001218   Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (NO, , Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001) : Process for the preparation of intracellular phenylalalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

001217   Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (NO, , Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001) : An improved culture medium for haematococcus useful for enhanced carotenoid production by heamatococcus cyst. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

001216   Rejitha L R;Devi K S;Nair A S (Botany Dep, University of Kerala Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : In vitro culture, isolation and cytotoxic effects of steroids from Solanum trilobatum. J Cytol Genet 2002, 3(1), 31-7.

Leaf explants of Solanum trilobatum Linn. were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l IAA and 2.5 mg/l kinetin or BA and obtained direct regeneration of shoots. These shoots developed roots on MS liquid medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA. The regenerated plantlets were transferred to soil with 80% survival. The steroids were isolated from in vitro shoots, regenerated plantlets established in the field in juvenile phase (in vivo plant) and dried whole plant materials obtained from the market. TLC analysis of the steroid fraction obtained from in vitro shoots and the dried plant materials showed the steroid fraction obtained from in vitro shoots and the dried plant materials showed the presence of 7 steroids with cytotoxic effects in DLA cells. Only 5 steroids were obtained from in vivo plant. The steroids from the market plant showed highest cytotoxicity and the steroids from in vivo plant showed minimum cytotoxicity. However, among the steroids obtained from these 3 sources, the V fraction with Rf vale 0.455 showed maximum cytotoxicity.

3 tables, 14 ref

001215   Rai H;Chinnappa C C (Biological Sciences Dep, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N1N4) : Genetic relationship among three species of Inga from Brazil inferred from RAPD markers analysis. J Cytol Genet 2002, 3(1), 73-7.

A total of 13 individual genotypes of Inga vera subsp. affinis, I.marginata were used in RAPD analysis with 10 random decamer primers. The diploid and tetraploid populations of I. vera and I. laurina are closely related to each other. This suggests their autoploid origin within each species. I marginata is not related to the tetraploid I. laurina as previously proposed.

2 illus, 17 ref

001214   Joseph S;Mathew P M (Botany Dep, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvanathapuram-695 581) : Consanguinity studies in eight tribal populations in Kerala. J Cytol Genet 2002, 3(1), 51-5.

Consanguinity study was carried out in 8 tribal populations hailing from 6 districts of Kerala. The most common pattern of related marriage in them was the one between first cousins with notable preference for the matrilateral cross type followed by second cousins. The frequencies of consanguinity ranged from 1.55% to 78.74%, recognizable under 4 rate classes (<60>2%, 10-20%, 20-40%, <62> 70%), the least in the Christian Malai Arayas and the highest in the Mudugars. The mean coefficient of inbreeding ranged from 0.0007 to 0.0559. The distribution of the inbreeding rates displayed an apparent gradient associated with the level of socio-economic and literacy status. The very low rate in the Christian Malai Arayas is suggested to be mainly due to the impact of Church ban on closer degrees of marital unions.

1 table, 15 ref

001213   Gowda M;Roopalakshmi K;Savithramma D L (Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda-390 002) : Centenary of rediscovery of Mendelian laws. J Cytol Genet 2002, 3(1), 95-9.

The major milestones in the field of genetics originated with the discovery of laws of heredity by Gregor J. Mendel in 1865. His study on segregation of factors was the primordial for the birth of genetics and genomics. Mendel's work is the footstep for the elucidation of DNA structure and also to understand the genetic information. Scientific community always honours Mendel as the `Father of Genetics'. This article mainly focused on the journey of genetics in the twentieth century to celebrate the century of the discovery of Mendelian laws.

1 table, 13 ref

000221   Department of Atomic Energy, Govt of India (NO, , Anushakti Bhavan, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Mumbai-400 039) : Process for the preparation of antisera of protein named Pv2 for detection of malaria. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

000220   Uniyal V P (Wildlife Institute of India, , Dehra Dun) : Butterflies of nanda devi national park a world heritage site. Indian For 2004, 130(7), 800-4.

Nanda Devi National Park, declared as such in 1982, was further made a Biosphere Reserve in January 1988. Realising its biological diversity and several rare and endangered endemic floral and faunal species, it was declared a world heritage site by the United Nations in Dec. 1988. This research supports many plant and faunal speices. 35 butterfly species belonging to 25 genera and four families has been documented a study in 2001 as part of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre Landowne expedition in this region.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

000219   Swarup G (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, , Hyderabad 500 007) : How to design a highly effective siRNA. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 129-31.

^ssc1 illus, 7 ref

000218   Sundaravalli V M;Paliwal K (Dep of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai 625 021) : Effect of fire on vegetation composition and primary production of grazinglands in the semi-arid region of Madurai. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2003, 29(3-4), 239-43.

The effect of fire was investigated on vegetation composition, net primary production and dry matter dynamics of grazing lands at the Biomass Centre of Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai in the semi-arid region. The number of plant species was more in the burned grazing land than in the unburned (control). Dicot species were more in the grazing land subjected to fire. Heterpogon contortus was the major dominant species and most of the species were similar at both the sites. The total net production of the grazing lands was 1175.2 gm^-2 yr^-1 and 1618.3 gm^-2 yr^-1 at the burned and unburned sites, respectively. At both the sites, the allocation of net production to above ground component was higher than to the below ground one. Transfer of above ground net production to litter was more in the unburned plot compared to that in the burned one. The rate of belowground disappearance was higher than that of litter disappearance. At both the sites the accumulation of organic matter in the system showed the serial nature of the grazing lands. Among the study sites, organic accumulation was more in the unburned grazingland than in the burned one.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

000217   Slavica A;Santek B;Novak S;Maric V (Dep of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotech, Univ of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6/IV, Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia) : Microbial acetate oxidation in horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 169-77.

The possibility of conducting of continous aerobic bioprocess in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB) has been investigated. Aerobic oxidation of acetate by the action of a mixed microbial culture was chosen as a model process. The microbial culture was not only grown in a suspension but also in the form of a biofilm on the interior surface of HRTB. Efficiency of the bioprocess was monitored by determination of the acetate concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD). While acetate inlet concenetration and feeding rate influenced efficiency of acetate oxidation, the bioreactor rotation speed did not influence the bioprocess dynamics significantly. Gradients of acetate concentration and pH along HRTB were more pronounced at lower feeding rates. Volumetric load of acetate was proved to be the most significant parameter. High volumetric loads (above 2 g acetate 1^-1h^-1) gave poor acetate oxidation efficiency (only 17 to 50%). When the volumetric load was in the range of 0.60-1.75 g acetate 1^-1h^-1), acetate oxidation efficiency was 50-75%. At lower volumetric loads (0.14-0.58 g acetate l^-1h^-1), complete acetate consumption was achieved. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that HRTB is suitable for conducting aerobic continous bioprocesses.

10 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

000216   Shiva Kumar R;David M (Zool Dep, Karnataka Sci Coll, Dharwad-580 001) : Toxicity of endosulfan to the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpo (Linnaeus). Indian J Ecol 2004, 31(1), 27-9.

Static renewal bioassay test was conducted to determine the toxicity of technical grade endosulfan to fish, Cyprinus carpo (Linnaeus). Fish were exposed to different concentration of endosulfan and data obtained were subjected to Finney's probit method to determine 96 h LC₅₀. The graphic LC₅₀ values obtained from above methods were verified from Dragstedt-Beheren's equation. The mean of LC₅₀ values was found to be 9.44<109>g/l. One tenth of LC₅₀ (0.944 μg/l) was selected as sub-lethal concentration to study subacute effect for 1,5,10,15 and 20 days. Oxygen consumption of fish studied during exposure period decreased for consecutive days from day 1 to day 4 and day 20 during acute and sub-acute exposure periods compared to control.

2 tables, 14 ref

000215   Mukhopadhyay R (Dep of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016) : KCTCCA, a peptide-based facilitator for bioelectrochemistry. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 163-7.

Electrochemical and scanning tunnelling microsocopy (STM) studies have been carried out to investigate the suitability of the hexapeptide KCTCCA as a facilitator for bioelectrochemistry. The stable, quasi reversible electro chemical response of cytochrome b₅₆₂ on a KCTCCA modified gold electrode and the high degree of surface coverage of KCTCCA on gold as observed by STM, indicate applicability of the molecule as an electro chemical faciliator.

4 illus, 16 ref

000214   Kirk M M;Kirk D L (Dep of Biology, Washington Univ, St. Louis MO 63130 USA) : Exploring germa-soma differentiation in Volvox. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 143-52.

5 illus, 33 ref

000213   Kandibane M;Raguraman S;Ganapathy N; Gunathilagaraj K (NO, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : Orthopteran diversity in irrigated rice ecosystem in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Zoos Print J 2004, 19(10), 1663-4.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

000212   kakati L N;Yadav P S (Life Sci Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003) : Relationship among certain structural attributes of a subtropical grassland and Imphal, Manipur. Indian J Ecol 2004, 31(1), 41-5.

Investigation on relationship among various structural attributes of grassland community provides basis for analysis of functional aspects of the system. Seasonal variation of quantitatitive characters like frequency, abundance and density of ten important species of Imperata-Bothriochloa dominated grassland ecosystem have shown aggregated distribution of majority of species and individual species fluctuates throughout the year in response to the change in environmental conditions exhibiting differenttial adaptation to growing season. The total density, basal area and aboveground biomass also exhibit strong seasonality and interrelationship. the simple correlation shows that standing aboveground biomass is significantly dependent on density and basal area. Multiple correlation coefficient established the fact that density and basal area combined have positive relationship with green biomass whereas partial correlation coefficient exhibit direct dependence of biomass on either of density of basal area when simultaneous effect of any one of them is eliminated.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

000211   Gupta K;Sharma A (Zool Dep, Univ of Jammu, Jammu-180 006) : Diel variation in some abiotic parameters of stream Ban-Ganga. Indian J Ecol 2004, 31(1), 74-7.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

000210   Dhar T M;Paria N D;Guha T;Brahmachary R L;Sen A (Univ Science Instrumentation Centre, Univ of Calcutta, Univ College of Science, 92, A P C Road, Kolkata - 700 009) : Structural diversity in Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L.) using SEM and AFM. Indian J Phys-Pt B 2004, 78(1), 97-101.

Seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. were collected from two states of India, Gujarat and West Bengal. The ecological conditions of the two states are quite different and the quantity of the crop production is also different. The microstructural analysis of the two strains (each 30 in number) was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) after the same period of time following harvesting. Both the high resoultion microscopy technique reveal specific differences at different levels between the two varieties of the seed. Seed structure which have been analysed under high resolution microscope clearly show the differenece in development of furrows and ridges. The papillose hairs are quite dissmilar in length and structure as evident from the SEM images. The topographic and phase images of AFM are significantly different in the two varieties of seeds.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

000209   Dey M K;Hazra A K (Apterygota Section, Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Diurnal cycle of physico-chemical characteristics of Amraboti park lake, Digha (West Bengal). Bionotes 2004, 6(3), 85-6.

1 table, 6 ref

000208   Citak S;Yucel N;Mendi A (Biology Dep, Faculty of Sci and Arts, Univ of Gazi, 06500, Teknikokulla Ankara,Turkey) : Incidence of enterococcal deoxyribonuclease and thermonuclease in raw milk and white cheese. Indian vet J 2004, 81(7), 803-05.

9 ref

000207   Chattopadhyay A;Chattopadhyay A K;Rao C B (Genome Informatics, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, , Mall Road, Delhi 110 007) : Bhattacharyya's distance measure as a precursor of genetic distance measures. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 135-8.

26 ref

000206   Alahari A;Apte S K (Molecular Biology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085) : A novel potassium deficiency - induced stimulon in Anabaena torulosa. J Biosci, Bangalore 2004, 29(2), 153-61.

Potassium deficiency enhanced the synthesis of fifteen proteins in the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena torulosa and of nine proteins in Escherichia coli. There wre termed potassium deficiency-induced proteins or PDPs and constitute hitherto unknown potassium deficiency-induces stimulons. Potassium deficency also enhanced the synthesis of certain osmotic stress-induced proteins. Addition of K⁺ repressed the synthesis of a majority of the osmotic stress induced proteins and of PDPs in these bacteria. These proteins contrast with the dinitrogenase reductase. A. torulosa and the glycine betaine-binding protein of E. coli, both of which were osmo-induced to a higher level in potassium-supplemented conditions. The data demostrate the occurrence of noval potassium deficiency-induced stimulons and a wider role K⁺ in regulation of gene expressin and stress responses in bacteria.

5 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

014696   Yoo J S;Kim M S;Ogay V;Soh K S (Physics & Astronomy Dep, Froniter Physics Research Division & Biomedical Physics Laboratory, Seoul National Univ, Seoul, Korea, Email: kssohl@gmail.com) : In vitro visualization of bonghan ducts inside blood vessels of mice by using an alcian blue staining method. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 336-9.

An in vivo method using Alcian blue (AB) was developed for visualizing floating threadlike tissues inside blood vessels of mice. These novel structures called intravascular Bonghan ducts (IBHDs) are considered as extension of acupuncture meridians. For in vivo imaging of IBHDs, AB solution (pH 7.4) that stains mucopolysaccharides like hyaluronic acid was used. After injecting AB solution into the femoral vein of a mouse, the threadlike structures, stained deep blue, inside the inferior vena cava. The histological results, such as hematoxylin, eosin, and AB staining, show the compositions of the cells and the extracellular matrix in the IBHD. Further studies are needed to investigate their physiological functions, especially in relation with those of other circulatory systems.

3 illus, 14 ref

014695   Wijk R V;Wijk E P A V;Wiegant R A C;Lves J (NO, Inernational Institute of Biophysics, Neuss, Germany, Email: roeland_van_wijk@meluna.nl) : Free radicals and low-level photon emission in human pathogenesis: state of the art. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 273-309.

Convincing evidence supports a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. The model includes the formation of radical oxygen species (ROS) and the misassembly and aggregation of proteins when three tiers of cellular defence are insufficient: (a) direct antioxidative systems, (b) molecular damage repairing systems, and (c) compensatory chaperone synthesis. The aim of the present overview is to introduce (a) the basics of free radical and antioxidant metabolism, (b) the role of the protein quality control system in protecting cells from free radical damage and its relation to chronic diseases, (c) the basics of the ultraweak luminescence as marker of the oxidant status of biological systems, and (d) the research in human photon emission as a non-invasive marker of oxidant status in relation to chronic diseases. In considering the role of free radicals in disease, both their generation and their control by the antioxidant system are part of the story. Excessive free radical production leads to the production of heat shock proteins and chaperone proteins as a second line of protection against damage. Chaperones at the molecular level facilitate stress regulation vis-a-vis protein quality control mechanisms. The manifestation of misfolded proteins and aggregates is a hallmark of a range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, diabetes and many others. Each of these disorders exhibits aging-dependent onset and a progressive, usually fatal clinical course. The second part reviews the current status of human photon emission techniques and protocols for recording the human oxidative status. Sensitive photomultiplier tubes may provide a tool for non-invasive and continuous monitoring of oxidative metabolism. In that respect, recording ultraweak luminescence has been favored compared to other indirect assays. Several biological models have been used to illustrate the technique in cell cultures and organs in vivo. This initiated practical applications addressing specific human pathological issues. Systematic studies on human emission have presented information on: (a) procedures for reliable measurements, and spectral analysis, (b) anatomic intensity of emission and left-right symmetries, (c) biological rhythms in emission, (d) physical and psychological influences on emission, (e) novel physical characteristics of emission, and (f) the identification of ultraweak photon emission with the staging of ROS-related damage and disease. It is concluded that both patterns and physical properties of ultraweak photon emission hold considerable promise as measure for the oxidative status.

3 tables, 436 ref

014694   Wijk E P A V;Wijk R V;Bajpai R P (International Institute of Biophysics, Raketenstation Hombroich, Kapellener Strasse, 41472 Neuss, Germany, Email: roeland_van_wijk@meluna.nl ) : Quantum squeezed state analysis of spontaneous ultra weak light photon emission of practitioners of meditation and Control subjects. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 345-52.

Research on human ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) has suggested a typical human emission anatomic percentage distribution pattern. It was demonstrated that emission intensities are lower in long-term practitioners of meditation as compared to control subjects. The percent contribution of emission from different anatomic locations was not significantly different for meditation practitioners and control subjects. Recently, a procedure was developed to analyze the fluctuations in the signals by measuring probabilities of detecting different numbers of photons in a bin and correct these for background noise. The procedure was tested utilizing the signal from three different body locations of a single subject, demonstrating that probabilities have non-classical features and are well described by the signal in a coherent state from the three body sites. The values indicate that the quantum state of photon emitted by the subject could be a coherent state in the subject being investigated. The objective in the present study was to systematically quantify, in subjects with long-term meditation experience and subjects without this experience, the photon count distribution of 12 different locations. Data show a variation in quantum state parameters within each individual subject as well as variation in quantum state parameters between the groups.

8 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

014693   Voeikov V L (Facultuy of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State Univ, Moscow, International Institute of Biophysics, Neuss, D-414472, Germany, Email: v109028vl@yandex.ru) : Ultra-low luminescence of humid air and its possible role i negative air ion therapy. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 322-9.

One of the unresolved questions related to the mechanism of action of light negative air ions (reactive oxygen species) produced by air ionizers upon humans and animals is transmission of these short-living chemical species upon long distances from the place of their origin. We discovered the phenomenon which may probably resolve this problem. When a thin layer of water hydrating a hygroscopic surface absorbs rare UV-photons capable to split water molecules a flash of photon emission in UV- and visible regions of spectrum is observed. This flash (or oxygen-dependent oxidative processes underlying it) initiate reactions accompanied with generation of electronic excitation in the air contacting water film. Excitation propagates through the air at macroscopic distances, and the level of propagating excitation increases with elevation of air humidity. When air humidity exceeds 50% air excitation gains oscillatory-wave character. This phenomenon may endow into the mechanism of action of air ions generated artificially, and also into some natural processes where ordered water films may form and the latter may serve targets for energy impulses initiating oxygen-dependent oxidative processes in these films.

6 illus, 27 ref

014692   Thomas S G;Rehel S M;Varghese A;Davidar P; Potts S G (NO, , Keystone Foundation, Kotagiri, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu-643 217, Email: sumin@keystone-foundation.org) : Social bees and food plant associations in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India. Trop Ecol 2009, 50(1), 79-88.

The diversity of social bees was assessed at 15 sites across five locations of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India, from January to December 2007. Authour also conducted floristic analyses of local vegetation in each site using one-hectare sample plots. All woody species with a dbh (diameter at breast height) <62> 30 cm were recorded within the plots. A total area of 9.72 ha was assessed for floristic composition. Similarity of floristic composition between sites was determined using the Jaccard's distance measure and a dendrogram constructed based on the hierarchical clustering of floristic dissimilarities between sites. A Bee Importance Index (BII) was developed to give a measure of the bee diversity at each site. This index was a sum of the species richness of bee species in a site and their visitation frequencies to flowers, calculated as mean flower visits hour 1 within 2 focal patches within one hectare plots. The visits of bee species to flowers were also recorded. The Jaccard distance measure indicated that the montane sites were quite dissimilar to the low elevation sites in floristic diversity. The BII was 7-9 for the wet forest sites and ranged from 4-6 for drier forest sites. Seventy three plant species were identified as social bee plants and of them 45% were visited by one species of bee, 37% by two bee species and 18% by more than two bee species, indicating a certain degree of floral specialization among bees.

1 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

014691   Swain J (Physics Dep, Northeastern Univ, 110 Forsyth Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA, Email: john.swain@cern.ch) : Mode coupling in living systems: implications for biology and medicine. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 389-94.

Complex systems, and in particular biological ones, are characterized by large numbers of oscillations of widely differing frequencies. Various prejudices tend to lead to the assumption that such oscillators should generically be very weakly interacting. This paper reviews the basic ideas of linearity and nonlinearity as seen by a physicist, but with a view to biological systems. In particular, it is argued that large couplings between different oscillators of disparate frequencies are common, being present even in rather simple systems which are well-known in physics, although this issue is often glossed over. This suggests new experiments and investigations, as well as new approaches to therapies and human-environment interactions which, without the concepts described here, may otherwise seem unlikely to be interesting. The style of the paper is conversational with a minimum of mathematics, and no attempt at a complete list of references.

4 ref

014690   Srivastava A;Gupta D K (Biochemistry Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Biochemical studies on cold stressed eri silkworm (Philosamia ricini Boisduval) larvae. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2009, 79(Pt1), 38-41.

Insects, like other organisms have evolved diverse mechanisms to overcome drastic and adverse changes in environmental conditions. Eri silkworm, Philosamia ricini Boisduval, a continuously breeding lepidopteran does not go into diapause. Under conditions of low temperature, the fifth instar larvae do not form cocoon. Various physiological and biochemical studies on Philosamia ricini Boisduval were performed. The response to low temperature was studied with respect to the concentration of carbohydrates, proteins, glycerol, free amino acids, trehalose and alkaline as well as acid phosphatase activities. The work also presents comparative studies on the response of silk gland and haemolymph under cold stress.

5 illus, 12 ref

014689   Srinivas M;Annapurna A;Narsimha Reddy Y (Pharmacology Div, Pharmaceutical Sciences Univ, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: yellu_nr@yahoo.com) : Anti-atherosclerotic effect of atorvastatin and clopidogrel alone and in combination in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(10), 698-703.

Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting arterial blood vessels due to the accumulation of macrophage white blood cells and low density lipoproteins. Effects of atorvastatin, a recently introduced lipid lowering statin was studied alone and in combination with clopidogrel in high fat diet fed atherosclerotic rats orally. Results showed significant reduction in total serum cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels and significant improvement in urine creatinine levels. Aortic cross sections of rats treated with clopidogrel alone showed reversal of atherosclerotic calcification. The same effect was observed with the combined treatment of clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Only atorvastatin treatment did not show any histological atheroprotective effect. Atorvastatin and clopidogrel alone and in combination have offered significant atheroprotective effect. No specific advantage was seen with combined treatment of atorvastatin and clopidogrel, moreover the advantages seen with independent drug administration also reduced with combined treatment.

5 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014688   Srilakshmi V S;Vijayan P;Vasanth Raj P; Dhanaraj S A;Chandrashekhar H R (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Dep, J S S College of Pharmacy, Ootacamund-643 001, Email: raghushekhar@gmail.com) : Hepatoprotective properties of Caesalpinia sappan linn. heartwood on carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(9), 905-10.

Aim of the study was to investigate the methanol and aqueous extracts of heartwood of C. sappan for its hepatoprotective activity against CC1₄ induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and animals. Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to CC1₄ (1%) along with/without various concentrations of methanolic and aqueous extract of C. sappan (1000-800 μg/ml) and the levels of selected liver enzymes were estimated. Antihepatotoxic effect of methanolic extract was observed in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes at concentrations 1000-800 μg/ml and was found to be similar to that of standard drug silymarin. Wistar strain albino rat model was used for the investigation of in vivo hepatoprotective properties of aqueous and methanolic extract of C. sappan (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). Liver damage was induced by ip administration of CC1₄ (30%) suspended in olive oil (1 ml/kg body weight). Both the tested extracts showed potent hepatoprotective activity at 200 mg/kg body weight test dose which was comparable with that of the standard silymarin used in similar test dose. The methanolic and aqueous extract was able to restore the biochemical levels to normal which were altered due to CC1₄ intoxication in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and also in animals.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

014687   Slawinski J;Gorski Z (Phsical Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan Technology Univ, PL-60-965 Poznan, Poland, Email: j.slawinski@verim.ch) : Imaging of biophoton emission from electrostimulated skin acupuncture point jg4: effect of light enhancers. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 340-4.

Using an ultrasensitive CCD camera, an extremely low light intensity from the acupuncture-sensitive point JG4 at the left hand was recorded. As the intensity of the light was very weak and the time of electrostimulation exceeded the recommended period, the quality of biophoton images was poor. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphyphilic molecular probes were used to: (i) ensure penetration of probes into skin, (ii) enhance the intensity of BP emission, (iii) shorten time and (iv) obtain information about mechanisms of biophotons generation in EAP-sensitive points and channels. The results obtained partially fulfilled expectations and indicate on the necessity to elaborate special techniques of probes deposition on the skin.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

014686   Sitre S R;Zade S B;Gandhewar S S (N. S. Science and Arts College, Bhadrawati, Dist. Chandrapur Maharashtra-442 902) : Benthic macroinvertebrates in an urban freshwater lake of Nagpur city. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(2), 160-1.

The benthic macroinvertebrates of Phutala lake, Nagpur ( M. S.) were represented by Nematoda, Oligochaeta, Insecta and Gastropoda. Nematodes are represented by Rhabditis sp., Oligochaetes by Nais communis, Dero pristina, Chaetogaster sp., Aelosoma sp., Branchiura sowerbyi, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Stylaria sp. while gastropods by Lymnaea luteola and Vivipera bengalensis. Presence of tubificids (Tubifex sp. and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri) in the lake sediments throughout the year indicated presence of organic matter in the lake.

21 ref

014685   Sharma V;Pandey D (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: veenasharma03@yahoo.com) : Protective role of Tinospora cordifolia against lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Toxic int 2010, 17(1), 12-17.

The importance of Tinospora cordifolia stem and leaves extract was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective effect in Swiss albino male mice against lead nitrate induced toxicity. Oral administration of plant extracts prevented the occurrence of lead nitrate induced liver damage. The decreased level of tissue enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and increased level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were observed in mice treated with lead. Administration of aqueous stem extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) and aqueous leaves extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) along with the lead nitrate (5 mg/kg body weight, i.p. for 30 days) increased the activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and ACP enzymes in mice. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathology/histological examinations of liver section. Results of this study revealed that plant extract could afford protection against lead-induced hepatic damage.

6 illus, 37 ref

014684   Sharma V;Pandey D (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: veenasharma03@yahoo.com) : Beneficial effects of Tinospora cordifolia on blood profiles in male mice exposed to lead. Toxic int 2010, 17(1), 8-11.

This study was carried out to evaluate in vivo protective role of aqueous extract of stem and leaves of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) on the toxic effects of lead on the hematological values. The lead-treated (5 mg/kg body weight, intraperitonially, once daily) male albino mice concurrently received either T. cordifolia stem or leaves extracts (400 mg/kg body weight, orally, once daily) for the duration of 30 days. The animals exposed to lead showed significant decrease in RBC and Hb level. Significant decline in WBC, DLC, and PCVwas also noticed. Increase in MCV values displaying reciprocal relationship with RBC, PCV, and Hb values in lead-treated mice were also recorded. These influences of lead were prevented by concurrent daily administration of T. cordifolia stem and leaves extract. These results suggested that simultaneous supplementation of T. cordifolia protects against lead intoxication.

2 tables, 30 ref

014683   Sharma A;Kori L;Saxena M (Bacteruiology Lab, P.G. Studies and Research in Biological Sciences De, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: anjoo_1999@yahoo.com) : Class 1 integron mediated antibiotic resistance in Enterobacter species, isolated from riverine environment. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2009, 79(Pt1), 70-5.

An increasing incidence of multidrug resistance among Enterobacter spp., which are opportunistic human pathogens, has been observed worldwide. It has led to the present investigation. Minimum inhibitory concentration of different antibiotics was determined against all 57 Enterobacter isolates. Plasmid analysis indicates that an epidemic plasmid of 30kb, coding for β-lactamase, broad-spectrum cephalosporin, aminoglycoside and cotrimoxazole resistant genes, is found to be responsible for the epidemics that occur throughout the world. In 10.5% isolates, class 1 integron was detected, which is a significant part of this study, indicating the role of integrons in the development of multidrug resistance in the pathogen. The study indicates that the environmental gene pool holds the key to transfer the drug resistant genes in clinical sources.

1 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

014682   Sayyed R Z;Gangurde N S (P G Microbiology Dep, S. I. Patil Arts, G. B. Patel Science and S.T.S.K.V.S. Commerce College, Shahada, Dist. Nandurbar-425409, Email: syyedrz@gmail.com ) : Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production by Pseudomonas sp. RZS 1 under aerobic and semi-aerobic condition. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(9), 942-7.

Pseudomonas sp. RZS1 was isolated from distillery effluent and identified based on phenotypic characters and 16s rRNA sequencing. It accumulated optimum amount (703.79 μg/mg of biomass) of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) under aerobic process of fermentation and 75 αg/mg of biomass under the anaerobic process of fermentation. Aerobic fermentation yielded 9.3-fold more PHB than semi-aerobic fermentation. Acetone alcohol method proved to be the best suitable recovery method as it gave 703.79 αg PHB per mg of biomass with a percentage recovery yield of 70.37. It started to accumulate PHB at the end of lag phase (from 6 h of incubation). Optimum amount of PHB (20 αg/ml) was reported during early stationary phase (30 h of incubation). Extracted PHB showed two peaks, minor one at 248 nm and major one at 365 nm. IR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups characteristics of PHB.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

014681   Raman K;Chandra N (Biochemistry Dep, Zurich Univ, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Switzerland, Email: k.raman@bioc.unizh.ch) : Systems biology. Resonance 2010, 15(2), 131-153.

Systems biology seeks to study biological systems as a whole, contrary to the reductionist approach that has dominated biology. Such a view of biological systems emanating from strong foundations of molecular level understanding of the individual components in terms of their form, function and interactions is promising to transform the level at which we understand biology. Systems are defined and abstracted at different levels, which are simulated and analysed using different types of mathematical and computational techniques. Insights obtained from systems level studies readily lend to their use in several applications in biotechnology and drug discovery, making it even more important to study systems as a whole.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

014680   Ramakrishna Rao T (19, Shakti Apartments Phase-III, Ashok Vihar Delhi-110 052) : Ancient asexuals. Resonance 2010, 15(1), 45-50.

Although asexual reproduction is well represented among invertebrates many of these animals seem to get the benefits of sexual reproduction by resorting to sex periodically. There are however a very small group of animals in which there is no evidence at all of sexual reproduction for the past millions of years. These 'ancient asexuals' include bdelloid rotifers, Darwinulid ostracods, arbuscular micorrhizae, and some species of walking stick insect, aphids and brine shrimp. Molecular biologists claim that the ancient asexual status of theses organisms is affirmed by the high levels of allelic divergence, loss of transposable elements and absence of meiosis-associated genes. I

3 illus, 6 ref

014679   Qari S H (Biology Dep, Science College, Umm Al-Qura Univ, P.O. Box 2203, Email: sqarinet@gmail.com) : Molecular and biochemical evaluation of genetic effect of Calotropis procera (Ait.) latex on Aspergillus terreus (Thom). Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(10), 725-30.

The present study was conducted to observe the genotoxic effect of latex of Calotropis procera. Dense conidial suspensions of Aspergillus terreus Thorn were treated with different concentrations of Calotropis latex and assayed for percentage survival, auxotrophic mutants, DNA and total protein contents and further subjected to RAPD and SDS-PAGE tests. It was found that latex of Calotropis procera had potent lethal and mutagenic activities. Percentage survival decreased as concentration or time of exposure increased. Frequency of auxotrophic mutants increased with increase in concentration or exposure time. Most auxotrophic mutants were amino acid requiring mutants. DNA and total protein contents of each mutant was significantly lower than wild type of Aspergillus terreus. RAPD demonstrated polymorphic genetic bands which were the electrophoretic products of PCR for all mutants compared with the wild type strain. SDS-PAGE results expressed a polymorphism of protein bands as well. All these results indicated the mutagenicity of latex of Calotropis procera.

2 illus, 7 tables, 30 ref

014678   Pokorny J;Hasek J;Vanis J;Jelinek F (Institute of Photonics and Electronics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Chaberska 57, 18251 Prague 8, Czech Republic, Email: pokorny@ufe.cz) : Biophysical aspects of cancer- electromagnetic mechanism. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 310-21.

Hypothesis of coherent vibration states in biological systems based on nonlinear interaction between longitudinal elastic and electric polarization fields with metabolic energy supply was formulated by Frohlich. Conditions for excitation of coherent states and generation of electromagnetic fields are satisfied in microtubules which form electrical polar structures. Numerical models are used for analysis of Frohlich's vibration states in cells. Reduction of activity and of energy production in mitochondria, and disintegration of cytoskeleton structures by phosphorylation on the pathway of cancer trasformation can diminish excitation of the Frohlich's vibration states and of the generated electromagnetic field, which results in disturbances of the interaction forces between cells. Interaction forces between cancer cells may be smaller than interaction forces between healthy cells and cancer cells as follows from numerical models. Mechanism of malignity, i.e. local invasion, detachment of cancer cells, and metastasis, is assumed to depend on the electromagnetic field.

13 illus, 73 ref

014677   Pindi P K (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru Univ, Mahabubnagar-509 001) : Effect of bioinoculants on grwoth of Acacia nilotica seedlings. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(2), 164-6.

Effect of bioinoculants on growth of Acacia nilotica seedlings was investigated. Plantlets inoculated with AM fungi in combination with Rhizobium attained more biomass as compared with due to either AM fungi or Azotobacter alone. Inoculum with a mixture of AM fungi resulted in more colonization than individual fungi. Glomus fasciculatum and G epigaeum developed more colonization with higher resting spore population. There was significant improvement in the nodulation with Rhizobium while phosphorus content was more in the plants treated with AM and PSB.

1 table, 20 ref

014676   Pattanagul W;Thitisaksakul M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen Univ, Khon Kaen-40002, Email: wattana@biology.kku.ac.th) : Effect of salinity stress on growth and carbohydrate metabolism in three rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(10), 736-42.

Rice seedlings cv. Khao Dawk Mali 105 (salt-sensitive), Luang Anan (moderately salt-tolerant) and Pokkali (salt-tolerant) were exposed to 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl for 9 d. Salinity stress caused reduction in leaf relative water contents in all cultivars. Shoot length of cv. Pokkali was least affected by salinity stress whereas increased root length in response to salinity stress was apparent in cvs. Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Luang Anan. Increased salinity level also caused reduction in fresh and dry weights in cvs. Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Luang Anan, but had no effect in cv. Pokkali except at 150 mM. Accumulation of total soluble sugars and sucrose in mature leaves were observed in cv. Khao Dawk Mali 105 exposed to high level of salinity whereas their concentrations in cvs. Luang Anan and Pokkali remained the same as control plants. Accumulation of sucrose in cv. Khao Dawk Mali 105 was suggested to be resulted from the alteration of photosynthate partitioning since the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase were not affected by salinity in this cultivar. On the contrary, salinity stress induced an accumulation of starch in cv. Pokkali. It is suggested that partitioning sugars into starch may involve in salinity tolerance by avoiding metabolic alterations.

4 illus, 34 ref

014675   Pathak N;Khandelwal S (NO, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, P. Box 80, Lucknow-226 001, Email: skhandelwal_itrc@rediffmail.com) : Phenotypic alterations and cytokine expression by cadmium in murine lymphocytes: an in vitro and in vivo study. Toxic int 2009, 16(2), 111-15.

Cadmium (Cd) a potent immunotoxicant causes oxidative stress and apoptosis in murine lymphocytes. An in vitro and in vivo experiment was planned, to understand the effect of Cd on splenic (CD3 and CD19) and thymic (CD4⁺ and CD8⁺) cell population and cytokine (IFN-μ and IL-2) released, a function of CH4⁺ cells. Around 1.5 fold loss in T and B cell population in vivo, corresponded to in vitro data of 25 μM Cd. The cytokine data of 25 μM Cd corroborated with altered T-phenotypes (lowered CD4⁺ cells) and is comparable to the 72 h data of Cd in vivo. The above results further elucidate the immunotoxic potential of Cd and dose effect relationship can be established. Since the in vitro data with 25 μm Cd are similar to the 72 h effect of Cd in vivo, detailed in vitro studies may be an alternate to animal models for delineation of Cd induced immunotoxicity.

6 illus, 15 ref

014674   Pathak A K;Verma K S (Pathology & Microbiology Dep, Modern Dental College & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: Pathak.apurva@gmail.com) : Extramural aero-bacteriological quality of hospital environment. Asian J expl biol Sci 2010, 1(1), 128-35.

An extramural aero-bacteriological study was undertaken to determine typical concentrations of airborne culturable bacteria at the vicinity of a local hospital in the tropical environment of India. Hospital acquired infection is a common phenomenon; however, hospital as a source of infection for the surroundings community is yet to be established. Present aero-bacteriological investigation includes enumeration, identification, and numerical analysis of air borne culturable bacteria in hospital associated environment. Bacteria isolated from the environment during the present study were representative of normal micro flora of the skin, respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts; it also includes the opportunistic pathogens like Acinetobacter and Flavobacterium species with the environmental non-pathogenic genera. In this study respirable and nonrespirable fraction of bacteria were also quantify. The Pearson correlation study shows that both temperature and humidity have an effect on tenacity and prevalence of the allbacterial type. A regression model with 67.15% variance is also prepared in order to predict the bio-load for this atmosphere.

2 illus, 1 tables, 58 ref

014673   Ojha S;Nandave M;Santosh Kumar;Arya D S (Pharmacology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029, Email: dsarya16@hotmail.com) : Cardioprotection by Inula racemosa Hook in experimental model of mycoradial ischemic reperfusion injury. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(9), 918-24.

To evaluate the cardioprotective potential of Inula racemosa in myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury, Wistar male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. The group I and II animals were administered saline orally {(sham, ischemia- reperfusion (I-R) control group)} and animals of group III and group IV received L. racemosa extract (100 mg/kg) for 30 days. On the 30th day, animals of I-R control and L. racemosa treated groups were underwent 45 min of ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery and were thereafter re-perfused for 60 min. In the I-R control group, a significant decrease of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), contractility, (+)LVdP/dt and relaxation, (-)LVdP/dt and an increase of left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were observed. Subsequent to haemodynamic impairment and left ventricular contractile dysfunction, a significant decline was observed in endogenous myocardial antioxidants; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Increased lipid peroxidation characterized by malonaldialdehyde (MDA) formation along with depletion of cardiomyocytes specific enzymes, creatine phosphokinase-MB (CK-MB) isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in I-R control group compared to sham group revealed I-R injury of heart. However, treatment with L. racemosa significantly restored the myocardial antioxidant status evidenced by increased SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH and prevented leakage of cardie-specific enzymes; CK-MB and LDH and favorably modulated the altered MAP, HR, (+)LVdP/dt, (-)LVdP/dt and LVEDP as compared to I-R control. Furthermore, I-R induced lipid peroxidation was significantly inhibited by 1. racemosa treatment. These beneficial cardioprotective effects translated into significant improvement in cardiac function. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that the cardioprotective effect of L. racemosa likely resulted to improved antioxidant status, haemodynamic and left ventricular contractile function subsequent to suppression of oxidative stress.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

014672   Niggli H J;Tudisco S;Lanzano L;Applegate L A; Scordino A;Musumeci F (NO, Biofoton AG, Rte. D'Essert 27, CH-1733 Teryvaux, Switzerland, Email: biofoton@swissoniline.ch) : Laser-ultraviolet-A induced ultra weak photon emission in human skin cells: a biophotonic comparison between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(5), 358-63.

Photons participate in many atomic and molecular interactions and processes. Recent biophysical research has discovered an ultraweak radiation in biological tissues. It is now recognized that plants, animal and human cells emit this very weak biophotonic emission which can be readily measured with a sensitive photomultiplier system. UVA laser induced biophotonic emission of cultured cells was used in this report with the intention to detect biophysical changes between young and adult fibroblasts as well as between fibroblasts and keratinocytes. With suspension densities ranging from 1-8 x 106 cells/ml, it was evident that an increase of the UVA-laser-light induced photon emission intensity could be observed in young as well as adult fibroblastic cells. By the use of this method to determine ultraweak light emission, photons in cell suspensions in low volumes (100 μl) could be detected, in contrast to previous procedures using quantities up to 10 ml. Moreover, the analysis has been further refined by turning off the photomultiplier system electronically during irradiation leading to the first measurements of induced light emission in the cells after less than 10 μs instead of more than 100 milliseconds. These significant changes lead to an improvement factor up to 10⁶ in comparison to classical detection procedures. In addition, different skin cells as fibroblasts and keratinocytes stemming from the same donor were measured using this new highly sensitive method in order to find new biophysical insight of light pathways. This is important in view to develop new strategies in biophotonics especially for use in alternative therapies.

6 illus, 23 ref

014671   Mubarakali D;Thajuddin N (Microbiology Dep, School of Life Sciences Bharathidaan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 024) : Biosynthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles using fresh water cyanobacterium Oscillatoria earlei NTDM03. Seaweed Res Utilis 2009, 31(1-2), 219-26.

The colloidal silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution with the freshwater cyanobacterium Oscillatoria earlei NTDM03 at room temperature for 28 days. The interaction between the cyanobacteria and silver nitrate forms colloidal silver nanoparticles in the range of 200 nm. Cyanobacteria release organic biomolecules which enhance the reduction of silver nitrate and precipitate them on cell surface as colloidal silver.

4 illus, 28 ref

014670   Mishra A;Singh M (Anatomy Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: mandavi5@rediffmail.com) : Topiramate induced histopathological changes in placenta of rats. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(10), 715-9.

Effect of topiramate, an antiepileptic drug, on the development of conceptus and its safety during pregnancy has been investigated in experimental rats. Rats were treated with topiramate dissolved in tap water in the doses of 40, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight from day 9 to 12 of gestation through oral route. Fetuses along with placenta were collected for examination on day 21 of gestation after sacrificing the pregnant rats with deep ether anaesthesia. The placenta showed neither significant reduction in weight as compared to the controls nor any overt anomaly. However, on microscopic examination all treated groups showed similar structural changes which increased in severity with increase in the dose of the drug. The deciduas basalis showed thickening, heamorrhage and increased fibrinoid deposit. Disproportionately increased frequency of vacuolated giant cells was observed in the basal zone whereas frequently broken trichorial membrane, homogenous labyrinthine septa and increased fetal mesenchyme were observed in the placenta! barrier. The results suggested that topiramate induced dose dependent deleterious changes in the structure of placenta, therefore it should be used with caution during pregnancy.

8 illus, 19 ref

014669   Meshram M;Nasare P N (NO, Suyash Academy of Science and Technology, Dhantoli, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Phytoplankton diversity of Futala lake Nagpur, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(2), 220.

2 ref