017032   Paliwal A K;Dubey R K (Zoology Dep, Ganjdundwara (PG) College, Ganjdundwara-207 242) : Biodiversity of Collembola from wheat field (Insecta: apterygota). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 315-8.

Present investigation deals with the biodiversity of Collembola from wheat fields at District Etah (U.P.). Due to their jumping habits, Collembola are called "springtails:' They are small, delicate and soft bodied insects which occur in wet and damp surroundings. Collembolans are also soil microarthropods taking part in decomposition of litter of Indian soil, hence. improving the soil fertility. They infest the human dwellings and economically causing damage certain crops. The present report is a consolidated record of collembolan insects involves 09 new species (sp. nov.) from 08 genera of 03 families viz. Seria blackiata, Cyphoderus stonicullatus, Lepidocyrtinlls datalicus. L. noorpuicus, Proisotoma himalayana Baijal. Indotheca maniserrata, Sminthurus indraensis. Arrhopalites spanica and Sminthurinus binotatus.

9 illus, 11 ref

017031   Pal S;Mandal D K (NO, Balsi High School (H.S.), Balsi, Bankura-722 206) : Seasonal histological changes in the liver cells of Mastacembelus pancalus (Hamilton). J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 25-32.

Sexual dimorphism in the liver cells of Mastacembelus pancalus has been recognized. During maturation and spawning seasons the amount of cytoplasmic granules in the hepatic cells of female increased and nucleus becomes hypertrophied. But no remarkable seasonal changes in the liver cells of male have been observed.

8 illus, 13 ref

017030   Pahari D;Hazra A K;Saha G K (Apterygota Section, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Species composition, vertical distribution and seasonal variation of Collembola in hilltop and foothill of Darjeeling Himalaya, West Bengal, Inida. J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 15-24.

Despite the environmental importance of Collembola, basic information on the occurrence and ecology of these soil micro-arthropods is lacking, especially in Darjeeling Himalaya. To address such gaps the present research was conducted with objectives to determine what Collembola species inhabit the soil of two different altitudinal sites of Darjeeling Himalaya as well as their vertical distribution and seasonal variations. Altogether 22 species of Collembola belonging to three families were recorded from the hilltop and foothill sites of the Darjeeling Himalaya. The maximum number of collembolan species was found in foothill site (20 species) than in the hilltop site (10 species) of Darjeeling Himalaya. The population density of Collembola marked a significant decrease from upper most layers to deeper layers of soil. The highest collembolan density was recorded during the spring season in both the sites but lowest density was recorded during summer at Hilltop site and during autumn at Foothill site of Darjeeling Himalaya.

7 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

017029   Nonita M;Hemchandra O;Bijaya P;Singh T K (Aphid Res Lab, Life Sci Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003) : Seasonal incidence and spatial distribution of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii glover and its coccinellid predators on brinjal. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 265-70.

Studies on the seasonal incidence and spatial distribution of a pest and its associated predators are a prerequisite in formulating effective measures for management of the pest. The incidence and distribution pattern of Aphis gossypii Glover and its associated coccinellid predators were evaluated on brinjal (Solanum melogena L. var. Pusa Purple Long) in the experimental field of Life Sciences Department of the University. Various indices of dispersion such as variance. variance to mean ratio. Lloyd's index of Patchiness and mean crowding were evaluated to study their distribution. The distribution of A. gossypii started during second week of April. and extended till first week of August. The coccinellids appeared during first week of May in the field and continued their activities till end of July. A gossypii was observed to follow contagious distribution on the host plant. The coccinellid predators initially followed random distribution but later on followed contagious distribution with increase in density.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

017028   Mohilal N;Pramodini M;Romoni H (Parasitology Dep, Life Sci Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003) : Soil nematodes of Manipur-XII: species of Mylonchulus cobb, 1916. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 349-57.

Species of the genus Mylonchulus (Nematoda: Mononchida) are fairly variable as far as the characters of the buccal cavity, reproductive system, tail, caudal glands and spinneret are concerned. In a survey of predatory nematodes of Manipur, II species were recorded. Three species of Paramylonchulus reported earlier were transferred to Mylonchulus. Morphological characters supported with illustrations were provided for the transferred species while for others only dimensions were provided.

2 illus, 14 ref

017027   Maurya J N;Tripathi S N (Plant Sci Dep, Faculty of Applied Sci, M.J.P. Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly-243 006) : Application of desiccation tolerant cyanobacterial exudates in stabilization of photosynthetic apparatus. Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 61-6.

Exudates obtained from desiccation tolerant cyanobacterium Scytonema geitleri collected from roof-top of a building and also from its liquid culture lowered the loss of activity of PSI (Asc/DCPIP→ MV), PS II (H₂O→ DCPIP/ FeCN) and whole chain (H₂O→ MV) electron transports on storage of the intact cells/mats of Anabaena sp. and growing mats of the desiccation tolerant cyanobacterium S. geitleri. Similarly, the exudates effectively showed reduction in loss of the value of maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm). Exudates also showed effective protection of thylakoid membranes proteins and lipids. The RAb values of the most of the proteins separated on SDS-PAGE enhanced in the presence of exudates of the cyanobacterium.

5 illus, 36 ref

017026   Mandal F B (Zoology Dep, Bankura Christian Coll, Bankura-722 101) : Biodiversity and our biofuture: a holistic understanding. J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 69-84.

Studies on biodiversity throughout the world are of immense value to mankind. Gives an outline of the existing biodiversity and the probable biofuture considering the present trends of anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. The key elements of biodiversity are ecological diversity, genetic diversity and species diversity. Damage to biodiversity is caused due to habitat destruction. habitat fragmentation. introduction of exotic species and diseases. environmental pollution and genetic assimilation. Biodiversity issue has been discussed from the ecological, behavioral, genetic, evolutionary. social and aesthetic point of views. For preserving species 'richness. knowledge about endemism, type of habitat, keystone species, effective population size and animal behaviour requires consideration. Geographic Information System (GIS) has been emerged as an effective tool for conservation of species and their habitat. Current loss of biodiversity is primarily associated with expanding human population and increasing consumerism. The consequences of such loss will threaten the existence of man himself on this planet. Involvement of the people in biodiversity protection movement with benefit sharing and policy level changes is considered to be urgent for protecting the biofuture.

1 table, 103 ref

017025   Khan I;Saxena R R;Srivastava A (NO, Indira Gandhi Agric Univ, Raipur, Chhattisgarh) : Ratio method of estimation using Jack-knite technique. Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 437-8.

Quenouille (1956) and Rao (1981) adopted the jack- knife technique to reduce the bias of ratio estimator and to get the class of almost / exactly unbiased ratio estimator. An attempt has been made to define a class of almost unbiased estimator by combination of simple mean, ratio estimator and Jack-knife version of ratio estimator. The optimum estimator in the class has been identified and the interval for optimum weights have also been obtained.

^ssc3 ref

017024   Kamboj D V;Goel A K;Lokendra Singh (Defence Research and Development Establishment, , Gwalior-474 002) : Biological warfare agents. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 495-506.

1 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

017023   Gowrishankar J;Anbuganapathi G;Selvaraj T; Arun T;Dawamani S N;Shanmugakirubakaran G;Malathy R;Jayaraj B;Paul M (Biotechnology Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's College, Velur-638 182) : Evaluation of DNA damage using single cell gel electrophoresis in traffic police. J Ind Pollut Control 2006, 22(1), 39-42.

Traffic police is affected with various health problems like headache, acidity, hypertension, respiratory (allergy) and cardiovascular problems, due to the exposure of vehicular exhaust toxicity and they reflect significant increase in the incidence of abortions in wives and neonatal death in offsprings. The study was planned to analyze the genetic damage and manifestation of various health problems.

2 tables, 3 ref

017022   Estari M;Krishna Reddy M (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Trends and measurement of HIV prevalence in tribal areas of North Andhra Pradesh, India. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2006, 26(3), 343-7.

Most data on HIV prevalence among tribal communities come from rural areas of North Andhra Pradesh surveillance. HIV prevalence and risk factors were measured using population-based data to assess the accuracy of ANC surveillance, Tribal communities and changes in prevalence and risk factors for HIV over time. HIV prevalence was measured in 2000-2002 and 2003-2005 in tribal community controls from case control studies of mycobacterial disease in Adilabad District, Andhra Pradesh. ANC surveillance studies in the district began in 2003. Age and area-standardized HIV prevalence in women age 15-49 years in the tribal community was 2.5% in 2000-2002 and 13.9% in 2003-2005. HIV prevalence in men was 9.2% and 11.4% in the same periods. In 2000-2002 HIV positivity was associated with occupations other than farming, with increased schooling and being born outside Adilabad District. In 2003-2005, non-farmers were still at higher risk but the other associations were not seen. The age and area-adjusted HIV prevalence in the ANC in 2003-2005 was 9.2%. The underestimate can be explained largely by marriage and mobility. Reduced fertility in HIV positive individuals was demonstrated to both ANC and tribal community populations. HIV prevalence has increased and continues to be higher in non-farmers. The increase is particularly marked in those with no education. ANC surveillance underestimated HIV prevalence in the female population in all but the youngest age group. Although there were differences in sociodemographic factors, a parity-based adjustment gave a reasonable estimate of female HIV prevalence.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

017021   Dey A;Das S K (Fishery Biology and Resources Management Dep, Faculty of Fishery Sci, Univ of Animal and Fishery Sci, 5, Budherhat Road, Panchasayar, Kolkata-700 094) : Monthly variations in feeding intensity and food spectrum of Tilapia nilotics (Linneaus) in relation to biological indices. J envir Sociobiol 2006, 3(1), 65-8.

Dynamics of biological indices such as relative condition factor, Gastrosomatic index (GaSI) and Hepatosomatic index (HSI) as well as food spectrum of Tilapia niloticus was monitored for a period of one year in fishes procured from Nadia and. North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. A significam variation (P≤ 0.01) was observed in GaSI and HSI values among males and females. The GaSI was found to be positively correlated with feeding intensity and HSI. Blue green algae. green algae and decayed organic matter constituted the major components of food items in different months exhibiting wide variations.

2 illus, 12 ref

017020   Banerjee M;Tah J (Genetics and Plant Breeding Lab, Botany Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104) : Assessment of vermicast quality by different earthworm species using rural and urban garbage. Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 77-81.

Three different earth worm species viz., Pheretima posthuma, Eudrillus euginae and Eisenia foetidae were collected and allowed to grow in urban and rural garbage separately. Data were taken for percentage of N-P-K in 7 days interval. Variation N-P-K status were observed and recorded it properly. Number of cocoons were also counted in each week. Graphical representation of each vermi species was made against duration and compost quantity. The remarkable variations of results observed which have been cited in this experiment.

3 illus, 20 tables, 12 ref

017019   Ashutosh Singh;Kapildeo N Singh;Prashant Vikram (Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agric and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : PCR based diagnostics of a geminivirus causing leaf curl disease in papaya. Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 87-9.

The viral disease caused by papaya leaf curl virus (PLCV) has become a serious loss to papaya cultivation in Northern India. DNA of several whitefly- transmitted geminiviruses was amplified from a viral template present in the infected papaya . A degenerate primer pair CRl/CR2 specially target to the 'core' region of the coat protein gene of geminivirus isolates and amplify a viral DNA fragment of approximately 563 bp. Using this method a single PCR product of the expected size (563 was estimated by the agrose gel electrophoresis was amplified from the infected papaya plants with a representative set of germinivirus isolates. This approach is highly useful for the amplification of geminiviral DNA templates from total nucleic extracted from infected papaya plants.

3 illus, 12 ref

017018   Ashutosh Singh;Kapildeo N Singh;Pathak S; Yadav A L (Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agric and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : Validation of degenerate primers for the detection of begomovirus (Geminivirus) causing leaf curl disease in papaya (Carica papaya L.). Pl Archs 2007, 7(1), 67-9.

Geminiviruses (Begomovirus) are widely recognized as a serious threat to papaya production in many tropical and subtropical regions of North India. This has increased the need for accurate identification of these viruses. Detection of Begomoviruses are well suited to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods because they replicate via a double stranded, circular DNA form. Primers were tested for their effectiveness in the amplification of viral DNA fragments from the DNA-A component. Two primer pairs designed to anneal the DNA-A component amplified viral DNA-A from begomovirus. Degenerate primers annealed to highly conserved nucleotide sequences in the genome of whitefly-transmitted begomovirus. This method also detected the mixed geminivirus infection. PCR using these degenerate begomovirus primers offers a rapid means of geminivirus detection, in way to boost up the integrated pest management strategy for viruses in papaya.

3 illus, 15 ref

017017   Anita Kumari;Yadava R;Gupta M K (Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Dep, Ranchi Veterinary Coll, Birsa Agric Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Enteropathogenicity/enterotoxigenicity of Escherichia coli isoalted from buffalo meat and water. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(1), 187-91.

A total of 40 samples of buffalo meat and 30 water samples from two slaughter houses were examined for the presence of E. coli. Altogether 24 isolates of E. coli from meat and 6 isolates from water samples were recovered. All isolates were tested for EnteropathogenicityjEnterotoxigenicity by RLILT. Serotypes 09, 088, 0155, 0156 and rough were found to be enterotoxigenic also as revealed by rabbit ligated ileal loop test. The Enteropathogenicity was finally confirmed with histopathological changes in the intestinal loops. Histopathology showed marked villous atrophy, mononuclear cell infiltration and oedematous changes in sub mucosa of intestine in most of cases where as serotypes 09, 0155 and 0156 were found to be haemorrhagic also.

2 tables, 10 ref

016114   Vijaya Ragavan R;Srinivasan N (D.A.A. College, , Dharmapuram, Mayiladuthurai, Tamilnadu) : Manganese and cobalt in liver of albino mouse treated with Tadalafil (Viagra) by atomic absorption spectroscopic method. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 59-61.

Remarkable change in mineral (Mn and Co) content has been investigated from the atomic absorption spectral analysis of liver of control and experimental albino mouse. The observed change in mineral content has been correlated with the function of the liver.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

016113   Vijaiyansiva G;Mohammed Hussain K;Prasanna Lakshmi J (Biotechnology Dep, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai) : Molecular characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria chromium contaminated tannery effluents. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 651-4.

Gram negative bacterium (Salmonella) was isolated from a chromium-contaminated site that was capable of inducing a plasmid when grown in chromium enriched medium. The isolate was able to induce a high molecular weight fragment from its genomic DNA when it was incubated with the high concentration of 2mMollit^-1 Chromium. Analysis of the genomic DNA and plasmid DNA from the isolate revealed a high molecular weight genomic DNA breakups and two lower molecular weight plasmid DNA, Hence the mechanism of resistance in Salmonella is plasmid mediated from its own genomic DNA breakup.

8 illus, 1 table,

016112   Varsha Gautam;Shrivastava V K (Bioscience Dep, Endocrinology Unit, Barkatullah University, Bhopal-462 026) : Dichlorovos induced changes in enzyme activities in testis and adrenal glands of male Mus musculus (P).. Asian J Bio Sci 2006, 1(1), 4-5.

Fifteen sexually mature male mice Mus musculus weighing 30 ± 5 grams were exposed with dichlorovos (1 ppm) for 15 and 30 days and their enzyme activities i.e. ACP and ALP were estimated in testis and adrenal glands. Dichlorovos increased the ACP and ALP activities in testis and adrenal glands after 15 and 30 days when compared with control group. The significant values were noticed only in adrenal gland as compared to testis. These observations suggests that dichlorovos alters the functional activities of testis and adrenal glands of Mus musculus, by interfering metabolic activities and protein synthesis.

2 tables, 14 ref

016111   Untwal L S;Kondawar M S;Chavan V (NO, Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, South Shivaji Nagar, Sangli-Miraj Road, Sangli) : Antibacterial activity of Terminalia catappa fruit extract. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 469-71.

The work highlights the antibacterial property of Methanol-HCl, Methanolic, & Ethanolic extract of Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae) fruits (Mesocarp & Pericarp). The antibacterial testing was carried out by "Disc diffusion method". The test bacteria used for this study were, Gram positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 3750, Staphylococcus aureus (Coagulase positive), Bacillus subtilis var. niger ATCC 9372, and Gram negative organisms like Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella typhi. Amongst the tested three extracts, Methanol-HCl, showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Coagulase positive) only. Methanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against Proteus vulgaris only. While Ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 3750, Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella typhi.

3 tables, 9 ref

016110   Turner N J;Turner K L (Schoo of Environment Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada V 8W 2Y2, Email: n turner@uvic.ca) : Traditional food systems, erosion and renewal in Northwestern North America. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(1), 57-68.

Describes the traditional food systems of indigenous peoples of Western Canada (British Columbia) and documents how they have changed over the time, especially since European newcomers arrived in the region. The impacts of dietary change on the health of indigenous peoples, providing a case example of edible camas (Camassia spp.; Liliaceae) to illustrate how traditional food use has declined have been discussed. Ten major factors are identified as influencing dietary change: loss of territory for accessing traditional food, loss of traditional management practices such as landscape burning, introduction of new foods, land degradation and transformation, barriers to intergenerational knowledge transfer, colonial policies privileging agriculture, regulations against indigenous cultural practices; and globalization and domination of mainstream food systems. Efforts to reclaim and recover food traditions are ongoing, and will hopefully be successful in improving the overall health and well being of indigenous people and the environment.

5 illus, 74 ref

016109   Timande S P;Ramani B K (Post Graduate Dep of Microbiology, D.B. Science College, Gondia-441 614) : Production of amylase in liquid culture by strain of Bacillus subtilis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 557-60.

An amylase producing bacteria were isolated form soil and cultural conditions were optimized for production of amylase. Studies on nutritional requirements of Bacillus subtilis for production of amylase revealed that optimum conditions were achieved in fermentation culture medium containing 2% starch and incubated at 37øC for 4 days at pH 7.0. The strain was found to utilize starch as best carbon source followed by wheat floor for production of amylase. Peptone was utilized as best nitrogen source. 0.2% v/v was optimum inoculum size, shaking accelerated the enzyme production. Maximum enzyme production was found with incubation period of 96 hours. Enzyme activity was exhibited at pH 7 and temperature 37°C. NaCl accelerates enzyme activity at lower concentration. MgCl₂ and CuSO₄ also accelerated the enzyme activity. Incubation period for optimum enzyme activity was 20 minutes, enzyme concentration was found to be 0.8 ml and optimum substrate concentration was 400 micrograms Km was found to be 142.8 ug Ms/Ml and Vmax 0.4μ, moles/min from simple L- B plot. The Micnaelis - Menten Constant (Km) and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) were determined by Linewever Burk Plots using starch ( concentration between 100μgms to 1000μugm.

5 illus

016108   Thirunavukkarasu N;Ilavarasan N;Mohan R; Anbuganapathi G (P G & Research Zool Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's College, Velur-638 182) : Haematological effects of medicinal plants in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. J Ecobiol 2006, 19(1), 59-65.

Haematological investigation on the effects of medicinal plants viz. Withania somnifera and Cucurbita alba have been studied in cigarette smoke exposed female Swiss albino mice. Data on total erythrocytes count, total leucocytes count, total platelets count, haemoglobin, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, blood sugar, free sugar, free aminoacid, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were obtained. The tuber of the W. somnifera (100 mg/day) and the pulp extract of the C. alba (1 ml/day) were given for 30 days, respectively. The total erythrocytes count (16.5x10⁶/ml), total leucocytes count (18.2x10³/ml), haemoglobin (17.56g/dl) and total cholesterol (68.6 mg%) were increased in cigarette smoke exposed rats (15 min/day) whereas the total platelets count (17.71xs10⁴/ml), acid phosphatase (2.5KA units), alkaline phosphatase (11.5Ka units), blood sugar (107 mg/100ml), free sugar (45.4 mg%), free aminoacid (98.2 mg%) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) (23.6 mg%) levels were decreased. The increased and decreased values were reverted to near normal in rats medicinal plants treated cigarette smoke exposed rats and the combined mixer was more effective than the individual treatments.

1 table, 31 ref

016107   Talebi S M;Iravani M (Chemistry Dep, Isfahan University, Isfahan 81745, Iran) : A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid based on its reducing effect on chromium (VI). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 429-31.

New spectrophotometric method based on reduction of chromium (VI) was developed for the determination of trace ascorbic acid. Chromium (VI) was reduced to Cr (III) by ascorbic acid. A solid phase extraction using cellulose was proposed to separate Cr (III) from the remainder of Cr(VI). The excess Cr (VI) was finally determined and used for calculation of ascorbic acid concentration. The parameters affecting the reaction of ascorbic acid with Cr (VI) and also those affecting the separation efficiency of remainder Cr (VI) were optimized. The proposed method showed capability for sensitive determination of trace ascorbic acid. The method was successfully applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juice and pharmaceutical.

4 illus, 13 ref

016106   Talebi S M;Dadfarnia S;Amani Z (Chemistry Dep, the University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81745, Iran) : Determination of lead and cadmium in maternal and neonatal bloods by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 419-21.

The blood levels of Pb and Cd in women resident in the city of Isfahan was compared with those who were living in rural areas and far from the industrial zones and a considerable difference was found between them. The possibility of transportation of Pb and Cd from placenta was investigated by analysis of maternal and neonatal bloods and showed that the both elements can transfer from mothers blood to their babies, the transportation rate of lead was more than that for cadmium.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

016105   Swamy A V N;Rao K S (Chemical Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh) : Biodegradation of nitrobenzene and nitrotoluene by acclimated bacteria. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 11-6.

The discharge of nitro aromatic industrial effluents without any treatment results in killing fish and aquatic life in the river. The conventional solvent extraction process could not completely remove the nitro aromatic compounds present in the effluent. The raffinate from the solvent extraction plant, contains residual nitro aromatic compounds like nitrobenzene (NB), nitro chlorobenzene (NCB), nitro toluene (NT) and amino aromatic i.e., aniline (AN). The studies were carried out on laboratory bioreactor, operated in aerobic mode. The concentrations of nitro aromatic compounds vary from 200 mg/L to 1500 mg/L. The inoculum was developed by acclimating sludge from domestic effluent treatment plant to NB. The bacterial strain isolated from the inoculum was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which utilizes nitrobenzene as sole carbon source. This result suggests that this strain is responsible for the biodegradation observed.

2 illus, 17 ref

016104   Suresh P K;Sajeetha Begum K A;Ashok Kumar R (Biotechnology and Industrial Biotechnology Dep, Karapagam Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 021) : Micronuclei - is it an indicator of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity ? - relevance of including this assay in mutagenecity/carcinogenicity assessment. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 657-9.

Micronuclei are oval to round bodies, found within the cytoplasm, but outside the main nucleus. They could be formed either as a result of direct genotoxic insult (primary genotoxicity) or could be secondary to cytotoxicity-induced DNA damage. Hence, at non-cytotoxic doses, their levels may be an indicator of genotoxic potential (biomarker) of a chemical carcinogen and hence, could be used as a preliminary assay for their toxicological assessment. Furthermore, this could also be an indicator that other submicroscopic changes may have occurred. However, the scoring criteria should be consistently followed to minimize scorer bias. This genotoxicity assay, when correlated with other assays like measuring DNA adduct levels, would be useful to potentially identify the limits of sensitivity for this assay as well as its specificity, so that the same could be used to screen workers, for genotoxicity, in the occupational setting, to identify individuals at an increased risk.

24 ref

016103   Suresh Kumar;Arul L;Talwar D;Raina S K (National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rainask@hotmail.com) : PCR amplification of minimal gene expression cassette: an alternative, low cost and easy approach to 'clean DNA' transformation. Curr Sci 2006, 91(7), 930-4.

Alternative and easy approach to generate sufficient quantity of minimal gene expression cassette (promoter-open reading frame-terminator) DNA by PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. Isolating the minimal gene cassette DNA in large quantities by restriction digestion and gel extraction for biolistic-mediated 'clean DNA' transformation, is not only a cumbersome and time-consuming process, but also laborious and expensive. The minimal cassette for GUS gene, generated from pCAMBIA-1305.1, was used as a reporter system for bombardment of mature embryo-derived calluses of indica rice IR-64. Transient GUS expression in the bombarded calluses showed no significant difference, in terms of GUS expression units, whether the GUS gene cassette was generated by restriction digestion or PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. The results demonstrated that PCR amplification of the minimal gene cassette using high fidelity DNA polymerase is a reliable, low cost and easier approach to 'clean DNA' transformation.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

016102   Sunitha M;Rani E;Devaki K (Biochemistry Dep, Karpagam Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 021) : Production of cellulase from Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis using pine apple peel as substrate by solid state fermentation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 577-80.

Fruit juice waste pineapple peel was used for the production of cellulase using Aspergillns niger and Bacillus subtilis by solid state fermentation. The enzyme yield was maximum from Bacillus subtilis compared to A.niger. Both species follow the same requirement pattern of 10 g substrate, 75% moisture content, 2 days incubation period, 35°C incubation temperature. Addition of carbon source like Glucose, Galactose, Maltose, Starch, Sucrose is not influencing enzyme production in A.niger where as in B.subtilis the addition of 0.01 g of Glucose and Starch increase the yield considerably. Addition on Nitrogen sources like Beef extract and Sodium nitrate increase the enzyme yield in A.niger and B.subtilis all the nitrogen source used increase the enzyme production to certain extent except Ammonium nitrate and Ammonium chloride.

8 illus, 13 ref

016101   Subhatra S;Gnanamani A;Mary Violet Christy A (Biotechnology Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212) : Extraction of serine protease from Perionyx excavatus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 615-16.

Proteolytic enzymes or proteases catalyze the cleavage of peptide bonds in proteins. Peptide bond cleavage is one of the most frequent enzymatic modifications of proteins. Recent studies of proteolytic enzymes have focused on the regulatory roles in the variety of physiological processes. Serine proteases are characterized by the presence of a serine group in their active site. Earthworms secrete proteases which degrade casein, gelatin, fibrin and the lyphoilized powder of earthworms have long been used for antipyretic and diuretic purpose. So in the present research programme it has been planned to extract the enzyme serine protease and analyze their fibrinolytic activity, molecular weight and zymogram activity from perionyx excavatus. The maximum fibrinolytic activity of the serine protease was observed in the zone of lysis. The molecular weight determination was in the range between 23-35kDa. Further confirmation by zymogram using two types of substrates (Bovine serum albumin and casein) substantiates the purity of the enzyme extracted.

3 illus, 5 ref

016100   Sridhar Rao P N;Suresh K;Basavarjappa K G (Microbiology, J.J.M. Med Coll Davanere, Karnataka) : Bacteriological quallity of potable water in Davangere city. J Commun Dis 2006, 38(4), 381-4.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

016099   Sridevi M;Mallaiah K V (Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510, Email: kvmallaiah@rediffmail.com) : Variability in biochemical activities and protein profiles of Rhizobium isolates from Sesbania species. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 639-40.

Rhizobium strains from root and stem nodules of Sesbama species were isolated and studied for biochemical activities and protein profiles. It was observed that the Rhizobium isolates of Sesbania species showed wide variation in tryptophanase, protease, nitrate reductase, lysine decarboxylase, amylase, urease and citrase activities. None of the isolates produced gelatinase, caseinase, lipase, phenylalanine deaminase and DNase activities. The isolate from root nodules of S. procumbens (SPR) has the ability to solubilize the insoluble tricalcium phosphate. The isolates viz; SRR, SPR, SGR and SSR produced IAA in the culture medium. Analysis of total cellular proteins of Rhizobium isolates indicate that the banding pattern of SGR, SPR, SPS and SRS is almost similar, while the Rhizobium isolate from S. aculeata (SAR) is distinctly different from other isolates of Sesbania species.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref,

016098   Souza A D;Mehta D;Leavitt R W (NO, Viridis Biopharma Pvt Ltd, 6/312, Jogani Industrial Complex, V.N. Purav Marg, Chunabhatti, Mumbai-400 022) : Bactericidal activity of combinations of silver-water dispersion TM with 19 antibiotics against seven microbial strains. Curr Sci 2006, 91(7), 926-9.

Nineteen antibiotics were checked in combination with Silver-Water Dispersion™ solution against seven microbial organisms for synergism. First, minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined for the individual antibiotics and Silver-Water Dispersion™ solution individually. Those combinations of individual antibiotics with Silver-Water Dispersion™ that displayed synergism were further evaluated through the checkerboard method. Synergistic activity of Silver-Water Dispersion™ solution in combination with nineteen antibiotics was tested against seven bacterial strains, except where an organism was known to be resistant to the antibiotic. Out of 96 tests, five were synergistic, 89 additive, and two antagonistic.

2 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

016097   Shayu D;Sriraman V;Rao A J (Molecular and Cellular Biology Dep, Baylor College of Medicine, USA) : Estrogen receptor antagonist and inhibitors of aromatase: Use in reproduction research. J Indian Inst Sci 2006, 86(1), 1-13.

It is of particular significance that a single hormone like estrogen can have myriad of effects in different tissues. The potent tumorogenic action of estrogen in the female has lead to a multipronged approach of blocking estrogen action, either by development of various antiestrogens to block estrogen receptor action or by means of specific aromatase inhibitors to block estrogen synthesis. The generation of these compounds has not only helped in alleviating estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer, but has significantly enhanced our understanding regarding the role of estrogen in various tissues of both the sexes. The review aims at providing an insight on antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors used both for experimental and therapeutic purposes.

72 ref

016096   Shafiqur Rahman M;Anwar M N (Microbiology Dep, Univ of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh) : Fungitoxic and cytotoxic activity of a novel compound 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester of Plumbago zeylanica Linn.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 461-64.

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (diisooctyl phthalate) isolated from roots of Plumbago zeylanica was screened for its antifungal activity against six phytopathogenic fungi viz., Alternaria alternata, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina and Colktotrichum corchori. The antifungal activity of the compound was evaluated using poisoned food and broth macrodilution methods. The diisooctyl phthalate (200 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL medium) inhibited the radial mycelial growth of all the test fungi to varied degrees. The lowest MIC (10 μg/mL) and MFC (20 μg/mL) values were recorded against M. phaseolina, and M. phaseolina and B. theobromae respectively. Cytotoxic activity (LC₅₀) of the compound has been determined on newborn brine shrimp (Artemia salina). LC₅₀ of the compound was recorded as 8.69 μg/mL against newborn brine shrimp.

3 tables, 13 ref

016095   Senapati S;Ali M N;Sasmal B G (Genetic Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252) : Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Corchorus sp. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(1), 1-3.

Genetic variability, heritability (in broad sense) and genetic advance were worked out from 15 white and 15 tossa jute strains/varieties Greater amount of variability was recorded in white jute for fresh individual plant wt/ stick wt plant leaf area and fiber yield/plant, and in tossa jute for capsules/plant, chlorophy-H-b and fiber yield/plant. Difference between PCV and GCV was little for majority of the characters High values of heritability were observed in most of the characters in both the species. Nodes/plant, stick wt/plant, capsules/plant, leaf area and fiber yield/plant of both the species of Corchorus were predominantly controlled by additive gene effects.

1 table, 11 ref

016094   Sajja S;Munjal S V;Kale A A;Naik R M (Biochemistry Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: shivajimunjal@rediffmail.com) : Fluctuations in spinach leaf nitrate reductase during light-dark transitions. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(2), 135-7.

In vivo nitrate reductase (NR) activity declined gradually either in absence or presence of Mg²⁺ In dark grown plants of spinach. The increased sensitivity of the extracted NR from the dark grown plants to Mg²⁺ and ATP is indicative of the post-translational modification as one of the mechanisms to control NR activity. The response of extracted NR was gradual and not instantaneous suggesting a complex interplay of NR regulation, as the dark acclimatized plants when exposed to light caused significant nitrate reduction within 15 min of light exposures even in the presence of Mg²⁺ and ATP.

^ssc2 tables, 11 ref

016093   Reddy M V V;Hema Bindu L;Reddy P P;Usha Rani P (NO, Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetics Disease, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Email: reddypenagaluru@rediffmail.com) : Role of consanguinity in congential neurosensory deafness. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 357-8.

Congenital deafness affects the speech and psychosocial development of the affected child. It could be syndromic or non-syndromic depending on the presence or absence of the associated manifestations. Among various etiological factors described for deafness, consanguinity is an established high risk etiological factor. A prospective study was carried out in 1076 children in the age group of 0-14 years attending Government ENT hospital and schools for deaf in and around Hyderabad. The results showed that 41.73% (449) of the cases were the products of consanguineous matings and 58.27% (627) were born to non consanguineous parents. Further analysis revealed a high rate of consanguinity (44.53%) in children with non syndromic deafness.

2 tables, 10 ref

016092   Reddy B M;Reddy A N S;Nagaraja T;Bhaskar L V K S;Thangaraj K;Reddy A G;Singh L (Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Street No. 8, Habsiguda, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: bmr@isical.ac.in) : Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the alcohol dehydrogenase genes among the 28 caste and tribal populations of India. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 309-16.

Authors report single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the four sites in ADH2 and ADH3 genes among the 28 populations from southern parts of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 1048 individuals belonging to 28 endogamous populations distributed in the contiguous areas of the 6 southernmost districts of Andhra Pradesh were enrolled for the present study. Genotyping involved PCR and sequencing. Authors sequenced exon 3 and 9 of ADH2 and exon 8 of ADH3, besides the ADH2 3'UTR- rs17033 (72 bases down stream of ADH2 Arg369Cys). The two sites of ADH2 (Arg47His and Arg369Cys) are found to be completely monomorphic showing only Arg47 and 369Arg (ADH2*1 allele), the remaining two sites were polymorphic. None of the 28 populations of this study deviated significantly from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium proportions. The allele frequencies do not show any clear trend across socioeconomic groups. The degree of heterogeneity in the genotype frequencies among the hierarchical groups is significant for Ile349Val (df = 12; x² = 22.050) and not for the 3'UTR rs17033 (df = 6; x² = 9.765). The haplotype distribution among the hierarchical groups is found to be highly homogeneous and statistically nonsignificant (x² = 0.248, df = 18). Linkage disequilibrium does not exist between the two-polymorhic loci. The results were interpreted in the light of cultural patterns of the Indian hierarchical society.

2 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

016091   Ratheesh Narayanan M K;Anil Kumar N (M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, , 3rd Cross Road, Taramani Institutional Area, Chennai-600 013) : Gendered knowledge and changing trends in utilization of wild edible greens in Western Ghats, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(1), 204-16.

Paper describes the differences and trends in the use and management of wild edible greens within and between households pertaining to three ethnic and one migrant community in Wayanad district, an agro-biodiversity hot spot in southern Western Ghats. A total of 366 people were interviewed and 20 key informants were selected from each community to examine multiple uses, preferences, marketing and local availability of edible wild greens, where 102 species were recorded. The paper discusses how gender, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status affect wild green management and household nutritional security. Women are more skillful in managing the surrounding landscape and are main knowledge holders and conservationists. The implications of land use changes, agrochemicals, restrictions on forest access and alien species invasion on the availability of wild greens are highlighted. It was found that women are taking effective steps to sustainably manage landscapes and species that provide edible greens, but changing trends in gender relations inhibit their efforts; alien species invasion and modern agri-practices lead to local extinction of many greens, and the erosion of traditional knowledge especially among youth due to materialistic life style affects the sustainable use of many wild greens.

3 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

016090   Randhawa N K;Kumar A;Matharoo K;Bhanwer A J S (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 005) : Association study of angiotensin-converting enzyme ins/del polymorphism with hypertension in Punjabi population. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 317-21.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is the key enzyme of the Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) which maintains the blood pressure homeostasis in our body. The association of the ACE insertion (I) or deletion (D) with essential hypertension has been demonstrated by many studies. The present study is aimed to determine the association, if any, of ACE I/D polymorphism with essential hypertension in Punjabi population. The ACE I/D polymorphism genotype frequencies were calculated by comparing essential hypertensive patients with ethnically similar normotensive controls. The samples were collected from the outpatient departments of various hospitals of Punjab. The subjects who had systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg or greater, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or greater, or were using any antihypertensive medication were considered as hypertensive. The DNA samples from the patients (100) and controls (100) were isolated, amplified by PCR and analyzed on agarose gel. When all the genotypes were compared in patients and controls, the chi square value was 0.444. which was not significant at 5% level. The age, height and weight were analyzed in the three different categories DD, ID, II which did not show any significant relationship with the disease. A consistent increase was seen in the SBP and DBP in all the three genotypes from DD, ID to II respectively. This increase was statistically significant for DBP especially in case of DD vs II at 5% level (t=2.34, p<60>0.05).

6 tables, 23 ref

016089   Rajasekara Pandian M R;Sharmila Banu G;Kumar G;Smila K H (Centre for Biotech, Muthayammal College of Arts and Sciences, Kakkaveri, Rasipuram, Namakkal, Tamilnadu) : In vitro antimicrobial activity of Pergularia daemia. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 63-5.

Three extracts of Pergularia daemia were examined for antibacterial activity using the agar disk-diffusion method against six bacterial strains. Some of these extracts were found to be active against some bacterial strains. The methanolic extract exhibited a superior level of antibacterial activity. All of the extracts were active against Vibrio cholrea.

1 table, 20 ref

016088   Rajan M R;Nagaraj M (Biology Dep, Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University, Gandhigram-624 302) : Evaluation of Mucuna pruriens on endosulfan induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 655-6.

Endosulfan is a highly toxic pesticide in the toxicity class-I. It is now being extensively used in formulated Form as a broad spectrum contact and stomach insecticide mainly in agriculture. Mucuna pruriens acts a potent curative for endosulfan induced hepato toxicity. The toxicity brought about by the endosulfan is temporary when it is caused by low dosages. But endosulfan can be harmful to the body when consumed accidentlly. Mucuna pruriens is a natural source for the preparation of potent cure for the insecticide induced toxicity. Mucuna pruriens is reliable as a potent cure for endosulfan induced toxicity.

4 illus, 4 ref

016087   Rajagopal K;Anantha M;Seethalakshmi I;Indira N (Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Vel's College of Science, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117) : Characterization of Aspergillus niger using restriction site scoring and DNA molecular weight comparison isolated from two different environments. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 531-3.

Aspergillus niger isolated from soil and phylloplane were characterized using Restriction site scoring and DNA Molecular weight comparision. Variation among the Aspergillus niger could be observed. Restriction enzyme analysis and DNA molecular weight showed difference among the isolates.

14 ref

016086   Raja P;Sundaram S (Agril Microbiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore) : Combined inoculation effect of pink pigmented facultative Methylobacterium (PPFM) and other bioinoculants on cotton. Asian J Bio Sci 2006, 1(1), 14-19.

A field study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined inoculation effect of PPFM and other bioinoculants on cotton. Initially a detailed survey was conduced in different agro climatic zones of Tamilnadu to isolate an efficient strain of Methylobacterium. Isolated PPFM strains were analyzed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of mdh gene using mdh gene specific probes. Only the isolates having the expected size of mdh gene product were chosen for further studies. Selected isolates were screened for plant growth promoting efficiency through vigor index studies. In the field trial conducted with cotton crop, PPFM was inoculated with a diazotroph and a phosphate solubilizing organism (PSB) as individual and combined inoculant treatments. PPFM inoculation has resulted in increased seedling vigor, drymatter production and yield. Inoculation of all the three inoculants together has resulted in increased rhizosphere population of the inoculants, drymatter production and yield.

2 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

016085   Patil D W;Singh H;Belsare S S (Aquaculture Dep, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon-415 612) : Evaluation of α amylase supplemented diet for the post-larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 689-93.

Study was conducted to evaluate food conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, assimilation, assimilation efficiency, metabolism, gross growth efficiency, net growth efficiency, relative growth rate, consumption/unit weight/day, conversion rate, protein digestibility coefficient and lipid digestibility coefficient on the post-larvae of M. rosenbergii with ∝-amylase supplemented diet. The enzyme ∝-amylase (LOBA CHEMIE PVT LTD, Bombay, INDIA) was supplemented at the rate of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 % in control diet and served as experimental diet viz. T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄. Experiment was conducted in duplicate for ten days. Maximum protein efficiency ratio (1.31), assimilation (0.065 g), assimilation efficiency (97.2%), metabolism (0.034 g), gross growth efficiency (45.87%), net growth efficiency (47.18%) conversion rate (0.046), protein digestibility co-efficient (64.30%) and better food conversion ratio (2.18) were observed in post-larvae fed with diet T₂ and it was found to be significantly different (P<60>0.05) from the control diet.

2 tables, 15 ref

016084   Pathan J G K;Baile V V (Zoology Dep, Nagpur Univ, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Protein variation of relation to the reproductive cycle in male tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (paters). Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 1-10.

Reproductive cycle of the continuous breeder Oreochromis mossambicus was divided into four stages which are preparatory, prespawning, spawning and postspawning phases after evaluating the gonadosomatic index and maturity stages. The status of proteins is studied in brain, pituitary, liver, muscles and testis. They are histochemically demonstrated, biochemically estimated and electrophoretically separated by SDS-PAGE. In brain, pituitary and somatic tissues, protein content was highest during preparatory phase & lowest in spawning phase. Contrary to this, testis showed gradual increase in proteins from preparatory phase onwards and highest content was in the spawning phase. After electrophoretic separation of proteins, in brain, it was observed that initially higher molecular weight proteins prevailed, while in both prespawning and spawning phases lower molecular weight protein bands were observed. In the liver of males, higher molecular weight proteins were observed in the preparatory and prespawning phases; and comparatively narrow bands were visible in the spawning, suggesting that these proteins have been diverted for testicular maturation. Thick bands in muscles in postspawning indicate active feeding assumed after spawning.

7 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

016083   Pandhair V;Sekhon B S (Biochemistry and Chemistry Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: sekhon224@yahoo.com) : Reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in plants. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(2), 71-8.

Plants exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS) than their capacity to scavenge them. Biological molecules are susceptible to attack by ROS, including several proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and nucleic acids. The cellular arsenal for scavenging ROS and toxic organic radicals include ascorbate, glutathione, toccopherol, carotenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids and other compounds. Enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase detoxify either by quenching toxic compounds or regenerating antioxidants involving reducing power. Various aspects relating to sensors for ROS and signaling role of ROS in plants, improvement of antioxidant systems in transgenic plants and functional genomics approaches used to unravel the reactive oxygen gene network has been discussed.

^iia64 ref

016082   Panda T;Padhy R N (NO, Kalahandi Institute for Tribology and Ethnobiology, Jilingdar, Dedar-766 014, Email: kite_kld@yahoo.co.in) : Sustainable food habits of the hill-dwelling Kandha tribe in Kalahandi district of Orissa. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(1), 103-5.

An ethnobotanical survey of food practices of an aboriginal, hill-dwelling Kandha tribe of Kalahandi district, revealed that in addition to their conventional foods, rice, finger millet and a few popular pulses, they use many types of naturally occurring unusual additional food items such as carnals of mango, several types of tubers of the genus Dioscorea, wild bean Mucuna utilis Wall, ex Wight, Madhuca indica J.F.Gmel. flowers, Caryota wrens pith, Tamarindus indica seeds, younglings of bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and wild mushrooms. Detailed methods of processing of these items are unique and bitter tasting chemicals (alkaloids) of these food items are removed by repeated boiling and discarding the boiled water.

7 ref

016081   Omar A;Habibuddin H;Sijam K;Ahmad Z A M;Om Hashem M;Banna E (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: omar12744@yahoo.com) : Differentiation of two Egyptian isolates of Spiroplasma citri based on 16s RDNA, spiralin genes and 16s/23s RDNA intergenic spacer region. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 443-54.

Two Egyptian isolates of Spiroplasma citri (Fewa and Qualubia) were studied based on nucleotide sequences of their spiralin and 16S rDNA genes and 16S/23S rDNA intergenic spacer region sequence. The 16S rDNA of the two isolates comprised 1529 nucleotides with a similarity between them at 99.80% where only two different nucleotides were observed. Both have more than 99.67% similarity to three published strains of S. citri, R8A2HP, Car4 and Car6. Their 16S/23S rDNA intergenic spacer region has 305 nucleotides, with a similarity of about 99.76 %, where only one nucleotide difference was observed. The 16S/23S nucleotide sequence of Fewa isolate was identical to that of strains 169, Maroc and ATCC 27556. Five nucleotide differences were observed in spiralin gene sequences of the two isolates, which has 99.30% similarity. Both the two spiralins comprised 241 amino acids and only three amino acids differences were observed between them, and their amino acids similarity was about 98.75%. The findings indicated that both Fewa and Qualubia isolates have high similarity in the nucleotide sequences of their 16S rDNA, 16S/235 rDNA intergenic spacer region and the nucleotides and amino acids of spiralin gene. However, they were not identical and could be differentiated by using restriction enzyme Bfai that digested at the recognition site CTAG within their spiralin gene sequence.

9 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref