Northeast Part Of India Research Articles

Identification and characterization of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of North East India by ITS2 and 16S rDNA sequences and morphological analysis

To investigate and identify the ticks prevalent in the North East part of India, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and DNA sequence of nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were used. Based on the morphological and molecular analysis, the ticks infesting cattle of North East India were found to be Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. ITS2 and 16S rDNA sequence from R. (B.) microplus and H. bispinosa were amplified using universal and gene specific primers, sequenced and analysed. The length of the amplified ITS2 sequence of R. (B.) microplus and H. bispinosa, were found to be approximately 1,500 and 1,700 bp, respectively. The length of the 16S rDNA sequences in both the ticks was found to be similar in size, but they differ in their base pair constitutions. This is the first report of the nucleotide sequences of ITS2 and 16S rDNA of H. bispinosa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. bispinosa is a close relative of H. longicornis. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism diagnostic tool was developed based on HindIII digestion of ITS2 in order to facilitate the identification of these two species which cannot be distinguished once it is fully-fed. Present study describes the use of SEM and 16S rDNA/ITS2 based molecular analysis in identification and differentiation of fully fed tick species.

27: Altered immune modulation is key to alcoholic liver disease development and severity: A Northeast India based study

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Abnormal cytokine metabolism is a major feature in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis, and levels correlates with markers of the acute phase response, liver function, and clinical outcome. ALD is a major health and socio-economic problem in Northeast India (NEI), where alcoholic consumption (majorly indigenously prepared) is customary in the tribal communities. Aim To delineate the role of differential expression/modulation of important cytokines in the development of ALD and its progression to advance liver disease. Methods The study included clinically proved cases of ALD along with comparative cohorts of alcohol consumers without liver disease, age and sex matched healthy controls from different parts of NEI. Differential cytokine profile was studied by FACS analysis (Th1/Th2 kit, BD) and confirmed with magpix magnetic bead based multiplex ELISA. Results There is a distinct role of higher Th1 modulation in ALD development, with significantly higher expression of IFN- γ and IL-12 in cirrhosis cases. Importantly, altered expression of important Th2 cytokines like IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 plays a major role in the development of cirrhosis; whereas gradient down-regulation in IL-4 expression correlated with disease development and severity ( Table 1 ). Similarly, higher expre-ssion of TNF- α at mRNA and protein levels correlated with disease severity. Conclusion Th1 biased modulation is key to ALD development and severity. Hence new strategies to target cytokine metabolism as a form of therapy for ALD may be suitable approach to attenuate liver injury.

Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) marker reveals genetic diversity of Dendrobium nobile Lindl., an endangered medicinal orchid species

Genetic variability in the wild genotypes of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. collected from different parts of Northeast India, was analyzed using a Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) marker system. A total of sixty individuals comprising of six natural populations were investigated for the existing natural genetic diversity. One hundred and thirty two (132) amplicons were produced by SCoT marker generating 96.21% polymorphism. The PIC value of the SCoT marker system was 0.78 and the Rp values of the primers ranged between 4.43 and 7.50. The percentage of polymorphic loci (Pp) ranging from 25% to 56.82%, Nei's gene diversity (h) from 0.08 to 0.15 with mean Nei's gene diversity of 0.28, and Shannon's information index (I) values ranging from 0.13 to 0.24 with an average value of 0.43 were recorded. The gene flow value (0.37) and the diversity among populations (0.57) demonstrated higher genetic variation among the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 43.37% of variation within the populations, whereas 56.63% variation was recorded among the populations. Cluster analysis also reveals high genetic variation among the genotypes. Present investigation suggests the effectiveness of SCoT marker system to estimate the genetic diversity of D. nobile and that it can be seen as a preliminary point for future research on the population and evolutionary genetics of this endangered orchid species of medicinal importance.

Hydrocarbon Prospectivity in Central Part of Tripura, India, Using an Integrated Approach

In this study an attempt has been made to evaluate the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Central Tripura. The geological factors, surface exposures, geochemical anomalies, seismic expressions have been studied and were correlated with distribution pattern of gas fields in Bangladesh. Discoveries of oil and gas in and around of the study area have been studied and prospects have been analyzed in light of various geological and geophysical risks associated with them. The exploration efforts which were mostly confined to the synclinal areas are now gradually getting shifting towards the anticlines. The integrated study proposed in this study can help us to prepare a road map for exploration in the north east part of India.

Deluge amidst conflict: Hydropower development and displacement in the North-east region of India

In recent years, there has been a surge in hydropower projects in the North-east part of India, constructed under the aegis of the national state. Foregrounding this fact, our article conceptualizes North-east India as a ‘region’ that is not only physiographic in nature but also discursively constructed by history, culture and politics, in the colonial and postcolonial times. We argue that when large developmental projects such as hydropower projects are commissioned in this messy context of the North-eastern region in India, it gives rise to myriad problems of ethnic strife, cultural identity and indigenous rights that reflect a ‘regional pattern’. In tandem with these various dispossessions brought about by such developmental projects, there is a slowly emerging political consciousness at the regional level to counter these developmental projects. This is still in a very burgeoning stage. In this article, we have envisioned such a regional level collaboration among various ethnic identity based mobilizations, as a counterpart of civil society. Such an ethnic alliance is an imperative, to balance the ‘excesses’ of the ‘sovereign nation state’ and its notion of ‘development’.

Genetic diversity in ecotypes of the scarce wild medicinal crop Zingiber moran revealed by ISSR and AFLP marker analysis and chromosome number assessment

Zingiber moran, a rare ginger found only in a few parts of northeast India, faces the threat of extinction due to its exploitation as an important medicinal plant. In this study, the chromosome number of wild ecotypes of Z. moran was determined and the genetic analysis was carried out using two kinds of molecular markers: inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A chromosome number of 2n = 22 was confirmed for all 10 ecotypes investigated. AFLP analysis revealed a greater amount of genetic polymorphism (95.06%), with a strong resolving power in detecting intraspecific variation, compared to ISSR analysis (34.61%). Genetic diversity parameters, such as number of observed alleles (na), mean number of effective alleles (ne), mean Nei's gene diversity index (h), and Shannon index (I) for ISSR and AFLP were in the range 1.34–1.95, 1.25–1.60, 1.44–0.33, and 0.20–0.49, respectively. Marker indices and polymorphic information content varied from 0.5–19.3 and 0.03–0.27 for ISSR, and 28.2–39 and 0.3–0.39 for AFLP, respectively. Dendrograms derived by unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages cluster analysis based on molecular data classified the ecotypes into two major clusters. The Mantel test cophenetic correlation coefficient (r) for ISSR (0.85) and AFLP (0.91) showed a good degree of confidence in the association with 10 ecotypes. Clustering was further supported by principle component analysis which demarcated individuals of hilly topography from the ones of plain land.

Establishment of Dams and Embankments of Frontier River of North East Part of India: Impact on North-Western Region of Bangladesh

India has built barrages on 17 more rivers in the east and northeast border with Bangladesh. Most of these dams and embankments act as the main barrier to flow water towards downstream like Bangladesh. As a result the rivers of Bangladesh that comes from India are falling in crisis of proper water. A study showed about 30 rivers of north-western part of Bangladesh gets very few water only due to dams and embankment made by India at the upstream of those rivers. Such massive water control projects of India are clearly a threat for a state that lies down of those. Unfortunately, and often ironically, national leaders of our country prefer to negotiate this sensitive matter rather than to make a strong protect of this inhuman and unethical activities. What is more astonishing news is that some time our state policy makers like to keep silent and avoid about it. India is always ready to controlling nature to serve economic development rather than addressing issues of trans-boundary and socio-environmental responsibilities. In fact, Indian plan to divert the water of Frontier Rivers is increasing at an alarming rate for Bangladesh. Here one thing is mentionable that is this types of project even harmful for India also. And peoples of north western state of India are in against of such harmful and high ambitious unnecessary project. Some time they also make a protest against it. Recently China and India are going to establish a large dam at the up Stream of Brahmaputra River. It would impair India’s own plan to link approximately thirty of its own rivers, a project that is bound to affect the downstream riparian state of Bangladesh. As a result drastic fall in the water flow of Teesta during the lean season, especially in February and March will occur in more frequent and will seriously hampers irrigation in Bangladesh. Such international trans-boundary river development projects raise many important issues. They never consider the impact that will impose upon the down stream part like Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14614 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 1-12, June-December 2010

A Study on Flood Hazard Mitigation of Guwahati City

The problem of urban flood of Guwahati, a city located in the northeast part of India, is one of the burning problems at present. The topography of the city is such that rainwater cannot drain out easily from the heart of the city. With rapid growth of residential area in the surrounding hills, sediment yield from the immediate upper catchment is increasing and deposition of the same in drains is adding another dimension to this problem. Therefore innovative planning and efficient design of the drainage network is necessary. An effort has been made to study finer details of the siltation process by investigating a small part of the drainage system. Theoretical analysis has revealed that for the existing cross section and bed slope, flow velocity in the drain should have exceeded the required scouring velocity to make the channel a self cleansing one. Thus, sedimentation occurs due to other factors. Possible factors responsible for sediment deposition have been analyzed and some remedial measures have been suggested. Scope of restricting sediment and water yield from the hilly watershed by implementing ecological management practices (EMP) has also been investigated and a concept of adopting optimal EMP has been suggested.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chorei tribes of Southern Assam, North Eastern India

ObjectiveTo explore and enumerate the medicinal plants used by the Chorei tribe residing in Sourthern Assam part of North Eastern India in the treatment of various ailments. MethodsSystematic and intensive field surveys were conducted in Chorei inhabited parts of Southern Assam part of North East India to collect information on medicinal plants used by them in treatment of various ailments. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and personal observations made during the field visit. ResultsA total of 53 different medicinal plants were recorded along with their vernacular names, parts used and mode of utilization by the Chorei tribes. Each of the plants was categorized according to their use in treatment of particular disease. ConclusionsThe present study revealed that the Chorei tribe is primarily dependent of medicinal plant for treatment of various ailments.

Antimalarial plants of northeast India: An overview

The need for an alternative drug for malaria initiated intensive efforts for developing new antimalarials from indigenous plants. The information from different tribal communities of northeast India along with research papers, including books, journals and documents of different universities and institutes of northeast India was collected for information on botanical therapies and plant species used for malaria. Sixty-eight plant species belonging to 33 families are used by the people of northeast India for the treatment of malaria. Six plant species, namely, Alstonia scholaris, Coptis teeta, Crotolaria occulta, Ocimum sanctum, Polygala persicariaefolia, Vitex peduncularis, have been reported by more than one worker from different parts of northeast India. The species reported to be used for the treatment of malaria were either found around the vicinity of their habitation or in the forest area of northeast India. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (33%), roots (31%), and bark and whole plant (12%). The present study has compiled and enlisted the antimalarial plants of northeast India, which would help future workers to find out the suitable antimalarial plants by thorough study.

A Study of the Bacteriological Profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Agartala

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most commonly encountered diseases in otolaryngology practice. Even in this era of powerful antibiotics, CSOM still consumes considerable medical expenditure, especially in the poorer sections of the society. The present prospective study was conducted at the IGM Hospital, Agartala, in North East India towards clinico-microbiologic evaluation of chronic suppurative otitis media. The focus was mainly on aerobic bacteria, involved in active CSOM in adults as well as children. An attempt was made, despite resource and man power constraints, to have a glimpse of the current antibiotic sensitivity pattern, with special reference to ciprofloxacin. However, the main aim of this study is to see the types of aerobic bacteria involved in CSOM, in our region. Aural swabs were collected from 100 ears, from 97 patients complaining of ear discharge, continuous or intermittent, with a non- intact tympanic membrane for at least 12weeks. Swabs were sent to the hospitals microbiology laboratory for culture and sensitivity tests. Bacteria could be isolated in 53 cases and 47 swabs were culture negative. The commonest bacteria isolated was pseudomonas (20) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11), E. coli (11), proteus (9) and klebseilla (2). Three patients had bilateral ear discharge of which one had proteus in both ear swabs, one grew proteus in one ear and no growth in the other, and one patient showed no aerobic bacteria in any of his ear swabs. Among the culture positive cases (n=53) gram negative bacteria were isolated in 79.24% (n=42) and S. aureus in 11(20.75%) cases. Among 97 patients number of male and female patients was 50 and 47, respectively. Pseudomonas, E. coli, Bacilli proteus and S. aureus were the predominant bacteria involved in CSOM. Out of the 53 positive isolates ciprofloxacin could be tested against 35 i.e., 66%. Ciprofloxacin was sensitive in 26 isolates, intermediately sensitive in 4 and resistant in only five isolates. It is concluded that, gram negative bacteria especially pseudomonas is the commonest bacteria involved in CSOM in this part of north east India. Ciprofloxacin is an important tool in the management of active CSOM as it is cheap, less ototoxic and widely available as topical preparations.

Genetic diversity assessment of Jatropha curcas L. germplasm from Northeast India

Genetic variability in the wild genotypes of Jatropha curcas L., collected from different parts of Northeast India, was analyzed using two different single primer amplification reactions (SPAR) methods, viz., inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD). A total of 36 genotypes were used to investigate the existing natural genetic variation at intra-specific level. One hundred forty nine (149) amplification products were scored by ISSR and DAMD, both of which collectively showed 75.83% polymorphism with a mean intra-population genetic diversity (H-s) of 0.1309. However, their level of diversity at inter- and intra-population levels was significant, with the percentage of polymorphic loci (P) ranging from 22.82% to 44.30%, Shannon's information index (H-pop) from 0.1302 to 0.2541 and Nei's gene diversity (H-E) from 0.0831 to 0.1723 with mean Nei's gene diversity (H-T) 0.2202 and the overall estimate of gene flow being (Nm) 0.8085. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 68.88% of variation at intrapopulation level, whereas 31.12% variation was recorded at inter-population level. Cluster analysis also supported the existence of genetic diversity in the genotypes of J. curcas collected from Assam and Meghalaya provinces of Northeast India. Present investigation suggests the efficiency of SPAR methods to estimate the genetic diversity precisely which can define genetic relationship and population genetics of]. curcas. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The State, the Rebel and the Chief: Public Authority and Land Disputes in Assam, India

ABSTRACTBased upon an ethnographic study of two land disputes in the rural Assamese district of Karbi Anglong (India), this article challenges the idea that the entry of new institutional players, with their multiple sets of rules, inevitably leads to open institutional conflict. Although a wide range of political actors are involved in the regulation of land tenure in Karbi Anglong, they cannot be regarded as institutional structures ready to undercut one another. As in other parts of Northeast India, none of the claimants of public power involved —‘the state’, ‘the rebel’ or ‘the chief’— attain full sovereignty, which forces them to exercise authority predominantly through practices of negotiation and accommodation, and only selective contestation. If open institutional conflict does occur, as in the Dhansiri forest and the Singhason plateau cases studied here, this is due to the fact that one of the institutional players has overstretched and attempted to exercise authority beyond its realm of power. This article thus argues for a more agency‐oriented method of analysis in the study of land relations. The focus on everyday interactions between ‘the state’, ‘the rebel’ and ‘the chief’ in Karbi Anglong is a first attempt in that regard.

Genetic diversity analysis in the traditional and improved ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) clones cultivated in North-East India

Identification of clonal or genotypic variations is a prerequisite for ginger (Z ingiber officinale Rosc.) improvement programmes. Genetic diversity analysis was carried out in a set of forty-nine ginger clones cultivated in North-East India using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The set included clones of released varieties and clones collected from various parts of North East India. Jaccard's genetic similarity, cluster analysis and principal component analysis identified five clusters. Cluster V included four clones traditionally cultivated in the Indian state of Meghalaya known for production of high-quality ginger indicating that the clones were a good candidate for ginger improvement. Specific bands for these clones were also identified. Principal component analysis of the molecular data supported grouping of the clones into six hypothetical populations based on their source or location of collection.

Bulbophyllum hirtum (Sm.) Lindl. (Orchidaceae) - New record for western Himalaya, India

Bulbophyllum hirtum (Sm.) Lindl., so far known from the North-East part of India is being first time reported from Western Himalaya.

Profile of Acute Liver Failure from North-east India and Its Differences from other Parts of the Country

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcute liver failure (ALF) is a critical illness with a large number of viral and nonviral causes. Clinical course and etiologies in the Asian countries are different from those reported from the Western world and mortality is high. There may even be intracountry variations in large countries like India, which have differing culture, ethnicity, and environment. Data from North-east part of India is lacking.Materials and methodsAcute liver failure cases (>14 years of age) seen over a period of 8 years (n = 255) were studied at a Government Medical College in Assam for their etiological and other demographic profile. Viral serology was carried out and revalidated at a laboratory in New Delhi.ResultsMajority of cases were <30 years of age. Commonest etiology was nonviral (non-ABCE). Amongst viral causes, hepatitis A and E were common, while hepatitis B virus (HBV) was rare. Unknown herbal medication use was very frequent in our cases with a significantly higher mortality. Mortality was highest in cases in 3rd decade of life. Statistically, international normalized ratio (INR) was the strongest predictor of death.ConclusionUnlike the rest of India, hepatitis virus is not the major cause of ALF in our part; hepatitis A being commoner than hepatitis E, and B is rare. Unknown herbal medications are major cause of mortality and is important medicosocial issue. Our study highlights the differences in the profile of ALF from other Indian and western studies, possibly due to sociocultural factors prevalent in this part.How to cite this articleDas AK, Begum T, Kar P, Dutta A. Profile of Acute Liver Failure from North-east India and Its Differences from other Parts of the Country. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(2):111-115.

Topographic normalization of satellite imagery for image classification in northeast India

IRS-LISS-III satellite imagery covering Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary area located within the Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya State, northeast India, was used for analysis of the landcover pattern and vegetation types occurring there. A maximum likelihood classifier was used to generate a supervised classification into land-cover types and the vegetation types within the forested area. The preparation of training data sets used thematic maps of the area, and knowledge accruing from extensive personal field visits. Sample field plots were located at 30 different places in the Sanctuary for classification accuracy assessment. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was also computed from LISS-III satellite imagery. A digital elevation model (DEM) of the Sanctuary was generated using a GIS. The DEM was used to test the hypothesis that its joint use with the satellite data would increase classification accuracy. This proved to be the case. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed between spectral and DEM variables to cross-check the results. In the example used, that of the rugged terrain in mountainous parts of northeast India, such integration of satellite land-cover data and DEM information appears to be a necessity in improved land-cover mapping for resource planning and utilization.

Functional response and reproductive attributes of the aphidophagous ladybird beetle, Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius) in oak trees of sericultural importance

Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is the dominant predator of the aphid species Cervaphis quercus Takahashi. This aphid is a serious pest of oak trees in several parts of north-east India. Young leaves of oak trees are used in sericulture by rural people and by industry in several parts of north-east India. The effect of different aphid densities on food consumption and fecundity of H. dimidiata was studied in the laboratory. Female beetles were maintained from the time of eclosion till death at a fixed density of 25, 50, 75,100 or 125 aphids. Both the functional response and the reproductive numerical response showed the upper asymptote at 100 adult aphids/female. At this density, females matured earlier and produced more eggs over a longer reproductive period. At lower prey densities, females matured late and they either did not produce eggs or produced fewer eggs. At the higher prey densities, females did not produce more eggs than the asymptote. Results suggested that H. dimidiata are an effective predator of C. quercus aphids on oak trees and could be exploited as a biological control agent in the rising phase of aphid population growth.

An investigation on sources of potential minerals found in traditional vegetables of North-east India

The north-eastern region of India is endowed with a great wealth of plant genetic resources. Out of the vast floral diversity of the region, a large number of indigenous plant species and their wild forms constitute the routine vegetables of the inhabitants, which provide sufficient nutrients and medicinal values for the people. They seem to be quite healthy on average, even though the ethnic tribes are ignorant about the concept of balanced diet and healthcare.This paper describes the mineral (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus) contents and chemical composition in percentages such as carbohydrate, protein, fat, and so forth, found in 15 traditional vegetable species collected from different parts of North-east India. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge on vitamin contents in these vegetables. The amounts of ascorbic acid found in some species were much higher than the amount present in many conventional vegetables.

METHANE EMISSION FROM TWO DIFFERENT RICE ECOSYSTEMS ( AHU AND SALI ) AT LOWER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Monocropping of rice is practiced in Assam (situated at north east part of India) throughout the year in different agro-ecosystems (upland and lowland) primarily under rainfed conditions. The estimation of methane emission has been realized investigating high yielding rice varieties viz. Ranjit and Mahsuri, grown under two different agro-ecosystems at Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam with sandy to sandy loam type of soil. Variety 'Ranjit' grown at monsoon ( Sali ) rice ecosystem at lowland rainfed condition showed higher seasonal integrated methane flux value compared to variety 'Mahsuri' grown at pre monsoon ( Ahu ) rice ecosystem. Both varieties showed two methane peaks, one at the active tillering stage and the second at the reproductive stage of the crop. The observed variation in methane emission peaks are contributed mainly by physiological characteristics of the rice plant such as leaf numbers, tiller numbers, plant height, root shoot biomass and leaf area index. Statistical analysis of these parameters showed a positive correlation with methane emission. These physiological parameters are in turn governed by plant genotypes and environment i.e., the field water availability and climatological factors (rainfall and temperature) during the growing season. While comparing the two ecosystems it was found that methane emission is significantly less from upland rainfed rice ecosystem and this ecosystem can be considered a suitable option for biological mitigation of methane from rice paddies.