021727   Soni R;Soni S K (Dep of Biotechnol, D.A.V. Coll, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: sonisk@pu.ac.in) : Qualitative and quantitative variability in cellulose enzyme complex and isozyme polymorphism of endo-β-1, 4-glucanase and β-glucosidase in Chaetomium species. J basic appl Mycol 2005, 4(1-2), 32-42.

Total of 96 isolates belonging to 35 different species of Chaetomium were studied for the variability in the production and isozyme patterns of cellulases. The enzyme production varied from 0.006-0.27, 0.025-0.82 and 0.001-0.058 IU/mL for exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase, respectively. The elctrophoretic analysis of the filtrates revealed four zones of activity for endoglucanase i.e. EG I, EG II, EG III and EG IV and three i.e. β-Glu I, β-Glu II and β-Glu III for β-glucosidase.

3 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

021726   Singh A R;Vrtel R;Vodicka R;Dhaifalah I; Konvalinka D;Janikeva M;Santavy J (Dep of Med Genet & Fetal Med, Univ Hosp Palacky Univ, I.P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc-77520, Czech Republic, Email: dravi@carolina.rr.com) : Y chromosome and male infertility. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 225-35.

The Y chromosome though representing only 2-3% of the haploid genome harbours about 107 genes and pseudogenes. Many of these are responsible for spermatogenesis and other male-related functions and deletion of any of these can result in infertility. The association of azoospermia with deletions involving long arm of the Y-chromosome, led to the proposition of an azoospermic factor (AZF). Further mapping of the Y-chromosome resulted in the identification of three regions viz, AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc associated with spermatogenic failure. The microdeletions involving the AZF have been extensively reported to cause male infertility. The genes of the "nonrecombing region of Y-chromosome" (NRY) or the "male specific region of Y-chromosome" (MSY) play an important role in male fertility. Some important genes indetified in this region and associated with male infertility are: SRY, TSPY, USP9Y, DBY, UTY, E1F1AY, RBMY, DAZ, CDY1, BPY2, PRY, and TTY2. Their relative contributions to male infertility are discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 91 ref

021725   Shukla K K;Rahi D K;Rajak R C;Pandey A K (Cent for Mycorrhizal Res, The Energy Res Inst, New Delhi) : Investigations on physico chemical conditions for mycelial growth of an indigenous species of Lentinus cladopus (Len.). J basic appl Mycol 2005, 4(1-2), 45-54.

Various physico-chemical parameters for mycelial growth of an indigenous species of Lentinus cladopus (Len), found in the tropical forests of Madhya Pradesh, possessing excellent edibility among local inhabitants of the region has been performed before being practicing its cultivation on artificial solid substrate. Potato carrot extract agar was found as the best solid while Czapeck's broth as the best liquid medium, both favoured the maximum vegetative mycelial growth. The temperature of 28±1°C, pH 6.0, with 12 hours of intermittent period of light and darkness was evaluated as the optimum physical parameters on which the growth of test fungus was found at par. Among biochemical parameters tested, the dextrose and ammonium sulfate was found as the best carbon and nitrogen source respectively. While the thiamine HCl and gibberellic acid was evaluated as suitable source of vitamin and growth regulator respectively and ferrous sulphate proved as the most required mineral source.

7 illus, 15 ref

021724   Ramchander P V;Nandur V U;Dwarakanath K; Vishnupriya S;Padma T (Dep of Genet, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Email: tirunilaipadma@eth.net) : Prevalence of Cx26 (GJB2) gene mutations causing recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment in India. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 241-6.

Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Impairment (ARNSHI) is caused by mutations in the gap junction gene GJB2 or Connexin26 gene (Cx26) in many of the world populations. In the study screening of 200 probands with profound Nonsyndromic Hearing Impairment (NSHI) in comparison to 200 normal hearing controls from Andhra Pradesh, India revealed high prevalence of W24X mutation (6.5%) and low frequency of W77X (0.5%) mutations. Incidence of 35 delG and 167 delT were not detected. High incidence of heterozygosity with R127H both in NSHI patients (28.0%) and in controls (36.5%) were observed indicating that the mutation could be a polymorphism and may not be the cause of NSHI. Two of the probands (1.0%) showed homozygosity for the mutation and causative nature of this mutation has to be evaluated. Cx26 mutations causing hearing impairment are found to be specific to certain populations exhibiting ethnic diversity.

1 table, 37 ref

021723   Ramachandran S (G. N. Ramachandrana Knowledge Cent for Genome Informatics, Inst of Genomics and Integrative Biol CSIR, Mall Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: ramu@igib.res.in) : Compositional analysis of proteins: an old theme revisited. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(1), 9-18.

Compositional analysis of biomolecules is an age-old approach. In the years following the development of technologies for sequencing proteins and DNA, compositional analysis was largely ignored because more powerful algorithms based on sequence alignment could provide nearly direct clues on their function. The advent of genomics era has flooded the databases with numerous new sequences. Examination of the emerging voluminous sequence data has revealed that the so-called powerful sequence search algorithms have inherent limitation in uncovering the functional roles of about 40% of identified proteins. As a result compositional analysis has now returned to the forefront of bioinformatics approaches to the characterization of proteins and DNA. Summarized recent developments in this area. A blend of old and new approaches is now required to answer difficult questions in biology.

1 illus, 50 ref

021722   Pattnaik M R;Patra A K;Pattnaik S (NO, For Range Office, Khandapara (T) Range, P.O. Khandapara, Nayagarh-752 077) : Man and mangroves : a regional frame work of intractions in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Cheetal 2006, 43(1-2), 34-40.

Mangroves, although unique ecological characteristics and multifarious uses are in a very much degraded state throughout the tropics all over the world under the changing scenario of interdependence of man and mangroves. Man was having a healthy two way relationship with mangroves protecting their colonisation, growth and wild fauna living there in and in turn was the user of the resources provided by the mangrove forest within it's limit. With the march of civilization the greed of human beings started over the exploiting the mangorves beyond the threshold threatening their survival. In Orissa, except Bhitarkanika, the small patches of mangroves which are available along the coastal track are considered as the relics of a glorious past when thousands hectare of land was covered with mangroves. In recent times, major constraints concerning the destruction of Bhitarkanika mangroves are different developmental activities, settlement of refugees, change of land use pattern, injudicious tourism and lack of public awareness. However, for the amelioration of this fragile ecosystem, conservation of the existing mangrove forest, large scale afforestation programme of mangrove seedlings, popularization of the concept of ecotourism and generation of awareness among the public are the need of the hour.

