005069   Oyedeji S;Fatoba P O;Ogunkunle C O;Akanbi G M (Plant Biology Dep, Ilorin Univ, Ilorin, Nigeria, Email: oyedeji.s@unilorin.edu.ng) : Water hyacinth and duckweed as indicator of heavy metal pollution in river ASA. J Ind Pollut Control 2013, 29(2), 155-62.

An investigation into the potentials of duckweed and water hyacinth as possible biomonitors of aquatic environment was carried out in River Asa. Water, duckweeds and water hyacinths were collected from six different locations along River Asa. The water and plant samples were analysed for physico-chemical and heavy metal contents with standard methods. Result showed that temperature ranged from 25.35 to 31.20 °C. pH was high at site 1 and low at 5. Site 2 was more turbid (21.35 N.T.U.) and TSS range was 182.0 - 218.4 mg/L. BOD and COD ranges were 7.78 - 13.90 mg/L and 129.00 - 150.30 mg/L respectively. Dissolved O₂, alkalinity and total hardness ranged between 12.00 and 20.32 mg/L, 5.41 and 16.90 mg/L, 12.90 and 14.40 mg/L respectively. Phosphate and nitrate levels ranged between 0.44 and 3.43 mg/L, 0.64 and 1.41 mg/L respectively. Of all the heavy metals in the plant tissues, Cd and Cr levels were highest. Except for Pb, no significant difference exists in heavy metal levels within the tissues of the two aquatic plants. The positive correlation of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb levels hi duckweed as well as those of Cd and Pb in water hyacinth to the levels in the river reflect the ability of the plants to monitor these metals. The study concluded that duckweed and water hyacinth could therefore serve as useful tools to monitor heavy metal pollution in rivers and other wetlands.

2 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

005068   Mathur A;Sharma J (Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Evaluation of radioprotective effects of Opuntia elatior extract on catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in mouse liver. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2015, 23(1), 31-5.

Ionizing radiations affect the living systems by damaging the vital macromolecules and structures of the target cell. A number of chemical and synthetic compounds have radioprotective potential but their high toxicity limits clinical application. Therefore, development of less toxic and potential drug of plant origin for the modification of radiation effects is required. Adult male Swiss albino mice were selected and divided into four groups. Group I was sham irradiated. Group II was fed with OE only (10 mg/kg body weight). Group III was irradiated with 8Gy Co60 gamma irradiation and Group IV was given OE one hour before irradiation. Mice were sacrificed at various post irradiation intervals to analyse the Catalase and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver. Results were subjected to students 't' test. The activity of both SOD and Catalase were found to be decreased till 7th day post irradiation in control group while a significant increase was observed in the OE pretreated irradiated group as compared to the control groups at all the intervals. Opuntia elatior extract pretreatment provides protection against radiation induced changes in the Catalase and SOD activity in the mouse liver.

2 illus, 24 ref

005067   Joshi R;Reeta K H;Sharma S K;Tripathi M;Gupta Y K (Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Pharmacology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Email: yk.ykgupta@gmail.com) : Panchagavya ghrita, an ayurvedic formulation attenuates seizures, cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(7), 446-51.

Panchagavya Ghrita (PG), according to Ayurvedic formulary of India (AFI), is used to treat epilepsy (apasmara), fever (jvara), mania (unmade) and jaundice (kamala). In the present study, we examined its effect on convulsions, oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in rats. PG @ 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg was administered orally for 7 days to male Wistar rats. On day 7, PTZ (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 2 h after the last dose of PG. Sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) was used as positive control. Latency to myoclonic jerks, clonus and generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) were recorded for seizure severity. Cognitive impairment was assessed using elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tests. Malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels were measured in rat brain. The results have shown that pretreatment with PG @ 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg exhibited 16.6, 33.3, 50 and 100% protection against occurrence of GTCS. The pretreatment with PG has significantly improved cognitive functions and the oxidative stress induced by seizures demonstrating its protective effect against PTZ induced seizures, and further, use of PG as an anticonvulsant in Ayurvedic system of medicine.

2 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

005066   Gupta S;Gupta S;Mahajan B (NO, , 630 B/A Gandhi Nagar, Jammu-Jammu and Kashmir) : Bacteriology of acquired dacryocystitis in a tertiary care hospital of North India. JK Sci 2014, 16(3), 110-13.

Aim of the study was to identify the organisms responsible and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates from conjunctiva and nasal mucosa in case of acquired dacryocystitis in a tertiary care hospital settings in North India. A prospective study of 30 patients of acquired dacryocystitis were included in this study and age, gender, microbiological isolates from the conjunctival and nasal swabs and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns were studied in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory StandrdsInstitute guidelines. 30 patients clinically diagnosed as acquired dacryocystitis including 3 with bilateral involvement were studied. Majority (19) were females and largest number of patients were in the age group 31-40. Out of 33 samples, culture were positive in 17(51.6%) with 13 being gram organism. Staph albus was the most commonly isolated organism(18.2%) followed by staph aureus. Majorito the organisms isolated were sensitive to Tobramycin and other commonly used antibiotics.

5 tables, 11 ref

005065   Choudhary R;Chaudhury R;Malik S K;Sharma K C (Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi-110 012, Email: ravianu1110@gmail.com) : Efficient regeneration and rapid micropropagation protocol for almond using dormant axillary buds as explants. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(7), 462-7.

Efficient in vitro protocol was standardized for Almond (Prunus dulcis) propagation using dormant axillary buds as explants. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) and woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with different concentration/combination(s) of phytohormones. MS basal medium showed lowest shoot induction and took longest duration for shoot initiation. Multiple shoots were induced in MS medium supplemented with the combination of BAP (0.5 mgL^{-1). Cultures showed poor response for rooting in all combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and took 90 days for initiation. Rooting was higher in half strength of MS than in full-strength. The highest root induction (33.33%) was recorded in half MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mgL-1 IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) followed by full strength of MS medium (20%) supplemented with IBA (0.1 mgL-1). α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was less effective for rooting than IBA. The highest root induction (25%) was found in half strength of MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mgL-1 NAA followed by full strength of MS medium (20%). The protocol developed would be of use in mass propagation of almond and also support in vitro conservation.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

005064   Chavan M D (Microbiology Dep, Walchand College and Art and Science, Solapur, Email: drmeerachavan@yahoo.co.in) : Bioremediation of textile effluents by bacteria and yeast. J Ind Pollut Control 2013, 29(2), 251-3.

Environmental pollution is major worldwide problem. Rapid progress in industrialization without adequate environmental safety measures lead to pollution of soil and water. Different physical, chemical and biological methods are used for the treatment of effluents. Bioremediation constitutes the use of natural biota for reduction of pollution. It is low cost and effective process. Many textile industries are situated in Solapur city. Dyes are essential components of these industries. Dyeing process releases toxic chemicals in effluents. Presence of heavy metals and complex organic frame work of dyes induce toxicity and they may be mutagenic and carcinogenic. Dyes show harmful effects on ground water quality and soil microorganisms. Many natural dyes are available, but most of the synthetic organic dyes are used in textile industries. Synthetic dyes are more difficult to remove from the effluents by conventional waste water treatments, since they are stable to light and oxidizing agents. Colours in the waste water is indicator of water pollution. Bioremediation of ammonia, nickel and copper were performed by viable, killed and immobilized bacteria from industrial effluents. The present study was undertaken on physicochemical characterization and existence of indigenous microbes in textile effluents. Different heavy metals were detected in the collected samples. Indigenous bacteria and fungi were isolated and their bioremediation potential for reduction for heavy metals was studied.

5 tables, 9 ref

005063   Bhatt A;Patel V (Laboratory of Foods and Nutrition, Post Graduate Dep of Home Science, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat-388 120, Email: patelvh2009@gmail.com) : Antioxidant potential of banana: study using simulated gastrointestinal model and conventional extraction. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(7), 457-61.

Most reports on fruit antioxidant capacities are based on extraction of antioxidants using polar solvents. In banana, little is known about the fate of bioactive compounds during the digestion process, particularly in the food matrix under the gastric and intestinal conditions. In the present study, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method was used to simulate physiological conditions of the stomach and small intestine to evaluate the actual antioxidant capacity of banana. The simulated gastrointestinal extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant properties. The total phenol content of the physiological enzymatic extract was higher by almost 150% than the methanolic extract. Similarly, the flavonoid and flavonol contents were higher in the physiological enzymatic extract by 330.6 and 141.7%, respectively as compared to methanolic extract. These differences were also noticed in the antioxidant capacity measurement parameters. From the results, it can be concluded that the conventional extracts underrate the antioxidant value of banana and that they may have much higher health significance, as an antioxidant in particular.

2 tables, 25 ref

005062   Avneet Kaur;Singh V A (Microbiology Dep, Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Barielly, Uttar Pradesh) : Bacterial isolates and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern in clinically suspected cases of fever of unknown origin. JK Sci 2014, 16(3), 105-9.

Study was conducted on 100 suspected cases of fever of unknown origin to identify the prevalence of predominant bacterial microorganisms and their drug sensitivity pattern. The blood samples were subjected to conventional blood culture and BACTEC 9050 culture system. Out of 100 suspected cases, culture positivity was seen in 46% cases with 80.43% pathogenic bacterial isolates comprising of 54.05% gram positive and 45.94% gram negative isolates. Predominant gram positive isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococcus 35% followed by 30% Staphylococcus aureus with sensitivity to vancomycin (100%) and resistance to ampicillin, cloxacillin & cefalexin. Gram negative isolates were Salmonella typhi (29.41%) followed by E coli (17.64%) showing sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactum and cefoperazone/sulbactum (90%) each and resistance to amoxicillin. BACTEC 9050 was observed to be sensitive(100%) as compared to conventional blood culture(67.56%) for cultural isolation of pathogenic organisms in clinical specimens.

9 tables, 18 ref

005061   Alrubaie A L (Biological Resistance Technologies Dep, Al-Musiab Technical College, PO Box 20, Babylon, Iraq, Email: aalrubaie1@yahoo.com) : Effects of alcoholic extract of Curcuma longa on Ascaridia infestation affecting chicken. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(7), 452-6.

Ascaridia galli, the common intestinal nematode, remains a major cause of economic loss in the poultry industry in developing countries. Treatments using chemicals are not only expensive but also affect host health. Plant extracts as better alternative is gaining significance. Here, we have studied the effects of alcoholic extract of turmeric, Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) roots, against A. galli infection in chicken. Different concentrations of C. longa root extract were tested in vitro on 5 groups of adults A. galli worms and in vivo on 6 groups of chicks. The results showed that the turmeric root extract @ 60 mg mL^{-1 in vitro significantly (P <60> 0.001) proved paralytic and fatal against worms (16.80±1.28 h). In vivo, chicken groups (G2-G6) were infected with an average of 300±12 embryonated eggs of A. galli. The G2 was not given any treatment while G3 was treated with piperazine (@ 200 mg kg-1 body wt.); and Groups 4, 5 and 6 were given turmeric @ 200, 400 and 600 mg kg-1 body wt., respectively. The mean number of worms extracted at the end of the trial in G2 (untreated) was 18.10±2.42, while the G3 treated with piperazine had no worms. Groups 4 and 5 did not show any significant difference compared to G2. However, G6 that had 3.20±1.33 worms was statistically significant. Higher concentrations of turmeric given to infected chickens significantly reduced the length and weight of worms. The study showed that the worm infestation damaged the intestinal villi, and treatment with high concentration of C. longa had healing effects and restored the integrity of intestinal mucosa. The results have demonstrated the ameliorating effect of C. longa turmeric on A. galli infested chickens.}

1 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

004286   Sucharitha B;Reddy A V;Madhavi K (MPT, College of physiotherapy, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical S, , Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Effectiveness of plyometric training on anaerobic power and agility in female badminton players. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 754-61.

Badminton is one of the most popular sport played by the members of all ages. It needs speed anaerobic fitness in rallies and also requires forward , backward and side ward movements to strike the shuttle cock. So they requires agility. Plyometric exercises enables the muscle to reach maximum force in the shortest possible time there by improving flexibility of ligament , tendon and muscles that helps to improve agility. The need of the study is to find out the effectiveness of plyometric training on anaerobic power and agility in badminton player. Thirty (30) samples (female badminton players) who met the inclusive criteria were selected for the study. A 1RM screening test has been done for including the samples in the study. Plyometric training was given for the selected group for 6 weeks. Plyometric drills like side to side ankle hops, double leg hops, lateral cone hops, diagonal cone hops etc included in the training. Comparison of the pre and post values of anaerobic power and agility using standing broad jump test and agility T test respectively was done to find out the influence of plyometric training in female badminton players. Paired t-test was used to analyze the pre and post test values of standing broad jump and agility T-test values in training group. The results of the study show that the plyometric training of 6 weeks has improved the anaerobic power and agility in female Badminton players.

19 ref

004285   Singh A;Tyagi A;Tripathi A M;Gokhale S M; Singh N;Roy S (Genetics and molecular Biology Div, XSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: sribashroy@nbri.res.in) : Morphological trait variations in the West Himalayan (India) populations of Arabidopsis thaliana along altitudinal gradients. Curr Sci 2015, 108(12), 2213-22.

Morphological trait variations in four populations of Arabidopsis thaliana that grow along altitudinal gradients (~700 to ~3500m amsl) are described. A total of 38 traits were analysed from each of the four populations. Most of the quantitative traits were significantly correlated with each other among the four populations, but biomass-related traits were negatively correlated with altitude. There was significant correlation between geographical distance and mean pairwise distance of phenotypic traits among the populations. Overall our data suggest there is significant variation in phenotypic traits of the four populations along altitudinal gradients.

5 illus, 2 tables, 68 ref

004284   Selvaraj R;Das R;Ganguly S;Mukhopadhayay S K (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, Faculty Of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, West Bengal University Of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37, K.B. Sarani, P.O.- Belgachia, West Bengal) : Molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. Isolated and identified from chicken samples. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 507-17.

Present study documents the molecular characterization and speciation of Salmonella spp. Isolated from carcass and egg wash of poultry. Out of the different species of Salmonella isolated, majorly Salmonella Paratyphi B, S. Typhimurium, and Salmonella (Rough variant) were identified as the predominant pathogens in the chicken samples in the present investigation. The virulent genes and particularly the enterotoxin (stn gene) were identified and characterized by RFLP technique and plasmid profiling.

19 ref

004283   Sagar R;Verma P;Verma H;Singh D K;Verma P (Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Email: sagar@bhu.ac.in) : Species diversity-primary productivity relationships in a nitrogen amendment experiment in grasslands at Varanasi, India. Curr Sci 2015, 108(12), 2163-6.

34 ref

004282   Reddemma C;Bhagyalakshmi M;Hemalatha S;Sudha Rani P (Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing Dep, College of Nursing, SVIMS, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Comparative study to assess the level of depression among elderly Men and women in selected old age homes, Tirupati. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 743-8.

Comparative study was conducted to assess level of depression on a sample of 100 elderly people (50 from men and 50 from women), aged more than 60 years by using Yesavege Geriatric Depression Scale (30 items) Data was analyzed by statistical techniques; mean, S.D, t-test. The major findings of the study revealed among 50 elderly men, 11(22%) had normal, 35(70%) had mild depression and 4(8%) had severe depression where as in 50 women 5(10%) had normal, 27(54%) had mild depression and 18(36%) had severe depression. For men there was a statistically significant association exists between no. of children in the family and reason for staying in the old age home at 0.05 level.There was a statistically significant association exists between women's depression and educational status at 0.01 level. The present study revealed that there was significant difference seen between level of depression among elderly men and women. Results of the present study concluded that the institutionalized elderly men and women had mild to severe depression.

10 ref

004281   Rastogi M;Rastogi D;Singh S;Agarwal A; Priyadarshi B P;Middha T (Microbiology Dep, C.S.J.M University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic adult patients in a tertiary care hospital: A cross sectional study. Biomed Res 2015, 26(1), 117-22.

Helicobacter pylori is well recognized as major cause of gastro-intestinal diseases.The present cross - sectional study was done in the department of Medicine at G.S.V.M Medical College. A total of 208 adult patients attending out patient department for symptoms other than those of gastrointestinal disorders were screened to find out the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori using Stool antigen card test. Out of these 208 patients, 92 were found positive for Helicobacter pylori by the test, giving a prevalence of 44.23%. A detailed proforma was filled, regarding the age and sex of the patient, education and occupation of the head of the family, sanitary practices, dietary habits and tobacco chewing. The patients were also examined for pallor. Among a total of 143 males, 61 were found positive for Helicobacter pylori (42.7%) and among 65 females, 31 were found positive (47.7%). Age wise distribution showed maximum prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the age group of 30-39 years (50.7%) and minimum in the age group of more than 70 years (20%). A higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was found among non-vegetarians (53.3%) and among patients having pallor (52%), though both were not significant. The study of socio-economic status showed a prevalence of 42.3% in lower middle, 44.9% in upper lower and 50% in upper middle socioeconomic groups. A prevalence of 51.7% was seen among subjects chewing tobacco.

7 tables, 58 ref

004280   Pal A;Sethi N C (Zoology Dep, Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: ashapa1570@gmail.com) : Structural aberrations of chromosomes in albinism cases. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 150-2.

Leucocyte cultures were initiated from 15 normal individuals and 10 cases of albinism. Present research was carried out to study structural aberrations in chromosomes of albinism cases. It is observed that 5.5% metaphases showed structural aberrations in albinism cases and 4% metaphases showed structural aberrations in normal individuals.

4 tables, 21 ref

004279   Padma V;Bhagyalakshmi M;Hemalatha S;Sudha Rani P (Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing Dep, College of Nursing, SVIMS, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : Study to assess the parental attachment and self-esteem among adolescents of selected colleges at Tirupati. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 749-53.

Parental attachment increases the adolescents self worth, self-esteem, trust and security. The parents can initiate positive contact with the adolescent in a number of ways like psychological, physical and social interaction. These interactions thought to contribute more attachments than responses to the adolescent physical needs. The more social interactions parent has with an adolescent, the more likely it is that an attachment will form, and the more loveable the adolescent feel. Parental attachment is important to the building of self-esteem. In this present study to assess the parental attachment and self-esteem, modified Kenny Parental Attachment Questionnaire and Immanuel Thomas Self-Esteem Inventory used. The results revealed that among 100 adolescents, 9(9%) had moderate parental attachment, 42(42%) had much parental attachment, and 49(49%) had very much parental attachment. There was a statistically significant association between the parental attachment with Age (p=0.020), Gender (p=0.000), participants educational standard (p=0.050). And among 100 adolescents, 5(5%) had low self-esteem, 32(32%) had average self-esteem, and 63(63%) had high self- esteem. There was a statistically significant association between the self-esteem with Age (p=0.050), participants educational standard (p=0.049) pocket money/ month (p=0.013). There was a positive correlation coefficient (r) between the parental attachment and self-esteem r = 0.612 at p=0.000 level.

8 ref

004278   Nazem H;Arefian Z (Biochemistry Dep, Isfahan University of Payame-Noor, Isfahan, Iran) : Effect of ZnO NPs on tumour marker hormones in male rats. Biomed Res 2015, 26(1), 82-8.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are engineered nanoparticles used in many commercial products inclusive of cosmetics, paints, textiles, and sanitary products. ZnO NPs are potent in protecting the skin against UV radiation so, they are used as ingredients in sunscreen and moisturizing creams/lotions and hence the study of their toxicity is essential. On the one hand, nanoparticles, due to their small size occupy a significant place in cutting-edge applications in modern industry, while on the other hand; the small size of NPs may lead to their accumulation in the body leading to health hazards in human beings .The effect of ZnO NPs in different concentrations on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), 1-α- fetoprotein (AFP), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of male Wistar rats assigned in four groups, each consisting of 8 rat, was investigated. ZnO NPs was gavage-fed to groups 1, 2, and 3 with concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively for 10 days. A separate group of animals was assigned as the control group. Subsequent to the phase, tumor marker hormones AFP, CEA, and PSA concentrations were estimated. Results showed that ZnO NPs is toxic in the animal model. Thus, it is proposed that the NPs should be applied taking into consideration the health hazard that it might cause and a continuous monitoring of individuals' health is essential.

5 illus, 32 ref

004277   Munaala;Munaala;Irqbas;Irqbas;Munaff J A; Chmagh A A (Biology Dep, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq) : Molecular genetic study confirming the transmission of nasopharyngeal bacteria to middle ear in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media, including new global strains in genbank. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 379-97.

One hundred samples were collected randomly from the middle ear (ME) of 50 Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) patients and 50 from their nasopharynx (NP). Ninety six bacterial isolates (66 from ME and 30 from NP) were successful to identify by 16S rDNA sequencing. Thirty three different species were obtained from both sources (22 from ME and 11 from NP). The most common bacterial species in ME were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17 (25.75%), Staphylococcus aureus 13 (19.69%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis 12 (18.18%). However, in the present study, five different species: Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Providencia vermicola, Enterobacter asburiae and Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from ME in the first time. Rooted phylogenetic tree showed 8 (16%) of 50 patients have the same bacterial species in their ME and NP. Moreover, 5 (62%) of these 8 patients have either S. aureus or S. epidermidis in these two sources. Furthermore, the UPGMA program for those 5 patients (depended on RAPD) appeared three (60%) patients, each has a strain (S. aureus or S. epidermidis) in the ME identical with that from his NP. These results confirm the hypothesis of transmission of bacteria from NP to the ME. Four isolates (45-Bordetella trematum and 78-Pseudomonas Putida from the ME, and 65-Klebsiella pneumonia and 21G-Providencia stuartii from NP) were reported as new global separated strains in the GenBank as MunAala 2(HG427201), IRQBAS5 (HG416957.1), MunAala1 (HG416956.1) and IRQBAS6 (HG427202) respectively.

52 ref

004276   Madhumati B;Rani K;Murthy D S;Reddy B K N; Ramana B V (Microbiology Dep, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield Bangalore-66) : Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile in vaginal candidiasis. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 497-502.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an important cause of morbidity in women of reproductive age. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of vaginal candidiasis and the susceptibility profile of the Candida species to antifungal agents. The study was carried out prospectively in S.V Medical College over a period of one year. A total of 200 vaginal swabs were collected from women between the age group of 20-40 years with self reported symptoms of vaginal discharge and subjected to microscopy and fungal culture. Antifungal susceptibility was performed by disk diffusion method. Among 119 (59.5%) positive cultures, Candida albicans was the predominant species (n=57, 48%). The following non-albicans species were isolated -Candida tropicalis (26%), Candida glabrata (22%), Candida parapsilosis (1-7%), Candida kefyr (1-7 %) and Candida krusei (0-8%). 100% sensitivity was seen to amphotericin-B. Isolates of Candida albicans were susceptible to the azoles tested. Among the non-albicans, resistance to azole antifungal agents was encountered in strains of Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. 5 isolates (19%) of Candida glabrata were resistant to fluconazole and ketoconazole and 2 (7.6%) isolates were resistant to itraconazole whereas 1(3.2%) isolate of Candida tropical is resistant to itraconazole and ketoconazole. The frequency with which non-albicans Candida species were isolated and their reduced susceptibility to the azole agents emphasizes the need for species identification and antifungal susceptibility as a part of laboratory diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis.

14 ref

004275   Hui Z G;Xhou X W;Li R J;Wang Y B;Juan M A (NO, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China) : Extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix puerariae and their hypoglycemic effect in mice. Biomed Res 2015, 26(1), 51-4.

Radix Puerariae is the dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, which releases a variety of isoflavones. The objective is to investigate the extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae and to examine their effects on blood glucose MDA in alloxan-diabetic mice. Sol-vent extraction and column chromatographic isolation were used to extract the total flavon-oids in Radix Puerariae, and colorimetry was used to determine the content of total flavon-oids. Mouse model (persistent hyperglycemia) was established by intravenous injection of alloxan to observe the effects of Radix Puerariae total flavonoids in these diabetic mice. MDA level was also determined. Colorimetric determination showed that the content of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae, the main active constituents in the extraction product, averaged 47.65%. Serum glucose level reduced significantly in animals following the use of Radix Puerariae total flavonoids of high- and medium-dose. The extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariaeand quality control methods established in this study are feasible and cost effective. Radix Puerariae otal flavonoids have a significant hypoglycemic effect, and can reduce lipid peroxidation.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

004274   Chall A K K;Ravuri J M;Chilakapati D M (Applied Microbiology Dep, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517 502) : Influence of cultural conditions on the production of antibacterial compounds by marine bacteria Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 148-64.

Study was undertaken to investigate the influence of culture conditions and media components on production of antibacterial compounds by Bacillus licheniformis(B. licheniformis) and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa(P. aeuroginosa), which were isolated from marine waters of Chennai and Kothapattanam coastal regions, India. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics suggested that the isolates were a candidate of B. licheniformis and P. aeuroginosa. These isolates showed strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. B. licheniformis and P. aeuroginosa showed optimum production of antibacterial compounds at temperature 30°C and pH 7.0. Highest antibacterial activity was obtained when sodium chloride (3%), peptone (1%) and lactose concentration (2%) were used as salt, nitrogen and carbon sources respectively. Separation on silica gel by TLC using ethyl acetate: methanol (6:4 ratio) and direct bioautography showed the presence of two active substances: the more active one with Rf 0.8 than the other with Rf 0.7. In conclusion, the results suggested different culture conditions have a significant impact on the types of secondary metabolites produced by the bacteria.

27 ref

004273   Anyiam I V;Ibe S N;Abu G O;Braimoh O B; Nwaokorie F O (Microbiology Dep, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State) : Evaluation of coinfection of anaerobes among patients with periodontal infections at university of port harcourt teaching hospital. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 1-15.

To isolate and characterize anaerobes from patients with periodontal infections attending UPTH, Port Harcourt in Nigeria and to determine their level of occurrence and co-infection. Ninety-seven supragingival and subgingival specimen were collected from patients with different periodontal infections and were studied by culture, PCR and biochemical analysis, Susceptibility testing to Amoxicillin and Metronidazole was determined by agar dilution method. Sixty-one (62.8%) anaerobic isolates were obtained from the 97 patients.43 of the isolates were fully characterized and identified as F. nucleatum P. Gingivalis and Prevotalla intermedia species. The isolation of anaerobes from these periodontal infections shows they can be found in human and also known to cause infections. The use of PCR has been shown to be rapid and sensitive in the identification of anaerobes. It is important for other anaerobic species to be studied and fully identified in order to achieve and administer accurate treatment of other oral infections.

29 ref

004272   Abdulazeez S S (Clinical Laboratory Science Dep, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Freeze dried strawberry powder ameliorates alloxan induced hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats. Biomed Res 2015, 26(1), 77-81.

Strawberries and their phytochemicals are beneficial during cancer, infections, obesity, neurological and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The present study explores the effect of freeze dried strawberry powder (FSP) on alloxan induced hyperlipidemia in albino rats. Alloxan (150mg/ kg bw) induced diabetic animals treated with FSP (700 mg/kg bw for 45 days) were analyzed for serum lipid profile and lipid content of liver and kidney tissues. The alloxan induced elevated levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) (49.60%), triglycerides(TG) (95.99%), phospholipids (PL) (81.99%), LDL-C (101%), VLDL-C (98.26%) and declined level of HDL-C (30.89 %) were significantly (p<60>0.05) reverted to their near normal values by FSP treatment. Similar reversal of liver and kidney TC, TG and PL were also observed by FSP administration. The high polyphenolic antioxidant contents of FSP are the key factors for the amelioration of diabetic hyperlipidemia.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

003189   Vorobyeva E V;Yazeva A S;Nikolaev I V; Gaizullin I B;Gorbunova V Y (NO, M. Akhmullah Bashkir State Pedagogical Univ 3a, Oktyabrskoi Revolutsii Street, 450000, Ufa, Russia) : Molecular genetic study of genetic markers of predisposition to physical loading. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1267-72.

Polymorphic variants of 6 genes the products of which have an impact on the cardiovascular system have been studied: rs4646994 of angiotensin converting enzyme ACE gene, rs1801133 of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase MTHFR gene, rs1800875 of chymase SMA1 gene, rs6025 of coagulative factor V F5 gene, rs1815739 of alpha-actinin ACTN3 gene, rs121913641 of fibrous protein MYH7 gene. Alleles combinations of studied genes that have a significant impact on the physical performance level of an individual with minimal adverse effects have been determined. Research paper also shows the potential of using haplotype analysis in the sports teams building for them to achieve high results without any disablement.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

003188   Vogt G (Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg Univ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Email: gunter.vogt@web.de) : Stochastic developmental variation, an epigenetic source of phenotypic diversity with far-reaching biological consequences. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 159-204.

This article reviews the production of different phenotypes from the same genotype in the same environment by stochastic cellular events, nonlinear mechanisms during patterning and morphogenesis, and probabilistic self-reinforcing circuitries in the adult life. These aspects of phenotypic variation are summarized under the term 'stochastic developmental variation' (SDV) in the following. In the past, SDV has been viewed primarily as a nuisance, impairing laboratory experiments, pharmaceutical testing, and true-to-type breeding. This article also emphasizes the positive biological effects of SDV and discusses implications for genotype-to-phenotype mapping, biological individuation, ecology, evolution, and applied biology. There is strong evidence from experiments with genetically identical organisms performed in narrowly standardized laboratory set-ups that SDV is a source of phenotypic variation in its own right aside from genetic variation and environmental variation. It is obviously mediated by molecular and higher-order epigenetic mechanisms. Comparison of SDV in animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, archaeans, and viruses suggests that it is a ubiquitous and phyloge-netically old phenomenon. In animals, it is usually smallest for morphometric traits and highest for life history traits and behaviour. SDV is thought to contribute to phenotypic diversity in all populations but is particularly relevant for asexually reproducing and genetically impoverished populations, where it generates individuality despite genetic uniformity. In each generation, SDV produces a range of phenotypes around a well-adapted target phenotype, which is interpreted as a bet-hedging strategy to cope with the unpredictability of dynamic environments. At least some manifestations of SDV are heritable, adaptable, selectable, and evolvable, and therefore, SDV may be seen as a hitherto overlooked evolution factor. SDV is also relevant for husbandry, agriculture, and medicine because most pathogens are asexuals that exploit this third source of phenotypic variation to modify infectivity and resistance to antibiotics. Since SDV affects all types of organisms and almost all aspects of life, it urgently requires more intense research and a better integration into biological thinking.

^iia11 illus, 2 tables, 376 ref

003187   Vinogradova M V;Kryukova E M;Kulyamina O S; Vapnyarskaya O I;Sokolova A P (NO, Russian State Social Univ, 4,1, V.Pika, Moscow, 129226, Russia) : Approaches to the study of the status and trends of drug abuse, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1505-14.

Of particular importance for assessing microsituation and its development, as well as the effectiveness of state anti-drug policy at various levels, has effective state monitoring system that would not only monitor the current status, but also by determining the level of individual indicators, criteria and indicators to determine possible changes in the strategic perspective and proactively develop and implement appropriate measures. Develop a set of indicators, criteria and indicators for the status and development of drug prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of consumers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances aims at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-drug policies with the increased use of information and analytical capabilities and promote functional application of the tools of this system. Its creation is based on a specialized system for the collection, processing and storage of information, analysis and forecasting of tendencies of development of the drug situation, as well as appropriate productive and timely prevention of the negative dynamics of the considered processes. To achieve this goal, the authors proposed to use the ontology-related method of forming a set of relevant indicators, criteria and indicators. The development of such a complex will provide, on the one hand, the strengthening of the coordination of the impacts of administrative structures and controls the processes of drug prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of consumers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and on the other, will be an effective instrument of management effectiveness and sustainability of anti-drug policies at different levels.

4 illus, 20 ref

003186   Tolmacheva S V (NO, Tyumen State Oil and Gas Univ, 38, Volodarskogostreet, Tyumen, Russia, 625000) : To the question of impact of advertising communication on young audience. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1299-1302.

The Internet is the basic channel of data accessing among youth. Advertising communication is considered to be one of the Internet communication types, which has an out stripping growth rate in Russia. The way young people perceive advertising communication can be an example of values and ideals accepted in the society. In order to determine the impact of advertising communication on the shaping of values,the author has conducted a survey on the matter of perception of Russian present-day advertising by youth. The survey has been conducted in three stages with three and six years spans. This made it possible to determine evolution of youth values shaping under the impact of advertising communication. According to the results advertising communication in the first place is aimed at realization of its basic purpose, to be exact a striving for the increase of consumption of goods and services. Internet advertising communication favors it above all, because it allows to connect not just direct informational influence on the user, but also a reverse communication with the source of advertising information, encouraging the immediate purchase. According to respondents of the survey the value of consumption has increased. However there is also an increasing number of young people who mention that advertising teaches them to reach their goals and to work hard in order to get a result. Young people ceaseto value "leisured" ideals (striving for rest, relaxation and games) in advertising appeals, this is the evidence that attitude of young people toward advertising becomes more critical. They also better comprehend the fact that advertising influences the behavior, values and ideals of respondents. This survey revealed that advertising communication has an influence on shaping the system of values of youth in Russian present-day society, but it shapes mostly consumptive values but not human.

15 ref

003185   Suharsono H;Prawiro S R;Nyoman Mantik I; Hendrayana M A (Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical Faculty of Brawijaya Univ, Malang, Indonesia, Email: retoprawiros@yahoo.com) : In - vivo confirmation of A 49.6 KDA protein pili of helicobacter pylori to prevent destruction of gastric cells against live homologous bacteria in mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1049-53.

Peptic ulcers is one of the major gastrointestinal disorder in human being that generally associated with the infection of Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium in stomach. It is also linked to the development of the stomach cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo properties of the sub-unit pili proteins with molecular weight of about 49,6 kDa in mice. The bacterium was firstly cultured on the plate of TSA-B (Trypticase Soy Agar with 5% Sheep Blood) to prepare the protein of interes using bacterial cutter and SDS-PAGE. The purified protein was used for a vaccine emulsified with commercial cholera toxin and give orally. The immunized mice showed a significant protection against challenge with live H. pylori cells. In contrast, animals that received the 49, 6 kDa protein without adjuvant as well as the negative control with PBS failed to inhibit adherence of the bacteria, as indicated by a severe damages of gastric tissues. This study has indicated that the sub-unit pili proteins trigered the release of protective antibodies againts the microorganism if combined with cholere toxin adjuvant. Further study is required to investigate the biological functions of this protein as a vaccine candidate for protecting the infection by this microorganism in causing gastric ulcers.

16 ref

003184   Srivastava S;Verma H N;Srivastava A;Prasad V (Molecular Plant Virology Lab, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: vivprasad@yahoo.com) : BDP-30, a systemic resistance inducer from Boerhaavia diffusa L., suppresses TMV infection, and displays homology with ribosome-inactivating proteins. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 125-35.

Root extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L. induced systemic resistance in tobacco against Tobacco mosaic virus. A 30 kDa protein was isolated as the active component, called BDP-30 on the basis of the molecular weight and source plant. BDP-30, a glycoprotein, was found to be temperature and protease resistant. It was basic, possessing a pI greater than 9.0. In-gel proteolytic digestion of BDP-30 generated two peptides that possessed the amino acid sequence KLYDIPPLR and KVTLPYSGNYER by LC/MS/MS. Both peptides shared absolute sequence identity with trichosanthin, a ribosome-inactivating protein from Trichosanthes kirilowii, and a 78% and 100% homology respectively with an RIP from Bryonia dioica, bryodin. Further, effort was made to look at the fate of TMV in induced resistant Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi, a systemic host of the virus, at specified days after inoculation in control and treated plants. TMV coat protein (CP) was detected by immunoblot 7 days post inoculation up to 21 days in the control set, but not in treated resistant plants. TMV RNA was detected by RT-PCR using TMV-CP specific primers. Resistant tobacco did not show presence of TMV RNA up to 21 days of inoculation. This suggests that BDP-30 may be suppressing TMV replication.

6 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

003183   Sharma R;Polkade A V;Shouche Y S (Microbial Culture Collection, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: rohit@nccs.res.in) : 'Species concept' in microbial taxonomy and systematics. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1804-14.

Species is the basic unit of identification of a large diversity of organisms. The concept of species is old and has undergone several changes depending on the kind of organism(s). Earlier concepts were formulated considering mostly macroorganisms (plants or animals). In 21st century the micro-bial species concept took shape which changed from morphological, ecological, biological and phylogenetic to more agreeable polyphasic species concept. Polyphasic species concept involves a combination of characters such as morphology, physiology, biochemical markers and sequencing of various regions of the DNA known as molecular markers. There are also specific criteria such as DNA-DNA hybridization for complex genera of Bacteria and Archaea, extrolite profiling for complex genera of fungi, etc. Although species concept and taxonomy of Bacteria are more systematic than fungi, taxonomy in two domains (bacteria, archaea) and fungi of eukarya domain is undergoing changes. The time is not far when genome sequencing will be considered as another criterion for delineating species. This article also discusses the role of various techniques (MALDI, FAME, etc.) in species identification. The concept of Candidatus species and species annotation for me-tagenomic studies is also discussed. We briefly describe the criteria used to delineate species in various microbes and the need for different species concepts based on the kind of organism.

2 illus, 1 table, 78 ref

003182   Semwal B C;Goyal A;Varshney V (NO, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA Univ 17-Km. stone, NH-2 Mathura-Delhi) : Antidiarrheal activity of rhododendron arborium leaves in wistar rats. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(3), 591-600.

Diarrhea is a world wide spread disease which is a major public health problem mainly in developing countries. It is responsible for high degree of mortality and morbidity for all age groups. Rhododandron arborium (family: Ericaceae) is being traditionally used in the Indian system of medicine for the treatment of various disorder such as dysentery, analgesics, hepatoprotective and antipyretics etc. In our present work we investigated the antidiarrheal activity of R. arborium on wistar rats. It was evaluated by PGE2 induced enteropooling, castor oil induced diarrhea and the gastric motility was evaluated by administrating charcoal meal to the rats. Loperamide 3mg/kg and atropine 0.1mg/kg were used as standard drugs for comparison. R. arborium ethanolic extract was used at doses of 40, 60 and 100mg/kg. Comparison with standard drugs showed a significant (p<60>0.01) dose dependent reduction in diarrhea produced by different agents in all the three models in rats. The antidiarrheal property of R. arborium may be due to the presence of quercetin related flavonoids saponins and phenolic compounds present in the leaves of R. arborium. The result clearly indicated that the ethanolic extract of leaves of R. arborium is effective against diarrheal diseases.

21 ref

003181   Saad A;Atia A (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Malaya Univ, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: awatef200988@yahoo.com) : Review on freshwater blue-green algae (cyanobacteria): occurrence, classification and toxicology. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1319-25.

Cyanobacteria are one of the most diverse groups of gram-negative photosynthetic prokaryotes. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes have a simple cell structure with a real nucleus Prokaryotic. Their body is made from a single cell, often clustered cells as colonies of different shapes. Cyanobacteria are typically much larger than bacteria in size, it contain many types of pigments such as carotenoids and phycocyanin. A characteristic of water soluble pigment in cyanobacteria gives the group of cyanobacteria their blue green coloration. Cyanobacteria living in individuals places in fresh and salt water, and some other types live in moist soil. The water distinctive bluish colour is results for cyanobacteria blooms when it dies. Researchers found that only about 10% of all blooms types are considered toxins producer. However, it is still ambiguous what triggers that cause to produce its toxin. This review highlights the occurrence of algal cyanobacteriablooms, its classification and toxicology.

45 ref

003180   Raychoudhury R (Biological Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Manauli PO 140 306, Email: rhitoban@iisermohali.ac.in) : Genetics of behavioural isolation. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1842-6.

Behavioural isolation is the lack of sexual attraction between individuals of two different species. This often is the first isolating barrier to evolve during speciation, and it is of utmost importance for our understanding of how species come into being. Unfortunately, there is not a single report of the cloning, isolation and characterization of any gene(s) for behavioural isolation, thus seriously impeding our understanding of how these barriers evolve. In this review, I list some of the major genetic studies which attempted the genetic dissection of behavioural isolation. I further report the general features which emerge from these studies and also why this particular phenotype, however important, is a difficult choice for normal genetic studies.

53 ref

003179   Ranjani R;Khadira S A;Priya N;Vijayalakshmi K (Biochemistry Dep, Bharathi Women's College, Chennai, Tamilnadu) : Antioxidant profile of the fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia and leaves of Bauhinia variegata - an invitro investigation. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(3), 528-38.

This study was carried out to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of the ethylacetate extract of fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia and leaves of Bauhinia variegata using the free radical scavenging assay 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical(OH), superoxide radical(SO), nitric oxide radical(NO), hydrogen peroxide radical(H₂O₂) scavenging activity. The reducing activity (RA) was also estimated. The IC50 value of Garcinia cambogia is 42μg/ml (DPPH), 39.8μg/ml (OH), 40μg/ml (SO), 43.3μg/ml (NO), 40μg/ml (H₂O₂) and 28.6μg/ml (RA) and Bauhinia variegate is 43μg/ml (DPPH), 41.8μg/ml (OH), 45.1μg/ml (SO), 47μg/ml (NO), 41.3μg/ml (H₂O₂), and 26.2μg/ml (RA). When comparing with BHT (Butylated hydroxy toluene), Garcinia cambogia is less efficient in scavenging NO, DPPH, SO and H₂O₂ whereas it is more efficient in scavenging hydroxyl radical and has high reducing activity. Bauhinia variegata is less efficient in NO, SO, DPPH, OH radical whereas it is more efficient in H₂O₂ and has high reducing activity.

21 ref

003178   Poudel B;Hyeon-Hui K;Young-Mi L;Kim D K (Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences Dep, Chonbuk National Univ, Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-756, Korea, Email: ymlee@wku.ac.kr) : Collagen I-induced dendritic cells activation is regulated by TNF-α production though down-regulation of IRF4. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 71-8.

Previously we have shown that collagen I enhances the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs). Inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are also known to activate DCs. Here we investigated the involvement of TNF-α on the collagen I-induced DCs activation. TNF-a neutralization inhibited collagen I-induced IL-12 secretions by DCs. Additionally, we observed suppression of collagen I-induced costimulatory molecules expression along with down-regulation of genes involved in DCs activation pathway. Furthermore, TNF-α inhibition upon collagen Istimulation up-regulated the expression of interferon regulatory transcription factor IRF4, when compared to collagen I only treated cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that collagen I induce TNF-α production, which is crucial for the activation and function of DCs, through down-regulation of IRF4, and implicates the importance in development of anti- TNF-α therapeutics for several inflammatory diseases.

1 table, 30 ref

003177   Ogeneh B;Ajayi A O;Ibekwe C C (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Science, Federal Univ Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, Email: aaamicheal11@rocketmail.com) : Retrospective study on the prevelence of Malaria parasitaemia among sickle cell patients in Awka, Nigeria. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1367-71.

Sickle cell is a serious genetic health disorder that is common in West Africa. Nigeria has the highest prevalence of sickle cell anemia in the world and it has continued to pose significant health challenges among sufferers and health policy makers; occasioned by the morbidity and mortality always associated with the disease. This retrospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria parasitemia among individuals with sickle cell anaemia at a private health care facility in Awka, Southeastern Nigeria. Medical records of 92 sickle cell patients and 162 non sickle cell patients were examined between 2006 and 2010. The prevalence of malaria among sickle cell patients was observed to be 14.1%; lower than the prevalence among non-sickle cell patients (89.8%). The incidence of malaria was higher in males (8.7%) than females (5.4%). In this study, the prevalence of malaria reduced with age. There should be continuous surveillance for malaria parasitemia among individuals with sickle cell anaemia.

6 tables, 16 ref

003176   Nitha B;Smina T P;Janardhanan K K (Microbiology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala-680 555, Email: drkkjanardhanan@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activity of cultured mycelium of ten different species of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus: a comparative study. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1210-6.

The antioxidant activity of cultured mycelia of ten species of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus species namely P. ostreatus, P. flabellatus, P. sapidus, P. citrinopileatus, P.roseus, P.sajor-caju, P.florida, P.cystidouses, P.fossulatus, and P.eryngii was examined. The extracts were screened for their ability to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide radicals and also for ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity. Among the ten species studied, all were found to possess DPPH radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibiting properties. P florida scavenged DPPH radicals (94.02%) and P.citrinopileatus inhibited the lipid peroxidation (76.65%) more efficiently than others. Five among the ten Pleurotus species showed ferric reducing power, and SOD activity. P.ostreatus efficiently reduced ferric radicals (51.06%) and scavenged super oxide radicals (74.61%) when compared to others. From the ten species studied all except P.roseus scavenged hydroxyl radicals and the maximum activity was showed by P. sajor-caju (76.17%). The present study thus reveals the profound free radical scavenging activity of cultured mycelia of oyster mushrooms. The findings suggest the potential use of cultured mycelia of Pleurotus species as a dietary antioxidant supplement.

29 ref

003175   Mohidin T B M;Ng C C (Institute of Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology), Faculty of Science, Malaya Univ, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: ccng@um.edu.my) : BARF1 gene silencing triggers caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in epstein-barr virus-positive malignant cells. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 41-51.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded BARF1 (BamH1-A Rightward Frame-1) is expressed in EBV-positive malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, EBV-associated gastric cancer, B-cell lymphoma and nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma, and has been shown to have an important role in oncogenesis. However, the mechanism by which BARF1 elicits its biological effects is unclear. We investigated the effects of BARF1 silencing on cell proliferation and apoptosis in EBV-positive malignant cells. We observed that BARF1 silencing significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis-mediated cell death by collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential in AG876 and Hone-Akata cells. BARF1 knockdown up-regulates the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and down-regulates the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. In BARF1-down-regulated cells, the Bcl-2/BAX ratio is decreased. The caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk was found to rescue siBARF1-induced apoptosis in these cells. Immunoblot analysis showed significant increased levels of cleaved caspase 3 and caspase 9. We observed a significant increase in cytochrome c level as well as the formation of apoptosome complex in BARF 1-silenced cells. In conclusion, siRNA-mediated BARF1 down-regulation induces caspase-dependent apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway through modulation of Bcl-2/BAX ratio in AG876 and Hone-Akata cells. Targeting BARF1 using siRNA has the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of EBV-associated malignancies.

5 illus, 39 ref

003174   Mohammadizadeh M;Hossein A H;Ahmadi M B (Environmental Management Dep, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Email: maria.mohammadizadeh450@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the effect of employment on internal factors influencing on environmental protection behavior. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1475-81.

Changing the attitude and behavior of the society relate to the importance of environment is necessary for continuing the life. Among the effective factors on behavior are internal four factors, perception, attitude, motivation and learning have special position in the behavior of people as users of environment. Decision making process and the behavior of a person are affected by foreign forces. This effect is not good or bad. Some of these foreign forces include culture and sub culture, social status of family, environment, job status, education, etc. In this study, it was attempted to investigate the relationship between four internal factors of people regarding the environment protection with their job status. To do this, 200 people of the residents of Bushehr city were selected by multi-stage sampling method and standardized questionnaires were completed. The data analysis by one-way ANOVA showed that among four factors, there was a significant association between learning and motivation of people on environment al protection with their job status. But there was no significant association between two other factors, perception and attitude in protection of environment and their job status.

3 illus, 10 tables, 9 ref

003173   Mittra I; (Translational Research Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410 210, Email: indraneel.mittra@gmail.com) : Circulating nucleic acids damage DNA of healthy cells by integrating into their genomes. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 91-111.

Whether nucleic acids that circulate in blood have any patho-physiological functions in the host have not been explored. We report here that far from being inert molecules, circulating nucleic acids have significant biological activities of their own that are deleterious to healthy cells of the body. Fragmented DNA and chromatin (DNAfs and Cfs) isolated from blood of cancer patients and healthy volunteers are readily taken up by a variety of cells in culture to be localized in their nuclei within a few minutes. The intra-nuclear DNAfs and Cfs associate themselves with host cell chromosomes to evoke a cellular DNA-damage-repair-response (DDR) followed by their incorporation into the host cell genomes. Whole genome sequencing detected the presence of tens of thousands of human sequence reads in the recipient mouse cells. Genomic incorporation of DNAfs and Cfs leads to dsDNA breaks and activation of apoptotic pathways in the treated cells. When injected intravenously into Balb/C mice, DNAfs and Cfs undergo genomic integration into cells of their vital organs resulting in activation of DDR and apoptotic proteins in the recipient cells. Cfs have significantly greater activity than DNAfs with respect to all parameters examined, while both DNAfs and Cfs isolated from cancer patients are more active than those from normal volunteers. All the above pathological actions of DNAfs and Cfs described above can be abrogated by concurrent treatment with DNase I and/or anti-histone antibody complexed nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results that circulating DNAfs and Cfs are physiological, continuously arising, endogenous DNA damaging agents with implications to ageing and a multitude of human pathologies including initiation of cancer.

6 illus, 56 ref

003172   Mishra P;Sheo Mohan Prasad (Centre of Food Technology, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: sheomohanp@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of anticandidal activities of Spirulina metabolite against Candida albicance. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1241-7.

In this pilot study, Zarrouk medium was optimized in terms of biomass production and metabolites for the culture growth of, Spirulina species; Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis and their extract were tested against a nosocomial fungal species Candida albicans (C. albicans) to explore anticandidal activity. The corresponding growth and metabolite were measured in terms of turbidity, chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein contents. The culture was harvested by centrifugation and extracted with 75% methanol by freeze thaw method. Supernatant was collected, evaporated to dryness and stored at -20 °C. Anticandidal activities were assessed based on the agar-well diffusion method. The lawn of C. albicans was maintained at 1.5x10^{5 CFU/ml on Sarbourd dextrose (SD) agar plates under sterile conditions. The plates were dried at 37 °C for 30 min. Wells of 6_mm diameter were created by using sterile agar borer. The dried supernatants were dissoluted in normal saline (0.8% NaCl) and poured in each well (100μl); Control well carried 100μl normal saline. Poured wells were incubated for 18 h at 37 °C and after that measured the zone of growth inhibition. Anticandidal activity was found to be maximum in the dissolute of late stationary phase of S. maxima where in S. platensis dissolute was less effective. The study concludes that antifungal activity of Spirulina species should be explored on the basis of their metabolite structure and function which is needed to develop an effective edible fungicide in near future.}

35 ref

003171   Kakizawa S;Yoneda Y (Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan, Email: s.kakizawa@aist.go.jp) : Role of genome sequencing in phytoplasma research. Phytopath Mollicutes 2015, 5(1), 19-24.

Despite their agricultural importance and unique features, phytoplasmas remain one of the most poorly characterized plant pathogen. To date, more than several hundred phytoplasma strains have been reported worldwide, and these strains have been classified mainly in 'Candidatus. phytoplasma' species based on 16S rRNA gene variability. This review focuses on the role and impact of genome sequencing in phytoplasma research, including both complete and draft sequencing projects. Genome sequencing projects strengthened the understanding of phytoplasma biology, and the information by genome sequences promoted several researches, some of those are summarized in this review.

2 illus, 44 ref

003170   Hofmann M;Bruelheide H (Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther Univ Halle Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany, Email: maria.hofmann@botanik.uni-halle.de) : Frost hardiness of tree species is independent of phenology and macroclimatic niche. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 147-57.

Differences in timing in bud burst between species have been interpreted as an adaptation to late frost events in spring. Thus, it has been suggested that the degree of frost susceptibility of leaves is species-specific and depends on the species' phenology and geographic distribution range. To test for relationships between frost tolerance and phenology as well as between frost tolerance and distribution range across Central European tree species, we studied the frost hardiness of closed buds before bud burst and of freshly opened buds at the time of bud burst. We hypothesized that species with early bud burst and species distributed in eastern and northern areas were more frost tolerant than species with late bud burst and species distributed in western and southern areas. Frost hardiness was estimated by exposing twigs to 11 frost temperatures between -4°C and -80°C and by assessing tissue damage by the electrolyte leakage method. In contrast to our hypotheses, neither frost hardiness of closed buds nor frost hardiness of freshly opened buds were related to any variable describing species' macroclimatic niche. Furthermore, frost hardiness of freshly opened buds did not differ among species. Thus, the investigated species with early bud burst take higher risks of frost damage than the species with late bud bursts. These findings indicate that frost hardiness might not play the key role in limiting the geographic distribution ranges previously anticipated.

6 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

003169   Hai D T; (Univ of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National Univ Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam, Email: lsq-quang@well.ox.ac.uk) : Whole genome analysis of a Vietnamese trio. J Biosci, Bangalore 2015, 40(1), 113-24.

Presented the first whole genome analysis of an anonymous Kinh Vietnamese (KHV) trio whose genomes were deeply sequenced to 30-fold average coverage. The resulting short reads covered 99.91% of the human reference genome (GRCh37d5). We identified 4,719,412 SNPs and 827,385 short indels that satisfied the Mendelian inheritance law. Among them, 109,914 (2.3%) SNPs and 59,119 (7.1%) short indels were novel. We also detected 30,171 structural variants of which 27,604 (91.5%) were large indels. There were 6,681 large indels in the range 0.1-100 kbp occurring in the child genome that were also confirmed in either the father or mother genome. We compared these large indels against the DGV database and found that 1,499 (22.44%) were KHV specific. De novo assembly of high-quality unmapped reads yielded 789 contigs with the length ≥300 bp. There were 235 contigs from the child genome of which 199 (84.7%) were significantly matched with at least one contig from the father or mother genome. Blasting these 199 contigs against other alternative human genomes revealed 4 novel contigs. The novel variants identified from our study demonstrated the necessity of conducting more genome-wide studies not only for Kinh but also for other ethnic groups in Vietnam.

8 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

003168   Gupta P;Agrawal H K;Bandopadhyay R (Bio-Engineering Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi-835 215, Email: rajib_bandopadhyay@yahoo.com) : Distribution pattern of bacteria in the two geographic poles and southern ocean from the reported 16S rDNA sequences. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1926-30.

16S rDNA bacterial sequences (913) from the Arctic Ocean, Southern Ocean and Antarctic Iceland were studied to understand the bacterial distribution pattern. Through phylogenetic study, it was observed that some bacteria were common in both the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic Iceland. γ-Proteobacteria occupied 77.7% of the total bacterial population in the Antarctic Iceland, whereas in the Southern Ocean it was 72.5% and in the Arctic Ocean it was 50.9%. GC (Guanine + Cytosine) content of the bacteria in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic Iceland region was 54.4% and 53.8% respectively. Bacterial diversity was calculated using Shannon-Weiner index and was found to be highest in the Antarctic Iceland (1.6926).

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

003167   Ghosh D;Parida P (Physiology Dep, Ramananda College, Bishnupur, Bankara-722 122, Email: ghoshdebosree@gmail.com) : Brain of the genius - albert einstein. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1787-8.

Our brain is a mystery organ. It is one of the most highly perfused organs of the body which metabolizes only glucose in presence of oxygen for its activity. Various parts of this soft organ inside our cranium are endowed with the responsibility for an individual's intelligence, consciousnes, various talents and learning capacities, thoughts, etc. Different areas of our brain regulate and respond to specific activities. Size of the brain and structure of each area of the organ contribute to the efficiency of the function performed by that particular area. Brain of the renowned scientist, the genius, Albert Einstein has been investigated through ages and studies reveal some exciting and interesting findings about the brain that made him so different from the general mass.

15 ref

003166   Gajbhiye N;Eswaran V;Saha A K;Anoop Kumar (Mechanical Engineering Dep, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur-208 016) : Numerical calculation of particle collection efficiency in an electrostatic precipitator. Sadhana 2015, 40(3), 863-73.

Present numerical study involves the finding of the collection efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) using a finite volume (ANUPRAVAHA) solver for the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations, along with the Poisson's equation for electric potential and current continuity. The particle movement is simulated using a Lagrangian approach to predict the trajectory of single particles in a fluid as the result of various forces acting on the particle. The ESP model consists of three wires and three collecting plates of combined length of L placed one after another. The calculations are carried out for a wire-to-plate spacing H = 0.175 m, length of ESP L = 2.210 m and wire-to-wire spacing of 0.725 m with radius of wire R_wire = 10 mm and inlet air-particle velocity of 1.2 m/s. Different electrical potentials (69 = 15-30 kV) are applied to the three discharge electrodes wires. It is seen that the particle collection efficiency of the ESP increases with increasing particle diameter, electrical potential and plate length for a given inlet velocity.

7 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

003165   Gadagkar R (Centre for Ecological Sciences and Centre for Contemporary Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: ragh@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : How should biologists engage with controversial mathematical theory?. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1869-73.

Mathematics is beautiful and precise and often necessary to understand complex biological phenomena. And yet biologists cannot always hope to fully understand the mathematical foundations of the theory they are using or testing. How then should biologists behave when mathematicians themselves are in dispute? Using the on-going controversy over Hamilton's rule as an example, I argue that biologists should be free to treat mathematical theory with a healthy dose of agnosticism. In doing so biologists should equip themselves with a disclaimer that publicly admits that they cannot entirely attest to the veracity of the mathematics underlying the theory they are using or testing. The disclaimer will only help if it is accompanied by three responsibilities - stay bipartisan in a dispute among mathematicians, stay vigilant and help expose dissent among mathematicians, and make the biology larger than the mathematics. I must emphasize that my goal here is not to take sides in the on-going dispute over the mathematical validity of Hamilton's rule, indeed my goal is to argue that we should refrain from taking sides.

37 ref

003164   Fiore N;Zamorano A;Pino A M (Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas, Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile, Email: nfiore@uchile.cl) : Identification of phytoplasmas belonging to the ribosomal groups 16SrIII and 16SrV in chilean grapevines. Phytopath Mollicutes 2015, 5(1), 32-6.

Nested polymerase chain reaction assays using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1A/P7A and R16F2n/ R2 detected phytoplasmas in grapevine varieties Syrah and Superior in Chile showing yellows symptoms. Cloning, sequencing, and in silica restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses, allowed identification of phytoplasmas belonging to ribosomal subgroups 16SrV-A ('Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi'-related) and 16SrIII-J ('Ca. P., pruni'-related). This is the first report of these phytoplasmas in grapevine in Chile.

3 illus, 21 ref