022690   Palanivelu P (Dep of Molec Microbiol, Sch of Biotechnol Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: PP@mrna.tn.nic.in) : Polygalacturonases: Active site analyses and mechanism of action. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 148-62.

Polygalacturonases from various sources have been analyzed by ClustalW and T-COFFEE, for identification of conserved and functional motifs in them. All the 104 polygalacturonases analyzed by the above programs, revealed four highly conserved motifs, viz., NTD, G/QDD, G/SHG and RIK among them. Distance conservation between the motifs was also observed. Based on the available evidences from chemical modification studies on active site amino acids, site-directed mutagenesis, protein sequence analysis and X-ray crystallographic data, a mechanism of action is proposed for this group of enzymes.

6 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

022689   Pal A;Ray L;Chattopadhyay P (Departrment of Fd Technol and Biochem Engng, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: lgrftbe@yahoo.com) : Purification and immobilization of an Aspergillus terreus xylanase: Use of continuous fluidized bed column reactor. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 163-8.

An Aspergillus terreus extracellular xylanase produced by solid state fermentation was purified and characterized. A 6.4 fold purified xylanase was obtained by ammonium sulphate (in 30-40% saturation) precipitation followed by dialysis. Molecular weight of the xylanase was 67.0 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was immobilized in barium alginate gel. Both free and immobilized enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 60°C (8.0 lU/mg & 5.25 IU/mg. respectively) and were most stable at pH 5.5 and thermostable up to 55°C. Co²⁺ stimulated free enzyme activity (9.27 IU/mg) and Mg²⁺ stimulated activity of immobilized enzyme (5.54 IU/mg). V_max and K_m for free and immobilized xylanases were 6.6 (μmole/mg/min, 0.75% and 1.25 μmole/mg/min, 0.625%, respectively. 23.4% conversion of substrate (0.1% birchwood xylan) was possible in 7 h using a continuous fluidized bed column reactor under the following conditions: bed height 16 cm, temperature 40°C, and dilution rate 4.09 h^-1.

6 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

022688   Onyema O O;Farombil E O;Emerole G O;Ukoha A I;Onyeze G O (Toxicol Unit Dep of Biochem, Fedl Univ of Technol, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Email: oscarow@yahoo.co.uk) : Effect of vitamin E on monosodium glutamate induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 20-4.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), administered to rats (by gavage) at a dose of 0.6 mg/g body weight for 10 days. signficantly (P<60>0.05) induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) level and increased the activities of glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver of the animals; these were observed 24 hr after 10 days of administration. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ glutamyl transferase (GGT) were also significantly increased in the serum, on MSG administration. Vitamin E (0.2 mg/g body wt) co-administered with MSG, significantly reduced the LPO, increased the GSH level and decreased the hepatic activities of GST, catalase and SOD. The activities of ALT, AST and GGT in the serum were also significantly reduced. The results showed that MSG at a dose of 0.6 mg/g body wt induced the oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats and vitamin E ameliorated MSG-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

3 tables, 43 ref

022687   Oduaran C (Dep of Educ Foundations, Univ of Botswana Gaborone, Botswana) : Age as a factor in women's attitudinal disposition towards street children in Botswana with implications for intergenerational relationships and practice. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(3), 273-306.

Investigated age as a factor in the attitudinal disposition of women towards street children in Botswana. The main goal was to determine how age interacts with women's attitudinal disposition towards street children and to highlight the implications of the interaction for intergenerational relationships and practice. In order to achieve the set goal, a stratified random sample of 618 women was drawn from the Southern Region of Botswana, consisting of the Gaborone, Lobatse, Jwaneng, Kanye, Ramotswa, Molepolole, Mochuai, Southern, South-East, Kweneng and Kgatleng census districts. The ex-post factor design was adopted to investigate the possible effects of the independent variable of age on the dependent variable, specified in this research, as attitudinal disposition towards street children. A validated questionnaire titled Women's Attitudinal Disposition Towards Street Children Questionnaire (WADTSCO) was adopted and applied in this study. Its reliability was determined using Cronbach alpha and the 'r ' was found to be 0.95. The research question formulated and answered in this study was tested for significance difference at 0.05 level. In analyzing the data, use was made of the One-way Anova and associated post-hoc T-test and percentage for frequency.

6 tables, 44 ref

022686   Nanda S (NO, Coun for Social Dev, 53 Lodl Estate, New Delhi-110 003, Email: nsatyajeet@gmail.com) : Demography and ethnography of fertility behaviour: A study of non-industrial population in India. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(4), 301-8.

An endeavour to study the causal relationship between the women's behavioural factors and fertility in a more or less non-industrial rural population in an Eastern Indian state. It analyses the women's behavioural factors with regard to impact on fertility. The behavioural factors of women higher desired family size and longer perceived ideal birth interval has been consistently associated with lower fertility. For Scheduled caste population, the association of woman's correct knowledge about probable days of conception within menstrual cycle, with lower fertility gives impression that this knowledge may provide chance to the woman or couple to go for some kind of fertility control mechanism. The verbatim and incidents studied give impression that at one hand the child survival is at demand and in other hand there seem to have a need for access to controlled and intended fertility.

5 tables, 10 ref

022685   Nagvenkar G S;Nagvenkar S S;Rivonker C U; Sangodkar U M X (Dep of Mar Sci, Goa Univ, Taleigao Plateau, 403206, Email: cur63@yahoo.com) : Microbial diversity and enzyme production in mullet Mugil cephalus L (Pisces) along Goa, west coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(1), 36-42.

Twelve bacterial species were isolated from different organs of the mullets. A comparative analysis of different bacterial communities isolated from surface, gills and intestinal tract showed significantly diverse population with reference to different groups and density. Some of the important microbial groups occurred in the different regions of the Mugil cephalus were Pseudomonas sp. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Serratia sp., Azotobacter sp., Streptococcus sp., Proteus vulgaris, Planococcus sp., Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marescens. Further study on production of enzyme in the gut content suggested that proteolytic and amylolytic activity were of elevated level, thus emphasizing that these microbial communities do play an important role in promoting efficient food utilization among mullets.

3 tables, 15 ref

022684   Mukhopadhyay K (NO, Anthrop Surv of India, Kolkata) : Paradigms of development and freedom of decision making in the Andaman Islands. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 135-46.

The Andaman Islands can be perceived as a new world in the heart of an old one. There the pre-co'lonial inhabitants of the Islands have almost completely been marginalised spatially and socially. In such a situation development could only be a colonial programme; the developmental paradigms be products of colonial priorities. Such paradigms are characterised by lack of regard for the pre-colonial people and high priorities for a course of development dictated by the mainlander outlook. While the native islanders do not stand a chance to participate freely in the process of development^pthe later settlers prefer not to differ from the mainlander mindset.

14 ref

022683   Mohapatra P K;Khamari A;Raval M K (PG Dep of Chem, Govt. Coll, Sundargarh-770 002, Email: mkroval@sanchrnet.in) : Binding geometry of chlorophylls in light harvesting complex II. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 243-7.

Geometric parameters of Mg-chlorophyll-protein complex are determined. Organization of chlorophyll molecules and orientations of their transition dipoles Q_x and Q_Y in the protein matrix are computed. These parameters may be useful in understanding and computing exciton migration. Further it may also be utilized in evolving design principles for metalloporphyrin binding peptides.

1 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

022682   Mitra S (Anthrop Surv of India, Fld Stn, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Sustainable development : strategy for tribal India. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 127-133.

Tribal scene in India is a complex cultural mosaic and could we really think of a common sustainable development programme for all the tribals as a whole ? The paper is distributed in three parts, first one deals with the concept of sustainable development, second observes the existing development scene in a Bhil village in desert ecology and the third one tries to form a strategy for sustainable development for the Bhil case in that village. Sustainable development argues for a better environment for present and future. It involves two components : the meaning of development and the condition necessary for sustainability. Development is need based. Human needs can be classified as survival, societal, welfare, psychic and cultural, adaptive needs and progressive needs. In the Roopsi village of Jaisalmer District Rajasthan, in a desert eco-system, among the Bhil existing development programme meet only survival and welfare needs. Neither it meets other needs nor it can produce a better environment for future - the basic desire of sustainability. The problems of sustainable development in tribal situation has been analysed with reference to the Roopsi Bhil case and an attempt has been made to propose a sustainable development strategy for the Roopsi case.

5 ref

022681   Mehrotra S;Sharma B (Dep of Biochem, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh Univ, Faizabad-224 001) : Chromogenic paper technique for single step detection of organo chlorine pesticide residues in vegetables. Toxic int 2005, 12(2), 129-31.

Major share of the pesticides still used in India are orgnno chlorinated compounds, despite the environmental threats posed by these compounds, due to economic factors. The persistent nature of organo chlorinated pesticides endows them with presence in almost all the food products tested. In view of the hazardous nature of these pesticides to various lion target species including human beings, it is necessary to routinely monitor residues in consumer food. In the sxxxxxxn effective, quick, specific, simple and sensitive single step method has been developed for the detection of different pesticide residues in various vegetables. The appearance of intense Prussian blue spots on the o- tolidine impregnated chromogenic paper following sunlight exposure indicated the presence of organochlorinated pesticide residues in the vegetables tested.

1 table, 7 ref

022680   Mehdi G;Akhtar K;Maheshwari V;Siddiqui S A (Path Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Med Coll, AMU, Aligarh) : Radiation response as a prognostic marker in pap smears from squamous cell carcinoma cervix. J Cytol 2005, 22(4), 161-4.

Papanicolau smears from fifty cases of squamous cell carcinoma cervix were evaluated for cytological changes 4 and 8 weeks after radiotherapy. Radiation induced changes observed in epithelial cells were correlated with clinical and histological parameters such as stage of disease, tumor grade and time lapse after therapy. Inferences drawn from the study were employed to predict the likely impact of treatment on the individual patient which would serve as a prognostic marker in different clinical and histological settings.

4 illus, 4 tables, 5 ref

022679   Maurya D K;Devasagayam T P A;Nair C K K (Radiat Biol and Hlth Sci Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Mumbai-400 085, Email: tpad@aspara.bare.ernet.in) : Some novel approaches for radioprotection and the beneficial effect of natural products. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(2), 93-114.

Due to the increased use of ionizing radiation in various aspects of human life especially in areas pertaining to radiotherapy of cancer, food preservation, agriculture, industry and power generation, there is a need to develop an effective and non-toxic radioprotector. The presently available ones have many drawbacks including high cost, side effects and toxicity. Several novel approaches are on to locate a potent radioprotector. These include mimics of antioxidant enzymes, nitroxides, melatonin, growth factors, gene therapy, hyperthermia apart from natural products. The latter has several advantages since they are non-toxic with proven therapeutic benefits. These can be classified as natural compounds and plant extracts; polyherbal formulations; besides natural and semi-natural compounds of plant origin. A review of the above agents, their efficacy in radioprotection and possible mechanisms responsible has been carried out. As India and many Eastern countries have an enormous heritage of vast natural dietary and time tested medicinal resources it is worth exploring the possibility of developing efficient, economically viable and clinically acceptable radioprotectors for human application from these resources.

ia4 tables, 219 ref

022678   Maralihalli G B;Bhagwat A S (Molec Biol Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: abhagwat@barc.ernet.in) : Non-enzymatic cleavage or phospho-enol pyruvate carboxylase by reactive oxygen species generated by Cu<. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 299-302.

Amaranthus phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase was rapidly and completely inactivated by micromolar concentrations of cupric sulphate in presence of ascorbate at pH 7.5. Ascorbate or Cu²⁺ alone did not have any effect on enzyme activity. However, Fe²⁺ ascorbate did not show any inactivation of the enzyme. The substrate PEP alone and PEP+Mg²⁺ together and other ligands such as L-malate, Glc-6-phosphate and 2-phosphoglycollate partially protected the enzyme against inactivation. EDTA, a metal chelator could protect the enzyme completely against inactivation by Cu²⁺ ascorbate system. Catalase partially protects the enzyme against inactivation whereas n-propyl gallate offered nearly complete protection. Superoxide dismutase had no effect on the enzyme inactivation. It is suggested that amaranthus PEPC was modified by reactive oxygen species like hydroxy radicals, H₂O₂ generated by Cu²⁺ ascorbate system which may interact with metal co-ordinate sites of essential aminoacid residues causing inactivation and then cleavage of the enzyme although this was not very specific.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

022677   Laishram P D;Gogoi M (Dep of Fd and Nutr, Coll of Hom Sci Assam Agric Univ, Jorhat-785 013) : Nutrient composition of some nuts and oilseeds based recipes of Assam, India. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(2), 161-5.

Nuts and oilseeds being an important source of many nutrients, was included in the study to evaluate the major nutrients, calcium and iron from some common Assamese recipes. The study revealed that all the recipes are energy dense. Protein content was highest in charchari with fish considerable amounts of mineral and fibre were found in the recipes, out of which highest mineral content was observed in gingelly laddu and highest fibre content in charchari with drumstick. The carbohydrate other content was highest in groundnut chikki. Compared to other recipes calcium content was considerably high in gingelly recipes. Similarly, gingelly and most of the mustard recipes had higher iron content.

3 tables, 15 ref

022676   Kranthi S;Kranthi K R;Bharose A A;Syed S N; Dhawad C S;Wadaskar R M;Behere G T;Patil E K (NO, Cent Inst for Cott Res, Post Bag No 2, Shankar Nagar P.O. Nagpur-440 010, Email: Sandhya.Kranthi@gmail.com) : Cytochrome oxidase I sequence of Helicoverpa (Noctuidae:Lepidoptera) species in India-Its utility as a molecular tool. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 195-9.

The genus Helicoverpa comprises of 2 species in India-H. armigera and H. assulta. Compares partial CO-1 sequences of the two-field-collected species with a laboratory strain of H. armigera and Drosophna yakuba whose entire mitochondrial genome has been sequenced. The region sequenced in the study corresponds to 2111 to 2601 bp sequence of D. yokuba mitochondrial genome, i.e' mid to near terminal segment of the CO-I region. When analyzed, at least 18 nucleotide and 8 amino acid substitutions were observed between the two species. Using this information, a specific PCR-RFLP tool was designed that distinguishes between the two species at the egg stage itself, thus, influencing pest control options significantly, especially in areas and crops where the two may occur simultaneously.

3 illus, 19 ref

022675   Kirti Rani;Garg P;Pundir C S (Biochem Res Lab Dep of Bio-Sciences, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: pundircs@rediffmail.com) : Discrete analysis of bile acid in serum and bile with 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and diaphorase immobilized onto alkylamine glass beads. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 98-104.

3α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) from Pseudomonas testosteronei and diaphorase (lipoyl dehydrogenase) from Clostridium spp were immobilized individually onto alkylamine glass beads through glutaraldehyde coupling. A cost-effective enzymic colorimetric method for determination of bile acid in the serum and bile was developed employing mixture of the immobilized enzymes. The method was based upon measurement of NADH generated from NAD⁺ during oxidation of bile acid by immobilized 3α-HSD with a color reagent consisting of nitrobluetetrazolium (NET) chloride salt and immobilized diaphorase in 0.065 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The minimum detection limit of the method was 4.8 μmol/L in the serum and 19.5 μmol/L in bile. The per cent recovery of added bile acid in the serum and bile was 89.1 and 95.0, respectively. Within and between batch coefficients of variation (CV) for bile acid determination were <60>1.0% and <60>0.2% in the serum and <60>0.2% and <60>0.6% in bile, respectively. A good correlation for bile acid in the serum (r₁= 0.95) and in bile (r₂ = 0.93) was obtained by a standard chemical method (a commonly used method in India) and the present method. The mixture of immobilized 3α-HSD and diaphorase lost 30% of its initial activity after 4 months of regular use. The cost of bile acid determination for 100 the serum and bile samples by the present method was found to be lower than by a commerciallv available method (Sigma kit 450-A).

2 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref

022674   Khan S;Mishra A K;Tripathi C K M;Mishra B N; Bihari V (Div of Ferment Technol, Cent Drug Res Inst, Lucknow-226 001, Email: anjanikumarmisra@yahoo.co.in) : Response surface optimization of effective medium constituents for the production of alkaline protease from a newly isolated strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(2), 151-6.

Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum alkaline protease production was carried out with a new strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B-2). Replacing the protein source/inducer (albumin in place of casein) brought about significant increase in yield after 48 hr of inoculation. Three most effective medium constituents identified by initial screening method of Plackett-Burman were albumin, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and glucose. Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were used in the design of the experiment and in the analysis of the results. Optimum levels of the effective medium constituents were albumin (6.586%); (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.164%; and glucose, 6.72%. The alkaline protease production increased from 533460 to 793492 Ul.

3 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

022673   Khan M S Y;Bano S;Javed K;Asad Mueed M (R & D Ext and Projects Office, Cent for Interaction between Univ & Ind Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062, Email: msykhan@hotmail.com) : Comprehensive review on the chemistry and pharmacology of Corchorus species-A source of cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, ionones, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids and some other compounds. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(4), 283-98.

An exhaustive literature survey on the secondary metabolites of Corchorus species has been carried out. Cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, phenolics, ionones, carbohydrates and fatty acids have been reported from different species. Many of these compounds have been found to possess significant biological properties e.g. digitalis glycosides like action, anticonvulsive activity, antiesterogenic action, anticancer activity and antipyretic activity etc.

^iia1 table, 86 ref

022672   Kavitha K L;Rao V D P;Suryanarayana V V S (Dep of Microbiol, Coll of Vet Sci, Tirupati-517 502, Email: Kommalapatiin@yahoo.co.in) : Development of DNA probe for detection of egg drop syndrome-76 virus. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 229-31.

Two kb, BamHl fragment of duck embryo propagated Indian isolate (VN 1) of egg drop syndrome-76 (EDS-76) was cloned into pBluescript II KS + vector and the fragment was labelled with α ³³p dATP label using random primer extension method. The labelled DNA was used as a probe for detecting viral DNA in faecal samples of experimentally infected birds. Proteinase K treated, phenol extracted, alkali denatured samples exhibited strong signals as compared to proteinase K digested samples alone. The probe could detect up to 1.25 pg of viral DNA. However, it did not show any positive signal with another adenovirus, i.e., hydropericardium syndrome viral DNA indicating its specificity for egg drop syndrome virus (EDS V).

^ssc2 illus, 8 ref

022671   Kathiresan K;Ravindran V S;Muruganantham A (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: cdl_aucasmb@sancharnet.in) : Mangrove extracts prevent the blood coagulate!. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 252-4.

Mangrove polysaccharide extracts prolonged the time taken for blood clotting, and this was also more pronounced with the assay of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), than that of prothrombin time (PT). This activity increased with concentrations of extracts used (100, 500, and 1000 fig mL L^-1) and also with the levels of sulphate present in the samples. The anticoagulant activity was high in Avicennia marina and Aegiceras corniculatum compared to Excoecaria agallocha and Rhizophora spp.

1 table, 15 ref

022670   Jyotsna;Rana K;Singh K;Mehta M (Dep of Family Resour Mgmt, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar, Haryana) : Ergonomic evaluation of the rural woman while performing wheat harvesting activity. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(4), 309-11.

Study was undertaken in Ludas village of Hisar district of Haryana State to determine the Physical fitness, time and activity profile, physiological and biomechanical stress of women while performing the wheat harvesting activity. The field experiment was carried out on 20 women each falling between the two age group viz. 25-35 and 35-45 years. The results revealed that mean age of the respondents was 32.1 years, mean body height was 158.6 cm and mean weight was 47.7 kg. Majority of respondents from both the age group fall under the category of ectomorphs (75%). On the physical fitness index (PFI), maximum number of respondents falls under the category of high average (60%). On an average, women spent 8 hours in wheat harvesting activity and 2 hours in bundling activity per day. They cover an average distance of 2.2 km and tie an average of 50 bundles per day. They spent 25 man-days in wheat harvesting and 5 man-days in bundling activity per year. Average heart rate of women was found to be 121.5 beats/min. which increased up to 126.7 beats/min at the end of the activity during evening. Similarly, energy expenditure was found to be 10.5 kj/min. which increased up to 11.2 kj/min. during evening hours.

4 tables, 4 ref

022669   Jajoo A;Bharti S (NO, Sch of Life Sci Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Vigyan Bhawan, Khandwa Road, Indore-452 017, Email: ajaoo.sls@hotmail.com) : Decay kinetics of tyrosine radical anion (Y_Z) as studied by time-resolved EPR in formate-treated and chloride-depleted PS II membranes. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 209-18.

Formate is known to inhibit the donor side of PS II. Yield of Y_Z formation and its decay kinetics to characterize formate-induced inhibition on the donor side of PS II have been measured. Time-resolved EPR study of Y_Z∙ decay kinetics in formate-treated PS II membranes showed that the light-induced intensity of Y_Z∙ EPR signal was proportional to formate concentration. The pH values affect both light-induced intensities and decay rates of Y_Z∙ that was faster on low pH side. At 260 K, t_1/e value of Y_Z∙ decay kinetics is about 8-10 s at pH 5.0 and about 19-21 s at pH 6.0, respectively. Formate effects on the donor side of PS II have been found to be pH dependent. Chloride anion has been shown to be involved in the water-oxidizing complex and to be capable of influencing structure and redox properties of the Mn cluster. The effects of chloride anion-depletion on tyrosine Z (Y_Z) have been investigated by time-resolved EPR measurements. The decay of tyrosine cation radical was found to be biphasic at 253 K. The fast phase corresponds to the Y_Z∙ component while the slow phase corresponds to the tyrosine D radical (Y_D∙) component. At 253 K, the t_1/c value is <126> 19.8 s for the fast phase and <126>132.1 s for the slow phase. The fast phase is attributed to the recombination of charges between Y_Z∙ and Q_A^-. Both the decay rate and the amplitude of the light-induced signal of Y_Z∙ are affected by addition of chloride anion. Change in the decay rate and the amplitude of the light-induced signal of Y_Z∙ is observed when other anions like Br^-, I^-, F^-, HCO₃^-, NO₃^-, PO₄^3- are substituted in the Cl^-- depleted Photosystem II.

6 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

022668   Hussain C A;Sattar M A (Bangladesh Ass of Gerontol, , Dhaka, Bangladesh) : Development of Ecological Sustainability in St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 197-202.

Located between 20<144>34' and 20<144>39' North latitudes and 92°18' and 92°21' East longitudes St. Martin's Island, also known as Narikel Jinjira, is on the Southern most apex of Bangladesh. The small island has an area of approximately 600 hectare or 8 square km. and is separated by a channel of the Naf river of about 8-10 km. from the main land. It is the only Coral Island of Bangladesh. An enormous biological diversity and a wide range of natural resources have earned the island a unique status. About 6,000 population of the island are experiencing a change which has been rapidly deteriorating the island's environmental and also threatening the distinctive natural phenomena. These changes are causing severely a negative impact on this unique island. Around 98% of its population are fishermen while coconut is the second important source of cash crop for them. Sound environmental management has been essential ingredients to promote sustainable ecological development by articulating and bringing to bear the changing views of civil society of the island.

1 illus, 12 ref

022667   Guha A (Dep of Anthoropology, Vidyasagar Univ, Medinipur-721 102, Email: abhijitguha@rediffmail.com) : Anthropological perspective on sustainable development : lessons from paschim Medinipur. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 151-62.

Majority of the Anthropologists pay little attention to the policy implications of their surveys and ethnographic reports. It is high time that they should. This keynote makes an attempt to bring into focus the policy implications of five case studies collected by the author and his students of the Department of Anthropology at Vidyasagar University over a period of fifteen years. The case studies come from a variety of situations from a single district in the Western part of West Bengal. The common thread, which runs through all the cases relates to the process of marginalization of the peasantry in the context of the development Initiatives undertaken by the policy makers. The case studies reveal that industrialization, joint forest management, social forestry, building up a university, creating new opportunities of employment in an urban environment may not always lead to the empowerment of the poor let alone sustainable development. The lesson which one may learn from this endeavour is, however not a very new one. It tells us to tailor our so-called pro-people policies genuinely participatory.

022666   Gregory R J (Sch of Psychology, Massey Univ, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Email: R.J.Gregory@massey.ac.nz) : Strategies for building ecologically aware and active communities: Diverse discussion groups. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(4), 295-9.

Communities have rich networks of social relationships if and when they are flourishing economically and politically. In-hard times, however, the various groupings within a community may splinter and fragment, resulting in little communication, and few relationships. Television has undoubtedly contributed to this breakdown in many communities, but so too do declines in the economy, divisive political or social issues, and natural or man made disasters. In such difficult situations, many individuals are stressed, and as a result, it may be possible for social change agents to intervene, and set up new ways to establish and develop meaningful relationships for significant numbers of participants. Particularly for those who are severely stressed, options to change are often sought. The use of diverse discussion groups as one means offers a community wide method of enhancing human relationships to enable members to better understand and cope with or manage problematic issues. Practitioners from several disciplines may use ecological principles to approach communities and intervene through use of "diverse discussion groups".

14 ref

022665   Goyal A K (NO, , ) : Invasive alien species- threat to biodiversity and economy of the country. Indian For 2005, 131(12), 1529-36.

