Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.)

The ethanol leaf extract of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) was evaluated for its analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. The extract, at the dose of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) body weight, exerted the analgesic activity by observing the number of abdominal contractions and anti-inflammatory activity against Carrageenin induced paw edema in mice by measuring the paw volume. The ethanolic extract of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction of percentage of writhing of 33.57 and 61.31% at 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) oral dose, respectively, when compared to negative control. The Ethanolic plant extract also showed significant (p < 0.05) dose dependent reduction of mean increase of formation of paw edema. The results of the experiment and its statistical analysis showed that the ethanolic plant extract had shown significant (p < 0.05) dose dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities when compared to the control.     

Methylene Blue Adsorption onto Water Hyacinth: Batch and Column Study

The adsorption of methylene blue cationic dye by water hyacinth root was studied in a batch system. The experimental data isotherms were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The monolayer adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye was found as 0.187?kg?kg^?1. Three kinetic models (the pseudo-first order, the pseudo-second order, and the unified approach) were used to calculate the adsorption rate constants. The kinetic data along with equilibrium constants (maximum monolayer capacity and Langmuir constant) fitted well with unified approach model for different initial concentrations, and the rate constants were determined. Laboratory column experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of water hyacinth root for methylene blue sorption under dynamic flow conditions. Breakthrough curves were plotted for the methylene blue adsorption on the adsorbent using continuous flow column operation by varying the bed height (0.06?C0.12?m) and the feed concentrations (0.1?C0.2?kg?m^?3). Different column design parameters, such as depth of exchange zone, adsorption rate, and adsorption capacity, were calculated. At the end, an attempt has also been made to model the data generated from column studies using the empirical relationship based on Bohart?CAdams model.     

Prospects of Marine Sterols against Pathobiology of Alzheimer’s Disease: Pharmacological Insights and Technological Advances

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognition, mostly affecting the elderly. Numerous functional bioactives have been reported in marine organisms, and anti-Alzheimer’s agents derived from marine resources have gained attention as a promising approach to treat AD pathogenesis. Marine sterols have been investigated for several health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-aging, and anti-Alzheimer’s activities, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Marine sterols interact with various proteins and enzymes participating via diverse cellular systems such as apoptosis, the antioxidant defense system, immune response, and cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we briefly overview the potential of marine sterols against the pathology of AD and provide an insight into their pharmacological mechanisms. We also highlight technological advances that may lead to the potential application of marine sterols in the prevention and therapy of AD.     

RESOURCE ALLOCATION EFFICIENCY OF THE PRAWN-CARP FARMERS OF BANGLADESH

This paper evaluates resource allocation efficiency of prawn-carp polyculture systems by making use of the data of 105 farmers of Bangladesh. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to estimate the efficiency. Mean technical efficiency (TE), allocative efficiency (AE) and cost efficiency (CE) were 85%, 58%, and 49%, respectively. Fifty percent of prawn-carp farmers displayed full TE whereas only 9% were cost efficient. Actual input application largely deviated from the technical and cost-efficient levels. TEs and AEs showed a positive and negative correlation with pond size, respectively. Labor, fingerlings and feed were overused while organic and inorganic fertilizers were underused in general. Adjustments in actual input allocations were necessary to make use consistent with TE and CE levels. The study concludes that mere achievement of technical efficiency in prawn-carp production may be a short-run concern; the farmers have to be economically efficient in the long-run.     

FISH CONSUMPTION AND FOOD SECURITY: A DISAGGREGATED ANALYSIS BY TYPES OF FISH AND CLASSES OF CONSUMERS IN SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses fish consumption and preference patterns for fish species by income groups, and by urban/rural divide in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The analysis is based on primary data collected by the WorldFish Center and its partner institutes by means of a survey of 5,931 households in the selected countries. The FAO database and other published materials were also used to analyze trends in fish consumption. Freshwater fish species constitute a major share in total per capita fish consumption in most of these countries. Pelagic and demersal marine fish are the main contributor to per capita total fish consumption in the countries with longer coastal boundaries (such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand), and in the coastal regions within each country. Results suggest that fish contributes between 15% and 53% of the total animal protein intake in these countries. Fish consumption varies widely with economic position of the households, in terms of both per capita consumption and type of fish species. Per capita fish consumption increases with increase in income. The share of fish protein in total animal protein expenditure is higher for lower income groups, demonstrating their dependence on fish as a source of animal protein. Poor people consume mostly low-price fish and rich people spend a significant portion of their fish budget on expensive fish. Per capita fish consumption is substantially higher in rural areas than in urban areas.     

Persistence of metalaxyl and mancozeb on potato leaves and their residues in tubers

The persistence of fungicides on two commercial cultivars of potato was determined under field conditions at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Initial deposits of mancozeb on potato leaves were found to be 26.9 and 38.7 mg kg(-1), following application of ready mixture of fungicide metalaxyl 8% + mancozeb 64% (Ridomil MZ) at the rate of 1260 and 2520 g a.i. ha(-1), whereas metalaxyl residues were found to be 35.1 and 49.5 mg kg(-1), respectively. The residue level of mancozeb in potato leaves 15 days after application at single and double doze were 19.0 and 27.0 mg kg(-1) showing a loss of 29.6 and 30.3%, whereas the values for metalaxyl at single and double doze were 0.40 and 0.80 mg kg(-1) showing a loss of 98.9 and 98.4%, respectively. Residues of mancozeb and metalaxyl were not detected at 0.04 and 0.02 mg kg(-1) level in potato tubers at harvest (PHI = 53 days) at both the dosages, respectively. The persistence and dissipation of mancozeb with the application of Ridomil MZ followed similar trend as in Indofil M-45. The rate of fungicide dissipation increased with time after application in both the potato cultivars 'Kufri Chandramukhi' and 'Chipsona'. No significant difference was observed on initial deposit, persistence and dissipation of the two molecules between the two potato cultivars.     

Technical efficiency in tilapia farming of Bangladesh: a stochastic frontier production approach

Genetically improved farmed tilapia is increasingly getting popular in Bangladesh. It has high production potential. Its dominant production technology ranges from extensive to improved extensive particularly in the rural areas. This study estimates levels and determinants of farm-level technical efficiency of tilapia farmers of Bangladesh using stochastic frontier production function involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. Data from fifty tilapia farmers of Jessore district are used in the analysis. The mean technical efficiency level of the tilapia farmers is 78%, and thus, the farmers operate 22% below the frontier production. Inefficiency effect is significant, and age, education, income, culture length, pond age, pond depth, water colour and pond tenure, as a group, are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, tilapia yield can be improved from the current level of 7.36–8.96?tons per hectare. The decision to add or not to add inputs is sometimes taken arbitrarily and not based on technology requirement. There is a lack of understanding of the technology practices. Fisheries extension efforts are required for proper understanding of the technology practices, further adoption and spread. For promotion of tilapia production, quality feed and seed at affordable price needs to be ensured.     

Validation of molecular markers linked to fertility restorer gene(s) for WA-CMS lines of rice

The present study was carried out with the objective to validate the molecular markers, which have been previously reported to be linked to fertility restorer (Rf) gene(s) for WA-CMS lines of rice. Two mapping populations involving fertility restorer lines for WA-cytoplasm, viz., (i) an F₂ population derived from the cross IR58025A/KMR3R consisting of 347 plants and (ii) a BC₁F₁ population derived from the cross IR62829A/IR10198R//IR62829A consisting of 130 plants were analyzed. Nine SSR and three CAPS markers reported to be linked to Rf genes along with two previously unreported SSR markers were analyzed in the mapping populations. In both the populations studied, the trait of fertility restoration was observed to be under digenic control. Eight SSR markers (RM6100, RM228, RM171, RM216, RM474, RM311, MRG4456 and pRf1&2) showed polymorphism between the parents of the F₂ population, while the SSR markers RM6100 and RM474 showed polymorphism between the parents of both the F₂ and BC₁F₁ populations. Only one CAPS marker, RG146FL/RL was polymorphic between the parents of the BC₁F₁ population. RM6100 was observed to be closely segregating with fertility restoration in both the mapping populations and was located at a distance of ~1.2 cM. The largest phenotypic variation was accounted for the region located between RM311 and RM6100. Using the marker-trait segregation data derived from analysis of both the mapping populations, a local linkage map of the genomic region around Rf-4, a major fertility restoration locus on Chromosome 10 was constructed, and RM6100 was observed to be very close to the gene at a distance of 1.2 cM. The accuracy of the marker RM6100 in predicting fertility restoration was validated in 21 restorers and 18 maintainers. RM6100 amplified the Rf-4 linked allele in a majority of the restorers with a selection accuracy of 94.87%. Through the present study, we have established the usefulness of the marker RM6100 in marker-assisted selection for fertility restoration in segregating populations and identification of restorers while screening rice germplasm for their fertility restoration ability.     

Investigation on pre-zygotic barriers in the interspecific crosses involving Gossypium barbadense and four diploid wild species

Interspecific hybridisation has played significant role in the improvement of economically useful traits such as productivity, earliness, fibre quality and resistance to pests and diseases in cotton. However, wide crosses are often limited by the operation of either pre or/and post-fertilization barriers. The present study on pollen tube behaviour of four diploid wild species viz., G. triphyllum, G. davidsonii, G. thurberi and G. armourianum in the pistils of G. barbadense was taken up to determine the extent of pre-zygotic barriers operating in these crosses. High rate of pollen germination (∼80%) and normal growth of pollen tubes were observed upon selfing of both G. barbadense and four wild species. Pollen tubes reached the pistils and fertilization was accomplished within 8 HAP in all the five parental species. In the interspecific crosses, pollen germination was normal in the cross involving G. armourianum and drastically inhibited in the crosses involving G. triphyllum, G. davidsonii and G. thurberi. Even though delayed pollen tube growth was a general feature in all the four crosses, successful fertilization was observed only in the cross involving G. armourianum. In crosses involving G. triphyllum, G. davidsonii and G. thurberi, pollen tubes failed to reach the ovary even at 24 HAP due to the presence of strong stylar and ovarian incompatibility. Abnormalities in pollen tubes such as swelling, twisting, intense callose plug formation, breakage, branching and reverse orientation were frequently observed among the incompatible crosses.