005650   Felix S;Rajeev A (Fish Biotechnology Cent, Fish Coll and Res Inst, Thoothukkudi-628 008) : Effectiveness of seaweed based bioactive substances against multiple drug resistant shrimp pathogens. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 117-20.

Extracts from two seaweeds viz. Gracilaria verrucosa and Ulva lactuca were tested against shrimp bacterial pathogens viz. Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Among the seaweed samples, Gracilaria verrucosa showed better inhibitory activity against both V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus. Butanol extracts of Gracilaria verrucosa recorded the maximum inhibitory activity against the shrimp pathogen V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus. Other solvents viz. acetone, ethanol and propanol showed less activity against these two multi-resistant antibiotic shrimp bacterial pathogens.

2 tables, 20 ref

005649   Elizabeth K M;Vimala Y;Devarapalli H C P (Dep of Microbiology, Coll of Sci GITAM, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Antimicrobial activity of Decalepsis hamiltonii. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 151-3.

The antimicrobial activity of Decalepsis hamiltonii was assessed against seven human pathogenic microorganisms. One gram positive bacterium such as staphylococcus aureus, five gram negative organisms viz., Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli (diarrheal pathogen), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, salmonella typhi, salmonella typhimurum and yeast, candida albicans. Screening was performed by disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition ranged from 10 mm to 20 mm against 1.0 x 10⁷ cells of each culture at 4 mg concentration of herbal extract. D. hamiltonii root extract was most effective against S. typhi, P. aerugunosa, and E. Coli forming 20 mm zone of inhibition to each, at 4 mg concentration. The MIC was estimated by broth dilution technique which was 500 μg/ml towards E. Coli, P. aeruginosa & S. typhi. The biochemical alterations induced by D. hamiltonii were inhibition of tryptophanase enzyme activity, inactivation of enzymes involved in mixed acid fermentation and others. These results indicate that D. hamiltionii was apptent antimicrobial agent.

3 tables, 8 ref

005648   Edwin James J;Asir selin Kumar R;Raj A D S (Dep of Bot Res Cent, Scott Christian Coll, Nagercoil-629 003) : Marine algal flora from some localities of south east of Tamil Nadu. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 33-9.

Studies on the distribution and seasonal changes in the marine macroalgal flora were made for a period of two years from June 2000 to May 2002 by making monthly collection of algae from intertidal and subtidal regions up to 1.0 m depth at five localities along east coastline of south Tamil Nadu namely Kanyakumari, Vattakottai, Kootapuzhi, Kudankulam and Idinthakarai. Totally 122 algal species belonging to Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, Rhodophyta and Cyanophyta were recorded from these places. A maximum number of 99 algal species at Kudankulam and a minimum number of 62 species at Kootapuzhi were recorded.

1 illus, 2 table, 15 ref

005647   Durga V;Saha R;Sahu H B;Nag A K (Dept of Bot, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 001) : Cytotaxonomic report on Nitella terrestris found in Khunti subdivision of Jharkhand. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 83-4.

Cytotaxonomic studies of N. terrestris has been done from Khunti and the paper deals with the metaphase plate, Karyotype analysis and major taxonomical descriptions of N. terreshtris.

2 illus, 17 ref

005646   Durak I;Avci A;Gocmen E;Devrim E (Biochem Dep, Ankara Univ Sch of Med, 06100 Sihhiye Ankara-Turkey, Email: ilker_durak@yahoo.com) : Effect of garlic and red clover extracts on adenosine deaminase enzyme activities in cancerous and non-cancerous human liver tissues. Nat Prod Radiance 2005, 4(2), 97-101.

Possible effects of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense Linn.) extracts adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were investigated in cancerous and non-cancerous human liver tissues and results were compared with those of Fludarabine, a known ADA inhibitor. Ten cancerous and 10 non-cancerous adjacent liver tissues were obtained from patients with metastatic type liver cancer by surgical operations. Kinetic analysis were carried out to establish Vmax nd Km values of the reaction catalyzed by ADA in the presence or absence of inhibitor. ADA activity was found to be lower in the cancerous tissues caompared with non-cancerous tissues. Aqueous garlic and red clover extracts included significant inhibition ADA activity in both the tissues. Inhibition percentage was relatively higher in the cancerous tissues as compared with non-cancerous tissues. It wa observed that inhibition percentage induced by garlic and red clover extracts were higher than those of Fludarabine at the concentrations studied.

1 table, 40 ref

005645   Dongre P M;Deshmukh S R;Adgaonkar B D (Dep of Physiol, MIMSR Med Coll, Latur-413 531) : Do colour television radiation modify the biological response?. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 133-5.

Electromagnetic fields-radiations seem to bring changes in many physiological or metabolical process in biological system from cellular to molecular levels. A series of experiments were carried out an onion exposed to 2 hrs/day and random exposure (5 hrs/day) to colour television set. A significant enhance in root and shoot growth, number of root and shoot formation was observed in exposure sets. However, early termination of root growth was observed in 5 hrs/day exposure set. The results are discussed at cellular and molecular levels.

1 illus, 11 ref

005644   Dhevendaran K;Shanmugham R;Jasmine A; Praseetha;Anthakumary Y K (Dep of Aquatic Biol & Fish, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum-695 581) : Studies on streptomycetes associated with seaweeds of Kovalam coast, Kerala. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 253-9.

The shellfish, Perna viridis and the crab, Grapsus strigosus associated with seaweeds Ulva fasciata and Sargassum wightii were collected from Kovalam coast over a period of 6 months. The distribution pattern of microorganisms with special emphasis on streptomycetes was carried out using special microbiological media. Maximum bacteria colonized in the visceral mass of both the shellfish and crab (3000x10² /g) in Actinomycetes agar medium whereas streptomycetes were more in both seaweeds (7x10² /g) using Glycerol asparagine agar medium. Selected streptomycetes exhibited more diversity of pigmentations associated with the fauna and seaweeds, having rectiflexibilis hyphae and smooth spore surface. Carbon utilization being one of the important taxonomical characteristics revealed the differential pattern among the nine selected cultures. Streptomyces AQB PV.l, harboured in the visceral mass of P. viridis showed antagonism against the pathogen, Aeromonas AQB. OM. 1. Moreover, streptomycetes were characterized using International Streptomyces Project (ISP) with recent isolates collected along the Indian coastal regions.

8 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

005643   Dhevendaran K;Praseetha P K (Dept of Aquatic Biol and Fish, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattam, Trivandrum-695 581) : Studies on L-asparaginase producing streptomycetes associated with seaweeds of cape-comarin, Tamil Nadu. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 245-52.

Seaweeds and water samples were collected over a period of one year from Cape-comarin. Water samples were analyzed for the hydrographical parameters. However, they did not exert any specific influence on the distribution pattern of streptomycetes associated with seaweeds. The seaweeds harboured variety of pigments producing streptomycetes. Among the microbes, bacteria were predominant and the streptomycetes were meager in their associations. L-asparaginase which has pharmaceutical importance was synthesized by both seaweeds and the associated streptomycetes.

8 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

005642   Dhargalkr V K (Natn Inst of Oceanography, , Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Effect of different temperature regimes on the chlorophyll a concentration in four species of Antarctic macroalgae. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 237-43.

Four species of benthic macroalgae belonging to Rhodophyta namely Palmaria decipiens (Reinsch) Ricker, Phyllophora antarctica A. et. E. S. Gepp. Porphyra endiviifolium (A.et. E. S. Gepp.) Chamberlain and Iridaea cordata (Turner) Boerg. collected from beneath the sea-ice from the coast of the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica were cultured under different temperature regimes (-4, -1.8, +4, +12, +20 °C). The algae were cultured at each of these temperatures and Chlorophyll a concentrations of the algae were measured after every 24 and 96 h of exposures. The Chlorophyll a concentration in endemic Antarctic macroalgae P. decipiens and P. antactica showed peak at 4°C and at 12°C in 24 h respectively, while the cold temperate macroalgae P. endiviifolium and I. cordata showed peak at 4 °C in 96 h and 24 h respectively. Among the four macroalgal species evaluated, a maximum Chlorophyll a of 750 mg g^-1 was recorded in P. endiviifolium. This alga showed 38% higher Chlorophyll a concentration than the control and concentration remained same till the end of the experiment. I. cordata and P. decipiens recorded a maximum Chlorophyll a concentration at 4°C in 24 h and declined thereafter, while in P. antarctica Chlorophyll a concentration showed an increasing trend with a peak (680 mg g^-1) at 12°C in 24 h and thereafter, alga started to bleach and degenerated. The experiment indicated that time period was found necessary for optimum Chlorophyll a concentration and time required to adapt to each temperature regime.

2 illus, 29 ref

005641   Charitha Devi M (Dep of Appl Microbiology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517 502) : Screening of biocontrol agents (BCAs) for their relative biocontrol efficacy against S. rolfsii the incitant of root rot of groundnut. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 53-5.

Root rot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii results in considerable loss of the crop. Five Trichoderma spp. and one Pseudomonas sp. were isolated and were screened in vitro and in glass house conditions for their effectiveness in the control/antagonistic activity against the pathogen. Significant reduction in the growth of the pathogen under in vitro conditions was observed to variable degrees by different species. Among all the biocontrol agents (BCAs) tested, Trichoderma harzianum was found to be more effective than T. viride and fluorescent Pseudonmonas in reducing the colony diameter of S. rolfsii in dual culture technique. BCAs when evaluated under glass house conditions, T. harzianum was proved as a potential biocontrol agent. The rate of seed germination, root and shoot length and dry weights were increased in presence of the BCAs.

1 illus, 17 ref

005640   Brahmdeo Kumar;Jainendra Kumar (Dep of Bot and Biotechnology, Coll of Commerce, Patna-800 020) : Studies on Litsea polyantha juss. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 122.

Bark of Litsea polyantha, a tree of lauraceae, is reported to be highly useful in providing relief from arthritic joint pains, pains caused by broken bones and gout. In combination with the bark-wood extract of Vilex negundo, the curative properties of the litsea bark are apparently enhanced.

13 ref

005639   Bijay Bhushan P;Mishra A K;Gupta R K;Baitha S N (Dept of Zool, S N S Coll, Motihari-845 401) : Qualitative & quantitative exploration of planktonic abundance found in a lotic water body of indo-Himalayan region. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 127-8.

The Paper deals with the planktonic abundance both qualitatively and quantitatively in four selected ghats of Sikrahana river flowing through the Indo-Himlayan terai region. Their diversities in the numerical strength are maximum in the same months but the strength are in the tatio of 1 : 2 Certainly there are few results which exhibits the feeding of phyto by the zooplankton.

4 tables, 6 ref

005638   Bhattacharjee M;Yadav S (NO, , House No 3680, Sector- 46C, Chandigarh-160 001) : Effect of sunset yellow on the mitotic index of Vicia faba root tips. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 85-6.

Effect of Sunset yellow on mitotic index of Vicia faba root tip cells was studied. The dye caused a mitodepressive effect on root tip cells, which increased with the increased in concentration and eriod of treatment.

1 table, 17 ref

005637   Bharat N;Pundir C S (Biochem Res Laboratory Dep of Bio-Sciences, M D Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: pundircs@rediffmail.com) : Determination of urinary oxalate with a reusable sorghum leaf oxalate oxidase strip. Asian J Phys 2005, 14(1-2), 103-9.

A reusable enzyme strip has been prepared by immobilizing a partially purified sorghum leaf oxalate oxidase onto alkylamine glass beads affixed on a plastic strip by a non-reactive fixative. The strip bound enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 6.8 when incubated for 7 min. at 37°C, the Km far oxalate being 0.987 mM. The strip was employed to determine oxalate in urine. The analytic method is based on quantification of H₂O₂ generated from urinary oxalate by strip bound enzyme using a color reaction consisting of 4-aminophenazone, phenol and peroxidase as chromogenic system. The minimum detection limit of the method was 6.75 mg/l. The recovery of added oxalate was 93.2%. Within and between assay coefficient of variation were <60>9.9 and <60>13.4% respectively. A good correlation (0.8) was found between oxalate values obtained by Sigma kit method and the present method. The enzyme strip not only provides the reuse of oxalate oxidase but also overcomes the tedious handling of free glass beads bound enzyme and is unaffected by Cl^- found in urine.

2 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

005636   Banu M R;Muthaiah A R;Ashok S (Dep of Pl Breed & Genet, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Agricultural Research Station, Bhavani Sagar-638 451) : Correlation and path co-efficient analysis in pigeonpea. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 115-16.

Association and path co- efficient analysis among the twelve characters were carried out in forty five hybrids along with their parents of pigeonpea (cajanus cajan L.). Correlation behaviour of different components showed positive association with yield and among themselves. Among the other characters number of branches/plant, number of seeds/pod and 100 seed weight mowed non-significant positive correlation with yield.

1 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

005635   Banu M r;Muthaiah A R;Ashok S (Dep of Pl Breed & Genet, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ Agric Res Stn, Bhavani Sagar-638 451) : Genetic variability in pigeonpea. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 79-80.

Genetic variability for twelve traits were studied in forty-five hybrids along with their respective parents of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). High genetic variability was observed for number of clusters/plant followed by number of pods/plant. Characters like number of pods per plant followed by number of cluster per plant showed the high heritability. The genetic gain was high for number of pods per plant followed by plant height.

3 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

005634   Bansal S K;Kathayat R;Tyagi M;Taneja K K; Basir S F (NO, Inst of Genomics and Integrative Biol, Mall Road, Delhi-110 007) : Phospholipid metabolism and protein kinase C mediated protein phosphorylation in dietary protein deficiency in rat lung. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 606-13.

Nutritional deprivation of proteins decrerses the protein kinase C (PKC) activity in rat lung. The activity of (PKC) is influenced by lipid metabolism. Changes in PKC activity may influence phosphorylation of its substrate proteins in the tissues. Therefore, alterations in phospholipid metabolism and PKC mediated protein phosphorylation in dietary protein deficiency in rat lung were envisaged. The study was conducted on rats fed on three different types of diet viz., casein (20% protein), deficient (4% protein, rice flour as source of protein) and supplemented (deficient diet supplemented with L-lysine and DL-threoning). Feeding of protein deficient diet caused reduction in incorporation of [³ H] myo-inositol in the total phosphoinositides in lungs and an increase in total inositol phosphate pool. There was a significant reduction in the contents and turnover rate of phosphatidyl inositol and phosphatidyl inositol monophosphate. Supplementation of diet with L-lysine and DL-threonine had a reversing effect on total pool of phosphoinositides and, the metabolism of phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate and phosphatidyl inositol. In phosphatidyl choline metabolism, the dietary protein deficiency led to a decrease in incorporation of [¹⁴C-methyl] choline-chloride in total phospholipids. In contrast, its incorporation increased in phosphatidyl choline pool. The contents of phosphatidyl choline and residue, incorporation of [^l4C-methyl] choline-chloride in them and their turnover rate also increased. Supplementation of diet had a reversal effect on most of these parameters. Phosphorylation of proteins of 84, 47, 35 and 16 kDa was identified to be mediated by PKC. In dietary protein deficiency, phosphorylation of all these proteins, except that of 47 kDa, increased. Supplementation of diet reversed the pattern except that of 84 kDa. The findings suggest that changes in phospholipid metabolism in dietary protein deficiency may effect the activity of PKC thereby influencing the phosphorylation of its substrate proteins and hence associated functions that may lead to pathophysiology of lung.

2 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

005633   Balaji Raghavendra Rao H;Sathivel A;Devaki T (Dep of Biochem, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-25) : Effect of Sargassum polycystum against acetaminophen induced haematological and biochemical changes in experimental rats. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 121-6.

Effect of alcoholic extract Sargassum polycystum (200 mg/kg body wt/day for a period of 15 days), a marine brown alga against single acute dose of acetaminophen (800 mg/kg body, intraperitoneally) induced biochemical and haematological changes in experimental rats was studied with respect to prothrombin time (PTT), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and glucose were determined. The serum levels of protein, ceruloplasmin, uric acid, creatinine, total bilirubin and cholesterol were also examined. The acetaminophen induction elevated the levels of prothrombin (PTT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), creatinine, bilirubin and cholesterol with decrease in the levels of haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), glucose, protein, ceruloplasmin and uric acid. These severe alterations in the haemotological profile will reflect in the liver tissue, which may lead to hepatic damage. Pre-treatment with alcoholic extract of Sargassum polycystum significantly reduced the toxic effect of acetaminophen by improving the severely altered haematological and biochemical parameters suggesting a free radical scavenging property.

2 tables, 26 ref

005632   Baitha S N;Pandey V S (Narayan Nivas New Chandamari (Nr. Brahma Asthan P.O.Motihari Distt. Es, , ) : The amino acids of leaves of the cucurbitaceae as an index of flowering. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 99-100.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of free amino acids in four cucurbits, three monoecious viz., Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Luffa cylindrical.) M. Roem., and Luffa acutangula(L) Roxb., and the diocecious, Trichosanthes dioica Roxb., displayed a positive trend which appeared to be significant in sex expression. Five specific amino acids viz., amino-n-butyric acid, arginine, DL-dopa and tryptophan were invariably present in the leaves subtending the female flowers in all species taken together, but they were totally lacking in the leaves subtending the female flowers in all species taken together, but they were totally lacking in the leaves subtending the male flowers.

2 tables, 8 ref

005631   Anantharaj M;Venkatesalu V;Chandrasekaran M; Sivasankari S (Dep of Bot, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Screening of fatty acid methyl esters of marine algae for antibacterial activity. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 87-92.

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from ten species of marine macro algae collected from Rameswaram coast and belonging to the classes Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae were screened against bacterial strains viz., Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The FAME from all the selected algae inhibited the growth of all the tested bacterial strains.

2 tables, 14 ref

005630   Amin M;Kapadnis B P (Dep of Microbiology, Univ of Pune, Pune-411 007, Email: bpkap@unipune.ernet.in) : Heat stable antimicrobial activity of Allium ascalonicum against bacteria and fungi. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 751-4.

To study antimicrobial activity of shallot in comparison with that of garlic and onion, against 23 strains of fungi and bacteria, water extracts of garlic, shallot and onion bulbs were prepared. Each extract was studied in different forms for their antimicrobial activity viz., fresh extract, dry extract and autoclaved extract. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal lethal concentrations of these extracts were determined against all organisms by broth dilution susceptibility test. Fresh extract of garlic showed greater antimicrobial activity as compared to similar extracts of onion and shallot. However, dried and autoclaved extracts of shallot showed more activity than similar extracts of onion and garlic. Fungi were more sensitive to shallot extract than bacteria. Amongst bacteria, B. cereus was most sensitive (MIC=0.15 mg ml^-1). The lowest minimum bactericidal concentration of shallot extract amongst bacteria tested was 5 mg ml^-1 for B. cereus. Amongst fungi, Aureobasidium pullulans and Microsporum gypseum were most sensitive (MIC= 0.15 mg ml^-1). The lowest minimum lethal concentration was 2.5 mg ml^-1 for Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It was therefore, expected that the antimicrobial principle of shallot was different than the antimicrobial compounds of onion and garlic. In addition, the antimicrobial component of the shallot extract was stable at 121°C.

2 tables, 19 ref

005629   Ambegaoker V S;Joshi H v;Bhatt D C (Cent Salt and Mar Chemicals Res Inst, , Bhavnagar-364 002) : Changes in growth and biochemical composition due to crude oil film on Ulva lactuca Linnaeus. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 261-6.

Effect of Kuwait Crude oil on the green alga Ulva lactuca Linnaeus (Chlorophyceae, Ulvaceae) was studied in the laboratory culture conditions using natural seawater as medium with particular reference to survival, growth and biochemical parameters. It was observed that with increase in concentration of oil in the medium, the width of oil film on the surface of thallus increased. Among the different concentration of the crude oil tested, maximum decrease in biomass over control was affected in 20% concentration of oil. The decrease in percentage of protein, carbohydrate and lipid over control was 24.54, 23.98 and 58.22 respectively in the above said concentration.

4 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

005628   Agrawal R K;Singh B R;Babu N;Mudit Chandra (Natn Salmonella Cent (Vet) Div of Bacteriology and Mycol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: singh_br1762@rediffmail.com) : Novel haemolysins of Salmonella enterica spp. enterica serovar Gallinarum. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 626-30.

Haemolysins of Salmonella are important due to their probable role in pathogenesis of systemic salmonellosis and use in sub-serovar level typing. The study was undertaken to determine haemolytic potential of Salmonella Gallinarum strains through phenotypic and genotypic methods. Amplification of haemolysin gene (clyA.) and cytolysin gene (slyA) was attempted in order to determine their role in haemolysin production. Study on 94 strains of S. Gallinarum revealed the production of two types of haemolysis viz., beneath the colony haemolysis (BCH) or contact haemolysis and clear zone haemolysis (CZH). Haemolysis was observed on blood agar prepared with blood of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, rabbit, guinea pig, fowl, and human blood group A, B, AB and O. Although, haemolysis was also observed on blood agar prepared with whole blood, clarity of zone was more evident on blood agar made from washed erythrocytes. Clear zone haemolysis was best observed on blood agar prepared with washed erythrocytes of goat and a total of 12% (11 of 94) S. Gallinarum strains under study produced CZH on it. The clyA gene could not be detected in any of the 94 strains under study, while slyA gene could be amplified uniformly irrespective of haemolytic potential (CZH) and haemolytic pattern (BCH) of the strains. The study suggested that the two types of haemolysis (CZH and BCH) observed among S. Gallinarum strains may not be due to either slyA or clyA gene products and thus there may be some other gene responsible for haemolytic trait in Gallinarum serovar. Different haemolytic patterns of strains under study indicated multiplicity of haemolysins in S. Gallinarum.

3 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

004686   Yasouri F N;Shoaei S Z S (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Guilan University, P.O. Box 1974, Rasht, Iran) : Isolation of phenol by degrading micro-organisms from sludge. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 29-32.

Degradation of Phenol compounds because of its wide range usage, is one of the most important facts that most of Industries are dealing with it. Various methods including Physical, Chemical and Biological, have been used for reducing the pollution of environment. Because of economical and safty factors; Biological methods could be preferable. In the study, micro-organisms capable to use phenol as their sole source of carbon and energy, were isolated from enrichment cultures. 5 g of industrial sludge were added to individual 250 ml Erlen meyer flasks each contain 100 m of sterile Mineral Salt Medium (MSM). The pH was adjusted to 7 with NaOH and different concentrations of Phenol in the range of 0.1 ml ,0.2 ml, 0.3 ml & 0.5ml were added to flasks. Control flasks without inoculum were also prepared. Pure culture of Phenol degrading bacteria, mold and yeasts were isolated by plating out on Mineral salt Agar Medium containing 0.1% concentration of Phenol. From the result of microscopic observation and growth characteristics as well as biochemical tests and fermentative characteristics of isolated bacteria, seems to be gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, some molds and yeasts.

4 tables, 13 ref

004685   Varghese J;Patil M B (Post Graduate Teaching Department of Biochemistry, L.I.T. Premises, Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 033) : Effect of wounding and stress on proteinase inhibitor profile of Zizyphus jujuba leaves. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 95-8.

Effect of wounding and stress during the growth phase of Zizyphus jujuba showed quantitative changes in proteinase inhibitor (PI) pattern in the leaves. The PI level was found to increase when 30 days old plants were artificially wounded. The PI was found to be maximum at 16 hr after wounding, which was simultaneously followed by an increase in total protein content in leaves of Z. jujuba. Similarly, the PI level in the leaves was also found to increase when the plants were subjected to high osmotic (NaCl and mannitol) and drought stress treatment. It was also observed that the progressive increase in the osmotic stress led to the accumulation of proline in the leaves.

4 tables, 29 ref

004684   Suthakar G;Subramanian P;Manivasagam T (Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: psub@rediffmail.com) : Temporal expression patterns of timeless in vg and cry<. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 87-91.

Temporal expression patterns of timeless (tim) in Drosophila melanogaster at various time points were studied in intestine and salivary gland of wild type (WT), vestigial (vg) and cryptochrome-absent (cry^b) mutants under 12 hr:12 hr white light:darkness (LD) and 12 hr:12 hr blue light (450 nm):darkness (BD) conditions. At ZT 06 and ZT 10, tim expression was almost nil and at ZT 18 and ZT 22, the expression was most pronounced in WT and mutants, when compared to other time points. As vg flies have greatly reduced wings, their gross locomotor activity was poorer and levels of tim expression were also least than WT flies. The weaker expression of tim in cry^b flies suggested the significant role of blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome for a stronger synchronization of circadian clock. The expression patterns of tim in the salivary gland of larvae further suggested the presence of peripheral oscillators during the developmental stages.

1 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

004683   Srivastava A;Kapoor K (In vitro Culture and Plant Genetics Unit, Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007, ) : Genotype dependent morphogenetic protential of vigna explants. Mendel int J 2005, 22(1-2), 21-3.

Different seedling explants of two species of Vigna produced different type of response, under uniform culture condition. The specificity of growth regulator for each seedling explant was studied for the two species and it was found that genotypic as well as histological nature of the explant governs the final response under in vitro condition.

10 illus, 5 ref

004682   Singla R;Tenguria R K;Khan M N;Iqbal M (Department of Microbiology, Govt. Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal-462 008) : Antimicrobial activity of Lantana camara Linn. root extracts against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 137-40.

Lantana camera Linn., a wild plant was checked for its antimicrobial efficacy against Klebsiella pnuemoniae. Root extracts were tested separately using different solvents for the extraction of active soluble principles. In case of root, chloroform extract was found to be most effective at 200 mg/ml concentration with ZOI of 24 mm whereas, petroleum ether extract was most effective at 100 and 50 mg/ml concentrations with ZOI of 22 and 19mm respectively. Ethanol extract was found to be least effective with ZOI of 12, 10 and 09 mm at 200, 100 and 50 mg/ml concentrations respectively, whereas other extracts exhibited varying degree of ZOI ranging between 22 and 14 mm.

3 tables, 10 ref

004681   Shende R C;Patil M B (University Department of Biochemistry, L.I.T. Premises, Nagpur University, Amrawati Road, Nagpur-440 033) : Effect of osmolytes on the growth of rhizobia nodulating Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 115-20.

Glycines, Proline, Sucrose and Trehalose have been found to confer a big level of osmotic tolerance. In stress conditions, these osmoprotectants accumulate in the Rhizobium to overcome the osmotic shocks and proliferate in the given habitat. The accumulation of these osmolytes raises the internal osmotic pressure, which protects against stress. These osmoprotectants were determined from the nodules of Cajanus cajan plant grown in presence of NaCI and Glyphosate. It was found that, these osmolytes were accumulated in more quantity with increase in stress. Effect of these osmolytes on the growth of Rhizobium was also studied.

4 illus, 1 tables, 27 ref

004680   Sheethal K;Venkatesha M D;Nandini;Srinivas Gowda R N (NO, , 52, 16th Main, Maruthi Layout, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-560 040) : Molecular typing of leptospiral serovars by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) finger printing. Tamilnadu J vet Anim Sci 2005, 1(1-2), 41-3.

The random amplified polymorphic DNA method was used to investigate genetic polymorphism among the leptospiral serovars. The extracted DNA of twelve commonly prevalent strains and two isolates were subjected to RAPD and different patterns were obtained. The bands were spread out and each leptospiral serovar produced a unique and distinct fingerprint pattern. Certain serovars like Bataviae, Panama, Ramisimusa, Canicola, Ictero, Ballum, Pomona showed more than five bands where as Hardjo, Bankinang, Autumnalis, Patoc, Carlos showed five or less bands. Isolate 1 did not show any banding pattern whereas isolate 2 showed six bands. RAPD method was found to be reasonably simple and quick method for typing leptospires. It has many advantages over other molecular typing methods as it has a specific set of primers, no preliminary work such as probe isolation or nucleotide sequencing is necessary and this method requires very little quantity of DNA for analysis.

8 ref

004679   Sharma N;Trivedi P C (Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Microbial bioagents: Economic multiplication and management of fungal nematode complex on cumin. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 419-21.

Mass-scale multiplication was done on cheaper substrates for application of bioagents in the management of plant-parasitic nematodes and fungal pathogens. The bioagents were isolated from the local field solids. Out of the 13 isolated fungi, most of the isolates of Trichoderma spp. that were found antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini in dual culture technique, were mass multiplied on cheaper agrowastes. Suitability of 6 substrates was screened and tea waste was found to be best followed by wheat bran and sorghum straw. Trichoderma harzianum (T5) had the maximum spore load per gram (SPLG) value on tea waste followed by T. hamatum (T16) on wheat bran. Three isolates of bacteria viz. Bacillus subtitlis, Pseudomonas Fluorescens and Rhizobium spp. were multiplied on nutrient broth, King's B broth and yeast extract mannitol broth, respectively.

^ssc2 tables, 14 ref

004678   Sharma A K;Bimlendra Kumar;Jain S;Pathal V (Department of Chemistry, Narain (P G) College, Shikohabad-205 135) : Oil contents in different varieties of soybean seeds. Indian J appl pure Biol 2004, 19(2), 211-3.

Soybean is considered as all-purpose complete food. The most important product obtained from soybean is the fatty oil extensively used for edible purpost. Oil contents of different varieties of soybean seeds have been report.

1 table, 7 ref

004677   Sastry K V;Huria M (Department of Biosciences, M.D. University, Rohtak-120 001) : Effect of cadmium, endosulfan and butachlor on the biochemical composition of M. posthuma and A. gracilis. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2005, 75(part II), 115-20.

Effects of cadmium, endosulfan and butachlor on the locally available species of earthworms M. posthuma and A. gracilis have been studied. Calculated LC₅₀ (96 hr) was 0.024 mg/l, 0.01 mg/l, 0.028 mg/l and 0.0011 mg/l, 0.005 mg/l, 0.0015 mg/l for butachlor, cadmium and endosulfan in case of A. gracilis and M. posthuma respectively. The selected sublethal concentrations were 1/4 and 1/8 of 96 hr LC₅₀. In order to observe the chronic effects of the toxicants, worms were exposed for fifteen days and observations were made after every five days interval. The parameters selected were total proteins, total carbohydrates and total lipids. All these parameters decreased on exposure to the toxicants. Decrease was more conspicuous with higher concentration of toxicants and among the three toxicants butachlor was the most toxic to both the species. In acute exposure butachlor decreased protein content by 88.91% and 83.3% in A. gracilis and M. posthuma respectively. Decrease in carbohydrate was more marked with increase in duration of exposure to 0.0012, 0.006 mg/l of cadmium. In acute exposure to the three toxicants, maximum decrease (76.38%) was noted in lipid content of A. gracilis exposed to butachlor.

8 tables, 11 ref

004676   Sandhu S S;Colombo C;Vikrant P;Bastos C R; Siqueria W J (Department of Biological Science, R.D. Univ, Jabalpur-482 001) : Identification of RAPD fragments associated with blast resistant rice lines. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2005, 75(part II), 131-4.

DNA amplification was performed in six rice lines for selecting the molecular markers for blast resistant lines. These molecular markers could be used to differentiate resistant and susceptible rice lines against Pyricularia oryzae Sacc (IAC-18462). RAPD markers like OPF5₅₀₀, OPJ9₆₅₀ and OPJ1₁₀₀₀ were selected as resistant rice line markers and OPJ17₄₅₀ as susceptible rice line marker. OPJ1₁₀₀₀ showed resemblance with trypsin inhibitor gene of Oryza sativa, which is considered to be a parameter for resistance against blast disease.

1 illus, 20 ref

004675   Sameh A;Dorra B S;Abderrazek H;Manef A (Unite de recherche physico-chimie moleculaire, IPEST, Boite postale 51, 2070 Ia, Marsa, Tunisie) : Bacteriological study of the Thymus capitatus essential oil of Tunisia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 39-41.

Work deals with the properties of the antibacterial effect of Thymus capitatus essential oil. A qualitative study by GC/MS on the extracts of the essential oil was realized. Forty two constituents were found. The major products are: thymol, carvacrol and terpinen-4-ol. The Thymus capitatus essential oil test was applied on nine bacteria. Results show that the extracts of oil present an activity that stand especially against Pseudomonoas aeruginosa and against reference bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 7625), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 7624) and Sttaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 76110).

2 tables, 15 ref

004674   Rastogi A;Hutchinson T E;Pereira B M J (Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667) : Phospholipase C from two bacterial strains acts differently on pure phospholipids and membrane bound glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 92-9.

Phospholipase C (PLC) was purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of Bacillus cereus (65-fold, 540 U/mg protein) and B. thuringiensis (76-fold, 306 U/mg protein) by conventional techniques of enzyme purification. The purified enzymes have the molecular mass of 34 kDa and 38 kDa respectively, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Both the PLCs exhibited identical sensitivity to pH, temperature, cations, anions and inhibitors like glutathione and p-chloromercuribenzoate. PLC-Bc showed a preference for phosphatidylinositol, while PLC-Bt favoured phosphatidylcholine as the substrate. Although both the enzymes were able to hydrolyze pure phosphatidylinositol, distinct differences were observed in their activity on phosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane proteins. PLC-Bc cleaved and released alkaline phosphatase, a GPI-anchored marker enzyme from microsomal membranes to a greater extent, than PLC-Bt. Experiments with sperm membranes, followed by SDS-PAGE revealed that the pattern of proteins released from their GPI-anchors by PLC-Bc and PLC-Bt were dissimilar. Although some proteins were cleaved in common by both PLCs, some others including a prominent 57 kDa protein were resistant to PLC-Bt, but sensitive to cleavage by PLC-Bc. The type of modification in the GPI anchor, special environment on membranes, and relative charge of host plasma membrane to the charge of PLC may be the factors that are responsible for the differential action of two enzymes.

3 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

004673   Ramteke A P;Patil M B (University Department of Biochemistry, Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 033) : Purification and characterization of Tridax procumbens Calyxlectin. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 103-10.

Calyx of the Tridax procumbens L. was found to contain galactose specific lectin. The lectin was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography and was found to have molecular weight of 23 kD. The lectin agglutinated papain treated erythrocytes of human blood group 'A' 'B' and 'O', rabbit and other animals. The lectin was stable between pH 4 to 12 for agglutination. The lectin did not require any metal ion for agglutination, but inhibited by Hg⁺⁺ ions. The agglutination was inhibited by α - D galactose (0.1M) and galactose derivatives. It was found to exhibit α and α - galactosidase activities. The result showed clearly the presence of lectin and galactosidase activities by the same molecule indicating the protein to be bifunctional in nature.

5 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

004672   Rai D V;Darbari R;Aggarwal L M (Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: dvrai@pu.ac.in) : Age-related changes in the element constituents and molecular behaviour of bone. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 127-30.

Age-related changes in bone composition within the age groups of 30, 60, 120 and 180 days in rats have been studied using thermogravimetery, elemental analysis and energy dispersive X-ray (ED X-ray). The structural changes in rats the bone samples were monitored by IR spectroscopy. The main constituents of hydroxyapatite, namely Ca, P and their oxides were analyzed. Organic changes, such as C and N contents in the matrix were found to have a predominant role in the initial development of the bone. An incremental increase in the mineral content of bone with advancing age was also observed. Elemental composition (C and N contents) was observed to be independent of age at the initial stages. The amount of Ca and its oxide content was found to increase, and the P and its oxides showed a decreasing trend, with the advancing age. IR spectra revealed that the mineral phase comprised both amorphous and crystalline hydroxyapatite, even at maturity; the amorphous content being higher at the earlier stages (14.09%, at 30 days), but was gradually replaced by crystalline component with advancing age (63.09% at 180 days). The data may be useful in explaining the ageing phenomenon and helpful in understanding the bone growth and remodeling.

2 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

004671   Prakasham R S;Sreenivas Rao R;Subba Rao C; Sharma P N (Biochemical and Environmental Engineering Centre, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: prakasam@iict.ap.nic.in) : Cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases from Bacillus circulance and Bacillus sp. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 347-52.

Cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase production and its activity was evaluated using locally isolated Bacillus sp. and Bacillus circulance. The enzyme production and its induction processes are dependent on the type of the organism. Isolated Bacillus sp. possesses higher enzyme productivity and early induction to that of B. circulance. The enzyme synthesis in both these strains was observed to be dependent on the carbon source and inoculum level. Activity related experimental results denoted that the properties of the enzyme vary with the source of the organism with respect to hydrogen ion concentration, temperature profile and presence of the ionic species. Overall, the data indicate that both organisms differ in CGTase production and isolated Bacillus sp. possesses higher potential as enzyme producer to that of B. circulance.

8 illus, 27 ref

004670   Prakash P;Tripathi O (Department of Biochemistry, Seema Dental College & Hospital, Barrage Road, Rishikesh-249 203) : Modulation of spontaneous electrical activity of freshly isolated 3-day embryonic chick ventricle by cAMP and cGMP. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 118-21.

Effects of cyclic nucleotides 8-Bromo-cAMP and 8-Bromo-cGMT(membrane permeable analogs of cAMP and cGMP) were examined on action potential (AP) configuration and rate of spontaneous firing of the freshly isolated 3-day embryonic chick ventricle (ECV) to assess the role of L-type slow Ca²⁺ channels in upstroke of AP and spontaneous electrical activity (pacemaker potential). The 3-day ECV exhibited prominent automaticity and spontaneous APs characterized by maximum upstroke velocity (+VMAX), maximum diastolic potential (MDP), overshoot (E_ov), AP duration at -20 mV (APD₂₀) and cycle length (CL) of 33.09±3.18 V/sec, -63.77±1.17 mV, 17.40±0.91 mV, 51.20±3.05 m sec and 795±150 m sec, respectively (n= 10 preparations). 8-Br-cAMP (1 mM) caused significant increase in E_ov and APD₂₀ (37% and 56%, respectively, p<60>0.01), but failed to produce any stimulatory effect on + V_max and MDP. Surprisingly, 8-Br-cAMP produced negative chronotropic effect on spontaneous firing (automaticity) and enhanced the CL significantly by 43% (p<60>0.05). 8-Br-cGMP, however, had no effect on AP configuration and the rate of spontaneous firing. The findings with 8-Br-cAMP suggest that L-type slow Ca²⁺ channels do not contribute to upstroke of AP and pacemaker potential of spontaneously firing freshly isolated 3-day ECV. The negative chronotropic effect of 8-Br-cAMP suggests that the ionic mechanism underlying pacemaker potential is [Ca]_i-dependent. However, the lack of any effect of 8-Br-cGMP on spontaneous electrical activity of freshly isolated 3-day ECV indicates that cGMP does not modulate the basal Ca²⁺ channel activity in young embryonic myocardium.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

004669   Pandey R M (Cytogenetics Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Selection for combining grain yield with high protein in Amarnthus. Mendel int J 2005, 22(1-2), 11-13.

The F₂ and F₃ generations of five crosses involving five accessions of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondracus L.) were studied with the objective of making selections having favourable combinations of yield and protein content. The relationship of protein content with grain yield and test weight (1000 grains) was significantly negative.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

004668   Oyetayo F L;Ajayi O B (Department of Biochemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria) : Chemical profile and zinc bioavailability studies on 'Hausa Groundnut' (Kerstinglella geocarpa). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 47-50.

Seeds of 'Hausa groundnut' (Kerstingiella geocarpa) were analysed for their chemical constituents. Result of proximate analysis (g/100g) showed that they contain high concentration of crude protein (21.33%) crude fibre; (6.2%), carbohydrate, (61.53%) and low fat concentration (0.98%). The most abundant element in the seeds was phosphorus (9.3 mg/g). The seeds however contain moderately high amounts of other minerals; potassium, (7.67 mg/g) calcium (8.8 mg/g) and sodium (5.67 mg/g). Total cyanide (mg/100g) and tannin (%TA) were found in low concentrations. The (Ca):(phylate)/(Zn) molar ratio obtained for the seed (0.02) was far below the critical value of 0.5 mol/kg. This result indicates that the phytate concentration in the seeds is not as high as to affect adversely Zn bioavailability. The implications of these findings highlight the nutritive value and safety of these seeds.

4 tables, 22 ref

004667   Ojokoh A O (Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria) : Changes in nutrient and antinutrient contents of sweet potato (Pomea batatas) peels subjected to solid substrate fermentation. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 17-20.

Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) peels was fermented using traditional and controlled fermentation by solid substrate fermentation method.The following isolates were isolated from the fermentation, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Lactobacillus sp., Aerobacter aerogenes, A. cloacae Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusanum sp. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that there was an increase in protein content of the fermented peels with A.niger fermented sample having the highest protein content (11.93%) compared to the unfermented sample (3.92%). There was increase in fat and ash contents and decrease in carbohydrate fibre and mineral contents of the fermented samples A. niger fermented sample had the lowest phytate content while S. cerevisiae fermented sample had the least tannin content when compared to the unfermented. The changes in pH was uniform while the changes in total titratable acidity was not uniform.

5 tables, 15 ref

004666   Mukherjee M;Srivastava A;Kesari A;Mittal B (Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226 014, Email: balraj@sgpgi.ac.in ) : Analysis of VNTR loci, ApoB 3' HVR and D1S80 in North Indians. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 358-62.

Polymorphic markers like VNTRs at Apolipoprotein B 3' and locus D1S80 hypervariable region have been used extensively for population studies through out the world. In the study, the polymorphism data in North Indian population at these VNTR loci was reported. The allele distributions and their genotype frequencies at the VNTR loci, Apo B and D1S80 were reported in 86 (172 chromosomes) and 75 (150 chromosomes) unrelated normal individuals, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The respective alleles and their sizes were determined, 19 and 24 different alleles making up 51 and 50 genotypes of Apo B and D1S80 respectively were identified in the North Indian population. As per χ² analysis, the allele and genotype frequencies for both VNTRs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The most frequent allele of Apo B (allele 6) corresponded to 40 repeats, and D1S80 (allele 12) to 28 repeats. The frequencies were 0.087 and 0.17 and observed heterozygosities were 55 and 57% for Apo B and D1S80, respectively. This information may have implications in disease diagnostics, forensics, paternity analysis, and for ruling out maternal contamination in fetal samples during prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

004665   Menaria K;Purohit S D;Rajpu R P;Tenguria R K (Department of Biotechnology, M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Effect of vitamins on growth and shoot multiplication of Chlorophytum borivilianum. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 141-4.

Nutrient media play an important role in plant tissue culture as it affects the growth and multiplication of the plant. The various standard media i.e. MS and White Medium are being used for plant tissue culture. The nutrient requirement of the plant varies with plant species. The effect of various vitamins (Biotin, Riboflavin, Ca- pantothenate, Folic acid and Ascorbic acid) with different concentrations (0,1.0, 2.5,5.0 ppm), were studied for growth and multiplication of Chlorophytum borivilianum. Among five different vitamins the Biotin @ 2.5 ppm proved to be the best vitamin additive with MS medium for growth and multiplication of Chlorophytum borivilianum.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

004664   Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal K;Chellaram C; Patterson J (NO, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, No 44, Beach Road, Tuticorin-628 001, Email: maryelzi77@yahoo.com) : Isolation of antagonistic marine bacteria from the surface of the gorgonian corals at Tuticorin, south east coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2005, 34(3), 316-19.

Culturable heterotrophic bacteria present on the surface of two gorgonian corals, Suergorgia suberosa and Junceella juncea were isolated and the number of pigmented and non-pigmented strains was noted. The antagonistic effect of the marine isolates was tested against 8 human pathogens and 7 fish pathogens. It was observed that 82% (289) of the isolated bacterial strains were found to be non-pigmented and 61% (214) were identified as Gram-negative. Only 13% (46) of the isolated bacteria were found to be antagonistic against both human and fish pathogens. Of the producer strains 74% (34) were found to be non-pigmented, however, mild antagonistic activity was found to be exhibited also by the pigmented strains. Percentage of Gram-negative strains showing activity was found to be 68% (145). All the indicator strains tested were inhibited by at least 10 of the antagonistic marine bacteria. A higher degree of inhibition was conferred by 3 of the isolates (G₁₁₀, G₁₁₁ and G₁₁₃) with maximum zones of inhibition against Escherichia coll (5.5 mm) by the strain G₁₁₃. The strains showing higher degree of inhibition against human pathogens (G₁₁₀, G₁₁₁ and G₁₁₃) showed potent inhibition against the fish pathogens too with maximum inhibition against Proteus mirabilis (5 mm) by the strain G??110. The symbiotic bacteria present on the surfaces of these gorgonian corals may yield novel metabolites.

^ssc2 tables, 18 ref

004663   Latha B V;Jeevaratnam K;Murali H S;Manja K S (Defence Food Research Laboratory, , Siddarthanagar, Mysore-570 011, Email: dfoodlab@sancharnet.in) : Influence of growth factors on carotenoid pigmentation of Rhodotorula glutinis DFR-PDY from natural source. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 353-7.

Red yeast (Rhodotorula glutinis DFR-PDY) strain, isolated from a contaminated Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plate, was evaluated for its growth and pigment production. The yeast was able to grow and produce carotenoid pigments over a wide range of pH from 2.5 to 9-5 (optimum pH 5.5) and at ambient temperature of 29-32°C in a modified Czapek Dox broth after 12 days of incubation. However, light was not a limiting factor for the growth and pigmentation of the red yeast. Among the various nitrogen and carbon sources examined, maximum growth and pigmentation was observed in sodium nitrate as nitrogen source and glucose and fructose as carbon sources. Thin layer chromatography of the extracted carotenoid pigments revealed the presence of four colour components.

5 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

004662   Jha S C;Das C K (Ecology Laboratory, Deptt of Zoology, J N College, Madhubani-847 211) : Ecological aspects of certain fish ponds and swamps of Benipatti (Madhubani). Mendel int J 2005, 22(1-2), 64.

The studies are mainly concerned with the ecological aspects of certain fish ponds and swamps of Benipatti (Madhubani) with a view to throwing some light on the status of water.

4 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

004661   Irshad M;Dubey R (Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, New Delhi-110 029) : Apolipoproteins and their role in different clinical conditions. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 73-80.

Apolipoproteins or apoproteins are a group of proteins associated with lipoproteins in different proportions and play significant roles in several diseases. Different types of apolipoproteins, including apolipoproteins A, B, C, D, E, H and J and their subclasses have been reported, in addition to a few more apolipoproteins reported recently. These proteins have varied, but definite roles in normal physiology in our body. Moreover, their blood levels have strong association with clinical conditions during different diseases and are used as diagnostic and prognostic markers and to compute index of risk for some serious disease entities. Gives an overview of the structural features, physiological significance and diagnostic and clinical implications of apolipoproteins.

^iia1 table, 72 ref

004660   Gupta P;Joshi S C (Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Post-coital antifertility efficacy of the common `MINT' (Mentha arvensis) leaves in Swiss albino mice: a biochemical approach. Mendel int J 2005, 22(1-2), 45-6.

Petroleum ether and alcoholic extract of leaves of Mentha arvesis when subjected to mouse uterotrophic effect, proved to be estrogenic when administered alone and exhibited synergism with Estradiol Dipropionate.

4 tables, 17 ref