Mm In Males Research Articles

Hematological and Plasma Biochemistry in Fan Throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana (Sauria: Agamidae)

Hematological and plasma biochemistry were examined in eighty fan throated lizards collected from their natural habitat. For the present study, maximum 10 adult specimens of each sex were sacrificed in each month. The sex wise difference in RBC and WBC count in male being higher as compared to females but in males, the percentage of lymphocytes were less and neutrophils were more in comparison with females. The esonophils and monocytes count were insignificant. The erythrocytes were oval or elliptical in shape with oval nucleus in both the sexes of the species. The length and breath of erythrocytes were 14.765 ± 4.752 and 7.75 ± 0.963 μm in males and 15.5 ± 1.29 and 10.375 ± 0.478 μm in females. The length and breath of nuclei were 6.925 ± 1.738 and 3.775 ± 0.518 μm in males and 7.75 ± 0.957 and 5.25 ± 0.251 μm in females. It revels that the size of the RBCs in females was higher than that of males. The shape of WBCs was rounded, circular, or disk-shaped. In females, the content of hemoglobin percentage was less than in males. The mean value of plasma protein and cholesterol content were 49.759 ± 0.5650 and 4.53 ± 0.2386 μg/ml in males and 91.42 ± 0.6991 and 13.205 ± 0.0801 μg/ml in females.

A preliminary study of pores on epidermal ridges: Are there any sex differences and age related changes?

The pore characteristics on the epidermal friction ridges are individualistic and thereby useful in the process of identification when used along with other minutiae details. The present work was undertaken with the objective of studying the sex difference and influence of age on the pore morphology. The study included 230 Indians belonging to various age groups. There was no significant difference in the pore characteristics between both the sexes. The average number of pores per centimeter of friction ridge was 8.40 in males and 8.83 in females. The closed type was the commonest type of pores seen. The size of pores varied from 69 μm to 284 μm in males and 66 μm–287 μm in females. The medium-sized pores were more common than the small and large-sized pores. The majority of the pores were situated in the periphery of the ridge. The commonest shape of pores seen was circular and oval shaped pores. As the age advances, the number of pores does not significantly vary. But, the size gradually increases, and the position and shape of pores changes with the age.

How small can small be: The compound eye of the parasitoid waspTrichogramma evanescens(Westwood, 1833) (Hymenoptera, Hexapoda), an insect of 0.3- to 0.4-mm total body size

With a body length of only 0.3-0.4 mm, the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) is one of the smallest insects known. Yet, despite its diminutive size, it possesses compound eyes that are of oval shapes, measuring across their long axes in dorsoventral direction 63.39 and 71.11 μm in males and females, respectively. The corresponding facet diameters are 5.90 μm for males and 6.39 μm for females. Owing to the small radii of curvature of the eyes in males (34.59 μm) and females (42.82 μm), individual ommatidia are short with respective lengths of 24.29 and 34.97 μm. The eyes are of the apposition kind, and each ommatidium possesses four cone cells of the eucone type and a centrally fused rhabdom, which throughout its length is formed by no more than eight retinula cells. A ninth cell occupies the place of the eighth retinula cell in the distal third of the rhabdom. The cone is shielded by two primary and six secondary pigment cells, all with no apparent extensions to the basement membrane, unlike the case in larger hymenopterans. The regular and dense packing of the rhabdoms reflects an effective use of space. Calculations on the optics of the eyes of Trichogramma suggest that the eyes need not be diffraction limited, provided they use mostly shorter wavelengths, that is, UV light. Publications on the visual behavior of these wasps confirm Trichogramma's sensitivity to UV radiation. On the basis of our findings, some general functional conclusions for very small compound eyes are formulated.

Description of Bursaphelenchus populi sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae), a new member of the xylophilus group from aspen, Populus tremula L., in Europe

AbstractBursaphelenchus populi sp. n. is described from dying and dead aspen trees, Populus tremula, in Poland. The nematode was found in trees infested with a long-horn beetle, Saperda perforata, and is vectored in the insect haemocoel. The characteristic morphology of male spicules, extended anterior vulval lip, lateral fields with four incisures, and number and arrangement of male caudal papillae, place B. populi sp. n. in the xylophilus group. Bursaphelenchus populi sp. n. can be separated from all other species in that group by the distinctive vulval flap, which is always bent with its distal half sunken in a conspicuous, sharp depression posterior to the vulva, and other morphological and morphometric characters, i.e., female tail shape, excretory pore position, spicule length (32.1 (25.7-37.0) μm (as measured along arc) and shape, and a relatively long (i.e., L,= 1020 (909-1111) μm in females), and L = 850 (756-1055) μm in males), and slender body (a = 45.4 (40.2-52.4) and 42.0 (36.1-49.3) in female and male, respectively). The status of the new species is confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 28S rDNA region placed the new species close to B. fraudulentus in the xylophilus group. In vitro cross-breeding of the new nematode with B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus, B. fraudulentus and B. doui revealed full reproductive incompatibility between these species. In laboratory experiments on 2-year-old seedlings B. populi sp. n. was specific to aspen. It did not develop on pine or oak and reproduced only in weakened or dead aspen seedlings. No pathogenicity to the tree host or vector insect was observed. In Botrytis cinerea PDA cultures, body dimensions were significantly altered in both sexes and female tail morphology differed when compared to individuals extracted from aspen wood.

Reproductive features and gonad development cycle of the soft bottom-gravel gorgonian Leptogorgia sarmentosa (Esper, 1791) in the NW Mediterranean Sea

Leptogorgia sarmentosa (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) is a common soft bottom-gravel gorgonian in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. This study examined the annual reproductive cycle of a L. sarmentosa. population at a depth of 30 m, and further determined the sex ratio, the intra-colonial gonadal output variability and the age at first reproduction. L. sarmentosa was gonochoric and the population studied was characterized by a sex ratio slightly biased towards female colonies (1 male:1.6 female). Secondary branches had higher polyp fertility (number of gonads per polyp) compared to primary branches, but because of the number of polyps on the former, most of the sexual effort was actually contributed by the primary branches, as in other gorgonian species. Male colonies became fertile above a height of 21 cm, but female colonies had gonads even in the 1–10 cm height class. Spawning occurred between late August and early September, although there was no direct observation of broadcast spawning or surface brooder strategy. The maximum gonad size was 550 μm in males and 500 μm in females, with a mean diameter of 270 μm for spermaries, and 190 μm for eggs. The number of gonads per polyp prior to spawning reached 4–5 spermaries polyp!1 in male colonies, and 3–4 eggs polyp!1 in female colonies. Spawning did not appear to be synchronized with the full moon. L. sarmentosa appeared to have a different reproductive strategy to other Mediterranean gorgonians (living on hard bottom substrata), probably because of its different habitat preferences and biological (morphology, diet, prey capture rates, growth, biochemical levels) features.

Trichodorus arasbaranensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Trichodoridae) from a natural forest in Arasbaran, north-west Iran

AbstractTrichodorus arasbaranensis n. sp. is described from the rhizosphere of Carpinus betulus growing in forests in Arasbaran, north-west Iran. The new species is characterised by its large body length (1020-1520 μm in males; 1100-1500 μm in females), cuticle abnormally swollen upon fixation, onchiostyle medium-sized (41-66 μm in males; 49-65 μm in females) and secretory-excretory pore at level of pharyngeal bulb. Males have a single ventromedian cervical papilla varying in position from anterior to posterior to secretory-excretory pore, sperm cells with sausage-shaped nucleus, large (74-110 μm), smooth, ventrally curved spicules, manubrium wide, not offset from lamina, lamina narrowed in mid-region and with a distal ventral velum, and gubernaculum 25.5-34.5 μm long. Females have a short, but well developed, rounded vagina with large, rounded, triangular to oval-shaped, sclerotised vaginal pieces in lateral view. Because of its large body size, the new species most closely resembles T. magnus, T. elegans, T. obtusus, T. californicus and T. nanjingensis, from which the female can be differentiated by the short vagina length in relation to the corresponding body diam. and large size of the vaginal sclerotised pieces, and the male by the longer and differently shaped spicule which bears a velum. A key to the males and females of the Trichodorus spp. recorded from Iran is provided.

Factors Affecting Intraocular Pressure Measured by Noncontact Tonometer

To investigate the mean values of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with noncontact tonometer (NCT) and evaluate the factors that may affect IOP. A total of 850 subjects who were admitted to our clinic between March 2005 and February 2006 were recruited for the study. Subjects having blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal diseases, glaucoma suspicion, or glaucoma were not accepted to the study. All subjects were questioned about systemic diseases. IOP measurement with NCT and central corneal thickness (CCT) with ultrasound pachymetry were performed for each patient between 9 and 11 AM. The mean ages of 367 (43.2%) male subjects and 483 (56.8%) female subjects were 43.9+/-18.1 and 40.7+/-18.0 years +/- SD, respectively. Since right and left eye IOP, CCT, and keratometric values were significantly correlated, right eye values were used for statistical purposes. Mean IOP values in males and females were 13.2+/-3.0 and 13.5+/-2.9 mmHg, respectively. Mean CCT values were 552.5+/-34.7 mum for males and 550.1+/-34.3 mum for females. In multiple regression analysis, IOP was found to be associated with gender, refractive error, CCT, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Gender, CCT, the presence of DM, and refractive error may be significantly associated with IOP in this particular population.

Description of Bursaphelenchus anamurius sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) from Pinus brutia in Turkey

Abstract Bursaphelenchus anamurius sp. n. isolated from wilted Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) wood is described. The new species shares several characters with the hofmanni-group sensu Braasch (2001). It is characterised by a body length of 633 (540-749) μm and 744 (638-867) μm for males and females, respectively, stout body (a = 29 in male and 27 in female), stylet 14 μm long in both males and females, lateral field with three lines, length of postuterine branch one-third to one-half of the vulva to anus distance, conoid female tail (c′ = 3.4) with a finely rounded or pointed terminus, very delicate and relatively straight spicules 10 (9-11) μm long with compact capitulum, broad, not distinctly offset condylus and strong rostrum with a more or less rounded tip lacking a cucullus, shovel-shaped bursa and the presence of seven caudal papillae. Bursaphelenchus anamurius sp. n. differs from other species of the hofmanni-group mainly by having smaller, unusually shaped spicules, shorter condylus and no cucullus. The new species can be differentiated from other Bursaphelenchus species morphologically and by means of ITS-RFLP patterns, particularly by digestion of the PCR product with RsaI, HaeIII, MspI, HinfI and AluI.

Two new species of the genus Elzalia (Nematoda: Monhysterida: Xyalidae) from the Yellow Sea, China

Two new species of free-living marine nematodes of the genus Elzalia, Elzalia gerlachi sp. nov. and Elzalia striatitenuis sp. nov. from the Yellow Sea, China, are described and illustrated. Elzalia gerlachi sp. nov. is characterized by relatively large body length (1540–1740 μm in males; 1510–1780 μm in females), spicules 135–160 μm (3.33–3.90 anal body diameter) and complex gubernaculum. Elzalia striatitenuis sp. nov. is characterized by rather small body size (560–660 μm in males; 570–630 μm in females), short cephalic setae 2.5 μm long (21.4–31.3% of head diameter), spicules 65–85 μm (4.06–4.67 anal body diameter) and relatively simple gubernaculum. The two new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by length and structure of spicules and gubernaculum. Pictorial and tabular keys to the genus are given.

Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Sonographic Phenotypes of Subclinical Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis

Adipose tissue produces and secretes a number of bioactive molecules, conceptualized as adipocytokines. Adiponectin has been identified as one of the adipocytokines, and hypoadiponectinemia was demonstrated in patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. Whether decreased adiponectin levels are cause or consequence is an important issue in the discussion on the association between adiponectin and atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the association of plasma adiponectin levels with sonographic phenotypes of subclinical atherosclerosis, which may represent different stages of disease as well as common and distinct determinants. A total of 1515 middle-aged healthy white subjects (940 males and 575 females) were included. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and presence of atherosclerotic plaques were assessed by B-mode ultrasound. After adjustment for established risk factors, per 1 microg/mL decrease in adiponectin CIMT increased on the average by 3.48 microm in males (95% CI, 1.23 to 5.73 microm) and by 2.39 microm in females (95% CI, 0.50 to 4.27 microm). After dichotomizing adiponectin levels at the median and adjustment for established risk factors, the mean difference of CIMT between subjects with low and high adiponectin levels was 20.42 microm in men (95% CI, 6.80 to 34.04; P=0.003) and 20.75 microm in women (95% CI, 1.08 to 40.42; P=0.039). No significant relationship was found between adiponectin levels and presence of atherosclerotic plaques. Our results demonstrate an independent negative association of adiponectin levels and CIMT, whereas no relationship with presence of atherosclerotic plaques was found, thus suggesting hypoadiponectinemia as a risk factor in the development of early atherosclerosis.

Effects of chronic heart disease on skeletal muscle fiber size

Size changes in muscle fibers of subjects with chronic heart disease (CHD) have been reported, although a consensus has not been achieved. The aims of the present study were to investigate a possible association between CHD and fiber size changes in the brachial biceps compared to subjects without heart disease. Forty-six muscle samples were obtained in autopsies of individuals (13 to 84 years) without neuromuscular disorders, 19 (10 males and 9 females) with, and 27 (14 males and 13 females) without CHD. In all cases muscle sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and processed for the visualization of myofibrillar ATPase activity. The lesser diameter of type 1 and type 2 fibers was obtained tracing their outlines (at least 150 fibers of each type per sample) onto an image analyzer connected to a computer. The results were analyzed statistically comparing males and females with and without CHD. Type 1 fiber mean lesser diameters were 51.51 and 54.52 microm in males (normal range 34-71 microm) and 45.65 and 55.42 microm in females (normal range 34-65 microm) without and with CHD, respectively; type 2 fibers measured 54.31, 58.23, 41.15, and 49.57 microm, respectively (normal range 36-79 microm for males and 32-59 microm for females). No significant difference in fiber size was detected in 24 males with and without CHD, while in 22 females there was a significant increase in size in those with cardiomyopathy. We concluded that CHD does not determine significant changes in fiber size. However, in females, there is some hypertrophy which, despite within normal range, may reflect morphologic heterogeneity of the sample, or the daily life activities in the upper limbs as a compensatory mechanism to fatigability that affect predominantly the lower limbs in subjects with CHD.

Plant nematodes in South Africa. 7. A check list of plant nematodes from the Fynbos Biome, with a description of <i>Helicotylenchus curatus</i> sp. n.

Plant nematodes recorded during surveys in the Fynbos Biome are listed and a new Helicotylenchus species is described. Helicotylenchus curatus sp. n. is characterised bystylet length (42-46 μm in females, 37-40 μm in males), presence of two rudimentary subdorsal and two rudimentary subventral lobes on the labial disc, first lip annulus divided into six sectors, presence of fasciculi and presence of males. Nine families represented by 32 genera and 152 species were identified from the Fynbos Biome. The generaCriconema, Helicotylenchus, Hemicycliophora, Rotylenchus, Scutellonema and Xiphinema were found in more than 30 % of the localities, whereas Caloosia, Criconemoides, Ditylenchus, Geocenamus, Hemicriconemoides, Heterodera, Hoplolaimus, Longidorus, Meloidogyne, Mesocriconema, Ogma, Paralongidorus, Paratrichodorus, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchoides, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Trichodorusand Tylenchorhynchus were found at fewer localities. The genera Anguina, Hirschmaniella, Histotylenchus and Zygotylenchus were each identified from a single locality.

Phenotypic estimates and heritability values of Artemia franciscana

Artemia, in all stages of its life cycle, is suitable food for most diversified groups of aquatic animals. Although its size at different stages restricts its use as a food for some groups of fish, this problem can be overcome using selective breeding techniques. The formulation of any selective breeding programme calls for a proper understanding of the genetic architecture of the economically important traits of the population under study. Thus, heritability for certain important life history and reproductive traits was estimated in Artemia franciscana from the Great Salt Lake, Utah. In the present study, the sexwise heritability values for growth and reproduction traits were estimated using parent–offspring regression. The phenotypic parameters for the same traits are also recorded. The naupliar length was 487.0±2.0 and 490.6±1.8 μm for males and females, respectively, whereas the heritability values for naupliar length were 0.5851±0.2153 and 0.3766±0.1899 respectively. The length at 3 and 6 days of age were 1.87±0.03 and 4.10±0.08 mm, respectively, for males whereas 1.87±0.03 and 4.30±0.08 mm, respectively, for females. The heritability values for length at 3 and 6 days of age for males were 0.3272±0.3651 and 0.4965±0.2466, respectively, whereas the respective values for the females were 0.1167±0.3841 and 0.0222±0.2971. The estimates of length at first brood, pre-reproductive period and number of offspring in first brood were 10.09±0.23 mm, 16.00±0.23 days and 53.57±1.37 days, respectively, whereas the heritability values for respective traits were 0.0403±0.1078, 0.3234±0.2874 and 0.3404±0.2202.

Mesaiokeras hurei n. sp. (Copepoda, Calanoida, Mesaiokeratidae) from the Adriatic Sea

A new species of Mesaiokeras is described from the hyperbenthos of Veliko Jezero, a marine lake on the island of Mljet, Croatia. This is the first species of this genus and family (Mesaiokeratidae) reported from the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. It is characterized by small body length (an average 361 μm for females and 337 μm for males), the low number of free segments (21) and the armature of the antennules, very long spine (a 2 ) of exopodite I of female right leg 4, the presence of long processes on the ventroposterior area of the female genital double-somite, the form and surface ornamentation of the genital area, the form and ornamentation of male and female leg 5, and the form and armature of caudal rami. This species was found in shallow water with very stable hydrographic conditions and at a population density from I to 26 ind. m -3 .

Response to bidirectional selection for naupliar length inArtemia franciscana

Bidirectional mass selection for naupliar length was practised in Artemia franciscana from Great Salt Lake, UT, USA, with the aim of developing two divergent lines, namely small naupliar size (SNS) and bigger naupliar size (BNS). A random-bred control line was also maintained to quantify the environmental effects. The mean naupliar length in the base population was 486.99±2.11 μm in males and 490.58±1.82 μm in females. Six generations of selection for smaller naupliar size in the SNS line resulted in a phenotypic response of –45.32 μm and –37.52 μm decreases in naupliar size in males and females respectively. In the BNS line, responses (increase in size) from five generations of selection for bigger size were 8.59 μm and 35.80 μm respectively. The cumulative genetic gain in males and females of the SNS were –41.72 μm and –38.76 μm compared with 12.64 μm and 39.48 μm, respectively, in the BNS line.

Synaptonemal complex analysis in spermatocytes and oocytes of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (Pisces, Scophthalmidae).

A surface-spreading synaptonemal complex (SC) technique was used to analyze spermatocytes and oocytes of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) to visualize the process of chromosome synapsis. The total SC length was 205 +/- 12 microm in males and 172 +/- 29 microm in the only female analyzed. A representative SC karyotype of turbot was obtained. Each SC showed lateral elements of equal length. No bivalent exhibiting atypical synaptic behaviour that could be associated with heteromorphic sex chromosomes was observed, either in males or in the female. The DNA content of turbot was evaluated in eight individuals of both sexes by flow cytometry analysis. The 2C mean DNA content of turbot (1.308 +/- 0.009 pg/cell) was among the lowest observed within fishes. No statistical differences in DNA content were revealed between the sexes [Wilcoxon/Mann-Whitney test; P(W(x) = 0.243)]. The SC/DNA content ratio observed in turbot was the highest reported to date in bony fishes (Osteichthyes).

Direct Quantitative Analysis of Lysophosphatidic Acid Molecular Species by Stable Isotope Dilution Electrospray Ionization Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

In order to better understand the role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in physiology and pathophysiology, it is necessary to accurately determine the molecular species and amounts of LPA in biological samples. We have developed a stable-isotope dilution, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay for the direct quantitative analysis of 1-acyl-LPA. This method utilizes a deuterium-labeled internal standard, LPA (18:0-d35), and a single liquid–liquid extraction with acidic butanol that allows >95% recovery of LPA, followed by online normal-phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. This protocol allows for the accurate, sensitive, and reproducible analysis of the individual 1-acyl-LPA species present in biological samples. The utility of the assay is demonstrated through the analysis of LPA species in plasma and serum from human volunteers. Total LPA in EDTA plasma was 0.61 ± 0.14 μM in males and 0.74 ± 0.17 μM in females, which increased to 0.91 ± 0.23 and 0.99 ± 0.38 μM after incubation for 24 h at 25°C. Total LPA in serum was 0.85 ± 0.22 μM in males and 1.57 ± 0.56 μM in females, which increased to 4.78 ± 0.89 and 5.57 ± 0.73 μM after incubation for 24 h at 25°C.

In vitro hepatic metabolism of CYP3A‐mediated drugs quinine and midazolam in the common brush‐tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

AbstractThis report characterizes the P450 isoenzymes involved in quinine metabolism in liver microsomes of the common brush‐tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). The mean maximal velocity (Vmax) for 3‐hydroxyquinine formation in possum livers was 1,512 ± 510 pmol/mg protein/min (males) and 1,680 ± 690 pmol/mg protein/min (females). The mean Vmax value for 3‐hydroxyquinine formation in possums was approximately threefold higher than that found in human livers. The mean apparent Michaelis constant (Km) for 3‐hydroxyquinine formation in possum livers was 31.9 ± 16 μM in males and 16.1 ± 5 μM in females. At low concentrations of quinine (40 μM), the quinine 3‐hydroxylation was inhibited more than 90% by midazolam, 60% by troleandomycin, 40% by erythromycin, and 47% by nifedipine, all of which are CYP3A inhibitors. Other inhibitors for CYP2C9/10, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP1A1/2 showed little or no inhibition effect on 3‐hydroxylation of quinine. Xenobiotic inhibition studies suggest that the liver CYP3A enzyme family or one similar to human liver CYP3A is responsible for 3‐hydroxylation of quinine in possum livers. The metabolism of midazolam to 1′‐hydroxy and 4‐hydroxy metabolites was also studied. The in vitro metabolism of midazolam was found to be much lower in possum liver microsomes as compared to that observed in human liver microsomes. The mean Vmax values for 4‐hydroxy‐ and 1′‐hydroxymidazolam in male possums were 179 ± 53 and 479 ± 333 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively. For female possums, the mean Vmax values were 235 ± 31 and 671 ± 143 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively. These Vmax values for male possums were 23 and 8 times less (17 and 6 times less for female possums), respectively, than those observed with human liver microsomes. The present study has demonstrated that, although possums are able to metabolize both midazolam and quinine, the capacity to metabolize midazolam is considerably lower in possum livers than in human livers. This finding could be useful for the selection of alternative poisons to control populations of possums.

Determination of Bound Sulfur in Serum by Gas Dialysis/High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (IIPLC) method has been developed for the determination of bound sulfur in mammalian serum. In this work, bound sulfur is defined as divalent sulfur that is easily liberated as sulfide by reduction with dithiothreitol. Released sulfide was treated by flow gas dialysis and converted into a fluorescent derivative, thionine, through the reaction with p-phenylenediamine and ferric ion. Thionine was then determined by HPLC using fluorometric detection. The calibration curve for bound sulfur is linear in the range from 0.1 to 10 μM, and the sensitivity of this method allows detection of less than 10 nM bound sulfur (0.5-ml sample). Recoveries of low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight bound sulfur added to human serum at 1.0-5.0 μM levels averaged between 94 and 101%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of bound sulfur in human and various animal sera. The mean concentration in normal human serum was 1.16 ± 0.09 μM for males (n = 5) and 1.07 ± 0.18 μM for females (n = 5). The mean concentrations ranged from 1.55 to 6.18 μM in animal sera. The form of the sulfur bound in serum was also discussed.

The Cheghu (Pashmina) goat of the Himalayas

Various breed characteristics including size, conformation, colour, habitat, fibre production and reproduction pertaining to Cheghu goats are described. The body weights at birth, 1 and 3 years were 2.1, 16.6 and 39.9 kg for males and 2.0, 14.5 and 27.8 kg for females, respectively. Body length, height at withers and chest girth at birth, 1 and 3 years were 28.5, 28.9 and 31.5 cm, 54.4, 50.6 and 64.5 cm, 72.9, 66.2 and 84.7 cm for males and 28.4, 28.9 and 31.5 cm, 53.0, 48.5 and 57.0 cm and 65.5, 58.1 and 73.9 cm for females. In the age groups of 0–1, 1–2, 2–3 and above 3 years pashmina (cashmere) yields averaged 62.3, 98.9, 192.9 and 168.6 g in males and 64.0, 100.1, 118.7 and 125.4 g in females, fibre length 5.0, 5.8, 7.7 and 7.0 cm in males and 4.9, 6.0, 5.8 and 5.8 cm in females, and fibre diameter 11.3, 12.0, 12.0 and 12.8 μm in males and 11.7, 11.9, 12.0 and 12.0 μg in females.