009114   Kapur Ghai J (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Helminth immunology in India. Ann Biol 2008, 24(2), 101-9.

Helminth parasites are cosmopolitan infecting all groups of vertebrates including human beings. Attempts are being made to study various aspects of the parasitic worms aimed at their control. Chemotherapy is the most common means of their control. Focus of helminth immunology has been mainly two-fold, that is. production of effective vaccines for control and development of efficient diagnostic procedures. In the present review, various aspects of helminth immunology carried out in India have been discussed under the following headings : Basic Immunology. Immunotaxonomy, Immunodiagnostics and Immunoiogical Control.

48 ref

009113   Kalse A T;Patil J R (Zoology Research Laboratory, Rashtriya College, Chalisgaon, District Jalgaon, 424 101) : Taxometric evaluation of a new mammalian cestode Stilesia, (cestoda: thysanosomidae) infecting Capra hircus L.. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 107-10.

The present communication deals with the morphology of a new species Stilesia kapadnensis collected from Goat, Capra hircus at Kapadne, Dhule, M.S. India. The present form differs from all known species in having the characters as scolex globular, neck long, narrow with no segmentation; mature segments wider than long, craspidot; genital pore unilateral, irregularly alternating, near anterior margin of the segment; testis 4-6 in number, in two groups; cirrus pouch medium, oval in shape; cirrus thin; vas deference thin, coiled; ovary larger, rounded with acini in the centre of the segment ; vagina dorsal to cirrus pouch; uterus long transverse tube in the centre near anterior margin; paruterine organs large, oval, located in sacs containing 22-30 eggs

2 illus, 20 ref

009112   Jadhav B;Bhure D B;Padwal N (Helminth. Research Lab., Zoology Dep, Dr.B.A.M. Univ, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: baba_v_jadhav@yahoo.co.in) : Caryophyllidean review from catfishes of Maharashtra (India). Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 3-22.

A survey of tapeworms from freshwater fishes of various lakes, dams, rivers, streams of Maharashtra State, India was carried out. The study deals with a detail report on the basis of the taxonomic evaluation of Caryophyllid tapeworms, Lytocestus i.e. L. indicus, L. longicollis, L. fossilis, L. marathwadensis, L. alii, L. clariasae, L. naldurgensis, L. teranaensis, L. batrachusae; L. govindae, L. shindie, L. nagapurensis, L. clariae, L. attenuatus, L. assamensis and L. heteropneustii, The present investigation deals with a new species of Lytocestus i.e. L. punensis n.sp. Data on the morphology of all species, their hosts and geographical distribution are provided.

3 illus, 8 tables, 17 ref

009111   Hiware C J;Bhalerao R S (Zoology Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: drhiware@rediffmail.com) : Effect of some medicinal plant extracts on the economic characters of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L.. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 90-2.

The aqueous extracts of two medicinal plants i.e. Phyllanthus niruri (Whole plant without roots) and Tephrosja, purpurea (roots of the plants) were fortified with the Mulberry leaves. The Mulberry silk worm, Bombyx mori.L., last instar larvae were fed on the Mulberry leaves fortified with the aqueous plant extracts@ 4ml.per day at first feeding up to spinning and its impact on the Larval weight, Mortality (during rearing and while spinning), Cocoon weight, Shell weight, Pupal weight, Shell ratio %, Average filament length, Average weight of filament, Average denier of filament were investigated. The results were very interesting and were positive in many of the parameters under study.

1 table, 13 ref

009110   Gambhir R K;Bina L;Anandi Y;Pramodini M (Parasitology Laboratory, Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : Two new species of Oriverutus (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Manipur. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 77-81.

Two new species of Oriverutus sp. Oriverutus kalikus sp.n and Oriverutus morus sp.n extracted from the soils around the rhizosphere of mulberry plants Morus sp. are described and illustrated. O. kalikus sp.n. has a slightly ventrally curved 0.85-1.0 2 mm long body with a stylet 48.00 urn long. Presence of dorylaimoid oesophagus and cardia with three distinct glandular organs, ophisthodelphic reproductive system without anterior uterine sac and a conoid tail 57.60-62.40 μm long. O. morus sp.n. is characterized by having 0.77-0.84 μm long body, with distinct labial papillae, attenuated odontostyle 22.40 urn and elongated conoid tail 57.60-62.40 urn long.

8 ref

009109   Gaikwad R B;Kulkarni G K (Vidya Pratishthan's, Arts, Science & Commerce College, Vidyanagari, Baramati, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: kgr 2003@rediffmail.com) : Density and distribution of earthworms in different localities of Baramati (Pune) India. Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 121-4.

Baramati is one of the well-known Talukas of Pune District (Maharashtra), where most of the land is under sugarcane cultivation. In this Taluka, irrigation system is well established. The land under irrigation is about 60,656 hectares. The density and distribution of earthworms were studied at six sites in and around Baramati. The density of Polypheretima elongate (Perrier) was highest in garden and cultivated soil. The dominance of each species was based on organic manures and C/N ratio. The density of Polypheretima elongata and Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) was highest where C/N ratio was high, while Per/onyx sansibaricus (Michaelson) showed highest density in soils with low C/N ratio.

