Search

Background: Osteopontin plays a crucial role in fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. Methods: The fresh semen samples were collected from crossbred Jersey and Haryana breeding bulls. The proteins in the seminal plasma and sperm membrane were precipitated and analysed by SDS-PAGE followed by western blotting. Based on the concentration of osteopontin in the seminal plasma, the bulls were grouped as high (≥20 pg/ml), medium (10-20 pg/ml) and low (≤10 pg/ml) OPN groups. Result: Total 13 and 14 different proteins were identified in the seminal plasma and sperm membrane, respectively. The sperm velocity parameters (straight line velocity and straightness) and functional membrane integrity showed significant difference among high, medium and low OPN groups. Significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed in malondialdehyde, SOD and glutathione reductase levels. Bulls which are having high osteopontin concentration in the semen had less sperm abnormality, less apoptotic cells, better resistance to cryopreservation, less damaged chromatin and higher conception rate (64.80±1.09) than bulls having low osteopontin concentration in their semen. Therefore, osteopontin may be a valuable protein marker to predict fertility in bulls.

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is regarded as one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and safeguarded beneath the IUCN since 2003 and under safeguard of ‘Schedule III’ of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This study focused on the detailed gross morphometrical study of mid thoracic ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus).Methods: The present morphometrical study was carried out in six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The measurements of various parameters of ribs were taken with the help of weighing machine, thread, scale and digital Vernier’s calliper. Result: It was found that the average diameter of the head of the fourth rib was found to be 2.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 2.53±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 2.59±0.01 cm. The average cranio-caudal diameter of the cranial articular facet of the head of 5th rib was found to be 0.97±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.95±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.00±0.01 cm. The average diameter of the tubercle of sixth rib at the dorso-ventral aspect was found to be 1.66±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 1.64±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.69±0.02 cm. Similarly, the average minimum length of the neck of sixth rib at the cranial aspect was found to be 0.68±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.65±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.70±0.01 cm. The average diameter of vascular groove of seventh rib at the proximal aspect was found to be 0.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.52±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.60±0.01 cm.

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and is widely distributed in both the forests and adjoining villages with enough green grass.Methods: The present study was carried out on the orbital cavity and foramina of skull of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The biometrical parameters were measured by scale, graduated tape and digital Vernier’s caliper.Result: The average left cranio-caudal orbital diameter was found to be 5.7±0.11 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.08 cm. Similarly, the average left orbital depth was found to be 5.7±0.08 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.06 cm. The average length of left orbital process of frontal bone was found to be 5.1±0.05 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 5.3±0.07 cm. The average diameter of left supraorbital foramen was found to be 0.31±0.001 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 0.7±0.003 cm. Similarly, the average maximum distance between two cranial palatine foramina was found to be 1.8±0.05 cm in female, which was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 3.3±0.12 cm. Conclusion: Most of the biometrical observations on different parameters of orbital cavity and different foramina of skull of Blue bull were having significantly (p less than 0.05) more values in males than females. The present gross and biometrical studies would be useful to the wild life professionals for determination of sex of this animal and solving vetero-legal cases related with this species.

BackgroundThis study aims to analyze the dynamics of the published articles and preprints of Covid-19 related literature from different scientific databases and sharing platforms.MethodsThe PubMed, Elsevier, and Research Gate (RG) databases were under consideration in this study over a specific time. Analyses were carried out on the number of publications as (a) function of time (day), (b) journals and (c) authors. Doubling time of the number of publications was analyzed for PubMed “all articles” and Elsevier published articles. Analyzed databases were (1A) PubMed “all articles” (01/12/2019-12/06/2020) (1B) PubMed Review articles (01/12/2019-2/5/2020) and (1C) PubMed Clinical Trials (01/01/2020-30/06/2020) (2) Elsevier all publications (01/12/2019-25/05/2020) (3) RG (Article, Pre Print, Technical Report) (15/04/2020–30/4/2020).FindingsTotal publications in the observation period for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG were 23000, 5898 and 5393 respectively. The average number of publications/day for PubMed, Elsevier and RG were 70.0 ±128.6, 77.6±125.3 and 255.6±205.8 respectively. PubMed shows an avalanche in the number of publication around May 10, number of publications jumped from 6.0±8.4/day to 282.5±110.3/day. The average doubling time for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG was 10.3±4 days, 20.6 days, and 2.3±2.0 days respectively. In PubMed average articles/journal was 5.2±10.3 and top 20 authors representing 935 articles are of Chinese descent. The average number of publications per author for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG was 1.2±1.4, 1.3±0.9, and 1.1±0.4 respectively. Subgroup analysis, PubMed review articles mean and median review time for each article were and 13.9 days respectively; and reducing at a rate of-0.21 days (count)/day.InterpretationAlthough the disease has been known for around 6 months, the number of publications related to the Covid-19 until now is huge and growing very fast with time. It is essential to rationalize the publications scientifically by the researchers, authors, reviewers, and publishing houses.FundingNone