004447   Lucilla B;Lucia B;Grazia A M;Pierluigi C (Laboratorio di Ultrastrutture and Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, , Italy) : Receptor- mediated endocytosis of biofilm-forming Enterococcus faecalis by rat peritoneal macrophages. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 131-5.

The study was carried out to evaluate the contribution of extraccellular polysaccharide expressed by Enterococcus faecalis to resistance to phagocytosis and survival within rat pertioneal macrophages. Six E. faecalis clinical isolates were tested for their ability to survive within rat peritoneal macrophages. Cytochalasin D, colchicine and monodansylcadaverine were used to investigate he route of enterococcal entry inside macrophages. Four of the isolates were able to produce extracellular polysaccharide and form biofilm after growth in glucose-supplemented medium, while no production could be detected in glucose deficient medium. Two isolates were polysaccharide-negative in both conditions. Isolates expressing extracelular polysaccharide were able to survive for more than 24 h compared to polysaccharide-negative bacterial cels of the same strain grown in glucose-deficient medium, which were readily cleared. Cytochalasin D virtually abolished the number of viable intracellular bacteria, after growth in either trypticase soy broth (TSB) or TSB supplemented with glucose; colchicine and monodansylcadaverine strongly affected survival of polysaccharide-positive bacteria, significantly more than that of polysaccharide-negative ones. Biofilm-forming E. faecalis survived within rat peritoneal macrophages significantly better than polysaccharide-negative isolates. Perturbactors of cytoskeleton and of surface receptors turnover, indicated receptors-mediated endocytosis as the most likely route for enterococcal entry into macrophages.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

004446   Loubinous J;Florent M;Merad B;Collobert G; Bouvet A (Centre National de Reference des Streptocoques-Service de Microbiologi, Hotel Dieu Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris VI, I place du Parvis, F-75181 Paris Cedex 04, France) : Epidemiological markers of group A streptococcal infections in France. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 152-4.

The epidemiological markers in the clinical isolates of group A streptococci were compared in invasive and non invasive isolates. From 1998 to 2001, 141 invasive and 353 non invasive isolates in France were studied and their biotype, T-type, and emm[type were determined. The invasive isolates were mostly obtained from blood whereas the non invasive isolates were isolated from throat. Most of the isolates were of biotype 1. The invasive isolates were mostly of the T-type 1 associated with emm-type 1. The T-type 4 associated with emm-tpe 4 and the T-type 28 associated with emm-type 28 were also frequent. Invasive isolates responsible for puerperal sepsis and non invasive isolates were mostly of the T-type 28 associated with emm-type 28. This study confirms the high prevalence of isolates of biotype 1, T-type 1, and emm-type 1 among invasive isolates of group A streptococci. The emm-type 28 associated with T-type 28 was frequently observed in non-invasive isolates. A prospective study is being conducted to update the prevalence of the different emm-types in France, which will be of importance for the development of future vaccines.

1 illus, 7 ref

004445   Karunasagar D;Balarama Krishna M V;Maruthi Mohan P;Arunachalam J (Nat Cen for Compositional, Characterization of Materials, Dep of Atomic Energy, ECIL Post, Hyderabad 500 062) : Preconcentration and determination of mercury in natural waters using immobilized biosorbent of Aspergillus niger. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1180-3.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

004444   Karmarkar M G;Venugopal V;Joshi L;Kamboj R (Department of Microbiology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai) : Evaluation & revaluation of upper limits of normal values of anti-streptolysin O & anti-deoxyribonuclease B in Mumbai. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 26-8.

For the serodiagnosis of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and their late sequelae, a battery of tests have been suggested. However, anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and anti-deoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) are the most widely accepted tests for the same. It is essential to evaluate the upper limits of ASO and ADNase B levels in age and sex matched normal population before using them for the detection of patients. For this study, these values were determined in the past and were revaluated again in 2001-2002, in normal subjects. A total of 200 healthy individuals were included in the study in 1991-1992 and same number of age and sex matched healthy individuals were included in 2001-2002. The methodology used for determination of ASO and ADNase B levels were as per the techniques recommended by the WHO. The findings show that the upper limits of normal ASO titers are 195 IU and 305 IU for adults and children respectively while the said levels for ADNase B for both adults and children were found to be 200 IU. The findings of the presetn study will be helpful in the follow-up, better diagnosis and prognosis of group A streptococcal infections.

2 tables, 6 ref

004443   Karmarkar M G;Gershom E S;Mehta P R (Department of Microbiology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai) : Enterococcal infections with special reference to phenotypic characterization & drug resistance. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 22-5.

The study was undertaken to isolate and characterize enterococci from clinical specimens and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of these isolates. Clinical specimens (blood, urine and swabs) were cultured on bile esculin azide agar (BEAA) for isolation of enterococci. The phenotype based scheme included Gram staining of growth on BEAA and subculturing of cocci on sheep blood agar plates for vancomycin disk diffusion and hydrolysis of L-pyrrolidonyl-β-napthylamide (PYR) testing. The phenotypic method was used to surveillance cultures that ielded growth on BEAA. Enterococcal strains were further identified to the species level be conventional biochemical tests. PYR positive isolates were further characterized into vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and nonVRE depending upon vancomycin inhibition zone size. The isolates were characterized into vanA, vanB and vanC depending upon minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Conventional method was used to study the antibiogram of isolates. A total of 52 isolates of enterococci (10 nterococcus faecalis, 42 E. faecium) were isolated from 534 clinical specimens. Of the 52 isolates, 12 isolates were resistant to vancomycin with an MIC <62>4 μg/ml but sensitive to teicoplanin (vanB isolates. The study reveals the problem of multiple drug resistant enterococci and emergence of VRE. Better susceptibility tests need to be used to measure the vancomycin resistance accurately.

3 tables, 19 ref

004442   Jyothibabu R;Maheswaran P A;Madhu N V; Mohammed Ashraf T T;Gerson V J;Haridas P C;Venugopal P;Revichandran C;Nair K K C;Gopalakrishnan T C (National Institute of Oceanography, , Regional Centre, PB No 1913, Kochi 682 018) : Differential response of winter cooling on biological production in the northeastern Arabian Sea and northwestern bay of Bengal. Curr Sci 2004, 87(6), 783-91.

The northern parts of the twin seas bordering the Indian subcontinent, the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BOB), were studied during the winter monsoon. Higher biological production was observed in the AS (chlorophylla 47.5 mgm^-2, primary production 1114 mgC m^-2 d^-1, mesozooplankton biomass 175 mmolC m^-2), microzoo-plankton biomass 26 mmolC m², primary production 117 mgC m^-2d^-1, mesozooplankton biomass 71 mmo1C m^-2, microzooplankton biomass 10.6 mmo1C m^-2). In the AS, winter cooling assisted by the high surface salinity (<62>36) resulted in densification of surface layers, con

7 illus, 25 ref

004441   Jayamathy M;Seshan S;Kailas S V;Kumar K; Srivatsan T S (Dep of Mech Engng, Inst of Sci, Bangalore 560 012) : Influence of reinforcement on microstructure and mechanical response of a magnesium alloy. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1218-31.

Reinforcement of magnesium alloys with ceramic particulates has engineered a new family of materials that are marketed under the trade name metal-matrix composites. Rapid strides in the processing of these materials during the last two decades have provided the necessary impetus for their emergence and use in structural and automotive-related components. The results of a study aimed at understanding the role of particulate reinforcements on the tensile, compressive, impact deformation and over all fractue behaviour of magnesium alloy discontinuously-reinforced with silicon carbide particulates and saffil alumina short fibres. An increase in reinforcement content was observed to have a marginal influence on strength and detrimental influence on ductility compared to the un-reinforced counterpart. Microcracking in the metal matrix coupled with failure of the reinforcing phase (i.e. particulates or short fibres), both independently dispersed and in clusters, dominated the fracture sequence at the microscopic level. The deformation and final fracture behaviour of the composite materials are discussed in light of the concurrent and mutually interactive influences of micro-structural effects, deformation characteristics of the composite constituents, nature of loading and local stress state.

13 illus, 9 tables, 27 ref

004440   Jasir A;Kasprzykowski;Lindstrom V;Schalen C; Grubb A (Department of Clinical Cemistry, University Hospital, S-22185Lund, Sweden) : New antimicrobial peptide active against gram-positive pathogens. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 74-6.

Report antibacterial properties of a novel antimicrobial peptidyl derivative, (2S)-2-(N^α-benzyloxycarbonyl-arginyl-leucylamido) -1-{(E)-cinnamoylamido}-3-methylbutane, structurally based upon the aminoterminal segment of the inhibitory centre of the human cysteine protease inhibitor, cystain C. Clinical isolates of group A, B, C and G streptococci were collected. The antibacterial activity of Cystapep 1 derivative was tested by agar well diffusion method. Cystapep 1, displayed antibacterial activity agaisnt several clinically important Gram-positive bacteria. It displayed minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of about 16 μg/ml for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. In radial agar diffusion assays,groups A, B, C and G streptococci as well as staphylococci were generally susceptible to the action of Cystapep 1, whereas pneumococci and enterococci were less susceptible. No activity against Gram-negative bacteria was observed. Cystapep 1 also showed high activity against methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) and multi-antibiotic resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), suggesting its mechanism of action to the different from most currently used antibiotics.

1 table, 8 ref

004439   Jansen W T M;Snippe H (Eijkman-Winkler Institute, , Heidelberglaan 100 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands) : Short-chain oligosaccharide protein conjugates as expermental pneumococcal vaccines. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 7-12.

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of acute respiratory infections worldwide and is responsible for approximately 1 million childhood deaths each year. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics, the mortality and morbidity of pneumococcal disease remains high. Therefore, effective vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease are neded. Bacterial vaccine development in general follows a similar track starting from large, rather crude vaccines (whole live, attenuated pathogen) towards smaller, better defined subunit vaccines. Ultimately, this track leads to the development and evaluation of minimal, highly defined submit vaccines, based on a colection of single protective epitopes. Deals with capsular saccharide based vaccines. After a short overview of the development of pneumococal vaccines from the 23- valent polysaccharide vaccines to polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines, it focuses on the vaccine potential of synthetic oilgosaccharides, conjugated to carrier proteins.

1 illus, 58 ref

004438   Jagdeesh G;Nataraja K N;Udyakumar M (Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012) : Shock waves can enhance bacterial transformation with plasmid DNA. Curr Sci 2004, 87(6), 734-5.

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004437   Husain T;Garg A;Agnihotri P (Taxonomy and Biodiversity Div, Nat Botanical Res Inst, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226 001) : Yumthang: less-known valley of flowers in Sikkim Himalaya. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1166.

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004436   Hema Malini B;Nageswara Rao K (Dep of Geogra and Department of Geo-Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003) : Coastal erosion and habitat loss along the godavari delta front-a fallout of dam construction(?). Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1232-6.

Analysis of multi-date satellite sensor data and maps indicated loss of 1836ha of land during 1976-2001 along the Godavari deltaic coast resulting in displacement of coastal communities and mangrove destruction. Decrease in sediment loads from an annual average of 145.26 million tons in 1971-79 to 56.76 million tons during 1990-98, apparently due to construction of dams, largely diminished vertical accretion at the delta, while continued coastal subsidence that might have been accentuated by possible neotectonic activity and consequent relative sea level rise led to shoreline retreat. The extant conditions indicate that the problem may compound in future causing irreparable damage to this important deltaic ecosystem.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

004435   Hale J D F;Balakrishan;Tagg J R (Department of Microbiology, University of Otaga, Dunedin, New Zealand) : Genetic basis for mutacin N and of its relationship to mutacin I. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 247-51.

In the study the mutacin N structural gene (mutN) was cloned and compared with the mutacin I structural gene (mutA). Cloning and sequencing of S. mutans N was done. The distribution of mutN using DNA from 216 streptococcal strains wasdetermined by dot blotting. Mut N was cloned and sequenced from an 1800 bp Bam HI/Eco RI fragment. PCR with the mutN primers MutNF and mutNR on the four mutN-positive strains identified identical bands to S. mutans N. The location of mutN differes significantly from that of mutA in that is is directly upstream of comC, a gene encoding a putative competence stimulating factor. The close upstream proximity of mutN to comC suggests a link between mutacin N production and competence development. Further studies need to be done to detect competence-related genes in S. mutans strain N.

2 illus, 19 ref

004434   Gower D J;Bhatta G;Giri V;Oommen O V; Ravichandran M S;Wilkinson M (Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK) : Biodiversity in the Western Ghats: the discovery of new species of caecilian amphibians. Curr Sci 2004, 87(6), 739-40.

1 illus, 10 ref

004433   Gomathi V;Gnanamanickam S S (Cen for Advanced Studies on Bot, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025) : Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins in plant defence. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1211-7.

Polygalacturonases (PGs) are secreted by pathogens to solubilize the plant cell wall and are required for pathogen virulence. Plant proteins that inhibit PG limit the growth of pathogens and at the same time also elicit defence responses in plants by increasing the lifetime of oligogalacturonoides. These polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) are one of the well-elucidated leucine-rich repeat proteins. The properties of PGIPs, molecular aspects of their interaction with PG and their possible application to the development of disease-resistant transgenic crop plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

004432   Goldmann O;Chhatwal G S;Medina E (Division of Microbiology, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Vacci, GBF-National Research Centre for Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany) : Role of host genetic factors in susceptibility ot group A streptococcal infections. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 141-3.

Determine the extent to which the genetic background of the mouse strain affected induction and resolution of GAS infection. Several inbred mouse strains were intravenously infected with Streptococcus pyogenes strain A20 and the mean survival tiems of mice was recorded overtime. Bacterial loads were determined in liver and spleen of infected animals at 48 h postinoculation. Different strains of mice exhibited differential susceptibility to GAS infection. After systemic infection with S. pyogenes, inbred mice showed substantial differences in mortality and bacterial loads. This study provides further evidences that a genetic component is associated with host susceptibility or resistance to GAS infection.

1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

004431   Ferrieri P;Hillier S L;Krohn M A;Moore D; Paoletti L C;Flores A E (University of Minnesota Medical School, , Minneapolis, MN , School of Medicine, MA, USA) : Characterization of vaginal & rectal colonization with multiple serotypes of group B streptococci using multiple colony picks. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 208-12.

There is paucity of information on vaginal and rectal colonization with multiple serotypes of group B streptococci (GBS). As part of an ongoing cohort study evaluating the natural history of vaginal and rectal colonization by GBS, the colonization with multiple serotypes was studied in 102 non-pregnant women aged 18-30 yr. Up to ten separate colony picks of beta-haemolytic streptococci (total 1515 isolates) were selected from vaginal and rectal primary culture plates. The colonies were identified as GBS, and their capsular polysaccharides (CPS) serotypes determined using monospecific rabbit antisera for types Ia-VIII by double immunodiffusion in agarose (DID). A colony dot immunoblot (DB) assay, using monospecific rabbit antisera to purified type polysaccharides conjugated to tetanus toxoid, was developed to serotype efficiently the multiple colony picks of GBS. The CPS serotype distribution, examining only the 177 `a' or first colony picks fromt the 102 patients, was 30.5 per cent for Ia; 28.2 per cent for type III; 15.3 per cent for type II; and 13.6 per cent for type V. Only 2.8 percent were nontypeable. Eighty of the 102 patients (78.4%) were colonized with only one serotype; 20 (19.6%) had two serotypes and two patients (78.4%) were colonized with only one serotype; 20 (19.6%) had two serotypes and two patients (2%) had three serotypes in their vaginal and/or rectal paired cultures. Overall, 91.9 per cent of the culture sites colonized with one to three CPS types (from the total number of colonies picked) were identified with a minimum of three colony picks. In 75 patients with vaginal/rectal pairs the GBS serotype concordance of only the `a' colony was 89.3 per cent and concordance decreased to 80 per cent when the serotype concordance of the total colony picks was anlyzed. In conclusion, there was a relatively high prevalence of serotype non-concordance in this population, and 21.6 per cetn of patients had multiple GBS serotypes.

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

004430   Ferrieri P;Baker C J;Hillier S L;Flores A E (University of Minnesota Medical School, , Minneapolis, MN, Houston, TX, U S A) : Diversity of surface protein expression in group B streptococcal colonizing & invasive isolates. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 191-6.

The classification of group B streptococcal (GBS) isolates is based on the capsular polysaccharides (Ia-VIII), and antigenic characterization of clinical isolates is augmented by the detection of various surface-localized protein antigens. In our laboratory, all GBS isolates are routinely analysed for the alpha trypsin-resistant and the beta trypsin-sensitive c protein antigens, as well as other trypsin-resistant proteins R1, R3, and R4 as well as BPS. The purpose of this work was to study diversity of protein expression in colonizing isolates (vaginal and rectal sites) from non-pregnant women and from invasive isolates (blood or CSF) from mothers and their less than seven day old newborn infants. A total of 289 invasive isolates and 2660 colonizing isolates were collected between 1993-2002. All isolates were tested for polysaccharide serotype and cell surface-expressed protein profile by double immunoprecipation in agarose using monospecific antisera. AMong the 289 invasive isolates, 89.6 per cent expressed one or more trypsin-resistant proteins; 93 per cent of the colonizing isolates expressed oneo r more of tehse proteins. Overall, the most common surface protein expression profile by GBS serotype was:alpha in type Ia; alpha plus beta in type Ib; alpha and R4 in type II; R4 in type III; and co-expressiono f R1 plus R4 in isolates of type V. BPS was found in five (1.7%) invasive isolates, alone in two isolates and with other proteins in three isolates. Among 2660 colonizing isolates, BPS was found alone in 15 (0.6%) and in 57 additional isolates with other proteins. AMong the total isolates, BPS was found predominantly in serotype Ia isolates, also expressing R1. Uncommon protein profiles of known serotypes included 11 type III isolates expressing alpha plus beta. AMong 72 nontypable colonizing isolates, expression of R1 plus R4 was the commonest (33.3%) profile. The GBS surface proteins and common serotypes were distributed comparably in colonizing and invasive isolates. Trypsin-resistant, alpha and alpha-like proteins, R1 and R4 were the most prevalent. The phenotypic diversity of the surface-localized protein antigens of GBS is intriguing and genotypic analysis will permit consensus in nomenclature from laboratory to laboratory.

2 illus, 30 ref

004429   Ferretti J J;Ajdie D;Michael Mcshan W (Department of Mirobiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Centre, Oklahoma City, OK, 73190 USA) : Comparative genomics of streptococcal species. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 1-6.

Microbial genome sequencing has produced an unprecedented amount of new information and insights into an organism's metabolic activities, virulence properties, and evolution. The complete genome sequence has been reported for four different speciesof streptococci, including Streptococcus pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae and S. mutans. Comparative genome analysis among organisms of the same species not only shows a high degree of similarity in gene content and organization, but also a high degree of sequence heterogeneity as evidenced by the large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms present. Considerable differences were also observed in the number of mobile genetic elements found in each organism, including complete and partial bacteriophage genomes, IS elements, transposons, and plasmids. S. pyogenes was the only species to contain complete bacteriophage genomes in its genome, while only S. pneumoniae and S. mutans contained the full complement of competence genes essential for natural transformation. Comparative genome analysis between the species showed that S. pyogenes was more closely related to S. agalactiae than with S. pneumoniae or S. mutans.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

004428   Elm C;Rohde M;Vaerman J P;Chhatwal G S; Hammerschmidt S (Department of Microbial Pathogenicity, GBF-National Research Centre for Biotechnology, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany) : Characterization of the interaction of the pneumococcal surface protein SpsA with the human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (hpIgR). Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 61-5.

Streptococcus pneumoniae were cultured to mid-log phase. Calu-3 cells and MDCK epithelial cells, stably transfected with the hpIgR cDNA in pCB6 were used in in vitro infection experiments. Pneumococcal adherence to and invasion of epithelial cells were assayed. By the use of the N-terminal domain of SpsA and SpsA²⁰¹, which exhibits a single amino acid substitution in the pIgR-binding motif, in vitro assays indicated the association of the identified hexapeptide motif, located between amino acid 198 and 203 in SpsA, with pneumococcal adherence to and invasion of hpIgR-expressing cells. The findings demonstrate not only the crucial role of the hexapeptide of SpsA, not only for the SpsA-pIgR interaction, but also for adherence and invasion of hpIgR-expresing cells.

3 illus, 11 ref

004427   Ekelund K;Lemcke A;Konradsen H B (Streptococcus Unit, Department of Bacteriology, Mycology & Parasitology, Statens & Serum Institut & Statens Serum Inst, Denmark) : Evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms as primary sign of severe invasive group a streptococcal infections. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 179-82.

Describes epidemiological and disease related data from the national surveillance of invasive GAS infection in Denmark in addition to three fatal cases that occurred in Denmark in 2002 with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as the dominating preliminary signs. As the National Streptococcal Reference Centre The Streptococcus Unit, Statens Serum Institut (SSI) receives the vast majority of the invasive GAS isolates from patients admitted to all the hospitals in Denmark. The isolates were T-typed by side agglutination test emm-squencing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were also performed. During January 2002 thre patients died at home and GAS were found at autopsy. Cases 1 (12 yr) and 3 (25 yr) had been ill for less than two days with nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting . Case 2 (25 yr) had the same symptoms for two weeks. None of the three had any underlying diseases. The GAS isolates from cases 1 and 2 were T-type 3-13-B3264, emm89 and SpeA-, SpeC-. The third isolate was T-type 1, emm1 and SpeA+, SpeC-. PFGE could not discriminate betwen the two isolates with T-type 3-13-B3264. The PFGE patterns of the three isolates were similar to those identified from GAS isolated elsewhere in Denmark at different times and from non-fatal cases. In 1999-2002, SSI received 409 isolates from patients with invasive GAS infection, and the mortality rate was 18 per cent. In 40 patients the primary symptoms were gastrointestinal, and in 30 per cent of these the outcome was fatal. The various early clinical manifestations of severe GAS infections are still a major challenge for clinicians because of the importance of a fast and appropriate diagnosis and immediate start of treatment.

1 table, 23 ref

004426   Dmitriev A;Suvorov A;Shen A D;Yang Y H (Department of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Acad Pavlov Str., 12, St-Petersburg 197376, Russia) : Clinical diagnosis of group B streptococci by scpB gene based PCR. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 233-6.

The goal of the study was to improve and simplify the diagnosis of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) infection for routine clinical practice. A total of 71 clinical samples were tested by microbiologic culture, counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and PCR described in the literature. SOuthern hybridization was accomplished with the Enzo^TM`DNA Labeling and Detection Kit', Roche (Germany). The computer techniques were used for selection of the specific primers and for analysis of the sizes of PCR products. The primers for the regions around the 51 bp deletion in C5a peptidase gene (scpB) of GBS were selected. PCR analysis revealed the 255 bp amplification fragment in GBS, 3-6 bp fragment in groups A and G streptococci (GAS, GGS) and did not revealany fragments inother bacterial species. Among 71 urine and serum clinical samples tested, none were found to be GBS positive by microbiologic culture, 16 samples by CIE, 36 by PCR. The specificity of amplification was confirmed by Southern hybridization. The 51 bp delectioni n scpB gene in comparison with scpA and scpG genes can be used as a diagnostic tool for identification of GBS. The 51 bp delection based PCR proved to be faster and more reliable test than microbiologic culture or CIE.

1 illus, 15 ref

004425   Dave S;Pangburn M K;Pruitt C;McDaniel L S (Department of Microbiology, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA) : Interaction of human factor H with PspC of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 66-73.

Streptococcus pneumoniae has acquired virulence factors such as the polysaccharide capsule and various surface proteins, which prevent opsonization mediated by the complement system. PspC is one of the multi-functional pneumococcal surface proteins capable of eliciting an antibody response in mice. Explores the role of pneumococcal surface proteins in resistance to complement mediated opsonophagocytosis by providing evidence that PspC binds human Factor H (FH), a regulatory protein of the alternative complement pathway. The study was carried out to map the binding regions on PspC and FH, and to assess the functional activity of FH upon binding to PspC. FH binding to D39 and other pneumococcal strains was observed by flow cytometry. A series of FH truncated and deletion mutants and PspC mutants were used to localize binding regions within these molecules. The functional activity of FHupon binding to PsPC was measured by a haemolysis assay. FH binding to D39 and not to TRE108 (PspC-) cells was demonstrated by flow cytometry. Pneumococcal isolates of 14 different strains varied in their ability to bind FH. The binding region of FH within PspC to the first 225 amino acids of the α-helical domain was localized. The corresponding binding site for PspC is located within the SCR 6-10 regiono f FH. Haemolysis of rabbit red blood cells was inhibited by FH even in the presence of PspC. FH binding is specific to PspC on the pneumococcal cell surface. The binding region on PspC mapped to the non-conserved N-terminal region of the α-helical domain. The binding site on FH to PspC is different from the active site that functions in degradation of C3b. A haemolysis assay provided evidence that the functional activity of FH was maintained upon binding to PspC. Thus, binding of FH to PspC might to be an important mechanism by which S. pneumoniae resist complement activation and opsonophagocytosis.

6 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

004424   Das M K;Adak T;Subbarao S K (Malaria Res Cen, , Field Station, Malacca, Car Nicobar,Andaman & Nicobar Islands 744 301) : Chromosomal studies in Aedes finlaya niveus, a vector for filariasis. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1179-80.

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004423   Das A K (Plant Path Lab, Nat Res Cen for Citrus, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 010) : Rapid detection of Candidatus liberibacter Asiaticus, the bacterium associated with citrus huanglongbing (Greening) disease using PCR. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1183-5.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

004422   Das A;Gupta M K;Saxena R K (School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067) : Enhanced activation of mouse NK cells by IL2 in the presence of circulating immune complexes. Curr Sci 2004, 87(6), 780-3.

Circulating immune complexes (CICs) generated during a variety of diseased conditions, comprises aggregates of immunoglobulin molecules and trapped antigens. Aggregated antibodies in CICs present multiple cross-linked Fc regions of antibodies which can potentially bind low-affinity Fc receptors (FcRs) expressed on a variety of leukocyte populations. Natural killer (NK) cells constitute a population of lymphocytes with an important role in natural immune responses. NK cells express low-affinity FcRs (CD16 receptors) and can therefore be potentially activated by CICs. If CiCs can influence NK cell activation, they may play an important immunoregulatory role in clinical conditions asociated with elevated blood levels of CICs. The effect of mouse-serum-derived CICs was studied on interleukin-2-induced NK cytotoxicity in mouse bone marrow clls cultured in vitro. CICs induced a marked dose-dependent increase in NK activation response. While addition of normal monomeric IgG preparation had no effect on NK activation, aggregates of pure mouse IgG molecules prepated by mild heat treatment had an effect similar and comparable to that of CICs. These results suggest that the boosting of NK activation response by CICs could be mediated by aggregated immunoglobulin molecules present in CICs. Suggests that CICs generated in a variety of diseased conditions may act as immunomodulators for NK cells.

4 illus, 24 ref

004421   Danchin M H (University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Australia) : The burden of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in Melbourne families. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 144-7.

The study was undertaken to estimate the incidence and costs of GAS pharyngitis in school aged children in Melbourne, Australia. Report here the results after initial 11 months of surveillance. A total to 202 families (852 individuals) with at least one child aged 3 to 12 yr were enrolled across Melbourne in a family-based cohort study, and are being followed prospectively for 24 months. Surveillance data for acute GAS pharyngitis (including serology), throat carriage, and costs of the disease were collected. Additional cases of GAS pharyngitis have been ascertained to improve the precision of costing estimates. Cohort retention was 97 per cent. The spring, summer and winter carriage rates for children were 13.0, 8.0 and 16.0 per cent respectively. The incidence of GAS pharyngitis was 14 per 100 person-years for children. For every primary case there were 0.7 secondary cases and 24 per cent of families experienced at least one episode of GAS pharyngitis per year. Preliminary costing data suggest that 46 per cent of cases lead to school absenteeism and a high rate of antibiotic use. The present data sugegst that GAS pharyngitis remains very common in childhood, and that it has further implications in terms of secondary cases and costs.

2 tables, 12 ref

004420   Creti R;Cardona F;Pataracchia M;Von Hunolstein C;Cundari G;Romano A;Orefici G (Instituto di sanita, & Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy) : Characterisation of group A streptococcal (GAS) isolates from children with tic disorders. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 174-8.

The study was undertaken to characterize the GAS strains isolated from children with tic disorders and to determine and correlate the antistreptolysin O (ASO) titre with the presence of GAS. During 1996-2001, 368 children with tic disorders were investigated for possible exposition to streptococcal antigens. All children, at the time of the first visit and during the follow up visits were apparently healthy and showed no clinical evidence of streptococcal infections or post streptococcal sequelae. Blood and throat swab samples were collected and serological and bacteriological tests done. The isolates obtained were investigated for T pattern, M protein and emm type, as well as for the production of protease. Of the 800 throat swabs studied 100, corresponding to 67 patients, were positive for GAS; 49 children were found positive for GAS only once during the study, 18 had more than one sample positive for different serotypes, 8 were positive twice or more for the same type. AO titres of these children were, in general, elevated. Five types, namely type M12, 3, 13, 11, 1, accounted for 39 per cent of the isolates, M12 being the most common, but a large number of different types were also found. A large number of isolates (62%) showed an elevated productiono f protease in the casein plate assay. Despite the high level of ASO titrers found, the results were not in favour of a particular virulence or invasivity of the isolates. Only a few colonies per sample were found indicating that factors different from the microbial virulence play a role in this type of disease.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

004419   Cleary P P;Zhang Y;Park H S (Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA) : Nasal associated lymphoid tissue & M cells, a window to persistent streptococcal infections. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 57-60.

Intranasal infection of mice has been used as a model of streptococcal pharyngitis, as nasal associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in this animal is structurally and functionally analogous to human tonsils. The study was carried out to determine whether group A streptococci preferentially colonized or invaded NALT. Lux⁺ strain Sp3 was created and exponential phase bacteria were introduced intranasally into BALB/C female mice, total photon emission from selected areas was quantified, sections of NALT tissues were used for immunofluorescent staining and M cell staining. Intranasal infection of mice with bioluminescent group A streptococci or unlabeled streptococci demonstrated that NALT was a primary target of this pathogen. Streptococci readily gained access to the blood stream from this site of infection. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies showed that M cells, dispersed along the mucosal epithelium adjacent to NALT, were preferentially infected and likely to provide the window through which streptococci reached the underlying tissue. The study suggest that this upper respiratory Gram positive pathogen uses a mechanism similar to that of enteric pathogens in the intestine to gain access to underlying tissue, lymphatics and blood.

1 illus, 12 ref

004418   Chaudhary N K;Bhardwaj R (Div of Biocybernetics and Radiopharmaceuticals, Inst of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi 110 054) : Structural stabilizaion by hoechst 33258 in r-irradiated DNA: evidenced by spectroscopic studies. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1256-62.

Several studies have demonstrated radioprotective effects of DNA minor groove binding ligand Hoechst 33258 (H258) in isolated DNA and cells as well as in whole body irradiated mice. The mechanism underlying Hoechst-mediated radioprotection is still under intensive investigation. The possible changes in the local environment at bindng sites and influence of Hoechst-induced structural stabilization in y-irradiated DNA have been investigated. H258 was added at two different concentrations, viz. 4 μM and 80 μM in irradiated DNA (800 μM) and the corresponding ligand to DNA ratios were R= 0.005 and 0.1 (DNA-H258) respectively. Helix to coil transition temperature (T_m), absorption, fluorescence emission and excited state fluorescence lifetime measurements were carried out and compared with un-irradiated DNA-H258 solutions. Spectroscopic measurements indicated that the majority of spectral characteristics (spectral positions and intensity) were similar in DNA-H258 and H258-DNA complexes. The excited state fluorescence decay was double exponential having a short (τ₁) and a long (τ₂) component. Their numerical values strongly depended on the ratios R = 0.005 and 0.1 and remained unaltered in irradiated solutions. This data strongly suggested that the local environment of H258 at the binding sites in DNA remained unaltered upon irradiation and binding of H258 appeared to contribute to structural stabilization in a concentration-dependent manner.

3 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

004417   Cardona F;Romano A;Cundari G;Ventriglia F; Versacci P;Orefici G (Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, University La Sapienza of Rome, Italy) : Colour doppler echocardiography in children with group a streptococcal infection releated tic disorders. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 186-90.

A possible relationship has been suggested between tic disorders and streptococcal infections. To understand the complex relationship between streptococcal infections and neuropsychiatric disorders in children the study was done on colour Doppler echocardiography of patients with possible post-streptococcal tic disorders. The patients were 23 children (22 males, 1 female) affected by tic disorders, who at the time of the observation presented (or had presented in the past) signs of streptococcal infections remporally related to the onset or recrudescence of tic disorders. Echocardiographic examination and laboratory tests were performed on these children. In 4 cases a mild mitral insufficiency and in 8 cases a minimal mitral insufficiency was seen, all haemodynamically not significant. Follow up studies (up to 1 yr) showed the consistency and persistence of these findings. Of the 12 patients with echocardiographic abnormalities, 10 displayed very high anti streptolysin O (ASO) titres, 5 showed positive culture for GAS and 9 had abnormal ESR, even if no significant differences were found in respect to patients with tics and normal echocardiography. WIth the caution due to the design of study and to low number of patients, our data seem to indicate that the pathophysiology of GAS-infection related tic disorders is similar to that SC, at least in some cases.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

004416   Burova L A;Nagornev V A;Pigarevsky P V; Gladilina M M;Molchanova I V;Gavrilova E A;Totolian A A;Thern A; Schalen C (Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of the Medical Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia & University of Lund, Sweden) : Induction of myocarditis in rabbits injected with group a streptococci. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 183-5.

Cardiac tissue material from rabbits injected with heat-killed GAS was investigated. Rabbits were injected intravenously with 10⁹ colony forming units of streptococci three times weekly for wk. Cardiac tissue samples were obtained at different times and deposition of IgG, C3, TNF-α and IL-6 was studied. After 8 or more weeks of intravenous (iv) injections, minimal changes were seen in animals receiving an IgG non-binding GAS strain, type T27, whereas in those animals receiving either of two IgG binding GAS strains, types M1 or M22, strong inflammatory and degenerative myocardial changes accompanied by deposition of IgG and C3 were noted. Furthermore, on injecting rabbits with defined mutants of a type M22 strain, the development of myocardial tissue damage proved to be dependent on the presence streptococcal IgGBPs. The present data supported a role of streptococcal IgGBPs in the induction of myocardial tissue injury by GAS.

1 illus, 7 ref

004415   Brinda B R;Sarada R;Kamath B S;Ravishankar G A (Plant Cell Biotechnol Dep, Central Food Technological Res Inst, Mysore 570 020) : Accumulation of astaxanthin in flagellated cells of Haematococcus pluvialis-cultural and regulatory aspects. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1290-5.

The effect of nutrient stress on astaxanthin formation in flagellated cells of Haematococcus pluvialis was evaluated under autotrophic conditions. High biomass yield of 3.5 g/I was achieved on phosphate free medium and astaxanthin constituted 1.5% (w/w) on dry weight basis, with a production of 55.6 mg/I. A combination of nitrogen and phosphate limitation was effective in enhancement of astaxanthin content to 2.0±0.2% (on dry weight basis), resulting in its production of 35-38 mg/I. Actinomycin-D inhibited both cell growth as well as carotenogenesis, while chloramphenicol and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea inhibited significantly the secondary carotenoid formation in flagellated cells under low light intensity, with no effect under high light intensity. Cycloheximide inhibited carotenogenesis in both flagellated and encysted cells under low as well as high light intensities. The accumulation of astaxanhin in lipid globules of flagellated cells was detected with staining of algal cells. The results indicated that both cytoplasmic and organellar translational inhibitors play a role in the secondary carotenoid formation in flagellated cells, which depend on light to a greater extent than salinity stress.

2 illus, 3 tables

004414   Bergmann S;Rohde M;Chhatwal G S;Hammerschmidt S (Department of Microbial Oathogenicity, GBF-German Research Centre for Biotechnology, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany) : Characterization of plasmin (ogen) binding to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 29-32.

The role of carboxy terminal lysyl residue of eno in plasminogen binding is further analysed. Site-directed mutagenesis of eno gene was done using DNA primers with HInd III-restriction enzyme sites for cloning. Purified Eno fusion proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and human plasminogen binding assay was performed. Radioiodinated ligand binding was done by competitive inhibition assay. Binding assays performed under reduced conditions indicated also a role of the C-terminal lysyl residues of Eno for plasmin (ogen) binding. Binding of pneumococci to radioiodinated plasminogen was competitively inhibited in the presence of plasminogen, kringle 1-3 (LBS 1) and the lysineanalogen ε-amino caproic acid indicating the crucial role of lysine-binding sites of plasminogen. However, binding analysis of plasminogen and LBS 1 to wild type Eno and carboxy terminal modified Eno proteins did not reveal any difference in plasminogen-binding activity under native conditions. The results suggest the presence of a further plasminogen-binding motif in Eno. This hypothesis was confirmed by plasminogen-binding activity of reassociated C-terminal modified enolase to the pneumococcal surface and indicated, therefore, the presence of a further binding motif in Eno for plasminogen binding.

3 illus, 11 ref

004413   Bergh K;Stoelhaug A;Loeseth K;Bevanger L (Norwegian University of Science & Technology, Department of Laborator, Department of Microbiology, N-7006 University Hospital of Trondheim, Norway) : Detection of group B streptococci (GBS) in vaginal swabs using real-time PCR with TaqMan probe hybridization. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 221-3.

Develops a real-time PCR method for the specific detection of GBS in vaginal swabs. Based on partial sequencing of the sip gene,primers and a TaqMan hybridization probe were constructed for a real-time PCR assay. The performance of the assay was tested on 100 consecutive vaginal specimens submitted to the laboratory for culture. Lysis of bacterial and DNA extraction was performed by lysozyme, mutanolysin, proteinase K and Quiagen spin columns. PCR was performed using Light Cycler. Highly purified DNA from GBS was used as positive control. Of the 100 samples investigated, 25 were positive by culture (16 abundant/moderate growth, 6 sparse growth and 3 after enrichment only). At a cut-off of 12 fg per reaction (corresponding to 4 bacterial cells), PCR was positive in 32 samples. A complete concordance was noted between PCR positivity and abundant/moderate and sparse growth by culture. One of 3 samples that were positive by culture ony after enrichment was negative in PCR. On the other hand, 8 samples were positive by PCR and negative by culture. The real-time PCR assay was sensitive and rapid and enabled detection of GBS in less than 2 h after colection. Due to the rapidity of the assay by which results could be obtained, the assay harbors the potential for intrapartum detection of GBS.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

004412   Batzloff M;Yan H;Davies M;Hartas J;Good M (Cooperative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Post Office Royal Brisbane Hospital, Qld 4029, Australia) : Preclinical evaluation of a vaccine based on concerved region of M protein that prevents group A streptococcal infection. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 104-7.

Reported on the immunogenicity, opsonic potential of the resulting sera and the level of protection induced by this peptide in comparison to a pepsin extract of the M protein. Inbred mice were immunized with peptides derived from the M protein. Sera were collected from the immunized mice and its opsonic potential determined for M1 and M6 GAS strains. Mice were then intransally challenged with a virulent M1 GAS strain to determine the protective efficacy of the peptides. The peptides induced significant antibody responses when delivered subcutaneously and immunized mice demonstrated significantly enhanced survival compared to control groups following challenge. The data obtained in the study indicated that the climeric peptide J8 from teh conserved region of the M protein could form the basis for an anti-streptococcal vaccine in future.

3 illus, 15, ref

004411   Barnham M R D;Weightman N C (Department of Microbiology, Harrogate District Hospital & Northallerton Friarage Hospital, North Yorkshire U K) : Changing incidence of detected streptococcal bacteraemia in North Yorkshire, England. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 160-3.

Analyses the data collected over a period of 20 yr (1978-1999) to throw light on this. Laboratory records of all patients yielding clinically significant, non-pneumococcal, non-enterococcal streptococal bacteraemia were reviewed for the decades 1978-1988 and 1990-1999 in the two districts (combined population 260,000). From a total of 3134 patients with detected bacteraemia 338 (10.8%( yielded streptococci. The organisms comprised: in the beta-haemolytic group (n=169, GAS (32%), GBS (34%), GCS (5%), GGS (28%), GRS (1%), in the non-haemolytic/Streptococcus milleri group )n=160): S.milleri (21%), S. bovis (10%), S. sanguis (30%), S. mitis (10%),S oralis (8%) and other `viridans' streptococci (20%); nine isolates were of anaerobic streptococci. There was a steady increase in the number of blood cultures submitted for investigation during the period and streptococcal isolations of all species rose in proportion (approximately x 2.5) in the second decade compared with the first. Complementary data on the occurrence of necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome in these districts suggested a real increase in the occurence of serious forms of GAS infection. An increase in the level of detected streptococcal bacteramia was seen in this part of England over 20 yr, involving a wide variety of different streptococcal species. This represented both improved ascertainment of infection and an increase in the burden of disease in the population.

3 tables, 16 ref

004410   Bancescu G;Dumitriu S;Bancescu A;Defta C;Pana M;Ionescu D;Aleeu S;Zamfirescu M (Chair of Microbiology, University of Medicine & Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania) : Susceptibility testing of Streptococcus mitis group isolates. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 257-61.

Investigates the antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus mitis group strains isolated from Romanian patients with different oral and maxillofacial infections. Eighty-five isolates belonging to S. mitis group isolated from pus samples were identified at species level by the Rapid ID 32 STREP system. The E test was used to determine the susceptibilities of the isolates to penicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, erythromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Of the 151 samples studied, 85 isolates belonged to S. mitis group. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (mg/l) ranged from 0.016-0.75 for penicillin, 0.016-2 for ampicillin, 0.016-1 for cefotaxime, 0.016-4 for erythromycin, 0.016-0.047 for clindamycin, 0.5-4 for chloramphenicol and 0.047-256 for tetracycline. The low susceptibility and the resistance to some commonly used antibiotics found in this study indicated a need for a careful surveillance of the susceptibility pattern of oral streptococci isolates of clinical significance. Clindamycin and chloramphenicol might be suitable alternative agents in treatment of oral and maxillofacial infections involving penicillin-resistant bacteria and in case of patients with hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics.

2 tables, 14 ref

004409   Balakrishnan M;Thomas S K (P G Res Dep of Zool, St Joseph's Coll Devagiri, Calicut 673 008) : Concserving the breeding habitat of the near threarened oriental white ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus. Curr Sci 2004, 87(9-10), 1190-2.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

004408   Alessandro D D;Ciriminna S;Rossini A;Bossa M C;Fara G M (DACP, La Sapienza, University of Rome & Sicily Region, Palermo, Italy) : Requests of medical examinations after pneumococcal & influenza vaccination in the elderly. Indian J med Res 2004, 119(May), 108-14.

Vaccination with influenza (IV) alone or in association with PV was offered during the IV campaign in the winter 1999-2000 in 8 counties of Sicily. General practitioners (GPs)provided the vaccination and, 72 h later, recorded local and systemic side effects by a telephonic interview with the wacciness. GPs recorded also the requests of medical treatments. A total of 16,601 subjects (57.1%) were vaccinated with IV alone and 12,485 (42.9%) with the association IV+PV. Adverse effects were reported by 14.7 per cent of vaccinees. Out of 4,289 subjects with side effects, 305 (7.1%) looked for a medical examination. The factors associated with a significantly increased risk for medical examination after vaccination were symptoms duration <62>72 h (OR 2.04;95% CI 1.38-3.01; p=0.0002); local induration (OR 3.26;95% CI2.07-5.13;P<60>0,0001); general malaise (OR 2.05;95%CI1.34-3.13;P=0.0009); fever ≥38°C (OR3.34;95% CI 1.90-5.86; P<60>0.0001); myalgia (OR 2.80;95% CI 1.46-5.37; P=0.0018) and dyspnea (OR 37.86;95<#7> Ci9.65-148.60; P=0.0001). The few requests for medical examination and the low rate of adverse effects confirmed the tolerability and safety of PV+IV; GPs consulation were related to the severity and duration of symptoms, but independent of the type of vaccine administered.

3 illus, 6 tables, 13 ref

004407   Adhikary S K;Gohil J M;Ray P (NO, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002) : Studies on the resistance developed at different stages in an electrodialysis stack operated in parallel-cum-series flow pattern. J Membrane Sci 2004, 245(1-2), 131-6.

003241   Tripathi M;Khatik N;Shukla R N (Sch of Envir Biology, A P S Univ, Rewa-486 003) : Biodiversity of aquatic insects in light trap collections in central India. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(2), 305-8.

Reports the composition of aquatic insects in the light trap catches. A total of 24 species belonging to 19 families are recorded. The diversity had been maximum in the meteorological weeks extending from 26th to 38th (June to Stptember).

2 tables, 9 ref

003240   Srivastava G;Bohra A (Microbiol Lab, Botany Dep, J N Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Antibacterial activity of dry leaves of some tree plants against Xanthomonas compestris. Curr Agric 2003, 27(1-2), 103-4.

Antimicrobial activity of some arid zone trees viz. Proopic cineraria, Terminalia catappa, Ficus religiosa, Albizzia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera was studied. Xanthomonas compestris was taken as a test pathogen. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts alone and in combination were tested and compared with standard antibiotic. Pure alcoholic extract showed less inhibition than aqueous extract except in Moringa oleifera whereas aqueous and alcoholic extract showed inhibition. In case of Terminalia catappa better inhibition was observed. Maximum inhibition was noticed in Moringa oleifera, albizzia lebbeck and Ficus religiosa when mixed with antibiotic.

1 table, 3 ref

003239   Srivastava A;Raj S K (Molecular Virology Div, National Botanical Res Inst, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : High molecular similarity among Indian isolates of cucumber mosaic virus suggests a common origin. Curr Sci 2004, 87(8), 1126-31.

Molecular similarity among Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) isolates fro Amaranthus tricolor, Datura innoxa and Hyoscyamus muticus was investigated by RT-PCR RFLP and sequence analysis of coat protein gene. RFLP analysis with HindIII, SalI, AluI and RsaI indicated their placement into subgroup I of CMV. Sequence analysis and phytogenetic trees generated by nucleotide and amino acid sequence alignments placed Indian isolates into subgroup IB. They also showed a high molecular similarity among themselves and appeared as a distinct cluster within subgroup IB, indicating their common origin in relation to other members of the subgroup.

3 illus, 1 tables, 26 ref

003238   Saha A;Hui A K;Das R;Roy J P;Ray N;Mahata T K (Vet Microb Dep, West Bengal Univ of Anim & Fishery Sci, Kolkata-700 037) : Occurrence of Escherichia coli from broiler birds in Bengal and their antibiogram. Indian J Anim Hlth 2003, 2(2), 136-41.

A total of 165 samples of intestine, liver, splee, heart and gall bladder collected from dead, diseased and apparently healthy broiler chickens within the age groups of 0.9 weeks yielded 96 E. coli isolates. The percentage of isolation was highest in intestine (81.81%) followed by liver (54.28%), heart (50%), spleen (39.13%) and gall bladder (36.36%). The isolates exhibited both typical and variant results to different biochemical and sugar fermentation tests. Antimicrobial drug sensitivity studies against 13 antimicrobial agents revealed that highest sensitivity was recorded against cefotaxime (79.17%) followed by norfloxacin (77.08%, enrofloxacin (73.96%) and amikacin (67.71%). Most of the isolates were resistant to penicillin-G (86.46%) followed by ampicillin (84.38%), nalidixic acid (67.71%) erythromycin (66.67%), cephalexin (65.63% and amoxycillin (58.53%)

2 tables, 19 ref

003237   Perumal G;Natarajan D;Srinivasan K; Mohanasundari C (Microbiology Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's Coll, Velur, Namakkal-638 182) : Studies on the dipteran galls on Mangifera indica linn. in Tamil Nadu. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(2), 495-8.

The insect species of gall formers, produce different types of galls on the newly formed leaves of Mango (Mangifera indica Linn). More than a dazan galls were attacked and make a heavy damage to the nursery young plants and fruits production. Discusses the description and distribution of dipteran galls on Mangifera indica Linn. in Tamil Nadu.

12 ref

003236   Pandya M R;Singh R P;Dadhwal V K (Crop Inventory and Modelling Div, ARG/RESIPA, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad-380 015) : A signal of increased vegetation activity of India from 1981 to 2001 observed using satellite-derived fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. Curr Sci 2004, 87(8), 1122-6.

an analysis of monthly fAPAR dataset derived from NOAA-AVHRR data using an RT model by Myneni et al. covering the period from July 1981 to May 2001 over the Indian land mass was carried out. Monthly twenty-year average fAPAR over India as well as three latitudinal zones (8-16°N, 16-24°N, 24-36°N) was studied for mean annual and seasonal (June-October, November-May) trends. Results indicated highest mean fAPAR averaged over the Indian land mass in October (0.658) and lowest in June (0.342). Significant positive trends of decadal increase of about 2.9 and 2% were observed in pre-peak (June-October; P-I) and post-peak (November-May; P-II) seasons respectively. the highest mean fAPAR was observed to be 0.80 for the central zone and 0.802 for the southern zone in P-I and P-II seasons respectively. The trend in fAPAR varied with the three latitudinal zones and was higher for the southern zone (0.33% per year) over the P-I season, while it was higher for the central zone (0.18% per year) over the P-II season, in comparison to the other two zones. In contrast, Ganganagar district (Rajasthan), where irrigation-led increase in agriculture activity has dominated during the past two decades has shown significant decadal increase of 5.1 and 4.1% in P-I and P-II season respectively. T results suggest an increase in vegetation activity as reflected in satellite-derived fAPAR over India during the past two decades, howerver the spatial distribution as well as the cause should be further investigated.

3 illus, 13 ref

003235   Natarajan D;John Britto S;Balaguru B; Nagamurugan N;Soosairaj S (Microbiology Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's Coll, P.Velur, Namakkal-638 182) : Distribution of sacred grove forests in the Chitteri hills of the eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(2), 375-9.

The sacred groves are usually small patches of forests dedecated to deities. Describes brief on the distribution of some sacred groves in the Chitteri hills, a part of the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Totally ten sacred groves are investigated and discuss their distribution in terms of deity name, forest types and associated plant species. The species composition has been highlighted. This study also recommends that the conservation measure for the selected sacred grove patches.

2 tables, 16 ref

003234   Maity B;Guru P Y (National Laboratory Animal Centre, Central Drug Research Institute, P.O. Box No. 173, Lucknow-226 001) : Allelic profiles of "SMA/CDRI" mouse strain (Mus musculus). J Cytol Genet 2003, 4(1), 49-54.

Fifteen loci coding body proteins and enzymes, Alb-I, C-3, Ce-2, Car-1, Es-1, Es-2, Es-3, Gpi-1, Hbb, Idh-1, Mod-1, Pep-3, Pgm-1 and Trf-1 were examined in newly established SMA/CDRI' mouse strain (Mus musculus) and identified the alleles with the help of already known 4 standard mouse strains viz., BALB/c, C₃H/J, C₅₇BL/6 and SJL/J. Three markers (Gpi-1, Mod-1 and Pep-3) were found to be different in this strain as compared to SM/J strain; however, the present strain has been found genetically closer to SM/J strain and therefore, it was designated and identified as "SMA/CDRI" strain.

5 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

003233   Lakshman H C;Jayashankar M;Polkar K P (Microbiology Lab, Botany Dep, Karnataka Univ, Dharwad-580 003) : Effect of Glomus fasciculatum (AMF) and municipal sewage water on growth of Bauhinia racemosa lam. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(2), 309-13.

Impact of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and different dilution sewage water on growth, per cent root colonization, spore population and biomass production was assessed. The results revealed that 50% diluted municipal sewage water with VAM significantly increased the biomass production and P uptake in mycorrhizal plants over the non-mycorrhizal plants except and raw municipal sewage or water alone. However, plant height, root colonization was negatively responded when plants treated with undiluted municipal sewage water.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref