013560   Lalaroo H E;Devi S;Arjuna A (Medical Laboratory Sciences Dep, Lovely Professionla Univ, ) : Bioremediation. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(1), 367-72.

Bioremediation uses microbial metabolism in the presence of optimum environmental conditions and sufficient nutrients to breakdown contaminants. We reviewed technologies for carrying out bioremediation and observed that biotechnological approaches that are designed to carry out remediation have received a great deal of attention in recent years. At times, nutrient application alone or augmenting with microbes is not sufficient enough for remediation leading to a simultaneous approach. Recent studies show that a combination of both approaches is equally feasible but not explicitly more beneficial. Evidently, selection of a technology hinges on site specific requirements such as availability of microorganisms capable of degradation in sufficient quantities, nutrient availability to support microbial growth and proliferation as well as environmental parameters such as temperature in combination with duration of exposure. This review focuses on these technologies and efforts are directed towards eventual manipulation of the processes of remediation all geared towards making bioremediation technically and economically viable for comprehensive treatment of contaminated soils.

14 ref

013559   Khodayar M J;Javadipour M;Keshtzar E;Rezaei M (Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur Univ of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz-6135733184, Iran) : Role of berberine against arsenic induced oxidative damage in isolated rat liver mitochondria. J envir Biol 2016, 37(2), 285-90.

The aim of the present study was to assess the protective role of berberine against toxicity induced by arsenic in mitochondria from liver of rat. The level of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential changes were evaluated spectrofluorometrically. 20, 40 and 100 μM arsenic concentration increased ROS level approximately by 13.5, 21.3 and 29%. However, when pretreated mitochondria with berberine (10, 25, 50 μM) were exposed to arsenic (20, 40 and 100 μM), ROS production diminished. Also, for all arsenic concentration mitochondrial membrane damage was detected to be 2.5, 4.8 and 7.26% respectively. Pretreatment with berberine even at highest concentration (50 μM) was not able to retain membrane potential as compared to control. These results showed that mitochondria were significantly affected when exposed to arsenic, forcedly directed toward excess ROS production and mitochondrial membrane disruption. Pretreatment with berberine, reduced ROS generation but did not restore mitochondrial membrane integrity.

2 illus, 37 ref

013558   Haldar J;Mukherjee P;Mukhopadhyay S;Maiti P K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, Email: pkmaitiipgmer@gmail.com) : Isolation of bacteria from diabetic foot ulcers with special reference to anaerobe isolation by simple two-step combustion technique in candle jar. Indian J med Res 2017, 145(1), 97-101.

Although polymicrobial infections involving both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are very common in diabetic foot ulcers, in many centres of developing countries, anaerobes are rarely isolated due to technical difficulties. This can be overcome by using a new simple, innovative technique of a combination of candle combustion and use of acidified copper-coated steel wool, as reported here. In-house developed method was used in a prospective clinico-microbiological study for anaerobes from randomly selected 43 patients with diabetic foot ulcers along with conventional method of anaerobic culture in GasPak system and aerobic culture by standard laboratory procedures. For primary isolation of anaerobes, Brucella blood agar supplemented with hemin (5 μg/ml) and menadione (1 μg/ml) was used. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed by the standard disc diffusion method for aerobes and E-test method for anaerobes. All the 43 samples were culture positive, of which aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) predominated, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus and diphtheroids. Anaerobes isolated from 21 samples were Peptostreptococcus, Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, Veillonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens by both GasPak and in-house developed and modified candle jar techniques. Imipenem and metronidazole were most sensitive while clindamycin, penicillin and cefoxitin were least sensitive drugs for anaerobes. Aerobic GNB were found to be multidrug resistant, especially to penicillin and cephalosporins. The most sensitive drug was piperacillin-tazobactam. For isolation of anaerobes from clinical specimens such as diabetic foot ulcers, modified candle jar technique was found to be as reliable as GasPak system. This modified technique needs to be tested for many other clinical materials which are not - 54 - yet evaluated.

2 tables, 18 ref

013557   Erinjery J J;Kumara H N;Mohan K;Singh M (Bio-Psychology Lab and Institute of Excellence, University of Mysore, Mysuru-570 006, Email: Mewasinghltm@gmail.com) : Interactions of lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) with non-primates in the Western Ghats, India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(10), 2129-34.

Primates and non-primates inhabiting tropical forests may interact with each other since they coexist in the same communities. Primates usually interact with their prey, predators, competitors and nautral species. Using 'all occurrence' sampling, we have studied inter-specific interactions of lion-tailed macaques with non-primate species found in their habitat. We observed that the percentage of total time spent on interactions with non-primates was less than 1. Also, the percentage of total time spent in interacting with competitors, predators and neutral species was less than 0.5. The lack of predation pressure and lack of opportunities for mixed-species associations for increasing foraging efficiency appear to be the major reasons for the absence of interactions with non-primates. By comparing with studies from other primate habitat regions, we observed that primates in South Asia interact much lesser with non-primates than those in South America and Africa. A previous study showed that the interactions of lion-tailed macaques even with other primate species in the Western Ghats are less than expected by chance.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

013556   Dobriyal K;Godiyal J K (Sanskrit Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, B G R Campus, Pauri Garhwal, Email: anoopkdobriyal@refiffmail.com) : Manuscripts in Garhwal region and their conservation strategies. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(1-2), 19-20.

Manuscripts are the handwritten documents used by the people in ancient time to record their views and experiences. They have cultural and historical importance as artists and scientist study such manuscripts to get knowledge about our past civilization and cultural history. People in ancient time had knowledge of preparing such material which can be used as manuscript and can be conserving for a long time. Present contribution is made to collect manuscripts from Garhwal region and to know how they are used and preserved successfully.

5 ref

013555   Devendra Kumar;Dhar D W;Nehra P;Neeraj Kumar (Centre for Conservation and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae (CCUBGA), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi-110 012, Email: devendra2228@gmail.com) : Similarity analysis of Spirulina/Arthrospira strains on the basis of phycocyanin operon locus (cpcB-IGS-cpc-A) and 16S rRNA gene sequences. Indian J Biotechnol 2017, 16(1), 84-90.

Spirulina/Arthrospira is a species of cyanobacteria used in health foods, animal feed, food additives and fine chemicals. The present study conducted a comparison of the 16S rRNA and cpcBA-intergenic spacer (cpcBA-IGS) gene sequences in Spirulina/Arthrospira strains from culture collection of CCUBGA, IARI, New Delhi. All the strains of Spirulina used in this study had shown nearly 99% similarity amongst them. About fifty sequences (cpcBA-IGS) of Spirulina strains taken from NCBI with ten from the present strains of Spirulina, a neighbour-joing (NJ) tree was constructed with the help of MEGA5.0. The tree showed 99% similarity. All the sequences were put to Multiple Sequence Alignment with the help of T-Coffee (version 7.38) and BioEdit (version 7.38) software. Similarity studies undertaien based upon 16S rRNA and cpcBA-IGS genes sequence analysis indicated similarity coefficient of 0.84. S. platensis and Arthrospira sp. showed 100 percent similarity. Therefore, the current study supports some previous conclusions based on 16S rRNA gene and cpcBA-IGS sequences, which found that Arthrospira taxa are monophyletic. However, compared to 16S rRNA sequences, cpcBA-IGS sequences might be better suited to resolve close relationships and interspecies variability.

7 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

013554   De K;Venkataraman K;Ingole B (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Email: baban@nio.org) : Current status and scope of coral reef research in India: a bio-ecological perspective. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(4), 647-62.

Coral reefs are staggeringly diverse and complex ecosystem. But, this tropical wonder is currently degrading at alarming rates and, facing a high risk of extinction due - 52 - to several anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Despite knowing the complex and huge reefs India has, and all the benefits this country gets from its reefs; the efforts to manage and conserve appears poor. Review of research suggests that better management coupled with trained marine biologists, modern infrastructure facility and long-term funding. This review also intends to highlight the current focal area of bio-ecological research in Indian coral reefs and, discuss scopes for further study on some of the key themes on which primary research is being conducted globally. Moreover, there is a pressing need for effective communication between the scientific community and stakeholders for the strict implication of conservation practice to protect the spectacular coral reef ecosystem.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 97 ref

013553   Choudhary L;Dhaka T S (Botany Dep, D.A.V. (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001, Email: lalitadav@gmail.com) : Isolation and identification of bacteria from some spoiled fruits. Pl Archs 2016, 16(2), 834-8.

Investigation was carried to study the different bacterial sp. present in various spoiled fruits. Eleven bacteria, which caused spoilage of fruits were isolated from different spoiled fruits by serial dilution-agar planting method and enumerated. The isolated bacteria were identified as Escherchia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogens, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus megaterium on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Bacillus was the commonest genera present in all tested spoiled fruit samples.

1 table, 5 ref

013552   Busi S;Chatterjee R;Rajkumari J;Hnamte S (Centre for Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: siddhardha.busi@gmail.com) : Ecofriendly biosorption of dyes and metals by bacterial biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila RC1. J envir Biol 2016, 37(2), 267-74.

The ability of dried bacterial biomass in azo dye and heavy metal removal from aqueous solution was explored. Biosorption of three textile dyes, Eriochrome black T (EBT), Acid Red 26 (AR) and Trypan blue (TB) and heavy metals (Pb and Cr) by dried biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila RC1, was investigated in a batch system under various parameters such as dye concentration, contact time, concentration of biomass, pH, and temperature. The experimental results showed that the extent of biosorption for dyes increased with increase in initial concentration of dyes, biomass concentration, contact time, temperature and decreased with increase in pH. The experimental isotherms data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The Langmuir model yielded good fit to the experimental data (R² approximately 0.794, 0.844 and 0.969 for the dyes, EBT, AR and TB, respectively) with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 58.8 mg g^-1 for AR. Similarly results were obtained for heavy metals and the data fit in Langmuir model (R² value of 0.849 and 0.787) with q_m value of 40 mg g^-1 for Pb. The results fit in pseudo first order kinetics with removal upto 96.67% for Pb. Involvement of the surface characteristics of the biomass in biosorption was studied using scanning electron micrographs, FTIR, EDX and XRD analysis. Thus, use of A. hydrophila RC1 biomass can be extensively employed in water treatment plants in order to get desired water quality in the most economical way.

6 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

013551   Arbind Kumar;Vipin Kumar (P.G. Dep of Chemistry, D. S. College, Katihar-854 105, Email: drarbindktr@gmail.com) : Equilibrium and thermodynamic studies of Cd(II) biosorption by chemically modified orange peel. J envir Biol 2016, 37(2), 201-6.

Agricultural wastes have great potential of removing heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Removal of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions onto chemically modified orange peel was studied at different pH, contact time, initial metal concentrations, adsorbent doses and temperature. Batch experiments were carried out under optimized conditions to evaluate the adsorption capacity of orange peel chemically modified with NaOH. The results showed that maximum adsorption capacity of modified orange peel, approximately 97.0%, was observed 3 mg l^-1 of initial Cd (II) concentration pH 6 for 4 g l^-1 adsorbent dosage, 200 min contact time and 298 K temperature. Adsorption efficiency of modified orange peel decreased with increase in temperature indicated exothermic nature of adsorption. A negative value of DG0 (-8.59 kJ mol^-1) confirmed the feasibility of adsorption process and spontaneous nature of adsorption. A negative value of ΔH° (-28.08 kJ mol^-1) indicated exothermic nature while a negative ΔS° (-66.86 J K^-1 mol^-1) value suggested decrease in degree of freedom of the adsorbed species. The results showed that biosorption process of Cd (II) ions by chemically modified orange - 51 - peel is feasible, spontaneous and exothermic under studied conditions. Chemically by modified orange peel investigated in the present study showed good potential for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions.

6 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

013550   Anuradha R;Dutta R;Raja J D;Lawarence D;Timsi J;Sivaprakasam P (NO, , 1041 (Old no. 525/2), Periyar EVR High Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamilnadu, Email: dr.anuhems@gmail.com) : Role of community in Swachh bharat mission. their knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary latirine usage in rural areas, Tamil Nadu. Indian J community Med 2017, 42(2), 107-10.

In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life'. This practice is considered as the most serious health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the "Swachh Bharat Mission" to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. To find the knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. This was a cross sectional study conducted among rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was 33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. To solve the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

4 tables, 13 ref

013549   Agarwal R R;Goyal D K (NO, , Rishikul Campus UAU Haridwar, Email: ruby6758@gmail.com) : Water: the elixir of life in ayurveda. Envir Conserv J 2017, 18(1-2), 75-8.

Water is also very important for healthy life. It helps in maintaining health and decides the manner how water has to consumed in body. Although now a day's people are very much concerned with food they eat, calories consumed, amount of vitamins and minerals they consume and little emphasis is placed in water. Indeed amount of water of right quality as important as the amount of food that is consumed.

3 ref

013548   Acharya K P;Shilpkar P (Microbiology Dep, M.D. Gramseva Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Sadra-382 320, Email: komal.ach13@gmail.com) : Production, partial purification and characterization of xylanase using Nicotiana tabacum leaf dust as substrate. J envir Biol 2016, 37(2), 297-303.

Isolated Bacillus sp. was used in the present study for production of xylanase from Nicotiana tabacum leaf dust. The strain was able to give a maximum of 1.77 Uml^-1 xylanase activity under optimized fermentation conditions which was further increased upto 2.77 Uml^-1 after extraction and partial purification of enzyme. After partial purification, the enzyme was characterized and it gave the highest xylanase activity at pH 7.0, when 0.2 ml enzyme was incubated with 2.0% substrate (Nicotiana tabacum leaf dust) for 60 min at 60°C. Saccharification study of Nicotiana tabacum leaf dust with partially purified enzyme revealed that 18.4% reducing sugar was released in 20 hrs incubation, and TLC and HPTLC analysis showed that xylose and glucose sugars were obtained after hydrolysis of substrate. FTIR analysis confirmed decomposition of substrate.

3 illus, 31 ref

012774   Veghari G;Montazeri M;Ebadpour M;Vaghari M (Nutrition Dep, Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan Univ of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran) : Changing of family size and some sociodemographic-related factors in rural areas in te north of Iran: results of two cross-sectional studies from 2004 to 2013. Adv hum Biol 2017, 7(1), 19-22.

The population growth as a multifaceted factor is a controversial issue in Iran. The main aim of this study is to compare the population growth and some sociodemographic-related factors in the rural areas between 2004 and 2013 in the north of Iran. Materials and Methods: In - 152 - this descriptive and cross-sectional study, sample size was estimated at a minimum of 2401 (with an accuracy of 0.01 and error <60> 0.05). These studies were carried out on 2816 and 2562 individuals in 2004 and 2013, respectively. The sampling was combinational, and 20 out of 118 villages were selected randomly. We collected the data from all families whose children were under the age of 5 years. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 18.0, and P<60> 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean and standard deviation in 2004 and 2013 was 4.86 ± 1.96 and 4.13 ± 1.34, respectively. Decreasing trend was statistically significant during the two studies (P <60> 0.001). The highest family size has been observed in Turkmen group with 5.41 and 4.44 numbers in 2004 and 2013, respectively. Family size was positively correlated with economic status (P = 0.001), but it was negative with educational levels. ANOVA showed a significant difference between education level and mean of family size (P = 0.001). Family size in Turkmen group was higher than that in Fars-native and Sistani groups. It had a significant decreasing trend during the 9-year study. Population growth has a positive correlation with economic status and negative correlation with mother's educational level.

2 tables, 19 ref

012773   Thilagavathi T;Kanchana S (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Home Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural U, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Study on the effect of millet and pulse based pasta on blood glucose and lipid profile in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2017, 7(2), 112-21.

The study of pasta having antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties gives a new approach in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effect of millet and pulse incorporated pasta (noodles) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 animals each. Group I served as non-diabetic control, Group II as diabetic control and Groups III as treatment control group, while Groups IV, V, VI and VII served as treatment groups. Diabetes was induced in Group II rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) through the intraperitoneal route, whereas all the treatment groups (including Group III) received millet and pulse incorporated pasta (100 mg/kg body weight). After 28 days of treatment body weight, blood glucose, haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin, plasma insulin and lipid profile were determined. All the values are expressed as Mean ± SEM. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the group means were compared by Newman-Keuls multiple range test (NKMRT). Values were considered statistically significant at p<60>0.01. The alloxan-induced diabetic rats given millet and pulse incorporated pasta at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed highly significant reduction in blood glucose and serum lipid profile levels. It is concluded that millet and pulse incorporated noodles is effective in controlling blood glucose levels and improving lipid profile in diabetic rats.

1 illus, 6 table, 34 ref

012772   Sunitha D;Chary M N K;Hemalatha K;Unissa R (NO, , ) : Review on nutraceuticals. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2016, 5(1), 123-35.

Nutraceuticals are food product that provides health as well as medical benefits; including the prevention and treatment of disease. Few nutraceuticals are used as pharmaceuticals and a number of other being used and purchased by the general public as selfmedication. Such products ranges from dietary supplements to genetically engineered foods, herbal products and processed foods. Clinical research on nutraceutical product is going on for integrating and assessing information. The main aim of this article is to explore and discuss that a number of nutraceuticals can actually treat or prevent underlying causes of disease. This article outlines the types and therapeutic applications of nutraceuticals.

^iia16 ref

012771   Singh S;SIngh K;Trivedi R;Goyal S;Kaur P; Singh N;Bhatia T;Deshpande S N;Khushu S (NMR Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, New Delhi, Email: skhushu@yahoo.com) : Microstructural abnormalities of uncinate fasciculus as a function of impaired cognition in schizophrenia: A DTI study. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 419-26.

Neuropsychological studies have reported that attention, memory, language, motor and emotion processing areimpaired in schizophrenia. It is known that schizophrenia involves structural alterations in the white matter of brainthat contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder. Uncinate fasciculus (UNC), a bundle of white matter fibres,plays an important role in the pathology of this disorder and involved in cognitive functions such as memory, languageand emotion processing. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate microstructural changes in UNC fibre inschizophrenia patients relative to controls and its correlation with neuropsychological scores.Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Hindi version of Penn Computerised Neuropsychological Battery test wasperformed in 14 schizophrenia patients and 14 controls. DTI measures [fractional anisotropy (FA) and meandiffusivity (MD)] from UNC fibre were calculated and a comparison was made between patients and controls.Pearson's correlation was performed between neuropsychological scores and DTI measures.Schizophrenia patientsshowed significantly reduced FA values in UNC fibre compared to controls. In schizophrenia patients, a positivecorrelation of attention, spatial memory, sensorimotor dexterity and emotion with FA was observed. These findingssuggest that microstructural changes in UNC fibre may contribute to underlying dysfunction in the cognitive functionsassociated with schizophrenia.

1 illus, 4 table, 33 ref

012770   Singh S;Singh A;Nandi A K (NO, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067, Email: ashis_nandi@mail.jnu.ac.in) : The rice OsSAG12-2 gene codes for a functional protease that negatively regulates stress-induced cell death. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 445-53.

Senescence is the final stage of plant development. Although expression of most of the genes is suppressed duringsenescence, a set of genes referred as senescence-associated genes (SAGs) is induced. Arabidopsis thaliana SAG12(AtSAG12) is one such gene that has been mostly studied for its strict association with senescence. AtSAG12 encodes apapain-like cysteine protease, expressed predominantly in senescence-associated vacuoles. Rice genome containsmultiple AtSAG12 homologues (OsSAGs). OsSAG12-1, the closest structural homologue of AtSAG12, is a negativeregulator of developmental and stress-induced cell death. Proteolytic activity has not been established for any SAG12homologues in vitro. Here, we report that OsSAG12-2, the second structural homologue of AtSAG12 from rice, codesfor a functional proteolytic enzyme. The recombinant OsSAG12-2 protein produced in Escherichia coli undergoesautolysis to generate a functional protease. The matured OsSAG12-2 protein shows 27% trypsin-equivalent proteolyticactivity on azocasein substrate. Dark-induced senescence activates OsSAG12-2 expression. Down-regulation ofOsSAG12-2 in the transgenic artificial miRNA lines results in enhanced salt- and UV-induced cell death, even thoughit does not affect cell viability in the stress-free conditiOur results show that OsSAG12-2 codes for a functionalprotease that negatively regulates stress-induced cell death in rice.on.

6 illus, 21 ref

012769   Singh S P;Sovachandra Singh S (Statistics Dep, Manipur University, Manipur-795 003, Email: s_opendro@rediffmail.com ) : Survey on nutritional status of adolescent children of Manipur (special reference to Imphal east district, Manipur). Int J agric statist Sci 2017, 13(1), 131-3.

Age group 10-19 years is the period of adolescence. During period extra nutrients and energy rich food are very much required for the gain up to 50% of their adulthood and skeletal mass. So, it is necessary to take care about the adolescent health and nutrition for the children. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the nutritional status of adolescent children. A cross sectional data on sample size 360 (180 boys and 180 girls) were collected. Observation and personal interview were the methods of collecting data with the help of questionnaire, which was framed under study. Mean age of the boys and girls was 17.3 years and 16.4 years respectively. Among boys 30<37) were underweight (BMI<62>18.5), 40% were overweight (BMI<62>25) and 30% were normal BMI. And among the girls 45% were underweight (BMI<62>18.5), 25<37) were overweight (BMI<62>25) and 30% were normal BMI. There is significant association between BMI and education status of mother of boty boys and girls but no significant association between BMI and educational status of father of both boys and girls. In our study it was found that large proportion of adolescent boys and girls were overweight and undernourished, respectively. Therefore, change in food habits of adolescent boys and girls were required for the improvements in nutritional status of adolescents. Eating habits were also need to be changed.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

012768   Sekar C J C;Shashikiran M (Community Medicine Dep, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Science, B.G Nagara, Karnataka, Email: chandru589@gmail.com) : Community based cross - 149 - sectional study on prevalence of stunting among school children in B.G.Nagara, a rural area in Mandya district, Karnataka. J med Sci Hlth 2017, 3(1), 26-9.

The study area is one of the backward rural areas of Mandya District in Karnataka region with people having less knowledge about malnutrition. No study on stunting among school children in this area has been done in the recent past, to know the prevalence of stunting among school children in this area and to create awareness about the importance of child nutrition, this study was conducted. To assess the prevalence of stunting among primary school children in rural area of Mandya district. A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in a rural area of Mandya District from June 2014 to November 2014. Among the three Primary health centers attached to our college, one was selected by simple random sampling, and all the schools under the selected PHC were included in the study. All the school children (800) aged between 5 and 13 years, 1st-7th standard, who were present on the interview date, were included in this study. Majority (55.5%) were boys as compared to girls (44.5%). Around 83.75% were from private school and 16.25% were from government school. Out the total children, 1.0% were suffering from Grade II stunting, and 8.1% were suffering from Grade I stunting, and rest 90.9% were within normal limits. There was no significant association between stunting and gender of the children and also between types of school. One of the indicators of chronic malnutrition is stunting was 9.9% among primary school children in rural area of Mandya District. It was not associated with gender and type of school. Focus on child nutrition improvement and their growth promotion can be done by Nutrition Programmes and by educating the public.

2 illus, 2 table, 13 ref

012767   Saha R K;Sharma R;Ghosh PC (NO, , Occupational Health Service Dep, Hermotocarp Ltd, Email: rajat.saha@heromotocorp.com) : Ergonomic evaluation of a job (Engine mounting on frame body) in an automobile industry with post counter measure assessment study. Int J Hlthcare Educat med Inf 2016, 3(3-4), 7-12.

Even after automated industrial operations, manual handling is still evident with development of physiological fatigue alongwith ergonomic risk factors which invariably reduces human performance capacity. A cross-sectional scientific study was conducted in an automobile industry to assess physiological strain & ergonomic risk factors with an aim to make job comfortable & less risky. Study was conducted on 8 randomly selected employees of frame assembly section in an automobile industry. Job was manual unloading of automobile engine weighing 30 kg from conveyor tray, carrying it to another conveyor 2 meter apart & mounting on frame body. Resting HR, BSA & BMI of the workers were computed. Peak HR, oxygen saturation & later, recovery HR was recorded. NIOSH lifting index (LI) & RULA score for postural stress were assessed. Work-site dimensions of conveyor tray carrying engines- vertical height 52 cm from ground, horizontal distance 15 cm & frequency approx. 3/ min. Physiological work stress assessment (peak heart rate, oxygen uptake & energy expenditure) were 129.5±7.07 beats/min, 1.27±0.15 lit/min & 6.42±0.71 kcal/min respectively. Physiological recovery was 98.95±11.47, 91.10±10.23 & 83.70±7.35 beats/min. Mean oxygen saturation was 98.12% & mean resting heart rate 74.63 beats/min. LI was 4.04±0.53 and mean postural stress through RULA score was assessed to be 4.55±0.42 Physiological strain and postural strain were high. The cause of high RULA score & LI could be ascertained to job at shoulder height; vertical factor of LI was primarily responsible for which recommendation was conveyed for worksite design modification (subsequently done & recorded).

3 illus, 4 table, 12 ref

012766   Saba N;Yusuf O;Rehman S;Munir S;Ahmad S; Mansoor A;Raja G K (NO, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan, Email: nusratsaba@yahoo.co.in) : Angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with pakistani asthamtic cases and control. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 439-44.

Asthma is a chronic disease due to inflammation of the airways of lungs that is clinically characterized by variablesymptoms including wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Angiotensin I-converting - 148 - enzyme (ACE) plays a majorrole in fibrous tissue formation and is highly expressed in lungs. The main aim of this research work was to study the roleof ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, rs4646994, in asthma in Pakistani patients. A total of 854 subjects,including 333 asthma patients and 521 ethnically matched controls, were studied. The ACE (I/D) polymorphism wasgenotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testswere used to compare groups. Homozygous insertion genotype II (p <60> 0.0001, OR=3.38) and insertion allele (I) wassignificantly more frequent in Pakistani asthmatics than in healthy controls (p=0.0007, OR=1.40). The ID genotype (p<60>0.0001, OR=0.43) and the deletion allele (D) were associated with protection of disease in Pakistani patients(p=0.0007,OR=0.71). These data suggest the involvement of ACE I/D polymorphism in asthma risk in the Pakistanipopulation. This marker may be an important indication in the molecular mechanism of asthma and can become a usefultool in risk assessment and help in designing strategy to combat disease.

3 illus, 4 table, 32 ref

012765   Reddy B R;Maitra S;Jhelum P;Praveen Kumar K; Bagul P K;Kaur G;Banerjee S K;Arvind Kumar;Chakravarty S (Chemical Biology Dep, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad-500 007, Email: sumanachak@iict.res.in) : Sirtuin 1 and 7 mediate resveratol-induced recovery from hyper-anxiety in high-fructose-fed prediabetic rats. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 407-17.

Hyperglycaemia in diabetes is either caused by reduced availability of insulin (type 1 diabetes, T1D) or insulinresistance to the cells (type 2 diabetes, T2D). In recent years, the prevalence of T2D has increased to an alarmingproportion, encompassing 95% of the total diabetic burden, probably due to economy-driven changes in lifestyle.Recent epidemiological studies show comorbid depression, anxiety and related mental illness. To explore themolecular mechanisms underlying this comorbid conditions, we used Sprague-Dawley rats on high-fructose dietfor 8 weeks to induce prediabetic condition. Rats with this metabolic syndrome also showed hyper-anxiety when theywere subjected to anxiety-related behavioural assays. Rats were administered with resveratrol, an activator of sirtuins,and metformin, a standard antidiabetic drug, simultaneously with fructose. We observed that resveratrol was moreeffective in protecting from both the metabolic (prediabetic) and affective (anxiety) disorders than metformin.Molecular studies showed that recovery was associated with the upregulation of few nuclear sirtuins that actepigenetically - Sirt 1 and 7, which were significantly attenuated in the striatum of prediabetic rats. In conclusion,our study showed that hyper-anxiety associated with prediabetic condition is ameliorated by resveratrol throughmodulation of sirtuins, which is more or less similar to metformin.

5 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

012764   Priyadharshini PA;Bindu S;Siddiqa R;Yogish R; Aithal M;Sadiya H (Genetics Dep, Vijaya College, R.V Road Basavangudi, Bengaluru-5690 004) : Dermatoglyphic variation, as genetic markerson plantarsurface: Potentiality for sports men. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2016, 6(2), 251-6.

Dermatoglyphic features of feet are compared between sports men and non-sports men with in the age group 16-23 years. Various morphometric and dermatoglyphic parameters were considered. The result analyzed, showed high variation and greater number of loops at distal thenar of the sports men than in non-sports men. This might be genetic marker for prognostication of potentiality in sports men.

6 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

012763   Pande A;Rathi M;Dhote S;Palekar T;Dhige A; Yengde P (NO, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune) : Running speed and agility according to bruininks oseretsky test of motor proficiency, 2nd edition. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2017, 6(2), 90-3.

Evaluation of running speed and agility in school going children of age 5 to 15 years. Running speed and agility (RSA) is essential in children like other factors like strength, endurance and power. The purpose of this study was to find out the total scores in children, to compare according to gender and to find the descriptive category according to age group. It was a cross sectional analytical study conducted in schools of Pimpri Chinchwad area. This study included 248 males and 268 females which were assessed for by shuttle run test and hopping. The total - 147 - mean point score of female is 30.16 and male are 32.63. The performance of males was better than females. From the study, it is concluded that maximum number of students comes under average category and males showed better performance than females in Running speed and agility.

3 tables, 10 ref

012762   Mehra V;Ghosh T S;Mande S S (Bio-Science R & D Div, TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Pune-411 013, Email: sharmila.mande@tcs.com) : Insights into horizontal acquisition patterns of dormancy and reactivation regulon genes in mycobacterial species using a partitioning-based framework. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 475-85.

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) events, initially thought to be rare in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, have recentlybeen shown to be involved in the acquisition of virulence operons in M. tuberculosis. We have developed a newpartitioning framework based HGT prediction algorithm, called Grid3M, and applied the same for the prediction ofHGTs in Mycobacteria. Validation and testing using simulated and real microbial genomes indicated better performanceof Grid3M as compared with other widely used HGT prediction methods. Specific analysis of the genesbelonging to dormancy/reactivation regulons across 14 mycobacterial genomes indicated that horizontal acquisition isspecifically restricted to important accessory proteins. The results also revealed Burkholderia species to be a probablesource of HGT genes belonging to these regulons. The current study provides a basis for similar analyses investigatingthe functional/evolutionary aspects of HGT genes in other pathogens. A database of Grid3M predicted HGTs incompletely sequenced genomes is available at https://metagenomics.atc.tcs.com/Grid3M/.

5 illus, 34 ref

012761   Marathe N P;Gaikwad S S;Vaishampayan A A; Rasane M H;Shouche Y S;Gade W N (NO, Microbial Culture Collection, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune-411 007, Email: wngade@unipune.ac.in) : Mossambicus tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from water bodies impacted by urban waste carries extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and intergron-bearing gut. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 341-6.

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) (Tilapia) is one of the most consumed fish globally. Tilapia thrives well inenvironments polluted by urban waste, which invariably contain antibiotic-resistant - 146 - bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs). Thus, Tilapia surviving in such polluted environments may serve as a potential source for dissemination of ARGs.To investigate this, we isolated bacterial strains from gut of Tilapia found in polluted rivers and lakes near Pune, India, andstudied the prevalence of resistance genes bymolecularmethods. A total of 91 bacterial strains were obtained, which includefish pathogens and human pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Serratia marcescens,Enterobacter spp. and Shigella spp. Overall the prevalence of class 1 integrons, class 2 integrons, extended-spectrum betalactamases(ESBLs) bla_CTX-M, bla,v>SHV and aac(6')-Ib-cr gene was 38%, 24%, 38%, 31% and 31% respectively. Forty-twopercent of the Enterobacteriaceae strains carried bla_CTX-M gene, which is a common ESBL gene in clinics. The studydemonstrates that tilapia found in the polluted waters can serve as reservoirs and an alternative route for human exposure toclinically important ARG-carrying bacteria. The consumption and handling of these fish may pose a potential health risk.

2 illus, 2 table, 32 ref

012760   Lopes R S;Cardosa M M;Sampaio A O;Barbosa M S;Souza J C C;Silva M C;Ferreira E M N;Freire M A M;Lima R R;Leal W G (Laboratory of Experimental Neuroprotein and Neuroregeneration, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal Univ of Para (UFPA), Belem, Brazil, Email: leal@ufpa.br) : Indomethacin treatment reduces microglia activation and increases numbers of neuroblasts in the subventricular zone and ischaemic striatum after focal ischaemia. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 381-94.

Neuroblasts from the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate to striatum following stroke, but most of them die inthe ischaemic milieu and this can be related to exacerbated microglial activation. Here, we explored theeffects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory indomethacin on microglial activation, neuronal preservation andneuroblast migration following experimental striatal stroke in adult rats. Animals were submitted toendothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced focal striatal ischaemia and were treated with indomethacin or sterile saline(i.p.) for 7 days, being perfused after 8 or 14 days. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess neuronalloss (anti-NeuN), microglial activation (anti-Iba1, ED1) and migrating neuroblasts (anti-DCX) by countingNeuN, ED1 and DCX-positive cells in the ischaemic striatum or SVZ. Indomethacin treatment reducedmicroglia activation and the number of ED1⁺ cells in both 8 and 14 days post injury as compared withcontrols. There was an increase in the number of DCX⁺ cells in both SVZ and striatum at the same survivaltimes. Moreover, there was a decrease in the number of NeuN⁺ cells in indomethacin-treated animals ascompared with the control group at 8 days but not after 14 days post injury. The results suggest thatindomethacin treatment modulates microglia activation, contributing to increased neuroblast proliferation inthe SVZ and migration to the ischaemic striatum following stroke.

5 illus, 1 table, 61 ref

012759   Jagtap C B;Pradeep Kumar;Rao K K (Marine Biotechnology Dep, Naval Materials Research Laboratory, Ambernath, Maharastra, Email: drchandrajag@gmail.com) : Bacillus subtilis Hfq: A role - 145 - in chemotaxis and motility. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 347-58.

Hfq is a global post-transcriptional regulator that modulates the translation and stability of target mRNAs and therebyregulates pleiotropic functions, such as growth, stress, virulence and motility, in many Gram-negative bacteria.However, comparatively little is known about the regulation and function(s) of Hfq in Gram-positive bacteria.Recently, in Bacillus subtilis, a role for Hfq in stationary phase survival has been suggested, although the possibilityof Hfq having an additional role(s) cannot be ruled out. In this study we show that an ortholog of Hfq in B. subtilis isregulated by the stress sigma factor, sB, in addition to the stationary phase sigma factor, sH. We further demonstratethat Hfq positively regulates the expression of flagellum and chemotaxis genes (fla/che) that control chemotaxis andmotility, thus assigning a new function for Hfq in B. subtilis.

5 illus, 2 table, 41 ref

012758   Gota P;Adegoke A;Gurjar M;Singh S;Nandave M; Hingorani L;Gota V (School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Singhania Univ, Pacheri Bari, Jhunjhunu-333 515) : Comparison of the metabolic stability of solid lipid boswallia serrata particles versus plain Boswellia serrata extract in human hepatocytes (HHL-17). Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2016, 6(1), 22-7.

Boswellic acids (BAs) including 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) are the active principles of Boswelliaserrata extract (BSE) which is used in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. BAs are characterized by low oral bioavailability. In order to circumvent this problem, solid lipid boswelliaserrata particles (SLBSP) were developed which is essentially a complexation of BAs with phospholipids such as phosphatidyl choline. The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic stability of SLBSP versus plain BSE using HHL-17, a Human telomere inactivated hepatocyte cell line. The two formulations were incubated in HHL-17 for time points ranging from 30 minutes to 480 minutes. At the end of incubation period, cells were lysed and concentration of KBA and AKBA in the cell lysates was estimated using a validated LC-MS/MS technique. It was observed that KBA from plain BSE was cleared by the hepatocytes with a half-life of 5.8 hours, whereas, KBA from SLBSP exhibited lesser accumulation in hepatocytes and lowmetabolic clearance. No difference was observed in the rate of metabolism of AKBA from the two formulations. It can be concluded that phospholipid complexation confers metabolic stability to KBA by rendering it less permeable into human hepatocytes.

2 illus, 14 ref

012757   Gorniak B G;Mosor M;Marcinkowska J; Przyslawski J;Nowak J (Bromatology and Human Nutrition Dep, Poznan Univ of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland, Email: bgrygiel@ump.edu.pl) : Impact of the PPAR gamma-2 gene polymorphisms on the metabolic state of postmenopausal women. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 427-37.

The relationship Pro12Ala (rs1801282) and C1431T (rs3856806) polymorphisms of PPAR gamma-2 with glucose and lipid metabolism is not clear after menopause. We investigated the impact of the Pro12Ala and C1431T silentsubstitution in the 6th exon in PPAR gamma-2 gene on nutritional and metabolic status in 271 postmenopausal women(122 lean and 149 obese). The general linear model (GLM) approach to the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to infer the interactions between the analysed genotypes. The frequency of the Pro-T haplotype was higher in obese than in lean women (p<60>0.0349). In the analysed GLM models according to obesity status, the C1431C genotypewas related to a lower glucose concentration (β=-0.2103) in lean women, and to higher folliculotropic hormone FSH levels (β=0.1985) and lower waist circumferences (β=-0.1511) in obese women. The influence of C1431C waspresent regardless of the occurrence of the Pro12Ala polymorphism. The co-existence of the C1431C and Pro12Pro genotypes was related to lower values for triceps skinfold thickness compared those for the T1241/X and Ala12/X polymorphisms (β=-0.1425). The presence of C1431C decreased the differences between triceps values that weredetermined by Pro or Ala allele. In conclusion, C1431T polymorphism seems to have a more essential influence onanthropometric and biochemical parameters than is the case with Pro12Ala polymorphism.

2 illus, 4 table, 35 ref

012756   Esmatabadi M J D;Bakhsinejad B;Motlagh F M; Babashah S;Sadeghizadeh M (Molecular Genetics Dep, Tarbiat Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: sadeghma@modares.ac.in) : Therapeutic resistance and cancer recurrence mechanisms: Unfolding the story of tumour coming back. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 497-506.

Cancer recurrence is believed to be one of the major reasons for the failure of cancer treatment strategies. Thisbiological phenomenon could arise from the incomplete eradication of tumour cells after chemo- and radiotherapy.Recent developments in the design of models reflecting cancer recurrence and in vivo imaging techniques have ledresearchers to gain a deeper and more detailed insight into the mechanisms underlying tumour relapse. Here, weprovide an overview of three important drivers of recurrence including cancer stem cells (CSCs), neosis, and phoenixrising. The survival of cancer stem cells is well recognized as one of the primary causes of therapeutic resistance inmalignant cells. CSCs have a relatively latent metabolism and show resistance to therapeutic agents through a varietyof routes. Neosis has proven to be as an important mechanism behind tumour self-proliferation after treatment whichgives rise to the expansion of tumour cells in the injured site via production of Raju cells. Phoenix rising is a prorecurrencepathway through which apoptotic cancer cells send strong signals to the neighbouring diseased cellsleading to their multiplication. The mechanisms involved in therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence have not yetbeen fully understood and mostly remain unexplained. Without doubt, an improved understanding of the cellularmachinery contributing to recurrence will pave the way for the development of novel, sophisticated and effective antitumourtherapeutic strategies which can eradicate tumour without the threat of relapse.

3 illus, 67 ref

012755   Dawood O T;Rashan M A A;Hassali M A;Saleem F (Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceut, Science Malaysia Univ, Penang, Malaysia, Email: othd2000@yahoo.com) : Knowledge and perception about health risks of cigarette smoking among Iraqi smokers. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2016, 8(2), 146-51.

Smoking is a major - 143 - public health problem, especially in Iraq. There is very little information had been documented regarding smoking risk factors and quit intention among Iraqi smokers. The main objectives of this study are to determine smokers' knowledge and perception about smoking health risks; and to determine smoking behavior and quitting intentions among Iraqi smokers; as well as to predict the factors that may associate with quit intentions. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic in Tikrit Teaching Hospital, Tikrit City, Iraq. Adult smokers who are smoking cigarette everyday and able to communicate with the researcher were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 386 participants. This study showed that smokers had low awareness about some risk effects of smoking such as lung cancer in nonsmokers (30.1%), impotence in male smokers (52.6%), premature ageing (64%), and stroke (66.3%). In addition, the high score of knowledge and perception was significantly associated with quitting intention. Smokers' knowledge and perception regarding smoking health effects were low, especially in terms of secondhand smokers. Many efforts needed from health policy-makers and health care professionals to disseminate information about the risks of smoking and health benefits of give up smoking.

1 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

012754   Chawla V;Rajnish Kumar;Shankar R (Biotechnology Dep, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, Email: ravish@ihbt.res.in) : Identifying wrong assemblies in de novo short read primary sequence assembly contigs. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 455-74.

With the advent of short-reads-based genome sequencing approaches, large number of organisms are being sequencedall over the world. Most of these assemblies are done using some de novo short read assemblers and other relatedapproaches. However, the contigs produced this way are prone to wrong assembly. So far, there is a conspicuousdearth of reliable tools to identify mis-assembled contigs. Mis-assemblies could result from incorrectly deleted orwrongly arranged genomic sequences. In the present work various factors related to sequence, sequencing andassembling have been assessed for their role in causing mis-assembly by using different genome sequencing data.Finally, some mis-assembly detecting tools have been evaluated for their ability to detect the wrongly assembledprimary contigs, suggesting a lot of scope for improvement in this area. The present work also proposes a simpleunsupervised learning-based novel approach to identify mis-assemblies in the contigs which was found performingreasonably well when compared to the already existing tools to report mis-assembled contigs. It was observed that theproposed methodology may work as a complementary system to the existing tools to enhance their accuracy.

9 illus, 3 table, 49 ref

012753   Chandola C;Kalme S;Casteleijn M G;Urti A; Neerathilingam M (NO, Center for Cellular and Molecular Plarforms, xNCBS-TIFR, Banglore-560 065, Email: mneerathilingam@gmail.com) : Application of aptamers in diagnostics, drug-delivery and imaging. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 535-61.

Aptamers are small, single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) that bind to their target with high specificity andaffinity. Although aptamers are analogous to antibodies for a wide range of target recognition and variety ofapplications, they have significant advantages over antibodies. Since aptamers have recently emerged as a class ofbiomolecules with an application in a wide array of fields, we need to summarize the latest developments herein. Inthis review we will discuss about the latest developments in using aptamers in diagnostics, drug delivery and imaging.We begin with diagnostics, discussing the application of aptamers for the detection of infective agents itself, antigens/toxins (bacteria), biomarkers (cancer), or a combination. The ease of conjugation and labelling of aptamers makesthem a potential tool for diagnostics. Also, due to the reduced off-target effects of aptamers, their use as a potentialdrug delivery tool is emerging rapidly. Hence, we discuss their use in targeted delivery in conjugation with siRNAs,nanoparticles, liposomes, drugs and antibodies. Finally, we discuss about the conjugation strategies applicable forRNA and DNA aptamers for imaging. Their stability and self-assembly after heating makes them superior overprotein-based binding molecules in terms of labelling and conjugation strategies.

3 illus, 2 table, 169 ref

012752   Bharathi Devi S R;Aloysius Dhivya M;Sulochana K N (Biochemistry and Cell Biology Dep, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, Email: drkns@snmail.org) : Copper transporters and chaperones: Their function on angiogensis and cellular signalling. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(3), 487-96.

Copper, although known as a micronutrient, has a pivotal role in modulating the cellular metabolism. Many studieshave reported the role of copper in angiogenesis. Copper chaperones are intracellular proteins that mediate coppertrafficking to various cell organelles. However, the role and function of copper chaperones in relation to angiogenesishas to be further explored. The intracellular copper levels when in excess are deleterious and certain mutations ofcopper chaperones have been shown to induce cell death and influence various cellular metabolisms. The study ofthese chaperones will be helpful in understanding the players in the cascade of events in angiogenesis and their role incellular metabolic pathways. In this review we have briefly listed the copper chaperones associated with angiogenicand metabolic signalling and their function.

4 illus, 86 ref

012751   Anand Kumar K;Kalishikam R R;Lalitha A; Chandak G R;Sengupta S;Raghunath M (Endocrinology and Metabolism Div, National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Hyderabad-500 604) : Rehabilitation mitigates changes in body fat % visceral adiposity and lipid metabolism in the wistar rat offspring induced by maternal vitamin B12 restriction. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2017, 6(2), 94-100.

Vitamin B12 supplementation to pregnant Indian mothers has attracted little attention despite high prevalence of its deficiency among them. Werecently reported that vitamin B12 rehabilitation during pregnancy and lactationmitigated the changes in growth, muscle development, glucose tolerance and metabolism in the offspring born to B12 restricted Wistarrat dams. We now report the prevention/reversibility by rehabilitation of the effects caused by chronic maternal dietary vitamin B12restriction on body fat %, visceral adiposity and lipid metabolism in Wistar rat offspring. Methods: Vitamin B12 restricted, pregnant rat dams were rehabilitated with control diet from conception or parturition and their offspring from weaning. Whereas offspring born to some vitamin B12 restricted rat dams were weaned on to control diet. Body composition was determined in dams before mating and in male offspring at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of their age. Biochemical parameters like lipid profile, plasma and tissue adipocytokine levels, activity of fatty-acid-synthase & acetyl-CoA-carboxylase and plasma cortisol levels were analyzed. Maternal vitamin B12 restriction increased body fat % (especially abdominal adiposity), altered lipid metabolism (lipid profile, plasma and tissue adipocytokine levels, activities of fatty-acid-synthase and acetyl-CoA-carboxylase) and increased the glucocorticoidstress in B12 restricted offspring. While rehabilitation from conception restored the changes to controls, rehabilitation from parturition and weaning corrected the changes only partially.The results appear to suggest that rehabilitation may alleviate changes in body fat%, visceral adiposity and lipid metabolism induced by maternal vitamin B12 restriction in Wistar rat offspring.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

012750   Alex R K L (NO, , ) : Assess the effectiveness of child-to-child approach through role play on knowledge regarding causes, prevention and management of accidents among school going children in selected school of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. J Nurs Sci Pract 2017, 7(1), 21-8.

Death rate of children due to road traffic accident is high in India due to low level enforcement of simple road safety measures in India, such as prohibition and monitoring of drunken driving, wearing helmets, seat belts and child restraints. School teachers should inculcate traffic safety among students and enforce traffic rules within the school premises. The mandatory use of child restraints can reduce child deaths by 35%. A quasi experimental study was designed and conducted at primary school of Bhilai, India among school going children between 9 to 12 years of age. Self-structured questionnaire, schedule planned, pretest, posttest design was used to assess the effectiveness of child-to-child approach through role play on knowledge regarding causes, prevention and management of accidents among school going children. Knowledge status of subjects after posttest score showed that 85% of subject had excellent knowledge of prevention and management of accident. Association of demographic variables with knowledge of subjects after posttest score showed that education of mother was highly significant (P<60>0.05) and occupation of parents also showed significant association (P<60>0.05) with knowledge status of study subjects. Child-to-child approach through role play in prevention and management of accident is very effective in enhancing knowledge of school going children. So it can be used for effective prevention of - 141 - road traffic accidents.

011577   Yousef F M (Food and Nutrition Dep, Faculty of Home Economics, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) : Associations factors affecting on osteoporisis in postmenopausal women in Saudi Arabian, Jeddah. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(2), 204-12.

Osteoporosis is a disorders having the characteristic features of low Bone Mineral Density (BMD). However; there are several factors affecting the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women as age, menopause, anthropometric measurements and biochemical bone markers. This study aims to assess whether there is an association between age, anthropometric measurements, some serum biochemical bone indices (vitamin D, calcium, intact PTH, and magnesium) and bone health. Furthermore, we examine the axial and peripheral BMD. A cross-sectional study, involving 200 woman (50-82 years), it conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the year 2015. Anthropometric measurements for each participants were recorded. Calcium, vitamin D, intact PTH, magnesium, alkaline phosphates and cholesterol levels were measured. Lumbar spine (L1L4)), neck (NK), wards (WA), troch (Tr) and total femur (TF) BMD were performed in women by Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Women age was 58.83 ± 5.89 Y, with menopausal age 51.38 ± 3.44 Y. Body Mass Index (BMI) of participants was 31.48 ± 5.68 kg/m2. The serum calcium, magnesium and alkaline phosphates were in normal range reached (2.54± 0.21 mmol/L, 0.79± 0.08 mmol/L and 1.34± 0.17 mmol/L, respectively). Most of participants suffering from deficiency of vitamin D and hyperparathyroidism reached (35.01 ± 22.08 nmol/L and 8.86 ± 3.28 pmol/L, respectively). as well as most of them have cholesterol level <60> 5.2 mmol/L. There was positive significant correlation between age and wait/hip ratio (0.18, p <60> 0.01). All BMD measure results, revealed negative significant correlation (p<60>0.001) with age recorded (- 0.31, -0.36, -0.39 and -0.40 for L1L4, NK, WA and TF, respectively), except Tr revealed showed positive significant correlation (0.33, p<60>0.001). As well as, BMD at the five sites measure revealed positive significant correlation (p<60>0.001) with body mass index (BMI). Also, negative significant correlation between PTH and vitamin D (0.18, p <60> 0.01) was found. To prevent osteoporosis the postmenopausal women should have adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D in early ages. Proper nutrition education program should be done, especially during menopause transition and period for increase bone loss.

4 tables, 40 ref

011576   Youmi M T;Merzoug S;Tahraoui A (Laboratoire de Neuro-endocrinologie Appliquee, Departement de Biologie, Universite Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, Algeria, Email: mohamedl.toumi@gmail.com ) : Effects of quercetin on predator stress-related hematological and behavioural alterations in pregnant rats and their offspring. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(2), 237-49.

This study aims at investigating the effect of a psychogenic stress during gestation on the behaviour and haemato-logical indices in dams as well as on the neonatal haematological status and periadolescent behaviour in their offspring. Moreover, the ability of quercetin, a natural flavonoid, to prevent the stress-induced changes was estimated. Pregnant Wistar rats were pretreated with quercetin before the exposure to a predator stress on gestational day 19. Post-stress maternal anxiety-like behaviour was assessed with a concomitant haematological analysis. In the offspring, haematological analysis and behavioural testing were performed during the postnatal stage. Our results revealed that predator stress causes an anxiety-like behaviour in dams along with a decrease in erythrocytes, a microcytosis and a thrombocytosis. Prenatally stressed neonates manifested microcytosis and thrombocytosis with a significant polycy-themia. Signs of motor hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviour, and memory dysfunction were detected at periadoles-cence. Quercetin pretreatment alleviated the stress-induced behavioural and haematological impairments in dams but failed to attenuate the haematological changes in neonates. A sex-dependent effect of quercetin on behaviour was found at periadolescence. Our findings suggest that, besides a beneficial effect on haematological and behavioural anomalies in traumatized dams, quercetin may lastingly modulate the behaviour of their progeny.

5 illus, 2 tables, 69 ref

011575   Tunali-Akbay T;Alev B;Tunali S;Oktay S; Emekli-Alturfan E;Ipekci H;Ozturk L K;Yanardag R;Yarat A (Basic Medical Sciences Dep, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara Univ, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: ttuali@marmara.edu.tr) : Protective role of Edaravone against valproic acid induced changes in skin. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(5), 286-91.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug known to have some adverse effects on gastrointestinal, neurologic, hematologic and reproductive systems. In this study, we investigated the effect of edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazoline-5-one), a potent free radical scavenger, on skin oxidative and inflammatory changes caused by VPA. Female rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, edaravone (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.), VPA (0.5 g/kg/day, i.p.), and VPA+edaravone (in same dose, i.p.). On the 8th day of experiment, all the animals were fasted overnight and then sacrificed under anesthesia. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, total sialic acid and total protein levels, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, myeloperoxidase and tissue factor activities were determined in homogenized skin samples. VPA administration significantly altered the skin oxidant and antioxidant balance which may cause skin cell damage. Edaravone, as an antioxidant, demonstrated its radical scavenger effect, especially on malondialdehyde level and glutathione-S-transferase activity. Edaravone, by preventing inflammatory and oxidative reactions, partly protected the skin against the changes observed after the VPA administration.

1 illus, 2 table, 36 ref

011574   Toula F H;Sayed Elahl S A (Biology Dep, College of Science for Girls, King Abdul-Azize Univ, KSA, Email: ftoulah@kau.edu.sa) : Isolation and identification of free living amoebae from water sources with respect to Acanthamoeba, Naegleria in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(2), 1-8.

Free-living amoeba (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa that have been isolated from a wide range of environments particularly water and soil. Only Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia and Sappinia genera are responsible for opportunistic and non-opportunistic infections in humans and other animals. Also, FLA serve as reservoirs for several bacteria, virus and protozoa. The present study has been conducted to characterize the distribution of both Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species in water sources and swimming pools in Jeddah city, in addition to determination of the potential risk of human health through bacterial acquisition by these amoebae. A total of 64 water samples; houses (32), mosques (16) and swimming pools (16) were collected. Water samples were prepared and sterile cotton swaps were cultured on plate of non-nutrient agar supplemented with E. coli for up to 14 days, in addition, negative controls were carried out, each inoculated with sterile distilled water. And respectively, the total positive samples were 32.8%; houses were 31.25%, mosques were 31.25% and swimming pool achieved 37.5%. Acanthamoeba accounted for 80.95% from the total positives while Naegleria was 19.05%. On examining some positive samples of FLA with electron microscope there were many specimens which showed intracellular micro-organisms which are needed to be further identified by polymerase chain reaction or through specific probes.

2 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

011573   Suman M;Rajnikant M (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rmishraa@bhu.ac.in) : Mitochondrial membrane-bound activity of arginase is independent of nitrogen excretion pattern in ureogenic and non-ureogenic vertebrates. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(2), 74-8.

Arginase, that regulates metabolism of arginine, is widely distributed in organisms. The two major isoforms, cytosolic Arginase-I, and mitochondrial Arginase-II have been characterized well. However, reports also suggest another mitochondrial membrane-bound arginase which is extracted by washing the mitochondria with KCl. Here, we studied this mitochondrial membrane-bound arginase among vertebrates. Our observations support that arginase activity is predominant in cytosol which is designated as Arginase-I. The mitochondrial membrane-bound Arginase (mbArg) which resembles Arginase-II seems independent of nitrogen excretion pattern because of its presence both in ureogenic and non-ureogenic vertebrates.

4 illus, 32 ref

011572   Shabana;Hasnain S (Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Dep, Punjab Univ, Lahore, Pakistan 54590, Email: shabana.mmg@pu.edu.pk) : Leptin promoter variant G2548A is associated with serum leptin and HDL-C levels in a case control observational study in association with obesity in a Pakistani cohort. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(2), 251-5.

Leptin is a protein hormone synthesized by adipocytes and is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. We hypothesized that any change in the promoter sequence can affect the expression of the gene and hence leptin protein levels in the serum. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship of such a promoter variant of the leptin gene, G-2548A polymorphism, with obesity and its effect on various anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a Pakistani cohort consisting of 250 obese and 225 non-obese control subjects. Body weight, height, waist cirqupafirence (WC), hip circumference (HC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured by standard methods and levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDLC, LDLC, and leptin were determined. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that the LEP G-2548A polymorphism showed significant association with obesity in Pakistan. In addition, the polymorphism showed association with weight, height, BMI, WC, HDLC and serum leptin levels. The findings suggest that the leptin promoter G-2548A variant may play its part in the progression to obesity by not only affecting the body's fat distribution but also by changing the serum leptin and HDLC levels.

3 tables, 20 ref

011571   Sawanth S K;Gopinath G;Sambrani N;Arunkumar K P (Center of Excellence for Genetics and Genomics of Silkmoths, Laborator, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad-500 001, Email: arun@cdfd.org.in) : Autpregulatory loop: a common mechanism of regulation of key sex determining genes in insects. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(2), 283-94.

Sex determination in most insects is structured as a gene cascade, wherein a primary signal is passed through a series of sex-determining genes, culminating in a downstream double-switch known as doublesex that decides the sexual fate of the embryo. From the literature available on sex determination cascades, it becomes apparent that sex determination mechanisms have evolved rapidly. The primary signal that provides the cue to determine the sex of the embryo varies remarkably, not only among taxa, but also within taxa. Furthermore, the upstream key gene in the cascade also varies between species and even among closely related species. The order Insecta alone provides examples of astoundingly complex diversity of upstream key genes in sex determination mechanisms. Besides, unlike key upstream genes, the downstream double-switch gene is alternatively spliced to form functional sex-specific isoforms. This sex-specific splicing is conserved across insect taxa. The genes involved in the sex determination cascade such as Sex-lethal (Sxl) in Drosophila melanogaster, transformer (trd) in many other dipterans, coleopterans and hymenopterans, Feminizer (fern) in Apis mellifera, and IGF-II mRNA-bindingprotein (Bmimp) in Bombyx mori are reported to be regulated by an autoregulatory positive feedback loop. In this review, by taking examples from various insects, we propose the hypothesis that autoregulatory loop mechanisms of sex determination might be a general strategy. We also discuss the possible reasons for the evolution of autoregulatory loops in sex determination cascades and their impact on binary developmental choices.

2 illus, 82 ref

011570   Saravanan N;Patil M A;Kumar P U;Suryanarayana P;Reddy G B (Biochemistry Division, National Institute of Nutrition , Hyderabad) : Dietary ginger improves glucose dysregulation in a long-term high-fat high-fructose prediabetic rat model. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(3), 142-50.

The rapid increase in global diabetes burden with its associated morbidity and mortality is a major health concern for humans. Prediabetes is a condition which predispose a person not only to diabetes but also to the associated complications including morbidity even in the absence of an apparant hyperglycemia. However, appropriate dietary intervention may not only prevent but also improve one's condition as diet is the major contributor to such metabolic disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of dietary ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on the markers of insulin resistance and pathophysiology in a diet-induced prediabetic rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed the following diets: control (5% groundnut oil + 65% corn starch), high fat high fructose (HFHF; 25% beef tallow + 35% fructose) and HFHF with 3% ginger (HFHFG) for eight months. Plasma markers of insulin resistance, lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance (OGTT; 2nd and 5th month), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance (ITT), plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), liver histology and pancreatic immunohistochemistry (IHC) were examined. The impaired OGTT, ITT and insulin sensitivity indices with observed hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia suggest that HFHF feeding resulted in prediabetes in rats. HFHF feeding also decreased insulin secretion in the pancreas, increased lipid accumulation in liver and total oxidants in plasma. The effects of HFHF feeding on glucose regulation, pathophysiology of pancreas and liver; total oxidative stress were improved by ginger feeding. The present study demonstrated thatlong-term HFHF feeding induces prediabetes in experimental rats while dietary ginger neutralizes the HFHF induced impairment in glucose regulation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress.

6 illus, 2 table, 48 ref

011569   Ramesh CH;Mohanraju R;Narayana S;Murthy K N; Karthick P (Ocean Studies and Marine Biology Dep, Pondicherry Central Univ, Port Blair-744 102, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Email: chrameshpu@gamil.com) : Isolation and cellular fatty acid profile analyzation of two marine bioluminescent bacteria. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(1), 192-5.

Two luminescent bacterial strains KOOS1 and KOOS2 isolated from surface mucus of Octopus sp. collected from Andaman were identified by their cellular fatty acid composition analyzation with the help of Microbial Identification system (MIDI). SIM indexes obtained for these isolated strains were 0.772 (KOOS1) and 0.754 (KOOS2) respectively and were identified as Photobacterium damselae and Vibrio fischeri. Major fatty acids found in Photobacterium damselae were Saturated: Dodecanoic acid (C_12:0), Tetradecanoic acid (C_14:0), Pentadecanoic acid (C_15:0), Hexadecanoic acid (C_16:0), Heptadecanoic acid (C_17:0) and Octadecanoic acid (C_18:0); and Unsaturated: 3-hydroxy-9-methyl decanoic acid (C_11:0iso 3OH), 3-hydroxydodecanoic(C_12:0 3OH), C_16:1ω5c, Oleic acid (C_18:1ω9c) and C_18:1ω5c. In Vibrio fischeri Saturated: C_12:0, Tridecanoic acid (C_13:0), C_15:0, C_16:0, C_17:0 and C_18:0; and Unsaturated: C_11:0iso 3OH,2-hydroxydodecanoic (C_12:0 2OH), C_12:03OH, C_13:0iso, C_14:0iso, C_15:0iso, C_15:0anteiso, C_16:0iso, C_17:0iso, C_16:1ω5c, C_15:0iso3OH, C_17:1 ω8c and C_17:1ω6c were found. Cyclopropane acids have not been detected in both Photobacterium damselae and Vibrio fischeri.

2 illus, 14 ref

011568   Raina S K (NO, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, JNU Campus, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067 , Email: Susheelkr76@gmail.com) : Wounding activates a 47 kDa MAP kinase in Cathranthus roseus (L.) G. Don.. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(2), 107-112.

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. is an important medicinal plant (Fam. Apocynaceae) known for its alkaloids that are accumulated in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses including wounding. Mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases are important components of cellular signaling system transducing these stress stimuli into intracellular responses by phosphorylation of downstream transcription factors, regulators or inhibitors leading to expression of stress responsive genes. Here, we report the activation of a 47 kDa MAP Kinase in C. roseus in response to wounding. The immunoprecipitation coupled with in-gel kinase assay revealed tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein. Partial purification of the MAP kinase was also attempted. We observed a size variation for the kinase when purified using different schemes.

5 illus, 29 ref

011567   Qusti S Y (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, 21551 - P.O. Box: 42805, Saudi Arabia, Email: safaaqusti@yahoo.com) : Selenium and melatonin attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain of agen rats with aluminium chloride-induced alzheimer. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(2), 277-89 .

Melatonin (MEL) and Seleniun (Se) are identified as potential antioxidants that can detoxify different Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in neurological diseases. The relationship between Se and MEL in detoxification remains unclear. The present study explores whether selenium and melatonin protects against experimental Alzheimer (AD) (aluminum chloride)-induced brain, and blood oxidative stress, and cytokine production in rats. Memory impairment was induced by aluminum chloride AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) for 42 days through oral gavages. To study the activity of MEL and Se 10 mg/kg (composed of 9.9 mg/kg melatonin and 0.1 mg/kg selenium (sodium selenite)), it was administered to Wistar rats for 49 days in addition to aluminum chloride. With the help of Morris water maze and passive avoidance test, learning and memory impairment were measured whereas the biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were measured in brain post treatment. The prominent finding of this study is that the oxidative stress is enhanced by AlCl3. A significant improvement was shown by Selenium and Melatonin in terms of reduction in the oxidative stress through the reduction of AST, ALT, MDA level and further it counteracted the AChE activity. MEL-Se significantly lowered, an increase in TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD, GSH, CAT, GSSG-R and Na⁺- k⁺ ATPase activity. The present study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of selenium and melatonin through regulation of the antioxidant level and cytokine production, and this may act as a key to treat Alzheimer's disease.

1 illus, 2 tables, 63 ref

011566   Pore S K;Bose D;Maiti S;Banerjee R ( Biomaterials Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007) : Streptomycin, an inhibitor of miR-21 reduces invasion and suppresses tumor growth. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(3-4) , 227-31.

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate around 60% genes. These small RNAs play important roles in maintaining biological robustness and deregulation of miRNAs has been associated with different diseases, including cancer. Thus, modulation of miRNA levels is of immense therapeutic importance. miR-21, one of the important oncomirs over-expresses in different type of cancers and targets tumor suppressor genes, which are involved in invasion and metastasis. This makes miR-21 a potential therapeutic target. Previously, we have shown that streptomycin down-regulates miR-21 expression by hindering the processing of Dicer, an enzyme that facilitates the maturation of pre-miR-21 into its mature form in the cytoplasm. Here, we have explored the anti-cancer potential of streptomycin via modulation of miR-21. Our kinetic analysis shows the strong binding interaction between pre-miR-21 and streptomycin. In cell culture system, streptomycin treatment significantly reduces the invasiveness of B16F10 cells (where miR-21 is over-expressed). In mouse xenograft model, injection of streptomycin pretreated cells causes significant delay in tumor formation with reduced tumor size, when compared with untreated or other structurally related aminoglycoside treated cells. These results clearly indicate the therapeutic potential of streptomycin in reducing the aggressiveness in cancer.

3 illus, 39 ref