019158   Mahdavi M R;Ebrahimzadeh M A;Saeedi S S; Shabanian K H (Microbiology Dep, Sari School of Paramedine, Mazandaran Univ of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Email: zadeh20@yahoo.com ) : Decline in resistance problems in some most frequently isolated bacterial pathogens to antimicrobials in Iran. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 803-6.

In Iran, information about bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is limited. In present investigation the samples were collected from urine of 14382 patients with UTIs that were refereed to one regional and one governmental diagnostic microbiology laboratories during two-year periods (2004-05). A total of 1731 aerobic cultures were reviewed (12 %). The antibiogram disc agar diffusion technique was used to evaluate the sensitivity of microbial agents to antibiotics. The most common bacterial pathogens were E. coli (36.1%),Staphylococcus sp.. (aureus and coagulase-negative) (36.0%), Streptococcus sp.. (10.7%), Klebsiella (7.7 %), Enterobacter sp. (4.7 %), P. aeruginosa (2.6 %) and Citrobacter sp. (1.4 %). High levels of resistance to nalidixic acid and co-trimoxazole have be found in nearly all bacterial pathogens, nitrofurantoin in P. aeruginosa (42.2%) and Klebsiella (38.1%) and penicillin in Streptococcus sp. (35.7%). Levels of resistance to majority of antibiotics were higher than other countries but decreased during last 2 years.

1 table, 24 ref

019157   Mahajan A;Kanwar S S;Saini R K;Sanyal S N (Biophysics Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sanyalpu@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of ionizing radiation on cellular response in the murine spleenic lymphocytes. Pollut Res 2006, 25(4), 727-36.

Ionizing γ-radiation from ⁶⁰Co source was found to cause extensive membrane damage and cell death in the murine spleenic lymphocytes. The cellular death was noticed at the different dose level of irradiation, viz. 1, 5 and 10 Gy and also at the different post-irradiation time intervals of 1, 3 and 5 hr. The cellular death was established by exclusion of the vital dye, trypan blue and a decreased production of mitochondria dependent formazon product. The cellular death was possibly triggered by the process of apoptosis as indicated by extensive nucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The membrane damage might have been initiated by radiation induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, primarily from the lipid peroxidation as evident by the increased malonyldialdehyde production. The status of the antioxidant enzymes which are responsible for scavenging the ROS showed a significant decline in radiation induced cellular death in the lymphocytes. The antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, with the exception of superoxide dismutase showed a decreasing effect which was observed in the presence of antioxidant vitamins, namely the Vit C, Vit E and Trolox, a water soluble analogue of Vit E. γ-radiation also caused extensive changes in the membrane lipid composition and fluidity. The total lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol content of the cells registered a decrease so also the individual phospholipid and sphingolipid molecules, particularly the sphingomyelin, PIP₂, PIP and PI which are likely to impair the signal transduction pathways as they are known intracellular signaling molecules. The membrane microviscosity has also increased significantly in radiation induction and thereby may adversely affecting the activity of membrane bound enzymes and transporter proteins. The increased microviscosity is reflected in the reduction of excimer formation of the membrane extrinsic fluorescent probe, pyrene. The metabolic status of the cells undergoing radiation induced injury was studied by glucose uptake which showed a decline in a dose dependent fashion. The rate of uptake also declined at a higher glucose concentration probably due to substrate effect but did not show any marked change at the different temperature of incubation.

1 illus, 8 tables, 36 ref

019156   Madan Lal;Aggarwal A;Oberoi A (Microbiology Department, CMC, Ludhiana-141 008) : Seroprevalence of HCV antibodies in different categories of patients/blood donors in a tertiary care hospital in the year 2005. J Acad clin Microbiol 2006, 8(2), 77-80.

Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of liver disease throughout the world. The prevalence rate is different in different categories of patients. In the year 2005 in a tertiary care hospital 19984 blood samples were processed to know the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies. The study revealed an overall positivity rate of 2.11%. In different groups of individuals like blood donors, patients with liver disease, patients on dialysis and in drug abusers the incidence was 1.48%, 2.97%, 7.8%, 18.18 % respectively. 37.9 % (11/29) blood samples from the risk groups were also positive for HCV RNA by PCR. (J Acad Clin Microbiol 2006; 8(2): 77-80).

2 tables, 14 ref

019155   Laishram S K S;Nath D R;Bailung B;Baruah I (NO, Defence Research Laboratory(DRDO), Post bag No.2, Tezpur, Assam-784 001, Email: shantiks@rediffmail.com) : In Vitro antibacterial activity of essential oil from rhizome of Homalomena aromatica against pathogenic bacteria. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 849-51.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oil from rhizome of Homalomena aromatica was evaluated against five common and clinically significant bacterial pathogens viz. Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96), Escherichia coli (MTCC-739), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC-3040), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-2582) and Proteus vulgaris (MTCC-742). The antimicrobial bioassay was evaluated by agar disc diffusion method. The used oil shows a varying degree of potential inhibitory effect against the tested pathogens. S. aureus was found to be the most sensitive while P. aeruginosa was the least sensitive among the testedpathogens.

1 table, 27 ref

019154   Kulkarni M;Chaudhari A (School of Life Sci, North Maharashtra Univ, Post Box No. 80, Jalgaon-425 001) : Effect Pseudomonas putida for degradation of p-nitrophenol. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(Suppl), 411-5.

Exploration of Pseudomollas putida for controlling environmental (p-nitrophenol) PNP pollution revealed that 0.5 OD inoculum at 600 nm degraded 100 ppm of PNP completely under the ambient conditions within 24 h as established by UVª visible spectrophotometric and TLC analysis of treated broth and confirmed the same by HPLC analysis. An attempt to eluªcidate the mechanism of PNP degradation indicated that (i) it was oxidative with a stoichiometric release of nitrite, (ii) PNP was converted to hydroquinone, which accumulated in the presence of 2, 2'-dipyridyl, (iii) hydroquinone was the first prodªuct of ring oxygenation and nitrite removal, as confirmed by TLC and HPLC analysis and (iv) concomitant formation of a keto acid by ring fission, which was confirmed by Rothera's test.

5 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

019153   Kavithar C J;Sivaprakasha D S;Sudheer O V; Shamsul Karim P M S (Microbiology Dep, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Elamakkara, Kochi-682 026) : Subcapsular fungal liver abscess. J Acad clin Microbiol 2006, 8(2), 97-100.

Case of liver abscess caused by Candida albicans a post-cholecystectomy patient is reported here. The patient was treated with Fluconazole and Ofloxacin to cover bacterial agents. Fungal liver abscesses are rare and are caused mainly by Candida, Cryptococcus and Aspergillus spp.

3 illus, 8 ref

019152   Kavitha Raja (NO, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram) : Diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). J Acad clin Microbiol 2006, 8(2), 81-90.

24 ref

019151   Karnatak A K;Thakur S S;Shukla A (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantanagar-263 145) : Evaluation of persistent toxicity of some commonly used insecticides against Apis mellifera L. on Brassica campestris. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 35-9.

Studies were undertaken to observe persistent toxicity of some commonly used insecticides on mustard. Data on percent mortality of honey bee foragers upto 8 days of spraying the crop with insecticides showed that dimethoate and deltamethrin had toxicity for upto 7 days, monocrotophos upto 6 days, methyl-o-demeton, quinalphos, endosulfan upto 5 days and imidacloprid, lambdacyhalothrin, fenvalerate upto 4 days. The residual toxicity of neem formulation was not observed after 2 days of spraying.

1 table, 15 ref

019150   John Sushma N;Jayantha Rao K (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Aluminium acetate induced anaemia in albino mice. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2007, 17(1), 81-84.

Exposure to sub lethal dose (3.5 mg/kg) of aluminium acetate has revealed significant changes in haematology of albino mice. These changes are highly significant in multiple dose treated individuals compared to single and double dose aluminium acetate administered mice. Decrease in the concentration of red blood cells (-43.1%), haemoglobin (-38.3%). haematocrit (-29.4%) and an. increase of white blood corpuscles (+39.4%) due to aluminium acetate leads to normocytic anaemia. When aluminium acetate was administered to mice, macrocytic anaemia is produced due to alterations in mean corpuscular volume (-24.6%), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (+9.29%) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (-12.6%). Finally anaemia was observed in albino mice treated with aluminium acetate.

1 table, 13 ref

019149   Dhere R M;Gaikwad J M (Zoology Dep, Swa. Sawarkar Mahavidyalaya, Beed, Maharashtra) : Physico-chemical characteristics of Karpara reservoir, dist. Parbhani Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 86-8.

The physico - chemical properties of Karpara reservoir, Dist. Parbhani, Maharashtra have been studied. It is situated at 17°-30'-42" N and 76° 38' 2" E is the medium sized reservoir across the river Karpara meant for Fisheries and agriculture. The physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen have been studied. The seasonal variations in the above environmental parameters were followed for a period of one year from January 2000 to December 2000.

3 table, 10 ref

019148   Deka H;Gogoi D;Gogoi H K;Handique P J (NO, Defence Research Laboratory, Post Bag No.2, Tezpur-784 001, Email: hemashree_deka@redifmail.com) : In Vitro evalution of antimicrobial property of two species of genus Gomphostemma. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 787-91.

Two rare species of the genus Gotnphostemma (G. crinitum and G. niveum), belonging to family Lamiaceae, available only in few pockets of North East India, were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Leaf extracts, prepared in different organic solvents, were screened against five human pathogenic microorganisms viz., two Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp.) and a fungal pathogen (Candida albicans). Out of five microbial test organisms, S. aureus was found to be the most susceptible. On the other hand, the extract of both the species of Gomphostemma showed weak inhibitory effect against B. subtilis and C. albicans. The MIC of the crude extracts ranged from 180 μg/ml to 600 μg/ml. Comparative study of the activity of the standard antibiotics and chloroform extracts of both the plants revealed that these extracts have broad spectrum activity than some commercially available antibiotics, therefore, can be tested further for raising important antimicrobial agent against important pathogen.

2 tables, 16 ref

019147   Deivasigamani B (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: sigamani_bd@rediffmail.com) : Lymphoid organ of head-kindly in air breathing fish, Channa puctatus. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 163-6.

Light microscopic studies of the lymphoid organ of head-kidney in fresh water Channa punctatus, were carried out. The head-kidney showed presence of numerous lymphocytes, reticular cells, and macrophage cells, along with melanomacrophage centres. The morphology of immune organ of the freshwater fish has been discussed in light microscopic level.

4 illus, 14 ref

019146   Chakravarty G;Goyal R P;Sharma S;Sharma A (Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Effects of lead chromate on haematological and serological parameters of swiss albino micce. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2007, 17(1), 61-6.

Study was aimed to find the toxic effects of lead chromate on haematological and serological parameters of male mice at dose levels of 0.50 and 0.10 g/kg body weight for 21 days as short term and 42 days as long term. A significant reduction in haematological parameters like haemoglobin content (14.83 - 4.09 g/dl). total crythrocyte count (7.43 - 1.80 x10⁶ ml), haematocrit percent (38.4 -21.3 %) and the total leucocyte count (6.32 - 2.69 x 10³/ml) was observed at all dose levels. Serological results showed that alkaline phosphatase (64.50 - 274.76 U/l) and glucose level (137.71 -160.18 mg/dl) increased significantly, whereas triglycerides (166.6 -137.0 mg/dl), protein (5.24 - 4.17 mg/dl )and cholesterol level (118.6 - 96.9 mg/dl) decreased.

2 tables, 18 ref

019145   Bhattacharyya S;Ghosh S;Homechaudhuri S (Zoology Dep, University of Calcutta, Aquatic Bioresource Research Laboratory, Fishe, Kolkata-700 019) : Comparison of diversity indices and hydrological variables of some aquatic systems exposed to anthropogenic stress. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(3), 698-702.

Study aims to determine the present conditions of water bodies around human dwellings by analyzing the biodiversity indices using zooplankton groups as surrogate species correlated with the hydro-logical variables. The water bodies are selected from both urban and rural areas for comparison. Results indicate that rural sites having greater species diversity with less dominance are still suitable spatial niches while the urban sites show decreased species diversity with few dominant species due to anthropogenic influence. Such ecological monitoring based on rank abundance models and diversity indices is useful to elucidate water quality for minimizing adverse impacts of urbanization.

8 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

019144   Bhathena Z P;Kamble N (Microbiology Dep, Bhavan's College, Andheri, Mumbai-58) : Lignocellulosic biodegradation profile of four Maharashtra soil samples. Pollut Res 2006, 25(4), 685-91.

Evaluation for the lignocellulosic biodegradation profile of 4 different Maharashtra soil ecosystems, revealed the inhabitance of myriad and potent lignocellulolytic organisms. Kolhapur and Sangli soil samples were rich in lignocellulolytic organisms while Ichalkaranjee soil showed enhanced presence of lignolytic organisms. Potent cellulolytic isolate C5 obtained from Ichalkaranjee soil, when screened for its cellulase enzyme production over a period of 21 days showed maximum activity of 11.34U while hemicellulolytic isolate H8 gave a maximum xylanase activity of 33.33U and lignolytic isolate L5 showed maximum laccase activity of 0.113U. Enzymes produced from such strains when used for biodeinking showed 25-26 % activity.

2 illus, 8 tables, 19 ref

019143   Andhale M S;Sambrani S A (Microbiol Dep, Govt Inst of Sci, Caves Road, Aurangabad-431 001) : Cholesterol biotransformation in monophasic systems by solvent tolerant Bacillus subtilis AF 333249. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(Suppl), 389-93.

New developments in biotechnology are focused on new products or the introduction of new processes as a substitute to the conventional way, or improvements in performance of existing biotechnological applications. The examples of application of non-conventional media are organic solvents, supercritical solvents or aqueous two phases systems. Steroid biotransformation is a multi million-dollar industry and the pharmaceutical uses of steroids are numerous. Steroids like cholesterol are completely soluble in some organic solvents like benzene, toluene and butanol. Biphasic systems wherein the cells are present in the aqueous phase and steroids dissolved in the organic phase is considered an ideal set-up. The major problem here is the fact that most bacteria and their enzymes are inactivated or destroyed in the presence of these toxic organic solvents, also it is necessary that the microbes contain relevant enzymes in sufficient amounts and in high specific activities, even in the presence of the generally destructive apolar phase. This can be very well accomphlished by using organic solvent tolerant bacteria having desired enzyme activities. One such application is being discussed.

2 illus, 17 ref

018149   Zhu X;Niu N;Liu Y;Du T;Chen D;Wang X;Gu H F; Liu Y (National Laboratory of Medical Molecular, Biology, Institute of Basic Madical Scince,Chinse, Academay of Madical Scinses; School of Basic Madical ,Peking Madical College) : Improvement of the sensitivity and resolution of PCR-SSCP analysis with optimized primer concentrations in PCR product. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 233-35.

2 illus, 12 ref

018148   Vasavada S H;Thumar J T;Singh S P (Biosciences Dep, Saurashtra University, Rajkot-360 005, Email: satyapsingh@yahoo.com) : Secretion of a potent antibiotic by salt-tolerant and alkaliphilic actinomycete Streptomyces sennanensis strain RJT-1. Curr Sci 2006, 91(10), 1993-7.

Alkaliphilic actinomycete, Streptomyces sannanensis strain RJT-1 was isolated from the alkaline soil of Saurashtra University Campus, Rajkot. The isolate exhibited optimal growth at 5% (w/v) NaCl and pH 9. It was Gram-positive, having filamentous, long thread-like structure and started sporulation after 3 days of incubation. It was capable of producing antibiotic against Gram-positive bacteria, while Gram-negative organisms were not affected. Starch agar was the preferred medium for antibiotic production. Optimum salt and pH for antibiotic production were 3% (w/v) NaCl and 9 respectively. Studies on the nutritional factors showed that the highest antibacterial activity was obtained when glucose and lactose at 1% (w/v) were used as carbon sources. S. sannanensis strain RJT-1 displayed higher antibiotic production with inorganic nitrogen sources such as urea, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and NH₄NO₃ compared to organic nitrogen supplements. So far only few alkaliphilic actinomycetes have been explored for their antimicrobial Potential.

8 illus, 22 ref

018147   Tiwari O N;Rohini kumar singh M;Dhar D W; Tiwari G L (Microbial Resources Div, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (Department of B, Govt of India), Takyelpat, Imphal) : Cultural studies and physiological characterization of diazotrophic cyanobacterial isolates of rice fields of Manipur, India. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 3(2), 109-13.

Species of filamentous, sheath forming cyanobacteria are the major component In the rice field soils of Manipur valley. The species composition of cyanobacterlal community in these soils has been documented (Tiwari and Singh, 2005). The dominant cyanobacteria in the rice field soil of Manipur valley are rich in carotenoid pigment. Out of 126 cyanobacterial Isolates, two most dominant cyanobacterial strains were examined for growth attributes, weedicide and pesticide tolerance. These isolates exhibited a wide variation with respect to biomass production, generation time, nitrogen fixation, weedicide and pesticide tolerance.

2 tables, 36 ref

018146   Sudhir Kumar (Zoology Dep, Univ of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007) : DNA sequence variation in the human Y chromosome: function and dysfunctions. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2006, 72(4), 231-8.

Human Y chromosome is clonally inherited and show extensive variation owing to large-scale mutations. Studies have shown that distal-Yq heterochromatin changed its length 12 times, the TSPY gene array, 23 times, the 3.6-Mb IR3/IR3 region underwent sequence re-orientation 12 times and the AZFc region rearranged 20 times. Molecular lineages of the Y chromosome encompassing 1.3 million years or 52,OOO generations have confirmed high rate of mutations responsible for extensive structural polymorphism. In addition, large-scale copy number variation of the Y linked gene(s) has further fueled this process. Some of these changes may affect fertility status of the males. Therefore, it is logical to look for a correlation between organizational variations of the human Y chromosome and occurrence of male infertility. Information on this line would facilitate DNA based diagnosis and augment genetic counseling to the affected patients.

5 illus, 60 ref

018145   Sirmaci A;Duman D Akcayoz;Tekin M (Pediatric Molecular Genetics Div, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey) : The c.IVS1+G>A mutation in the GJB2 gene is prevalent and large deletions involving the GJB6 gene are not present in the turkish population. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 213-16.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

018144   Sakthivel P;Wang X;Gharizadeh B;Giscombe R; Pirskanen R;Nyren P;Lefveri A (Immunological Research Unit, Medicine Dept, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden) : Single-nucleotide polymorphism in the B7H3 gene are not associated with human autommune myasthenia gravis. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 217-20.

2 table, 18 ref

018143   Rajamani M;Raghavendra N;Prasad N G;Archana N;Joshi A;Shakarad M (Behaviour, Ecology and Evalution Laboratory, Biology Dept, Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research, P.O. Box No. 18, Devanahalli, Bangalore-562110) : Reduced larval feeding rate is a strong evolutionary correlate of rapid development in Drosophila melanogaster. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 209-12.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

018142   Phom M;Marak F K;Singh K P;Singh A M (Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur-795 004, Email: fkston@yahoo.com) : Suicide amongst security personnel. J Forensic Med Toxicol 2006, 23(1), 40-3.

Suicidal death is emerging as major social problem worldwide. The choice of method used to commit suicide depends upon the availability of means, knowledge about lethal effectiveness and the victim's motivation and intent. The different modes of suicides in India are poisoning, hanging, drowning, burning and firearms, etc. But suicide by firearm is not a very common method in our country. A retrospective study on suicide by security personnel was carried out in the Dept. of Forensic Medicine, RIMS, Imphal during the period of 1996 to 2005 to find out the incidence of suicide, age distribution, motivating factors, means of suicide, etc. amongst the security personnel. The data thus obtained was analysed and presented.

8 tables, 10 ref

018141   Parashar D et al (Deptt of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Tajganj, Agra-282001) : Charactrization of mycobacteria isolated from bovine by PRA-targetting hsp 65 gene region. J Commun Dis 2006, 38(3), 263-8.

Bovine tuberculosis caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis 5 a major infectious disease of animals and has zoonotic importance for humans. Even though the incidence is believed to be very low in India, human tuberculosis caused by M.bovis has been increasingly recognized in many other countries of the world. As differentiation of mycobacterial species take long time, a method for the rapid identification of mycobacteria isolated from bovine samples to the species level was used, which is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the gene encoding for the 65-kD protein followed by restriction analysis. The method involves restriction enzyme analysis of PCR products obtained with primers common to all mycobacteria and generate M.tuberculosis complex specific pattern. PRA was performed on 33 bovine isolates of which 90.9% (30/33) isolates were identified clearly as M.tuberculosis complex, M.fortuitum, M. phlei and M. smegmatis using restriction enzyme Hae III.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

018140   Nadig S;Namburi P;Raghunath D;Arakere G (NO, Sir Dorabji Tata Centre for Research in Tropical Disease, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore-560 012, Email: garakere@hotmail.com ) : Genotyping of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Indian hospitals. Curr Sci 2006, 91(10), 1364-9.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major problem in hospitals around the world, including India. This study was undertaken to genotype clinical MRSA isolates collected from hospitals in different parts of India. One hundred and eighty-six isolates were collected and characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods using published protocols. Majority of isolates were positive for mecA gene detected by PCR and possessed Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCC)mec type III or IIIA cassettes with the exception of two isolates from Nagpur, which had type II cassettes. The allelic patterns of seven housekeeping genes determined by multilocus sequence typing of a select number of isolates, grouped the Indian isolates as predominantly Sequence Type (ST) 239. Two isolates belonged to ST 241, a single locus variant of ST 239. Most of the isolates had the same staphylococcal protein A (Spa) types except for a few variations. Although MLST and Spa of most isolates were similar, the pulsed field gel electrophoresis patterns were diverse and indicated many short-term genetic changes among these isolates. Results indicate that Indian isolates are related to the Hungarian and Brazilian MRSA clones. While Japan and Korea have predominantly type II SCCmec isolates, India along with China, Indonesia and other Asian countries, has SCCmec type III and IIIA isolates.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

018139   Murthy M S R;Pujar G S;Giriraj A (Forestry and Ecology Div, National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: murthy_msr@nrsa.gov.in) : Geoinformatics-based management of biodiversity from landscape to species scale - an Indian perspective. Curr Sci 2006, 91(11), 1477-85.

Trans-scale information on biodiversity is fast becoming the critical for policy decision and action. Remote sensing systems addressing the structure and biophysical processes have the ability to achieve a seamless scalable information scheme. Necessity of down-scaling the coarse scale database to implementation scale is quite high under current circumstances, as practical schemes/measures to reverse the erosion of biodiversity are needed. The nesting of information required should address the landscape heterogeneity and stakeholder conflicts arising out of socio-economic dimensions. Species level distributions can be predicted based on genetic algorithm-oriented fundamental niche mapping, enabling prioritization of areas for monitoring and conservation. Geoinformatics rendering of diversity on the principles of landscape ecology, integrated with spatialized anthropogenic demand patterns can be a potential interface to resolve conflicts in stake management.

3 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

018138   Mukherjee A;Bagchi B (Chemistry Dep, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS, UMR 8640, Paris, F-75005 France, Email: bbagchi@sscu.iisc.ernet.in) : Solvent frictional forces in the rotational diffusion of proteins in water. Curr Sci 2006, 91(9), 1208-16.

Rotational diffusion of a protein is determined largely by its interaction with the surrounding solvent, water. This interaction derives contributions from both the size (short-range interaction) and the charge distribution (long-range interaction) of the protein. shows that if the size and shape of the proteins are properly included in the hydrodynamic calculation of Stoke's friction and the correctly estimated charges are used in the calculation of dielectric friction, then the combined ,friction provides an accurate description of the solvent-induced rotational friction on the proteins. Also discuss the effects of protem-protein interaction in determining the concentration dependence of the rotational diffusion of proteins.

4 illus, 42 ref

018137   Khobragade C N;Srinivas Rao R;Borkar P S; Yangade R S (School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded-431 606, Email: cnkhobragade@rediffmail.com ) : Microbially induced impact on physico-chemical properties of porous lime stone: a case study from Kandhar fort. Curr Sci 2006, 91(10), 1318-20.

1 table, 29 ref

018136   Kanojia D (Vaidya Lab, Tata Memorial Centre, Cancer for Research Institute, Advanced Centre f, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410 210, Email: dk_actrec@yahoo.co.in) : Novel function of keratin. Curr Sci 2006, 91(10), 1313-4.

10 ref

018135   Kaila H L (S N D T Women's University, , Mumbai-400 020, Email: kailahl@hotmail.com) : Behaviour based safety in organizations. Indian J occup envir Med 2006, 10(3), 102-6.

Paper shall be useful in understanding and application of the concept and process of behaviour based safety for safety professionals concerned about correcting unsafe behaviours for reduction of accidents and promoting safe behaviours for developing injury-free culture in their organizations.

12 ref

018134   Jagadeesh K S;Krishnaraj P U;Kulkarni J H (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: jagsmicro@yahoo.co.in) : Supression of deleterious bacteria by rhizobacteria and subsequent improvement of germination and growth of tomato seedlings. Curr Sci 2006, 91(11), 1458-9.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

018133   Gayathri B M;Balasuriya K;De G S P; Gunawardena S;Jayana Rajapakse R P V;Ranjith H;Dharmaratne W (Natural Products Programme, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Email: hrwd@ifs.ac.lk) : Toxicological studies of the water extract of green leafy vegetable Sessile joy weed (Alternanthera sessilis). Curr Sci 2006, 91(11), 1517-20.

Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. (Sessile joy weed; Amaranthaceae) is a popular leafy vegetable in Sri Lanka and also used as traditional medicine in China, Taiwan, India and Sri Lanka. Histopathological test revealed degenerative and necrotic changes in the liver and kidney in Swiss mice, caused by oral administration of water extract of A. sessilis in high doses. The major reason for these changes could be due to the effects of cytotoxic substance/s in A. sessilis.

3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

018132   Garg A;Srivastava S;Ayyagari A;Katoch V M; Dhole T N (Microbiology Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226 014, Email: ayyagari@yahoo.com) : embB gene mutations associated with ethambutol resistance in Indian strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Curr Sci 2006, 91(11), 1512-7.

Ethambutol (EMB) mono-resistance does not occur frequently and scanty data are available regarding the resistance mechanism of EMB. The present study analyses mutations in the embB gene in EMB-resistant Indian isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thirty-seven isolates were collected from different parts of India and the 364 bp of embB gene involved in resistance to EMB was amplified by PCR and subjected to single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP). Mutations associated with EMB resistance were found to be present mostly with isoniazid and rifampicin. SSCP showed altered mobility in 30/37 isolates. The most common mutation was observed at codon 306 in 9/22 isolates followed by 299 in 6/22 isolates. We have found novel mutations not reported so far at codon 239, 257, 282, 296, 299, 304 and 311. SSCP revealed 22 (73.3%) isolates had mutation in the 364 bp fragment of embB gene. Results suggest that alterations in amino acid sequence could be present from position 239 to 311 and functional analysis of the genetic variants of embB protein may provide a possible mechanism for EMB resistant.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

018131   Desai S K;Mahadevan S (Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics Dept, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Accumulation of hns mutation specifically in stationary phase in an E. coli strain carrying an impaired rpoS locus. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 221-4.

2 tables, 11 ref

018130   Deng C L;Zhou J;Gao W J;Sun F C;Qin R Y;Lu L D (College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang Henan 453007, China) : Assessment of genetic diversity of Lycoris longituba (Amaryllidaceae) detected by RAPD. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 205-7.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

018129   Dawar S;Masukawa H;Mohanty P;Sakurai H (Biology Dep and Advanced Res Inst for Sci and Engng, Waseda Univ, Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan) : Prospects of biohydrogen production using cyanobacteria. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2006, 72(4), 213-23.

Select groups of cyanobacteria and microalgae possess the ability to convert sun light into fuels by producing hydrogen from phtosynthetically generated electrons and protons. This solar powered biohydrogen production is low but can be improved, among others, by developing high rate hydrogen producing mutants. Cyanobacteria are the most promising systems for photobiological production of hydrogen, where hydrogen generation is catalysed either by the enzyme nitrogenase or by hydrogenase. Reviews potentials of nitrogenase based hydrogen production as it has the advantage of catalyzing unidirectional production of hydrogen. Also discusses the production of mutants of heterocyst forming cyanobacteria with enhanced bio-hydrogen activity and on the design an development of sustainable low cost oxyhydrogen biofuel cells using nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria in enriched culture conditions

6 illus, 61 ref

018128   Boldrini K R;Pagliarini M S;Valle C B D (Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringa PR, Brazil) : Abnormal timing of cytokinesis in microsporogenesis in Brachiaria humidicola (Poaceae: Paniceae). J Genet 2006, 85(3), 225-8.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

018127   Bisht D;Singhal N;Sharma P;Venkatesan K (Department of Biochemistry, National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Tajganj, Agra-282001) : Analysis of mycobacterial strains by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. J Commun Dis 2006, 38(3), 255-62.

Protein profile of different mycobacterial strains by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) has been analysed. The strains were selected as they exhibit different phenotypic behaviour. TCA-acetone precipitated proteins were resolved by 2DE using immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. 2DE may be used as a tool for characterization of mycobacterial strains has been demonstrated. Visual examination of the electrophoretograms was sufficient for characterization. Detailed characterization of specific proteins might lead to development of novel targets, diagnostic probes or sub-unit vaccine(s) against tuberculosis.

4 illus, 23 ref

018126   Bhargava P;Mishra Y;Srivastava A K;Ara A;Rai L C (Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Algal Biology, Centre of Adva, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: lcrai@bhu.ac.in) : Preliminary analysis of cuprome of Anabaena doliolum using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Curr Sci 2006, 91(11), 1520-3.

Study provides first-hand information on the initial characterization of copper-induced changes in the global proteome (hereafter called cuprome) of Anabaena doliolum subjected to short- and long-term treatments. PD Quest analysis revealed that out of 215 protein spots in the control, 79 showed alterations (26 up- and 36 down-regulation, and 5 up- and 12 down-regulation respectively, after 24 and 168 h of Cu treatment) in their expression pattern. The short-term (24 h) and long-term (168 h) treatments induced respectively, 158 and 96 proteins. Of the 158 newly induced proteins, 30 were found to sustain the long-term treatment. In view of the appearance of two sets of proteins, there appears a need to carry out short- and long-term proteome analysis for getting a holistic view of the proteome of cyanobacteria subjected to abiotic stress.

2 illus, 17 ref

018125   Behl R;Behl J;Gupta N;Gupta S C;Ahlawat S P S;Ragnekar M;Ahmed Z (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, P.O. Box 129, GT By-Pass Road, Karnal-132 001) : Genetic characterization of Zanskari breed of horse. J Genet 2006, 85(3), 199-204.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

018124   Bardale R;Dixit P G (Forensic Medicine Dep, Govt Medical College, Nagpur(Maharashtra)) : Elderly as victims of violent crime: a report of two cases. Indian Internet J Forensic Med Toxicol 2006, 4(3), 80-2.

Elderly people are susceptible populace for violent crime or abuse and neglect. About 7% of India's population is composed of elder persons and with improvements in socioeconomic conditions and increasing life expectancy, it is expected that this group may increase further. This increase of elder population has expanded a potential group of crime victims who are vulnerable to violence. The present case report summarizes two cases of elder homicides and addresses the issue. Some measures are also suggested to prevent the violence and death within this vulnerable population.

5 ref

017040   Usha Rani P;Sudheer S D;Padmini G;Lavanya C (Biology and Biotechnolgy Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: usharani65@yahoo.com) : Nutrient-allelochemical interactions of castor, Ricinus communis (L.) plants, resistant and susceptible to infestation of green leaf hopper, Empoasca flavescens (Fabr.). J appl Zool Res 2006, 17(1), 1-8.

Physical, biochemical and chemical parameters influencing the castor plant resistance to the green leafhopper (GLH), Empoasca flavescens (Fabr.) (Homoptera: Jassidae) has been studied. Compositional analysis was conducted to compare the varietal differences of castor in relation to resistance or susceptibility to attack by GLH. The measured parameters included total soluble sugars, total phenols, carbohydrates, total proteins, amino acids, glutamine, urea, and ammonia. SEM studies were conducted to find the leaf surface morphology in relation to physical resistance of attack by the test insect. No obvious differences were found in the external morphology of the leaf surface between the varieties except in the leaf thickness. Volatile chemicals emanating from resistant and susceptible varieties of castor plants were evaluated using a Y-olfactometer for their attractanU repellent activities to GLH. The leaf surface chemicals from the GLH resistant plants exhibited repellency to the insects, whereas the responses of the insects was neutral and equal to that of controls in the susceptible variety. Interestingly, the extracts from the pest infested castor leaves repelled E. flavesens at higher doses in a Y - olfactometer. The effects of pest feeding on the plant quality or quantity of biochemical constituents were also analyzed and compared between pest fed and normal (pest uninfested) castor plant.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

017039   Tripathi P;Sultana N (Zoology Dep, A.N.D. College, Kanpur-208 001) : Incidence of skeletal fluorsis in relation to fluoride level of drinking water, sex age of people in district Unnao. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 299-302.

Stuy aims to assess the incidence of skeletal fluorosis in relation to sex, age and fluoride level of drinking water, arising at 08 rural locations in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. The overall incidence of skeletal fluorosis in the study sample was 27.56%. It was higher in males (27.99%) in compared to females (27.15%). but difference statistically not significant. It was found with positive correlation between the incidence of skeletal fluorosis fluoride level of drinking water and age of people.

1 table, 20 ref

017038   Sudhakar P;Subramani P;Selvaraj V;Chakrapani A (Biotechnology Dep, St Peter's Engineering College, College Road, Annaur, Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: padbio28@yahoo.co.in) : Aspects of molecular level pathogenesis and strategies for vaccine design/immunization with Helicobacter pylori. J Indian Inst Sci 2006, 86(2), 137-61.

Bacterial pathogens utilize a wide variety of molecules called virulence factors to cause infections. Because these molecules are critical for disease, and because these virulence factors are on the bacterial surface, or secreted out of the pathogen, they make attractive targets for potential vaccine candidates. The review aims to give a broad outline of the several virulence factors, which can be future vaccine candidates with specific emphasis on Helicobacler pylori. Helicobacler pylori has acquired great importance during the last two decades, after being recognized as an important pathogen that infects a great portion of the human population. This microorganism is recognized as the main causal agent of chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcers and is associated with the subsequent development of gastric carcinoma. At present it is well established that urease, vacuolating cytotoxin VacA, and the pathogenicity island (cag PAI) gene products are the main virulence factors of this organism. Thus, individuals infected with strains that express these virulence factors probably develop a severe local inflammation that may induce the development of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The way the infection spreads throughout the world suggests the possibility that there are multiple pathways of transmission. Due to the importance that H. pylori has acquired as a human pathogen, laboratories worldwide are attempting to develop a vaccine that confers long-term immunological protection against infection by this microorganism. The overall aim is to give an insight into the pathogenesis of this species and its implications on the initiatives of vaccine design.

3 illus, 2 tables, 59 ref

017037   Sidhu D S;Duggal G (Zoology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Anthropometric measurements and physical performance in pre-adolescent school boys. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 311-4.

Present study aims at evaluating the physical performance of school going pre-adolescent boys of Punjab, ranging from 11 to 13 yrs of age. Measurements were taken as height. weight, biacromial diameter, upper arm circumference, calf circumference, biceps, suprailiac and suprascapular skinfolds. The physical performance tests of standing broad jump and sergeant jump were conducted. The pre-adolescent boys haveshown significant rise in growth patterns with increase in age.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

017036   Sengupta M (Education Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata) : Stress managment: coping strategies. J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 89-91.

^ssc

017035   Sarkar M;Das S K (Fishery Biology and Resources Management Dep, Faculty of Sci, Univ of Animal Forestry and Fishery Sci, 5, Budherhat Road, Panchasayar, Kolkata-700 094) : Dynamics of foraging in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) during premonsoon and post monsoon seasons in Kulia beel, West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 61-4.

Feeding intensity and food spectrum of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) were monitored along with water characteristics in Kulia beel of West Bengal during premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons. Gastrosomatic Index and percentage of actively fed fish were significantly more during postmonsoon period. Diet composition during two seasons exhibited distinct variations. Such seasonal dynamics in feeding intensity and foraging was attributed to abundance of plankton and spawning of fish.

2 illus, 5 ref

017034   Raju G (Education Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Ten biotypes of Crinum latifolium (L.). Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 119-22.

Ten biotypes of Crinum latifolium L. have been cytotaxonomically studied. All these members were collected from the local areas and grown in the Botanic garden. There is a wide range of somatic chromosome among the members the members studied. n = 11 may be the actual basic chromosome number of the species. Aneuploidy, euploidy, allopolyploidy along with karyotype alterations of chromosomes might have played important role in the origin and evolution

24 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

017033   Pawar B A;Mane U H (Zoology Dep, P.V.P. College, Pravaranagar-413 713) : Protein content of Macrones bleekeri (Bleeker) from Sadatpur lake in relation to sex and reproductive cycle. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 303-6.

Protein content in the gonad, liver and muscles of Macrones bleekeri from Sadatpur Lake near Pravaranagar was studied in different reproductive stages. Study showed that during maturation. Protein content increased in the gonads and decreased in the liver and muscles. The content were higher in both liver and muscle during preparatory phase. The study also showed that protein content was high in the gonads and liver of female than the male.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref