009085   Kulkarni S S;Mamile M A;Shembekar V S (NO, Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Latur, Maharashtra) : Comparative analysis of heavy metal sorption by microorganisma. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 255-8.

Microorganisms are potent bioremediators having capability of removing metals via active or passive uptake mechanism. Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast are known to tolerate and accumulate heavy metals. Metal tolerance in soil microbial communities develops when expose to different heavy metals. In present work metal tolerances was examined by the various microbial isolates and finally the potent metal absorber was identified by using 16 s rRNA approach and was identified as a member of Sphingomonas genus. A broad range of metal sorption was observed. An order of metal sorption was Cd<62> Cu<62> Hg<62> Pβ. The mechanism of metal sorption by this organism is under study.

^ssc1 table, 18 ref

009084   Jain D;Kachhwaha s;Jain R;Srivastava G; Kothari S L (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: kothari-sl@uniraj.ernet.in) : Novel microbial route to synthesize silver nanoparticles using spore crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(11), 1152-6.

Metallic nanoparticles are traditionally synthesized by wet chemical techniques, where the chemicals used are often toxic and flammable. In the present study, the spore crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, XRD and TEM. X-ray diffraction and TEM analysis showed the average particle size of 15 nm and mixed (cubic and hexagonal) structure. This is for the first time that any bacterial spore crystal mixture was used for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Further, these biologically synthesized nanoparticles were found to be highly toxic against different multi drug resistant human pathogenic bacteria.

4 illus, 24 ref

009083   Hamde V S;Andhale M S (Microbiology Dep, Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya, Ambajogi-431 517) : Bioconversion of acrylonitrile into acrylamice. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 211-15.

To produce acrylamide from acrylonitrile by the use of enzyme, a number ofnitrile utilizing microorganisms were screened for the enzyme activity. Ai acrylonitrile utilizing bacterial strain C-3 8 showed best productivity among isolated strains. Taxonomic studies indicated that the strain C-38 belonged to the genus Arthrobacter. The culture and the reaction conditions for the production were studied for strain. The bacterial strain C-38 produces 11.45 g/100 ml of acrylamide in 2.5 hrs, under constant optimum conditions. Arthrobacter sp. C-38 showed more activity as compared to other nitriles.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

009082   Geethalakshmi R;Panneerselvam T (Microbiology Research Dep, Adhiparasakthi College of Arts and Science, G.B. Nagar, Kalavai-632 506) : Screening of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms from rhizosphere soil under in vitro condition. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 144-9.

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms were isolated from different field of sugarcane, paddy, groundnut rhizosphere soil and were tested for phosphate solubilizing efficiency, qualitative and quantitative screening of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms based on visual observation. Identified four bacterial culture ofPseudorndftas spp, Bacillus spp, Xanthomonas spp and Micrococcus and two fungal isolates ofpenicillium spp and Aspergillus spp were analysed for phosphate solubilization showed changes during incubation days in pikovskaya's agar and broth medium respectively. Penidllium, Aspergillus spp of fungal isolates aadpseudomonas, bacillus spp of bacterial isolates recorded maximum decreases in pH of medium from 6.8 to 4.96 and produced higher phosphate solubilization.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

009081   Gayathri D;Rajan A;Joga M;Kaur S (NO, Royal Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Plot No. 41, Samrat Colony, West Marredpally, Secunderabad-500 026) : Aflatoxin production on rice and groundnut by Aspergillus flavus. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(4), 315-6.

Aspergillus flavus spore suspension was inoculated to rice and groundnut and fermented. Total aflatoxin production on rice and groundnut was found to be 12.25 and 9 ppm respectively. Thus rice was a good substrate for the growth of Aspergillus flavus. The bioassay of aflatoxin B1 resulted in lethality of the chick embryo.

5 ref

009080   Gayathri D;Rajan a;Joga M;kaur S (NO, Royal Life Science Pvt Ltd, Plot No. 41, Samrat Colony, West Marredpallt, Secunderabad-500 026) : Antbacterial effect of pyocyanin on wound microinhabitants. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(4), 313-4.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from wound sample and cultured to extract pyocyanin (5-Methylphenazin-1-one). Capability of P. aeruginosa in producing phenazine pigment, as well as the bactericidal effect of pyocyanin on wound micro inhabitants was evaluated. Antibacterial effect was maximum for Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus sp. except for Staphylococcusaureus showing minimum inhibition.

4 ref

009079   Chngamma C;Lakshman J (Zoology Dep, PG Centre S. V. Univ, Kavali-524 201, Email: challa_changamma@yahoo.co.in) : Biochemical study on the effect of Carica papaya Linn. seed extract in male albino rats. J appl Biosci 2010, 36(2), 168-72.

Wistar strain male albino rats were administered alcoholic extract of Carica papaya seeds orally for 15 days. There was no effect on the structural organization of the organs except testes and seminal vesicle. The accessory sex organs showed a variable response. The biochemical changes in testes included changes in the cytoplasm of sertoli cells, disorganization of seminiferous tubules and germ cells. Impaired germ cell structure and function in the testes were probably due to impaired carbohydrates. The changes in sperm concentration in epididymis were due to decreased protein concentration which increased the sperm anomalies. The changes in proteins, carbohydrates and lipids led to some alterations in the chemical composition of the seminal plasma and prostatic secretions. The papain(a degradative enzyme) degraded the proteins, carbohydrates and lipids to some extent. In liver, the hepatic cell proliferation was due to decreasing carbohydrates energy loss. There was accumulation of carbohydrates and lipids in small intestine. There was not much effect on protein metabolism, but carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms were altered which led to antispermatogenic effect.

3 tables, 28 ref

009078   Bhoi D R (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Recovery of sublethally heat injured E. Coli K 12 from pasteurized milk. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 204-11.

Pasteurization treatment, though does not eliminate the contaminating microflora, reduces their number to a level that does not constitute health hazard. However, the sublethal heat treatment can also injure cells, which may subsequently escape detection, due to their inability to grow on selective media. Present investigation aimed at evaluating methods for the detection of injured cells by employing repair methods. The ability of both the injured and uninjured cells to grow on a complex medium (TGE) and a minimal medium (GS A) showed that TGE supported a better growth of the sublethally heat injured population. The recovery of the injured organisms was studied using two methods viz. agar underlay method and supplementation of the selective medium with various concentrations of nutrients such as sodium pyruvate, magnesium sulphate and milk solids. Selective medium supplemented with 1% sodium pyruvate and milk solids gave comparable results yielding more than 98% of the cells as compared to count on TGE.

2 tables, 26 ref

009077   Bairy K L;Ganesh Kumar;Rao Y (Pharmacology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576 104, Email: klbairy@gmail.com ) : Effect of acyclovir on the sperm parameters of albino mice. Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2009, 53(4), 327-33.

A number of animal studies as well as human epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure of males to various agents could result in abnormal reproductive toxicity. Acyclovir (ACV) is known to be toxic to gonads, but fails to provide the in-depth analyses of timing of damage, the types of germ cells affected, dose and the duration of damage and timing of reversal of fertility. Hence this study on sperm morphology, sperm count and sperm motility. Doses of 4 rag, 16 mg, 32 mg and 48 mg/kg body weight of ACV were administered to 9-12 weeks old male swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal route for 15 days continuously. One hundred and eighty animals were segregated into 30 groups (N=6). Twenty four groups were injected with acyclovir (4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg and 32 mg/kg bodyweight) and the rest six groups served as control. After the last treatment, the animals were sacrificed on 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 70 days sample times and the sperm parameters were estimated. ACV causes increased incidence of abnormal sperms on most of the dose ranges from day 21 to 35 indicating the effect on spermatocytes and spermatogonial cells. ACV is cytotoxic to the testis. It causes oligospermia from day 7 to day 35 after the last exposure. It also decreased the sperm motility on same time points. All these effects were reversible by day 70. ACV exerts reversible genotoxic and cytotoxic effect on germ cells. ACV does not affect stem cell lines of spermatogenesis since all sperm parameters return to control level on day 70.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

009076   Bai Y H;Zhao D B;Zhang H (College of Food and Biological Engineering, Zhengzhou Light Industry Univ, Dongfeng Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China, Email: zhaodb212@163.com) : Physiochemical properties and amino-acid composition of alxa bactrian camel milk and shubat. J Camel Pract Res 2009, 16(2), 245-51.

The milk of Alxa bactrian camels reared in Inner Mongolia during different lactation stage were analysed for specific gravity, pH, titrable acidity, electrical conductivity and the composition of amino acids. Meanwhile, the composition of shubat prepared from camel milk was also determined. The values of specific gravity, pH and titrable acidity were 1.055 to 1.034, 6.31 to 6.53 and 0.17 to 0.24 of colostrums from 2h to 7d post partum (PP), respectively, and the respective mean values of regular milk were 1.032 to 1.034, 6.31 to 6.57 and 0.17 to 0.20%. The total content of Na+, K+and Cr was responsible for most of electrical conductivity in Alxa bactrian camel milk. The values content of histidine, arginine, threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine at the first milking were 2.50, 4.94, 6.50, 6.52, 2.10, 4.05, 7.94, 4.38 and 7.40 g/100 g, respectively, and the respective mean values of milk (90d PP) were 2.64, 4.11, 4.52, 6.20, 3.16, 5.61, 9.48, 4.73 and 7.75 g/100 g. The ratio of essential to non- essential amino acids, cystine to methionine and phenylalanine to tyrosine in Alxa bactrian camel milk (90d PP) were 0.97, 0.34 and 1.19, respectively, and the respective mean values of shubat were 1.11, 0.28 and 1.86.

7 tables, 26 ref

009075   Asim S (Microbiology Dep, Shri Shivaji College, Akola-444 001) : Screening and comparative in-vitro analysis of biofilm producer and non-producer from invasive infection. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 184-8.

In the investigation pathogenic organisms were isolated, identified and antibiogram studies were made in presence of usually recommended antibiotics. Screening for biofilm producers was made. The present investigation supports that a link exist between pathogenic micro organism, biofilm production and drug resistance.

2 tables, 17 ref

009074   Ashraf H;Husain Q (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: qayyumbiochem@gamil.com) : Stabilization of DEAE cellulose adsorbed and glutaraldehyde corosslinked white radish (Raphanus sativus) peroxidase. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(8), 613-20.

Present work demonstrates adsorption of ammonium sulphate fractionated proteins of white radish (Raphanus sativus) on DEAE cellulose and its crosslinking by glutaraldehyde. Adsorbed enzyme exhibited an immobilization yield of 88% and its activity decreased to 81% after crosslinking. Temperature and pH optima for soluble and immobilized enzyme were same. There was a significant enhancement in activity of adsorbed and crosslinked peroxidase to 136%, 143%, and 126% after its exposure to 60% dimethylformamide, 60% ν-propanol and 60% acetone, respectively. However, soluble enzyme under similar experimental conditions, exhibited only 60%, 35% and 16% activity, respectively. Soluble enzyme lost 27% activity after its exposure to 4.0 M urea for 1 n, whereas activity of adsorbed crosslinked and uncrosslinked enzyme was enhanced to 153% and 142%, respectively. Adsorbed and crosslinked peroxidase retained 63% activity after 1 n exposure to 1.0 M sodium sulphite, whereas only adsorbed and soluble enzyme lost 74% and 97% of their initial activity. Adsorbed and crosslinked enzyme retained 61% of activity after 7th repeated use as compared to adsorbed enzyme, which retained a marginal activity of 21%.

3 illus, 4 table, 37 ref

009073   Ali S S;Manwar A V (Microbiology Dep, D.S.M. Collge, Parbhani-431 401) : Siderophore production by bacterial isolates obtained from various soil habitats. J microbial Wld 0011, (NULL), 150-4.

Siderophore producing bacteria were isolated from different habitats, such as rhizospheric soil and alkaline soil. Out of 8 isolate 5 showed siderophore production on Chromo azurol S (CAS) agar plate. Further the type of siderophore was detected by Casky and Arnow assay. Estimation of hydroxamate and catcholate type of siderophore revealed that out of five isolate a Pseudomonas species of alkaline soil produced high concentration of siderophore as compared to other. To improve further yield of siderophore the strain grown on different medium and effect of incubation time was also studied. Amaximum siderophore was produced after 36 hours of incubation on iron free succinate medium.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

009072   Ahlawat O P;Vijay B (NO, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chambaghat, Solan-173 213, Email: ahlawat22op@gmail.com ) : Potential of thermophilic bacteria as microbial inoculant for commercial scale white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) compost production. J scient ind Res 2010, 69(12), 948-55.

Thermophilic bacteria (9), isolated from button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) compost samples, were evaluated for temperature requirement, extracellular lignocellulolytic enzymes activity assay and potential for white button mushroom compost production. Optimum growth in different bacteria was between 43-55°C. Highest activity of exoglucanase and endoglucanase was recorded in Staphylococcus sp., while that of β-glucosidase in Bacillus brevis and B. megaterium, and xylanase as well as laccase in B. stearothermophilus. Staphylococcus sp. also exhibited second best activity of xylanase. Compost prepared with Staphylococcus sp. exhibited highest colony forming units of bacteria, numbers of mushroom pinheads and mushroom yield. Compost prepared with extraneous inoculation of two potential bacteria (Staphylococcus sp. and B. megaterium-I) at commercial scale did not show much variation in physico-chemical properties, however, compost prepared with Staphylococcus sp. supported early mushroom harvest by 1.5-2.0 days and significantly higher mushroom yield in two cultivation trials. Thus Staphylococcus sp. has potential to convert agro wastes into selective and productive compost for white button mushroom cultivation.

6 table, 36 ref

024846   Zarghami N;Rohbaninoubar M;Khosrowbeygi A (Dep of Clin Biochem and RIA, Drug Appl Res Cent, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran) : Thyroid hormones, status during pregnancy in normal iranian women. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 182-5.

Pregnancy is associated with significant, but reversible changes in thyroid function studies, which are among the most profound seen as a result of a normal physiologic state. The present study was carried out to find out alterations in thyroid function tests in each trimester in normal pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women in Tabriz-Iran. A case-control study designed with 229 normal pregnant women that randomly selected from the first (64 samples), the second (92 samples), and the third (73 samples) trimesters and 250 randomly selected non-pregnant healthy female controls Age range in both groups was 16-40 years. Thyroid function tests carried out by measuring serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free and total thyroxin (FT4, TT4), and free and total triiodothyronine (FT3, TT3) by commercially available radio immunoassay kits. It was found that mean TT4 increased progressively during pregnancy. Study showed increase in serum levels of TT3 in the second trimester and then declining during the third trimester compared with non-pregnant women. We showed that FT4 strongly decreased during the third trimester. Free T3 showed declining in the second and third trimesters. Mean TSH did not show significant difference in each trimester compared with non-pregnant women. The thyroid function tests in pregnancy should be interpreted against gestational age-related reference intervals to avoid mis-interpretation of thyroid function during pregnancy.

1 tables, 8 ref

024845   Zarghami N;Khosrowbeygi A (Dep of Clin Biochem and RIA. Drug Appl Res Cent, Tabriz Univ of Med Sci, Tabriz, Iran) : Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α isoprostane, malondialdehyde and total homocysteine in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic males. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 86-91.

It has been proposed that oxidative stress plays an important role in male infertility. The aims of this study were to compare seminal plasma levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total (sum of free and bound) homocysteine (tHcy) from normozoospermic vs. asthenozoospermic men, and to examine the relationships between tHcy and lipid peroxidation products. The study was a case-control study with a simple random sampling. The case group was consisted of 15 asthenozoospermic males. This group was compared with 15 normozoospermic men. Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α isoprostane and tHcy were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits MDA Ievels were determined by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two groups. Coefficients of corralation were calculated using Spearman's correlation analysis. All hypothesis tests were two-tailed with statistical significance assessed at the p value <0.05 level. MDA levels were higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in control subjects (0.72±0.06 μM vs. 0.40±0.06 μM; p<60>0.05). No differences were seen in 15-F2α-isoprostane levels in asthenozoospermic subjects and controls (65.00±3.20 pg/ml vs. 58.17±4.12 pg/ml; p<62>0.05). Interestingly, tHcy levels were to be slightly higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in controls (6.18±1.17 μM vs. 4.8±0.52 μM). Sperm motility was inversely correlated with seminal plasma 15-F2α-isoprostane and MDA levels, respectively (p<60>0.05). In summary, seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane and tHcy showed no significant difference between normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. Sperm motility was not correlated with seminal plasma levels of tHcy. No relationship was found between tHcy and lipid peroxidation.

2 illus, 12 tables, 30 ref

024844   Vinod Kumar S;Rajam M V (Pl Polyamine and Transgenic Res Lab Dep of Genet, Univ of Delhi-South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, Email: mv_rajam@hotmail.com) : Enhanced induction of Vir genes results in the improvement of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of eggplant. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 89-94.

Induction of Agrobacterium vir genes is one of the basic requirements for T-DNA transfer and integration into plant genome. The vir gene induction has been studied by various explant types of eggplant in order to develop a transformation protocol with improved efficiency using binary vector constructs harbouring a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hpt) as a selection marker and a gfp:gus fusion gene as a reporter. A protocol for efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of eggplant (Solarium melongena Lev Pusa Purple Long) has been developed by optimizing factors. Leaf, cotyledon and hypocotyl explants were tested for their ability to induce Agrobacterium vir-genes using a Vir E:lacZ fusion construct and were shown to be poor inducers of the same. Addition of 100 μM acetosyringone during infection and co-cultivation steps of transformation could enhance the vir gene induction as well as a 2-3 fold increase in transformation frequency. Transformed explants showed the expression of reporter genes gus and gfp. The transgenics were analysed by PCR and Southern blot hybridization, and were shown to have T-DNA integrated into their genome. The data suggest that eggplant is a relatively poor inducer of Agrobacterium vir genes, probably due to minimal phenolic production, and by modulating vir gene induction using phenolics like acetosyringone eggplant transformation can be improved.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

024843   Verma V K;Ramesh V;Tewari S;Gupta R K;Sinha N;Pandey C M (Dep of Path, Sanjay Gandhi Post Grad Inst of Med Sci [SGPGIMS], Raebareli Road, Lucknow-226 014) : Role of bilirubin, vitamin C and ceruloplasmin as antioxidants in coronary artery disease [CAD]. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 68-74.

A study has been carried out on 250 CAD patients to see how the serum levels of three antioxidants i.e., Vitamin C, Bilirubin and Ceruloplasmin are related to the CAD risk factors and characteristics in these patients. The number of severe category CAD patients declined by 7-18% with increasing serum levels of the three antioxidants and, triple vessel disease declined by 14-20%. A decline of 39% in Myocardial Infarction (Ml) occurred with increasing serum Ceruloplasmin. Serum Ceruloplasmin was significantly lower in the Ml group compared to the non Ml group CAD patients. There was a steady and a significant decline in the mean values of serum levels of cholesterol, Triglyceride, VLDL cholesterol along with BMI with increasing serum level. The study indicates that with increasing serum levels of the three antioxidants studied, the % Ml along with % Triple vessel disease and severity of CAD goes down suggesting that the modifiable risk factors have to be suitably modified in order to maintain a reasonably high level of these antioxidants, as the risk factors are inversely related to the serum antioxidant levels.

9 tables, 21 ref

024842   Vachiirajani K D (Div of Toxicology. Dep of Zool, Fac of Science. The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: kaureshl23-zoo@msubaroda.ac.in) : Damage to late pachytene spermatocyte is responsible for subsequent inhibition of spermatogenis by methylmercury. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(1), 309-11.

Male wistar rats were administered with single i.p. dose of 250 mg mtethylmercury to investigate its effects on pachytene spermatocytes over a period of 24 days (two cycles of seminiferous epithelium). Earliest effect was observed at day 1 and lowest yield of these cells was found at day 2. Maturational depletion of spermatids due to damage to pachytene spermatocytes was found at day 12. A transient effect was exhibited on frequencies of occurrence of different stages. Studies suggested that exposure to methymercury may affect the spermatogenic cycle duration. Present findings showed that earlier changes in pachytene spermatocytes at stages IX-XIV lead to spermatogenic arrest and depletion of more mature spermatogenic cells.

2 tables, 22 ref

024841   Vachhrajani K D (Div of Toxicol Dep of Zool, Fac of Sci The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: kaureshl23-zoo@msubaroda.ac.in) : Earlier changes in seminiferous epithelium of rats exposed to ethylene glycol monomethyl father. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(1), 303-8.

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) induces testicular toxicity as early as within 2 days post exposure. A quantative analysis of primary spermatocytes was carried out to investigate into the stage-wise changes during first 48h following single inhalation exposure of rats to 1000 ppm EGME for 1 h. Initial changes appeared at 16h at stages IX, XII and XIV of seminiferous epithelium. At 24h, pachytene spermatocytes preparing for meiotic division (stages XII-early XIII) and those undergoing the division (stags late XIII-early XIV) showed severe effects. Damage to zygotene spermatocytes resulted into pachytene spermatocyte cell loss. At 32h, large population of early and late pachytene spermatocytes was necrotic and meiotic figures were decreased. Consequently, at 48h, few tubltes at stages I-III were devoid of round spermatids. Cell death progressed in a wave-like manner; therefore, attempts have been made to identify the damage to spermatocytes during progressive developmental phases.

8 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

024840   Tyagi A;Klueva N;Zheng H;Nguyen H T (Dep of Pl and Soil Sci, Texas Tech Univ, Lubbock, TX 79409- 2122, USA, Email: at_bio@iari.res.in) : Isolation and characterization of a drought inducible blt101 homologous gene from rice. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 115-19.

A novel cDNA from rice (Oryza sativa) subjected to a progressive drought stress was isolated and characterized. DNA polymorphisms were detected between drought-stressed and control rice plant using differential display. Subsequently, using the partial cDNA as probe, a full-length cDNA, designated as R1G1B, was isolated from the cDNA library constructed using the pooled cDNA from rice leaves with different levels of relative water content (RWC). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the R1G1B transcript accumulated to a high level in rice leaves under mild drought conditions. Furthermore, at the DNA sequence level, the R1G1B showed a significant similarity to a family of blt101- homologous small proteins inducible in plants by chilling/low temperature, salt and drought stresses and was located on chromosome 5.

5 illus, 22 ref

024839   Surekha Rani H;Madhvi G;Ramadhandra Rao V; Sahay B K;Jyothy A (Dept. of Cell Biology. Inst of Genet amd Hosp for Genetic Dis, Osmania Univ, Begumpet, Hyderabad-16) : Risk factor for coronary heart disease in type II diabetes mellitus. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 75-80.

Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. An attempt has been made to evaluate the risk factors for coronary heart disease in type II diabetics. In the present study the levels of fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides were high and the levels of high density lipoproteins were low in the type II diabetics compared to controls. The markers of free radical induced injury i.e. malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate were high while total antioxidant status a marker for antioxidant protection against reactive oxygen species was low in diahetics compared to controls. The study therefore suggests the importance of assessing these markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity along with the other routine investigations in diabetic patients for initiating antioxidant therapy in addition to primary and secondary preventive measures to mitigate the devastating consequences of diabetes leading to coronary heart disease.

3 tables, 27 ref

024838   Srivastava R;Kitambi S S;Goyal A (NO, Pl Sci Inst Roy J. Carver Co-Laboratory Iowa St Univ, Ames, Iowa50011-3650, USA, Email: goyal@etsu.edu) : In silico analysis of thioredoxins and glutaredoxins. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 121-6.

Thioredoxins (TRXs) and glutaredoxins (GRXs) are ubiquitous small redox proteins belonging to the thioredoxin (TRX) super-family. They regulate several cellular functions via mediating a dithiol/disulphide exchange in target proteins. Thioredoxins have been classified into several subgroups based on their structural homologs. In an attempt to identify thioredoxin proteins which have not been characterized, an EST database survey of Lycopersiccn esculentum, Glycine max, Helianthus annus, Secale cereale, Solanum tuberosum, Apis mellifera ligustica, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo salar and whole genome survey for Drosophila melanogaster, Rattus norvegicus and Caenorhabditis briggsae was performed. Several glutaredoxin and glutaredoxin-like proteins from Ricinus communis, Vercinia fordii, Lycopersicon esculentum, Tilia platyphyllos, Populus tremuloides, Triticum aestivum and Oryza sativa were also characterized. The deduced amino acid sequences were aligned and phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the consensus sequences and for establishing interrelationships amongst the new and established thioredoxin and glutaredoxins. Based on the alignments, proteins were designated to their respective classes and subcellular localization predictions were used to predict their possible site of actions. In silico analysis has identified several new thioredoxins, glutaredoxins and related proteins and provided insight into their evolutionary relationships.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

024837   Srivastava P (Anthropologial Surv of India, East Region Office, Field Station, Ranchi) : Role of Ngos in rural development and social change. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 194-200.

Present study is based upon a field work for my D.Phil, conducted in a rural area of Ranchi city, the capital of the state of Jharkhand. The Krishi Gram Vikas Kenda(KG VK), a nongovernmental organization has been working under the patronage of the Usha Martine group of industries, established in tn the year 1960. Their main activities are in the areas of literacy and education, water management, co-operative farming and marketing, health and sanitation, housing rehabilitation and resettlement, development and communication, making people aware of their duties and privileges and improving people's participation in welfare programs. The study examines the interface between economic development and emergence of a new class in the areas covered by KGVK, The findings also suggest that while it is no denying a fact that the efforts of the KGVK has brought considerable change in the social and economic life of the villagers; it also holds true that Usha Martine group of industries has been patronizing the KGVK not for any philanthropic ideals, but for its own ends. Through the NGO and its welfare programs, the organization has been able to control the discontentment of its workers and the nearby villagers.

^ccr7 ref

024836   Srivastava M (Political Sci Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Indian cultural heritage a post modernist view. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 233-9.

Since the decade of the nineties, a group of monociilturalists as well as certain critics of cultural globalization-the so called "culture vultures' have become conspicuously vislble on the Indian political radar screen. By using overarching idioms, both the groups have attempted to define Indian culture in monolithic terms, and project a threat from the so called other. The "melting pot" approach of the West which India had discarded, has been alarmingly, brought back again by the monoculturalists - especially from the majority community - and thus the pluralities of India are sought to be burned in the cauldron of "uniformity! The later group argues, that under the guise of globalization, one is witnessing the diffusion of Western (Read American and Western European) values, institutions, products and practices to the Third world countries, allegedly, resulting in the erosion of local tastes, traditions and identities. This eventually is leading to the cultural imperialism by the west. And India has become a prey to the so called 'Macdonaldization', ever since it jumped on to the globalization bandwagon. However, the writer strongly feels that attempt to capture the rich cultural diversity of India in 'meta narratives', is a exercise in futility. A plurality of meanings, interpretations can be 'deconstructed'. Hence, 'local narratives' under the post modernistic discourse is the best framework to understand it.

21 ref

024835   Srivastava D S L;Mittal R P (Dep of Urology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Grad Inst of Med Sci, Lucknow-226 014) : Free radical injury and antioxidant status in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 162-5.

Reactive oxygen species and other free radicals are known to be the mediators of phenotypic and genotypic changes that lead from mutation to neoplasia. There are some primary antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and reduced glutathione, which protect against cellular and molecular damage caused by the reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs). The present study was conducted to determine the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), as an index of lipid peroxidation, along with the GPx, GSTs activities and level of reduced glutathione in 45 prostate cancer (PC) patients, 55 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients as compared to the controls. Significant higher levels of MDA and GSTs activities in the serum, (P<60>0.005) and significant lower levels of reduced GSH concentration and GPx activity in blood haemolysates (P<60>0.05) of PC and BPH patients were observed as compared to the controls. The relatively higher GSTs activity and low level of reduced GSH may be due to the response of increased reactive oxygen metabolites production in the blood. The higher MDA and lower GPx activities may be inadequate to detoxify high levels of H₂O₂ into H₂O leading to the formation of the *OH radical followed by MDA. The result hypothesizes that oxidant-antioxidant imbalance may be one of the major factor responsible for the development of prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

2 tables, 15 ref

024834   Sivakumar S;Mohan M;Thayumanavan B (Cent for Pl Molec Biol, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: thayumanavanb@yahoo.com) : Characterization of insect proteinases and their inhibition by finger and little millet inhibitors. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 167-71.

Empirical approach was adopted to examine the interaction of a little and finger millet inhibitors with digestive proteinases of different field and storage pests. Accordingly, gut proteinases of four storage and phytophagous pests were characterized and their inhibition by finger millet (Eluesine coracana Gaertneri) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth) inhibitors have been investigated. The Callosobruchus sp showed acid proteinase with pH optimum of 3.5 and Sitophilus oryzae showed pH optimum of 4.5 apart from their alkaline proteinases with pH 8.5. The proteinases of Tribolium castaheum had wider pH optimum from 5.5 to 8.5. However, all lepidopteran insect proteinases had pH optima ranging from 8.5 to 10.5. The optimum temperature was found to be 30 to 40 °C. The inhibitory activities of little and finger millet inhibitors towards the insect proteinases are very low except notable level inhibition of proteinases of some insects. The gut proteinase zymogram of different insects revealed 2-6 isozymes and the inhibitors moderately inhibited all the isozymes of insects tested.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

024833   Singh S K;Tiwari M;Kamal S;Yadav M C (NO, Natn Res Cent for Mushroom, Chambaghat, Solan-173 213, Email: sksingh1111@hotmail.com) : Morel phylogeny and diagnostics based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of ITS region of 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 179-83.

Thirty-six cultures representing eight Morchella and related genera, namely, Morchella esculenta, M. crassipes, M. spongiola, M. vulgaris, M. angusticeps, M. conica, Mitrophora semilibera and Verpa conica were subjected to restriction analysis of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA. Six restriction endonuclease enzymes viz TaqI, EcoRI, MspI, RsaI, HinfI and BsuRI were used to generate restriction fragments and analysis of phylogenetic relationships among morels. The Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) not only distinguished yellow morels from black morels but also separated related genera Mitrophora semilibera and Verpa conica from true morels. Simultaneously, each morel species could be separated from each other exhibiting considerable phylogenetic distances. The unique restriction fragment profiles generated by the restriction endonucleases enabled of identification marker fragments to distinguish each species within and amongst the morel group. Since no intra-specific variation in restriction profiles by the six restriction endonucleases could be visualized among monospores, the technique could be used for rapid identification of wild morel specimens as a cheap alternative to direct sequencing for germplasm cataloguing.

^ssc3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

024832   Singh A R (Anthrop Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : The nomads of mongolia: a study in ethnography and change. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 227-32.

Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia is a landlocked country of 1.5 million sq. kms. in area. Mongolia has a complex geography with four major zones: the famous Gobi Desert located in the South, the Steppe in the East, mountainous regions in the West and North-Central parts of the country and the Taiga zone in the North-West of the country, with an average altitude of 1,500 m. above mean sea level. The population of Mongolia is 2.6 million. More than 20 ethnic or cultural groups reside in Mongolia. Administratively, Mongolia is divided into 21 aymags (provinces) and each aymag is divided into more than 15 districts. This research paper is the result of anthropological studied carried out by the author among the nomads of Mongolia with regard to their ethnography and change during March 01 to 31,2005 as visiting professor at National University of Mongolia under Indo-Mongolian Cultural Exchange Programme. Data have been collected through primary sources by way of random sampling of the countryside and 220 informants employing methods of interview and participant observation, and through secondary sources like university library, governmental records and personal academic contacts. Data havebeen analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.

2 illus, 3 ref

024831   Sheth F J;Patel P;Vaidya A D B;Vaidya R;Sheth J (Foundation for Res in Genet and Endocrinology (FRIGE), Genetic Cent, 20/1, Bima Nagar, Satellite, Ahmedabad-380 015, Email: jshethad1@sancharnet.in) : Increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in patients with type II diabetes. Curr Sci 2006, 90(2), 236-40.

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is the exchange of homologous stretches of DNA sequence between two chromatids. Though SCE per se is not known to have any harmful medical effects, the higher frequency is associated with certain pathological conditions. Since patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at an increased risk for various vascular and other complications, it is likely that the extent of DNA damage is much higher in DM as compared to healthy controls. The study is aimed to know the frequency of SCE in type II DM as compared to controls. A study of SCE, chromosomal aberrations and cell cycle proliferative index (CCPI) has been carried out in 35 individuals (20 type II DM patients and 15 normal healthy controls) from their peripheral blood cultures. Significant increase in SCE has been observed in DM patients as compared to the normal controls (P <60> 0.0001). No chromosomal aberrations or CCPI changes have been observed in any of the studied subjects. These results indicate that increased frequency of SCE in diabetic patients could be an early marker of DNA damage and a predisposing factor for some diabetes-related complication. There is a need to study other markers of DNA damage in DM, in larger sample size.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

024830   Sharma T R;Shanke P;Singh B K;Jana T K;Madhav M S;Gaikwad K;Singh N K;Plaha P;Rathour R (NO, Natn Res Cent on Pl Biotechnol Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: trsharma@nrcpb.org) : Molecular mapping of rice blast resistance gene Pi-k<. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 127-33.

Rice line Tetep has been used as a resistant donor with the aim of mapping a durable blast resistance gene Pi-k^h using RAPD and AFLP techniques in conjunction with bulk segregant analysis. An F₂ mapping population consisting of 205 plants was generated by crossing Tetep with HP2216, a highly susceptible cultivar. Inoculation with specific isolate (PLP-1) of Magnaporthe grisea at seeding stage showed that the Pi-k^h gene inherited as a single dominant gene in F₂ population. RAPD analysis was performed with 240 primers to detect polymorphism between resistant and susceptible parents. Of these, 48 primers produced polymorphic banding pattern between resistant and susceptible parents. Bulk segregant analysis was performed with 48 primers of which 5 showed polymorphism between resistant and susceptible bulks. A 700 bp DNA band was obtainad in resistant F₂- plants, with primer S-129 indicating its linkage to the resistance gene. Out of 64 AFLP primer combinations used for polymorphism survey between HP 2216 and Tetep, 11 AFLP primer combinations were able to distinguish the resistant and susceptible bulks. An AFLP band of 75 bp obtained with primer combination, E-TA/M-CTC co-segregated with the resistance gene. The RAPD marker S-129₇₀₀ and AFLP₇₅ were placed on the linkage map at a distance of 2.1 cM and 15.1 cM flanking to Pi-k^h gene, respectively. The RAPD band closely linked to Pi-k^h gene was sequenced and used for the development of CAPS markers which also co-segregated with resistant phenotype in the mapping population. On sequence analysis and homology search of RAPD fragment with whole rice genome sequence database and the information available on physical, genetic and sequence maps of rice, the co-segregating CAPs marker was placed at long arm of rice chromosome 11. CAPs marker developed in this study showed polymorphism in different rice cultivars grown in North-Western Himalayan region and is being used for the pyramiding of Pi-k^h gene along with other blast resistance genes using marker-assisted selection.

4 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

024829   Shah H (Dep of Biochem, Pramukh Swami Med Coll, Shri Krishna Hospital and H.M.Patel Centre For Medical Care & Education. Karamsad, ANAND, Gujarat) : Incidence of microalbuminuria in tobacco chewers. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 189-91.

It is well established that smoking increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. From the studies in diabetic subjects it has been shown that smoking induces microalbuminuria and accelerates the progression to end stage renal disease. Little is known whether smoking is also related to microalbuminuria and renal end organ damage in non diabetic subjects. The hypothesis which was put forward that tobacco chewing is related to microalbuminuria and renal functional changes in non diabetic subjects. A population based study was performed in the Anand city of Gujarat in which the relation between tobacco chewing and urinary albumin excretion was studied. Tobacco chewers had a higher urinary albumin excretion (Albumin excretion 373 ± 13.9 mg /day : P <60> 0.01) than those who do not consume tobacco in conclusion. tobacco chewing is associated with albuminuria.

1 tables, 25 ref

024828   Sekhon B S;Ramandeep Kaur (Dep of Biochem and Chem, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sekhon224@yahoo.com ) : Metalloneurochemistry. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(1-2), 25-39.

Mounting interest in metalloneurochemistry is because of the involvement of metals in synaptic transmission and neuro-degeneration phenomena. Ion channel metalloneurochemistry involving K+ channel and Ca²⁺ binding proteins play an important role in neuronal signal transduction. Neuro-Jegenerativs diseases are caused due to metal dependent generation of reactive oxygen species. Disturbance in the homeostasis of metal ions such as Cu causes Wilson's, Menkes and Prion diseases. Manganism is caused due to excess Mn exposure whereas Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington disease originate due to cytosolic Ca²⁺ excess. Neurotoxicological events produced by aluminium, copper and zinc are the causal agents of diseases such as dialysis cneephalopathy and epilepsy. Heavy metal exposure and injury to the blood- brain barrier disrupts optimal central nervous system function. Novel techniques such as fluorescence mapping, absorption X-ray spectroscopy,fluorescent metal sensors and proton NMR for the detection of abnormal metal accumulation have been developed. Lithium increases level of the major neuroprotective protein bcl-2 in brain cells. Metal ion chelators and membrane activated chelator drugs have shown promising results for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Networking of scientists involved in drug design, bioinorganic chemistry of metalloproteins. chelation therapy and metal imbalance diseases will help in further understanding of neurodegenerative processes.

2 illus, 27 ref

024827   Seema;Jain S K (Dep of Biotechnol, Hamdard Univ, New Delhi 110 062) : Molecular mechanism of pathogenesis of dengue virus : entry and fusion with target cell. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 92-103.

Dengue fever is one of the major health problems in India. Interaction with specific receptor(s) at the cell surface is one of the first events in the pathogenesis of Dengue virus. However, relatively little is known about these receptors. Cellular receptors in human monocytes and mouse neural cells are main target for the viral infection. The envelope protein of the virus (E-protein) plays important role in attachment of virus to target cells and their interaction with cellular receptors. The modulation of receptor gene(s) and/or protein(s) can be used as a method for interfering with virus entry and can thus become a new method for disease prevention. The receptors can be purified by affinity chromatography using E-protein as ligand. It has been reported that addition of highly sulfated heparan sulfate prevents E-protein binding to target cells suggesting that heparan sulfate is utilized by dengue envelope protein to bind to target cells.

81 ref

024826   Sava L;Pillai S;More U;Sontakke A (Dep of Biochem, Pad. Dr. D. Y. Patil Med Coll, Pimpri, Pune-411 018) : Serum calcium measurement : total versus free (ionized) calcium. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 158-61.

Measurement of serum free (ionized) calcium (Ca⁺⁺) reflects true calcium status of the body in health and disease. Present study evaluates efficacy of Ca⁺⁺ over total calcium (CaT) in serum for calcium status. 52 subjects were enrolled for study. Anaerobic fasting blood sample for Ca++ measurement and autoclaved plain bulb for estimation of CaT, Total protein (TP) and Albumin was used. CaT, Corrected CaT, Ca⁺⁺, Calculated Ca⁺⁺ were measured and correlated. Corrected CaT and calculated Ca⁺⁺ were derived from the measured parameters. Study group showed significant difference between CaT and corrected CaT (p<60>0.006), Ca⁺⁺ and calculated Ca⁺⁺ (p<60>0.001). Negligible correlation was observed between Ca⁺⁺ and serum protein. Positive correlation was observed between CaT and calculated Ca⁺⁺, TP and albumin. Findings indicate that Ca⁺⁺ levels are independent of serum protein status. With scrupulous sampling, Ca++ may be a better parameter than presently used CaT for assessing calcium status in serum.

1 tables, 27 ref

024825   Salim M;Tiwari A K;Qureshi S H (Bot Dep, S.G.S. Govt. Autonomous Coll, Sidhi, M.P) : Microbial biopollutions. Natn J Life Sci 2004, 1(2), 343-7.

Micro-organisms are indispensable components of our society. Though, society benefits from micro-organisms in many ways, yet they have harmed humans and disrupted society over the millenia. Work is primarily concerned with the study of micro-organisms as biopollutants and is based on the papers pertaining to the same. Some of the reasons and misunder standing has also discussed.

22 ref

024824   Sahu S;Chawla R;Uppal B (Dept. of Biochem, Christian Med Coll, Ludhiana-141 008,) : Comparison of two methods of estimation of low density lioprotein cholesterol, the direct versus friedewald estimation. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 54-61.

Current recommendations of the Adult Treatment Panel and Adolescents Treatment Panel of National Cholesterol Education Program make the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum the basis of classification and management of hypercholesterolemia. A number of direct homogenous assays based on surfactant/ solubility principles have evolved in the recent past. This has made LDL-C estimation less cumbersome than the earlier used methods. Author compared one of the direct homogenous assays with the widely used Friedewald's method of estimation of LDL C to see the differences and correlation. Used direct homogenous assay kit to estimate serum LDL - C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Serum Triglyceride (TG) and Total Cholesterol (TC) was estimated and using Friedewald 's formula LDL -C was calculated, The LDL-C levels obtained by both methods in 893 fasting serum samples were compared, methods used were paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. There was significant difference in the mean LDL-C Ievels obtained by the two methods at the TG levels < 200 mg/dl (p<60>0 02) and TC levels <62>150 mg% (p<60>0.001). The correlation coefficient (r) between Friedewald's and direct assay estimation was 0.88. Friedewald's method classified 23.5 % of patients as high cardiac risk whereas there were 17.58% by direct assay. Both had good correlation even though the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels affect the difference in LDL-C estimated by both methods. Taking into account the cost and performance, Friedewald's method is as good or even better for classifying and managing patients.

1 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

024823   Sahni;Sahil;Koley S;Sandhu U S (Sports Dep. Med and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005) : The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length of hand: a predictor of concentration of testosterone and performance in aggressive sports. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 240-50.

Ratios between 2nd and 4th digit length (2D: 4D) in 150 sportsmen of different national events, aged 16-26 years. An adequate number of controls were also taken for comparison. Height, weight, triceps skin fold, 7 circumferential measurement and 2nd and 4th digit length were measured after Weiner and Lourie (1969). Results indicate that 2D: 4D ratios in both the hands are considerably lower in swimmers, athletes, footballers, hockey players and miscellaneous group. Statistically significant differences (p<156>0.05) were noted in cricketer and boxers as compared to the controls.

7 tables, 23 ref

024822   Saha M;Phatak A;Chandra N (Dep of Bot, B.N. Bandodkar Coll, Thane-400 601, Email: nsenvbirla04@rediffmail.com) : Hyperhydricity in axillary bud explants of Carica papaya L. regenerated in vitro. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(1), 323-5.

Hyperhydricity (50 to 100%) was observed in the axillary bud explants of Carica papaya L. varieties Co-6, Coorg Honey Dew, Red Lady and Washington regenerated in vitro on different media. The present work included a study on the reduction in hyperhydricity of the axillary bud explants regenerated in vitro. The axillary bud explants treated with pulses of GA₃ (500 mg/l) for 1 hour and then inoculated on MS medium fortified with MgSO₄ (400 mg/l) showed reduction in hyperhydricity.

2 tables, 15 ref

024821   Rao T V R K;Choudhary V K (Dep of Chem, Purnia Coll, Purnia-854 301) : Effect of pyridoxine (vitamin-B6) supplementation on calciuria and oxaluria levels of some normal healthy persons and urinary stone patients. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 166-9.

Effect of pyridoxine (Vitamin-B₆) supplementation on calciuria and oxaluria levels of 20 normal healthy persons and 17 urinary stone patients has been studied. Mean 24 hr urinary calcium and oxalate levels of controls (healthy persons) and stone patients were estimated in pre-supplementation period and at every 20 days interval during supplementation. Stone patients were divided into two groups viz., mild hyperoxaluriacs and moderate hyperoxaluriacs, based on their pre-supplementation (base line) oxaluria levels. 60 days of pyridoxine supplementation, at the rate of 10mg/day resulted in a significant decrease (p<60>0.01) for mild hyperoxaluriacs and p<60>0.001 for moderate hyperoxaluriacs) in mean 24 hr urinary oxalate levels of urinary stone patients. The corresponding decrement in mean oxaluria level of controls was, however, only mild. The decrease of mean calciuria level of controls as well as stone patients, upon pyridoxine supplementation, were also found to be only mild and not significant. Utility of pyridoxine therapy in oxalate urolithiasis has been discussed in the light of results.

2 tables, 15 ref

024820   Rao M V;Sundar R S;Chawla S L (Reproductive Toxicol and Endocrinology Unit Dep of Zool, Univ Sch of Sci, Gujarat, Email: Zooldeptgu@satyam.net.in) : Reproductive toxicity of a fungicide combination (metalaxyl + mancozeb) in adult male rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(1), 299-302.

Effect of a fungicide combination (metalaxyl+mancozeb) on testes, epididymis and fertility of rats. Adult male rats were orally administered metalaxyl+mancozeb (500 mg/Kg body wt/day) for 60 days. For recovery studies, treated animals were kept for a further period of two months. In metalaxyl+mancozeb treated rats, a significant reduction in the epididymal sperm count, motality and viability was seen. The activities of testicular 3β, 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and protein levels were also decreased, whereas the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases and the level of cholesterol were also altered in testes followed by a full of serum androgen level. The affected reproductive parameters probably contributed to a reduction in fertility of these rats. The combination of fungicide thus manifested toxic effects in reproductive tissues of male rats, which were partially reversible after cessation of treatment.

3 tables, 29 ref

024819   Rajasekhara Reddy K (Anthrop Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasa Gangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Study on palmar C-line polymorphism among the scheduled madigas of Andhra Pradesh India. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 251-6.

Reform on C-line polymorphism among 400 unrelated individuals (200 Males & 200 Females) of Madigas in two revenue districts of Cuddapah and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. In the C-line polymorphic modal types, the ulnar type (U) endings predominate in the male series (40.50%) and radial type (R) endings in female series (48.25%) in the pooled Madigas. But MDCTR shows radial endings in both male and female series, while MDCDP shows radial endings in male series and ulnar endings in female series. The inter-group difference is significant in male, series and combined sex series only. Further the total symmetry of C-line polymorphism is higher in either sex of MDCDP than in MDCTR.

3 tables, 10 ref

024818   Rajagopal G;Mohammed Rafi K M (Dep of Biochem, Rajah Muthiah Med Coll, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) activity in alcoholics with liver abscess and chronic alcoholics. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 198-9.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT) is a microsomal enzyme. Its activity in serum is assayed in alcoholics with liver abscess and alcoholics without liver abscess after screening by ultrasonography.The enzyme activity in serum is increased by 334% in the patients with liver abscess compared to normal control subjects (p<60>O.C001), and 172% when compared to patients with chronic alcoholism without liver abscess(p<60>0.0001).The enzyme activity was increased by 59.3% in the serum of patients without liver abscess:-compared to the norrnal control subjects(p<60>0.001). Measurement of γ-GT in serum appears to be a sensitive index in the diagnosis of alcoholics with liver abscess.

1 illus, 9 ref

024817   Pragathi P;Bharath Kumar P V;Amar Kumar P; Reddy R;Sravani M;Neeraja V;Eapen J R M;K Gopalakrishna (Dep of Biochem, Kasturba Med Coll, Manipal) : Evaluation of serum adenosine deaminase and 5'-nucleotidase activities as probable markers n ovarian cancer. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 195-7.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) activities were measured in sera of patients 'with ovarian cancer and patients with benign ovarian tumour. The results were compared with that of a control group consisting of healthy women. ADA levels were significantly increased (p<60>0.001) in the ovarian cancer group (n=50) but not in the benign group (n=28) when compared to the controls (n=20). The results indicate that ADA and 5'-NT levels may help to differentiate malignant conditions from benign tumours of the ovary in addition to the existing tests such as serum CA-125 levels and histopathological study.

2 tables, 8 ref

024816   Patnaik D;Khurana P (Dep of Pl Molec Biol, Univ of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi-110 021, Email: Paramijitkhurana@hotmail.com) : Identification of a phosphoprotein expressed during somatic embryogenesis in wheat leaf base cultures. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 149-54.

2,4-D mediated induction of somatic embryogenesis in wheat is enhanced in the presence of C⁺⁺ and its removal by EGTA reduces the response significantly. Changes that occur at the polypeptide level following 2,4-D treatment were analysed. Intense cell division activity was discernable in the leaf base explants within an hour of treatment. Changes in protein profiles were prominent in the membrane fraction as compared to the soluble fraction. The protein profile of the leaf base culture with somatic embryos was distinct from the calli induced from mature embryos on a 2,4-D containing medium. The role of Ca²⁺ in the induction of somatic embryogenesis was demonstrated by the use of EGTA (a calcium chelator), verapamil, nifedipine (calcium channel blockers), W7 (calmodulin antagonist) and Li (PI inhibitor). In vitro protein phosophorylation studies showed thai 2,4-D, calcium and related treatments inhibit phosphorylation of proteins. In the membrane fraction proteins, accumulation of polypeptides at the low molecular weight range was seen in samples treated with verapamil and W7, and a 30 kD polypeptide in the samples treated with calmodulin antagonist, W7. Autoradiography of membrane fraction proteins displayed the presence of a 16 kD protein phosphorylated in samples treated with verapamil, nifedipine and W7. It thus appears that 2,4-D and Ca⁺⁺ prevent the phosphorylation of this phosphoprotein. These results thus indicate the action of 2,4-D via the Ca²⁺ CaM signaling pathway in triggering the induction of somatic embryogenesis.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

024815   Patel R K;Oza S M;Singh S P (Dep of Life Sci, North Guj Univ, Pattan-384 265, Email: raj252000@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of salt dependent plasmid among haloalkaliphilic isolates from saline habitat of costal Gujarat, India. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(1), 357-61.

Haloalkaliphilic bacteria were isolated from salt enriched soil and water samples collected from the natural saline and hyper saline habitats from Saurashtra region of coastal Gujarat, India. The growth responses of the isolates were studied in complete media at pH 7.0 and 9.5 in presence of 0 % and 10 % salt. The isolates were further investigated for their antibiotic resistance. The occurrence of plasmid was detected in the presence and absence of salt. All the three isolates showed presence of salt dependent plasmid having 14 Kb size.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

024814   Om Prakash;Upadhyay L S B (Dep of Biochem Fac of Sci, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: oprakash01@yahoo.co.in) : Physico-chemical characterization of watermelon urease upon immobilization in alginate beads. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 209-13.

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) urease was immobilized in 3.5% alginate leading to 72% immobilization. There was no leaching of the enzyme over a period of 15 days at 4 °C. It continued to hydrolyse urea at a faster rate upto 90 min of incubation. The immobilized urease exhibited a shift of apparent pH optimum by one unit towards acidic side (from pH 8.0 to 7.0). The K_m was found to be 13.3 mM; 1.17 times higher than the soluble enzyme (11.4 mM). The beads were fairly stable upto 50 °C and exhibited activity even at -10 °C. The enzyme was significantly activated by ME and it exhibited two peaks of activation; one at lower concentration and another at higher concentration. Time-dependent ureolysis in presence of ME progressed at much elevated rate. Unlike soluble enzyme, which was inhibited at 200 mM urea, the immobilized enzyme was inhibited at 600 mw of urea and above, and about 47% activity was retained at 2000 mM urea. Moreover, the inhibition caused by high urea concentration was partially abolished by ME. The significance of the observations has been discussed.

^ssc4 illus, 16 ref

024813   Narahari S;Aparna A (Anthrop Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Consanguinity reproduction and selection potential: a study in a fishing community of Vizianagaram district Andhra Pradesh. Oriental Anthrop 2005, 5(2), 216-20.

Demographic data on 150 evermarried women of Vadabalija (78C+72NC) from 3 villages of Vizianagaram District (Andhra Pradesh) were reported for pattern and prevalence of consanguinity, reproductive success and measure of selection intensity index(I). The incidence of consanguinity is 52% which comprises a preponderance of MBD and Uncle-Niece types (19% each). The value of inbreeding coefficient for autosomal genes is 0.0458 and that for sex-linked genes is 0.0474. Anexcess values of fertility and reproductive wastage in consanguineous couples and and elevated postnatal mortality in non-consanguineous couples are observed. The I values are greater in consanguineous than non-consanguineous groups. The Vadabalija show moderate selection compared to other Indian populations reported so far.

3 tables, 19 ref

024812   Nandave M;Ojha S K;Kaur R (Dep of Pharmac, All India Inst of Med Sci, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi -110 029) : Changes in levels of serum glycoproteins in major depressive disorders. Indian J clin Biochem 2005, 20(2), 154-57.

Th deals with estimation of levels of fractions of serum glycoproteins, protein bound hexose (PBH) protein bound hexosamine (PBHex), protein bound fucose (PBF), protein bound sialic acid (PBS) and protein bound carbohydrate (PBC) in thirty patients of Major Depressive Disorders (MDD) in comparison with thirty normal subjects. In patients of MDD, the level of PBH, PBHex, PBF, PBS and PBC were significantly higher as compared to the normal subjects (p<60>0.05). In patients of MDD, after one-month treatment with fluoxetine, the levels of PBH, PBHex, PBF, PBS and PBC were significantly decreased as compared to the levels of these fractions in same patients of MDD before beginning of the treatment (p<60>0.05). Based on findings of the present study, it can be concluded that changes in the level of serum glycoproteins level before and after treatment with fluoxefine can be correlated with clinical status of MDD.

1 table, 21 ref

024811   Murtaza I;Beigh G M;Shah T A;Hussain A;Khan A A;Charanjit Kaur (Biochem and Molec Biotechnol Lab Div of PHT, S.K. Univ of Agric Sci and Technol of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar, Kashmir-191 121, Email: imz_murtaza@hotmail.com) : Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of kale genotypes grown in Kashmir valley. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(2), 215-17.

Green leafy vegetable extracts of six genotypes of kale (Brassica oleracea acephala) were evaluated for ascorbic acid, carotenoids, total phenolics and antioxidant activity. Ascorbic acid ranged from 142 mg per 100 g in Wappal Hakh to 164 mg per 100 g fr wt in Knol khol. Wild genotypes Wappal and Pumb, had significantly high-phenolic content (285 and 227 mg per 100 g fr wt) and possessed highest antioxidant activities (840 and 780 μmol FRAP per g fr wt) than cultivated genotypes. A positive and strong correlation (R2 = 0.807) between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity suggests that kale has enormous potential to enhance the antioxidant potential of daily food supply. Wild genotypes, Wappal and Pumb can be incorporated into the breeding programmes in order to increase the antioxidant potential of cultivated varieties.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref