000239   Gomes A R;Muniyappa L;Krishnappa G; Suryanarayan V V S;Isloor S;Prakash B (Microbiol Dep, Vet Coll, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: amithagomes@yahoo.com) : Genotypic characterization of avian Escherichia coli by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus - polymerase chain reaction (ERIC - PCR). Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 291-4.

Molecular typing method based on the analysis of the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequences was used to find out the genetic diversity among Escherichia coli serotypes. By plotting dendrograms, these serotypes were grouped into two major clusters with a maximum linkage distance of 26 units. Furthermore, the principle component analysis (PCA) also revealed similar clustering as in the dendrogram. ERIC-PCR based molecular typing and dendorgram based analysis indicated genetic diversity among E. coli serotypes.

3 illus, 18 ref

000238   Goel A K;Kamboj D V;Singh L (Biotechnol Div, Def Res and Dev Establ, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Email: 1st2397@rediffmail.com) : Enrichment and rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis spores by direct immunofluorescence assay. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 269-71.

Direct immunofluorescence assay for detection of Bacillus anthracis spores was developed. B. anthracis spores were spiked in water, sand and talcum powder and recovered by aqueous polymer bi-phasic buffer system. Maximum spores could be recovered from tap water followed by sand and talcum powder. Subsequently, a direct immunofluorescence assay for detection of recovered spores was developed using polyclonal antibodies raised formalin-inactivted spore. The fluorescein-conjugate was absorbed with spores of other bacteria to remove cross reactivity. The assay could detect 3.6 x 10³ spores mL^-1 from tap water and 3.6 x 10⁴ spores g^-1 from sand and talcum powder. The proposed method can be employed in environmental surveillance of B. anthracis.

1 illus, 12 ref

000237   Gladstone P;Rajendran P;Brahmadathan K N (Clin Microbiol Dep, Christian Med Coll, Vellore-632 004, Email: knb1948@hotmail.com) : Incidence of carbapenem resistant nonfermenting gram negative bacilli from patients with respiratory infections in the intensive care units. Indian J med Microbiol 2005, 23(3), 189-91.

Resistance to carbapenems is commonly seen in nonfermenting gram negative bacilli (NFGNB). Author has document herein the prevalence of carbapenem resistance in NFGNB isolated from patients with respiratory tract infections in the intensive care units (ICUs). A total of 460 NFGNB were isolated from 606 endotracheal aspirate specimens during January through December 2003, of which 56 (12.2%) were found to be resistant to imipenem and meropenem. Of these, 24 (42.8%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8 (14.2%) were Acinetobacter spp. and 24 (42.8%) were other NFGNB. Stringent protocols such as antibiotic policies and resistance surveillance programs are mandatory to curb these bacteria in ICU settings.

^ssc13 ref

000236   Gautam R K;S Sharma (Deptt. of Zool and Ent, St. John's Coll, Agra-282 002) : Biochemical alterations in acridid's. J Nat Conserv 2005, 17(1), 163-8.

Biochemical changes in total proteins, total fats carbohydrates, total fats and total moisture contents in selected 'acridrds' viz. Schistocera gregaria forsk., Hieroglyphus negrorepletus boilvier and Chrotogonous trachyperus were invertigation in selected 'acridids' viz. Schistocera gregaria forsk., Hieroglyphus negrorepletus bolivier and Chrotogonous trachypterus were investigated. The selected Indian grasshoppers Schistocera gregaria forsk. feeds upon Pennisetum typhoides (Bajra), Hieroglyphus negrorepletus bolivier feeds upon Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane) and Chrotogonous trachypterus feeds upon Sorghum vulgare (Jowar). There is a perceptible changes in the total proteins, total carbohydrates, total fats and total moisture contents in all three selected acridids.

3 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

000235   Garg N;Gupta S (Microbiol Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana) : Effect of cultural conditions : pH, sodium chloride and temperature on Yersinia enterocolitica. Eco Res J Biosci 2006, 5(1), 1-8.

Yersinia enterocolitica is an eneropathogen implicated in number of food and water borne epidemics. Isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica from food and clinical samples were used in the study. Effect of cultural conditions such as pH, sodium chloride concentration and temperature were observed on the growth of the organism by taking viable count on plates. The optimum range of pH, sodium chloride concentration and temperature were found to be 5.0 to 9.0, 0.5 to 1.5% (w/v) and 20°C to 37°C respectively.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

000234   Das S;Singh V P;Manoj Kumar M;singh V P (Natn Referral Lab on Mycoplasma Div of Bact & Mycol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : PCR-based differention of Mycoplasma bovis from other mycoplasmas. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 199-200.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000233   Das A;Pradhan S;Sharma S G (Biochem Div Pl Physiol and Envir Sci, Cent Rice Res Inst, Cuttack-753 006, Email: avijit_bio@yahoo.com) : Starch phosphorylase enzyme in over-expressed in submerged rice (Oryza sativa L) plant. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(1), 51-3.

Activity of starch phosphorylase enzyme and its isozymes were studied in one-week and two-week-old seedlings of four cultivars of rice, viz. FR13A, Gangasiuli (submergence tolerant), Sarala and IR42 (submergence susceptible) under submerged as well as control conditions. In one-week-old seedlings there was no apparent increase in enzyme activity, whereas in the two-week-old seedlings the activity rose steadily and reached to a maximum after 144 h of submergence and then declined. The increase in activity was also reflected in the isozyme profiles of this enzyme wherein both qualitative as well as quantitative (suppression and over-expression of certain bands) differenes were observed. It was concluded that, in addition to other enzymes of starch degradation, starch phosphorylase too may be involved in starch degradation during submergence stress in rice plants.

^ssc3 illus, 11 ref

000232   Chatterjee P;Mukherjee S;Bera C (Sports & Exercise Physiol Lab Dep of Physiol, Univ of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata-700 009) : Effect of vitamin E supplementation on blood lactate profile in exercising females. Indian Biol 0205, (NULL), 27-31.

Vitamin E, a naturally occurring antioxidant has a cytoprotective role and were found to prevent muscle damage. Its attempt has been made to observe the effect of vitamin E supplementation on endurance time, plasma lactic acid level, serum lactate dehydrogenase activities and other allied physiological parameters; on performance of exercise on bicycle ergometer. Study was carried out on twenty female sedentary subjects which was divided into experimental group and placebo group each consisting of ten subjects. Experimental group was given 400 mg of vitamin E in capsular form for a period of 21 days. The data was analysed using a two tail 't' test. The results of the various analysis performed on all parameters revealed significant difference between means for subjects who were given vitamin E. This was interpreted as providing evidence that supplementation of 400 mg of vitamin E had a beneficial role on endurance time, post-exercise plasma lactic acid concentration and serum LDH activity of exercising females.

4 tables, 18 ref

000231   Chattatraj S;Basu S;Joardan S N;Sahoo A K;Das P K (Dep of Vet Gynec and Obstet Fac of Vet and Anim Sci, West Bengal Univ of Anim and Fishery Sci, 37, K.B. Sarani, Kolkata-700 037) : Bacteriological quality of semen from Garole rams and black bengal bucks. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 205-6.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

000230   Chandrakala A N;Smitha V;Shobha R;Anuradha P; Venkatappa B (Immunology Div Microbiol Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: bada_v@yahoo.com) : Effect of antifungal compounds on conidial germination and growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in zinc supplemented medium. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 288-90.

Supplementation of 50 μM zinc to Saubourad's agar medium (SAM) increased conidial germination and sporulation of Aspergillus fumigatus, isolated from ABPA patients working in sericulture grainage industry. Higher concentration of Zn inhibited both conidial germination and sporulation. At low concentrations, feuconazole accelerated germination and germ tube elongation of conidia, obtained from zinc amended medium, but at higher levels, it had inhibitory effect. Intraconazole totally inhibited the growth of conidia. The results suggested that conidia obtained at lower concentrations of zinc could be used for in vitro suceptibility studies.

4 tables, 14 ref

000229   Basu S;Pal A;Desai P K (R & D Dep Microbiol Div, Span Diagnostics Ltd., Udhana, Surat-394 210) : Quality control of culture media in a microbiology laboratory. Indian J med Microbiol 2005, 23(3), 159-63.

Nature of reporting of a microbiology laboratory depends upon the quality of the culture media used. Quality of media directly affects the observations and inferences drawn from the cultural characteristics of microorganisms. Checking of different parameters of media such as growth supporting characteristics, physical characteristics, gel strength and batch contamination can help to assess their quality. There are different methods to check all these parameters systematically. The meticulous performance of quality control of culture media can assure precision in reporting.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

000228   Barua S;Rai A (NO, CIRG, Makhdoom, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Email: raia1@rediffmail.com) : Cultivation of fowl adenovirus-4 in chick embryo liver cell culture and purification of the virus by ultracentrifugation. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 195-6.

^ssc17 ref

000227   Baladhye V B;Kamble S P;Fawade M M (Dep of Biochem, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad - 431 004) : Phenobarbitone induced changes in yeast mitochondrial proteome. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(2), 123-5.

The mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisae strain (1090) were explored for protein profiles (proteomics) during normal and monitored growth conditions. The profiles were found to be resourceful to interpret various growth conditions, metabolic patterns as well as genetic alterations. The protein profiles obtained during high-resolution ion exchange chromatography clearly indicated changes associated with the environment around the organism. Studies with gel electrophoresis confirmed qualitative as well as quantitative changes. These observations, if interpreted using gel imaging systems can show changes in the organelle on molecular level.

2 illus, 16 ref

000226   Bakshi D;Sinhababu A;Mandal V;Mandal N C (Bot Dep, Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan-731 235, Email: ,amda;mc@rediffmail.com) : Change of carbon metabolic activity of Rhizobium under carbon starvation. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2006, 15(1), 67-9.

One fast growing strain of Rhizobium sp (Vigna mungo) VBS 1 was tested for its metabolic activities under carbon starvation. Specific activities of the catabolic enzymes like phosphofructokinase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase, iso-citrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase decreased remarkably whereas, induction of two anapleurotic enzymes like fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase and iso-citrate lyase took place in the cell-free extract of the strain. Almost unchanged specific activity of the enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase indicated its key role in maintaining a balance between catabolic and anabolic activities under carbon starvation.

^ssc1 illus, 10 ref

000225   Anu;Kundu B S (Microbiol Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Haryana-125 004, Email: bskundu@hau.ernet.in) : Development and characterization of lacZ marked strains of phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Indian J Microbiol 2005, 45(4), 261-3.

Seventy six P-solubilizing bacteria, isolated from the chickpea rhizosphere using Pikovaskaya's medium, showed phosphate solubilization efficiency from 6 to 118% on solid and 22 - 248 μg mL^-1 in liquid medium. Only four out of 18 isolates, showing complementary antibiotic resistance to donor strains, were selected on the basis of P-solubilization efficiency, for transfer of lacZ marker. A stable chromogenic marker (lacZ) from E. coli was introduced into selected PSB isolates by random Tn5 mutagenesis. The transconjugants were selected based on blue colonies appearing on medium containing 50 μg mL^-1 each of kanamycin, chloramphenicol and X-gal. The P-solubilization activity of PSB was not affected by transconjugation.

3 tables, 12 ref

000224   Alka Singh;Dash B B;Kataria J M;Dandapat S; Dhama K (Div of Avian Dis, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Characterisation of an Indian isolate of turkey pox virus. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 149-52.

A turkey poxvirus isolated from a natural outbreak of pox in turkeys was characterised using different physico-chemical agents and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. The complete inactivation of the virus was achieved at 60 °C for 30 min and with the chemicals like trypsin (0.25%), phenol (0.5%) and chloroform (5%). The turkey pox virus isolate was found sensitive when exposed to the temperature of 50 °C for 30 min and to the chemicals like diethyl ether (20%) and formalin (0.5%) as the infectivity of the virus was reduced up to a considerable extent after its exposure ' to these agents. The electron microscopic features of the turkey pox virus was studied by examining the CAM of infected chicken embryos as well as scabs collected from turkeys infected with turkey pox virus after negative staining and the virus showed typical pox virus morphology as having characteristic oval shaped structure with dumble shaped dense core, surrounded by a double layer membrane and was found free in cytoplasm of the cells.

4 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

000223   Agarwal M;Singh B R;Santoshi M C;Singh V P; Mudit Chandra (NO, Natn Salmonella Cent (vet.) Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Biotyping, bacteriocin typing and drug resistogram of Salmonella paratyphi B isolates from animals, their products and environment. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immun Infect Dis 2003, 24(2), 161-6.

Thirty nine isolates of Salmonella Paratyphi B from animals/environment and one of human origin were characterized to understand epidemiological distribution of this pathogen. Of the 40 isolates under the study, 24 belonged to S. Paratyphi B var Java (utilizing d-tartrate) and 16 were S. Paratyphi B (not utilizing d-tartratt). Fermentation of xylose and sorbitol and production of DNase were able to further subtype the two groups of S. Paratyphi B (classical-SPB, and var Java-SPBJ). Among 24 isolates of SPBJ, 6 biovars namely, biovar I (xylose +, sorbitol +, DNase +) 15 isolates, biovar II (xylose+, sorbitol+ , DNase-) 2 isolates, biovar III (xylose-, sorbitol+ , DNase+ ) 2 isolates, biovar IV (xylose-, sorbitel + , DNase-) 2 isolates, biovar V (xylose + , sorbitol-, DNase+) 2 isolates and biovar VI (xylose-, sorbitol-, DNase+) one isolate, could be identified. Isolates of biovar II to VI were isolated only from Mumbai. Of the 16 SPB isolates, 11 (10 from fish and 1 from khoa) belonged to biotype I while remaining 5 (1 pork, 2 Sewage, 1 fish and 1 human) to biotype II. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) pattern of S. Paratyphi B isolates revealed their resistance to dicloxacillin, cefazolin, colistin and ceftazidime and sensitiveness to augmentin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, lomefloxacin, crystal violet, acriflavin and mercuric chloride. Other frequently resisted drugs were nitrofurantoin (17 SPBJ and 9 SPB), streptomycin (2 SPB and 9 SPBJ) and cephalexin (1 SPBJ and 7 SPB). No correlation could be found out between biovar and antibiogram of different isolates. All the SPB strains were of same bacteriocin type while 24 SPBJ isolates could be classified into 5 bacteriocin types. Bacteriocin type I was the predominant (19 isolates) and prevalent all over India while other four bacteriocin types (II, III, IV and V) were prevalent only in Mumbai. The significance of bacteriocin typing, biotyping and resistogram in understanding the epidemiology of paratyphoid infection in India has been revealed.

5 tables, 33 ref

008075   Zuker M (Genetic Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig Univ, Egypt, Email: alzohairy@yahoo.com) : Mfold©: RNA modeling program. GERF Bull Biosci 2010, 1(1), 51-4.

RNA structure is very important in many biological processes, including translation regulation in messenger RNA and replication of single-stranded RNA viruses. Much of Michel Zuker work is on studying RNA structure. He developed Mfold program as tool for predicting the secondary structure of RNA, mainly by using thermodynamic methods (the Gibbs free energy). That sophisticated RNA modeling program takes into account many parameters, (e.g. pH, temperature, and the local composition bias of RNA), that affect the RNA folding. Using thermodynamics in the prediction algorithm of RNA structure is not common with Single sequence secondary structure prediction software. Up till now, only three programs, (Mfold, RNA fold, RNAshapes), is known to use this feature (Table 1). Recently, Mfold has been replaced by UNAFold, a software package that is much easier to install and run and it offers many more types of computations.

1 table, 23 ref

008074   Wavhal S D;Balasubramanya R H (Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, ICAR, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019) : Characterisation of microorganisms from a microbial consortium supplemented with lipid-based substrates. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 36-42.

The microbial consortium maintained under anaerobic conditions and supplemented with lipid rich substrate castor seed cake was characterised. The consortium was found to contain both aerobic and anaerobic organisms which were identified up to the species level.

7 table, 24 ref

008073   Verma A K;Chanchal A;Maitra A (Nano-Biotech Laboratory, Delhi Univ, Kirori Mal College, Delhi-110 007, Email: akamra23@hotmail.com) : Co-polymeric hydrophilic nanospheres for drug delivery: release kineties, and cellular uptake. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(10), 1043-52.

Nanobiotechnology focuses on the biological effects and applications of nanoparticles that include nano-safety, drug encapsulation and nanotherapeutics. The present study focuses on hydrophilic nanospheres of copolymers N-isopropylacrylamide [NIPAAM1 and vinyl pyrrolidone [VP], encapsulating abioactive derivative of 5-fluorouracil-hexyl-carbatnoyl fluorouracil (HCFU). The size of the nanospheres was <126>58 nm and the surface charge measured was -15.4 mV. Under optimal conditions, the yield was <62>80%, and the drug loading was 2%. The entrapment efficiency was <126>75%. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the entrapped HCFU was present in an amorphous state, which has higher water solubility compared with the crystalline state. Slow drug release from nanospheres was observed in PBS and serum, with <126>80% released at 37°C after 72 h. The HCFU loaded polymeric nanospheres have been found to be stable in whole blood having negligible RBC toxicity. Cytotoxicity in Mia-Paca 3, pancreatic cancer cell line was done in a 24-72 h assay. Dose dependant cytotoxicity was observed when incubated with various concentrations of HCFU loaded polymeric nanospheres while HCFU per se (<60>1 mg) showed 90% toxicity within 24 h.

11 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

008072   Vaishali A;Dharmadhikari S M (Microbiology Dep, Government Institute of Science, Aurangabad-431 001, Email: nikhusmita@yahoo.com) : Isolation and screening of benzonitrile degrading actionmy cetes. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 53-7.

Microorganism as biocatalyst have an important application in industry for transformation of waste nit rile to less toxic amides or carboxylic acids. Soil samples were collected from different areas like agriculture land and area surrounding pharmaceutical industries. By adaptation and acclimatization twenty actinomycetes cultures were isolated. All isolates were capable of growing on mineral medium containing benzonitrile as sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Out of these twenty isolates six actinomycetes strains were screened based on maximum production of ammonia. Secondary screening was carried out based on benzonitrile biodegradation at various pH. Three strains were selected showing maximum biodegradation in terms of ammonia production at basic, acidic and alkaline pH strain A11 at p^H-7 (24.62 μ mole/min), strain A9at p^H4( 26.80 μmole/min) & strain A15 at p^H at -9 (99.68 μmole/rnin). StrainA9, A11& A15 exhibited maximum benzonitrile degradation at temperature 30°C (7,03 μmole, 9.33 μmole & 31.04μ.mole). The presence of casein as a nitrogen source & fructose as carbon source were found to enhance the benzonitrite hydrolysis. High rate of degradatopm was observed at 48 hrs of incubation. These isolates were found to tolerate benzonitrile up tostrainA9 & All 0.6 %(8.96 μmole & 22.06 μmole), strain Al 5(18.68 μmole). In these strain the enzyme activity was found to be maximum in cell lyzate (99.68μmole/min as compair to cell supernatant (77.09 μmole/min).

9 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

008071   Upadhyay G;Chakravarty A (Food & Nutrition Dep, Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya Kamachha, Constituent College of Banaras Hi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Feeding pattern and nutritional status of infants in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 161-73.

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is present when total body weight is more than 25% fat in boys and more than 32% fat in girls (Lohman, 1987). Childhood obesity is often defined as a weight for height in excess of 120% of the ideal. Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. Overweight children have a high risk of being overweight in adulthood and therefore are also at risk from the associated health complications such as hypertension and CHD. Several recent studies have emphasized the importance of early factors in the development of the insulin resistance syndrome. Low birth weight and Ponderal Index have been associated with childhood, adolescent and adult obesity. Among other factors childhood obesity most likely results from the interaction of nutritional factors. Infant nutrition, specifically breastfeeding, seems to be associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes in young adults and of overweight and obesity in preschool children and adolescents. Infant fed formula are more likely to become obese than breastfed infants. The higher protein content of infant formulae, compared with breast milk, could be a casual factor. Present study is an attempt to find out the prevailing feeding pattern of infants in Varanasi and its influence on their weight. This is a cross sectional study conducted in urban areas of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi city is divided into ten wards, according to Municipal Corporation, Varanasi. By consultation with the statistician two wards Bhelupur and Dashashwamedh were selected for the study. 253 infants were selected purposively through domiciliary visit. For the sake of study, infants were divided into seven feeding groups and four age groups. In the present study it was observed that in exclusively breast fed infants, weight decreased after 6 months may be due to the reason that milk output decreases after 6 months. At the age of 9 months weight increased. Weight of bottle fed infants at the age of 3 months was less than exclusively breast fed and breast fed plus bottle fed infants may be due to improper dilution of milk. In present study, 13.4% infants were underweight, 64.82% were normal and 21.7% were obese.

3 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

008070   Tewari S;Tewari A (Anthropology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Repropductive health awareness among rural women: a microlevel study. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 135-42.

The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme in India aims to provide the prevention and management of unwanted pregnancy, maternity care, child health care and prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive tract infections, through trained individuals. There exists a wide variation in the perception of the people specially women, to the reproductive tract symptoms, which they experience due to little understanding about the awareness of people specially women regarding the reproductive health issues. The present study conducted in the village Mahewa Patti of Allahabad District of Uttar Pradesh focuses on the level of awareness among the rural women about the reproductive health issues. The socio-demographic data were collected by administering structured interview schedules while data related to family planning practices, knowledge about menstrual cycle, reproductive tract infection, and antenatal care were collected from 70 women of 15-45 years through narratives and non-structured interviews. In the present study only symptomatic aspects related to the reproductive health issues have been taken into consideration. The study reveals that the level of awareness among rural women about reproductive health issues is quite low. It was also found that the level of awareness among working women is higher and they are better-informed regarding reproductive health issues as compared to non-working. The study concludes that there is an urgent need of making concerted efforts for raising the awareness level so that rural women may get benefit of whatever facilities are being provided to them through RCH programme.

8 tables, 12 ref

008069   Surinder Nath;Sharma M (Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi) : Reconstruction of stature using hand and foot measurements. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 55-64.

Forensic anthropologists perform examination of skeletal remains recovered from a crime scene to recreate the biological nature of the person at the time of death. In addition to the examination of age and sex of the recovered remains they also provide information regarding the probable height of the person at the time of death. Reconstruction of stature is based on the premise that there exists an explicit relationship between bone length and stature of an individual. The gjeserit study is based on the observations on Ezhava population of Kerala. A total of 215 Ezhava Hindus (82 males and 133 females) were measured for Stature (S), Hand length(HL) and Foot length(FL)/ranging in age from 20 to 45 years, as per the standard measurement techniques. Analyses reveal that the males have greater dimensions for these measurements than the females and the sex differences are highly significant. Hand length exhibits greater correlation with stature in comparison to the foot length for both sexes and the estimate of error is also low for hand length, thereby suggesting that the estimated height would be more reliable with hand length than the foot length. It may also be emphasized here that both these measurements could be safely used for reconstruction of stature among the Ezhavas of Kerala.

4 tabes, 44 ref

008068   Suneel Kumar;Jain S;Jitendra Behari;Avelev V D;Mathur R (Physiology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi- 110 029, Email: mathurashmi@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of magnetic field on food and water intake and body weight of spinal cord injured rats. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(10), 982-6.

Chronic (2h/d x 8 weeks) exposure to magnetic field (MF; 50 Hz, 17.9 μT) in complete spinal cord (T13) transected rats restored food intake (FI), water intake (Wl) and body weight (BW) which were decreased in the spinal cord injured rats. The results suggest a significant beneficial effect of chronic exposure to magnetic field of paraplegic rats.

1 illus, 2 table, 39 ref

008067   Sukumaran Nair M;Aravindan C M (Zoology Dep, N S S College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Abundance, diversity and seasonal fluctuation of plankton in a tropical freshwater lake. J Inld Fish Soc India 2009, 41(1), 34-40.

Composition and seasonal fluctuation of plankton in relation to physico-chemical parameters was studied in the Vellayani lake, a freshwater lake in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, during the period June 1999 - May 2000. Phytoplankton abundance showed two peaks, during post monsoon (September-October) and premonsoon (February-May). Cyanophyceae (50.2%) and Chlorophyceae (41.1 %) were the co-dominant groups of phytoplankters with Bacillariophyceae contributing only 8.1 % to the annual density. The peaks of zooplankton population coincided with that of phytoplankton. Rotifera exhibited superiority over the other zooplankton groups both in abundance and in the number of species. Changes in hydrobiological conditions of the lake water caused by monsoon were found to influence the plankton density in the lake.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

008066   Singh U P (NO, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow) : Exploring issues and perspectives of anthropometry: a scientific method of human research. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 103-11.

Deals with the concept, issues and perspectives of the Anthropomentry - a scientific technique of physical anthropology. Its meaning and procedures have been considered in historical perspective to trace its evolution and the form which we practice today. The paper discusses the exploration of its newer issues and perspectives.

20 ref

008065   Singh D N;Das A K (Riverine CIFRI Div, , 24, Pannalal Road, Allahabad-211 002) : Diversity of periphyton in a peninsular river. J Inld Fish Soc India 2009, 41(1), 69-72.

^ssc2 illus, 9 ref

008064   Singal P;Bhatnagar D P;Batish M K;Amarjeet Kaur (Faculty of Human Biology, Punjab Univ, Patiala) : Dental maturity and dental caries in fluorosis belt of Punjab, India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 153-60.

The study is based on a sample of 545 subjects (261 boys and 284 girls) ranging in age from 5 to 13 years. The data were collected from Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, special school in Bhatinda city of Punjab. In Bhatinda and its adjoining areas the fluoride content of the water has been reported to be 9.95 ppm. Each subject was examined for the eruption of permanent teeth, dental caries and dental fluorosis. The date of birth of each subject was obtained from the institutional records. The median age of eruption of each tooth has been calculated by applying Probit analysis. Because of high fluorine contents in this incidence of caries in children is quite low. On an average the percentage of children having fluorosis of teeth is about 34%. It goes on increasing with age and reaches upto about 60% as the child attains the age of 13 years.

1 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

008063   Shukla B R K;Singh U P (Anthropology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow) : Dermatoglyphic variation: a study of finger prints among Bhoksa tribals of northern India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 79-102.

The study is based upon the analysis of fingerprints of 400 Bhoksa Tribals collected from Tarai and foothill regions of Uttaranchal state. It delineates that Bhoksas are characterized by the high frequency of whorl followed by loops and least Arches. Digital symmetry is found at highest on digit IV and lowest on digit II among foothill males. Whorl symmetry is high than the loop. Three indices (IPI, DI. FI) are in close range between both the groups of Bhoksas. Digit wise mean ridge count, total ridge count (TFRC) of Tarai Bhoksas slightly varies from those of foothill Bhoksas. Measure of Holt's S"5 and Jantz's "A² are also worked out to analyse the variations within the community. It is noted that statistically significant bimanual and bisexual variations are present in many traits, whereas marked intergroup is seen in few only. The results are also compared with the available studies on neighbouring Indian populations to examine Bhoksa's association with caste and mongoloid elements.

6 illus, 14 tables, 29 ref

008062   Sharma R N (Sociology Dep, Sri Sai Baba Aadarsh College, Ambikapur, Surguja District, Chhattisgarh) : Traditional treatment of jaundice (Hepatitis) in Pando tribes of Chhattisgarh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 143-5.

Tribes are compelled to face various problems, among them health related problems are prominent. Poverty and ignorance are the major causes of various health related problems or diseases, beside they inhabit mountain terrains away from normal population. By constant survey and research it has been concluded that tribal population is mainly suffering from dermal and abdominal problems.

3 tables, 5 ref

008061   Sharma K;Jain R;Bhargava N;Sharma R;Sharma K S (Physical Sciences Dep, International College for Girls, The IIS Univ, Gurukul Marg, Mansarovar, Jaipur-302 020) : Dielectric studies of wheat in powder form at microwave frequencies. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(10), 1002-7.

Dielectric constant and loss factor of Raj-4120 variety of Indian wheat were determined in powder form (grain size 12:5 to 150 μ) at room temperature. Microwaves at three different frequencies were employed in C-band, X-band and Ku-band respectively for investigating frequency dependence of dielectric parameters of the sample. Bulk dielectric values of the sample were determined by employing the dielectric mixture relations, such as, half power mixture equation, Landau and Lifshitz, Looyenga equation etc.

2 table, 12 ref

008060   Sharma J C (Anthropology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Growth and development of a bird headed dwarf. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 11-7.

The growth and development of a very rare variety of human drawf known as "bird-headed dwarf" is described. The anomaly, in all probability, is caused by genetic factors which drastically retard the mitotic cell division since conception. The subject, a male baby, born to normal healthy Panjabi parents at full term looked like a premature baby with extremely small body length and weight, small head and face and proportionately small other body dimensions. His rate of growth during childhood was comparatively low and various motor developmental mile-stones were also delayed by two to three years. Hormonal treatment did not bring about the desired results. Growth ceased by pubertal age without registering any significant bodily changes. Scanty facial, axial and public hair were according to age. Whether these were accelerated due to hormonal treatment could not be known. Penis and testes registered a small increase but remained infantile throughout adult age. His estimated cranial capacity (591 cc. - 781 cc.) was less than half of a normal adult of his age but he was by no means an idiot. In various dimensions of head, face, trunk and limbs, he resembled his normal height-peers but in indices between these dimensions he was somewhat nearer to his normal age-peers. He differed from earlier reported 'bird-headed dwarfs' in having a prominent nose which was not beaked and a prominent chin which was not receding. He also suffered from hypognathia and hypodontia. These and other variations could be attributed to the additive effect of the genetic factors involved. Enlarged epiphyses of the long bones and hypoplacia in the region of ankle, knee, hip and shoulder joints were common features found. The subject was prone to various infections because of low body immunity throughout life. Anoraxia and anaemia were chronic ailments. Died at the age of 21 years and four months due to renal and heart failures in quick succession.

3 illus, 7 ref

008059   Sharma B K;Sharma S (Freshwater Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Permanent Campus, Shillong, Meghalaya-793 022, Email: profbksharma@gmail.com) : Deepor beel revisited: new records of rotifers (Rotifera: Eurotatoria) with remarks on interesting species. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(1), 1437-44.

Plankton samples collected (April 2009 - March 2010) from Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site, revealed 21 species of the Phylum Rotifera belonging to 12 genera and eight families as new records. Amongst these, Brachionus durgae is a new record for northeastern India. The recorded species included the Australasian Brachionus dichotomus reductus and Notommata spinata; two Oriental endemics, namely, Keratella edmondsoni and Lecane blachei while Lecane lateralis, L haliclysta, Lepadella benjamini, Platyias leloupi, Mytilina acanthophora, Macrochaetus longipes, Trichocerca bicristata and T. flagellata are examples of regional distribution interest. The present report increases the number of species recorded from this important wetland of northeastern India to 134 species which, in turn, is the richest rotifer diversity known till date from any aquatic ecosystem of South Asia.

008058   Saini K;Bohare A (Anthropology Dep, H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Dermatoglyphic study of Sarjupari brahmin and Sanadhya brahmin. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 175-8.

In the bisexual sample of 115 Sarjupari Brahmin and 105 Sanadhya Brahmin palmar and finger dermatogloyphic features are reported in the present study. No significant group variation is observed in terms of palmar or finger dermatoglyphic features except in the case of presence of true patterns on the IIIrd inter digital area of the palm.

3 tables, 8 ref

008057   Rambal K (Botany Dep, Maharshi Dayanand College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Parel, Mumbai-400 012) : Survey of market diseases of papaya (Carica papaya), in retail markets of Mumbai. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 135-8.

Papaya fruit with rot symptoms were surveyed and collected from various retail markets of Mumbai and examined for the presence of fungi associated with the rot. The study was carried over all the seasons of the year (2007-2008). The most frequently occurring fungi isolated, were Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Penicillium sps and Cladosporium sps were also isolated but were not so frequent. For preventive measures for controlling decay and for extending shelf life of the fruit, simple cheap eco-friendly products were tried.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

008056   Raju E;Raju C N;Chandramoli J B;Prakash D S R S (Biotechnology Dep, Godavari Institue of Engineering and Technology, Rajahmundary, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh) : Distribution of ABO ad RH (D) blood groups of Yerukula (Tribe)-an endogamous population of West Godavari district of Andhra pardesh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 115-21.

Distribution of ABO and Rh (D) Blood Groups were computed based on the analysis of blood samples drawn from 350 individuals of Yerukula Tribal groups of west Godawari district of Andhra Pradesh. For typing blood samples potent pretested relevant era were used and standard technique was followed. The results indicate that yerukula have highest incidence of "B" group followed by "O", "A", and "AB"

4 tables, 10 ref

008055   Rai B;Surinder Nath;Anand S C (NO, , ) : Relationship of hand-wrist and panoramic radiographs: maturity indicator. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 147-51.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the stage of calcification of various teeth and skeletal maturity stage among Indians. The data for the present study consist of 40 male and 40 female subjects ranging in age from 10 to 22 years. A total of 80 hand-wrist and Panaromic radiographs were obtained and analyzed. Skeletal age and skeletal maturity stages were determined from hand-wrist radiographs by using Fishman's system. The tooth development of mandibular canines, first and second premolars and second molars were assessed according to the Demirjian system. The second molar exhibited highest correlation and this implies that tooth calcification stages from Panaromic radiographs might be clinically useful as a maturity indicator after pubertal growth period.

6 tables, 11 ref

008054   Prakash D S R S;Paddaiah G (Biotechnology Dep, Godavari Institute of Engineering Technology, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh) : Demographic study of Yerukula tribe of Andhra Pradesh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 129-33.

Reports demographic details pertaining to different stages of life among Yerukula women, a tribal population group from Andhra Pradesh. The Yerukala recorded 46% of consanguineous marriages. The details regarding fertility and mortality have been shown and compared between consanguineous and non-consanguineous unions, but these differences are not significant.

1 table, 28 ref

008053   Prakash D S R S (Biotechnology Dep, Godavari Institute of Engineering Technology, Rajhmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh) : Opportunity for natural selection among Kapu caste of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 123-8.

The selection intensity were computed based on the demographic information pertaining to fertility and mortality among Kapu Caste, an endogamous tribal population of Andhra Pradesh. The total fertility and mortality indices are slightly higher than other Andhra populations studied earlier. In the present population, the selection is manifested mainly through differential fertility rather than mortality, which is a deviation from general trend. The results are discussed in the light of earlier studies on Andhra Pradesh castes/tribal populations.

2 tables, 24 ref

008052   Pradip Kumar;Bohidar H B (Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites Laboratorry, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, School of Physical Sciences, New Delhi-110 067, Email: bohi0700@mail.jnu.ac.in) : Interaction of soot derived multi-carbon nonoparticles with lunar surfactants and their possible internalization inside alveolar cavity. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(10), 1037-42.

A systematic investigation of interaction of multi-carbon nanoparticles, obtained from soot, with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), a clinical pulmonary phospholipid surfactant, sold under trade name "Survanta", was undertaken to establish a model for internalization of these nanoparticles inside alveolar cavity. In vitro experiments were carried out to establish the phospholipid assisted dispersion mechanism of carbon nanoclusters (size ≈150 nm, zeta potential ≈ -15 mV) in water. Results obtained from an array of experimental methods, like dynamic laser light scattering, electrophoresis, UV-absorption spectroscopy, surface tension studies and transmission electron microscopy, revealed that the carbon nanoparticles interacted with DPPC predominantly via hydrophobic interactions. Selective surface adsorption of DPPC molecules on nanoparticle surface was found to be strongly dependent on the concentration of the phospholipid. DPPC, a gemini surfactant, formed a rigid monolayer around the carbon nanocluster even at nanomolar concentration and provided excellent stability to the dispersion. Based on the experimental data it is proposed that the free-energy gain involved in the hydrophobic interactions will facilitate the internalization of these nanoparticles on the inner wall of the alveolar cavity.

11 illus, 16 ref

008051   Pokalwar S U;Mishra M K;Manwar A V (NO, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Plot P-1, I T B T Park, Hinjewadi, Pune-411 057, Email: pokalwar@rediffmail.com) : Production and optimization of bacterial cellulose by gluconacetobacter intermedius isolated from Indian grapes. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 23-7.

Environmental bacterial samples were collected for cellulose producing bacteria; one sampling from Indian grape (Vitis vinifera) vine fruits gave a pure bacterial culture that produced bacterial cellulose in static culture. This strain was enriched on the Hestrin-Schramm's medium and characterization based on 16S _rRNA sequence identified the isolate as Gluconacetobacter intermedius. This isolate showed marked preference to fructose as carbon source over glucose unlike other Gluconacetobacter spp. Ethanol supplementation in the medium enhanced the production of bacterial cellulose significantly. It would be interesting to further study the molecular mechanisms associated with bacterial cellulose Production by this strain.

10 illus, 2 table, 25 ref

008050   Pathmanathan G;Raghavan P (Anthropology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Standard deviation scores of height and weight of rural northwest Indian adolescents. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 19-28.

Studies on different socio-economic conditions and child growth are many for any world population. Every one of them has produced a number of results/facts about the current situation, secular growth changes, if any, morbidity and as well as mortality rates. Very many of them are very difficult to interpret as they lack the work plan of a 'holistic concept'. Only a handful of them have the required interdisciplinary base that is essential for a holistic approach (Lindgren 1995). There are numerous data on Physical Growth and Maturation that display various factors that affect these two processes. Among these, socio-economic status, besides others, is the major cause that influences the process of growth and maturation. Thus eventually nutrition that modifies/brings out the real growth potential of every member- children, youth and adults of a population/sub groups within a population. In studies that deal with the physical/physiological growth, it is the difference in the living standards that differentiates the adult height, variation in the rate of maturation in children along with the differences in the height and weight among children and youth as 'Growth ... mirrors the conditions in society' (Tanner 1978). Children of the upper socio-economic group of any population have faster growth and maturational tempo, higher attained body dimensions and end up as taller adults (Tanner 1981).

7 illus, 12 ref

008049   Nanda S (Anthropology Dep, Khallikote College, Beshampur, Ganjam, Orissa) : Oraon and secular growth trend. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2008, 27(1-2), 29-37.

It is almost universially believed that all over the world there is increase in body dimensions. To measure the validity of this assumption, an inter generational study on both sexes by two groups of cohort i.e. 'father-son' and 'mother-daughter' of Qraon population of Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts of Orissa was conducted. Five selected somatometric measurements like Stature, Height radiale, Height tibiale, Bi-acromial breadth and Bi-illiocristal breadth were taken on 50 pairs of 'father-son' and 90 pairs of 'mother-daughter'. It has been observed that Oraon males demonstrate a positive secular trend in all these five measurements but the change is not significant in any of these measurements. The females also show a positive secular trend in Stature, Bi-acromial breadth and Bi-illiocristal breadth and negative secular trend in Height radiale and Height tibiale. But the changes are not significant in any of these measurements. The improvement in stature of Oraon is very nominal and non significant. Social conditions of the Oraon are reflected in their physical condition.

3 tables, 21 ref

008048   Mulay Y P;Dharmadhikari S M;Wadegaonkar P A (Microbiology Dep, Government Institute of Science, Caves Road, Aurangabad, M S, Maharashtra, Email: yoginiaranade@rediffmail.com) : Multiple antibiotic resistance indexing and extended spectrum beta-lactamases detection in urinary pathogens. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 43-6.

Total 76 uropathogens were isolated and identified by conventional methods. The epidemiology of the infection was analysed statistically considering the age and gender. The age group 20-30 of females was found to be most susceptible to the infection. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using three groups of antibiotics viz. 6 APA, 7 APA and other CLSI recommended antibiotics. The antibiotics like Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, pipracillin, methicillin, etc. showed higher degreeof resistance. 15 isolates were showing higher degrees of MAR (above 0.75) were tested for detection and confirmation for ESBL production. The presence of ESBL was detected in 10 cultures. The prevalence of UTI in female patients is significantly more than in male victims in the overall survey. Uropathogens have developed high level of resistance to first line agents used, against treatment, while the increased resistance towards cxtended spectrum cephalosporins is a eauseof concern.

4 illus, 2 table, 14 ref

008047   Mishra D K;Bohidar K;Pandy A K (Zoology Dep, Deogarh College, Deogarh-768 119) : Response of hypothalamo-neurosecretory system of freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch), to sublethal exposure of carbaryl. J Inld Fish Soc India 2009, 41(1), 51-6.

In order to record the effects of carbaryl on hypothalamo-neurosecretory system of Channa punctatus, fishes were exposed to sublethal concentration (5.20 mg l^-1: 30% LC₅₀ for 96 h) of the pesticide for 96 h. Hypothalamo-neurosecretory complex of the murrel consisted mainly of nucleus preopticus (NPO), nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT) and their axonal tracts. NPO was a paired structure situated on either side of the third ventricle antero-dorsal to the optic chiasma and morphologically divisible into a dorsal pars magnocellularis (PMC) consisting of large neurons and ventral pars parvocellularis (PPC) formed of smaller neurosecretory cells. NLT cells were distributed in the infundibular floor adjacent to the pituitary stalk. Sublethal treatment of carbaryl induced an initial hypertrophy of the neurosecretory cells of NPO and NLT followed by loss of staining affinity as well as varying degrees of cytoplasmic vacuolization and pycnosis. Herring bodies (HB) were also encountered in the neurohypophysis of the fishes exposed to the pesticide for 96 h.

8 illus, 28 ref

008046   Krithiga N;Antony P X;Mukhopadhyay H K;Pillai R M;Vijayalakshmi P;Thanislass J;Subbareddy K V (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Poundicherry U, Puducherry-605 009) : Species characterization and antibiogram profile of staphylococci isolates in clinical bovine mastitis. Anim Sci Reptr 2011, 5(1), 3-8.

Staphylococci are the predominantly encountered pathogens in bovine mastitis of microbial aetiology. This study conducted on 169 milk samples, collected from cows with clinical mastitis, in and around Pondicherry (India) revealed that 136 isolates (80.47%) belonged to Staphylococci, out of which 40 (33.82%) were coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CoPS), and 90 (97,8%) were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS). They were identified using molecular and conventional methods. There were two species of CoPS pathogens viz., Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus intermedius. The predominant CoPS pathogen was S. aureus (97.8%). There were thirteen species of CoNS pathogens, and S. epidermidis was the predominant CoNS pathogen (23.33%). The antibiogram profile of the organisms revealed that CoPS (95.65%) were highly sensitive to oxacillin and methicillin, while the CoNS were sensitive to cloxacillin (93.33%), gentamicin (92.22%), oxacillin (91.11%), and methicillin (91.11 %). An important revealation of this study was CoNS, which were hither to considered as innocuous pathogens, and were primarily confined to subclinical mastitis as minor pathogens, were isolated from cases of clinical bovine mastitis as major pathogens.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

008045   Krishnaveni V;Sridar R (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: amazingmicrobes@gmail.com) : Occurrence of heterotrophic sulphur oxidising bacteria in different ecological systems. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(4), 458-65.

Heterotrophic sulphur oxidizing bacteria were isolated from different samples viz., Biogas slurry, sewage, alkaline soil, groundnut and black gram fie soil, paddy rhizosphere soil using enrichment technique in Modified thiosulphate broth. Out of the 27 isolates obtained, 6 isolates were screened based on their efficacy to reduce the pH of the growth medium from 8.0 to 3.5. The screened isolates were estimated for Sulphate production and Phosphate solubilisation. In vitro sulphate production from thiosulphate was found to be the highest for BGS 2 (79.03 mg 100mn and the least for SWGI (48.72 mg 100 ml^-1). The same isolate BGS2 recorded the highest P-solubilisation of 20.63 mg 100 ml^-1 of broth. The selected isolates were characterized by l6S ribosomal (rRNA) RNA gene sequencing, Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) and phylogenetic tree analysis. The above tests suggested that isolates belong to the member of Bacillus.

4 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

008044   Koul A;Arora N (Biophysics Dep, Basic Medical Sciences Block, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Celecoxib mitigates cigarette smoke induced oxidative stress in mice. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2010, 47(5), 285-91.

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a rich source of radicals, predisposing the cell to oxidative stress resulting in inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a recognized risk factor for carcinogenesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a mediator of inflammatory pathway and may, therefore, contribute to carcinogenesis. There are several reports that suggest the association between CS and COX-2 associated risk to cancer. In the present study, we examined the role of celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) in modulating the oxidative stress caused by CS inhalation in mice. CS exposure for a period of 10 weeks caused oxidative stress in the pulmonary and hepatic tissues, as evident from the increase in lipid peroxidation levels (LPO) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Celecoxib (125 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks) administration to CS inhaling mice reduced the oxidative stress by decreasing the LPO levels and enhancing the GSH levels in comparison to the CS-exposed group. CS exposure repressed the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, as evident from the decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Co-adminstration of celecoxib considerably reversed the changes in the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Histopathological studies of lungs showed that CS exposure induced alveolar wall destruction and air space enlargement. In co-treated group, the alveolar septa were thicker than normal with apparent infiltration of inflammatory cells. In CS-exposed group, hepatic tissue exhibited vacuolization and macrophage infiltration. Co-treatment with celecoxib restored the normal histoarchitechture in hepatic tissues of CS inhaling mice. Thus, the present study demonstrated that celecoxib adminstration reduced the oxidative stress-mediated risk to carcinogenesis, due to its ability to boost the antioxidant defense system.

2 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

008043   Khan M S (NO, , H. No. 49, Al-Farooq Colony, Rawalpora, Srinagar, Kashmir-190 005, Email: shafiqifs@gmail.com) : Theory of origin and phenomenon of life. Indian J Sci Technol 2010, 3(8), 937-42.

Origin of life and understanding the Universe had been the matter of inquisition to mankind. A new theory is put forward here that could also be called 'Revitalism' compared to the vitalism of previous two centuries. So far science has not visualized that besides matter arid electromagnetic radiation any other form of 'energy' can exist. Now having realized that there could be dark energy, which has been proved to be existing (vide 'Energy theory of matter and cosmology' written by the author in the same issue). Scientist with an open mind should look for other forms of 'energies' so as to better understand the universe, matter and life forms. There is an 'energy' which acts as the source of life in different life forms. 'Soul', which is also in the form of energy, does not interact directly with the matter or electromagnetic radiation but interacts directly with the 'energy' which forms the source of life. So it would be a far more difficult proposition to understand the 'energy' which constitutes the 'soul'. The study of 'energy' which forms the source of life is very much possible because it interacts with the matter when in the form of cells. A fresh view of all the life sciences is required so as to have the perfect understanding of phenomenon of life.

1 illus, ref