Vol 6 Issue 3 July 2018-September 2018

Abstract: Benthic molluscan fauna from litoral zones of Subarnarekha river, India was surveyed and ecologically interpreted based on their changing community structure in temporal and spatial scales during the period of July, 2012 – June, 2014. A total of 23 species of benthic molluscs belonging to 13 families and 11 genus were recorded from different sites of this river. Several biotic indices such as dominance, diversity, richness and evenness indices pertaining to community structure were worked out based on the seasonal population dynamics to assess the mode of seasonal variations of the studied community in changing ecological gradients. Spatial and temporal variabilties of benthic molluscan communityas recorded in this study, have revealed differential trends not only among different ecologically contrasting study sites (five) but among different seasons determined mostly by the fluctuating and unstable ecological gradients.

Keywords: Benthic molluscs, Community analysis, Subarnarekha river, Ecological gradients, Biotic indices.

Title: COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF BENTHIC MOLLUSCS IN CONTRASTING ECOZONES OF A TRANSBOUNDARY RIVER IN INDIA: AN ECOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION

Author: Hirulal Pakhira, Susanta Kumar Chakraborty

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: The termite alates of Pseudocanthotermes grandiceps are eaten as a substitute dietary element in Kenya. Artificial inducement of the alates was evaluated based on a traditional method that has been used for decades. The idea is to imitate the natural weather conditions required by swarming alates. In natural situations, the most conducive weather is when rain is accompanied by thunderstorms and then stops for at least 2days with intervals of clear and sunny skies. Such weather conditions stimulate the emergence of alates during day time. In artificial situation, producing the sound of rain to strengthen the impression of rain was found to work with Pseudocanthotermes species. Through field manipulation of weather conditions, the alates of P. grandiceps responded to external changes and were harvested for consumption by local community. The following weather conditions were found necessary in stimulating nest activities and emergence of alates: a) hot and dry weather for a week prior to artificial inducement; b) sunny and hot afternoon at time of swarming. The time taken from the onset of the experiment to the end of swarming was approximately 8 hours. The artificial inducement of alates was found to be effective, seasonal and limited only to the genus Pseudocanthotermes.

Keywords: Pseudocanthotermes, artificial, inducement, termite alates, weather, swarming.

Title: SWARMING INDUCEMENT OF Pseudocantotermes grandiceps ALATES IN RESPONSE TO FOOD SECURITY IN KENYA

Author: JACOB N. MAKILA, ROBERT W NYUKURI, ALBERT W.MWONGULA

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Kenya faces acute food shortages to satisfy the increasing population as traditional food stocks continue to be depleted as a result of environmental changes and increasing population. Faced with problems of food insecurity, increasing food prices and overreliance on the traditional food items, there is an urgent need for Kenyans to diversify their food sources. In western Kenya, termites (white ants) have a long history of consumption as a delicacy during the rainy seasons. A major problem is that the termites are varied in species and may not all contain the ingredients required by humans for nutrition. The aim of this study was to establish the consumer preferences for the white ant (Pseudocanthotermes grandiceps) species in various urban centers of Kenya. This was done with an overall aim of determining whether white ants can be declared as an alternative food source in Kenya. Data was collected and analyzed. consumer preference was done through personal administered questionnaires that sought direct information on the issues of consuming white ants. Qualitative data from the questionnaires and interviews collected during this study were analyzed by descriptive statistics employing tools of central tendencies, frequency distributions, cross tabulations and chi-square (χ2) of goodness of fit tests using SPSS version 17.0. Chi-square test was suitable here since enabled the identification of any significant differences in the frequencies of the alternative response. All data was analyzed at a level of p < 0.05. After analysis, data were presented using table, bar graphs and pie charts. The median ingredient uptake volumes were calculated based on the respondents responses, which were then used to calculate the daily ingredient intake. The first survey identified that local consume beef, poultry, vegetables mainly traditional, cabbages, fish, and white ants. The consumers were asked to rank foods that should be considered a delicacy and should be advocated for all the Kenyan to take as long as they are available. The results show that beef ranked highest followed by white and brown ants respectively. Bacon and wild birds ranked lowest.

Keywords: white ants consumer, preference, termites, Pseudocanthotermes, grandiceps, nutrition.

