012221   Narayanan R;Subramonian B S (Dairy Science Dep, Madras Veterinary Colleger, Tamil Nadu Veterinaey and Animal Sciences Univ, Chennai-600 007, Email: ritanarayanan@yahoo.com) : Effect of prebiotics on bifidobacterial species isolated from infant faeces. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 285-9.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prebiotics on the growth of bifidobacterial species isolated from the faeces of breast fed infants. Identification of isolates to the genus level was based on phenotypic characteristics like the unique pleomorphic morphology and carbohydrates fermentation profile. Molecular tools like species specific mPCR primers were used for confirmation. A total of 4 isolates were identified namely B. longum (IB₁₀ and IB₁₂), B. breve (IB₃₉) and B. bifidum (IB₄₂). Addition of 4 % WPC was used to enhance the growth of Bifidobacteria in bovine whey. Prebiotics like inulin and honey at 0.4 and 3 %, respectively were adjudged as the optimum level for exerting maximum prebiotic activity on all the four bifidobacterial isolates.

2 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

012220   Mishra S D;Chaturvedi R (NO, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi) : Tribal culture in Balrampur: a geographical perspective. Natn Geogr 2013, 48(1-2), 27-39.

The paper attempts to assess various physical and cultural characteristics of Tharu tribes in Balrnmpur district, for this purpose sample survey of Tharu tribes has been conducted by questionnaire method. There are mainly two distinct blocks, Pachperwa and Gainsari in which Tharu tribes are dominant. Physically, they are short statured, yellow brown or brown complexioned, broad faced and plain nose mainly belonging to Mongoloid racial stock. Culturally, they have their unique traditions, customs and social values which have a direct or indirect effect on their way of living. Tharus follow Hindu religion. Family Structure of Tharu tribes in Balrampur district is joint and Tharu woman has the dominant position in all family activities. They purely follow Hindu seasonal calendar for marriage purpose. Generally they build their house by mud, wood and grass and size of house depends on the size of family. Maghi (Makar Sankranti) and Phaguwa (Holi) are very popular festivals in Tharu community in Ealramvur distrct.

3 tables, 7 ref

012219   Mirtaheri E;Namazi N;Sargheinin N;Heshmati J; Hadi V (Student Research Committee, Tabriz Univ of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, Email: nazli.namazi@yahoo.com) : Different types of Mizaj (temperament) in relation with body composition in overweight and obese women: Avicenna's opinion. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 240-3.

The aim of the present study was to determine different types of Mizaj and their association with body composition in overweight and obese women. In this cross-sectional study, 135 overweight and obese women aged 18-30 yrs old were recruited from April to June 2013 in Tabriz-Iran. Weight, height and body composition (fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW)) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Determination of Mizaj type (Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi, Balghami) was performed with face to face interview by traditional medicine specialist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16.0. P<60> 0.05 was considered significant. Mean age and BMI of participants were 25.5±3 yrs and 33±4.3kg/m^{2, respectively. Frequencies of subjects with Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi and Balghami temperaments were 31, 14, 47.4 and 7.4%, respectively. Most participants had Mizaj of Dam. No significant differences were observed in body weight and BMI values among different types of Mizaj (p<62>0.05 in both variables), but comparison percentage of FM among women, indicated significant differences between %FM in women with Mizaj of Sauda and Dam (P<60>0.01). However, further studies are needed to clarify association between type of Mizaj with weight and body composition.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

012218   Merlin Franco F;Hidayati S;Ghani B A A; Ranavivo-Malancon B (Curtin Sarawak Research Institute, Curtin Univ Sarawak Malaysia, Malaysia) : Ethnotaxonomic systems can reflect the vitality status of indigenous languages and traditional knowledge. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 175-82.

Biodiversity rich regions of the world are also known to harbour rich ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversities. Traditional Knowledge (TK) of indigenous communities could be one reason behind this factor as it facilitates ecosystem management and agriculture. TK is dependent on languages, without which, its transmission and accumulation is impossible. In this paper, it is argued that the ethnotaxonomic system of an indigenous community is an interjunction between its language and traditional knowledge. Both language and traditional knowledge are required to generate lexemes that are the building blocks of any classification system. TK generates scientific information related to ecology, morphology or utility of the life form while the language names it, and transmits information related to it across individuals and generations; Language gives the name while TK connects it to the appropriate denotatum. We argue that the vitality status of the community's indigenous language and TK is reflected in its ethnotaxonomic system. We also present a newly developed Traditional Knowledge and Language Vitality index (TraLaVi) which could complement the existing indices which intend to assess the vitality status of indigenous languages and TK.

2 tables, 76 ref

012217   Mahale S D;Achrekar S K;Banerjee A A (NO, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: smitamahale@hotmail.com) : Multifaceted approaches to delineate the structural and functional determinants of follicle stimulating hormone receptor. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2015, 81(3), 643-62.

The interaction of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) with its cognate G-protein coupled receptor, the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is crucial for folliculogenesis in females and spermatogenesis in males. This necessitates the delineation of the hormone-receptor interaction in greater detail at the molecular level. Several strategies have been employed over last two decades to delineate the hormone-receptor interaction at structural, molecular and cellular level. Here, we have attempted to summarize the work carried out using synthetic peptides and anti-peptide antibodies corresponding to the predicted potential functional epitopes of FSHR, site-directed mutagenesis, naturally occurring mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The collation of information from the methods discussed will presumably prove to be useful in designing modulators of FSH action and enable better understanding of the involvement of various residues or domains of the receptor in its function. The information will also possibly help in developing predictive markers of ovarian response in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

1 illus, 140 ref

012216   Kaverin A B;Shchankin A A;Zenkin A S; Shchankina G I (NO, Ogarev Mordovia State Univ, 68 Bolshevistskayastr., Saransk, 430 005, Republic of Mordovia, Russia) : Features of the peripheral hemodynamics of girls depending on the environmental conditions. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1527-34.

The present article considers the influence of environmental conditions on the body tympanum of girls and the adaptive reactions of peripheral hemodynamics to the physical activity. We carried out the evaluation of the environmental situation in the places of the permanent residence of girls, measured the anthropometric indices, calculated the trohanter index and defined a constitutional type of the age-related evolution of the body. The study of tibia hemodynamics was carried out by using rheovasography at rest, after a single dosage of physical activity in the amount of 50% of the individual PWC₁₇₀ and in the recovery period. The study revealed that the pollution of the environment by chemical and radionuclide factors on the territory of the Republic of Mordovia is characterized as uneven. In polluted areas disevolutive and pathological types of the body tympanum is normally formed. An influence of the constitutional type of the age-related evolution of the body on the tibia blood flow was observed during physical activity (statistically significant inverse correlation of the trohanter index and the rheographic index). The authors identified the following constitutional types of hemodynamic responses to physical activity: average values of the trohanter index (norm-evolutive type of the body tympanum) were characterized by adequate response of tibia hemodynamic to physical stress; girls living in adverse environmental conditions, if the trohanter index was deviated from its average values, had a constitutional violation of peripheral hemodynamics. The identified hemodynamic features should be taken into account when planning physical activity in a business environment, as well as in training conditions of athletes.

1 table, 20 ref

012215   Jhambh R;Dimri U;Yatoo M I;Parveen Kumar (Medicine Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly (U.P.)-243 122, Email: jhambricky@gmail.com) : In vitro antioxidant activity of Zingiber officinale extracts and its safety study in rats. Indian vet J 2015, 92(7), 19-21.

Antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Zingiber officinale roots was evaluated by Iron to Iron reducing activity and ability to inhibit ascorbate-Iron-catalyzed hydroxyl radical mediated phospholipids peroxi-dation which revealed ethanolic extract better for its antioxidant activity that was subjected to safety study in rats. The rats were randomly allocated to four treatment groups of no treatment, ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale orally at dosage of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. respectively daily for 30 days which revealed dosage of 50 mg/kg to be safest and protective to rats that may be used in various disease conditions in animals for its antioxidant potential.

2 tables, 11 ref

012214   Jakstas V;Lukosius A;Mekas T;Vitkevicius K; Ivanauskas L (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Acedemy, Lithuanian Univ of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str 4, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania, Email: valdas.jakstas@ismuni.it) : Composition uniformity indicating assay of traditional Lithuanian multi-ingredient phytopreparation. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 198-205.

Phytopharmaceutical case introduces of the way to scientific based modernisation of traditional multi-ingredient herbal preparations. 'Trejos devynerios' is a well recognized Lithuanian medicine of particularly deep consumption traditions which contains 27 herbal raw materials. The archive sources of the preparation formula date back to the times of the United Republic of Poland and Lithuania (15-18th centuries). The contemporary quality assurance of product containing scores of active ingredients is very complicated, because each of plant ingredients is source of various phytochemicals. Carrying out modernization of multi-ingredient product the common markers in the aglycone form (quercetin, luteolin and emodin) were reasonably selected to control the composition uniformity of product. Modernisation of quality assurance and control also includes the development and validation of composition uniformity indicating assay of selected markers. The validation study conform the specificity and precision and linearity proved in the application range that exceeds the reliable one. After evaluation of appropriate markers and validation of suitable analytical method, justification of lowest quantitative limits criteria for the release specification sheet was substantiated. Finally, the gained specification limits were applied to release of oral solution.

2 illus, 11 ref

012213   Das S;Aich A;Shaha C (Cell Death and Differentiation Research, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi) : Complex world of cellular defense in the Leishmania parasite. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2015, 81(3), 629-41.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their products are the main agents used by cells to kill invading pathogens. Therefore, to establish a successful infection, pathogens require a robust defensive system to counteract host-generated oxidative stress and their products. Leishmania parasites with a digenetic life cycle, cause Kala-azar and are exposed to conditions of moderate to severe oxidative stress in both the insect and the mammalian hosts. Natural selection has endowed these parasites with multiple defense systems including a peroxiredoxin system of defense, a robust system of thiols, arginases, ascorbate peroxidases, kinases and phophatases, all of which can be used for thwarting potential threats. In addition to these, the parasites are able to defend themselves by altering the host defense mechanisms through the manipulation of host cytokines and other signaling pathways. The peroxiredoxin system is distinct from mammalian peroxiredoxin system and absence of the parasite components in the mammalian host makes them potential drug targets. Trypanothione, a thiol unique to the Leishmania parasite, serves as a central molecule for a cascade of enzymes through which the electrons are shuffled and finally used by the terminal enzyme, the tryparedoxin peroxidase (TXNPx) to eliminate peroxides. Tryapanothione can directly interact with the products of the oxidative stress and can be formed from cellular glutahione. This review discusses the relevance of the parasite defense systems in the context of cell death in the Leishmania parasites.

3 illus, 81 ref

012212   Ahuja S;Gaganpreet Kaur;Joshi R (Agriculture Dep, Baba Farid College, Bathinda-151 001, Email: seemaahuja960@gmail.com ) : Characterization of rhizosphere and rhizoplane microflora of Saccaharum officinarum. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2015, 35(2), 95-103.

Microflora from rhizosphere and rhizoplane of Saccharum. officinarum was studied and characterized. The total viable count of Nutrient agar plates was observed greater in Rhizospheric sample than rhizoplane sample of sugarcane plant (S. officinarum ). Total viable count of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates was also observed greater in rhizospheric sample than rhizoplane sample. This indicates that microbial number and enzyme activities were higher in the rhizosphere than rhizoplane or root surface. In the present study bacteria like Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, Proteus, Azospirillum, Burkholderia, Rhizobium, Bacillus, Escherichia coli and Herbaspirillum were found in rhizosphere and rhizoplane of sugarcane plant. Among the fungal population isolates obtained were Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma and Rhizopus.

14 illus, 19 ref

012211   Aalizadeh A;Shirkhani S;Borazjani A F; Ashtiyani S C;Mobaseri N;Daneshi A;Rahimi S (The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Bushehr Univ of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, Email: ali781@yahoo.com) : Effect of short-term plyometric training program on sprint, strength, power and agility performance in non-athletic men. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1389-95.

Plyometric training to increase physical ability and leads to increase of muscles power. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of short term plyometric training program on sprint, strength, and power and agility performance in non-athletic men. In this research, 40 non-athletic men (year 18-23) participated. The participants were chosen randomly and they participated in four tests strength (Swedish swimming, sit-ups), power (vertical jumps, Horizontal jumps), agility (Illinois Agility Test, T Agility Test) and 30 meters speed. The participants were divided into two groups, i.e. experimental (plyometric training) and control group (did not perform PT training). They participated in the training for 5 weeks and each week 1 session and each session 90 minutes. The results of the study revealed that in experimental groups, significant increase observed in Swedish swimming, horizontal jumps test and also significant decrease observed in 30 meters speed and test in comparison with control group (p-value of the respectively 0.001, 0.02, 0.00). The differences were significant not observed of agility test in comparison with control group. Conclusion: Therefore, it seems that plyometric training have been effective on the physical preparation indices and can improve the non athletes' performance.

2 tables, 38 ref

011031   Shrivastava R K (NO, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 029, Email: rajnikant.srivastava@gmail.com) : Anopheline breeding in irrigated rice land agro-ecosystem and natural parasitism of the fungus Coelomomyces with special reference to species succession in Central Gujarat, India. J Commun Dis 2015, 47(4), 4-12.

Mosquito population studies in rice agro-ecosystem of Kheda district in Central Gujarat revealed the presence of 14 anopheline species. An subpictus (69.19) was predominant anopheline species in rice agro-ecosystem followed by An. nigerrimus (9.18), An. annularis (6.86), An. culicifacies (5.52), An. tessellatus (4.52) and An. barbirostris (2.27). Profuse breeding of An. subpictus and An. culcifacies was found in newly transplanted rice fields when plant height was minimum and distance between plants was maximum, which was later replaced by more shade loving mosquitoes like An. annularis, An. nigerrimus, An. tessellatus and An. barbirostris in later stages when there was enough aquatic vegetation in rice plots with thick growth of plants and canopy development. Breeding of malaria vector An. culicifacies was found in low proportions in rice nurseries and post harvested rice fields while rice field channels were the preferred place for its breeding. Besides species replacement, species groups were also noticed in rice field breeding mosquitoes when species like An. subpictus and An. culicifacies showed affinity to breed maximum in same kind of conditions of newly transplanted rice fields while, An. annularis, An. nigerrimus and An. barbirostis preferred to breed in later stages of the rice crop in an established ecosystem. Better understanding of the mosquito bionomics in this habitat may prove helpful in devising appropriate control measures for mosquito control.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

011030   Shashank Kumar;Dwivedi A;Ramesh Kumar;Pandey A K (Biochemistry Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Preliminary evaluation of biological activities and phytochemical analysis of Syngonium podophyllum leaf. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(2), 143-6.

Present study reports the phytochemical profiling, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Syngonium podophyllum leaf ethyl acetate extract. Dried leaf samples were extracted with ethyl acetate by using soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, alkaloids and saponins. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in extracts were 3.67 ± 0.02 mg propyl galate equivalent and 3.23 ± 0.02 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of sample, respectively. At different concentrations reducing ability of the leaf extract was in the range of 0.170-0.350. The extract accounted for moderate DPPH radical scavenging potential (50%) and metal ion chelating ability (55%) at higher concentrations. Test extract provided about 30-36% protection against peroxidation of membrane lipids in rat tissue homogenate. The extract exhibited 43% growth inhibition against lung cancer (NCI-H322) and 53% against breast cancer (T47D) cell lines. In disc diffusion assay extract demonstrated considerable antibacterial activity (ZOI 12-15 mm) against Bacillus cereus (MTCC 6840), Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 497), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 7299), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 3917), and Bordetella bronchiseptica (MTCC 6838) in comparison with standard antibiotics (ZOI 15-16 mm). The study revealed moderate antioxidant, anticancer and considerable antibacterial activities in S. podophyllum leaf ethyl acetate extract.

24 ref

011029   Kumaran D;Hasan G (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bellary Road, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: gaiti@ncbs.res.in) : Spinocerebellar ataxia 1: case and cohort-based studies in India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(5), 89-92.

Spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG (coding for glutamine) repeat expansions or polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregates in the ATXN1 gene. Apart from the causative CAG repeat expansions in the ATXN1 locus, environment and ethnicity have been hypothesized to affect clinical variability. This review brings together studies on SCA1 conducted in India and explores disease heterogeneity within the Indian population in general and within a cohort of SCA1 individuals in a South Indian village. The studies support existence of genetic factors in addition to CAG repeat sizes that are likely to influence SCA1 progression.

1 table, 42 ref

011028   Kim J W;Yang H;Cho N;Kim B;Kim Y C;Sung S H (Pharmacy Dep, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science,, Republic of Korea) : Hepatoprotective constituents of Firmiana simplex stem bark against ethanol insult to primary at hepatocytes. Pharmacog Mag 2015, 11(41), 55-60.

The extract of F. simplex stem bark was successively fractionated into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol. Column chromatography with silica gel and sephadex LH-20 was used to isolate the EtOAc fraction. Rat primary hepatocytes were cultured to study the hepatoprotective activity of isolated substances against ethanol-induced toxicity. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the antioxidant activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P_X) enzymes, and the GSH content were measured to examine the antioxidative property of the isolated compounds. Two flavonoid glycosides, quercitrin (1) and tamarixetin 3-O-rhamnopyranoside (2), were isolated from the active EtOAc fraction. Compound 1 significantly protected rat primary hepatocytes against ethanol-induced oxidative stress by reducing the intracellular ROS level and preserving antioxidative defense systems such as GR, GSH-P_X, and total GSH. This is the first report on the hepatoprotective activities of the extract of F. simplex. The EtOAc fraction of F. simplex stem bark and its major constituent quercitrin (1) could function as hepatoprotective agents to attenuate the development of alcoholic liver disease.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

011027   Dewanti A J;Muslimatun S;Iswarawanti N D; Khusun H (South East Asian Ministers of Education and Organisation, Regional Center for Food and Nutrition, Indonesia Univ, Indonesia) : Minimum acceptable diet and factors related among children aged 6-23 months in Bekasi municipality West Java Province Indonesia. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2015, 17(2), 415-21.

Objective of this sectional study with an eligible sample around 241 children aged 6-23 months was to assess the magnitude of minimum acceptable diet according to the WHO recommendation on IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding). Purposive sampling was done in Aren Jaya and Jati Bening Primary Health Care which are part of Bekasi Municipality, West Java Province, Indonesia. Meanwhile, simple random sampling was conducted to obtain the eligible sample of children. Seven food groups were identified to assess the meals consumption among children. The food consumption of children varied where the majority of meals was based on staple foods (Rice, potato, wheat products including biscuit, crackers, wafer, cake, bread and noodles. Moreover, chicken, fish, dairy product (infant formula milk), vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, carrot, water spinach, red spinach, mustard, papaya, tomato) and other fruits and vegetables (banana, orange, melon and duku fruit) were also consumed among children, The result regarding IYCF indicator for complementary feeding showed that over than a half of the respective population met the minimum dietary diversity (66.6%) and met the minimum meals frequency (98.4%). However, only 47.7% of children met the minimum acceptable diet. There was a tendency that the older age groups of children (aged 18-23 months) met the meals recommendation compared to the younger children. Furthermore, from several factors related assumed to the infant feeding, only breastfeeding status and mother's education that were positively associated (p <60> 0.05) to the minimum acceptable diet of children.

2 table, 18 ref

011026   Dewahrani Y R;Cadhiyanto;Futy W; Puspitaningrum R (Biology Dep, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Negeri Jakarta JI. Pemuda 10 Univ, Rawamangun Jakrta, 13220, Indonesia, Email: rini_puspitaningrum@yahoo.com) : Screening of hemoglobin E in students of biology universitas Negeri Jakarta using hybrid Prob genotype method. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2015, 17(2), 379-85.

Hemoglobin E (Hb E) is a variation of hemoglobin due to mutations in β-globin gene, codon 26, and can cause severe anemia when combined with Thalassemia. Detection of Hb E using DNA sequencing requires a long time and expensive cost. In 2012, Yamashiro et al., developed the hybridization probe methods or Hybri-Porbe that are more highly senstive, accurate, excellent in cost and time effectiveness. The aim of this study was to detected Hb E using the Hybri-Probe Genotype method to determine the number of probability cases of Hb E in students of Biology UNJ. The samples that used in this study was one DNA sample of patient with Hb E heterozygous as positive controls and DNA samples of 50 students of Biology UNJ that were selected randomly. We modified the method to be used in detecting Hb E. In this research, we designed the probes for detection of Hb E, and measure the product Hybri-Probe by the Tm using Light Cycler. It is very simple, gives a good performance result and favorable time efficiency. The results of this study showed that the frequency cases of Hb E carrier in students were 6%.

5 illus, 13 ref

010013   Wasie A;Pal M;Zeru F (Microbiology Dep, Immunology and Public Health College of Veterinary Medicine and Agric, P.B. No. 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, Email: palmahendra2@gmail.com) : Assessment of microbial quality of raw camel milk in Dubti, Ethiopia. Haryana Vet 2015, 54(2), 184-7.

Cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bacteriological quality of raw milk samples of camels in Dubti town, Afar, north-eastern Ethiopia from October, 2014 to April, 2015. Thirty five milk samples (n=35 each) were collected aseptically directly from the udder of milch camels and from randomly selected milk sellers. Mean total aerobic plate count (TAPC) and total coliform count (TCC) were 6.22 logcfulml and 4.4 log cfulml, respectively for udder milk samples while these counts were 6.38 log cfu/ml and 5.05 log cfu/ml, respectively from marketed milk samples. All (100 %) market milk samples and 28 (80 %) udder milk samples were found to be culturally positive and yielded at least one bacterium. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were found in 54 and 22.8 % udder milk samples, respectively and in 60 and 88 %, respectively in marketed milk samples. A questionnaire survey on 35 milk sellers was conducted to assess the hygienic status on milk handling of the pastoralists. The results showed that the milk was produced under unhygienic conditions using poor quality river water for cleaning. It is concluded that consumption of such milk (positive for different milk-borne pathogens) may pose a public health problem. Therefore, in order to safeguard consumer's health, sincere attempts should be made to reduce the microbiological contamination of camel milk at all levels.

2 tables, 21 ref

010012   Valentina L;Gulati J K (Human Development Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: valentinalaitonjam5@gmail.com) : Impact of emotional autonomy on psycho-social adjustment of adolescents. Agric Res 2015, 52(1), 74-9.

Present study is an attempt to see the impact of emotional autonomy on psycho-social adjustment of male and female adolescents. A sample of 200 adolescents comprising of 100 boys and 100 girls in the age range of 1618 years was drawn from government schools of Ludhiana city in Punjab State. Emotional Autonomy Scale by Steinberg and Silverberg and Deva's Social Adjustment Inventory were used to study the emotional autonomy and social adjustment of adolescents, respectively. Findings of the study suggested that emotional autonomy was positively correlated with psychosocial adjustment of adolescents. Increase in emotional autonomy was associated with simultaneous increase in adjustment of both boys and girls. The cognitive domain of emotional autonomy contributed positively and significantly towards psycho-social adjustment of adolescents and was found to be a protective factor, whereas, the affective domain did not have any significant contribution to psycho-social adjustment.

4 tables, 9 ref

010011   Sogani S;Varma V;Dey Sarkar P (Biochemistry Dep, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Ambua Road, Rajasthan State highway 32, Village-Umarda, Udaipur-313 015, Email: sonal.sogani246@gmail.com) : Estimation of thyroid hormones levels in preeclamptic pregnant women; an early predictor of the disease. Al Ameen J med Sci 2015, 8(4), 266-70.

Thirty five (35) pregnant women clinically diagnosed as preeclampsia were taken as subjects and an equal number of age matched, parity matched and gestation age matched healthy normotensive pregnant women were taken as controls for the study. This is the case-control hospital based study carried in the Department of Biochemistry M.G.M. Medical College and associated M.Y. Hospital. Indore (M.P.) Blood samples collected were estimated for T3, T4 and TSH by a one step enzyme immunoassay sandwich method with a final fluorescent detection (ELFA). Comparison between both the groups was done by Student's t-test. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age and body mass index (BMI) but significantly higher differences in gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed. When the levels of T3 and T4 were compared between healthy normotensive pregnant and preeclamptic pregnant women, no significant difference was observed between both the groups. The study shows highly significant increase in the TSH levels in preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy. The study concluded that the thyroid disorder is one of the predisposing causes for preeclampsia. Hence thyroid hormonal assay can be considered as a screening test for early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia to prevent further complications of it.

2 tables, 35 ref

010010   Sharmila K;Sukhminder Kaur;Javed M (Human Development Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: khwairakpamsharmila@gmail.com) : Profile of activities performed by street children in Ludhiana. Agric Res 2015, 52(1), 84-8.

Present study was carried out to investigate the profile of activities performed by street children in Ludhiana city on a sample of 160 children (9-12 years) equally distributed over gender. The sample was selected from different crowded places viz railway station, bus depots, traffic lights, market places, temples, etc. using a snowball sampling technique. The criterion used for sample selection was that children being home-based were engaged in street life for economic reasons. Data were collected by administering a self-structured interview schedule pertaining to information on various types of activities performed by street children at home as well as on street. Results revealed that the street children were usually involved in household activities as well as engaged in some income yielding activities on street. Major proportion of the children (31.25%) was found to be engaged in street vending (selling low-priced items such as toys, city maps, eatables, newspapers, making and selling garlands, etc.) followed by begging (28.75%) and rag picking (18.75%). however, more than 16 per cent (16.25%) of them reported to be performing more than one activities (begging as well as rag picking, shoe shinning as well as making garlands, etc.), besides cleaning cars and street singing. Street vending activities involving multiple tasks and street singing were mostly performed by boys, whereas, begging and cleaning cars were mostly performed by girls. There were also significant differences between male and female street children in begging (Z-value = 3.83; P<60>0.01) and performing multi-task activities (Z-value = 2.56; P<60>0.05). Girls were found to be more involved in all the household activities as compared to boys.

6 tables, 16 ref

010009   Sharma D;Sharmaa S;Sharmaa S;Pandey A; Parashara P K;Sharma K P (Botany Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: sharmakp_in@yahoo.co.in) : Protective role of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp on male reproductive organs of fluoride exposed swiss albino mice. Pollut Res 2015, 34(2), 255-63.

Purpose of this study was to investigate protective role of Spirulina and Tamarind (@ 230mg/ kg) separately and also in combination on testes of Swiss albino male mice exposed to fluoride {sub-acute @ 190mg/kg bw for 7 days through gavage (0.5 ml/mice) and sub-chronic @ 94mg/kg bw for 90 days}. Experiments were set in four phases on healthy young male mice divided randomly to six groups of 10 mice each in a phase. Mice were fed with standard feed in phase-I that was supplemented with Spirulina in phase II, tamarind in phase III and Spirulina + tamarind in phase IV. Fluoride exposure decreased reproductive organs weights and also altered their tissue biochemistry. Histopathological abnormalities in testis were: reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter, thickening of basement membrane of seminiferous tubule, size and cell number/cluster of leydig cells, germ cell layer thickness and even their sloughing into lumen, and size of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Such abnormalities were comparatively lower in the diet modulated groups. Fluoride withdraw led to faster recovery of post- treated mice, particularly of diet supplement groups.

4 tables, 37 ref

010008   Samanta A K;Sharath B;Jayapal N;Kolte A P; Senani S;Sridhar M;Parsad C S (NO, National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore - 560 030, Email: drashiskumarsamanta@gmail.com) : Comparison between probiotic and prebiotic on rumen metabolites and microbial population in lambs. Indian vet J 2015, 92(9), 11-13.

In the light of restriction on use of certain feed additives like antibiotics, growth promoters etc, probiotics and prebiotics are emerging as potential alternative to improve rumen function. The present research was aimed to study the influence of probiotic and prebiotic on rumen fermentation of lambs maintained on complete feed block. Twelve growing Bannur lambs were divided into three groups with four animals in each. As a result of supplementation of probiotic and prebiotic, TCA precipitable N was significantly (P<60>0.05) improved with decrease in NPN fractions. Total viable bacteria population (no/ ml of rumen liquor) increased from 10.67x108 to 30.67x108 in probiotic-suppemented lambs and to 18.83x108 in prebiotic supplemented lambs. Similarly, total protozoa population increased from 2.88x105 to 11.60x105 and 13.92x105 in probiotic- and prebiotic-supplemented lambs, respectively. Prebiotic supplementation has also shown to modulate rumen fermentation in lambs in comparison to probiotics.

1 table 11 ref

010007   Pattanayak S;Mandal T K;Debnath P K;Das A K; Bandyopadhyay S K (All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Foot and Mouth Disease, Kol, , Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: pattanayak1966@gmail.com) : Comparative haemostatic efficacy of succulent leaf extracts and latex of some wound healing plants on fresh wound of rabbit. Explor Anim med Res 2015, 5(1), 20-6.

Ethnomedicinal report of haemostatic activity of six medicinal plants was validated by a study of the effect of succulent leaf extract of plant parts on the punch wound of rabbit for the first time. It was found that the succulent leave extracts of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke), Barleria lupulina Lindl., Blumea lacera Dc., Croton bonplandianum Baill, Glinus lotoides Lin. and Mikania scandens (L) Willd. can induce haemostasis in fresh wounds as compared to automatic haemostasis (120.00±2.91 seconds). The fresh leave extract of Mikania scandens took 25.00±1.87 seconds for haemostatic activity. Artemisia nilagirica (35.00±1.50 seconds), Barleria lupulina (30.00±2.34 seconds), Blumea lacera (38.00±1.87 seconds), Glinus lotoides (35.00±2.29 seconds) are having better action than Croton bonplandianum (leaf extract), which took 40.00±2.69 seconds time for haemostasis. The latex collected from the wounded small branches of living Croton bonplandianum plant is having highest efficacy in causing haemostasis (10.00±1.22 seconds), better than the positive control of Tincture Ferric per Chloride (13.00±2.54 seconds). The dermal toxicity study reveals that the application of the fresh plant extract on the skin of rat failed to produce any detrimental effect. The plant extracts collected from succulent plant leaves and particularly the latex collected from the living Croton bonplandianum Baill. plant can be used as haemostatic agents.

1 table, 22 ref

010006   Padhi P K;Katoch V;Varshneya C (Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology), , Jajpur, Odisha, Email: prabhat46@hotmail.com) : Effect of trikatu on oral pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime axetil in goats. Explor Anim med Res 2015, 5(1), 62-72.

Study was aimed at determining the intravenous pharmacokinetic variables of cefuroxime, and compare it with pharmacokinetic variables following its oral administration alone and in combination with trikatu, a herbal bioavailability enhancer. Six mountain Gaddi goats were administered cefuroxime sodium at dose rates of 10 mg kg^{-1 by intravenous route and cefuroxime axetil at 10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 by oral route. Cefuroxime concentration in plasma samples collected at various time intervals was determined by microbiological assay using Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) as test organism. Following intravenous administration of cefuroxime, the pharmacokinetic behavior was best described by two compartment open model. The distribution half-life, elimination half-life, apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance were calculated to be 0.13±0.01 h, 0.67±0.01 h, 0.39±0.05 L kg-1, 411.81±16.38 ml kg-1.h-1, respectively. Cefuroxime is rapidly distributed and rapidly eliminated following intravenous administration in Gaddi goats. Cefuroxime axetil is not absorbed by oral route in goats and use of Trikatu did not lead to absorption of drug. Cefuroxime at the dose rate of 10 mg.kg-1 at 6 hourly intervals is likely to be effective against the highly susceptible bacteria when given by intravenous route.}

1 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

010005   Debnath P K;Adhikari A;Sur T;Bandyopadhyay S K;Mandal T K (NO, Gananath Sen Institute of Ayurvidya and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: dradhikarianjankolkata@gmail.com) : Prostaglandins and 5-ht response on gastric secretion in albino rats. Explor Anim med Res 2015, 5(1), 10-15.

Prostaglandins (PGE₁) 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg dose dependently inhibited gastric secretion in pyloric legated rats model While PGF₂∝ 0.1, 0.4 and 1mg/kg inhibited gastric acid secretion. Methysergide in the dose 0.05 mg/kg significantly stimulated the gastric secretion. When non-inhibitory dose of PGE₁ (0.1 ) and 5-HT (1.0 mg/kg) are injected simultaneously there were potentiation of inhibitory activity on gastric secretary response on volume, acid output, chloride output and pepsin output. The inhibitory activity of both PGE₁ (0.4 mg/ kg) and 5-HT (5.0 mg/kg) including the inhibitory potentiating activity could not be modified by the pretreatment of methysergide (0.05 mg/kg). Similarly stimulatory dose of PGF₂∝ (0.4) mg/kg) and inhibitory dose of PGE₁ (0.4 mg/kg) administered together inhibitory response of PGE₁ (0.4 mg/kg) were also not modified by methysergide pretreatment.

1 table, 23 ref

010004   Adiga U S;Preethika A;Swathi K (Biochemistry Dep, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, District Hospital Premises, M.G. Road, Karwar-581 301, Email: ushachidu@yahoo.com) : Sigma metrics in clinical chemistry laboratory - a guide to quality control. Al Ameen J med Sci 2015, 8(4), 281-7.

Study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of the analytical performance of clinical chemistry laboratory by calculating sigma metrics. Methodology: The study was conducted in the clinical biochemistry laboratory of Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar. Sigma metrics of 15 parameters with automated chemistry analyzer, transasia XL 640 were analyzed. The analytes assessed were glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin (BT), direct bilirubin (BD), total protein, albumin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and Calcium. Results: We have sigma values <3 for Urea, ALT, BD, BT, Ca, creatinine (L1) and urea, AST, BD (L2). Sigma lies between 3-6 for Glucose, AST, cholesterol, uric acid, total protein(L1) and ALT, cholesterol, BT, calcium, creatinine and glucose (L2).Sigma was more than 6 for Triglyceride, ALP, HDL, albumin (L1) and TG, uric acid, ALP, HDL, albumin, total protein(L2). Conclusion: Sigma metrics helps to assess analytical methodologies and augment laboratory performance. It acts as a guide for planning quality control strategy. It can be a self assessment tool regarding the functioning of clinical laboratory.

7 tables, 15 ref

010003   Abdelouahab M S;Lozi R (Laboratory of Mathematics and Their Interactions, Mila Univ Centre, Mila, Algeria, Email: rlozi@unice.fr) : Hopf bifurcation and chaos in simplest fractional-order memristor based electrical circuit. Indian J ind appl Math 2015, 6(2), 105-19.

In this article, we investigate the bifurcation and chaos in a simplest fractional-order memristor-based electrical circuit composed of only three circuit elements: a linear passive capaci-tor, a linear passive inductor and a non-linear active memristor with two-degree polynomial mem-ristance and a second-order exponent internal state. It is shown that this fractional circuit can exhibit a drastically rich non-linear dynamics such as a Hopf bifurcation, coexistence of two, three and four limit cycles, double-scroll chaotic attractor, four-scroll chaotic attractor, coexistence of one (or two) chaotic attractor with one limit cycle and new chaotic attractor which is not observed in the integer case. Finally, the presence of chaos is confirmed by the application of the recently introduced 0-1 test.

12 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

009020   Sharma V;Agarwal A;Sharma S (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Jaipur Rajasthan-304 022) : Chemopreventive and antioxidant upshots of Indigofera tinctoria hydromethanolic extract in NPYR induced lung cancer in murine subjects. Pharma Innovation 2015, 4(9), 49-52.

Indigofera tinctoria is one of the important plants of various traditional medicinal systems. We assessed the effect of hydromethanolic extract of Indigofera tinctoria on biochemical parameters, glutathione-metabolizing enzymes, lung specific markers andglycoproteins in N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) induced experimental lung toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Experimental subjects bearing lung cancer showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total protein content (TPC) and total cholesterol content (TCC). Catalase (CAT) alleviated in NPYR intoxicated mice. Glutathione metabolizing enzymes decreased while lung specific markers-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glycoprotein level increased in NPYR administered mice subjects. Confirmed by histological study, post treatment of low and high doses of I. tinctoria hydromethanolic (ITHML and ITHMH) extract normalizes the abnormal enzymatic and biochemical factors which signify antioxidant and anticancer activity of the plant.

4 tables, 28 ref

009019   Patel T;Solanki R;Shukla R;Shah D (NO, , 402, Radhasharnam Apartment, Near Bhaikaka Statue, Vallabhvidyanagr, Anand, Gujarat, Email: tushar9277@gmail.com) : Cross sectional survey on tobacco consumption and implementation of tobacco related legislations in small town of Gujarat, India. Natn J Res Community Med 2015, 4(3), 288-95.

Objectives is to determines the prevalence of tobacco consumption in petlad town and thereby produce estimates for other small town of Gujarat and assess implementation status and impact of tobacco control act. This community based cross sectional survey was conducted in Petlad town, Dist. Anand, Gujarat, India. Petlad town has four administrative zones and each zone has 3 administrative wards. It was decided to take face to face interviews in four directions from ward office within each ward. The questionnaire was developed based on questionnaire used by centre for Disease Control. Total prevalence of tobacco consumption was 43.7% in our study. Raw tobacco (30.9%) and mava/masala (43.7%) were the most common products among different type of products consumed. 60.6% tobacco consumers started consumption before the age of 21 years. With reference to implementation of cigarettes and other tobacco products act, only 60.3% tobacco consumers were aware that smoking is not allowed at public places. 49.6% tobacco consumers believe that tobacco products are sold to minors. After ban on gutkha, tobacco consumers have shifted to raw tobacco and mava/masala. Selling of tobacco products to persons having age less than eighteen is still present and it requires strict actions like sting operations. Advertisement of zero percent nicotine products is one type of indirect advertisement and should be stopped.

3 tables, 7 ref

009018   Nurlzzate S;Bahri M T S;Karmegam K;Guan N Y (Environmental and Occupational Health Dep, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Putra Malaysia-434 00, Email: uvea_2000@yahoo.com) : Physiological effects on palm oil mill workers exposed to extreme heat condition. J scient ind Res 2015, 74(7), 406-10.

Objective of this study was to determine heat exposure on palm oil mill workers and its effect on physiological changes in them. Parameters considered environmental temperature, relative humidity, metabolic workload, body core temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. The average time of monitoring was 2 hrs for intermittent exposure and 8 hrs for overall exposure. Workers were exposed to moderate heat stress during this study period. There were significant differences between heat exposure and physiological changes before shift and after working for 2 hrs and 8 hrs, respectively. Metabolic workload of respondents in medium work category was 200-350 kcal/hr in respect to ACGIH level. Overall heat exposure levels in all divs. in this palm oil mills were found unsuitable for working duration of 8 hrs a day. This study also found that the WBGTin value exceeded the limit of ACGIH for a medium workload category (75% work, 25% rest). Ideally, every area in each division requires individuals to work for 50% of the time and rest for 50% of time for each working shift.

3 table, 27 ref

009017   Mondal A;Joardar S N (Vetrinary Microbiology Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Animal and Fishery Science Univ, 37 K B Sarani, P O Belgachia, Kolkata-700 037, Email: dranjanmondal@gmail.com) : Detection of genogroup 1 picobirnavirus in diarrhoeic faecal samples of calces from West Bengal, India. J Immun Immunopath 2014, 16(1-2), 40-3.

Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) have recently been classified into the Picobirnaviridae family. They are small, non-enveloped viruses with bi-segmented, double-stranded (ds) RNA genomes. Identification of PBVs has been done using RNA-PAGE and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In this study, two (2.25%) calves were found positive for large genome profile picobirnavirus. Both RNA-PAGE positive picobirnavirus samples showed amplicons of approximate 201 bp using specific primer pair viz. PicoB25 (+) and PicoB43(-) for genogroup I picobirnavirus by RT-PCR.

2 illus, 10 ref

009016   Marques A M; (NO, Nucleo de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Email: gsudo@icb.ufrj.br) : Hypoglycemic effect of the methanol flower extract of Piper claussenianum and the major constituent 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Indian J pharm Sci 2015, 77(2), 237-43.

Piper claussenianum inflorescences crude methanol extract was tested for hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The blood glucose levels of rats treated with methanol extract were reduced from 318.4ñ28.1 mg/dl before treatment to 174.2ñ38.3 mg/dl after 12 days of treatment (P<60>0.05). Phytochemical studies were carried out on inflorescences methanol crude extract in order to investigate the possible metabolites responsible for the pharmacological properties of the extract. After chromatographic procedures, three flavonoids were isolated and characterized. The major compound 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone was also tested. Rats that received the chalcone content also displayed a reduction in blood glucose levels from 277.4ñ7.7 mg/dl before treatment to 158.8ñ9.2 mg/dl after 12 days of treatment (P<60>0.05). The results suggest this chalcone is one of the metabolite responsible for the blood glucose levels reduction in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The inflorescence crude extract of P. claussenianum was found to be composed mainly by flavonoids and may be a potential natural source of compounds with hypoglycemic properties.

3 illus, 21 ref

009015   Kanyadi S;Kulkarni R;Mallapur M (Community Medicine Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi-590 010, Email: suha_kanyadi@gmail.com) : Community based comparative study on gender preferences, awareness and attitude regarding sex determination among women of North Karnataka. Natn J Res Community Med 2015, 4(3), 296-301.

Gender preferences for children have been widely observed around the globe. In India, female infanticide has been practiced for centuries. The problem is getting worse as scientific methods of detecting the sex of the fetus and for termination of pregnancy are improving. This is happening across the country in spite of a massive influx of legal regulations banning the same. In this light, the study of awareness of same becomes very relevant and needs to be evaluated. To study awareness and attitude regarding sex determination and gender preferences of rural and urban women A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing married women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) attending general OPD and antenatal clinics in rural (N=488) and urban (N=400) area. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0, results expressed in percentages and chi-square test. Male preference was more in rural area (49.4%) as compared to urban area (34.25%) which was statistically significant (χ^{2 = 20.60, df=1, p<60> 0.001). Only 223 (45.7%) rural participants when compared to 344 (86%) urban participants were aware of the fact that sex determination is a crime. 172 (35.1%) rural women and 300(75%) of urban women knew the method of fetal sex determination among them. 72 (14.8%) of rural women and 287 (71.5%) of urban rightly knew ultrasonography as the method of fetal sex determination. There is a necessity to gear the efforts against this social malady by intensive IEC campaigns for raising awareness about rules forbidding pre-natal sex determination and strict implementation of PNDT Act especially in rural areas.}

4 tables, 9 ref

009014   Gaine T;Chaudhuri P;Bhattarcharya S G (Environmental Science Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Impact of airborne bioparticulates in community health of a forest fringe village of Indian sundarbans. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 41-8.

Airborne bioparticulates such as pollen grains and fungal spores are known to be allergenic to the genetically predisposed persons and inhalation of these biological particles give rise to hypersensitive reactions leading to different types of health hazards. A preliminary survey was conducted in Samsernagar, a forest fringe village of Indian Surdarbans, emphasizing on the status of airborne bioparticulates and the community health. Airborne bioparticulate monitoring was done by using various samplers. Pollen grains of different flowers were collected from the surveyed area to know the vegetation pattern and later pollen grain* isolated from those flowers were studied in the laboratory. Pollen grains and fungal spores trapped from the air by Burkard sampler were also studied. A detailed questionnaire based health survey was conducted emphasising on the distribution of different symptomatic disorders to find out the disease pattern of the area related to allergy causing bioparticulates. Along with the vegetation study, its geospatial distribution was also studied and vegetation maps were prepared. Altogether 70 plant species were observed in the study site, among which 50 were in flowering condition and pollen grains from all of them were isolated and characterised. Several non-mangrove pollen grains were trapped in the samplers perhaps transported from the nearby sea shore areas. Out of which Bombax ceiba, Moringa oleifera, Calharanthus roseus, Carica papaya, Eucalyptus citriodora, Phoenix sylvestris have already been reported as potential allergy causing plants. Pollen grains of Amaranthus sp., Trema sp., Cephalandra indica, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Cassia sophera, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus sp. and Euphorbia hirta were trapped by Burkard personal air sampler, of which Eucalyptus citriodora and Trema sp. are known to be allergenic. Different types of fungal spores were also reported which include Cladosporium sp., Dreschlera sp., Tetraploa sp., Periconiella sp., Alternaria sp. and ascospores. Among which Cladosporium sp., Alternaria sp., Dreschlera sp. and Tetraploa sp. were reported to be allergenic. From the health survey among local inhabitants, 41 types of disease symptoms were reported, of which cough remains the dominant symptom followed in the degree of prevalence by running nose, irritation of eyes, breathlessness, fever and so on. The local inhabitants were economically very weak and were also not conscious about their health, therefore the chances of illness were quite high. The present study draws significant evidence between aeroallergens and different allergenic symptoms in the population of the Indian Sunderbans.

3 illus, 12 ref

009013   Dey D K;Singh M (Biosciences Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: deepdey1993@gmail.com) : Alcohol and its side effect on human physiology. Asian J Bio Sci 2015, 10(1), 89-100.

From the very beginning of ancient time we are using alcohol as a part of our culture just to enhance the fun in different ceremonies, but drinking too much of alcohol or indulging it into one's habit can cause serious problems to one's health such as various cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis and so on. Not only this much even some time may it lead to a serious accident. But of course this is very true that "Alcohol affects different people differently" as per the tolerance level of an individual. As per Plato "The excessive increase of anything causes a reaction in the opposite direction" the same applies here too in case of alcohol. In fact a moderate drinking has also been proved that it has some positive effects on the body. It only effects negatively to the body when the concentration of alcohol in the blood will be relatively higher say 5-10 m mol L-1 and also at low concentration of alcohol there will be a feeling of euphoria. According to the book "Beyond hangovers" A research demonstrates "low risk" drinking level for men are no more than four drinks per day and fourteen in a week, at the same time three drinks in a day and seven drinks in a week for women. Even after drinking moderately one may have problems, if one drinks too quickly; this case is considered only for those who are over age 65. And for older adults, they should not take more than three drinks in a day and seven drinks in a week. When someone drinks beverage alcohol around 2 per cent to 8 per cent is lost through urine and sweat. The other 92 per cent to 98 per cent is metabolized by our body. At the same time alcohol exerted its effects on CNS by nonselectivity disrupting the lipid bilayers of neurons. Actually alcohol passes directly from the digestive tract into the blood vessels. Within minutes, the blood transports the alcohol to all parts of the body, including the brain. And it affects the brain's neurons in several ways. It also alters their membranes as well as their ion channels, enzymes and receptors. Alcohol also binds directly to the receptors for acetylcholine, serotonin, GABA and also with the NMDA receptors for glutamate.GABA's effect is to reduce neural activity by allowing chloride ions to enter the post-synaptic neuron. These ions have a negative electrical charge, which helps to make the neuron less excitable. This physiological effect is amplified when alcohol binds to the GABA receptor, because it enables the ion channel to stay open longer and thus let more Cl- ions into the cell. The neuron's activity would thus, be further diminished, thus, explaining the sedative effect of alcohol. This effect is accentuated because alcohol also reduces glutamate's excitatory effect on NMDA receptors.

7 illus, 26 ref

008177   Udayakumar S;Gurumoorthy A (Mathematics Dep, AVVM Sri Pushpam College, Autonomous, Poondi, Thanjavur) : Study of problems faced by rural adolescent school going children with disabilites-A fuzzy analysis. Ultra Scient phys Sci-Sect B 2015, 27(1), 66-70.

In this paper author study the problems faced by school going disabled rural children. Everyday problem of them include starting from home to reaching the school on time, problems in class room, ill treatment by their classmates and teachers, the support they get from their parents and other personal problems. These are analysed using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) model. A pilot survey of 25 rural students studying in 8th to 10th standard is used in this analysis.

5 ref

008176   Tatarao I V (Wire Less Group, R and D Division of ITI Limited, Banglore, Email: tatao_bgp@itiltd.co.in) : Does mobile phone radiation affect public health?. Sci Cult 2015, 81(3-4), 89-92.

1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

008175   Singh S;Lata S;Tiwari K N (Zoology Dep, Mahila Maha Vidhyalaya, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221 005, Email: swarnlatabhu12@gmail.com) : Antioxidant potential of Phyllanthus fraternus Webster on cyclophosphamide induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 647-56.

Cyclophasphamide (CPA) is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a cytotoxic alkylating agent widely used in chemotherapeutic regimen. However, the clinical efficacy of CPA is marred by its side effects. In clinical applications of CPA, it becomes necessary to prevent the oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity induced thereby in normal cells. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (AEPF) on CPA (200 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in male mice. The CPA treated group showed significant decrease in gonadosomatic index (GSI), epididymal sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability compared to control group, while the CPA + AEPF treated group had significant increase with respect to these variables compared to the CPA-treated group. The elevated levels of lipid peroxidation by CPA were effectively reduced with AEPF. It also exhibited protective action against the CPA induced depletion of antioxidants like catalase and superoxide dismutase. DNA damage was measured by comet assay, biomonitoring with comet assay elicited significant increase in genotoxicity. Genotoxicity caused by CPA was counteracted by aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus. Administration of the plant extract along with CPA restored the histopathological architecture of testis. Thus, the aqueous extract of P. fraternus by virtue of its antioxidant potential can be used as an effective agent to reduce CPA-induced oxidative stress in male mice.

6 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

008174   Saxena V K;Satish Kumar;Jha B K;Arvind Kumar; Davendra Kumar;Naqvi S M K (Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Physiology and Biochemistry Div, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, Tonk-304 501, Email: drvijaysaxena@gmail.com) : Conformational properties of solid phase synthesized ovine kisspeptin-14 using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 676-80.

Kisspeptins are peptide products of Kiss-1 gene and have been substantially associated with the initiation of puberty by virtue of their ability to cause pulsatile release of GnRH. Kisspeptin consists of 54 amino acids domain called metastin and its biological activity may be localized to the C-terminal (C-10, C-13, and C-14) segments. Kisspeptin binds to its cognate receptor GPR54 in the hypothalamic neurons and it is a G-coupled membrane receptor. This study is an attempt to understand the tentative conformation of the peptides in its native membrane mimicking environment. A 14 amino-acid derivative of kisspeptin (Asp-58-Val59-Ser60-Ala61-Tyr62-Asn63-Trp64-Asn65-Ser66-Phe67-Gly68-Le u69-Arg70-Tyr71NH2) was synthesized by f-moc (9-fluorenyl methoxy carbonyl) solid phase synthesis strategy. The synthetic peptide was cleaved and purified by Reverse phase-HPLC. CD spectroscopic analysis of secondary structure of the peptide revealed random coil disordered conformation in the aqueous environment. However, the peptide adopted more ordered β-sheet conformation in the solvents such as TFE and HFIP.

3 illus, 30 ref

008173   Sarkar A (NO, Anand Vihar College for Women, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Study of values of adolescent girls studying in segregated schools and co-education schools. Ultra Scient phys Sci-Sect B 2015, 27(1), 56-60.

In the present; study the investigator attempts to find out the value profiles of girls studying in segregated school and co-educational schools.. Sample consists of 400 adolescent girls. The data was collected using PVQ. The data was analysed using mean, S. D. and 't' test. The study revealed that the sample students have shown their least concern for social values.

4 table, 3 ref

008172   Remany M C;Cyriac D;Krishnakanth P;Varada R; Sruthi Prem O C;Panda A K;Jaideep Kumar;Thampi Samraj Y C (Aquatic Quarantine Facility for L. vannamei, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture, MPEDA (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India) TNFDC Hatchery Complex, Neelankarai, Chennai-600 115, Email: rgca_sbnpc@yahoo.com) : Effect of preservatives, temperature and storage duration on stability of nucleic acids of pleopod tissues of Penaeus vannamei (Boone) and screening of viral infections. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 665-70.

In shrimp farming, screening for economically significant viral pathogens in nucleic acids of shrimps is vital for disease surveillance programmes and further, to take necessary precautions to ensure the sustainability of the farms and thereby the shrimp industry. Different preservatives, temperature and storage durations of the pleopod tissues of Penaeus vannamei broodstock were tested to investigate its effect on the quality and quantity of the nucleic acids. The pleopods were subjected to two preservation regimes and the yield and stability of the extracted nucleic acids were monitored over a time period of 12 months. Stability of the nucleic acids was assessed with nested polymerase chain reaction, and the yield was checked spectrophotometrically. Data was analysed by performing two way ANOVA and Tukeys Paired test. Preservation treatments included storage at -20° and 5° in RNAlaterTM and in 70% ethanol. Significant variation (P<60>0.05) was observed in both DNA and RNA yield and stability from ethanol and RNAlater^{TM stored pleopods at 5°. However, the yield and stability did not differ (P <62>0.05) in both the preservatives at -20°. The RNA was degraded and yielded lesser quantity when pleopod tissues were stored in ethanol at -20° than when stored in RNAlaterTM during storage duration of 9 months. This study would help the shrimp farmers and researchers to adopt better preservation strategy, vital for shrimp disease surveillance programmes and for traceability studies in the event of any disease outbreak.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

008171   Rashmi R;Siddalingamurthy K R (Biochemistry Dep, Center for PG Studies, Jain Univ, Bangalore-560 011, Email: rashmikrishna1@yahoo.co.in) : Co-optimization of xyloglucanase and β-glucosidase using response surface methodology. J scient ind Res 2015, 74(8), 450-6.

Xyloglucanase and β-glucosidase are important accessory enzymes required for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. In an effort to reduce the cost of production, tamarind kernel polysaccharide was used as the substrate for production of both enzymes. Further, enhancement of enzymes' production was carried out using Plackett-Burman design and a relatively new methodology, viz. ridge analysis. The results indicate that the tamarind kernel polysaccharide supported production of both enzymes significantly. By statistical analysis, significant media components were identified and optimized. As a result of this study, there was 2.1 and 9.6 fold increase in production of xyloglucanase and β-glucosidase respectively. This study is the first report on the optimization of xyloglucanase production.

3 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

008170   Rai N;Ray A;Jamil S S;Gulati K (Pharmacology Dep, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: kavgul2002@yahoo.com) : Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of polyherbal preparation UNIM-352 in experimental models of bronchial asthma. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 1625-31.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways and pharmacotherapy is dependent on anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator agents. However, adverse effects of these agents on chronic administration and sometimes non-responsiveness to these drugs have prompted the search for viable alternatives from medicinal plant sources. UNIM-352 is a polyherbal preparation traditionally used in the Unani system of Indian medicine for the treatment of bronchial asthma. The present study defines the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of UNIM-352 in experimental models of bronchial asthma and validates the observed therapeutically beneficial effects. Wistar rats were immunized and challenged with ovalbumin, and blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assayed for cytological and biochemical markers. UNIM-352 (200 and 400 mg/kg) markedly reduced the eosinophil and neutrophil counts in both blood and BAL compared to control. The polyherbal agent also attenuated the levels of TNF-α, IL-4, GM-CSF and NF-kB whereas histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels were elevated, in both blood and BAL fluid. All effects of UNIM-352 were comparable with the standard drug, prednisolone. The results demonstrated possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of UNIM-352 and thus explain its beneficial effects in bronchial asthma.

1 illus, 46 ref

008169   Nile S H;Park S W (Bioresources & Food Science Dep, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk Univ, Seoul-143 701, Email: nileshivraj@gmail.com) : Determination of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of Vitis labrusca cv. baile berries. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 671-5.

Grape juice and grape skin extracts are important commercial source of polyphenolic compounds which exert different functional properties such as color potential, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, and health benefits. In this paper we describe a sensitive and specific assay for determination of bioactive polyphenolic compounds in Campbell Early (Vitis labrusca cv. baile). Five polyphenolic components were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Extend C₁₈ Column (250 mm x 4.6 mm x 5 μm) and detected by a diode array detector. The mobile phase was composed of (a) aqueous phosphoric acid (0.2%, v/v); and (b) acetonitrile using a gradient elution. Analytes were performed at 25° with a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min and UV detection at 280, 360, and 520 nm. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r^{2 ≥ 0.9999) within tested ranges. Overall intra- and inter-day variations were less than 1.90%, and the average recoveries were 95.5-105% for analytes. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH radical assay, ranged from 86-105 for extracts, and 165-252 for studied standards (μM trolox/100 g dry wt.). The proposed method would be sensitive enough and reliable for quality control in functional food and modernization of Campbell Early (Vitis labrusca cv. baile) as potent antioxidant agent.}

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

008168   Namita Lal;Abhishek (Zoology Dep, Ranchi College, Ranchi) : Endosulfan induced lipid profile changes in albino mice. Proc Zool Soc India 2015, 14(1), 29-31.

Endosulfan, an organochlorine insecticide used to control a wide variety of insect pests is highly resistant to degradation. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the deleterious effects of this chemical on the biochemical parameter like lipid profile on albino mice. Remarkable changes have been observed when administered orally for 15 days and 30 days duration. These changes varied with respect to durations. Total cholesterol value, Triglycerides, LDL and VLDL values have showed significant changes. They were very high in 30 days treatment as compared to 15 days.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

008167   Megala J;Geetha A (Genetic Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: drgeetha08@yahoo.in) : Effect of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. fruit extract on cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 657-64.

Edible fruits of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. are traditionally used for various gastric complications in India. Here, we investigated the antiulcer activity of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of P. dulce (HAEPD) by applying cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer model in rats. Duodenal ulcer was induced in male albino Wistar rats by oral administration of cysteamine @ 420 mg/kg body wt. as a single dose. The rats were pre-administered orally with HAEPD @ 200 mg/kg body wt. for 30 days prior to ulcer induction. Rats pre-administered with ranitidine @ 30 mg/kg body wt. served as reference drug control. Ulcer score, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glycoproteins, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels were measured in the duodenum. Rats pre-administered with the HAEPD showed significantly reduced ulcer score comparable to that of ranitidine pretreated rats. The co-administration of HAEPD lowered the TBARS level and also restored the levels of glycoproteins, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Histopathological observations confirmed the presence of inflammation, necrosis and hemorrhagic spots in the duodenum of ulcer control rats which were significantly reduced due to HAEPD treatment. No abnormal alterations were observed in normal rats treated with HAEPD at the dosage studied. The results demonstrated antioxidant and cytoprotective nature of P. dulce, and thereby its significant anti ulcer property.

2 illus, 3 tables, 52 ref

008166   Kavitha S;John F;Indira M (Biochemistry Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: indiramadambath@gmail.com) : Amelioration of inflammation by phenolic rich methanolic extract of Ocimum sactum Linn. leaves in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(10), 632-40.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation play vital role in the development of MI. The Indian basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), owing to its antioxidant potential,is used in the traditional system of Indian medicine to treat various disorders. We evaluated methanolic extract of O. sanctum (Tulsi) leaves on inflammation in isoproterenol (ISP) induced MI in rats. ISP-induced MI increased the levels of cardiac markers, phospholipases and phospholipid content. However, the same were reduced on pre-treatment with methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves. The activities of 5-lipoxygenase and cycloxygenase-2 and levels of leukotriene B4 and thromboxane B2 were also elevated in ISP-treated rats, which were significantly decreased (P <60>0.001) in extract pre-treated rats. The enhanced mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein and receptor for leukotriene B4 on MI induction, were considerably reduced (P <60>0.001) on extract pre-treatment. Histopathological analysis also confirmed the findings. The results also revealed the high phenolic content of methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves. The study demonstrated that methanolic extract of Tulsi leaves can decrease inflammation in the cardiac tissue of ISP-induced MI in rats and its effect may be through downregulation of oxidative stress and arachidonic acid pathway. This cardioprotective effect may be due to the high phenolic content of methanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves.

2 illus, 5 tables, 65 ref

008165   Fatima M;Rizvi S I (Biochemistry Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Anti oxidative effect of black tea theaflavin on erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(1), 25-8.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most popularly consumed beverage worldwide. It is consumed mostly as green tea, oolong, or black tea. Black tea, good source of flavan-3-ols the theaflavins: mixture of theaflavin (TF), theaflavin-3-gallates, theaflavin-3'-gallates and theaflavin-3,3'-digallates, possess numerous biological and therapeutic properties. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these properties of TFs remain speculative. In the present study, Authors investigated the in vitro protective effect of theaflavin on membrane protein carbonyl group, sulfhydryl group (-SH) and erythrocyte hemolysis in rat. TFs (at micromolar concentration) showed significant antioxidant effect in protecting erythrocytes from oxidation-induced changes.

21 ref

008164   El-Beih N M;Ramadan G;Talaat R M;El-Ghffar E A A (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams Univ, Abbasiya Sq., Cairo 11566, Egypt) : Alleviative effects of green and black tea aqueous extracts on cellular oxidative stress and anemia in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(3), 335-43.

Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the alleviative effects of two doses (0.5 and 1.0 gm/kg body weight) of green and black tea aqueous extracts (GTE and BTE, respectively) on articular/extra-articular complications in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Arthritic rats received distilled water as vehicle, indomethacin (1.0 mg/kg body weight; a non-steroidal/anti-inflammatory drug), or tea aqueous extracts orally/daily for 28 days started from the day of arthritis induction (day 0). Other arthritic rats received tea aqueous extracts orally/daily for 14 days started from the day of arthritis onset (day 15). Both tea aqueous extracts significantly suppressed (but with different degrees) the arthritis severity/complications in AIA rat model especially at the high dose and when the treatment started from day 0. Only the high dose of GTE (from day 0) significantly alleviated, as indomethacin (53.32 ± 15.41 and 48.35 ± 17.09, respectively), all complications shown in arthritic rats including body weight loss, anemia, arthritic score, and synovial/hepatic tissues lipid peroxidation (P<60>0.05-0.001) through significantly increasing food intake (P<60>0.001) and cellular antioxidants (P<60>0.05-0.001): reduced glutathione level and catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Therefore, tea (especially green tea) may be useful in the management of rheumatoid arthritis complications.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref