Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences
Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences (RRJoLS) is a print and online journal focused towards the rapid publication of fundamental research papers on all areas of Life Sciences. The aim of the journal is to enhance and disseminate scientific knowledge and principle. The Focus and Scope Covers Biology Genetics Molecular Biology Cell biology Biochemistry Biophysics Environmental sciences Molecular genetics System biology Endocrinology Population Genetics Biochemical analysis Basic and applied Life sciences Biodiversity Biomedical Science Developmental Biology Evolutionary Biology Parasitology Structural Biology
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To Study the Acceptability of Different Feeds under Earthen Ponds via Ompok pabda Fingerlings viz, Rice Bran, Mustard Oil Cake, Fish Meal and Floating Feed
Abstract An experiment of 45 days was conducted to observe the acceptability of different feeds under earthen ponds via Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings with different feed ingredients. During this experiment pabda treated with four types of different feed ingredients Rice bran (RB), Mustard oil cake (MOC), Floating feed (FF) and Fish meal (FM) with 14, 30, 32 and 45% protein, respectively. These ingredients are formulated as experimental feed EF-I (RB+MOC), EF-II (RB+FF) and EF-III (RB+FM). Ompok pabda experiment was started with few old days’ fingerling having an average weight and length of 1.609 g and 6.85 cm, respectively. 70 fishes were initially stocked. The maximum consumption of EF-III feed in pond P1(C) 65, P2(C) 96, and P3 section (C) 97.5%, respectively. Besides this, there was very minute fluctuations of feeding rate occurred in EF-I than other feeds during 45 days experiment. Very contrary in every pond pabda accepted EF-III with average 78.16% in 45 days experiment. On the other side, EF-II and EF-I feed acceptability average percentage was 66.91% and 76.63% during 45 days experiment. Ompok pabda preferred high protein diet like Fish meal (EF-III) of 50% crude protein as compared to low protein diet used during experiment. Acceptability of feed of pond P3C, P2C and P1C was 97.5, 96 and 65.5%, respectively; survivability of fishes of pond P1C, P3B and P3A was 97, 82 and 97%, respectively and lowest food conversion rate after experiment was 0.488, 0.692 and 1.378 of pond P3B, P1C and P2C, respectively. The result implies that fish has better survivavility with EF-III firstly and secondly in EF-I as compared to EF-II, respectively. Keywords: Ompok pabda, experimental feed (EF), protein diet, acceptability, survivability Cite this Article Paramveer Singh, Sunil Kumar Nayak, Dhalongsaih Reang, et al. To Study the Acceptability of Different Feeds Under Earthen Ponds via Ompok pabda Fingerlings viz, Rice Bran, Mustard Oil Cake, Fish Meal and Floating Feed. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(2): 10–16p.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb) DC
The leaves of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb) DC are used in Indian system of medicine. The present study deals with the physicochemical, phytochemical investigation, and in vitro antioxidant activity on various extracts of the plant. The leaf extracts of Z. rhetsa were prepared with five different solvents such as hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. The results of this study showed that leaves powder of Z. rhetsa is rich in secondary metabolites and contain many bioactive compounds. Amongst five extracts, the aqueous extract was rich in phytoconstituents and showed high inhibition rate against free radicals. The extracts of Z. rhetsa were explored as good and potential drug against free radicals and human threatening diseases. Keywords: Zanthoxylum rhetsa, physicochemical properties, phytochemical properties, in vitro antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity Prabhash T, Nayagam AAJ, Natarajan RK. Free radical scavenging activity of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb) DC. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(2): 17–26p.
Comparitive Utilization and Food Conversion Ratio Study of Different Feed Ingredients Like; Rice Bran, Fish Meal, Mustard Oil Cake and Floating Feed Mixture in Earthen Pond Fed via Tor Tor (Hamilton, 1822) Fingerlings
An experiment of 45 days was conducted to depict the comparative utilization and food conversion ratio of different feed ingredients via Tor tor (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings in earthen pond. The protein content of the ingredients Rice bran (RB), Mustard oil cake (MOC), Floating feed (FF) and Fish meal (FM) was recorded as 14%, 30%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. These all feed stuffs are formulated as EFI (RB+MOC), EFII (RB+FF) and EFIII (RB+FM). Three experimental ponds uniform sizes of rectangular earthen ponds 20×10×1.5 m with triplicate replication were conducted. Tor tor fingerlings were collected from Narmada River at Dongarwara ghat in the Hoshangabad. Tor tor experiment was started with few old days’ fingerling having an average length P1 (EF1) 7.01 cm, (EF2) 6.23 cm, (EF3), Pond 2 (EF1) 6.64 cm, (EF2) 7.00 cm, (EF3) 6.62 cm and Pond 3 (EF1) 6.50 cm, (EF2) 6.96 cm, (EF3) 6.85 cm, respectively and average weight Pond 1 (EF1) 3.93, (EF2) 3.55, (EF3) 4.06, Pond 2 (EF1) 3.53, (EF2) 3.88, (EF3) 3.72 and Pond 3 (EF1) 3.24, (EF2) 4.00, (EF3) 4.09 gm, respectively. 70 fishes were initially stocked. During the experiment utilization of feed was recorded lowest during initial 03 days. Average Utilization of feed was recorded at starting 3 days with EF1 (10–12.5%), EF2 (14–15%) and EF3 (17–20%). Utilization of feed increased during the last 15 days it was highest with maximum acceptability of EF3 (96–97%). The utilization of fish meal was found to be highest as compared to others. Keywords: Tor tor, Experimental fish feed, Utilization, Food conversion ratio Cite this Article Rishabh Singh, Paramveer Singh, Sunil Kumar Nayak, et al. Comparitive Utilization and Food Conversion Ratio Study of Different Feed Ingredients Like; Rice Bran, Fish Meal, Mustard Oil Cake and Floating Feed Mixture in Earthen Pond Fed via Tor Tor (Hamilton, 1822) Fingerlings. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(2): 35–41p.
Education and Health Status of Child Labour in Sylhet City, Bangladesh
Abstract In this study, we mainly discuss the education and health status of child labours in Sylhet city of Bangladesh. To obtain the adequate information, a total numbers of 90 child labours were interviewed from this mentioned city. The study indicates that about 15.6% of child labours were illiterate and 17.7% of child labours can sing their name only and major %age (46%) are in primary level of education. Although nearly 50% of children are already detached from education, but still now 23% of them are continuing their learning besides their regular works. Of course it is a positive sign that 76% of the respondents still have willingness to go school. When-ever they get time, most them watch movies in cinema hall and also do a lot of activities including taking drugs. Facing torture is common phenomena in workstation and 63% reported that they face torture, and among tortures, beating was most common, mostly done by the managers of the workshops. That is why they did not find interest in their works. Moreover, 51% reported that their work contains a lot of risk but they do not use any types of safety materials during their works and most of them get injured. Food consumption pattern was too poor and most of them are underweight. Hygienic condition of them was not satisfactory and due to this, they suffer various kinds of normal and severe diseases. Most of the time (43.3%) they basically went to a medication store and purchased some normal medications with the exhortation of the sellers. Keywords: Child labours, education and health status, Sylhet city, Bangladesh Cite this Article Tanwne Sarker, Rana Roy, Ashok Biswas. Education and Health Status of Child Labour in Sylhet City, Bangladesh. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(2): 1–9p.
Prediction of Durability of Human Hip Joint Implants by Matlab
Hip joint of a human body is one of the important joints, failure of which causes pain and in- convenience to the routine life. The failure may be due to worn-out joint or breakage because of accident etc. The failed hip joint may be replaced with artificial implant. The life of implant depends on different factors like the loads born by the joint, properties of material used etc. The present investigation is an attempt to simulate the artificial hip joint of human being by MATLAB and to analyze the results obtained, by using different materials like titanium and ceramics. The results reveal that the life of implant improves when the coefficient of friction is reduced between contact surfaces by the usage of ceramic and titanium materials. Maximum life of implant was obtained when the implant was made with titanium in combination with Al2O3. Keywords: Hip joint, MATLAB, coefficient of friction, stresses, ceramic, titanium Nagaraju J, Kumar PVSM, Kedar Mallik M et al. Prediction of Durability of Human Hip Joint Implants by Matlab. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(2): 27–34p.
Evaluation of Genetic Variation in Endangered Tree Species of Boswellia serrata with the Help of Genetic Markers
Salai (Boswellia serrata) is the most valuable medicinal tree. It has many medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory agent extensively used in ayurvedic formulations for relieving ache and pain, particularly associated with arthritis. In this study, identification of potential pockets of the designated species in different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh and evaluation of genetic variation with help of RAPD markers of Boswellia serrata is done, so as to produce elite genotype from genetically diversified population. In RAPD profiling, a total of 56 reproducible bands were produced. The RAPD analysis revealed a high degree of genetic diversity among the accessions used in this study. On average, 57.14% polymorphism was detected with RAPD marker, indicating a high marker index. Therefore, Shivpuri (Gird Region) had high diversity as compared to other three agroclimetic zones, so the Bs1 germplasm was best for elite planting stock and finally for the production of quality planting material for cell culture work. Keywords: Salai (Boswellia serrata), RAPD markers, genetic diversity Cite this Article Tiwari SK, Yadav SS, Krishnamurthy G et al. Evaluation of Genetic Variation in Endangered Tree species of Boswellia serrata with the Help of Genetic Markers. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 22–26p.
Salivary Level of Thiocyanate in Smokers and Non-smokers: A Case Study Taken at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria
Thiocyanate levels were determined by spectrophotometric method, for saliva samples collected from 73 healthy adult volunteers. Individuals were grouped into groups A, B and C based on smoking habits, food intake and non-smoking habits respectively. A significantly higher concentrations of thiocyanate in the saliva samples under A were observed, with a mean concentration of (2.34 mmol/L) compared to the saliva samples under B with a mean concentration of (1.36 mmol/L). The samples in group C shows least or in some cases undetected level of thiocyanate as they belong to individuals that are non-smokers and thus were used as control, with a mean concentration of (0.55 mmol/L). Higher levels of cyanide exposure may therefore be another risk factor in tobacco smoking, and also intake of foods rich in cyanogenic glycosides could elevate the salivary thiocyanate level. Thiocyanate levels have been use as smokers’ marker. Keywords: Thiocyanate, spectrophotometric, cyanide, cyanogenic glycoside, smoking habits, marker Cite this Article I.I. Muhammad, R.S.U. Wasagu, M.K. Abubakar. Salivary Level of Thiocyanate in Smokers and Non-smokers: A Case Study Taken at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 1–5p.
A Concise Review Study of Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage plant (Borago officinalis L.) is an herbaceous annual plant. It is used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It is also known as "starflower" originating in Syria, but naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as Asia Minor, Europe, North Africa, and South America. Traditionally borage was cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses, although today commercial cultivation is mainly as an oilseed which contains gamma-linolenic acid and other fatty acids. Naturopathic practitioners uses of borage for regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, and consider it to be a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms such as the hot flash. Borage is sometimes indicated to alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections in general for its anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties. The flowers can be prepared in infusion to take advantage of its medicinal properties. The oleic and palmitic acid of borage may also confer a hypocholesterolemic effect. In Unani system of medicine the plant is very popular as Gaozaban and used in various khameeras for cardioprotection. Keywords: Borago officinalis, Borage, γ-Linolenic acid, Gaozaban Cite this Article Rather S A, Ansari A N, Dar P A, Siddiqui M A. A Concise Review Study of Borage (Borago officinalis). Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 6–10p.
Laboratory Animals: Usages in Genetic Research
Laboratory animals are one on which advanced research is conducted and validated in labs for better understanding the natural phenomenon of biological system, genetics and disease models. Laboratory animals include mice, rat, hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, monkey etc. Lab animals play a vital role in biomedical research and genetic studies as they share common physiology and genetics, which resemble to a large extent with humans and thus make them excellent animal models and choice for various preclinical trial of drugs and vaccines. The use of lab animals for experimental purpose is not new and dates back to 16th century when William Harvey started animal experiments for his studies related to reproduction and blood circulation. Gregor Mendel, father of genetics, started his experiment on mice before he published his work of laws on inheritance in garden pea which is valid till today for most of the species of animals. The advances in molecular genetics and reproductive techniques like transgenic, gene knock out, biopharming, cloning, gene therapy and biomedical research has contributed tremendously to research and development in both human and animals. Moreover, knowledge, skills and hypothesis developed in animal genetics and laboratory animals studies together has made possible directly or indirectly, complete dissection of genetic basis of common diseases and genetic manipulation as an achievable challenge to explore and select best animals for desired characteristics in a more scientific and efficient manner. Keywords: Application, biomedical research, genetics, laboratory animals Cite this Article Manoj Kumar, Poonam Ratwan, Vikas Vohra. Laboratory Animals: Usages in Genetic Research. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 14–21p.
Ant-deterrent Activity in Leaves of Cipadessabaccifera (Roth) Miq. and Aglaia roxburghiana (Wight & Arn.) Miq
In view of the rich diversity of Indian medicinal plants, it is expected that screening and scientific evaluation of plant extract for their ant deterrent substance may prove beneficial for the mankind. As the Meliaceae members are not only ethnomedicinally important ones but also agriculturally important biopesticides, due to the presence of variety of bioactive compounds, several members have been phytochemically analyzed. The present work deals with ant-deterrent analysis of Cipadessabaccifera and Aglaia roxburghiana of Meliaceae. Sugar coated fresh leaves of Cipadessabaccifera and Aglaia roxburghiana showed ant-deterrent activity. Cipadessabaccifera is more ant-deterrent than Aglaia roxburghiana. Keywords: Biopesticide, ant-deterrent activity, Cipadessabaccifera, Aglaia roxburghiana Cite this Article Christopher Patrick Kiladi S, Henry Joseph L. Ant-deterrent Activity in Leaves of Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) Miq. and Aglaia roxburghiana (Wight & Arn.) Miq. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 11–13p.
Morinda citrifolia Leaf Induced Leukemia Cells Apoptosis and Produced Synergistic Effects with Zerumbone
Leukemia is the most common cancer among children and the 7th most common cancer worldwide. The vegetable Morinda citrifolia leaves was investigated and compared with Zerumbone (a known anti-leukemia compound) separately and in combination, for their apoptotic effects on murine myelomonocytic leukaemia cell line (WEHI-3B). Zerumbone, a sesquiterpene from Zingiber zerumbet was anti-cancer via suppressing free radical generation, inflammation, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, anti-apoptosis, NF-κβ, Iκβα kinase activation and invasion. The Morinda leaf extract (standardized to the coumarin scopoletin and the flavonoid epicatechin) dose-dependently inhibited WEHI-3B cells proliferation with an IC50 of 17.1±0.1 μg/ml after 72 h incubations. Comparatively, the leaf extract alone and in combination with Zerumbone significantly suppressed WEHI-3B cells with an IC50 of 11.0 and 9.4 μg/ml, respectively. The extract arrested leukemia cells at the G0/G1 phase, and induced apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 (death receptor extrinsic pathway). Zerumbone arrested WEHI-3B cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 (intrinsic pathway). When combined, the Zerumbone and Morinda leaf extract indicated synergistic anti-leukemia effects via both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, and showed no toxicity to normal cells. Dietary vegetable complementary therapy help support the primary cancer treatments. Keywords: Morinda citrifolia, Zerumbone, synergy, leukemia, apoptosis Cite this Article Ahmadi N, Rahman HS, Rosli R et al. Morinda citrifolia leaf-induced leukemia cells apoptosis and produced synergistic effects with Zerumbone. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 24–32p.
The Interaction of Extracellular Matrix and Growth Factors
The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behavior by influencing cell proliferation, survival, shape, migration and differentiation. ECM assembly is regulated by the 3D environment and the cellular tension that is transmitted through integrins. The hematopoietic microenvironment is a complex structure in which stem cells, progenitor cells, stromal cells, growth factors, and ECM molecules each interact to direct the coordinated regulation of blood cell development. Hematopoietic growth factors are any of several glycoproteins that regulate/promote the survival, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Hematopoietic growth factors act by binding to specific members of a highly related family of single pass transmembrane proteins. They have a vital role in promoting hematopoietic cell growth, differentiation, and prevent apoptosis of progenitor cells. Each growth factor has a specific cell surface receptor, which activates both unique and shared signal transduction pathways. This interaction promotes signal transmission across the cell membrane and activates intercellular signaling cascades that are integrated at the gene expression level. Cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions through adhesion receptors play a major role in the hematopoietic process. Hematopoietic signaling is activated by growth factors and cellular interactions with the ECM. ECM functions as a part of the cell-controlled machinery to store and activate growth factors during development. Cell-mediated release of ECM-bound growth factors can occur via proteolytic cleavage of LTBP1. Keywords: extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, hematopoietic signaling Cite this Article Mulata HN, Gidey Gebremeskel. The Interaction of Extracellular Matrix and Growth Factors. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 9–23p.
Significance of TE Domain and Genetic Variations in FASN Gene in Dairy Animals
The interest in the bovine fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene has increased during the last few years. FASN is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes de novo biosynthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acid, and alteration of this enzyme may affect economic traits including fatty acid composition. FASN is involved in fat metabolism and is an important candidate gene affecting fat composition of milk because of its central role in de-novo lipogenesis in mammals. This cytosolic enzyme catalyses palmitic acid synthesis from acetyl coenzyme-A and malonyl coenzyme-A in the presence of NADPH. Thioesterase (TE) domain of FASN gene regulates the termination of fatty acid synthesis and thus determines the quality of fat synthesized in milk through early termination of fatty acid chains. TE domain spreads from exon 39–41 within the FASN complex. The gene frequency of polymorphism in FASN gene has been found to be very high in dairy cattle. Some associated studies such as milk yield, fat content and protein yield have been carried out in dairy cattle. These associations will provide insight in to the underlying mechanism of FASN gene and polymorphisms that can be used for selection purposes in dairy animals. Keywords: Bovine, fat content, TE domain, polymorphism Cite this Article Manoj Kumar, Poonam Ratwan, Uday Kannegundla et al. Significance of TE Domain and Genetic Variations in FASN Gene in Dairy Animals. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 33–38p.
Identification of Bacterial Strain from Waste Decay Material Using 16s rRNA Ribotyping
Ribotyping is a classical technique in molecular studies where conserved and unique DNA sequences, more specifically 16s RNA, are investigated to differentiate among strains of microorganisms. This method was utilized in the current study to identify the strains of bacteria present in waste decaying matter. Waste material was collected from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, and cultured for bacterial growth. Purified bacterial cultures were used to isolated genomic DNA which was subsequently used for PCR based amplification of 16s RNA gene. Sequencing and computational analysis of the generated sequences revealed the presence of two bacterial strains Bacillus pumulis strain IK-MB13-518F and B. licheniformis strain MAC-110. Keywords: Ribotyping, decay waste, Bacillus pumulis, B. licheniformis Cite this Article Suresh Kumar, Bhawna Garg, Bhardwaj Ankur R, et al. Identification of Bacterial Strain from Waste Decay Material Using 16s rRNA Ribotyping. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 1–4p.
A Study on Physiological Effect of Yoga Asana on Sleep
Ahara, Nidra and Brahmcharya are the three main pillars of life. These play a vital role in maintenance of good health and longevity. Among these Ahara is responsible for physical, Brahmcharya for mental and Nidra for psychosomatic well-being. Mechanisation of world, advancement of science and technology has provided us a great range of comfort; this comfort has led to disturbances in normal Ritucharya and Dincharya. Increased use of various electronic gazettes such as laptop, mobiles, television has led to change in normal sleep cycle resulting sleep deprivation. Growing evidences suggests that these advancements take their toll on human functioning and health via their bad effects on sleep quality, quantity and timing. Chronic sleep deprivation may result in fatigue, muscle ache, day time sleepiness, clumsiness, weight loss or weight gain, memory lapses, depression, headaches, malaise etc. In Ayurveda various modalities have been described to maintain proper sleep such as Abhyanga, Dincharya Palana, and Yoga Asana etc. Yoga Asana not only help to keep the body young, strong and supple but also incorporate mental activities, discipline that help to develop attention and concentration and thus stimulate the total mental and physical calmness and further improve the quality and quantity of sleep. As disturbed sleep is quite common nowadays and performing Yoga Asana is supposed to play an important role in calmness of heart, mind and soul so hereby an emphasis is made to understand the role of Yoga Asana on physiology of sleep. Keywords: Nidra, physiology, Yoga Asana, Dincharya Cite this Article Yadav S, Dadhich OP. A Study on Physiological Effect of Yoga Asana on Sleep. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3): 5–8p.
The Specificity of Purine Derivatives towards Xanthine Oxidase Enzyme and the Factors Affecting the Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction
Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a molybdenum-containing enzyme catalyzing the hydroxylation of a sp2-hybridized carbon in a broad range of aromatic heterocycles and aldehydes. Further, it is a key enzyme in the last two steps of purine metabolism. Thus, the need for an understanding and developing unified reaction mechanism to minimize the amount of accumulated uric acid inside human body has led us to the present detailed study of the reaction of XO with purine derivatives. In addition to its obscure mechanism of action that has been studied experimentally with purines and related analogues substrates, it is not also yet investigated computationally with these substrates. During catalytic transformation of substrates to their products, many factors are simulated to affect the mechanism of action that pass through different intermediates in the catalytic cycle. Accordingly, the study was particularly intended to identify the factors affecting the binding stage of catalysis and look forward to the role of active binding pocket amino acids in providing proper orientation to the substrates for nucleophilic reaction to take place. Gaussian 03W (version 6.0) program software package using density functional theory (DFT) method of the B3LYP correlation functional formalism was used. The calculated results of Mulliken atomic charge and total energy has been provided link to the factors regarding the orientation of substrates, role of binding pocket amino acid residues, polarity effect and selectivity of the interaction sites. In light of this, there was no clear cut relation between the charge distribution and reactivity of substrates. On top of this, the role of amino acids on proper orientation of substrates is deduced as the primary factor on selectivity and reactivity of heterocyclic substrates in XO enzyme family. On the other side, energy barrier was related to the reactivity of the substrates. This research is applicable in analysis of substrate specificities which is aimed at providing the role of bringing pocket amino acid residues in recognition of heterocyclic substrate for proper orientation in a nucleophilic hydroxylation reaction that simulated to give insights into the potential physiological roles of these enzymes. Keywords: purine derivatives, xanthine oxidase (XO), xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) Cite this Article Gereziher G, Gebremeskel G, Berhane A. The Specificity of Purine Derivatives towards Xanthine Oxidase Enzyme and the Factors Affecting the Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(2): 28–44p.
“Optimization of Physiological Parameters for Production of PUFA using Biodiesel Derived Crude Glycerol as Carbon Sourceâ€
Global interest on biodiesel as an alternative fuel has increased over the years, leading to production of large crude glycerol glut, which is impure and has low economic value. Its microbial conversion to value added products like organic acids, alcohol and fatty acid such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can add to the market value to this crude glycerol. The present work reports on the optimization studies on physiological parameters in the conversion process namely pH and temperature. The isolate GK12 showed optimum linoleic acid (22.2%) and linolenic acid (6.7%) production at pH 8.5 and 19.9% of linoleic acid and 4% of linolenic acid was produced at optimum temperature of 20 oC. GK29 isolate showed optimum linoleic acid (20.1%) and linolenic acid (8.3%) production at pH 6 and 14.3% of linoleic acid and 1.8% of linolenic acid was produced at optimum temperature of 40 oC.
Preparation of Lipase Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles and its Estimation Using Different Additives
Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation technique and simultaneously entrapment of lipase was carried out in it. These were then subjected to additives such as surfactants, pluronics and ionic liquids. Activity of lipase was assayed in free as well as immobilized conditions. It was then compared to immobilized enzyme bound to these polymers. The results have been graphically displayed. Among surfactants, tween 80 and triton X-100 were used with the latter showing better activity. Pluronic P127 showed maximum activity of the enzyme and ionic liquid hexadecyl pyridinium bromide displayed best results. Stability of chitosan nanoparticles was observed on combining these with the additives. Keywords: Chitosan nanoparticles, lipase activity, surfactants, ionic liquids, pluronics Cite this Article Devnani H, Dani U, Bahadur A. Preparation of Lipase Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles and its Estimation Using Different Additives. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Science. 2016; 6(2): 19–27p.
‘Farmers’ Opinion towards Conservation and Causes of Depletion of Citrus at Barlekha Upazila of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh
The study was focused on number of citrus trees in homestead area, types and source of citrus planting materials, causes of depletion of citrus trees and villagers’ attitudes towards citrus plantation in the homestead area of four selected unions of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar district during July to November 2015. Eighty local people from four selected unions were interviewed for this purpose. Study indicates that mainly seedlings are used as planting materials and majority of the people collect these seedling from market. Household area is occupied with 34.09% timber species followed by fruit trees other than citrus 31.09%, agar 18.14%, citrus 12.63%, medicinal 3.0% and aesthetic species 1.05%. People cultivate citrus in their homestead by realizing that economic returns from citrus is possible and citrus can meet their family needs successfully. Less interest in citrus cultivation due to poor market price is predominantly responsible for the continuous declining of citrus tree. It also explored the relationships between the selected characteristics (independent variables) with number of citrus trees in homestead (dependent variable). Correlation analysis indicates that homestead land size, number of trees in homestead and annual income from citrus and showed significant positive relationships with the number of citrus trees. Keywords: Homestead, citrus, correlation, Bangladesh Cite this Article Rana Roy, Tanwne Sarker. Farmers’ Opinion towards Conservation and Causes of Depletion of Citrus at Barlekha Upazila of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Science. 2016; 6(2): 6–14p.
Migratory Birds in Pakistan and Effects of Climate Change
Nature has blessed us with so many beautiful creations. Everything in the universe is playing its productive part as part of a cycle which is essentially followed by all living beings. Changing weathers, warm summers, freezing colds, pleasing springs and withering autumns, all play an important and significant role in our lives. Birds’ migration is a common phenomenon which over a past decade has witnessed a momentous change in pattern and behavior of birds. This all can be attributed to manmade disasters which are affecting the ecology at a great deal. It is imperative that concerted steps are initiated in time to save nature so that we leave behind a healthy, greener and a safer environment for our children. Keywords: migration, climate change, habitat, global warming Cite this Article Khan FN, Ali A, Shareef R. Migratory Birds in Pakistan and Effects of Climate Change. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(2): 15–18p.
Ascidians as the Potential Bioindicators of Marine Ecosystem: A Review
Ascidians belonging to the ‘Phylum Chordata’ are effectively used as bio-indicators of anthropogenic disturbance in marine ecosystems. Each and every day marine coastal communities are exposed to several chemical compounds which are commonly used in agriculture and industrial activities. Among the various criteria, functional qualities may represent useful tools for monitoring environmental impact in coastal areas, in order to consider the impact of anthropogenic activities on the aquatic ecosystem and to insure fulfillment with regulation. Biomonitoring involves the use of indicator species such as filter feeding organisms like ascidians and they represent a reliable bioindicator; and so represent a valuable tool for the rapid and simple monitoring of impact on marine ecosystem. In this paper, the role of tunicates is reviewed as model organism for testing coastal pollution. Keywords: Marine, ascidians, bio indicators, pollution Cite this Article Rajaram Murugan, Ganakkan Ananthan, Chinnathambi Stalin. Ascidians as the potential bioindicators of marine ecosystem: A review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(1): 1–5p.
Status of Phosphatases in Basella alba L. Leaves During Water Stress
Activity of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the leaves of medicinally important plant Basella alba with respect to its two cultivars under water deficit and water logging stress was estimated. It was recorded that the activity of both the phosphatases increased with increase in water stresses with single exception. The increased activities probably help in release of inorganic phosphates at intracellular level that might regulate proper plant metabolism which helps the plant to cope with the water stress situations. Keywords: Basella alba, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, water stress Cite this Article Deshmukh Sagar A, Gaikwad DK. Status of Phosphatases in Basella alba L. Leaves during Water Stress. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(1): 6–9p.
Effect of Abiotic Stress on Chickpea: Physiological Perspective
Despite a worldwide intensification of agriculture and tremendous progress towards increasing yields in major crops over the last decade, the goal to reduce the problems associated with abiotic and biotic stress due to unfavourable climate, plant diseases and pests, still remains unfulfilled. Increased plant productivity, therefore relies on a high chemical input and is achieved at the expense of detrimental effect on the environment. To survive both microbe and plants need to respond and adapt to such stresses by suitable changes at the physiological and molecular level. Abiotic stress tolerance can evoke in crops by the exploitation of worldwide abundant microbes preadapted to stresses. Root colonizing bacteria (Rhizobacteria) that exert beneficial effects on plant development via direct or indirect mechanisms have been defined as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Although significant control of plant pathogens or direct enhancement of plant development has been demonstrated by PGPR in the laboratory and greenhouse; results in the field have been less consistent. Because of these and other challenges in screening, formulation, and application, PGPR have yet to fulfill their promise and potential as commercial inoculants. Recent progress in our understanding of their diversity, colonization ability, mechanism of action, formulation, and application should facilitate their development as reliable components in the management of sustainable agricultural systems. The prospect of manipulating crop rhizosphere microbial populations by inoculation of beneficial bacteria to increase plant growth has shown considerable promise in laboratory and greenhouse studies, but responses have been variable in the field. Keywords: abiotic, rhizobacteria, rhizobial species, chickpeaDespite a worldwide intensification of agriculture and tremendous progress towards increasing yields in major crops over the last decade, the goal to reduce the problems associated with abiotic and biotic stress due to unfavourable climate, plant diseases and pests, still remains unfulfilled. Increased plant productivity, therefore relies on a high chemical input and is achieved at the expense of detrimental effect on the environment. To survive both microbe and plants need to respond and adapt to such stresses by suitable changes at the physiological and molecular level. Abiotic stress tolerance can evoke in crops by the exploitation of worldwide abundant microbes preadapted to stresses. Root colonizing bacteria (Rhizobacteria) that exert beneficial effects on plant development via direct or indirect mechanisms have been defined as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Although significant control of plant pathogens or direct enhancement of plant development has been demonstrated by PGPR in the laboratory and greenhouse; results in the field have been less consistent. Because of these and other challenges in screening, formulation, and application, PGPR have yet to fulfill their promise and potential as commercial inoculants. Recent progress in our understanding of their diversity, colonization ability, mechanism of action, formulation, and application should facilitate their development as reliable components in the management of sustainable agricultural systems. The prospect of manipulating crop rhizosphere microbial populations by inoculation of beneficial bacteria to increase plant growth has shown considerable promise in laboratory and greenhouse studies, but responses have been variable in the field. Keywords: abiotic, rhizobacteria, rhizobial species, chickpea Cite this Article Chauhan N, Gupta K, Chandra I. Effect of Abiotic Stress on Chickpea: Physiological Perspective. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(1): 14–18p.
Mechanisms of Abiotic Stress Responses and Tolerance in Plants Physiological Intervention
Recent progress in our understanding of the biological interactions that occur in the rhizosphere and of the practical requirements for inoculant formulation and delivery should increase the technology’s reliability in the field and facilitate its commercial development. The present work was initiated to characterize the abiotic stress-tolerating strains of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) rhizobium isolated from the nodules of chickpea plants collected from the field. Comparative ecological studies were carried out with respect to the effect of temperature, pH, drought, heavy metals, antibiotics, and utilization of carbon and nitrogen sources. The phylogenetic analysis of chickpea strains were performed by using molecular typing through enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR). Keywords: rhizosphere, Cicer arietinum, temperature, pH, drought Cite this Article Chauhan N, Gupta K. Mechanisms of Abiotic Stress Responses and Tolerance in Plants Physiological Intervention. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(1): 19–26p.
Molecular Characterization of Abiotic Stress Tolerant Chickpea Rhizobia
Rhizobacteria are root-colonizing bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with many legumes. Though parasitic varieties of rhizobacteria exist, the term usually refers to bacteria that form a relationship beneficial for both the parties (mutualism). Such bacteria are often referred to as plant growth promoting rhizobacterias (PGPRs). Though microbial inoculants are indisputably beneficial for crops, they are not widely used in industrial agriculture, as large-scale application techniques have yet to become economically viable. Many rhizobial and fungal pathogens are not restricted to infecting aerial or root tissues exclusively. As such, communication between aboveground and belowground components can confer a survival advantage and potentially limit or prevent diseases. Current literature suggests that the metabolic levels of low-Mr compounds play a significant role in triggering plant innate defense responses. A corresponding induced defense response initiating intraplant signaling between leaves and roots has been implicated in herbivory. Keywords: rhizobacteria, chickpea, phenolic, carbohydrate Cite this Article Chauhan N, Gupta K, Chandra I. Molecular Characterization of Abiotic Stress Tolerant Chickpea Rhizobia. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(1): 10–13p.