011252   Sharma R K;Rani M;Fulia A (Zoology Dep, Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119) : Endosulphan induced atretogenic changes in granulosa cells of goat In vitro. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 91-100.

During the present investigation endosulphan induced atretogenic changes in granulosa cells of goat, in vitro have been analyzed. Three concentrations of endosulphan (2x10⁴, 0.5 and 5.0 nmol ml^-1) were used in three experimental groups and treated granulosa cells from each group were harvested after 2, 4, and 6 hours of exposure duration. Control of each respective group was run simultaneously. The endosulphan revealed dose dependent morphological alterations in granulosa cells, the damage was severe in higher dose and exposure period. Fragmentation of nuclei was observed in most of the cells when exposure duration increased. Hyalinization of cytoplasm was also observed after exposure duration of 6 hours. Granulosa cell revealed crescent shaped nuclei when exposure duration was 2 hours. As endosulphan dose level and exposure duration increased, condensed cells, pycnosis, hyalinization and fragmentation of nucleus increased. Endosulphan at dose level 2x10^-4 nmolml^-1 induced a decline in cell diameter from 7.3±0.1 to 5.8±0.247, 5.08±0.215 and 5.0±0.14 um after exposure of 2, 4 and 6 hours respectively. At endosulphan 2x10⁴nmolmr^-1 dose level, atretic cell percentage after exposure duration at 2, 4 and 6 hours were 32.66%, 59.33% and 43.33% respectively. Endosulphan treatment at dose level 0.5 nmolml^-1, after exposure duration of 2, 4 and 6 hours, atretic cells were 39.33%, 48% and 62% respectively. Endosulphan at dose level 5.0 nmolml^-1, the atretic cell percentage after exposure duration of 2, 4 and 6 hours was further elevated to 43.33%, 54.66% and 66.66% respectively.

4 illus, 1 tables, 46 ref

011251   Prabhakar A K;Roy S P (Zoology Univ Dep, T M Bhagalpur Univ, Bhaglapur-812 007, Email: amit.zoology@yahoo.co.in) : Biodiversity of aphids and their coccinellid and syrphid predators on vegetable crops of North-East Bihar (India). Proc Zool Soc India 2010, 9(2), 41-50.

In the study an extensive survey of vegetable crops was carried out in different regions of North-east Bihar to record the taxonomic diversity of Aphids and their coccinellid and syrphid predators during the period 2005-08. 17 species of Aphids infesting more than 40 species of vegetable plants and more than 10 species of their Coccinellid and Syrphid predators were recorded in this region. Among these predators, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis, Micraspis discolor, Cheilomens sexmaculata, Pulus pyrochilus and Syrphus sp. were recorded as the common and potential predators of aphids of north-east Bihar.

4 illus, 3 table, 20 ref

011250   Patil N R;Appala Raju S;Chimkode R;Tripathi A;Agrawal N;Singh S (NO, HKES College of Pharmacy, MRMC Road, Gulberga-585 105) : Antidiabetic activity of leaves and flowers extracts of Cassia auriculata. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 121-5.

To screen the antidiabetic activity of different extracts of flowers and leaves of Cassia auriculata on Aloxon induced diabetic models in albino rats. Different extracts (petether, alcoholic and aqueous) of flowers and leaves both of Cassia auriculata were tested for various phytoconstituents by preliminary phytochemical investigation and were screened at dose of 200mg/kg b.w. (p.o.) for antidiabetic activity properties in Aloxon induced diabetic models in albino rats. Flavonoids, carbohydrates, sterols and proteins were found to be present in different leaves and flowers extracts of Cassia auriculata. In Alloxan induced anidiabetic model, the results obtained from alloxan-induced diabetes indicated that petroleum ether extract of leaves (p<60>0.001) and alcoholic extract of flowers (p<60>0.001) showed significant antidiabetic activity. The petroleum ether extract of leaves of Cassia auriculata has significantly reduced the blood glucose level at 4th hour, (from 283.34.53 at '0' hour to 156.510.29 at 4th hour) and significant hypoglycemia was maintained for another two hours. The reference standard Tolbutamide has also reduced blood glucose level at 4th hour (from 304.65.08 at '0' hour to 167.03.96 at 4th hour) and significant hypoglycemia was maintained for another two hours.

2 tables, 8 ref

011249   Parimaleswari K;Venkatalakshmi P (P.G. Biochemistry Dep, Sengamalathayaar Educational Trust Women's College, mannargudi-614 001) : Preliminary study on immunoprotecive effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in male wistar rats. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 29-32.

An attempt was made to validate the immuno protective effect of aqueous flower extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in Azathiorprine induced immuno suppressive male wistar rats. Effect of immuno suppression was evaluated by haematologial (WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV) and biochemical (AST, ALT, Vit C) parameters. The elevated hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT) suggest severe hepatic Necrosis. The oral administration of the flower extract, restored all the values to near normal. The results of the present study, clearly indicate that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flower extract is a potent immuno stimulant against atrizin induced toxicity in male wistar rats.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

011248   Pare S;Zade V (Zoology Dep, Government Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities, Amravati-444 604) : Aphrdisiac potential of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seed in male albino mice. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 45-51.

Based on ethnomedical clues the aphrodisiac property of Moringa oleifera was studied in male mice. The seed extract of the plant showed aphrodisiac activity as evidenced by an increase in precopulatory and mating behaviour of mice. When aqueous extract of the seed and pod of the plant was tested the seed extract at dose of 100 mg/kg had a pronounced effect on the overall sexual performance of the mice. The phytochemical analysis of the seeds revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids and saponins. Thus the seeds of the M. oleifera plant has promising potential to be developed as an effective medicine for stimulating male sexual activity.

7 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

011247   Hima Bindu N;Singara Charya M A (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Enzymatic profile of Fomitopsis feei AY515327.1 under solid state fermentation. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2010, 33(7-8), 235-9.

The mushroom, Fomitopsis feei identified by 28S rDNA analysis was grown on eight types of grains in solid state fermentation For the production of enzymes such as laecase. lig-nin peroxidase. protease, alpha amylase. beta amylase and cellobiohydrolase for 21 days. Green gram was found to be best source for lignin peroxidase (I I U), laeease (3 U). protease (1.4 U) and cellobiohydrolase (1520 mg/ml) enzyme production. Maximum enzyme activity of beta amylase (840 mg/ml) was shown in red gram. Alpha amylase showed highest activity from sorghum seeds. The results of the present study concludes that Fomitopsis feei can be used for the large scale production of lignocellulolytic enzymes under solid state fermentation.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

011246   Gupta P;Mathur S;Joshi S (Zoology Dep, Vedic Canya P. College, Raja Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Precoital antifertility activity of mentha arvensis. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 39-44.

