021468   Yadav R S S;Yadav K D S (Chemistry Dep, D D U Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273 009, Email: kds_chemistry@rediffmail.com) : Enzymatic characteristics of quercetinases from some indigenous Aspergillus flavus strains. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 345-9.

Five indigenous Aspergillus flavus strains MTCC-2206, 1884, 1883, 1783 and 2456 were screened for the secretion of quercetinase. Fungal strains MTCC-2206, 1884, 1883, and 1783 were found to secrete the quercetinase in the range of 0.24-0.36 enzyme unit/mL of the culture medium, while MTCC-2456 secreted only 0.04 enzyme unit/mL. The enzymatic characteristics of quercetinase were determined. The K_m values using quercetin as the substrate were 12.5 μM, 14.0 μM, 12.5 μM and 13.0 μM for the quercetinase produced by MTCC-2206, 1884, 1883 and 1783, respectively. The pH optima for the above enzymes were 6.5, 6.5, 6.0 and 6.0 and temperature optima were 45, 40, 45 and 50°C, respectively. The partial purification from only one strain MTCC-2206 was achieved (nearly 3-fold purification).

021467   Vipin Kumar;Vinay Kumar;Sharma S;Mukesh Kumar;Satya Prakash;Bhati K V (NO, S.V.B.P. Univ of Agric and Technol, Modipuram-250 110) : Genetic diversity in musa germplasm using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Prog Res 2007, 2(1-2), 132-4.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to study genetic diversity in 9 clones of Musa cv. Pachanadan. Four RAPD primers generated 31 bands. Band size ranged from 300 bp to 2600 bp. Out of 31 bands generated, 29 (93.54%) were polymorphic and 2 (6.45%) were monomorphic. The binary data so obtained was used to compute Jaccard's similarity coefficients and the similarity matrix thus obtained was subjected to cluster analysis using the UPGMA. Principal Coordinate (PCO) analysis was also done. Nineteen clones were grouped into three major clusters i.e. cluster I, II and III respectively. The results of PCO largely corresponded to those from cluster analysis. Results of cluster analysis and PCO clearly show the RAPD primers used in the present study can easily demarcates the banana accessions.

3 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

021466   Vaish S S;Wani M A (Mycology Dep, Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: shyam_saran@rediffmail.com) : First documentation on prevalence, incidence and severity of diseases on pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens esculentum) and mustard (Brassica campestris L. var. sarson & B. juncea) from the high altitude cold arid region of India : Leh-Ladakh. Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 19-24.

Intensive field surveys for pea, lentil and mustard diseases covering large far reaching area were conducted in cold arid region of India (Leh-Ladakh). A total of 105 pea, 35 lentil and 90 mustard plots on the farmers fields were inspected systematically for prevalence, incidence and severity of the diseases. The most frequently encountered foliar disease was powdery mildew of pea among all the diseases noticed on pea, lentil and mustard i.e., in 88 out of 105 pea plots with high incidence ( <62>60%) and disease grade prevalence (5&4) showed by most of the powdery mildew infested pea plots. Therefore, Powdery mildew of pea was identified as the most severe problem. Among the other diseases of pea, wilt, root rot and anthracnose were observed in descending order with respect to their prevalence, incidence and severity. Only two diseases namely powdery mildew and wilt were encountered in lentil fields, while latter was with more prevalence than that of the former. However, most of the wilt infested fields of lentil manifested with disease incidence between 1-20%, whereas, most of the powdery mildew infested plots indicated disease incidence between 21→50%. Lentil plants were also found trapped with dodder/love vine (Cuscuta sp.) in four plots only. The patches of the trapped plants with dodder varied from 0.75 m to 1.45 m in diameter. Most of the mustard diseases showed low prevalence , incidence and severity. However, diseases on mustard can be sequenced in descending order as Leaf spot <60> powdery mildew taken into account disease prevalence, incidence and severity together. It is a foremost substantial explorative work of its kind on prevalence, incidence and severity of pea, lentil and mustard diseases from this high altitude cold arid region of India.

3 tables, 20 ref

021465   Urib Carvajal S;Guerrero-Castillo S;King-Diaz B;Lotina Hennsen B (Departamento de Bioquimica, Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Email: blas@servidor.unam.mx) : Allelochemicals targeting the phospholipid bilayer and the proteins of biological membranes. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 1-23.

Diverse allelochemicals interfere with the function of biological membranes. Among allelochemicals, those which are highly hydrophobic dissolve in the membrane bilayer, disordering the hydrocarbon tails of the phospholipids and increasing permeability. Hydrophobic allelochemicals are derived from molecules such as fatty acids, polyacetylenes, terpenes and phenols. In addition, the highly specialized proteins immersed in membranes are frequently the specific target of a given allelochemical. Thus, there are allelochemicals which interfere with receptors, primary transporters or secondary transporters. These biomolecules are extremely useful in protein structure-function studies. Here, the allelochemical interactions with representative proteins within each group are reviewed and some of the consequences of this interaction for the whole organism are analyzed. As there are a large number of allelopathic molecules, it is not possible to analyze every compound, but instead, the effects on specific proteins were illustrated.

23 illus, 79 ref

021464   Suresh Kumar;Parveen F;Goyal S;Chauhan A (NO, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342 003) : Indigenous herbal coolants for combating heat stress in the hot Indian Arid Zone. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(4), 679-82.

In view of continuous hot weather in eight months a year in arid western Rajasthan, desert dwellers have developed strategies to cope excessive heat. These include use of plants as herbal coolant for human body. An appraisal of such herbal coolants in western Rajasthan revealed use of 30 species of angiosperm belonging to 30 genera and 24 families. Common & botanical names and uses of 30 taxa as herbal coolant has been described.

021463   Som S;Bharati S;Chatterjee A K (Indian Statustical Institute, Sociological Researh Unit, Kolkata) : Role of women in weaver's family: a case study in a west Bengal village. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2007, 42(1), 23-30.

Small scale industry plays a vital role in the country's economy. Among these industries, handloom is one of the most important ones. Like many other cottage industries, in handloom also, women have extensive contribution. But unfortunately, their labour is not usually recognized. The study will try to find out the role of women in the production organization of family-based handloom industry with special reference to their financial contribution, which is hidden within the totaJ wages received by the male counterpart. Study in a village 'Dhaniakhali' in the district of Hooghly of West Bengal, through case study method, suggests that apart from domestic and caring activities, the women have been involved 6-7 hours (approx.) daily with the pre-weaving activities. The result shows that female members of the family have a considerable share in the total earnings from weaving activities of the household, which are giving support to the total family income on one hand and keep support in the existence of this industry on the other.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

021462   Singh R K (Agricultural Extension Dep, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, , Email: ranjay_jbp@rediffmail.com) : Implications of Prior Informed Consent for the conservators of indigenous biological diversity of Northeast India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(4), 655-65.

Despite the 1992 UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) requiring the rendering of due credit and benefit to local biodiversity conservators and Traditional Knowledge (TK) holders, very few examples of benefit sharing can be seen on the ground in India. Looking to the importance of the requirement, a project on indigenous natural resources management practices of the tribal peoples of Northeastern India was implemented in the year 2005 in different regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The primary goal of the project was to explore the hidden wisdom of tribal peoples regarding indigenous knowledge and use, and conservation of biodiversity. In the project, workshops of TK holders together with personal interviews were organized to seek their views and perspectives about Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) relating to their knowledge and practices. Two major types of incentives to the knowledge holders can be identified: materialistic and non-materialistic. A society of poor economic status but high ethical values needs non-materialistic incentives. The majority of these people were of the opinion that their knowledge could be displayed in full text for non-commercial and academic purposes. Research on indigenous resources and cashing the name and fame by formal scientists, needs to be formalized through the community and knowledge holders, with explicit acknowledgement of their wisdom. With the changing and variability in altitude, biodiversity, geography, culture and social norms, the ethics and ways of accessing biodiversity were found to vary from group to group. Knowledge holders living in areas of rich biodiversity at high altitudes required the offer of maximum benefit percentage towards the welfare and conservation of community-based biodiversity. Gender variability also determined percentage of benefit sharing and types of rewards suggested for the TK holders.

021461   Sharma E;Xu J (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, , Khumaltar, PO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Land-use, landscape management and environmental services in the mountain mainland Asia: introduction. Trop Ecol 2007, 48(2), 129-36.

Mountain ecosystems cover about one-quarter of the earth's surface, and support a diverse range of ecosystems and life-forms. These mountains provide essential environmental services, useful products and also serve as the world's water towers. Asian continent comprises a vast complex of mountain ranges around Tibetan Plateau known as the Mountain Mainland Asia (MMA). The MMA extends in the south by the Himalayan are, by the Pamir in the west, the Tian Shan in northeast and the complex of mountain ranges in the east. More than ten major rivers originate from MMA including the Tarim, Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Hong (Red River), Yellow River and Yangtze. These river systems provide ecosystem goods and services that sustain the lives and livelihoods of people in Asia both those living in mountains and plain areas of the basins. This introductory paper discusses on understanding the land use changes and ecosystem services also considering the transition from the changing market economies in the region. Impacts of driving forces especially on conservation and development, and challenges faced by the region are presented. Examples of landscape management approaches demonstrating the ecosystem services and livelihoods of the mountain peoples are illustrated. Lastly, the paper explores the possibilities of payments for ecosystem services especially on sustainable land-use management and conservation linked strategies and development.

46 ref

021460   Sharma D (Guinea Fowl Unit, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: Ds7758@yahoo.co.in) : Persistency of reponse to sheep RBC in guinea fowl at different weeks of age. Indian J Poult Sci 2007, 42(3), 331-2.

Total of 40 guinea fowl birds from 4 different age groups i.e. 13 wk, 11 wk 3 d, 9 wk 5d and 6 wk 4d were used to study the persistency of antibody response to SRBC, estimated in terms of haem-agglutination (HA) titre at different ages. The HA titre were measured at 5 , 9 , 12 and 15 days post immunization (dpi). Peak HA titre were observed at 11 wk 3 d dpi followed by 9 wk 5 d age at all the stages. The HA titre at different days post injection showed quite consistent trend at all ages. It showed reasonable persistency from 5 dpi to 12 dpi with a peak at 8 dpi. At 15 dpi, the decrease was sharp. These results suggest that the early weeks of age are not optimum age for estimation of this parameter and 8 dpi seems to be more optimum stage for estimation of this trait.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

021459   Saxena R;Jaiswal G;Lal A M;Sarkar S (Biochemistry Dep, I.P.D. College & Hospital, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rahul_srahul@rediffmail.com) : Oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance in parkinson's disease. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 29-33.

Cellular damage by reactive oxygen species including those associated with lipid peroxidation are accepted to be related with a neurodegerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). It is proposed that oxidative stress mediated electrolyte imbalance may have a role in etiopathogenesis of PD. In the present study, following parameters in 80 PD patients who were on levodopa, were estimated by using standard methods and statistically compared it with that of 32 healthy normal individuals. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase & glutathione peroxidase), malionaldehyde (MDA) levels], total antioxidant activity (TAA), non-enzymic antioxidants (vitamin E, C, A, & albumin), serum total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum minerals levels (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ & Fe³⁺) were estimated both in PD and control subjects and compared. Erythrocyte SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, plasma TAA, vitamin E, C & A, albumin, serum TIBC, K⁺, Ca²⁺ & Mg²⁺ levels were significantly low in patients with PD (p<60>0.05) as compared to healthy controls whereas erythrocyte MDA and serum iron levels were significantly (p<60>0.001) high in PD subjects. However, serum sodium levels were increased insignificantly (p<60>0.1) in PD subjects. Findings indicate that there is oxidative stress and alteration serum electrolyte levels in PD, that may play some role in the etiopathogenesis of this neurological dysfunction.

4 tables, 41 ref

021458   Samudram P;Vasuki R;Hari R;Geetha A; Sathiyamoorthi P (Biochemistry Dep, SRM Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai, Email: rajihar@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of ethanolic extracts of Eclipta alba and Piper longum. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 39-42.

Investigation the antioxidant and Antihepatotoxic activities of the crude ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba and Piper longum were studied. The antioxidative activities of biherbal ethanolic extract (BHE) were investigated employing various established in vitro systems such as total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion system, and inhibitory effect on protein oxidation. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract were also determined by a colorimetric method. The BHE at a dose level of 50 mg/kg body weight were administered to different groups of rats orally once daily for 14 days. The degree of hepatic protection was determined by estimating the levels of serum marker enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP, and LDH. The results revealed that BHE has notable inhibitory activity on peroxides formation in linoleic acid emulsion system in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, free radical - induced protein oxidation was suppressed significantly by the addition of BHE over a range of concentration. The BHE also showed potent antihepatotoxic activity against carbontetrachloride-induced acute toxicity in rat liver. There was marked elevation of serum marker enzyme levels in CCl₄ treated rats. The amelioration of liver toxicity by BHE was evident from its significant inducing effects on the levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP, and LDH. The results strongly indicate that the hepatoprotective effect of BHE, which is possibly related to its marked antioxidant activity.

3 tables, 22 ref

021457   Roy S B;Mukherjee R;Katiyar A (NO, Indian Institute of Bio Social Research and Development (IBRAD), Kolkata) : Sustainable livelihoods through community participation: case study from Dhamtari forest division, Chattisgarh. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2007, 42(1), 73-81.

Describes the livelihood pattern in the People's Protected Area in the Chhattisgarh Forests. There is a vivid portrayal of how the mutual trust and co-ordination between the community members and the Forest Department has helped in the sustainable livelihood of the people and has steered the process of better economic status of the community.

5 ref

021456   Renugadevi J;Milton Prabu S (Biochemical Toxicology Div, Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar Tamil Nadu) : Protective role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and E (α-tocopherol) against cadmium induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(1), 23-8.

Study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary vitamins C (ascorbic acid) and E (α-tocopherol) on serum hepatic marker enzymes, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation status in liver of cadmium intoxicated rats. Ral administration of cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg body wt./day) for 30 days resulted in a significant elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and the levels of lipid peroxidation markers (TBARS) in liver. Cadmium also caused a significant reduction in the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH level in liver. Prior oral administration of vitamins C and E (50 mg/kg body wt./day) along with cadmium significantly decreased the activities of serum, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH along with significant decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation in the liver. In addition to that, combined treatment of vitamins C and E significantly increased the glutathione level together with other hepatic antioxidant enzymes. The results suggest that combined treatment of vitamins C and E exhibited better antioxidant property and decrease the level of lipid peroxidation against cadmium induced oxidative stress in liver.

2 tables, 44 ref

021455   Reena;Singh R (Entomology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: ramjood@redffmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of karanj, Pongamia pinnata methanolic seed extract fraction against Helicoverpa armigera. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2007, 29(2), 63-9.

Chloroform, hexane and acetone fractions of methanolic extracts of mature and immature seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) were evaluated against different stages of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 % concentrations. Karanj oil 1.0% was taken as control for comparison. Hexane and chloroform fractions (1.5 and 2.0%) caused significantly higher larval mortality and larval feeding deterrence than other treatments including control. Adults when fed on the fraction treated sucrose diet (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4%) exhibited a marked reduction in egg laying and subsequent egg hatching. Number of eggs laid ranged from 9.33 in mature seed hexane fraction treatment to 111.67 in immature acetone fraction which were significantly less than control (166.00 eggs). Various fractions at 0.5,1.0,1.5 and 2.0 % also deterred the adult females from egg laying when applied on to the oviposition substrate (no-choice, choice and without actual contact condition). Hatching inhibition of one-day old eggs was also noticed on treatment of fractions. Lowest egg hatching (39.85%) was recorded in 2.0% hexane fraction followed by 2.0% chloroform fraction (40.39 % hatching) of mature seeds in comparison to 84.33 - 91.22 % hatching in control. Among hexane, chloroform and acetone, hexane fraction showed maximum activity. Mature seed fractions gave better results than the immature one, though both were effective.

1 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

021454   Raskin Erusan R;Nalini D;Malathi R (Genetics Dep, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-113, , Email: r_malathi @hotmail.com) : Obesity, inflammation and metabolic disorders. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 4(1), (NULL).

The incidence of obesity worldwide has increased drastically during recent decades. Currently, obesity is viewed as a pro-inflammatory state with a rise in inflammatory parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO) along with the increase in the secretion of leptin. Evaluation of these parameters in lean and obese subjects might enable us to understand the link between obesity, BMI and inflammation. In this connection, we have estimated serum leptin, CRP, NO, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipid profile in normal, underweight, overweight and obese subjects. Interestingly leptin level is found to be higher in obese and overweight subjects. A profound positive correlation has been observed between obesity, serum leptin and CRP suggesting a possible link between obesity, inflammation and metabolic syndrome.

1 table, 33 ref

021453   Priya S;Sudhakaran P R (Biochemistry Dep, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: prsbn@md4.vsnl.net.in) : Curcumin-induced recovery from hepatic injury involves induction of apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 317-25.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo activation and transdifferentiation to myofibroblast like cells in liver injury, leading to liver fibrosis. During recovery from injury, activated HSCs may either revert back to quiescent state or undergo apoptosis or both. In the present study, we have examined whether recovery from hepatic injury involves apoptosis of activated HSCs and tested whether curcumin (the yellow pigment from Curcuma longa Linn.) promotes recovery from hepatic injury by inducing apoptosis of these cells. Hepatic injury was induced by CCl₄ and apoptosis was studied in HSCs isolated from liver by MTT assay, DNA fragmentation, and DAPI and annexin staining. Hepatic recovery was assessed by measuring hepatic marker activities, such as serum GOT, GPT and protein. Hepatic recovery occurred within 4 weeks after inducing injury in untreated control, whereas curcumin treatment caused hepatic recovery within 2 weeks, as evidenced by the reduction of hepatic marker activities to near normal levels. HSCs isolated from liver of animals treated with curcumin showed maximum apoptotic marker activities in 2nd week, whereas in HSCs from untreated control recovering from injury, maximum apoptosis was observed in 4th week. Induction of apoptosis in vivo during hepatic recovery was also suggested by increase in caspase-3 activity. Treatment of isolated HSCs in culture with curcumin caused apoptosis during later stages confirming that curcumin induced apoptosis of activated HSCs and not in unactivated quiescent HSCs. These results suggested that hepatoprotective effect of curcumin causing recovery from injury involved apoptosis of activated HSCs.

021452   Praveen Kumar P K;Mathivanan V;Karunakaran M; Renganathan S;Renganathan S;Sreenivasan R S (Industrial Biotechnology Dep, Bharath University, Chennai-600 073, Email: pkpraveenpk@yahoo.com) : Studies on the effects of pH and incubation period on protease production by Bacillus spp. using groundnut cake and wheat bran. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 4(1), (NULL).

The production of alkaline protease by Bacillus licheniformis (MTCC 1483) and Bacillus subtilis of indigenous isolates using cheapest sources- groundnut cake (N2 Source) and wheat bran (C source) was studied. The proteolytic activity was found maximum at 72 hr of the culture for both the bacterial types but the pH of the medium for maximal enzyme production varied as 9 for Bacillus licheniformis and as 8 for Bacillus subtilis. Thus investigations of this study reveal the possibility of employing cheapest nutrient source for microbial proteases that can be used on a commercial scale.

3 tables, 6 illus, 20 ref

021451   Negi V S;Murmu V;Kaveri S V;Swaminathan R P; Das A K (Medicine Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (J, Puducherry-605 006, Email: vsnegi22@yahoo.co.in) : Intravenous immunoglobulin: mechanism of action and clinical uses. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 3-8.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is widely used in supportive therapy of patients with humoral immunodeficiency. It is also effective in the treatment of a variety of immune-mediated diseases, e.g. immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Kawasaki's syndrome, dermatomyositis, demyelinating diseases such as Guillian-Barre syndrome, autoimmune skin blistering diseases and graft versus host disease (GVHD). The mechanisms of action of IVIg are complex, involving modulation of expression and function of Fc receptors, interference with activation of complement and the cytokine and idiotype network, regulation of cell growth, effects on the activation, differentiation, and effector functions of dendritic cells, T and B cells. The exact mode of action is however, not yet defined.

^iia64 ref

021450   Navpreet Kaur;Bajwa I S;Singh B;Trehan P K (Animal Breeding & Genetics Deptt., Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Email: Iqbal_bajwa@rediffmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of support and demand tissues of two genetically disparate broiler stocks. Indian J Poult Sci 2007, 42(3), 306-10.

Broiler stock PB-1 developed in public sector and a reputed commercial stock C-l in the market were compared for the development of support and demand tissues and to assess their susceptibility to metabolic disturbances. Both were raised up to the age of five weeks on deep litter system under similar feeding and management practices. All measurements of support tissues (heart, lungs, liver, gizzard and intestines) and demand tissues (breast, drumsticks, thighs, back, wings and neck) were taken at 5 weeks of age. Birds of commercial stock C-1 were significantly heavier than PB-1.Weights of total support tissues (TOST) were higher in PB-1 (160.2g) than C-l (155.4g), while weights of total demand tissues (TODT) and prime cut-up parts (PCP) were higher in C-l (625.3g and 353.9g) than PB-lstock (580.4g and 331.8g). Because of low weight of support tissues and high weight of demand tissues, ratio of support to demand tissue was significantly lower in C-l (0.249) than PB-lbroilers (0.279). It may be averred that PB-1 birds can better cope up with stressful conditions than C-1 and latter may be more prone to metabolic disturbances than PB-1 stock.

3 tables, 17 ref

021449   Moura Veiga T A;Gonzalez-Vazquez R;Braga P A C;Silva M F G F;King-Diaz B;Lotina-Hennsen B (Facultad de Quimica, Departamento de Bioquimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Mexico D.F., Mexico, Email: blas@servidor.unam.mx) : Alkaloids isolated from Hortia superba (Rutaceae) interact with spinach thylakoids inhibiting the electron transport chain. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 133-43.

Flindersine (1) and N-methyl-flindersine (2) were isolated from Hortia superba. Both compounds inhibited the synthesis of ATP and non-cyclic electron transport, i.e. they behaved as Hill reaction inhibitors. Both alkaloids inhibited electron flow through PSII. The effect of the alkaloids on the partial PSI1 reactions was measured as under: from water to oxidized DCPIP, water to sodium silicomolybdate and from reduced DPC to oxidized DCPIP. The results demonstrated that their inhibition site was at QB., since the ectron flow from water to Pheophytin was not affected. Furthermore, alkaloid 2 had another site of inhibition located at PQH₂ oxidation site, the b₆f complex. The polarographic results were corroborated by Chl a fluorescence measurements; in thylakoids, the alkaloids changed the shape of the Kautsky curve. The OJIP test indicated that the behavior of alkaloids 1 and 2 was similar to DCMU. In addition, alkaloid 2 was less active than 1. The main inhibition site of 2 was located at the PQH₂ site of oxidation within the b₆f complex.

5 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

021448   Mishra A N;Rajesh K;Mishra D B (Zoology Dep, T.D. College, Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh) : Phytochemical investigation and antiplasmodial activity of leaf extract of Cassia obtusifolia Linn.. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(1), 63-5.

Methanol extract of fresh leaves of Cassia obtusifolia Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) was investigated for its antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium faliciparum (Malaria causing protozoan). In vitro activity against P. falciparum strain K-1 was assessed using the Parasite Lactate Dehydrogenase assay method. The main anti-plasmodial compound 1, 3, 8, trihydroxy-6 methyl-9, 10 anthracenedione has been isolated from Cassia obtusifolia Linn, leaves. Concentration of the compound in the leaf was 1.5%. The leaf extract was effective to check the incidence of disease about 80%.

1 illus, 10 ref

021447   Maiti S;Agarwal M K (Anthropology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow) : Demographic analysis of a small community with special reference to fertility trends : the Karen of Andaman Island (India). J Indian Anthrop Soc 2007, 42(1), 83-98.

India is passing through a stage when important parameters such as demographic, social, economic and others are showing sure signs of betterment at the macro level. However, at the smaller and disaggregated levels disparities seem to get widened. In this regard, demographic and social variables are not far behind. In fact, it is for this reason that the National Population Policy 2000 has emphasized upon reorienting policy strategy at the micro-level for effective outcome realization. Taking this consideration into account, undertake to analyze the demographic behaviour of the Karen, a small community of the Andaman Islands in India. The Karen are Burmese immigrant, brought to Andaman in 1925 to work for the Forest Department. Gradually after settling down, they diversified into other activities. Today, the Karen form a small but important community in Andaman. The study is based upon primary data. The Karen (in the Andaman) are concentrated in six villages of Mayabunder tehsil and two villages of Diglipur tehsil, both in North Andaman. Most of the villages were covered to collect the data where the community had almost full domination as other households were too few and far between. The analysis of the data generated appears to offer some interesting results. This shows that despite many favourable demographic parameters, population growth rate remains very high. Low economic opportunity and low social conditions do not augur well for overall improvement in demographic attainments as reflected in adverse sex ratio, high fertility rates, bottlenecks in birth control measures, etc. This study might be helpful in understanding the micro level demographic complications which are quite numerous and that becomes significant at the aggregated level.

8 tables, 12 ref

021446   Liu H;Tanaka K;Kamada N (Developmental Biology and Oncology Dep, Research Institute for Radiati, Hiroshima University, Minamu-ku, Hiroshima, Japan, Email: kmtanaka@ies.or.jp ) : Increased expression of PML protein in lymphocytes induced by serum from patients with severe aplastic anemia. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 4(1), (NULL).

PML is essential for multiple apoptotic pathways and has an altered expression in human oncogenesis. However, the role of PML in regulating cell growth and apoptosis in aplastic anemia (AA) is still unclear. To investigate the involvement of PML in the pathogenesis of AA, the expression of PML protein and apoptosis in lymphocytes was measured with immunofluorescent staining after 24 hours incubation with serum of healthy individuals (controls, n=10) and patients with severe AA (SAA, n=10). After incubation with serum from SAA patients, PML protein was overexpressed both in peripheral lymphocytes from a normal donor and in a B cell line established from cells of the same individual. The normal lymphocytes contained a greater proportion of apoptotic cells after incubation with serum from SAA patients than serum from controls, which correlated to the serum-induced expression of PML. In addition, the induction of PML expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes by the serum was partly blocked by caspase 8 inhibitor, whereas no significant difference was found before and after caspase 3 inhibitor was added. These results indicate that some components contain of the serum of SAA patients, which was confirmed to ?-IFN by us, acts on lymphocytes not only to upregulate PML protein, but also to selectively activate caspase 8, causing apoptosis. This disregulation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lymphocytopenia in aplastic anemia.

1 table, 15 illus, 40 ref

021445   Latha R;Nagashree R (Physiology Dep, P.S.G. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: lathaphysio@yahoo.co.in) : Gender difference in lipid peroxidation by the tissues of arsenic exposed mice. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 51-3.

Arsenic is a potent pro-oxidant increasing the lipid peroxidation in all the tissues. This study was undertaken to investigate the gender difference in antiperoxide effect of garlic oil on lipid peroxidation of various tissues of arsenic treated mice. Garlic oil (100 mg/kg body weight/day) removed from garlic pearls purchased from Ranbaxy was administered orally to albino mice and its protective effect was determined on sodium-arsenite induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) of different tissues of both genders of mice. A significant increase (p <60> 0.001) in LPO was observed in liver of male mice and the garlic oil treatment reduces LPO significantly (p <60> 0.001) only in kidneys of male mice. But the female mice showed a significant reduction (p <60> 0.001) in arsenic-induced LPO in lungs, heart and kidneys after the administration of garlic oil. These results indicate that there is a gender difference in response to the garlic oil administration in arsenic treated mice.

^ssc1 table, 15 ref

021444   Kumaresan R;Sankaranarayanan T K;Madhavendra S S (NO, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh-500 007, Email: kumri@ccmb.res.in) : Metabolic influx and energy investment in Macrotermes convulsionarius (konig). Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 4(1), (NULL).

Although a considerable amount of information is available on termite caste differentiation, much less is known about metabolic influx and energy investment among castes, those would presumably play a pivotal role in termite physiology. In this study, nutritional metabolites among the major castes of Macrotermes were compared and the data illustrated that the worker caste holds considerable amount of energy, whereas the soldier caste enjoys huge reserves. Reproductive alates also showed higher metabolic turn over but we have concluded that energy allocation to reproduction is secondary and the energy investment in colony defense seems primary. Higher levels of glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and fatty acids were observed in soldier caste, suggesting colony defense is an energydemanding phenomenon. Since Uric acid formation without xanthine oxidase (XO) is unlikely, exogenous uric acid source from other nest mates may be possible, because negligible XO activity and considerable amount of uric acid content is observed in soldier caste. Observed uric acid content and xanthine oxidase activity both were descending in the order of female, male, worker, and soldier castes. Alates have huge reserves of ATP, triglyceride, fatty acids, and uric acid. Maximum fatty acids reserve was observed in male alates and predominant gross fatty acids measured by GC-MS were stearic and oleic.

1 table, 4 illus, 42 ref

021443   Kamalraj S;Sridevi S;Gangadevi V;Venkatesan A;Muthumary J (Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: vganges@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of NaCl on biochemical changes and endophytic fungal assemblages in the leaves of a mangrove, Ceriops roxburghiana Arn.. Indian J Sci Technol 2008, 4(1), (NULL).

One of the universal protective responses of plants to any type of stress is the accumulation of low-molecular organic substances such as amino acids, sugars and proteins. In this study, the effect of salinity on leaf pigments, proteins, free amino acids, proline, polyphenols, sugars and starch content was investigated. Status on endophytic fungal assemblages in the salt treated leaves of a mangrove, C. roxburghiana was studied under hydroponics pot culture. The photosynthetic pigments, sugars and protein concentrations of leaves were reduced by salinity and that the effect was aggravated by the long duration of salinity. Total contents of both chlorophyll and carotenoids decreased significantly by the treatment of NaCl. Total amino acid pool decreased by salinity, but the proline content increased only marginally. In the control, proline level did not change during the entire period of the study. The significant increase of accumulation of proline in leaves is implicated in osmotic adjustment to salinity. The endophytic fungal assemblage was also investigated. Among the 7 species, isolated Phyllosticta sp. was found frequently more when compared to other fungi. The results show that the endophytic fungi like Pestalotiopsis sp. and Phyllosicta sp. can be sustained and regenerated at low salinity condition in halophytes.

3 tables, 4 illus, 32 ref

021442   Jimenez Estrada M;Reyes Chilpa R;Ruiz De Esparza Villarreal R;Jankowski C K;Vancalsteren M R (Department de Chimie et Biochimie, Universite de Moncton, Moncton, NB, E1a 3E9, Canada, Email: manuelj@servidor.unam.mx) : Structure of 1β-glucosy-piquerol A: storage of an allelopathic monoterpene. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 191-7.

Aerial parts of Piqueria trinervia Cav. (Asteraceae) afforded a new compound, 1β-glucosyl-piquerol A and its structure was established by 1D and 2D NMR, 1R, UV and Mass Spectrometry. In contrast with its aglycone, 1β-glucosyl-piq'uerol A did not inhibit seed germination, and radicle elongation of Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Echinochloa crus-galli. Considering P. trinervia have medicinal properties, 1β-glucosyl piquerol A was found inactive against the human pathogenic microorganisms Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi. and Staphylococcus aureus. It is proposed that synthesis of this monoterpene glycoside could be a potential mechanism to avoid autotoxicity, while hydrolysis in the soil by a microbial glycosidase could release the allelopathic compound Piquerol A. Alternatively mechanical damage of P. trinervia leaves, may also induce hydrolysis of 1β-glucosyl-piquerol A by an endogenous glycosidase.

1 illus, table, 19 ref

021441   Harish Chandra;Sidhu O P;Chandrashekhar K (Microbiology Dep, Dolphin (P.G.) Institute of Bio-Medical and Natural Sciences, V.P.O, Manduwala, Near Suddhowala, Chakrata Road, Dehradun-248007) : Aflatoxins : production, health hazards, detection and their possible control. Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 1-14.

Aflatoxin are the secondary metabolite produced by the Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and less common specie Aspergillus nomius. It is the only toxin which generated most of the attention from other toxin because of their toxicity and health hazards. In the present article the occurrence, different methods used for the detection of Aflatoxin (TLC, HPLC, Minicoloumn, ELISA, PCR, electrochemical immunosensor and immunochromatographic method) possible control of the aflatoxin by regulatory action, decontamination, detoxification by using chemical method (i.e Calcium chloride, Ammonia, Methylamine, hydrogen peroxide and Ozone), by physical method (irradiation) and biological control and genetic control were reviewed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 102 ref

021440   Gopal S;Nagabhushan Reddy M;Venkata Ramudu M; Indira P (Zoology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ,, Anantapur Andhra Pradesh) : Levels of lipid metabolites in Cyprinus carpio (L.) on sublethal exposure to synthetic detergent linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS). Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(1), 17-22.

Synthetic detergents deposited in the aquatic environment may accumulate in the food chain and cause ecological damage and even threat to human health. Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) is an anionic surfactant and placed head list of chemical pollutants posing a great potential risk than the organic wastes and eutrophicating nutrients. During this research sublethal effects of LAS on the levels of lipid metabolites in various tissues of freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio were studied. The levels of total lipids decreased initially at 24h in relation to control and up to day 7. After day 7, these levels increased gradually and maximum increase was observed at day 15 from where there was again decrease in those levels up to day 20 and reached nearer to control at day 30. The increase in the levels of total lipids was more in muscle than liver followed by gill. The levels of both free fatty acids and lipase activity followed a reverse trend to that of total lipids.

3 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

021439   Ghosh K K;Verma S K (School of Studies in Chemistry, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010, Email: sqin@ms.qdio.ac.cn) : Kinetics of α-chymotrypsin catalyzed hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate in ethanolamine surfactants. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 350-3.

The kinetics of α-chymotrypsin (α-CT) catalyzed hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate has been studied in aqueous solution of alkyldimethylethanolammonium bromide (cetyl, dodecyl, decyl) surfactants at concentrations below and above their critical micelle concentration. From Michaelis-Menten kinetics, the catalytic rate constant k_cat and the Michaelis constant K_M have been determined. The bell-shaped profiles of α-CT activity with increasing surfactant concentrations indicate the interaction between the micelle-bound enzyme and substrate.

021438   Ghanaksh A;Kaushik P (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Hardwar-249 401) : Antibacterial potential of some therapeutic orchids. J Orchid Soc India 2007, 21(1-2), 23-7.

Alcoholic extracts of seven orchid species, Aerides multiflora, Coelogyne gardneriana, Dendrobium farmeri, Luisia trichorhiza, Oberonia pachyrachis, Rhynchostylis retusa and Vanda cristata were tested for antibacterial activity against five strains of bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. The zone of inhibition were largest when pure and undiluted extracts were used. The dilutions of the extracts did not show significant inhibition. Oberonia pachirachis and Dendrobium farmeri showed much encouraging results but other plant extracts too showed satisfactory results against all the five bacterial strains.

7 tables, 13 ref

021437   Geetha S;Sai Ram M;Kumar R;Ilavazhagan G; Sawhney R C (Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054, Email: em_dipas@yahoo.com) : Cytoprotective and antioxidant activity of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against sodium nitroprusside induced oxidative damage in lymphocytes. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 16-23.

Study reports the anti-oxidant activity of alcoholic extracts of leaf and fruit of seabuckthorn (SBT) on nitric oxide induced cytotoxicity in rat lymphocytes. The leaf and fruit extract were evaluated for cytoprotective and antioxidant activity using rat lymphocytes as a model system. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) which generates nitric oxide (NO) at the concentration of 500ug/ml was used as an oxidant to produce oxidative damage. Exposure of the cells to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) resulted in a significant increase in cytotoxicity and enhanced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) production, which in turn resulted in decrease in anti-oxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the cells. Addition of SNP also caused a significant damage to nuclear and mitochondrial membrane integrity. SNP treatment also caused a significant inhibition of Con A induced interleukin production. Alcoholic leaf and fruit extracts of SBT at the concentration of 500 ug/ml were found to have significant cytoprotective effect against SNP induced oxidative stress. These extracts inhibited SNP induced cytotoxicity and free radical production in the lymphocytes. Both leaf and fruit extracts also significantly enhanced the level of various intracellular antioxidants such as GSH, GPx and SOD. The extracts also restored the levels of various interleukins such as IL-2, IL-4 and y-IFN. The cytoprotective effect of the extracts could be attributed to its antioxidant activity. The alcoholic fruit extract of seabuckthorn was found to have significantly higher anti-oxidant activity than leaf extract against SNP induced cytotoxicity in lymphocytes.

3 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

021436   Gaba A;Makadiya N R;Joshi C G;Jhala M K (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand-388 001, Email: mkjhala_2003@yahoo.co.in) : Isolation of infectious bursal disease virus in cell culture, detection and characterization by RT-PCR/SSCP analysis. Indian J Poult Sci 2007, 42(3), 339-42.

The study was aimed at isolation of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), detection by RT-PCR and genetic characterization by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). BGM-70 cell monolayers inoculated with two field bursal samples resulted in isolation of the virus after five successive passages. Distinct CPE characterized by rounding and clumping of cells, extensive cytoplasmic granularity and detachment of the cells was observed, which was similar to that produced by vaccine isolate during first passage. RT-PCR performed for viral RNA extracted by Trizol Reagent from cell culture supernatant and infected monolayers, using PI and P2 pair of primers specific to hypcrvariable region of VP2 gene, resulted in generation of a targeted amplicon of 643 bp, confirming the growth of IBDV in cell culture. On SSCP analysis, RT-PCR amplified products of both the field isolates and vaccine virus revealed similar migration pattern, suggesting absence of any nucleotide sequence variation among them with respect to the targeted gene segment.

3 illus, 16 ref

021435   Eldin A A K;Shaheen A A;Elgawad H M A;Shehata N I (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Email: hananabdelgawad@yahoo.com) : Protective effect of taurine and quercetin against renal dysfunction associated with the combined use of gentamycin and diclofenac. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 332-40.

The potential protective effects of taurine and quercetin against gentamycin (GM)/diclofenac (DC) combined nephrotoxicity were investigated in rats. The results showed that administration of DC alone at an oral dose of 5 mg/kg b.wt/day for 28 days had no significant effect on the measured parameters, except for marked increase in urinary uronic acid excretion. Administration of GM alone at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt/day i.p. for 8 days resulted in obvious nephrotoxicity. Combined GM-DC treatment led to the most pronounced nephrotoxicity, as indicated by greater elevations in serum urea, creatinine and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), together with severe depression of renal cortical Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, compared to GM-treated group. Moreover, only combined treatment resulted in significant decrease in urinary potassium and renal cortical glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), together with an increase in renal cortical lipid peroxidation products (LPOs). Co-administration of taurine or quercetin normalized creatinine clearance and ameliorated the elevations in urinary proteins, uronic acids, NAG and renal cortical LPOs in GM/DC treated rats. The study justifies the use of taurine and quercetin as renoprotective agents against the nephrotoxicity caused by GM/DC therapy.

021434   Duddukuri G R;Naga Brahmam A;Rao D N (Biochemistry Dep, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: dgrao@rediffmail.com) : Suppressive effect of Strychnos nux-vomica on induction of ovalbumin-specific IgE antibody response in mice. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 341-4.

Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (SNV; Loganiaceae), a medicinal plant has been used as folk medicine for alleviating inflammation, joint pains and allergic symptoms. In the present study, we examined its possible immunomodulatory effect on induction of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE antibody response in a murine model, as evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). The OVA-specific IgE antibody response was significantly suppressed in BALB/c mice (H-2^d), following intraperitoneal administration of aqueous stem extract of the plant along with OVA. Furthermore, the different doses of SNV extract were found to significantly suppress the induction of OVA-specific IgE antibody response. The anti-OVA IgE antibody response was suppressed in different haplotypes of mice viz., C57BL/6 (H-2^b) and SWR/J(H-2^q). However, preliminary findings revealed no significant change in the total IgE antibody response against OVA, as evaluated by ELISA. These results confirm the suppressive activity of S. nux-vomica on allergen-specific IgE antibody response and suggest its possible application in allergic conditions.

021433   Donoso C A;Becerra J;Bittner M;Elissetche J P;Freer J;Mendoza R;Sterner O;Silva M (Laboratorio de Recursos Renovables, Biotechnologia, Departamento de Botanica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanograficas, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile, Email: jbecerra@udec.cl) : Allelochemicals and natural durability in chilean cupressaceae heartwoods. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 119-32.

Biological activity of extractives from heartwood of three native Chilean Cupressaceae was evaluated against pathogenic fungi and bacteria as well as the loss of mechanical properties and weight of wood (with and without extractives) exposed to saprophytic fungi. Wood samples from Austrocedrus chilensis, Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum were collected in the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountains of Chile. Over 20 compounds were isolated and identified. Most of them were fatty acid, sesquiterpenes, phenolic diterpenes, and lignans. Total extracts and isolated compounds were active on fungi and bacteria. It was observed that the most active compounds were the lignans, matairesinol, podophyllotoxin, yatein and the diterpenes, totarol, ferruginol, 6,7-dehydroferruginol. When the extractives were removed from the wood, the activity against saprophytic fungi decreased and the wood samples presented lower rigidity and weight than those with extractives. The extractives and their composition were related with the wood's natural durability when faced against the action of biotic agents. Results suggest that the extractives from the heartwood of these native species are responsible for the natural durability of the native Chilean Cupressaceae.

6 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

021432   Dimitrov M I;Donchev A A;Toromanov G R;Getov V I;Toncheva-Panova T G (NO, Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia-1113, Bulgaria, Email: mitkod@bio21.bas.bg) : Plastocyanin microheterogeneity in Scenedesmus acutus MT8. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 310-6.

Two total plastocyanin (PC) fractions - loosely bound (lPC) and strongly bound (sPC) were extracted (84% and 16%, respectively) from the homogenate of Scenedesmus acutus MT8. Two-fold isolation-purification procedure including DE-52 chromatography separated lPC into a smaller oxidized [lPC (II)] and a larger reduced [lPC(I)] fractions, in contrast to sPC, where sPC(II) greatly dominated over sPC(I). Analytical isoelectric focusing (IEF) separated lPC(II) into two main fractions only in the presence of 8 M urea, implying microheterogeneity. Preparative IEF in immobiline pH-gradient of 3.2-4.1 separated lPC(II) into two blue fractions - a more alkaline lPC'(II) and a more acidic lPC''(II), which were probably stereoisomers. Their UV-Vis spectra exhibited rarely observed tryptophane (291.5 nm) and some differences at 270 and 287 nm. The exact molecular masses of apo-/holo-lPC (10131 Da/10194 Da) were determined by mass spectrometry. The number of -SH groups was determined from the mass difference between alkylated with 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) and non-alkylated protein. Additionally, a simple procedure for simultaneous separation of both primary structure and stereoisomers of PC was developed.

021431   Chowdhury I;Sengupta A;Maitra S K (Obstetrics and Gynecology Dep, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA, Email: dgp_skmaitra@yahoo.co.in) : Melatonin: fifty years of scientific journey from the discovery in bovine pineal gland to delineation of functions in human. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 289-304.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was first purified and characterized from the bovine pineal gland extract by Aron Lerner and co-workers in 1958. Since then, a plethora of information has piled up on its biosynthesis, metabolism, time-bound periodicity, physiological and patho-physiological functions, as well as its interactions with other endocrine or neuro-endocrine organs and tissues in the body. Melatonin has wide range of applications in physiology and biomedical fields. In recent years, a significant progress has been made in the understanding mechanism of its actions at the cellular and molecular levels. Consistent efforts have uncovered the mystery of this indoleamine, and demonstrated its role in regulation of a large as well as diverse body functions in different groups of animals in general, and in humans in particular. Current review, in commemoration of 50 years of discovery of melatonin, while revisiting the established dogmas, summarizes current information on biosynthesis, secretion, metabolism and molecular mechanism of action of melatonin at cellular level and highlights the recent research on its role in human physiology and clinical biology.

021430   Chandola S;Badola R;Hussain S A (NO, Wildlife Institute for India, Dehradun) : Factros affecting women's participation in conservation programmes in and around Rajaji National park, India. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2007, 42(1), 11-21.

The conservation of biodiversity relies on the involvement of the community, both women and men, whose interests and perspectives regarding natural resources may differ. Often, an ostensibly gender-neutral initiative may in fact be biased against women. In this paper we present a case study of conservation initiative in two villages - Ganeshpur and Gangabhogpur, adjoining Rajaji National Park, North India. The objectives of this paper are to explore the status of women in these villages, examine level of their participation in conservation programs and factors determining their participation, their awareness regarding participatory approaches and their perception on various management issues. In Ganeshpur, where educational status of women was low and gender stratification was traditional, women had less say in household and outside matters. Women's awareness regarding conservation and co-management initiatives was superficial. Their participation in conservation initiatives was negligible. In Gangabhogpur, women were educated and given more freedom of expression and movement they had more say in all matters concerning the family. They were aware about conservation and co-management initiatives. In both the villages, personal and household endowments and social norms were found to influence women's participation. Hence cultural and social constraints and factors which determine women's freedom of expression, need to be addressed in the policy guidelines to ensure effective participation of women in conservation programs.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

021429   Canseven A G;Coskun S;Seyhan N (Biophysics Dep, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine & GNRP Center, Ankara, Turkey, Email: canseven@gazi.edu.tr) : Effects of various extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the free radical processes, natural antioxidant system and respiratory burst system activities in the heart and liver tissues. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(5), 326-31.

Magnetic fields (MFs) can affect biological systems by increasing the release of free radicals that are able to alter cell defense systems and breakdown tissue homeostasis. In the present study, the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) were investigated on free radical levels, natural antioxidant systems and respiratory burst system activities in heart and liver tissues of guinea pigs exposed to 50 Hz MFs of 1, 2 and 3 mT for 4 h/day and 8 h/day for 5 days by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. A total of sixty-two male guinea pigs, 10-12 weeks old were studied in seven groups as control and exposure groups: Group I (control), II (1 mT, 4 h/day), III (1 mT, 8 h/day), IV (2 mT, 4 h/day), V (2 mT, 8 h/day), VI (3 mT, 4 h/day), and VII (3 mT, 8 h/day). Controls were kept under the same conditions without any exposure to MF. MDA levels increased in liver in groups II and IV, but decreased in group VII for both liver and heart tissues. NOx levels declined in heart in groups II and III and in liver in groups III, V, and VI, but increased in liver in group VII. GSH levels increased in heart in groups II, IV, V, and in liver in groups V and VI and VI, but decreased in groups II and IV in liver. MPO activity decreased in liver in groups III, IV, VI and VII with respect to controls and in heart tissues in groups II, III and IV; however, there was a significant increase MPO activity in heart in group VII. From the results, it can be concluded that the intensity and exposure duration of MFs are among the effective conditions on the formation of free radicals and behaviour of antioxidant enzymes.

021428   Bravo Monzon A E;Espinosa Garcia F J (Departamento de Ecologia Funcional, Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacan, 04510, Mexico, D.f, Email: abravo@oikos.unam.mx) : Volatile emissions in Persea americana in response to the stem borer Copturus aguacatae attack. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 165-73.

Plants attacked by herbivores may change their emission of volatile compounds and become more attractive to predators and parasitoids. Investigated changes in the volatile emission of avocado plants (Persea americana Mill.) when attacked by the stem borer larvae (Copturus aguacatae Kissinger). Compared the volatiles emitted by undamaged and stem borer-damaged plants from the Hass and Criollo avocado varieties. No emissions were detected for the Hass plants under the treatments assayed, while plants from the Criollo variety emitted volatiles when undamaged but the amount of volatiles was reduced when they were damaged by C. aguacatae larvae. The ecological importance of such differences is discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

021427   Ahmed R;Nim S;Mostafavi S;Jain A K;Krishana B (Physiology Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi-110 002, Email: dr.balkrish_mamc@yahoo.co.in) : Neuroprotective effects of 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Biomedicine 2008, 28(1), 24-8.

Aimed to investigate if DHCC can prevent the loss of DA neurons in a 6-OHDA- induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. Albino rats were administered a daily dose of DHCC vehicle or DHCC for 7 days. On 8th day, 6-OHDA was injected in to the striatum of all the rats. DHCC injections resulted in a significantly change in apomorphine induced rotations from 268 ± 18 to 155 ± 12. The values of the staircase test, stepping test, initiation time, postural test and disengage behavior also changed significantly from 55 ± 4 % to 77 ± 3 %, 1 + 1 steps to 5 ± 1 steps, 18 ± 3 s to 10 ± 2 s, 4 ± 1 to 10 ± 3 and from 128 ± 17 s to 60 ± 9 s respectively. Study demonstrates that DHCC is an effective neuroprotective agent for DA neurons in 6-OHDA- induced rat model of Parkinson's disease.

1 table, 28 ref

021426   Ahmad M;Singh P K (Genetics and Animal Breeding Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences G.B. Pant Univ of Agricultur, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: maroofahmad786@yahoo.co.in) : Estimates of genetic parameters for some economic traits in white leghorn. Indian J Poult Sci 2007, 42(3), 311-12.

Study was conducted on 559 pullet progenies from 149 dams mated with 58 sires produced in a single hatch and maintained by a commercial poultry breeding organization. Five traits viz. ASM, 12-BW, 36-BW, 40-EP AND 32-EW were studied and their averages were 147.13±0.37 days, 820.06±3.75 g, 1616.95±6.78 g, 108.56±0.52 eggs and 52.42±0.12 g, respectively. The heritability estimates from sire, dam and sire + dam components of variance were found as0.16±0.14, 0.32±0.19and0.24±0.08forASM,0.34 <145>0.17, 0.35±0.19 and 0.34±0.09 for 12-BW, 0.34 ± 0.18, 0.58 ± 0.22 and 0.46±0.11 for 36-BW, 0.29±0.15, 0.18±0.17 and 0.24±0.09 for 40-EP and 0.08±0.15, 0.58±0.23 and 0.34±0.09 for 32-EW, respectively. Various traits were desirably associated with each others on genetic and phenotypic scale.

2 tables, 10 ref

021425   Acharya S (Anthropology, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa) : Gender and development : impact of development projects, plans and programmes on tribal women of Orissa, India. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2007, 42(1), 31-48.

The study is an attempt to assess the impact of development projects, plans, programmes on socio-cultural as well as economic life of tribal women of Orissa. It has also highlighted the impact on women empowerment in the socio-cultural and political spheres of tribal society. It is an anthropological study based on empirical data collected by field work undertaken among the tribal women of different districts of Orissa. Both positive and negative consequences of impact situation are evaluated by observing the pattern of changing lifestyle. The shortcomings of these programs are discussed with few suggestions which can be utilized to get fruitful results for women development of unprivileged sectors.

33 ref

020537   Wagh N V;Endait S S;Rao V S;Dali S S (NO, , QA Manager-India, DARDEN Restaurants Inc, USA. Devi Sefoods Ltd, Tanuku-534211, Email: nitinvwagh@rediffmail.com) : Root cause analysis of high aerobic plate count in black tiger shrimp. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 57(3-4), 61-4.

Shipment of frozen tiger shrimp meant for export was rejected as the analysis of samples from that batch revealed significantly high APC (cfu/g) with a count range of 6,40,000 to 25,00,000 cfu/g and with no pathogens. Hence as a part of root cause analysis of this problem, a set of two samples each from 10 different production steps (total 20 samples) were collected. Analysis of these samples was done by conventional and Petri-film method. Both methods yielded similar pattern of APC with a correlation of 0.96 between them. It was observed that, the raw material before and after washing step had significantly higher APC values (1-4 x 10⁵ cfu/g). During all the subsequent steps it was slightly fluctuating, but well within the limits of 10000 to 80000 cfu/g except for one set before soaking. It was significantly higher after soaking in one set of sample. But again it was very less (<60>10000 cfu/g) after glazing and after glaze hardening. The higher levels of APC in finished black tiger shrimp were attributed to time-temperature abuse during production (soaking) and possible contamination from unclean equipments and workers hands.

2 tables, 3 ref

020536   Vaidya V M;Paturkar A M;Waskar V S;Zende R J; Walse S H (NO, Bombay Veterinary College, Bidar-585 401, Email: drvilasmvaidya@rediffmail.com) : analysis of source of contamination in retail poultry outlets with reference to spoilage and pathogenic organisms. J Vet Publ Hlth 2007, 57(3-4), 13-19.

Microbial contamination in poultry retail outlets was evaluated by collecting swab samples from different retail outlet sites and appliances. The average bacterial counts in log CFU/cm² ± S.E. of retail outle sites and appliances viz., cages, bleeding knife, drum, wooden log, cutting knife, polyethylene bag, hand swab of butcher, weighing balance, retail outlet wall and retail outlet floor were noted as 7.49±0.40, 5.73±0.20, 8.62±0.36, 7.670.22, 6.210.43, 3.78±0.21, 5.68±0.17, 5.78±0.29, 7.74±0.25 and 8.19±0.41, respectively. The average, bacterial counts (log cfu/cm² ± SE) of spoilage and pathogenic organisms viz., S. aureus, Enterococci, B.cereus, clostridium spp., fecal coliforms, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were 4.20±0.22, 4.31±0.23, 3.72±0.19, 4.29±0.27, 4.51±0.25, 4.16±0.23 and 3.77±0.28, respectively. Enterococci and E. coli were isolated from maximum number of retail outlet points while P. aeruginosa and Salmonella spp. were recovered from minimum points. Drum, retail outlet floor, retail outlet wall and wooden log were found as highly contaminated points. Proper monitoring of each retail outlet point is important for production of quality meat.

2 tables, 19 ref

020535   Thyagaraju K;Raveendra A;Ruxana Begum S K;Rao A D (Biochemistry Dep, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502, Email: thyagarajuk_1999@yahoo.com) : Characterization of horse gram (Dolichos biflorus) Lipoxygenase. J phytol Res 2007, 20(1), 71-9.

Lipoxygenases LOX, (EC: 1.13.12.11) of horse gram (HG) (Dolichos biflorus) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and its partial characterization was made using UV CD spectrum. The purification and electrophoretic analysis of horse gram lipoxygenase has revealed that it is a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 95±5 KDa. The enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 6.8 in between the temperature of 25-35°C, and had K_M values for Linolenic and Arachidonic acids as 9.95 and 15.5 μmoles, respectively. This protein on the far UV CD absorption the spectra, showed a negative dip at 208 and 222 nm to indicate the presence of α-helix and β strands and near UV CD spectra showed maximum absorption at 278, 282 and 292 nm to decide about the contribution of aromatic amino acids towards the tertiary structure of horse gram lipoxygenase. The thermo stability of this protein was observed on increasing the effect of temperature at pH values of 6.8 and 9.0. The inflection point at 40°C at 222 nm indicated rnore themo stability of this protein at pH 6.8. The isoelectric point of this enzyme was determined as 5.85 using the chromatofocussing. In summary a lipoxygenase of HG purified to electrophoretic homogeneity has showed 95±5KDa molecular mass and had α-helix and β pleated structures with a pH optimum of 6.80 and a pI value of 5.85. This enzyme showed preferred activity towards linolenic acid.

8 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

020534   Singh R K;Anamika Singh;Tag H (College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, Email: ranjay_jbp@rediffmail.com) : Traditional skill among the Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(1), 27-36.

The tribal people living in far flung areas dependent on rich biocultural resources have always been curious in exploring the plant resources of their immediate surrounding in order to sustain their traditional livelihood system. After centuries of being in close association with nature, they have developed for themselves the indigenous skill and technology to use these resources in various parts of their life support system. In recent decades, rapid modernization and acculturation process developed in traditional livelihood system of tribal community has practically endangered their age-old biocultural heritage and traditional skills, knowledge and technology in alarming proportion. The paper based on ethnobotanical field work discusses some vital aspects of plant based traditional skills and technology practiced by the rural Adi community of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. A number of traditional plant based technologies such as handicrafts, fishing and hunting tools, storage items, utensils used in kitchen and foods system, etc. are available among the Adis. While crafting these valuable and low-cost traditional handicraft technologies, the local people are dependent on locally available plant biodiversity conserved in jhum land, kitchen gardens and community forest. Integrated and holistic approach can revive and sustain traditional plant technology through entrepreneurship development, coupled with ecotourism and economic empowerment to the concerned indigenous community.

020533   Singh H (Central Botanical Lab, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103, Email: harish_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Importance of local names of some useful plants in ethnobotanical study. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(2), 365-70.

Plants are commonly known by their local names in every part of the world. These local names play a very important role in ethnobotanical study of a specific tribe or region. Local names given to plants by indigenous people in their local dialects often reflect a broad spectrum of information on their understanding of plants. Most often, the local names are given based on some salient features, e.g. appearance, shape, size, habit, habitat, smell, taste, colour, utility, and other peculiar character, etc of the plants. These practical, meaningful, easily understandable and rememberable local names are disappearing rapidly along with the culture and tradition of the tribal group of our country. Therefore, it must be recorded, preserved and documented before lost forever. In the paper, about 100 plants of Garhwal, Kumaun and Bhoxar area of Uttarakhand have been given in alphabetical order with their family followed by local names including their meaning in English along with detail reason / basis for the naming of the plants.

020532   Siddiqui A;Mariam T;Shaharyar S (Biological Dep and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Univ, Karachi-74800) : Effects of perinatal exposure to diazepam on the development of sexual behavior and neuroendocrine function in male rats.. Al Ameen J med Sci 2008, 1(1), 32-41.

Developmental exposure with diazepam when coinciding with the ontogenesis of its receptors may be crucial for the induction of long-term functional disturbances in the rat brain. To investigate the possibility of intervention in the sexually dimorphic behavior of reproduction and the under lying morphological and hormonal basis the time-mated female rats were treated with 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, i.p. (n = 6-8) separately. Treatment was continued from gestation day 15 till delivery and further continued to neonates 5 days, postnatally. Control group (n= 5-8) given saline also followed the same treatment protocol. Sexual behavior in the male offspring at adulthood born to diazepam-exposed rats was enhanced, both in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner (p <60> 0.01). Accordingly plasma LH and testosterone concentration both in plasma and testis was also influenced. Compared to controls treated animals also showed complete abolition of spermatogenesis and drastically reduced testicular steroidogenesis. Our findings, thus support the hypothesis that like psychoactive drugs benzodiazepines sedatives that crosses the blood brain barrier during the critical period of brain sexual differentiation offer serious risk of abnormal post-pubertal reproductive functions in the male rat.

4 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref