004671   Nagata T (Anatomy and Cell Biology Dep, Shinshu School of Medicien Univ, Matsumoto, Japan-390 8621, Email: nagatas@po.enet.ne.jp) : Electron microscopic radioautographic study on mitochondrial DNA synthesis in adrenal medullary cells of aging and senescent mice. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2049-58.

Studies the aging changes of intramitochondrial DNA synthesis of mouse adrenal cells, 8 groups of developing ddY mice, each consisting of 3 individuals, total 24, from fetal day 19 to postnatal newborn at day 1, 3, 9,14, adult at month 1, 2 and 6, were injected with ³H-thymidine, sacrificed 1 hr later and the liver tissues were fixed and processed for electron microscopic radioautography. The results were analyzed and published in the previous article. Then, other 2 groups of the same strain mice which lived longer, total 6, aged at postnatal month 12 and 24 (year 1 and 2) at senescence were treated the same as before. On electron microscopic radio auto grams obtained from each animal, number of mitochondria and the mitochondrial labeling index labeled with ³H-thymidine showing DNA synthesis in each adrenalin cell and noradrenalin cell, in the medulla, were counted and the results in respective aging groups were compared. From the results, it was observed that the numbers of mitochondria both adrenalin and noradrenalin cells in the adrenal medullae of mice at various ages did not increase from postnatal month 6 to 12 and 24, respectively, while the number of labeled mitochondria and the labeling indices of intramitochondrial DNA syntheses incorporating ³H-thymidine decreased from month 6 to 12 and 24 due to aging. It was seen that the activity of intramitochnodrial DNA synthesis in the adrenal medullary cells in developing and aging mice increased and decreased due to aging of animals.

5 illus, 79 ref

004670   Muthukumaravel K;Murthy A (P G Research, Zoology Dep, Khadir Mohideen College, Adirampattinam-614 701) : Blood glucose and hepatic glycogen interrelationships in Labeo rohita exposed to heavy metal chromium. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(4), 307-10.

Effect of chromium, heavy metal widely used in tannery industry was investigated on blood glucose and hepatic glycogen in Labeo rohita. L rohita were exposed to different concentrations of chromium for 96 h and percent mortality noted. LC₅₀ value for 96 h was 5.5 mg/l. One - tenth of LC₅₀ (0.55 mg/l) was selected as sub lethal concentration (SLC) for chronic studies (7, 14 & 21 days). When fish was exposed to 10% SLC of chromium for 21 days, the glycogen content in liver (-56.9) was decreased, but blood glucose level (+ 28.6%) was increased. Analysis of the data suggests that blood glucose and hepatic glycogen profiles can be used as indicators of pollution stress.

2 tables, 18 ref

004669   Murugan P (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Bharthidarsan University College, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu-621 107, Email: manomuruganphd@gmail.com) : Tanner's cassia (Cassia auriculata L.) extract prevents hemoglobin glycation and tail tendon collagen properties in experimental diabetic rat. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2109-14.

The study investigated the beneficial effect of Tanner's cassia (Cassia auriculta L) extract which prevents hemoglobin glycation and tail tendon collagen properties in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rats. The effects of an aqueous extract of Tanner's cassia and glybenclamide on plasma glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin and the collagen properties such as total collagen, extent of glycation, advanced glycation end product (AGE) linked fluorescence, lipid peroxidation (hydroperoxides), neutral salt, acid and pepsin soluble collagen were examined in tail tendon of control and experimental groups. Oral administration of Tanner's cassia (0.45 mg/kg/bw) aqueous extract and glibenglamide to diabetic rats for 45 days significantly reduced blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin with increased level of insulin and prevented the abnormalities of tail tendon collagen properties. The results showed that Tanner's cassia extract has antihyperglycaemic properties and prevents the abnormalities of collagen properties in tail tendon of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Tanner's cassia extract administration is more effective than glibenclamide.

2 illus, 2 tables, 53 ref

004668   Morange M (Centre Cavailles and IHPST, Ecole Normale Superieure, 29 rue d'Mlm, Paris Cedex 05, France-752 30) : How phenotypic plasticity made its way into molecular biology. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 495-501.

Phenotypic plasticity has been fashionable in recent years. It has never been absent from the studies of evolutionary biologists, although the availability of stable animal models has limited its role. Although opposed by the reductionist and deterministic approach of molecular biology, phenotypic plasticity has nevertheless recently made its way into this discipline, in particular through the limits of the molecular description. Its resurrection has been triggered by a small group of theoreticians, the rise of epigenetic descriptions and the publicized discovery of stem cell plasticity. The notion of phenotypic plasticity remains vague. History shows that too strong a belief in plasticity can be an obstacle to the development of biology. Two important questions are still pending: the link between the different forms of plasticity present at different levels of organization, and the relation, if any, between the modular organization of organisms and phenotypic plasticity. Future research will help to discriminate between possible and actual mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity, and to give phenotypic plasticity its real place in the living world.

39 ref

004667   Modassir Y;Ansari A (NO, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, Goa) : Laboratory culture of a ciliate, Fabrea salina using inert feed. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 1-4.

Protists play an important role in structuring food web and energetics because of their fast growth rate, and production. Post larvae and juveniles of decapoda thrive on live feed like Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia salina. Marine dilate Fabrea salina is a truly pelagic dilate with appropriate dimensions as live feed, which constitutes 50- 90% of total zooplankton communities in salt pans. It may prove to be better alternative to other live feed in aquaculture. Fabrea salina was cultured under laboratory condition. Three types of feed namely, fermented rice bran, fermented wheat bran and commercial yeast were used to test their suitability as feed for Fabrea salina. The test was done using different feeds prepared with sterile saline water of 10, 20 and 30 psu. The results showed better yield with fermented rice bran as compared to the other two feeds used. Maximum density of 64 individuals/ml with a concentration of 10ppm was seen in case of rice bran. In case of fermented wheat bran maximum density of 55 individuals/ml was observed in a concentration of 20 ppm and with yeast it was seen to be 48 individuals/ml with a concentration of 15 ppm. The number of individuals with all the three feeds was seen to decrease after a certain period of time in all concentrations.

3 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

004666   Mishra P K;Kumar D;Jaiswal L;Ashutosh Kumar; Singh B M K;Saran S K;Pandey J P;Prasad B C (Silkworm Physiology Laboratory, Central Tasar Research and Training Institute, P.O. Piska-Nagri, Ranchi) : Biochemical aspects of diapause preparation in ultimate instar of tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 253-60.

The haemolymph biochemical constituents like total protein, free amino acids, trehalose, glycerol and glycogen were estimated in ultimate instar larvae of Daba bivoltine ecorace of tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury in order to differentiate between non-diapause destined (NDD) and diapause destined (DD) generations and also to relate them with preparation for undergoing diapause. During phagoperiod of ultimate instar, presence of protein (35.119 mg/ml), trehalose (7.530 mg/ml) and glycerol (0.084 mg/ml) was significantly higher in males ofDD generation than NDD (protein- 6.384 mg/ml; trehalose 4.298 mg/ml; glycerol-0.029 mg/ml). Female larvae of DD generation had significantly higher level of protein (8.739 mg/ml), amino acids(4.976 mg/ml), trehalose (7.963 mg/ml) and glycerol (0.077 mg/ml) than female larvae of DD generation. A comparison between the sexes indicated that NDD male larvae had higher level of free amino acids than female larvae. Male larvae of DD generation had higher level of protein, free amino acids and trehalose than female larvae, while female larvae had higher level of glycerol than male larvae. It was observed that accumulation of trehalose takes place during mid instar phagoperiod in both NDD and DD generation. The level of protein was higher through out the phagoperiod with fluctuations. Concentration of glycogen was lower at the beginning of phagoperiod which gradually increases till it maturates in both the generations. The concentration of glycerol was higher during the beginning of instar and before gut purging. During the spinning period biochemical constituents, especially, amino acids (1.683 mg/ml), trehalose (34.857 mg/ml) and glycerol (240.833 microgram/ml) and glycogen (34.857 mg/ml) were significantly higher in the females of DD generation than NDD (amino acids 0.856 mg/ml; trehalose 15,858 mg/ml; glycogen 3.913 mg/ml; glycerol-0.029 mg/ml). DD female larvae had significantly higher level of amino acids (0.1.718mg/ml), glycogen (5.967 mg/ml) and glycerol (246.835 microgram/ml) than male larvae of DD generation. Significantly higher level of amino acid, proteins, trehalose, glycogen and glycerol were present in the haemolymph of males than females during non-diapause destined generation. Higher level of protein, amino acids and glycerol during ultimate ins ar male and female larvae of DD generation is indicative of their preparation for undergoing diapause in pupal stage as tasar silkworms build up its energy-reserve to skip unfavourable environmental conditions.

10 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

004665   Mishra P K;Dinesh Kumar;Jaiswal L;Ashutosh Kumar;Singh B M K;Sharan S K;Pandey J P;Prasad B C (Silkworm Physiology Laboratory, Central Tasar Research and Training Institute, Piska Nagri, Ranchi-835 303) : Role of haemolymph biochemical constituents and brain proteins in maintenance of pupal diapause in daba bivoltine ecorace of tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 243-52.

Tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is one of the commercially exploited non-mulberry silkworm in tropical India. Since time immemorial the aboriginals of India use to rear the silkworms in their natural abode besides collecting bulk of cocoons from the forest area. The diapausing Daba bivoltine pupae remain in facultative pupal diapause state for 7 to 8 months (Nov. -June). During diapause period erratic emergence of moths takes place besides pupal mortality, unsynchronised emergence of male and female moths. It is estimated that tropical tasar silkworm industry is faced with the problem of loss of seed material due to pupal mortality (10-20%) erratic (10-15%), un-seasonal (10-20%) and unsynchronised (10-20%) emergence. This leads to the losses during seed production and overall production/productivity. To understand the root cause of these the physiology of diapause needs to be studied at biochemical and molecular level in relation with environmental and nutritional factors responsible for induction and maintenance of diapause among population. Haemolymph is the only medium which caters to the energy reserves for any physiological mechanism in an insect. To explore the physiology of diapause to work out a temperature sensitive diapause termination state, the haemolymph biochemical parameters like glycerol, trehalose, glycogen, quantitative total proteins and free amino acids were estimated through out the pupal diapause period of Daba bivoltine ecorace. It was observed that the level of protein was high through out the diapause period. At the fag end of diapause at 190 to 200 days age of pupae, depletion in the level of protein was observed. The amino acids levels showed a fluctuating trend through out diapause development. Accumulation of glycogen was observed through out diapause period and it went down once pupae attained the age of 190 to 200 days. Resumption in the level of glycogen was observed once adult emergence was nearing by 215 to 220 days. Similarly, through out diapause period the accumulation of Glycerol in the haemolymph was observed which went down when pupae attained the age of 190 to 200 days. Contrary to this, the level of trehalose remained at low through diapause period and went up at 190 to 200 days of age of pupae. These findings indicate that when diapausing pupae of Daba bivoltine pupae attain the age of 195 to 200 days a shift is observed from deeper diapause state to diapause termination. This stage can be exploited for low temperature treatment to regulate the emergence of moths in grainages in order to have more couplings and enhanced egg production. Studies in this direction are under progress. Pupal diapause is mediated by the brain prothracicotropic complex and non-receipt of brain signals in the form PTTH leads to pupal diapause in adverse seasons in insects. Hence through SDS PAGE presence of brain proteins were also studied. It was found that in diapausing generation, in early diapause period (Day 0 to day 15) and mid diapause period (Day 30 to Day 150) and late diapause period (Day 150 to165) and during termination period of diapause development period (day 180 to day 210) accumulation of four diapause specific proteins having molecular weight range of 80, 46, 38 (female specific), 31 and 18kDa was observed. These proteins were not present in non-diapausing generation. At the fag end of diapause period (after day 195 and at Day 210), the brain proteins profile was alike in both non-diapause and diapause destined generations.

14 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

004664   Liu X;Zuo K;Zhang F;Li Y;Xu J;Zhang L;Sun X; Tang K (Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Shanghai-200 240) : Identification and expression profile of GbAGL2, a C-class gene from Gossypium barbadense. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 941-51.

An AGAMOUS (AG)-like gene, GbAGL2, was isolated from Gossypium barbadense and characterized. Alignment - and phylogenetic analysis indicated that GbAGL2 shared high homology with AG-subfamily genes and belonged to a C-class gene family. DNA gel blot analysis showed that GbAGL2 belonged to a low-copy gene family. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed that GbAGL2 was highly expressed in reproductive tissues including ovules and carpels, but barely expressed in vegetative tissues. In addition, GbAGL2 expression in a cotton cultivar XuZhoul42 (wt) (XZ142, G. hirsutum L.) and its fibreless mutant XZ142 (fl) was examined. RNA in situ hybridization analysis indicated that GbAGL2 transcripts were preferentially restricted to outer ovule integuments, carpels and fibres. These expression patterns implied that GbAGL2 might participate in the development of the carpel and ovule. Furthermore, Arabidopsis transformation was performed and modifications occurred in flowers, and the silique length of transgenic plants also increased slightly, suggesting that the GbAGL2 gene may have a positive effect on the development of the ovary or ovule. Our findings suggest that GbAGL2 might not only specify the identity of floral organs but also play a potential key role in ovary or fibre development in cotton.

8 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

004663   Khan S;Karim A;Iqbal S (School of Science ans Engineering, Lohore Management Sciences Univ, Lahore-547 92, Email: shahidkh@iums.edu.pk) : Helicobacter urease: niche construction at the single molecule level. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 503-11.

The urease of the human pathogen, Helicobacter pylori, is essential for pathogenesis. The ammonia produced by the enzyme neutralizes stomach acid; thereby modifying its environment. The dodecameric enzyme complex has high affinity for its substrate, urea. Auther compared urease sequences and derivative 3D homology model structures from all published Helicobacter genomes and an equal number of genomes belonging to strains of another enteric bacterium, Escherichia coli. Auther found that the enzyme's architecture adapts to fit its niche. This finding, coupled to a survey of other physiological features responsible for the bacterium's acid resistance, suggests how it copes with pH changes caused by disease onset and progression.

5 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

004662   Kazmi N;Pandey S K (P.G. Zoology Dep, Feroze Gandhi (P.G.) College, Rae Bareli-229 001) : Comparative histopathological studies with the effects of Clerodendron siphonanthus (R.Br.) Andrographis paniculata (Nees.) on reproductive organs of male albino rats. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 131-5.

The oral administration of alcoholic extract of C. siphonanthus (R. Br.) and A. paniculata (Nees.) leaf extract at the dose level of 250 and 500 mg./kg. body weight/day for 30 and 60 days brought a significant decrease in the weights oftestis and epididymis of albino rats. Administration of 250 mg./kg. dose of both the plant extracts for 30 days mildly affected the histoarchitecture of the testes and epididymis. But administration of 500 mg./kg. body weight/day dose for 60 days produced significant reduction in the size of the tubules and marked degeneration of spermatozoa. On comparing the effects of both the plants it was found that A. paniculata (Nees.) revealed more drastic effects on testes and epididymis of albino rats as compared to C. siphonanthus. The LD₅₀ for both the plants was more than 1 gm./kg.

11 illus, 16 ref

004661   Kannan K;Rajasekaran G;Raveen R (Zoology Dep, Government Arts College, Ariyalur-621 713) : Fungal analysis of soil samples colected in and around a sugar mill in Tamil Nadu. J Ecobiol 2009, 24(1), 97-100.

Soil samples obtained from different areas in and around a sugar mill in Kumbakonam Taluk, Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu were analysed for fungal composition and population density. Species diversity and population density of soil fungi were highly reduced at the polluted pressmud dumping sites with the presence of six species namely Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. quercinus, A. nidulans, A. luchensis and Penicillium sp. with a low population density of 16 x 10⁴, whereas, in moderately polluted areas around the factory revealed five species (A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. nidulans & Rhizopus sp.) with a population density of 33 x 104 CFU. Unpolluted areas away from the sugar mill yielded seven species, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A, oryzae, A. versicolor, A. sulphureus, A. ustus and Lecanicillium sp. with a high population density of 38 x 106 CFU.

1 table, 7 ref

004660   Kaneko K (Pure and Applied Sciences Dep, Tokyo Univ, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo-153 8902) : Relationship among phenotypic plasticity, phenotypic fluctuatios, robustness, and evolvability; Weddington's legacy revisited under the spirit of Einstein. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 529-42.

Questions on possible relationship between phenotypic plasticity and evolvability, and that between robustness and evolution have been addressed over decades in the field of evolution-development. Based on laboratory evolution experiments and numerical simulations of gene expression dynamics model with an evolving transcription network, proposes quantitative relationships on plasticity, phenotypic fluctuations, and evolvability. By introducing an evolutionary stability assumption on the distribution of phenotype and genotype, the proportionality among phenotypic plasticity against environmental change, variances of phenotype fluctuations of genetic and developmental origins, and evolution speed is obtained. The correlation between developmental robustness to noise and evolutionary robustness to mutation is analysed by simulations of the gene network model. These results provide quantitative formulation on canalization and genetic assimilation, in terms of fluctuations of gene expression levels.

4 illus, 55 ref

004659   Kamatchi P A C;Arunkumar J (Zoology Dep, Pachaiyappa's College for Men, Kanchipuram-631 501) : Mentha spicata as a biocide for early shoot borer of sugar cane. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(1), 93-6.

Effect of different concentrations (1000,750, 500, 250 & 125 ppm) of Mentha spicata on shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) has been studied in selected solvents under laboratory condition. At 1000 ppm concentration of M..spicata, shoot borer larvae showed the highest mortality (18.5-24.5%) in all solvents. Effective treatment such as M. spicata extracts with Acetone was selected and studied for their impact on protein profile in the juvenile of C. infuscatellus by electrophoresis method. Reduction of storage protein band (0.00) and some other protein bands were observed in the haemolymph protein of early shoot borer. This reduction of protein bands may be due to the impact of M. spicata extract. This protein profile changes in this larvae may have resulted in the highest mortality (24.5-24.9%) in the first day after treatment even in the lower concentration (125 ppm) in all solvents. Thus, M. spicata extracts were effective insecticide and may be recommended for sugarcane pest C. infuscatellus.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

004658   Juliya R F;Sudheendrakumar V V;Varma R V (Forest Protection Div, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653, Email: juliyaranifrancis@yahoo.com) : Laboratory evaluation of four fungal pathogens against the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). J biol Control 2009, 23(3), 285-93.

Effect of four entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and Metarhizium anisopliae, isolated from different host insects, was tested in the laboratory against the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae) to assess their virulence and efficiency. Five different concentrations, 2xl0⁶, 4xl0⁶, 6xl0⁶, 8xl0⁶ and 1xl0⁷ conidia ml^-1 were directly and indirectly applied onto third instar larvae of H, puera. All the four fungi tested under both application methods were pathogenic to H. puera with higher efficiency in direct application than indirect application. At 9 days after exposure, the mean per cent mortality obtained was 100, 93.02, 93.02 and 66.74%, respectively, for B. bassiana, B. brongniartii, P. fumosoroseus and M. anisopliae at the highest concentration of 1 x 10⁷ conidia ml-1 in direct application. Mortality of the larvae varied according to the concentration of conidia, method of application and fungi. The lowest LC₅₀ (1.89 x 10⁶ conidia ml-1) and LT₅₀ (91.18 hr) values obtained for B. bassiana in direct application showed that B. bassiana was more pathogenic to H. puera than the other three fungi.

2 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

004657   Joymatidevi L (Zoology Dep, Post Graduate Centre, DMC of Science, Imphal, Manipur) : Pathogenicity of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on two different indigenous plants of Manipur. Indian J Nematol 2009, 39(1), 122-5.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

004656   Hooda S (Genetics Lab, Bio Sciences Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: santoshhooda@gmail.com) : Resistance of Drosophila species to desiccation and starvation tolerance at high temperatures. J Ecobiol 2009, 25(4), 385-90.

Starvation and desiccation tolerance were studied at different temperatures (31, 33 & 36°C) in three cosmopolitan Drosophila species, simulating the conditions of extreme temperature and humidity, which they observe seasonally in their natural habitats. It was found that with increase in temperatures, starvation tolerance decreases linearly but the desiccation tolerance decreases non linearly. For different Drosophila species, 80 to 90% trait variability resulted due to thermal changes. Sexual dimorphism was significantly higher for starvation tolerance than desiccation resistance. Interestingly, at higher ambient temperatures (30 to 36°C), Drosophila species can mitigate the deleterious effects due to starvation as well as desiccation stress. The data on stress resistance in tropical species and populations evidence species specific adaptations.

4 tables, 6 ref

004655   Hevia E;Paz Lugo P D;Cornish Bowden A; Cardenas M L (De Investigation Cientifica Dep, Instituto del Metabolismo Celular, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Email: emelhevia@metabolismo.ws) : Weeak link in metabolism: the metabolic capacity for glycine biosynthesis dose not satisfy the need for collagen synthesis. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 853-72.

In a previous paper, we pointed out that the capability to synthesize glycine from serine is constrained by the stoichiometry of the glycine hydroxymethyltransferase reaction, which limits the amount of glycine produced to be no more than equimolar with the amount of C₁ units produced. This constraint predicts a shortage of available glycine if there are no adequate compensating processes. Here, we test this prediction by comparing all reported fluxes for the production and consumption of glycine in a human adult. Detailed assessment of all possible sources of glycine shows that synthesis from serine accounts for more than 85% of the total, and that the amount of glycine available from synthesis, about 3 g/day, together with that available from the diet, in the range 1.5-3.0 g/day, may fall significantly short of the amount needed for all metabolic uses, including collagen synthesis by about 10 g per day for a 70 kg human. This result supports earlier suggestions in the literature that glycine is a semi-essential amino acid and that it should be taken as a nutritional supplement to guarantee a healthy metabolism.

11 illus, 4 tables, 118 ref

004654   Gupta B D (Forensic Medicine Dep, M.P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar) : Introduction to stem cells and debate surrounding them. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2009, 31(3), 267-73.

Stem cells and their types are defined. From sourcing of oocytes for stem cells ethical disputes begins which remains continuous throughout. There are two schools of thoughts; one, pro choicers (those who favour stem cell research), second, pro lifers (those who think other wise). There are various areas of ethical dispute in the field of stem cell research like, consent for oocyte donation, use of stem cells, preservation of stem cell lines, destruction of ova, embryo and so on. At the same time, when does life begin? Does the primitive live organism attain personhood? Stem cell therapy is useful in some of the diseases. But the benefits versus risks must be carefully assessed. All said and done, stem cell research is still in the form of research and its therapy form would take few decades more, but there is a creation of media of hype around stem cell research as if the stem cell therapy is round the corner.

8 ref

004653   Ginsburg S;Jablonka E (Natural Science Dep, Open Israel Univ, POB 808, Raanana, Israel, Email: simona@openu.ac.il) : Epigenetic learning in non-neural organisms. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 633-46.

Learning involves a usually adaptive response to an input (an external stimulus or the organism's own behaviour) in which the input-response relation is memorized; some physical traces of the relation persist and can later be the basis of a more effective response. Using toy models we show that this characterization applies not only to the paradigmatic case of neural learning, but also to cellular responses that are based on epigenetic mechanisms of cell memory. The models suggest that the research agenda of epigenetics needs to be expanded.

4 illus, 65 ref

004652   Gajare K A;Deshmukh A A (Zoology Dep, Goverment Rajaram College, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: kavita_kanu@rediffmail.com) : Phylogenetic analysis of enzyme aromatase in selected species of reptiles. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2169-71.

Aromatase is an enzyme, which converts androgen to estrogen and plays a key role in temperature sensitive sex determination. Sequences of aromatase protein from six different reptiles viz. Trachemys scripta (red eared slider turtle), Chrysemys picta, Apalone mutica, Alligator mississippiensis, Eublephoris macularius and Aspidoscelis uniparens were obtained from NCBI protein database and were compared with each other and with the sequences of Aromatase of Callus gallus, Mus musculus and Homo sapiens by drawing a phylogenetic tree. The results show variation in aromatase protein, which can be correlated with variation in pattern of primary sex determination in these organisms.

1 illus, 12 ref

004651   Fernandes S;Tuohy M G;Murray P G (Molecular Glycobiotechnology Group, Biochemistry, School of Natural Sciences, National Ireland Univ, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, Email: patrick.murray@lit.ie) : Xylose reductase from the termophilic fungus Talaromyces emersonii: cloning and heterologous expression of the native gene (Texr) and a double mutant (Texr<. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 881-90.

Xylose reductase is involved in the first step of the fungal pentose catabolic pathway. The gene encoding xylose rcductase (Texr) was isolated from the thermophilic fungus Talaromyces emersonii, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Texr encodes a 320 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 36 kDa, which exhibited hiuh sequence identity with other xylose reductase sequences and was shown to be a member of the aldoketoreductase (AK.R) superfamily with a preference for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as coenzyme. Given the potential application of xylose reductase enzymes that preferentially utilize the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) rather than NADPH in the fermentation of five carbon sugars by nenetically engineered microorganisms, the coenzyme selectivity of TeXR was altered by site-directed mutagenesis. The TeXR^K271R+N273D double mutant displayed an altered coenzyme preference with a 16-fold improvement in NADH utilization relative to the wild type and therefore has the potential to reduce redox imbalance of xylose fermentation in recombinant S. cerevisiae strains. Expression of Texr was shown to be inducible by the same carbon sources responsible for the induction of genes encoding enzymes relevant to lignocellulose hydrolysis, suggesting a coordinated expression of intracellular and extracellular enzymes relevant to hydrolysis and metabolism of pentose sugars in T. emersonii in adaptation to its natural habitat. This indicates a potential advantage in survival and response to a nutrient-poor environment.

3 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

004650   Chauhan P;Sharma R;Ashok Kumar (Chemistry Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002) : Monitoring of lead and cadmium from the head hair samples of human beings of Mainpuri region, India. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(1), 69-73.

A study of hair analysis was made in the population of Manipuri to monitor lead and cadmium. Head hair samples of 175 subjects have been analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations of cadmium have been found significantly higher in the subjects reside on roadside area (RS) (140 mg/g) than in those of commercial areas (CA) (1.06 mg/g), remote residential areas (RRA) (1.27 mg/g) and residential areas (RA) (1.37 mg/g). Cadmium concentration in alcoholic (1.0 mg/g), smoking (1.06 mg/g), vegetarian (1.4) and tobacco consumer subjects (1.04) were found to be higher than that of the non-alcoholic (0.97), non-smoking (0.93), non-vegetarian (1.0) and non-tobacco subjects (0.92). Lead concentrations in non-alcoholic (18.5 mg/g), smoking (20.0 mg/g), vegetarian (27.5) and tobacco subjects (21.5) were found to be higher than that of alcoholic (16.6), non-smoking (17.7), non-vegetarian (15.2) and non-tobacco subjects (16.5). While the mean concentration of lead have been found significantly higher in roadside areas (26.84) than in residential areas (25.60), commercial areas (13.68) and remote residential areas (18.90).

1 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

004649   Chaudhary K (Botany and Industrial Microbiology Dep, Pt. N.P.G. College, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, Email: chaudhary.kavita41@gmail.com) : Effect of vam-rhizobium interaction on root colonization, growth, nutrient uptake, and yield in green gram (Vigna radiata var. tarm-1) at different phosphate levels under field conditions. Biozone 2010, 2(1-2), 348-56.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dual inoculation of Rhizobium (K) and Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi(VAM) Glomus- mosseae (G) on colonization, growth, yield, and nutrient uptake on Vigna radiata (var. TARM-1) at different levels of phosphate applied at the rate of O (PI), 30 (P2), 60 (P3), kg. ha-1 as single superphosphate, Nitrogen and Potassium was applied at recommended level as urea (20 kg. ha-1), and muriate of potash (20 kg. ha-1). Vigna radiala was grown in nonfumigated soil either with or without G. mosseae. However, all the seeds were treated with Rhizobium. Maximum root colonization (95%) was observed in the Glomus Rhizobium Phosphate (GRP2), whereas the least was noted in Rhizobium Phosphate (RP3 -22%). Higher dose of phosphorus did not affect the colonization in inoculated plots. Dual inoculation significantly increased the plant dry weight, chlorophyll and grain yield. Dual inoculated plants showed higher nodule number/weight. Nitrogen and Phosphate content.

8 illus, 1 tables, 13 ref

004648   Cafri Pavia F;Turturici G;Geraci F;Brucato V; Carrubba V L;Luparello C;Sconzo G (Di Ingegneria Chimica Dei Processi e Dei Materiali Dep, Viale Delle Scienze 90128 Palermo, Italy, Email: gasc@unipa.it) : Porous poly (L-lactic acid) scaffolds are optimal substrates for internal colonization by A6 mesoangioblasts and immunocytochemical analyses. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 873-9.

In this study, mouse mesoangioblasts were seeded onto bidimensional matrices within three-dimensional porous scaffolds of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), in the presence or absence of a type I collagen coating. The cells were observed under a scanning electron microscope and tested for their adhesion, survival and proliferation. Immunolocalization of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, an abundant and ubiquitous intracellular protein in these cells, was also performed in sectioned cell-containing scaffolds under a confocal fluorescence microscope to determine if in situ analysis of intracellular constituents was feasible. The data show that PLLA films allow direct cell adhesion and represent an optimal support for cell growth, and that the internal surfaces of PLLA polymeric sponges can be colonized by mesoangioblasts, which can be submitted for in situ confocal microscopic analyses for possible monitoring of time-dependent expression of differentiation markers.

5 illus, 20 ref

004647   Braendle C;Felix M A (Institute of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Nice Sophia-Antipolis Univ, UMR6543-CNRS, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice cedex 2, France) : Other side of phenotypic plasticity: a development system that generates an invariant phenotype despite environmental variation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 543-51.

Understanding how the environment impacts development is of central interest in developmental and evolutionary biology. On the one hand, we would like to understand how the environment induces phenotypic changes (the study of phenotypic plasticity). On the other hand, we may ask how a development system maintains a stable and precise phenotypic output despite the presence of environmental variation. We study such developmental robustness to environmental variation using vulval cell fate patterning in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a study system. Here we review both mechanistic and evolutionary aspects of these studies, focusing on recently obtained experimental results. First, we present evidence indicating that vulval formation is under stabilizing selection. Second, we discusss quantitative data on the precision and variability in the output of the vulval developmental system in different environments and different genetic backgrounds. Third, we illustrate how environmental and genetic variation modulate the cellular and molecular processes underlying the formation of the vulva. Fourth, we discuss the evolutionary significance of environmental sensitivity of this developmental system.

3 illus, 58 ref

004646   Borges R M (Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: renee@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Phenotypic plasticity and longevity in plants and animals: cause and effect?. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 605-11.

Immobile plants and immobile modular animals outlive unitary animals. Discusses competing but not necessarily mutually exclusive theories to explain this extreme longevity, especially from the perspective of phenotypic plasticity. Stem cell immortality, vascular autonomy, and epicormic branching are some important features of the phenotypic plasticity of plants that contribute to their longevity. Monocarpy versus polycarpy can also influence the kind of senescent processes experienced by plants. How density-dependent phenomena affecting the establishment of juveniles in these immobile organisms can influence the evolution of senescence, and consequently longevity, is reviewed and discussed. Whether climate change scenarios will favour long-lived or short-lived organisms, with their attendant levels of plasticity, is also presented.

79 ref

004645   Binitha V S;Lazar K V;Mohamed U V K (Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635) : Effect of trivalent antimony on amylse activity in the gut of heteropteran bug, Iphita limbata. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(3), 259-63.

Oral administration of 5 mM solution of trivak-m antimony to the Heleropteran plant bug. Iphita limbata, showed an inhibition of its gut amylase activity. Amylase activity of the bug dropped to 48% on the 8th day of treatment which remained more or less the same over a period of 18 days of administration. A Lineweavcr-Burk double reciprocal plot for the substrate starch and starch with antimony showed an apparent Km value of 0.012% for both indicating a non-competitive type of inhibition of amylase of the whole gut of the bug by the compound.

2 illus, 15 ref

004644   Bikshapathi V;Surender Reddy K;Benarjee G (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Uptake of nutrients by the parasite Fischoederias cobboldi under anaerobic condition. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(1), 13-18.

The uptake of the nutrients such as Glucose, Galactosc, Fructose, Mannose and Ribosc (monosaccharides) by the parasite Fischoederias cobboldi has been studied in vitro under anaerobic condition. The rale of absorption of the nutrients by the parasite is increased (At the end of 24 & 48 h, 95 & 82%' of glucose, 93.5% & 77% of galaclose, 19.8 & 7.8% of fructose. 88 & 75% of mannose absorbed by the parasite) in the anaerobic state. The rate of uptake and mobilization of sugars is higher in the anaerobic condition which is correlated with the predominant anaerobic metabolism of the parasites.

5 illus, 17 ref

004643   Bhullar S;Chakravarthy S;Pental D;Burma R K (Genetics Dep, Delhi Univ, South Compus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: pburma@hotmail.com) : Analysis of promoter activity in transgenic plants by normalizing expression with a reference gene: anomalies due to the influnence of the test promoter on the reference promoter. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(6), 953-62.

Variations in transgene expression due to position effect and copy number are normalized when analysing and Cpmparing the strengths of different promoters. In such experiments, the promoter to be tested is placed upstream to a reporter gene and a second expression cassette is introduced in a linked fashion in the same transfer DNA (T-DNA). Normalization in the activity of the test promoter is carried out by calculating the ratio of activities of the test and reference promoters. When an appropriate number of independent transgenic events are analysed, normalization facilitates assessment of the relative strengths of the test promoters being compared. In this study, using different modified versions of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter expressing the reporter gene β-glucuwnidase (gus} (test cassette) linked to a chloramphenicol acetyl trans/erase (cat) gene under the wild-type 35S promoter (reference cassette) in transgenic tobacco lines, we observed that cat gene expression varied depending upon the strength of the modified 35S promoter expressing the gus gene. The 35S promoter in the reference cassette was found to have been upregulated in cases where the modified 35S promoter was weaker than the wild-type 35S promoter. Many studies have been carried out in different organisms to study the phenomenon of transcriptional interference, which refers to the reduced expression of the downstream promoter by a closely linked upstream promoter. However, we observed a positive interaction wherein the weakened activity of a promoter led to upregulation of a contiguous promoter. These observations suggest that, in situations where the promoters of the test and reference gene share the same transcription factors, the activity of the test promoter can influence the activity of the reference promoter in a way that the test promoter's strength is underestimated when normalized by the reference promoter.

7 illus, 34 ref

004642   Bhat P J;Iyer R S (Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technolog, Mumbai-400 076) : Epigenetics of the yeast galactose genetic switch. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(4), 513-22.

The transcriptional activation of enzymes involved-in galactose utilization (GAL genes) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by a complex interplay between three regulatory proteins encoded by GAL4 (transcriptional activator), GALS (signal transducer) and GAL80 (represser). The relative concentrations of the signal transducer and the represser are maintained by autoregulation. Cells disabled for autoregulation exhibit phenotypes distinctly different from that of the wild type cells, enabling us to explore the biological significance of autoregulation. The redundancy in signal transduction due to the presence of GAL1 (alternate signal transducer) also makes it a suitable model to understand the phenomenon of epigenetics. In this article author review some of the recent attempts made to understand the importance of epigenetics in the establishment of cellular and transcriptional memory.

6 illus, 21 ref

004641   Bhagya D;Prema L;Rajamohan T (Biochemistry Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom Campus, Trivandrum, Kerala, Email: t.rajamohan2010@gmail.com) : Beneficial effects of tender coconut water on blood pressure and lipid levels in experimental hypertension. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2139-44.

The study evaluated the effect of tender coconut water (TCW) given by gastric intubation on systolic blood pressure, serum and tissue lipids in fructose induced hypertensive rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed fructose rich diet and were treated with TCW (4ml/100 g of body weight) for 3 subsequent weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured every three days using the indirect tail cuff method. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in fructose fed rats (p <60> 0.05) as compared to controls. When such rats were treated with tender coconut water the blood pressure was under control. The levels of serum and tissue lipids were also higher in hypertensive rats as compared to controls. However, treatment with TCW reduced the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids both in serum and tissues. The results suggest that, TCW treatment could prevent and reverse high blood pressure induced by the diet rich in fructose probably by its hypolipidemic effects.

6 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

004640   Beena P J;Asir Selin Kumar R (Botany P.G. Researach Dep, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu) : Antibacterial activity of Ocimum sanctum against isolated pathogens of human throat. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(2), 187-92.

Aqueous extracts of leaves and stems of Ocimum sanctum were prepared afresh and used for immuno-response studies against throat pathogens of man. Fifty percent of throat infected patients had α-Streptococci infection, 30% had S. aureus, 10% had Klebsiella sp. 5% had β-streptococci and 5% had Haemophilias. The screening of extracts on antibacterial activity showed the highest zone of inhibition (19 mm) for Salmonella aureus against green leaf extract than that of the purple stem extract (18 mm), while the other pathogens isolated had shown varied zones of inhibition. But no sensitivity was shown against green leaf extract for Haemophillus. The present study reveals that O. sanctum extracts of leaf/ stem of both green and purple types of plants can be used to control the virulence of these pathogens as a prophylactic agent.

4 tables, 20 ref

004639   Anil Kumar M;Krishna Reddy M;Sarangapni M (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of ethyl-1-(5-bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-met hyl-2-oxo-6-phenyl pyrimidine-5-carboxylate compound on proteins, free amino acids and lipid contents in tissues of male albino rats. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (3-4), 199-202.

The study was carried out on the effect of ethyl - 1-(5-bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino) -1,2,3,6 -tetrahydm - 4 - methyl - 2- oxo -6-phenyl pyrimidine -5- carboxylate compound on total proteins, free amino acids and total lipid contents in different tissues of male rats. In order to assess the biochemical changes in testis, brain, heart, kidney and liver of rats, estimation of total proteins, free amino acids and total lipids has been under taken. The treatment did cause a mild change in proteins, free amino acid levels and total lipid contents in reproductive and somatic tissues of treated rats and the result showed a mild decrease in total protein levels, but in contrast to the same treatment caused a mild increase in free amino acids and total lipid levels.

1 table, 18 ref

004638   Angel Arul John N;Sriram S;Sri Lakshmi J K; Meenaa V (Biochemistry Dep, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College, Tiruchirappalli-620 005) : Gastroprotective role of Vitex negundo Linn. in albino rats with aspirin induced ulcer. J Cell Tissue Res 2010, 10(1), 2085-90.

In the study, the gastroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Vitex negundo (L) against the gastric mucosal damage induced by aspirin was studied in albino rats. Aspirin was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 80mg/kg body weight to induce ulcer and the resultant elevated levels of lipid peroxide was taken as an index of oxidative stress. The gastroprotective effect of V. negundo (L) was observed at an oral dose of200mg/kg body weight administered for 18 days before ulcer induction. The effect of V. negundo (L) on the levels of RBC, WBC, Proteins, carbohydrates, lipidperoxidase, super oxide dismutase and glutathione were investigated in ulcer induced rats and the results revealed that V. negundo (L) has a pivotal role in treating ulcer.

3 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

004637   Anandi M;Santhaguru K (Cent Res P.G. Botany Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Effect of dual inoculation with fluorescent Pseudomonads and Rhizobium on Pongamia glabra. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(1), 46-56.

Rhizobium isolate and a fluroscent pseudomonad isolate were inoculated individually and in combination on the seedlings of Pongamia glabra grown in uninfected and Rhizoctonia solani infected soils. The dual inoculation of the isolates has significantly affected root length, shoot length, total fresh weight and total dry weight of P. glabra more in the uninfected soils than in the infected soils. The effects measured 59.0 aqnd 35.8 cm for root length, 52.7 and 32.3 cm for shoot length, 7.23 and 1.5 g/plant for total fresh weight and 4.7 and 1.0 g/plant for total dry weight. Higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus content was recorded in the root and shoot of the seedlings of Pongamia glabra grown in the uninfected soils. The soil nitrogen, phosphorus, bacterial population and soil enzymes were also more in the uninfected soils due to dual inoculation. However, the effect of dual inoculation both under infected and uninfected soils was considerably high than the control on all the parameters considered.

4 tables, 11 ref

004636   Anandi M;Santhaguru K (Centre for Research and P.G. Botany Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Effect of rhizobial isolates on growth and biomass production in leguminous trees. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(4), 319-30.

Ten Rhizobium isolates were screened from the root nodules collected from ten leguminous trees. The isolates were inoculated on the seedlings of Acasia nilotica, A.mangium, Albizia amara, A, lebbeck, D.sisoo, Pithecellobium dulci. Pongamia glahra, P.juliflora and Sainanea saman. The Rhizobium isolates were inoculated on seedlings of ten leguminous trees and their effect cm root length, shoot length and total dry weight was studied. The isolates were found to influence not only their specific host but also other leguminous trees. The isolate POG 09 has influenced shoot length and total dry weight of all the ten trees. It has influenced shoot length (16.0 to 35.5 cm) and total dry weight (0.33 to 1.58 g/plant) in ail the ten leguminous tree seedlings and root length in eight trees ( 17.2 to 37.5 cm). Isolate Sasl2 stood second in influencing roof length (13.2 to 28.7 cm) and shoot length (14.0 to 28.2 cm) in five trees. Lel07, as the second best isolate, has influenced total dry weight in six trees and the weight ranged from 0.23 to 0,706 g/plant.

8 tables, 18 ref

004635   Anandi M;Santhaguru K (Centre for Research and P.G. Botany Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai-625 009) : Influence of fluorescent pseudomonad isolates on growth and biomass production in leguminous trees. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2009, 19(3), 291-8.

Ten fluorescent Pseudomonad isolates namely the PsF03, PsF04.PsF06, PsF 11, PsF 15, PsF 16, PsF31, PsF33, PsF53 and PsF82 were screened from the rhizosphere soils of leguminous trees collected from Palani taluk, Tamil Nadu. The isolates were inoculated to the seedlings of Acacia nilotica. A.mangiuin, Albizia ciinaru. A.lebbcck, Dalbergia sisoo, Leuceami leucocephala, Pithecellobiuni child, Pongamia glabra, Prosopis juliflora and Sanianea sanian and their influence on root length, shoot length and total dry weight was studied. All the ten isolates have significantly influenced the root and shoot length and total dry weight in all the leguminous tree seedlings. PsF04 (38.3 cm) and PsF 16 (36.3cm) were the most effective isolate in influencing the root length of Pongamia iflubra (38.33 cm). PsF04 (36.0 cm) and PsF 16 (34.0 cm) were the most effective isolate in influencing the shoot length of P. glabra. PsF04 (0.9g), PsF16 (0.8g) and PsF33 (0.8g) were the most effective isolates in influencing the total dry weight of the P. glabra. Among the ten isolates PsF04, PsF 16 and PsF33 were the most effective isolates in influencing the root length, shoot length and total dry weight of these leguminous trees.

4 tables, 17 ref

004634   Agwuocha S;Kulkarni B G;Panedy A K (Zoology Dep, Thakur College of Science & Commerce, Mumbai-400 101) : Histopathological alterations in gill of intertidal clam, Gafrarium divaricatum, exposed chronically to xylene, benzene and gear oil-WSF. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2009, (1-2), 37-42.

Gafrarium divaricatum were exposed to the chronic concentrations of xylene (4.25 and 8.50mg/l), benzene (4.35 and 8.70 mg/l) and gear oil-WSF (1 and 2%) for 30 days. Gill of the control clam comprised a pair of demibranchs dividing the pallial cavity into inhalant and exhalent chambers. Each demibranch was formed of two lamellae which were held together by connective tissue junctions. The lamellae were made up of ciliary filaments through which pass branchial blood vessels. The filament, tubular structure made up of epithelial cells, showed a pair of chitinous rods and 3 sets of cilia - lateral cilia, latero-frontal cilia and frontal cilia. Histo-pathological alterations in gills of clams exposed to varying concentration of the pollutants included widening of ostial spaces, vacuolization of basal part of filaments, sloughing off ciliary portions and skeletal rods of gill filaments. Lysis of epithelial cells and epithelial layer, complete degeneration of gill filaments and development of necrotic tissue, change in regular tubular shape of filaments, loss of inter-filamental junctions, invasion of hemocytes and widening of inter-filamental space were also observed. However, the histo-pathological damage in gills were most severe in clams exposed to higher concentration of xylene.

12 illus, 36 ref

023506   Wani A A;Sahi D N (P.G. Dep of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu-180 006, Email: ajjusania@yahoo.com) : Altitudinal variation of avifauna of tehsil Doda (district: Doda) of J&K State. J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 195-8.

An Avian survey was carriedout in tehsil Doda (Distt. Doda) of J&K State which lies in Pir Panchal range of the Himalya sretches between 32° 55" and 33° 33" North latitude and 75° 21" and 75° 45" East longitude with an altitude ranging between 900 metre to 4200 metre. The temperature shows variations during the winter and summer season with an annual rain fall is 95 cm per annum. The study documents 41 species of birds with their altitudinal variation in the study area. Of the 41 species 27 species of birds are confined to the study area throughout the year and 14 species were reported as summer migrants. But some species shows extended range of distribution in the study area.

1 table, 4 ref

023505   Varsha Singh;Joshi D;Srivastava S;Shukla S (Reproductive Biology and Toxilogy Laboratory, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: dr_sshukla@hotmail.com) : Effect of monothiol along with antioxidant against mercury-induced oxidative stress in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1037-44.

Efficacy of thiol chelators viz. N-acetyl cysteine and D-peniciilamine (NAC and DPA) along with nutritional supplements viz. zinc acetate, sodium selenite and magnesium sulphate (Zn, Se and Mg) in the treatment of mercury intoxication was investigated in rats. This is of particular interest since high bonding affinity between mercuric ion and the thiol group exits. The mutual antagonism of mercury and selenium is one of the strongest examples of the interaction in the trace element field. Adult rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were administered a bolus dose of dimethyl mercury (10 mg/kg) orally. A significant rise in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyltranspeptidase, bilirubin and creatinine were observed. Single mercury exposure also resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxides with a concomitant decrease in reduced glutathione level in liver, kidney and brain. A decrease in the enzymatic activities of acetyl cholinesterase in different regions of the brain was observed. These parameters were restored considerably with chelating agents along with nutritional supplementation, but NAC+Se and DPA+Mg offered significant protection in comparison with other combinations.

15 ilus, 3 tables, 30 ref

023504   Utekar A Y;Jadhav U;Upadhye M V (Dep of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, Santacruz (East), Mumbai-400 098) : Community centered conservation of biological heritage-a model of Kanakeshwar sacred grove. J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 203-7.

Sacred groves are biological heritage, conserved as a cultural and religious tradition of dedicating forest patches to various deities. They are jknown to play a very important role in nature conservation. An attempt has been made to evaluate the ecological richness of a sacred grove in Maharashtra and make the participating of local communities through a workshop conducted along with the forest officials to create awareness about importance of sacred groves and the need to conserve them. An action plan was also prepared for conservation and sustainable use of natural resources at the sacred grove of Kanakeshwar.

2 tables, 10 ref

023503   Upadhye M V;Jadhav U;Utekar A Y (Dep of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, Santacruz(East), Mumbai-400 098) : Evaluation of butterfly diversity at Vidyanagari campus of University of Mumbai. J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 185-9.

Butterflies, belonging to the order Lepidoptera are indispensable members of nature. They hold a prominent place in the ecology and are therefore considered as indicators of health of the environment. An attempt has been made to find the diversity of butterflies at Mumbai University campus and correlate it with the ecological richness of the campus.

1 table, 8 ref

023502   Tayal V;Kalra B S;Agarwal S;Khurana N;Gupta U (Pharmacology Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi-110 002, Email: vandani_muskan@rediffmail.com) : Hepatoprotective effect of tocopherol against isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in albino rabbits. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1031-6.

Antitubercular drug induced hepatoioxicity is a major hurdle for an effective treatment of tuberculosis. The study was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective potential of tocopherol (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, ip) and to compare it with cimetidine (120 mg/kg. ip). Hepatotoxicity was produced by giving isoniazid (INH, 50 mg/kg, po) and rifampicin (RMP, 100 mg/kg, po) combination to albino rabbits for 7 days. Assessment of liver injury was done by estimating levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and argininosuccinic acid lyase (ASAL) in serum and by histopathological examination of liver. Results revealed that pretreatment with high dose of tocopherol (100 mg/kg) prevented both biochemical as well as histopathological evidence of hepatic damage induced by INH and RMP combination. Moreover, tocopherol (100 mg/kg) was found to be a more effective hepatoprotective agent as compared to cimetidine.

2 ilus, 3 tables, 6 ref

023501   Tarunkumar Singh O;Chakravorty J;Nabom S;Kato D (Centre of Biodiversity, rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar-791 112, Email: jharnaau@yahoo.com) : Species diversity and occurrence of edible insects with special reference to coleoterans of Arunachal Pradesh. J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 159-66.

A consolidated list of 100 species of Coleopterans belonging to 75 enera and 23 families are provided. Out of which 25 species, 20 genera and 9 families are reported for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh. 40 species, which found to be edible by the ethnic tribes are analyzed relating to their seasnal availabilities in the local habitat. As the state is endowed with rich natural resources, there is a good scope for harboring more species of insects for which an intensive survey is essential at the earliest to record and catalogue them.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

023500   Suman Manjoo;Swaminathan R (Agricultural Zoology and Entomology Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur) : Bio-ecology and management of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (fabricius) (coleoptera: coccinellidae) infesting aswagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) dunal]. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2007, 29(1), 16-19.

The hada beetle (Henosepilachnu vigintioctopunctata) has been recorded as major pest of aswagandha (Withania somnifera) in Udaipur (Rajasthan). Peak infestation period of both adults and grubs of H. vigintioctopunctata was recorded in the first week of October and in November, 2005; thereafter, the population decreased by the end of December, 2005 and reappeared in the last week of February continuing up to April, 2006. The atmospheric temperature had a significant positive correlation with the grubs and adults, while relative humidity had a negative correlation. The seed oil (2%) of Pongamia glabra Vent, Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel and Azadirachta iinlica A. Juss were significantly effective against the beetle population bringing 100 per cent reduction at three days after treatment. The seed yield differed significantly among the different botanical treatments, but no significant difference was recorded for the root yield.

2 tables, 11 ref

023499   Sridevi M;Mallaiah K V (Dep of Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Andhra Pradesh) : Production of catechol-type of siderophores by Rhizobium strains from Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 187-94.

Twenty six Rhizobium strains isolated from root nodules of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. were studied for their ability to produce siderophores. Of them, only nine strains have the ability to produced catechol-type of siderophores in culture after 4h of incubation and at neutral pH. Mannitol and sucrose at the concentration 2% stimulated growth and siderophore production. Among nitrogen sources, arginine and proline stimulated growth and siderophore production. Maximum amount of siderophores was produced by SSR 19.2, 3-dihydroxy benzoic acid (DHBA) was present in siderophore extract of this strain. Arginine and proline were identified as conjugated amino acids of the siderophore. The outer membrane protein profiles of the SSR 19 grown in iron containing medium revealed the presence of single protein band of molecular mass 40 K Da.

5 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

023498   Rehni A K;Nirmal Singh;Jindal S (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: nirmalres@gmail.com) : Role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the piracetan induced blockade of opioid effect. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1050-4.

The study has been designed to investigate the effect of piracetam on morphine/ buprenorphine-induced antinociception in rats and effect of piracetam on morphine or minoxidil induced relaxation in KCl-precontracted isolated rat aortic ring preparation. Nociceptive threshold was measured by the tail flick test in rats. The cumulative dose responses of morphine or minoxidil were recorded in KCl-precontracted isolated rat aortic ring preparation. Piracetam attenuated buprenorphine-induced antinociception in rats. Piracetam significantly reduced the morphine and minoxidil induced relaxation in KG precontracted isolated rat aortic ring preparation suggesting that piracetam interferes with opioid receptor and ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K_ATP) opener mediated responses in vitro. Thus, it may be suggested that piracetam attenuates opioid effects by an opioid receptor-K_ATP, channel linked mechanism.

4 illus, 23 ref

023497   Radhika R;Krishnakumari S (Plant Molecular Biology Dep and Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: radikaravindran@gmail.com) : Enzymatic antioxidant effect of the plants Semecarpus Anacardium and Bryonea Epigoea - folk medicinal plants of western ghats. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 45-50.

The paper focuses on assessing the levels of various enzymic antioxidants in the plants Semecarpus anacardium and Bryonea epigoea. Herbal samples commonly used in traditional medicine were assessed for their enzymatic potential. These herbal samples along with other drugs are being tried in (HIV) patients to cope with HIV by AIDS cure International trust. This study has revealed that Bryonea epigoea possessed higher activity in the enzymic antioxidants namely Catalase, Peroxidase and Glutathione peroxidase whereas Semecarpus anacardium is predominant in Glutathione Reductase, Glutathione S Transferase, Polyphenol oxidase and Superoxide Dismutase. Based on all results it is inferred that Semecarpus anacardium acts as a potent antioxidant and it constitutes a very effective system in scavenging a wide variety of free radicals like reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species.

1 table, 27 ref

023496   Perumal G;Saravanan G;Ragupathi T;Muthusami S (Dep of Microbiology, Kandaswamy Kandar's College, Velur, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu) : Antimicrobial activity of selected plant extracts against plant pathogens. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 130-2.

Study was under taken to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Neem leaf and flower extracts of Nochi against phytopathogens, Xanthomonas and Fusarium. All plant extracts showed considerable antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas and antifungal activity against Fusarium. The results showed that the leaf extract of Neem had haigh toxicity against tested pathogenic organism, the antimicrobial activity of other extract increase with increasing concentration of extracts.

2 tables, 11 ref

023495   Neera Singh;Gupta M (Environmental Endocrinology and Biomedical Research Unit, Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 003, Email: n27singh@yahoo.com) : Regeneration of β cells in islets of Langerhans of pancreas of allxan diabetic rats by acetone extract of Momordica charantia (Linn.) (bitter gourd) fruits. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1055-62.

Acetone extract of whole fruit powder of M. charantia (bitter gourd) in doses 25, 50 and 75 mg/100 g body weight lowered the blood glucose from 13.30 to 50% after 8 to 30 days treatment in alloxan diabetic albino rats, confirming antihyperglycemic effect of this plant in diabetic animals and humans. Histological observations with acetone extract showed different phases of recovery of β cells of the islets of Langerhans of pancreas, which in the untreated diabetic rats were less in number and showed varied degree of atrophy. The most important finding of the present study was observation of the presence of small scattered islets among the acinar tissue in some experimental animals, which may reflect neoformation of islets from pre-existing islet cells. The liver of alloxan diabetic rats showed hydropic degeneration, fatty change and necrosis at some places but liver of extract treated animals was normal. Glycogen localization in liver of diabetic rats was faint but after 30 days treatment with different doses of extract, normal to heavy glycogen localization was observed.

4 illus, 1 table, 22 ref