Effect of petroleum ether extract of leaves of Mentha arvensis was investigated in adult Wistar female rats precoitally. The uterine weights declined significantly. A total pregnancy interceptory efficacy of the extract was observed at the dose of 10 mg/day/rat. The Mentha arvensis extract caused a significant decline in the glycogen content of the uterus whereas a highly significant increase in the cholesterol content of the uterus was observed.

3 tables, 25 ref

011245   Goyary D;Sharma R (Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering Div, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy, DRDO, P.O. Arjunpur (Haldwani)-263 139) : Dietary restriction prevents diabetogenic effect of streptozotocin in mice. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2010, 47(4), 254-6.

The beneficial role of dietary restriction (DR) was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in mice. The DR mice exhibited the lower blood glucose (mg/dl) level as compared to ad libitum (AL) fed ones. After 3 months' DR, STZ treatment to both AL and DR mice showed significant (p<60>0.001) elevation of the blood glucose level in AL-fed mice, while a lower level of glucose was maintained in DR-fed mice. The ability of maintaining a low blood glucose level in STZ-treated DR mice indicated that STZ might have been ineffective from its action on beta cells of pancreas by long-term DR. Thus, these findings suggested that DR may be an important tool for preventing the diabetic conditions. However, further studies are required to know the mechanism(s) of DR protection against diabetogenic action of STZ in experimental animals.

^ssc1 illus, 30 ref

011244   Gayathri J;Anuradha R (P.G. Biochemistry Dep, S.T.E.T. Women's College, Mannargudi-614 001) : Nephroprotective effect of Tribulus terrestris L. lead acetate induced toxicity in male albinorats. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(4), 115-20.

The study describes the nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of whole plant of Tribulus terrestris against lead acetate induced renal injury. Renal injury was achieved by injecting 50 mg/kg b.wt of lead acetate. The aqueous extract at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg offered to significant (p<60>0.01) Reno protective action by reducing the Urea, Uric acid, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium reduction in the elevated level of total protein was also observed. The result obtained were in agreement with standard drug Vitamin C (25 mg/kg). In conclusion, extract at a dose 75 mg/kg showed comparable activity as that of standard drug Vitamin C (25 mg/kg). From the results we can conclude that extract shows significant Reno protective action on rat kidney and its more effective in preventing kidney damage than treating it.

1 table, 19 ref

011243   Banerjee A;Bairagya H R;Mukhopadhyay B P; Nandi T K;Bera A K (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, Durgapur-713 209, Email: bpmk2@yahoo.com) : Structural insight to mutated Y116S transthyretin by molecular dynamics simulation. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2010, 47(4), 197-202.

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is strictly associated with point mutations of transthyretin (TTR) protein. The Tyr116 → Ser (Y116S) mutant TTR is an important amyloidogenic variant responsible for FAP. Structural dynamics of monomeric TTR and its mutant (Y116S) may give some clue relating to amyloid formation. In this study, molecular dynamic simulation at 310 K has been performed on wild-type and mutant (Y116S) TTR monomer, which can provide the molecular insight of structural transition in the inner and outer strand of the protein. Results show that mutation in the H-strand (Tyr116 → Ser) leads to disruption of secondary structure and H-bonding pattern of some important parts of the inner DAGH-sheet of the protein. Especially, the residues T106, A108, L110 of G-strand, S117 and T119 of H-strand are affected, which are involved in the binding of thyroxin hormone. This unfolding of mutant structure during dynamics may cause instability in the protein and thus induce amyloidgenesis.

7 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

011242   Agrawal Y K;Gogoi P J;Manna K;Bhatt H G;Jain V K (Institute of Research & Development, Gujarat Forensic Sciences Univ, Gandhinagar-382 007, Email: drykagrawal@yahoo.com) : Supercritical fluid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of metformin and gliclazide in human plasma. Indian J pharm Sci 2010, 72(1), 50-7.

Study reports the development and validation of a simultaneous estimation of metformin and gliclazide in human plasma using supercritical fluid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry. Acetonitrile:water (80:20) mixture was used as a mobile phase along with liquid CO₂ in supercritical fluid chromatography and phenformin as an internal standard. The modified plasma samples were analyzed by electro-spray ionization method in selective reaction monitoring mode in tandem mass spectrometry. Supercritical fluid chromatographic separation was performed using nucleosil C₁₈ containing column as a stationary phase. The separated products were identified by characteristic peaks and specific fragments peaks in tandem mass spectrometry as m/z 130 to 86 for metformin, m/z 324 to 110 for gliclazide and m/z 206 to 105 for phenformin. The present method was found linear in the concentration ranges of 6.0-3550 ng/ml and 7.5-7500 ng/ml for metformin and gliclazide, respectively. Pharmacokinetic study was performed after an oral administration of dispersible tablets containing 500 mg of metformin and 80 mg of gliclazide using same techniques.

6 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

010251   Vaidya V K;Manzoor M A (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15 Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance in the marine environment. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(3), 451-8.

The discovery of horizontal dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment has focused the attention on bacteria carrying infectious drug resistance plasmids (R factors). In the present study, 10 water samples from different coastal marine environments of Mumbai were analysed. Twenty seven organisms including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella paratyphi B were isolated. Evaluation of the isolates for their antibiotic resistance by the disc diffusion method revealed varying patterns of resistance to the antibiotics. Plasmid encoded resistance was seen in 74% of the isolates as shown by the loss of plasmids by acridine orange curing. Organisms were further assessed for their ability to transfer the antibiotic resistance by employing sediment associated transformation and transformation in beaker microcosms using the selected representative isolates. Intergeneric transfer of resistance in the natural environment was observed among the isolates by coincubation.

3 tables, 23 ref

010250   Vaidya V K;Anand A S (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15 Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Decolourisation of reactive black 5 dye by a white rot fungi Trametes versicolor. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(4), 701-8.

Azo dyes represent the largest class of organic colourants listed in the Colour Index (60-70%) and makeup vast majority of the dyes discharged by textile industry. Due to high cost, low efficiency and inapplicability of several physico-chemical decolourisation techniques, biological processes such as the use of white-rot fungi provide an alternative to this problem. In the present work, ability of Trametes versicolor to decolourise an azo dye viz., Reactive Black 5 was evaluated under shaker conditions by statically grown culture using different sources of carbon and nitrogen. At the end of the 8 hours, Reactive Black 5 was decolourised to an extent of 25.12% in the medium containing glucose. The nitrogen source that supported the highest decolourisation (62.93%) of the dye at the end of 24 hours was yeast extract. Further optimization was carried out by the Orthogonal Array design for the optimization of the medium and to determine the effect of glucose, yeast extract and copper sulphate on the dye decolourisation. The data were analysed using Minitab software 15.

1 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

010249   Vadivelan P;Rajesh Kumar R;Bhadra S;Shanish A;Elango K;Suresh B (Pharmacology Dep, J.S.S. College of Pharmacy, Rocklands, The Nilgris, Tamil Nadu) : Evaluation of antioxidant activity of root extracts of Rubus ellipticus (Smith). Hygeia 2010, 1(1), 7-10.

The present work is targeted mainly to quantify the phenolic and flavanoid content of Rubus ellipticus root extracts. The quantitative analysis of data showed that, the methanol extract of Rubus ellipticus root contains 21 to 225mg/g of gallic acid and 16 to 29mg/g of rutin. The preliminary antioxidant activity of extracts was screened in vitro using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS, Hydroxyl and lipid peroxidation (LPO) free radical models. The methanol extract showed strong scavenging activity against free radical compared to all other extracts experimented.

2 tables, 15 ref

010248   Shikha M;YasinSofi M;Singh S G (Botany Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002, Email: shikhamasih07@gmail.com) : Growth performance of Spirulina platensis under mixotrophic culture. Res J agric Sci 2011, 2(1), 119-21.

Spirulina platensis is known to be useful to man in virtually all aspects of life including health, food and cosmetics. The organism was grown under mixotrophic condition was supplemented with bicarbonate and using inorganic and organic carbon source to the media on equimolar concentration basis. The present study describes the effect of carbon sources on the biomass and metabolites such as chlorophylla and carotenoids. The result indicates that biomass, chlorophyll-a and carotenoids produced by the organism was higher when NaHCO₃ of the medium replaced by Na₂CO₃ and least production was observed with CaCO₃. On other hand it was also found that S. platensis was unable to utilize the organic source.

3 illus, 13 ref

010247   Saxena A K;Singh G (Center of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Vraranasi-221 005, Email: draksaxena1@rediffmail.com) : Antenatal exposure of cyclophosphamide affects cell proliferation in seminiferous tubules (gonocytes and sertoli cells) in neonatal rat testis. J Endocr Reprod 2009, 13(2), 51-6.

The study demonstrates the changes in the distribution and number of cellular contents of seminiferous tubules (Sertoli cells and gonocytes) in rat testis after exposure to different doses of cyclophosphamide (2, 10 or 20 mg/kg body wt) on day 12, 15 and 18 of gestation. The treatment caused significant decrease of these parameters. Besides, morphological changes such as discontinuity of epithelial lining and basement membrane of seminiferous tubules, and stunting of Sertoli cells and gonocytes were also observed in the pups in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction (p<60>0.001) in the number of gonocytes was observed on day 15 of gestation and Sertoli cells on day 18. These days of embryonic development / gestation may be considered as "critical periods" for cell proliferation during the differentiation of male gonad. Overall, our data suggest that antenatal exposure to cyclophosphamide may affect the normal, process of testicular development.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

010246   Prasanth S;Abraham T E (NO, Crescent College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Payangadi, Kannur, Kerala) : Effect of compression pressure on the activity of lipase. Hygeia 2010, 1(1), 11-13.

Enzymes have been used extensively in therapy during the last century. Tablets are a suitable dosage form for application of these materials because the enzymes are formulated in the dry state and no decomposition in solution can occur. However, one major factor influencing the stability of enzymes is tablet compaction pressure. Overcoming this problem will be a major challenge in the future. It was the scope of this work to characterize the behavior of the lipase powder and immobilized lipase under pressure to gain information about the behavior of powder during the compression process and on the other hand to get more knowledge about the behavior of enzyme powder in pharmaceutical formulations. The free enzyme could not survive the smallest pressure used, where as the CLEA could withstand the compression.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

010245   Pindi P K (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru Univ, Mahabubnagar-509 001, Email: pavankumarpindi@gmail.com) : Influence of bioinoculants on establishment of micropropagated plantlets of Sesbania grandiflora. Res J agric Sci 2011, 2(1), 114-18.

The investigation demonstrates the mycorrhizal association that helped in successful establishment of in vitro regenerated plantlets of Sesbania grandiflora in nursery conditions by alleviating transplantation shock. The results revealed that shoot buds differentiated from hypocotyl and cotyledon explants of Sesbania grandiflora cultured B5 medium supplemented with BAP in combination of IBA or NAA. Rooting of regenerated shoots was achieved on medium containing 4.92μMl^-1 IBA. Subsequent to the nodulation of plantlet roots with Rhizobium, PSB and Azospirillum in soilrite, these plantlets were transferred to sterilized garden soil by laying inoculum of either Glomus aggregatum or G. fasciculatum around their roots. Only 23% of the plantlets survived in soil lacking AM fungus. In contrast, 95% for the plantlets of S. grandiflora established very well and showed good growth was observed in the mixed inoculations of Glomus sp. and Rhizobium. Next to this treatment, co-inoculations of PSB and Azotobacter favoured the better growth. Mixed inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi fared better than the inoculum of individual fungi. Among the individual fungi, Glomus aggregatum was found to be better inoculant than the other species.

1 tables, 21 ref

010244   Pant H M;Sharma N (NO, Project Management Unit, Swajal, Gopeshwar, Chamoli-246 401, Email: dr_pant_harsh@yahoo.co.in ) : Invasive alien species: a global scenario. Res J agric Sci 2011, 2(1), 180-4.

Alien that is non native species have been introduced both accidentally and intentionally. However, some of the alien species become invasive when they are introduced deliberately or unintentionally outside their natural habitats into new areas where they express the capability to establish, invade and compete with native species. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) defines alien invasive species as an alien species which becomes established in natural or semi natural ecosystems or habitat, an agent of change, and threatens native biological diversity. These invasive are widely distributed in all kinds of ecosystems throughout the world, and include all categories of living organisms. Invasive alien species colonize aggressively, threatening native biodiversity. The success of invasive alien plants is due to their opportunistic exploitation of anthropogenic disturbances, the absence of natural enemies and frequently their allelopathic competitive strategies. Invasive species can have a significant impact on development, affecting sustainability of livelihood, food security and essential ecosystem services and dynamics. Ageratum conyzoides, Eupatorium adenophoroum, Eupatorium odoratum, Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophouus are unpalatable and highly competitive invasive alien species.

13 ref

010243   Padmaja V;Deepu P (College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Govt. Medical College, Kottayam-686 008) : Cardiac biomarkers. Hygeia 2010, 1(1), 1-6.

Cardiac biomarkers are protein molecules released into the bloodstream from heart muscle damaged by a blocked artery and, these enzymes are measured to have a general idea of how much muscle damage has been done. They were known as cardiac enzymes, but the recently discovered and most accurate biomarker troponin is not an enzyme. Cardiac enzymes are used to determine a heart attack as opposed to a bad episode of angina. New biomarkers are available, which are more specific and have a higher sensitivity in the diagnosis ofacute coronary syndromes.

25 ref

010242   Kavatagi P K;Lakshman H C (P.G. Botany Dep, Microbiology Lab, Karnataka Univ, Dharwad-580 003) : Screening of potential arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates for Costus speciosus, a medicinal plant in unsterile soil. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(4), 673-6.

Selection of an efficient Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species for inoculum production is an important step towards adapting mycorrhizal inoculum technology in crop production. In this direction six indigenous AM species were screened, isolated, identified and cultured on two promising host plants of maize and Johnson grass. When host plant had optimum AMF colonization with respective AMF species; Glomus intraradices, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus microcarpum, Glomus mosseae, Gigaspora margarita and Sclerocystis dussii were inoculated to Costus speciosus sm in unsterilized soil. Overall result revealed that Sclerocystis dussii was most efficient AM Fungus to Costus speciosus sm, a medicinal shrub. There was significant increase in plant height, leaf length, leaf number, total chlorophyll content in leaves and increased stem tubers length, tuber diameter and phosphorus content as compared to control uninoculated plants. However, this enhanced growth response was influenced by other promising AMF species, Glomus fasciculatum and Gigaspora margarita. The underground stem tubers and their phosphorus content increased with the inoculation of Sclerocystis dussii followed by Glomus mosseae and Glomus microcarpum. Therefore, an efficient indigenous Sclerocystis dussii may be made to inoculate on Costus speciosus sm tuber cuttings in an unsterilized soil to get healthy seedling stock.

1 illus, 9 tables, 10 ref

010241   Jasmine S;George R M;Manisseri M K;Kingsly J (NO, Vizhinjam Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institu, P.B. No. 9, Vizhinjam, P.O. Thiruvananthapuram-695 521, Email: jasminevzm@rediffmail.com) : Hard coral diversity along southwest coast of India. J Mar Biol Ass India 2009, 51(2), 189-93.

Patchy growths of hard corals are found to occur off Vizhinjam and Enayam along the southwest coast of India. The study gives the result of survey conducted off Vizhinjam and Enayam for assessment of the coral cover and biodiversity following Line Intercept Transect method. A total of 13 species belonging to six genera of Scleractinians was represented in the study. The most common genus Pocillopora was represented by five species. Relative abundance values were derived for each species and they were assigned the status dominant, abundant, common, uncommon and rare. Pocillopora verucosa and P.meandrina were assigned the status `dominant' in Vizhinjam and Montipora aequituberculata in Enayam.Pocillopora damicornis belonged to the category `abundant' and all the other species were either of `common' or `uncommon' status only. Biodiversity indices such as Pielou's Evenness Index; Shannon Diversity Index and Simpson Diversity Index were also determined for each site. The coral fauna in structure and composition was more related to Gulf of Mannar than any other reef.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

010240   Jain S;Masih S;Singh S G (Botany Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002, Email: shwetaj36@gmail.com) : Potentiality of petha (Benincasa hispida) waste for the growth of Spirulina platensis. Res J agric Sci 2011, 2(1), 133-5.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the petha (Benincasa hispida) waste for the growth of Spirulina platensis using different concentrations with supplementation of prescribed medium i.e. CFTRI. Petha is well known sweet of Agra which is made by pulp of petha fruit and its peel off part is thrown as waste which makes the surroundings unpleasant. The waste was analyzed to make it environment friendly and to develop its economic use. Spirulina platensis was cultured in petha waste dosed with a gradient from 10% to 60% concentrations in triplicate at 3 Klux light intensity, pH 9.5 ± 0.1 and 30°C ± 2 temperature under 12/12 light-dark cycles. Harvesting was done after 27 days of inoculation and growth was measured in the form of dried biomass. High biomass production was found in lower concentrations of petha waste. However, its high concentrations shows decline in biomass yield. The growth of Spirulina platensis has been shown to present a potential opportunity factor in the form of value-added biomass providing a novel dimension to the treatment of petha waste.

1 illus, 1 tables, 15 ref

010239   Jagtap M N;Kulkarni M V;Puranik P R (School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: prpuranik@rediffmail.com) : Accumulation of heavy metals and concurrent physiological changes in hydrophytes. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2011, 12(1), 41-9.

Aquatic plants have shown great promise to deal with the metallic pollutions. Floating and submerged plants accumulate heavy metals in leaves and roots. Phytoremediation is anew cleanup technology exploiting the metal interaction ability of plants. The present study reports the effect of cadmium, chromium and nickel at various concentrations in hydroponic system on three hydrophytes; Pistia stratiotes, Salvinia molesta L. and Hydrilla verticillata. L. Casp. The chlorophyll content found to be decreased in all combinations of plants and metal in comparison with control plants. The polyphenol synthesis was found to be stimulatory to the metal concentrations. Increase in metal concentrations increased the polyphenol content of hydrophytes. Highest accumulation of nickel (18.22 mg/g) and chromium (9.79 mg/g) was observed in Salivinia molesta than other plants at varying metal concentrations. While, highest accumulation of cadmium (13.78 mg/g) was seen in Pistia stratiotes. The order of plants on the basis of rnetal accumulation could be prepared as Pistia <62> Salvinia <62> Hydrilla for cadmium, Salvinia <62> Hydrilla <62> Pistia for chromium and nickel. The results revealed that Pistia stratiotes as an efficient accumulator of metals.

3 illus, 3 table, 25 ref

010238   Goud J V S;Vasu K;Charya M A S (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh-506 009) : Polysaccharides, proteins and lipids from basidiomycetous fungi. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2009, 8(4), 737-9.

Fruiting bodies of 40 Basidiomycetes species were screened for the presence of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids. Maximum amounts were observed in Fomes fomentarious (187.2 mg/g), Grifola berkely (265.4 mg/g) and Strobilomyces sp. (4.1 mg/g) respectively. High amounts of polysaccharides and proteins are recorded in six species and lipids in nine species. The study forms the basis for selection of potent species of medicinal importance.

1 table, 11 ref

010237   Das S;Mangwani N (Life Science Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008, Email: surajit@myself.com) : Recent developments in microbial fuel cells. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(10), 727-31.

Presents microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that convert biochemical metabolic energy into electrical energy. Microbes can be fed with waste products rich in organic matter (domestic wastewater, lignocellulosic biomass, brewery wastewater, starch processing wastewater, landfill leachates etc.) to generate electricity. MFCs can also be used for wastewater treatment, as biosensors and production of secondary fuels like hydrogen.

^iia43 ref

010236   Bhawna;Pundir C S (Biochemistry Research Lab, Biochemistry Dep, M D University, Rohtak-124 001) : Fabrication of dissolved O₂ metric uric acid biosensor based on uricase bound to PVC membrane. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(9), 695-9.

Study presents fabrication of dissolved O₂ (DO) metric uric acid biosensor based on uricase bound to PVC membrane with 87% retention of initial activity of free enzyme. Enzyme membrane conjugate was mounted over sensing part of combined electrode of DO meter (Aqualytic-OX53, Germany) to construct a uric acid biosensor, which showed optimum response within 10-12 s at pH 9.0 and 35°C. A linear relationship was found between uric acid concentration (lower conc. range, 0.1-0.8 mg/dl; higher conc. range, 1.0-10.0 mg/dl) and O₂ (mg/l) consumed. Biosensor showed mean uric acid level in serum in apparently healthy males (6.1 mg/dl) and healthy females (4.9 mg/dl). Enzyme electrode showed only 32% decrease in initial activity after 100 reuse over 60 days when stored at 4°C.

4 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

010235   Arora J K;Verma N K;Srivastava M M (NO, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra-282 110) : Mathematical modeling on osmotic transport across cell membranes in human corneal epithelial cells in non-dilute solution. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2010, 33(1-2), 33-40.

Water and solute transport system across the cell membranes has long been studied. While dilute solution assumptions are found to be appropriate under physiological conditions, but are rarely appropriate in cryobiology which required understanding of osmotic transport under non-dilute solution conditions. El-moazzen proposed the system of osmotic transport across cell membranes in non-dilute solution considering the surfaces area of cell membranes invariant. The proposed work is the extension of Elmoazzen transport equation taking into account the surface area A as function of t i.e. A (1+ae^-t), where 'a' is ageing parameter, because of the fact that the area of cell membranes is expected to change with time due to ageing of the cells. It is observed that the decrease in surface area with time, the total cell volume Vw+s increases, if cell volume remains constant.

2 illus, 10 ref

009107   Zhang W;Wu J;Zhou K;Xie H Y;Zheng S S (Hepatobiliary and Pancreartic Surgery Div, Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Pu, Hangzhou-310003) : Fluvastatin a liphilic statin, induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through mitochondria-operated pathway. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(12), 1167-74.

Fluvastatin, a lipophilic statin, was known to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in many cancer cells. Its potential anticancer was evaluated in three hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721 and MHCC-97H). Cells were treated with fluvastatin in vitro and its effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and apoptosis was determined. Mechanism of apoptosis induced by fluvastatin on HCC cell lines was also investigated through western blotting and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis. It was observed that fluvastatin inhibited proliferation of HCC cells by inducing apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. The results of cell invasion assay revealed that fluvastatin significantly decreased the invasion potency of HCC cells. A mitochondria-operated mechanism for fluvastatin induced apoptosis might be involved and was supported by Western blotting and MMP analysis. After fiuvastatin treatment, expression of Bcl-2 and procaspase-9 were downregulated, cytochrome c (cytosolic extract), Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression were increased. Furthermore, a breakdown of MMP in HCC cells was observed. To conclude, these results have provided a rationale for clinical investigations of fluvastatin in future as a potential anticancer reagent for growth control of HCC.

6 illu, 1 table, 27 ref

009106   Wath M R;Waghe K;Deshmukh S (Microbiology Dep, Govt. Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities, Amravati-444 604) : Antibacterial activity of Cassia obtusifolia L. plant extract. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 259-62.

Antimicrobial activity of Chloroform, Acetone, Petroleum ether and Aqueous extracts of three species of Cassia L. viz., Cassia obtusifolia L., C. uniflora Mill, and C. siamea Lam. were tested against three species of microorganisms; Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. All the three species of Cassia were found to be effective against the three test organisms. The Chloroform extract showed promising results with maximum inhibitory activity followed by Petroleum ether and then Acetone extract. The aqueous extracts were least effective with minimum inhibitory effect.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

009105   Waris S;Pischetsrieder M;Saleemuddin M (Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: msaleemuddin47@gmail.com) : DNA damage by ribose: inhibition at high ribose concentrations. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2010, 47(3), 148-56.

Nucleobases and DNA react non-enzymatically with sugars, and generate DNA-advanced glycation end products (DNA-AGEs). Incubation of plasmid pBr322 with ribose for 3-7 days caused the transformation of the supercoiled plasmid to the open circular and linear forms. Removal of sugar after an initial 24 h incubation resulted in marked enhancement in the transformation rate. Enhancement in transformation was also observed when bovine serum albumin (BSA) exposed to ribose for short durations was incubated with plasmid in absence of the sugar. The effect on DNA was attenuated when excess ribose remained in the incubation mixture of ribose and protein. The data suggested that an increase in ribose concentration in the vicinity of DNA could be damaging and the damage exacerbated, if sugar levels fell subsequently. Incubation of herring sperm DNA with ribose resulted in a concentration and time-dependent increase of N²-carboxyethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (CEdG_AB). The concentration of CEdG_AB, however, did not increase further when ribose was removed from the reaction mixture.

8 illus, 43 ref

009104   Vasudevan B D;Rajendran D K;Nair B R (Botany Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: bindunair_r@yahoo.co.in) : Hair growth promotion effect of chloroform extract of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2009, 31(4), 348-52.

Abelmoschus inoschatus extracts in six different solvents were screened for the presence of the phytochemical constituents such as terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and glycosides. The petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed the presence of sterols. The chloroform extract gave a better response and therefore the chloroform extract was chosen for the hair growth assay. Swiss albino mice were treated with the pure silosterol, the isolate corresponding to the sitostcrol from the TLC plates and also the crude extract (in two different concentrations of 5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml each). The crude extract gave highest response, followed by the isolated fraction and the pure compound in that order. The better response shown by the crude extract is possibly the result of the synergistic effect of the many active compounds present in the extract, in addition to the sterols. The isolated fraction has a comparatively smaller subset of compounds while the pure compound has just the sterol component. Among the two treatment concentrations used, the 1 mg/ml concentration proved more efficient in eliciting the hair growth response. The dose of 1 mg/ml appears to be the optimum pharmacological dose required for hair growth promotion.

10 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

009103   Vaidyanatnan J;Limaye S R (Microbiology Dep, R. K. Talreja College, Ulhasnagar-421 003) : Effect of selective nutrient stress on growth of Bacillus subtilis. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 189-95.

Bacillus subtilis; NCIM 2548, a strain producing subtilin; when grown in minimal M 9 medium deficient in phosphorous, calcium and glucose showed no significant difference in growth rate. Sporulation was largely unaffected when Bacillus subtilis was grown in minimal M 9 medium deficient in phosphorous and glucose. However, when B. subtilis was grown in minimal M9 medium devoid of calcium, sporulation appeared to be badly affected. A similar effect on sporulation was seen when the organism was grown in medium deficient in glucose. An attempt was made to study the effect of production of antibacterial and antifungal compounds when B. subtilis is under phosphorous calcium or glucose stress. Another intriguing phenomenon, production of 'killing factor' that effectuated the programmed cell death in sister cells was observed.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

009102   Vaidya V K;Anand A S (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Decolorization of textile dyes by suspended and immobilized culture of Trametes versicolor. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 161-7.

Textile dyes released into the natural water resources adversely affect the environment due to tin unaesthetic appearances and toxicity to the living organisms. This investigation compared the differenceii the rate of decolourization of two Azo dyes i.e. Amaranth and Reactive Black 5 by the suspended and immobilized culture of a white rot fungus, Trametes versicolor. Immobilization of Trametes versicolortu polyurethane foam (PUF) showed superior results compared to the suspended culture for both the dyes tested. In order to simulate the dye decolorization under natural conditions, the rate of decolorization of flu synthetic waste water containing the dyes in equal proportions was determined at A₅₃₀ using both the sus. pended as well as immobilized Trametes versicolor. The rate of decolorization was found to be high initially but showed only a slight increase over a period of 48 h. Again the immobilized culture proved to be more efficient in decolorizing the synthetic effluent.

2 illus, 1 tables, 15 ref

009101   Tripathi Y B;Pandey N;Tripathi D;Tripathi P (Medicinal Chemistry Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: yaminiok@yahoo.com) : Oily fraction of Semecarpus anacardium Linn nuts involves protein kinase C activation for its pro-inflammatory response. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(12), 1204-9.

The oily fraction (non polar fraction-NPF) of S. anacardium (SA) significantly increased the expression of protein kinase C-8 (PKC-8) in macrophages in concentration dependent manner, which was similar to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) response. Further, H-7 (l-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine), an inhibitor of PKC significantly inhibited this NPF mediated response in a concentration dependent manner. In the post treatment kinetics, H-7 showed this inhibition only up to 6 min post NPF/PMA addition, but in similar condition, quercetin, a flavone with reported antioxidant property, showed this inhibition only up to 2 min. The results clearly suggest that oily fraction of SA nuts enhances the expression of PKC protein, which may be responsible for its reported pro-inflammatory property.

5 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

009100   Snehal N (Microbiology Dep, Shri Shivaji College, Akola-444 001) : Isolation, identification and inhibitory potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 155-60.

These days bacterial resistance has become a major cause for the management of major pyogenic infections. Use of different combinations of antibiotics has shown the possible synergistic effect in the recovery of severe drag resistant infections. Hence, it has led many investigators to search for new drug therapy. However, indiscriminate using of antibiotics has induced abnormalities on the resident normal floras of gastro-intestinal tract and led a major problem at digestibility level in the children. Because of this several workers has reported the effect of antibiotics with other bacteriostatic agents. Hence, with the view to minimize the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and to incorporate the bacteriostatic agent in the therapy for the management of antibiotic resistant pyogenic infections, the present investigation has been carried out to evaluate the inhibitory potential of Lactobacillus plantarum against different isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Maximum number of isolate of P. areuginosa were found to be multidrug resistant causing various infections. The results revealed the utility of L. plantarum and its derivatives to combact infections caused by Pseudomatias.

5 tables, 13 ref

009099   Shrivastava A;Mahajan K K;Kalra V;Negi K S (Physiology Dep, HIMS, Dehradun, Email: shrivastavaabha2007@rediffmail.com ) : Effects of electromagnetic forces of earth on human biological system. Indian J Prev Soc Med 2009, 40(3-4), 162-7.

Indian culture stresses the importance of direction during performance of daily activities. Some yogi prescribe yogic relaxation and polarity practices to be done with head lying towards North in order to align oneself with the earth's magnetic field. Electromagnetic forces of the Earth, Sun and Moon have been found to greatly influence with biological characteristics. Extensive research of past thirty years has established numerous links between regularly occurring human behaviour and external natural cycles ranging from weather and solar radiations to phases of the moon and the planetary cycles. Hence, the present study was undertaken to observe whether head direction has any effect on heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol during supine rest. 40 female medical students of 18-25 years age group in the department of Physiology at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences were recruited for the study and they were asked to sleep for 8 hours in different directions viz, North, East, South and West directions for 12 weeks. After then their Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart Rate (HR) were recorded and the Serum Cortisol (SC) estimated. On comparing the parameters in different directions it was observed that those who were instructed to sleep with head in South direction for 12 weeks had lowest SBP, DBP, HR and SC which was found to be "statistically significant. Though the study demonstrates that lying in different directions has a definite effect on heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol, further studies are needed in different age groups to understand the mechanisms and implications of this phenomenon.

14 ref

009098   Shankar S;Jaiswal J;Kaur S (Biochemical Sicence Div, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411 008, Email: shivbiotech@yahoo.com) : Diversity of Bacillus thuringinensis, isolated from diverse habitats of North India, for the presence of cry gene profile. J appl Biosci 2010, 36(2), 124-9.

Twenty two native Bt isolates, from diverse habitats in North India, were taken for their molecular characterization and PCR screening for the presence of cry type genes. The plasmid profiles of native Bt isolates were observed to be similar. High molecular weight plasmid DNA bands were seen in all the isolates. Identification of native Bt isolates were confirmed by PCR amplification of the 16S-23S rDNA spacer region. The expected band of 234 bp was seen in all the isolates. Presence of cry gene families in native Bt isolates were examined by PCR amplification with the corresponding PCR primers. The cryl gene family was found to be most abundant followed by cry4 and cry2 gene families. None of the isolates showed the presence of cry 7, 8 families in PCR amplification. Several promising isolates with predicted toxicity towards lepidoptera, diptera and coleoptera have been observed in this study.

5 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

009097   Sen R;Das D;Bishayi B (Physiology Dep, Immunology Laboratory, Calcutta Univ, 92, APC Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: biswa_dev2@yahoo.com) : Staphylococcal catalase regulates its virulence and induces arthritis in catalase deficient mice. Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2009, 53(4), 307-17.

To figure out whether in vivo expression of Staphylococcal catalase could correlate with the virulence and pathogenicity of the bacteria in the catalase deficient Swiss albino mice. 3 Amino 1, 2, 4 triazole (ATZ) (2 mg/g body wt) treated catalase deficient mice were infected with virulent S. aureus and bacterial burden, antioxidant enzyme levels were estimated after 3, 5 and 10 days of infection. Arthritic scores and levels of serum uric acid in mice were also determined. ATZ treatment was found to have slowed down the clearance of bacteria from blood and their rapid elimination from spleen. Increased tissue catalase activities in the spleen and liver of ATZ pre-treated mice even after 5 days of infection suggested its bacterial origin. It was further verified by zymographic analysis. Increased swelling of joints was observed after 5 days of infection. Uric acid level was found lesser in ATZ treated mice. ATZ treatment slowed the bacterial passage from blood with a lower tissue anti-oxidant enzymes leading to induction of joint inflammation.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

009096   Sawant C S;Save S S;Bhagwat A M (Microbiology Dep, Shri C.B. Patel Research Centre for Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Mumbai-400 056) : Gamma irradiation : an effective way to decontaminate the herbal raw material. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2010, 11(3), 63-71.

Sterilization efficacy of gamma irradiation was evaluated using different plant materials. The total aerobic bacterial counts and fungal counts for plant materials were determined before and after gamma irradiation. Microbial contamination in all plant materials was effectively removed at a dose of 15 KGy. At this dose there were no significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the plant material, and the antimicrobial potential of the plant material remained unaffected even after radiation treatment.

7 tables, 23 ref

009095   Sathiya Priya P;Ramaswamy N M; (Biochemistry Dep, Kapagam Univ, Coimbatore) : Combating microbial infections with ethanolic extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus seeds. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2010, 11(3), 109-13.

Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of E. sphaericus (Gaertn) seeds were tested on Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungus strains using zone of inhibition. The bacteria used in present study was Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus subtilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus albus and Streptomyces griseus and the fungi were Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The experiment was based on disc diffusion method. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of E.sphaericus (Gaertn) seeds showed maximum zone of inhibition against tested pathogens. Clinically insignificant results were obtained in case of fungal strains.

1 tables, 16 ref

009094   Rathod V;Krishnaveni R;Takur M S;Neelgund Y F (Microbiology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga) : Effect of physical parameters on the production of cytosolic tyrosinase by a novel fungus, Acremonium rutilum. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 196-203.

A fungus, Acremonium rutilum, isolated from decomposed banana stud, is a source for tyrosinase production. Tyrosinase (E. C. 1.14.18.1) is a copper containing enzyme which catalyzes both ortho hydroxy-lation of monophenols and the two electron oxidation of ο-diphenols to ο-quinones and then to a complex polyphenolic heteropolymers called melanin. The study was focused on the optimized physical parameters on the production of cytosotic tyrosinase by A. rutilum, which induces high levels of tyrosinase under submerged fermentation. Maximum tyrosinase production was 163.3 U with L-dopa as a substrate with enriched potato dextrose broth, with an optimum temperature 25°C, pH 5.5 and inoculum size of 2.5 ml at 72 (monophenolase activity) and 186 hrs (ο-diphenolase activity) of fermentation. This is the first report on tyrosinase production by a novel fungus, Acremonium rutilum.

4 tables, 29 ref

009093   Ramesh T;Saravanan G;Usharani G (CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Portonovo-608 502) : Effect of probiotic bacteria on Mugil cephalus L.. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 232-43.

Micmcoccus luteus and Pseudomonas species were isolated from gonads and intestine of apparently healthy Mugil cephalus L. M. luteus and Pseudomonas species were safe for Mugil cephalus L. and had antagonistic effect against the pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus. in vitro. The effect of supplemental dietary probiotic bacteria used as anti-bacterial on growth performance and survival rate of Mugil cephalus L. was also studied. The highest growth performance was recorded with M. luteus. Fish survival rate was decreased in fish fed with diet containing Pseudomonas species. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed with the fish fed M luteus. There was no significant differences in protein efficiency ratio (PER) except that containing Pseudomonas sp. Crude protein content was significantly increased in fish fed with a diet containing a mixture of the two bacteria species, while total lipids were decreased. Ash content in whole fish body was significantly increased in all treatments. The mortality rate was 25% with M. luteus while Pseudomonas species 90%. Themixed group had mortalityrate 80% as the control one. M luteus was safe to Mugil cephalus L. and had probiotic effect in vitro and in vivo, while Pseudomonas species had probiotic effect in vitro only.

5 tables, 41 ref

009092   Prisila Dulcy C;Ganesh A;Emmanuvel Rajan K (Animal Science Dep, Bharathidasan Univ, School of Life Sciences, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: emmanuve11972@yahoo.com) : Olfactory bulb serotonin level modulates olfactory recongnition in the neonate rat. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(11), 1078-82.

Role of serotonin in olfactory recognition was tested by depleting the olfactory bulb serotonin during postnatal day (PND)l- 4 following administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. Significant difference in the olfactory recognition test was observed during PND5-7; control pups successfully recognized and oriented towards their mother; whereas treated pups failed to recognize their mother odour. Later on, during PND12-14, both group of pups responded equally in the recognition test. Levels of olfactory bulb serotonin were depleted (53.3%) in the treated pups on PND-8, which was restored on PND-14 with only 15% variation. Further analysis demonstrated that depletion of serotonin in olfactory bulb did not affect the normal suckling and weight gain, it only modulates olfactory recognition.

4 illus, 30 ref

009091   Pal J;Ganguly S;Tahsin K S;Acharya K (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Labo, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: krish_paper@yahoo.com) : In vitro free radical scavenging activity of wild edible mushroom, Pleurotus squarrosulus (Mont.) singer. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(12), 1210-18.

Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species has been implicated in several diseases and hence antioxidants have significant importance in human health. Cold water, hot water and methanolic extract of Pleurotus squarrosulus were evaluated for antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical, DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating ability and β-carotene/linoleic acid assay. Total phenol, flavonoid, β-carotene and lycopene content were also determined. Hot water extract showed significant antioxidant activity in all the test systems. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of all the extracts has been significant compared to positive control. Hot water extract has been found to have higher phenolic, total flavonoid, β-carotene and lycopene content than cold water and methanolic extract of the mushroom. Results of this study showed that, hot water extract has maximum antioxidant property and may be utilized as a promising source of therapeutics.

4 illus, 2 table, 49 ref

009090   Onasanwo S A;Olaleye S O;Raji Y;Adewoye E O (Physiology Dep, Medicine College, Ibadan Univ, Ibadan, Nigeria, Email: samphil2002@yahoo.com) : Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer property of Hedranthera barteri leaf extract in male albino rats. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2009, 31(4), 353-6.

This study was undertaken to explore the gastric acid lowering and anti-ulcerogenic properties of aqueous extract of Hedranthem barteri leaf in albino rats of Wistar strain. The extract was given intravenously to rats and was found to significantly reduce gastric acid secretion from a mean basal level of (0.62 ± 0.02) mE t/L/10 mins to (0.31 ± 0.01) mEq/L/lOmins with 25mg/kg extract and to (0.23 ± 0.02) mEq/L/10 mins with 100 mg/kg (P<60>0.05). Administration of atropine (5 mg/kg) and cimetidine (40 mg/kg) before the extract partly inhibited the anti-secretory activity of the extract (100 mg/kg) with increase in the acid output from (0.23 ± 0.01)mEq/L/10 mins in HB extract treated group to (0.39 ± 0.03)mEq/L/10 mins and (0.43 ± 0.02)mEq/L/10 mins in atropine and cimetidine groups, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the value obtained with 100 mg/kg of the extract alone. Moreover, administration of histamine (H₂ agonist) before Hedranthera barteri extract suggested the inhibition of histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion by the extract when compared with the histamine treated group alone (P<60>0.05). Also, the extract at various doses (25, 50 and 100)mg/kg were found to inhibits indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in a dose dependent manner with inhibition of 45.3%, 53.8% and 63.2% respectively. It is suggested that both muscarinic and histaminic receptors are involved in the inhibitory activity of H, barteri leaf on gastric acid secretion. Also, its anti-ulcerative potency may be connected to its gastric acid inhibitory activity.

2 tables, 31 ref

009089   Mujawar S A;Patil V W;Daver R G (Biochemistry Dep, Grant Medical College and Sri J.J. Group of Govt. Hospitals, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400 008, Email: akbarson4@gmail.com) : Free thyroid hormones and pregnancy induced hypertension. J appl Biosci 2010, 36(2), 151-3.

Study on the association of free triiodothyronine (free T3), free thyroxine (free T4), and cardiovascular complication was conducted on 100 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) between the age group of 18-35 years and 50 normotensive pregnant controls. Serum free T3 and T4 were estimated among controls and patients on fully automated enzyme amplified chemiluminescent immunoassay based Immulite 1000 analyzer. Statistically declined free T3 and T4 levels were observed among the PIH patients and there was insignificant but negative correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and free T3, T4. The inverse relationship between SBP and free thyroid hormone may be due to increased cardiovascular complication in PIH.

4 tables, 14 ref

009088   Mondal S;Mirdha B R;Mahapatra S C (Physiology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sicences, New Delhi-110 029, Email: scm@iims.ac.in) : The Science behind sacredness of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.). Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2009, 53(4), 291-306.

Medicinal properties of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) are known for thousand years to various civilizations of the world. This medicinal herb is considered as a sacred plant by the Hindus in the Indian subcontinent. Scientific explorations of traditional belief of medicinal properties of Tulsi have got momentum mostly after the middle of the 20th century. In the present review, efforts have been made to sum up different aspects of scientific studies on this medicinal plant. Scientific evidences are available on various medicinal aspects i.e. antimicrobial, adaptogenic, anti-diabetic, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, radio-protective, immunomodulatory, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, mosquito repellent etc. to name a few. Most of these evidences are based on in-vitro, experimental and a few human studies.

115 ref

009087   Matapurkar B G;Bhargave A;Rehan H S;Mondal A K;Ramteke V K (Surgery Dep, Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi-110 001, Email: matapurkar@hotmail.com) : Neo-regeneration of urinary bladder: a desired metaplasia of autologous membrane from recosigmoid colon containing stem cells of intestinal crypts. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(11), 1083-93.

The current management of diseases of urinary bladder requiring resection is by augmentation cystoplasty or transplantation of ureters. Transplantation of ureters is associated with morbidity and mortality. Ideal management will be by regenerating urinary bladder in vivo. Neo-regeneration of tissues and organs like abdominal wall, aponeurosis etc., has been attempted and patented. After neo-regeneration of mesoderm tissues and organs, regeneration of urinary bladder (developed from endoderm) was. In vivo surgical techniques were developed in dogs. It is known that the embryonic morphogenesis of urinary bladder is from uro-genital sinus of hind gut. A membrane, containing endoderm stem cells in crypts of recto-sigmoid colon, was surgically isolated and colonized with remnant of urinary bladder wall after extensive resection. Experimental study was performed in dogs, for 60 days to one and a half year. Regeneration of all the layers of tissues of the wall of urinary bladder was observed. The neo-regeneration phenomenon has been recognized as "desired metaplasia". The regenerated neo tissue/organ on histological examination and cystometry studies was found compatible with normal urinary bladder. The hypothesis, neo-regeneration and desired metaplasia, is discussed.

3 illus, 2 table, 56 ref

009086   Leon-Galvan F;et al. (Biological Molecular Div, Instituto Potosimo de Investigacion Cientifica Y Tecnologica, Comino a la Presa San jose2055, Col.Lomas4 secion CP.78216. San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. Mexico, Email: ramon.guevara@uaq.mx) : Molecular and biochemical characterization of extracellular tannin acyl hydrolase activity from a Mexican isolate of Aspergillus niger. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(12), 942-7.

Microbial tannase, a hydrolysable tannin-degrading enzyme, is extensively used in manufacture of instant tea, beer, wine, and gallic acid. Aspergillus niger strain, obtained from a Mexican tannery wastewaters rich in gallic acid [Quebracho Phenolics-rich Tannery Wastewaters, (QPTW)], displayed a good growth and tannase activity in a minimal medium added with 1% (w/v) QPTVV (Kρ = 0.451 rnm.h^-1). Using PCR and RACE 3' and 5'methodologies, a complete cDNA of a tannase was cloned from this isolate. Nucleotide sequence of complete cDNA was of 4690 bp with a complete ORF of 1833 bp encoding 611 ammo acids. Transcnptional induction was observed in mineral medium added with carbon sources as tannic acid alone (1 and 10 g/l), as well as mix of glucose (1 and 10 g/l) and tannic acid (1 g/l) in the media. However, neither glucose (1 and 10 g/l) and sucrose (1 and 10 g/l) nor (+)-catechin (1 and 10 g/l) as sole carbon sources displayed gene induction in vitro assays. Thus, A. niger-GTO is a new strain with interesting characteristics for industrial tannase production purposes.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref