Abstract: Insect immunology and the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), contributing to their innate immunity, serves as a very important field of research to conduct numerous studies. Among the insects, silkworms are one of the best-known groups that are used for scientific research since they have a highly developed and extremely responsive immune system. This study aims to understand the different classes of AMPs identified in silkworms by reviewing the works of various related studies and researches conducted previously. For performing various experiments and induction of AMPs, in most cases artificial immunization of microorganisms is carried out in the body of the silkworm, which in turn leads to the activation of the immune system producing specific AMPs in them. As per the study, commonly, about six different classes of AMPs have been identified that have different size, amino acid sequence and mode of action. They are Cecropin, Moricin, Defensin, Attacin, Lebocin and Gloverin. The structure and biochemistry of the AMPs has also been derived. Such researches and studies might not only open up opportunities leading to the discovery of newer AMPs but it also indicates a wide potential in leading to the discovery of natural antibiotics in the future that will not only be easily available, but also less toxic and cost effective.

Keywords: amino acid, antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, silkworm

Abstract: The contamination of the aquatic ecosystem from the effluents discharged from various industries is an exaggerating ecological problem now-a-day. These effluents have posed a serious threat due to their toxic characteristics on the aquatic flora and fauna especially on fishes which may ultimately affect human health as fish is a proteinaceous staple food. Haematological parameters are considered as stress indicators and are useful for assessing the health of fish exposed to changing environment. The aimwas to study the impact of the refinery effluents on the haematological parameters of Channa punctata Bloch. A total of 80 fishes were divided into control and experimental groups. The control group was kept in tap water and experimental groups were exposed to two different concentration 25% and 50% of the refinery effluents. The experiment was conducted for 7 days. The cytomorphological changes of the blood cell components were taken into account besides the haematological parameters. The gross morphology of the blood cell components showed various kinds of morphological alterations. The numerical as well as morphological changes of the blood component were in time and dose dependent manner. During experimental period, total leucocyte count, Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin were gradually increased whereas erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haemocrit, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration showed depletion in its level. From the present study, it is evident that refinery effluents might have potential to cause haematotoxicity in fishes if released without proper treatment.

Keywords: Channa punctata Bloch, Haematotoxicity, Pollution, Refinery effluents

Abstract: Sacred natural forests are the best examples of conserving biodiversity in Indian Himalayan region with their beliefs related to customs reflect relationship in between nature and human beings. In India, presence of about 13,270 sacred sites has been recorded, out of which 476 sacred sites are reported from the present study area. In the present investigation a total of 22 oak (Quercus spp.) dominated forests along the altitudinal range (1100 - 2800 m asl) were studied to know the status of their regeneration dynamics, species richness, similarity and conservation strategies, and phyto-sociological analysis. For vegetation assessment, a sample stand of 50m×50m size was randomly plotted in each targeted site. In each stand, 10 quadrats of 10m×10m size for trees, 20 quadrats of 5m×5m for shrubs (2 sub-quadrats in each 10m×10m) and, 100 quadrats of 1m×1m for herbs and seedlings (10 sub-quadrats in each 10m×10m) were laid respectively. All the phytosociological parameters density, IVI, basal area, different diversity indices etc. were quantitatively analyzed following standard methodologies. For summarizing the compositional variations among studied sacred forests, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed by using PAST software. The study revealed that Q. leucotrichophora was recorded in maximum 18 sites, followed by Q. glauca (7), Q. lanuginosa (6), Q. floribunda and Q. semecarpifolia (5 each). The oaks contributed about 39% and 41.59% for density and IVI respectively of the total tree layer of the studied sites. Good regeneration was recorded in seven sites and fair in only one site i.e. Alaimal reserve forest at 1100m altitude while 14 sites showed poor regeneration. Only few patches of oaks are sustained and which are devoted to local deities as sacred forests. To protect the oaks from high consumption pressure specific conservation implications are needed and to achieve that such studies need to be conducted so that the actual position of oaks in the region can be determined and further proper steps can be taken for their conservation.

Keywords: Conservation status, Diversity, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Quercus species

Abstract: At present wildlife are facing many acute threats, Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is one of the most prevailing day-to-day issue and is receiving international attention among Conservation Biologists. This study emphasize on the extent of HWC in Banepa-2 of Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal. Data were collected through Reconnaissance survey, HHs, KII, FGD, and various secondary sources. A semi structured questionnaire survey was randomly administered to 98 households with KII & FGD. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 26), MS-Excel, Chi-square test, Friedman Ranking Test was used to analyze the data. The most problematic animal was Wild Boar followed by Porcupine, Leopard, and Monkey. Major problems due to wild animals ranked by respondents were crop damage, followed by livestock depredation and least was human injuries. Average annual crop damage per HH was accounted to NRs.12576.53 of which Zea mays L., (35.78%), Brassica campestris L. var. rapa (L.) Hartm. (34.48%), Solanum tuberosum (L.) (9.74%), Pisum sativum (L.) (7.14%), Glycine max (L.) Merr. (6.89%), Tiiticum aestivum (L.) (4.54%), and Oryza sativa (L.) (1.42%) respectively were the major crops raided in the study area. The people's perception on wildlife conservation was based on socioeconomic variables i.e. education (Pearson X2=10.363, df =4, p =0.035) and occupation (Pearson X2= 5.188, df = 1, p =0.023) were significantly associated at p value <0.05. Also, health, education, employment opportunities, compensation, conservation, resettlement, etc. should be considered to mitigate HWC. During harvest season it is seen that wild animals raided the crops on daily basis mostly at night. So, shouting and following, shouting, following and throwing stones and regular watching on shift basis were the most effective measures perceived by the respondents to minimize crop raid, livestock depredation and human injuries. Production of non palatable species, crop diversification, improved cattle sheds, stall feeding of cattle are highly recommended in the study area.

Keywords: Conflict, Livestock depredation, Livelihood, Perception, Wildlife Conservation

Abstract: Traditional remedies play a great role in the cultural and religious life of the different tribes. According to WHO, till today 80% health problems are treated in rural and tribal community by traditional medicines. Sexual and reproductive health problems account for 18% of the total global burden of disease and 32% of the burden among women of reproductive age. This study was carried out in order to determine how the naturally available local plants are used for the treatment of reproductive and sexual disorder among the tribal people of villages located in the district of Jhargram of West Bengal. During the field trips, the information was collected through interviews, including various data obtained from local healers and traditional medicine men, herbalists, shepherds, patients and elderly persons. A total of 23 plants belonging to 19 families were documented for their therapeutic use. Further analysis on the families of medicinal plants has shown that family Malvaceae are represented by the highest number of species followed by the Moraceae. Also, it was determined that reproductive and sexual disorders for which the folk medicinal plants parts are used as follows-leaves (27%), followed by roots (23%), barks (19%) and seed (15%) etc. This survey illuminates that the tribal people still actively use plants for the treatment of reproductive disorder. Therefore the documentation of plants used as traditional medicines in tribal community is needed so that this veritable treasure of knowledge can be preserved, shared and exploited sustainably.

Keywords: Herbalist, Reproductive System, Sexual disorders, Tribal, Therapeutics

Abstract: Traditional remedies play a great role in the cultural and religious life of the different tribes. According to WHO, till today 80% health problems are treated in rural and tribal community by traditional medicines. Sexual and reproductive health problems account for 18% of the total global burden of disease and 32% of the burden among women of reproductive age. This study was carried out in order to determine how the naturally available local plants are used for the treatment of reproductive and sexual disorder among the tribal people of villages located in the district of Jhargram of West Bengal. During the field trips, the information was collected through interviews, including various data obtained from local healers and traditional medicine men, herbalists, shepherds, patients and elderly persons. A total of 23 plants belonging to 19 families were documented for their therapeutic use. Further analysis on the families of medicinal plants has shown that family Malvaceae are represented by the highest number of species followed by the Moraceae. Also, it was determined that reproductive and sexual disorders for which the folk medicinal plants parts are used as follows-leaves (27%), followed by roots (23%), barks (19%) and seed (15%) etc. This survey illuminates that the tribal people still actively use plants for the treatment of reproductive disorder. Therefore the documentation of plants used as traditional medicines in tribal community is needed so that this veritable treasure of knowledge can be preserved, shared and exploited sustainably.

Keywords: Herbalist, Reproductive System, Sexual disorders, Tribal, Therapeutics

Abstract: Chlorophyll, a member of an essential class of green pigments, is predominantly found in all mature plant cells, whether in the leaf of a green plant or any photosynthetic organisms, including cyanobacteria or algal species. The primary function of this pigment is to convert the light energy into chemical energy through a series of synthesizing several chemical compounds; alternatively, the whole process is termed as 'Photosynthesis.' Monocots and eudicots are two different variants of angiosperms or flowering plants, where this chlorophyll synthesis occurs distinctly. Our present course of study mainly aims at the in silico comparative structural analysis of chlorophyll synthase enzyme in these two divergent angiosperm species.After retrieving the FASTA sequence for each plant chlorophyll synthase from the UniProt database, Multiple Sequence Alignment followed by Phylogenetic Tree preparation was done using CLUSTALW; the primary and secondary structural components analyses were done by ExPASy ProtParam and GOR4 server; after that 3D structure of each of the protein sequence was generated via Homology Modelling using SWISS-MODELonline server. Lastly, each of the protein models was undergone through various quality checking parameters. Multiple Sequence Alignment followed by Phylogenetic Tree prediction and 3D structure superposition analysis reveals that though the chlorophyll synthases of these two divergent angiosperm species evolved in different time scales, they share highly conserved structure. Since the structure is the basis of function, the findings support the overall functional importance of the terminal enzyme of the chlorophyll synthesis pathway.

Keywords: Chlorophyll Synthase; Eudicot; Homology Modelling; Monocot; Phylogenetic Analysis

Abstract: Chlorophyll, a member of an essential class of green pigments, is predominantly found in all mature plant cells, whether in the leaf of a green plant or any photosynthetic organisms, including cyanobacteria or algal species. The primary function of this pigment is to convert the light energy into chemical energy through a series of synthesizing several chemical compounds; alternatively, the whole process is termed as 'Photosynthesis.' Monocots and eudicots are two different variants of angiosperms or flowering plants, where this chlorophyll synthesis occurs distinctly. Our present course of study mainly aims at the in silico comparative structural analysis of chlorophyll synthase enzyme in these two divergent angiosperm species.After retrieving the FASTA sequence for each plant chlorophyll synthase from the UniProt database, Multiple Sequence Alignment followed by Phylogenetic Tree preparation was done using CLUSTALW; the primary and secondary structural components analyses were done by ExPASy ProtParam and GOR4 server; after that 3D structure of each of the protein sequence was generated via Homology Modelling using SWISS-MODELonline server. Lastly, each of the protein models was undergone through various quality checking parameters. Multiple Sequence Alignment followed by Phylogenetic Tree prediction and 3D structure superposition analysis reveals that though the chlorophyll synthases of these two divergent angiosperm species evolved in different time scales, they share highly conserved structure. Since the structure is the basis of function, the findings support the overall functional importance of the terminal enzyme of the chlorophyll synthesis pathway.

Keywords: Chlorophyll Synthase; Eudicot; Homology Modelling; Monocot; Phylogenetic Analysis