THE BIRDS OF THE PORT HERALD DISTRICT. (PART I)

Coppinger, M. P., Williams, G. D. &; Maclean, G. L. 1988. Distribution and breeding biology of the African Skimmer on the Upper and Middle Zambezi River. Ostrich 59: 85–96.

Observations were made on the distribution and breeding biology of the African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris from May to November 1986 and April to December 1987, along 1550 km of the Zambezi River from its source to the Luangwa-Zambezi confluence at the Mozambique border. The 280-km Angolan section was omitted. Bird habitats along the river were mapped and the distribution of the African Skimmer was compared with the availability of its breeding habitat. 35 breeding colonies were found of which 33 were on the Barotse floodplain. Eggs were noted during August, September and October; they were laid in scrapes on bare sand in clutches of mostly 2–3. 260 eggs were measured from 101 clutches (a 39,6 x 28,4 mm). Both parents incubated and cared for the young. In hot weather, adults drank often and belly-wetted at nest relief. Chicks stayed in the nest for two days and were almost constantly shaded by the parents. Distraction displays by the adults were observed. The Upper and Middle Zambezi African Skimmer population was estimated to be 1428 birds. The important breeding areas were noted and possible threats to their conservation are discussed.     

Genetic variations of the FCER2 gene and asthma susceptibility in north Indian children: a case-control study

Abstract

Context and objective: The findings showed that the low-affinity IgE receptor plays a pivotal role in allergic immune response and it is a pharmacogenetic predictor in asthma disease. This study aims to investigate the association of genetic variations: rs28364072 and rs7249320 with asthma and its severity in north Indian children.

Methods: Case-control-based genetic association study was performed among 550 children.

Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated significant association between asthma and genotypes frequency of both the SNPs.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that the studied variations are strongly associated with asthma susceptibility and might be risk factor among north Indian asthmatic children.     

Woven Stories

Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema

Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen, eds. Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema. London: British Film Institute; New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1994. 568 pp., biblio., illus., index of films. Rs. 995; $49.95.

Naming the Other

Martin Blythe. Naming the Other: Images of Maori in New Zealand Film and Television. Metuchen, NJ, and London: Scarecrow Press, 1994. 336 pp. Maori glossary, filmography, photo credits, notes, index. $39.50.     

Proteomic analysis reveals geographic variation in venom composition of Russell’s Viper in the Indian subcontinent: implications for clinical manifestations post-envenomation and antivenom treatment

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Russell’s Viper (RV) (Daboia russelii), a category I medically important snake, is responsible for a significant level of morbidity and mortality in the Indian sub-continent.

Areas covered: The current review highlights the variation in RV venom (RVV) composition from different geographical locales on the Indian sub-continent, as revealed by biochemical and proteomic analyses. A comparison of these RVV proteomes revealed significant differences in the number of toxin isoforms and relative toxin abundances, highlighting the impact of geographic location on RVV composition. Antivenom efficacy studies have shown differential neutralization of toxicity and enzymatic activity of different RVV samples from the Indian sub-continent by commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV). The proteome analysis has provided deeper insights into the variation of RVV composition leading to differences in antivenom efficacy and severity of clinical manifestations post RV-envenomation across the Indian sub-continent.

Expert commentary: Variation in RVV antigenicity due to geographical differences and poor recognition of low molecular mass (<20 kDa) RVV toxins by PAV are serious concerns for effective antivenom treatment against RV envenomation. Improvements in immunization protocols that take into account the poorly immunogenic components and geographic variation in RVV composition, can lead to better hospital management of RV bite patients.     

The Ecstatic Journey

Photo Wallahs Photo Wallahs, an encounter with photography in Mussoorie, a north Indian hill station. Directed by David and Judith MacDougall; camera: David MacDougall; sound: Judith MacDougall; editor: Dai Vaughan. Distributed by Fieldwork Films, 12 Meehan Gardens, Griffith, Canberra, A.C.T. 2603, Australia. 1991, 58 minutes, color, 16 mm. and PAL.     

Preliminary molecular analysis of Pelecanoides georgicus (Procellariiformes: Pelecanoididae) on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island): Implications for its taxonomic status

Abstract

Using sequences from the central and 3' regions of the mitchondrial small subunit (12S) ri‐bosomal RNA gene for six procellariiform species, this study confirms that the population of Pelecanoides georgicus on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island), New Zealand, is most closely related to P. georgicus from the southern Indian Ocean. The level of variation between sequences for this conserved gene suggests that the isolated Whenua Hou P. georgicus population split off from populations in the Indian Ocean several hundred thousand years ago. Although P. georgicus is globally numerous, the Whenua Hou population is endangered. As our preliminary sequence data suggest that the Whenua Hou population may have diverged from its parent population, it may deserve recognition in its own right.     

Descriptions of a new species and the pupae of two known species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from India

Pupa, and adult male and female of Culicoides pseudosimilis n. sp., and pupae of two known species, C. selangorensis Wirth & Hubert, and C. dryadeus Wirth & Hubert, are described and illustrated. An identification key to the Indian species of Clavipalpis and Shermani species group of male Culicoides is also provided.     

Association of CYBA G640A variation with coronary artery disease in Indians

Introduction: Oxidative stress induces atherosclerosis by triggering an inflammatory cascade within the vascular wall.

Objective: To investigate the role of pro-oxidant and antioxidant gene variations with CAD in Indian subjects.

Materials & methods: It’s a case-control study and genotyping for the variants MPO G-463A, CYBA G640A, SOD2 Val16Ala and CAT C-262T were performed by conventional PCR techniques.

Results: Only CYBA G640A variant allele was found to be significantly (p?=?0.0075) associated with CAD.

Conclusion: Although CYBA G640A variation was found to be significant, a larger study is needed to validate these results and establish its role as a biomarker.     

Public Attitudes in India and Australia toward Elephants in Zoos

ABSTRACT

We surveyed the attitudes of people toward captive elephants in australia, where importation into zoos has been controversial recently, compared with India, where elephants are indigenous. Both australian (AR, n = 101) and Indian (IR, n = 101) respondents rated conservation as the most important reason for the role of zoos and sanctuaries. Australian respondents were more concerned about the husbandry conditions for keeping wild animals in zoos and sanctuaries than Indian respondents (p = 0.02). This concern for captive animals increased with the higher educational level of the respondents. Female australian respondents were more concerned about the practice of keeping elephants in captivity than australian men. More australian respondents were prepared to pay extra to visit a zoo with elephants (AR 42.6%, IR 7.9%, p < 0.001). Indian respondents believed more than their australian counterparts that it was important for any zoo to display elephants, and wanted to interact with elephants by feeding, touching, and riding on them. While australian respondents? perceptions of captive elephants acknowledged their scientific value, Indian respondents viewed elephants primarily of religious, cultural, and historical significance. We conclude that australians and Indians have different requirements for keeping elephants in zoos, which should inform zoo directors about the best way to present them to the public.     

Follicular growth and kinetics in the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) ovary during oestrous cycle

The growth of the follicle and oocyte in the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) was a continuous process. The relationship between follicle and oocyte or its nucleus was log linear, represented by the equation log Y =a +b logX.A linear relationship (Y =a +bX)existed between the oocyte and its nucleus. The number of stages I and II follicles varied significantly during the oestrous cycle. Maximum percentage of stage I follicles was observed during oestrus and metoestrus, while stage II follicles were abundant during dioestrus, metoestrus and pro-oestrus. These follicles were significantly more in number than other types of the follicles. The occurrence of comparatively larger follicles during pro-oestrus and the presence of newly formed corpora lutea at oestrus, indicated ovulation in the early oestrus.     

Indian Potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ipomoea pandurata</Emphasis>, Convolvulaceae)—A Record of Confusion<Superscript>1</Superscript>

Indian Potato ( Ipomoea pandurata , Convolvulaceae)—A Record of Confusion. Once European explorers began sending back plants from distant lands, confusion developed regarding their identities. Among these was Ipomoea pandurata, which native peoples in the eastern United States considered to be a purgative. Unfortunately, edible plants like potatoes were confused with I. pandurata, and by the early 1900s Americans and Europeans began writing that indigenous peoples also ate its roots. The literature for the late 1900s into the 2000s mostly reports that I. pandurata is edible. Although no documented use for food by pre-European cultures in the Americas has been found, the myth persists that the roots were eaten on a regular basis.     

分离自印度洋深海沉积物的部分链霉菌分离株多位点序列分析

【目的】采用多位点序列分析方法,研究印度洋3 000 m以下深海沉积物中分离得到的16S rRNA基因比对高度相似的链霉菌菌株的种间系统发育关系,同时探讨各管家基因及多基因聚类分析后的种间区分能力。【方法】以分离自印度洋深海沉积物的7株Streptomyces albidoflavus,11株Streptomyces cavourensis,16株Streptomyces pratensis为研究对象,以16S rRNA、atpD、recA和rpoB基因片段为标记,通过PCR扩增、测序,获得序列。同时从NCBI上下载5株S.pratensis上述4个基因的序列,将所有序列在MLST网站进行比对,并构建系统进化树进行比较。【结果】S.pratensis各菌株种内比较发现,16S rRNA基因构建的系统进化树中相同基因型的菌株没有聚在一起,系统进化树不稳定,区分度不高。其余3个构建的系统进化树稳定,菌株的聚类关系与MLST数据库得到的基因型一致。同时,多基因聚类分析后将菌株分为6个类群。在3个种的种间多位点序列比较中,除区分度明显增加、进化树更加稳定以外,还发现rec A基因进化上比较特殊的菌株。【结论】多位点序列分析将实验菌株分为很多不同的类型,成功地将所分离的链霉菌进行了更细的分类,同时也找到部分菌株在个别基因上差异较大。此方法可以用于相近种的快速鉴定。     

Immature stages of Curculionidae: the ‘rat-tailed’ larva and the pupa of Notonesius aucklandicus (Phrynixinae)

Abstract

The larva and pupa of Notonesius aucklandicus Kuschel, living in saturated peat soil on the Auckland Islands, some 500 km south of New Zealand, are described and figured. The ‘rat-tail’ type of aquatic adaptation in the larva appears to be unique among Coleoptera, although an evolutionary progression towards it can be traced among Indian weevils.     

Meristic and morphometric variation in the lancet fish,Alepisaurus, with notes on the distribution of A. ferox and A. brevirostris

Abstract

Meristies and morphometries are reported for 81 specimens of Alepisaurus ferox and 31 of A. brevirostris, mostly from the Pacific Ocean. The holotype and topotype of A. ferox and two paratypes of A. brevirostris, all from the Atlantic Ocean, were also examined. For specimens longer than aJoout 500 mm SL, ferox is distinguishable from brevirostris by its relatively longer head and snout. In ferox the dorsal fin origin is a1bove or behind the hind margin of the operculum; in brevirostris it is in front. Paoific Ocean ferox have significantly fewer dorsal fin rays (mean 36.6) than Atlantic (40.5) and Indian Ocean (40.8) examples. In the Pacific, ferox can be distinguished from brevirostris by its fewer dorsal rays, but in the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean there is considerable overlap in dorsal ray counts. A. ferox is found world-wide, whereas brevirostris is not known from the North Pacific. The northernmost record of brevirostris in the Pacific is from 14°47′S.     

DNMT1 and DNMT3B gene variants and their association with endometriosis in South Indian women

Background

Endometriosis is a multifactorial estrogen dependent gynecological disease characterized by implantation of functional endometrial tissue at ectopic positions. Though this disease is benign, it is associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Epigenetic disruptions like aberrant DNA methylation, resulting changes in gene expression capacity, are important in tumor progression and malignant cellular transformation. Therefore, variation in genes involved in DNA methylation might lead to disease susceptibility.

Purpose

To investigate the association between DNA methyl transferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3B) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of endometriosis in South Indian women.

Methods

In the present study, we examined the genotypic and allele distribution of DNMT1 (rs10423341C/A, rs2228611G/Aandrs4804490C/A) and DNMT3B (rs1569686G/T) among the endometriosis patients (n?=?150) and controls (n?=?150). The genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods. Haplotype frequencies for multiple loci and the standardized disequilibrium coefficient (D?) for pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) were surveyed by Haploview Software.

Result

Significant increase in the frequencies of DNMT1 rs10423341 (P?=?0.04601), rs2228611 (P?=?0.00175) and DNMT3B rs1569686 (P?=?0.033) genotypes and alleles was observed in patients compared to controls. In addition, the frequency of A/A/C (P?=?0.0065) haplotype was significantly high in patients. But the DNMT1 (rs4804490) SNP did not show significant association with the disease.

Conclusion

The DNMT1 and DNMT3B polymorphism may constitute an inheritable risk factor for endometriosis in South Indian women. To the best of our knowledge there is no reported study on the association of polymorphisms in DNMT1 and DNMT3B with endometriosis risk.

     

Notes on the little known moss Fissidens firmus Mitt. (Fissidentaceae)

Abstract

Fissidens firmus is revised, described, illustrated and a distribution is provided. It is compared to Fissidens hollianus, Fissidens pseudofirmus, Fissidens sedgwickii and Fissidens touwii. It is provisionally distinguished from F. firmus sensu auct. Fissidens multiflorus is reduced to F. hollianus. Lectotypes are designated for Fissidens multiflorus and Fissidens giesenhagenii. The collection that was reported from India as F. firmus appears to be F. hollianus. Thus, the present Western Ghats collection is effectively the first Indian record of F. firmus.     

On a historical occurrence of the Lion,Panthera leo,in Turkey

Abstract

The distribution of the Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrtx indica in Iraq is described, with 19 additional new localities. The population has apparently has been declining during the last twenty years. Preganancy was recorded between April and September, suggesting at least two litters per year. The mean number of embryos was 2.3 per female. 98–100% of the stomach content consisted of plant material.     

Red-spotted Bluethroats Luscinia s. svecica migrate along the Indo-European flyway: a geolocator study

Capsule Red-spotted Bluethroats Luscinia s. svecica from two European breeding populations spent the boreal winter on the Indian sub-continent.

Aim Tracking the migration of Red-spotted Bluethroats from Europe to the hitherto unknown non-breeding areas and back.

Methods Light-level geolocators were deployed on male Bluethroats at breeding sites in the Czech Republic (n?=?10) and in Norway (n?=?30). Recorded light intensity data were used to estimate the locations of non-breeding sites and migration phenology during the annual cycle.

Results Bluethroats spent the boreal winter in India (n?=?3) and Pakistan (n?=?1), on average more than 6000?km from their breeding areas. Autumn migration started in August (n?=?1) or early September (n?=?2), and lasted for 26–74 days. Spring migration commenced on 8 and 9 April (n?=?2) and lasted for about a month. During both autumn and spring migration, birds stopped over two or three times for more than 3 days.

Conclusion This study for the first time showed where Red-spotted Bluethroats from European breeding populations stay during the boreal winter. This seems to be the first time that a passerine bird has been tracked along the Indo-European flyway.     

Proteomics analysis to compare the venom composition between Naja naja and Naja kaouthia from the same geographical location of eastern India: Correlation with pathophysiology of envenomation and immunological cross-reactivity towards commercial polyantivenom

ABSTRACT

Background : Cobra bite is frequently reported across the Indian subcontinent and is associated with a high rate of death and morbidity. In eastern India (EI) Naja naja and Naja kaouthia are reported to be the two most abundant species of cobra.

Research design and methods : The venom proteome composition of N. naja (NnV) and N. kaouthia (NkV) from Burdwan districts of EI were compared by separation of venom proteins by 1D-SDS-PAGE followed by LC-MS/MS analysis of protein bands. The potency of commercial polyantivenom (PAV) was assessed by neutralization, ELISA, immuno-blot and venom-PAV immunoaffinity chromatography studies.

Results : Proteomic analysis identified 52 and 55 proteins for NnV and NkV, respectively, when searched against the Elapidae database. A small quantitative difference in venom composition between these two species of cobra was observed. PAVs exhibited poor cross-reactivity against low molecular mass toxins (<20 kDa) of both cobra venoms, which was substantiated by a meager neutralization of their phospholipase A₂ activity. Phospholipase A₂ and 3FTx, the two major classes of nonenzymatic and enzymatic proteins, respectively, were partially recognized by PAVs.

Conclusions : Efforts must be made to improve immunization protocols and supplement existing antivenoms with antibodies raised against the major toxins of these venoms.     

Proterozoic stromatolites: The first marine evolutionary biota

A biometric analysis of the morphology of a late Pliocene planktic diatom lineage, Rhizosolenia praebergonii Mukhina indicates that it appeared abruptly in the fossil record in the Indian Ocean at 2.9 Ma after which it remained virtually unchanged. The observed pattern can be explained by “local”; evolution from the ancestral form Rhizosolenia bergonii, Peragallo or by migration from thecentral Pacific Ocean, where it originated gradually, in conjunction with an accelerated rate of evolution. At present time, it is not possible to conclude which one of the two hypotheses is more likely.