Biochemical investigations on the edible molluscs of Kerala 2. A study on the nutritional value of some gastropods and cephalopods

Data on the biochemical composition and food value of the edible portions of two gastropods, Pila virens and Achatina fulica and two cephalopods, Sepiella inermis and Loigo indica have been presented. These molluscs possess nutritive meat very rich in protein and minerals, which compare favourably with popular food fishes in caloric value. The significance of the variations met with in the biochemical constituents of the different species has been discussed

Evaluation and comparison of frictional resistance between conventional brackets and self ligating brackets designs using standardized arch wires and dental typodonts: An Invitro study

The study was evaluated and comparison of the frictional resistance of 2 types of conventional and 2 types of self ligating bracket design with three A NiTi wires of varied dimension using dental typodont depicting varying degree of malalignment was done. The result of the study showed that out of all the brackets tested the Gemini Roth bracket showed increased resistance owing to elastomeric ligation and Damon 2 brackets exhibited the lowest friction. The lowest friction exhibited by Damon 2 brackets was mainly due to its passive design. However when both Damon 2 and Time 2 brackets were compared with smaller dimension 0.014 inch wires, it was found that there was no significant difference found between the brackets. This is because with smaller dimension wire both Time 2 and Damon 2 brackets behave like passive tube. In the study when the Gemini Roth and Damon 2 brackets were tested for comparison in dry and wet state, it was found that both the brackets exhibited increased friction in wet state. It is explained that the increased friction is mainly due to the atomic attraction that exist between the saliva particles. The study also enumerate that during aligning and leveling phase the ideal wire of choice is the smaller dimension wires. Larger dimension wires are not advised during aligning and leveling phase because with larger dimension wire more frictional force is encountered between the bracket and the arch wire which in turn decreases the tooth movement. With the advent of self ligating system it is becoming apparent that stainless steel and elastomeric ligatures will eventually be out dated as full banding is today. The current brackets are able to deliver measurable benefit with good robustness and ease of use, although further refinements and further studies are essential

EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF OOSHAKADI LEKHANA BASTI IN HYPERLIPIDAEMIA - A SINGLE BLINDED RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Disorders of lipid metabolism and obesity are reported by 30% to 40% with increased prevalence. These conditions are co-related with Medo-pradoshajavikara - a condition leading for excess formation of Meda (lipids) directly from Amarasa Dhatu (improperly formed chyle) and travel all over body through blood circulation. This stage is compared to hyperlipidaemia where it is defined as excess circulation of lipids in blood. The present study highlights the efficacy of Ooshakadi Lekhana Basti (type of therapeutic enema) processed by Ooshakadigana Dravyas (alkaline substances). Ooshaka (alkaline sand) was special drug and used almost for first time which is synonymously known as Kshara Mrittika. A single blinded controlled study has been conducted on 45 patients randomized in to three groups each containing 15 patients. The control drug was atrovastin. Average mean reduction of lipids were found statistically significant (p<0.05) in the experimental groups over control group in all types of lipids except HDL which has presented increase pattern. Hence the study establishes the efficacy of Ooshakadi Lekhana Basti in hyperlipidaemia of obese and non-obese patients

A novel multiplex PCR system for the detection of virulence associated genes of E. coli O157:H7 from food system

In view of the importance E. coli serotype 0157:H7 in human diseases, an easy and quick system is desirable to detect toxin producing strains. In this report, we describe standardization of a novel multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) assay for simultaneous detection of four important genes associated with the organism E. coli 0157:H7 viz., stx 1, stx 2, eae A, hly A along with an internal amplification control (IAC). The mPCR method developed in the present study is sensitive enough to detect cells as low as 103 CFU ml-1 or g-1 of the food samples. The E. coli 0157:H7 strains having been identified to contain the gene in the mPCR were unequivocally detected positive for the serological and conventional culture method.  As E. coli 0157:H7 is qualified as biowarfare agent; this mPCR system is of immense help in detecting them during emergencies of biological war and suspected outbreaks.&nbsp

Hesperidin Ameliorates Immobilization-Stress-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Alterations and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice by Modulating Nitrergic Pathway

The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin against immobilization-stress-induced alterations in biochemical, behavioral, and mitochondrial functions in mice. In many instances neuroscientists have reported that acute immobilization stress for 6 h resulted in anxiety and impaired locomotor activity due to excess oxidative-nitrergic stress, depletion of antioxidant defense mechanisms, and mitochondrial dysfunction in animals. In the present study, 6 h of acute immobilization stress had significantly altered the behavioral (anxiety and memory) and biochemical parameters coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction in Swiss albino mice. Fourteen days of pretreatment with Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the behavioral and biochemical alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by acute immobilization stress. Furthermore, pre-treatment of l-arginine (50 mg/kg, i.p.), a nitric oxide precursor, reversed the protective effect of Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). In contrast, pretreatment of l-NAME (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, potentiated the protective effect of Hesperidin (P < 0.05). These results suggest the possible involvement of nitrergic pathway in the protective effect Hesperidin against immobilization-stress-induced behavioral, biochemical, and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice

Observations on selected characteristics of water and sediment at the open sea cage culture site of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch) off Cochin, south-west coast of India

Study was undertaken to assess the impact of open sea cage culture of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer on selected parameters of water as well as sediment at Munambam off Cochin, Kerala coast from November 2008 to March 2009. Periodic observations were made on temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nutrients (NO3, PO4, SiO3), nitrite, ammonia, BOD, total suspended solids, chlorophyll a, gross and net primary productivity as well as bacterial load of the surface and near bottom water from the cage site (N 10º 08' 162''; E 76º 08' 901'') and also from a reference site (N 10º 07' 189''; E 76º 09' 210'') during pre- as well as post-stocking periods. Sediment samples were collected simultaneously from both the sites and analysed for texture, pH, organic carbon and bacterial load. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in silicate and chlorophyll a was perceived in surface water at the cage site, during the culture period as compared to pre-stocking period. No significant variations were noticed in any of the other parameters studied. The sand, silt, clay and organic carbon content in sediment at cage site differed significantly (p<0.05) from that of the reference site. There was no significant difference in the mean values of total heterotrophic bacterial count as well as presumptive Vibrio count of the water and sediment, either between the cage site and reference site or between the pre- and post-stocking samplings. No adverse effect as influenced by cage culture of fish was observed on any of the environmental parameters studied during the period of investigation

Assessment of diversity and quantity of macro-plastics and litter spread in the Vembanad Lake

Anthropogenic impacts on sustainability of coastal ecosystems have always been a matter of concern for those who depend on these habitats for their livelihood. A slow and silent killer of the aquatic habitats is the nondegradable litter or debris which enters these water bodies due to improper treatment of solid waste on land. These either settle in the nearby areas or drift and finally settle in distant places. Ultimately most of the untreated and carelessly dumped solid wastes end up in the coastal waters or the seas. The Vembanad Lake (VL) in Kerala spread across three districts is one of the largest wetlands of the country. A survey was conducted to understand the spread of litter in the upstream and downstream areas of this water body. Five stations (ST) were fixed; Kumarakom (ST-1), Vaikom (ST-2), Nettoor (ST-3), Thevara (ST-4) and Cochin backwaters (ST-5) of which the first two were upstream, followed by middle stream (ST 3,4) and downstream (ST-5). It was observed that 30% of the surveyed area at Kumarakam (ST-1) and 40% of Nettor zones were without any submerged debris. The average quantity of submerged debris at ST - 1, ST -2, ST -3 and ST -4 were 0.5, 1.5, 0.6, and 0.5 kg.m'2 while in Cochin backwaters in the area adjacent to marine drive, the submerged litter was estimated as 111 kg.m'2, which is ,100 times greater than in the upstream areas. While carry bags were the dominant litter in the upstream stations, ghost nets (40.6 kg.m'2), nylon ropes (15.6 kg.m'2) cables and metal cans (11.5 kg.m'2) formed the major litter components in Cochin backwaters. The study brought out the urgent need to clean the Cochin backwaters to restore the ecosystem functioning. The paper presents the types of litter and its density in different areas of VL and suggests the remedial measures to prevent further degradation

Book of Abstracts & Success Stories National Conference on Marine Debris COMAD 2018

Marine debris has become a global problem with considerable threats to the habitat and to the functions of marine ecosystem. One of the first reports of large areas of plastics in the ocean has been by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1988 about the Great Pacific Garbage patch or the Pacific trash vortex, where the density of litter is estimated as four numbers per cubic meter. Globally, this shocking information led to initiation of new research programs on marine litter and in India, the ICAR-CMFRI started an in house research program on this theme in 2007.Understanding the significance of this ecological problem which is purely a direct impact of anthropogenic activity, the Marine Biological Association of India decided to organise a National Conference on Marine Debris (COMAD 2018 ) with an aim to bring together researchers, planners, NGOs, entrepreneurs and local governing bodies working on this theme. Thus, this conference was planned with three main componentsunderstand the research outputs, get first- hand information on the various activities carried out by the public to reduce or recycle non degradable waste generated at various levels and also to have an exhibition of eco-friendly activities and products which would help to reduce marine debris in the long run. The response to all the three themes has been very encouraging. We have received about 50 research articles on themes ranging from micro-plastics to ghost nets and the same number of success stories which are actually details of the diverse activities carried out in different maritime states of the country to solve the issue of solid waste generated in the country. The section on success stories includes attempts by eco-clubs, individuals, schools, colleges, local governing bodies, district administrations, Institutions and NGOs. Activities by some Panchayats like banning plastics in public functions and mechanisms to collect sold waste from households are really commendable. Similarly, the efforts put in by various groups to remove marine debris from the coastal waters is something which should be appreciated. The message from these success stories is that, this problem of increasing marine debris can be resolved. We have got success stories from almost all states and these leaders of clean campaign will be presenting their work in the conference. It is well known that visuals such as photographs and videos are powerful tools of communication. In COMAD 2018, we have provided an opportunity for all across the nation to contribute to this theme through photographs and videos. Am very happy that we have received more than 300 photographs and nearly 25 videos. The MBAI will place these on the web site. It is really shocking to see the quantity of litter in the fishing ground and in the coastal ecosystem

Warm dusty discs: Exploring the A star 24um debris population

(Abridged) Studies of debris discs have shown that most systems are analogous to the EKB. In this study we aim to determine how many IRAS 25um excesses towards A stars are real, and investigate where the dust lies. We observe with TIMMI2, VISIR, Michelle and TReCS a sample of A and B-type main sequence stars reported as having mid-IR excess. We constrain the location of the debris through combined modelling of the emission spectrum and a modelling technique designed to constrain the radial extent of emission in mid-IR imaging. We independently confirm the presence of warm dust around 3 of the candidates: HD3003, HD80950 and eta Tel. For the binary HD3003 a stability analysis indicates the dust is either circumstellar and lying at ~4 AU with the binary orbiting at >14AU, or the dust lies in an unstable location; there is some evidence for temporal evolution of its excess emission on a ~20 year timescale. For 7 of the targets we present quantitative limits on the location of dust around the star. We demonstrate that the disc around HD71155 must have spatially distinct components at 2 and 60AU. We model the limits of current instrumentation and show that most of the known A star debris discs which could be readily resolved at 18um on 8m instruments have been resolved. Limits from unresolved imaging can help distinguish between competing models of the disc emission, but resolved imaging is key to the determination of the disc location. Modelling of the detection limits for extended emission can be useful for targeting future observational campaigns. MIRI on the JWST will be able to resolve most of the known A star debris disc population. METIS on the E-ELT will provide the opportunity to explore the hot disc population more thoroughly by detecting extended emission where calibration accuracy limits disc detection through photometry, reaching levels below 1 zodi for stars at <10pc.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysic

Influence of selected anthropogenic impacts on ecology of Vembanad Lake

Influence of selected anthropogenic impacts on ecology of Vembanad Lak