006562   Sood A;Nadha H K;Sood S;Walia S;Parkash O (Biotechnology Div, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur-176 061, Email: asood@ihbt.res.in) : Large scale propagation of an exotic edible bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex H. De Lehale (Moso Bamboo) using seeds. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 755-8.

For ex vitro propagation, seeds of P.pubescens were treated with different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and germination of seeds was tested both in plastic pots as well as by direct sowing in the nursery beds. Maximum seed germination was achieved when treated with 200 mgL^{-1 (w/v) GA₃. For in vitro propagation, an exposure of nodal explants from in vitro raised seedlings to 0.2 mgL-1 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea and 1 mgL-1 kinetin supplemented medium for 30 days and thereafter to hormone free Murashige and Skoog basal medium resulted in axillary shoot proliferation. For rooting, in vitro raised shoots were exposed to MS medium containing 2 mgL-1 indole-3-butyric acid for 15 days and then shifted to hormone free medium. On an average, 2.8 shoots were obtained in 75% of the cultures within 4 weeks. Such in vitro raised plants were successfully hardened and shifted to field conditions.}

2 illus, 1 table, 55 ref

006561   Sarmah T D;Dutta O K;Bhagabati S K;Kalita B; Kashyap D (College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural Univ, Raha, Nagaon-782 103, Email: tdanny_07@rediffmail.com) : Seasonal variation in distribution and diversity of plankton in Kolong river of Assam. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(4), 1771-4.

A study on the distribution and diversity of plankton population of Kolong river of Nagaon district, Assam was carried out during 2011-12. The phytoplankton belonging to division Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae were predominant over the others and zooplanktons belonging to group Protozoa, rotifers were predominant. A total of 19 species of phytoplankton and 7 species of zooplanktoa were identified. Maximum population of phytoplankton was observed during monsoon and maximum zooplank-ton was observed during postmonsoon season. The present study is expected to contribute better knowledge of distribution and diversity of plankton in the river.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

006560   Sarma S K;Mahanta J (Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region (ICMR), , Post Box No. 105, Dibrugarh-786 001, Email: sksharma@icmr.org.in ) : Prevalence of haemoglobin E among Assamese Sikh community. Curr Sci 2013, 104(8), 1012-13.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

006559   Sarkar M;Biswas P;Samanta A (Microbiology Div, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032, Email: asamata61@yhoo.co.in) : Study of hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract of Leucas indica Linn. aerial parts on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2013, 5(2), 50-5.

The present study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract of Leucas indica Linn. on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The extract showed a significant dose depended (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w, orally) reduction in fasting blood glucose level, comparing with reference drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg b.w, orally). In addition, the changes in body weight, analysis of serum biochemical parameters like lipid profile, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, total proteins, bilirubin, urea and alkaline phosphatase were assessed for each group of animals and the significant differences were observed when compared with control groups. Finally, in case of histopathological investigation of pancreas, liver and kidney from each group of rats showed a significant protection and regeneration of earlier streptozotocin induced cellular necrosis. This finding proves that the extract exhibits sufficient hypoglycemic activity along with improves streptozotocin induced negative body weight as well as normalize serum biochemical parameters and protect from cellular necrosis significantly.

12 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

006558   Sarkar C;Bose S;Banerjee S (NO, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Asansol-713 301, Email: banerjeesugato1@gmail.com) : Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of vasicinone in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 705-11.

Justicia adhatoda (vasaka) leaves have long been used in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as antitussive. Its crude extract has been previously reported to have hepatoprotective activity. Vasicinone was isolated from leaves of J. adhatoda, column purified and characterized using, TLC UV, FT-IR and ^{1H NMR. The isolated vasicinone was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity using (CCl₄)-induced acute hepatotoxicity model in mice. CCl₄ treatments lead to significant increase in SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels. Pre-treatment with vasicinone and silymarin (25 mg/kg/day for 7 days) significantly decreased these enzyme levels. Histopathology of the livers from vasicinone and silymarin pre-treated animals showed normal hepatic cords and absence of necrotic changes suggesting pronounced recovery from CCl₄ induced liver damage. Both vasicinone and silymarin significantly decrease the CCl₄ mediated increase in pentobarbital indiced sleeping time in experimental animals, thus indicating recovery of liver function. Based on the above results it can be concluded that vasicinone may act as hepatoprotective in mice and warrants further investigation on human volunteers.}

4 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006557   Rengarajan T;Rajendran P;Nandakumar N; Balasubramanian M P;Nishigaki I (NPO-International laboratory of Biochemistry, , 1-166, Uchide, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-454-0926, Japan) : Epidemiology of human breast cancer. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2014, 3(1), 62-71.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is the second leading cause of cancer related death. In India 70,000 new cases of breast cancer and 35,000 deaths due to this cancer are reported every year. The etiology of breast cancer is multifactorial. Hormonal, genetic and environmental factors appear to inter play in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Hence, an attempt has been made in this review in order to discuss about the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment measures of breast cancer.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 76 ref

006556   Rajaram G;Sumalatha N;Ramadevi A;Venkata Prakash G (Microbiology Dep, S. V. Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Email: narava_s@yahoo.com) : Helicobater pylori infection among asymptomatic children - a seroprevalence study. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2013, 2(2), 132-40.

Two hundred four children, 150 male children and 114 female children found out as asymptomatic for gastrointestinal tract disease were studied for serum IgG specific Helicobacter pylori antibodies by Medden's Diagnostic B.V.A.A.Vordan, Netherlands, Helicobacter pylori IgG ELISA Quantitative Kit. Concentrations of more than 20 AU/ml indicates positive status for Helicobacter pylori infection and concentrations of ≤ 15 AU/ml indicates negative status for Helicobacter pylori infection. In the study group female children have acquired H.pylori infection at an earlier age of 2 years where as at 2 years of age, all male children were seronegative. The seroprevalence gradually increased with age and by 12 years of age seropositivity among children of both sexes was almost the same. The overall seroprevalence was found to be 44.3% and all seropositive children were from families with low socio economic status. Screening of children for H.pylori by accurate non-invasive methods helps in early detection, prompt treatment and prevention of late complications.

5 tables, 21 ref

006555   Poopathi S;Thirugnanasambantham K;Mani C; Ragul K;Sundarapandian S M (Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Vector Control Research Centre (I, , Indira Nagar, Puducherry-605 006, Email: Subbiahpoopathi@rediffmail.com) : Isolation of mosquitocidal bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis, B.sphaericus and B.cereus) from excreta of arid birds. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 739-47.

Mosquitocidal bacteria are environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides for controlling mosquitoes and therefore, there have been tremendous world-wide efforts to identify novel mosquitocidal bacteria from natural environment. In the present study, excreta from arid-birds were analyzed for identifying mosquitocidal bacteria. The selection of sample for bacterial screening is significant, because, arid-birds are the unique living species and gathering the foods from variety of sources from environment. Out of 1000 samples examined, twelve bacterial strains were identified as mosquitocidal and the 16S rRNA gene sequence alignment depicted that these isolates belonged to Bacillus species (Bacillus thuringiensis, B.sphaericus and B.cereus). Toxicity assay against mosquito vectors have shown that these isolates are potential. The B. sphaericus VCRC-B547 (NCBI: JN377789) has shown a higher toxicity against Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. stephensi, and Aed. aegypti. Result from SDS-PAGE has shown that there was considerable difference in the protein profiles among the new bacterial isolates. Phylogenetic tree with branch length 0.05 revealed three distinct groups with homology among the closely related Bacillus strains. This study therefore throws considerable interest on the diversity of microbial organisms from arid birds and its application in mosquito control.

5 illus, 2 tables, 55 ref

006554   Patil P J;Patil S P (Physiology Dep, Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College, Dhule, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of instructional multimedia in learning basic clinical examination skill by first year medical students. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2014, 3(1), 48-53.

Learning medicine is associated with the ability to carry out practical procedures and utilize skills in healthcare management. The effectiveness of an instructional multimedia tool in learning clinical motor examination skills was compared to that of traditional teaching technique. Pre-structured questionnaire for feedback and knowledge with OSCE was used for evaluation. After a week period of reading assignment, students had traditional teaching learning session of motor skill examination testing with rehearsal. After evaluation, they had instructional multimedia training session using compact disc for a week followed with rehearsals. In third and fifth week the students were assessed. Maximum students immediately experienced that instructional multimedia had clear instructions, interesting and they had adequate time for understanding skills which caused improved outcome. The confidence of correct eliciting the deep tendon reflex was more after exposure to instructional multimedia method. 61.9% students considered that perfection of skills was acquired by instructional multimedia method only and 52.4% would prefer in future the instructional multimedia method. There was statistically significant (p<60>0.01) higher score for eliciting deep tendon reflexes and no significant (p<62>0.05) difference of acquired knowledge by students of instructional multimedia method to traditional method. Instructional multimedia had drawback of non availability of immediate teacher's feedback and queries clarification while few students were worried about the technical support of the material on their computers. Instructional multimedia was beneficial in learning clinical examination skills.

7 tables, 10 ref

006553   Pandey A;Goyal A;Jain U K;Sharma K K (Pharmacology & Drug Research Dep, Chandigarh College of Pharmacy, Landran, Mohali-140 307) : Antiobesity potential of PGE₂ analogue misoprostol and PG synthesis inhibitor indomethacin in high fat diet induced obesity in wistar rats.. Int J Pharm Ther 2013, 3(4), 28-45.

The study was undertaken to investigate the anti-obesity potential of PGE₂ analogue Misoprostol and PG synthesis inhibitor Indomethacin in HFD induced obesity in Wistar rats. Experimental obesity was induced by feeding rats with HFD for 10 weeks. HFD treatment caused significant increase in body weight, body mass index, Lee index; weight of different fat depots, serum glucose, cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL, feed intake (Kcal) and decrease in serum HDL and feed intake (gm) in HFD control group which were assessed as an index of obesity. Enzymatic kits and physical parameters had been used for the measurement of investigation. Misoprostol (100 and 200 mcg/kg; p.o.) and Indomethacin (20 mg/kg; p.o.) were used as the test drugs. The end of the study had shown the pharmacological beneficial effects of Misoprostol and Indomethacin on obesity induced in wistar rats.

16 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

006552   Niture N T;Ansari A A;Naik S R (Sinhgad College of Pharmacy, , Vadgaon (BK), Pune-410 041, Email: srnaik5@rediffmail.com) : Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Rutin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: An effect mediated through cytokines, antioxidants and lipid biomarkers. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 720-7.

Administration of rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) orally for 3 weeks treatment significantly improved body weight, reduced plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), restored the depleted liver antioxidant status and serum lipid profile in high fat diet + streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats. Rutin treatment also improved histo-architecture of á islets and reversed hypertrophy of hepatocytes. Rutin exhibited significant antidiabetic activity, presumably by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, improving antioxidant and plasma lipid profiles in High fat diet + streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic model and may be useful as a diabetic modulator along with standard antidiabetic drugs. However, such effects need to be confirmed on human subjects in clinical condition.

3 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

006551   Nisha V;Achyuthan H (Geology Dep, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Email: nishakeshav22@gmail.com) : Geochemical evaluation of sea surface sediments along the continental shelf, South East coast of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2014, 43(2), 241-51.

Present study consists geochemical variations and spatial distribution of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the ocean floor sediments collected along the continental shelf off East coast Tamil Nadu (Chennai to Velanganni) during the 2009 southwest monsoon period. Results indicate sand dominance with abundant calcareous debris and shell fragments. Normalisation of trace metals with Al signifies a geogenic sediment origin. Enrichment factor (EF) of trace metals namely Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn exhibit an increasing trend Pb <62> Cr <62> Co <62> Zn <62> Ni <62> Cu <62> Mn indicating high values of Pb, Cr, Co and Zn due to the anthropogenic source. However, contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) point less than 1 indicating negligible contamination during the 2009 southwest monsoon period.

7 illus, 4 tables, 57 ref

006550   Mukherjee S;Barman S;Sarkar S;Mandal N C; Bhattacharya S (Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan-731 235) : Anti-bacterial activity of Achatina CRP and its mechanism of action. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 692-704.

Physiological role of C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute-phase protein, is not well documented, despite many reports on biological effects of CRP in vitro and in model systems in vivo. It has been suggested that CRP protects mice against lethal toxicity of bacterial infections by implementing immunological responses. In Achatina fulica CRP is a constitutive multifunctional protein in haemolymph and considered responsible for their survival in the environment for millions of years. The efficacy of Achatina CRP (ACRP) was tested against both Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis infections in mice where endogenous CRP level is negligible even after inflammatory stimulus. Further, growth curves of the bacteria revealed that ACRP (50 μg/mL) is bacteriostatic against gram negative salmonellae and bactericidal against gram positive bacilli. ACRP induced energy crises in bacterial cells, inhibited key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes such as phosphofructokinase in glycolysis, isocitrate dehydrogenase in TCA cycle, isocitrate lyase in glyoxylate cycle and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in gluconeogenesis. ACRP disturbed the homeostasis of cellular redox potential as well as reduced glutathione status, which is accompanied by an enhanced rate of lipid peroxidation. Annexin V-Cy3/CFDA dual staining clearly showed ACRP induced apoptosis-like death in bacterial cell population. Moreover, immunoblot analyses also indicated apoptosis-like death in ACRP treated bacterial cells, where activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) and caspase-3 was noteworthy. It is concluded that metabolic impairment by ACRP in bacterial cells is primarily due to generation of reactive oxygen species and ACRP induced anti-bacterial effect is mediated by metabolic impairment leading to apoptosis-like death in bacterial cells.

9 illus, 2 tables, 53 ref

006549   Momoh S;Daniel E;Okpachi C A;Atanu F O;Friday E T;Shaibu I E (Biochemistry Dep, Kogi State Univ, Anyigba, Nigeria) : Toxicological implication of contaminated soft drink on the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of rat liver and kidney tissues. Int J Pharm Ther 2013, 3(4), 24-7.

Study aimed at assessing the toxicological implication of consuming experimentally contaminated soft drink on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of rat liver and kidney. Rats were fed with contaminated soft drink by gavage for a maximum of eleven days. Homogenised liver and kidney tissues were analysed for LDH activities spectrophotometrically. LDH levels decreased significantly below control values of 4.2 x 10^{2 ani 12.5 x 102μm/min/mg protein for liver and kidney respectively. This study concluded that contaminated soft drink posed toxicity to the liver and kidney as presented by the alteration in LDH activities.}

2 illus, 5 ref

006548   Mohamed Hatha A A;Divya P S;Saramma A V; Rahiman M;Krishnan K P (Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry Dep, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Lakeside Campus, Cochin 682 016, Email: mohamedhatha@gmail.com) : Migratory bird, Branta leucopis (Barnacle goose), a potential carrier of diverse Escherichia coli serotypes into pristine Arctic environment. Curr Sci 2013, 104(8), 1078-80.

As a part of the Indian summer expedition to the Arctic in 2011, a study was carried out on the diversity and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli serotypes in the droppings of migratory bird Brantaleucopis, widely known as Barnacle goose. Serotyping of 41 different isolates of E. coli from the droppings revealed presence of nine different serotypes dominated by O149 and O24. The other serotypes encountered were O148, O2, O21, O91, O130, O32 and O37. Phylogenetic analysis by triplex PCR revealed that 31.7% of the isolates belonged to group B2, which are the most virulent strains, followed by B1 and A groups which are considered as commensal strains. Less virulent D group strains were nearly 10%. Antibiogram of the isolates revealed that all the strains were resistant to colistin (polymixin E). While there was a modest level of beta lactam resistance (ampicillin - 39%; amoxicillin - 12%) among the E. coli isolates from this source, 7% was resistant to tetracycline.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

006547   Mitra A;Zaman S;Sett S;Raha A P;Banerjee K (Marine Science Dep, University of Calcutta, 35 B.C. Road, Kolkata 700 019, Email: abhijit_mitra@hotmail.com) : Phytoplankton cell volume and diversity in Indian Sundarbans. Indian J Geomar Sci 2014, 43(2), 208-15.

Present study focuses on the cell volume and diversity of phytoplankton, which are unique indicators of aquatic salinity. We compared the cell volume and Shannon Weiner Species Diversity Index values of the documented phytoplankton in two significantly different salinity sectors in the Indian Sundarbans: Western and Central. Western sector exhibited higher Shannon Weiner Species Diversity Index value (mean $ ' value = 3.2715) compared to that of the central sector (mean $ ' value = 3.2504). Cell volume of the observed species was also more in the western sector (118.83 μm^{3 to 304322.23 μm3) compared to the central sector (114.23 μm3 to 295199.31 μm3), thus indicating the regulatory role of salinity on the free floating producer community in the aquatic ecosystem. ANOVA results indicate significant differences (P <60> 0.05) in phytoplankton diversity and cell volume between the western and central Indian Sundarbans.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

006546   Mitra A (Biology Dep, Washington University in St Louis, Monsanto 411, Campus Box 1137, One Brookings Drive, St Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA, Email: mitra.aniruddha@gmail.com) : Cinderella's new shoes - how and why insects remodel their bodies between life stages. Curr Sci 2013, 104(8), 1028-36.

Metamorphosis in insects is a remarkable phenomenon where the larva undergoes a striking morphological reorganization to give rise to the adult. Over the years, various physiological factors and pathways that govern metamorphosis have been discovered, and at the same time, some understanding about the origins of this phenomenon has also emerged. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of both the mechanisms underlying metamorphosis, as well as the theories put forward to explain its evolution.

5 illus, 44 ref

006545   Mehta M;Raja Ram;Bhattacharya A (Biotechnoloy Div, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technoloy (IHBT), Palampur-176 061, Email: amitabhatta@ihbt.res.in) : Simple and cost effective liquid culture system for the micropropagation of two commercially important apple rootstocks. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 748-54.

The two commercially important apple rootstocks i.e., MM106 and B9 were micropropagated using a liquid culture system. Three different strengths of 0.8% agar solidified PGR free basal MS medium were first tested to optimize the culture media for both the rootstocks. Full strength medium (MS0) supported maximum in vitro growth, multiplication, rooting and survival under field conditions as opposed to quarter and half strength media. When three different volumes of liquid MS0 were tested, highest in vitro growth, multiplication, rooting and also survival under field conditions were achieved in 20 mL liquid MS0. The cost of one litre of liquid medium was also reduced by 8 times to Rs. 6.29 as compared to solid medium. The cost of 20 mL medium was further reduced to Rs. 0.125

3 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

006544   Lee J;Lee H I;Kown-Il S;Cho H W;Myung-Joo Kim;Eun-Mi Park;Mi-Kyung Lee (Food and Nutrition Dep, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 540-950, Korea, Email: leemk@sunchon.ac.kr) : Effects of ursolic acid on glucose metabolism, the polyol pathway and dyslipidemia in non-obese type 2 diabetic mice. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 683-91.

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound that naturally occurs in fruits, leaves and flowers of medicinal herbs. This study investigated the dose-response efficacy of UA (0.01 and 0.05%) on glucose metabolism, the polyol pathway and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic mice. Supplement with both UA doses reduced fasting blood glucose and plasma triglyceride levels in non-obese type 2 diabetic mice. High-dose UA significantly lowered plasma free fatty acid, total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol levels compared with the diabetic control mice, while LDL-cholesterol levels were reduced with both doses. UA supplement effectively decreased hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity and increased glucokinase activity, the glucokinase/glucose-6-phosphatase ratio, GLUT2 mRNA levels and glycogen content compared with the diabetic control mice. UA supplement attenuated hyperglycemia-induced renal hypertrophy and histological changes. Renal aldose reductase activity was higher, whereas sorbitol dehydrogenase activity was lower in the diabetic control group than in the non-diabetic group. However, UA supplement reversed the biochemical changes in polyol pathway to normal values. These results demonstrated that low-dose UA had preventive potency for diabetic renal complications, which could be mediated by changes in hepatic glucose metabolism and the renal polyol pathway. High-dose UA was more effective anti-dyslipidemia therapy in non-obese type 2 diabetic mice.

3 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

006543   Laha T K;Mishra G;Sen S (NO, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohuda, Ganjam, Berhampur-760 002, Email: tapaslaha80@rediffmail.com) : High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of duloxetine and its metabolites in rat and characterization of metabolites in plasma, urine, feces and bile through retro-synthesis followed By NMR and MS study. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2013, 5(2), 70-7.

