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Proceedings of the Zoological Society 
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ISSN (Print) 0974-6919 - ISSN (Online) 0373-5893
Published by Springer-Verlag
[2216 journals]
[3 followers] Follow Subscription journalISSN (Print) 0974-6919 - ISSN (Online) 0373-5893
Published by Springer-Verlag
[2216 journals]- Anti-cancer Potential of All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA): A Review
- Abstract: The retinoids, a class of compounds related to vitamin A exert their effects via the retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RARs) and rexinoid receptors and play important roles in a number of physiological processes including vision, tissue maintenance, differentiation and embryonic development. RA, including all-trans RA (ATRA) and its stereoisomer 9-cis RA, have gained importance as chemotherapeutic agents and inhibit development of a number of tumours. ATRA is used, along with chemotherapeutic agents to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia by promoting myeloid differentiation (without destroying the leukemic cells) via modulation of PML-RARα and other transcription factors. The effect of ATRA on solid tumours and the molecular mechanisms by which they exert their effects have not been elucidated in as much detail. Several studies indicate that ATRA promotes apoptosis and downregulates cellular proteases including matrix metalloproteinases and components of the intracellular signalling cascades at various levels. Thus ATRA appears to have good potential as an anti-tumorigenic drug in several carcinomas including breast cancers and melanomas.
PubDate: 2013-06-01
- Abstract: The retinoids, a class of compounds related to vitamin A exert their effects via the retinoic acid (RA) receptors (RARs) and rexinoid receptors and play important roles in a number of physiological processes including vision, tissue maintenance, differentiation and embryonic development. RA, including all-trans RA (ATRA) and its stereoisomer 9-cis RA, have gained importance as chemotherapeutic agents and inhibit development of a number of tumours. ATRA is used, along with chemotherapeutic agents to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia by promoting myeloid differentiation (without destroying the leukemic cells) via modulation of PML-RARα and other transcription factors. The effect of ATRA on solid tumours and the molecular mechanisms by which they exert their effects have not been elucidated in as much detail. Several studies indicate that ATRA promotes apoptosis and downregulates cellular proteases including matrix metalloproteinases and components of the intracellular signalling cascades at various levels. Thus ATRA appears to have good potential as an anti-tumorigenic drug in several carcinomas including breast cancers and melanomas.
- Impact of Fermented Mulberry Leaf and Fish Offal in Diet Formulation of Indian Major Carp (Labeo rohita)
- Abstract: Large quantities of fish offal and mulberry leaf are generated globally. The present study aimed to understand their potential utilization in aqua diet formulation, after proper fermentation, as raw materials to replace fish meal in Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) compounded diet. Fish offal meal (FOM) and mulberry leaf meal (MLM) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design, to evaluate (i) two different fermented mixtures with the inclusion of both FOM and MLM or only MLM and (ii) to replace three different level of dietary fishmeal: 50, 75 or 80 %. An indoor trial, to evaluate diet intake and digestibility and an outdoor trial to evaluate growth performances were impended in Indian major carp fingerlings. The results showed that FOM and MLM are promising raw materials that can be successfully used in the formulation of diet for the Indian major carp. Specifically, the addition of a proper amount of MLM in the fermentation of FOM produced a fermented mixture that could successfully replace up to 80 % of FM in the diet formulation.
PubDate: 2013-06-01
- Abstract: Large quantities of fish offal and mulberry leaf are generated globally. The present study aimed to understand their potential utilization in aqua diet formulation, after proper fermentation, as raw materials to replace fish meal in Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) compounded diet. Fish offal meal (FOM) and mulberry leaf meal (MLM) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design, to evaluate (i) two different fermented mixtures with the inclusion of both FOM and MLM or only MLM and (ii) to replace three different level of dietary fishmeal: 50, 75 or 80 %. An indoor trial, to evaluate diet intake and digestibility and an outdoor trial to evaluate growth performances were impended in Indian major carp fingerlings. The results showed that FOM and MLM are promising raw materials that can be successfully used in the formulation of diet for the Indian major carp. Specifically, the addition of a proper amount of MLM in the fermentation of FOM produced a fermented mixture that could successfully replace up to 80 % of FM in the diet formulation.
- Morphometric Analysis and Identification on Specific Metric Characters Pertaining Growth of the Osteobrama cotio of the Brahmaputra, Barak and Teesta River of North Eastern Himalayan River Systems
- Abstract: The variations of morphometric features and the identification of the characteristic features involved in growth variation of Osteobrama cotio were studied from three Eastern Himalayan River Systems: The Brahmaputra, Barak and Teesta River systems. Altogether 220 specimens of different sizes were analysed. Each morphometric character including total length of 220 individuals ranging from 47 to 86 mm and the standard length (SL) from 31 to 65 mm, were recorded. We tested the hypothesis that the body proportion changes gradually rather than abruptly by fitting the linear and quadratic regression curves against the SL of each metric character. The subpopulation from all the locations appeared to be relatively uniform in all of the characters examined. Out of the nine metric characters examined, all the eight characters (head length, snout length, eye diameter, body depth, pre dorsal length, post dorsal length, dorsal fin length and caudal fin length) demonstrated the allometric growth of the fish as described by quadratic regression, except anal fin character which is isometric in growth.
PubDate: 2013-06-01
- Abstract: The variations of morphometric features and the identification of the characteristic features involved in growth variation of Osteobrama cotio were studied from three Eastern Himalayan River Systems: The Brahmaputra, Barak and Teesta River systems. Altogether 220 specimens of different sizes were analysed. Each morphometric character including total length of 220 individuals ranging from 47 to 86 mm and the standard length (SL) from 31 to 65 mm, were recorded. We tested the hypothesis that the body proportion changes gradually rather than abruptly by fitting the linear and quadratic regression curves against the SL of each metric character. The subpopulation from all the locations appeared to be relatively uniform in all of the characters examined. Out of the nine metric characters examined, all the eight characters (head length, snout length, eye diameter, body depth, pre dorsal length, post dorsal length, dorsal fin length and caudal fin length) demonstrated the allometric growth of the fish as described by quadratic regression, except anal fin character which is isometric in growth.
- Synanthropic Mites of Kolkata, India: An Ecological Appraisal
- Abstract: Ecological observations were made on house dust mites of Kolkata as they form a major part of synanthropic mite community. Dust samples were collected with regard to the abundance of mite in relation to certain socio-ecological parameters like, habitat preference, location of house, construction pattern of house, types of mattresses used and the frequency of cleaning of mattresses. Among two different habitats examined, bed dust contained significantly higher mite population (p < 0.01) than the corresponding bedroom floor dust. The density of total mites and glycyphagids are significantly higher in rural houses in comparison to those of urban houses. In contrast, rural houses contained least number of pyroglyphids/g of dust. The density of total mites as well as pyroglyphid mites/g of dust are higher in mud house in comparison to concrete house. The density of total mites, pyroglyphids and glycyphagids are higher in cotton mattress in comparison to that of foam mattress. The frequency of cleaning has a significant effect on reducing mite densities i.e., the more the frequency of cleaning the lesser are the mite densities.
PubDate: 2013-06-01
- Abstract: Ecological observations were made on house dust mites of Kolkata as they form a major part of synanthropic mite community. Dust samples were collected with regard to the abundance of mite in relation to certain socio-ecological parameters like, habitat preference, location of house, construction pattern of house, types of mattresses used and the frequency of cleaning of mattresses. Among two different habitats examined, bed dust contained significantly higher mite population (p < 0.01) than the corresponding bedroom floor dust. The density of total mites and glycyphagids are significantly higher in rural houses in comparison to those of urban houses. In contrast, rural houses contained least number of pyroglyphids/g of dust. The density of total mites as well as pyroglyphid mites/g of dust are higher in mud house in comparison to concrete house. The density of total mites, pyroglyphids and glycyphagids are higher in cotton mattress in comparison to that of foam mattress. The frequency of cleaning has a significant effect on reducing mite densities i.e., the more the frequency of cleaning the lesser are the mite densities.
- Evaluation of Nutritive Value of Raw and Fermented De-oiled Physic Nut, Jatropha curcas Seed Meal in the Formulated Diets for Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) Fingerlings
- Abstract: Rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings, were fed de-oiled Jatropha curcas seed meal (DJSM) supplemented diets for 60 days and the effectiveness, if any, on the growth was evaluated. Nine isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isocaloric (4.0 kcal g−1) diets were formulated of which one was reference diet (RD, fishmeal based control diet) and the other eight were experimental diets prepared by incorporating raw (D1–D4) and fermented (D5–D8) DJSM at 10, 20, 30 and 40 % levels by weight, respectively. Autoclaved DJSM was processed through solid state fermentation (SSF) for 15 days at 37 ± 1 °C by an exo-enzyme producing bacterium, Bacillus cereus Lr.H.23 isolated from the hindgut of rohu, L. rohita. Processing through SSF caused decrease in the contents of crude fibre and anti-nutritional factors, but increase in the levels of free amino acids and free fatty acids. In terms of growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and apparent protein digestibility, fish fed diet D7 containing 30 % fermented DJSM showed the best performance, which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that of the fish fed diets containing raw DJSM. The results indicated that an inclusion level up to 30 % fermented DJSM replacing 15 % FM in the practical diet for rohu fingerlings can be proposed when compared to the RD. However, further experiments are required to recommend the ingredient for use in industry.
PubDate: 2013-06-01
- Abstract: Rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings, were fed de-oiled Jatropha curcas seed meal (DJSM) supplemented diets for 60 days and the effectiveness, if any, on the growth was evaluated. Nine isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isocaloric (4.0 kcal g−1) diets were formulated of which one was reference diet (RD, fishmeal based control diet) and the other eight were experimental diets prepared by incorporating raw (D1–D4) and fermented (D5–D8) DJSM at 10, 20, 30 and 40 % levels by weight, respectively. Autoclaved DJSM was processed through solid state fermentation (SSF) for 15 days at 37 ± 1 °C by an exo-enzyme producing bacterium, Bacillus cereus Lr.H.23 isolated from the hindgut of rohu, L. rohita. Processing through SSF caused decrease in the contents of crude fibre and anti-nutritional factors, but increase in the levels of free amino acids and free fatty acids. In terms of growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and apparent protein digestibility, fish fed diet D7 containing 30 % fermented DJSM showed the best performance, which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that of the fish fed diets containing raw DJSM. The results indicated that an inclusion level up to 30 % fermented DJSM replacing 15 % FM in the practical diet for rohu fingerlings can be proposed when compared to the RD. However, further experiments are required to recommend the ingredient for use in industry.
- Diclofenac Mediated Demodulation of Alkaline Phosphatase and Renal Cortical Damage in Experimental Albino Mice
- Abstract: Diclofenac sodium is known to interfere with renal physiology by inhibiting prostaglandins. Previous studies indicate that various nephrotoxins damage proximal renal tubules by altering alkaline phosphatase (APase) activity. APase has been reported to be a function related marker in renal proximal tubular epithelia where it is highly expressed. Present investigation deals with toxicity caused in mice kidney at histological and biochemical levels after diclofenac administration. Diclofenac toxicity was assessed by localizing APase in kidney histochemically and biochemically. Intramuscular diclofenac administration (10 mg/kg/body wt) for 30 days exhibited substantial degeneration in kidney. A marked change in APase activity was observed in histochemical and biochemical studies. A change was noticed in specific activity of APase at different periods of diclofenac treatment. Decrease in specific activity of APase after 10 days (18.41 %) and 30 days (55.3 %) of diclofenac exposure was observed. However, an insignificant hike in APase was observed after 20 days of drug therapy. Similar trends in APase activity were evidenced by the electrophoretic analysis. Histological and ultrastructural observations also corroborated above mentioned findings. Present investigation gives an insight into probable mechanism of renal pathology caused by diclofenac administration in mice.
PubDate: 2013-05-10
- Abstract: Diclofenac sodium is known to interfere with renal physiology by inhibiting prostaglandins. Previous studies indicate that various nephrotoxins damage proximal renal tubules by altering alkaline phosphatase (APase) activity. APase has been reported to be a function related marker in renal proximal tubular epithelia where it is highly expressed. Present investigation deals with toxicity caused in mice kidney at histological and biochemical levels after diclofenac administration. Diclofenac toxicity was assessed by localizing APase in kidney histochemically and biochemically. Intramuscular diclofenac administration (10 mg/kg/body wt) for 30 days exhibited substantial degeneration in kidney. A marked change in APase activity was observed in histochemical and biochemical studies. A change was noticed in specific activity of APase at different periods of diclofenac treatment. Decrease in specific activity of APase after 10 days (18.41 %) and 30 days (55.3 %) of diclofenac exposure was observed. However, an insignificant hike in APase was observed after 20 days of drug therapy. Similar trends in APase activity were evidenced by the electrophoretic analysis. Histological and ultrastructural observations also corroborated above mentioned findings. Present investigation gives an insight into probable mechanism of renal pathology caused by diclofenac administration in mice.
- Possible Alteration of Female Specific Protein by Estradiol-17β in Silkworm, Bombyx mori L
- Abstract: In our attempt to understand the biological significance of natural occurrence of estradiol-17β (E2, a vertebrate female sex steroid) in silkworms effect of exogenous estradiol-17β injection on the appearance of female-specific proteins both in pupal hemolymph and ovarian extracts was undertaken. A single injection of 2 μg of E2 per g of body weight on the 3rd day in the 5th instar female silkworm (Bombyx
mori L. race Nistari) larvae revealed more accumulation of both 170- and 43 kDa proteins from the day 3 to 7 of pupal life with a peak on the day 7 in comparison to the untreated (control) hemolymph. On the contrary, the ovarian extracts revealed highest accumulation of both the proteins in female silkworm pupae on the day 4 and thereafter, declined gradually to level up with the control on the day 8. The fertilized egg extracts irrespective of control and E2-treated silkworms failed to establish quantitative differences of the proteins in question. Thus the metabolic role of E2 on the female-specific proteins in silkworm could not be ruled out.
PubDate: 2013-05-08
- Abstract: In our attempt to understand the biological significance of natural occurrence of estradiol-17β (E2, a vertebrate female sex steroid) in silkworms effect of exogenous estradiol-17β injection on the appearance of female-specific proteins both in pupal hemolymph and ovarian extracts was undertaken. A single injection of 2 μg of E2 per g of body weight on the 3rd day in the 5th instar female silkworm (Bombyx
mori L. race Nistari) larvae revealed more accumulation of both 170- and 43 kDa proteins from the day 3 to 7 of pupal life with a peak on the day 7 in comparison to the untreated (control) hemolymph. On the contrary, the ovarian extracts revealed highest accumulation of both the proteins in female silkworm pupae on the day 4 and thereafter, declined gradually to level up with the control on the day 8. The fertilized egg extracts irrespective of control and E2-treated silkworms failed to establish quantitative differences of the proteins in question. Thus the metabolic role of E2 on the female-specific proteins in silkworm could not be ruled out.
- Risk of Becoming Schizophrenic: Birth Order and HLA Profile
- Abstract: The present study was carried out to ascertain the birth order as a risk factor for schizophrenia on the basis of HLA genetics. India born schizophrenic patients of Siliguri, West Bengal who attended Outpatient Department of Psychiatry, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. After longitudinal follow up of 136 patients and 150 controls matched in age, sex and ethnicity were screened for the study. The typing of HLA was done by PCR-SSP method. The results showed a significantly increased frequency of HLA*A3 among the patients. Further, birth order was studied among HLA*A3 positive 108 patients and 41 controls. Although, results indicated higher incidence of schizophrenia among second children irrespective of sex but it was not found to be statistically significant. However, when the birth order of male and female patients was analyzed separately, a significant decreased incidence of schizophrenia was observed among the third female child. The findings do not corroborate with the earlier findings of association of birth order with schizophrenia.
PubDate: 2013-04-25
- Abstract: The present study was carried out to ascertain the birth order as a risk factor for schizophrenia on the basis of HLA genetics. India born schizophrenic patients of Siliguri, West Bengal who attended Outpatient Department of Psychiatry, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. After longitudinal follow up of 136 patients and 150 controls matched in age, sex and ethnicity were screened for the study. The typing of HLA was done by PCR-SSP method. The results showed a significantly increased frequency of HLA*A3 among the patients. Further, birth order was studied among HLA*A3 positive 108 patients and 41 controls. Although, results indicated higher incidence of schizophrenia among second children irrespective of sex but it was not found to be statistically significant. However, when the birth order of male and female patients was analyzed separately, a significant decreased incidence of schizophrenia was observed among the third female child. The findings do not corroborate with the earlier findings of association of birth order with schizophrenia.
- Standardization of Genomic DNA Isolation from Minute Quantities of Fish Scales and Fins Amenable to RAPD-PCR
- Abstract: The main focus of this study was to standardize a non-destructive procedure for extraction of genomic DNA (gDNA) from minute quantities of scales and fins of two commonly available fishes Labeo bata and Heteropneustes fossilis and also to compare the gDNA yields from live and as well from frozen samples. The spectrophotometric and electrophoretic analyses revealed a significant difference in the DNA yields from live and frozen samples. The isolated gDNAs were used as templates for RAPD-PCR. The quality and consistency of banding pattern showed that gDNA templates from live tissues performed better than that from frozen tissue samples. It was also found that the minute quantities of fresh scales or fin tissues from live fish provided satisfactory quantity and quality of gDNAs that could support several rounds of RAPD-PCR. This non-destructive sampling has a great implication in gDNA based population genetic studies in endangered and vulnerable species of fishes, where killing or sacrificing is an ethical issue.
PubDate: 2013-04-21
- Abstract: The main focus of this study was to standardize a non-destructive procedure for extraction of genomic DNA (gDNA) from minute quantities of scales and fins of two commonly available fishes Labeo bata and Heteropneustes fossilis and also to compare the gDNA yields from live and as well from frozen samples. The spectrophotometric and electrophoretic analyses revealed a significant difference in the DNA yields from live and frozen samples. The isolated gDNAs were used as templates for RAPD-PCR. The quality and consistency of banding pattern showed that gDNA templates from live tissues performed better than that from frozen tissue samples. It was also found that the minute quantities of fresh scales or fin tissues from live fish provided satisfactory quantity and quality of gDNAs that could support several rounds of RAPD-PCR. This non-destructive sampling has a great implication in gDNA based population genetic studies in endangered and vulnerable species of fishes, where killing or sacrificing is an ethical issue.
- An Appraisal of Life History Features of Kiefferulus calligaster (Kieffer, 1911) (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Kolkata, India
- Abstract: Life history parameters of the freshwater chironomid species Kiefferulus calligaster (Kieffer, 1911) were investigated under laboratory conditions, with the use of larval development time and wing length as key features. An index of fitness was derived using these two parameters to represent the fitness of adults as a function of the larval development. Survivorship, deduced from the data on the mortality of larval stages, was related to developmental time as—(survivorship, lx) y = 1.16 − 0.04 × (days). The larval development time varied between males and females with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 days from first instar larva to eclosion of imagine. The average wing length of adult females was larger than males (3.9 mm ± 0.03 S.E. vs. 3.36 mm ± 0.02 S.E.), for both early and late emerging individuals. The degree of dimorphism between the sexes was prominent for wing length and larval development time. The index of fitness for the early and late emerging adults differed significantly (P < 0.05) in both the sexes.
PubDate: 2013-04-14
- Abstract: Life history parameters of the freshwater chironomid species Kiefferulus calligaster (Kieffer, 1911) were investigated under laboratory conditions, with the use of larval development time and wing length as key features. An index of fitness was derived using these two parameters to represent the fitness of adults as a function of the larval development. Survivorship, deduced from the data on the mortality of larval stages, was related to developmental time as—(survivorship, lx) y = 1.16 − 0.04 × (days). The larval development time varied between males and females with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 days from first instar larva to eclosion of imagine. The average wing length of adult females was larger than males (3.9 mm ± 0.03 S.E. vs. 3.36 mm ± 0.02 S.E.), for both early and late emerging individuals. The degree of dimorphism between the sexes was prominent for wing length and larval development time. The index of fitness for the early and late emerging adults differed significantly (P < 0.05) in both the sexes.
- Diet Composition and Intensity of Feeding of Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) Occurring in the Northern Bay of Bengal, India
- Abstract: Feeding intensity and diet composition of Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa ilisha) from Northern Bay of Bengal were studied between June 2010 and March 2011. The stomach contents of 320 fishes were analyzed from the northern part of the Bay of Bengal to understand the food items of this species. The major constituents of food are organic debris (26.06 ± 5.19 % SD), diatoms (31.22 ± 11.97 % SD), other algae (12.41 ± 2.62 % SD), and crustaceans (3.50 ± 1.28 % SD). The most abundant species of diatoms were Coscinodiscus, Pleurosigma, Bacillaria, Nitzschia, Biddulphia, Diatoma and Asterionella. The stomach of Hilsa was found to be almost empty during June to October while it was almost full during November to March. Significant positive correlation among feeding intensity, chlorophyll-A concentration and salinity of the ambient water indicated that feeding in T. ilisha is influenced by a number of factors. Strong positive correlation between percentage occurrence of diatoms and intensity of feeding indicated their preference for diatom–food.
PubDate: 2013-04-14
- Abstract: Feeding intensity and diet composition of Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa ilisha) from Northern Bay of Bengal were studied between June 2010 and March 2011. The stomach contents of 320 fishes were analyzed from the northern part of the Bay of Bengal to understand the food items of this species. The major constituents of food are organic debris (26.06 ± 5.19 % SD), diatoms (31.22 ± 11.97 % SD), other algae (12.41 ± 2.62 % SD), and crustaceans (3.50 ± 1.28 % SD). The most abundant species of diatoms were Coscinodiscus, Pleurosigma, Bacillaria, Nitzschia, Biddulphia, Diatoma and Asterionella. The stomach of Hilsa was found to be almost empty during June to October while it was almost full during November to March. Significant positive correlation among feeding intensity, chlorophyll-A concentration and salinity of the ambient water indicated that feeding in T. ilisha is influenced by a number of factors. Strong positive correlation between percentage occurrence of diatoms and intensity of feeding indicated their preference for diatom–food.
- Polyphenolics and Energy Content in Phytoplankton: Evidence from a Freshwater Lake
- Abstract: Investigation was carried out in the ancient man-made, shallow, freshwater lake, Lake Krishnasayer, at Burdwan (23°16′N, 87°54′E), India, to note the variations in physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, phytoplankton communities, concentration of phenols and energy content in phytoplanktons during January–December 2006. The lake was represented by 16, 15, 2 and 17 genera of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacillariophyceae, respectively with significant variation in relative abundance as was revealed through Discriminant Analysis. Wilk’s λ values indicate that nitrate, phosphate, dissolved chlorides and silica, and phenol content were significant (P < 0.05) predictor for such differences. PCA analysis yielded three components explaining more than 68 % of the variations in the data on physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, phenol concentration and energy content of total phytoplankton. The interactions of the environmental variables contribute significantly to the observed variations in the phenol and energy content of the phytoplankton. However, the phenomenon of temporal variation in the total phytoplankton and energy content is accounted as a function of nitrate, phosphate-phosphorous, silicate and organic carbon levels. It is apparent that this quality of phytoplanktons varied with the seasons and thereby influencing the amount of phenol and energy content in the engulfing phytoplanktons. Therefore, adequate allocation is needed regarding nutritional status of phytoplanktons, in respect to the dietary need of aquaculture programme in practice.
PubDate: 2013-03-31
- Abstract: Investigation was carried out in the ancient man-made, shallow, freshwater lake, Lake Krishnasayer, at Burdwan (23°16′N, 87°54′E), India, to note the variations in physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, phytoplankton communities, concentration of phenols and energy content in phytoplanktons during January–December 2006. The lake was represented by 16, 15, 2 and 17 genera of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacillariophyceae, respectively with significant variation in relative abundance as was revealed through Discriminant Analysis. Wilk’s λ values indicate that nitrate, phosphate, dissolved chlorides and silica, and phenol content were significant (P < 0.05) predictor for such differences. PCA analysis yielded three components explaining more than 68 % of the variations in the data on physico-chemical parameters, nutrients, phenol concentration and energy content of total phytoplankton. The interactions of the environmental variables contribute significantly to the observed variations in the phenol and energy content of the phytoplankton. However, the phenomenon of temporal variation in the total phytoplankton and energy content is accounted as a function of nitrate, phosphate-phosphorous, silicate and organic carbon levels. It is apparent that this quality of phytoplanktons varied with the seasons and thereby influencing the amount of phenol and energy content in the engulfing phytoplanktons. Therefore, adequate allocation is needed regarding nutritional status of phytoplanktons, in respect to the dietary need of aquaculture programme in practice.
- Nesting Site of House Crow: Tree Versus Light-Post—An Impact Assessment
- Abstract: Surveys on the nesting sites of the crows Corvus splendens were conducted along different road-side trees and light-posts in different localities of greater Kolkata, India during the breeding seasons in 2009–2012. It is revealed that C. splendens prefer light-posts as nesting sites to trees under certain environmental conditions like availability of foods, assurance of nest, nest building materials and eggs and/or young. As there exists, in most cases only one spot for nesting in a light-post and the said spot is usually located at a height ranging from 5.5 to 6.0 m from the ground contrast to an average 11.9 m height of the tree nest. The height of the nest determines the time and energy to be required either for the collection of foods, or to return to the nest within a short time as and when needed in respect to the evolved circumstances. It is apparent that the crows did not care to face the unusual danger to ensure their survival by developing this sort of nesting habit. Thus, it seems that the crows have developed the strategy of nesting in the light-post by the road side or on the road only to maximize their benefit in respect to their survival and propagation.
PubDate: 2013-03-28
- Abstract: Surveys on the nesting sites of the crows Corvus splendens were conducted along different road-side trees and light-posts in different localities of greater Kolkata, India during the breeding seasons in 2009–2012. It is revealed that C. splendens prefer light-posts as nesting sites to trees under certain environmental conditions like availability of foods, assurance of nest, nest building materials and eggs and/or young. As there exists, in most cases only one spot for nesting in a light-post and the said spot is usually located at a height ranging from 5.5 to 6.0 m from the ground contrast to an average 11.9 m height of the tree nest. The height of the nest determines the time and energy to be required either for the collection of foods, or to return to the nest within a short time as and when needed in respect to the evolved circumstances. It is apparent that the crows did not care to face the unusual danger to ensure their survival by developing this sort of nesting habit. Thus, it seems that the crows have developed the strategy of nesting in the light-post by the road side or on the road only to maximize their benefit in respect to their survival and propagation.
- Detection of Multiple Cytochrome P450 in Hepatic Tissue of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) Exposed to Cypermethrin
- Abstract: Cypermethrin (alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl ester of 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl) cyclopropane carboxylic acid) is a synthetic pyrethroid. It is one of the most widely used pesticide in commercial agricultural applications because of its high effectiveness against target species. Beside its target toxicity it is also highly toxic to other non-target species like fish, bees and aquatic insects. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) in the hepatic microsomes of Heteropneustes fossilis upon exposure to cypermethrin. The 96 h LC50 value for each exposure route was calculated and two groups were treated, with one group receiving a single IP (intraperitoneal) injection for 96 h (0.030 mg/kg body weight) and the other group with 1/3 sub-lethal concentration (1.2 μg/l) of the LC50 value in water for 15 days. Activities of the enzymes ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD), N,N-dimethylaniline demethylase, aniline hydroxylase and erythromycin demethylase mediated respectively by the isozymes CYP1A, CYP2B, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 were studied. The liver somatic index (LSI) was also calculated to determine the physiological status of the fish. Activities of CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP2E1 enzymes increased significantly while that of CYP3A4 enzyme inhibited as compared to control. Total CYP 450 content was also significantly induced in both the treated groups. The increase in activities of CYP P450 isozymes could be used as a biomarker to indicate the pollution of an aquatic environment by the pesticide.
PubDate: 2013-03-28
- Abstract: Cypermethrin (alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl ester of 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl) cyclopropane carboxylic acid) is a synthetic pyrethroid. It is one of the most widely used pesticide in commercial agricultural applications because of its high effectiveness against target species. Beside its target toxicity it is also highly toxic to other non-target species like fish, bees and aquatic insects. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) in the hepatic microsomes of Heteropneustes fossilis upon exposure to cypermethrin. The 96 h LC50 value for each exposure route was calculated and two groups were treated, with one group receiving a single IP (intraperitoneal) injection for 96 h (0.030 mg/kg body weight) and the other group with 1/3 sub-lethal concentration (1.2 μg/l) of the LC50 value in water for 15 days. Activities of the enzymes ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD), N,N-dimethylaniline demethylase, aniline hydroxylase and erythromycin demethylase mediated respectively by the isozymes CYP1A, CYP2B, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 were studied. The liver somatic index (LSI) was also calculated to determine the physiological status of the fish. Activities of CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP2E1 enzymes increased significantly while that of CYP3A4 enzyme inhibited as compared to control. Total CYP 450 content was also significantly induced in both the treated groups. The increase in activities of CYP P450 isozymes could be used as a biomarker to indicate the pollution of an aquatic environment by the pesticide.
- Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Phytase Production by Two Strains of Bacillus licheniformis (LF1 and LH1) Isolated from the Intestine of Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
- Abstract: The culture conditions for extracellular production of phytase by two strains of Bacillus licheniformis (LF1 and LH1) isolated from the proximal and distal intestine of rohu (Labeo rohita) were optimized to obtain maximum level of phytase. Both the strains were cultured TSA broth for 24 h at 37 ± 2 °C, when average viable count of 9.75 × 107 cells ml−1 culture broth was obtained. This was used as the inoculum for the production medium. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) oilseed meal was used as the source of phytic acid (substrate). The effects of moisture, pH, temperature, fermentation period, inoculum size, different nitrogen sources, vitamins and surfactants on phytase production by these two strains were evaluated. Phytase yield was highest (1.87 U in LF1 and 1.57 U in LH1) in solid-state fermentation. Enzyme production in both the isolates increased in an optimum pH range of 5.5–6.5. Minimum phytase production was observed at 50 °C, while maximum production was obtained at 40 °C. To standardize the fermentation period for phytase production, production rate was measured at 12-h intervals up to 120 h. Enzyme production increased for 72 h of fermentation in both strains, and decreased thereafter. The enzyme production increased with increased inoculum size up to 3.0 percentage points for the strain LF1 and up to 2.0 % for the strains LH1. Ammonium sulphate as the nitrogen source was most effective in LF1, while beef extract proved useful to maximize enzyme production by LH1.
PubDate: 2013-03-08
- Abstract: The culture conditions for extracellular production of phytase by two strains of Bacillus licheniformis (LF1 and LH1) isolated from the proximal and distal intestine of rohu (Labeo rohita) were optimized to obtain maximum level of phytase. Both the strains were cultured TSA broth for 24 h at 37 ± 2 °C, when average viable count of 9.75 × 107 cells ml−1 culture broth was obtained. This was used as the inoculum for the production medium. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) oilseed meal was used as the source of phytic acid (substrate). The effects of moisture, pH, temperature, fermentation period, inoculum size, different nitrogen sources, vitamins and surfactants on phytase production by these two strains were evaluated. Phytase yield was highest (1.87 U in LF1 and 1.57 U in LH1) in solid-state fermentation. Enzyme production in both the isolates increased in an optimum pH range of 5.5–6.5. Minimum phytase production was observed at 50 °C, while maximum production was obtained at 40 °C. To standardize the fermentation period for phytase production, production rate was measured at 12-h intervals up to 120 h. Enzyme production increased for 72 h of fermentation in both strains, and decreased thereafter. The enzyme production increased with increased inoculum size up to 3.0 percentage points for the strain LF1 and up to 2.0 % for the strains LH1. Ammonium sulphate as the nitrogen source was most effective in LF1, while beef extract proved useful to maximize enzyme production by LH1.
- Joint Insecticidal Action of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki with Annona squamosa L. and Prosopis juliflora Swartz DC on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
- Abstract: The efficacy of methanolic seed extracts of Annona squamosa (As) and Prosopis juliflora (Pj) individually and in combination with spore-crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) was tested against third instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. The combination of botanicals with Btk significantly decreased LC50 values in less time as compared to individual treatments. As and Pj in combination with Btk significantly affected feeding and dietary utilization of H. armigera significantly than in individual treatments. Physiological effects found in larvae fed on Btk and botanicals included extended larval and pupal durations, decreased adult longevity and fecundity, difficulty in moulting between various instars, formation of larval–pupal intermediates and abnormal pupae. As was found to have a higher interaction with Btk than Pj. Further, Btk showed strong synergistic action with As and Pj, which are the promising candidates for development of alternative bioinsecticide in IPM programs.
PubDate: 2013-02-01
- Abstract: The efficacy of methanolic seed extracts of Annona squamosa (As) and Prosopis juliflora (Pj) individually and in combination with spore-crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) was tested against third instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. The combination of botanicals with Btk significantly decreased LC50 values in less time as compared to individual treatments. As and Pj in combination with Btk significantly affected feeding and dietary utilization of H. armigera significantly than in individual treatments. Physiological effects found in larvae fed on Btk and botanicals included extended larval and pupal durations, decreased adult longevity and fecundity, difficulty in moulting between various instars, formation of larval–pupal intermediates and abnormal pupae. As was found to have a higher interaction with Btk than Pj. Further, Btk showed strong synergistic action with As and Pj, which are the promising candidates for development of alternative bioinsecticide in IPM programs.
- Toxicity of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) Seed Oil Against the Larvae of Boophilus decoloratus: A One-Host Tick in Cattle
- Abstract: The in vitro toxicity of seed oil of Khaya senegalensis (family: Meliaceae) was tested against the larvae of a one host tick, Boophilus decoloratus (family: Ixodidae or hard tick) known as ‘blue tick’ parasitic mainly to cattle commonly found in savannas of tropical equatorial Africa. The 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 % concentrations of seed oil were found to kill all (100 % mortality) the larvae after 28, 28, 24, 20 and 20 h respectively.
PubDate: 2013-01-01
- Abstract: The in vitro toxicity of seed oil of Khaya senegalensis (family: Meliaceae) was tested against the larvae of a one host tick, Boophilus decoloratus (family: Ixodidae or hard tick) known as ‘blue tick’ parasitic mainly to cattle commonly found in savannas of tropical equatorial Africa. The 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 % concentrations of seed oil were found to kill all (100 % mortality) the larvae after 28, 28, 24, 20 and 20 h respectively.
- Avian Jaw Function: Adaptation of the Seven–Muscle System and a Review
- Abstract: Avian jaw function is the most interesting part of the feeding apparatus, and essential in the life of birds. The usual seven jaw muscles in birds are highly adapted for diverse food-getting devices through muscular modifications as well as changes in kinesis of the skeletal components of the skull. In the first part I have described from an introspection of my earlier works, the functional morphology of the seven jaw muscles in different birds in four functional groups such as, adductors of the lower jaw, depressor of the lower jaw, protractors of the upper jaw and retractors-cum-adductors of the upper and lower jaws. Emphasis has been laid on the differential force production by these muscles, depending on the nature of their connective tissue attachments on the skeletal parts and changes in the kinesis of the skeletal parts. The contraction of the muscles and movements of the skeletal parts are rhythmically synchronized in such a way that their concerted action performs adaptively in different feeding adaptations. The differential force production by the one-joint and two-joint muscles in terms of ‘torque’ analysis is important in jaw kinesis. The second part of the text is a historical review of some notable works centred around the avian jaw muscles, jaw kinesis, tongue muscles, synchronization with the movements of the tongue apparatus and adaptational as well as evolutionary significance of the feeding apparatus in different feeding strategies.
PubDate: 2013-01-01
- Abstract: Avian jaw function is the most interesting part of the feeding apparatus, and essential in the life of birds. The usual seven jaw muscles in birds are highly adapted for diverse food-getting devices through muscular modifications as well as changes in kinesis of the skeletal components of the skull. In the first part I have described from an introspection of my earlier works, the functional morphology of the seven jaw muscles in different birds in four functional groups such as, adductors of the lower jaw, depressor of the lower jaw, protractors of the upper jaw and retractors-cum-adductors of the upper and lower jaws. Emphasis has been laid on the differential force production by these muscles, depending on the nature of their connective tissue attachments on the skeletal parts and changes in the kinesis of the skeletal parts. The contraction of the muscles and movements of the skeletal parts are rhythmically synchronized in such a way that their concerted action performs adaptively in different feeding adaptations. The differential force production by the one-joint and two-joint muscles in terms of ‘torque’ analysis is important in jaw kinesis. The second part of the text is a historical review of some notable works centred around the avian jaw muscles, jaw kinesis, tongue muscles, synchronization with the movements of the tongue apparatus and adaptational as well as evolutionary significance of the feeding apparatus in different feeding strategies.
- Habitat Preference and Diversity of Anuran in Durgapur, an Industrial City of West Bengal, India
- Abstract: Anuran diversity study was conducted for one year between June 2008 and August 2009 at Durgapur, an industrial city of West Bengal, India. Nine species under four families of the Order Anura were found to occur in Durgapur. They have a wide range of habitat preference like permanent or temporary aquatic bodies, human residential area, forested areas, termite nest, tree hole, under spaces of logs and so forth. Of the nine sp. 8 were confined to Amarabati pond (site-I), 5 were confined to Durgapur Government College campus (site-II) and 7 were confined at Fuljhore (site-III) of Durgapur. Analysis of the collected data on the anuran community of the study area revealed Shannon–Wiener species diversity index minimum (1.312) at site-II and maximum (1.938) at site-III. In contrast Margalef richness index value was minimum (0.627) at site-II and maximum (1.424) at site-III.
PubDate: 2012-12-01
- Abstract: Anuran diversity study was conducted for one year between June 2008 and August 2009 at Durgapur, an industrial city of West Bengal, India. Nine species under four families of the Order Anura were found to occur in Durgapur. They have a wide range of habitat preference like permanent or temporary aquatic bodies, human residential area, forested areas, termite nest, tree hole, under spaces of logs and so forth. Of the nine sp. 8 were confined to Amarabati pond (site-I), 5 were confined to Durgapur Government College campus (site-II) and 7 were confined at Fuljhore (site-III) of Durgapur. Analysis of the collected data on the anuran community of the study area revealed Shannon–Wiener species diversity index minimum (1.312) at site-II and maximum (1.938) at site-III. In contrast Margalef richness index value was minimum (0.627) at site-II and maximum (1.424) at site-III.
- Influence of Physicochemical Parameters on the Abundance of Coliform Bacteria in an Industrial Site of the Hooghly River, India
- Abstract: Industrial effluents from jute, paper, pulp mills and sewage from households are regularly discharged into the Hooghly River. It generates a potential risk for both humans and animals of the area concerned. In the present study, water quality of the Hooghly River passing by the site of a growing township (Naihati, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India) was assessed throughout the year 2010 on the basis of the data collected on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The water samples collected on each month revealed the presence of higher amount of coliform bacteria, Streptococcus sp. and Escherichia coli, than the standard limit. Different physicochemical parameters like chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, chlorinity, nitrate and nitrite of the water at the sampling sites were found to be considerably higher than the levels standardized by WHO (2006). It was found that the relative abundance of Streptococcus and E. coli was influenced by two independent variables (water quality parameters), namely, DO and TDS. The abundance of coliform bacteria in the water sample warrants the adoption of proper measures to reduce the pollution level at the point source on way of scientific disposal of industrial effluents.
PubDate: 2012-12-01
- Abstract: Industrial effluents from jute, paper, pulp mills and sewage from households are regularly discharged into the Hooghly River. It generates a potential risk for both humans and animals of the area concerned. In the present study, water quality of the Hooghly River passing by the site of a growing township (Naihati, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India) was assessed throughout the year 2010 on the basis of the data collected on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The water samples collected on each month revealed the presence of higher amount of coliform bacteria, Streptococcus sp. and Escherichia coli, than the standard limit. Different physicochemical parameters like chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, chlorinity, nitrate and nitrite of the water at the sampling sites were found to be considerably higher than the levels standardized by WHO (2006). It was found that the relative abundance of Streptococcus and E. coli was influenced by two independent variables (water quality parameters), namely, DO and TDS. The abundance of coliform bacteria in the water sample warrants the adoption of proper measures to reduce the pollution level at the point source on way of scientific disposal of industrial effluents.
