001203   Vineet Kumar;Rani A;hauhan G S (NO, Natn Res Cent for Soybean, Khandwa Road, Indore-452 017, Email: vineetksahni@yahoo.com) : Quantitative and qualitative analysis of trypsin inhibitor during seed development in Indian soybean genotypes. J Fd Sci Technol 2005, 42(6), 477-80.

Four Indian soybean genotypes were investigated for the pattern of accumulation of trypsin inhibitor (TI) content during seed development and to determine the TI content at green pod consumption stage. All the genotypes exhibited varying levels of TI content at very early stage of seed development. This was substantiated by the presence of Kunitz inhibitor band, the polypeptide component which constitutes about 80% of TI activity, at 30 days after flowering when native PAGE was run for different stages of bean development for different genotypes. Genotypes also differed in accumulation pattern of TI content during seed development. TI content, on dry weight basis, increased continuously from 30 days of flowering (DAF) till maturity for 'Pbl' and 'NRC37' while in 'Shilajeet' the same pattern was observed except there was decline just before harvest maturity. Entirely different accumulation pattern was observed in 'JS335' where TI content at 30 DAF was as high as observed at maturity and thereafter it fluctuated. Significant levels of TI were observed at suitable picking stage for green pod consumption in all four genotypes. It may be inferred that because of high moisture content TI content is mistakenly considered low in immature soybean.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

001202   Sood P P;Vijaylakshmi K;Bapu C;hundawat R S; (Dep of Biosci Lab of Neurobiology and Toxicol, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot-360 005, Email: ppsood@yahoo.com) : Myelin degeneration vis-a-vis inhibition of myelin marker enzyme, CNPase, in the central nervous system of methyl-mercury intoxicated mice and protection during therapy. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 75-81.

Myelin marker enzyme, 2',3' cyclic nucleotide 3' phosphohydrolase (CNPase), has been found to be inhibited during myelin degeneration in the central nervous system of the mice intoxicated with methylmercury. However, during B vitamin and glutathione therapies (ether alone or in combination), a significant recovery of enzyme is accomplished with myelin regeneration in all parts of brain. Four groups of young healthy mice were intoxicated with a daily dose (Img/Kg) of methylmercury by intramuscular injections for 7 days. One group was kept with out intoxication for another 7 days and sacrificed on 15th day. Rest of the groups were given vitamin B complex or glutathione or their combination for next 7 days and sacrificed along with control The brain and spinal cord of these animals were studied by electron microscopic and biochemical parameters. It appears that mercury deposition in CNS inhibits the enzyme CNPase, leading to myelin degeneration and during therapy when metal burden is reduced there is a quick recovery in both the parameters.

6 illus, 46 ref

001201   Soni V C;Ashalatadevi Y;Nishith D (Dep of Biosci, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot-360 005, Email: sonive2003@yahoo.com) : Hair structure is an ideal criterion to identify various species of genus Panthera. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 161-3.

Hair of three species of genus Panthera, viz. P. pardus, P. leo persica, and P. tigris have been investigated. The study shows that the medullary configuration is an ideal character, which could be useful for hair identification. However; from the combination of characters like scale pattern, scale margin structure, scale distance and medullary configuration of the guard hair, all the three species can be easily idendtified.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

001200   Sivasubramanian P;Sood P P, (Dep of Biol, Univ of New Brunswick Fredericton, Canada, E3B 631, Email: psivasub@unb.ca ) : Allatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the giant neuro-secretory cell and its axons on the haltere nerve of the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 109-12.

Using indirect immunofluorescent method, the distribution of insect neuropeptide, allatostatin was examined in the peripheral nervous system of the fly, Sarcophaga bullata. On each haltere nerve there was a single giant neurosecretory cell that was strongly immunopositive against allatostatin. The axonal reaction was beaded suggesting the presence of allatostatin in synapses. Its highly immunoreactive axonal arborizations around the haltere nerve suggest important role for this neuropeptide in thesynaptic transmission in crucial sense organ regulating flight in Diptera.

3 illus, 24 ref

001199   Sharma N;Dhilbaghi N;Yadav A S;Sharma D (NO, Cent Avian Res Inst, Izatnagar, U.P) : Genetic relatedness among Salmonella serovars estimated using RAPD markers. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 23-5.

Four Salmonella serovars i.e. S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Virchow and S. Anatum were characterized by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. A total of 12 random primers were used and ten of these yielded Salmonella serovars specific RAPD profile. The number of bands amplified from different primers ranged from 3 to 13 in the size range of 350 bp to 3700 bp. The average number of bands per primer ranged from 3.9 to 4.6 among different Salmonella serovars. The genetic similarity, measured as band sharing proportion (BS) ranged from 0.31 to 0.76 among the different Salmonella serovars. While S. Virchow showed lower genetic similarity with other Salmonella serovars, maximum genetic similarity was observed between S. Anatum and S. Enteritidis. The genetic distances (-InBS) ranged from 0.28 to 1.16 and revealed similar trend.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

001198   Sahoo C;Joardar S N (Dept of Fishery Path and Microbiol Fac of Fishery Sci, West Bengal Univ of Anim & Fishery Sci, Mohanpur Campus, P.O.-Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia-741 252) : Potential use of enzyme conjugated anti carp immunoglobulin in detecting specific antibodies in carp. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 37-40.

Enzyme immunoconjugates are one of the key components of ELISA which so far, commercially not available in case of fish. An attempt was made to develop anti-carp immunoglobulin enzyme conjugate and to assess its potential in carp disease diagnosis. Immunoglobulins (Ig) were isolated from the Indian Major Carps (IMC) and hyperimmune serum was raised in rabbit against carp Ig. In immunodiffusion (ID) and countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), specificity between carp Ig and rabbit anti-carp Ig was observed. Anti-carp Ig enzyme conjugate was prepared by coupling horseradish peroxidase (HRPO) to rabbit anti-carp Ig. The immunoconjugate prepared showed reactivity to carp Ig and also cross reacted to sera from rohu, catla, mrigal and common carp through direct ELISA. The immunoconjugate was also used to detect the antibody response of Aeromonas hydrophila sensitized laboratory maintained carp through indirect ELISA, indicating potentiality of the conjugate in detecting different anti-pathogen antibodies in carp sera.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

001197   Pilo B;Yadav V (Div of Neuroendocrinology Dep of Zool Fac of Sci, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: bonnypilo@satyam.net.in) : Effect of autonomic and adrenal manipulation on the serum insulin level in rats. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 83-8.

Mammalian glucose homoeostasis is partially controlled by glucose sensor mechanisms in the panereatic endocrine cells and partially through autonomic nerves. The influence of the autonomic nervous system on pancreatic insulin secretion has been studied. Vagal sectioning decreased serum Insulin significantly compared to that of the sham operated rats which could be the reason for the resulting hyperglycaemic condition prevailed in these rats. Bilateral adrenalectomy and chemical sympathectomy singly increased insulin level to the same extent. Even, When Vagotomy was performed together with adrenalectomy, insulin level declined but this decrease is not as significant as that in vagotomized rats. Similar result was obtained with rat treated for chemical sympathectomy and vagotomy together and this slight decrease in insulin level could favour marginal hyperglycaemia.

1 table, 66 ref

001196   Pilo B;Sule J (Div of Neuroendocrinology Dep of Zool Fac of Sci, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: bonnypilo@satyam.net.in) : Interactions of autonomic nervous system, pituitary Adrenocortical axis and corticotrophin and corticosperone in the regulation of blood sugar level in rats. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 89-94.

Autonomic nervous system together with endocrine glands plays in an intricate manner a significant role in the regulation of glucose homoeostasis. The two divisions of autonomic nervous system have opposing actions while several hormones have similar antagonistic actions. The interplay of all these neural and endocrine regulatory mechanisms and the balance of the actions of them finally fine tune the glycaemic level during various physiological states. Many times the action one autonomic system or a hormone depends upon the presence or absence of the opposing factor. The study presents an account of the effect autonomic nervous system and adrenal ablations on the corucosterone and corticotrophin (ACTH). Vagotomy (VGX) showed an increase in the corticosterone level whereas ACTH concentration in the serum decreased. In the adrenalectomized rats, a steep decline in corticosterone concentration in serum was accompanied with an increased ACTH level. In the rats which were adrenalectomized and vagotomized together, a similar trend was observed. Chemical sympathectomy (CSX) reduced the corticosterone concentration slightly but the ACTH level increased signficantly. When sympathectomy was combined with vagotomy (CSX+VGX) an increase in both corticosterone and ACTH levels was observed. Chemical sympathectomy and adrenalectomy (CSX+ADX) also produced a maximum decrease in corticosterone level and a maximum level of ACTH. Vagotomy (VGX) alone or together with CSX or ADX produced hyperglycaemia while chemical sympathectomy alone or together with adrenalectomy produced hypoglycaemia. One can conclude that in rats in which vagotomy was performed singly and in combination with sympathectomy, glucocorticoid secretion increased along with increased corticosterone. Chemical sympathectomy alone or together with adrenalectomy reduced the corticosterone concentration in blood together with hypoglycaemic condition. ACTH concentration by and large was more when corticosterone secretion was decreased.

2 tables, 55 ref

001195   Patro N;Patro I K (NO, Neuroscience Cent Sch of Stud in Zool Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: ishanpatro@rediffmail.com) : Effect of immuneactivator (Poly i:C) on the rat cerebral cortex. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 71-4.

A pilot study was undertaken to investigate if Poly I:C, a potent IFN-gamma inducer, can initiate microglial proliferation and activation in cerebral cortex of rats. Poly I:C was infused into the left lateral ventricle of rats and the cortical samples were examined on 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-injection to examine the possible changes in microglia and astrocytes. A multifold increase in microglial population and morphological transformation to various activated and phagocytic stages could be recorded. This was achieved by use of anti-Iba-1 antibody. Similar changes in astrocytes could also be observed using anti-GFAP antibody. If this induction of microglial activation could influence neuronal degeneration was examined using Fluoro-Jade fluorescence. By 21 days post infusion cortical neurons could be recorded to take up the fluorochrome that selectively binds to the degenerating neurons. Findings in the study calls for immediate attention in the immunological changes in the microglial population and whether the Neuronal degeneration is necrotic or apoptotic.

6 illus, 13 ref

001194   Nair R;Chanda S V (Dep of Biosci, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot-360-005, Email: sumitrachanda@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of Saurashtra region. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 117-20.

Aqueous crude extracts of 10 traditionally used medicinal plants (Adhatoda vasica, Ailanthus excelsa, Clerodendron inermi, Lawsonia inermis, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Punica granatum, Clitoria ternata, Dodonea viscosa, Zea mays, Tinospora cordifolia, Citrus aurantifolia, Bryophylum pinnatum, Aegle marmelos, Vinca rosea, Commiphora wightii, Rosa spps., Raphanus sativus, Aster spps., Lavendula aromatica, Maytenus emarginata and Pedalium murex) were screened for antibacterial activity against few clinical isolates (isolated from Urine, Blood, Tracheal secretion and Pus). Extracts of certain parts of these plants were tried on 6 pathogenic [E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphiB and Staphylococcus aureus.] and 4 Opportunistic pathogenic [Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes] strains. The antibacterial activity of above plants was evaluated by the Disc Diffusion method and Agar Ditch method. Punica granatum showed strong activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium but showed moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Alcoholic extracts of Punica granatum was selected for further studies.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

001193   Meenakshi Singh;Khatkar B S (Cent of Fd Sci and Technol, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sanjaysingh_meenu@indiatimes.com) : Structural and functional properties of wheat storage proteins. J Fd Sci Technol 2005, 42(6), 455-71.

Major wheat endosperm storage proteins, the gluten protein comprising two prolamine groups, gliadin and glutenin, have been studied intensively because they confer the viscoelasticity on doughs considered essential for breadmaking quality. Glutenins confer elasticity while gliadins confer mainly viscous flow and extensibility to the gluten complex. A great deal of research has been done to characterize the gluten proteins and to determine the molecular basis for their functional properties and for the variations in these properties among wheat cultivars, and to determine the genetic control over these variations. A reasonably good picture of the basic structural features of the different types of polypeptides that comprise the gluten protein fraction is also available now. This review focuses on structural, conformational and functional properties of wheat storage proteins in relation to the end uses.

6 illus, 7 tables, 207 ref

001192   Kapoor S;Mccrae M A (Dep of Vet Microbiol, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Construction and characterization of rotavirus reasortants. J Immun Immunopath 2004, 6(1), 28-35.

The Uktc, OSU, and B223 strains of rotavirus were used in pairs to generate reassortants by various methods. The methods employed for construction of reassortants were i) no selection pressure, or ii) non-antigenic selection pressure or iii) genetic selection pressure. The reassortants were genotyped by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining (PAGE-SS) and restriction enzyme digestion of the amplified cDNA copies of the gene encoding VP7. A total of 22 reassortants were identified out of 1068 progeny clones picked by various methods. The 22 reassortants belonged to 15 different genotypes. Four different genotypes, resembling the genotypes of the reassortants, RS1, RS3, RS6, and RS8 were isolated more than once. Reasons for getting very low reassortment frequency (<126>2%) are discussed.

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

001191   Kalorey D R;Warke S;Bodade J;Chousalkar K K (Dep of Vet Microbiol, Nagpur Vet Coll Maharashtra Anim & Fishery Sci Univ, Nagpur-440 006) : Characterization of coagulase positive staphyococci isolated from bovine sub-clinical mastitis. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 63-4.

^ssc3 tables, 19 ref

001190   Kabeer R S;Pal R;Talwar G P (NO, Talwar Res Foundation, E-8 Neb Valley, Neb Sarai, New Delhi-110 068, Email: talwar37@rediffmail.com) : Human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells make human pregnancy hormone hCG and expose it on the membrane: a case for using recombinant antibody against hCG for selective delivery of drugs and/or radiations. Curr Sci 2005, 89(9), 1571-6.

Binding of a humanized chimeric (cPiPP) recombinant antibody (human IgG¹, kappa linked to mouse variable regions) of high affinity (Ka 3 X 10¹⁰ M^-1) and high specificity for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) with MOLT-4 cells, an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line derived from a patient in relapse, has been studied. The antibody binds on the membranes of the viable tumour cells as seen by flow cytometry. Biologically active pure hCG competes with the binding. No binding is seen with an irrelevant antibody directed against an epitope on androgen independent prostate cancer cell line (DU145). Studies on permeabilized cells show that these cells synthesize both alpha and beta-hCG. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy individuals do not bind with cPiPP. The potential of this antibody for imaging and selective delivery of radiations and/or drugs to tumour cells is suggested.

6 illus, 23 ref

001189   Hazarika R A;Singh D K;Kapoor K N;Agarwal R K (Dep of Vet Med Public Hlth & Hyg, Coll of Vet Science,AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022) : Prevalence of different serotypes of Escherichia coli in buffalo meat and its product. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 19-22.

Escherichia coli of various serotypes has emerged to be an important agent of food borne diseases ranging from uncomplicated diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in humans. The prevalence of different serotypes of E.coli was assessed in buffalo meat and its products. A total of 348 samples comprising of 153 raw buffalo meat, 99 buffalo meat kababs and 96 buffalo shami kababs were analyzed, of which 87 (25%) were positive for E. coli. Serotyping of these isolates revealed the presence of 32 different serotypes. E. coli O33 (34.37%) followed by O26 (25%) were predominant serotypes. Interestingly, 3 strains of E. coli O157 isolates were also recorded. In-vitro antibiogram of these E. coli strains revealed that the isolates were highly sensitive to ciprofloxcin followed by gentamycin, streptomycin and co-trimoxazole whereas resistant to colistin, ampicillin and tetracycline.

3 tables, 27 ref

001188   Gadi S D;Nair D;Viegas R;Vaz V;Vaz S; Barbuddhe S B (Dep of Zool, Carmel Coll for Women, Nuvem, Goa-403 604) : Microbiological quality of marine fishes of Goa region. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 73-4.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

001187   Chousalkar K K;Taram S;Bodade J;Lonkar P; Rathod K S;Warke S R (Dep of Microbiol, Nagpur Vet Coll, Nagpur, M.S) : Serotyping and antibiogram of E. coli isolates from healthy pigeon (Columba livia). Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 69-70.

^ssc16 ref

001186   Bisht S;Maitra A (Dep of Chem, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007) : New challenges in gene delivery in vivo. Ann Natn Acad Med Sci 2005, 41(1-2), 57-68.

Adverse effects of viral vectors, instability of naked DNA, cytotoxicity and low transfection of cationic lipids, cationic polymers and other synthetic vectors are severe limitations in gene therapy now-a-days. An ideal non-viral vector, in addition to targeting to specific cell type, must manifest an efficient endosomal escape, render sufficient protection of DNA in cytosol and help make an easy passage of cytosolic DNA to nucleus. Virus-like size calcium phosphate nanoparticles have been found to succeed many of these limitations in delivering genes to the nucleus of specific cells. The review article has focused some applications of DNA loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles system as non-viral vector in gene delivery and its potential use in gene therapy as well as highlighted the mechanistic studies to probe the reason for high transfection efficiency of the vector. It has been demonstrated that calcium ions play an important role in endosomal escape, cytosolic stability and enhanced nuclear uptake of DNA through nuclear pore complexes. The special role of exogenous calcium ions to overcome obstacles in practical realization of this field suggests that calcium phosphate nanoparticles is not a "me too" synthetic vector and can be designated as second generation non-viral vector for gene therapy.

^iia7 illus, 36 ref

001185   Bhatt A;Saxena O P (Dep of Bot Lab of Pl Physiol and Tissue Cult Univ Sch of Sci, Guj Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: opsaxena9@hotmail.com) : Polycrylamide gel electorphoresis of isozymes for identification of hybrid and parents of castor. J Tissue Res 2004, 4(1), 127-9.

Study was undertaken with the objective to distinguish castor hybrid GCH-4 from its parents VP-1 and 48-1. Polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis (PAGE) of esterase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) isozyme profiles from 7 days old seedlings was performed. The technique can serve as a supplement, if not a substitute, to field test in determining the genetic purity of castor.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

001184   Balamurugan J;Bhilegaonkar K N;Agarwal R K (Div of Vet Public Hlth, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: knb@ivri.up.nic.in) : Standardization of a polymerase chain reaction for the species-specific identification of Listeria monocytogenes. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2004, 24(1), 27-31.

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen. The presence of the organism in wide variety of foods both animal and plant origin is of a major concern to public health. PCR was standardized by targeting the hlyA gene of L. monocytogenes which produced a 731 bp product. The amplicon was further confirmed by nested PCR and HinfI digestion. The primers specifically amplified only L. monocytogenes isolates. The minimum detection level of PCR with primer set no.l was found to be 10³ cells/ml with pure culture.

4 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

000269   Yadav R;Vashishat R K;Vasudeva M (Genet Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rachna23aug@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of metal salts and non-azo dyes for aneugenic potential in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 277-81.

Three metal-salts (cobalt chloride, lithium sulphate and sodium azide) and nine fabric dyes (navolene yellow, navilene yellow brown, navilene golden yellow, navkilene navy blue, terenix red, terenix brown, terenix yellow brown and terenix navy blue) were tested for their ability to induce aneuploidy using D61M strain of S. cerevisiae, as a test system. When the cells were grown in liquid YEPD medium containing different concentrations of metal salts and dyes in increasing order for 4-5 generations, there was decrease in survival and increase in the frequency of monosomics and red cycloheximide resistant colonies in case of metal salts; whereas all dyes except terenix yellow brown killed cells. None of the dyes except navilene yellow brown induced monosomics.

1 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

000268   Sreedevi B;Krishnappa G (Dep of Vet Epidemiol and Prev Med, Coll of Vet Sci Acharya N.G. Ranga Agric Univ, Tirupathi-517 502) : Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in clinical samples of cattle by PCR and DNA probe methods. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 167-71.

The PCR technique was standardized using primers for IS6110 element specific to M. tuberculosis complex group of organisms and amplification was observed with M. bovis, M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG strains while the remaining controls, M. phlei, M. avium and M. paratuberculosis were negative. The purified PCR product labelled with digoxigenin in the hybridization studies gave positive signal with M. tuberculosis complex strains only, where as negative controls including M. paratuberculosis, M. phlei and M. avium did not reveal any hybridization. The dot blot hybridization with different mycobacterial DNAs further confirmed the results of PCR. The efficacy of PCR and dot blot hybridization for the detection of M. tuberculosis complex group of organisms in the clinical samples were found to be 60 to 75 per cent with blood samples, 40 to 75 per cent with nasal swabs, 15 per cent with milk samples and none of the semen samples collected from tuberculin test positive cattle were positive by PCR and dot blot assay. All the samples collected from tuberculin test negative animals were also negative by both PCR and dot blot assay.

2 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

000267   Singh S;Mishra S N;Pundir C S (Biochem Res Lab Bio-Sciences Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: pundircs) : Purification and properties of oxalate oxidase from NaCl stressed grain sorghum seedlings. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(1), 55-7.

Effect of NaCl stress on molecular and biochemical properties of oxalate oxidasae (OXO) was studied in leaves of grain sorghum hybrid (var CSH-14) seedlings. There was no effect on molecular weight and number of subunits of the enzyme but it showed some important changes in its kinetic parameters such as K_m for oxalate and V_max. Optimum pH (5.8), activation energy (5.084 kcal mole^-1), time of incubation (6 min) and K_m for oxalate (1.21x10^-4M) were increased, while V_max (0.182 mmole min^-1 decreased and no change in optimum temperature was observed. This showed that substrate affinity and maximum activity of the enzyme was adversely affected. The specific activity of oxalate oxidase was increased in seedlings grown in a NaCl containing medium compared to normal, which reveals the increased de novo synthesis of the enzyme to sustain oxalate degradation.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

000266   Singh R S;Puri M;Sharma S (Biotechnol Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: rssingh11@lycos.com) : Isolation of thermostable aspartase producing microorganisms from hot water springs. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 301-4.

Water and soil samples collected from various hot water springs were used to isolate the thermostable aspartase producing microorganisms. Water samples were also analyzed for various physico-chemical characteristics. Presence of inorganic nutrients in an appropriate quantity in hot water springs rendered them more suitable for the growth of variety of microorganisms. About 22 isolates of thermophilic bacteria were isolated, but only five of them had the ability to produce aspartase. The thermostability of aspartase from Bacillus sp. TP-8 was investigated at different temperatures (40 - 60°C). The relative enzyme activity of aspartase at 40°C after 60 min was 63.5%. The half-life of enzyme at 50 - 55°C was 30 min. At 60°C after 2.5 min in the relative enzyme activity was 80.5% and decreased drastically thereafter.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

000265   Shukla L;Kaushik B D (Microbiol Div, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: bdkaushik@hotmail.com) : Mass production of Aspergillus awamori : standardization of some of the parameters. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 323-5.

Feasibility of using different cereal grains for mass production of Aspergillus awamori was evaluated. Autoclaved pearl millet grains, fortified with CaCO₃ and CaSO₄ (40 and 60 g^-1 kg seeds, respectively) were found most suitable for bulk production of A. awamori. The proposed medium for inoculum production is three tiems cheaper than the conventional medium, the potato dextrose agar.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

000264   Shobha K L;Rao P S;Thomas J (Microbiol Dep, Melaka Manipal Med Coll, Manipal-576 104) : Survey of Staphylococcus isolates among hospital personnnel, enviroment and their antibiogram with special emphasis on methicillin resistance. Indian J med Microbiol 2005, 23(3), 186-8.

Study was to find the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. carriage among hospital personnel and hospital environment and their antibiogram with special emphasis on methicillin resistance. A total of 205 samples from hospital personnel and environment were collected from casualty, oncology and multidisciplinary cardiac unit ward of Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal. Samples were collected using sterile cotton wool swabs and inoculated into brain heart infusion broth. Subcultures were done onto blood agar and MacConkey's agar. Isolates were identified by standard methods up to species level. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed according to standardized disc diffusion Kirby-Bauer method. Each of the isolates was screened for methicillin resistance using oxacillin disc on Mueller Hinton agar plate followed by MIC for methicillin and cefoxitin susceptibility test by disc diffusion method. Sixty five out of 205 strains (31.7%) were Staphylococcus spp. and all of them were coagulase negative. Most of the strains belonged to S. epidermidis 49.23% (32/65) followed by S. saprophyticus 26.15% (17/65). Maximum isolates of S. epidermidis were from anterior nares 28.12% (9/32 strains of S. epidermidis). Highest number of methicillin resistant coagulase negative strains (3/9, 33.33%) were isolated from stethoscope of multidisciplinary cardiac unit ward followed by carriers in the anterior nares (2/9, 22.22%). Methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci are prevalent in anterior nares of hospital personnel and in the hospital environment thereby providing a definite source for hospital acquired infection. All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and amikacin.

3 tables, 12 ref

000263   Senthilkumar N;Kataria J M;Dhama K;Toroghi R (Div of Avian Dis, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Sequence analysis of the cleavage site-encoding region of the fusion protein gene of Newcastle disease viruses obtained from pigeon, guinea fowl and quail. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 191-3.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000262   Sarma S;Sarma D K (NO, Vet Microbiol Dep, Khanapara Campus, Guwahati-781 022) : Comparative efficacy of three serological tests for antigenic characterisation of FMD virus type 'O' isolates. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 133-5.

Three serological tests viz. micro complement fixation test (mCFT), soundwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) and liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) were used to compare the r value for characterization of 10 isolates of FMD virus type O from field outbreaks with the IVRI vaccine virus strain. In unidirectional testing, the r value of most of the isolates was highest with sELISA and the lowest with the mCFT in unidirectional testing. In the reverse direction testing, the r value of the reference virus strain was almost same with the three tests except the lower r value of the reference strain with two of the isolates antisera in LPBE and with one of the isolate in mCFT.

2 tables, 20 ref

000261   Sanmathi Kumar R P;Shanthala L;Anilkumar T B; Sudharshana L (Pl Path Dep, Univ of Agric Sci, Bangalore-560 006, Email: ishantala@yahoo.co.in) : Phytotoxins from Pyricularia grisea and their effect on finger millet. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(1), 63-6.

Pyricularia grisea, the fungus that causes blast disease in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn] produced maximum quantity of crude toxins. Crude toxins were partially purified and charcterized by UV and mass spectra. Pyrichalasin H, a phytotoxic metabolite, has been identified and found to be toxic when tested for inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth of blast resistant and susceptible finger millet varieties.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

000260   Sanjit L (NO, Moirang Pukhram Leikai, P.O. Moirang, Manipur-795 133) : Biodiversity conservation and allozyme analysis. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2005, 19(2), 131-4.

As the diversity of life is fundamentally genetic, various genetic methods (chromosome markers, DNA markers, protein markers, etc) has been used to investigate diversity both within and between species. Allozymes and other soluble proteins can be used as protein markers in biodiversity studies. In this-paper standardization of allozyme separation by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrlamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) has been presented so as to use it in the study of genetic diversity (biodiversity).

4 ref

000259   Sandeep Kumar;Nandi S;More T;Kaur S (Div of Biochem, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Certain antibacterial peptides in goat polymorphonuclear cells. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 187-90.

The antibacterial cationic peptides of caprine polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells have not been studied. Hence the PMN cells were isolated from whole caprine blood and the granular cationic proteins and peptides therein were extracted with 0.2 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.0). The extract was fractionated on a Sephadex-G-50 exclusion column (25 x 550 mm) which resolved these proteins into four major fractions. The last protein fraction which contained peptides showed the greatest antibacterial potency against E. coli and S. aureus. The results indicated that the antibacterial components were highly active at the optimum pH of 7.2 and the minimum inhibitory concentration for 2 x 10⁶ CFU of E. coli and S. aureus as assessed from the peptides content was 10 and 20 μg respectively. The minimum incubation time required for the lytic action against E. coli was shorter than that for S. aureus. The antibacterial agent caused bacteriolysis as judged from β-galactosidase release into the medium, which indicated the increased permeability of damage to the inner plasma membrane of the bacteria.

3 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

000258   Rao B V;Ghosh K;Mohanty D (NO, Inst of Immunohaematology (ICMR), 13th Floor, New Multistoreyed Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: vbaburao@hotmail.com) : Nucleolar organising region evaluation using new NOR FISH probe. Indian J Hum Genet 2005, 11(1), 44-6.

Chromosomal analysis in a couple with repeated spontaneous abortions (RSA) was carried out. The chromosomal analysis of mate revealed 15ps+ and the chromosome 15 appeared as submetacentric, C- group chromosome. First time attempted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using NOR probe (dj1174 A5) and FISH analysis revealed NOR duplication on chromosome 15 which was also quantitated using Q-FISH software. The identical NOR duplication also detected in chromosome preparations from products of conception. However, NOR studies in large group of patients is necessary to understand the role of NORs in RSA.

^ccr2 illus, 10 ref

000257   Rai N;Kaushik P;Rai A;Chauhan S (Biol Standardization Div, IVRI, Izatnagar-243 122) : Amplification of rabies virus glycoprotein gene by polymerase chain reaction. Eco Res J Biosci 2006, 5(1), 14-17.

The glycoprotein gene (1650 bp) of rabies virus was amplified by PCR using specific forward and backward primers, and the PCR product was confirmed by 0.7% agarose gel electrophoresis. This product can be used for cloning in any plasmid vector.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

000256   Prasad R S;Kalimuddin M (Dep of Vet Public Hlth & Epidemiol, Ranchi Vet Coll Birsa Agric Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Contamination of fermented foods with Bacillus cereus and and its biotyping. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 203-4.

^ssc3 tables, 12 ref

000255   Ozbey G;Ertas H B;Kilic A;Muz A (NO, , ) : Detection of infectious bursal disease virus by reverse transcription / polymerase chain reaction in chicken. Indian vet J 2006, 83(7), 708-10.

Bursa samples of chicken slaughtered at an abattoir in Elazig province located in the East of Turkey were tested for the presence of infectious bursal disease virus using the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR). All samples were collected from commercially reared chicken flocks experiencing signs typical of IBDV. A 365 bp fragment of the VP2 gene was amplified using specific primers in the RT/PCR. A total of 69 samples were determined to contain IBDVirus using RT/PCR. In addition, a Tri Reagent and Proteinase K digestion based RNA extraction methods were used to extract double stranded (ds) RNA of IBDV from infected bursae. The yield and purity of dsRNA of IBDVirus extracted by proteinase K digestion method was lower than by Tri Reagent method. In conclusion, this study showed the feasibility of PCR for accurate and rapid identification of IBDVirus.

1 illus, 18 ref

000254   Nirmal Kumar J I;Soni H;Kumar R N (Dep of Biosci, N.V. Patel Coll of Pure & Appl Sci, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120) : Assessment of anthropogenic interventions in Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. J Nat Conserv 2005, 17(1), 1-25.

The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS) is an important Protected Area (PA) of Gujarat State, encompassing an area of 607 sq. km. along the north-eastern border of Bharuch district. The area lies between 21° 03' N to 21° 59' N latitude and 73° 05' E to 74° 10' E longitude at 900 msl. The sanctuary supports moist deciduous to tropical dry deciduous floral elements with rich diversity of faunal species. The entire area experiences three seasons. Winter being the coldest with minimum of 10° C temperature, while the hottest summer with 43° C and monsoon .experiences. 1000 mm average rainfall. Geologically, the basaltic rocks of the area belonging to Deccan trap interspersed with inter-montana valleys of upper cretaceous to lower eocene age. In the study, 19 villages were selected to investigate various anthropogenic interventions. Besides human (n = 14,960) and livestock population (n = 10,320) of these villages, uncontrolled grazing by cattle, sheeps and goats were identified as the major sources of anthropogenic pressures in the sanctuary area. The local inhabitants reside within the PA zone are totally dependent upon the nature reserve for their livelihood. The paper mainly focuses on human generated threats like grazing, cutting, forest fire, hunting and poaching of animals and encroachment of forest areas for agricultural practices. Among the studied parameters, human and cattle population, grazing, cutting and encroachment go parallel to each other and was found maximum in Piplod village, followed by Mai, Samot and Kolivada villages. However, such pressures were low in Jadoli, Namgir and Andu villages. Also collection of minor forest produce for earnings by local inhabitants follows the analogous trend in Piplod village, followed by Mal, Samot and Kolivada villages. Hunting and poaching of animals by local people for food were noticeable in Mal, Samot and Dumkhai villages. The virgin forest cover of the area has been considerably reduced by clear-feiling activities like human settlements, shifting agriculture and massive extraction of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). The quantification of each pressure and salient findings are discussed.

6 illus, 5 tables, 62 ref

000253   Narasimha Rao K;Shyam Prasad G;Girisham S; Reddy S M (Dep of Microbiol, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal - 506 009) : Food preservatives in the management of fusarial mycotoxins. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(2), 107-10.

Efficacy of different food preservatives on the growth and zearalenone and T₂ toxin production by Fusarium moniliforme and F. oxysporum was assessed. Propionic acid was found to be more effective in inhibiting growth and zearalenone and T₂ production by F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum respectively. Citric acid was also effective against these fungi at a comparatively higher concentration. Acetone failed to inhibit growth and toxin production by the fungi under investigation.

1 table, 22 ref

000252   Naik R M (Biochem Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Dependence of in vivo nitrate reduction on photorespiration and mitochondrial respiration in leaves of Nicotiana sylvestris. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(1), 59-61.

In vivo nitrate reductase activity in the leaves of both wild type and CMS II mutant of Nicotiana sylvestris plant maintained at high CO₂ (10000 μmol mol^-1) was drastically reduced as compared to the plant grown at ambient CO₂ (300 μmol mol^-1). Isonicotinyl hydrazide (INH), an inhibitor of photorespiratory glycine decarboxylase (GDC) at 30 mM concentration significantly reduced in vivo NR activity both in wild type and CMS II almost to the same extent indicating that mitochondrial complex I imairment does not affect glycine to serine conversion in light and the reductants are probably exported to cytosol for nitrate reduction. Amino acetonitrile an inhibitor of glycine decarboxylase and nitrate reductase caused increased expression of alternate oxidase (Aox) as evident from transcript level. However, the increase in the aox transcript level was significantly more in CMS II as compared to wild type.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

000251   Manoj Kumar M;Singh V P;Srivastava N C;Sharma B (Natn Referral Lab on Mycoplasma Div of Bact & Mycol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Diagnosis of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides type LC infection by polymerase chain reaction. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 153-4.

PCR assay was undertaken for rapid diagnosis of caprine pleuropneumonnia caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides type LC directly from the experimental clinical materials without prior isolation of the organisms. Specific amplifications were observed with M. mycoides cluster specific, M. mycoides group specific and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC specific primers confirming the suitability of PCR for rapid diagnosis of myoplasma infections by overcoming the problems associated with their isolation.

1 illus, 14 ref

000250   Mahdieh N;Tafsiri E;Karimipour M;Akbari M T (Akbari Med Genetic Laboratorym, Univ of Welfare and Rehab Sci, Tehran, Iran) : Heterozygosity and allele frequencies of the two VNTRs (ApoB and D1S80) in Iranian population. Indian J Hum Genet 2005, 11(1), 31-34.

Genetic markers are used for identity testing and paternity analysis depends on knowing the allele frequencies in the population. Minisatellites show allelic variability in the number of repeat units. Studied the allele frequencies and heterozygosity of two VNTRs (ApoB and D1S80) in Iranian populations. A total of 96 and 82 chromosomes were analyzed by PCR and gel electrophoresis for ApoB and D1S80 respectively. In the apoB system, allele 37 was the most common followed by allele 35 whereas allele 23 was the most common followed by allele 18 at the D1S80 locus. Observed heterozygosity was relatively low in ApoB than D1S80 locus, however, no significant differences were found between observed and expected heterozygosity.

2 tables, 33 ref

000249   Madan S;Rajpurohit L S (Deptt. of Zool, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur 1-E-27, Pawanpuri, Bikaner-334 003) : New ecological habitats for avian fauna in water logged areas of Indira Gandhi Nahar Canal Project, Rajasthan. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2005, 19(2), 193-8.

The Indira Gandhi canal project (better known in local area as Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna : IGNP) project has been conceived to utilize 9362 million cubic meter water to provide irrigation facilities to gross area of 28,50,000 ha (70,33,000 acres) covered by the "Thar Desert". The commencement of Indira Gandhi Canal has simultaneously created problems, out of which one is waterlogging. Waterlogged areas in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts are not useful for man but nature has discovered use of these areas. These area are coming up as a natural habitat for various migratory birds. These areas could be developed as Bird sanctuaries or the protected areas of 'Eco-tourism' in future.

1 table, 5 ref

000248   Lingappa K;Vivek Babu C S (Dep Post Grad Stud and Res in Microbiol, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: lingappak1@rediffmail.com) : Production of lovastatin by solid state fermentation of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) pods using Aspergillus terreus KLVB28. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 283-6.

Lovastatin (mevinolin) is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutryl coenzyme A reductase, a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Studied lovastatin production by Aspergillus terreus KLVB 28 strain employing solid state fermentation of deseeded carob pods. Highest yield (289.63 μg g^-1DW) of lovastatin was obtained at moisture content 65%, pH 4.5, temperature 35°C, inoculum size 1x10⁸ spores mL^-1, particle size 2 mm and bed depth 2 cm.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

000247   Lakshmi N;Venkatesware Rao T;Veerraju P (Dep of Hum Genet, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Opportunity for natural selection among three endogamous subpopulations of Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Hum Genet 2005, 11(1), 39-43.

Crow's index of opportunity for natural selection has been calculated for three endogamous subpopulations namely Arya vysya, thrivarnika and kalinga Vysya of north coastal Andhra Pradesh. The total index is in the order Arya Vysya<62> Thrivarnika <62> Kalinga Vysya. However, the mortality component is more in Kalinga Vysya, reflecting the poor medical facilities available to them due to their low socio-economic profile compared to other two populations. The results of the study are compared with those among the other case populations of Andhra Pradesh.

4 tables, 31 ref

000246   Khan Z U;Ahmad S;Mokaddas E;Al-sweih N;Chandy R (Microbiol Dep Fac of Med, Kuwait Univ, PO Box 24923, Kuwait-13110, Email: ziauddin@hsc.edu.kw) : Sunflower seed husk agar: a new medium for the differentiation of Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans. Indian J med Microbiol 2005, 23(3), 182-5.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed husk agar medium has been developed and evaluated for differentiation of Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans on the basis of colony morphology and chlamydospore production. All C. dubliniensis isolates (n=40) produced rough colonies with hyphal fringes and abundant chlamydospores whereas 101 of 105 (96.2%) C. albicans isolates produced smooth colonies with no evidence of chlamydospore production. Since this medium is free from oil droplets, chlamydospores can be examined with greater clarity by Dalmau plate technique. This medium provides a simple and cost-effective tool for the presumptive differentiation of C. dubliniensis from C. albicans and is particularly suited for clinical microbiology laboratories where biochemical or molecular methods for the differentiation of these two species are not available.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

000245   Kapoor S (Dep of Vet Microbiol, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Isolation of aerobic bacteria in frozen semen of cattle and buffaloes. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 207-8.

^ssc2 tables, 9 ref

000244   Kalorey D R;Warke S;Sakhare P S (Dep of Microbiol, Nagpur Vet Coll, MAFSU, Nagpur-440 006) : Antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of flowers of Butea frondosa Koen ex Roxb (Palas). Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 209-10.

^ssc1 table, 15 ref

000243   Jyotsna Kumari;Unni B G;Sarma R;Wann S B;Bora U;Kalita M C (Biotechnol Div, Regional Res Lab (CSIR), Jorhat-785 006, Email: bgunni@yahoo.com) : Induction of bactericidal immune protein in the haemolymph of muga silkworm, Antheraea assama. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 273-6.

Isolated a bactericidal immune protein similar to attacin from the haemolymph of Muga silkworm, Antheraea assama. Healthy pupae of Muga silkworms were randomly selected from the rearing stock and injected with live, non pathogenic strain of Pseudomonas DAS-01 and control set was injected with Insect's Ringer's solution. Haemolymph collected 3 d after injection were subjected to 15% SDS and native gel electrophoresis. Injected pupal haemolymph showed 3 protein bands in low molecular weight region (18-24 kDa), which were absent in the control. These bands were gel eluted and tested for antibacterial activity by different methods. They were found to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa AC-3. Further purification of these induced proteins was done by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography, HPLC and LC-MS. The second peak corresponding to low molecular weight protein was characterised using LC-MS and found to be positively charged, 23 kDa proteins.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

000242   Jesudason M V;Gladstone P (Clin Microbiol Dep, Christian Med Coll, Vellore-632 004) : Non tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital in south India. Indian J med Microbiol 2005, 23(3), 172-5.

Isolation rates of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from various clinical specimens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns has been analysed. All NTM isolated between 1999 and 2004 at Christian Medical College, Vellore, South India, were identified with various biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for all NTM was performed by standard methods. A total of 32,084 specimens were received for culture, of which 4473 (13.97% grew acid fast bacilli (AFB). Four thousand three hundred (96.1%) of the AFB were M. tuberculosis while 173 (3.9%) were NTM. Of the 173 NTM, 115 (66.5%) were identified to the species level. Pus, biopsy specimens and sputum specimens yielded most of the NTM of which M. chelonac (46%) and M. fortuitum (41%) accounted for majority of them. M. chelonae and M. fortuitum, showed highest susceptibility to amikacin (99.2%). NTM were repeatedly isolated from seven sputum specimens, 15 biopsy and pus specimens, two CSF and two blood cultures. Six were isolated from patients with AIDS and five from post transplant patients.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

000241   Jand S K;Paviter Kaur;Sharma N S (Dep of Vet Microbiol, Coll of Vet Sci PAU, Ludhiana-141 003) : Yeasts as animal pathogens. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 115-23.

Yeasts are oval, spherical, elongated or rectangular unicellular fungal cells of about 3-5 μm diameter. However sometimes they adhere in chains, forming pseudomycelium and reproducing through budding. These form moist colonies that are usually larger, but not unlike bacterial colonies. Yeasts have been known to man since ages-ever since the use of wine and baked bread. Not even a single day passes during which all of us are not benefited or harmed directly or indirectly by these organisms. These are involved in number of industrial processes of fermentation, such as the making of bread, wines, beers, and the fermentation of the coaca beans and the preparation of certain cheeses. These have been found to be associated with number of disease manifestations, both in animals and human beings. The yeasts are mainly opportunistic organisms producing disease conditions both in animals and man. Excessive and erratic use of antibiotics, corticosteroides, immunosuppressive drugs and chronic diseases are the major contributing factors in increasing incidence of diseases due to yeasts. Yeasts in different hosts produce multifarious clinical manifestations e.g. thrush, disseminated candidiasis, cryptococcosis, mastitis, etc.

^iia2 tables, 119 ref

000240   Gupta N (Industrial Microbiol Dep, Mukand Lal Natn Coll, Yamuna Nagar-135 001) : Antimicrobial activity of soaps and toothpastes available in the market. Eco Res J Biosci 2006, 5(1), 9-13.

Study was aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of four different brands of soaps available in the market against Staphylococcus sp. and four different brands of toothpastes against Lactobacillus sp. A toothpaste containing calcium and minerals was found to be the most effective for the control of Lactobacillus sp. While a grade 3 toilet soap with logo "100% better germ protection" was found to be having the highest antimicrobial activity.

2 illus, 8 ref