011613   Banerjee N (NO, , H-1577, C.R. Park, New Delhi-110 019, Email: niladri.banerjee@outlook.com) : Neurotransmitters in alcoholism: a review of neurobiological and genetic studies. Indian J Hum Genet 2014, 20(1), 20-31.

Recent advances in the study of alcoholism have thrown light on the involvement of various neurotransmitters in the phenomenon of alcohol addiction. Various neurotransmitters have been implicated in alcohol addiction due to their imbalance in the brain, which could be either due to their excess activity or inhibition. This review paper aims to consolidate and to summarize some of the recent papers which have been published in this regard. The review paper will give an overview of the neurobiology of alcohol addiction, followed by detailed reviews of some of the recent papers published in the context of the genetics of alcohol addiction. Furthermore, the author hopes that the present text will be found useful to novices and experts alike in the field of neurotransmitters in alcoholism.

^iia4 illus, 68 ref

011612   Anuradha V;Yogananth N;Ali M S;Gopi K (Biochemistry Dep, Mohamed Sathak College of Arts & Science, Sholinganallur, Chennai-600 119, Email: vanuradha_2003@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular docking studies of nitrocefin and it's analogs with PBP2A of S. aureus. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(Spl), 143-7.

In the study, Docking analysis was performed with Nitrocefin and it's analogs to determine their binding efficiency at the binding pocket of Pencillin binding protein 2a of S.aureus. As a result, based on the docking scores generated by the Software Glide, Two of the Nitrocefin analogs have scores nearer to that of nitrocefin. This indicates that this class of analogous compounds can be generated as new set of anti bacterial drugs against S. aureus.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

011611   Ahirwar V;Gaur S K;Singh K (Zoology Dep, Institute of Basic Science, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi Uttar Pradesh, Email: vini_ahirwar@yahoo.co.in) : Histopathological effect of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens on Kidney of Albino Rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(6), 2447-51.

Herbal drugs are emerging as a leading area for new drug discovery and development, and are being looked at seriously for health problem. Plants, especially used in Ayurvedic can provide biologically active molecules and lead structures for the development of modified derivatives with enhanced activity and or reduced toxicity. Exposure of toxicants manifests variety of pathological lesions in various organs depending upon its dose and the period of treatment. Tridax procumbens has been found to possess various significant medicinal properties. Present study is therefore done to study the histological changes on Kidney of albino rats due to effect of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens; orally at a single and daily administration of doses at 300mg/kg b.wt and 600mg/kg b.wt for intervals of 7, 14 and 21days. It is quite obvious that its administration may also affect the cellular organization of vital organs. After treatment period there was alterations occurred in histoarchitecture of kidney and it showed remarkable changes in cortex and medullary region.

16 ref

011610   Abirami M;Kanagavalli U (Biochemistry Dep, Adhiparasakthi College of Arts & Science, G B Nagar, Kalavai, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: kanagakumaresh07@gmail.com) : Cardioprotective effect of grapeseed proanthocyanidin on doxorubicin induced myocardial injury in Rats. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2013, 4(1), 2288-93.

Grapeseed Proanthocyanidin [GSP] seeds possessing a potent antioxidant and cardioprotective properties were evaluated against Doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Intraperitonial injection of DOX [10mg kg^{-1/b.wt] administrated once a day for 15 days was revealed by elevated serum creatine phoshokinase [CPK] lactatedehydrogenase [LDH] aspartate transaminase [ASP] alanine transaminase [ALT] HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in comparison of control and associated with increasing levels of myocardial malondialdehyde [MDA] with simultaneously decrease in the level of glutathione peroxidase [Gpx], glutathione-S transferase [GST] and glutathione reductase [GR] daily oral administration of aqueous suspension of GSP seeds extract in the dose of (200 mgkg.wt) for 15 days produced normalization in the serum levels of heart marker enzymes. So the study shows that GSP seeds possess antioxidant and cardioprotective effect.}

3 tables, 30 ref

010651   Zhang Y;Wang Q;Lou W;Wang Y;Zhu X (Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control, , Zhoushan-316 021, China, Email: julia7303@gmail.com) : Microbiological safety of household membrane water filter. J envir Biol 2013, 34(2), 481-7.

Waterborne pathogens outbreaks are major reasons of diarrhea disease worldwide. Detecting and monitoring emerging waterborne pathogens (EWPs) is important for drinking water microbiological safety. The microbiological safety of household water hollow fiber membrane filter which is the end of drinking water treatment process was studied with heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and real-time PCR method. The effect of the flow rate, idle time and washing fashion were investigated. Among the selected filters from three manufacturers, only the PVDF membrane water filter (Brand B) could achieve a good water purification criteria. Brand A was found a certain degree of EWPs in its effluent. The lowest bacteria-removing efficiency of the PVC membrane water filter was found Brand C. Our study showed that the microorganisms could reach up to 10^{^6 CFU ml-1 and the 16s rDNA could reach up to 10^6 copies ml-1 in the initial filtrate of Brand C. More species and amounts of EWPs were detected in the washing water. These results suggested that the popular household membrane filters might cause microbiological risks at certain circumstances such as the shock load of EWPs and leakage of the membranes in the case of abnormal source water or poor membrane filter quality.}

6 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

010650   Zhang H;Li Q;Ye T;Zhang Z;Li L (State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural Universi, Wuhan-430 070, China, Email: lilin@mail.hzau.edu.cn) : Optimization of the whole-cell catalytic activity of recombinant Escherichia coli cells with surface-immobilized organophosphorus hydrolase. J envir Biol 2013, 34(2), 315-19.

Previous studies have verified the feasibility of using Escherichia coli systems that display organophosphorous hydrolase (OPH) on the cell surface as whole-cell catalysts. However, the inefficient display of the enzyme on cell surfaces remains unaddressed. In the present study, multiple optimization experiments on full-length and truncated ice nucleation protein anchors, E. coli host cells, culture media, and culture conditions were performed to optimize whole-cell OPH enzymatic activity. The results show that apart from the dramatic effect of isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside concentration and culture temperature, the coordination between the anchor protein, culture media, and host cells is essential for highly efficient OPH display. Under optimal conditions, namely, culturing in M9 medium, 20 °C induction temperature, 0.1 mmol l^{-1 IPTG, and 100 μmol l-1 Co2+, the engineered E. coli strain MB109-406 that expresses the fusion enzyme InaK-N-OPH exhibited a whole-cell OPH activity of 0.62 U mg-1 cell d.wt. This result is much higher than that of several currently available OPH-displaying systems, which shows the potential of the current system for further large-scale industrial or environmental a pplications.}

4 illus, 17 ref

010649   Zainab M B B;Madhusudhan D N;Raghavendra H; Dastager S G;Dayanand A (Actinomycetes-Diversity and Bioprocess Technology Research Laboratory,, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: dayanandgsar@gmail.com) : Development of bioconjugate from Streptomyces tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles for rapid detectioon of phenol constituents. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1071-81.

Most of the phenol compounds are toxic and have been considered as hazardous pollutants. Several physicochemical and biological methods are available to detect and monitor the phenol pollutants in water and soil. In the present study, phenol constituents of winery, paper and plastic industrial effluents were successfully detected employing tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles bioconjugate. The synthesis of extracellular tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles was achieved by a single isolate of Streptomyces sp. DBZ-39. Enhanced production (369.41 IU) of tyrosinase was produced in submerged bioprocess employing response surface method with central composite design. Extracellular gold nanoparticles synthesized (12-18 nm) by Streptomyces sp. DBZ-39 were characterized with TEM, EDAX and FTIR analysis. A rapid detection (within 10 min) of phenol constituents from winery effluents was achieved by bioconjugate, when compared to tyrosinases and gold nanoparticles independently. Streptomyces tyrosinase could exhibit relatively a better performance than commercially available mushroom tyrosinase in the detection of phenol constituents. Winery effluent has shown much higher content (0.98 O.D) of phenol constituents than paper and plastic effluents based on the intensity of color and U.V absorption spectra.

8 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

010648   Timothy B;Sharma S (Microbiology Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: bamgbosetimothy@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of microbes producing bacteriocin from curd, raw milk and soil and its preservative effects. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 1942-8.

Bacteriocins are proteinaceous substance produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains. They are typically considered to be narrow spectrum antibiotics produced by both gram negative and gram positive range of bacteria which possess antimicrobial properties and inhibitory towards sensitive strains. Bacterocins are safer than antibiotic. They can be used from natural material (probiotics). Bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria are considered as safe natural preservatives or bio preservatives. A total of nineteen colonies were picked from the various samples i.e. Curd, Condensed milk, Soil and Raw milk. All were subjected to bacteriocin assay and a total of six (6) strains showing relative positive results were selected and subjected for further characterization. Among all six (6) isolates (P1, R3, R6, R7, R8, T7), P1and R7 strains showed promising results against various test organisms with the observed bacteriocin activity. During preservative studies, addition of cell free bacteriocin extract of P1 strain showed positive result for preservation of raw milk up to 4days without any change in its pH and colour with respect to other strains. The best bacteriocin producing microbe, strain P1 was identified as Paenibacillus lactis which is an ideal strain that can be use further in probiotics studies for higher yielding and enhancement.

10 ref

010647   Talebiyan R;Yadegari M;Kheradmand M; Khamesipour F;Rabiee-Faradonbeh M (basis Sciences Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Shahrekord, P.O. Box: 166 Iran, Email: talebiyanreza@gmail.com) : Effect of different factors of time on the antimicrobial agent resistance. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 999-1003.

In this study, 318 commercial broiler flocks from 18 Parent Stocks with different breeder age were investigated to assess the changes of antimicrobial agent resistance. All samples were collected from April 2009 to March 2012 and Parent Stocks age was between 30 to 63 week years old. The majority of isolates were resistant to Tylosin and Erythromycin, the minimum resistant to Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were found and other antimicrobial susceptible test showed different resistance percentage from 20.75 to 43.40. These data suggested that the time passing as an independent factor whether in the study as seasonal changes or as passing of different years and without effect of other factors cannot be effective on increase of the bacterial resistance and, also, antimicrobial agent resistances found in chickens' showed a significant increase when the age of breeders is increased.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

010646   Sumit Raj (Bioinformatics Dep, Sathyabama University, Chennai-600 119, Email: sumitrajde@hotmail.com) : Structure prediction and structural aspects of hypothetical proteins of human papilloma virus (HPV). LS-Int J Life Sci 2014, 3(1), 31-3.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is mostly linked to cervical cancer among women. The genome analysis of HPV has revealed the presence of multiple hypothetical proteins whose functions are unknown. In this study, we have used bioinformatics tools, such as National Center for Biotechnology Information-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, INTERPROSCAN, PFAM and Clusters of Orthologous Groups, for the prediction of functional conserved domains in the hypothetical proteins. The functional domain and structure prediction of these uncharacterised proteins may be helpful in using them as future drug targets by establishing their existence in the metabolic pathways of HPV.

2 tables, 10 ref

010645   Srivastava N;Jai Prakash;Gupta Agarwal C;Pant D C;Mittal B (Genetic Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow) : Association of apolipoprotein B XbaI gene polymorphism and lipid profile in North Indian obese. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 26-31.

A total of 132 obese (body mass index [BMI] >25 kg/m^{2) and 132 age matched non-obese (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) subjects were studied after taking detailed clinical profile. Lipid profile in serum/plasma was done using commercial kits. Genetic analysis of APOB XbaI was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Leanth polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 11.5) software (IBM Corporation). All continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD and tested by analysis of variance test. Comparisons of categorical variables were assessed using χ2 tests or Fisher's exact test. P <60> 0.05 was considered as significant. Analysis showed that obese subjects had significantly higher value of the waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), and lipid profile. In APOB XbaI gene polymorphism, we did not find significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies. Moreover, none of the studied metabolic parameters (lipid profile) showed any association with the gene polymorphism. Study reveals no considerable association of APOB XbaI gene polymorphism with obesity and lipid profile in north Indians.}

4 tables, 24 ref

010644   Singh M;Gangwar M;Nath G;Singh S K (Pharmaceutics Dep, Indian Institute of Techology, (BHU), Email: sksingh.phe@iittbhu.ac.in) : Synthesis, DNA cleavage and antimicrobial activity of 4-thiazolidiones-benzothiazole conjugates. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1062-70.

Antimicrobial screening of several novel 4-thiazolidinones with benzothiazole moiety has been performed. These compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacterial and fungal strains. The strains were treated with these benzothiazole derivatives at varying concentrations, and MIC's were calculated. Structures of these compounds have been determined by spectroscopic studies viz., FT-IR, ^{1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. Significant antimicrobial activity was observed for some members of the series, and compounds viz. 3-(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl) phenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazolidin-4-one and 3-(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy phenyl)thiazolidin-4-one were found to be the most active against E.coli and C.albicans with MIC values in the range of 15.6-125 μg/ml. Preliminary study of the structure-activity relationship revealed that electron donating groups associated with thiazolidine bearing benzothiazole rings had a great effect on the antimicrobial activity of these compounds and contributes positively for the action. DNA cleavage experiments gave valuable hints with supporting evidence for describing the mechanism of action and hence showed a good correlation between their calculated MIC's and its lethality.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

010643   Shashi Priya G;Hemamalini K;Vijusha M (M. Parma., Pharmacology, Teegala Ram Reddy College of Pharmacy, Meerpet, Hyderabad, Email: shashi.rathnam@gmail.com) : Antidiarrhoeal activity of leaf extract of Anogeissus latifolia wall in experimentally induced diarrhoea in rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 1776-9.

Aim is to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of methanolic leaf extract of Anogeissus latifolia. The methanolic extract was evaluated using rodent animal models like castor-oil induced diarrhoea and castor-oil induced enteropooling. The phytochemical constituents were also planned to screen by using standardized methods. The plant is traditionally used for the treatment of dysentery, snakebite, lepsory, diabetes, wounds and ulcers & skin diseases. Thus, the present study is therefore undertaken to investigate the antidiarrhoeal activity. The methanolic extract of Anogeissus latifolia given orally at the dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg, showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil induced diarrhoea by decreasing fecal episodes, and castor oil induced enteropooling by decreasing the volume of intestinal fluid. Conclusion: The results suggested that the extract may contain biologically active component that may be useful against diarrhoea, thereby validating its mention in the ancient Indian texts and justifying its use in ethanomedical practice.

14 ref

010642   Sharma N D (NO, , 21, Kundan Residency, P.O. Gorraiyaghat via R.F.R.C., 4th Mile, Mandla Road, Jabalpur-482 021, Email: ndsfungi@yahoo.co.in) : Inventorying microbial diversity: new challenges for India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(10), 1280-1.

20 ref

010641   Safavizadeh N;Rahmani S A;Zaefizadeh M (Biology Dep, Ahar Branch, IAU University, Ahar, Email: Mzaefi@gmail.com) : Investigation of cytocrom c oxidase gene subunits expression on the multiple sclerosis. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 18-25.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflamatory disease, which affects the (Central Nervous System) and leads to the destruction of myelin and atrophy of the axons. Genetic factors, in addition to environmental ones, seem to play a role in MS. Numerous studies have reported mitochondrial defects including a reduction in cytochrome c oxidase (COX) complex function related to the reduction of mitochondrial genes expression in the cortex tissue of patients with MS have been reported. This study aimed to assess COX5B and COX2 genes expression in MS patients and compare it with normal subjects. We determine expression levels of genes COX5B and COX2, and also gene reference β-actine using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Data were obtained and obtained and standardized with the gene reference and were analyzed using independent sample t-test with SPSS and Excel programs. The resultshowed COX5B gene expression reduced significant in MS patients compared to normal subjects (P <60> -0.05) whereas, there was no significant difference in the COX2 gene expression between normal subjects and patients. Thus, it can be claimed that down-regulation of mitochondrial electron transport chain genes supported the hypothesis that hypoxia-like tissue injury in MS may be due to mitochondrial genes, different expression impairment.

5 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

010640   Rajesh E;Masthan K M K;Aravindha Babu N; Sankari L;Malathi L;Anitha N (Oral Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, Bharath Univ, Chennai, Email: _rajeshomfp@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of nicotina-stomatitis among 320 smokers in chennai population. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 701-3.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of nicotina stomatitis in various areas of Chennai population The study sample consisted of 320 known smokers, who were randomly selected from Chennai population. The data of nicotina stomatitis were obtained by a self administered questionnaire. From the study it was found that main reason for nicotina stomatitis is smoking more than 15 Cigarettes/beedies per day for 20-30 years. It was found that prevalence of nicotina stomatitis was predominant in 40-50years than other age groups. This study conclude that majority of smokers use filter cigarettes and they use 10-15 cigarettes per day and majority of people smoke for 5-10years.

1 illus, 14 ref

010639   Raghavan R;Dahanukar N;Philip S;Krishnakumar K;Ali A (NO, St. Albert's College, Kochi-682 018, Email: rajeevraq@hotmail.com) : `Phantom references', `nomina nuda' and the dilemma of freshwater fish taxonomy in India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(10), 1277-9.

37 ref

010638   Pant N C;Agarrwal R;Agrawal S (Biochemistry Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: agarrwalruchi@gmail.com) : Mannitol-induced drought stress on calli of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Var. RMt-303.. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1128-37.

Different explants of fenugreek, T. foenum-graecum L. (Var. RMt-303), were compared for their callus induction and subsequent shoot regeneration capabilities on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with different phytohormones in varying concentration. The highest percentage of callus induction frequency was observed in 1ppm benzylaminopurine (BAP). Maximum shoots were induced on media supplemented with 0.5ppm BAP using leaf and stem tissues as explants. However, root tissues showed only callusing with no subsequent shooting. Cotyledonary node responded better than hypocotyls in terms of shoot induction on media supplemented with thidiazuron (0.1ppm). The callus was subjected to drought stress as simulated by reduced water potential of growth media due to addition of mannitol. Calli could withstand -2 MPa water potential till 30 days indicating that the drought stress tolerance mechanisms are functional in this variety. Chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll, proline and total phenolic contents, total peroxidase and catalase activities increased under stress conditions suggesting the tolerance of callus to drought stress. However, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase activities were found to decrease slightly. Malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ contents were found to decrease while only a slight disturbance was found in membrane stability index. These results underline the mechanisms that are crucial for drought stress tolerance in fenugreek.

5 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

010637   Pandey K;Vats A (Family Resource Management Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: kumkum.pandey.unique@gmail.com) : Ergonomic hazard identification of workers engaged in brick making factories. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 297-301.

This study was done with the aim to identify the specific ergonomic risk factors in the workplace affecting the both male and female workers while doing raw brick making activities and to analyze the pain/discomfort related to it. Twenty male and twenty female workers from the raw brick making unit were randomly selected and a detailed ergonomic risk factors were analyzed with the help of NIOSH Ergonomic Hazard Identification checklist. The questions were based on the primary job responsibility of the workers. Data revealed that nearly 8 percent males and 10 percent females were in `usually' category, 25 percent males and 28 percent females in `sometimes' and approximately 18 percent male and 13 percent females who never performed the task were kept in the category `never'. It was found that all the male and female workers usually require exerting force with their hands and used the hand tools to do the task. About 8 percent males and 5 percent females were usually, 15 percent male and only 10 percent female were sometimes and 28 percent males and 35 percent female were never stood continuously for a period of more than 30 minutes. On the whole all the male and female respondents were lifting or lowering the objects between floor and waist height or shoulder height and most of the workers were becoming exposed to the vibration while performing the task and they were carrying the weight more than 50 lb. The study indicates that the majority of the activities are in the high risk category and demands immediate ergonomic intervention in the form of tool, workstation and process design.

010636   Mogarekar M R;Chawhan S S (Biochemistry Dep, SRTR Government Medical College, Ambajogai, Maharashtra, Email: mrmogarekar@hotmail.com) : Determination of Q192R polymorphism of paraoxonase 1 by using non-toxic substrate p-nitrophenylacetate. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 71-7.

Aim of the study is to the determination of Q192R polymorphism of PON1 by using non-toxic substrate p-nitrophenylacetate and compares it with the phenotype determined by using PO as substrate. The study group consists of 60 healthy normal patients. Paraoxonase activity was measured using the procedure described by Eckerson (Reference method) and for phenotyping; the ratio of hydrolysis of PO in the presence of 1 M NaCl (salt-stimulated PON1, SALT) to the hydrolysis of phenylacetate (PA) is calculated. In new method (Haagen et al.) arylesterase activity measured using p-nitrophenylacetate and for phenotyping arylesterase, the ratio of inhibition of enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate (substrate) by phenyl acetate to non-inhibited hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylacetate (inhibited arylesterase activity (IA-IA0)/non-inhibited arylesterase activity (NIA). It was found that paraoxonase activity is trimodally distributed in both the methods. There is no significant difference in the distribution of PON1 phenotypes of both reference method and new method being frequencies 0.946 and 0.376 respectively and there was no significant difference for phenotypic polymorphism for an individual by both methods (χ^{2= 0.15 and P = 0.9262). The Q192R polymorphism of PON1 by using non-toxic substrate p-nitrophenylacetate showed trimodal distribution of QQ (homozygous), QR (heterozygous), and RR (homozygous) phenotype and it is comparable with reference method. This method can be used for PON1 phenotype in different pathological and complex disease conditions.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

010635   Mansouri E;Abedi H A;Damshenas M H;Jahromi H K (Anatomical Sciences Dep, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, A, Ahvaz, Iran, Email: hassanaliabedi@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) on some of tissues. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 441-7.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is rich in polyphenolic antioxidant, which includes tannins and anthocynins and flavonoids. Researchers reported that pomegranate exhibits antivirus, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, antidiarrheal and anti-diabetic activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of pomegranate on kidney, liver and testis tissues of male rats. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups; Group 1, received distilled water; animals in the Groups 2 and 3 received hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate in doses of 250 and 500 mg kg^{-1 respectively. The extract was administrated for 8 weeks by gavage, then oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes were studied in kidney, liver and testis tissues of all groups.-The hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate significantly decreased (P<60>0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but increased (P<60>0.05) the superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activity of kidney, liver and testis when compared to control group. In conclusion, hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate possesses a powerful antioxidant activity and can increase levels of antioxidant enzymes in some tissues.}

6 illus, 32 ref

010634   Mandrekar S R S;Amoncar S;Pinto R G W (NO, , 2 Antil Peth, Bicholim-403 504, Email: sureshmandrekar@ymail.com) : Tracheal agenesis with broncho-esophageal fistula in VACTERL / TACRD association. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 87-9.

Tracheal agenesis (TA) is an extremely rare malformation. We report here autopsy findings in a case of TA with bronchoesophageal fistula of Floyd type III. The other malformations present included laryngeal atresia, Right lung hypolobulation, ventricular septal defect in membranous portion, bilateral cystic renal dysplasia, spleninculus, Meckel's diverticulum, and imperforate anus. The constellations of malformations present in our case have overlapping features with Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia, Cardiovascular anomalies, Tracheo-esophageal fistula, Esophageal atresia, Renal anomalies, Limb anomalies and Tracheal atresia or laryngo tracheal atresia, Cardiac anomalies, Renal anomalies, Duodenal atresia association described previously in the literature.

^ccr4 illus, 8 ref

010633   Mahajan B;Singh V (Microbiology Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: vsingh3@rediffmail.com) : Recent trends in probiotics and health management. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 1643-52.

Probiotics are defined as "Live microorganisms" which when administered in sufficient amounts confer a health benefit to the host. They are consumed as microbial food supplements. The mechanism of action of probiotics is associated with their ability to enhance immune response, compete with pathogenic microbes for adhesion sites, to antagonize these pathogens and production of antimicrobial substances. Immunomodulatory effect of probiotics can be explained by molecular and proteomic studies. Health benefits of probiotics includes prevention and treatment of various health conditions and diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Necrotising colitis, allergies, urogenital infections, various cancers, Arthritis, AIDS, Upper respiratory infections, oral health such as prevention of dental caries, periodontal diseases and haliotis as well as many other effects which are under exploration. The result of several clinical investigations proposes that probiotics may exert beneficial effect in preventing and treating various diseases to manage human health. Though, many of this clinical research needed validation to provide results for clinical regime. This review illustrates the health benefits of probiotics in various diseases and their possible mechanism and also highlights current challenges for future studies.

69 ref

010632   Luo D;Xie Y F;Tan X L;Li X D (NO, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu-610 041, China, Email: xieyf@cib.ac.cn) : Removal of Cu<. J envir Biol 2013, 34(2), 359-65.

The abandoned mushroom compost of Flammulina velutipes, a cheap and easy by-product to get, was used as biosorbent for removing copper ions from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of contact time, solution pH, biomass dosage, initial concentration of Cu^{2+ ions and temperature on biosorption efficiency. The maximum sorption capacity could be reached at pH 5.0 in 60 min. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich- Peterson isotherm models were used to fit the experimental data and their model parameters were evaluated. The calculated qm based on Langmuir equation was 35.608 mg g-1 at 288 K, 48.711 mg g-1 at 298 K, and 42.330 mg g-1 at 308 K, respectively. The kinetics were discussed by pseudo- first order and pseudo- second order models, and the result showed that the latter was more suitable. The thermodynamics of biosorption was also investigated, and the biosorption process was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature.}

8 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

010631   Li S;Lu T;Zhang X;Gu G;Niu Y (Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Aca, Beijing-100 081, China, Email: shiguili2002@yahoo.com.cn) : Effect of Trichoderma longbrachiatum T2 on functional diversity of cucumber rhizomicrobes. J envir Biol 2013, 34(2), 293-9.

After biocontrol Trichoderma longbrachiatum T2 was applied in the rhizosphere of cucumber, the functional diversity of the rhizomicrobes utilizing carbon sources was investigated by using Biolog Eco-microplates technique. The result showed that T. longbrachiatum T2 had a significant effect on the rhizomicrobes in terms of their metabolic activity and their capacity to utilize carbon sources. The ability of the rhizomicrobes to utilize carbon sources was enhanced at seedling stage. The significant change of the richness and the degrees of the rhizomicrobes occured at seedling stage, flowering stage, and final stage, while no obvious difference was observed at fruiting stage. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the ability of the rhizomicrobes to utilize carbon sources was enhanced at seedling stage and final stage. At flowering stage, the ability to utilize carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylic acids, amines and phenolic compounds was reduced, but the ability to untilize polymers was slightly enhanced. The ability to utilize carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylic acids, polymers and amines was enhanced, but the ability to utilize phenolic compounds was reduced at fruiting stage.

4 illus, 7 tables, 15 ref

010630   Kothekar D;Bandivdekar A;Dasgupta D (Biochemistry Dep, The Institute of Science, 15 Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: drdasgupta88@rediffmail.com) : Increased activity of goat liver plasma membrane alkaline phosphatase upon release by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2014, 51(4), 263-70.

Mammalian alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is attached to the plasma membrane by a unique glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The influence of such a complex anchoring device on the enzyme function is not fully understood. Here, we report the effect of cleavage of the GPI anchor on the activity of goat liver plasma membrane ALP (GLPM-ALP). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) purified from Bacillus cereus was used for the cleavage of the GPI anchor (delipidation) and hence for release of ALP from the membrane. Detergents - octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OG) and triton X100 (TX100) were also used for solubilization of ALP from the membrane. Resistance to solubilization by TX100 suggested the association of GPI-ALP with lipid rafts. Solubilization of GLPM-ALP with OG had no effect on the enzyme activity; however, delipidation with PI-PLC resulted in enhanced ALP activity. Kinetic analysis showed catalytic activation of PI-PLC-treated GLPM-ALP with an increase in V_max (35%) without a significant change in K_m. Moreover, this change in V_max was observed to be independent of pH and buffer. The results suggested the implication of GPI anchor in modulating the catalytic property of GLPM-ALP, thus indicating the role of this special anchoring structure in the enzyme regulation.

3 illus, 5 tables, 41 ref

010629   Khazaei H A;Moulaei N A;Tabatabaei S N A; Khazaei A;Khosravi A (Zahedan Dep, Medical Sciences Univ, Zahedan-Iran, Email: hkhazaei118@yahoo.com) : Effect of smoke cigarette on immune responses of allergic rhinitis patients. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 925-30.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most widely distributed diseases of upper respiratory tract. The disease is involved many immunological activities and any changes in this system can increase the risk of allergic rhinitis. The disease is also affected by some environmental agents such as dust house, mites, pollens, animal danders and cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on different immune system of patients suffered from allergic rhinitis divided in two groups as cigarette and non cigarette smokers to find whether these patients are more sensitive to cigarette smoke than others and this may aggravate allergies. This analytic descriptive study was conducted on 632 allergic rhinitis patients aged between 17 to 69 years olds referred to the hospitals of Zahedan city from 2005 to 2012. Complete blood cell count such as WBCs, RBCs, lymphocytes, Hb, the amount of serum IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4 levels and total serum IgE of patients were measured using a commercial SRID and nephelometry methods. The significant differences in obtained results were evaluated by 2 statistical test and SPSS software. The results indicated that low number of neutrophils, and low amount of IgA and IgM were found in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Increased number of WBCs, RBCs, lymphocytes and increased level of Hb, serum IgG, IgE, C3, C4, were found in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Significant correlation between all indices of smokers and nonsmokers individuals were observed (P value 0.01). Study results indicated that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis and changing in variety immune responses, have a role in pathogenicity of disease.

2 tables, 33 ref

010628   Karthik N;Akanksha K;Binod P;Pandey A (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (, Thiruvanathapuram-695 019, Email: binodkannur@gmail.com) : Production, purification and properties of fungal chitinases. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1025-35.

After cellulose, chitin is the second most abundant organic and renewable polysaccharide in nature. This polymer is degraded by enzymes called chitinases which are a part of the glycoside hydrolase family. Chitinases have many important biophysiological functions and immense potential applications especially in control of phytopathogens, production of chito-oligosaccharides with numerous uses and in treatment and degradation of chitinous biowaste. At present many microbial sources are being explored and tapped for chitinase production which includes potential fungal cultures. With advancement in molecular biology and gene cloning techniques, research on fungal chitinases have made fast progress. The present review focuses on recent advances in fungal chitinases, containing a short introduction to types of chitinases, their fermentative production, purification and characterization and molecular cloning and expression.

^iia2 tables, 80 ref

010627   Karimi M;Foroudi F;Abedini M R (Animal Science Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Iran, Email: mohsenkarimi62@gmail.com) : Effect of sangrovit on performance and morphology of small intestine and immune response of broilers. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 855-61.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Sangrovit on performance, small intestinal morphology, and immune response of 300 commercial hybrid broilers, Ross 308. The study was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University, Varamin, in the spring 2010 for 42 days. The broilers were kept in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replicates, 12 experimental units each containing 25 broilers. Treatments used in this experiment included controls, 0.05% and 0.1% Sangrovit of total ration. The test results showed no significant difference between different treatments during the breeding period on feed intake, feed conversion, and small intestinal morphology. However, treatments containing 0.1% Sangrovit showed significant differences on weight gain in the early rounds between the other treatments (P<60>0.05). Statistically, these differences were not significant during the breeding period. Regarding the effects of different treatments on the carcass components, the diet containing 0.05% Sangrovit could significantly increase the weight of the thigh (P<60>0.05) than the other diets. In this treatment, the mean serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease by HI method showed significant differences at 35 and 42 days of the breeding period (P<60>0.05). Based on the results of this experiment, Sangrovit can obtain the desired results in improving immune system, performance and carcass yield.

6 tables, 29 ref

010626   Kafilzadeh F;Ziarati M;Keysami M A (Biology Dep, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Jahrom, Iran, Email: kafilzadeh@jia.ac.ir) : Putative bacterial flora assessment in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei as probiotics by using antibacterial activity tests. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 507-15.

The objective of this study was to find an effective probiotic of putative bacterial flora, using in vitro antagonism test in Litopenaeus vannamei. Twelve groups of putative bacterial flora, isolated from juvenile Litopenaeus vannameiPersian Gulf Jihad Agriculture Center Hatchery unit, were used for antibacterial investigation against six pathogenic bacteria including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Vibrio cholerae. The three groups of putative bacteria (Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. and Corynebacteriumsp.), collectively showed antagonistic activity against the six pathogens. Bacillus sp. showed greatest inhibition of pathogens both in well and disc diffusion assays. Bacillus sp. also inhibited all six pathogens tested by the cross-streak method. Addition of 10 ml of cell- free supernatant of Bacillus sp. to pathogens resulted in complete suppression within 12 h. Maximum growth and maximum zone of inhibition (16 mm), against A. hydrophila were accrued at pH 8. Very slow growth was observed at pH 6 and pH 9. There was no growth at pH 4 and pH 5. Maximum growth was observed at 30 oC and 37 oC with maximum production of the antibacterial component. TSB media with 1% NaCl was optimum for growth and the zone of inhibition was 15 mm. The culture reached a stationary phase at 12 h but maximum antibacterial activity was observed only at 30 h. These results suggest that Bacillussp. has potential applications for control of pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture systems.

3 illus, 5 tables, 49 ref

010625   Jain N;Joseph R;Balan S;Arun R;Banerjee M (Periodontics Dep, Government Dental College, Calicut, Kerala, Email: drrosammajoseph@gmail.com) : Association of interleukin-4 and interleukin-17F polymorphisms in periodontitis in Dravidian ethnicity. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 58-64.

This case control study consisted of 124 periodontitis individuals comprising of 63 chronic and 61 aggressive periodontitis subjects as cases, and control group consisted of 101 healthy subjects. All subjects were genotyped for IL-4 + 33C/T, IL-17F 7383A/G, 7488A/G by polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by TaqMan assay for IL-4 + 33C/T, restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis for IL-17F 7383A/G and sequencing for IL-17F 7488A/G. IL-4 + 33C/T was significantly associated with periodontitis (P <60> 0.05) at both allelic and genotypic level. In subgroup analysis also significant difference (P <60> 0.05) in allelic distribution between aggressive periodontitis and control group for loci IL-4 + 33C/T was noted. However, there was a lack of association between IL-17F 7383A/G and IL-17F 7488A/G with periodontitis and its sub-groups at both allelic and genotypic levels. In Malayalam speaking Dravidian population IL-4 + 33C/T loci appears to be an important risk factor for periodontal disease with a leaning towards aggressive periodontitis. The association between IL-17F at 7383A/G and 7488A/G loci with either chronic or an aggressive periodontitis could not be ascertained.

4 tables, 29 ref

010624   Jafari F;Hadavand M B;Kholdi N;Aminzadeh M; Samadpour M (Health and Social Medicine Dep, Shahed Univ, Dehkadeh St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran, Email: mahmoodsamadpour@yahoo.com) : Consumption pattern of oils and related factors in Tehran west families. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 675-81.

In appropriate use of fat in diet is one of the significant risk factors for cardiovascular and other diseases. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study in randomly selected 840 west Tehran residentsto determine the fat consumption pattern. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software, Correlation, Mann Whitney and Kruskal-wallis tests. The mean age of samples was 31.56±6.88. The family average members were 3.68±1.21. The highest and lowest mean of oil consumption was liquid (3.5±2.7 per week) and animal oil (0.6±1.3 per week). Frying and solid oils consumption's frequency was declined with increasing of mothers' education level (P<60>0.05). Frequency of solid oil consumption (P<60>0.001) and butter (p=0.04) were higher in housewife. Also, with increasing of age, consumption of liquid and fried oils was increased and solid oil was declined (P<60>0.005). Consumption of butter per serving were higher in larger families (P<60>0.001).It seems to be necessary to organize proper training programs for increasing of public awareness about hazards of solid saturated fats. A decrease in liquid oil's price, total ban of solid oil advertising in television and media and other measures are effective to reform the fat consumption pattern and increase the people's health level.

1 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

010623   Ishaq F;Khanna D R;Khan A (Zoology and Environmental Science Dep, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249 404, Email: fouziaishaq@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical and phytoplanktonic characteristics of river Tons at Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 465-74.

Physico-chemical and phytoplankton characteristics of the Tons River were analyzed during August 2011-July 2012. The samples were collected from Garhi Cant (Site 1) and Tapkeshwar temple (Site 2) at Dehradun. The results showed that temperature, velocity, DO, nitrate and phosphate affected the phytoplanktonic diversity of river Tons. Thirty five genera of phytoplankton belonging to three families of Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Myxophyceae were also identified in the river water. The family Bacillariophyceae was dominating the river with much abundance throughout the study period. Bacillariophyceae was recorded with the maximum of 222.25±90.84 Unit/L at sampling site 1 and 239.08±125.41 Unit/L at sampling site 2. The greater number of individuals was in family Bacillariophyceae (239.08±125.41 Unit/L) followed by Chlorophyceae (183.75±112.50 Unit/L) and Myxophyceae (40.91±36.16 Unit/L) during the study period. Both the number of genera and number of individuals belonging to each genera was maximum in case of family Bacillariophyceae followed by Chlorophyceae and Myxophyceae. The present study revealed that the water quality of river Tons was fairly good for the growth and survival of phytoplankton, and as a result it sustains the higher phytoplankton diversity of Tons river.

010622   Hadipour F;Sarkheil P;Noruzinia M;Hadipour Z; Baghdadi T;Shafeghati Y (Medical Genetics Dep, Sarem Cell Research Center, Sarem Women Hospital, Tehran, Email: dr.yshafagh@gmail.com) : Fanconi-Bickel syndrome versus osteogenesis imperfeeta: An Iranian case with a novel mutation in glucose transporter 2 gene, and review of literature. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 84-6.

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome is an extremely rare hereditary metabolic disease, characterized by hepatomegaly due to glycogen storage, refractory hypophosphatemic rickets, marked growth retardation and proximal renal tubular acidosis. Recurrent bone fractures are one of the hallmark findings. It is a single gene disorder; the responsible gene belongs to the facilitative glucose transporters 2 (GLUT2) family gene or (SLC2A2) mapped to the q26.1-26.3 locus on chromosome 3, and encodes the GLUT protein 2. This protein is expressed in pancreatic ?-cells, hepatocytes, renal tubules, and intestinal mucosa. Several mutations in the GLUT2 gene have been reported in different ethnicities. Herein we report an Iranian girl with a missed diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. She was referred with the history of frequent fractures, and severe motor delay and was suspected to osteogenesis imperfecta. Following the case we detected refractory rickets instead of OI, sever growth failure, proximal renal tubulopathy and RTA, and enlarged kidneys, progressive hepatomegaly, and GSD on liver biopsy. Glucose and galactose tolerance tests confirmed abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Molecular analysis on GLUT2 gene revealed a homozygous novel mutation in exon 5; it was 15 nucleotide deletion and 7 nucleotide insertion and caused a frame shift mutation, produced a premature truncated protein (P.A229QFsX19). This mutation has not been reported before in the relevant literature.

^ccr11 ref

010621   Damanpak S;Mokhtari P;Mousavi S M V (Physical Education Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: sdamanpak@gmail.com) : Relationship between arousal and choice reaction time. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 803-6.

Traditional Inverted-U hypothesis had been the primary model used by sport psychologists to describe the arousal-performance relationship. However, many sport psychology researchers have challenged this relationship. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between arousal and Choice Reaction Time (RT) performance 28 non-athlete female undergraduate students (mean age: 20 years and 6 months) voluntary participated in this study. They were asked to produce responses by depressing buttons with two fingers of one hand in choice RT task. Skin Conductance Level (SCL) as arousal index was recorded continuously during performance. Results indicated that arousal did not correlate with performance. This finding provides no support for the Inverted-U hypothesis in relation to choice RT performance.

1 illus, 42 ref

010620   Chavhan A B;Pawar S S;Jadhao R G;Patil K G (Zoology Dep, Shri Shivaji Science College, Morshi Road, Amravati, Maharashtra, Email: arvind.bioinfo26@gmail.com) : Distribution of CC-chemokine receptor-5- 32 allele among the tribal and caste population of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 65-70.

One handred eight blood samples were collected from 6 tribe's populations and a caste population from the district of Vidarbha region. The presence of low frequencies of CCR5-<6798>32 in an individual of Bhil tribe (0.034, χ^{2 value 0.017) in the present study implies that these communities may have a better resistance toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than the other studied tribe sample, as non-show such mutation. The marginal presence of the allele seen in the studied tribal population could be due to gene flow from the people of European descent. However, lack of the homozygous CCR5-Δ32 mutation and the low prevalence of heterozygous CCR5-Δ32 mutations suggest that the Indians are highly susceptible to HIV/AIDS, and this correlates with the highest number of HIV/AIDS infected individuals in India}

1 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

010619   Chauhan P B;Desai P B (Microbiology Dep, K.B.S. Commerce & Nataraj Professional Sciences College, Vapi-396 195, Email: poonambchauhan@gmail.com) : Antipseudomonal property of honey and aminoglycosides. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 338-41.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has an ability to rapidly develop resistance to most antimicrobial compounds, and to check this ability. The isolates were collected from different pathological human sources and tested for their sensitivity to aminoglycoside antibiotic and to honey, a natural product that is generating renewed interest for its therapeutic application using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Aminoglycoside antibiotic which is normally active against gram-negative bacteria was used alongside honey. The 29 isolates of P. aeruginosa showed 100% sensitivity to honey tested in their undiluted form. This was not the case with gentamicin (10μg) and amikacin (30 μg), both of which varied in their antipseudomonal activity, like even 1:2 aqueous dilution of honey appreciably inhibited pseudomonal isolates than either of the two aminoglycoside antibiotic. Honey is therefore suggested as an effective natural product in overcoming the widespread antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa.

010618   Chandrasekara Bhagya C H W M R;Sulochana W S W;Hemamali N P (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, P.O. Box 271, Kynsey Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Email: chmbhaya@gmail.com) : Polymerase chain reaction optimization for amplification of Guanine-Cytosine rich templates using buccal cell DNA. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 78-83.

Optimize a cost effective PCR assay to amplify the GC-rich DNA templates. Fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR 1) is an ideal candidate for PCR optimization as its GC content is more than 80%. Primers designed to amplify the GC rich 5' untranslated region of the FMR 1 gene, was selected for the optimization of amplification using DNA extracted from buccal mucosal cells A simple and rapid protocol was used to extract DNA from buccal cells. PCR optimization was carried out using three methods, (a) substituting a substrate analog 7-deaza-dGTP to dGTP (b) in the presence of a single PCR additive and (c) using a combination of PCR additives. All PCR amplifications were carried out using a low-cost thermostable polymerase. Optimum PCR conditions were achieved when a combination of 1M betaine and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used. It was possible to amplify the GC rich region of FMR 1 gene with reproducibility in the presence of betaine and DMSO as additives without the use of commercially available kits for DNA extraction and the expensive thermostable polymerases.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

010617   Campos V;Melo R C N;Silva L P;Aquino E N; Castro M S;Fontes W (Cell Biology Dep, Brasilia Univ, Brasilia - DF, Brazil, Email: wagnerf@unb.br) : Characterization of neutrophil adhesion to different titanium surfaces. Bull Mater Sci 2014, 37(1), 157-66.

Although titanium (Ti) is known to elicit a foreign body response when implanted into humans, Ti implant healing resembles normal wound healing in terms of inflammatory cell recruitment and inflammation persistence. Rough implant surfaces may present better conditions for protein adsorption and for the adhesion of platelets and inflammatory cells such as neutrophils. Implanted biomedical devices initially interact with coagulating blood; however, direct contact between the oxide layer of the implant and neutrophils has not been completely described. The aim of the present study is to compare the behaviours of neutrophils in direct contact with different Ti surfaces. Isolated human neutrophils were placed into contact with Ti discs, which had been rendered as 'smooth' or 'rough', following different surface treatments. Scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to measure cell adhesion to the surfaces and exposure of membrane proteins such as CD62L and CD11b. Topographic roughness was demonstrated as higher for SLA treated surfaces, measured by atomic force microscopy and elemental analysis was performed by energy dispersive X-ray, showing a similar composition for both surfaces. The adhesion of neutrophils to the 'rough' Ti surface was initially stronger than adhesion to the 'smooth' surface. The cell morphology and adhesion marker results revealed clear signs of neutrophil activation by either surface, with different neutrophil morphological characteristics being observed between the two surface types. Understanding the cellular mechanisms regulating cell-implant interactions should help researchers to improve the surface topography of biomedical implant devices.

9 illus, 44 ref

010616   Benitto A;Hamzi K;Itri M;Slassi I;Nadifi S (Neuropediatrics Dep, IBN Rochd Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco, Email: benittoa@yahoo.fr) : Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Advances in molecular appraoch. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(1), 116-17.

5 ref

010615   Angamuthu K;Piramanayagam S (Research and Development Centre, DBT Bioinformatics Facility, Bioinfor, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: kandavelmani@gmail.com) : Comparative study of overlapping genes in the genomes of Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma penetrans. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(9), 3504-17.

Overlapping genes are pairs of adjacent genes whose coding regions are partially or entirely overlapping. Overlapping genes in prokaryotes are a means to minimize genome size and increase the density of genetic information. Overlapping genes play an important role in genome reduction of Mycoplasmas during the course of their degenerative evolution. In this study overlapping genes in the genomes of two obligatory human parasites, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma penetrans were extracted and systematically analyzed. Overlapping genes were classified into different categories based on their direction of transcription. Gene pairs that occur as overlapping in both the genomes, gene pairs that occur as overlapping in one genome but are split in the other genome were separated out and more closely analysed. The study revealed that most of the overlapping genes in these genomes are formed due to loss of a stop codon or frame shift. The present study also emphasizes the significance of overlapping genes in the evolution of these genomes.

20 ref

010614   Akanksha K;Arjun Prasad;Sukumaran R K; Madhavan Nampoothiri K;Pandey A;Rao S S;Parameswaran B (Centre for Biofuels, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (, Trivandrum-695 109, Email: binodkannur@niist.res.in) : Dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of sorghum biomass for sugar recovery - a statistical approach. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1082-9.

Sorghum is one of the commercially feasible lignocellulosic biomass and has a great potential of being sustainable feedstock for renewable energy. As with any lignocellulosic biomass, sorghum also requires pretreatment which increases its susceptibility to hydrolysis by enzymes for generating sugars which can be further fermented to alcohol. In the present study, sorghum biomass was evaluated for deriving maximum fermentable sugars by optimizing various pretreatment parameters using statistical optimization methods. Pretreatment studies were done with H₂SO₄, followed by enzymatic saccharification. The efficiency of the process was evaluated on the basis of production of the total reducing sugars released during the process. Compositional analysis was done for native as well as pretreated biomass and compared. The biomass pretreated with the optimized conditions could yield 0.408 g of reducing sugars /g of pretreated biomass upon enzymatic hydrolysis. The cellulose content in the solid portion obtained after pretreatment using optimised conditions was found to be increased by 43.37% with lesser production of inhibitors in acid pretreated liquor.

4 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

010613   Ahmadi R M;Hezarjaribi J (Demografy Dep, Faculty of Social Science, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Shoushtar, Iran) : Comparative study of child bearing culture and demographic control in marginalized and non-marginalized zones and its influencing factors in Ahwaz. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 845-53.

The aim of this research is to investigate the difference of child bearing culture and demographic control among marginalized and non-marginalized zones and the factors influencing on it at Ahwaz city. For this purpose, the survey method was used. The population was consisted of all the women aged 15-49 who were living in both marginalized and non-marginalized zones during conducting this study. The samples were taken as cluster sampling and the sample size were calculated by Cochran formula as 384 subjects with 0.05 errors. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and parametric t test. The following results were obtained: The mean childbearing at the Ahwaz-marginalized zone was equal to 4.36 children, whereas the reproducing rate in the non-marginalized regions was1.36 children. Therefore, the first hypothesis was confirmed. The mean fertility at the ages under 18 years in the marginalized zones was 18.60 years in comparison with 25.95 years in the non-marginalized ones. Hence, the second hypothesis was confirmed. The other result from this research is that the mean bearing at the ages above 35 years at the marginalized zones was equal to 23.70, while in the non-marginalized zones it was 28.48 years. The standard deviation at the marginalized region was 11.96 percent as compared to 8.10 percent in the non-marginalized zones. Thus, the third hypothesis was confirmed. The mean son-liking at the marginalized zones was 1.46 percent in comparison of 1.52 at the non-marginalized zones. Therefore, the fourth hypothesis was rejected. The other result is that the variable mean of spacing between children in the marginalized zones was 2.31 in comparison of that of 4.02 at the non-marginalized ones. Thus, the fifth hypothesis was confirmed. Finally, the mean consulting to healthcare center in the marginalized regions was 1.26 percent, while at non-marginalized ones it was 1.07 percent. Hence, the sixth hypothesis was confirmed. At the end, the results and recommendations were presented.

6 tables, 20 ref

010612   Ahmadi D M;Hosinzadde A H (Demografy Dep, Faculty of Social Science, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Shoushtar, Iran) : Factors influencing child bearing with reliance on birth policies in Ahwaz city. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(2), 911-18.

Current work was done aiming at investigating factors influencing birth policies in Ahwaz city. It was conducted using survey method and cluster sampling method. Statistical population included all employed women above 19 years in Ahwaz city. Sample size was considered as 384 with significance level 0.05 percent. Questionnaire was used as data collection tool, reliability of which was confirmed as 0.814 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Its validity was confirmed by the experts. Data were annualized using SPSS software at descriptive and inferential statistics level. Descriptive data showed 36 percent of respondents had three pregnancy experiences and pregnancy with about 35 percent led to birth of 3 children. Also, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for testing hypotheses. Results for Pearson correlation coefficient showed there is significant relationship between marriage age, demographic policies by the government and religious tendencies and tendency to fertility and childbearing, while no significant relationship was observed between employment age and economic status of the household and tendency to forming family and fertility.

5 tables, 20 ref

010611   Adak A;Ghosh K;Mondal K C (Microbiology Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: mondalkc@gmail.com) : Modulation of small intestinal homeostasis along with its microflora during acclimatization at simulated hypobaric hypoxia. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1098-1105.

At high altitude (HA) hypobaric hypoxic environment manifested several pathophysiological consequences of which gastrointestinal (GI) disorder are very common phenomena. To explore the most possible clue behind this disorder intestinal flora, the major player of the GI functions, were subjected following simulated hypobaric hypoxic treatment in model animal. For this, male albino rats were exposed to 55 kPa (<126> 4872.9 m) air pressure consecutively for 30 days for 8 h/day and its small intestinal microflora, their secreted digestive enzymes and stress induced marker protein were investigated of the luminal epithelia. It was observed that population density of total aerobes significantly decreased, but the quantity of total anaerobes and Escherichia coli increased significantly after 30 days of hypoxic stress. The population density of strict anaerobes like Bifidobacterium sp., Bacteroides sp. and Lactobacillus sp. and obligate anaerobes like Clostridium perfringens and Peptostreptococcus sp. were expanded along with their positive growth direction index (GDI). In relation to the huge multiplication of anaerobes the amount of gas formation as well as content of IgA and IgG increased in duration dependent manner. The activity of some luminal enzymes from microbial origin like a-amylase, gluco-amylase, proteinase, alkaline phosphatase and β-glucuronidase were also elevated in hypoxic condition. Besides, hypoxia induced in formation of malondialdehyde along with significant attenuation of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activity and lowered GSH/GSSG pool in the intestinal epithelia. Histological study revealed disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier with higher infiltration of lymphocytes in lamina propia and atrophic structure. It can be concluded that hypoxia at HA modified GI microbial imprint and subsequently causes epithelial barrier dysfunction which may relate to the small intestinal dysfunction at HA.

20 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

009626   Zhao L;Zhang F (NO, China Reseach Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing-100 081, Email: zhangfeng78626@126.com) : Overview of theoretical researches on science communication and popularization in China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 217-33.

This paper discusses the development of theoretical researches on Science Communication and Popularization (SCP) in China. The article claims that the research on SCP is continuously expanding. The theoretical research looks into interdisciplinary communication and integration, the disseminators and audiences, new media and modes of SCP. The paper concludes that theoretical research becomes further systematic adapting to social development and technological progress of China.

34 ref

009625   Zak M E;Afifi H H (Biological Anthropology Dep, Medical Research Div, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, Email: moushiraz@yahoo.com) : Body composition in egyptian turner syndrome girls. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 150-3.

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to construct the new body fat % curve and provide body composition reference data for adolescent girls with Turner syndrome (TS). They diagnosed cytogenetically by blood karyotyping and not treated with growth hormone (GH). Materials and Methods: The study included 70 TS girls from age 13 years to age 17 years. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Smoothed centile charts were derived by using the least mean square (LMS) method. Results: The new body fat curves reflect the increase of body fat mass (FM) from age 13 years to age 17 years. Body FM % of Egyptian TS girls was lower when compared with age-matched American untreated TS girls. Conclusion: This study presents the new body fat curves and reference values of body composition for untreated Egyptian TS adolescent girls. The present charts can be used for direct assessment of body FM % for Egyptian TS girls and evaluation for cases on GH treatment or other growth promoting therapy.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

009624   Yin C;Xiao Y;Zhang W;Xu E;Liu W;Yi X;Chang M (NO, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong Univ Xi'an, ShangXi 710049, People's Republic of China, Email: xiaoyanfeng0639@sina.com) : DNA microarray analysis of genes differentially expressed in adipocyte differentiation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 415-23.

In the present study, the human liposarcoma cell line SW872 was used to identify global changes in gene expression profiles occurring during adipogenesis. We further explored some of the genes expressed during the late phase of adipocyte differentiation. These genes may play a major role in promoting excessive proliferation and accumulation of lipid droplets, which contribute to the development of obesity. By using microarray-based technology, we examined differential gene expression in early differentiated adipocytes and late differentiated adipocytes. Validated genes exhibited a ≥ 10-fold increase in the late phase of adipocyte differentiation by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Compared with undifferentiated preadipocytes, we found that 763 genes were increased in early differentiated adipocytes, and 667 genes were increased in later differentiated adipocytes. Furthermore, 21 genes were found being expressed 10-fold higher in the late phase of adipocyte differentiation. The results were in accordance with the RT-PCR test, which validated 11 genes, namely, CIDEC, PID1, LYRM1, ADD1, PPARy2, ANGPTL4, ADIPOQ, ACOX1, FIP1L1, MAP3K2 and PEX14. Most of these genes were found being expressed in the later phase of adipocyte differentiation involved in obesity-related diseases. The findings may help to better understand the mechanism of obesity and related diseases.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

009623   Xuan L;Junping H (NO, China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing-100 081, Email: liuxuan@cast.org.cn) : Science communication in context of China: reducing the regional imbalance. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 203-16.

Science communication is influenced by various factors of social context, such as politics, economy, culture and history, and these factors have different impact on science communication in different time and space domain. China is a country with appreciable regional diversity, where exist huge gap in economic, social, educational and science and technology development. The imbalance in development makes social context of science communication a prominent feature in the country. In China, the demand of citizens on science communication presents diversified and complex features, which were intensified by the leapfrog development of science communication pattern. Based upon above considerations, China is taking public science communication strategy in a localized way by government and the society as well. This paper discusses the functions which science communication played in reducing the regional imbalance in China.

13 ref

009622   Wei H;Lei R;Chao Z (Scientific Literacy Research Div, China Research Institute for Science Popularization, 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081 China, Email: dupolin@sina.com) : Civic scientific literacy survey in China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 169-82.

Chinese civic scientific literacy survey has been conducted for over 20 years. The findings of Chinese civic scientific literacy have directly promoted the implementation of The Law of the People's Republic of China on Popularization of Science and Technology (2003) and Outline of the National Scheme for Scientific Literacy (2006-2010-2020), and provided important support for the development of the business of Science Popularization (SP). The history of Chinese civic scientific literacy survey, modification and improvement of index system and questionnaire design, the trend analysis of Chinese civic scientific literacy and attitudes toward S&T are introduced in this paper, which would be helpful to fully understand SP monitoring and evaluation work in China.

5 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref