Department Of Zoology Research Articles

Ecological Insights into the Predatory Behaviour of Condylostylus longicornis in Agricultural Fields of Madurai District, India

Researchers affiliated with the Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology at Vivekananda College in Tiruvedakam West, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, along with collaborators from other institutions, have observed a rare predatory behaviour of long-legged fly Condylostylus longicornis (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in the agroecosystem of the Sholavandan region in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. In general, C. longicornis favours environments that are close to marshes, streams, meadows, or forests and that are slightly shaded. C. longicornis is considered an optimal bio-indicator species for monitoring and conserving water quality. This article provides an overview of the history, behavioural characteristics, and ecological significance of C. longicornis.

Association of Aquatic Invertebrates with the Water Quality in the Ponds of Bhaktapur

Aquatic invertebrates are representative of the health of habitats they live in. This study was conducted to evaluate aquatic invertebrate diversity and relate them with physico-chemical factors in the ponds of Bhaktapur. Rani pokhari, Bhajya pokhari, Na pokhari and Kamal pokhari were selected for the study. Plankton net was swiped out for approximately one minute in each corner of all the ponds. Five subsequent sweeps were taken repeatedly at each site. Invertebrates collected in the net were kept in a plastic container covered with a lid. The collected species were preserved in 70% alcohol. For physico-chemical analysis, water samples were collected from 10cm below the surface water in BOD bottles from each site and taken to the laboratory of Department of Zoology, Bhaktapur Multiple Campus for the further identification and laboratory work. Total 16 species of aquatic invertebrates belonging to five phyla, 10 orders and 16 families were recorded from the ponds of Bhaktapur. Species richness of aquatic invertebrates was found to be 13, 11, four and five in Rani pokhari, Bhajya pokhari, Na pokhari and Kamal pokhari respectively. Phylum Arthropoda was most abundant in all four ponds. The correlation of species richness with physico-chemical parameters showed a positive correlation with water temperature (r = 0.96), electric conductivity (r = 0.98), free carbon dioxide (r = 0.99) and dissolved oxygen (r = 0.51) while the negative correlation with pH (r = -0.83) and alkalinity (r = -0.83). The result obtained is valuable and useful for continuous water quality monitoring activities and the conservation of freshwater fauna in the ponds of Bhaktapur. Further detailed studies on aquatic invertebrates were highly recommended.

Screening of Greengram Germplasm against Cowpea Weevil <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> (F)

Green gram (Vigna radiata) germplasm was evaluated against cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infestation under laboratory conditions at the Department of Zoology, BSNV PG College, University of Lucknow during 2024 on thirty Vigna radiata germplasms. Parameters measured included, number of egg laid/ 100 seeds, adult emergence, mean developmental period, growth index and resistant index. Remarkable variation were observed for all the parameters. The most resistance germplasm IPM-2014-9 (Varsha) and IPM-302-2 (Kanika) recorded 2.33± 0.33 and 2.67± 0.32 no. of eggs/ 100 seed compared to PDM-54 with 25.33± 0.88 eggs/ 100 seeds. No adult emergence was observed in IPM-2014-9 and IPM-302-2; highest emergence was 90.52± 3.60 in BMS-18-1; there was no development in IPM-2014-9 and IPM-302-2. Highest growth index was 0.88± 0.001 in BMS-18-1. IPM-2014-9 and IPM-302-2 are highly resistant while BMS-18-1, BMS-18-2 and SELECTION 18-4 are highly susceptible.

Pathway to Independence - an interview with Girish Kale.

Girish Kale joined the labs of Thomas Lecuit and Pierre-Francois Lenne at IBDM, Marseille, France for his PhD, where he studied cell mechanics and early development in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. After a 2 year postdoc in Bengaluru, India, he joined Steffen Lemke's lab, which recently moved from Heidelberg to the Department of Zoology at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. His main research interest lies in understanding the effect of temperature on (early) embryonic development. Girish is one of Development's Pathway to Independence Programme Fellows, and we caught up with him to find out what drives and excites him, and what he hopes to achieve in his own lab.

Antimicrobial Potential of Aqueous and Ethanol Extract of Termite and Bee Natural Products on Escherichia coli for Possible Medicinal Purpose

Background: arthropods have been utilized for their socio-economic value as food and medicine for decades in most part of the world. Many traditional healers use insects in their traditional medicine healing system. The idea of utilizing substances collected from insects as medicinal resources, might have originated from the chemical compounds (such as pheromones, venoms, and toxins) sequestered from plants that have shown medicinal value. The study was targeted at investigating the antimicrobial potential of termite and bee natural products on Escherichia coli for possible medicinal purpose. The insects were collected from farmlands (using different insect traps) within Agulu and Nanka communities, Anambra State, Nigeria. The sample was identified and authenticated at the Zoology Department. The insect were killed using killing jar technique, air dried, pulverized and macerated for further investigation. The zoochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of the extract was investigated. Results: It was observed that the constituents, carbohydrate and saponins were present in all the extracts. Tannins, Flavonoids and Terpenoids were present in the ethanol extracts of both insects. The other zoochemicals investigated: Anthraquinones. Alkaloids, Cardiac glycoside, and steroids were not observed in all of the extracts. The water extract of both bee and termite exhibited less activity against E. coli. The ethanol extract of both insects showed E. coli growth inhibition. Based on the distinct zones of inhibition observed. The ethanol extract of termite showed higher inhibition activity (8.33 ± 0.60 mm zone of inhibition), this was followed by the ethanol extract of bee (7.08 ± 1.18 mm zone of inhibition). The aqueous (water) extract of termite (1.33 ± 0.67 mm zone of inhibition) showed higher activity than that of the bee extract (1.00 ± 0.58 mm zone of inhibition). Conclusion: The result of the study showed that ethanol extract of termite and bee contain bioactive constituents with antibacterial effect and lends credence to the entomo-ethno medicinal use of insect in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Evaluation of Feeding Potential of Mexican Beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) on Carrot Grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, India

Zygogramma bicolorata is an efficient natural control agent that can be used against Parthenium hysterophorus, a very common and allergic weed found in the Dehradun belt of Uttarakhand region. It is responsible for asthma, bronchitis, skin lesions, rashes, contact dermatitis, hay fever and various respiratory ailments. Z. bicolorata is a natural predator of this vicious weed. The feeding capacity of Mexican beetle, Z.bicolorata was studied under controlled conditions, at the Department of Zoology, S.G.R.R. University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 2023.Ten different sites were chosen from the Dehradun district, considering the widespread availability of Parthenium weed in the region. It was detected that the feeding capacity of the adult stage of the beetle was maximum in site 3 and lowest in site 6. The result showed in site 3 that he adult consumed 3.7 g leaves of Parthenium at 20 °C whereas, the similar relevant statistics were 2.3 mg. The detriment caused by Z. bicolorata was more visible when it was used at a higher density and at the initial growing stages of Parthenium. The fully mature stages were preferred less in comparison to the younger ones. This technique can be highly useful if implemented wisely in the management of Parthenium weed and contributes towards achieving the goal of sustainable development.

A Male Surgical Contraceptive Method Based on Recommendations and Techniques Used in Vasectomy

Background: Vasectomy is a well-established method of male sterilization, offering a reliable and permanent contraceptive solution. Despite its effectiveness, the procedure remains underutilized due to limited counseling and awareness among patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized vasectomy technique based on the 2012 American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines and to identify factors influencing postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Zoology, Rawalpindi Women University, from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 150 male patients aged 25 to 50 years seeking permanent contraception were enrolled. Preoperative evaluations included detailed medical history, physical examination, and baseline semen analysis. The vasectomy procedures involved isolation, division, and management of the vasal ends using techniques such as proximal fascial interposition and thermal luminal fulguration. Postoperative care included instructions on scrotal support, avoidance of strenuous activities, and use of alternative contraception until azoospermia was confirmed through post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) conducted at three months post-procedure. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 37.5 years (range: 25-50 years). The overall efficacy rate was 98.7%, with 140 participants (93.3%) achieving azoospermia and 8 participants (5.3%) having less than 100,000 non-motile sperm/mL at three months post-procedure. Complications included infection (1.3%), hematoma (2.0%), chronic pain (2.7%), and sperm granuloma (0.7%). The mean VAS scores for pain were 2.3 at one week, 1.1 at one month, and 0.5 at three months post-procedure. Patient satisfaction was high, with 95% of participants reporting satisfaction with the procedure. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that vasectomy, when performed using standardized techniques, is a highly effective and safe method of male sterilization with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates. Enhanced preoperative counseling and follow-up are essential to optimize outcomes and increase the utilization of vasectomy as a contraceptive method.

Proboscideans from the middle Miocene deposits of Chabbar Syedan in Pakistan

New proboscidean fossils from the Middle Miocene outcrops of Chabbar Syedan in Pakistan are described. The specimens comprise dentary, tusk and symphysial fragments, together with isolated teeth representing four genera and five species: Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae; Deinotherium sp.; Protanancus chinjiensis; Gomphotherium cf. browni; and Gomphotherium sp. A dentary of P. chinjiensis and lower tusk fragment from an adult individual of G. browni are novel reports from the Siwalik Group. Part of a lower tusk with well-developed grooves and a dp2 of Gomphotherium sp. indicate that the Chinji Formation has another gomphotherid species with intermediate-sized tusk and unique dental morphology. The palaeobiogeographical and palaeoenvironmental implications of proboscideans within the context of the Siwalik Group are discussed. Muhammad K. Nawaz [khalilnawaz62@gmail.com], Muhammad A. Khan [akbaar111@gmail.com], Sayyed G. Abbas [ghyour.kazmi@gmail.com], Khalid Mahmood* [khalidkasuri1@gmail.com], Zaman Gul [zaman_gull_1990@hotmail.com] Dr. Abu Bakr Fossil Display and Research Centre, Institute of Zoology, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Muhammad A. Babar [babar.zool@uo.edu.pk], Department of Zoology, University of Okara, Okara; Atisham Abbas [syedatishamabbas@outlook.com], Department of Geology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Arthur Cain and ecological genetics in the Oxford Zoology Department

In the two decades after the Second World War a group of members of the University of Oxford’s Zoology Department investigated evidence for and the strength of natural selection in wild populations, a subject that had been developing since the beginning of the century. They provided a stimulus for many further field studies by others and in other places. Their central contention was that strong selection led to the close adaptation of all aspects of the genome of organisms to their environment. The research centred on the work of E. B. Ford and H. B. D. Kettlewell, on the one hand, and A. J. Cain, on the other. Ford was influenced by R. A. Fisher’s theory of the evolution of dominance, which he maintained led to heterozygote advantage, polymorphism and thus high levels of genetic diversity. While convinced of the power of selection and studying a conspicuous polymorphism, Cain had a much broader interest in adaptation and speciation

Soul with beautiful and amazing creatures (to commemorate Nadezhda Petrovna Savchenko's 80th birthday and 50th anniversary of her scientific and educational endeavors)

Nadezhda Petrovna Slavchenko, a soil zoologist, spent forty years of her life and career as a teacher and scientist at the Karaganda Pedagogical Institute, Karaganda University, and the Department of Zoology. The process of educating scientific and pedagogical staff of the greatest educational institution in Central Kazakhstan is depicted retrospectively on the example of the creative fate of a professional biologist. It was difficult to go from being an assistant to the department chair and a prominent associate professor, but it was made possible by senior colleagues' encouragement and the direction of the newly established University of Karaganda. Soil zoology specialization led to contacts with renowned scientists and great individuals, as well as a fantastic unexplored world. The sole stationary soil-zoological research of invertebrate creatures conducted in Central Kazakhstan by N.P. Slavchenko soil organisms contributed to a better understanding of the relict nature of the Pleistocene island forests' faunistic complex inside the folded nation of Kazakhstan. Invertebrate representatives from over 200 species and 57 families were described; some were reported for the first time for the Sary-Arka or Kazakhstan region. The post-glacial fauna's migration paths were taken into consideration. N.P. Slavchenko's students went on to become naturalists and professors, defended scientific theses, and maintained a passion for zoological study.

Study of the localization of pigment cells in the skin of scaly carp of various ages (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Morphological methods of fish research provide an opportunity to study their biological systems – cells, tissues, and organs in normal and pathological conditions – in depth at all levels of structural organization. The work aimed to investigate the morphological features of localization of skin pigment cells in scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) of different ages. The study was conducted in the laboratory of complex ichthyopathological studies at the Department of Ichthyology and Zoology of the Belotserkiv National Agrarian University. One-, two-, and three-year-old scaly carp from the feeding ponds of PJSC “Chernigivrybhosp” were used. From which the scales were removed, skin samples of scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were used as material for research. Tissue samples were taken from freshly caught fish for the research. Our study established that pigment cells in carp of different ages were localized in the upper and lower layers of the dermis and hypodermis and in the lateral connective tissue septum at the level of the lateral line that divides the lateral muscles. In addition, in the carp of the same age, in contrast to the older age groups, isolated clusters of pigment cells were observed in the loose connective tissue between the muscle fibers of the superficial lateral muscle. During the histological examination, we also discovered the presence of pigment cells in the skin, particularly melanophores. Thus, the skin of peers of scaly carp was located in single clusters and had a rounded shape and a concentrated distribution of melanin pigment. Many melanophores were observed in the lower layer of the dermis at the border with the hypodermis. In the area of the lateral line, in the connective tissue septum, at the level of the deep lateral muscle, large strands of melanophores were detected.

EFFECT OF ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON DESI AND FAYOUMI CHICKEN TRAITS AT DISTRICT KASHMORE, SINDH-PAKISTAN

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the different body organs measurement and multiple phenotypic traits of desi and fayoumi selected chicken breeds under free range and intensive management conditions during, 2021. Host birds were collected from local peoples and hatcheries of district Kashmore and brought through intensive care management system in Animal Husbandry, Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs. Both chicken male and female populations were reared separately in the same ecology and F1 generation chickens were obtained. The feeding and rearing procedures were followed by NRC and ISA recommended guidelines. The average values of phenotypic traits like neck length of desi and fayoumi males measured in cm (20.4±1.9), (16.5±1.4) body height (43.4±3.2), (33.7±3.2) shank length (12.5±0.82) (8.3±0.72) beak length (3.6±0.21) (2.7±0.16) and wings span (23.7±1.6) (18.3±1.5) in intensive conditions. While as, in the free range conditions the neck length of desi and fayoumi males was recorded in cm (18.7±1.6) (16.4±1.3) body height (38.7±3.2) (34.6±3.1), shank length (10.3±0.97) (9.4±0.94), length of beak (3.3±0.24) (2.7±0.18), and wing span (20.4±1.5) (18.5±1.4), in both chicken breeds. The different phenotype traits of desi and fayoumi chicken breeds viz., the color of eyes, comb, plumage, feather, barbell, mumps, and beak colors percentage were found with variation in intensive and free range conditions. Concludingly, desi chickens were found with larger body parts with dark color variants. The present study suggests, more work should be carried on other characteristics to enhance poultry quality and quantity in future endeavors.

Sir Michael John Berridge. 22 October 1938—13 February 2020

Sir Michael Berridge was a giant in the fields of physiology and biochemistry who, by his discovery in 1983 of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) as the ubiquitous intracellular messenger releasing Ca 2+ from intracellular stores, revolutionized our concepts of signal transduction mechanisms. Mike, as he was universally known, discovered one of the most important regulatory mechanisms in animal cells, involved in the control of virtually all bodily functions, including secretion, contraction and memory. Mike, working at the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge, personally identified IP 3 as one of the two initial products of hormone- or neurotransmitter-elicited inositol phospholipid breakdown and then, in collaboration with the research group led by Irene Schulz at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics in Frankfurt, demonstrated directly the Ca 2+ -releasing effect of IP 3 in pancreatic acinar cells. Subsequently, in collaborations with research groups in Switzerland and the USA, Mike confirmed the Ca 2 + -releasing action of IP 3 in insulin-secreting cells, hepatocytes and photoreceptors. The IP 3 –Ca 2 + -releasing pathway became accepted amazingly quickly as one of the key elements of cellular signal transduction mechanisms and is now featured in virtually all textbooks of physiology and biochemistry. Mike was also a great synthesizer, who created an entirely new field, namely calcium signalling. Through his numerous, highly cited review articles, and his insightful keynote lectures at the most important biomedical congresses, he dominated this large and increasingly important research field for more than 30 years following his momentous 1983 discovery.

Growth Performance of Different Dietary Sources on Experimental Larval Rearing of Amur Carp (Cyprinus carpio hematopterus Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)

In aquaculture practices, the mortality of larval fishes can be reduced by providing them with nutrient rich feeds. Nutritionally balanced fish diet can enhance the growth performance and survival of the fishes (Tom and Van-Nostrand, 1989. In the present study, the experimental fish Amur carp fries (initial weight of 0.03gm) were provided with different artificial feed (corn bran, wheat bran) and natural feed (Daphnia, Earthworm, Spirulina) as dietary sources to investigate the changes in various biological and chemical parameters such as growth performance, feed utilization and survival rate, length-weight correlation, condition factor and protein percentage in muscle. The experiment of the present study was conducted in the laboratory of Fish Biology and Fishery Science, Department of Zoology, Bhattadev University, Bajali, Assam, India for a period of 3 months (April, May and June, 2023) on 16 fries of Amur carp. The fish with average initial weight about 0.033g were stocked in two different aquarium tanks (136 litre capacity each) each containing 8 fishes. Various water quality parameters like water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness and free CO2 were monitored during the experimental study The present experimental study revealed that incorporating a mixed diet completes the nutrient requirement for Cyprinus carpio hematopterus fry rearing. The present study will benefit the aquaculturists by reducing the risk of mortality of larval rearing of fishes and increasing the total fish production. The results were expressed as mean ± SD and the data were analyzed using One- way ANOVA calculator including Turkey HSD.

Comparative Bio-accumulation Potential of Chromium and Cadmium and Their Toxic Effects on Morphology of Earthworm’s Species, Pheretima posthuma

İn this study research was conducted to investigate the accumulative ability and devastating effect of Chromium sulfate (CrSO4) and Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on the growth of earthworm (EW), Pheretima posthuma. An experimental trial conducted in the Labortory of the Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. After acclimatization, earthworms reared in jars were divided into five groups with three replicates, Group A controlled, Group B was given 200mg/kg CrSO4, Group C was given 300 mg/kg CrSO4, Group D was given 200mg/kg CdCl2, Group E was given for 300mg/kg CdCl2 treated-soil, respectively. The flame spectrophotometer was used for the quantification of absorption of heavy metals. After 30 days post-exposure, the highest Cr accumulation (8.88±0.07 mg/kg ) was detected in group C while highest accumulation of Cd (7.81±0.09 mg/ kg) was detected in group E. Furthermore, it was noted that these significant accumulations resulted in weight and length reduction. The highest weight reduction (-1.23±0.02g) was observed in group C while the lowest weight reduction (-1.15±0.01g) was observed in group E. Similarly, the highest length reduction (-1.82±0.03cm) was observed in group C while lower length reduction (-1.745±0.24cm) was noted in group E. It was evident that Cr has a more deleterious effect on earthworm growth than Cd. The control showed weight gain (0.26±0.05g) and length gain (1.98±0.27cm). The result of the study were statistically significant (P<0.05). Taken together, it was concluded that earthworm has great potential for bio-accumulation of available heavy metals (Cd and Cr) in the soil and Cr has a higher potential for bio-accumulation than Cd. Although earthworm has a great tendency to survive in a heavy metal environment, their body mass is reduced due to heavy metal toxicity. This study aims to understand the storage of heavy metals in earthworms and to investigate their bioaccumulation ability. This study aims to how heavy metals are stored in earthworms and investigate their capacity for bioaccumulation.

Diplopod types in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, II. (Arthropoda: Myriapoda: Diplopoda)

After forty years, the type specimens kept in the Myriapoda Collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum are revisited, a current catalogue is provided, and the status of the old names are updated and reevaluated. A total of 239 nominal taxa (species, subspecies, varietas and forma) are listed which is an almost fivefold increase compared to the number (35) of the previous catalogue from 1983. Two collections of old type specimens arrived to the museum after 1983: a set of Daday’s types from the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle Genève in 2004, and another collection containing Loksa’s material from the Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, in 2017. Thorough search in the collection revealed type material of 66 species-group taxa originally considered lost. 53 type specimens that were supposedly deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum are missing, and the possible reason for that is discussed. In addition, a comprehensive bibliography is given along with the names of all type taxa dealt in those publications. With 43 figures, 8 tables, and an appendix.

Вклад Михаила Дмитриевича Рузского в изучение фауны птиц Волжско-Камского края

Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky is one of the last encyclopedic scientists of the 20th century, known for his works on zoology, ichthyology and ornithology, hydrobiology, and entomology. Professor Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky (1864-1948) is one of the country outstanding biologists and founders of the national science of ants, the first researcher of the myrmecofauna of Russia and neighboring countries. He made a significant contribution to the development of not only individual sciences, but also the formation of university education in Russia. The Kazan period of his biography is significant for his life and career. Mikhail Dmitrievich began his bird watching in Kazan and its surroundings while still being a very young researcher. His formation as a scientist began in Kazan Imperial University. Ruzsky had his first publications on birds in 1889, although he began conducting ornithological observations from the first years of university. The significant coverage of the territory allowed him not only to obtain new data on the distribution of birds in these areas, but also compare the lists of species and changes in their composition. His interest in studying fauna was influenced by the works of his predecessors - famous local historians and scientists of Russia - Pallas, Eversman, Bogdanov, and others. Ruzky gave the first list of birds of the Kazan province. In 1893, he presented his master’s thesis, Materials for the Study of Birds of the Kazan Province, whose results were published in the Proceedings of the Society of Naturalists of Kazan University. Ruzsky was the curator and collector of the Zoological Museum of Kazan University; within just one decade (from 1887 to 1896), he delivered 439 specimens of birds to the museum. His works made it possible to compile the first list of the avifauna of Kazan. He noted 56 species of birds directly inhabiting the city, and about 50 species found in the vicinity. A comparison of Ruzsky’s regional avi-faunistic lists with the data from recent years made it possible to present the dynamics and main changes that occurred in the composition of the bird fauna of the Volga-Kama Region over two hundred years. He was one of the organizers of the Kazan City Museum (now the National Museum of the Republic of T atarstan), chairman of its Council (1912), and having received the title of honorary member of the museum staff, he became director of the Natural History Department (1908-1913). Mikhail Dmitrievich was directly involved in the formation of the third Zoological Museum in Kazan located in the Veterinary Institute (now the Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine), where he also worked for some time. The studies conducted on the avifauna of the Volga-Kama Region laid the foundation for subsequent large-scale work on both zoogeography, species distribution, and species ecology. In 1913, Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky was elected professor of the Department of Zoology in Kiev and Tomsk Universities. He faced the choice and gave his preference to Tomsk devoting next 35 years of his life to working for the benefit of science in Tomsk University. The article contains 2 Figures, 13 References. The Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Effect of antioxidant enzymes and electrolytes of Aloe vera juice on the toxicity induced by ethionamide and para-aminosalicylic acid on Sprague-Dawley rats

Background: This aim is so widely used and believed to have healing properties that it is called “true aloe.” Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat laxity and as a cleansing cleanser. Some of the most common health benefits of are as follows: Promotes wound healing, anti-fungal activity, hypoglycemia or antidiabetes effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer properties, immobilomodulatory properties, and gastroprotective properties. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of A. vera juice against antituberculosis drugs ethionamide (ETH) and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) by quantifying antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) and electrolytes in rats. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of A. vera were collected from botanical garden and the sample was identified. The sample was brought to the laboratory of the Department of Zoology at Patkar-Verde College, Goregaon, Mumbai. 50 g of leaves were ground with 50 mL of distilled water in a sterilized pestle and mortar and the yield so determined by comparing the weight of the extract with the weight of pulp. In the experiment, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex (average weight 150–250 g) were used. Each group was given the drugs ETH, PAS drug, and A. vera juice on a daily basis for 28 days. The serum of the rat was withdrawn and analyzed for antioxidant enzymes and electrolyte levels. Results: We observed a decrease in the level of GSH in rats treated with anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs ETH and PAS. However, when A. vera juice was coadministered with PAS, either independently or in combination, it resulted in improved levels of GSH. In addition, the rats treated with A. vera juice showed a decrease in the level of MDA. Furthermore, coadministration of A. vera juice in combination with ETH + PAS + A. vera juice led to increased levels of CAT in rats. The concentration of Na+ in rats treated with A. vera juice in combination with ETH and PAS showed a decrease, which could potentially aid in normal metabolism. On the other hand, the elevation of K+ in the rats treated with A. vera juice indicates their adaptation to salinity, as K+ levels act somatically to prevent influx into roots and shoots. This elevation in K+ can be utilized to lower salt levels in rats experiencing stress. Moreover, the rats treated solely with A. vera juice exhibited the lowest level of Ca+, confirming their low salt stress condition. Finally, it was observed that the rats treated with A. vera juice experienced depletion in A. vera concentration. Conclusion: Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be inferred that A. vera is rich in phenolic and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant properties. This unequivocally demonstrates that possesses the ability to scavenge free radicals and plays a beneficial role in combating pathological conditions induced by reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, it has been established that reduces electrolyte levels and diminishes salt accumulation in comparison to groups administered with anti-TB medications ETH and PAS.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDS ON THE GROWTH OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO)

The present experiment was conducted in a rectangular aquarium for three months to evaluate the growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Growth performance of Common Carp were studied under four different feed supplements i.e. Feed contained Rice and Wheat bran (CG), Fish meal (T1), Poultry meal (T2) and waste proteins (T3). These four different supplementary feed were supplied to fish which were kept in four different tanks at Aquarium (Fisheries Lab) in Zoology department UAJ and K Muzaffarabad, at the rate of 0.25 gm/per day. Initially, at the time of stocking, the morphometric characteristics, viz, average body weight and average body length was measured. After initiation of experiment, these morphometric characteristics as well as physico-chemical parameters (pH and water temperature) of the water were recorded on daily basis throughout the study period. Average Body weight of Common Carp was recorded as, 13.91±1.592, 10.88±0.617, 11.96±0.967, 10.841±0.725 gm under treatment T1, T2 and T3 and Control group respectively. The final body weight of fish in Control group and treatment groups showed that fish kept in T1 (P-Value=0.003) have gained the maximum body weight, while other treatment groups showed no significant statistical difference. Final Body Length of Common Carp was recorded as 7.44±0.169, 11.28±1.407, 8.031±0.473, 9.293±1.490cm under Control group, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The final body length of fish in Control group and treatment groups showed that fish kept in T1 (P-Value = 0.001) gained more length followed by T3 (P-Value = 0.007). There is no significant statistical difference in Control group and T2. These results suggest that T1 containing the 30% wheat and rice bran supplementary diets can increase the fish maximum body weight and body length.

Estudos morfológicos e moleculares sobre um parasita nematoide, Syphacia obvelata, que infecta camundongos de laboratório (Mus musculus) na Arábia Saudita

ABSTRACT During screening laboratory mice (Mus musculus) at the Zoology Department of the College of Science, King Saud University, some tiny oxyurid nematodes were detected from the large intestine of these rodents. Worms were identified using morphological and morphometric description. Furthermore, DNA was extracted from worms and subjected to polymerase chain reaction to amplify 18S rDNA and ITS (ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2) regions. Worms detected from caecum and colon of mice were detected in 80% of mice investigated. Morphologically, worms showed elongated body with tapered anterior end and narrow posterior part with cuticular annulations. Male worms measured 0.71-1.12 (0.90) long and 0.01-0.12 (0.11) wide. Female worms measured 3.12-5.011 (4.30) long and 0.13-0.29 (0.17) wide. Esophagus followed by intestine which opens at the posterior end via anal opening in females and via cloacal opening in males. Males have a single spicule with a gubernaculum and an accessory hook. Females’ uteri were pack with eggs. Data from 18S rDNA revealed a sequence which was identical to Syphacia obvelata in NCBI GenBank. Similarly, sequences from ITS regions grouped with sequences from S. obvelata confirming the morphological identity of the worm. However, it showed 3 mutations at the ITS2 region from related sequences from S. obvelata at NCBI GenBank.