006454   Mundhe A Y;Bhilwade H;Pandit S V (Zoology Dep, Savitribai Phule Pune Univ, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: drpanditsv@unipune.ac.in) : Genotoxicity and oxidative stress as biomarkers in fresh water mussel, Lamellidens marginalis (Lam.) exposed to monocrotophos. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(12), 822-8.

Monocrotophos (MCP) is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in India for controlling various pests. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative stress and genotoxic potential of MCP on the freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) after 7 days exposure and repair of the damaged DNA after 4 days recovery. The bivalves were exposed to 5.25 mg/L of MCP for 7 days and then allowed to recover for 4 days in pesticide-free water. Increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was recorded in the gill, muscle, foot and mantle tissues. Cellular antioxidant defences i.e. antioxidant enzyme activities like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase were used as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Altered activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed after exposure. There was a significant recovery in the antioxidative enzymes in the tissues after the recovery period. To monitor genotoxicity of MCP, we used micronucleus and comet assay. Increase in Olive tail moment in the gill cells of exposed mussels as compared to that of control ones indicated significant DNA damage. Our findings suggest that the MCP-induced oxidative stress may be contributing partly to genotoxic damage of gill cells. Thus, these biomarkers are found to be useful in evaluating the toxicity of MCP in mussels.

3 illus, 2 tables, 52 ref

006453   Muhammed Zafar Iqbal A N;Khan M S (Biological Oceanography Div, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula-403 004, Email: zafar_ian@yahoo.co.uk) : Novel DNase like compound that inhibits virus propagation from Asian green mussel, Perna viridis (Linn.). Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(12), 816-21.

Viral diseases are not only responsible for health related issues but also exert pressure on the State economy. Tropical and subtropical countries have more prevalence of virus associated pathological conditions such as chickenpox, adenovirus related infections, dengue, chickengunya, infectious mononucleosis, etc. Treatment options with effective antiviral drugs are limited and are unfortunately not free from undesirable effects. The Asian Green Mussel, Perna viridis (Linn.) (Mytilidae) are not only important for their evolutionary significance, high caloric index, ecological role in the sequestration of environmental pollutants especially heavy metals, but also are potential source for extraction of therapeutic and bioactive compounds. On the other hand, generally in bivalves, virus mediated mortality is not uncommon. In this study, we made a maiden attempt of exploring DNAse like bioactivity for natural non-protenacious compound(s) extracted from P. viridis. Crude Methanol Extract (CME) of soft tissue of P. viridis and subsequently its partially purified component (PPC) possess exceptional ability to degrade indiscriminately both low and high molecular weight DNAs. In vitro digestions for1, 2 and 3 h with CME and PPC were found to be comparable to commercial (Sigma-Aldrich) enzyme, DNase I. Bioactive assays conducted to evaluate antimicrobial property, have shown that CME and PPC exclusively inhibit viral propagation. Nonetheless, CME & PPC have no effect on the propagation of bacteria (0 mm ZOI). These results indicate the possibility of a source of potential antiviral drug against DNA Group I viruses. Although our study does not provide any data to correlate to any physiological functions of these substances but provides a clue towards an important role in the biology of mussels. Any conclusion at this stage is premature. However, taking into consideration the significantly high virus mediated mortality in bivalves and the antiviral bioactivity of these substances, it appears that mussels have evolved some mechanisms to counteract some viruses.

3 illus, 33 ref

006452   Masimba P J;Innocent E;Samwel B (Biological and Preclinical Studies Dep, Institute of Medicines, Muhimbili Univ of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Email: paxmasimba@gmail.com) : Oral acute toxicity study of Annona squamosa L. leaves extract and fractions in Albino mice. J advd scient Res 2016, 7(1), 38-42.

The medicinal plants have been used traditionally for different purposes such as pest control and treatment of human diseases. Despite these potentials, only few plants have been evaluated for their safety. This study aimed at investigating oral acute toxicity of Annona squamosa leaf extract and fractions using albino mice. The aqueous-ethanol, dichloromethane and petroleum ether fractions were prepared and tested for oral acute toxicity. Whereas some toxicity signs occurred for aqueous-ethanol extract at doses =1500 mg/kg bwt that of dichloromethane fraction were seen at 1000-5000 mg/kg and that of petroleum ether fraction were at 5000 mg/kg. All the tested materials at a dose above 300 mg/kg bwt had negative effects on the growth of the mice. The LD₅₀ were estimated to be <62>1000 mg/kg bwt for dichloromethane, <62>1500 mg/kg bwt for aqueous-ethanol extract and <62>3000 mg/kg bwt for petroleum ether fraction. All mice dissected had normal organs except one among six females treated with aqueous-ethanol extract at 5000 mg/kg bwt which had pus in the uterus. Relative organ weight (ROW) suggested effects in kidney and heart. The LD₅₀ in this study indicated that the dichloromethane fraction and aqueous-ethanol extracts are harmful if swallowed while petroleum ether fraction may be harmful if swallowed hence people should be warned against oral use of these products. Since only behavioral and gross organ examinations were done, further studies involving histological and hematological examinations are suggested.

1 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

006451   Manna D;Ghosh A (NO, Scottish Church College, 1 & 3 Urquhart Square, Kolkata-700 006) : Using a new method to identify RBPS by coupling them to various RNA editing enzymes. J scient lett 2016, 1(3 sppl), 130-3.

Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is performed by different RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs) that bind to specific targets on RNA transcripts. Identification of these targets, in vivo, is very essential for better understanding of the effect of RNA-binding factors in the regulation of RNA transcripts. However, perfect methods for the same are not available. Also, they cannot be used for the examination of smaller cell counts. TRIBE (Targets of RNA-binding proteins Identified by Editing) is a unique method, developed recently, that uses expression of fusion proteins (RBPs fused with RNA-editing enzymes), in vivo. It is done by marking the RBP targets using the editing activity of the fusion protein and sequencing the RNA.

1 illus, 9 ref

006450   Gupta P K (Sardar Singh Smriti Shikha Mahavidlaya, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh) : Urban and village school students with reference to intelligency. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2016, 7(4), 5018-29.

The present paper deals with study of urban and village school studies of Tikamgarh, District of Madhya Pradesh. Imphasis were given to correlate the date regarding their intelligency.

6 ref

006449   Ghosal S;Chakraborty I;Pradhan N K (Physiology Dep, Presidency Univ, Kolkata-700 073, Email: pradhan.nirmal11@gmail.com) : Histoarchitecture and biochemical studies of epididymis in male rats induced by aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens L. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 2209-18.

Different herbal Plants are used globally for safe and natural source of medicine from ancient ages. Jussiaea repens L, is a medicinal herb that has been reported to have non toxic antigonadal activity, which reduced the sperm count, motility, viability and morphological alteration of spermatozoa in rats. It also alters histoarchitechture vis-a-vis functions of testicular tissues by altering the biochemical and hormonal profile. The present study was designed to evaluate whether J.repens crude aqueous extract treatment affects the histoarchitecture of epididymis and its biochemical alterations which are correlated with sperm maturation, as the relationship between spermatozoa and microenviroimient of epididymis during the sperms remain in it, is important for male fertility. Adult male albino rats were fed crude aqueous extract of Jussiaea repens at the dose of 200mg/kg b.wt /day for 28 days consecutively, which caused significant reduction in epididymal sialic acid, glycogen, phospholipid, GSH, and testosterone level. But no change in total lipid and MDA level. Histological studies of epididymis showed the epithelial lining and basement membrane was thin and disrupted, the luminal diameter, epithelial height and nuclear diameter significantly reduced in treated group compare to control. So, from these studies it may be concluded that JR extract altering the hormone and bio-molecular level which was reflected on histological alteration of epididymal tissue including spermatozoa and microenvironment during their sperm remain in the epididymis leads to infertility and all the effects were reversible on withdrawal of treatment.

38 ref

006448   Garg M;Arya G;Gupta A (Human Development and Family Studies Dep, College of Home Science, C.S.U.A & T.Kanpur) : Causes of female feticide : views of professionals and civil society. Indian J soc Res 2016, 57(3), 367-74.

Purpose of the study was to investigate the causes which are responsible for female feticide, for this purpose views of different professionals and civil society members were collected. The Data was collected through questionnaire cum interview method. Thirty respondents from each category viz, health personals (Doctors), Lawyers, Educationist. Students and housewives were taken for the study. A total sample of 150 respondents was randomly selected from different areas of Kanpur city. Findings indicates that Maximum respondents were in the favour that main cause of female feticide is blind believes, most of the people prefer sons rather than daughters, and in cultural factors 70% of respondents were in the favour that most of the people think that son will continue their name generation to generation. And another main cause of female feticide is dowary. Mother in laws followed by husbands is responsible member for female feticide. And most of the respondents were unaware about the use of actual use of PC and PNDT (Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Test).

4 tables, 11 ref

006447   Dugal S;Pradhan S (Microbiology Dep, Sophia College, Univ of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: suparnadugal@gmail.com) : Novel approach for controlling biofilm formation on ossicular chain reconstruction prostheses. J advd scient Res 2016, 7(1), 60-3.

The potential risk of infection due to the biofilm formation on implant surface constitutes one of the drawbacks of hydroxyapatite ossicular chain prostheses. The current study explores the use of chitosan nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent impregnated in hydroxyapatite to prevent pathogenic colonization and subsequent suboptimal outcomes associated with ossicular reconstruction surgeries. In the current study, chitosan nanoparticles were chemically synthesized in the laboratory using ionic gelation method. Characterization of these nanoparticles was carried out by UV- visible spectrophotometer and maximum absorption was noted at 350nm. SEM analysis revealed spherical morphology of chitosan nanoparticles with size ranging from 45nm to 50 nm. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, common pathogens associated with ossicular implant infections. Further, models of hydroxyapatite ossicular implants were impregnated with chitosan nanoparticles and checked against the test organisms. A significant reduction in biofilm formation was seen; indicating that chitosan nanoparticles could provide a novel approach in controlling ossicular chain reconstruction prostheses associated infections.

3 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

006446   Dasari P;Nayak P (Physiology Dep, NRI Medical College & General Hospital, Chinakakani, Mangalagiri, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh-522 503, Email: nprasunpriya@gmail.com) : Effect of tocotrienol on medium dose ethanol-induced alternations in serum superoxide and peroxide handling capacities (SPHC) in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(11), 729-34.

Tocotrienols are members of vitamin E family present in low concentrations and possess high antioxidant activity. Consumption of ethanol is a common problem and induces oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the effect of tocotrienol against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into two sets; one set of rats were exposed with low to moderate doses of ethanol for 4 weeks, while another set was exposed to tocotrienol orally (10 mg/day) in addition to the 'low to moderate doses of ethanol for 4 weeks'. Oxidative stress parameters, like levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined in serum before the initiation of treatment protocol and at the end of 2nd and 4th week of treatment. Serum levels of superoxide and peroxide handling capacities were also calculated in those three time points. Tocotrienol-treated rats showed statistically significant enhancement in reduced glutathione level, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities. Glutathione-dependent superoxide and peroxide handling capacity of those rats were found to be higher. The current study suggests that the tocotrienol-induced protection against the oxidative stress is most likely mediated by glutathione-based system.

7 illus, 29 ref

006445   Chattopadhyay D (North Bengal Science Centre, P. O. -Matigara Siliguri, Dist. - Darjeeling, Email: dckc.sc@gmail.com ) : Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells. Sci Cult 2016, 82(3-4), 55-60.

The history of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells raises important issues regarding science, ethics, race, and class. It is important from scientific point of view because without this cell we cannot progress the biological research. It is important because till day scientists are struggling to find out the causes for which it is immortal. On the other hand it is originator of many social issues and controversies. It raises many questions in our mind like- science and ethics, Science and Law, etc. etc. The article will help the reader to correlate Science with Society.

6 ref

006444   Brahadeesh M;Suresha R N (Pharmacology Dep, Velammal Medical College, Madurai, Email: mahendranmayathevar@gmail.com) : Screening of the drug aminodarone for its antiinflammatory potential in albino rats. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2016, 7(5), 5042-6.

Adult albino rats of either sex weighing 150-200 grams were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 each. The control, standard and test group received Gum acacia 2g%, indomethacin 10 mg/kg and amiodarone 24 mg /kg respectively. Acute inflammatory activity was assessed by carageenan induced paw oedema, Turpentine induced arthritis and Sub Acute activity was assessed by cotton pellet induced granuloma model. The anti-inflammatory activity was expressed as percentage of inhibition. In carageenan induced paw oedema, percentage of inhibition of paw oedema by indomethacin and amiodarone with respect to control were 51% and 30% respectively. Hence the anti-edema effect of the test group was good and comparable with standard. The percentage of inhibition of paw oedema by the test group considering the percentage of inhibition of standard as 100 % was 70.37%.Thus Amiodarone showed good anti-inflammatory activity compared with the standard drug indomethacin in carageenan induced rat paw oedema model.

3 tables, 11 ref

006443   AlShabaa K F H;Sami W;Al-Yasiri I K;Mansour H (Microbiology Dep Vet. Medical Faculty, Kufa Univ, Iraq, Email: kefahf.asson@uokufa.edu.iq) : Molecular detection of human brucellosis in Iraqi population. J advd scient Res 2016, 7(1), 20-4.

Brucellosis, Undulant fever, Mediterranean fever or Malta fever is different wards for one disease which is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Brucella, that are almost invariably transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected animals or their products. Additionally, human brucellosis has a serious medical impact worldwide, which affects people of all age groups and of both sexes. The eradication poses major difficulties because this disease is largely under diagnosed and underreported. Furthermore, brucellosis in human beings is rarely fatal; it can be severely debilitating and disabling. A renewed scientific interest in human brucellosis has been fuelled by its recent re-emergence and enhanced surveillance in many areas of the world because of regarding the disease as a class B bioterrorist agent and remains the world's most common bacterial zoonosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from March, 2013 to March, 2014 to estimate seroprevalence of brucellosis and identify risk factors associated with human Brucella infections in Al-Najaf province (n=523). Samples were collected from both sexes and between (16 -47) years of age with clinical symptoms suggestive of brucellosis such as fever, sweating, myalgia, weakness and among intimate contact history with individuals who were infected or their family members are infected with brucellosis. Blood divided into parts, one for serum perpetrated. Sera were screened for presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and positive samples were confirmed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both IgM & IgG. Another part anti-coagulant one used for Real-time PCR (Rt-PCR). Seroprevalence was estimated were 172(32, 9%), 351 (67 %) and 90(25,6 %) by RBPT, IgG -ELISA and IgM -ELISA respectively. Ninety samples that positive results in RBPT, IgG, IgM -ELISA were taken for Rt-PCR to confirm the diagnosis of Brucella, only 35 (38,9%) were recorded positive and compared to the Apparently healthy Control group (90). However, this distribution was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Seroprevalence no different according to sex which having seroprevalence (54 %) compared to males (43%). Differently, seroprevalence varied according to age groups, with the age category 16-25 years recording the highest (61%). The study recorded relatively low Brucella seroprevalence in rural area recorded 70 (38.9%), compared to the urban area recorded 110(61%). That suggested may be due to persistence involve multiple social and ecological factors like varies geographic regions; management factors; population density; biological features such as immunity as well as the randomly usage of antibiotic lead to the high levels of antibiotic resistance.

4 tables, 27 ref

005315   Subramanian G K;Gnanasoundari P;Chakraborty S;Krishnan P (Microbiology Dep, Madras Univ, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: padma.abpkn@gmail.com) : Occurrence of aac(6')-IB variants among Enterobacteriaceaes aac(6')-Ib-cr the most predominant variant?. Indian J med Microbiol 2016, 34(3), 400-1.

1 illus, 5 ref

005314   Sharma B S;Rathore N;Agarwal A (Environmental Studies Dep, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Univ, School of Life Sciences, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Ameliorative effect of α-tocopherol supplementation against tobacco smoke induced alterations in white blood cells of male albino rat. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(9), 754-8.

The present study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of a-tocopherol supplementation against tobacco smoke induced alterations in white blood cells of male albino rat. Experimental rats were kept in standard laboratory conditions and grouped into 3 sets-control set (A), experimental set (B) exposed to 6 filtered cigarette smoke for 1 hr/day and experimental set (C) exposed to cigarette smoke with supplementation of a-tocopherol (50 mg/kg b.wt) for 60 day. An increase in total leucocyte count, neutrophils and monocytes, while decrease in lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils in comparison to control rats have been observed in tobacco smoke exposed rats. However, tobacco smoke induced alterations were modulated after supplementation of α-tocopherol due to antioxidant defense mechanism against toxic action of tobacco smoke.

1 table, 26 ref

005313   Sati V P;Vangchhia L (Geography and Resource Management Dep, Mizoram Univ, Aizawl-796 004, Email: sati.vp@gmail.com) : Nutritional status and infant mortality rate in Saiha district, Mizoram, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(12), 2280-4.

This communication examines nutritional status and its impact on infant mortality rate (IMR) in Saiha district, Mizoram, India. 1650 mothers from 17 villages were surveyed using random sampling method. The district has very high IMR (219.6), significantly higher than Mizoram (35). Meanwhile, per day per capita calorie intake is 1703, which is less than the recommended dietary intake (2400 kcal). All food items which people consume daily were collected and nutritional status was assessed. The result shows that high IMR in the district is due to food insecurity and malnutrition.

2 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

005312   Radha M S (SBRR, Maharaja First Grade College, Mysore, Email: radhamfgc@gmail.com) : Female feticide- A perspective and problem. Int J Prev Curat Comm Med 2016, 2(1), 19-22.

The importance of sexual inequality is often felt at the instance of the birth of a child. Thefirst question parents ask at the birth of a child, in all societies all over the world, is always the same, "is it a boy or a girl?" in fact, the inequality of sexes is probably the oldest form of structural social inequality. India is a land of religion where the girl is seen as incarnation of Goddess "Laxmi." True, many families are out of bounds in joy when a girl child is born in their family. They think she will bring luck, harmony, happiness and peace in their family. But in India, a most brutal form of killing females takes place regularly even before they have the opportunity to be born. Female feticide in India is the act of killing the female fetus outside of the legal channels of abortion. Female feticide is still prevalent in Indian society; in fact, it has been a practice for hundreds of years. Narrow-minded people do not mind murdering unborn daughter for the fear of giving huge amounts of dowry at the time of her marriage. The birth of a girl child is often seen as a curse to the family and the child is considered as a major burden to the pa rents. Some people could say that this belief was true in the past, but it is not true of the current modern times where the girls are given equal opportunity in education. Still, our country is in practice of killing a unborn female baby. Female feticide is the selective abortion of female fetuses to killing upward of one million females annually. Female feticide is relatively a new practice, emerging concurrently with the advent of technological advancements in parental sex determination on a large scale in 1990s. While abortion is legal in India, it is a crime to abort a pregnancy solely because the fetus is female. In our country female feticide has become a major problem in the contemporary society, if female feticide is to be stopped then there has to be restriction on all the persons involved in such evil practice like medical professionals, clinics, people in general and also people who sell ultrasound and other medicines. This article will discuss about the practice of female feticide in India and the status of women in Indian society.

1 table, 5 ref

005311   Naresh Kumar (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Science Technology and Development Studies, K. S. Krishnan Marg, Pusa Gate, New Delhi-110 012, Email: nareshwumar@yahoo.com) : Impact of parental socio-economic factors on the performance of students in IIT-JEE. Curr Sci 2016, 110(11), 2079-81.

Impact of socio-economic factors (SEFs) on the academic performance of students has always been a matter of debate. Some studies have argued that students from low socio-economic background lagged behind those from well-to-do families. However, there are also others which rule out this notion. Therefore, this article analyses the impact of parental SEFs on the performance of students In IIT-JEE, which is considered to be one of the most difficult examinations for engineering admission in India. However, there are some limitations of the study due to paucity of time-series data on the relevant attributes.

3 tables, 16 ref

005310   Michael Babu M;Kavitha P;Citarasu T;Dhas A; Selvaraj T (Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Rajakkamangalam-629 502, Email: michaelmsu@live.com) : Herbal antimicrobials also induce the resistant bacterial strain development- A preliminary study in comparison with commercial antibiotics. J Aquacult Trop 2016, 31(1-2), 31-49.

This work was designed to study the effect of commercial antibiotics and herbal antimicrobials on development of resistant strain in the aquatic bacterial pathogens such as Vibrio harvi, Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio damselae and Vibrio angularium. The aquatic bacterial pathogens were treated with commercial antibiotics and partially purified herbal antimicrobials obtained from Adathoda zeylanica, Cynodon dactylon, Solanum trilobatum, Solanum surratense and Ocimum sanctum. The resistant strain developments in bacteria due to the treatment of antibiotic and herbal antimicrobials were studied by treating the pathogenic bacteria with Less than Threshold Concentration (LTC) of the antibiotics and herbal anti microbial for four subsequent treatments with uniform intervals. From this work, it was evidenced that apart from antibiotics, the herbal antimicrobials also induced resistant strain development in bacteria. The duration and concentration of treatment with commercial antibiotics and herbal antimicrobials were found effective for the development of resistant strain in bacteria. The commercial antibiotics and herbal antimicrobials when mixed and applied on bacteria, reduced the percentage of resistant strain development than applied them separately.

6 tables, 50 ref

005309   Laxmi (Social Work Dep, PBMMEC, Mysore, Email: laxmiputran@yahoo.in) : Assessment of current level of compliance to COTPA (The cigarette and other tobacco product act) 2003 in Mysore district of state of Karnatka, India. Int J Prev Curat Comm Med 2016, 2(1), 4-8.

Tobacco is the single greatest cause of death globally. As many as half of people who use tobacco die from the results of this use. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimatesthat each yea r tobacco causes about 6 million deaths (about 10% of all deaths) with 0.6 million of these occurring in non-smokers due to second-hand smoke. In the 20th century, tobacco is estimated to have caused 100 million deaths. The government of India implemented Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act of 2003, which prohibits smoking in public places, advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution, direct or indirect advertisement, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products and sale to and by minors and prohibition of sale around educational institutions. In order to find the compliance of COTPA in Mysore district, the study was conducted with the help of State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Karnataka, and the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. The objective of the study was to assess the current level of compliance to various sections of COTPA in Mysore district. For compliance monitoring, an observation checklist was used to assess the compliance to different sections of the Act which has been developed by the "International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease." A total of 410 public places, 400 points of sale, and 400 educational institutions were observed to assess the compliance to the COTPA Act (2003). It was found that there is clear violation of the Act in majority of the places.

6 tables, 6 ref

005308   Josefsson J;Inga-Lill A (ALM Dep, Uppsala Univ, Box 625, 751 26 Uppsala, Sweden, Email: johanjosefsson85@hotmail.com ) : Heritage as life-values: a study of the cultural heritage concept. Curr Sci 2016, 110(11), 2091-8.

For a long time now, the world has been facing a heritage stampede with an array of stakeholders -nations, global heritage organizations, NGOs, terrorists and ordinary people - all claiming their rights to heritage and the past. Hence, there is a great need to understand what heritage does, or what we do with heritage in an everyday context. This article aims to contribute to the discussion through studies of the heritage concept from a theoretical and analytical perspective, starting from a Swedish and European view on heritage; how it came into being, established itself and developed, and finally found itself called into question and at risk of being discarded. Our argument is that the present heritage concept would benefit from the introduction of the concept of life-values, not in order to replace it, but to enrich and take heritage into the 21st century. The article is based on field work in Albania.

5 illus, 25 ref

005307   Iyappan K;Ananthan G (Centre of Advanced study im Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Tamil Nadu, Email: casananthan@yahoo.co.in) : Antibiotic efficacy and biochemical compostion of ascidian, Phalllusia nigra (Savigny, 1816) from the Palk bay, Southeast coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(6), 795-9.

An investigation was held out to examine the biochemical constituents present in the simple ascidian Phallusia nigra (P. nigra), such as protein, carbohydrate, lipids, moisture, acidity and ash content. Extractions of P. nigra (visceral) tissue sample in several solvents were assayed for antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. Protein content was found to be higher during the summer season in P. nigra, while the minimum quantity of lipid was recorded during monsoon season. Benzene and acetonitrile crude extracts inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens. Chloroform extract didn't inhibit any strains.

1 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

005306   Goswami A K;Nongkynrih B;Kalaivani M;Gupta S K;Pandav C S (Biostatistics Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Email: baridalyne@gmail.com) : Double burden of malnutrition among elderly population of Delhi. Indian J community Hlth 2016, 28(4), 324-30.

Nutritional status is an important determinant for elderly, directly influencing their susceptibility to diseases, adversely affecting their quality of life. To assess the nutritional status of elderly persons aged ≥60 years residing in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a resettlement colony in Delhi. Cluster random sampling was used. Three out of ten blocks were selected randomly. All elderly persons present in the selected blocks were included. Information on socio-demographic variables was collected. Arm span and weight were measured by trained investigators. Data was entered in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed in Stata 11.0. Multiple logistic regression was done to determine the association between nutritional status and socio-demographic variables Results: A total of 711 elderly persons were recruited. About half (53.2%) had normal nutritional status, 20.8% were underweight and 19.4% were overweight and 6.6% were obese. Under-nutrition was significantly associated with gender, while overweight/obesity was found to be significantly associated with age (p<60>0.001), gender (p<60>0.001), occupation (p<60>0.001) and economic dependency (p<60> 0.001). Dual burden of malnutrition was seen, so there is a need to promote healthy eating and lifestyle to address both spectrum of malnutrition.

6 tables, 21 ref

005305   Dhar S;Jindal V;Gupta V K (Insect Molecular Biology Lab, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: dharsushants@gmail.com) : Optimization of growth conditions and medium composition for improved conidiation of newly isolated Beauveria bassiana strains. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(10), 634-43.

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus with high potential in controlling insect pests. In this study, we propose optimum cultural conditions and culture media for better growth of various B. bassiana strains. B. bassiana strains achieved their maximum growth during optimal incubation period of seven days. The optimum pH and temperature for maximal growth of B. bassiana strains was found to be 6-7 and 25-30±C, respectively. All the tested carbon and nitrogen sources supported growth and development of the B. bassiana strains. Starch and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources supported maximum radial growth (2.13-3.00 cm) and conidiospore count in both solid state culture (2.66x10<^>7 conidia/mL) and liquid state culture (9.86x10<^>7 conidia/mL). Strain BbR2 was the fastest growing strain on almost all nutrient sources studied and possessed commendable growth rate and sporulation potential. Wheat bran (WB) and rice bran (RB) in the proportion of 3:1 supported maximum conidiospores yields (1.90x10<^>7 conidia/mL) for strain BbR2 in solid state fermentation conditions.

4 illus, 2 tables 32 ref

005304   Bilto Y Y (Biological Sciences Dep, The Univ of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan, Email: bilto@ju.edu.jo) : In-vitro effects of paracetamol on rheological properties of erythrocytes and its antioxidant properties. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(2), 579-86.

Human erythrocytes were pre-incubated in vitro with paracetamol and then erythrocyte's rheological properties of deformability, osmotic fragility and aggregation were evaluated after being compromised by various means. Paracetamol (1, 2, 4mg/ml) significantly prevented the loss of deformability through 5mm diameter pores of erythrocytes dehydrated with hypertonic buffer or with calcium ionophore A23187 at 4 mg/ml. When the potassium ionophore valinomycin was used to induce cell dehydration, paracetamol (4mg/ml) also prevented partially the loss of deformability. Paracetamol (4mg/ml) also decreased significantly erythrocyte osmotic fragility induced by hypotonic saline, and prevented significantly the aggregation of erythrocytes induced by dextran 70. The antioxidant properties of paracetamol was studied by chemical assays and found to be as follows: total antioxidant capacity (88.9 μg AAE/mg), reducing power (A<^>0 at 700 nm= 1.0 compared to 3.0 for Vit. C), DPPH scavenging activity (IC50= 62.5 μg/ml compared to 5.8 for Vit. C), OH. scavenging activity (IC50= 40.2 μg/ml compared to <60>10 for catecholamin), iron chelating (IC50= 144.6 μg/ml compared to 17.3 for EDTA) and Paracetamol at 1, 2, 4, 5 mg/ml also prevented significantly lipid peroxidation in a concentration dependent manner of human erythrocytes incubated with H2O2. The observed rheological and anti-lipid-peroxidant effects of paracetamol could be explained by its antioxidant activity, thus protecting membrane integrity and deformability. The results suggest that paracetamol could have a rheologically useful role on erythrocytes, preventing dehydration, aggregation and lipid-peroxidation, that may contribute positively to its analgesic and antipyretic effects.

30 ref

005303   Achchi K (Social Work Dep, JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Ooty Road, Mysore-570 025, Email: kumudiniachchi@gmail.com) : Human trafficking- Preventive interventions of NGOs in South India. Int J Prev Curat Comm Med 2016, 2(1), 42-8.

India is a country with rich traditions and unique culture. In such rich culture, women have been kept and treated with great respect and importance. Contradicting to the above dipictiopi, women have been the victims of humiliation, torture and explotiation from time immerricfial. Sexual exploitation was one amongthem which has never been discussed in the form of exploitation. Infact, prostitution has been in the society which had religious sanction too. During those times, the prostituted women were treated with great dignity as they were well qulified in various discipines. But when the institution like marriage and familiy became stronger, practice of prostituion took a commercial form where a II types of rights were denied to the women in sex trade. In such conditions, knowing the hardnes of the task, a very few number of NGOs have intervend in preventing women in sexual trade. Astudy was conducted to understand the types and quality of interventions considering 24 NGOs of South India. The study adopts descriptive and diagnostic research design and interview as tool to collect data. Statistical techniques such as discriptive statistics and contigency coeffeiciant test were adopted. The study reveals NGOs believe in prevention of the problem inspiteof it being an old practice. Counselling the vulnerable families and educating the society have been idnetified as a successful tool. The study also highlights different types of preventive activities adopted and also resons for not adopting preventive activies. The major reasons they quote are the obstacles from police department, goondas, etc.

4 tables, 10 ref

004395   Vyas K;Bano S (Psychology Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, Email: kritivyas8288@gmail.com) : Child's gender and parenting styles. Delhi Psychiat J 2016, 19(2), 289-93.

Parenting styles signifies the ways the parents raise their children. There are number of factors affecting the parenting styles and child's gender is one of them. Studies suggest that there are developmental differences in both boys and girls. Research also suggests that parents tend to raise their sons and daughters based on gender role. These differences may lead variation in parenting styles of both parents on the basis of child's gender. The purpose of the present study was to explore the parenting styles of fathers and mothers on the basis of child's gender. The data was collected from 100 fathers and 100 mothers. To assess the parenting styles the parents were asked to fill up the PSDQ (Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire - short form) by Robinson, et al (2001). Independent sample t- test was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that there was significant difference in father's parenting style between sons and daughters. It was also found that there was significant difference in mother's authoritative parenting style between sons and daughters. But no significant difference was seen in mother's authoritarian parenting style between sons and daughters. There is a shift in parenting style of fathers towards their children. Daughters experienced more positive parenting from both the parents as compared to sons.

28 ref

004394   Srivastava P;Kumari S;Kiran M;Singh A R (Pediatrics Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Email: 21parshantsrivastava@gmail.com) : Job satisfaction and burnout among professionlas: an Indian perspective. Delhi Psychiat J 2016, 19(2), 374-78.

Job satisfaction and burnout has become a permanent and pervading feature of various corporate sectors. In present scenario, workers are found to be burnt-out and exhausted very soon and the reason for being exhausted is that they are over burdened and highly competitive. Job satisfaction has been defined as a pleasurable emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one's job, an affective reaction to one's job and an attitude towards one's job. Burnout refers to a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion resulting from involvement with people in emotionally demanding situation. Burnout is associated with decreased job performance and low career satisfaction. Aim: Present study aims to assess and compare the level of job satisfaction and burnout among professionals of various sectors. 120 samples were included from various sectors who were qualified the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on Purposive Sampling technique. They were evaluated on General Health Questionnaire 12, Job Satisfaction Index and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. No significant difference was found in the level of job satisfaction and in the degree of burnout. But trend (. 081) was found in some area of Burnout such as (Work Burnout) by the multiple comparison of all groups with post hoc test by Bonferroni Method. The findings of the present study suggest that the level of job satisfaction and the degree of burnout were almost similar in all groups. But by the multiple comparisons of all groups a trends was found in the area of work burnout. It suggests that work burnout was higher in private sector professionals in comparison to the government sector Professionals.

2 tables, 20 ref

004393   Sharma A;Tiwari K L;Jadhav S K;Pragati (NO, G.D. Rungta College of Science and Technology, Kohka, Bhilai, Email: apssharma13@gmail.com) : DNA extraction from garlic and onion plants. Adv Pl Sci 2016, 29(2), 171-3.

For the extraction and determination of the DNA the bulb of Onion (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum) were observed with the help of Agarose Gel Electrophoresis method. The extraction of the DNA is done by a simple lab method using 5% SDS, 5M NaCl and ethanol, the determination done by Agarose- Gel electrophoresis method. This was observed during the study that, different species of plant have different molecular weight of the DNA. On the contrary Porebski et al, (1997) extract the DNA from plants using modified CTAB method, Dilworth and Frey (2000) also extract the DNA from plant materials. Tiwari et al, (2009) also isolate the DNA from different dicot plants.

1 illus, 14 ref

004392   Sathe M;Srivastava S;Agrawal S K;Ghorpade R (Discovery Centre, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior-474 002, Email: drmanishasathe@darde.drdo.in) : Effect of spacer and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Def Sci J 2016, 66(5), 471-8.

The effect of spacers and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) formats on the functional parameters of assays such as lower detection limit, inhibitory concentration at 50 per cent (IC₅₀), and specificity were studied. Enzyme conjugates having hydrophobic and hydrophilic spacers were prepared using O-isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as an enzyme label. Comparison was made with reference to enzyme conjugate without any spacer. The present investigation revealed that the presence of a hydrophilic spacer in the enzyme conjugate significantly improves the sensitivity of assays. An enhanced IC₅₀ value achieved was 0.01 μg mL^{-1 for free antigen detection by direct immunoassay using hydrophilic spacers and precoating of ELISA plates by secondary antibody. The use of a hydrophilic spacer might have helped in projecting the hapten in the aqueous phase, leading to enhanced antibody binding signal and improved sensitivity of the assay.}

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

004391   Rudola A;Purohit K C (Geography Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal (A Central Univ), BGR Campur, Pauri Garhwal-246 001) : Occupational structure of population in Garhwal region. J Mount Res 2016, 11(Dec), 41-7.

The participation ratio of various working categories is one of the best indicators of the existing state of employment opportunities for the population in a region. The geographical conditions have a direct bearing on the adoption and location of a particular occupation. The distribution and density of population have no significant value unless and until the population pressure is analyzed in the context of its economic aspect. The demographic, economic, social and environmental factors that are associated with the size and structure of population determine the proportion of workers in a region. The present paper in an attempt to analyses the workforce of Garhwal region in different activities in order to make an assessment of its human resources and identify the factors responsible for it.

4 tables, 3 ref

004390   Ragesh G;Rakesh G;Hamza A;Sharma M K; Chaturvedi S K (Psychiatric Social Work Dep, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, (NIMHANS), Bengaluru-560 029, Email: rageshpsw@gmail.com) : Anubhoothi: a psychopathology of unusual sexual experience. Open J Psychiat Allied Sci 2016, 7(2), 153-6.

History and management of a 26 years old adult is reported who presented with an unusual symptom of sexual experience, in the background of symptoms of depression and anxiety; had been given multiple diagnoses at multiple points of time and treated with multiple medications. On establishment of rapport, he revealed details of his unusual experiences, which had been unexplored. When he was about 11 years and ten months, he sat next to a lady; he could perceive a particular experience for the first time in his life. And next time with another lady too he perceived a particular type of smell ("madaka gandha" meaning an intoxicating smell) along with the other feelings. He began to have these feelings whenever he was in the vicinity of a female except his mother and sister. The smell reminded him of roses vaguely and was at least ten to 20 times more pleasurable than an orgasm that he got with masturbation. These feelings were more pleasurable than he could ever imagine and happened always with the presence of a female in the vicinity. This was never associated with periods of unresponsiveness or any other history suggestive of seizures. He titled the experience as "anubhoothi". These experiences occurred on a regular basis for a period of ten months following which there was abrupt cessation of the same, without any intervention. Later he developed all symptoms. A coordinated management plan spearheaded by the multi-disciplinary treatment team could bring down his symptoms as well as make him functional. This case indicates that it is essential to explore abnormalities of experiences to understand the psychopathology and plan management.

8 ref

004389   Pervez A;Sinha M K;Yadav M (Zoology Dep, Radhey Hari Govt. P.G. College, Kashipur-244 713, Email: ahmadpervez@yahoo.com) : Implications of fluoride toxicity on the male reproductive system. J Mount Res 2016, 11(Dec), 1-7.

Element fluorine and its bonded-form fluoride were reviewed in accordance with the available recent literature. Generally regarded as safe, fluoride's toxicity has been unappreciated, un-scrutinized, and hidden for over seven decades. Incidents of fluoride toxicity are increasing daily regardless of its being acute or chronic. It arises from the upper layer of earth crust and is largely dissolved in the drinking water. Fluoride is usually essential for the animal body but its excess is equally detrimental and cause severe damage to various systems of our body, especially male reproductive system. The current epidemiological investigations have determined that reproductive system is more vulnerable to the fluoride toxicity and need much attention. Fluorides had deleterious effects on the process of sperrnatogenesis and the hormones related to sperm productions. Almost all the hormones related with male reproductive system are negatively affected by the excess intake of fluorides in the body. Hence, owing to their importance, we reviewed the current literature pertaining to fluoride toxicity of the male reproductive system and presented a brief account.

1 table, 24 ref

004388   Negi A S (Anthropology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ (A Central Univ), Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand) : Physical growth and assessment of sex differences among Rajputs of Garhwal region. J Mount Res 2016, 11(Dec), 23-9.

Growth as a pocess is observed in ail living beings. The life of man starts with fertilization of one cell, the ovum. With time, this cell multiplies and the living mass gradually becomes more and more complicated. The final shape which the human body will eventually take, greatly depends upon the genetic makeup as well as external environmental factors. Present study on Rajput school going children is aimed at analyzing the progression of physical growth and identifying the growth based on sex differences.

2 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

004387   Narmada D;Ramakrishna H;Seetharam D S; Prabhaker R (Palaeobotany & Palynology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, College of Science Univ, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: hrkpaleobot@gmail.com) : Allergenic pollen of herbs in the spider webs of Gowliguda locality in Hyderabad city of Telangana state. Adv Pl Sci 2016, 29(2), 225-30.

Pollen analysis of spider webs, the natural pollen traps collected from the residential areas of Gowliguda locality near Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station in Hyderabad city, reveals the incidence of allergenic pollen during November 2015 in the winter season. The spider webs were processed by using acetolysis technique and recovered the palynotaxa viz., Amaranthus viridis, Tridax procumbens, Grass in predominant and Celosia argentea, Croton bonplandianum, Ageratum conyzoides, Abutilon indicum, Alternanthera sessilis and Sida cordifolia in moderate. Some fungal spores like Alternaria sp., Curvularia sp. were also recorded in these samples. This study will be useful in evaluating the allerginicity of pollen which are causing pollenosis to the people of this locality.

9 ref

004386   Nahid S;Ahmad M;Ali A (Gene Expression lab, Bioscience Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110 025) : Overview of zinc transport in living organism. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(2), 228-34.

This review aims at concentrating the knowledge underlying zinc uptake and transport from bacteria to plants and providing a better understanding of zinc homeostasis at a glance. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient and has particular physiological functions in all living systems, such as the maintenance of structural and functional integrity of biological membranes and facilitation of protein synthesis and gene expression. On average, one-third of the world's population, ranging from 4 to 73% in different countries affect from Zinc deficiency. It is documented that plasma membrane built transporters not only aid in Zinc transport from the media but also act as sensor and signal the uptake of even minute quantity of this essential micronutrient thus zinc transporters act as efficient transceptors and are found in vast range of living organism ranging from bacteria to human beings. A profound research related to metal uptake in plants may allow for biotechnological improvement of plant mineral uptake and acquisition, hence meeting health related problems of plant and humans.

3 illus, 45 ref

004385   Malhotra P;Das K;Sharma S;Basu D (Psychiatry Nursing, State Institute of Mental Health, Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak-124 001, Email: malhotra23@yahoo.com.au) : Combined effect of surya namaskar and aerobic exercises to reduce anger among substance dependence subjects. Open J Psychiat Allied Sci 2016, 7(2), 149-52.

There is a strong association between certain exercises and anger management. Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. Alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most common behavioural problems that occur due to uncontrolled anger. Substance dependence subjects when frustrated would show anger. To assess the anger among substance dependence subjects and the effect of physical exercises (surya namaskar and aerobic exercises) on anger management. The study was conducted at Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Specific exercise was planned for anger management based on a thorough literature review, which consisted of surya namaskar and aerobic exercises (brisk walking and jogging) to be taught in a two-week period. Anger was assessed by using standardised tool and after intervention for fifteen days, significant reduction in anger score was found in experimental group. Physical exercises were found to be effective for managing the anger among substance dependence subjects.

2 tables, 21 ref

004384   Khanpara Y J;Joshi D V;Patel B J;Modi S K (D.T. Fetar and V.A. Kalaria, Veterinary Pathology Dep, College of Veterinary Science & A.H., JAU, Junagadh-362 001, Email: fdhaval@gmail.com ) : Haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress in experimentally induced ketoprofen toxicity in wistar rats. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 12(1), 30-4.

The present research work was conducted to study the haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress effect of subacute intramuscular administration of ketoprofen for 14 days on 24 female Wistar rats. The animals were equally divided into 4 different groups A, B, C, D during randomization and dosed with vehicle control, 4 rng/kg as low dose, 8 mg/kg as mid dose and 12 mg/kg as high dose of ketoprofen, respectively. The drug was administered by intramuscular route every day for 14 days. At the end of 14 days treatment, all the animals from group A to D were subjected to blood collection and haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress investigation. The haematological study revealed dose dependent decrease in Hb, PCV. TEC, lymphocyte per cent and MCHC in Group C and Group D rats, while increase in MCV and neutrophil per cent in Group C and Group D rats. Administration of ketoprofen caused reduction in serum total protein (Group C and Group D), albumin (Group C and Group D) and globulin (Group D) in different groups. The result suggested that long term administration of ketoprofen at dose rate of 8 mg/kg and 12 mg/kg leads to macrocytic hypochromic anaemia possibly because of gastrointestinal bleeding or micro-bleeding and it is also evident that ketoprofen at the dose rate of 8 mg/kg b.wt. and 12 mg/kg b.wt. results into oxidative stress.

2 tables, 14 ref

004383   Khambholja D B;Kalia K (B. R. D. School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: kirankalia@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of arsenic tolerent marine bacteria from south Gujarat coast near Vapi, India. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(1), 5359-65.

The present study aimed to assess the arsenic concentration and isolation of arsenic-tolerant marine bacteria from the coastal region (Tithal, Daman (Union Territory, India) and Udvada) near Vapi, Gujarat, India. This coastal region is highly influenced by adjacent industries and receives enormous quantities of industrial effluents. ICP-OES analysis reveals that the average arsenic concentration in coastal surface sediment and seawater samples were 4.64 mg kg^{-1 and 10.29 μg L-1 respectively. The elevated level of arsenic was observed at Udvada followed by Daman and Tithal stations. Initial screenings of arsenic-tolerant marine bacteria were carried out in selective medium containing 0.28 mM of arsenate, allowing isolation of total twenty-two bacterial strains. The isolates were further screened for arsenic hyper-tolerance using increased arsenic concentration in the medium. Isolate KKDK- 7 and KKDK-8 showed maximum tolerance of 350 mMand 100 mM, respectively, for arsenate and 2 mMand 10 mM respectively for arsenite. The growth kinetics data indicate that around 50% reductions in the growth of KKDK-7 andKKDK-8, following the treatment of maximum tolerance levels of arsenic. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the bacteria group into Marinobacter and Citricoccus.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

004382   Jain A;Mahmoudi A;Chaudhary M;Thakur R;Raina S N (NO, National Botanical Research Intitute, Lucknow, Email: soomr@yahoo.com) : Comparative chromosome morphology and physical mapping of 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S ribosomal DNA loci diploid and newly synthesized autotetraploids of Phlox drummondii hook.. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(1-2), 51-5.

Till recently, polyploids have been considered to represent evolutionary dead-ends. However, the use of molecular biology and molecular cytogenetics tools revealed that polyploidy genomes are highly dynamic with enormous potential for generating novel genetic and epigenetic changes. Previous results had shown that neoautotetraploid Phlox drummondii Hook. (2n=4x=28) exhibit genetic and epigenetic changes comparable to allopolyploidization of the plant taxa. In the present study, induced autotetraploids of P. drummondii were analysed for any possible chromosomal changes by conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Except for two plants showing aneuploid numbers (2n+l=29, 2n-l=27), the chromosome complements of normal autotetraploids (2n=4x=28) could be arranged into seven homomorphic groups of 4 chromosomes each corresponding to seven pairs in the diploid (2n=14) including one pair/ group of nucleolar chromosomes. The distribution of the 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S ribosomal RNA gene families on the chromosomes of the diploid and the autotetraploid P. drummondii was analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with pTa71 (18S-5.8S-26S rDNA) and pTa794 (5S rDNA) clones. Two and four major 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA loci with intense signals were found in the nucleolus organiser regions (NOR) of the diploid and autotetraploid, respectively. There was no indication of low copy number and (or) silencing of rDNA loci in two out of four sites in the autotetraploids. FISH studies also indicated that at least two out of seven groups of chromosomes bearing 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S rDNA loci were not involved in any chromosome rearrangements.

1 illus, 28 ref

004381   Gupta C;Kulkarni P (Microbiology Dep, Govt. V.Y.T.PG College, Durg) : Morpho-taxonomic studies of cyanobacterial species from the paddy fields of Rajnandgaon-Durg district (CG), India. Adv Pl Sci 2016, 29(2), 175-8.

Now-a-day's Cyanobacterial biofertilizers are used to increase productivity without decreasing soil quality because they plays a important role in maintaining soil fertility. Cyanobacteria also known as "Blue-Green Algae". These photosynthetic prokaryotes are widely distributed in terrestrial to fresh water and marine habitats. To determine species composition, abundance and distribution, Cyanobacterial species have been studied in various fields of RJN-Durg region of CG. Morphological and ultrastractural observations were performed along with growth measurements according to provided keys, monographs and literatures. The study reports altogether 15 species of Cyanobacteria belonging to 13 genera from 15 study sites.

15 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

004380   Geetha R V;Roy A;Senthilkumar S;Bhaskar A S B;Bijayaraghavan R (NO, Saveetha Univ, Chennai-602 105, Email: jai_vijay@hotmail.com) : Concept of a probable autoinjector for bio-threat agents. Def Sci J 2016, 66(5), 464-7.

Chemical and biological weapons can be used during conflicts and by terrorists to injure or kill humans and animals. Chemical weapons contain toxic chemicals and biological weapons contain pathogenic organisms. With proper protective equipments and training, the lethal effects of chemical and biological warfare agents can be minimised. First aid kit is available that contain detection, decontamination and medical protection for chemical warfare agents including autoinjectors, for rapid administration and faster absorption of drugs. The autoinjectors are safe and available for life saving drugs like atropine sulphate and pralidoxime chloride (nerve agent poisoning), epinephrine (anaphylaxis), diazepam (seizures) and sumatriptan (migraine). For bio-threat agents doxycycline alone is available as a broad spectrum antibiotic in the first aid kit. Majority of the bacterial agents are gram negative and hence amikacin drug cartridge was developed for the existing autoinjector. The advantage of amikacin is its safety, stability, can be given prophylactically and supplemented with other antibiotics when medical attention arrives. The usability and tolerability of amikacin administered repeatedly through autoinjector was studied using various haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in animal models. The results are promising and as there is no antibiotic autoinjector available, amikacin autoinjector can be considered for bio-threat agents.

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

004379   ElMaddawy Z K;Bogzil A H (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria Univ, Egypt) : Adverse effects of cefotaxime sodium in comparison with ceftiofur sodium in male rats. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2015, 6(3), 4291-4303.

The present work was designed to assess the adverse effect of two members of third generation cephalospoines; cefotaxime sodium and ceftiofur sodium in comparison with each other on the male fertility, some biochemical, haematological and histopathological findings in male albino rats. Forty five mature male albino rats (140-160 g wt, 16-18weeks age) were divided into 3 equal groups (15 rats each). Control group was injected intramuscularly with saline 2 ml /kg b.wt. The second group was injected intramuscularly with cefotaxime sodium at a dose of (90 mg/kg b.wt.) twice daily for 10 days. The third group was injected intramuscularly with ceftiofur sodium at a dose of (7.5mg/kg b.wt.) once daily for 10 days. The experiment was conducted for 8 consecutive weeks. Cefotaxime sodium induced a significant reduction in reproductive organs weights, sperm count, sperm motility percent, alive sperm percent and serum testosterone level and significant increase in sperm abnormalities percentage. Moreover, some of the liver and kidney functions testes and some haematological parameters were significantly affected at 2nd & 4th week of experiment. Histopathologically, Cefotaxime sodium caused impairment in testes, epididymes, accessory sex glands, liver and kidney tissues. Conversely, administration of ceftiofur sodium did not induce any significant changes in reproductive system, liver, kidney functions and haematological parameters in rats. Histopathologically all tested organs appeared normal allover the experimental period. Thus it could be concluded that ceftiofur sodium can be used safely at therapeutic dose but caution is required when using cefotaxime sodium due to its adverse effect on sperm characters and blood as well as liver and kidney functions. Despite, it effects on biochemical and blood analysis were reversible.

6 illus, 6 tables, 53 ref

004378   Dasannacharya B A (4, Beach Resort Society, Sector 10A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400 703, Email: adasannacharya@gmail.com ) : Role of intuition in creation of knowledge. Sci Cult 2016, 82(1-2), 34-9.

It is in the nature of man to strive to know truth. Every evolved person wishes to understand the truth behind whatever he can perceive through his senses or thoughts, on the basis of his existing background of knowledge. He often feels/knows that apparent may not be real and he wishes to know the real. In other words, he strives for 'true' knowledge be it material or spiritual.

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004377   Brahmbhatt A N;Joshi B P;Fefar D T;Ghodasara D J (Veterinary Pathology Dep, College of Veterinary Science & A H, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand, Gujarat) : Haemato-biochemical and immunological changes in experimentally induced acetamiprid toxicity in swiss albino mice. Indian J vet Sci Biotechnol 2016, 12(1), 24-9.

A study was conducted on 5 weeks old 64 (32 male and 32 female) Swiss albino mice to assess the haemato-biochemical and immunological effects of acetamiprid. All the male and female mice were randomly divided into eight different groups. The groups I (male) and II (female) served as controls whereas remaining groups served as treatment groups and were administered acetamiprid at the daily dose rate of 20, 10, 5 mg/kg body weight in males(Group III, V, VII) and females (Group IV, VI,VIII), respectively for 28 days. After 28 days treatment, blood samples were collected for hematological, biochemical as well as immunological analysis. There was significant decrease in haematological parameters like Hb, TEC, TLC, neutrophils and lymphocytes count in high dose groups and revealed potential adversity of acetamiprid at rates of 20 mg/kg/day on haematopoetic system of mice. A dose dependent significant rise in mean values of AST and ALT was observed irf treatment groups, whereas there was significant decrease in total protein and albumin and increase in BUN in high and mid dose treated groups, irrespective of sex of mice. Dinitroflurobenzene (DNFB) test conducted to assess the cell mediated immunity revealed the toxic effect of acetamiprid on cell mediated immunity of mice at dose level of 10 mg/kg/day. The mice of high dose group revealed a significant decrease in HA titer and indicated the immunotoxic potential of acetamiprid at dose level of 20 mg/kg/day.

3 tables, 10 ref

004376   Badhan K;Mehra R;Sonkawade R G (Physics Dep, SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur-146 105) : Assessment of cancer mortality rates and morbidity rates due to uranium content in water for Doaba region of Punjab. Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2016, 5(4), 114-8.

The uranium concentration values were measured in drinking water samples belonging to different villages/towns of Doaba region of Punjab, India using Laser induced fluorimetry technique. The Radiological risk (carcinogenicity) associated with uranium were estimated to assess the health risks to the residents of the study area. The activity concentrations of uranium in all drinking water samples were found to range from 2.69 μgl^{-1 to 10.25 μgl-1 with an average value of 5.98 μgl-1. The radiological risks for cancer mortality risk were found to be low, typically ranging from 8.65 x 10-6 to 3.29 x 10-5, while that of the morbidity risk ranged from 1.32 x 10-5 to 5.03 x 10-5.}

4 tables, 25 ref

003201   Suneja P;Dudeja S S;Dahiya P (Microbiology Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtask-124 001, Email: poojapavit@gmail.com ) : Deciphering the phylogenetic relationships among rhizobia nodulating chickpea. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(3), 61-70.

Rhizobia, Gram-negative bacilli are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with leguminous roots. These were classified earlier on the basis of morphology, physiology and biochemical characters. But with the dawn of new era of molecular approaches, various evolutionary chronometers have led to re-classification of these soil bacteria. Chickpea is the most important leguminous crop of arid and semi-arid regions of world. The rhizobia strains which nodulate chickpea exhibit genomic heterogeneity. The various molecular techniques such as DNA-DNA hybridization, RAPD-PCR, REP (repetitive extragenic palindrome) PCR, ERIC (enterobacterial repetitive intergeneric consensus) and BOX element or the finger printing of rhizobia genomes using ribosomal genes (16S, 23S or 16S-23S inter generic spacer - IGS), DAPD (direct amplified polymorphic DNA) are regularly used to identify, differentiate and characterize rhizobia infecting chickpea. Though, the ribosomal RNA is conserved but it exhibits variability in some of the domains and this makes ribosomal gene sequence (16S and 23S DNA) an optimum choice for deducing phylogenetic and evolutionary relationship among chickpea rhizobia. But 16S r RNA sequence is not sufficient enough to distinguish the strains of one species or even closely related species. The additional genes like nod genes, nif genes, glutamine synthetase and other housekeeping genes have also been used in combination to 16S rRNA to study the evolutionary relationship among these rhizobia. This has led to proper taxonomy and systematics of the rhizobia group, with the description of new genera up to the level of species and sub species. The chickpea rhizobia have been grouped under genus Mesorhizobium with several species such as M. ciceri, M. mediterraneum, M amorphae, M. tianshanense, M. loti, M. huakuii, M. opportunistum and M. muleiense.

2 tables, 70 ref

003200   Rout S K;Kant S;Trivedi R K;Das B K;Mukherjee S;Anupama R R;Chakraborty S (Aquatic Environment Management Dep, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal Univ of Animal & Fishery Sciences, 5-Budherhat Road, Panchsayar, Kolkata-700 094, Email: skrout68@gmail.com) : Study on socio-economic profile of fisher community of Madhubani district in Bihar, India. J expl Zool 2016, 19(1), 1419-26.

The present study was conducted in Andratharhi block of Madhubani district in the state of Bihar, with an objective to know the demographic conditional status of fish culture practices, marketing facilities and role of fisher in fisheries development. This is amongst the 100 most backward blocks of India. Questionnaire was designed to get information on the demography, socio-economic profile of fisher, the major fisheries activities performed by the fisher, and to find out the problems encountered by the fish farmers for adoption of scientific fish farming practices. The data were collected from randomly selected 101 fishermen and women by administering a specially constructed interview schedule. Majority of the fisher were middle aged, poorly educated, living in medium size joint family, low income and poor economic status. Most of the fisherwomen had poor extension contact and low level of mass media exposure and majority of the fishermen had a low level of knowledge, less social participation and they are traditional in their outlook. The study will help in the planning, developing and execution of fishery policy and programme by the planners and administrators, policy makers and fishery extension educationists in a more meaningful and scientific manner.

4 illus, 8 tables, 25 ref

003199   Moselakgomo V K;Monyeki M A;Toriola A L (Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area (PHASRec)- Faculty of Health, North-West Univ (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom 2520, Republic of South Africa) : Relationship between physical activity and risk factors of body weight disorders among south African primary school children. Biomed Res 2015, 26(4), 730-8.

The study determined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and risk factors of obesity among primary school children (boys: mean age 11.17±1.29, n=678; girls: mean age 10.88±1.27, n=683) in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. The children were classified according to age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight: 0<60>18, normal weight: 18.5<60>25, overweight: 25<60>30 or obese: <62> 30) and their blood pressure (BP) measurements. Health-related fitness was assessed with standardised test protocols. Using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), the children's PA levels were judged as: Low (METs scores of less than 500); Moderate (METs scores from 500 to 1499) or High (METs <62> 1500). The children were mostly underweight (74%) compared to other weight categories (normal weight: 23.7%; overweight: 1.0%; obese: 0.6%). Girls had non-significant elevated BP values (systolic: 112.94±11.28mmHg; diastolic: 79.40±12.80mmHg) than boys (systolic: 110.71±14.95mmHg; diastolic: 75.53±12.53mmHg) who had higher PA levels (METs = 1286.72±317.47) than girls (METs = 397.28±30.14) (p<60>0.01). The children's PA level correlated positively with BMI (.86) (p<60>0.01) but negatively with%BF (-.67); weight circumference (WC) (-.41); SUP (sit-up) (-.22); and predicted VO2max (-.17) (p<60>0.05). BMI positively associated with SBP (standing broad jump) (.06) and SAR (sit-and-reach) (.16) (p<60>01) whereas, it was negatively related with DBP (-.15);%BF (-.67); WC (-.26); SUP (-.21) and predicted VO2max (-.12) (p<60>0.05). Understanding the relationship between body composition, PA and non-communicable disease risk among children could provide a reliable basis for designing appropriate intervention programmes needed to optimise health outcomes.

5 tables, 44 ref

003198   Islam M J;Mahbub-E-Elahi A T M;Ahmed T;Hasan M K (Poultry Science Dep, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Sylhet Agricultural Univ, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh, Email: kamrul.ps@sau.ac.bd) : Isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. from broiler and their antibiogram study in Sylhet, Bangladesh. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(3), 46-51.

The objectives of this study were to isolate the associated Salmonella spp. from cloacal swabs of broiler and their antibiogram studies. A total of 80 cloacal swabs comprising of 50 samples of apparently healthy broiler and 30 samples of diarrheic broiler were collected from different poultry farms at Sylhet, Bangladesh during January to June 2013. The samples were subjected for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. through a series of conventional bacteriological studies like study of morphology, staining properties, and biochemical characteristics. In results, 48% (n= 24/50) swab samples of healthy broiler and 66.7% (n= 20/30) diarrheic broiler were found to be associated with Salmonella spp. Among the 44 positive Salmonella isolates 47.73% (n=21) were Salmonella pullorum, 36.36% (n=16) isolates were Salmonella gallinarum and the rest 15.91% (n=7) isolates were Salmonella typhimurium. Sensitivity test was conducted against 10 commonly used antibiotics, of which Penicillin-G, Erythromycin, Ampicillin, and Bacitracin were found to be resistant, and Ceftriaxone, Gentamycin, and Choloramphenicol showed considerably better sensitivity as compared to others. It is concluded that Salmonella spp. are present in broiler, and the bacteria can be clinically controlled by using Ceftriaxone, Gentamycin, and Choloramphenicol.

7 tables, 39 ref

003197   Gautam M;Jain A;Kushwah M S;Shakkarpude J; Jamre B (Veterinary Physicology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mhow-453 446, Email: drmoharvet@gmail.com) : Role of epoxide and soluble epoxide hydrolase in cardiovascular physiology. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(1), 43-9.

Epoxyeicosatnenoic acid (EET) is arachidonic acid metabolites that importantly contribute to vascular and cardiac physiology. The CYP epoxgenases that convent arachdionic acid to EETs are primanly members of the CYP2C and CYP2J classes (Capdevilla and Falck, 2002) The contribution of EETs to vascular and cardiac function is further influenced by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) that degrades EETs to diols. Vascular actions of EETs include dilation and angiogenesis (Imig, 2012) Myocyte contraction and increased coronary blood flow are the two primary EET actions in the heart. The Presence of the she enzyme in cardiac myocytes regulates the conversion of EETs to DHETs and this regulation impacts on heart functions (Motoki et al., 2008) EET vasodilation has also been observed in blood vessels from bovine, canine, rodent and rabbit species (Imig et al., 2010) EET and EET anlogs and she inhibitors have an important role in hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, ischemic injury, and vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. The development of novel pharmacological and molecular biological tools such as EET agonist and antagonists will be necessary to properly define the cardiovascular action of EETS, also the angiogenic action in cancer and tumor biology.

33 ref