003273   PARCHANDE R S, JADHAVG S, DEVARSHI A A, YANKANCHI S R (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur - 416 004) : Ovicidal efficacy of plant extracts In Spodoptera frugiperda smith and Spodopteralitura fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctiduae). Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1B), 201 - 3.

The ovicidal activities of five plant leaf ethanol extracts was evaluated in two major agricultural insect pests of S. frugiperda and S. litura eggs using dipping method. Ovicidal activity increased with increasing concentration of leaf extracts. The extract of Argemone mexicana showed the strongest ovicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda eggs with LC value of 11.72 mg/ml 50 followed by Clerodendrum viscosum with LC value of 13.75 mg/ml. In the case 50 of Spodoptera litura, the plant extract of Clerodendrum inerme (LC =20.46 50 mg/ml) and Argemone mexicana (LC =21.82 mg/ml) revealed the highest 50 ovicidal activity, followed by Vitex negundo (LC =23.48 mg/ml). The results 50 clearly showed that all plant extracts were more toxic to Spodoptera frugiperda eggs than the eggs of Spodoptera litura. Present results indicated that Argemone mexicana and Clerodendrum inerme plants can be used in integrated pest management programme.

1 table, 13 ref

003268   PARDESHI M H, DESHMUKH A A, GAJARE K A (Zoology Dep, The New Coll, Kolhapur) : Studies on Ruellia tuberosa: A promising anti-fertility agent. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 B), 185 - 8.

Present investigation was undertaken to determine anti-fertility of Ruellia tuberosa Linn. root powder in case of male albino mice.The results showed that the treatment of Ruellia tuberosa affects sperm plasma membrane which caused decreased sperm functions.

2 illus, 12 ref

003265   DESAI T H, BHILAVE M P (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur - 416 004, Maharashtra) : Effect of methanol on catalase activity in Cirrhinus mrigala. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 B), 177 - 8.

Present study was undertaken to measure catalase activity in Freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala. For this purpose the fishes were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Methanol and its effect on Catalase activity was th measured in gill, liver, brain and muscle of fish on 30 day of exposure. Among the tissues, liver exhibited maximum increase in the Catalase activity followed by muscle, brain and gill.

1 table, 8 ref

003261   DESAI S S, DAUNDE J A, POTPHODE N D, WALVEKAR M V (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur - 416 004, Maharashtra) : Gc-ms analysis of Ocimum sanctum seeds. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 B), 163 - 4.

An investigation was undertaken to study bioactive constituents present in ethanolic extract of the seeds of Ocimum sanctum by using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results revealed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and phenols. GC-MS analysis showed presence of 12 bioactive compounds, of which alpha-Terpinyl acetate, Eucalyptol, Hexadecanoic acid, 4-Hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone were major bio-chemical compounds.

1 illus, 1 tables, 9 ref

003256   TAWARE S S, LAGADE V M, MULEY D V (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur - 416 004) : Effect of salinity stress on gonads of esturine clam paphia laterisulca. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 B), 142 - 8.

Present investigation was undertaken to study seasonal variation in salinity induced histological alterations in the gonads of estuarine clam Paphia laterisulca. The salinity tolerance limit was up to 70 % salinity, while critical structural alterations in reproductive tissues were observed at 40-50 % salinity.

15 ref

003250   DEVKATE P D, JADHAV M P, MALVIYA M (Zoology Dep, S. R. T. M. Univ, Nanded) : Qualitative analysis and antimicrobial activities of Cow urine against human pathogens. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 A), 103 - 4.

Qualitative analysis of Lalkandhari cow urine confirmed the presence of protein, urea, uric acid, phenol, aromatic acids, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic components, and vitamins. Its antimicrobial activity was tested by the agar well diffusionmethod against human pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhi.

5 ref

003245   KUNJIR L, KAWADE S A (Zoology Dep, Sharadchandra Pawar Mahavidyalaya, Satara - 415 521) : Zooplankton diversity of Palashi reservoir in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 A), 78 - 80.

During present study zooplankton diversity at Palashi reservoir, near Ahmednagar ( Maharashtra) was studied during June 2016 to May 2017, in order to assess suitability of this reservoir for fish culture. Altogether 16 species of zooplankton were recorded. The study revealed that rotifers dominated the zooplankton, The qualitative richness of zooplankton support availability of regular fish food in case of aquaculture practise.

1 table, 16 ref

003235   DHARA K, GUHATHAKURTA H (Zoology Dep, Sripat Singh Coll, Murshidabad - 742 113, West Bengal) : Toicity of neem (Azadirachta Indica a, juss) Leaf extracts on fresh water snail, Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck, 1882). Bioinfolet 2021, 18 (1 A), 35 - 9.

Present study was undertaken to determine toxicity of crude leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on freshwater snail, Bellamya bengalensis Lamarck, 1882. The values of median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were estimated as 15.663, 13.202, 9.539 and 7.902 g/L respectively. The mortality of snails was significantly increased with increasing concentrations of neem extract and the time of exposure. Behavioral changes with respect to crawling, , tentacle movement, clumping tendency, touch reflex and mucous secretion were noticed in the snails exposed to neem leaf extract.

2 tables, 26 ref

000780   NEOV B, KRASTANOV J, ANGELOVA T, PALOVA N, LALEVA S, HRISTOV P (Animal Diversity and Resources Dep, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Email: peter_hristoff@abv.bg) : Sequence analysis of the Hex A gene in Jacob sheep from Bulgaria. Vet World 2021, 14(1), 56-60.

Jacob sheep are a rare ancient breed of sheep believed to have originated from the Mediterranean area but which are now kept throughout the world. These sheep have recently attracted medical interest due to the observation of a genetic disorder in the breed that can be used as an animal model of Tay–Sachs disease (TSD). This study aims to detect mutations in the Hexosaminidase A gene in Jacob sheep based on sequence analysis of the 284-bp fragment situated between exon 11 and intron 11 of the gene, a target sequence for site-specific mutation. This is the first study that has investigated Jacob sheep in Bulgaria for gene-specific mutations. : A total of 20 blood samples were collected from Jacob sheep from the Rhodope Mountains. DNA was isolated from these samples, and a specific 284-bp fragment was amplified. The amplified products were purified using a polymerase chain reaction purification kit and sequenced in both directions. Target sequences were successfully amplified from all 20 investigated sheep. Sequence analysis did not show the homozygous, recessive, missense (G-to-C transition) mutation at nucleotide position 1330 (G1330→C) in exon 11, demonstrating that all of these sheep were a normal genotype (wild-type). Jacob sheep are considered a potentially useful animal model in advancing the understanding of pathogenesis and developing potential therapies for orphan diseases, such as those characterized by mutant GM2 gangliosides. The clinical and biochemical features of the Jacob sheep model of TSD represent well the human classical late-infantile form of this disorder, indicating that the model can serve as a possible new research tool for further study of the pathogenesis and treatment of TSD.

3 illus, 27 ref

000776   EJIOFOR T, MGBEAHURUIKE A C, OJIAKA C, USHIE A M, NWOKO E I, ONOJA I R, DADA T, MWANZA M, KARLSSON M (Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Nigeria Univ, Nsukka- 410 002, Nigeria, Email: anthony.mgbeahuruike@unn.edu.ng) : Saccharomyces cerevisiae, bentonite, and kaolin as adsorbents for reducing the adverse impacts of mycotoxin contaminated feed on broiler histopathology and hemato-biochemical changes. Vet World 2021, 14(1), 23-32.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, bentonite and kaolin were used to reduce the adverse effects of moldcontaminated diet on broilers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of S. cerevisiae, bentonite, and kaolin in reducing the adverse effects of mold (fungal) contaminated diet on broilers. Specifically, we investigated the histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical changes associated with broilers fed mold-contaminated diets supplemented with these three adsorbents. We also isolated and identified the common fungal contaminants in the poultry feeds as well as the mycotoxins they produced. Hundred broilers (3-weeks-old) were randomly grouped into five dietary treatments, basal feed (negative control), feed contaminated with mold, mold-contaminated feed+S. cerevisiae, mold-contaminated feed+bentonite, and mold-contaminated feed+kaolin. The fungal contaminants in the feeds were isolated and molecularly identified while the mycotoxins in the feed where analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Blood samples of birds from each group were analyzed for hematology and serum biochemistry. The liver, spleen, kidney, and bursa of Fabricius of the birds were excised and analyzed for histopathological changes. The most common fungal contaminants in the feeds were Penicillium (33.3%)species, followed by Aspergillus species (22.2%). The mold-contaminated feed had the highest number of fungal contaminants, 55.6%, while the negative control (basal feed group) had none. Total aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol were high in the mold-contaminated feed (53.272 µg/kg and 634.5 µg kg, respectively), but these were reduced by the addition of adsorbents to the feed. The birds fed mold-contaminated feed had significantly (p<0.05) reduced red blood cell count counts, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin but increased white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Liver enzyme activity (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and cholesterol concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) in the group fed mold-contaminated feed while the serum albumin and total protein decreased significantly (p<0.05) in comparison with the negative control. Adverse histopathological changes were observed in the liver, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius in the group fed mold-contaminated feed. Addition of S. cerevisiae, bentonite or kaolin in the mold-contaminated feed ameliorated these toxic effects. The observed histopathological lesions were consistent with mycotoxicosis in birds and were mild in the adsorbent treated groups. Kaolin had a higher protective effect against mycotoxicosis than the two other adsorbents.

5 illus, 5 tables, 44 ref

000775   NUGROHO P, WIRYAWAHAN K G, ASTUTI D A, MANALU W (IPB Univ, Bogor- 16680, Indonesia, Email: kgwiryawan61@gmail.com) : Stimulation of follicle growth and development during estrus in Ettawa Grade does fed a flushing supplement of different polyunsaturated fatty acids. Vet World 2021, 14(1), 11-22.

Flushing with the manipulation of fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, like linoleic and α-linolenic acids in the ration, is a strategy to raise the nutritional status of the female mammals to improve ovarian function and follicle development. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of flushing supplementation with different types of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids in stimulating follicle growth and development during estrus in Ettawa Grade does with a low initial body condition score (BCS ≤2). Eighteen Ettawa Grade does in the second parity, with an average body weight of 32.11±2.19 kg, were divided into three groups according to the fatty acid supplemented to their ration: (i) About 2.8% lauric acid flushing (group); (ii) 2.8% linoleic acid flushing (LA group); and (iii) 2.8% α-linolenic acid flushing (ALA group). The ration was formulated to be isocaloric (total digestible nutrient = 77%) and isonitrogenous (crude protein = 15%). The experiment was conducted for 35 days; that is, 14 days for acclimatization and synchronization of the estrous cycle and 21 days for fatty acid flushing until the appearance of the next estrus. A completely randomized design was applied. According to the results, none of the different fatty acids in the ration affected the nutrient intakes, BCSs, average daily gains, and plasma glucose, cholesterol, and progesterone concentrations of the three groups of does. However, the BCSs (by 0.8-0.9) and the plasma cholesterol concentrations were higher after fatty acid flushing for 21 days than before the flushing period. The ALA group had the highest number of large-sized preovulatory follicles, whereas the LAURIC group had the highest plasma estradiol concentration during estrus. All three groups had similar plasma progesterone concentrations during estrus after fatty acid flushing. Flushing supplementation with 2.8% ALA from flaxseed oil gave the best results in terms of stimulating the highest number of large-sized preovulatory follicles in Ettawa Grade does

6 illus, 5 tables, 63 ref

000774   YANTI Y, SUMIARTO B, KUSUMASTUTI T A, PANUS A, SODIRUN S (Gadjah Mada Univ, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Email: yuliyanti1998@gmail.com) : Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and the brucellosis model at the individual level of dairy cattle in the West Bandung District, Indonesia. Vet World 2021, 14(5), 1-10.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infectious disease. West Bandung is a center for dairy farming in West Java Province District and endemic for brucellosis. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, the associated risk factors, and the brucellosis model at the individual level of dairy cattle in the West Bandung District. The research was conducted through a cross-sectional study. The samples were collected from the serum blood of dairy cattle. Data obtained from the questionnaire were used to investigate risk factors. Multistage random sampling was applied as the sampling technique; therefore, a sample size of 540 cows was selected. The number of farms and cattle on each farm was calculated using a variant effect design of the farm as well as 108 farms was selected with five cattle samples per farm. The results in regard of the research sample acquisition in the West Bandung District included 588 dairy cows from 116 farms, exceeds the number of samples calculated (540 dairy cows and 108 farms). The rose Bengal test (RBT) and the complement fixation test (CFT) were performed for brucellosis testing. Data associated with brucellosis cases at the individual level of the dairy cattle were analyzed using descriptive statistics univariate, bivariate with Chisquare, and odds ratio (OR). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression was used for the analysis during modeling. The results showed that the prevalence of brucellosis at the individual level in the West Bandung District was 5.10%. Risk factors associated with brucellosis in cattle included the history of abortion (p=0.000; OR=9.9), the history of placental retention (p=0.000; OR=6.6), the history of endometritis (p=0.000; OR=5.5), the history of stillbirth (p=0.043; OR=3.0), the history of pregnancy abortion age at 7-8 months (p=0.000; OR=15.2), and the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 4-6 months (p=0.007; OR=3.8). The model of brucellosis in dairy cows was the following: = −3.2843+3.41033 the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 7-8 months +2.54503 the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 4-6 months +1.86185 age of cattle >2 years – 1.0469 Calving interval 12 months. The model showed the factors that were associated with brucellosis at the individual level of dairy cattle included the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 7-8 months (β=+3.41033; OR=30.3), the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 4-6 months (β=+2.54503; OR=12.7); age of cattle >2 years (β=+1.86185; OR=1.2), and Calving interval ≤12 months (β=−1.04691; OR=0.34). The results of this research showed that the prevalence of brucellosis at the individual level of dairy cattle in the West Bandung district was 5.10%. The risk factors could contribute to the increase of the brucellosis cases, that is, the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 7-8, the history of pregnancy abortion at the age of 4-6 months, and the age of cattle >2 years. The risk factors can be decreased in the brucellosis cases, that is, calving intervals ≤12 months.

1 illus, 4 tables, 68 ref

000751   LALAWMPUII L, TLAU L (Life Sciences Dep, Mizoram Univ, Aizawl- 796 001, Email: lucykjhaznich@gmail.com) : Begonia roxburghii: A potentially important medicinal plant. Sci Vis 2021, 21(1), 22-5.

Begonia roxburghii is an annual dicot plant of the family Begoniaceae and is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are monoecious (has both male and female organs) and they are generally self-pollinated. Its parts are variously used in traditional practice for different health benefits. The stem is a nutritious snack, the juice is antihaemorrhoid and antiinfectious agent. It is used for the treatment of bee sting, skin infection, dysentery, diarrhoea, gastric ulcer, oral infection, jaundice and diabetes mellitus. It is chemically rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, steroids, resins, carbohydrates and phenols. It is shown to have high antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity. However, little is known about the actual bioactive components and their effects on various health conditions related to its medicinal applications. This plant, therefore, has a potential for medicinal value for a wide array of diseases and clinical conditions, and would be worth systematic chemical and pharmacological characterizations.

1 illus, 24 ref

000750   TARA M (Life Sciences Dep, Mizoram Univ, Aizawl- 796 001, Email: m.tara@pucollege.edu.in) : The status of Elateridae (Coleoptera) in India. Sci Vis 2021, 21(1), 17-21.

Beetles are a group of insects that form the order Coleoptera, in the superorder Endopterygota. It is estimated that a quarter of all described species in the world belongs to this order. The family Elateridae or click beetles is the ninth-largest family under this order. Wireworms are the larval stage of this family and they play a role in the ecosystem as they are omnivorous and act as pests. There are over 800 species of elaterids recorded from the Indian Subcontinent under eight subfamilies. India is rich in floral and faunal diversity and insect diversity in particular constitute about 6% of all identified insects in the world with a large number being endemic species. But in contrast to its extreme species richness, there is comparatively very little knowledge about this family of beetles when compared to other families. And as such, there is still a lot of potential to study its ecology and diversity. It is also because of this same reason that review of the status of the elaterid family is being done as a prequel to the actual field study.

73 ref

000748   LAWLER C J Z, LALTHANZARA H (Zoology Dep, Government Kolasib Coll, Kolasib- 79608, Email: chrislawlor68@gmail.com) : A review of the diversity of aquatic avifauna in Mizoram, India. Sci Vis 2021, 21(1), 6-11.

Aquatic avifauna are an important bio-indicator of an ecosystem changes. Mizoram, one of the north-eastern states of India, lies in one of the richest biodiversity hotspots of the world. Along its water bodies, it is home to several species of resident birds, and is also a temporary home for migrating birds in different seasons. These resident and migratory avifauna form an important component of most wetland ecosystems, as they are vital components of the food webs. While only the Tamdil and Palak Lake are recognized as wetlands, there are several rivers and smaller water bodies around which aquatic avifauna exist. However, official records comprise of about 14 species of waterbirds belonging to 6 orders and 8 families. Of these, Anatidae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Anhingidae, and Podicipedidae are represented by one species each, while the Ardeidae are represented by four species. Among the 14 species reported so far, two species of the Order Pelicaniformes, namely Anhinga melanogaster (Family Anhingidae) and Ardea insignis (Family Ardeidae) are highly endangered. However, detailed studies are wanting and, while there are sporadic reports of sightings on social media, there is a need for a more comprehensive study of the diversity and seasonal variations of aquatic avifauna around the different water bodies of the state of Mizoram.

2 tables, 25 ref

000747   ZIRKUNGA M C (Life Sciences Div, Mizoram Univ, Aizawl- 796 001, Email: ziramc@pucollege.edu.in) : On the definition, status of research, diversity and prospect of exploration of the Genus Garra (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Mizoram, Northeast India. Sci Vis 2021, 21(1), 1-5.

The cyprinid genus Garra includes small to medium-sized, benthic fish species that are usually found in fast-flowing rivers and streams. Fish of this genus have a modified lower lip forming a mental adhesive disc and horizontally placed pectoral and pelvic fins with a flat ventral profile. The genus Garra is vast and wide with each species exhibiting various differences at the morphological and molecular level. Reports on the exploration and investigation of the genus in Mizoram are few and those that are reported need certain validation and clarifications. Recollection and elaborated review of this genus are obligatory. Therefore, meticulous analysis of these freshwater fish using morphological as well as molecular methods is required to validate previous findings. Furthermore, the review paper will shed a light on the diagnosis of the fish, status of research, and research prospects in Mizoram.

1 table, 39 ref

000412   JAISWAL D, SHANKAR S, MADASAMY K, JADHAV S, AKKINAPELLY N (Zoological Survey of India, Hyderabad- 500 048) : New records of genus peschetius guignot 1942 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) from Telangana, India. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 114-7.

Globally, there are ten species belonging to genus Peschetius Guignot, 1942 in which Peschetius toxophorus and P. quadricostatus are known from India. The present study reported the genera for the first time from the state of Telangana, India.

8 ref

000409   PANIGRAHI A K, PATTNAIK S (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Nadia- 741235, West Bengal) : Studies to estimate the pollution load of some South Bengal rivers and its impacts: A survey. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 83-90.

Availability of fishes in the river stretch is directly related to the economy of the fishermen community. Due to increasing pollution load many rivers of Indian subcontinent is facing the problem of ecological degradation with sharp decline in fish productivity. Rivers of West Bengal to be more precise rivers of south Bengal are not the exceptions. A preliminary survey has been conducted to identify the major river basins of South Bengal where most of the rivers pour its content into Bhagirathi-Hooghly at different points. Some of the tributaries joined at the right bank and some others joined at the left bank of the main confluence of Bhagirathi-Hooghly River. Present study deals with the hydrobiological condition of River Churni, Jalangi and Damodar, three tributaries of Bhagirathi-Hooghly confluence, which in turn the main influencing factor of river productivity. All the rivers have been found to receive industrial effluent from diffuse sources. Increased pollution load has been evident during the survey in about all the confluences. The situation is continuously posing constrains on the productivity of these river. Loss of aquatic diversity, both flora and fauna, have been found to be the major problem during last few decades. The fishermen community which is directly associated with the productivity of these river has facing economic loss due to the loss of river bio-diversity. Collection and analysing of water sample to determine the levels of water quality parameters of these rivers help us to estimate the load of pollution in these river stretches. Objective of the study was to estimate the water quality status of some south Bengal rivers and its relation to the fish availability and socio-economy of fishermen. Results show that River Churni is facing a huge problem of ecological degradation whereas, other two tributaries, Jalangi and Damodar show moderate load of pollution. Socio-economic condition of the fishermen is highly dependent on productivity of river. Result shows that fishermen of River Churni and Jalangi are highly affected due to the decreasing productivity of the rivers. Socio-economic condition of Damodar river dependants are comparatively high than these two river dependents. The ultimate result of the total study will help to estimate the present water quality condition of the South Bengal Rivers and occupation of its dependents.

20 ref

000408   ABDEL-HAKIM E A, IBRAHIM S S, SALEM N Y (National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt) : Effect of garlic and lemongrass essential oils on some biological and biochemical aspects of corn stem borer Sesamia cretica larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) during diapausing phase. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 73-82.

The toxicity of two essential oils garlic and lemongrass were tested against diapausing destined larvae of the corn stem borer Sesamia cretica (Led.). Some biological aspects of garlic and lemongrass oils were evaluated on 2nd and the last (6th) instar diapausing destined larvae by dipping (feeding) method. Garlic and lemongrass oils were topically applied on the dorsum of diapausing 6th larval instar for 72 h to evaluate their toxicity on the total nutrient contents (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and compared to that found in the control. The two oils had a significant reduction effect on larval duration and larval weight leading to increase the percentage of larval mortality. When the newly ecdysed last instar diapause-destined larvae of S. cretica treated with garlic oil at the concentration LC₅₀, they had induced to undergo up to 2 stationary larval moulting expressed in (50 %), while lemongrass oil has proved to be more efficient in inducing larvae to undergo up to 3 stationary larval moults (92.3 %). Death as expressed in the mortality % had occurred mostly in the larval instar or in rare cases as larval–pupal intermediate after surviving as such up to 1–2 months. Our results show that lemongrass oil had no effect on total protein and lipid contents of treated larvae, while garlic oil increased total protein. Carbohydrates serve as the labile energy source of these larvae and may be converted to lipids for storage. It seems that the observed disturbance of nutrient content during diapause stage and may be key element in induction and termination of facultative diapause of S. cretica. The total carbohydrates content reduced significantly in diapausing larvae treated with the two oils. The results of this study demonstrated that essential oils of garlic and lemongrass have significant toxic effects on certain biological and biochemical parameters of S. cretica through breaking the diapause stage, and could be helpful in further research for practical control of this insect pest.

65 ref

000407   SAMADDAR A, KAVIRAJ A, NIELSEN I E, SAHA S (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani- 741235, West Bengal) : Replacement of fishmeal by fermented animal protein blend in the feed of Mystus vittatus: Analysis of optimality by programming and modeling. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 62-72.

Optimum replacement of fishmeal (FM) is a challenge for scientists to develop low-cost feed for fish. In this study five experimental feeds were formulated by replacing 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% of FM by fermented animal protein blend (FAPB). Fingerlings of Mystus vittatus (average wt. 3.27 g) reared on these feeds for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in growth and deposition of nutrients and amino acids in muscles in 100% replacement level, but exhibited an anomalous pattern of these parameters in other replacement levels. Multi-Objective Programming based on four growth parameters (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio) produced optimum fishmeal replacement level (OFRL) as 38.43 %, while it changed to 39.67 % based on the growth parameters and crude protein (CP) and 51.22 % based on the growth parameters, CP and crude lipid together. OFRL for maximum deposition of essential and non-essential amino acids (EAA & NAA) was found 31.54 % and 51.32 % respectively. Applying structural equation modeling we found that the histidine, lysine (EAA), aspartic acid and glycine (NAA) would produce negative effects on weight gain when FAPB was used as a FM replacer. While histidine was deficient, lysine, aspartic acid and glycine deposited in excess in muscle. It is concluded from this study that FM replacement level by FAPB in the diet of M. vittatus needs to be determined by considering the influence of CP, EAA and NAA to avoid excessive deposition of some amino acids and to obtain a compromise FM based on decision-makers goal.

39 ref

000406   CAMARA M, JAMIL N R (Putra Malaysia UPM Univ, Selangor- 43400, Malaysia) : Evaluation of community-based species awareness programme: A case study of critically endangered freshwater river turtle Batagur affinis in kg Pasir gajah, Terengganu, Malaysia. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 52-61.

Freshwater turtles are among the world’s most endangered vertebrates as five out of six species under genus Batagur are already listed as Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List. Since a community’s support for a conservation project depend on their knowledge and attitude towards ecology and local species, this study evaluated the impact of previous awareness campaigns on the community’s knowledge and attitude towards the conservation of freshwater turtle Batagur affinis. The evaluation was based on inputs received from a group of 333 respondents (20.4 % of local population) who reside within 10 km of the Kemaman River in Kg Pasir Gajah, Malaysia. Demographical subgroups were given equal representation. The sampling procedure and survey analysis were based on the Stratified Random sampling and Convenience sampling principles. A set of questionnaire comprising 14 statements and 22 questions was used as the instrument of data collection. The general knowledge and attitude of the community towards species conservation was found to be high (58.6 % and 61.0 % respectively). There was neither a significant difference in knowledge and attitude between the sexes, nor a significant difference among age groups. However, a strong positive relationship was found between knowledge about species conservation and pro-conservation attitude among the respondents. The results may help to identify groups that need more awareness in the follow up conservation campaigns. Moreover, evaluation of other species awareness campaigns can also be initiated using the present study protocol.

24 ref

000405   GODOME T, SINTONDJI S W, AZON M T C, TOSSAVI C E, OUATTARA N I, FIOGBE E D (Zoology Dep, Abomey-Calavi Univ, BP 526, Benin) : Artificial reproduction and embryogeny of the tiger frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (günther 1858). Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 43-51.

The objective of this study was to investigate the embryonic development of the frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis after their artificial reproduction with the Ovaprim^®, a combination of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue and dopamine antagonist domperidone. Male and female H. occipitalis were collected from the wild and were intramuscularly injected with Ovaprim^® at doses of 6 µL/g and 8 µL/g body weight, respectively. The eggs were laid 6 h after hormone injection. The numbers of eggs laid by each female frog were 1726 ± 5.4 (SD) with 94.4 % and 88.2 % mean fecundity and hatching rate, respectively. The diameter of the eggs at laying was 2.73 ± 0.33 mm while it was 5.04 ± 0.05 mm just before hatching. The stages of embryonic development starting from fertilization to tadpoles’ formation took 27 h to complete at 26.4 ± 0.3 °C. The average height of the tadpoles after hatching was 5.1 mm. Circular tadpole movement in the chorion with an irregular respiratory movement was observed at 21 h after egg-laying. In summary, the study shows that H. occipitalis could reproduce in controlled environment by hormonal induction; the reproductive structures have no significant effect on egg-laying; and the embryonic development time of H. occipitalis differs from that other Anuran species.

35 ref

000403   HAQUE S, BANDYOPADHYAY P K, MONDAL K (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani, West Bengal) : Studies on growth, behavior and blood profile in Anabas testudineus infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 19-27.

The present paper deals with the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the airbreathing fish, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792). The fishes were intraperitoneally injected with experimental bacterial suspension at the dose of T1—2.0 × 10² CFU/ml, T2—2.0 × 10³ CFU/ml, T3—2.0 × 10⁴ CFU/ml, T4—2.0 × 10⁵ CFU/ml and T5—2.0 × 10⁶ CFU/ml. The result showed significant decrease in the values of red blood cells and haemoglobin in infected fish. However, the values of white blood cells and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the infected fish. Liver enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher values in the treated fish compared to healthy fish. Changes in behavior and histopathological alterations were observed in the experimental fishes along with the decrease in length and loss in body weight. Necrosis and hyperplasia in the gills, liver and kidney tissues were also evident in the infected fish.

40 ref

000402   MITRA A (Zoology Dep, Sundarban Hazi Desarat Coll, South 24 Parganas- 743 611, West Bengal) : Thought of alternate aquafeed: Conundrum in aquaculture sustainability?. Proc Zool Soc 2021, 74(1), 1-18.

The exponential growth of human population and their ever-increasing demands have challenged the aquaculture sector with respect to its growth, sustainability and environmental well-being. Due to the rapid intensification, aquaculture’s share of global fishmeal and fish oil consumption has more than doubled over the past decade with limited availability and high prices. Hence, the key concern of aquaculture in recent times is to reduce the environmental footprint while feeding the farmed fish with nutritionally balanced, economic and environmentally sustainable feed. But the changes in feed systems are dependent on several potential drivers, including environmental, political, economic, cultural, technological and demographic ones. The use of compound feeds formulated with a great variety of ingredients was a major step in the development of the worldwide aquaculture industry in the last century. However, the main challenges are the availability and cost of alternate feed resources, their competitiveness with other sectors, demand-supply consort with the environmental quality, social acceptability and economic growth. This review is an attempt to assess the present scenario of conventional aquafeed with an understanding of the gaining importance of alternate aquafeed along with their trade-offs addressing the principal issues of sustainability for future policy making.

209 ref

000623   RABINSON F J, KRISHNA J P, ARINDAM D, KOLTE A P, KANDALAM G (ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru-560 030, Email: dhali72@gmail.com) : Effect of different culture media and supplementation of oxidative uncoupler on the development of ovine embryos in vitro. Res J Biotech 2021, 16(5), 187-92.

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) in livestock species is important for breed conservation, rapid propagation of superior germplasm and many other potential downstream applications. Nevertheless, the efficiency of IVEP is substantially low in domestic animals, especially in ovine. In vitro culture (IVC) media is one of the most crucial factors that determines the success of IVEP. The current study aimed to assess the effect of different IVC media and supplementation of oxidative uncoupler 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on the in vitro development of ovine embryos. In the experiment 1, in vitro derived ovine embryos were cultured until 192 h in research vitro cleave (RVCL) and synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF-IVC) media or in early SOF (ESOF-IVC) medium until 96 h and then in late SOF (LSOF-IVC) medium until 192 h. In the experiment 2, in vitro derived ovine embryos were cultured in SOFIVC medium until 96 h and then in SOF-IVC medium without or with supplementation of 5 and 10 µM of DNP until 192 h or embryos were cultured in SOF-IVC medium until 120 h and then in SOF-IVC medium supplemented with 5 µM of DNP until 192 h. In the experiment 3, in vitro derived ovine embryos were cultured in RVCL medium until 120 h and then in SOF-IVC medium supplemented with 5 µM of DNP until 192 h. It was evident that RVCL medium yielded significantly (p<0.05) greater rate (%) of cleavage and the formation of 4-8 cell embryos (73.3±2.66 and 64.7±1.73 respectively) as compared to SOF (56.9±7.30 and 44.4±7.45 respectively) and ESOFLSOF (43.9±3.26 and 39.4±3.18 respectively) media. In contrast, significantly (p<0.05) greater formation (%) of blastocysts was observed with the use of SOF (7.08±0.79) than RVCL (4.32±0.07) or ESOF-LSOF (3.67±0.61) media. In conclusion, RVCL resulted in better cleavage and formation of 4-8 cell embryos, but SOF supported better embryo development to blastocyst stage. DNP supplementation in SOF medium significantly improved blastocyst rate. However, sequential culturing of embryos in RVCL and DNP supplemented SOF media did not have any additional benefit towards blastocyst development.

3 illus, 32 ref

000604   MULANI R M, DHULDHAJ U P, JADHAV A H, KHAN P U, KOLHE R D (Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada Univ, Nanded- 431 606, Email: mulani1961@gmail.com) : Seasonal variation in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal colonization in roots and spores in rhizospheric soil of Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata (Wall.) Grave. Mayer. Res J Biotech 2021, 16(5), 57-63.

The present study deals with seasonal variations in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal colonization in roots of Caralluma adscendens var fimbriata (Wall.) Grave and Mayer and presence of chlamydospores in the rhizospheric soil. The whole root mount showed 80 % endomycorrhizal colonization in winter, 73 % in summer and 60 % in the rainy season. The mycelium is coenocytic, aseptate and branched. The vesicles observed in whole root mount were oval, rounded and globular. The rhizospheric soil analysis showed presence of 34 spores per gm of soil in summer followed by 31 spores in winter and 5 spores per gm of soil in rainy season. Five Arbuscular Mycorrhizal genera were recorded in the rhizospheric soil and dominated by Glomus. The other genera were Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Entrophosphora and Scutelliospora.

4 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

000563   LATIFAH L A, SOEKAMTO N H, TAHIR A (Marine Sciences Dep , Hasanuddin Univ, Makassar- 90245, Indonesia, Email: akbar_tahir@mar-sci.unhas.ac.id ) : New antibacterial activities of brominated C₁₈ AND C₂₀ fatty acids isolated from marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria against shrimp pathogenic bacteria. Rasayan J Chem 2021, 14(1), 460-5.

The two known brominated C₁₈ and C₂₀ fatty acids (methyl ester) possessing acetylenic bonds (1,2) have been obtained from ethyl acetate extract of Xestospongia testudinaria collected in Badi island, Spermonde Archipelago, Makassar, Indonesia. The C₁₈ and C₂₀ compounds were determined using NMR and mass spectral data. Both C₁₈ and C₂₀ exhibited antibacterial activities against the shrimp pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio sp.). Compound 1 (C₁₈) showed significant inhibitory activity with the highest inhibition zone of 7.86 mm against Vibrio harveyi (inhibition zone of positive control (ciprofloxacin) was 24.8 mm). The two known compounds might be considered as a source of antibacterial drugs against Vibrio sp.

1 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

000137   GAUR P, PICHHODE M, DUDWE J, SHRIVASTAVA C S, GAHERWAL S ( Zoology Dep, Science Coll, Indore, M.P, Email: psgaherwal@yahoo.com) : Residential, IUCN and WPA status of the avian fauna observed in Indore city (M.P.), India. Nat Environ Pollut Technol 2021, 20(1), 113-21.

The objective of the present study was to prepare a record of the Residential, IUCN and WPA status of the birds recorded in four sites of Indore city. The study was of one-year duration (2018). The results showed that there were five species as winter migrants, one as summer migrant, six as local migrants, and 46 as resident species. Only one species, i.e. Psittacula eupatria was found to be in the near threatened category. According to WPA status, 5 species were Schedule I species, 1 schedule V, and 52 species as schedule IV species. These sites have a potential of augmentation of avian fauna shortly and these spaces abide by many species with a larger diversity than estimated. The present study is the first-ever record of avian species in the three sites of Indore city. The results of this study support the scope of conservation of these spaces for increasing the number of species shortly.

9 illus, 15 ref

000026   KUNDU R (Calcutta Univ, Kolkata- 700 098, West Bengal) : A novel technique for texture and edge preservation using bilateral filter. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 117-24.

Bilateral filter denoises image with edge preservation. It possesses two filters, one for homogeneous intensity region and other for sharp intensity changes. This paper proposes improvement in Bilateral filter by preserving texture and sharp changes in the image using range, standard deviation, entropy and gradient. For proper establishment, mathematical insight is given that explains why the proposed filter performs better than Bilateral filter in vicinity of texture and edges. Some important results are given to study the proposed algorithm.

8 ref

000025   KHALID A, ADEBISI B, DIN A, KHAN E, ABBAS A, HONARY B (Lahore Univ, Lahore, Pakistan) : deterministic multipath model for the power-line channel. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 113-6.

A simple approach of using the multipath model for a power-line channel is proposed. A complex network is decomposed into several point-to-point components, and the transfer function for each individual component is computed. The product of these individual transfer functions gives the transfer function of the whole complex network. Accuracy of the proposed approach is established mathematically and by comparing the simulation results with the traditional methodology.

5 ref

000024   SHARMA S K, RATHORE S S, KOLI V K (Zoology Dep, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur- 313 001, Rajasthan) : Range extension and movement of vulnerable leopard (Panthera pardus) towards the Thar desert, Rajasthan, India. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 109-12.

In this communication, we report range extension and persistent movement of the vulnerable leopard (Panthera pardus) towards the Thar Desert, west of its established range from 2010 to 2018. Our study documents 14 cases of the presence of male leopards in five districts and 55.7–413.7 km away from the known distribution limit. The species movement could be due to lower competition, food and water availability, increased agricultural and forest coverage in the Indira Gandhi Command area.

16 ref

000023   BHAKTA D, MEETEI W A, KAMBLE S P, SOM S, SAHOO A K, DAS B K (ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Vadodara- 390 022, Gujarat) : First record of Indian frogfish, Antennarius indicus schultz, 1964, in Narmada estuary, Gujarat, India. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 105-7.

The Indian frogfish distributed from East Africa and the Persian Gulf east to India and Sri Lanka is a truly marine species. Frogfish of the family Antennariidae is distinguished by the presence of three well-developed dorsal spines, laterally-directed eyes, largemouth and laterally compressed body. There are no reports of the occurrence of frogfishes in river Narmada. The present study confirms the occurrence of Indian frogfish in the Narmada estuary Gujarat, India, as the first record.

11 ref

000022   GOUTHAM-BHARATHI M P, RAJENDRA S, RAGHUNATHAN C (Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair- 744 102, Andaman and Nicobar Islands) : New records of uncommon fishes from the Andaman islands, India. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 101-4.

Three uncommon fishes, viz. porcupine whipray, Urogymnus asperrimus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), Shaggy angler, Antennarius hispidus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), and barless cardinalfish, Taeniamia ataenia (Randall & Satapoomin, 1999), are reported herein as first records from the Andaman Islands. The former two are hitherto not reported from the Islands, while the latter was found to be a new record for India. Porcupine whipray and barless cardinalfish were identified based on in situ photographs. Shaggy angler was identified based on two specimens collected from a discarded commercial beach–seine fishery. Categorized by IUCN as Vulnerable, porcupine whipray is previously known from Lakshadweep and the peninsular coasts of India. The shaggy angler was reported from a shallow muddy habitat of 5–7 m in the present study. Though the type locality of barless cardinalfish is the eastern Indian Ocean, this has not been recorded earlier from India.

18 ref

000021   TRIPATHI S, SENGAR M, GOPESH A (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Prayagraj- 211 002, U.P) : Presence of pseudobranchial neurosecretory system in Barilius bendelisis: A paraneuronal neuroendocrine system. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(2), 97-100.

Diffused neuroendocrine system (DNES) includes a diversity of paraneuronal cells which are known to be scattered throughout the vertebrate body. They are well known to secrete a plethora of neurochemicals that act in autocrine and/or paracrine mode. Pseudobranchial neurosecretory system is one such DNES. It is found uniformly in all the catfishes and some other groups of non-catfish teleosts. However, it was not found in carps so far. The present investigation is the first time report of the presence of this system in a carp Barilius bendelisis. In catfish, the system is present in association with carotid labyrinth—a chemosensory structure known in fish and amphibians. The carotid labyrinth is a derived structure of pseudobranch. Hence, the revelation of the pseudobranchial neurosecretory system in association with pseudobranch in B. bendelisis has significant evolutionary implications

11 ref

000002   BAHUKHANDI A, BAROLA A, BHATT I D (G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Almora- 263 643, Uttarakhand) : Impact of solvent system on polyphenolics and antioxidant activity of Gloriosa superba l.: Herbaceous species of western himalaya. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(1), 9-12.

Gloriosa superba Linn. is medicinal herb of Indian Himalaya and used traditional medicine system. This study is made to explore its biochemical attributes using diverse solvents (i.e., ethanol, methanol, acetone, acetonitrile and distilled water). Results revealed varied range of phenolics (0.54–1.35 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (0.66–1.85 mg QE/g), flavonols (0.33–1.03 mg QE/g), tannins (1.08–3.47 mg TAE/g) and proanthocyanidins (1.00–1.82 mg CE/g) across solvent extractions. Similarly, antioxidant activities (i.e., ABTS 2.67–4.09; DPPH 1.24–4.58; FRAP 0.16–0.54; NO· 2.26–4.05; and OH· 0.14–0.41 mM AAE/100 g dry weight, respectively) varied. Results are indicative that the species possess higher bioactive compounds and methanol, acetone was exhibited best. The study provide baseline information on biochemical attributes of the species which can, with due R&D interventions, be extended for industrial application.

10 ref

000001   MAJUMDER R, KAVIRAJ A (Zoology Dep, Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya, Hooghly- 712 405, West Bengal) : Acute toxicity of cypermethrin to freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus: Influence of aquatic weed and turbidity of water. Natl Acad Sci Lett 2021, 44(1), 5-7.

Cypermethrin is a common pollutant of freshwater ecosystem in India. In this study, static bioassays were conducted to evaluate how toxicity of Cypermethrin to freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus changed with hydro-biological conditions of water. 72-h LC₅₀ of Cypermethrin to O. niloticus was found as 5.05 µg/L. The LC₅₀ value significantly increased in the presence of the aquatic weed Azolla pinnata (150 g/10L). Toxicity of Cypermethrin to fish also reduced with the increase in turbidity of water. It was concluded that determination of lethality of Cypermethrin to fish should be based on ambient conditions of the medium.

10 ref

044227   VISALI V, PRASAD P V V, MAMATHA C, PAYANI S, BHASKAR M (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati - 517 502, Email: matchabhaskar@gmail.com) : Impaired antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney and liver tissues of hypertension induced and vanadium treated rats. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2020, 10(1), 73-9.

Hypertension is a complex disorder that affects various organs of the body. The vital target of the present research was to study the effect of hypertension induction and vanadium treatment On antioxidant status in various tissues of the rat. In the present work, four domains of rats were taken i.e., Control domain, fructose-induced hypertension domain, vanadium treated domain, hypertension-induced + vanadium treated domain. The actions of antioxidant enzymes SOD (Superoxide dismutase), Lipid peroxidation, catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were estimated in the kidney and liver of all the four domain rats. The result reveals that hypertension induction significantly reduced the levels of SOD, lipid peroxidation and in Contrast the catalase, glutathione peroxidase levels in both kidney and liver were significantly increased whereas the treatment with sodium met vanadate effectively reestablished the alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in both kidney and liver tissues of the rat.

4 illus, 29 ref

044197   BATRA S (Zoology Dep, S.D. Coll (Lahore), Ambala Cantt - 133 001, Haryana, Email: soniabatrakuk@rediffmail.com) : Use of electron microscopy in study of steroidogenic cells of normal, regressing and pregnant caprine corpora lutea. Int J Pharm Sci & Res 2020, 11(1), 288-91.

Electron microscopic studies revealed variations in different cell organelles in steroidogenic cells of normal, regressing and pregnant caprine corpora lutea. Corpus luteum was comprised of two types of steroidogenic cells viz. small theca luteal cells and large granulosa luteal cells. In granulosa luteal cells, rough endoplasmic reticulum was most abundant in corpus luteum of pregnancy. The number of mitochondria, Golgi complex and secretory granules increased from normal to pregnancy category and decreased in regressing category. In theca luteal cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, number of mitochondria and Golgi complex were more in pregnancy. During regression, degenerating luteal cells with shrunken cytoplasm, dispersed nuclear membrane, apoptotic granules, increased number of lipid droplets, lysosomes, swollen mitochondria, irregular plasma membrane, disintegrating and vacuolated rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed. The degenerating luteal cells of regressing corpus luteum revealed the patches of chromatin material along the periphery of the uneven nuclear membrane and also within the nucleoplasm. These variations shall be discussed in relation to their physiological obligations.

5 illus, 28 ref

042268   MEGHASHREE R N, NAGARAJ K (Applied Zoology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shivamogga - 577 451, Karnataka, Email: knagarajv@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antibacterial immune response in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila ananassae. Indian J Exp Biol 2020, 58(11), 751-9.

Insects are excellent model organisms to examine the phenotypic variation of innate immunity. The innate immunity is the immediate response of invertebrates for protection against pathogens. In this study, we assessed the immune responses of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila ananassae against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It includes survival ability against infection, systemic pathogen load, and estimation of phenoloxidase activity, melanization reaction, the total number of hemocytes, quantification of fat, and the nitrite levels in adult flies and also the bacterial inhibitory effect of hemolymph. The results showed increased bacterial growth in D. ananassae compared to D. melanogaster. Due to bacterial infection, reduced fat accumulation was observed in both D. ananassae and D. melanogaster, which suggests a possible decline in physiological condition. Further, a significant elevation in phenoloxidase, nitrite levels and hemolymph reveals that bacterial cell growth was found to be inhibited due to the immune response of both Drosophila species. D. ananassae showed high sensitivity to bacterial infection, while D. melanogaster showed moderate sensitivity. The results have demonstrated the level of immunocompetence of laboratory stocks of D. melanogaster and D. ananassae against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

9 illus, 40 ref

042257   MOHINDRU B, CHHUNEJA P K, SINGH J (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: pkchhuneja@pau.edu) : Validation of hygienic Apis mellifera L. colonies against Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman infestation. Indian J Exp Biol 2020, 58(9), 656-60.

Varroa destructor is a major bee parasitic mite causing huge losses to Apis mellifera colonies worldwide. Apart from various chemical based strategies, hygienic behaviour is an important ecological Varroa management strategy. This trait plays an important role in imparting the colony resistance against the V. destructor. Here, we assessed the colony level hygienic behaviour of 100 colonies using pin-killed brood method and from these 100 colonies, ten colonies (7 hygienic and 3 nonhygienic) were validated against V. destructor infestation for two seasons, autumn and spring. The worker larval brood near capping stage was inoculated with Varroa mite. In total, 21 inoculations were made in every test colony and replicated thrice. The observations were recorded at every 2 h interval till complete removal of mite. During the autumn season, in the 7 hygienic colonies, the mean of Varroa mite inoculated brood cells emptied after 2, 4 and 6 h was 1.36±0.11, 3.17±0.10 and 5.66±0.68 %, and while in the non-hygienic colonies, it was 0±0.00, 0.52±0.10 and 2.11±0.53 %, respectively. After 24 h a mean of 93.43±2.43 % of brood cells were emptied in the hygienic colonies, while in the non-hygienic colonies, it was only 61.90±4.59 %. During the spring season, in the hygienic colonies, mean mite inoculated brood cells emptied after 2, 4 and 6 h were 3.62±1.24, 6.57±0.73 and 7.25±0.47 %, respectively while in the non-hygienic colonies the mean was 0±0.00 %, 1.57±0.00 and 2.11±0.53 %. After 24 h, it was 96.83±1.86 % and 77.25±0.53 % in the hygienic and nonhygienic colonies, respectively. In the autumn season, the hygienic colonies on an average took 28 h, whereas non-hygienic colonies took 50.67 h to achieve 100 % uncapping and cleaning of cells. On the contrary, the hygienic colonies on an average took 25.71 h, whereas non-hygienic colonies took 47.36 h to achieve the same in the spring season. Hence, the hygienic behaviour can contribute to the colony’s resistance towards V. destructor mite inoculation in capped brood cells and result in reduced use of chemicals into the honey bee colonies.

1 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

046776   ALSOLTANE H M, ALTAEE A A (Babylon Univ, Babylon, Iraq, Email: haneenalsoltae@gmail.com) : Histological study of pregnant albino rat treated with nickel oxide nanoparticles. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194723.

The present study was aimed to elucidate the effect of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (100 mg / kg b.wt ) on some parameters in pregnant Albino rats,in both period of pregnancy (12 and14 days ). 30 albino rats were used; 20 female and the rest 10 were fertilized male rats which were used insemination only, the study including, maternal relative body weight, weight gain measurements and relative organ weights and histological study. Relative body weight of mothers showed decreases in both period of pregnancy. Body weight gain of the pregnant rat show decreases in 14 days of pregnancy in treated group as compared with control group while in 12 days of pregnancy showed increases in treated group as compared with control. Relative organ weight showed increases in (Lung, Uterus, kidney) in treated group and decreases in (Heart, Liver, Eye, Spleen, Brian) in (12) day of pregnancy. In ( 14 ) day of pregnancy showed decreases in (Heart, Liver, Eye, Brian , Kidney) and increases in (Lung, Spleen, Uterus) in treated group as compared with control group Histological study included some organ (liver, spleen, kidney, lung brain, eye and heart) for different period (12, 14) days of pregnancy.

5 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

045499   MISHRA R, JAIN S, BHATNAGAR M, SHUKLA S D (Zoology Dep, Government Meera Girls Coll, Udaipur- 313 001, Email: shuklasd@gmail.com) : Fluoride toxicity myth or fact?: A review. J Cell Tissue Res 2020, 20(1), 6869-82.

The relationship between fluoride and its toxic effects has been studied for years by researchers. Studies suggest that small amounts of fluoride are beneficial in terms of prevention of dental caries and strengthen bones. Several reports are available on the long-term exposure of fluoride to low/high concentration and adverse effects on organisms. Although plenty of literature is available only a few interprets the results scholarly. The purpose of this article is to review the claims on fluorosis and examining the objectivity or biases of published articles. We present an unconventional interpretation of fluoride toxicity and fluorosis.

117 ref

045496   VIMAL S K, BHATNAGAR M (Zoology Dep, M. L.S. Univ, Udaipur- 313 001, Email: mbhatnagar@yahoo.com) : Anti ulcer activity of Indian medicinal plants: A review. J Cell Tissue Res 2020, 20(1), 6839-46.

The term Peptic ulcers includes ulcers of digestive tract particularly stomach or duodenum. The incidence of peptic ulcer depends on secretion of acid and peptic activity besides break down of mucosal lining in these areas. A large number of treatment therapies are available using synthetic drugs, antiacids, anticholinergics, proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists, but most of these drugs have side effects like development of intolerance, erectile dysfunctions in male, cardiac arrhythmia and also hematological disorders afterlong term use. Looking to such side effects possible alternative treatment could be using natural products obtained from plants as they not only show efficacy in treatment but are also less expensive and effective with negligible side effects. In this review we are dealing with various plants species which could be a source of alternative therapy for peptic ulcer.

1 table, 68 ref

045462   BISHT R, VERMA M , SARAH R, KUMAR D ( Zoology Dep, Swami Vivekanand Government Post Graduate Coll, Lohaghat, Uttarakhand, Email: oxidation01@gmail.com) : Beneficial effect of Ajuga bracteosa with special reference to immunomodulatory effect: An overview. J Immunol Immunopathol 2020, 22(1), 83-91.

The therapeutic use of traditional medicine is gaining currency in the treatment of a variety of ailments. The untapped potential of many plants is yet to be explored as a source of medicine. The genus Ajuga has enormous medicinal and economic importance. There are almost 300 species of Ajuga notably; Ajuga bracteosa is an important medicinal plant that has many therapeutic properties as anti-microbial, anti-tumour, anti-plasmodial, antipyretic, anti-helminthic, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and insect antifeedant. So far many active principles have been isolated from A. bracteosa such as neo-clerodane diterpenoids, flavonol glycosides, iridoid glycosides, ergosterol-5,8-endoperoxide and phytoecdysones. The present review aims to highlight the immunomodulatory role of A. bracteosa besides their other pharmacological roles.

49 ref

045461   SARAH R , SAMINATHAN M, IDREES N, VERMA M, TABASSUM B (Zoology Dep, Govt. Raza P.G. Coll, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dr.btabassum@gmail.com) : Immunopathology of arsenic-induced toxicity in aquatic organisms: An overview. J Immunol Immunopathol 2020, 22(1), 66-72.

Fishes have been proven to be valuable model to explore the consequences of toxicants uptake, bioaccumulation and their effect on metabolic and immune functions. Hence, fishes represent an important environmental sentinel. The haematological parameters of fishes viz., red blood cells, white blood cells and haemoglobin usually helpful in indicating the environmental pollution in aquatic ecosystem, and arsenic can cause changes in haematologic parameters. Arsenic exposure in fishes leads to immunotoxic effects which could alter immune functions. Fisheries are the fastest growing sector in India, which provides nutrition and food security to huge population of the country besides providing income and employment to quite many people. Hence, fishes need to be examined for general health status to prevent the deleterious effects of heavy metals mainly arsenic, which affects their growth, development and immunity. Therefore, the review was compiled to reveal the significant effects of arsenic toxicity in aquatic organisms. This review may be of helpful to safeguard the health of aquatic organisms as well as public at large.

57 ref

043821   UPADHYAY R K (Zoology Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur 273009. U.P., Email: rkupadhya@yahoo.com) : Pharmaceutical, insecticidal, and therapeutic potential of Amaltash (Cassia fistula family: Caesalpinioideae). Int J Green Pharm 2020, 14(3), 215-28.

The present review article emphasized the pharmaceutical, insecticidal, and therapeutic role of Cassia fistula and its associating species. This is an ornamental plant grown in all parts of India and has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of cough, cold, and sneezing. Plant is a good depository of chemical constituents which display wide array of biological activities such as antipyretic, analgesics, antiseptic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant, chemopreventive, and hepatoprotective. Plant contains important nutraceuticals such as protein 12 %, carbohydrate 11.75 %, lipid 12 %, and free amino acid 1.42 %, respectively. C. fistula contains quality antioxidants which provide relieve in ulcers, jaundice, and piles, treat migraine and blood dysentery, treat fever, and relieve from chest and joint pain. The fruit of C. fistula is a good source of Fe and Mn, it is used in treatment of eczema cough, throat troubles, gastric, and liver complaints. Root extract shows tonic, astringent, febrifuge, and strong purgative activities. Plant is also a good source of nutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, and diverse phytochemicals which could be used for production of herbal drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

1 illus, 1 table, 151 ref

043793   MINAHAL Q, MUNIR S, KOMAL W, FATIMA S, LIAQAT R, SHEHZADI I (Zoology Dep, Lahore College for Women Univ, Lahore, Pakistan) : Global impact of COVID-19 on aquaculture and fisheries: A review. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(6), 42-8.

The recent epidemic that affected the whole world badly is Covid-19. The RNA virus disease effect particularly respiratory system causing difficulty in breathing and if condition get severe, it leads to death. This worldwide pandemic disturb each and every sector of the world as mostly all the countries impose lockdown and restrictions in movement in order to control its spread. This create a huge loss for many sectors such as import/ export, industries, stock markets, aquaculture and economies. Considering specifically its impact on aquaculture and fisheries, it greatly reduces its consumption particularly seafood. Fish food chains are affected, small scale fisheries are facing extreme consequences and there is an increase in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Some positive aspects of this situation such as food sharing and decline in fishing pressure also appears but obviously the negative impacts it holds are far greater than these constructive impacts.

1 illus, 78 ref

043783   ARUNKUMAR L (Zoology Dep, Mayai Lambi Coll, Yumnam Huidrom, Manipur) : Review of the spiny eels of northeast India with description of Macrognathus dhanzei sp. nov. (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae). Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(5), 44-50.

Northeast India is one of important ichthyobiodiversity hot-spot area, mainly drained by four river drainages or basins viz., Brahmaputra, Barak-Meghna-Surma, Chindwin and Kaladan. Eight species viz., five species of spiny eels of Macrognathus and three species of Mastacembelus are reported from this region and shared 9.19% in the world. Macrognathus aculeatus of Dhanze et al. (2018) is erected as a new species, M. dhanzei due to lack of ocelli, 28-34 vertical transverse bars, XXIV-XXVII dorsal spines, 31-38 soft dorsal fin rays, i 15-18 pectoral fin rays, 30-41 soft anal fin rays, 10-12 caudal fin rays, dorsal spine fin base length 72.6-79.9 %SL, preorbital or snout length 34.3-44.0 % HL, head width 15.2- 29.1 %HL, upper jaw length 24.3-30.0% HL, absence of rostral plates and presence of 72 vertebrae respectively. Easiest key for the spiny eel of the genus Macrognathus in the northeast India is provided.

6 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

041889   NIKAM V S, SINGH D, TAKAWALE R, GHANTE M R (Pharmacology Dep, S. P. Pune Univ, Pune - 411 048, Maharashtra, Email: nikam_vandana@yahoo.com) : Zebrafish: An emerging whole‑organism screening tool in safety pharmacology. Indian J Pharmacol 2020, 52(6), 505-13.

During the last two decades, the development in drug discovery is slackening due to drug withdrawal from the market or reported to have postmarket safety events. The vital organ toxicities, especially cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and neurotoxicity are the major concerns for high drug attrition rates. The pharmaceutical industry is looking for high throughput, high content analysis based novel assays that would be fast, efficient, reproducible, and cost‑effective; would address toxicity, the safety of lead molecules, and complement currently used cell‑based assays in preclinical testing. The use of zebrafish, a vertebrate screening model, for preclinical testing is increasing owing to the number of advantages and striking similarities with the mammal. The zebrafish embryo development is fast and all vital organs such as the heart, liver, brain, pancreas, and kidneys in zebrafish are functional within 96–120hpf. The maintenance cost of zebrafish is reasonably low as compared to mammalian systems. Due to these features, zebrafish has arisen as a potential experimental screening model in lead identification and validation in the drug efficacy, toxicity, and safety evaluation. Numbers of drugs and chemicals are screened using zebrafish embryos, and results were found to show 100 % concordance with mammalian screening data. The application of zebrafish, being a whole‑organism screening model, would show a significant reduction in the cost and time required in the drug development process. The present challenge includes complete automation of the zebrafish screening model, i.e., from sorting, imaging of embryos to data analysis to accelerate the therapeutic target identification, and validation process.

4 illus, 5 tables, 55 ref

043772   DEKA P, BARMAN H P (Zoology Dep, Pandu Coll, Guwahati, Assam) : Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of Macrognathus aral (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) from Deepor Beel of Guwahati, Assam. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(4), 56-60.

The present study deals to calculate the length-weight relationship and the relative condition factor of a fish species Macrognathus aral (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) collected from Deepar Beel (wetland) of Assam. The fishes are separated into male and female to calculate the length-weight relationship separately along with relative condition factor (Kn). The growth performances estimated from the lengthweight relationship are found high in both the sexes as the coefficient of correlation ‘r’ exhibits high degree of relationship. The positive allometric growth is shown by female whereas more or less isometric growth (b=2.99) by male. The positive allometric growth in female and isometric growth in male may be an indication for higher feeding proficiencies and better environmental as well as seasonal condition. The present findings also indicate that the value of ‘b’ in both the sexes is less deviated from 3.0, which is a constant for an ideal fish which suggest good environment and season for the fish to grow in the particular habitat. The Kn values in both the sexes are more or less similar which indicate good general condition of the fish.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref