016323   Jose P;Sharma B V (Anthropplogy Dep, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: bvsss@hotmail.com) : Utilization of Indian systems of medicine : a study in Hyderabad India. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 157-65.

Deals with utilization of Indian systems of medicine. The study is conducted in the city of Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh taking a sample of 188 clients of 33 practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani each. The data has been largely collected through semi-structured schedules. The demographic and socio-economic factors relating to utilization of Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine are analysed. Apart from such variables, illness characteristics were also considered for the study. Findings of the study show greater acceptance of these systems of medicine. The cultural compatibility for Muslims to accept Unani and for Hindus Ayurvedic providers is also revealed. The study shows that failure of treatment in one system is not the only reason for health decisions to resort to other systems of medicine. The observations were examined in the light of the remarks of other scholars in similar studies.

2 illus, 10 tables, 17 ref

016322   Jain V;Jain S (Biochemistry Dep, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Effect of flooding and nitrate on enzymes of nitrate assimilation in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars. Forage Res 2007, 33(3), 157-60.

Flooding resulted in differential changes in the activities of enzymes of nitrate assimilation viz., nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) in roots and leaves of two cultivars of sorghum differing in stress tolerance. NR activity was lower in both roots and leaves of resistant cultivar SSG-59-3 as compared to their corresponding controls under waterlogging conditions. However, in roots of sensitive cultivar, HC-308, NR activity was same upto 6 h of flooding and decreased thereafter. NiR activity also declined in the roots of sensitive cultivar during the course of flooding treatment but enhanced progressively in resistant cultivar. There was no effect of flooding on NiR activity in the leaves of HC-308 but a steady enhancement (31 %) upto 48 h of waterlogging was observed in that of resistant cultivar, SSG-59-3. Further stress of 72 h resulted in diminished activity which was same as that in the control. Exogenous application of nitrate during flooding upto 72 h had no effect on NR activity. Results indicated that nitrate metabolism might not be involved in oxidation of NAD (P) H to support respiratory activity under flooding conditions.

2 tables, 14 ref

016321   Iqbal H;Mishra R (Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderbad-500 007) : Chromatin domain boundaries defining the functional domains in genome. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2007, 73(4), 239-53.

Eukaryotic genome is packaged in the nucleus with the help of several proteins. While this packaging is needed to accommodate the large genome within the nuclear volume it also has functional consequences. It is well known that enhancers can act over a long distance to regulate expression of genes, however, they do not act on inappropriate promoters in the genome. The elements that prevent such unwanted interactions are called the boundary elements. Boundaries are important for the proper packaging and define functionally independent regulatory domains in the genome. Such elements have now been identified from yeast to human. Although sequence comparison of such elements does not reveal any similarity, boundaries from one species can work in other species indicating a functional conservation. This also suggests a common underlying mechanism of the function of boundary elements. Recent genome sequence information and high throughput techniques have opened new avenues to understand the nature of boundary elements and the mechanism of their function.

^iia13 illus, 1 table, 82 ref

016320   Ibraimov A I;Tabaldiev S K (Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Center of Cardiology and Intern, , Togolok Moldo str., 3, Bishkek, 720 040) : Condensed chromatin, cell thermoregulation and human body heat conductivity. J hum Ecol 0000, 2007, 1-22.

Earlier author put out a proposal on possible participation of condensed chromatin (CC) in cell thermoregulation: CC being the densest domain in a cell, apparently conducts heat between the cytoplasm and nucleus when there is difference in temperature between them. This hypothesis can be checked at the level of cells or organisms. Experimentally author has managed to establish that at the level of organisms there is a broad intra population variability of human body heat conductivity (BHC). It is shown that these individual differences in the BHC are attributed to the amount of chromosomal Q-heterochromatin regions (QªHRs) in their genome. It is assumed that, possibly, the biological role of the Q-HRs in the interphase nucleus of the cell is in intensification of the CC compacting thus increasing its heat conductivity (HC). On the HC of CC, correspondently on the amount of Q-HRs in the genome, depends the speed of leveling the difference of temperature between the cytoplasm and nucleus, i.e. the cell thermoregulation. From the HC of the cells the HC of the whole body is made up. This is a physical condition, where the physiological thermoregulation is realized. which is assigned for keeping relative temperature constancy in the inner medium of the organism by leveling the temperature difference in different parts of the body.

10 tables, 74 ref

016319   Hiriyanna S G;Basavaiah K;Sreedhar K (Chemistry Dep, Manasagangothri, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 009, Email: hiriyannag@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of process-reated impurity in azoxystrobin. E J Chem 2008, 5(1), 68-73.

One unknown impurity in azoxystrobin bulk material at a level 0.15% was detected by a gradient reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This impurity was isolated from a crude sample of azoxystrobin using reverse phase preparative LC. The impurity isolated by preparative LC was characterized by NMR, MS experimental data. Based on the results obtained from different spectroscopic experiments, these impurity was characterized as methyl 2-(2- (6- (2-cyanophenoxy)-2-((4-(2-cyanophenoxy)-6- (2- (1, 3-dimethoxy-3-oxoprop-l-en-2-yl)phenoxy) pyrimidin-5-yl) methyl)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate. Formation of this impurity is also discussed.

5 illus, 5 ref

016318   Ghosh T;Maity T K;Das M;Bose A;Dash G K (NO, Institute Pharmacy and Techonology, Salipur, Cuttack-754 202, Email: tghosh75@yahoo.co.in) : Hepatoprotective activity of Bacopa monnieri L. aganist ethanol induced hepatoxicity in rats. Pharmacog Mag 2007, 3(10), 95-100.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri aerial parts (EBM) protects against ethanol -induced liver injury in rats. Crude ethanolic extract of B. monnieri was investigated for hepatoprotective activity in albino rats at 300 mg/kg, orally and compared with standard drug Silymarin (25 mg/kg, PO). Results show that EBM was effective in blunting ethanol-induced enhanced activities of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), level of serum bilirubin (both total and direct), serum total cholesterol, liver weight loss and was also effective in reducing ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation both in vitro and in vivo. EBM on the other hand was found to enhance level of HDL cholesterol in ethanol-induced hepatotoxic rats. Furthermore, EBM could also blunt ethanol-induced suppressed activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH). Results of hepatocellular damage caused by ethanol and its recovery by EBM, suggest that it might be considered as a potential source of natural hepatoprotective agent, which could be related to the free radical scavenging properties of saponins present in high concentration in the extract.

