Vol 5 Issue 3 July 2017-September 2017

Abstract: The present research work was carried out on the two most important lakes of Bengaluru city in India namely, Bellandur and Varthur lakes. The two lakes have been constantly in the headlines due to increasing pollution reports. This research was done to analyse the effect of these contaminated lakes on the groundwater and biological air quality of the surrounding areas. For this, we have compared the groundwater and air quality at a radius of 0 km and 2 km for both lakes. Our hypothesis was that the polluted lakes would affect the groundwater and air qualities to a greater extent near the lakes (0 km) compared to that at a greater distance from the lakes (2 km). To test this hypothesis, the biological water quality of groundwater and control samples was analysed by Biological Oxygen Demand, Most Probable Number and total bacterial count. The most significant observation was that the total bacterial count of the groundwater sample collected at the radius of 0 km from the Bellandur lake was found to be almost 9 times higher than the 2 km radius sample, which indicates potential contamination from the adjoining lake. Air quality analysis revealed more number of distinct bacterial colonies at 0 km compared to 2 km radius for both lakes, which suggests likely effect of the polluted lakes on air quality. Thus, our results indicate the very urgent requirement of remedial and restoration efforts to protect the two very important lakes of Bengaluru city and their adjoining areas.

Keywords: Lakes, Bengaluru, Groundwater pollution, Air quality, Bellandur, Varthur.

Title: Effect of Proximity to Polluted Lakes on Groundwater and Air Quality of Adjoining Areas

Author: Payel Sarkar, Syam Das, Trisha Abhay, Varsharani Joshi, Vinay C

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: A major concern for dermatologists in the last decade has been the inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids, especially over the face, resulting in preventable, unsightly side effects. Objectives: We aim to determine the pattern and relative frequency of facial cutaneous adverse effects caused due to misuse of topical corticosteroid containing preparations. Materials and Methods: A single contact, descriptive clinical trial including 110 patients with history and signs suggestive of topical corticosteroid abuse on the face, presenting to the out-patient department of dermatology in a tertiary hospital. Results: Most frequent indication for use was acne vulgaris (57.3%), followed by pigmentarydermatoses (21.8%), the incidence of which is correlating statistically with the age group, i.e., ≤ 25 years and > 25 years, respectively, demonstrating the maximal use, mostly under the influence of their peers/relatives (44.5%), in this study.The commonest topical preparation exploited was betnovate, containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% (65.4%), belonging to the potency class III.Most patients started experiencing problems after application of the concerned product between 1 and 6 months (45.4%). Major related symptoms complained of were discomfort on sun exposure (67.2%) and itching on withdrawal (61.8%) and, 5 most common signs observed on the Topical Steroid Damaged Face (TSDF) were hypertrichosis (63.6%), acneiform eruptions (62.7%), hyper/ hypopigmentation (42.7%), cutaneous atrophy (40%) and erythema (34.2%).Conclusion: Topical corticosteroid misuse is an ever rising issue that needs to be recognized around the globe and rectified consistently through education of the general public, medical and paramedical personnel and pharmacists and by discouraging their over-the-counter dispense, especially as beauty products.

Keywords: Topical Steroid Damaged Face (TSDF), Dermatology.

Title: Too Much of anything is Bad’- Topical Corticosteroid Misuse on the Face

Author: Naina Jain, Arvind Krishna, Bhagirath Singh Rathore, Garima Singh

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The importance of bananas cannot be underestimated worldwide. A survey was conducted to determine the socio-economic factors affecting adoption of tissue culture (Tc) bananas in Kalawa, Thaana and Kithimani clusters using a total of 176 respondents randomly selected. The sample size for each region was as follows:-Thaana cluster- 68, Kalawa cluster- 72 and Kithimani cluster 60.

The data collected was analyzed using the SPSS version 17. The results showed that the major socio-economic factors affecting adoption of Tc bananas were: gender (p=0.0150); education (p=0.0380); total land size (p=0.0110); farmer’s experience (p=0.0168); Tc bananas knowledge (p=0.0100) and Tc bananas market (p=0.0030).  Others included access to either public or private extension services reported by 35 percent of the respondents; Tc multiplication by government or other development stakeholders within the clusters was mentioned by 77 percent; awareness and acquisition of credit services for farm activities from the financial services was important for 64 percent. The study recommended the need to improve and access  extension services; ways of making available the Tc bananas plantlets closer to farmers ; new policy framework to reduce the effect of wild life on Tc bananas farms; enhanced farmers’ education and general capacity building on Tc banana growing and more opportunities of irrigation for use in Tc banana growing.

Keywords: Tc Banana, technology, Adoption, Food Security.

Title: Socio-Economics Factors Affecting Adoption of Tissue Culture Bananas in the Semi-Arid Areas of Lower Eastern Region of Kenya

Author: Charles Ndungu Thuo, Dr. Simon Nguluu, Dr. Patrick Kisangau

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The main objective of research was to examine temperature trends and household’s perceptions on temperature characteristic changes. Maximum and minimum temperature data records for 31 years were used in the study. The sources of the data were gridded meteorological satellite data of 250 grid cell points and 400 households from Kolla Temben district. Meteorological data was accessed from the TAMSAT satellite. The data were analyzed in monthly and annual bases to investigate the variability and trends of temperature for the past 31 years. The study revealed that temperature has increased rapidly with more extreme events. Minimum and maximum temperature was increased at 0.0348 and .0848 degree Celsius per year respectively for three decades. The temperature increase pace of the district for past 31 years was much greater than the average global surface temperature speed in the past hundred years (1905-2005, 0.74 degree Celsius). Most of households were found perceiving that temperature has increased more rapidly in the past three decades. The 31-year temperature trend analysis confirms that some areas may face unpredictable and very odd climate feedbacks in the near future. Reversing temperature increases could take hundreds of years as some of the GHG  atmospheric life time is very long and; the atmosphere has already absorbed enough GHG to sustain the existing trends for decades. Vulnerable societies should be addressed by evidence based adaptation policy direction as climate is unstoppable. Mitigation through adaptation is the most appropriate way to achieve two goals at a time; adapting the existing changes and fighting for the possible future temperature changes. More area specific researches should scrutinize the possible temperature changes and potential impacts as climate change peril the planet unevenly.

Keywords: Temperature rises, trends, migration, mean temperature, Conflict, Adaptations, perceptions.

Title: Temperature Change Trends and Perceptions in Kolla Temben District, Tigray Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

Author: Alemu Addisu, Olago Daniel, Wandiga Shem, Omondi Philip, Oriaso Silas

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The present study was conducted on straight trees of P. kesiya at breast height selected from natural stands of Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), NE India. The main objective was to study tracheid length variation across different types of annual rings (narrow, medium and large) and around the circumference with the aim to evolve a sampling procedure for tracheid length comparison among trees. Three patterns of tracheid length variation (gradual increase, steep increase and steep decrease from earlywood to latewood) across rings were common among annual rings of both juvenile and mature wood. Pattern 4 (steep decrease in earlywood before increasing towards latewood) was observed in mature medium and large rings. There was localized increase in tracheid length in each false latewood zone and decrease in earlywood zone in double and multiple rings. But, there was localized decrease in tracheid length in compression zone. Both gradual and abrupt transitions were present in annual rings of Khasi pine. The first few layers of earlywood in all rings were free from growth related defects. The tracheid length exhibited statistically non-significant variation around the circumference.

Keywords: P. kesiya, Tracheid length, Earlywood, Latewood, Annual ring, Transition.

Title: Intra-Ring Tracheid Length Variations in Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) at Breast Height

Author: B. R. Gogoi, M. Sharma, C. L. Sharma

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: A field study was carried out to conservation accept for Lion tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) the surveyed of Meghamalai Wildlife Sancturary.  A total of 16 troops were sighting encountered during the study period from December 2012 to March 2013. Considering location details of each group of lion-tailed macaque, group size and age class and individual identification marks total of minimum number of group in the study area established as 12 troops with about 275 individuals. One new group was found in the eastern part of the Santhanakavu hills which has connectivity with Grizzled Giant squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.

Habitat fragmentation and degradation is the most important threats for LTM anywhere in the landscape.  Many anthropogenic pressures are apparently visible during the study period in the study area.  During the study at every sighting, tree preference, tree in which LTM feeds and sighted and parts eaten were observed.

Keywords: Lion tailed macaque, Distribution, Meghamalai wildlife Sanctuary, Troop size, Anthropogenic pressure.

Title: Studies on Status and Distribution of Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca Silenus) in Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Author: Yogaraj Panner, Kalaivanan, N., Pandiyan, J.

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Ecological investigation of Bird species diversity of the avifauna recorded during a survey of the Gudekote sloth bear Sanctuary, Bellary District, North Karnataka. The survey was carried out between March 2015 and April 2016. Transect count and point count methods were used to investigate the abundance of birds. Observation was conducted by periodically walking along the study area early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Different diversity indices and statistical methods were used to analyze data collected during the field survey. A total of 132 bird species and 50 families were recorded. Terrestrial habitat contributed much in terms of species composition (87%) than aquatic habitat (13%). Shannon's diversity index indicate that terrestrial habitat had higher species diversity (H’ = 3.9996) than aquatic habitat (H’ = 3.0717). The overall bird diversity in both terrestrial and aquatic was (H’=4.2669). Appropriate management of bird attractant sites is very important to discourage birds from the Gudekote sloth bear Sanctuary. A complete checklist of species recorded from the area is also given along with respective relative abundance levels recorded during the survey.

Keywords: Species, diversity, birds, Gudekote sloth bear Sanctuary.

Title: Birds Species Diversity of the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Bellary District, North Karnataka, Southern India

Author: Reegan P, Swaminathan S, Arun A Sha, Yogaraj P, Balasubramaniyan G

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: With the growing concern of the public on health effect by consumption of artificial drinks, there is a general tendency of increasing consumer preference for fruit drink preparations. However public is also hesitant in consuming such preparations as those contain chemical preservatives. This study was done in order to find out an alternative preservation method avoiding the use of chemical preservatives for mixed fruit juice drink packaged in PET bottles. Treatments with different acidity and sugar levels were used to find the best acid and sugar levels at which shelf-life can be extended with minimum effects on sensory and nutritive properties. The initial acid percentage and brix values of each treatment were 0.26, 0.28, 0.30 and 0.32 and 15, 16.1, 17.2 and 18.4 respectively. pH of fruit juice drink samples were in the range of 2.86 to 3.04, whereas for the vitamin C ranged between 6.75 × 10⁻⁴ mol/dm³ and 9.12 × 10⁻⁴ mol/dm³. Considerable microbial growth was observed in fruit drink sample with 0.26% acidity by fifth week and 0.26% acidity sample (with preservatives) by seventh week. The highest sensory score was obtained for fruit drink sample with 0.30% and 0.32% acidity During the storage period, pH increased, acidity slightly decreased, brix level slightly increased and vitamin C content decreased in fruit drink samples.

It was evident that preservation of mixed fruit juice drink can be increased by slightly increasing the acid and sugar levels without using chemical preservatives without affecting sensory properties while minimizing the effect on nutritional values as indicated by vitamin C content.

Keywords: juice, pH, microbial growth, preservation.

Title: Effect of Increasing Acidity on Shelf-Life of Bottled Mixed Fruit Juice Drink

Author: D.M.L.N.K. Dissanayake

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: In recent times non-communicable diseases have attained epidemic notoriety. Indeed, every other day a new specialization is needed to treat a new ailment never heard before. Present study is based on observations and published data by various agencies worldwide and zeroed on to humble table salt taken by everyone every day in some form or the other. It is profoundly observed that role of micronutrients, macro-minerals and trace elements (MMTE) in unprocessed rock and sea salts has been largely disregarded in the physiology of human body. Table salt and fortified iodized salt appears to be root cause behind NCD epidemic. A new strategy for handling iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) needs to be evolved rather than feeding everyone with extra iodine resulting in iodine induced hyperthyroidism (IIH) along with precipitation of other diseases on account of stripping off of MMTE. Families who switched over to unprocessed rock salt reported marked improvement in general health and experienced reduced visit to hospitals and medical practitioners. 

Keywords: Non-communicable diseases, IDD, IIH, Himalayan Salt, Sea salt.

Title: Suspected Root Cause of Non-Communicable Diseases Epidemic

Author: A.K.S. Thakur

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Whereas phenetics emphasizes the use of maximum characters as practicable, decisions on how observations are translated to characters is of importance in systematics in order to partition objects in to non-overlapping groups.The acetolysed pollen of selected Indigofera Linn. species were viewed under Mg x100 in Leica light microscope. Pollen characteristics of the following Indigofera species deposited in Maseno University Herbarium have been studied:  I.paracapitata , I.asparagoides, I.ambelacensis , I.vohemarensis, I.sabargentea,  I.circinella , I.zenkeri,  I.arrecta, and  I.vicioides.  The highest taxonomic diversity (0.5) was observed when aperture character and amb were separately used in two character states. Shape class in 2 character state coding gives the least phenotypic diversity (0.149). I.asparagoides is of the highest mean dissimilarity (0.563) to other species in all the characters coded into two character states. I. circinella had 44.7% dissimilarity to the rest of the species when characters in three states were used, and was the most dissimilar to the rest of the species when all the pollen characters were used in both their 2 and 3 states. There was a 36.6% and 35.6% taxonomic diversity with pollen characters in their two and three character states respectively.

Keywords: Indigofera, Palynology, Character states, taxonomic resemblance, taxonomic diversity.

Title: Implications of Pollen Character Coding and Their Diagnostic Value In The Determination of Taxonomic Resemblance Among Some Indigofera Linn Species

Author: Philip Onyango, George Opande, Regina Nyunja

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Yellow stemborer, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker is one of the important pest that attack rice and to reduce damage different organic manures viz., Goat manure, Cow dung and Neem cake were tried in this experiment. Among the organic manures, neem cake recorded lowest mean per cent damage and was followed by goat manure, Cow dung. Inorganic fertilizers, recorded highest damage.

Keywords: S.incertulas, organic manures.

Title: Tolerant Capacity of Organically and Inorganically Raised Rice against Rice Yellow Stem Borer, Scirpophaga Incertulas Walker (Pyraustidae: Lepidoptera)

Author: G.Balamurugan, V.Suhasini, S.Arivudainambi

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Yield losses in onion vary from 10–15% annually in India, depending upon the season and the prevalence of pests. Five different coloured sticky boards viz. green, yellow, orange, violet and white of 20 × 15 cm size smeared with sticky material and tested for the efficacy. Green coloured sticky boards were found effective in attracting T. tabaci than other boards.

Keywords: Onion, Thrips tabaci, sticky trap.

Title: Evaluation of Various Sticky Traps against Thrips Tabaci Lindmen (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) on Onion

Author: T Muthuram, G Balamurugan, V Suhasini, S Arivudainambi

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: An Indian herbal technology to answer the world challenge to achieve toxic free sucrose and making sugar a low GI sucrose. The aim of the research is to convert Fructose and convert Glucose to achieve the above task. This will answer the alarming concern of sugar intake by the world population and also ease out the life of Diabetic world. The technology is designed with the power of organic engineering.

Keywords: Conversion of Fructose, toxic free sucrose, Conversion of Glucose, low GI sucrose, XON the organic solvent.

Title: A Scientific Breakthrough Technology to Achieve Conversion of Fructose Which Will Result In Toxic Free Sucrose and Also Conversion of Glucose to Make Low GI Sucrose

Author: Dr. C.K. Nandagopalan

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Premature rupture of membranes is considered one of the most important common obstetric complications as it corresponds to about 3.7-17% of pregnancies according to Wilson, as well as 5-45% according to Johnson Etal.

Appropriate management once diagnosed is essential. Hospitalization is mandatory as PROM is one of the predisposing factors of puerperal sepsis therefore, it is considered a high risk condition, threatening the life of the mother and the fetus. Thus, pregnancy should be terminated once amniotic sepsis has developed. (Fernando)

Most obstetricians tend to just wait and monitor their patients, for at least 24 hours as spontaneous labor is expected in such period before labor induction and acceleration, according to (Ekman & William). Some conventional labor induction methods are used, like oxytocin induction, which causes hyperbilirubinemia, one of its most important complications especially in preterm infants.

While, the other problem facing oxytocin induction is the presence of unripe cervix which does not respond to oxytocin induction, causing the termination of pregnancy to fail.

Hence, it is ought to develop another method to ripen the cervix more and increase the sensitivity of the inner and outer oxytocin receptors.

Abbreviations: PROM = Premature Rupture of Membranes.

Keywords: PROM – Pregnancy termination – Prostaglandins – Labor induction.

Title: Termination of Pregnancy in PROM Using Prostaglandins

Author: Dr. Zakwan KHRAIT

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: In this greenhouse study eight (8) isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina, MP120, MP30, MP218, MP210, MP29, MP32, MP24, and MP23 isolated from soybeans grown in Mississippi were compared based on their pathogenicity potential. Soybeans (Viking 2265(OG)) were planted in pots infested with one of the eight isolates of M. phaseolina and uninfested control pots in six replicates randomized black design at Mississippi State University North Farm. One important parameter that was monitored in this study is temperature. Temperatures measured in pots across all replicates were not significantly different (P≥0.05) according to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The pathogenicity was determined using seedling survival and growth at 9, 14, 22, and 28 days after planting, plant height, and root-hypocotyls discoloration at 28 days. The results showed that there were no significant difference (P≥0.05) in stand densities between the thick (white feathery) and the thin (black dense) isolates but showed significant difference in plant height compared to the control. Hypocotyls discoloration ratings were severe for thin isolates compared to the thick isolates and control. Hypocotyls discoloration ratings were significantly higher for MP23, MP29, and MP218 covering both isolate types. Plant height was significantly reduced in pots infested with MP23, and MP210 compared to all other isolates and control. All isolates were reisolated from diseased tissues of soybean plants and confirmed using Koch’s postulate. The results from this study showed that the isolate cultural types of M. phaseolina did not vary in pathogenicity overall but some differences in individual isolates were evident. 

Keywords: Macrophomina phaseolina, pathogenicity, isolates, stand densities, hypocotyls, discoloration, Koch’s postulate.

Title: Pathogenic Variability among Macrophomina Phaseolina Isolates Associated With Soybeans

Author: Lord Famiyeh, Todd Mlsna

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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