011441   Awaknavar J S;Karabhantanal S S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005) : Effect of pesticides on biomass, survival and reproduction of earthworms, Polypheritima elongate (Mich.). Indian J Ecol 2004, 31(2), 112-5.

An experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions to know the chronic effect of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides on biomass, survival and reproduction of earthworms, Polypheritima elongata (Mich.). Among insecticides, chiorpyrifos was found to be safest and endosulfan, carbaryl and carbofuran were found to be highly toxic as these recorded lowest biomass, survival and reproduction. The fungicides and herbicides were comparable among themselves. However, Glyphosate in case of herbicides and Indofil in case of fungicides were found to be toxic. In general, insecticides were more toxic followed by herbicides and fungicides, to earthworms.

2 tables, 4 ref

011440   Annadurai B;Nandakumari N;Motlag D B (Dep of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, C.Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam-632 509, Vellore District, Tamilnadu) : Effect of groundnut meal on production of endopolygalacturonase of Alternaria cepulae. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2004, 23(1), 57-60.

Effect of various concentration of Groundnut in Pectin medium on the growth of Alternaria cepulae and production of endoPG was estimated. The increase of concentration of groundnut meal increases the growth and decreases the endoPG production.

1 table, 10 ref

011439   Annadurai B;Nandakumar N;Puvanakrishnan R (Plant Biology & Biotechnology Dep, C.Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam-632 509) : Kinetic properties of endopolygalacturonase of Alternaria cepulae. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2004, 23(1), 23-30.

The physicochemical properties such as effect of enzyme concentration, substrate concentration Km value and inhibitors of EPG ( iso enzymes ) were determined. The Km value of EPG I <38> EPG II was found to be 2.7 X 10^-5 M and 3.6 X 10⁵ M respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by CaCl_{2,MgCl2,BaCl2, and SrCl2,Chlorobenzoic acid,Benzoic acid,Sodium Bezoate and Pyrogallol,Ethylamide,DTNB,E-amino caproic acid. uv absorption was at 192 <38> 154 nm. Paper chromatographic reaction products was mono,di and trigalacturonic acid after 30 minutes after incubation.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

011438   Al-Kadeeb Siham A (Botany Dep, Girls College of Education in Riyadh, P. O. Box 27104, Riyadh 11417, Saudia Arabia) : Properties of L-serine dehydratase from Fusarium moniliforme. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2004, 23(1), 71-80.

L-Serine dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.13) was present in fusarium moniliforme. Maximum enzymatic activity was observed at 30 °C and pH 8.5. The enzyme was catalyzed the deamination of L-serine and L-threonine. Km value for L-serine was 4.6 mM. The enzyme was thermolabile. Pyridoxal phosphate not stimulates the activity of L-serine dehydratase. Cu²⁺, and Mn²⁺ showed inhibitory effects in decreasing the activity of the enzyme, while Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ca²⁺ showed no significant effect on the activity of the enzyme. Stability of the enzyme under different conditions was investigated.

6 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

009298   Sushma M;Sudha S;Shivamurthy N;Venkataraman B V (Dep of Pharmacology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore-560 034) : Analgesic activity of new synthetic thiazolidine-4-ones derivatives. Indian J expl Biol 0000, 42(8), 812-5.

Ten new synthetic thiazolidine-4-ones derivatives (5 chlorothiazolidine-4-ones, 3 methoxythiazolidine-4-ones and 2 hydoxythiazolidine-4-ones) having different substituents at Rl, R2 and R3 were evaluated for their analgesic activity using different animal models and their structure activity relationship was also elucidated. Chlorothiazolidine-4-ones and methoxythiazolidine-4-ones exhibited analgesic activity in tail flick test, tail immersion test and acetic acid writhing test. C-III (chloride substituents at Rl and R2) produced higher latencies than any other compounds in tail flick test and C-I (no substituents at Rl and R2) was not effective in acetic acid writhing test. Hydroxythiazolidine-4-ones did not show analgesic activity in any of the animal models used. In conclusion, the character of substituents at R3 of thiazolidine moiety position may have an effect on the analgesic activity of thiazolidine-4-ones and either chloride or methoxy substitution may be necessary to produce analgesic activity. Two chloride substituents in a compound may increase the central analgesic activity of the compound.

2 tables, 10 ref

009297   Sobha S;Sushamakumari S;Thanseem I;Jayasree P K;Rekha K;Jayashree R;Kala R G;Asokan M P;Sethuraj M R;Dandekar A M; Thulaseedharan A (Biotechnology Division, Rubber Research Institute od India, Kottayam-686 009) : Genetic transformation of hevea brasiliensis with the gene coding for superoxide dismytase with FMV 34S promoter. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1767-73.

An efficient and reproducible protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation and plant regeneration of Hevea brasiliensis with the gene coding for superoxide dismutase under the control of Figwort Mosaic Virus (FMV) 34S promoter has been developed. H. brasiliensis (clone RRII 105) callus derived from immature anther was transformed with A. tumefaciens strain EHA 101, harbouring the binary vector containing the sequence coding for neomycin phosphotransfease (nptII) as the selectable marker gene. βglucuronidase (GUS) as the reporter gene and the sequence coding for Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) under the MV 34S promoter. The kanamycin-resistant GUS positive calli were selected and proliferated in Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with 2,4-D (4.5μM), BAP (2.2μM) and NAA (1.1μM). High-frequency embryo induction was obtained in modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.5μM), Kn(1.4μM),NA (1.1μM) and GA₃ (2.0μM). Twenty per cent of the mature transgentic embryos developed into plantlets. These plantlets were planted in polybags after hardening and maintained in a greenhouse. The transformation event was confirmed by PCR amplification with SOD and nptII specific probe using DNA isolated from transgenic plants as the template.

4 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

009296   Singh (NO, , 61 Sardar Club Scheme, Jodhpur-342 011, Rajasthan) : Watershed development interventions and their impact on sustainability of biophysical factors in arid and semi-arid ecosystem. Indian J Dryland agric Res Dev 2003, 18(1), 54-60.

12 ref

009295   Sharma R;Chandreshwor Singh L;Tanveer S;Susan verghese P;Ashok Kumar (NO, , 6/3G, 23-A, Durga Bhawan, Shastri Nagar, Khandari, Agra-282 002 U P) : A chemist's view of the analysis of zinc and copper levels in human head hair of Agra region. Pollut Res 2004, 23(3), 467-71.

Human head hair concentrations of zinc and copper from 354 subjects (194 male and 160 female) aged between 6 to 60 years in Agra region were measured by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentration of zinc were significantly higher in female subjects than in male subjects. The concentrationsin hair varied with the subject's age. Zinc concentrations in hair decreased from 6 to 10 year in the male subjects and decreased from 11 to 20 year in the female subjects. The concentrations increased from 21 to 40 year in the female subjects and increased from 41 to 60 year in the male subjects. Copper concentrations were found to be much higher in female subjects than the male subjects. Copper concentrations increased from 6 year to 40 year and decreased from 41 year to 50 year. Copper concentrations increased slightly 51 year to 60 year in female subjects. The copper content is significantly higher in hair of female adolescents than in male adolescents. Zinc and copper concentrations in the non-vegetarian, smoking and alcoholic subjects were found to be higher than that of the vegetarian, non-smoking and non-alcoholic subjects.

8 tables, 15 ref

009294   Sathanoori M;Dias B G;Nair A R;Banerjee S B; Tole S;Vaidya A (Biological Sci Dep, Tata Inst of Fundamental Res, Mumbai-400 005) : Differential regulation of multiple brain derived neurotrophic factor transcripts in the postnatal and adult rat hippocampus during development, and in response to kainate administration. Molec Brain Res 2004, 130(1-2), 170-7.

009293   Saralakumari D;Ramakrishna Rao P (Dep of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003) : Hematological parameters and iron status in human beings afflicted with skeletal fluorosis. Pollut Res 2004, 23(1), 157-9.

Humans exposed chronically to toxic levels of fluoride through drinking water showed significant decrease in hemoglobin content, red blood cell count, packed cell volume, mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin with no significant variation in mean cell hemoglobin content, serum iron and iron - binding capacity, indicating the existence of hypochromic microcytic anemia.

1 tables, 24 ref

009292   Roy I;Gupta M N (Dep Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016) : (NULL). Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1665-93.

Microwave irradiation can alter the rate of enzymecatalysed reactions, although the role of any non-thermal factors in such processes is controversial. While the studies in aqueous buffers have been understandably limited to thermostable enzymes, higher stability of enzymes in anhydrous media allows the use of a variety of enzymes. The microwave-assisted applications described include use of lipases for esterification and transesterification reactions, protease for peptide synthesis and again, use of two well-known proteases, α-chymotrypsin and subtilisin Carisberg in esterification and transesterification reactions respectively. In the last system, it has been shown that the so-called non-thermal effects increase the reaction rates by 2-5 fold at all water-activity levels. It is also established that microwave irradiation can be used in conjunction with other strategies (like pH tuning and salt activation) for enhancing reaction rates. In addition, some miscellaneous applications in bioanalysis food processing and extraction of biological materials have been described. Two illustrations for possible use of microwaves in medicine have been briefly discussed. Finally, the review also discusses the recent work on enhancing the rates of enzymaticreactions by pretreatment of insoluble substrates with controlled microwave irradiation.

ia3 illus, 77 ref

009291   Rohini G;Sabitha K E;Shyamala Devi C S (Dep of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 020) : Bacopa monniera Linn. extract modulates antioxidant and marker enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats. Indian J expl Biol 0000, 42(8), 776-80.

Antioxidative property and tumor inhibitive property of B. monniera (20mg/kg body wt, sc) was examined in 3-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma rats. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of glutathione (GSH) and the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver and kidney tissues were assessed. A significant increase was noted for the rate of LPO with a corresponding decrease in the antioxidant enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats. In fibrosarcoma bearing rats, the tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and sialic acid (SA) were increased in the serum. Treatment with B. monniera extract significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme status, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced the tumor markers. It can be concluded that B.monniera extract promotes the antioxidant status, reduces the rate of lipid peroxidation and the markers of tumor progression in the fibrosarcoma bearing rats.

1 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

009290   Rejesus R M;Genio E L (Agricultural and Applied Economics Dep, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409) : Sustainable pond culture development and mangrove depletin iun the philippines: policy implications from a dynamic model. J Aquacult Trop 2003, 18(2), 153-60.

Develops a dynamic model that examines a coastal planner's problem of how to allocate mangroe forestland between pond culture use and forest resource use. The dynamic model shows that when coastal managers and policy makers do not consider all the opportunity costs of mangrove conversion to pond culture ventures, including environmental amenities derived from forests, the costs of conversion are underestimated and mangrove forests are converted more rapidly than what is economically optimal. This implication points to the need for studies aimed at accurately valuing environmental amenities from mangroves, so that coastal planners can determine a more sustainable pond culture management and development policy.

8 ref

009289   Rathod J L;Pujar K H;Naik U G (Department of Marine Biology, Karnatak University, P G Centre, Kodibag karwar 581 303) : Acute toxicity effect of petroleum hydrocarbon on speckled prawn, metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricious). Pollut Res 2004, 23(3), 495-500.

Three experiments were conducted separately to test toxicity effects of Bombay High (BH) crude oil, Diesel and Petrol. In the first experiment, juveniles of Metapenaeus monoceros were exposed to six different concentrationsof BH crude oil from a lowest of 15% concentration to the highest of 40%. In the lowest 15% concentration, 20% mortality was observed: in 25% concentration 50% mortality and in 40% concentration 100% mortality was observed in 72 hours. In the second experiment, juveniles were exposed to six different concentrations of Diesel. At 25.5% concentration, 50% mortality was observed in 24 hours, whereas 100% mortality was observed in 72 hours. In the third experiment, prawns were exposed to six different concentrations of Petrol from 4.5% to 18%. In 4.5% concentration, 10% mortality was observed in 72 hours. In 18% concentration 50% mortality was observed in 24 hours, whereas in 18% concentration, 100% mortality was observed in 72 hours. The comparative toxic effect of three toxicants were in the order of Petrol<62>Diesel<62>BH crude oil.

3 illus, 8 tables, 16 ref

009288   Rashmi K;Latha J N L;Sowjanya T N;Kiranmayi P;Rao M V;Menon C P S;Maruthi Mohan P (Dep Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : Neurospora in full bloom. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1670-2.

6 illus, 9 ref

009287   Rajasekar P;Manivasagam T;Subramanian P (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Effect of aspartame on circadian oscillations of calcium and inorganic phosphorus in rats. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 188-90.

The effect of aspartame on circadian rhythms of calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels was studied in rats. Acrophase delays in calcium rhythms and advances in inorganic phosphorus rhythms and alteration in mesor values in both rhythms were observed in aspartame-treated rats. However, no change in amplitude values was observed. Oral administration of aspartame leads to increased levels of aspartate in the brain, which could alter the characteristics of calcium and inorganic phosphorus rhythms, possibly by modulating transmission in several areas/nuclei in brain, including retiohypothalamic tract (RHT) and suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN).

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

009286   Pardhasaradhi B V V;Reddy M;Mubarak Ali A; Kumari A L;Khar A (Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, , Uppual Road, Hyderabad-500 007) : Antitumour activity of Annona squamosa seed extracts is through the generation of free radicals and induction of apoptosis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 167-72.

The plant, Annona squamosa traditionally known as custard apple possesses potent bioactive principles in all its parts. The efect of aqueous and organic extracts from defatted seeds of A. squeamosa was studied on a rat histiocytic tumour cell line, AK-5. Both te extracts caused significant apoptotic tumour cell deat with enharved caspase-3 activity, down regulation of antiapoptotic genes bcl-2 and Bcl_XL, and enhanced the generation of intracellular ROS, which correlated well with the decreased levels of intracellular GSH. In addition, DNA fragmentation and annexsin-V staining confirmed that the extracts induced apoptosis in tumour cells through the oxidative stress. Aqueous extracts of A. Squamosa seeds possessed significant antitumor activity in vivo against AK-5 tumour.

5 illus, 29 ref

009285   Nallini A;Saraboji K;Ponnuswamy M N (Crystallography and Biophysics Dep, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025) : Study of aromatic hydrogen bonds of peptides with aromatic amino acid side-chains. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 184-7.

The importance fo hydrogen bonding studies lies in their structural, biological and medicinal applications. Non-conventional hydrogen bonds are weak, but are found to play an important role inbiological molecules. In view of their importance, a study of the aromatic hydrogen bonds in peptides with aromatic amino acid side chains was carried out. The results indicate a reasonable probability for their occurrence, thereby enumerating their distinct features.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

009284   Manivannan E;Prasanna S;Chaturvedi S C (Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore-452 017) : Rationalization of physico-chemical properties of 5, 6-diarylthiazolo [3,2-b]-1,2, 4-triazoles towards cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition: a QSAR approach. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 179-83.

Quantitatie structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was performed on a series of 5,6-diarylthiazolo [3, 2-b]-1, 2, 4-triazoles to explore their possible interaction with the active amino acid residues of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The significance of orientation and conformational rigidity of 5, 6-diarylthiazolo [3, 2-b]-1, 2, 4-triazoles for COX-2 inhibition is discerned by the spatial descriptor principle moment of inertia-X component, PMI-X. The negative contribution of PMI-X indicates the necessity of orientation of substituents towards X-axis of aromatic ring for better activity. The most common electronic interaction between the title compounds and active residues of COX-2 enzyme is corroborated well by the positive contribution of molecular dipole. The contribution of molecular dipole suggests the non-covalent, electronic interactions between 5, 6-diarylthiazolo [3, 2-b]-1, 2, 4-triazoles and binding site of COX-2 inhibitory activity. The limited tolerance of COX-2 enzyme active site towards the bulk of interacting molecules is evident from the negative coefficient of calculated moler refractivity (CMR) in our models.

2 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

009283   Kumaraguru A K;Jayakumar K;Ramkritinan C M (Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai-625 021) : Coral bleaching 2002 in the Palk bay, southeast coast of India. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1787-93.

The bleaching of corals and their recovery in chosen study sites of the reefs of Palk Bay, southeast coast of India were monitored. The bleaching phenomenon occurred during the period from April to June 2002. A minimum of at least 50 and a maximum of 60 bleaching were noticed among the six different sites monitored. Howeverr, the corals started to recover quickly in August 2002 and as much as 52 recovery could be noticed. The coral-bleaching phenomenon might have occurred due to unusual rise in surface sea-water temperature, which was 32∝C in the peak of summer. This, confounded with the failure of the southwest monsoon winds during this period, might have exerted a stress on the corals leading to expulsion of zooxanthellae from their bodies, causing the bleaching phenomenon. Coral bleaching might affect the distribution of coral-associated animals, especially the food fishes which depend on the corals for feeding and breeding. This in turn, can affect the livelihood of the reef resource users, particularly the fishermen in the Palk Bay region.

5 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

009282   Kamat B P;Seetharamappa J;Melwanki M B (Chemisty Dep, , Dharwad-580 003) : Spectroscopic studies on the interaction of riboflavin with bovine serum albumin. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 173-8.

The mechanism of interaction of riboflavin (RF) with bovine serum albmin (BSA) using fluorometric and circular dichroism (CD) methods has been reported. The association constant (K) or RF-BSA binding shows that the interaction is non-covalent in nature. Stern-Volmer analysis of fluorescence quenching data shows that the fraction of fluorophore (BSA) accessible to the quencher (RF) ius close to unity, indicating that both tryptophan residues of BSA are involved in the interaction. The high manitude of rate constant for quenching k_q (10¹³ M^-1s^-1) indicates that RF binding site is in close proximity to tryptophan residue of BSA. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from data at different temperatures showed that the binding of RF to BSA predominantly involves the formation of hydrophobic bonds. Binding studies in the presence of a hydrophobic probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulphonic acid, sodium salt (ANS) showed that RF and ANS do not share common sites in BSA. The small decrease in critical micellar concentration of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate in the presence of RF shows that ionic character of RF also contributes to binding and is not solubilized inside the micelle. Significan tdecrease in concentration of free RF has been observed in the presence of paracetamol. The CD spectrum shows the binding of RF leads to a change in the α helical structure of BSA.

7 illus, 24 ref

009281   Johri S;Shrivastava S;Sharma P;Shukla S (Laboratory of Toxicology & Reproductive Biology, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474 011) : Analysis of time-dependent recovery from beryllium toxicity following chelation therapy and antioxidant supplementation. Indian J expl Biol 0000, 42(8), 798-802.

Efforts have been made to minimize the toxic effect caused by beryllium. Adult cyclic rats of Sprague Dawley strain were administered a bolus dose of 50mg/kg beryllium nitrate intramuscularly. The chelation therapy with glutathione (GSH), dimercapto propane sulfonic acid (DMPS)+ selenium (Se) and D-Penicillamine (DPA) + Se was given for 3 days followed by a rest of 1,3 and 7 days respectively. The results revealed a significant fall in the blood sugar level, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum proteins. A significant rise in the transaminases i.e. aspartate aminotranferase and alanine aminotranferase pattern is indicative of leakage of enzymes from liver resulting in alterations in the cell permeability. A rise in the hepatic lipid peroxidation activity is a direct indication of oxidative damage resulting in free radical generation. Results of the distribution studies by atomic absorption spectrophotometry reveal an increased concentration of beryllium in liver and kidney followed by lung and uterus. The relative ability of 3 dictating agents to act as antagonists for acute beryllium poisoning have been examined in liver, kidney, lungs and uterus. The appreciable change in the beryllium concentration in various organs is duration-dependent during the entire period being highly significant after 7 days rest. From the biochemical assays, and distribution studies it can be assumed that DPA+Se was the most effective therapeutic agent followed by DMPS+Se and GSH. Thus it can be concluded that DPA+Se is a better therapeutic agent as compared to DMPS+Se and GSH.

3 tables, 28 ref

009280   Hema M;Savithri H S;Sreenivasulu P (NO, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502) : Comparison of direct binding polymerase chain reaction with recombinant coat protein antibody based dot-blot immunobinding assay and immunocapture-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the detection of sugarcane streak mosaic virus causing mosaic disease of sugarcane in India. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1774-7.

Direct-binding polymerase chain reaction (DB-PCR) test was developed for the detection of sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV-AP), a member of the new, undescribed genus in the family Potyviridae. Its sensitivity levels were compared to recombinant coat protein antibody tests like dot-blot immunobinding assay (DBIA) and immunocapture-reverse transcription-PCR (IC-RT-PCR) the virus was detected up to 5 ng, 0.01 ng and 0.001 ng in purified virus preparations and 10^-2, 10^-3 and 10^-4 dilutions in infected sugarcane leaf extracts, respectively. When compared to DBIA, IC-RT-PCR appears to be 5000-fold and 100-fold more sensitive with respect to purified virus and infected leaf samples respectively. DB-PCR is 10-fold less sensitive when compared to IC-RT-PCR. Further, shelf-life of recombinant antibody-coated tubes stored at 4∝C was checked; it was found that they can be used for PCR up to one month. These PCR-based tests could be useful to screen sugarcane germplasm and in breeding and quarantine progammes.

3 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009279   Hazarika B N (Horticlture Dep, Assam Agricultural Unversity, Jorhat-785 013) : Acclimatization of tissue-cultured plants. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1704-12.

A substantial number of micropropagated plants do not survive transfer in vitro conditions to green-house or field environment. The greenhouse and field have substantiailly lower relative humidity, higher light level and septic environment that are stressful to micropropagated plants compared to in vitro conditions. The benefit of any micropropagation system can, however, only be fully realized by the successful transfer of plantlets from tissue-culture vessels grown in vitro require an acclimatization process in order to ensure that sufficient number of plants survive and grow vigorously when transferred to soil.

ia2 illus, 96 ref

009278   Hasnain A U;Arif S H;Ahmad R;Jabeen M; Mushahid Khan M (Biochemical Genetics Lab., Zoology and Interdisciplinary Biotechnology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : Biochemical characterization of a protein of albumin multigene family from serum of african catfish Clarias gariepinus bloch. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 148-53.

A monomorphic albumin-like protein (CfSA) has been purified to homogeneity from the serum of African airbreathing catfish Clarias gariepinus Bloch. It has a molecular mass of ≡ 70 kD and shows a leser electrophoretic mobility than human serum albumin (HSA) in native gels. The protein exhibits cross-reactivity against rabbit anti-HSA serum and shows considerable similarity with HSA in secondary structure, however, with some differences, as indicated by a slight shift in the peaks around 267 nm and 278 nm and the absence of shoulders at 276 and 283. A certain degree of similaity also exists between their tertiary structures with respect to aromatic asymmetric environment as indicated by far-UV CD spectra and the visible range CD spectra of bilirubin complexes. CfSA-bilirubin complex is mainly characterized by bisignate CD Cotton effects (CDCEs), having minima and maxima wavelengths at 406 and 486 nm, respectively and unlike HSA, it shows prominent additional maxima around 426 nm. Based on th enumber of sulfhydryls, CfSA is in the rank of advanced teleosts. The occurrence of albumin in C. gariepinus in relation to the evolutionary dichotomy of albumin and other members of its multigene family in class Pisces has been discussed.

4 illus, 30 ref

009277   Dwivedi D;Johri B N (Microbiology Dep, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Antifungals from fluorescent pseudomonads: Biosynthesis and regulation. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1693-1703.

A group of root-associated bacteria, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), intimately interact with the plant roots and consequently influence plant health and soil fertility. Among these PGPR, fluorescent psuedomonads occur commonly in the rhizosphere of plant and help suppress disease establishment and spread. Psuedomonads suppress soil-borne fungal pathogens by producing antifungal metabolites such as pyoluteorin, pyrrolnitrin phenazines, and 2,4-diacetyl phloroglucinol. In addition, psuedomonads can indirectly suppress fungal pathogens by scavenging iron in the rhizosphere environment through the release of siderophores. Considering the global significance of antifungal metabolites in disease suppression and consequent applicability of psuedomonads in biological control strategies, biosynthesis and regulation of these molecules is discussed to high-light new developments in the subject.

ia8 illus, 2 tables, 96 ref

009276   Duttaroy A (Dep of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box. 1046, N-0316 Oslo Norway) : (NULL). Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 747-57.

In the feto-placental unit, preferential transport of maternal plasma arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:5n-3) across the placenta is of critical importance for fetal growth and development. More than 90 per cent of the fat deposition in the fetus occurs in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. All of the n -3 and n -6 fatty acid structures acquired by the fetus have to cross the placenta and fetal blood are enriched in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) relative to the maternal supply. Fatty acids cross the placental microvillous and basal membranes by simple diffusion and via the action of membrane bound (FAT, FATP and p-FABPpm) and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). The direction and magnitude of fatty acid flux is mainly dictated by the relative abundance of available binding sites. The existence of a fatty-acid-transport system comprising multiple binding proteins in human placenta may be essential to facilitate the preferential transport of maternal plasma fatty acids in order to meet the requirements of the growing fetus. The critical importance of long-chain fatty acids in cellular homeostasis demands an efficient uptake system for these fatty acids and their metabolism in tissues. In fact, involvement of several nuclear transcription factors (PPAR<103>, LXR, RXR, and SREBP-1) is critical in the expression of genes responsible for fatty acids uptake, placental trophoblast differentiation and hCG production. These indicate that these receptors are potential regulators of placental lipid transfer and homeostasis. This review discusses importance of nuclear receptors and fatty acid binding/transport proteins in placental fatty acid uptake, transport and metabolism.

4 illus, 75 ref

009275   Chandra A;Tyagi A (Biochemistry Div, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Protein profiles of two rice varieties by 2-D gel electrophoresis under moisture stress. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 191-4.

Two rice varieties N22 (drought-tolerant) and Panidhan (drought-tolerant) and Panidhan (drought-susceptible) were studied for the protein profiles under control, moisture stress and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. Both qualitative and quantitative differences were observed. In control and ABA treatment, the number of polypeptides was more in N22, compared to Panidhan. However, a significant number of polypeptides were induced in Panidhan, compared to N22 under mild and severe stress.

3 illus, 29 ref

009274   Boro R C;Goswami C;Thakuria D;Modi M K; Talukdar N C (Dep Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013) : Molecular and functional characteristics, growth promoting effect and persistence of selected parent isolates and streptomycin resistant derivatives of rice rhizobacteria. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(12), 1153-76.

Molecular and functional characteristics of seven azospirilla and five phosphorus sotubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolates of rice rhizosphere, growth promotion ability of two efficient strains, Azospirillum amazonense A10 (MTCC4716) and Bacillus megaterium P5 (MTCC4714) and their persistence based on streptomycin resistant derivatives (SRD), were determined. SDS-PAGE and isozyme banding patterns of the isolates were used to arbitrarily group the azospirilla into 4 and PSB into 3 clusters and as markers to ascertain their identity. The azospirilla produced 2.0 to 10.5 ppm of IAA like substances and showed nitrogenase activity of 0.02 to 3.55 nmole C_{2H4/hr/ml of pure culture. PSB isolates produced 7.8 to 15.0 ppm IAA like substances and 20 to 128 ppm soluble P. Induction of resistance to streptomycin resulted in changes of these properties. Co-inoculation of rice with SRD A10 and SRD P5 and their parental strains in separate treatments enhanced grain yield over control by 31 and 12.4, respectively. Nitrogenase activity of rice roots under SRD co-inoculated treatment was higher (4.16 nmole C2H4/hr/hill) than that-under parental strains co-inoculated treatment (3.76 nmole C2H4/hr/hill). SDS-PAGE profile and population count of the strains confirmed their establishment in rice rhizosphere and persistence over a year after inoculation.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

009273   Bhattacharyya D;Ghosh S;Chatterjee M;Basu A; Sen P C (Chemistry Dep, Bose Institute, 93/1. A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700 009) : Mechanism of regulation of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of Ca<. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 162-6.

Two proteins of molecular mass 13 kDa, a specific inhibitor of Na⁺, K⁺-APTase and another of 12 kDa, which can distinguish between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺- and Ca²⁺-ATPase activities have been obtained from the pooled fractions isolated from rat brain, using Sephadex G-100 chromatography. In ordr to determine the key step(s), which is affected by the modulators, we have designed an in vitro experiment of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of these ATPases in the absence and presence of the modulators. The results suggest that the phosphorylation step of Mg²⁺-independent Ca²⁺-ATPase is inhibited, while in Mg²⁺-dependent Ca²⁺-ATPase, the dephosphorylation step is stimulated by the modulators. The findings support our earlier observation that the modulators are able to distinguish between Mg²⁺-independent and dependent Ca²⁺-ATPases activities.

6 table, 19 ref

009272   Bhaskar V V;Kashyap L R (NO, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007) : Azide resistance in Rhizobium ciceri linked with superior symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(12), 1153-76.

Isolated azide resistant (Az^R) native R. ciceri strain 18-7 was resistant to sodium azide at 10 μg/ml. To find if nif-reiteration is responsible for azide resistance and linked to superior symbiotic nitrogen fixation, transposon (Tn5) induced azide sensitive mutants were generated. Using 4 kb nif-reiterated Sinorhizobium meliloti DNA, a clone C4 that complemented azide sensitivity was isolated by DNA hybridization from genomic library of chickpea Rhizobium strain Rcd30l. EcoRI restriction mapping revealed the presence of 7 recognition sites with a total insert size of 19.17 kb. Restriction analysis of C4 clone and nif-reiterated DNA (pRK 290.7) with EcoRI and XhoI revealed similar banding pattern. Wild type strain 18-7, mutant M126 and complemented mutant M126(C4) were characterized for symbiotic properties (viz., acetylene reduction assay, total nitrogen content, nodule number and fresh and dry weight of the infected plants) and ex-planta nitrogenase activity. The results suggest that azide resistance, nif-reiteration, and superior symbiotic effectiveness were interlinked with no correlation between ex-planta nitrogenase activity and azide resistance in R. ciceri.

7 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

009271   An S Y;Ok M;Kim J Y;Jang M S;Cho Y S;Choi Y L;Kim C H;Lee Y C (Faculty of Biotechnology, Collee of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan-604 714) : Cloning, high-level expression and enzymatic properties of an intracellular serine protease from Bacillus sp. WRD-2. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2004, 41(4), 141-7.

A gene, isp-B, encoding an intracellular serine protease from a newly isolated Bacillus sp. WRD-2 was cloned and characterized. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed an open reading frame of 960 bp encoding a polypeptide comprised of 319 amino acids. The primary structure of the enzyme predicted the structural features characteristic of other intracellular serine proteases, including active sites, Ser, His and Asp, as well as no signal sequence. The predicted amno acid sequence showed more than 60% homology with the intracellular serine proteases from Bacillus species. Whien expressed in E. coli, the recombinant enzyme (rISP-B) was overproduced in the cytoplasm as soluble and active form. The purified enzyme was completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, EDTA and antipain. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 8.0 and 45°C. It was stable at pH from 7.5 to 11.0 and below 50°C.

i illus, 1 table, 30 ref

009270   Acharya M M;Khamesra S H;Katyare S S (Dep of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Effect of repeated intraperitoneal exposure to picrotoxin on rat liver lysosomal function. Indian J expl Biol 0000, 42(8), 808-11.

Effect of repeated (20 days) exposure to picrotoxin (PTX) on rat liver lysosomal function was evaluated by measuring the free and total activities of acid phosphatase, cathepsin D, ribonuclease II (RNAse II) and deoxyribonuclease II (DNAse II). The free activities of the nucleases (both RNAse II and DNAse II) were increased following PTX exposure. The total DNAse II activity was increased by 2.2-fold whereas the total acid phosphatase activity was decreased by 28%. Consequently, the ratios of total activity / free activity were low in the PTX exposed groups, implying loss of membrane integrity. Cathepsin D activity was completely abolished. The results show that repeated exposure to PTX can lead to lysosomal dysfunction in liver.

1 table, 17 ref

008366   South Alabama Medical Science Foundation (NO, , P.O. Box U - 1060, Mobile, Alabama 36688, USA) : Method of decreasing oxidation in a cell in vitro. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

008365   Gambro, Inc (NO, , 10810 W Collins Ave., Lakewood, Colorado 80215-4439, USA) : System for treating a fluid to inactivate microorganisms and a method for treating a fluid therewith. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

008364   Defence Research & Development, Organisation Minsitry of Defence, Govt of India (NO, , B-341, Sena Bhawan, DHQ P.O., New Delhi-110 011) : Process for in-vitro elimination of plant virus by preparing and using an extract of azadirachta indica plant. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

008363   Vivek Kumar P R;Zareena Hamza V;Mohankumar M N;Jeevanram R K (Radiological Safety Div, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Res (IGCAR), Kalpakkam-603 102) : Studies on the HPRT mutant frequency in T lymphocytes from healthy Indian male population as a function of age and smoking. Mutation Res 2004, 556(1-2), 107-16.

008362   Venukumar M R;Latha M S (Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, P D Hills P O Kottayam 686 560) : Effect of Coscinium fenestratum on hepatotoxicity in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 792-7.

Anti-hepatotoxic activity of methanol extract of Coscinium fenestratum stem (MEC) was investigated against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatopathy in rats. Hepatototoxic rats were treated with MEC for a period of 90 days (60mg/kg body weight, daily, orally by intubation). Anti-hepatotoxic effect was studied by assaying the activities of serum marker enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase etc. and glucose phosphate dehydrogenase in liver. Concentrations of total proteins, total lipids, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol in serum, liver and kidney were also estimated. The activities of all the marker enzymes registered a significant elevation in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats, which were significantly recovered towards an almost normal level in animals co-administered with MEC. Other biochemical changes induced by carbon tetrachloride too showed reliable signs of retrieving towards the normalcy. Histopathological analysis confirmed the biochemical investigations. The study unravels the anti-hepatotoxic activity of MEC.

1 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

008361   Tipre D R;Dave S R (Microbiology Dep, School of Sci, Gujarat Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Bioleaching process for Cu-Pb-Zn bulk concentrate at high pulp density. Hydrometall 2004, 75(1-4), 37-43.

008360   Sushma M;Sudha S;Shivamurthy N;Venkataraman B V (Department of Pharmacology, St.John's Medical College, Bangalore 560 034) : Analgesic activity of new synthetic thiazolidine -4-ones derivatives. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 812-5.

Ten new synthetic thiazolidine-4-ones derivatives (5 chlorothiazolidine-4-ones, 3 methoxythiazolidine-4-ones and 2 hydoxythiazolidine-4-ones) having different substituents at R1, R2, and R3 were evaluated for their analgesic activity using different animal models and their structure activity relationship was also elucidated. Chlorothiazolidine-4-ones and methoxythiazolidine-4-ones exhibited analgesic activity in tail flick test, tail immersion test and acetic acid writhing test. C-III (chloride substituents at R1 and R2) produced higher latencies than any other compounds in tail flick test and C-I (no substituents at R1 and R2) was not effective in acetic acid writhing test. Hydroxythiazolidine-4-ones did not show analgesic activity in any of the animal models used. In conclusion, the character of substituents at R3 of thiazolidine moiety position may have an effect on the analgesic activity of thiazolidine-4-ones and either chloride or methoxy substitution may be necessary to produce analgesic activity. Two chloride substituents in a compound may increase the central analgesic activity of the compound.

2 tables, 10 ref

008359   Sriram K;Gopinathan M S (Theoretical Chem Group, Chem Dep, Indian Inst of Technol Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Two variable delay model for the circadian rhythm of Neurospora crassa. J theor expl Biol 2004, 231(1), 23-38.

008358   Srinivasu P D N (Math Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Regime shifts in eutrophied lakes: a mathematical study. Ecol model 2004, 179(1), 115-130.

008357   Singh S;Khan N A;Khan M;Samiullah (Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : Nickel enhances carbonic anhydrase activity and carbohydrate content in wheat seedlings. Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(4), 435-6.

The effect of electroplating industry effluent on α-amylase activity, carbonic anhydrase activity and shoot carbohydrate content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HD-2204) seedlings were investigated. Activities of α-amylase and carbonnic anhydrase and carbohydrate content increased slightly at lower concentration of Ni (0.4066 and 44.066 μg/ml). The effects of nickel from industrial effluent were confirmed with another study using nickel sulphate solution as a source of Ni. The effects of nickel in both the studies were similar.

1 table, 12 ref

008356   Shirwaikar A;Rajendran K;Dinesh Kumar C (Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal 576 104) : In vitro antioxidant studies of Annona squamosa Linn. leaves. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 803-7.

The free radical scavenging potential of A. squamosa was studied by using different antioxidant models of screening. The ethanolic extract at 1000 μg/ ml showed maximum scavenging of the radical cation, 2,2-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6- sulphonate (ABTS) observed upto 99.07% followed by the scavenging of the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) (89.77 %) and nitric oxide radical (73.64 %) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate scavenging activity of superoxide radicals and antilipid peroxidation potential, which was performed using rat- brain homogenate. The findings justify the therapeutic applications of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine, augmenting its therapeutic value.

1 table, 39 ref

008355   Sharma B K;Lyngdoh R M (Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill University, Umshing, Shillong-793 022) : Abundance and ecology of net and phytoplankton of a subtropical reservoir of Meghalaya (N.E. India). Ecol Envir Conserv 2003, 9(4), 485-91.

Limnological studies undertaken (November, 1996 - October, 1998) at four sampling stations (I-IV) in Umiam reservoir, Meghalaya indicated 45-71 species of net plankton and low mean abundance (216-267 n/l). Phytoplankton depicted low richness, wider variations in community similarities, mean density between 134-182 n/l and comprised between 58.2 - 70.8% of net plankton. The Chlorophyta formed the dominant qualitative and quantitative component, Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta represented subdominant groups while Dinophyta, Euglenophyta and Chrysophyta recorded poor densities. ANOVA depicted significant variations in net- and phytoplankton abundance at all stations and between months. Phytoplankton registered moderate species diversity, hig evenness and low dominance; species diversity and dominance recorded significant variations (vide ANOVA) between months. Multiple regression indicated higher comulative influence of abiotic factors on plankton communities at different sampling stations and the step-wise regression recorded differential impact.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

008354   Sawant M S;Zhang S C;Wang Q Y;Wang Y J (College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266 003 P R China) : Production of interspecies chimeras by transplanting rosy barb (Puntius conchonius) embryonic cells to zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 830-6.

Establishment of a cell-mediated gene transfer system has potential as a new breeding technique for commercially valuable fishes. As an important step toward developing an inter-species chimera, cells from blastula-stage embryos of rosy barb (Puntius conchonius) were transplanted into zebrafish (Danio rerio) blastula-stage embryos to observe the development of the recipient. From the total of 473 transplants obtained only a fraction of 13 chimeras appeared perfectly normal after one month. Over two in normal 13 chimeras showed some characters from the donor cells with scarce pigmentation. This is the first successful inter-species study on zebrafish by using blastula cell transplants from rosy barb both belonging to the same family cyprinidae.

4 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

008353   Rohini G;Sabitha K E;Shyamala Devi C S (Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 020) : Bacopa monniera Linn. extract modulates antioxidant and marker enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats. Indian J expl Biol 2004, 42(8), 776-80.

Antioxidative property and tumor inhibitive property of B. monniera (20 mg/kg body wt, sc) was examined in 3-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma rats. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of glutathione (GSH) and the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver and kidney tissues were assessed. A significant increase was noted for the rate of LPO with a corresponding decrease in the antioxidant enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats. In fibrosarcoma bearing rats, the tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and sialic acid (SA) were increased in the serum. Treatment with B. monniera extract significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme status, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced the tumor markers. It can be concluded that B. monniera extract promotes the antioxidant status, reduces the rate of lipid peroxidation and the markers of tumor progression in the fibrosarcoma bearing rats.

1 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

008352   Ray R S;Roy S;Ghosh S;Kumar M;Chatterjee M (P.O. Box No. 17028, Div of Biochem, Pharmaceutical Technol Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Suppression of cell proliferation, DNA Protein cross-links, and induction of apoptosis by vanadium in chemical rat mammary carcinogenesis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2004, 1675(1-3), 165-173.

008351   Raman J;Mehrotra S;Anand R P;Balaram H (Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Res, Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064) : Unique kinetic mechanism of Plasmodium falciparum adenylosuccinate synthetase. Molec biochem Parasit 2004, 138(1), 1-8.

008350   Purkait R;Heeresh Chandra (Anthropology Dep, Saugor Univ, Saugor-470 003) : A study of sexual variation in Indian femur. Forensic Sci Int 2004, 146(1), 25-33.