International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

373-374

Authors: Umesh P. Shrivastava

No abstract

389-392

Authors: Supreet Khanal, N. Shakya, N. Nepal, D. Pant

Swertia chirayita is a native Himalayan herb typically found in the altitude of 1500 to 3100m. Swertia species are commonly used as primary medicines in fever, digestive and enteric diseases; especially S. chirayita is of principal importance. The pharmacological and ethno-medicinal perspective of the plant is well understood traditionally and pharmaceutically. Its secondary metabolites including glycosides and xanthones show promising bioactivity making it a powerful herb. Mixing of Swertia chirayita with its other species is done routinely in chiretta trade. Extensive wild collection and lack of sustainable conservation has led to the vulnerable status of the wild cultivar.

402-408

Authors: S. Thakur, C.R. Upreti, K. Jha

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found almost exclusively in Nepal and North-Eastern India. There have beenonly a few studies made on the food and the nutrient compositions of fodder species preferred by The Greater One- horned Rhinoceros. Thepresent study identifies the nutrient content of the fodder species consumed by One-horned rhinoceros which would be helpful to develop proper strategies for rhinoceros food management. For this altogether 8 grass species which were most preferred by rhinoceros were collected from Chitwan National Park. Systematic sampling was applied for sample collection and collected samples were taken to the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Khumaltar for nutrient analysis. Among all the collected species the highest OM% was seen in Faank (93.98 ± 0.88) while Ash% and CP% was found to be highest in Eragrastic Tenella (13.67 ± 2.92) and Phragmatic karka (11.94 ± 2.26) respectively. Lowest NDF% was again seen in Eragrastic tenella (76.76 ± 2.93) and lowest ADF% and ADL% were found in Mala dubo with mean values (43.50 ± 6.86) and (6.41 ± 2.16) respectively showing high digestibility of these grasses. There were only slight variation in the EE% of the grass species withhighest mean value of (3.702 ± 1.73) of Imperata cylindrical to lowest mean value of (1.722 ± 0.11) of Eragrastic tenella. Highest energy was found in Faank (4181.90 ±1.10) and Calcium content was seen highest in Cynodon dactylon (1.30 ± 0.83).

413-419

Authors: Tanoy Mukherjee, Avijit Ghosh, Santanu Maitra

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are known to influence plant growth by various direct or indirect mechanisms. Present study was conducted with an aim to estimate the PGPB potential of two nickel tolerant bacterial isolates from river Hooghly. Isolates (I-3) (Gram negative coccobacilli) and (II-1) (Gram positive rods) were observed, among a total of 22 other isolates, to tolerate and accumulate significant amounts of nickel and also have multiple Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) activities like IAA production and phosphate solubilization. Present study also shows that seeds of yellow mustard (Brassica hirta) inoculated with both the test isolates individually, significantly enhanced root and shoot growth and also protected the plant from the various phytotoxic effects of nickel.

426-431

Authors: Divya Sood, Arun V Subramaniam, Tulsi Subramaniam

Aims/Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and presence of psychological factors (i.e.,anxiety and depression levels) in dental undergraduate students. Second purpose was to assess the association and correlation between TMD degree and psychological factors viz. anxiety and depression. Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 400 Dental undergraduatestudents aged 18- 25 years, including both the genders. TMD degree was evaluated using an anamnestic questionnaire (modified version of Helkimo’s anamnestic index). Morphologic occlusion was evaluated according to Angle classification. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess of levels of anxiety (HADSa) and depression (HADSd) in the dental undergraduate students. Results: Onbasisof the TMD anamnestic index, 74% of students were TMD free. 24.5% of subjects presented with mild degree of TMD and only 1.5% of subjects presented with moderate degree of TMD. According to the results obtained from HADSa, 35.3% of subjects presented with mild anxiety level, 13.8% with moderate anxiety level, and only 1.3% with severe anxiety level. According to the results obtained from HADSd, 10.3% of subjects presented with mild depression level and only 2.3% with moderate depression level. A definite association between TMD degree and Anxiety level (HADSa) was found. A definite association between TMD degree and Depression level (HADSd) was found. Therewas significant association between TMD degree and occlusion. Conclusions: On the basis of anamnestic index, this study revealed a 26% TMD prevalence in the dental undergraduate students included in the study; majority of cases being of mild degree. Both anxiety and depression were found to be associated with TMD degree/severity. Both anxiety and depression are weakly correlated with TMD in the present study.

437-445

Authors: Narmadha Rajasekaran, Gomathi Duraisamy, Kalaiselvi Manokaran, Devaki Kanakasapathi

Objective: Many new bioactive drugs isolated from plants having hypoglycaemic effects showed anti diabetic activity equal and sometimes even more potent than known oral hypoglycaemic agents. In this present study, designed to evaluate antihyperglycermic and antioxidants effect on ethanolic leaf extracts Barleria cristata (EtBc) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at dose level 400mg/kg body weight for the treatment of 45 days. Method and materials: The experimental rats were randomly divided into five groups as a control, streptozotocin induced with diabetes (45mg/kg bw) without any treatment, treated with standard drug glibenclamide (1.25 mg/kg bw), EtBc (400 mg/kg bw) in diabetic induced rats and treated with EtBc alone without diabetic rats. At the end of 45th day animals were sacrificed, collect the serum, liver, kidney and pancreas for estimate the glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin in serum, protein, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation in tissues. Results: After the administration of EtBc, blood glucose levels were showed significantly reduction (P<0.05) in diabetic rats and it has been observed alternation occured in body and organ weight and it was also normalized the serum level of glycemic profile like insulin, C-peptide, total hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin levels similar to that of control rats. Antioxidants enzymes were return to back their levels as control in different tissues when compared to diabetic rats and also observed no significance difference between control and EtBc alone group rats at the end of 45th day. Therefore it was suggested that Barleria cristata may act by potentiation of pancreatic secretion of insulin or increasing glucose uptake by muscle cells. Conclusion: In this study, suggested the efficacy of Barleria cristata proved the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and may be used as a therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes mellitus.

451-459

Authors: Nazneen Rahman, Riaz Mahmood, Haseebur Rahman, Mir Haris

The development of multi drug resistance in human and plant pathogens, reconsidering the traditional medicines as antibacterial source and presence of promising phytochemicals in leaf and fruit rind of T. peruviana (S) (Nazneen et al., 2014) prompted the authors to take up the antibacterial evaluation of different extracts. Antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of various extracts of T. peruviana (S) were measured using methods of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) spectrophotometric determination of active extracts has found that the MICs of all the active extracts lies between the range of 250 μg to 1250 μg and bactericidal concentration in a range of 500 to 1250 μg. The percentage of inhibition was analysed, where in among all the extracts tested against B. subtilis and E. coli, fruit upper liquid (FUL) exhibited highest inhibition percentage of 33.75% and 30.31 % at 500 μg/ml respectively. Similarly, fruit hexane (FH) extract has the highest inhibition of 15.60% against B. cereus at 750 μg/ml. The Xanthomonas sp. was susceptible to leaf chloroform (LC) with 32.29% of inhibition at 1000 μg/ ml. The activity index and total antimicrobial activity indicates the antibacterial action of extracts. The present investigations have revealed that among the extracts, the fruit rind extracts have most prominent inhibition abilities against tested bacteria, which are validating the use of this plant in traditional system of medicine and this is the first report of exploration of above extracts for their antibacterial activities against B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli and Xanthomonas sp.

464-477

Authors: Zilun Shi, Chris Dawson, Stephen L.W. On, Malik Altaf Hussain

A proteome map of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 was analyzed using a state-of-the-art gel-free proteomic approach for the first time. A whole cell protein extract was prepared from the C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 42°C under microaerobic conditions. A gel-free technique using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was employed to create a protein expression profile of the strain. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify the proteins. Protein functionalities were searched to classify them. A total of 235 proteins were identified in the whole cell protein fraction of C. jejuni NCTC11168 cells using iTRAQ analysis. Functional grouping of the identified proteins showed that forty percent of these proteins were associated with energy metabolism, protein synthesis and genetic information processing. iTRAQ was faster, easier and proved more sensitive than two-dimensional gel-based proteomics approaches previously applied to C. jejuni, making it an attractive tool for further studies of cellular physiological response.

483-487

Authors: Rameshwor Pudasaini, Resham Bahadur Thapa

An experiment was conducted to determine the foraging behavior of Apis mellifera L. and Apis cerana F. in rapeseed under cage condition in Chitwan, Nepal during 2012-2013. This experiment showed that Apis cerana F. foraged extra 42 minute per day as compared to Apis mellifera L. Apis cerana F. were more attracted to nectar, whereas Apis mellifera L. were more attracted to pollen collection throughout the day. The activities, in into hives and out from hives, for both species were recorded more at 2:00 pm and least at 8:00 am. The highest in-out were observed at 2:00 pm on both species as Apis mellifera L. 44.33 bees entered into hives and 49.66 bees went out of hives, whereas lower number of Apis cerana F. 43.66 bees entered into hives and 48.16 bees were out of hives. Apis mellifera L. collect 1.22:1 and 0.41:1 pollen nectar ratio at 10:00 am and 4:00 am whereas at same hours Apis cerana collect 1.16:1 and 0.30:1 pollen nectar ratio. Apis cerana F. foraged significantly higher number of rapeseed flowers and plants as compared to Apis mellifera L. under caged condition. It shows that Apis cerana F. was more efficient pollinator as compared to Apis mellifera L. under caged condition.

493-500

Authors: B. Neupane, C.P. Shriwastav, S.C. Shah, K. Sah

A research was conducted to evaluate the suitability of soils of different land unit for cereal crops productions at Parbatipur VDC, Chitwan, Nepal with the integrated use of Geographical Information system (GIS) and Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE).Existing geodatabase information from National Land Use Project (NLUP) was used as data for this research. The database was used to derive crop suitability using vector based index model in GIS along with multi-criteria analysis. The research revealed that for rice cultivation, 1.06 %( 10.70ha) was highly suitable, 51.54 %( 515.89ha) was moderately suitable, 3.39% (33.987 ha) was marginally suitable but 28.28 %( 283.11 ha) was not suitable whereas for wheat cultivation, 7.6 %( 76.73ha) was highly suitable, 44.91% (449.53 ha) was moderately suitable and 4.6% (46.26ha) was marginally suitable, but 27.15% (27.14ha) was not suitable. Similarly, for maize cultivation, 12.07% (120.83ha) was highly suitable, 40.19% (402.25ha) was moderately suitable and 0.53% (5.37ha) was marginally suitable, but 31.54% (315.72ha) was not suitable for maize production. Suitability data of this VDC shows that maize and wheat was highly suitable than rice cultivation. But, the area not suitable for rice, wheat and maize must be allocated for alternative uses to achieve optimum productions and further there must be new research for alternative crops in VDC. Hence, this research is useful to farmers and VDC level planners for optimum crops production.

510-515

Authors: Hala Moustafa Ahmed

The present study mainly focuses of combined action of Nepali hog plum as well as citrate synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Amikacin, as an antibiotic. The synergistic actions of citrate stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs with chem) were compared with that of Nepali hog plum Choerospondia saxillaris (Lapsi) synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs with plant), together with action of antibiotic onselected bacterial strains of Salmonella typhi. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Transmission electronmicroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. The size of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was measured by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

521-524

Authors: RP Praveen, Ashalantha Nair

The aim of the present study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of methanolic extract of root, callus and fruit of Myxopyrum smilacifolium Blume. Antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion with four bacterial strains viz: Escherechia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus of which E. coli alone was gram negative. The fungal strain employed was Candida albicans. Root extracts shown to be effective only against B. subtilis. Fruit extracts showed the maximum antimicrobial activity against all the microbial species considered for the current study except against S. aureus. Highlight of the present study was the antimicrobial activity of callus extracts.

529-536

Authors: Peyman Ghoraishizadeh, Shraddha Raikar, Mahsa Takhtechian

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) as an opportunistic pathogen infects the pulmonary tract, bladder, cystic fibrosis patients and burn victims. PA infections treatment is challenging because of its ability to rapidly develop resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Lectin is protein that isexpressed in cell of PA and cause of infection by attaching to the host cells. Lectin A gene coding lectin protein so we cloned and expressedthis gene then purified of related protein, that can be used in preparation of vaccine to treat PA infections.

544-552

Authors: D.S. Mundaganur, D.Y. Mundaganur, Ashokan Kannarath

Nine, Ebola viruse EBOV (Zaire ebolavirus), proteins are extracted from the NCBI repository and their study was carried out. The physicchemical properties and evolutionary link with other such viruses by homology modeling were carried out. All the proteins show rich in leucine domain an ideal requirement for fast attachment of the virus to the receptor molecule on the host cell surface. The prediction of trans-membrane sequence for the entire glycoprotein component reveals the ability of the virus to enter the host with ease. The lack of adequate homology model for the viral proteins indicates its novel origin and lack of well traceable evolutionary link. We studied the homology based model by using various available tools and find similar approach in all, hence finally concentrated only on one method. The model predicted shows well acceptable region on Ramchandran plot. This discrepancy is only due to the fact that we validate the model to Ramchandran plot and the model predicted were not under the well acceptable ‘e’ value range i.e. >1. Therefore we suggests that vaccine production against this deadly virus should be concentrated on the structure and functions of glycoprotein like low quality secreted glycoprotein (NP_066248), low quality spike glycoprotein(NP_066246)0, small secreted glycoprotein (NP_066247) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (NP_066251).

559-562

Authors: A. R. Devkota, D. D. Dhakal, D. M. Gautam, J. P. Dutta

A study regarding the losses of harvested horticultural produces in the major fruit and vegetable wholesale markets of Nepal was conducted to identify the major causes of fruits and vegetable wastage. This study aimed at generating useful information about the causes of loss of horticultural produce, types of loss and also about the possibility of reuse and recycling of such organic wastes as resource for composting and vermicomposting. Survey of the three major market centers namely; Narayangadh, Pokhara, and Kalimati fruit and vegetable wholesale market was conducted. Forty five wholesalers and 90 retailers were selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. From regression analysis it was concluded that lack of cold storage facility and inappropriate packaging facility had significant effect on the loss of the produce.

570-573

Authors: Reshma Turbekar, Nagesh Malik, Debarshi Dey, Deepak Thakare

In the present study biosurfactant based white board cleaner was formulated, using column purified rhamnolipid produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A rhamnolipid concentration of 0.01% was finalized, as it was efficiently able to remove fresh and aged white board marker stains on white board. The rhamnolipid formulation was found to be stable over a tested span of 6 months and it did not exhibit any cytotoxicity on Human Lung Epithelial Cell Line (L132) and Normal Human Skin Fibroblast (NHSF) cell line. The cleaning efficiency was equivalent to conventional synthetic surfactants, but the biosurfactant based approach is more environment friendly and biocompatible.

579-584

Authors: K. Girish

Rubber processing industry effluent represents a serious environmental pollution problem especially for underground and surface water. Wastewater collected from rubber processing industry was characterized for their pollution characteristics. Analysis showed that the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), ammonia and phosphate were high when compared to effluent discharge standard for industrial wastewater. Four bacterial species were isolated from the wastes and were identified as Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. A bacterial consortium was constituted by mixing proportionately these four bacteria and used in effluent aerobic biotreatment. Complex carbon sources such as bagasse, corn-cob, rice straw, wheat bran, molasses, corn steep liquor, were screened for their effect on growth of the consortium constituted. Highest biomass production was in molasses followed by rice straw hydrolysate, wheat bran hydrolysate and bagasse hydrolysate. However, the inoculum grown on rice straw and wheat bran hydrolysate caused maximum degradation in terms of reduction in various parameters such as BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, NH4+ and PO43, about 70 to 80% reduction was observed. From the results of the present study it could be inferred that the constituted consortium could effectively be used for the treatment of effluents from rubber processing industry and rice straw and wheat bran hydrolysate could be used for mass production of effective consortium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11532

222-223

Authors: Saurabh Kumar Singh

No abstract

229-237

Authors: Manu Maya Magar, Ch.V. Durga Rani, G Auradha

The present investigation was undertaken with the objective to develop high yielding, fine grain rice varieties possessing broad spectrum durable resistance by transferring bacterial leaf blight (BLB) resistant genes viz., xa13 and Xa21 from B95-1. A popular high yielding and fine grain rice variety, MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu), susceptible to BLB and B95-1 carrying resistant genes for BLB (xa13 & Xa21 genes) was selected as the parent for crossing. B95-1 was verified for the presence of target genes by using gene linked primers viz., xa13 promotor and pTA 248. These primers were also used to study polymorphism between resistant (B95-1) and susceptible (MTU1010) parents. The cross viz., MTU1010 x B95-1 was affected during Rabi, 2010 and F1 progenies were confirmed during Kharif, 2011. The F1 plants confirmed as true hybrids for both the genes were advanced to F2 generation and foreground selection was done using gene linked markers. Genetic analysis in F2 populations confirmed that the genes (xa13 & Xa21) governing BLB resistance followed Mendelian inheritance. The phenotypic data analysis revealed that the plants carrying two resistance gene combinations (xa13xa13 Xa21Xa21, xa13xa13Xa21xa21) showed BLB resistance (0-2 scale), while the gene combinations viz., Xa13Xa13Xa21Xa21, Xa13Xa13Xa21xa21, and Xa13xa13Xa21Xa21, Xa13xa13Xa21xa21 showed BLB resistance (0.5-3.0).

243-252

Authors: Lal B Thapa, Til Maya Dhakal, Raghunath Chaudhary

The Rajis are one of the endangered indigenous people distributed in western part of Nepal enriched in their own mother tongue, culture, beliefs and practices. Owing to lack of proper documentation, the traditional knowledge of uses and practices on wild edible plants by such an endangered community is about to extinct. This paper aims to present the traditional practices and use of wild edible plants by Raji people in Nepal. Our study found that a total of 67 wild edible plant species included in 56 genera and 38 families used by Raji people. Out of them 62 species were angiosperms, one species was Gymnosperm and 4 species were Pteridophytes. The results of study show that Rajis have their traditional way to use different parts of wild plants such as seeds, fruits, leaves, shoots, roots and tubers in the forms of vegetables, pickles, juice, and raw or as fruits.

260-264

Authors: Goutam Sabat, A.K. Panigrahi, A.K. Sahu, Bijaya Kumar Mohanty

Anabaena cylindrica L, a blue green alga commonly found in rice fields was experimentally exposed with a board spectrum insecticide, Endosulphan, EC50 in laboratory conditions for varied days. The growth of alga in terms of increase in Absorbance, dry weight and pigments like Total chlorophyll, carotenoid and phaeophytin were estimated to study the toxic effect and the subsequent recovery from insecticide stress. The results obtained indicated decrease in all studied parameters with increase in exposure period and concentration. The highest concentration (3.25ml/L) and highest period (15 Days) severely affected the growth of alga and decreased pigment content. However, when the algae were allowed to grow in insecticide free environment for 15 days, they could able to recover fully from the toxic stress.

270-274

Authors: Y.P. Giri, R.B. Thapa, N. Dangi, S. Aryal, S. M. Shrestha, S. B. Pradhan, M. Sporleder

Annual monitoring of potato tuber moth (PTM) was made in 2008/09 in15 districts of Nepal to understand the distribution and seasonal abundance. The locally made pheromone trap was installed and observed in 24 hours intervals. The activity of PTM was observed in plain, mid hills (below 2200 masl) and high hill districts. The population of PTM was found more in mid-hills than in plain whereas PTM was absent in high hill districts. The highest average number of PTM was observed in May (480±238 moth/month) with no adult moths in October to December in plain whereas 522±174 moth/month was observed in July and 18±4 moth/month in December in mid-hills of Nepal. The seasonal abundance of PTM observed from March to July (74±63 to 126±100 moth/month) in Plain and March to October (191±157 to 104±60 moth/month) in mid-hills. The understanding of PTM population dynamics could be useful to make suitable management decision.

279-282

Authors: N. Packialakshmi, H. Fazila Beevi

The present study deals with the aqueous leaf extract and synthesized silver nanoparticle of Argyreia cymosa (Roxb) were evaluated for antibacterial activity. The aqueous leaf extract and synthesized nanoparticle of Argyreia cymosa is active against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Bacillus and S. aureus. The aqueous leaf extract showed maximum activity against Bacillus (20mm), S.aureus (18mm), P. aeruginosa (13mm) E.coli (12mm) and the synthesized silver nano particle showed maximum activity against Bacillus (27mm), E. coli (21mm) , S. aureus (12mm) and P. aeruginosa (11mm).

291-297

Authors: B.O.T. Ifesan, O.O. Egbewole, B.T. Ifesan

Fresh leafy vegetables which include Amarathus hybridus (Bush green), Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin leaf), Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Pterocarpus mildbraedii (White campwood leaf) were subjected to spontaneous fermentation for 5 days at room temperature. Physicochemical properties (pH, temperature, and total titratable acidity) were monitored during the fermentation. It was observed that the pH (6.8 to 3.78) of all the vegetables decreased steadily as fermentation progressed. However, the temperature (27°C to 34°C) and total titratable acidity expressed as lactic acid equivalent (0.014-0.147) for all the vegetables increased as fermentation progressed. The percentage of occurrence of bacteria isolated from the fermenting mass include Bacillus spp. (39.1%), Lactobacillus spp. (26.1%), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. (8.7%), Proteus spp., Serratia spp., Citrobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp (4.3%) respectively. The proximate composition and mineral contents of fermented and unfermented leaves were investigated. Significant increase in ash content was noticed for unfermented (8.07%-15.72%) and for fermented vegetables (12.50%-23.28%). The protein contents of T. occidentalis (24.29%-25.65%), and A. hybridus (14.27%-16.96%) increased significantly after fermentation. A decrease in fiber content was noticed for all fermented vegetables except for V. amygdalina where significant increase was noticed (10.97%-14.55%). Increase in both thiamine (1.37-1.52mg/ml) and niacin (1.32-1.62mg/ml) contents were observed in T. occidentalis after fermentation while significant reductions were recorded for A. hybridus and V. amygdalina. Generally, vitamin C content of the vegetables decreased during fermentation while some increases were recorded in the mineral content of fermented vegetables.

302-304

Authors: K Manimegalai, S Sukanya

Soil serves as a more reliable index for productivity than water qualities. The productivity of any pond depends largely on the quality of bottom soil that is “store house of nutrients.” The present paper deals with the study of physicochemical parameters like organic carbon, pH, Electrical conductivity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium of soil from Muthannan Kulam,Coimbatore (March 2013- May 2013). Analysis for the above parameters indicated contamination of the soil quality due to some anthropogenic activities.

311-314

Authors: Shristi Ghimire, Santosh Dhakal, Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Durga Datt Joshi

The objectives of this cross-sectional study was to determine the seropositivity status of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in pig and ascertain the farm level risk factors in Nepal. Serum samples were collected from 181 pigs in 91 farms of Rupandehi and Kapilbastu districts and tested for antibodies by IgG ELISA. Survey of farmers in each farm was carried out to determine the farm level risk factors. A total of 20 out of 181 (11%) serum samples tested positive for JEV antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity with age (p>0.05), sex (p>0.05) and breed (p>0.05) of pigs. Farm level infection was significantly associated with closeness to rice fields (p<0.05), closeness to standing water sources (p<0.05), wild bird exposure (p<0.05) and mosquito bite to pigs (p<0.05). These factors need to be addressed while formulating prevention, control and management strategies of JEV in pig and hence in human.

328-335

Authors: Saugat Dahal, Tika Bahadur Karki, Lal Prasad Amgain, Birendra Kumar Bhattachan

With the aim of developing crop management technologies that reduce the yield gap of maize (Zea mays L.) in Nepal, a study was carried-out to determine whether the grain yield of maize could be manipulated through tillage, residue, and nutrient and weed management practices. The effect of tillage (conventional and no tillage), residue (residue retained and residue removed), fertilizer (recommended doses of fertilizer and farmers’ doses of fertilizer) and weed management practices (herbicide use and manual weeding) on phenology and grain yield of maize were investigated under maize-rice cropping system in Rampur, Nepal during 2013. The experimental results revealed that no tillage had significant effect on grain yield (6.64 Mg ha-1) and phenological parameters like days to silking, physiological maturity and seed fill duration. Similarly, residue retained treatment had significant effect on grain yield (7.02 Mg ha-1) and phenological parameters. Research dose of fertilizer had significant effect on phenological parameters and grain yield (8.42 Mg ha-1). However, weed management factor did not influence significantly on grain yield and phenological parameters. The grain yield increased in no tillage by 23.19% over conventional tillage, residue retained by 39.84% over residue removed, recommended doses of fertilizer by 132.60% over farmer dose of fertilizer. Thus, no tillage, residue retention, recommended doses of fertilizer and use of herbicide for weed management can be alternative technologies for sustainable higher grain yield.

342-358

Authors: S R Surekha, Lincy Joseph, Mathew George

A series of 8-hydroxyquinolines are synthesized and their Antitubercular, antifungal, and antibacterial activities are tested. Quinolines are found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, immunosuppressive, analgesic, vasorelaxing, Antiplasmodial, anticancer and PDE4 inhibitory activities. Aryloxypropanolamines were reported to be associated with β-adrenergic blocking, CNS depressant and hypotensive activities. In view of the potential nature of these moieties it was considered worthwhile to study the effects of two pharmacophoric moieties such as quinoline and propanolamines/amino ethane in a single molecule. In the present study the synthesis, antitubercular, antifungal, and antibacterial activities and structure activity relationship of aryloxypropanolamine substituted 8-hydroxy quinolines are reported. The compounds were characterized by IR, H-NMR, spectral and Elemental analysis.

364-370

Authors: M. A. Rahman, M. S. Hossain, I.F. Chowdhury, M.A. Matin, H. Mehraj

The experiment was conducted in experimental Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh from July to December 2011 to study the variability of advanced lines of fine rice with correlation and path co-efficient of yield and yield contributing characters. Seven newly developed lines viz. S-1, S-2, S-5, AL-33(II), AL-36, AL-42(II), AL-44(I) and Chinigura. Grain yield/plant of newly developed advanced fine rice lines and check showed positive association in respect of number of effective tillers/hill (0.308), number of filled spikelets/panicle (0.110) and weight of 1000-grains (0.109), whereas significant negative association with panicle length (-0.609), number of unfilled spikelets/panicle (-0.542) and non significant negative association with plant height (-0.136) and number of ineffective tillers/hill (-0.304). Path analysis revealed that plant height had positive direct effect (0.154), number of effective tillers/hill had positive direct effect (0.065), number of ineffective tillers/hill had negative direct effect (-0.114), panicle length had positive direct effect (0.163), number of filled spikelets/panicle had positive direct effect (0.285), number of unfilled spikelets/panicle had negative direct effect (-0.154), weight of 1000-grains had positive direct effect (0.234) on grain yield/plant.

112-113

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10655

121-125

Authors: Anil Langer, Sunanda Sharma, Narendra Kumar Sharma, DS Nauriyal

Seven hundred ninety six milk samples from 266 quarters of 69 lactating cows were subjected to microbiological investigations for identification of pathogens. One hundred ninety bacterial isolates were recovered from 89 infected quarters, among these monomicrobial infection was found in 50 (56.2%) quarters, whereas, mixed infection was observed in 39 (43.8%) quarters. Bacterial isolates identified were Staph. chromogenes (49.47%), Staph. hyicus (21.1%), Staph. epidermidis (11.05%), Str. agalactiae (5.8%), Staph. aureus (4.2%), Staph. intermedius (3.1%), Enterobacter sp. (1.5%), Klebsiella sp., E. coli (1.05%), Micrococcus sp. (1.05%) and Serratia marcescens (0.52%). Milk samples from every quarter of each cow were also subjected to 6 mastitis marker tests named Somatic cell count (SCC), California mastitis test (CMT), electrical conductivity (EC) by EC-meter as well as by Hand-held mastitis detector, pH detection by impregnated paper strip and also by pH meter. Efficacy of mastitis markers for diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis was determined by comparing results of mastitis marker tests with microbiological findings. Mean value of SSC in milk from healthy quarters was significantly lower (p than that in milk from infected quarters. Significantly higher (p value of SSC was observed in milk samples having coagulase positive staphylococci as compared to that in milk from quarter with coagulase negative pathogens. The mean electrical conductivity (EC) in milk samples from infected quarters was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that from healthy quarters. Numbers and percentages of samples showing true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative results with SSC, CMT, EC by EC-meter, EC by hand-held meter, pH by impregnated strips, pH by digital pH-meter tests were evaluated and compared. The sensitivity and specificity of impregnated pH paper strip, CMT, pH-meter test, SCC, electrical conductivity by EC-meter and the same by Hand-held mastitis detector were evaluated The compatibility between the results of SCC, impregnated pH paper strip, CMT, EC-meter, pH-meter, Hand-held mastitis detector and bacteriological culture examination (reference test) was found to be 64.4, 63.4, 61.5, 59, 59 and 53 respectively.

132-134

Authors: P. K. Agrawal, Sangeet Prabha, Shalu Mittal

Bioremediation uses various microorganisms to detoxify or degrade various harmful substances in the nature, particularly soil and water. In the proposed work, five species of micro-organisms were used to analyse their impact on various physico-chemical parameters of water. In the first attempt the actual physico chemical parameters of the collected sample water were noted down (Fresh sample parameters). Then the sample water was treated with micro-organisms (one at a time). The growth of microbes was noted carefully over 96 hours after inoculation. The physico chemical parameters were recorded again and were compared with the fresh sample parameters. The results were analysed for any change and on this basis an impact factor was developed. The study reveals all the selected microbes have a great capacity of degrading and simplifying the complex molecules into simpler ones. Bioremediative treatment further enhances this capacity and therefore this approach can be utilized on large scale to minimize pollution of water bodies.

142-145

Authors: DK Dnyanesh, Suma Dnyanesh, Roopa Bellad

Objectives: To determine the profile and outcome of paediatric patients presenting with poisoning to a tertiary care center in Karnataka. Methods: Retrospectively we studied the PICU records of all the paediatric patients who presented with acute poisoning during the 4-years period from Feb 2010 to Jan 2014. All children aged less than 18 years with a definite history and suspected cases of poisoning were included. Results: 106 patients presented with acute poisoning during the study period. The majority of our patients were in the 0 - 6 year age group. Poisoning in this age group was most common with higher frequency in males, the ratio being 1.2:1. The agents most frequently used were hydrocarbons (43.1%), pyrethrine compounds 15.5%, Organo-Chlorine compounds 12.1%drugs, Organo-Phospherous compounds 12.1%, drugs 1.8%. In 1 - 6 year age group 54.7% cases were accidental in nature, whereas in the 12 - 18 year group 93.3% were suicidal. All patients were symptomatic and needed symptomatic or definitive treatment. 21 patients required mechanical ventilation. Almost 3/4th of patients underwent Gastric lavage. Specific antidote was given to 41 patients. 2 patients of OP poisoning died. Conclusion: Our study concluded that accidental poisoning is common in 0-6 year children, the common substance being used in rural areas was kerosene and in urban areas it was found to be pyrethrin compounds. Lack of awareness of parents regarding appropriate storage of these dangerous household products is the main cause. Measures should be taken to educate the parents and public in order to decrease the poisoning cases. Suicidal cases are increasing in adolescents and precipitating factors like exam fear, exam failure, love failure and parental pressure regarding studies needs counseling of both parents and children.

152-159

Authors: Manoj Kumar Verma, Vikas Kaushik

Increased levels of locus-specific mutations within the BLM result in development of Bloom Syndrome and patients are found to be immune deficient. HRDC domain amino acid Lys1270 is presumably to play role in mediating interactions with DNA. Single point mutation of Lys1270 (K1270V) reduces the potency of Double Holliday junction (DHJ) DNA unwinding so BLM lead to its functional loss. Quadruplex formation have role in immunoglobulin heavy chain switching and inhibiting RecQ helicases activity in-vitro in BLM. Variety of G-Quadruplex ligands are employed by molecular docking for arriving at lead compound identification. The scoring function of docking results describes protein-ligand interaction and it conjointly instructed that docking of ligand at mutational binding site shows some repressing function to make potential lead drug molecule. So as to know the elaborated purposeful functional mechanism of protein and to relate impact of mutation with function and activity; dock screening, hit identification and lead optimization facilitate in design of lead drug compound.

168-175

Authors: Anant Gopal Singh, Anil Sharma

Invasive species are non-native to the locality. They have been introduced in any area both accidentally and intentionally. Their introduction undoubtedly modifies the structure and functions of the ecosystem supply and alters the rate of nutrient cycling. Invasive alien species compete with the crop mainly for water, light, and nutrients. During study we have collected fifty-five species which are invasive and alien. They directly affect the productivity of food crop like rice, wheat, maize etc.

180-184

Authors: FP Aquino, Eufrocina P. Atabay

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration (TUFA) has become a popular tool for embryo production in vitro due to its high degree of repeatability in terms of recovering oocytes from live animals. In Study 1, the quantity and quality of oocytes from Bulgarian Murrah buffalo cows (n=10) of varying ages (Group 1, 8-12; and Group 2, 13-17 years) were assessed. Group 1 buffalo donor cows yielded significantly higher (P<0.05) number of oocytes vs Group 2 buffalo donor cows (71 vs 29 oocytes, respectively), though in terms of oocyte quality, no difference was observed. In Study 2, oocytes collected (n=100) in Study 1 were matured, fertilized in vitro and the resulting zygotes were cultured which developed to blastocyst stage embryos. The maturation, fertilization and blastocyst development rates obtained were 53.0%, 40.0% and 32.5%, respectively. In Study 3, the viability of resulting blastocyst stage embryos was determined by transferring to recipient cows. Of 10 recipients 1 got pregnant and delivered a 35 kg male calf after 310 days gestation period. Overall, the results of the studies conducted demonstrated the potential of TUFA technology in the in vitro production of embryos which eventually could be used in the production of live.

193-198

Authors: Roshan Babu Ojha, Shree Chand Shah, Keshab Raj Pande, Durga Datta Dhakal

Two experiments were carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Mg FYM ha-1) replicated four times at the horticultural farm, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in winter (Oct-Jan) and spring (Feb-May) seasons to quantify optimum dose of organic manure (FYM) to maintain earthworm population and enhance soil properties. In each treatment 100 earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were inoculated within one square meter of each plot. Porosity in the first season was significantly higher than the control treatment (0 Mg FYM ha-1). In the second season it remained unaffected but in increasing trend. In the second season the highest porosity (40.75 ± 1.57%) was obtained from 50 Mg FYM ha-1. The highest bulk density (1.553 ± 0.017 Mg m-3) in the second season was observed from the control treatment but it was in decreasing trend with increasing doses of FYM. There was no significant effect of FYM on pH in the either season. The highest OM (3.87 ± 0.22%) was observed from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 which was similar to 30 and 40 Mg FYM ha-1 in first season. Similarly, in the second season, increasing doses of FYM increased the OM and the highest OM (3.83 ± 0.19%) was from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 which did not differ from 40 Mg FYM ha-1. As anticipated, the lowest OM 2.425 ± 0.224% and 2.275 ± 0.1968% were from control treatments of the first and second seasons, respectively. As the doses of FYM were increased, earthworm populations were also increased significantly in the both seasons. Earthworm numbers from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 were significantly higher than the 20, 30 and 40 Mg FYM ha-1 in both seasons. The highest numbers 887 ± 12.84 and 976 ± 20.30 of earthworm per square meter were recorded from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 in the both seasons, respectively. Thus, the application of 30 Mg FYM ha-1 is optimum for both the seasons to improve soil properties and to maintain earthworm population in the agricultural field. Also, this research indicated a possibility for earthworm inoculation in the field to enhance soil fertility for sustainable agriculture in the western Chitwan, Nepal.

206-210

Authors: Jyoti Choudhary, S.N. Singh, Sunita Singh

Physico chemical and biological parameters of the three rural pond of Sasaram,Bihar has been studied to see the present condition for its better utilization. The study revealed that parameters are within permissible limit for fish culture and the stocking should be done as per the productivity of the water. As per the BOD estimation the ponds falls under moderately polluted category.

217-221

Authors: J. M. Jacob, M. T. Olaleye, J. A. O. Olugbuyiro

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The dry leaf of Alchornea cordifolia (AC) is used, in traditional medicine in the S Nigeria, for the preparation of blood tonic, remedies for urinary, respiratory, liver and gas intestinal disorders. Aim of the study: This study investigated the protective property of AC leaf against liver damage in animals with a view to exploring its use for the treatment of hepatotoxicity in humans. Material and methods: Ethanol extract of A. cordifolia was used to study the hepatoprotective activity in acetaminophen-induced Albino rats (150-200g). Animals in Group 1 served as vehicle control, Group 2 served as hepatotoxin (Acetaminophen 2g/kg treated) group, Groups 3 and 4 served as positive control (Vitamin E and Curcumin 100 mg/kg bw respectively) groups, and Groups 5-8 served as (200-500mg/kg bw) AC leaf extract treated groups while Group 9 served as normal group (AC extract only 300 mg/kg bw). Results: The hepatotoxic group showed hepatocytic necrosis, cellular infiltration and inflammation in the liver. The treatment group restored the liver cells to their normal lobular architecture in a dose dependent manner. The protection offered by the plant extract compared well with the standard antioxidant agents (Curcumin and Vitamin E). Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins were detected in the phytochemical screening. Conclusion: Our findings suggest Alchornea cordifolia ethanol leaf extract as promising herpatoprotective herb and give credence to the folkloric use of this plant for the treatment of liver problems.

3-17

Authors: Mohammad Asif

Reviewing the relationships between polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) with inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis disorders, the PUFAs containing ω-3, ω-6 and ω-9, these ω-3FAs levels were correlated with ω-6: ω-3 ratios including arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Based on previously-reports, the levels of ω-3 FAs considered being as a 'lower risk' category for inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain PUFAs ratios may aid in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis-related risk assessment. PUFA are the most effective for the production of oil with high concentration of DHA and EPA content significantly.

29-33

Authors: Lok Raj Joshi, Shiva Prasad Devkota

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant public health problem both in human and veterinary medicine. Strains of S. aureus resistant to β-lactam antibiotics are known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overuse of antibiotics has been ascribed for MRSA emergence. MRSA in cattle was first reported in 1975. Since then, many literatures describing MRSA in cattle have been published. MRSA causes incurable intra-mammary infection and skin diseases in cattle. In severe cases, it causes deep-seated infections like endocarditis and osteomyelitis. MRSA got zoonotic importance when scientists suggested the possibility of cattle serving as reservoirs for human MRSA infection. In this article, we review the current knowledge of MRSA in cattle and its zoonotic implications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i1.9861 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(1): 29-33

41-44

Authors: Jarina Joshi

Ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, urea and glycine were the five different commonly available nitrogen sources used at different concentration ranging from 0.5 to 4% w/v to produce ethanol in batch culture. Potato paste made from red potatoes grown in hilly regions of Nepal was used as carbon source. Prior to fermentation all carbon sources were saccharified enzymatically using α- amylase at pH 5 and temperature 55oC. Maximum yield of ethanol 5.2% was obtained at a temperature of 30oC and pH 5.0 without exogeneous supply of nitrogen. There is slight decrease in concentration when temperature is decreased to 25oC but a drastic decrease in concentration when temperature is increased beyond optimum. All the exogeneously supplied nitrogen sources found to enhance ethanol production and cell viability when yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from brewer’s yeast was used. Ammonium sulphate was found as best nitrogen supplement among them. Maximum ethanol percentage of 8.3 was observed at pH 5.0 and temperature 30oC with Ammonium sulphate concentration of 2%.

50-58

Authors: P. Padmanabhan, S. N. Jangle

Free radicals include both Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS).When free radicals are produced in a regulated manner in a healthy human body it is scavenged efficiently by antioxidant defense system. But excess generation of pro-oxidants by continuous chain reaction in the form of ROS and RNS cause several human diseases. The shift of the balance in the favour of pro-oxidants results in a condition called “oxidative stress”. Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver to generate ROS and RNS, leading to diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver and chronic hepatitis. Alcohol induced damage is associated with oxidative stress. The excess generation of prooxidants and reduced antioxidant levels provide an effective model of Hepatotoxicity which is noteworthy. Recent trend is to discover polyherbal formulation of medicinal plants which have hepatoprotective function. In the present study 80% alcoholic extract of leaves of Aloe vera, Bacopa monniera, Moringa oleifera and rhizome of Zingiber officinale were utilized to prepare Herbal Preparation or HP-4.Further the hepatoprotective effects of HP-4 was tested in alcohol induced Hepatotoxicity in mice. Silymarin is a well known hepatoprotective drug was used as a standard for comparison. Biochemical and histopathological studies provided ample evidence that HP-4 provided a hepatoprotective role in alcohol induced hepatotoxicity which was comparable to drug Silymarin. The presence of phytochemicals in HP-4 provided a synergistic, supra-additive and co-operative effects in the hepatoprotective function in alcohol induced hepatotoxicity mice model.

64-68

Authors: Suresh Kumar, Suman Chowdhury

The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has provided the rationale for the current pharmacotherapy of this disease. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the symptomatic treatment of AD. The current drugs available in the market has shown various side effect which prompted scientist to search for new and potent AChE inhibitors which exerts minimal side effect in AD patient. In present study, an aqueous extract of Cumin cyminum was tested for in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity based on Ellman’s method. C. cyminum showed maximum inhibition of 76.90±0.003% in an aqueous extract at 50μg/ml final concentration. Further studies were conducted to elucidate the mode of AChE inhibition by kinetic studies. Competitive inhibition was observed at lower concentrations (12.5μg/ml & 25μg/ml) and mixed inhibition was observed at higher concentrations (50μg/ml & 100μg/ml).

75-82

Authors: Pravin Dudhagara, Sunil Bhavasar, Anjana Ghelani, Shreyas Bhatt

Protease is the largest selling enzyme in the world due to its various applications in the making of detergent, food and leather, meat tenderisation and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the study is to isolate and identify thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis U1 strains for thermostable protease production. The partial purified enzyme was characterized under different conditions using Anson-Hagihara’s method. Casein as a substrate in the concentration of 0.6 % w/v optimum for enzyme activity and tolerant up to 2.0% casein concentration. An optimum enzyme activity was reported at pH 7 and decreased with increasing in pH, while temperature optimum was found at 50 °C. The enzyme was stable at 40 °C to 50 °C for half an hour and nearly 50% residual activity was indicated at 60 °C. NaCl was not required for catalysis. Stability of enzymes in the presence of various organic solvents and different detergents was remarkable. The enzyme was stable up to 3 days into various solvents and slowly denatured with prolonged incubation. The result of the washing performance with detergent was clearly indicated. Moreover the removal of blood stains and dehairing in goat skin suggests the crucial application in the commercial production at large scale.

88-92

Authors: Bimala Subba, Prakash Basnet

To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of extract of eleven plants were examined against four common bacterials. The ethanolic extracts of various plants such as Cissus repens, Hedyotis scandens, Jatropha curcas, Morus alba, Inula cappa, Equisetum ramosissimum, Osyris wightiana, Alternantheria sessilis and Hibiscus lampas investigated individually for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. These were investigated against selected species of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae to find the inhibitory activities of the microbes. The ethanolic extract of C. repens showed considerably high activity against P. vulgaris, E. coli and S. aureus than other extracts.

97-102

Authors: Bhawana Jain, Ajay Kr Singh, Tanushree Dangi, Anil Kr Verma, Mukesh Dwivedi, Madan Mohan, K P Singh, Amita Jain

Introduction: In spite of the discovery of viral culture technology about a century ago, its application in diagnostic labs is being used since 1970s. It served as the "gold standard" for virus detection for long. In recent years, rapid, technically less challenging, sensitive and highly specific viral identification is possible by molecular tools. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the importance of real time PCR over virus culture in diagnosis of Influenza virus infections, the biggest viral challenge of present India, a developing country, so that prompt and correct diagnosis can help physicians as well as the policy makers to control the virus spread. Objective: To study the feasibility of real time PCR vis a vis viral culture technique and evaluate the utility of these methods for laboratory diagnosis of Influenza virus infections. Methodology: The study was conducted in Grade I Virology Diagnostic laboratory, Dept of Microbiology, KGMU, Lucknow. We used both real time RT-PCR and viral culture methods (on MDCK cell lines) for detection of Influenza virus infection and compared the effect of transport time, cost per sample and turnaround time on both the techniques. Results & Conclusion: Real time PCR is more practical, more sensitive, quicker and cost effective. It needs less expertise and availability of reagents is better. Though viral culture proved to be highly specific and useful for wide application but the use should currently be limited to mostly research facilities. Therefore for epidemiological diagnosis purposes real time PCR detection of Influenza virus is advised.

109-111

Authors: Amar Prasad Yadav

In this study, differential pressure transducer (DPT) has been applied as an alternate corrosion monitoring device for monitoring corrosion of iron in atmospheric environment by measuring very small changes in the amount of oxygen. The result of corrosion current obtained from DPT method has been compared with that obtained from AC impedance method. The difference in the value of corrosion current obtained from these two methods was attributed to the error in choosing the value of proportionality constant k of the Stern-Geary equation.