047594   KUMAR G, CHANDER H (Biosciences Dep, Career Point Univ, Hamirpur (H.P.), Email: sharmagulshan1980@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostic and phytochemistry of centipeda minima: A review. Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci 2020, 8 (1), 19 - 25.

Centipeda minima is used as ethno - medicinal plant for treatment of various ailments. The present study was aimed to explore its pharmacognostic, fluorescence and Bio - chemical screening. The physical values like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water - soluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive and water - soluble extractives were determined. Air - dried powdered material has been subjected to qualitative and quantitative physicochemical estimations. The pharmacognostic evaluation total ash and quantitative analysis of leaves has revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, fats and carbohydrates. Its decoction is mostly used in paralysis and pain in the joints, and also against malaria, hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, eczema, insect or snake bites, and opium poisoning in lower shivallik hills of Himachal Pradesh. The natural stock of medicinal plants is under tremendous pressure. It must be conserved and promoted its commercial cultivation. Pharmacognostic and bio - chemical investigation also provides useful information in regard to its correct identity and help to differentiate it from the closely related other species of Centipeda.

1 table, 61 ref

047592   CHANDER H, KUMARI P, DEVI S, SUNAINA (Biosciences Dep, Career Point Univ, Hamirpur, (H.P.), Email: hemchander78@gmail.com) : Corticolous lichens inhabiting on sacred trees in Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh, India . Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci 2020, 8 (1), 13-Aug.

During present investigation a total of 66 specimens of lichen were collected from three localities (Berthin, Shahtalai and Jamli) of district Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh. A total 12 species (Physcia dubia, Physcia crispa, Physcia integrata, Physcia sorediosa, Physcia jackii, Chrysothrix candelaris, Chrysothrix chlorina, Parmotrema andinum, Parmotrema mesotropum, Phaeophyscia hispidula, Lecanora chlarotera and Caloplaca spp. of lichens were identified after morphological and anatomical investigation. Out of these, eight species are being reported for the first time from the study area. The species diversity of these twelve species was analyzed. It was found that the highest ? - diversity is ten whereas lowest ? - diversity is seven. Physcia dubia is the most common out of 12 species and was found at three localities. All the taxa have been deposited in CPUH (The Herbarium, Department of Bio - sciences, Career Point University, Hamirpur).

2 tables, 76 ref

047551   MEENA P, CHANDRAWAT B S, AHIR R R (S.K.N. Agriculture Univ, Jaipur ? 303 329 (Rajasthan), Email: brijrcanemat@gmail.com) : Bio - agents for management of wilt complex in Tomato by Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici. Ann. Pl. Protec. Sci 2020, 28 (2), 160 - 2.

Wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici is limiting factor in tomato production also develops synergistic relationship with Meloidogyne spp. leading to root - knot wilt disease complex which is highly destructive to tomato plants and is characterized by enhanced wilt symptoms. Efficacy of different bio - control agents were evaluated against wilt disease complex developed by M. incognita and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. To manage the disease complex, bio control agent were used as seed treatment @ 4 g/kg seed as well as added to soil @ 4 g/kg soil. Among bio - control agent, Trichoderma viride was found significantly superior in reduction of nematode population and % disease incidence along with increased in plant growth parameters followed by Paecilomyces lilacinum.

2 tables, 10 ref

047543   SASMAL A, SARANGI P K, PANDA S, SAMANT P K, KHULBE D (O.U.A.T, Bhubaneswar ? - 751 003, Odisha, Email: sasmalarundhati @gmail.com) : Evaluation of insecticides for management of mite infestation in Chilli. Ann. Pl. Protec. Sci 2020, 28 (2), 127 - 30.

Field trials were conducted to evaluate insecticides with different mode of action against the mite infestation in chilli cv. Utkal Ava. The seeds were treated with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml/kg in all the treatments except untreated control plot and were subjected to foliar spray with acetamiprid 20 SP @ 10 g a.i./ha, spinosad 45 SC @ 73 g a.i./ha, fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 30 g a.i./ha, emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 10g a.i./ha, fipronil 80 WG @ 50g a.i./ha, spiromesifen 22.9 SC @ 96 g a.i./ha, acephate 75 SP @ 500 g a.i./ha and dimethoate 30 EC @ 300 g a.i./ha at 30 and 45 days after transplanting in different treatment modules. The pooled data over three seasons reflects that spiromesifen was the most effective among the tested insecticides, scored minimum population of mites (0.27 mites/leaf), maximum number of beneficial coccinellid predators (2.62 coccinellid predators/leaf), highest yield (92.1q/ha) and additional net income (` 4630/ha). Spiromesifen is a spirocyclic phenyl substituted tetronic acid belongs to ketonol class which inhibits lipogenesis, prevents insects from maintaining water balance cause desiccation, mites dries up and dies.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

047542   SUBHARANI S, PRIYADARSHINI O, DEBARAJ Y (Regional Sericultural Research Station, Imphal - 795 002 (Manipur), Email: drsubharani@gmail.com) : Biology of semilooper, Hyblaea puera Cramer, an important pest of Quercus serrata Thunb.. Ann. Pl. Protec. Sci 2020, 28 (2), 123 - 6.

Hyblaea puera is a serious pest because its larval stage causes major economic losses in the oak plant. Studies on biological parameters of H. puera indicated that female laid eggs singly near the veins sticking to the lower side of leaf, particularly on young tender foliage. Eggs were small, oval with a flat base and white in colour. The egg laying capacity varied from 52 to 180 eggs. The hatching % was 81. The larva passed through 5 larval instars. The sex ratio was computed as 1:4 (male: female). The average developmental stages of H. puera was completed in 32.50 days shared by 2.70, 16.60, 1.40, 7.40 and 5.00 days incubation, larval period, pre - pupal, pupal and adult longevity, respectively.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

047509   PURI S K, HABBU P V, KULKARNI P V, JOSHI A B, KULKARNI V H, DIXIT S R (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, SET's Coll of Pharmacy, Dharwad - 580 002, Karnataka, Email: smitamadagundi@gmail.com) : Hepatoprotective activity and constituents of Nigrospora sp. CMH2_13: An endophytic fungus isolated from leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn.. Ann. Phytomed 2020, 9 (2), 239 - 46.

Endophytes are microorganisms that dwell within plant tissues by having a symbiotic association, one of the sources of secondary metabolites in plants. In this study, an attempt was made to isolate, characterize endophytic fungi, from leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., and to screen the fungal fractions for hepatoprotective activity, followed by isolation of secondary metabolites from the endophytic fraction. An endophytic fungus, PALF - 2 was identified as Nigrospora sp. CMH2 by molecular characterization. PALF - 2 was fermented to get ethyl acetate (P2EA) and n butanol (P2nB) fractions. P2EA and P2nB were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol - induced hepatotoxicity. Based on the activity, P2EA was subjected to column chromatography and analyzed by spectroscopic methods. P2EA and P2nB at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg reversed the elevated biochemical parameters as compared to CCl4 treated groups. P2EA and P2nB restored endogenous enzyme levels. Chromatographic studies of P2EA led to the isolation of hypophyllanthin, phyllanthin, quercetin - 3, 4 - di - O - glucoside, and kaempferol - 3 - O - rutinoside, the structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. LC - MS studies of the oil confirmed the presence of seven constituents. This is the first report on the isolation of these constituents from the endophytic fungus of P. amarus. Thus, it can be concluded that, Nigrospora sp. CMH2_13 could be a good commercial source for the production of hepatoprotective and antioxidant constituents.

4 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

047508   JYOTHILEKSHMI S, VALSA A K, KUTTAN R (Microbiology Dep, Sree Sankara Coll, Kalady - 683 574, Kerala, Email: valsaak@yahoo.com) : Protective effect of the polyherbal formulation, Nalpamaram against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Ann. Phytomed 2020, 9 (2), 232 - 8.

Nalpamaram which constitutes a group of four plants, Ficus racemosa, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa is one of the polyherbal formulations, used by ayurvedic practitioners for the treatment of a variety of health problems. In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of the barks of Nalpamaram (NMAE) against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity was studied in male albino rats. The levels of the toxicity marker enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin showed a significant increase in the ethanol treated group indicating liver injury. On treatment with NMAE at various concentrations, the activity of the enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and GGT, and total bilirubin significantly decreased compared to the ethanol treated group. The total protein and albumin levels increased on treatment with NMAE. The hepatoprotective activity was also supported by the histopathological studies of the liver tissue. The effects of NMAE at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt/day were comparable to that of the standard drug silymarin.

5 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

047480   GEZICI S, KO?UM D, YAYLA F, SEKEROGLU N, KHAN A A (Molecular Biology and Genetics Dep, Kilis 7 Aralik Univ, Kilis, Turkey, Email: drsevgigezici@gmail.com, sevgigezici@kilis.edu.tr) : Screening for in vitro antioxidant activities, polyphenolic contents and neuroprotective potentials of Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. serpyllifolium endemic to Turkey. Ann. Phytomed 2020, 9 (1), 181 - 6.

Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. serpyllifolium (CSS), an endemic - medicinal plant, is commonly used for treatment of irritated skin, mastitis - and prostatitis - related swelling, and inflammation, due to contain a number of triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins as well as some other bioactive substances. From this point - ofview, the aim of this study was to evaluate total polyphenolic contents, antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibitory effects of EtOH and dH2O extracts of stem and flower parts. In vitro DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were used for evaluation of antioxidant activities of the extracts. Neuroprotective potentials of the extracts were assessed using spectrophotometric microtiter assays towards AChE, BChE and TYR enzymes. In parallel to the experiments, total polyphenolic contents of the extracts were also determined as spectrophotometrically. According to the results of phenolic and flavonoid quantities in total, flower extracts possessed higher polyphenolic contents, comparing to those of stem extracts. EtOH extract prepared from the flower parts had the highest amount of total phenol and flavonoid (368.11 ? 2.02 mg/g extract as GAE and 214.03 ? 0.98 mg/g extract as QE), while stem - dH2O extract possessed the lowest ones. In antioxidant assays, scavenging activity of the extracts on DPPH were found to be in the range of 70.86 ? 1.07 - 92.14 ? 2.03% inhibition, whilst it was determined lower for ABTS radicals. In DPPH and FRAP assays, the stem - dH2O extract exerted the weakest antioxidant activity, whereas, flower - EtOH extract showed the lowest antioxidant capacity on ABTS and CUPRAC. Enzyme inhibition on the tested enzymes were resulted in the superiority of the flower - EtOH extract, as consistent with findings of total polyphenolic contents. These findings suggest that CSS could be an anticholinesterase agent and antioxidant resource for food, pharmacology and cosmetics industries.

2 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

047323    ZAHRA N, ALI A, KOUSAR S, MALIK A, ZAHEER A, MALIK I R (Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Sargodha, Pakistan, Email: imran.riaz@uos.edu.pk) : Study on significant changes in calcium, phosphorus and thyroid hormones level in hypothyroidism patients. Adv life Sci 2020, 8(1), 85 - 8.

Thyroid hormones have a vital role in metabolism of lipids, cholesterol etc. They also have an important role in phosphorous and calcium homeostasis by their direct effect on bone turnover. The objective of present study was to find the significant differences of T3, T4, TSH, lipid profile (HDL, LDL, vLDL, TG, Cholesterol), electrolytes and minerals (sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium) between control group and hypothyroidism patients. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 72 patients and 12 control after their consent. Serum was used to determine biochemical parameters using standard protocol. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using ?t? student test. Results: The level of TSH was significantly higher in female and male hypothyroidism patients (p < 0.01) as compared to control and it was inversely related to the level of T3 and T4. Patients with hypothyroidism have increased level of LFTs profile especially cholesterol and Triglycerides levels both in males and females. In hypothyroidism, the level of glomerulus filtrate rate decrease especially sodium level but thyroid hormonal disturbance does not affect serum electrolyte level. The serum phosphorus and calcium levels change significantly in thyroid disorder. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is associated with increased TSH level and decreased T3 and T4 levels but does not appear to be associated with abnormalities in lipid profile. The serum phosphorus and calcium levels change significantly in thyroid disorder, Treatments of its primary causes should be given and if it is possible minerals can be added to avoid further bone complications.

4 tables, 17 ref

047322   YOUSSEF S, SALAH M (Anatomy Dep, Al - Azhar Univ, Cairo - Egypt, Email: sahar_sayed@yahoo.com) : Decreased expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and desmin contributes to the protection of vitamin D3 against diclofenac induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Adv life Sci 2020, 8(1), 78 - 84.

Diclofenac is widely prescribed for its analgesic and anti - inflammatory actions but it also has some harmful effects on the kidney. The current study was conducted to elucidate the possible mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium on kidney, and if it is affected by the addition of vitamin D. Methods: Rats were divided into 4 equal groups. G1 was the control group that received no treatment; G2 was treated with intramuscular injection of vitamin D (1,000 IU/kg, 3days/week); G3 was treated with intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium (3.6 mg/kg, 3 days/week) and G4 treated simultaneously with both diclofenac (3.6 mg/kg, 3 days/week) and vitamin D (1,000 IU/kg, 3days/week) intramuscularly for four weeks. Kidneys sections were stained with H&E, Masson?s trichrome and immunohistochemical staining against ? - SMA and desmin followed by the morphometric and statistical analysis. Results: Kidney sections from diclofenac sodium treated group showed degeneration and necrosis, small or atrophic glomeruli with dilated Bowman?s space and some of the renal tubular lining cells appeared vacuolated with small pyknotic nuclei. Renal fibrosis was confirmed by significant increase in collagen fibers, ? - SMA and podocytes injury by significant increase of desmin. However, in diclofenac - vitamin D treated group significantly the expression of ? - SMA and desmin were decreased. Conclusion: The current data suggested that vitamin D might play a protectant role against diclofenac induced kidney injury in rats through the preservation of the histological architecture of renal corpuscles, renal cortical tubules and down regulation of collagen, ? - SMA and desmin.

7 illus, 38 ref

047315   GEN? T T (?anakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, ?anakkale - Turkey, Email: tturgutgenc@comu.edu.tr) : Reserve Carbohydrate Metabolism in Crabtree - Negative and - Positive Yeasts at Different Carbon Sources. Adv life Sci 2020, 8(1), 47 - 51.

The fermentation of sugars into ethanol even in the presence of oxygen is referred to as the Crabtree effect. The yeast cells displaying Crabtree effect are indicated as Crabtree - positive yeast. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Crabtree positive and Debaryomyces occidentalis is Crabtree - negative yeast which does not have Crabtree effect. The reserve carbohydrate metabolism is different in Crabtree - positive and Crabtree - negative yeast cells. The present study aimed to determine the trehalose and glycogen accumulation patterns both in Crabtree - positive and Crabtree - negative yeast species. In this research, trehalose and glycogen contents of S. cerevisiae and D. occidentalis yeast species were examined in a time course manner in three different carbon sources: glucose, galactose and glycerol. Firstly, yeast cells were grown in rich media supplemented with glucose then all washed and switched to fresh cultures including glucose, galactose and glycerol. In S. cerevisiae yeast cells the overnight accumulated trehalose degraded very rapidly after nonfermentable carbon source replenishment, but this took place in a long time, nearly two days, in D. occidentalis yeast cells. However, whenever D. occidentalis yeast cells shifted to glycerol, all the accumulated trehalose degraded within the twelve hours. Glycogen accumulation in D. occidentalis yeast cells is lower than S. cerevisiae yeast cells both in fermentable and non - fermentable carbon sources. Results indicated that glycogen and trehalose accumulation patterns are completely different in D. occidentalis than S. cerevisiae. Crabtree - negative yeast cells generally, prefer to accumulate glycogen instead of trehalose as reserve carbohydrate. But in our research we proved that Crabtree - negative yeast D. occidentalis, accumulates more trehalose than S. cerevisiae yeast cells in non - fermentable carbon sources.

4 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

047297   SHALINI J, CHAHANDE, CHAHANDE J M (Seth Kesarimal Porwal Coll, Nagpur - 441002, Maharashtra ) : Serum enzyme changes associated with heat stress in buffaloes. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 465 - 6.

Eighty buffaloes of Nagpuri breed were kept under observation from February to June 2009 to 2010 and blood parameters were observed fortnightly. Blood serum samples were analysed for the activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by using commercial kits. The activities of aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase were higher under heat stress conditions, mainly due to their leakage from liver cytosol into the blood stream, which reflects liver damage and disruption of normal liver function.

1 table, 4 ref

047277   KUMAR H, SINGH S, YADAV S P (Zoology Dep, Singhania Univ, Jhunjhunu - 333 515, Rajasthan, Email: he15061991@gmail.com) : Biology of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi on Brassica juncea genotype RH 725 in semi - arid zone of Haryana, India. Crop Res 2020, 60 (5 & 6), 281 - 6.

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) is one of the major insects of Indian mustard. It damages the various part of mustard plant as a result crop yield and oil content reduced. Scanning of the literature showed that no researcher had worked on all the parameters of biology of this insect on any crop. No work found regarding biology of mustard aphid on genotype RH 725. Therefore, on the basis of this fact studies on biology of mustard aphid was carried out during 2019 - 20 at Farmer?s field, Kolana village, Aravalli Hills Region, Rewari, Haryana, India. The results of the studies revealed that mustard aphid passed through four nymphal instars before attaining the adult stage. The average length of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph was 0.74 ? 0.07, 0.89 ? 0.06, 1.14 ? 0.14 and 1.31 ? 0.13 mm, respectively. The average width was 0.40 ? 0.04, 0.48 ? 0.03, 0.60 ? 0.06 and 0.72 ? 0.09 mm, respectively. The average length of apterate adult female was 1.62 ? 0.14 mm and width 0.94 ? 0.07 mm. The average duration of instars was 1.33 ? 0.37 (1st), 1.44 ? 0.38 (2nd), 1.79 ? 0.72 (3rd) and 2.14 ? 0.61 days of 4th instar. The average total nymphal instars period was 6.69 ? 1.11 days. The average longevity of adult recorded as 7.41 ? 1.61 days. The average pre - reproductive, reproductive and postreproductive period was 0.98 ? 0.47, 5.85 ? 1.58 and 0.57 ? 0.68 days, respectively. The average fecundity of an adult female was 24.63 ? 9.88 and birth rate was 4.12 ? 0.77 nymphs, whereas average total life span was 14.02 ? 2.21 days. This study provides important life history information of mustard aphid which may help to develop suitable integrated pest management strategies for this pest.

3 tables, 13 ref

001520   CHATURVEDI C , PANDEY H, CHATURVEDI S, PACHORI V, ARYA A (Banasthali Vidyapith Univ, Jaipur- 302001, Rajasthan, Email: chaturvedimrssakshi@gmail.com) : Need of training among educators to roll back during COVID-19: A descriptive survey. Bio-Sci Res Bull 2021, 37(2), 61-8.

Because of the yearlong lockdown and closure of educational institutions, COVID-19 has impacted the school sector in a variety of ways. When educational institutions reopen after the lockdown, educational personnel might be one of the most helpful sources of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related health information for their young adult students. However, it is critical that they have sufficient and correct understanding about COVID-19 prevention. Before educational establishments reopen, knowledge of preventative strategies is critical to success. The goal of this research was to examine awareness among educators by evaluating their degree of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour, as well as their link with chosen socio-demographic characteristics. The participants in this research were education professionals from Rajasthan state, India, who worked in schools, colleges, and universities. A pre-tested, self-structured questionnaire on COVID-19 preventative measures and preparedness to witness a rollback was given as a Google Form. Participants and chosen socio-demographic characteristics were subjected to a detailed descriptive analysis to determine their knowledge, attitude, and practise. To determine the degree of knowledge, attitude, and practise, an item-by-item analysis was performed. At a 95 % confidence interval of 12.42±0.08, the average knowledge value was determined to be 12.42±0.08. (12.40-12.070). In all 700 individuals, the average attitude score was 2.216±0.385 at 95 percent confidence interval (2.064-2.367), while the average practise score was 1.67±0.472 at 95 percent confidence interval (1.0712-1.627).Participants' knowledge of COVID-19 prevention was shown to be connected with their age, gender, and COVID-19 history; webinars attended by participants were also found to be correlated with their practise. This study found that participants' knowledge of symptoms in COVID-19 wave-1 was acceptable, but that knowledge of symptoms in COVID-19 wave-2 was inadequate. Some practises were unsatisfactory, but the attitude toward COVID 19 prevention was positive. Webinars reveal a link between knowledge and practise, leading to the conclusion that additional webinars, workshops, and training sessions will increase awareness at all levels in these participants.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

001518   SINGH R (The Association of Commonwealth Univ, UK, Email: rshnsingh@webmail.co.za) : Seromycin, an effective treatment for tuberculosis in tamsk, Russia. Bio-Sci Res Bull 2021, 37(2), 49-53.

This study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of cycloserine on 6 isolates of tuberculosis from Tomsk, Russia. Using the broth microdilution (BM) method, the isolates were found to be sensitive to 32 μg/ml of seromycin after 3 weeks of treatment. These results conformed to the control strain, irrespective of the amount of inoculum used. There was an indirect relationship between the amount of culture treated and the MIC of seromycin. All this show that seromycin was an effective treatment for tuberculosis in Tomsk, Russia.

4 tables, 9 ref

001517   GUERMAH D, LAKABI L, MEDJDOUB-BENSAAD F (Biology Dep, The Mouloud Mammeri Univ, Tizi-Ouzou- 15000, Algeria, Email: guermah.dy@gmail.com) : Study and classification of invertebrates present on fig crop (Opuntia ficus-indica) in ouadhias area (Tizi-Ouzou), Algeria. Bio-Sci Res Bull 2021, 37(2), 39-48.

The inventory of invertebrates on fig cultivation using 2 methods of sampling, Barber traps and colored traps in Ouadhias region (Tizi-Ouzou) Algeria, allowed us to collect 59 species divided into 46 families, belonging to 17 orders. The values of the centesimal frequencies applied to invertebrates orders identified in the studied plot vary from one type of trapping to another, each sampling method relates to a representative order group. The diets of insects are extremely diverse, due to the structures and function of the mouth parts, the structural and functional division of the digestive tract. We have established a distribution according to the different trophic categories according to our personal observations and the bibliography consulted. We were able to distinguish 9 groups among the 59 insect species selected. Shannon-Weaver diversity index values are quite high in the study plot, the fairness obtained for each type of trap varies from E = 0.91 to E = 0.93, these values tend towards 1, which reflects a balance between the species in the environment.

4 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

001507   TANDON S, AGGARWAL P, SARKAR S (Genetics Dep, Delhi Univ, New Delhi-110 021) : Applications of electron microscopy in Drosophila neurobiology research. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(3), 334-43.

Visual evidences undeniably appear more convincing since they can be interpreted easily, though may not be always accurate. The electron microscopy techniques not only allow examining the ultra-structure of various cell/tissue types but also help in proposing the in-depth mechanisms of biological processes. Similarly, comprehensive analysis of the neuronal and synaptic communications, and overall integrity of the brain not only helps us to understand its intricate functioning, but also aids in deciphering the complex human brain disorders. The Drosophila brain and the pair of compound eyes have emerged as favoured organs to investigate the fundamentals of nervous system development and disease biology. Various types of electron microscopy techniques have assisted the Drosophila neurobiologists to generate significant insights about the development, structure and function of different neuronal cell types and their contribution in the aetiology of neurodegenerative disorders. The present review provides a snapshot of the applications of various electron microscopy methods in Drosophila neurobiology research.

3 illus, 75 ref

001506   GHOSH V, RANJHA R, GUPTA A K (Pt Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur-492 010, Chhattisgarh) : Formulation of anti-larval nanoemulsion: Impact of droplet size on larvicidal activity against malaria vectors in Chhattisgarh, India. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(2), 178-86.

Mentha piperita (peppermint) essential oil nanoemulsion was prepared by low energy spontaneous emulsification method. GC-MS analysis revealed the composition of peppermint essential oil and menthol (45.2%) was the major bioactive compound along with menthone (15.39%), neomethol (8.1%), menthyl acetate (7.7%) and isomenthone (7.4%). Optimization of the nanoemulsion preparation process was done by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD). The droplet diameter and polydispersity index at optimized conditions (15% oil concentration, 25% surfactant concentration and Tween80 as surfactant) were 39.2 nm and 0.22 respectively. Optimized peppermint oil nanoemulsion (OPNE) was optically transparent, spherical in morphology and was stable for 6 months. OPNE formulation demonstrated dose, time and size-dependent larvicidal activity against malaria vectors with LC50 value of 48 ppm and 123 ppm against Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi respectively. The LC50 values were 90 ppm and 163 ppm against Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi correspondingly for the bigger droplet size formulation (PNE, droplet diameter: 129.6 nm) confirming the droplet size-dependent larvicidal activity of the nanoemulsion. The results of this study propose that peppermint oil-based nanoemulsion possibly be used as an eco-friendly larvicide for mosquito vector control strategies

7 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

001505   DIVYAKOLU S, CHIKKALA R, KAMARAJU S, SRITHARAN V (Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Hyderabad-500 004, Telangana) : Quorum quenching as a strategy for treating Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) - Effect of ε-Polylysine, ethanolic extracts of guava leaves and mango seed kernel. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(2), 171-7.

Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulatory Quorum Sensing (QS) system facilitates biofilm formation and biofilms are major contributors for antimicrobial resistance. Quorum quenchers could be used as an adjunct to antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sub-inhibitory concentration of ethanolic extracts of Mango Seed Kernel Extract (MSKE), Guava Leaf Extract (GLE) and ε-Polylysine (ε-PL) against quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of S. aureus. We evaluated the antibacterial and Quorum Quenching (QQ) activity of these compounds on 10 MRSA and 10 MSSA isolates. The antibacterial activity was tested by disc diffusion assay. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for MRSA isolates were: 20 µg/mL for ε-Polylysine, 20 µg/mL for MSKE extract and GLE and for MSSA isolates were: 12.5 µg/mL for ε-Polylysine, 20 µg/mL for MSKE extract and GLE. Quorum Sensing Inhibition (QSI) activity was determined at sub-MIC of 10 µg/mL of all the compounds by studying inhibition of the delta hemolysin on sheep blood agar plate and motility on soft agar media. All these compounds affected the motility and expression of δ-hemolysin activity which confirms that these compounds interfere with the QS activity. The QQ effect was confirmed by quantitation of hld (delta hemolysin) transcript and rnaIII transcript by qPCR. The results of this study will be presented as proof of QQ activity by ε-PL, MSKE, and GLE on S. aureus in general and MRSA in particular, as an attractive proposition for adjunct therapy and anti-virulence therapy of MRSA infections.

7 illus, 23 ref

001500   MEHTA S, BAKSHI S, CHOUDHURY S, BOSE S, NAYAK R (Amity Univ, Noida-201 313, Uttar Pradesh) : Hierarchical gold nanostructures based sensor for sensitive and fast detection of cancer biomarker. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(2), 135-40.

Importance of precision diagnostics in healthcare has been ignited by the idea that early detection of cancer would immensely benefit patients in terms of more effective and timely treatment modality. Clinical samples in the form of biopsy specimen/serum/urine/saliva contains an ocean of diagnostic information to generate conclusive information for more precise and evidence-based options to manage cancer. However, to achieve this, there is a need detect biomarkers, that can provide significantly increased diagnostic accuracy. Nanobiosensors have undoubtedly boomed to claim ultrasensitive detection of DNA cancer biomarkers in attomolar and femtomolar range. However, ultrasensitive and accurate detection of protein biomarker is rare. This work describes fabrication of a hierarchical gold nano-biosensor (HAu) for ultra-sensitive detection of cancer protein biomarkers in pg/mL range. Unique chemical modification during electrochemical synthesis has rendered highly uniformed and dense nanostructures of gold on a solid platform. Factors affecting homogeneity and sensitivity of the sensing platform have been optimized in detail. Voltammetric sensing based on antibody-antigen interaction on the given sensing platform has demonstrated a wide linear range of detection for EGFR varying from 10 pg/mL to 1 ng/mL concentration.

5 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

001495   BAISAKH B, TRIPATHY S K, SOUFRAMANIEN J, SWAIN D, TRIPATHY P (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha) : Revealing genetic variation in mini core germplasm of urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(1), 91-9.

A set of 47 urdbean genotypes including 12 promising varieties and 34 popular land races and a popular OUAT variety “Ujala” (standard check) were characterized for genetic variation based on molecular markers and morpho-economic traits. The molecular marker- based genotyping revealed a tremendous higher level of polymorphism (97.05%) with high average PIC (polymorphic information content) value (0.75). ISSR 1357 was considered highly informative that revealed the highest PIC (0.87) and marker index value (MI:5.25). An 840 bp allele (band) was characteristic to Kantapada local - A, Kendrapada local-D, and Nayagarh local - C. Such genotype- specific finger-printing may serve for reliable varietal characterization and elimination of duplicates. The test genotypes were grouped into six distinct clusters. TU 10-13, LBG 623, TAU 1, OBG 33, LBG 17 and PU 31 were highly divergent. PU 31 had inherent high yield potential (˃5.0q/ha) with known YMV resistance. The above divergent high yielding test genotypes may serve as candidate varieties for further genetic improvement using recombination breeding.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

001487   DEVRIMSEL G, ARPA M, BEYAZAL M S, EREL O (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Dep, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Univ, Rize- 530 20, Turkey) : Assessment of thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(1), 21-6.

Our aim was to explore the thiol/disulphide homeostasis and the link with functional status in patients who have knee OA. Sixty knee OA patients and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We measured serum levels of native thiol, total thiol and disulphide. In order to measure the alterations in functional status such tests as the Western Ontario, MacMaster Osteoarthitis index (WOMAC), walking test and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were utilized. The total thiol levels were higher in the control group than the knee OA patients (P< 0.05). Disulphide and disulphide/total thiol levels were significantly lower when control group were compared to knee OA patients (P< 0.05).Activity pain was negatively associated with native thiol levels (P< 0.05), walking test scores were negatively correlated with the native thiol levels (P< 0.05) and positively correlated with disulphide levels (P< 0.05) in knee OA patients. In knee OA patients, no correlation was observed between thiol/disulphide parameters and WOMAC scores. Conclusion, thiol/disulphide homeostasis is impaired in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Disulphide level increased and thiol level decreased due to oxidative stress. Thiol/ disulphide homeostasis had not noticeable impact on the on functional status. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis may help to explain the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

1 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

001486   AKTA? H S, OZEL Y, AHMAD S, PENÇE H H, SAYIR N, SAPMAZ T, ÖZÇELIK F, ELÇIO?LU H K (Health Sciences Univ, Istanbul, Turkey) : Influence of walnut on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(1), 13-20.

Nutritional benefits of walnut are well known; however, currently, there is no research showing that walnut can be used as an antioxidant in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of walnut against oxidative stress in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Animals were divided into four-groups (Control, DM, DM+I/R, DM+I/R+Walnut; n=6 each). STZ treatment and I/R procedures were not performed in the control group, other groups were first administered 60-mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally. After 48-h, animals were considered as DM. After four-weeks, DM groups were subjected to 30 min of hepatic-ischemia followed by 45-min reperfusion. DM+I/R+Walnut group was fed pellet-feed mixed with walnut (2g/100 g/day) until I/R. Other groups were fed only with pellet-feed. At the experimental end, animals decapacitated, blood samples collected to determine serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver samples were collected for histological examinations. Forty-eight-hours after STZ, animals showed significant weight-loss compared to age-matched controls, blood glucose levels were increased (P< 0.05). Four-weeks postSTZ, blood glucose also increased significantly. TNF-α, IL-6, MDA substantially increased in the DM+/I/R group (P< 0.01), whereas in DM+I/R+Walnut group this increase was lesser (P< 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were lower in DM+/I/R+Walnut vs. DM+I/R groups; but higher than DM/control groups (P< 0.05). Positive-correlation observed between TNF-α and IL-6 (Spearman r:0.793; P< 0.001), and moderately-positive-correlation between IL-6 and LDH (Spearman r:0.429; P< 0.05). Histopathology revealed disordered hepatic lobules, swelling cells, vacuoles in liver specimens visible in the DM+I/R group, implicating hepatic I/R injury, which improved in DM+I/R+Walnut specimens. We conclude that in diabetic rats, hepatic I/R injury is associated with augmented inflammatory response and oxidative stress, while walnut pre-treatment significantly decreased these responses.

4 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

001485   MOHAPATRA S K, MUKHOPADHYAY S (Computational Biology Dep, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani- 741 251, West Bengal) : Host response to SARS-CoV-2: Insight from transcriptomic studies. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2021, 58(1), 7-12.

In the recent months, a number of transcriptomic studies have generated high-resolution data on the genes and pathways that are dysregulated in the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and enriched our understanding of the disease biology of this novel viral infection. The cumulative evidence collected from these data are considered in this article. Three motifs emerge with potential for future research and clinical translation. First, instead of a broad cytokine storm, one needs to interrogate the disease in terms of timing of specific cytokine up-regulation. Second, there is a subpopulation of immature or developing neutrophils in the patients with severe COVID-19 illness. This needs to be probed further for mechanistic insight and possible drug targets. Third, complement and coagulation cascades are significantly dysregulated in COVID-19, leading to the common clinical observation of a hypercoagulable state being associated with poor outcome. Interactions of these pathways with other immune-inflammatory pathways are important areas of future research. Finally, with rapid advances in relevant technologies in medicine (clinical transcriptomics, systems biology and artificial intelligence), we envisage deployment of these platforms in the clinical laboratory which shall benefit timely management of critical infectious illnesses such as COVID-19 and sepsis.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

001320   SUDARWATI T P L, KUSUMO G G, FERNANDA M A H F, SOEDARTI T, SOEGIANTO A (Biology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia) : Bioautography of ethanol extract from carica papaya leaves for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Bacillus subtillis. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 917-20.

In the present study, we explore the use of papaya leaves ethanol extract as an antibacterial using bioautography method. Bioautography of papaya leaf ethanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Bacillus subtillis with n-butanol, acetic acid, distilled water with the ratio 4: 1: 5 yielded the dissolved compound of tannin. Furthermore, the tannins contained in papaya leaves has moderate antibacterial properties.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

001303   SADILA A Y, ZUBAIDAH U, FATIMAH A N, ADANI D F, GERALDI A (Biology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia) : Comprehensive structural and functional diversity of bacterial communities in lichens : A review. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 799-805.

The structural form of lichens mostly occur as moss-like substances.Theygrow on barks, branches, rocks, exposed soil surfaces, rain forests, and temperate woodland. Lichens are holobionts with more than one participant in the association. They are usually comprised of a filamentous fungal partner called mycobiont and an algal partner called photobiont. Lichen as a mutualistic association between a fungal and an algal partner, is now, a traditional concept. Recent and advanced molecular level studies revealed the fact, that lichens harbor diverse microbial communities such as heterotrophic bacteria. Bacterial communities in lichen vary as they are also influenced by abiotic environment that builds up their habitat. The metabolic activities of bacteria in lichen may provide benefits both to the bacteria itself and the lichen where it lives. This review pivots diversity of bacterial communities, the influence of abiotic environments on bacterial communities, and functional roles of bacterial communities in lichens.

2 tables, 22 ref

001294   MAWARDHA F S, AMIR J, SUGIYO P W W, FADILAH R L A, RACHMAWATI Y, WANTI Y T N, HARIYANTO S (Biology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia) : Aves biodiversity in Wonorejo fish pond (Surabaya, Indonesia): The conservation status of endemic and migration aves. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 741-4.

Wonorejo fish pond, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, is one of stopover place during shorebird’s migration. The migration happened between April to September. Birds are one of the most important components in the ecosystem, which its role is to support the life cycle of organisms. The objective of this study is to find out the abundance of variety of aves and its conservation status in Wonorejo Pond during migration month. The method that used in this research is Indices Ponctuels d’Abondance (IPA), and Shannon-Wiener index to analyze the abundance index. The conservation status of the aves refers to Regulation of Ministry of Environment and Forestry No.P106 and International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list of Threatened Species. The research was conducted for 4 days in May 2019, and the results are there were 578 birds observed from 25 aves species. One of the species, Rhipidura javanica, considered as protected species according to Regulation of Ministry of Environment and Forestry No. P106, while the conservation status of the other 24 species are not protected. According to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 25 species that observed included in least concern category. The abundance index of Wonorejo Pond is H’=1.8412, which fall under medium category.

6 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

001287   ALGHANIMY D B G, ALGHANMI H A (Biology Dep, Al-Qadisiyah Univ, Iraq) : Effect of different magnesium oxide nanoparticles concentration on the growth of the Lyngbya majuscula. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 690-4.

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) was (37.5, 56.5, 75, 93.75, 112.5, 150) g/l in BG11 medium on blue green alga Lyngbya majuscula a species of filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from soil, on photosynthetic pigments and growth. The results showed that the increase of MgO NPs caused an increase in the growth and concentration of chlorophyll a, and carotenoids compared with the control group that gave higher concentrations of chlorophyll a, and carotenoid. Also, the genetic analysis showed matching the DNA sequences of cyanobacterium understudy with DNA sequences of species found in Gen Bank at a percentage of 99% which was Lyngbya majuscula CCAP 1446/ 4, the results of sequences deposited in Gen Bank of NCBI site with accession number MN567111.1.

4 illus, 29 ref

001279   DEVIDA THALIA S, ANDANIA C, RIZALDY KURNIAWAN P, PRASETYO M A, ATIKAH AMALIA I, RAMADHANI JAKA S, NADIRA AISHA A, M. IRSYADTYAS S, PRATIWI I A (Biology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia) : A comparative study of bivalves in intertidal area of Southeast Asia and along the coastline of Arabian Sea: A Review. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 639-44.

The intertidal zone of the island is characterized predominantly by sand with minor gravel. The intertidal zone creates a suitable habitat for living things that bury themselves under the sand, including bivalves. Bivalves have an economic role because they can be processed as food and their shells can be used as decoration. Other than that, bivalves can also be pollutant bio-filters. The total number of Bivalves family identified in the intertidal zone is still unknown. Thus, this article presents a review of the biodiversity of bivalve family in the intertidal zone in Southeast Asia and along the coastline of Arabian Sea from 2010- 2020. Published data on the distribution of bivalve family in the intertidal zone were listed and checked using online databases and datasets from international organizations. A total of 35 bivalve families in the intertidal zone are found in 10 Southeast Asian countries also and a total of 45 bivalve families have been found in 8 countries (bordering) the Arabian Sea. This review serves as basic information for the biodiversity of Bivalves family in Southeast Asia and the Arabian Sea for future studies.

2 tables, 26 ref

001276   WIJAYA N H, SAVITRI A D, WAHYUNI A T, ALHADAD E S, EDO N, SHABRINA A, FARID M A, BASRI S S, FEBRIANTI A R, PUTRI D A R ET.AL (Biology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia) : Wild mushrooms diversity in tropical rainforest. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(2), 622-7.

Tropical rainforests are well-known as the habitat of various organisms, each housing a very complex yet different vegetation communities based on the biogeographical region. One of these organisms which prevails the most in tropical rainforest are fungi, especially the macroscopic ones. This research aims to analyze and compare the diversity especially of Basidiomycota between 4 location, 2 located in Indonesia while the other 2 in another country. In Indonesia, West Bali National Park, the exactly in Ambyarsari and the other one is in Block Cisela Lowland Forest Nature Reserve Bojonglarang Jayanti, Cianjur, West Java. For the location in other country, one in Colombian Amazon forests and the last one is Central Cardamom Protected Forest (CCPF) in Koh Kong province of Cambodia.

1 table, 18 ref

001263   AKPOR O B, KOMOLAFE I I, EVBUOMWAN I O, NNAJI C F (Biological Sciences Dep, Afe Babalola Univ, Ekiti State, Nigeria) : Comparison of phosphate removal from wastewater by chicken feather hydrolysate and agarose-immobilized microbial cells. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 395-404.

The discharge of untreated wastewater with excessive nutrient concentration is known to cause eutrophication in receiving water bodies. This study was aimed at comparing the effectiveness of chicken feather hydrolysate and the immobilized cell of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus brasilliense in the removal of phosphate from wastewater. The study was carried out at varying conditions, which were the effect of initial inoculum size of the immobilized cells used or the initial quantity of the feather hydrolysate, effect of pH, effect of static and agitated conditions and the effect of batch cycle in the removal of phosphate from wastewater in presence of the feather hydrolysate or immobilized cells. The results obtained revealed a direct relationship between phosphate adsorption and quantity of hydrolysate used. In presence of the feather hydrolysate, pH and incubation condition (agitated or static) did not show any visible effect in phosphate adsorption from the wastewater unlike in presence of the immobilized cells, where remarkable phosphate removal was observed under agitated conditions and at pH 8 and 10. In addition, phosphate decrease in the wastewater in presence of the feather hydrolysates or immobilized cells was observed only during the first and second batch cycles. Comparatively, phosphate decrease in the wastewater was significantly higher in presence of the feather hydrolysates than the immobilized cells. The findings of this study could help in the development of low cost, ecofriendly and effective materials for application in wastewater treatment systems.

8 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

001260   YAP C K, NULIT R, CHENG W H, PENG S H T, YAP C W, SHARIFINIA M, OKAMURA H (Biology Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, UPM- 43400, Malaysia) : Sediment ‘easily, freely, leachable or exchangeable’ as a potential geochemical fraction of copper bioavailability and contamination in the aquatic environment: Potentials and some notes. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 376-80.

The present study aimed to assess the potential of ‘easily, freely, leachable or exchangeable’ (EFLE) geochemical fraction in the surface sediments as a potential Cu bioavailability in the aquatic environment in relation to its total Cu concentration. Although the basis of this suggestion is merely based on the relationship between Cu EFLE and total concentrations of Cu in the surface sediments, it is still a potential indicator because the relationships are based on different aquatic ecosystems including offshore, intertidal, polluted urban lake, a polluted river and rivers and drainages. In addition, the use of a biomonitor (Snail Pomacea insularum) as an indicator of Cu bioavailability of the polluted site, agreeing with the higher EFLE geochemical fraction of Cu of the polluted sediment. Hence, Cu EFLE geochemical fraction in the surface can be suggested as a potential indicator of Cu bioavailability and contamination in the aquatic ecosystem, even though further studies are required.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

001259   YAP C K, HASSAN Z, SHAMSUDIN Z, NULIT R, NALLAPPAN M, CHENG W H, PENG S H T, YAP C W (Biology Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, UPM- 43400, Malaysia) : A preliminary study on heavy metals in green mustard Brassica juncea: A human health risk assessment. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 371-5.

Green mustard Brassica juncea were collected from Brinchang (Cameron Highland, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia collected in September 2016) and Sikamat (Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia collected in September 2013). Metal concentrations ranges (mg/kg dry weight) for the edible leaves of B. juncea were Cu (4.80-5.06), Fe (36.8-139), Ni (0.50-0.80), Pb (0.30-1.60) and Zn (25.7-32.4) from all both sampling sites. As for health risk assessment, the values of target hazard quotient for all metals in this study were below 1.00 in both adults and children. The current results have reflected no non-carcinogenic risks from all metals through the intake of green mustard. Still, heavy metal monitoring should be carried out periodically in this consumable popular vegetable.

1 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

001255   KUMAR C, THIND S K, KALEKA A S (Biology Dep, Anglo Sanskrit Coll, Ludhiana- 141 401, Punjab) : Some notes on breeding behaviour of brown-backed Indian robin Copsychus fulicatus cambaiensis (Latham, 1790) in agricultural landscape of Punjab. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 330-49.

During the breeding seasons 2017-2020, breeding activities of the Brown-backed Indian Robin, Copsychus fulcatus cambaiensis were studied for eight clutches laid in three nests built in the northern semi-urban outskirts of Khanna city in Punjab. Observations on nest building, incubation time-budgeting, hatching, growth, parental provisioning frequency, removal of fecal sacs, and fledging of young ones were inferred from video-records totaling 316.47 hours, direct field observations, photographs and nest visits. These nesting cycles extended from March to July. The breeding pairs built oval cup shaped nests and the shortest diameter, longest diameter and depth measured on average 5 cm, 6 cm and 4.5 cm respectively. The clutch size was 2 eggs (n=3), 3 eggs (n=3) and 4 eggs (n=2) and the mean egg length, breadth and weight measured 19.77±0.86 mm, 14.57±0.30 mm and 2.23±0.16 gm respectively (n=16). The eggs were laid in morning hours before 8:00 am and the incubation period was recorded 11 or 12 days (mean: 11.5 days, n=6). Review of the video records of 127.83 hours diurnal total observation time (TOT) recorded over 10 consecutive days (between 5:00 am – 8:00 pm each day) of full incubation at the focal nest revealed that the female invested 55.47 hours (43.39% TOT) and 72.36 hours (56.61% TOT) as attentive periods and inattentive periods respectively. Hatching was completed synchronously in one or two successive days except for a single three-egged clutch with its youngest chick hatching asynchronously on the third successive day. During the nestling phase of 12 – 15 days, eyes of the altricial chicks opened on 8th day after hatching and approaching the day12, the chick appeared fully feathered. Food provisioning was biparental and in TOT of 184.14 hours referable to 14 days of nestling life, male and female IR contributed a total of 1652 feeding visits at the nest, 878 (53.15%) and 774 (46.85%) feeding visits respectively at a rate of 8.97 visits per hour. The chicks were fed predominantly the grasshoppers and insect eggs, moths and occasionally the caterpillars and young lizards. Over the nestling phase the daily proportion of fecal sacs swallowed by parents decreased with a reciprocal increase in proportion of fecal sacs disposed of by parents. Of the total 490 fecal sacs handled by the parents, 150 (30.61%) were swallowed and 340 (69.39%) were disposed of away from the nest. A hatching success of 85.71% and fledging success of 94.44% were recorded in the study

6 illus, 7 tables, 70 ref

000889   Dyhia G, Ferroudja M-B, Lynda L (Biology Dep, Mouloud Mammeri de Tizi-Ouzou Univ, Algéria, Email: guermah.dyhia.d@gmail.com) : Prospecting for apple tree diseases in Tizi-Ouzou Region, Algeria. Bull Pure Appl Sci-Sect B 2021, 40B(1), 1-7.

The apple tree Malus domestica is subject to a wide range of diseases, which can be fungal, bacterial or viral; these diseases can seriously impair its growth and production. By weekly monitoring, we identified four major diseases that have established themselves in apple orchards on four varieties: Anna, Golden delicious, Red delicious and Dorset golden, in Tizi-Ouzouarea. These diseases are fungal disease: scab, powdery mildew, and canker; and of the bacterial order: fire blight.

5 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

001218   KUSANGGRAENI I, SANTOSO I, YASMAN (Biology Dep, Indonesia Univ, Depok- 16424, Indonesia) : Antifungal production of Bacillus siamensis LDR against Aspergillus niger ABP and ART using rice starch as carbon source. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S1, 101-7.

Problems can be emerged from contaminated food and agricultural products by Aspergillus niger. The growth of A. niger can be managed by biocontrol using antifungal compound produced by fermentation process. Nutrient composition of fermentation medium is one of important factors. In this research, production of antifungal compound from Bacillus siamensis LDR was carried out against two strains of A. niger ABP and ART. Rice starch as carbon source and yeast extract was added into Czapek-Dox medium as a fermentation medium. Fermentation was performed in still culture method within 10, 12, and 14 days. Antibiosis assay was done using filtrate of fermentation medium as solvent for preparing PDB and PDA media. The result was determined based on the biomass growth in PDB and the growth diameter in PDA from A. niger ABP and ART. Antibiosis assay using filtrate of 10 days fermentation showed significant effectivity in biomass reduction of A. niger ABP (99.20%) and growth diameter inhibition (83.28%). Significant effectivity was shown by filtrate of 12 days fermentation which reduced biomass (89.62%) and growth diameter inhibition (87.95%) of A. niger ART. Plate agar antibiosis assay was also done with the crude extract of medium from 12 days fermentation. Filtrate medium was extracted with ethyl acetate using liquid-liquid extraction method. Concentrations of antifungal crude extract were 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm. The inhibition growth of A. niger ABP and ART were already observed at 2,500 ppm.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

001191   SUMALATHA P, SREENIVASA M Y, MAHESHWAR P K (Microbiology Dep, Mysore Univ, Karnataka) : Diversity of fungi associated with onion (Allium cepa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) produced from Karnataka, India. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27-S2, 302-11.

A mycological survey was conducted in Allium cepa (Onion) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) samples collected from different regions of Karnataka state. The analysis revealed the occurrence of diverse group of fungi including Fusarium verticililoides, F. oxysporum, F. solani F. equiseti, A. flavus, A. niger, P. citrinum, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, and curvularia in Ginger samples. Onion samples associated with Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, P.citrinum, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, and Cladosporium. Highest frequency of Fusarium (78.9%) in Ginger and Aspergillus niger (89.5%) in Onion was recorded. Furthertoxigenic fungi like Fusarium species and Aspergillus flavus were subjected to molecular characterization. Fusarium isolates were confirmed by PCR amplification using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. As the data represented toxigenic fungal species, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree was constructed to know authenticity of toxigenic fungi. The present data represents the occurrence of toxigenic fungi in Ginger and Onion which may cause serious health hazards upon consumption of the contaminated vegetables.

6 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

001113   OUARAB S, BAALOUDJ A, AOUAR-SADLI M, MEDJDOUB-BENSAAD F, ABDELKADER D (Cellular and Molecular Biology Dep, Saad Dahlab Univ, Algeria) : Diversity of ectoparasites and their pathogens in birds (passeriformes and columbiformes) in Bouinan Region (Blida - Algeria). Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 253-60.

The present study focuses on the diversity of ectoparasites and their pathogens in birds (Passeriformes and Columbiformes) species in Bouinan region (Blida,Algeria).To detect ectoparasites potential vectors and reservoirs of bird’s pathogens, the arthropods are researched and collected from different bird nests; Passeriformes; the Europe Greenfinch (Carduelis Chloris); the black robin (Turdus merula); hybrid sparrow (Passer dmoesticus x Passer hispaniolensis) and Columbiformes rock dove (Columba livia) in Bouinan region (Blida). the present study permitted to record about 701 arthropods species collected from 40 nests. It consisted of 6 mite species with a dominance of Ornithonyssus bursa (58.5 %) followed by Dermanyssus gallinae (11.4 %) and a single species of lice Menacanthus stramineus 11.8 % respectively on the one hand, and on the other hand, we noticed the complete absence of fleas and ticks in these 40 analyzed nests. It should also be noted here that Mites are used as epidemiological tools to detect the pathogen by sensitive PCR molecular biology. The PCR results showed that Dermanyssus gallinae and Menacanthus stramineus are vectors of Borealis in the study area with Shells sparrows and Europe greenfinch.

8 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

001086   DHARMAWAN A, HARAHAB N, MUSA M, SOEMARNO (Biology Dep , State Univ of Malang, Malang- 65145, Indonesia) : Suitability formulation and prediction of seaweed (Gracilaria verrucosa) productivity in a pond area. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 61-72.

Gracilaria verrucosa is one of red algae that can be cultivated in the pond area. A pond is an artificial ecosystem so that all abiotic components that work can be controlled to get the expected productivity. This study aims to formulate land suitability for seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa cultivation based on abiotic factors that have significant influence by considering the interrelationship and effect of each factor on productivity. The research sample was 161 ponds of total 670 ponds, with the independent variable is abiotic components including pH, surface current, brightness, turbidity, depth, dissolved oxygen, N fertilization, salinity, pond substrate, water temperature, and the dependent variable is wet weight seaweed harvest per unit area. The measurement data for abiotic components are classified in three categories according to the range of suitability for Gracilaria verrucosa growth, that is category 3 (suitable), category 2 (less suitable), and category 1 (not suitable). Multiple linear regression analysis is performed to determine the contibution value (weight) of each abiotic component on seaweed productivity. Cluster analysis to classify suitability and productivity scores, and Mann Withney test for comparison between groups were used. The result of this study is the Land Suitability Formula for Gracilaria verrucosa. The equation of relationship between suitability score (x) with seaweed productivity (y) in the dry season is y = 1.7081x + 0.7181, while in the rainy season is y = 1.7247x + 1.101. The formulation test shows that the relationship between the suitability score and seaweed productivity can be grouped into three based on the similarity of their numerical characters with the limitation of the suitability score for the dry season 4.240 = suitable. For the rainy season is 4.196 = suitable. The results of predicted productivity in the dry season 7.958 ounces/m2 = suitable, while in the rainy season 8.338 ounces/m² = suitable. Statistical tests show that Gracilaria verrucosa productivity of the three groups for both dry and rainy seasons is significantly different.

5 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

001079   SAADU H, ISMAIL A, ZULKIFLI S Z, HASHIM A M, AMAL M N A (Biology Dep , Putra Malaysia Univ, Selangor- 43400, Malaysia) : Associations between anthropogenic activities, forest characteristics and water qualities in the North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest, Selangor, Malaysia. Eco Env Cons 2021, 27(1), 1-17.

The degradation of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF) is promoted by both natural and artificial factors. This study attempts to understand the associations between the anthropogenic activities, forest characteristics and water qualities in the undisturbed NSPSF and its nearby disturbed area. In each area, three sites were sampled in undisturbed area (UA); Sungai Karang Peat Swamp Forest site 1, Raja Musa Peat Swamp Forest and Sungai Karang Peat Swamp Forest site 2, while for disturbed area (DA); paddy field, forest fire and oil palm plantation areas were sampled. Modified scoring guides were used to determine the anthropogenic activities, while forest characteristics were also measured. Additionally, water physico chemical parameters were measured both in situ and ex situ. The means and standard deviations of obtained data were calculated, compared and associated between the areas. Generally, for anthropogenic activities, the findings showed that the state of accessibility, deforestation level and agricultural activities to be the predominant human activities in the DA. Moreover, construction activities cut across both UA and DA. However, for forest characteristics, the relative light intensity was higher in the DA compared to UA. The UA is characterized by higher number of trees. The DA showed high seedling percentage, but conversely lower in UA. For water quality analyses, lower dissolved oxygen values notably increase from UA to DA. However, the dissolved oxygen values were exceptionally lower in forest fire site in DA. Overall associations showed that the state of accessibility was closely correlated with NH₃ -N and Fe in the DA, while air pollution in the UA was associated with NO₃ - concentration in the water. Understanding on the associations between anthropogenic activities, forest characteristics and water qualities could provide insight for monitoring the ecological conditions and conservatory status of NSPSF.

6 illus, 12 tables, 27 ref

001077   CORROTO F, MACIA M J (Biology Dep , Madrid Univ, Madrid, Spain) : What is the most efficient methodology for gathering ethnobotanical data and for participant selection? Medicinal plants as a case study in the Peruvian andes. Econ Bot 2021, 75(1), 63-75.

The loss of traditional knowledge (TK) invariably continues worldwide and there is an urgent need to document and safeguard it before it vanishes. Researchers need efficient methods to document TK, taking fieldwork time and costs into account. In this study, we focused on medicinal plants to compare the information provided by 600 expert and general participants from 12 localities in northern Peruvian Andes; and (2) the information gathered in semi–structured and structured interviews with 81 informants at two localities in the same area. We found that expert informants reported 91 % of medicinal species and 67 % of medicinal indications in less than half the time than was required to gather information from general informants. Using structured interviews yielded an increase of 18% of medicinal species and 21 % of medicinal indications, but the time spent interviewing was 100 % higher than in the semi–structured interviews. Overall, since time and costs are key factors often limiting ethnobotanical research, we suggest focusing on interviews with expert informants to gain efficiency. Regarding the interview method, the most efficient use of structured interviews would be in the cases or areas where (some) ethnobotanical data have been reported previously. If a researcher starts a new project and little or no previous TK data exist for a given area, we would recommend the use of semi–structured interviews. However, the available time and budget will always be key factors to be taken into account in order to select the best methodology of any TK study. 

3 illus, 3 tables, 75 ref

000839   Aghayev J, Huseynov K, E Chankishiyev (Scientific Institute of Plant Protection and Industrial Crops, Azerbaijan, Email: cabrayil@yandex.ru) : Impact of bioecological factors on the development of tomato pathogens in greenhouse with biological control measures. Ambient Sci 2021, 08(1), 15-8.

The biological characteristics of tomato pathogens in a greenhouse shown that growing tomatoes for 3-4 years in one place forms a specialization of pathogens from the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Verticillium. The dynamics of the development of pathogens in the nutrient medium was also studied. The optimum level of temperature, humidity, pH of the substrate for the development of pathogens was determined. The ability of Alternaria solani, Fusarium solani, Phytophthora infestans fungi, to infect potatoes, peppers from the Solanaceae family was clarified and plants were vaccinated. Factors and elements of substrates on the development of pathogens at different temperatures were studied. Agar medium with the addition of tomato juice activates the growth of pathogens from the genus Fusarium and Verticillium. The level of toxic effects of pathogens from the genera of seeds of Alternaria and Fusarium on germination of tomato seedlings has been clarified. An extract of Echinacea purpurea was used for the biological control of pathogens. Positive results was obtained against Alternaria solani and Fusarium solani pathogens.

5 tables, 12 ref

003377   KARUPPIAH P, POYIL M M, RAJA S S S, MOHAMMAD I M (Microbiology Dep, Government Arts and Science Coll, Perambalur - 621107, Tamil Nadu) : Screening and isolation of vitamin B₁₂ producing Pseudomonas sp. from different natural sources. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 249 - 54.

Vitamin B₁₂ is an essential vitamin playing a vital role in red blood cell formation, maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) and involved in metabolism of every cell in body. It is widely used as dietary supplement worldwide and used to treat anemia. The present study focuses on isolation and extraction of vitamin B₁₂ producing Pseudomonas sp. from rhizosphere, non-rhizosphere soil and fish gut (Tilapia sp.). The vitamin B₁₂ producers and non-producers were enumerated from the samples. Vitamin B₁₂ producing Pseudomonas sp. from fish gut was analyzed using auxonography method. Further, the vitamin B₁₂ from all the isolated bacterial samples were purified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC). Rhizosphere soil (68.4 %) showed highest population of vitamin B₁₂ producers than non-rhizosphere soil (40 %) and fish gut (60 %). Pseudomonas sp. from rhizosphere soil (R6) showed higher vitamin B₁₂ production (11.54 mg/l) whereas non-rhizosphere soil and fish gut showed 5.25 mg/l and 6.68 mg/l. Control strain, Propionibacterium freudenreichii - 1950 had production of 8.1 mg/l which lower than the strain-R6. These wild type organisms when optimized or genetically modified can synthesis high amounts of vitamin B₁₂ which supports to overcome the vitamin B₁₂ deficiency worldwide.

6 illus, 13 ref

003368   KULLA S, HYMAVATHI T V, KUMARI B A, REDDY R G, RANI C V D (Institute of Biotechnology, Hyderabad - 500 030) : Impact of germination on the nutritional, antioxidant and antinutrient characteristics of selected minor millet flours. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 178 - 84.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of germination on nutritional, antinutritiona l, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity) in barnyard, foxtail and little millet flours. Grains were germinated for 24 h after soaking for 12 h, dried, milled and used for the analysis. Nutritional composition of millet flours was analyzed using AOAC methods. Antinutritional and antioxidant properties were measured in terms of oxalates, tannins, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents. Antioxidant activity was done using DPPH radical scavenging activity at six different concentrations and 50% inhibitory concentration was drawn from the linear regression. Germination of millets has decreased energy value and oxalate content, and increased crude fiber, tannins, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid compounds. It also increased DPPH radical scavenging activity of millet flours. As germinated millet flours are rich source of antioxidant properties with good radical scavenging activity could be recommended to develop functional foods for the treatment of various degenerative diseases.

6 illus, 2 tables, 57 ref

003363   SHARMA A, PRIYANKA, SHARMA A K (Biosciences and Bioengineering Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara - 144 411, Punjab) : Comparative evaluation of pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus: A review. Annals Phytomed 2021, Vol 10 (1), 123 - 31.

Diabetes is a chronic and progressive metabolic disorder characterized by a high level of blood sugar, i.e., glucose in the body. Glucose is the main source of energy in the human body. The level of glucose in the blood is controlled by the hormone called insulin, released by the pancreas. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized as glucose intolerance that begins and first recognition during pregnancy. Diabetes is very common in Asian countries, especially Indians. Obesity and advanced gestational age are the other risk factors for gestational diabetes.The acute, long-term, and transgenerational health complications of diabetes disease affect approximately 9-25 per cent of pregnancies worldwide. The present article discusses the concept, risk factors, pathogenesis, screening, and treatment of diabetes in pregnancy, as well as the complications, it can cause the mother and the fetus, as well as the long-term consequences.

4 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

003344   YADAV D, WATI L (Microbiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004) : Impact of long-term zero-tillage and cropping system on chemical and microbiological properties of soil. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 269 - 76.

Long-term tillage methods and crop rotations can change the physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil. Under different climatic conditions, the tillage system may have an impact on soil qualities. In the present investigation, soil microbial diversity at different depths was studied in long term tillage experiment continued since 1997-98 (sorghum-wheat), 2014-15 (pearl millet-wheat), 2010-2011 (rice-wheat) and 2006-07 (guar-wheat) that was carried out in sandy loam, sandy, loamy sand and sandy textured soil at Hisar, Rewari, Karnal and Mahendragarh (Haryana) during 2017-18, respectively. Adoption of ZT practice positively affected EC, pH, Total NPK content, viable counts, enzymatic activities and functional diversity of microbes. As a result, ZT appears to be a successful method for improving the physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil, which could lead to increased soil health and crop productivity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

003340   PATI S, MOHANTY M K, MAITY S, MOHAPATRA S, SAMANTARAY D P (Microbiology Dep, CBSH, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Bioconversion of syngas to bioethanol using acetogen under submerged fermentation. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 248 - 52.

Crude oil extinction and booming energy consumption coupled with climate crisis to pave the way of academia & industry for development of a sustainable biofuel. Hence, economic & eco-friendly bioethanol comes into limelight which is a superior substitute of gasoline used in transportation sector as it doesn’t contribute noxious gases to global warming. This research deals with synthesis of bioethanol through syngas fermentation using acetogens. Therefore, in toto 07 acetogens were isolated from compost sample in ATCC medium no. 1754 under anaerobic condition. Among them, the acetogen S1 a has the ability to produce bioethanol as confirmed from pyridinium chlorochromate assay. The screened acetogen produced 1.44 % of bioethanol through syngas (60 % CO+ 20 % CO₂ + 15 % H₂ + 5% CH₄ ) fermentation carried out at 37^oC for 72 hours in aspecially designed culture bottle. The bioethanol production and its concentration was confirmed by GC analysis. The bioethanol producing acetogen was identified as Clostridium sp. S1a by API 20A system. Further, bioethanol production under optimized condition and molecular characterization of the acetogen is highly essential in this regard.

2 illus, 26 ref

003335   SINGH V R, KUMAR N, KUMAR D (Maharaja Agarsen Agriculture Coll, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan) : Design of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) pricking machine. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 222 - 4.

In India an economical manufacturing remedy is vital for product being affordable to rural areas as well as small scale industries, in India Aonla produced on very large scale for various purposes like candy, murabba, pickles etc. The purpose of study is to investigate and overcome problem by overcoming manual method of pricking Aonla while manufacturing murabba. Aonla has the hallowed position in Ayurveda. Aonla is native to India and also grows at tropical and sub tropical region like India, Pakistan Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. In India Uttar Pradesh has the highest area under cultivation and production of Aonla. Area under Aonla orchard in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh is about 13000 hectares. Traditional method for making Aonla murabba is hygienic because for making murabba, Aonla has to be pricked first and that pricking method of Aonla is drudgery prone and most of the workers are injured by hand pricking method. Also it takes too much time for pricking. Thus to overcome these problems and keeping in mind the benefits of small and medium farmers a low cost, pedal operated Aonla pricking machine suitable for farm women has been designed.

9 ref

003321   ZMORROD N, HAKAWATI N A, AMER R A, YUSEF H H (Biological Sciences Dep, Beirut Arab Univ, Lebanon) : Biosorption OF Pb (II) and Cd (II) by halomonas SP.. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 131 - 9.

In this study, the biosorption ability of the halophilic bacterial isolate H1S2 biomass was investigated for Pb (II) and Cd (II) removal from aqueous solution. The bacterial isolateH1S2 was identified using the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Halomonas meridiana H2. The parameters influencing the biosorption process were optimized such as initial metal concentration, biomass dose and contact time. The optimum dried biomass dose of H. meridiana H2 for Pb (II) and Cd (II) metal ions removal was 50 mg. The optimal contact time for the removal of Pb (II) and Cd (II) metal ions by H. meridiana H2 was 10 and 15 minutes respectively. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubnin–Redushkevich isotherm models were applied. The equilibrium data obtained from the experiments fitted well with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The kinetic data was also studied and found to be following pseudo-second order model.

12 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

003319   CALIK I, GAZEZOGLU I (Molecular Biology and Genetics Dep, Baskent Univ, Ankara, Turkey) : Innovations in pcr devices in terms of hardware properties. Asian Jr of Microbiol Biotech Env Sc 2021, Vol 23 (2), 119 - 25.

Biotechnology co-progresses along the continuous development within other technologies and science fields such as nanophysics, thermodynamics etc. Their developments had an equal contribution to PCR devices, one way or another new innovations end up being integrated within them such as different thermal cyclings or sensors used to identify fluorescent dyes. With the global 2020 pandemic, biotechnological advances quickly became a hot-topic globally and PCR marketing skyrocketed due to an increase of demands. With a rise in positive SARS-CoV-2 cases, laboratories sought more lightweight and portable devices that are less expensive but high-sensitive props and kits to work their tests with. Microchips’ involvement within the PCR markets achieved just that, and has proven to be revolutionary. What these chips and their accompanying hardware properties within PCR devices provide, their types and in what areas some specific chips such as photodiodes suit best are all explained in this review along with crediting the first origins of PCR devices.

4 illus, 29 ref