007525   Priya B D;Rao T V;Veeraju P (Dep of Hum Genet, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: bdpriya@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of consanguinity of fertility and mortality among the Kshatrias of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)2, 111-6.

Geneticists are usually interested in studies on consanguineous marriages because of the biological consequences like recessive abnormalities among the children of consanguineous mating. This type of marriages is very common in South India and especially in Andhra Pradesh. The data for the present study are collected from the Kshatriya women of North Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh where their population is well distribiuted. A sample of unrelated individuals consisting of 680 women from rural areas and 820 women from urban areas constitute material of the Study. The types of consanguineous marriages, mortality and fertility details were collected through a detailed proforma. In the Study it is found that there are no significant differences between rural and urban areas with respect to consanguinity indicating no change in the pattern of mating types among the Kshatriyas. Relatively the size of Kshatriya population is small and this might be the important reason for continuation of the practice. The regression estimates `A' and `B' have been used to compute the magnitude of the genetic load, estimated in units of lethal equivalents. The measure for the hidden genetic damage `B' is fairly high among Kshatriyas indicating genetic susceptibility of Kshatriyas for disease to be more serious. Estimate`A' decreases with increasing medical care and facilities.

4 tables, 15 ref

007524   Pereira C;Rao C V (Dept. of Zool, St. Xavier's Coll, Mumbai-400 001, Email: vaman.rao@gmail.com) : Chronic toxicity of diethyl phthalate and polychlorinated biphenyls in rats-A sex related biochemical interaction study. Toxic int 2006, 13(1), 53-60.

Evaluates the chronic interactive toxicity of DEP and PCBs in young male and female Wistar rats. Healthy young male and female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 80-100 g (7-8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to five groups of six each, five groups for male and another five for female. Group I male and female rats were provided normal diet and water ad libitum. Group II male and female rats were maintained on normal diet mixed with corn oil at 16.5 mg/ kg of the diet/day (approx. 0.94mg/kg body weight/day) as oil control. Group III and IV male and female rats were given PCB and DEP dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/kg of the diet/day, which is approximately equal to 2.85 mg/kg body wt/day, individually to each group. Group V female rats received a mixture of DEP and PCB, each dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/kg of the diet/day, which is approximately equal to 2.85 mg/kg body wt/day. Treatment was carried out for 150 days and after the completion of treatment, biochemical parameters in the serum and liver were assessed. Liver and serum cholesterol level was significantly increased in both the sexes of DEP-treated rats compared to controls, PCB and PCB + DEP-treated rats, and serum cholesterol level in DEP-treated female rats was significantly higher than males of the same group. Similarly, in the PCB-treated group, serum level of cholesterol was significantly higher in female rats compared to males of the same group. Triglyceride levels showed significant increase in liver and serum of both the sexes of PCB, PCB + DEP-treated and only in the serum of DEP-treated female rats compared to control rats, of which, level in the livers of male rats of PCB and PCB + DEP-treated groups was significantly higher than the females and opposite results in the serum of same group was observed. Liver glycogen level was significantly increased in both sexes of PCB and PCB + DEP-treated rats compared to controls and DEP-treated rats, of which levels in the female rats of PCB + DEP-treated group were significantly higher than male rats of the same group while levels in the male rats of DEP treated group was significantly higher than females of the same group. Serum glucose levels were significantly increased in both sexes of PCB and DEP-treated groups compared to control rats and PCB + DEP-treated rats, of which levels were significantly higher in both sexes of PCB-treated rats compared to both sexes of DEP-treated rats. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the liver of both sexes of PCB, DEP and PCB + DEP treated rats compared to controls. These results indicate that PCB and DEP independently impair lipid metabolism and in combination, these agents severely affect carbohydrate metabolism in both sexes. In addition, there is significant gender based differences in response to both the xenobiotics individually as well as in combined form.

7 illus, 26 ref

007523   Pawar S K;Pulle J S;Shendge K M (Dep of Zool, Gramin Mahavidyalaya, Vasantnagar-431 715) : Study on phytoplankton of Pethwadaj dam, taluka, Kandhar, district, Nanded, Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 1-6.

Phytoplankton is the pioneer of an aquatic food chain. The phytoplankton has great significance in the biology of the creek as they provide the food for the organisms, especially for Zooplankton. Attempt to study the Phytoplankton community of Pethwadaj dam water has been investigated. Pethwadaj dam is across the confluence of three nalas, namely, Wartala nala, Digrus nala and Anamand nala near village Kallali. During the study the total number of Phytoplankton were counted. About 61 Phytoplankton species were recorded. The Chlorpphyceae were found to be dominant through out the study.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

007522   Patel R K (Natn Dairy Dev Bd, , Anand-388 001, Email: rkpatel@nddb.coop) : Mosaicism of Y chromosome in a crossbred male calf. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 77-9.

Crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) male calf was screened for routine cytogenetic investigation. Both Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle have same type of chromosomes except Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is acrocentric in zebu (Bos indicus) and sub metacentric in exotic (Bos taurus) cattle. A crossbred calf that was sired by zebu cattle normally should have acrocentric Y-chromosomes in all the metaphase plates, whereas some of cells (2%) exhibited submetacentric Y-chromosome. It reveals mosaicism of Y-chromosomes in crossbred calf, which could be due to pericentric inversion. Describes a case Y-chromosome mosaicism in a crossbred calf.

3 illus, 12 ref

007521   Pandey P K;Jha B C;Patil S D;Som Dutt (Cent Inst of Fish Educ (CIFE), Indian Coun Agric Res (ICAR), Versova, Mumbai-400 061) : Comparison of plankton populations of two aquatic habitats using biodiversity index. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 14-18.

Aquatic biodiversity has become an important area of concern, which needs researchers' attention. Plankton analysis was carried out at two aquatic habitats namely Hooghly estuarine system near Barrackpore and Mathura Beel near Kacharapara, West Bengal, India. The data were subjected to different parameters of species diversity such as Shannon and Weaver Index, evenness and biological indicator of productivity/pollution. Shannon and Weaver Index offered clear-cut delineation for the Mathura Beel as poorly diverse and for Hooghly estuary as better diverse with respect to plankton productivity.

3 tables, 10 ref

007520   Paleja H I;Patel R K;Rank D N;Solanki J V; Savaliya F P (R&D-Biotechnology Natn Dairy Dev Bd, , Anand-388 001, Email: rkpatel@nddb.coop) : Cytogenetic profile of Indian Wolf (Canis lupus). Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 99-103.

Blood samples from 4 male and 2 female wolves were collected from Sakkar Bagh Zoo, Junagadh (gujarat) in sterile heparinized tubes. Lymphocyte cultures were set in RPMI medium to obtain metaphase chromosomes. The conventional G-, C-, and NOR- banding was performed. The study revealed 78 chromosome (2n) in all wild animals. All automsomes were acrocentric whereas sex chromosomes were submetacentric. No chromosomal aberration was detected during study.

4 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007519   Ojo O O;Ajayi A O;Anibijuwon K (Dep of Microbiol Fac of Sci, Univ of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria) : Antibacterial potency of methanol extracts of lower plants. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 131-4.

Antibacterial potency of methanol extracts of three green lower plants, Pneumatropteris afra, Platycerium bifurcatum and Nephrolepis blserrata were determined using agar dilution method on clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp. and Salmonella typhi. Antibacterial activities were observed at concentrations of 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100 μg/mL. They had zones of inhibition that ranged from 3.00-9.00 mm. Antibacterial activities observed with N. bisserata were less pronounced with no detectable activity at extract concentrations of 12.5 and 25.0 μg/mL. E. coli appeared to be the most susceptible of the test bacteria. The significance of these finding are discussed.

3 tables, 9 ref

007518   Monika;Singh K P;Saharan R P (NO, , ) : Unilateral incompatibility barriers between Vigna radiata L. Wilczek and Vigna umbellata L. Roxb.. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)2, 171-4.

During the study, interspecific hybridization was attempted between Vigna radiata (mungbean) and Vigna umbellata (ricebean) with a view to transfer MYMV resistance from the later to the former species. Reciprocal crosses were attempted to assess their compatibility in terms of pollen tube growth after 2,4,6 and 8 hours of pollination. Pollen tubes could cross style in crosses where ricebean was takne as female while in reciprocal cross ricebean pollen grains could germinate only after 6 hours beyond which there was no growth. Hybrids thus produced are pollen fetile.

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

007517   Mendiratta D K;Bhutada K;Narang R;Narang P (Microbiol Dep, Mahatama Gandhi Inst of Med Sci, Sevagram-442 102, Email: dkmendiratta@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of different methods for diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria. Indian J med Microbiol 2006, 24(1), 49-51.

Rapid diagnosis is a prerequisite for institution of effective treatment and reducing the mortality and morbidity of falciparum malaria. The study was taken up to compare the efficacy of various rapid methods viz, acridine orange, Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein II antigen detection and Field's stain with traditional microscopy i.e., Leishman stain for diagnosing falciparum malaria. Thick and thin blood films of 443 consecutive patients with history of fever with chills and rigors were examined by Leishman and Field's method. Acridine orange stained wet mounts of blood were examined under fluorescence microscopy. All films were examined by two independent microbiologists. Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein II antigen was detected using commercially available kit, Paracheck Pf. Out of the 443 subjects examined for P. falciparum 18.28% were detected by Leishman stain, 6.32% by Field's stain, 18.28% by acridine orange and 18.1% by antigen based technique. Field's stain missed 53 (65.4%), while Paracheck Pf was negative in 6(7.4%) of the Leishman positive samples. All Field's stain and acridine orange positives were positive by Leishman, but five Paracheck Pf positives were negative. Leishman stain is cost effective but if facilities are available one should use acridine orange for screening. The antigen detection kits are rapid, simple and are useful but to rule out false negatives in clinically suspected cases, Leishman stain is reliable.

^ssc2 tables, 13 ref

007516   Mehta R;Mishra A (Inst of Rur Technol & Social Dev, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : Adaptive response of Rhizobium leguminosarum to DCMU and 2,4-D. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 221-6.

Sensitivity of two different strains of R. leguminosarum was tested against different dosage of DCMU and 2, 4-D with respect to growth and resistance. Results indicated that prolong maintenance of rhizobial culture in the presence of pesticide resulted into several fold increase in the tolerance level of these rhizobia against the pesticides. Similarly, NTG induced mutants of rhizobia also showed many fold resistance towards the pesticide toxicity.

2 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

007515   Mathur T;Singhal S;Khan S;Upadhyay D J;Fatma T;Rattan A (New Drug Discovery Res, Ranbaxy Res Laboratories, Gurgaon-122 001, Email: mathurtarun@ranbaxy.com) : Detection of biofilm formation among the clinical isolates of staphylococci: a evaluation of three different screening methods. Indian J med Microbiol 2006, 24(1), 25-9.

Evaluates three methods for detection of biofilm formation in staphylococci. For detection of biofilm formation, 152 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp. were screened by tissue culture plate (TCP), Tube method (TM) and Congo red agar (CRA) method. Of the 152 Staphylococcus spp. 88(57.8%) displayed a biofilm-positive phenotype under the optimized conditions in the TCP method and strains were further classified as high 22 (14.47%) and moderate 60 (39.4%) while in 70 (46.0%) isolates weak or no biofilm was detected. Though TM correlated well with the TCP test for 18 (11.8%) strongly biofilm producing strains, weak producers were difficult to discriminate from biofilm negative isolates. Screening on CRA does not correlate well with either of the two methods for detecting biofilm formation in staphylococci. The TCP method was found to be most sensitive, accurate and reproducible screening method for detection of biofilm formation by staphylococci and has the advantage of being a quantitative model to study the adherence of staphylococci on biomedical devices.

3 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

007514   Mathad P;Uttam V G;Mathad R D (Dep of Postgrad Stud and Res in Bot, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: unipm@rediffmail.com) : Interactive effect of metal ions over exponential growth period of microalgal cells. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 413-17.

The interactive effect of metal ions namely chromium and iron has been studied under controlled conditions on the diazotropic cyanobacterium Hapalosiphon stuhlmannii and the photosynthetic green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda over the exponential growth period of the cells. The work describes by employing an exponential cell growth model, the effect of metal ions both individually and in combination, on the physiological and biochemical characteristics e.g. dry weight, chlorophylls, carotenoid and protein content of the cells over the concentration range of 0.1-3.0:0.2-16.0 μg/ml of Cr: Fe. The results reveal that the interactive effect on the dry weight, chlorophyll and protein content of both the algal cells was antagonistic at the bimetallic concentrations of 0.1:16.0, 3.0:0.2 and 3.0:16.0 μg/ml but the interaction on the protein content of both the cells was synergistic at 0.1:0.2 μg/ml of Cr: Fe. Further the degree of antagonism on dry weight was higher in H. stuhlmannii than in S. quadricauda. The degree of antagonism varied with the bimetallic concentrations and was generally lower at the higher metal concentrations. The antagonistic behavior was considered to be due to adsorption of one of the metals hindering the sorption of the other and the synergistic effect, due to adsorption of one enhancing the permeability to the other metal. The varied interactions were possibly due to the formation of metal complexes with the microalgal exudes.

2 tables, 19 ref

007513   Madhyastha A D;Shetty N J (NO, Bangalore Univ, J B Campus, Bangalore-560 056, Email: njayas@vsnl.net.in) : Radiation induced chromosomal translocations and inherited semisterility in Anopheles stephensi Liston - A malaria vector. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 85-9.

Anopheles stephensi Liston males were irradiated with 3700 rads of gamma rays at the reate of 185 rads/min to induce chromosomal aberrations. Four translocations were isolated by using fertility technique. These include one sex linked and three autosomal. The presence of translocations was confirmed by genetic and cytological analysis. Translocation in heterozygous condition led to semisterility of the carriers and is inherited from generation after generation. The use of such translocations in the future genetic control program of A. stephensi is considered.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

007512   Li A;Zhao Q;Tang S;Zhang Z;Pan S;Shen G (Chin Acad of Agric Sciene, Biotechnol Res Inst, Beijing 100 081, China) : Molecular phylogeny of the domesticated silkfworm, Bombyx mori, based on the sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b genes. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 137-42.

Pupae from the Chinese wild mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mandarina, and 11 representative strains of the domesticated sikfworm, Bombyx mori were selected for preparation of mitochondrial DNA. the 5'-end fragments of cytochrome b genes (Cytb) were generated by polymerase chain reaction products and sequenced directly. The homologous sequences of the Japanese B. mandarina and three strains of B. mori were from the GenBank database. The sequences of the 16 silkworm strains were analysed with DNASTAR software and a phylogenic tree was constructed using PHYLIP software. The result showed that: (i) The sequence divergence between the strains of B. mori and the Japanese B. mandarina was larger (5.4% <126> 5.8%) compared with that between strains of B. mori and the Chinese B. mandarina (0.8% <126> 1.9%). Analysis of clustering also showed that the sequences of B. mori strains and Chinese B. mandarina clustered into group (B group), while that of Japanese B. mandarina (A group) was outside this cluster. This may be evidence for the hypothesis that B. mori originated from Chinese B. mandarina. (ii) Among 14 strains of B. mori, sequence divergence was small and the most divergence was seen between strains Yunhe-1 and Chuxiong, whose sequences branched off from those of the other B. mori strains on the phylogenetic tree. From this and from historical records, we infer that the strains Yanhe-1 and Chuxiong originated independently from southwest China.

2 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

007511   Lee Y J;Jung J M;Jang M H;Ha K;Joo G J (NO, Busan Wat Qual Res Inst, Waterworks HQ, Busan, 617-042, South Korea, Email: gjjoo@pusan.ac.kr) : Degradation of microcystins by adsorbed bacteria on a granular active carbon (GAC) filter during the water treatment process. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 317-22.

The degradation of microcystin by adsorbed bacteria on GAC (granular active carbon) filter from a water treatment facility was investigated. Dominant bacteria isolated from GAC were indigenous microorganisms, Psuedomonas sp. and Flavobacterium sp. The direct exposure of dominant GAC bacteria to microcystins resulted in a significant reduction of microcystin levels in both shaking and static conditions (t-test; p <60> 0.01). In bacteria-treatments, the half-life of microcystin was 2.6-3.5 days in both conditions. Based on this result, approximately 9-10 days would be estimated for 90% or up to 18-21 days of 99% of toxin to be degraded. This biological degradation by the GAC bacteria in combination with existing purification systems has potential to increase the efficiency of water purification.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

007510   Lakshmi V;Ashok R;Susmita J;Shailaja V V (Microbiol Dep, Nizam's Inst of Med Sci, Hyderabad-500 082, Email: lgorthi@hotmail.com) : Changing trends in the antibiograms of Salmonella isolates at a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad. Indian J med Microbiol 2006, 24(1), 45-8.

Study was undertaken to compare the changing trends of antibiograms of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A isolates. A total of 80 isolates of salmonella obtained from blood cultures between 2001-2004 were included in the study. Identification and antibiotic sensitivities of the isolates were performed by using mini API (bio Merieux, France). Sixty isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and 20 were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A. More than 67% of S. typhi and 80% of S. paratyphi A isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol. Sensitivity of S. typhi isolates to cephalosporins was found to have increased from 2001-2004 while that of S. paratyphi A showed a decline. With increasing resistance to ciprofloxacin and the possibility of re-emergence of sensitivity to chloramphenicol, the policy of empirical treatment of enteric fever needs to be rationalized.

^ssc3 tables, 13 ref

007509   Lakshmi Naidu P V;Kishore Kumar K;Mohan Kumar C;Gunesh G;Narasimha Rao M (Dep of Chem Engng Cent for Biotechnol, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Antimicrobial activity of Achyranthes aspera. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 171-4.

Successive extracts of Achyranthes aspera herb parts has been investigated for invitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi by disc diffusion method. Different solvents such as methanol, acetonitrile, chloroform and n-hexane were selected for extraction. Ciprofloxacin and Clotrimaxazole 1000 μug/ml were used as standard drugs. Methanol extracts of Achyranthes aspera powder inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis with inhibition zone diameter of 9 mm, 7 mm and 9 mm respectively. Chloroform extract of Achyranthes aspera plant parts was found to inhibit S. aureus, S. typhi with zone diameter of 6 mm (leaves), and 6 mm (inflorescence) respectively. N-hexane extract showed the growth inhibition against S. aureus, E. coli and B. subtilis with 6 mm (stem), 8 mm (inflorescence) and 6 mm (whole plant) respectively.

3 tables, 9 ref

007508   Kulkarni M;Chaudhari A (Sch of Life Sci, North Maharashtra Univ, Post Box No. 80, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: ambchasls@yahoo.com) : Kinetic studies on mineralization of p-nitrophenol by Pseudomonas putida at low and high concentration. Indian J chem Technol 2006, 13(1), 60-4.

Pseudomonas putida isolated from ecological habitat, has been evaluated for its potential to mineralize high (2.143 mM) concentration of p-nitrophenol (PNP). The bacterium utilized PNP as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy. Its half saturation constant (Ks values) of PNP degradation was 0.22 mM, as determined by Michaelis- Menten curve. Further, its maximum rate of PNP degradation as per Lineweaver-Burk plot was 4.5 μmol min^-1 g^-1 dry biomass L^-1. Its kinetics of growth in minimal medium containing low and high PNP concentrations was Monod type of curve. Various metabolic parameters like specific growth rate (μ), specific PNP uptake rate and specific degradation rate at initial concentrations of 0.143, 0.2143, 0.357, 0.714, 1.43, 2.143 and 3.75 mM PNP were determined.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

007507   Kulkarni A N;Kanwate V S;Deshpande V D (Dep of Zool, V.N. Coll CIDCO, Nanded, Maharashtra) : Check list of birds of Shikhachi wadi, Reservoir, dist. Nanded, Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 80-5.

Minor irrigation tank is constructed near shikhachi wadi, a village 20 k.m. from Nanded. Thewater tank is used for irrigation and fish culture activities and it is rich with avian fauna. Which includes local and migratory birds. Ninety three species of birds were recorded in the two-year study during 2000-02. Out of them 15 species were common in all seasons. Details about the species recorded, their orders, families etc are described in the text.

1 table, 17 ref

007506   Karthikeyan S;Gobianand K;Pradeep K;Victor Raj Mohan C;Balasubramanian M P (Dep of Pharmac and Enviromental Toxicol, Dr. ALM P.G. Inst. of Basic Med Sci Univ of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: sivanesankarthikeyan@hotmail.com) : Biochemical changes in serum, lung, heart and spleen tissues of mice exposed to sub-acute toxic inhalation of mosquito repellent mat vapour. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 355-8.

Toxicity of sub-acute inhalation of mosquito repellent mat vapour exposure 3hr daily, either for a duration of 15 days (Group II) or for 30 days (Group III) on biochemical parameters in serum and vital organs was evaluated in mice. The control animals were exposed to ambient air 3hr daily, either for 15 days [Group I (a)] or 30 days [Group I (b)]. In both the Group II and Group III exposure studies, elevation in the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) was observed in the serum and heart tissue and a decrease in their activity in lung and spleen tissue. This biochemical lesion indicates that exposure to mat vapour is capable of interfering with the metabolism of non-essential amino acids and induce cellular damage in the tissues. The elevation in the activity of AST along with that of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) observed in serum and heart tissue in Group II and III studies indicate that exposure to mat vapour is capable of inducing changes in the myocardial function. The elevation in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and a decrease in its activity in lung and heart tissue of mice exposed to mat vapour for 30 days (Group III) observed in this study denotes that mat vapour could interfere with various metabolic functions to induce derangements at cellular level. Inhalation of hitherto unidentified volatile chemicals emanated from mosquito repellent mat, may contribute as stress factors in an indoor environment to produce above mentioned biochemical lesions in vital organs.

2 tables, 22 ref

007505   Jaya Madhuri R;Rangaswamy V (Dep of Microbiol, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003) : Effect of selected insecticides on population and nitrogen fixing efficiency of Azospirillum sp. in groundnut soils. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(2), 157-69.

Non-target effects of five commercially formulated insecticides (chloroban, nuvon, metacid, thimet & dunet) on Azospirillum population and its N₂,- fixing ability was estimated by MPN and micro-kjeldahl methods, respectively, in black and red soils of groundnut field. Chloroban, nuvon and metacid had stimulatory effect on population of Azospirillum sp., upto 10 kg ha^-1, at 7 and 14 days incubation; whereas thimet and dunet showed inhibition on Azospirillum sp.. at 10 kg ha^-1 for 14 days incubation in black soil. On the contrary all the five insecticides exhibited inhibitory effect on the diazotroph population at 10 kg ha^-1 in red soil, at both incubations. In addition, decrease in population of Azospirillum sp., with increasing periods of incubation, irrespective of the treatment was also observed. Even though the population was stimulated upto 7.5 kg ha^-1 of all the five insecticides, significant stimulation was noticed at 5 kg ha^-1 of all the five insecticide concentrations, in two soils, at both incubation periods. Four successive applications (at 10-day interval) of selected insecticides at stimulatory concentration of 5 kg ha^-1 resulted in greater population density of Azospirillum sp. than the untreated controls. Nitrogenase activity of Azospirillum population was enhanced significantly in cultures isolated from the insecticide treated (at 5 kg ha^-1 of stimulatory concentration) soils compared to untreated soils. Furthermore, N₂-fixing efficiency of Azospirillum cultures was more pronounced, when cultures isolated from insecticide treated soils (5 kg ha^-1) are introduced into semi solid malale medium containing 50 μg ml^-1 of technical grade insecticides, that continued upto three generations.

6 tables, 49 ref

007504   Glinka S;Stephan W;Das A (Sect of Evolutionary Biol Dep of Biol II, Ludwig-Maximilians Univ, Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany) : Homogeneity of common cosmopolitan inversion frequencies in Southeast Asian Drosophila melanogaster. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 173-8.

East Asian Drosophila melanogaster are known for great variation in morpological and physiological characters among populations, variation that is believed to be maintained by genetic drift. To understand the genetic properties of Asian D. melanogaster populations, initiated a population genetic study of chromosome inversion polymorphisms in hitherto unanalysed population samples from Southeast (SE) Asia. A high frequency of each of the four common cosmopolitan inversions in comparison to populations from Africa, Asia, and Australia was found. In contrast to the great phenotypic variation among Asian populations, however, authors could not detect differences in inversion frequencies among populations. Furthermore, observed neither correlations of inversion frequencies with population latitude and longitude, nor evidence for linkage disequilibrium between different inversion loci. Proposed two explanations for the observed genetic homogeneity among these SE Asian D. melanogaster populations: (i) the observed pattern simply reflects the retention of ancestral polymorphisms originating from a panmictic population that was once present on a large single landmass (Sundaland), and/or is a consequence of high recent gene flow between populations; and (ii) it is caused by selective forces (e.g. balancing selection).

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

007503   Girirajan S;Elsea S H (Dep of Hum Genet, Med Coll of Virginia Campus Virginia Commonw university, P.O.Box # 980441, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA) : Brachydactyly A1: New relatives for old families. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 95-8.

2 illus, 32 ref

007502   Ghosh S (Hum Genet Unit, Indian Statistical Inst, 203 BT Road, Kolkata 700 108) : Dissecting the correlation structure of a bivariate phenotype : common genes or shared environment. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 143-6.

High correlations between two quantitative traits may be either due to common genetic factors or common environmental factors or a combination of both. In this study, we developed statistical methods to extract the genetic contribution to the total correlation between the components of a bivariate phenotype. Using data on bivariate phenotypes and marker genotypes for sib-pairs. Proposed a test for linkage between a common QTL and a marker locus based on the conditional cross-sib trait correlations (trait 1 of sib 1 - trait 2 of sib 2 and conversely) given the identity-by-descent (i.b.d)sharing at the marker locus. Used monte-Carlo simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed test under different trait parameters and quantitative trait distributions. An application of the method is illustrated using data on two alcohol-related phenotypes from a phenotypes from a project on the collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism.

2 tables, 2 ref

007501   Garcia M R;Alverez D;Shostell J M (Unidad de Genet (Genetica de Poblaciones-Biologia Evolutiva) Departame, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cra 7A No 43-82, Bogota DC, Colombia) : Population genetic analysis of cat populations from mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic: identification of different gene pools in Latin America. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 147-71.

Identified new genetic profiles of eight Latin American cat populations. In addition, authors combined data from the present study and previously published data on 70 other American and European populations to discuss (1) the points of introduction of mutant alleles for cat coat phenotype from Europe into Latin america, (2) the heterozy gosity levels at these loci in the current latin American cat populations, (3) the level of genetic heterogeneity among Latin american cat populations, and how this compares with levels found in North american and European cat populations, and (4) how many different cat gene pools are currently present in latin america. we also include in our purview historical records of human migrations from Europe to and within the americas. The analyses clearly support the view that the current genetic profiles and structuring of cat populations in latin america can be largely explained by the historical migration patterns of humans.

11 illus, 4 tables, 76 ref

007500   Frankel J S (Dep of Biol, Howard Univ, Washington D.C. 20059, USA, Email: jfrankel@howard.edu) : Digenic control of colouration in the two spot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus trichopterus. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 179-81.

1 table, 13 ref

007499   Dhake A B;Patil M B (Dep of Biochem, L.I.T. Premises Univ Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Fructosylransferease production by Penicillium purpurogenum in presence of zeolites. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 197-202.

Penicillium purpurogenum was found to produce extracellular, intracellular and cell-wall-bound fructosyltransferase in Czapek Dox medium containing sucrose as a carbon source. The effect of three different cation-containing zeolites was tested in different concentration (0.1, 0.5 and 1%) on fructosyltranferase production. The ZSM and the sodium containing zeolites affected the production of extracellular and intracellular fructosyltranferase to certain extent. The cell wall bound fructosyltransferase production was neither induced nor the enzyme was activated by any of the zeolites used.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

007498   David O M;Oluyege J O (Dep of Microbiol, Univ of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria) : In vitro susceptibility of selected pathogenic bacteria to leaf extracts and latex of Jatropha gossypiifolia (L) and Jatropha curcas (L). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 91-4.

Six bacterial strains, which were pathogenic to human, were tested for their in vitro vulnerability to leaf extracts and latex of Jatropha gossypiifolia (L) and J. curcas (L). The dry powdered leaves of the plants were submerged separately in methanol, chloroform, and water to extract the bioactive ingredients. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined by standard methods. Pattern of the susceptibility of the test organisms was wide-ranging with the solvents used for extraction and the concentrations of the leaf extracts. Bacillus subtilis was found to be most resistance with MICs ranging from 8.00 to 16.00 for extracts of both plants. Shigella dysenteriae was most susceptible organism to the extract of J. gossypiifolia, MICs ranged from 1.00 (in chloroform extract) to 2.00 mg/ml in both methanolic and aqueous extract. The MBCs of chloroform extracts of both plants were lower than MICs of other solvents (the general overview). The MICs revealed the latex of both plants to be very effective against Shigella dysenteriae. Latex J. gossypiifolia had the highest MBC against Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 32.00 mg/ml. These in vitro investigations have demonstrated that extracts and latex of the plants are capable of inhibiting most of the test organisms. In addition, they can kill some of the test bacteria at a comparably low concentration.

3 tables, 16 ref

007497   Chhokar V;Sood D R;Siwach P;Rani M (Dep of Biotechnol, Guru Jambheshwar Univ, Hisar-125 001) : Fatty acid composition of some promising genotypes of garlic (Allium sativum L.). Ann Biol 2006, 22(1), 23-6.

Genotypes of garlic (Allium sativum L.), five at four stages of bulb development and five at maturity were analyzed for fatty acid composition. During bulb development of HG 1, HG 6, HG 17, HG 19, G 1 garlic evinced that linoleic acid contributed mose than 48% of the totals faty acids, while stearic acid contributed the least (0.50%). Palmitic or oleic acid was found to be second major fatty acid depending upon genotype and developmental stage. Total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 70.40 to 85.40% during bulb development and HG 17 and G 1 showed a regular increasing trend, whereas total saturated fatty acid varied from 14.60 to 29.70. At maturity, the cloves arranged in outer rings of G 282 G 1 Yamuna Safed, G 41 Agrifound White, G 50 Yamuna Safed and G 3131 Agrifound Parvati garlic genotypes contained higher concentration of palmitic, stearic and total saturated fatty acids as compared to cloves arranged in inner rings. Total unsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio decreased in general from inner to outer rings of cloves of garlic.

2 tables, 10 ref

007496   Chalkoo S R (Dep of Fish, Degree Coll (Boys) Baramulla, Kashmir-193 102) : A comparative study on growth, survival and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas salmonicida collected from Wular lake and river Jhelum in Kashmir valley (India). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 189-96.

A. salmonicida is a gram negative bacterium, which is found in natural conditions in all strata of water and mud. Quantitative estimation of bacteria collected from diseased fish, bottom mud and water gave different results. Bacterial samples were collected from Wular Lake and River Jhelum and ascertained for growth patterns, survival in differential media, and finally antibiotic resistance. The experimental analysis of the bacteria A. salmonicida, collected from Wular Lake and River Jhelum, showed variations in biochemical analysis. The bacteria from bottom sediments showed normal growth patterns even at 4°C on CBB media. This may be attributed to the adaptation against low temperature at the bottom of river or lake. The current research was aimed at the study on growth, survival and antibody resistance of Aeromonas salmonicida collected from water and mud samples of Wular Lake and River Jhelum. The bacterial strains showed variations in biochemical analysis when compared to Bergey's Manual as per Austin and Austin, 1996. The bacteria also showed variations to resistance and susceptibility to 14 antibiotics used during the current study.

3 tables, 19 ref

007495   Bidau C;Gimenez M D;Davies Y E;Contreras J R (Laboratorio de Esquistossomose Departamento de Med Trop, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Arthur Neiva, Sala 14, Manguinhos-210, Rio de Janeior, RJ, Brazil., Email: bidau50@gmail.com) : New Ctenomys karyotypes from lower chaco, Argentina (rodentia, ctenomyidae). Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 135-42.

New karyotypes and chromosomal polymorphisms in Ctenomys species from the populations inhabiting southeastern lower Chaco in the EI Chaco and Santa Fe provinces of Argentina were studied. C. argentinus (2n=44;FN=50, 51, 52) speciments were collected from quasi-topotypic sites (near Campo Araoz, EI Chaco) and from a disjunct population (Colnia Benitez, EI Chaco). The two populations share equal karyotypic features but the first is polymorphic for a centric shift of pair 11. This population is found within the main distribution area of the species, while that from Colonia Benitez is very small and isolated. The karyotype of C. argentinus is similar to that of C. pilarensis from Paraguay. the karyotype of Ctenomys bonettoi (2n=50; FN=70 Colonia Elisa, Chaco), is related to C. yolandae (2n=50; FN=78) from the type locality. In addition, it is almost identical to a population of the latter species from the Departamento Capital (Santa Fe) (2n=50; FN=70). the differences between C. bonettoi and typical C. yolandae involve their FN (11 vs. 13 biarmed chromosome pairs).

4 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

007494   Bhagirath T H;Dhananjoy C H (Dep of Life Sci, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003, Email: bhagirath_thounaojam@yahoo.com) : Heterochromatic Y testicular dysgenesis in the black rat rattus rattus tistae. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 107-10.

Black rat specimen with abnormal phenotypes namely very big and blunt muzzle, no teats, inconspicuous genitalia and a pair of rudimentary testes without dividing germ cells was found from Manipur. Bone marrow metaphases displayed 40 autosomes, one X chromosome and a C-band positive spherical chromatin body which was identific as heterochromatic Y chromosome. the abnormal phenotypes are linked to heterochromatic y chromosome, and hence the black rat specimen is a case of heterochromatic Y testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

1 illus, 16 ref

007493   Bashir G;Thokar M A;Ahmad S;Fomda B A;Lone R; Fazili T (Microbiol Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Inst of Med Sci, Soura-190 001, Email: drgulnazbashir@hotmail.com) : Fungemia caused by Verticillium species in an immunocompromised child. Indian J med Microbiol 2006, 24(1), 65-6.

Incidence of fungal infections is increasing due to immunocompromised states. Reported a case of fungaemia due to a rare fungus-Verticillium, in a 6 year old child diagnosed as a case of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia- L1 with high grade fever. The patient was treated with amphotericin B with a good clinical response.

^ccr1 illus, 5 ref

007492   Balachandran G;Pillai P G;Mathew P M (Dep of Bot, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram) : Estimates of genetic load in four inbreeding community of Kollam dist., Kerala state. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)2, 1167-70.

Genetic loads were estimated in four inbreeding communities of Kollam dt.(Reddiar, Viswakarma, Thandan, Kurava) from the data of consanguinity-related prereproductive mortality in terms of lethal equivalents per gamete based on the A&B statistics estimated following the MCM formula. The computed values of lethal equivalents per gamete were found to be very low (1-2) in Reddiar, Viswakarma and Kurava communities. The very low value in these communities is suggestive that the consanguinity-related mortality in them could be due to the effect of the highly lethal genes. It is also suggested that in the Reddiar community with fairly high B/A values (140) the load element could be mutational.

2 tables, 11 ref

007491   Atolaiye B O;Aremu M O;Olonisakin A;Ajaelu J (Dep of Chem, Nasarawa St Univ, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria) : Effects of antioxidants on human red cell survival. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 123-9.

Work was carried out using whole red blood cells to evaluate the effects of antioxidants on human red cell survival by spectrophotometric method. The antioxidants evaluated are water-soluble ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and lipid-soluble vitamin E. Methemoglobin formation was observed within 45 minutes, hemolysis was recognized by the appearance of an absorbance peak at a wavelength of 630 nm. The window times of survival of the red blood cells in the presence of antioxidants were found to be 22 hours for ascorbic acid, 30 hours for vitamin E, and with a combination of vitamins C and E, the evaluation was terminated after nine hours when a synergistic effect was established. Vitamin E was found to be more effective due to its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation which leads to increase in red cell membrane fragility and hence the breaking of the red cell membrane.

2 illus, 20 ref

007490   Arunachalam V;Verma S;Sujata V;Prabhu K V (Div of Genet, Indian Agriculural Res Inst, New Delhi-110012) : Marker-aided genetic divergence analysis in Brassica. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 123-30.

Genetic divergence was evaluated in 31 breeding lines from four Brassica species using Mahalanobis' D². A new method of grouping using D² values was used to group the 31 lines, based on diagnostic morphological traits (called morphoqts). Isozyme variation of the individual enzymes esterase and glutamate oxaloacetate was quantified by five parameters (called isoqts) developed earlier. Grouping by the same method was also done based on the isoqts, and the grouping by isozymes was compared with that by morphoqts. Overall, there was an agreement of 73% suggesting that isoqts can be used in the choice of parents and also first stage selection of segregants in the laboratory. It was suggested that such an exercise would help to take care of season-bound and field-related problems of breeding. The new isozyme QTs, within lane variance of relative mobility and relative absorption, accounted for about 50% of the total divergence. The utility of the new method and isoqts in cost effective breeding were highlighted.

3 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

007489   Annadurai D (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: d_annadurai@yahoo.co.in) : Gastropods diversity of the Gulf of Mannar marine biosphere reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 49-52.

One hundred fifteen species of gastropods belonging to single subclass, 3 orders, 28 families and 44 genuses were recorded from the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, South East Coast of India. The survey was conducted for a period of three years from 2002 to 2005. These species were collected from landing centers, islands shores, coral beds and intertidal areas to assess the diversity. The families Trochidae, Neritidae, Strombidae, Naticidae, Cypraeidae and Conidae were the dominant has been revealed. The survey further indicated that the main uses of these gastropods species could hardly be over emphasized from the standpoint of food alone since molluscs have been of tremendous importance to man. Most of the larger species of gastropods are used in shell craft industries for making ornamental and decorative material. When compared with earlier reports on molluscan fauna reveals that the diversity is declining year by year. Study also recommends a number of measures for conserving the molluscan biodiversity of the Biosphere Reserve.

1 table, 8 ref

007488   Agunbiade S O;Olanlokun J O (Dep of Biochem Fac of Sci, Univ of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria) : Nutritive value of the seed kernels of exotic and local mangoes (Mangifera indica). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 81-6.

Series of studies was conducted to determine the biochemical attributes food value and possible end uses of the seed kernels of the following mango varieties: Edward, Haden, Julie, Madoe, and Sherry. Raw mangoes were found to be composed of about 69-78% mesocara 5-32% endocarp and 2.65-6.96% seed kernels. Raw mango seed kernels contain about 3-9% protein, 4-10% fat, 2-7% ash and antinutritional factors of about 2-5 g/kg DM phytic acid and 5-16 mg/kg DM hydrocyanogen. Although these antinutritive factors were reduced in both roasting and boiling treatments, boiling was more effective than roasting in Haden where it was reduced by only 4%. In Edward where roasting was more effective reduction by 13% was only achieved. Levels of reduction of cyanogens using cooking method ranges between 33-72% while for phytic acid it was between 5-41%. Roasting and boiling do not completely remove the antinutritive effects of the raw mango seed kernels.

4 tables, 11 ref

006370   Yogamoorthi A;Sathya Priya E (Cent for Futures Stud, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: yogapond@yahoo.com) : Anti-inflammatory and analgesic property of methanolic extract of Spinifex Littoreus (Burm.f.) Merr. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 271-3.

Methanol extract of the coastal sand-dwelling grass, Spinifex littoreus was tested for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic property using mouse assay. To ascertain the pharmacological property of each plant part (aerial and root), extracts were prepared and tested. The results were compared with the standard analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs viz. paracetamol and dichlofenac sodium respectively. It was observed that the root extract of Spinifex littoreus was more potential in term of analgesic and anti inflammatory properties.

2 tables, 11 ref

006369   Vijayaraghavan R, et al (NO, Def Res and Dev Establ, Gwalior-474 002, Email: vijayjai@sancharnet.in) : Protective effect of ethanolic and water extracts of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against the toxic effects of mustard gas. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(10), 821-31.

Ethanolic extract of H. rhamnoides L. leaf (HL-EOH), water and ethanolic extract of H. rhamnoides fruit (HF-W and HF-EOH), and H. rhamnoides flavone from fruit (HR-flavone) were evaluated against percutaneously administered sulphur mustard (SM), a chemical warfare agent. The animals administered with SM (9.7, 19.3 and 38.7 mg/kg) died at various days depending upon the dose and there was a significant reduction in the body weight. The H. rhamnoides extracts (1g/kg; 3 doses; po) significantly protected the lethality, with a protective index of 2.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 2.2 for HL-EOH, HF-W, HF-EOH and HR-flavone respectively. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutalthione (GSSG) levels were reduced, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated after percutaneous administration of SM. Oral administration of HL-EOH and HR-flavone significantly protected the body weight loss. Recovery in the levels of GSH, GSSG and MDA were also observed following oral administration of HL-EOH and HR-flavone. All the extracts were non-toxic and the LD₅₀ was more than 5 g/kg. The study shows that percutaneous administration of SM induces oxidative stress and ethanolic extract of leaf of H. rhamnoides and H. rhamnoides flavone from fruit can significantly protect it.

3 illus, 8 tables, 38 ref

006368   Venkatachalam P;P Priya;T Gireesh;Saraswathy Amma C K;Thulaseedharan A (Div of Biotechnol, Rubb Res Inst of India, Kottayam-686 009, Email: pvenkat@purdue.edu) : Molecular cloning and sequencing of a polymorphic band from rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Muell.) Arg.]: the nucleotide sequence revealed partial homology with proline-specific permease gene sequence. Curr Sci 2006, 90(11), 1510-5.

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is mainly cultivated in high rainfall areas (traditional). Identification of DNA marker or genes could be highly useful to develop drought-tolerant clones or screen Hevea seedling populations, which will eventually extend the rubber cultivation in non-traditional areas (under irrigation). RAPD analysis is a valuable tool in studying genetic variation and for identification of specific gene fragments. Genomic DNAs from 37 clones were used for RAPD analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), where the total and unique number of polymorphic bands varied with the clones and primers. Certain amplified bands appeared to be common to some clones, whereas others were present only in a few clones. RAPD markers specific to one or few clones were identified, with the results being reproduced at least three times. There were two DNA markers (1.2 and 1.4 kb) scored by presence vs absence of specific amplification products with OPB-12 primer. Of the two bands, a 1.4 kb RAPD marker was the most promising DNA fragment which was isolated, cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined and revealed certain homology with Saccharomyces cerevisiae proline-specific permease gene. Specific DNA technology, such as the use of SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) markers, can be used to differentiate among Hevea clones to validate this RAPD marker. SCAR marker was created by sequencing a single RAPD band and designing primers to amplify the band of specific size. The SCAR primers amplify a band of 1.4 kb from only 14 among 37 clones used under more stringent PCR conditions. This SCAR marker could be used as genetic marker to screen the Hevea seedling populations for specific trait or gene from single PCR-based method.

2 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006367   Velmurugan B;Ambrose T;Selvanayagam M (NO, , 66, Pilliar Koil Street, Redhills, Chennai-600 052, Email: velmurugan_b@hotmail.com) : Genotoxic evaluation of lambda-cyhalothrin in Mystus gulio. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 247-50.

Genotoxic potential of pyrethroid pesticide lambda cyhalothrin (Karate) on Mystus gulio was studied using chromosomal aberration test in the gill cells. Fishes exposed in vivo to 6.4 ppb (10% 96hr LC₅₀) concentration of compound and sacrificed at four different sampling times 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr against the parallel-untreated tap water control. The different types of aberrations observed were chromatid breaks, centromeric fusion, acentric fragments, chromosomal gaps, sticky plates, aneuploidy and ring chromosomes. Chromosomal aberrations were found to be significantly increased in number than in control, and are statistically significant at (p<60>0.05) level.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

006366   Sohal S K;Rup P J;Arora G K (Dep of Zool, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: pushp49@gmail.com) : Influence of cytokinine, a plant growth regulator (PGR) on the activity of some enzymes involved in metabolism, in the nymphs of Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 217-20.

Five enzymes were assessed for their activity under the influence of cytokinine (N⁶ Benzyladenine) (400ppm) in the nymphs (48-52 hr old) of mustard aphid, L. erysimi treated for 13, 25 and 37 hr. The activity of Glutathione S - transferases and Esterases increased with treatment as compared to control in the nymphs of the same age group. However the activity of Glutathione reductase was suppressed with treatment. NADH dehydrogenase activity and NADH oxidase activity in the nymphs was not affected much with the treatment. It was inferred that Glutathione S-transferases and Esterases might be involved in the degradation of cytokinine whereas, the other enzymes had no significant role to play in the metabolism of cytokinine.

illus, tables, ref

006365   Shrivastava N;Patel T;Srivastava A (B.V. Patel Pharm Educ & Res Dev (PERD) Cent, , Thaltej, Ahmedabad-380 054, Email: neetasshrivastava@hotmail.com) : Biosynthetic potential of in vitro grown callus cells of Cassia senna L. var. senna. Curr Sci 2006, 90(11), 1472-3.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

006364   Shirodkar M V N;Sehgal P B (Shirodkar Memorial Res Foundation, , Mumbai, Email: pravin_sehgal@nymc.edu) : Is the anti-sarcoma and anti-virul cytokine "plasma factor" a novel chicken Y-box protein. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(10), 777-82.

Line of research beginning in the early 1960s with the observation that West Nile virus and, later, several strains of rabies virus could inhibit the development of the Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumor in the wing-web of chicken (a "sarcoma-blockade") eventually culminated in the characterization of a 14-kDa circulating anti-sarcoma and anti-viral activity christened "plasma factor" (PF) which, unlike the interferons, inhibited the replication of diverse RNA-containing viruses, but not of any DNA-containing viruses. The possibility that this 14 kDa protein represented a novel antiviral cytokine has been strengthened by analysis of partial amino acid sequencing data which suggest that this 14-kDa cytokine may correspond to the 127-amino acid-long chicken YB2-like protein (Locus: XP_423576) deduced very recently from the genomic sequencing of chicken. Biologically, proteins of the Y-box family (such as chicken YB1 and YB2) not only bind DNA and thus regulate transcription but also bind single-stranded RNA in a sequence-specific and reversible manner, repress viral RNA translation, inhibit retroviral transformation of chicken fibroblasts, and are known to regulate transcription of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus. Taken together, the available data point to a novel anti-viral cytokine with a novel mechanism of action.

1 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

006363   Shadab G G H A;Ahmad M E;Azfer M A (Dep of Zool, Sect of Genet Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: gghas@rediffmail.com) : Cytogenetic evaluation of hormonal drug fludrocortisone in human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 257-61.

Fludrocortisone is a potent steroidal drug with many therapeutic activities. The cytogenetic effects of this drug were assessed in human lymphocyte culture. The parameters used were sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and chromosomal aberrations (CA). A wide range of concentrations i.e. 25 μg, 50 μg and 100 μg/ml of the drug were used to see the genotoxic effects in the absence as well as in the presence of microsomal activation system (S9 mix) at different exposure durations (i.e., 24, 48 and 72hr). The drug did not induce any significant increase in chromosomal aberration frequency at any of the concentrations, nor was it effective at any of the exposure times either in the absence or in the presence of S9 mix. It was concluded that fludrocortisone does not have any genotoxic effect in human lymphocytes at wider ranges of concentrations and it is safe to be used as medicine.

4 tables, 35 ref

006362   Sarma H K;Sharma B K;Satya Shila Singh;Tiwari S C;Mishra A K (Molec Microbial Ecology Lab Dep of For, North East Regional Inst of Sci and Technol, Nirjuli-791 109, Email: akmishraau@rediffmail.com) : Polymorphic distribution and phenotypic diversity of Frankia strains in nodule lobes of Hippophae salicifolia D.Don. Curr Sci 2006, 90(11), 1516-21.

Frankia, as a source of symbiotic N₂ fixation in non-leguminous actinorhizal plants has received tremendous importance in the last few decades. Studies pertaining to the determination of genetic diversity of Frankia strains in diversified groups of actinorhizal plants have been a subject of attention in recent times. Attempt to isolate and identify consortia of Frankia strains from root nodules of Hip-pophae salicifolia D. Don collected from the eastern Himalayas of north Sikkim. A total 31 Frankia axenic cultures were isolated from 27 root nodule lobes which differed in colouration and morphological pattern. The isolates were subjected to different formulation of carbon sources and pH variations with and without additional exogenous N₂ source. Finally a total of 11 single spore isolates were identified based on morphological and physiological differences. The study reveals that there is an existence of a great deal of heterogeneity among the Frankia strains associated with Hippophae salicifolia D. Don.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

006361   Samson Raju C;Jacob Doss P;Venkatesulu T; Nagarjuna A;Jayantha Rao K (Zool Dep, S.V. Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Effect of sodium selenite on protein metabolism in a fish Tilapia mossambica. Aquacult 2006, 7(1), 21-5.

Selenium exposed fish resulted in significant decrease in protein content and increase in the activity levels of proteases in the tissues like liver, brain and gills. The level of free amino acids showed significant increment in the tissues compared to their respective controls. Significant decrease was also observed in the activity levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotrasferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities and ammonia content followed by an increase in the urea content might be related to altered protein metabolism under sodium selenite.

1 table, 21 ref

006360   Ramalingam K;Ramarani S (Dep of Zool PG and Res, Govt Arts college, Nandanam, Chennai-600 056, Email: drkrimmunotoxicol@yahoo.co.in) : Pathogenic changes due to inoculation of gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (MTCC 1688) on host tissue proteins and enzymes of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium Rosenbergii (De Man). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 199-205.

Freshwater giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1688 revealed pathogenic symptoms in certain tissue biochemical parameters. The tissue proteins showed proteolysis. The chitinase and phenol oxidase activity in tissues revealed marked inhibition. The culmination of these biochemical changes is attributed to the tissue pathological changes characteristic of bacterial inoculation. The chitinoclastic nature of the opportunistic bacterial pathogen inducing the above symptoms reveal that the disease outbreak in shrimps is the outcome of a pathogenic chain linkage involving environment (medium)-bacterial population (opportunistic/endemic)-shrimp population. The delinking of the above chain by water quality maintenance, selection of shrimp species and by keeping the bacterial population below that of damage threshold would have far reaching implications in enhancing productivity in this under water agriculture.

1 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

006359   Rajendran K;Basu M J (Dep of Bot, Thiagarajar Coll, Kamarajar Salai, Madurai-625 009, Email: kuppurajendran@rediffmail.com) : Morphological variation, histology, histochemistry and nutrient contents of Frankia root nodules in Casuarina equisetifolia. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 924-8.

Root nodules were collected from the existing plantation of Casuarina equisetifolia from three different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India. Morphological variation, histology, histochemistry and nutrient contents of the nodules were studied. The nodules were found to be simple, dichotomously branched and coralloid. The stele in simple and branched nodules reached up to the tip of the nodules. Structure of Frankia nodules was described using histochemical methods to elucidate the nature of micro-symbiont within the nodules. The nodule consisted of a distinct periderm enclosing the cortex. The cortex showed patches of infected cells interspersed among the uninfected ones. Inside the cortex was a stele bound by an endodermis, which contained high amount of tannin. The micro-symbiont was observed in the nodule tisues in hyphal form and spore packed sporocorp was also seen in the cortex. The histochemical tests revealed the presence of proteins, insoluble polysaccharides and polyphenols.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref