Growth and Breeding Biology of Female Indian Gerbil (Tatera Indica): Reproductive, Biochemical and Histological Evaluation

Author(s):  
Komalpreet Kaur Sandhu ◽  
Neena Singla

Average duration of pro-estrous, estrous, met-estrous and di-estrous stages in one oestrous cycle of female Indian gerbil, Tatera indica was found 0.61, 0.38, 0.62 and 1.37 days, respectively with total average duration of one cycle to be 2.99 days. Pairing of cyclic female gerbils with mature males resulted in 88% breeding success within gestation period of 21-24 days. Post-partum estrous was observed immediately after parturition in females not separated from males. Observations on onset of sexual maturity in female pups of seven different age groups (30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days old) revealed significant increase in body weight and weights of ovary and uterus, plasma level of estradiol and activity of 3â-HSD in ovarian tissue with increasing age. Sexual maturity in female T. indica was attained at age of 3-4 months. It is therefore suggested to apply control measures before they reproduce and cause damage to crops.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-495
Author(s):  
Rashida Khaton

The present study was carried out from selected areas at Rajshahi district to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows in relation to breed/genotype, age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 500 cows selected and data were collected directly from the dairy farms owner by using pre-tested questionnaires during the period from September 2013 to December 2014. The average reproductive performance (RP) were recorded as age at puberty (AP) 26.42±0.22 m, age at first calving (AFC) 35.48±0.22 m, post-partum heat period (PPHP) 121.85±3.48 days, service per conception (S/C) 1.93±0.04, days open (DO) 136.80±3.57 days and calving interval (CI) 401.04±3.94 days. Genotype had significant effect (P<0.05) on all the reproductive traits except on S/C. Local (L) × Holstein Friesian (HF) genotype showed earlier AP and AFC than L× Sahiwal (SL) and L. Age group had significant (P<0.05) effect on AP, AFC and other parameters were not significant (P>0.05). Middle age groups of cows had shown better RP than others groups. Parities of cows had significant effect (P<0.05) on PPHP, S/C, DO except on AP, AFC and CI. Third parity had better RP than others. The best RP was found in >300 kg BW groups. Body condition score had significant effect (P<0.05) on all RP. Good body condition score (BCS) had excellent RP. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 481-495,  December 2020


2011 ◽  
pp. 165-166
Author(s):  
Anna Zmudzińska ◽  
Wojciech Kapelański

Mechanisms of regulation of litter size in pigs are complex and depend on many factors, including genetic regulation and also physiological and anatomical development of the reproductive tract in gilts. Improvement of growth rate in present breed pigs raises the question as to whether, with the development of the reproductive tract, sexual maturity would also be attained.The aim of the study was to assess the morphometric traits of reproductive tracts taken from gilts slaughtered at 100 kg body weight, i. e., just when they may become actively sexual mature.This study was concluded on 80 prepubertal gilts of the Polish Landrace (PL) breed tested at the Pig Program Testing Station. The animals were kept in individual pens with control feeding and standard management. They were slaughtered after attaining 100 kg body weight. Immediately after slaughter, the reproductive tract was removed and carefully assessed. The morphometric estimation of the reproductive tract involved themeasurement of uterus weight with ligament, vagina-cervix length, uterine horns and oviducts length, ovaries weight, height and width. Uterus volume capacity was also determined, based on volumetric method of Kwaśnicki’s (1951) with own modification.All pigs were divided into three groups in respect to age at slaughter: A – below 160 days (n=38), B – from 160 to 180 days (n=28) and C – above 180 days of age (n=14). The results were elaborated statistically computing the arithmetic means (x) for every traits and standard deviations (s). One-way analysis of variance ANOVA was performed. The significance of differences between age groups was estimated using Duncan’s test.Calculations were performed with STATISTICA 8PL Software.Obtained results are presented in the tables below. The most pronounced differences in the development of the reproductive tract are dependent on the age of gilts concerning only the uterus weight (P≤0.01) and uterus vagina-cervix length (P≤0.05). Gilts at age 160-180 days attained the full stage of reproductive tract development. Differences between the compared age groups of gilts dealing with the other morphometric traitsand ovary characteristics were statistically not significant.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Chaudhry

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a zoonotic disease of novel origin that posed a continuous threat to health worldwide after taking the shape of the pandemic. An understanding of disease epidemiology is supportive in timely preventive and control measures as well as contact tracing and curbing surveillance activities. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed cases reported at the National Institute of Health Pakistan and elements of its spread in Pakistan. METHODS A retrospective record review was conducted at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, Pakistan from January 25 to April 4, 2020. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done with 95% CI and p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 14,422 samples of suspected COVID-19 cases were received with a positivity rate of 9% (n=1348). Among all 70% (n=939) were male. The median age was 41years of age (range: 01-99Years). Among all, 19% were from 30-39 years old followed by 50-59 years old (17%). Children remained the least affected by 3% (n=35). Of the total reported cases, 55% (n=735) have reported the travel history within the last 14 days. Among these travelers’ international travelers were 23% (n=166) and domestic travelers were 77% (n=569). Travel history including both international and domestic remained significantly associated with the different age groups and Young adults remained more vulnerable to COVID-19 (P=0.03). Fever, SOB, and Cough remained the most significantly associated (P<0.05) in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS A higher incidence of COVID-19 among elderly men suggests robust quarantine measures for this target population. An escalating incidence of local transmission needs strict social distancing and hygiene practices to help flatten the curve. An extensive multi-center study is also recommended for a full understanding of disease dynamics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilutpal Sharma Bora ◽  
Partha Sarathi Bairy ◽  
Abdus Salam ◽  
Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti

Abstract Background Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. has been used by many ethnic communities of Northeast India to mitigate various disorders like dyspepsia, ulcers, diabetes, etc. However, a robust scientific study on its antidiabetic and antiulcer potential is unavailable till date. The aim of this present study is to scientifically validate if the antidiabetic and antiulcer effects reported by the ethnic tribes of Assam has any scientific value or not. The effects were tested in adult Wistar albino rats using approved animal models for preclinical testing of pharmacological activities. Results The hydroalcoholic extract of the bark of Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. was prepared and its LD50 was calculated. The LD50 was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract at doses of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight was found to exhibit a very potent dose-dependent antidiabetic activity. The results were backed by a battery of test including analysis of serum levels of blood glucose, lipid profiles, in vivo antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological studies. Evidence of dose-dependent antiulcer activity of the extract was backed by robust scientific data. It was found that HAEGL induced a significant dose-dependent increase in the ulcer index in both alcohol-induced and acetic acid-induced ulcer models, which was evident from the macroscopic observation of the inner lining of the gastric mucosa and the histological evaluation of the extracted stomach. Conclusion The results suggested that the bark of Garcinia lanceifolia (Roxb.) has significant antidiabetic and antiulcer potential. Further studies with respect to the development herbal dosage forms and its safety evaluation are required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicente Urbano Nsue Ndong Nchama ◽  
Ali Hamad Said ◽  
Ali Mtoro ◽  
Gertrudis Owono Bidjimi ◽  
Marta Alene Owono ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Extensive malaria control measures have been implemented on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea over the past 16 years, reducing parasite prevalence and malaria-related morbidity and mortality, but without achieving elimination. Malaria vaccines offer hope for reducing the burden to zero. Three phase 1/2 studies have been conducted successfully on Bioko Island to evaluate the safety and efficacy of whole Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite (SPZ) malaria vaccines. A large, pivotal trial of the safety and efficacy of the radiation-attenuated Sanaria® PfSPZ Vaccine against P. falciparum is planned for 2022. This study assessed the incidence of malaria at the phase 3 study site and characterized the influence of socio-demographic factors on the burden of malaria to guide trial design. Methods A cohort of 240 randomly selected individuals aged 6 months to 45 years from selected areas of North Bioko Province, Bioko Island, was followed for 24 weeks after clearance of parasitaemia. Assessment of clinical presentation consistent with malaria and thick blood smears were performed every 2 weeks. Incidence of first and multiple malaria infections per person-time of follow-up was estimated, compared between age groups, and examined for associated socio-demographic risk factors. Results There were 58 malaria infection episodes observed during the follow up period, including 47 first and 11 repeat infections. The incidence of malaria was 0.25 [95% CI (0.19, 0.32)] and of first malaria was 0.23 [95% CI (0.17, 0.30)] per person per 24 weeks (0.22 in 6–59-month-olds, 0.26 in 5–17-year-olds, 0.20 in 18–45-year-olds). Incidence of first malaria with symptoms was 0.13 [95% CI (0.09, 0.19)] per person per 24 weeks (0.16 in 6–59-month-olds, 0.10 in 5–17-year-olds, 0.11 in 18–45-year-olds). Multivariate assessment showed that study area, gender, malaria positivity at screening, and household socioeconomic status independently predicted the observed incidence of malaria. Conclusion Despite intensive malaria control efforts on Bioko Island, local transmission remains and is spread evenly throughout age groups. These incidence rates indicate moderate malaria transmission which may be sufficient to support future larger trials of PfSPZ Vaccine. The long-term goal is to conduct mass vaccination programmes to halt transmission and eliminate P. falciparum malaria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Sheikh Saifur Rahman Jony ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Nathaniel J. Webb ◽  
Emily Spence ◽  
Md. Siddikur Rahman ◽  
...  

COVID-19 has harshly impacted communities globally. This study provides relevant information for creating equitable policy interventions to combat the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to predict the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the COVID-19 pandemic at a global level to determine control measures and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2020 using an online questionnaire. Questionnaires were initially distributed to academicians worldwide. These participants distributed the survey among their social, professional, and personal groups. Responses were collected and analyzed from 67 countries, with a sample size of 3031. Finally, based on the number of respondents, eight countries, including Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United States, and Zambia were rigorously analyzed. Specifically, questionnaire responses related to COVID-19 accessibility, behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility were collected and analyzed. As per our analysis, age groups were found to be a primary determinant of behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility scores. Gender was the second most influential determinant for all metrics except information about COVID-19 accessibility, for which education was the second most important determinant. Respondent profession was the third most important metric for all scores. Our findings suggest that greater encouragement from government health authorities and the promotion of health education and policies are essential in the dissemination of COVID-19-awareness and increased control of the spread of COVID-19.


1980 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Susana Merani ◽  
Marta Susana Lizarralde

Akodon molinae, a vole mouse widely distributed in central Argentina, shows remarkable chromosome polymorphisms. It is one of the natural reservoirs of the actiologic agent of haemorrhagic fever, and a laboratory colony could be of great help in investigating this disease. Pregnancy lasted 23 (range 21-25) days. Litters of 4-5 young were born to monogamous breeding pairs about every 30 days, with weaning at 26 days post partum. The sex ratio at birth was 505 males to 500 females: at weaning it was 460 to 440. Sexual maturity was attained at about 16 weeks of age in males and 12-20 weeks in females. Akodon molinae is easy to handle, but fighting and killing or neglect of young are problems.


1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (1) ◽  
pp. R113-R120 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Ahren ◽  
S. Mansson ◽  
R. L. Gingerich ◽  
P. J. Havel

Mechanisms regulating circulating leptin are incompletely understood. We developed a radioimmunoassay for mouse leptin to examine the influence of age, dietary fat content, and fasting on plasma concentrations of leptin in the background strain for the ob/ob mouse, the C57BL/6J mouse. Plasma leptin increased with age [5.3 +/- 0.6 ng/ml at 2 mo (n = 23) vs. 14.2 +/- 1.6 ng/ml at 11 mo (n = 15), P < 0.001]. Across all age groups (2-11 mo, n = 160), log plasma leptin correlated with body weight (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001), plasma insulin (r = 0.38, P < 0.001), and amount of intra-abdominal fat (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma leptin was increased by a high-fat diet (58% fat for 10 mo) and reduced by fasting for 48 h. The reduction of plasma leptin was correlated with the reduction of plasma insulin (r = 0.43, P = 0.012) but not with the initial body weight or the change in body weight. Moreover, the reduction in plasma leptin by fasting was impaired by high-fat diet. Thus plasma leptin in C57BL/6J mice 1) increases with age or a high-fat diet; 2) correlates with body weight, fat content, and plasma insulin; and 3) is reduced during fasting by an action inhibited by high-fat diet and related to changes of plasma insulin.


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