18 ref

021721   Patel J;Nema S;Sharma N D (Jawaharlal Nehru Agric Univ, , Jabalpur-482 004) : Some studies on Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. J basic appl Mycol 2005, 4(1-2), 99-103.

Rhizoctonia bataticola is an important soil borne plant pathogen. It attacks several crops like pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, medicinal plants and fruit trees. To study the variability, collection of isolates was made from various locations of 19 districts of the state and 13 different crops. It was found that the 250 isolates vary in width, pattern and colour of hyphae and size, pattern, shape and colour of sclerotia too. Growth rate studies on two media viz., Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Asthana & Hawker's medium revealed that growth was fast on PDA. There was considerable variation in the morphology of sclerotia. Similarly enzymatic study was done using corboxymenthyl cellulose cup method. It was found that the 25 isolates showed clear zone of enzymatic activity. Perhaps low and high disease intensity in the field may be due to the difference in the enzymatic degradation of host tissues.

4 tables, 5 ref

021720   Negi Y K;Garg S K;Kumar J (G.B. Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, , Hill Campus, Ranichauri-249 199, Email: jkumar56@hotmail.com) : Cold-tolerant fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates from Garhwal Himalayas as potential plant growth promoting and biocontrol agents in pea. Curr Sci 2005, 89(12), 2151-6.

Four rhizospheric strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf), viz. Pf-102, Pf-103, Pf-110 and Pf-173 were antagonistic against Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (causal agent of root rot in pea). In liquid culture assay, Pfs could inhibit the growth of F. solani f. sp. pisi by 60-100%, suggesting that their secondary metabolites were sufficient to antagonize the target pathogen. Mode of inhibition of F. solani f. sp. pisi by Pf-102 and Pf-103 was fungistatic, while Pf-110 and Pf-173 were lytic in their action. Plant growth promotion and in vivo antagonism assays against the target pathogen revealed that a consortium of four test strains was the best. Also individually, strains Pf-110 and Pf-173, capable of solubilizing inorganic phosphate and producing siderophore, were consistently better than the others. These activities are relevant to ecological fitness of the producer strains under the framework of organic farming underway in Uttaranchal.

1 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

021719   Nagaraja V;Paul B D (Microbiol and Cell Biol Dep, Indian Inst of Sci, Bangalore-560 012, Email: vraj@mcbl.iisc.ernet.in) : DNA recognition by prokaryotic transcription activators. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(1), 43-60.

A major step in the regulation of gene expression in trascription activation. Transcription factors, by virture of their exquiste specificity to target DNA and interaction with RNA polymerase, direct transactivation from a variety of promoters. Majority of prokaryotic activators have helix turn helix motif for DNA recognition and often contain distinct dimerisation and transactivation domains. Describes and evaluates the various available techniques to study these proteins. In addition to describing the structures of some well known regulators, discusses the role of hydration and forces involved in the interaction of protein with DNA.

3 illus, 144 ref

021718   Murugan K (Dep of Bot, Univ Coll, Thiruvananthapuram 695 034, Email: dr_murugan@vsnl.net) : Variability in the activity of the major lignifying enzymes in different ecological groups. J phytol Res 2005, 18(1), 19-25.

The activity of major enzymes of lignin synthesis, phenylanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamylacohol NADPH dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase in the leaf tissues of plants of different ecological groups viz., mangroves, mesophytes and hydrophytes were examined. Remarkable variation in enzyme activity was observed in taxa between the ecological groups indicating their specificity towards their growing habitat. In mangroves the three enzymes showed a significant level of activity. CAD the indicator of lignin synthesis, showed high level of activity in mesophytes than in hydrophytes indicates the gravitational stress nature of the enzyme. Meanwhile the low profile of CAD activty in hydrophytes reveals the affinity of the group towards aqueous environement. The end product lignin content corroborates the assay data in both the mesophytes and hydrophytes. In mangroves an ambiguous correlation was observed between CAD activity and lignin content i.e., high CAD activity low lignin suggesting that CAD possibly exhibits a physiological suppression due to the saline habitat.

4 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

021717   Mukherjee M;Datta A K (Dep of Bot, Genet and Pl Breed Sect, Kalyani-741 235) : Effect of gamma-rays, ems and des on chiasma frequency and chromosome assocations in Ocimum basilicum L. J phytol Res 2005, 18(1), 35-9.

The effect of physical (gamma-rays) and chemical (EMS and dES) mutagens on chiasma frequency and chromosome associations were studied (months of September and November) in the M1 plants of Ocimum basilicum L. (family: Lamiaceae;2n <61> 72,n <61> 36, x <61> 12) raised from the treated seeds in comparison to control. The mutagens have induced differential responses in relation to chiasma formation as the mean frequency per nucleus and per bivalent have either decreased or increased significantly in most treatments than control; however, the response was not dose dependent. Diethly sulphate has induced mostly relatively higher of chiasma per cell than EMS when compared on equimolar concentration. Ring bivalent per cell enhanced significantly in treatments than control and the increase was mostly not found to be related with an increase in chiasmata per nucleus. Univalent frequency per cell was higher in mutagenic treatments than control and was not correlated significantly with anaphase I abnormalities, and their random distribution within meiocytes have possibly enhanced the frequency of cells having more than 18 group classes. Pollen fertility was found to increase as well as decrease in treatments than control and the variation in fertility has been arrtibuted to recombinational changes induced through mutagen treatments.

12 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

021716   Mehta R;Mishra A S;Audholiya S (Inst of Rur Technol & Social Dev, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : Evidence for nitrification in virus infected cyanobacterial cultures maintained with amino- acids (amines) as sole nitrogen sources. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 241-8.

Cyanobacteria Phormidium uncinatum, Plectonema boryanum, Nostoc muscorum and Anacystis nidulans were grown/ incubated in combined nitrogen-free or nitrate, ammonium, glutamine or asparagines supplemented medium and infected with their respective cyanophages LPP-1, N-1, AS-1. The final cyanophage yield drastically reduced in nitrogen starved cultures but remained significantly high and roughly uniformed in combined nitrogen cultures. The nitrite and ammonia contents of Phormidium uncinatum cultures, sustained with amino acids (amines) as sole nitrogen sources, were considerably high due to inorganic nitrogen fixing and nitrate assimilating cultures failed to liberate any of the inorganic nitrogen and only nitrate was detected in ammonia supplemented cultures. In all cases, cyanophage infection rendered significantly high ammonia and nitrite liberation activities in amino acids (amines) sustained cultures (inact and broken cells) when compared with respective healthy cultures. Nitrification like "ammonia oxidation" reaction was established and assayed in cellular and cell-free preparations of infected and uninfected cyanobacteria. These data suggest a potent role of ammonia and amino acids (amines) oxidation in supporting phage multiplication via generating additional cellular reductants.

1 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

021715   Mehta A;Deolia A;Pathak S;Rajput S;Mehta P (Dep of Bot, Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar-470 003) : Effect of carbohydrate on the production of pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes by F. solani and T. roseum (In vitro). J basic appl Mycol 2005, 4(1-2), 133-7.

Amongst all the tested carbohydrates, sucrose was found to be the best carbon source, which showed maximum production of PG and PMG enzyme in both the test pathogens. In F. solani xylose followed by glucose and sorbitol showed good PG enzyme secretion while in T. roseum fructose and glucose followed by xylose supported good production of this enzyme. Maximum production of PMG enzyme was found associated with fructose and glucose followed by xylose containing medium in F. solani and T. roseum respectively. Sorbitol in F. solani and glucose and mannitol in T. roseum were found to be moderate for PMG enzyme production. Maltose, lactose and xylose in F. solani and xylose, fructose, glucose and maltose in T. roseum were found to be good carbon sources for the production of cellulase enzyme. No correlation could be obtained between biomass and enzyme production in both the test pathogens.

2 tables, 22 ref

021714   Meher K K;Ranade D R (Div of Microbial Sci, Agharkar Res Inst, Agarkar Road, Pune-411 004, Email: drrande@vsnl.com) : Recovery of sick anaerobic digester by syntrophs and methanogen. J Indian Ass Envir Mgmt 2005, 32(3), 145-7.

Change in operational parameters leads to disturbance in anaerobic digestion. This at times results in digester failure. Methanogens and syntrophic bacteria are likely the first ones to get affected. Increase in carbon dioxide content in biogas, drop in pH of the digesting mass and accumulation of volatile fatty acids in the digester are common indicators for onset of failure of the process. One method to lower the VFA concentration in the digester is to dilute the digester slurry with water. Another alternative may be to add certain selective anaerobic bacteria like syntrophs or methanogens to the digester. To confirm the possibility of biological means to recover the sick digester, experiments were carried out using VFA degrading syntrophs in co-cultures with methonogens. Addition of these co-cultures helped in early recovry of the sick digester. The culture addition improved the pH of the digesting slurry from 4.9 to 6.9, reduced VFA from 5,900 mg/L to 240-mg/L and methane content in the biogas produced was increased from 10.8% to 60%. The effect was found to be proportional to the size of inoculum. It helps to degrade the accumulated VFA to biogas.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

021713   Malabadi R B (4816-145 Avenue, Edmonton Alberta T5Y 2X8, Canada, Email: malabadi712@yahoo.com.) : Antibacterial activity in the rhizome extracts of Costus speciosus (Koen.). J phytol Res 2005, 18(1), 83-5.

Haxane, methanol and water extracts of leaf and rhizome extracts of Costus speciosus used by Indian traditional healers for treating skin diseases, diabetes, jauundice, snake bites and/or anti-inflammatory properties was screened for in vitro antibacterial activities against pathogens isolated from infected burn patients. For evaluating antibacterial activity, the disc-diffusion assay was used against burn pathogens. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were determined with a microdilution assay. No antibacterial activity was recorded with water extracts. The disc-diffusion method showed significant zone of lysis against all the pathogens studied and result are comparable to the conventional antibiotic cream namely Silver Sulphadiazine (SSD).

1 table, 19 ref

021712   Mahasneh A A;Al-Asseer M H (Dep of Biotechnol and Genetic Engng, Jordan Univ of Sci and Technol, P.O Box 3030, Irbid-22110, Jordan) : Screening of GJB6 gene for the 342-kb delection in patients from Jordan with non syndromic hearing loss. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 253-7.

Hearing loss is a common congenital disorder frequently associated with mutations in the connexin 26 gene (GjB2). However, recent studies found a 342-kb deletion in another gene, connexin 30 (GJB6) that causes non-syndromic recessive hearing loss in either a homozygous monogenic inheritance of Cx30 deletion or digenic inheritance of Cx30 deletion and a Cx26 mutation. The ojective of this study was to screen for the 342-kb deletion in Cx30 gene in patients with non-syndromic hearing loss from Jordan. Two different PCR conditions were used to detect the 342-kb deletion of comexin 30 gene by amplifying the deletion breakpoints using specific primers. None of the patients with non-syndromic hearing loss was found to cary deletion in connexin 30 gene indicating that te occurrence of this deletion is restricted to Spanish, Caucasians, and Ashkenazi Jews.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

021711   Krupanidhi S;Lakshmikanth T (Dep of Biosciences, , Prasanthinilayam-515 134, Email: krupanidhi_srirama@yahoo.com) : Detection of haemocyanin in native PAGE gels. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(9-10), 353-5.

The electrophoretic separation of proteins of hepatopancreas and blood of a fresh water field crab and an Indian apple snail revealed the presence a number of protein fractions in their native state. The variation in the relative mobility of the haemocyanin fractions in blood, detected upon staining in rubeanic acid, suggests the difference in their molecular weights between the two specimens investigated. However, the hepatopancreatic copper proteins, possibly prohaemocyanins, are having similar electrophoretic mobility as revealed by their detection at the cathodal end.

^sc2 illus, 9 ref

021710   Kewedar S M R;Fulekar M H (Dep of life Sci, Univ of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (East), Mumbai-400 098) : Determination of lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and heart of white male albino rats. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 347-50.

The experiment has been carried out on Albino Rats treated with Doxorubicin and Etoposide. The treated rats showed significant weight reduction as compared to the control rats. The protein content in hepatic, renal and cardiac tissues of treated rats were found different than the control. The concentration of malondiadhyde (MDA), as an indicator of liquid peroxidation, was measured in the liver, kidney and heart by the method of Hermann Esterbauer and Kevin H. Cheeseman. The finding of the research shows that these drugs are effective for treatment of the carcinogenic effects that could be occurred in mammalian species.

10 illus, 12 ref

021709   Kankonkar S R;Shankarkumar U (Tissue Typing Lab, P G Inst of Med Sci, Mumbai-400 020, Email: kankonkar@yahoo.com) : HLA DRB1 gene study in different population groups from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 267-71.

Indian population exhibits not only a wide variety of ethnic but also great culture and linguistic diversity. In the study 483 unrelated individuals belonging to different linguistic groups from Maharashtra were studied for their HLA DRB1^* allele gene frequencies using commercially procured PCR-SSOP kits. The results revealed that <62> 0.1 allele frequencies observed for HLA DRB1^*03 among Marathi, Gujarathi and Punjabi linguistic groups; for HLA DRB1^*06 among Marathi, Gujarathi, South Indian, Muslim and Christians, for HLA DRB1^*05 among Gujarathi, Punjabi, Muslim and Christian; for HLA DRB1^*07 among Gujarathi, Punjabi, and Muslim HLA DRB1^*02 was observed <62> 0.1 allele frequencies among all the Marathi, Gujarathi, Punjabi, South Indian, Muslim, Christian and the random Western Indians studied. Further HLA DRB1^*01, DRB1^*08, DRB1^*09, DRB1^*10, were <60> 0.1 allele frequencies in all the population groups studied. When compared with other reported Indian populations HLA DRB1^*0305, DRB1^*0308, DRB1^*0309, DRB1^*1107, DRB1^*1111, DRB1^*1123, DRB1^*1128, DRB1^*1307, DRB1^*1315, DRB1^*1334, DRB1^*1402, DRB1^*1410, DRB1^*1411, and DRB1^*1416 were identified in study. Results suggest the influence of genetic drift caused by selection geography and culture among different population groups studied and the Indian population cannot be considered as a single panmictic population.population.

2 tables, 16 ref

021708   Kalipatnapu S;Chattopadhyay A (Cent for Cellular and Molec Biol, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: amit@ccmb.res.in) : The serotonin receptor and its interaction with the membrane environment. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(2), 61-72.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which signal sacross the plasma membrane by binding to distinct cell surface receptors which have been classified into many groups. The serotonin_1A (5-HT_1A) receptor is the most extensively studied of the serotonin receptors and belongs to the large family of seven transmembrane domain G-protein coupled receptors. Although the pharmacological and signaling aspects of the functioning of the 5-HT_1A receptor have been well explored, the role of the membrane environment in its function is only beginning to be addressed. Various aspects of the membrane biology of 5-HT_1A receptors such as modulation of ligand binding to 5-HT_1A receptors under a variety of conditions, and functional solubilization of 5-HT_1A receptors using the bovine hippocampal serotonin_1A receptor as the model system has been described. Recent developments in membrane organization of the 5-HT_1A receptor using the phenomenon of detergent insolubility, and the role of membrane cholesterol in ligand binding and G-protein coupling of the 5-HT_1A receptor are summarized.

^iia4 illus, 108 ref

021707   Jyotsna C;Chattopadhyay M K (Cent for Cellular and Molec Biol, , Hyderabad-500 007) : Antarctic psychrophiles. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 325-8.

9 ref

021706   Jindal R;Prajapat P (Dep of Zool, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Productivity and trophic status of Renuka wetland (Distt. Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh). Indian J Ecol 2005, 32(2), 180-3.

Productivity and trophic status of Renuka Wetland, situated in district Sirmour (Himachal pradesh) were studied. Phytoplankton (85.45%) constituted the major portion of total plankton. Bacillariophyceae (56.38%) constituted the dominant component, whereas Chorophyceae (25.17%) and Cyanophyceae (14.22%) formed the sub-dominant components of phytoplankton. Zooplankton (14.55%) formed a minor component of total plankton. Rotifera (55.17%) constituted the dominant, whereas Protozoa (19.38%), Cladocera (12.42%), Copepoda (1.75%) and Insecta (1.57%) formed the sub-dominant groups of zooplankton. Gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) were determined by "Light and dark bottle method". The values of productivity were ranged from 0.165-0.606 g Cm^-3 hr^-1, and among all the factors studied temperature, light, chlorophyll and richness of nutrients were found to be controlling factors. P/R ratio, for most of the year, was nearly one or more than one, thus depicted the overall healthy condition of the wetland. On the basis of GPP values and Nygaard's trophic state indices (Nygaard, 1949), the wetland was found to be eutrophic in nature.

2 tables, 15 ref

021705   Hore D K (NBPGR Regional Stn, , Umroj Road, Barapani, Meghalaya-793 103) : Issues and strategies related to the management of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya, India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2005, 31(4), 353-9.

Nokrek is one of the important biosphere reserves of India, which was earlier designated as Citrus Gene Sancturary. Despite its designation as biosphere reserve, there has been no scientific study of the area. The flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem rich in genetic resources has been attemped to document. This will be helpful for framing conservation strategies. Emphasising the importance of this reserve, recommendations are made for further scientific studies and social development within the reserve.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

021704   Gandhi G;Singh P (Dep of Hum Genet, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: jrgandhi@sancharnet.in) : Cytogenetic damage in mobile phone users: premilinary data. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 259-65.

Mobile telephones, sometimes called cellular (cell) phones or handies, are now an integral part of modern life. The mobile phone handsets are low-powered radiofrequency transmitters, emitting maximum powers in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 watts. Scientific concerns have increased sufficiently over the possible hazard to health from using cell phones. The reported adverse health effects include physiological, behavioural and cognitive changes as well as tumour formation and genetic damage. However findings are controversial and no consensus exists. Genotoxicity has been observed either in lower organisms or in vitro studies. The aim of the study hence was to detect any cytogenetic damage in mobile phone users by analysing short term peripheral lymphocytes cultures for chromosomal aberrations and the buccal mucosal cells for micronuclei (aneugenicity and clastogenicity). The result revealed increased number of micronucleated buccal cells and cytological abnormalities in cultured lymphocytes indicating the genotoxic response from mobile phone use.

2 tables, 32 ref

021703   Ganapathy V;Fei Y J (Biochem and Molec Biol Dep, Med Coll of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA, Email: vganapat@mail.mcg.edu) : Biological role and therapeutic potential of Na CT a sodium-coupled transporter for citrate in mammals. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(2), 83-96.

NaCT is a plasma membrane transporter which is expressed predominantly in mammalian liver and mediates Na⁺-coupled entry of citrate into hepatocytes. This transporter represents the mammalian counterpart of Drosophila Indy at the functional level. Defects in the transport function of Indy in Drosophila leads to extension of lifespan. Indy is an acronym for "I' am not dead yet". The transporter is also expressed in zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans. RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated silencing of the NaCT gene in C. elegans increases the lifespan of the organism, suggesting that the transporter plays a role as an important determinant of lifespan not only in Drosophila but also in other organisms. In mammalian liver, NaCT is expressed exclusively in the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes, a cellular location suitable for the uptake of citrate from simusoidal blood into liver cells. The transport function of NaCT is demonstable in several human and rodent liver cell lines as well as in rodent primary hepatocyte cell cultres. Citrate transported into liver cells via NaCT is used for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. The functional link between NaCT and lipid synthesis in further substantiated in C. elegans in which RNAi-induced downregulation of the transporter results not only in lifespan extension but also in decreased fat deposition and body size. It is likely that the decrease in fat synthesis and the resultant lean body mass are related to lifespan extens

3 illus, 78 ref

021702   Debnath M; Das S K;Bera N K;Nayak C R; Chaudhuri T K (Cellular Immunology Lab Dep of Zool, Univ of North Bengal, Siliguri-734 430) : Study of hla-linked genes in paranoid schizophrenia in an Indian Bengalee population. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 273-7.

Schizophrenia is a major psychotic disorder with a strong genetic component and molecular etiology remains enigmatic. They form a heterogeneous and poorly understood collection of disorders of which Paranoid Schizophrenia is the best diagnosed and least severe clinical subtype of Schizophrenia. Involvement of biological factors has been suspected for long. In the investigation, the incidence of HLA Class-1 antigens has been studied to understand the role of HLA genes in the patients with paranoid schizophrenia with the objectives to explore a possible immunogenetical etiology of paranoid schizophrenia. A case- control study design was performed. Psychiatric reference data were available for total number of 30,000 cases attended between 1998 and 2004. A total number of 120 patients with paranoid schizophrenia belonging to the India born Bengalee population were initially enrolled for the study and DSM-IV criteria was used for the diagnosis of the patients. Upon longitudinal follow up 70 patients turned out to be the cases of other psychotic conditions and PCR based molecular typing (PCR-SSP) method was applied to 50 genuine cases of Paranoid Schizophrenia. A total numbers of 100 healthy donors belonging to the same ethinic background were considered as controls. The investigation shows that some of the HLA antigens are associated with paranoid schizophrenia and especially significant increases are found for HLA-A^*03 gene which may influence susceptibility to paranoid schizophrenia. noid schizophrenia. The study reveals important interactions between HLA genes and paranoid schizophrenia. This preliminary observation may help to understand the etiological basis of this disorder.

3 tables, 38 ref

021701   Dangi B S;Agrawal B K;Yadav B S (Dep of Biochem and Cardiology, Gandhi Med Coll, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Changes in CK-MB level in acute myocardial infarction. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 239-40.

Cardiac markers (Serum proteins) are tools in diagnosis of myocardial infarction. CK-MB is most valuable cardiac marker released from the damaged heart muscles. Total 196 MI patients and 104 controls (normal subjects) were studied in Cardiology Department of Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal. Initial elevation of CK-MB occurs after 6 hours, mean time to peak elevation was 8-24 hrs and time to return to the baseline was <62>48 hrs. In male controls the mean CK-MB level was 19.34±2.83 IU/L and in female the mean CK-MB level was 19.32±3.65 IU/L. The mean value of CK-MB at different time intervals in MI patients were 245.12±64.56 at 8-16 hrs, 230.50±44.88 IU/L at 17-24 hrs, 88.33±3.84 IU/L at 25-32 hrs. 74.50±38.19 IU/L at 33-40 hrs and 50.66±2.32 IU/L at 41-48 hrs. The difference in CK-MB level among male and female controls was statistically insignificant.

1 illus, 10 ref

021700   Chimwamurombe P M;Wingfield B D;Botha A M; Wingfield M J (Dep of Biol, Univ of Namibia, Post Bag-13301, Windhoek, Namibia) : Production of polygalacturonases in isolates of cryphonectria cubensis of differing pathogenicity. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 253-9.

Cryphonectria cubensis causes a serious stem canker disease on Eucalyptus in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Previously, it was shown that isolates of C. cubensis display varying levels of pathogenicity. The aim of the study was to consider whether a relationship exists between the production levels of polygalacturonases and pathogenicity in isolates of C. cubensis. Seven isolates of C. cubensis known to have differing levels of pathogenicity were assessd for polygalacturonase production using agarose gel diffusion and reducing sugar assays. Results showed that the levels of polygalacturonase production are not significantly different in natural isolates of C. cubensis that have different pathogenicity levels. However, in one hypovirulent isolate, CMW6009, which has been artificially transfected with hypovirus CHV1-713 from Cryphonectria parasitica, a delay of six days in the production of polygalacturonases was observed. It is concluded that polygalacturonases probably have a minor role in determining the pathogenicity of the C. cubensis. Furthermore, the hypovirus CHV1-713 that causes hypovirulence in C. cubensis, has a major role in controlling pathogenicity and its mechanism of action may involve disruption of the production of polygalacturonases and other cell wall degrading enzymes.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

021699   Billaiya S K;Yadava H S;Tikle A N (J.N. Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, , Jablapur-482 004) : Phenotypic stability analysis for fodder yield and crude protein yield in oat. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(2), 429-30.

Ten genotypes were tested at four locations to determine the stabiltity in fodder yield and crude protein yield in oat. The differences among the genotypes and environment were highly significant. Genotypes OS 6, UPO 272 and JHO 2001-1 for fodder yield and Kent, JO 6, JHO 2001-3 for crude protein yield were average responsive and stable. OL 125, SKO 12 and SKO 20 were responsive and unstable for fodder yield. Genotypes SKO 20, SKO 12 and JHO 2001-2 were responsive to favorable condition and stable for crude yield. These genotypes can be potential donor for improvement on fodder yield with better quality and stability in oat.

2 tables, 2 ref

021698   Bhavani B A;Padma T;Sastry B K S;Krishna Reddy N;Nausheen K (Dep of Genet, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : The insertion I/delection D polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene increase the susceptibility to hypertension and / or diabetes. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 247-52.

Study was aimed to investigate whether the Insertion I/ Delection D polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene increase the susceptibility to hypertension and / or diabetes. ACE gene was genotyped in 200 hypertension patients, 100 type II diabetic patients and 200 age and sex matched controls. From the data it was observed that in hypertension patients genotypic and allelic frequencies were significantly deviated from Hardly-Weinberg equilibrium (p<60>0.05). The DD genotype was strongly associated with hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 2.02, confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-3.58, p<60>0.05] and remained so when patients with type II diabetes were excluded from the analysis (OR = 2.07, CI = 1.10-3.93,p<60>0.05) and significant association was not obtained in diabetic patients without hypertension. From the results, it was concluded that D allele of ACE gene protects against diabetes, however it increases susceptibility to hypertension particularly when associated with type II diabetes.

3 tables, 33 ref

021697   Bagos P;Liakopoulos T D;Promponas V J; Hamodrakas S J (Cell Biol and Biophys Dep Fac of Biol, Univ of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Greece, Email: vprobon@biol.uoa.gr) : Prediction of β-barrel outer membrane proteins. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(1), 19-41.

Attempts to summarize sequence and structural features of β-barrel transmembrane proteins, as they have recently been exploited in order to devise efficient computational methods for the discrimination of these proteins in a genomic context and the prediction of the topology of membrane spanning β-strands. Reviewes a series of prediction methods, ranging from empirical computational schemes, developed in the first days of protein sequence analysis, to modern state-of-the-art machine-learning bioinformatics algorithms, from both a historical and a practical perspective. Furthesmore, discusses common pitfalls and inefficiencies in current methods, at both the intial discrimination step and at the topology prediction stage, suggesting future improvements and perspectives in this emerging research field.

3 illus, 4 tables, 158 ref

021696   Anderluh G;Gutierrez-aguirre I;Sepcic K;Macek P (Biol Dep Bitechnical Fac, Univ of Ljublijana, Vec na pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia) : Pore forming toxins as useful tools in studies of lipid membrane organization. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2005, 71(2), 73-82.

Pore forming toxins are one of the most ubiquitous groups of toxins found in nature. They are able to efficiently perforate cell lipid membranes in a multi-step mechanism, where each step is represented by a distinct conformational state. They are usually produced and secreted as water-soluble proteins. After the binding onto a membrane they oligomerize on its surface and after a conformational change, that exposes hydrophobic regions, the insertion of a part of their polypeptided chain cross the lipid membrane interactions, unfolding on the membrane surface and protein-protein interactions within the membrane milieu. Pore forming toxins were also shown to be useful in biotechnological and medical applications. In recent years, they have been used in studying the membrane structure and fate of particular membrane lipids. In particular those that interact with lipid components of membrane lipid rafts, as is the case of lysenin and perfringolysin O, have recently attracted considerable attention. Summarizes current knowledge on two actinoporin from sea anemone Actinia equina. Both proteins might be potentially useful in studies of lipid rafts due to their specific interaction with these membrane micro-domains.

4 illus, 96 ref

021695   Ajay Kumar;Mohindru K;Sehajpal P K (Dep of Molec Biol and Biochem, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar, Punjab) : Angiotensin-I converting enzyme polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in north India. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(4), 279-83.

Diabetic nephropathy represents a major complication in patients with either type I or type II diabetes. The contribution of a 287 bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the gene encoding angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) has been investigated and the deletion type is documented to be a risk factor in the development of this disease. The study was designed to determine the relationship between this polymorphism and the risk of developing advanced form of diabetic nephropathy (end stage renal disease) in type II diabetic patients from North India known to have a high incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to genotype the DNA isolated from peripheral blood of age and sex matched 117 subjects (59 diabetic nephropathy patients and 58 normal healthy controls). All the subjects, identified as DD, were reconfirmed with an insertion-specific primer. There was no significant difference in the distribution of DD, ID and II genotypes between diabetic nephropathy (10, 32, 17) and normal healthy subjects (9, 33, 16), respectively. The D allele frequencies within patient (0.441) and control (0.440) populations were very similar. The findings of the study strongly suggest that I/D polymorphism of ACE gene is not implicated in the diabetic nephropathy of North Indian patients.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

020834   Zhou G L;Jin H G;Zhu Q I;Guo S L;Wu Y H (Coll of Life Sci, Liaocheng Univ, Liaocheng 252 059, People's Republic of China, Email: glzhou@lctu.edu.cn) : Genetic diversity of five cattle breeds native to China using microsatellites. J Genet 2005, 84(1), 77-80.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

020833   Teli M D;Laddha A;Kale R D (Dep of Fibr and Text Processing Technol, Univ Inst of Chem Technol, Mumbai, M S) : Standardization of IR-dyeing m/c vs HT HP dyeing m/c (part III). J Text Ass 2006, 67(1), 19-23.

To get identical dyeings using IR and HTHP dyeing machines, second round of modification to the IR dyeing machine was undertaken. This resulted in not only same depth of dyeings obtained from both the machines, but also helped prediction possible if dyeings from either of the machine are available.

9 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

020832   Syamala Devi;Kalyani (Computer Sci and Applics Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh, Punjab, Email: syamala@pu.ac.in) : Bioinformatics approach for secondary structure identification in beta-barrel fold proteins. Punjab Univ Res J Sci 2005, 55, 23-6.

There is a need for knowing the structure of proteins for various reasons in biomedical applications. However, the rate at which the structures of proteins determined is not at par with the sequences of proteins derived. Therefore, theoretical methods using knowledge based techniques became popular to predict structures. Bioinformatics techniques are used for sequence alignment and comparison in the past and several algorithms were used in doing so. Structure based sequence information will be useful in making a link between the strucuture and sequence. Attempts were made to make a database of seuqnces of known secondary structure elements of a popular protein fold, beta-barrel or TIM-barrel. A string of sequence would be screened against the database strings to find out the secodnary structural score of the input sequence. Provision has been made to give the input and obtain the output through a web interface.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

020831   Sunita S;Bakre V P;Bakre P P (Envir biology Lab Dep of Zool, Raj Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Histopathological and occulo-mictometric study of the retina of the eye of Gambusia affinis exposed to textile and printing effluent. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2005, 5(3-4), 201-5.

Study deals with the dose and duration dependent effects of printing and dyeing industry effluent on the retina of the eye of Gambusia affinis located at Pali district of Rajasthan State. Effluents from these industries make their way to Common Effluent Tratment Plant (CETP), Pali where chemical and biological treatment is done. After treatment, the sludge generated is allowed to dry in dry-beds and dumped away from the plant. Due to high porosity of the sandy soil, heavy metal salts and soluble toxic substances would leach and make their way to local Bandi river through sub-soil movement. Gambusia affinis was exposed to three sublethal concentrations (1/1000, 1/500 and 1/100) of leachate undertaken at 7, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 days. The study revealed that the different layers of the retina lost their compactness along with increase vacuolation and hypertrophy. Occulometric study of the retina of the eye of Gambusia affinis also showed variations in the diameter.

1 table, 9 ref

020830   Sunder I (Dep of Economics Directorate of Distance Educ, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu) : Scope and nature of ecological economics. Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(3-4), 385-90.

Ecological economics is a recent development of neo-classical environmental economics. Environmental economics is based on micro-economics or price theory of individual consumer and business behaviour and it does not emphasize concern over the scale of the economy. However, ecological economics has a strong tie to sustainability in terms of distribution and efficient allocation of resources. Paper conceptualizes ecological economics from a wider perspective. Paper outlines the implications of law of thermodynamics on ecological economics and major role of ecological economics in safeguarding the life support system. Paper analyses the role of ecological economics in resource management. Finally it concludes with some policy measures to increase the utility of this subject to mankind.

14 ref

020829   Subhashchandra M G;Basavaraja G;Girish B S; Raghavendra R;Channappa T S (Dep of P.G. Stud and Res in Microbiol, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106) : Comparative studies on the effect of lead on free and immobilized systems of Bacillus sp.. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2005, 5(3-4), 139-44.

Heavy metals are widespread pollutants of great environmental concern as they are non-biodegradable and thus persistent. Lead is a non-essential element, highly toxic to microorganisms due to its ability to replace functional metals leading to denaturation of proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and is present in significant quantities in many soils. Awareness of the biological effects of pollutants on microoganisms has lead to their use as indicators in bioassay systems and as biological monitors of environmental contamination. The application of immobilized systems in the environmental application has been studied with greater extent as immobilized systems have several advantages over free cells, but limited work has been reported on the toxicological studies using immobilized microbial systems. In this investigation Authors are reporting the comparative study of the effect of lead on free and immobilized cells of Bacillus sp. using different parameters like growth, nucleic acids, protein content, catalase activity, phosphatase activity and glucose utilization. Inhibition on growth of Bacillus sp. was found to be at lower concentrations. The effect of lead on DNA and RNA content indicated slightly higher inhibition in free cells than in immobilized cells. Protein synthesis inhibition was more in free cells compared to immobilized cells in the presence of lower concentrations of lead. Enzyme activities of free cells were more affected by lead than that of immobilized cells. sing concentrations of lead affected the glucose utilization.

1 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

020828   Siva Kumar K;Sahu M K;Kathiresan K (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Isolation of actinomycetes from the mangrove environment of the southeast coast of India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(3-4), 355-7.

Sediment samples were collected from different stations of the Pichvaram mangrove ecosystem (Lat.11°27 N; Long.79° 47 E), situated along the southeast coast of India for isolation of actinomycetes. The actinomycetes colonies were isolated using three different media viz., Starch Casein Agar (SCA), Glucose Asparagine Agar (GAA) and Kuster's Agar (KUA). Consistently a higher number of populations occurred on KU Agar (KUA) medium and the highest population density recorded was 4×10⁴ CFU/g. Hence, for enumerating the actinomycetes populations from the mangrove environment, KU Agar medium is recommended.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

020827   Shanmugasundaram N;Devanathan T G (Embryo Biotechnol Lab, Coll of Vet Sci, Tirupati-517 502) : Effect of cumulus cells and cysteamine on in vitro development of ovine embryos. Indian vet J 2006, 83(4), 368-70.

Effect of cumulus cells and cysteamine in in vitro development of ovine embryos was studied using ovaries collected from a local slaughterhouse. The retrieved oocytes were subjected to various treatments during their in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture. The cleavage and embryo development rate of the experimental groups were recorded. The morula percentage of the experimental groups, viz. cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), COCs with cysteamine denuded oocytes (DOs), DOs with cysteamine, were 17.28±2.00, 25.02±2.74, 00.00 and 7.27±1.16, respectively. The embryo development rate was significantly (P<60>0.01) higher in COCs than DOs. In the presence of cysteamine, embryo development rate was increased both in COCs and DOs. However, the highest embryo development rate was observed in COCs with cysteamine. This suggests the synergistic effect of cumulus cells and cysteamine on embryo development.

1 table, 10 ref

020826   Sariri R;Moghimi R;Ranjbar R B (Biol Dep, Gilan Univ, Risht, Iran, Email: sariri@guilan.ac.in) : Inhibition of tyrosinase activity on dopamine hydrochloride by kojic acid. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(1), 15-19.

Inhibition effect of kojic acid on tyrosinase activity was studied and the rate of enzymatic reaction in presence and absence of the inhibitor was calculated. It was shown that increasing the concentration of inhibitors reduces the enzymatic reaction rate linearly. the kinetics of inhibition by kojic acid was studied and the Michaelis constants calculated. It was found that kojic acid could non-competitively inhibit the tyrosinase action on its substrate, dopamine hydrochloride under specified conditions.

3 illus, 15 ref

020825   Sariri R;Arasteh A;Mahmoodian J (Biol Dep, Gilan Univ, Rasht, Iran, Email: sariri@guilan.ac.in) : Heavy smoking and tears protein pattern. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(1), 8-14.

In this research, the change in tear protein electrophoretic pattern in smokers, heavy smokers compared to non-smokers were investigated. The survey was conducted for 100 volunteers, out of which 50 were non-smokers, 25 smokers and 25 heavy smokers. The subjects, all male and aged 20-30 years old, filled a table in order to get some information about their health and smoking history. Total tear proteins and lysozyme concentration were measured and the proteins separated by sodium didecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed some alterations in tear protein pattern of smokers that was more noticeable in heavy smokers. The number of electrophoretic bands in tears of heavy smokers was about 25% more than of non-smokers. The changes observed in tear proteins of heavy smokers can explain the higher incidence of dry-eye syndrome observed in smokers.

2 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

020824   Pati R N (IK Foundation of India, AE1 Res and Consultancy (P) Ltd.,Plot No. 420 Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751 007, Email: ikfoundationofindia@hotmail.com) : Ethno-medicinal practices and sustainable development : sensitive issues of economic transformation in Chhattisgarh. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(1), 65-74.

Indian natural medicine has captured global market. The indigenous communities have indigenous knowledge system and indigenous mechanism to uphold economic autonomy and self sustaining mechanism for conservation of biodiversity. The academicians have greater role in exploring the secrets of innovators, issues of intellectual property rights and keys to protect, regenerate and preserve the habital of rare herbs. The national Population Policy, 2002 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 have recognized the importance of exploring appropriately indigenous knowledge system for conservation of biodiversity.

21 ref

020823   Nirmala R;Ramanujam B;Rabindra R J;Rao N S (Ent section, Surarcane Breed Inst, Coimbatore-641 007) : Growth parameters of some isolate of entomofungal pathogens and production of dust-free spores on rice medium. J biol Control 2005, 19(2), 121-8.

Four isolates in each of beauveria bassiana (Bals). Vuill., Metarchizium anisopliae (Metschinikoff) Sorokin and verticillium lecanii (Zimmerman) viegas, pathogenic to key pests of crops like, coffee berry borer, coconut rhinoceros beetle, cashew stem borer, citrus and coffee green scale etc. were assessed for the colony growth on potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), biomass and spore production in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and dry spore production in rice grown through di-phasic production system. The isolates Bb5a (B. bassiana), Ma4 (M. anisopliae) and V15 (V. lecanii) were found fast growing with the colony diameter of 6.3, 8.1 and 5.7 cm. respectively higher in shake cultures than in stationary for all isolates expect Bb4, Bb5a, and V13a. Among the B. bassiana isolates, biomass production in stationary cultures was highest in Bb4 isolate (0.78/100ml) and in shake culture in Bb3 isolate (1.02g/100ml). Ma2 in stationary culture (0.8g/100ml) and Ma3 isolate in shake cultures produced maximum biomass (1.09g/100ml). V1 2a isolate among V. licanii isolates produced maximum biomass in stationary culture and shake culture (0.77 and 1.03g/100ml, respectively). M anisopliac isolates formed mycellial pellets of various sizes under shake culture condition in PBD. In two-stage system of mass production, the maximum spore production on rice was observed in Bb5a, Ma4 and V15 isolates (96.0,49.8 and 17.5 x 10⁸ spore g^-1) and maximum spore per gram of rich were harvested in Bb5a, Ma2 and V12a isolates (28.00, 45.50 and 15.60 mg g^-1). Maximum viable spores per gram of spore dust were recorded in Bb5a, Ma4 and V15 isolates (4.7 x 10¹⁰, 2.5 x 10¹⁰ and 1.7 x 10⁹g^-1). Taking into consideration of quantity of spore dust production and viable spores in the spore dust, Bb5a, Ma2 and V12a were identified as potential isolate for large-scale production of dry conidial powder.

4 tables, 14 ref

020822   Negi Y K;Garg S K;Kumar J (NO, G.B. Pant Univ of Agric and Technol, Hill Campus, Ranichauri-249 199, Email: jkumar56@hotmail.com) : Cold-tolerant fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates from Garhwal Himalayas as potential plant growth promoting and biocontrol agents in pea. Curr Sci 2005, 89(12), 2151-6.

Four rhizospheric strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf), viz. Pf-102, Pf-103, Pf-110 and Pf-173 were antagonistic against Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (causal agent of root rot in pea). In liquid culture assay, Pfs could inhibit the growth of F. solani f. sp. pisi by 60-100%, suggesting that their secondary metabolites were sufficient to antagonize the target pathogen. Mode of inhibition of F. solani f. sp. pisi by Pf-102 and Pf-103 was fungistatic, while Pf-110 and Pf-173 were lytic in their action. Plant growth promotion and in vivo antagonism assays against the target pathogen revealed that a consortium of four test strains was the best. Also individually, strains Pf-110 and Pf-173, capable of solubilizing inorganic phosphate and producing siderophore, were consistently better than the others. These activities are relevant to ecological fitness of the producer strains under the framework of organic farming underway in Uttaranchal.

1 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

020821   Narayanan K (Project Directorate of Biol Control, (ICAR), P.B. No. 2941, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: kn_pdbc@rediffmail.com) : Cross infectivity of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus to cabbage leaf webber, Crocidolomia binotalis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). J biol Control 2005, 19(2), 201-02.

Nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus) was cross infective to cabbage leaf webber, Crocidolomia binotalis.

3 ref

020820   Murugkar P;Kanoongo N;Adivarekar R (Dep of Microbiol, Bhavan's Coll, Andheri, Mumbai) : Isolation of a colour producing microbe for dyeing textiles. J Text Ass 2006, 67(1), 31-4.

A red coloured microbe was isolated from mangrove soil. Large amounts of red colour were produced on Modified Nutrient agar. This dye was used for dyeing natural fibres such as silk, wool etc., as well as synthetic fibres like polyester and gave a good pink colour. Dyeing was performed by standard procedure for silk, wool and polyester dyeing. Good colourfastness of the dyed substrates to washing, sublimation and rubbing was observed but the colour easily faded when dyed material was exposed to light. However, since the dye displayed an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Nocardia spps and Micrococcus luteus, its commercial value increases.

3 tables, 10 ref

020819   Modi M;Gupta R;Prasad G B K S;Flora S J S (Div of Pharmac and Toxicol, Def Res and Dev Eastablishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Email: sjsflora@hotmail.com) : Protective value of concomitant administration of trace elements against arsenic toxicity in rats. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(2), 257-62.

Protective effect of zinc, copper and selenium against arsenic toxicity was investigated. Trace metal administration, particularly zinc, together with arsenic decreased the blood and liver uptake of arsenic and reduced the arsenic induced inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity. Zinc and selenium administration also provide significant protection to the liver injury caused by arsenic. No significant protection, however, was provided by copper supplementation. The results suggest potential role of concomitant zinc administration during arsenic exposure in animals.

4 tables, 53 ref

020818   Mahapatra L K (NO, , 16 Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751 007) : The state and tribal policy in India and southeast Asian countries. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2005, 40(1), 1-15.

Paper portrays the tribal policy and the condition of the tribal population in India and in different parts of south east Asia have been portrased. Incidentally, a siginificant change has been observed in the pre and post independence eras. Naturally, besides stating the facts for Indian tribes, the paper also covers the tribal population of Myanmar, Malayasia and Indonesia and describes the status of the tribes vis-a-vis those who are not tribes. An outline of the various tribal movements tribal aspiration and the foundation of social strata in various tribal communities have been given. At length, the author has highlighted their need to understand the `emerging world order, the changing character of the state, and the internal structure of the community' to assess the dynamic process.

32 ref