Variation of biogenic sulphur compounds in the estuarine and coastal waters of Goa, West coast of India

Dimethylsulphide (DMS) originates predominantly from dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), a metabolite produced by phytoplankton. Through its contribution to the production of new aerosols and cloud condensation nuclei, a high concentration of DMS has the potential to influence the radiation budget of the earth. Estuaries and coastal regions being dynamic may produce significantly high concentrations of DMS and DMSP. The present study aimed to investigate the spatial variation of DMS, its precursor total dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSPt), and its sink total dimethylsulphoxide (DMSOt) at 7 estuarine locations in 4 rivers and a coastal station in Goa during the North East Monsoon (NEM). Generally, higher concentrations of DMS and DMSPt were observed at the near mouth stations and the coastal station compared to upstream stations. Though a positive correlation was observed between salinity and DMSPt, it was not significant, indicating the involvement of other factors influencing DMSP and DMS concentrations. Diatoms were the most abundant group accounting for > 90 % of the phytoplankton. However, higher fractions of dinoflagellates, nano- and picoplankton probably contributed to the DMSPt, DMS and DMSOt production at the coastal and near mouth stations. As the wind speeds were low, DMS flux was governed by surface DMS concentrations and varied between 0.07 and 2.11 µmoles S m-2 D-1 with an average of 0.92±0.80 µmoles S m-2 D-1. In comparison to DMSPt and DMS, a relatively higher concentration of DMSOt was observed in the study area. While the high DMSOt concentration at the estuarine mouths may be attributed to the photo- or biological oxidation of DMS, those in the upper reaches point to an unknown source and warrants further investigation

Consumer preference for broiler- a micro-level study in Dhaka district

The objective of this study was to determine how consumers' demographic characteristics affect their broiler purchase decision and consumption. The study based on primary data of 40 consumers of four different occupations like farmer, religious leader, service holder and businessman were purposively selected from different villages of Savar upazila under Dhaka district. Average consumption of broiler per month per person was highest in the families of businessmen followed by that of service holders, religious leaders and farmers. This survey indicated that religious leaders and service holders had more choice on broiler compared with other occupational group. Besides, older people and high income groups dislike broiler than their younger counterpart and lower income people. Most of the consumers liked live broiler for its low price and preferable weight 1.5 — 2.0 kg to them. Finally most of the consumers preferred broiler compared to indigenous poultry for their guest and for social festivals and believed it is suitable for all ages of people and in all seasons

In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation and Apoptotic Effects of Datura innoxia Grown in Saudi Arabia and Phytochemical Analysis

Datura innoxia is an important species of Solanaceae family with several purposes in folk medicine. This study intends to explore the cytotoxic effect of D. innoxia on various cancer cell proliferation. D. innoxia ethanolic extract’s effect on the progression of the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Further, real-time PCR was employed to confirm apoptosis initiation. In addition, active phytochemicals of D. innoxia was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The cell viability study revealed that the ethanolic extract of D. innoxia demonstrated potent cytotoxicity, with an IC50 value of 10 μg/mL against LoVo colon cancer cells. Cell cycle staining with propidium iodide revealed that D. innoxia treatment leads to cell accumulation in the sub-G1 phase. Using the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, the ethanolic extract was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in early and late apoptosis when compared to control cells. Apoptosis as the mode of cell death was also confirmed by the increased expression of p53, bax and caspase-8, -9, and -3 along with downregulation of Bcl-2. GC-MS analysis displayed that 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (16.53%), heneicosyl formate (14.14%), 2,3-dimethyl-3-pentanol (12.89%), 2-hydroxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid (5.19%) were the main phytoconstituents. These findings conclude that D. innoxia causes cell death through apoptosis, suggesting more attention should be paid to further exploration of the active components from D. innoxia responsible for the observed activities