2 tables, 13 ref

009108   Bahuguna S N;Negi R S;Bahuguna P;Upadhyay M K (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, (UGC-SAP, COSIST, FIST) Post Box-70, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: bahugunasn@rediffmail.com) : Gross histomorphological study of digestive tract in pre to post flexion larva of snow trout, Schizothorax plagiostomus (Heckel). Flora Fauna 2008, 14(1), 133-9.

Schizothorax plagiostomus (Heckel) is an important food fish in Himalayan snow fed River including Ganga and its tributaries. The natural stock of fish is decreasing day by day due to over fishing, erosion and shrinkage of different snow fed aquatic resources where the fish is used for breeding purpose. After successful induced breeding and rearing in the laboratory, study of organogenesis has been carried and the cause behind the mortality was improper development of digestive system and its other associated organs including liver. Deals with the ontogeny of the digestive system in pre to post flexion larvae, this may be an important aspect for the establishment of an appropriate ontogenetic feeding. The mouth opened on 3rd day and the exogenous feeding being on the 5th day. The most important development occurred before the exogenous feeding stage.

16 illus, 25 ref

008418   Zade B A;Ladukar O N;Mainde U P;Gaykee D E; Dalvi R S (Anatomy Dep, Histology and Embryology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur-440 006) : Morphometry of tongue of vulture (Gypaetus bengalensis). Indian J Field Vet 2008, 3(3), 28-9.

Five white back vultures from forest department were received for postmortem. Tongue from these birds were dissected out for the morphological observations. The apex of tongue was spatula shaped. Pointed conical papillae were 36 on left side and 34 on right side located on both side of lateral border while the circumvallate papillae were 28 in numbers located in caudal part of dorsum of tongue and arranged in two rows. The longitudinal groove in front of dorsum extends up to the apex was characteristic feature of tongue of vulture.

5 ref

008417   Varshney P;Ara A (Genetic Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Comparative study of mosquito bite preference among the people of different blood groups type. Bioved 2008, 19(1-2), 19-21.

Mosquitoes are the major vector of a number of debilitaling diseases, both of the humans and animals. Mosquitoes take blood feed, (Which is necessary to lay eggs) and thereby transmit a number of diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the preference of mosquito bite among the people of different blood groups. The data was collected from Aligarh district for a period of 6-8 months. The data presented in this study suggest fat mosquito species do not show similar attractions for all human hosts, rather they consider a number of factor including the blood groups for which they have preferential affinities.

2 illus, 5 ref

008416   Vankara A P;Vijayalakshmi C;Vijayalakshmi J (Dep of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Description of a new species, Polypocephalus Kuhlii n. sp (Lecanicephalidea: Polypocephalidae) from Dasyatis kuhli (muller & Henle) from Visakhaatnam coast, Bay of Bengal, India. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 63-8.

New species, Polypocephalus kuhlii is described from the spiral valve of blue-spotted stingray, Dasyatic Kuhlii (Muller & Henle) from the Visakhapatnam coast, Bay of Bengal.Polypocephalus kuhlii sp. nov varies from other species in having pear-shaped scolex, acraspedote proglottids, finger-like tentacles, six testes, shape and arrangement of testes, size, shape and position of cirrus sac and host.

4 illus, 8 ref

008415   Udo M T;Ekpo I E;Akpan B E (Fisheries and Aquaculture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Uyo Univ, P.M.B. 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Email: udomfon@yahoo.com) : Diel feeding periodicity of the intertidal mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus (gobiidae) in Imo river Estuary, Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 469-76.

Between March, 2004 and April, 2005, diel feeding periodicity of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus barbarus was studied. A total of 734 specimens were examined. Out of this, 50 specimens (6.8%: size 5.3 -12.9 cm TL) were collected at dawn; 425 (57.9%: 3.6 - 15.6cm TL) were caught during day; 100 (13.6%: 5.0 -14.3 cm TL) were obtained at dusk and 159 (12.7%: 5.0 - 14.0 cm TL) were taken in the night. There was marked diel difference in the proportions of some food objects (2 way ANOVA, P<0.05). While some of the food objects were not ingested at certain periods, a complete array of the major dietaries were eaten during the day. There was constancy in diel diets (S = 58.9%). Diel variation in index of biotal dispersity was high (IBD = 72.1%). Diel changes in diet diversity and equally common dietaries were highest and lowest during day and night respectively. The mudskipper is considered as crepuscular in feeding habit evidenced by the increased feeding intensity at dawn and dusk. Diel utilization of food resources overwhelmly revealed that the mudskipper is an omnivore. We conclude that, the two process, light and tide might have influenced the diel feeding periodivity of the mudskipper, in the estuary.

5 tables, 24 ref

008414   Tikariha R;Shedpure M (Dep of Zoology, Govt. D.B. girls' P.G. College, Raipur-492 001) : Effect of phase delay and exogenous melatonin administration on surfacing activity in Indian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 1-10.

Effect of phase delay and melatonin administration was examined on surfacing activity rhythm in Clarias batrachus during its spawning phase of the annual reproductive cycle. The results from actograms reveal entrained rhythm in surfacing activity under LD 12:12 (Lights on at 06.00) reime with increase and decrease of activity during dark and light hours, respectively. Quick reentrainment of such rhythm was observed with the 12h shift in lights on schedule followed by melatonin treatment. Results from group cosinor and spectral analysis depicted existence of a statistically significant 24th rhythm with prominent 24h period in most of the fishes under LD 12:12. However, after 12h delay in LD schedule, most of the indiviuals showed non-circadian rhythm with τ ≠ 24h. Further, following administration of melatonin under phase delayed schedule, reappearance of statistically significant 24h rhythm with τ = 24 was noticed in most of the individuals. In addition, daily mean of the activity decreased in phase delay schedule as compared to LD 12:12 and melatonin treated group. It seems, while light-dark cycle acts as a strong zeitzeber in regulating 24-h surfacing activity rhythm in Clarias batrachus but exogenous melatonin may also have some modulatory effect on such rhyethm.

4 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

008413   Surekha P;Vijayalakshmi C (Dep of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Acanthocephalan parasites of the marine lizard fish Saurida undosquamis from visakhapatnam coast with description of a new species Serrasentis sauridae. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 49-56.

Survey of the lizard fish saurida undosquamis from visakhapatnam coast revealed three species of acanthocephalan parascites viz. Paracanthocephaloides golvani Chandra et al, 1983, Arhythmorhynchus sp. Luhe, 1911 and a new species Serrasentis aspinosa from the intestine of the host. The new species is characterized by elongated body; cylindrical proboscis and short spineless neck region followed by body proper; 4-5 hooks present onthe lateral region of the collar; remaining body shows annulations on the left side which extend only to centre of the body on one side. In the posterior region annulations can be seen on both walls. Testes two, oval and tandem. Bursa is weakly muscular with a ring like sphincter.

6 illus, 25 ref

008412   Somani V;Gholba M;Pejaver M (Zoology Dep, Maharshi Dayanand College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012) : Phytoplankton population in lake Masunda, Thane, employing multivariate analysis. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 55-6.

Phytoplancon population in Lake Masunda, Thane (Maharashtra) was studied. Chlorophyceae was the most dominant class. Its dominant species formed a cluster at very high similarity. Cyanophyceae members dominated during summer where as diatoms constituted 6.7 % of total phytoplankton. The valid regression equation supported influence of nutrients on phytoplankton abundance.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

008411   Shameem U (Dep of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: ushameem@yahoo.com) : Influence of salinity on the survival of the cercariae of Haplorchoides mehrai from the snail Thiara tuberculata collected from freshwater and brackish water habitats. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 17-27.

Salinity tolerane of the cercariae of Haplorchoides mehrai Pande and Shukla, 1976, collected from the snail Thiara tuberculata from two different habitats, a freshwater and a brackish water habitat was compared. The survival of the cercariae was examined at salinities 0% (tap water), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% and the per cent of cercariae surviving at different time intervals was determined. The life span of the cercariae in each medium was estimated employing the exponential model. The results of the experiment indicated that the cencariae from the two habitats exhibit a prograssive reduction in their lifespan with increase in salinity. The lethal values for the cercariae from freshwater and brackish water habitats were found to be 10% and 20% respectively. The maximum survival was noted at 0% for the freshwater cercariae an at salinity 5 for the brackishwater cercariae.

3 illus, 1 table 22 ref

008410   Sanjeeva Raj P J (NO, , 17/1724, 21st Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai-600 040, Email: rajsanjeeva@gmail.com) : Oysters in a new classification of keystone species. Resonance 2008, 13(7), 648-54.

Keystone species are crucial in restoration ecology. Among all the keystone species known so far, live oysters are by far, the most efficient 'keystone niches', attracting hundreds of species to them. A new classification of keystone species is presented, including oysters as the best keystone niches.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

008409   Rastogi P;Mishra D;Singh H S (Zoology Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001, Email: soniapr@rediffmail.com) : Neuroanatomy of gill parasite Chauhanellus indicus (Monogenea : Ancyrocephalinae) from Mystus seenghala (family : Bagiridae) in Meerut (U.P.), India. J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(1), 49-53.

5-Bromoindoxyl acetate has been used for first time in India to describe the nervous system of an oviparous monogenean gill parasite Chauhanellus indicus. The huge arrangement of dorsal, ventral and lateral nerve cords and its innervations have been examined. The central nervous system consists of paired cerebral ganglia from which emanate one pair each of longitudinal ventral, lateral and dorsal nerve cords, connected at intervals by transverse connectives. The central nervous system better developed ventrally than dorsally or laterally.

2 illus, 6 ref

008408   Prasad M M;Thampuran N (Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Burla Research Centre, Burla-768 017, Email: prasadmm@hotmail.com) : Incidence of Listeria in fish and shellfish. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 217-22.

Lisleria monocytogenes has been recognized as an important food-borne pathogen since 1981 and seafoods have been implicated in several sporadic cases of Listeriosis. In the study fresh (57), iced (49) and frozen (84) fish and shellfish from cultured ponds and commercial outlets were screened for Listeriae. Among the samples of fresh cultured fish, 1.8% contained Listeria innocua. The iced Penaeus indicus (PUD) and Penaeus monodon contained 20% Listeria spp., comprising L. innocua and L. ivanovii. Listeria spp. were detected in 14.28% of the frozen fish samples also. Listeria monocytogenes could not be detected in any of the samples.

4 tables, 22 ref

008407   Narasimhan A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, TN 600036, Email: arunn@iitm.ac.in) : Why do elephants have big ear flaps?. Resonance 2008, 13(7), 638-47.

This essay try to answer the question in the title with some geometry and heat transfer thrown in for effect. For doing so, as the joke goes, allow me to assume the elephant as a sphere. The reason will be apparent soon.

4 illus, 8 ref

008406   Mustafa Shah G;Jan U;Bhat B A;Wani J A; Ahanger F A (P.G. Dep of Zoology, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: amtjavid2004@yahoo.com) : Status of the hangul deer (Cervus elaphus hanglu, Wagner) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 155-7.

Despite the declaration of Dachigam National Park in 1982 the hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu, Wagner) has continued to decline.The Park which had about 2000 hangul in 1947 currently has only around 170. During the present study the status surveys were conducted on weekly basis in the months of January, February and March of the years 2005 and 2006. The imbalance of the sex ratio with I stage to 12-13 hinds was observed. Anthropogenic disturbances like grazing by domestic livestock, fuel-wood and timber extraction, grass-cutting etc. were found to impair the recovery of hangul deer. The maintenance of several government departments in the park also poses a great threat to deer.

3 tables, 13 ref

008405   Mitra A;Basu S;Banerjee K (Marine Science Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, B.C. Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Sesonal variation in biochemical composition of edible oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) from Indian sundarbans. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 209-16.

Protein, lipid, glycogen, moisture and ash content of the edible oyster species were analysed on monthly basis during 2004 and 2005 from the cultured site at Chotomollakhali in eastern sector of Indian Sundarbans. The culture of edible oyster was initiated in this part of the country in order to provide alternative livelihood to the poverty stricken population in the Indian Sundarbans, which may otherwise, lead to destruction of natural resources of this mangrove ecosystem. Simultaneous monitoring of hydrological parameters (surface water temperature, salinity, pH, nitrate, phosphate and silicate) and phytopigment level of the ambient water was also carried out in this cultured site to investigate the interrelationship between the hydrological parameters and biochemical composition of the oyster tissue. The two year study indicates significant seasonal oscillation of the major biochemical constituents of the oyster.

3 tables, 15 ref

008404   Mishra R;Tiwari A K;Tiwari S C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Insecticidal activity of leaf extract of Annona squamosa L. against Pericallia ricini F.. Bioved 2008, 19(1-2), 91-4.

Plants are well known treasure house of highly biologically active organic chemical compound with almost no side effect. The leaf extract of Custard apple, Annona squamosa is tested against the polyphagous insect pest Pericallia ricini. Ethanolic extract of leaves of Annona squamosa was prepared in Soxhlet apparatus. Different aqueous solutions of concentrations 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%. 1.5% and 2.0% were prepared. The larvae of P. ricini were feed on treated leaves of caster and mortality effect was calculated after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. The leaf extract of Annona is proved to be an effective botanical insecticide against this polyphagous pest. The insecticidal characteristics of Annona are attributed by a group of C-32 or C-34 linear fatty acids called acetogenins.

1 table, 11 ref

008403   Mishra A;Prakash S;Ansari K K (Sericulture Lab., Zoology Dep, M.L.K. (PG) College, , Balrampur-271 201) : Effect of temperature, relative humidity and photoperiod on duration, weight and survival of larvae of silkworm Bombyx mori linn.. Bioved 2008, 19(1-2), 47-50.

The Mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mon) rearers have suggested to maintain 34°C temperature, 80% RH and 18 hours of light per day for shorter larval duration. In order to get maximum larval weight they have suggested to maintain 30°C temperature, 80% RH and 12 hours of light per day. In that context they are further suggested to maintain 26°C temperature, 80% RH and 12 hours of light per day for getting highest larvae survival percentage.

9 tables, 8 ref

008402   Mainde U P;Zade B A;Dalvi R S;Gaykee D E; Lende S R;Bodkhe S S (Anatomy Dep, Histology and Embryology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur-440 006) : Aerodynamics of skeleton of vulture (Gyps bengalensis). Indian J Field Vet 2008, 3(3), 32-3.

The present study deals with skull peculiarities of vulture and their significance in the aerodynamics. The study puts on record the dimensional data including indices.

3 ref

008401   Mahesh R K;Jauhari R KC (Parasitology Laboratory, Dep of Zoology, D.A.V.(P.G.) College, Dehradun) : Role of aquatic vegetation in the breeding of anophelines in doon valley (Uttarakhand) India. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 57-62.

Study reveals the breeding of 5 secies of Anopheles in relation to aquatic vegetation (15 types) in different habitats in western parts of Doon valley during December, 1994 to November, 1995. An. annularis was found associated with at least 13 types of vegetations while An. subpictus was associated with 7 different types of vegetation followed by An. culicifacies (4 types of vegetation) and An. stephensi and An. fluviatilis each with a single type of vegetation. further, among the aquatic vegetation, chlorella vulgaris was found accociated with maximum number of larvae (160) belonging to 3 different anopheline species.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

008400   Madhaveelatha P;Sankaraiyah K;Jayakumar R; Jayantha Rao K (Zoology Dep, Dr. S.R.K. Govt. Arts College, Yanam-533 464) : Impact of monocrotophos on some essential enzymes in albino mice. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 147-50.

Exposure to sub leathal concentrations (1.2 mg/kg b.w) of monocrotophos altered total Adinosine Tri Phosphatases (ATPases). Acetylcholine Esterase (AchE) activity and Acetylcholine (Ach) content in different tissues of experimental animals. Significant decrease was noted in the activity of total ATPases and AchE in all the tissues of experimental animals. However Ach content showed an elevation.The changes were more prominent in animals exposed to multiple doses of monocrotophos and the effect on enzymatic activity seemed to be dose dependent.

1 table, 29 ref

008399   Kungumapriya R;Revathi K;Prabhakaran R; Balachandran C;Balasubramaniam D (P.G. and Research Dep of Zoology, the Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai-600 008, Email: dr.r.kungumapriya@gmail.com) : Binding capacity of herbal toxin binders in the improvement of growth performance of breeding Japanese quails, Coturnix coturnix japonica. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 671-3.

Mycotoxins play a global role in human and animal health. Aflatoxins cause malperformance, metabolic disorders and pathologic alterations in different species of poultry. Various species of poultry differ in susceptibility to acute and sub-acute aflatoxicosis. This work was carried out to study the role of locally available herbal plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica, Cynodon dactylon and Curcuma longa in counteracting the effects of experimental aflatoxicosis in laying Japanese quail by feeding them with diets containing aflatoxin at 1.5 and 3ppm levels for a period of six weeks.

1 table, 21 ref

008398   Kungumapriya R;Revathi K (P.G. and Research Dep of Zoology, The Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai-600 008, Email: dr.r.kungumapriya@gmail.com) : Serum enzyme influence due to aflatoxicosis and role of herbal toxin binders in counteracting the toxicity on breeding Japanese quails (coturnix coturnix japonica). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 675-7.

Mycotoxins play a global role in human and animal health. Aflatoxins cause malperformance, metabolic disorders and pathologic alterations in different species of poultry. Various species of poultry differ in susceptibility to acute and sub-acute aflatoxicosis. This work was carried out to study the role of locally available herbal plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica, Cynodon dactylon and Curcuma longa in counteracting the effects of experimental aflatoxicosis in laying Japanese quail by feeding them with diets containing aflatoxin at 1.5 and 3ppm levels for a period of six weeks.

1 table, 14 ref

008397   Hooda S (Genetics Laboratory, Bio Sciences Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak, Haryana) : Seasonal variation of morphometrical traits in Drosophila ananassae. Ann agric biol Res 2008, 13(2), 143-6.

Climate has a major effect upon morphology, in particular body size. At one extreme, local differentiation may be due to the direct effects of climatic selection even when the organisms concerned are highly mobile. D. ananassae flies were analyzed for morphometrical traits and compared for summer and winter seasons. The variations in body size are a reflection of average annual temperature of both the seasons and results show that seasonal variations of size are associated directly or indirectly with temperature.

2 tables, 5 ref

008396   Hooda S (Genetics Laboratory, Bio Sciences Dep, M. D. Univ, Rohtak, Haryana) : Quantitative trait variability in Zaprionus indianus from Rohtak. Ann agric biol Res 2008, 13(2), 139-42.

Magnitude of genetic variability for three quantitative traits was analysed in Zaprionus indianus collected from Rohtak. Ecological traits such as body size, wing length and thorax length were analysed in lower, intermediate and higher temperatures. Effect of stressful conditions was monitored in terms of coefficient of variation and variance of traits concerned. Effects were made to grow flies on species specific thermal range so that these simulate possible environmental thermal conditions of different geographical areas on the Indian subcontinent. Comparisons were done between wild caught flies and their first generation (G1) in the laboratory.

ref

008395   Hemananda T;Mohilal N;Vishwanath W (Dep of Life Science, Manipur University, Canchipur-795 003, Email: mohilaln@yahoo.co.in) : Myxobolus haldi sp. nov, a new species of myxobolus, butchli 1882 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) from the gill filament of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hambuch) from fresh water of Manipur. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 35-42.

Investigations on the incidence of myxozoan parasites (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) in fishes have assumed immense important in view of severe pathogenicity and mortality caused by these organisms on their hosts. In this communication a new species of myxozoan Myxobolus haldi from the gill filament of the Indian Major Carp Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham) from Mayang Imphal, Manipur is described.

9 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

008394   Girkar M M;Kulkarni G N;Satam S B;Todkari S S (NO, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: sachin_satam@rediffmail.com) : Acute toxicity tests of sulphide to the clams Paphia malbarica and Katelysia opima. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 29-30.

Hydrogen sulphide is toxic gas formed due to decomposition of organic matter. Sulphide retards the growth, uptake of food and causes poor growth of aquatic animals. Sometimes high concentration of sulphide may be cause large mortality of aquatic animals. The clams Papilua malbarica and Katelysia opima is of great economic importance, which has rich nutritive values get expose to sulphide solutions at different concentrations. In acute response study involving the young animals (avg. shell length 20-24 mm). The sulphide solution was found to be highly toxic to the both species of clam, as the 96 h LC50 values for P. malbarica and K. opima were 4.49 and 5.67 mg/L respectively.

2 tables, 5 ref

008393   Gavendra Singh;Soam Prakash (Environmental and Advanced Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Facul, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : New species (?) of genus Aedes subgenus stegomyia (Deptera: Culicidae) at Agra. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 85-91.

Dengue mosquito systematics is an important tool for generating entomological data for suggesting appropriate control strategies and for developing an early warning system. Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and there is no morphological identification key yet to satisfactorily describe and differentiate species amongst the larvae of genus Aedes in India. Therefore, all over the globe there is an urgency to find out newly mutated species of genus Aedes. Many of these new species of the genus Aedes have so far been under consideration in the Asiatic region also, including Agra. We have during present study collected larvae from different waste containers, septic tanks, tires and pots of the Botanical gardens etc. This is identification study is based on the 4th instar. Whereas, a new species (?) was recorded on the basis of morphology and structure of pecten spines, comb scales distribution of setae on the vii, viii segment and structure of cranium setae. Moreover, in order to determine a new species this study was carried out in composition, with its relative abundance and their seasonal prevalence specifically in relation to occurrence of Dengue cases in the Agra. We, therefore, propose now a new nomenclature for it as Ae. (Stegomyia) dayalbaghnensis.

3 illus, 36 ref

008392   Bhatnagar S;Lall S B (NO, Mrs Helena Kaushik Women PG and Educational College Malsesar, Jhunjhunu) : Paradigm shifts in the histochemical profile of enzymes in the pineal gland of Rhinopoma kinneari Wroughton (microchiroptera:mammalia). Ann Neurosci 2008, 15(1), 11-16.

Little is known about the histochemical profile of lysosomal hydrolases, mitochondrial oxido-reductases and esterases in relation to developmental and reproductive state in the pineal gland of bats. Using Rhinopoma kinneari as a model an attempt has been made to delineate the paradigm shifts in these enzymes from nulliparous and parous state. AcPase, AlkPase, 5 'N, ATPase were stained high in pineal gland and stained low in habenular nuclei. Whereas SDH, LDH, AchE, BchE, MAO and sudanophilic lipid were stained low in pineal gland and stained high in habenular nuclei. Bats exposed to total darkness treatment had SDH, LDH and AchE stained intensely in pinealocytes. The pineal lipid content of female appears to fluctuate in parallel with estrous cycle. Just before ovulation the phospholipid content was lowest. It increased after ovulation, reaching a maximum at diestrus. There were hypertrophy of the pinealocytes and a marked increase in their SDH, AcPase and AlkPase activities. It means pineal gland of mammals secretes peptides, which affects the development of gonads.

65 ref

008391   Basu S;Modak B K;Haldar D P (Protozoology Laboratory, Dep of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235, Email: basusaugaa@fastmail.fm) : Synopsis of the indian species of the genus thelohanellus kudo, 1933 along with description of thelohanellus disporomorphus sp. N.. J Parasitol appl Anim Biol 2006, 15(1-2), 81-94.

New species of myxozoan parasites (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) of the genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 - Thelohanellus disporomorphus sp. n. is described from the tail fin of an Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala mrigala (Hamilton-Buchanan). A synopsis of the Indian species of the genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 including a total of 32 species are also provided.

2 tables, 30 ref

008390   Balkhande J V;Waghmare B D;Kulkarni A N; Kulkarni A S (P.G. Dep of Zoology and Fishery Science, N.E.S. Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra) : Diurnal variation in some physico-chemical parameters in post mansoon, season of derla tank, Nanded, Maharashtra, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 515-16.

Diurnal variation in some physico-chemical parameters in aquatic environment are useful to find out the productivity and suitability for fish culture practices. The research work on diurnal changes in physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and free carbon dioxide was carried out in fresh water 'Derla Tank' in Nanded District. The water temperature was recorded in the range of 26 to 28 °C. The pH values were recorded in the range of 7.4 to 8.2. The dissolved oxygen concentrations were recorded in the range of 5.6 mg/L to 10.4 mg/L and free carbon dioxide concentrations ranged between 0 to 2.0 mg/L. It is revealed that these physico-chemical parameters change diurnally due to variation in water parameters, photosynthetic activity and others. In the research work all the physico-chemical parameters were found in desirable range and are conducive for fish growth.

1 table, 10 ref

008389   Balasubramanian A;Chakraborty S K; Venkateshvaran K;Meenakumari B;Boopendranath M R;Pravin P (College of Fishery Science, , Muthukur, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, Email: absmanyan@yahoo.com) : Certain biological aspects of Carangoides ferdau (Forsskal, 1775) and Scomberoides lysan (Forsskal, 1775) caught from drift gillnets off Kanyakumari coast. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 155-62.

Carangid species of Carangoides ferdau and Scomberoides lysan caught using large mesh drift gillnets with mesh sizes of 135, 140, 145 and 150 mm from Kanyakumari coast of Tamil nadu, India were studied for two years from September 2002 to April 2004. Biological aspects such as fork length-weight, girth-weight, fork length-gill girth and fork length-maximum girth ratio of these two species were studied. In addition, condition factor and length at first maturity also were studied. Both the species exhibited negative allometric growth and 'b' value of the length-weight and girth-weight relationship differed significantly (P<0.01). Estimated mean condition factors for C. ferdau were 1.826 and 4.021 based on length and maximum girth respectively. In the case of S. lysan mean condition factors estimated were 0.873 and 6.359 based on fork length and maximum girth respectively. Relationship of fork length-gill girth and fork length-maximum girth differed significantly from '1'. Coefficient of determination for length-girth relationships for both the species were high. C. ferdau and S. lysan attained length at first maturity at the fork length of 48.6 cm and 53.4 cm respectively.

3 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

007304   Suryawanshi R D;Karle A S;Ladukar N; Shankhapal V D;Ladukar O N (Anatomy Dep, Histology and Embryology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur-440 006) : Comparative histoarchitecture of syrinx in cockrel and broiler. Indian J Field Vet 2008, 3(4), 21-2.

Comparative histological study on syrinx of cockrels and broilers was undertaken. Cranial cartilages were constricted and composed of four rings in cockrel while three in broilers. Collagen fibers and adipose tissue with elongated fibroblasts was observed more in broilers than in cockrel. Abundant mucosal glands were observed in pessulus of cockrel while absent in broilers.

7 ref

007303   Ramchandra Mohan M (Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Nutrient overloading of a few lakes in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(1A), 300-2.

The study on nutrient overloading of Byramangala, Hebbal and Yelahanka lakes of Bangalore was conducted. The lakes were found to be highly eutrophic. The phosphate content of the lake Byramangala water was found to be in the range of 6.0 to 14.5 mg/liter. Hebbal lake water had 0.2 to 0.9 mg/liter and Yelahanka lake water 0.20 to 0.8 mg/liter of phosphate. The nitrate content of the Byramangala lake water was found to be in the range of 1.3 to 6.9 mg/liter, Hebbal lake water 2.3 to 6.9 mg/liter and Yelahanka lake water 5.3 to 12 mg/liter.

2 table, 8 ref

007302   Nikam S M;Desai A E (Entomology Research Lab, P.G. Zoology Dep, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik-422 002) : Two new species of Buodias cameron (Inchneumonide: Mesosteninae) from India. Indian J Ent 2008, 70(2), 172-5.

Two new species of Buodias Cameron viz., B. guptai and B. reticulata are described. A key to the oriental species of Buodias, is included. Buodias Cameron belongs to tribe Goryphini of subfamily Mesosteninae (Gupta, 1987). The history of review of this genus is confusing. Cameron (1902) erected Buodias with B. ruficoxis as a type species again Cameron (1905) described one more species, B. rufipes.

2 illus, 8 ref

007301   Mainde U P;Zade B A;Dalvi R S;Gaykee D E; Lende S R;Nandeshwar N C (Anatomy and Histology Dep, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur-440 006) : Anatomy of mandible of tiger (Panthera tigris). Indian J Field Vet 2008, 3(4), 26-7.

The study was conducted on the mandible of Tiger. The mandible was the largest single bone of the skull and comprised of two halves joined at symphysis. The body of mandible presented six alveoli for incisor teeth and two for canine teeth. The coronid process formed the highest point of the mandible.

4 ref

007300   Mahalinaum P U;Daniel T (Biology Dep, Gandhigram Rural Univ, Gandhigram-624 302) : Gut microflora of earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(1A), 297-9.

Study reveals that fore gut, mid gut and hind gut of Eisenia fetida is rich in bacterial and fungal flora. The highest bacterial count (10.7 x10⁶ cfu/g) and the highest fungal count (3.3 x 10⁴ cfu/g) were observed in the mid gut and fore gut respectively. Staining, motility study and biochemical tests showed the presence of bacteria such as Streptococcus lactis, Escherichia coli. Proteus vulgaris, Serratia spp., Bacillus spp., Enterobacter aerogens, Micrococcus leuteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp. and Mucor spp. in the gut of Eisenia fetida.

3 table, 8 ref

007299   Kulkarni M Y;Kulkarni A N (P.G. Zoology and Fishery Dep, N.E.S. Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra) : Physico-chemical characteristics of water from Derala tank, dist. Nanded. Bioinfolet 2008, 5(4), 384-5.

Derala Tanka is about 15 km. away from Nanded surrounded by agricultural fields, Derala village and Balaghat mountain strips. The work was undertaken to study some physico chemical characteristics of Derala Tank. Water temperature ranged from 18 to 33.5°C., pH 7.5 to 8.5, DO 5.2 to 9.3 mg/I free CO₂5 to 10.5 mg/I, Alkanity 100 to 275 mg./l and primary productivity 0.055 to 0.122 gm./m³/hr.

1 table, 8 ref

007298   Hur J W;Lim H K;Chang Y J (NO, School of Marine life Science Kunsan National Univ, Gunsan 573-701, Korea, Email: limhk@nfrdi.re.kr) : Effect of repetitive temperature changes on the stress response and growth of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. J appl Anim Res 2008, 33(1), 49-54.

Study has examined the effects of repetitive and rapid changes of water temperature (such as sudden rises and falls) on the stress response and growth of olive flounder. Whereas, 3C and 6C rise didn't change the plasma level of cortisol or glucose, 9C rise significantly increased both stress indicators. On the other hand, only 9C fall meaningfully increased plasma level of cortisol. Rise in water temperature significantly decreased feed intake, total length and body weight, which was restored to normal once the stress was withdrawn. Survival rate was adversely affected by rise in temperature but not with fall. As a result of olive flounder getting repetitive stress from water temperature, the first response is a rise in their plasma level of cortisol and the second is a negative effect on their growth and survival. Besides, rising water temperature stressed them much more than falling water temperature.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

007297   Esmaeili H R;Ebrahimi M;Teimory A;Ansary T H (Biology Dep, College of Sciences, Shiraz Univ, Shiraz, 71454, Iran, Email: esmaeili@susc.ac.ir) : First karyological analysis of an endemic fish, Isfahan tooth-carp, Aphanius isfahanensis (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontidae) from Iran. J appl Anim Res 2008, 33(1), 73-6.

Karyotype of Isfahan tooth-carp, Aphanius isfahanensis has been investigated by examining metaphase chromosomes spreads obtained from gill epithelial and kidney cells. The diploid chromosome number of this species was 2n=48. The karyotype consisted of 6 pairs of submetacentric and 18 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes. The arm number (NF) was 30. Sex chromosomes were cytologically indistinguishable in this tooth-carp.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

007296   Banot J;Garima Lata;Jangir O P;Sharma M; Rathore V S;Saini S K;Nagpal A;Kaul A;Tanwar L;Arora A (Developmental Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, Dungar College, Bikaner-334 001) : Effect of Emblica officinalis (Gaertn) on lens regeneration in the frog, Rana cyanophlyctis (Schneider). Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(3), 157-62.

Emblica officinalis (Amla) accelerated cell proliferation and dedifferentiation of pigmented epithelial cells of dorsal iris and consequently induced lens regeneration in R.cyanophlyctis. Further it enhanced the percentage of lens regeneration not only in young tadpoles but also is adult frogs. Lens regeneration ability declined with the age of animals in both control as well as treated groups.

006365   Wankhade V;Kulkarni K M;Malu A R (Zoology Dep, Bhartiya Mahavidyalaya, Amravati-444 604) : Effect of malathion on brain AChE activity of mice. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2), 494-6.

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of malathion toxicity on acetylcholinesterase activity in mice brain. Mature mice were exposed to different doses of malathion for different time period. On dissections, enzymatic estimations were done for each exposure period. It was found that malathion inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity in mice. The maximum period of exposure was upto 30 days. The degree of inhibition increased upto 4 days of exposure but declined later on. There was maximum recovery of AChE activity by day 30 of exposure. These findings indicate that the continuous and prolonged exposure to malathion resulted in the recovery of AChE activity.

1 table, 7 ref

006364   Venkat Appa Rao N;Sah L;Tete N;Firoz Ahmad M (Zoology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, Email: venkap@rediffmail.com) : Effect of orexigenic neuropeptide-Y (NPY) on cortisol secretion : a direct effect of NPY on adrenal gland. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2007, 30(3-4), 121-4.

The adrenal complex in all vertebrates is basically composed of mesodermal cortical/interrenal cells and neuroectodermal medullary chromaffin tissue. It also contains large amount of nerves and nerve endings releasing an array of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, the role of each as bioregulator has not been properly investigated. One of such endogenous intra glandular neuropeptide is orexigenic neuropeptide-Y (NPY). It is investigated the role of NPY in the secretion /regulation of cortisol on both normal and pharmacologically ACTH and RAS interrupted guinea pigs by dexamethasone and captopril respectively and noticed that NPY has an inhibitory effect in the normal as well as pharmacologically interrupted individuals. In normal individuals, it depreciates the level of plasma cortisol concentration from 34.86 μg/ml to 4.08μg/ml and in pharmacologically, interrupted individuals also it reduces the plasma cortisol level from 16.88μg/ml to 3.6μg/ml. It is hypothesized that the NPY acting as an intra glandular regulatory factor for tuning of cortisol secretion in the guinea pigs acting directly on the adrenal gland itself.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

006363   Tiwari K J;Lodhi H S;Tripathi R;Shukla S; Sharma U D (Prawn Research Center, Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Effects of lead on heart beat rate of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium dayanum (Crustacea-Decapoda). Envir Ecol 2008, 26(2A), 807-10.

Works incorporates the effect of lead nitrate on heart beat rate of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium dayanum. The animals were subjected to acute (116.46 mg/liter ; 96h LC₅₀) and sub-acute (29.12 mg/liter ; 25% of 96h LC₅₀) exposures. Over all significant increase in heart beat rate was recorded after both the exposures throughout the experiments. Potential of heart beat rate as bio-marker was discussed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

006362   Thakur M L;Mattu V K;Paliwal R;Mehta H S; Thakur V (Biosciences Dep, H.P. University, Summer Hill, Shimla-171 005) : Birds of Shahnahar reservoir, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (India). Ann For 2008, 16(1), 129-51.

One seventy two species of birds including 53 water-birds were observed in Shahnahar reservoir from 2000 to 2003. Out of these, 23 were resident and rest 149 showed seasonal-local or long-range migrations. Of the 149 seasonal-local and long-range migrations, 70 species showed seasonal-local movements, 57 were winter visitors, 9 summer visitors, 8 showed winter influx and 5 showed summer influx. Further, 91 were very common, 59 common, 17 un-common and 5 were occasional. Moreover, of the water-birds, 29 species were winter visitors. Further, of these 53 species of water-birds, 26 were very common, 15 common, 9 uncommon and rest 3 were occasional. During winter months the average combined population of these water-birds varied from 3,000 to 3,500. Sandy bottom streams in and around the study area supported highest number of species (93), followed by agriculture fields (87), marshes and back-water channels (82), forest patch (77) and open deep waters (22). Moreover, 22 species were restricted to forest patch, 13 to marshes, 4 to open waters, and 3 each to streams and agriculture fields, respectively. Five birds threatened globally were also seen in the area.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref