Comparative Study on Reproductive Biology of an Exotic (Eisenia andrei) and Indigenous Earthworm (Perionyx sp.)
Surnalata Devi Hijam, Rojen Singh Thounaojam, Chandradev K. Sharma, Narayan Chandra Talukdar*
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Takyelpat Institutional Area, Imphal-795001, Manipur, India; Department of Life Sciences (Zoology), Manipur University, Imphal, Manipur-795003, India; Assam down town University, Sankar Madhab Path, Gandhi Nagar, Panikhaiti, Guwahati, Assam, India-781026.
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Formulation and Evaluation of Oxyphenbutazone Transdermal Patches
Programme of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Assam, India; Home Science, Department of Vikriti Vigyan, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
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A Study on the Impact of Covid-19 on People’s Lifestyle and Behavioural Changes
Pankaj Garg*, Rupinder Kaur
Chitkara School of Mass Communication, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Patiala, Punjab India
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A Review on the Mode of Action of the Gluconeogeic Enzyme, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Its Regulation of Diabetes induced Hyperglycaemia with Special Emphasis on Plant Derived PEPCK Modulators
Asim Kumar Dutta, Partha P. Dutta, Jagat C. Borah and Narayan C. Talukdar*
Life Science Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781035-Assam; Assam Down Town University, Panikhaiti, Guwahati-781026 Assam
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Plants with Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential: A Review on Folk Medicinal Plants of Upper Assam, India
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down town University, Gandhinagar, Panikhaiti, Guwahati 781026, Assam, India.
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Search for Target Proteins of Helicobacter pylori and Modeling
Rajeev Sarmah*, Debo Kanta Pegu, Madhusmita Bhagawati
Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Studies, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam; 3Department of Microbiology, Srimanta Sankardeva University of Health Sciences, Guwahati, Assam
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Optimization of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Mixed Kitchen Waste for Initial Total Solid Concentration
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assam down town University, Guwahati-26, Assam, India; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati- 781013, Assam, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati- 781039, Assam, India
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Development of ZnO Nanorod Sensor for Detection of Malathion
Devabrata Sarmah, Sunandan Baruah*
Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Comparative Study on Reproductive Biology of an Exotic (Eisenia andrei) and Indigenous Earthworm (Perionyx sp.)
Abstract:
Comparative studies were performed to evaluate the reproductive biology of an exotic (Eisenia andrei) and endemic (Perionyx sp.) earthworm species of Imphal district, Manipur, India to assess the potential of these species in vermicomposting. The growth and cocoon production were investigated by rearing worms in an organic feed mix under ambient environment over a period of 360 days. Sexual maturity was attained after 35 and 67 days for E. andrei and Perionyx sp., respectively. The highest mean individual biomass for E. andrei was 1459 ± 31 mg and 1573 ± 30 mg, respectively for first- and second-generation individuals on the 393rd day while that of the Perionyx sp. was 890 ±12 mg on the 378th day. The highest rate of cocoon production was observed to be 1.1 ±0.27and 0.65 ±0.05 cocoons−1worm −1day for E. andrei and Perionyx sp. worms, respectively. E. andrei showed short maturity time and a higher rate of cocoon production compared to Perionyx sp. During the month of December to April, no cocoons were observed in Perionyx sp. pots but the cocoons were found in the E.andrei pots in good numbers throughout the year. The exotic E. andrei species seems to be more suitable than the indigenous Perionyx sp. for vermicomposting in terms of its reproductive capacity.
Formulation and Evaluation of Oxyphenbutazone Transdermal Patches
Abstract:
Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a topical drug delivery system that designed to deliver drugs through intact skin for both local and systemic effects. It offers drug release following sustained release pattern when applied through skin. TDDS offers certain unique advantages like avoidance of fast pass metabolism, prolong therapeutic action, effective disease control etc. The purpose of this research work was to prepare transdermal patches using different polymers includes hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Sodium Carboxy Methyl cellulose (SCMC) by means of solvent evaporation technique and to determine their suitability and effectiveness as polymer that may fulfilled the essential criteria’s of a good transdermal patch. In this study Oxyphenbutazone was used as model drug. Different polymers were used in various ratios and combination. Glycerine was used as plasticizer. All the formulated transdermal patches were subjected for various evaluations like thickness, weight variation, surface pH patches, folding endurance, moisture content, swelling index and in-vitro drug release study and skin permeation study. The results of in-vitro screening parameters were found satisfactory. The performed in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release study results also shows significant results. It has been found that formulation prepared using high concentration of combination polymers shows poor folding endurance and moisture absorption capacity. It has been observed that the amount of drug release also get affected by changes in concentration of polymer. Keywords: Ex-Vivo skin permeation; Oxyphenbutazone; Topical delivery; Transdermal patches
Therapeutic Properties of Averrhoa carambola L and Its Utilization in Development of Value-added Food Products
Abstract:
Carambola commonly known as star fruit, is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to tropical Southeast Asia. It has numerous potential health benefits and is considered as a nutritionally rich fruit. This paper provides a brief overview of the origin, taxonomy and distribution of Averrhea carambola L fruit in India and abroad. The nutritive value specifically the proximate composition, macronutrient & micronutrients composition and bioactive compounds are also elaborately discussed. Medicinal properties of Averrhea carambola L fruit in terms of its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective activity is also briefly discussed. Value addition being a very important method of income generation and entrepreneurship development, how value-added foods can be developed using Averrhea carambola L fruit and scope and prospects of value addition of the fruit is also reviewed in this chapter.
Keywords: Carambola, therapeutic, value-addition, medicinal, nutraceutical
A Study on the Impact of Covid-19 on People’s Lifestyle and Behavioural Changes
Abstract:
The continuing outbreak of an infectious disease of 2019 called corona virus (COVID-19) has been declared as an epidemic which is a worldwide danger to public health. The Indian government took the precautionary step of declaring lockdown to minimize the spread of this disease. This lockdown made a colossal effect on everyone’s life. This study intends to analyze the impact of COVID 19 lockdown on lifestyle along with behaviour changes of human life and how each human being has bring out his ways to deal with this situation. A survey method was used for collecting the data with a structured questionnaire and this data was analyzed with the help of SPSS software. The questionnaire was based on various thirteen parameters which made an impact on human behaviour and lifestyle before and after or during the lockdown. The findings concluded that Lockdown impacted on the daily routines and habits of people. Sleep, eating habits, buying habits and use of internet have found significant differences. Now people are more concern about their personal hygiene and maintaining social distancing. The majority of participants accepted that their behaviour and lifestyle have changed due to COVID-19 and lockdown.
Keywords: COVID-19, Corona virus, Lockdown, Human behaviour and lifestyle, Habits, New normal
A Review on the Mode of Action of the Gluconeogeic Enzyme, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Its Regulation of Diabetes Induced Hyperglycaemia with Special Emphasis on Plant Derived PEPCK Modulators
Abstract:
Phosphoenol pyruvatecarboxykinase (PEPCK) is the key rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenic pathway, which helps to regulate blood glucose homeostasis. Over expression of this enzyme results in pre-diabetes and diabetes and its expression is predominantly regulated by insulin. Insulin levels of diabetic subjects are insufficient to adequately inhibit PEPCK. Thus, inhibition of PEPCK is a promising new therapeutic approach for treatment of diabetes. Specific inhibitors of either PEPCK gene expression or PEPCK enzyme activity might decrease hepatic glucose overproduction and substantially decrease hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants have been used against many diseases including malaria, diabetes, cancer, etc. There are numerous medicinal plants whose extract modulate glycolysis, Kreb's cycle, gluconeogenesis, HMP shunt pathway, glycogen synthesis and theirdegradation, cholesterol synthesis, metabolism and absorption of carbohydrates, and synthesis and release of insulin. In this review, various reported activity on PEPCK by plant derived bioactive compounds are studied. This review will provide a guide for researchers in the field, to develop candidates into environment-friendly effective, yet safe anti-diabetics.
Keywords: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, Diabetes mellitus, medicinal plants, anti-diabetic drugs, Phytochemicals, Regulation, Inhibitors.
A Review on the Mode of Action of the Gluconeogeic Enzyme, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Its Regulation of Diabetes Induced Hyperglycaemia with Special Emphasis on Plant Derived PEPCK Modulators
Abstract:
Phosphoenol pyruvatecarboxykinase (PEPCK) is the key rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenic pathway, which helps to regulate blood glucose homeostasis. Over expression of this enzyme results in pre-diabetes and diabetes and its expression is predominantly regulated by insulin. Insulin levels of diabetic subjects are insufficient to adequately inhibit PEPCK. Thus, inhibition of PEPCK is a promising new therapeutic approach for treatment of diabetes. Specific inhibitors of either PEPCK gene expression or PEPCK enzyme activity might decrease hepatic glucose overproduction and substantially decrease hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants have been used against many diseases including malaria, diabetes, cancer, etc. There are numerous medicinal plants whose extract modulate glycolysis, Kreb's cycle, gluconeogenesis, HMP shunt pathway, glycogen synthesis and theirdegradation, cholesterol synthesis, metabolism and absorption of carbohydrates, and synthesis and release of insulin. In this review, various reported activity on PEPCK by plant derived bioactive compounds are studied. This review will provide a guide for researchers in the field, to develop candidates into environment-friendly effective, yet safe anti-diabetics.
Keywords: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, Diabetes mellitus, medicinal plants, anti-diabetic drugs, Phytochemicals, Regulation, Inhibitors.
Plants with Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential: A Review on Folk Medicinal Plants of Upper Assam, India
Abstract:
Effective management of pain and inflammation associated with number of conditions like rheumatism, pneumonia, cancer, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, heart problems etc is a major health concern. Currently, available medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid analgesic, steroids may cause different adverse effects. In recent decades, scientific investigations on plant resources or herbal products have been intensified with the hope to find better therapy. Assam is a gold mine of medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge. People of upper Assam uses a lot of plants in their daily life to cure different aliments, although very less number of ethnobotanical surveys have been conducted in this region. On search of ethnobotanical surveys conducted we have identified twenty two plants used by the rural and ethnic people of upper Assam for management of pain and inflammation. These plants also been investigated scientifically and some of the phytomolecules have been identified. A systematic approach to investigate the plants based on their folk medicinal uses, isolation of phytoconstituents, exploring their mechanism of action, design the effective formulation followed by clinical trial is the need of time. This paper highlighted the folk medicinal plants of upper Assam along with details of folk preparation, source of information etc. Further, details of pre-clinical studies conducted on those plants and phytoconstituents isolated also tabulated, which will provide the up-to-date information on selected plants. This paper showed that potential of selected folk medicinal plants of upper Assam that can be important source of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.
Keywords: Herbal resources, Indigenous medical systems, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Upper Assam
Search for Target Proteins of Helicobacter pylori and Modeling
Abstract:
The rise of Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) organisms such as H. pylori is an alarming threat to society. Therefore newer targets need to be searched along with the molecules that inhibit the function of the targets. The screening of genome and proteome sequences is done in search of the targets. In this study, an attempt has been made to search protein sequences unique to H. pylori by comparing protein sequences with the proteome of humans and lactobacillus and found that 181 and 182 sequences are dissimilar, respectively. There are 63 hypothetical sequences, and 18 are unique to H. pylori (i.e., they are not homologous to humans or lactobacillus. Five of the 18 proteins were modeled by ab-initio methods, including flagellar basal body p-ring, Relaxase, Phospholipase A1, siderophore-mediated iron transfer protein, and NADH Ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit j.
Keywords: H. pylori, Target proteins, protein sequences, In-silico models
Optimization of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Mixed Kitchen Waste for Initial Total Solid Concentration
Abstract:
Mixed kitchen waste is a vital source of bio-energy and can be efficiently converted into biogas rather than discarded in a landfill. The main aim of this experimental study is to investigate the production of biogas from mixed kitchen waste (MKW) with fresh cow dung (FCD) as inoculum through anaerobic digestion (AD) at different F/M ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 after preparation of slurry at 8 to 10% of total solids (TS) concentration. The highest biogas production (2863 Ml/g-VS) and VS reduction (45.82%) were found in F/M ratio 2.0, followed by 2.5 > 1.5 > 1.0 > 0.5. The Gas chromatography analysis of produced biogas showed the value of R2 as 0.9996, which indicates the efficiency of methane generation. The maximum VFA and sCOD generation were also achieved in an F/M ratio of 2.0, while FCD alone provided only 1485 Ml/g-VS of biogas in the same period of 48 days with the lowest VS degradation. Results showed that the constant initial total solid concentration in the desired F/M ratio could accelerate the digestion process, and improve the methane content in biogas.
Keywords: Biogas, Anaerobic digestion, F/M ratio, Waste to energy, Methane potential
Development of ZnO Nanorod Sensor for Detection of Malathion
Abstract:
Residues of different pesticide are commonly found in tea leaves, and the possible health implications of exposure to these residues are a key reason for concern among tea manufacturers and consumers. Apprehensions are being raised about environmental dangers connected with exposure to pesticides via different pathways due to the fact that their mechanisms of action are not species-specific (e.g., residues in food and drinking water). Short-term effects include skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while long-term effects can be severe damage to organs and cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on pesticide levels in tea samples, as these chemical traces continue to build up in the environment and in living organisms, posing a threat to both human and animal health. In order to detect pesticide residues in various sample matrices, researchers are developing a variety of sensor platforms. This work reports the development and testing of a sensor based on ZnO nanorods capable of detecting the widely used insecticide Malathion. The reported sensor has been successfully used to detect Malathion levels in spiked samples with good repeatability.
Keywords: Sensor, pesticide, ZnO, nanorod, malathion
