012643   Refera B;Bekele A (Biology Dep, Addis Ababa Univ, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: afeworkbekele@hotmail.com ) : Population status and structure of Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Mazie national park, Ethiopia. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2006, 32(3), 259-64.

Status and structure of Swayne's hartebeest (Akelaphus buselaphus swaynei )population were studied in the newly established Mazie National Park, Ethiopia, during the 2002-2003. The ground total counts were 277 and 242 during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Females adults comprised 56.0%, while male adults were only 27.4% of the total population. Calves represented 16.6%. The population increased during the dry season (December-March), with the peak in December. The group structure of the animals varied with season. A relatively large herd size was observed during the wet season (largest herd 20 animals). The number of individuals fluctuated in each of the counting blocks. At present, human encroachment for agriculture and livestock is minimal but poaching and wild fire continue to affect the populations of Swayne's hartebeest in Mazie National Park.

4 illus, 2 tabels, 20 ref

012642   Rane A D;Kumar B M;Ashokan P K (College of Forestry, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, Email: ajaydrane_van@rediffmail.com) : Mangrove zonation pattern at Puduvyppu in Kochi, Kerala, India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2006, 32(3), 287-94.

Mangrove forest of Puduvyppu located on the west cost of India (District Ernakulam, Kerala) was investigated with an objective to characterize the species distribution along the sea-land interface (from the seashore to 1200 m inwards). The phytosociological analysis showed a marked zonation pattern of species diversity and their distribution in this forest. The species diversity decreased from the sea-land interface towards the land whereas, the density and basal area of the predominant species increased. A phenomenon called "tidal sorting" caused zonal distribution of species and higher nutrient contents in the landward site compared with the seaward sites resulted in higher species density and basal area. Thus, the variations in the edaphic attributes and site specificity of the colonizing species is a unique character of this ecosystem. The ecorestoration activities at this site should, therefore, consider species distribution attributes, especially in deciding the most appropriate species for afforestation at a particular site; for example, Sonneratia caseolaris on the seaward side and Bruguiera cylindrica and Avicennia officinalis on the landward side.

3 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

012641   Randhawa V;Rupinder Kuar (Extension Education Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 001) : Module based instruction on parenthood education for promoting knowledge of rural adolescent girls. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2006, 25(2), 121-4.

The present attemptt is focused on development of a series of four printed instructional modules on four different topics related to parenthood education viz physiology of reproduction, preparation for marriage, preparation for parenthood and responsibilities during parenthood. On the basis of content of each module a battery of four knowledge tests was constructed i.e. one test for each module. Each test was a combination of multiple choice and true- false type test items and a score of one was allotted to each correct response. The printed modules were pre tested on 10 non-sampled neo-literate rural girls and then field tested on 30 neo-literate rural girls from two villages i.e. Mallan and Kaoni ofMuktsar district of Punjab. Difference of pre and post scores were considered as gain in knowledge scores. The average scores were worked out for testing knowledge gain on each module. Ranks were assigned on the basis of critical difference. Analysis of variance was also calculated. All the modules were found to be effective in terms of gain in knowledge. However, maximum gain in knowledge was reported through module HI on 'Preparation parenthood' and the least gain was reported for module I on 'Physiology of reproduction.

2 tables, 1 ref

012640   Ramdas K;Ramachandra Y L;Padmalatha;Rai S (Biotechnology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri-577 451) : Antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts of Asparagus racemosus. Geobios 2006, 33(4), 279-80.

The leaf extracts of Asparagus racemosus in different ratios of petroleum ether and chloroform, tested on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed pronounced inhibition on them.

1 table, 4 ref

012639   Raje D V;Purohit H J;Lijnzaad P;Singh R N (Environmental Genomics Unit, National Environmental Engineering Research Institue, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-400 020, Email: hemantdrd@hotmail.com) : Statistical analysis of counts and spacing of consistent repeating patterns in a set of homologous DNA sequences. Curr Sci 2006, 91(6), 789-95.

Unusual patterns in nucleic acid or protein sequencers are often suspected for their biological relevancertte peating patterns of nucleotides are one such type and are typically searched in large genome sequences. In this exercise, our interest is to look for repeating patterns, which are conserved in a set of homologous DNA se-Quences, not only in terms of their counts/occurrences, but also their spacing/separating distances. Authors refer to such patterns as consistent repeating patterns. It becomes desirable to know the probability of multiple occurrence of pattern in sequences and whether the spacing due to occurrences of pattern in the sequence exhibits any statistically significant property. The information derived through statistical analysis may help in planning experiments or even raise new queries that may require attention to better understand the molecular mechanisms. A case study with four hundred 16S rDNA sequences resulted into nine most consistent repeating patterns. The statistical significance of counts of these patterns was studied using Poisson approximation. The spacing analysis of patterns was carried with recourse to uniform probability distribution. The analysis revealed that most of the patterns show significant clustering, with one pattern occurring thrice and evenly dispersed in a sequence. The significance of occurrence and spacing of repeating patterns raised a few queries which requires explanation, perhaps through experimentation.

5 tables, 22 ref

012638   Raja P;Sundaram S (Agrl Microbilogy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Combined inoculation effect of pink pigmented facultative Methylobacterium (PPFM) and other bioinoculants on cotton. Asian J Bio Sci 2006, 1(2), 39-44.

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

012637   Parthasarathy U;Saji K V;Jayarajan K; Parthasarathy V A (NO, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu PO Calicut-673 012, Email: utpala@iisr.org) : Biodiversity of Piper in South India application of GIS and cluster analysis. Curr Sci 2006, 91(5), 652-58.

Sixteen Piper species, including P. nigrum, have been collected from the 483 sites, majority from Western Ghats and maintained at the Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut. Fifteen qualitative morphological characters of 16 wild species of southern India were studied and plotted for the hierarchical clustering, using SPSS software. The cluster groups were compared using BIOCLIM model of DIVA-GIS to identify the areas or 'niches' where Piper species occur predominantly. A grid of 50 X 50 km cells and a circular neighbourhood with a radius of 50 km to assign points to grid cells was used to map species richness and species diversity. The highest richness grid was found to have 15-16 species, while the highest diversity value was found to be 1.8 to 3.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

012636   Nath R;Pani Prasad K (Central Institute of Fisheries Education, (ICAR), Versova, Mumbai-400 061) : Effect of vibrio toxin on haematology of Clarias batrachus. J Ecobiol 2006, 19(2), 101-4.

Toxin of vibrios comprise of lipid polysaccharides and protein that were extracted from species Vibrio alginolyticus through centrifugation in broth culture. Haematological studies conducted for toxin injected Clarias batrachus showed that values were decreased for the blood parameters viz Haemoglobin (37.6%). haematocrit (29.4%), RBC (10%) and increase for the parameters WBC (63.6%), ESR from 0.2 mm to 3.625 mm when compared to normal one. Red Blood Cell indices found to be decrease for MCH (8.3%), MCHC(13.79%) and increase for MCV (17.64%) in the case of toxin injected fish.The differential count of leucocytes was increased viz lymphocytes (6.6%) and monocytes (75%) was indication of stress condition of fish. Toxin injected fish indicated anaemic condition which is one of the most important symptoms of vibriosis.

1 table, 9 ref

012635   Moghaddar N;Tabai B;Mahjoob M (Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345-1958, Iran, Email: nasrinmoghadar@yahoo.com) : Estimation of inorganic and biochemical constituents of Parascaris equorum from horse in Iran. J appl Anim Res 2006, 30(2), 153-5.

Inorganic constituents of adult Parascaris equorum worms revealed the presence of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, lead, chloride, cobalt, manganese, copper, lithium, nickel and silver in variable quantities. Though silver, nickel and lithium were in traces yet their presence was interesting. The analysis also showed triglycerides, cholesterol, protein, albumin and glucose. Excretory products viz. creatinine, uric acid and urea were also observed and the latter was in distinct quantity (12.8 mg/dl). The whole worms also contained 16 amino acids, namely phenylalanine, tyrosine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, serins, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Alanine was in maximum quantity (19.3 μM/g) whereas aspartic acid was minimum (0.6 μM/g). Besides, lactic acid and ammonia were also present. Enzymatic components included creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphodehydrogenase.

3 tables, 8 ref

012634   Kota S;Rao N D R;Chary P (Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanthi Nilayam Campus, Puttaparthi-515 134, Email: pchary2000@yahoo.com) : In vitro response of select regions of Azadirachta indica A. juss (Meliaceae) as elucidated by biochemical and molecular variations. Curr Sci 2006, 91(6), 770-6.

Micro-populations of neem from alkaline and neutral soils were grouped into high and low azadirachtin-A containing plants, respectively. The leaf explants from the seedlings of high azadirachtin-A containing seeds exhibited the best callus induction response on MS medium supplemented with NAA, whereas leaf explant of the seedlings from low azadirachtin-A seeds showed similar response on MS medium with Kn in addition to NAA. Calli from most of the explants showed root differentiation after 30 days, whereas the callus obtained from the leaf explants alone also redifferentiated into shoots. Callus biomass from leaf explants was increased by cold-treatment. Biochemical studies revealed detectable amounts of azadirachtin-A only in cotyledons of the seedlings from high azadirachtin-A containing seeds. Other secondary metabolites such as steroids and saponins were detected from calli of several explants from the seedlings of both high and low azadirachtin-A containing seeds. Genomic DNA amplification studies showed polymorphism not only between the two azadirachtin-A groups but also within that of DNA from the tender leaves, in vitro seedlings of high azadirachtin-A yielding seeds and calli of leaf explants.

3 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

012633   Kamboj D V;Agarwal G S;Dwarkanath B S; Adhikari J S;Alam S I;Lokendra Singh (NO, Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior-474 002) : Flow-cytometric analysis of Bacillus anthracis spores. Def Sci J 2006, 56(5), 769-74.

Flow-cytometric technique has been established as a powerful tool for detection and identification of microbiological agents. Unambiguous and rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis spores has been reported using immunoglobulin G-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate against live spores. In addition to the high sensitivity, the present technique could differentiate between spores of closely related species, eg, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis using fluorescence intensity. The technique can be used for detection of live as well as inactivated spores making it more congenial for screening of suspected samples of bioterrorism.

5 illus, 16 ref

012632   Jadhav M;Fatima S;Kshma K;Jain C (Botany Dep, Sir Sayyed College, Roshan Gate, Aurangabad-431 001) : Preliminary investigation on microflora of rain water at Aurangabad. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(4), 328-9.

10 ref

012631   Ibraimov A I;Karagulova G O (Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Togolok Moldo str., 3, Bishkek-720 040) : Chromosomal Q-heterochromatin regions in individuals of various age groups. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(3), 219-28.

Quantitative content of chromosomal Q-heterochromatin regions was studied in individuals of different age groups taking into account their racial and ethnic affiliation. It was shown that chromosomal Q-HRs are most numerous in the genome of neonates, while they are the least numerous in the genome of elderly subjects (aged 60 years and older) regardless of the ethnic features of the individuals studied. It is supposed that the lesser amount of Q-HRs in the genome of elderly subjects is due to the selective advantage in their survival to old age. The possible selective value of chromosomal Q-HRs is discussed.

11 tables, 29 ref

012630   Hisar O;Beydemir S;Bulbul M;Yanik T (Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ataturk, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey, Email: tyanik@atauni.edu.tr) : Kinetic properties of carbonic anhydrase purified from gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). J appl Anim Res 2006, 30(2), 185-8.

Kinetic behavior and some properties of carbonic anhydrase enzyme purified from gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were studied at 4C. The purification steps included high-speed centrifugation, sepharose-4B-L tyrosine-sulfanilamide affinity gel chromatography and dialysis. Yield and specific activity of the enzyme were 40% and 55.56 EU/mg protein, respectively. The overall purification was 104.8-fold. The molecular mass was approximately estimated as 28 kDa by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and as 27 kDa by gel filtration column chromatography. Optimal pH, stable pH and optimal temperature of the enzyme were 9.5, 8.2 in 0.025 M boric acid buffer and 17.5C, respectively. K_M and V_max values of the enzyme for the substrate (p-nitrophenylacetate) were 8.13 mM and 2.10 μmol/mg protein/min, respectively. The dissociation constant of the enzyme inhibitor complex (K) value was 3.93±0.65 μM for sulfanilamide and sulfanilamide inhibited the enzyme in a noncompetitive manner. Data from study showed that optimum kinetic properties of gill CA enzyme were different from other vertebrate CA's.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

012629   Harkantra S N;Nagvenkar S S (Biological Oceanography Division, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Do gas seepage sites support distinct macrofaunal community?-an observation in the tropical shelf region of Goa, Arabian Sea, India. Curr Sci 2006, 91(2), 217-21.

Examined the macrofaunal community in the shelf region (depth 15-50 m) of Goa, Arabian Sea, India, at seven sites in the gas seep and seven sites in non-seep areas during March 2005. A total of 56 species were recorded, among which 21 were found in the seep sites, 12 in the non-seep sites and 23 species were common. The faunal community differed between these two areas and community indices were relatively higher in seep sites, whereas the population density was higher in non-seep sites. Such difference is largely due to relatively high organic carbon and clay content in the seep sites. Polychaetes, Heteromastus similis, Pulliella armata and Capitella capitata belonging to family Capitellidae, were found only at all the seep sites and can be considered as good indicator species.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

012628   Gursahani Y;Malthare A;Harke S (NO, MGM's Institute of Biosciences & Technology, N-5, CIDCO, Aurangabad-431 003) : Extraction and purification of xylanase from Vigna sinensis [L.]. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(4), 268-70.

Xylanase is the name given to a class of enzymes, which degrade the linear polysaccharide B-1, 4 xylan into xylose, thus breaking down hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell wail of plants. Xylanases, a group of hemicellulose degrading enzymes have been exploited in various fields like food processing, textiles, tissue culture, sewage treatment, syrup and ethanol processing industries. Therefore xylanase from Vigna Sinensis (L) was studied and its partial purification along with characterisation was done with activity profile, which showed 1.36 fold increase. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5.5 and at a temperature of 37°C.

4 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

012627   Ghosh W;Roy P (Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VII-M, Kolkata-700 054, Email: Wriman@rediffmail.com) : Ubiquitous presence and activity of sulfur oxidizing lithoautotrophic microorganisms in the rhizospheres of tropical plants. Curr Sci 2006, 91(2), 159-61.

^ssc1 illus, 10 ref

012626   Gautam V;Shrivastava V K (Endocrinology Unit. Biosciences Dep, Barkatullah Univ, 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(2), 24-5.

Fifteen sexually mature male mice Mus musculus weighing 30 ± 5 grams were exposed with dichlorovos (1ppm) 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 synthes.

2 tables, 14 ref

012625   Elmaci C;Oner Y;Turkyilmaz O;Cetin M (Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Uludag University, Gorukle Campus, 16059 Bursa, Turkey, Email: elmaci@uludag.edu.tr) : Genetic polymorphism of some blood proteins in saanen goats. J appl Anim Res 2006, 30(2), 113-6.

Genetic variations of 4 protein loci (transferrin, haemoglobin, amylase and ceruloplasmin) in 70 Saanen goats from Balikesir province of Turkey were investigated by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Two loci, transferrin (Tf) and haemoglobin (Hb) were found to be polymorphic. Other loci amylase-(Amy) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) did not show polymorphism. In all polymorphic loci, the observed-genotype frequencies were not significantly different from those expected from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

1 table, 13 ref

012624   Deshmukh P B;Choudhari C (NO, Science College, Nanded-431 605) : Effect of Semecarpus anacardium extract on blood glucose level of albino rat. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(4), 304-06.

Effect of crude extract of pericarp oil prepared from Semecarpus anacardium nuts onblood glucose level in albino rat (Wistar strain) of either sex. Albino rats were orally treated with Semecarpus anacardium extract (SAE) of doses of 83.33 mg/kg b w/day and 166.66 mg/kg b w/ day for 1,4,7,14 and 21 days. Decreased level of blood glucose due to oral doses of SAE indicated its hypoglycemic effect and an impact on glucose meabolism.

1 illus, 21 ref

012623   Decsey K;Bellovits O;Bujdoso G M (Forensic Medicine Dep, Semmelweis Univ, Budapest, Hungary, 1091, Email: bujgyo@igaz.sote.hu) : Human chromosomal polymorphism in a Hungarian sample. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(3), 177-83.

In the Department of Forensic Medicine of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary study was carried out about human chromosomal polymorphism in a Hungarian population. Q-band method was used for the analysis of chromosomes 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 and Y and C-band for chromosomes 1, 9, 16 and Y. The polymorphism of the representative Hungarian population was compared to the data of different ethnic groups found in the literature, such as Central-European, Italian, Indian and Turkish data. The result shows that there is a relatively small difference between the Hungarian and Indian group, the Central-Europeans differ more, and the most distant relatives are the Turks among the populations mentioned.

1 illus, 6 tables, 3 ref

012622   Chowdhury D;Konwar B K (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Tezpur Univ, Napam-784 028) : Morphophenology and karyotype study of Patidoi Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep.synonym Clinogyne dichotoma Salisb.)- a traditional plant of Assam. Curr Sci 2006, 91(5), 648-51.

Patidoi (Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep. synonym Clinogyne dichotoma Salisb., family Maran-taceae) is a perennial shrub. Leaves are petiolated, distichous and sheathing. Flowering occurs during May-June, with 9-18 panicles (inflorescence) in each culm. Anthesis begins around 3.30 h and continues up to 10.00 h. Ovary is villous and three-celled. Fruits are indehiscent, subglobose and take 25-35 days for maturity. Karyotypic study revealed that the species is diploid with 2n = 20 (where n = x = 10). The total haploid genome length is 12.7 urn. The length of chromosome is found to vary from 0.8 to 2.2 μm, with predominance of meta-centric (M) and submetacentric (SM) behaviour.

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

012621   Chettri C;Singh K K;Krishna A P (G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Sikkim Unit, Pangthang, P.O. Penlong, Sikkim 737 101, Email: singhkk20@yahoo.com) : Anthropogenic pressures on the natural resources in fringe areas of the Khangchendzonga biosphere reserve. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2006, 32(3), 229-40.

Assessment of anthropogenic pressure in the buffer forest areas of the recently notified Khagchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) shows traditional dependence of the inhabitants of the fringe area settlements on forest-based natural resources. Buffer zone forests often act as the source of such resource needs with varying extraction frequencies. Observations on resources extraction patterns and use revealed the dependence of the inhabitants for their needs of fodder, fuelwood, timber and other NTFPs. Higher altitude settlements had higher dependency on the forest resources. The probability of use of fuel species such as Prunus cerasoides was maximum (0.88) and Resource Use index (RUI) was high for Leucosceptrum canum (670.6). The amounts of firewood used in winter were more with high collection frequency during morning sessions. Fuel species had many uses but space heating and preparation of drinks consumed maximum fuelwood. Similarly, the NTEPs were used for meeting the ethno -cultural and therapeutic needs. Forest resource use to provide inputs to the subsistence farming was also observed. Ecological impacts vary from settlement to settlement but point to long-term impacts of such anthropogenic pressures. Resources contributed by forests and other sources were far more (>90% in case of fodder) than the production of farm-based resources. Open grazing by animals ranges from 62% to 80% with transhumance practices prevailing at higher altitudes. Some animals showed high bite rates and foraging periods, and could be regarded as threat to the existing ecosystem. The present status of resources has been interpreted by analysing the landuse/land cover by remote sensing methods. Judicious management of the fringe area settlements in terms of village socioeconomy, resource needs and enhanced on-farm based resource production may reduce such pressures. Further enhancement of local knowledge in conservation efforts could be the options for resolving future resource problems. Emphasis on better livelihood options of the local communities vis-a-vis legal protection of resources would help in minimizing such pressures in such a newly created protected area.

2 illus, 7 tabels, 30 ref

012620   Chen X (Center for Forestry & Ecology, Alabama A & M Univ, PO Box 1927, Normal, AL 35762, USA, Email: xiongwen.chen@aamu.edu) : Using production/biomass ratio as an indicator for forest ecosystem assessment and management. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2006, 32(3), 265-9.

Ratio of production to biomass (P/B) is widely used in aquatic ecosystem research, but is seldom used in forest ecosystem analysis. Here it is reported that this indicator can characterize some ecosystem nature of main Chinese forest types and biomes based on the published literature. Most Chinese forests can reach their maturity in about 100 years. P/B ratios were almost the same for the artificial Korean pine forests on locations with different site indices. For a natural mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, the B/P (reverse of P/B) ratio increased dramatically after about 50 years and the stand tree density was around 2000 stem ha^-1. The implications of using P/B ratio in forest naturalness and integrity measurement, risk of forest fire and forest management (such as thinning design) are discussed.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

012619   Chaudhuri S R;Thakur A R (NO, West Bengal University of Technology, BF 142, Sector I, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 064) : Microbial genetic resource mapping of East Calcutta wetlands. Curr Sci 2006, 91(2), 212-7.

East Calcutta Wetland (ECW) is the world's largest natural treatment plant for solid and soluble waste, where bioremediation and biodegradation of complex compounds is mainly based on microbial activity and is recognized as a potential source of bacteria of bio-technological impact. Discusses the microbial resource mapping of this important Ramsar site. Culture-independent analysis of the microbial population from soil and water through community DNA isolation, amplification, cloning and partial sequencing (320 clones) of 16Sr RNA gene sequence and finally secondary structure-based phylogenetic analysis of the novel sequences (292 GenBank submissions) using ARB software indicated the presence of microorganisms from 12 different main bacterial phyla, thus revealing the rich natural microbial resource at ECW.

5 illus, 19 ref

012618   Bhilegaonkar K N;Bachhil V N;Ashok Kumar; Agarwal R K (Veterinary Public Health Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Rapid coliform test vis-a-vis MPN coliform for assessing bacteriological quality of milk. J Vet Publ Hlth 2006, 4(1), 55-7.

Total of 25 milk samples comprising bulk tank milk-13 and individual cow milk-12 were processed to assess the hygienic quality of milk by comparing efficacy of rapid coliform test against conventional most probable number (MPN) coliform test. The results of the study indicated that rapid coliform test showed good correlation with conventional MPN coliform test. Rapid colfform test distinguished satisfactory milk from nonsatisfactory milk within a span of 8 h. The coliform counts were generally lower in the samples collected directly from the udder of the individual cow. Whereas, all bulk tank milk samples had high coliform counts and were of unsatisfactorily quality indicating post milking unhygienic handling.

1 table, 8 ref

012617   Bhasin M K (Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007) : Genetics of castes and tribes of India: Indian population milieu. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(3), 233-74.

South Asia, constituting mainly the Indian sub-continent, is a panorama of social diversities, racial differences and rich cultural heritage. However many facets of history, race and culture of this area are still relatively unexplored. Debates and doubts centering around the autochthonous status of the early settlers continue - it is very difficult to ascertain how human groups and settlements were formed in the pre-historic times, whether they were the original inhabitants or migrated from some other place and if they migrated, which route did they take. However, the infiltration and admixture of new racial and cultural elements, from time to time, have made the Indian population more diverse and heterogeneous.

11 illus, 2 tables, 130 ref

012616   Arvind Rup Singh;Vrtel R;Vodicka R;Dhaifalah I;Konvalinka D;Santavy J (Medical Genetics & Fetal Medicine Dep, Palacky University, University Hospital, I.P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc-775 20, Email: dravi@carolina.rr.com) : Comparative study of AZE deletions and TSPY gene variation in Czech and Indian infertile men. Int J Hum Genet 2006, 6(3), 209-17.

Human Y chromosome harbours genes that are essential for spermatogenesis. Most of these genes lie in the male specific region (MSY) of Y chromosome. Microdeletions of AZF within the MSY have been reported in infertile men. Widely different frequencies of such deletions (0-55%) have been reported from different populations. TSPY is another gene located in the MSY region that plays a significant role in spermatogenesis. It is a multi-copy gene but the role its gene copy numbers play in infertility is not yet evaluated. The present study was undertaken on infertile men from Czech Republic and India to ascertain the relative and comparative role of AZF deletions and of TSPY copy numbers.

3 illus, 3 tables, 64 ref

012615   Alane S K;Chowkekar N V;Jagtap D T (Botany Dep, Dayanand Science College, Latur) : A note on induction of chromosomal aberrations by trichloroactice acid (Tca). Bioinfolet 2006, 3(4), 330-2.

10 illus, 4 ref

010558   Trigunayat M M (Zoology Dep, Govt M.S.J. College, Bharatpur-321 001) : Some aspects of ecology from vedas: a commentary. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(1), 177-8.

^ssc

010557   Singh M;Srivastava S K;Kumar T R S;Ahmad A; Khan M;Khanuja S P S (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226 015, Email: santoshkumar_1955@yahoo.com) : Activity guided isolation of antibacterial agents from Convolvulus pluricaulis. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(1), 58-61.

Several fractions of methanol extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis (Convolvulaceae) were screened for their antibacterial efficacy against different bacterial strains. The antibacterial study was carried out by the disk diffusion and broth dilution assay methods and the results showed that, with the exception of the hexane and aqueous fractions, all the fractions exhibited antibacterial activities. The chloroform extract was found to be the most effective, whereas the butanol fraction showed specific activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Activity guided fractions and isolation of the chloroform extract resulted in the isolation and identification of two bioactive constituents, umbelliferone and scopoletin. Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) study on umbelliferone revealed that 7-O-methyl and 7-O-benzoyl derivative of umbelliferone were 2 and 4 times respectively more active than the parent compound against Staphylococcus aureus. The effects were compared with those of ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline.

2 tables, 17 ref

010556   Singh M;Arya P (NO, Institute of Home Science, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284 128) : Applicability of Piaget's cognitive development theory in twenty first century. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2005, 24(3-4), 248-50.

Cognition can be usually defined as the porcess of gaining knowledge about the world through perception, memory and thought. Cognition development follows a pattern with specific capabilities emerging at specific time. To verify the application of Piaget's cognitive development theory a questionnaire was prepared and filled by personally interviewing the respondents in the Jhansi City. Results of the study revealed that the respondents performed 90% activities of the sensori-motor development. Under the pre-school and pre-conceptual thoughts 80% views were as per the Piaget's theory. 75% and 70% respondents performed activities of Middle childhood and intuitive thoughts vis-a-vis Middle childhood and concrete operations stages, respectively. Thoughts of Adolescence and formal thought operations stage were performed by 755 of the respondents. It may be concluded from the findings of study that 70-90% of the activities/views of different cognitive development stages were performed/in favour of the Piaget's theory and thus this theory has high significance/applicability in the present time.

1 table, 5 ref

010555   Singh J;Sengupta S (Department of Anthropology, Lakhimpur Girls College, North Lakhimpur-787 031) : Physical affinity of the Assamese sikhs. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 103-10.

Morpho-genetic study on the Assamese Sikh of Nowgong district Assam has been carried out with a view to understand their ethnic position. The population under study is a numerically small migrant population concentrated mainly in Borkola village of Nowgong district, Assam. Among them intermarriages with populations like Koch, Kalita and Tiwa are frequent. The results have been compared with those reported on the so called ancestral Jath population of Punjab and various neighbouring population groups of the region with whom they have marital relations.

4 tables, 15 ref

010554   Singh J N (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103) : Chemical composition of natural waters of Nilgiris biosphere reserve, Tamil Nadu and its impact on ionic properties of the soils. Ann For 2006, 14(2), 231-44.

Deals with the chemical characteristics/composition of natural waters of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve located within Tamil Nadu state and their efficacious impact on ionic properties of the soils. The results indicate that the waters, as a whole, are bereft of dissolved minerals in their per unit volume irrespective of their sources and locations. Calcium ions dominate within cations and bicarbonate within anions. Calcium and magnesium ions show a close similarity in their concentration but sodium ions exhibit an erratic variations. Majority of waters present feebly alkaline reaction (pH 7.1 - 7.6) but a few of them are either feebly acidic (pH 6.8 - 6.9) or highly alkaline (pH 8.3 - 8.6). Their electrical conductivity values range in between 40 micromhos/cm and 320 micromhos/cm at 25°C. The waters have been categorised as C₁S₁ class and thus found to be highly safe for use either by the flora, fauna or even by the soils of the reserve area. On efficacious impact of soil-water interactions, it is experimentally revealed that chemically dilute waters eat-up the mineral riches of the soil saps. The intensity of mineral transfer from edaphic media to aqua media is directly proportional to the degree of dilution of waters and periodic length of submergence despite of natural revamping capacity of the soils. Besides, the interactions further create a phenomenal change in the pH environment of edaphic media and strain the system to salt imbalances in the process. Some possible suggestions have been added in the end.

7 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

010553   Shukla D;Khan N;Sachdeva M P;Saraswathy K N (Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, Delhi-110 007) : Distribution of haptoglobin types and sickle cell anaemia among the brahmins of Mussoorie, Uttaranchal. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 81-3.

The distribution of sickle cell anaemia and the haptoglobin frequency has been studied among the Brahmins of Musorrie, Uttaranchal. Blood samples were collected from 100 individuals out of whom 49 were males and 51 females. The screening for sickle cell anaemia was done using 2% sodium metabisuphite and later on all the samples were run on 1% agar gel to confirm the results. Haptoglobin typing was done on vertical electrophoresis using polyacrylamide gel. Frequency for HP* 1 allele was found to be 0.145. No case of sickle cell anaemia was found.

2 tables, 10 ref

010552   Sharma J D;Sharma L;Yadav P (Reproductive Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Lab, Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, ) : Antifertility efficacy of Piper Betle Linn. (Petiole) on female albino rats. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(1), 145-50.

Normal cyclic female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) of Wistar strain weighing between 150-200 gm were treated with Piper belle (Petiole) ethanolic (50%) extract (100 mg/day/rat) for 30 days.The results revealed that P. belle treatment caused reduction in reproductive organ weights, circulating level of estrogen, fertility, number of litters, serum glucose concentration, enzyme activity of acid phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT as compared to control value. Whereas, the concentration of cholesterol and ascorbic acid increased following P. belle treatment, revealing non-utilization of cholesterol by the system and mobilization of ascorbic acid during phytodrug treatment to over come from induced stress condition. The estrus cycle was irregular and prolonged in treated group of rats indicative of anestrus condition, which resulted in infertility. However the haematological parameters remained within normal range. Withdrawal of phytodrug for 30 days restored complete/partially decreased reproductive organ weights, circulating level of estrogen, fertility, number of litters, concentration of glucose and enzyme activity of acid phosphatase SGOT and SGPT to control values. The cholesterol and vitamin -C concentration was also restored to control level. The data suggests that the P. belle ethanolic extract exerted antifertility and Janti estrogenic effects in female rats. The effects brought by P. belle extract is non-toxic and transient.

010551   Sharma A N;Jain A K (Department of Anthropology, H.S. Gaur University, Saugar-470 003) : Morbidity and mortality among traditional prostitutes of the Beria caste of Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 119-22.

Morbidity and Mortality indicate the level of the health services of a place. In developing countries morbidity and mortality rates are high, due to lack of better health care and medical facilities. Among the Berias of Lohari (Hawla) gram panchayat of Rahatgarh block of Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India has been conducted. The investigation is based on interviews of 71 traditional prostitutes of Beria caste, of Loohari (Hawla) gram panchayat. They are considered as scheduled caste and are traditionally engaged in prostitution. Sample has been selected randomly one, from each household. In this regard representative total population of traditional prostitutes of Loohari gram panchayat has been covered. Results indicate that morbidity and mortality rates are very high among them. The infant mortality rate may be associated with sanitary conditions, health status of mother and age of maternity, etc.

5 tables, 5 ref

010550   Saravanan L;Gujar G T (Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Distribution of Bacillus thuringiensis berliner in samples from warehouse and insect cadavers. J ent Res 2006, 30(1), 25-8.

Total of 1045 bacterial colonies found in warehouse samples had 58.3% Bacillus thuringienesis (B.t.), with 49.6 colonies per positive sample. Overall B.t. index for warehouse samples was 0.3. Of the 344 bacterial colonies examined from all insect cadavers, only one was considered B.t. with B.t. index of 0.20.

2 tables, 18 ref

010549   Sankar B;Abdul Jaleel C;Somasundaram R; Manivannan P;Kishorekumar A;Sridharan R;Panneerselvam R (Division of Plant Physiology, Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: kalaisomu_20@rediffmail.com) : Influence of triadimefon on the carbohydrate metabolism of salt stressed Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. seedlings. J theor expl Biol 2006, 2(3-4), 119-23.

Germination experiment was conducted in bhendi plants under salinity and triadimefon (TDM) stress in order to find out the effects of TDM on salt stress. NaCl salinity decreased the accumulation of starch, sugar content and the activity of α-amylase, whereas TDM mitigated the adverse effect of salt stress and increased starch and sugar contents with concomitant decrease in α-amylase activity in salt stressed seedlings. NaCl salinity alone and in combination with low (5 mg l^-1) or higher (10 mg l^-1) concentrations of TDM decreased the α-amylase activity in root and cotyledon, but it increased in the hypocotyl. From these observations it can be concluded that TDM can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity in plants.

2 illus, 23 ref

010548   Rajasekhara Reddy K (Dept of Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasa Gangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Palmar dermatogtyphics of the scheduled caste madigas in Andhra Pradesh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 71-80.

Study reports on bilateral palm prints collected from 400 unrelated individuals (200 males and 200 females) of Madigas in two revenue districts of Cuddapah and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh; 11,9,7,-Principal mainline formula is frequently occurring in either sex. The highest incidence of Mainline D, Mainline C, Mainline B Mainline A endings were commonly observed in type 11,9,7 and 3 respectively. Majority of the individuals possess axial triradius at t irrespective of sex difference. A general trend of the prevalence of the true patterns in decreasing order can be seen as IV interdigital area <62> III interdigital area <62> hpyothenar area <62> thenar/I interdigital area <62> II interdigital area. The above values of the study compared to other populations reveal that values are within the range of A.P. caste populations.

6 tables, 16 ref

010547   Rai I;Quereshi S (Department of Home Science, JNV University, Jodhpur) : Dyeing of dhabu resist printed cotton and silk fabric with Indian almond Teminalia catappa Linn. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 97-101.

In every civilization, from the early times to the present day, the art of applying color through dyeing has played an important role. Natural vegetable dyes have become a part of human life since times immemorial. Vegetable dyes have been used for thousands of years but with the advent of synthetic dyes in 1857 there was a decline in the use of vegetable dyes. In the present times that has been an increasing interest manifested towards natural dyes. The reasons being many fold such as ecological awareness, biodegradability and the need for higher compatibility with the environment. Natural dyes may not be a substitute for synthetic dyes but they will have an important place in the fashion industry. The study was undertaken to study the effect of the dye on cotton and silk fabric and to study effect of different mordants on selected physical properties of test fabrics. The result of the investigations indicate that the Indian almond (Terminalia catappa L.) can be successfully used as a potential dye source to obtain soft lustrous colors. The color shades obtained are ochre yellow to dark brown. Its use in cotton and silk fabrics will certainly satisfy the consumer in terms of serviceability and economy. The existing leterature reveals that non-availability of the natural dyes, and death of the technology of dyeing with natural dyes poses challenge today in the area of textiles.

1 table, 1 ref

010546   Monga S;Sachdeva R;Kochhar A (Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Efficacy of nutrition counselling on the anthropometric profile of urban working women. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2005, 24(3-4), 221-5.

Seventy working women (35-45 yrs) belonging to middle income group were selected randomly and divided equally into two groups viz., Experimental (E) and Control (C). Nutrition counselling (NC) was carried in Group E for a period of 3 months. The average per capita income was Rs. 2517±121.5 and Rs. 2243±109.2 in Group E and C respectively. The daily intake of cereals, pulses, GLV's, roots and tubers, other vegetables and fruits was inadequate. However, the average daily intake of milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar and jaggery exceeded the RDA's in both the groups at T₁ (before) and T₂ (after nutrition counselling). The anthropometric data revealed that the average weight of the subjects was 64.88±1.23 and 65.03±1.40 kg and 62.80±1.19 and 65.20±1.39 kg at T₁ and T₂ in Group E and C respectively. Further, all the subjects had lower height, higher weight, marginally higher BMI values, TSFT and MUAC values at T₁ and T₂. However, the decrease in the above anthropometric parameters at T₂ in Group E proved the positive impact of nutrition counselling. As economic empowerment of women might help in improving their nutritional status, but it cannot work alone. So, there is need to educate and create awareness among women about right choice of food and nutrient requirements etc. so that they can attain maximum health potential in their lives.

3 tables, 16 ref

010545   Misra S;Singhal P;Rajinder Kumar (Department of Human Biology, Punjabi University, Patiala-147 002) : Heritability of finger ball patterns and ridge counts. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 25-30.

Analysis of finger ball patterns of 418 family members for studying the role of genetics has been presented. The findings reveal a greater impact of genetics from father to son as compared to mother to son for finger ball ridge count determination. Whereas, the daughters are showing comparatively greater influence of mothers as compared to their fathers. From the individual fingers the First finger ball of both the hands has been found to be under greater genetic influence as compared to other fingers for ridge counts as is evident from the values of 'r' and (h²).

3 tables, 14 ref

010544   Malathy R;Dhevagi P;Sujatha K;Sukumar R (Department of Biotechnology, Kongu Nadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029) : Protoplast fusion to improve Bacillus sp. J theor expl Biol 2006, 2(3-4), 99-106.

Bacillus sp is the most widely used microorganism in industries. It produces exoenzymes such as amylases and proteases and hence it is important to improve the strain for increased production of enzymes. Protoplast fusion by Poly Ethylene Glycol(PEG) is an important technique in the genetic manipulation of industrial microorganisms. Study has been taken up to improve Bacillus sp. through PEG-mediated protoplast fusion. The genetic improvement of Bacillus was tested by their ability to produce extracellular enzymes, protease and amylase. The strain improvement was also confirmed by their ability to tolerate extreme pH and temperature conditions.

7 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

010543   Harpreet Kaur;Sachdeva M P (Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007) : Study of taste sensitivity to P.T.C. and colour blindness among Koyas of Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 85-7.

P.T.C. taste sensitivity among 200 Koyas of Khammam District Andhra Pradesh was tested and frequency of 't' allele was found to be 0.4416. Whereas 2.83% of males tested were colourblind, none of the females tested was colourblind.

2 tables, 7 ref

010542   Harmeet Kaur;Sangha J K;Sachdeva R (Department of Foods and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Effect of heavy metals on the intellect level of girls of industrial area. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2005, 24(3-4), 242-4.

Sixty school children in the age group of 7-9 years were selected each from industrial and countryside of Ludhiana city to find out the effect of heavy metal toxicity on the intellectual development. Seventeen and fifty per cent of the children from industrial and countryside were found above the "intellectually average" category; whereas 83% and 50% of the children of both the areas respectively were found "definitely below the average in intellectual capacity". This may be due to the higher blood lead level in the children of industrial group (283±28.4 mg/dl) as compared to the children belonging to control group.

3 tables, 10 ref

010541   Gandhi G;Anita;Singh P (Deptartment of Human Genetics, Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 005) : Assessment of chromosomal and DNA damage in various tissues of mobile phone users. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 31-44.

Microwaves are a subset of radio frequency radiations that have frequencies ranging from around 300 MHz-3 GHz. with mobile (cellular) phones using the 450-2000 MHz range. The ability of radio frequency radiations in the microwave range to induce mutagenesis, chromosomal aberration and carcinogenesis in different in vivo and in vitro systems has been equivocally reported. However, there appear to be no reports on any direct genotoxic damage in mobile phone users. Hence, DNA and chromosomal damage were investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal smears of individuals using mobile phones. Elevated MN frequencies in buccal cells and increase in aberrant metaphases in PBL cultures along with significantly elevated DNA damage and MN induction in PBL of mobile phone users have been observed. This indicates the clastogenic/aneugenic and mutagenic potential of these microwaves in the direct target cells of the buccal mucosa and in PBL (whole body exposure to circulating cells). Continuous and chronic exposures from mobile phone technology affecting targets repetitively resulting in genotoxic effects imply possible ill-health effects ranging from precocious onset of age-related diseases to cancers.

3 tables, 47 ref

010540   Fukuzawa S (Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga 3375 Mississauga Rd N., Mississanga, ON, L5L IC6, Canada) : A longitudinal study of heritability in the development dental arcade. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 1-23.

Relative influences of genetics and the environment in the determination of variation in dental arcade size and shape in an upper middle class modern Canadian population of European ancestry has been examined. Heritability provides an estimate of the proportion of genetic, as distinct from environmental, contributions to a quantitative trait's variation within a population. The relative importance of genetics in defining dental arcade size and shape was examined in the longitudinal patterns of dental arcade development in siblings. The sample for the project (142 families, N-632 individuals, and 85 additional sibships, N = 214 individuals) was taken from the files of the Burlington Growth Centre, in the Faculty of Dentistry, at the University of Toronto. Thirty-two dimensions were derived from the dental casts of children at the age stages of 4 years, 14 years, and 16-21 years. Dental arcade measurements involved the determination of three proportions (1) arcade widths (2) arcade depths and chords (3) arcade size ratios. At all age stages males were consistently larger than females in dental arcade dimensions, however the sexes were similar in dental arcade shape. Heritability estimates between siblings at 4, 14 and 16 to 21 years of age showed that over 50% of variability was influenced by genetic factors. No significant trends in heritability were detected between the age stages, however there was a non-significant reduction in heritability with age. Width depth ratios had generally lower h² estimates. The relatively high and approximately uniform heritability estimates for the siblings support the contention that bone based variables of the dental arcade have moderately high genetic influence on variability.

1 illus, 4 tables, 96 ref

010539   Dhaduk J J;Sail S S;Rema S (Post Graduate Department of Home Science, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120) : Bone composition and bio-availability of calcium in young weanling rats fed diets of varying sources of calcium and protein. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2005, 24(3-4), 204-10.

Bone composition and bio-availability of calcium (289mg %) from egg shell, Oyster shell and vegetable mixture with variable quality of proteins (10g %) was studied after 4 weeks of experimental feeding in 25 young albino rats weighing 60.9-63.3g, Fresh femoral and tibial weight, length, moisture, dry weight and fat-free dry weight were observed highest in egg protein Gr IV and lowest in vegetable protein Gr V as compared to control Gr I. The egg shell was also found to be better than Oyster shell in this respect. In contrast, both femoral and tibial fat levels were high in Gr V (12.61 and 15.23g %) and very low in Gr IV (3.50 and 4.50g %) as compared to Gr I (8.29 and 9.45g %) respectively. Femoral and tibial (fresh weight basis) calcium and phosphorus levels were highest in Gr IV (8.82 and 2.29g %, 9.71 & 2.89g % respectively), higher in Gr IV and high in casein plus Oyster shell Gr II when compared with Gr I or casein plus egg shell Gr III. Femoral iron content was highest in Gr V (9.39mg %) and tibial iron in Gr II (8.46mg %). Further the calcium and phosphorus levels were lower and iron content was higher in femur than in tibia. Femoral (fat-free dry bone) ash weight was highest in Gr IV (50.23g %) and lower in other groups as compared to Gr I (49.85g %), while femoral ash weight in Gr II (49.34g %) was higher than in Gr III (48.18g %). Femoral calcium, phosphorus and iron levels were greater in Gr V compared to all other groups. Iron level was moderately good in casein plus Oyster shell Gr II. The tibial (fat-free dry bone) ash and calcium levels were greater in Gr V (52.74 and 17.91g %) respectively, phosphorus in Gr IV (5.26g %) & iron in Gr II (16.98mg %). Casein plus Oyster shell showed better results than casein plus egg shell group in respect of tibial ash and mineral contents. It is concluded that the calcium bioavailability was the best in egg protein as compared to casein and vegetable proteins. There was no difference in available calcium from Oyster shell and egg shell as compared to salt mixture used in the experiment.

6 tables, 21 ref

010538   Choubisa S L;Choubisa L (NO, , 205 Chanakya Puri, Sector IV, Hiran Nagri, Udaipur-313 002) : Erythrocyte mutant genes in inhabitants of arid-environment of western-Rajasthan (India). Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2006, 25(1), 45-50.

Preliminary survey was made on the distribution and prevalence of erythrocyte mutant genes; abnormal haemoglobins (Hbs.), β-thalassaemia (β-thal.) syndromes and G-6-PD enzyme deficiency (G^d) in inhabitants of arid-environment (Thar desert) of western-Rajasthan (India). Venous blood samples of 1415 unrelated inhabitants (both sexes) belonging to various ethnic groups of scheduled tribes (S.T.), scheduled castes (S.C.) and general castes (G.C.) were screened by recommended and standard methods for the evidence of these mutant genes. Of these 16 (1.13%) inhabitants showed evidence of abnormal Hbs. In heterozygous form. The highest incidence (0.49%) of sickle cell gene (Hb-S) was found in the present series followed by Hb-D (0.28%), Hb-J (0.14%) and Hb-E (0.07%) genes. β-thal. syndromes were encountered in 21 (1.48%) subjects. Of these 18 (1.27%) were of β-thal. trait, 2 (0.14%) of HbD-thal. and 1 (0.07%) HbS-thal. Out of 829 males and 586 female individuals 36 (4.34%) and 20 (3.41%) were found to be G-6-PD definicients respectively, giving an overall incidence of 3.95%. Blood of these G-6-PD enzyme deficients were also screened electrophoretically for the evidence of interaction with any mutant Hb genes. But not a single individual showed such genetic interaction. In the investigation, erythrocyte mutant genes were found relatively higher (8.25%) in the tribal population. The distribution and prevalence (%) of these mutant genes in different ethnic groups of arid-environment and their correlation with malaria endemicity are also discussed.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref