Cumulative inbreeding rate in hatchery-reared indian major carps of Karnataka and Maharashtra states

The state fisheries department hatcheries are the major suppliers of seed to the farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The brood stocks of these hatcheries are genetically closed units. In the present study, effective population size and cumulative inbreeding rates were estimated. The cumulative inbreeding rates ranged from 2.69 to 13.75, 8.63 to 15.21 and 3.02 to 5.88 per cent for catla, mrigal and rohu, respectively, in Karnataka state hatcheries. In Maharashtra, the cumulative inbreeding rates for catla ranged from 7.81 to 39.34 per cent and it was 5.84 to 14.09 and 2.46 to 10.20 per cent for mrigal and rohu, respectively. To estimate the inbreeding rates in future generations, predictive models were developed using linear regression, and polynomial and power equations separately for each hatchery. Their multiple correlation and standard errors suggested that simple linear regression can predict the future inbreeding rate efficiently

Critical Behavior of Sandpile Models with Sticky Grains

We revisit the question whether the critical behavior of sandpile models with sticky grains is in the directed percolation universality class. Our earlier theoretical arguments in favor, supported by evidence from numerical simulations [ Phys. Rev. Lett., {\bf 89} (2002) 104303], have been disputed by Bonachela et al. [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 74} (2004) 050102] for sandpiles with no preferred direction. We discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy. Our new results of longer simulations of the one-dimensional undirected model fully support our earlier conclusions.Comment: 8 pages, 3 eps figures, accepted in Physica A, elsart.cls attache

Role of Macrophage in Tumor Microenvironment: Prospect in Cancer Immunotherapy

Current evidence suggests an increasing role of macrophages in inflammation and tumor progression. Most tumors contain an abundant number of macrophages as a major component of their leukocyte infiltrate, which co-exist with tumor cells at the tumor microenvironment. Upon activation with soluble tumor antigens, macrophages release a distinct repertoire of growth factor, cytokines, chemokines and enzymes that inhibit growth of the tumor. However, the anti-tumor immune response induced by macrophages does not always ensue. Tumor cells themselves are capable of down-regulating macrophage phenotype and functions and anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor-bearing host. The present review aims to elucidate the role of macrophages in tumor growth and progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis at the site of tumor growth. Moreover, the effect of tumor microenvironment on the phenotype and function of macrophages, which are altered due to the continuous exposure of various soluble and non-soluble tumor promoting factors secreted by tumor cells, and implication of macrophages in cancer immunotherapy have been discussed in detail

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Not AvailableAge, growth and maturity data of the freshwater feather back Chitala chitala (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822) were collected from ten different geographical locations. Out of ten populations, maximum 6+ ages were recorded from four river basins namely river Bhagirathi, Koshi, Saryu and Ganga and the back calculated lengths at 6+ ages ranged from 1033.36–1073.63 mm. In rest of the locations, however, only 3+ age classes were recorded. Specific rate of linear growth (Cl) and specific rate of weight increase (Cw) showed decreases except in two locations. The specific rate of linear growth (Cl) and the specific rate of weight increase (Cw) increased at 3+ age class in the river Bhagirathi. Among other growth parameters, three distinct life stages of C. chitala were observed based on analysis of growth constant data. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the back-calculated length data of 10 populations indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). Out of ten populations studied, six showed significant variation of growth in 1+ age class and two showed significant variation in 2+ to 6+ age classes. Length-weight relationship of the species from all the population was calculated and the coefficient of correlation (r) was at the significant level where the value of ‘b’ was almost 3 for all the locations studied. Male C. chitala attained maturity earlier (2+ age) whereas females matured at age 3+. The percentages of mature individuals also varied between river basins. Based on this study strategies can be proposed for sustainable exploitation of the species from wild populations.Not Availabl

Isolation, Identification and Molecular Characterization of Phytase Producing Bacteria, Pseudomonas Sp. aazad

Phytases are enzyme capable of hydrolysing phytic acid to myo-inositol and inorganic phosphorus. The aim of the present study was the screening and isolation of efficient phytase producing bacteria from soil samples. 14 bacterial isolates were found to produce clear zone of hydrolysis on PSM containing 0.5% ca-phytate. Out of all phytase positive isolates, five bacterial isolates 100A, 9H, 14A, 4D, and 2B showed significant phytase production in submerged fermentation. The isolate 14A was found to be the best among all with the maximum production of 89.09 U/ml after 72 h of incubation at 30 ºC. Colony morphology and microscopic examination (Gram’s staining) of maximal phytase producer suggested that the isolate 14A is gram negative rod. Further on molecular analysis the bacterial isolate showed closest similarity with Pseudomonas sp. 16S rDNA sequencing and sequence similarity search using BLAST showed that it matches 97 % with Pseudomonas pulluriniana, while 3% was found to be unique sequence and named as Pseudomonas sp. aazad. The crude phytase from the isolate showed optimum activity at pH 6 and temperature 50 ºC

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Not AvailableThe indiscriminate rapid development of megacities with no proper planning, formal settlement and waste disposal in the coastal areas, are the major causes of plastic pollution in the seas of the tropical developing countries (Tibbetts, 2015). Mumbai, a megacity in India, located at 18°53’–19°19’ N and 72°47’–72°59’ E, bordering the Arabian Sea along the west coast, is home to 18.41 million people having a diversified life style (Census of India, 2011). A general lack of awareness on environmental issues, and the inadequacy and inaccessibility to appropriate waste disposal systems led to the generation of 750 tonnes of plastics (Chatterjee, 2017a). Mangroves are structurally complex iconic ecosystems, which cover an area of 66 km2 in Mumbai. They occupy tidal-fed areas between human settlement of the city and the shoreline, acting as a reserve for rich flora and fauna (Forest Survey of India, 2017). But they also serve as the undesignated anthropogenic waste dumping areas. Diversity-rich mangroves on the seven islands of Mumbai have been mostly denuded and now the islands are interconnected in the name of urbanization to form the present day city (Kathiresan, 2008). In recent times, the accumulation of plastic wastes threatens the biodiversity associated with the mangrove patches, along the Gorai creek, Versova creek, Mahim bay, Sewri-Mahul mud flats and Thane creek in Mumbai.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThis is the first report on the successful larval rearing of captive bred population of Chitala chitala (Hamilton). C. chitala is one of the endangered fresh water fish species in India for which the development of controlled larval rearing procedures are needed for stock enhancement. Fifteen days old post-hatchlings were stocked for 28 d in a 30 L recirculatory tanks using eight different diets i.e. live feed (tubifex worms, chironomous larvae, zooplanktons,), dry feed (dry tubifex, spirulina, daphnia) and other non-conventional feed (fish eggs and boiled egg-yolk). Fishes accepted all types of diets. The study revealed that specific growth rate (SGR) was higher in post-hatchlings fed on live tubifex worms (2.40± 0.72) followed by fish eggs (2.15± 0.71), dry tubifex (2.12±0.40), chironomous larvae (1.91± 0.44), spirulina (1.79±0.38), daphnia (1.42± 0.79) and planktons (1.37±0.77) whereas minimum SGR was recorded with boiled egg-yolk (0.63±0.5). A highly significant difference (pb0.01) in SGR was observed in fish fed on live feed (tubifex worms, chironomous larvae, planktons, spirulina), dry tubifex and fish eggs whereas for daphnia and boiled egg-yolk it was only significant (pb0.05). The final mean weight and weight gain showed highly significant difference (pb0.01) in live tubifex, zooplanktons, spirulina, chironomous larvae, dry tubifex and fish eggs, whereas daphnia and boiled egg-yolk fed larvae showed significant difference (pb0.05). Highest mean survival rate on day 28 was observed in live tubifex worms (94%) and chironomous larvae (92%). The post-hatchlings reared with spirulina and daphnia showed same survival rate of 88% whereas the lowest mean survival of 66% was recorded in boiled egg-yolk. The experiments showed that captive bred post-hatchlings of C.chitala could be reared in experimental recirculatory system for attaining higher growth and survival during early life stages. However, methods to improve the larval rearing have to be improved further for commercial farming of the species.Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi,NATP (National Agricultural Technology Project) and World Ban

Highly Sensitive NO2 Detection and DMP Sensing at Room Temperature using Flexible SWNT Thick Film Sensor

  Low cost; easy to fabricate and flexible single wall carbon nanotubes thick film resistor (SWNT-TFR) for detailed study of NO2 detection is reported. SWNT-TFR was fabricated by vacuum filtration technique on flexible polycarbonate membrane. SWNT-TFR sensor shows selective response to NO2. The response increases from 1.47 per cent to 17.34 per cent with increasing the NO2 concentration from 0.2 ppm to 10 ppm, respectively. Different energy sources, IR, thermal and UV were explored for achieving fast recovery of the SWNT-TFR sensor. The results showed that the gas sensor gives immediate and fast recovery in the presence of UVC light. The calculated detection limit is less than 764 ppt for NO2. We are also presenting sensing of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as a simulant of sarin. SWNT-TFR gives repeatable response of ~2.7 per cent for 500 ppm of DMMP. This work suggests the possibility to utilise SWNTs-TFR as NO2 sensors for air-quality monitoring.

Prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fishermen from Kutch coast, Gujarat, India

Background. In health terms, consuming fluoride is well recognised to be a double-edged sword. Consumption of optimal amounts is beneficial to health, however an excess constitutes a health hazard. Objectives. To assess the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fishermen from the Kutch coast, Gujarat, India. Materials and method. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 653 fishermen from the Kutch District, Gujarat, India, from October 2014 to December 2014. Clinical skeletal fluorosis was assessed using three diagnostic tests. Drinking water fluoride concentrations in different regions of the study area were determined. General information regarding age, gender and adverse habits were also collected. The Chi square test was used for comparisons and the confidence level and critical p-value were set at 95% and 5% respectively. Results. Fluoride concentrations in water from the study area ranged between 3.4- 6.9 ppm. The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 30.3%, out of which, the majority of the subjects had mild skeletal fluorosis (18.4%). This condition was found to be significantly associated with age and gender along with tobacco and alcohol consumption; depending on the habit’s duration. Conclusion. Being a public health problem in the fishermen community, skeletal fluorosis requires a-priori attention. Measures for preventing this disease should be undertaken on a communitywide basis