The Benthic Macrofaunal Community in Agricultural Ditches in Kole Paddy Fields, Vembanad Kole Wetlands, India

Paddy fields are connected by drainage ditches (channels),that are considered as drivers of biodiversity inagricultural areas. The macrobenthic community structure in agricultural ditches of Kole paddy fields, a part ofthe Ramsar site Vembanad kole wetlands during a complete crop season was analyzed. The macrobenthicfauna belonged to phyla Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca and classes Oligochaeta (60.39%), Insecta(39.31%), Mollusca (0.15%) and Hirudinae (0.15%). The class Oligochaeta was represented by Tubificidae,Naididae, Lumbriculidae; Insecta by Diptera, Coleoptera, Odonata; Mollusca by Bivalvia, Gastropoda.Composition of macrobenthos resembled to that of fresh water wetlands and paddy fields. The average numberof macrobenthos was 1475±2064 ind./m2. There was an unusually high abundance in May (5155 ind./m2); butthe environmental parameters remained usual. The abundance of good quality food or some specific, localizedcondition acting on a microscale which could not be recorded in the environmental analysis would haveresulted in the unusual distribution of the fauna. Highest diversity (3.17) and species richness (1.95) wasobserved during May 2011, during the unusual abundance. Predominant functional feeding group wascollector gatherers indicating the abundance of fine organic particulate matter (FPOM) in the substrate. Nosignificant correlation emerged between macrobenthic abundance and environmental parameters

Antiulcer and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Utleria Salicifolia Leaves in Rat Models

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To prepare the extract then isolate the fractions from natural source and screen for activity against inflammation and simultaneously study if it is ulcer protective. We have selected this topic as most of the synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs produces ulcer as main side effect. So we aimed at find out a new compound that is having activity against inflammation and also ulcer protective. Many drugs obtained from the natural source play a significant role in health care system. The main reason is the crude from has lesser toxicity or without toxicity. The target is to reduce the side effects as minimum as possible and to discover a new drug from plant kingdom which may provide required pharmacological action and would be free from undesirable effect as well as cheap which would accept by the humans. The study also aims at finding out the phytochemical constituents present in the chloroform extract fraction of the plant. The Utleria salicifolia family have shown significant anti inflammatory and ulcer protective property. So we have choosen one of its easily available species Utleria salicifolia. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Utleria salicifolia plant was collected, shade dried and extracted using chloroform. The phytochemical constituent fractions were isolated from the chloroform extract of Utleria salicifolia using column chromatography. The phytochemical constituents present in all the fractions were studied by the chemical test and UV analysis. Chloroform extract fraction of Utleria salicifolia at dose level 10mg/kg body weight was studied for the anti-inflammatory property by Carrageenan induced model. The chloroform extract fractions of Utleria salicifolia was also used to study its ulcer protective activity using ethanol induced model. The studies showed chloroform extract fractions of Utleria salicifolia leaves [Chloroform: Petroleum ether fraction comp I and Chloroform: Petroleum ether fraction comp II) have significant anti-inflammatory activity and all the fractions showed ulcer protective property. The present study is an attempt to develop a novel plant based antiinflammatory drug which has ulcer protective property. This work, we believe, will be useful for further research works such as IR, UV, mass spectroscopy, NMR, to confirm the molecular structure and to patent the drug, related to anti-inflammatory cum ulcer protective effects

Electron Microscopic Comparative Analysis of Smear Layer Removal by Ultrasonically Activated and Diode Laser Activated - Edta and Chitosan: An Invitro study

INTRODUCTION: Success of root canal treatment depends on proper cleaning and shaping and three dimensional obturation. Mechanical instrumentation produces an amorphous irregular smear layer. Irrigating solutions and chelating agents have been used in removal of smear layer. EDTA is a potent calcium chelator and Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin which possess chelating property. This study was designed to compare the ability of smear layer removal by Diode Laser and Ultrasonic activation of EDTA and Chitosan. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of Ultrasonically activated and Diode Laser activated EDTA and Chitosan on smear layer removal by using Scanning Electron Microscope. 1. To evaluate the efficacy of Chitosan on smear layer removal. 2. To compare the efficacy of Chitosan and EDTA. 3. To compare the efficacy of Ultrasonic and Diode laser activation of chelating agents. METHODOLOGY: 75 human mandibular single rooted premolars were collected. The crowns were sectioned to a standard length of 14 mm and instrumented up to the working length. The samples were randomly divided into 3 groups – Group A-Control (Normal saline), Groups B (Ultrasonically activated) and Group C (Laser activated). Group B and Group C were further divided into 2 Subgroups –Sub Group 1- EDTA, Sub Group 2 – Chitosan. The roots were split longitudinally and placed in 2% glutaraldehyde for 24 hours. After incubation, the samples were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis and photographs were taken at coronal, middle and apical levels. Data were collected, analysed using SPSS software and subjected to One-way ANOVA and Post hoc tests. RESULTS: Diode laser activated EDTA had the highest efficacy of smear layer removal at the coronal third. In the middle and apical third, ultrasonically activated EDTA had the highest efficacy. Normal saline had the least efficacy as compared to the other groups throughout the length of the specimen. CONCLUSION: Chitosan can be used as an alternative for the removal of smear layer considering the drawbacks of EDTA but further studies using higher concentrations of Chitosan and in vivo studies need to be carried out to support the results of this study

ANTISNAKE VENOM PROPERTIES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Snake envenoming and consequent deaths are of common occurrence in tropical and subtropical regions. Approximately 1,25,000 deaths are witnessed every year and WHO has declared it as a neglected tropical disease in 2009. The immunotheraphy is the only treatment available, but it has side effects like serum sickness, pyrogen reactions moreover the non availability and storage problems has rendered the mankind to look in others sources to treat snake bite deaths. This has led to the investigation of naturally available antidotes or the herbal antidotes. The plants were used by humans from centuries to treat diseases which have become an ancient knowledge which are passed through the generations. Many scientific investigations have been carried out on the grounds of folk knowledge. Some of the plants include Aristolochia indica, Andrographis paniculata, Hemidesmus indicus, Vitis vinifera etc., many metabolites have also been isolated which show promising pharmacological inhibitory effect on the toxic snake venom. Further exploration and characterization of molecules would be able to provide an alternative to the existent Antisnake venom. Â

Adenosine deaminase as marker of insulin resistance

Background:Type-2 diabetes complications contribute to increased morbidity and mortality and hence early diagnosis and control of diabetes is necessary. Adenosine deaminase activity is present in almost all human tissues, but the highest levels are found in lymphoid system. Aim of the study was to identify the correlation between adenosine deaminase levels and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics and serum adenosine deaminase levels and glycemic control.Methods: In this case control study, patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus, attending out-patient department or admitted in the hospital during the study period, fulfilling the study criteria were taken up.Results: 200 patients were included in the study, with 100 patients in the case and controls group respectively. The mean body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting serum insulin levels, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index values were found to be significantly elevated (p<0.0001) in case group compared to controls. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index was significantly reduced (p<0.0001) in study group compared to controls. Adenosine deaminase  levels were significantly high (p<0.0001) in the study group compared to the control group, with a mean value of 22.35 U/L against 4.38 U/L. Adenosine deaminase levels were found to have a linear association with elevated fasting blood sugar and post prandial blood sugar, with a statistical significance (p<0.0001).Conclusions: We identified that the highest Adenosine deaminase levels were detected in poorly controlled type-2 diabetes mellitus. Adenosine deaminase levels were found to have positive correlation with body mass index, fasting blood sugar and post prandial blood sugar levels. Adenosine deaminase levels were also positively correlated with insulin resistance, as calculated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Adenosine deaminase levels were found to have an inversely proportional correlation with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.

Association of fibroblast growth factor 21 with oxidative stress and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FBG 21) is an endocrine factor that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and obesity. Blood levels of FGF21 are elevated in patients with atherosclerosis, macrovascular, and microvascular complications of diabetes, possibly due to a compensatory up regulation. Studies reported that FGF21 is an important regulator of mitochondrial and oxidative stress. The role of FGF21 in chronic diseases and the diminished oxidative stress observed with anti-diabetic therapy has been the target of new studies. Current study aimed to evaluate serum FGF21 levels and its association with oxidative stress and lipid profile levels in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods: 100 controls and 100 diabetic patients on oral hypoglycemic drugs between 35-55 years of age without any cardiac, renal, liver, and thyroid dysfunction were selected for this study. Oxidative stress (MDA), total antioxidant status (FRAP), and FGF21 were measured. FGF21 was analyzed by ELISA methods. Serum MDA was assessed by the method of Yagi  serum total antioxidant status was measured by the method of Benzie et al.Results: FGF21 level was increased in diabetic patients compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation of FGF21 with MDA (r=0.875, p<0.01) and negative correlation with FRAP observed (r= -0.867 p<0.01). There was also positive correlation of FGF21 with total cholesterol (r=0.499, p<0.01), triglycerides (r=0.648, p<0.01), LDL-cholesterol (r=0.337, p<0.01) and negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol (r= -0.172, p<0.05) were observed.Conclusions: Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status were observed in diabetics. This could be due to dyslipidemia and increased generation of free radicals. High levels of FGF21 observed in our study might represent its resistant state and the compensatory response to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Further studies are needed to explore the role of FGF21 as a novel marker in predicting cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF 3-(1H-INDOL-3-YL)-1, 3-DIPHENYLPROPAN-1-ONE DERIVATIVES

Objective: The objective of the study is acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1, 3-diphenylpropan-1-one derivatives by Ellman's method, physostigmine is used as positive control.Method: 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1, 3-diphenylpropan-1-one derivatives were synthesized by the addition of chalcone (0.25 g, 1 mmol), indole (0.12 g, 1 mmol) in ethanol (5 ml), and concentrated hydrochloric acid (5 mmol %). These earlier synthesized compounds were screened for AChE inhibitors by modifying Ellman's method.Results: Among the tested compounds, 3a and 3j were found to be having more potential than other compounds with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 13.64 and 14.3 μg/ml, respectively. Whereas, compounds 3c, 3e, 3g, and 3i exhibited an average AChE inhibition of 16.4, 17.9, 17.6, and 21.1 μg/ml, respectively.Conclusion: The compounds 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1, 3-diphenylpropan-1-one derivatives were found to be possible lead molecules in AChE inhibition and even though, the molecules were structurally dissimilar to that of the standard, still they exhibited a considerable degree of inhibition and encourage the researchers to look into the mode of action of their inhibition ability against AChE

Towards the Avoidance of Counterfeit Memory: Identifying the DRAM Origin

Due to the globalization in the semiconductor supply chain, counterfeit dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chips/modules have been spreading worldwide at an alarming rate. Deploying counterfeit DRAM modules into an electronic system can have severe consequences on security and reliability domains because of their sub-standard quality, poor performance, and shorter life span. Besides, studies suggest that a counterfeit DRAM can be more vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. However, detecting counterfeit DRAMs is very challenging because of their nature and ability to pass the initial testing. In this paper, we propose a technique to identify the DRAM origin (i.e., the origin of the manufacturer and the specification of individual DRAM) to detect and prevent counterfeit DRAM modules. A silicon evaluation shows that the proposed method reliably identifies off-the-shelf DRAM modules from three major manufacturers

ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF TABERNAEMONTANA ALTERNIFOLIA L

Objective: The infectious diseases caused by bacteria are a major problem and most of them are resistant to the present antibiotics. Also the free radicals act on structural and functional architecture of the cell in turn lead to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the cell. In this regard plants would have molecules alternative to antibiotics with higher safety, efficiency and will play a key role in maintaining human health.Methods: In this study antimicrobial activity of methanolic crude extract of Tabernaemontana alternifolia root extract was determined by an agar gel diffusion method against Bacillus flexus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus aureus and E. coli bacteria, Aspergillus terreus and Scopulariopsis sp. fungi. Antioxidant potential of root extract was determined by ABTS assay and DPPH method.Results: The methanolic root extracts of T. alternifolia posses significant antibacterial activity and reducing power. The significant inhibition was observed at 250, 500, 750, 1000µg/ml for Bacillus flexus, Proteus aureus bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited at 1000µg/ml concentration of the plant extracts. Crude extract inhibited DPPH with IC50 value 250 µg/ml and ABTS with IC50 value 600 µg/ml. No antifungal activity was observed.Conclusion: The overall result can conclude that T. alternifolia root posses marked antibacterial activity and anti oxidant activity at lower concentration of plant extract.Â

Plankton taxonomy

Plankton includes all those organisms that live suspended in the water column of aquatic ecosystems. Unlike nektons, which swim actively against water currents, plankton are characterized by feeble power of locomotion and drift in the water column at the mercy of currents, winds, and tides. The term “plankton” was coined by Victor Hensen from the Greek word "plankton" meaning drifter or wanderer