001205   Akhilesh Kumar;Mishra A;Pandey S;Tewari D D (Botany Dep, Dr. G.P.R.D. Patel Mahavidyalaya, Araul, Kanpur Nagar-209 202, Email: akhilpbh@rediffmail.com) : Phytotherapy against hair disorder by Tharu tribe in Devipatan division, U.P., India. Vegetos 2008, 21(1), 85-9.

Tharu, an important tribe of Uttar Pradesh, live in a number of forested villages in Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh along Indo-Nepal border endowed with vast knowledge of medicinal plants. Communication deals with 20 important plant species used against various hair disorders, viz.: hair fall, dandruff and graying of hair etc. and as hair tonic by Tharu tribe in Devipatan division with prime objective of documentation. Study was under taken in 46 villages of Devipatan division.

1 table, 14 ref

000374   Yaseen Saheb S;Rajendra Prasad M;Ananda Bhanu B (Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore, Karnataka) : Health profile of the Irular tribe of Tamil Nadu. South Asian Anthrop 2008, 8(1), 13-22.

The Irular, the second largest Scheduled tribe whose subsistence revolves on agricultural manual labour are spread over nine districts in Tamil Nadu. The information was collected from eighteen settlements from two districts and living in two ecological set-up such as 'comparatively isolated' and 'considerably exposed' to external contacts with an objective to determine the trends of change in the tribal ways of life resulting from the impact of external contacts, urbanization and industrialization. Deals with the ethno-medical practices of the Irular to cure different ailments and diseases, and the prevalence of morbid conditions in both isolated and exposed groups of the Irular. The data on stature and weight of adult, unrelated healthy Irular males and females of both sections have been discussed.

9 tables, 11 ref

000373   Yadav S;Yadav P K;Yadav K D (Chemistry Dep, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: sangeeta_rahul@rediffmail.com) : Pectin lyases of a indigenous fungal strains. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 601-4.

Four pectin lyases (PNLs). producing indigenous fungal strains (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. phoenicis and A. wentii), have been isolated from local samples. Enzymatic characteristics of PNLs produced by above fungal strains using citrus pectin have been found to be (respectively): Km, 0.38. 0.67, 0.55 and 0.32 mg/ml; pH. 8.0, 7.0. 5.0 and 7.0; and temperature, 50 °C for all PNLs. Effect of metal ions (Ag⁺, Ca⁺⁺. Co⁺⁺, Cu⁺⁺, Hg⁺⁺. K⁺. Mg⁺⁺, Zn⁺⁺, Na⁺) and protein inhibitors (EDTA, sodium arsenate, sodium azide, potassium permanganate and potassium ferrocyanide) on the activities of PNLs has been determined.

000372   Willayat M M;Sheikh G N;Misgar G R (Veterinary and Preventive Medicine Div, Faculty of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry SKUASTK, Alusteng, Srinagar-190 006) : Prevalence of Bacillus cereus biotypes in raw and cooked mutton. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 123-25.

Analysis of 200 raw and cooked mutton samples revealed 47 samples to be positive for Bacillus cereus. Contamination of raw and cooked mutton was to an extent of 30% and 15%, respectively. Biotype 1 was the predominant biotype (34.04%) contaminating both raw and cooked mutton whereas, biotype 3 was recovered only from cooked mutton (14.90%).

1 table, 11 ref

000371   Vijayakumar R;Mythill P (Microbiology Dep, Dr. GRD College of Science, Coimbatore-641 014) : Antimicrobial effect of Aegle marmelos and Allium sativum. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 38-42.

Extracts of Allium sativum and Aegle marmelos were studied for their antimicrobial properties and concluded that bulb extract of A. sativum showed inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus sp. and Klebsiella sp. and A. marmelos on Klebsiella sp., E.coli, Enterococcus sp., Proteus sp., P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The lesf extract of A. marmelos did not inhibit the growth of S. aureus. Thus, these extracts tested various | degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activity.

1 table, 12 ref

000370   Verma R I;Chakraborty D (Toxiology Dep, School of Sciences Univ, Gujarat Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: ramtejverma2000@yahoo.com) : Protection from oxidative damage using Emblica officinalis Gaertn. extracts in case of ochratoxin induced toxicity in normal human RBC. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(4), 310-14.

Treatment of saline suspension of human RBC with crude ochratoxin, obtained from culture filtrate of Aspergillus ochraceus (ITCFF, IARI, NO-1456) for 4 hours at 37°C, produced pronounced swelling and haemolysis. Haemolysis was more at higher concentration (4-5 pg/ml). The ambient suspension turned red due to release of haemoglobin from haemolysed corpuscles. The haemolysis was reduced significantly by the aqueous and alcoholic extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Amla) when administered along with the ochratoxin. The retarding effect was increased with the increase in concentration of aqueous extract from 5-70 μg/ml and alcoholic extract from 5-60 μg/ml. The aqueous and alcoholic extract of amla has powerful retarding effect on ochratoxin-induced haemolysis on RBC. This may be because of the presence of vitamin-C, tannins and flavonoids, which are believed to be potent antioxidants found in amla. RBC has got the simplest structure and can be used as a very good model to detect the direct effect of a toxin on the cell membrane. Destabilization of the cell membrane in RBC can leads to lysis of the cell and release of haemoglobin in the medium. Extent of haemolysis can help to reveal the extent of toxicity.

1 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

000369   Telmasre V;Ingle A O (Microbiology Dep, LIT Premises, R.T.M. Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Dominance of bacterial flora in stream water receiving industrial treated waste. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 80-5.

Sample collected from stream water receiving industrial treated waste water was analysed for bacterial flora. The isolation of bacteria was carried out by pour plate method. The isolated organism were studied by standard procedure for morphological, cultural and biochemical charaters. Most of the identified organisms belong to the family Entrobacteriaceae. The dominating bacteria were found to be Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Sphaerotilus natans. The number of Klebsiella species, E. coli and Sphaerotilus natans were found to be 3x10¹⁰,4xl0⁹ and 1x10⁹ per ml respectively. Thus coliform bacteria found in stream water were predominantly Klebsiella.

3 tables, 19 ref

000368   Tambekar D H;Hirulkar N B (Post Gradute Microbiology Dep, SGB Amravati Univ, Amravati-444 602, Email: diliptambkar@redmail.com) : Rapid and modified field test for detection of faecal contamination in drinking water. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 667-9.

A comprehensive bacteriological analysis of 510 drinking water samples was carried out using Manja's H₂S field lest. MPN test. Eijkman test. MFT and modified H₂S field test by replacing teepol with bile salt in medium composition. Detection efficiency of faecal colifonn contamination for modified H₂S test (91%) was comparable to MPN test and had 30% more detection level over that of Manja's H₂S test (82%'). Modified H₂S test, compared to other tests, was more suitable, reliable, inexpensive, easy to perform and useful to detect fecal contamination in drinking water within 24 h, for places where time, man and laboratory facilities are very poor.

1 illus, 2 tables,17 ref

000367   Suresh R;Keshri R C;Bhilegaonkar K N;Prejit; Porteen K;Rajkumar R S (Veterinary Public Health Div, IVRI, Izatnagar) : Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by Lactobacillus acidophilus 291 in buffalo meat stored at refigerated temperature (4±1°C). J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 101-5.

Studies the antilisterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus291 in buffalo meat trials were conducted using three different concentrations of L acidophilus291 w'z.10⁵, l0⁶ and 10⁷ cells/ml. Buffalo meat samples were decontaminated with hot water for 10 min at 100°C and were spiked with 3.0 Iog₁₀ cfu/g of Listeria monocytogenes. Treated meat samples were inoculated with L acidophilus291 at above concentrations and were stored at 4±1°C for 21 days. The growth of L monocytogenes in the treated samples of group 1,2 and 3 was significantly (P<0.05) inhibited when compared to the control group. The estimate of pH in L acidophilus291 and L monocytogenes inoculated meat samples was 5.23, 4.90,4.68 in groups 1,2 and 3, respectively, which remained significantly (P<0.05) lowerthan the control group. The degree of inhibition of L. monocytogenes increased with increasing concentration of L. acidophilus291. These studies demonstrate that the L. acidophilus 291 is effective in controlling the growth of L monocytogenesin buffalo meat.

1 table, 24 ref

000366   Surendran D;Agarwal R K;Bhilegaonkar K N; Kaoopr K N (Veterinary Public Health Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., Email: rajeshbly@ivri.up.nic.in) : Evaluation of enrichment broths and various template preparation procedures for PCR based detection of Salmonella. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 93-99.

Efficient sample treatmenf methods are needed to fully exploit the potential of the PCR technique to detect Salmonella in food. Six different template preparation methods viz., genomic DNA extraction, heat lysis, sonication and lysis buffers -1, 2 and 3 namely, SDS-TritonX-100, TritonX-100 and NAOH-SDS, respectively, were compared to determine the most sensitive, rapid and simple method, efficient in recovering Salmonella DNA from broth culture for use in PCR assay. It was observed that template prepared by isolation of genomic DNA gave a clear-cut amplicon of 389 bp length. Amplicons of equivalent intensity were also obtained with sonication and heat lysis (boiling and snap chilling) methods. Template prepared by lysis buffer 1 and 2 also gave a positive amplicon but of lesser intensity. However, template preparation using lysis buffer 3 did not yield any PCR product. Therefore, it was concluded that boiling followed by snap chilling is simple, rapkJ and most efficient DNA template preparation method for PCR based detection of Salmonella. In addition, six different enrichment broths were evaluated to assess their PCR compatibility. Two non- selective broths (brain heart infusion broth (BHI) and buffered peptone water (BPW)) and four selective enrichment broths (Rappaport Vassiliadis (RV), Muller Kauffmann's tetrathionate (TT), selenite cystine (SC) and Salmonella enrichment broth (SEB) were inoculated with S. Typhimurium culture, incubated (37°C, 18 h) and subjected to PCR after heat lysis (treatment-l). The PCR assay gave positive result with the two non-selective broths (BPW and BHI) and one selective broth (SEB), whereas, the other three broths gave negative results. Later the four selective broth cultures (RV, TT, SC and SEB) were subjected to four different treatments and PCR performed. It was observed that RV, TT and SEB gave positive result in all the treatments, whereas SC gave result in PCR assay, only after treatment-4.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

000365   Sugumaran M;Vetrichelvan T;Venkappaya K (Chemistry Dep, SASTRA (Deemed Univ), Thanjavur) : Phytochemical observation on leaf extract of Pithecellobium dulce benth. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 45.

Preliminary phytochemical study on different extracts of the- leaves of pithecellobium dulce benth (Leguminosae) reveals the presence of phytosterols, triterpenoids, flavdnoids,phenolic, tannins, saponins in huge amount. Whereas, alkaloids, aromatic acids; fixed oils and volatile'oils were totally absent in this plant.

1 table, 16 ref

000364   Srivastava M;Srivastava V K;Ajay Singh (Natural Product Laboratory, Zoology Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: ajay_s@sancharnet.in) : Molluscicidal and mosquito larvicidal efficacy of Lantana indica Roxb. leaf extracts. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(2), 122-6.

The aqueous and acetone extracts of Lantana indica Roxb. leaves were governed for 24 to 96 hours to the freshwater snails, Lyuwaea acuminata and larvae of Culex quinquefasciants mosquitoes in order to test their lethality. It was observed that the acetone extract of leaves has potent toxic effect against both the vectors in time and dose dependent manner. There was a significant negative correlation between-LC values of the extracts and the exposure period, thus LC₅₀ values decreases from 7.32 mg/l (24 hours) to 1.02 mg/l (96 hours) against L. acuminata and 10.99 mg/l (24 hours) to 5.18 mg/l (96 hours) against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. It is clear that the active moiety extracted from this plant may prove to be of great promise for being used as natural pesticide for vectors control.

2 tables, 31 ref

000363   Sohal J S;Singh S V;Subhodh S;Singh A V;Singh P K;Sheoran N;Sandhu K;Narayansamy K;Maitra A (Microbiology Laboratory, Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, PO Farah, Mathura-281 122, Email: shoorvir.singh@gmail.com) : Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis diagnosis and strain typing-present status and future developments. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 843-52.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of paratuberculosis, a chronic gastroenteritis of ruminants and has zoonotic importance. Presents a review of MAP with respect to - (i) present diagnostic techniques and important developments; and (ii) MAP strain-typing tools. A summary of the findings to date is presented, and advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods are compared and discussed.

^iia1 table, 86 ref

000362   Sivaramakrishnan S;Gangadhdara D;Nampoothiri K M;Soccol C R;Pandey A (Biotechnology Div, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Teconology, Trivandrum-695 019, Email: ashokpandey56@yahoo.co.in) : Alpha amylase production by Aspergillua oryzae employing solid-state fermentation. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 621-6.

Production of α-amylase by Aspergillus oiyzae in solid-state fermentation using 14 agro-industrial vastes as substrate. Enzyme production was growth associated and maximum liters (15095 U/gds) were obtained after 72 h when incubated at 30°C on wheat bran (initial moisture content, 60%; initial medium pH, 5). Enzyme tilers increased significantly when the solid medium was supplemented with additional N (sodium nitrate) and C (starch) sources.

7 illus, 2 tables,30 ref

000361   Sinha D K;Singh D K;Bishor V I;Goswami T K (Veterinary Public Health Div, IVRI, Izatnagar) : Immunochemical characterization of soluble antigen of Brucella melitensis 16M (BmSA). J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 117-21.

Brucellosis in man and animals remains an important zoonosis all over the world. An ideal diagnostic test and protective vaccine are essential to control and eradicate the malady which requires identification of a suitable antigen. A soluble antigen from Brucella melitensis 16M (BmSA) was prepared and immunochemically characterized. The BmSA contained 2.75 mg/ml of protein and 1.52 mg/ml of carbohydrate. The SDS-PAGE on 12.5% acrylamide gel of BmSA produced peptide bands in the range of 95 to 13 kDa molecular weight. The immunodorninant peptides in the BmSA were identified by Western blot analysis using anti-B. melitensisIGM rabbit serum, anti- B. melitensis Rev. 1 vaccinated sheep serum, anti-B. abortus bovine serum and clinical serum from human. The serum samples produced different bands. The anti- B. melitensis 16M rabbit serum produced bands of 39, 20 and 18 kDa, whereas the Rev. 1 vaccinated sheep serum produced immunodorninant bands of 18-13 kDa. The anti-B. abortus bovine serum produced bands of 39-29 and 13 kDa while very faint bands of 43 and 13 kDa were observed with human clinical serum. The low molecular weight peptides of BmSA were more immunodorninant.

1 illus, 29 ref

000360   Singh S K;Patel A K;Ahmed S U;Nampoothiri K M;Pandey A (Biotechnology Div, National Institute For Interdisicrplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum-695-019, Email: ashokpandey56@yahoo.com) : Identification and phylogenetic analysis of TEM gene form soil isolates. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 660-6.

Presents isolation and identification of naturally occurring β-lactamase (BL) producing microorganisms from soil samples of the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Soil samples were plated on ampicillin supplemented nutrient agar. Genomic DNA was amplified using a degenerate primer pair designed based on TEM gene sequence alignment. Full-length BL encoding gene was amplified using bla_tem specific primer. PCR product was identified by sequencing and blast analysis as a bla _TEM encoding ORF. The deduced protein sequence showed 99% homology with TEM 116 gene reported from Uruguay. South Korea and Taiwan. Phylogenic study of TEM family using DNA and protein sequences showed clustering of sequences along with TEM 116 forming a separate cluster. The clustering of TEM 116 along with three isolates showed that these isolates might have evolved from a common ancestor. Alignment of soil isolates along with TEM 116 showed that under natural conditions also mutations occurred and TEM gene was present in soil isolates.

4 illues, 16 ref

000359   Singh N;Gupta M (Environmental Endocrinology and Biomedical Research Unit, Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 003, Email: n27singh@yahoo.com) : Effect of ethanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (Linn) seed powder on pancreatic islets of alloxan diabetic rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 861-7.

The ethanolic extract of seeds of S. cumini increased body weight and decreased blood sugar level in alloxan diabetic albino rats. Level of significance for decrease in blood sugar after feeding alcoholic extract of S. cuminl seeds in various doses was highly significant. The extract feeding showed definite improvement in the histopathology of islets. The most important finding is that the blood sugar level, which once dropped to normal levels after extract feeding was not elevated when extract feeding was discontinued for 15 days.

3 illus, 20 ref

000358   Singh B P;Singhal L;Chauhan R S (Pathology and infectious diseases Dep, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshed lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, England) : Immunotoxicity of carbaryl in chicken. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 890-5.

Effect of methyl carbonate pesticide, carbonyl, was studied on macrophage functions, lymphocyte proliferation and delayed type hypersensitivity response. Sixteen adult chicken, vaccinated against Newcaslte disease, were procured and randomly divided in two experimental groups. Chicken of group I served as control, while group II birds were given carbaryl at 20 ppm (No observable effect level, NOEL) in feed for 3 months. To measure the functional activity of phagocytic cells, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test was performed on peripheral blood leucocytes. Concanvalin A (Con-A) and lipopolysaccharide stimulated proliferation of T and B lymphocytes was assessed using MTT dye method. At the end of experiment, the phagocytic capacities of macrophages were significantly reduced in carbaryl treated group. Lymphocyte proliferation responses to Con-A and LPS were (23 and 28%, respectively lower) in chicken fed with carbaryl. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculin was reduced to 77% of control values indicating inhibition of cell mediated immune response. The present study suggested of immunosuppressive effect of (NOEL dose carbaryl) in chicken.

2 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

000357   Shobha Kumari Acharya L;Ovais M (Biosciences Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026, Email: drovais@yahoo.co.in) : α₁ and α₂ adrenoceptor mediated melanosome aggregatory responses in vitro in Oreochromis mossambica (Peters) melanophores. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 984-91.

Effects of specific and non-specific adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists were examined on the isolated scale melanophores of O. mossambica in physiological Ringer solution. The responses were recorded as melanophore size index. It was observed that adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, phenylpropanolamine, clonidine and phenylepherine induced melanosome aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Denervation of the fish melanophores increased the sensitivity of the melanophores to adrenaline but not to nor-adrenaline. Phentolamine (3.55 x 10^-5 M), prazosin (2.38 x 10^-5 M) and yohimbine (2.821 x 10^-5 M) significantly inhibited the aggregatory responses of the fish melanophores to adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, clonidine and phenylepherine. The blocking effect of yohimbine was significantly higher than that of prazosin. It is concluded that the effect of adrenaline is directly mediated through the receptors and (α₂ adrenoceptors are predominantly involved in the aggregatory responses of this fish melanophores, while α₁ adrenoceptors presence has been indicated.

12 illus, 30 ref

000356   Shekhar C;Motina E;Kumar S;Singh A (Veterinary Public Health Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Narendra Deva Univ, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : Microbiological analysis of drinking water and its public health significance. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 135-8.

Assesses the microbial quality of the drinking water of the rural areas. Analysis of 110 samples of drinking water for standard plate count, yeast and mold count, presumptive coliform count, confirmed E. co//count revealed the count in a range of 2 - 8000/ml, 0 - 36/ml, 0 - > 1800/ml and 0 - 60/ml, respectively. Sixty two per cent samples were found unsatisfactory for drinking purpose. Gastro-intestinal parasites such as Entamoeba hystolytica was found in 18 samples followed by Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia and Balantid/umco/im 12,5 and 4 samples, respectively. E. coli isolates showed 100% sensitivity against amikacin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole and ofloxacin followed by 96%, 80%, 80%, 72% and 68% against norfloxacin, ceftizoxime, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline, respectively, The present-study showed that the overall microbial counts of the well water were higher as compared to the hand pump water.

2 tables, 14 ref

000355   Selvamurugan C;Lanvanya A;Sivasankar B (Chemistery Dep, College of Engineering, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: selvamcs@yahoo.com) : Comparative study on immobilization of urease immobilixed on different matrices. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 655-9.

Activity and stability of immobilized ureasc on different matrices (nylon-6. 6 heads, sepharose gel, silica gel and gelatin film coated on cellulose acetate membrane) have been investigated. Different covalent coupling methods using ascorbic acid or glutaraldehyde for polyamine matrices and periodatc for polyhydroxy matrix and tosyl chloride for silica gel were used. A relatively less expensive source of urease (crude extract of jack bean meal) was used. Periodate oxidized sepharose CL 6B gel was able to retain 74% of the enzyme on immobilization while ascorbic acid coupling to gelatin film retained 66%. Immobilized urease on nylon beads and gelatin film stored in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 8) at 4°C showed practically no leaching of the enzyme retaining activity over a period of 30 days, while urease coupled to sepharose and silica gel stored under the same conditions was stable over a period of 10 days. Immobilized urease retained activity over a wide pH range and was more stable than the free enzyme at lower and higher pH values. Immobilized urease was also more stable than the free enzyme over a wide temperature range. Nylon bead immobilized jack bean urease had a higher Km (0.62 mM) than that of the soluble enzyme (0.55 mM). Kinetic studies on the hydrolysis of urea using immobilized urease in batch and fixed bed flow reactor configurations have been carried out.

4 illus, 1 ref

000354   Sangeeta Kumari;Simyn Ezar;Singh P; Purushottam Prasad (P.G. Dep of Zoology, ANS College, BARH, Patna, Bihar) : Qualitative analysis of sugar in the haemolymph and malpighian tubules of Platycorynus peregrinus (coleoptera : chrysomelidae). Proc Zool Soc India 2007, 6(2), 101-7.

The Qualitative analysis of sugar in the malpighian tubules show the presence of glucose and trehlose only in normal fed insects. Starved condition failed to show the presence of any sugar. Analysis of sugar in the haemolymph reveals the presence of fructose, glucose, maltose and trehlose in normal fed but starved individuals show presence of small quantity of glucose in the haemolymph.

2 tables, 13 ref

000353   Samanta S;Raina O K;Chandra D;Bam J (Parasitology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122) : Heartworm infection in a leopard (Panthera pardus) in buxa tiger reserve; West Bengal, India. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 5(2), 127-29.

A leopard died of heartworm infection in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), located in the foothills of the great Himalayan range, West Bengal, India. On post-mortem examination of the young leopard, a total of eighteen (18) Dirofilaria immitis adult worms of both sexes were recovered from the heart. All the worms were recovered from the right half of the heart, mainly from the right ventricle. This is the first case of dirofilariosis from a wild leopard (Panthera pardus) in India.

2 illus, 16 ref

000352   Roy S P (Zoology Dep Univ, T.M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007) : Sex-ratio of some tribal populations of Santhal paragana (Jharkhand). Proc Zool Soc India 2007, 6(2), 79-84.

2 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

000351   Rohini R;Koley S (NO, , Hotel Palace, 69, Chand Nagar, Jewel, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Email: drkoley@yahoo.co.uk) : Trends of active range of motion at three important joints in school-going girls of Jammu (J&K). South Asian Anthrop 2008, 8(1), 61-3.

Deals with the measurements of active ranges of motion at knee flexion, elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder medial rotation and shoulder lateral rotation in 360 randomly selected, normal healthy school going girls of Jammu (J&K) aged 6-17 years. A double armed goniometer was applied to measure the ranges of motion of the subjects. The findings of the study show a gradual decrease of ranges of motion in knee flexion, elbow flexion, shoulder extension and in shoulder medial rotation in age group 6+ to 17+ years. In case of shoulder flexion and shoulder lateral rotation, no major changes are recorded so far the annual rate of changes in the range of motion is concerned.

2 tables, 8 ref

000350   Regassa N (Rural Development and Family Sciences Dep, Hawassa Univ, Ethiopia, Email: negyon@yahoo.com) : Estimating the levels and fertility inhibiting effects of four proximate determinants of fertility among low contraceptive communities of southern Ethiopia. Oriental Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 234-54.

Study has employed the Bongaarts fertility model to estimate the levels and fertility inhibiting effects of some proximate determinants. The study has estimated the relative contribution of each proximate determinant (Marriage, contraception, postpartum infecundflbility, and abortion) to the current level of fertility. Also, the study has estimated the levels of fertility (Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Total Natural Marital Fertility Rate (TN) and Total Fecundity (TF) of the study population. Among the proximate determinants of fertility, postpartum infecundability takes the lion share of fertility inhibition, followed by marriage factors.

5 tables, 23 ref

000349   Raut L S;Rakh R R;Wakte P S;Manwar A V (Microbiology Dep, Sant Tukaram College, Parbhani) : Screening of siderophore producing organisms from rhizospheric soil. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 96-101.

Various bacteria have been isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.) and Soybean (Glycine max Linn.)) from Marathwada Agricultural University of Parbhani and then screened for their siderophore producing ability. The isolates were grown on Succinate medium for 48 h on rotatory shaking incubator at 28°C. The supernatant were harvested after 48 h by centrifuging the culture at 10,000 rpm for 10 minute at 4°C. Siderophore production was detected by Arnow's and Casky Assay. It was found that, all isolates produce both hydroxamate and catecholate type of siderophores. But maximum production of hydroxamate was found in GNRS02, SYNRS01 and catecholate in SYNRS02 and GNRS01.

4 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

000348   Rane M R;Sarode P D;Chaudhari B L;Chincholkar S B (NO, School of Life Science, North Maharashtra Univ, P.B. 80, Jalgaon-425-001, Email: oltricholker_sb@hotmail.com) : Detection, isolation and identification of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid produced by biocontrol strains of Pseudomomas aeruginosa. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 627-31.

Pseudomomas aeruginosa ID 4365 has produced two phenazine antibiotics including phenazine-1-carboxylate (PCA), characterized by TLC. HPLC. spectrometry and melting point analysis. Purified antibiotic showed inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger NCIM 1025, Fiisarium oxysporum NCIM 1008. Sclerotiuin rolfsii NCIM 1084, Collelotricum falcatum and several other phytopathogens. MIC of PCA for S. rolfsii NCIM 1084 was found to be 29 mg/1.

5 illus, 1 tables, 24 ref

000347   Raghavendra M;Trigunayat A;Singh R K;Mitra S; Goel R K;Acharya S B (Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Pharmacology Dep, Medical Sciences Institute, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: sbacharya@rediffmail.com) : Effect of ethanolic extract of root of Pongamia pinnata (L) pierre on oxidative stress, behavioral and histopathological alterations induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion hypoperfusion rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 868-76.

Possible effect of an ethanolic root extract of Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre (P. pinnata) on oxidant-antioxidant status and histopathological changes in acute ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat forebrain have been investigated. Further, its effect was also assessed on long-term cerebral hypoperfusion-induced changes in anxiety, cognitive and histopathological parameters. Cerebral post-ischemic reperfusion is known to be associated with generation of free radicals. In the study, bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 30 min followed by 45 min reperfusion produced increases in lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a fall in the total tissue sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels. The ethanolic extract of roots of P. pinnata (50 mg kg^-1, po for 5 days) attenuated the ischemia-reperfusion-induced increase in lipid peroxidation, SOD activity and a fall in T-SH levels. The extract also ameliorated histopathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in the frontoparietal region of the rat brain. The extract (50 mg kg^-1, po for 15 days) was also found to alleviate the long-term hypoperfusion-induced anxiety and listlessness (open field paradigm). There was an improvement of learning and memory deficits (Morris' water maze testing). It also attenuated reactive changes in forebrain histology like gliosis, lymphocytic infiltration, astrocytosis and cellular edema. Results suggest protective role of P. pinnata in ischemia-reperfusion injury and cerebrovascular insufficiency states.

8 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

000346   Raajeswari P A;Diwya S (NO, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Demographic profile of the HIV/AIDS infected women in Coimbatore city. Res Highlight 2008, 18(4), 201-09.

3 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

000345   Poonam (Zoology Dep, Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro) : Lytocestus bokaronensis N.SP. (Caryophylleidea: Lytocestidae) for Clarias batrachus. Proc Zool Soc India 2007, 6(2), 73-8.

A new Caryophyllid cestode belonging to the genus Lytocestus (Lytocestus bokaroensis) has been described from the intestine of Clarias batrachus, at Bokaro & compared with the existing species. Though it shares some of the characters of L. longicollis Rama Devi, 1973 such as undifferentiated scolex, inverted A shaped ovary, uterine coils extending beyond the anterior horns of ovary yet it differs from it in not possessing a isceptaculum seminis. It has also been compared with other existing species also and differences have been noted. The author has reasons to consider the cestode to be new to the science of helminthology.

1 illus, 13 ref

000344   Peter M C S;Rejitha V;Dilip D G (Zoology Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: subashpeter@yahoo.com) : Handling of ferric iron by branchial and intestinal epithelia of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch). Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 896-900.

With a view to test how the branchial and intestinal tissues of fish, the two sites of metal acquisition, utilize the water-borne ferric [Fe(III)] iron and whether the accumulation of this form of iron influences cellular Na/K gradient in these tissues, the gills and intestines of climbing perch adapted to freshwater (FW) and acclimated to dilute seawater (20 ppt; SW) were analyzed for ouabain-sensitive Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, Fe and electrolyte contents after loading a low (8.95 μM) or high dose (89.5 μM) of Fe(III) iron in the water. The SW gills showed higher levels of total Fe after treating with 8.95 μM of Fe(III) iron which was not seen in the FW gills. Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, reflecting Na/K pump activity, showed an increase in the FW gills and not in the SW gills. Substantial increase in the branchial Na and K content was observed in the SW gills, but the FW gills failed to show such effects after Fe(III) loading. The total Fe content was declined in the FW intestine but not in the SW intestine. Water-borne Fe(III) iron decreased the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the SW intestine while not changing its activity in the FW intestine. The Na and K content in the FW intestine did not respond to Fe(III) iron exposure but showed a reduction in its Na levels in the SW intestine. The moisture content in the gills and intestines of both the FW and SW perch remained unaffected after Fe(III) loading. In FW fish, the plasma Na levels were decreased by a low dose of Fe(III) iron, though a high dose of Fe(III) iron was required in the SW fish for such an effect. Overall, the results for the first time provide evidence that gills act as a major site for Fe(III) iron absorption and accumulation during salinity acclimation which depends on a high cellular Na/K gradient.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

000343   Pereira C;Mapuskar K;Vaman Rao C (Zoology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai-400 001, Email: vaman.rao@gmail.com) : Reproductive failure associated with chronic interactive mixture toxicity of diethyl phthalate and Clophen A60 after gestational and lactational exposure over two generations in Wistar rats. Toxic int 2007, 14(2), 111-22.

The study undertaken evaluates the interactive reproductive toxic effect of DEP and PCB (Clophen A60) over two generations in Wistar rats. Healthy male and female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 75 -100 g (6-7 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups of six each. Group I male rats were fed on normal diet and water ad libitum. Group II and III male rats were given Clophen A60 and DEP respectively dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at SO mg/ kg of the diet /day to each group. Group IV male rats received a mixture of DEP and Clophen A60, dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at SO mg/kg of the diet /day. 100 days after the treatment, females were mated with males for 10 days. Exposure to DEP and Clophen A60 was continued throughout mating, and till termination at weaning (21 days post partum) through the gestation period, which was 150 days of total treatment period of the parental generation. After F1 generation pups (six males and females of each group) attained weights of approximately 75 - 100 g, treatment was carried similar to parental generation for a period of 150 days at doses of Clophen and DEP were reduced to 25mg / kg of the diet! day and after 100 days the animals were put to mate. The experiment was terminated at 150 days due to reproductive failure in F1 generation Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated groups. A significant decline in relative body and testis weight was observed in F1 generation Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated male rats as compared to other treated groups. On the other hand, a significant increase in relative ovary weights was observed in F1 generation Clophen A60, DEP and Clophen A60 + DEP treated female rats, while relative body weights of female rats were significantly decreased in all three treated groups. A significant increase in testis and ovary ACP, LDH activity, cholesterol and glycogen levels were observed in F1 generation Clophen A60 + DEP treated male and female rats as compared to other treated male and female rats and control rats. Significant increase in ACP, LDH activity, cholesterol and glycogen levels were observed in testis while significant increase in cholesterol level was observed in the ovary of F1 generation Clophen A60 treated male and female rats as compared to DEP treated rats, but not against the mixture treated male and female rats.

2 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

000342   Patel K C;Patel M A;Chauhan K;Anto H;Trivedi U (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-3888-120, Email: Conless@yahoo.com) : Production of an antioxidant naphthoquinone pigment by Comamonas testosteroni during growth on napthalene. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 605-10.

A cell bound red pigment was synthesized by an indigenous petroleum contaminated soil isolate, Comamonas lestosteroni, during growth on naphthalene as a sole source of carbon and energy. Ferric ion supplementation in the medium inhibited the pigment production. UV-visible spectrum of the pigment in ethanol showed absorption maxima at 251, 289, 318, 328, 333 and 362 nm and a broad peak at 479 nm. Ethanolic solution of pigment showed development of crystals on storage. Chemical analysis, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy studies revealed it as a novel isoprenoid quinone, a 2-mcthyl naphthoquinone with phytyl side chain. Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay proved its in vitro antioxidant activity. Both pigment and ferric ions are proposed to have protective role against superoxide radical generated through intense activity of flavin containing naphthalene dioxygenase during naphthalene metabolism.

3 illus, 4 ref

000341   Parvathi K;Nagendran R;Nareshkumar R (Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: nag.np@hotmail.com) : Effect of pH on chomium biosorption by chmically treated Saccharomyes cerevisiae. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 675-9.

The effect of initial pH on biosorption by Saccharomyces cerevisiac of total chromium present in tannery effluent was investigated. Maximum biosorption efficiency was evident at neutral pH with a metal removal efficiency of 99 %. S. cerevixiac was then pretreated with NaOH and HCHO-HCOOH to study the role of proteins and amino acids, respectively, in biosorption. At pH 7, 9 and 11, biomass pretreated with NaOH exhibited significant biosorption as compared to raw biomass and that treated with HCHO-HCOOH. However, trend reversed at pH 2. At pH 4, untreated biomass exhibited maximum chromium sorption, when compared to that treated with NaOH and HCHO-HCOOH.

2 illus,36 ref

000340   Pakhale S S;Karibasappa G S;Ramchandani A G; Bhushan B;Sharma A (Maru Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTRE, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410 208, Email: spakhale@actrec.gov.in) : Scavenging effect of Indian grape polyphenols on 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical by electron spin resonance spectrometry. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 968-73.

Antioxidant potency of Indian grape cultivars varying in their skin color, seed and polyphenol content (Bangalore blue, Pandhari sahebi, Sharad seedless and Thompson seedless) and their components (whole grapes, pulp with skin and seeds) was examined as 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity using electron spin resonance spectrometry. The total polyphenols in Indian grapes ranged between 3-51%. Extracted polyphenols caused a concentration dependent and significant loss in DPPH radical signal, similar to known antioxidants-Vitamin C, catechin and procyanidin B3 used as references. Among seedless cultivars, polyphenols from Sharad was more potent as antioxidant than Thompson, showing IC₅₀ values of 1250 ± 30 and 2650 ± 125 ng/ml, respectively. The inhibitory effect of polyphenols from seedless grape cultivars was as effective as that of seeded variety. The results indicate that polyphenols extracted from Indian grapes/components (with /without seeds) exhibited free radical scavenging activity and their chemopreventive properties need to be exploited by in vivo model system.

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

000339   Nath K;Das D (Chemical Engineering Dep, G H Patel College of Engineering & Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: ddas@hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Production and storage of hydrogen: present scenario and furure perspective. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(9), 701-09.

Hydrogen (H₂). an environmentally clean energy-carrier gas, is produced mainly from fossil fuel, biomass and water.11, (90%) is produced at high temperature by the reactions of natural gas or light oil fractions with steam, besides coal gasification and electrolysis of water. Among biological production of H₂. direct and indirect biophotolysis, fermentation, photosynthetic production and in vitro enzymatic conversion of biomass are important. H₂ is a substance with high energy content compared to its weight, however, energy content compared to volume is rather low. This poses challenges with respect to storage compared to storage of gasoline, a liquid. Current H₂ storage approaches involvecompressed H₂ gas tanks, liquid H₂ tanks, metal hydrides, carbon-based materials/high surface area sorbents.and chemical H₂ storage. Reviews various production and storage strategies of H₂.

2 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

000338   Narahari S (Anthropology Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: narahari_samudrala@yahoo.co.in) : Blood gene markers and natural selection: a study in four primitive tribal groups of north-coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. Oriental Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 313-22.

Blood samples of four Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) viz., the Porja (155), the Khond (149) from 2 Mandals of Visakhapatnam District, the Gadaba (169) from 2 Mandals of Vizianagararm District, and the Savara (163) from 2 Mandals of Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh were analyzed for ABO and Rh (D) blood group systems, Sickle-Cell Haemoglobin. All the PTGs are characterized to show high frequency of A blood group except the Gadaba who show it for B and AB blood groups, a deviation from the trend perceived for Andhra Tribal Populations. Thus, this locus tends to reveal the advantage of heterozygotes as well surviving than homozygotes arising out of ABO incompatibility, or coupling with disease or orthogonal trend in frequency distribution. The frequency of d allele in Rh(D) system in these populations do not vary much for the range observed for Indian Population in general and the Tribal Populations of Andhra Pradesh, in particular. However, the Sickle-Cell haemoglobin display greater frequency of heterozygotes i.e., Sickle-Cell Trait compared to other neighbouring tribal groups of Andhra Pradesh. The incidence of Sickle-Cell Trait among the four PTGs coincides with the prevalence of malaria at district level and support Allison's Sickle-Cell-Malarial hypothesis in the context of differential natural selection.

4 tables, 29 ref

000337   Nagavalli D;Sugumaran M;Shri vijaya Kirubha T;Vetrichelvan T (NO, Adhiparasakhti College of Pharmacy, Melmaruvathur-603 319) : Phytochemical observation on aerial extracts of Marsilea minuta Linn. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 44.

Preliminary phytochemical study on aerial extracts of Mars/lea minuta Linn reveals the presence of Alkaloids, phytosterols, proteins, carbohydrate, flavonoids, mucilage, tannin and absence of saponin, triterpenoids, cardiac glycosides in thisplant for the first time.

1 table, 11 ref

000336   Murugan K;Harish S R (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Botany Dep, University Coology, Trivandrum-695 034, Email: dr_murugan@vsnl.net) : Antioxidant modulation in response to heavy metal induced oxidative stress in Cladophora glomerata. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 980-3.

The investigation was carried out to study the induction of oxidative stress subjected to heavy metal environment Lipoperoxides showed positive correlation at heavy metal accumulation sites indicating the tissue damage resulting from the reactive oxygen species and resulted in unbalance to cellular redox status. The high activities of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase probably counter balance this oxidative stress. Glutathione and soluble phenols decreased, whereas dehydroascorbate content increased in the algae from polluted sites. The results suggested that alga responded to heavy metals effectively by antioxidant compounds and scavenging enzymes.

2 tables, 16 ref

000335   Mishra S H;Kulkarni N S;Musaddiq M (P.G. Dep of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji College, Akola-444 003) : Cholic acid induced potentiation on antibacterial activity of antibiotics against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 48-53.

These days bacterial resistance has become a major cause of failure for the management of major pyogenic infections. Use of different combinations of antibiotics has shown the possible synergistic effect in the recovery of severe drug resistant infections. Hence, it has led many investigators to search for combined drug therapy. However, indiscriminate using of antibiotics has induced abnormalities on the resident normal floras of gastro-intestinal tract and led a major problem at digestibility level in the children. Because of this several workers has reported the effect of antibiotics with other bacteriostatic agents. Hence, with the view to minimise the indescriminate use of antibiotics and to incorporate the bacteriostatic agent in the combined therapy for the management of antibiotic resistant pyogenic infections, the present investigation has been carried out to evaluate the potentiating effect of Cholic acid on the antibacterial activity of various antibiotics against different drug resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, results on potentiations of antibacterial activity of antibiotic by Cholic acid showed significant increase in activity of Ampicillin (l0mcg), and Methicillin (5 meg). However, antibacterial activity of Chloramphenicol (30 mcg), Tetracycline (30 meg), and Vancomycin (30 meg) were not significantly modified.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000334   Mandal S K (Physiology Dep, Post Graduate Medical Education Institute and Research 244B, Acharya Jagadish Ch. Bose Road, Kolkata-700 020, Email: salil_mandal@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of glucocorticoid on protein and creatine content of inactivated muscle of rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(10), 907-10.

In denervation, there was loss of protein in gastrocnemius muscles and this loss of was more in prednisolone treated animals. There was significant change of protein loss between tenotomy and tenotomy with prednisolone treatment. The reduction of protein in denervation and denervation with prednisolone treatment were also highly significant. Significant loss of muscle creatine was observed in denervation with prednisolone treatment. It was about 50% of the normal control group and about 40% when compared to other limb. In denervation alone, the creatine loss was about 24%. In tenotomy and in tenotomy with prednisolone treatment, the loss of creatine was also significantly high. All these figures regarding the reduction of muscle creatine in different experiments were highly significant. The reduction of muscle weight, protein and creatine content of muscle in denervation were due to inactivation of the muscle and due to trophic changes caused by loss of motor supply to the muscle. But in tenotomy, the reductions were only due to inactivation.

2 tables, 24 ref

000333   Mahajan Rakesh K;Duggal S;Chande Dinesh S; Duggal N;Charoo H;Chaudhry R (Microbiology Dep, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi-110 001, Email: mahajan_sk@rediffmail.com) : Slmonella enterica serotype typhi from a case of breast abscess. J Commun Dis 2007, 39(3), 201-4.

^ccr1 illus, 8 ref

000332   Lingappa K;Pramod T;Ali S I (Study in Microbiology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbaraga-585 106, Email: Lingappak1@redmail.com) : Influence of pH on citric acid production by Aspergillus niger under submerged fermentation in carob pod extract. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 618-20.

Attempts have been made to optimize initial pH level for the production of citric acid using carob pod extract as substrate through submerged fermentation. Two strains of Aspergillus niger, MTCC 281 and KLP20, have been employed as the fermenting organisms. A. niger KLP20 produced maximum citric acid at pH 5.5.

2 tables, 19 ref

000331   Lavanya A;Selvamurugan C;Sivasankar B (Chemistery Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 027, Email: lavanya_chemistery@yahoo.co.in) : Immobilized trypsin-mediated production of the protein hydrolysates from non-edible protein sources. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 651-4.

Protein hydrolysate (PH) was prepared from the defatted cottonseed cake by using immobilized or native trypsin on polyamide (nylon 6,6) matrix using glutaraldehyde coupling under the controlled conditions of pH and temperature. Immobilization of trypsin on nylon beads retained 30% of the free enzyme activity and was stable against leaching for more than 30 days. Foaming and emulsification properties of protein isolate extracted from defatted cottonseed cake and PH were evaluated by electrical conductivity and turbidimetric methods. The effects of temperature and time on emulsion stability were also investigated.

2 illus, 15 ref

000330   Kulkarni S W (Microbiology Dep, S.B.Zadbuke Mahavidyalaya, Barshi-431 401) : Microbial flora of pulses processing industrial environment and its effect on workers. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 17-28.

Microbial Flora of twelve pulses processing industrial environment in and around Barshi was studied. In all 98 isolates were obtained from industrial environment of which 44 were of Fungal type, 28 of Actinomycetes and 26 of Bacterial Type. Isolates were identified as member of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Altemaria, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Torula, Trichoderma, Nocardia, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Microbispora, Streptosporangium, Themomonospora, Themoactinomyces, Streptomyces, Aerococcus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, aureobacterium, Bacillus and Sarcina. No relation was established for the distribution of micro organisms in various industrial environment. Allergy, throat-infectipn, asthama and broncho-pulmonary infections were reported in workers but direct relation with microbial flora was not established.

8 tables, 22 ref

000329   Koli P B;Ghosh J S;Govindwar S P (Microbiology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Some factors affecting cellulase production from a thermophilic gram negative bacteria. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 43-7.

Cellulase is a common enzyme found in all environments and it is extracellular enzyme secreted by many microorganisms. This enzyme is very essential in bringing about mineralization of dead and decaying plant matter. Cellulase is also found in the guts of many insects like termites, rumen animals, to digest food. Thermophilic cellulase is very important in mineralization of compost material which is used for conditioning agricultural fields.

1 illus, 14 ref

000328   Khan M;Siddiqui M (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, MESCO College of Pharmacy, Hyderabad-500 006, Email: mohibkhan@sify.com) : Antimicrobial activity of Piper fruits. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(2), 111-13.

Attempt is made to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of various extracts of fruits of different Piper, species available in the Aurangabad-Marathwada (Maharashtra State) region. Twenty eight extracts prepared from the fruits of four species, viz. Piper cubeba Linn, f., P. retrofractuin Vahl syn. P. chaba Hunter non Blume, P. longum Linn, and P. nigrum Linn, were evaluated against bacterial pathogens, such as Staphylococcus albus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium and one fungas,Aspergillus niger. Compared to Streptomycin all the extracts exhibited a good antibacterial activity. Some of the extracts showed antifungal activity as well.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000327   Kapoor N;Narain U;Misra K (Center of Biotechnology, Allahlbad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: krishnamisra@hotmail.com) : Bio-active conjugates of curcumin having ester, peptide, thiol and disulfide links. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 647-50.

Mixed bioconjugates of curcumin [4,4'-di-O-(gIycinoyl-cystinoyl) curcumin, 4,4'-di- O-(glycinoyl-cysteinoyl) curcumin, 4,4'-di-O-L-(alaninoyl) curcumin, 4,4'-di-(O- glycinoyl)-glycinoyl) curcumin and 4,4'-di-O{(3,4,5-O-aceiyl) galloyl} curcumin] have been prepared and characterized. These bioconjugates contain biodegradable (ester and peptide) bonds and have been tested for antifungal and anti bacterial activities, which have been found to be considerably enhanced vis-a-vis curcumin. The plausible reasons for this remarkable enhancement in therapeutic activity may be due to better cellular uptake, increased cellular concentration, better receptor binding at the target sites due to extended conjugation. These conjugates may act as potent prodrugs since these can get enzymatically hydrolysed at the target sites.

1 illus, 1 tables, 11 ref

000326   Jobanputra A H;Chincholkar S B (NO, P S G P V P Mandals ASC College, Shahada-425 409, Email: arpana_j12@redmailor.com ) : Influence of nitrogen sources and heavy metal ions on the production of rifamycin oxidase by Chyryseobacterium sp.. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 615-17.

Effect of N sources and heavy metal ions on cell growth, pH and rifamycin oxidase (RO) productivity by Chryseobacterium sp. was observed. Supplementation of malt extract showed pH close to neutral for 24 h followed by slight increase, whereas RO productivity significantly enhanced (36 1U ml^-1) as compared to control (29 IU ml^-1) within 12 h. RO production was considerably stimulated in presence of Ca⁺⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺. Chiyseobacterium sp. showed increase in enzyme activity by 38.77 % in presence of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ and 48.77 % in presence of Na⁺.

2 illus,12 ref