019634   Chouhan S;Sharma S (NO, , Zoology Dep, GC Shimla, Himachal Pradesh-171 006, Email: chouhan.sh@gmail.com) : Renal damage: a possible role of diclofenac induced injury associated with altered acid phosphatase and collagen content in balb/c mice. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2014, 2(3), 116-24.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most popular classes of drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. NSAIDs interfere with certain metabolic pathways which are involved in formation of prostaglandins. The prostaglandins have been assigned many physiological roles including renal metabolism. Diclofenac, a NSAID, is prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions during different type of bone and muscle injuries. We hypothesized that other than treating different ailments, the drug can have some detrimental effects on kidney by possibly suppressing renal prostaglandins. To test this, Balb/c male mice were exposed to diclofenac sodium at dose rate of 10 mg/ kg/ body wt from 10-30 days. Collagen content of kidney was analyzed by estimating hydroxyproline content. Acid phosphatase was localized in renal tissue histochemically. Further, acid phosphatase was also assayed biochemically. A noteworthy hike in collagen concentration was noticed in diclofenac treated kidney throughout the study period (p <60> 0.05). Histochemical sections revealed initial decrease in acid phosphatase content with some localized areas of enzyme activity. Change in acid phosphatase content was accompanied by many pathological abnormalities. These findings were corroborated by biochemical results too.

3 illus, 42 ref

019633   Chen J;Yang M;Zhao K;Xu A;Huang Q (College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal Univ, Wuhan-430079, People's Republic of China, Email: huangqy@mail.ccnu.edu.cn) : Polymorphisms in FTO, TMEM18 and PCSK1 are associated with BMI in southern chinese population. J Genet 2014, 93(2), 509-12.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

019632   Barrandeguy M E;Garcia M V (Departamento de Genetica. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Quimicas y Nat, , Argentina, Email: ebarran@fceqyn.unam.edu.ar) : Quantifying genetic diversity: the starting point for population genetic studies using molecular markers. J Genet 2014, 93(2), 587-9.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

019631   Banerjee P;Singh B N (Genetics Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: bnsingh@bhu.ac.in) : Pattern of mating preference of interspecific hybrid females and phylogeny in the Drosophila bipectinata species complex. J Genet 2014, 93(2), 495-9.

^ssc1 table, 19 ref

018554   Vasanthakumari B;Mathew P M (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, Sree Ayyappa College of Women, Chunkankadai, Kanyakumari District-629 003, Email: vasantha.b.s.nair@gmail.com) : Public health impact of inbreeding in 15 communities of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 39-43.

The public health impact of inbreeding was evaluated from the data of consanguinity-associated mortality effect in 15 communities of Kanyakumari district. The impact was assessed in terms of 2 measures of association, the relative risk (RR) and attributable risk (AR). The RRs for total mortality ranged from 1.49 to 3.13, and the ARs from 0.13 to 0.42. Seven association types between the levels of inbreeding and of mortality were recognized. The impact was found to be the highest in communities under the Low-High types, (Nair, Nadar) and much less in those with high inbreeding rates, who were also socio-economically very underdeveloped. The negative trend although applies to most of the communities is not so in a few others. The risk of mortality exclusively due to inbreeding (AR) is very low in a few communities and fairly high in the others. The data also indicate negative association between inbreeding levels and ARs in some and positive in the others, the latter instance being suggestive of little role of long term inbreeding in eliminating deleterious recessive genes from their gene pool.

2 tables, 15 ref

018553   Tetik S;Kilic A;Aksoy H;Rizaner N;Ahmad S; Turay Yardimci K (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara Univ, Istanbul 34688, Turkey, Email: stetik@ciu.edu.tr) : Oxidative stress causes plasma protein modification. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 25-30.

Investigated the effect of oxidative systems on plasma proteins using Chloramine-T, a source of free radicals. Plasma specimens from 10 healthy volunteers were treated with 40 mmol/L Chloramine-T (1:1 v/v). Total protein and plasma carbonyl levels were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Identification of plasma proteins modifications was performed by SDS-PAGE, protein and lipid electrophoresis. Protein fragmentation was evaluated by HPLC. Total protein levels of oxidised plasmas were significantly lower (4.08 ± 0.12 g/dL) than control (7.86 ± 0.03 g/dL) (P <60>0.01). Plasma carbonyl levels were higher (1.94 ± 0.38 nmol/mg protein) in oxidised plasma than that of control (0.03 ± 0.01 nmol/mg protein) (P<60>0.01). Plasma oxidation had no significant effect on the levels of proteins and lipids. Protein fragmentations were detected in oxidised groups compared to those of the control. We conclude that protein modifications have direct effect on the protein functions, which are related to stress agent, its treatment period(s), and the methodology used for evaluating such experimental results.

4 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

018552   Singh S V;Singh P K;Naveen Kumar;Gupta S; Chaubey K K;Singh B;Srivastav A;Yadav S;Dhama K (Animal Health Div, Central Institute for Research on Goats (ICAR), Makhdoom, PO-Farah, Mathura, Email: shoorvir.singh@gmail.com) : Evaluation of goat based 'indigenous vaccine' against bovine johne's disease in endemically infected native cattle herds. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 16-24.

'Indigenous vaccine' prepared from 'Indian Bison Type' a native bio-type of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis strain 'S5' of goat origin (goat based) was evaluated in indigenous cattle herds located in gaushalas (cow shelters), endemic for Bovine Johne's disease. Cows (893) were randomly divided into vaccinated (702 = 626 adults + 76 calves) and control (191 = 173 adults + 18 calves) groups. Response to vaccination was evaluated on the basis of health (mortality, morbidity), productivity (growth rate, reproductive performance, total milk yield), immunological parameters (LTT, ELISA titer), survivability of animals naturally infected with MAP, bacterimia (by specific blood PCR), sero-conversion (by indigenous ELISA) and status of shedding of MAP in feces (by microscopy) in the two groups before and after vaccination. Reduction in MAP shedding [to the extent of 100% in Herd A; and from 82.1% (0 DPV) to 10.7% (270 DPV) in Herd C] was the major finding in vaccinated cows. Whereas, the control group cows have shown no improvement. As the first indicator of vaccine efficacy, MAP bacilli disappeared from the blood circulation as early as 15 days post vaccination, however, peak titers were achieved around 90 DPV. Peak titers initially declined slightly but were maintained later throughout the study period. Control animals did not show any pattern in antibody titers. Mortality was low in vaccinated as compared to the control groups. Vaccination of endemically infected native cattle herds with inactivated whole-cell bacterin of novel 'Indian Bison Type' bio-type of goat origin strain 'S5' effectively restored health and productivity and reduced clinical BJD. Application of goat based 'indigenous vaccine' for therapeutic management of BJD in native cattle herds (gaushalas) is the first of its kind.

5 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

018551   Shashank P R;Ojha R;Venkatesan T;Jalali S K; Bhanu K R M (Entomology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: spathour@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) based on mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase I and their phylogenetic relationship. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 51-5.

Shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis is an important insect pest infesting brinjal or eggplant in India. Molecular characterization of nine different populations belonging to various brinjal growing regions was done using Cytochorome C Oxidase I (COI) gene. Nucleotide analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of the COI indicate that the L. orbonalis from different geographical regions are homogenous. The results showed less nucleotide diversity (π = 0.007895) and overall mean distance (0.008±0.003). Topologies of neighbour-joining (NJ) trees indicate all the populations belong to single major clade. Therefore, it is inferred that there was no significant molecular diversity within L. orbonalis of different geographical locations of India with respect to COI.

4 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

018550   Rudramurthy G R;Sengupta P P;Metilda B; Balamurugan V;Prabhudas K;Rahman H (NO, Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance (PD, Hebbal, Bengaluru-560 024, Email: pinakiprasad_s@rediffmail.com) : Development of an enzyme immunoassay using recombinant invariant surface glycoprotein (rISG) 75 for serodiagnosis of bovine trypanosomosis. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 7-15.

Trypanosomosis or surra is caused by the haemoflagellate parasite, Trypanosoma evansi and is an important disease of animals, including domestic and wild herbivores and carnivores, in tropical countries. The invariant surface glycoproteins (ISGs) are blood stream stage specific and are uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the trypanosomes. In the present study, the extracellular domain (ED) region of ISG-75 from T. evansi, consisting of 1320 nt, encoding a polypeptide of 440 amino acids, has been heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Further, the immunoreactivity of recombinant ISG-75 (rISG-75) was characterized in immunoblot and ELISA using T. evansi hyper immune sera raised in experimental animals. The protein was found immunoreactive when compared with a panel of antigens (VSG RoTat 1.2 and whole cell lysate) using bovine serum samples from field. The diagnostic potential of rISG-75 was evaluated in ELISA with large number of bovine field serum samples. The optimum sensitivity and specificity were 98.47 and 99.1, respectively. The present finding showed that the expressed protein has potential use in the serodiagnosis of trypanosomosis.

6 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

018549   Ranju R;Bindu L;Jayaprakas V (Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, Kerala Univ, Karyavattom, Trivandrum-695 581) : Reports of some freeliving protozoans from Vembanad lake, an important ramsar site, Kerala, India. J envir Sociobiol 2013, 10(2), 109-12.

This communication gives an account of 14 species of testate amoebae (Rhizopoda: Protozoa) and three species of ciliates, collected from the Karaparambil near Vaikom Road (Kottayam district) in the estuarine sector of the Vembanad Lake, which is an important Ramsar site covering 3 districts of Kerala, namely, Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. This communication appears to be the first report of the freeliving protozoans from this lake.

14 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

018548   Parmar A;Gautam D C (Biosciences Dep, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: dcgautam_hpu@hotmail.com) : Cytology of Clarias batrachus (Teleostei: clariidae). J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 139-41.

The karyotype and chromosomal characteristics of a walking fish Clarias batrachus were investigated. C. batrachus with 2n = 52 was found to have a standard karyotype. The diploid complement consists of 8 pairs of metacentric chromosomes, 5 pairs of submetacentric chromosomes, 4 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes and 9 pairs of telocentric chromosomes.

2 illus, 10 ref

018547   Mamta;Mehrotra S;Amitabh;Kirar V;Vats P;Paul Nandi S;Negi P S;Misra K (NO, Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Science, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054, Email: kmisra99@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of Himalayan Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 36-43.

This study evaluated the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities and also quantified bioactive nucleoside using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) of five extracts of Indian Himalayan Cordyceps sinensis prepared with different solvents employing accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) technique. The phytochemical potential of these extracts was quantified in terms of total phenolic and total flavonoid content while antioxidant activities were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total reducing power (TRP) was determined by converting iron (III) into iron (II) reduction assay. CS_50%Alc (15.1+ 0.67mg/g of dry extract) and CS_100%Alc (19.3 + 0.33mg/g of dry extract) showed highest phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively while CS_Aq extract showed maximum antioxidant activity and the highest concentration of the three nucleosides (adenine 12.8±0.49 mg/g, adenosine 0.36±0.28 mg/g and uracil 0.14±0.36 mg/g of dry extract) determined by HPTLC. The evaluation of extracts for antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains showed CS_25%Alc, CS_75%Alc and CS_100%Alc extract to be more effective against E. coli, P. aerugenosa and B. subtilis giving 9, 7 and 6.5 mm of zone of inhibition (ZOI) in 93.75, 93.75 and 45 μg concentration, respectively, whereas CSAq extract showed minimal inhibition against these.

3 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

018546   Kumar E;Usha K;Ramana B V;Chaudhury A;Sai Gopal D V R (Virology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati) : Prevalence of Acinetobacter species and its antibiogram pattern in a tertiary care hospital, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(1), 352-8.

Acinetobacter species were isolated and identified by standard methods. For isolated cultures antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by the standard disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion method). The total number of Acinetobacter species isolated during one year period was 235 (79.93%) from 294 NFGNB. The Acinetobacter species was predominant in catheter tip 95 (40.42%) followed by pus 42 (17.87%), samples. This study shows first-rate susceptibility to tigecycline (100%) and followed by imipenem 73.18%. This study states that there is an emergence of Acinetobacter species with increased rate of multidrug resistance in the area of study. Hence, it is important to determine Acinetobacter species form NFGNB in the neglected area and do further antibiotic susceptibility test for accurate treatment.

22 ref

018545   Kokilamani A L;Ramakrishna S;Venu G; Venkatachalaiah G (Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: srkbuz@ymail.com) : Karyotypic studies in margarodid coccoid, Icerya aegyptiaca (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 15-21.

Chromosome morphology during gametogenesis in an hermaphroditic Iceryine, Icerya aegyptiaca has been described. The females have the chromosome complement of 2n = 4 and males with n = 2. The application of silver nitrate staining revealed the presence of unequal-sized, macer-shaped prominent NOR bands at variable regions of each homologue along the entire length of the longer chromosomal pair. However, C-positive band is seen occupying the telomeric region of each chromosome in the complement.

12 illus, 21 ref

018544   Khomdram S;Arambam S;Devi G S (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Manipur-795 003, Email: sam.tamo@yahoo.com ) : Nutritional profiling of two underutilized wild edible fruits Elaeagnus pyriformis and Spondias pinnata. Ann agric Res 2014, 35(2), 129-35.

Many wild and underutilized edible fruits belonging to different families are found in the remote North- Eastern state of Manipur, India. These fruits may serve as natural source of food supplement to the human beings. Two wild edible underutilized fruits Elaeagnus pyriformis of Elaeagnaceae and Spondias pinnata of Anacardiaceae families were found to have very high nutrient compositions suitable for human health with medicinal properties. Standard protocols for biochemical analysis were employed for nutrient analyses. Spondias pinnata has showed potential contents of antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ 518μg ml-1), ascorbic acid (87mg100g^{-1) and protein of 18.20mg100g-1. While total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and non- reducing sugar was high in Elaeagnus pyriformis with values of 33.9mg100g-1, 17.8mg100g-1 and 16.1mg100g-1 respectively. Significant correlation was observed between ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of both the fruits. Slightly acidic of medium pH with 77.23% and 82.02% moisture content was recorded in Spondias pinnata and Elaeagnus pyriformis respectively. The work is a brief highlight on these two wild fruits to generate information about their favorable nutritive values as compared to well known fruits.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

018543   Jaswal A;Shukla S (Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: profsshukla@gmail.com) : Therapeutic efficacy of Nigella sativa Linn. seed extract against CCl₄ induced hepatic injury in wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 44-50.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intake damages liver. We evaluated therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds against CCl₄ induced liver damage in rats. The hepatic damage induced by CCl₄ @ 1.5 mL/kg, ip was evidenced by a significant increase in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, protein and urea lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as reduction in hepatic antioxidant system e.g. reduced glutathione. Hepatic total protein and glucose-6-phosphatase activity were found decreased. Histological studies substantiated the above biochemical findings. However, after 48 h of administration of aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, po) it not only detoxified the toxicity but also reversed LPO, GSH, AST, ALT and serum protein changes at all the three doses. Both higher doses of extract were found effective in monitoring urea, albumin, total protein and G-6-Pase activity. However, on the basis of percent protection highest dose i.e., 750 mg/kg proved better. The result suggests that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.

6 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

018542   Goda E A;El-Awady M S;Eissa L A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura Univ, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt) : NADPH oxidase inhibition protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and inflammation in rats. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(1), 459-70.

Cardiac injury is a major limitation generated by the oxidative stress induced through clinical use of the anticancer doxorubicin. This study investigates whether the inhibition of NADPH oxidase by apocynin can protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and compare it to the powerful antioxidant (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with apocynin (10 mg/kg/daily, i.p.) or EGCG (50 mg/kg/daily, i.p.) for 7 days. Doxorubicin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) single bolus was given on day 4. Blood samples and hearts were collected for measurement of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB isozyme (CK-MB), cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological examination. Doxorubicin induced significant elevations in CK-MB, LDH, and cTnI by 290, 309 and 3750% respectively compared to control. Inflammation, indicated by CRP level, and lipid peroxidation, indicated by cardiac MDA level, were elevated by doxorubicin to 580 and 195% respectively. There were no significant changes in histopathological examination of the heart after doxorubicin administration. Apocynin significantly attenuated the doxorubicin-induced elevations in CK-MB, LDH, cTnI, CRP and MDA. EGCG had no significant effect on LDH, cTnI and CRP, but significantly attenuated the doxorubicin-induced elevation in CK-MB and MDA. These data indicates that inhibition of NADPH oxidase, as the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cardiovascular system, by apocynin can protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Conversely, scavenging of doxorubicin-induced ROS by the antioxidant EGCG is less effective and cannot prevent doxorubicininduced cardiotoxicity in rats.

21 ref

018541   Fazal S;Manzoor F;Latif A A (Zoology Dep, Lahore College of Women Univ, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: doc_farkhanda@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of essential oil from common medicinal plants against Culex quinquefasciatus Larvae (Dipera: Culicidae) in Pakistan. Asian J Chem 2014, 26(9), 2661-3.

Five essential oils from various parts of plant species E. citriodora, P. harmala, A. indica, C. nucifera and Turpentine were investigated for their larvicidal properties against Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Twenty late 3rd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were collected from the insectaria and exposed to different concentrations of essential oils ranging from 1.95-1000 ppm. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h under the laboratory conditions. Results showed that the highest larvicidal activity was in Turpentine oil against Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) with the LC₅₀ values 63.8 ppm. However the LC₅₀ values for E. citriodora, P. harmala, A. indica, C. nucifera were 165.51, 85.91, 207.56 and 338.58 ppm, respectively. It was concluded that five essential oils which were distilled from E. citriodora, P. harmala, A. indica, C. nucifera and Turpentine had remarkable larvicidal properties, which may be considered as a potent source for the production of natural larvicides which would be environmentally safe and alternative to synthetic insecticides.

2 tables, 11 ref

018540   Chirino M G;Rossi L F;Bressa M J;Luaces J P; Merani M S (Laboratorio de Biologia Cromosomica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Email: mchirino@ege.fcen.uba.ar) : Dipteran chromosomes: a simple method for obtaining high quality chromosomal preparations. Curr Sci 2014, 107(11), 1792-4.

For cytogenetic studies it is necessary to develop an efficient method of chromosome preparation with wellpreserved and dispersed chromosomes and little or no cell-wall debris. In this study, we describe a method for obtaining high quality chromosomal preparations of dipteran cells. This procedure combines drop method and air-dry technique and produces a cell suspension with separated and mixed cells. Suspended mitotic cells were then dropped onto a glass slide in order to distribute the cytoplasm and spread the chromosomes.We compare and evaluate different chromosome preparation methods to develop a more reliable procedure for the resolution of chromosome characteristics and chromosome bandings in blow fly mitotic chromosomes. The combined drop and air-dry technique described here is convenient for identification of sex chromosomes. Using this protocol, acceptable high-quality chromosomal spreads with flattened cells and no cell debris, and without damage and/or loss of chromosomes were obtained.

1 illus, 21 ref

018539   Asuntha G;Raju Y P;Sundaresan C R;Rasheed A; Chowdary V H;Vandana K R;Babu K S;Prasad K V S R G (Pharmacy Dep, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, A. Rangampet, Tirupati-517 102, Email: kanishka9002@gmail.com) : Effect of Argemone mexicana (L.) against lithium-pilocarpine induced Status epilepticus and oxidative stress in wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(1), 31-5.

Argemone mexicana (L.) has a role in the treatment of epileptic disorders in Indian traditional system of medicine. We studied its effect on induced status epilepticus (SE) and oxidative stress in rats. SE was induced in male albino rats by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, ip) 24 h after injection of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, ip). Different doses of the ethanol extract of A. mexicana were administered orally 1 h before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of SE was observed and recorded every 15 min for 90 min and thereafter at every 30 min for another 90 min, using the Racine scoring system. In vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured utilizing thiobarbiturate-reactive substances. Both in vitro free radical nitric oxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities of the extract were also determined. The SE severity was significantly reduced following oral administration of the extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses. None of the animals from groups 3 to 5 (with A. mexicana extract) have exhibited forelimb clonus of stage 4 seizure. The extract also exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activities.

2 illus, 21 ref

018538   Anupriya;Gautam D C (Biosciences Dep, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: dcgautam_hpu@hotmail.com) : Cytology of san jose scale insect Quadraspidiotus perniciosus comst.. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 135-7.

Karyotype of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Diaspididae) commonly called San Jose scale has been studied. The haploid chromosome number is 4. The chromosome length ranges from 1.9 to 2.4 μm with the total length of the haploid complement being 8.66 μm. Relative length of chromosomes ranged from 21.88 to 27.68. Idiogram reveals a gradual decrease in chromosome size.

3 illus, 10 ref

018537   Ammar E M;Abdel-Rahman R S;Nader M A;El-Awady M S (Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura Univ, Mansoura 35516, Egypt) : Hydrogen sulfide attenuates aconitine and barium chloride induced cardiac arrhythmias in rats. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(1), 8-21.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous gaseous messenger suggested to regulate cardiovascular functions. This study evaluates the possible protective effect of H₂S in aconitine and barium chloride (BaCl₂) models of arrhythmias in rats. The effects of sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS, i.v.) on electrocardiograph (ECG) patterns, biochemical cardiac markers (creatine kinase-MB isozyme and cardiac troponin I), cardiac histopathology and aconitine (30μg/kg, i.v.) and BaCl₂ (15 mg/kg, i.v.) - induced arrhythmias were studied in rats. NaHS significantly decreased heart rate at doses of 3, 4, and 6, but not 0.8 and 1.2 mg/kg. Aconitine caused 100% ventricular tachycardia (VT), 80% ventricular fibrillation (VF), and 60% mortality after 26±5 sec. NaHS (0.8 mg/kg, i.v.) pretreatment significantly decreased the VT, VF and mortality to 62.5, 25, and 0% respectively and delayed the occurrence of VT by 349±2 sec. Similarly, BaCl₂ caused 75% VF and 37.5% mortality after 18 ± 8 sec. NaHS (0.8 mg/kg i.v.) pretreatment significantly decreased VF to 50% without affecting mortality rate. Moreover, NaHS (0.8 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 3 days) had no significant effects on ECG patterns, cardiac biomarkers or histopathology. Our results indicate that H₂S has a protective role against arrhythmias without affecting ECG patterns, cardiac biomarkers or histopathology.

26 ref

017576   Varma A;Sowjanya Sree K;Arora M;Bajaj R; Prasad R;Kharkwal A C (Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity Univ, Sector 125, Noida-201 303, Email: ajitvarma@amity.edu) : Functions of novel symbiotic fungus - Piriformospora indica. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(2), 429-41.

A unique endophytic fungus, Piriformospora indica, isolated from the hot Thar desert, shows beneficial symbiotic associations with a wide range of host plants. This fungus promotes growth of the host plant in terms of seed germination,seedling growth, early flowering, enhanced fruiting and increase in the content of value addition products e.g.secondary metabolites. One of the possible mechanisms which explain these benefits is fungus-facilitated increase in the uptake of nutrients and minerals. Fungal inoculation also protects the plant from various abiotic and biotic stresses.Although the fungus was isolated from hot sand dunes, it equally works in the cold deserts of Leh-Ladakh. The interaction of this root endophyte with other Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria was also investigated. To enhance the shelf life of the fungus and for its wide application by the farmers, a powder formulation has been developed with the registered trademark,Rootonic. The formulation has shown a very positive impact on plant productivity during field trials in Northern India.

^iia10 illus, 3 tables, 57 ref

017575   Tanga P T;Hendricks E (Social Work Dep, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Email: ptangwe@ufh.ac.za) : Perception of the effectiveness of school sex education as a means of reducing pregnancies in South Africa: the case of the blue crane route municipality, South Africa. J hum Ecol 2014, 48(2), 275-83.

Adolescent pregnancy is a growing concern amongst students across South Africa. This causes high rates of school drop-outs curbing the chances of success and independence for many adolescent females. Sex education forms part of the life orientation curriculum and has been put in place as a method of reducing the escalation of pregnancy by the Department of Education. This paper is based on a Master of Social Work degree dissertation whose aim was to explore the perception of the effectiveness of sex education in reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. Qualitative data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were collected from students, social workers and life orientation educators. Data were analysed thematically and was supported by appropriate literature. The findings revealed that sex education is not effective in reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. The rate of adolescent pregnancy in schools has increased since 2007 when the curriculum of sex education was introduced.

32 ref

017574   Singh V K;Shukla S;Chaturvedi A (Dairy Microbiology, Warner School of Food and Dairy Technology Sam Higginbottom Institute, Allahabad-211 007) : Study the incidence of Bacillus cereus isolates from dairy foods. Pharma Innovation 2015, 3(12), 41-3.

Among 200 selected dairy samples 50 each of pasteurized milk, cream, butter and paneer were analyzed for the presence of Bacillus cereus the paneer samples were found to have the highest incidence of Bacillus cereus (52.94%) followed by cream sample (29.41%) and pasteurized milk sample (17.64%) however none of the butter samples were found to be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. These isolates were found to be gram positive bacilli with spores, they were found to ferment sucrose, glucose, dextrose; they gave the positive result for NO₃ reduction, oxidize, catalase, and for starch hydrolysis.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

017573   Singh S;Mohanjit Kaur;Amarjeet Singh;Bimlesh Kumar (Research Scholar, Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab) : Pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer potential of heartwood of Santalum album in rats. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 140-53.

Santalum album(L.) (Santalaceae) is a tropical evergreen small tree that grows in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia. The affiliation of word Santalum comes from the Medieval Latin Sandalum. It is highly esteemed in India and is one of the trees of the Buddhist Heaven.Ethanolic extraction and preliminary phytochemical screening of Santalum album were carried out using well established protocols and methods. The extract was used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema model and cotton pellet induced granuloma model. The potential anti-ulcer activity was assessed using pylorus ligation induced ulcer model. Ethanolic extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg dose caused 27.38 and 44.04% inhibition of inflammation in carrageenan induced paw edema model while it inhibited the dry granuloma by 21.70 and 46.38% respectively. In pylorus ligation induced ulcer, both the doses of the extract significantly reduced gastric volume, free acidity and total acidity, while increased the gastric pH. The percentage protection against ulcer was found to be 39.02 and 53.65% at 250 and 500 mg/kg of extract respectively. The reported results support and justify the traditional use of extract of heartwood of Samtalum album for the treatment of inflammation and ulcer.

5 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

017572   Singh A;Mishra S (Human Development and Family Studies Dep, School for Home Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Univ, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh, Email: shweetannu.singh143@gmail.com ) : Participation in yoga classes among school going children. Asian J Home Sci 2014, 9(1), 253-6.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the participation in yoga classes among school going children in Uttar Pradesh, Academic year of 2012-2013. The present study was conducted at Lucknow distrct in Uttar Pradesh. The samples were selected through purposive random sampling.60 students of Private school were involved in the study.Sixty student of age group between 13 to 16 years comprised the sample of the study.Self- made questionnaire were distributed among the School students to get information. This study examines that yoga is one of the most outcomes of physical fitness, mental fitness and emotional fitness of daily life.yoga and mindfulness training are examples of less traditional methods being explored to help children manage this stress including academic performance, discipline, attendance and students' attitudes about themselves at the school.

4 illus, 4 tables, 4 ref

017571   Sharief M N;Srinivasulu A;Veni P S; (Biochemistry Dep, Lakshmi Women's Degree & P G College, Kakinada) : Screening and evaluation for antibacterial and antioxidant potentials in stem extract of Derris trifoliata L. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(2), 424-35.

Stem infusions of Derris trifoliata L (DT) finds a prominent place in folk medicine. In this study, we qualitatively screened the ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of OT stem for secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Biological activities such as antioxidant and antibacterial potentials were also quantified in these extracts, Methods: Phytochemicals in the respective solvent extracts of OT were determined by standard procedures. Total antioxidant activity was quantified Spectrophotometrically by FRAP assay. Antibacterial strength was assessed against selected 6 bacterial species Escherichia coli (MTCC 7410), Enterobacter aerogenes (MTCC 7324), Enterobacter cloacae (MTCC 7408), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 736), Enterococcus faecalis (MTCC9845), and Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 1928) by agar well diffusion method and compared with gentamicin and tetracyclin. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] was determined by serial dilution method. Results: Phytochemical screening showed that the crude extracts were found to be positive to alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was expressed as FRAP units and it varies amid the solvents used, Methanol extracts showed highest level of antioxidant activity (632), while ethyl acetate extract was identified to contain lower antioxidant activity (196). Extracts of DT exhibited different degrees of anti bacterial activity and varied from solvent to solvent. Among the extracts, methanol extract exhibited maximum antibacterial activity against the tested gram positive species than that of gram negative cultures. The MIC values were found to be between 1.25 to 5mg/100μl. This study provides the necessary data for isolation and characterization of bioactive principles that possess the antioxidant and antibacterial activity from different extracts of DT stem.

36 ref

017570   Santosh Kumar;Sunil Kumar;Punekar N S (NO, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, Email: nsp@iitb.ac.in) : Characterization of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Aspergillus niger. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(2), 67-74.

Catabolism of fungal 4-aminobutyrate (GABA) occurs via succinic semialdehyde (SSA). Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) from the acidogenic fungus Aspergillus niger was purified from GABA grown mycelia to the highest specific activity of 277 nmol min^{-1mg-1, using phenyl Sepharose and DEAE Sephacel chromatography. The purified enzyme was specific for its substrates SSA and NAD+. The substrate inhibition observed with SSA was uncompetitive with respect to AD+. While product inhibition by succinate was not observed, NADH inhibited the enzyme competitively with respect to NAD+ and noncompetitively with respect to SSA. Dead-end inhibition by AMP and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (pHB) was analyzed. The pHB inhibition was competitive with SSA and uncompetitive with NAD+; AMP competed with NAD+. Consistent with the kinetic data, a sequential, ordered Bi Bi mechanism is proposed for this enzyme.}

8 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

017569   Saadeldin I M;Elsayed A;Kim S J;Moon J H;Lee B C (Theriogenology and Biotechnology Dep, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary S, Seoul-151 742, South Korea, Email: bclee@snu.ac.kr ) : Spatial model showing differences between juxtacrine and paracrine mutual oocyte-granulosa cells interactions. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(2), 75-81.

Bidirectional communication between oocytes and granulosa cells are mediated by several factors via a local feedback loop(s). The current model was carried out to study the spatial mutual interaction of porcine denuded oocytes and granulosa cells either in direct contact (juxtacrine) or paracrine co-culture using transwell system. Transwell 0.4 μm polyester membrane inserts were used to permit oocytes-granulosa cells paracrine communication with a distance of 2 mm between them in co-culture. Oocytes were cultured with granulosa cells in a defined basic maturation medium for 44 h. In results, oocyte secreted factors (OSFs; GDF9 and BMP15) temporal expression showed progressive decrement by the end of culture in case of direct contact with granulosa cells while it was increased progressively in the paracrine co-culture groups. However, oocytes that were cultured in direct contact showed a significant increase in blastocyst development after parthenogenetic activation than the paracrine co-cultured ones (20% vs. 11.5%, respectively). By the end of culture, granulosa cell count in direct contact showed a significant decrease than the indirect co-culture group (1.2 x 10^{5 cell/mL vs. 2.1 x 105 cell/mL, respectively). Steroids (P4 and E2) and steriodogenesis enzymes mRNA levels showed significant temporal alterations either after 22 h and 44 h of IVM in both juxtacrine and paracrine co-culture systems (P≤0.05). CX43 was much more highly expressed in the granulosa of the direct contact group than the indirect co-culture group. These results indicate the difference in mutual communication between oocytes and granulosa cells that were cocultured either in direct contact (juxtacrine) or with a short distance (paracrine) and propose a new paradigm to study different ovarian follicular cells interaction.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

017568   Pal M;Datta S;Mandol M (Biochemistry Dep, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan-713 104) : Antioxidant property of aminophyline in Rat brain. Al Ameen J med Sci 2015, 8(1), 22-7.

Free radicals being considered an important component of secondary damage during ischemia, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases in the CNS. Aminophylline has been reported to possess free radical scavenging effect in lung tissue. But there is no information regarding aminophylline's neuroprotective effect against lipid peroxidation in the brain. The present study was to locate the region of brain that is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and also aimed at investigating the antioxidant action of aminophylline in rat brain homogenates against in vitro induced lipid peroxidation. Male Wister rats (n = 34) were randomly selected and divided into three groups. The whole rat brains all rats were homogenized in 1:10 cold Tris-HCl buffer by using homogenizer. Peroxidation was induced with ferrous iron (Fe^{2+), ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in Group I (n = 12). Aminophylline was added into the reaction mixtures just before the induction of peroxidation in Group III (n = 12). The highest lipid peroxidation was obtained with Fe2+, Ascorbate and H₂O₂-induced group and aminophylline showed definite free radical scavenging effect on rat brain. Analysis of the results demonstrated that aminophylline has no antioxidant effect on rat brain and spinal cord homogenates in vitro. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the free radical scavenging effect of aminophylline.}

2 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

017567   Majiya H M;Niranjan Kumar (Faculty of Natural Sciences, Microbiology Dep, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria) : Site directed mutagenesis as an efficient way to enhance structural and spectral properties of green fluorescence protein. Indian J Life Sci 2014, 3(2), 9-14.

Site directed mutagenesis is an efficient way of introducing desired mutations in proteins including Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP). The fluorescence of GFP is due to excitation of double bonds within the amino acid chain at positions 65-67 (Serine-Tyrosine-Glycine) and changes in these amino acid residues in or near these positions can produce mutant GFP with variant fluorescence and spectral properties. In this work, site directed mutagenesis was used to create desired mutations; F64L (replacement of phenylalanine 64 with leucine) and S65T (replacement of serine 65 with threonine) in wild type GFP converting it to enhanced GFP that was expressed by auto-induction. Mass spectroscopy and fluorimetry were used to determine the molecular mass and fluorescence intensity respectively of the mutant protein. Themutations have enhanced the structural and spectral properties of the protein.

6 illus, 15 ref

017566   Maachia S B;Rafik E;Ch‚rif M;Nandal P; Mohapatra T;Bernard P (Laboratoire d'Horticulture, Centre R‚gional de Recherche en Agricultur, , 2260, D‚gache, Tozeur, Tunisia, Email: bernard.paul@u-bourgogne.fr) : Biological control of the grapevine diseases `grey mold' and `powdery mildew' by Bacillus B27 and B29 strains. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(2), 109-15.

Uncinula necator and Botrytis cinerea are the most destructive pathogens of the grapevine in Tunisia and elsewhere. We used two strains of Bacillus subtilis group, B27 and B29 to control powdery mildew and the grey mold disease of the grapevine. Green house experiments showed that B29 and B27 strains of the bacteria efficiently reducedthe severity of powdery mildew up to 50% and 60%, respectively. Further, they decreased Botrytis cinerea development on grape leaf by 77% and 99%, respectively. The mode of action has been shown to be chitinolytic. These two bacteria showed significant production of total proteins discharged into the culture medium. Determination of some chitinolytic enzymes revealed the involvement of N-acetyl glucosaminidase (Nagase), the chitin-1,4-chitobiosidase (Biase) and endochitinase in degrading the mycelium of B. cinerea.

7 illus, 17 ref

017565   Karnam S S;Ghosh R C;Mondal S (Veterinary Pathology Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Raipur-491 001, Email: vetsamiran@gmail.com) : Effect on body weight and feed consumption of bisphenol - a induced subacute toxicity in rats. Explor Anim med Res 2014, 4(2), 228-34.

Subacute toxicity study of Bisphenol-A was conducted to investigate its toxic potential and as well as impact on mammals using wistar rat. The doses chosen were 50, 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight for group III, IV and V respectively and group II served as vehicle control and group I was negative control. Relative weights of different organs differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Feed consumption and body weight were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in the rats of group III, IV and V in dose dependant manner. It has toxic potential to induce anorexia.

3 tables, 25 ref

017564   Kaple M N;Kale A C;Khatri V;Vagga A;Chalak S; Reddy M V R (Biochemistry Dep, JNMC, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra) : Protein and sialic acid profile of normozoospermia and oligozoospermia. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 183-92.

Male infertility presents a common problem all over the world and affects approximately 15% of all couples of the reproductive age group. The reasons are various; some of them are subnormal quality of sperms because of defective sperm morphology, motility disorders and abnormal DNA fragmentation and genetic compositions. The objectives of the study were to find out the various proteins present in the sperms and to find difference of expressed proteins between normal and oligospermic males. Method: Total 80 patients were studied, 40 of oligozoospermia and 40 of normozoospermia. Protein analysis was done by SDS PAGE and molecular weights were determined. Sialic Acid estimation was done by Periodate resorcinol assay Results:In normozoospermia, the proteins with a molecular weight between 10 to 93 kDa were isolated. In oligozoospermia the proteins with a molecular weight between 8 to 93 kDa were isolated. 57 kDa protein in normozoospermic while 78 kDa in oligozoospermic patients were expressed predominantly. The mean concentration of Sialic acid in Normozoospermia was 141.87 ± 36.97 mg/dl and 56.81 ± 13.10 mg/dl in Oligozoospermics. No specific difference or specific pattern in the expression of proteins between two groups could be found. Conclusions: Protein with molecular weight of 57 kDa may be considered as the protein of fertility and 78 kDa as the protein of infertility

3 tables, 47 ref

017563   Jeena K;Liju V B;Kuttan R (Biochemistry Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur-680 555) : Amelioration of aflatoxin B₁ toxicity in ducklings by ginger essential oil. Amala Res Bull 2014, 34, 62-7.

Study evaluated the ability of ginger essential oil (GEO) to counteract the toxic effects of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on growth, organ weight, hematological and serum biochemical parameters in one-day old ducklings. Consumption of AFB₁ decreased the body weight of ducklings which was improved upon feeding with GEO (500 mg/kg b.wt). Relative organ weights of liver, thymus, bursa of fabricius, and spleen decreased whereas there was an increase in the weight of kidneys in aflatoxin B₁ fed ducks. These ducklings also had decreased hemoglobin, platelet and WBC counts. Adding GEO to the diet improved the relative weights as well as the hematological parameters. Ducklings fed with AFB₁ also had reduced blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels and increased activities of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT. Feeding with GEO increased the activities of renal function parameters and liver function indices in serum. The results indicate that feeding with GEO could considerably reverse the effects of aflatoxicosis in ducklings.

3 tables, 10 ref

017562   Hirapure P;Pote M (State Reference laboratory, Microbiology Dep, Govt Medical College, Latur (MS) Maharashtra) : Antimicrobial activity of nyctanthes arbor-ristis linn on few clinical isolates. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(2), 80-5.

Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. belonging to family Oleaceae is a well known medicinal plant. Present work taken to study the comparative antimicrobial activity of stem bark extract, root bark extract and leaf extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis on few clinical isolates. The test organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis , Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The zone of inhibition of the various plant part extracts were determined and compared with the standard drugs ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. The chloroform extract was found to have both antibacterial and antifungal activity whereas the ethanol extracts possess only antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial activity of leaf extract more effective for bacteria followed by root bark extract and stem bark extract while root bark extract most effective on fungal pathogens as compare to leaf extract and stem bark extrct.

12 ref

017561   Gunasekaran S;Vijay T;Sarumathy K;Palani S; Panneerselvam R P S;Srinivasan V (NO, Manonmanium Sunderanar Univ, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Email: skpmguna@gmail.com) : Phytoconstituents evaluation by GC MS and therapeutic efficacy of grewiaum bellifera on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Rats. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2013, 4(2), 2380-6.

Grewiaum bellifera is an Indian traditional medicinal plant of the Tiliaceae family. The aerial plant part extract is much more useful in treatment like spleen damage, liver complications and cardio disorders. The rats were treated orally with the extract of Grewiaum bellifera at 250mg and 500 mg / kg body wt.for 28days. Biochemical parameters viz. fasting blood glucose, blood urea, serum creatinine and total cholesterol were analyzed. Phytocontituents like Triterpene, Asarone, Diterpene, linoleic acid ester, Flavonoid compound, Steroid compound were present in GCMS analysis. It was also observed that fasting blood glucose showed a significant decrease at a dose of 500mg/kg body wt. (From 280.8 ± 2.29 to 118.8 ± 3.99mg/dl) when compared with that of standard drug glibenclamide. The results shows in this study clearly indicates that the extract possess anti-hyperglycemic activity and may be promising for the development of phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

017560   Goyal A K (Zoology Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: atlgyl@gmail.com) : Studies on phantom vibration and ringing syndrome among postgraduate students. Indian J community Hlth 2015, 27(1), 35-40.

Phantom vibrations and ringing of mobile phones are prevalent hallucinations in the general population. They might be considered as a normal brain mechanism. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of Phantom vibrations and ringing syndrome among students and to assess factors associated it. The survey of 300 postgraduate students belonging to different field of specialization was conducted at Kurukshetra University. 74% of students were found to have both Phantom vibrations and ringing syndrome. Whereas 17% of students felt Phantom vibration exclusively and 4% students face only Phantom ringing syndrome. Both the syndrome occurs more fervent in students who kept their mobile phone in shirt or jean pocket than to who kept mobile in handbag. 75% of students felt vibration or ringing even when the phone is switched off or phone was not in their pocket. Also the frequency of both the syndrome is directly proportional to the duration of mobile phone use and person emotional behavior. Although most of students agree that the Phantom syndrome did not bother them but some students deals with anxiety when they feel symptoms associated with Phantom syndrome. By using mobile phones in proper way, one can avoid these syndromes, or at least can ameliorate the symptoms.

4 illus, 12 ref

017559   Ghosh C;Prakash N R;Manna S K;Bishayi B (Physiology Dep, Immunology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 009, Email: biswadevbishayi4@gmail.com) : Presence of Toll Like Receptor-2 in spleen, lymph node and thymus of Swiss albino mice and its modulation by Staphylococcus aureus and bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(2), 82-92.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a family of pattern recognition receptors identifying pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They play a critical role in the innate immune response during the initial interaction between the infecting microorganism and phagocytic cells. Here, we verified the presence of TLR-2 in spleen, lymph node and thymus of Swiss albino mice and their modulation after infection with Staphylococcus aureusand Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. It was seen that TLR-2 gene transcribed to its respective mRNA on S. aureus infection, in thymus, spleen and lymph node of mice but their levels and mode of expression varied. When challenged with LPS no prominent changes in the expression of TLR-2 receptor was observed but its expression increased gradually with time in the thymus, spleen and lymph node of S. aureus infected mice. TLR-2 expression was also found enhanced in infected splenic macrophages. By studying the serum cytokine profile the functionality of the receptor was measured. The results indicate the presence of TLR-2 in thymus, spleen and lymph node of Swiss albino strain of mice and that they are modulated by S. aureus.

7 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

017558   Fu Z;Lin S;Chen S;Xian X;Wang C (NO, School of Science, Xi'an Univ of Architecture and Technology, No. 13, Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, People's Republic of China) : Investigation of quasi-one-dimensional finite phononic crystal with conical section. Pramana J Phys 2014, 83(6), 1003-13.

In this paper, we studied the propagation of elastic longitudinal waves in quasi-onedimensional (1D) finite phononic crystal with conical section, and derived expressions of frequencyresponse functions. It is found that, contrary to the 1D phononic crystal with a constant section, the value of attenuation inside the band gaps decreases quickly when cross-sectional area increases, and the initial frequency also decreases, but the cut-off frequency increases, thus the width of the band gap increases. The effects of lattice constant and the filling fraction on the band gap are also analysed, and the change trends of the initial frequency and cut-off frequency are consistent with those of constant section. It is shown that the results using this method are in good agreement with the results analysed by the finite element software, ANSYS.We hope that the results will be helpful in practical applications of phononic crystals.

7 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

017557   Eliwa H A;El-Denshary E S;Nada S A;Elyamany M F;Omara E A;Asaaf N (Pharmacology & Toxicology Dep, MISR University for Science & Technology, ) : Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of whey proteins on the hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol and alcohol co-administration in Rats. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(2), 295-314.

Hepatotoxidty induced by oral co-administration of paracetamol (APAP) (500 mg / kg) and alcohol (5 ml/ kg) to each rat for two and four weeks .On the other hand, oral administration of whey protein isolate (WPI), alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) and beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) are used as therapeutic agents, in two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg) after induction of hepatotoxicity in both two and four weeks ,then liver tissue and blood sample collected. Oral administrated of APAP (500 mg / kg) and alcohol (5 ml/ kg) for two and four weeks increare in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). While, oral administration of WPI, α-LA and β-LG after APAP and alcohol resulted in reduction in serum AST and ALT activities, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α-) and hepatic lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA),while increase oxidative stress biomarkers (hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutare (SOD). Histopathological examination Slowed disruption of normal architecture, mononuclear cellular infiltration. After treatment with WPI, α-LA and β-LG, remarkable improvement in histological structure of liver tissues was obrerved. Induction of hepatotoxidty by APAP and alcohol improved by oral administration of whey protein (WP), α-Lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) after two and four weeks in rats .

53 ref

017556   Divatar M;Prabhakar M;Lingappa K (Post Graduate Studies and Research in Microbiology Dep, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga-585 106) : Evaluation of bioprocess, raw materials and conditions for the production of L-glutaminase by Pseudomonas sp. KLM9. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 7-20.

Investigation was carried out for the production of L-Glutaminase using various agro-industrial byproducts and their extracts as raw materials under both solid state as well as submerged fermentation by Pseudomonas sp. KLM9. The safflower oil cake extract supported good enzyme yield under submerged fermentation. L-Glutaminase production was analyzed at various ranges of fermentation time, pH and temperature. The enzyme production was optimum at 48 hours of fermentation time, pH of 7.5 and temperature of 37°C with activity of 23.49±0.21IU, 27.46±0.22 and 31.39±0.32 IU respectively. Two ml of inoculum size and 6% of raw material concentration hold well by enhancing enzyme production up to 35.47±0.29 IU of enzyme activity. Among the carbon sources, combined effect of glucose, fructose and galactose significantly enhanced the enzyme production by improving its activity from 35.47±0.29IU to 87.79±0.23 IU. Nitrogen source ammonium chloride and yeast extract moderately influenced the enzyme production [with activity of 112.50±0.31 IU]. Over all, the addition of carbon and nitrogen supplements improved the enzyme production by 4.78 fold when compared to the basal medium.

10 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

017555   Davishnia N V;Zupanets I A;Shebeko S K; Lyapuno M O (Clinical Dep, Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine) : Influence of glucosamine and Ketoprofen combination in the form of cream-gel on connective tissue metabolism indicators of rats with experimental osteoarthritis. Pharma Innovation 2015, 3(12), 8-11.

Article presents the results of experimental study of chondroprotective activity of glucosamine hydrochloride and ketoprofen combination in topical dosage form. The study was carried out on a model of systemic steroid osteoarthritis in rats. To evaluate the chondroprotective activity the following biochemical parameters like the content of sialic acids, glycoproteins, chondroitin sulphates, total and fractions glycosaminoglycans in blood serum and content of endogenous N-acetylglucosamine were used. Fastum gel 5%, glucosamine cream gel 5% were used as a comparison agents that were applied in a similar way with equivalent therapeutic dose. As a result of biochemical studies research combination was showing a positive effect on the experimental osteoarthritis in rats that proves its chondroprotective properties, and some data exceeding the level of activity of comparison drugs.

3 tables, 15

017554   Chemmannur S;Chattopadhyay S (National Centre for Cell Science, Pune Univ, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007) : Role of nuclear matrix associated region (MAR) binding proteins in the regulation of T helper cell differentiation. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(2), 269-88.

Nuclear matrix is the major hub of nuclear functions that includes transcription, post transcriptional splicing, DNA repair etc. and also majorly involved in the differentiation of T cell programmes. Though plenty of reports illustrate about the role of lineage specific transcription factors involved in the process of T cell differentiation, not much is known about the active participation of nuclear matrix associated proteins in the modulation of chromatin architecture necessary for the T cell differentiation. This review comprehensively explore the necessary role of nuclear matrix associated proteins in the modulation of chromatin architecture relative to gene positioning, necessary to facilitate the T cell differentiation pattern.

^iia8 illus, 130 ref

017553   Binitha P P;Kuttan R (NO, Amala Cancer research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Carbofuran induced alterations in mitochondrial and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. Amala Res Bull 2014, 34, 27-36.

Effect of long term oral administration (180 days) of low dose of carbofuran (5 mg/kg b. wt) was evaluated on serum and different tissue enzymes of Wistar rats. The activities of mitochondrial enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and NADH dehydrogenase were decreased significantly in liver tissue of carbofuran treated animals. Hexokinase activity was found to be significantly increased in liver during chronic administration of carbofuran to rats. Glucose-6-phoshate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose 1, 6 bisphospatase were significantly decreased in carbofuran treated rats. In addition to these, there was significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and marked elevation of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in serum and different tissues of treated animals were noted. The findings of this study suggested that carbofuran induced oxidative stress and caused damage to rat liver mitochondrial tissues by altering mitochondrial dehydrogenases as well as glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes. The results also indicated that carbofuran administration produced neurological failure in Wistar rats due to inhibition of AchE and elevated the activity of CK, LDH and γ-GT in serum and tissues indicating leakage of these enzymes from damaged tissues leading to specific organ toxicity.

6 illus, 27 ref

017552   Baskaran K;Pugalendi K V;Ramalingam Saravanan (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu) : Hyperglycemic effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats and its potential active fraction. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 88-95.

Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (CH) is widely used in Indian medicine to treat various diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hyperglycemic effect of CHLE in normal and STZ -induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male albino rats of the Wistar strain, weighing 180-200 g, by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg BW) intraperitoneally. The diabetic rats showed an increase of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and a decrease of body weight, plasma insulin and blood hemoglobin (Hb). The six different CHLF (chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, acetone and methanol) were administered orally to different group diabetic rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. On oral administration of CHLFs decreased blood glucose, HbA1c levels and increased body weight, plasma insulin, blood Hb. Out of the six fractions ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum activity.

4 tables, 28 ref

017551   Bannach S V et al (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biologic, , ) : Alveolar bone loss induced by chronic ethanol consumption from adolescence to adulthood in Wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2015, 53(2), 93-7.

Though there are literature indicating the bone loss due to alcohol consumption, studies on the association between ethanol consumption and periodontal breakdown in animals are either scarce or have provided conflicting results. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic alcohol exposure from adolescence to adulthood on the alveolar bone in rats. Wistar rats were exposed to ethanol (6.5 g/kg/day) in a solution of 22.5% (w/v) or distilled water (control) by gavage from 35 days of age (adolescent) until 90 days (adulthood). Evaluation of the bone loss was performed using scanning electronic microscopy, in which the distances between the cement-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest from the palatal side of the first molar mandibular were measured. The measurements obtained were tabulated and analyzed using Student's t-test. Alcohol-treated group revealed greater bone loss in comparison to the control group. These findings indicate that heavy chronic alcohol xposure from adolescent to adulthood can induce alveolar bone loss in rats associated to absence of periodontitis.

2 tables, 42 ref

017550   Balwant;Tyagi A;Singh S P;Saxena M K;Mishra D P (Vety. Biochemistry Dep, CVSc, Pantnagar, Email: singhbalwant20@gmail.com) : Biochemical characterization of rare serovars of salmonella isolated from gangetic water. J Vet Pharmac Toxic 2014, 13(1), 79-80.

The present study was conducted at the Animal Biotechnology Center, Pantnagar to check the level of Salmonella contamination in the river Ganga. Total 500 samples were collected from 10 stations (50 samples from each station) viz; Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Hastinapur, Garhmukteshwer, Narora, Kanpur Allahabad and Varanasi. These samples were subjected to Salmonella specific 'his' gene PCR. Samples were then Biochemically screened and serotyped at National Salmonella Research Centre IVRI, Izatnagar U.P. These isolates were serotyped as S. Abuja, S. Lagos. S. Pontypridd, S. Chinkual, S. Zwickau, S. Goldenberg and S. Oritamerin.

1 table, 8 ref

017549   Bagyaraj D J (NO, Centre for Natural Biological Resources and Community Development (CNB, 41 RBI Colony, Anand Nagar, Bangalore-560 024, Email: djbagyaraj@gmail.com) : Mycorrhizal fungi. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(2), 415-28.

The common mycorrhizal association in most of the plants is the arbuscular type occurring in majority of agricultural crops, most shrubs, most tropical tree species and some temperate tree species. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are formed by non-septate Glomeromycetous fungi. They belong to the phylum Glomeromycota, which has three classes (Glomeromycetes, Archaeosporomycetes and Paraglomeromycetes) with 5 orders (Glomerales, Diversisporales,Gigasporales, Paraglomerales and Archaeosporales), 14 families and 26 genera. Commonly occurring genera of AM fungi are Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Acaulospora and Entrophospora. These fungi are obligate symbionts and have not been cultured on nutrient media. These endophytes are not host specific, although evidence is growing that certain endophytes may form preferential association with certain host plants. Several investigations indicated that even in unsterile soils, plants respond to inoculation with efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhizae. The mechanism of improved plant growth caused by mycorrhizal inoculation has been investigated by many workers.Greater soil exploration by mycorrhizal roots as a means of increasing phosphate uptake is well established. They also improve the uptake of other diffusion-limited elements like Zn, Cu, etc. Other beneficial effects include their role in the biological control of root pathogens, biological nitrogen fixation, hormone production and greater ability to withstand water stress. Co-inoculation of AM fungi with other beneficial soil microorganisms is more useful in improving plant growth, thus suggesting the development of suitable "microbial consortia" for inoculating different crop plants. The current day emphasis is on sustainable agriculture, which uses less of chemical inputs having adverse effect on soil health,and environment. Thus, microbial inoculants play an important role in sustainable agriculture.

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