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CONTENTS YEAR 2004
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 1-16
Ecological Tipping Points : A Major
Challenge for Experimental Sciences
John Cairns, Jr.
Department of Biology,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
Abstract : Tipping point situations occur when
the forces that create stability are overcome by the forces that create
instability, and the ship, vehicle, system, or global ecosystem tips into
disequilibrium. The five great biotic extinctions provide persuasive
evidence that global tipping points have been reached in the past. The sixth
biotic extinction now underway is unique because of the dominant effects of
anthropogenic activities. The quest for sustainable use of the planet
requires that reaching tipping points be eliminated or, at the very least,
minimized. The best way to determine the stress needed to induce a tipping
point is to cross a major ecological threshold. The experimental sciences
can help estimate the nature and location of thresholds, but ethical
behavior and reducing unsustainable practices is the best way to achieve
sustainability by taking precautionary measure to reduce the probability of
reaching a tipping point.
Key Words : Tipping points, Eco-ethics, Sustainability, Cumulative
small decisions
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 17-26
Changes in the expression of
actin isoforms in rat uterine smooth muscle during pregnancy
Surender S. Katoch and Ramesh Kumar
Department of Biosciences,
Himachal Pradesh University,
Summer Hill, Shimla -171005, India
Changes in the expression of actin isoforms in
rat uterine smooth muscle were investigated during pregnancy. Isoelectric
focusing (IEF) coupled with 2D SDS-PAGE demonstrated the expression of four
actin isoforms (γ, β, α2 and α1 in uterine smooth muscle from nonpregnant
rat in decreasing order of concentration. Uterine stretching during
pregnancy is associated with a distinctive disappearance of α isomer and a
simultaneous but significant increase in γ and β isoforms (p< 0.005 each).
The observations suggest that uterine muscle undergoes a differential change
in the expression of isoactins commensurate with the reorganization of
cytocontractile apparatus during physiological remodelling accompanying
pregnancy.
Key words : Uterine smooth muscle, isoactins, pregnancy
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 27-35
Integrated Effect of VAM and Azolla
on Fluctuations in Fungal Population, Mycorrhization and Leaf Phosphates in
Rice under Different Moisture Conditions
I. Ghosh, J. Chakrabarti, D. P. Kushari and
N. C. Chatterjee
DSA-III (UGC) Lab., Department of Botany,
University of Burdwan,
Burdwan-713104, West Bengal, India
Fluctuation in mycoflora population was studied
under low(25%), medium(50%) and waterlogged moisture conditions by treating
rice (IR-36) with VAM+Azolla combinations and singly with VAM and Azolla.
Variations were recorded as number of CFU gm-1 soil x104 using rhizosphere
soil. Fungal population was found to be increased and well maintained both
in medium moisture condition and in VAM+Azolla combined treatment. This
condition was found to be congenial for both mycorrhizal colonization and
leaf phosphate accumulation in rice.
Key words : VAM, Azolla, mycoflora, moisture, leaf phophate,
mycorrhization, rice
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2, 2004, 37-46
Effect of Fluoride
Contaminated Drinking Water in Albino Rats Rattus norvegicus
J.D Sharma, M.K Sharma and P. Agrawal
Reproductive Physiology and Environment Toxicology Laboratory,
Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur- 302004, India
Healthy, adult albino rats were treated with
fluoride water (1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 ppm) for 60 days. The data reveal that
reduction in weight of kidney was observed after the ingestion 3 and 6 ppm
of fluoride water. The haematological parameters found to be altered with
higher dose of fluoride water leading to anaemic condition. The serum
protein, cholesterol and phospholipids were reduced in all the groups
studied. However no change was observed in enzyme activity of serum alkaline
phosphatase. The tissue biochemistry (glycogen, cholesterol, ascorbic acid)
of liver, heart, kidney and adrenal diminished following fluoride water
treatment. The data suggests that excess fluoride water exposure to rats
caused reduction in weight of kidney, altered serum and tissue biochemistry
in turn causing toxic effects on liver, heart, kidney and adrenal.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 47-51
Repellent Effect of Some Indigenous Plant
Extracts Against Trogoderma granarium (Everts)
S.C. Dwivedi and Nidhi Bala Shekhawat
Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur - 302 004 (India)
Six aboriginal plant species were screened to
observe possible repellent action against khapra beetle. Repellent property
has been confirmed in all the plant species using olfactometer. Acetone
extract of Emblica officinalis exhibited maximum repellency whereas minimum
repellency was recorded in Ziziphus jujuba pet ether extract.
Key words : Repellents, indigenous plants, T. granarium.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 53-62
Effect of vitamin ‘A’ on regeneration of
tail in tadpoles of toad Bufo fergusonii.
Sonika Saxena
Developmental Biology Laboratory
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004
Effect of vitamin A on the regeneration in toad, tadpoles of Bufo fergusonii
was studied. Tadpoles were kept immersed in ordinary tap water (control) and
5 I.U./ml, 10 I.U./ml,15 I.U./ ml and 20 i.u/ml concentrations of vitamin A
palmitate continuously for 10 days .The results showed that the continuous
rearing of Bufo tadpoles in vitamin A solutions from immediately after
amputation until the end of the experiment, drastically affected the tail
regeneration in several positive respect . The effects were manifested in
inhibition of growth tissues composition and form of the regenerates as
compared to controls.
Key words: vitamin A, tail, regeneration, Bufo fergusonii.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 63-74
Modulation of Radiation Induced Biochemical
Changes in Testis of Swiss Albino Mice by Amaranthus paniculatus Linn
Ritu Kamal Yadav
Department of Zoology
Seth G.B. Podar College, Nawalgarh (Raj.)
A. L. Bhatia and Rashmi Sisodia
Radiation Biology Laboratory
Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004
Increasing use of nuclear radiations for human
welfare necessitates a new, safe and cost effective radioprotector not only
for personnels charged with the responsibility of testing or working with
radiations in laboratories, but also for the general public inhabiting in
the uricirity of nuclear reactors.. Keeping this view, this study has been
undertaken to find out the possible radioprotective potential of the
Amaranthus paniculatus(AE) as its leaves have high content of carotenoids,
proteins, minerals, vitamin C and high level of nutritionally critical amino
acids lysine and methionine. For experimental study, healthy Swiss albino
male mice were selected from an inbred colony and divided in four groups.
Group first (normal) did not receive any treatment. Group second was orally
supplemented AE once daily at the dose of 600 mg/kg.b.wt for 15 consecutive
days. Group third (control) received distilled water orally equivalent to AE
for 15 days then exposed to 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Group fourth
(experimental) was administered orally AE for 15 consecutive days once daily
and exposed to single dose of 5 Gy of gamma radiation. Mice were sacrificed
at different autopsy intervals viz. 1,3,7,15 and 30 days and testis was
removed for various biochemical estimations viz. LPO, protein, cholesterol
and glycogen. Radiation induced augmentation in lipid peroxidation,
cholesterol was significantly ameliorated by AE extract and deficit produced
in protein content by radiation was checked. Amaranthus extract
pre-treatment hence renders protection against various biochemical changes
in mice testis.
Key Words : Amaranthus paniculatus, Antioxidant, Testis,
Radioprotection.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 75-94
AChE and BuChE vis-a-vis Dementia and
Related Brain Disorders : A Therapeutic Strategies
Pallavi Mishra
Department of Chemistry
JNV University, Jodhpur-Rajasthan
A. L. Bhatia
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004
Memory and attention are cognitive functions
that depend heavily on the cholinergic system. Local activity of
acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and butyryl choline esterase (BuChE) are
indicators of its integrity. Using very recently developed techniques
patients with dementia of Alzheimer have been studied and compared with the
findings on measurements of blood flow (CBF) and glucose metabolism. AChE
activity was reduced significantly in all brain regions in demented
subjects, reduction of glucose metabolism and CBF was more limited to
temporo-parietal association areas. Present review indicates that, compared
to non-demented controls, there is a global reduction of cortical AChE
activity in dementia and increase of BuChE. It also discusses various
plant-based brain boosters for the therapeutic goal through AchE. This
article also reviews the pharmacological basis of some plants and their
active constituents that have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
and TCM for their reputed cognitive-enhancing effects.
Keywords : Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, cholinergic system,
acetylcholine esterase, cerebral blood flow, cerebral glucose metabolism.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 95-112
Biochemical Assessment of Nutritional
Status of Pregnant Anemic Women after a Nutritional Supplement
Ruchira Chaudhary
Department of Zoology
M.V.M. College, Bhopal, M.P (India)
Pregnancy is a remarkable anabolic process.
Lack of balanced diet and inadequate nutrition leads to complications.
Present study aims to assess the nutritional status of pregnant anemic women
along with the effect of nutritional deficiency on the general health with
reference to weight, height, mid-arm circumference, hemoglobin percentage
and serum protein level. Plan of trial included study of pregnant women in
the age group of 20-35 years. Supplemented group was given indigenous form
of nutritional input coupled with Iron and Calcium, while Control group was
provided with only Iron and Calcium. Supplemented group (67.44%) shows rise
in Hb% as compared 40% in Control group. Nutritional supplement plays a
definite role and it affects maternal weight gain, intrauterine growth of
fetus, birth weight and improving perinatal outcome.
Key words : Anaemia, Pregnancy, Nutritional Supplement, Protein,
Haemoglobin
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