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) cause damages amounting to billions of dollars throughout the world across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, human health and tourism, threatening economic growth, prosperity as well as the environment. Daring the last one decade, there has been a lot of awakening to deal with IAS effectively which needs cooperation and coordination among countries as well as various agencies within countries. A number of international and regional institutions have been established for coordination and co-operation among the countries. A few countries have passed separate legislation to manage IAS and some others are in the process of doing so. The Forest Invasive Species (FIS) are of direct relevance to the forestry sector. In India, it need to create awareness among the people and various agencies about the harmful effects of FIS on the economy of the country and have appropriate coordination mechanisms to effectively deal with FIS. There is need to re-orient research priorities for finding out various cost effective methods to control and manage the existing FIS.

10 ref

022664   Giri P (Cent for Urban Economic Stud, Univ of Calcutta, Kolkatta) : Sustainable Development and Urbanisation. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 227-31.

With the change of worldview from the 'cowboy' economy to the 'spacecraft' economy, the concept of sustainable development gained its ground in the last quarter of the 20th century. The major threats to the sustainable development originate from the huge expansion of the human population in relation to the world resources. Further, the large city based urbanisation involves a development process that is more prone to be unsustainable. Argues that while some degree of urbanisation is unavoidable, a decentralised pattern of urbanisation would be more conforming to a sustainable development process.

6 ref

022663   Ghosh A;Goel R;Balda S (Dep of Hom Sci Ext Educ, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Awareness of rural couples, about sex-ratio. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(2), 167-8.

There is growing imbalanced in the male female ratio. Sex-ratio is a three tier phenomenon. First, it means the number of females per 1000 males in respect to the total population. Secondly, sex-ratio at birth indicates the number of female children born per 1000 males children. Thirdly sex-ratio in the lowest age group among children from birth to six years. As per 2001 census, the overall sex-ratio of India is 933 females per 1000 males which is less than the overall international sex-ratio of 986 females per 1000 males. Hence it was thought relevant to study awareness of rural couples on these issues The study was conducted by selecting two villages Palpur and Ravanika from two blocks of district Allahabad from Uttar Pradesh by random selection. From each village a sample of 50 couples under the age of 45 years were randomly selected to make a total sample size of 100 couples. Awareness about sex-ratio, quite a large number of males (64%) and females (74%) had no knowledge about it. Females foeticide was cited by respondents (41% male and 36% females) as the main reasons for the imbalanced sex-ratio. Eighty one per cent males and 65 percent females fell that the major problem due to imbalanced sex-ratio would be non-availability of brides.

3 tables, 3 ref

022662   Garg A;Sharma S (Dep of Biosci, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: sushma_bio_sci@rediffmail.com) : Isoproterenol ameliorates workstress-induced rat skeletal muscle degeneration. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 82-7.

Agonists though have been widely studied for their protein anabolic effects in skeletal muscles, but the lipid status under work stress and agonist treatment have not been understood well in the skeletal muscles and heart of rat. In the present study adult male Wistar rats were subjected to work overload stress and β agonist isoproterenol treatment (2 mg kg^-1 day^-1 intraperitoneally) to examine, whether it attenuates work stress-induced changes or not. Simultaneously, β₂ antagonist butoxamine (2 mg kg^-1 day^-1 intraperitoneally) was administered to another isoproterenol-treated group. Work stress led to myofibrillar degeneration as well as rapid utilization of lipid to meet increased energy demands and for muscle repair, which was reflected through histochemical localization of lipids and biochemical estimation of cholesterol and triglycerides. Significantly decreased cholesterol levels in skeletal muscles and heart muscles were noticed. As expected, isoproterenol reversed the conditions by raising cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly in the skeletal muscles and also by ameliorating the degenerative changes in muscle fibres as induced by work overload. However, severe accumulation of lipids in heart infers towards deleterious effects of isoproterenol on heart and thus remains a limiting factor for its immediate clinical application. Further research is needed to separate desirable effects of β agonists on skeletal muscles from any undesirable effects on the heart, so as to ootimize their theraoeutic ootential.

3 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

022661   Gajare K A;Deshmukh A A;Mehwish S;Parveen S; Zombade S;Jayale S;Shahista P (Dep of Zool, Govt. Vidarbha Inst of Sci and Humanities, Amravati, Maharashtra) : Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder on lipid peroxidation in Drosophila melanogaster. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(3), 265-72.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in the treatment of various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antistress, mind boosting and rejuvenating and antioxidant properties. In the present investigation, the anti lipid peroxidative activity of Ashwagandha root powder was studied in various age groups of male and female Drosophila melanogaster. In Ashwagandha treated group, highly significant decrease in Iipid peroxidation was observed as compared to the control group

23 ref

022660   Dixit R;Dixit S;Gakhar S (Dep of Biosci, Maharashi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: dixit2k@yahoo.com) : Identification and characterization of a new putative c-type lysozyme from malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 15-19.

Lysozyme (E.C. 3.2.1.17) activity is reported from the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. The activity was detected in the salivary gland and midgut using bacteriolytic radial diffusion assay. Spectrophotometric analysis indicated that higher level of lysozyme activity was maintained in both midgut and salivary gland tissues. The activity reached the highest level in 4-8 days old mosquitoes. Genomic PCR amplification revealed the presence of at least two putative lysozyme genes in the mosquito genome. Preliminary analysis of one of the 413 bp genomic fragments showed 56% identity to the lysozyme of mosquito A. gambiae. However, the nature and origin of the putative cloned lysozyme gene remains elusive.

4 illus, 26 ref

022659   Dhingra R;Mannas S;Thakur N (P.G. Dep of Hom Sci, Univ of Jammu, Jammu-180 004) : Establishing connectivity of Emotional Quotient (E.Q), Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) with social adjustment: A study of kashmiri migrant woman. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(4), 313-17.

Study assesses the emotional quotient (E.Q), spiritual quotient (S.Q.) and social adjustment of Kashmiri migrant women. Further, it explores the relationship that exists between these variables. The sample comprised of 50 migrant women (25 each classified as socially well adjusted and maladjusted respectively) in the age group of 35-45 years, residing in Muthi camp at Jammu. The tools used for data collection included interview schedule, participant observation, Social Adjustment Inventory, Spiritual Quotient Scale and Emotional Quotient Scale. The results showed that majority (86%) of the women had moderate S.Q and (58%) had moderate E.Q. There existed a significant positive correlation between E.Q and S.Q. Social adjustment was positively and significantly correlated with E.Q. (for the entire and maladjusted group). This indicates that women scoring high on social adjustment had low E.Q and vice versa. Social adjustment on the other hand shared a significant negative correlation with S.Q. (for entire sample and maladjusted women). This shows that higher the social adjustment higher the S.Q. of the sample women.

13 ref

022658   Dhaliwal A P S;Nagra S S (Dep of Livestock Production and Mgmt, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004) : Effect of supplementing vitamin C and E on the performance of japanese quails. Indian J Anim Nutr 2005, 22(2), 77-80.

Effect of supplementation of synthetic vitamins C, E and combination of herbal CE on the performance of Japanese quail was studied during dry hot conditions. Day-old chicks (300), divided into 6 groups (each with 2 replciates of 25 each) were randomly offered either control ration (C), C supplemented with 100 mg/kg of synthetic vitamin C (SC), vitamin E (SE), both vitamin C and E (SCE), herbal CE @ 100 mg/kg (HCE₁) or 200 mg/kg (HCE₁) from day-old till 35 days of age in the battery brooders. The average maximum and minimum temperature during the experimental period were 37.5 ± 0.37° C and 20.2 ± 0.56° C respectively, while the average relative humidity was 39.6 ± 1.34%. The growth rate was slightly better in SE and HCE groups but the difference was non-significant. The feed consumption was low when diet was (P <60> 0.05) supplemented with HCE rather than with SC or SE. The FCR was low (P <60> 0.05) in the SC and SE groups than the control and herbal vitamins supplemented groups. The PER was higher (P <60> 0.05) in groups supplemented with vitamin (either synthetic or herbal) than control. PER was better in the HCE! group than the SCE group. Evisceration rate was lower in the control group than all the treated groups. SE and herbal CE supplementations increased (P <60> 0.05) the proportion of leg and breast meat. The malonyl dialdehyde contents were 206, 181, 164, 152, 1679 and 147 nm/g of Hb, respectively, in C, SC, SE, SCE, HCE and HCE. It was concluded that the supplementation of herbal CE as well as synthetic vitamin C and E alleviated some of the negative effects of heat stress in Japanese quail.

1 tables, 10 ref

022657   Dani D N;Bannur S V;Kulgod S V;Sainis J K (Molec Biol Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: jksaini@magnum.barc.ernet.in) : Estimation of chlorophyll in leaves using portable digital camera. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2005, 11(2), 321-6.

Non-destructive method for estimation of chlorophyll content from color images of leaves grabbed by digital color camera is presented. The 24 bit digital color images of leaves were grabbed under different conditions of illumination and were analysed in personal computer. The gray value for each pixel was subtracted from 255 and average gray value of reflectance per pixel in blue (B), red (R) and green (G) channel for a selected area of leaf image was computed. The B, G, R values were subtracted from the average reflectance values in the corresponding channel from white background for normalization of data. These normalized values of reflectance in green and red channels were highly correlated with chlorophyll content as against the reflectance in blue channel. The correlation coefficient increased if the reciprocal of normalized gray values were used for calculation. It was observed that better correlation with chlorophyll content was obtained using ratios like G/B and (R+G)/B.

7 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

022656   Danda A A (NO, , Flat 4B, 102 Jodhpur Park, Kolkata-700 068, Email: moitradanda@vsnl.com) : Sustaining sundarbans: prospects in the context of rabi crops. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 163-73.

Importance of sustainable development has been clearly recognised since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The concept of sustainability is derived from scientific literature that characterises the management of natural resources (e.g. forest) in a manner that is consistent with the preservation of its reproductive capacity. In social sciences however, sustainable development implies a focus on welfare considerations broader than just economic growth - on equity concerns, on the need for governments to address threats to the environment and depletion of natural resources, and the maintenance of a cohesive social system. Attempts to throw light on the prospects of achieving sustainable development goals, and the circumstances under which they might be achieved.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022655   Chauhan A J;Mukesh Mohan (Biochem Dep, Coll of Agric Chandra Shekhar Azad Univ of Agric & Technol, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Protein extractability and biochemical composition of LPC and pressed residues from by-product foliage of certain vegetable crops. Agric biol Res 2006, 22(1), 67-77.

Experiment was conducted during the rabi season of the year 1999-2000 at C.S.A.U.A.T., Kanpur, to study the protein extractability and biochemical composition of L.P.C. and press residue from by-product foliages of seven vegetable crops namely, carrot, radish, cauliflower, cabbage, potato, colocasia and beetroot. Protein content in the by-product foliage ranged from 10.06% in carrot to 30.31% in cauliflower. Extractability of total N in exttracted juices as percentage of total N in foliage, ranged from 52 to 73% and PN from 36 to 59<37. More than 50% PN was extractable from potato, colocasia and carrot foliage than the rest of the vegetables. LPC recovery ranged from 1.68 to 4.85 g/kg foliage. The LPCs contained between 33.25 to 57.12% protein, 7.5 to 59.78% ether extractable fat and 11.83 to 15.90% ash. Protein in pressed residue ranged from 9.81 to 25% and ash content from 2.23 to 17.38%. LPCs from cabbage, cauliflower and radish contained more than 50% protein on dry weight basis.

4 tables, 27 ref

022654   Chakrabarti G;Chatterjee D;Mallick K K (NO, , ) : Shadow over betel vine and flowerbeds : a case study of sustainable livelihood in a Howrah village. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 187-95.

Study attempts to understand the factors and consequences of the transformation from paddy cultivation to betel leaf and floriculture at Shivarajpur village located near Bagnan in the district of Howrah. A considerable section of this village predominantly populated by the mahishya caste group has started to change their traditional occupation of paddy cultivation some thirty years back by materialising the cultivation of betel leaf. They learnt the art of cultivating the betel leaf from the traditional betel leaf grower barujibi caste group of the neighbouring villages many of them have shifted to floriculture due to the expanding flower market of India and abroad. Analysis of the collected data through known anthropological techniques suggests that the local geographical events are primarily responsible to force mahishya caste group to adopt non-traditional crops. Small land holdings, political events and the governmental initiatives have accentuated the change. Long before the notion of market based concept of sustainable development sway the economic scenario of the country, the changing course of the village under study is the result of the villagers' sustained conscious effort to retain their agriculture-oriented livelihood. Argues that the development experienced by the villagers poses a note of interrogation on sustainability. The absolute dependence on the market may turn into potential threat to the cultivators because other invisible forces control markets of the commercial produces in India.

20 ref

022653   Bohra A;Bohra S P (Microbiol Lab Dep of Bot, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur) : Antibacterial activity of Cymbopogan jawarncosa against some human pathogenic bacteria. Curr Agric 2005, 29(1-2), 157-9.

Antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogan jawarncosa, was tested against three human pathogenic bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Escherischia coli. 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. Leaf extracts effected the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Escherischia coli. Stem extracts inhibited E. coli. Flower extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Root extracts showed no activity against any of the experimental bacteria.

1 table, 7 ref

022652   Bissa S;Bohra A (Microbiol Lab Dep of Bot, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan) : Antibacterial activity of Rosa indica against human and plant pathogenic bacteria. Curr Agric 2005, 29(1-2), 149-51.

Antimicrobial activity of different parts of Rosa indica, was studied against human pathogenic bacteria viz. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhi and E. coli, as well as plant pathogenic bacteria viz. Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Xanthomonas campestris. Aqueous (Hot and Cold), alcoholic, acidic and alkali extracts of stem, leaves and petals were tested for their antimicrobial activity. To test antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts, Kirby Bauer's disc diffusion method was used. All the extracts i.e. stem, leaf and petal extracts possessed antimicrobial activity. Stem extracts reduced the growth of K. pneumoniae and A. tumefaciens. Leaf extracts were found effective against Salmonella typhi, Enterobacter aerogenes as well as E. coli. Extracts of petals inhibited growth of all the experimental bacteria. Results were compared with standard antibiotics. Phytochemical analysis confirmed presence of phenols, teroenoids and tannins.

2 tables, 7 ref

022651   Bandyopadhyay S;Chatterjee M;Banavali S D;Pal S;Nair C N;Advani S H;Mandal C (Dep of Immunology, Univ of Connecticut Hlth Cent, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030 USA, Email: cmandal@iicb.res.in) : Antibodies against 9-O-acetylated sialic acids in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A two-year study with 186 samples following protocol MCP 943. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(1), 7-14.

Initial studies have revealed an enhanced surface expression of 9-0-acetylated sialoglycoconjugates (9-OAcSGs) on lymphoblasts concomitant with high titers of antibodies (anti-9-OAcSGs) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)^1-4. Study was undertaken in 186 coded samples from 69 ALL patients to evaluate if antibodies against these sialoglycans could monitor response to the treatment. An ELISA was developed using bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) containing high % of 9-O-acetylated sialic acids (9-OAcSA) as the capture antigen, to investigate serum levels of and 9-OAcSGs in a single-center series of pediatric, clinically-diagnosed and immunophenotypically confirmed ALL patients, as compared to 130 healthy controls. At presentation, a 3.8-fold increase in anti-9-OAcSGs levels was detected in 63/69 ALL patients (mean ± SEM was 102.8 ± 6.3 μg/ml) as compared to normal controls (27.17 ± 0.76 μg/ml), assay sensitivity being 91.3%. On an individual basis (n = 25) in patients who were longitudinally monitored for two years, a significant decline in their mean ± SEM of OD₄₀₅ was observed from 0.85 ± 0.06 to 0.28 ± 0.03. Additionally, a dot-blot was developed to evaluate the proportion of immune-complexed 9-OAcSGs in these patients employing achatinin-H, a 9-OAcSA-binding lectin. Data indicate that these economically viable ELISA-based approaches allow for reliable, sensitive and rapid diagnosis of ALL. These disease-specific antibodies could be considered as potential markers both for the initial diagnosis of ALL and possibly for longitudinal monitoring of the disease.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

022650   Balda S;Punia S;Singh C K (Dep of Hum Dev and Family Stud, Coll of Hom Sci CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Assessment of peer relations: A comparison of peer nominination and rating scale. J hum Ecol 2005, 18(4), 271-3.

Two hundred children enrolled in Class 1,2, 3, and 4 from Hisar city were assessed for sociometric status. The results revealed that the popular children scored significantly higher positive nominations and positive ratings than the rejected children. In contrast, the rejected children scored significantly higher negative nominations and negative ratings than the popular children. Test-retest reliability of rating scale measure was found to be very high than for nomination measure.

1 table, 7 ref

022649   Ansari H A;Mehdi G;Maheshwari V;Siddiqui S A (Path Dep. Jawaharlal Nehru Med Coll, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Cytohistological evaluation of apoptotic index in breast tumours. J Cytol 2005, 22(4), 184-8.

Study was to assess the apoptotic index (AI) in benign and malignant tumours of the breast and observe its association with different grades of carcinoma breast and other clinicopathologic parameters, in order to identify the role of apoptosis as a cell proliferation marker and potential prognostic factor. AI was assessed on aspiration cytology smears from 112 cases of breast tumours out of which histological sections were obtained from 60 cases for comparative analysis. Association was determined with nature of lesion, tumour size, axillary lymph node status and histologic grade. AI was found to be significantly higher in malignant lesions (0.73%± 0.5) as compared to benign breast tumours (0.16%± 0.12). There was no direct association of AI with histological grade, tumour size or lymph node status. Comparable values of mean AI in benign and malignant tumours were obtained by both cytologic and histologic analysis.

4 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

022648   Akolkar S K;Sajgure A D;Lele S S (Fd and Fermentation Technol Dep, Mumbai Univ Inst of Chem Technol, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: sslele@udct.org) : Beta-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from fermented ragi (Eleusine coracana). Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(2), 184-8.

Lactobacillus acidophilus was isolated from fermented millet, Eleusine coracana. It was characterized using several biochemical tests. This strain was found to be homofermentative, slime forming and β-galactosidase producer. Recovery and characterization of β-galactosidase were studied at laboratory scale. Since the enzyme was intracellular various cell lysis methods were studied to achieve maximum enzyme release from cell fragments. Homogenization at a pressure of 2000 psig two passes showed an enzyme release of 2050 U/mL and was found the best method for cell lysis. The cell extract was purified using ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography. Specific activity and fold purification of β-galactosidase was found to be 568.61 and 21.2, respectively. Kinetic parameters were determined using ONPG (o-nitrophenyl galactopyranoside) as a substrate. Michaeli's Menten equation was found to fit the reaction of ONPG using β-galactosidase from L. acidophilus. Vmax and Km were calculated from the Lineweaver Burk plot. Vmax was found to be 4.94 min^-1 and Km to be 0.11 mM. Using gel permeation chromatography, the molecular weight was found to be in the range of 450-500 kDa.

6 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

022647   Adhya M;Singha B;Chatterjee B P (Dep of Biol Chem, Indian Ass for the Cultivation of Sci, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032) : Ficus cunia agglutinin for recognition of bacteria. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(2), 94-7.

Interaction of bacteria with lectin using anti-lectin antibody by ELISA is an established method. A simple ELISA using a biotinylated lectin and antibiotin-HRP' Ficus cunia agglutmin (FCA), which has shown the specificity towards α/β anomers of GlcNAc and other -NAc containing sugars like LacNAc and GlcNAcβ(1-4/6)GlcNAc, was used as a model lectin for the study of interaction with immobilized microorganisms on ELISA plate. The bacterial cells of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginnsa, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus showed binding with FCA and the degree of binding was dependent on the bacterial surface antigen. This method is considered a simple technique to study the Iectinbacteria interaction.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

022646   Acharya P K (NO, Nabakrushna Choudhury Cent for Dev Stud, Orissa, Bhubaneswar) : Prospect of sustainability of the processes initiated under Janshala Programme in Orissa. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(2-3), 241-9.

Janshala programme was a joint venture of the Government of India and five United Nations agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, UNFPA and UNESCO) to provide support to the ongoing primary education programme in India to make it accessible and effective to all categories of primary school age children. The programme had initiated some new processes like community involvement in school management and universal participation of children in primary education, multigrade teaching, academic support to teachers and schools, and decentralized management of primary education. Analyze the sustainability of these processes in the State of Orissa after completion of the programme by December 2004. It reveals that all these processes, except the Block/Urban Body as the planning unit, will sustain primarily owing to two reasons, such as (1) creation of some material, human and institutional assets to continue the processes, and (2) adoption of all these processes under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme in the entire State.

5 tables,

021732   Zhu R;Chiu J F;He Q Y (Surgery Dep, Univ of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China, Email: qyhe@hku.hk) : Protein profiling by SELDI-TOF protein chip system for disease marker discovery. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(1), 1-8.

Protein profiling is a powerful method for biomarker discovery. Protein profiling can be accomplished by different technologies including two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and protein microarray screening. 2-DE is an established technique that is still considered as one of the best options for protein profiling. Recent advancement in protein profiling for biomarker identification by utilizing protein microarrays, especially the ProteinChip/SELDI-ToF system, enables researchers to overcome problems in identifying low abundance proteins from complex biological samples. Summarizes recent progress in biomarker identification throug proteomic profiling, with emphasis on how ProteinChip/SELDI-ToF technology fits into protein profilign and biomarker discovery. The aim is to provide a reference for the researchers seeking new analytical tools that are now available in contemporary biological profiling and medical study.

1 illus, 1 table, 72 ref

021731   Vaz N;Shyama S K (Dep of Zool, Goa Univ, Taleigao Plateau, Goa-403 206, Email: nandinivaz@yahoo.com) : Numerical chromosomal abnormalities in the malformed newborns of Goa. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 237-40.

Several cytogenetic surveys of consecutive births were undertaken at a global level to establish the incidence of aneuploidy and structural chromosomal rearrangements in the human population. A considerable variation in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities is observed in these studies. The study was undertaken to examine the incidence of congenital malformations and to record the frequency of numerical chromosomal abnormalities associated with the congenital malformations in Goa. This study revealed an incidence of 19.4/1000 live births. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 24.1% of the congenitally malformed newborns, involving 12.7% of numerical abnormalities and 11.4% of structural abnormalities. In most of the cases with numerical abnormalities, the maternal age is advanced (<62>30 years). It is thus evident that many congenital malformations have genetic etiology. A chromosomal study of each and every child with congenital malformation is recommended in all the pediatric sections of the hospitals for the proper management of such cases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

021730   Varghese J;Patil M B (Univ Dep of Biochem, Nagpur Univ, L.I.T. Premises, Amaravati Road, Nagpur-440 033) : Successive use of protenase inhibitor of Zizyphys jujuba leaves for effective inhibition of Helicoverpa armigera gut enzymes and larval growth. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 367-70.

Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of many tropical crop plants and a voracious feeder of leaves, developing seeds, fruits or bolls leading to drastic reduction in yield. The efficacy of proteinase inhibitor (PI) from Zizyphus jujuba (ZJ) leaves in retarding the growth of H. armigera larvar and a complete inhibition of digestive and mitochondrial enzymes has been reported. The PI responsible for mortality of H. armigera was found to be a 16.8 kD protein having PI, ^2_ glucosidase and haemagglutinating activity.

2 tables, 29 ref

021729   Tuteja N;Vashisht A A;Tuteja R (Pl Molec Biol, Int Cent for Genetic Engng and Biotechnol, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: narendra@icgeb.res.in) : Structural and mechanistic aspect of DEAD-box helicases. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(9-10), 313-23.

DEAD-box helicases are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the unwinding of energetically stable duplex DNA (DNA helicases) or duplex RNA secondary structures (RNA helicases). DNA helicases are involved in replication, repair, recombination, and transcription, while the DEAD-box RNA helicases are involved in modulation of RNA structure and thereby influence RNA synthesis, splicing, replication, translation initiation, editing, rRNA processing, ribosome assembly, nuclear mRNA export, mRNA stabilization and degradation. They are associated with intrinsic ssDNA-dependent or RNA-dependent ATPase activities, which provide the energy for the helicase action. Mechanistically, there are two classes of helicases, those that can translocate 3'- to 5'-, or 5' to 3' directions with respect to the strand on which they initially bind. A hallmark of most of the helicases (but not for all) is the existence of a set of nine highly conserved amino acid sequences called `helicase motifs', which are clustered together for helicase function. One of the important helicase motifs is DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) that is why the family of these proteins is called DEAD-box helicases. PcrA helicase from Bacillius stearothermophilus was the first helicase whose crystal structure was solved in 1996 by an Indian scientist H.S. Subramanya in Dale B. Wigely's group at University of Oxford UK. After this several DEAD-box helicases have been crystallized and suggested a common structural fold for their function. Furthermore, the information on the function of conserved helicase motifs and mechanism of DNA or RNA unwinding is also emerging. In the circle authors has covered possibly all the helicases whose structure have been solved and the possible mechanisms of unwinding.

3 illus, 1 table, 54 ref

021728   Tambekar D H;Chunarkar P N (Dep of Microbiol, Amravati Univ, Amravati, M S) : Antifungal activities of Azotobacter species on soil pathogenic fungi. J basic appl Mycol 2005, 4(1-2), 23-7.

Study was conducted to evaluate the profile of Azotobacter spp. isolated from salinity-affected soil of Vidharbha for the presence and patterns of antifungal activities against root fungal pathogens. Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter beijerinkii and Azotobacter vinelandii was found to be most effective against soil-pathogenic fungi, Alternaria triticina, Alternaria tenuissima, Sclerotium rolfsii and least against Fusarium udum and can be used Azotobacter spp. as a bio-control agent which helps in decreasing the infection by soil pathogenic fungi and loss of valuable crops.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref