019468   Uttam M;Lehri A;Singh S (Sports Science Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala, Punjab) : Study to evaluate the anthropometric profile among punjabi boys. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 3-6.

Anthropometry is the study of measurement of shape, size and proportions of human body. It is the important measure to assess physical characteristics and growth pattern of human body. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the important anthropometric measures among Punjabi boys. 40 hostel living Punjabi boys were participated in a study. The simple random sampling was used for the selection of the subjects. The anthropometric measurements taken for the assessment of subjects are height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference and waist hip ratio (WHR). The results of the present study indicated that, the mean height, weight and BMI with standard deviation of Punjabi boys was 174±24.05, 67.42±11.43 and 21.93±3.06 respectively. The mean waist, hip circumference, waist hip ratio with standard deviation was 32.87±3.72, 36.02 ± 3.14 and 0.91±0.08 respectively. The study concluded that BMI and waist hip ratio values are within the normal range among Punjabi boys.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

019467   Singh H;Singh D (NO, Punjabi Univ Constituent College, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab) : Biomechanical analysis of spiking skill in volleyball. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 15-19.

The aim of the study to find out the Biomechanical analysis of spiking skill in volleyball. In this research total Ten Inter-University level male volleyball players were randomly selected from north zone as subjects for the study. The separate data will collected as for all counter spikers. The subjects were explained about the objective of the study. Age of subjects ranging between 19 to 24 years. For this study ten variables selected, these variables are: angle of wrist joint, angle of elbow joint, angle of shoulder joint, angle of hip joint, angle of knee joint, angle of ankle joint, horizontal velocity of wrist joint, horizontal acceleration of wrist joint, vertical velocity of wrist joint and vertical acceleration of wrist joint. Motion capture technique was used in this study. The films were analyzed by using standard "Quintic coaching v-17 software" approved by Human kinetics. After collection of data Karl Pearson's product moment coefficient correlation statistical technique was used. In order to check the significance, level of significance was set at 0.01. The outcome of the study proved that the significant relationship were found in these variables: Angle of ankle joint, Horizontal velocity of wrist joint, Vertical velocity of wrist joint, Horizontal acceleration of wrist joint & Vertical acceleration of wrist joint and insignificant relationship were found in these variables: Angle of wrist joint, Angle of elbow joint, Angle of shoulder joint, Angle of hip joint & Angle of knee joint.

10 tables, 6 ref

019466   Singh H;Kang G S (Assistant Professor, Punjabi Univ Constituent College, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab) : Relationship of selected kinematical variables with performance of counter spiker in volleyball players. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 22-5.

The aim of the study to find out the Relationship of selected Kinematical variables with performance of counter Spiker in Volleyball players. In this research total Ten Inter-University level male volleyball players were randomly selected from north zone as subjects for the study. The separate data will collected as for all counter spikers. The subjects were explained about the objective of the study. Age of subjects ranging between 19 to 24 years. For this study six variables selected, these variables are: (EHa) horizontal acceleration of elbow joint, vertical velocity of elbow joint, (EVa) vertical acceleration of elbow joint, (SHv) horizontal velocity of shoulder joint, (SHa) horizontal acceleration of shoulder joint, (SVv) vertical velocity of shoulder joint and (SVa) vertical acceleration of shoulder joint. Motion capture technique was used in this study. The films were analyzed by using standard "quintic coaching v-17 software" approved by Human kinetics. After collection of data Karl Pearson's product moment coefficient correlation statistical technique was used. In order to check the significance, level of significance was set at 0.01.the outcome of the study proved that the significant relationship of all selected Kinematical variables with performance of counter Spiker in Volleyball players.

7 tables, 4 ref

019465   Satav B;Relekar S (NO, Topiwala National Medical College & B.Y.L NAIR CH. Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Identification of symptoms of the vocal fatigue in stage actors. Int J multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(12), 38-41.

Vocal fatigue is a common symptom observed in all professional voice users but especially it is more common in stage actors with intense impact. Different symptoms have been reported by various individuals that could indicate the vocal fatigue. The purpose of this study was to identify various symptoms of vocal fatigue experienced by the actors. The study was carried out on 20 stage actors by administering the self-reported vocal fatigue questionnaire in pre and post-performance conditions. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions to be rated on a score of 0-4 suggestive of none, very mild, mild, moderate and severe. It was found that total 8/16 symptoms such as loudness range, difficulty in voice projection, harshness, hoarseness, breathiness, pitch breaks, unsteadiness in voice and weakness in voice were commonly observed self-reported symptoms of vocal fatigue.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

019464   Sandesh K S;Rai S R;Rai D R;Dinesh Kumar A (PG Studies in Social Work Dep, Nehru Memorial College, Sullia, Karnataka) : Awareness about cancer among the public in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Int J multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(11), 21-3.

Cancer is a curable disease that can turn terminal when presented for treatment in its later stages. While it is a non-communicable illness, many factors contribute to its prevalence including genetics, lifestyle and exposure to toxic waste. Social work involves helping individuals, families and communities to improve their overall well-being to enhance social functioning (Healy, 2014). Oncology social workers help patients and their families cope with the distress brought on by - 52 - cancer from its onset to the treatment or terminal stage (Mostert, 2017). Social workers in the Dakshina Kannada area, therefore, must create awareness on the causes of various cancers, their advancement and treatment to increase the current cancer survival rate (Mostert, 2017; National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, 2017). This paper reviews the cancer awareness levels in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state in India to determine the levels of cancer awareness causal factors and possible solutions that social workers can use to solve the issues this raises.

2 tables, 12 ref

019463   Rana M;Singh S S J;Yadav S (Textile and Apparel Designing Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: chauhan.mamta1986@gmail.com) : Effect of microencapsulated plants extracts on mosquito repellency. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2127-31.

Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects in terms of public health importance. Mosqui-toes not only cause nuisance by their bites but also transmit deadly diseases. The activity of mosquitoes is affected by climate, light and temperature. In tropical areas like India, the population of mosquitoes is found huge day by day. Repeated use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has disrupted environment as well as human health. To overcome this problem, plant derived compounds may be the better alternate over synthetic insecticides. To enhance the health and hygiene qualities by means of use of medicinal plants through effective application technique on textiles, marigold (petals) and nirgundi (leaves) methanol extract was used as mosquito repellent finish on 100% woven cotton. For applying mosquito repellent finish on fabric, complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation was used through pad-dry-cure method. Finished cotton samples were tested against Anopheles stephensi by using laboratory cage method for their efficacy and durability to washing and sun-drying as per standard test methods. Marigold (petals)and nirgundi (leaves) extract finished fabric samples showed 96 and 94% repellency respectively after 60 minutes of observation. It remained 56% and 54% (after 15 washes) and 54 and 52% (after expo-sure in sun for 3 hours) by the application of marigold and nirgundi extracts respectively. Hence, microencapsulation technique on selected cotton textile proved effective to repel mosquitoes up to acceptable level according to WHO (1996).

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

019462   Ramajayam M (NO, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Maruthi College of Physical Education Co, Tamil Nadu) : Reaction time on various physical education college of inter collegiate men hockey players. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 29-31.

Reaction time is the ability to respond quickly with proper posture and control to a stimulus such as sound or sight. In many instances, quickness is more important than straight ahead speed. To achieve the purpose of the present study seventy two subjects were selected various physical education colleges from Tamil Nadu from Selvam college of physical education, YMCA college of physical education, Ramakrishna mission Vidyalaya Maruthi College of physical education, Tamil Nadu Physical Education Sports University, Tamil Nadu. Hockey Inter collegiate tournaments held at Maruthi College of physical education during September- 2017. Each college eighteen players were selected. Their age ranged from 21 to 25 years. The selected criterion variable reaction time was tested using the chronoscope (reaction timer) - 51 - apparatus, The procedure was repeated for three times and three readings which appeared on the display were noted. The least reading of the three was taken as subject's best reaction time and was recorded in the subject's record profile. The inter stimulus interval was randomly adjusted between 5-10 seconds. The same procedure was followed for determination of visual reaction time (in m sec) for Red and Green stimuli using both hands. The data were collected and treated with ANOVA. If obtained 'F' ratio was significant scheffe's post hoc test was used to find out the paired mean difference. The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05. The results shows that there is significant difference among the inter collegiate men players of reaction time. The Maruthi College of physical education men hockey players better reaction time compared with TNPESU, SELVAM and YMCA college.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

019461   Mishra L K (Basic Science and Humanities Dep, College of Home Science, Central Agricultural Univ, Tura-794 005, Email: lkmishra2005@gmail.com) : Nutritional attributes, bioactive components and overall acceptability of pineapple grown under different farming system. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2353-9.

Nutritional attributes, bioactive components and sensory qualities of pineapple (kew variety) grown under fertilizer based and traditional (organic by default) farming system were determined and compared in this study. The results revealed that organically grown (without adding any chemical inputs as per traditional practices) pineapple had significantly higher bioactive components (vitamin c and total soluble phenolics ranging from 23.19% to 24.04% and 28.69 mg/100g FW to 29.54 mg/100g fresh weight (FW) respectively for organically grown fruits and 19.84% to 20.01% and 21.32 mg/100g FW to 21.93 mg/100g FW respectively in conventionally grown in fruits). The study also reports that the organically grown pineapples had significantly higher overall acceptability (4.5 and 4.3 in 2013 and 2014 respectively) and popularity (4.26 and 4.32 in 2013 and 2014 respectively) as compared to the pineapples grown under conventional farming system using fertilizers (2.8 overall acceptability in 2013 and 2014; 2.96 and 2.86 popularity in 2013 and 2014 respectively).

4 tables, 40 ref

019460   Koch A;Mishra V B (NO, , M.P.ED Student, L.N.I.P.E, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Relationship of selected motor fitness components with the performance of two hands snatch. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 20-1.

The purpose of the study was to investigate a relationship between a selected motor fitness components with the performance in two hands snatch among the male weightlifters of Lakshmibai national Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior. Twenty-five subjects were taken for the study and the age of the subjects ranged between 18 to - 50 - 24 yrs. Motor fitness components explosive leg strength, strength endurance for abdomen, grip strength, shoulder flexibility and flexibility of the spine were selected. These motor fitness components were measured through a valid test by establishing a tester reliability. The performance of each of the subject was witnessed by three judges. Based on the rules of the correct lift, the performance was recorded. Each subject was given three attempts and the best was taken for the analysis of the study. The data was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation and the level of significance to test the hypothesis was set at 0.05 level. It was hypothesized that there will be no significant difference between selected motor fitness components with the performance of the two hands snatch. The result of the study showed that all the selected motor fitness components have shown a positive correlation with the performance of the two hands snatch.

1 table, 11 ref

019459   Himangshu Raj;Dutta D;Ahmed G (Bioengineering and Technology Dep, Institute of Science and Technology, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati) : Gene expression study in bovine in vitro produced two cell embryos. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(4), 778-81.

The objective of this study was to examine expression of certain developmental genes in bovine 2- cell stage embryos. Bovine oocytes were recovered from abattoir originated ovaries and subjected for maturation and fertilization in vitro. mRNA extraction and subsequent reverse transcriptase PCR was done to evaluate expression of GJA1, ACTB, PAPOLA and POU5F1 genes. Expression of these genes in 2- cell stage embryos might be due to its importance in the subsequent development and embryonic genome activation.

1 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

019458   Garrido-Perez E I;Cajas A (NO, Asociacio Llapis i lavors and Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui (UNACHI, Panama, Herbario y Jardin Botanico. Urbanizacion El Cabrero, Carretera Interamericana, David 0426, Chiriqui, Panama, Email: edgardoga2@hotmail.com) : How many species of living beings fit into the universe?. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 171-7.

Extraterrestrial life is to be discovered soon so we aim to contribute to Astrobiology to go beyond by asking the same as Ecology: how many species the universe hosts and how such a number changes in space and time. Based on data from Amazonian and other tropical forests, it could be said that the universal number of species may tend to infinite because of the huge availability of space and ecological niches. However, living beings are particles of which species are groups so the just mentioned hypothesis is not viable. By falsifying that, we show how the number of species oscillates at different moments of universal history depending on the rates of speciation and extinction, each of them multiplied by a species accumulation factor to be calculated based on the age of the first planet producing life. We use the instant of the Big Bang as the time of origin for all formulations. We feature Big-Bang-time standardized formulae to estimate the number of species for each planet so the average among planets can be a proxy for the universal number of species to be updated as Astrobiology continues its progress. Effects of migration, habitat constraints, and related Natural Selection are absorbed by our equations. Our formulae are compatible with Fisher's-a biodiversity index. Once humankind will discover living and fossil life outside Earth, a major step to be made will be the discovery of the planet where life was born at first.

1 illus, 20 ref

019457   Ganjuri M;Darakhshan S;Taghizad F (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Razi Univ, Kermanshah, Iran, Email: darakhshan.sara@gmail.com) : Review on pharmacological and therapeutic properties of Echinacea. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(5), 131-54.

The botanical supplement market is growing at a rapid rate and this trend is expected to continue to progress. In the world of Nutraceuticals Echinacea plant is widely used for medicinal and commercial purposes. This Native American herb has a remarkable record of clinical and laboratory study, as well a long history of medicinal use in the management of a variety of conditions. Phytomedicinal preparations from the genus of Echinacea are widely used for the prevention and the treatment of common cold and upper respiratory tract infections. However, most of the uses of Echinacea are based on the reported immunological properties; there is a large body of evidence, based on in vitro and animal studies, demonstrating that Echinacea possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-microbial properties. It has also been suggested that this plant is a potential therapeutic agent for - 49 - cancer, diabetes and skin problems. From the other point of view, on the basis of the available safety data, Echinacea has little adverse effects and is well tolerated. This paper reviews the pharmacological properties of Echinacea genus and its individual active components.

^iia2 tables, 153 ref

019456   Ding X;Zhu H;Hou Y;Hou W;Zhang N;Fu L (College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637009) : Comparative analysis of transcriptomes of macrophage revealing the mechanism of the immunoregulatory activities of a novel polysaccharide isolated from Boletus speciosus frost. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(51), 463-71.

The mechanism of the immunoregulatory activities of polysaccharide is still not clear. Here, we performed the B-cell, T-cell, and macrophage cell proliferation, the cell cycle analysis of macrophage cells, sequenced the transcriptomes of control group macrophages, and Boletus speciosus Frost polysaccharide (BSF-1) group macrophages using Illumina sequencing technology to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to determine the molecular mechanisms of immunomodulatory activity of BSF-1 in macrophages. These results suggested that BSF-1 could promote the proliferation of B-cell, T-cell, and macrophages, promote the proliferation of macrophage cells by abolishing cell cycle arrests in the G0/G1 phases, and promote cell cycle progression in S-phase and G2/M phase, which might induce cell division. A total of 12,498,414 and 11,840,624 bp paired-end reads were obtained for the control group and BSF-1 group, respectively, and they corresponded to a total size of 12.5 G bp and 11.8 G bp, respectively, after the low-quality reads and adapter sequences were removed. Approximately 81.83% of the total number of genes (8,257) were expressed reads per kilobase per million mapped reads (RPKM ≥1) and more than 1366 genes were highly expressed (RPKM <62>60) in the BSF-1 group. A gene ontology-enrichment analysis generated 13,042 assignments to cellular components, 13,094 assignments to biological processes, and 13,135 assignments to molecular functions. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are significantly enriched for DEGs between the two cell groups. An analysis of transcriptome resources enabled us to examine gene expression profiles, verify differential gene expression, and select candidate signaling pathways as the mechanisms of the immunomodulatory activity of BSF-1. Based on the experimental data, we believe that the significant antitumor activities of BSF-1 in vivo mainly involve the MAPK signaling pathways.

12 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

019455   Al-Ghizawi G J;Jomaa Z K (Biology Dep, Education College for Pure Science, Basrah Univ, Email: zahraakatib80@gmail.com) : The role mycoplasma in men in infertility. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(1), 165-70.

This study was aimed to determine the role of Mycoplasma in men infertility in Basrah province and diagnosis species bacterial other causative infertility of men, 100 seminal fluid specimens was collected from men who admitted to infertility center in Basrah province from (1/10/2015) to (31/5/2016), besides that (50) semen specimens was collected from that fertility men as control group. Samples will culture on Monophasic-Diphasic-Culture-Setup (MDCS) for isolation Mycoplasma. Samples will culture on Blood agar, MacConkey agar and Chocolate agar for isolation bacteria other than Mycoplasma. Mycoplasma isolated from (48) case and diagnosed five species: Ureaplasma urealyticum (37.5%); Mycoplasma hominis (20.83%); Mycoplasma genitalium (14.58%); Mycoplasma pirum (14.58%) and Mycoplasma fermenting (12.5%), where the last two species are first recorded in Iraq from seminal fluid. Study recorded that patients from (30-39) years high infertility rate and Mycoplasma infection percentage. High percentage of single infection was U. urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. By using Vitek 2 system diagnosed (22) bacterial species from seminal fluid some isolated at first in Iraq. Mycoplasma infected in some patients who suffering from Varicose (18.75%) and Diabetes (8.33%) and bladder nerve pressure (4.16%). This study found, specimens without bacterial infection (7%).The (27) urogenital pathogens The microorganisms affect a negative effect on sperm dysfunction and semen quality, it was including Mycoplasma infection (for five species) and other bacterial very effected quantity and quality in seminal fluid analysis for infertile men. Semen size was very small also sperms count, besides that affected on sperms morphology and activity. Also found Pus cells and RBC.

4 tables, 32 ref

019454   Ajay Kumar (Physical Education, SGGS Khalsa College Mahilpur, Punjab) : Effect of anxiety level in sports female and non-sports female groups. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 32-3.

The purpose of this study was to compare the Sports Competition Anxiety of sports female and non-sports female at college level. The present study was conducted on the 50 sports female and 50 non-sports female of college level of Punjab. Their age was ranged 18 to 25 year. The collection of data to measure e Sports Competition Anxiety Marten's (1977) Inventory was used. For the analysis of data, collected by administering the questionnaire to all the subject's t- test was employed at p<60>0.05 level of significant. The result of the study concluded that there was statistically significant difference in sports female and non-sports female. It is clear that the mean sports female between of non-sports female is significantly higher than the mean Sports Competition Anxiety of the non-sports female.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

019453   Ajay Kumar (Physical Education, SGGS Khalsa College Mahilpur, Punjab) : Comparison of anxiety level in successful female and unsuccessful female groups. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(6), 1-2.

The purpose of this study was to compare the Sports Competition Anxiety of successful female sports and un-successful sports female at college level. The present study was conducted on the 60 successful female sports and 60 un-successful sports female of college level of Punjab. Their age was ranged 18 to 25 year. The collection of data to measure e Sports Competition Anxiety Marten's (1977) Inventory was used. For the analysis of data, collected by administering the questionnaire to all the subject's t- test was employed at p<60>.001 level - 47 - of significant. The result of the study concluded that there was statistically significant difference in successful female and unsuccessful sports female. It is clear that the mean successful female between of unsuccessful sports female is significantly higher than the mean Sports Competition Anxiety of the unsuccessful sports female.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

019452   Agbo B E;Takon I A;Ajaba M O (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Biological sciences, Calabar Univ, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Email: profbaseadeone@gmail.com) : Prevalence of contaminating microorganims in anti-malarial drugs sold in Calabar, cross river state, Nigeria. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(10), 4272-7.

The challenges to ensure proper preparation, storage, preservation and distribution of drugs are enormous. Very often, this results in the production and distribution of contaminated drugs. The study, therefore aimed to evaluate the prevalence of contaminating microorganisms in anti-malarial drugs sold in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. This was carried out using standard microbiological procedures which included total aerobic bacterial plate count, isolation and characterization of microbial contaminants and physical parameters analysis. It is evidence from the results that out of a total of 10 samples, only one sample was not contaminated by bacteria but for fungi, all the drugs sampled were contaminated. Bacillus subtilis was found to be the most prominent bacterial isolates with the frequency of occurrence of five (5) and 33.5%, followed by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus with the same frequency of three (3) and 20.0%, Lactobacillus sp. had frequency of two (2) and 13.3%, and Sporolactobacillus had frequency of one (1) and 6.6% while only one of the anti-malarial drugs had no contamination, that is 6.6% of the sample was not contaminated. Whereas Penicillium sp. was found to be the most predominant fungal isolates, with the highest frequency occurrence of six (6) and 46.2% followed by Candida alblicans with the frequency of three (3) and30.7% and Aspergillus niger had the least frequency of three (3) and 23.1%. This result reveals a high level of bacteria and fungi contaminants in the anti-malarial drugs sold in Calabar and makes need for intervention.

26 ref

019451   Abdel-Mageed W S;Marey M M;El-Halfawy K (Molecular Biology Dep, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), Sada, Egypt, Email: abdelmageed0@gmail.com) : Effect of purified Nigella sativa lectin against tumor development in female albino mice and genetic polymorphism in puma gene. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(10), 4004-13.

The purpose of this study examine whether the polymorphism in p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) gene consequential treated with purified Nigella sativa lectin in tumor induced mice. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. Possess a seed lectin that was purified by combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity chromatography on a Sepharose 4B column. The Nigella sativa strongly agglutinated human erythrocytes. The hemagglutinating activity of lectin was maintained after incubation at a wide range of temperature - 46 - and pH and also was independent of divalent cations. By sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, lectin exhibited an electrophoretic profile consisting of a single band with apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa. Experimental groups were organized into 6 groups including 10 animals per each, additionally control group, blood samples were collected form mice before and after lectin treatment for liver and kidney enzymes biochemical analysis, Data statistical analysis for mitochondrial enzymes in our study showed a very highly significant (P<60>0.001) difference in the mean value of serum enzymes isolated from treatments groups with the polymorphism of the PUMA gene were typed from genomic DNA, the results from PUMA showed a strong deferent between the treatments with lectin.

23 ref

018547   Vivero R J;Quintero L S;Pena H C; Alvar-Beltran J;Tovar C;Atencia C M;Velez I D (Programa de estudio y control de enfermedades tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia, Email: rajovigo2001@yahoo.com) : Composition and distribution of medically important phlebotomines (diptera: psychodidae) in the municipalities of tierralta and valencia (cordoba, Colombia). J Vector Borne Dis 2017, 54(1), 87-95.

Ecoepidemiological studies of cutaneous leishmaniasis and regular monitoring of Lutzomyia species have generated a knowledge base that can be used for control and prevention strategies targeted at the disease transmission dynamics in focal areas of Colombia. In this study, the presence and spatial distribution of phlebotomines of medical importance in the municipalities of Tierralta (El Loro and Tuis Tuis villages) and Valencia (Guadua and Mieles villages) were determined. Entomological surveys were performed in 2015 (months of June, September and November) and samples were collected via CDC-traps located in intradomicilary and peridomiciliary areas in the municipalities of Tierralta and Valencia (Department of Cordoba, Colombia). Active searches were also carried out with a mouth aspirator to collect adult phlebotomines from resting sites. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to assess if the differences between the communities of phlebotomines. Spatial distribution maps of the Lutzomyia species were generated. A high species diversity of Lutzomyia was observed with a total of 1677 Lutzomyia individuals belonging to 12 species. Among these species, Lu. panamensis was the most abundant (80.18%). The composition of the intradomicilary and peridomiciliary phlebotomines varied significantly (F = 0.9962; df = 1; p = 0.02895). Species like Lu. carpenteri, Lu. camposi, Lu. dysponeta, Lu. atroclavata and Lu. yuilli yuilli were recorded for the first time in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. The spatial distribution shows that Lu. panamensis and Lu. gomezi are predominant and present in areas with high concentration of houses. This study provides basic information on new records of phlebotomines in the Department of Cordoba. The results suggest that greater vector-human contact occurs in the peridomiciliary environment and that a high number of Lutzomyia species associated with the transmission of leishmaniasis are present in Colombia.

6 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

018546   Seufi A E M;Ismail E I;Elkenawi S A (Biology Dep, Aljouf Univ, College of Science, Sakaka, KSA) : Variations in protein banding patterns of salivary glands during feeding behavior of adult Culex pipiens pipiens (diptera: culicidae). Int J Mosquito Res 2017, 4(6), 33-41.

The saliva of hematophagous insects contains a variety of pharmacologically active substances that counteract the normal haemostatic response to injury in vertebrate hosts. In the present study, protein banding pattern (Native and SDS-PAGE) of salivary glands of adult Culex pipiens at sugar-fed, un-fed, starved and blood fed stages were investigated. Males and females of Cx. pipiens were dissected and their salivary glands were collected at 3, 12 and 24, 48, 72 h after sugar feeding, starved and un-fed stages. Female salivary glands were additionally collected at different stages of blood feeding; skin exploring time, 3, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after blood meal and after oviposition. Results of native-PAGE from four different meals demonstrated that there were differences in the overall protein banding pattern in salivary glands of males and females of Cx pipiens. Results of SDS-PAGE clarified that the molecular weight of the separated proteins (in all stages) ranged from 205.13 to 10.47 KDa indicating that banding patterns differ from stage to stage. Interestingly, protein of 30 kDa was predominantly expressed in the female, but not observed in the male. In addition, - 68 - 20 KDa protein was observed in starved female and the band intensity was higher in the case of sugar-fed female, but not in blood-fed females. Such finding revealed that this protein depleted after blood feeding, especially, at skin exploring time. Differences in the salivary protein's profile may be related to the function of salivary gland and the nature of food. In conclusion, better knowledge of the molecules synthesized in saliva and the salivary gland of mosquitoes as hematophagous insects could be of use for improving the control of pathogen transmission. Today, many salivary molecules have been identified and characterized as new targets to the development of future vaccines.

5 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

018545   Sebastian R;Raghavan S C (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: sathees@biochem.iisc.ernet.in) : Molecular mechanism of endosulfan action in mammals. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 149-53.

Endosulfan is a broad-spectrum organochlorine pesticide, speculated to be detrimental to human health in areas of active exposure. However, the molecular insights to its mechanism of action remain poorly understood. In two recent studies, our group investigated the physiological and molecular aspects of endosulfan action using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo analyses. The results showed that apart from reducing fertility levels in male animals, Endosulfan induced DNA damage that triggers compromised DNA damage response leading to undesirable processing of broken DNA ends. In this review, pesticide use especially of Endosulfan in the Indian scenario is summarized and the importance of our findings, especially the rationalized use of pesticides in the future, is emphasized.

2 illus, 31 ref

018544   Saylar O (Science Dep, Gazi Faculty of Education, Gazi Univ, Ankara, 06500, Turkey, Email: osaylar@gazi.edu.tr) : Toxic effects of permethrin on Pseudorasbora parva. J envir Biol 2016, 37(6), 1247-53.

The study deals with acute toxicity and hematological, histopathological and genotoxical effects of permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, on Pseudorasbora parva. Acute toxicity of 96-hrs LC₅₀ value was found to be 88.25 (84.60-92.63) μgl^-1. - 67 - Sublethal dose was taken as 8.82 μgl^-1 (the 1/10 of the LC₅₀ value) in bio-experiments. Micronucleus changes in blood erythrocyte and hemotocyte level in P. parva exposed to sub-lethal concentration were investigated. Difference between nucleolus abnormalities in the experimental and control group was found to be statistically significant (t-test). Micronucleus frequency was found to be 8.26. The hematocrit level in control and experimental groups were found to be 24.43% and 14.673%. No pathological symptoms were observed in the muscle of P. parva exposed to sublethal dose for 96 hrs. Pathological symptoms observed after 96 hrs from permethrin administration in other organs were: Fusion, Telangiectasis, epithelial lifting and hyperemia in gills; hydropic degeneration, lipid degeneration and passive hyperemia in liver and enlargement of cavum glomeruli and Bowman space in kidneys and hemorrhage, edema and hyperemia in brain, respectively.

5 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

018543   Salim M;Masroor M S;Parween S (NO, S.G.S. Govt. Autonomous P.G. College, Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, Email: msaleem195195@gmail.com) : Evaluation of water content in fungal spores. Life Sci Bull 2016, 13(1), 35-6.

The water content of fungal spores has been found to be surprisingly variable due to different experimental procedures followed and the different environmental conditions prevailing during the course of fungal sporulation. Several interpretations regarding the advantageous and adaptive features in relation to low water content have been put forward to explain the survival of fungal spores as survival is longest under conditions of environmental dryness. Since, the fungal spores are minute and microscopic bodies and not very easy to handle, it has always been a very difficult task to evaluate the exact quantity of water found therein. The present paper is an attempt to evaluate the water content of fungal spores in the light of recent researches.

1 table, 16 ref

018542   Sakthivel K;Manigundan K;Gautam R K;Jaisankar I;Sharma S K;Singh R;Roy S D (Field Crop Improvement and Protection Div, ICAR-Central Islands Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: veluars@gmail.com) : Detection of antimicrobial peptide genes from antagonistic Bacillus subtilis (Bs_Ane) isolated from Neil islands of Andaman, India. J envir Biol 2017, 38(1), 75-80.

The study aimed to identify the native potential Bacillus strains of Neil Islands, which have biocontrol potential against major bacterial and fungal plant diseases of Andaman Islands. Twenty five Bacillus spp. isolated from chilli rhizosphere soils of Neil Island, South Andaman, India were characterized for antimicrobial potential by in vitro and glass house studies. Further, the antimicrobial potential was confirmed by PCR amplification of AMP biosynthesis genes. Among 25 strains, Bacillus subtilis (Bs_Ane) strain showed better in vitro antagonistic potential (growth inhibition) against three hytopathogens: Ralstonia solanacearum (15.2 mm), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (29.3 mm) and Colletotrichum gleosporoides (48%). In glass house studies, Bs_Ane strain showed significant bio-control efficacy (88.9%) against chilli bacterial wilt disease. The strain identity of Bacillus subtilis was confirmed by 16s rRNA gene analysis and biolog based phenotypic fingerprinting. The antimicrobial potential of strain was further ascertained by the presence of eight antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene biosynthesis in PCR amplifications, which confirmed the synthesis of five antibiotics (surfactin, bacilysin, subtilin, subtilosin and fengycins) by Bs_Ane strain. The overall results revealed that Bacillus subtilis (Bs_Ane) strain from Neil islands could be used as a potential biocontrol agent either single/ in consortium while formulating broad spectrum plant disease management in Andaman Islands.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

018541   Rao S J;Chatterjee S;Pal J K (Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune Uni, Pune-411 007, Email: jkpal@hotmail.com) : Untranslated regions of mRNA and their role in regulation of gene expression in protozoan parasites. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 189-207.

Protozoan parasites are one of the oldest living entities in this world that throughout their existence have shown excellent resilience to the odds of survival and have adapted beautifully to ever changing rigors of the environment. In view of the dynamic environment encountered by them throughout their life cycle, and in establishing pathogenesis, it is unsurprising that modulation of gene expression plays a fundamental role in their survival. In higher eukaryotes, untranslated regions (UTRs) of transcripts are one of the crucial regulators of gene expression (influencing mRNA stability and translation efficiency). Parasitic protozoan genome studies have led to the characterization (in silico, in vitro and in vivo) of a large number of their genes. Comparison of higher eukaryotic UTRs with parasitic protozoan UTRs reveals the existence of several similar and dissimilar facets of the UTRs. This review focuses on the elements of UTRs of medically important protozoan parasites and their regulatory role in gene expression. Such information may be useful to researchers in designing gene targeting strategies linked with perturbation of host-parasite relationships leading to control of specific parasites. - 66 - 

3 illus, 3 tables, 131 ref

018540   Rani S B;Balamurugan R;Ramakrishna B S (The Wellcome Trust Research Lab, Christian Medical College, Vellore-632 004, Email: wurama@hotmail.com) : Molecular analysis of the human faecal archaea in a southern Indian population. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 113-19.

Archaea are an important constituent of the human gut microbiota, but there is no information on human gut archaea in an Indian population. In this study, faecal samples were obtained from different age groups (neonatal babies, pre-school children, school-going children, adolescents, adults and elderly) of a southern Indian population, and from a tribal population also resident in southern India). 16S rRNA gene sequences specific to Archaea were amplified from pooled faecal DNA in each group, sequenced, and aligned against the NCBI database. Of the 806 adequate sequences in the study, most aligned with 22 known sequences. There were 9 novel sequences in the present study. All sequences were deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database with the following accession numbers: KF607113 - KF607918. Methanobrevibacter was the most prevalent genus among all the age groups accounting for 98% in neonates, 96% in post-weaning, and 100% each in preschool, school and adult population. In the elderly, Methanobrevibacter accounted for 96% and in tribal adults, 99% of the clones belonged to Methanobrevibacter genus. Other genera detected included Caldisphaera, Halobaculum, Methanosphaeraand Thermogymnomonas. Methanobrevibacter smithii predominated in all age groups, accounting for 749 (92.9%) of the 806 sequences. Archaea can be found in the faeces of southern Indian residents immediately after birth. Methanobrevibacter smithii was the dominant faecal archeon in all age groups, with other genera being found at the extremes of age.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

018539   Randa G;Samir Z;Hamid B (Lab of Genetics, biotechnology and valorization of bio-resources, Natu, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Nature Sciences and the Life, Univ Moham, Biskra, Algeria) : Association between climatic changes and leishmaniasis incidence in Biskra district, Algeria. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(6), 43-9.

Leishmaniasis has been classified primarily as a vector-borne disease that poses a major problem to public health. The Biskra region, which has long been known as a focal point for cutaneous leishmaniasis, has a low extent of visceral leishmaniasis. The aim of the study is to highlight the spatial and temporal evolution of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in Biskra over the last decade, taking into account the different factors influencing their distribution. The present study is a ten-year retrospective survey (2007- 2016), carried out in Biskradistrict.During the study period, 24,232 confirmed cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis and 61 cases of visceral leishmaniasis were recorded. The registered cases were distributed in all the municipalities of Biskra, the disease affects, regardless of sex, all age groups but with heterogeneous proportions. The survey also showed that cutaneous leishmaniasis mainly infects (43.36%) the class of children with a male predominance of 57%. The Biskra city was the most vulnerable to sandfly bites, accounting for 33% of the total number of cases, while Tolga municipality was the most affected by visceral leishmaniasis with a percentage of 25%. Children under 5 years of age (85.24%) were the most exposed to visceral leishmaniasis - 65 - following with predominance of male with 54%. The distribution of leishmaniasis was affected by the environmental and climate changes.

12 illus, 37 ref

018538   Priyadarshan;Tapass K;Anuradha B V S; Panigrahi A K (Botany Dep, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur, Odisha, Email: drakpanigrahi@gmail.com) : Bioconcentration of mercury in contaminated fishes collected from rushikulya estuary and impact of mercury on the respiratory activity of the fishes. Life Sci Bull 2016, 13(1), 1-5.

Significant amount of residual mercury was reported in bigger fish when compared to smaller fish. Mercury was not traceable in some fish collected from the contaminated estuary. Non availability of mercury in the area might be due to change in technology or washing of all discharged mercury into Bay of Bengal or a significant amount of mercury was recovered and recycled by following recycling technology. The effluent of the effluent canal showed an insignificant amount of mercury. In contrast the estuarine fishes showed significant amount of mercury in their body tissues. Aged fishes accumulated more and in case of smaller fishes no residue of mercury was found in brain, liver and muscle. Higher amount of mercury was recorded in all liver tissues of the contaminated fish followed by whole body, muscle and brain. Brain tissues showed the lowest amount of mercury. Tissue slice respiration of liver tissues of the contaminated fish was highly affected when compared to brain and muscle tissue slices of the contaminated fish. The obtained data was compared with respective control values. The depletion of tissue slice respiration was due to residual accumulation of mercury in different tissues of the contaminated fish.

4 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

018537   Parida A P;Sharma A;Sharma A K (Plant Molecular Biology Dep, Delhi Univ, South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, Email: arun@genomeindia.org) : AtMBD6, a methyl CpG binding domain protein, maintains gene silencing in Arabidopsis by interacting with RNA binding proteins. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 57-68.

DNA methylation, mediated by double-stranded RNA, is a conserved epigenetic phenomenon that protects a genome from transposons, silences unwanted genes and has a paramount function in plant or animal development. Methyl CpG binding domain proteins are members of a class of proteins that bind to methylated DNA. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 13 methyl CpG binding domain (MBD) proteins, but the molecular/biological functions of most of these proteins are still not clear. In the present study, we identified four proteins that interact with AtMBD6. Interestingly, three of them contain RNA binding domains and are co-localized with AtMBD6 in the nucleus. The interacting partners includes AtRPS2C (a 40S ribosomal protein), AtNTF2 (nuclear transport factor 2) and AtAGO4 (Argonoute 4). The fourth protein that physically interacts with AtMBD6 is a histone-modifying enzyme, histone deacetylase 6 (AtHDA6), which is a known component of the RNA-mediated gene silencing system. Analysis of genomic DNA methylation in the atmbd6, atrps2c and atntf2 mutants, using methylation-sensitive PCR detected decreased DNA methylation at miRNA/siRNA producing loci, pseudogenes and other targets of RNA-directed DNA methylation. Our results indicate that AtMBD6 is involved in RNA-mediated gene silencing and - 64 - it binds to RNA binding proteins like AtRPS2C, AtAGO4 and AtNTF2. AtMBD6 also interacts with histone deacetylase AtHDA6 that might have a role in chromatin condensation at the targets of RdDM.

7 illus, 54 ref

018536   Nagagi Y P;Silayo R S;Kweka E J (Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control Div, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania, Email: kwekae@tpri.or.tz) : Advancements in bait technology to control Glossina swynnertoni Austen, the species of limited distribution in Kenya and Tanzania border. J Vector Borne Dis 2017, 54(1), 16-24.

Glossina swynnertoni is a savannah tsetse that is largely confined to the Serengeti-Mara [a very small part of East Africa covering northern Tanzania (Arusha and Manyara regions and parts of Shinyanga and Mara regions) extending to Maasai Mara ecosystem in southwestern Kenya]. Nevertheless, it is of great concern to human and animal health and is one of the top target tsetse species for eradication. To achieve this eradication objective, it is important to know about its behaviour so that the appropriate tools/measures especially the right traps can be applied against it. In this paper G. swynnertoni is reviewed in terms of its behaviour, and development of traps for its survey and control. Glossina swynnertoni control is of paramount importance in Tanzania tourism industry and country's income. Since, G. swynnertoni is also distributed in national parks, control is vital as it might reduce tourists excursion/movement, by transmitting the African trypanosomiasis among travelers. Different literature search engines such as Google Scholar and PubMed were deployed for literature search. It was found that the behaviour of G. swynnertoni is relatively similar but unique from other tsetse flies. Its feeding cycle is 21/2-3 days as opposed to 3-4 days observed in other tsetse species. The flight activity pattern varied between sex, with male having their peak at 1100-1200 hrs and females 1400-1600 hrs. The activity in both sexes decline rapidly towards the dusk (1700-1800 hrs). It was further depicted that host odours, relatively smaller and vertically oriented devices, as well as host movement are the main attractive factors to this tsetse species, which can be exploited to design efficient artificial devices for control of G. swynnertoni. Therefore, due to its restricted distribution and threat it poses on tourism industry, deliberate efforts need to be made against G. swynnertoni as a next candidate to be eradicated using artificial bait technology.

1 illus, 1 - 63 -

018535   Mishra R K;Verma D K;Ravindra;Yadav M K; Pradhan P K;Swaminathan T R;Sood N (Fish Health Management Div, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow-226 002, Email: pradhanpk1@gmail.com) : Bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance in a wetland of Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India. J envir Biol 2017, 38(1), 55-66.

Knowledge about the structure of microbial community is essential to assess the risks of exposure of farmed fish to pathogens and studying the antibiotic resistance. The present study was carried out to assess the bacterial diversity in a freshwater ecosystem. In the present study, microbial composition of a wetland in Lakhimpur-Kheri (N 27° 90.25' and E 80° 79.80'), Uttar Pradesh was assesesed employing amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), using HaeIII enzyme as well as 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance of the bacterial isolates was determined on the basis of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. A total of one hundred and thirty five bacteria were isolated and the restriction analysis of amplified 16S rDNA gene of the above isolates, using HaeIII enzyme, indicated that isolated bacteria belonged to 33 single member phylotypes. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed that these phylotypes belonged to 20 genera under 6 classes viz., Gammaproteobacteria (72.59%), Betaproteobacteria (4.44%), Flavobacteria (9.63%), Bacilli (7.41%) Actinobacteria (3.70%) and Sphingobacteria (2.22%). In the present study, four species i.e. Sphingobacterium kitahiroshimense, Yersinia nurmii, Pseudomonas koreensis and Vogesella alkaliphila have been reported for the first time from a wetland. The antibiotic sensitivity test indicated that most of the isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin followed by ofloxacin, whereas, majority of these bacteria were resistant to penicillin G followed by polymyxin B. Moreover, MAR indexing revealed that amongst the 33 single member phylotypes, 17 were multiple antibiotic resistant. The bacterial diversity analysis of the wetland indicated bacterial population of aquatic, soil, animal and plant origin. Moreover, the study indicated that wetland can be a reservoir for multidrug resistant bacteria even when there is no application of antibiotics for aquaculture purposes. It can be assumed that the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and MAR among bacteria isolated from wetland could be due to flow of runoff from mainland. These results would help in strengthening our knowledge of bacterial ecology of the wetland ecosystem.

5 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

018534   Lokhande S S;Indulkar S T (NO, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: snehal.lokhande147@gmail.com) : Impact of physico-chemical parameters on plankton diversity of khaire reservoir, Raigad district, Maharashtra. J expl Zool 2017, 20(1), 295-300.

In the present study an attempt has been made on physico-chemical characteristics and plankton diversity of Khaire reservoir, Raigad district of Maharashtra. The study was carried out for a period of two years during February 2014 to January 2016. The results revealed that, atmospheric and water temperature, pH, free CO₂, transparency, total alkalinity and total hardness values were recorded maximum during pre-monsoon season while minimum - 62 - values during monsoon season. The DO concentration was observed minimum during pre-monsoon and maximum during post-monsoon. During the analysis of plankton, the density of plankton showed one peak during pre-monsoon season and second peak during post-monsoon season. The diversity indices such as, the Shannon Wiener index, the Simpson index, the Evenness index and the Dominance index revealed that the plankton diversity was highly diversed and showed moderately high evenness.

1 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

018533   Kasbekar D P;Rekha S (NO, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad-500 001, Email: kas@cdfd.org.in ) : Neurospora tetrasperma crosses heterozygous for hybrid translocation strains produce rare eight-spored asci-bearing heterokaryotic ascospores. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 15-21.

During ascogenesis in Neurospora, the ascospores are partitioned at the eight-nucleus stage that follows meiosis and a post-meiotic mitosis, and the ascospores that form in eight-spored asci are usually homokaryotic. We had previously created novel T^Nt strains by introgressing four Neurospora crassa insertional translocations (EB4, IBj5, UK14-1, and B362i) into N. tetrasperma. We now show that crosses of all the T^Nt strains with single-mating-type derivatives of the standard N. tetrasperma pseudohomothallic strain 85 (viz. T^Nt a x 85A or T^Nt A x 85a) can produce rare eight-spored asci that contain heterokaryotic ascospores, or ascospores with other unexpected genotypes. Our results suggest that these rare asci result from the interposition of additional mitoses between the post-meiotic mitosis and the partitioning of nuclei into ascospores, leading to the formation of supernumerary nuclei that then generate the heterokaryotic ascospores. The rare asci probably represent a background level of ascus dysgenesis wherein the partitioning of ascospores becomes uncoupled from the post-meiotic mitosis. Ordinarily, the severest effect of such dysgenesis, the production of mating-type heterokaryons, would be suppressed by the N. crassa tol (tolerant) gene, thus explaining why such dysgenesis remained undetected thus far.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

018532   Deligoz A;Gur M (Forest Engineering Dep, Faculty of Forestry, Suleyman Demirel Univ, 32260 Isparta, Turkey, Email: aysedeligoz@sdu.edu.tr) : Tissue water relations and soluble sugars in cilician fir (Abies cilicica) seedlings during bud dormancy. J envir Biol 2017, 38(1), 1-6.

The objective of this study was to determine seasonal changes in tissue water relations and total soluble sugars in Cilician fir (Abiescilicica subsp. isaurica) seedlings in relation to physiological processes, and their relationship during the bud dormancy and its release. The water relations parameters, including osmotic potential at full turgor (ψ_π100), osmotic potential at the turgor loss point (ψ_πTLP), symplastic water at saturated point per dry weight of the shoot (V_o/DW), dry weight fraction (DWF), relative water content at - 61 - the turgor loss point (RWC_ZT), free water content at the turgor loss point (FWC_ZT) were obtained from the pressure-volume curves. Total soluble sugar content was determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid method, while dormancy intensity was estimated as number of days to reach the budbreak. The osmotic potential at full turgor and turgor loss point were lowest in January (-3.34 and - 2.02 MPa, respectively) and highest in April (-2.27 and -1.26 MPa, respectively), and varied within season. The other water relation parameters did not show any change. The osmotic potential at full turgor and turgor loss point declined with the decrease of temperature during autumn and winter, and increased during dormancy release in spring. Total soluble sugars ranged between 103.8 and 224.0 mg g^-1 and it declined rapidly with shoot development in spring. This study showed that osmotic adjustment is an important physiological adaptive mechanism to tolerance low temperatures or unfavorable conditions during winter in Cilician fir seedlings.

4 illus, 29 ref

018531   Chandel B S;Singh A (Zoology Dep, Entomology. D.B.S. College, Kanpur, affiliated to C.S.J.M. Univ, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: chandelkanpur14@gmail.com) : Repellent biopotency of Cichorium intybus, Inula racemosa Tagetes minuta and Mantisalca duriaeri aquash formulations against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis Linn. (Coleoptera : Bruchidae). Life Sci Bull 2016, 13(1), 65-8.

Experiments were conducted in Bio-pesticide and herbal extract Laboratory, Department of Zoology, D.B.S. College, Kanpur. In the present investigations, repellent bioefficacy of ten indigenous asteraceous plant aquash extracts viz; Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (trev.) Vis., Chromolaena odorata Linn. Cichorium intybus (Chicory), Inula racemosa Hook. f, Reichardia tingitana Linn. Roth, Rhaponticum acaule (L.) DC., Scorzonera undulate Vahl., Spilanthes paniculata Well ex DC, Mantisalca duriaeri (Spach) Birq. Et Cavill. and Tagetes minuta L. were tested against early emerged adults of Callosobruchus chinensis under laboratory conditions. The aquash extract of C.cinerariaefolium, I.racemosa (roots), M.duriaeri, R. tingitana, R. acaule, T. minuta (flowers), C. intybus, S. undulate (aerial parts) and C.odorata, S.paniculatai (leaves) were tested to find out their repellent effect against the early emerged adults of C.chinensis. The Cichorium intybus extract proved to be the best repellent against emerging adults beetle C.chinensis. The other nine plant extracts have been shown in descending order as Inula racemosa <62> Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium <62> Tagetes minuta <62> Mantisalca duriaeri <62>Scorzonera undulata <62> Reichardia tingitana <62> Spilanthes paniculata, respectively. The relative EC₅₀ values of the above extracts are in descending order, 5.5529 <62> 5.2444 <62> 3.0353 <62> 2.4205 <62> 1.4842 > 1.3760 > 1.1668 > 1,0000 times as repellents, whereas Spilanthes paniculata is taken as a unit.

2 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

018530   Ceyhan-Guvensen N;Keskin D (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman Univ, Mugla-48000, Turkey, Email: nurceyhan@msn.com) : Chemical content and antimicrobial properties of three different extracts of Mentha pulegium leaves from Mugla region, Turkey. J envir Biol 2016, 37(6), 1341-6.

The extract of ethanol, methanol and DMSO of pennyroyal leaves from Mugla Region (Turkey) were tested for antimicrobial activity against eleven bacterial and one yeast strain by disc diffusion method. Among the extracts assayed, the methanol extract of pennyroyal leaves exhibited signifiant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus with 20 mm diameter inhibition zone. The DMSO extract of pennyroyal leaves displayed significant activity against S.aureus (19 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (21mm) showing inhibition zone of 19 mm and 21 mm diameter, while the ethanolic extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against S.aureus (17mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (20mm) inhibition zones. On comparint the MIC value of ethanol, methanol and DMSO leaf extract, - 60 - methanolic extract of pennyroyal presented best activity (MIC 8 mg ml^-1) against S. typhimurium CCM 583 and S.aureus ATCC 6538/P. Analyses of GC/MS determined eleven compounds viz., neophytadiene (69.95%), Pulejon 7.85%, Pinane 4.81%, Bicyclo (3.1.1 Heptane 2.6.6.6 trimethyl) 4.68%. In conclusion, methanolic extracts of M. pulegium showed antimicrobial activity because of high neophytadiene content.

3 tables, 34 ref

018529   Bhattacharyya S;Ghosh R;Ghosh S (Zoology PG Dep, Dinabandu Andrews College, Kolkata-700 084, Email: subho_26@rediffmail.com) : Role of the pineal hormone melatonin in delaying the ageing process. Indian Sci Cruiser 2017, 31(1), 20-7.

Since unmemorable time, no one wants to be "old". In some ancient societies human believed aging as a curse and youthfulness as the boon of God. The trend follows still today as old age brings on many in capabilities, nobody wants to be aged. So, as the science progresses the researches on "how to prevent ageing" has been develop. The present review highlights the prominent role of the hormone melatonin which is secreted from pineal gland in delaying the aging process. It also emphasizes its therapeutic modalities in future anti-ageing research.

8 illus, 16 ref

018528   Bhattacharjee S;Sarkar A;Devarani L;Feroze S M (School of Social Sciences, College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural Univ, Meghalaya-793 103, Email: suchiradipta@hotmail.com) : Temporally changing livelihood pattern of rural people: A case study of tribes of Tripura. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4A), 1834-8.

Livelihood diversification may take place in the forms of concurrent diversification, temporal diversification, and spatial diversification. It is being widely believed that the temporally changing land use is having a bearing on the changing livelihood patterns of rural people due to multiplicity of factors. In this light, a case study was conducted to understand how the temporal change in land use pattern has been interplaying and influencing the multifac-eted transformational process of livelihood across variant age group categories of indigenous people of the North Eastern state of Tripura. The study was conducted with 46 respondents in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous. District Council (TTAADC) areas of Tripura. The respondents were divided into three age groups (Study Group: 18-35 years, Reference Group 1 : 36-50 years, and Reference Group 3:51 years and above). The findings revealed that maximum concurrent diversification has occurred amongst the younger tribal generation (Study Group) with cent percent of them found to be engaged with more than one sources of occupation. This has been signifying higher coping intent and ability of the younger tribal generations in the face of challenging scenario as arose nut of temporal change in the land utilization pattern.

3 illus, 11 ref

018527   Arif M A R;Nagel M;Lohwasser U;Borner A (NO, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany, Email: boerner@ipk-gatersleben.de) : Genetic architecture of seed longevity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 81-9.

The deterioration in the quality of ex situ conserved seed over time reflects a combination of both physical and chemical changes. Intraspecific variation for longevity is, at least in part, under genetic control. Here, the grain of 183 bread wheat accessions maintained under low-temperature storage at the IPK-Gatersleben genebank over some decades have been tested for their viability, along with that of fresh grain subjected to two standard artificial ageing procedures. A phenotype-genotype association analysis, conducted to reveal the genetic basis of the observed variation between accessions, implicated many regions of the genome, underling the genetic complexity of the trait. Some, but not all, of these regions were associated with variation for both natural and experimental ageing, implying some non-congruency obtains between these two forms of testing for longevity. The genes underlying longevity appear to be independent of known genes determining dormancy and pre-harvest sprouting.

4 illus, 62 ref

018526   Anand P C;Khanna G L;Chorsiya V;Geomon T P (Physiotherapy Dep, Faculty of Applied Science. Manav Rachna International Univ, Faridabad-121 003, Email: poojaanand.fas@mriu.edu.in) : Relationship of core stability with bowling speed in male cricket medium and medium fast bowlers. Al Ameen J med Sci 2017, 10(3), 225-8.

A strong core muscles are believed to enhance athletic performance, few scientific studies have been conducted to identify the effectiveness of core stability on athletic performance especially in bowling speed in Medium and medium fast bowlers. The study aimed to examine the relationship between core stability and bowling speed in cricket medium and medium fast bowlers. 82 asymptomatic Cricket medium and medium fast bowlers participated in the study. The core stability was measured using a plank test and bowling speed was measured with a Radar speed gun. The subject mean age, height, weight and BMI are 19.9± 1.86 years, 172.47±6.2cm, 65.83±8.75 Kgs and 22.16±2.44 kg/m² respectively. The mean values of Plank time and Bowling speed are 256.27±82.00 seconds and 109.43± 7.04 Km/h. The result revealed a significant strong positive correlation (r=0.736, p<60>0.0001) core stability and the bowling speed. Core stability is the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis and legs to allow optimum production, transfer, control of force and motion to the terminal segment in integrated kinetic chain activities. The subjects with well-developed core stability bowled significantly faster than the subjects with poorly-developed core stability.

^ssc1 illus, 16 ref

018525   Ali A;Tyagi S (Lab of Cell Cycle Regulation, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Email: shweta@cdfd.org.in) : Diverse roles of WDR5-RbBP5-ASH2L-DPY30 (WRAD) complex in the functions of the SET1 histone methyltransferase family. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 155-9.

WD repeat containing protein 5 (WDR5), Retinoblastoma Binding Protein 5 (RbBP5), Absent-Small-Homeotic-2-Like protein (ASH2L), and Dumpy-30 (Dpy30) have been reported to be the integral and shared components of all the SET1 family of histone 3 lysine 4 histone methyltransferase (HMT) complexes. Collectively called the WRAD complex, these proteins are pivotal to the HMT activity of the SET1 - 58 - complexes. Recent reports highlight the novel non-canonical functions of WRAD in cellular processes other than its well-studied role in histone methylation and gene expression. In this review, we examine the diversity in emerging transcription-independent functions of WRAD.

1 illus, 39 ref

018524   Al Saadi K J;Al Shaqsi A K;Reddy S H (Applied Sciences Dep, Higher College of Technology, P O Box 74, Postal code 133, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Email: salla.reddy@hct.edu.om) : Synergistic effect of honey with food additives as antimicrobials and on weight loss and various physiological studies in mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(11), 4461-6.

The preliminary phytochemical evaluation and effect of Honey on Hematological parameters were investigated. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to determine the presence of various bioactive constituents through different Tests. The Antimicrobial study of different Honey in combination with synergistics was carried out on selective microorganisms through well diffusion method. The effect of Honey on hemoglobin, WBC, Blood Sugar and weight loss was studied on swiss albino male mice under controlled conditions for 21 days. The Highest percentage of coumarins (+++), Resins (+++) were found in all the types of tested Honey among the different phytochemicals Screened. However the absence of carboxylic carbon and tannins were noticed during the study. The antimicrobial studies along with different synergistics shown significant results like Natural Omani Honey exerted 36mm zone of inhibition against S.aureus, while Turkish honey found to be more antimicrobial against P. aeruginosa (40mm). In the present study on Hematological and physiological parameters it was observed that increase in WBC % with greatest significance, among all the tested Honey with Natural Turkish Honey we found more increase of WBC % upto 30%. These findings provides the information about the traditional use of Honey along with various food additives triggers more beneficial in treating various human ailments like controlling from microbial diseases, improving WBC to increase immunity etc. further evaluation needs further evaluation and identification active principles are required for pharmacological preparations.

21 ref

018523   Aghdaei F H;Soltani B M;Dokanehiifard S;Mowla S J;Soleimani M (Molecular Genetics Dep, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: soltanib@modares.ac.ir) : Overexpression of hsa-miR-939 follows by NGFR down-regulation and apoptosis reduction. J Biosci, Bangalore 2017, 42(1), 23-30.

Neurotrophin receptors play a crucial role in neuronal survival, differentiation and regeneration. Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) or P75^NTR is - 57 - a neurotrophin receptor that is involved in many pathological conditions including cancers. Genetic factors that are involved in regulation of neurotrophin receptors are under intense investigation. MiRNAs are novel regulators of signalling pathways that are candidates for regulation of neurotrophin receptors. Computational programs predicted that NGFR gene is a bona fide target for hsa-miR-939. RT-qPCR, Western analysis and dual luciferase assay evidences indicated that NGFR transcript is targeted by hsa-miR-939. Also, hsa-miR-939 overexpression brought about down-regulation of NGFR expression in U87 cell line, followed by cell death rate reduction, detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, here for the first time, hsa-miR-939 is introduced as a novel key regulator of NGFR expression and its involvement in cell death/survival processes is suggested.

3 illus, 21 ref

018522   Abid I;Mujamammi R;Alkahtani M D F (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Science College, King Saud Univ, Diraiya, P.O. Box 2454, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Email: iabid@ksu.edu.sa) : Antimicrobial activity and molecular identification of Streptomyces strains isolated from Saudi Arabia. J envir Biol 2016, 37(6), 1225-30.

Actinomycetes are group of Gram-positive bacteria with high GC-content in their DNA. They are extremely useful for the pharmaceutical industry due to their seemingly unlimited capacity to produce secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities and chemical structure. The genus Streptomyces constitutes 50% of the total population of soil actinomycetes and about 75% of commercially and medicinally useful antibiotics that have been derived from this genus. The present study aimed in isolation of bioactive compound showing antimicrobial activities from soil Streptomyces, previously isolated and morphologically characterized from Jazan in Saudi Arabia. Six potent Streptomyces strains: JS3, JS4, JS6, JD7, JA8 and JA10 were chosen for antimicrobial activity screening against 5 human pathogenic bacteria and 5 phytopathogenic fungi before molecular identification was done. For antibacterial activity, the results showed that inhibition zones were found to range between 3.25-26.875 mm diameters, while for antifungal activity, it ranged between 13.3-40 mm diameters. The entire sequence of the 16S rDNA was determined for the strains JS6, JD7, JA8 and JA10 and deposited in the GenBank. Future studies of actinomycetes isolated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's soils will assist in the discovery of new compounds that would be of industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural importance.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

017590   Tartibian B;Nouri H;Azadpour N;Kosar S N; Massart A;Filaire E (Exercise Physiology Dep, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Urmia Univ, Urmia, Iran, Email: ba.tartibian@gmail.com) : Eight weeks judo training increases oxidative stress biomarkers and creatine kinase in male judoka. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2015, 52(5-6), 281-8.

Judo athletes are highly susceptible to chronic muscle damage and oxidative injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks judo training program on oxidative stress biomarkers and creatine kinase (CK) in male judo athletes. Twenty-four elite male judo athletes were randomly divided into control (C; n=12) and experimental groups (E; n =12). The experimental group (E) performed judo training 6 days/week for 8 weeks. The control group (C) did not participate in any exercise training program during the study. Blood samples were collected 24 h before the beginning of the training protocol, 24 h post-exercise in week 8 and after one week of recovery, to determine hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), blood viscosity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), serum protein carbonyls (PC), plasma fibrinogen and serum CK. Eight weeks of judo training increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max), decreased body mass and fat% in E group. In E group, the levels of MDA, fibrinogen, PC and CK increased at post exercise (P <60>0.05); and returned to the baseline values after one week of recovery (P <62>0.05). No significant changes observed in hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit - 91 - and blood viscosity at post-exercise in both the groups (P <62>0.05). Increases in oxidative stress biomarkers and CK following judo exercise training may be due to long duration or intensity of judo training and/or not enough recovery. In conclusion, an 8-wk usual pre-competition training program resulted in increased oxidative stress biomarkers and muscle damage indices in elite judo athletes. Thus, in planning judo training programs sufficient recovery time should be given to prevent excessive oxidative stress and related muscle damage.

3 tables, 41 ref

017589   Tabbabi A;Rhim A;Daaboub J (Hygiene and Environmental Protection Dep, Ministry of Public Health, Tunis, Tunisia) : Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes: An overview and strategies to mitigate insecticide resistance development. Int J Mosquito Res 2017, 4(5), 14-18.

The resistance of pathogen vectors that cause human or animal diseases to insecticides affects both the economy and public and veterinary health. The aim was to present the main mechanisms of resistance to insecticides as well as the current situation in terms of resistance to chemical insecticides in the main mosquito vector in Tunisia. Management strategies were done so that pesticides can continue to be used as crop management tools in the future. In such cases, the strategy chosen to resistance management must be based on thorough knowledge of the resistance implications of the used insecticides and the biology of resistant vectors. Implementation of insecticide resistance management strategies or preservation of insecticide susceptibility is now inevitable due to the increase in the number of species developing insecticide resistance mechanisms and the decrease in the number of insecticides.

34 ref

017588   Suthar P C (Anthropological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Udaipur-313 001, Email: premsuthar_1@yahoo.co.in) : Glutathione s-transferases: A brief on classification and GSTM1-T1 activity. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(3), 1023-7.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzyme superfamilies detoxify a wide-range of toxic chemicals and environmental substances are extensively expressed in mammalian tissues. Liver and pancreas are the sites where cytosolic Phase I and phase II biotransformation GSTs enzymes have characteristic expression. GSTs play a key role in the deactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the metabolism of lipids, chemotherapeutic agents. GSTs are mainly involved in conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) with diverse substrates specificity and it is possible that genetic variations in these enzymes will influence cellular response to the environmental agents. GSTs are overexpressed in response to a chemical or oxidative stress as an adaptive physiology and upregulated in cancerous state of organ or tissue. GSTs are essentially involved in susceptibility to various forms of - 90 - cancer as they are vital in detoxification mechanism to metabolize the environmental carcinogens. GSTM1 encodes for a class mu GST isoenzyme involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detoxification. The substrates of GSTM1 include benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(c)phenanthrene, benzo(g)chrysene and other carcinogens. They can catalyze in-vitro GSH conjugation with several potent carcinogenic epoxides including aflatoxin B1(AFB1)8,9-epoxide and electrophilic metabolites of PAHs present in tobacco smoke. Ethylene dibromide, p-nitrobenzyl chloride, p-nitrophenetyl bromide, methyl chloride, and methyl iodide, are known substrates for GSTT1 or GST Theta (θ). GST Theta is most primitive among other known GSTs and widely expressed in nature.

^iia51 ref

017587   Suneetha K (Biochemistry Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Email: suneetha_karyamsetty@yahoo.co.in) : Assay and expression of superoxide dismutase on exposure to endosulfan and fenvalerate. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 141-3.

Superoxide dismutase is an essential enzyme for the survival of oxygen utilizing organisms. In the present study, freshwater fish Labeo rohita was exposed to two pesticides, i.e., Endosulfan (35% EC) an organchlorine and Fenvalerate(20% EC) a synthetic pyrethroid. The LC₅₀ values determined for endosulfan and fenvalerate at 24 h were 0.6876, 0.4749 μgL^-1 respectively. The 1/10th of 24 h LC₅₀ of both the pesticides was selected as sublethal concentrations. The fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations for 15 days the activity and expression of Superoxide dismutase in different tissues was reported.

1 illus, 20 ref

017586   Sudheesh C S (Physical Education Dep, Kannur Univ, Kerala) : Comparative analysis of sports confidence among intervarsity handball players. Int J physc Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(5), 17-9.

The purpose of the study was to compare the sources of sport confidence between male and female intervarsity level handball players. For the purpose of the study 128 players were selected equally from both genders as subjects from the teams that played semi-finals in the South Zone Intervarsity Handball Championship, 2016. Source of Sports Confidence Questionnaire (SSCQ) developed by Vealey, et al., 1998 was used. Descriptive Statistics like Mean and Standard Deviation were computed to understand the contribution of each source towards confidence. Difference between male and female players on different sources of confidence was statistically analyzed by independent t test. The study concluded that the most contributing source for both male and female players is Coach's Leadership and least contributing is Physical Self Presentation. There was significant difference between male and female players on Social Support, Coach's Leadership, Environmental Comfort and Situational Favourableness. The study showed that from sources other than Demonstration of Ability and Physical Self Presentation female players drawn greater confidence than male players.

1 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

017585   Sreenathan M;Rao V R;Bednarik R G (NO, , ) : Palaeolithic cognitive inheritance in aesthetic behavior of the jarawas of the Andaman islands. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2015, 34(2), 235-72.

This article considers the limited etic and emic information available on the art-like productions of the Jarawas, Andaman Islands, India, who have only in recent years permitted adequate contact with other societies to facilitate initial studies. Their known history, culture, and art are reviewed, with some reference to nearby other tribes, one of which remains entirely unresearched. It is noted that the known art of the Jarawas consists entirely of nonfigurative or geometric elements, and yet there is evidence that the Jarawas have no difficulty creating highly naturalistic figurative images. The correspondence between the range of their graphic art and the equally limited known repertoire of Final Pleistocene to very Early Holocene South and East Asian art is highlighted. It leads to the consideration of the possibility that the Jarawas' artistic inheritance may be derived directly from a Late Palaeolithic population separated from mainlanders by the rise of the sea level at the end of the Pleistocene Islands, Jarawas, ethnography, material culture, geometric art, Palaeolithic art].

11 illus, 11 tables, 109 ref