with highly sensitive marker(S) using a less expensive methodology namely PBC, was carried out in the study. Our earlier studies indicated that there is a high frequency of BC compared to other types of cancers in females reported in Goa Medical College (CMC). Hence, present work was undertaken to analyze the chromosomal instability in BC patients using PBC. Altogether, 79 subjects were studied involving BC patients (47 subjects) [comprising two groups, (i) Radiotherapy treated (RT) group (19 subjects) and (ii) Surgery (S) group (28 subjects)] and control (C) group (32 subjects). We found that there is a high frequency of dicentrics (27.65 %) in BC patients compared to that of controls (3.13%) and a high frequency of dicentrics in RT group (36.84%) compared to the S group (21.43%). The observation of dicentrics in S group indicates that there may be inherent chromosomal instability in these patients, which may be inducing tumorogenecity.

1 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

013182   D'Souza L;Devi P;Kamat T;Naik C G (Bio-organic Chemistry Lab, Chemical Oceanography Div, National Institute of Oceanography, CSIR, Dona Paula, Goa-403004, Email: lisette@nio.org]) : Diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopic (DRIFTS) investigation of E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(1), 45-51.

Consists of a refined method for obtaining Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopic (DRIFTS) data for biological samples in the mid infrared region (4000 - 600 cm^-1). The biological cells used in the study included identified clinical strains of E. coli (Gram negative bacterium), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacterium) and Candida albicans (yeast). The method for obtaining DRIFTS data is described herein, which may be useful for studying the biochemical composition of microbial cells as well as for species-specific identification. The raw spectrum for each culture was treated using various algorithms (Kubelka Munk algorithm and Savitzky-Golay algorithm) and converted into its second derivative (2D). Hierarchical cluster analysis of 2D data, using Ward's algorithm produced dendrogram, which was distinct for each strain under study. Principal component analysis provided clusters of groups used in the study.

013181   Chidananda C;Mohan Kumar C;Sattur A P (Fermentation Technology and Bioengineering Dep, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 013, Email: ftbe@cftri.res.in ) : Strain improvement of Aspergillus niger for the enhanced production of asperenone. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 274-8.

Enhancement of production of asperenone (Fig. 1), an inhibitor of lipoxygenase and human platelet aggregation from Aspergillus niger CFTRI 1105, was achieved by UV and nitrous acid rnutagenesis. Nitrous acid mutants exhibited increased inhibitor production when compared with UV irradiated mutants. I N 41 a first-generation nitrous acid mutant produced 5.1 fold increased asperenone over parent strain. Mutant II N 31 obtained by second-generation nitrous acid treatment produced 60.3 mg asperenone/g biomass, which was 131 fold increase when compared to first generated mutant I N 41 and 670 fold increase over the parent strain. This mutant was stable for several generations on production medium.

1 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

013180   Chhatre S;DeLeon J;Goldbaum B;Latham J; Panchalingala S;Hilliard N P (NO, Eastern New Mexico Univ, Portales, NM, USA, Email: newton.hilliard@emmu.edu) : Variability in Halothiobacillus neapolitanus type strain cultures. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 287-90.

Numerous microbial species are reported to utilize oxidation and/or reduction of sulfur containing compounds in the energy producing portions of their metabolism. Halolhiobacillus neapolitanus cultures obtained from different commercial sources appear to display considerable variability in terms of growth rate, carbonate consumption and activity of individual enzymes.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

013179   Chatterjee S;Rudra T;Poddar S;Chakrabarti S; Sengupta B;Biswas D;Sengupta S (NO, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan 99, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata-700 026, Email: chatterjeesumana@yahoo.com) : GST & CYP polymorphism related to tea drinking and oral pathology. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(3), 295-9.

Individual cancer susceptibility is the result of several host factors, including differences in life-style habits and genetic susceptibility. There is a correlation between CYPIA l polymorphism (Msp I) and oral cancer susceptibility. Individuals carrying the deletions of GSTMl and GSTTl are at high risk of developing oral cancers. Again an increased risk of oral carcinoma is indicated by an increased micronuclei frequency. In the study on tribal and non-tribal population of Assam, CYPm2m2 genotypes were found in about 14.05% cases having leukopiakia and other oral problems. In the same cases GSST null genotypes were found to be 24.35%. In comparison to the controls the micronuclei frequencies were found to be one fold increased for the cases. In spite of having heavy exposure to the carcinogens due to tobacco chewing and bidi smoking, regular tea drinking is decreasing the risk of developing cancer to very little extent.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

013178   Chatli A S;Beri V;Sidhu B S (Soils Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: manansh@hotmail.com) : Isolation and characterisation of phosphate solubilising microorganisms from the cold desert habitat of Salix alba Linn. in trans Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 267-73.

Phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM) (bacteria and fungi) associated with Salix alba Linn, from Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh were isoiated on Pikovskaya (PVK.), modified Pikovskaya (MPVK) and National Botanical Research Institute agar (NBRIP) media by spread plating. The viable colony count of P-solubilising bacteria (PSB) and fungi (PSF) was higher in rhizosphere than that of non-rhizosphere. The frequency of PSM was highest on MPVK followed by NBRIP and PVK agar. The maximum proportion of PSM out of total bacterial and fungal count was found in upper Keylong while the least in Rong long. The PSB frequently were Gram-positive, endo-sporeforming, motile rods and belonged to Bacillus sp. The PSF mainly belonged to Penicillium sp., AspergiUus fumig-atus, A. niger, A. spp. and non-sporaiating sterile. Amongst the isolates with high efficiency for tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilisation, seven bacterial and seven fungal isolates dissolved higher amount of P from North Carolina rock phosphate (NCRP) than Mussoorie rock phosphate (MRP) and Udaipur rock phosphate (URP). However, the organisms solubilised higher-P in NBRIP broth than PVK. broth. SBC5 (Bacillus sp.) and SBC7 (Bacillus sp.) bacterial isolates exhibited maximun P solubilisation (40 and 33 μg ml^-1 respectively) whereas FC28 (Penicillium sp.) isolate (52.3 μg ml^-1) amongst fungi while solubilising URP. The amount of P solubilised was positively correlated with the decrease in pH of medium. SBC5 (Bacillus sp.), SBC7 (Bacillus sp.) and SBC4 (Micrococcus) decreased the pH of medium from 6.8 to 6.08 while FC28 (Penicillium sp.) and FC39 (Penicillium sp.) isolates of fungi recorded maximum decrease in pH of medium from 6.8 to 5.96 in NBRIP broth.

6 tables, 16 ref

013177   Chakravarty S;Rizvi S I (Biochemistry Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: sirizvi@gmail.com) : Physiological effects of melatonin: implications on human health. Biomedicine 2008, 28(4), 252-5.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indole neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland. It is also produced in other organs such as retina, skin and gastrointestinal tract and also found in the various body fluids. Initially thought to be involved only in regulation of circadian rhythm, recent researches show that melatonin has diverse biological roles in the human body. This review focuses on the pleiotropic roles of melatonin.

^iia46 ref

013176   Carere C R;Kalia V;Sparling R;Cicek N;Levin D B (Biosystems Engineering Dep, Manitoba Univ, Winnipeg MB, Canada, R3T 5V6, Email: umcarerc@cc.umanitoba.ca) : Pyruvate catabolism and hydrogen synthesis pathway genes of Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 252-66.

Clostridium thermocellum is a gram-positive, acetogenic, thennophilic, anaerobic bacterium that degrades cellulose and carries out mixed product fermentation, catabolismg cellulose to acetate, lactate, and ethanol under various growth conditions, with the concomitant release of K, and CO₂. Very little is known about the factors that determine metabolic fluxes influencing FT, synthesis in anaerobic, cellulolytic bacteria like C. thermocellum. We have begun to investigate the relationships between genome content, gene expression, and end-product synthesis in C. thermocellum cultured under different conditions. Using bioinformatics tools and the complete C. thermocellum 27405 genome sequence, we identified genes encoding key enzymes in pyruvate catabolism and H,-synthesis pathways, and have confirmed transcription of these genes throughout growth on a-cellulose by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatic analyses revealed two putative lactate dehydrogenases, one pyruvate formate lyase, four pyruvate:formate lyase activating enzymes, and at least three putative pyruvate :ferredoxin oxidoreductase (POR) or POR-like eszymes. Data suggests that hydrogen may be generated through the action of either a Fer-redoxin (Fd)-dependent NiFe hydrogenase, often referred to as "Energy-converting Hydrogenases", or via NAD(P)H-dependent Fe-only hydrogenases which would permit H₂ production from NADH generated during the glyceraide-hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase reaction. Furthermore, our findings show the presence of a gene cluster putatively encoding a membrane integral NADH:Fd oxidoreductase, suggesting a possible mechanism in which electrons could be transferred between NADH and ferredoxin. The elucidation of pyruvate catabolism pathways and mechanisms of H₂ synthesis is the first^{2 step in developing strategies to increase hydrogen yields from biomass. Our studies have outlined the likely pathways leading to hydrogen synthesis in C. thermocellum strain 27405, but the actual functional roles of these gene products during pyruvate catabolism and in H₂ synthesis remain to be elucidated, and will need to be confirmed using both expression analysis and protein characterization.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

013175   Buczolits S;Schumann P;Valens M;Ramon R M; Busse H J (Institute fur Bakteriologie, Mykologie und Hygiene, Veterinarmedizinische Universitat, A-1210 Wien, Austria, Email: Hans-Juergen.Busse@vu.wien.ac.at) : Identification of a bacterial strain isolated from the liver of a laboratory mouse as Microbacterium paraoxydans and emended description of the species Microbacterium paraoxydans laffineur et al 2003. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 243-51.

Rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterial strain, designated C57-33, was isolated from the liver of the laboratory mouse strain C57B1/6J and characterised by a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity placed strain C57-33 in the genus Microbacterium with Mi-crobacterium paraoxydans CF36^T as the next relative (99.9 % sequence similarity). Major fatty acids ai-C_15:0, i-C_16:0 and ai-C_17:0 and peptidoglycan type B2 with ornithine as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid and glycolyl residues were in agreement with the description of Microbacterium paraoxydans. The quinone system of C57-33 (major menaquinones MK-12 and MK-11) and polar lipid profile (major polar lipids diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl glycerol and two unknown glycolipids) were in accordance with those of Microbacterium paraoxydans strains CF36^T, CF7 and CF40 which were analysed in this study as well. The results of biochemical/physiological characterisation, DNA-DMA hybridization, MALD1-TOF mass spectrom-etry of cell extracts and comparison of protein patterns after SDS-PAGE demonstrated that our isolate C57-33 (= DSM 15461) is a strain of the species Microbacterium paraoxydans. Based on new characteristics such as quinone system, polar lipid profile and physiological traits analysed for strain C57-33, the type strain of Microbacterium paraoxydans and some additional strains an emended description of the species Microbacterium paraoxydans is provided.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

013174   Bishi D K;Verghese S;Verma R S (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: vermars@iitm.ac.in) : Molecular typing of colonizing Streptococcus agalactiae strains by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) in a Chennai based hospital. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(2), 291-6.

Streptococcus agalactiae is reported to be an asymptomatic vaginal colonizer in Indian women, although it is considered one of the major causes of neonatal infections in many European countries. DNA based molecular typing methods are more reliable than the conventional serotyping method for identification and typing of this pathogen. Evaluated genetic diversity among colonizing S. agalactiae strains (n=86) by using a PCR-based genotyping method i.e. Enterobacte-rial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR). With ERIC-PCR fingerprinting at 60% similarity level in a dendrogram generated by UPGMA cluster analysis, 10 different ERIC groups were identified, which were subdivided into 62 distinct genotypes at 95% similarity level. Based on these findings, we demonstrate that ERIC-PCR is a simple, rapid, and inexpensive tool with sufficient discriminatory power and is applicable for characterization and genotyping of a large number of clinical isolates of S. agalactiae at molecular level.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

013173   Bhattacharjee S;Gupta G;Bhattacharya P; Adhikari A;Bhattacharya Majumdar S;Majumdar S (Molecular Medicine Div, Bose Institute, Kolkata-700 032) : Anti-IL-10 mAb protection against experimental visceral leishmaniasis via induction of Th1 cytokines and nitric oxide. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(6), 489-97.

Visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by severe immune suppression of the host. This suppression of the host immune system is primarily mediated by the immunosuppressive cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10), whose levels are significantly up-regulated during leishmaniasis. This immune suppression is reflected at the level of T-cell dysfunction and abrogation of leishmaniacidal molecules along with a dampened Th1 cytokine response. In the present study, we showed in vivo neutralization of IL-10 by administration of anti IL-10 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) could confer protection against leishmanial pathogenesis. This protective response was primarily mediated by a strong induction of T cell proliferation along with a Th1 biased cytokine response which was further aided by the generation of, leishmanicidal molecules, nitric oxide.

013172   Bhardwaj M;Bansal M;Gupta S K;Das A K (NO, , A-199, Govindpuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: mayank_pharma@rediffmail.com) : Synthesis of benzoimidazole selenato complexes and determination of its antitumor activity. Int J chem Sci 2008, 6(2), 908-16.

Different selenium complexes were synthesized using benzimidazole selenato ligand of Zn (II), Hg (II), Cd (II), Cu (II) and Ni (II). The derivatives M [Se (BIA)]₂ (where M = Zn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Hg and BIA- benzimidazole) were prepared by the reaction of MCI₂ with lithium arene selenato ligand of BIASe⁺Li^-. The compounds synthesized were identified and characterized by various methods like melting point, thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and screening for anti tumor activity was carried out of all the derivatives using Ehlirch asicites carcinoma (EAC) cells induced in albino mice. Out of the complex synthesized, selenato metallic complexes Zn[Se(BIA)]₂ and Ni[Se(BIA)]₂ were found to be potent antitumor, since these compounds have shown increase in RBC, decrease in WBC, increase in life span, decrease in ascities fluid volume, increase in lymphocytes significantly.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

013171   Bhalaria M K;Naik S;Misra A N (Pharmacy Dep, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 001) : Ethosomes: a novel delivery system for antifungal drugs in the treatment of topical fungal diseases. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(5), 368-75.

Prepares and characterizes fluconazole (FLZ) encapsulated ethosomes, incorporate it in suitable dermatological base, and asses its comparative clinical efficacy in the treatment of Candidiasis patients against liposomal gel, marketed product and hydroethanolic solution of the drug. Drug encapsulated ethosomes and liposomes were prepared and optimized by "Hot" method technique and lipid film hydration technique. Vesicular carriers were characterized for % entrapment efficiency, particle size and shape, in vitro drug diffusion study, mean % reduction in dimension of Candidiasis lesion and stability study by using suitable analytical technique. Vesicle size and drug entrapment efficiency of the optimized ethosomes and liposomes were found to be 144±6.8nm and 82.68% and 216±9.2 nm and 68.22% respectively. Microscopic examinations suggest ethosomes to be multilamellar spherical vesicles with a smooth surface. The differential scanning calorimetry results suggest high fluidity of the ethosomes than liposomes. In vitro drug diffusion studies demonstrated that % drug diffused from ethosomes was nearly twice than liposomes and three times higher than the hydroethanolic solution across rat skin. From the clinical evaluation, the developed novel delivery system demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity compared to liposomal formulation, marketed formulation and hydroethanolic solution of the drug.

013170   Basu S K;Kumar D;Ganguly N;Subba Rao K V; Sharma P (Immunology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067) : Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted antigen (MTSA-10) inhibits macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide by redox regulation of phosphatases. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(6), 505-19.

Investigates the possible role of a 10-kDa, secretory antigenic protein of Mtb (MTSA-10) in regulating macrophase response to lipopolysacchride (LPS). MTSA-10 inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidant species generation in the macrophage. Treatment of macrophages with MTSA-10 activated their protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in a redox-regulated fashion. These activated phosphatases then interfered with the early events of LPS signaling and lower the strength and magnitude of the signal generated, thereby preventing macrophages from making an effective immune response. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Region of Deletion-1 (RD-1)-specific secretory antigen MTSA-10 (encoded by ORF Rv3874 of Mtb genome) modulated the macrophage signaling machinery and prevented it from responding to further activation by LPS.

013169   Barim-OZ O;Erisir M (Aquaculture Faculty, Fyrat Univ, Elazig, Turkey, Email: obarimoz@hotmail.com.tr) : Vitamin A-β-carotene relationship in tissues of male freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus eschscholtz, 1823) in keban dam lake (elazyg). Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(1), 1-4.

In the study, relationship between vitamin A and β-carotene in hepatopancreas, gonad (testis) and muscle of male freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) was investigated. The amount of vitamin A was found 3.44 ± 0.47 μg/g tissue, in hepatopancreas, 3.73 ± 0.21 μg/g tissue in testis and 1.33 ± 0.16 μg/g tissue in muscle. The amount of β-carotene was observed 4.39 ± 0.23 mg/g tissue, 2.43 ± 0.12 μg/g tissue, 2.33 ± 0.07 μg/g tissue, in hepatopancreas, testis and muscle respectively. As a conclusion, this study revealed that the amount of vitamin A in testis (3.73 ± 0.21 μg/g tissue), and of β-carotene in hepatopancreas (4.39 ± 0.23 μg/g tissue) and muscle (2.33 ± 0.07 μg/g tissue) tissues were statistically significant higher composition with other tissues.

2 illus, 30 ref

013168   Badaruddoza;Bhanwer A J S;Rambani M;Singh R; Matharoo K;Bamezai R N K (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: doza13@yahoo.co.in) : YAP element among an endogamous human isolate in Punjab. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(3), 269-71.

The blood samples of 66 Ahmadiyya Muslim males from Qadian, district Gurdaspur of Punjab have been analysed to study the Y-chromosome Alu insertion polymorphism. (YAP). Y-chromosomes carrying the YAP element were found in many populations in India and Pakistan. However, the absence of YAP insertion element in the Ahmadiyya population has suggested that this isolated population is not likely to have been affected by many migrations in Indian history.

1 illus, 20 ref

013167   Anjaria K B;Bhat N N;Shirsath K B;Sreedevi B (Radiological Physics and Advisory Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 0085, Email: k_anjaria@hotmail.com) : Modification of gamma radiation and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide induced genotoxicity by tumour promoter iodoacetate. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(3), 307-15.

Modifying effects of tumour promoter lodoacetic Acid - sodium salt (IA) was studied on ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation and 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) induced recombination (gene conversion), back mutation and aberrant colony formation (ACF) using eukaryotic model system, yeast. Cells were exposed to 0-400 Gy of radiation or were treated with 0.15-1.5 mM 4-NQO and grown on the media containing 0-200 μg IA/ml. The results indicated that IA reduced the frequencies of spontaneous; gamma radiation as well as 4-NQO induced back mutation and ACF significantly. Further, it had no effect on spontaneous, radiation or 4-NQO induced recombination (gene conversion) frequency. These observations suggest that IA does not act like other tumour promoters, which enhance the frequency of genetic events induced by carcinogens in vitro.

5 tables, 56 ref

013166   Amirtha Gowri R;Deepti K B S (Family and Community Science Dep, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Dietary and lifestyle pattern of the call centre employees. Res Highlight 2008, 18(3), 126-34.

6 tables, 7 ref

013165   Ahmad S;Al-Mutairi N M;Mokaddas E (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait) : Comparison of performance of two DNA line probe assays for rapid detection of multidrug-resistant isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(6), 454-62.

Infections with multidrug-resistant (resistant at least to rifampicin, RIF and isoniazid, INH) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are associated with high case fatality rates. Rapid identification of MDR-TB strains is important for early institution of appropriate therapy. Two DNA line probe assays, GenoType MTBDR (GT-MTBDR) and INNO-LiPA Rif. TB (INNO-LiPA) were compared for their abilities to detect resistance to INH and RIF in 80 M. tuberculosis isolates. The test results were compared to those obtained by conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST), DNA sequencing and/or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of regions of interest of M. tuberculosis genome. Compared to the DST and katG codon 315 PCR-RFLP results, GT-MTBDR test results were concordant for INH resistance for 63 of 80 (78.7%) isolates. For RIF resistance, GT-MTBDR and INNO-LiPA test results were concordant with DST for 74 of 80 (92.5%) and 76 of 80 (95%) strains, respectively. The GT-MTBDR test results correlated with sequencing results for 77 of 80 (96.2%) while INNO-LiPA results for 79 of 80 (98.7%) isolates. Both the tests are useful for rapid detection of MDR-TB strains, however, GT-MTBDR assay offers the advantage of detecting the resistance to both INH and RIF simultaneously when MDR-TB is suspected.

013164   Agarwal S S;Mohale D S;Ghule B V;Saoji A N; Yeole P G (Quality Assurance Dep, Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra) : Antihyperlipidemic activity of flavonoidal fraction of Lagenaria siceraria. Int J chem Sci 2008, 6(2), 751-60.

Lagenaria siceraria (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as Lauki (Hindi); Doodhi (Marathi); was used traditionally for cardiovascular diseases. The flavonoidal fraction of Lagenaria siceraria (FFLS) was studied for its effect on the triton induced hyperlipidemia in male albino rats. Oral administration of FFLS (10-40 mg/kg) significantly decreased the triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). It also significantly increased the high density lipoproteins (HDL). The results obtained indicates the ability of flavonoidal fraction of Lagenaria siceraria to decrease the hyperlipidemia and thereby, decreasing the incidences of cardiovascular complications.

5 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

013163   Agarwal N;Bishai W R (Medicine Dep, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, CRB2, Rm 1.08, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231-1044, USA) : cAMP signaling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(6), 393-400.

cAMP is an important second messenger in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Several bacterial pathogens have developed mechanisms to subvert eukaryotic cAMP signaling by injecting protein toxins that are themselves adenylate cyclases or by introducing toxins that modify host adenylate cyclases to an overexpression state. Curiously, Mycobacterium tuberculosis CDC1551 genome contains seventeen adenylate cyclase homologues suggesting that cAMP signaling is both relevant and complex in biology of M. tuberculosis. Provides an overview of the role of cAMP as a second messenger, discusses bacterial cAMP subversion mechanisms, and reviews the evidence currently available on cAMP-based signaling in M. tuberculosis.

012155   Vinodkumar C S;Kalsurmath S;Neelagund Y F (Microbiology Dep, SS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Vidhyanagar Post Box-1, NH-4, Bypass, Davanagere-577 005, Email: vinodmicro@yahoo.com) : Utility of lytic bacteriophage in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia in mice. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 360-6.

Drug resistance is the major cause of increase in morbidity and mortality in neonates. One thousand six hundred forty-seven suspected septicemic neonates were subjected for microbiological analysis over a period of 5 years. Forty-two P. aeruginosa were isolated and the antibiogram revealed that 28 P. aeruginosa were resistant to almost all the common drugs used (multidrug-resistant). The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is one of the most critical problems of modern medicine. As a result, a novel and most effective approaches for treating infection caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are urgently required. In this context, one intriguing approach is to use bacteriophages (viruses that kill bacteria) in the treatment of infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria. In the present study, the utility of lytic bacteriophages to rescue septicemic mice with multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infection was evaluated. MDR P. aeruginosa was used to induce septicemia in mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 10⁷ CPU. The resulting bacteremia was fatal within 48 hrs. The phage strain used in this study had lytic activity against a wide range of clinical isolates of MDR P. aeruginosa. A single i.p. injection of 3 x 10⁹ PFU of the phage strain, administered 45 min after the bacterial challenge, was sufficient to rescue 100% of the animals. Even when treatment was delayed to the point where all animals were moribund, approximately 50% of them were rescued by a single injection of this phage preparation. The ability of this phage to rescue septicemic mice was demonstrated to be due to the functional capabilities of the phage and not to a nonspecific immune effect. The rescue of septicemic mice could be affected only by phage strains able to grow in vitro on the bacterial host used to infect the animals and when such strains are heat-inactivated, they lose their ability to rescue the infected mice. Multidrug-resistant bacteria have opened a second window for phage therapy. It would seem timely to begin to look afresh at this approach. A scientific methodology can make phage therapy as a stand-alone therapy for infections that are fully resistant to antibiotics.

4 illus, 21 ref

012154   Vimalin J;Sudha S S;Padmanaban D;Asarudeen A; Ayappan P (NO, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Hindusthan Gardens, Behind Navaindia, Coimbatore-28, Email: post4vimalin@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in school going children. Res J biol Sci 2009, 1(3), 153-6.

Over the past 40 years methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections have become endemic in hospitals worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to a-lactum antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin are called MRSA Strains. These strains carry methicillin resistant gene mecA, encoded by a mobile genetic element designated as mec (secmec) among staphylococcal cassette chromosome. This element specifies the production of an abnormal penicillin binding protein called PBR 2a or PBP 2. Hence a study was done to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of methicillin resistant Staphylococci in school going children by testing their nasal swabs, which contain Staphylococci. The presence of Staphylococci was confirmed on the basis of standard biochemical tests of the cultures of the swabs collected. Their resistance to methicillin was also confirmed by ODD and OSS method and further genetic level confirmation of MRSA was done by PCR. The study proved that 75of the isolates were found to be CAMRSA and from this it was concluded that there is a possibility of CAMRSA spreading among school going children.

3 tables, 12 ref

012153   Varaiya A Y;Dogra J D;Kulkarni M H;Bhalekar P N (Laboratory Medicine Dep, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim (West), Mumbai-400 016, Email: amivaraiya@yahoo.com) : Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic foot infections. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 370-2.

Diabetic foot lesions are a major medical, social, and economic problem and are the leading cause of hospitalization for patients with diabetes, worldwide. ESBL-producing bacteria may not be detectable by routine disc diffusion susceptibility test, leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics and treatment failure. There is not much information on ESBL-producing organisms causing diabetic foot infection. An attempt was therefore made to study the ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic foot patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 134 isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were obtained from tissue, pus swab, and wound swab samples from diabetic foot ulcers submitted for routine microbiological analysis during the period January to December 2005 from patients with diabetic foot infections who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, attending S. L. Raheja Hospital. The above isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion technique according to clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines. The screening for ESBL production was done by phenotypic confirmatory test using ceftazidime disc in the presence and absence of clavulanic acid as recommended by CLSI. Among the 134 isolates, 54 (40.29%) were E. coli and 80 (59.70%) were K. pneumoniae; among which, ESBL production was detected in 31 (23.13%) isolates. Of these 31, 15 (48.38%) were E. coli and 16 (51.61%) were K. pneumoniae. All the ESBL-producing isolates were found to be 100% sensitive to carbapenem (imipenem and meropenem). Mortality was found to be 3.22%, the cause of death being septicemia leading to multiple organ failure. The prevalence of ESBLs among members of Enterobacteriaceae constitutes a serious threat to the current beta-lactam therapy, leading to treatment failure and consequent escalation of costs. There is an urgent need to emphasize rational use of drugs to minimize the misuse of available antimicrobials.

2 tables, 12 ref

012152   Vaidya V K;Iyer R L (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : SCP production by lactose utilizing yeasts from whey. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 87-92.

Investigation was carried out to study the potential of the two cultures isolated from whey viz. Kluyveromyces marxianus and Candida utilis in producing a protein rich biomass and alleviating pollution caused by whey. Fortification of whey with different concentrations of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen was carried out to enhance the biomass yield. Between the two, K. marxianus was more efficient and produced a biomass with a dry weight of 35.82g/L and a crude protein content of 45.85% after supplementation with 1% yeast extract in shake flask experiments. It also efficiently reduced BOD₅ (82%) and COD (56.04%) values of the whey. C.utilis biomass with a crude protein content of 38.90% also showed ability to reduce BOD₅ and COD values.

3 tables, 29 ref

012151   Usha;Sunil Kumar;Singh R G;Taps S;Jai Prakash;Garbyal R S (UGC Advanced Immunodiagnostic Training and Research Center, Institute, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: usha_path@bhu.ac.in) : Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis: an important glomerulonephritis in nephrotic syndrome of young adult. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 337-41.

Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) consists 10% of the total renal biopsy of glomerulonephritis. Aim of the present study was to find out clinicopathological changes in MesPGN and differences between diffuse and focal variety. MesPGN was seen mostly in young adults with mean age of 28.63 years for males and 26.3 years for females. Male predominance was noted (M:F ratio -1.4:1). About 70.83% patient presented with edema feet, followed by hypertension (29.19%), fever (16.66%), oliguria, nausea and vomiting (10.41%). Urine analysis in 50 patients revealed that 70% patients presented with nephrotic-range proteinuria, 36% patients with microscopic hematuria and 56% patients with leukocyturia. Statistically, no significant difference was found in clinical features of diffuse and focal MesPGN. Microscopic comparison between diffuse and focal variety showed that significant increase of focal glomerular basement membrane thickening, focal endothelial cell proliferation, focal smooth muscle hyperplasia, hyaline sclerosis and vasculitis was more common in diffuse variety. In focal variety, Capillary loop congestion, periglomerulitis, cloudy swelling and vacuolar degeneration in tubules were significantly more as compared to diffuse variety. Details of the clinical features, special laboratory tests and histological details revealed that diffuse variety had systemic diseases, which included Wegner's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangitis, Henoch's schonlein purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus (two cases) and one case each of Kimura's disease, pyelonephritis and tuberculosis. Only one case of focal MesPGN showed tuberculosis. Thus, our study concludes that MesPGN is an important cause of nephrotic syndrome among young adults. Secondly, search for some other diseases should be made and thirdly, if biopsy shows focal mesangial cell proliferations in minimal change glomerulonephritis (MCGN), it should be diagnosed as focal MesPGN rather than MCGN because these cases show recurrences.

2 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

012150   Susheela T;Balaravi P;Theophilus J;Narender Reddy T;Reddy P U M (Genetics Dep, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: padmabalaravi@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic effect of Melia dubia CAV fruits in mice. Curr Sci 2008, 94(9), 1191-5.

Extracts of total fruits of Melia dubia in water, ether, alcohol and chloroform were tested on mice to evaluate its efficacy as a hypoglycaemic agent. The extract in alcohol was found to be most effective as a hypoglycaemic agent. Varying doses of ethanol extract of total fruits injected intraperitoneally into mice reduced blood glucose level, but maximum reduction of 52.14% was observed at a dose of 300 mg/kg body wt by the sixth hour. After establishing the hypoglycaemic activity of the fruit in normal mice, the antidiabetic activity of the fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice was studied. There was a gradual decrease in blood sugar level from the second hour onwards in the induced diabetic mice and the low sugar level was maintained up to 8 h. The glucose level started increasing gradually by the 12th hour; the blood sugar level was normal and a significant increase was observed at the end of 24 h. In mice that were administered fruit extract, gradual reduction of glucose level was seen by the second to the eighth hour and it was maintained up to 24 h. The untreated diabetic mice had increased glucose level by the end of the second hour and there was a continued increase up to 48 h. Glucose tolerance test studies indicate reduction of blood glucose level to 35%, in mice that were administered total fruit extract and this reduced level was maintained up to 3 h, with a maximum effect seen at the second hour. LD₅₀ studies with varying doses indicate that 50% mortality was induced at dose of 500 mg/kg body wt and sublethal doses varying from 50 to 300 mg/kg wt. The therapeutic index value of 2.5 of the total fruit extract suggests that the extract is not only safe but an effective, natural and novel hypoglycaemic agent, as indicated from the evaluation on mice.

5 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

012149   Suganya M;Mubarak Ali D;Kalanithi C;Thajuddin N (Microbiology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: nthaju2002@yahoo.com) : Characterization and optimization of phosphate solubilization by marine bacteria isolated from palk strait region of Tamil Nadu. Res J biol Sci 2009, 1(3), 129-38.

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms are able to improve phosphate nutrient availability to plants and stimulate plant growth. In the present study 120 marine bacterial strains were isolated from the Palk Strait region of Tamil Nadu for the identification of efficient phosphate solubilizing marine microbes. As many as 14 Bacillus strains showed the ability to solubilize the insoluble phosphate. Among these three Bacillus strains namely NTSM02, NTSM07 and NTSM08, which showed maximum activity, were selected for further optimization. These marine phosphate solubilizing bacteria can be used as a biofertilizers in saline agricultural fields including those in tsunami-affected areas.

10 tables, 18 ref

012148   Sonwane B B;Zadke P M;Swami S Y (NO, , "Sahyadri", P-7/4, Medical College Campus, Ambajogai-431 517, Email: brsonwane@gmail.com) : Palisaded myofibroblastoma of lymph node. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 413-14.

Sixty-year female was presented with swelling in the left inguinal region. Microscopically, the left inguinal lymph node shows typical "amianthoid" fibers (hyalinized areas), spindle cell fascicles and hemorrhagic areas in the interstitial spaces with rim of lymphoid tissue. Preoperatively, patient was non-reactive for HIV I and II. This lesion is usually mistaken as neurilemmoma and Kaposi's sarcoma.

2 illus, 6 ref

012147   Sinha P;Sharma R;Rishi S;Sharma R;Sood S; Pathak D (NO, , P-3, Tilak Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: sharmam_jp1@dataone.in) : Prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase and AmpC beta lactamase producers among Escherichia coli isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 367-9.

Resistance to broad spectrum (β lactams, mediated by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESβL) and AmpC βL enzymes is an increasing problem worldwide. Presence of these in clinical infections can result in treatment failure if one of the second or third generation cephalosporins is used. Therefore, it is recommended that any ESβL-producing organism according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) criteria can be reported as resistant to all extended spectrum β lactam antibiotics regardless of the susceptibility test results. In this study, a total of 250 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates were subjected to Double disc test and AmpC disc test for the detection of ESβL- and AmpC PL-producing strains, respectively. Prevalence of ESβL-and AmpC βL-producing strains among E. coli isolates, over a 3-month-period in the hospital-based population of Jaipur, was 64.80% (162/250). AmpC βL producers were 24.00% (60/250) and co-existence of ESβL and AmpC βL was detected in 8.00% (20/250) of the isolates.

1 illus, 12 ref

012146   Shivalinge Gowda K P;Shankar P;Prasanna Kumar B R;Mohammed Khallel (Pharmacology Dep, MMU College of Pharmacy, Ramanagaram-571 511, Email: crcpharma@yahoo.com) : Hepatoprotective activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruits in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic rats. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 260-5.

Objective of the study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the fruits of Momordica dioi;ca by preparing different extracts and the resultant extract were screened for the hepatoprotective activity. The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of momordica dioica fruits were prepared and subjected for phytochemical screening and tested for their hepatoprotective activity in CCI₄ induced hepatotoxic rats. Phytochemical screening showed positive test for steroids, triterpenoids and glycosides (Ethyl alcohol extract). The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts have shown significant hepatoprotective activity at a dose of 200mg/kg.p.o.The study results suggested that Momordica dioica fruits possess potential hepatoprotective activity.

1 table, 20 ref

012145   Shah R;Vaideeswar P;Pandit S P (Pathology (Cardiovascular and Thoracic Div) Dep, Seth GS Medical College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: shreeprajai@yahoo.co.in) : Pathology of pulmonary aspergillomas. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 342-5.

Aspergilloma refers to a fungal ball formed by saprophytic overgrowth of Aspergillus species and is seen secondary to cavitatory/cystic respiratory diseases. Paucity of clinical and pathological data of aspergilloma in India prompted us to analyze cases of aspergilloma over 15 years. The clinical features were recorded in all and correlated with detailed pathological examination. Aspergillomas were identified in 41 surgical excisions or at autopsy. There was male predominance; half the patients were in their fourth decade. Episodic hemoptysis was the commonest mode of presentation (85.4%). Forty aspergillomas were complex, occurring in cavitatory lesions (82.9%) or in bronchiectasis (14.6%). Simple aspergilloma was seen as an incidental finding in only one. Tuberculosis was the etiological factor in 31 patients, producing cavitatory or bronchiectatic lesions; other causes were chronic lung abscess and bronchiectasis (unrelated to tuberculosis). Surgical resections are endorsed in view of high risk of unpredictable, life-threatening hemoptysis.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

012144   Sahni A K;Kapila K;Gupta R M (Pathology Dep, Army Hospital (R and R), Delhi Centt., New Delhi-110 010, Email: jy_sahni@yahoo.co.in) : Divergent strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 circulating in India, subtyped by heteroduplex mobility assay. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 353-9.

Genomic variations in HIV-1 represent a major problem in understanding disease progression, studying drug resistance and developing effective vaccines. Heteroduplex Mobility Assay (HMA) was used for analyzing HIV-1 subtypes resulting from genetic similarity or divergence of C2 -V3 -V5 region of envelope gene between HIV-1 strains obtained from clinical samples in a tertiary care center at Pune. DNA from the PBMCs of infected individuals was amplified by nested PCR. Heteroduplexes were then formed by denaturing DNA from the unknowns with DNA from the reference strains. The results were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Out of 177 samples analyzed, 170 were of subtype C (96%). Four samples were found to be of subtype B (2.2%); in three samples, no definitive assignment of subtype was possible by HMA and these perhaps could be circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) of HIV-1. These findings may have significant implications toward development of a candidate vaccine for India.

3 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

012143   Pugazhendy K;Susiladevi M;Jayanthi C; Jayachandran K;Meenakshi V (Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu) : Impact of industrial pollutants on the gill of mullet fish, Mugil cephalus in the uppanar estuary, (SIPCOT) cuddalore on the south east coast of India. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 231-6.

The histopathological studies are useful in evaluating the pollution potential of toxicants since trace levels of chemicals do not bring about animal mortality over a given period and are capable of inducing considerable damage to organ. An investigation was carried out in the vital tissue -Gill of Mugil cephalus inhabiting in the Uppanar estuary, Cuddalore at three different station for the period of 12 months (four seasons). The toxic substances (heavy metals) in the effluent was maximum at station II and III than at station I. The pathological changes were severe at station II and III then at station I.

13 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

012142   Prasoon K S;Kambhoja S;Abhishek B;Ajay G (Pharmacognosy Dep, The Oxford College of Pharmacy, J.P. Nagar, 1st Phase, Bangalore-560 078, Email: pmpharma24@gmail.com) : Anthelmintic activity of Thespesia populnea Linn. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 266-9.

Thespesia populnea is also called as Portia tree, belonging to family Malvaceae. The dried bark was powdered and extracted with various solvents by successive soxhlet hot extraction process with increasing order of polarity. On phytochemical investigation, the petroleum ether extract and methanolic extract has shown steroids and flavone glycosides. The drug was screened for anthelmintic activity on adult earthworms Phertima posthuma, using albendazole as standard drug. Both petroleum ether and methanolic extract showed significant anthelmintic activity compared to standard drug albendazole.

1 table, 18 ref

012141   Prasanna R;Jaiswal P;Kaushik B D (Microbiology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: radhapr@gmail.com) : Cyanobacteria as potential options for environmental sustainability - promises and challenges. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(1), 89-94.

Cyanobacteria represent an ancient group of photosynthetic prokaryotes, whose ubiquity, metabolic flexibility and adaptive abilities have made them a subject of research worldwide. These structurally simple organisms combine in themselves interesting facets of plant and bacterial metabolism, which is amenable to genetic exploitation. Despite their globally recognized significance in the sustenance of fertility in rice based cropping systems, they have not been tapped for their extraordinary repertoire of activities, especially their beneficial role as biological agents in remediation and amelioration of soil and water environment and as sinks for greenhouse gases. The information available on these aspects and future lines of research for more efficient utilization of these microorganisms is presented.

1 table, 54 ref

012140   Pingale Shirish S;Pokharkar Rahunath D (NO, Arts, Com. and Sci. College, Narayangaon, Pune-410 504, Email: shirish.pingale@rediffmail.com) : Catalytic study of activated charcoal obtained from A. mexicana L.. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(3), 98-105.

Activated charcoals have been prepared from the weed like Argemone mexicana L. by using chemical activating agents like Zinc Chloride, Ortho-Phosphoric Acid, etc. Adsorption studies on carbon obtained from Argemone mexicana L. activated with 10 % Zinc Chloride and also activated with 20 % Phosphoric Acid have shown that these materials have good uptake capacity for acetic acid and oxalic acid. The observations have been fitted into Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The plots of above samples are found to be linear indicating the applicability of the Langmuir equation. These observations obtained from preliminary studies of adsorption have given encouraging results.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

012139   Patil S B;Chavan G M;Kondawar M S;Naikwade N S;Magdum C S (NO, Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, South-Shivajinagar, Sangli-416 416, Email: sandeep_pharmacology@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of two species of Hibiscus rosa-sinesis flowers for antipyretic activity. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 251-3.

Antipyretic activity of ethanolic extract of flower of two species of Hibiscus rosa sinesis (Lahina and China rose) was studied on brewer's yeast induced pyrexia method in rat. The results revealed that the flower extract China rose at the dose of 300mg/kg showed a significant antipyretic activity. By decreasing the elevated body temperature on experimental rats as compared with other flower species of Labina.

1 table, 7 ref

012138   Patel D;Vimal Kumar (Pharmacognosy Dep, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma Univ of Science and Tehcnology, S. G. Highway, Ahmedabad-382-481, Email: divyangcognosy05@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostical studies of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser leaf. Int J Green Pharm 2008, 2(1), 26-7.

The leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser (Rubiaceae) are reported to have good medicinal values in traditional system of medicines. The study deals with pharmacognostical examination of morphological and microscopical characters of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves including determination of leaf constants, ash values, foaming index and extractive values.

1 illus, 8 ref

012137   Pandey G (NO, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy and Contract Research Center, Mandsaur-458 001, Email: drgovindpandey@rediffmail.com) : Hepatogenic effect of some herbal drugs on paracetamol altered serum transaminases activity in rabbit. Biomed 2007, 2(2), 202-5.

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Livol and E. alba whole plant, and aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of S. marianum seeds, each @ 1000 mg/kg body weight, orally daily from 3rd to 7th day of experiment significantly (P<0.05) decreased the paracetamol (500 mg/kg, oral on 1st day) elevated actiyities of SGOT and SGPT. The findings suggest that these indigenous drugs have hepatogenic effect by virtue of decreasing the levels of serum transaminases increased due to hepatotoxicants.

1 table, 8 ref

012136   Padhi S;Banerjee S;Das S;Rout N (Radiotherapy Dep, A.H Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack-753 007, Email: sanjuktapdh@yahoo.co.in) : Carcinoma cervix with atypical presentation of metastatic lesion as a cyst in the right lesion as a cyst in the right deltoid muscle. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 450-1.

1 illus, 3 ref

012135   Paarakh P M (Pharmacognosy Dep, The Oxford College of Pharmacy, JP Nagar, 1st Phase, Bangalore-560 078, Email: padmaparas@hotmail.com) : Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity of Hyptis suaveolens Poit. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 274-8.

Metbanol extract of Hyptis suaveolens Poit was evaluated for nitric oxide radical scavenging activity in in vitro method using a sodium nitroprusside generating nitric oxide system. Curcumin was used as reference standard. It exhibited strong nitric oxide radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ value of 240.19 μg/ml and 40 ig/ml for Hyptis suaveolens and curcumin respectively.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

012134   Neeli G S;Karki S S;Patil S;Pattan S R; Hariprasad C K (Pharmacognosy Dep, K.L.E.S.'s College of Pharmacy, Belgaum, Karnataka, Email: shashipattan@yahoo.com) : In vitro antioxidant activity of flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 279-82.

Antioxidant activity of alcoholic flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. (Malvaceae) was studied in four in vitro models viz. radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction assay, scavenging of O₂, scavenging of H₂O₂ and NO scavenging. Alcoholic flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinenis Linn possessed significant antioxidant activity in all the models. In all the models at 250 μg/ml and 500μg/ml showed significant activity while in DPPH reduction assay show significant activity at 50 and 100μg/ml. In conclusion alcoholic flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis showed promising free radical scavenging activity.

1 table, 9 ref

012133   Murugan P;Basu D;Manikandan R;Dorairajan L N; Santosh Kumar (Pathology Dep, , DII/18, JIPMER Campus, Pondicherry-605 006, Email: ddbasu@satyam.net.in) : Osseous metaplasia in renal cell carcinoma: report of a rare case. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 309-401.

Focal calcifications are frequently seen in renal masses including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Osseous metaplasia, on the other hand, is a rare finding in RCC. We report a case of RCC with radiological evidence of speckled calcification that showed osseous metaplasia on histopathological examination. The clinical and pathologic differential diagnosis for this tumor is discussed along with a review of the literature on this unusual phenomenon.

^ccr3 illus, 14 ref

012132   Mondal S K (NO, , C/o Jogeswar Ghosh, 872 Rabindranath Tagore Road, Bediapara, Dumdum, Kolkata-700 077, Email: dr_santoshkumar@hotmail.com) : Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in conjunctiva. Indian J Path Microbiol 2008, 51(3), 407-8.

Case of primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma (marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT according to WHO classification) in conjunctiva, which presented as a slowly growing salmon-colored mass at limbus of left eye is reported. Histological examination revealed a diffuse low-grade lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies showed that the tumor cells are leukocyte common antigen (CD45)+, CD20+, CD3-, CD5-, CD10- and CD43-, which confirmed the B-cell lineage of lymphoma. The case is being reported for its rarity and clinical importance of recognizing such cases because of excellent prognosis.

^ccr2 illus, 6 ref

012131   Meera R;Rameshu K V;Devi P;Kameswari B; Madumitha B (NO, K.M. College of Pharmacy, Madurai-625 107, Email: meeraharsa@yahoo.com) : Anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity of Rimelia reticulata. Biomed 2008, 3(3-4), 270-3.

Rimelia reticulata is a lichen. It is widely used in the treatment of diabetes, lung diseases, Jaundice and fever. The lichens were collected, washed and dried for one week to remove earthy matter and put under the sun and powdered. It was extracted with chloroform, benzene, acetone, ethyl acetate and alcohol by soxhlet hot extraction process. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out for different extracts. It was found that amino acids and glycosides present in the extracts. TLC studies were carried out using Hexane: ether formicacid {5:4:1}. Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by Carragenan Induced paw oedema method. The ether enact with different concentration showed significant anti-inflammatory activity compared to that of control and standard drug Indomethacin respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity of Rimelia reticulata has been investigated by Hydrogen Peroxide scavenging method .The extracts showed significant activity in the above mentioned method.

2 tables, 13 ref