3 tables, 31 ref

016317   Gaur R;Bjork G R;Tuck S;Varshney U (Microbiology and Cell Biology Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: varshney@mcbl.iisc.ernet.in) : Diet-dependent depletion of queuosine in tRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans does not lead to a developmental block. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 747-54.

Queuosine (Q), a hypermodifi ed nucleoside, occurs at the wobble position of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with GUN anticodons. In eubacteria, absence of Q affects messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and reduces the virulence of certain pathogenic strains. In animal cells, changes in the abundance of Q have been shown to correlate with diverse phenomena including stress tolerance, cell proliferation and tumour growth but the function of Q in animals is poorly understood. Animals are thought to obtain Q (or its analogues) as a micronutrient from dietary sources such as gut microflora. However, the difficulty of maintaining animals under bacteria-free conditions on Q-deficient diets has severely hampered the study of Q metabolism and function in animals. In the study, it shows that as in higher animals, tRNAs in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are modified by Q and its sugar derivatives. When the worms were fed on Q-deficient Escherichia coli, Q modification was absent from the worm tRNAs suggesting that C. elegans lacks a de novo pathway of Q biosynthesis. The inherent advantages of C. elegans as a model organism, and the simplicity of conferring a Q-deficient phenotype on it make it an ideal system to investigate the function of Q modification in tRNA.

3 illus, 42 ref

016316   Gandhi G;Jain P (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: gandhig07@hotmail.com) : Newborn screening for some inborn errors of metabolim. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 111-17.

Number of IEM disorders during infancy and childhood lead to mental and physical disabilities in early life, which if detected by neonatal screening, could be circumvented by appropriate diet or medical treatment and the parents offered counselling for prediction of recurrence risks. For the present study, neonatal screening for detection of Phenylketonuria, Tyrosinaemia, Homocystinuria, Cystinuria, Alkaptonuria and Methylmalonic aciduria was conducted using standardized urinary test protocols. A battery of 7 qualitative tests was carried out for Inborn errors of amino acid metabolisms on urine samples from neonates (n=62), indoor patients (n=38) and healthy adults (n=30). The analysis did not reveal any cases of inborn errors of amino acid metabolism in the samples studied substantiating the normal diagnosis of the paediatrician, the non-genetic diseased condition of the indoor patients and the healthy status of the control individuals.

4 tables, 25 ref

016315   Ebenso I E;Ologhobo A D (Animal Science Dep, Uyo Univ, Nigeria, Email: imeebenso@yahoo.com) : Bioaccumulation assessment of juvenile edible tropical land snails exposure to zinc. Biosci Res Bull 2007, 23(2), 77-84.

Juvenile (16 weeks old) Achatina achatina. Archachatina marginata and Limicolaria aurora were fed unripe Carica papaya fruit contaminated with Zn at dose of 0 (control), 50 , 100 , 500 , 1000 , 1500 , 2000 mg/L, in plastic snaileries under controlled laboratory conditions, for 21 days Bioaccumulation of Zn was observed in the snail meat with no mortality, indicating tolerance to high Zn contamination. Bioaccumulation followed the ranking order of A. marginata <62> A. achatina > L. aurora. At elevated dose above 500 mg/L Zn, L.aurora recorded decreasing bioaccumulation, from suppression of feeding Juvenile snails are useful organisms for testing the toxicity of chemicals via food.

1 illus, 44 ref

016314   Dara S K;Deva Prasad (Dep of Entomology, Agricultural College,Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla-522 101) : Population dynamics of Spodoptera litura on some host plants in laboratory studies. Bionotes 2007, 9(2), 51.

^ssc2 tables, 5 ref

016313   Chhetri D R;Roy S C (Plant Physiology and Biochem Lab, Post Graduate Dep of Botany, Darjeeling Govt Coll, Darjeeling-734 101) : Biochemical diversity in some rhododendron species from the Darjeeling and Sikkim himalayas. J Hill Res 2007, 20(2), 46-52.

Biochemical analysis of eight Rhododendron species occurring in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas showed a high level of soluble protein content in the species distributed over a wide range of altitudinal gradient (Rhododendron arboreum, R. cinnabarium etc.), while the amino acid content was high in the species growing in the highest region (R. maddenii) in this study. The proline content was more pronounced in the species growing under water stress conditions. A high level of carbohydrate content as well as catalase and peroxidase activities seemed to be an adaptive feature in some of the species.

2 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

016312   Chen G;Pan D;Zhou Y;Lin S;Ke X (NO, College of Life Science, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, the People's Republic of China, Email: pandaren@yahoo.com.cn) : Diversity and evolutionary relationship of nucleotide binding site-encoding disease-resistance gene analogues in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.). J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 713-21.

Most plant disease-resistance genes (R-genes) isolated so far encode proteins with a nucleotide binding site (NBS) domain and belong to a superfamily. NBS domains related to R-genes show a highly conserved backbone of an amino acid motif, which makes it possible to isolate resistance gene analogues (RGAs) by degenerate primers. Degenerate primers based on the conserved motif (P-loop and GLPL) of the NBS domain from R-genes were used to isolate RGAs from the genomic DNA of sweet potato cultivar Qingnong no. 2. Five distinct clusters of RGAs (22 sequences) with the characteristic NBS representing a highly diverse sample were identified in sweet potato genomic DNA. Sequence identity among the 22 RGA nucleotide sequences ranged from 41.2% to 99.4%, while the deduced amino acid sequence identity from the 22 RGAs ranged from 20.6% to 100%. The analysis of sweet potato RGA sequences suggested mutation as the primary source of diversity. The phylogenetic analyses for RGA nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acids showed that RGAs from sweet potato were classified into two distinct groups-toll and interleukin receptor-1 (TIR)-NBS-LRR and non-TIR-NBS-LRR. The high degree of similarity between sweet potato RGAs and NBS sequences derived from R-genes cloned from tomato, tobacco, fl ax and potato suggest an ancestral relationship. Further studies showed that the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution within families was low. These data obtained from sweet potato suggest that the evolution of NBS-encoding sequences in sweet potato occur by the gradual accumulation of mutations leading to purifying selection and slow rates of divergence within distinct R-gene families.

3 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

016311   Chaudhary R K;Pal V K (Biology Dep, M.G.I.C., Gorakhpur-273 009) : New species, new combination and new record of Pseudocercospora Speg. from India. J basic appl Mycol 2007, 6(1-2), 134-7.

Deals with illustrations and descriptions of Pseudocercospora olads-zeylanicae Chaudhary and Pal (on Olax zeylanica: Olacaceae) as new species, Pseudocercospora chowdhurii (A. K. Roy) Chaudhary and Pal (on Scoparia dulcis: Scrophulariaceae) as new combination and Pseudocercospora chrysanthemicola (Yen) Deighton (on Chrysanthemum indicum: Asteraceae) as new record of foliar fungi from India. The collections were made from Gorakhpur and adjoining areas in North- Eastern Uttar Pradesh during 2006.

1 table, 5 ref

016310   Chattopadhyay M;Sanyal S (Sociological Res Unit, Indian Statistical Inst, Rose Villa, Giridih-815 301, Email: molly@isical.ac.in) : Incidence of occupational disease among mica workers of Jharkhand. J hum Ecol 0000, 2007, 59-61.

Incidence of occupational disease among mica workers of Giridih-Jharkhand. Four hundred and twenty mica workers from four villages surrounding Giridih town were surveyed by Sociologic Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Giridih relating to the project "Gender and Labour: A Study of Mica manufacturing Industry of Giridih" in 2001-2002, funded by Indian Statistical Institute. Within the mainframe questionnaire, a section on occupational disease was incorporated. Data were fed into SPSS format It was found that 58 out of 420 mica workers are suffering from various types of problems; of these 33 mica workers are suffering from respiratory problems that includes chronic obstructive airway diseases, cough with breathlessness etc. It is found that mica industry has severely failed to protect the health of the mica workers.

3 tables, 5 ref

016309   Biswas S;Mallick G C (Anthropology Dep, North Bengal Univ, Darjeeling-734 013, Email: gargisubir@gmail.com) : Question of right to be born and to live female deficit among rajbansis of Darjeeling district West Bengal. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 139-50.

Sex ratio of human population depends upon both biological and cultural factors. Some biological factors are influenced by cultural practices of the population. Biologically on an average 952 girls are born per 1000 boys. As boys are biologically more delicate than girls, within a few years, in developed countries, the sex ratio stands in favour of girls. However, in developing and underdeveloped countries the sex ratio declines rapidly favouring male, because of various social and cultural practices. The present paper is an attempt to identify such factors on Rajbansi population of village Rangia, a marginal area near the urban center of Siliguri of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The study indicates an alarming sex ratio of the Rajbansis in this field (859), which is much lower than country level (933), state level (934), district level (943) or even the block level (902).

10 illus, 10 tables, 38 ref

016308   Bhuyan B C (Mathematics Dep, D.R. College, Golaghat-785 621) : Magnetic effect on blood flow with and without slip in stenosed artery. Biosci Res Bull 2007, 23(2), 133-40.

Problem of blood flow through stenosed artery with effects of slip due to presence of transverse magnetic field has been studied. Here blood is considered to be an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Momentum and energy integral equations are used to study the inertial effects on the flow through slenosed artery. It is observed that the central line velocity U decreases with increasing Reynolds number and the magnetic parameter M, the Hartmann number At high Reynolds number, the blunted velocity profile and the back flow for slip and no slip can be observed. The wall shear stress increases as the Reynolds number increases and decreases as the Hartmann number increases with slip. Numerical results were obtained for different values of the magnetic parameter M and the Reynolds number. It is seen that when the magnetic parameter M increases the fluid velocity decreases. Numerical results agree well with the solution in non magnetic case.

8 illus, 7 refs

016307   Bhattacharya K;Alink G;Dopp E (Dvisburg-Essen Univ, Hospital Essen Univ, Inst of Hygiene and Occupat, , HufelandstraBe 55, 45122 Essen,Germany, Email: elke.dopp@uni-essen.de) : Oxidative stress and changed gene expression profiles in fiber-partice-induced carcinogensis. Int J Hum Genet 2007, 7(1), 1-21.

Exposure to ambient air pollution (particles, fibres) is associated with pulmonary diseases and cancer. The mechanisms of induced health effects are believed to involve inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress mediated by airborne particles and/or fibres may arise from direct generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the surface of particles/fibres, soluble compounds such as transition metals or organic compounds, and activation of inflammatory cells capable of generating ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Generation of ROS/RNS can directly cause covalent modifications to DNA or they can initiate the formation of genotoxic lipid hydroperoxides. The resulting oxidative DNA damage can lead to changed gene expression such as upregulation of tumor promoters and downregulation of tumor suppressor genes and thus may be implicated in cancer development. The present review describes the important role of free radicals in particle-/fibre- induced cellular damage, the interaction of ROS with target molecules, especially with DNA, and the modulation of specific genes and transcription factor caused by oxidative stress.

6 illus, 2 tables, 54 ref

016306   Benko T P;Perc M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroska cesta 160, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia) : Singing of Neoconocephalus robustus as an example of deterministic chaos in insects. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 797-804.

Nonlinear time series analysis methods to analyse the dynamics of the sound-producing apparatus of the katydid Neoconocephalus robustus has been used. Captures the dynamics by analysing a recording of the singing activity. First, reconstruct the phase space from the sound recording and test it against determinism and stationarity. After confirming determinism and stationarity, it shows that the maximal Lyapunov exponent of the series is positive, which is a strong indicator for the chaotic behaviour of the system. Discusses that methods of nonlinear time series analysis can yield instructive insights and foster the understanding of acoustic communication among insects.

5 illus, 42 ref

016305   Battu G R;Mamidipalli S N;Parimi R;Viriyala R K;Patchula R P;Mood L R (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Div, Pharmaceutical Sci Univ Coll, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: sanjithmamidipalli@yahoo.co.in) : Hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effect of alcoholic extract of Benincasa hispida in normal and in Alloxan induced diabetic rats. Pharmacog Mag 2007, 3(10), 101-5.

The hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effect of alcoholic extract of Benincasa hispida was investigated in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of alcoholic extract of Benincasa hispida at doses 50,100,200mg/kg produced a significant blood glucose reduction in a dose dependent manner. A bioguided extraction and fractionation of alcoholic extract of the stem of Benincasa hispida afforded three compounds, βsitosterol, αamyrin, quercetin. The alcoholic extract at 200mg/kg significantly reduced the blood glucose levels and equipotent with that of the standard drug Tolbutamide.

2 tables, 24 ref

016304   Badilla B;Cambronero J;Ciccio J E;Cordero T; Mora G (NO, Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias Farmaceuticas (INIFAR), Faculta, Costa Rica-2060, Email: bbadilla@cariari.ucr.ac.cr) : Determination of topical antiinflammatory activity of the essential oil and extracts of Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. brown (Verbenaceae) using the model of mouse ear edema induced by TPA and AA. Pharmacog Mag 2007, 3(11), 139-44.

The topical anti-inflammatory properties of hydro-alcoholic and diethyl ether extracts, as well as the pure essential oil of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae), were studied. The mouse ear-inflammation-induction model was applied, using 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) as flogistic agents. Both hydro-alcoholic and diethyt ether extracts of L. alba, as well as the essential oil, showed topical anti-inflammatory activity. Topical administration of the essential oil showed a significant amount of anti-inflammatory activity in the TPA induced ear edema model and a lower potency in the AA induced edema. The anti-inflammatory effect of the hydro-alcoholic and diethyl ether extracts was best observed in the mouse ear edema model induced by AA (79.51% and 74.92% of inflammation respectively). The major components of the essential oil of the leaves are carvone (67.9%) and limonene (26.8%).

1 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

016303   Arulmozhi S;Mazumder P M;Purnima Ashok; Hulkoti B;Narayanan L S (Pharmacology Dep, K.L.E.S. College Pharmacy, II Block, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore-560 010, Email: pharmarul@gmail.com) : Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Alstonia scholaris linn. R.br.. Pharmacog Mag 2007, 3(10), 106-11.

Alstonia scholaris linn, (apocynaceae) is traditionally used as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent. The objective of this study was to investigate experimentally the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of alstonia scholaris. The effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of alstonia scholaris (EEAS) was evaluated in experimental models of pain and inflammation. The leaf extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant decrease in acetic acid induced writhings in mice with a maximum of 65.76 % at 400 mg/kg. in hot plate method, the percentage of pain inhibition was found to be 73.90 % and 79.56 % with 200, 400 mg/kg of EEAS respectively. There was a significant (p<60>0.001) inhibition in carrageenan induced paw edema with EEAS 200 and 400 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effects observed with the extract were comparable to that of standard. There was a significant antiulcerogenic property. The present study indicates that the ethanolic extract of alstonia scholaris exhibit significant antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities.

2 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

016302   Aravind N A;Tambat B;Ravikanth G;Ganeshaiah K N;Uma Shaanker R (NO, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environemnt (ATREE), 659 5th A Main, Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: rus@vsnl.com) : Patterns of species discovery in the Western ghats, a megadiversity hot spot in India. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 781-90.

Reports the patterns of discovery of eight taxa - birds, butterflies, frogs, tiger beetles, grasses, asters, ferns and orchids - in the Western Ghats, a megadiversity centre in India. The results indicate that the discovery curves for birds and butterflies have been saturated while those for frogs and grasses continue to increase. Within each taxon, the major drivers of discovery were commonness of the species and their size. The average years taken for discovery across taxa were directly related to the per cent endemicity and species richness of the taxa. Discusses the trajectories of discovery with respect to rarity or endemicity of the species and life history features, and the implications these might have for strategizing the discovery process in India.

4 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

016301   Anand C;Umranikar C;Shintre P;Damle A;Kale J; Joshi J;Watve M (Microbiology Dep, MES Abasaheb Garware College, Karve Road, Pune-411 004, Email: watve@vsnl.com) : Presence of two types of flowers with respect to nectar sugar in two gregariously flowering species. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 769-74.

Many species of animal-pollinated flowers are known to vary widely in the nectar content of flowers. Some proportion of flowers in many species is apparently nectarless, and such flowers are believed to be `cheaters'. Cheating may explain a part of the variability in nectar content. If cheating exists as a qualitatively different strategy then expect bimodality in the distribution of nectar content of flowers. It has been shown in a multispecies study that gregarious species have a higher proportion of cheater flowers. Studies the frequency distribution of total nectar sugar in two gregariously flowering species Lantana camara and Utricularia purpurascens, which differed in other floral and ecological characters. At the population level, both the species showed significant bimodality in the total sugar content of flowers. The obvious sources of heterogeneity in the data did not explain bimodality. In Lantana camara, bimodality was observed within flowers of some of the individual plants sampled. In Utricularia purpurascens the proportion of nectarless flowers was more in high-density patches, suggesting that the gregariousness hypothesis may work within a species as well. The results support the hypothesis of cheating as a distinct strategy since two distinct types of flowers were observed in both the species. The effect of density in Utricularia purpurascens also supports the gregariousness hypothesis.

4 illus, 12 ref

016300   Amareswar V;Santhosh V;Ramesh M;Kali T M; Lakshmi N;Veerraju P (Human Genetics Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530003, Email: rmandarapu@gmail.com) : Red cell enzyment and plasma protein polymorphisms in turupukapus of Visakhapatnam, Andhra pradesh. South Asian Anthrop 2007, 7(2), 97-100.

Allele frequency distribution of three red cell enzymes (ACP 1, ESD. GLO1) and five plasma protein systems (HP, CP, GC, TF, ALB) were analysed in Turpukapu population from North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, South India in order to enlarge our knowledge on the genetic composition of Turpukapu caste population. All the genetic markers reported here approach the values as in other caste populations of the State. The results were compared with other caste populations of Andhra Pradesh.

1 table, 21 ref

015504   Zengin F K;Kirbag S (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Firat Univ, TR-23119, Email: skirbag@firat.edu.tr) : Effects of copper on chlorophyll, proline, protein and abscisic acid level of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 561-6.

The effect of copper chloride (CuCI₂) on the level of chlorophyll (a+b), proline, protein and abscisic acid in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) seedlings were investigated. Control and copper treated (0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mM) seedlings were grown for ten days in Hoagland solution. Abscisic acid content was determined in root, shoot and leaf tissues of seedlings by HPLC. Copper stress caused significant increase of the abscisic acid contents in roots, shoots and leaves of seedlings. The increase was dependent on the copper salt concentration. Enhanced accumulation of proline in the leaves of seedlings exposed to copper was determined, as well as a decrease of chlorophyll (a+b) and total protein (p<60>0.05 or p<60>0.01). It was observed that the level of chlorophyll (a+b) and total protein (p<60>0.05 or p<60>0.01) remarkably decreased as copper concentration increased to 0.6 mM, although the levels of proline and abscisic acid in the leaves of plants were increased - a dose-depended behavior. The same trends were also observed with the level of abscisic acid of stems and roots. Copper has dose- depended effects on chlorophyll, proline, protein and abscisic acid level of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings. Thus, we assumed that upper levels increase above some critical points seedling growth get negative effects. This assumptions in line with previous findings.

4 illus, 50 ref

015503   Yasar S;Oto G;Demir H;Cebi Ilhan A (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Art and Science, Yucuncu Yil Univ, Van, Turkey, Email: halitdemir2005@yahoo.com) : Effect of alloxan on some of biochemistry parameters in serum rats. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(3), 2399-402.

Study was carried out to investigate whether alloxan-diabetic rats could affect biochemical parameters in serum. Twelve Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into two experimental groups, i.e., control and alloxan-diabetic rats. A single dose (100 mg/kg) of alloxan was injected intraperitonealy to the treatment rats. Control rats were given only the same amount of physiological saline. Various biochemical constituents of rat were determined after treatment with the aiioxan, which caused significant increases in glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for 1, 3 and 6 h after the treatment, while the level of cholesterol was decreased. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level did not change in 1, 3 and 6 h. It is concluded from the experimental of this study that alloxan may cause diabetic in rats.

1 table, 12 ref

015502   Xu C Y;Wan-Yan R H;Yun Li Z (National Key Lab of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Crop, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural Univers, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China) : Origin of new Brassica types from a single intergeneric hybrid between B. Rapa and Orychophragmus violaceus by rapid chromosome evolution and introgression. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 249-57.

Many novel lines were established from an intergeneric mixoploid between Brassica rapa (2n = 20) and Orychophragmus violaceus (2n = 24) through successive selections for fertility and viability. Pedigrees of individual F₂ plants were advanced to the 10th generation by selfing. Their breeding habit was self-compatible and different from the self-incompatibility of their female parent B. rapa, and these lines were reproductively isolated to different degrees from B. rapa and B. napus. The lines with high productivity showed not only a wide spectrum of phenotypes but also obvious variations in fatty acid profiles of seed oil and glucosinolate contents in seed meal. These lines had 2n = 36 37 38 39 and 40, with 2n = 38 being most frequent (64.56%), and no intact O. violaceus chromosomes were detected by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses revealed a high extent of variation in genomic compositions across all the lines. O. violaceus-specific bands, deleted bands in B. rapa and novel bands for two parents were detected in these lines, with novel bands being the most frequent. The morphological and genetic divergence of these novel types derived from a single hybrid is probably due to rapid chromosomal evolution and introgression, and provides new genetic resources for rapeseed breeding.

3 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

015501   Verma M;Paneri S;Singh S P (Biochemistry Dep, M.L.B. Medical College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Status of lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes in alcoholic patients with family history of myocardial infraction.. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(2), 475-8.

Damaging effects of reactive oxygen species are well studied. They included oxidative attack on various cell constituents. Chronic ethanol administration was able to induce the oxidative stress and cardiomyopathy. Investigates lipid profile and oxidative stress. This study was carried out on 46 persons, who were alcoholic and had a family history of myocardial infraction Levels of total cholestrol, TG, LDL, VLDL and malonaldehyde were significantly high. Antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were found to decrease. The alcoholic individuals with family history of Ml were compared with non alcoholic controls. The result suggests that alcohol administration causes myocardial injury through the induction of oxidative stress. Alcoholic individuals with family history of Ml are more susceptible to developing cardiovascular diseases. Depression of antioxidant system proves to be a marker for oxidative injury caused by the administration of ethanol.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

015500   Toroglu S (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kahramanmaras Sutculmam Univ, Kahramanmaras-46045, Turkey, Email: storoglu@ksu.edu.tr) : In vitro antimicrobial activity and antagonistic effect of essential oils from plant species. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 551-9.

Kahramanmaras, is a developing city, located in the southern part of Turkey. Thymus eigii (M. Zohary and PH. Davis) Jalas, Pinus nigra Am. sub sp pallasiana and Cupressus sempervirens L. are the useful plants of the Kahramanmaras province and have been under study since 2004 for the traditional uses of plants empiric drug, spice, herbal tea industry, herbal gum and fuel. The study was designed to examine the antimicrobial activities of essential oils of these plants by the disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. In addition, antimicrobial activity of Thymus eigii was researched by effects when it was used together with antibiotics and even when it was combined with other essential oils. When the results of this study were compared with vancomycin (30 meg) and erytromycin (15 mcg) standards, it was found that Thymus eigii essential oil was particularly found to possess stronger antimicrobial activity, whereas other essential oils showed susceptible or moderate activity. However, antimicrobial activity changed also by in vitro interactions between antibiotics and Thymus eigii essential oil, also between essential oils of these plants and that of Thymus eigii causing sviergic. additive, antagonist effect.

1 illus, 4 tables, 49 ref

015499   Subramanian S (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Comibatore-641 003) : Influence of temperatue on penetration, sex ratio and biology of the entomopathogenic nematode, heterorhabditis indica. J Ecobiol 2007, 21(1), 75-8.

The influence of temperature on penetration and sex ratio of the enomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica using Corcyra cephalonica as host was studied at five temperature levels viz., 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C. The nematode was able to penetrate, infect and multiply at 20 - 35°C, but not at 40°C. The number of infective juveniles penetrated per insect larva was maximum (12.0) at 25°C and least (2.2) at 35°C. The duration of hermaphroditic generation was 72 h at 25, 30 and 35°C and 168 h at 20°C. The number of males and females of amphimictic generation was maximum (11.8 & 139.8) at 25°C and least (2.6 & 38) at 20°C. The sex ratio between males and females was maximum (1 : 16.7) at 30°C and least (1 : 11.8) at 25°C. Biology of H. indica was studied under laboratory conditions at two temperature levels viz., 25°C and room temperature (22.0 - 30.5°C). The infective juveniles caused mortality of C. cephalonica in about 36 - 48 h and hermaphrodites observed 72 h after infection both at 25°C and room temperature. Females and males of amphimictic generation were observed 6 and 7 days after infection at 25°C and at room temperature, respectively. Exit of infective juveniles from cadavers of C. cephalonica was observed 7 and 8 days after infection at 25°C and at room temperature respectively.

2 tables, 6 ref

015498   Sinha R;Kawatra A (Directorate of Extension Education, BAU, Ranchi-06) : Extractbility of minerals as affected by domestic processing in cowpea. Int J Trop Agric 2007, 25(4), 1005-9.

Effect of processing, such as soaking, dehulling, cooking and germination on total contents of calcium and phosphorus and their extractability were investigated. Soaking of seeds in water led to a reduction in the content of Ca and P. Both minerals decreased significantly during 24 h of germination. On the other hand, soaking and germination for varjingperiod significantly improved the HCl-extractability of Ca and P, which is an index of their bioavailability.

3 tables, 8 ref

015497   Singh S (Microbiology Dep, R.R.P.G. College, Amethi, Sultanpur-227 405) : Effect of carbon, nitrogen and metal ions on lipase production by maicroorganisms. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(2), 333-4.

Study was designed to investigate the effect of carbon, nitrogen sources and metal ions on the production of lipase enzyme. High yields of enzyme activity (5.18 Uml^-1) were obtained with yeast extract and minimal lipase activity (2.16 Uml^-1) was observed with tryptone and lactose.

2 tables, 10 ref

015496   Singh M (NO, Indira Gandhi National Open Univ, Regional Centre, Lucknow-226 024) : Oxidative stress: oxidants and antioxidants. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(2), 449-59.

Oxygen is essential to human life; without it, we cannot survive.Human beings can tolerate oxygen only because our evolutionary ancestors developed powerful defence mechanisms that minimize its toxic effect. This damages has been suggested as a major contributor to many degenerative diseases of ageing, cardiovascular, cancer, cataracts, the immune system and the nervous system. Just as piece of metal rusts or an apple turns brown when exposed to air, the human body is vulnerable from contact with air. If you could view the microscopic world of our own body at the cellular level, you'd witness your own cells under attack from damaging molecules called free radicals - the natural by - products of your own metabolism. Free radicals are electrically charged molecules that attack body cells, tearing through cellular membranes to react and create havoc with the nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes inside. These attacks by free radicals, collectively known as Oxidative Stress, are capable of causing cells to lose their structure, function and can eventually destroy them.

5 illus, 4 tables, 4 ref

015495   Singh K D;Sharma S;Dwivedi A;Pandey P;Thakur R L;Kumar V (Life Sciences Div, Microbiology Dep, S.B.S.(P.G) Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research, Balawala-248 161, Email: sharmashivesh@email.com) : Microbial decolorization and bioremediation of melanoidin containing molasses spent wash. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 675-7.

Molasses spent wash from cane-molasses based distilleries contains a brown coloured recalcitrant polymer melanoidin, which if disposed untreated poses a great threat to environment. Microbial decolorization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction was found to be dependent on specific carbon and nitrogen source. Under optimal condition of pH, carbon and nitrogen concentration for each treatment, it was found that Bacillus sp isolated from soil was capable of removing COD (85.35%) and colour (81.10%) from distillery waste to the maximum extent after 9 days at pH 7 in the medium containing 0.5% peptone, 2% glucose and 10% (V/V;. followed by Phanerochaete chrysosporium and lowest reduction was obtained by using native microbial consortium.

3 tables, 13 ref

015494   Shukla K K;Pandey H (NO, School of Management Science Institutional Area, Khushipur, Bachhaon, Varanasi -221 001, Email: himanshu_pandey62@yahoo.com) : Distribution of number of unmarried female migrants and risk of vulnerability to HIV infection STD. Vidarbha J Sci 2008, 3(1), 1-5.

Author has been applied a probability model to number of unmarried female migrants having atleast one close boy friends. The model is fitted satisfactorily to data collected in urban area of Delhi. They are highly vulnerable to STD/HIV infections. They wanted to live luxurious and lavish life style.

1 table, 14 ref

015493   Shruti Kshirsagar;Aery N C (Laboratory of Geobotany and Biogeochemistry, Botany Dep, University College of Science, M.L. Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: ncaery@yahoo.com) : Phytostabilization of mine waste : growth and physiological responses of Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 651-4.

Greenhouse experiments were carried out for phytoremediation of the Pb/Zn abandoned tailings (pH 3.2 and high metal content) of Rampura-AguchaMfnes, Rajasthan. Vignaunguiculata(L) Walp. (cowpea) was chosen as a test crop. On unamended tailings, the seeds of the test plant showed no germination. The tailing was amended with lime (3% on weight basis), 3% lime + NPK (diammonium phosphate @ 60kg/ha, muriate of potash @ 40kg/ ha) and 3% lime + FYM @ 15 t/ha and used for experiments. Quantification of various parameters viz. shoot-root length, shoot-root dry weight, chlorophyll contents ('a', 'b' and total) and peroxidase activity of test crop revealed T + S + 3% lime + NPK to be the most suitable amelioration followed by FYM. The above treatments helped in improving the growth and productivity of the test plants by providing a favorable environment.

2 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

015492   Sengupta A;Farheen S;Mukherjee N;Majumder P P (Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolata-700 108, Email: ppm@isical.ac.in) : Patterns of nucleotide sequence variation in ICAM1 and TNF genes in twelve ethnic groups of India: roles of demographic history and natural selection. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 225-39.

Studied DNA sequence variation in and around the genes ICAMI and TNF, which play functional and correlated roles in inflammatory processes and immune cell responses, in 12 diverse ethnic groups of India, with a view to investigating the relative roles of demographic history and natural selection in shaping the observed patterns of variation. The total numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected at the ICAM1 and TNF loci were 29 and 12, respectively. Haplotype and allele frequencies differed significantly across populations. The site frequency spectra at these loci were significantly different from those expected under neutrality, and showed an excess of intermediate-frequency variants consistent with balancing selection. However, as expected under balancing selection, there was no significant reduction of F_ST values compared to neutral autosomal loci. Mismatch distributions were consistent with population expansion for both loci. On the other hand, the phylogenetic network among haplotypes for the TNF locus was similar to expectations under population expansion, while that for the lCAMl was as expected under balancing selection. Nucleotide diversity at the lCAMl locus was an order of magnitude lower in the promoter region, compared to the introns or exons, but no such difference was noted for the TNF gene. Thus, we conclude that the pattern of nucleotide variation in these genes has been modulated by both demographic history and selection. This is not surprising in view of the known allelic associations of several polymorphisms in these genes with various diseases, both infectious and noninfectious.

6 illus 3 tables, 40 ref

015491   Sapre N S;Pancholi N;Gupta S;Sikrwar A;Sapre N (Applied Chemistry Dep, SGSITS, Indore-452 001, Email: nsapre@sgsits.ac.in) : Molecular modelling studies on 2-amino 6-aryl-sulphonylbenzonitriles as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors of HIV-1: A QSPR approach. J chem Sci 2007, 119(6), 625-30.

Lipophilicity or hydrophobicity is a crucial physico-chemical property of an oral drug compound. Analysed the structural parameters responsible for enhancing the lipophilicity expressed in terms of Octanol-Water partition'coefficient, log P, of 2-amino-6-arylsulfonyl-benzonitrile (AASBN) derivatives used as NNRTIs in AIDS therapy. Connectivity based Randic (χ) and Balaban (J) and atomistic Kier-Hall electrotopological state (E-state) indices have been used to develop Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) and to predict the effect of substitution on the log P. Model has been developed using multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) for the training set (67 compounds) and the model was tested on a test set (7 compounds). Significant results were obtained for the training set (R² = 0.948, R²_adj = 0.939, SE = 0.177, F-ratio = 101.22). The results of the test set too implicated a good fit (R² = 0.941, R²_adj = 0.929, SE = 0.157, F-ratio = 80.05). Among the two connectivity based topological indices; Randic (χ) index showed better predictive ability than the Balaban (J) index. Kier-Hall E-state indices indicated that among the functional groups, methyl, bromo, chloro groups on ring A, with their positive coefficients enhanced the lipophilicity. Amino, cyano group on ring B and the bridging S, SO, SO₂ with their negative coefficients showed an adverse effect on the lipophilicity parameter. Thus, Kier-Hall E-state indices along with topological indices could be well applied for deriving QSPR models and analysing substitution effects of various functional groups. The training set, correlation matrix and observed and experimental log P values are available as supplementary material for this article.

2 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

015490   Sahu M K;Poorani E;Sivakumar K;Thangaradjou T;Kannan L (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Partial purification an anti-leukemic activity of L-asparaginase enzyme of the actinomycete strain LA-29 isolated from the estuarine fish, Mugil cephalus (Linn.). J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 645-50.

The actinomycete strain LA-29 isolated from the gut contents of the fish, Mugil cephalus of the Vellar estuary showed excellent L-asparaginase activity. The enzyme was purified 18-fold and the final recovery of protein was 1.9%, which exhibited an activity of 13.57 lU/mg protein. The partially purified L-asparaginase inhibited the growth of leukemia cells in male wistar rats. Average survival period of the rats was more in an optimum enzyme dose of 100 units and the survival period was less when the dosages were increased and at the same time the enzyme became less effective when the dosages were decreased Higher survival of 17.2 days was recorded when 100 units of the enzyme was given in fhree intermittent doses (50/25/25 units) at the interval of 24 hr. Analysis of cell components of the strain LA-29 has revealed the wall type -1 which is the characteristic of the genus Streptomyces. Further, the morphological, physiological and biochemical features along with the micromorphological results obtained for the strain LA-29 were compared with that of the Streptomyces species found in Sergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology and the strain LA-29 has been tentatively identified as Streptomyces canus.

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

015489   S Ravikumar;K Kathiresan;S Liakath Alikhan; Williams G P;Anitha Anandha Gracelin N (Oceanography and coastal area studies Dep, Alagappa Univ, Thondi-683 409, Email: ravibiotech201320@yahoo.com) : Growth of Avicennia marina and Ceriops decandra seedlings inoculated with halophilic azotobacters. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 601-03.

Inoculation of azotobacter has significant positive effects on the growth characteristics and pigments in mangrove seedlings of Avicennia marina and Ceriops decandra. The bacterial inoculation significantly increased the root dry biomass at the maximum of 75.8% at 30 gt^-1 salinity in Ceriops decandra. But in Avicennia marina, the shoot dry biomass was increased significantly at the maximum of 56.12% at 30 gl^-1 salinity. In general, the Azotobacter beijerinkii improved the growth characteristics better in both species of mangroves preferably at higher salinity levels in A. marina and at a range of salinity in C. decandra. The results recommend this for raising vigorous seedlings under nursery conditions.

2 tables, 17 ref

015488   Ravi Ram K;Ramesh S R (Drosophila Stock Centre, Studies in Zoology Dep, University of Mysore, Managsagangotri, Mysore-570 006, , Email: srramesh2000@yahoo.com) : Male accessory gland secretory protein polymorphism in natural populations of Drosophila nasuta and Drosophila sulfurigaster neonasuta. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 217-24.

Male accessory gland secretory protein polymorphism was analysed in natural populations of Drosophila nasuta nasuta and D. sulfurigaster neonasuta for the first time, using SDS-PAGE to score polymorphism of these proteins in 2788 individuals of D. n. nasuta and 2232 individuals of D. s. neonasuta from 12 different populations from southern India. A total of 25 and 18 variant protein phenotypes were identified in D. n. nasuta and D. s. neonasuta, respectively. Protein fractions of group III were more polymorphic than those from groups I and II. The results show that accessory gland secretory proteins show high levels of polymorphism, irrespective of species or habitat. Moreover, we have used the variation in the accessory gland proteins to assess the extent of divergence between the species and to infer their population structure. The study suggests that though both D. n. nasuta and D. s. neonasuta be long, to the same subgroup, they differ in population structure, as far as accessory gland protein polymorphism is concerned.

1 illus 6 tables, 45 ref

015487   Ramegowda G K;Lingappa S;Patil R K (NO, Research and Development, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd., NH-7, Kallakal-502 336, Email: gkramegowda@yahoo.co.in) : Production of aerial conidia of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) samson on liquid media. J ent Res 2007, 31(3), 226-7.

Studies on evaluation of containers and various concentrations of molasses and rice gruel fortified with one percent yeast extract as liquid media for mass production of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson indicated that maximum mycelial dry weight (15.52 ± 2.41 g/100 ml) and conidial yield (5.65 ± 0.68 x 10¹⁰ conidia/100 ml) was obtained with flat liquor bottle followed by conical flask (10.18 ± 2.50 and 4.54 ± 0.85). Rice gruel failed to support growth of N. rileyi as the spore yields were only 1/6th of that obtained with synthetic media.

3 tables, 5 ref

015486   Raj S M;Govindaraju D R;Chakraborty R (NO, St. John's College, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3JP, UK, Email: drgraju@bu.edu) : Genetic variation and population structure of interleukin genes among seven ethnic populations from karnataka, India. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 189-94.

Extent of genetic variation and the degree of genetic differentiation among seven ethnic populations from Karnataka, India (Bunt, Havyak, Iyengar, Lingayath, Smartha, Vaishya, Vokkaliga), was investigated using four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: IL-1A 4845, lL-1B 3954, IL-l B 511 and IL-1 RA 2018) of the interleukin gene cluster. Allele frequencies varied by threefold among these populations, which also differed for gene diversity and heterozygosity levels. The average degree of population subdivision among these castes was low (F_ST = 0.02). However, pair-wise interpopulation differentiation ranged from 0-7%, indicating no detectable differentiation to moderate differentiation between specific populations. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on genetic distances between populations agreed with known social and cultural data on these ethnic groups. Variation in the allele frequencies, as well as differentiation, may be attributed to differential selection and demographic factors including consanguinity among the ethnic groups. Information on the distribution of functionally relevant polymorphisms among ethnic populations may be important towards developing community medicine and public health policies.

3 illus 2 tables, 46 ref

015485   Raghuvanshi R;Surendra Singh;Saxena R K;Bisen P S (School of Studies in Microbiology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: surendrasinghg@yahoo.co.in) : Iron mediated metabolic regulations in a diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena sylindrica. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 143-54.

Iron-induced changes in growth, photosynthetic activity, CO₂ fixation, heterocyst differentiation, N₂-fixation, uptake of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and urea, nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), urease and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities were studied in a diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica. Iron at 60 μM concentration supported the maximum growth, photosystem I (PS I), photosystem II (PS II), CO₂ fixation, heterocyst differentiation, nitrogenase, uptake of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and urea, NR, NiR, urease and GS activities in the organism. Higher concentration of iron, however, inhibited these processes. Chllorophyll a and PS II activities were more sensitive to iron than the protein and PS I activity.

us, 37 ref

015484   R Thavasi;K Aparnadevi;S Jayalakshmi;T Balasubramanian (NO, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, CAS in Marine Biology, Email: tratrj@sify.com) : Plasmid mediated antibiotic resistance in marine bacteria. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 617-21.

This research work was conducted in Uppanar estuary to ascertain the role of plasmids in the antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Water and sediment samples were collected for a period of three months. When tested against 20 antibiotics 22 MAR strains were isolated from the samples, which were found resistant to 5-13 antibiotics. They belong to 7 genera and 10 species. Gram-negative bacteria namely Neisseria mucosa, N. sicca. Branhamella catarrhalis, Klebsiella ozaenae, Citrobacter intermedius, Pseudomonasre uorescens and Enterobacter aergenes were isolated. Gram-positive bacteria were of Bacillu subtilis, B. megaterium and Micrpcoccus luteus. When plasmid curing was done using acredme orange, the resistance against penicillin-G ampicillin, tetracycline, amoxycillin, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol were totally lost in all strains, which confirmed the role of plasmid in these strains against antibiotics. Ten strains belong to different species were selected for the plasmid isolation and electrophoresis- was done. Presence of plasmids in all strains was confirmed and 'he molecular weight was in the range of 2850 to 3170 bp. The study revealed that MAR strains are common in Uppanar estuary and they are plasmid mediated. This environment is seemed to be deteriorating at an alarming rate.

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

015483   Patil R C;Jadhav U;Upadhye M V;Upadhyay A; Utekar A Y (Microbiology Dep, Bhavan's College, Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 058) : Pharmacognosial investigations of extracts of pomegranate and tamarind. Biosci Res Bull 2007, 23(1), 51-2.

The study was undertaken to investigate the antibacterial activity of extracts prepared from tamarind and pomegranate. Different extraction methods were used for preparing extracts and their efficacy was compared. Phyto-constituents present in the extracts were also analyzed. Extracts were checked for the presence of synergistic activity when used in combination with a standard antibiotic.

2 tables, 7 ref

015482   Paoloni-Giacobino A;Chaillet J R (Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Dep, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA, Email: arine.giacobino@medecine.unige.ch) : Evolutionary appearance of mononucleotide repeats in the coding sequences of four genes in primates. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 279-83.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

015481   Ozaslan M;Ozaslan E;Barsgan A;Koruk M (Biol Dep, Univ of Gaziantep, 27310/Gaziantep, Turkey, Email: ozaslansmd@yahoo.com) : Mutations in the S gene region of hepatitis B virus genotype D in turkish patients. J Genet 2007, 86(3), 195-201.

S gene region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for the expression of surface antigens and includes the 'a'-determinant region. Thus, mutation(s) in this region would afford HBV variants a distinct survival advantage, permitting the mutant virus to escape from the immune system. The aim of this study was to search for mutations of the S gene region in different patient groups infected with genotype D variants of HBV, and to analyse the biological significance of these mutations. Moreover, we investigated S gene mutation inductance among family members. Forty HBV-DNA-positive patients were determined among 132 hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) carriers by the first stage of seminested PCR. Genotypes and subtypes were established by sequencing of the amplified S gene regions. Variants were compared with original sequences of these serotypes, and mutations were identified. All variants were designated as genotype D and subtype ayw3. Ten kinds of point mutations were identified within the S region. The highest rates of mutation were found in chronic hepatitis patients and their family members. The amino acid mutations 125 (M → T) and 127 (T → P) were found on the first loop of 'a'-determinant. The other consequence was mutation inductance in a family member. Found some mutations in the S gene region known to be stable and observed that some of these mutations affected S gene expression.

6 illus 26 ref

015480   Neena C;Ambily P S;Jisha M S (NO, Mahatma Gandhi Univ, Kottayam-686 560, School of Bio-sciences, Email: jishashanavas@yahoo.com) : Anaerobic degradation of coconut husk leachate using UASB-reactor. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 611-5.

Retting of coconut husk, the major process in quality coir fibre extraction, causes serious pollution with brackish water lagoons of Kerala. An attempt is made to treat the coconut husk leachate by using a laboratory scale UASB-reactor. The experiment was conducted with loading of leachate from 1 kg of fresh coconut husk. The anaerobic treatment was done continuously. The parameters like VFA, pH, COD and polyphenols were analysed regularly during the evaluation of the reactor performance. The polyphenol, VFA and COD were diminished gradually with time. The pH of the reactor during the study was found to be in the range of 6-8. The biogas production was increased with loading and about 82% of the total COD/kg husk could be converted to biogas. The maximum polyphenol loading in the reactor was reached to about 298.51 mg/l of husk.

7 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

015479   N S Kulkarni;J V Jaiswal;M G Bodhankar (Microbiology Dep, Rajasthan Aryan College, Washim-444 505, Email: nskulkarni29@rediffmail.com) : Influence of agro-waste amendment on soil microbial population in relation to plant growth response. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 623-6.

Introductions of high yielding inorganic fertilizer are not cheap and leave behind a large amount of dry matter for disposal. Thus there is a need to utilize these plant residues to save fertilizers and maintain a satisfactory level of soil fertility. Hence, with the view of in-situ manuring as well as to recycle the agricultural residue, pot experiments were conducted to study the effect of wheat husk amendments on soil microbial population and seedling vigour index (SVI) of wheat. Results of pot experiment showed the improvement in soil fungal population followed by bacterial and actinomycetal counts. Statistical significant increase in plant growth was also recorded as compared to unamended control, which indicates the practical possibility in utilizing wheat husk for improvement is soil fertility.

4 tables, 20 ref