Status of exploitation of tuna, mackerel and seerfish in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Annual fish landing of Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 1989-'99 and the contribution of scombroids viz., tuna, mackerel and seerfishes are described. During the period the exploitation of tuna ranged between 321 to 3,8231, the average contribution being about 5% of the total fish landings. Among the tuna species, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares is the major contributor followed by skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and bigeye tuna Thunns obesus all of which are best caught during March to August. The mackerfel fishery is supported by Rastrelliger brachysoma followed by R.kanagurta. The total mackerel landings ranged between 806 to 1,9551, the major fishing season being from March to June and September to October and is best caught in the gill nets and boat seines. Seerfishes are dominantly represented by two genera and three species vjz. Scomberomorus commerson, S. guttatus and Acanthocybium solandri. Their major fishing season is from March to August and November to Febmary, being generally caught by gill nets, troll lines and hand lines. During the period of 1989 -'99, the total exploitation of seerfishes ranged between 293 to 1,172 t and showed a gradual increase in their production

Breeding, larval rearing and seed production of maroon clown Premnas biaculeatus under captive conditions

The maroon clown Premnas biaculeatus is the sole member in the genus Premnas. P. biaculeatus is commonly known as 'Spine-Cheek Anemone fish' because of the presence of a pair of long spines on its pre-operculum. In India, this species is abundant in the coral reef ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands situated in Bay of Bengal. Their most striking bright red to maroon colouration on entire body and fin, demarcated abruptly with white to golden yellow narrow bands make them as one of the most attractive species among the marine ornamental clown fishes. Most of the salt water ornamental fishes are collected from the wild and hence there is a serious concern in respect of their conservation. Recent studies also showed that wild collected specimens have a dismal survival history in captivity, whereas captivebred clownfish are generally hardier, more disease free, easily adjust to life in aquaria and retain normal colouration. Due to the very high demand of the species in the aquarium fish trade, development of an appropriate technology for its captive production is felt as an alternative means of providing fish for the trade rather than wild collection which may cause depletion of the stocks. In this juncture, a viable technique has been developed in the marine hatchery of CMFRI, Kochi for the captive breeding and juvenile production of P. biaculeatus for the first time in India

Spawning and larval rearing of Amphiprion ocellaris under captive condition

Marine ornamental fishes have gained much popularity all over the world. India is endowed with a variety of marine ornamental fishes distributed in our coral reef areas which offers vast scope for the development of a domestic as well as export trad

Protein expression of G-protein inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) in breast cancer cells

Background Previous data from our laboratory has indicated that a functional link exists between the G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channel and the beta-adrenergic receptor pathway in breast cancer cell lines, and these pathways were involved in growth regulation of these cells. Alcohol is an established risk factor for breast cancer and has been found to open GIRK. In order to further investigate GIRK channels in breast cancer and possible alteration by ethanol, we identified GIRK channel protein expression in breast cancer cells. Results Cell pellets were collected and membrane protein was isolated to determine GIRK protein expression. GIRK protein was also analyzed by immuno-precipitation. GIRK protein was over-expressed in cells by transfection of GIRK plasmids. Gene expression studies were done by real-time RT-PCR. GIRK protein expression was identified in breast cancer cell lines. Expression of GIRK1 at the indicated molecular weight (MW) (62 kDa) was seen in cell lines MDA-MB-453 and ZR-75-1. In addition, GIRK1 expression was seen at a lower MW (40–42 kDa) in MDA-MB-361, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, ZR-75-1, and MDA-MB-453 cell lines. To prove the lower MW protein was GIRK1, MDA-MB-453 cells were immuno-precipitated. GIRK2 expression was seen in MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and ZR-75-1 and was variable in MDA-MB-453, while GIRK4 protein expression was seen in all six cell lines tested. This is the first report indicating GIRK protein expression in breast cancer cells. To determine functionality, MDA-MB-453 cells were stimulated with ethanol. Decreased GIRK1 protein expression levels were seen after treatment with 0.12% ethanol in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells. Serum-free media decreased GIRK protein expression, possibly due to lack of estrogen in the media. Transfection of GIRK1 or GIRK4 plasmids increased GIRK1 protein expression and decreased gene expression in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells. Conclusion Our data indicates that functional GIRK channels exist in breast cancer cells that are involved in cellular signaling

Identification of rRNA processing gene homologs of yeast in Neurospora crassa

Identification of rRNA processing gene homologs of yeast in Neurospora crass

Ballistic Performance of Alumina and Zirconia-toughened Alumina Against 7.62 Armour Piercing Projectile

A study was carried out to compare the ballistic performance of high purity alumina and zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) using depth of penetration (DoP) test configuration against 7.62 mm armour piercing (AP) ammunition. The effect of tile thickness on the differential efficiency factor (DEF) was studied for tile thickness in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm for alumina tiles and 3 mm to 5 mm for ZTA tiles. The DEF is found to increase as tile thickness increases. An analysis on the failed shots showed that the residual shot weight does not follow a single linear relationship with ceramic tile thickness unlike the residual DoP for all thicknesses of tiles. Post-ballistic analysis on ceramic powder for particle size distribution was carried out and the results are presented.Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 5, September 2014, pp.477-483, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.674

Effect of Vibrio cholerae on Chemokine Gene Expression in HT29 cells and its Modulation by Lactobacillus GG

Epithelial cells participate in the innate immune response to pathogenic bacteria by elaborating chemokines. This study examined the effect of Vibrio cholerae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on inflammatory chemokine gene expression in the HT29 human intestinal epithelial cell line. HT29 cells were exposed to V. cholerae 0139, Lactobacillus or both for 2 h and cultured further thereafter for 4 h. RNA was extracted from the cells and expression of genes for chemokines and related molecules was quantitated by real time PCR using a pathway-focused PCR array. TLR4 was silenced using shRNA and output of interleukin-8 (IL-8) into the media quantitated with and without V. cholerae exposure. NFκB and p38 MAP kinase activation were determined by immunoblotting for IκBα and phosphorylated p38. Vibrio cholerae significantly upregulated gene expression for the neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL chemokines, IL-8, CXCL and CXCL in HT29 cells, while downregulating the expression of macrophage-attracting C-C chemokines. TLR4 silencing did not reduce IL-8 output from HT29 cells in response to V. cholerae. IκBα degradation was noted in the HT29 cells soon after exposure to V. cholerae and this recovered over time after removal of bacteria. p38 MAP kinase activation was not noted. Vibrio cholerae upregulated the expression of neutrophil attractant chemokines, most prominently IL-8, in HT29 cells, but downregulated macrophage-attracting chemokines. Probiotic lactobacilli modulated the IL-8, but not the other chemokine gene changes, in response to V. cholerae

G-Protein Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel 1 (GIRK1) Knockdown Decreases Beta-Adrenergic, MAP Kinase and Akt Signaling in the MDA-MB-453 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Previous data from our laboratory have indicated that there is a functional link between the beta-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway and the G-protein inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK1) in breast cancer cell lines and that these pathways are involved in growth regulation of these cells. To determine functionality, MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells were stimulated with ethanol, known to open GIRK channels. Decreased GIRK1 protein levels were seen after treatment with 0.12% ethanol. In addition, serum-free media completely inhibited GIRK1 protein expression. This data indicates that there are functional GIRK channels in breast cancer cells and that these channels are involved in cellular signaling. In the present research, to further define the signaling pathways involved, we performed RNA interference (siRNA) studies. Three stealth siRNA constructs were made starting at bases 1104, 1315, and 1490 of the GIRK1 sequence. These constructs were transfected into MDA-MB-453 cells, and both RNA and protein were isolated. GIRK1, β2-adrenergic and 18S control levels were determined using real-time PCR 24 hours after transfection. All three constructs decreased GIRK1 mRNA levels. However, β2 mRNA levels were unchanged by the GIRK1 knockdown. GIRK1 protein levels were also reduced by the knockdown, and this knockdown led to decreases in beta-adrenergic, MAP kinase and Akt signaling

A comparative study of hysteroscopy and transvaginal ultrasonography in diagnosis of endometrial pathology in abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common complaint in gynaecology and an important source of morbidity. The ideal diagnostic tool to determine the cause for the same continues to be debated. Objective of this study was to compare accuracy of hysteroscopy and transvaginal sonography in diagnosis of endometrial pathology in abnormal uterine bleeding.Methods: A total 100 women attending gynaecological outpatient in hospital attached to J. J. M. Medical College, Davangere with abnormal uterine bleeding fitting into the inclusion criteria during November 2014 to August 2016, were admitted and evaluated with Transvaginal sonography (TVS) and hysteroscopy. Data was collected and analysed.Results: Among 100 patients of AUB in this study, majority of the patients were in perimenopausal age group. Menorrhagia is the most common presentation (45%) followed by postmenopausal bleeding (20%). Anaemia was detected in 79% of patients. Hysteroscopy was taken as gold standard and TVS findings were compared. The sensitivity of TVS in detecting polyps, submucous fibroid were 22.2%, 11% respectively and for the normal variants like proliferative and secretory it was 50% and 79.2% respectively. TVS showed good correlation with hysteroscope findings for normal variants of endometrium, but poor correlation for intracavitary pathologies.Conclusions: Hysteroscopy is a rapid, safe, well tolerated and highly accurate means of diagnosing the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal age group. Thus, it is advised as a first line investigation in evaluation of AUB