Title: CONSUMER PREFERENCE OF TERMITES Pseudocanthotermes grandiceps (Isoptera: Termitidea) IN WESTERN KENYA

Author: JACOB N. MAKILA, ROBERT W NYUKURI, ALBERT W. MWONGULA

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including endangered species. Pallikaranai wetland is only surviving wetland ecosystem in the South India. Chennai City 60% of wastes is dumped in the ecologically sensitive areas of Pallikaranai wetland. These wastes have highly toxicated heavy metals and affected the physico - chemical parameters in surrounded water and metabolic activities in fishes. Present study estimated the enzyme activities of different organs (gill, liver, muscle and intestine) for toxic induced (toxicated water sample collected from Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem) freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) in two different sublethal concentrations (1% and 3%). As the result, the enzyme profile in the four tissues viz., gill, muscle, liver and intestine showed the decrease values in the activity of ALP and ACP. Enhanced activity of GOT and GPT were recorded in the gill, muscle and liver in different proportions. Glycogen phosphorylase activity showed a decline in the gill, muscle and liver tissues. The overall valuation confirmed that the fish habitat stressed from the polluted water sample. So immediately we must take action to avert the environmental pollution from surrounded industries and sewage water; and save Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem for the native animals.

Keywords: Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem, heavy metals, enzyme, Oreochromis mossambicus, environmental pollution.

Title: Studies on enzyme activities in heavy metal toxicated fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) at Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Author: Punitha S, Elumalai K, Krishnamurthy R

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: The study of forest wild vegetable plants was carried out with the Lai tribe in the Lawngtlai district of Mizoram. In the present study 45 species belonging to 23 families were used. The importance of documenting wild vegetable plants in the region is important because of rapid loss of biodiversity due to anthropogenic activities and will help in conservation of different species.

Keywords: Lai, Tribe, Wild, Edible, Vegetable, plants, Lawngtlai, Mizoram.

Title: Forest wild vegetable used by the Lai tribe in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram, India

Author: Ramachandra Laha, Lalhriatpuia, P.C. Lalremruata, R.Vanlalpeka

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Haemonchus contortus is the most pathogenic parasite inhabiting the abomasam of sheep and goats worldwide causing the dreadful disease haemonchosis. Chemical anthelmintics are used to treat gastro intestinal nematode infection in small ruminants. However, this treatment is costly, leaving residues in animal products and drug resistance has evolved in parasites. Therefore, there is need for developing cheaper, less toxic and eco-friendly novel drugs. Medicinal plants offer an effective alternative source. In this current study, effect of ethanol extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (SaEE) and Trachyspermum ammi (TaEE) on the Pyruvate kinase (PK) and Phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) of H. contortus was studied in vitro. H. contortus were exposed to five different sub-lethal concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/ml) of ethanol extracts of SaEE and (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml) of TaEE for 2, 4 and 8h. Both control and drug-treated worms were assayed for PK and PEPCK. Maximum level of inhibition in both PEPCK and PK activities were observed in drug-treated worms at 0.5 mg/ml of SaEE and 1mg/ml of TaEE after 8h of exposure. Inhibition in the enzyme activity affects the energy generating process leads to decreased production of ATP. Energy deprivation results in the death of the worms. The present study enlightened the anthelmintic effect of ethanol extracts of S. aromaticum and T. ammi suggest that could be used as a phytotherapeutic agents to combat the H. contortus infection in livestock.

Keywords: Pyruvate kinase, Phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase, Syzygium aromaticum, Trachyspermum ammi and Haemonchus contortus.

Title: Effect of Ethanol Extract of Syzygium aromaticum and Trachyspermum ammi on Pyruvate Kinase and Phosphoenol Pyruvate Carboxykinase of the Nematode, Haemonchus contortus

Author: S. Sathish Kumar, Dr. L. Veerakumari

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract:  A preliminary study was conducted in Tumkur University campus, Tumakuru to focus on the diversity of ants and scale insects species which have been mutually associated with each other. The study includes the visual observation, photography and identification of associated partners and their host plants. In the study area a total of 18 species of scale insects belong to 5 families were found infesting 20 different host plants and associated with 12 species of ants from 6 genera of 3 subfamilies of Formicidae. The genus Crematogaster was found to be more diversified with 7 species and associated with 12 species of scale insects. The scale insect family Coccidae was dominated with 5 genera and 9 species associated with 7 species of ants followed by Pseudococcidae with 5 genera and 6 species associated with 8 ant species. The ecological factors of the study area have attributed to the occurrence of wide variety of scale insects and their association with ant species. The study provides a base line data for future research work on integrated pest management and further its implication to agricultural crops.

Keywords: Scale insects, mutual association, Formicidae, Tumkur University.

Title: Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Association in Tumkur University Campus, Tumakuru, India

Author: Kokilamani A. L, Lakshmishree S, U, Mahalakshmi E, Ramya K. P, Varsha Vishwanatha Rajapuri

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: This paper aimed at determining the impact of training and development function on the administrative staff performance in the 2nd VPO. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess the existing training and development process used in the 2nd VPO; to find out whether staff training and development activities have any positive impact on the performance of the administrative staff; to assess impacts of training and development activities on the organizational performance; to propose suitable training and development procedures for the 2nd VPO. Overall, the study assessed the training and development process to establish whether there has been improved staff performance. Data was collected using questionnaires administered to the selected employees and to the Director of administration and Human Resources. The data was analyzed using Microsoft word 2003- integrated package on a personal computer and the SPSS software. The result indicated that the 2nd VPO has a training program in place, but it is poorly planned, not systematic and not coordinated. However, all interviewed employees were aware of the existence of training and development program in this organization. The low budget allocation was found to hamper the implementation of training program. However, the training itself had a positive impact on the performance of the staff and the organization. Therefore, it is recommended that, the 2nd VPO should have a well planned, systematic and coordinated training and development program through the establishment of specific training section. There should also be adequate budget allocation to finance the implementation of training and development program in the office.

Keywords: Training and development, Employee performance, Human resource, Training needs assessment.

Title: The Impact Of Training And Development On The Performance Of Administrative Staff In The Public Sector Organizations: The Case of the Second Vice President’s Office – Zanzibar

Author: Jackson E. Muhoho

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Crude exracts of Euphorbia hirta L. using different solvents like Ethanol, Dimethyl sulfoxide and Water have shown potential role in controlling harmful human pathogen Escherichia coli . Extracts and active principles from medicinal plants are one of the safest and ecofriendly methods for the treatments of various diseases. Medicinal plant Euphorbia hirta L. has been reported as antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidepressant for blood pressure. Antibacterial activity of ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide and aqueous extracts of Euphorbia hirta L. were tested against test bacteria Escherichia coli using the agar disc diffusion method. Dimethyl sulfoxide extract of leaf and aqueous extract of bud were found to be more active, whereas ethanol extract of leaf, dimethyl sulfoxide extract of bud and aqueous extract of stem or leaf possessed moderate effect on the test bacteria. These results may suggest the distribution of antibacterial compound in aerial parts of Euphorbia hirta L. that can be explored for the isolation of bioactive compound.

Keywords: Euphorbia hirta L., Ethanol, Dimethyl sulfoxide, Aqueous and Escherichia coli.

Title: Antibacterial activity of Ethanol, Dimethyl sulfoxide and Aqueous extracts of Euphorbia hirta L.

Author: Indu Kumari

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: A total of 9600 sheep were examined for the presence of paramphistomes at Perambur slaughter house, Chennai, Tamil Nadu from January 2014 to December 2015. Paramphistomes were identified as Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Fischoederius elongatus, Gastrothylax crumenifer and Paramphistomum cervi. Of the 9600 animals examined, 10.30% (989/9600) had paramphistome infection.  Among the sex, females were highly infected 73.10% than the males 26.90%.  Among the season, highest prevalence observed in northeast monsoon (42.16%) followed by south-west monsoon (40.65%) and very low level during winter (10.82%) and summer (6.37%). Among the species of the parasites, highest infection of C. cotylophorum (76.25%) followed by F. elongatus (12.72 %) G. crumenifer (8.71 %) and very low level of P. cervi (2.32 %) was recorded. Among the paramphistomes, the prevalence of C. cotylophorum occurs in all the months except during February, March and May and with highest prevalence during August and October. Prevalence of F. elongatus was also recorded in all the months except during February, March, May, September and December of the year 2014 and November, December of the year of 2015. Gastrothylax crumenifer was found only during the month of January and September to November of the year 2014, January, February and August to December of the year 2015 and with highest level 70.50 % (n = 11253) during November 2014. Similarly, Paramphistomum cervi found only during the month of January, October and November of 2014 and January, February, August, September and November with highest level 24.27 % (n = 3004) during December 2015

Keywords: Paramphistomes; sheep; prevalence.

Title: PREVALENCE OF RUMEN PARAMPHISTOMES IN SHEEP SLAUGHTERED AT PERAMBUR SLAUGHTER HOUSE IN CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU

Author: P.Vasanthi, L.Veerakumari, C.Soundararajan

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Arsenic (As) is semi metallic compound (metalloid). Beside the elemental form, as exists in four oxidation states; -3, 0, +3 and +5 and as (0) as an elemental form. Arsenic exists in environment since long back, but present acceleration of its exposure leads to cancer, which is increasing day by day. During recent years, several technologies are developed to remediate as physically and chemically from drinking water, but least effort is seen in case of healthy crop production in as contaminated areas. In this regard, there is a hope with bioagents as they can be suitable and convenient for ecological sustainability in as contaminated soils.

Keywords: Remediation, microbes, phytoremediation, Arsenic.

Title: Approaches for Remediation of Arsenic Contamination from Soil and Water: A Review

Author: Dheeraj Pandey, Ifra Zoomi, Ovaid Akhtar, Pragya Srivastava, Harbans Kaur Kehri

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: The thiohydantoin nucleus is a 5-membered ring system containing a reactive cyclic thiourea core. This heterocycle is used for the synthesis of drugs with antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory, antiulcer and antiarrhythmic agents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the synthetic compound, 2-thiohydantoin. The present study gives information regarding four different in vitro methods that were used to measure the antioxidant activity of the synthetic compound, 2-thiohydantoin. In vitro studies on the effect of 2-thiohydantoin on scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl radical(DPPH•), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical cation (ABTS•), hydroxyl radical (OH•) and superoxide anion radical (O2•-) confirmed the free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of 2-thiohydantoin. The cytotoxic activity of 2-thiohydantoin on L6 & 3T3-L cells was determined using MTT assay. The IC50 values of 2-thiohydantoin on L6 and 3T3-L cells was 21.25 µg and 25.25 µg respectively. These results indicate that the synthetic compound, 2-thiohydantoin has good antioxidant and significant cytotoxic activity.

Keywords: thiohydantoin, antioxidant, cytotoxic, free radical, DPPH.

Title: Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activity study of 2-thiohydantoin

Author: Uma.S, Dr.P.T.Devika

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: The experiment compared two methods of DNA extraction in Livingstone and Hausa potato. DNA zol and plant saver card were optimized, simplified and presented. The aim of the experiment was to establish a suitable protocol for the extraction of these plants in Nigeria, in order to save time, cost and energy which may be spent during DNA extraction process. 20 day old fresh leaves of Livingstone and Hausa potato were extracted for the experiment. DNA extracted from four different accessions were amplified using 10 SSR primers. The results indicated that only the DNA zol technique was effective in extracting sufficient amount of DNA from the plants. Even though DNA zol requires more leaf sample, it proved to be the best technique for the extraction of DNA from the leaf samples. FTA plant saver card was however unable to trap enough amount of DNA from the leaves. Therefore, DNA zol technique is recommended for the timely and quality extractions and amplification PCR using the outlined protocols in this article.

Keywords: Opimization, DNA extraction, FTA plant saver card, DNA zol, Protocols, Livingstone potato, Hausa potato, Plectranthus esculenthus, Plectranthus roduntifolius, Plectranthus species.

Title: Comparative optimized protocols for DNA extraction and purification using FTA plant saver card and DNA zol methods for Plectranthus species (Plectranthus esculenthus and Plactranthus roduntifolius) in Nigeria (Livingstone and Hausa potato)

Author: Inalegwu Bawa, Danjuma Yakubu, Catherine Danmaigona, Amos Stephen

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: This study was commenced to evaluate the effect of taping with strengthening exercises and night splint with strengthening exercises on hallux valgus in Adesh University. Methodology: the study sample included 30 subjects of age group 20-30 years. Subjects were then asked to sign the Consent form and give their will regarding being enrolled in the study. During the assessment, subjects were assessed by Goniometer. Assessments were done as per the assessment form. All the subjects were received total intervention for 3 weeks. The patients were assessed at the baseline and after weeks. Results: after statistically analysis, a significant improvement was found in both taping and night splint. But the night splint was more significant than taping. The level of improvement (p<0.0005) was significantly high with night splint in flexible hallux valgus.

Keywords: taping and night splint.

Title: Effect of Taping and Night Splint on Flexible Hallux Valgus- A Comparative Study

Author: Lovekiranpreet Kaur, Paramjeet Kaur, Kavita Kaushal

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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Abstract: Flemingia strobilifera W.Ation is a very useful medicinal plant. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical study of stem including HPTLC following standard procedures. Stem of the Flemingia strobilifera W.Ation is collected, authentified and used for the study. Stem of Flemingia strobilifera W.Ation can be identified with multilayered cork with tannin content, penta to multiseriated medullary rays, blunted trichome, simple starch grain, tannin, calcium oxalate, 3-5 layered pericyclic fibre with tannin. Powder microscopy of the stem shows rhomboidal crystal, simple and compound starch grains, fragment of simple Trichome. Cork cell in surface view with tannin content is found. Purity test shows loss on drying (7.351% w/w), total ash (0.8% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (3.375% w/w) and Water-soluble extractive values (3.343% w/w). Preliminary analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, steroids and tannin. HPTLC study of alkaloid showed the presence of five and four spots in short and long UV respectively. The information generated by this study provides relevant Pharmacognostical and Preliminary Physico-chemical data needed for proper identification and authentication of stem of Flemingia strobilifera W.Ation.

Keywords:  Fabaceae, Ayurveda, Flemingia strobilifera, Trichome.

Title: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF STEM OF FLEMINGIA STROBILIFERA W.ATION

Author: Dr. Shreedevi, Vd. B.R. Patel, V J Shukla, Harisha CR

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

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

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