International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 34

Abstract: Nucleic acid content in different tissues in the freshwater fish N.notopterus in relation to sex was studied during Pre-spawning phase of the reproductive cycle. The fish were scarified and the tissues such as brain, liver, kidney and gonads removed and processed for determination of nucleic acids. It is observed that the nucleic acid content in different tissues of female fish has lower values than males. The results obtained in the present study may provide a contribution to the knowledge of the characteristics of nucleic acid as parameters of sexing the fish. The study also indicates that although male fish have higher values than female fish, both the sexes are biochemically and nutritionally better.

Abstract: Fossil fuel resources are decreasing daily while biodiesel fuels are attracting increasing attention worldwide as blending components or direct replacements for diesel fuel in vehicle engines. In this experiment the seed oils of 30 Neem (Azadirachta indica. A. juss) biotypes were screened and evaluated for their physio-chemical parameters for oil content, biodiesel yield, density, viscosity, iodine value , free fatty acid and saponification value. Hence the neem seed oil tested in this current study could be the potential sources of raw material for biodiesel production.

Abstract: The aim of the present research work to investigate antimicrobial activity of some honey samples six winter honeys six summer honeys collected from different regions of Western Ghats. The microbes used in this study are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using the Disc diffusion method. Noticeable variations in the antibacterial activity of the different honey samples were observed. Among the microbes Staphylococcus aureus is the most sensitive against all honey samples shows the maximum inhibitor zone compare to summer honeys.

Abstract: Down syndrome, a genetic disease, is commonly diagnosed congenital malformation/mental retardation syndrome occurring in people of all races and economic levels. The present study is aimed to examine the contribution of Indian scientists on Down syndrome during the 40 years span from 1973-2012. The study analyses the Indian share in the research output, contribution and citation impact of top Indian institutions, most prolific Indian authors, top journals for publication, top collaborating countries, number of citations received and the highly cited papers in the Indian research on Down syndrome.

Abstract: Bombyx mori. L. (CSR₂XCSR₄) is a bivolitne crossbreed that produces high quantity of silk. The weights of worms and glands are directly related to the yield of silk, higher larval weights leads to higher silk production. In the present study, quantitative parameters of 5^th instar and pupal stages of silkworm larvae were observed. The analysis of quantitative estimation showed that the maximum weights and lengths of silk gland and silk worm were recorded on 7^th day of 5^th instar larval stage. The day dependent variation in protein concentration was observed in total silk gland 5^th instar larval and pupal stages.

Abstract: The present review deals with the bioactive compounds of the marine non-chordates. The potent medicinal usage of the bioactive compounds viz. steroids, terpenoids, isoprenoid and non-isoprenoid compounds, quinones, brominated compounds, nitrogen heterocyclics and nitrogen-sulphur heterocyclics from marine non-chordates have been compiled. Various literatures survey revealed that the bioactive compounds isolated in recent past from the marine poriferans, cnidarians, annelids, arthropods, molluscs and echinoderms could be rich sources of therapeutic agents having antibacterial, antiinflamatory, anticarcinogenic properties. In overall, the present study will be benefitted to know global drug discovery researches on bioactive compounds from marine organisms for students, scholars, scientists, pharmaceutical sector, and government regulating authorities as new challenging technology in clinical applications through medicines.

Abstract: Monoaromatic pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and mixture of xylenes are now considered as widespread contaminants of groundwater. In situ bioremediation under natural attenuation or enhanced remediation has been successfully used for removal of organic pollutants, including monoaromatic compounds, from groundwater. Results published indicate that in some sites, intrinsic bioremediation can reduce the monoaromatic compounds content of contaminated water to reach standard levels of potable water. However, engineering bioremediation is faster and more efficient. Also, studies have shown that enhanced anaerobic bioremediation can be applied for many BTEX contaminated groundwaters, as it is simple, applicable and economical. This paper reviews microbiology and metabolism of monoaromatic biodegradation and in situ bioremediation for BTEX removal from groundwater under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It also discusses the factors affecting and limiting bioremediation processes and interactions between monoaromatic pollutants and other compounds during the remediation processes.

Abstract: In recent years, insilico approaches have been predicting novel drug targets. The present day development in pharmaceutics mainly ponders on target based drugs and this has been aided by structure based drug designing and subtractive genomics. In the present study, the computational genome subtraction methodology was applied for identification of novel, potential drug target against Bacillus anthracis, cause of deadly anthrax. The potential drug target identified through subtractive genomics approach was considered as polysaccharide deacetylase. By virtual screening against NCI database and Drugbank chemical libraries, two potential lead molecules were predicted. Further the potential lead molecules and target protein were subjected for docking studies using Autodock.

Abstract: Shiga toxins belonging to a family of structurally and functionally related protein toxins serve as the key virulence factors for pathogenecity of the virulent enteric bacterial strains namely Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 including Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). S. dysenteriae type 1 isolates remain major public health concerns due to their widespread outbreaks and the severity of extra-intestinal diseases, including acute renal failure and also affects the central nervous system. Despite practicing improved hygienic conditions and regulating food and drinking water safety, the enteric pathogens are imposing a major threat in the well being of the human society. Shiga toxin on entry into host cells’ endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates the stress response in ER and inhibits protein synthesis by catalytic inactivation of eukaryotic ribosomes. In many cell types shiga toxins trigger apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that shiga toxins induce autophagy which activates different signaling pathways in toxin-sensitive and toxin-resistant human cells. In this review the molecular basis of Shiga toxins’ effect on host cell leading to manifestation of the infection in affected individuals are discussed with an emphasis on recent findings.

Abstract: In the present, the second part of the series titled “Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów region” presents a family of ladybirds (Coccinellidae), as one of the better-known families of beetles occurring in the Rogów area. The faunistic data of presented species enriched by bionomical informations. In addition, the study showed a new species of ladybird for the Polish fauna and it is Nephus (B.) bisignatus (Boh.).