016080   Nithya K;Mohankumar A (P.G. and Research Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Sengunthar Arts and Science College, Tiruchengode-637 205) : Incidence and antibiotic resistance of plasmid borne avian pathogens from poultry. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 551-6.

Presence of some human entero - pathogens in poultry is responsible for much of the food - borne out breaks of illness worldwide. The in vitro antibacterial activity of 10 antimicrobials against 75 Escherichia coli, 15 Salmonella spp., and 75 Streptococcus spp., were studied. Fourteen antibiotypes were identified in Escherichia coli, two antibiotypes were identified in Salmonella spp, and twenty two antibiotypes were identified in Streptococcus spp. The multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index of the isolates were higher than 0.2 suggesting their origin from a high risk source of contamination where antibiotics often used. These organisms could have been transmitted horizontally between them and prevailed in the reservoirs for prolonged periods. One step and multi step antibiotic resistant mutants were isolated. The organisms were plasmid borne with, 7421 bp molecular weight.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

016079   Natarajan S;Xu C;Bae H;Caperna T J;Garrett W M (USDA-ARS, Soybean Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, PSI, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA, Email: natarajs@ba.ars.usda.gov) : Proteomic analysis of allergen and antinutritional proteins in wild and cultivated soybean seeds. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(2), 103-08.

Profiles of allergen and antinutritional proteins both in wild (Glycine soja) and cultivated (Glycine max) soybean seeds were compared. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) has been used for the separation of proteins at two different pH ranges and applied a combined matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for the identification of proteins. Although overall distribution patterns of the allergen (Gly m Bd 60K, Gly m Bd 30K, Gly m Bd 28K) and antinutritional proteins (trypsin inhibitors and lectin) appeared similar, there was remarkable variation in the number and intensity of the protein spots between wild and cultivated genotypes. The wild genotype showed fifteen polypeptides of Gly Bd 60K and three polypeptides of trypsin inhibitors. The cultivated genotypes showed twelve polypeptides of Gly m Bd 30K and two polypeptides of trypsin inhibitors. In contrast, the cultivated genotype showed two polypeptides of Gly m Bd 30K and three polypeptides of lectin and the wild genotype showed two and one polypeptides of Gly m Bd 30K and lectin, respectively. Two polypeptides of Gly m Bd 28K were observed in both genotypes. This is the first study reporting the comparative analysis of allergen and antinutritional proteins in both wild and cultivated soybean genotypes using combined proteomlc tools.

2 illus, 27 ref

016078   Narayan K P;Shalini;Tiwari S;Pabbi S;Dhar D W (Centre for Conservation and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Biodiversity analysis of selected cyanobacteria. Curr Sci 2006, 91(7), 947-51.

Cyanobacterial strains of Nostoc, Anabaena and Calothrix were examined for pigments, carbohydrates, total soluble proteins and enzymes related to N-metabolism. Total chlorophyll content was highest in Anabaena followed by Nostoc and Calothrix. Calothrix exhibited highest carotenoid content followed by Anabaena and Nostoc. In Anabaena, allophycocyanin was highest followed by phycoerythrin and phycocyanin. In Nostoc and Calothrix, phycoerythrin was highest followed by allophycocyanin and phycocyanin. Carbohydrate content and total soluble proteins varied amongst various isolates and a notable difference was seen in nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase (transferase) activity. Based upon the similarity matrix, a dendrogram was constructed using SIMQUAL software. Inter intrageneric similarity was recorded for physiological parameters when assigned equal importance, and some of the cyanobacterial isolates exhibited either no or only 6% similarity. All the clusters showed isolates from more than one genus, thus indicating that the cyanobacterial genera cannot be differentiated based upon physiological parameters alone.

5 illus, 32 ref

016077   Nanware S;Jadhav B;Kalyankar S N (Post Graduate Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharashtra) : Histopathological studies on anoplocephaline cestode, Moniezia (Blanchariezia) kalawati sp. nov. infecting Capora hircus L. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 123-4.

Host-parasite relationship results in gain of one organism and loss of another. It leads to various diseases and disorders. Significant findings are seen with depression in lecuocyte and weight gain. When host-parasite equilibrium is disturbed, serious disease or epizootics in host is the conseqence, resulting in depletion or weakning of host.

3 illus, 2 ref

016076   Nair R;Shah A;Baluja S;Chanda S (Bioscience Dep, Saurashtra University, Rajkot-360 005, Email: sumitrachanda@yahoo.com) : Comparison of antibacterial activities of some natural and synthetic compounds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 503-8.

Study describes the antibacterial activity of two natural and eight synthetic compounds. The two natural compounds were the leaves of Punica granatum and Maytenus emarginata. The eight synthetic compounds were Schiff bases derived from sulfonamide, 4-amino antipyrene and raceacetophenone. Both natural and synthetic compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against few clinical isolates (isolated from Urine, Blood, Tracheal secretion and Pus). Extracts of these compounds (both natural and synthetic) were tried on 5 pathogenic [E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonias and Staphylococcus aureus] strains. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the Agar Ditch method. Both natural and synthetic compounds were extracted in DMF (polar) and 1,4 Dioxan (non polar). Among the medicinal plants studied, P.granatum showed strong activity against K.pneumoniae, S.aureus and P.aeruginosa but showed moderate activity against E.coli and P.vulgaris while M.emarginata showed strong activity against K.pneumoniae, S.aureus and E.coli but showed moderate activity against P.aeruginosa. and P.vulgaris. Amongst the two natural compounds P. granatum was better than M. emarginata; while amongst the synthetic compounds, sulfonamide moiety with Cinnamaldehyde side chain (ADS) proved to be the best. The non-polar solvent 1,4 Dioxan proved to be the best. It appears that some of these natural and synthetic compounds with particular structure cold be used as a lead molecule in drug designing to combat the diseases caused by these bacteria.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

016075   Myla J;Diva S;Nagarajan S M;Chandrasekaran R (Botany Dep & Microbiology Dep, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Manampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609 305, Email: myla782000@yahoo.co.in) : Azospirillum strains isolated from paddy fields. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 479-82.

Attempt has been made to isolate strains of Azospirillum from paddy roots grown in various localities situated around 50 km radius of the study site Poondi, Thanjavur district. The strains were studied with reference to morphological characters, effect of pH, utilization of carbon sources, biotin requirement, pigment production and IAA production. The studies revealed the existence of variation among the isolates of Azospirillum.

6 tables, 13 ref

016074   Murugesan A G;John Rubby, (NO, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmenta, Alwarkurichi-627 412) : Influence of temperature on the feeding rate of male and female water hyacinth weevils, Neochetina eichhorniae warner and Neochetina bruchi hustache. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 667-9.

Eichhornia crassipes is one of the most notorious aquatic weeds that causes serious ecological and economic problems. The water hyacinth weevils Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae have proven themselves to be efficient in suppressing the weed growth. However environmental conditions influence the behaviour of biocontrol agents. Changes in the feeding behaviour of the weevils in relation to thermal variation have been compared at different constant temperatures from 20°C to 38°C at 2°C intervals. Maximum feeding occurred at 30°C and so can be considered optimum. Feeding rate of the male and female weevils compared at the same temperature treatments reveal that females of both species fed more than did the males.

2 tables, 14 ref

016073   Murugan K;Kaviyarasi P;Saravana Babu S (Post Graduate and Research Department of Microbiology, K.S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode-637 209) : Antifungal activities of Cassia auriculata against AIDS isolate Candida ablicans and dermatophytes Epidermophyton floccossum, Geotrichum candidum and Trichophyton mentagraphytes. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 513-20.

Crude ethanol, acetone and water extracts of flowers of C. auriailata were tested for their anticandidial and antidermatophytic activity against Candida albicans isolated from AIDS oral thrush patients and the clinical isolates Epidermophyton floccossum, Trichophyton mentagraphytes and Gentrichum candidum. The acetone and water extracts were found to be highly inhibitory towards the growth and germ tube formation of pathogenic C. albicans. The susceptibility pattern of the isolates C. albicans were found to be sensitive to amphotericin (12mm) and itraconazole(20mm) and intermediate to fluconazole (12mm). The inhibitory actions exhibited by the extracts were comparable to the standard antibiotics. The growth and the mycelial formation of the dermatophytes E. floccossum, T. mentagraphytes and G. candidum were more affected by acetone extract of the plant. Both the C. albicans and the dermatophyles showed concentration dependent inhibition. The cell wall synthesis inhibition assay revealed the presence of antifungal cell wall active compound in the acetone extract.

4 tables, 3 ref

016072   Moundiotiya C;Sisodia R;Kulshreshtha M;Bhatia A L (Zool Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Flora and avifauna of Jamwa Ramgarh wetland (Jaipur). J Ecobiol 2006, 19(1), 67-72.

Avifauna of Jamwa Ramgarh Lake, Jaipur was studied and it covers an area of 297 sq. miles and attracts a large number of both domestic and migratory birds. More than 100 species of birds belonging to 38 families were recorded at lake during the winter season of year 2002. As the lake was affected by scanty rain fall and had only one fourth water of its total capacity the number of water fowls visiting was reduced to only four to five thousand, which included grey lag goose (Anser anser), barheaded goose (Anser indicus), demoissele crane (Anthropodies virgo). ruddy shelduck (Tadoma ferruginea), and common teal (Anas crecca), as the most common sighting in the winter season. Near threatened bird species - darter (Anhinga rufa), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), black necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) and some uncommon bird species like ruddy shelduck (Tadoma ferruginea) and eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope) already listed in Red Data Book were also sighted. The water body consisted of common plants like Hydrilla verticillata, Spirodela polyrhiza, Potamogeton crispus, and Chara (algae) which were abundantly distributed whereas the Aponogeton natans, Utricularia stellaris. Limnophila aquatica, Eichhornia crassipes, Phragmites karka and Typha angustata had specific distribution.

1 table, 7 ref

016071   Mishra R S;Ansari K K;Prakash S (Zoology Dep, Lchthyology Lab., M.I.K. (P.G.) College, Balrampur-271 201) : Ecology of Baghel Tal with reference to primary productivity and potentially of fish production. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 711-15.

Limnological and nutrients status of soil studies of Baghel Tal were conducted from Oct-2002-Sept 2003 to find out the physico-chemical condition of soil and water and its impact on planktonic population. The study revaled that clayey texture of soil and its rich nutrients are found conducive to high fish production.

6 tables, 22 ref

016070   Maulika Jagdish;Ghosh S K;Braganza V J (Loyola Centre for Research and Development, Xavier Research Foundatio, St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Biodegradation of engine lubricating oil by hydrocarbon - degrading strains isolated from a crude oil contaminated soil. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 717-18.

Biodegradation properties of lubricating oils.

3 illus, 4 ref

016069   Makhija P;Nigam V K;Mohan M K;Ghosh P;Sasamal D (NO, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur-302 001) : Characterization of extracellular alkaline proteases produced by halophilic bacteria. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2006, 76(4), 362-7.

Screening of wide range of soil and sludge samples from desert regions of Rajasthan were carried out to isolate protease producing halophilic bacterial cultures. Out of several cultures, fifteen were initially screened out as protease producers, based on zone clearance studies on agar plates, containing casein and gelatin as substrates. Results of two isolates BISR 113 and BISR 116, based on various physico-chemical conditions are presented. Biochemical analysis was also performed. The two isolates showed optimal activity at pH 9 and 8.5 respectively. Enzymes produced from both isolates are quiet stable upto 55°C. Up to 50% of activity was retained after 30 min of exposure to various commercially available detergents. Butanol, hexane and toluene are more suitable as a biotransformation agent upto 30 min of incubation than chloroform and acetone.

6 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

016068   Lingappa K;Siddalingeshwar K G (Dep of Studies in Microbiology, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106) : Rapid screening and confirmation of Aspergillus terreus strains for L-asparaginase production. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 581-4.

Studies were under taken on Aspergillus terreus to evaluate their ability to produce L-asparaginase-an antitumor agent through plate assay method. A. terreus KLS2 exhibited maximum zone. The isolates which exhibited max zones were employed for solid state fermentation for L-asparaginase production. The values obtained by plate assay method indicated positive correlation between zone of diameter and L-asparaginase production and reveals that plate assay method can be used for rapid screening of L-asparaginase producers.

2 illus, 12 ref

016067   Lalitha V;Raveesha K A (Department of Studies in Botany, Agricultural Microbiology Laboratory, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Antagonistic effect of Trichoderma koningii on important seed borne pathogens of paddy. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 483-8.

Antagonistic potentiality of Trichoderma koningii was tested against ten important seed borne fungal pathogens of paddy under in vitro. Hyphae of T. koningii colonized the mycelium of Bipolaris oryzae, Drechslera halodes, Tricoconis padwickii, Drechslera tetramera and Fusarium oxysporum. There was hyphal development and physical coiling between the hyphae of the mycoparasite and test fungi. The production of penetration structure was also evident. In dual culture method, class-2 type of antagonism was observed against all test fungi except Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Cell free culture filtrate of T.koningii totally inhibited the pathogens and the results were comparable with that of synthetic pesticides at recommended doses. Significant inhibition in spore germination of test pathogens, were also observed. The mechanism of antagonism was found to be Mycoparasitism and Antibiosis.

8 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

016066   Lakshman H C;Inamdar P G (P.G. Department of sStudies in Botany, (Microbiology Lab.), Karnatak Univ, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Symbiotic response of Eugenia bracteata lam to vamycorrhizal inoculation with different soil pH. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 161-4.

Vescicular arbuscular-mycorrhizal association was screened with Eugenia bracteata in the soil of different pH. Percent of root colonization and spore number was estimated. Laboratory experiments were conducted in earthen pots contained soils of 4.5 to 9.5 pH. Glomus fasciculatum (VAM) was inoculated. Growth parameters were examined. The results revealed that pH 6.5 with mycorrhizal inoculation influenced significant plant growth, biomass production and P uptake over the non- mycorrhizal plants. Most alkaline soil (pH 8.5 to 9.5) and higher acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5) did not influence the growth of experimental plant with mycorrhizal inoculation.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

016065   Kundu S;Sahu M K;Shivakumar K;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Occurence of antagonistically active extra cellular enzyme producing actinomycetes in the alimentary canal of estuarine fishes. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 707-10.

Fishes were collected from the Vellar estuary (Lat.11⁰ 29'N, Long. 79° 46E), lying along the southeast coast of India for qualitative and quantitative study of actinomycetes isolated from different parts viz. foregut, midgut and hindgut of the alimentary canal. Among the three parts, the foregut and midgut harboured maximum population density of actinomycetes. A total of 40 strains isolated from the fishes were tested for their antagonistic activity against the potential human pathogens, among them, 10 isolates (25%) showed little antagonistic activity. Some of the isolates also possessed extracellular enzymatic activities. Such potential strains were identified based on the morphological, micromorphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics.

28 ref

016064   Krithika A;Thenmozhi K;Ravi Kumar S; Somasundaram S S N;Karthikeya Prabhu B;Mary Babu (Biomaterials Div, Central Leather Research Institute, Taramani Road, Taramani, Chennai-600 116, Email: marybabu@hotmail.com) : Radio-protective effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in cervical cancer patient's lymphocytes exposed in Vitro as estimated by the comet assay. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 303-08.

The main objectives of the present study was two fold, namely, first to evaluate the baseline Single-Strand Breaks (SSBs) frequency in Cervical Cancer patient's and secondly, to study the radio-protective effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on such cells when exposed to ionising radiation like that of gamma radiation. The reason for proposing such a study is that the DNA of cancer patients has a general tendency to "break", i.e. "Concept of Common Fragile Sites". This is not yet clearly understood as to whether it is the cause or effect of the pathological processes and necessitates looking into the base-line SSBs in this type of patients. Secondly, the main line of treatment of Cervical Cancer is that of radiotherapy & / or surgery, therefore there is a need to protect the normal cells surrounding the tumour tissue during the course of radiotherapy. This could be achieved by means of a radio-modulator such as 2-DG, which protects normal cells and sensitises the tumour tissue, thus acting as a double-edged sword. Hence the study was designed to evaluate the SSBs by Comet Assay (Single cell Agarose Gel Electrophoresis -SAGE) using a silver staining method, which does not require the usage of fluorescent microscopy and can be analysed with the aid of a simple light microscopy. The results showed that the Cervical Cancer patient's peripheral blood lymphocytes are not entirely fragile and the radiation exposure leads to increasing levels of DNA SSBs, which is reduced by 2-DG showing that the compound can be used as an adjuvant to radiotherapy.

2 tables, 30 ref

016063   Khanna P;Tripathi N K;Sharma O P (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir) : Genotoxic effect of mercuric chloride on polytene chromosomes of Chironomus plumosus form B (Chironomidae : Diptera).. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 77-85.

Genotoxic effect of mercuric chloride was observed on the structural organization of the polytene chromosomes of Chironomus plumosus Form B larvae for two successive generations. In chromosomes I, II, III & IV significant differences of chromosome aberrations were found between exposed and control larvae. The results of the investigation suggest that exposure to mercuric chloride enhances the activity of chironomid genome and the resulting changes in the polytene chromosomes provide a subtle indicator of environmental stress.

6 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

016062   Kesarwani S;Mandloi A K;Dube K K (Zoology Dep, Govt. M. H. College of H. Sc. & Sc. for Women, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Biological monitoring of Amkhera pond of Jabalpur city M.P.. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 105-8.

Assesses the water quality and Zooplankton population of Amkhera pond of Jabalpur. The assessment of water quality was based mainly on physico-chemical and biological methods (species diversity indices). Amkhera pond showed low species diversity during the study period which confirms its pollutional status. The results have been supported with the physico-chemical characteristics of the pond water collected simultaneously.

1 table, 17 ref

016061   Ilavarasan N;Thirunavukkarasu N;Mohan R; Anbuganapathi G (P G & Research Zool Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's College, Velur-638 182) : Biochemical effects of medicinal plants on cigarette smoke exposed mice. J Ecobiol 2006, 19(1), 45-50.

Biochemical investigation on the effects of medicinal plants viz. Withania somnifera and Cucurbita alba have been studied in cigarette smoke exposed female Swiss albino mice. The tuber of the Withania somnifera (100 mg/day) and the pulp extract of the Cucurbita alba (1 ml/day ) were given for 30 days respectively. The carbohydrate (75.8 & 70.5 mg%), protein (42.1 & 39.5 mg%) and free sugar (56.9 & 53.2 mg%) were decreased, whereas the lipid (78.3 & 56.7 mg%) and free amino acid (69.2 & 68.1 mg%) were increased in lung and liver tissues of cigarette smoke exposed rats (15 min/day). The increased and decreased values were reverted to near normal in medicinal plants treated and cigarette smoke exposed rats and the combined mixer was more effective than the individual treatments.

1 table, 21 ref

016060   Ibraimov A I;Karagulova G O (Human Genetics Lab, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Togolok Moldo str., 3, Bishkek, 720040, Kyrghyzstan) : Chromosomal Q-heterochromatin variability in neonates decased during first year of age. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 281-5.

The amount of chromosomal Q-heterochromatin regions (Q-HR) in a genome of neonates deceased during first years of life has been analyzed. Chromosome preparations were made from umbilical-cord blood with the subsequent Q-staining in 145 Kyrghyz and 37 Russian neonates. During the first 3 years of life 17 Kyrghyz and 5 Russian neonates have died of various diseases. Mean numbers of Q-HRs per one individual (X) in newborn population were 3.16 ± 0.13 in Kyrgyz and 3.59 ± 0.23 in Russian, whereas in neonates died 4.58 ± 0.23 and 4.80 ± 0.37 respectively. In no group there was not preferential Q-HRs localization on seven Q-polymorphic autosomes. It is supposed that individuals with the greatest amount of Q-HRs in the newborn population have greater probability to die in the first years of life other conditions being equal.

2 tables, 40 ref

016059   Husaini A M;Srivastava D K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173 230) : Plant regeneration and agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer studies in strawberry tissues (Fragaria x ananassa duch.). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 671-8.

Plant regeneration and genetic transformation studies were conducted to standardize a protocol for high frequency plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer in strawberry tissues. Two types of explants viz. leaf and petiole were used. While using leaf as an explant, high frequency direct shoot regeneration was obtained on modified MS medium containing B₅ vitamins, 2% glucose and supplemented with 1.0 mg/l TDZ, 0.5 mg/l IBA and 1.0 mg/l BA. High frequency direct shoot regeneration from petiole explant was obtained on modified MS medium containing B₅ vitamins, 2% glucose and supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l IBA. High percentage root regeneration in in vitro developed shoots was obtained on MS half strength medium when supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Regenerated plantlets of strawberry were transferred to the pots and acclimatized. Disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA 4404 strain containing β-glucuronidase (gus) gene in binary vector pBI 121 along with a kanamycin resistance gene (npt-II) for selection in both bacteria and plant was used for cocultivation experiment to transfer gus and npt-II genes in strawberry cells. After cocultivation, the tissues selected on kanamycin (50 mg/1) containing medium gave rise to transformed calli that were resistant to the antibiotic. Control explants were unable to grow on the selective medium. Transformation experiment could be scored as early as 4 weeks after selection. The presence of foreign gene was demonstrated in the transformed calli by expression of a chimeric bacterial gene that encodes β-glucuronidase.

4 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

016058   Gunasekaran S;Thilak Kumar R;Periyanayagasamy V (P.G. & Research Dep of Physics, Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai-600 030) : Bound blood - drug interaction study of dopamine hydrochloride using UV - visible spectral analysis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 567-70.

Study is made on interaction of Dopamine Hydrochloride a drug belonging to the neurotransmitters with blood (pharmacokinetics) in terms of UV-Visible spectroscopy. Blood-drug interaction is a method of analysis to understand how an administered drug is handled by the body. The pharmacokinetic properties of a particular drug basically related to its absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. An understanding of these drug properties is essential for proper usage. In the investigation, Dopamine Hydrochloride was administered to the living system (non-human) and blood samples were collected at different time intervals. The blood was diluted and the spectral measurements have been made using UV-Visible spectrophotometer.

4 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

016057   Elizabeth K M;Chaitanya C V N;Suribabu P (Microbiology Dep, College of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Visakhapatanam-530 045) : Isolation, identification and characterization of amylase producing microorganisms from Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatanam, Andhra Pradesh. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 601-4.

Bacterial amylases are very important with several commercial uses. Two bacteria were isolated, identified as Bacillus species (SI & Ml) from marine waters of "Bay of Bengal", Visakhapatnam. The amylase production by these two microorganisms was studied at various pH, temperatures and in different media. The effect of different temperatures on enzyme activity of these two bacterial isolates was also carried out. There was highest production of amylase (3066 μg/mL) by Bacillus species - S1 when cultured in Luria Bertain broth for 24 h at pH 8, indicating that the ingredients of this medium can induce amylase production than the other two media used such as amylase production medium and nutrient broth. The enzyme activity was highest at 45°C and 35°C in S1 & Ml strains respectively. These results indicate that these two marine microorganisms can be used for commercial extraction of amylase enzyme for industrial purpose.

4 tables, 6 ref

016056   Dutta A L;Manna A K (Academy of Biodiversity Conservation, , 97, Bangur Avenue, Block-B, Kolkata-700 055) : Potentiality of Oryzias melastigma (McClelland) in mosquito vector control. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(1), 231-3.

Oryzias melastigma, an indigenous larvivore minow is widely distributed in the shallow waters and wetlands of Gangetic plains and Peninsular India-the breeding ground of mosquitoes which act as vectors for a number of transmissible vector-borne diseases. The study indicates that Oryzias melastigma is a prolific breeder and gregarious feeder of mosquito larvae. Early stages of mosquito larvae are effectively controlled by the fish so that no exotic fishes are required to control the increasing mosquito population.

1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

016055   Dube V;Kaskhedikar P (Zoology Dep, Model Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh) : Induction of contact dermatitis by exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 67-70.

Deals with the study of contact dermatitis induced by dermal exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds. Different antigen extracts were injected subcutaneously at various sites of abdomen. Twenty-four hours after the injection, reactions at these sites were observed. Both the test compounds i.e., calcium chromate and potassium dichrornate, acted as skin-allergen and caused contact dermatitis. Potassium dichromate being more toxic, induced higher grade of allergic reaction as compared to that of calcium chromate.

2 tables, 13 ref

016054   Dhake A B;Patil M B (Univ Department of Biochemistry, L.I.T. Premises, Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Chemical and physical mutagenesis of P. purpurogenum for induced production of invertase. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 465-8.

P. purpurogenum isolated in the laboratory was found to produce intracellular and extracellular invertase after 5 and 4 days of incubation, respectively. Conidia of fungus P. purpurogenum were subjected to physical mutagenesis by UV light and for chemical mutagenesis using NTG (3-nitro, 5 methyl guanidine). The colonies were screened after mutagenesis for invertase production. The chemical and physical mutagenesis of P. purpurogenum resulted in evolution of fungal strain with more invertase production.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

016053   Dey B;Srivastava R (Life Sceince Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar Campus, West Tripura) : Nitrogen metabolism in Vigna rediata L. Wilczek in relation to application of gibberellicacid. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 139-43.

Effect of spray treatment of different concentrations (1, 10 and 50 μg/ml) of gibberellic acid was studied on in vivo nitrate reductase (NR) activity and level of soluble protein in the leaves and nitrogenase (N2-ase) activity, leghaemoglobin content and soluble protein in the nodules of Vigna radiata. All the experiments were performed on day 7, 14 and 21 days after spray of gibberellic acid to 15-day-old plants. Each concentration of gibberellic acid was found to be stimulatory. In the control plants, in vivo nitrate reductase (NR) activity and soluble protein in the leaves was maximum on 15th day after germination (zero day observation). The soluble protein in the nodules was maximum on 7th day after spray. The nitrogenase activity was maximum on day 14 after spray whereas the leghaemoglobin content was maximum on day 21 after spray. In the sprayed plants the in vivo NR activity in the leaves and nitrogenase activity in the nodules was maximum on day 14 after spray and the soluble protein in the leaves was maximum on day 7 after spray. The leghaemoglobin content and soluble protein in the nodules was maximum on day 21 after spray. The 10 μg/ml gibberellic acid was found to be the optimum concentration for enhancement of almost all the parameters of nitrogen metabolism studied in the investigation.

2 tables, 28 ref

016052   Das C K;Pandey A (Environmental Physiology and Biotechnology Dep, GP Pant Institute of Himalayan Environmental and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263 643, Email: anita@gbpihed.nic.in) : Fermentation of traditional beverages prepared by Bhotiya community of Uttaranchal Himalaya. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(1), 136-40.

Balam, a wheat based starter culture, is used in several fermentation processes practiced by Bhotiya community of high altitude of Uttaranchal Himalaya. A total number of 32 microbial cultures were isolated from nine samples of Balam. Two species of Gram-positive spore forming bacteria (belonging to genus Bacillus) and three of yeasts (Saccharmycopsis fibuligera, Kluyveromyces maxianus, and Sacharomyces sp.) dominated the microflora of Balam. The fermentation causing microbes exhibited wide range of temperature, pH and alcohol tolerance.

3 tables, 16 ref

016051   Das B C;Sanyal S;Bujarbaruah K M;Das P K; Ghosh P R;Naskar S;Khan M H;Das A B;Bandopadhyay S (Veterinary Physiology Dep, WB University of Animals & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700 037) : DNA integrity test for boar spermatozoa following preservation with BTS diluent. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(1), 59-62.

The assessment of DNA integrity influenced by sperm ageing, which is manifested in DNA double strand break was performed under neutral condition using comet assay. An attempt has been made to use modified neutral comet assay which also could be termed as single cell gel electrophoresis to assess DNA integrity of boar spermatozoa during liquid storage for 24, 48 and 72 hours at 24" C. In the protocol 2% β-mercaptoethanol has been used prior to the lysis procedure for removing nuclear protein. A total of six boars, three each from Hampshire and Crossbred (Hampshire X Khasi local) taken for this study. Ejaculates sample taken for comet at 0 hour and then preserved for 24, 48 and 72 hours at 24°C. At 0 hour comet percentage was minimum and as the time advances it increases along with time. There was no individual variation among the boars and between the breeds. Study indicates there was elevated level of DNA damage at prolong storage (72 hours) and it seems that long term storage can affect genomic integrity of boar spermatozoa. Therefore, screening of sperm DNA damage may be used as an additional test of sperm function that can have diagnostic value in practice.

2 tables, 10 ref

016050   Daniel P K N;David K;Kee-Seng C (Community Dep, Occupational and Family Medicine (MD3) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117597, Email: cofnpkd@nus.edu.sg) : Large scale hapmap genotyping and the possibility of genome center-specific effects. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 297-301.

HapMap samples are currently being genotyped using different high throughput protocols at various international genome centres. To determine if there are any differences between SNP genotypes that may be related to these protocols, authors analysed an initial set A consisting of 2,200 SNPs (100 SNPs from each autosome) typed in 90 HapMap CEU samples. Although SNP composition in terms of percentage of transitions and transversions was similar across protocols, one (termed "PI") yielded a high prevalence (39.9%) of mono-morphic SNPs (i.e. those with heterozygosity = 0) which was generally double that observed for the other protocols (corrected P-value (P_c) <60> 0.01). To examine this issue further, author enlarged the dataset to include a total of 22,000 SNPs (1000 SNPs per autosome). While results in this larger dataset B remained similar for all other protocols, the prevalence of mono-morphic SNPs genotyped using "PI" declined by nearly half from 39.9% to 19.1% (P_c <60> 1x10^-7). Stratifying both the initial and larger datasets by genome centres, it was observed that the prevalence of polymorphic SNPs (defined as those with heterozygosity <62>0 and <60>= 0.5) genotyped using "PI" increased from 42% to more than 70% at two locations while staying relatively consistent at the remaining centres. Although our analysis does not allow us to pinpoint the precise cause for this discrepancy, the findings clearly advocate greater caution when using high throughput technologies in order to ensure consistent genotype calls.

2 tables, 4 ref

016049   D'cruz F G;Miranda M T P (P G and Research Dep of Zoology, F M N College, Kollam-691 001) : Sublethal effects of titanium dioxide industrial effluents on biochemical composition of the fish Oreochromis mossambicus. J Ecobiol 2006, 19(1), 1-8.

The biochemical constituents namely glycogen, protein and lipid of muscle and liver of Oreochromis mossambicus were estimated after exposing the fish to sublethal concentrations of titanium dioxide industrial effluents for a period of seven days. Significant decrease (3.24 - 2.57%) in the glycogen content was observed when O. mossambicus were exposed to lower concentrations (0.02 to 1%) of the effluents of varying levels of toxicity from four different outlets, while there was an increase (from 3.24 to 6.02%) in muscle glycogen of the fishes exposed to higher concentrations (0.1 to 3%). The protein content decreased from 67.5 to 60.0% as the concentration of the effluents increased, although there was an increase (68.1 to 69.2%) in the lower concentration. The lipid concentration of the tissues steadily decreased from 22.7 to 12.3% as the concentration of the effluents increased. The combined effects of environmental acidification, hypoxia and contamination by a mixture of heavy metallic components due to the mixing of the effluents, seem to be the reasons for these negative alterations in the metabolism of O. mossambicus.

3 tables, 27 ref

016048   Cyrus C;Teena K;Paul S F D;Chandra N;Meena J; Anuradha D;Ramesh A;Gopinath P M;Marimuthu K M (Genetics Dep, Dr. ALM. PG. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-600 113) : Familial robertsonian translocation 13;21 in a down syndrome patient with XYY/XY mosaicism. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 291-5.

Double aneuploidy involving XYY and trisomy 21 is rare. XYY/XY mosaicism has been described in only a single down syndrome patient. The Robertsonian translocation t(13;21) is also rare among these individuals. Authors report for the first time the occurrence of t(13;21) in a mosaic XYY down male. Analysis of GTG-banded metaphases revealed the karyotype of the propositus to be mos 47,XYY,der(13;21)(q10;q10),+21/46,XY,der(13;21),+21. Both his father and paternal grandfather were found to be carriers for the translocation. This 10-month-old child who presented with typical features of down syndrome, developed leukemia and died at the age of 2 1/4 years.

4 illus, 13 ref

016047   Christy A M V (Biotechnology Dep, Thanthai hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212) : Identification of Indian cassava mosaic virus using molecular techniques. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 641-2.

Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), caused by Indian cassava mosaic virus in India is a major constrain For cassava cultivation. The success of disease management relies on the use of virus free planting material coupled with sensitive detection techniques. Meristem culture proved to be an important technique for virus elimination. In the present study meristem culture samples of different cassava varieties were indexed for the absence or presence of the virus. Seven varieties of cassava were established in the present study. While performing 1C, SC and PC-PCR meristem cultured samples of H-165 showed amplification together with the ICMV infected cassava field samples. But meristem cultured samples of Sree prakashand H-226 showed no amplification indicating the absence of the virus.

2 illus, 4 ref

016046   Choudhary N;Joshi S C;Goyal R (Zoology Dep, Reproductive Toxicology Unit, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Effect of malathion on testicular cell population dynamics and fertility of male rat. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 17-21.

Purpose of the study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of malathion on testicular cell population dynamics and fertility of male rat. The tested dose was given orally to the WISTAR rats for 60 days at the dose level 300 mg/kg. b. wt/day. A significant reduction in the weights of testes and acessory sex organs were observed. The spermatozoal motility and density were decreased. A sharp decline in fertility (80% negative) was also observed in malathion exposed rats. Spermatids along with consistent impairment of primary and secondary spermatocytes were observed. The primary and secondary spermatocytes were reduced by 89-95% respectively. A 65% reduction in spermatid cell population was noted, while the population of sertoli cells was slightly changed. Mature leydig cells were also reduced by 58-63%.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

016045   Bhide M;S Kumar;Kharya V;Mourya S;Rai R; Agarwal S (Zoology Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour V V., Sagar-470 003) : Correlation of protein and lipid profiles depletion with histopathological changes in the resorption of occytes of Periplaneta Americana induced by Delonix regia extract exposure. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 27-34.

American cockroach is a significant pest of food, fodder and households. It is prolific breeder and transmitting a number of diseases in human beings and also having high rate of fertility. Hence the investigation is aimed to device the means of fertility control in cockroaches. The cockroaches were treated with sub lethal concentrations of Delonix regia seed extract and protein and lipid fractions were detected in the ovaries of control and experimental female insects 6,12,18, 24 and 30 days by paper electrophoresis. The gradual increase in the number of protein and lipid fractions in the ovaries of control insects indicated the phase of vitellogenesis while depletion in the numbers as well as the decrease in the intensity of protein and lipid fractions due to the intoxication effect in the treated was correlated with the formation of large number of degenerated pathological oocytes in the ovaries which never attain such maturity which is required for oviposition.

10 illus

016044   Bhasin M K (NO, , B-2 (GF), South City II, Gurgaon-122 002) : Genetics of castes and tribes of India: somatometry. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 323-56.

The discipline of human population bioiogy incorporates study of biology and environment factors, as well as the forces of micro-evolution leading to macro-evolution which ultimately influence the biological structure of human populations. The unit of study in understanding variations in man is a 'breeding population' some times also referred to as 'Mendelian population'. India is inhabited by people of great diversity, different creeds and customs forming what may be designated as multiple (or plural) society. There are about 3000 castes in India, some have genesis in tribal stock while others are occupational, linguistic religious and territorial entities. Each caste is a social unit or what may be called 'monopolistic guild' in itself. All these groups are not entirely independent; usually people belong to two or more of such groups at the same time. India is a country with distinct geographical entity and is marked off from rest of Asia by both mountains and sea. Indian sub-continent may be divided into four natural regions: (1) The Himalayan Mountain Complex, (2) The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains, (3) The Peninsular Plateau and (4) The Islands. The climate of India has many regional variations determined by locations, altitude, distance from the sea or the mountains and the general relief. India is divided into eight climatic regions based on the monthly value of temperature and precipitation. India is a Union comprising 25 States and 7 Union Territories and these may be categorised into six zones (North, West, East, Central, South India and Islands). Himalayan region may be divided into three divisions (Western, Central and Eastern Himalayan Regions). The present paper aims at investigating first the variation in the people of India in regional (Natural Regions of India, Climatic Regions of India, Political Divisions of India), ethnic (castes, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, communities), traditional occupational and linguistic groups and families with the help somatometry measurement and indices. Second, to study the variation with the help of biostatistics methods in the region, ethnic groups and linguistic groups. The basic data were collected from the literature and it was categorized in regional, ethnic, occupational and linguistic groups and coded accordingly for the analysis on computer.

10 illus, 6 tables, 89 ref

016043   Bhalchandra W (Zoology Dep, Rashtriya Arts, Science and Commerce College, Chalisgaon. Distt. Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Changes induced in the arginase enzyme activity in hepatopancreas of the fresh water bivalve, Parreysia cylindrica, under pesticidal stress. Natn J Life Sci 2006, 2(1-2), 35-8.

Metabolic enzyme arginase in the hepatopancreas of the fresh water bivalve, Parreysia cylindrica was studied in relation to pesticidal stress. Arginase which is an important enzyme in the excretory physiology, showed decrease in the level after pesticidal treatments. The inhibition in arginase enzyme activity after acute and chronic pesticidal stress increased as the period of exposure was increased. A significant depletion in arginase enzyme activity was found in endosulfan treated bivalves, Parreysia cylindrica and it was followed by cypermethrin and carbaryl.

2 tables, 12 ref

016042   Balgir R S (Division of Human Genetics, Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR), Opposite Kalinga Hospital, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar-751 023, Email: balgirrs@yahoo.co.in) : Sickle cell disease carrier family with a pair of dizygotic twins from Kalahandi district of Western Orissa, India. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(4), 287-90.

The sickle cell disease is a genetically inherited commonly encountered hematological disorder that causes high degree of morbidity, mortality and fetal wastage. The suspected cases of hemoglobinopathies suffering from anemia are routinely referred from different peripheral Primary Health Centres and Hospitals in the state of Orissa (India) to dealing Centre for detailed investigations and genetic/marriage counselling. Of these, a scheduled caste (Domb) family with twin children was referred from Kalahandi district of the state and was studied in detail. A carrier couple of sickle cell disease had born twin offspring with both carrier as well as the homozygous sickle cell disease. It is a rare occasion when a single pregnancy carries either two or more distinct abnormal genotypes at a time in a womb in human beings. Dizygotic twins are genetically different and provide appraisal of the expression of different genotypes under the same environment.

1 table, 4 ref

016041   Amsavent P;Kannaiyan S (Faculty of Biotechnology, International University College of Technology Twintech, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia) : Influence of phosphorus and potassium sources on the growth, nitrogen fixing activity and ammonia excretion of salt tolerant cyanobacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 455-60.

Three salt tolerant cyanobacterial cultures viz., Anabaena-TR-52-ST, Nosfoc-BS-60-ST2 and Westiellopsis-TR-5-ST3 isolated from saline and sodic soils of Tamil Nadu were employed in this study. The results revealed that both phosphorus sources viz., single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate have positively influenced the growth, nitrogen fixing activity and ammonia excretion of all the three algal cultures. Compared to rock phosphate, single superphosphate at 10 and 20 ppm has accelarated the growth, nitrogenase activity and ammonia excretion of algal cultures. Among the three algal cultures, Westillopsis-TR-5-ST3 has registered higher parameters mentioned above than the other two cultures. Of the two potassium sources tested in this study, potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) have increased the growth, ammonia excretion and nitrogenase activity of all the cyanobacterial cultures. The results suggest that addition of phosphorus and potassium nutrients trigger the growth, nitrogenase activity and ammonia excretion of salt tolerant cyanobacterial cultures.

8 tables, 20 ref

016040   Amsaveni P;Kannaiyan S (Faculty of Biotechnology, International University College of Technology Twintech, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: amsaashi@yahoo.com) : Isolation of salt tolerant cyanobacteria from saline and sodic soils of Tamil Nadu. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(3), 423-7.

Cyanobacterial cultures were isolated from saline and sodic soils of Tamil Nadu. The pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) of saline and sodic soils were 8.9, 9.8 and 3.64 dSn^-1, 1.23 dSnv^-1 respectively based on the growth and biomass production. Twenty seven cultures were isolated from 150 soil samples. Predominant genera were Nostoc sp. (51.9%), followed by Anabaena sp. (37.0%), Wesiiellopsis (3.7%) Oscillatoria (3.7%) and Aphanocapsa (3.7%). Among these 27 cyanobacterial cultures, only 10 salt tolerant algal cultures were selected on screening by testing against 1000 and 2000 ppm of sodium chloride. On further screening based on the growth, biomass production and ammonia excretion three strains were found to be very efficient viz Anabaena-TR52-STI, Nostoc-BS-60-ST2and Westiellopsis-TR-5-ST3.

7 tables, 11 ref

016039   Agrawal S (Dept of Anthropology, University of Rajasthan, ) : Pattern of physical growth and nutritional status of school going mina boys in Rajasthan. Oriental Anthrop 2006, 6(2), 376-83.

Study was conducted among 119 school going Mina boys aged between 10 to 18 years to draw the pattern of physical growth and their nutritional status. Anthropometric measurements such as stature and weight were taken. Increment in growth, maturity sequence, Body Mass Index and Waterlow classification were exercised to estimate the pattern of physical growth and prevalent forms of malnutrition. However their physical growth remains lower as compared with the recommendations of NCHS. In all 90.75% boys suffer from various grades of ced. 41.18% and 26.05% boys were suffering from current moderate form of malnutrition and current and severe form of malnutrition respectively. Problem of malnutrition is more severe during pre and early phases of adolescence.

2 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

014889   Yangala K;Suryanarayana T (Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500 046) : Studies on structural stability of thermophilic Sulfolobus acidocaldarius ribosomes. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 19-25.

Structural stability of thermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius ribosomes, with respect their susceptibility to pancreatic RNase A and stability to temperature ΔT_m, on treatment with various stabilizing (polyamines) and destabilizing (sulthydryl and intercalating) agents were studied and compared with mesophilic E. coli ribosomes, to understand the structural differences between thermophilic and mesophilic ribosomes. Thermophilic archaeal ribosomes and their subunits were 10-times less susceptible to pancreatic RNase A, compared to mesophilic ribosomes, showing the presence of strong and compact structural organization in them. Thermophilic ribosomes treated with destabilizing agents, such as sulthydryl reagents [5,5'-Dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), N-ethylmalcimide and p-hydroxymercurybenzoate) and intercalating agents (ethidium bromide. ElBr) showed higher stability to RNase A, compared to similarly treated mesophilic ribosomes, indicating the unavailability of thiol-reactive groups and the presence of strong solvent inaccessible inner core. Higher stability of thermophilic ribosomes compared to mesophilic ribosomes to unfolding agents like urea further supported the presence of strong inner core particle. Thermophilic ribosomes treated with intercalating agents, such as EtBr were less susceptible to RNase A. though they bound to more reagent, showing the rigidity or resilience of their macromolecular structure to alterations caused by destabilizing agents. Overall, these results indicated that factors such as presence of strong solvent inaccessible inner core and rigidity of ribosome macromolecular structure contributed stability of thermophilic ribosomes to RNase A and other destabilizing agents, when compared to mesophilic ribosomes.

5 illus, 37 ref

014888   Wang Y;Gao X;Su Q;Wu W;An L (Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Enviorment and Life, Dailian University of Technology, Dalian, China, Email: anlijia@gmail.com) : Expression of a heat stable phytase from Aspergillus fumigatus in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. NC89). Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 26-30.

Aspergillus fumigatus contains a heat-stable phytase of great potential. To determine whether this phytase could be expressed in plants as a functional enzyme, authors introduced the phytase gene from A. fumigatus (fphyA) in tobacco (Nicotiana labacuin L. cv. NC89) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Phytase expression was controlled by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Secretion of recombinant phytase (tfphyA) to the extracellular fluid was established by use of the signal sequence from tobacco calreticulin. Forty-one independent transgenic plants were generated. Single-copy line A was selected based on segregation of T₁, seeds for kanamycin resistance, phytase expression and Southern blotting analysis for use in further study. After 4-weeks of plant growth, the phytase was accumulated in leaves up to 2.3% of total soluble protein. tfphyA was functional and shared similar profiles of pH, temperature and thermal stability to the same enzyme expressed in Pichia pastoris (pfphyA). The expressed enzyme had an apparent molecular mass of 63 kDa and showed maximum activity at pH 5.5, and temperature, 55°C. It had a high thermostability and retained 28.7% of the initial activity even after incubation at 90°C for 15 min. The above results showed that the thermostable A. fumigatus phytase could be expressed in tobacco as a functional enzyme and thus has the potential of overexpressing it in other crop plants also.

014887   Vishnu Prasad S;Ballal M;Shivananda P G (Microbiology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576 104, Email: mamatha_98@yahoo.com) : Paraffin baiting system for demonstration of growth and biofilm production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 258-60.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the commonest pathogens among the pseudomonads. This organism can grow in minimal nutritional requirements. Because of the ability of pseudomonas to grow on paraffin is not commonly found among other human pathogens and the primary human pathogen being P. aeruginosa, Author studied the adaptation of this organism to paraffin baiting system for growth and biofilm formation. Strains were tested for the capacity to use paraffin as the sole source of carbon using Czapek's minimal salt medium. Of the 53 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, 20 strains exhibited growth by 24 hrs and 42 strains by 48 hrs. The remaining strains did not show any growth in the paraffin baiting system. The oxidase test with the paraffin baiting system was also performed. This simple and inexpensive method can be used to isolate and demonstrate the biochemical and biofilm forming capacity of the organism.

1 table, 21 ref

014886   Ulianova O V;Ulyanov S S;Sazanova E V;Zhihong Z;Sibo A;Luo Q;Zudina I;Bednov A (NO, Saratov State Agrarian Univ, 410012, Moskovskaya 155, Saratov, Russia) : Photoinactivation of bacteria of Francisella tularensis by dynamic low-coherent speckles. Asian J Phys 2006, 15(1), 101-17.

Biochemical, biophysical and optical aspects of interaction of low-coherent light with bacterial cells have been discussed. Influence of low-coherent speckles on the colonies grows is investigated. It has been demonstrated that effects of light on the inhibition or re-activation of cells are connected with speckle dynamics. The regimes of illumination of cell suspension with purpose of devitalization of hazard bacteria, caused very dangerous infections, are found. Mathematical model of interaction of low-coherent laser radiation with bacteria suspension has been proposed. Computer simulations of the processes of laser-cells interaction have been carried out.

10 illus, 22 ref

014885   Tripathi C K M;Tripathi D;Vandana Praveen; Vinod Bihari (Fermentation Technology Dep, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ckmtcdri@yahoo.com) : Microbial diversity - biotechnology and industrial perspectives. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(4), 326-32.

Biodiversity is an addition sum of the studies on genetic, taxonomic commercial and ecosystem aspects of living systems. All the living individuals of a species contain 9 distinct combination of genes and the intrinsic interaction among the gene pool influences evolution, survival and phenotypic/genotypic changes of the part of the biodiversity i.e. community. The amount of genetic diversity within population varies tremendously and much of modern conservation biology is concerned with the maintenance of genetic diversity within the population of plants, animals and microbes. Germplasm, obtained with the vast biodiversity, provides a major source of biological material for the development of medicines, vaccines, pharmaceutical products, improved crop and animal varieties and for other environmental applications. Industrialized nations, who have the technology and resources to patent and develop commercial biological products, are having the benefits of biodiversity through the collected and conserved germplasm flowing through the international research centers. In fact a particular genetic contribution usually represents only a small percentage of the total value of the eventual products. In addition, the research and development process required to commercialize a particular product requires enormous technical efforts. The principle of patenting genes is the morally or ethically correct is a matter of intense debate. However, geneticists, having conceived of the technologies with vast and immediate therapeutic, food and environmental values must try to bring to the material to market as soon as possible.

^iia32 ref

014884   Sunilkumar P N;Sadasivan C;Devakay K S; Haridas M (School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam-686 560, Email: mharidasm@rediffmail.com) : Conformation of an octapeptide fragment (2,9) of kaliocin-1 DMSO-d₆ by <. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(1), 44-9.

Kaliocin-1, a 31-residue synthetic peptide (FFSASCVPGADKGQFPNLCRLCA GTGENKCA), which has shown the antimicrobial activity forms the 152-182 fragment of human lactoferrin (HLf). As the octapeptide FSASCVPG forms the 2-9 fragment of kaliocin-1, its conformation in dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆ (DMSO-d₆) has been determined using two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as well as restrained molecular dynamics. Sequence specific assignments of all the ¹H resonances have been carried out using 2D correlation experiments (2D DQF-COSY, TOCSY and ROESY). In dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆ at 25°C, the octapeptide adopts a predominantly extended backbone conformation. The calculated structure resembles closely with the reported structure of the corresponding fragment of HLf. The peptide also has sequence and structural similarity with the corresponding fragments of lactoferrins from other organism.

7 illus, 29 ref

014883   Sivanesan D; Hazeena Begum V (Unit of Biochem, Siddha Medicine Dep, Faculty of Science, Tamil University, Thanjavur-613 005, Email: drhazeenabiomed@yahoo.com) : Preventive role of Gynandropsis gynandra L., against aflatoxin B₁ induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanism in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(3), 299-303.

G. gynandra extract was found to potentially diminish the rate of lipid peroxidation, with a significant increase in the levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione vitamins E and C, and uric acid) antioxidants, which were found, altered during aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) injection. The result confirmed that G. gynandra extract exerts its chemopreventive efficacy by preventing the rate of lipid peroxidation and influenced the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in AFB₁ induced male albino rats.

3 tables, 45 ref

014882   Singh A P;Jain V;Sawhney S K (Biochemistry Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, CCS Haryana Agricultural Uni, Hisar-125 004) : Reactivation of nitrate reductase by potassium ferricyanide in water-stressed seedlings of wheat and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) depends on intensity of stress. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2006, 12(2), 139-43.

Activity of nitrate reductase (NR: EC 1.6.6.1) declined sharply in the leaves of Pennisetum glaucum and wheat seedlings subjected to water stress by either withholding irrigation or irrigating the plants with polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing nutrient solution. Incubation of the leaf extracts with potassium ferricyanide almost completely restored the enzyme activity in mildly stressed polyethylene glycol-treated (-0.4 MPa) wheat and Pennisetum glaucum seedlings but not in plants experiencing more severe stress due to deprivation of water, or due to prolonged and/or higher concentrations of polyethylene glycol. The results suggest that the decline in nitrate reductase activity, during the incipient stages of water stress is largely due to redox-mediated inactivation of enzyme and that other mechanisms become operational only at advanced stages of stress.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref