023494   Lingaiah A;Raja Shekhar A V;Narsi Reddy Y (Dep of Zoology, Govt. Degree College, Khairatabad, Hyderabad A.P.) : Percentage values of pollinating wasp Ceratosolen sp. and Prasitocylindrocorpus N. Sp (Nematoda) with fig of Ficus racemosa and their phoretic association. J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 115-23.

Plant and insect nematodes are relatively associated with certain areas of agriculture. The nematodes are part of agriculture, as well as nonagricultural ecosystem. The insect-nematode phoretic association is mostly non-pathogenic and are used for the dispersal and transport of nematodes. The nematodes are phytophagous feed on the parenchymal tissue of the florets and pulp of the figs. The ficus fruits of Ficus racemosa are edible and have lot of nutritional and medicinal values. The nematode Parasitocylindrocorpus n. sps are strike a phoretic association with migratory wasps of Ceratosolen sp. The nematodes are carried from ripe frits to new inflorescences of the ifg tree by the migratory wasps. The frequent phoretic might be quite ancient, through constant association of the wasp with the fig fruits. The studies were focused on the association of fig wasp and nematodes with Ficus racemosa from Secunderabad and Hyderabad of A.P.

3 illus, 8 tables, 11 ref

023493   Karthikeyan V;Sai R C R;Saravanan M (Biotechnology Dep, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Chinnakolambakkam, Maduranthagam-603 308, Email: mnanavaras@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of hepatitis C virus by molecular technique. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 40-44.

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). One explanation to account for the difference is that HCV RNA positivity precedes Anti - HCV sero conversion in an acute infection. The absence of Anti- HCV sero conversion with persistence HCV RNA for 6 months after detection ofviremia argues well for this hypothesis. In the present study 34 % of patients have detectable HCV RNA and Anti-HCV antibodies with elevated Alanine Transaminase levels which clearly show that the patients are in chronic stage of liver diseases. The HCV RNA was not detectable in 8 out of 29 Anti-HCV positive patients. The possible reason for the HCV RNA negative may be due to interferon treatment. The Anti-HCV antibodies were not detectable in 5 out of 25 RNA positive patients. The absence of Anti-HCV and the positivity of HCV RNA indicate acute HCV infection. It is evident that the existence of HCV Viremia is in nearly 10 % of Anti-HCV negative patients. The credibility of having Anti-HCV detection as a screening test that is concluded by Polymerase Chain Reaction for HCV RNA detection is highly sensitive, specific, viable and reliable screening method at any stage of HCV infection.

5 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

023492   Hanumantha Swamy B C (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, , U.A.S.(D.), Hanumanamatti (Karnataka)) : Bionomics and biometrics of Greater wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus. Asian J Bio Sci 2008, 3(1), 49-51.

Investigations on the biology of Galleria mellonella revealed that the incubation period was 8.6±0.48 days. The seven successive larval instars occupied 4.40±0.48, 5.20±0.4, 6.5±0.67, 7.3±0.45, 8.30±0.45, 8.40±0.66 and 9.20±0.4 days, the total larval period was observed to be 49.3±1.62. The duration of prepupa and pupa were 2.1±0.53 and 8.6±0.73 days respectively. The adult males lived for 16.4±2.69 days, while female lived shorter only 6.9±0.7 days. The pre oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 1.1±0.3, 4.6±0.66 and 1.2±0.4 days, respectively. Females laid 750.90±169.78 egg/female with 159.70±46.87 eggs/day.

1 tables, 8 ref

023491   Gurusamy K;Kokilavani R;Sowmia C;Arumugasamy K (Biochemistry Dep, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: santhyanithya@yahoo.co.in) : Non enzymatic antioxidant properties of ethanolic extract of polyherbal formulation (PHF) against CCl₄ induced rats. Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 51-54.

Many medicinal plants have been found to protective against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and are used in the treatment of various chronic diseases. The present study deals with the effect of ethanolic extract of polyherbal formulation (PHF) on tissue defence system against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury on rats. Carbon tetrachloride (1.0ml/kg b.wt. once) with 1:1 volume/ volume of liquid paraffin was used for the induction of hepatotoxicity. PHF extract (250mg/kg b.wt/ day) for 30 days was administrated orally to rats intoxicated with CC1₄. Induction with CC1₄ resulted in decreased levels of non enzymatic antioxidants such as total reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, total protein sulfhydryl group (TSH), protein sulfhydryl group (PSH) and non protein sulfhydryl group (NPSH). Post treatment with PHF extract reversed the deleterious effect of CC1₄ and the enzyme activities were found to be near normal. These findings demonstrate the nature of PHF extract against CC1₄ induced liver damage, proving the antioxidant potential.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

023490   Gayen J B;Majee S B;Das S;Samanta T B (Medicine Dep, California University at San Diego, California, USA, Email: timir.samanta@gmail.com) : Antibacterial and toxicological evelution of β lactams sysnthesized by immobilized β lactamase-free penicillin amidase produced by Alcaliigenes spp. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1068-72.

Search for anti-β-lactamase and synthesis of newer penicillin were suggested to overcome resistance to penicillin in chemotherapy. It was found that clavulanic acid, an ant-B-lactamase was ineffective due to its structural modification by bacteria. Thus, there is a need for the synthesis of newer pencillins. Retro-synthesis was inspired by the success of forward reaction i.e. conversion of penicillin G to 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) by biological process. In the present study a better enzymatic method of synthesis of newer pencillin by a β-lactamase-free penicillin amidase produced by Alcaligenes sp. is attempted. Antibacterial and toxicological evaluation of the enzymatically synthesized β-lactams are reported. Condensation of 6-APA with acyl donor was found to be effective when the reaction is run in dimethyl formamide (DMF 50% v/v) in acetate buffer (25 mM pH 5.0) at 37°C. Periplasm entrapped in calcium alginate exihibited the highest yield (<126>34%) in synthesis. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthetic products against Staphylocoirus aureus and Salmonella typhi varied between 20-80 μg/ml. Some of the products exhibited antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens. It was interesting to note that product A was potent like penicillin G. LD₅₀ value of three products (product A, B and C) was more than 12 mg/kg. Furthermore, these synthetic β-lactams did not exihibit any adverse effect on house keeping enzymes viz., serum glutamate oxalacetate-trans-aminase, serum glutamate pyruvate -trans-aminase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase of the test animals. The hematological profile (RBC and WBC) of the test animals also remained unaffected.

3 tables, 18 ref

023489   Deepika;Chakaraborti A (Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology Dep, PGIMER, Chandigarh) : Gene: The concept and content. Bull PGIMER 2007, 4(1), 29-34.

The discipline of molecular biology was born with the study of gene as a molecule. So, now we know a great deal about how genes work and how genes are linked to diseases. In this article, we have reviewed very briefly the gene structure, function, regulation and how they influence our lives.

10 illus, 5 ref

023488   Bharathi K (Microbiology Dep, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore-560 002) : Prevalence and intensity of soil transmitted helminths among school children between nine and ten years of age. J Acad clin Microbiol 2007, 9(1), 7-11.

Soil transmitted parasitic infections are one of the common public health problems especially in the developing countries. The prevalence and intensity is more in people belonging to low socio economic status and poor hygiene. The study attempts to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil transmitted parasitic infections among school children of both sexes between nine and ten years studying in seven government primary schools in Bangalore urban area. Stool samples were collected and examined microscopically by Kato-Katz concentration technique. Of the 256 stool samples, 135 (52.73%) children were infected with one or more of the soil-transmitted helminths i.e. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm or Trichuris trichiura. A. lumbricoides infection was most common with a prevalence rate of 44.14%. Infection with any one of the worms was seen in 52.73%, double infection in 21.09% and triple infection in 15.23%. The mean eggs per gram of stool for A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T.trichiura were 1906.86, 452.4 and 227.89 respectively. Light and moderate infection was seen in A.lumbricoides and hookworm, whereas only light infection was seen with T. trichiura. Since the prevalence of hookworm infection was more than 30% in the study population, WHO guidelines of universal treatment for soil-transmitted helminths was recommended.

1 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

023487   Atul K;Vivek L;Archna P (Biochemical Sciences Div, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411 008, Email: av.pundle@ncl.in) : Optimization of cultural conditions and effect of media constituents on production of intracellular penicillin V acylase from Erwinia aroideae (DSMZ 30186). Res J Biotechnol 2008, 3(2), 26-30.

Penicillin V acylase (PVA) is a pharmaceuti-cally important enzyme. Erwinia aroideae (DSMZ 30186) produced high levels of intracellular penicillin V acylase. Amongst various carbon sources used (2.0 %); fructose, galactose, sucrose and mannitol increased enzyme production up to 579, 544, 534 and 504 lU/g dry weight (DW), respectively, compared to minimal media (263 lU/g DW); however maximum PVA productivity (2796 IU/ L) was achieved using fructose. Ammonium ions escalated the enzyme production to 1266.9 lU/g DW; however sodium glutamate was the best nitrogen source for overall productivity of enzyme (2045 IU/ L). Cornsteep liquor and skim milk were used as supplements; 1.0 % cornsteep liquor and 3.0 % skim milk were optimum for the production of PVA up to 823 and 93 lU/g DW, respectively. Optimum cultural conditions for the production of PVA from E. aroideae were standardized. Erwinia aroideae produced 1543 lU/g DW penicillin V acylase in Erlenmeyer flasks (250 ml) containing 50 ml of minimal medium with 0.3% ammonium sulphate, pH 7.0 at 28 °C and 180 rpm when incubated for 56 hr.

4 illus, 3 tables, 1 ref

023486   Anbarasu K;Ramalingam K;Bharathi Rajan U D (PG and Research Dep of Zoology, Government Arts College (Men) Autonomous, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035, Email: drkrimmunotoxicol@yahoo.co.in) : Sublethal dosages of mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) on tissue phosphatases activity in Scylla tranquebarica (Fabricius). J Nat Conserv 2007, 19(1), 1-13.

The mud crab Scylla tranquebarica exposed to three sublethal dosages of mercuric chloride was analysed for the tissue phosphatases activity. Both acid and alkaline phosphatase activity showed enhancement at all the three intervals and particularly in the higher sublethal dosage of 0.01 and 0.001 ppm of mercuric chloride. The phosphatases being non specific to substrate selection, the increaed activity implied that the crabs were stressed to expend the energy derived through phosphorylated sugars. The insignificant changes during certain time intervals may imply either the non availability of the substrates or the adaptation of the crabs with minimal expenditure of energy revealing hypometabolism. The results point out that the toxic stress of mercuric chloride may drain the energy resource and may inhibit the anabolic metabolism and there by the growth of the crabs. Such constraints togrowth of cultivable edible forms are a cause for concern.

2 tables, 65 ref

023485   Anandakumar P P;Malarkodi S P;Sivaprasad T R; Saravanan G D (Biochemistry Dep, University of Seychelles-American Institute of Medicine, International Study Center, Administrated by Aashiwad Health and Education Trust, Mavuthampathy Post, Navakarai, Coimbat, Email: pak_biochem@yahoo.co.in) : Antioxidant DL-alpha lipoic acid as an attenuator of adriamycin induced hepatotoxicity in rat model. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(12), 1045-9.

Protective efficacy of DL-alpha lipoic acid on adriamycin induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Adriamycin toxicity, induced by a single injection (ip: 15 mg/kg body wt). was expressed by an elevation in alanine transaminase. aspartate transaminase, bilirubin levels in serum and alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase activity in hepatic tissue. Adriamycin produced significant increase in malondialdehyde levels indicating tissue lipid peroxidation and potentially inhibiting the activity of antioxidant, reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase. glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The results showed that pretreatment with lipoic acid [75 mg/kg body wt/day (ip), 24 h prior to administration of adriamycin] significantly restored various cellular activity suggesting the antioxidant potential of lipoic acid in ameliorating the hepatotoxicity induced by adriamycin.

3 tables, 33 ref

022550   Zhang H;Gao J M;Liu W T;Tang J C;Zhang X C; Jin Z G;Xu Y P;Shao M A (College of Resource and Environment, Northwest A&F Univ, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China, Email: jinminggaocn@yahoo.com.cn) : Allelopathic substances from walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaves. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 425-31.

The alcoholic extracts of walnut (Juglanx regia L.) leaves showed allelopathic activity against lettuce (Lactuca saliva L.) seed. Activity-guided fractionation of walnut leaves extracts led to the isolation of two major flavonol allelochemicals: kaempferol (H) and kaempferol-3-O-α- L-arabinofuranoside (I) and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds II and I stimulated lettuce seed germination at low concentrations, but inhibited the seedling growth of lettuce at high doses. Compound I showed stronger effect on lettuce seed germination and seedling growth than its aglycone II. It was reported for the first time that both flavonols are additional allelopathic substances in walnut plant. No juglone was isolated or detected by GC-MS in the organic extracts of walnut leaves, indicating the absence of juglone in walnut dry leaves.

3 illus, 25 ref

022549   Zahid Ashraf M;Reddy M K;Ejaz Hussain M; Podrez E A;Fahim M (Physiology Dep, V.P. Chest Institute, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 017, Email: vpciphysiology@yahoo.com) : Contribution of EDRF and EDHF to restoration of endothelial function following dietary restrictions in hypercholesterolemic rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 505-14.

The mechanisms underlying the impairment of endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation induced by dietary hypercholesterolemia and the mechanisms of restoration of endothelial function following reintroduction of low cholesterol diet were evaluated. Feeding rats with high cholesterol diet induced hypercholesterolemia and high blood pressure. This was associated with reduced vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine, isoproterenol, and adenosine. At the same time, exaggerated contractile responses to serotonin and phenylephrine were observed. Reintroduction of a normal diet to cholesterol fed rats resulted in significant normalization of blood pressure, serum lipid profile, relaxation and contractile responses. The contributions of endothelial derived relaxing factors (EDRF), endothelial derived contractile factors (EDCFs)/prostanoids, and endothelial derived hyperpoalrising factor (EDHF) to the vasorelaxation in each group of animals were assessed. EDCFs constricting activity was increased in both cholesterol fed groups as compared to the control group. EDRF and EDHF were found to be the primary factors involved in the regulation of endothelium-mediated responsiveness. In control animals, EDRF was responsible for 70-90% of relaxation, depending on the agonist used. In cholesterol fed animals, EDRF was significantly reduced while EDHF was maintained or enhanced showing that EDHF had a significant role in maintaining the endothelial responses. Importantly, the restoration of vasorelaxation following reintroduction of normal diet was mediated not only by improvement of EDRF-dependent relaxation, but also to a significant extent by a further increase in EDHF-mediated relaxation. Taken together, the data showed that EDRF was attenuated during hypercholesterolemia and dietary interventions with low fat content restored these responses. However, EDHF-mediated responses were not reduced by hypercholesterolemia and subsequently improved their function after application of low cholesterol diet. The results implicate EDHF-mediated relaxation is also an important mechanism for restoration of endothelial function upon application of dietary restrictions for reduction of serum cholesterol level.

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

022548   Yanthan L;Gupta B B P (Environmental Endocrinology Lab, Zoology Dep, North-Eastern, Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: gupta@nehu.ac.in) : In vitro effecs of steroid hormones on arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) activity in the pineal of fish (Clarias gariepinus) (Burchell, 1822) during different phase of breeding cycle. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(8), 676-82.

In vitro effects of gonadal hormones (testosterone. 17 β-estradiol. estriol and estrone) and corticosteroid hormones (conieosterone and cortisol) were studied on arylalklyamine N-aeetyltransfcrase (AA-NAT) activity in the pineal organ of the fish, C. gariepmus during quiescent, progressive, breeding and regressive phases of its annual breeding cycle. The pineals were collected under dim red light, maintained in organ culture for 7 hr and incubated with three concentrations (10^-6, IT^-5 and 10^-4M) of hormones for 6 hr. The treatments with gonadal hormones and corticosteroid hormones inhibited pineal AA-NAT activity in a dose-dependent manner during all the phases of the breeding cycle. AA-NAT activity was comparatively more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the gonadal hormones during the regressive phase and less sensitive during the quiescent phase. Further, the enzyme activity was more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of corticosteroid hormor.es (corticosterone and cortisol) during the breeding phase and less sensitive during the quiescent phase. These findings seem to suggest that gonadal hormones and corticosteroid hormones have direct inhibitory influence on AA-NAT activity and, hence melalonin synthesis in the photoreceptive pineal organ of C. gariepinus.

3 tables, 45 ref

022547   Yang G Q;Wan F H;Liu W X;Guo J (Horticulture and Plant Protection College, Yangzhou Univ, Yangzhou 225009, China, Email: wanfangh@public3.bta.net.cn) : Influence of two allelochemicals from Ageratina adenophora Sprengel on ABA, IAA and ZR contents in roots of upland rice seedlings. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 253-62.

Mechanism of two allelochemicals: DTD [4,7-dimethyl-1-(propan-2-ylidene)-1,4,4a, 8a-tetrahydronaphthalene-2, 6(1 H, 7H)-dione] and HHO [6-hydroxyl-5-isopropyl-3, 8-dimethyl-4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a-hexahydronaphthalen-2(lH)-one] isolated from Ageratina adenophora Sprengel weed, on the content of 3 endogenous hormones [abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (1AA), and zeatin riboside (ZR),] in roots of upland rice seedlings. Hydroponic experiments were conducted on upland rice 'Han 277', DTD or HHO were applied at 3 concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM) for 12, 24, 48 and 96 h on the test rice plants. The DTD at higher concentration, significantly increased the ABA contents in the roots of rice seedlings, but decreased sharply 96 h after treatment. HHO also significantly enhanced the ABA contents 48 and 96 h after application over the control. But the application of DTD or HHO decreased the IAA content in rice roots and was "concentration dependent" as compared to control. ZR content in DTD or HHO treated rice seedlings roots exhibited similar profiles to IAA content. The IAA/ ABA as well as ZR/ABA ratios decreased quantitatively in response to higher concentrations and duration of exposure than control. These results suggested that the endogenous hormones might have separate as well as interactive effects on how rice seedlings respond and adapt to DTD or HHO stress under natural environments.

6 illus, 39 ref

022546   Vidyavathi M;Krishna D R;Prasad K V S R G; Vidyasagar J (NO, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, S.P. Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517 502, Email: vidyasur@rediffmail.com) : Metabolism of A flavone-chrysin using microbial cultures. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 59-63.

The aim of the study was to develop a microbial model for synthesis of metabolite of a bioflavonoid, chrysin for further pharmacological and toxicological studies. The metabolite of chrysin in microbial cultures was identified, isolated and confirmed using fermentation techniques and HPLC followed by mass spectrometry. Among different organisms screened, Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans showed an extra peak at 4.57 min. in HPLC compared with its controls indicating formation of a metabolite. The metabolite was further characterized by mass spectrometry and was found to be sulfate conjugate of acetyl, hydroxy chrysin in which sulfate conjugation was reported as one of the mammalian metabolic pathway of chrysin. Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans could be able to metabolize chrysin by sulfate conjugation similar to human beings and also by acetylation and hydroxylation. This study has developed a model to produce metabolites of other drugs by acetyl and sulfate conjugation and aromatic hydroxylation by fermentation techniques.

6 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

022545   Vidya S M;Krishna V;Manjunatha B K;Mankani K L;Ahmed M;Jagadeesh Singh S D (Biotechnology Dep, S.R.N.M.N. College of Applied Science, Shimoga-577 201, Email: krishnabiotech2003@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Clerodendrum serratum L.. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 538-42.

The ethanol extract of C. serratum roots and ursolic acid isolated from it were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in male Wistar strain rats. The parameters studied were estimation of liver function serum markers such as serum total bilirubin, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities. The ursolic acid showed more significant hepatoprotective activity than crude extract. The histological profile of the liver tissue of the root extract and ursolic acid treated animal showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration as similar to the controls. The results when compared with the standard drug silymarin, revealed that the hepatoprotective activity of the constituent ursolic acid is significant as similar to the standard drug.

6 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022544   Turker M;Battal P;Agar G;Gulluce M;Sahin F; Erez M E;Yildirim N (NO, Yuzuncu yil Universitesi, Fen-Edebiyat Fakultesi, Biyoloji Bolumu, 65080, Kampus, Van-Turkey, Email: pbattal@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic effects of plants extracts on physiological and cytogical processes during maize seed germination. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 273-86.

The methanol extracts (3.3, 5.0 and 10.0 %) of Berberis vulgaris L., Mentho longfolia (L) Huds., Salvia limbata C.A. Mey., Artemisia absinthium L., Achillea biebersteinii Afan., Origanum vulgare L., Medicago saliva L., Vicia cracea (Desf.) B. Fedtsch were applied to maize (Zea mays L.) seeds to determine their effects on radical, plumule growth, contents of phytohormones [giberellic acid equivalents (GAs), indole-3-acetic acid (1AA), (ran.v-zeatin (t-Z) and abscisic acid (ABA)], carbohydrates (glucose, fructose and sucrose), fatty acids, (palmitic acid and oleic acid), mitotic index and chromosome abnormalities as compared to control. The 5.0 and 10.0 % extracts inhibited the germination. The extracts also decreased the length of plumule and radicals. However, there were variable effects on plant hormones, fatty acids and sugar levels. Plant extracts decreased the mitotic index and also caused abnormalities in chromosomes.

7 illus, 6 tables, 33 ref

022543   Tripathi Y B;AJita Vikram Singh (Medicinal Chemistry Dep, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Email: yaminiok@yahoo.com) : Role of Rubia cordifolia Linn. in radiation protection. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(7), 620-5.

The radioprotective potential of alcoholic extract of root of R. cordifolia, was studied by survival, hemopoietic cell protection and micronucleus assay. The LD₅₀ value for the alcoholic root extract was found to be 1200 mg/kg body weight at 72 hr post irradiation. A significant radiation protection (67%) as assessed by increased animal survival was observed when R. cordifolia (RC) extract was administered intraperitoneally, 90 min. before the radiation exposure. Besides, the extract also inhibited radiation induced lipid peroxidation measured by the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TEARS). The RC extract at a selected dose of 460 mg/kg body weight was effective in protecting the radiation induced suppression of endogenous colony forming units in spleen. A significant inhibition of radiation (2 Gy) induced micronuclei formation was observed when RC extract was administered 90 min prior to irradiation. Thus, it appears that the alcoholic root extract of R. cordifolia provides significant protection against radiation induced lipid peroxidation, hemopoietic injury and genotoxicity. The mechanism of action of RC extract appears to be through its anti-oxidant, metal chelation and anti-inflammatory property.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

022542   Surendraraj A;Thampuran N (Institute of Food and Dairy Technology, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Alamathi PO, Chennai-52) : Incidence of enteric pathogens and coliforms in fish from domestic markets of Cochin. Fish Technol 2008, 45(1), 79-88.

Human enteric pathogens and other coliforms of dominance in the fish and shellfish from retail markets of Cochin were investigated. Total Enterobacleriaceae count in these samples varied from 2.5 to 6.5 log cfu/g. The generic composition of 248 Enterobacteriaceae isolates showed a dominance of genera Enterobacter, Citrobacter and Escherichia. A small fraction (13.8%) of the E. coli isolates were β haemolytic, but none of them could produce labile toxin when tested by reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) method. Other enteric pathogens detected in these samples were Klebsiella, Shigella, Edwardsiella and Arizona. Though they constituted only a minor fraction (14.1%), knowing the established pathogenic potentials of these bacteria in food borne illness, strict adherence to good hygienic practices in retail markets of Cochin is warranted. In the Most Probable Number (MPN) procedure for the detection of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli along with enteric non-coliform bacteria, oxidase positive Aeromonas spp. interfered by causing positive reaction. The temperature of incubation, pH and bile salt level had a profound effect on lactose fermentation in Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth (BGLB) and Elevated Coliform (EC) broth in the MPN procedure. It is found that in the presence of divergent mesophilic flora of tropical conditions, the Ortho Nitro Phenyl b-D-Galactopyranosidase (ONPG) test proved to be more reliable test than lactose fermentation for coliforrn detection as it alleviated the effect of pH, temperature, etc. on the lactose fermentation.

1 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

022541   Suprasanna P;Desai N S;Choudhari R;Bapat V A (Plant Cell Cilture Technology Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotech, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: prasanna@barc.gov.in) : RAPD markers for assessing culture induced variation in somatic embryogenesis derived plants of sugarcane. Sugar Tech 2007, 9(4), 284-9.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic variation among regenerants of Indian sugarcane (Saccharum officinantm L.) cv. Co-86032 derived through somatic embryogenesis (SE). Somatic cmbryogenesis was induced from immature inflorescence explants on 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid supplemented MS medium and regeneration proceeded from embryogenic callus on growth regulator-free medium. Fully developed control and tissue cultured-plantlets were analyzed using thirty-five arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers, which produced amplification products, and seventeen of these were used to screen for variation among a batch of 67 regenerants. Among the total 158 bands, 46 were polymorphic, ranging from 1375 to 3530 bp. The estimation of genetic similarity indicated that one plant (TCP 15) was distinctly different from the mother plant. It is suggested that the SE process induces rearrangements at the molecular level and RAPD technique can be employed to detect variation among regenerants, at an early.

2 illus, 34 ref

022540   Sumithra K;Rasineni G K;Reddy A R (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Puducherry-605 041, Email: arreddy@yahoo.com) : Photosynthesis and antioxidative metabolism in cowpea grown under varying water deficit regimes. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 57-65.

Effects of drought stress on photosynthesis and antioxidative systems were studied in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. var. Greenlong) seedlings. Water stress was imposed on 20-days-old seedlings by withholding water. Photosynthctic rates and activities of enzymes including ribulose-1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPcase), sucrose phosphate synthase (SP synthase), fructosel,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases (APX and POD), glutathione reductase and monodehydroascorbatc reduc-tase (MDAR) were assayed. In addition, quantitative estimations of ascorbate, monodehydroascorbate, proline, glycine betaine, chlorophyll and carbohydrates were also carried out in control and drought-stressed cowpea seedlings. Photosynthctic rates and the activities of RuBPcase, SP synthase and FBPase decreased with progressive increase in water stress. The activities of antioxida-tive enzymes increased with decreasing water potentials. The contents of proline and glycine betaine also showed a marked increase in response to water stress. SDS-PAGE protein profile showed accumulation of few additional proteins (68, 52, 38 and 21 kDa) in cowpea seedlings under drought-stressed conditions. The data demonstrate the susceptibility of photosynthesis in cowpea leaves subjected to water limited conditions. Our data also demonstrate that the accumulation of osmolytcs, antioxidative enzymes and stress-induced proteins might be responsible in preventing the detrimental effects of drought in cowpea leaves.

4 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

022539   Sumana V;Charya S (Microbiology Dep, Mamata Medical College, Khammam) : Dermatophytes from soil samples in Khammam District. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 157-62.

Dermatophytoses in Khammam district was observed to be high (63.9%) among the agricultural labourers living in rural areas. Soil samples from 25 villages were collected from four specific sites viz. Crop field, hut and poultry farms in each village. The incidence of dermatophytes varied with regional climatic conditions and place of soil collection. Among the four sites the fungal' prevalence was more at cattle fields followed by crop fields. Trichophylon simii very frequently appeared in the soils near poultry farms.

36 ref

022538   Sridevi M;Sudhakar P;Reddy M N (Applied Microbiology Dep, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidyalayam, Tirupati-517 502) : Aflatoxin contamination in red pepper stored under ambient and cold storage conditions. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 43-5.

Dried red pepper pods of different genotypes were collected from the market yards in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh and analysed for aflatoxin contamination using indirect competitive ELISA. Pods of three varieties were stored at cold storage and at ambient temperatures to record the progress of anatoxin levels. Considerably high levels were observed in four of the varieties screened, the highest observed being 615ppb. Red peppers stored in cold storage showed comparatively lower aflatoxin levels. Pods with pedicel showed slightly higher aflatoxin levels compared to pods without pedicel.

4 illus, 11 ref

022537   Songxiao Li;Stevic S (Mathematics Dep, Shantou Univ, 515 063 Shantou, Guangdong, China, Email: jyulsx@163.com) : Weighted composition operators from bergman-type spaces into bloch spaces. Proc Indian Acad Sci-Mathl Sci 2007, 117(3), 371-85.

Let be an analytic self-map and μ be a fixed analytic function on the open unit disk D in the complex plane C. The weighted composition operator is defined by uC_Ψ f = u . (f . φ), f ∈ H(D). Weighted composition operators from Bergman-type spaces into Bloch spaces and little Bloch spaces are characterized by function theoretic properties of their inducing maps.

15 ref

022536   Singh S;Karihaloo J L;Gaikwad A B (National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting, National Bureau of Pla, , Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: jlkarihaloo@rediffmail.com) : DNA fingerprinting of some mango (Mangifera indica L) cultivars using anchored-ISSR markers. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 113-17.

Twelve Indian mango cultivars were fingerprinted using anchored-ISSR primers. Out of total 161 bands amplified, 113 (70.2%) were polymorphic, the polymorphism ranging from 50% to 94.1% depending upon the primer. One primer [5' HVH(CA)₇T 3'] with highest genotype index could uniquely identify each of the cultivars studied. Fingerprints based on polymorphic markers amplified by the 10 primers had a 6.75 x 10^-12 probability of identical match by chance, indicating a high degree of uniqueness in the anchored-ISSR based fingerprinting. UPGMA dendrogram based on Jaccard's Similarity showed Himayath as the most diverse of the 12 cultivars and the rest of the cultivars clustered into two groups at 0.69 similarity coefficient.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

022535   Singh P;Saharan R P;Singh D (Genetics Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Detection of epistasis and estimation of additive and dominance components of genetic variation for different quantitative characters using triple test cross analysis in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]. Ann agric biol Res 2008, 13(1), 39-48.

Thirty-three families from one triple test cross in Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czern & Coss] were under two environments, normal and late sown conditions. Genetic analysis was performed to uncover the supremacy of additive, dominance and epistasis genetic variances following triple test cross analysis involving three testers (P₁, P₂ and F₂) and 11 lines of Indian mustard. Epistasis was found to bean integral part of genetic variation for all the characters in both the environments. The partitioning of total epistasis revealed that 'i' type (additive x additive) was significant for almost all the characters in E₁ (normal sown) except for primary branches, secondary branches and number of seeds per siliqua, whilst 'j' & I type (additive x dominance and dominance x dominance) were important for all the characters in both the environments. The additive and dominance components were significant for all the characters under both the environments. This indicated that both the D and H components were important in genetic control of the characters studied. Therefore, the biparental mating in the advance generation of segregation would help to improve the seed yield. The selection of promising plants in early generation needs to be avoided due to presence of epistasis.

5 tables, 9 ref

022534   Sidhu S;Kanta Kumari;Uppal M (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: shardasidhu@hotmail.com) : Prevalence of anaemia in Bazigar (ex-nomadic tribe) preschool children of Punjab. J hum Ecol 2007, 21(4), 265-7.

Study on the prevalence of anaemia was conducted among the Bazigar preschool children of Amritsar, Ludhiana, Moga and Patiala districts of Punjab. Blood sample was collected from 1200 children ranging in age from 1 + to 5 + years, and haemoglobin was estimated by cyanmethacmoglobin method. Anaemia was diagnosed when haemoglobin was less than 11 g/dl. The study revealed an overall prevalence of anaemia as 90.50%. The frequency of anaemia v/as maximum in age group 2+. Thereafter, the frequency of anaemia deceases as the age increases.

1 table, 21 ref

022533   Shrivastava S;Jadon A;Shukla S;Mathur R (Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, School of Studies in, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: dr_sshukla@hotmail.com) : Chelation therapy and vanadium: effect on reproductive organs in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 515-23.

Investigation was planned to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of chelating agents against vanadium intoxication on blood and reproductive organs of rats. Male and female albino rats were injected vanadyl sulphate (7.5 mg/kg, po, for 21 days, 5 days in a week). Chelating agents tiron (T) alone and in combination with lipoic acid (LA), vitamin E (vit E) and selenium (Se) were given for 2 days/week. With the administration of vanadyl sulphate to rats fructose level in seminal vesicles was significantly (P≤0.05) declined. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase were also decreased, whereas glycogen content and acid phosphatase activity increased in testis, seminal vesicles, ovaries and uterus after toxicant exposure. Significant changes in serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were recouped by chelation therapy. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level and triglycerides levels altered significantly after exposure to vanadium in rats. The ultrastructural damage in spermatogenic stages in treated animals showed recovery pattern after therapy. Co-treatment with antioxidants restored these activities. The most effective combination was tiron <+> selenium followed by tiron <+> vitamin E, and tiron <+> lipoic acid.

19 illus, 7 tables, 38 ref

022532   Shivananda Nayak B;Pereira L P;Maharaj D (Prelinical Sciences Dep, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Email: snayak@fms.uwi.u) : Wound healing activity of Carica papaya L. in experimentally induced diabetic rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(8), 739-43.

The aqueous extract of C. papaya fruit (100 mg kg^-1 day^-1 for 10 days) was evaluated for its wound healing activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using excision and dead space wound models. Extract-treated animals exhibited 77% reduction in the wound area when compared to controls which was 59%. The extract treated wounds were found to epithelize faster as compared to controls. The wet and dry granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content increased significantly when compared to controls. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against the five organisms tested. Carica papaya promotes significant wound healing in diabetic rats and further evaluation of this activity in humans is suggested.

5 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

022531   Sharma V;Dhancholia S (Plant Pathology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Pathological investigations on Botrytis elliptica (Berk.) Cooke. Ann agric biol Res 0000, 13(1), 53-7.

The development of Botrytis blight in relation to various factors was studied under in vitro conditions. The inoculum load of 6 x 10<6>4 spores/ml and 20°C temperature was found favourable for disease development. A ve correlation of humidity was also observed with the disease severity. The effect of different depths of burial on sclerotial germination was studied which revealed that sclerotia of the pathogen can remain viable upto six months at different depth levels ranging from one to seven inches.

4 tables, 7 ref

022530   Selvakumar R;Kumar R S;Swaminathan K (Microbial Biotechnology Div, Biotechnology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: selvabiotech@gmail.com) : Purification and wash performance analysis of thermostable extracellular alkaline protease produced by soil bacterium Bacillus sp. gos-2. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 29-35.

The purpose of this work was to study the purification, characterization and industrial application of alkaline protease produced by newly isolated Bacillus sp. OOS-2 from soil samples collected in and around Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The enzyme was purified in a 2-step procedure, involving acetone precipitation and Sephadex 0-100 gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme was subjected to SDS-PAOE for determining the molecular weight and was found to be 18 KDa. The enzyme had a maximum activity at 60°C and pH 10. The compatibility of the enzyme was studied with surfactant, oxidizing agent, optical brightener and commercial detergents in the absence of stabilizers. Increase in the concentration of the surfactant and oxidizing agent decreased the enzyme activity whereas optical brightener did not have any effect on the enzyme activity. The enzyme was found to retain maximum enzyme activity of 93.84% with Power detergent powder when compared to other detergents. The efficacy of the purified alkaline protease was tested with 1% (w/v) Power detergent on blood stained cloth for its wash performance. The enzyme was effective in removal of 25μm of bloodstain along with Power detergent powder at 55°C. The compatibility and stain removal properties of protease find potential application in detergents industry.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

022529   Sahare A Y;Manwar J V;Padilwar S S;Bakal R L (NO, G.S.P.S. Institute of Pharmacy, Akola-444 004) : Antimicrobial activity of Pseudarthria viscida roots. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 135-6.

The antimicrobial potential of Pseudarthria viscida roots has been studied using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts against six bacterial strains and four fungal strains by agar well diffusion method. The ethanol extract found to be highly effective against all tested microbes in comparison to standard drug ciprofloxacin and griseofulvin.

10 ref

022528   Roshchina V V;Yashina A V;Yashin V A (NO, Institute of cell biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia, Email: roshchina@icb.psn.ru) : Cell communication in pollen allelopathy analyzed with laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 219-26.

The contacts between the intact pollen grains of 6 allelopathically active medicinal plants and weeds (Knautia arvensis, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago major and Solidago virgaurea) were studied using the fluorescent microspores by laser-scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The pollens of Knautia arvensis or Plantago major were chosen as pollen-acceptors in the model microspore mixtures, while pollens of other species were considered as pollen-donors (of allelochemicals released in excretions). Red-fluorescing excretions from pollens of Artemisia absinthium or Solidago virgaurea accumulated on the green-fluorescing surface of Knautia arvensis. In pollen mixture of Knautia-Artemisia, the germination of Knautia pollens was completely inhibited, whereas the pollen development of Artemisia was decreased up to 33 % than control. On the contrary in pollen mixture of Knautia-Solidago, the germination of Knautia pollens was increased to 209 % of control, and LSCM-images showed the red-fluorescing excretions from Solidago pollen on Knautia pollen tubes. In model system of indifferent (both germinated like in control) spp., pollens from Plantago major (acceptor) and Hypericum perforatum (donor), red-fluorescing pigment hypericin was released from the pollen-donor, only it coloured the surface of pollen-acceptor. LSCM images may be useful to analyse the natural events, which occur inside and on the surface of contacting foreign pollens.

4 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022527   Revathi M;Venkateswarlu K (Microbiology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: v_kadiyala@hotmail.com) : Effect of pesticides on autotrophic ammonium oxidation in non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soils of groundnut and foxtail millet. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 83-6.

The impact of three pesticides, endosulfan, mancozeb and neem oil at 10, 25 and 50 μg ml^-1 concentrations on autotrophic ammonium oxidation by nitrosofiers enriched from non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soil samples from groundnut and foxtail millet was investigated. The nitrite-nitrogen released by nitrosofiers from ammoniacal nitrogen supplemented to the modified Winogradsky's medium was significantly less in enrichment cultures of non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soil samples treated with all the three pesticides tested when compared with untreated controls. The results suggest that the selected pesticides act as nitrification inhibitors besides controlling major agricultural pests.

2 tables, 25 ref

022526   Rehni A K;Pantlya H S;Shri R;Manjeet Singh (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: ashishkrehni@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of chlorophyll and aqueous extracts of Bacopa monniera and Valeriana wallichii on ischaemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral injury in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(9), 764-9.

Bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion produced significant cerebral infarction and impaired short-term memory, motor co-ordination and lateral push response. Individual pretreatments with chlorophyll and aqueous extracts of B. monniera and V. walllchii markedly attenuated ischaemia-reperfusion induced cerebral injury in terms of decreased infarct size, increase in short-term memory, motor in coordination and lateral push response. The results suggest that chlorophyll and aqueous extracts of B. monniera and V. wallichii prevent ischaemia-reperfusion induced cerebral injury with comparable potency.

3 illus, 28 ref

022525   Reddy R M;Vijaya C;Singaracharya M A (Dairy Science Dep, Jawahar Bharati Degree and P.G. College, Kavali-524 201) : Acceptability of biologically treated paddy straw through solid state fermentation using soil fungi. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 23-8.

Solid state fermentation technique is used with soil fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillinm notnturn, for biological treatment of paddy straw for a period of 10, 20 and 30 days. The pH of the urea treated straw has been changed by fungi from basic to acidic side ( 7.8 to 6.5) which is favourable for rumen microflora. Substantial increase in cellulolytic (C_x and C₁, lignolytic (lignin peroxidase - LiP and Laccase - Lac), amylolytic, proteolytic enzymes, urease and phosphatase is noticed during the solid state fermentation. Combined treatment using chemical and biological methods enhanced the nutrient availability of paddy straw. Biomolecules like carbohydrates (reducing sugars) increased seven times, proteins (amino acids) enhanced 18 times, inorganic phosphorus and total organic matter enhanced four times that of untreated straw. Among the three soil fungi used Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillinm notatum exhibited better performance. Solid State Fermentation treatment using soil fungi in the presence of 1% urea for a period of 10 days is considered to be appropriate to improve the nutritive value of paddy straw. However, the acceptability of treated straw by the dairy animals is very poor (12%) indicating that the solid state fermentation technique with fungi is not suitable to enrich the crop residues.

3 tables, 31 ref

022524   Ramathilagam G;Pushparaj A;Amutha Jaisheeha A;Somaraj R;Ranjitsingh A J A (Zoology Dep, Kamaraj Coll, Thoothukudi-628 003) : Dosage effects of vitamins on food utilization growth and survival in eye S-ALK ablated and unablated Tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 37-41.

Feed trails were conducted for eight weeks to evaluate the effects of varying levels of ascorbic acid, pyridoxine and folic acid on feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth and survival of eye stalk ablated and un-ablated Penaeus monodon. The results indicated that vitamin leficient diet cause mortality in eyestalk ablated shrimps within two to three weeks, whereas 10 mortality was observed in un-ablated shrimps. Experimental diets having 750 mg of ascorbic acid/kg or 10 mg of pyridoxine/kg or 5 mg of folic acid/kg were found to promote iignificantly (p <60> 0.05) the growth and survival rate in the ablated shrimps.

4 tables, 30 ref

022523   Raju T N;Rajani Kanth V;Uma Maheshwara Reddy P (Physiology Div, Zoology Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: rajutn57@yahoo.com) : Influence of kynurenines in pathogenesis of cataract formation in tryptophan-deficient regimen in wister rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 543-8.

L-Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid and its deficiency is involved in various pathologies. In this investigation an attempt was made to study the role of tryptophan and its metabolites in cataract formation in wistar rats. Rats were divided and maintained in 3 groups, Group A- control; Group B-marginal-tryptophan and Group C- Tryptophan-deficient diet for 3 months. Slit lamp microscope observations indicated lenticular opacities in Group-C (tryptophan-deficient) rats. In the rats that were maintained on tryptophan deficient diet, a decrease in protein content, kynurenines, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-tranferase (GSTs) and tryptophan-fluorescence intensities and an increase in lipid peroxidation indicative of oxidative stress have been observed. The above changes were normalized in the rats on supplementation of 0.05% tryptophan (Group-B) in their diets. These results suggest that tryptophan-deficiency in the diet leads to an overall significant decrease in kynurenines and levels of antioxidant enzymes (except SOD) in ocular tissue with a concomitant lenticular opacification. The results suggest that diet with adequate tryptophan has protective influence and is of immense benefit in mitigating the changes that may otherwise contribute to the lenticular opacities.

4 tables, 29 ref

022522   Raghuvanshi R;Surendra Singh (School of Studies in Microbiology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: surendrasinghg@yahoo.com) : Iron mediated regulation of growth and siderophore production in a diazotrophic cyanbacterium Anabaena cylindrica. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 563-7.

Iron mediated regulation of growth and siderophore production has been studied in a diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica. Iron-starved cells of A. cylindrlca exhibited reduced growth (30%) when the cells were growing under N₂-fixing conditions. In contrast, NO₃, NO₂", NH₄⁺ and urea grown cells exhibited almost 50% reduction in their growth in the absence of iron as compared to their respective counterparts cultured in the presence of iron. However, at 60 μiM of iron, A. cylindrica cells exhibited almost equal growth regardless of the nitrogen source available. Siderophore production in A. cylindrica was started after day 2nd of the cell growth and attained its optimal level on day 5th when the cells were at their mid-log phase. No siderophore production was, however, recorded on day 2nd at all the concentrations of iron tested. The production of siderophore in A. cylindrica further increased with increase in iron concentration and attained its optimum level on day 5th at 60 μM iron. A. cylindrica cells took at least 3 days for initiation of siderophore production and produced about 60% siderophore on day 5th even under iron-starved condition. A. cylindrica produced dihydroxamate type of siderophore.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

022521   Qi J;Chen K;Li C;Li M (Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan-250100, China, Email: ksc313@126.com) : Toxicity of Actinidia chinensis extracts to Plutella xylostella. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 419-24.

This study was done to evaluate the insecticidal activity of extracts from stems and leaves of Actinidia chinensis against third instar larvae of the diamondback moth," Plutella xylostella (L.) under laboratory conditions. The extracts were prepared using six solvents, among which acetone was found best with mortality (62.22 to 79.55% after 24 h and 48 h of exposure) of Plutella xylostella (L.). The LC₅₀ values of the acetone extract from stems were 49.04 and 40.85 ing/ml at 24 h and 48 h and from leaves were 74.07 and 67.28 mg/ml, respectively. The acetone extract of stems was extracted by 3 solvents and the petroleum ether extract caused 71.3% mortality at 48 h. The results are useful to develop new pest control agent derived from plants.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

022520   Pushpindar Kaur;Rattan Singh (Zoology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : In vivo interactive effect of garlic oil and vitamin E against stavudine induced genotoxicity in Mus musculus. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(9), 807-11.

Stavudine (Zerit, d4T) is widely used as an anti HIV infection drug. It prevents HIV by altering the genetic material of healthy cells but causes mutations in mitochondria! and nuclear DNA. It also produces clastogenic effects in mice. In the present investigation, comet assay test was applied to evaluate the possible genomic damage caused by stavudine and also the ameliorating effects of garlic oil and vitamin E against its genotoxicity in different organs of mice. Two different doses of garlic oil (low and high dose) and vitamin E were administered to mice separately and in combination for six consecutive days followed by a dose of stavudine. The mice were sacrificed after 24, 48 and 72 h of stavudine administration. Both the antioxidants (vitamin E and garlic oil) separately and in combination reduced the genotoxicity of stavudine. The protective effects of high doses of garlic oil were more pronounced as compared to vitamin E administered group.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

022519   Prem Kumar N;Inamdar M N;Venkataraman B V (Pharmacology Dep, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore-560 027) : Coparative interaction of few antihypertensive drugs with cyclosporine a in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(7), 638-41.

The maximal endothelial dependent relaxation of isolated aortic rings to cumulative doses of acetylcholine was significantly decreased in the Cyclosporine-A (CSA, 20 mg kg_-1 day_-1) treated animals compared to olive oil (CSA vehicle) treated control. Administration of antihypertensive drugs like diltiazem, enalapril or propranolol to CSA treated animals augmented the endothelial damage induced by CSA. These drugs also increased the bioavailability of CSA. However, administration of losartan to CSA treated animals produced a significant increase in endothelial dependent relaxation as compared to CSA treated control but did not affect the bioavailability of CSA significantly. The results suggest that losartan is safer compared to other antihypertensives for the treatment of CSA induced hypertension.

2 illus, 29 ref

022518   Paudel K R;Das B P;Rauniar G P;Sangraula H; Deo S;Bhattacharya S K (Pharmacology Dep, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science, Dharan, Nepal, Email: keshbpaudel@gmail.com) : Antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline in mice of acute pain models. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 529-31.

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs induce antinociceptive effect and suggest that their analgesic action could be related to the monoaminergic activity of the drugs. The analgesic activity of amitriptyline was observed in mouse models of acute pain. Mice were divided into different groups and were given amitriptyline in different doses alone and in combination with morphine. Reaction time in Hot-Plate and Tail-Flick tests was observed. Results showed that amitriptyline had antinociceptive effect in acute pain state in experimental models. Amitriptyline in combination with morphine had better analgesic effect than the morphine alone in Hot-Plate test.

1 table, 18 ref

022517   Parshad R K;Natt J K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: rkparshad@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of monosodium glutamate on food acceptance and toxicity of selenium in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(9), 802-8.

Food acceptance and toxic effects of feeding sodium selenite (Se) alone and in combination with monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer were studied in the laboratory rat. Dose-dependent stimulation of daily food intake was observed with MSG offered in no-choice or bi-choice with the plain food. Consumption of pellets containing 0.05, 0.5 and 1.0% Se was significantly low than the plain or MSG containing pellets but their active ingredient was sufficient to cause mortality of rats. Food pellets containing both MSG and Se in no-choice feeding trial were not preferred by the rats, as their consumption remained low as compared to pellets containing only MSG. However, prior feeding on MSG containing pellets for two days increasec the amount of intake of Se-containing pellets. No mortality of rats feeding on pellets containing different concentrations of MSG was recorded. Feeding on Se-containing pellets caused dose-dependent mortality on the third day of the trial. As compared to rats feeding on Se-containing pellets, the mortality rate was reduced in those provided Se in combinaiion with MSG but the intake of active ingredient of Se in both these trials did not differ significantly. Decrease in death rate of rats feeding on Se in combination with MSG containing pellets suggested that addition of MSG to seleniferous food probably provide protection to some extent from the toxic effects of selenium. However, combination of excess doses of MSG and Se in food pellets caused mortality of all experimental animals.

4 tables, 16 ref

022516   Pal C;Ganguly D;Paul K;Pal S (Zoology Dep, Brahmanada Keshab Chandra College, 111/2, B.T. Road, Bonhooghly, Kolkata-700 108, Email: chiranjipal@yahoo.co.in) : Dendritic cells and antigen trapping technology- a revolution in vaccine/immunotherapy strategy. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 491-504.

Vaccines based on dendritic cells-the immune system's key responders to foreign invaders- grabbed the spotlight of this decade. Scientists have devised a dozen different ways to make dendritic cell vaccines. They have linked dendritic cells with all kinds of antigens, including peptides derived from gene mutations, tumor/pathogen RNA, viral vectors, and with whole pathogen/tumor lysate. And they are adding cytokines such as granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor or interleukin 4 during dendritic cell growth or maturation or at the site of vaccination to try to boost response. We are still learning the best way to generate the dendritic cells, load them with the antigen and send them to the right place in the body, and use of the biological stage of development of dendritic cells that is best suited to stimulate a response. Attempts have been made to present a comprehensive synopsis of the history, development and ramifications of evolving knowledge on dendritic cell biology and the prospects for being developed as a rational immunotherapeutic tool. Further clinical studies are warranted.

4 illus, 1 tables, 108 ref

022515   Niakan M;Tajari M;Ghorbanli M (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Gorgan Branch, Iran, Email: mnniakan@yahoo.com) : Effect of salinity on allelopathic potential of canola (Brassica napus L.). Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 329-37.

The effect of salinity on allelopathic potential of canola (Brassica napus L. cv Hyola 401) was studied with aqueous extract of canola grown in saline (EC=6 and EC=10 dS/m) and non-saline (EC=0 dS/m) soils on soybean (Glycine max L. cv Gorgan 3) germination, radicle length, some organic compounds, catalase and peroxidase activity. Aqueous extracts of canola grown on soils with EC=6 and EC=10 dS/m decreased the germination, radicle growth, total protein, proline contents and catalase and peroxidase activity. While extracts with EC=0 dS/m, increased the soluble sugars and phenolic compounds increased in seedlings. In soybean grown in Hoagland solution, these extractions also reduced peroxidase and catalase activity in root, stem and cotyledon. Thus salinity increased the allelopathic potential in canola through the accumulation of phenols as antioxidants.

3 illus, 38 ref

022514   Nath S;Bhattacharyya D (Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S C Mollick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032, Email: dedasish@iicb.res.in) : Cell adhesion by aqueous extract of human placenta used as wound healer. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(8), 732-8.

Aqueous extract of human placenta, used as wound healer, has shown significant cell adhesion property on mouse peritoneal macrophages and P₃₈₈Di cultured macrophage cell line. This property was offered primarily by fibronectin type III like peptide present in the extract and is comparable to fibronectin on a molar basis. The peptide induce adhesion of cell through cell surface receptors having K_d = 2.8±0.9 x 10^-5 M suggesting weak binding. This is in support of integrins receptors that typically exhibit low affinities. Cell adhesion was partially inhibited by Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide, anti-β₁ integrin suggesting that integrin ft, receptors have roles to play in the process.

6 illus, 39 ref

022513   Mukherjee S;Golder D;Sukanta Rana;Jana B B (Aquaculture and applied Research Unit, Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: bbj@cal2.vsnl.net.in) : Responses of succinate dehydrogenase and non-specific alkaline phosphatases and mortality of tilapia to ambient pH stress in sewage-fed aquaculture pond. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(7), 630-7.

The fish, tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) of 50-60 g body weight was experimentally exposed to effluent gradients of highly alkaline pH in a sewage-fed aquaculture farm for examining the pH stress-induced responses of mortality and the stress marker enzyme succinate dehydrogenase and the non-specific alkaline phosphatases of fish prior to death at different hours of intoxication. A second trial was performed after two months when water quality changed along the sewage effluent gradient. An in situ experiment was also performed for better understanding of the responses of enzymatic activities attributable to different levels of pH conditions. Time required for 100% mortality of fish tended to increase from 30 min in pH 11.6 to 22 hr in pH 10.2. There was no mortality of fish when water quality improved significantly (with pH ranging between 9.6 to 8.0) after two months. The activities of succinate dehydrogenase and intracellular alkaline phosphatases assayed in gills and liver prior to death of fish tended to reduce with increase in survival hour, following a pattern of decay curve. On the other hand, percent of enzymatic inhibition of the exposed fish over the control increased as the survival hour increased following a pattern of exponential curve. It appears that the highest water pH of 11.6, maximum ratio for ammonium to ammonium hydroxide (1: 21) and reduced level of dissolved oxygen (2.62 mg/1) were perhaps responsible for the 100% mortality of fish within 30 min of their exposure and the enzymatic activities in the gills and liver assayed prior to death of fish tended to reduce as the acclimatization period of fish increased and vice-versa.

10 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

022512   Mohire N C;Salunkhe V R;Bhise S B;Yadav A V (NO, Government College of Pharmacy, Vidyanagar, Karad-415 124, Email: vrsalunkhe@rediffmail.com) : Cardiotonic activity of aqueous extract of hartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(6), 532-7.

Study was undertaken to evaluate cardiotonic activity of aqueous extract of heartwood of P. marsupium. This plant species contains 5,7,2-4 tetrahydroxy isoflavone 6-6 glucoside which are potent antioxidant and are believed to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Cardiotonic effect of aqueous extract of heartwood of P. marsupium was studied by using isolated frog heart perfusion technique (IFHP). Calcium free Ringer solution was used as vehicle for administration of aqueous extract of P. marsupium as a test extract and digoxin as a standard. A significant increase in height of force of contraction (positive inotropic effect) and decrease in heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) at a very low concentration (0.25 mg/ml) was observed with test extract as compared to the same dose of a standard digoxin. The results indicated that a significant increase in height of force of contraction with decrease in heart rate was observed as the dose of test extract increased. The test extract produced cardiac arrest at 4 mg/ml, a higher concentration, as compared to standard, digoxin (0.5 mg/ml). Compared to digoxin, a drug with narrow therapeutic window, P. marsupium showed wide therapeutic window.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

022511   Mishra A;Goswami T K;Shukla D C (Physiology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Email: ashishvet1@rediffmail.com) : Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure growth hormone level in serum and milk of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(7), 594-8.

An indirect Sandwich ELISA to measure growth hormone level in serum and milk of buffaloes was developed. The assay was based on purified anti rbST IgG raised in rabbits and chicken and rabbit and chicken IgG horseradish peroxidase. The assay was validated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision and recovery. Parallelism was demonstrated between the standard curve and serially diluted serum, milk and pituitary derived growth hormone. Sensitivity of the assay was 0.1 ng/ml. Recovery of exogenous bovine somatotropin from serum and milk ranged from 90 to 102% and 96 to 108% respectively. The intra and inter assay variations to measure growth hormone in serum and milk were 3.36 to 8.81% and 6.01 to 12.31% respectively. Statistical analysis for parallelism and cross-reactivity of rbST with serum of other species confirmed the reproducibility of the assay.

4 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref