004659   Gautam R K;Gautam S (Zool Dep, St John's College, Agra-282 002) : Localization of gut enzymes in moth larvae. J expl Zool 2005, 8(2), 377-80.

Histochemical study has been done to know the effects on alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the alimentary canals of three months larvae, Exelastis catomosa (plume moth), Marquaronea caesalis Sanders (pumpki caterpillar) and Dichoerocis punctiferalis Guen (castor capsule borer) feeding on papilionaceae spp, Cucurbitaceae spp. and Euphorbiaceae spp respectively. Inhibited activity of enzymes reflect damage to plasma membrane, lysosomes and a decreased phospholipid synthesis. The dissimilarity in enzyme activity is suggested to be due to dissimilar plant groups, the larvae feed upon.

2 tables, 10 ref

004658   Garg G;Singh D;Dashora K;Saraf S;Saraf S;Jain P (Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010) : Bioinformatics. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 111-14.

Bioinformatics opened new dimensions for the scientists working in biological science and growth of biological information as a result of extraordinary progress in the experimental sciences of molecular biology, structural biology and biotechnology. Bioinformatics is an interface between biological and computational sciences, it is an application of computational techniques, which helps us understand and organize the information associated with biological macromolecules. India is one of the few countries of the world to implement the idea of distributed resources in biotechnology through the biotechnology information system network that currently comprises many bioinformatics centers. Bioinformatics is the convergence of analytical and computational tools with the discipline of biotechnology research and a major contributor to the drug discovery or gene therapy research programs in biotechnology.

^iia10 ref

004657   Dhanasri G (NO, G M Reddy Research Foundation, Swaroop Nagar, Uppal, Hyderabad-500 039) : Morphological and cytological studies on induced mutations in Carthamus tinctorius. Mendel int J 2005, 22(1-2), 15-17.

Study was conducted to study the effect of physical mutagen like gamma rays and chemical mutagens like sodium azide and mitomycin-C individually in different concentrations and also in combinations in seeds of cultivar Manjira. Cytological studies revealed that the mitotic index decreased with an increase in dose/concentration of the mutagen.

4 tables, 12 ref

004656   Dhake A B;Patil M B (University Department of Biochemistry, L.I.T. Premises, Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 033) : Investigation in to the cell wall bound beta-glucosidase of Penicillium purpurogenum. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 85-8.

Penicillium purpurogenum was found to produce cell wall bound β-glucosidase reaching to its peak after 4 days of incubation, which parallels with the growth of fungus. The cell wall bound enzyme exhibited optimum activity at pH 5.5 & 50°C. The ionic detergent SDS at 0.1% concentration shows maximum sqlubilization of cell wall bound enzyme in to the extraction buffer. The enzyme activity was mildly enhanced by metal ions like K⁺, Na²⁺ and strongly inhibited by Hg²⁺ EDTA shows little inhibition of the β-glucosidase activity.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

004655   Dhake A B;Patil M B (University Department of Biochemistry, L.I.T. Premises, Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 033) : Enhanced beta-glucosidase production by mutagenesis in Penicillium purpurogenum. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 67-70.

P. purpurogenum isolated from decaying wood sample in the laboratory produces comparable amount of beta-glucosidase. The intracellular and extracellular enzymes reached to the peak after 4 and 8 days respectively. Germinating spores of this strain were subjected to mutagenesis with U.V and NTG (3-nitro, 5 methyl guanidine). After mutagenesis, both the treatments have shown induction in beta-glucosidase production to significant level.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

004654   Devi J;Ko J M;Seo B B (Departmental of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, Email: jdevi@aau.ac.in) : FISH and GISH: modern cytogenetic techniques. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 307-15.

In recent years, advances in the molecular cytogenetic technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which enables the direct chromosomal localization of labelled DNA probes and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), which determines the inter-species distribution of repeated sequences have enabled a resurgence of cytogenetic analysis in plant genome research and molecular breeding. Practical applications of these techniques in chromosome mapping, genome analysis, determination of phylogenetic relationship, detection of chromosomal aberrations and alien chromatin in plant breeding programmes, study of chromosome organization at interphase nuclei and analysis of somaclonal variations in tissue culture have been presented.

^iia65 ref

004653   Chattopadhyay M K (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, , Hyderabad-500 007) : Role molecular chaperones in cold adaptation of bacteria. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 149-50.

4 ref

004652   Chakrabarti J;Sahoo S;Mallick B;Das S;Ghosh Z (Computational Biology Group (CBG), Department of Theoretical Physics, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata-700 032) : Algorithm for pattern recognition in nano-sized archaea. Indian J Phys 2005, 79(6), 559-62.

Hidden patterns abound in genome sequences. Sophisticated mathematical algorithms spot them. As of now, several powerful tools exist for identification of transfer-RNA genes from genomes. These sometimes fail to identify when introns are at noncanonical sites. Authors has discussed approach to the problem of identification and apply it to the genome of Nanoarchaeum equitans. Using this algorithm, authors identify the four tRNA genes that were missed by the present standard tRNA search programs in N. equitans. The recent split-tRNA hypothesis [Nature 433, 537 (2005)] identified the missing ones. However, the solutions are different. Authors has argued the case in favour of their solutions.

25 ref

004651   Boby V U;Govindsam V;Chiramel T;Balakrishna A N (Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065) : Glomus fasciculatum as the best symbiont for enhanced growth and oil content of Tagetes minuta L.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 59-62.

Glass house experiment was conducted to study the effect of different AM symbionts on the growth and oil content of African marigold. Among the six arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) cultures used, Glomus fasciculatum treated plants had the maximum plant height, number of leaves, dry matter yield and oil content. G. fasciculatum inoculation also resulted in increased P nutrition and mycorrhizal colonization compared to the rest of the treatments. This suggests that G. fasciculatum could be used as the best AM inoculant for enhancing the growth and yield of marigold.

2 tables, 14 ref

004650   Boby V U;Balakrishana A N (Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065) : Detection of increased root colonization of mycorrhizal fungus in presence of soil yeast by PCR based method. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 161-2.

1 table, 9 ref

004649   Binsadiq A R H (College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box- 2455, Riyadh-11451) : Microbial and heavy metals analysis of sewage from Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 43-6.

Study was conducted to analyze microbral and heavy metals of sewage from Taif city, Saudi Arabia to observe the relationship between treated and untreated sewage in the aspects of microbial and heavy metals content. The results suggest that there was remarkable difference in the microbial and heavy metals content of treated and untreated sewage, where untreated sewage contain large number of microorganisms and high concentration of heavy metals.

2 tables, 23 ref

004648   Barua S;Mondal B;Sanyal A;Hemadri D; Bandyopadhyay S K;Rai A (Central Institute of Research on Goats, , Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura-281 122, Email: raial@rediffmail.com) : Sequencing and comparative analysis of haxon gene of fowl adenovirus 4 of Indian origin. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(3), 367-72.

Sequencing of the recombinant plasmid containing 2916 bp hexon gene insert of fowl adenovirus 4 (FAV4) of Indian origin revealed the complete nucleotide sequence of the FAV4 hexon gene. The sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 2814 bp coding for a 937 amino acids long polypeptide with a molecular mass of 106.04 kDa. This sequence was larger than the hexon coding regions of FAV10, HAV40, HAV41, MAV1 and BAV3, while it was smaller than the hexon in HAV2 and HAV5. The Kozak sequence was found at nucleotide position 78, which was similar in FAV10 hexon gene. The codon bias revealed a strong preference for C and to a lesser extent G in the third base position. The splice acceptor sequence in FAV4Ind was located 12 bp upstream of the hexon initiation site of the translation codon, which indicated that FAV4 hexon could be a late gene product. A high degree of amino acid variation (9.6%) was observed between FAV4Ind and FAV10, as compared to the 1.5% variation between FAV4Ind and FAV4KR95. The L1 loop of the hexon gene showed the maximum sequence variation among FAV serotypes, thus it could be used for designing serotype specific PCR primers. The 11 unique amino acid substitutions in FAV4Ind hexon could play a significant role in determining its type specificity.

11 tables, 20 ref

004647   Bahafi S;Al-Harithy R N;Mansouri R A (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, jeddah, Saudi Arabia) : Estimation and gas chromatographic analysis of the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in blood serum. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 1-8.

Omega (n)-6 and omega (n)-3 are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUSFA) derived from the 18-carbon essential dietary precursors linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. These two families of fatty acids are metabolically and functionally distinct and often have important opposing physiological functions. Their balance is important for homeostasis, normal development and may affect susceptibility to different diseases. Fatty acid concentrations were determined by using Gas Chromatography (GC). The subjects were divided into two groups, younger and older, with 40 years old being the dividing age. The concentration of fatty acids and the ratio of n-6:n-3 were analyzed among both groups in relation to age, body mass index (BMI) and Iipid profiles. Regarding the fatty acid concentrations, the analysis showed that most of n-6 fatty acids (LA, GLA and AA) and EPA were positively correlated with age. The data also showed no correlation between fatty acid concentrations and BMI in all subjects.

3 illus, 1 tables, 19 ref

004646   Azmi M A;Naqvi S N H;Azmi M A (Physiol Dep, Baqai Med Univ, Box, 2407 Karachi-74600, Pakistan) : Pesticide residues in the blood of rural population from Gadap, Karachi and related health hazards. J expl Zool 2005, 8(2), 341-51.

Persons from fourteen different fruit and vegetable farm stations from Gadap (rural area), Karachi-Pakistan, were examined for the presence of pesticide residues in their blood samples. Total 81 samples were taken for residual analysis by HPLC and 55 were found positive. Analysis of all the samples by HPLC revealed the presence of polytrin-C in one sample only, while deltamethrin and diazinon were detected in 4 and 7 samples, respectively. However, the frequently detected pesticides were cypermethrin, monocrotophos and DDE (one of the metabolite of DDT). Overall 29.6% cases of organophosphates, 29.6% cases of organochlorines and 48.1% cases of pyrethroids were detected.

1 table, 36 ref

004645   Arora J;Nasheir K;Rani K;Kalia V;Pundir C S (Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Bio-Sciences, M.D. University, Rohtak-124 001) : Quantification of serum glucose and peroxidase co-immobilized free and affixed alkylamine glass beads in a beaker. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 33-8.

Glucose oxidase from Aaspergillus niger and per-oxidase from horseradish peroxidase have been co-immobilized on free and affixed alkylamine glass beads in a glass beaker through glu-taraldehyde coupling. A colorimetric method for determination of serum glucose was developed employing co-immobilized enzymes onto both free and affixed alkylamine glass beads. The method is based upon measurement of H₂O₂ generated from serum glucose by coimmobilized glucose oxidase with a colour reaction consisting of 4-aminophenazone and phenol and coimmobilized peroxidase. The minimum detection limit was 1.8 mg/dL and 3.6 mg/dL and the percent recovery of added glucose in serum was 92.16 mg/dL and 95.32 mg/dL and within/between batch coefficient of variation for glucose determination in six serum samples were 9.4% 7.36% and <60>5%/<60>12% for the method employing free and affixed glass bead bound enzymes respectively. A good correlation, r₁ = 0.999 for enzymes bound to free and r₂= 0.905418 for enzymes bound to affixed glass beads was obtained with enzymic colorimetric commercial method employing free glucose oxidase and peroxidase. The method is unaffected by various serum substances. The enzymes bound to free and affixed glass beads were reused for 125 and 100 times respectively, without any considerably loss of activity when stored at 4°C in distilled water. The enzymes coimmobilized onto free glass beads showed better stability man that on affixed glass beads.

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

004644   Anuradha P;Yasoda Devi P;Siva Prakash M (Foods and Nutri Dep, Coll of Home Sci, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agric Univ, Hyderabad-500 030) : Microbial safety of drinking water and its relation to diarrhoeal morbidity. J Res-ANGRAU 2005, 33(2), 82-4.

2 tables, 3 ref

004643   Anthwal S;Singh D K;Zaidi S A;Baliyan D (NO, , C/o Mr Anil Chaudhary, 119 Gayan Enclave, Rohta Road, Meerut-250 002) : Interaction of DDT and malathion on cholinesterase activity in rats. Indian J appl pure Biol 2004, 19(2), 175-7.

Malathion (300 mg/kg), DDT (50 mg/kg body weight for 7 days) and the interaction of DDT and Malathion decrease the plasma and brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity in rats.

2 tables, 11 ref

004642   Anthwal S;Singh D K;Zaidi S A;Baliyan D (Department of Biochemistry, L L R M Medical College, Meerut-250 004) : Effect of DDT and malathion on transaminase activity in rats. Indian J appl pure Biol 2004, 19(2), 123-5.

Malathion (300 mg/kg) and the interaction of DDT (50 mg/kg body weight for 7 days) and Malathion (300 mg/kg) increased the serum GOT and GPT activity in rats. DDT (50 mg/kg body weight for 7 days) decreased the SGPT activity. The increase was statistically significant.

2 tables, 8 ref

004641   Ali M;Pillai R (Department of Biochemistry, Government Shakir Ali Khan Hospital (G.R.), Bhopal-462 011) : Study of phorate toxicity by analysis of electrolytes and urea in serum of albino rats. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 121-2.

Oral administration of freshly prepared doses of Phorate (O.O, diethyl S-ethyl thio methyl phosphorodithioate) was sprayed. Which were then fed to albino-rats once in a day and five times in a week for a period of 21 days administration of phorate sprayed soybean showed biochemical changes in serum of albino rats. The value of blood urea were decreased from 35.5 to 29.8 mg/dl and significant change in Na+ and K+ level found to be 157.8m Eq/L and 6.81 m Eg/L respectively.

2 tables, 7 ref

004640   Alex J L;Sarathi D P;Goel S;Satish Kumar (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: satishk@ccmb.res.in) : Isolation and characterization of a mouse embryonic stem cell line that contributes efficiently to the germ line. Curr Sci 2005, 88(7), 1167-9.

Embryonic (ES) cells have proven vital for introduction of pre-defined genetic modifications into mouse germ line. Here, authors describe the isolation of a mouse ES cell line namely, R1.9 through sub-cloning and karyotyping. R1.9 ES cells have normal chromosomal complement and contribute extensively to chimaerism, and germ line. R1.9 ES cells are being used in laboratory for creation of novel strains of mouse through gene targeting.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

004639   Akharaiyi F C;Omoya F O (Microbiology Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704 Akure, Nigeria) : Antibacterial efficacy of some nigerian herbs. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 73-6.

Effect of cold and hot water extracts of the medicinal plants (Euphorbia hirta) and Mermrodica charantla on the growth of some bacterial isolates was assessed using agar diffusion technique and broth dilution method. All the extracts showed varying degrees of inhibition depending on the organism tested, the plant species, method of extract preparation and extract concentration. The six pathogenic organisms tested are Bacillus cereus. Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus (local) and Staphylococcus aureus (NCIB 8588). The combinations of the two extracts was more active on the test organisms than when used separately. The MIC of the single extract with cold water was in range of between 130-145 μg/ml while it was in the range of between 115-130 μg/ml in the mixed extract. In the hot water of single extracts, it was in the range of between 100-145 μg/ml and between 100-130 μg/ml in the mixed extracts. With cold water of single extracts, MBC was in the range of 143-160 μg/ml and between 115-145 μg/ml in the mixed extract. With hot water of single extract it was between 130-160 μg/ml and between 100-145 μg/ml with mixed extract. Escherichia coli was most susceptible to the extracts while Bacillus cereus was the least susceptible.

2 tables, 10 ref

004638   Akharaiyi F C;Omoya F O (Microbiology Department, Fereral University of Technology, P.M.B. 704 Akure, Nigeria) : Physiochemical determination and sensory evaluation of wine produced from selected tropical fruits. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2005, 3(1), 21-8.

Fruit wines were produced in duplicates using mixed and monoculture fermentation techniques. At every 24 hours during fermentation, some quantities of the fermenting wines were withdrawn for physicochemical determination. In the fermenting media, a general decrease in the pH value was observed along days of fermentation and was higher in the monoculture media. Alcohol content % (vol/vol) was also higher in the monoculture media. The total titratable acidity (TTA) increased in the fermenting wine media. The sensory evaluation of the finished wines showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in colour, taste, aroma and overall acceptability. The watermelon - pineapple wines of both mixed and monoculture fermented were the most favoured in colour, taste, aroma and overall acceptability followed by watermelon - banana and was least in watermelon wine.

6 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

004637   Aggarwal S;Tandon C;Forouzandeh M;Singla S K; Kiran R;Jethi R K (Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: jethi_raj@rediffmail.com) : Role of a protein inhibitor isolated from human real stone matrix in urolithiasis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(2), 113-17.

Role of biomolecule(s) from renal stone matrix in urolithiasis was investigated. The ability of a particular fraction (<62>10 kDa fraction) isolated from the EDTA extract of powdered human renal stones to influence calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal growth was studied. The most potent inhibitor of COM crystal growth obtained from <62>10 kDa fraction was purified by various chromatographic techniques and SDS-PAGE, etc. and was found to have a molecular mass of 36 kDa. The urine and serum samples obtained from normal persons were found to be more potent in inhibiting the growth of COM crystals as compared to the kidney-stone patients. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against this inhibitor and were employed to determine the concentration of 36 kDa inhibitor in urine and serum samples of normal persons and kidney-stone patients.

5 illus, 34 ref

003535   Zik B;Yagci A;Altunbas K (Histology-Embryology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Med, Uludag Univ Bursa, Turkey) : Immunohistochemical localization of insulin like growth factor-I receptors in the mice intestine. Indian vet J 2005, 82(6), 652-5.

Study was planned to determine the distribution of IGF-I receptors in all layers of the adult mice intestinal tract using immunohistochemical method with suitable antibody.

3 illus, 14 ref

003534   Vineela C;Elizabeth K M (Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Antimicrobial activity of marine algae of Visakhapatnam city, Andhra Pradesh. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 209-12.

Certain marine algae from the rocky shore of Visakhapatnam have been screened for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. The algae tested in the study were Ulva fosciata, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum species, Enteromorpha species, Padina tetrastromatica, Spongomarpha indica and Amphiroa fragilissima. The crude extract of Sargassum species at 5 mg concentration formed zone of inhibition ranging from 10-15 mm against the microorganisms used, Salmonella typhimurium and Y. enterocolitica with highest zone and Candida albicans with lowest zone indicating that this extract was more effective against S. typhimurium, Y. enterocolitica and less effective against C. albicans. Ulvafasciata is most effective against Bacillus subtilis forming 22 mm zone of inhibition and also towards Y. enterocolitica forming 20 mm zone of inhibition. The crude extracts of other algae were not very effective against other microorganisms tested.

7 tables, 9 ref

003533   Thamodharan V;Tewari L;Bajpai G C (Genetics Div, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012) : Genotype X phosphate solubilizing bacteria interaction in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp.]. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 241-2.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

003532   Subramanian S;Ramalingam K (NO, , 39/4 (Old No. 13/4), SSL Brindvan, IV Cross Street, Andal Nagar, Adambakkam, Chennai-600 088, Email: subphd@yahoo.com) : Electron microscopic evidence on the participation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and macrophages in MTB-adjuvant induced connective tissue inflammation and arthritogenesis in Rattus norvegicus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 227-33.

Connective tissue inflammation of natural origin involves the participation of several cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells and basophils. The pivotal role of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes (CTL) against virus infected cells, tumor cells and in bacterial infections have been widely established. The study adduces evidence for the cytolytic effects of CTL and macrophage cell against heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis adjuvant (endotoxin) induced arthritogenesis. The demonstration of both CTL and Macrophage in the inflammatory region (Knee joint) draws parallelism to T-cell behaviour against virus infected cells.

4 illus, 14 ref

003531   Singh M P N;ahmed J;Sharan L;sinha M P (Department of Botany, Marwari College, Ranchi-834 001) : Effect of glucose on growth, sporulation, Folin positive and protein production by blight pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 289-92.

The growth, sporulation, folin-positive and protein production by blight pathogens i.e. Alternaria solani (VIRULENT PATHOGEN) and Alternaria triticina (AVIRULENT PATHOGEN) on modified Richard's liquid culture medium with tomato fruit extract of Pusa Ruby (RESISTANT VARIETY) and Prince Long (SUSCEPTIBLE VARIETY) were studied with different concentration (0.10 and 1.0<37>) of glucose. The maximum stimulation of growth, sporulation, folin-positive and protein production was recorded with the fruit extract of Pusa Ruby followed with Prince long variety by the pathogen A. solani and inhibition was recorded in the case of A. tritidna under similar conditions. The stimulation and inhibition depend not only upon the carbon source but also on the host-pathogen relation.

4 tables, 14 ref

003530   Sharma S;Thakur N (Department of Bio-Sciences, H P University, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005) : Clenbuterol induced changes in rat gastrocnemius muscle after oral and intraperitoneal administration. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2005, 75(Pt 1), 1-7.

Growth of muscle involves hypertrophy of its fibers which leads to an increase in size and weight of muscles. <98>₂-agonist clenbuterol when administered orally and intraperitoneally appear to improve muscular strength due to its potential role in increasing muscle mass which causes increase in body weight and at the same time results in cardiac hypertrophy. Growth of skeletal muscle and its enlargement resulting from regular exercise are due to an increase in the size of individual muscle fibers rather than to an increase in their number. General hypertrophy of constituent cells result from chronic exercises and excessive work load. It exerts its effect on skeletal muscle via <98>₂-adrenoceptors resulting in rapid increase in muscle mass. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of clenbuterol (5 mg kg^-1 day^-1) to adult rats for two weeks resulted in their increased body weight and heart weight. Fiber diameter of gastrocnemius muscle increased progressively on different days showing muscle hypertrophy. Increased dry muscle mass and total protein content further supported its hypertrophy, which is largely responsible for the increase in live weight of animals. Increased heart weight suggests cardiac hypertrophy as well. Oral mode of clenbuterol treatment brought significant increase in fiber diameter of intermediate fibers when compared with intraperitoneal mode of administration thereby inferring that clenbuterol is more effective when given orally.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

003529   Savithamani K;Vivekanandhan G;Thayumanavan T; Lakshmanaperumalsamy P (Department of Environmental Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: plpsamy@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of Aeromonas hydrophila in river fish. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 261-4.

The incidence of Aeromonas hydrophila in river fish was investigated for a period of two years. Monthly samples were collected at a sampling site of the Amaravathy River, Tamil Nadu, India. Swab samples of body surface, gill and intestine were screened for Aeromonas hydrophila. Among a total of 262 fishes screened, 134 (51.1<37>) were found to harbour A. hydrophila. All the fishes examined in October 1998 and in December 1999 showed the presence of A. hydrophila and the lowest incidence (21.4<37>) was recorded during December 1998. About five fish species were analysed during the study period, and higher incidence of 58.3<37> was seen in Sarotheredon mossambicus. Among the three different body parts analysed, 47.7<37> of intestine, 39.5<37> of gill and 35.8<37> of body surface of fishes carried A. hydrophila. The results of the study revealed that the freshly caught fishes were also containing A. hydrophila and particular attention should be taken to eliminate this A. hydrophila from freshwater fishes, as it may become opportunistic pathogen.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

003528   Saraf M;Mahida K (Department of Microbiology, University School of Sciences, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: saraf@icenet.net) : Antagonistic effect of new isolates of pseudomonas on some soil borne fungal pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 285-8.

Four isolates of Pseudomonas were isolated from rhizosphere of field crops like Trigonella and Vigna Sps. They were further selected on basis of fluorescence under UV light and assessed for their biocontrol potential. The production of siderophores in CAS medium was found to be positive in all strains, maximum being 41 <109>g m in case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fluorescent Pseudomonas TP-2 produced catecholate type of siderophore in deferrated medium. All the strains were shown to exhibit a wide range of antifungal activity against some phytopathogens like Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia invitro conditions. However, only 3 of the tested strains could produce bacteriocin like substance (BLS) against the other related species tested. Analysis of results shows that fluorescent pseudomonas strain TP-2 tested showed maximum antagonism as compared to the known strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa making the organism a potential biocontrol agent against soil borne pathogen.

3 tables, 23 ref

003527   Reddy Sekhar M;Singh S P;Mehra R B;Govil J N (S.V. Agric Coll, , Tirupati-517 502) : Combining ability and heterosis in early maturing pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp] hybrids. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 212-16.

The genetic analysis of 36 hybrids involving 3 male sterile lines and 12 pollinator lines evaluated for twelve characters revealed the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the characters under study. The parents QMS-1 and MS Prabhat (DT) among male sterilesle Sel 90309, Sel 90306, Sel 90310 and Sel 90307 among pollinators were identified as good general combiners. The crosses QMS-1 x Sel 90307, QMS-1 x Sel 90311 and MS Prabhat (NDT) x Sel 90214 were the best specific combiners for yield and its components, and favours heterosis breeding programme. Heterosis to the extent of 51.3 and 171.6<37> over the standard check Sel 90308 and better parent, respectively, were recorded for seed yield/plant. Best five hybrids exceeding 40<37> standard heterosis were identified as promising yield and its components.

4 tables, 17 ref

003526   Patra B N;Bais R K S;Sharma D;Singh B P; Prasad R B;Isore D P;Bhushan B (Division of Animal Genetics, IVRI, Izatnagar) : Immunocompetence status of coloured plumage naked neck versus normally feathered broilers in tropical climate. Indian J Poult Sci 2004, 39(3), 296-300.

Study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of naked neck gene on mortality, cell mediated and humoral immune response in coloured plumage broiler-Population. The homozygous naked neck (Na/Na) broiler population exhibited lower mortality as compared to heterozygous naked neck (Na/na) and normally feathered broiler population. The humoral immune response was measured against (1 <37> v/v) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) for total haemagglutinin antibody (HA), 2 mercaptoethanol resistance antibody (MER or IgG) and 2 mercaptoethanol sensitive antibody litre (MES or IgM) litre on 7 days post-immunization. The lilre was expressed as log₂ of me highest dilulion which shows complete haemagglutination. The Na/na broilers showed comparatively higher mean HA value than Na/Na and na/na broilers. The Na/Na and Na/na broilers had significanlly higher MES anlibody titre as compared to na/na broilers. The na/na genetic group had significantly higher MER litre than Na/na and comparatively higher than Na/Na broilers. In vivo cell response to PHA-P, measured as Foot Index (FI) in mm expressed comparatively higher response in Na/na and Na/Na broilers as compared to na/na broilers. The resull of study suggested that coloured plumage naked neck broilers had belter immune response as compared to normally fealhered broiler.

^ssc3 tables, 21 ref

003525   Onkarappa R;Shobha K S;Chaya K (Department of Microbiology, Sahyadri Science College, Kuvempu University, Shimoga-577 203) : Efficacy of four medicinally important plant extracts (Crude) against pathogenic bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 281-4.

Ehter-water solvent extract and aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, Lowsonia inermis and Leucas aspera are tested individually for antibacterial activity by well-in-agar method after, significant effectiveness shown by these extracts during preliminary screening. The efficacy of ether-water extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (0.3) and Withania somnifera (0.2) found to be having effective antibacterial activity even at the MIC of 25 x 10³ <109>g/ml against all the five bacteria like E. coli, B. subtilis, E. aerogenes, K. pneunmoniae and S. aureus where as in Lawsonia inermis (0.1) and Leucas aspera (0.1), the MIC ranges between 50-100 x 10³ <109>g/ml. Efficacy of various concentrations of plant extracts which showed variable inhibitory activity against each bacteria was compared to Standard Antibiotic (Streptomycin).

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

003524   Njoku O U;Okorie I N;Okeke E C;Okafor J I (Lipid & Lipoprotein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka) : Investigation on the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Pennisetum purpureum. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2004, 26(2), 311-14.

Pennisetum purpureum contains 1.5 <37> essential oil and 3.5 <37> fixed oil. Investigation indicates that the oil is rich in phospholipids and sterols. Vitamin contents were also found in large quantities. The plant contains tannin, phytate but no haemagglutinin. Phytochemical studies indicate that the plant contains a broad spectrum of secondary plant metabolities like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and cyanogenic glycosides. The elemental composition of the plant reveals that the plant is a rich source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Antimicrobial studies showed remarkable inhibition in following test organisms, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coll, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus avreus and Aspergillus niger.

2 tables, 21 ref

003523   Mukhopadhyay H K;Pilai R M;Ajay Kumar V J (Department of Microbiology, Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Pondicherry-605 009) : Microbial quality of fresh chicken in retail outlets of Pondicherry. Indian J Poult Sci 2004, 39(3), 291-3.

Twenty three fresh chicken samples collected from retail outlets in and around Pondicherry were analysed for aerobic plate count coliform count, yeast and mould count and for important meat-borne pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp. and Clostridium spp. The mean aerobic plate count, coliform count and yeast and mould count were log 10 7.61, log 10 5.85 and log l07.10 cfu/g, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 21.74<37> of the samples. No Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp. and Clostridium spp. were isolated from any sample.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

003522   Mohan S;Antony M V;Kasinathan P;Thajuddin N (Department of Microbiology, A V V M Sri Pushpam College, Poondi, Thanjavur-613 503) : Phytase production by Aspergillus niger and A. terreus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 277-80.

Submerged fermentation for the production of phytase by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus under different growth conditions was examined. Wheat bran at 2<37> was better substrate than others. Addition of yeast extract resulted in maximum production at 0.5<37> concentration. Optimum pH was found to be 5.0 and room temperature provided superior enzyme yield. The effect of pH on enzyme activity showed two distinct pH optima at 2.5 and at 5.5 and optimum temperature was 55 and 65<144> C for Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus in that order. Since the obtained phytase had shown feed pelleting thermostability at 70<144> C. The two fungi were taken as thermo tolerant isolates.

6 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

003521   Mini M;Venkatesan R A;Purushothaman V (Microbiology Dep, Coll of Veterinary and Animal Sci, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala) : Plasmid profile and curing of plasmids of Escherichia coli of bovine mastitis origin. Indian vet J 2005, 82(6), 587-90.

Antibiogram testing with 33 different antibiotics agents, indicated that all the isolates were resistant to 14 of them. Nine isolates contained plasmids ranging from 1.86 kb to <62>48.06 kb. A plasmid with molecular size 45.70 kb was common to isolate I and IV. The curing efficiency of ethidium bromide was highest. The second position was for elevated temperature followed by acridine orange.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

003520   Mathew A;Jayachandran K (Department of Botany, St Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta-689 641, Email: mgu@md2.vsnl.net.in) : Evaluation of the effect of a novel antibacterial ayurvedic compound Kaishoregugguluvadakam in the micropropagation of Scoparia dulcis Linn. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 311-4.

Bacteriological analysis during the different stages of micropropagation in Scoparia dulcis Linn with leaf explants using Murashige and Skoog medium revealed the presence of many bacterial contaminants. Micropropagation in Murashige and Skoog medium resulted in 70<37> viable uncontaminated callus and 30<37> contaminated callus along with callus initiation during 16-20th day period. Whereas the micropropagation in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with optimized dose of the novel antibacterial ayurvedic compound, Kaishoregugguluvadakam gave 23<37> uncontaminated viable callus and 17<37> contaminated callus, but made 60<37> tubes as non responsive. However, the callus initiation for all the 23<37> tubes containing uncontaminated viable callus started during 6-10 day period with profuse root formation.

2 tables, 16 ref

003519   Manorama S;Neelakantan S (Department of Biotech, IGKV, Krishak Nagar, Raipur-492 006) : Enzymatic activities of lingocellulolytic fungi and their competitive saprophytic ability. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 305-9.

The biological treatment of lignocellulosic materials using different micro-organisms adopting solid state fermentaion system has been found to improve the nutritive value of fibrous crop residues. Twenty mold cultures were evaluated for competitive saprophytic ability and enzyamatic activities i.e. CMCase, FPase, xylanase, laccase and phenol-oxidase activities in pure and wheat straw substrates. Out of twenty mold cultures, only two mold cultures viz. Coprinus cinerus NS₁ and Pleurotus sp. P131 had much higher CSA (82.80 and 108.20 cm²), cellulolytic, xylanase, laccase and phenol-oxidase activities with pure as well as wheat straw substrates. Phanerochaete chrysosporium K₃ had higher cellulolytic and xylanase activities (0.463 and 0.473 IU, respectively) but lower laccase (2 RU) and phenol-oxidase activities with satisfactory CSA (40.50 cm²). Pleurotus ostreatus Z15 showed higher cellulolytic activity and moderate CSA but slightly lower xylanase, laccase and phenol-oxidase activities. Pleurotus ostreatus 3001-50 gave higher xylanase and phenol-oxidase activites and lower cellulase and laccase activities having good growth (CSA). Pleurotus sp. P7H7 had good CSA, moderately high xylanase, laccase, phenol-oxidase and cellulase activities. Hence, six cultures viz., C. cinereus NS₁, P. chrysosporium K₃, P. ostreatus 3001-50, P. ostreatus Z15, Pleurotus sp. P131 and Pleurotus sp. P7H7 were selected for bioconversion of crop residues on the basis of higher phenol-oxidase activity with highpr moderate CSA and associated with high or moderate laccase, CMCase, FPase, and xylanase activities.

3 tables, 15 ref

003518   Mandal S M;Bhattacharyya R N (P G Department of Botany, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: santi_mandal2003@yahoo.com) : Assessment of the rhizospheric and phyllospheric microbial population of two tea gardens at Darjeeling Hills, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 255-9.

Naturally occurring microbial population in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of tea plants of two tea estates were enumerated by colony counts method showing that the population was higher in rhizospheric soil at higher altitude with higher soil moisture. The isolated bacteria were mostly gram (-)ve, mesophilic and acidophilus. These isolates also showed better establishment in the rhizosphere producing higher growth promoting hormone indole acetic acid (IAA) and increased solute uptake efficiency of higher plants. The acidic soil condition for tea plant also provide by the rhizospheric bacteria. Screening of some biochemical activities and nature of microbial population in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of tea plants has recorded.

2 tables, 21 ref

003517   Malaviya D R;Roy A K;Kaushal P;Bhaskar R B; Kumar B (Crop Improvement Div, Indian Grassland and Fodder Res Inst, Jhansi-284 003) : Evaluation of Trifolium species for defining multiple use gene pool for tropical trifolium species. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 251-2.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

003516   Mahendra Kumar;Poonam Kumari;Sabita Singh; Tiwari H N (Zoology Dep, Ranchi University, Ranchi) : Studies on relative length of ring and index finger in some human population groups of Ranchi. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(1), 89-91.

Kloepher (1946) was first to identify this somatoscopic feature and has classified index figner as short, equal and long. This trait is regarded to be simple sex influenced character and follows Mendelian Inheritance pattern. In male individual genes for the short index finger is dominent whereas in female the same are ressesive.

1 table, 8 ref

003515   Londhe P B;Takarkhede R C;Sahatpure S K; Kuralkar S V;Kolte A Y (Veterinary Physiology Dep, Post Graduate Inst of Veterinary and Animal Sci, Akola-444 104) : Effect of different glycerol levels in egg-yolk-citrate diluent on freezability of ram semen. Indian vet J 2005, 82(6), 634-6.

Study was undertaken to find out the optimum glycerol levels in diluents on freezability of ram semen.

13 ref

003514   Kumar R J;Murthy V R;Prasad G V R (Molecular Biophysical Laboratories, Department of Physics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003) : Diamagnetic susceptibilities: base composition studies in nucleotides. Acta Cienc Indica-Phys 2005, 31(1), 121-4.

The application of Molecular Polarizabilities in percentage base compositions of nucleotides outlined. Similarly earlier the applications of diamagnetic susceptibilities are now extended in the study of base compositions of nucleotides. The inferences suggest that the chargaff rule is obeyed in diamagnetic susceptibilities and it also gives an alternative to T_m in evaluating the percentage composition of various of DNAs. The positive encouragement in the results shows a prospective application of diamagnetic susceptibility studies in base compositions.

2 tables, 7 ref

003513   Kumar K;Singh K C P;Prasad C B;Singh S S (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, Bihar Veterinary Coll, Patna-800 014) : Prevalence of maternal antibody against infectious bursal disease virus in broiler chickens. Indian vet J 2005, 82(6), 583-6.

Level of maternal antibody plays important role in the immune responses to IBD vaccine in chickens. One hundred and fifty out of 549 serum samples were positive for IBDV antibodies with an overall incidence of 27.32 per cent. The maternal antibody level was highest in day old chicks with gradual decline upto 2 weeks of age and was non detectable in the age group of 3 weeks. In 4 weeks age group of birds antibody was present due to infection. The hatcherywise prevalence of maternal antibody level revealed marked variation between hatcheries.

1 table, 9 ref

003512   Kulandaivel S;Vijayalakshmi B;Indumathi a; Asha Devi N K;Arun Nagendran N (P G and Research Department of Zoology and Microbiology, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Resistance to mercuric chloride and metal accumulation by Pseudomonas isolated from electroplating industrial effluent. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(2), 237-40.

Mercury and mercurial compounds are potential hazards in the environment. In recent days application of microbes for bioremediation of metals is gaining greater attention. In the study, Pseudomonas sp. isolated from electroplating industrial effluent was assessed for the efficiency of mercury accumulation. The results reveal reduction of mercury in cell free extract and accumulation in cell debris.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

003511   Kanwar M S;Korla B N (Vegetable Crops Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Genetic analysis in late cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) subjected to North Carolina Mating Design-I. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 225-7.

Genetical study was were conducted on progenies developed in F₂ generation of an intervarietal cross PSBK-1 x KT-25 of late cauliflower (Brica oleracea var. botrytis L.) using NCD-1. Significant diffes among females in males in sets as compared to males in sets for all the traits in the study indicated substantial contribution of plants chosen as females towards the variation among progenies. Dominance variance was more pronounced than additive genetic variance for all the traits except net curd weight indicating the importance of dominant gene effects. Complete dominance was observed for gross plant weight and overdominance for stalk length, days to marketable maturity and harvest index. Narrow sense heritability was high for net curd weight. Full-sib family selection was found superior to the mass selection.

3 tables, 14 ref

003510   Joshi A;Souframanien J;Manjaya J G; Gopalakrishna T;D'Souza S F (Nuclear Agric and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Res Cent, Trombay, Bombay-400 085) : Utilization of inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers in distinguishing parental lines and hybrids in selected crop plants. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 181-4.

Current seed testing and certification methods for seed quality are based on field evaluation procedures, which are time consuming. DNA based molecular markers could provide a much faster and reliable alternative to grow out test (GOT), which is currently used for genetic purity testing. In the study inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to identify the A, B and R-lines of rice, bajra, jowar, sunflower and their hybrids. Of the 16 primers tested, 10 showed amplification among all the samples tested. Different primers differentiated A, B and R lines and hybrids. The analysis showed that the markers selected for identifying the A and R lines could detect polymorphism irrespective of the male or female parent. Six primers (UBC 807, 810, 827, 834, 841 and 842) showed male parent, i.e. R line specific bands which are high useful in determining the true/selfed seeds. Markers specific for A, and R- lines were identified in the study. Two primers (UBC 807 and UBC 811), and three primers (UBC 807, UBC 811, UBC 827) detected polymorphism between A and B-line of jowar and sunflower respectively. ISSR assay was thus found as an efficient method for detecting DNA polymorphism in parental lines of hybrids.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

003509   Jayaprakash Vel M;Sahaya Pravin;Gnanamani a; Mary Babu;Sadulla S (Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai-600 025) : Influence of heavy metals on growth and laccase production in phanerochaete chrysosporium NCIM 1197. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 315-18.

Laccase producing strain Phanerochaete chrysosporium NCIM1197, grown in a defined medium exhibrted variation in both growth and enzyme activity with respect to heavy metals and trace elements. Copper in the form of copper sulfate at different concentrations ranging from 0.01 mM to 0.5 increases laccase activity substantially. Maximum laccase activity of about 26 U/L was observed with 0.3 mM CuSO₄. Moreover, manganese m the form of MnSO4 in growth medium plays a significant role in enzyme production. Absence of manganese resulted in high yield and activity of laccase. Regarding growth, 0.3 mM Cu concentration resulted in an increased mycelial fresh weight of about 770 mg on day 12. It has been suggested that growth medium with 0.3 mM Cu and zero manganese concentration increases both growth and laccase activity in Phanerochaete chrysosponum NCIM 1197.

2 illus, 17 ref