004230   Paramanik R C;Chikkaswamy B K;Cuha Roy D; Paramanik A;Venkatesh kumar (Life Science Dep, R.K. Institute of Management and Computer Science, Bellandur Gate, Sarjapura Main Ropad, Bangalore, Email: robin_paramanik@yahoo.com) : Effects of biochemicals of Artemisia annua in plants. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 11-18.

Artemisia onnua L. a plant of temperate agroclimate and native of China has been used as an antimalarial drug specially in cerebral malaria for centuries and herbicidal compound artemisin (sesquiterpene lactone). To find out more effective herbicidal compounds than artemisin and its related compounds the well known derivative of A.annua i.e. artemisinic acid and arteannuin B and semisynthetic derivative of artemisin compound i.e. arteether, followed the laboratory testings for their role in seed germination and seedling growth in some of the monocot and dicot plants including Artemisia annua. Lactua sativa (Asteraceae), Raphanus sativus (Brassicaceae), Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae), Amaranthus blitun (Amaranthaceae), Secale cereale. Hordeum vulgare (Poaceae). The biochemical compound namely arteether was found to be very effective with respect to all the tested chemical compouds.This compound produced 50% inhibitory effects in the root growth at the rate of 1 ppm in case of Secale cereale. Hordeum vulgare and shoot growth in case of Lactua sativa. In Portulaca oleracea arteether caused inhibitory effect both in case of shoot and root development at the same rate of 1 ppm. This compound arteether also showed retarded growth of seedling in case of Artemisi (1 annua and Amaranthus blitun.at the rate of 10 ppm. But at this particular concentration rate it has shown shoot growth retardation in case of Secale cereale and Hordeum vulgare: Chemical compound named as artemisin also showed similar effect but at lower activity rate with respect to that of arteether in most of the test plant samples. At a lowest concentration all.tile plant samples of A. annua chemical compounds showed seedling growth. Growth and developmental activity of arteannuin B and artemisinic acid found to be more effective with respect to that of arteether and artemisinin.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

004229   Niasari Naslaji A;Mosaferi S;Moghiseh A; Nikjou D;Bahmani N;Gerami A;Moosavi Movahedi A A;Gharahdaghi A A; Abarghani A (Clinical Sciences Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Email: niasari@ut.ac.ir) : Effects of equex on the survival of bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) sperm in child and frozen conditions. J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(2), 223-30.

Damage to the plasma membrane of sperm could reduce the viability of sperm following freeze-thaw processes. This problem could be overcome using membrane stabilisers. The study investigated the effect of anionic detergent on the viability of chilled and frozen-thawed bactrian camel sperm. In experiment 1, semen of good quality was extended in SHOTOR diluent with or without 1% Equex (v/v; NOVA Chemical, USA) and Green buffer. The viability parameters of sperm were evaluated at the time of collection and at the times 0, 12 and 24 h after reaching 4°C. In experiment 2, semen of good quality was diluted with SHOTOR diluent and chilled to 4°C. Then an equal volume of chilled freezing media with or without 1% Equex (NOVA Chemical, USA) was added gradually, to the chilled diluted semen to achieve final Equex concentration of 0.5% (v/v). Then, specimens were loaded into 0.5 ml straws, and placed on a rack standing at 4 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen. Overall, it took 60 min from adding freezing medium until exposures of the straws to the liquid nitrogen vapour. It took 20 min prior to immersing the straws into liquid nitrogen. After one week, thawing was performed in a water bath, set at 40°C, for 20s. The viability parameters of sperm were assessed immediately after thawing. Twelve hours after chilling specimen, progressive forward motility (PFM) reduced in SHOTOR+Equex (19.0%) compared to those for IMV (56.5%) and SHOTOR (59.5%). After 24 hr SHOTOR (51.5%) and IMV (48.0%) exhibited greater PMI compared to SHOTOR+Equex (29.0%; P = 0.06) extenders. At this time, the percentage of live sperm was higher (P < 0.05) for SHOTOR (75.0%) and IMV (74.5%) than those of SHOTOR+Equex (41.0%) extenders. Comparing freezing media with and without Equex, there was no significant difference in PFM (16.0% vs. 19.7%), plasma membrane integrity (28.0% vs. 31.3%) and percentages of live sperm (42.0% vs. 42.6%) between two media after thawing. In conclusion, Equex, at the concentration (0.5% v/v) and procedure used in the, did not improve the post-thaw viability of bactrian camel sperm.

2 illus, 43 ref

004228   Naghavi A;Nishimura C;Kahrizi K;Hosseini V R; Bazazzadegan N;Mohseni M;Smith R J H;Najmabadi H (Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 98135, Iran, Email: hnajml2@yahoo.com) : GJB2 mutations in Baluchi population. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 195-7.

2 tables, 21 ref

004227   Murugan K;Anil Kumar V B;Kishor Mohan T C (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Botany Dep, University College, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034, Email: drtckishor@yahoo.co.in) : Activity of the enzymes associated with fruit ripening and quality deterioration in barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra L.). J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 29-32.

Barbados cherry, native to Trinidad, is grown commercially as an ornamental plant and also for the nutrient rich fruit. Mature fruits were found to be rich source of ascorbic acid and phenols. Polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methyl esterase (PME) and cellulase-the major cell wall hydrolyzing enzymes associated with fruit ripening were isolated and assayed. The activity of PG and PME expressed a significant increase from unripe to half ripe and declined towards the pre ripe stage of fruit development. An interesting feature noticed here was the gradual increase in activity of PG and PME during post ripe stage. During the early stages of Barbados cherry development, PPO activity and the level of ascorbic acid gradually decreased, whereas in the post-ripening stage PPO activity increased. Similarly, POD activity decreased during development of the fruits but was high in the pre-ripening and post-ripening stages. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), a quality-deteriorating enzyme of tropical fruits exhibited a gradual increase in activity. The enzyme was found to be extremely active in the later stages of fruit development and ripening. The occurrence of low level of phenols and high level of PPO activity in ripe fruits clearly indicates the physiological correlation of the enzyme with the substrates. A negative correlation was noticed between PPO and ascorbate content during fruit development and maturation. The significantly higher activity of PPO and POD strongly suggest their role in the deterioration of fruit quality via browning, leaching and perishability during post harvest storage.

3 illus, 16 ref

004226   Mueller L D (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dep, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2525, USA, Email: idmuelle@uci.edu) : Can simple population genetic models reconcile partial match frequencies observed in large forensic databases?. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 101-8.

Recent study of partial matches in the Arizona offender database of DNA profiles has revealed a large number of nine and ten locus matches. I use simple models that incorporate the product rule, population substructure, and relatedness to predict the expected number of matches in large databases. I find that there is a relatively narrow window of parameter values that can plausibly describe the Arizona results. Further research could help determine if the Arizona samples are congruent with some of the models presented here or whether fundamental assumptions for predicting these match frequencies requires adjustments.

9 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

004225   Martinez R;Bonilla Henao V;Ramos I;Sobrino F; Lucas M;Pintado E (Servicio de Biologia Molecular, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, E-41009, Seville, Spain, Email: elizabet@us.es) : May anomalous X chromosome methylation be responsible for the spontaneous abortion of a male foetus?. J Genet 2008, 87(3), 261-4.

1 illus, 20 ref

004224   Mandal P K;Venkadesh S;Gautham N (Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: n_gautham@hotmail.com) : Structural variations in Z-DNA. J Indian Inst Sci 2008, 88(2), 73-93.

First crystal structure of Z-DNA, i.e. of the sequence d(CGCGCG)2 established many sequence-dependent micro-structural features. Nevertheless, a regular model of Z-DNA could be built for alternating pyrimidine-purine sequences, with a dinucleotide duplex as the repeating unit, rather than the mononucleotide used in regular models of A and B type helices. In the laboratory, authors have made systematic crystallographic studies to explore the precise influence of sequence on the microstructure of Z-DNA, especially the effect of the introduction of A.T base pairs in sequences that otherwise consisted of C.G base pairs. Using chiefly the technique of X-ray crystallography, authors studied the following sequences: d(CACGCG).d(CGCGTG), d(CGCACG).d(CGTGCG), d(CACGCG).d(CGCGTG), d(CCCGGG)2, d(CGCGCA).d(TGCGCG), d(CGCGTACGCG)2, and d(CGCGCGTACGCGCG)₂. These sequences were studied under various conditions of salt, pH, temperature, etc. Some of the results obtained from these studies may be summarized as follows. Firstly, authors observe sequence-dependent structural micro-heterogeneities in Z-DNA, which are correlated with the extent of the stretch of G.C base pairs, as well as with the degree and nature of the pyrimidine-purine alternation in the sequence. Secondly, the Z-DNA helices, which may be approximated to solid cylinders, achieve the closest packing in the crystals in the following manner. The cylinders are stacked on top of each other to form long infinite, pseudo-continuous columns, which are then bundled together in a hexagonal close packing arrangement. This packing motif is common to almost all the Z type structures that have been studied, both in the laboratory as well as elsewhere. Despite this common packing principle, it is possible to index the crystals in several different crystals systems and space groups, sometimes in a degenerate manner. The differences arise due to the alignment between adjacent columns. Also if the sequences are non-self complementary, like many of those above, the helical columns can point `up' or `down' and this allows an extra degree of freedom in choice of crystal system and space group. The third set of results obtained from these studies pertains to the interactions of various metal ions with the helices. Authors find, in particular, that cobalt and ruthenium hexammine ions perturb the tautomeric state of the adenine and thymine bases, leading to changes in the base pairing schemes.

^iia27 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

004223   Maheshwari P;Anil Kumar (Biological Sciences Dep, University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Email: ak_sbt@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of Abelmoschus moschatus leaf extracts. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(3), 260-6.

Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts prepared from the leaves of Abelmoschus moschatus were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against a number of pathogens by using disc diffusion assay method. Clear zones of inhibition were reported for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris and Cornebacterium diphtheriae. After performing a bioassay guided fractionation of the eight hexane fractions, it was revealed that the fraction exhibiting major antibacterial activity against C. diphtheriae contained terpenoid oil.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

004222   Mahajan N;Mahmood A (Biochemistry Dep, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, Email: akhtarmah@yahoo.com) : Effect of gallic acid on alkaline phosphatase and peptidase activities in rat intestine. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(5), 378-82.

Gallic acid is a normal constituent of many edible foods, thus directly interacts with epithelial tissue in intestine. In the present study, the effect of gallic acid on intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) and peptidase activities in rat intestine was evaluated. Gallic acid (0.27-0.5 mM) inhibited activities of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) by over 90%, compared to controls in rat intestine. In contrast, 0.1-0.6 mM gallic acid either had no effect or stimulated the activity of IAP in rat intestine. The observed inhibition of peptidases by gallic acid was reversible in nature. Kinetic analysis revealed no change in V_max of LAP (0.42-0.44 units/mg protein) and γ-GTP (0.22-0.24 units/mg protein), while the values of apparent K_m were increased 6-7 fold, exhibiting competitive-type of enzyme inhibition by gallic acid. The values of K_I for LAP and γ-GTP were 0.037 mM and 0.017 mM, respectively. These observations indicate that gallic acid is a potent inhibitor of brush border peptidases, and thus may interfere in the digestion and absorption of proteins in the intestine.

004221   Lu K;Li L;Zheng X;Zhang Z;Mou T;Hu Z (National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China, Email: tongminmou@yahoo.com.cn) : Quantitative trait loci controlling Cu, Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe content in rice grains. J Genet 2008, 87(3), 305-10.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

004220   Li G;Wang N;She Q;Zhang J (NO, College of Resource and Environment Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China, Email: hedsky@gmail.com) : Research on distribution, living environment and protection of wild bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus). J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(2), 211-7.

Wild bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) estimated is one of the rare and endangered species in the world. Methods of field investigation, experimental analysis and data collection were used in the study. The distribution region, population quantity and population status of wild bactrian camel were researched. The living environment of wild bactrian camel including topographic feature, climate environment, edible vegetation and drinking condition were studied, and the adaptability of wild bactrian camel in severe environment was analysed. Based on the difference analysis of morphological characteristics and ecological habit between wild bactrian camel and domestic bactrian camel, the environmental adaptation and evolvement of local morphological structure of wild bactrian camel and domestic bactrian camel were discussed. For the quick decrease of habitat and population quantity, the impacts of human activities, environmental conditions and natural enemies on wild bactrian camel, was evaluated quantificationally and recommended the feasible protection measures.

1 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

004219   Kumarasamy P;Pugazhendi A;Muthukumarvel K; Murthy A (PG Zoology Dep, Khadir Mohideen College, Adirampattinam-614 701) : Toxicity of cadmium on the immune response of the fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man). J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 367-8.

Acute and chronic toxicity of cadmium on the fresh water prawn Macrobachium rosenbergii was assessed by the total haemocyte count and phenol oxidase activity. Increase in haemocytes and phenol oxidase activity was noticed in teh prawns exposed to acute toxivity, whereas in the chronic toxicity prawns decreased haemocytes and reduction in the phenol oxidase activity were observed.

1 table, 9 ref

004218   Kulkarni Shukla S;Barge A;Vartak R S; (Biotechnology Dep, Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon Budruk, Pune-411 041, Email: akar@unipune.ernet.in) : Cold-induced alteration in the global structure of the male sex chromosome of In(1)B<. J Genet 2008, 87(3) , 235-40.

In Drosophila melanogaster, dosage compensation occurs through hypertranscription of sex-linked genes in males. The hypertranscription involves acetylation of histone 4 at lysine 16 (H4K16) on a male X-chromosome, brought about by a histone acetyltransferase encoded by the dosage compensation gene, males absent on the first (mof ). Reports a phenomenon in the strain In(1)B^M2 (reinverted) of D. melanogaster where the global structure of the male X-chromosome can be altered at the third instar larval stage through a 4-h cold shock at 12±1°C. Shows that the cold shock results in a transient hyperacetylation of H4K16 and an increased expression of MOF. Control proteins H4 acetylated at lysine 5, and the dosage compensation gene msl-2, do not show any change in expression after cold shock. Cytology of the male X-chromosome at different time points during cold shock and recovery, suggests that the hyperacetylation of H4 at lysine 16 causes the X-chromosome to corkscrew into itself, thereby achieving the cold-induced change in the higher order structure of the male polytene X-chromosome. The studies suggests a role for H4K16 in maintaining the structure of the male X-chromosome in Drosophila.

3 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

004217   Kishore G;Bindu Prasuna A;Somasekhara Rao K; Murthy S D S (Biochemistry Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna University Post Graduate Centre, Nuzvid-521 201) : UV-B radiation induced alterations in the electron transport activities of the thylakoid membranes isolated from primary leaves of barley. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 101-5.

UV-B treatment (20-80 μ moles) for 60 min caused inhibition in whole chain electron transport and PS II catalyzed electron transport in a dose dependent manner. The reason for the inhibition in PS II catalyzed electron transport is alteration at oxidizing side as well as reducing side. UV-B radiation is able to inhibit PS I catalyzed electron transport marginally. Light intensity measurements indicated that LHC II is the main target for UV-B radiation. Thus, UV-B affects the photosynthetic electron transport at multiple sites in barley leaves.

6 tables, 20 ref

004216   Kaushik V;Khosa R L;Parcha V (S.B.S.P.G.I. of Biomedical Sciences and Research, , Balawala, Dehradun) : Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Diospyros malabarica bark extract. Pharmbit 2008, 18(2), 163-7.

Various extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol & aqueous) of Diospyros malabarica bark at dose of 100 mg/kg orally was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in some acute models viz. carrageenan induced and dextran induced paw oedema. Diclofenac sodium at the dose of 10 mg/kg was used as standard. Petroleum ether extract ppt. (PEEP) showed significant activity (p<0.05) compared with the control group in both of these models. Thus the study indicates that the PEEP of Diospyros malabarica bark possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.

2 tables, 17 ref

004215   Karuppayee T (ICAR Centre, Sri Parasakthi College for Women, , Courtallam-627 802) : Biochemical and microbiological quality of commercial brands of packaged milk sold in and around Courtallam a tourist spot, T.N., India. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 137-40.

Biochemical and microbiological qualities of popular packaged milk sold in Courtallam was investigated. Seven brands of packaged milk in six replications were taken for the study. There was no significant difference in the Moisture, Total solids, Volatile solids, Acidity, Lactose and Protein of the milk samples. However, significant difference was observed in the Fat content of these samples. Among the minerals studied there was no significant difference in Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potasªsium and Chloride and significant difference (P<0.0l) in Magnesium and Iron. In microbial studies, the highest bacterial populations were recorded in brand G .Among the seven brands of packaged milk samples tested the biochemical profile was much superior in brand G, however the microbiological qualities was poor.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

004214   Kanthimathi S;Vijaya M;Ramesh A (Genetics Dep, Dr ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: kanthi@mail.com) : Genetic study of Dravidian castes of Tamil Nadu. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 175-9.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

004213   Kalidas Y;Chandra N (Bioinformatics Centre, Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) : Structural bioinformatics: transforming protein structures into biological insights. J Indian Inst Sci 2008, 88(2), 107-29.

Structural bioinformatics is an area that has emerged to comprehend and interpret large amounts of structural data, and promises to provide a high resolution understanding of biology. Protein structures can be compared, analyzed and mined in various ways, which allows us to understand the functions of these molecules and reason precisely how and why such capabilities have emerged in them. The main advantages these methods have over simpler sequence based methods are that besides helping in associating a molecule with a function, they also provide ultimate insights into the mechanisms by which various biological events take place. This report provides an overview of structural bioinformatics, various advances in the recent years and the range and scope of data driven protein structural analysis. In particular, current trends in structure prediction, structure alignments, deriving sub-structures and structural motifs, understanding features critical for molecular recognition as well as using these for understanding function of protein molecules are presented. Application of structural knowledge in drug discovery for lead identification as well as novel ways of understanding drug adverse effects and drug resistance are also discussed. Finally prospects for structure based vaccine design are also outlined. The various aspects of structural bioinformatics discussed here, show how biological insights can be obtained from protein structures.

9 illus, 164 ref

004212   Ivanova P M;Dunkov B;Ralchev K H (Faculty of Biology, Genetics Dep, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria, Email: pavlyna@biofac.uni-sofia.bg) : Gene structure of Drosophila diaphorase-1: diversity of transcripts in adult males and females, in different organs and at different stages of develoment. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 141-6.

Gene EG:22E5.5 or CG4199 (accession number O77266, Q9W529) from Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project (BDGP) was found using the partial amino acid sequences of three tryptic peptides obtained from purified Drosophila virilis diaphorase-1. This gene is located on the X chromosome at position 2C9-2C10. The structure of the gene reveals three exons and two long introns. Using BDGP, it has been found six transcripts in this gene. The difference between these transcripts is in their 5' ends; the 3' ends of the six transcripts are identical. Thirty-four ESTs from different cDNA libraries were found, most of them from Schneider L2 cell culture (SH) cDNA library. The transcripts are represented at very low level in the cells of different organs and at different stages of Drosophila development. Using RT-PCR, authors obtained five of these transcripts in cDNA samples from female adult flies. However they could not find any of them in cDNA samples from male adult flies. Moreover, only the third transcript (CG4199-RC) in the sample of testis from adult flies and the fourth transcript (CG4199-RD) in an embryo sample has been obtained. None of the other five transcripts were found in the samples of different organs and in the samples obtained at different stages of Drosophila development.

6 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

004211   Hsu W H;Ong P L;Chen S C;Lin L L (Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, 402-27 Taichung, Taiwan, Email: llin@mail.ncyu.edu.tw) : Contribution of Ser463 residue to the enzymatic and autoprocessing activities of Escherichia coli γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(4), 281-8.

Serine residue Ser463, required for proper function of E. coli γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (EcGGT) was identified by site-directed mutagenesis on the basis of sequence alignment of human, pig, rat, and three bacterial enzymes. Thr-, Asp-, and Lys-substituted variants were overexpressed in E. coli M15 cells and the recombinant proteins were purified to near homogeneity by nickel-chelate chromatography. With the exception of S463T, the other two variants completely lost GGT activity, implying the importance of this residue in EcGGT. Moreover, substitution of Ser463 with either Lys or Asp impaired the capability of autocatalytic processing of the precursor into α- and <198>-subunit. Computer modeling showed that the critical bonding distance of Gln390 C-Thr391 OG1 was significantly increased in S463D and S463K, indicating that these distance changes might be responsible for the lack of enzyme maturation. Measurements of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence revealed alteration of the microenvironment of aromatic amino acid residues in S463D and S463K, while circular dichroism (CD) spectra were nearly identical for wild-type and all mutant enzymes. The temperature-dependent signal in the far-UV region for S463T was consistent with that of wild-type enzyme, but S463D and S463K showed a different sensitivity towards temperature-induced denaturation. These results implied that a significant conformational change occurred as a result of Asp- and Lys-substitution.

004210   Hosur M V;Prashar V (Solid State Physics Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: hosur@barc.gov.in) : HIV-1 protease crystallography at BARC. J Indian Inst Sci 2008, 88(2), 95-105.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a complex retrovirus, and is the causative agent of Aquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease condition that is proving fatal to millions of Indians. Since a HIV/AIDS pandemic can destroy the very fabric of nations, devastate the most productive members of the societies, and orphan children, there is an urgent need to rein-in this disease. Crystallography can play a major role in this endeavour by providing accurate structural data on the chemical interactions between a chosen target and the designed inhibitor. Because of its essential role in the maturation process of HIV, the viral protease (HIV-1 PR) is an important target for inhibitor design. Many of the effective anti-HIV drugs in the market are inhibitors of HIV-1 PR, optimized for active-site binding through high-resolution crystal structures. However, occurence of drug resistant mutations in the protease necessitates continuous development of newer inhibitors through novel strategies. Inhibitors based on the mechanism of the enzyme are less likely to be overcome by point mutations, and thus may represent a novel class of inhibitors. Although hundreds of structures of active HIV-1 protease inhibitor complexes are reported, there are no reports of active enzyme substrate complexes. Authors have produced, for the first time, atomic-level snap-shots of enzyme-substrate complexes trapped at different stages of the cleavage reaction. These crystal structures may provide insight into the molecular mechanism of HIV-1 PR. For example, the formation of a low barrier hydrogen bond between catalytic aspartates had not been envisaged in earlier mechanistic proposals. Similarly, the hydrogen bond between cleavage products suggests protonation of scissile nitrogen atom by the hydroxyl group of the tetrahedral intermediate, in the reaction mechanism. The structures also open up the possibility that the enzyme uses different mechanisms to cleave substrates containing either a praline residue or a non-proline residue at the cleavage site. Finally, the structures provide a template for the design of mechanism-based inhibitors.

10 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

004209   Hasan M A;Phaninatha Sarma A;Nagendra Babu G; Murthy S D S (Biochemistry Dep, Chaitanya Post Graduate College, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh) : Altered thylakoid membrane organization and photochemical functions in wheat thylakoid membranes under the influence of cadmium. J phytol Res 2008, 21(2), 197-200.

Electron transport measurements of thylakoid membranes isolated from Cd treated eight day old wheat primary leaves indicated that there is a concentration dependent loss of PS II activity and 50% inhibition was noticed at 0.2 mM CdCl₂ Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements demonstrated the existence of inhibitory site at water oxidation complex through the decrease of fluorescence intensity. Lipid Peroxidation measurements of wheat thylakoid membranes clearly gave an indication that free radical mediated lipid Peroxidation pf thylakoid membranes is one of the reason for the loss of PS II activity.

4 tables, 17 ref

004208   Gupta S;Sharma S B;Prabhu K M;Bansal S K (Biochemistry Dep, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi-110 095, Email: drsbs08@yahoo.in) : Protective role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and its safety evaluation. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(5), 371-7.

Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from the ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. The antioxidant activity of C. auriculata aqueous leaf extract (CLEt) was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of CLEt to MD and SD rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 21 days) produced significant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in both MD and SD rats. The antioxidant defense system was also found to be improved in CLEt-treated (400 mg/kg) MD and SD rats, as revealed by significant increase in activities of erythrocyte's antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with a concomitant elevation in erythrocyte's reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Moreover, there were no toxic signs in rats treated with high doses of the extract (1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days). Blood glucose, hepatic and renal function parameters in these rats were found within normal limits. Phytochemical screening of CLEt revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides with antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study suggests that CLEt possesses potent antioxidant activity along with antihyperglycemic potential, hence protective against diabetic complications.

004207   Goto M;Shinmura K;Yamada H;Tsuneyoshi T; Sugimura H (Pathology Dep, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizukoa 431-3192, Japan, Email: hsugimur@hama-med.ac.jp) : OGGI, MYH and MTH1 gene variants identified in gastric cancer patients exhibiting both 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine accumulation and low inflammatory cell infiltration in their gastric mucosa. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 181-6.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

004206   Gautam N;Sharma N (Microbiology Research Lab, Basic Sciences Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-173 230, Email: neha_mbg@yahoo.com) : Purification and characterization of bacteriocin produced by strain of Lactobacillus brevis MTCC 7539. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(4), 337-41.

Bacteriocin, an antimicrobial agent having potential for food biopreservation was purified from Lactobacillus brevis (a safe food-grade bacteria isolated from Vari Kandal, a traditional fermented food of Himachal Pradesh by adopting a novel repeated washing method. Its purity was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Native-PAGE. The relative molecular mass of bacteriocin was 93.74 kD, while specific activity and recovery were 35.52 folds and 17.13%, respectively. It showed high thermal stability and was active over wide range of pH and exhibited sensitivity to trypsin.

004205   Frankel J S (Biology Dep, Howard University, Washington D.C. 20059, USA, Email: jfrankel@howard.edu) : Monogenic control of sex-limited colouration in the honey gourami, Trichogaster chuna. J Genet 2008, 87(3), 271-3.

1 table, 16 ref

004204   Estari M;Krishna Reddy M (Reproductive Physiology Unit, Zoology Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of CD4 cell count on haemolytic abnormalities in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). J Ecobiol 2008, 22(2), 177-81.

Study the effect of CD4 cell count on various haemolytic abnormalities in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), data from medical records of 32 HIV-infected patients during the period of August 2002 to Oct. 2004 in 7 medical clinics of north Andhra Pradesh districts was analysed. Out of 362 HIV-infected patients 63% had anaemia, 17% thrombocytopenia, 7% thrombosis, 2% neutropenia and 1 % other haemolytic abnormalitic diseases. The results indicate that anaemia is very common in-patients with HIV-infection. Low CD4 cell count is associated with a variety of conditions including haemolytic disorders. Data suggest that platelets were of less than 1,00,000 cells/cu.mm. in thrombocytopenia patients infected with HIV. In some of these conditions CD4 cell count is very low, often falls below 200 cells/cu.mm. Depletion of CD4 cell count in any person infected with HIV associated with increased risk for development of life-threatening diseases which leads to death.

2 illus, 16 ref

004203   Cucer N;Taheri S;Engin O K;Ozkul Y (Biology Dep, Medical Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey, Email: ncucer@erciyes.edu.tr) : Methylation status of CpG islands and sites - 59 to +96 in exon 1 of the BRCA2 gene varies in mammary tissue among women with sporadic breast cancer. J Genet 2008, 87(2), 155-8.

3 illus, 25 ref

004202   Choudhary A;Raj Mangal;Gour S (Zoology Dep, J N V University, Jaipur-342 001) : Alteration of glucose-6-phosphatase activities due to fluoride toxicity in albino rat. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 411-13.

Enzymatic effects ofGlucose-6-Phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.9) in liver produced during experimental flurosis were studied. Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were administered sodium fluoride having concentration of 10.00 ppm per kg body weight. LC₅₀ was determined by static bioassay experiment (APHA, 1985) and the doses were administered orally for 15, 30 and 60 days to the test animals. Glucose-6-Phosphatase activities in case of treated animals were compared with controlled (animals with normal food and water). In fluoride treated rats the liver showed significant elevation in enzymatic activity of Glucose-6-Phosphatase with increase in magnitude of time. Degenerative changes in hepatic cells were observed due to enhance activities in Glucose-6-Phosphatase.

4 illus, 8 ref

004201   Chikkaswamy B K;Paramanik R C;Cuha Roy D; Paramanik A;Venkatesh Kumar R (Life Science Dep, R.K. Institute of Management & Computer Science, Bellandur Gate, Sarjapura Main Road, Bangalore, Email: robin_paramanik@yahoo.com) : Ecology of microbes present in the arthropods alimentary canals. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 41-5.

Microbial ecology within animals is a developing field of study. Researchers have primarily focused their studies one the large microbial communities found in the digestive tract of ruminants. Many of the bacteria they isolate are able to ferment sugars and degrade cellulose. Arthropods are another species believed to host large populations of bacteria and benefit from their nutritional capabilities. The experiment.-we liberated bacteria from the alimentary canals of Periplaneta americana, Acheta domesticus, and Zophobus morio using an EDTA solution (0.04mM) and sonicaiton. Cfu counts were greater than 5.0 x 01⁵ for all three arthropods. Bacteria were isolated, purified, and cultured. From the cultures, PR broths, lactate broths and cellulose broths plates were inoculated to test each bacteria's ability to ferment lactose, reduce lactate and degrade cellulose. All bacteria participated in either the fermentation of lactose or the reduction of lactate. The cellulose tests were inconclusive.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

004200   Chaturvedi P (NO, , 5/203, Pavan Baug, Chincholi, Malad (West), Mumbai-400 064) : Isolation, characterisation and anti-microbial activity of alkaloids of Jatropha curcas and Piper longum. J phytol Res 2008, 21(1), 53-6.

Alkaloids from Jatropha curcas and Piper longum leaf extracts were isolated, characterised and tested against five human pathogemc microbes. J. curcas alkaloid Identified by TLC and NMR as tetra methyl pyrigine (0.11 mg/gdwt) and that of P. longum as piperdine (0.89 mg/gdw). J. curcas extract showed maximum antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhie while P. longum extract was most efficient against S. aureus.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

004199   Barethia R (Zoology Dep, Government P.G. College, Bina, Sagar-470 113) : Effect of Apium graveolens on the oestrus cycle in rats. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 311-12.

Antifertility agents of synthetic, chemical and natural herbal origin are well known to produce their effect directly or through the alteration in the hormonal properties. Medicinal plants usually contain alkaloids by which normal reproductive physiology is disturbed. Ethanolic extract of A. graveolens known to possessed Antifertility activity by the virtue of mild estrogenic nature. Deals with the effect of seed extract of plant on the oestrus cycle in rats. A dose of 200 mg/kg when administered for 10 days prolonged the duration of estrus phase significantly, while the treatment given for 20, 30 days the length of other phases decreased.

1 table, 8 ref

004198   Badri M;Zitoun A;Ilahi H;Huguet T;Aouani M E (NO, Laboratoire Interactions Legumineuses Microorganismes, Centre de Biote, Technopole de Borj-Cedria, Email: mounawer_badri@yahoo.fr) : Morphological and microsatellite diversity associated with ecological factors in natural populations of Medicago laciniata Mill. (Fabaceae). J Genet 2008, 87(3), 241-55.

Genetic variability in 10 natural Tunisian populations of Medicago laciniata were analysed using 19 quantitative traits and 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci. A large degree of genetic variability within-populations and among-populations was detected for both quantitative characters and molecular markers. High genetic differentiation among populations for quantitative traits was seen, with Q_ST = 0.47, and F_ST = 0.47 for microsatellite markers. Several quantitative traits displayed no statistical difference in the levels of Q_ST and F_ST. Further, significant correlations between quantitative traits and eco-geographical factors suggest that divergence in the traits among populations may track environmental differences. There was no significant correlation between genetic variability at quantitative traits and microsatellite markers within populations. The site-of-origin of eco-geographical factors explain between 18.13% and 23.40% of genetic variance among populations at quantitative traits and microsatellite markers, respectively. The environmental factors that most influence variation in measured traits among populations are assimilated phosphorus (P₂0₅) and mean annual rainfall, followed by climate and soil texture, altitude and organic matter. Significant associations between eco-geographical factors and gene diversity, H_e, were established in five microsatellite loci suggesting that these simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are not necessarily biologically neutral.

3 illus, 10 tables, 63 ref

004197   Akbas H;Dane F;Meric C (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey, Email: hakbas34@yahoo.com) : Effect of nickel on root growth and the kinetics of metal ions transport in onion (Allium cepa) root. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(4), 332-6.

Effect of different concentrations of nickel nitrate (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mM) uptake by the roots, on root growth of onion (Allium cepa) and the transport of Ni²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺ and H⁺ ions were investigated spectrophotometrically. The uptake of Ni²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺ was monitored by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with a 24-h period for 7 days and the amounts of K⁺ and Na⁺ were determined in solutions by flame photometer. The mineral content of the solution, instead of the root material was measured. Ni²⁺ ions showed inhibitory effect on the root growth at all concentrations during the entire treatment. The EC₅₀ (effective concentration that reduced root growth by 50%) was found at 0.25 mM Ni²⁺. No significant change in inhibitory effect was observed after at 0.50 mM Ni²⁺ concentrations. A large amount of Ni²⁺ was translocated into the roots. The kinetics of metal ion transport followed a pseudo-first order reaction in all metal ion concentrations. Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ Fe²⁺ Mn²⁺ and H⁺ ions transferred together into plant, but Na⁺ and K⁺ ions transferred to the solution from the plant. The amount of H⁺ in the solution decreased at all Ni²⁺ concentrations.

004196   Aggarwal P;Saxena S;Bansal P (Oral Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Incremental lines in root cementum of human teeth: an approach to their role in age estimation using polarizing microscopy. Indian J dent Res 2008, 19(4), 326-30.

Estimation is an important factor in the identification of an individual in forensic science. The hard tissues of the human dentition are able to resist decay and degradation long after other tissues are lost. This resistance has made teeth useful indicators for age calculation. Recent research indicates that tooth cementum annulations (TCA) may be used more reliably than any other morphological or histological traits of the adult skeleton for age estimation. The purpose of the study was to examine the correlation between age and the number of incremental lines in human dental cementum and to ascertain the best method of studying cementum with respect to different forms of microscopy. Thirty nonrestorable teeth were extracted from 20 people, and longitudinal ground section of each tooth was prepared. Photomicrographs of the area at the junction of apical and middle third of the root under light and polarized microscope were taken. The cementum was composed of multiple light and dark bands that were counted on the photomicrograph with the help of image analysis software and added to the average eruption time of individual tooth. The predicted age of the individual was thus obtained. Results showed a significant correlation between the predicted age and actual chronological age of the individual. These data indicate that quantitation of cementum annuli is a moderately reliable means for age estimation in humans and polarizing microscopy is a better means of visualizing incremental lines of cementum compared to light microscopy.

4 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

004195   Abdel-Moneim A M;Al Rawi M M;Abu El Saad A M; Sorour J M (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21151, Egypt) : Changes in oxidative stress, testicular enzymes, histological and ultrastructural characteristics of seminiferous epithelium and semen quality of rats after in vivo exposure to lead and / or cadmium. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 341-52.

Lead acetate (70 mg kg^-1 body wt twice a week) and/or cadmium chloride (20 mg kg^-1 body wt once a week) were administrated to male rats intragastrically for 7 weeks to investigate the possible reproductive effects of these metals. Possible toxicological interactions between both metals has also been studied. It was interesting to note that the presence of Cd in the cotreatment condition did reduce testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) relative to the Ph- or Cd-alone conditions. In addition, the combination of metals significantly inhibited the total antioxidant capacity but not to a greater degree than noted by Pb or Cd alone. There was a general increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in testes of Ph-, Cd- and Pb+Cd-intoxicated rats. The effects of simultaneous exposure of metals were additive or even synergistic in the elevation of testicular LDH activity. While, the biochemical perturbations in ACP and GGT activities occasioned by Pb or Cd were attenuated by the joint exposure of both metals. The maximum histological damage was noticed in Cd treated group in which the testes showed severe necrosis, with partial loss of the spermatogenic cells. The structure of inter-Sertoli junctions and the Sertoli cell-germ cell junctions appeared to be affected by Cd treatment, as revealed by electron microscopy. Exposure to cadmium induced the most remarkable reduction in testes weights. The combined treatment of Pb and Cd had an intermediate effect on sperm concentration. Sperm abnormalities enhanced in treated groups in the order: Cd > Pb> Pb+Cd. It could be concluded that Pb partially antagonized the toxic effects of Cd on testes of rats.

8 illus, 3 tables, 78 ref

003235   Yuan C;Bu Y;Sengupta J;Yang J;Huang X;Cheng L;Zhang Q;Yi F;Liu G;Song F (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Dep, Molecular Medicine & Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical Univer, YiXueYuan Road No. 1, Chongqing 400016, China) : Establishment of CHO cell line expressing human MCHR2 gene and research of its molecular characteristics. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 462-70.

The whole length of MCHR2 gene cDNA fragment was amplified by PCR using human fetal brain cDNA library as template. The pcDNA3.1 (+)/MCHR2 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed successfully. The recombinant pcDNA3.1 (+)/MCHR2 plasmid was transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell by lipofectamine^TM2000, after G418 selection and then the CHO cell line expressing MCHR2 gene was established. The MCHR2 gene expression was tested by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. The maximum binding (B_max) of CHO cell line was 309.97±1.14 fM mg^-1protein and the dissociation constant (K_d value) was 0.170±0.0006 nM. MCH could stimulate Ca²⁺ release, its 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) was 2.32±0.01 nM. The construction of the CHO cell line and the research of MCHR2 molecular characteristics have established a good experimental basis for the further research about the function of MCHR2 gene.

003234   Verma H;Patil P R;Kolhapure R M;Gopalkrishna V (NO, National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, P.O. Box 11, Pune-411 001, Email: gopalvk58@hotmail.com) : Antiviral activity of the Indian medicinal plant extract, Swertia chirata against herpes simplex viruses: a study by In-Vitro and molecular approach. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 322-6.

Antiviral activity of Indian Medicinal plant extract Swertia chirata was tested against Herpes simplex viruV-(HSV) type-1, using multiple approaches both at cellular and molecular level. Cytotoxicity, plaque reduction, virus infectivity, antigen expression and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were conducted to test the antiviral activity of the plant extract. Swertia plant crude extract (1 gm/mL) at 1:64 dilution inhibited HSV-1, plaque formation at more than 70% level. HSV antigen expression and time kinetics experiments conducted by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) test, revealed a characteristic pattern of small foci of single fluorescent cells in Swertia extract treated HSV-1 infected cells at 4 hours post infection dose, suggested drug inhibited viral dissemination. Infected cell cultures treated with Swertia extract at various time intervals, tested by PCR, failed to show amplification at 12, 24-72 hours. HSV-1 infected cells treated with Acyclovir (antiviral drug) did not show any amplification by PCR. Study concluded that Indian medicinal plant extract, Swertia chirata showed antiviral properties against Herpes simplex virus type-1.

4 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

003233   Udapurkar P P;Heda V S;Kale M K;Duragkar N J; Bhusari K P (NO, Sharad Pawar College of Pharmacy, Wanadongari, Hingna Road, Nagpur-441 110, Email: prachi.udapurkar@gmail.com ) : Role of antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini seeds in peptic ulcer induced normal and diabetic rats. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 95-100.

A major underlying factor of peptic ulcer disorder is the generation of free radicals in addition to increased and prolonged acid secretion. The aim of the present study was to explore the antioxidant activity of Syzygium curnini seeds on aspirin induced peptic ulcer in normal and diabetic rats. The level of lipid peroxide was elevated and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased by administration of aspirin in both groups. The hydroalcoholic extract of the Syzygium cumini seeds showed decreased level of lipid peroxides and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in both groups. The result obtained in the present study indicate that the antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini seed extracts was more significant in aspirin induced peptic ulcer in normal rats as compared to diabetic rats.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

003232   Sutar S C;Kalaichelvan V K;Manavalan R;Sutar R C;Dahikar S B;Paunikar G V (Pharmacy Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Antidiabetic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Argemone mexicana in streptozotocin and nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 69-78.

Study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Argemone mexicana Linn (Papaveraceae) on streptozotocin and nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced into albino male wistar rats by intraperitonial administration of STZ - NA. The Argemone mexicana leaf extract (AME) was administered orally at two different.doses to STZ - NA -diabetic rats for 15 days. The diabetic rats showed an increase in levels of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAlc) and decrease in levels of haemoglobin (Hb). In addition, diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in the activity of glucokinase (hexokinase) and an elevation in the activities of gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose -6 - phosphatase, fructose 1,6- bisphosphatase, and decrease in glucose - 6 - phosphate dehydrogenase. Treatment with AME significantly decreased serum glucose and HbAlc and increased levels of Hb. AME administration to diabetic rats reversed these enzyme activities in a significant manner. Similarly, diabetic rats showed increase and / or fall in the levels of lipoprotein fractions of cholesterol, lipid and protein profiles. AME administration to diabetic rats reversed these lipoprotein fractions, lipid and protein levels to normalcy in a significant manner. Thus, the results show that AME possesses an antidiabetic activity and provide evidence for its traditional usage in the control of diabetes. The 150 mg dose of the extract produced a better effect than 75 mg doses.

6 tables, 20 ref

003231   Sunil Kumar;Shoma Devi;Misra P;Priyanka (Environmental Toxicology Lab, Zoology Dep, D AV (P G) College, Dehradun-248 001) : Solar and artificial ultraviolet-B induced erythrocytes hemolysis with photosensitizers. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 906-10.

Monitors the solar ultraviolet-B intensity and compares the phototoxic effect of different intensity of natural and artificial ultraviolet-B on human red blood cells in presence of compounds as riboflavin and chloroquine. Photohemolysis of erythrocytes was studied under natural solar radiation and artificial ultraviolet-B radiation of 312 nm. Monitoring of solar ultraviolet-B radiation was performed in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Level of solar ultraviolet-B measured show seasonal and altitudinal variations. Monthly average of solar UV-B intensity was minimum in the month of December and January (0.299 mw/cm^{2) and maximum in the month of July and August (1.027 mw/cm2). Natural solar radiation intensities 0.402 mw/cm2 and 0.824 mw/cm2 of the month of January and June were used in the photohemolysis experiment. Two intensities of artificial UV-B i.e. 0.824 mw/cm2 and a double intensity 1.65 mw/cm2 were also used. Results on human erythrocytes hemolysis indicate that haemolysis was highest i.e. 71% in chloroquine + artificial ultraviolet-B intensity (1.65 mw/cm2) followed by 62% in chloroquine + artificial ultraviolet-B (0.824 mw/cm2) exposed groups and 54% in natural solar radiation intensity 0.824 mw/cm2 + chloroquine. Natural solar UV-B alone caused 17% hemolysis and show dose response relationship. A difference in phototoxicity was observed in natural solar and artificial UV-B of same intensity. Artificial UV-B was found more toxic. Riboflavin was more phototoxic in presence of solar light, while chloroquine was more phototoxic with artificial UV-B.}

003230   Srinivasan G V;Sharanappa P;Leela N K; Sadashiva C T;Vijayan K K (Organic Chemistry Research Lab, Chemistry Dep, University of Calicut, Calicut-673 635, Email: prof.kkvijayan@yahoo.co.in) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Flowers. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(5), 488-93.

Chemical compounds present in the essential oil obtained from the flowers of Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. were analyzed by GC-MS technique. More than 95% of the oil consisted of the esters of phthalic acid. Di-isobutylphthalate (>75%), di-n-butylphthalate (>7%), n-butylisobutylphthalate (>6%), butylisohexylphthalate (>3.5%) were identified as major constituents of the essential oil. Monobutyl carbonotrithioate, a sulphur compound was also identified in trace amount (0.01%). The essential oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against three Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria and three pathogenic fungi.

003229   Soni A;Anil Kumar (Plant Genomic Lab, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Luckonw-266 001) : Protocol for improved extraction and PCR amplification of genomic DNA from liverwort, Plagiochasma appendiculatum. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 921-4.

Simplest method was followed for isolation of high quality genomic DNA form thallus of Plagiochasma appendiculatum that contained large quantities of polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, contamination of high amount of RNA and polysaccharides. The method involved a modification of CTAB procedure using PVP (1%) and LiCl (4M) solution to remove polyphenols and RNA and some other binding proteins. The present protocol was found suitable for restriction enzyme digestion and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

003228   Sharma A;Bharti Prakash;Joshi S C (Zoology Dep, Govt. College, Ajmer) : Effect of sodium fluoride (NAF) on haematology of wistar rats. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 79-83.

Investigation of the action of fluoride (F) on haematology, sodium fluoride (NaF) was administered through the drinking water of adult Wistar rats for 90 days at concentrations of 50, 200, 600 and 1000 mg/L, Most pronounced effects were observed in rats that received the dose of 1000 mg NaF/L. The toxicity of NaF caused significant changes in haemoglobin percentage, erythrocytic sedimentation rate, total leucocytic count and total erythrocytic count.

1 table, 22 ref

003227   Shah C P;Mishra B;Kumar M;Priyadarsini K I; Bajaj P N (Radiation and Photochemistry Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, Email: pnbajaj@barc.gov.in) : Binding studies of curcumin to polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and its delivery to liposomes. Curr Sci 2008, 95(10), 1426-32.

Binding of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-tumour agent from turmeric, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been characterized by monitoring changes in the absorption and the fluorescence spectra. The product of the number of binding sites in PVA and the binding constant (K) was determined to be 2.4 x 10^{5 and 1.9 x 105 M-1 by optical absorption and fluorescence techniques respectively. The hydrogel of PVA, produced by γ-irradiation of aqueous solution, also could be loaded with curcumin to a maximum extent of 215 nmol/g. The binding constant of curcumin to PVA hydrogel and the number of binding sites were determined to be 2.6 x 104 M-1 and 2.5 respectively. Studies on the release of curcumin in liposomes indicated that hydrogel could be used as an effective vehicle for transferring curcumin to model lipid membranes, liposomes.}

7 illus, 23 ref

003226   Sanja S D;Sheth N R;Parmar G;Golwala D K (NO, B.K. Modi Government Pharmacy College, Rajkot-360 005) : Antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Ipomoea reniformis. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 85-93.

Study was carried out to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant activities of Ipomoea reniformis herb methanolic extract. The powder of Ipomoea reniformis herb was extracted with methanol. The antioxidant property was evaluated using DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide scavenging activity in vitro and by the reducing power. The results indicated that MEIR inhibited DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity at IC₅₀ value 5.0 μg/ml, 5.9 μg/ ml. 34.5 μg/ml and 149.9 fig/ml respectively against corresponding standards; Ascorbic acid (4.3 μg/ml), Curcumin (4.9 μg/ml), Vitamin E (30.4 μg/ml) and Rutin (145.7 μg/ml). In addition, MEIR had effective reducing power. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the MEIR can be a potential source of natural antioxidant agents due to presence of phenolics and flavonoids in the extract.

5 illus, 36 ref

003225   Sachdev D P;Chaudhari H G;Kasture V M;Dhavale D D;Chopade B A (Microbiology Dep, University of Pune, Pune-411 007) : Isolation and characterization of indole acetic acid (IAA) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and their effect on plant growth. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(12), 993-1000.

Undertakes study for isolation of Klebsiella strains from rhizosphere of wheat (T. aestivum), screening and characterization of these strains for in vitro indole acetic acid (IAA) production and studying the effect of these strains on plant growth under gnotobiotic conditions. Nine strains of Klebsiella were isolated from rhizosphere of wheat (var. Lokwan) and identified as K. pneumoniae by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Six K. pneumoniae strains showed in vitro IAA production. Colorimetric analysis showed that K8 produced maximum IAA (27.5 mgl^{-1) in the presence of tryptophan (1 mg ml-1) at 72 h of incubation with optimum conditions as pH 8.0, 37°C and 0.5% (w/v) NaCl concentration. GC-MS analysis and IR studies confirmed presence of IAA in the cell filtrates of strain K8. Effect of six IAA producing Klebsiella strains on plant growth was studied by performing series of seed germination tests using moth bean seeds under axenic conditions and pot experiments using sterilized soil and wheat seeds (var. Lokwan). Strain K11 and K42 demonstrated increase in root length of inoculated moth beans (~ 92.71% over the control). Results of pot experiments indicated that almost all the six IAA producing Klebsiella strains significantly increased the root length and shoot height of inoculated wheat seedlings over the control. The results suggest that these are promising isolates from wheat rhizosphere and merits research on appliance of these strains in agriculture.}

003224   Ranjan R;Swarup D;Patra R C;Vikas Chandra (Medicine Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122) : Tamarindus indica L. and Moringa oleifera M. extract administration ameliorates fluoride toxicity in rabbits. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(11), 900-5.

Aqueous extracts of T. indica fruit pulp (100 mg/ kg body weight) and M. oleifera seeds (50 mg/ kg body weight) orally once daily for 90 days lowered plasma fluoride concentrations in rabbits receiving fluorinated drinking water (200 mg NaF/ Liter water). Cortical indices and metaphysial width in animals receiving extracts also revealed beneficial effects of plant extracts. Changes in plasma biochemistry suggested less hepatic and renal damages in animals receiving plant extracts along with fluorinated water in comparison to that receiving fluorinated water alone. Preliminary results revealed these plant extracts have some potential to mitigate fluoride toxicity.

003223   Rallapalli S;Verghese S;Verma R S (Microbiology Dep, International Centre for Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Frontier Lifeline Pvt Ltd, Chennai-600 101) : Validation of multiplex PCR strategy for simultaneous detection and identification of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Indian J med Microbiol 2008, 26(4), 361-4.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy is described for rapid identification of clinically relevant methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that targets mecA and coagulase genes. In study, 150 staphylococcal clinical isolates were used that included 40 isolates of MRSA, 55 isolates of methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), 44 isolates of methicillin susceptible coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (MS-CoNS) and 11 isolates of methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (MR-CoNS). Out of 55 S. aureus strains, three strains demonstrated mecA gene, which appeared to be oxacillin sensitive by disc diffusion. When (MS-CoNS) were evaluated, 10 isolates classified as oxacillin sensitive phenotypically, yielded positive results in PCR method. The results for mecA detection by PCR were more consistent with disk susceptibility tests in case of MRSA (100%) and MSSA (95%) isolates. In contrast to above results with MRSA and MSSA, mecA detection by PCR in MS-CoNS showed less correlation with disk susceptibility tests (77%). The results for coag detection by PCR were consistent with phenotypic tests in all isolates.

^ssc3 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

003222   Paunikar G;Kadam P;Dongare S;Nakkawar M;Sutar R;Tarte P (Pharmacology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Anamalai Nagar, Chidambaram-608 002) : Ficus arnottiana leaf extract offers antiulcer activity against absolute ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(3), 161-6.

Evaluated the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Ficus arnottiana on absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. Accordingly, rats were divided into five groups of 6 animals each. Group I, was pretreated with 5ml/kg of phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) as a control. Group II (Ulcer control) received absolute ethanol, whereas group III and IV were pretreated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Ficus arnottiana leaf, respectively. Simultaneously, group V rats pretreated with omeprazole (0.33 mg/kg OD for 2 weeks) were taken as standard. Simultaneously, all the groups (except group I) were administered absolute ethanol 5 ml/kg orally and after 2 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Oral administration of absolute ethanol to rats significantly produced extensive hemorrhagic lesions of gastric mucosa in Group II, whereas group III and IV, pretreated with methanolic extract have significantly (P<0.05) reduced the formation of gastric lesions compared to ulcer control group. Microscopically, rats pretreated with methanolic extract or omeprazole exhibited significantly marked inhibition of gastric lesions as well as reduction of submucosal edema compared to ulcer control group. Hence, data strongly document the beneficial cytoprotective effects of Ficus arnottiana leaves extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref