000150   Mishra N K;Pallavi M (Pharmacology Dep, Yalamarty Pharmacy College, Visakhapatnam-530 052, Email: montu.mph@gmail.com) : Poly herbal therapy in ointment base for wound healing activity in rats. Int J Pharmac 2015, 2(3), 139-43.

In the present study, an indigenous herbal formulation containing the ethanolic extracts of rhizomes of Curcuma longa, fruits of Terminalia chebula, leaves of Azadirachta indica, leaves of Lawsonia inermis and leaves of Achyranthus asperus were prepared and studied for its wound healing activity in an ointment base by using in in-vivo excision wound model in albino wistar rats. The ointment was prepared with extracts in three different concentrations i.e., 1%, 2% and 3% (w/w) and applied on excision wound twice daily for 16 days. Povidone iodine was used as reference standard. It was observed that the wound healing contracting ability of the polyherbal extract in ointment base in different concentrations was significantly p<60> 0.01 superior to that of the control (i.e. simple ointment treated group).The epithelialization time in treated group was found to be less as compare to control. The most effective concentration of the polyherbal extract in ointment base was found to be 3% (w/w)for wound healing.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

000149   John R (Economics Dep, Baselius College, Kottayam, Kerala) : Economic variables and ageing experiences in India: towards a macro-view. Indian J Gerontol 2016, 30(2), 227-34.

This paper uses relevant macro data to ascertain the impact of economic variables on the non economic aspects of well being of aged in India. The study first map the economic status of elderly in India using variables like labour force participation, nature of employment, asset holding and expenditure pattern. Then the impact of economic -variables on living conditions of elderly in India was analyzed. This analysis proved that even though economic well being is only one among many components of over all well being, it has a significant bearing on overall well being of aged in India. The efficacy of pension schemes and other social security systems for aged were also analyzed in this context. The study concludes with a few suggestions to improve the state of elderly in India.

4 tables, 7 ref

000148   Fernandez-Gimenez A V;Pereira N D L A;Sarasa M V (NO, , CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Email: fgimenez@mdp.edu.ar) : Liposoluble vitamins in crustacean feed: metabolic and histological responses. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(5), 297-308.

Vitamins are vital for normal growth and survival of living organisms and they are distributed in feedstuffs in small quantities. This review is focused on the liposoluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) in the diets and metabolic responses of the Argentine penaeoid shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris, distributed along the South American coast line. Growth, survival and histological analyses serve as indicators of the nutritional value derived from vitamin deficiency. Liposoluble vitamins are also related to stress, antioxidant defense and immune response of shrimps. Effective diet for shrimp culture that provide not only macronutrients including protein and lipid but also micronutrients such as vitamins for optimal growth is an ever improving subject. This review may help formulating suitable feeds for shrimps.

2 illus, 1 table, 84 ref

000147   Enejoh O S;Suleiman M M;Ajanusi J O; Folorunsho Ambali S (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medi, Ahmadu Bello Univ, Zaria, Nigeria, Email: ensunking@gmail.com) : Anthelmintic activity of extracts of Citrus aurantifolia (christm) fruit peels against experimental Heligmosomoides bakeri in mice. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(2), 29-32.

Citrus aurantifolia (Rutaceae) is commonly known as Lime orange. The plant is widely used in African and Asian traditional medicine. This present study was aimed at evaluating the in vivo anthelmintic activity of the extracts of C. aurantifolia fruit peel against Heligmosomoides bakeri (nematode) as a model. The crude methanol extract (CME) was partitioned using solvents of different polarities into ethylacetate (EE), butanol (BE) and aqueous methanol extract (AME). The median lethal doses (LD50) of the extracts were determined in mice. Seventy mice infected with H. bakeri were randomly allocated into 14 groups of 5 mice each and were treated with CME, AME, EE and BE at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. All treatments were administered orally on the 16th, 17th and 18th day post infection. Anthelmintic activity was assessed by comparing the worms recovered from the treated groups with the non-treated control group. At the dose of 1000 mg/kg, BE, CME, EE and AME caused a deparasitization rate of 79, 75, 75 and 51%, respectively. CME, BE and EE produced a significant (p<60>0.05) deparasitization rate. This study demonstrated that Citrus aurantifolia fruit peels possess anthelmintic activity that might be caused by one or more of the secondary metabolites contained in the plant.

2 tables, 28 ref

000146   Al-Megrin W A I (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: wafa.megren@gmail.com) : Efficacy of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract against Hymenolepisn nana in infection mice. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(1), 103-8.

To investigate the efficacy of pomegranate(Punica granatum) as an alternative and safe treatment against Hymenolipes nana through experimental study on the white laboratory mice. Twenty eight Swiss albino mice naturally infected with Hymenolipes nana. Animals were divided into four groups, one group as control and groups 2-4 were fed daily with dose 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 1.5 ml pomegranate peel extract (300 mg/kg) respectively, The egg counts per gram (EPG) one day before treatment and on day 1, 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. All animals were then sacrificed under on day 21. The content of intestines were examined for the presence of worms and counting. Results from current Studyrevealed that,pomegranate peel extract was lead to reduce the eggs output in fecal pellets of treated infected groups comparing with control group. In addition, the different doses 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 1.5 ml of a pomegranate peel extract demonstrated a directly proportional reduction in EPG count (31.5, 38.6 and 43.5) respectively. On the other hand, the number of worms at necropsy was decreased (15.6 ±2.6, 8.4 ±2.1 and 5.7±2.5) in treated infected groups (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 1.5 ml) respectively. The findings of this study indicate that Pomegranate peel extract has active role to treat infection of H. nana due to possesses potential anti-cestodal activity.

1 table, 45 ref

000145   Akhtar R;Khan I;Melzer F;Neubauer H;Anjum A A;Younus M;Aslam A;Imran S (Pathology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: raheela.akhtar@uvas.edu.pk) : Differential antibrucella activity of bovine and murine macrophages. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(7), 452-6.

Brucella abortus is an intracellular pathogen affecting macrophages. Macrophages release some antibrucella components such as lysozymes (LZ), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrite intermediates (RNI) which prevent intracellular survival of Brucella. The present study compared the antibrucella activity of bovine and murine macrophages following stimulation with B. abortus lipopolysaccharides. Our results revealed increased production of these antibrucella substances in murine macrophages as compared to bovine macrophages. The differential production of these antibrucella components explained the differential B. abortus killing ability of these species (bovine and mice) that was measured in terms of intramacrophagic survival of Brucellae in murine and bovine macrophages.

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023420   Vidhya A;Arunadevi S (Microbiology Dep, DKM College for Women, Vellore, Tamilnadu, Email: vidhyasur76@gmail.com) : UV- VIS, GC- MS and FT-IR analysis and determination of in-vitro antioxidant activity of lycopene from Citrullus lanatus. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4830-4.

Lycopene makes up the majority of carotenoids in watermelon. Carotenoids are thought to be responsible for the beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables in preventing human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other chronic diseases. They are important dietary sources of vitamin A. Lycopene extraction from the fruit juice was done individually by using various organic solvents such as hexane, acetone and ethanol. The chemical compound was identified by UV Vis, GC- MS and FT-IR, totally nine chemical compounds were identified by GC-MS and different peaks were observed by FTIR. The major chemical constituents were identified as N,N'- Ethylenebis [2-[2- hydroxyphenylglycine, Cyclopropanebutanoic acid, n- Hexadecanoic acid, 10-Octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, Heptadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid. The chemical compounds found in groups were methyl branched fatty acid, ethylester based fatty acid, glycine based amino acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. The results showed that lycopene content of watermelon juice was approximately 13mg/Kg. Antioxidant testing assays 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and reducing capacity assessment. The red fleshed watermelon used for lycopene extraction had higher lycopene content and also had higher primary antioxidant activity free radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power activity. Thus, it was evaluated that the watermelon fresh juice contain effective bioactive compound responsible for antioxidant activity.

10 ref

023419   Verma A K (Zoology Dep, Govt. Post Graduate College, Saidabad, Allahabad-221 508, Email: akv.apexz@gmail.com) : Evolution, merits and demerits of five kingdom system. Flora Fauna 2016, 22(1), 76-8.

Five kingdom system of biological classification was proposed. These kingdoms were: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia. The history of kingdom system started, laid the foundation of modern biological classification by classifying the organisms into two kingdoms namely Plantae and Animalia. The two kingdom system were followed by three, four and five kingdom systems respectively. In present discussion, author tried to discuss the evolution, merits, demerits and relevancy of "five kingdom system" in modern context.

11 ref

023418   Veena S;Swetha D;Karthik L;Gaurav K;Bhaskara Rao K V (Molecular and Microbiology Research Laboratory, Biomedical Siences Dep, VIT University, Vellore-632 014, Email: kokatibhaskar@yahoo.co.in) : Antibiofouling activity of marine actinobacterial mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(4), 583-90.

Present study is focused on the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) from marine actinobacteria and to check their antibiofouling activity against the isolated biofouling bacteria. A total of five actinobacterial strains were isolated from Chennai marine sediments, Tamilnadu, India, which were designated as SV1-SV5. Two biofouling organisms designated as BSV1 and BSV2 were isolated from Chennai port, Tamilnadu India. All the isolated actinobacterial strains (SV1-SV5) showed positive results for the synthesis of TiO₂ NPs, which was confirmed by UV analysis. Further characterization of the synthesized TiO₂ NPs was done by using Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR). Isolated biofouling bacteria BSV1 and BSV2 were identified as Staphylococcus sp. Antifouling activity of actinobacterial extract and the combination of actinobacterial extract and TiO₂ nanoparticle were tested by using agar well diffusion method. Maximum zone of inhibition was shown by SV2 (15 mm) and SV3 (18 mm) with TiO₂ synthesized supernatant against biofouling bacteria. Potential actinobacterial strain SV2 and SV3 were identified as Streptomyces sp. These results shows marine actinobacteria can be used as a potential source for obtaining novel secondary metabolites with important ecological role, including preventing from fouling organisms.

7 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

023417   Uma M B;Meerabai R S (Botany Dep, Sri Sarada College for Women (Autonomous), Salem-636 016, Email: umabot@yahoo.com) : Hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Ampelocissus araneosa (Planch.) against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. Adv appl Res 2015, 7(2), 127-31.

The methanol extract of leaf, stem and root ofAmpelocissus araneosa (Vitaceae) at an oral dose of 200 mg kg"¹ and 400 mg kg"¹ was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in Wistar albino rats with paracetamol induced liver damage. Methanol leaf extract (400 mg kg"¹) showed significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of various biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. The extract at this dose also increased the level of total protein. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.

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023416   Rufai O O;Obabiyi O S;Saka-Balogun O Y (Seaside Heights School, Agbara, Ogun State, Nigeria, Email: olushinaruffy@yahoo.com) : Psycho-social effects on SIR epidemic model. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2015, 30(1), 1-9.

In this paper we study the stability of SIR epidemic model with constant recruitment rate, disease-induced death rate and an incidence function that consider behavioural changes from both the susceptible and infective class. We use Lyapunov function with respect to the fundamental parameter, Reproduction number, R₀ to analyze the global stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria. It is shown that the asymptotic dynamics of the SIR model depends on the basic reproduction number, R₀, which in turn depends on the ? that measures the inhibition effect from the behavioural change of the infective class. Also we showed that, although, the parameter that measures the inhibition effect from the behavioural change of the susceptible does not affect the R₀ but it still influences the propagation of the disease.

4 illus, 11 ref

023415   Pathak P;Lahkar M (Pharmacology Dep, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam, Email: drpradumnapathak@gmail.com ) : Comperative study of vanadium pentoxide and chromium oxide in streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4843-6.

Present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of vanadium pentoxide and chromium oxide in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats. Diabetes was experimentally induced by injecting intraperitoneally with a single dose of 60mg/kg. The animals were considered as diabetic, if their blood glucose values were above 300 mg/dl on the 10th day after injection. The blood glucose estimation was done by glucose oxidase method. Glibenclamide was taken as standard drug. The one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's `t' test was used for statistical analysis. The blood glucose levels were found to be significantly (p<60>0.05) decreased in vanadium pentoxide and chromium oxide treated groups. This study suggests that vanadium pentoxide and chromium oxide have antidiabetic effect in a dose dependent manner.

20 ref

023414   Malepe M M;Goon D T;Anyanwu F C;Amusa L O (Centre for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, Venda Univ, Thohoyandou, South Africa) : The relationship between postural deviations and body mass index among university students. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 437-42.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between postural deviations and body mass index (BMI) among University of Venda students. This cross-sectional survey involved 100 purposively selected students in the Centre for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, University of Venda, South Africa. Height and weight were measured and BMI determined. The lateral, anterior and posterior views of postural deviations (kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis) were assessed. The mean age of the participants was 22±2.4 years. Majority (34%) of the participants had kyphosis, lordosis (22%) and scoliosis (3%). There was a significant difference between females and males with kyphosis and lordosis (X²= 11.222, p= 0.001) and (X²= 5.138, p= 0.023), respectively. There was no significant relationship between BMI and kyphosis and scoliosis (X²= 6.036, p=0.196) and (X²= 2.149, p= 0.708), respectively. However, there was significant difference between BMI and lordosis (X²=19.193, p=0.001). The prevalence of postural deviations was in the order of kyphosis<62>lordosis<62> scoliosis; with kyphosis being the most common type of postural deviation among the University of Venda students. There is no significant relationship between BMI and kyphosis as well as scoliosis. However, the inverse relationship between BMI and lordosis suggests increasing risk of developing lordosis as BMI increases. There is a significant gender difference in kyphosis and lordosis with the female students having higher prevalence of these postural deviations compared to the males. There is need to educate as well as design intervention measures to correct bad posture among the students as this could cause irreversible musculoskeletal, neurological and pathological damage in future.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

023413   Kausar M A;Arif J M;Alanazi S M M;Alshmmry A M A;Alzapni Y A A;Alanazy F K B;Shahid S M A;Hossain A (Biochemistry Dep, College of Medicine, Hail Univ, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: adnankausar1@gmail.com) : Assessment of microbial load in indoor environment of university and hospital of Hail, KSAs. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 177-83.

Indoor air may contain pathogenic and non-pathogenic live or dead bacteria, fungi, viruses, allergens, endotoxins, pollen, plant fibres, etc. Microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) are considered significant part of the indoor air as causal agents of respiratory disorder and lung dysfunction in occupational (indoor) and non-occupational environment (Douwes et al, 2003). The measurement of microbial load in indoor environment samples is of great importance due to their potential negative impact on occupational safety & health. The present study was undertaken to isolate and identify different bacteria present in the indoor environment of different colleges of University of Hail, Hail, KSA and hospital of Hail, KSA.Air samples were collected using Spin Air 5500 (Air sampler, IUL Instruments, Barcelona, Spain) on bacteriological culture media (Nutrient gar plate and chocolate agar plate) from the different location (ICU, OPD, Laboratory, office) of King Khalid Hospital, Hail and Some colleges of University of Hail, Hail, KSA. Media plates were incubated at 37°C overnight. For identification of microbes, microbial colonies obtained from air samples were sent to Molecular Diagnostics and Personalized Therapeutics Unit (MPTU), College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail. Hail, KSA.By using MALDI-TOF Biotyper, we identified the following microbes in the air samples of different locations of Hail: Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus hominis, Exiguabacterium aurantiacum, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphyloccus haemolyticus, Lactococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Acinetobaterpitti, Bacilillus simplex, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus pasteur, Bascillus mojavensi, Staphylococcus capitis, Exiguabacterium aurantiacum, Corynebaterium efficient, Aspergillus species.Both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria were present in the indoor air of the hospitals. Patients, staff and doctors in hospitals are exposed to different airborne bacteria, which may lead to variety of infections including respiratory diseases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

023412   Katiyar N S;Singh A P;Saravanan K (Sanjay College of Pharmacy, , Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Email: nishant_katiyar@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal potential of leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum Linn. in expetimental rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4804-9.

Diarrhoea is a condition that involves frequent passing of loose or watery stools. According to the WHO, approximately 3.5million deaths each year are attributable to diarrhoea. Medicinal plants have been used as traditional remedy for diarrhoea for years long and there is renewed interest from the discovery of novel compounds from plants to flight against diarrhoea. WHO also encourages studies on diarrhoea which include research on traditional herbs. The present study was designed to investigate antidiarrhoeal potential of leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae. The present study is aimed to evaluate the leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae) for acclaimed anti-diarrhoeal activity using albino rats. Anti-diarrhoeal activity of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated by castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. Loperamide was used as a standard drug. The study revealed that, the alcoholic extract and aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum possessed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhoea, compared to the control group. Ocimum sanctum showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activity as compared to loperamide and can be recommended for further studies.

14 ref

023411   Hourabchi M;Shahhosseiny M H (Biology Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: mahboubeh.jourabchi@gmail.com) : Prevalence of tem β-lactamase resistance gene in Escherichia coli isolated from Tehran Milad Hospital. Biochem Cell Archs 2016, 16(1), 89-94.

Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics in Escherichia coli (E. coli) is known as a major problem in hospital setting and often caused by β-lactamase enzymes, especially extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Due to infections caused by ESBL producing E. coli the aim of this study was to identify TEM in E. coli isolated from Milad Hospital by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total number of 100 bacterial isolates were collected from urine, blood, mucous and wound samples by biochemical tests. Antibiotic resistance test was performed by disk diffusion method. ESBL screening was performed by combination disk test. PCR was optimized for identification of TEM gene using specific primers for all the samples. PCR product was cloned by using the T/A Cloning. PCR limit of detection (LOD) and specificity was performed. Among the 100 samples, 17 samples were phenotypically detected as ESBL producing E. coli. Cloning occurred because of the production of positive control. The LOD of the test was calculated as 10 copy numbers of DNA, and the specificity of this test is 100%. PCR analysis showed that 56% of samples were carrying TEM gene. The growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria especially ESBLs is became the serious public health issue. It is recommended to utilize the molecular assays like PCR in order to analysis the prevalence of ESBL genes, which it causes well-timed treatment, as well as prevention of spread of these resistances and reduction of time for being bedridden finally the diminishing of death is the result.

5 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

023410   Hoque M E (Graduate School of Business and Leadership, KwaZulu-Natal Univ, Westville Campus, South Africa) : Knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and views on HIV testing before marrying migrant workers among rural higher secondary school students in Bangladesh.. Biomed Res 2015, 26(3), 575-9.

The social context of Bangladesh does not permit adolescents to discuss reproductive health topics as well as sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS openly with their parents, teachers, or other senior members of the community. The objective of this crosssectional study was to investigate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and views on HIV testing before marrying migrant workers; among rural grade 11 and 12 students in Bangladesh. A total of 92 students completed anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The average age of the students was 16.8 ± 0.9 years. All the students had heard about AIDS before they completed the questionnaire. Media (75%) was the main source of information. Overall, students had average knowledge regarding selected aspects of HIV/AIDS. A high (<62>73%) proportion of the students were conversant with the major modes of spread of HIV. Many misconceptions were still noted relating to HIV/AIDS: 40% believed that healthy looking persons cannot be infected with HIV while 27% and 25% believed that coughing/sneezing and mosquito bites spread AIDS, respectively. Majority (75%) of the students indicated that they would not ask to do HIV test before marriage and amongst them more than a quarter reasoned that it might lead to a break-up in the marriage or that marriage might not take place. The knowledge level appeared to be low and misconceptions held about the routes of transmission were common. It is recommended that strategies for AIDS-risk reduction among adolescents be developed in Bangladeshi high schools.

2 tables, 27 ref

023409   ElGhaban A G;Eldiasty J G;Omnia;Kamel M H M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Tabuk Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: galdiasti@ut.edu.sa) : Evaluation of Rosmarinus species extracted by different solvents against mosquito larvae, Biomophalaria species and different pathogenic bacteria. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(4), 44-9.

The botanical extracts were used as a scours of insecticidal, molluscicidal and antimicrobial agents. Many authors try to improve the potency of these extracts by using different solvents. The pet-ether and ethanolic extracts of Rosmarinus species were tested as insecticidal and molluscicidal agents against Culex pipiens and Biomophalaria alexandrina. The LC₅₀ of pet-ether and ethanolic extracts against mosquitoes were 511.84 & 721.81 ppm respectively. While, LC₅₀ of these extracts against snails were 236.81 & 276.16 ppm respectively. From those results the snails appear more susceptible to both extracts than mosquitoes. Both mosquitoes and snails more susceptible to pet-ether extract than ethanolic extract. petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Rosamarinus sp in different concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20%) were evaluated for their possible antibacterial activity against six pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Entrococcus faecalis (gram positive bacteria), Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Acetobacter sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram-negative bacteria). The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Rosamarinus sp. in different concentrations exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested organisms (except Acetobacter sp was resistant at all concentrations of petroleum ether extract). Findings were compared to those produced by Gentamycin (10 μg) and Tetracyclin (30 μg), reference antibiotic.

4 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

023408   Debnath D J;Chawla P S;Singru S;Fernandez K (Community Medicine Dep, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune-411 041) : Access to improved drinking-water source and improved sanitation in a part of Pune city. Al Ameen J med Sci 2016, 9(3), 183-7.

This is to find the access of urban people to improved drinking-water source and improved sanitation facility in a part of Pune city. Access to improved drinking-water source and sanitation facilities has been immensely influencing the health and well being of people. This was an observational cross-sectional study. The study population comprised of housewives residing in urban area and attending the outpatient department of Urban Health Training Centre of a Medical College in Pune city. Our study used the definition given by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for "improved" drinking-water source and "improved" sanitation facility. Data was analysed from 369 households in an urban area of Pune. Statistical analysis used: Proportion with confidence interval and chi square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. 95.7% of the urban study population had access to improved drinking water source. 54.2% of the urban study population had access to improved sanitation facility. The odds of a pucca house with access to improved sanitation were found to be more than 2 times as compared to a Kutcha house having access to improved sanitation facility.There is a need for stressing the importance of constructing and using the sanitary latrine. Better utilization of government subsidies and other schemes related to the construction of sanitary latrine are also important to address this issue.

4 tables, 24 ref

023407   Cleetus R I;Asha C V;Suson P S;Nandan S B (Marine Biology Dep, Microbiology &Biochemistry, School of Marine Scie, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682 016, Email: bijoynandan@yahoo.co.in) : Mesozooplankton abundance and community structure in Vembanad-Kol wetland ecosystem, Kerala, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(4), 533-45.

Abundance and community structure of mesozooplankton were studied (March 2012-February 2013) in the context of prevailing environmental parameters in the Vembanad estuarine system, a Ramsar site on the southwest coast of India. Of the sixteen taxa of mesozooplankton, 16 calanoid copepods and 26 rotifers were identified upto species level. Copepods was the most dominant taxon where calanoids (63%), followed by rotifers (23%), copepodites (2 %), amphipodes (2%), crusteacean naupli (1.5 %) and others contributing in minor proportions. Freshwater diaptomid species, including Heliodiaptomus cintus and Allodiaptomus mirabilipes contributed around 52 % of calanoids in the southern stations (1, 2 and 3) and Bestiolinas imilis (19%) and Acartia southwelli (12.3%) formed the major share of calanoid copepods in northern stations (8, 9 & 10). Seasonal distribution of zooplankton showed bimodality, with a primary peak in premonsoon (av. 25073 ind. m^-3) followed by secondary peak in post monsoon (av. 21093ind. m^-3) coinciding with maximum of copepod species. Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis reveal 80% similarity in abundance of plankton between southern (1 to 7) and northern stations (8, 9 and 10). Phosphate, nitrite, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity best determined the abundance and distribution of mesozooplankton in Vembanad estuary based on multivariate BIOENV analysis.

6 illus, 3 tables, 90 ref

023406   Bhairi R S;Mohd R;Nadithe L R (Pharmacology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Adilabad, Telangana, Email: doctorbhairi@gmail.com) : Comparative study of analgesic effect of Moringa oleifera with lornoxicam in rats. J contemp Med Dent 2015, 3(3), 44-7.

Wister albino rats were divided into 5 groups containing placebo (saline) Lornoxicam and 3 groups of Moringa Oleifera using 12.5mg/Kg, 25mg/Kg and 50mg/kg dosages. Moringa Oleifera 50mg/Kg produced significant antinoceptive action by enhancing tail-flick latency period (8.17 ± 0.41, 9 ± 0.63, 10.67 ± 0.82) at 30 min, 60 min and 120 min as compared to 6.67± 0.52 time recorded at zero minute period and Moringa Oelifera (25mg/Kg i.p) produced significant antinocipetive action by enhancing tail-flick latency period ( 8.5 ± 0.55, 9.5 ± 0.55, 10.84 ± 0.98) at 30 min, 60 min and 120 min respectively in comparison with ( 6.67 ± 0.51) at 0 minute. The Standard Drug Lornoxicam increased the latency period of tail-flick response (10.5 ± 0.54, 13.17 ± 0.75, 15.34 ± 0.52) at 30min, 60min and 120 min as compared to zero minute response of (6.8 ± 0.41). Aqueous extracts of Moringa Oleifera leaves exhibits significant antinociceptive activity by Tail-flick Latency model. However the amount of antinociceptive action produced was lesser as compared to standard drugs like Lornoxicam.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

022325   Wang J;Zhang F (College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal Univ, Beijing-100 048, Email: fxzhang@hotmail.com) : In situ observation of multiple levels of intermediate chromatin fibers on metaphase chromosomes of Triticum aestivum L.. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2015, 75(2), 183-7.

Metaphase chromosomes of root-tip meristematic cells of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were carefully examined under the transmission electron microscope. It was obvious that only in one section of a metaphase cell, besides 10 and 2530 nm fibers, a serial of intermediate chromatin fibers between 30 nm and metaphase chromosome such as 5060, 100-120 and 200-300 nm, could be identified on three metaphase chromosomes in the cell. The higher degrees of chromatin fibers were helically coiled from the lower levels of chromatin fibers and at last, 750-800 nm metaphase chromosomes were formed from 200-300 nm fibers. It was concluded that the 30 nm chromatin fibers exist truly in the metaphase chromosomes which are hierarchically organized from the 10 nm ones and there are at least 4 levels of helical coils from 30 nm to metaphase chromosomes.

1 illus, 30 ref

022324   Thakkalapally S;Kunta M (A, B, C) : Comparative study and assessment of the quality of lige of type 1 diabetes patients on MDI and CSII therapies in India. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2015, 5(3), 439-42.

We assessed the effect of multiple drug injection (MDI) therapy and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy on 100 type 1 diabetes patients in this 6 month study where we monitored patient's HbA1C levels, exercise frequency and expenses incurred by treatment. While we did not find any significant differences in the regulation of HbA1C levels by the two groups, CSII group reported experiencing a better quality of life compared to the MDI group. The groups also reported significant differences in their physical activity, eating habits and treatment expenses. The CSII group was more active and had better eating habits while the MDI group was more economical.

15 ref

022323   Singha I;Das S K (Biochemistry Dep, College of Medicine & JNM Hospital, WBUHS, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235) : Scavenging and antioxidant properties of different grape cultivars against ionizing radiation-induced liver damage ex vivo. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(4), 280-5.

Ionizing radiation (IR) has become an integral part of the modern medicine- both for diagnosis as well as therapy. However, normal tissues or even distant cells also suffer IR-induced free radical insult. It may be more damaging in longer term than direct radiation exposure. Antioxidants provide protection against IR-induced damage. Grapes are the richest source of antioxidants. Here, we assessed the scavenging properties of four grape (Vitis vinifera) cultivars, namely Flame seedless (Black), Kishmish chorni (Black with reddish brown), Red globe (Red) and Thompson seedless mutant (Green), and also evaluated their protective action against γ-radiation-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue ex vivo. The scavenging abilities of grape seeds [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC₅₀=0.008±0.001 mg/mL), hydrogen peroxide (IC₅₀=0.49 to 0.8 mg/mL), hydroxyl radicals (IC₅₀=0.08±0.008 mg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC₅₀=0.8±0.08 mg/mL)] were higher than that of skin or pulp. Gamma (γ) radiation exposure to sliced liver tissues ex vivo from goat, @ 6 Gy significantly (P <60>0.001) decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) content by 21.2% and also activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) by 49.5, 66.0, 70.3, 73.6%, respectively. However, it increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by 2.04-fold and nitric oxide level by 48.6% compared to untreated group. Further increase in doses (10 or 16 Gy) of γ-radiation correspondingly decreased GSH content and enzyme activities, and increased TBARS and nitric oxide levels. Grape extract treatment prior to ionizing radiation exposure ameliorated theses effects at varying extent. The seed extracts exhibited strong antioxidant potential compared to skin or pulp extracts of different grape cultivars against oxidative damage by ionizing radiation (6 Gy, 10 Gy and 16 Gy) in sliced liver tissues ex vivo. Grape extracts at higher concentration (10 mg extract/g liver tissue) showed stronger antioxidant potential against lower dose (6 Gy) of ionizing radiation. Our results suggest that grape extracts could serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant against lower doses of IR-induced oxidative stress in liver extracts ex vivo.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

022322   Shailajan S;Joshi M;Singh D;Gurjar D;Tiwari B (Herbal Research Labaratory, Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga (East), Mumbai-400 019, Email: sunitashailajan@gmail.com) : Efficacy of a traditional unani formulation Jawarish-e-amla sada against CCl₄ induced liver toxicity in albino wistar rats: comparison with silymarin treatment. Int J Green Pharm 2015, 9(2), 100-03.

Jawarish-e-Amla Sada (JAS); a polyherbal Unani formulation, is claimed as a potential hepatoprotective agent in traditional Unani medicine treatise. Though, JAS has its composition recorded in ancient Unani texts, there have been minimal attempts to scientifically validate its hepatoprotective potential. The present work is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of JAS in vivo. CCl₄ intoxicated Albino Wistar rats were used to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of JAS (0.7 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.) and the results were compared with, silymarin. They efficacy was established on the basis of altered levels of biochemical markers and histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. Treatment with the aqueous slurry of JAS significantly reduced the level of biochemical markers in CCl₄ intoxicated rats. These findings were well-supported by the histopathological analysis of liver tissue. The effect shown by JAS was found to be at par with silymarin treatment. This study suggests that CCl₄ induced liver damage can be ameliorated by traditional Unani formulation JAS. This justifies the traditional claim of JAS being a hepatoprotective agent.

2 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

022321   Prakash Kumar B;Abhimannue A P;Mohan M C; Jacob J;Babu B M (School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi Univ, Kottayam, Kerala, Email: prakashkumar@mgu.ac.in) : Inhibition of lipoxygenase by Elephantopus scaber extract and determination of its inhibition pattern. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(1), 01-05.

Elephantopus scaber Linn, a medicinal herb indigenous to India, has been widely used in treating a number of inflammatory pathological conditions. In the present study, methanolic extract of E. scaber was evaluated for its ability to inhibit 5, 12 and 15 Lipoxygenase enzymes (LO) and the nature of inhibition was determined from Km and Vmax values obtained from Lineweaver Burk plot. The methanolic extract was found to inhibit all three LO enzymes in a mixed competitive non competitive nature. E. scaber promises to be a good source of bioactive molecules that could be employed for inflammation research.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

022320   Patel P R;Shaikh S S;Sayyed R Z (Microbiology Dep, PSGVP Mandal's Arts, Science & Commerce College, Shahada, Maharashtra-425 409, Email: sayyedrz@gmail.com) : Dynamism of PGPR in bioremediation and plant growth promotion in heavy metal contaminated soil. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(4), 286-90.

Heavy metal contamination, particularly of cultivable lands, is a matter of concern. Bioremediation helps in reversing such contamination to certain extent. Here, we report isolation, polyphasic identification and the role of siderophore producing rhizobacteria Alcaligenes feacalis RZS2 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa RZS3 in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil and plant growth promotion activity in such contaminated soil. Siderophore produced by A. feacalis RZS2 and P. aeruginosa RZS3 strains chelated various heavy metal ions like MnCl2.4H2O, NiCl₂.6H₂O, ZnCl₂, CuCl₂ and CoCl₂ other than FeCl₃.6H₂O at batch scale. Their bioremediation potential was superior over the chemical ion chelators like EDTA and citric acid. These isolates also promoted growth of wheat and peanut seeds sown in heavy metal contaminated soil. Effective root colonizing ability of these isolates was observed in wheat and peanut plants.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

022319   Oviasogie F E;Agofure A G;Obatusin S V; Beshiru A;Onwuaduegbo J (Microbiology Dep, Benin Univ, Benin City, P.M.B. 1154, Email: abraham.ogofureabraham@live.com) : Microbial spoilage of canned tomato sold in Benin city. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(1), 06-09.

Tomato (solanum lycopersicum), is one of the most important vegetable crop of the solanaceae family, grown all over the world for food and other economic purposes. The microbial spoilage of canned tomato of varying product brands was investigated in this study. It was observed that the total aerobic and anaerobic counts were less than 10³ cells which were within acceptable limit. Two of the canned product had no microbial count, while the others had counts varying from 2 x 10¹ to 5 x 10¹ for aerobic count of freshly opened tomato, and 1 x 10¹ to 2 x 10¹ for anaerobic count. However, aerobic count of spoilt canned tomato product ranged from 4.2 x 10⁴ to 9.1 x 10⁴ across all six products investigated. Anaerobic count of spoilt canned tomato ranged from 2.5 x 10⁴ to 6.8 x 10⁴. Isolated organisms obtained from spoilt canned tomato samples revealed the presence of Bacillus ploymyxa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus lactis, Pseudomonas, sp., Clostridium sporogenes, Bacillus coagulans, Saccharomyces sp., Candida sp., Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp. These organisms were implicated in the spoilage of canned tomato products sold in Benin City. When these products are consumed immediately after opening, they are safe because the microbial load on fresh product is within acceptable regulatory standard.

4 tables, 20 ref

022318   Nandar Kumar S;Telang A G;Patil R D;Singh K P;Jain A K;Sharma R (Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), New Delhi-110 029, Email: rinkusharma99@gmail.com) : Study on combined effects of ochratoxin A and endosulfan on antioxidant enzymes in rats. J envir Biol 2015, 36(3), 601-5.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) and endosulfan, alone and in combination, on oxidative stress in rats. In total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 rats each: Control (Standard diet); OTA (at 4ppm through diet); endosulfan (at 5mg kg^-1 body weight in corn oil by oral intubation) and OTA plus endosulfan (at 4ppm OTA plus 5mg kg^-1 body weight endosulfan). The level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in erythrocytes as well as in tissue homogenates of liver and kidneys, after 30 days post-intoxication. OTA and endosulfan treatment caused significant elevation in LPO levels in erythrocytes (62%), liver (28%) and kidneys (125%). However, the level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD and GSH decreased (20% to 50%) in all the treated groups. It was concluded that oxidative stress was more severe in case of combination treatment, which might be due additive toxic effect of endosulfan and OTA in rats.

1 table, 38 ref

022317   Nagaraju K;Kannappan N;Gopinath K (Pharmacy Dep, Karpagam Univ, Coimbatore-641 021, Email: kirantoxicology@gmail.com ) : Survey on pattern of snake bite cases admitted in South Indian tertiary care hospitals. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(10), 4362-7.

The study was carried out to determine the pattern of snake bite in four different selected tertiary care hospitals of south India for a period of 03 years from March 2011 to March 2014. A prospective observational study of 270 patients of snake bite was collected in patients admitted to emergency department in four different selected tertiary care hospitals in south India. Patients with history of previous visit for treatment before admitting into the study sites were excluded from the study. There were 201 males [74.4%] and 69 females [25.5%] out of 270 snakebite patients in our study. Of that, 142 [52.6%] patients were between the age group of 30-50 years. Most of the cases were farmers [56.66%] and Laborers [32.96%]. Peak incidence of snake bite was observed during rainy season [68.8%]. Most of the envenomation had reported between 6pm to 6am [64.44%]. Bite was most commonly seen in the lower extremities [65.17%], with local pain and cellulites being common complication. About 52.22% of patients required 11-20 vials of ASV during the treatment. Recovery rate was 84.44% with 10% mortality during our study period. Snake bite is one among the most neglected public health problem in developing countries. Researchers should always look at decreasing the morbidity and mortality, in turn improving the quality of life of the patient.

45 ref

022316   Meerwal P;Jain G C (Zoology Dep, Centre for Advanced Studies, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Male fertility regulation with plant products. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2015, 5(1), 146-62.

Population explosion is one of the greatest problems all over the world especially in developing countries with its inevitable consequences on economic development, public health and environment. Therefore, there is pressing need for control of fertility by encouraging the couples to participate in family planning programmes. Compared with female contraceptive methods male alternatives are limited including vasectomy and condoms. Prevailing situation demands the development of more contraceptive options for males that will encourage more couples to adopt them. Several potential approaches for fertility control have been investigated over a long period including chemical, hormonal and immunological approaches. However, no suitable method has emerged that is effective, reversible and free from side effects. Medicinal plants provide an alternative offer for development of male contraceptives. Numerous herbs have been used historically to reduce fertility in both male and females. The research on medicinal plants for the search of male antifertility agent is being intensified because of their lesser side effects, ready availability and reduced cost. The present review includes a brief account of research reports on medicinal plants with male antifertility activity published between the years 2000 to present. This study provides an information on botanical name, family, parts used,extract used, dose, duration and their possible male antifertility effects in various animals.

^iia126 ref

022315   Classen D;Kiessling S;Mangalam M;Kaumanns W; Singh M (Haidhauser Str. 16, 81675 Muenchen, Germany, Email: mewasinghltm@gmail.com) : Fission-fusion species under restricted living conditions: a comparative study of dyadic interactions and physical proximity in captive bonobos and bornean orangutans. Curr Sci 2016, 110(5), 839-50.

The present study investigates how the 'fission-fusionadapted' bonobos and Bornean orangutans manage social relationships when kept under permanent groupliving conditions. Our results showed that the bonobos and orangutans did not differ in the overall frequency of dyadic interactions. The orangutans evidently realized a potential to interact with partners, which on a surface did not differ from what was found in the bonobos. However, the bonobos spent more time on sociopositive interactions, especially on grooming and sit in contact, whereas the orangutans agonistically interacted with each other more often. Though frequencies of approaching were similar between the two species, orangutans actively left the proximity to a partner more often than the bonobos, which in turn were more often in spatial proximity. The three groups of bonobos housed under different conditions differed from each other for sociopositive and agonistic interactions. The orangutans differed for agonistic but not for sociopositive interactions. As a striking difference between the species, it appeared that between subadult/adult orangutans, behaviours which required prolonged body contact occurred only rarely and briefly. Differences in bonding patterns have been discussed as a possible explanatory factor. The 'short and distant nature' of interactions between adult orangutans suggests the existence of social relationships, the management of which requires less 'servicing behaviours'. Subadult/adult orangutans may be less attracted by each other than individuals in more gregarious species: they may have the cognitive skills to interact, but may not be motivated to stay together for long.

6 illus, 43 tables, 50 ref

022314   Chauhan D S;Sharma R;Parashar D;Sharma P;Das R;Chahar M;Singh A V;Singh P K;Katochi K;Katoch V M (Microbiology and Molecular Biology Dep, National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacteriakl Diseases(I, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Email: devchauhan01@yahoo.co.in) : Early detection of multidrug resistant(MDR) Mycorbacterium tuberculosis in a single tube with in-house designed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes using real-time PCR. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(4), 229-36.

Rapid and correct diagnosis is crucial for the management of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The present study aims at rapid diagnosis for identification of multidrug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) using real-time PCR. FRET hybridization probes targeting most prominent four selected codons for rpoB526 and 531 and for katG314 and 315 genes were designed and evaluated on 143 clinical MTB isolates and paired sputa for rapid detection of MDR-TB. The results of real-time PCR were compared with gold standard L-J proportion method and further validated by DNA sequencing. Of the 143 MTB positive cultures, 85 and 58 isolates were found to be 'MDR' and 'pan susceptible', respectively by proportion L-J method. The sensitivity of real-time PCR for the detection of rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) were 85.88 and 94.11%, respectively, and the specificity of method was found to be 98.27%. DNA sequencing of 31 MTB isolates having distinct melting temperature (Tm) as compared to the standard drug susceptible H37Rv strain showed 100% concordance with real-time PCR results. DNA sequencing revealed the mutations at Ser531Leu, His526Asp of rpoB gene and Ser315Thr, Thr314Pro of katG gene in RIF and INH resistance cases. This real-time PCR assay that targets limited number of loci in a selected range ensures direct and rapid detection of MDR-TB in Indian settings. However, future studies for revalidation as well as refinement are required to break the limitations of MDR-TB detection.

1 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

021510   Ramakrishnan P;Chandrasekhar T;Muralidharan P (Pharmacology Dep, CL Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai-600 097, Email: prakasheeba@rediffmail.com) : Congnitive enhancing, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant properties of Tagetes patula on scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Int J Green Pharm 2015, 9(3), 167-74.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual decline in memory associated with shrinkage of brain tissue and loss of neurons with a diminished level of the central cholinergic neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The present study was performed to examine the effect of ethanolic extract of Tagetes patula (EETP) on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, in mice. Rats were treated with EETP and donepezil for 15 successive days followed by treatment with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) for 3 days. The changes in behavioral, biochemical, and neurotransmitters were assessed in rats. Cognitive functions were assessed using step-through latency on a passive avoidance apparatus and Morris water maze test. Antioxidants parametes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitrates were assessed. Neurotransmitters including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin were also assessed, and neuronal damage was also analyzed. Scopolamine-treated rats showed impaired learning and memory, increased activity of AChE, LPO and decreased levels of SOD, reduced glutathione, nitrates, serotonin, and DA. The EETP significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice was measured by the passive avoidance test. In addition, EETP decreased escape latency in the Morris water maze. In probe trail session, EETP increased the latency time in the target quadrant. Ex vivo EETP inhibited AChE activity in the mice brain. EETP treated mice significantly increased the SOD, GR, nitrates, DA, and serotonin levels, and decreased the level of LPO when compared with scopolamine-treated mice. These results indicate that EETP may exert anti-amnesic effect through both by anti-AChE and antioxidant mechanisms.

3 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

021509   Rajinder Kaur;Kumar N R;Harjai K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: dr.rita85@gmail.com) : Effect of bee pollen and bee bread in BALB/c mice. J Insect Sci 2015, 28(2), 242-5.

Bee pollen and bee bread are the beehive products and contained polyphenolic substances which may have several medicinal properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of bee pollen and bee bread as feed additive on some antioxidant status in mice. After the end of experimentation, mice scarified and biochemical estimation was carried out. The results showed that administration of bee pollen and bee bread did not have any significant change in the level of Lipid peroxidase (LPO), Glutathione (GSH) and Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) as compared to normal. But in case of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) significant difference was observed after administration of bee pollen and bee bread as compared to normal. The bee bread collected from H. annus also showed significant difference in case of Glutathione S-transferase (GST) as compared to normal. So, the results showed that bee pollen and bee bread did not have any negative influence in mice.

5 illus, 14 ref

021508   Paneliya A M;Patgiri B J;Nariya M;Aghera H; Prajapati P K (Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Dep, Institute of Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurveda Univ, Jamnagar-361 008, Email: drankitpaneliya@gmail.com) : Antitussive activity of Vasa avaleha formulations on sulfur dioxide-induced coughing in mice. Int J Green Pharm 2015, 9(3), 180-3.

Vasa Avaleha is a well-known Ayurvedic compound formulation, known for its usefulness in respiratory disorders like cough,cold, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc. Though Adhatoda vasica individually studied for antitussive activity in animals, no scientific evidence was available for Vasa Avaleha. This prompted us to initiate a comparative antitussive activity of Vasa Avaleha and granules of Vasa Avaleha in sulfur dioxide-induced coughing in mice. The test drugs were prepared as per classical guidelines and standards in the Departmental Laboratory of the Institute. The test drugs were administered orally at a dose of 1.56 g/kgand tested against sulfur dioxide-induced coughing in mice for 5 min. Vasa Avaleha significantly (P <60> 0.001) inhibited the sulfur dioxide-induced cough reflexes in mice compared to control group. The effect was comparable to the standard drug Recodex,which contain codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate. Granules of Vasa Avaleha also produced significant (P <60> 0.001)decrease in cough reflexes compared to control group. The magnitude of the antitussive effect was more pronounced and significant in Vasa Avaleha treated group in comparison to granules of Vasa Avaleha. From the present study, it is concluded that Vasa Avaleha and granules of Vasa Avaleha may prove as useful and an effective antitussive agent which provides experimental evidence in support of the Ayurvedic ancient claim. Further, Avaleha form of test formulation can be converted to granule form and further evaluated in clinical studies for better human therapeutic uses.

2 tables, 18 ref

021507   Archana Kumari;Kaushik N (NO, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi-110 003, Email: archanasrivastava08@gmail.com) : Oviposition deterrents in herbivorous insects and their potential use in integrated pest management. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(3), 163-74.

In the life cycle of insects, oviposition is an important phenomenon, and it is influenced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, especially in relation to suitable hosts for completion of their life-cycle. Oviposition deterrents which deter an insect from laying eggs are important in the management of insect pests. Proper understanding of these deterrents shall provide necessary insight into new vistas for Insect Pest Management. Chemicals from plants and insects play an important role in attracting phytophagous insects for selecting host for oviposition. Considerable research has been done on oviposition deterrents and their mode of actions. In the present review, we have consolidated the updated information on this important aspect of insect behavior.

7 tables, 72 ref

021506   Ali S A;Shukla M M;Khan S W;Syeda A S (Pharmacology Dep, Y.B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Rauza Baugh, Aurangabad-431 001, Email: ayazpharm@gmail.com ) : Diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Spilanthes paniculata flower in rats. Int J Green Pharm 2015, 9(3), 162-6.

To evaluate the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Spilanthes paniculata (SpE) flowers in rats. The three different doses of aqueous extract of SpE flowers (aqueous SpE) (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) and standard furosemide (10 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats. The various analytical parameters like urine volume, pH, density, conductivity, Na+ and K+ content were measured in the urine of saline loaded rats. Treatment with three different doses of aqueous extract of SpE flowers (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg p.o.) and standard furosemide (10 mg/kg) has significantly increased the urine volume, conductivity, Na+ and K+ content as compared to control group. The pH of urine was found to be increased by aqueous extract at 500 mg/kg, whereas decreased by aqueous extract at 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and standard furosemide. The density of urine shows significant similarity in the treated group compared to control group. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of SpE flowers presents a notable diuretic effect at different doses of (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) which is associated with marked increase in both urinary Na+ and K+ levels. The aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) has shown the most pronounced diuretic effect and may act as loop diuretic.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

020570   Yamak B;Yuce M;Bagci H;Imamoglu O (NO, Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Yasar Dogu Faculty of Sport Sciences, 55139, Samsun, Turkey, Email: badetekbas@gmail.com) : Association between sport performance and alpha-actinin-3 gene R577X polymorphism. Int J Hum Genet 2015, 15(1), 13-19.

Physical performance has been associated with many gene variants including the alpha-actinin-3 gene (ACTN3) R577X polymorphism. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether there is an association between sport performance of Turkish elite athletes and alpha-actinin-3 gene R577X polymorphism. A total of 300 individuals (150 elite athletes and 150 sedentary individuals) participated in the study voluntarily. A 291-bp long region spanning the R577X polymorphic site of the alpha-actinin-3 gene was amplified and tested with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. The statistical analyses were done by using SPSS 15.0 package program. Although, no significant difference was found between the distributions of the three genotypes of elite athletes and sedentary individuals, the frequency of XX genotype in sedentary individuals was lower than that of the elite athletes (p<62>0.05). The RX and XX frequencies were significantly different (P<60>0.05) between the two groups. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, there are no reports that examined the ACTN3 polymorphism in the Athletes who live in Black sea region of Turkey.

4 tables, 24 ref

020569   Tiwari V K;Cocking E C (Plant Genetic Manipulation Group, Life Science Dep, Nottingham Univ, Park Univ, Nottingham, NG 72 Rd, England, Email: vkt786@rediffmail.com) : Development of somatic embryo from single cell in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): histological evidence of somatic embryogenesis. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(2), 413-17.

Embryogenic callus was successfully initiated by culturing immature embryos of barley cv. Dissa on the agarose-solidified CC2 medium containing 2 mg l^-1 2, 4-D, 50 ml l^-1 coconut water and 0.2 g l^-1 casein hydrolysate. The development of somatic embryos occurred from single cells on this medium from the nodular, compact, yellow callus that was considered as embryogenic callus because it has the ability to differentiate; whereas, soft, non-embryogenic callus (watery callus) did not differentiate into shoots and roots. Many somatic embryos underwent internal cell division to from globular-like structures (meristemoids). These meristemoids in turn produced secondary embryoids or enlarged considerably to produce shoot buds and / or leafy structures. Such leafy structures and shoots possessed vascular connections to the ground substance of the callus suggesting organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis occurred side-by-side. Hence, somatic embryogenesis mainly happens in the scutellar epidermis followed by the organogenesis.

3 illus, 20 ref

020568   Sunita Devi;Kanwar S S (Basic Sciences Dep, College of Forestry, Univ of Horticulture and Forestry - Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: sunitachamba@gmail.com) : Evaluation of biotechnological potential of thermo - tolerant bacteria isolated from Manikaran hot spring, Himachal Pradesh. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(2), 443-7.

A total of 108 bacteria were isolated from three different types of samples viz. water, soil- sediment and biomat collected from upper Manikaran, lower Manikaran and Shangna sites selected at Manikaran hot spring, Himachal Pradesh. Screening of all the isolates for extracellular enzymes production revealed that lipase, cellulase, protease and amylase producing isolates were 84.26, 74.07, 43.52 and 42.59 per cent, respectively. None of the isolates was found positive for pectinolytic activity. Most of the isolates were multienzyme producers. Only seven efficient protease producers viz. S6, W15, B48, EpW3, BB4, EpSA1 and EpWB1, were examined quantitatively for protease production. Out of these, five isolates were found to exhibit optimum protease activity at 45° while, two isolates at 55°. Out of seven, five isolates were found to exhibit optimum protease activity at pH 7.0 while, one at pH 8.0 and one at 6.0. Analyses of thermostability profiles of crude proteases of W15 and EpSA1 showed that their Analyses of thermostability profiles of crude proteases of W15 and EpSA1 showed that their half lives at 60 and 65° were 30 and 15 min, respectively. Whereas, the half lives of B48, EpW3 and BB4 at 55 and 60° were 30 and 15 min, respectively. Half lives of crude protease of S6 at 70 and 75° were 30 and 15 min, respectively while, the half lives of crude protease of EpWB1 at 70, 90 and 100° were 60, 30 and 15 min, respectively. Thus, crude protease of EpWB1was found the most stable among these isolates. SDS-PAGE analysis of extracellular crude protease of EpWB1 revealed that it is made up of three polypeptide chains having different molecular weights i.e 20.0, 40.0 and 250 kDa. The isolate EpWB1 was identified as Thermoactinomyces vulgaris on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.

4 illus, 43 ref

020567   Subha Rani P (Saveetha College of Nursing, Saveetha Univ, Thandalam, Chennai-602 105, Email: p.subharani@gmail.com) : Personality traits of it litigants (those who applied for divorce) in Chennai. J advd scient Res 2015, 6(3), 14-18.

The researcher has selected 399 Information technology professionals to investigate the level of personality traits those who approached the family courts in Chennai for marital split. Neo Five Factor Inventory by McCrea Costa was used to collect the data from them. The data were collected by interview technique. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the findings. Results showed that 96% of the divorce litigants have very low conscientiousness, 70% of them have high or very high level of neuroticism and 85% of them have very low level of agreeableness. Study emphasized that the psychological aspects of these professionals needs to be taken care.

4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

020566   Soren G;Sarita M;Prathyusha T (Pharmacology Dep, Maheshwara Medical College, Chitkul, Patancheru, Telangana) : Antidiabetic activity of Actindia deliciosa fruit in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Pharma Innovation 2016, 5(9), 31-4.

Actinidia deliciosa fruit extract or metformin was administered to the rats orally for seven days. Levels of Blood Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, SGOT and SGPT were used to evaluate its antidiabetic effects in Albino Wister rats. Blood glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, SGOT and SGPT levels were significantly increased in alloxan induced diabetic rats to compare to the normal group. After seven days treatment with Actinidia deliciosa extract showed the significant decrease in the diabetic control group and metformin also showed a significant decrease in diabetes. The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Actinidia deliciosa fruit clearly demonstrated the antidiabetic activity in an experimental model of rats.

5 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

020565   Singh T R;Jamuna Rani;Hemlatha T S;Jyothsna (Pharmacology Dep, MRIMS, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Study of hypoglycemic effect of corosolic acid & its comparative evaluation with standard drug glibenclamide in alloxan induced diabetes in female albino mice. Pharma Innovation 2016, 5(10), 56-9.

Adult swiss albino mice weighting between 25-35gms were taken. The mice were divided in three groups (n=10). Group I-control served with distilled water; Group II-test group treaated with 2mg/kg b.w corosolic acid; Group III-standard group, treated with 2.5mg/kg b.w glibenclamide. FBS was taken before & after induction of diabetes iin group II & III using glucometer and results were tabulated in comparision with mean FBS of control group (group I). The results were expressed as mean ± S.D. Statistical difference was tested by using students t-test. A difference in the mean P value <60>0.05 was considered as significant. Corosolic acid produces consistent hypoglycemic effect at the end of 4th week in comparision with standard drug glibenclamide with extremely significant P value (P<60>0.01). Mean percentage FBS reduction with corosolic acid in comparision with control group was 18% with extremely significant P value (<60>0.01)at the end of 4 weeks treatment and glibenclamide produced mean percentage FBS reduction of 31% with extremely significant P value (P<60>0.01)at the end of 4th week in comparsion with control group. Corosolic acid has produced marked hypoglycemia in comparision with standard drug glibenclamide at the end of 4th week.

3 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

020564   Singh R;Prasad V;Simon S;Devasahayam M (Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Allahabad-211 007, Email: mercy@shiats.edu.in) : Effect of spacing and refuge crops on gene transfer of NptII gene from Bt cotton to soil bacteria and on seed cotton yields. Int J Geomatics Geosci 2015, 5(4), 687-96.

The proportion of bacteria resistant to kanamycin from Bt and non Bt cotton (nBt) cotton crop soil at 0.65m spacing was higher than crop soil samples from 0.35m spacing. nptII specific PCR total bacteria DNA samples from Bt cotton soil were negative confirming the presence of indigenous kanamycin resistant soil bacteria. Bt seed cotton yield in presence of 50% refuge was higher when sown at spacings of 0.65m than at 0.35m. In presence of 50% refuge a 94% increase in Bt seed cotton yield was obtained. The presence of 50% nBt refuge increased the seed cotton yield of Bt cotton plants and; did not cause horizontal gene transfer of the nptII gene to soil bacteria.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

020563   Shete A P;Verma A K;Chadha N K;Prakash C; Chandrakant M H (NO, Central Institute of Fisheries Eduation, Mumbai, Email: akverma45@yahoo.com) : Comparative study of fish to plant component ratio in recirculating aquaponic system with common carp and mint. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(2), 323-29.

The growths of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mint were evaluated in recirculating aquaponic system. Fish production, plant growth and nutrient removal were measured and their dependence on fish to plant component ratio were observed. Fish growth performance differed with different fish to plant component ratio. Fish growth was higher in 1:2 and 1:3 ratios, whereas, plant production was higher in 1:2 and 1:1 ratios. The ratios of fish to plant component were compared to balance the nutrient generation from fish with nutrient removal by plants. The optimum ratio obtained was 1:2 (fish: plant) which showed optimum fish production, plant growth as well as nutrient removal.

5 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

020562   Sharma V (Division of Biochemistry, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Main Campus Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir) : Jatamansi: A source against lung and colon cancer cells. Int J med Sci 2016, 9(1), 19-21.

In vitro assay for cytotoxic activity of Nardostachys jatamansi has been carried out against eight human cancer cell lines from six different tissues via 95 per cent methanolic and aqueous extract at the concentration of 100 μg/ml using Sulphorhodamine blue (SRB) assay. Results revealed that methanolic extract from the stem leaves of N. jatamansi showed highest in vitro cytotoxic effect against four human cancer cell lines (A-549, COLO-205, SW-620, NCI-H322) from lung and colon origin. Based on in vitro data, it is suggested that further in vivo studies as well as identification of effective components from methanolic extract and their exact mechanism of action could be useful in designing new anticancer therapeutic agents.

1 table, 10 ref

020561   Sharma D (NO, LNIPE (Deemed Univ), Shakti Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Effect of specific soccer drills on dribbling and shooting ability of football players. Scient J Sports Exercise 2016, 12(2), 29-34.

The objective of the study was to find out the effect of specific soccer drills on dribbling and shooting ability of football players. To attain this aim, a total of 30 male football players (treatment group-15, control- 15) from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, age ranging from 18 to 24 years were randomly selected. All the subjects have been informed about the objective of the study. It was hypothesized that there will be significant difference in mean of dribbling and shooting abilities between treatment group & control group. For the analysis of the effect of soccer drills dribbling and shooting were selected as performance variables. Subjects performed the training of 5 days a week framed in a schedule. After the completion of 6 week of training data on dribbling (for time) and shooting (for distance) collected. To compare the effect an independent t-test was employed at 0.05 level. It was found that a significant effect exits in dribbling as well as in shooting ability. Experimental group was found significantly better then the control group in both dribbling and shooting.

2 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

020560   Sharma A;Dangar T K (Botany Dep, Dr. C.V. Raman Univ Kota, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh) : Morphological and physiological characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis from Ooty botanical garden soil. J scient lett 2016, 1(2), 74-81.

Bacteria, especially Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and B. sphaericus (Bs), are the most potent and successful group of organisms for effective control of insect pests and vectors of diseases. Bt is widely known and exploited for δ-endotoxin which is produced in a distinct proteinacious structure known as crystal or insecticidal crystal protein. Diversities of Bt strains envisage selection and assay of different isolates and especially the native areas to develop indigenous system. Soil sample was collected from the fellow area of Ooty botanical garden Ooty. Staining characters of the organism were studied for vegetative, reproductive and crystal structure determination. The colony characters of the Bt cultures viz. TB 251 was circular, gummy white, raised and entire. But TB 252 colony was irregular, gummy white, raised and undulate. The host spectrum of the isolates needs to be assessed at the native areas for their effective exploitation. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) could be isolated from the soil and they are diverse in nature.

5 tables, 13 ref

020559   Sethu S;Kamalavathi M U;Suresh Kutty K (Physical Education and Sports Dep, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Tirunelveli) : Effect of yogic practices among school boys. Scient J Sports Exercise 2016, 12(2), 35-8.

The study was aimed at to find out the effect of yogic practices on selected physiological variables among school boys. To achieve the purpose of the study, thirty school boys (n=30) from Good Shepherd Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil were selected as subjects at random. The age category was under 19. All the subjects were divided in to two groups with 15 subjects each as experimental and control group. Group I underwent yogic practices for a period of six weeks of five days per week and group II acted as control who did not participate in any special training other than the regular routine. The physiological variables such as resting pulse rate and breath holding time were selected as dependent variables. Resting pulse rate was tested by using Digitalized Omron Blood Pressure Monitor and breath holding time was measured with stop watch with the calibration of 1/10 seconds. Pre and post test random group design was used for this study. The dependent "t" test was applied to determine the difference between the means of two groups. To find out whether there was any significant difference between the experimental and control groups on adjusted post test means the analysis of covariance was used. To test the level of significant of difference between the means 0.05 level of confidence was fixed. It was concluded that, there was a significant improvement takes place on resting pulse rate and breath holding time of school boys due to the effect of six weeks of yogic practices. And also concluded that, there was a significant difference exists between experimental and control groups on resting pulse rate and breath holding time.

2 tables, 6 ref