021358   Sekhon B S (Biochemistry and Chemistry Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sekhon224@yahoo.com) : Biosurfactants: an overview. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(9-10), 317-32.

Large number of biosurfactants are synthesized by bacteria, yeasts and algae. Biosurfactants display a range of structures but have the common ability to cause emulsification of oil-water mixtures. Biosurfactants are grouped as glycolipids, lipopeptides, phospholipids, fatty acids/neutral lipids, flavolipids, polymeric and particulate compounds. Low molecular weight biosurfactants (glycolipids, lipopeptides) lower surface and interfacial tensions. High molecular weight biosurfactants (polymeric and particulate compounds) bind tightly to surfaces. Biosurfactants have many important advantages over chemical surfactants. These include mild production conditions, lower toxicity, higher biodegradability and environmental compatibility. Their production, biosynthesis and genetic aspects have been discussed. A large number of industrial uses for biosurfactants include: the remediation of organic- and metal-contaminated sites, the enhanced transport of bacteria, enhanced oil recovery, as cosmetic additives, in biological control, in food, environmental, specialty chemicals, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries.

10 illus, 3 tables, 65 ref

021357   Satheesh S;Godwin Wesley S (Zool Dep, Scott Christian Coll, Nagercil-629 003, Email: godwinwesley@yahoo.com) : Polychaetes associated with the brown alga Sargassum sp. in kudankulam waters, east coast of India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(2), 323-6.

Species diversity, density and seasonal abundance of polychaetes associated with Sargassum sp in Kudankulam waters was investigated for a period of one year from May 2003 to April 2004. A total of 13 species belonging to 6 families were recorded. Platynereis dumerili and Perinereis nigropunetata were the abundant species. Seasonal variation in density and species composition was observed. During the study period the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H₁ ranged from 0.178 to 0.669 and the evenness index (J₁) varied between 0.373 and 0.98.

3 illus, 17 ref

021356   Satendra Kumar;Rosalind George M;Riji John K; Prince Jeyaseelan M J (Aquaculture Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: rosalindmg@yahoo.com) : Molecular typing of bacteria Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus from shrimp farming systems. Indian J Mar Sci 2007, 36(1), 43-50.

Vibriosis is a commonly encountered disease in cultured shrimps. Vibrio spp. are the natural inhabitants of marine and brackish water ecosystems, which act as opportunistic pathogens in shrimp farms and shrimp hatcheries. Since the pathogenicity of Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus is highly variable, a study was conducted to collect isolates of these two species from shrimp farming systems to analyse their strain variability. The above two bacteria were isolated from shrimp-farm water, sediment, shrimp larvae and hatchery water samples and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting using insertion sequence (IS) targeted primers. The IS primers were able to differentiate the intraspecies variability existing in both V. alginolyticus and V. harveyi strains efficiently. Twenty strains of V. alginolyticus tested differentiated into nine fingerprint patterns and 14 strains of V. harveyi also differentiated into 8 fingerprint groups. Dendrogram analysis of the two species tested was not able to associate the virulence factors studied, viz. production of amylase, gelatinase and lipase genetically. However, it has been found that all the amylase lacking V. alginolyticus strains except one belonged to a single genogroup. Dendrogram analysis confirmed the source independent genetic variability present within the same species of Vibrio tested.

4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

021355   Sampath Kumar S;Kusuma N (School of Ocean Sci, Karnatak univ, P.G. and Res Centre, Kodibad, Karwar) : Feeding habit of banana shrimp Penaeus merguiensis. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(2), 293-6.

Foregut content of Penaeus merguiensis collected from the mangrove lined backwater areas of Kali estuary, were analysed volumetrically. It was found that this species is an omnivore and the gut content included animal matter (66.6%) and plant matter (25.7%). The major item of diet during the study period was crustaceans and the results suggest that they prefer crustaceans. They exhibit selectivity to a certain extent depending on the availability of food items in the habitat. All size groups found in the estuarine area seems to feed on similar type of items and do not suggest any ontogenetic variation in the diet. There does not exist any differential feeding between the sexes.

2 tables, 26 ref

021354   Rajee O;Palaniappan R (NO, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chennai) : Physico-chemical and bacteriological studies and eco-pathological approach of prospective shrimp farming at Rajakamangalam estuary, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(2), 187-91.

Eco pathological study was carried out in Rajjakamangalam estuary to find out its potential for Shrimp farming. The ecological studies revealed that the area was not polluted and best suited for shrimp farming. The pathological study also revealed that the bacterial load was also not high in the study area and if they were monitored regularly during the culture period definitely it would provide more profit.

4 tables, 15 ref

021353   Nama P;Shukla A N (Microbiology and Biotechnology Dep, Maharaja Institute of Professional Sciences, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh) : Biodegradation of non infectious hosptial waste through microogranisms. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 3(1), 69-74.

Studies were conducted to access the generation of non infectious hospita1 waste in Choithram hospital and research centre, Indore, M.P. and its bio-degradation through microorganisms. The biodegradable waste generated by this hospital campus forms 61.46% of the total hospital waste. Three different inocula viz. soil sample, manure and inoculum (Sujala commercial inoculum) were tested under experimental conditions of composting. The microbial flora in the different inocula was observed qualitatively and quantitatively for the thermophilic microbes, lipolytic microbes, proteolytic microbes, cellulolytic microbes, amylolytic microbes and phosphate solubilizing microbes. The composting experiments indicates that humus formation is more in case of inoculum as compared to manure and garden soil. The fastest conversion was observed in inoculum and the lowest in case of garden soil.

6 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

021352   Murugan M;Srinivasan M;Sivakumar K;ASahu M K; Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: murugangowra@gmail.com) : Characterization of an actinomycete isolated from the estuarine finfish, Mugil cephalus Lin. (1758) and its optimization for cellulase production. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(5), 388-393.

Actinomycetes (35 strains), isolated from the gut of estuarine finfish Mugil cephalus collected from the Vellar estuary, were examined for cellulase activity. Strain CL-30, tentatively identified as Streptomyces acluosus, showed maximum cellulase activity at: pH 7, temperature 35ρC, NaCl concentration 1-2%carbon source sucrose and without addition of any amino acids. Molecular weight of cellulase determined by SDS-PAGE was 110 kDa. The study indicates the scope for the use of S. actuosus as an ideal organism for the industrial production of extracellular cellulase enzyme.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

021351   Katoch R;Panda A K;Sharma A;Pathak V (Parasitology Dep, Veterinary College, R. S. Pura, Jammu) : Balantidium coli in water samples. J Vet Parasitol 2006, 20(1), 101-02.

One hundred seventy water samples were collected aseptically from different water sources in and around Palampur. These samples were subjected to standard parasitological examination for the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites/cysts. A total of 11 samples were found positive. Higher prevalence was found in surface water (16.6%) as compared to tap water (5.4%). Ground water was however, free from B. coli.

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021350   Dhote S;Dixit S (Applied Chemistry Dep, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Water quality improvement through macrophytes. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(2), 415-28.

Macrophytes play important roles in balancing lake ecosystem. They have capacity to improve the water quality by absorbing nutrients with their effective root system. The objective of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of different macrophytic species (Biofilters) in reducing the nutrient content of the water i.e. to reduce the pollution level of water. It is the outcome of exªsitu experiments conducted on samples collected from Shahpura Lake, Bhopal. Two macrophyteic Species Eicchornia crassipes and Hydrilla verticillata. Results indicates that both the macrophytes are capable in improving water quality by reducing nutrient concentration. Purification of water through macrophytes is a good example of purification of water with natural means.

021349   Dasgupta M;Goswami S;Goswami A (NO, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Regional Research Station (NAZ), Gayeshpur, Nadia-741 234) : Effect of jute retting on the physico-chemical and biological conditions of water. Indian J Fish 2006, 53(4), 455-7.

Investigation was carried out to find out the effect of jute retting on the physico-chemical and biological condition of water of an experimental water body. There was no significant variation in the physico-chemical parameters except for the increase of COD and BOD for a short period when fish mortality was observed. There was no qualitative variation in the plankton population. However, plankton population decreased during the jute retting period and increased in the post jute retting period. Hencejute retting has both detrimental and favourable effect on the aquatic ecosystem. For a short period it creates an anaerobic condition and there may be fish mortality if the retting is done in a small closed water body. But with the passage of time the nutrients released from the decaying jute, help the growth of the aquatic life.

2 tables, 4 ref

021348   Das S;Lyla P S;Ajmal Khan S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: surajit@myself.com) : Spatial variation of aerobic culturable heterotrophic bacterial population in sediments of the continental slope of western Bay of Bengal. Indian J Mar Sci 2007, 36(1), 51-8.

Culturable total heterotrophic bacterial populations from the sediments of the continental slope in the depth zone of 214-1000 m in western side of Bay of Bengal were enumerated. The physico-chemical parameters of overlying water and sediment were also recorded and correlated with the bacterial population. The sediment bacterial population ranged from 0.42 to 37.38 X 10⁴ CFU g^-1 (dry wt). The top section of the sediment (0-3 cm) had higher bacterial abundance in the range of 1.01-37.98 x 10⁴ CFU g^-1 (dry wt) and the vertical bacterial population decreased through the middle (3-6 cm; 0.15-37.21 x 10⁴ CFU g^-1 (dry.wt) to the bottom section (6-9 cm; 0.10-36.92 x 10⁴CFU g^-1 (dry wt). The total heterotrophic bacterial population correlated significantly with sediment water (P<60>0.02), total organic carbon (P<60>0.02) and clay fraction (P<60>0.01). Vertical distribution of bacterial population showed regular trend of decreasing with increasing sediment depth and the higher population was observed in the northern transects. Lower counts of bacterial population may be attributed to the small-scale patchiness and presence of dormant or slow growing bacteria in the sediments of Bay of Bengal.

2 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

021347   Bharti D;Chaudhary R;Chahal S M S;Sharma G (Zoology Dep, Gov M.V.M., Bhopal-462 014) : Distribution of serological and biochemical markers in the Keer tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(2), 337-40.

Genetic study provides baseline data on the Keer tribe inhabiting Sehore districf of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 13 I blood samples were collected and typed for variabilities of the A₁ A₂ BO and Rh (D) blood groups and isozymes of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), Phosphoglucomutase locus I ( POM I), Esterase D ( ESD), and Acid Phophatase locus 1(ACPl) as well as Haemoglobin (HB). The Chi square test for goodness of fit revealed no significant deviation between the observed and expected numbers in any of the seven genetic markers, suggesting that the tribe is in genetic equilibrium. The study among the Keer shows a high incidence of the B allele and low of the A₁ allele with absence of the A₂ allele as well as a low d (Rh negative allele) frequency in serological markers. In biochemical traits, the frequency of the PGMI *2, was recorded rather low and no variant of blood protein HB was found. The study helped in genetically characterizing the Keer tribe of Madhya Pradesh.

021346   Azim Khan M (NO, , C/o Mr. M.J. Khan, 65-B, Northern Railway Tank Colony, Raebareli-229 001) : Effects of phenol, benzalkonium chloride, oxymetazoline, tobacco and formalin on nasal mucosa of albino rat. J Anat Soc India 2006, 55(1), 60-6.

Exposure of the nasal mucosa to a vast number of toxic agents is unavoidable. It may be in the form of air pollutants, industrial effluents or by the indiscriminate use of certain therapeutic agents. In the study young albino rats received 1% phenol 0.01% benzalkonium chloride and 0.05% oxymetazoline as nasal drops, as well as tobacco and 20% formalin as a vapour. Animals were sacrificed after nine days treatment. Observations were made on haematoxylin and eosin stained paraffin sections. Phenol affected respiratory epithelium more than the olfactory epithelium. The changes ranged from loss of characteristic nuclear staining, vacuolation, oedema and subepithelial inflammatory cell infiltration to coagulative necrosis and sloughing of the epithelium. Benzalkonium chloride affected the nasal mucosa in the form of ciliary loss, epithelial spongiosis, mucosal swelling, hyperemic subepithelium with increased mononuclears in lamina propria. Oxymetazoline produced vascular congestion as the most prominent feature, however patchy ciliary loss were also noticed. Tobacco affected the olfactory epithelium which included mild epithelial disarrangement, vacuolar degeneration, partial ciliary attenuation and vascular congestion with tissue spaces in lamina propria. Formalin had effects similar to that of phenol but in a milder form and it affected both olfactory and respiratory epithelia equally. It is concluded that phenol, benzalkonium chloride, tobacco and formalin are harmful to the nasal mucosa and that the harmful effects of formalin vapour and tobacco fumes are comparable to that of topical application of phenol and bezalkonium chloride. Marked vascular congestion produced by oxymetazoline suggested rebound vasodilatation.

10 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

021345   Arshad N;Shabbir G;Aleem S;Arshad M (Zoology Dep, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan) : Effects of α-Tocopherol on liver biochemistry of endosulfan intoxicated mice. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(2), 239-48.

The study was designed to evaluate the protective role of α-ªtocopherol (vit.E) against the toxic effects of chlorinated insecticide endosulfan. Forty male albino mice were used as mammalian model in this study. Animals were divided into 4 groups (ten animals each) on the basis of Vitamin-E treatment and endosulfan exposure, Vitamin treatment was started 15 days prior to 1 st exposure to endosulfan. Animals were exposed to endosulfan @ 5 mg/kg body weight by intramuscular route and vitamin-E @ 80 mg/kg body weight, was administered by forced drinking. Animals were sacrificed after 15 and 30 days of first exposure to endosulfan and the role of Vitamin-E in reducing Endosulfan induced toxicity was evaluated by using liver tissue biochemistry. Comparisons were made with respective control groups. A significant inhibition was found in (1) Alkaline phosphatase in both vitamin non-treated and vitamin treated exposed groups at 30 days, (2) protein, and body weight in only vitamin non-treated exposed groups after 15 and 30 days. In contrast a significant elevation was observed in (1) GOT and RNA at 15 and 30 days and (2) LDH at 30 days in both vitamin non-treated and vitamin treated exposed groups. The comparison was also made between vitamin treated and non treated exposed groups, it showed a pronounced elevation in, LDH (15 & 30 days), RNA (15 days), DNA & GOT (30 days) in vitamin non treated exposed group. It can be concluded from present study that Endosulfan alters various biochemical parameters (AP, GOT, LDH, RNA and protein) and α-tocopherol may play a protective role in reducing toxicity of endosulfan.

021344   Ahaskar M;Sharma K V;Singh S;Sisodia R (Radiation Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Radioprotective effect of fruit extract of Grewia asiatica in Swiss albino mice against lethal dose of γ-irradiation. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(2), 297-310.

The radioprotective efficacy of methanolic extract of Grewia asiatica (Phalsa) fruit (GAE) against whole body gamma radiation was studied in Swiss albino mice. After drug toxicity test, the oral administration of 700 mg//kg body weight/day of GAE for 15 consecutive days before exposure to 10 Gy of γ ªradiation was found to afford maximum protection as evidenced by the highest number of survivors after 30 days post irradiation. At this dose level GAE was found to be effective against different levels of radiation doses. LD_50/30 value of 6.21 for irradiation alone (control) and 9.53 for Grewia asiatica + irradiation group (experimental) was obtained; a dose reduction factor (DRF) 1.53 was calculated. The mice of experimental group exhibited significant modulation of radiation-induced decreases of reduced glutathione (GSH) and radiation-induced increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the whole brain and liver at 24 hours after radiation exposure.

020382   Souza M S;Corderio M D S;Rosas E C;Henriques Mdgom;Saini A C (Departmento de Quimica organica, Instituto de Quimica, Fundacao Universidade do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil, Email: siani@far.fiocruz.br) : Inhibition of nitric oxide and interferon-gamma production by iridoids and triterpenes from the roots of Himatanthus sucuuba. Pharmacog Mag 2006, 2(8), 216-19.

Iridoids beta-dihydroplumericin (1), plumericin and isoplumericin were isolated from the roots of Himatanthus sucuuba, along with lupeol acetate and cinnamate. The isolated compounds and three different crude extracts from the roots exhibited in vitro immunoregulatory activity in the nitric oxide and interferon-gamma inhibition assays, when tested below the cytotoxic concentrations.

1 table, 19 ref

020381   Sekhon B S (Biochemistry & Chemistry Dep, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sekhon224@yahoo.com) : Zinc finger protiens: an overview. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(11-12), 387-98.

Zinc finger domains are the most common DNA-binding transcription factors in which zinc (II) contributes to the structural stability of the domain. Zinc fingers are present among proteins that are involved in replication and repair, transcription and translation, metabolism and signaling, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The zinc finger domain is characterized by the tetrahedral coordination of one or two zinc ions by conserved cysteine (Cys) and histidine (His) residues. The zinc finger linked in tandem recognizes DNA sequence with individual zinc finger binding three base pairs. Based on zinc binding site, zinc finger proteins are classified into subgroups. Cys2His2Zn, Cys8Zn2, Cys6Zn2, Cys3 HisZn, Cys3His Cys4Zn and Cys4Zn. Fingers with different specificity can be linked together to recognize longer DNA sequences. The key to zinc finger success is their sequence-specific modular structure, which enables it to bind the DNA. Most plant Cys2His2 zinc fingers comprise of a stretch of six amino acids QALGGH i.e. Glu-Ala-Leu-Gly-Gly-His at the N-terminus of the helical region. Artificial zinc finger transcription factors have been used to target specific DNA sequence, in combination with activation or repression domains to switch genes on or off. Zinc fingers mediate protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions, many of which are central to normal and disease related cell processes. Zinc finger applications range from basic genomic research to therapeutic treatment to synthetic biology.

3 illus, 26 ref

020380   Nadarajah S;Gupta A K (School of Mathematics, Manchester Univ, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.) : Linear combination and product of inverted dirichlet components. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(11-12), 429-37.

X+Y has the F distribution and XI(X+Y) has the beta distribution when X and Y follow the inverted Dirichlet distribution. In this communication. Derive the exact distributions of S = αX + βY and P = AT (involving the Gauss hypergeometric function) and the corresponding moment properties. Propose approximations for S and P and discuss evidence of their robustness based on the powerful Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

3 tables, 9 ref

020379   Kumari B V;Pillai B G;Mathew P M (Boatny Dep, Sree Ayappa College for Women, Chungankadai-629 807) : Consanguinity in the saliyar community of Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu, India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 2(2), 67-72.

Consanguinity study carried out in the Saliyar community of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu revealed a fairly high rate of inbreeding (34.40%). Uncle-niece, first cousin, first cousin once removed and second cousin were the common types of related marriages with first cousin type predominating. Genetic effects of consanguinity assessed in terms of mortality (prenatal and postnatal) and morbidity showed the frequency to be significantly higher in the consanguineous group than in the nonconsanguineous control group. Analysis of the effects by degree of inbreeding showed positive association with closeness of the relationship of the spouses. The genetic load due to inbreeding in the community evaluated in terms of A and B statistics showed the load lying between 2 and 3 lethal equivalents per gamete and the high value of B/A ratio (25.9895) was suggestive of the load in the community being mutational. The need for administering proper genetic-counselling measures in the community against the practice of close-kin alliances is emphasized.

3 table, 18 ref

020378   Kant R;Tandon R;Tiwari O N;Tiwari G L (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: rkojha_1@rediffmail.com) : Cybnobacteria- wonder microbes : Hope for 21st century. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(11-12), 399-409.

Biotechnological uses of cyanobacteria for their unique products envisage improving the product quality through genetic manipulation. A case for more research in the area of cyanobacteria is made in this article by summarizing multifaceted developments on the potential of cyanobacteria for their possible use in mariculture, food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, colourant, secondary metabolites including vitamins, toxins, enzymes, Pharmaceuticals, pharmacological probes and pollution abatement.

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020377   Joshi G K;Kumar S (Biosciences and Biotechnology Dep, Bansthali Vidyapith, Bansthalipith-304 022, Email: gkjoshi@rediffmail.com) : Purification of alkaline lipase of Corynevacteriun paurometabolum MTCC 6841 isolated from lake Naukuchiatal, Uttaranchal, state India. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 201-7.

Alkaline lipase obtained from Corynebacterium paurometabolum MTCC 6841 was purified to nearly 13 fold by salt precipitation followed by Sephadex G-100 gel exclusion and DEAE- cellulose ion exchange chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed this to be a monomeric enzyme of molecular weight 52 kD.

3 illus, 12 ref

020376   Imran M;Ilyas B;Deepanjali;Khan S A (Pharmac Chem Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard Univ), New Delhi-110 062, Email: sakhan_pchem@yahoo.com) : Recent thiazolidinediones as antidiabetics. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(2), 99-109.

Thiazolidinediones, a class of oral insulin sensitizing agents that improve insulin resistance, are agonists of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Two clinically used drugs pioglitazone (ACTOS) and rosiglitazone (A V ANOIA) have made a great contribution to therapy for type 2 diabetes. However, weight gain and hepatotoxicity are side effects of thiazolidinediones. For thiazolidinediones with lesser side effects, researchers are focusing on modification of side chain at C-5 of thiazolidinedione nucleus and its derivatization. Netoglitazone possesses both PPAR-α/γ dual agonistic activity. More thiazolidinedione derivatives like DRF-2189, PHT46, PMTI3, DRF-2519 can be utilized as potent antidiabetic agents in future.

90 ref

020375   Hullatti K;Murthy U D;Srinath B R (Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Natonal College of Pharmacy, Shimoga-577 201, Email: kkhullatti@gmail.com) : In vitro and In vivo inhibitory effects of Piper longum fruit extracts on mouse ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Pharmacog Mag 2006, 2(8), 220-3.

Vitro and In vivo inhibitory effects of Piper longum fruit extracts on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma., Crude extracts of Piper longum fruits, (petroleum ether (60°-80°), chloroform, ethanol 95%, and water extract) were tested for short term in vitro cytotoxic activity using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, and In vivo cytotoxicity using the Swiss albino mice intraperitoneally inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Pet ether and chloroform extracts have shown the significant cytotoxic action on the EAC cell lines. Petroleum ether extract increased the life span of tumor bearing animals by 44.44%. Chloroform extract at a dose of ZOO mg/kg body weight increased the life span of tumor bearing animals by 33.33%. Combination therapy of both the extracts increased the life span by 87.5%. These results clearly indicate the further detailed work on these extracts can provide us with an.effective non-toxic anti tumor agents.

4 table , 13 ref

020374   Goel A K;Sindhu S S;Dadarwal K R (Microbiology Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004) : Production and partial characterization of antifungal and root growth stimulating metabolites from Pseudomonas sp.. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2006, 12(3), 201-5.

Plant growth promoting and antifungal metabolites were extracted from Pseudomonas strain MRS 13 and were partially purified by thin layer chromatography using silica gel. Two active compounds were detected, one of which showed absorption maxima at 246 and 318 nm while  the other at 246 and 366 nm. These compounds were stable after treatment with heat, acids and proteases but the antagonistic activity was lost on treatment with alkali. Seed treatment of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars with Pseudomonas culture caused initial root and shoot stunting at 5 d of growth followed by roof proliferation and secondary root development at 10 d. Seed treatment with extracted compound didn't show stunting effect but root proliferation was observed. The results indicated that the same compound involved in suppression of fungal growth could stimulate root growth, suggesting the utilization of such rhizobacteria in biocontrol and enhanced crop production.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

020373   Essien J P;Ekwu A;Ekpo M A (Microbiol Dep, Univ of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo Nigeria) : Microflora dynamics and organoleptic properties of dried shrimps during storage in a nigerian market centre. Pollut Res 2006, 25(2), 209-12.

Dried shrimps comprising mostly dry Nematopalaemon and Macrobrachium species stored in hand-woven fibre bags and kept in a Nigena market centre were examined microbiologically and its organoleptic properties were determined using the 9 - point hedonic scale. The inadequacy of storage in these bags was revealed by increase in the microbial loads of the food item and a corresponding increase in moisture level with time. These changes imparted a negative effect on the organoleptic properties of dried shrimps over time. Despite the unacceptable level of microbial loads, the shrimps were however rated highly by the local consumers and preferred within 3 weeks of storage, while none of the samples analysed were by sensory assessment fit for consumption after storage for 7 weeks. The results showed that fibre bags are inadequate for storage of dried shrimps as they are neither moisture proof nor an effective protective barrier against biodeteriogens Development of a safer facility for long term storage of dried shrimps in this part of the world is needful.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

020372   Dharmadhikari S M;Brahmane S B;Andhale M S (NO, , C-12, Renuka Enclave, Hetana Nagar, Opp. Chobe Hosp, Aurangabad-431 001) : Biotransformation of benzonitrile by arthrobacter SP. BD-1. Pollut Res 2006, 25(2), 269-72.

Hydrolysis of the Nitrile group is the limiting factor in the degradation of Nitrile herbicides and the persistence of such herbicides in the soil environment became toxic to rhizospheres. Arthrobacter sp. BD-1 capable of utilizing Benzonitrile, one of the component of herbicides, as a sole source of carbon and energy, was isolated from rhizospherical soil. The presence of peptone and glucose at 0.1% (w/v) enhances hydrolysis. Maximum biodegradation was observed at 30°C for 48 hrs. Arthrobacter sp. BD-1 rapidly metabolize Benzonitrile to benzoic acid and ammonia. Thin layer chromatography confirmed the absence of benzamide as an intermediate. Nitrilases were found to be responsible for this biotransformation. The ability of organism to degrade aromatic nitrile may be useful for the bioremediation of sites contaminated with synthetic nitriles.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

020371   Devasahayam M (Center for BioSeparation Technol, Vellore Inst o fTechnol, Vellore-632 014, Email: memd241@hotmail.com) : Characterization of hela cells for presentation of exogenous antigens. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(3), 243-9.

Role of MHC class I HLA A2 HC and trimeric molecules on the binding of exogenous HBV core antigen was studied in Hela cells transfected with MHC class 1 HLA A2. HC and trimeric HLA A2 molecules could be identified with specific monoclonal antibodies. HC and trimeric HLA-A2 molecules exist in varying proportion on the cell surface of Hela cells. MHC class I HC molecules on the cell surface do not bind HBV core peptide. The exchange of peptide with MHC class I molecules on the cell surface is inefficient with cells exhibiting a maximal binding (12%) at 1.5μM of peptide. Hence, presentation of exogenous HBV core antigen molecules occurs after endocytosis of the antigen and MHC class 1 molecules, followed by functional trimer complex formation in endolysosomal compartments.

5 illus, 29 ref

020370   Chaudhry P;Singh A;Sharma R (Biochem Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: rsharma@pu.ac.in) : Effects of acute administration of dimethoate in ethanol intoxicated rats. Pollut Res 2006, 25(2), 323-6.

Investigates the effect of acute dimethoate administration to normal and ethanol pretreated rats was aim of the study. The results showed that the combined effect of ethanol plus dimethoate administration was d erent from that of dimethoate and ethanol alone of the liver alkaline and acid phosphatase activities. Also the scanning electron micrographs of RBCs from rats given combined treatment of ethanol plus dimethoate showed the presence of differently shaped RBCs from those of the dimethoate and ethanol alone treated groups. The increased MDA levels in the liver of rats given ethanol plus dimethoate treatments was more pronounced in comparison to all other treatments. The results suggest a modulation of dimethoate toxicity by ethanol pretreatment of rats.

4 illus, 19 ref

020369   Banta G;Kahlon R S (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Degradation of 4-chlorobenzoic acid by Pseudomonas isolates and their survival in sterile and unsterile soil conditions. Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(1), 27-9.

Degradation of 4 -chlorobenzoic acid (4-CBA) was studied using different Pseudomonas isolates in both sterile and unsterile soil. Soil samples taken after specific time intervals were used to estimate the survival rate of bacteria by standard plate count and amount of CO2 evolved by titrimetric method. The increase in count was more significant during first 30 days of incubation and it decreased thereafter in both sterile and unsterile soils, however, amount of CO2 increased with increase in incubation period. In case of pure isolates the amount of CO2 release, increased from initial 10-12nM/g of soil to 40-46nM/g of soil after 90 days in sterile soil. In case of unsterile soil, amount of CO2 evolved was more at all time as compared to that from sterile soil. In case of consortia, the amount of CO2 evolved increased from initial 9.81 nM/g soil to 69.32nM/g after 90 days in sterile soil while in unsterile soil initial CO2 evolved was quite low (4.32 nM/g) which increased to 89.92 nM/g of soil after 90 days.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

020368   Anita Suresh Kumar;Mody K;Jha B (Marine Algae & Marine Discipline, Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002) : Antibiotic sensitivity of exopolysaccharide producing marine bacteria. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(11-12), 423-8.

Studies on antibiotic sensitivity of exopolysaccharide producing marine bacteria isolated from the West Coast of India revealed that all the isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol and gentamycin. The isolates ranged in their sensitivity index from 0.17 to 6.00 when tested against 15 antibiotics. Multiple antibiotic resistance was observed in almost all the isolates tested. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics as medicines and growth promoters, these chemicals have received comparatively little attention as pollutants. This study is of immense significance because antibiotics are persistent in the environment and have a direct biological action on microbes and indirect action on human health.

2 tables, 29 ref

020367   Ahmadizadeh M;Jalali M R;Mohammadian B (Toxicology and Health Public Health Dep, Ahwaz Judi Sahpur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran) : Effect of scorpion envenomation on the different organs of rat. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 289-96.

Hemiscorpion lepturus (HL) is the most dangerous scorpion in Iran. Severe complications are known from the venom which may affect many organ system. The effect of HL venom on various organ tissues in experimental animals were not reported previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HL scorpion venom on rat organs. Adult male rats were given HL venom at doses of 1,2 or 3 mg/kg (ip). Control rats were given vehicle only. The animals were killed after 24h , 48h or 1 week later. The liver, kidney, lung ,heart and spleen tissues were removed, fixed and processed for light microscopy. The main toxic effect of the venom was primarily on the liver, kidney and lung tissues. Various doses of HL venom induced cell damage in liver, kidney, and lung 24 h or 48 h, but not after one week of administration. It appears that HL venom induced toxicity is reversible. The HL venom had no effect on heart and spleen. We concluded that structural alterations caused by HL venom reflected to the toxic effect of the venom on vital organs. It appears that accumulation of the venom in vital organs induced toxicity, alternatively, translocation of toxic reactive metabolite (s) from target organ(s) may be at least in part is responsible for organ histopathological damage.

8 illus, 20 ref

020366   Aberomand M;Soltanzadeh M (Biochemistry Dep, Ahwaz Joundishapure University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran) : Purification and characterization of pseudocholinesterase from sheep liver. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 253-56.

Pseudocholinesterase(ChE,EC:3.1.1.8 acylcholine acylhydrolase) activity in plasma, liver, pancreas and adipose tissue of rats has been determined. Sheep Liver contains high activities of glycosides enzymes viz. β-galactosidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and Pseudocholinesrterase. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme activity was found to be 42°C and 7.5 respectively. The Vmax and Km value for the enzyme were,127 U.mg<^>-1 of protein and 235 mM for succinylcholihe. The purified preparation (purified 1182 fold) was found to give a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.