Abstract: Aquaporins (AQPs) are one of the important class of channel proteins that specifically transport water thereby maintaining the water homeostasis of the cells. Till date 13 mammalian AQP isoforms are known to be present. Certain AQPs have been known to carry out the movement of small molecules such as glycerol and urea. Owing to their function, AQPs are known to participate in a wide array of cellular processes. A number of different AQP isoforms have been found to be expressed in different cells and tissues throughout the body depending on their functions. Studies using murine models of AQP knockouts suggest the potential role of AQP in mammalian physiology such as urine concentration, glandular fluid movement, formation of edema, maintenance of intraocular pressure, migration of immune cells, phagocytosis etc. Recently, studies have been executed to evaluate the role of AQPs in the pathophysiology of various diseases with inflammatory conditions. Some common chronic inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, peritonitis, sepsis-induced cholestasis have been known to involve AQPs. Also, studies have shown that AQP expression is modulated in a number of cell types in response to Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. Such studies propose that modulation of AQP can be promising therapy for conditions like neuroinflammation, obesity, as well as cancer. Nevertheless, effective AQP modulators for clinical applications are still to be discovered. This review is thereby intended to present information on the role of AQPs in pathophysiological processes of inflammation and therefore their potential as therapeutic target of inflammation.

Keywords: Aquaporins, inflammation, lipopolysaccharide, therapeutic targets, cytokines

Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important food crop for more than three billion people around the world. Indigenous rice landraces possess a huge genetic variability. The present study characterized 12 upland indigenous rice landraces from three Angami villages, namely Rusoma, Mima and Dihoma, in Kohima district of Nagaland, India based on agromorphological traits and used 89 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers for molecular characterization.

Keywords: Agronomic traits, genetic diversity, germplasm, jhum, polymorphism, SSR

Abstract: Bioresources are non-fossil biogenic resources which can be used by humans for multiple purposes. They are very important for sustenance of ethnic communities and contributing as food, medicine and livelihood security for the ethnic people of Tripura.

Keywords: Bioresources, family use value index, livelihood, northeast India, quantitative analysis, sustainable utilization, Tripura, use value index

Abstract: Manas National Park, the part of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot areas of Assam is supports diverse assemblages of herpeto-faunal species. Habitat-wise inventory of herpeto-faunal diversity in Manas National Park (MNP) was carried out from September 2018 through March 2021.

Keywords: Herpetofauna diversity, Species assemblages, habitat-wise distributions, conservation, Manas national park

Abstract: The human influences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning have deleterious impacts resulting in significant changes in land and resource sustainability. The present paper deals with the study of the angiosperm flora composition of the iron mining area of Gorumahisani forest, at both core and buffer zone.

Keywords: Biodiversity, buffer zone, core zone, diversity indices, floristic composition, phytosociological study

Abstract: Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary located in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh remains unexplored and calls for recording of both soil and floristic data to ensure better management and conservation. It is important to study the soil because soil characteristics determine the plant diversity and forest productivity which provides food security to wildlife and influences environmental stability. In the present work, soil samples were collected from sites located within and around the sanctuary and were analysed for some important properties, micronutrients and macronutrients. The slightly acidic soils present in different locations in the sanctuary are predominated by sandy loam texture and reddish to red colour of soil. Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were present in low range. Boron was found to be optimum, iron was present in marginal concentration, zinc was found to be deficient, copper in high concentration and manganese ranged from marginal to high. These results indicate that the low range of macronutrients and a few micronutrients can pertain to a low plant diversity in the sanctuary. The forest soils are neglected as they are self sustaining but some interventions like reforestation can be made to improve their productivity The preliminary knowledge of soil properties of this natural vegetation can be helpful in planning better productivity of the soil and consequently, it will indirectly improve the living conditions of the wildlife residing in it.The study of floristic and phytosociological studies are also complimented by soil studies.

Keywords: Conservation, Forest, Macronutrients, Management, Micronutrients, Sanctuary, Soil

Abstract: Sapria himalayana Griffith (Rafflesiaceae), a poorly understood root parasitic angiosperm was recorded from the Machi community forest of Tengnoupal district, Manipur at two different spots in the month of October 2020.

Keywords: Parasitic angiosperm, Sapria himalayana, Endangered species, Conservation, Machi, Manipur

Abstract: The study aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of marine macro fouling arthropoda and mollusks from the coastal and estuarine regions in the Coromandel Coast of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Keywords: Bivalves, Diversity index, Hard fouler, Lophotrochozoa, Mangroves