005637   Chalam V C;Parakh D B;Khetrapal R K;Maurya A K;Digvender Pal (Plant Quarantine Div, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: mailcelia@gmail.com) : Interception of seed-transmitted viruses in board bean germplasm imported into India during 1996-2006. Indian J Virol 2009, 20(2), 83-7.

Quarantine processing of 524 broad bean (Vicia faba L.) germplasm accessions from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Syria (512), Eritrea (8), Iraq (1) and Spain (3) revealed the presence of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) from Spain; Broad bean stain virus (BBSV) and Broad bean wilt virus (BBWV) from ICARDA, Syria; Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) from Spain and ICARDA, Syria on the basis of visual inspection, growing-on-test, electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seeds were harvested from virus-free plants and released to the indenters which eliminated the risk of introduction of BBSV not reported from India and PSbMV not known to occur on V. faba in India, known to cause significant yield losses.

34 ref

005636   Boda U;Vadapalli S;Calambur N;Nallari P (Genetics Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 001, Email: prathinallari@yahoo.com) : Novel mutations in beta-myosin heavy chain, actin and troponin-I genes associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in Indian population. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 373-7.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

005635   Blaszkowska J;Bratkowska W;Lopaczynska D; Ferenc T (Biology and Medical Parasitology Dep, Medical Lodz Univ, Pl. Hallera 1, 90 647 Lodz, Poland, Email: biolparazyt@poczta.onet.pl) : Cytogenetic study of Ascaris typsin inhibitor in cultured human lymphocytes with metabolic activation. J Genet 2009, 88(1), 69-75.

The trypsin inhibitor (ATI) isolated from gastrointestinal nematode Ascaris suum was tested in vitro for induction of chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). Genotoxicity assessment of purified ATI was carried out on metaphase plates received from peripheral blood lymphocyte macroculture (48 h test of structural chromosome aberrations and 72 h test of SCE) with exogenous metabolic activation. ATI was tested in dose of 25, 50 and 100 μg per ml of culture. Kinetics of cell divisions were determined by the replication index (RI). The mitotic index (MI) was expressed as a number of metaphases per 1000 nuclei analysed. Analysis of chromosome aberrations showed that higher doses of ATI (50 and 100 μg/ml) significantly increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations (mainly of chromatid gaps and breaks) compared to the negative control. All concentrations of ATI caused a statistically significant reduction in the MI and RI. In comparison with the negative control, a significant increase in the SCE frequency was observed in all applied doses of ATI. Thus, in the presence of S9 activation, the Ascaris trypsin inhibitor showed potential clastogenic activity and inhibition of the dynamics of lymphocyte divisions.

1 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

005634   Balkan M;Duran H;Budak T (Medical Biology and Genetic Dep, Dicle Univ, TR-21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey, Email: balkanmah@gmail.com) : Tetrasomy 18p in a male dysmorphic child in southeast Turkey. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 337-40.

^ssc1 illus, 21 ref

005633   Arcanjo A P D;Cabral-De-Mello D C C;Silvaa E B E;Moura R D C D (De Biologia Dep, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, UPE-Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil-50100 130, Email: rita_upe@yahoo.com.br) : Cytogenetic characterization of Eurysternus caribaeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) : evidence of sex-autosome fusion and diploid number reduction prior to species dispersion. J Genet 2009, 88(2), 177-82.

Mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of several populations of Eurysternus caribaeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) were analysed through conventional staining, C-banding, base-specific fluorochromes, silver nitrate staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). All specimens showed 2n = 8 in their karyotypes, with a neo-XY sex system (Y is a submetacentric and X a metacentric) and three pairs of submetacentric autosomes. The analysis of constitutive heterochromatin (CH) revealed small blocks located in the centromeric region of all chromosomes which do not present positive staining under the fluorochromes CMA₃ and DAPI. Silver nitrate staining revealed that the nucleolar organizer region (NORs) is associated with the sex chromosomes. The FISH technique revealed that rDNA sites in the X and Y are different in size. Data from different populations indicate that the diploid number reduction (2n = 8) observed in E. caribaeus is established and presumably has preceded the dispersion of this species. Moreover, this reduction occasioned the translocation of rDNA sites to the sex chromosomes, X and Y, an uncommon pattern in Scarabaeidae that was observed for the first time by the FISH in this work.

2 illus, 51 ref

005632   Anamika Nag (Nutrition Dep, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow-226 007, Email: nag.anamika@yahoo.com) : Role of antioxidants in oxidative stress management. Res Envir Life Sci 2009, 2(2), 53-60.

The review literature is compiled with an aim to be acquainted with the science of free-radical generation and neutralization. Research implicates free radicals in development of a number of degenerative diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, immune dysfunction, cataracts and muscular degener ation. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Antioxidants comprise many components like vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and polyphenols. The most well-known antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E, b carotene, and selenium. This review paper includes specific details of the antioxidative process and various antioxidants.

005631   Ahmid M;Karimipoor M;Chaleshtori M H;Akbari M T (Molecular Medicine Dep, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 69, Pasteur Ave, 13164 Tehran, Iran, Email: mtakbari@modares.ac.ir) : Novel 355-357 del GAG mutation and frequency of connexin -26 (GJB2) mutations in Iraian patients. J Genet 2009, 88(3), 359-62.

1 ilus, 2 tables, 20 ref

004714   Yadav A;Jain A;Swarnkar H (Pharmacology and Toxicology Div, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Email: sjsflora@hotmail.com) : Nicotine and caffeine induced oxidative stress in young, adult and old rat blood. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2151-56.

Nicotine is generally considered a developmental neurotoxicant that exerts damage to the developing brain whereas caffeine is stimulant of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine nicotine and caffeine induced oxidative stress in rat blood, specifically alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS), erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) level, blood glutathione and blood dd-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity. We administered a single dose of nicotine (6 mg/kg, i.p.) and caffeine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) to rats of different age groups (young, adult and old). 24 hours after the exposure animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to study the effect on oxidative stress parameters. Nicotine and caffeine administration resulted in a significant increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TEARS) accompanied by an inhibition of blood d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in all age groups of animals compared to normal control. Blood GSH level increased significantly in young and old rat blood following nicotine administration. No change in blood reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was noted but results suggest a moderate (non significant) increase following nicotine exposure. Our results suggest that both nicotine induce significant oxidative stress in old rat blood however, the severity of the toxicity is more pronounced in old rats than the young and adult rats. On the other hand caffeine does not show any significant difference between the different age group of rats.

8 illus, 28 ref

004713   Vyas H K;Pal R;Lohiya N K;Talwar G P (NO, Talwar Research Foundation E-8 Neb Valley, New Delhi-110 068, Email: gptalwar@gmail.com) : Partner monoclonal antibody to moab 730 kills 100% of DU145 and PC3 androgen-independent cancer cell. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 909-16.

A number of therapeutic options are available for patients with prostate carcinoma till the time that the tumour is normone dependent. However, no fully effective therapy is available for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate carcinomas. Antibodies directed at epitopes unique to or overexpressed on the cancer cells could be of therapeutic utility. A monoclonal antibody (Moab) 2C4 has been generated, which binds with cells of two androgen-independent prostate cancers, DU145 and PC3, and does not bind to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of healthy donors. This antibody, along with the previously developed Moab 730, kills 100% of both DU145 and PCS cells in the presence of complement and does not have a deleterious effect on PBLs of healthy males. The anti-tumour action of the two antibodies prevents the establishment of DU145 cell tumour in nude mice in vivo. Moab 2C4 in combination with 730 has potential for use as therapy for androgen-independent cancers.

7 illus, 13 ref

004712   Vijay Kumar;Hassan M I;Tomar A K;Kashav T; Nautiyal J;Singh S;Singh T P;Yadav S (Biophysics Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029, Email: savita11@gmail.com) : Proteomic analysis of heparin-binding proteins from human seminal plasma: a step towards identification of molecular merkers of male fertility. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 899-908.

Glycosaminoglycans, especially heparin, are involved in various cell processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle control, platelet activation, capacitation, acrosome reaction and sperm decondensation. Heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) are essential constituents of human seminal fluid, which bind to sperm lipids containing the phosphorylcholine group and mediate the fertilization process. Auther utilized a proteomic set-up consisting of affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing (IEF) coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALD1 TOF/MS) for protein analysis of human HBPs. We resolved 70 different spots on two-dimensional (2-D) gel and subsequently identified these proteins. Forty different types of proteins were identified. Functional analysis revealed that 38% of the proteins belonged to the enzyme category, 20% were involved in RNA processing and transcription, 18% in structure and transport function, and 16% in cell recognition and signal transduction. We also identified 8% of proteins with unknown functions, although their expression in seminal fluid has been documented. Proteins of seminal fluid that bind heparin may be directly involved in sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR), which are the two critical steps for fertilization. This information on HBPs would be useful for identifying potential biomarkers of fertility in the near future.

2 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

004711   Vijay K;Pavaraj M;Munisamy S;Rajan M K (Zoology Dep, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi-626 124) : Effect of seed extract of nerium indicum on growth parameters of black gram infected with root knot nematode. Indian J Nematol 2009, 39(1), 107-8.

1 table, 7 ref

004710   Verma P;Srivastava S K;Nath A (Zoology Dep, Patna Univ, Patna-800 005) : Simulatory effect of Withenia somnifera on secretion and endocytotic pathways in the hepatic cell of Clarias batrachus (Linn.). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 203-9.

Effect of W. somnifera root extract mixed feed on the hepatic cell of Clarias batrachus was investigated. Electron microscopy of hepatic cells shows significant results. The hepatic cell of control fish showed hepatocyte with well organized nucleus and nucleolus. Hepatoplasm also showed prominent endoplasmic reticulum, oval mitochondria, golgi network, aggregation of ribosome on rough endoplasmic reticulum and hepatoplasm and some glycogen granules. When Withenia somnifera root extract mix pelleted feed @ of 10% of total feed was given to the experimental fishes for 6th and 8th week, cell organelles in general and GERL region in particular become hyperactive. Typical interconnections between cisternae of ER, mitochondria and Golgi network has been clearly seen. GERL region leading to the union of endomembrane into dynamic cellular pathways. Membrane bound vesicles such as COP-/, COP-// and clathrin coated vesicles on both sides of cis and trans region of Golgi. Different types of molecules such as glycoprotein and glycolipids are transported into various intracellular destination. Thus, it can be suggested that aqueous root extract of W. somnifera contains different alkaloids especially flavinoids and neurotransmitters GABA a and GABA b (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) which activates the neuroendocrine system leading to hyperactivity of endomembrane, results in smooth biosynthetic pathways, the molecules coming from surface through exocytosis. Such observations were also needs confirmation of exact polypeptide of W. somnifera root extracts, which activate secretory and endocytotic pathways.

12 illus, 12 ref

004709   Verma P;Chand G B;Srivastava S K (Zoology Dep, Patna Univ, Patna, Bihar) : Variations in serum hormone level and biochemical profile of muscles of few fishes from river Ganga. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 211-6.

The holy river Ganga is known to harbour more than 250 species of fish including Gangetic major carps, large cat fishes, a large number of cyprinoids and many others. In the present investigation serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level and muscles biochemical profile were assessed in four major fish species of Ganga near Patna (India) namely Catla, Labeo, Hilsa and Mystus during pre monsoon period and post monsoon period. The present study revealed a significant variation in the concentration of total protein, carbohydrate and lipid content in these four fish species. During pre monsoon period out of these four fish species Catla showed maximum total protein level (7.54±0.134 g/dl) where as Hilsa encountered the least (6.67±0.138 g/dl). Glucose content was recorded maximum in Mystus (95.12±1.791 mg/dl) and minimum in Labeo (66.2±0.63 mg/dl). Triglyceride content showed highest range in Hilsa (232.6 ± 2.965 mg/dl) while minimum was recorded in Labeo (112±1.825 mg/dl). The cholesterol content was maximum in Mystus (256±2.624 mg/dl) while minimum in Labeo (178.0±2.624 gm/dl). Serum TSH level varied from 0.06±0.012 mlU/ml in Labeo to 2.1 ±0.032 mlU/ml in Mystus species. However, during post monsoon period serum TSH level varied from 1.743±0.314 mlU/ml in Hilsa to 11.98±1.759 mlU/ml in Mystus species. By altering the biochemical pathway through neuroendocrine control, the elevated serum TSH affects the protein synthesis and ultimately lowers the nutritional value of fish. The present study elucidates the quantitative variation of total protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents from muscles of few Gangetic fishes. The prevailing physicochemical status synchronizes the variation in biochemical and endocrinal profile of these fishes.

5 tables, 15 ref

004708   Verma K S;Khare D;Sahu P S;Abraham J (P.G. Studies and Research in Biological Scieces Dep, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jobalpur-482 001, Email: karunaverma@gmail.com) : Screening of antimicrobial activity and phytochemicals of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Biozone 2010, 2(1-2), 329-35.

Ipomoea carnea is a weed which is found in wastelands. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ipomoea carnea leaves were investigated for its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The methanolic extract showed effective inhibitory activity as compared to aqueous extract. The Phytochemical constituents in various extracts (aqueous, ether, acetone and me'thanol) of Ipomoea carnea were carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, resins, lipids and saponins. The Rf values of the compound separated by thin layer chromatography were 0.86,0.71 and 0.96,0.88 for the crude and methanolic extracts of the tender and mature leaves respectively.

3 tables, 18 ref

004707   Venkatesh A;Ramamurthy V;Raveendran S (Zoology Research Dep, P R I S T Vallam Univ, Thanjavur-613 403) : Characteristics of fungal flora in the casts of the earthworm Perionyx ceylanensis. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(4), 317-21.

Characteristics of fungal flora in the casts of the earthworm revealed that the vermicasts of Perionyx ceylanensis showed 14 different fungal species belonging to the genera, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella, FuSarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Rhizopus. Total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper, iron and zinc were high in vermicasts compared to control (worm-unworked substrate), while organic carbon and C/N ratio were lower in vermicasts. The incubation of vermicasts (45 days) showed significant correlation with that of the increase in fungal population (r=0.720; p<60>0.05), decrease in moisture content (r= -0.984; p<60>0.001) and the decrease in moisture content had no effect on the total fungal population in the vermicasts of P.ceylanensis.

2 tables, 14 ref

004706   Venkatesan T;Srinivas Murthy K;Rabindra R J; Baskaran T V (NO, National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Post Bag No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024) : Influence of parasitoid-hot density on the behaviour ecology of Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), a parasitoid of Opisina arenosella Walker. J biol Control 2009, 23(3), 255-64.

Since Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck) is found to have strong parental care for its progeny, the influence of different densities of G. nephantidis and its host, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) on the behaviour ecology of the parasitoid was studied. Interaction between different densities of the host and parasitoid revealed that a ratio of 1: 1 was significantly superior to all other ratios resulting in maximum parasitism (9.0 larvae/female), fecundity (93.2/female) and number of progenies (75.2/female). Exposing more than one C. cephalonica larva did not significantly increase the parasitizing efficiency, fecundity and progeny produced. Conversely, exposing a single C. cephalonica larva to several female parasitoids adversely affected the biological attributes of the parasitoid. Increasing the densities of either host insects or parasitoids had an inverse relationship with oviposition behaviour, parasitism efficiency and progeny production of the parasitoid establishing the important and significant role played by host-parasitoid density.

7 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

004705   Valarmathi S;Harathi P B (Biochemistry and Bioinformatics Dep, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science For Women, Coimbatore-641 044) : Evaluating the antioxidant activity of the medicinal plant Cynodon dactylon. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(2), 143-7.

The levels of enzymic and non enzymic antioxidants were determined in Daltons Lymphoma Ascitc (DLA) transplanted Swiss albino male mice treated with the protein fraction of C'ynodon dacrylon. DLA induced mice showed significant decrease in the level of enzymic anti oxidants like catalase (34.1 to 20.0), peroxidase (0.053 to 0.042) and superoxidc dismulase (19.4 to 13.3) in units/mg protein and non enzymic anti oxidant like glutathione (7.22 to 6.06), a-tocopherol (0.75 to 0.66) and vitamin A (7.82 to 6.07) in nmoles/mg protein which indicated the production of free radicals in the liver. Administration of protein fraction to the DLA induced mice showed enhanced level of enzymic anti oxidants (41.5,0.073 & 17.8 units/mg protein) and non enzymic anti oxidants (8.79, 1.18 and 8.91 nmolcs/mg protein) respectively which proved their protective action against the free radical damage caused by DLA tumour cells and maintains the normal function of the organ and confirmed their antioxidant activity.

2 tables, 18 ref

004704   Tamura K (Biological Science and Technology Dep, Tokyo Science Univ, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, Japan-278 8510, Email: koji@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp) : Molecular handedness of life: significance of RNA aminoacylation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 991-4.

2 illus, 24 ref

004703   Sunil Kumar;Shoma Devi;Priyanka (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun-248 001) : Effect of berbal combination treatment on ethanol induced toxicity. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 43-6.

Phytotherapeutic effect often selected herbs was studied against ethanol intoxicated rat liver. Study was carried out in rats, to see the antioxidative and hepatoprotective role of selected herbs viz. Arctium lappa, Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma tonga, Echinacea pallida, Embilica officinalis, Piper longum, Picrorhiza kurroa Plumbago zeylanica, Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale with ethanol induced toxicity. Parameters including lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH), collagen, urinary hydroxyproline, aldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and transaminase were analyzed following oral exposure of ethanol and herbal combination. Results indicated protective effects of herbal combination by their antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner.

3 tables, 22 ref

004702   Sundararaju P;Thangavelu R (NO, National Research Centre for Banana(ICAR), Thayanur Post, Tiruchirapalli-620 102, Email: sundar_ncrb@yahoo.com) : Influence of Pratylenchus coffeae and Meloidogye incognita on the fusarium wilt complex of banana. Indian J Nematol 2009, 39(1), 71-4.

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the influence of Pratylenchus coffeae and Meloidogyne incognita alone and in combination on the Fusarium wilt complex of banana in cv. Rasthali. The results of the study revealed that the plants receiving inoculum of anyone of the nematodes or both inoculated first followed by the wilt fungus resulted in the early onset and increased severity of the Fusarium wilt disease. Inoculation of fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense alone showed moderate effect on plant growth. However, maximum reduction of plant growth parameters was observed in plants inoculated with all the three pathogens together (F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, P. coffeae and M. incognita) suggesting a positive interaction among the three tested pathogens.

2 tables, 12 ref

004701   Srinivasa Murthy K;Rajeshwari R;Venkatesan T; Ashok Kumar G (NO, National Bureaeu of Agriculturally Important Insects, Post Bag No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore-560 024, Email: ksm239@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of genetic variation in Cotesia flavipes cameron (Hymenoptera: braconidae) populations as revealed by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene sequences. J biol Control 2009, 23(3), 249-53.

The cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) was employed to assess the genetic variation in different populations of Cotesia flavipes. Partial sequences of the COI gene for the populations from Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Shimla were analyzed to assess the homology and the usefulness of this genetic region for phylogenetic studies. PCR using COI-F and COI-R primers amplified a product of approximately 550 bp which was similar for all the four populations. Populations were by and large similar in the COI gene sequenced and there was no variation with our sequences and those of sequences worldwide. The multiple alignments were performed for four populations which revealed similarity of the partial COI gene sequences. Comparative analysis of partial sequences of COI gene produced a phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all our populations were in a single clade with high boot strap value, suggesting highest similarity.

2 illus, 17 ref

004700   Sood P;Prabhakar C S (Entomology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: pankajplp@rediffmail.com) : Molecular diversity and antibiotic sensitivity of gut bacterial symbionts of fruit fly, Bactrocerta tau Walker. J biol Control 2009, 23(3), 213-20.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA-Repetitive extragenic palindromic (RAPD-REP) PCR-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to study the genetic similarity among bacterial symbionts of fruit fly, Bactrocera tau Walker. RAPD-PCR and REP-PCR placed three bacteria into two groups, viz., group A (BC1 and BC3) and group B (BC2). However, PCR-RFLP analysis of recA and rrs genes of bacterial symbiont placed BC1 and BC2 into group A and BC3 into group B. Studies on antibiotic sensitivity pattern also supported the results of PCR-RFLP as the response of BC1 and BC2 was similar to different antibiotics. All the bacterial symboints were found to be sensitive to co-trimoxazole, gentamycene and nofloxacin. The findings suggest that there may be a possibility of utilising these antibiotics for disruption of fruit fly biology as foliar symbioticides for their management.

3 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

004699   Sood P P;et. al. (Biochemistry Dep, Saurshtra Univ, Rajkot, Email: ppsood@yahoo.com) : Superiority of herbal and natural antioxidants mixed therapy over their individual applications in methylmercury stressed chick. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2059-67.

The objective of the present contribution is to flndout if mixed therapy is better in reducing the methyimercury induced stress than individual application of chelating agents. All earlier observations revealed different effect of metals in different tissues and same is also true with most of the reported chelators. It may be due to the fact that different organs have different capacity to absorb and store the toxicants. Therefore, individual application of any therapeutic agent may not be much effective in all the organs. Some helpers, adjutants or the agents which have action similar to the main chelator, used in this study, may accelerate the therapeutic functions. Newly born chicks were taken as experimental animals assuming that they will be free from toxicities before experimentation. The animals were reared in hygienic conditions and supplied with standard food available in market and water ad libitum. Two to four days old chicks were divided into 5 groups (n 9). The animals of first group were kept as control and supplied with vehicle only. Rest of the animals of groups 2 to 4 were injected with a daily dose of 1 mg/kg/b.w. of methyimercury chloride for 7 days. From 8th day onwards they were treated separately. Group 2 animals were kept as such for another 7 days. Group 3 animals were given daily dose of aswagandha (100 mg/kg/b. w. orally) for another 7 days. Group 4 animals were given daily, from 8 to I5 days, aswagandha 100 mg/kg (orally) and after half an hour vitamin E injection (20 mg/kg/b.w.). The 5th group was treated as group 4 along with another injection of glutathione (50 mg/kg/b.w.) after half an hour gap. After scheduled day the brain, liver, kidney and blood of all animals were analyzed for malondialdehyde, glutathione, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Study shows inhibitions of both the enzymes and decreases in total glutathione and simultaneously increases of malondialdehyde. All these factors clearly indicate the increase in lipid peroxidation, release of free radicals caused by oxidative stress in MMC intoxicated animals. The reverted conditions of all the components of glutathione metabolism demonstrate the efficacy of chelating agents and the maximum recovery in 5th group where, aswagandha therapy was supported by vitamin E and GSH confirming our objectives that of mixed therapy is quite advantageous.

4 illus, 5 tables, 35 ref

004698   Somasekar Reddy N;Shanmugam K R;Mallikarjuna K;Sathyavelu Reddy K (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Exercise training modulates the antioxidant enzymes in brain tissue: a study with reference to ageing. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 5-10.

To explore mechanisms of the beneficial consequences of regular exercise, we studied the effects of regular treadmill exercise on oxidative stress in the brain of rats. The antioxidant enzymes were compared with normal young (NC-Y), normal old (NC- O) and exercise trained young (Ex T- Y) and exercise trained old (Ex T-0) rats. For this purpose the rats were divided into two groups and exercise was given as per experimental protocol. After completion of the 2 months period the brain tissue was isolated and assayed for antioxidant enzymes. SOD, CAT and ascorbic acid activities were found to be decreased where as, XOD and MDA levels increased in old age. These findings, exercise may modulate the antioxidant enzymes. These findings further suggests the beneficial effects of exercise by countering the effects of free radicals which are generated during old age.

1 illus, 42 ref

004697   Sobha V;Santhosh S;Pournami P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kerala Kariavattom Univ, Trivandrum, Kerala-695 581) : Spatial distribution of zooplankton of Vembanad lake, Kerala. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(4), 375-83.

Vembanad lake is the largest backwater systems of the Kerala State. The present study was carried out to the qualitative and quantitative study of Zooplankton from six different stations during the period May 2007. A total of 19 species of zooplankton were identified. The most abundant group was decapod larvae followed by rotifers and copepods.Observations revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics of this backwater system is adversely changed as a result of different types of pollution which inturn affected the quality as well as quantity of zooplankton.

1 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

004696   Sivaprakash M;Balasubramanian P;Rathakrishnan P;Prabhu S (Centre of Excellence in Biofuels, AEC&RI, TNAU, Coimbatore-3, Tamil Nadu) : Pathogenicity of lance nematode, Hoplolaimus seinhorsti on red sanders, Pterocarpus santalinus tree seedlings. Indian J Nematol 2009, 39(1), 54-8.

A pot culture experiment was conducted in a glass house to assess the pathogenicity of Hoplolaimus seinhorsti on Red Sanders, Pterocarpus santalinm in 25 x 15 cm bags filled up with steam sterilized fine river-sand mixed with red earth at the ratio of 3: 1. The freshly collected seeds were presoaked continuously in normal water by changing water daily for eight days for presowing treatment. Fifteen days after germination, the plants were infested with adults and juvenile of H. seinhorsti, of the treated seeds at the rate of 0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 larvae pot-1 around the root zone. The results revealed progressive reduction in length and weight of shoot and root significantly with the increase in the level of initial inoculum. The multiplication rate of H. seinhorsti was 9.3 to 100 larvae kg/soil. There was no reduction in chlorophyll contents to 100 larvae kg/soil, but significant reduction was recorded in 600 larvae kg/soil (13.2). The stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and net photosynthetic rate were significantly reduced, when the nematode population level exceeded 200 kg/soil.

2 tables, 13 ref

004695   Singh P K;Singh A P;Gupta A K;Chaudhary S (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Beneficial effects of aqueous fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris on testicular and serum biochemistry of albino rats. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 217-23.

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the beneficial effects of Tribulus terrestris on certain biochemical parameters of albino rats. Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant of the family Zygophyllaceae, popularly claimed to improve sexual functions. Aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris (6mg/kg body weight) has been given orally to albino rats for the period of 7,15 and 30 days respectively. Results shown a highly significant (p<60>0.01) increase in body weight, very highly significant (p<60>0.001) increase in organ weight, significant(p<60>0.05) increase in its ratio, very highly significant (p<60>0.001) increase in sperm count, sperm motile, sperm sluggish motile, total cholesterol,HDL, VLDL and TG; while very highly significant (p<60>0.001) decrease in serum total protein, albumin, non significant(p<62>0.05) decrease in globulin, highly significant(p<60>0.01) decrease in A/G ratio, creatinine, and LDL due to the beneficial effects of active constituent of Tribulus terrestris like as protodioscin and saponin on the metabolism of albino rats. The present study indicated that an aqueous fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris affect the body metabolism and reproductive functions.

11 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

004694   Singh A;Rana S V S (Zoology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Role of oxidative stress in testicular toxicity of benzene in rat. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 11-6.

Benzene toxicity in bone marrow, liver, kidney and lungs is fully understood. However, reproductive toxicity of benzene is poorly known. Therefore, an attempt was made to study its toxicity in the testis of rat. Observed that oxidative stress induced by benzene manifests its toxicity in testis. Further, a relationship amongst testosterone, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress was established. An adaptive response observed after 60 days of benzene treatment in testis was attributed to reduced glutathione. Elevated testosterone seems to offer protection against oxidative stress induced by benzene in testes. Histo-pathological results supported the adaptive response. Suggests that glutathione status in testis can serve as marker of reproductive toxicity of benzene.

21 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

004693   Shukla M;Singh U;Singh P;Singh R L (Biochemistry Dep, Dr. RML Avadh Univ, Faizabad-224 001) : Nutraceutical properties of growaste part of some citrus plants. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 97-103.

Herbal remedies are increasingly used by general public to replace or supplement conventional medicine and to protect from diseases caused by reactive oxygen species. This study was aimed to explore the antioxidant and nutraceutical aspects of agrowaste part of three citrus plant varieties. In all the tested samples the ascorbic acid content ranged between 12.86-145.39 mg/l00 g of fresh weight (FW), carotenoid content ranged between 0.12-5.77 μg/g of FW. The total phenolic content (TPC) was found between 22.7 - 70.04 mg of GAE/g of dry weight (DW), whereas the protein and carbohydrate content was found between 62.46 - 221.90 and 29.93-314.41 mg/g of DW, repectively. The results showed that agrowaste part of citrus fruit plants, specially fruit peel of all three varieties may serve as a good nutraceutical source for pharmaceutical and food industries.

1 table, 61 ref

004692   Sharam M;Bhushan S;Nath A (Zoology Dep, Patna Univ, Patna) : PPAR-gamma receptor mediated severe thyroid tocxicity in mice. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 85-91.

Pioglitazone a synthetic ligand of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-Y (PPAR- Y) is currently used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes as an efficient insulin sensitizer. The aim of this study was to establish a Pre-clinical experimental setting to investigate the possible link between prolong use of PPAR-Y agonist and development of thyroid carcinoma in swiss albino mice. Mice were treated with 75 mg/kg body weight of Pioglitazone for four and twelve weeks. Asa result, under Light microscopy thyroid carcinoma were observed as four distinct pathways of oncogenesis in form of four lineages after twelve weeks of treatment. Under Electron microscopy after four weeks of treatments had shown only cellular injury and hydropic degenarations but after twelve weeks had shown neerotic oncosis. The level of TSH in Serum were severely elevated after twelve weeks of treatment. Thus, chronic consumption of pioglitazone was not seemed to be safe and had been provided sufficient stimulus to induce carcinogenicity in thyroid gland of mice.

11 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

004691   Schaefer K;Bookstein F (Anthropology Dep, Vienna Univ, Vienna, Austria) : Dose geometric morphometrics serve the needs of plasticity research?. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 589-99.

The study of human craniofacial variation exemplifies general problems associated with the analysis of morphological plasticity that owe to the dependence of results on the methods by which phenotypic variation is quantified. Suggests a definition of plasticity that does not subordinate the developmental to the evolutionary: A process model in which changes are not a function of any mean or average, but only of the current state. Geometric morphometrics, a toolkit for assessing and visualizing biological form and its covariates, avoids some of the traditional pitfalls by focusing directly on the, analysis of the two- and three-dimensional coordinates of anatomical landmarks. Discusses its potential relevance to phenotypic and developmental plasticity research, as well as some of its limitations, and demonstrate two useful analyses: assessment of asymmetry, and appraisal of integration. Itemizes some of our previous studies on causes (inbreeding, environmental circumstances, etc.) and consequences (attractiveness perception) of asymmetry in humans, present some findings relating to the impact of sex on shape, and speculate about the adaptive relevance of one of these processes in particular. A closing argument points out that such considerations are possible only because of the careful separation of assumptions from empirical evidence entailed in the course of this type of data analysis.

2 illus, 65 ref

004690   Sailaja K;Surekha D;Nageswar Rao D;Sandhya A; Raghunadha Rao D;Balakrishna B;Vishnupriya S (Genetics Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: sattivishnupriya@gmail.com) : Polymorphisms in folate metabolizing genes and their association with chronic myeloid leukemia. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2075-80.

Diet is one of the essential factors that contributes to about one-third of preventable cancers. Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals might explain the epidemiological findings that people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables have an increased risk of developing cancer. Recent experimental evidence indicated that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to DNA damage. Thymidylate synthase and serine hydroxy methyl transferase are the two genes involved in folate metabolism and these genes showed altered expressions in many of the cancers. In the present study, 266 CML samples were analyzed for 3 '-UTR tandem repeat polymorphism in TYMS gene and 262 CML samples were analyzed for C1420T polymorphism in SHMT1 gene. The statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 15.0 version (statistical package for social science). No significant association was found between CML and folate metabolizing enzymes either with TYMS repeat polymorphism and SHMT1 C1420T polymorphism. Hence the results suggest that folate metabolizing gene polymorphisms have not played any significant role in chronic myeloid leukemia development and prognosis.

2 tables, 31 ref

004689   Rao R P;Nalini K;Rao J P (Biochemistry Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576 104, Email: jprao2001@gmail.com) : Plasma membrane electron transport in frog blood vessels. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 849-52.

In an attempt to see if frog blood vessels possess a plasma membrane electron transport system, the postcaval vein and aorta isolated from Rana tigrina were tested for their ability to reduce ferricyanide, methylene blue, and 2,6-dichloroindophenol. While the dyes remained unchanged, ferricyanide was reduced to ferrocyanide. This reduction was resistant to inhibition by cyanide and azide. Heptane extraction or formalin fixation of the tissues markedly reduced the capability to reduce ferricyanide. Denuded aortas retained only 30% of the activity of intact tissue. Our results indicate that the amphibian postcaval vein and aorta exhibit plasma membrane electron transport.

1 illus, 14 ref

004688   Ramya S;Jepachandera Mohan P J;Godwin Wesley S;Alaguchamy N;Kalayanasundaram M;Jayakumararaj R (Zoology Dep, Raja Doraisingam Government Arts College, Sivagangai-630 561) : Impact of changes in the microclimatic conditions on species diversity of insectivorous plants at Karungalagudi, near Madurai. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(4), 329-35.

A study on the interrelationship between the factors influencing vegetation change and composition of insectivorous plant community was carried out at Karungalagudi, near Madurai. Karungalkudi is blessed with rich herbaceous flora including two carnivorous plant groups, viz. Drosera and Utricularia. Anthropogenic intervention at this site due to industrial development, agro industrial pollution, mining and quarrying has accelerated the pace by which the microclimatic and environmental conditions have shown ever-changing temporal and special variation. This has resulted in alteration in the community composition of insectivorous plants at this consortium. Anthropogenic activities along with changes in the ecological process have altered the microclimatic conditions to a greater extent conducive for the sustenance of the tiny plant association among the members of insectivorous (Droseraceae & Lentibulariaceae), non insectivorous (Eriocaulaceae, Polygalaceae & Scrophulariaceae) and other lower plants. Changes in the environmental condition are reflected by the decline in the species diversity, count of a single species and variation in the community composition at the site. Understanding of the impact on the future changes has been hampered by the inability to disentangle conflicting, forcing factors that regulate the dynamic environment and vegetation composition of the carnivorous and associated plants. As at times, it becomes extremely difficult to single out the factor responsible for the effect on community dynamics and on the life of an individual plant.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

004687   Ramya S;Alaguchamy N; Jepachandera Mohan P J; Kalayanasundaram M;Jayakumararaj R (Zoology Dep, Raja Doraisingam Government Arts College, Sivagangai-630 561) : Antifeedant efficacy of Helicoverpa armigera on leaf extracts of selected medicinal plants. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(3), 263-70.

Phytochemicals, especially botanical insecticides are currently of interest because of their successful application in plant protection as biocontrol agents. Biological activities of leaf aqueous extract of twenty five selected medicinal plants were evaluated against VI instar larvae of gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner), (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Preliminary screening after 24 h of exposure to leaf aqueous extracts of the selected plants at a concentration of 1,000 ppm exhibited significant larval mortality rate. The percentage mortality rate ranged considerably from 10.8 to 86.4. The mortality rate was observed in the decreasing order of Toddalia asiatica (86.2) <62> Melia azedarach (78.9) <62> Solanum trilobatum (74.8) <62> Andrographis paniculata (72.8) > A. lineate (71.5) <62> S. surattrense (70.3) <62> Catharanthus roseus (67.8) <62> Adhatoda zeylanica (67.2) > Acalypha fruticosa (66.3) <62> Datura metal (62.9) <62> S. nigrum (61.8) <62> Ocimum canum (58.2) <62> O. sanctum (57.9) <62> Plectranthus coleoides (57.8) <62> Pergularia daemia (55.2) <62> Gymnema sylvestre (51.9) <62> Albizizamara (51.8) <62> Cardiospermum helicacabum (49.1) <62> Ceropegia candelabrum (48.1) <62> Vitex negundo (45.5) <62> Abutilon indicum (36.7) <62> Cassia tora (31.8) <62> Tribulus terrestris (25.2) <62> Achyranthus aspera (16.8) <62> Aerva lanata (10.7) against the larvae of H. armigera. The results imply that leaf aqueous extract of Toddalia asiatica, Melia azedarach, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata, Andrographis lineate, Solanum surattrense, Catharanthus roseus, Adhatoda zeylanica, Acalypha fruticosa, Datura metal can potentially be used as eco-friendly pest control agents against the larvae of H. armigera.

1 table, 25 ref

004686   Ramkumar G;Chandrasekarenthiran S;Kirupaa S; Benjamin A K;Anandapandian K T K (P G Unit of Microbiology, Zoology Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Effect of diazotrophs in increasing vegetative growth of medicinal plant, Clitoria ternatea. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(3), 275-81.

The nitrogen fixing bacteria viz., Azospirillum sp. and Azotobacter sp. were studied to analyze the effect of bio-inoculants on vegetative growth and biomass production of the medicinal plant, Clitoria ternatea. Azospirillum, Azotobacter and their combined biofertilizer have increased the germination rate of seeds to 54.5, 36.4 and 63.6% and plant overall growth to 34.3, 31.1, and 38.2%, respectively over the control. Seedling Quality Index (SQI) of the Azospirillum, Azotobacter and combined biofertilizer treated seedlings were 0.46, 0.44 and 0.46, respectively while for the control, it was 0.34 only. Results showed that combination of these biofertilizers resulted in better plant's vegetative growth than their individual application and control.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

004685   Ramesh B;Satakopan V N (Biochemistry Dep, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641 014) : In vitro antioxidant activites of Ocimum species: Ocimum basilicum and ocimum sanctum. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2145-50.

The study was carried out to evaluate the in-vltro antioxidant activities of 50% hydroalcoholic extract of Oclmum species namely Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum. This was achieved by screening the two plant extracts at varying concentrations (10-50lg/ml) using DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. The results were analyzed statistically which showed that Ocimum basilicum had more antioxidant activity than Ocimum sanctum.

4 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

004684   Rakh R R;Dalvi S M;Kurundkar G D;Bodke S S; Deshmukh R S;Manwara V (Microbiology Dep, Botany and Computer Science, Shri Guru Buddhiswami Mahavidyalaya, Purna, Email: ravindra.rakh@rediffmail.com) : In vitro antagonism of Pseudomonas cf. monteilii 9 towards Sclerotium rolfsii. Biozone 2010, 2(1-2), 308-18.

A soil bacterium, Pseudomonas cf. monteilii 9, isolated from the rhizosphere of Neem, showed highest antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii. In dual cultures, the Pseudomonas cf. monteilii 9 inhibited the Sclerotium rolfsii up to 94 % in terms of dry weight. Pseudomonas cf. monteilii 9 produced diffusible antibiotic, volatile metabolites, hydrogen cyanide and siderophore which affect Sclerotium rolfsii growth in vitro. This strain also produced a clear halo region on skim milk agar plates, indicating that it excretes protease which played vital role in inhibition of S. rolfsii.

7 illus, 30 ref

004683   Rajput S;Tiwari E (Botany Dep, Govt. Girls P.G. Autonomous College of Excellence, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shivangi25rajput@yahoo.com) : Effect of various temperatures on the protease producing capacity of bacillus. Biozone 2010, 2(1-2), 336-9.

Bacillus was found to produce an extracelluar thermostable protease. The purified enzyme streaked on Nutrient Agar skimmed plates and from which zone producing cultures were screened for maximal activity. The culture was assayed for protease (Azocasein Assay) at different Temperatures i.e. 10°,37°,50°,55<1 44>,57° and 60°C from which it was found producing 17.2,82.6,101,147,6,130 and 102 units/ml/hr respectively from which culture was found showing maximal units at 55°C, and units found to be decreasing at 57°C.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

004682   Rahman M M;Sarker P K;Islam W (Institute of Biological Sciences, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshai 6205, Bangladesh) : Ecofriendly control of stored grain pest Cryptolestes pusillus by the extract of Polygonum hydropiper. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(3), 209-14.

Biskathali (Polygonum hydropiper L.) was extracted with acetone and the crude extracts tested against different instar larvae and adults of Cryptolestes pusillus (Schon.) after 24 and 48 hours exposure. The earlier larval stages were susceptible to Biskathali extract than older ones, having the LC₅₀ values were 289.05, 469.1, 474.6, 767.6 μ g cm² for 1st to 4th instars but the LC₅₀ values estimated to be 2885.49 and 2048.00 μ g cm² for adult after 24 to 48 hours treatments, respectively.

1 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

004681   Preeti Chand;Singh M;Rai M (Botany Dep, Isabella Thoburn Degree College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Antibacterial activity of some Indian lichens. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 23-9.

Ethanol extracts of 15 lichen species from Indian Himalayan flora were screened for antibacterial activity against 9 human pathogenic and 3 drug resistant bacterial strains through standard disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. 8 lichen species were found active and extracts of Cladonia, Cetrelia, Umbilicaria, Stereocaulon and Everniastrum exhibited a potent activity against the Gram-positive bacteria. Gram negative bacteria were found sensitive only to the extract of Everniastrum. Extract of Cetrelia braunsiana showed a potent activity towards the methicillin and vancomycin resistant strains of staphylococci.

5 tables, 46 ref

004680   Prabu M;Thangavel S;Chitra D;Muralidharan S; Reniprabha A (Zoology P.G. & Research Dep, Chikkaiahnaicker College, Erode-638 004) : Influence of "Panchakavya" on total haemocyte counts in the larvae of dragonfly Bradinopyga geminata (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(3), 237-40.

The antepenultimate larvae of dragonfly Bradinopyga geminata were exposed to different concentrations of Panchakavya, an organic mixture to study its potentiality as exposure medium to aquatic organisms. Panchakavya induces moulting and reduces mortality in the test larvae. The total number of haemocytes in untreated larvae ranged between 20600 and 2l400 cells/cu.mm. whereas in treated larvae the total number of haemocytes was found to be increased as duration extends (21100-23200,21900-24100 & 22700-25000 cells/cu.mm at 10, 20 and 30 days of exposure, respectively). The elevated total haemocytes count stimulated coagulation phagocytosis and detoxification of chemicals, thus causing resistance in the larvae against bacterrial invasions.

1 table, 21 ref

004679   Prabhavati E;Mallaiah K V (Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur-522 510) : Mercuric chloride tolerance of Rhizobium sp. nodulating Macrotyloma uniflorum. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(3), 273-6.

Thirty two Rhizobium strains isolated from root nodules of Macrotyloma uniflorum were used to study for their tolerance to mercuric chloride. All the strains showed growth on Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YEMA) medium containing 10 ppm mercuric chloride. The colony diameter ranged from 3 mm (HGR22) to 10 mm (HGR1, HGR11 & HGR17). Almost all the strains (except four) tolerated 10 ppm concentration of mercuric chloride in YEM broth also. The growth of the Rhizobium strains (HGR 11, HGR 17, HGR 19 & 11GR30) increased at 20 ppm mercuric chloride concentration. The strains HGR3, HGR 11, HGR 17, HGR29, HGR30 and HGR31 were able to tolerate upto 30 ppm concentration of mercuric chloride.

1 table, 9 ref

004678   Perveen S;Singh L;Vats P (Microbiology Dep, Doon (PG) Paramedical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Aeromycoflora of doon valley: a qualitative assessment. J Mount Res 2008, 3(Dec), 37-45.

Sixty seven genera of viable aerofungi belonging to 181 spp. were trapped from the air of Dehradun valley. Of these, Altenaria, Asgergillus, Penicillium and Curvularia with 26, 19, 11 and 11 spp. were the most dominant.September-October and March-April were found to be two peak periods of fungal load. Site wise and Season wise variations in the aeromycoflora were well marked and hitherto, many new fungi have been reported from the air of Dehradun.

1 table, 26 ref

004677   Pathan J G K;Baile V V (College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal & Fisheries Sciences Univ, Telangkhedi, Nagpur-440 001) : Carbohydrate changes correlated with the reproductive cycle in male tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 17-21.

Exotic African multiple spawner Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, the reproductive cycle in males is divided into preparatory, prespawning, spawning and postspawning phases, after evaluating the gonadosomatic index and percentage dominance of particular types of spermatogenic stages. Carbohydrates in nervous, endocrine and somatic tissues with respect to the testicular cycle are ascertained by their histochemical demonstration and biochemical estimations. Brain and pituitary has highest carbohydrate in prespawning phase, lowest in postspawning. On the contrary, testis has highest carbohydrate content in spawning, and lowest in the postspawning phase. Liver and muscles show highest carbohydrate in the preparatory and lowest in the spawning phase. A definite co-relation exists in these metabolites in nervous, endocrine, somatic and reproductive components in O. mossambicus.

4 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

004676   Paliwal A;Gurjar R K;Sharma H N (P.G. Zoology Dep, Ganjdundwara P.G. College, Ganjdundwara, Etah-207 242) : χ-Cyhalothrin and nuvan induced alteration in liver total proteins, lipid profile and glycogen contents of albino rat. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 93-5.

The effect of λ-cyhalothrin, a pyrethroid and nuvan, an organophosphate has been observed in liver biochemical parameters of albino rat. Liver total proteins, lipid profile and glycogen content were increased significantly after treatment. Nuvan is more toxic than λ-cyhalothrin.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

004675   Paduch R;Jakubowicz Gil J;Szerszen M K (Virology and Immunology Dep, Institute of Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Univ, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland, Email: rpaduch@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl) : Expression of HSP27, HSP72 and MRP proteins in in vitro co-culture of colon tumour cell spheroid with normal cells after incubation with rh TGF-beta1 and/or CPT-11. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 927-40.

Expression of inducible heat shock protein (HSP27, HSP72) and multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) in co-cultures of human colon carcinoma cell spheroids obtained from different grades of tumour with normal human colon epithelium, myofibroblast and endothelial cell monolayers. We also measured the influence of recombinant human transforming growth factor β (rhTGF- β1) and camptothecin (CPT-11), added as single agents or in combination, on the levels of the HSPs, MRP, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide (NO). An immunoblotting analysis with densitometry showed that rhTGF-β and or CPT-11 increased HSP27, HSP72 and MRP expression in tumour cells and myofibroblasts, as well as in co-cultures compared with appropriate controls. By contrast, in colonic epithelium, inhibition of HSPs and MRP was comparable with that of the control. In endothelial cells, HSP72 was undetectable. Direct interaction of colon tumour spheroids with normal myofibroblasts caused a significant, tumour-grade dependent increase in IL-6 production. Production of IL-6 was significantly lowered by rhTGF- β and/or CPT-11. Tumour cell spheroids cultivated alone produced larger amounts of NO than normal cells. In co-culture, the level of the radical decreased compared with the sum of NO produced by the monocultures of the two types of cells. rhTGF- β and or CPT-11 decreased NO production both in tumour and normal cell monocultures and their co-cultures. In conclusion, direct interactions between tumour and normal cells influence the expression of HSP27, HSP72 and MRP, and alter IL-6 and NO production. rhTGF-β1 and/or CPT-11 may potentate resistance to chemotherapy by increasing HSP and MRP expression but, on the other hand, they may limit tumour cell spread by decreasing the level of some soluble mediators of inflammation (IL-6 and NO).

8 illus, 30 ref

004674   Okogwu O I;Nwani C D (Applied Biology Dep, State Univ, PMB 53, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria) : Variations in zooplankton in response to physicochemical changes in a tropical coastal lagoon. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 67-75.

Physicochemical variables and zooplankton of Ologe Lagoon were studied in three stations (station 1, the point at which river Owo enters the Lagoon, Station 2, fish landing site and station 3, the middle of the Lagoon) during the dry and wet seasons of 2000. Multidimensional scaling (MDS), correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test for temporal and spatial variation in environmental and zooplankton data. The first two MDS axis explained 51.3% of the variation in environmental data. Twenty one taxa (21) of zooplankton were identified as Protozoan (5), Rotifera (12), Cladoceran (3) and Copepoda (1). Rotifers dominated the zooplankton and the dominant species were Brachionus falcatus, B. patulus and Keratella tropica. The crustaceans were only seen during the period of low salinity when they became dominant in Station 2. Zooplankton density increased with increase in diversity in Station 1 but declined with increased diversity in Stations 2 and 3. There was also an increase in zooplankton abundance and diversity with increase in rainfall. This was attributed to dilution effect of rain on the lagoon waters, which allowed the establishment and proliferation of salinity intolerant species. The absence of crustaceans from Station 1 was mainly attributed to low dissolved oxygen (<1.5mg/l) and transparency in the station.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

004673   Noor Alam M D (Zoology Dep, Giridih College, Giridih-815 301) : Toxicity of few pesticide to some fishes. Proc Zool Soc India 2010, 9(1), 89-97.

The study deals with the determination of medium tolerance limit (LC 50 values) for six pesticides namely - endosulfan, chlordane (organo - chlorine pesticides), malathion, ekalux EC 25 (organophosphate pesticides), carbofuran and carbaryl (carbamates pesticides) on 8 species of fishes namely - Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Channa punctatus, Channa gachua,. Puntius stigma, Puntius sophore, Cirrhina mrigala and Labeo rohita, commonly found in the fresh water bodies of Giridih area. Of these pesticides endosulfan was found to be most toxic and carbaryl was least toxic. Among the fishes, Clarias batrachus was found most resistant to all oesticides while Labeo rohita was most sensitive.

4 tables, 26 ref

004672   Newman S A;Bhat R;Mezentseva N V (Cell Biology and Anatomy Dep, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY10595, USA) : Cell state switching factors and dynamical patterning modules: complementary mediators of plasticity in development and evolution. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 553-72.

Ancient metazoan organisms arose from unicellular eukaryotes that had billions of years of genetic evolution behind them. The transcription factor networks present in single-celled ancestors at the origin of the Metazoa (multicellular animals) were already capable of mediating the switching of the unicellular phenotype among alternative states of gene activity in response to environmental conditions. Cell differentiation, therefore, had its roots in phenotypic plasticity, with the ancient regulatory proteins acquiring new targets over time and evolving into the "developmental transcription factors" (DTFs) of the "developmental-genetic toolkit." In contrast, the emergence of pattern formation and morphogenesis in the Metazoa had a different trajectory. Aggregation of unicellular metazoan ancestors changed the organisms' spatial scale, leading to the first "dynamical patterning module" (DPM): cell-cell adhesion. Following this, other DPMs (defined as physical forces and processes pertinent to the scale of the aggregates mobilized by a set of toolkit gene products distinct from the DTFs), transformed simple cell aggregates into hollow, multilayered, segmented, differentiated and additional complex structures, with minimal evolution of constituent genes. Like cell differentiation, therefore, metazoan morphologies also originated from plastic responses of cells and tissues. Here we describe examples of DTFs and most of the important DPMs, discussing their complementary roles in the evolution of developmental mechanisms. We also provide recently characterized examples of DTFs in cell type switching and DPMs in morphogenesis of avian limb bud mesenchyme, an embryo-derived tissue that retains a high degree of developmental plasticity.

4 illus, 2 tables, 180 ref