006901   Anusuya D;Biswas S (Biofertilizer Lab, Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Isolation of thermophillic actinomycetes from coir-pith compost. J microbial Wld 2009, 11(1), 107-8.

Thermophillic actinomycetes were isolated from coir-pith compost at 45 - 55 °c in starch-casein medium. The genera isolated from coir-pith were Streptomyces, Nocardia, Thermomonospora. Among the isolates Thermomonospora were found to be fast growing within 18 hours at 45°C, but the other two isolate were very slow growing.

^ssc1 tables, 6 ref

006900   Anuradha P;Jhansi Rani D;Sridevi K;Abid Pasha S (NO, Criya Biolabs, 1 & 2 Adithya Towers, Balaji Colony, Tirupati-517 502) : Microbial analysis of street foods around Tirupati, Chittor district, Andhra Pradesh. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 117-21.

In India during recent years there is an increasing trends in the sale and consumption of foods at the road side. The phenomenon is more obvious in the urban areas of the country. Changes in the life style of people, technological development, globalization and increasing urbanization has lead the consumers to eat out in a big way. Eating out has become a necessary part of people's daily life. Foods available on the street and in other similar public places lure a large number of people everyday/The present study is conducted on the microbial analysis of street foods sold in different street centers of Tirupati, which was considered as pilgrim centre where Lord Venkateswara was located. The highest SPC and yeast/moulds growth in selected food items may be due to the unhygienic conditions maintained by street vendors and improper handling.

5 tables, 7 ref

006899   Amena S;Lingappa K;Vishalakshi N;Dayanand A (Microbiology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106) : Exploration of Streptomyces species for L-asparaginase production and its characterization. J microbial Wld 2009, 11(1), 21-30.

L-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) is receiving attention because of its potential use as a chemotherapeu-tic agent in tumor and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the production of L-asparaginase by Streptomyces species isolated from soil samples. The test isolates (seven) were initially screened by rapid plate assay method for L-asparaginase production. The isolates which showed positive results by rapid plate assay method were initially employed for enzyme production, using synthetic medium, under shake flask conditions. Among the isolates employed for enzyme production, Streptomyces gulbargemis showed highest enzyme activity (8.2 IU). Hence Streptomyces gulbargensis was selected as potential strain and the same was further screened for L-asparaginase production employing various agro-industrial wastes and their extracts as substrates under solid-state and shake-flask culture methods respectively. In the present study, groundnut cake extract showed maximum enzyme activity (9.5 IU). The enzyme was specific for L-asparagine and did not utilize L-glutamine. The enzyme activity was inhibited in the presence of EDTA, SDS, PMSF and 2,4-DNP whereas 2-mercaptoethanol acted as an enhancer for the enzyme.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

005684   Zhang Y;Dai Y;Tu Z;Li Q;Zhang L;Wang L (Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical Univ, Chongqing-400 016, Piople's Republic of China) : Array-CGH detection of three cryptic submicroscopic imbalances in a complex chromosome rearrangement. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 369-72.

3 illus, 17 ref

005683   Yadav M C;Sachan J K S;Sarkar K R (Genetics Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: mcyadav@yahoo.com) : Monosomic analysis reveals duplicated chromosomal segments in maize genome. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 331-5.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

005682   Wang Z;Wang Z;Shen J;Wang G;Zhu X;Lu H (Life Science Dep, Hefei Teachers College, Hefei, Anhui-230 061, Email: sjywzy@yahoo.com.cn) : Identification of Phytophthora sajae genes involved in asexual sporogenesis. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 141-8.

To explore the molecular mechanisms involved in asexual spore development in Phytophthora sojae, the zoospores of strain PS26 were treated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. After selection, a mutant progeny, termed PS26-U03, was obtained and demonstrated to exhibit no oospore production. A suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) approach was developed to investigate differences in gene expression between PS26 and PS26-U03 during asexual sporogenesis. Of the 126 sequences chosen for examination, 39 putative unigenes were identified that exhibit high expression in PS26. These sequences are predicted to encode proteins involved in metabolism, cell cycle, protein biosynthesis, cell signalling, cell defence, and transcription regulation. Seven clones were selected for temporal expression analysis using RT-PCR based on the results of the dot-blot screens. Three of the selected genes, developmental protein DG1037 (UB88), glycoside hydrolase (UB149) and a hypothetical protein (UB145), were expressed only in PS26, whereas the transcripts of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (UB36), FAD-dependent pyridine nucleotide-disulphide oxidoreductase (UB226) and sugar transporter (UB256) were expressed at very low levels in PS26-U03 but at high levels in PS26.

3 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

005681   Vajpey A P;Singh P K;Gupta A K;Manish Kumar; Sharma M K;Seema Kumari;Choudhary S (Zoology Dep, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Univ, School of Life Sciences, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002, Email: anant_vajpeyi@yahoo.com) : Biochemical changes in serum protein profile in albino rats after alcoholic fruit extract of Momordica cochinchinensis. Res Envir Life Sci 2009, 2(1), 31-32.

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic fruit extract of Momordica cochinchinensis on serum protein profile of albino rat. Alcoholic fruit extract of Momordica cochinchinensis (200 mg kg-1body weight) has been given orally to albino rats for the period of 7,15,30,45 and 60 days respectively. Results showed a significant (p<60>0.01) increase in serum total protein, albumin and total globulins and non-significant increase in A/G ratio in rats. Increase in serum protein after the administration of alcoholic extract of Momordica cochinchinensis in albino rates was due to increase in number of m-RNA molecule and their attachment to the ribosome's and thus increase protein anabolism.

005680   Uma B;Prabhakar K;Rajendran S (Microbiology Dep, Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram-608 032, Email: amu_sri2003@yahoo.co.in) : Anticandidal activity of Asparagus racemosus. Indian J pharm Sci 2009, 71(3), 342-3.

The in vitro anticandidal activity of Asparagus racemosus roots and tubers extract was investigated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida guillermondii, Candidaparapsilosis and Candida stellatoida, which are isolated from vaginal thrush patients. The extract of Asparagus racemosus showed high degree of activity against all the Candida strains. The inhibitory effect of the extract against all the Candida tested was found comparable with that of standard antibiotics used.

^ssc1 tables, 5 ref

005679   Souiden Y;Chaieb K;Chehab O;Mahdouani K (Laboratoire de Biologie Moleculaire, Hospital Ibn El Jazzar, Avenue Ibn El Jazzar, Kairouan-3140, Tunisia, Email: souidenyousra@yahoo.fr) : Allele frequencies of ten short tandem repeat loci in the central Tunisian human population. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 119-22.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

005678   Sinha S;Arya V;Agarwal S;Habib S (Molecular and Structural Biology Div, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: saman.habib@gmail.com) : Genetic differentiation of populations residing in areas of high malaria endemicity in India. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 77-80.

^ssc2 illus, 14 ref

005677   Singh R;Goutam U;Gupta R K;Padey G C;Shoran J;Tiwari R (NO, Directorate of Wheat Research, P.O. Box 158, Agarsain Marg, Karnal-132 001, Email: rajenderkhokhar@yahoo.com) : Allelic variations of functional markers for polyphenol oxidase (PPO) genes in Indian bread wheat (Tritucum aestivum L.) cultivars. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 325-9.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

005676   Singh M;Ravindra Kumar;Nagpure N S;Kushwaha B;Mani I;Chauhan U K;Lakra W S (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002, Email: ravindrakumar@scientist.com) : Population distribution of 45S and 5S rDNA in golden mahseer, Tor putitora: population - specific FISH marker. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 315-20.

Chromosomal locations of major 45S and minor 5S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) and organization of 5S rRNA genes were analysed in five different populations of golden mahseers (Tor putitora) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Southern blot hybridization. All five populations of T. putitora (2n = 100) showed a similar type of macro-karyotype composed of 12 metacentric, 22 submetacentric, 14 subtelocentric and 52 telocentric chromosomes. Analysis of active nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) by silver staining did not show any differences in number and chromosomal position in different populations. But FISH data showed significant difference between the populations, four of the five populations showed six 18S (three pairs) and two 5S (one pair) signals with positional polymorphism, while one population showed eight 18S and four 5S signals, respectively. Southern blot data confirms that 5S rDNA clusters present on two different chromosome pairs in Kosi river population contain non-transcribed spacers (NTS) of same length. In the present study, simultaneous localization of 45S and 5S rDNA by in situ hybridization helped us to develop the discrete population-specific markers in different geographically isolated populations of T. putitora.

3 illus, 37 ref

005675   Sharma M;Sharma R (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Laboratory of Mycology and Microbiology, Jaipur-302004, Email: richa.phd.15@gmail.com) : In vitro antimycotic study of essential oils against lipophilic yeast like fungus Malassezia. Res Envir Life Sci 2010, 3(1), 41-4.

Potential inhibitory effect of Citrus lemon (lemon) and Citrus sinensis (orange) on lipophilic, yeast like fungus, Malassezia furfur which causes Pityriasis versicolor, chronic superficial fungal disease of the skin have been studied by using two different methods: disc diffusion and microdilution methods. In screening of lemon and orange oil by disc diffusion method, the diameter of inhibition zone was found to be 50 and 20 mm which was greater than inhibition zone of reference antibiotics i.e gentamycin and streptomycin of 16.5 and 17 mm respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lemon and orange oil against Malassezia furfur was found to be 0.8 and 2.2 μl/ml. These findings support the use of Citrus lemon (lemon) and Citrus sinensis (orange) oil as a traditional herbal medicine for the control of Pityriasis versicolor infection of skin.

005674   Shanker J;Perumal G;Maitra R;Rao V;Natesha B K;John S;Hebbagodi S;Kakkar V V (Mary and Garry Weston Functional Genomics Unit, Thrombosis Research Institute, 258/A, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore-560 099, Email: jayashreeshanker@triindia.org.in ) : Genotype-phenotype relationship of F7 R353Q polymorphism and plasma factor VII coagulant activity in Asian Indian Families predisposed to coronary artery disease. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 291-7.

Elevated factor VII (FVII) level is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the role of R353Q polymorphism in the F7 gene in 139 Indian families with CAD, comprising of 222 affected subjects, 105 unaffected subjects and 126 affected sibling pairs. Plasma per cent FVIIc activity (FVII.c activity) differed significantly across R353Q genotype (P <60> 0.0001). Frequency of subjects with RR and QQ genotypes were higher in 4th quartile and 1st quartile of FVII.c activity, respectively (P <60> 0.0001). F7 R353Q SNP was able to explain up to 7% of variation in FVII.c activity by regression analysis and an additive genetic component of variance of 28.04% by heritability analysis. Quantitative trait loci analysis showed suggestive linkage evidence of F7 SNP with per cent FVII.c activity (LOD score -1.82; P = 0.002). Individuals with RR and RQ genotypes carried an OR of 2.071 (95% c.i. = 1.506-2.850) and 2.472 (95% c.i. = 1.679-3.641), respectively, towards CAD risk. There was significant correlation of FVII.c activity with lipid markers, particularly among those with RR and RQ genotype after covariate adjustment. In conclusion, the F7 R353Q SNP appears to moderately influence plasma FVII.c activity and risk of CAD in Indians.

2 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

005673   Sathi Devi A V (Glaucoma Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka) : Ocular response analyzer. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2009, 3(1), 24-7.

7 illus, 12 ref

005672   Salemi M;et al. (Laboratorio di Citogenetica, Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina-951 00, Italy, Email: pbosco@oasi.en.it) : SPANX-B and SPANX-C (Xq27 region) gene dosage analysis in Down's syndrome subjects with undescended testes. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 93-7.

2 tables, 20 ref

005671   Saini S;Shukla R;Yadav S S;Verma A;Sharma Y K (NO, JNPG College, Lucknow-226 007, Email: yogesh_s26@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity and current status of some Dicot plants in Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh. Res Envir Life Sci 2008, 1(1), 21-4.

Biodiversity refers to variety and variability among living organisms, ecosystem and ecological complexes. It represents the variety of genes, species and ecosystems found on our planet. The species are quickly disappearing because of gradual changes in climatic conditions, human encroachment and other human influences. The loss of the earth's biodiversity is one of the most promising environmental issues for the new millennium. The present study is concerned with climatic changes between 1992 and 2002 in Lucknow district and their influences on species distribution and their abundance. Climatic data for the period show temperature rise and fall in ascending years in summer and winter, respectively. The field survey revealed an alarming change in the number and distribution of certain plant species. The main plant species gradually reduced in the area were -Andrographic peniculata (Acanthaceae), Boerhaavia diffusa (Nyctaginaceae), Centella asiatica (Umbelifereae), Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae), Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae), Tribullus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae) and Oroxylum indica (Bignoniaceae).

005670   Sahoo S K;Verma A;Saxena A R (Botany Dep, S.B.S.D.B.P.G. College, Amari Dullahpur, Ghazipur-233 001, Email: drsantoshksahu@yahoo.in) : Antibacterial assay of some natural products. Res Envir Life Sci 2010, 3(2), 57-8.

Twelve samples of plant products have been extracted with 50% ethanol and the extracts but through a wide biological screen of tests for their antibacterial activity against Enterobacter sp and Kelbsiella sp. Ten samples exhibited antibacterial activity but the fungitoxic principle of Clitoria ternatea Linn. proved to be the most active antibacterial compounds forming the largest inhibition zone in our experimentation.

005669   Roy B K;Sanjay Kumar;Arya S K (Laboratory of Cytogenetics, Banaras Hindu Univ, Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Varanasi-221 005, Email: bkroy@bhu.ac.in) : Characterization of biological activity of a drug ledakrin [1-Nitro-9-(3-dimethylaminopropylamino)-acridine] on Allium cepa. Res Envir Life Sci 2010, 3(2), 71-8.

Exposure of Allium cepa roots with 0.05-0.125 ppm concentrations of ledakrin led to changes in uptake, accumulation and also affected DNA and protein syntheses at 1-24 hr pre and 1-9 dats post incubation periods. The uptake in root triggered maximum at 0.1 ppm and 24 hr exposure. Roots excreted 10% of the accumulated amount during first day and further varied from 2 to 0.2% during rest of the post-incubation periods. Accumulation and distribution was at the peak in meristematic tissues and further come down to a small amount due to gradual metabolic depletion at the end of the experiment. With increasing concentration and time of incubation, inhibition of DNA synthesis increases and precedes the inhibition of protein synthesis at 0.05 and 0.1 ppm during 1st and 2nd day respectively. Exposure with higher concentration (0.125 ppm) proved as lethal dose. The quick uptake of the drug and its effects on biological activity as evidenced in meristematic cells of A. cepa root at different doses and incubation periods indicate similarities with human and bacterial cells, where it was demonstrated as an anti-tumor agent. Taking these results into account Allium test can be considered as a potential alternative tool for screening of bioactivity and clinical evaluation of this compound or any drug.

005668   Popovic J;Stevanovic M (NO, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Vojode Stepe 444a, P.O. Box 23, Belgrade, Serbia-110 10, Email: stevanov@eunet.rs.) : Remarkable evolutionary conservation of SOX14 orthologue. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 15-24.

SOX proteins constitute a large family of diverse, well-conserved transcription factors present in vertebrates and invertebrates, and also implicated in control of many developmental processes. Our objectives have been to identify Soxl4 gene of goat (Capra hircus), cow (Bos taurus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus), and to perform comparative analyses and mapping of SOX14 orthologues from numerous vertebrate species. PCR based approach was used to identify Soxl4 of goat, cow and rat, while nucleotide and amino acid sequence alignments and mapping were performed using information currently available in public database. Comparative sequence analysis revealed remarkable identity among Soxl4 orthologues and helped us to identify highly conserved motifs that represent molecular signatures of SOX14 protein that might have structural or functional significance. Further, we determined chromosomal locations of numerous predicted group B Sox genes and their neighbouring genes using currently available genome database. In conclusion, our study has not only supported the proposed model of group B Sox genes evolution in chicken and mammals, but has also revealed that additional evolutionary events split Sox B genes into different chromosomes in some mammals. Mapping data presented in this study could help in refining the understanding of the evolution of group B Sox genes in vertebrates.

3 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

005667   Penrose L S (NO, Royal Eastern Countres Institution of Mental Defectives, ) : The relative effects of paternal and maternal age in mongolism. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 9-14.

2 tables, ref

005666   Pasquali L D;Annunzio G;Gastaldi R;Battista E;Calcaterra V;Larizza D;Lorini R;Amato D (Paediatrics Dep, Genoa Univ, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Largo Gaslini 5-1647, Genoa, Italy, Email: lorenzo_pasquali@yahoo.it) : Collectrin gene screening in turner syndrome patients with kidney malformation. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 105-8.

^ssc1 table, 17 ref

005665   Park S W;Hwang C H;Cho E M;Park J;Choi B O; Chung K W (Biological Science Dep, Kongju National Univ, 182 Gongju, Chungnam-314 701 Korea, Email: kwchung@kongju.ac.kr) : Development of a Y-STR 12-plex PCR system and haplotype analysis in a Korean population. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 353-8.

1 table, 19 ref

005664   Padma G;Ramchnder P V;Nandur U V;Padma T (Genetics Dep, Osmania Univ, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: padmatirunilai@gmail.com) : GJB2 and GJB6 gene mutation found in Indian probands with congenital hearing impairment. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 267-72.

Genetically caused deafness is a common trait affecting one in 1000 children and is predominantly inherited in an autosomal-recessive fashion. Several mutations in the GJB2 gene and a deletion of 342 kb in GJB6 gene (delGJB6-D13S1830) have been identified worldwide in patients with hearing impairment. In the present study, 303 nonsyndromic hearing-impaired patients (140 familial; 163 sporadic) were examined clinically and screened for mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 genes. Mutations in GJB2 gene were found in 33 (10.9%) patients of whom six (18.2%) were carriers for the mutant allele. The most frequent mutation was p.W24X accounting for 87% of the mutant alleles. In addition, six other sequence variations were identified in the GJB2 gene viz., c.IVSl + lOA, c.!67delT, c.235delC, p.W77X, p.R127H (polymorphism), p.M163V. None of the samples showed del(GJB6-D13S1830) or any point mutations in GJB6 gene.

5 tables, 35 ref

005663   Ong C C;Yusoff K;Yap C K;Tan S G (Genetics Laboratoty, Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Putra Malaysia Univ, UPM Serdang, Malaysia-434 00, Email: sgtan_98@yahoo.com) : Genetic characterization of Perna viridis L. in peninsular Malaysia using microsatellite markers. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 153-63.

A total of 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to analyse levels of genetic variation for 10 populations of Perna viridis L. collected from all over peninsular Malaysia. The populations involved in this study included Pulau Aman in Penang, Tanjung Rhu in Kedah, Bagan Tiang in Perak, Pulau Ketam in Selangor, Muar, Parit Jawa, Pantai Lido and Kampung Pasir Puteh in Johore, and Kuala Pontian and Nenasi in Pahang state. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven, with an average of 3.1. Hetcrozygote deficiencies were observed across all the 10 populations. Characterization of the populations revealed that local populations of P. viridis in peninsular Malaysia were genetically similar enough to be used as a biomonitoring agent for heavy metal contamination in the Straits of Malacca. Cluster analysis grouped the P. viridis populations according to their geographical distributions with the exception of Parit Jawa. The analysis also revealed that P. viridis from the northern parts of peninsular Malaysia were found to be the most distant populations among the populations of mussels investigated and P. viridis from the eastern part of peninsular Malaysia were closer to the central and southern populations than to the northern populations.

3 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

005662   Najam A;Awasthi L P;Verma H N (Plant Virology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: najam_lko@yahoo.com) : Raising of virus resistance inducing activity of Clerodendrum aculeatum leaf protein using bio-enhancer of biological origin. Res Envir Life Sci 2008, 1(3), 117-18.

In the investigation, attempts were made to enhance the virus resistance inducing activity of C. aculeatum leaf extract protein in combination with certain bio-enhancer of biological origin. Maximum percent inhibition was reported at 1:5 dilution in all the cases whether CA-SRIP used alone or CA-SRIP+BE (5% and 10%) combination. CA-SRIP+BE (5%) showed better response than CA-SRIP+BE (10%).

005661   Moster M;Ichhpujani P (Wills Eye Institute, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA) : Episcleral venous pressure and glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2009, 3(1), 5-8.

3 illus, 44 ref

005660   Modak S G;Satish K M;Mohan J;Dey S; Raghavendra N;Shakarad M;Joshi A (Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Orgaismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore-560 064, Email: ajoshi@jncasr.ac.in) : Possible tradeoff between developmental rate and pathogen resistance in Drosophila melanogaster. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 253-6.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

005659   Mishra S K;Mishra P (Applied Sciences and Humanities Dep, Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon-123 506, Email: skm5779@gmail.com) : Influence of oriental studies on William Wordsworth. Dronacharya Res J 2009, 1(1), 118-22.

Orientalism is a highly problematic term, especially in the context of the contemporary political tensions and plots produced by the international Zionism as well as ideological counter-attacks launched by the Westernized Orientals themselves often equipped with the Psychoanalytic, Marxist and Postmodernist weapons. In fact, Orientalistic studies often were motivated by the quest for truth and knowledge and constituted part of the counter-culture directed against the predominated Western attitudes, be they imperialistic, positivistic or rationalistic. An attempt to prove the impact of Oriental philosophy i.e. Indian Thought on William Wordsworth a great pioneer of Romantic Era.

21 ref

005658   Mehrotra R;Panwar J (NO, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Vidya Vihar Campus, Pilani-333 031, Email: rmehrotra@bits-pilani.ac.in) : Dimerization of GT element interferes negatively with gene activation. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 257-60.

2 illus, 1 tables, 23 ref

005657   Maji S;Krithika S;Vasulu T S (Biological Anthropology Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata-700 108, Email: vasulu@gmail.com) : Phylogeographic distribution of mitochondrial DNA macrohaplogroup M in India. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 127-39.

Indian subcontinent harbours both the human mtDNA macrohaplogroups M and N, of which M is the most prevalent. In this study, we discuss the overall distribution of the various haplogroups and sub-haplogroups of M among the different castes and tribes to understand their diverse pattern with respect to geographical location and linguistic affiliation of the populations. An overview of about 170 studied populations, belonging to four distinct linguistic families and inhabiting different geographic zones, revealed wide diversity of about 22 major haplogroups of M. The tribal populations belonging to the same linguistic family but inhabiting different geographical regions (Dravidian and Austro-Asiatic speakers) exhibited differences in their haplogroup diversity. The northern and southern region castes showed greater diversity than the castes of other regions.

4 illus, 1 table, 70 ref

005656   Maiti B;Shekar M;Khushiramani R;Karunasagar I (Fishery Microbiology Dep, College of Fisheries, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences Univ, Mangalore-575 002, Email: mircen@sancharnet.in) : Evaluation fo RAPD-PCR and protein profile analysis to differentiate Vibrio harveyi strains prevalent along the southwest coast of India. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 273-9.

Sixty five isolates of Vibrio harveyi were subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR analysis and protein profiling to investigate the genetic variability among V. harveyi prevalent along the coast and also assess the discriminating ability of these two molecular methods. A total of 10 RAPD primers were assayed for their specificity in detecting V. harveyi, of which only two primers: PM3 and CRA25 were highly reproducible and found suitable for use in RAPD-PCR. The genetic diversity among V. harveyi isolates assessed by RAPD-PCR using PM3 primer yielded 35 different RAPD patterns which clustered the isolates into 15 groups at 72% similarity level. Similarly, RAPD-PCR with CRA25 clustered the 38 patterns into 10 groups at 74% similarity. The discriminatory index (D) value calculated for RAPD fingerprints generated with PM3 and CRA25 were 0.90 and 0.85, respectively. On the other hand, molecular typing of V. harveyi using whole cell proteins generated profiles that showed no major difference indicating the technique to be not useful in typing strains of this bacterium. However, a few of the isolates showed the presence of unique band of 28 kDa that needs to be further investigated to understand the role of the protein in disease process if any.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

005655   Liu X Z;Lin H;Mo X Y;Long T;Zhang H Y (Southwest Forestry College, White Dragon Temple, Kunming, Yunnan Province-650 224, People's of China) : Genetic variation in colchicine - treated regenerated plants of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 345-8.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

005654   Lepcha L;Mandal P;Misra T K (Science and Technology Dep, Bioinformatics Centre, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, Gangtok-737 101, Email: laydsimick@gmail.com) : Relative distribution pattern of tree biodiversity in landslide prone areas of east Sikkim, India. Res Envir Life Sci 2009, 2(4), 201-6.

Landslide has become one of the major natural disaster factors of Sikkim. The research made during the year 2007-2008 came along with the actual distribution pattern of tree biodiversity of four active landslide areas of east Sikkim. The areas with less tree vegetation are vulnerable regions of landslide. Alnus nepalensis D.Don is a major tree species found abundant in landslide areas. Schima wallichi D.C. Korthals and Terminalia myriocarpa Heurck and Mueller are found to be other landslide trees plant. The sustainability of ecosystem depends upon the healthy tree vegetation of the region. The plant required fertile soils for its smooth grow, but most of the soils of studied landslide areas were found to be acetic in nature with high pH value. The tree vegetation is found rare in Ganeshtok landslide areas because of its high pH value and sandy clay property. The study found that Cryptomeria japoncica (L.f.) D.Don prefers acidic and sandy clay type soil. The study propose for the treatment of forest land by adopting natural tree vegetation and it is a suitable alternative to rebuild the degrading ecosystem and to maintain the stability of land.

005653   Kim Y;Kim J B;Sohn H;Lee C (Bioinformatics and Life Science Dep, Soongsil Univ, Seoul-156 743, South Korea, Email: clee@ssu.ac.kr) : National survey on the allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic distribution of PRNP insertion and deletion polymorphism in Korean cattle. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 99-103.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

005652   Kanimozhi G;Panneerselvam A (P.G. and Research Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503, Email: ganesankanimozhi@yahoo.com) : In vitro studies on phosphate solubilizing fungi from muthupettai mangroves. Indian J appl pure Biol 2010, 25(1), 9-16.

Five strains of phosphate solubilizing fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus, Penicillium nigricam and Verticillium tenerum were isolated from Muthupettai mangroves in Tamilnadu, to find out the efficiency of temperature, πH and salinity on phosphate solubilization.

3 illus, 24 ref

005651   Jurisic V;Pavlovic S;Colovic N;Djordjevic V; Bunevacki V;Jankovic G;Colovic M (Institute of Hematology, Medical School, Belgrade, Serbia-110 00, Email: vdvd@mailcity.com) : Single institute study of FLT3 mutation in acute myeloid leukemia with near tetraploidy in Serbia. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 149-52.

Patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and near-tetraploid or completely tetraploid karyotype at presentation are rare. Presented four patients with near-tetraploidy/tetraploidy in a cohort of 426 consecutive AML patients (0.98%) in respect to their cytogenetic findings, immunophenotype pattern, response to chemotherapy, course of disease and molecular analyses including tyrosine kinase receptor FLT3 gene, NRAS gene, and tumour suppressor gene, p53. We have found FLT3/ITD mutation only in one patient among the four with near-tetraploidy. The main finding is that these patients had a variable clinical course, with two having a long period of remission (36 and 12 months) and two died, not having achieved remission.

2 tables, 13 ref

005650   Jayaraman R (NO, , R.H. 35, Palaami Enclave, New Natham Raod, Madurai-625 014, Email: aarjay007@rediffmail.com) : Mutators and hypermutability in bacteria: the Escherichia coli paradigm. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 379-91.

Mutators (also called hypermutators) are mutants which show higher than normal spontaneous mutation frequencies, ranging from 10-20 fold to 100-1000 fold higher, or sometimes even more, than wild-type cells. Being a mutator is advantageous to the organism when adapting to environmental changes or stressful situations, such as moving from one habitat to another, one host to another, exposure to antibiotics etc. However, this advantage is only a short-term benefit. In the long run, hypermutabil-ity leads to a fitness disadvantage due to accumulation of deleterious mutations or antagonistic pleiotropy or both. Contrary to intuitive expectations, hypermutability is commonly encountered in natural bacterial populations, especially among clinical isolates. It is believed to be involved in the emergence of antibiotic resistance and a hindrance to the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, I review the state of knowledge on the common mechanisms of hypermutability such as errors/defects in DNA replication, proofreading, mismatch repair, oxidative DNA damage,mistranslation etc., as well as phenomena associated with these processes, using Escherichia coli as a paradigmatic organism.

16 ref

005649   Iyer S;Ramakrishnan M;Kasbekar D P (NO, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: kas@ccmb.res.in) : Neurospora crassa fmf-1 encodes the homologue of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Ste 11p regulator of sexual development. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 33-9.

The Neurospora crassa fmf-1 mutation exerts an unusual 'perithecium-dominant' developmental arrest; fmf-1 xfmf-l⁺ cross Becomes arrested in perithecial development regardless of whether the mutant participates in the cross as the male or female parent. We localized finf-1 to the LG IL genome segment between the centromere-proximal breakpoint of the chromosome segment duplication Dp(IL)39311 and the centromere. By mapping crossovers with respect to RFLP markers in this region we further localized fmf-1 to an approximately 34-kb-genome segment. Partial sequencing of this segment revealed a point mutation in the gene NCU 09387.1, ahomologue of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe stell⁺ regulator of sexual development. The fmf-l mutation did not complement a NCU 09387.1 deletion mutation, and transformation with wild-type NCU 09387.1 complemented fmf-1. S. pombe Ste 11 protein (Stellp) is a transcription factor required for sexual differentiation and for the expression of genes required for mating pheromone signalling in matP and matM cells. If FMF-1 also plays a corresponding role in mating pheromone signalling in Neurospora, then protoperithecia in an fmf-1 x fmf-l⁺ cross would be unable to either send or receive sexual differentiation signals and thus become arrested in development.

2 illus, 23 ref

005648   Ismail S;Mhmoud I S;Al-Ardah M;Abdel Nour A; Younes N A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan Univ, Amman, Jordan-119 42, Email: niyounes@ju.edu.jo) : Detection of combined genomic variants in a Jordanian family with familial non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 233-8.

Five patients, four brothers and their paternal aunt, presented with a history of overt hyperthyroidism and goiter. Hyperthy-roidism in this family was remarkable for its poor response to carbimazole (30-50 mg/d). The thyroid ultrasound showed a diffusely enlarged gland in all the affected members, and thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAB) were negative. Screening for germline mutations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) gene was performed by direct sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of all family members. The sequence analysis of all TSHR gene exons and intron borders revealed two genomic variants. The first was a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within exon seven (Asnl87Asn), whereas the other was located in intron seven (IVS7+68T<62>G). All affected members, two asymptomatic brothers with sub-clinical hyperthyroidism, and their father were heterozygous for those two genomic variants. Anti-thyroid drug treatment for several months successfully relieved symptoms in one subject, whereas the remaining patients required total thyroidectomy to control their disease. This is the first Jordanian family with familial non-autoirnmune hyperthyroidism, with mutations affecting the TSHR gene.

4 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

005647   Hatzi V I;Terzoudi G I;Makropoulos V; Pantelias G E (Institute of Radioisotopes and Radiodiagnostic Products, National Centre of Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, 15310 Athens, Greece, Email: vh@ipta.demokritos.gr ) : Cytogenetic methodology to evaluate in vitro the G2-chromosomal radiosensitization induced by chemicals at non-clastogenic doses. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 349-51.

1 illus, 16 ref

005646   Guo H;Xu B X;Wang K;Zhang B;Deng G;Wang Y;Bai Y (Medical Genetics Dep, Third Military Medical Univ, Gaotanyan St, Chongqing-400 038, People's Republic China, Email: baiyungene@gmail.com ) : Novel RNA-splicing mutation in TRAPPC2 gene causing X-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda in a large Chinese family. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 87-91.

3 illus, 10 ref

005645   Gucev Z;Tasic V;Jancevska A;Kirovski I (NO, Medical Faculty Skopje, 50 Divizija BB, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia) : Case of Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS): multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, lack of H19 hypomethylation and favourable growth hormone (GH) treatment response. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 239-43.

Hypomethylation of the imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) at the IGF2/H19 locus on 11p15 is linked to Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) and/or hemihypertrophy. This SRS patient was born in term with weight of 3500 g (50 percentile) and length 48 cm (<62>1 SD below the mean). He was first noticed at the age of 10 years for short stature (114.5 cm, -3.85 SD), relatively normal head circumference, a classic facial phenotype, hemihypertrophy (2.5 cm thinner left arm and leg in comparison to the right, asymmetric face), moderate clinodactyly and striking thinness (BMI of 15.3). At the age of 30, the body asymmetry ameliorated (1 cm thinner left arm and leg than the right), and BMI normalized (20.5 cm). Methylation analysis was performed by bisulphate treatment of DNA samples, radiolabelled PCR amplification, and digestion of the PCR products using restriction enzymes. The patient had normomethylation, and in addition hypopituitarism, with low levels of growth hormone (GH) (provocative testing before the start and after termination of GH treatment), thyroxin, TSH, FSH, LH and testosterone. The GH was given for six years, growth response was satisfactory and he reached an adult height of 166 cm. This is a first report of hypopituitarism in a patient with SRS without HI 9 hypomethylation. It seems that the lack of hypomethylation in this hypopituitary SRS patient is responsible, at least partly, for the favourable final adult height under GH treatment.

2 illus, 41 ref

005644   Girirajan S (Genome Sciences Dep, Washington Univ, Seattle, WA, USA-981 95, Email: sangi@u.washington.edu) : Parental-age effects in down syndrome. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 1-7.

4 illus, 56 ref

005643   Ghosh S (Botany Dep, M.U.C. Women's College, B.C. Road, Burdwan-713 104) : Human genome. Indian J appl pure Biol 2010, 25(1), 67-70.

In the final sequence of human genome chromosome-wise DNA sequence and its biological significances were studied. Thus the final sequence has become the ready reference for any research on human involving gene(s). A gene could be known if it loses its normalcy resulting change in phenotypic expression either in disease form or in any other unusual biological characteristics. In this case that very gene may be identified easily with help of ready made DNA sequence and the adverse condition might be combat directly by modifying the gene. Pseudogenes are prevalent in human genome and these pseudogenes are originated by frequent mutation(s) of duplicated segments of chromosome. The DNA sequence of human chromosome 13 and assembled genome sequence of mouse and rat chromosomes are strikingly similar. Tandem repeats and interspersed repeats have important role in evolution of our own race. A large portion of heterochromatin in human genome governs the gene regulation and chromosome structure.

1 table, 8 ref

005642   Galehdari H;Hosseini S;Forouchmand A M; Musaviun M;Khatami S;Pooryasin A;Ajam T;Haidari M (Genetics Dep, Shahid Chamran Univ, Ahvaz, Iran-61357 43337, Email: calehdari187@yahoo.com) : Lack of association between the -839C/T polymorphism in the SLC6A3 gene promoter and schizophrenia in the Iranian population. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 321-3.

1 table, 20 ref

005641   Dikshit H K;Sharma T R;Singh B B;Jyoti Kumari (Genetics Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: hk_dikshit@rediffmail.com) : Molecular and morphological characterization of fixed lines from diverse cross in mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). J Genet 2009, 88(3), 341-4.

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

005640   Deokule S (Ophthalmology and visual Sciences, Kentucky Univ, Lexington, Ky, USA) : How is systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure related?. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2009, 3(1), 1-4.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

005639   Cui P (CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Scieces, 100 029, Beijing, People's Republic of China, Email: junyu@big.ac.cn) : Complete mitochondrial genome of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Yumai), and fast evolving mitochondrial genes in higher plants. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 299-307.

Plant mitochondrial :genomes, encoding necessary proteins involved in the system of energy production, play an important role in the development and reproduction of the plant. They occupy a specific evolutionary pattern relative to their nuclear counterparts. Here, we determined the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Yumai) mitochondrial genome in a length of 452 and 526 bp by shotgun sequencing its BAC library. It contains 202 genes, including 35 known protein-coding genes, three rRNA and 17 tRNA genes, as well as 149 open reading frames (ORFs; greater than 300 bp in length). The sequence is almost identical to the previously reported sequence of the spring wheat (T. aestivum cv. Chinese Spring); we only identified seven SNPs (three transitions and four transversions) and 10 indels (insertions and deletions) between the two independently acquired sequences, and all variations were found in non-coding regions. This result confirmed the accuracy of the previously reported mitochondrial sequence of the Chinese Spring wheat. The nucleotide frequency and codon usage of wheat are common among the lineage of higher plant with a high AT-content of 58%. Molecular evolutionary analysis demonstrated that plant mitochondrial genomes evolved at different rates, which may correlate with substantial variations in metabolic rate and generation time among plant lineages. In addition, through the estimation of the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates between orthologous mitochondrion-encoded genes of higher plants, we found an accelerated evolutionary rate that seems to be the result of relaxed selection.

3 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

005638   Cikota B M;Tukic L J;Tarabar O T;Stamatovic D T;Elez M N;Magic Z M (Institute of Medical Research, Clinic of Hematology, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia-110 00, Email: cbojana@ptt.rs) : PCR-based clonality assessment in patients with lymphocytic leukaemias: a single-institution experience. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 309-14.

PCR-based clonality testing can be performed in all lymphoproliferations by analysing gene rearrangements of antigen receptors, rearrangements that are unique for each kind of lymphocyte. Reactive lymphoproliferations have polyclonally rearranged Ig/TCR genes, whereas malignant proliferations (leukaemias and lymphomas) show clonal rearrangements. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical benefits of clonality testing with previously evaluated consensus primers in leukaemia patients. The study included peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of 67 leukaemia patients (32 B-CLL, 24 B-ALL and 11 T-ALL). Clonality testing was based on PCR amplification of rearranged IgH and TCR genes. During diagnosis, monoclonal pattern was found in all analysed B-CLL and T-ALL samples. Testing in B-ALL patients showed positive results in all bone marrow and one peripheral blood samples. Results of clonality testing in B-CLL patients during follow-up were concordant between peripheral blood and bone marrow. Obtained results corresponded to clinical course in all but one patient. In B-ALL group, results of molecular testing in peripheral blood and bone marrow confirmed remission estimated according to clinical criteria in all except one patient. Before any clinical sign of relapse, monoclonal pattern was found in six/seven patients by bone marrow and in three/seven patients by peripheral blood analysis, respectively. Results of molecular monitoring in T-ALL patients did not confirme clinical evaluation in two patients. Obtained results indicate high accuracy of re-evaluated primers for clonality assessment in ALL and CLL patients at the time of diagnosis. Results of clonality testing in B-ALL patients indicate that bone marrow analysis has higher sensitivity compared to analysis of peripheral blood.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref