014673   Pirta C;Banyal H S (Laboratory of Parasitology and Immunology, Biosciences Dep, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: hsbanyal@yahoo.co.in) : 43 kDa and 66 kDa, two blood stage antigens induce immune response in Plasmodium berghei malaria. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 781-6.

Hunt for an effective vaccine against malaria still continues. Several new target antigens as candidates for vaccine design are being explored and tested for their efficacy. In the present study the sera from mice immunized with 24,000 x g fraction of Plasmodium berghei has been used to identify highly immunogenic blood stage antigens. The protective antibodies present in immune sera were covalently immobilized on CNBr activated sepharose 4B and used for affinity chromatography purification of antigens present in blood stages of P. berghei. Two polypeptides of 66 and 43 kDa molecular weights proved to be highly immunogenic. They exhibited a strong humoral immune response in mice as evident by high titres in ELISA and IFA. Protective immunity by these two antigens was apparent by in vivo and in vitro studies. These two proteins could further be analysed and used as antigens in malaria vaccine design.

6 illus, 2 table, 23 ref

014672   Patel H;Chougule S;Chohan P;Shah N;Bhartiya D (Stem Cell Biology Dep, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Mumbai-400 012, Email: bbhartiyad@nirrh.res.in) : Ideal oocyte activation protocol and embryo culture conditions for somatic cell nuclear transfer using sheep oocytes. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 925-34.

Pluripotent stem cells are possibly the best candidates for regenerative medicine, and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is one of the viable options to make patient-specific embryonic stem cells. Till date efficacy of SCNT embryos is very low and requires further improvement like ideal oocyte activation and in vitro culture system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate ideal oocyte activation using different stimulation protocols and to study the effect of cumulus co-culture conditions on embryo development. Results demonstrate that between electric stimulation and chemical stimulation using calcium ionomycin and ionophore, best oocyte activation was obtained using calcium ionomycin (5 μM for 5 min) which resulted in 83% cleavage followed by 7% of early blastocyst which further increased to 15% when a cumulus bed was also introduced during embryo culture. Sequential modified Charles Rosenkrans 2 (mCR2) medium was used for embryo culture in which glucose levels were increased from 1 mM to 5 mM from Day 3 onwards. SCNT using cumulus cells as donor somatic cell, calcium ionomycin to activate the reconstructed oocyte and embryo culture on a cumulus bed in sequential mCR2 medium, resulted in the development of 6% embryos to early blastocyst stage. Such technological advances will make SCNT a viable option to make patient-specific pluripotent stem cell lines in near future.

5 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

014671   Padhy S (NO, , "Anandamaya", Bhaba Nagar, 1st Lane, Berhampur-760 004, Email: sachi_padhy@rediffmail.com) : Ethno-ecological introspection into Bhagawatgeetaa: 5. Guna (Quality): The metaphysical factor of nature, responsible for diversity. J hum Ecol 2015, 45(3), 177-82.

The Prakruti (Nature) consists of three essential constituents called Gunas (Quality) named Sattva, Raajas and Taamas. The existence of Prakruti can not be realized in the absence of Gunas. The diversity of the Prakruti is a resultant product of interaction of Gunas. Lord Srikrishna says: "There is no being on earth or anywhere else, which is free from these three Gunas born of Prakruti".

10 ref

014670   Nivedita;Priyanka Vijay (Botany Dep, B M D College, Dayalpur, Vaishali, Bihar, Email: drpriyankavijay@rediffmail.com ) : Anti diabetic effects of Eclipta alba on Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(1), 308-14.

Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Eclipta alba leaves extract on the biochemical parameters in alloxan induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. Diabetes was induced in mice by injecting intraperitoneally alloxan monohydrate at dose of 135 mg/kg body weight. Ethanolic extracts of E. alba leaves at dose of 200 mg/kg body weight were given orally in diabetic mice daily for four weeks after established LD₅₀ value. Our studies was extended to include the effect of the tested doses on different biochemical parameters including serum glucose concentration, transaminases and phasphatse activities, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels in serum. In diabetic mice, serum glucose concentration, transaminases and phasphatse activities, urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were significantly increased but level of serum total protein and albumin were decreased in comparison with the control group. Diabetic mice group, treated with ethanolic extract of E. alba leaves (200 mg/kg b. wt.), on comparison with diabetic group showed a significant decrease in transaminases and phasphatse activities, urea, uric acid and creatinine level whereas, the serum total protein and albumin levels got increased as compared to diabetic mice. The results suggested that ethanolic extract of E. alba leaves possesses protective effect against alloxan induced diabetic mice.

39 ref

014669   Nehra S;Bharadwaj V;Singh M;Singh K;Saraswat D (Experimental Biology Dep, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science, Defence Research a, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi-54, Email: deepika_saras@yahoo.com) : Cardioprotective role of amlodipine under acute hypobaric hypoxia: a role of AKT-1 in redox balance. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(1), 190-99.

Hypobaric hypoxia induced systolic heart dysfunction and arrhythmia is prevalent in ascendants. L-type calcium channel blocker amlodipine plays important role in modulating cardiac function. We tested if amlodipine could impart cardio protection and restore oxidative balance under hypobaric hypoxia, by modulating HIF-1α activity and calcium accumulation, thus, protects from cardio-toxicity. Experimental animals, male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g), were randomized into four groups, i.e. normoxia control (N), normoxia + amlodipine (N+AML), hypoxia control (H) and hypoxia + amlodipine (H+AML) (n=8), and exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for three time points i.e. 24 h, 48 h and 72 h to assess cellular damages. Amlodipine treatment not only restored systolic blood pressure and heart rate to normal levels under hypobaric hypoxia, but also regulated HIF-1a expression, Akt/p-Akt levels and intracellular Ca^{+2 levels ([Ca+2]i).Biochemical markers of oxidative damage, i.e. glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione oxidized (GSSG), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and free radical generation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) estimation were significantly restored by intraperitonial administration (10 mg / kg b.w.) of amlodipine. Amlodipine was found effective in regulating systolic heart function and restoring plasma MDA levels, thus help protect from hypobaric hypoxia induced damages.}

23 ref

014668   Ndofirepi A P;Shumba A (NO, Education Studies, Wits School of Education, Univ of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email: amandochi@gmail.com) : Conceptions of "child" among traditional africans: a philosophical purview. J hum Ecol 2015, 45(3), 233-42.

In this paper, the researchers present a theoretical discussion of the notion of "child" in traditional African communities. The researchers' premise is that different societies have unique conceptions of child and childhood hence each group of people have a peculiar philosophical outlook of a 'child' notwithstanding some similarities in places. While the researchers acknowledge that there is a multiple range of socio-cultural communities present in Africa, they submit that there are common threads that connect the African worldview. Their thesis is founded on their Shona background although they attempt to make comparisons with other African cultures. The researchers survey the different conceptions of the notion of child in traditional Africa from a historico-philosophical perspective.

38 ref

014667   Narkhede A N;Jagtap S D;Kasote D M;Kulkarni O P;Harsulkar A M (Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Univ, Pune Satara Road, Pune-411 043, Email: chiritatml@rediffmail.com) : Comparative immunomodulation potential of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F., Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merrill and Tinospora cordifolia growing on Azadirachta indica. A. Juss.. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 808-13.

Guduchi has been widely used in the traditional medicine as an immunomodulator. Description of guduchi in Ayurvedic literature resemble with T. sinensis rather than with commonly available T. cordifolia and hence this may be used as substitutes for T. sinensis. T. cordifolia growing on Azadirachta indica commonly called Neem-guduchi has more immunomodulatory potential. Thus, immunomodulatory activity of three Tinospora spp. was assessed by checking humoral and cell mediated immune responses to the antigenic challenges with sheep RBCs and by neutrophil adhesion tests on albino Wistar rats using Guduchi-Satwa, a well known dosage form. Results revealed that Neem-guduchi possesses higher immunomodulatory potential at the dose of 300 mg/kg, po and validated the traditional claim. Hence, Neem-Guduchi can be employed in immunomodulatory formulation prepared using guduchi.

2 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

014666   Mohineesh;Jaya Raj;Rajvanshi A C;Dogra T D; Raina A (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 029, Email: anupumaraina@gmail.com) : Effect of acute exposure of triazophos on oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in liver, kidney and brain of wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 814-19.

Acute dose of organophosphorus pesticide Triazophos (O,O-diethyl O-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl phosphorothioate; Tz) administered orally affects oxidative stress parameters and the histo-architecture of liver, kidney and brain tissues. The results indicate a dose dependent induction of oxidative stress as evident by increased malondialdehyde level and decreased antioxidant defense including glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in rat liver, kidney and brain. AChE activity was found significantly decreased in the Tz treated groups as compared to the vehicle control (DMSO) group. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney and brain in Tz treated rats revealed medullary congestion and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes in liver and medullary congestion in kidney. However, no significant histopathological changes were observed in brain tissues.

1 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

014665   Mohanta B K (Anthropology Dep, Indira Gandhi National Tribal Univ, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, Email: drmohantabk@gmail.com) : Godna : an important art form among the tribes of Central India. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2013, 48(1), 91-101.

Central India is an abode of different tribal groups who are rich in their cultural heritage. Godna (tattoo) is an important art form of these tribal groups used for decorating their body which shows their creativity. This body decoration of the central Indian tribes is not merely confined to their body but it has some other significances. It is very much related to different aspects of their life and culture. It has some relation with their religion, belief system, health-care practice, social status, wealth and sexual activities. In the present paper an emphasis has been given to show the importance of this tattoo in the life and culture of the central Indian tribes.

3 tables, 8 ref

014664   Mhatre S;Madkaikar M;Ghosh K;Desai M;Pujari V;Gupta M (Pediatric Immunology and Leukocyte Biology Dep, National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR), 13th floor, Multistoreyed Building, KEM Campus, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: madkaikarmanisha@gmail.com) : Rapid flow cytometry based cytotoxicity assay for evaluation of NK cell function. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 983-8.

Assessment of natural killer cells (NK-cell) cytotoxicity is used not only in research settings but is also important in diagnosis of various diseases. NK-cell cytotoxicity assays are based on measurement of target cells killed by cytotoxic cells analyzed either by chromium (^{51Cr) release assay or flow cytometry. Both these methods use peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or pure NK-cell population and hence require large volume of blood sample which is difficult to obtain in pediatric patients and patients with cytopenia. Hence, a flow cytometric assay was designed to determine NK cell activity using whole blood, eliminating the need for isolation of PBMCs or pure NK cells. This assay is based on a dual fluorescent staining of target cells (K562 cell line). The DIOC18 dye labeled K562 cells are incubated with whole blood and then counterstained with 7-AAD enabling the measurement of dead target cell and then percent cytotoxicity is calculated. This study compared the NK cell cytotoxicity using PBMC and whole blood in clinically relevant samples. There was no significant difference between two assays in the measurement of lytic activity or in reproducibility in the repeated samplings of healthy individuals. The whole blood assay required less volume of blood and also less processing time as compared to PBMC assay. It was also validated by testing patients diagnosed with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis expected to have low NK-cell activity. This assay is rapid, sensitive and reproducible and requires significantly less volume of blood which is important for clinical evaluation of NK-cell function.}

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

014663   Mei-li L;Cui W;Zhi-yao Z;Chun-cong M;Jin-lin W;Ya-lan C;Ming-sheng C (Pathogenic Biology and Immunology Dep, Guangzhou Medical Univ, 195 Dongfeng Xi Road, Yuexiu, Guangzhou 510182, P.R. China, Email: mingshengcai@hotmail.com) : Molecular cloning and characterization of pseudorabies virus EP0 gene. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2014, 51(2), 100-14.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) early protein EP0 is a homologue of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early protein ICP0, which is a multifunctional protein and important for HSV-1 infection. However, the exact function of EP0 is not clear. In this study, using polymerase chain reaction, a 1,104 base-pair sequence of the EP0 gene was amplified from the PRV Becker strain genome and identification of the EP0 gene was confirmed by further cloning and sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the PRV EP0 gene encoded a putative polypeptide with 367 amino acids. The encoded protein, designated as EP0 contained a conserved RING-finger superfamily domain and was found to be closely related with the herpes virus RING-finger superfamily and was highly conserved among the counterparts encoded by RING-finger genes. Multiple nucleic acid sequence and amino-acid sequence alignments suggested that PRV EP0 showed a relatively higher similarity with EP0-like proteins of genus Varicellovirus than with those of other genera of Alphaherpesvirinae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that PRV EP0 had a close evolutionary relationship with members of genus Varicellovirus, especially bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and BoHV-5. Antigen prediction indicated that several potential B-cell epitopes were located in EP0. Also, subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that EP0 was predominantly localized in the nucleus, suggesting that it might function as a nuclear-targeted protein.

8 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

014662   Maurya V K;Singh K;Sinha S (Biochemistry Div, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 031, Email: sudhir_sinha@cdri.res.in) : Suppression of eis and expression of Wag31 and GroES in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytosol under anaerobic culture conditions. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 773-80.

Major impediment in chemotherapy of Tuberculosis (TB) is the persistence of M. tuberculosis in a latent or dormant state, possibly perpetuated by paucity of oxygen within the lung granuloma. Proteome analysis of the anaerobically persisting microbe could therefore provide novel targets for drugs against latent TB infection (LTBI). An Indian clinical isolate of M. tuberculosis was cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions following Wayne's hypoxia model and its cytosolic proteins were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Peptide mass fingerprinting of 32 differentially expressed spots using MALDI TOF-TOF MS-MS resulted in identification of 23 proteins. Under the anaerobic culture conditions, expression of 12 of these proteins was highly suppressed (>2 fold reduction in spot volumes), with 4 of them (GrpE, CanB, MoxR1 and Eis) appearing as completely suppressed since corresponding spots were not detectable in the anaerobic sample. On the other hand, 4 proteins were highly expressed, with two of them (Wag31 and GroES) being uniquely expressed under anaerobic conditions. Suppression of Eis could make the anaerobically persisting bacilli susceptible to the aminoglycoside antibiotics which are known to be acetylated and inactivated by Eis. Although all 4 over-expressed proteins can be considered as putative drug targets for LTBI, Wag31 appears particularly interesting in view of its role in the cell wall biogenesis.

2 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

014661   Kocijan I;Dolenec P;Dolenec Z;Radovic A (NO, Univ of Applied Health Studies, Minarska St. 38, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Email: dolenec@zg.biol.pmf.hr) : Resource allocation within the replacement cluth: do female European starling (Sturnus vulgaris Linneus) adjust their reproductive strategy after a full clutch loss?. Curr Sci 2014, 107(9), 1597-1601.

An important factor in the evolution of reproductive strategies in birds is the loss of a clutch or a brood. Many avian species produce a replacement clutch following the loss of the first clutch, but additional breeding effort carries physiological costs and can also reduce female fitness. Thus, egg production in replacement clutches is usually reduced. In contrast, European starling mothers seem to invest equally in their first and replacement clutches. This study investigated whether female starlings use differential allocation of resources to offspring, rather than egg production, to strategically balance investment and returns from the replacement clutch. By removing the first clutch, we induced females to lay a replacement clutch, and focused on covariation of egg size, embryo sex and laying order in both clutches. Results suggest that starling mothers created a pattern of resource allocation with laying order, but not with offspring sex, in the replacement clutch; whereas no pattern of resource allocation existed in the first clutch. This finding indicates that although starlings do not reduce egg production between first and replacement clutches, they may use other mechanisms to fine-tune their investment and maximize their fitness gains from the replacement clutch.

1 illus, 46 ref

014660   Kisku S;Das R K (Anthropology Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: uksikyamahbus@gmail.com) : Changes in way of living of rural tribal settlements: an indirect effect of urban pressure on land and livelihood. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2013, 48(1), 33-49.

Of late, urbanization has been making deeper inroads into the rural scenario, the effects of which, though indirect, are significant in view of their future implications. Even rural tribal villages could not remain outside the impact zone of urbanization. It is noticed that with increasing globalization, the rights and properties of ordinary rural people are not protected. Even in a secluded forest- based tribal village the people's access to natural resources are denied forcing them to leave their homeland in search of livelihood outside. There are now tribal pockets in a number of urban centers including the outskirts of Kolkata. In the rural set-up also the physical landscape of the tribal village has changed beyond recognition. There has been considerable shrinking of agricultural land and it has been fragmented with the change of lands. In an agriculture-based tribal village the level of deprivation suffered by the people is almost inseparably connected with land. The observations and inputs made in this paper are based on studies conducted at: i. Chaulia Jankisai Para, Durgapur Sijagaria Para and Patbanda Adivsi Para under Dantan-I Block of Paschim Midnapore District ii. Siulibona and Babudi village under Chhatna Block of Bankura District. iii. Sidhu Kanu Tola under Raghudebbati Gram Panchayat of Sankrail Block, Howrah District (near Kolkata).

4 tables, 9 ref

014659   Khan A;Manna K;Chinchubose;Das D K;Sinha M; Kesh S B;Das U;Dey R S;Banerji A;Dey S (Physiology Dep, UCSTA, Culcutta Univ, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: sanjitdey2003@yahoo.com) : Seabuckthron (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract ameliorates the gamma radiation mediated DNA damage and hepatic alterations. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 952-64.

In vitro assessment showed that H. rhamnoides (HrLE) extract possessed free radical scavenging activities and can protect gamma (?) radiation induced supercoiled DNA damage. For in vivo study, Swiss albino mice were administered with HrLE (30 mg/kg body weight) for 15 consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 5 Gy of ? radiation. HrLE significantly prevented the radiation induced genomic DNA damage indicated as a significant reduction in the comet parameters. The lipid peroxidation, liver function enzymes, expression of phosphorylated NF?B (p65) and I?Ba increased whereas the endogenous antioxidants diminished upon radiation exposure compared to control. Pretreatment of HrLE extract ameliorated these changes. Based on the present results it can be concluded that H. rhamnoides possess a potential preventive element in planned and accidental nuclear exposures.

7 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

014658   Kadam C (NO, , C-44, Univ Hostel for Women, Chhatra Marg, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: chitrakadam@live.com ) : Development in a Himachal village: triumphs and tribulations. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2013, 48(1), 75-89.

The state of Himachal Pradesh, over the past decades, has seen a marked surge in accelerating the development leading to remarkable growth and plethora of livelihood opportunities. This paper brings out the case of a village, Gagal, depicting the fortunes that the development has brought in the quotidian life of people and changing the picture of the village giving it a new dimension. The paper compiles selected case studies that reflect on the success of development programs initiated in the area and how the people have drawn benefits from them. It also throws light on definite flaws and loopholes that have led to people lose their faith in these initiatives and explains how these programs have failed to accomplish their goals on the ground reality. The paper explores how the development has transformed the gilhouette of the village encountering development.

15 ref

014657   Hepsibha P;Karthickeyan S M K;Guru V (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Email: kannikarthi@yahoo.co.in) : Microsatellite marker based assessment of genetic structure of coimbatore breed of sheep (Ovis aries) in Tamil Nadu. Indian J Biotechnol 2014, 13(2), 203-6.

Coimbatore sheep, popularly known as Kurumbai Adu or Coimbatore Kurumbai, produce coarse carpet wool in addition to their use mainly as meat animal. In the present study, a total of 24 microsatellite primer sets were utilized to characterize the Coimbatore sheep. The number of alleles ranged from 2 (CSSM47, CSSM31 & MAF214) to 10 (OarHH47 & OarHH35) with a mean of 5.58±0.50 across all loci. The alleles were distributed at frequencies between 0.1951 (141 bp allele in OarHH47 locus) and 0.9375 (132 bp allele in OarHH64 locus). The size of alleles ranged from 82 (OarCP49) to 279 bp (HSC). The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.5851±0.04. The results of the chi-square test of goodness of fit revealed that the opulation was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) proportions in 12 microsatellite loci and the remaining 13 loci departed from HWE. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0625 to 0.9767 with a mean value of 0.6255±0.05, while the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.1187 to 0.8703 with a mean of 0.6298±0.04. Majority of loci (15 out of 24 loci) showed inbreeding, as reflected by the positive F_IS values. The markers used in the study were found to be highly informative and explored high genetic variation in the population, which could be exploited for their improvement.

14 ref

014656   Goncalves Neto L M;Ferreira F B D;Souza L; Santos C D;Boschero A C;Facundo V A;Santos A R S;Nunes E A;Rafacho A (Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry Dep, Centre of Biological Sciences, Federal Univ of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, UFSC, Florianopolis, Brazil) : Disrupion of glucose tolerence caused by glucocorticoid excess in rats is partially prevented, but not attenuated, by arjunolic acid. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 972-82.

Arjunolic acid (AA) obtained from plants of the Combretaceae family has shown anti-diabetic effects. Here, we analyzed whether the diabetogenic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on glucose homeostasis may be prevented or attenuated by the concomitant administration of AA. Adult Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups: vehicle-treated (Ctl), DEX-treated (1 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 5 days) (Dex), AA-treated (30 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage twice per day) (Aa), AA treatment previous to and concomitant to DEX treatment (AaDex), and AA treatment after initiation of DEX treatment (DexAa). AA administration significantly ameliorated (AaDex) (P>0.05), but did not attenuate (DexAa), the glucose intolerance induced by DEX treatment. AA did not prevent or attenuate the elevation in hepatic glycogen and triacylglycerol content caused by DEX treatment. All DEX-treated rats exhibited hepatic steatosis that seemed to be more pronounced when associated with AA treatment given for a prolonged period (AaDex). Markers of liver function and oxidative stress were not significantly altered among the groups. Therefore, AA administered for a prolonged period partially prevents the glucose intolerance induced by DEX treatment, but it fails to produce this beneficial effect when given after initiation of GC treatment. Since AA may promote further hepatic steatosis when co-administered with GCs, care is required when considering this phytochemical as a hypoglycemiant and/or insulin-sensitizing agent.

6 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

014655   Fung S Y;Sim S M;Jeyaseelan K;Armugam A; Aguiyi J C;Tan N H (Faculty of Medicine and CENAR, Univ of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: fungshinyee@gmail.com) : Prophylactic effect of Mucuna pruriens Linn (velvet bean) seed extract against experimentat Naja sputatrix envenomation: gene expression studies. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(9), 849-59.

Mucuna pruriens is widely used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In certain region of Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite. Rats pretreated with the aqueous extract from M. pruriens seed (MPE) were protected against the lethal effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom [Tan et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 123 (2009) 356]. The pretreatment also protected against venom-induced histopathological changes in rat heart. To contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of cardio-protective action, the present study examined the effects of MPE-pretreatment on gene expression profile of rat heart as well as effect of MPE-pretreatment on N. sputatrix venom-induced gene expression alterations in rat heart. The gene expression profiles were examined by microarray analysis and verified by real time PCR. The results showed that pretreatment with MPE caused 50 genes in the rat heart substantially up-regulated of which 19 were related to immune responses, 7 were related to energy production and metabolism. The up-regulation of genes related to energy metabolism probably plays a role in maintaining the viability of the heart. Four other genes that were up-regulated (alpha synuclein, natriuretic peptide precursor, calsequestrin and triadin) were involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the heart or maintaining its viability, thereby contributing to the direct protective action. The results demonstrated that protective effect of MPE pretreatment against snake venom poisoning may involve a direct action on the heart.

2 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

014654   Dhingra D;Valecha R (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar-125 001, Email: din_dhingra@yahoo.com) : Punarnavine, an alkaloid isolated from ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. reverses depression-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 799-807.

Punarnavine (20 and 40 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) per se administered orally for 14 successive days significantly decreased immobility periods of both unstressed and stressed mice in forced swim test. These drugs also significantly decreased sucrose preference in both stressed and unstressed mice as compared to their respective controls, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The drugs did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. The alkaloid also significantly decreased monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) activity, malondialdehyde levels in both unstressed and stressed mice; and significantly reversed the stress-induced decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase activity. It also significantly attenuated the stress-induced increase in plasma nitrite and corticosterone levels. Thus, punarnavine showed antidepressant-like activity in unstressed and stressed mice probably through inhibition of brain MAO-A activity, decrease in plasma nitrite levels and due to its antioxidant activity. In addition, punarnavine also showed antidepressant-like activity in stressed mice possibly through decrease in plasma corticosterone levels.

7 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

014653   Devi A R S;Smija M K (Zoology Dep, Mary Matha Arts and Science College, Mananthavady, Wayanad-670 645, Email: arsudhadevi@yahoo.co.in) : Reproductive biology of the freshwater crab, Travancoriana schirnerae Bott, 1969 (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae). Indian J Fish 2013, 60(3), 13-21.

The reproductive biology of the freshwater crab Travancoriana schirnerae was studied with respect to the following traits: mating pattern, gonadosomatic index (GSI), vas deferens factor (VD factor), breeding period and fecundity, during the period from June 2009-October 2011. A total of 3605 individuals were collected, of which 2168 (60%) were males and 1437 (40%) females. The population was divided into juvenile males (15.3%), adult males (45%), juvenile females (9.3%), adult non-ovigerous females (27.9%), ovigerous females (0.6%) and juvenile carrying females (1.9%). Mating occurred between postmoult females and hard intermoult males and the mating period extended from June-October. The GSI peaked in March for females and decreased after spawning in April. For males, the maximum values for GSI and VD factor were recorded in July. The breeding season extended from February-May and the highest frequency of ovigerous females was observed in March. The mean fecundity was 222 ± 43. Juvenile carrying females appeared in the population from April-July, with the highest percentage in May. The mean egg diameter was 2.38 ± 0.33 mm. Average number of juveniles carried by females was 204 ± 40. Recruitment of juveniles to the population was recorded at the onset of rainy season in June.

11 illus, 51 ref

014652   Delmani F A;Torreblanca J;Moreno J; Garcia-Herdugo G;Vilaplana R;Gonzalez-Viltchez F (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Jarash Univ, 26150 Jarash, Jordan, Email: delmanisa@yahoo.com) : Biological activity and redistribution of nucleolar proteins of two different cell lines treated with cis-dichloro-1,2-propylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetato ruthenium (III) (RAP). Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(6), 579-88.

Interaction of a newly synthesized antitumor complex cis-dichloro-1,2-propylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetato ruthenium (III) (RAP) with DNA was investigated in vitro through a number of techniques including comet assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunolocalization of certain nucleolar proteins (the upstream binding factor (UBF) and fibrillarin) involved in DNA transcription, rRNA processing, and ribosomal assembly. The results showed that RAP binds to the DNA of two cell lines (H4 and Hs-683) causing a delay in cell proliferation rate leading to a number of cellular modifications. These modifications include DNA-damage assessed by the single cell gel electrophoresis method (comet assay) and variation in the expression of nucleolar proteins; UBF was more abundant in RAP treated cells, this was explained by the high affinity of this protein to DNA modified by RAP. On the other hand, fibrillarin was found in less quantities in RAP treated cells which was explained by a de-regulation of the ribosomal machinery caused by RAP.

6 illus, 50 ref

014651   Deb M S;Jamir N S;Deb C R (Botany Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami 798 627, Email: debchitta@rediffmail.com) : In Vitro culture of immature embryos of Cinnamomum tamala nees.- the role of different factors. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 1003-10.

Seed characteristics and in vitro culture of C. tamala embryos were studied. Embryos desiccated below 50% (fresh weight) exhibited poor morphogenetic response in vitro and confirmed the recalcitrant nature of seeds. The immature embryos of various developmental ages (4-16 week after flowering, WAF) were cultured on different strengths of MS medium. Morphogenesis responses were recorded after 10 days of culture. The best culture responses were achieved from the immature embryos of 12 WAF on MS medium with sucrose (3%, w/v), polyvinyl pyrollidone (100 mg L^{-1) and benzyl adenine (12 μM). Under optimum condition <126>60% explants responded; and <126>7.3 shoots buds developed per explants after 35 days of culture initiation. The shoot buds could be converted into micro-shoots on MS medium with sucrose (3%) and kinetin (3 μM). About 5.3 micro-shoots/shoot buds sprouted per sub-culture. The micro-shoots were rooted by maintaining them on MS medium with a-naphthalene acetic acid (3 μM) where within 6-8 wk of culture <126>8-10 roots developed. The rooted plantlets were acclimatized in vitro before they were transferred to community potting mix and maintained in the poly-shade ca 75% shading. The transplants registered <126>70% survival after two months of transfer.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

014650   Chile S A;Ray K B;Shaikh S;Rajagopal V;Rao H S;Ramana V;Manoj Kumar A S (NO, Therapeutics Proteins Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Science Centre, Thane-Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai-400 701, Email: manoj.kumar@relbio.com) : Evaluation of target mRNA cleavage by Aurorakinase B specific siRNA in prostate and hepatic cancer cells and its therapeutic potential in mouse models of liver cancer. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(10), 943-51.

Anti proliferative potential of siRNA26, targeted to Aurora kinase B, in prostate cancer cells is known from a previous study from our laboratory. Here we first show that siRNA26 cleaves at the same position of the target mRNA in the prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, PC3 and HepG2 respectively. Aurorakinase B specific siRNA, but not a control siRNA, inhibited PC3 and HepG2 cell proliferation and cell migration. These effects correlated to RNA silencing of Aurorakinase B in both the cell lines. Intra-tumoral administration of HiPerfect complexed siRNA26 inhibited the growth of HepG2 xenografts in SCID mice. In an orthotopic setting, intravenous administration of HiPerfect encapsulated siRNA26 appeared to reduce the severity of multifocal lesions.

6 illus, 1 tables, 37 ref

014649   Chaudhuri P S;Bhattacharjee S;Dey A; Chattopadhyay S;Bhattacharya D (Zoology Dep, Tripura Univ, West Tripura-799 022, Email: priya_1956@rediffmail.com) : Impact of age of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation on earthworm communities of West Tripura (India). J envir Biol 2013, 34(1), 59-65.

A comparative analysis of earthworm communities was carried out in the rubber plantations (Hevea brasiliensis) of different age groups in West Tripura to understand the impact of such exotic and monoculture plantation in biodiversity conservation. Earthworm communities were studied on monthly basis over a period of one year (2006-2007) in the 3, 10, 14, 20 and 25 year-old plantations. Among twelve earthworm species collected from the studied sites, six species belonged to Octochaetidae [Eutyphoeus assamensis Stephenson, Eutyphoeus comillahnus Michaelsen, Lennogaster chittagongensis (Stephensen), Octochaetona beatrix Gates, Dichogaster affinis Michaelsen, Lennogaster yeicus (Stephensen)], two species each to Megascolecidae [Metaphire houlleti (Perrier), Kanchuria sp. 1] and Moniligastridae [Drawida nepalensis Michaelsen, Drawida papillifer papillifer Stephenson], one species each to Glossoscolecidae [Pontoscolex corethrurus (Muller)] and Ocnerodrilidae [Gordiodrilus elegans Beddard]. Exotic species P. corethrurus, M. houlleti and native peregrine species like D. nepalensis and D. papillifer papillifer were distributed in all the age groups of plantation, while other species showed restricted distribution. P. corethrurus contributed more than 60% biomass and 70% density of earthworm communities in rubber plantation. With aging of rubber plantations both the densities and biomasses of earthworms increased. High contents of polyphenol, flavonoid and lignin in the litters of 3 and 10 year-old-rubber plantations through their effects on food intake, probably resulted to low biomass values of earthworms in those age groups of plantation. With further increase in the age of plantations beyond 10 years, polyphenol, flavonoid and lignin contents decreased. Accordingly the biomass of earthworms increased with increase in the age of plantation. Soil moisture increased with increase in the age of plantation and there was a good positive correlation between soil moisture and earthworm biomass (p<0.01). Density, biomass and dominance of earthworms increased while species diversity, species richness and species evenness of earthworm community were decreased with increase in the age of rubber plantation.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

014648   Chandra A K;Goswami H;Sengupta P (Endocrinology & Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Physiology Dep, Calcutta Univ, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: physiology.ac@gmail.com) : Effects of magnesium on cytomorphology and enzyme activities in thyroid of rats. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(8), 787-92.

Till date knowledge regarding the effects of high dietary magnesium on thyroid gland is incomprehensive though certain epidemiological studies reported development of thyroid gland dysfunctions in people with chronic exposure to hard water (especially with high magnesium) despite sufficient iodine consumption. The present study is to explore the effects of chronic high dietary magnesium exposure on thyroid morphology and functional status. Male adult albino Wistar strain rats were treated with graded doses of magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g %) for 60 days and changes in different thyroid parameters were investigated. Significantly stimulated thyroid peroxidase and Na^{+-K+-ATPase and altered idothyronine 5/- deiodinase type I activities, enhanced serum thyroxine (T4) (both total and free), total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone with decreased free T3 levels and T3/T4 ratio (T3:T4) along with enlargement of thyroid with associated histopathological changes were observed in the treated groups. The results clearly confirm that chronic high dietary magnesium exposure causes potential thyroid disruption as reported in earlier epidemiological studies.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

014647   Chakraborty A;Padmavati G;Ghosh A K;Singh R S;Pal P K (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: flywidari@gmail.com) : Phytoplankton diversity in the coastal waters of port Blair, South Andaman, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(1), 9-18.

Study deals with the diversity of phytoplankton from two selected stations, (Station 1: Junglighat and Station 2: Science Centre) during December 2010 to February 2011 in the coastal waters of Port Blair, South Andaman. Special emphasis was given to visualise the phytoplankton assemblages of the selected stations during low tide and high tide. Qualitative analysis reveals occurrence of 114 species belonging to 42 genera of diatoms, 16 genera of dinoflagellates and 4 genera of Cyanobacteria. Quantitatively, diatoms are dominant (56.8-95.6%) followed by dinoflagellates (1.5-32.2%) and Cyanobacteria (1.2-14.6%) respectively. It has been interpreted that the variation in tides and other environmental factors have influence on the species diversity and representation of specific micro-algal groups at different times. However, the study indicates rather low phytoplankton productivity in the study area.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

014646   Canalis A M;Cittadini M C;Albrecht C;Soria E A (Instituto Nacional del Cancer, Ministerio de Salud de la Nacion, Av. Julio A. Roca 781 10<144>, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Email: easoria@fcm.unc.edu.ar) : In vivo redox effects of Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schltdl., Lantana grisebachii Stuck and Ilex paraguariensis A. St. -Hil. on blood, thymus and spleen of mice. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(9), 882-4.

Argentinian native plants Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco, Lantana grisebachii and Ilex paraguariensis are known to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We demonstrated it in vivo by the redox changes in murine hemolymphatic tissues after infusive extract intake of these plants as revealed in organic trophism, tissue phenolics, hydroperoxides, superoxide, nitrites and ?-glutamyltranspeptidase in thymus, blood and spleen. A. quebracho-blanco reduced hydroperoxidation in blood and spleen of both sexes, with γ-glutamyltranspeptidase negativization in lymphatic organs and thymic nitrosative up-regulation. Males have shown increased phenolic content in blood after treatment. L. grisebachii and I. paraguariensis treatment exhibited incomplete antioxidation and oxidative induction in the studied tissues. Different results according to sex were found in redox response to phenolics and their kinetics, with males showing antioxidant effects, whereas females showed oxidative susceptibility. A. quebracho-blanco exhibited protection of murine tissues against oxidation in both sexes and modulation of their trophism, supporting its therapeutic uses in inflammatory diseases. Also, gender had significant influence in phenolic biodistribution and redox response.

2 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

014645   Azhar G S;Rajiva A;Dutta P;Mavalankar D (NO, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Sardar Patel Institute Campus, Ahmedabad-380 054, Email: gsazhar@iiphrg.org) : Research and policy disconnect for heat wave deaths in India. Curr Sci 2014, 107(7), 1091-2.

5 ref

014644   Ashish Kumar;Singh P K;Rai N;Bhaskar G P; Datta D (Crop Sciences Div, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad-500 059, Email: banjaraashish@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes on the basis of morphological traits and molecular markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2014, 13(2), 207-13.

Knowledge of genetic diversity is important for selection of parents in the crop improvement programmes. In total 29 geographically diverse French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes, especially vegetable types, collected from different agro-climatic zones of India were grown under complete randomized block design with three replications for measuring the extent of genetic diversity. Observations were recorded on 12 agronomic traits for the characterization of genotypes and deciphering morphological diversity among the collected genotypes. Further, 25 polymorphic RAPD primers were used for deducing the diversity at DNA level. The French bean genotypes produced 186 PCR fragments, of which 94 were polymorphic with an average of 3.76 polymorphic fragments per primer. Each RAPD primer amplified 5-11 fragments of varying size (190-2780 bp). The level of polymorphism with different primers ranged between 25-85.7%. The genotypes VRFBB-2 and Arka Komal were found most diverse among the selected genotypes on the basis of molecular markers, and these two genotypes also exhibited morphological superiority for some of the agronomic traits over other genotypes. Thus, the present study indicates that RAPD markers can be a useful tool for the assessment of genetic diversity among French bean genotypes, which will aid its further utilization in the future crop improvement programmes.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

014643   Arulpandi I;Kanimozhi S (P G & Research of Microbiology Dep, Asan Memorial College, Chennai-600 100, Email: skanimo@yahoo.com) : Characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles biosynthesized by Fusarium oxysporum sk. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(1), 376-82.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been used for various industrial and clinical applications. In the present study, biosynthesis of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was carried out using a fungal isolate. The fungal isolate was identified as Fusarium oxysporum SK through 18S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were subjected to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) to measure the morphology and size of the nano particles. The topology was assessed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and the magnetic property was assessed by Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The nanoparticles were spherical in shape and the average size was measured as 15nm. The VSM data showed that the nanoparticles were superparamagnetic and the saturation magnetization was found to be 19.9emu/g. Since the particles were synthesized for the application in biomedical field, the particles were tested for toxicity against human monocytes through MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The MTT assay results confirmed the particles are nontoxic.

25 ref

013609   Yogesh H S;Kichadi S C;Muchandi I S; Gopalakrishna B (Pharmacology Dep, R R College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560 090, Email: yogesh2hs@gmail.com) : Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Cynodon dactylon Pers. on carrageenan indued paw edema in rats. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(2), 151-4.

In the present study, anti-inflammatory property of chloroform-methanolic extract isolated from Cynodon dactylon Per. (Dhub Grass) was investigated in carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The extract showed significant inhibition of carrageenan induced paw edema at three doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg used for both acute and chronic models in the . study and is comparable with standard anti-inflammatory drug, Indomethacin. It can therefore b1ionclUded from the present study that chloroform-methanolic extract of C. dactylon possesses anti-inflammatory property.

1 table, 21 ref

013608   Silva T V G et al (NO, Institute of Biological Sciences, In vitro Fertilization Laboratory, F, Rua Augusto Corrˆa 66075110, Brazil, Email: velascotvgs@hotmail.com) : Influence of L-arginine during bovine in vitro fertilization. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(12), 1159-64.

Objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using L-arginine during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on in vitro embryonic development using Bos taurus and Bos indicus semen. Effect of different concentrations (0, 1, 10 and 50 mM) of L-arginine, added to the IVF medium, was evaluated on the fertilization rate at 18 h post-fertilization (hpf), NO₃^{-/NO₂- production during IVF by the Griess colorimetric method (30 hpf), cleavage and blastocyst rates (on Day 2 and Day 7 of culture, respectively) and total blastocyst cell number (Day 7 of culture). The results reveal that the addition of 50 mM L-arginine to IVF medium, with either Bos taurus or Bos indicus spermatozoa, decreased the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate compared to the control group. Other concentrations did not affect embryo production. However, 1 mM L-arginine with Bos indicus semen increased the proportion of hatched blastocysts. These results indicate that high L-arginine concentrations may exhibit toxic effects on bovine gametes during in vitro fertilization.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

013607   Sharma J;Singh S;Singh R;Goyal P K (Radiation & Cancer Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, 1, Jaipur-302 004, Email: pkgoyal2002@gmail.com ) : Chemopreventive and antioxidative effect of flaxseed oil against dmba/croton oil induced two stages skin carcinogenesis in mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(8), 3383-92.

Cancer is one of the major threats to human health that cause considerable suffering and economic loss worldwide. The search for natural compounds which prevent cancer has upsurge with the mounting evidence that many types of cancer are caused or triggered by factors relating to our lifestyle. Chemopreventive agents include all those agents which can either prevent cancer or slow down the growth of malignant lesions. The present experiment was designed to explore the chemoprotective and antioxidative potential of Flaxseed oil (FSO) on 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (100 μg/100 μl of acetone) and croton oil (1% in acetone/three times a week) induced skin carcinogenesis in mammals. FSO administration to mice, by oral gavage at a dose of 50μl/animal/day for 17 weeks at peri-post initiation stage (i.e. started from 7 days before the experiment & continued till completion of experiment), reduced the tumor burden, tumor multiplicity, tumor yield, cumulative number of papillomas and percent tumor incidence while increased the average latent period when compared to control group. The lipid per oxidation levels in liver and skin were significantly (P≤0.001) reduced along with the significant (P≤0.001) elevation in enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione and vitamin C) antioxidants. Total protein content also increased significantly in both the tissues. These results demonstrate that the FSO treatment significantly reduces the chemical induced tumorogenesis and oxidative stress during skin carcinogenesis.

34 ref

013606   Sharma E;Gaur A K (Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities G B Pant University of Agricu, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: anilgaur123@rediffmail.com) : Optimization of DNA isolation protocol of Aconitum balfourii Stapf.: A rare medicinal herb of Himalayan alpine. Indian J Biotechnol 2014, 13(1), 62-6.

Aconitum balfourii Stapf. (Family: Ranunculaceae) is a rare medicinal herb distributed at high altitude (2800-4200 m) of Himalayan region. It is rich in secondary metabolites, especially aconitines, having medicinal properties. Secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenols, cause hinderance in the isolation of good quality DNA from the plant. Therefore, in the present investigation, an attempt was made to determine the total phenolic contents in various parts of in vitro grown plantlets and DNA isolation was optimized from in vitro grown fresh leaves. In the process, 2.5% polyvinyl pyrrolidone was found suitable for obtaining phenolic free DNA. The method also used high salt concentration (5 M NaCl) to remove polysaccharide. In the optimized protocol, DNA isolated with or without liquid nitrogen was comparable in terms of yield and quality. Thus, the suggested protocol provides the contaminant free DNA with good yield that can be used in various molecular biology applications.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

013605   Sandeep M;Alvin Jose M (Pharmacology Dep, Swamy Vivekanandha College of Pharmacy, Tiruchengode-637 205, Email: deepu.pharma08@gmail.com) : Prenatal and developmental toxicity study of meclizine and caffeine combination in female albino wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(12), 1165-72.

Meclizine and caffeine combination is used for the treatment of morning sickness. Both compounds are teratogenic and caffeine is known to possess anti-fertility activity also. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the reproductive toxic effect of meclizine and caffeine combination. Three doses were taken for the study; low dose (LD; meclizine 3.7 mg/kg and caffeine 3 mg/kg) was selected from commercially available formulation, middle dose (MD; meclizine 37 mg/kg and caffeine 30 mg/kg) and high dose (HD; meclizine 370 mg/kg and caffeine 300 mg/kg). The mixture was administered 1-7 days and 8-14 days for fertility and embryotoxic studies respectively. Laparotomy was done on 10th day of gestation period. Number of implants and corpora lutea were counted, pre and post-implantation losses were determined. In embryo toxicity study fetuses were evaluated for external, skeletal and visceral examination. High dose was removed from both fertility and embryotoxicity studies due to its severe toxicity to the dam. Significant anti-fertility activity was observed at middle dose. Embryotoxicity study showed significant reduction in fetal body weight, body length and body mass index, dam body weight gain on gestation day 14. Absolute kidney weight in MD and absolute and relative spleen weight in both LD and MD were significantly reduced. There was no increase in external or internal congenital anomalies at both LD and MD. The, results suggest that prescription of meclizine and caffeine for morning sickness in early pregnancy should be reviewed carefully.

4 illus, 4 tables, 49 ref

013604   Samant L R;Shah N;Thatavarthy D;Ghag-Sawant M;Chowdhary A (Systems Biomedicine Div, Venomous Animal Unit, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya, Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: samantlalit@gmail.com) : In silico characterisation and computational modelling of neuro-toxins of indian cobra. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(8), 3435-42.

Snake venom is cocktail of various enzymes, toxins. Snake venom components have major role as therapeutics application in current drug industry. Snake venom toxins plays vital role as one of the major component in case of bite and most of the toxins are lethal which are of various types such as cardio-toxins, myotoxins and neurotoxins etc. The Indian Cobra neurotoxins sequences were retrieved form Swissprot Database. The ten neurotoxins were characterised and three were modelled using in silico approach whose structure were not available on Protein Data Bank and protein model portal. The neurotoxins were modelled using homology modelling approach and energy minimisation was carried out for all the three neurotoxins. The stearic hindrance was removed using chiron server. The Ramchandran plot was used to validate the modelled structure which provides idea of the modelled structure conformation and configuration and it was satisfactory. Further the modelled structures will be used to understand docking with the suitable receptor.

9 ref

013603   Randhawa R;Sidhu S (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143 005, Email: r.ritu112@gmail.com ) : Assessment of obesity from Body Mass Index and percent body fat among Adult females of Amritsar, Punjab. South Asian Anthrop 2014, 14(2), 181-6.

Cross-sectional study was carried out to find out the prevalence of obesity assessed with the help of Body Mass Index (EMI) criteria and Percent Body Fat (PBF) estimated by Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) among adult females of Amritsar. A total of 172 adult females (30-50 years) were contacted personally at their residence. Height and weight measurements were taken using standard methodology. Percent body fat of each individual was measured by using, body fat analyzer (BODYSTAT-1500). BMI was calculated with the help of BMI criteria of WHO (' 98 and 2000). The overall prevalence of obesity in adult females was found to be 23.26% and 56.40% by using BMI criteria of WHO (' 98 and 2000); respectively, and 60.47% from PBF estimated by using bio-electrical impedance analysis.

5 tables, 31 ref

013602   Peltzer K;Pengpid S (NO, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon 73170, Thailand, Email: karl.pel@mathidol.ac.th) : Determinants of knowledge of HIV status in Cambodia : results from a population-based survey. J hum Ecol 2014, 47(1), 27-33.

The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of knowledge of HIV status in Cambodia using secondary data analysis of the national demographic and health survey, 2010. Of the total sample of 18754 15-49 year-old women and 8239 15-49 year-old men, 23.5% and 24.2%, respectively, reported to have ever had an HIV test and had received their HIV test results (knowledge of HIV status). In multivariate analysis, among women, middle age (30-39 years), higher educational level, having greater wealth, currently not working, residing in an urban area, greater HIV transmission knowledge, lower AIDS stigma attitudes, having been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in the past 12 month, and among men, middle age (30-39 years), higher educational level, having greater wealth, currently working, residing in an urban area, lower AIDS stigma attitudes, and having had extramarital sexual partners in the past 12 months were associated with knowledge of HIV status. Results may inform the HIV testing and Counselling programme in Cambodia.

3 tables, 29 ref

013601   Pal D;Mazumder U K (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Koni, Bilaspur-495 009, Email: drdilip2003@yahoo.co.in) : Isolation of compound and CNS depressant activities of Mikania scandens Willd with special emphasis to brain biogenic amines in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(12), 1186-94.

Mikania scandens, a twining herb that grows as a weed in India and Bangladesh is used as vegetables and is a good source of vitamin A, C, B complex, mikanin, sesquiterpenes, betasitosterin, stigmasterol and friedelin. The present communication reports CNS depressant activities with special emphasis to brain biogenic amines in mice. Ethanol extract of leaves of M. scandens (EEMS) was prepared by Soxhalation and analyzed chemically. EEMS potentiated sleeping time induced by pentobarbitone, diazepam and meprobamate and showed significant reduction in the number of writhes and stretches. EEMS caused significant protection against pentylene tetrazole-induced convulsion and increased catecholamines and brain amino acids level significantly. Results showed that EEMS produced good CNS depressant effects in mice.

5 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

013600   Olee S S (Sociology/Anthropology Dep, Tribhuvan University, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: siwakotiseeta@gmail.com) : Identity formation among the Santal Ethnic Group of Nepal. South Asian Anthrop 2014, 14(2), 129-35.

Ethnic identity of Santals has been based on shared symbols such as language, religion, traditions, culture, etc. The political changes of Nepal on 1990 and 2006 as well as the formation of Nepal Federation ofIndigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) brought great changes in the ethnicity of various ethnic groups of NepaL The Santal elites also started to make efforts for forming their identity and realized the importance of modem ethnic organizations for maintaining it. They have been conducting different identity forming programs under the umbrella of modem organizations including Nepal Adivasi Santal Utthan Sangha (SIUN) which has been working to maintain their identity by promoting Santali language, Sarna religion, traditional dresses, economic profiles, etc. However, their traditional homogenous cultural identity has been rapidly threatened by the modernizing forces including the influences of alien culture over their traditions, further the poverty and illiteracy speed up the rate of disintegration of their traditional homogenous culture. The paper discusses the various efforts of the Santals of Nepal for forming socio-political space in the contemporary identity politics ""of the country.

9 ref

013599   Ntshangase S;Khanyile Z;Rooyen H V (NO, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, Email: ntshas@unisa.ac.za) : Primary school-going children's understanding of HIV/AIDS:A narrative analysis. J hum Ecol 2014, 47(1), 103-10.

The aims of the study were to investigate how primary school-going children understand the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the effect of HIV/AIDS on them. Children's narratives were obtained via four focus groups with a total of 36 children of primary school-going age (average age 7). The results of the study indicated that children's knowledge and awareness was generally adequate for their developmental age as described by Piaget's cognitive developmental theory. However, children from the urban area seemed to have a broader and more accurate knowledge of HIV/AIDS than their rural counterparts. Children from the rural areas also seemed to hold more myths about HIV/AIDS than those from the urban areas. Since parents were an important source of HIV/AIDS information as far as children were concerned, it was recommended that more HIV/AIDS educational programmes should target parents. Also, those involved in the design and implementation of HIV/AIDS educational programmes must ensure that they incorporate accurate and positive African traditional beliefs system.

26 ref

013598   Montanari J A M;Bucci P L;Alonso S D V (Laboratorio de Biomembranas, GBEyB, IMBICE-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, R.S. Pe¤a 352, (B1876BXD) Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina) : A model based in the radius of vesicles to predict the number of unilamellar liposomes. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2014, 4(2), 484-9.

In particulate systems such as liposomes, concentration units are not enough to describe the drug distribution, as suspensions are not homogeneous. In certain in vitro assays, exposure to different number of particles introduces an extra variable regarding to contact phenomena. The aim is to achieve a rapid estimation of the number of unilamellar liposomes in a suspension. A simple mathematical method was developed; variables were the area and molecular weight of lipids, and the mean size of the liposomes. Unilamellar liposomes were prepared. Size was determined by dynamic light scattering, and then the number of particles were determined by tunable resistive pulse sensing. There was about a 90% coincidence between the theoretical results and the number of counted liposomes. This model could be useful for interpretation of in vitro experiments, when results could depend on the distribution of actives into different quantities of liposomes.

2 illus, 25 ref

013597   Mobarek S;Khaleque M A (Rural Development Academy (RDA), , Bogra 5842, Bangladesh, Email: neepa1977@gmail.com ) : Antenatal, pregnancy period and safe motherhood situation in Santal Community of Bangladesh. South Asian Anthrop 2014, 14(2), 105-12.

Study examines the situation of safe motherhood of Santal community of Bangladesh in terms of their beliefs, rituals and practices. The specific objectives were to gain an understanding of the practices during antenatal and pregnancy period of the Santal community including decision making process of the community. Santal Community is mostly centred in north-western region of Bangladesh and their concentration is higher in greater Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts compared to other areas. The study was canied out at Godagari Upazila ofRajshahi district and Fulbari Upazila of Dinajpur district. From the selected Upazila, villages were identified where concentration of Santal community was very high. The data was collected during September-December 2011. A total of one hundred Santal women were the prime respondents for the study who worked mostly as labourer in agriculture and had homestead land.

3 illus, 11 ref

013596   Mitra A;Gupta S;Deb R (NO, Amity Institute of Anthropology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida 201 303, Email: rdev@amity.edu) : Initiation of alcohol abuse amongst youths: a review of various resk factors. South Asian Anthrop 2014, 14(2), 147-51.

Consumption of large amount of alcohol has negative effects. The pattern of use, quantity and resultant problem have undergone sustainable changes over the past 20 years and these type of development have raised concerns about the public health and social consequence of excessive drinking. Various studies reveal that in majority of youth it signifies nothing more than healthy physiological experimentation. The present paper has critically reviewed, the empirical association between alcohol use and risk factors. A structural literature review was performed to identify the risk factors of alcohol abuse among youth and found the classes of risk factors which include family, peer, personality and other factors. Regular heavy drinking has become a regular pattern amongst youth. Suicide is found to be one of major risk factor among youth for alcohol abuse.

37 ref

013595   Mamun A A;Shaha T K;Khan M M;Kabir M S (Microbiology Dep, Stamford University Bangladesh, 51 Siddeswari Road, Dhaka, Post Code 1217, Bangladesh, Email: mskabir@yahoo.com) : Determination of microbial load in multivitamin and cough syrups sold in Dhaka City. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2014, 6(3), 235-8.

Poduction of substandard drugs and use of inappropriate methods in manufacturing medical products in pharmaceutical industries may cause non-therapeutic effect in patients particularly in children. Hence this study was conducted to determine the microbiological quality of multivitamin and cough syrups of different brands sold in local pharmacy in Dhaka city. Microbiological analysis was carried out using spread plate technique on different culture media including nutrient agar, mannitol salt agar, MacConkey agar, mFC agar, TCBS agar and SS agar for the determination of total viable bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. respectively from eleven multivitamin and twelve cough syrups. The results revealed that 50% of the cough syrup and 91% of the multivitamin syrup showed compliance with the official requirement of microbiological quality as they did not show any growth or their microbiological count is within the USP permissible limit (<60>10^{2cfu/ml). While the major contaminants in cough syrup were Staphylococcus aureus (75%), Escherichia coli(17%) and total coliforms (42%), multivitamin syrup (9%) contained only Staphylococcus aureus. Other pathogens like Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. could not be detected in both cough and multivitamin syrups. Although most of the multivitamin syrup (91%) samples are free from potential microbial threat, some of the cough syrup (75%) samples are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Hence potential safety measurement should be taken during the production and use of cough syrups to maintain the microbiological quality.}

3 tables, 19 ref

013594   Lisina K V;Piramanayagam S (Bioinformatics Dep, Computational Biology Lab, DBT Bioinformatics Cent, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641 046) : In-silico study on Thymoma with inhibitors from Petiole and Tender coconut Water from Cocos nucifera. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2014, 6(1), 52-9.

Thymoma is a tumour originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus. Thymoma is an unusual tumor, best known for its association with the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis. When diagnosed, thymomas may be removed surgically. In he rare case of a dangerous tumor, chemotherapy may be used. Health and medicinal applications of tender coconut product get research interest in recent years. The application of edible coconut part is due to the different natural components present in it. This research paper aimed to know the main reported components of coconut i.e., tender coconut water and coconut Petiole for its inhibitory activity against Thymoma. We have chosen target proteins for Thymoma viz RasP21 protein (PDB ID: 4FSS), AKT-I (PDB ID: 3096) and BCL-2 (PDB ID: 4AQ3) for our study, it was predicted to be expressed in Thymoma. Docking is frequently used to predict the binding orientation of small molecule drug candidates to their protein targets in order to in turn predict the affinity and activity of the small molecule. Docking study of the target protein was done with natural compounds derived from coconut. The coconut palm (also, cocoanut), Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can allude to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. Chemical constituents found in extracts of entire coconut palm. Phytochemicals screened for Glide HTVS docking showed good interaction with the target. The antitumor compound that yielded a fitness score of more than -5 and good toxicity value were further subjected to Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). L-Histidine can be a good drug considering their binding affinity, glide energy, glide score and toxicity and that could be a potential target for Thymoma. The docking and ADME studies were performed using Schrodinger Suite.

6 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

013593   Khokra S L;Kaushik P;Kaushik D;Jain S (NO, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra, Email: khokrasl@gmail.com) : Anti-flatulent studies of traditional medicinal plant Vitex negundo Linn. in rats. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2014, 6(4), 341-4.

Vitex negundo is a shrub from Verbenaceae family and is traditionally used in treatment of various disease and disorders. Oil prepared with the juice of leaves of Vitex-negundo is reported to have very useful medicinal properties like wonderful cures of sloughing wounds and ulcers. In Ayurveda; roots of Vitex negundo is reported to have anti-flatulent properties. Philippines peoples used to make tea from fruits of this plant, which was considered very useful in relieving stomach gas which, we refer to flatulence. Here we studied the anti flatulent activity of different essential oils and extracts of Vitex negundo Linn. The standard drug used was simethicone (10 mg/l0 g of flatulent diet, p.o.), which inhibited gas production up to 90% as compared to control. Addition of test drugs (essential oils/ ethanolic extracts) to the chickpea diet (5%) decreased the amount of gas production significantly up to 69% by root and leaves extracts while dry fruit oil inhibited gas formation to 81%. The antiflatulent activity in this plant may due to combined effect of flavonoids and triterpenoids constituents. As the safety evaluation study indicates that Vitex negundo is well tolerated at very high doses without any toxic effects. Thus, Vitex negundo has a high potential for the development of modern medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

4 tables, 14 ref

013592   Karim A H M Z;Noon H M;Noor N A M;Diah N M; Mustari S (Sociology and Anthropology Dep, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-53100, Email: ahmzkarim@yahoo.com) : Tourism in Malaysia: problems and prospects in context to socio-cultural and environmental surroundings of the country. South Asian Anthrop 2014, 14(2), 119-28.

Malaysia is perhaps one of the most unique countries of the world, being strategically situated on the gate-way location of global routes with a wonderful eco-environmental setting. Being a pluralistic society, Malaysia inherits its own traditional culture with harmonious integration of the diverse ethnic groups living in a very peaceful and politically stable situation. With all its economic potentials, Malaysia has recently emerged as a newly-developed nation with a huge infrastructural growth in its industrial and manufacturing sectors. Due to these developments and other eloquent features, people from abroad become largely attracted to this land and thus, they frequently arrive here as visitors and tourists. As recently as in the year 2005, it is reported that at least 16.7 million international tourists from outside visited Malaysia bringing about 30 billion ringgit in terms of foreign currency in this country. It brings civic pride and social prestige for Malaysia by making a kind of international linkages in global context. It takes Malaysian culture abroad and people from outside can get in touch of the unique Muslim heritage in modem Malaysian context. Based on this positive assumption, this proposed research provides information in regard to knowing about the present situation of tourism in Malaysian context. And thus it generates a discourse to conceptualize a 'rational framework for Malaysian tourism'.

1 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

013591   Kang'ethe S M;Munzara M (Social Work and Social Development Dep, University of Fort Hare, Private bag X1314 ALICE, 5700 South Africa, Email: skangethe@ufh.ac.za) : Exploring an inextricable relationship between feminization of poverty and feminization of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. J hum Ecol 2014, 47(1), 17-26.

Feminization of poverty has been identified as a major factor informing the state of feminization of HIV/AIDS in many parts of Africa and Zimbabwe is no exception. The researchers are of the view that these two factors in Zimbabwe need to be addressed in tandem if the battle against poverty and HIV/AIDS will ever be won. This paper, through a review of literature, aims to explore the relationship between poverty and HIV/AIDS.Findings indicate that the two phenomena bear an inextricable relationship, with both, mutually and reciprocatively reinforcing one another. The following dynamics, directly or indirectly influence the two concepts:patriarchy; phenomenon of bride price; female-headed households; gender inequality; poverty; and traditional practices.The paper recommends the following to address the two concepts: diluting cultures and patriarchal forces; changing mindset on gender roles; affirmative action to empower women; mainstreaming gender neutral education; zero tolerance against sexual violence; and women's economic empowerment. The paper has largely been premised on the Human rights Based Approach.

36 ref