009042   Trivedi R;Sahoo S;Singh A;Bindu G H;Bnaerjee J;Tandon M;Gaikwad S;Rajkumar R;Sitalaximi T;Ashma R;Chainy G B N; Kahyap V K (NO, , National DNA Analysis Centre, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, 30, Gorachand Road, Kolkata-700 014, Email: vkk2k@hotmail.com) : Genetic imprints of pleistocene origin of Indian populations: a comprehensive phylogeographic sketch of Indian y-chromosomes. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 97-118.

Paleoanthropological evidence indicates that modern humans reached South Asia in one of the first dispersals out of Africa, which were later followed by migrations from different parts of the world. The variation of 20 microsatellite and 38 binary polymorphisms on the non-recombining part of the uniparental, hapliod Y-chromosome was examined in 1434 male individual of 87 different populations of India to investigate various hypothesis of migration and peopling of South Asia Sub-continent. This study revealed a total of 24 paternal lineages, of which haplogroups H, Rial, O2a and R2 portrayed for approximately 70% of the Indian Y-Chromosomes. The high NRY diversity value (0.893) and coalescence age of approx. 45-50 KYA for H and C haplogroups signified an early settlement of the subcontinent by modern humans. Haplogroup frequency and AMOVA results provide similar evidence in support of a common Pleistocene origin of Indian populations, with partial influence of Indo-European gene pool on the Indian society. The differential Y-chromosome and mt DNA pattern in the two Austric speakers of India signaled that an earlier male-mediated exodus from South East Asia largely involved the Austro-Asiatic tribes, while the Tibeto-Burman males migrated with females through two different routes; one from Burma most likely brought the Naga-Kuki-Chin language and O3e Y-chromosomes and the other from Himalayas, which carried the YAP lineages into northern regions of subcontinent. Based on distribution of Y-chromosome haplogroups (H, C, O2a, and R2) and deep coalescing time depths for these paternal lineages, we propose that the present day Dravidian speaking populations of South India are the descendants of earliest Pleistocene settlers while Austro-Asiatic speakers came from SE Asia in a later migration event.

4 illus, 5 tables, 55 ref

009041   Tripathy C;Nirmala A;Mohan Reddy B (Molecular Anthropology Group, Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: bmr@isical.ac.in) : Trends in molecular anthropological studies in India. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 1-20.

Indian population is characterized by wide diversity and unique population structure shaped by different waves of migration and the practice of caste endogamy. Anthropologists have been studying the peopling of India and the relationships between different populations using traditional genetic markers. With the advent of molecular genetic techniques the focus has turned to using the DNA polymorphisms for resolving different anthropological questions and to test the different hypotheses in vogue. In this paper authors make an attempt to critically review the trends in molecular anthropological studies till date and bring out salient features of the findings. An attempt has been made to evaluate the merit of the molecular studies in the perspective of unique population structure of India.

2 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

009040   Tripathi M;Chauhan U K;Tripathi P;Agarwal S (Medical Genetic Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow-226 014, Email: suraksha@sgpgi.ac.in) : Role of alu element in detecting population diversity. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 61-74.

Indel polymorphisms are becoming increasingly useful markers for population genetic studies. These are stable mutational events that are unlikely to undergo reverse or convergent mutations, making them useful as markers for distinguishing chromosomal lineages identical by descent and for using in population diversity studies. There has been a great deal of interest to use retrotransposones like Alu element, which displays indel polymorphism, in the population diversity studies. The polymorphic Alu insertions are particularly useful for such studies because the probability of independent retroposition at the same exact chromosomal site is virtually zero. All loci carrying a particular Alu insertion are derived from a unique event and hence are identical by descent. Further the ancestral state for polymorphic Alu insertions is the absence of the insertion hence the direction of mutational change is the gain of the Alu element at a particular locus. Knowing the ancestral state and the direction of mutational change greatly facilitates the analysis of population relationship but is generally not possible for other types of loci. These features make Alu insertion polymorphisms more attractive than other autosomal classical markers for analyses of population history and structure. This review is focused on Alu element and its role in detecting population diversity with few empirical examples from around the world. The phylogenetic studies based on Alu polymorphisms on Indian populations has also been presented.

5 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

009039   Tripathi A;Srivastava U C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: ucsrivastava@rediffmail.com) : Acetylcholinesterase : a versatile enzyme of nervous system. Ann Neurosci 2008, 15(4), 106-11.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) terminates the neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses by splitting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The nature and didtribution of the enzyme has extensively been studied in many invertebrates and vertebrates including human, histochemically and biochemically. The enzyme demonstrates a high degree of variability in distribution with its notable presense in nonneuronal tissues also, which provides pertinent theme to investigate its nonclassical role. Recently a lot of information has come out regarding its dynamic structure, gene expression, its role in neuronal morphogenesis and synaptogenesis. The significance of AChE stems from the fact that it is the target of drugs designed to treat myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, alzheimer's disease etc. Keeping in view, above mentioned facts a thorough review has been made in the article regarding its biochemistry, structural dynamics, wide distribution, isoforms and its implications in neurodegenerative disorders.

3 illus, 64 ref

009038   Syed A;Thakur M;Shafiq S;Sheikh A U (Microbiology SKIMS Dep, , Soura Kashmir) : In-vitro sensitivity patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients at skims - role of antimocribials in the emergence of multiple resistant strains. JK Practnr 2007, 14(1), 31-4.

Determines the sensitivity and resistance patterns of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa isolated from hospitalized patients and from hospital environment. A total of 120 patients of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa were isolated from selected group of patients during the period June 1999 to June 2001, by using conventional techniques. Out of 120 strains of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 38 samples were from pus, 26 from urine, 24 from sputum, 20 from blood, 6 from CSF and 6 from catheter tips. All the strains of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa were subjected to in-vitro sensitivity test by the standard Stokes disc diffusion method. Results and conclusion: Against 120 isolates of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Cefoperazone (91.0%) was the most effective antipseudomonal agent and Ciprofloxacin (33%) was the least sensitive antimicrobial agent After performing MIC, a high level of drug resistance was noted for Ciprofloxacin (66.5%), Gentamicin (54.4%), Amikacin (51.7%), Ceftazidime (50%) and Tobramycin (45.8%). The results of sensitivity of clinical isolates indicate that multiple antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a major clinical problem.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

009037   Singh V;Vandana Praveen;Banga J;Tripathi C K M (Fermentation Technology Div, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil Palace, PO Box 173, Lucknow-226 001) : Antimicrobial activities of microbial strains isolated from soil of stressed ecological niches of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 298-303.

Antimicrobial activities of twenty bacterial strains isolated from ten different stressed agro-ecological niches of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India were evaluated against bacteria, yeasts and molds. Eleven isolates showing strong antimicrobial activities were characterized. Eight antifungal compounds were purified and partially characterized by Ultra-Violet (UV) absorption spectra and grouped into polyenes and non-polyenes. Antibacterial metabolites produced by four isolates were purified and chemically characterized, of which one isolate (AB) produced a new form of olivanic acid, and other three isolates (C5, Py and M4) produced antibacterial compounds having phenoxazone nucleus.

009036   Singh P;Singh M;Bhatnagar D P;Kaur T;Mastana S (Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Human Biology Dep, Punjab Univ, Patiala, Email: iboro.ac.uk) : Apolipoprotein C3 (sst1) gene variability in northwest India: a global perspective. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 51-60.

Apolipoprotein C3 plays an important role in the receptor mediated hydrolysis of triglyceride rich lipoproteins (TRLs) by inhibition of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), delayed clearance of which causes hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Indians are considered to be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of hypertriglyceridemia and consequently its probable sequel of cardiovascular disorders. Several studies have revealed the association of rare allele (S2) of APOC3 (SstI) polymorphism with dyslipidemias and coronary artery diseases. In order to investigate the role and relevance of this polymorphism in Northwest India, the present study aimed to investigate the genetic variation of 3' untranslated region of APOC3 (SstI) in 312 individuals belonging to four endogamous groups (Banias, Brahmins, Jatsikhs and Khatris) of Punjab. Uncommon *S2 allele frequency was 22,6%, 22,5%, 22.7% and 26.2% in Banias, Brahmins, Jatsikhs and Khatris respectively. Higher heterozygosity of 0.39 in Khatris reflected their greater variation at this locus than the other populations. Chi-square analysis did not reveal any significant differences between these populations and other studies from North India (P > 0.05). Comparative analysis of 66 other populations across the world revealed large heterogeneity at this locus whereby, Mongoloid populations have the highest frequencies of *S2 allele (0.19 to 0.48) followed by Indians (0.18 to 0.29), Africans (0.04 to 0.27) and Caucasian populations (0.01 to 0.12), Genetic distance and multivariate analyses showed that Indian population is quite distinct from other Caucasian and Oriental populations. Clinal heterogeneity of predisposing *S2 allele in Asia showed an increasing cline (y = 0.0043x + 0.1209, R² = 0.1162) towards North, As this allele is associated with HTG and other cardiovascular complications, differential variation in different populations may have insightful implications for association and medical genetic studies.

3 illus, 3 tables, 64 ref

009035   Singh P K;Singh S V;Singh A V;Sohal J S (Microbiology Laboratory, Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura-281 122) : Caprine paratuberculosis in farm and farmer's goat herds: an assessment of prevalence in target tissue, comparison of culture, PCR and indigenous ELISA kit and genotypes of Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis. Indian J Small Rumin 2008, 14(2), 211-7.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis on the basis of multiple tests screening by tissue culture, tissue PCR and ELISA kit was 51.7, 37.9 and 46.5 % respectively, in the farm and farmer's goatherds in North India. Cumulatively in three tests, 68.9 % goats were found positive for MAP infection. In farm goats, 'true prevalence' of MAP based on culture and PCR was 54.2 % while in fanner's herds 73.9 % goats were positive. There was substantial agreement between PCR and ELISA kit with tissue culture. Sensitivity and specificity of ELISA kit was 66.6 and 75.0 % and 68.1 and 66.6 % with tissue culture and PCR, respectively. Primary colonies were characterized as MAP using IS900 PCR and were further typed as 'Bison type' using IS1311; PCR-REA. The high prevalence of MAP in farm and farmer's goatherds may be attributed to lack of priority, expertise and indigenous diagnostic kits.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

009034   Shamina M;Madhusoodanan P V (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Malappuram, Kerala-673 635) : Effect of pH on biomass production and biochemical constituents of Westiellopsis prolifica janet and Scytonema cincinnatum thuret EX Born.et Flah. (cyanobacteria). Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 23-8.

Effect of pH(3-9) on the growth of the cyanobacteria Westiellopsis prolifica Janet and Scytonema cincinnatum Thuret.ex Born.et Flah. has been studied. Growth was observed in all ranges of pH (3-9) but, maximum growth, pigments, protein content and ammonia excretion were noted in alkaline range.

3 tables, 28 ref

009033   Shaikh M M;Lonikar S V (Chemistry Dep, Solapur Univ, Kegaon, Solapur-413 255, Email: maten22@yahoo.com) : Biodegradation study of starch - acrylic graft copolymers. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 42-6.

In the work, the enzymatic degradation of a series of graft copolymers of starch has been studied. The biodegradation of the graft copolymers was followed colorimetrically by monitoring the liberation of carbohydrate as a consequence of starch hydrolysis by a - amylase. The results show that the extent of biodegradation varies from 63 to 59% in 28 h for starch-g-poly(acrylic acid), from 63 to 42% in 28 h for starch-g-poly(methacrylic acid) and 63 to 27% in 38 h for starch-g-poly (methyl methacrylate) depending upon the percentage add-on of monomers. The relatively slow extent of degradation in case of starch-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) is attributed to the hydrophobic nature of poly (methyl methacrylate).

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

009032   Shah A S;Wakade A S;Juvekar A R (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Dep, Mumbai Univ Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parikh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: arj@udct.org) : Immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extract of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng. leaves. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 505-9.

Immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extract of M. koenigii leaves was evaluated on humoral and cell mediated immune response to ovalbumin, phagocytic activity by carbon clearance test, nitric oxide (NO) release from murine peritoneal macrophages and cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. Significant increase in the NO production by mouse peritoneal macrophages was detected in culture supernatants indicated increased phagocytic activity of macrophages. The extract showed significant increase in phagocytic index by rapid removal of carbon particles from blood stream. The extract also increased the antibody titre against the ovalbumin and protection towards the cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. However, the extract did not show any significant increase in delayed type hypersensitivity reaction which indicated the inability of the extract to stimulate T cells. Study thus reveals that the extract holds promise as immunomodulatory agent, which acts by stimulating humoral immunity and phagocytic function.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

009031   Sabu M C;Kuttan R (NO, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 553) : Antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Terminalia belerica. Roxb. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 270-5.

Effect of continuous administration of dried 75% methanolic extract of fruits of Terminalia belerica (Combretaceae) suspended in water was studied in alloxan induced hyperglycemia and antioxidant defense mechanism in rats. T. belerica prevented alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia significantly from 6th day of administration and there was 54% reduction on 12th day. Oxidative stress produced by alloxan was found to be significantly lowered by the administration of T. belerica extract. This was evident from a significant decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides in blood and liver respectively. Similarly, decreased glutathione level produced by alloxan was increased by the administration of the extract in blood and liver. However the increase was not significant. Superoxide dismutase which was decreased by alloxan was significantly increased from 9th day in blood and liver of drug treated group. Similarly there was significant increase in the activity of catalase in blood and liver. Decrease in glutathione peroxidase by alloxan administration was found to be increased significantly in the blood and liver from 9th day by extract treatment. Glutathione reductase also was found to be increased in blood and liver. These results suggested that T. belerica fruit extract possessed anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant activity and these activities may be interrelated.

009030   Roy B;Banerjee R;Chatterjee S (Dr B C Guha Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Isolation and identification of poly beta hydroxybutyric acid accumulating bacteria of Staphylococcal sp. and characterization of biodegradable polyester. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 250-6.

Staphylococcus sp. strain BP/SU1, capable of degrading the biopolymer and utilize it as a source of carbon and energy, was isolated from activated sludge using METABOLIX (MBX D411G). It was found that this strain was capable of accumulating poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) P(3-HB), as granule poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid), p(3-HB), inclusion bodies when grown under suitable nutrient conditions. These strains could sustain cell growth up to a dry mass of 9.24 g/l with a doubling time of 8 to 10 hr and could accumulate P(3-HB) as granular inclusion bodies to a cell dry weight of more than 12%. P(3-HB) accumulated by this organism was isolated and characterized through NMR, FT- IR spectroscopy, UV Spectroscopy, Mass spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. P(3-HB) granules so isolated showed physical and chemical properties that should be possessed by a superior quality thermoplastic biopolymer.

009029   Romamski K W (Animal Physiology dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 Norwida str., 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland) : Migrating motor complex in biological sciences: Characterization, animal models and disturbances. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 229-44.

The migrating motor complex (MMC) occurs in most mammals and birds and is organized during the fetal life. In some species, like ruminants and other herbivores, it is not abolished by feeding but its character and controlling mechanisms do not vary considerably from other animal species. However, the mechanisms controlling the MMC are complex and incompletely recognized. The central nervous system exerts rather modulatory effects upon the MMC and the role of the enteric nervous system in the initiation and propagation of the MMC is crucial. The hormones appear mainly to disrupt and convert the MMC cycle into the fed pattern. Several types of the disturbances of the MMC cycle and its phases have been described in various pathophysiological conditions. However, it can be more suitable to identify and describe the given MMC abnormality than to establish the rules of the MMC behavior in the course of the gastrointestinal diseases.

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009028   Pramod Kumar;Deval Rao G;Lakshmayya; Ramachandra Setty S (Pharmacognosy Dep, V.L. College of Pharmacy, Raichur-584 103, Email: pramod4407@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cong. against CCl₄ induced liver injury in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 510-13.

Hydro alcoholic extract of tubers of M. tuberosa was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄ induced liver damage in rats. Pretreatment With 70% ethanolic extract of M. tuberosa reversed CCl₄ induced elevation of levels of serum biomarkers to near normal levels, suggesting that the tubers of M. tuberosa possess hepatoprotective property and this property may be attributed to the antioxidant property of the plant.

3 tables, 19 ref

009027   Pitchappan R M;Kavitha V J;Jayalakshmi M (Immunology Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Centra for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: pitchappanrm@yahoo.co.uk) : HLA genomic diversity of India and its implications in HIV pandemic. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 143-53.

Both culturally and biologically, India is one of the mega diversity countries of the world. This pertains to Human Genome Diversity as well. Although little explored so far, HLA is no exception to this. HLA profile varies based on regional, linguistic and caste profiles. HLA alleles identified as common in HIV non progressors in other parts of the world are the commonest in the Vellala related communities of southern India. Migration and selection might be responsible for this. In the context of the well established MHC restriction phenomenon and the role of CTL in controlling HIV viral replication, it has become essential to revisit these areas and better understand the underlying phenomena so that better experiments are designed in future research. The article highlights these aspects in the context of HIV pandemic in India.

6 tables, 54 ref

009026   Pavan P;Sathesh Kumar S;Thirupathi K;Ravi Kumar B;KrishnaMohan G (Pharmacognosy and Centre for Ethnopharmacology Dep, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009, Email: drgkrishnamohan@yahoo.co.in) : Hepatoprotective properties of Sphaeranthus indica on carbon tetrachloride induced acute liver damage in rats. Biomed 2008, 2(4), 384-9.

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus inaicus Linn. (Asteraceae) was evaluated by carbon tetrachloride(CCl₄) intoxication in rats. The toxic group which received CCl₄ (0.3 ml/kg of CCl₄ dissolved in 1:1 ratio in olive oil by subcutaneous(s.c) route) alone exhibited significant increase in serum alanine amino transferase(ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and total bilirubin levels. It also caused significant (P<0.001) decrease in protein levels. The groups received pretreatment of methanolic extract of S. indicus at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight had controlled the AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin levels and the effects were comparable with standard drug (silymarin 100 mg/kg body weight). The total bilirubin levels did not significantly reduce in the animals received pretreatment of the extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The animals received pretreatment of the extract showed decreased necrotic zones and hepatocellular degeneration compared to the liver exposed to CCl₄ intoxication alone. Thus the histopathalogical studies also supported the hepatoprotective effect of the extract.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

009025   Ochani P C;D'Mello P (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, Prin K M Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai-400 005) : Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. leaves and calyces extracts in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 276-82.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities of the extracts of leaves and calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa were investigated by studying their in vitro inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation and in vivo effects on cholesterol induced hyperlipidemia. Highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by ethanolic extract of calyces followed by ethanolic extract of leaves followed by aqueous extract of leaves of H. sabdariffa. In cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic model, groups of rats treated with extracts of calyces and leaves of H. sabdariffa showed a significant decrease in the serum TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TAG values alongwith an increase in serum HDL-C levels. The treated groups also showed significant decrease in the atherogenic index, LDL-C: HDL-C risk ratios, and in the levels of SGOT, SGPT and ALP activities compared to cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic control group. Significant antihyperlipidemic activity was shown by ethanolic extract of calyces, followed by ethanolic extract of leaves. It was observed from the histopathological findings that rats fed with H. sabdariffa extracts showed decrease in granular degeneration caused by cholesterol feedings. Results suggest that the ethanolic extracts of calyces and leaves of H. sabdariffa containing polyphenols and flavanols possess significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities.

009024   Nirmala A;Reddy B M;Reddy P P (School of Human Genome Research and Genetic Disorders, Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research and Social Action, Hyderabad, Email: allanirmala@gmail.com) : Genetics of human obesity. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 217-26.

Obesity is a complex, heterogeneous group of disorders that is determined by genes, environmental factors and interaction between genes and environment. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a proxy measure for obesity and is the most commonly studied marker for it. Obesity is becoming an increasingly important clinical and public health challenge through out the world. It is associated not only with an increased burden of non-insulin diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancers and premature mortality but also with the social and psychological effects of excess weight. Because of its larger population size, the developing world has faced with larger burden of overweight and obesity. Several studies have shown that changes in dietary patterns, physical activity levels and life styles associated with diet and urbanization are related to increasing incidence of obesity in India. The risk of obesity is about two to three times higher for an individual with a family history of obesity and it increases with the severity of obesity. In this paper, we present a broad historical overview of the studies on the genetic etiology of human obesity, including the recent studies involving candidate gene and whole genome scan approaches using case-control and family samples. The uniqueness of Indian population structure and its relevance to understanding and/or for disentangling the genetic etiology of complex genetic disorders in general and particularly of human obesity has been emphasized.

1 illus, 6 tables, 77 ref

009023   Nayak J K;Sarkar B N;Das P K;Rao V R (NO, Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata, Email: drraovr@yahoo.com) : Genetics of alcohol use in human: an overview. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 181-97.

Alcoholism is an extremely complex disease for which no generally accepted definition exists. There is a complex interaction between the socio-environmental context, the individual at risk, and the availability of alcohol. The result of family, twin and adoption studies suggest a significant genetic predisposition to the disease. Identifying novel genetic risk factors for common diseases is a global challenge in the post genomic era. Recent molecular genetic research into the causes of alcoholism has drawn attention to the potential role of alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolizing enzymes. Functional polymorphisms have been observed at various genes encoding these enzyme proteins that act as one of the biological determinants significantly influencing drinking behavior and the development of alcoholism and alcohol-induced organ damage. Most ethanol elimination occurs by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) systems via oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde and acetic acid. However, the legacy of alcoholism among certain ethnic groups suggests that genetic factors can increase an individual's vulnerability for this disease. An association study in patient cohorts and controls, from large populations involving whole genome scans, is the preferred approach for complex traits. To understand the molecular epidemiology and role of cofactors in alcoholism the standard phenotype-genotype correlation may be a useful tool. The present paper reviews various aspects of alcoholism including both the behavioural and molecular etiologies.

4 tables, 141 ref

009022   More A D;Deshpande S D;Jinke M R (Veterinary Biochemistry Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, M.A.F.S.U., Parbhani-431 402) : Serum glucose, total lipid and total cholesterol levels in yearling Osmanabadi goats. Indian J Small Rumin 2008, 14(1), 110-13.

^ssc1 table, 15 ref

009021   Mate G S;Naikwade N S;Magdum C S;Bhandare A M;Mule S N (Pharmacology Dep, Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, , Email: ganeshmate@gmail.com) : Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Cissus quadrangularis on albino rats.. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(2), 26-9.

The aim of the study was to explore the probable antiinflammatory effect of Cissus quadrangularis in wistar rats by using model of carrageenan and formalin induced inflammation. Male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally with saline water (as control group) Cissus quadrangularis and extract (200 and 300 mg/kg), 60 min before 0.1 ml 1% carrageenan and formalin injection. In right hind Paw and volume was measured before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after the injection of carrageenan and formalin The results are expressed as the mean ± S.E.M. and the statistical significance of differences between groups was analyzed by One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The intraplantar injection of carrageenan and formalin caused a time-dependent paw edema in the rat. Intraperitoneal administration of Cissus quadrangularis extract (200 and 300 mg/kg) inhibited paw swelling dose-dependently at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after carrageenan and formalin injection.

4 tables, 15 ref

009020   Manjrekar A P;Jisha V;Bag P P;Adhikary B;Pai M M;Hegde A;Nandini M (Biochemistry Dep, Centre for Basic Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Bejai, Mangalore-575 004, Email: anupamahegde@yahoo.com) : Effect of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. treatment on liver, kidney and testes in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 514-20.

Phyllanthus niruri extract is extensively used in treating liver ailments. Effects of aqueous extract of P. niruri on liver, kidney and testes of CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic rats were studied. High levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the CCl₄ test group with significant reduction of MDA levels in all groups on P. niruri extract administration. Highest levels of glutathione (GSH) were found in P. niruri group. Activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes were significantly reduced in the curative group (P. niruri treatment after CCl₄ injection). Histopathology of liver showed lesser degree of inflammation in all P. niruri treated groups while the renal and seminiferous tubules showed eosinophilic protein casts with signs of tubular damage and degeneration. Testes also showed decreased amount of mature spermatozoa. The results suggest that P. niruri has anti-oxidant and hepato-protective activity with associated deleterious effects on kidney and testes.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

009019   Maji S;Krithika S;Vasulu T S (Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata-700 108, Email: vasulu@gmail.com) : Distribaution of mitochondrial DNA macrohaplogroup N in India with special refrence to haplogroup R and its sub-haplogroup U. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 85-96.

Indian populations show mitochondrial DNA macrohaplogroups M and N. Among the various haplogroups of N, haplogroup R and its sub-haplogroup U are predominant among the diverse populations. An overview of about 130 studied populations reveals wide diversity of haplogroup R and its sub-haplogroup U among varied ethnic status and different linguistic families. The various lineages of macrohaplogroup N observed in India shows least affiliation with respect to language, geography or ethnicity. However, between the regions, there is a wide variation of subhaplogroups of R and U; western region among the castes and southern region among the tribes show higher group diversity than the other regions.

6 illus, 41 ref

009018   Kulkarni A V;Siraskar B D;Jadhav S S;Dhonde S M;Kulkarni A S;Bingi S S (Pharmacology Dep, Padm.Dr.D.Y.Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: ashishvk1@gmail.com) : Study of hydroalcholic extract of Portulaca oleracea L. for immunomodulatory activity in mice. Int J Green Pharm 2007, 1(2), 45-50.

Several therapeutic effects including diuretic, anti-pyretic and anti-scurvy has been reported for Portulaca oleracea. In previous studies the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, muscle relaxant effect and neuropharmacological effect have been demonstrated on experimental animals. The Immunomodulatory activity of hydroalchoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea (PO) was evaluated. PO was administered orally at doses of 100,200 and 400 mg/kg. The assessment of Immunomodulatory activity was carried out by testing the humoral antibody titre, phagocytic activity and neutrophil adhesion test in Swiss albino mice. PO showed significant increase in HA titre (p<0.01) at dose of 400mg/kg, in primary and secondary antibody response in test extract treated animals when compared to control animals, whereas in cyclophosphamide treated immunosupressed animals PO showed significant increase in HA titre (p<0.05) and (p<0.01) at dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively in primary antibody response while (p<0.01) and (p<0.001) at dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively in secondary antibody response when compared to negative control (cyclophosphamide treatment alone) animals. PO showed significant increase in phagocytic activity (p<0.001) at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. It also showed significant increase in neutrophil adhesion (p<0.01), (p<0.001) at dose of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. In conclusion, the study showed that Portulaca oleracea has potent Immunomodulatory activity which acts by stimulating both specific and nonspecific arms of immunity.

3 tables, 25 ref

009017   Kapoor P;Ansari M N;Bhandari U (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062, Email: uma_bora@hotmail.com) : Modulatory effect of curcumin on methionine-induced hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in albino rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 534-40.

The study was designed to investigate the antioxidant effect of curcumin on methionine- induced hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in Wistar rats (200-250 g) of either sex. The vehicle control rats were treated with 1% Tween 80 in normal saline (2 ml/kg, po) for 30 days. Hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia was induced by methionine administration (1 g/kg, po) for 30 days. A significant increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and homocysteine levels in serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TEARS) levels in heart homogenates were observed with a concomitant decrease in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels in pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats, as compared to vehicle control (i.e. group I) rats. Further, curcumin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment in methionine treated rats for 30 days significantly decreased the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and homocysteine levels in serum and TEARS levels in heart homogenates and increased serum HDL-C levels, as compared to pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats. The results of biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of rat's aortic section. The results of test drug were comparable to that obtained with folic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.). The results suggest that curcumin has significant antihyperlipidemic and antihyperhomocysteinemic effect against methionine- induced hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in rats.

1 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

009016   Kalamade V I;Pillai M M;Kalamade I S (NO, , 23, Gurukul Housing Society, Vidyanagar, Karad, Dist. Satara-415 124, Email: vahidakalamade@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of Bacopa monniera (Linn.) on lipid peroxidation and lipofuscinogenesis in prostate gland of D-galactose induced aging mice, Mus musculus. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 547-9.

The levels of malondialdehyde and lipofuscin pigments were increased in the prostate of D-galactose (0.5 ml/day, sc, for 20 days) induced aging mice. After B. monniera (40 mg/kg body weight for 20 days) ethanol leaf extract administration levels of both the parameters were reduced significantly. The results suggest that B. monniera prevents formation of malondialdehyde and lipofuscin pigments which are the indicators of aging.

^ssc1 table, 19 ref

009015   Jadhav P S (Biochemistry Dep, The Institute of Science, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Effect of carbon sources on lipid accumulation and fatty acid composition by Penicillium decumbens ITCC 3627. Asian J expl Chem 2008, 3(1-2), 73-8.

Soil being the rich source of microorganisms, soil fungi were screened using three different mineral media and on the basis of the lipid content in the screening experiment, one organism was chosen-for further study. This culture was obtained in pure form and was identified as Penicillium decumbens (ITCC 3627). The physicochemical condition of the fermentation medium influence the kind and quality of fatty acids produced by the moulds and therefore formulating a suitable medium is an essential step in the fermentation process. Amongst all the parameters, the carbon source is the most important factor that influences lipid yield. Hence, the influence of various carbon sources on the lipid producing capacity of P. decumbens was studied. Out of different carbon sources, glucose was found to be the most preferred carbon source for lipid production. The fatty acid profile of the mould was also studied in the medium containing glucose as a carbon source. The concentration of essential fatty acids was found to be comparable with the fatty acids profile of groundnut oil. This suggests that for the optimum lipid yield and essential fatty acid production, the optimization of some of the parameters is necessary so that production of single cell oils can be undertaken.

5 tables, 22 ref

009014   Gupta V;Khadgawat R;Saraswathy K N;Sachdeva M P;Kalla A K (Biochemical and Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: rajeshkhadgawar@hotmail.com) : Emergence of TCF7L2 as a most promising gene in predisposition of diabetes type II. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 199-215.

The genetics of the complex disorder like Diabetes Type II, which is clinically diagnosed as disease of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion leading to impaired glucose homeostasis in body, remains a nightmare for geneticists. But the recent progress in identification of a most promising marker in predisposition of diabetes Type II, namely, TCF7L2 with its large effect size and its global presence in various ethnically and geographically different populations offers some hope as the robust genetic approach like genome-wide association studies seem to corroborate the evidence in favour of association of this gene with predisposition to the disease. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies on the association of this gene with type II diabetes.

1 table, 7 ref

009013   Gupta A;Sarwai S;Pathak N;Agarwal S (Genetics Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Lucknow-226 014) : Beta-globin gene mutations in India and their linkage to β haplotypes. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 237-41.

A total of 124 chromosomes of 64 unrelated Indian β- thalassemia and β-thalassemia patients along with their family members were studied for their haplotype pattern and mutations. These included, 35 with β-thalassemia major, 4 with thalassemia trait, and 25 with β-thalassemia. Fourteen mutations were detected by PCR and Sequencing. The most common mutation IVS1-5 (G-C) was linked with 8 different haplotypes. Nineteen haplotypes were found on β-thalassemia mutations, with haplotype (+ ---- + -) being the most widespread and was found associated with 39 chromosomes of IVS1-5 (G-C), 2 of HPFH and 1 each of CD41/42(-CTTT) and CD16 (-C).

3 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

009012   Girish C;Koner C;Jayanthi S;Rajesh B;Pradhan S C (Pharmacology Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (J, Pondicherry-605 006) : Hepatoprotective activity of six polyherbal formulations in CCl₄-induced liver toxicity in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 257-63.

To evaluate pretreatment of six polyherbal liquid formulations (PLFs) commercially available in India, on CCl4-induced liver injury, Swiss albino mice were treated for 7 days with distilled water or PLFs (2.6 and 5.2 ml/kg body weight/day, po) followed by single sc injection of 50% (v/v) CCl₄ in arachis oil at a dose of 1ml/kg. The serum biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminases, aspartate transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were estimated. Phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time and liver histopathology were also carried out. CC₄-treated animals showed significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes, phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time and revealed fatty changes and centrizonal necrosis on histological examination of liver indicating hepatic damage. When pretreated with PLFs at a dose of 5.2 ml/kg body weight/day, the CCl₄-induced changes were significantly reversed. The pretreatment with PLFs can prevent acute liver damage induced by CCl₄ only at a higher dose. Therefore, it is suggested that a dose adjustment of these PLFs may be necessary for their optimal effects in human liver diseases.

009011   Demarchi D A;Ministro A G (NO, , Museo de Antropologia, Facultad de Filosofia y Humanidades, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Cordoba 5000, Republic Arg, Email: dariodemarchi@gmail.com) : Genetic structure of native populations from the Gran Chaco region, South America. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 131-41.

The Gran Chaco region is a vast subtropical plain in South America that covers part of the territories of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, being the refuge of some of the last hunter-gatherer groups remaining in South America. Culturally as well as ecologically, the Gran Chaco is a transitional zone between the tropical plains of the Amazon Basin and the Pampas of Argentina. Along its western border it was wide-open to influences from the Andean cultures, and in the east it abutted on a subtropical region inhabited by Tupi-Guarani tribes. In this paper we present a synthesis of the principal findings of a long term study on the genetic structure of native populations of the Gran Chaco using an assortment of morphological (anthropometries and dermatoglyphics) and molecular markers (mitochondrial haplogroups and HVR-I sequences, Y-chromosome markers, and nuclear STRs). In general, the biological evidence demonstrates that the Gran Chaco tribes present high genetic diversity and low differentiation among- populations, when compared to other regions of South America. The only exception is the Ayoreo, a population with unique genetic and morphological patterns, being an outlier not only in relation to the rest of the Gran Chaco populations but also to any other native group of South America.

8 illus, 35 ref

009010   Dalal S;Prasad G;Prasad M;Maan S (Animal and Poultry Science Dep, College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon (SK)S7N5A8, Canada) : Restriction enzyme analysis of VP7 gene of Indian isolates of bluetongue virus. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(4), 245-9.

The genome segment 7 of two Indian isolates of bluetongue virus (BTV) from Avikanagar (BTV-1-western India) and Hyderabad (BTV-Untyped Hyderabad-southern India) was amplified by RT-PCR using two sets of VP7 specific primers. A sequence of 1137 bp comprising the complete coding sequence of the VP7 gene from Avikanagar isolate and a 1154 bp full-length sequence from BTV-UT Hyderabad isolate were amplified. Further, restriction enzyme digestion of these full-length amplicons, using EcoRI, PstI and TaqI revealed that genome segment 7 from both isolates were different from each other by absence of any EcoRI site in the BTV-UT Hyderabad isolate. There were also variations in the number and position of restriction sites for TaqI enzyme in these two isolates. TaqI has two sites in the Avikanagar isolate whereas four sites in BTV-UT Hyderabad. The restriction digestion fragments obtained after PstI digestion were differentiated on the basis of their distinct sizes in both isolates. Comparison of their in silico restriction profiles with that of other isolates from different countries revealed that the two Indian isolates belonging to different parts of India had variations in their VP7 gene which was also distinguishable from at least some isolates from Australia and South Africa. Hence the restriction enzyme (RE) based analysis might be a useful tool in determining the genetic diversity in genome segment 7 and also for tracing their evolutionary relationships.

009009   Chhokar V;Beniwal V;Kumar A;Rana J S (Bio. and Nano Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana) : Lipid content and fatty acid composition of mustard (Brassica juncea.L) during seed development. Asian J expl Chem 2008, 3(1-2), 6-9.

The changes in lipid contents and fatty acid profile of mustard seed during development were studied. Lipid content in mustard seed increased gradually with the development of seeds and the fatty acid showed tremendous variation during seed development. Among the polar and non polar lipids linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid showed the decreasing trend until maturity, while oleic acid and erucic acid increased regularly with maximum accumulation at maturity.

4 tables, 18 ref

009008   Chaubey G;Metspalu M;karmin M;Thangaraj K; Rootsi S;Parik J;Solnik A;Rani D S;Singh V K;Naidu B P;Reddy A G; Metspalu E;Lalji Singh;Kivisild T;Villems R (Evolutionary Biology Dep, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Tartu and Estonian Biocentre, Tartu, Estonia, Email: gyanc@ebc.ee) : Language shift by indigenous population: a model genetic study in South Asia. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 41-50.

Language shift is a phenomenon where a new language is adopted by a population with virtually no influence on its genetic makeup. Reports here the results of a case study, carried out on the Mushar populations, which is thought to have undergone language shift from Munda (an Austro-Asiatic language) to Hindi (an Indo-European language). We compared the mtDNA and Y-chromosomai phylogenies of this population with those of the neighbouring Indo-European and Austro-Asiatic speaking populations, standing at similar social status. The results revealed much closer genetic affinity of the Mushar people to the neighbouring Austro-Asiatic (Mundari) populations, than to the neighbouring Hindi-speaking populations. This example shows that the language shift as such is not necessarily a signal for a rapid genetic admixture, either maternally or paternally.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

009007   Carvalho Silva D R;TylerSmith C (NO, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambs, CB10 ISA, UK, Email: cts@sanger.ac.uk) : Grandest genetic experiment ever performed on man? - a Y-chromosomal perspective on genetic variation in India. Int J Hum Genet 2008, 8(1-2), 21-9.

Analysed Y-chromosomal data from Indian caste, Indian tribal and East Asian populations in order to investigate the impact of the caste system on male genetic variation. We find that variation within populations is lower in India than in East Asia, while variation between populations is overall higher. This observation can be explained by greater subdivision within the Indian population, leading to more genetic drift. However, the effect is most marked in the tribal populations, and the level of variation between caste populations is similar to the level between Chinese populations. The caste system has therefore had a detectable impact on Y-chromosomal variation, but this has been less strong than the influence of the tribal system, perhaps because of larger population sizes in the castes, more gene flow or a shorter period of time.

6 tables, 25 ref

009006   Bissa S;Bohra A;Bohra A (Microbiology Laboratory, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: bissasharad@yahoo.co.in ) : Antibacterial potential of three naked-seeded (gymnosperm) plants. Nat Prod Radiance 2008, 7(5), 420-5.

Aerial parts of three gymnosperms, Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (bark, needles and female cones), Cycas circinalis Linn, (stem and leaves) and Thuja orientalis Linn. (stem and leaves) were extracted by Soxblet apparatus using petroleum ether, ethanol, chloroform and water as solvent. The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and tested against four human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter aerogenes) and one plant pathogenic bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens by disc diffusion method. Among these extracts, the petroleum ether was found to be most effective in all the three plants. Maximum inhibition (20 mm) was recorded for needles extract of P. roxburghii against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study suggests that these plants are promising phytomedicine for antibacterial activity.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

009005   Beenu;Jaiswal G;Neelu;Majhi T;Singh S P (Biochemistry Dep, M.L.N. Medical College, Allahabad) : Comparison of anthropometry and biochemical variables among young, middle aged and elderly persons. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 171-3.

Among the predictive factors of successful aging, nutrition appears as one of the major determinants. Nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric measurements, diet survey and biochemical assessments. As compared with young persons, increased BMI was observed in elderly (group III) persons (p < 0.01). Except HDL- Cholesterol there was a general tendency of increase in lipid profile as age progressed.

2 tables, 17 ref

009004   Bansal G;Dheer Singh;Sonkar S (Home Science Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls of South eastern Uttar Pradesh. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 149-52.

Prevalence of anaemia in 100 adolescenct school going girls of 13-18 years was assessed by using a questionnaire schedule to identify age of menarche. Later on each subject was assessed clinically for symptoms of anaemia and 86%were assessed biochemically by measuring haemoglobin level. Their average age of menarche was 13.2 years and 26 % showed clinical signs of anaemia, while prevalence of anaemia biochemically was found in 76.75% with mild anaemia as 61.63% and moderate anaemia to be 15.12%, none suffered from severe anaemia.

2 illus, 5 tables, 4 ref

009003   Baghel C L;Srivastav A K;Sahu V K (Office of Additional Director, M, H and Family Welfare, Jhansi Div, , Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Filarial prevalence and its impact on age and sex of the people of Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, India. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 61-4.

Study has been carried out for 3 successive years to investigate the filarial prevalence on the age and sex of the people of Jalaun. The study was categorized into the person having microfilariae, diseased person and microfilariae with diseased symptoms. Observations showed that microfilariae and disease positive cases were decreasing while microfilariae with disease cases were increasing.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

009002   Ansari M N;Bhandari U (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062, Email: uma_bora@hotmail.com) : Protective effect of Embelia ribes Burm on methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in rat brain. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 521-7.

The study was aimed to find out the protective effect of ethanolic extract of E. ribes fruits on homocysteine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid profile in serum, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels in brain homogenates and histopathological examination of brain tissue in methionine (1 g/kg body weight, orally for 30 days) induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats. A significant increase in homocysteine, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) levels was observed in serum. Increased LPO levels in brain homogenates with reduced serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels and decreased GSH content were other salient features observed in methionine treated pathogenic control rats. Administration of ethanolic E. ribes extract (100 mg/kg body weight, orally) for 30 days to methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats produced a significant decrease in the levels of homocysteine, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C in serum and LPO levels in brain homogenates with significant increase in serum HDL-C levels and GSH content in brain homogenates, when compared with pathogenic control rats. Biochemical observations were further substantiated with histological examination of brain. Degenerative changes of neuronal cells in methionine treated rats were minimized to near normal morphology by ethanolic E. ribes extract administration as evident by histopathological examination. The results provide clear evidence for the first time, that ethanolic E. ribes extract treatment enhances the antioxidant defense against methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in brain.

1 illus, 4 tables, 46 ref

009001   Ahmed S;Deka D;Jawed M;Goyal D;Fontes C M G A;Goyal A (Center for Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: arungoyl@iitg.ernet.in) : Biochemical charaterization of a recombinant derivative (CtLic26A-Cel5) of a cellulosomal cellulase from Clostridium thermocellum. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(1), 56-63.

The truncated cellulase derivative (CtLic26A-Cel5) from Clostridium thermocellum cloned earlier into an expression vector pET21 a was over-expressed using Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant cellulase derivative (CtLic26A-Ce15) was purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme on SDS-PAGE showed a single homogeneous band of molecular mass of 64 kDa. The enzyme derivative CtLic26A-Cel5 showed catalytic activity with soluble substrates such as lichenan, β-glucan and carboxymethyl cellulose. It also hydrolyzed insoluble substrates such as acid swollen cellulose, avicel and steam exploded bagasse. The cellulase derivative CtLic26A-Cel5 gave an optimum temperature of 50°C and an optimum pH of 4.3 for maximum activity when assayed with carboxymethyl cellulase as a substrate. Analysis of the thermal stability of enzyme derivative (CtLic26A-Ce15) revealed that the enzyme is maximally stable at 50°C. The Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Na⁺ ions enhanced significantly (1.8-2.3 fold), the enzyme activity of clostridial recombinant derivative.

6 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

009000   Agarwal R;Gupta S K;Srivastava S;Agrawal S S; Saxena R (Pharmacology Dep, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Pushp Vihar, Sector 3, MB Road, New Delhi-110 017, Email: skgup@hotmail.com) : Lowering of intraocular pressure by topical application of Daucus carota seed extract in rabbits. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(7), 541-6.

In normotensive rabbits topical application of Daucus carota seed extract at the concentration of 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2% resulted in mean IOP reduction of 19.33. 23.20 and 25.61% respectively from baseline. As no significant difference was observed between the change in IOP in 0.6 and 1.2% extract treated groups, 0.6% concentration was chosen for further evaluation in rabbits with experimentally elevated IOP. In water loaded rabbits, maximum mean IOP reduction with 0.6% extract was 29.39%, which was comparable to pilocarpine. In steroid pretreated rabbits, maximum mean IOP reduction was 30.27% from baseline, which was significantly higher than pilocarpine. The extract showed a comparatively slower onset of action however, the duration of action was comparable to pilocarpine in all the experimental models.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

008323   Yap C K;Noorhaidah A (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Putra Malaysia Univ, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: yapckong1973@yahoo.com.sg) : Evidence of PB redistribution in the different soft tissues of Telescopium telescopium collected from a pb-contaminated intertidal site. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 463-8.

Different soft tissues (foot, cephalic tentacle, mantle, muscle, gill, digestive caecum and remaining soft tissues) of the mud-flat snail Telescopium telescopium were determined in snails from 5 geographical sites in the south western intertidal area of Peninsular Malaysia. This work firstly intended to investigate the Pb distribution in the different soft tissues of intertidal snail T. telescopium and interestingly, it is also found that Pb redistribution was evidenced in digestive caecum in the polluted population collected from Kuala Sg. Ayam. The high Pb contamination and bioavailability of Pb indicated by the different soft tissue of T. telescopium from Kuala Sg. Ayam population was also complemented by the significantly (P< 0.05) higher Pb level found in sediment samples. Therefore, Pb redistribution in the different soft tissues of T. telescopium be used as a potential indicator of bioavailability and contamination of Pb in the tropical intertidal area.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

008322   Vidhya V G;Ramya M;Monica Anita R I; Rajeshwari S;Balaji K;Bhaskar A (P.G Dep of Biotechnology, Bishop Heber College, Trichy) : Antibacterial activity of Mucuna pruriens against enteric pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 535-6.

Antimicrobial activity of Mucuna pruriens extracts were tested or enteric pathogens by disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract showed good antimicrobial activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration of M. pruriens extracts was determined by tube dilution technique against different microbes. These results indicate that Mucuna pruriens possess potent antimicrobial activity.

1 table, 10 ref

008321   Vasu K;Singaracharya M A (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Antimicrobial activity of certain aquatic angiosperms against some pathogenic bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 523-6.

Twenty aquatic plants dominant in this region were selected for their antimicrobial activity against fseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus. Among these plants the flowers of Nymphaea nouchali, Ipomea aquation and Ludvegia parviflora were effective. The solvents methanol, ethanol were useful in extraction of antimicrobial compounds from the plant materials. The aqueous extracts of the plants not so effective while petroleum ether is failed to extract any antimocrobial compounds from the plants. Aponogeton natans and Sagittaria guayanensis are the aquatic plants without any antimicrobial activity in any solvent extracts.

1 table, 35 ref

008320   Vasanti S;Shrutika P;Grampurohit N D (Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mithibhai College Campus, V.M. Road. Vile, Parle-(W), Mumbai-400 056, Email: vasantimmsuvarna@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 541-5.

Water, methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Zingiber cassununar Roxb. were investigated individually for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity by cup plate (well diffusion) method against nine bacterial and two fungal pathogenic cultures. Methanolic, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of the rhizome showed promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. Petroleum ether extract of rhizomes was found to be the most potent. Methanolic, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of leaves showed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities against the test microorganisms. Aqueous extracts of rhizome and leaves did not show any antimicrobial activity.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

008319   Thaakur S R;Pushpa Kumari B (NO, , H.No. 15-92 Sri Padmavathi Nagar, Tirupathi-517 502, Email: drsanthrani@gmail.com) : Effect of spirulina on carbamazepine induced haematological changes in rats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 551-6.

Carbamazepine is indicated for tonic clonic seizures and trigeminal neuralgia, however, it has been linked with various blood cell abnormalities. Carbamazepine is known to deplete vital nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin D and biotin. Depletion of nutrients is known to cause adverse effects such as ataxia, nystagmus, lethargy, slurred speech and hematological disturbances. Spirulina is a rich source of vital nutrients including iron. It is proposed to study the effect of spirulina on the hematological disturbances induced by carbamazepine. Seven groups of male albino rats weighing 130-150g were used. Each group consisted of six animals. Carbamazepine at a dose of 50mg/kg/day dissolved in water, spirulina 50,100, 200 mg/kg/day suspended in 1% tween 80 alone or in combination with carbamazepine was administered for 45 days. Haemoglobin content, total leucocyte and erythrocyte count was determined on 45th day. Carbamazepine significantly decreased the hemoglobin content, total erythrocyte and leucocyte count. Spirulina did not show any effect at the lower dose of 50 and 100mg/kg and higher dose of 200mg/kg significantly elevated hemoglobin content. Spirulina at a dose of 200mg/kg/day reversed the carbamazepine induced decrease in hemoglobin content, total erythrocyte and leucocyte count. The results of this study indicate that supplementation of cabamazepine with Spirulina reverses the haematological disturbances induced by cabamazepine.

2 tables, 60 ref

008318   Sukumaran S;George R M;Kasinathan C (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mandapam Camp-623 520, Email: sandhya_sukumaran@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity assessment of a fringing reef in Palk Bay, India. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 163-70.

Kathuvallimuni Reef, a fringing reef of Palk Bay was surveyed for the assessment of the coral cover and biodiversity during January-May 2005, following the Line Intercept Transect Method and their geographical positions were fixed using the Global Positioning System. The percentages of live and dead coral cover at each site were derived. A total of 20 hard coral species were found on the transects; Platygyra lamellina was the major species at 3 sites, followed by Porites solida, Favites virens, Hydnophora exesa, H. microconus, Turbinaria mesenterina, Acropora hyacinthus and A. corymbosa at each of the 7 sites. The total live and dead coral cover for the reef as a whole was estimated as 37.8% and 32.6% respectively and the remaining part was covered with seagrasses, sand and rubble. Dead coral cover was dominated by poritids. Further, relative abundance values were derived for each species and they were assigned status as dominant/abundant/common/uncommon/rare. P. lamellina belonged to the category "abundant" and all other species were either of "common" or "uncommon" status only. The Shannon indices of diversity in most of the sites were moderate varying from 1 to 2 and the reef as a whole showed a diversity of 2.8. The species richness and evenness values showed values of 5.23 and 0.9 respectively.

2 illus, 7 tables, 25 ref

008317   Sudha Priscilla J;Lethi C D (Zoology Dep, Bishop Heber College, Trichy 17) : Bacteriological analysis of the medium and growth and survival of the fresh water fish Cirrhina mrigala treated with probiotic, epicin. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 649-53.

Deals with the bacterial profile of the medium and the growth and survival rates of the Indian major carp Cirrhina mrigala, when reared in a medium containing, probiotic epicin. The fish were reared in two different concentrations of epicin (5 mg/ml 10 mg/ml) in three stocking densities. Samples from the media were plated to study the bacterial profile on 0 and 28th days. The growth rate and survival rate of the fish were also studied for 28 days. The epicin containing medium showed the growth of white punctiform bacterial colonies whereas control system harboured different types of bacterial colonies. The percentage survival of the fish was more in the treated systems. The fish reared in the control systems were infected with white spot disease. There was no incidence of disease in the treated systems. A study of the bacterial profile, 28 days after the termination of the experiment revealed the fact that the white punctiform colonies of the treated tanks were slowly replaced by rounded, irregular and filamentous ones.

1 table, 15 ref