A simple and sensitive reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for determination of duloxetine and twelve of its metabolites, Sulfate conjugate of 4-hydroxy duloxetine (M1), N-desmethyl duloxetine (M2), Glucuronide conjugate of 4-hydroxy duloxetine (M3), Glucuronide conjugate of 6-hydroxy duloxetine (M4), Glucuronide conjugate of 4,6-dihydroxy duloxetine (M5), Glucuronide conjugate of 5-hydroxy-6-methoxy duloxetine (M6), 4-Hydroxy duloxetine (M7), 5-Hydroxy duloxetine (M8), 6-Hydroxy duloxetine (M9), Thienyl alcohol (M10), Glucuronide conjugate of 5-hydroxy duloxetine (M11), Glucuronide conjugate of dihydrodiol duloxetine (M12) in Wistar rat plasma, urine, feces and bile was developed. Analysis was carried out on a μ-Bondapak C18 column (250mm x 4.6mm, 5μm particle size) using methanol: phosphate buffer (pH 7.8, 50 mM) (7:3 v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1ml/min. Detection was carried out at 221 nm with an UV detector. The above metabolites were characterized by retro-synthesis followed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and M.S study for structure confirmation and finally injected separately into the HPLC system. All the twelve retention time matches with the metabolites present in the plasma, urine, feces and bile sample. This method has also been successfully applied in the pharmacokinetics study of duloxetine after orally administrating the duloxetine to Wistar rat.

5 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

006542   Kalasker V;Sudhamadhuri;Kodliwadmath M V;Bhat H (Biochemistry Dep, NMC, Raichur) : Effect of iron deficiency anemia on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in non diabetic Indian adults. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2014, 3(1), 40-3.

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used as a gold standard for monitoring glycemic control and as a predictor of diabetic complications. Conditions that effect erythrocyte turnover affect HbA1c concentration. Although many forms of anemia are associated with lowering of HbA1c, iron deficiency anemia tends to increase HbA1c. However, reports on the effects of iron deficiency anemia on HbA1c are inconsistent. So we conducted a study to analyze the effects of iron deficiency anemia on HbA1c levels in non diabetics. 40 Non diabetic anemia patients and 40 age matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. HbA1c and absolute HbA1c levels were measured in patients and controls. The mean HbA1c and absolute HbA1c levels in anemic non diabetic patients were significantly lower than that in the control group. The trend for HbA1c to increase with iron deficiency does not appear to require screening for iron deficiency in ascertaining the reliability of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes / prediabetics.

1 table, 18 ref

006541   Joshi A;Shahane V;Gore V;Kagal A;Risbud S; Bharadwaj R (NO, B.J. Medical College, Pune, Email: renu.bharadwaj@gmail.com) : In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of a novel polyenzyme preparation immunoseb. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(2), 142-5.

Novel polyenzyme formulations which are proprietary blends of different enzymes such as bromelain, papain, acid and alkaline proteases, serratiopeptidase, lysozyme etc. have been developed by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd., Thane and Specialty Enzymes Co. USA, group of Companies, Screening for antibacterial activity of Immunoseb, a novel polyenzyme formulation under development, was done using ATCC strains and clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and 5. pneumoniae employing a modified antibiotic susceptibility test. The polyenzyme formulation was found to have activity against P. aeruginosa S. aureus, S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae at the test concentration. Synergistic effect was established when Immunoseb was used in conjunction with Ampicillin against E. coli and with Penicillin against Streptococcus pyogenes. Partial synergy was established when it was used in conjunction with Ceftazidime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and with Ciprofloxacin against Salmonella typhi. Antagonism was established when it was used in combination with Ceftazidime against S. typhi and with Ciprofloxacin against both, coagulase negative staphylococcal strain and Staphylococcus aureus. Immunoseb has antibacterial activity against some commonly encountered pathogens and therefore has the potential of being a novel broad range antibacterial drug. It can be used in conjunction with those antibiotics with which a synergistic effect or partial synergy could be demonstrated since their MIC levels could be decreased. Thus they appear to have good potential as potentiators of currently used antibiotics. In cases where antagonism was established, it should not be used in combination with that particular antibiotic.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

006540   Irani F B;Bhakare P;Joshi L N (Physiology Dep, MGM College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Email: dr.iranifb@gmail.com) : Effect of yogic practices (Sudarshan Kriya) on personality. J Res med Educ Ethics 2013, 3(1), 90-3.

This is a self-controlled study to see the effect of yogic practices (Sudarshan Kriya (SK)) on personality in normal adults (males and females). Of the total 83 subjects, 74 subjects aged between 25 and 55 years, of both sexes, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and who consented to participate in the study were enrolled into two sessions. Each enrolled subject practiced SK for 1 h/day for 6 days/week for 6 months. Personality was assessed before and after 3 months using `The Chakra Personality Test' to assess the Satvik, the Rajsik and the Tamasik personalities. A significant increase in the Satvik, marginal increase in the Rajsik and significant decrease in the Tamasik personalities was observed (P = 0.001). This study has shown the influence of SK on personality.

006539   Huh M K;Cho K S (Molecular Biology Dep, Dongeui University, 995 Eomgwangno, Busanjin-gu, Busan 614-714, Korea, Email: mkhuh@deu.ac.kr) : Seasonal occurrences and distribution of vibrio at Busan markets in Korea. Indian J Geomar Sci 2014, 43(2), 233-40.

Cholera is etiological agents of cholera. Samples contaminated with Vibrio cholera, V.parahaemolyticus and V.vulnificus were identified using PCR with primers. We showed that fish and mollusks served as intermediate vectors of V. cholera, V.parahaemolyticus and V.vulnificus at Busan city in Korea. Three species was found in the examined fish and mollusk at all markets in Busan and was found in all seasons. In most cases, the bacteria were isolated from the epithelial intestines of fish. Only three species of mollusks were contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus. V. vulnificus was found in Sebastes pachycephalus (Jacopever, Schlegel's blac rockfish) and Anguilla japonica(Japanese eel).

2 illus, 6 tables, 32 ref

006538   Garg S;Pal K;Dharma A;Garg K R (Pharmacy Dep, Mewar University, Mewar, Email: sunilgarg_in@yahoo.com) : Ulcer healing properties of ethanolic extract of P. oleracea in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2014, 5(2), 3270-75.

Portulaca oleracea(P. oleracea) has been reported to have both antidiabetic and antiulcer activities. The present investigation evaluates the gastric ulcer healing properties of ethanolic extract of P. oleraceain streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal) was used to induce iabetes mellitus in rats. Aspirin (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered for initial 7 days to induce gastric ulcerations in the diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract of P. oleracea was administered in different doses (100, 150 and 250 mg/kg, orally) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Various biochemical markers of blood and tissue origin were also estimated to compare the ulcer healing potential of this extract. Of all the three doses of P. oleracea tested, the dose of 250 mg/kg exhibited dose-dependent significant ulcer healing property along with the better antidiabetic property as compared to other two doses. The 50% ethanolic extract of P. oleracea can be beneficial in the treatment of gastric ulcers and diabetes.

3 tables, 24 ref

006537   Dwivedi J;Dey Sarkar P (Biochemistry Dep, S.S. Medical College, Rewa-486 001) : Study of oxidant and antioxidant status with homocysteine, total protein and albumin in nephrotic syndrome. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2014, 3(1), 18-21.

Nephrotic patients show various abnormalities in protein kinetics. Plasma albumin levels and the total plasma albumin pool are reduced. Nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of an imbalance between oxidant and anti-oxidant activity. Oxidative damage has been proposed as one of the possible mechanism involved in the Nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate oxidant and antioxidant status with Homocysteine in Nephrotic syndrome patients. The blood samples were analyzed for quantitation of total protein, albumin, Malondialdehyde as index of lipid peroxide, vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity and Homocysteine. Significantly increased levels of serum lipid peroxide, Homocysteine and decreased levels total protein, albumin, serum total antioxidant capacity and plasma vitamin C were noticed in the patients with Nephrotic syndrome as compared to control subjects. However, significant positive correlation in lipid peroxide with Homocysteine and total protein with total antioxidant capacity, were observed in the patients of Nephrotic syndrome age 30-80 years.

2 tables, 26 ref

006536   Budimelli S;Chebrolu K (Community Medicine Dep, NRI Medical College, Chinakakani-522 503, Email: swapna_budimelli@yahoo.com) : Utilisation of maternal health care services in slums of East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2013, 2(2), 141-48.

Objectives are to study the socio-demographic profile of the mothers. 2. To study the utilization of maternal health care services by the beneficiaries. The present observational, descriptive, cross- sectional field based study, conducted in the urban slums of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. From the 15 functional UHCs, 150 mothers, 10 from each UHC area were administered a pre- designed, pre- tested semi-structured schedule using interview technique. About 70% mothers belong to middle class and 27% to lower socio-economic class, 67% are living in nuclear families. The literacy rate is higher among females (70%) than males (62%). Teenage mothers are a minority (12.3%). 93.3% mothers received complete antenatal care, majority preferring Government Hospitals (46.7%). Tetanus Toxoid immunization was universal. 93.3% mothers received IFA tablets for 100 days but only 76.7% consumed for 100 days. Referral services were needed by a minority (4.7%). Majority (86%) of the deliveries are institutional, 94% were conducted by trained personnel. About 85% of the mothers received postnatal care. UHCs are functioning as the main public sector sources of Primary Health Care for urban slum dwellers. Specific dimensions like home visits during the antenatal period, postnatal care need further improvement.

5 tables, 21 ref

006535   Bhattacharjee A;Chandra A K;Tiwari H K;Malik T;Mondal C (Physiology Dep, International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University(, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: aniruddha60@gmail.com) : Serum thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg) and thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO) levels in school children from goiter endemic sub-Himalayan Tarai region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2013, 2(2), 149-53.

Entire sub-Himalayan tarai (flat lands) region is in the classical goiter endemic belt of India. Siddharthnagar district in Eastern Uttar Pradesh is located in the foot-hills of the Himalayas and made up of tarai (flat lands).The present study was undertaken to evaluate the serum level of genetic markers for autoimmune thyroid disease(AITD) namely thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO) which are implicated as goitrogenic factors for the persistence of endemic goiter during post salt iodization phase in sub-Himalayan tarai region of India. A total of 140 venous blood samples were collected from the goitrous school children of both sexes from 14 study areas of Siddharthnagar district for the measurement of thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg) and thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO). Thyroglobulin antibody (Anti-Tg) and thyroperoxidase antibody (Anti-TPO) in serum are within normal range in almost all cases, indicating that these antibodies or genetic marker perhaps play no role in the etiopathogenesis of endemic goiter in the studied region during post salt iodization phase.

3 tables, 10 ref

006534   Barua P;Kakati S;Devi U;Ngulani K S;Mahanta (Microbiology Dep, Jorhat Medeical College, Assam) : Disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient in Northeast India caused by serotype B. Int J Med Hlth Sci 2014, 3(1), 88-91.

Disseminated cryptococcosis is not common in immunocompetent persons. Here we report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent individual caused by Serotype B. Detailed case history with informed consent was taken followed by thorough investigation. A search was made on the Internet (Medline, ProQuest and Google) for similar findings. Cryptococcus gattii was isolated from blood, CSF and sputum in this case who presented with cough, meningitis, hemiparesis, transient loss of consciousness and sixth nerve palsy at one time. This case of disseminated Cryptococcosis with multiple neurological symptoms caused by Serotype B in an immunocompetent individual is reported due to its rarity.

^ccr2 illus, 12 ref

006533   Banerjee B;Bhuyan G;Saha N (Biochemical Adaptation Lab., Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793 022, Email: nsahanehu@hotmail.com) : Influence of environmental hypertonicity on the induction of ureogenesis and amino acid metabolism in air-breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus, Bloch). Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 728-38.

Effect of environmental hypertonicity, due to exposure to 300 mM mannitol solution for 7 days, on the induction of ureogenesis and also on amino acid metabolism was studied in the air-breathing walking catfish, C. batrachus, which is already known to have the capacity to face the problem of osmolarity stress in addition to other environmental stresses in its natural habitats. Exposure to hypertonic mannitol solution led to reduction of ammonia excretion rate by about 2-fold with a concomitant increase of urea-N excretion rate by about 2-fold. This was accompanied by significant increase in the levels of both ammonia and urea in different tissues and also in plasma. Further, the environmental hypertonicity also led to significant accumulation of different non-essential free amino acids (FAAs) and to some extent the essential FAAs, thereby causing a total increase of non-essential FAA pool by 2-3-fold and essential FAA pool by 1.5-2.0-fold in most of the tissues studied including the plasma. The activities of three ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) enzymes such as carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase in liver and kidney tissues, and four key amino acid metabolism-related enzymes such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase (reductive amination), alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase were also significantly up-regulated in different tissues of the fish while exposing to hypertonic environment. Thus, more accumulation and excretion of urea-N observed during hypertonic exposure were probably associated with the induction of ureogenesis through the induced OUC, and the increase of amino acid pool was probably mainly associated with the up-regulation of amino acid synthesizing machineries in this catfish in hypertonic environment. These might have helped the walking catfish in defending the osmotic stress and to acclimatize better under hypertonic environment, which is very much uncommon among freshwater teleosts.

5 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

006532   Aslam M;Dayal R;Javed K;Parray S A;Jetley S; Samim M (Ilmul-Advia Dep, Faculty of Medicine (U), , Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, Email: m.aslamjh@gmail.com) : Nephroprotective Effects of Methanolic Extract of Peucedanum grande against Acute Renal Failure Induced by Potassium dichromate in Rats. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2013, 5(2), 45-9.

Peucedanum grande has been found to be associated with the several therapeutic properties. In the current study, we have used P. grande as an ameliorating agent against nephrotoxic effects of Potassium dichromate. Potassium dichromate (K 2Cr2O7) is a soluble hexavalent chromium compound that is extensively used in several industries. The rats were given pretreatment of P. grandeorally at a dose of (60 and 120 mg/kg body weight) for five consecutive days 10 mg/kg b.wt was used as renal toxicant, and injected subcutaneously in the neck region in a volume of 1 ml/kg. The modulatory effects of P. grande on Potassium dichromate induced nephrotoxicity was investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, serum kidney toxicity markers and by histopathological examination of kidney. P. grandepretreatment prevented deteriorative effects induced by Potassium dichromate through a protective mechanism that involved reduction of increased oxidative stress as well as by restoration of histopathological change against Potassium dichromate administration.

1 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

006531   Asghar S;Rahman M S U;Asfaq U A (NO, Govt. College Univ Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad Pakistan-38000, Email: sundaskth@gmail.com) : Mechanism of cadmium induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(2), 125-9.

