Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 1-6
Ecotoxicology : An Opportunity for the Experimental Sciences Ecological
Restoration in an Era of Ecological Disequilibrium
John
Cairns, Jr.
Department
of Biological Sciences,
Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg,
Virginia 24061, USA
Abstract
: The current rate of ecological
destruction greatly exceeds the rate of ecological repair, a situation
that obviously cannot continue indefinitely. In addition, the rate of
biotic impoverishment makes finding suitable species for recolonization
extremely difficult. Furthermore, for the first time in human history,
humankind is confronted with two global, ecological problems: (1)
climate change, including global warming, which makes return to
antecedent conditions extremely difficult, and (2) acidification of the
world’s oceans, which raises the threat of ecological disequilibrium in
these vast systems. The biospheric life support system is probably
approaching a number of ecological tipping points, which means the
conditions so favorable to humankind may be impaired or even made
unfavorable. Measures could be taken at local, regional, and global
levels to reduce these risks, but the time for implementing them is
shortened every year.
Keywords
: Ecological restoration, Landscape
disequilibrium, Biospheric life support system, Climate change,
Acidification, Global ecological problems.
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Asian J.
Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 7-16
Humankind’s Ultimate Security
John
Cairns, Jr.
Department
of Biological Sciences,
Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg,
Virginia 24061, USA
Abstract
: While humankind is obsessed with
economic growth, terrorism, and unverified rumors of weapons of mass
destruction, a much greater threat to both individual and societal
security is developing with frightening rapidity—the increasingly
probable failure of the biospheric life support system to continue
maintaining conditions that have been favorable to humans for 160,000
years. Worst yet, humankind’s unsustainable practices are the primary
cause of this threat. An uncharitable person might conclude that
humankind is suicidal. After all, why cause global warming,
acidification of the planet’s oceans, and drive many of the life forms
“sharing” the planet into extinction if humankind does not have a death
wish? However, reasons to hope exist. Major changes in human behavior
could result in a shift from unsustainable to sustainable practices. To
be effective, this shift must be based on an objective analysis of the
risks to humankind’s security based on information generated by the
experimental sciences. This analysis would be a major, new undertaking
for the experimental sciences, but it is necessary to a sustainable
future for humankind.
Keywords
: Economic growth, Societal security,
Biospheric life support system, Terrorism, Unsustainable practices,
Greenhouse gases.
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Asian J.
Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 17-26
Principles of Ageing and the Practice of Anti-ageing Therapies
Suresh I. S. Rattan
Laboratory
of Cellular Ageing,
Danish
Centre for Molecular Gerontology,
Department
of Molecular Biology,
University
of Aarhus, Gustav Wieds Vej,
DK-8000
Aarhus - C, Denmark.
Abstract
: After years of
generating data describing age-related changes in organisms, organs,
tissues, cells and macromolecules, biogerontologists are now able to
construct general principles of ageing and explore various possibilities
of gerontomodulation. There is significant evidence to show that ageing
is characterized by a stochastic accumulation of molecular damage and by
a progressive failure of maintenance and repair. Several approaches are
being tried and tested to modulate ageing in a wide variety of organisms
with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of human life in old age,
and prolong human health-span. These approaches include gene therapy,
hormonal supplementation, nutritional modulation and intervention by
antioxidants and other molecules. A recent approach is that of applying
hormesis in ageing research and therapy, which is based on the principle
of stimulation of maintenance and repair pathways by repeated exposure
to mild stress. Our studies on the beneficial effects of repeated mild
heat shock on human cells in culture, and other studies on the
anti-ageing and life prolonging effects of proxidants, hypergravity,
irradiation, and ethanol on cells and organisms have provided the proof
of principle that hormesis as an anti-ageing and gerontomodulatory
approach has a promising future.
Keywords
: Age, Anti-ageing,
Homeostasis, Homeodynamics, Repair, Damage, Hormesis, Survival,
Longevity
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 27-33
The
Biopositive Effects of Diagnostic Doses of X-rays on Growth of
Phaseolus vulgaris Plant : A Possibility of New Physical Fertilizers
Mortazavi SMJ
1, Mehdi-Pour LA
2, Tanavardi S
2, Mohammadi S
2, Kazempour S
2, Fatehi S
2 Behnejad
B 2 and
H. Mozdarani
3
1. Medical Physics Dept., School of Medicine,
Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
2.
Radiologic Technology Dept., School of Paramedical Sciences,
Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
3.
Medical Genetics Department, Tarbiat Modarres University,
Tehran, Iran
Abstract
: The aim of this study was to evaluate
the bio-effects of low doses of diagnostic X-rays on growth rate of
Phaseolus vulgaris (Pinto) plants.
Before
cultivation, Phaseolus vulgaris (Pinto) seeds were soaked in tap
water for 2 days followed by another 2 days of covering under a wet
cloth. Fifteen days after starting cultivation, newly grown plants were
irradiated with X-rays. Plants were exposed to a single dose of X-ray
(80 kVp, 80 mAs) for 6 days. On day 29, plants were pulled out from the
soil. Length of plant stem, length of root, number of leaves and plant
weight were measured. The stem length in irradiated and sham-irradiated
plants was 296.51±13.57 and 223.96±15.02 mm, respectively. This
difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Although the number
of leaves in irradiated plants was higher than that of sham-irradiated
plants (7.05±0.18 and 6.74±0.19, respectively), the difference was not
statistically significant. The stem diameter in irradiated and
sham-irradiated plants were 3.52±0.12 and 3.35±0.09 mm, respectively,
but the difference again was not statistically significant (P<0.001).
Plant weight in irradiated samples was less than that of non-irradiated
plants, ageing being statistically non-significant. The overall
results indicate that diagnostic doses of X-rays can accelerate the
growth of plants. The growth enhancement ratio for stem length was 1.33
that is a challenging figure. However, current data seem to be
insufficient and further studies are needed to confirm these findings as
well as to find out the possible hormetic mechanisms.
Keywords
:
Ionizing
Radiation, Diagnostic Radiology, Plant Growth, and Fertilizers
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 35-40
Protein Profile Variations in
Halophilic Bacteria in Response to Variations in Salt and Temperature
Abhishek
Vashishtha*, Madan Lowry** and D.P. Jaroli**
* Department of Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Applied Sciences, Jaipur, India
** Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Abstract
: In response to increasing external
osmotic strength halophilic bacteria accommodate certain compatible
solutes. These are synthesized de novo with the help of inducible
enzymes. In this study protein profile expression of halophilic bacteria
grown under different stress conditions of salinity and temperature were
compared. Sambhar lake (salt lake situated in Jaipur district) was
choosen as the site for bacterial isolation. Isolation was achieved at
37° C temperature and 12% salt concentration. Of the eight isolates, a
Gram-negative rod shaped bacteria was choosen for the study. It was
grown separately at three different salt concentrations viz.,
12%, 18%, and 23% at two different incubation temperatures viz.,
37º C and 45º C. The bacteria grown under 18% and 23% salt stress were
also incubated at an additional high temperature of 55º C. Thus, each of
the bacteria was subjected to eight different incubation environments.
Denatured protein profiling was done by using SDS-PAGE and profiles were
then compared. A novel low molecular weight protein was found to be
synthesized by this bacterium when grown at (a) 23% salt and 45º C
temperature, and (b) 18% and 23% salt and 55º C temperature.
Keywords:
Halophilic bacteria, Protein profiling, Salt and temperature stress,
SDS -PAGE.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 41-46
Antimicrobial Activity of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. A Plant with
Extra-medicinal Value
Laxmikant Sharma and Ashwani Kumar
Biotechnology Lab,
Department
of Botany
University
of Rajasthan
Jaipur,
India-302004
Abstract
:
Increasing emergence resistance to the
currently available antibiotics has necessitated continued search for
new antimicrobial compounds having a novel mechanism of action.
Ageratum conyzoides Linn. showed remarkable antagonistic activity
against some important fungal species. The maximum zone of inhibition (Iza)
was observed in EtOH fraction of flavonoids with fungus Fusarium
semitectum. The strongest activity index (AI) was reported in
Aspergillus niger. Besides traditional sources of useful
antibiotics a wide spectrum of organisms is being screened in search of
useful anti-microbials.
Keywords :
Antimicrobial, Fungal species, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
niger, Fusarium oxysporium and Fusarium semitectum.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 47-54
Histopathological Changes in Rat Gastrocnemius Muscle after Oral
and Intraperitoneal Clenbuterol Administration
Sushma
Sharma and Nikhlesh Thakur
Department
of Biosciences,
H. P.
University, Summer Hill,
Shimla-171005; India
Abstract
:
b-adrenergic
agonists are sympathomimetic substances which mimic normal innervation
functions in skeletal muscles. It increases muscle mass in laboratory
animals mainly from a selective hypertrophy of skeletal muscle.
Histopathological changes in rat gastrocnemius muscle had been
investigated under normal and drug induced stress conditions. Rats were
divided into three groups i, e. (i) control group (ii) rats given 5mg/
kg body weight/day clenbuterol orally and (iii) rats given same dose of
clenbuterol intraperitoneally. The effects of chronic 15 day regular
administration of
b-
adrenoceptor agonist, clenbuterol and withdrawal effect for next 15 days
were evaluated in young male (wistar) rats. This chronic treatment
revealed maximum hypertrophy of muscle fibres in the sections during
7-15 days. Clumping of nuclei at sub sarcolemmal positions were noticed
which was more prominent in the rats that were given drug orally.
Degenerative muscle fibres were also seen at some places of muscle
sections. Sarcolemmal breakdown of muscle fibres in certain areas was
noticed. Degenerative foci were also seen in the centre of two muscle
fibres. The muscle cells were returning towards normalcy after 30 days
stage. These results were more pronounced when drug was given orally as
compared to intraperitoneal administration.
Keywords
: adrenergic, gastrocnemius, orally,
intraperitoneally, adrenoceptor.
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Asian
J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 55-68
Cisplatin-induced Toxicological
Effects in Relation to the Endogenous Tissue Glutathione Level in
Tumor-Bearing Mice
S. B.
Prasad, G. Rosangkima and D. Khynriam
Cell and
Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology
North-Eastern Hill University,
Shillong-793022; India
Abstract
: Cisplatin treatment of Dalton’s
lymphoma-bearing mice for five days induced toxicological effects in
kidney, testes and blood. The development of tubular dilation,
degeneration, necrosis of epithelial cells and lining membrane damage in
kidney and vacuolated, deranged and broken seminiferous tubules in
testes have been observed. In blood, cisplatin treatment caused a
reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin.
Cisplatin treatment of mice caused a significant decrease of glutathione
levels in kidney, blood and Dalton’s lymphoma (DL) cells. The cisplatin-induced
toxicity was further enhanced in all the tissues when buthionine
sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, was used in
combination with cisplatin. The catalase enzyme activity was very
sharply reduced (60-70 %) in tissue as well as DL cells. The observed
decrease of GSH level accompanied with the reduced catalase activity
after cisplatin treatment may hamper antioxidant machinery in the cells
and contribute to the development of tissue toxicity and DL cytotoxicity
during cisplatin mediated chemotherapy in the hosts.
Keywords
: Cisplatin, Toxicity, Glutathione,
Catalase, Kidney
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 69-76
Hypolipidemic Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract in
Hypercholesterolemic Rats
Uttam
Chand Gupta
1 and
G. C. Jain
2
1. Department of Zoology
Seth
G. B. Podar College, Nawalgarh, Dist. Jhunjhunu (Raj.) India
2.
Reproductive Physiology Laboratory
Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302004
Abstract
: The effect of Ginkgo biloba (fam.
Ginkgoaceae) extract was assessed on serum lipid metabolism in
cholesterol fed rats. Oral administration of cholesterol (500 mg/kg b.wt./day)
suspended in coconut oil (0.5 ml/rat/day) for 90 days caused a
significant (p<0.001) elevation in the level of total and LDL
cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipid in serum of rats. Addition
of Ginkgo biloba extract 25 and 50 mg/ kg b.wt./day showed a
significant reduction in concentration of total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol, phospholipid and triglycerides in serum. The HDL
cholesterol / total cholesterol ratio was elevated in serum of Ginkgo
biloba extract treated groups as compared to cholesterol alone fed
control rats.
Keywords
: Ginkgo biloba, Hypolipidemic
effect, Cholesterol, Rats
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Asian
J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 77-86
Organs of Distribution and
Elimination of Indian Water Scorpion,
Laccotrephes maculatus Fabr
Y.C.
Gupta and Babita Khandelwal
Deptt. of
Zoology,
B.S.A.
College,
Mathura (U.P.)
India
Abstract
: The organs of distribution and
elimination of Indian water scorpion, Laccotrephes maculatus Fabr.
includes a median dorsal vessels, six pairs of alary muscles, dorsal
diaphragm and six pairs of malpighian tubules.
Keywords
: Laccotrephes maculatus Fabr.
Alary Muscles, Diaphragm, Haemocytes, Leucocytes, Malpighian Tubules.
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Asian
J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 87-95
Effectiveness of Aeration Units in Improving Water Quality of Lower
Lake, Bhopal, India
Neelam
Verma
1,
D. D. Mishra
1 and Savita Dixit
2
1. Chemistry Department, Government Geetanjali Girls P.G. College,
Bhopal-462016, (M.P.), India
2.
Applied Chemistry Department,
Maulana Azad, National Institute of Technology,
Bhopal-462007, (M.P.), India
Abstract
: To study the effectiveness of aeration
units, we have selected the Lower Lake, which is situated in Bhopal, the
capital city of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Lower lake (Lat 230 16’
00” N and Long 770 25’
00” E ) is an artificial lake. It is situated towards the east end of
the Upper lake and is an integral part of the latter. It has a small
catchment area 9.60 Sq.Km. and water spread of 1.29 Sq.Km. The extent of
water pollution has been found to minimize by aeration units. The
physico- chemical parameters like pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) nitrate, phosphate and
bacteriological status have studied to ascertain the effectiveness of
aeration unit. The floating fountain cum ozonizer installed at Neelam
park station is more effective unit as it increases Dissolved Oxygen
Concentration, reduces Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical
Oxygen Demand (COD) and the ozonizer installed at Khatlapura is also
effective to increase Dissolved Oxygen concentration in the hypolimnion
and control total coliform (MPN). Therefore, the present study indicates
the aeration units especially dual systems are very effective in
improving the water quality of a degraded water body.
Keywords
: Aeration, Lake, Ozonizer, Physico-chemical
characteristics.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 97-100
In
Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Different
Brands of Nifedipine Capsules
Deepak
Sharma and Rakesh Gupta
Lal Bahadur Shastri
College of Pharmacy,
Tilak Nagar, Jaipur,
India
Abstract
:
Five leading brands of
Nifedipine soft gelatin capsules A, B, C, D and E were subjected to
in vitro comparative evaluation with respect to compliance with
prescribed standards of Indian Pharmacopoeia. All the brands complied
with respect to physical appearance and disintegration time. One of the
brand failed to meet the requirements of uniformity of content and
content of active ingredient (assay). The results of study revealed that
manufacturers need to be highly research based and need strict adherence
with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and current good
laboratory practices (cGLP) to maintain proper quality of medicine as
pharmaceuticals are life saving drugs, quality is an imperative for
growth and key tool to make a smooth entry into competitive world
market.
Key
words : Nifedipine, Indian
Pharmacopoeia, Disintegration time, Uniformity of content, Assay,
Quality.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 101-106
Towards
a Global Environmental Ethics - A Review Discussion
Aruna Khare*
and K.K. Khare **
*
Government Post Graduate College,
Sehore (M.P.), India
**
Regional Institute of Education,
Bhopal (M.P.), India
Abstract
: Environmental ethics is “a
reasoned account of how people should live their lives”, it indicates a
precious code in the individuals and societies. Environmental
ethics ought to be developed in each person, to command him/her as a
force from within to make decisions and take action on the different
aspects of the environment, which are not harmful to the local, national
and international community. We cannot conserve / preserve our
environment by making laws by force. According to Khgshoo. (1987) “this
universe is the creation of the supreme powers and is universe is the
creation of the supreme powers and is meant for the benefit of all.”
Individual species must therefore, learn to enjoy its benefits by
regarding themselves as part of the system in close relationship with
other species. Review of literature supports that the
environmental ethics is governed by the environmental theology which is
related to views expressing God’s relationship to the environment and
the divine expectations of human behaviour with regard to the
environment.
Keywords : Environmental ethics.
Environmental theology, Environmental values, Environmentalism Deoview.
Worldsviews.
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Asian J.
Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 107-116
Clenbuterol Attenuates Work Stress Induced Degeneration in Rat Skeletal
Muscle and Its Inhibition by Butoxamine
Asha
Garg and Sushma Sharma
Department
of Biosciences,
Himachal
Pradesh University,
Shimla-171005; India
Abstract
: Clenbuterol is
known to have therapeutic potential in ameliorating muscle atrophy
because of its presumed anabolic effects. However, little is known about
its effects on lipids under normal and stress conditions. Male rats of
Wistar strain were shedied under work stress and clenbuterol treatment
to understand the lipid status. Animals were subjected to work over load
stress and then treated with clenbuterol (2 mg/kg/day) to find out its
potential in recovery from stress.
b2 -antagonist
butoxamine (2 mg/kg/day) was also given to another clenbuterol treated
group to study its
b
blocking efficacy. Work stress decreased lipid levels in skeletal
muscles, which is reflected by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride
levels in the skeletal muscles whereas an increase in the two lipid
fractions has been observed with clenbuterol which also induced skeletal
muscle hypertrophy in normal animals and attenuated degenerative changes
in skeletal muscles under work stress. Increased lipids in the heart by
clenbuterol infer towards its deleterious effects on heart. Antagonist
butoxamine had stimulatory effects similar to clenbuterol initially
where an increase in the lipid levels was observed, which however were
reduced during successive stages indicating its inhibitory effect later
on. Butoxamine also prevented muscle hypertrophy which was brought about
by clenbuterol, without affecting degenerative changes induced by work
stress.
Keywords
: Clenbuterol,
Butoxamine,
b-Adrenoceptors,
Lipids, Skeletal muscles
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 117-120
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Surface Deposition of Human Embroyonic
Lenses in Abnormal Condition
G. Das
1,
J.K. Kundu
2,
C.R. Maity
3,
S.K. Ghosal
4 and P. Ghosh
4
1.
Department of Zoology, Ananda Mohan College, Kolkata-700009, India
2.
Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, India
3.
Director of Medical Education, Government of West Bengal,
Kolkata-700001, India
4.
Burdwan University, Burdwan-71304, West Bengal, India
Abstract
: Scanning electron microscopy was
performed with the lenses of four aborted embroys collected in different
pathological conditions of the pregnant mothers. The adherence of
debris, corneal endothelial cells and discharge materials to the lens
capsule were the major complications. These findings advise the pregnant
mother not to use the drugs, alcohol and cigarette during pregnancy
which affect babies in their later stage of life and, therefore,
required to use intraocular devices including intraocular lens (IOL) to
improve visual acuity.
Keywords: Scanning electron microscopy,
Corneal endothelial cells, Lens.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 121-126
Evaluation of Radioprotective Effects of Spirulina in Swiss
Albino Mice
Shekhar
Verma, Ravindra Samarth and Meenakshi Panwar
Radiation
and Cancer Biology Laboratory,
Department
of Zoology,
University
of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004 (India)
Abstract
: The present study reports
the effect of Spirulina on radiation induced hematological and
biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice. Animals of Group-I
(Control, radiation alone) were exposed to gamma radiation (8 Gy),
while, animals of Group-II (Experimental, Spirulina + Radiation),
received Spirulina (800 mg/kg body weight) for seven consecutive
days and were exposed to gamma radiation (as in Group-I). Hematological
parameters were assessed at different intervals of post-irradiation from
day 1 to 14. The average hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and total
leucocyte count in experimental group were significantly elevated as
compared to the control group of animals. Treatment with Spirulina
also caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in
the liver, suggesting its role in protection against radiation induced
membrane and cellular damage. Results suggest that Spirulina
modulate the radiation induced hematological and biochemical alterations
in Swiss albino mice.
Keywords : Radioprotection,
Spirulina, Swiss albino mice, Hematological parameters.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 127-132
Study
of C Dynamics between Mud and Water by the Influence of Physical Raking
and Biological Condition Using Radioactive
14C
J. N.
Bhakta, J. K. Biswas and B. B. Jana
Aquaculture
and Applied Limnology Research Unit,
Department
of Zoology, University of Kalyani,
Kalyani-741
235, West Bengal, India
Abstract
: Experiment was performed
in the laboratory using radioactive
14C
for ascertaining the dynamics and quantifying the exchangeable amount of
carbon between sediment and water phase by the influence of physical and
biological condition. Collected sediment (100 g) was dispensed in a
glass beaker and filled with 250 ml tap water and after one hour each
beaker treated with radioactive
14C.
Four treatments : physical raking once (RO), repeated raking (RR),
bacteria (Bacillus, 167 × 102 ml-1)
inoculum (BI) and bacteria inoculum (Bacillus, 167 × 102 ml-1)
plus repeated raking (BI + RR) were used in the study. Water samples
were collected and tested for specific activity of radioactive
14C
and examined for heterotrophic bacterial (HB) population. The
14C
value of BI+RR treatment was 5, 12, 28 and 37% higher than BI, RR, RO
and control, respectively. In BI+RR, the concentration of
14C
of water also showed minimal decrease (31%) than other treatments.
Synergistic effect of bacteria inoculum plus repeated raking (BI + RR)
released maximum amount of carbon than that of the rest three
treatments.
Critical
appraisal of data clearly revealed five dynamic states of
14C
between water and sediment :
14C
moves to sediment causing rapid fall of
14C
level in water from day 0 to 20 - rapid absorption period (RAP) and slow
decrease from day >20 to 28 - slow absorption period (SAP),
14C
move to water from day >28 to 55 resulting in the slow increase of
14C
level in water - desorption period (DP), again the
14C
level of water decreased from day >55 to 90 - absorption period (AP) and
from day >90 to 124 the
14C
concentration became equilibrium in the water and sediment phase
possibly due to no movement of
14C
- steady period (SP).
Keywords : Radioactive
14C,
raking, bacteria inoculum, absorption and desorption, mud-water
exchange
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 133-141
Histopathogical Changes due to Red 6BX dye in Liver, Intestine and Gill
of a Fresh Water fish Saccobranchus fossilis (Bleeker)
Anil
Choudhary and Mukta Bharti
Department
of Zoology,
Jai Narain
Vyas University,
Jodhpur –
342010 (Rajasthan), India
Abstract
: A fresh water cat fish Saccobranchus
fossils was exposed to various concentrations of Red 6BX dye at
different time intervals. Liver, intestine and gill were taken for
histopathogical studies. After the treatment of dye Red 6BX, liver
showed disturbed hepatic architecture and deshaping of cells with
migration of their nuclei towards the periphery. Intestine showed
breakage in mucosal folds and disorganization of muscularis mucosa and
serosa and degeneration of villi. Gill showed degeration in the
respiratory epithelial cells, increase in racker length. Gill damages
were observed in all four groups.
Keywords
: Cat fish, Dye, Histopathology,
effluent, toxicity.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 143-149
CDM Opportunities in Renewable
Energy Projects With Particular Reference to Wind Power
Sanjeev
Shrivastava, V. K. Sethi and Narendra Kumar
School of
Energy & Environment Management,
RGPV,
Bhopal, India.
Abstract
: India has been actively participating in
the CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) regime and has already approved
project for further development. Due to tightening environmental
regulations and our commitment to contain CO2 emission
to combat global warming the present century would possibly witness CO2 based
economy, a shift from oil-based economy. The reduction in green house
gas (GHG)emission has become a salelable commodity in the form of carbon
credits. The developed countries can earn carbon credits from the
reduction in GHG level in developing country through their transfer of
environmentally benign technologies. It is indeed a win- win situation
for either. The CDM is a novel mechanism, one that can potentially
redirect the flow of investments to a variety of different projects,
from major transportation initiatives to energy conservation measures to
small-scale Solar/Wind based systems. Solar wind hybrid system have
relatively large potential for attracting carbon credits due to the fact
that solar and wind are complementary in nature and entire power
generation is eligible for certified reduction of CO2 as
compared to a coal based plant burning coal.
Keyword
: Solar energy, Wind energy, Solar-Wind
hybrid systems, CDM.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 151-158
Physico-chemical
Status of Upper Lake (Bhopal, India) Water Quality with Special
Reference to Phosphate and Nitrate Concentration and Their Impact on
Lake Ecosystem
Sadhana
Tamot and Pratibha Sharma
Department
of Zoology,
Sadhu
Vaswani College,
Bairagarh,
M.P., India
Abstract
: The physico-chemical status of Upper
Lake (Bhopal, India) with special reference to phosphate and nitrate has
been investigated during the year 2003-2004. The phosphate and nitrate
are two important nutrients in the lake loading through point and
non-point pollution sources such as washing, bathing, agricultural
activities in fringe area, joining of domestic raw sewage, cultivation
of trapa and huge growth of aquatic macrophytes. These nutrients support
the fast growth of the aquatic plants (mainly Eichhornia crassipes,
Hydrilla, Ceratophyllum etc.) as a result these plants
lead to gradual shrinking of wetland area along with other complications
like low light penetration, reduces oxygen concentration, clogging of
water channels, lowers entertainment value of lake and some time the
level of oxygen depletes so that it can lead to fish mortality also.
Keywords
: Nutrients, lake limnology
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 159-163
Biocatalytic Reduction of Picolinaldehyde using Free and Immobilized
Baker's Yeast
Anil
Kumar Nainawat, Geeta Wadhvani, P.S. Verma and I.K. Sharma
Department
of Chemistry,
University
of Rajasthan,
Jaipur
(INDIA)
Abstract
: The biocatalytic reduction of
picolinaldehyde (pyridine 2-carbaldehyde) was carried out using the
microbial catalyst Baker’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as
well as its immobilized form in aqueous medium. The reduction product
was isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques including HPLC
and characterized on the basis of its spectral analysis.
Keywords
: Biocatalytic reduction, Baker’s Yeast
(BY), immobilized Baker’s Yeast (ImBY), NADH picolinaldehyde
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 165-170
Distribution of Zinc in the Gills of Experimentally Exposed Cat Fish :
Histological and Histochemical Study
Deepali
Jat and Suresh Kothari
School of
Studies in Zoology
Vikram
University,
Ujjain
456010 (India)
Abstract
: Freshwater catfish Heteropneustes
fossilis (Bloch) were experimentally exposed to 30 mg/l and 150 mg/l
ZnSO4 for
30 days to find out histochemical distribution of Zn, acid
mucopolysaccharides (AMP), PAS positive substances (PAS) and alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) along with histological damage in gill tissues. Tips
of gill filaments, central blood spaces and gill epithelium were main
sites of Zn accumulation and its concentration increased with the
increase of Zn in ambient water. Results suggest affinity of fish gills
for Zn accumulation which resulted in structural damage and changes in
the activity of ALP, AMP and carbohydrates. There exists a correlation
between the sites of metal accumulation and sites of structural damage
in the gills. Lifting of gill epithelium, reduction in lamellar height
and occlusion of centrally located blood spaces were among the major
histological alterations, which were intensified with the increased
amount of toxicant.
Key
words : Zn, Alkaline phosphatase, Acid
mucopolysaccharides, Carbohydrates.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 171-180
Toxicological Effects of Cadmium Chloride on Acetyl Cholinesterase
Activity of a Fresh Water Fish, Oreochromis massambicus, Peters
Lingaraj
Patro
Laboratory
of Environmental Toxicology,
Department
of Zoology, Aska Science College,
Aska,
Ganjam, 761111,
Orissa,
India.
Abstract
: The present study deals with the impact
of cadmium chloride on a fresh water fish Oreochromis mossambicus,
Peters and its ecological implications. Fishes when exposed to
cadmium chloride showed lethargy, inappetence and ataxia. When exposed
fishes where compared and contrasted with normal fishes erratic
movements, loss of equilibrium, gradual onset of inactivity were noticed
in exposed fishes. Significant changes, in acetyl cholinesterase
activity in brain, liver and muscle of the exposed fish were
conspicuous. The most affected became the brain and the liver. The
toxicant cadmium chloride brought about noticeable variations between
the control fish tissues and exposed fish tissues. When recovery studies
were conducted partial insignificant recovery was witnessed. This enzyme
is responsible for synaptic transmission and nerve impulse generation.
Cadmium chloride played a vital role in causing disturbances in nerve
impulse generation and synaptic transmission in tissues.
Keywords
: Fish, AChE activity, Cadmium
chloride, Oreochromis massambicus.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Voacl. 20, No. 1, 2006, 181-188
Contraceptive Efficacy of Strychnos potatorum Seed Extract
in Male Albino Rats
R.S.
Gupta
1, M. Kanwar
1, H. Rehwani
1, S.K. Verma
2 and M.P. Dobhal
2
1. Reproductive Physiology Section
Department of Zoology,
2.
Department of Chemistry
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004,India
Abstract
: Present study was undertaken to evaluate
the contraceptive efficacy of 70% methanolic extract of Strychnos
potatorum seeds. The aqueous solution of extract (100 mg/rat/day)
was administered orally to male rats of proven fertility for 60 days.
Sperm motility, sperm density, serum testosterone level, biochemical
analysis and testicular cell population dynamics were carried out to
assess the contraceptive effect of S. potatorum. The
treatment did not bring any body weight loss, whereas, the weights
of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were
decreased significantly (P<0.01). Reduced sperm count and motility
resulted in suppression of fertility by 91.81%. Significant reduction
was noticed in protein and sialic acid contents in reproductive organs.
Number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells were decreased. The population
of preleptotene, pachytene and secondary spermatocytes were decreased by
55.72%, 63.40% and 49.81%, respectively. The seminiferous tubular
diameter and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly
(P<0.01) as compared to the controls. Strychnos potatorum seed
possesses suppressive effects on male fertility and could be useful in
development of male contraceptive agent. However, further studies are
needed.
Keywords
: Leydig cell,
Sialic acid, Strychnos potatorum, Sperm motility, Testes,
Testosterone.
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Asian J.
Exp. Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 189-194
Histological Effect of Dichlorvos on the Cardiac Stomach of Channa
gachua
Sarla
Kasotiya and O. P. Jain
Department
of Zoology and Aquaculture
Govt. P. G.
College,
Sehore (M.P.)
India
Abstract
:
The wall of stomach of Channa gachua
is differentiated into gastric epithelium, tunica propria, submucosa,
muscularis and serosa. In the stomach of control fishes mucous layer is
thrown into many thin prominent finger like sharp folds. Gastric cells
oxyntic cells and peptic cells are found in columnar epithelium. The
submucosa is provided with connective tissue and tunica propria. The The
muscularis is differentiated into an outer thin longitudinal muscle and
an inner thick circular muscle layer. Serosa is a thin outer most layer.
3 ppm
dichlorvos treatment for 10 days does not show remarkable change in the
layers of stomach except thickening in the mucosa. Tunica propria was
formed of loosely arranged cell. After 20 days intoxication it showed
the reduction in the thickness of submucosa and the tunica propria.
Muscularis was well developed. With 5 ppm dichlorovos for 10 and 20 days
no further change was observed in the mucosa but epithelial layer was
found to be reduced.In the fishes exposed to 10 ppm dichlorvos for 10
days disintegration in the tissues was observed.
Key
words : Dichlorvos, Cardiac Stomach,
Toxicity, Channa gachua
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 195-200
Evaluation
of Sofoof-e-Teen in Chronic Amoebiasis
S.
Fazlur Rahman Kazmi
1
M.M.H. Siddiqui
2
M.Y. Siddiqui
2 and
Asif Iqbal Siddiqui
1
1. Dr.M.I.J.T.Unani Medical College &
H.A.R.K.
Hospital, Mumbai, India
2. A.K.Tibbiya
College,
Aligarh Muslim
University, Aligarh, India
Abstract
: Chronic Amoebiasis has progressively
increasing now-a-days. According to a WHO report, in 1997, Entamoeba
Histolytica infected about 45 million people and 70,000 deaths were
occurred due to amoebiasis worldwide. In India its prevalence rate was
15% and about 15% of Indian population were carried out the infection of
Entamoeba histolytica. In unani system of medicine, the disease
was well known since ancient time and was described in full detail by
unani physician like Ibn-e-Sina, Razi, Maseehi and Hakeem Azam Khan.
Sofoof-e-Teen is one of these medicine were used to treat this condition
and was treated successfully. An effort was done to evaluate the
efficacy of Sofoof-e-Teen in chronic amoebiasis on 50 patients attending
OPD/IPD of Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Hospital, Aligarh. The result was
found satisfactory at the end of study
Keywords
: Amoebiasis, Sofoof-e-Teen, Zaheer.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 201-208
Postcoital Antifertility
Effect of Petroleum Ether Extract of Curcuma longa Rhizome in
Female Rats
R. Yadav
and G. C. Jain
Reproductive Physiology Laboratory,
Department
of Zoology, University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur
302004 (India).
Abstract
:
Curcumin, a natural polyphenol alkaloid yellow - orange dye derived from
the rhizome is known to exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects.
Petroleum ether extract of the rhizome of Curcuma longa
Linn. was examined for anti-implantation and pregnancy interruption
effects in female rats. Oral administration of the extract to mated
female rats on day 1-5 of pregnancy at the doses 100, 200, 500 mg/kg
b.wt/day caused a decline in the fertility index, numbers of uterine
implants and live fetuses in a dose dependent manner. Complete
inhibition of fetal implantation was observed in rats treated with 500
mg/kg b.wt. dose of the extract. The results of bioassay test carried
out in bilaterally ovariectomised immature female rats did not exhibit
any estrogenic or antestrogenic activity.
Keywords
: Curcuma longa, Anti-implantation,
Pregnancy, Rat.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 209-210
Studies on Anti-microbial Traits
of Essential Oils of Digera arvens
Fresh and Shade Dried Leaves and Roots from Anantapur District, Andhra
Pradesh, India
K.
Sarada* and C.G. Prakasa Rao
**
*
Shri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University)
Anantapur Campus,
Anantapur - 515 001, India
**
Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Anantapur - 515 001,
Andhrra Pradesh, India
Abstract
: The leaves and roots of Digera arvens
(Amaranthaceae) a common weed abundantly available in Anantapur
District, Andhra Pradesh, is reportedly used in the preparation of
herbal drugs. The essential oil obtained from fresh and shade dried
leaves and roots have also been reported to be anti-microbial and
antihelmintie. In the present study it is found that fresh leaves
and roots yielded more oil than the shade dried leaves and roots.
The major
components were found to be
m-phellandrene
(52.04%); longifolene (15.12%) and
a-cedrene
(14.67%) from stems; and longifolene (125.12%),
a-cedrene
(16.67%) and
a-phellandrene
(58.21%) from roots, respectively. Further studies on anti-microbial
properties of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation
(both fresh and shade dried leaves and roots) showed more anti-microbial
activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacilleus subtilis; Escherichia
coli, Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermoacidephilus.
The percentages of major constituents were studied by GC analysis.
Key
words :
Anti-microbial; Essential oil; Digera arvens.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 211-214
Biological CO2 Fixation
in Coal Combustion By-product (ash) through Microgreen Algae Biosystem
and Evaluate Response to Regulation CO2 recycled
to Applied Biotechnology
V.K.
Sethi, Narendra Kumar* and Sanjiv Shrivastav
School of
Bio-Technology
School of
Energy and Environment
Management
RGPV, Bhopal, M.P., India
Abstract
: The biological CO2 fixation
with microgreen algae Chlorella species has been optimized for high CO2 feeding
and photosynthesis of organic matter. Microalgae cultivate in large open
ponds and it may be enriched with wastewater with high BOD. Algae
cultivation can thereon contribute substantially to a reduction of CO2 emission.
Microalgae are microscopic, single–celled plants growing in aqueous
environment. The micro-algae are dried with high temperature and CO2 containing
waste gas as a fuel. The process of photosynthesis into energy biomass
conversion reaction occur as nonphotosynthesis microorganism thereby
converting it into a useful substances (biomass) as hydrocarbon,
protein, vitamin, and mineral.
Keyword
: GHGs, Green algae, Chlorella vulgaris,
CO2 fixation.
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Asian J. Exp.
Sci., Vol. 20, No. 1, 2006, 215-216
Conservation and Ecotourism : Study of Madhav National Park, Shivpuri,
M.P., India
Rajiv
Saxena
Pt. K.L.
Dubey National Parliamentary Academy,
Old Vidhan
Sabha Campus,
Bhopal -
462003 (M.P.) India
Abstract : Present paper defines
the general principles of ecotourism, views of conservationists and the
need of participation oi local people which lead to the
identificationand creation of an ideal ecological site for tourism.
Madhav National Park (77° 15' - 78° 30' E and 24° 50'- 25° 44’N) is
situated just 5 km from Shivpuri town, and is one of a few national
parks which remain open throughout the year for visitors. Besides larger
mammals, 234 species of birds, 15 species of reptiles and 15 species of
butterflies have been recorded here. Two lakes, Sakhya Sagar (2 sq. km)
and Madhav Lake (0.49 sq.km.) harbour a large number of winter migratory
birds. A tiger safari is also there inside the national park. Proximity
to the city and two national highways (No. 3 : Agra-Bombay and No. 25 :
Shivpuri-Bhognipur) passing through the park have made it easily
accessible, resulting in various threats to its ecology. The paper
evaluates the present state of conservation and tourism in Madhav
National Park and suggests measures for balanced ecotourism.
Keywords : Ecotourism,
Conservation, Local people, Madhav National Park, Management.