Showing papers by "Banaras Hindu University published in 1993"

Antihyperlipidemic effect of flavonoids from Pterocarpus marsupium

Abstract: Serum lipid levels in rats with hyperlipidemia induced by diet as well as by Triton were determined after oral administration of EtOAc extract of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood and its flavonoid constituents, marsupsin [1], pterosupin [2], and liquiritigenin [3]. Administration of EtOAc extract for 14 consecutive days produced a significant reduction of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol levels without any significant effect on the level of HDL-cholesterol. Liquiritigenin and pterosupin were able to effect a significant fall in serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index, pterosupin being additionally effective in lowering serum triglyceride.

Internally consistent recalibrations of mineral equilibria for geothermobarometry involving garnet–orthopyroxene–plagioclase–quartz assemblages and their application to the South Indian granulites

Abstract: Three reactions are calibrated as geothermobarometers for garnet–orthopyroxene–plagioclase–quartz assemblages, namely: 1/2 ferrosilite + 1/3 pyrope ± 1/2 enstatite + 1/3 almandine (A): ferrosilite + anorthite ± 2/3 almandine + 1/3 grossularite + quartz (B); and enstatite + anorthite ± 2/3 pyrope + 1/3 grossularite + quartz (C). The internally consistent geothermobarometers based on reactions (A), (B) and (C) are calibrated from experimental data only. The thermodynamic parameters of reaction (A) are derived from published experimental data in the FMAS system (n= 104) in the range 700–1400°C and 5–50 kbar, while those for reaction (B) are derived by summation of the existing reversed experimental data of the mineral equilibria: ferrosilite ± fayalite + quartz (D) and anorthite + fayalite ± 2/3 almandine + 1/3 grossularite (E). The retrieved thermodynamic parameters for reactions (A), (B) and (C) are, respectively: (ΔH0, cal) -3367 ± 209, -2749 ± 350 and +3985 ± 545; (ΔS0, cal K−1) -1.634 ± 0.163, -8.644 ± 0.298 and -5.376 ± 0.391; and (ΔV01,298, cal bar−1) -0.024, -0.60946 and -0.5614. On a one-cation basis, the derived Margules parameters of the ternary Ca–Fe–Mg in garnet are: WFe–Mg= -1256 + 1.0 (∼0.23) T(K), WMg–Fe= 2880 -1.7 (∼0.13) T(K), WCa–Mg= 4047 (∼77) -1.5 T(K), WMg–Ca= 1000 (∼77) -1.5 T(K), WCa–Fe= -723 + 0.332 (∼0.02) T(K), WFe–Ca= 1090, (cal) and the ternary constant C123= -4498 + 1.516 (∼0.265) T(K) cal (subregular solution model of non-ideal mixing); and Fe–Mg–Al in orthopyroxene: WFe–Mg= 948 (∼200) -0.34 (∼0.10) T(K), WFe–Al= -1950 (∼500) and WMg–Al= 0 (cal) (regular solution model of non-ideal mixing). The anorthite activity in plagioclase is calculated by the ‘Al-avoidance’model of subregular Ca–Na mixing commonly used for geobarometry based on reactions (B) and (C). When the geothermobarometers are applied to garnet–orthopyroxene–plagioclase–quartz assemblages (n= 45) of wide compositional range from the Precambrian South Indian granulites, temperature ranges of 690–860°C (X= 760 ± 45°C) and pressure ranges of 5–10 kbar were obtained. The P–T values were estimated simultaneously and there is no difference in the pressure calculated from PMg (reaction C) and PFe (reaction B). In the existing calibrations this difference is 1 kbar or more. Furthermore, there is no compositional dependence of the ln K of the experimental data in the FMAS (n= 104) and the CFMAS (n= 78) systems at different temperatures and the estimated temperatures of the South Indian granulites.

Serum and tissue trace elements in colorectal cancer

Abstract: Serum copper, zinc, and Cu/Zn ratio were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 30 patients with colorectal cancer and compared with 30 healthy control subjects. In the patients with colorectal cancer, the tissue copper and zinc levels were also measured in paired histologically normal and malignant colorectal tissue samples obtained at surgery. The mean serum copper levels were higher in patients with colorectal cancer (165.99 vs. 98.84 micrograms/dl) (P < 0.001). The mean serum zinc levels were lowered only in advanced (Dukes stages C and D) colorectal cancer compared to controls (89.94 vs. 115.08 mu/dl) (P < 0.001). However, the Cu/Zn ratio progressively increased with the advancing stage of malignancy (1.86 vs. 0.86) (P < 0.001). The cancerous colorectal tissue showed a higher concentration of both copper (2.78 vs. 1.79 micrograms/g) (P < 0.001) and zinc (27.16 vs. 18.98 micrograms/g) (P < 0.01) compared to non-cancerous colorectal tissue. The exact mechanism responsible for the alterations in trace element levels in patients with colorectal cancer is largely unclear and requires further evaluation. However, the serum copper level and the Cu/Zn ratio are of value in estimating the extent of the carcinoma as well as in determining the prognosis of these patients.

A step towards improvements in the characteristics of self excited induction generator

Abstract: Improvements of voltage regulation characteristics of self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) are investigated. Typical results of the sensitivity studies performed are presented and conclusions are drawn to suggest guidelines for design of such generators. >

Crustal trajectory of sapphirine-bearing granulites from Ganguvarpatti, South India: evidence for an isothermal decompression path

Abstract: Ganguvarpatti is part of a Precambrian terrane characterized by granulite facies rocks, including charnockites, mafic granulites, sapphirine-bearing granulites, leptynites and gneisses. A sequence of reactions deduced from the multiphase reaction textures provide information on the metamorphic history of this area, as they formed in response to decompression during uplift. Geothermobarometry and constraints from reaction textures define a segment of a P–T path traversed by the granulites of Ganguvarpatti. Near-peak metamorphic conditions of c. 800°C and 8 kbar were succeeded by a symplectitic stage at a significantly lower pressure (c. 700°C and 4.5 kbar), documenting a nearly isothermal decompression P–T path and rapid uplift (c. 12 km) followed by cooling. The presence of many fluid inclusions of extremely low density in the charnockites is consistent with a nearly isothermal uplift path. Attainment of a maximum pressure of c. 8 kbar indicates c. 27 km depth of burial during metamorphism. This would imply a total crustal thickness of c. 65–70 km at 2.6–2.5 Ga. Such a profound crustal thickness and a clockwise decompressive P–T path is interpreted as a consequence of tectonic thickening of crust, accomplished by collision tectonics of the southern granulite terrane against the Dharwar craton along the Palghat–Cauvery shear zone via northward subduction.

Effect of residue placement and chemical fertilizer on soil microbial biomass under tropical dryland cultivation

Abstract: Four treatments (control, chemical fertilizer, wheat straw, and wheat straw+fertilizer) were established on the dryland experimental farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Organic in C in the different treatments ranged from 0.69 to 0.93%, total N from 0.08 to 0.11%, and total P from 0.018 to 0.021. The application of straw significantly increased the soil water-holding capacity. The maximum effect on the microbial biomass was realized with the straw+fertilizer treatment, followed by straw and then by the fertilizer treatment. During the study microbial biomass C ranged from 144 to 491 μg g-1 dry soil, biomass N from 14.6 to 50.1 μg g-1, and biomass P from 7.2 to 17.6 μg g-1 soil. Microbial biomass C, N and P represented 3.2–4.6% of total C, 2.6–3.8% of total N, and 5.8–8.2% of total P in the soil, respectively, in all cases the highest proportion occurred in the straw+fertilizer treatment and the lowest in the control. Microbial biomass C, N, and P were positively correlated with each other. Microbial biomass C and N increased by 77% in straw+fertilizer-treated plots relative to the control. The increase in microbial biomass P in the straw+fertilizer treatment over the control was 81%. The increase in the microbial biomass is expected to enhance nutrient availability in the soil, as the microbial biomass acts both as a sink and a source of plant nutrients.

Influence of culture density, pH, organic acids and divalent cations on the removal of nutrients and metals by immobilized Anabaena doliolum and Chlorella vulgaris.

Abstract: The potential of alginate-immobilized Anabaena doliolum and Chlorella vulgaris was assessed for removal of nutrients (NO inf3 (sup-) and NH inf4 (sup+) ) and metals (Cr2O inf7 (sup2-) and Ni(2+)) at different biomass concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.49 and 1.22 g dry wt l(-1)) and pH values (4 to 10). Though uptake of all these substances was higher in concentrated algal beads (0.25, 0.49 and 1.22 g dry wt l(-1)), their rate of uptake was significantly (P<0.001) lower than that of low (0.05 g dry wt l(-1)) cell density beads. For A. doliolum, there was no significant difference in uptake rates for beads having densities of 0.05 and 0.1 g dry wt l(-1). Chlorella vulgaris, however, showed maximum efficiency at 0.1 g dry wt l(-1). Uptake of both the nutrients and the metals was maximal at pH 7 followed by pH 8, 6, 9, 10, 5 and 4. Of the different substances (organic acids and divalent cations) used, humic acid was most efficient in decreasing metal uptake. Mg(2+) was, however, more efficient than Ca(2+) in decreasing Ni(2+) uptake. Immobilized algae with a cell density of 0.1 g dry wt l(-1) were the most efficient for nutrient and metal removal at pH 6 to 8.

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with acetylacetone bis -benzoylhydrazone and acetylacetone bis -isonicotinoylhydrazone

Abstract: Acetylacetone bis-benzoylhydrazone (PhCONHN=CMe)2 CH2(LH2) and acetylacetone bis-isonicotinoylhydrazone (NC5H4CONHN=CMe)2CH2(L′H2) complexes of the types [ML] and [ML′] (M = CoII, NiII, CuII or ZnII) have been prepared and characterized. All the complexes are non-electrolytes and the cobalt(II) complexes are lowspin, the nickel(II) complexes are diamagnetic and the copper(II) complexes are paramagnetic. The ligands chelate via two C=N groups and two deprotonated enolate groups. The e.s.r. spectra of the copper(II) complexes indicate a tetragonally distorted dimeric structure. The X-ray diffraction parameters for [CoL] and [NiL′] correspond to a tetragonal crystal lattice.

Correlation between point load index and compressive strength for quartzite rocks

Abstract: The relationship of the point load test with uniaxial compressive strength was examined using quartzite rocks to substantiate the existing correlations.

Effect of Penetration Enhancers on the in Vitro Transport of Ephedrine Through Rat Skin and Human Epidermis from Matrix Based Transdermal Formulations

Abstract: The potential of skin as a site for administration of systemically active Ephedrine HCl (EH) has been recognised. The effect of penetration enhancers, i.e., Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Dimethyl acetamide (DMA), Dimethyl formamide (DMF) and Azone on the in-vitro transport of EH from matrix based transdermal formulations through full thickness rat skin and human epidermis was investigated. The highest flux with minimum time lag through rat skin and human epidermis was observed from the batch containing Azone as penetration enhancer.

Maternal and perinatal mortality due to eclampsia.

Abstract: Forty-four mothers with eclampsia and their newborns managed during the year 1988 at the University Hospital of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi were analyzed. The incidence of eclampsia was 2.2% of all hospital deliveries. Eclampsia was more common in women (below 20 years) and at gestation of 36 weeks and below, and amongst the mothers deprived of antenatal care. The maternal mortality amongst cases of eclampsia was 31.8% and perinatal loss was 38.6%. A relatively high incidence of eclampsia and maternal and perinatal loss was considered to be related to lack of antenatal care and late referral to the hospital. Our findings suggest that more frequent use of properly timed cesarean section can improve the maternal outcome.

Microstructural characterisation of near- α titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4Sn-4Zr-0.70Nb-0.50Mo-0.40Si

Abstract: Microstructural stability in the near-α titanium alloy (alloy 834) containing Ti-6Al-4Sn-4Zr-0.70Nb-0.50Mo-0.40Si (in weight percent), in the β and(α + β) solution-treated and quenched conditions, has been investigated. The β transus for this alloy is approximately 1333 K. Solution treatment in the β phase field at 1353 K followed by quenching in water at room temperature resulted in the formation of α′ martensite platelets with high dislocation density and stacking faults. Thin films of β are found to be sandwiched between interface phases, which, in turn, are sandwiched at the interplatelet boundaries of lath martensite. The interface phase is a subject of much controversy in the literature. Solution treatment at 1303 K in the(α + β) phase field followed by quenching in water at room temperature resulted in the near-equiaxed primary α and transformed β. Both the β and(α + β) solution-treated specimens were aged in the temperature range of 873 to 973 K. While aging the —treated specimen at 973 K,(α + β)-treated specimen, even at a lower temperature of 873 K for 24 hours, caused precipitation of suicides predominantly at the interplatelet boundaries of martensite laths. Electron diffraction analysis confirmed them to be hexagonal suicide S2 witha = 0.702 nm andc = 0.368 nm. The above difference in the precipitation could be attributed to the partitioning of a higher amount of β- stabilizing elements as well as silicide-forming elements to the transformed β in the(α + β) solution-treated condition. However, ordering of theα′ phase was observed under all of the aging conditions studied. The ordered domains were due to the longer aging times, which cause local increases in the level of theα-stabilizing elements.

Biliary bile acids in cholelithiasis and carcinoma of the gall bladder.

Abstract: The role of biliary deoxycholate as an endogenous carcinogen and the possible association between cholelithiasis and the subsequent development of carcinoma of the gall bladder is unclear. This paper describes biliary bile acid analysis performed on three groups of patients, 10 with cholelithiasis, 10 with carcinoma of the gall bladder and 10 control patients. This is the first report of bile acid changes in carcinoma of the gall bladder. In these 30 patients the total bile acids concentration was highly variable (11.44-53.68 mg/ml). The mean ratio of primary to secondary bile acids was 3.5:1. This ratio was, however, significantly higher in cholelithiasis than in the control group (5.34:1; P < 0.001); patients with carcinoma of the gall bladder had significantly higher secondary bile acids (1:1; P < 0.001). This is due to a marked increase in the secondary bile acids and indicates that raised biliary deoxycholate concentrations are present in patients with carcinoma of the gall bladder and therefore may well be a factor in carcinogenesis.

Lyra's Geometry and Cosmology: A Review

Abstract: The Lyra's geometry, which is a generalization of Weyl's geometry (removing the defect of non-integrability of length transfer) and the gravitational theory and cosmology based on this geometry have been reviewed. Further, cosmological models with both constant and time dependent displacement field have been discussed. Some of these models solve the singularity, entropy and horizon problems. Finally some possibilities of further problems and their investigations have been pointed out.

Photoperiodism in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with special reference to relative refractoriness.

Abstract: Cloacal gland (an androgen dependent sex accessory) of Japanese quail exhibits full breeding condition as long as these were maintained under long days (LD 16:8). When shifted to short daylength (LD 6:18), scotosensitivity (cloacal gland regression) was observed up to 5 weeks, followed by scotorefractoriness (cloacal gland development). There was a regression in cloacal gland volume of the birds when shifted to intermediate daylength (LD 13.5:10.5 and 13:11) after 12 weeks of exposure to long days (relative refractoriness) but no regression when shifted to relatively short days (< 14 hr) after 3 weeks of exposure to long daylength. Birds maintained under constant short photoperiod (LD 6:18) exhibited cyclicity. Shift experiments (quail reared and maintained under continuous light; LL, were shifted to LD 16:8, 13:11 and 8:16, similarly quail maintained under LD 16:8 were shifted to rest three photoperiods and so on) made to compare the cloacal gland responses indicated that if the difference between two photoperiods (previous and shifted one) was more the percentage of difference in cloacal gland response was also high. Short daylength (LD 8:16) was always gonadoinhibitory for the quail previously exposed to any daylength (13L, 16L or 24L) and 16L and 24L were always stimulatory for the quail previously exposed to other daylength (8L, 13L, 16L). But, when the birds were shifted to 13L, photoresponses cannot be generalized and it depends on the photoperiod to which quail were exposed previously (i.e. photoperiodic history).

Antagonistic interactions between fungal pathogens and phylloplane fungi of guava

Abstract: Dominant phylloplane fungi of guava (Psidium guajava L) were screened for their antagonistic activities against the two pathogens,Colletotrichum gloeosporioides andPestalotia psidii, bothin vitro andin vivo Culture filtrates ofAspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum andPenicillium citrinum caused more than 50% growth inhibition ofC gloeosporioides Filtrates ofCephalosporium roseo-griseum andF oxysporum were most effective in reducing the growth ofP psidii Volatiles produced from the cultures ofA niger, F oxysporum, P citrinum andP oxalicum inhibited the growth ofC gloeosporioides, whereas volatiles fromC roseo-griseum, F oxysporum andTrichoderma harzianum inhibited the growth ofP psidii The inhibitory effect of volatiles decreased with increase in incubation time In general, the maximum effect of volatiles was noticed after 48 h incubation Different grades of colony interactions in dual cultures were recognised between the two pathogens and the phylloplane fungi examined Maximum inhibition ofC gloeosporioides was caused byAureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, epicoccum purpurascens, F oxysporum andMyrothecium roridum, whereasAspergillus terreus, C roseo-griseum andP oxalicum significantly reduced the growth ofP psidii Application of a spore suspension of each test fungus inhibited lesion development of guava leaves caused by the test pathogensin vitro Inhibition was more pronounced when the spore concentration was increasedA pullulans, C cladosporioides, E purpurascens, F oxysporum, andT harzianum were found to be strongly antagonistic toC gloeosporioides A niger, A terreus, C roseo-grisem andT harzianum were strongly antagonistic toP psidii

Effect of piracetam on electroshock induced amnesia and decrease in brain acetylcholine in rats.

Abstract: Piracetam, a prototype of a new class of psychotropic agents, the nootropic agents, which improve learning ability and memory retention, was found to induce a dose-related prevention of disruption of acquisition of a passive avoidance response produced by electroshock application. The amnesia attenuating effect of piracetam was accompanied by prevention of the decrease in acetylcholine concentrations of rat brain induced by electroshock. The study indicates that the cognition enhancing effect of piracetam may be due to a facilitatory effect on cholinergic transmission.

Low-temperature synthesis of chemically homogeneous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powders by a semi-wet method

Abstract: A semi-wet procedure for the synthesis of single-phase Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 powders at 600 °C is described. The ultrafine powders so obtained do not exhibit tetragonal/rhombohedral distortions until they are sintered at higher temperatures. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) for these powders, which are chemically homogeneous, lies between x=0.52 and 0.53. For x=0.525, the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases coexist.

Importance of short‐lived components of a dry tropical forest for biomass production and nutrient cycling

Abstract: Short-lived components in a dry tropical forest ecosystem in India - tree foliage, fine roots and herbaceous plants - are shown to be important for biomass production and nutrient cycling. With 62 % they contribute much more to the dry matter production than the long-lived components- tree boles, branches and coarse roots - which make up only 38 %. The contribution of short-lived components to the total uptake of different nutrients was also high: 18 - 30 % for tree foliage, 26 - 34 % for fine roots and 6 - 19 % for herbs; their share in the total nutrient storage is less: 6 - 19 % for tree foliage, 4 -8 % for fine roots and 0.6 - 1.3 % for herbs. The transfer of nutrients by the short-lived components was also substantial: 31 - 46 % for foliage, 7- 24 % for herbs and 33 -45 % for fine roots. The results indicate that the short-lived components play a signifi- cant role in the functioning of a dry tropical forest.

Potential use of the essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi against seed-borne fungi of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. (Taub.))

Abstract: Essential oils isolated from leaves and seeds of seven umbelliferous plants were tested against the growth ofAspergillus flavus. Those from seeds ofTrachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, Carum carvi, Daucus carota and from leaves ofAnethum graveolens exhibited antifungal activity against the test fungus. Amongst these, oil from seeds ofTrachyspermum ammi was most toxic. Its minimum inhibitory concentration was 300 ppm, at which it exhibited fungistatic but not phytotoxic properties, when tested at 200, 300 and 400 ppm. The fungitoxic potency ofTrachyspermum seed oil remained unchanged after a long storage period and at high inoculum density of the test fungus. The oil was thermostable and was more efficaceous than the fungicides Agrosan G.N., Benlate, Ceresan, Dithane M-45 and Thiovit commonly used for the control of plant diseases.

Effects of shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats

Abstract: Effects, in albino rats, of a processed shilajit (Sh-P), native shilajit (Sh-N) (unprocessed water-soluble fraction), and a preparation consisting of a mixture of ethyl acetate extractives (EE) and fulvic acids (FAs) from Sh-P, were evaluated in (i) an active avoidance, (ii) elevated plus-maze and (iii) open-field behaviour paradigms. This study was undertaken to appraise the validity of use of shilajit as an Ayurvedic medha rasayan (enhancer of learning and memory). Sh-P and its active constituents (EE-FAs) significantly augmented learning acquisition and memory retrieval in the battery of tests, designed for this purpose, according to accepted tenets. Sh-N, on the other hand, produced erratic responses (both augmentative and retardative) in the above parameters. The U-shaped dose-responses shown by Sh-P and EE-FAs are reminiscent of agents that improve cognitive functions. Additionally, Sh-P and EE-FAs, in high doses (25–50 mg/kg p.o.), produced significant antianxiety effect in the open-field behaviour test. The present and earlier findings seem to suggest that the action of shilajit is mediated by facilitating communication between the immune and the central nervous systems. These findings reinforce our earlier postulate that purification of shilajit is an imperative necessity to ensure its optimum therapeutic effect. This would also safeguard from potential health risks associated with prolonged ingestion of raw shilajit containing free radicals and fungal toxins.

Salinity tolerance and growth analysis of the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum.

Abstract: Salinity is one of the most deleterious environmental factors for global agriculture. Secondary salinization from irrigation is an increasingly serious and costly problem. Approximately 30 to 50% of the worldwide irrigated land has been affected by salinity (Maas and Hoffman 1977). Cyanobacteria have been applied with success for the reclamation of saline soils. Because of the potential economic implications, much interest is currently being devoted to the mechanism of salt-adaptation/tolerance of cyanobacteria (Borowitzka 1986). Salinity inhibits general protein synthesis (Hsiao 1973), induces specific stress proteins (Hagemann et al. 1990) and increases chlorophyll (Ferreira and Shaw 1989) and protein degradation by stimulating protease activity (Davies 1982). Very few studies have dealt with the functional approach to phmt growth analysis in determining the salinity effect and whatever reports are available, concern higher plants (Cramer et al. 1990). Our earlier study (Rai 1990) showed that photosynthetic activity of the freshwater cyanobacterium

Effect of Firing Condition and Ingredients on the Swelling Behaviour of Iron Ore Pellets

Abstract: In the present investigation an attempt has been made to determine the effect of firing temperture, firing time and ingredients/additives (CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3) on the swelling behaviour of iron ore pellets. For this purpose two Indian iron ore fines from Bailadila and Noamundi deposits and chemically pure iron oxide were used.From the results obtained, it is observed that the swelling of iron ore pellet is controlled by the firing temperature, firing time and additives/ingredients present in the pellet. The growth of iron whisker is controlled by these ingredients. The presence of free lime promotes the swelling index of the pellet.

Acute caecal volvulus : report of 22 cases and review of literature

Abstract: The management of 22 patients with acute caecal volvulus is described along with a review of literature. The preoperative diagnosis of caecal volvulus was made in 60 percent of the cases based on clinical findings and plain abdominal roentgenograms. Eleven patients had signs of peritonitis either due to gangrene or perforation of the caecum. On laparotomy all patients had mobile caecum but precipitating factors were not evident in any patient. The authors recommend resection and primary end-to-end ileocolic anastomosis in the presence of gangrene or perforation of the caecum. In non-complicated cases of caecal volvulus, detorsion and caecopexy are preferable because of low mortality, morbidity and recurrence rates.

Effect of winter fire on primary productivity and nutrient concentration of a dry tropical savanna

Abstract: Burning increased the mean annual canopy and belowground biomass of a dry tropical savanna by 40% and 12%, respectively, while littermass was reduced by 85% in comparison to control savanna Mean annual aboveground and belowground net primary production were 471 and 631 g m-2 in control, and 584 and 688 g m-2 in burned savanna, respectively Fire caused an increase in mean aboveground net production of 24% and in belowground net production of 9% Concentration of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in vegetation of unburned plots ranged between 3401–3859%, 085–153% and 004–011% and in soil from 095–1%, 0011–013% and 0017–002%, respectively Fire increased the mean concentrations of N and P by 16% and 42% in vegetation and 1818% and 1765% in soil, respectively Thus winter fire can be an important tool for the management of dry tropical savanna with respect to biomass production and nutritive quality