009637   Varshney R K (A Biologists Confreire, , Raj Bhawan, Manik Chowk, Aligarh-202 001) : Notes from D'Abrera's butterflies of the oriental region, relevant to South Asian taxa. Bionotes 2016, 18(3), 90-3.

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009636   Tayyab M;Haseeb A;Hameed ur Rehman;Saeed K; Ali S;Naveed M;Ullah I;Javed A;Inayatullah;Khan S (Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College Univ, Lahore, Pakistan) : Detection of Giardia lamblia by microscopy in different water sources of district D.I Khan, KP, Pakistan. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(3), 1-5.

A total of 200 water samples were collected from different areas of District Dera Ismail Khan for the detection of Giardia lamblia including pond water, tap water and drain water each having 40 samples. In the present study a total of 200 water samples were examined by means of giemsa, which showed 21% (42/200) was of Giardia lamblia, of these samples the prevalence of Giardia lamblia was determined 15% in tap water, 24% pond water, and 30 % in drain water.

5 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

009635   Sar A (Coleoptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, New-Alipore, M-Block, Kolkata-53, Email: abhasar@gmail.com) : Diversity of water associated rove beetles from Uttar Pradesh (Coleoptera: staphylinidae). Bionotes 2016, 18(3), 96-7.

7 ref

009634   Rashmi Kumari;Suman;Roy S P (Post-Graduate Department of Zoology/Biotechnology, T.M.Bhagalpur University Bhagalpur-812 007, , Email: drsp_roy@yahoo.com) : Studies on the level of trehalose in haemolymph in developmental instars of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta D. (Lepidoptera : Saturniidae). Bull Indian Acad Seric 2016, 20(1-2), 25-9.

The paper deals with the amount of trehalose level in daba ecorace of tasar silkworm. Antheraea mylitta Drury. Trehalose is a major disaccharide in the insect haemolymph and it is a dimer of glucose. It is an index of physiological status of the tasar silkworm. The trehalose level in 5th instar and pupal stages were estimated as 5.90 mg/ml and 2.50 mg/ml, respectively. The level differ during 5th larval development and pupal stage. The peak value of trehalose observed on the 7th day of development, the day on which spinning of silk initiated. After formation of cocoon, trehalose level decreased, indicating its utilization as fuel in the process.

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

009633   Rajyasree M (Zoology Dep, Vivek Vardhini College of Arts Commerce Science and PG studies, Jambagh, Telangana, Hyderabad) : Alterations in serum oxidative enzymes of swiss albino mice exposed to carbamide. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(3), 22-6.

The rapid industrial growth throughout the world in general and in India in particular due to alarming rise in human population has caused tremendous growth of fertilizer industry. The fertilizer industry has been one of the major sources of pollution in India. The metabolic changes due to carbamide exposure are reported in aquatic animals but scant literature available in mammalian models. Hence the present study aimed to examine the changes in oxidative enzymes under sub lethal concentrations of carbamide as a function of chronic stress in Swiss albino mice. After analyzing lethal concentration of carbamide mice were exposed to sublethal concentration at the rate of 5percent /kg body weight for 10 days and 30 days. Control groups were also maintained simultaneously. 'Oxidative enzymes' are ICDH, SDH, and MDH, were estimated by using standard methods. The change in these enzyme levels on carbamide stress is reported and was found decreased.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

009632   Philosia A;Dhivya R (PG and Research, Zoology Dep, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Phytochemical composition and ovicidal efficacy of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract against the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: culicidae). J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(3), 44-9.

Under the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), emphasis was given on the application of alternative strategies in mosquito control because of the ill effects of chemical insecticides. The prime focus of this study was to discover non-toxic, easily available and biodegradable mosquito control agent of botanical origin. In the present study the phytochemical composition and mosquito (Cx. quinquefasciatus) ovicidal potential of leaf extracts of Catharanthus roseus were tested. The results of the study revealed that ethanol extract of C. roseus leaves exhibited 100% ovicidal activity against the eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus followed by chloroform and petroleum ether. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of C.roseus, showed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, protein and quinones. The presence of various phytochemicals might have contributed to the ovicidal efficacy of selected leaf extracts. The findings of the current study emphasized the potential of C. roseus leaves for controlling the mosquito population.

2 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

009631   Patra G C;Dey D;Mohanty N (P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada-757 003, Email: gcpatranou@gmail.com) : Sex specific antioxidant in diapausing pupa of Antheraea paphia. Bull Indian Acad Seric 2016, 20(1-2), 21-4.

In India tropical tasar silk moth, Antheraea paphia LInn. mainly available in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The investigation accounts for a comparatively study of the antioxidants status in the diapausing pupa of the male and female Antheraea paphia. Emphasis was given on content of protein, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), reduced glutathione (GSH) and level of lipid peroxidation (LPX); by estimating malondialdehyde formed) in the haemolymph and fat body tissues of pupa. Results of the present study indicate that based on the antioxidant defence system female pupa are superiour to male.

4 illus, 28 ref

009630   Pankaj P P (Zoology Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami, Nagaland-798 627, Email: pranaypunj@gmail.com) : Cell suspension of Spirulina platensis partilly attenuates alloxan induced alterations in carbohydrate and LIPID metabolism in diabetic mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 2805-12.

The study evaluates the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of supplementation of cell suspension of Spirulina platensis (SP) in alloxan (AXN) induced hyperglycemic mice. Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal administration of AXN. Mice with blood glucose level above 200 mg/dl were divided into Group I (control), Group II (diabetic control), Group III (diabetic control mice fed with SP), and Group IV (control mice fed with SP). General physiology, fasting blood glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, liver glycogen content and lipid profile were recorded in test subjects. In hyperglycemic mice, a significant (P <60> 0.05) fractional increase in food intake (41.13%), water consumption (190.56%), fasting blood glucose level (273.2%), total cholesterol (144.12%), triglyceride (124.58%), very low density lipoprotein (124.59%) and low density lipoprotein (265.4%) with concomitant decrease in body weight (25.78%), liver glycogen (10.57%) and high density lipoprotein (37.74%) when compared with control at the end of the experiment but recuperation in these parameters were observed (P <60> 0.05) when subjected to SP treatment. SP resulted in fractional increased in body weight, liver glycogen and high density lipoprotein by 33.08%, 46.36% and 47.78 respectively, and dropped off food intake and water consumption to 19.76% and 61.76% respectively while fasting blood glucose level, total cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein went down to 58.55%, 49.74%, 47.68%, 47.68% and 60.02% respectively. These findings validate that SP maintains general physiological status, glucose metabolism and lipid profile of diabetic mice and hence warrants further detailed dose-dependent studies to understand its mechanism of action.

21 ref

009629   Pandit J K;Dey D;Satpathy S K (Zoology Dep, P.S. College, Barashi-757 026, Email: jeeban1971@gmail.com) : Reproductive behaviour of modal ecorace of wild tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta D. under ex situ condition. Bull Indian Acad Seric 2016, 20(1-2), 17-20.

Modal ecorace of Antheraea mylitta D an endemic, predominant and wild variety of tropical Tasar silkmoth is mainly found in the forests of Bastar District of Chhattisgarh. It is a lepidopteran polyphagus insect feeds on plants like Shorea robusta (Sal), Terminalia tomentosa (Asan) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjun). However, mainly it prefers (about 72.23%) Shorea robusta under in situ condition. Reproductively, it behaves as univoltine insect in nature. In Simlipal Biosphere Reserve it is found above 600 m ASL altitude. As Bastar of Chhattisgarh and Sarat of Similipal Biosphere of Mayurbhanj located at similar altitude and climatological parameters. So an attempt was made to study reproductive behaviour (grainage and rearing performance) it has been concluded that Modal is less adaptive in Darba region but it can be reared here in ex situ condition as dubstitute if any epidemic will broke out in its natural abode of this insect at Simlipal Biosphere Reserve.

3 tables, 9 ref

009628   Mitra B;Roy S;Biswas O;Chakraborti U;Pauri P (Zoological Survey of Indian, Prani Vigyan Bhawan, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Further record of some flies (Insecta: diptera) from the Indian sunderbans. Bionotes 2016, 18(3), 95.

6 ref

009627   Manjaramkar U A;Manjaramkar A (Zoology Dep, NES Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra) : Fecundity of a fish, Cirrhinus fulungee, from the river Godavari, Maharashtra. Bionotes 2016, 18(3), 86-7.

1 table, 7 ref

009626   Mamatha;Zutshi B;Jayaprakash (University Department of Zoology, Vijaya College, Jayanagar, Bangalore-560 011, Email: cmamtha777@gmail.com) : Cytochrome c reductase in the eggs of silkworm, Bombyx mori L.. Bull Indian Acad Seric 2016, 20(1-2), 7-10.

Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. is known for the production of therapeutic enzymes. Cytochrome reductase, a flavoenzyme was partially purified from the soluble fraction of silkworm, Bombyx mori eggs. The study was undertaken to analyze the total protein content and enzyme activity of cytochrome c reductase of different races of silkworm eggs namely, PM, CSR2, NK2, MH1 and Rp9xNK2. Cytochrome "c" reductase activity was estimated using assay kit and protein quantification following Lowry's method. The results indicated that highest enzyme activity observed in Rp9xNK2 where as MH1 showed highest protein content.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

009625   Majumder J;Ghosh D;Agarwala B K (Zoology Dep, Tripura University, Surhamaninagar, Tripura-799 022) : Haemocyte Morphology and differntial Haemocyte counts of giant Ladybird Beetle, Anisolemnia dilatat(F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): a unique predator of Bamboo wooly aphids. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 160-4.

Changes in haemolymph characteristics such as differential counts of haemocytes have direct bearing on the general performance of insects. The present study was carried out to generate data on the morphology of different haemocytes and their differential counts of giant ladybird predator, Anisolemnia dilatata (F.), unique to woolly aphid pests of bamboo habitat. Five types of haemocytes, viz. prohaemocytes, plasmato-cytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes and oenocytes were morphologically characterized in the haemolymph of larvae, pupae, virgin females and males. Among these, plasmatocytes were dominant followed by granulocytes, prohaemocytes, spherulocytes and oenocytes. Granulocytes showed consistency in numbers in all life cycle stages from first instar larva to adults of males and females of the giant ladybird.

4 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

009624   Kanwal B P S (Zoology Dep, Kumaun Univ, S.S.J. Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand) : Environmental impact on morphometry of Garra lamta (Hamilton-buchanan) of Kumaun Himalaya. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(3), 45-8.

The present paper deals with the environmental impact on different body parts (morphometric character) in respect to total length (TL), standard length (SL) and head length (HL) of a hill stream fish Garra lamta collected from Petsal and Sironia garh (Tributaries) of Suyal river in Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Most of the characters observed as genetically controlled in respect to TL and SL while environmentally controlled (ecological) in respect to HL. Different body parts show proportionate growth in respect to TL, SL and HL.

1 table, 17 ref

009623   Goncalves P;Mahe K;Elleboode R;Chantre C; Murta A G;de Melo A A;Cabral H N (Departamento do Mar e Recursos Marinhos, IPMA, Lisboa, Portugal) : Blue whiting otoliths pair's symmetry side effect. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(3), 6-9.

Otoliths are paired calcified structures located in the inner ear of the teleost fishes. Fisheries scientists have been using the otoliths for a variety of applications as fish ageing, species identification and also species interaction. The symmetry between left and right otoliths is considered species dependent. The application of analysis techniques on otoliths images has been increasing in recent years. The diagnosis on otoliths symmetry as a species characteristic is currently being done. It is expected that the otolith surface (distal versus proximal) used to collect images should have no influence on the symmetry results. The goal of this study is to investigate if the otolith position (distal versus proximal) when analyse images has influence in the diagnostic of the symmetry shape between the left and right otoliths. The results showed that the otolith face orientation should be taken into account during the otoliths images processing for symmetry shape analysis. On blue whiting the otolith images should always be obtained from the concave side, because for symmetry studies the position real matter.

4 illus, 16 ref

009622   Devi M;Niranjana V (Agrl. Entomology Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore) : Seasonal incidence of different Aceria sp. correlated with weather parameters. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(3), 39-43.

Investigations were carried out regarding seasonal incidence of the jasmine eriophyid mite, mango bud mite and mulberry bud mites at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, TNAU, Coimbatore. Studies on the seasonal incidence revealed a major population peaks above the trend line during May to June, 2014. Maximum mite population of Aceria jasmini was recorded during first and second fortnight during June, 2014 (33.30 and 37.5 mites/leaf) respectively. The mango bud mite was very low in both October, 2013 (3.7 & 4.3) and 2014 (2.4 & 1.8). Mulberry bud mite was recorded during first and second fortnight of June, 2014 (15.8 and 16.4). Correlation studies between weather parameters and mean jasmine mite population displayed a positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.605) and minimum temperature (r = 0.298) whereas the relative humidity (r = -0.543), rainfall (r = -0.689) were negatively correlated. There was significant relationship between the mite population and weather parameters except relative humidity of first fortnight and rainfall of second fortnight. The mango bud mite with correlation of maximum temperature (r = 0.303) as significance and minimum temperature (r = 0.155) which were positively correlated whereas rainfall (r = -0.843) as significance and relative humidity (r = -0.494) was negatively correlated with no significant in mite population in first fortnight observation. The mulberry bud mite population revealed significant relationship except for rainfall in the first fortnight mite population. The maximum (r = 0.329) and minimum temperature (r = 0.257) which were positively correlated with no significance in mite populations, relative humidity and rainfall negatively correlated with mite population and rainfall (r = -0.688) was significance during first fortnight with mite populations.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

009621   Deshmukh C K;Ingle K D (Zoology Sant Gadge Baba Amravati Univ Dep, , Amravati) : Effect of acid phos on male albino rat. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(1), 141-5.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of acid phos (H₃PO₄) drug on male albino rat, Rattus norvegicus. Acid phos is used as drug in homeopathy for various treatments. It is also used for aphrodisiac purpose in this stream. The albino rat, Rattus norvegicus were divided into two groups as control (n=6) and experimental (n=12). The treated rats were administered orally a dose of acid phos 4ml/kg body weight for 15 days and 30 days (n=6). The control groups were treated with distilled water. The serum biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, creatinine and bilirubin were estimated. Significant (p<62>0.05) increase in creatinine level is found in overall treatment. SGOT/AST and bilirubin remained significantly (p<62>0.05) constant and the level of SGPT/ ALT remained non-significant (p<60>0.05) after 15 and 30 days of treatment of acid phos indicates that liver physiology is remained unchanged as low level of this marker enzyme in blood suggested but there is a certain level of harm to kidney. Significant decrease (p<62>0.05) is found in weight of liver and kidney after 30 days of treatment. The results when correlated with the body weight it was found that after 30 days of the treatment of acid phos there was significant increase (p>0.05) in the body weight of Rattus norvegicus. So it is concluded that the homeopathic drug acid phos is somehow safe to liver but distress to kidney when administered for long period.

1 table, 20 ref

009620   Chowdhury A;Chakraborty A;Sheela S (Zoology Dep, East Calcutta Girls's College, Kolkata-700 089, Email: amitshampa84@rediffmail.com) : Diversity of ants (Hymenoptera : formicidae) in an organic farm of north 24 parganas, West Bengal. Bionotes 2016, 18(3), 88-9.

6 ref

009619   Brraich O S;Rajwinder Kaur (Zoology and Environmental science Dep, Punjab University, Patiala-147 002, Email: singhonkar@yahoo.com) : Temporal composition and distriution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in wetlands. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 117-25.

Studies on the composition, distribution and seasona-lity of the benthic invertebrates of the Nangal wetland were undertaken for twoj-years from February 2013 to January 2015. Twenty-four genera of benthic macro-invertebrates were recorded, out of which five belonged to Ephemeropteras, two to Plecoptera, five to Hemiptera, three to Diptera, two to Tricoptera, two to Coleoptera, one to Araneae, one to Odonata, two to Annelida and one to Gastropoda. The range, mean and standard deviation of macrobenthos have been recorded. The abundance of macroinvertebrates ranged between 79 and 534 individuals/m^{2 (mean 297 [RS1]individuals/m2) during 2013-14 and 109-612 individuals/m2 (mean 400 individuals/m2) during 2014-15. Statistical relationship between different physico-chemical parameters and macroinvertebrates was also computed. The Simpson's index ranged from 0.9428 during 2013-14 to 0.9493 during 2014-15. The Shannon index was 3.117 during 2013-14 and 3.154 during 2014-15, which indicates that the wetland is moderately polluted that further affects the occurrence of benthic macroinvertebrates.}

3 illus, 4 table, 63 ref

009618   Bhattacherjee A;Mohanty P K;Mallik B K;Nanda S;Munda J (Zoology P.G Dep, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar-751 004) : Comparative blood cell morphometry and differntial leukocyte count of two breeds of Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (Linnaeus, 1758). Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 164-8.

Morphometry of erythrocytes and leukocytes and differential leukocyte count of two breeds of adult turkey (24 birds) were performed with respect to sexual dimorphism. Except nuclear length of erythrocytes, other parameters show highly significant difference at P <60> 0.01. Leukocytes reflected significant difference at P <60> 0.01 among and between breeds with respect to their dimensions. In case of DLC, except eosinophils. all leukocytes show significant difference (P <60> 0.01) among and between breeds. Morphometry of blood cells of two breeds of turkey is within the range mentioned for avian species, but the differential count revealed seme abnormalities which might be due to stress or infection.

4 illus, 2 table, 31 ref

009617   Anpe J A;Absalom K V;Igoche L E;Ofojekwu P C; Audu B S (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jos Univ, Plateau State, Nigeria, West Africa) : The embryonic development of Clarias gariepinus fertilized eggs subjected to different water temperature interval in an indoor hatchery in Jos. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2017, 5(3), 39-44.

Embryonic development of Clarias gariepinus fertilized eggs subjected to different water temperature in an indoor hatchery in Jos was investigated. Gravid female and matured male C. gariepinus (800g each) were selected for this experiment. The female was hormonally induced with ovaprim at 0.5 mlkg-1 and kept for 14 hours latency period at room temperature of 28.1 °C. The eggs were stripped and carefully mixed with the milt from sacrificed male for fertilization and incubated in aerated five different tanks (2 x 1 x 0.5 m^{3 at 10 cm water depth) with different water temperatures (24 °C, 26 °C, 28 °C, 30 °C and 32 °C) in three replicates. The processes of hatching were restricted to a particular temperature according to each treatment with the aid of adjustable electric thermostat heater. Description of the egg developing stages at every 30 minutes interval were made by examining live specimens under a microscope and the process was repeated at the various stages until the eggs hatched into larvae while microphotographs of were taken by digital camera. Water quality parameters apart from the water temperature of source of water used for this study were not significantly different from each other. Embryonic development of C. gariepinus fertilized eggs in treatments 28 °C - 30 °C were not significantly different (p <60> 0.05) from each other but they were significantly successful (p<60>0.05) than other treatments (24 °C, 26 °C and 32 °C). Water temperature at 28 °C - 30 °C is highly recommended for successful embryonic development of C. gariepinus fertilized eggs into hatchlings.}

5 illus, 15 ref

009616   Ahad M A (Entomology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology Univ, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh) : Punctuated equilibrium theory represents shifting balance theory (of macro and quantum evolution) and invalid Darwin's theory. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(3), 6-12.

The objectives of this article are that to prove punctuated equilibrium theory represents shifting balance theory and these two theories declared invalid Darwin's theory and Neo-Darwinian theory and those are true fact: Because all features of both theories are same- i) Genetic drift play the key role of both theories. ii) Both theories advocated evolution progresses rapidly in a small and isolated population with rapid evolution after long period of stasis without the help of Darwin's theory. iii) Both theories advocated allopatric speciation, macroevolution, quantum evolution and species selection. iv) Fossil is the only evidence of both theories. Additionally, those theories declared invalid Darwin's theory and Neo-Darwinian theory. As a result, if anyone proves that genetic drift unable to produce new species or rejected shifting balance theory and fossil does not support macroevolution but support gradual evolution; then punctuated equilibrium theory even allopatric speciation theory would be invalid automatically.

39 ref

008603   Yassien R I (Histology Dep, Faculty of Medicine; Menoufia Univ. 6 Abdel-Rehim Badawy St. from Dr., hebin Elkom-32511, Menoufia, Email: raniayassien@yahoo.com ) : Are the effects of steroidogenesis inhibitordrugs (Ketoconazoles) reversible or irreversible on adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats? histological and ultrastructural study. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(3), 5765-74.

This study was carried out to investigate effect of Ketoconazole (KTZ) on the cortex of adrenal gland of adult male albino rat.KTZ is an antifungal drug used as steroidgenesis inhibitor. Animals were randomly divided into 3 groups of fifteen animals in each group. In (groupI), animals were injected with saline, (group II) animals were injected with KTZ with 10mg/100g.b. wt in daily dose for 15 days where (group III) animals were injected with KTZ in the same manner and period then left for recovery for another 15 days. All animals were sacrificed at the end and adrenal glands were separated and processed. Light microscopic studies demonstrated accumulation of variable sized lipid droplets. Ultra structural studies exhibited hypertrophied mitochondria and some of them showed vacuolar degenerations, while others were with destroyed cristae. SER was scanty, sometimes absent. The nuclei were electron dens surrounded by irregular nuclear membrane, showing shrinkage and signs of pyknosis.Lipofuscin pigments were scattered. Recovery group showed improved pictures similar to control group. Therefore, it is noticed that the destructive impacts of ketoconazole on the adrenocortical cells reflected on their functions leading to much deficiency in their performance. But these effects fortunately were reversible.

9 illus, 27 ref

008602   Yadavrao W S (Zoology Dep, Dhanaji Nana Mahavidyalaya, Faizpur, Tal. Yawal, Dist. Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Confidor and bavistin induced effects on total glycogen content in liver and gonads of snakeheaded fish, Channa gachua. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(4), 41-3.

Toxicity tests were conducted on freshwater fish, Channa gachua and glycogen content of the tissues like liver and gonad were calculated after acute exposure of toxicants like Confidor and Bavistin upto acute exposure at specific time interval of 24, 48, 72 and 96hrs. In the present study, alteration in the glycogen content was observed due to pesticidal intoxication. There was significant decrease in total glycogen content of the experimental tissues as compare to the control tissue. Confidor was found to more toxic than Bavistin to the freshwater fish, Channa gachua.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

008601   Walvekar M V;Desai S R;Khairmode S P;Pillai M M (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: madhuri_walvekar@rediffmail.com) : Role of salivary galnds secreted growth factors on differentiation of CD3 and CD5 cells of thymus in mice. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 249-56.

The salivary glands of several animal species contain a large number of biologically active factors, some of which affect the functions of immune system. Previous studies done to define a relationship between the salivary glands and the immune system were carried out largely by using mice. To explore the role of salivary gland secreted growth factors on the differentiation of thymocytes especially CD3 and CD5, we have sialoadenectomised (removal of submandibular gland) and salivariadenectomised (removal of submandibular and sublingual glands) the male albino mice at the age of 20th day and maintained under normal conditions in the animal house along with control up to the age of ten weeks. Thereafter the mice from both the groups were sacrificed; thymus was dissected out and subjected for immunohistochemical study for CD3 and CD5 cells. The CD3 complex is a group of cell surface molecules that associates with the T-cell antigen receptors among normal cells while CD5 is weakly expressed on mature T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical study of CD3 and CD5 showed decrease in the number of CD3 and CD5 cells in sialoadenectomised mice as compared to control and still much decrease was observed in salivariadenectomised mice as compared to sialoadenectomised mice. Thus our results indicate that absence of submandibular gland secreted growth factors decreases weight of thymus gland and causes reduction in number of thymocytes especially CD3 and CD5 cells.

4 illus, 15 ref

008600   Vinod Kumari;Saini K;Singh N P (Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Correlation of population dynamics of spiders with abiotic factors in Rajasthan. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(1), 113-17.

A regular survey for the population density of spider faunal complex has been made in four major habitats namely, woodland, wetland, grassland and caves or crevices or rocky area of jodhpur region in Rajasthan at fortnightly interval throughout the year 2014-15. Seasonal dynamics of spider population in different habitats during the study revealed that the spider population steadily increased from July and attained its peak in August/September. Maximum number of spiders were observed in woodland type of habitat while in caves or crevices or rocky habitat the lowest number of'spider species were observed. The results when correlated with all the weather parameters viz., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity (R. H) (morning), R. H (evening), wind velocity and rainfall through correlation matrix revealed that in woodland habitat temperature showed negative and significant effect on spider population as compared to that in marshy habitat. However, in pasture and caves or crevices or rocky habitat temperature showed negative but non significant effect on spider population.Relative humidity showed positve and significant effect on spider population in all the four habitats. Similarly, wind velocity had positive but non significant effect on spider population in all the four habitats. However, rainfall showed negative and significant effect on the spider population in pasture but negative and non significant in uwdland and caves or crevices or rocky habitat.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008599   Shukla A;Shukla J P (P.G. Dep of Zoology, S, Kisan, P.G. College, Basti, Uttar Pradesh, Email: shuklaanu2010@gmail.com) : Hexavalent chromium induced alterations in the nucleic acids and protein metabolism in the liver of the fingerlings of freshwater siluroid, Mystys (M.) vittatus (BL.). Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2667-70.

Fingerlings of Mystus (M.) vittatus (Bl.) a freshwater siluroid when subjected to a sublethal concentration of 2.4 mg/l hexavalent chromium for 20 days elicited significantly decreased RNA and protein in the liver. However, 10 days of exposure under the same stress produced no significantly alteration neither in the protein content nor in the nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) content of the liver. Results are discussed in relation to pollutional stress of hexavalent chromium.

29 ref

008598   Rathod R P;Chavan B R;Pai R K (Faculty of Fishery, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Knkkan Agriculture Univ, Ratnagiri, Email: rahulrathod190@gmail.com) : Zooplankton diversity indices and seasonal variations in Kadwai reservoir, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(3), 785-90.

Zooplankton diversity and its seasonal variations were studied in Kadwai reservoir of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. The sampling was conducted during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons from 1st June to 1st November, 2015 to know the zooplankton population in the reservoir. Qualitative estimation was done by using light microscope up to the genus level, and quantitative estimation of zooplankton by using Sedgewick-Rafter cell (S-R cell). The results showed that, the zooplankton density being 770 nos/ml in the reservoir with a composition of rotifers (117), cladocerans (401), copepods (150) and protozoa (102). The species diversity of zooplankton was determined by using diversity indices like Shannon-wiener, Simpson diversity index, and species evenness, and the maximum values of 2.28 to 2.29, 0.79 to 0.87, and 0.98, were recorded respectively in October and November month of post monsoon. The minimum values of 2.19 to 2.20, 0.77 to 0.80, and 0.77 were recorded respectively in June, July and August month of monsoon season. The season-wise and month-wise zooplankton analysis showed an average abundance of species lower in monsoon due to inflow of water and less photosynthetic activity by primary producers and the maximum occurrence indicating that Kadwai reservoir contains more zooplankton during post monsoon season. On the contrary, the zooplankton showed a maximum occurrence in post monsoon indicating availability for stocking fish seed during that season.

5 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

008597   Mukherjee M;Karna S K;Suresh V R;Manna R K; Panda D;Sharma A P;Pati M K;Mandal S;Ali Y (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: manasi.mukherjee66@gmail.com) : Dinoflagellate diversity and distribution in Chilika lagoon with description of new records. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 999-1009.

The study deals with the diversity and spatial distribution of the dinoflagellate class Dinophyceae in Chilika lagoon, north east coast of India. Thirty-eight species of dinoflagellates belonging to eight families were recorded, of which twelve are new reports to the lagoon. Of the twenty-six species recorded earlier, Neoceratium furca, Neoceratium fusus, Dinophysis caudate and Noctiluca scintillans were common among most of the earlier studies. Current study recorded presence of Dinophysis miles, which has not been encountered ever since it was first reported from the lagoon six decades ago. An updated checklist of dinoflagellates indicated presence of 68 species in the lagoon. The outer channel of the lagoon differed from southern and central sectors in distribution of dinoflagellates under the influence of salinity regime.

5 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

008596   Mattu V K;Romila Devi;Pawan Kumar (Ecology Research Lab, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla) : Taxonomic studies on two species of genus Vanessa (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae) from Himachal Pradesh. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(1), 41-4.

The genus Vanessa Fabricius, 1807 belong to family Nymphalidae and subfamily Nymphalinae. The butterflies of the genus Vanessa were collected from different Sub-Alpine localities of Himachal Pradesh during August 2013 to October 2013. During present investigation two species namely Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) and Vanessa Indica (Herbst, 1794) were identified on the basis of morphological features and external genitalia. An attempt has been made to study various genitalic parts like the uncus, valva, saccus and aedeagus.

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008595   Lakhotia S C (Cytogenetics Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: lakhotia@bhu,ac,in) : Non-coding RNAs have key roles in cell regulation. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2016, 82(4), 1171-82.

As a corollary to the "central dogma of molecular biology" that genetic information carried in DNA is utilized to produce proteins which determine the phenotype, concepts of "junk" or "selfish" DNA were advanced to explain the "C-value paradox", leading to ignorance of parts of genomes that were not involved in protein synthesis. However, the ever-increasing numbers of studies during the past 10-15 years have confirmed that bulk of the nuclear DNA is indeed transcribed and that the non-coding transcripts actually provide a complex multi-layered regulatory network essential for the self-organized state. Commensurate with the evolutionary increase in biological complexity, the "non-coding" RNAs (ncRNAs) have also diversified. This brief review highlights the various classes of ncRN As in eukaryotes taking examples of actions of some of the earliest known long ncRNAs like the Xist and roX, implicated in dosage compensation in mammals and Drosophila, respectively, and the hsrw long ncRNAs of Drosophila. Among the 7 transcripts produced by the Drosophila hsruj gene, the long nuclear transcripts that contain <62>5kb of tandem repeat sequences organize the omega speckles, which act as nucleoplasmic stores of a variety of RNA-binding and some other proteins to regulate their availability. Such long ncRNAs act as hubs in cellular networks through their interactions with diverse arrays of proteins. In view of the increasing evidence and realization of the importance of non-coding components of human and other genomes in maintaining normal homeostasis and because of their critical involvement in many human disorders, it is necessary to proactively explore their diversity and functions in different organisms.

1 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

008594   Kheirallah D A (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria 21511, Egypt, Email: Daliakheirallah@yahoo.com) : Gamma irradiation-induced spermatozoa anomalies in the ground beetle, Blaps polycresta. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(3), 5741-55.

Exposure of the gonads to radiation known to lead to sperm abnormalities. The effect of Gamma rays from Cs137 source on the ultrastructure of the sperm of the ground beetle Blaps polycrestawere studied. Two groups of 10 beetles each were irradiated with a dose rate of 32 Gy and 64Gy. Electron microscopic examination of spermatids and sperms of Blaps polycresta in thegroup which were exposed to 32 Gy exhibited many alterations of the general architecture andwere more pronounced in the group exposed to 64 Gy. The results showed that the increase inmorphological aberration of spermatids and sperms induced by gamma radiation were found tobe positively correlated with the dose level. A major finding of this review was the paucity of dataregarding the effects of Gamma radiation on spermiogenesis in adult insects.

65 ref

007493   Srivastava R;Sinha M K (Zoology Dep, D.A-V. College, Kanpur-208 001) : Seasonal cyclic variastions in body weight, basal metabolic rate and testicular volume of Coturnix coromendalica. Agric biol Res 2017, 33(1), 74-8.

This paper reports the findings on the seasonal cycle of O₂ consumption, body weight and testicular volume of rain quail Coturnix coromendalica ; the work was conducted from Oct 2007 to Sept 2008 keeping five birds in each group and four such groups were maintained and were fed Bajra. All the three parameters i.e. oxygen consumption, body weight and testicular volume were measured on 15th of each month in early morning hours. The oxygen consumption(as it reflects BMR), body weight and testicular volume recorded for 12 months were statistically computed and the results revealed that the BMR was minimum in months from January to September while the remaining months lacked consistency. The finding is discussed with the role of thyroid.

2 tables, 14 ref

007492   Rabet C M;Ensibi C;Dhaouadi R;Yahi O K (National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, UR 13ES36, Marin Biology, Research Group of Oceanography and Plankton: 43, avenue Charle-Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia) : Preliminary study on gill parasites of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus 1758) (Pisces: Teleostei) from the eastern tunisian sea-cage aquaculture. GERF Bull Biosci 2016, 7(1), 1-5.

Parasites have recently been highlight at serious pathogenic problems in cultured fish. Many of them have long been recognized to have the potential to affect the growth, fecundity and survival of hosts. With the development of marine aquaculture, the importance of parasitic study has become more evident. This study evaluated the occurrence of gill parasites in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), farmed in the eastern coast of Tunisia. A total of 147 fish were caught in fish farm for parasitological analysis. Out of the total of the fish examined, 11 were parasitized by at least one parasite species. Histological analysis revealed that the gills of Sparus aurata were affected by three different parasites: Monogenea, Ciliophora and Epitheliocystis. This is the first report of farmed sea bream gill's parasites in Tunisia.

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

007491   Jadhav J;Kengar S (Cell Biology Section, Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: jayjadhav82@gmail.com ) : Morphological and histological study of the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryo. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(2), 5607-11.

In present study, morphological and histological structure of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of domestic chick (Callus gallus) were assessed between days 4 and 11 of embryonic development. Natural CAM at day 4 showed normal morphology with clear directional pattern of blood vessels; continued with day 6 where major and minor CAM vessels were observed with dendritic branching pattern formed by process of vasculogenesis (derived from angioblasts) and angiogenesis (sprouting of existing vessels). Vessels were designated as primary, secondary, and tertiary vessels. The vascular density was increased with tortuosity at 11 days of incubation. Histologically the CAM showed three distinct layers; the ectoderm with numerous small capillaries, the stromal mesoderm with sparsely arranged fibrous tissue and the endoderm with normal architecture. CAM at early stage of development could be used for cardiovascular and toxicity studies.

1 illus, 30 ref

007490   Harikrishna P;Bhure S K;Parmar M S;Harikumar S;Shende A M;Sharma G T (Protein Research Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Div, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institutel, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: gts553@gmail.com) : Expression profile and localization of regucalcin in buffalo fetal fibroblasts and Wharton's jelly stem cells. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(2), 5613-20.

Stem cell research is an emerging field in regenerative medicine, unique properties of stem cells for unlimited self renewal and differentiation potential into various lineage(s) upon receiving the proper signal, makes them an appropriate candidate for treating those clinical conditions which do not respond well with the conventional treatment/s. With the advent of proteomic tools and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in these cells can be studied in detail for understanding the cellular and developmental behavior. There could be number of proteins expressed in stem cells that are yet to be discovered. Regucalcin/Senescence Marker Protein-30 (RGN/SMP-30), a multifunctional protein has been documented to play pivotal roles in calcium homeostasis and ascorbic acid biosynthesis besides having anti-prolific and anti-apoptotic functions. The present study was aimed to investigate the expression of RGN in buffalo derived Wharton's jelly (BWJ) and fetal fibroblast (BFF). Expression of RGN was analyzed by SYBR green based real time PCR, immunocytochemistry and western blot assay in these cells. This is the first report describing the expression of RGN in buffalo fetal derived fibroblasts and Wharton's jelly stem cells. We also document the expression pattern of RGN in different passages in BWJ and BFF.

5 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

007489   El-Mahasen M M Abo;Mahmoud S H (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Minoufiya Univ, Shebin El-kom, Egypt, Email: magdaaboelmahasen@yahoo.com) : Effect of some essential oils against Culex pipiens larvae. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(2), 5559-66.

Essential oils from linseed, Linum usitatissimum, watercress, Nasturtium officinale and black seed Nigella sativa were evaluated for larvicidal and histological effects against the third instar larvae of the mosquito, Culex pipiens. The results showed that all the three tested oils induced larval mortality, watercress oil was more effective followed by linseed and black seed oil and the effects were dose dependent and time of exposure. Under histological study, the watercress oil induced some lesions in the tested organs; midgut lesion i.e. separation of the epithelial cells from the basement membrane, disruption of some epithelial cells, brush border and the peritrophic membrane. The cuticle and hypodermis became thinner and separated from each other. Most of fat cells were degenerated and vacuolated. Muscle fibers were separated from each other.

2 illus, 2 tables, 56 ref

006554   Zahid S;Panhwar W A;Sultana R;Mehmood S A; Waga M S (Zoology Dep, Hazara Univ, Mansehra) : Study on food seletion in two grasshopper species, Calliptamus barbarus (Costa, 1836) and Chorthippus biguttulus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Pakistan. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(2), 13-15.

Study on food selection in two grasshopper species i-e:namely Calliptamus barbarus (Costa, 1836). and Chorthippus biguttulus (Linnaeus, 1758) was carried out during the year 2016 from Pakistan. Specimens were collected and kept in jars in order to note their feeding behavior. In addition to this, survival rate of species on different host plants was observed. The survival rate of C. barbarus was observed as 4.11 ± 4.67 followed by C. biguttulus as 17 ± 4.38 on Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum notatum and Psidium guajava respectively. Furthermore, it was found that insects did not preferred Brassica oleracea var. capitata. The present study findings will be very helpful to future researchers concerned with rearing of C. barbarus and C. biguttulus.

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

006553   Yousaf M A;Zaryab M;Gul S U;Rehman H U;Ahmad W;Khan B U;Usman K;Saeed K (Zoology Dep, GPGC College, Karak, KPK, Pakistan) : Chambai dam fish fauna of district Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. J Ent Zool Stud 2016, 4(6), 24-5.

Objective of the current study was to find out the diversity of fishes of Chambai dam located in District Karak K.P.K, Pakistan. Fish of the Chambai dam were collected from the different region of Chambai Dam with the help of dam contractor using various types of nets like hand nets, cast nets and hooks from August 2016 to September 2016. In the present study three species were identified Labeo rohita, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Catla catla belonging to order Cyprinforms and family Cyprinidae. From the present research it can be concluded that Chambai dam will be best for the fish Cyprinidae family. So, our research will give useful information about the diversity of fishes in Chambai dam that will be later important in taxonomic, fisheries management and conservation.

1 table, 13 ref

006552   Varshney R K (NO, A Biologists Confrerie, Raj Bhawan, Manik Chowk, Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh)-202 001) : Notes from D'Abrera's butterflies of the oriental region, relevant to South Asian taxa. Bionotes 2016, 18(4), 127-30.

006551   Varshney R K (NO, A Biologists Confrerie, Raj Bhawan, Manik Chowk, Aligarh-202 001) : Additional records of some odonata species from various Indian states. Bionotes 2016, 18(4), 125-6.

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006550   Varshney R K (NO, A Biologists Confrerie, Raj Bhawan, Manik Chowk, Aligarh-202 001) : Revised classification of the Indian nymphalidae (Lepidoptera). Bionotes 2016, 18(4), 115-18.

1 illus, 11 ref

006549   Ullah T;Sultana T;Khan L;Feroz K;Ahmad Q A; Hussain S (Zoology Dep, Government College Univ, Faisalabad, Pakistan) : Histopathological alteration in gill, kidney and liver of Cirrhinus mrigala, catla catla, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and labeo rohita due to sub-lethal exposure of textile industries effluents in Faisalabad, Pakistasn. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(2), 54-62.

The objective of study was to determine the effect of textile industries effluents on water and aquatic organisms particularly fish. The experiment was performed in glass aquaria containing fingerlings of approximately <126>25-28 gm. Histopathological changes in the gill, kidney and liver of four species were observed. Severe degeneration of the secondary gill filaments, degenerative changes in the primary gill filament were observed. Short fusion of secondary lamellae, less changes in the integrity of lamellae, less proliferation of mucus cell and severe hemorrhage showed in the gill of C. catla. Histopathological changes were glomerular shrinkage, increased spaces between glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, increased tubular lumen in the kidney of C. mrigala, L. rohita, H. molitrix and C. catla. Histopathological changes in the liver were focal area of necrosis, intravascular hemorrhage, vacuolar degeneration, severe hemorrhage, hepatocytes degeneration, necrosis, and hemolysis, erythrocyte infiltration in blood sinusoid, eccentric nuclei, cytoplasmic vaculation and dilation of the vein.

6 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

006548   Thapliyal M;Bartwal M;Thapliyal A (Zoology Dep, Pt. L.M.S. Government Autonomous (P.G.) College, Rishikesh Uttarakhand, Email: ashish.thapliyal@gmail.com) : Evaluation of altiudinal distribution and population dynamics of introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta) and native snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) in river Asiganga, Uttarkhand (India). Envir Conserv J 2016, 17(1-2), 161-77.

Mountains of Himalaya, with unique topology and geographical regions, are hotspots of biodiversity. Their flora and fauna have been investigated for abundance in species composition and interactions. One of the most important driving forces of ecosystem differentiation is altitudinal gradients that results in changes in species composition. Sometimes, an introduced species can also have a major impact on endemic species if the introduced species can survive in entire altitudinal gradient zone. Our study focuses on this aspect and defines the pattern of altitudinal variation and distribution of Salmo trutta (Brown trout) and native Schizothorax sp. (Snow trout) in river Asiganga (a tributary of Ganges) that originates from Dodital (4400 m). We analyzed population dynamics of both species along altitudinal gradients (2200m to 1100m approximately). The physicochemical parameters of water showed significant variation along the altitudinal gradient. Our study suggests that the population groups of Brown trout are establishing in the lower altitudinal regions of the river Asiganga, and even into the river Ganges, due to their ability to survive in wider range of temperature and availability of food. Usually it is believed that species inhabiting higher elevations are superior competitors at lower temperature while species inhabiting lower altitude are better competitors at warmer temperature. Our study suggests that although altitudinal variations are powerful for species distribution but prey-predator effect and availability of preferred food is also pro-lasting and can have a wider role in distribution of predator fish species.

5 illus, 7 tables, 49 ref

006547   Thankachan M;Gopinath A (NO, Providence Women's College, Malaparamba, Calicut, Kerala) : Diversity of mosquito species in plantation areas of Mananthavady, Wayanad district of Kerala. Int J Mosquito Res 2016, 4(2), 24-6.

A survey on the diversity of mosquito species in plantation areas of Mananthavady municipal area was conducted for six months from February- July 2016. Larvae and adults of the mosquitoes were collected and identified by running appropriate keys. A total of 17 mosquito species belonging to 6 Genera, namely, Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Armigeres, Uranotaenia and Tripteroides were identified. Aedes (10) was the most dominant genus followed by Culex (3), Anopheles (1), Uranotaenius (1), Tripteroides (1) and Armigeres (1) respectively.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006546   Sinha B;Chaurasia D;Ingole S P;Kiran Kumari; Singh N;Netty S (Veterinary Anatomy Dep, College of Veterinary Science & A.H. Chhattisgarh Kamdhenu Vishwavidya, Anjora, Durg-491 001, Email: durgavet2010@gmail.com) : Gross morphological characteristics of sacrum of langur (Semnopithecus entellus). Haryana Vet 2016, 55(1), 106-7.

Sacrum of the langur was formed by union of three sacral vertebrae and was roughly quadrilateral and flattened dorsoventrally. It had two surfaces, two borders, broad cranial end and narrow caudal end. Dorsal surface of the sacrum was slightly convex and was divided into two equal halves by a median sacral crest. The height of supraspinous processes decreased cranio-caudally. On the either side of median sacral crest, small spiny protuberances were present. Sacral wings were roughly quadrilateral in shape. The diameter of sacral foramina was uniform. Ventral surface was concave and smooth. Two transverse ridges were distinct.

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006545   Singh D;Ramneet Kaur (Zoology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Comparison of three different methods for DNA extraction from bugs of family Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) for PCR. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(1), 57-61.

Developing a simple, time and cost efficient method for the extraction of DNA is essential when a large number of samples have to be processed. The success of PCR depends on the purity and quality of the DNA template and for this the method of specimen storage is equally critical as the DNA extraction methods. This study is an attempt to find the most suitable method of DNA extraction and the effect of killing method and storage conditions for extraction and purification of intact DNA in Pentatomid bugs.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

006544   Shaalan M G;Soliman D E;Abdou M A;Khater E I; Othman A;El-Latif Y A;Shehata M G (Entomology Dep, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams Univ, Cairo 11566, Egypt) : Molecular characterization of vitellogenesis in anautogenous Culex pipiens pipiens L. mosquitoes. Int J Mosquito Res 2016, 4(2), 5-11.

Mosquito vectors-borne infectious diseases are enormous burden on human health and development worldwide. Disease-transmitting mosquito vector species use a reproductive strategy termed anautogeny that requires a blood meal to initiate egg maturation or oogenesis. Understanding the molecular basis of the regulation of egg development following a blood meal is essential to recognize the developmental biology and life cycle of mosquitoes and pinpoint important targets for control interventions. Vitellogenin (Vtg) is the major yolk protein synthesized during oogenesis and widely characterized in many mosquito species, mainly Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes. In this study, we report the differential stage and temporal expression of vtg genes in anautogenous Cx pipiens complex mosquitoes collected from Egypt following the ingestion of a blood meal using quantative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. qRT-PCR analysis of the transcriptional pattern was performed in adult females at different intervals post-blood meal (pbm) and in developmental immatures. The cDNA of vtg was detected in Cx. pipiens females 24 hours pbm. Sequence analysis of detected vtg disclosed high similarity to homologous sequences in other mosquito species, particularly Cx. quinquefasciatus. Vtg was highly expressed in adult females at 24 h complex, however, in immature stages, only resdiual expression level of vtg was observed. In addition, we tested the presence of Vtg protein at time intervals in ovarian tissues of both sugar fed and blood fed females. Protein analysis revealed that two polypeptides of Vtg protein were detected in blood-fed females but not in sugar-fed females.

5 illus, 30 ref

006543   Sathapathy S;Dehury S;Mishra U K;Sahu N (Veterinary Anatomy & Histology Dep, C.V.Sc. & A.H., OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: srinivas.sathapathy@gmail.com) : Determination of sex, age and height in asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus). Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 694-6.

The present investigation was carried out on the skeletal remains of a dead Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) presented to the Centre for Wildlife Health, OUAT, Bhubaneswar by the District Forest Officer, Chandaka suspected of dying due to burning to determine the sex, tentative age and height of the animal. Basing on the morphology of skull, i.e rounded and convex parietooccipital crest, absence of temporal line in the postero-medial wall of the temporal fossa and thin, short and pointed lip bone, it was confirmed that the suspected elephant was a female one. The tentative age of the animal was found to be about 6 years basing on the number of lamellae present on the table surface of molar tooth. The tentative height of the animal was ascertained from the shoulder height or height of the fore limb, which was found to be about 6 feet. This study will help explore new avenues in the forensic wild life science in dealing with the vetero-legal cases.

8 ref

006542   Samejo A A;Sultana R (Zoology Dep, Univ of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan) : Comparative study on the various species of locusts with reference to its population fluctuation from Thar desert, Sindh. J Ent Zool Stud 2016, 4(6), 38-45.

Thar Desert is most favorable for life of human throughout the deserts of the world. It is rain fed land, some patches are cultivated by farmers in the form of fields for producing sources of economy, other large part of desert remains untouched for natural vegetation for livestock, but unfortunately little yield of desert is also affected by variety of insect including locusts. During present study four species of locusts; belonging to four genera Anacridium, Cyrtacanthacris, Locusta and Schistocerca, two subfamilies Cyrtacanthacridinae and Oedipodenae and one family Acrididae were reported from Thar Desert from June 2015 to May 2016. Comparative study revealed that two species Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria are swarming and destructive while, Anacridium aegyptium and Cyrtacanthacridinae tatarica are non-swarming but are larger in body size and graze more vegetation than both swarming species. Though these four species have ecological and morphological difference but the nature of damage is almost similar. All these species were recorded as pest of foliage of all crops and natural vegetation.

3 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref