023862   Pal R R;S R Kumar;Sandeep Kumar (Dep of Biochem, Postgrad Inst of Med Educ and Res, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: fateh1977@yahoo.com) : Hydrogen peroxide commences copper induced (DNA) damage isolated from human blood: In vitro study. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(5), 377-80.

Damaging effects of copper and hydrogen peroxide on DNA isolated from human blood in in vitro has been revealed. Ultra violet spectral studies showed that copper and H₂O₂ alone (at 20 mM) caused destabilization of DNA structure. Notwithstanding, the effect was more prominent in combination of copper and H₂O₂. Further, agarose gel electrophoretic studies revealed that neither copper nor H₂O₂ alone had DNA fragmentation (up to 40 mM concentration), while copper and H₂O₂ together caused massive DNA fragmentation even at lower concentrations (4 mM copper + 4 mM H₂O₂). Therefore, it was concluded from the present study that the observed destabilization of DNA associated with alterations in configuration and subsequently massive DNA fragmentation was in response to copper and H₂O₂. Further, fluorescence spectroscopy and TUNNEL assay will address destabilization and fragmentation of naked DNA more precisely.

2 illus, 19 ref

023861   Padmini A;Babu R P;Babu P P;Pratibha N (Genet Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad, Email: prathinallari@yahoo.com) : Electromorphic association of alpha-1-antitrypsin with arthritides and alteration of immunomodulatory response. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(2), 409-12.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) plays a central role as a protease inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, collagenase, elastase in controlling synovium and cartilage degradation and appears to be involved in regulation of the immune system, perhaps through the production of proteases by 'T' cells. Deficiency of AAT may contribute to diseases with the involvement of an immune component of the synovium/synovial fluid. Role of AAT and its specific polymorphic variation with arthritides, which is an inflammatory disorder. AAT serum samples were carried out on PAGE in 150 Rheumatoid arthritis, 100 osteoarthritis and 125 adult control subjects. AAT plienotype distribution revealed an association of Pi^S, Pi^F and Pi^Z alleles with inflammatory condition. An increased frequency of Pi FM phenotype in the disease condition could lead to an increased sensitivity of the 'F' variant to oxidation. Further, the S & Z alleles when present may contribute to the decreased enzyme activity of AAT, which in turn may influence the molar complex formation with proteolytic enzymes in cartilage degradation process.

3 tables, 11 ref

023860   Om Praba G;Velmurugan D (Dep of Crystallography and Biophys, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: d_velu@yahoo.com) : Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis of a series of indole analogues as inhibitor for human group V secretory phospholipase A₂. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(3), 154-9.

Phospholipase A₂S (PLA₂) are a class of enzymes, which catalyze the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids at the sn-2 position to release fatty acids and lysophospholipids. When the fatty acid is arachidonic acid (AA), a complementary metabolism leads to pro-inflammatory mediators collectively known as eicosanoids. Thus, inhibiting PLA₂ activity remains a prime target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. More than one type of PLA₂s plays a major role in inflammatory disease conditions. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study was performed for a series of 48 Me-indoxam derivatives as human group V PLA₂ (hVPLA₂) inhibitors, using molecular operating environment (MOE) software. The hVPLA₂ is a secreatory PLA₂ (sPLA₂), involved in eicosanoid formation in inflammatory cells such as macrophages and mast cells. These studies have come out with three good predictive models (r = 0.82-0.84), which are cross-validated (r_cv = 0.68-0.70) by leave-out-one method (Loo). The positive correlation of spatial descriptor Pmi_Z with inhibitory activity shows that proper orientation of the substitution at R position towards Z-axis is necessary to facilitate the possible interactions of the indole core with active site residues of the PLA₂ enzyme. The negative contribution of b_rotN (atom and bond count-type descriptor) suggests that increasing flexibility conferred by the R substitution is detrimental for the activity. In addition to the hVPLA₂ inhibitory activity is found to be highly influenced by molecular size, energy and polarity of the Me-indoxam derivatives.

1 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

023859   Mande S S;Raja Rao V V (Life Sci Div, Advd Technol Cent Tata Consultancy Services Limited Deccan Park 1 Soft, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500 081, Email: sharmila@atc.tcs.co.in) : Comparative analysis of tandem repeats in the 44 outer membrane proteins of non-pathogenic (K12) and two pathogenic (O157) strains of E. coli. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 88-94.

Repetitive sequences are common constituents of genomes of all living organisms contributing to strain characteristics, gene polymorphism and overall evolutionary dynamics of organisms. Study deals with a comparative analysis of tandem repeats in the 44 outer membrane proteins of two pathogenic (Escherichia coli O157) and one non-pathogenic (E. coli K12) strains of E. coli. Study specifically addresses the role of the repeat sequences in strain characterization and implications in amino acid mutations leading to structural changes in the corresponding proteins. The results indicate a strong preference of these genes for short tandem repeats, with instances of longer repeats being unique to the pathogenic strain (E. coli O157). Tandem repeats in genes accounted for more than half of the mutations in the corresponding protein sequences.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

023858   Mala R;Saravana Babu S (P.G. Dept. of Biochem, V.V.Vanniaperumal Coll For Women, Virudhunagar-626 001) : Production and partial purification of peroxidase from water hyacinth plants induced by textile dyeing effluent. J Ind Pollut Control 2005, 21(2), 321-6.

Water hyacinth is the "Cinderella" of the plant world. It has the ability to treat industrial effluents. Production and partial purification of peroxidase from acclimatized water hyacinth roots has been studied. Initially, Water hyacinth plants were gradually acclimatized to textile Dyeing effluent from 5% to 50%. The production of enzyme was greatly induced by the strength of the effluent. The enzyme was purified by fractional precipitation using ammonium sulphate, dialysis and gel exclusion chromatography. The specific activity of peroxidase in crude extract was 6.25 x 10^-2 and it was significantly increased to 2 in the purified enzyme sample. The results indicated that, acclimatized water hyacinth roots could be a simple and easily available source for cost effective industrial production of peroxidase.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

023857   Krishna Prasad K;Venkata Mohan S;Pati B R; Sarma P N (NO, Biochem and Envir Engng Cent Indian Inst of Chem Technol, Hyderabad-500 007) : Immobilization of Pleurotus ostreatus 1804 on PUF cubes: Influence of mycelial growth pattern on laccase yield. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(1), 84-8.

Influence of immobilized Pleurotus ostreatus 1804, on polyurethane foam (PUF) cubes, was investigated on laccase yield as a function of immobilized PUF cubes and their repeated application. Enhanced laccase expression after fermentation was observed with immobilized PUF cubes (3109 U in 168 h) compared to free mycelia (2583 U in 192 h). The expression of laccase during fermentation was monitered by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, which showed a band with a molecular mass of 63 kDa. Effective laccase yield was also observed with repeated application of immobilized PUF cubes consistently upto 8 batches of fermentation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the pattern of spiraling colonization and aggregation of the P. ostreatus mycelia on PUF cubes. During repeated application, the hyphal growth on the PUF cubes increased consistently, manifested by both the processes of tip extension and branching, permitting the fungal colonization.

5 illus, 24 ref

023856   Kar D;Laskar B A;Debasish Nath;Barbhuiya M H (Dep of Life Sci, Assam (Central) Univ, Silchar-11) : Length-weight relationship of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (Mcclelland) aud Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland). Indian J Fish 2005, 52(4), 495-6.

The length-weight relationship of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) and Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland), collected from Jatinga river in Assam, have been studied. Based on 50 specimens of N. hexagonolepis (70-270 mm) and 72 specimens of G. lissorhynchus (47-94mm), the regression equation was calculated to be Log W=-2.882 + 1.922 Log L and Log W=-5.171 + 3.152 Log L respectively for the two species of fishes. The computed V values indicated that 'n' value of N. hexagonolepis is significantly different from the expected value of '3'. The relative condition factor (K_n) remained greater than 1 for N. hexagonolepis and G. lissorhynchus indicating their good well being.

1 table, 4 ref

023855   Kamat J P (Radiat Biol & Hlth Sci Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Mumbai-400 085, Email: jkamat@magnum.barc.ernet.in) : Peroxynitrite: a potent oxidizing and nitrating agent. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(6), 436-47.

Nitric oxide (NO) reacts with superoxide (O₂) forming peroxynitrite (PXN) (ONOO^-), a strong oxidant which reacts with Several biomolecules leading to enormous implications in biological process^1-3, holds enormous implications for the understanding of free radicals. The ONOO^- formation in vivo has significant implications in free radical biology. It exerts a defensive role in large number of pathophysiological reactions^2,3 and also acts as signaling molecule in activation of several protooncogenes^4,5. It decomposes rapidly to an intermediate and reacts with several biomolecules⁴. Evidence for PXN formation in vivo has been obtained immunohistochemically through detection of a characteristic reaction product with protein tyrosine residues and 3-nitrotyrosine⁶. This "biomarker" of PXN formation has now been identified in various pathologies such as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, atherosclerosis as well as in biological aging. 3-nitrotyrosine formation has been documented in various tissues, e.g. even in non-diseased embryonic heart during normal development. Therefore, there is a great opportunity in the postgenomic period to understand the interplay of these molecular interactions with biological events such as apoptosis. gene regulation etc. This review deals with biological significance of peroxynitrite, its precursors, reactions with large range of biomolecules, including aminoacids, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, antioxidants as well as cytotoxic aspects.

^iia2 illus, 114 ref

023854   Jogi c;Joshi R H;Dodia M S;Singh S P (Lab of Mar Microbiol Biosci Dep, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot-360 005, Email: satyapsing@yahoo.com) : Extracellular alkaline protease production by a haloalkaliphilic bacteria. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(2), 439-44.

Production and thermostability of extracellular alkaline proteases was studied from haloalkaliphilic bacteria isolated from seawater along the coastal Gujarat (Western India). Isolated haloalkaliphilic bacteria were judged as Gram-negative cocci. Seven haloalkilophilic bacteria were isolated and abbreviated as PO 1 to PO 7. All isolates secreted the enzyme, but the maximum secretion was noticed in PO 5, hence detail study was conducted with this isolate. The study showed that growth of halophilic bacteria and production of extracellular alkaline proteases was optimum at pH 9 and 15% (w/v) NaCl. Glucose (1%, w/v) and yeast extract (1%, w/v) along with peptone was found to be most effective carbon and nitrogen source, respectively. Among the various carbon sources employed, 1% (w/v) xylose resulted in maximum enzyme production. Production of alkaline protease was optimized as regard to MgCl₂, CaCl₂, and K₂HPO₄. The enzyme was not thermally stable beyond 37°C and rapid loss of activity occurred at higher temperatures.

8 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

023853   Gupta S;Verma A K;Laxmi Chand (Div of Vet Biochem F V Sc & A H P B 135, S K Univ of Agric Sci and Technol, Kashmir-190 006) : Isolation and characterization of gene encoding vicilin (7S) protein from cDNA clones of immature seeds of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(1), 32-6.

cDNA library was constructed in λgt 11 expression vector from mRNA of immature seeds of pigeonpea. This cDNA was screened with specific non-radioactive, DIG-labelled heterologous pea vicilin cDNA probe (pRC-758). The positive vicilin (7S) encoding cDNA clones were isolated. One of the vicilin cDNA clones showed insert size of <126>1.3 Kb, when analyzed by PCR using λgt 11 forward and reverse primers. This PCR product was subcloned in pUC18 vector for confirmation of gene and product by Southern and Western hybridizations, respectively. The clone was named as pSL-1 and sequenced with M13 universal forward and reverse sequencing primers. The partial nucleotide sequence (1341 bp) has been indexed in NCBI gene bank with accession number AF348366. The complete gene has 1417 base pairs with 972 bp coding sequence. Hence, the predicted polypeptide chain of this gene was determined, which contained 323 amino acids. After post translation modification, the predicted polypeptide has 310 amino acids long with approximately mol wt of 34.1 kDa. This gene encoding vicilin (7S) protein provides the basic understanding of the gene structure of pigeonpea storage proteins.

^iia5 illus, 36 ref

023852   Gunasekaran V;Kotay S M;Das D (Dep of Biotechnol, Indian Inst of Technol, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: ddas@hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Alkaline lipase production by Citrobacter freundii IIT-BT BT L139. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(6), 485-91.

Around 150 lipase producing bacterial isolates were screened from the local soils enriched with oil. Citrobacter freundii IIT-BT LI39. an isolated microbial strain, produced lipase that had high activity (8.8 U/ml) at pH 9.0 and 40°C. The 16S rDNA phylogenetic studies-showed that Citrobacter freundii belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and later confirmed by the microbial identification. Suitable C and N sources for lipase production were deduced to be starch and peptone-urea, respectively. In a controlled fermenter (1 L), the lipase activity was found to increase by 36% (12 Uml^-1). The variation of lipase activity, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) during growth of the organism in the controlled batch fermemer were monitored. The rheological characteristics of the fermentation broth indicated that it behaved like a Newtonian fluid throughout the fermentation. The fermentation time was comparatively short (60 h). The lipase was also found to be substantially resistant to common detergents. This lipase was, thus, characterized as alkaline, thermostable and solvent stable which was essentially desirable in pharmaceutical, detergent and other industrial applications or production.

^iia8 illus, 29 ref

023851   Goltekar R C;Krishnan K P;De Souza M J B D; Paropkari A L;Loka Bharathi P A (NO, Natn Inst of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: loka@darya.nio.org) : Effect of carbon source concentration and culture duration on retrievability of bacteria from certain estuarine, coastal and offshore areas around peninsular India. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 103-6.

Improved culture-based approaches efficiently compliment the limitations encountered in molecular methods to delineate the diversity and functions of uncultured organisms. The study endeavours to reduce the anomaly between total counts (TC) and retrievable plate counts as colony forming units (CFU). Retrievability was improved by decreasing nutrient concentration in the culture medium. Maximum retrievability of 10⁴ CFU ml^-1 was obtained on 0.1% nutrient strength (100% corresponds to 8 g l^-1 nutrient broth with 1.5% agar-agar) with samples from the Bay of Bengal offshore and coastal waters. However, in the Arabian Sea, retrievability was maximum (10² CFU ml^-1) on 33 and 100% nutrient strength. By varying the nutrient concentration, retrievability could be enhanced to 24% of TC in the estuaries, 3-14% in coastal waters and 5% in offshore waters. Bacteria from relatively more dynamic estuarine systems seemed less resilient compared to the coastal and offshore populations, as they were best retrieved (10⁵ CFU ml^-1) only on 1% nutrient strength.

4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

023850   Ghosh P;Mandal S (Dep of Civ Engng, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: bdc_physics@yahoo.co.in) : Development of bioconcrete material using an enrichment culture of novel thermophilic anaerobic bacteria. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(4), 336-9.

In the biosphere, bacteria can function as geo-chemical agents, promoting the, dispersion, fractionation and/or concentration of materials. Microbial mineral precipitation is resulted from metabolic activities of microorganisms. Based on this biomineralogy concept, an attempt has been made to develop bioconcrete material incorporating of an enrichment culture of thermophilic and anaerobic bacteria within cement-sand mortar/concrete. The results showed a significant increase in compressive strength of both cement-sand mortar and concrete due to the development of filler material within the pores of cement sand matrix. Maximum strength was observed at concentration 10⁵ cell/ml of water used in mortar/concrete. Addition of Escherichia coli or media composition on mortar showed no such improvement in strength.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

023849   Gadhia P K;Nanavati J;Pithawala M;Vaniawala S (Biosci Dep, Veer Narmad South Guj Univ, Surat-395 007, Email: pankaj_gadhia@hotmail.com) : Chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchange frequencies in human lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to pesticide endosulfan (Endocel). J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(2), 413-16.

Peripheral blood lymphosyte cultures from 12 healthy nonsmoker individuals having mean age range 24-32 years were exposed in vitro to two different concentrations 35 μg/ml and 70μg/ml of commercial formulation of endosulfan, 'Endocel' (Excel Industries Ltd., India). Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies have been used as cytogenetic endpoints. There was significant increase in the number of aberrant cells after exposure to doses, 35μg/ml (P<60>0.001) and 70 μg/ml (P<60>0.0001) of endocel. Chromosome as well as chromatid type of aberrations increased in dose dependent manner. Relatively high frequency of abnormal metaphases (that included prematurely condensed chromosomes, pulverization and endoreduplication) were observed after exposure to endocel. On the other hand, SCE frequencies decreased significantly (P<60>0.05) after exposure to endocel at both concentrations. The results provide information about the clastogenic potential of the pesticide's in vitro treatment, therefore, could play role in assessing possible genotoxic risk for humans.

2 tables, 17 ref

023848   Ebrahimzadeh M A;Mahdavi M R;Asadee M (Medicinal Chem Dep Sari Sch of Pharm, Mazandaran Univ of Med Sci, Sari, Iran, Email: zadeh20@yahoo.com) : Multi-resistance of some most frequently ioslated bacterial pathogens to antimicrobials in Iran. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(2), 449-52.

Bacterial resistance to various antimicrobial agents is most common in areas with high usage of antibiotics such as in countries where over the counter availability promotes usage. In Iran, information about bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is very limited, if any. In this study, data on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns have been collected for a 18-month period at the one regional and two leaching hospitals in Sari. A total of 2190 aerobic cultures were reviewed. The most common bacterial pathogens were E-coli (62.5%), Staphylococcus sp. (aureus and coagulase-negative) (13.7%), P. aeruginosa (7.6%), Klebsiella (6.9%), Enterobacter sp. (4.7%), Proteus sp. (2.4%), Acinetobacter sp. (1.1%) and Streptococcus sp. (1.1%). High levels of resistance to co-trimoxazole have been found in E-coli (40%) and Klebsiella sp. (41%), cephalexin in P. aeruginosa (81.3%), nitrofurantoin in Proteus sp. (58.45%) and nalidixic acid in S. aureus (52%). Levels of resistance to majority of antibiotics were higher than other countries.

1 table, 24 ref

023847   Dave B P;Anshuman K;Hajela P (Dep of Life Sci, Bhavnagar Univ, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: bharti_dave@hotmail.com) : Siderophores of halophilic archaea and their chemical characterization. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(4), 340-4.

Nine halophilic archaea viz., Halobacterium salinarum, Halobacterium sp.1, Halobacterium sp.2, Halobaculum sp., Halococcus saccharolyticus, Halorubrum saccharovorum, Haloterrigena turkmenica, Halogeometricum sp. and Natrialba sp. isolated from marine salterns around Bhavnagar coast were screened for siderophore production. Five isolates viz., Halococcus saccharolyticus, Halorubrum saccharovorum, Haloterrigena turkmenica, Halogeometricum sp. and Natrialba sp. produced siderophores as evidenced by positive reaction in FeCl₃ test, CAS assay and CAS agar plate test. Determination of chemical nature of siderophores by chemical assays and bioassays identified them as carboxylates, Quantification of siderophores indicated Halorubrum saccharovorum to be the maximum siderophore producer (2.62 RE mg/ml) and Halococcus saccharolyticus to be the least (1.33 RE mg/ml). Study is the first report on siderophore production in Indian haloarchael strains. Mechanism of iron assimilation in four non siderophore isolates still needs to be investigated further.

4 tables, 25 ref

023846   Das D;Satapathy S S;Buragohain A K;Ray S K (Dep of Molec Biol and Biotechnol, Tezpur Univ, Tezpur-784 028, Email: suven@tezu.ernet.in) : Occurrence of all nucleotide combinations at the third and the first positions of two adjacent codons in open reading frames of bacteria. Curr Sci 2006, 90(1), 22-4.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

023845   Antony B;Palaniswami M S (Fac of Agric Lab of Appl Ent, The Univ of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan, Email: binuantony1@yahoo.co.in) : Bemisia tabaci feeding induces pathogenesis-related proteins in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(3), 182-5.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranzts) plants fed upon by whitefly Bemisia tabaci showed increased levels of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, such as β-1, 3-glucanase, peroxidase and chitinase activities, as compared to uninfested plants. The enzymes increased in specific activities from 2 to 7 fold and protein content in leaf extracts decreased in whitefly-infested plants, compared to uninfested plants. Among the three PR proteins, B. tabaci feeding induced significantly higher β-1,3-glucanase activities, when compared with other two PR proteins. Study also discussed the possible application of PR proteins in whitefly control program.

^ssc1 table, 28 ref

023844   Anil Kant;Pattanayak D;Chakrabarti S K;Sharma R;Thakur M;Sharma D R (Advd Cent of Hill Bioresources and Biotechnol, C S K Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: anil_kantv@yahoo.com) : RAPD analysis of genetic variability in Pinus gerardiana Wall. in Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh). Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(1), 62-7.

RAPD analysis was carried out to determine the genetic diversity of Pinus geradiana in Himacahl Pradesh. Twenty-four genotypes of P. gerardiana growing at different locations in the distribution range of species were sampled randomly for analysis. Thirty random primers generated 413 fragments, of which 390 (94%) were polymorphic in nature. Eleven of the 24 individual genotypes were distinguished by unique bands specific to them. The similarity coefficient values suggested a wide genetic base of genotypes taken in the experiment. An UPGMA dendrogram based on similarity coefficient indices indicated that genotypes did not cluster according to their site of collection. This can be attributed to highly cross-pollinating nature of the species and small distributional range in the area.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

023843   Al-Ayed M S (Phys and Astr Dep, Coll of Sci King Saud Univ, P.O. Box 2455, 11451 Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: malayed@ksu.edu.sa) : Biophysical studies on the liposome-albumin system. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(3), 186-9.

Potential use of liposomes as a delivery system is still limited by the poor understanding of their interaction mechanisms with biological media. Interaction between bovine albumin (BA) and liposomes was studied using phase transition and dielectric measurements as well as solubilization process using non-ionic detergent octylglucoside (OG). After liposomes were incubated with diluted and concentration BA, phase transition, characterizing the liposome membrane exhibited a shift towards higher temperatures, together with initiation of multiple phase transitions. The relaxation time of liposome membrane molecules also increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The solubilization profiles of incubated samples also showed remarkable changes, especially in beginning of solubilization stages. Moreover, amount of detergent needed to completely solubilize membrane was also increased. It was concluded that BA significantly altered the physical state of liposome membrane, which may be attributed to BA interaction with liposomes surface and/or by its incorporation within the bilayer membrane.

^ssc3 illus, 25 ref

023842   Agrawal P K;Christou;Kohli A (Molec Biotechnol Unit, John Innes Cent, Norwich NR4 7UH, U.K.) : Clean DNA transformation: a novel transformation system for crop plants and higher organisms. J appl Zool Res 2005, 16(2), 180-3.

Gene transfer to plants typically involves the use of whole super coiled plasmids even though vector backbone sequences have no function in direct DNA transformation. Such sequences contain potentially recombinogenic elements that can promote transgene rearrangement and affect expression. To avoid the negative affects of plasmids on integration was cotransformed rice and transgene expression, we rice by particle bombardment with five minimal gene cassettes (promoter, coding region and terminator): hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt; selectable marker), phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (bar), β-glucuronidase (gusA). luciferase (luc) and anthranilate synthase (as). A total of 38 lines comprising 320 plants were analysed. Transgene integration was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Transgene expression was detected at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by specific functional assays for the proteins. Quantitative expression analysis for the transgenes was performed during the vegetative and flowering phases. All plants contained at least one gene in addition to the selectable marker (hpt). The transgenic population contained an average of 3.45 genes per line and Ca70% of the integrated transgenes were expressed. The cotransformation frequencies observed using minimal cassettes were comparable with previous studies involving bombardment with whole plasmids. However, coexpression frequencies and the expression levels of individual genes were higher than in previous studies, suggesting that the lack of vector backbone sequences significantly reduces transgene rearrangement-mediated negative effects on expression. Considering the simple integration patterns, higher frequencies of co-expression and higher expression levels of individual genes, it has been proposed that Clean DNA Transformation' will become the method of choice for generating transgenic plants carrying novel genes like insect pest and disease resistance.

2 tables, 9 ref

023841   Acharya L S K;Ovais M (Biosci Dep, Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal-462 026, Email: drovais@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of histaminergic drugs on melanophores of fish scales: An in vitro study. J Cell Tissue Res 2005, 5(2), 475-8.

Effects of histamine, 2-methylhistamine and 4-methylhistamine were examined on the isolated scale melanophores of fish Tor khudree (Sykes) in physiological salt solution. Melanophore Size Index (MSI) was adopted as the parameter for evaluation of the fish melanophore responses. Histamine induced a mild dispersion in a low dose-range, while at higher dose it showed constent aggregation in the fish melanophores. Both dermal and epidermal melanophores responded in a similar manner. Plientolamine (3.55x 10^-5 M), mepyramine (2.49 x 10^-5 M) and ranitidine (2.849 x 10^-5 M) all significantly inhibited the aggregatory responses of the fish melanophores to histamine, which indicates the presence of histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors. The specific histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor agonists, 2-methylhistamine and 4-methylhistamine, were also employed. Both the specific agonists consistently aggregated the melanophores in concentration-related manner. It is concluded from the study that histamine induced dispersal as well as aggregatory responses are mediated through direct as well as indirect mechanisms and both the H₁ and H₂ receptors may be present.

6 illus, 19 ref

022718   Yadav M;Vadav K D S (Dep of Chem, D D U Gorakhpur university, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: kds_chemistry@rediffmail.com) : Enzymatic characteristics of ligninperoxidases from Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus terreus using n-propanol as substrate. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 48-51.

The activities of ligninperoxidases from Penicillium citrinum MTCC 3565, Fusarium oxysporum MTCC 3379 and Aspergillus terreus MTCC 3374 have been assayed and the enzymatic characteristics like K_m, pH and temperature optima using n-propanol as the substrate have been reported. The results suggest that n-propanol can substitute veratryl alcohol as substrate Cor assaying ligninperoxidase activities from different fungal strains, without affecting the enzymatic characteristics. The above strains were selected, as they were known to secrete lisninperoxidase in the liquid culture medium.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

022717   Wenhua R;Shuangquan Z;Daxiang S;Kaiya Z;Guang Y (Jiangsu Province Key Lab for Molec and Med Biotechnol, Coll of Life Sci Nanjing Norm Univ, Nanjing 210097. P. R. China, Email: spidervenom@163.com) : Induction, purification and characterization of an antibacterial peptide scolopendrin I from the venom of centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 88-93.

The crude venom of the centipede Scolopendra subspinies mutilans, injected with Escherichia coli K₁₂D₃₁ for 3-4 days showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive. Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. It showed good antibacterial activity against E. coli K₁₂D₃₁ at different temperatures. pH, and ionic strengths. The crude venom was heated at 100°C for 30 min, centrifuged at 10.000 rpm for 30 min at 4°C and the supernatants were obtained, from which an antibacterial fraction having a molecular mass of 3000-5000 Da, was further separated by ultrafiltration. A homogeneous antibacterial peptide named scolopendrin I, having a molecular mass of 4,498 Da, was isolated using cation-exchange chromatography and two steps of reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Scolopendrin I did not show any hemolytic and agglutination activities at the concentration below 30 μM.

10 illus, 12 tables, 14 ref

022716   Viswanathan M;Solomon S P R;Tsuchida N;Selvam G S;Shanmugam G (Dep of Biochem, Cent for Advd Stud in Funct Genomics, School of Bio Sci, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: shan1938@yahoo.com) : Methylation of E-cadherin and hMLH1 genes in Indian sporadic breast carcinomas. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(2), 115-9.

Hypermethylation of promoter regions leading to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is a common event in the progression of several tumor types. Author has employed a novel restriction digestion based multiplex PCR assay to analyse the methylation status of promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes (p16, hMLHl, MGMT and E-cadherin) in sporadic breast carcinomas of Indian women. The results indicated the absence of hypermethylation in promoter region of p16 and MGMT genes. However, 6 of the 19 (31.6%) sporadic breast carcinomas showed hypermethylation in the promoters of two of the genes analysed; three in hMLHl and another three in E-cad. Since earlier studies have shown lack of genetic alterations such as missense mutations and deletions in the tumor associated genes-p16, ras and p 14 in sporadic breast tumors, the epigenetic alterations of the two genes reported in the study could be of interest and might be among the events in the genesis/progression of sporadic breast carcinomas.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022715   Vidyasagar P B;Shil P;Thomas D (Biophys Lab Dep of Phys, Univ of Pune, Pune-411 007, Email: pbv@physics.unipune.ernet.in) : Evolution of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase qxygenase (RuBisCO) large chains : In silico study. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 225-30.

In silico sequence analysis of RubisCO large chain has been carried out using bioinformatics tools and techniques to find the modification of the chain in the process of evolution from lower to higher plants. Output from the multiple sequence alignment shows the existence of the peptide stretches (e.g. "KDDEN", "SGGIH", etc) that are conserved along the evolutionary pathway. Phylogenetic analysis using PHYLIP and sequence comparison, both multiple and pairwise, indicate that after initial variations among the lower photosynthetic organisms, the stability of the chain has been reached in the higher vascular plants.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

022714   Uma Devi P (Dep of Res, Jawaharlal Nenru Cancer Hosp & Res Cent Idgah Hills, Bhopal-462 001) : Aging and gerontology in the context of women in India. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(3), 350-5.

Highlight the general problems facing the aged Indian women, with special reference to the changing family structure, social norms and life styles. Many of the aspects mentioned are not given serious consideration nor have been the subject subjected of detailed research. Probing deep into these problems and finding feasible solutions are of prime importance for a healthy lndia.

tables, ref

022713   Tolan V;Ensari Y (Fac of Art and Sci Dep of Biol, Univ of Dicle, 21280, Diyarbakm, Turkey, Email: vtolan@dicle.edu.tr ) : Effect of endosulfan on growth, Alpha amylase activity and plasmids amplification in Bacillus subtilis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 123-6.

Endosulfan, a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide of cyclodiene subgroup acts as a contact poison in a wide variety of organisms. The effect of endosulfan on the growth, α amylase activity and plasmid amplification was investigated in Bacillus subtilis system. The bacteria were grown in medium, incubated with different concentrations (32. 48. 64 and 80 μg/mL) of endosulfan. The bacterial growth was gradually seen after 1st day at up to 48 μg/L endosulfan. The 48 μg/L endosulfan inhibited approximately 50% of the bacterial growth. No growth was observed at and after 64 μg/L endosulfan. for all days (1-5). Also, no α amylase activity was found in the supernatant of the culture medium containing 64 and 80 μg/L endosulfan, whereas slight activity was observed with 32 and 48 (μg/L endosulfan concentration. The amount of plasmid increased up to 50% in the presence of 32 μg/L endosulfan. Endosulfan had no effect on the a amylase activity in vitro.

^ssc4 illus, 20 ref

022712   Thakur M S;Parmar S N S;Tolenkhomba T C; Srivastava P N;Joshi C G;Rank D N;Solanki J V;Pillai P V A (Dep of Anim Breed & Genet, Coll of Vet Sci & Anim Husb, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: snsparmar@yahoo.co.in) : Growth hormone gene polymorphism in Kadaknath breed of poultry. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 189-94.

The chicken growth hormone gene of intron I region from three varieties of Kadaknath breed of poultry was amplified by PCR and a 770 bp product was obtained. The products from each variety (Jet black, Golden and Pencilled) were digested with Msp I (5 U), which recognizes the 5'-C Å C G G-3' sequence. The RFLP pattern revealed restriction fragments of 529, 373, 241 and 156 bp sizes, which indicated the presence of two restriction sites. In total, three RFLP patterns was observed at two restriction sites. The genotypic frequencies obtained for different varieties were tested for equilibrium using chi-square test. The differences among genotypes for all the three varieties were found to be non-significant, which indicated that population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The alleles A and A₂ were not observed in all the three varieties of Kadaknath breed of poultry. The overall allelic frequencies for A₁, and A₃ alleles were 0.375±0.016 and 0.625±0.020, respectively for all the three varieties. The highest allelic frequency (0.700±0.011) was obtained for A₃ allele in Pencilled variety and lowest (0.300±0.022) for A₁ allele was also observed in Pencilled variety. The phylogenetic consensus tree grouped all the three varieties into one cluster. The highest genetic distance (0.0748) was observed between Jet black and Pencilled and smallest (0.0051) between Jet black and Golden varieties. The genetic differences among all the three varieties based on phylogenetic tree were negligible; which indicates non-significant differences among each other. Thus it can be concluded that all the three varieties belonging to the Kadaknath breed of poultry have almost similar genetic base.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

022711   Thakker C;Burhanpurwala Z;Rastogi G;Shouche Y;Ranade D (Microbial Sci Div, Agharkar Res Inst, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune-411 004, Email: drrande@vsnl.com) : Isolation and characterization of a new osmotolerant, non-virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SAP for biosynthesis of succinic acid. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(2), 142-50.

Isolation of anaerobic bacteria from 24 different eco-niches was carried out. A total number of 300 bacterial isolates, including 230 obligate and 70 facultative anaerobes were obtained using anaerobic techniques. All the isolates were initially screened for succinic acid production by Fluorescein test and TLC method. During screening, 10 isolates found to produce succinic acid were further examined by HPLC and then finally confirmed for succinic acid by LC-MS analysis. Amongst 10 isolates, isolate SAP, a facultative anaerobe isolated from buffalo rumen fluid, showed maximum yield of 2.1 g/l of succinic acid from 10 g of glucose in 24 hr under anaerobic condition. This isolate was identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SAP by 16S rDNA sequence and signature sequence analysis. Mouse lethality test for the strain SAP showed LD₅₀ value of 3.3 x 10^<8> CFU/ml, which shows non-virulent nature of the strain. This strain may become a candidate strain for succinic acid production because of its osmotolerant nature and higher succinate:acetate ratio.

6 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

022710   Subudhi U;Chainy G B N;Mohanty P (Dep of Biotechnol, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 004, Email: prakashmohanty@rediffmail.com) : Kinetics and mechanism of reduction of ferricytochrome c by glutathione and L-cysteine: A comparative study. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 37-40.

The kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of ferricytochrome c [Cyt c(III)] by substrates namely glutathione (GSH) and L-cysteine (L-cys) have been investigated spectrophotometrically employing [substrate]_T <62><62> [Cyt c(III)]_T. The reaction exhibits first order dependence in [substrate]_T and [Cyt c(III)]_T. The pseudo-first order rate constant increases with an increase in pH, indicating that the conjugate base form of the HCyt c(III) is a better oxidant than the parent HCyt c(III). The electron transfer rate constants between the oxidants and GSH for both the k₁ and k₂ paths are found to be greater than that with L-cysteine. Hence, GSH is a better reductant of Cyt c(III) as compared to L-cystene. A suitable mechanism has been proposed on the basis of experimental findings. The deprotonation constant for HCyt c(III) and the second order rate constants of k₁ and k₂ paths for the present reaction at 25°C have been determined.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

022709   Srivastava R B;Awasthi M;Upreti M C;Mathur G N (Directorate of Life Sci, DRDO, 7th floor, Chankya Bhawan, Chankyapuri, New Delhi-110 021, Email: rbs1_cnb@rediffmail.com) : Studies on Aureobasidium pullulans forming biofilm on high strength aluminium alloy, a structural component, in aircraft fuel tanks. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2006, 13(2), 135-9.

Effect of Aureobasidium pullulans on the behaviour of aluminium alloy has been investigated. This fuel resident fungal species has been isolated frequently from the contaminated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) alongwith other microorganisms under Indian tropical conditions. This microbial culture was observed to have the ability to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which help in securing firm adhesion of biogrowth on aluminium alloy forming biofilm ultimately leading to accelerated corrosion. Characteristics of the biofilm generated, nature of EPS secreted and the ability of A. pullulans to influence the surface structure of aluminium alloy due to the presence of corrosion enhancing metabolites and subsequent formation of corrosion products has been reoprted.

3 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

022708   Sreejith P;Oommen O V (Dep of Zool, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: oommen@bigfoot.com ) : Rapid regulatory effect of tri-iodothyronine (T₃) on antioxidant enzyme activities in a fish Anabas testudineus (Bloch): Short-term in vivo and in vitro study. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 119-22.

Short-term action of thyroid hormone tri-iodothyronine (T was studied in vivo and in vitro on antioxidant enzyme activities in a teleost Anabas testudineus (Bloch). T₃ injection in vivo (200 ng) in normal fish decreased the lipid peroxidation products and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities after 30 min. T₃ in vitro (10^-6 M) increased the antioxidant activities of catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), GPx and glutathione level after 15/30 min, except SOD, substantiating in vivo effects in normal fish. The results suggest a rapid regulatory effect of thyroid hormone in vivo and in vitro, in the removal of reactive oxygen species in A. testudineus.

^ssc1 table, 36 ref

022707   Songara D;Bohra A (Microbiol Lab Dep of Bot, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur) : Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Jasminum arborescens against human and plant pathogenic bacteria. Curr Agric 2005, 29(1-2), 153-5.

Antimicrobial activity of Jasminum arborescens, was tested against four human pathogenic bacteria viz. E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and one plant pathogenic bacteria, Xanthomons compestris. Different plant parts root, stem, leaf and flower were taken for experimental studies. For testing antibacterial activity disc diffusion method given by Kirby Bauer was used. Root extracts effected the growth of E. coli and Xanthomonas campestris. Leaf extracts showed better results against E. coli followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Stem extracts inhibited Salmonella typhi and E. coli. Flower extracts showed no activity against any of the experimental bacteria. Results were also compared with standard antibiotics. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was also done.

2 tables, 5 ref

022706   Singh M P;Patel S;Dikshit M;Gupta Y K (NO, Industrial Toxicol Res Cent (ITRC), Lucknow-226 001) : Contribution of genomics and proteomics in understanding the role of modifying factors in Parkinson's disease. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 69-81.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder, characterized by selective degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. It is a multi-factorial disease, contributed by a combination of age, genetic and environmental factors. Etiology of sporadic PD and mechanism underlying selective loss of dopaminergic neurons has not yet been clearly understood. Recent developments in genomics and proteomics have revolutionized the research on PD at genetic level. Differential gene expression patterns (DNA biochip technology), age-dependent complex genetic patterns (SNP genotyping), and protein expression profiles (proteomics) of PD patients have started providing the specific and rigorous molecular explanation and role of modifying factors in PD. Genomics and proteomics are further expected to help in developing biomarkers for diagnosis of early onset PD and also to develop valuable and potential therapeutic strategies for its treatment. The progress made by genomics and proteomics, in understanding the role of modifying factor in PD have been discussed.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

022705   Shete A M;Wadhawa G;Banat I M;Chopade B A (Bilchemical Sci Div, Natn Chem Lab, Pune-411 007, Email: chopade@unipune.ernet.in) : Mapping of patents on bioemulsifier and biosurfactant. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(2), 91-115.

Biosurfactant (BS) and bioemulsifier (BE) molecules have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties that partition preferentially at the interface between fluid phases with different degrees of polarity and hydrogen bonding such as oil/water or air/water interfaces. Such characteristics enable excellent detergency. emulsifying, foaming and dispersing traits. Their low toxicity and environmental friendly nature and range of potential industrial applications in the oil, bioremediation. health care and food processing industries make them a highly sought after group of chemical compounds. Several patents have been issued on BE and BS produced by Acinetobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and sophorolipid producing yeasts like Candida spp. Review presents the result of a scan and mapping effort for 255 patents granted on these compounds worldwide highlighting me types of microorganisms, molecules produced, production process and their potential industrial applications.

iai illus, 5 tables, 32 ref

022704   Sherwani R;Akhtar K;Zaheer S;Tuli P (Path Dep, J N Med Coll, AMU, Aligarh) : Fine needle aspiration and impression cytology in precursor lesions of gall bladder carcinoma and its histologic correlation. J Cytol 2005, 22(4), 179-83.

Study was undertaken to study the precursor lesions of invasive gall bladder carcinoma by FNAC and impression cytology and correlate it with histology. A total of 140 patients with sign and symptoms of gall bladder disease were divided into 2 groups. Group-A included 30 patients with USG confirmed cancer in whom only FNAC was performed. Group-B included the remaining 110 patients. After cholecystectomy, bile was immediately drained off and 2-3 imprint smears prepared and stained with H&E and papanicolaou stain. The specimen was then processed histopathologically and sections stained with H&E. The commonest lesion observed was chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (74.5%). Well differentiated adenocarcinoma (84.8%) was the most frequent type of gall bladder carcinoma. Fundus was the commonest site for all precursor lesions. Most cases of simple hyperplasia was seen in the 3rd and 4th decades of life (67.9%). 70% of cases of atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ were observed in the 4th and 5th decades. A good cytohistologic correlation was obtained in cases of carcinoma in situ (66.7%) and invasive carcinoma (100%). Precancerous lesions of gall bladder carcinoma can be identified better by cytologic means than through random histologic sections.

3 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

022703   Sharma R K;Bock R;Bansal K C (NO, Inst of Pl Biochem and Biotechnol Univ of Muenster, Hindenburgplatz 55, Muenster D-48143, Germany, Email: kailashbansal@hotmail.com) : Plastid transformation : safer alternative to transgenic plants. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 179-85.

Plastid transformation is emerging as an alternative tool to genetically engineer crop plants. Stable transformation of the plastid genome was first achieved in early 1990s in tobacco by Pal Maliga and his associates. The technology of plastid transformation has many advantages over the classical nuclear transformation method that is routinely employed for developing transgenic plants. Major benefits of this technology include prevention of gene flow from the engineered crops to its weedy or wild species thus making it a safer alternative tool, and high level of transgene expression especially required to develop insect-pest resistant plants. Protocols for plastid genetic engineering have been developed in few agriculturally important crop plants other than tobacco. Briefly describes and summarizes the developments of the technology highlighting its potential application in crop improvement or for the production of pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals in plants.

69 ref

022702   Sharma P K;Lawlor D (Biochem and Physiol Dep, IACR Rothamsted, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, U.K., Email: prabhat_k_sharma@rediffmail.com) : Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on growth, photosynthesis pigments and abscissic acid content in phosphoribulokinase deficient transgenic tobacco plants grown under drought condition. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 255-64.

Study investigate effect of ambient (350 μmol mol^-1) and elevated (700 μmol mol^-1) CO₂ under water stress conditions on phosphoribulokinase deficient transgenic tobacco plants (C8) generated through antisense technique and found to have only 5% phosphoribulokinase activity (referred to as transformants) as compared to wild type (Bin-19) on growth, net CO₂ assimilation, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, ABA content and activity of peroxidase. CO, enrichment resulted in significant increase in biomass in transformant and wild type plants and almost completely mitigated the effect of water stress on biomass. Rate of net photosynthesis (Pn) was also higher in plants grown at elevated CO₂ irrespective of wild or transformant and showed even greater Pn even under water stress conditions. Stomatal conductance was also higher in plants grown at 700 μmol mol^-1 CO₂ level and decreased relatively to lesser extent even when water stressed than seen at ambient CO₂ level. There was no change in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, qP and qN) in wild or transformant plants non-water stress influenced the fluorescence. However, CO₂ enrichment resulted in slight increase increase in qP and qN. Peroxidase activity was greater in wild type plants. Elevated level of CO₂ further increased/the level of Peroxidase activity in both wild as weal as in transgenic plants. Plants experiencing water stress showed even higher level of peroxidase activity. Wild type plants showed higher level of pigments including xanthophylls compared to transformants. CO₂ enrichment did not affect the pigment content appreciably. De-epoxidation of V to Z was greater in wild type plants than seen in transformants. Ambient level of CO₂ resulted in better de-epoxidation of V to Z than CO₂ enrichment in both type of plants. ABA content showed very little difference in wild type or transfoimant plants grown either at elevated or ambient level of CO₂. However, plants subjected to water stress increased the level of ABA many fold in both transformants as well as in wild type plants irrespective of level of CO₂ they were grown. The data presented here show that plants grown at elevated level of CO₂ resulted in better growth and better water stress tolerance. C8 plants showed relatively more sensitivity to stress which could be result of substrate (RUBP) limitation, as a result of 95% less of PRK enzyme resulting in low carbon metabolism as well as over energization (reduction) of the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

7 illus, 37 ref

022701   Sekhon A;Dahiya N;Tewari R P;Hoondal G S (Molec Genet and Microbiol, The Univ of Texas at Austin 1, University Station A5000 Austin TX 78712-0162, USA, Email: ineetudahiya@yahoo.com) : Production of extracellular lipase by Bacillus megaterium AKG-1 in submerged fermentation. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 179-83.

Bacillus megaterium AKG-1, a soil isolate, has been found to produce thermostable lipase during submerged fermentation (SF). Mannitol at a concentration of 0.2% (w/v) was the best carbon source for lipase production (848 units/mL). Among oils, soyabean oil gave highest lipase yield (1160 units/mL), followed by coconut oil (912 units/mL). Lipase yield was maximum (1000 units/mL) with wheat bran (1%) as sole carbon and nitrogen source, followed by neem seed cake (810 units/mL) and cotton seed cake (790 units/mL).

6 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

022700   Saxena P;Vora H S;Dubey V K;Sarangpani K K; Deokant;Minda R;Bhattacharjee S K (Laser System Engng Div, Cent for Advd Technol, Indore-452 013, Email: swapan1943@cat.ernet.in) : Anomalous thermoluminescence from photosynthetic systems. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 231-41.

Arnold and Sherwood (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 43: 105-114, 1957) following Szent-Gyorgyi's suggestion (Science, 93: 609, 1941) that the proteins in chlorophyll containing "grana" might act as semiconductor, used thermoluminescence at low temperatures in photosynthesis to demonstrate semiconductor like property of dried chloroplast preparation when excited by white light. They compared the emission properties of chloroplast with that of solid crystals known to emit visible light on heating after exposure to X-rays or ultraviolet radiation. Though Arnold and Sherwood heated samples to 140°C repeatedly before recording the luminescence, the subsequent investigators using wet photosynthetic materials, limited their observations only in the first excursion of the cooling-heating cycle, generally up to about 80°C at the higher end. Subsequently a consensus developed that emission above 60°C did not reflect any useful aspect of the photosynthetic electron transport system. Therefore, in retrospect we know that dried chloroplast samples, after having subjected to repeat heating and cooling in the process of 'stabilization' prior to recording of TL yield reported by Arnold and Sherwood, could not have arisen from functional native photosynthetic structures or complexes. Follows up the trail of Arnold and Sherwoods observation, but with spinach leaf and whole cells of cyanobacteria. The idea was to discover any emission from samples unexposed to light during the entire thermal excursion, that is, both in cooling and heating phases in repeat thermal cycles on the same sample. Such emission, independent of excitation by light, we term as Dark-TL. Reports the discovery of some of the emission phenomenon with fresh and used samples. Experiments with samples which have been subjected to a few thermal cycles, kept in dark and on further subjecting to thermal excursions up to about 120°C after adding water, revealed a plethora of new phenomena not reported earlier. Some of these are reported and briefly discussed in this paper. Ssuggests that anomalous emission elicited by dark-TL phenomenon reflects existence of a natural process in living cells presumably to relieve heat stress by light emission both in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic systems. These new observations on dark-TL were possible because of the development of a fully automated programmable instrument sensitive enough to record TL from samples as small as 2 mm² fragment of spinach leaf (Bhatnagar et al. Meets Sci. Tcchnol. 13: 2017-2026, 2002).

5 illus, 28 ref

022699   Saxena M;Soni L K;Gupta A K;Wakode S R;Saxena A K;Kaskhedikar S G (Molec Modelling Study Grp CADD Lab Dep of Pharm, Shri G. S. Inst of Technol and Sci, Indore-452 003, Email: arunkg_73@hotmail.com) : Development of pharmacophoric model of condensed pyridine and pyrimidine analogs as hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 32-6.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) has been established on a series of thirty-eight compounds of four different sets of condensed pyridine and pyrimidine analogs, for their hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor activity, in order to understand the essential structural requirement for binding with receptor, in terms of common biophoric and secondary sites employing APEX-3D software. Among several 3D pharmacophoric models with different sizes and arrangements, one model was selected based on r² = 0.8, chance<60>0.001, match equivalent to 0.38 and all the 38 compounds were considered. The results suggest that hydrophobicity. hydrogen acceptor and optimum steric refractivity play a dominant role in the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. The information obtained from the study can be used to design and predict more potent molecules as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, prior to their synthesis.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

022698   Sarker P C (Dep of Social Wk, Univ of Rajshahi, Bangladesh) : Rural development in Bangladesh through the institutionalization of village development committees (VDCs) : a paradigm of partnership effort. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 175-85.

Discusses the strategies for rural development in Bangladesh through the institutionalization of Village Development Committees (VDCs). The VDC is a village based organization of the people, by the people and for the people having analytical, productive and organizational capacity to design and implement the water and sanitation programmes by taking necessary support of respective partner NGOs. The strategic mission of rural development is to promote community management through VDCs, improvement of hygienic behaviour practice of communities, facilitating people to develop arsenic mitigation option in the contaminated areas and development and marketing of affordable technology for safe drinking water. The main focus is to explain the network partnership effort through the Involvement of INGOs, PNGOs and the members of VDCs in order to build capacity using the method of participatory approach to make them self-reliant to solve their problems by their efforts so that they can stand on their own feet utilizing the local resources.

3 tables, 10 ref

022697   Sarkar A;Dasgupta S (NO, Anthrop Surv of India, Kolkata) : Sustainable growth of population in relation to customary laws among the Abujh Maria. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 147-50.

Abujh Maria, an endogamous tribe, are confined in the Abujhmarh hill of North-West corner of the Bastar district of the present day Chhattisgarh - an extensively hilly terrain of 5225 sq.kms. It is estimated that the total population of the Abujh Maria is 19250 (1981 Census). The Abujh Maria are primarily penda (slash and burn) cultivators and produce Kosra (a kind of millet). According to their customary law the Abujhmarh hills are under the control of their pen deities who are thought as the actual owner of the hills. Cultivation in a patch of land and the duration of cultivation in a particular land - everything is decided by the pen deities through various mythical stories which became their customary law and nobody dares to breach the social norm. Not only in cultivation, each and every sphere of the life of the Abujh Maria people Including their population control is guided by their customary laws formed through various mythical verdicts of their pens which ultimately help them in smooth running of the life and culture, in such a time when there is a world wide thinking on sustainable development. Attempts to demonstrate how the customary laws help the Abujh Maria people for their sustenance and population control which in present day scenario is a burning issue-for sustainable development.

5 ref

022696   Sangwan V (Dep of Family Resour Mgmt, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 0047) : Popularization of water purifying technology at household level in slum areas. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(2), 117-19.

The study was conducted in slum areas of Delhi after selecting 200 women respondents randomly. Results regarding the respondents (56.50%) used handpump water for drinking, stored drinking water in pitchers (83.00%), washed water storage containers frequently (62.00%), had not adopted measure for sale storage of drinking water (89.00%), took water with glass holding in the hand (91.50%) and stored drinking water in covered storage container (73.50%). Mass media related to water purifying technology was prepared and pre exposure and post exposure scores were assessed. A significant difference between pre-exposure and post exposure knowledge was found.

2 tables, 5 ref

022695   Roy Burman J J (Unit for Social Policy & Social Welfare Adm, Tata Inst of Social Sci, Mumbai) : Non Governmental Organisations and Sustainable Development. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 233-40.

Sustainable Development has become a buzzword in the realms of growth and progress. This is mainly due to the fear that the natural resources will deplete very fast as a result of want on consumerism and rapid population explosion. In many quarters it is believed that as the governments have failed to perform the Non Governmental Organisations can manage things better due to their closer links with the grass roots. But there is also skepticism about this as many of the NGOs are funded internationally and they function as catalysts of western hegemonic forces. Some NGOs, particularly in the Third World are, however, aware about this and they are networking to oppose the trends of neo-colonialism. But more than them there are thousands of Community Based Organisations which have emerged indigenously and are involved many development activities. It is these bodies which must be given credence for ensuring autogenous systems of sustainable development. A modest attempt is being made here to project these in brief.

19 ref

022694   Raghaviah R (NO, , 5C Cornish Castle, Red Cross Road, Calicut) : Socio economic dimensions of ageing -a micro perspective. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(3), 343-9.

Briefly analyse the various dimensions of ageing from a micro economic perspective. This has been done with the help of the case study method, a qualitative tool in research.

5 ref

022693   Prasad A;Naskar R;Dubey R;Raha D;Firoz Ahmed M (Dep of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008, Email: nisargasen2003@yahoo.co.in) : Modulation of serum cortisol by substance P in albino rats: Evidence of a direct effect on adrenal gland. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(2), 163-4.

Effect of prolonged administration of substance P on the plasma cortisol level in the albino rats has been investigated. An inhibitory impact on intact individuals and a stimulatory effect in pharmacologically annulled rats has been observed. It is concluded that in normal conditions substance P presumably acts as a preventive agent for any excess secretion of cortisol while during stress or disturbed HPA or RAS conditions, it stimulates the secretion of cortisol. An intraglandular modulatory role of substance P has been suggested.

sc1 table, 16 ref

022692   Pinto S E;Misra H S;Rao S U;Andreo C S; Bhagwat A S (Molec Biol Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: anil.bhagwat@rediffmail.com) : Site directed mutagenesis studies to demonstrate the involvement of carboxyl triates located at the active site of NADP-malic enzyme in metal binding and reaction catalysis. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 219-24.

NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME; oxaloacetate-decarboxylating, EC 1.1.1.40, catalyses the oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate to yield pyruvate, CO₂ and NAD(P)H, in the presence of the divalent metal ions and thus provides substrate for CO₂ assimilation in C-4 plants. The involvement of carboxylic amino acids at the active site in the metal binding and decarbolxylation reaction was demonstrated by site directed mutagenesis using the cDNA clone of maize NADP-malic enzyme which was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Biochemical charatcerterization of these mutant enzymes confirms the role of these amino acids in the binding of substrates (Mg²⁺ ion) and/or in the catalysis of oxidative decarboyxlation reactions. The mutant enzyme sowed drastic decrease in Km values for both Mg²⁺ and NADP suggesting the important role of Asp 351, Asp 350 and Glu 327 in the binding of these substrates.

4 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

022691   Patel A;Mishra S;Ghosh P K (NO, Cent Salt and Mar Chemicals Res Inst, G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: smishracsmcri@rediffmail.com) : Antioxidant potential of C-phycocyanin isolated from cyanobacterial species Lyngbya, Phormidium and Spirulina spp. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 25-31.

Antioxidant activity of C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) isolated from three cyanobacterial species Lyngbya (marine). Phormidium (marine) and Spirulina (fresh water) was studied in vitro. The results demonstrate that C-PCs from Lyngbya. Phormidium and Spirulina spp. are able to scavenge peroxyl radicals (determined by crocin bleaching assay) with relative rate constant ratio of 3.13, 1.89 and 1.8, respectively. C-PCs also scavenge hydroxyl radicals (determined by deoxyribose degradation assay) with second order rate constant values of 7.87 x 10¹⁰. 9.58 x 10¹⁰ and 6.42 x 10¹⁰, respectively. Interestingly. Lyngbya C-PC is found to be an effective inhibitor of peroxyl radicals (IC₅₀ 6.63 μM), as compared to Spirulina (IC₅₀ 12.15 μM) and Phonnidium C-PC (IC₅₀ 12.74 μM) and is close to uric acid (IC₅₀ 2.15 μM). Further, the studies suggest that the covalently-linked tetrapyrrole chromophore phycocyanobilin is involved in the radical scavenging activity of C-PC. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of C-PCs indicate the presence of free radical active sites, which may play an important role in its radical scavenging property. This is the first report on the ESR activity of native C-PCs without perturbations that can cause radical formation.

8 illus, 1 table, 22 ref