006358   Punzo F;Law S (Dep of Biol, Box 5F Univ of Tampa, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA, Email: fpunzo@ut.edu) : Effect of nitrate-related compounds on growth, survival and hematological responses in tadpoles of the Cuban tree frog, Osteopilus Septentrionalis Boulenger. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 187-90.

Experiments were conducted to assess the effects of nitrate-related compounds on survival, growth, and hematological responses in tadpoles of the Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis. Stage-25 tadpoles were exposed to a nitrate dilution series and exposed to distilled water (controls), 40 ppm nitrate, or 100 ppm nitrate. Survivorship was significantly higher for control animals as compared to those exposed to 40 and 100 ppm nitrate. Total blood Hb concentrations were not significantly altered by exposure to sodium nitrite, and a significant positive correlation was found between methemoglobinemia and nitrite concentration over the test range of 1.0 to 50.0 mg/l. Percentage Hb was significantly correlated with nitrite concentration. Percentage MHb for all treatment groups was significantly higher (18.4 to 45.3%) than that of controls (5.4%).

2 tables, 32 ref

006357   Poddar A K;Roy S P (NO, A.N. Collee, Dumka, Jharkhand) : Community structure of tribal population of Santhal Parganas (Jharkhand) with reference to analysis of their habitat conditions. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 69-74.

Community structure of tribal population of Santhal Parganas with reference to analysis of their habitat conditions have been made. Over exploitation of natural resources results in irreversible damage to the quality of ecosystem. The conservation strategies of natural resources has been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

006356   Naik G H;Priyadarsini K I;Mohan Hari (Radiat Chem and Chem Dynamics Div, Bhabha Atom Res Cent, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: kindira@apsara.barc.ernet.in) : Free radical scavenging reactions and phytochemical analysis of Triphala, an ayurvedic formulation. Curr Sci 2006, 90(8), 1103-5.

In order to understand the factors responsible for the potent antioxidant and radioprotecting ability of triphala, it has been evaluated for radical scavenging ability, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and phytochemical (phenolics) content. The radical scavenging experiments were carried out using fast reaction kinetic tools and the reactivity of triphala towards different radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, DPPH and ABTS was determined. When triphala was tested for superoxide radical, scavenging activity using xanthine and xanthine oxidase assay, it was observed that in addition to reacting with superoxide radical, it also inhibited uric acid formation, indicative of xanthine oxidase enzyme inhibitory activity. Phytochemical analysis showed that triphala is rich in phenols/polyphenols (38±3%) and tannins (35±3%), while flavonoids were found to be absent. HPLC analysis showed that triphala contains 73 ± 5 mg gallic acid per gram of triphala, which was found to increase to 150 ± 5 mg/g upon acid hydrolysis. Relevance of these studies to the antioxidant and radio protection properties of triphala has also been discussed.

5 illus, 35 ref

006355   Nagaraja Rao P;Chitaranjan Rao B;Tanweer A (Dep of Zool, Osmania Univ Coll for Women, Koti, Hyderabad) : Use of sex pheromone for the prediction of population of Helicoverpa armigera and damage in cotton field. Pestology 2006, 30(4), 46-51.

During cotton crop seasons of 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 in the cotton fields of Basuregadi village, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh (India), insect sex pheromone were used to study the status of adult male population of Helicoverpa armigera moth in correlation with egg, larval populations and damage to the cotton crop. Based on this correlations, regression equations were developed for the prediction of Helicoverpa armigera egg population y = (-0.2195) + 0.1 786x, larval population y = 1.3394 + 0.1046x and damage to the cotton crop y = 0.7905 + 0.0753x.

1 table, 14 ref, 3 Graph

006354   Madhavi Y (NO, Natn Inst of Sci Technol & Dev Stud, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012) : New combination vaccines: backdoor entry into India's universal immunization programme. Curr Sci 2006, 90(11), 1465-9.

4 tables, 21 ref

006353   M Lal;H Kaur (Dept. of Microbiol, CMC & Hosp, Ludhiana, Email: gillmadan@rediff.com) : Microbiological study of bottled mineral water marketed in Ludhiana. Indian J Publ Hlth 2006, 50(1), 31-2.

The microbiological quality of bottled mineral water marketed in Ludhiana was examined, Twenty three brands were analyzed for presumptive coliform count by multiple tube tests, and E. coli count was confirmed by Eijkman test. Bacterial and fungal loads were tested by membrane filtration test. Out of 23 only one sample (4.4%) showed the presumptive coliform count to be 460 most probable number (MPN)1100 ml, and 1 was found to be positive when tested by Eijkman test for Ecoli. In the membrane filtration test three samples (13%) showed more than two types of bacteria. Different types or bacteria isolated included Bacillus sp (19/23). Pseudomonas spp (13123), Ecoli, Klebsiella sp and S. albus one each Fungi was isolated from five of twenty three (22%) samples. Only one brand of mineral water was unfit for human consumption. The rest of the samples were contaminated with non pathogenic flora.

^ssc5 ref

006352   Lakra N;Mishra S N;Singh D B;Tomar P C (Dep of Biosci, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: shyamnmishra@yahoo.com) : Exogenous putrescine effect on cation concentration in leaf of Brassica juncea seedlings subjected to Cd and Pb along with salinity stress. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 263-9.

Study reports on cation levels in leaf tissue of the mustard seedlings subjected to metal and salinity stress (Cd/Pb 0.1-2mM and NaCl (50-100mM) for 7 days in controlled conditions. The leaf content of Na+/K+ decreased gradually on increase in Pb or Cd level. But under metal and salinity stress, Na+ level rose considerably with concomitant decline in K+ level. Exogenously applied putrescine caused considerable decline in Na+ level, while increased K+ level in leaf of the seedlings under low salinity and metal (Pb/Cd) stress. The considerable Na+ accumulation in leaf under high saline and metal stress conditions were reversed up to 35% with putrescine. However, the declining trend in Ca⁺⁺/Mg⁺⁺ with increasing level of Pb or Cd along with salinity in external environment of the seedlings changed little but significant with putrescine. IAA application to the plant exposed to metal and salinity stress also checked the increase in Na+ level, but K+ level change was little. The IAA also had little effect on Ca⁺⁺/Mg⁺⁺ accumulation over control under severe stress. The experiments suggest the putrescine alleviation of growth in metal and salinity stressed plant through maintaining high K+ level and lowering Na+ in leaf, while little effect on divalents (Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺) level. This indicates the possibility of putrescine selective effect on ion flux in leaf es of plants under stress.

4 illus, 41 ref

006351   Kim S K;Son T K;Park S Y;Lee I J;Lee B H;Kim H Y;Lee S C (Inst for Bioresources Res, Gyeongbuk Provincial Agril. Technol Adm, Andong-760 891, South Korea) : Influences of gibberellin and auxin on endogenous plant hormone and starch mobilization during rice seed germination under salt stress. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 181-6.

Soaking effects of two plant hormones, gibberellic acid (GA₃) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on dehulled rice seeds exposed to low NaCl stress were investigated. Total soluble and reducing sugars in endosperms of rice seeds soaked with GA₃ (10 μM) increased gradually as germination progressed under low NaCI stress. This increase was more pronounced in IAA-soaked rice seeds than in GA₃-soaked rice seeds. Similarity of α-amylase activity in IAA-soaked germinating rice seeds was much more stimulated than that soaked with GA₃. IAA- and GA₃-soaked rice seeds showed relatively high amounts of endogenous IAA under salt stress. In particular, IAA content increased more in GA₃-soaked rice seeds than in IAA-soaked rice seeds. Furthermore, gibberellin content in IAA-soaked rice seeds showed the highest concentrations among all the treatments. It suggests that recovery effect in starch mobilization and root elongation is in some part regulated by soaking treatment of plant hormones under lower salt stress in rice seed germination.

5 illus, 21 ref

006350   Khar A;Leela Kumari A;Pardhasaradhi B V V; Varalakshmi C H;Rangaraj N (NO, Cent for Cellular & Molec Biol, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: khar@ccmb.res.in) : Heat stress induced apoptosis in BC-8 cells derived from AK-5 tumor involves downregulation of Bcl-2 and generation of reactive oxygen species. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(10), 802-8.

BC-8, a rat histiocytoma undergoes apoptosis after heat shock, which is due to lack of an effective heat shock response. Heat shock induced generation of free radicals, which in turn are involved in the induction of apoptotic death in BC-8 cells. Treatment of BC-8 cells with N-acetylcysteine partially inhibited the heat induced apoptosis. Introduction of Bcl-2 gene in these cells did not protect them from apoptotic death, whereas transfection with hsp-70 gene did render these cells resistant to heat induced apoptosis transiently. Heat shock also downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and p53 in these cells. These observations suggested that the heat shock induced apoptosis was mediated through reactive oxygen species and controlled upstream of Bcl-2 check point.

4 illus, 28 ref

006349   Kaur A;Kaur K (Dep of Zool, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: arvinder6@lycos.com) : Impact of nickel-chrome electroplating effluent on the protein and cholesterol contents of blood plasma of Channa punctatus (Bl.) during different phases of the reproductive cycle. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 241-5.

Sublethal toxicity of nickel-chrome electroplating effluent on blood plasma protein and cholesterol was investigated in the fish Channa punctatus (BI). The fish was most sensitive to stress during the spawning phase followed by preparatory and prespawning phase of the reproductive cycle. An increase in the concentration of biomolecules corresponding to a decline in GSI clearly indicates that the metabolism of the fish is affected and the biomolecules are not taken up by the body under the stress of the effluent.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

006348   Himabindu M;Jetty A (Biochem and Envir Engng Cent, Indian Inst of Chem Technol, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: annapurna@iictnet.org) : Optimization of nutritional requirements for gentamicin production by Micromonospora echinospora. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(10), 842-8.

Effect of various fermentation media, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, phosphate concentration and culture requirements includes inoculum levels and age were determined on gentamicin production and biomass dry weight production for Micromonospora echinospora, a gentamicin producing strain. Of the substrates tested, starch as a sole carbon source promoted maximal gentamicin production, while maltose promoted maximal growth. Yeast extract as a sole nitrogen source promoted maximal growth, while soyabean meal for gentamicin production. Increasing phosphate concentration enhanced gentamicin production and observed optimum production at 1.2g/l (6% v/v) of phosphate having 72 h old inoculum in the medium. Highest gentamicin production was obtained after cultivation with shaking for 120 h in a medium containing starch 0.75%(w/v), soyabean meal 0.5%, K₂HPO₄0.12%, CaCO₃0.4%, FeSO₄ 0.003% and CoCl₂ 0.0001%. The gentamicin production was 1.2-fold in this medium as compared to basal medium.

3 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

006347   Gupta P;Srivastava N (Fish Biol Lab Dep of Zool, Univ of Raj, Jaipur, Email: pallavi_gupta2006@rediffmail.com) : Effects of sub-lethal concentrations of zinc on histological changes and bioaccumulation of zinc by kidney of fish Channa punctatus (Bloch). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 211-5.

Fresh water fish, Channa punctatus were exposed to three sub-lethal concentrations of zinc (10 mg/l, 15 mg/l and 25 mg/l) for 15 days. The effects of this exposure have been studied on bioaccumulation of zinc and histology of the kidney at intervals of 8, 10 and 15 days. Statistically significant increase in zinc concentration was noted in fish of all treated groups. Simultaneously, severe histological changes were noted in the kidney of all exposed groups. Both, bioaccumulation and histopathological changes were dose and duration dependent. Post exposure recovery in fish was noted after transferring these fish to normal tap water for another fortnight. Slow elimination of zinc was observed though the concentration of zinc remained significantly higher than controls till the end of the experiment. Histopathological changes observed in the kidney also persisted. However, by the termination of the experiment kidney of group II showed signs of mild recovery.

6 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

006346   Gupta A K;Ashwani Kumar (NO, , T-9, Tilaknagar, Sector 3 Udaipur-313 001, Email: ashokgupta4U25@yahoo.co.in) : Histopathological lesions in the selected tissues of Cirrhinus Mrigala (Ham.) fingerlings exposed to a sublethal concentration of mercury. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 235-9.

Histopathological lesions in the selected tissues such as gills, kidney and eye of the fingerlings of Cirrhinus mrigala exposed to a sublethal concentration of mercury, i.e. 240 μg/l from static bioassay have been studied. The primary gill lamellae showed degeneration in the middle and distal region. In distal region, spherical structure showing complete degeneration and fusion of pillar, epithelial, mucus producing gland and blood cells in the secondary gill lamellae. Degeneration and necrosis in glomerulus, interstitium tissue and epithelium lining of renal tubules in kidney have also been seen in mercury treated fingerlings. Whereas periorbital region of eye showed exudation in choroids layer and degeneration in oedematous tissue or adjacent sclera. The results have been discussed in relation to respiratory and excretory physiology and probable cause of fish death due to mercury poisoning.

4 illus, 33 ref

006345   Gacche R N;Shete A M;Dhole N A;Ghole V S (Sch of Life Sci, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada Univ, Nanded-431 606, Email: rngacche@rediffmail.com) : Reversible inhibition of polyphenol oxidase form apple using L-cysteine. Indian J chem Technol 2006, 13(5), 459-63.

Alternate strategies for prevention of enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables are required by food industries due to restrictions and several negative health attributes of sulphites, which are effective inhibitors of enzymatic browning reaction. These reactions result mostly from polyplienol oxidase (PPO). Evaluates the antioxidant and PPO inhibitory potential of L-cysteine. Studies have revealed that with increase in concentration of L-cysteine there was corresponding decrease in the rate of browning reaction and the activity of PPO. The kinetic study indicates that PPO inhibition by L-cysteine is non-competitive. The results suggest that the L-cysteine is a time bound inhibitor of PPO, since its highest concentration (5 mM) gives protection up to 4 h having no further effect on the rate of browning reaction in apple juice. The assessment of radical-scavenging ability of L-cysteine demonstrated that it has high affinity towards a stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

006344   Faria D;Bharathi P A L (Biol Oceanography Div, Natn Inst of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: loka@nio.org) : Marine and estuarine methylotrophs: their abundance, activity and identity. Curr Sci 2006, 90(7), 984-9.

Methanotrophs were up to 1 and 0.65% of the total counts in estuarine waters and offshore sediments respectively. Experimental tests on methanol utilization showed that the estuarine isolates grew best at 4% methanol whereas offshore ones grew at 5% at an optimum pH of 6 or 7. Methanol, when used as an additional carbon source, in the presence of nutrient broth concentration ranging from 0.08 to 0.4%, enhanced growth by 129% and respiration by 177% in estuarine isolates. Biochemical and physical characteristics showed that estuarine methylotrophs exhibited taxonomic affinities to Pseudomonas I or II sp. The offshore genera were more varied and belonged to Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas I or II sp. The abundance, activity and identity suggest that these physiological groups could be widespread and therefore could perhaps contribute significantly to the changes in C₁ compounds and even their derivatives in marine and estuarine environments.

4 tables, 44 ref

006343   Dobrzynska I;B Szachowicz-Petelska; Skrzydlewska E;Figaszewski Z A (NO, Inst of Chem Univ of Bialystok, Al. Pilsudskiego 114, 15-443 Bialystok, Poland) : Protective effect of green tea on electric properties of rat erythrocyte membrance during ethanol intoxication. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 161-6.

Food ingredients, such as, ethanol that is metabolized with reactive aldehyde and free radicals formation can modify cell membrane components and its physicochemical properties. The destructive action of free radicals can be neutralized by administration of antioxidants, especially natural ones like green tea. For this reason, the purpose of this work was to determine the effect of green tea on concentration of ionizable groups, amount of phospholipids and level of lipid peroxidation products of erythrocyte membrane of rats, chronically intoxicated with ethanol. The surface charge density as a pH function used for the above calculations was measured by electrophoresis. Qualitative and quantitative composition of phospholipids in the membrane was determined by HPLC, while the extent of lipid peroxidation was determined by spectrophotometric measurement of the level of lipid peroxidation products as thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS). It was shown that ethanol intoxication caused an increase in the above parameters. Green tea significantly prevented changes caused by ethanol. The authors proposed the theoretical description for the experimental curves.

3 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006342   Craig D B;Ash H L;Nachtigall J T (Dep of Chem, Univ of Winnipeg 515 Portage Ave Winnipeg MB, Canada R3B 2E9, Email: d.craig@uwinnipeg.ca) : Sphingomonas paucimobilis is capable of modifying polycyclic aromatic compounds present at sub-nanomolar concentrations in a complex medium. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 305-8.

Sphingomonas paucimobiiis was incubated in a complex medium amended with 95 pM to 950 nM fluorescein or resorufin. The samples were centrifuged and the supernatants analyzed by capillary electrophoresis utilizing laser-induced fluorescence detection. The growing cells failed to affect the fluorescein concentration but decreased the resorufin concentration by approximately 90% at all concentrations tested. The decrease in resorufin was due to conversion into a non-fluorescent product rather than adsorption to the cells.

2 illus, 10 ref

006341   Chauhan S V S;Goyal R (Dep of Bot, Sch of Life Sci Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002, Email: svs250@rediffmail.com) : Pollen calendar of Agra city with special reference to allergenic significance. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 275-81.

Pollen calendar of Agra was recorded with special reference to allergenic significance. Pollen grains of 35 species belonging to 23 angiosperm families have been identified out of a total catch of 24,220/m³ of air annually. High occurrence of pollen grains in air belonged to Asteraceae (5222/m³) and Parthenium hysterophorus contributed the maximum (17.91%) of the total airspora. Higher counts of pollen were found in ecozones surrounded by agricultural fields, parks and gardens. The skin prick tests for the clinical investigation were made. Patients of bronchial asthma with rhinitis (62.30%) were maximum followed by bronchial asthma (25.61%) and allergic rhinitis (12.07%). Maximum number of patients had symptoms between the age group of 31-40 years and male were more sensitive than females. Maximum sensitivity was caused by Amaranthus spinosus, followed by P. arthenium, P. hysterophorus, Chenopodium album, Cynodon dactylon and Cassia occidentalis.

2 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

006340   Bansal S K;Singh K V (Desert Med Res Cent (ICMR), , New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: bansalshivk@hotmail.com) : Laboratory evaluation for comparative insecticidal activity of some synthetic pyrethroids against vector mosquitoes in arid region. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 251-5.

Comparative efficacy of three synthetic pyrethroids viz., cypermethrin, lambdacyhalothrin and cyfluthrin was evaluated against Anopheles Stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the three important mosquito vectors prevalent in arid region. Studies were carried out on late 3rd or early 4th instar larvae of these species using standard WHO technique. Based on concentration mortality data LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values along with their fiducial limits, regression equation, chi-square (X²)/ heterogeneity of the response have been determined by log probit analysis. LC₅₀ values as observed were 0.0064, 0.00060 and 0.00012 mg/l for cypermethrin, 0.0090, 0.0019 and 0.0010 mg/l for lambdacyhalothrin and 0.0087, 0.0005 and 0.0004 mg/l for cyfluthrin for the above three vectors respectively. The results showed that larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were most susceptible followed by Ae. aegypti and An. Stephensi to all the pyrethroids tested. The chi-square values calculated during the analysis did not show any heterogeneity of the response. Experiments conducted with adults of An. Stephensi, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus with three synthetic pyrethroids viz. lambdacyhalothrin (0.05%), cyfluthrin (0.15%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) showed that all the three compounds are very effective and a 98-100% kill was observed when subjected from 15-60 min. time exposure. This study would be useful while planning use of these insecticides for the control of adult mosquito vectors in this area.

3 tables, 23 ref

006339   Akhilesh Kumar;Singh V P;Singh R S (Zool Dep, A.N. Coll, Patna-800 013) : Relative variation in the amino acid composition of sericin among different species of Anthereaea. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 95-7.

Cocoon shells of four different species of Antheraea were taken for the evaluation of amino acids content in their sericin on comparative basis. The total number of free amino acid in Antheraea mylitta, Antheraea frithi, Antheraea proyeli and Antheraea pernyi clearly show evident difference and is supposed to influence the concentration of sericin.

1 table, 8 ref

005293   Zhou G L;Jin H G;Liu C;Guo S L;Zhu Q;Wu Y H (Coll of Life Sci, Liaocheng Univ, Liaocheng, Shandong 252 059, People's Republic of China, Email: glzhou@lctu.edu.cn) : Association of genetics polymorphism in GH gene with milk production traits in Beijing holstein cows. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 595-8.

Associations were analysed between polymorphisms of the growth hormone gene (GH-MspI) (localized in intron 3) and milk production traits of Beijing Holstein cows (a total of 543 cows). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) method was used for identification of various genotypes. Frequencies of genotypes were 0-77, 0.21 and 0.02 for A/A, A/B and B/B, respectively. The frequency of the GH^A allele is 0.875. The results of the least squares means show that in all three lactations, the GH A/A cows yielded more milk (P <60> 0.01 for lactation I and P <60> 0.05 for lactations II and III), whereas A/B cows showed higher milk fat content than A/A individuals (P <60> 0.05 for lactations I and II, and P <60> 0.01 for lactation III). The A/A cows yielded more fat than A/B individuals (P <60> 0.01 only in lactation I). The A/A cows yielded more milk protein than A/B individuals (P <60> 0.01 for lactations I, II, and III). The A/A cows produced milk of higher protein content than of A/B individuals (P <60> 0.05 only in lactation II).

^ssc2 tables, 21 ref

005292   Zhang L;Wu Q (Biol Sci and Biotechnol Dep, Tsinghua Univ, Beijing-100 084, Email: qingyu@tsinghua.edu.cn) : Single gene retrieval from thermally degraded DNA. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 599-604.

To simulate single gene retrieval from ancient DNA, several related factors have been investigated. By monitoring a 889 bp polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product and genomic DNA degradation, we find that heat and oxygen (especially heat) are both crucial factors influencing DNA degradation. The heat influence, mainly represented by temperature and heating time, affects the DNA degradation via DNA depurination followed by cleavage of nearby phosphodiesters. The heating time influence is temperature-dependent. By reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and 1,3-diphenyl-isobenzofuran (DPBF) bleaching experiments the influence of oxygen on DNA thermal degradation was shown to occur via a singlet oxygen pathway. A comparative study of the thermal degradation of cellular DNA and isolated DNA showed that cellular lipids can aggravate DNA thermal degradation. These results confirm the possibility of gene amplification from thermally degraded DNA. They can be used to evaluate the feasibility of the retrieval of single gene from ancient remains.

5 illus, 21 ref

005291   Zhang C;Hua T;Zhu Z;Luo Z (Coll of Life Sci, Anhui Norm Univ, Wuhu 241000, Peopl's Republic of China, Email: biotxh@langate.gsu.edu) : Age-related changes of structers in cerebellar cortex of cat. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 55-60.

Structures of the cerebellar cortex of young adult and old cats for age-related changes, which were statistically analysed. Nissl staining was used to visualize the cortical neurons. The immunohistochemical method was used to display glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive (IR) astrocytes and neurofilament-immunoreactive (NF-IR) neurons. Under the microscope, the thickness of the cerebellar cortex was measured; and the density of neurons in all the layers as well as that of GFAP-IR cells in the granular layer was analysed. Compared with young adult cats, the thickness of the molecular layer and total cerebellar cortex was significantly decreased in old cats, and that of the granular layer increased. The density of neurons in each layer was significantly lower in old cats than in young adult ones. Astrocytes in old cats were significantly denser than in young adult ones, and accompanied by evident hypertrophy of the cell bodies and enhanced immunoreaction of GFAP substance. Purkinje cells (PCs) in old cats showed much fewer NF-IR dendrites than those in young adults. The above findings indicate a loss of neurons and decrease in the number of dendrites of the PCs in the aged cerebellar cortex, which might underlie the functional decline of afferent efficacy and information integration in the senescent cerebellum. An age-dependent enhancement of activity of the astrocytes may exert a protective effect on neurons in the aged cerebellum.

6 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

005290   Wang Z;Zhang K;Sun X;Tang K;Zhang J (Life Sci Sch, Shandong Univ, Jinan-250 100, People's Republic of China, Email: jrzhang@sdu.edu.cn) : Enhancement of resistance to aphids by introducing the snowdrop lectin gene gna into maize plants. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 627-38.

In order to enhance the resistance to pests, transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) plants from elite inbred lines containing the gene encoding snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis L. agglutinin; GNA) under control of a phloem-specific promoter were generated through the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. The toxicity of GNA-expressing plants to aphids has also been studied. The independently derived plants were subjected to molecular analyses. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot analyses confirmed that the gna gene was integrated into maize genome and inherited to the following generations. The typical Mendelian patterns of inheritance occurred in most cases. The level of GNA expression at 0.13%-0-28% of total soluble protein was observed in different transgenic plants. The progeny of nine GNA-expressing independent transformants that were derived separately from the elite inbred lines DH4866, DH9942, and 8902, were selected for examination of resistance to aphids. These plants synthesized GNA at levels above 0-22% total soluble protein, and enhanced resistance to aphids was demonstrated by exposing the plants to corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) under greenhouse conditions. The nymph production was significantly reduced by 46.9% on GNA-expressing plants. Field evaluation of the transgenic plants supported the results from the inoculation trial. After a series of artificial self-crosses, some homozygous transgenic maize lines expressing GNA were obtained. In the study we have obtained new insect-resistant maize material for further breeding work.

5 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

005289   Wang W;Zhu S;Wang L;Yu F;Shen W (Inst of Life Sci, Jiangsu Univ, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang-212 013, People's Republic of China, Email: shenwd@suda.edu.cn) : Cloning and sequence analysis of the Antheraea pernyi nucleopolyhedrovirus gp64 gene. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 605-10.

Frequent outbreaks of the purulence disease of Chinese oak silkworm has been reported in Middle and Northeast China. The disease is produced by the pathogen Antheraea pernyi nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV). To obtain molecular information of the virus, the polyhedra of AnpeNPV were purified and characterized. The genomic DNA of AnpeNPV was extracted and digested with HindIII. The genome size of AnpeNPV is estimated at 128 kb. Based on the analysis of DNA fragments digested with HindIII, 23 fragments were bigger than 564 bp. A genomic library was generated using HindIII and the positive clones were sequenced and analysed. The gp64 gene, encoding the baculovirus envelope protein GP64, was found in an insert. The nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the AnpeNPV gp64 gene consists of a 1530 nucleotide open reading frame (ORF), encoding a protein of 509 amino acids. Of the eight gp64 homologues, the AnpeNPV gp64 ORF shared the most sequence similarity with the gp64 gene of Anticarsia gemmatalis NPV, but not Bombyx mori NPV. The upstream region of the AnpeNPV gp64 ORF encoded the conserved transcriptional elements for early and late stage of the viral infection cycle. These results indicated that AnpeNPV belongs to group I NPV and was far removed in molecular phylogeny from the BmNPV.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

005288   Vyas Y K;Bhatnagar M;Sharma K (Dep of Microbiol, Darshan Dent Coll & Hosp, Loyara, Udaipur-313 011, Email: kanikasharma@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of a herb, herbal based and synthetic dentifrices against oral microflora. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 639-42.

Antimicrobial spectrum of a herb (Spilanthes calva DC), herb based dentifrice (Arodent^TM) and synthetic dentifrice (Colgate®) was evaluated against common bacterial and fungal oral microflora viz., Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. Microbial flora were isolated from oral cavity on selective media and identified by standard methods. Methanolic extract of Spilantlies calva DC roots was prepared by reflux method in a Soxhlet apparatus. Antimicrobial activity at 100 mg/ml was assayed by Kirby-Bauer Cup-well agar diffusion method. Colgate® was found to be strongly antimicrobial against all microfloras and 40.37%, 43.71% and 41.48% inhibition of S. mutans, L. acidophilus and C. albicans respectively was observed with Colgate®. Methanolic extract of S. calva roots produced 24.45%, 33.33% and 33.71% inhibition of S. mutans, L. acidophilus and C. albican, while, Arodent^TM showed 26.66%, 40% and 28.51% inhibition of S. mutans, L. acidophilus and C. albicans in that order.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

005287   Vinod M S;Sharma N;Manjunatha K;Kanbar A; Prakash N B;Shashidhar H E (Dep of Genet and Pl Breed Marker Assisted Selection Lab, Univ of agriculture Sci, Bangalore 560 065, Email: heshashidhar@rediffmail.com) : Candidate genes for drought tolerance and improved productvity in rice Oryza Sativa L.. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 69-74.

Candidate genes are sequenced genes of known biological action involved in the development or physiology of a trait. Twenty-one putative candidate genes were designed after an exhaustive search in the public databases along with an elaborate literature survey for candidate gene products and/or regulatory sequences associated with enhanced drought resistance. The downloaded sequences were then used to design primers considering the flanking sequences as well. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on 10 diverse cultivars that involved Japonica, Indica and local accessions, revealed 12 polymorphic candidate genes. Seven polymorphic candidate genes were then utilized to genotype 148 individuals of CT9993 x IR62266 doubled haploid (DH) mapping population. The segregation data were tested for deviation from the expected Mendelian ratio (1:1) using a Chi-square test (<60>1%). Based on this, four candidate genes were assessed to be significant and the remaining three, as non-significant. All the significant candidate genes were biased towards CT9993, the female parent in the DH mapping population. Single-marker analysis strongly associated (<60>1%) them to different traits under both well-watered and low-moisture stress conditions. Two candidate genes, EXP15 and EXP13, were found to be associated with root number and silicon content in the stem respectively, under both well-watered and low-moisture stress conditions.

4 tables, 16 ref

005286   Vidya S;Kamalakar B P;Munavar M H;Satishkumar L;Jayaraman R (Dep of Genet SW Foundation for Biomed Res, , PO Box 760 549, San Antonio, TX 78245-0549, USA, Email: munavar@rediffmail.com) : Allele specific suppression of the temperature sensitivity of fitA/fitB mutants of Escherichia coli by a new mutation fitC4: isolation, characterisation and its implications in transcription control. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 31-45.

Temperature sensitive transcription defective mutant of Escherichia coli originally called fitA76 has been shown to harbour two missense mutations namely pheS5 and fit95. In order to obtain a suppressor of fitA76, possibly mapping in rpoD locus, a Ts+ derivative (JV4) was isolated from a fitA 76 mutant. It was found that JV4 neither harbours the lesions present in the original fitA 76 nor a suppressor that maps in or near rpoD. We show that JV4 harbours a modified form of fitA76 (designated fitA76*) together with its suppressor. The results presented here indicate that the fit95 lesion is intact in the fitA 76* mutant and the modification should be at the position of pheS5. Based on the cotrans-duction of the suppressor mutation and/or its wild type allele with pps, aroD and zdj-3124::Tn10 kan we have mapped its location to 39.01 min on the E. coli chromosome. We tentatively designate the locus defined by this new extragenic suppressor as fitC and the suppressor allele as fitC4. While fitC4 could suppress the Ts phenotype of fitA76* present in JV4, it fails to suppress the Ts phenotype of the original fitA 76 mutant (harbouring pheS5 and fit95). Also fitC4 could suppress the Ts phenotype of a strain harbouring only pheS5. Interestingly, the fitC4 Ts phenotype could also be suppressed by fit95. The pattern of decay of pulse labelled RNA in the strains harbouring fitC4 and the fitA76* resembles that of the original fitA 76 mutant implying a transcription defect similar to that of fitA76 in both these mutants. The implications bf these findings with special reference to transcription control by Fit factors in vivo are discussed.

6 illus, 8 tables, 27 ref

005285   Verma N;Mahinghara B K;Rajaram;Zaidi A A (Pl Virus Lab Floriculture Div, Inst of Himalayan Bioresource Technol, Palampur 176 061, Email: neer_ali@yahoo.com) : Coat protien sequence shows that Cucumber mosaic virus isolate from geraniums (Pelargonium spp) belongs to subgroup II. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 47-54.

Viral disease was identified on geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) grown in a greenhouse at the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, exhibiting mild mottling and stunting. The causal virus (Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV) was identified and characterized on the basis of host range, aphid transmission, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), DNA-RNA hybridization and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A complete coat protein (CP) gene was amplified using degenerate primers and sequenced. The CP gene showed nucleotide and amino acid homology up to 97%-98% and 96%-99%, respectively with the sequences of CMV subgroup II. The CP gene also showed homologies of 75%-97% in nucleotide and 77%-96% in amino acid with the CMV Indian isolates infecting various crops. On the basis of sequence homology, it was concluded that CMV-infecting geraniums in India belong to subgroup II.

3 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

005284   Vashishtha A;Lowry M;Jaroli D P (Dep of Microbiol, Mahatama Gandhi Inst of Appl Sci, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Protein profile variations in halophilic bacteria in response to variations in salt and temperature. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 35-40.

In response to increasing external osmotic strength halophilic bacteria accommodate certain compatible solutes. These are synthesized de novo with the help of inducible enzymes. In this study protein profile expression of halophilic bacteria grown under different stress conditions of salinity and temperature were compared. Sambhar lake (salt lake situated in Jaipur district) was choosen as the site for bacterial isolation. Isolation was achieved at 37°C temperature and 12% salt concentration. Of the eight isolates, a Gram-negative rod shaped bacteria was choosen for the study. It was grown separately at three different salt concentrations viz., 12%, 18%, and 23% at two different incubation temperatures viz., 37°C and 45°C. The bacteria grown under 18% and 23% salt stress were also incubated at an additional high temperature of 55°C. Thus, each of the bacteria was subjected to eight different incubation environments. Denatured protein profiling was done by using SDS-PAGE and profiles were then compared. A novel low molecular weight protein was found to be synthesized by this bacterium when grown at (a) 23% salt and 45°C temperature, and (b) 18% and 23% salt and 55°C temperature.

6 illus, 14 ref

005283   Tripathi V N;Srivastava S (Dep of Genet, Univ of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi 110 021, Email: srivastava_sheela@yahoo.com) : Ni<. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 61-7.

Essential metal ion homeostasis is based on regulated uptake of metal ions, both during its scarcity and abundance. Pseudomonas putida strain S4, a multimetal resistant bacterium, was employed to investigate Ni²⁺ entry into cells. It was observed that Mg²⁺ regulates the entry of Ni²⁺ and by this plays a protective role to minimize Ni²⁺ toxicity in this strain. This protection was evident in both growth as well as viability. Intracellular accumulation of Ni²⁺ varied in accordance with Mg²⁺ concentrations in the medium. It was hypothesized that Ni²⁺ enters the cell using a broad Mg²⁺ pump, i.e. the CorA system, as the CorA inhibitor, i.e. Co(III) Hex, also inhibits Ni²⁺ uptake. This led to the inference that Mg²⁺-based protection was basically due to competitive inhibition of Ni²⁺ uptake. We also show that Zn²⁺ can further regulate the entry of Ni²⁺.

4 illus, 28 ref

005282   Tripathi P;Aggarwal A (Immun Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Postgrad Inst of Med Sci, Lucknow-226 014, Email: amita@sgpgi.ac.in ) : NF-kB transcription factor: a key player in the generation of immune response. Curr Sci 2006, 90(4), 519-31.

Activation of the immune system is a multistep process. The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), has been one of the most widely studied molecules in the immune system, as it is activated by a variety of stimuli and it in turn controls diverse genes and biological responses. It is an evolutionarily conserved molecule that coordinates the organism's response to infection, stress and injury. It plays a major role in the induction of pro-inflammatory genes and affects the various cells involved in immune response as well as affects the generation of innate and adaptive immune response. It is also a target for drugs used in treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

^iia2 illus, 3 tables, 97 ref

005281   Thippeswamy S;Girigowda K;Mulimani V H (Dep of Stud in Biochem, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: v_hmulimani@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and identification of alpha-amylase producing Bacillus sp. from dhal industry waste. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(10), 295-8.

Bacterial strain was isolated from dhal industry red gram waste and identified as Bacillus. A thermostable extracellular amylase was partially purified from the strain. Optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme were found to be 60°C and 6.5, respectively. The maximum amylase production was achieved with maltose as carbon source. Among the nitrogen sources, peptone and yeast extract produced maximum amylase.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

005280   Tang D;Qian H;Zhao L;Huang D;Tang K (Sch of Agric and Biol, Shanghai Jiaotong Univ, Shanghai-201 101, People's Republic of China, Email: kxtang1@yahoo.com) : Transgenic tobacco plants expressing BoRS1 gene from Brassica oleracea var. Acephala show enhanced tolerance to water stress. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 647-55.

Water stress is by far the leading environmental stress limiting crop yields worldwide. Genetic engineering techniques hold great promise for developing crop cultivars with high tolerance to water stress. In this study, the Brassica oleracea var. acephala BoRS1 gene was transferred into tobacco through Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc transformation. The transgenic status and transgene expression of the transgenic plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, Southern hybridization and semi-quantitative one step RT-PCR analysis respectively. Subsequently, the growth status under water stress, and physiological responses to water stress of transgenic tobacco were studied. The results showed that the transgenic plants exhibited better growth status under water stress condition compared to the untransformed control plants. In physiological assessment of water tolerance, transgenic plants showed more dry matter accumulation and maintained significantly higher levels of leaf chlorophyll content along with increasing levels of water stress than the untransformed control plants. This study shows that BoRS1 is a candidate gene in the engineering of crops for enhanced water stress tolerance.

6 illus, 23 ref

005279   Subbannayya K;Udayalaxmi J;Anugraha M (Dep of Microbiol, Kasturba Med Coll, Mangalore-575 001) : Fishmeal extract bile salt lactose agar-A differential medium for enteric bacteria. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(8), 675-8.

Fishmeal extract bile salt lactose agar (FEBLA), a new differential medium for enteric bacteria was developed and evaluated for its ability to grow and differentiate lactose fermenters (LF) from non-lactose fermenters (NLF) in comparison with MacConkeys agar. Performance of FEBLA was at par with the latter. On FEBLA medium, the contrast between LF and NLF colonies was pronounced and Klebsiella pneumoniae produced more mucoid colonies than on MacConkeys agar (Hi Media). Unlike MacConkeys agar, a 24 h culture of K, pneumoniae cells on FEBLA were longer and thicker with abundant capsular material around the bacilli. Escherichia coli produced long and thick cells but only after 48h. No change in cell morphology was evident with regard to Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi A. Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis. Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter koseri and Acinetobacter baumannii, Performance of the medium was controlled using E. coli and S. flexneri, FEBLA is simple, cost effective and may be a suitable alternative in the preliminary identification of enteric bacteria.

2 illus, 8 ref

005278   Singh R;Dhingra H R;Goyal S C (Pl Tissue Cult Lab Bot and Pl Physiol Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: goyal_sc@yahoo.co.in) : Biochemical changes during shoot differentiation in callus cultures of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et. Fernand. Indian J Pl Physiol 2006, 11(2), 130-5.

Biochemical changes leading to shoot regeneration during in vitro culture of callus derived from bud pedicel of Chlorophytum borivilianum on MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l NAA were investigated. Starch content and reducing sugars were high in the control callus, which further increased significantly in shoot differentiating cultures. Contents of total soluble sugars, free amino acids, total soluble proteins and total phenols were lower in the former and increased in the shoot differentiating cultures. The activities of enzymes like α-amylase, acid-protease, acid-phosphatase and peroxidase increased up to appearance of green patches (8-12 day) and reached a peak on 16th day of inoculation that coincided with the appearance of shoots. Conversely, the acid invertase activity decreased till the appearance of shoots.

2 illus, 30 ref

005277   Sharma D K;Sharma A K;Deb S M;Singh R K;Bisht G S (NO, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Identification of species specific marker(s) in ruminants using mini-/micro-satellite associated sequence amplification (MASA). Indian J Anim Sci 2006, 76(3), 248-51.

Oligonucleotides primers (3) commonly used for classical DNA fingerprinting were utilized as single primer to generate mini-/micro-satellite associated sequence amplification (MASA) profiles among the four ruminants (cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat) using step down (SD)-PCR. The primers (O33.15, O33.6 and OAT 18.2) generated total of 41 amplicons on PAGE, out of which 36 were polymorphic. The average number of bands ranged from 4.00 to 13.00 on PAGE with size range of 285 to 2290 bp. Microsatellite primer (OAT 18.2) generated higher number of bands than the minisatellite (O33.15,O33.6) primers. All the three primers produced several species-specific bands. Between species similarity estimates from the O33.6 primer was observed to be maximum for sheep vs. goat (0.696) and cattle vs. buffalo (0.667). Genetic relatedness estimates from the microsatellite (OAT 18.2) primer revealed a close relationship of buffalo with sheep and goat rather than the cattle. In the study, the application of SD-PCR for MASA in ruminants is being reported for the first time.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

005276   Sethi V K;Narendra Kumar;Shrivastav S (Sch of Bio-technology Sch of Energy and Envir Mgmt, RGPV, Bhopal, M.P., Email: singh_narendra78@rediffmail.com) : Biological CO₂ fixation in coal combustion by product (ash) through microgreen algae biosystem and evaluate response to regulation CO₂ recycled to applied biotechnology. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 211-14.

The biological CO₂ fixation with microgreen algae Chlorella species has been optimized for high CO₂ feeding and photosynthesis of organic matter. Microalgae cultivate in large open ponds and it may be enriched with wastewater with high BOD. Algae cultivation can thereon contribute substantially to a reduction of CO₂ emission. Microalgae are microscopic, single-celled plants growing in aqueous environment. The micro-algae are dried with high temperature and CO₂ containing waste gas as a fuel. The process of photosynthesis into energy biomass conversion reaction occur as nonphotosynthesis microorganism thereby converting it into a useful substances (biomass) as hydrocarbon, protein, vitamin, and mineral.

1 illus

005275   Sarkar R R;Malchow H (Cent for Cell and Molec Biol, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: ramrup@ccmb.res.in) : Nutrients and toxin producing phytoplankton control algal blooms-a spatio-temporal study in a noisy environment. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 749-60.

Phytoplankton-zooplankton prey-predator model has been investigated for temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal dissipative pattern formation in a deterministic and noisy environment, respectively. The overall carrying capacity for the phytoplankton population depends on the nutrient level. The role of nutrient concentrations and toxin producing phytoplankton for controlling the algal blooms has been discussed. The local analysis yields a number of stationary and/or oscillatory regimes and their combinations. Correspondingly interesting is the spatio-temporal behaviour, modelled by stochastic reaction-diffusion equations. The study also reveals the fact that the rate of toxin production by toxin producing phytoplankton (TPP) plays an important role for controlling oscillations in the plankton system. Also observe that different mortality functions of zooplankton due to TPP have significant influence in controlling oscillations, coexistence, survival or extinction of the zoo-plankton population. External noise can enhance the survival and spread of zooplankton that would go extinct in the deterministic system due to a high rate of toxin production.

5 illus, 38 ref

005274   Sankar M;Selvisabhanayakam T;Prasad J S (Dep of Ent, Directorate of Rice Res, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India-500 030, Email: shankar_ms10@yahoo.com) : Effect of nimbicidine on the Histopathological changes in the testis of Sphaerodema molestum (Duf.) (Hemiptera: Belastomatidae). J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 563-6.

Toxic effect of a biopesticide (nimbicidine) was evaluated on the testis of aquatic predator insect, Sphaerodema molestum under laboratory condition. The experiment was curried out at 96 hours sublethal concentration (0.0013 ml/l) of nimbicidine. The toxicity range and mortality of the insect for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of exposure were found to be 0.0035, 0.00257, 0.0021, 0.0015 and 0.0013 ml/l respectively. The nimbicidine creates acute histopathological changes in the testis that reduce its reproductive capability demonstrating an important biological control. The benefit of using neem oil, nimbicidine in the management of tin's aquatic predator insect, in fresh water aquaculture is a safe natural and eco-friendly pest control tool.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

005273   Saha R P;Chakrabarti P (Biochem Dep, Bose Inst, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata-700 054, Email: pinak@boseinst.ernet.in) : Parity in the number of atoms in residue composition in proteins and contact preferences. Curr Sci 2006, 90(4), 558-61.

Two ways of looking into the amino acid composition in a database - one based on counting residues and another on the number of atoms each residue contributes to the total - give quite different results. In the former, the composition is inversely proportional to the residue size - the maximum deviation shown by Cys and Leu can be explained by their chemical property or the role in oligomeric structure, while the latter is size-invariant. Similarly, calculations of contact preferences between residues can be atom-based or residue-based, and the former method provides values that are size-independent, and thus should be preferred in modelling and docking studies.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

005272   Raghukumar S (Myko Tech Pvt. Ltd., , 313 Vainguinnim Valley, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: sraghu865@yahoo.co.in) : Marine microbial eukaryotic diversity, with particular reference to fungi lessons from prokaryotes. Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(4), 388-98.

Novel molecular, analytical and culturing techniques have resulted in dramatic changes in approaches towards marine eukaryotic diversity in recent years. This article reviews marine fungal diversity in the light of current knowledge, citing examples of how progress in understanding marine prokaryotes has often contributed to this new approach. Both true fungi (termed mycenaean fungi in this review) and straminipilan fungi are considered. Molecular phylogenetic studies of prokaryotes has resulted in their redefinition as belonging to the Kingdoms Bacteria and Archaea. Likewise, major refinements have taken place in the phylogenetic classification of eukaryotes. In the case of fungi, it has now been realized that they are polyphyletic, belonging to the Kingdom Mycenae (Fungi), as well as the Kingdom Straminipila or Chromista. Although the total number of fungi on earth is estimated to be about 1.5 million, only a meagre number of obligate marine fungi, about 450 mycenaean and 50 straminipilan fungi have been described so far. It is likely that most of the true marine fungi have not yet been discovered. These are likely to have evolved between 1,500 million years ago (Ma) when fungi probably evolved in the sea and 900 Ma when they conquered land together with green plants. It now appears that most of the true marine fungi have not been cultured so far, similar to the great plate count anomaly of bacteria. Thraustochytrids, which are abundant in the water column, but not easily culturable from that source is an example. Intelligent and novel culture methods might bring forth unusual and new marine fungi, as happened in the case of Pelagibacter ubique belonging to the SAR 11 group of bacteria. Molecular techniques might bring to light novel marine fungi, as is happening with bacteria. Such fungi may defyjburjcbnventional wisdom regarding these organisms in terms of morphology. Thus, several recent studies using 18S rRNA gene community profiles have discovered picoplanktonic marine fungi in the water column. Studies such as those on molecular diversity of eukaryotes in permanently anoxic habitats have also indicated that fungi may be abundant in exotic habitats and possess unusual physiology. A search for fungi in biodiversity-rich habitats, such as the coral reefs and the deep-sea, using a combination of molecular and novel culture methods is likely to reveal a fascinating diversity of marine fungi.

5 illus, 5 tables, 45 ref

005271   Pourbabaei H;Faghir M B;Poor Rostami A (Dep of For Fac of Nat Resour, Univ of Guilan, Someasara, P.O. Box 1144, Iran, Email: H_Pourbabaei@guilan.ac.ir) : Determination of plant ecological groups in the beech (Fagous orientalis Lipsky) forest of Siyahkle, Eastern Guilan, Iran. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 9-15.

In order to determine plant ecological groups and their relations with topographical factors in the beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) forests a survey was carried out on area of 200 ha, and altitude ranged from 750 to 1250 m a.s.l. of Siyahkle, ShenRood. For data collection, the systematic random method with dimension 80 m x 80 m was used. The sampling plot area was obtained by using nested plot sampling in 20 m x 20 m area. Within each sampling plot different plants species including tree, shrub, herb and tree seedling layers were collected and identified, in spring and summer seasons. Their abundance-dominance was estimated based on Braun-Blanquet criterion. Ecological groups were diagnosed by means of TWINSPAN classification method. The results showed that three ecological groups were found in the tree and shrub layer. In the herbal and tree seedling layer of spring collection, four ecological groups and in the herbal and tree seedling layer of summer collection three groups were found. Comparing distribution of plant ecological groups with topographical factors (i.e., slope, aspect and elevation) revealed that there were significant relationship between aspect and plant ecological groups distribution and in some ecological groups with slope, while elevation had no remarkable influence on plant ecological groups distribution.

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

005270   Pawar S K;Madlapure V R;Pulle J S (Dep of Zool, Gramin Mahavidyalaya Vasantnagar, (Kotgyal), Tal-Mukhed, Dist-Nanded) : Phytoplanktonic study of Sirur dam water, taluka Mukhed in Nanded district, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 163-6.

Paper deals with the study of seasonal variations in phytoplankton community for Sirur dam water during the year 2001 to 2002. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of phytoplankton community were carried out. The phytoplankton groups such as Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae Cyano-phyceae and Euglenophyceae and their species were recorded. About 43 phytoplankton species were recorded. The Chlorophyceae were found to be dominant through out the study.

1 table, 27 ref

005269   Patil B;Prabhu S;Rajashekhar K P (Dep of applied Zool, Mangalore university, Mangalagangothri, Mangalore-574 199) : Lyriform slit sense organ on the pedipalp and spinnerets of spiders. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 31(1), 75-84.

Lyriform slits sense organs (LSSO) are a precise assembly of stress detecting cuticular slit sensilla found on the appendages of arachnids. While these structures on the legs of the wandering spider Cupennius salei are well studied in terms of morphology, function and contribution to behaviour, their distribution on pedipalps and spinnerets of spiders is not well explored. A study was therefore carried out to observe the distribution of LSSO on pedipalps and spinnerets of some spider species. Haplogyne spiders belonging to family Pholcidae have a simple complement of LSSOs represented by one or two LSSOs on their femur. The entelegyne spiders possess a complex assembly of LSSOs on the distal segments of their pedipalps. Various types of LSSOs are found on the pedipalps indicating a capacity for analysis of complex cuticular stress. It is suggested that the complexity of LSSOs on pedipalps of entelegyne spiders relates to courtship and spermatophore transfer and may help in reproductive isolation. Lack of LSSOs on the distal segments of pedipalps leads us to infer that unlike legs, pedipalps are less likely to receive vibratory input through their distal segments. Spinnerets have a relatively simple complement of LSSOs. One LSSO is found only on anterior spinnerets and it is a common feature observed among spiders, irrespective of the variations in web building behaviour. The orb-weaving araneid Argiope pulchella, however, has two LSSOs on the anterior spinneret. As non-web builders and orb weavers do not differ markedly in terms of LSSOs on the spinnerets and LSSOs are simple in nature (type A), it is likely that spinning and weaving are not largely regulated by sensory input from LSSOs on the spinnerets.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

005268   Patel V H;Patel B G;Sail S S (P.G. Dep of Hom Sci, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: patelvh2004@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of Vitamin A on biochemical alterations induced by N-dimethylnitrosamine intoxication. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 529-32.

The effect of varying levels of vitamin A on some biochemical and hematological changes induced by N-dimethylnitrosamine intoxication were investigated. The albino rats were fed with low, normal and high amount of vitamin A in diet for 28 days and thereafter, injected a dose of N-dimethylnitrosamine (30% of LD₅₀). After 48 h of intoxication, the blood was collected and analyzed for haemoglobin, protein, various enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase), bilirubin, vitamins A, C and E, glutathione, uric acid and ceruloplasmin. Study shows different degree of fluctuations of these biomolecules in N-dimethylnitrosamine intoxicated animals, reared on low, normal and high vitamin A diet. The maximum fluctuations of plasma markers for liver toxicity were observed in low and high vitamin A fed rats whereas the minimum fluctuations of plasma antioxidants were in high vitamin A fed rat. These results indicated that both low and very high level of vitamin A increase liver toxicity but high level of vitamin A protects the plasma antioxidants against N-dimethylnitrosamine intoxication.

2 tables, 34 ref

005267   Parihar P;Parihar L;Bohra A (NO, Dr.Tanveer Malawat Coll of Biosci, Bikaner-334 003, Email: pradeepparihar@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of Athyrium pectinatum (Wall.) Presl.. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(4), 262-5.

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of plant parts of Athyrium pectinatum (Wall.) Presl. were tested against the growth of some human and plant pathogenic bacteria like, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Nearly all the extracts were found effective against these bacteria. The positive results so obtained were compared with that of the reference standard antibiotic (Tetracycline). It was found that extracts when mixed in equal proportion with the antibiotic were more effective against bacteria than the antibiotic alone.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

005266   Pal S K;Das T K (Dep of Biochem and Biophys, Univ of Kalyani, Nadia-741 235, Email: tapndas@hotmail.com) : Biochemical characterization of N-methyl N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced cadmium resistant mutants of Aspergillus niger. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(5), 639-46.

Two cadmium resistant mutants (Cd₁ and Cd₂) of Aspergillus niger, among the six isolated by mutagenization with N-methyl N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at pH 64 were selected for the study. Analysis of lipid composition of the mutants and the wildtype indicated that total lipid as well as individual lipids of the cadmium resistant mutants were changed as compared with that of the wildtype. The increased activities of metal-lothionein and reduced activities of D-xylose isomerase and L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase in cell free extract of the cadmium resistant mutants suggested that mutants could allow high concentration of cadmium salt as compared with that of the wildtype. The respiratory activity and intracellular as well as extracellular Cd²⁺ concentration of the mutants reflected the high tolerance of the Cd mutants to cadmium ion.

5 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

005265   Olurin K B;Efuntoye M O;Olojo E A A;Opomulero S O (Dep of Biol Sci, Olabisi Obabanjo Univ P.M.B. 2002 Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria) : Bacteria from eutrophic concrete fish tanks and earthen ponds in Ogun state, South West Nigeria. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 167-70.

Investigation was conducted into the bacteria of eutrophic concrete tanks and earthen fish ponds over a six month period. Water samples were collected using sterile screw capped bottles, and microbial load determined using the plate count agar method with trytone soya agar as medium of growth. Standard bacteriological methods were used in the identification of bacteria. The bacterial flora identified were Escherichia coll, Klebsiella spp., Vibrio spp., Streptococcus and Enterococcus spp. It is concluded that these fish rearing environments contain bacteria capable of causing fish mortalities under stressful conditions.

1 table, 23 ref

005264   Neelamegam P;Rajendran A;Maruthanayagam C; Mohanraja M (Dep of Phys, A V V M Sri Pushpam Coll (Autonomous), Poondi, Thanjavur 613 503, Email: neelrajnmc@gmail.com) : Study the protein variations induced by monocrotophos in cyprinus carpio using PIC16F877 microcontroller. J scient ind Res 2006, 65(8), 655-8.

Real time microcontroller based instrumentation system has been developed to measure protein in different tissues of Monocrotophos (organo phosphorous insecticides) treated Cyprinus carpio (fish). During exposure period, tissues of muscle, liver and intestine showed a significant amount of decrease in the biochemical constituent due to metabolic stress. The protein content slowly decreased in all tissues, due to enhanced proteolytic activity, perhaps due to decreased protein synthesis and complete utilization of its products for metabolic purposes. During recovery period, protein content showed an elevation in all tissues. Protein level was gradually regained after termination of sublethal exposure. Measurement details of protein using microcontroller are presented.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref