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The experiment was conducted to evaluate 24 coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) genotypes during the rabi 2018- 19 season for yield and yield related traits to assess the correlation and path analysis. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with umbels per plant, harvest index and seed per umbellate at both phenotypic as well as genotypic level. The characters namely umbels per plant, harvest index, branches per plant and days to maturity showed positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both phenotypic as well as genotypic level. Therefore, greater emphasis should be given on these characters while selecting for higher seed yield and related traits.

There is no information available in India regarding the fertigation schedule for the growth and development of indoor plant species suitable for indoor vertical gardening. The current investigations were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India with the objective to determine the optimum fertigation schedule of nutrient formulations for a successful installation of a vertical garden by using four indoor plant species Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena godseffiana, Aglaonema angustifolium and Philodendron selloum to make interior beautiful as well as to add cleaner air for healthy environment. These indoor plant species were grown in soilless media consisting of cocopeat, perlite and vermiculite in the ratio 3:1:1 with four concentrations of Hoagland nutrient solution (25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % of Hoagland's solution) and the fifth concentration was self-composed nutrient formulation placed horizontally inside the rooms. Experimental design was factorial completely randomized design keeping three replications in each treatment. Plant growth and leaf nutrient accumulation was maximum when the plants were fertigated with 100 % of the Hoagland's solution (NF IV). Thus, based on their performance these indoor plant species were further planted for indoor vertical garden using fertigation schedule of NF IV. The order of performance of the species evaluated on the basis of growth, chlorophyll and nutrient accumulation were Aglaonema angustifolium >Schefflera arboricola> Philodendron selloum> Dracaena godseffiana. The accumulations of nutrients by ornamental plants were highly variant between species and this information could be used for further fertigation scheduling of indoor vertical gardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Amongst the worldwide endeavors to develop a universal influenza vaccine, the mRNA platform possesses quite promising prospects as attributed to its features including a large number of target antigens and consequent broad reactive immunity, strain matching and rapid scalable production. Conversely, the development of a potentially universal flu vaccine based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology appears realistic in light of the recent progress in the field of nucleic acid vaccines, the mRNA technology has the potential to completely transform the process of developing influenza vaccines. The reason behind this is that the prevalent influenza vaccines rely on cellular proliferation, wherein the vaccine virus under consideration is introduced into eggs, where it undergoes replication.[5] The cell-based vaccines utilize cultured mammalian cells as opposed to avian eggs,[4] whereas the recombinant influenza vaccines employ artificially synthesized strains of the virus and are manufactured utilizing insect cells. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Bear specialist group recommended that the basic research on the Malayan sun bear is the highest priority need. Without such information, the establishment and implementation of scientifically-sound conservation plans is difficult. Therefore, present study was designed to provide information on gross morphological and light microscopic architecture of the spleen. Methods: The present study was conducted on the spleen of one Malayan sun bear. After doing the gross parameters the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and were processed for light microscopic studies. Blocks were cut at 6µ thickness by Leica Semimotorized Rotary Microtome and stained by Harris' haematoxylin and eosin for routine study. Result: The spleen of Malayan sun bear was located in the left hypogastric region and entirely intrathoracic as the stomach was almost empty. The parietal surface faces the diaphragm and left lateral abdominal wall, whereas the visceral surface was divided into gastric face and intestinal face by the ridge like hilus. The spleen of Malayan Sun Bear was surrounded by a thick connective tissue capsule invested by the peritoneum. The capsule, trabeculae and reticular fibers support the splenic parenchyma composed of a red pulp and a white pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus raises the risk of neurodegenerative disease Additionally, it is important to take a look at the cellular and molecular mechanisms of viral infections that result in neurological diseases, regardless of whether the neurological disorders are brought on by the virus entering and multiplying in the brain or by neuroinflammation that affects brain function. Highlights Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a priority viral infection with pandemic potential and is regarded as an emerging infectious disease. [Extracted from the article]

Background: There is scanty information on the skull morphology of Indian mithun. Therefore, the present study has been designed to provide information on the morphology of the skull of Indian mithun. Method: The study was conducted on the skull bones of twelve (n=12) adult Indian mithun of either sex (n=6, male and n=6, female). The head region samples of naturally died mithun were collected from different parts of the Mizoram and Nagaland states of India from April, 2019 to March, 2020. Result: The skull of mithun was roughly triangular in shape from the dorsal side. The cranial and facial bones were the major components of the skull, with a total of thirty-two bones. There were three single and four paired cranial bones with a total of eleven bones. There was one single and the rest were paired facial bones with a total of twenty-one bones. The cranial bones were occipital, parietal, interparietal, sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal and temporal. The facial bones were maxilla, premaxilla (incisive), palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic (malar), vomer, turbinate, mandible and hyoid. The present morphological studies on the skull of mithun can be useful to the wildlife professionals and zoo veterinarians for the determination of sex of this animal and differentiation from other domestic and wild animals for solving veterolegal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present experiment was carried out between 18 February 2018 to 18 May 2018 (90 days) under RKVY project at Dairy farm, Department of Livestock Production Management, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Jaipur). Sixteen lactating Gir cows in early stage of lactation were selected for the experiment. They were randomly divided into four groups of four in each group on the basis of nearest in their body weight and milk yield of average per day and subjected to 4 dietary treatments viz.: - T1: wheat straw and pelleted concentrate mixture; T2: T1 + Groundnut Cake @ 500g per cow per day; T3: T1 +Til Cake @ 559g per cow per day and T4: T1 + Cotton Seed Cake (CSC) @ 1134g per cow per day was offered. The average daily milk production (litre) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 (7.245±0.487) as compared to T3 (6.842±0.658), T4 (6.726±0.689) and T1 (6.374±0.654). The milk production was slightly higher in spring season (6.916) as compare to summer (6.777). The peak yield was highest in T2 (12.5 lit) as compare to other groups. It was concluded the feeding of the protein sources as concentrate mixture + groundnut cake (T2) significantly (P<0.05) increased the milk production and better performance of Gir cows as well as increased palatability and utility of poor-quality roughage (jowar kutti). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is scanty information on the skull morphology of barking and sambar deer; thus the present study was designed to provide information on morphology, radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the skull bones of both deer species. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 12 skulls of adult barking deer (n = 6) and sambar deer (n = 6) of either sex (n = 3 males and n = 3 females) collected from Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, Mizoram. The skulls of both species were macerated as per the standard maceration techniques. Results: The skull bones of both deer species were divided into a neurocranium and a viscerocranium. The neurocranium was comprised of occipital, sphenoid, temporal, frontal, parietal, interparietal and ethmoid bones. The viscerocranium consisted of nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic, maxilla, incisive, palatine, pterygoid, vomer, mandible, turbinates and hyoid bones. The cranial cavity was oval and elongated caudally. The orbit was round, complete in barking deer; however, it was oval, complete in sambar deer. The facial tuberosity was present caudal to infraorbital foramen and dorsally at superior third premolar tooth in barking deer whereas dorsally at the superior first molar tooth in sambar deer. The infraorbital foramina were small, elliptical and placed at the level of the superior first premolar tooth. The alveolus for a canine tooth was present rostrally in the maxilla of both species. Turbinates bones were visible and mandibular symphysis remained unossified on radiographs and CT in both species. The radiographs of both species showed that the nasal canal was divided by the nasal septum. The CT scan demonstrated the paranasal, frontal and maxillary sinuses. Conclusions: The present study is important in the comparative anatomy of ruminant species and may help the wildlife forensic officials to identify and differentiate the bones of these two species from those of other domestic and wild small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Piglet mortality is a real concern to the pig farmers. The major cause is due to the late maturation of the immune system and dietary changes in postweaned piglets. The potential role of probiotic and zinc in the stimulation of the immune system is well established. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate alterations of T and B cells in the small intestine after dietary inclusion of probiotic and zinc in pre and post-weaned piglets. Materials and methods: A total of 18 healthy Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets, irrespective of sex obtained from 3 litters at the age-group of 20, 30 and 60 days. They were divided into a control group fed with basal diet and a treatment group fed with probiotic and zinc supplement along with the basal diet, consisting of three animals in each group. The piglets were weaned at 28 days of age. After sacrificing the animals at day 20, 30 and 60 from both the groups, the abdominal cavity was opened and small intestinal tissue samples were collected, processed and stained by indirect immunofluorescence technique. The slides were evaluated under the fluorescent light microscope. The data were statistically analysed. Results: The different T and B cell subsets were recorded in the lining epithelium, core of villus, crypt area of lamina propria and Peyer's patch area. The number of CD4+, CD8+, IgA+ and IgM+ cells was higher in the treated piglets than the control group of animals, irrespective of segments of intestine and age-group. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the dietary supplementation of probiotic and zinc was found to be good additives as they can stimulate the immune response in piglets, especially during the critical early post-weaning period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The topographic and morphometric anatomy of various foramina provides an easy approach in performing nerve blocks by their proper tracking for regional anesthesia in surgical interventions. There is no previously reported information on the applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the Indian mithun. The present study was designed to provide important clinical landmarks related to tracking of the infraorbital, mental and mandibular nerves with its clinical significance in regional anesthesia in mithun. Methods: The study was conducted on the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of twelve (n=12) adult Indian mithun of either sex (n=6, male and n=6, female). The head region samples of naturally died mithun were collected from different parts of the Mizoram and Nagaland state of India and processed as per the standard maceration technique. Altogether, a total of twelve measurements were taken in the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of mithun by using a digital vernier caliper and the results were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The obtained parameters from the present study can be useful for an extraoral and intraoral approach for nerve block of the infraorbital, mental and mandibular nerve in the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of mithun. Result: The present study revealed that all the obtained parameters related to regional anesthesia showed a significant statistical difference (P<0.01** and P<0.05*) between the males and females of mithun. It can be concluded from the present study that the various applied parameters of the present study will aid the clinicians in the implication of regional anesthesia in the head region of mithun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal and early post-weaned piglet mortality causes huge economic losses to the farmers. The beneficial effect of probiotic and zinc in respect to the gut health in piglets has already been established. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate age-related changes and the effect of dietary inclusion of probiotic and zinc on morphological and morphometrical characteristics on villi and crypts of the small intestine in pre and post-weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 18 Large White Yorkshire piglets, irrespective of sex were divided into three different age-groups [pre-weaning (20 days old, n=3) and, post-weaning (30 days old, n=3) and (60 days old, n=3)]. The piglets were weaned at 28 days of age. They were divided into control group (C) fed with basal diet and treatment group (T) fed with combined probiotic and zinc oral supplement along with the basal diet. After sacrifice the animals, tissue samples were collected and processed for routine stain and SEM. The alterations on morphology and morphometry of villi and crypts were recorded both in the control and treatment group of piglets. Result: The villus height and width and crypt depth and width were increased, however, the villus crypt ratio was found to be lower in the treatment group of piglets. The villus and crypt enlargement factor showing higher numerical values in the piglets fed with probiotic and zinc than the control group of piglets. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a clear extrusion zone with prominent shedding of cells in the villi of jejunum and ileum in the treatment group of piglets at day 30 and 60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotics and zinc are commonly used and beneficial in pig production. This work aimed to assess the effect of probiotic and zinc on brush-border enzyme activity and histoenzymatic study of the small intestine in pre and post-weaned piglets. Methods: Eighteen LWY piglets were divided equally into control and treatment groups. The piglets were maintained in standard management conditions and were weaned at 28 days of age. The treatment group of piglets fed a mixture of probiotics orally @ 1.25 × 109 CFU/day and zinc @ 2000 ppm/day from birth to 10 days of age. At three different age-groups viz. day 20 (pre-weaning), day 30 (weaning) and day 60 (post-weaning), the animals were sacrificed. For disaccharidase enzyme estimation, the mucosal brush border of the small intestine was scrapped off and the experiment was conducted. For histoenzymatic assay, the small intestine samples were preserved in liquid nitrogen at -196C immediately after sacrifice. They were sectioned at 10μm thickness maintained at -20C and stained for different histochemical staining. The statistical analysis of the data using the appropriate statistical tests was also conducted. Result: The activity of different brush-border enzymes such as maltase, sucrase and lactase was more in the treatment group of piglets. The activity of different histochemical enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, adenosine tri-phosphatase and non-specific esterase was increased in the treated group of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is scanty information on the morphometry of the skull of Indian mithun; therefore, the present study was designed to provide morphometric data of the skull of Indian mithun. Methods: The study was conducted on the skull bones of twelve (n=12) adult Indian mithun of either sex (n=6, male and n=6, female). The head region samples of naturally died mithun were collected from different parts of the Mizoram and Nagaland states of India from September, 2019 to March, 2020. In the present study, altogether, a total of forty-five parameters were taken in the skull bones of males and females of Indian mithun. Result: The biometrical observations on the different parameters of the skull of Indian mithun were found to be significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05) higher in the males than females. The measurements demonstrated that the skull of the mithun was elongated and dolichocephalic as per the value of the skull index. The skull index/cephalic index was 48.76±0.03 in males and 48.71±0.02 in females of the mithun. The length, width of the skull was 44.52±0.02, 44.41±0.02 in males and 21.62±0.04, 21.57±0.05 in females of mithun, respectively. The orbital margin was circular and complete in mithun. The cranial cavity of mithun was oval in outline with a capacity of 530.00±0.27 cm3 in males and 523.00±0.31 cm3 in females. The foramen magnum was large, roughly oval with a foramen index as 96.93±0.06 in males and 97.19±0.04 in females. The present morphometrical studies on the skull of mithun can be useful to the wildlife professionals and zoo veterinarians for the determination of sex of this animal and distinguish from other domestic and wild animals for solving veterolegal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation was planned to study the effect of salinity on brinjal and executed at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was conducted in split plot design, keeping the salinity levels as main plot, and genotypes as sub main plot. One hundred and two genotypes of varying texture, shape and size were selected for the experiment from the available brinjal germplasm. For induction of salinity, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride were used in ratio 2:1:1 in field and pot. These genotypes were screened for salt tolerance at three different levels of salinity (2ds/m, 4ds/m and 6 ds/m and control) and 19 genotypes were categorized under tolerant, 39 as semi-tolerant and 44 were susceptible to salinity. Tolerant genotypes were subjected to more evaluation for growth and quality related characters under field as well as under pot conditions. It was observed that the growth and yield contributing factors i.e. plant height, leaf area, root fresh and dry weight, fruit yield decreased as the salinity level increased, and internodal distance increased as the salinity level increased. On the basis of evaluation, brinjal genotypes SL-8-PB-1-3-1-4 followed by KBSR-343-1 and BL-215 performed better upto 4 ds/m levels of salinity with a slight decline in yield traits, but at 6 ds/m yield was drastically reduced, which was 12%, 28% and 28.5% respectively as compared to control. In terms of quality related traits, chlorophyll and carotenoide content decreased as the salinity level increased. On the basis of evaluation, brinjal genotypes SL-8-PB-1-3-1-4 followed by KBSR-343-1 and BL-215 performed better than other genotypes for all growth and quality traits. The investigation led to the conclusion that SL-8-PB-1-3-1-4 (Small Long), KBSR-343-1 (Round) and BL- 215 (Long) were the ideal genotypes for salt tolerance under field and pot conditions. Hence, these three brinjal genotypes could be addressed for future studies in salt affected area of Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotics and zinc are commonly used and beneficial in pig production. This work aimed to assess the effects of probiotic and zinc on the mucosal cells of the small intestine in respect to digestive capacity and immunity in pre- and post-weaned piglets.Materials and Methods: Eighteen Large White Yorkshire piglets were divided equally into control and treatment groups. The piglets were maintained in standard management conditions and were weaned at 28 days of age. The treatment group of piglets fed a mixture of probiotics orally at 1.25 × 109 CFU/day and zinc at 2000 ppm/day from birth to 10 days of age. At three different age-groups viz. day 20 (pre-weaning) and, day 30 and day 60 (post-weaning), the animals were sacrificed. For histomorphology, the tissue samples were processed and stained with Mayer's haematoxylin and eosin for routine study, combined periodic acid-Schiff-Alcian blue for mucopolysaccharides and Masson-Hamperl argentaffin technique for argentaffin cells. The stained slides were observed under the microscope. The samples were processed as per the standard procedure for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The statistical analysis of the data using the appropriate statistical tests was also conducted.Results: The mucosal epithelium of villi and crypts were lined by enterocytes, goblet cells, argentaffin cells, microfold (M-cell) cells, tuft cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes. The multipotent stem cells were located at the crypt base. The length of the enterocyte microvilli was significantly longer (p < 0.05) in the treatment group of piglets. The number of different types of goblet cells and argentaffin cells was more in treated piglets irrespective of segments of intestine and age. The intraepithelial lymphocytes were located in apical, nuclear and basal positions in the lining epithelium of both villus tip and base with their significant increase in the treatment group of piglets. The transmission electron microscopy revealed the frequent occurrence of tuft cells in the lining mucosa of the small intestine in treated piglets.Conclusions: Dietary supplementation of probiotic and zinc induced the number of different mucosal cells of villi and crypts in the small intestine that might suggest the greater absorptive capacity of nutrients and effective immunity in critical pre and post-weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previously reported information on the morphology of crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl skeleton is meager as compared to the fowl, thus, the present study was designed to provide the morphological features of the skull of both species. The specimens were procured from four crested serpent eagle and brown wood owls, brought from the Zoological Park, Aizawl for the post mortem examination conducted at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl, Mizoram. After the post-mortem examination, the collected specimens were macerated by the standard maceration technique and radiographs were taken at the Mizoram Health Centre, Aizawl. The skull of both the species consisted of neurocranium and viscerocranium which were separated by two large orbital cavities. The neurocranium was composed of single (occipital, sphenoid, ethmoidal) and paired (temporal, parietal and frontal) bones in both the species. The viscerocranium consisted of single bones (mandible, vomer and hyoid) and paired (quadrate, lacrimal, nasal, premaxilla, maxilla, zygomatic, palatine and pterygoid) bones. The skull of both the species was dolichocephalic as per the cephalic index, which was 52.63±0.04 and 68.56±0.03 in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl, respectively. The results showed that there were variations in shape and components of crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl skull bones in comparison with other birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban population spends most of their time indoors leading to multiple problems. Making an indoor vertical garden and associating people to this new concept will help build the indoor environment with improved energy efficiency, indoor air quality, their improved health and well-being. Of all of the factors affecting plant growth in interiors, adequate light is by far the most important. LED is an efficient, energy-saving light source widely used in artificial light plant production systems. Lack of scientific information regarding the light intensity requirement for optimum growth of the indoor ornamental plant species under Indian conditions makes the study of utmost importance. Five indoor ornamental plant species namely, Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena godseffiana, Philodendron salloum, Syngonium podophyllum and Scindapsis aureus were planted in pots (5") with soil less media arranged as vertical structures (6'11"x4'3") aligned to interiors walls of a room. Four such structures/frames were fabricated, fertigated with 100% of the Hoagland solution and artificially illuminated using LED lighting system (PWM controlled) with different light intensities i.e. 700-1100 lux (LI I), 1100-1500 lux (LI II), 1500-1900 lux (LI III) and LI IV had no artificial light illumination (control). From the most effective positive response of plant species under study on the basis of their growth response towards different light intensities, it was concluded that Philodendron salloum responded best to LI I (700-1100 lux), Scindapsis aureus to LI II (1100-1500 lux), Dracaena godseffiana, Schefflera arboricola and Syngonium podophyllum to LI III (1500-1900 lux). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no previously reported information on the morphological characteristics of pelvic limb long bones (femur, tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate morphological and biometrical characteristics of pelvic limb long bones in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl. The femur consisted of a curved shaft and two extremities. The shaft was wider proximally and distally and presented medial, lateral, anterior and lateral surfaces. The anterior, medial and lateral surfaces were smooth and continuous in both the species. An intermuscular line called linea aspera was present on the anterior and posterior surfaces in both the species. The proximal and distal extremities of the femur were almost of equal size. The proximal extremity presented a distinct, hemispherical head which was located in the level of the trochanter major in both the species. The distal extremity furnished a trochlea anteriorly for patella and medial, lateral condyles posteriorly for tibiotarsus bone. The patella was small and triangular and consisted of two surfaces, two borders, a base and an apex in both the species. Tibiotarsus was the longest bone in both the species which was formed by the fusion of distal extremity of the tibia with the proximal row of the tarsal bones. The proximal and distal extremity of the tibiotarsus consisted of medial and lateral condyles. In both the species, the fibula was a rod-shaped bone and reached up to distal third of the lateral border of the tibiotarsus. The tarsometatarsus was a long bone but smaller than tibiotarsus in both the species. Various biometrical parameters of the pelvic limb long bones were more in the crested serpent eagle as compared to the brown wood owl due to species differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no previously reported information on the applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the barking deer and sambar deer.Materials and Methods: Therefore, the present study was designed to provide some important clinical landmarks related to tracking of the infraorbital, mental and mandibular nerves with its clinical implications in regional anaesthesia in both the species.Results: In the present study, the distance between the most lateral bulging of the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital foramen and from the latter to the root of the alveolar tooth directly ventral to it was found to be 2.65 ± 0.01 cm and 0.90 ± ± 0.02 cm in males; 2.75 ± 0.01 cm, 1.11 ± 0.01 cm in females of barking deer and 4.57 ± 0.01 cm and 1.83 ± 0.02 cm in males; 4.52 ± 0.02 cm and 1.76 ± 0.02 cm in females of sambar deer. The infraorbital foramen was small, elliptical and was located at the level of first superior premolar teeth in barking deer and sambar deer. The facial tuberosity was located above the third superior premolar teeth in the barking deer but was located at the level of the first superior molar teeth in sambar deer. The distance between the lateral alveolar root of the third inferior incisor tooth to the mental foramen was 2.84 ± 0.01 cm in males, 2.78 ± 0.01 cm in females of barking deer and 3.04 ± 0.02 cm in males, 2.96 ± 0.01 cm in females of sambar deer which is an important landmark for achieving the location of the mental foramen nerve for the regional nerve block in both the species. The mandible of both the species showed oval-shaped mental foramen with unossified mandibular symphysis.Conclusions: The present study revealed that most of the parameters showed a statistically significant difference between the sexes in barking deer and sambar deer; however, from the practical point of view, these differences were meager. The results were discussed with regard to their clinical applications in various regional anaesthesia performed in maxillofacial and mandibular regions of both the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study has been conducted on the testes of 10 adult Large White Yorkshire pig (1.5-2) years of age. The testis was surrounded by a capsule made up of dense irregular connective tissue comprising three layers viz., outer visceral layer of tunica vaginalis, middle tunica albugenia and inner tunica vasculosa. The connective tissue trabeculae were extended from the capsule and divided the parenchyma of the testis into number of lobules and consisted of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers along with rete testis and blood vessels. The Periodic Acid-Schiff shows strong affinity in basement membrane of seminiferous tubules and tunica albuginea with a moderate activity in Leydig cells. The Alcian blue shows strong affinity in basement membrane of seminiferous tubule and weak activity was observed in tunica albuginea and interstitial tissue. The different histomorphometrical parameters with regard to thickness of testicular capsule, diameter and height of seminiferous tubules were found to be higher in the left testicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to elaborate on the morphometry of the skull of non-descript goats in Mizoram state of India. The study was conducted on the skull of twelve (n=12) adult goats of either sex (n=6 males and n=6 females) collected from the local slaughter houses. Altogether, forty-one different measurements were taken morphologically. In the present study, the cranial and facial bones were the major components of the skull with a total of thirty-two bones. There were three single and four paired cranial bones with a total of eleven bones. There were one single and the rest were paired facial bones with a total of twenty-one bones. The cranial bones were occipital, parietal, interparietal, sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal and temporal. The facial bones were maxilla, premaxilla (incisive), palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic (malar), vomer, turbinate, mandible and hyoid. The skull measurements showed that the skull of the goat was elongated and dolichocephalic as per the cephalic index (47.82±0.05). The length and width of the skull was 19.28±0.03 cm and 9.22±0.04 cm, respectively.There were two supraorbital foramina on both sides of the frontal bone. The prominent facial tuberosity lies dorsally to the third superior premolar tooth. Single infraorbital foramen was located dorsally to the junction of the first and second superior premolar teeth on maxilla bone. The orbits were round and complete and situated on a frontolateral oblique plane. It can be concluded that the findings of this study would assist the comparative studies with other domesticated animals in the future and would be applicable in clinical veterinary practice and even in zoo archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has undoubtedly created an emerging disease of topmost public health priority spilling throughout the globe. The diagnosis currently relies on a multiplex of criteria including the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and in vitro diagnostics. Presently, the real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (rRT-PCR) is considered as the most reliable assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and is being supplemented by other auxiliary tests, including serology and radiology. Many of these molecular and immunological tests have been validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and commercial kits have been introduced in the field. But, considering the sensitivity and specificity based shortcomings and the lacunae in monitoring the spread of the virus, there is an immense need to develop integrated smart devices based on novel, safe, rapid and accurate diagnostic techniques and implement them on a large scale to curb this outbreak in the country and the world as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at PAU Regional Research Station, Bathinda during 2017-18 to investigate the effect of quality of irrigation water and fertigation levels on the growth, yield, N content and uptake in tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) under polyhouse conditions. The treatments included two irrigation water qualities viz. canal water (CW) and desalinated water (DSW) and three fertigation levels viz. 100%(F1), 80%(F2) and 60%(F3) of recommended NPK. Both the water qualities CW and DSW produced statistically similar dry matter production and total fruit yield of tomato. Increasing fertigation level from 60% of recommended NPK dose (F3) to 100% (F1) significantly increased the total dry matter and fruit yield of tomato at successive growth stages {120 days after transplanting (DAT), 150 DAT, 180 DAT and at maturity}. The N content of different partitioned plant parts viz. leaves, stem and roots decreased with each successive growth stage, irrespective of water quality and fertigation levels. Water quality had no significant effect on the N content and uptake of leaves, stem and roots at successive growth stages. The fertigation level (F1) recorded significantly higher content and accumulation of N in leaves, stem and roots compared to F2 and F3 at all growth stages. The absorption of N by tomato leaves increased with increasing plant age up to 150 DAT whereas the total N accumulation tended to decline at 180 DAT and maturity at all the fertigation rates in both the water qualities. Unlike tomato leaves, the total N assimilation in stem and roots continued to increase at successive stages of tomato growth up to maturity. The N content in fruits produced with both water qualities was also statistically similar but the fertigation levels had a significant effect on the N content of fruits at 7th picking and final harvest. Fertigation had a significant effect on soil available nitrogen content of soil. It is concluded that desalinated water proved to be as good a source to that of canal water for production of tomato with 100% recommended NPK fertigation levels under protected cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present field study was conducted to study the effect of long-term poor quality irrigation water and crop residue incorporation on phosphorus (P) content in grain and straw in a rice-wheat cropping system. The long-term experiment had 16 treatment combinations involving four irrigation water qualities: canal water irrigation (SW1), sodic water (SW2), sodic water plus gypsum (SW3) and saline water (SW4) and four crop residue treatments: 6 t wheat straw ha-1 to rice (T1), 6 t rice straw ha-1 to wheat (T2), rice straw to wheat and wheat straw to rice at 6 t ha-1 each (T3) and the unamended control (T4). Irrigation water and crop residue treatments significantly influenced P concentration of grain and straw of wheat as well as rice. Mean value of P content was observed to be the highest under good quality water treatment (SW1) and the least under saline water treatment. Mean P content in wheat grain and straw were in the order of T3 > T2 > T1 >T4. Maximum Cl-1 and HCO3-1 contents were observed in saline water treatment that had not received any crop residue amendment (SW4T4) whereas the lowest values of these ions were found in soil treated with good quality water and both rice and wheat straw amendment (SW1T3) in subsequent seasons. The study showed that adverse effect of poor quality irrigation waters on plant uptake of major nutrients can be managed by incorporating crop residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial effects of biochar on physicochemical properties in non-saline and non-sodic soils have been widely acknowledged. However, information is inadequate regarding potential of using rice straw derived biochar as an organic material to reduce sodicity stress. Soil samples varying in sodicity (SAR – Sodium Adsorption Ratio) levels [SAR2.5 (control), SAR20 and SAR30], collected from long-term field experiment were incubated for 8 weeks with different rates of rice straw biochar (B0: control, B1: 1%, B2: 2%, B4: 4% w/w). Carbon mineralization was adversely affected by sodicity, far greater in SAR20 than SAR30 soil. Irrespective of the SAR levels, addition of rice straw biochar enhanced cumulative respiration (CR) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), more so at higher rate of application. Both pH and SAR significantly decreased in the biochar amended sodic soils, whereas opposite trend was noticed in the amended control. Furthermore, at all SAR levels, NO3–N concentrations were greater at differential biochar rates on day 14 and 56 of sampling; however, the results were contrary as far as NH4+-N was concerned. It may be concluded that rice straw biochar can be used as an organic amendment for reducing adverse effects of sodicity on soil functions governed by their rate of addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was carried out to evaluate ten sub-tropical ornamental trees for salt affected soils. One year old seedlings of the ornamental trees were transplanted in 10" earthen pots during the first week of April 2015, for testing them against salinity levels of 0, 30, 40, 50, 60 mM NaCl from May 2015 to October 2015. Due to 100 per cent survival in the doses, the level of salinity was further enhanced to 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 mM from November 2015 to April 2017. On the basis of the results of the present study, trees were categorized as salt tolerant and salt sensitive. Salt tolerant trees included Casuarina equisetifolia, Pongamia pinnata, Callistemon lanceolatus, Acacia auriculiformis and Cassia fistula, whereas, salt sensitive trees were Putranjiva roxburghii, Millettia ovalifolia, Koelreutaria paniculata, Ficus benjamina and Bauhinia purpurea. During October 2015, plant spread, girth, total chlorophyll and total soluble protein content slightly increased as the level of salinity increased in the salt tolerant trees. After November 2015, the plant spread, girth and total chlorophyll content increased up to 30 mM NaCl salinity level, whereas total soluble protein content increased up to 60 mM NaCl and thereafter decreased in tolerant tree species. In salt sensitive tree species, all the parameters decreased with an increase in salinity level. In C. equisetifolia, the total soluble protein content increased continuously with an increase in salinity. The increase in total chlorophyll and protein in salt tolerant trees at a lower level of salinity indicates that the plants managed to survive in a salt stressed condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoulder girdle gives strength and range of motion to the wings of birds and plays a functional role in flight mechanism of birds. The present study was designed to compare the morphological features of shoulder girdle bones in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl. The shoulder girdle comprised of the scapula, coracoid and fused clavicle i.e. furculum in both species. The proximal extremities of bones of shoulder girdle formed a foramen triosseum in both the species for tendon of supracoracoideus muscle. The proximal end of the scapula of crested serpent eagle presents a pneumatic foramen which was absent in the brown wood owl. The coracoid of crested serpent eagle presents a large pneumatic foramen at the medial surface of the acrocoracoid process. A piercing type of foramen was characteristic in the coracoid of both species. Procoracoid process was triangular in shape with a broad base in both the species with pointed apex in brown wood owl and short apex in crested serpent eagle. The clavicle was thin, slender and highly curved in crested serpent eagle, whereas it was slender and rod-like in brown wood owl. Numerous pneumatic foramina were present in the proximal extremity of the clavicle of the crested serpent eagle, which were few in brown wood owl. The distal extremity of both clavicle fused to form a hypocleideum in crested serpent eagle, which was absent in brown wood owl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was done on the dried skull of 9 (nine) non-descript domesticated pigs of Mizoram. Skull from adult animals with no apparent physical deformities were only selected for the study. Here a total of 59 (fifty nine) parameters were recorded. The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis to derive a meaning full craniometrical data. Most of the recorded parameters showed very less to intermediate coefficient of variance. The 10 (ten) indices, which were calculated to neutralize the variations in the skull size were found to be in accordance to available literatures. The correlation coefficients for most of the selected parameters were highly significant except the basicranial axis and viscerocranial length. Similarly the prediction equation for most of the selected parameters were highly accurate as their degree of determination was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to screen four ornamental tree species ideal for salt-affected environment. Screening was done on the basis of nutrient accumulation in leaves and roots. The 1-year-old tree seedlings growing in 10″ pots were subjected to five levels of sodium chloride salinity stress (control, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mM). Experimental design utilized was factorial completely randomized block with three replicates in each treatment. In addition, the sodium (Na+)/ potassium (K+) ratio in leaves and roots of all ornamental tree species was determined. Based upon nutrients content and Na+/K+, the order of salinity tolerance observed in the study was Casuarina equisetifolia > Acacia auriculiformis > Callistemon lanceolatus > Putranjiva roxburghii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most important, yet least understood, question, how microbial activity in soil under saline water irrigation responds to carbon (C) varying qualitatively (most labile form to extreme recalcitrant form) with or without maintaining C/N ratio was investigated in an incubation experiment. Soil samples from a long-term saline-water (electrical conductivity, EC ≈ 0, 6, and 12 dS m-1)- irrigated field were incorporated with three different C substrates, viz., glucose, rice straw (RS), and biochar with or without nitrogen (N as ammonium sulfate, NH4SO4) and were incubated at 25 °C for 56 days. Cumulative respiration (CR), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and dehydrogenase activity (DEA) concentrations decreased with increasing EC (P < 0.05), but less so in soils amended with glucose followed by RS and biochar. The addition of N to soils amended with different C substrates significantly decreased CR, MBC, DEA, and available phosphorus (P) concentrations at a given EC level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the crop salt tolerance studies are often conducted in a glasshouse and are limited under field conditions. Therefore, the present research study was conducted under field conditions to evaluate the performance of six wheat cultivars at five salinity levels (EC 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 dS m-1) in split plot design with three replications. Increasing salinity significantly increased soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Yield parameters of different cultivars were affected more at higher salinity levels than lower in two years. Data over two years revealed that up to EC 9 dS m-1 cultivars PBW 658 and HD 2967 performed better on the absolute yield basis but PBW 621 produced higher relative yield. At EC 12 dS m-1, PBW 658 produced significantly higher grain yield (4.23 t ha-1) than cultivars HD 2967 (4.11 t ha-1) and PBW 621 (3.99 t ha-1); therefore, should be preferred at salinity more than 9 dS m-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the mineralization process of organic amendments in soil is required to synchronize N release with crop demand and protect the environment from excess N accumulation. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory incubation experiment to assess nitrogen mineralization potential of crop residues (rice and wheat straw) and organic manures (poultry manure, farmyard manure, cowpea and sesbania) in two benchmark soils (Typic Haplustept and Typic Ustifluvents) of semi-arid region of Punjab, India, varying in texture at field capacity moisture level at a constant temperature of 33±1°C. Mineralization was faster during first 7 days of incubation in Typic Haplustept and upto 14 days in Typic Ustifluvents which subsequently declined over time. In both soils, net N mineralization continued to increase with increasing period of incubation (expect with crop residues) and was significantly higher in Typic Ustifluvents (54-231μg g-1) than Typic Haplustept (33-203 μg g-1). Compared to unamended soils, percent N mineralized was highest is sesbania (35-40 %) followed by cowpea (32-37 %) and least in wheat (10-11 %) after 42 days of incubation. Thus, sesbania and cowpea may preferably be used to meet the large N demand during early period of plant growth. Further, mineralization rate constants (k) also indicated that availability of mineral N was significantly higher with application of organic amendments than unamended control treatments in both soils. Therefore, it may be concluded that considerable economy in the use of inorganic N fertilizer can be employed if N mineralization potential of organic inputs is taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of sternum of crested serpent eagle. The sternum was a thin, flat bone with a body, rostrum and keel. The body was quadrilateral plate with concave dorsal and convex ventral surfaces and four borders. Numerous pneumatic foramina were present on the dorsal surface. The ventral surface presented a large, boat shaped keel along its median line. The cranial border was convex and thick and two pneumatic foramina were present behind the cranial border on the ventral surface of sternum. The facets for coracoid bones were located just below the cranial border. The lateral border on either side presented six articular facets for sternal ribs. The triangular pointed cranio-lateral process was observed at the junction of cranial and lateral border on either side. The caudal border was convex and caudo-lateral processes were absent. Two distinct oval foramina were seen near the caudal border. The rostrum or sternal spine was smaller and located just below the cranial border of the body of the sternum. The sternum presented a well-developed triangular keel located along the midline of the ventral surface of the body of sternum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there is a lack of comprehensive data on the applied anatomy of the head region of Indian one-humped camel and its clinical value during regional anesthesia; therefore, this study was designed to provide information on clinically important parameters and landmarks of the head region. This study involved some osteometric parameters of the maxillas and mandibles of six adult Indian one-humped camels without any apparent skeletal disorders. Then, a total of twenty one head measurements and indices were recorded in the present study. The supraorbital foramen distance, infraorbital foramen distance, skull length, skull width, cranial length, nasal length and skull width of the Indian one-humped camels were 6.35±0.047 cm, 8.41±0.076 cm, 48.75±0.244 cm, 22.66±0.108 cm, 32.73±0.484 cm and 16.89±0.283 cm, respectively. The skull index was 46.51±0.29 cm in the present study. In addition, the distances from facial tuberosity to the infra-orbital canal and from the latter to the root of the first upper premolar tooth were 2.91±0.068 cm and 3.21±0.078 cm, respectively. The length and height of the mandible were 42.98±0.624 cm and 22.58±0.287 cm, respectively. Furthermore, the distances from the lateral alveolar root to mental foramen and from the mental foramen to the caudal mandibular margin were 9.22±0.059 cm and 32.12±0.165 cm, respectively. In the present study, the distances from mandibular foramen to the base of the mandible as well as from the caudal margin of mandible to below of the mandibular foramen were 8.84±0.085 cm and 6.32±0.048 cm, respectively. Also, the distances from the base of mandible to fossa condylaris and from the latter to the maximum height of the mandible were 18.38±0.15 cm and 4.175±0.046 cm, respectively. Finally, the distance from the caudal margin of mandible to mandibular foramen and from the latter to mandibular angle were 5.88±0.055 cm and 8.29±0.079 cm, respectively. The morphometric information provided in this study will be important for clinical maneuvers around the head of the Indian native camels particularly for the regional anesthesia during treating head injury and dental extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different forms of manganese (Mn) were investigated, including total, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) extractable, soil solution plus exchangeable (Mn), Mn adsorbed onto inorganic sites, Mn bound by organic sites, and Mn adsorbed onto oxide surfaces, from four soil taxonomic orders in northwestern India. The total Mn content was 200–950 mg kg−1, DTPA-extractable Mn content was 0.60–5.80 mg kg−1, soil solution plus exchangeable Mn content was 0.02–0.80 mg kg−1, Mn adsorbed onto inorganic sites was 2.46–90 mg kg−1, and Mc adsorbed onto oxide surfaces was 6.0–225.0 mg kg−1. Irrespective of the different fractions of Mn their content was generally greater in the fine-textured Alfisols and Inceptisols than in coarse-textured Entisols and Aridisols. The proportion of the Mn fractions extracted from the soil was in the order as follows: Adsorbed onto oxide surfaces > adsorbed onto inorganic site > organically bound > DTPA > soil solution + exchangeable. Based on coefficient of correlation, the soil solution plus exchangeable Mn, held onto organic site and oxide surface (amorphous) and DTPA-extractable Mn, increased with increase in organic carbon of the soil. The two forms, adsorbed onto inorganic site (crystalline) and DTPA extractable, along with organic carbon, increased with increase in clay content of the soil. DTPA-Mn and Mn adsorbed onto oxide surfaces and held on organic site decreased with increased with an increase in calcium carbonate and pH. Total Mn was strongly correlated with organic carbon and clay content of soil. Among the forms, Mn held on the organic site, water soluble + exchangeable and adsorbed onto oxide surface were positively correlated with DTPA-extractable Mn. DTPA-extractable Mn seems to be a good index of Mn availability in soils and this form is helpful for correction of Mn deficiency in the soils of the region. The uptake of Mn was greater in fine-textured Inceptisols and Alfisols than in coarse-textured Entisols and Aridisols. Among the different forms only DTPA-extractable Mn was positively correlated with total uptake of Mn. Among soil properties Mn uptake was only significantly affected by pH of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to know the detailed cellular morphology of the blood cells of Uttara Fowl (Local Hill fowl of Uttarakhand). The cellular size of all the blood cells was determined by fliar micrometer. The study revealed that the erythrocytes and thrombocytes of the bird were nucleated. The heterophils, eosinophils and basophils had lobulated nucleus and cytoplasm laden with granules. The lymphocytes were subdivided into three types- small, medium and large as per their size. The monocytes had bean shaped nucleus with lightly stained cytoplasm. The thrombocytes were pleomorphic and difficult to distinguish from small lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study conducted in India that examined the structure of the Sertoli cell of dog, Canis lupus familiarisi, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Topics covered include examination of the testes samples of 10 sexually mature dogs, location of the basal portions of the seminiferous epithelium, spermatogonia and/or spermatocytes, observations in the middle and apical portions, and variation in the range of the apical Sertoli process as the spermatid matured.