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.
Key words: 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. The genotypes were raised in April, 2019 with three replications in a randomized block design. Five competitive plants were randomly selected in each replication to record the data. Ward’s Minimum Variance dendrogram clustering and descriptive statistics of 15 important agromorphological traits were performed, and 12 rice landraces were grouped into five clusters. Considerable variation was observed among the landraces for all traits studied – for example, panicle number per plant (%CV=19.08), 1000-grain weight (%CV=14), panicle main axis length (%CV=13.54), stem thickness (%CV=13.08) and leaf blade width (%CV=11.48). A total of 287 alleles were detected, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7 with an average of 3.21 alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 (RM19304) to 0.83 (HVSSR04_18) with an average of 0.57. The average PIC value of 0.53 in this study revealed high genetic diversity in 12 rice landraces studied indicating the potential application of these landraces in rice breeding. The present 12 accessions of indigenous rice landraces from three Angami villages would broaden the existing gene pool and provide an opportunity to perform a strategized upland indigenous rice breeding programme in the region.
Key words: 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. The present research was conducted to document the plants usage by evaluating its ethnobotanical indices such as Use value “UV”, Family use value “FUV”, Informant consensus factor “ICF”, Fidelity Level “FL” and Relative Frequency of citation “RFC”. About 11 villages and 25 local markets in four districts of Tripura were surveyed; and a total number of 50 informants were selected for the study. Our result showed the relative usefulness of different species used by the ethnic people of Tripura. About 120 bioresource plant species have been encountered belonging to 102 genera under 49 families. Cucurbitaceae represents 8 species was found to be the most used family. Chromolaena odorata was most commonly prescribed species by the informants with a maximum RFC=1. Similarly, the mostly treated illness category were Urological (ICF=0.98) and 8 species namely Chromolaena odorata, Sauropus androgynus, Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus, Andrographis paniculata, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Curcuma longa, Helminthostachys zeylanica and Centella asiatica has the highest FL%. Taxonomic inventories of bioresources and ethnobotanical indices will provide understanding for the long-term use of such plant and a key role in sustainable developments. As a result, it will lead to both conservation of bioresources in their natural habitats as well as develop a sustainable livelihood for the forest dwellers
Key words: 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. The study mainly emphasized the total inventory of herpeto-faunal species assemblages and distribution patterns in different habitat types in MNP. Data was collected using standard protocols of active searching methods (ASM) and Visual encounter survey (VES) methods to find out the expected goal. The study encountered altogether 46 species and 222 individuals of herpetofauna belongs to 16 families. Of which, 19 species and 145 individuals were encountered from amphibian groups, 27 species and 77 individuals from reptilian groups (including lizards, snakes and chelonian species). Analysis of Shannon Weiner Index of diversity indicated highest diversity among amphibians and reptiles in the woodland habitat, whereas, agricultural land and wetland habitats recorded lowest diversity of herpetofauna. Among the reptiles, Melanochelys tricarinata, Cyclemys gemeli, Varanus bengalensis, Varanus flavescens and Varanus salvator were Schedule I of IWPA, 1972, whereas, the tortoise species Indotestudo elongata was critically endangered, and Melanochelys tricarinata and Python bivittatus were vulnerable species as per IUCN Red List category of threatened species. The present study has contributed to the total inventory and updating of herpetofauna diversity in Manas National Park that suggested the future conservation and management perspectives of both the species and habitats.
Key words: 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. An understanding of the impact of mining on the environment particularly on vegetation characteristics is a prerequisite for further management of these mining sites, especially in the selection of species for reclamation works. 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. The vegetation sampling and data analysis were done following standard procedures. A total of 106 plant species were encountered in Gorumahisani iron ore mines. Thirty-eight species were recorded in the core zone and include 13 trees, 16 shrubs and 9 herbaceous species. Ninety-four plant species were documented in the buffer zone and include 57 trees, 22 shrubs, and 15 herbs. Different diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner, Simpson dominance, and Evenness Index) reveal variation among the tree, shrub, and herb species. Vegetation analysis showed a drastic reduction of plant species in the core zone compared to that of the buffer zone. It is evident from the study that there are few plant species present in the buffer zone of Gorumahisani. These species are likely to be affected by mining projects and other related activities like road construction, blasting, excavation for mining, and dumping of excavated material. The present study led to the conclusion that phytosociological analysis can be used as an important tool for predicting the suitability of mined habitats for plant growth.
Key words: 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.
Key words: 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. This paper reports a new distribution record of this endangered species and attempt to reveal the knowledge associated with the local people about this species. In fact, the villagers have no idea about the rarity and conservation status of the species. Due to lack of knowledge and accelerated progress of developmental activities, many sites have been degraded losing number of native species and their habitats. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the Machi community forest as the valued habitat of S. himalayana and needful regulation and supervision should be made by the Forest department involving the local villagers for conservation.
Key words:  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. The marine macro fouling species were assessed by a quadrate method in the natural and artificial substratum of seven locations. Around 5 species of macro fouling arthropoda and mollusks were only recorded from seven sites. All seven sites primarily dominated by Striatobalanus amaryllis is by group or alone. The bivalve species of Pernaviridis was witnessed seldom during the study period. According to the indices of Shannon weaver, Pielou’s and Simpson, Periyapattu (site 3) intertidal zone had registered more than the other study regions. According to the indexes of Shannon weaver, Pielou’s, and Simpson, Periyapattu (site 3) intertidal zone had registered more and low in MGR Thittu. The present study concludes that the marine macro fouling frequency is locations-specific and required more exhaustive study to understand its ecological niche.
Key words:  Bivalves, Diversity index, Hard fouler, Lophotrochozoa, Mangroves