014644   Parija S C;Mishra S K;Raviprakash V (Dep of Pharmac and Toxicol, Coll of Vet Sci & Anim Husb, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: scp469@yahoo.co.in) : Hypothyroid state reduces calcium channel function in 18-day pregnant rat uterus. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 19-27.

Hypothyroidism significantly reduced the mean amplitude and increased the mean frequency of spontaneous rhythmic contractions in 18 day pregnant rat uterus. Nifedipine (10^-12-10^-9 M) and diltiazem (10^-10-10^-6) caused concentration related inhibition of the myogenic responses of the uterine strips obtained from both pregnant and hypothyroid state. However, nifedipine was less potent (IC₅₀:2.11x10^-11 M} in pregnant hypothyroid state as compared to pregnant control (IC₅₀: 3.1x10^-12 M). Similarly, diltiazem was less potent (IC₅₀ : 3.72x10^-9 M) in inhibiting the uterine spontaneous contractions in hypothyroid than in pregnant rat uterus (IC₅₀:5.37x10^-10 M). A similar decrease in the sensitivity to nifedipine and diltiazem for reversal of K⁺ (100 mM)-induced tonic contraction and K⁺-stimulated ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx was observed with these calcium channel antagonists in uterus obtained from hypothyroid pregnant rats compared to the controls. Nifedipine-sensitive influx of ⁴⁵Ca²⁺-stimulated either by K⁺ (100 mM) or by Bay K8644 (1,4-dihydro-2,6-methyl-5-nitro-4-[2'-(tri-fluromethyl)phenyl]-3-pyrid ine carboxylic acid methyl ester) (10^-9 M) was significantly less in uterine strips from hypothyroid rats compared to controls. The results suggest that the inhibition of uterine rhythmic contractions may be attributable to a reduction in rat myometrial Ca²⁺ channel function in the hypothyroid state.

6 illus, 1 table, 54 ref

014643   Pande V V;Kurkure N V;Bhandarkar A G (Dep of Path, Nagpur Vet Coll Maharashtra Anim and Fishery Sci Univ, Nagpur-440 006, Email: nitinkurkure@rediffmail.com) : Effect of T-2 toxin on growth, performance and haematobiochemical alterations in broilers. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 86-8.

Administration of dietary T-2 toxin in 120 days old broiler chicks led to significant lower body weights and increase in feed conversion ratio from 2nd week of age. There was significant reduction in haemoglobin and packed cell volume in T-2 toxicated birds at 4 ppm level only. The other hematological parameters like TEC, TLC and absolute leucocyte count did not showed any variation due to T-2 toxin in feed. Significant reduction in serum total protein and cholesterol levels and rise in serum uric acid and LDH levels of broilers were observed due to dietary T-2 toxin. The result suggests that T-2 toxin is toxic to broilers even at very low concentrations.

1 table, 16 ref

014642   Naskar R;Sen N S;Ahmad A M F (Dep of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008, Email: naskar_ranu123@rediffmail.com) : Aluminium toxicity induced poikilocytosis in an air-breathing teleost, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 83-5.

The presents study was undertaken to assess the toxicity of acid alone and two different sublethal concentration of aluminium, (25% and 75% dose of 96 hr LC₅₀ value in acidified soft water of pH 5) on red blood cells of a stenohaline catfish, C. batrachus for an acute exposure of 5 days. The scanning electron microscopic studies on all the three treated groups revealed several kinds of erythrocyte alterations and modifications with abnormal morphology. These included abnormal surface-wrinkling accompanied with excessive roughness on the membrane, erythroeytes with surface granulation in higher dose and finally the appearance of morphologically abnormal forms, the codoeyte (target cell) and the stomatocyte. The results suggest that abnormality in the shape of erythrocytes could be linked to altered surface membrane area to volume ratio, decrease in the cytoplasmic volume owing to reduced Hb content or increase in the amount of water content within the cell resulting from osmotic disequilibrium. In this context, the abnormal surface membrane morphology could be attributed to cytoskeleton fragility and defecis in structural proteins. Further, the acid group exhibited a striking behavior of cellular adhesion and bonding to adjoining cell surfaces, culminating in several bunches which thereby reduces the surface area for gaseous exchange and could produce blocking effect while flowing through microcirculation.

^ssc10 illus, 14 ref

014641   Nagaraju V;Mani S K (NO, Natn Res Cent for Orchids, Pakyong-737 109, Email: vnagaraju@hub.nic.in) : Rapid in vitro propagation of orchid Zygopetalum intermedium. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(1), 27-32.

Infulence of plant growth substances medium and potting mixture on protocorm development, differentiation, growth and establishment of Zygopetalum intermedium was assessed. Embryo from mature green but unripe capsule cultured on half strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1.5 g l^-1 AC with 0.25 mg l^-1 PBZ and 0.1 mg Mg l^-1 of NAA swollen in 59.7 days, followed by formation of globular bodies in 64 days and protocorm development in 70.7 days. Nitsch medium in combination with 0.5 mg l^-1 of BAP and 0.25 mg l^-1 of Triacontanol resulted in shoot and root differentiation and maximum plant growth in vitro. Plantlets with 4-5 well-developed leaves with roots pre hardened in medium supplemented with 0.25 mg l^-1 each of PBZ and Triacontanol transferred to community pots filled with potting mixture of coco peat and tree fern (1:1) resulted in 72.3% survival ex vitro.

2 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

014640   Naga Bhaskar J;Pratap Reddy K;Krishna Reddy V (Neuroscience Lab Dep of Zool, Univ Coll of Sci, Osmania University-500 007, Email: pratapkreddy@rediffmail.com) : Alteration of carbohydrate metabolism in atrophied muscles of mice under immobilization. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2005, 24A(1), 1-6.

Study reports the differential effects of disused muscles by immobilization in neurally intact gastrocnemius and tibialis muscles on levels of glycogen, lactate and the activity pattern of glycogen phosphorylases. Succinic dehydrogenase and Lactate dehydrogenase on 7th, 14th and 21st days. The levels of glycogen and lactate were increased whereas the activities of dehydrogenases and phosphorylase were decreased significantly in immobilized atrophied muscle. Phosphorylase 'ab' showed an increasing trend. This result suggests importance of muscle tension and activity in normal metabolism of neurally intact skeletal muscle of mice.

1 table, 25 ref

014639   Mondal S K;Chakraborty G;Gupta M;Mazumder U K (Dep of Pharm Technol, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: mazumderu@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro antioxidant activity of Diospyros malabarica Kostel bark. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 39-44.

Antioxidant activity of defatted methanol extract of D. malabarica bark was studied for its free radical scavenging property on different in vitro models e.g. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxide radical model. The extract showed good dose-dependent free radical scavenging property in all the models except in hydroxyl radical inhibition assay. IC₅₀ values were found to be 9.16, 13.21, 25.27 and 17.33 μg/ml respectively in DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. In hydroxyl radical inhibition assay 1000 μg/ml extract showed only 10% inhibition with respect to the control. Measurement of total phenolic compounds by Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent indicated that 1 mg of the extract contained 120.7 μg equivalent of pyrocatechol. The results indicate that the antioxidant property of the extract may be due to the high content of phenolic compounds. However, the underlying mechanism may not involve hydroxyl radical scavenging property.

1 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

014638   Mohan K G;Muraleedharan D (Dep of Zool, Christian Coll, Kattakada, Trivandrum-695 572, Email: dmur@md3.vsnl.net.in ) : Modulatory influence of juvenile hormone analogue (JHa) and 20-hydroxy-ecdysone on lipophorin synthesis in red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr.. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1176-81.

Topical supply of methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue (JHa) caused notable morphological disturbance in insects. Topical supply of methoprene to newly emerged adult female D. cingulatus caused notable disturbance and induced a dramatic reduction in the total haemolymph protein pattern and lipophorin production in tissues like fat body, ovary and haemolymph. Total protein concentration in haemolymph also showed significant reduction in 1 day old insects but increased slightly as age advanced. Application of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) to 2-day-old adult female stimulated protein synthesis intensively. Lipophorin levels in fat body and ovary also simultaneously increased. Densitometric analysis revealed that methoprene inhibits while 20-HE stimulates lipophorin production in D. cingulatus.

3 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

014637   Mitra P;Chakrabartty P K (Dep of Microbiol, Bose Inst, PI/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata-700 054) : Extracellular protease with depilation activity from Strentomyces nogalaton. J scient ind Res 2005, 64(12), 978-83.

An extracellular protease-producing actinomycete, Streptomyces nogalator strain Ac 80, was isolated from soil. Mutants of the strain designated as Mt C producing protease of higher (3.0 mg tyrosine liberated/min/mg protein) and Mt L of lower (0.9 mg tyrosine liberated/min/mg protein) specific activity as compared to that of the wild type (1.8 mg tyrosine liberated/min/mg protein) were selected. Proteolytic activity of the wild type and the mutants correlated with their depilation capacities. Proteolytic enzyme produced by Mt C in solid state fermentation was purified to homogeneity, and partially characterized (molecular mass, 66 kDa by SDS- PAGE). It was found to be efficient in depilation of goatskin.

5 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

014636   Meenu Singh (Dep of Biosci, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : Toxic effect of two different type mosquito repellent mats on mice. Biochem Cell Archs 2005, 5(2), 257-60.

Mice was exposed to 4% D - Allethrin and 2% D - Allethrin for 6 continuous hours for 21 days and biochemical parameters (glucose, glycogen, total protein and cholesterol) have been observed. The glycogen content decreased 62%, while glucose content increased 83% in 4% D - Allethrin and 2% D - Allethrin with 2% piperonyl butoxide synergist containing mats. It also produced significant increase and decrease in cholesterol and total protein.

1 table, 22 ref

014635   Mathews J P;Philip B (Dep of Mar Biol Microbiol and Biochem Sch of Mar Sci, Cochin Univ of Sci and Technol, Cochin-682 016) : Effect of water accommodated fractions (WAF) of crude oil on branchial adenosine triphosphatases in Oreochromis mossambicus. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(3), 239-45.

Specific activities of total ATPase (Na⁺-K⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase), Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase were determined in gill tissues of Oreochromis mossambicus after exposure to 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 ppm concentrations of WAF (water-accommodated fractions) of Bombay High crude oil for 21 days. Branchial activities of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase were significantly inhibited by all concentrations of WAF of crude oil. The response of the fish to WAF of crude oil was dose dependent.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

014634   Masih S E;Singh B G (Dep of Bot, St. John'S Coll, Agra-282 002) : Facial beauty treatment : are you at risk?. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(3), 247-51.

Individuals both male and female visiting the beauty parlour/some private dermatological clinics were questioned in detail and most of them related the onset of certain dermal problems to the facial beauty treatment taken 1 to 3 weeks previously. Majority of them (57.1%) developed acne, while 17.1% suffered from burns, 14.2 % from rashes and an alarming 11.4% developed mycotic infections. Among the area of onset of skin disturbances, the cheeks and under eye areas were at peak contributing 15% of inflamations. The dermatophytes isolated from mycotic infections were Trichophyton mentagrophytes. T. simii and Aspergillus species.

3 tables, 13 ref

014633   Madhuranath B N;Yajurvedi H N (Dep of Zool, Univ of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: hnyajuredi@yahoo.co.in) : Progesterone restores stress induced inhibition of estrous behavior in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 28-31.

Exposure to a stressor (mild electrical shocks to foot, five times per episode, at 1800, 1830, 1900 and 1930 hrs of proestrus) coinciding with period of pre-ovulatory progesterone secretion in rats abolished estrous behavior as shown by the absence of lordosis response and a significant increase in rejection quotient compared to controls. These rats did not show spermatozoa in the vaginal smear next day morning in contrast to their presence in controls. On the other hand, rats treated with progesterone (a single injection, 500 μg in 0.1 ml olive oil at 1800 hr of proestrus) prior to exposure to stressor showed normal estrous behavior, as shown by significantly lower rejection quotient than rats exposed to stress alone, lordosis quotient similar to controls and presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal smear next day. The results, albeit indirectly, first time indicate that stress induced impaired steroidogenesis leads to suppression of estrous behavior.

1 table, 19 ref

014632   Kulkarni A S;Khalap N;Joshi V P (Molec Biol Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: josudha@apsara.barc.ernet.in) : Effect of C-terminal 44 amino acids deletion on activity of Haemophilus influenze UvrA protein. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 7-13.

UV-sensitive mutant strain of Haemophilus influenzae Rd MBH3, is 20 times more sensitive to UV irradiation than the wild type strain. The mutation responsible for increased UV sensitivity of the strain was identified as G → A transition predicting synthesis of truncated UvrAΔC44 protein (Balsara & Joshi)¹². Recombinant UvrAΔC44 protein was purified for the first time under denaturing conditions. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein was estimated as <126>100 kDa. Recombinant UvrAΔC44 protein was found to be less efficient in its ATPase and DNA binding activity as compared to the wild type protein. Recombinant plasmid carrying uvrAΔC44 gene could partially complement the UvrA deficiency in E. coli UvrA mutant.

4 illus, 16 ref

014631   Koul A;Mona Singh;Gangar S C (Dep of Biophys Basic Med Sci Block, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: ashwanik@pu.ac.in) : Modulatory effects of different doses of alpha-tocopherol on benzo(a)pyrene-DNA adduct formation in the pulmonary tissue of cigarette smoke inhaling mice. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1139-43.

Cigarette smoke (CS) has been established as one of the major risk factors for many pathologies including lung cancer in humans and experimental animals. In view of the discrepancy about the role of alpha-tocopherol (AT) in carcinogenesis, the study was designed to investigate the effects of different doses of AT on benzo(a)pyrene-DNA [B(a)P-DNA] adduct formation in lungs of CS inhaling mice. Extent of carcinogen-DNA adduct formation has been considered as an index for carcinogenesis. Feeding of 35 IU AT/kg body weight increased B(a)P-DNA adducts formation significantly whereas feeding of 5 IU AT/kg body weight did not altered much the B(a)P-DNA adduct levels when both were compared to the control counterparts. With CS inhalation, the B(a)P-DNA adducts formation increased in all the groups when compared to their respective sham counterparts. Interestingly, in CS exposed groups, there was least increase in B(a)P-DNA adducts formation in 5 IU AT/kg fed animals followed by the control and 35 IU AT/kg body weight fed groups respectively. The results suggest that higher doses of AT accentuate DNA adduct formation in CS inhaling mice.

1 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

014630   Kesari A N ;Watal G (Nucleic Acid Res Lab Dep of Chem, Univ of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002, Email: geetawatal@rediffmail.com) : Nanotechnology. Sci Cult 2005, 71(9-10), 334-8.

Nanotechnology represents an evolving technology that has the technology and potential to have impact on an incredibly wide number of industries & market. Nanotechnology will revolutionise people's approaches to areas as diverse as the structure of materials, computing, information technology, robotics, biotechnology and medicine.

70 ref

014629   Kaur P;Soni J;Sharma P (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Ameliorating effects of antioxidants against doxorubicin induced genotoxicity in testis of mice. Panjab Univ Res J Sci 2004, 54, 105-110.

An antitumor antibiotic, doxombicin, is used for the treatment of a variety of the soft and solid human malignancies. During the present investigations, ameliorating effects of antioxidants, sesamol and garlic oil, have been tested against genotoxicity of doxorubicin by employing comet assay on the testis of mice (Mus musculus) of laca strain. Two different doses of sesamol and garlic oil were administered to mice for six consecutive days and then a dose of doxorubicin was given. The positive and negative Controls were a/so run for comparison. The mice were tested for their genotoxicity after 24, 48 & 72 hours. Pretreatment with both the antioxidants reduced the sizes of the comets considerably. But the pretreatment of mice with the high dose of garlic oil reduced the mutagenicity of the drug to a considerable extent than sesamol pretreatment.

1 illus, 32 ref

014628   Karthick Raja Namasivayam S;Palaniappan R (P G Dep of Microbiol, Sri. Paramakalyani Coll, Alwarkurichi-627 412) : Antibacterial activity of seed extracts of Annona squomosa (L) against the pathogenic bacteria. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(1-2), 29-30.

Annona squomosa (L.) seed extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic bacterial strain of Gram negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, Benzene and methanol extracts showed high activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. All the extracts were inactive against Streptococcus pyogenes. The use of essential oil from Annona as a potential antiseptic in prevention and treatment of bacterial infection has been suggested.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

014627   Kamboj A;Dani H M (Dep of Biochem, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Characterization of some dietary flavonoids by spectrophotometry and HPLC and assays of their inhibitory potentials on lipid peroxidation. Panjab Univ Res J Sci 2004, 54, 61-4.

Considering the antioxidant and anticarcinogenic potentials of flavonoids, experiments were performed to isolate and characterize them in routinely consumed fruits and vegetables employing U.V. spectrophotometry and HPLC. Seven out of nine flavonoid extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation (LPO) to varying degrees, but two were pro-oxidants and not antioxidants. The inhibitory potentials of the flavonoid extracts for lipid peroxidation (pro-carcinogenic) were further studied. Onions were found to contain the most potent inhibitor, quercetin-3-glucoside in high concentration, which inhibited lipid peroxidation substantially.

3 tables, 16 ref

014626   Kadnur S V;Goyal R K (Dep of Pharmac, L.M. Coll of Pharm, Navarangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: goyalrk@hotmail.com ) : Beneficial effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe on fructose induced hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1161-4.

Fructose supplementation produced cardinal features of Syndrome-X including significant elevations in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and insulin and also in body weight. While treatment with methanolic extract of dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale produced a significant reduction in fructose induced elevation in lipid levels, body weight, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, treatment with ethyl acetate extract of Z. officinale did not produce any significant change in either of the last two parameters. However, it produced a significant reduction in elevated lipid levels and body weight. The concentration of 6-gingerol was found to be higher in methanolic extract and less in ethyl acetate extract. The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Z. officinale produces better effects as compared to ethyl acetate extract in fructose induced hyperlipidemia associated with insulin resistance. The extent of activity appears to be dependent on the concentration of 6-gingerol present in the extracts.

1 tables, 30 ref

014625   Iyer A;Mody K;Jha B (Mar Algae & Mar Envir Discipline, Cent Salt & Mar Chemicals Res Inst, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: khmody@csmcri.org) : Rheological properties of an exopolysaccharide produced by a marine Enterobacter cloacae. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(3-4), 119-23.

Enterobacter cloacae, isolated from the marine sediment collected from Gujarat coast, India, produced copious amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS 71 a). This polysaccharide showed excellent rheological properties at extreme conditions viz. good viscosity at elevated temperature (90°C), acidic and alkaline pH and in the presence of monovalent and divalent cations. These properties make it a suitable candidate for enhanced oil recovery. It also exhibited a non-gelling nature even at low temperature which can be of significant importance to establish its application in food dressings that require to be stored at 4°C but need to be in a viscous-flowing form.

^ssc4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

014624   Islam M R (Dep of Popul Sci and Hum Resour Dev, Rajshahi Uniuesity, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh, Email: rafique_pops@yahoo.com) : Empirical forecasting of mortality parameters of Bangladesh. South Asian Anthrop 2005, 5(1), 81-7.

Makes study a forecast some mortality parameters of Bangladesh. A few mathematical time trend models have been fitted to time series data on infant mortality rate (IMR), crude death rate (CDR), life expectancy at birth for male and female taken from Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh. It is seen that all the parameters of these fitted models are highly statistically significant. It is also found that all these models are more than 77% stable and more than 80% of variation is explained.

9 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

014623   Indira Devi S;Vashista P;Sharma C B (Dep of Biotechnol, D.A.V. Coll, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Purification to homogeneity and characterization of two antifungal proteins from the roots of Arachis hypogaea L.. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(1-2), 21-8.

Two antifungal proteins from the roots of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seedlings, designated as PAFP-I and PAFP-1I, were purified to homogeneity and characterized. The purification protocol involved ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis and chromatography on CM-cellulose, Sephadex G-100, and DEAE-cellulose. The apparent molecular mass of PAFP-I and that of PAFP-II, as determined by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, corresponded to 23 kDa and 24 k Da, respectively. Both proteins showed strong in vitro growth inhibition of Trichoderma viride,, Botrytis cinerea, and Cladosporium spp. The NH₂-terminal sequences of PAFP-1 and PAFP-II were determined as LDSLSFS-YNNFEEDD, and LVSLDFFYYEGEDEL, respectively. The NH₂-terminal amino acid sequence of PAFP-I was identical with NH₂-terminal sequence of mannose-lectin from peanut. In variance, PAFP-II had NH₂-terminal sequence hitherto unknown in literature. It is suggested that the PAFP-I and PAFP-II may play important role in providing protection to the germinating peanut seedlings against the fungal infection.

^ssc5 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

014622   Hossain M G;Ohtsuki F (Dep of Statist, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh, Email: hossain95@yahoo.com) : Secular changes in head circumference of japanese adults over eight decades: a mathematical formula. South Asian Anthrop 2005, 5(1), 35-43.

Japanese adult male sample was compared with the series taken over 1910-1917 of Matsumura (1925) and the one (measured in 1965) of Morita and Ohtsuki (1973). The present female series was compared with those of Matsumura (1925), and with Ohtsuki and Ito (1980). The study demonstrates the presence of larger means for head length, head breadth and head circumference in the current male sample than in their predecessors of about 35 to 85 years ago. In female, the study exhibited the presence of larger means in head length, head breadth and head circumference in the current sample than in their predecessors of about 85 years ago. The result suggest that the head size of Japanese adults has been increasing for the last about 85 years.

2 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

014621   Gupta P;Bajpai S K;Chandra K;Singh K L;Tandon J S (Bot Surv of India, Ministry of Envir & Forests Govt. of India, CGO Complex, DF Block, Sector 1, Kolkata) : Antiviral profile of Nyctanthes arbortristis L. against encephalitis causing viruses. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1156-60.

Ethanolic extracts, various fractions and two pure compounds isolated from the plant N. arbortristis were tested against Encephalomyocarditis Virus (EMCV) and Semliki Forest Virus (SFV). Pronounced in vitro virus inhibitory activity was observed with the ethanolic and n-butanol fractions as well as with the pure compounds arbortrisloside A and arbortristoside C. In addition, ethanolic extracts and n-butanol fraction protected EMCV infected mice to the extent of 40 and 60% respectively against SFV at a daily dose of 125 mg/kg body weight.

5 tables, 16 ref

014620   Ghosh R;Datta M;Purkayastha R P (Dep of Bot, Univ of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019, Email: rajyasri_5@rediffmai.com) : Intraspecific strains of Pythium aphanidermatum induced disease resistance in ginger and response of host proteins. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 68-72.

Intraspecific strains of Pythium aphanidermatum induced resistance in ginger against rhizome rot and activated biosynthesis of selected host proteins. Pre-inoculation of plants with IR strain (avirulent) or co-inoculation with SR₂ (virulent) caused significant reduction in disease severity. Analysis of protein profiles of ginger leaves of inoculated and non-inoculated plants by SDS-PAGE and Image Master VDS-ID Gel Analysis version : 3.0 revealed that some specific defence proteins/stress proteins increased in inoculated plants. Five such proteins having molecular weight 56, 32, 27, 18 and 14 kDa were detected in leaves of plant treated with IR + SR₂ strains. On the contrary, mycelial protein profiles and submerged growth of strains were studied separately and together. Mycelia of IR, SR₂ and IR + SR₂ exhibited 26, 23 and 25 protein bands, respectively although, 21 bands were common between IR and SR₂. Growth of SR₂ in synthetic medium was much higher than that of IR, but the growth of two strains together was lower than SR₂ alone. To characterise strains, their differential growth response to DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA), a known defence activator of ginger was also tested. Results suggested that at least 5 specific defence proteins/stress proteins were involved in microbially induced resistance in ginger and inducer strains were distinct in their specific protein profiles and sensitivity to BABA.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

014619   George M R;Maharajan A;John K R;Jeyaseelan M J P (Dep of Aquacult, Fish Coll and Res Inst Tamil Nadu Vet and Anim Sci Univ, Thoothukkudi-628 008, Email: rosalindmg@yahoo.com) : Shrimps survive white spot syndrome virus challenge following treatment with Vibrio bacterin. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 63-7.

Taking an innovative approach, a vaccination study using five bacterial strains viz. Vibrio campbelli (B60), V. alginolyticus (B73), V. parahaemolyticus-like (B79), V. parahaemolyticus (R8) and V. harveyi (RG203) was conducted in Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection, considered as one of the serious pathogens of shrimps. Oral challenge with shrimps infected with WSSV showed a relative percentage survival of 5 and 47% in the P. monodon juveniles vaccinated with V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi, respectively. Results showed that there is a possibility of specifically immunising the shrimps against WSSV using bacterin prepared out of Vibrio harveyi isolates taken from shrimps infected with WSSV. Also, there was a level of protection attained by the shrimps due to immunisation with Vibrio strains.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

014618   Gazi R;Alamgir S;Nazrul H (ICDDR, B: Cent for Hlth and Popul Res, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh, Email: ruksana@icddrb.org ) : Functioning of depot-holder in rural service delivery partnership: implications for selective visitation. South Asian Anthrop 2005, 5(1), 19-33.

Study explored current functioning of depot-holders in their localities, also the community's perceptions and future expectations from depot-holders. It employed a rapid appraisal technique including free listing, ranking, social mapping, and daily time use. Data were collected from five subdistrict through in-depth interviews with depot-holders, group discussions with users and non-users of contraceptive commodities in the localities and with supervisors of depot-holders. Most users preferred depot-holders as the source of contraceptive commodities due to their easy accessibility, credit options, provision of advice, caring attitude, and friendly behaviour. The village women suggested that depot-holders might also stock drugs for common aliments.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

014617   Gautam R K;Tekhre Y L (Dep of Plan and Evaluation, Natn Inst of Hlth and Family Welfare (NIHFW), Munirka, New Delhi-110 067) : Determinants of contraceptive acceptance among males of district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. South Asian Anthrop 2005, 5(1), 45-59.

Study on determinants of contraceptive acceptance in males was carried out in the district of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The main objective is to find out the determinants of male contraceptive acceptance and assess the knowledge and practice of family planning methods among males. 225 married men whose wives were in reproductive age-group were sampled and the data were collected through semi-structured pretested schedule. This study reveals various problems, issues and barriers of male contraceptive acceptance.

12 tables, 15 ref

014616   Gaur M;Sharma M;Eswaran S V (NO, St. Stephen's Coll Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: eswaran@ststephens.edu ) : PQQ, a new vitamin as a preventive against heart attack and strokes. J Indian Chem Soc 2005, 82(12), 1065-8.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), also known as methoxatin, is a new coenzyme discovered initially in methanobacteria. This small molecule has attracted the attention of many synthetic organic chemists. It is widely distributed in nature and has been found in common fruits, vegetables, milk and egg. Its deficiency in mice causes their slow development and results in fragile blood vessels. It is being considered as a new vitamin of the vitamin-B complex group and may have use in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

014615   Eswarappa G;Kuberappa G C;Sreenath T N; Sreeramulu K R;Gowda G (Dep of Apiculture, Univ of Agric Sci, G K V K, Bangalore-560 065) : Nectar secretion and its sugar concentration on foraging activity of different species of honey bees in chow-chow (Sechium edule). J Ecobiol 2005, 17(4), 337-43.

Quantity and sugar concentration of the nectar was found high in pistillate flowers (1.72μl: 21.0%) compared to staminate flowers (0.98 μl; 16.9 %). Irrespective of the bee species inside the cage, the peak pollen foraging activity was found at 10.00 h and peak nectar foraging activity was between 12.00 and 13.00 h of the day. The foraging time taken by different species of honeybees for pollen collection was found maximum between 07.00 and 08.00 h and nectar collection was at 13.00 h Apis florea spent maximum time for collection of pollen from staminate flowers and nectar from both pistillate and staminate flowers followed by Trigona iridipennis, A.cerana, A. mellifera and the lowest pollen and nectar collection was with A. dorsata.

3 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

014614   El-Ebiarie A S (Zool and Ent Dept Fac of Sci, Helwan Univ., Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt) : Total protein, activity of alkaline phosphatase and some carbohydrate enzymes in the mid-gut of 3rd instar larvae and pupae of both Gasterophilus intestinalis and Cephalopina titilator. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2005, 24A(1), 19-28.

Total protein in both insects was higher in larval instars than that of pupae. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was higher in larval instars than the pupae in Gasterophilus, while this was not the same in case of Cephalopina. The trend of amylase and trehalase activity was higher in larvae than in pupae in both insects. There were no significant changes in invertase activity between the larvae and pupae of Gasterophilus and Cephalopina. The results has been discussed in view of the utilization of metabolites during metamorphosis.

3 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

014613   Donde S S (Dep of Zool, L.U. & M.V. Coll Of Arts Sci & Commerce, Andheri East, Mumbai-400 069) : Acute toxicity of water soluble fractions of crude oil to the clam Gafrarium divaricatum in relation to seasonal changes. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(4), 309-15.

Gafrarium divaricatum were collected randomly from unpolluted area during summer, monsoon and winter seasons. G.divaricatum were exposed to various concentrations of water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of crude oil prepared by mixing v/v of Bombay high crude oil and filtered seawater. Acute toxicity tests were conducted for 24,48,72 and 96 h. WSF related stress was minimal in summer that those obtained for individuals from the winter. Low LC₅₀ values obtained in winter groups confirm highly stressed condition of G. divaricatum caused by WSF concentrations. The winter group clams were observed to go in isolation for long period withdrawing itself inside the shell, which may have caused additional toxicity stress due to depletion in oxygen consumption. The severe effects observed in low temperature condition was probably due to the combined effects of low temperature and toxic hydrocarbons accumulated in the tissues of clam. Also an increase in temperature accelerates the evaporation process and this may be the reason for lower effects of toxicant in high temperature group clams.

3 tables, 24 ref

014612   Dharmadhikari S M;Andhale M S (Microbiol Dep, Govt. Inst of Sci, Aurangabad-431 004) : Fungal biotransformation of aliphatic nitriles. Bioinfolet 2005, 2(4), 275-7.

Investigation was undertaken to trace out fungi biotransforming nitriles such as acetonitrile and acrylonitrile. The fungi, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were found to grow in basal salt broth containing acetonitrile and acrylonitrile. They utilized these nitrile compounds as sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Fusarium sp grew at high rate in the presence of acetonitrile and acrylonitrile as compare to Penicillium sp. Biotransformation studies showed that Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. convert acetonitrile directly into acetic acid and ammonia while in case of Aspergillus the acetonitrile is biotransformed in two steps, first it gets converted into acetamide and then acetic acid and ammonia. In case of acrylonitrile metabolism, all three fungi followed two step degredation. In Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. acetonitrilases were found to be expressed after growing them on acetonitrile while enzymes such as acrylonitrile hydratase and amidase were expresses when cultivated with acrylonitrile. Aspergillus expresses Nitrile hydratase and amidase in presence of both acetonitrile and acrylonitrile.

3 tables, 6 ref

014611   Das A;Chakraborti P;Chatterjee U;Mondal G; Chatterjee B P (Dep of Biol Chem, Indian Ass for the Cultivation of Sci, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032, Email: bcbpc@mahendra.iacs.res.in) : Identification of allergens in Indian fishes: Hilsa and Pomfret exemplified by ELISA and immunoblotting. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1170-5.

Enzymed-linked immunosorbant assay of hilsa and pomfret muscle extracts showed specific IgE binding to ten allergic patients' sera, the results corroborated to that of skin prick test. Comparison of allergen profiles of the two fish extracts by immunoblotting revealed a common antigenic protein of 50 kDa and some high molecular weight fish allergens instead of low molecular weight parvalbumin found in several fishes. Purified and well characterized fish allergens are always considered better than crude fish extracts for diagnostic use.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

014610   Chandra Shekara A C;Prasanna B M;Bhat S R; Singh B B (Dep of Pl Path, Univ of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, Email: seddakum2002@yahoo.com) : Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms revealed by RAPD assays distinguish the male-sterile and male-fertile cytoplasms in pearl millet. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(1), 21-5.

Diversification of cytoplamic male sterile (CMS) sources is of considerable significance in pearl millet, considering that almost all the commercially cultivated hybrids, particularly in India, are based on a single CMS source, A₁. Author has analyzed the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms among five pearl millet CMS sources (A₁ to A₅) and a male-fertile maintainer (B) line, all in an isonuclear background. Analysis using 21 random primers led to identification of polymorphic bands specific to the A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₅ CMS lines. Two RAPD primers, OP-G12 and OP-G19, in combination were able to distinguish all the male-sterile and male-fertile cytoplasms. Highly effective for this purpose also were four RAPD markers, OP-B7, OP-D8, OP-F10 and OP-G12. Cluster analysis, followed by bootstrap analysis, of the mtDNA dataset revealed two distinct clusters: cluster-I comprising the A₁, A₂, A₃ CMS lines and the male-fertile line, and cluster-II comprising the A₄ and A₅ CMS lines.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

014609   Boparai R K;Bansal P P (Dep of Biochem, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: bansal_devi@yahoo.com) : Stem cell research : potential for diabetes therapy. Panjab Univ Res J Sci 2004, 54, 1-6.

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions and imposes a major burden on the health care system. Replacement of functional insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, with pancreas or islet-cell transplants is considered the optimal treatment for diabetes mellitus. However, it is severely limited by the shortage of human organ donors. An effective cell-replacement strategy depends on the development of an abundant supply of beta cells and their protection from recurring immune destruction. Stem/progenitor cells, which can be expanded in tissue culture and induced to differentiate into multiple cell types, represent an attractive source for generation of cells with beta-cell properties. In addition to embryonic stem cells, several potential adult islet/beta-cell progenitors derived from pancreas, liver, and bone marrow, are being investigated for their ability to proliferate and differentiate into cells with glucose responsive insulin producing function. Stem cells hold great promise for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and scientists are trying to overcome specific obstacles so that this can become a reality.

32 ref

014608   Bhattacharya P (NO, Room 121, New Delhi-110 067, Email: pradip12_bhattacharya@yahoo.com) : Mode of utilization of amino acids as growth substrates by Azospirillum brasilense. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1182-91.

Study was undertaken to analyze the rate of uptake and utilization of various amino acids by Azospirillum brasilense Sp81 (RG) in a basal mineral salts solution under non-nitrogen fixing condition. These amino acids including other nitrogenous compounds were tested for both N- and C-sources. The kinetic constants (K_m and V_max) of uptake of some amino acids (e.g. lysine, arginine, proline, glutamine and glutamic acid) were exploited using a Hanes-Woolf plot, and discussed in the context of nitrogen starvation or both carbon and nitrogen starvation. To summarize all the kinetic data for these amino acids strongly suggested that the mode of these amino acids utilization in this bacterium followed the same general pattern, although the quantitative differences were there. A single amino acid was able to satisfy the nitrogen needs of this bacterium in basal mineral salts solution, and this possibility could be considered for the cost-effective growth medium for this bacterium in the biotechnological industry.

4 illus, 7 tables, 46 ref

014607   Bhat A I;Hareesh P S;Madhubala R (Div of Crop Prot, Indian Inst of Spices Res, Marikunnu, Calicut-673 012, Email: shwarabhat@iisr.org) : Sequencing of coat protein gene of an isolate of cucumber mosaic virus infecting black pepper (Piper nigrum L) in India. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2005, 14(1), 37-40.

Coat protein gene of an isolate of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) associated with stunted disease affecting black pepper plant was cloned and sequenced. The coat protein gene comprised of 657 nucleotides encoding a protein of 218 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that the gene was most closely related to CMV infecting Egyptian henbane plant in India, the member of subgroup I of CMV. The amino acid sequence identity with members of subgroup I was 92-99% while that with members of subgroup II was 77-79%. On the basis of sequence homology, it is concluded that CMV infecting black pepper in India is a strain of CMV belonging to subgroup I.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

014606   Bansal M P;Parminder Kaur (Dep of Biophys, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: mpbansal@pu.ac.in) : Selenium, a versatile trace element: Current research implications. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1119-29.

Selenium (Se), a trace element, has evolved from its toxic properties to an essential element. Se was known a potent antioxidant through glutathione peroxidase (selenium being part of this molecule). Later, many other selenium-binding proteins were discovered and their functions were tried to be known with unsuccessful results in many cases. Se is known to be involved in carcinogenesis, immune function, male reproduction, cardiovascular diseases etc. The specific mechanism of the involvement of the element is still not known. Recent research with application of modern research tools viz. bioinformatics, cDNA microarray and transgenesis have revealed the mechanism of selenium involvement in various processes. This review highlights mysterious and useful roles of selenium in biological processes.

3 tables, 130 ref

014605   Banerjee M;Debkumari Sharma B (Lab of Algal Biotechnol Dep of Biosci, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal, Email: meenakshi_banerjee@indiatimes.com) : Mars terraformation: role of antarctic cyanobacterial cryptoendoliths. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(5-6), 155-60.

A vast amount of research has been performed to understand the biological processes on earth. Unfortunately, most of it is not applicable to the ecopoiesis and terraforming of Mars. Several plans for ecopoiesis and terraformation of Mars have been speculated upon over the past several years. However most of these proposals tend to treat the biological processes involved as a black box in which energy and raw materials are put and products are received especially in a largely unknown environment without specific detail to organisms and ecosystems. Accurate predictions on the process can be possible only with specific details of Martian environment and proposed terraforming organisms. The purpose of the review is to provide a very basic outline of the processes needed for a viable Martian community and the role cryptoendolithic cyanobacteria like Chroococcidiopsis can play to establish a compatible community for further development of terrestrial life on Mars.

25 ref

014604   Annapurani S;Murthy N K (Dep of Biochem, Avinashilingam Inst for Hom Sci and Higher Educ for Women Deemed Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Anti carcinogenic effects of grass Cynodon dactylon. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(3), 273-84.

Using fresh aqueous juice of the grass Cynodon dactylon, cytotoxic, anti-genotoxic effects, GST activity, non - enzymic antioxidant levels and histopathological effects were examined in Swiss Albino mice. In vitro cytotoxic effect was carried out using EA tumour cell lines to find the ED₅₀ dose (1.9 mg/ml). ED₅₀ dose was used for the in vivo studies. Anti-genotoxic effect (by inhibition of DNA synthesis in vitro-38.24 per cent) in EA tumour cells and in albino mice (in vivo using HTdR), phase II xenobiotic detoxifying GST activity in the selected organs and hepatic/plasma non-enzymic antioxidant levels showed anti-carcinogenic effect. The results revealed that the fresh juice of C. dactylon can be recommended as a herbal health drink and as a cancer chemo preventive agent.

2 illus, 8 tables, 32 ref

014603   Ahmad I;Ansari M I;Aqil F (Dep of Agric Microbiol Fac of Agric Sci, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: iqbalahmad8@yahoo.co.in) : Biosorption of Ni, Cr and Cd by metal tolerant Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. using single and multi-metal solution. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(1), 73-6.

Fungi including Aspergillus and Penicillium, resistant to Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Cr⁶⁺ were isolated from soil receiving long-term application of municipal wastewater mix with untreated industrial effluents of Aligarh, India. Metal tolerance in term of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 125-550 μg/ml for Cd, 300-850 μg/ml for Ni and 300-600 μ/ml for Cr against test fungi. Two isolates, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. were tested for their Cr, Ni and Cd biosorption potential using alkali treated, dried and powdered mycelium. Biosorption experiment was conducted in 100 ml of solution at three initial metal concentrations i.e., 2, 4 and 6 mM with contact time (18 hr) and pretreated fungal biomass (0.1g) at 25°C. Biosorption of all metals was found higher at 4 mM initial metal concentration as compared to biosorption at 2 and 6 mM concentrations. At 4 mM initial metal concentration, chromium biosorption was 18.05 and 19.3 mg/g of Aspergillus and Penicillium biomasses, respectively. Similarly, biosorption of Cd and Ni ions was also maximum at 4 mM initial metal concentration by Aspergillus (19.4 mg/g for Cd and 25.05 mg/g of biomass for Ni) and Penicillium (18.6 mg/g for Cd and 17.9 mg/g of biomass for Ni). In general, biosorption of metal was influenced by initial metal concentration and type of the test fungi. The results indicated that fungi of metal contaminated soil have high level of metal tolerance and biosorption properties.

4 tables, 16 ref

014602   Ahluwalia A S (Phycology Lab Dep of Bot, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: phykos@pu.ac.in) : Cynobacterlal-differentiation. Panjab Univ Res J Sci 2004, 54, 7-11.

The blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) have attracted considerable attention because of their unique position among prokaryotes. Despite their primitive cellular organization, the photosynthesis operating in these organisms is characteristic of higher plants. These algae possess a rare combination of oxygen evolving photosynthetic and oxygen sensitive nitrogen fixing systems. The process of nitrogen fixation is carried out by specialized cells known as heterocysts. Heterocysts contain an active nitrogenase and are differentiated at regular intervals in the algal filaments. Many morphological and physiological changes occur during differentiation of a heterocyst from a vegetative cell. Recently role of various genes involved in differentiation and pattern formation has been elucidated.

46 ref

014601   Adhikary S P (P.G. Dep of Bot & Biotechnol, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 004, Email: adhikary2k@hotmail.com) : NaCl induced changes in photosystem stoichiometry and photosynthetic activity of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz.. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(12), 1192-5.

Exposure to 0.4 M NaCl resulted in higher PS I/PS II stoichiometry and increase in the rate of photosynthesis in planktonic cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa. Altered ratios of PS I/PS II as well as photosynthesis and respiration were stabilized within 72 hr of exposure to salt, leading to adaptation of the organism to the changed conditions.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

013430   Weasner B P;Anderson J;Kumar J P (Dep STOPWORD Biol, Indiana Univ, 1001 E. 3rd StreetBloomington, IN 47401, Email: jkumar@bio.indiana.edu) : The eye specification network in drosophila. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2004, 70(5-6), 517-30.

One of the most exciting revelations in retinal biology is the realization that the molecules and mechanisms that regulate eye development have been conserved in all seeing animals including such diverse organisms as the fruit fly, mouse and man. The emerging commonality among mechanisms used in eye development allows for the use of model systems such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to provide key insights into the development and diseases of the mammalian eye. Eye-specification in Drosophila is controlled, in part, by the concerted activities of eight nuclear proteins and several signal transduction cascades that together form a tightly woven regulatory network. Loss of function mutations in several components lead to the complete derailment of eye development while ectopic expression of threse genes in non-retinal tissues can direct the fates of these tissues towards eye formation. Describe what is currently known about this remarkable regulatory cassettee highlight some of the outstanding questions that still need to be answered.

7 illus, 2 tables, 149 ref

013429   Varghese J;Patil M B (Post Grad Teaching Dep STOPWORD Biochem, L.I.T Premises Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033, Email: mbpatil956@sify.com) : Investigations into the enzyme inhibitor profile of Zizyphus jujuba during fruiting and non-fruiting seasons. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(3), 439-44.

Changes in proteinase (Trypsin and chymotrypsin), α-amylase inhibitors and haemagglutinating proteins, total protein and reducing sugar content of Zizyphus jujuba were monitored in fruits and leaves during the fruiting and non-fruiting seasons with a view to establish changes in the content of these secondary plant principles during different seasons.

2 tables, 29 ref

013428   Usha Rani;Ayesha M F;Viswanath P;Sandhu J S (Fd Saf STOPWORD Analyt Qual Control Lab, Cent Fd Technol Res Inst, Mysore-570 013) : Detection, enumeration and survival of E. coli in "Ready to Eat" processed cereal food product. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(3), 395-400.

Protein-calorie rich "ready to eat" processed cereal food of low moisture content has often been reported to contain aerobic mesophiles and coliforms. Codex Alimentarius Commission (1981) has laid down maximum limits of 10,000/g of aerobic mesophilic count, 20/g coliform count and zero tolerance of Salmonella for these products. Out of 225 samples analyzed, ten samples showed a high coliform count. E. coli was also detected in these samples. The identification of the E. coli was confirmed by biochemical tests. Three out of ten isolates were found to be atypical for fermentation of the sugar rhamnose. Antibiotic sensitivity tests showed increased resistance to the antibiotics Ampicillin, tetracycline, kanamycin and Amikacin in isolates, when compared to the standard E. coli/1610 (IMTECH, Chandigarh) isolate. Serotypmg of the isolates showed that many of them belonged to the pathogenic group. Studies on the survival of E. coli in this food showed that a temperature of 25°C was more conducive than that at 35°C for survival. An initial count of 3 log₁₀/g was reduced to <60>3 in 107 days (as determined by the Most Probable Number Completed Test Method) when samples were incubated at 35°C. However, a count of 93 log₁₀/g was recorded in the samples incubated at 25°C even on the 120th day of storage. It was observed that storage of such samples at higher temperature led to a safer product. Of the two E. coli enumeration methods used, the Most Probable Number (MPN) Completed teat method was found to be more reliable than the b-Glucuronidase based method as the latter method could not detect E. coli which did not possess the enzyme glucuronidase.

1 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

013427   Umamaheswari S (P G Dep STOPWORD Microbiol, Muthayammal Coll of Arts and Sci, Rasipuram-637 408) : Transconjugation of R-plasmid between bacterial strains isolated from the river Thamirabarani. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(4), 397-9.

An attempt has been made to produce transconjugant colonies on Bromothymol Blue Lactose Nutrient Agar (BLNA) between the two bacterial strains viz., Micrococcus sp and Escherichia coli isolated from the river Thamirabarani selected on the basis of their sensitiveness to Penicillin antibiotic, Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) at 100 μg/ml and Minimal Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) at 120 μg/ml.

2 tables, 9 ref

013426   Thalappilly S;Radha V;Swarup G (NO, Cent for Cellular and Molec Biology,Uppal Rd, Hyderabad - 500 007, Email: gsham@ccmb.res.in) : Transcriptional control of caspase gene expression. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad-Pt B 2004, 70(5-6), 551-7.

Caspases, key effector molecules in apoptotic pathways and immune responses require stringent regulatory mechanisms for maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Activation of caspases occurs during apoptosis, development and in certain diseases. Their activity is generally controlled by protein modification and also by interaction with many regulatory proteins. However, recent studies have shown that apoptotic stimuli and developmental cues also involve regulation of gene expression of the various caspases. All known caspases have been shown to be upregulated in response to diverse stimuli and some caspases have been shown to be direct targets for certain transcription factors such as Stat-1, p53, E2F1,IRF-1 etc. Differential expression of various caspases may underlie the regulation of cytokine production and apoptotic susceptibility and, therefore, deregulation of caspase gene expression may significantly contribute to the various disorders caused by caspase misfunction. Since defects in apoptosis contribute to tumour formation, it is likely that loss of caspase function by mutation or downregulation of gene expression (e.g. by promoter methylation), would be seen in at least some human tumours. Some recent reports support this hypothesis. Deregulation of caspase gene expression is also observed in some other human disorders, such as Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Proposes to draw attention to transcriptional control as a mechanism for mammalian caspase regulation under normal and pathological conditions.

2 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

013425   Srivastava M N (Bot Div, Cent Drug Res Inst, Lucknow -226 001) : Feldmannia columellaris (Boergesen) Islam - A new addition to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Seaweed Res Utilis 2005, 27(1-2), 7-9.

Feldmannia columellaris (Boerg.) Islam is reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the first time. Brief description of the alga is given.

4 illus, 10 ref