INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES

161-164

Authors: Maggirwar RC, Tayde SS, Khodke SP, Deotare PW, Hedawoo GB

Dioscorea (Yam) is a tuber crop belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is among the oldest food crop and valuable source of carbohydrate in the diet. A number of Dioscorea species are also cultivated to provide a source of diosgenin, some sapogenins, alkaloids, steroid derivatives and phenolic compounds used in the pharmaceutical industry. As soil microorganisms are crucial for natural soil fertility, two species of Dioscorea from three different sites were investigated for the presence of mycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic (DSE) association. Dioscorea hispida (Dennst.) and D.bulbifera (L.) were collected from June-Nov 2011 along with their fibrous roots and rhizosphere soils. Soil physico-chemical analyses of collected samples were carried out with standard methods. All the samples were found to be colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endopytic fungi. The percent root colonization was in between 75 to 90.32%. AM fungal spore density was in between 185 to 296 / 100g and spores belonging to Glomus species and Acaulospora sporocarpa were identified. By inoculating the proper indigenous AMF and DSE with Dioscorea species, can produce high yield of crops in future.

181-189

Authors: Patil SD* and Jane Rasika

The phytochemical study, antioxidant activity and in vitro antibacterial activity of acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of Moringa oleifera roots were investigated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids in roots of Moringa oleifera. The extracts were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against selected otitis media pathogens S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae by disc diffusion method. Most prominent activity was shown by acetone extract against P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae followed by E. coli, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae. Effective zone range was 19-35 mm and MIC range was 4-16 mg/ml. Antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera in acetone extract was 84.23 %, 60.00 % and 43.30 % at 10µg/ml, 50µg/ml and 100µg/ml respectively. Moringa oleifera and Cleome viscosa combination demonstrated strong synergistic effect towards K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. pneumoniae and S. aureus. The antibacterial effects of Moringa oleifera alone as well as in combination with Cleome viscosa against all tested pathogens suggest their potential use as alternative tools for controlling otitis media.

193-197

Authors: Jyoti Ramteke, Pravin Charde, Suresh Zade, Rucha Gabhane

The avian embryo is unique for studying morphogenesis in birds. Today widely used model for experimentation is chick and the focus on the chick embryo has somewhat overshadowed the other avian species which can also prove to be of much importance. One avian species which is equally powerful is the Japanese Quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica. The Japanese Quail, due to its easy maintenance, early sexual maturity, shorter generation interval and high rate of egg production has become a pilot animal in the field of research. In the present study, normal stages of chick embryo development were used as a basis for studying the development of quail embryo. Japanese Quail embryo takes approximately 17 days to hatch, a primitive streak were seen on Day 1 while Day 2 shows prominent somites. Eye pigmentation, beak region, various joints were seen on Day 4 and Day 5 respectively. On Day 9 and onwards there was prominent pigmentation were observed. Thus, the major objective of the present research work was to study the embryonic development of the Japanese Quail and to identify the period of incubation where the Japanese Quail embryo gives the faster ontogeny than chick embryo.

202-206

Authors: Marganwar Ragini, Dhurvey Varsha, Kodate Jaya, Urkude Rashmi

The survey was conducted to find out the fluoride (F-) distribution in drinking water and dental fluorosis in children. 5-14 years old children who were lifelong residents of Dongargaon, Pijdura and Chikni villages of Warora Tehsil of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra and who consumed drinking water from the same source of their life. The fluoride concentration was determined from different sources of water in Dongargaon, Pijdura and Chikni villages of Warora Tehsil, Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. The results revealed that about 40% of drinking water samples were found to contain more F- concentration than WHO and BIS recommended limit i.e. 1.5 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L respectively. During the survey six hundred and ninety nine children of 5-14 years (353 boys and 356 girls) were clinically examined. About 80% children from these villages show dental fluorosis. The % of dental fluorosis increased with the age and more in girls as compared to boys. Dental fluorosis is clearly indicates over-exposure to fluoride when the teeth were in developing stage. This is commonly observed across the all study sites. The dental fluorosis children shows loss of confidence and especially in the girl’s inferiority complex has been seen in the study area. A well designed epidemiological investigation can be undertaken to evaluate the risk factor associated with condition in the study area.

216-220

Authors: Jakhi PS, Kalkar SA

Participatory methods are currently used in different research areas, especially for rapid diagnosis of the needs of the local people involved in the study. Thus, these methods were used in Made Tukum block of Kharpundi village of central India. An Inventory of economically and medicinally important plants was prepared. The need for present work is to know the useful flora of the area and to maintain a record of traditional knowledge of local people. These plant species were photographed, with an emphasis on some phenological characters. Workshop was carried out for local people. On this occasion we presented names and pictures of plants, the residents discussed their economical and medicinal values. Data available from field visits, actual observations and interactions is compiled in tabulated form. People were made aware with utility of these plants & need of conservation of these plants through workshop. The compilation of this information was a way of valuing and recording the local knowledge of medicinally and economically important plants.

226-227

Authors: Bhosale RS, More AD

M1 generation of Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal. was raised by treating the seeds with varied concentrations of chemical mutagens (EMS) and physical mutagen (Gamma rays). Effect of these mutagens on pollen sterility and plant survival at maturity was studied in M1 generation. The maximum pollen sterility (10.40%) could be seen at 40 kR dose of gamma rays.

233-238

Authors: Pandey BN, Jahangeer MD and Mall Priyanka

Background: The existence of genetic variation in man is caused by many factors along with selection, migration, gene flow and genetic drift. A population is characterized by a set of gene frequencies. Hence, the gene frequency data are essential prerequisite for studying the genetics of any population. As Badhiya Muslims of Purnia district (Bihar) are migrant of other place of India and nothing is known about their genetical status in this new zone, so we proposed to study morpho-genetic variation in them which could provide their genetic affinities with other populations. Methods: The distribution of morphogenetic traits was studied in Badhiya Muslims of Purnia district (Bihar). For the purpose, a survey was conducted in different villages of Badhiya Muslims and frequencies of different traits were calculated. It was observed that the frequency distribution of various traits among the studied populations shows the homogeneous distribution. Overall, frequencies of these traits were according to Indian trends. However, in certain traits Badhiya Muslims show similarities with Mongoloid traits. It needs further investigation using more serogenetic parameters. For this genetical study data on various parameters were collected from the population of Badhiya Muslims residing in different villages of Purnia district. In no case two persons belonging to the same family were subjected to test the above mentioned Mendelian traits. Standarad methodology was used to collect data on various parameters. Results: It was observed that the frequency distribution of various traits among the studied populations shows the homogeneous distribution. Overall, frequencies of these traits were according to Indian trends. Conclusion: The allelic frequencies some traits in Badhiya Muslims showed Mongoloid affinities. So, presently, it is difficult to say anything about their genetical status. The data with some more serogenetic markers and morphological characters to be studied in future can throw fresh light on the origin and evolution the population under study.