Cadmium (Cd) is an important environment pollutant having carcinogenic properties. This heavy metal poses serious threats to the animals and human beings. From the environment it enters into the animals and human bodies and destroyed the basic organs of the body including lungs, pancreas, testis, liver and kidney. Liver is the basic primary organs involved in the elimination of toxic effects and removal of wastes from the body. This organ is more prone to the adverse effects of this metal than any other organ. Cd causes oxidative stress and apoptosis which eventually lead to hepatocellular dysfunction. The review is to highlight the current data available regarding the Cd induced cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis, necrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

^iia4 illus, 34 ref

006530   Andriyas E A;Lal S S (Clinical Biochemistry Dep, Higginbottom, Institute of Agriculture: Technology of Science, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: sapnaslal@rediffmail.com) : Effect of menopause on serum lipid profile pattern in women. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(2), 200-2.

Study is aimed at comparing the levels of total serum cholesterol including their subunits in among the three stages of menopause with that of post menopausal women. One hundred Fifty apparently healthy, non pregnant female 50 perimenopausal in Group I, 50 Menopausal in Group II and 50 postmenopausal Group in III were recruited for the study of serum total cholesterol and their sub fractions HDL,LDL, VLDL & triglyceride were estimated using enzymatic & established mathematical method. There was Significant difference in the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride between the three groups. There was significant reduction of HDL and VLDL in the post menopausal group and a significant increase in the level of LDL in the postmenopausal group. The elevated LDL and the reduction of cardio protective HDL and VLDL is an indication that menopause is an independent risk factor for developing CHD in our environment.

2 illus, 6 tables, 17 ref

006529   Akella A;Sharma P;Pandey R;Deshpande S B (Physiology Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: desh48@yahoo.com) : Characterization of oleic acid-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome model in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(7), 712-19.

Animal studies using oleic acid (OA) model to produce acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been inconsistent. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to establish an acute model of ARDS in rats using OA and to characterize its effect on cardio-respiratory parameters and lethality. The trachea, jugular vein and femoral artery of anesthetized adult rats were cannulated. A dose of OA (30-90 μL; iv) was injected in each animal and changes in respiratory frequency (RF), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. Minute ventilation and PaO₂/FiO₂ (P/F) ratio were also determined. At the end, lungs were excised for determination of pulmonary water content and histological examination. At all doses of OA, there was immediate decrease followed by increase in RF, however at 75 and 90 μL of OA, RF decreased abruptly and the animals died by 63 ± 8.2 min and 19 ± 6.3 min; respectively. In all the groups, HR and MAP changes followed the respiratory changes. The minute ventilation increased in a dose-dependent manner while the values of P/F ratio decreased correspondingly. Pulmonary edema was induced at all doses. Histological examination of the lung showed alveolar damage, microvascular congestion, microvascular injury, infiltration of inflammatory cells, pulmonary edema and necrosis in a dose-dependent manner. With these results, OA can be used to induce different grades of ARDS in rats and OA doses of 50, 60 and 75 μL resemble mild, moderate and severe forms of ARDS respectively. Hence, OA model serves as a useful tool to study the pathophysiology of ARDS.

4 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

006528   Abd El-Bar M M;ahmoud D M (Entomology Dep, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassya, Cairo, Egypt, Email: marah_elnaggar@yahoo.com) : Histopathological effect of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrosis virus (slnpv), Bacillus Thuringiensis kurstaki (btk), and their combination on Culex pipiens l. larvae (Culicidae: Diptera). J Cell Tissue Res 2014, 14(2), 4181-92.

Aim of the present work is to seek the histopathological alterations in Culex pipiens larvae midgut that may explain to some extent, the synergistic effect of SlNPV-Btk combination treatment which was noticed in our previous work.Third larval instar of Culex pipens were exposed to LC₅₀ of SlNPV, Btk and SlNPV-Btk (1.3 X 103 PIB/ml, 2.5 X 105 spores/ml and 3.6 X 106 mixed polyhedra and spores/ml) respectively, and alterations in midgut region were recorded 6, 12 and 24 h post-infection. Data showed increasing damages of Cx. pipiens larval midgut epithelium for all three treatments but acceleration in midgut alterations was more evident in case of SlNPV-Btk combination sections. The SlNPV histopathological results revealed a serious damage on epithelial cells, Brush boarder, nuclei and basement membrane. The peritrophic membrane (pm) was not completely lysed untill 24h post-infection. Btk treatment of Cx. pipiens larvae promoted structural alteration changes in midgut and by 24h post infection, swelling and dislodging were observed in epithelial cells but no lyses. SlNPV-Btk combination had proven to be more effective against Cx. pipiens larval midgut cells than using either SlNPV or Btk solitary. Serious alterations were recorded by 6h post-treatment. Moreover, the abnormal aggregation of mitochondria, the bulbous-shaped microvilli, and the nuclear tubules that originated from inner membrane of nuclear envelope, were all noticed only in SlNPV-Btk combination sections. By 24h, only combination sections exhibited the highly necrotic lyses midgut appearance. Biocontrol agents and their combinations may provide an excellent alternative to conventional insecticides or at least minimize their use.m

4 illus, 72 ref

005480   Vijayan K K;Reynolds P;Mohanlal D L; Balasubramanian C P (NO, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Email: cpbalasubramanian@yahoo.com) : Preliminary characterisation of gonad inhibiting hormon (GIH) gene and its expression pattern during vitellogenesis in giant tiger shrimp, (Penaeus monodon) fabricius, 1798. Indian J Fish 2013, 60(2), 103-7.

Farming of giant tiger shrimp is one of the most important and relatively recent coastal food production sectors in India. Although great strides have been made in shrimp husbandry practices in growout systems, management of reproduction in captivity has not kept pace. Although several hormones are involved in crustacean reproduction, the inhibitory effect of gonad inhibiting hormone (GIH) is thought to be more intense than any other hormones. As an essential component of understanding the reproduction of Penaeus monodon, we characterised the expression pattern of GIH gene in the sinus gland in relation to the female gametogenic cycle. A 633 bp sequence was cloned from the eyestalk of P. monodon by RT PCR. The sequence comprises an open reading frame (ORF) of 291 bp that encodes a protein of 96 amino acids. The deduced protein was used to search the GenBank database using BlastP. Protein alignment with all known crustacean GIH revealed that homology of P. monodon GIH shares 61,48,46,46 and 35% identity with Metapenaeus ensis, Nephrops norvegicus, Homarus americanus, Rimicaris kairei and Armadillidium vulgarae respectively. The RT PCR analysis shows that GIH mRNA is expressed mainly in the eyestalk of female. In order to find the expression profile of GIH during different reproductive cycle, P. monodon female was categorised into four major stages of maturation, using light microscopical observations as well as morphological characteristics. Eyestalk of all animals from different stages of maturation indicated that GIH is expressed all stages of maturation, although the expression of GIH mRNA changes during different stages of vitellogenesis. In animals with immature ovary, the relative GIH mRNA level was found to be less, which peaked in previtellogenic phase and diminished in subsequent phases. Low GIH mRNA level during the immature (oogonial) phase is particularly intriguing and has application in the commercial aquaculture to select the brooders.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

005479   Trivedi S;Ghosh S K;Choudhury A (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Tabuk Univ, Ministry of Higher Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: trivedi.subrata@rediffmail.com) : DNA sequence of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) region of an oyster, Saccostrea cucullata collected from Sunderbans. J envir Sociobiol 2013, 10(1), 77-81.

Genomic DNA of COI region of an Oyster, Saccostrea cucullata, collected from Indian Sunderbans was extracted and amplified through PCR, which produced 678 bp PCR amplicon. The purified PCR product was sequenced using automated DNA Sequencer (ABI 7300) and deposited to NCBI with accession number FJ 262984.

20 ref

005478   Tiwari S D;Joshi R;Nagendra Kumar (Environment and Ecology Dep, Consulting Engineering Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. 57 Manjusha Building, Nehru Place, New Delhi-110 019, Email: tiwarisd_2007@rediffmail.com) : Impact of anthropogenic activities on the forest ecosystem of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Garhwal Uttarakhand. South Asian Anthrop 2013, 13(2), 183-92.

Area of present study is situated in the protected area 'Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve' of Garhwal Himalaya (Uttarakhand). The area has unique features in all aspects of biodiversity conservation having distinct religious and cultural faiths, climatic conditions and soil characteristics due to its wilderness location on one hand and the natural habitat of tribal communities on other. The people of the study area belong to ethnic groups called Tolchha' and 'Marchha Bhotia'. Thus, the tribal people of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve have a long history of high dependency on their adjoining forests for their household needs and livelihoods for generations since time immemorial. In this study, estimation was made for dependency of the tribal people on the natural forests and their quantification of uses of fuel wood, fodder and other NTFPs have been attempted. Based on this study, it was observed that the villagers near the road have low dependency on their adjacent forests as compared to the villagers of remote and inaccessible locations. Rain-fed agriculture is the major occupation of the people though simultaneously they dependent on forests for their livelihood. They collect a large amount of fuel wood, fodder, NTFPs such as medicinal and aromatic plants, wild edible fruits and vegetables etc. for their home requirements. Peclining forests resources with increasing population and increasing demands of the people for their living and for their livestock on the forests require optimal management of available resources. These aspects of anthropogenic pressure on the natural forest ecosystems of the Himalaya have been discussed.

8 illus, 11 ref

005477   Tarafdar P;Roy S (Anthropology Dep, North Bengal Univ, Raja Rammohunpur, District Darjeeling-734 013, Email: pinak_tarafdar@rediffmail.com) : Tradition, change and land alienation: a study among the totos of Totopara, district Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. South Asian Anthrop 2013, 13(2), 175-81.

Forests are the ancestral habitat for many tribal or indigenous communities. Their society, culture, religion, economy, health and identity are closely related with concerned habitation. Due to various reasons these customary rights are denied for many decades. The article explores the process of land alienation which leads to culture change among the Totos, a mongoloid primitive tribal group residing specifically in the Totopara village of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. At present day scenario of land alienation is the main issue for understanding the serious situation and the changing lifestyle o the Totos. In fact the Totos are compelled to take up different categories of occupations for their livelihood due to shift from their traditional subsistence activities. As a matter of fact, they could not maintain their relative isolation and eventually their social system has undergone a drastic change which results a consequent social class formation in their society.

2 tables, 17 ref

005476   Sumathi S;Shilpa K;Ranganath P (Anatomy Dep, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore-560 002) : Structural variations in the Jugular foramen of the human skull of South Indian origin. South Asian Anthrop 2013, 13(2), 145-7.

Jugular foramen is present at the base of the skull. The foramen transmits many important structures through its anterior, middle and posterior part. One amongst them is the internal jugular vein passing through the posterior part. According to most of the textbooks of Anatomy, right jugular foramen is usually larger than the left. The size and shape of the jugular foramen is related to the presence or absence of prominent superior bulb and to the size of the internal jugular vein. The bony, neural and vascular anatomy of the jugular foramen is described in the context of surgery for tumours that involve this region. The concept of a bipartite jugular foramen with fixed neurovascular relationships is challenged by demonstrations of significant variability and anatomic relationships as they relate to surgical technique and avoidance of complications.

5 illus, 4 tables, 4 ref

005475   Srivastava A;Mukherjee K;Saha R;Kanth K; Rohini Kumar M;Osborne J W (School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: jabez.vit@gmail.com) : Isolation, Characterization and quantification of siderophore produced by rhizosphere bacteria of opuntia sp.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2013, 15(2), 419-24.

The effective utilization of iron by plants for proper growth and yield has been a limiting factor since iron in nature is mostly found in complex form usually as insoluble precipitates that are part of hydroxide polymers. Many plants and micro-organisms produce siderophore for efficient iron transport mechanism. Siderophores particularly are low molecular mass molecules that have high specificity for chelating iron and are able to solubilise and transport ferric ion in the environment, thus making iron available for its frequent uptake by micro-organisms and plant. For the present study the Rhizosphere bacteria of Opuntia sp., which is a drought plant was selected. The bacterial isolates from the rhizo-sphere soil was collected and were screened for its ability to produce siderophore. This study revealed that the Rhizosphere-bacterial population of Opuntia sp. have been found to produce high concentration of siderophore, with catechol-type dominating among the other types. This was identified using CAS media due to formation of Blue colour halozones were formed around the well inoculated. Three species out of five which were isolated were found to be catechol. Then characterization was done by Arnow's Assay, which gave the peak on colorimeter at 480nm for the siderophores producing bacteria and it was quantified using the Desferal Standards, which showed considerable range presence to siderophores in the various supernatant of various samples.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

005474   Shair O H M (Botany and Microbiology Dep, King Saud Univ, College of Science, P.O. Box: 1811, 11333, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Email: oshair@ksu.ed.saoroshair@yahoo.com) : Bacillus contaminated air-conditions (A/Cs) in homes at areas of Umul-Hamam, Saudi Arabia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2013, 10(1), 9-14.

This study evaluatedthe bacterial contamination of air conditions in houses of Umul-Alhamaam in Saudi Arabia; by determining the bacteria and associated antibiotic resistance of the isolates. Cultures from 10 surface air-conditions rooms were obtained.The newly filtered air-conditioned rooms were found to have significantly smaller number of bacteria 10^{3cfu. But it was found a significantly greater number of Bacillus in unfiltered air-condition 106 cfu. This study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2011-2013. People living in these houses were exposed indirectly to additional bacterial reservoirs through breathing of contaminated air in their rooms. The newly filtered air-conditioned rooms were found to have significantly smaller numberof Bacillus colonies and Staphylococcus colonies while it was found significantly greater number of Bacillus colonies in unfiltered air-conditions without Staphylococcus colonies. Antibiotic sensitivity test were prepared against bacterial isolates and the results were interpreted. A preliminary health status survey revealed that the occupants of air-conditioned homes without filter had more complaints of eye irritation, sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough. To address of this issues of bacterial related illness, there should be an urgent need for studies using objective markers of illness, relevant animal models, proper epidemiologic techniques, and examination of confounding factors. Here I report of severe bacterial pathogenic as a result of indoor bacterial contamination.}

7 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

005473   Sahu M;Sahu K K;Ambade R L;Mehta N (Genetic and Plant Breeding Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhatishgarh, Email: mayuri_pbg@rediffmail.com) : Genetic variability, heritability and scope of genetic improvement for yield components in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(2), 214-17.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were studied among 20 agro-morphological traits of 31 genotypes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) during Rabi, 2007-2008. Highest heritability estimate was recorded for average fruit weight (g), pericarp thickness (mm), days to 50 per cent flowering, number of fruits per plant, total fruit yield per plant, total soluble solids (%), indicating that these characters were highly heritable and governed by additive gene effects. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per fruit, average fruit weight (g), total number of fruits per plant, plant height, fruit set (%) indicating that most likely the heritability is due to additive gene effects. Thus, selection may likely to further improvement in these traits for varietal performance.

2 tables, 17 ref

005472   Sahoo L K (Anthropology and Tribal Studies P.G. Dep, North Orissa Univ, Baripada-757 003, Email: laxman.sahoo2@gmail.com) : Future prospects of eco-tourism and tribal development in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Nuapada, Odisha. South Asian Anthrop 2013, 13(2), 121-6.

Eco-tourism and tribal development both are complementary to each other in the forest areas of a sanctuary; because anthropological approaches towards eco-tourism combining ecology, ethnic culture and development. A case is highlighted in the context of eco-tourism potentialities and tribal livelihood issues in and around Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary of Odisha. The paper also reflects the future prospects of tourism and its potentials. It underscores that eco-tourism if properly developed; it can not only enrich the possibilities for attracting tourists from near and far, but will also generate revenue for the state and protect tribal livelihood issues in Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary of Odisha.

14 ref

005471   Saha S P;Bhattacharya A;Ghosh S;Ghosh S;Ghosh S;Shaz H;Bhattacharyya S (Microbiology Dep, Maulana Azad College, 8, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata-700 013, Email: spalsaha44@yahoo.co.in) : Biosynthesis of alkaline phosphatase by non-symbiotic diazotrophs. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2013, 15(2), 411-18.

A large number of diazotrophic organisms have the ability to solubilize the immobilized phosphate. These microorganisms can be used as efficient biofertilizers to supply sufficient amount of nitrogen and phosphorus to the plants. Following enrichment and dilution plating on nitrogen-free Stockdale tricalcium phosphate medium such organisms were isolated from the soil. Among a sub-sample of 15 isolates, 14 were gram negative and 80% of them were coccoid. An efficient phosphate soulubilizng isolate, strain UT01 had been presumptively identified as Azotobacter sp. The cultural condition for optimum biosynthesis of phosphatase by this strain under laboratory condition was determined. In the said medium with 0.5% (w/v) phosphate, the strain secreted 16.5 units of enzyme/ml of culture. Medium with lower concentration of phosphate 0.3% (w/v), pH 8.0 and incubation temperature 35°C, appeared as growth promoting and this condition accelerated enzyme secretion by 43%. Furthermore, the strain synthesized phosphatase enzyme, which showed almost same activity at pH ranging from 8.0 to 9.0.

5 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

005470   Sadhana N R;Adnan M;Rohini Kumar M;Osborne J W (School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: jabez.vit@gmail.com) : Identification and characterization of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria and fungi. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2013, 15(2), 333-6.

Rapid industrialisation has led to increased hydrocarbons usage which in turn potentially contaminates the soil. To remediate these contaminants, eco-friendly techniques like biostimulation and bioaugmentation are generally considered. This gave us the hypothesis on "Isolation and Characterization of Hydrocarbon degrading Bacteria and Fungi". The soil samples contaminated with hydrocarbon was obtained and processed within 4 hours after collection. The samples were serially diluted and inoculated onto Bushnell-Haas Agar media which mainly consists of mineral salts. Under sterile conditions, 200 μL of hydrocarbon was added to the media onto which 100 μL of the inoculum was spread. The petri plates were incubated at room temperature, fungal and bacterial colonies were observed in both 10^{-5 and 10-6 dilutions after 7 days of incubation. The isolates were preserved in the same medium for further studies which includes identification of fungi and bacteria and the amount of hydrocarbon degraded will be analysed quantitatively using solvent extraction and gravimetric method.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

005469   Rekha V;Dhanalakshmi;Sudha K (School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: rekha.v@vit.ac.in) : Characterization of Bacillus and Micrococcus sp isolated from coal mine soil. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2013, 15(2), 389-92.

The coal mining activity is characterized by the generation of large amount of by-products. Due to this anthropogenic activity the environment becomes acidic in nature and loaded with heavy metals. So an attempt was made to isolate the microorganisms that are able to survive under this condition which may be of great interest as bioremediation agents. The aim of this work was to isolate and identify bacteria from soil samples collected from coal mining area in Neyveli Lignite Corporation, India. Morphological features and biochemical characteristics of isolates were studied. Molecular characterization revealed that the strains were phylogenetically closely related to species which belong to species of genus Bacillus and Micrococcus.

2 tables, 10 ref

005468   Rao J P (Physiology Dep, AUA Medical College, Antigua, Email: jrao@auamed.net) : Stress busting. Curr Sci 2013, 104(4), 405.

1 ref

005467   Pugazhenthi T R;Elango A;Dhanalakshmi B (Dairy Science Dep, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Email: drtrptry@gmail.com) : Role of antimycotic agents in controlling the growth of mycotoxigenic Penicillium citrinum in cheese. Indian J vet Anim Sci Res 2014, 43(3), 236-8.

Swiss cheese samples collected aseptically from private dairies were analysed for the presence of Penicillium citrinum and for the efficacy of antimycotic agents against P. enicillium citrinum. The spore suspension of Penicillium citrinumand antimycotic agents like pimaricin and potassium sorbate at specified concentrations were added to cheese and stored at 25° Cfor 21 days. The keeping quality of cheese was assessed at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. On statistical analysis, pimaricin at 10ppm concentration was found to be highly significant (P <60>0.01) over 5 ppm of pimaricin, 500 and 1000 ppm of potassium sorbate with regard to anti-mycotic effect.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

005466   Prajapati K (Zoology Dep, Bhavan's Sheth R.A. College of Science, Khanpur, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Email: kim_prajapati@yahoo.co.in) : Ecological evaluation of water of Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. Asian J Anim Sci 2014, 9(1), 38-42.

Sabarmati s one of the major rivers in Gujarat. It raises from the Aravali hils and it covers a distance of 30 km. in the state and finaly joins outhwards to the gulf of Khambhat. This river can be considered as lifeline of this area, which fulfils the ned of hundreds of vilages, situated along the banks of the river. Due to anthropogenic activites, rapid industrial growth, domestic and agricultural activites of the region, the river water is being poluted, which is the case with almost al major ivers of the country. A year long study was conducted to measure the various physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters including levels of phytoplankton in the river water. The study revealed that there was indication of polution in the river and hence preventive measures are required to avoid further deterioration of the river water quality.

3 tables, 11 ref