Balarama Kaimal,S; Dr. Paulose, C S(Cochin University of Science & Technology, July , 2005)
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Abstract:
The present study demonstrate the functional alterations of the GABAA and GABAB
receptors and the gene expression during the regeneration of pancreas following
partial pancreatectomy. The role of these receptors in insulin secretion and
pancreatic DNA synthesis using the specific agonists and antagonists also are studied
in vitro. The alterations of GABAA and GABAR receptor function and gene
expression in the brain stem, crebellum and hypothalamus play an important role in
the sympathetic regulation of insulin secretion during pancreatic regeneration.
Previous studies have given much information linking functional interaction between
GABA and the peripheral nervous system. The involvement of specific receptor
subtypes functional regulation during pancreatic regeneration has not given emphasis
and research in this area seems to be scarce. We have observed a decreased GABA
content, down regulation of GABAA receptors and an up regulation of GABAB
receptors in the cerebral cortex, brain stem and hypothalamus. Real Time-PCR
analysis confirmed the receptor data in the brain regions. These alterations in the
GABAA and GABAB receptors of the brain are suggested to govern the regenerative
response and growth regulation of the pancreas through sympathetic innervation. In
addition, receptor binding studies and Real Time-PCR analysis revealed that during
pancreatic regeneration GABAA receptors were down regulated and GABAB
receptors were up regulated in pancreatic islets. This suggests an inhibitory role for
GABAA receptors in islet cell proliferation i.e., the down regulation of this receptor
facilitates proliferation. Insulin secretion study during 1 hour showed GABA has
inhibited the insulin secretion in a dose dependent manner in normal and
hyperglycaemic conditions. Bicuculline did not antagonize this effect. GABAA
agonist, muscimol inhibited glucose stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic
islets except in the lowest concentration of 1O-9M in presence of 4mM glucose.Musclmol enhanced insulin secretion at 10-7 and 10-4M muscimol in presence of
20mM glucose- 4mM glucose represents normal and 20mM represent
hyperglycaemic conditions. GABAB agonist, baclofen also inhibited glucose induced
insulin secretion and enhanced at the concentration of 1O-5M at 4mM glucose and at
10-9M baclofen in presence of 20mM glucose. This shows a differential control of
the GABAA and GABAB receptors over insulin release from the pancreatic islets.
During 24 hours in vitro insulin secretion study it showed that low concentration of
GABA has inhibited glucose stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islets.
Muscimol, the GABAA agonist, inhibited the insulin secretion but, gave an enhanced
secretion of insulin in presence of 4mM glucose at 10-7
, 10-5 and 1O-4M muscimol.
But in presence of 20mM glucose muscimol significantly inhibited the insulin
secretion. GABAB agonist, baclofen also inhibited glucose induced insulin secretion
in presence of both 4mM and 20mM glucose. This shows the inhibitory role of
GABA and its specific receptor subtypes over insulin synthesis from pancreatic bete-islets.
In vitro DNA synthesis studies showed that activation of GABAA receptor by
adding muscimol, a specific agonist, inhibited islet DNA synthesis. Also, the
addition of baclofen, a specific agonist of GABAB receptor resulted in the stimulation
of DNA synthesis.Thus the brain and pancreatic GABAA and GABAB receptor
gene expression differentially regulates pancreatic insulin secretion and islet cell
proliferation during pancreatic regeneration. This will have immense clinical
significance in therapeutic applications in the management of Diabetes mellitus.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Jobin, Mathew; Dr. Paulose, C S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, March 11, 2010)
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Abstract:
The research work which was carried out to characterization of wastes from natural rubber and rubber wood processing industries and their utilization for biomethanation. Environmental contamination is an inevitable consequence of human activity. The liquid and solid wastes from natural rubber based industries were: characterized and their use for the production of biogas investigated with a view to conserve conventional energy, and to mitigate environmental degradation.Rubber tree (flevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), is the most important commercial source of natural rubber and in india. Recently, pollution from the rubber processing factories has become very serious due to the introduction of modern methods and centralized group processing practices.The possibility of the use of spent slurry as organic manure is discussed.l0 percent level of PSD, the activity of cellulolytic, acid producing,proteolytic, lipolytic and methanogenic bacteria were more in the middle stage of methanogenesis.the liquid wastes from rubber processing used as diluents in combination with PSD, SPE promoted more biogas production with high methane content in the gas.The factors that favour methane production like TS, VS, cellulose and hemicellulose degradation were favoured in this treatment which led to higher methane biogenesis.The results further highlight ways and means to use agricultural wastes as alternative sources of energy.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Shilpa, Joy; Dr. Paulose, C S(Cochin University of Science And Technology, July , 2013)
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Abstract:
Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems provide wide opportunities for
solving problems associated with drug stability or disease states and create great
expectations in the area of drug delivery (Bosselmann & Williams, 2012).
Nanotechnology, in a simple way, explains the technology that deals with one
billionth of a meter scale (Ochekpe, et al., 2009). Fewer side effects, poor
bioavailability, absorption at intestine, solubility, specific delivery to site of action
with good pharmacological efficiency, slow release, degradation of drug and
effective therapeutic outcome, are the major challenges faced by most of the drug
delivery systems. To a great extent, biopolymer coated drug delivery systems
coupled with nanotechnology alleviate the major drawbacks of the common
delivery methods. Chitosan, deacetylated chitin, is a copolymer of β-(1, 4) linked
glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N- acetyl glucosamine (acetylated unit)
(Radhakumary et al., 2005). Chitosan is biodegradable, non-toxic and bio
compatible. Owing to the removal of acetyl moieties that are present in the amine
functional groups of chitin, chitosan is readily soluble in aqueous acidic solution.
The solubilisation occurs through the protonation of amino groups on the C-2
position of D-glucosamine residues whereby polysaccharide is converted into
polycation in acidic media. Chitosan interacts with many active compounds due to
the presence of amine group in it. The presence of this active amine group in
chitosan was exploited for the interaction with the active molecules in the present
study. Nanoparticles of chitosan coupled drugs are utilized for drug delivery in
eye, brain, liver, cancer tissues, treatment of spinal cord injury and infections
(Sharma et al., 2007; Li, et a., 2009; Paolicelli et al., 2009; Cho et al., 2010). To
deliver drugs directly to the intended site of action and to improve
pharmacological efficiency by minimizing undesired side effects elsewhere in the
body and decrease the long-term use of many drugs, polymeric drug delivery
systems can be used (Thatte et al., 2005).
Description:
Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Biju,M P; Paulose,C S(Department of Biotechnology, 2000)
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Abstract:
The present thesis is an attempt to understand the role of GABA, GABAA and GABAB receptors in the regulation of liver cell proliferation using in vivo and in vitro models. The work also focuses on the brain GABAergic changes associated with normal and neoplastic cell growth in liver and to delineate its regulatory function. The investigation of mechanisms involving mitogenic models without cell necrosis may contribute our knowledge about both on cell growth, carcinogenesis, liver pathology and treatment. Objectives of the present study are, to induce controlled liver cell proliferation by partial hepatectomy and lead nitrate administration and uncontrolled cell proliferation by N-nitrosodiethylamine treatment in male Wistar rats, the changes in the content of GABA, GABAA,GABAB in various rat brain regions. To study the GABAA and GABAB receptor changes in brain stem, hypothalamus, cerebellum and cerebral cortex during the active cortex during the period of active DNA synthesis in liver of different experimental groups. The changes in GABAA and GABAB receptor function of the brain stem, hypothalamus and cerebellum play an important role sympathetic regulation of cell proliferation and neoplastic growth in liver. The decrease in GABA content in brain stem, hypothalamus and cerebellum during regeneration and neoplasia in liver. The time course of brain GABAergic changes was closely correlated with that of heptic DNA synthesis. The functional significance of these changes was further explored by studying the changes in GABAA and GABAB receptors in brain.
Anju, T R; Dr. Paulose, C S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, September , 2010)
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Abstract:
The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of
glucose, oxygen and epinephrine resuscitation on impairment in the functional role
of GABAergic, serotonergic, muscarinic receptors, PLC, BAX, SOD, CAT and
GPx expression in the brain regions of hypoxia induced neonatal rats. Also, the
role of hormones - Triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin, second messengers –
cAMP, cGMP and IP3 and transcription factors – HIF and CREB in the regulation
of neonatal hypoxia and its resuscitation methods were studied. Behavioural
studies were conducted to evaluate the motor function and cognitive deficit in one
month old control and experimental rats. The efficient and timely supplementation
of glucose plays a crucial role in correcting the molecular changes due to hypoxia,
oxygen and epinephrine. The sequence of glucose, epinephrine and oxygen
administration at the molecular level is an important aspect of the study. The
additive neuronal damage effect due to oxygen and epinephrine treatment is
another important observation. The corrective measures by initial supply of
glucose to hypoxic neonatal rats showed from the molecular study when brought
to practice will lead to healthy intellectual capacity during the later developmental
stages, which has immense clinical significance in neonatal care.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Sebastian, C A; Dr.Chandrasekharan Pillai, K N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 20, 1995)
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Abstract:
The present work deals with the Gender discrimination in the law of divorce and succession among christians.Inquiries Into the personal laws bereft of the historical develcpment of the concerned communities will be extremely inadequate as they may not help the researcher to Identify the laws' real source.In this view, the origin and development of Christian law In india has not so far been adequately gone into. Keeping In view the Importance of such a study calling for an exploration of the origin and development of the Christian community and its branching out In india as a prelude to the inqury into the Christian laws, the history of the conmunity in india was examined and the present study IndIcates that christianity In india has a diverse origin in dIfferent parts of India.And this diversity has resulted in the development of different systems of personal law for different sects among them. At present Christians in India constitute a minority but their numerical strength is not negligible. Yet they have not been able to act as an Influential group either socially or politically.The social changes and developments that swept away the community of its feet have overturned the position and the liberals in the community inspired by the changes elsewhere could bring in some statute law to govern the arena traditionally held by the customs.The history of reception of canon law concepts In different parts of India throws some light on the differences In the personal laws applicable to Christians In India.
Description:
Department of Law, Cochin University of Science and Technology.
Lalithabhai,K N; Sankaranarayanan,K C(Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, 2003)
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Abstract:
Women participating in work outside home and the resultant change in Labour market structure placeing female labour as a strong component were breakthrough of twentieth centry. The major share of women labourers in India is crowding in agriculture, household industries and other traditional sectors. Shift in cropping pattern has adverse impacts on female labour. Female labour lost opportunities in the labour market this has adverse impact on family consumption. The study is directed to investigate the impact of female labour saving shift in cropping on female labour force participation and the resultant change in household consumption pattern the specific objectives this study are impact of change in the cropping pattern on employment, change female employment, family consumption pattern and changing situations of womenlabour in agriculture sector.
Swapna,T S; Padma, Nambisan(Department of Biotechnology, March , 2000)
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Abstract:
The study deals with the generation of variability for salt tolerance in rice using tissue culture techniques. Rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population. The management of drought, salinity and acidity in soils are all energy intensive agricultural practices. The Genetic variability is the basis of crop improvement. Somaclonal and androclonal variation can be effectively used for this purpose. In the present study, eight isozymes were studied and esterase and isocitric dehydrogenase was found to have varietal specific, developmental stage specific and stress specific banding pattern in rice. Under salt stress thickness of bands and enzyme activity showed changes. Pokkali, a moderately salt tolerant variety, had a specific band 7, which was present only in this variety and showed slight changes under stress. This band was faint in tillering and flowering stage .Based on the results obtained in the present study it is suggested that esterase could possibly be used as an isozyme marker for salt tolerance in rice. Varietal differences and stage specific variations could be detected using esterase and isocitric dehydrogenase . Moreover somaclonal and androclonal variation could be effectively detected using isozyme markers.
Jeena, N S; Dr.Gopalakrishnan, A(Cochin University of Science And Technology, May 23, 2013)
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Abstract:
The management of exploited species requires the identification of
demographically isolated populations that can be considered as independent
management units (MUs), failuring in which can lead to over -fishing and
depletion of less productive stocks. By characterizing the distribution of genetic
variation, population sub structuring can be detected and the degree of
connectivity among populations can be estimated. The genetic variation can be
observed using identified molecular markers of both nuclear and mitochondrial
origin. Hence, the present work was undertaken to study the genetic diversity
and population/stock structure in P. homarus homarus and T. unimaculatus
from different landing centres along the Indian coast using nuclear (RAPD) and
mitochondrial DNA marker tools which will help towards developing
management strategies for management and conservation of these declining
resources.To make consistent conservation and fisheries management decisions,
accurate species identifications are needed. It is also suggested that it is not
always desirable to rely on a single sequence for taxonomic identification.
Thus, the feasibility of using partial sequences of additional mitochondrial
genes like 16SrRNA, 12SrRNA and nuclear 18SrRNA has also been explored
in our study. Phylogenies provide a sound foundation for establishing
taxonomy. The present work also attempts to reconstruct the phylogeny of
eleven species of commercially important lobsters from the Indian EEZ using
molecular markers
Description:
National Bureau of
Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) Cochin Unit, Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute, Cochin
The thesis deals with the results of the study of the population characteristics of the marine penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon from South India. The present findings on the morphometric and biochemical genetic structure support the hypothesis that the populations of P.monodon of South India have homogeneous stock structure. To the contrary, the significantly different random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles in samples of Kochi and Chennai support the hypothesis that east and west cost populations of P.monodon are separate stocks.
Manju, Nair P; Dr. Sujatha, C.H(Cochin University of Science & Technology, June , 2014)
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Abstract:
Geochemical composition is a set of data for predicting the climatic condition existing in an ecosystem. Both the surficial and core sediment geochemistry are helpful in monitoring, assessing and evaluating the marine environment. The aim of the research work is to assess the relationship between the biogeochemical constituents in the Cochin Estuarine System (CES), their modifications after a long period of anoxia and also to identify the various processes which control the sediment composition in this region, through a multivariate statistical approach. Therefore the study of present core sediment geochemistry has a critical role in unraveling the benchmark of their characterization. Sediment cores from four prominent zones of CES were examined for various biogeochemical aspects. The results have served as rejuvenating records for the prediction of core sediment status prevailing in the CES
Reji,Srinivas; Sajan,K(Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics, School of marine Sciences, 2002)
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Abstract:
In this study, an attempt has been made to find the textural, geochemical, sedimentological characteristics of sediments and water phases of the kayamkulam estuary located in the Southwest coast of Kerala, besides the impact of gas based thermal power plant located at the northern part of the estuary. Estuaries are an important stage in the transport of the solid weathering product of the earth’s crust. These weathered products or sediments are complex mixtures of a number of solid phases that may include clays, silica, organic matter, metal oxides, carbonates, sulfides and a number of minerals. Studies on the aquatic systems revealed the fact that it posses severe ecological impairments due to heavy discharge of sediments from 44 rivers, the continued disposal of pollutants rich materials from industries, sewage channels, agricultural areas and retting yards