Morphometric Parameters Research Articles

Morphofunctional characteristics of the liver after administration of ascorbic acid in a model of radiation hepatitis

Introduction: Radiation-induced hepatitis develops both with direct irradiation of malignant neoplasms of the liver and abdominal organs. An important task of modern radiobiology is the development of methods for the prevention of acute and chronic post-radiation complications, for example, the injections of protectors. Materials and methods: Wistar rats (n = 40) were divided into groups: I – control (n = 10); II (n = 10) – electron irradiation; III (n = 10) – injection of ascorbic acid before electron irradiation; IV (n = 10) – injection of ascorbic acid. A biochemical blood test, oxidative status analysis, morphological, morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. Results: In group III, a less pronounced change in the main morphological and morphometric parameters was noted compared to group II; indicators of biochemical analysis and oxidative status approached control values. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it was revealed that local irradiation with electrons after a week leads to disruption of the histoarchitecture of the liver, and the injection of ascorbic acid reduces the depth and range of radiation-induced hepatitis.

CHOROLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS OF SOME SPECIES OF THE FAMILY CRASSULACEAE J.ST.-HIL. IN THE LESSER CAUCASUS OF AZERBAIJAN

Research has been carried out in some characteristic areas of Azerbaijan in recent years. The results of the chorological analyses showed that species of the Crassulacea in Irano-Turanian province, are distributed in two or three territories of this province. The results of phenological observations and morphometric parameters indicate that all species have successfully passed through all stages of development. The sequence of seasonal changes in the same community is repeated from year to year, but the timing of the phases and individual details are different. As a result of the study of phenological features, the plants with the earliest start of vegetation, as well as early flowering and fruiting were identified. P. stolonifer, and S. acre are the plants with the earliest beginning of vegetation, as well as early flowering and fruiting. Fruits of plants of the Crassulaceae genus ripen in July. 1 species of hare cabbage (Sedum acre) is found only in the Lesser Caucasus, two species (S. hispanicum, S. pentapetalum Boriss.) are found throughout Azerbaijan, 6 species (Prometheum pilosum, Phedimus spurius, Sedum gracile, S. pallidum, S.annum, Petrosedum subulatum) in the territory of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, Nakhichevan (Diabar), Lankaran, one species (Phedimus stoloniferum) of the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran, one species (Sedum tenellum) in the territory of the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran, one species (Sedum album) in the Lesser Caucasus, in Nakhichevan, 1 species (Prometheum sempervivoides) distributed in the regions of Nakhichevan, Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran.

Protein-sparing effects of lipids in the diet of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus): evaluation of growth, feed utilization, and lipid metabolism.

To investigate the influences of dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth, feed utilization, morphometric parameters, body composition, serum biochemical parameters, and lipid metabolism of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus), nine test diets containing three protein levels (35%, 40%, and 45%) and three lipid levels (8%, 13%, and 18%) were designed in the present study. Each diet (named D1-D9) was randomly assigned to feed triplicate groups of golden pompano juvenile (initial weight ~ 70 g) for 50 days. The results showed that the dietary lipid levels positively correlated with weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio (PER), suggesting that the high lipid diets (18%) can be efficiently utilized in this fish species. The dietary protein levels have no significant influences on the growth and feed utilization except for the PER. Increasing dietary protein levels resulted in a decrease in hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and intestinal somatic index (ISI), while the dietary lipid level did not have a significant impact on morphological indices except for ISI. The dietary protein and lipid levels had no significant influences on the contents of crude lipid, crude ash, and moisture of whole body, while the crude protein contents was significantly affected by the dietary protein levels. Serum biochemical indexes, including cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), as well as HDL/LDL ratio were significantly affected by the dietary lipid levels, but not by the dietary protein levels. The expression levels of genes and their associated proteins involved in hepatic lipogenesis (Srebp-1c and Fas) and fatty acids β-oxidation (Pparα and Cpt-1) were up-regulated with increasing dietary lipid levels, while the former was up-regulated, and the latter was down-regulated with increasing dietary protein levels. Considering the present results in terms of growth performance, feed utilization, morphometric parameters, and lipid metabolism, the recommended dietary protein and lipid levels for golden pompano are 40% and 18%, respectively. The findings suggested that this species exhibits a significant protein-sparing effect on lipid utilization.

Exploring the atlantic part of the vertebral artery in the South Indian population and its implications in spine surgery.

A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study of the atlantic part (V3) of the vertebral artery (VA). This study aimed to bridge the research gap in the morphometry of the V3 segment of the VA in the South Indian population. The microsurgical anatomy of this segment of the VA has been explored in various populations, and a thorough understanding of the anatomy and course of the VA, particularly the V3 segment, is essential to prevent iatrogenic complications. Several computed tomography studies but a few cadaveric studies have explored the V3 segment of the VA in the South Indian population. This study examined 40 VAs from 20 embalmed cadavers that were obtained from the voluntary donation program, and Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained before the study. The length, diameter, and angle of the vertical, horizontal, and exit parts of the V3 segment of the VA were documented after its exposure. The mean lengths of the right and left VAs on each part were nearly similar, except for the mean length of the horizontal part (right: 38.937 mm, left: 40.237 mm) and total length of the V3 segment (right: 66.870 mm, left: 70.350 mm). These morphometric parameters are essential to spine surgeons who intend to operate on a small part (vertical, horizontal, or exit part) of the V3 segment of the VA. The mean values of the parameters obtained in this study give average measurements or safe limits to surgeons for safe surgical procedures such as the occipital condyle screw technique and C1 laminectomy.

Cephalometric Analysis of Maxillary Sinus for Gender Determination Using Lateral Cephalogram: A Novel Retrospective Study in the North Indian Population.

Underlying disorders of the maxillary sinus (MS), including a history of sinus surgeries, chronic sinusitis, or congenital anomalies can potentially impact sinus function and structure, necessitating careful evaluation and management. Moreover, intact sinuses are crucial in gender determination in forensic anthropology. The present study was undertaken to check the accuracy and reliability of MS in gender determination using morphometric parameters. This retrospective study was carried out on 74 lateral cephalograms (37 males and 37 females) aged between 18 to 50 years from the North Indian population. The MS area was measured using a NewTom CBCT machine (NewTom,Imola, Italy) with slicer software. The anatomical landmarks for the sinus were identified, and the area was calculated in square millimeters (mm2). In terms of surface area, females had a mean of 13,210.40 mm2 with a standard error of 713.46. Males, however, exhibited a higher mean surface area of 18,713.82 mm2, but with a significantly larger standard error of 3,371.70. The difference in MS area between males and females was statistically significant (p<0.01). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77, suggesting good discriminative ability. The MS area on lateral cephalograms shows significant sexual dimorphism. Overall, the findings suggest that the MS surface area can be a useful anatomical feature for distinguishing between male and female North Indian subjects, given the statistically significant difference and the good discriminative performance indicated by the ROC curve analysis.

Morphology, Morphometry, and Immunohistochemical Profile of Megakaryocytes and Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Disease Progression and Therapy Resistance in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Background Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) since the beginning of the century. However, resistance to therapy and the progression of disease tend to occur in certain patients. The bone marrow microenvironment may play a role in the disease outcome. Megakaryocytes have multiple roles in the regulation and maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell microenvironment. In the current study, we evaluated the association of megakaryocyte morphology, morphometry, and microenvironment with disease progression and therapy resistance in CML. Methodology Megakaryocyte morphology and morphometry were analyzed and compared between the different phases (chronic and advanced) at diagnosis in 150 cases of BCR-ABL-positive CML. All CML-CP patients (n = 119) were followed up on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for a minimum of 15 months and classified based on their treatment outcome as a response, resistance to therapy, or progression of disease based on standard criteria. Immunohistochemistry on a bone marrow trephine biopsy was done for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), FOXP3, CD150, CD48, CD44, osteopontin, CXCL12, N-cadherin, PDL-1, and IL-7, and their expression on megakaryocytes and their association with treatment outcome was evaluated. Results The morphology and morphometry of megakaryocytes showed a heterogeneous population in CML. Morphology and morphometric parameters, when compared between the chronic and advanced phases of disease at diagnosis, did not show any statistical difference. Megakaryocytes were variably positive for VEGF, FOXP3, CD150, CD48, osteopontin, N-cadherin, CXCL12, CD44, PDL-1, and IL-7. However, only CD44-positive megakaryocytes were statistically associated with the treatment outcome. The patients with a higher expression of CD44 megakaryocytes progressed to the advanced phase of the disease during therapy compared to those who responded. Conclusion Megakaryocyte morphology and morphometry were heterogeneous in CML; however, they did not show any significant difference with either the phase of the disease or with treatment outcomes. Among the various immunohistochemical markers of the microenvironment, only CD44-positivity on megakaryocytes was associated with poor treatment outcomes.

Development and validation of betel-year: a clinical tool for quantifying exposure to betel quid chewing, utilizing nuclear morphometric analysis and validated by cytomorphological analysis

BackgroundBetel quid chewing, prevalent in Southeast Asia and South Asia, involves components such as betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco. This study aims to assess buccal mucosa changes in betel quid chewers, develop a clinical tool for assessing exposure, and investigate its usability in predicting dysplasia.MethodsAfter obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, patients were recruited from the Out-Patient Department of Government Medical College, Omandurar, Government Estate, India. A target sample size of 200 was calculated. The data included the history of betel quid chewing, buccal mucosa cells obtained by oral cytology, and the severity of dysplasia of the slides assessed by pathologists. We utilized principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate a new outcome variable reflecting nuclear morphometric parameters (NMPs). Multiplicative regression models were developed for betel years based on betel exposure and additives. Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to check the association between betel years and dysplasia.ResultsSignificant differences in NMPs were observed among different betel chewing groups. We derived multiplicative regression models for betel years. In the logarithmic transformation approach, betel year = 0.05×betel-exposure×0.09×slaked-lime use×0.11×tobacco-use. In the original variable approach, betel year = 5.05×betel-exposure^0.00048×slaked-lime-use^0.18133×tobacco-use^1.47513. Spearman correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests confirmed associations with dysplasia.ConclusionBetel year is a pioneering tool for assessing lifetime betel quid exposure, similar to pack years for smoking. It could aid in risk stratification, targeted interventions and shaping public health policies. Despite limitations, betel year holds promise for revolutionizing oral health risk assessment, and future research can expand its scope globally, considering diverse betel quid compositions.

Transgenerational effects of maternal circadian melatonin deficiency and melatonin replacement in rats during pregnancy and lactation on the energy metabolism and thermoregulation in the offspring subjected to a high-fat diet

Pineal melatonin participates in the control of numerous biological functions through its immediate effects, which result from its high presence in the systemic circulation during the dark phase of the circadian cycle or, through its prolonged effects, when its level is extremely low during the light phase. At pregnancy, maternal melatonin signals the external photoperiod to the fetus, highlighting its importance not only in synchronizing rhythms, but also in preparing the fetus to adapt the external environments. The fetus and newborns are exclusively dependent on maternal melatonin since their pineal melatonin production only occurs weeks after birth. Thus, maternal hypomelatoninemia stands out as an important factor capable of modulating the physiological systems of their descendants, demonstrating its transgenerational capacity. The present study evaluated the transgenerational influence of maternal melatonin deficiency and replacement during pregnancy on morphometric parameters, thermoregulation and energy metabolism of the offspring submitted to the normal and high-fat diets, respectively. For this, nulliparous Wistar rats at an age of 8 weeks were used and randomized into three groups: CTL (pregnant rats), PINX (pinealectomized pregnant rats), PINX + MEL (pinealectomized pregnant rats submitted to melatonin replacement). After birth, the pups were divided into three groups: (C) pups from control mothers, (P) pups from PINX mothers and (PM) pups from PINX + MEL mothers. One week after weaning, part of the animals was fed a high-fat diet (DH) and rest of them were fed a normal diet (ND) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized at ZTs 6 and 18. The results showed that maternal melatonin deficiency disrupted the energy metabolism of the offspring and melatonin replacement normalized the energy metabolism in the offspring submitted to the high-fat diet, enabling them to make functional adaptations such as reduced food consumption and greater thermoregulatory capacity, resulting in reduction in body weight gain white adipose tissue mass.

Физиологическое состояние стерляди в условиях садковых и бассейновых хозяйств

The growing conditions of sturgeon fish affect the growth and physiological state, their morphological characteristics. The study of changes in physiological processes under the influence of a complex of factors in the conditions of cage complexes and closed water supply systems will allow for timely adjustment of technology and reduce risks when growing commercial products. The repair and breeding herds of fish breeding enterprises contain sterlet individuals of different ages, which annually, upon reaching puberty, enter the fish breeding process as producers. In this regard, we have studied the main morphophysiological indicators of two-year-olds kept in cages and in closed water supply installations (CWSI). The influence of environmental factors was noted not only on growth indicators, but also on the size of the internal organs of fish and their condition. The unstable temperature regime in the cages, dependence on unpredictable changes in the hydrochemical parameters of the aquatic environment contributes to deep physiological transformations of an adaptive nature, which slows down the growth rate and accumulation of reserve substances. Changes in morphometric parameters were also evident. In sturgeon, there is an increase in the relative weight of the heart, spleen and gonads, a decrease in the weight of the kidneys and liver. The influence of optimal temperature and trophic conditions on the index of the gastrointestinal tract was noted, which was slightly lower in fish from the CWSI than in individuals exposed to negative factors in cages. Sterlet blood counts, regardless of the conditions of detention, corresponded to physiologically healthy individuals. The creation of optimal hydrological and trophic conditions in CWSI contribute to the accumulation of phospholipids and linolenic fatty acids in tissues, which play an important role in the adaptation of the body to negative environmental factors.

A Gender-based Study on the Morphometry of Cotyloid Cavity of the Coxal Bone in South Indian Population

Abstract Background and Aim: The cotyloid cavity (acetabulum) is a cup-shaped hollow on the lateral aspect of the coxal bone. The head of the femur articulates with cotyloid cavity to form the hip joint. The cotyloid cavity varies in size, shape, and depth among individuals. Any deviation from the normal range of parameters of the acetabulum may result in arthrosis-related pathologies. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 200 dry human hip bones. The bones were collected from the department of anatomy of a medical college in Mangalore. The following morphometrical parameters of the cotyloid cavity were measured: (a) transverse diameter of acetabulum, (b) acetabular height, (c) acetabular depth, (d) acetabular volume, (e) distance from the pubic tubercle to the anterior rim of the acetabulum, and (f) ratio between distance from the pubic tubercle to the anterior rim of the acetabulum and acetabular height. Range, mean, standard deviation, and standard error of mean were determined for each parameter. P value was also calculated. Gender-wise comparison of the results was done. Results: The independent t-test was done, and the P value was calculated for each parameter. All the parameters showed significant differences between the male and female hip bones. Conclusion: In this modern era, total and partial hip replacement surgeries are very commonly performed. Therefore, knowledge regarding the various morphometrical parameters of the cotyloid cavity may be of great help in the preoperative planning period. It would also be of great help in the fields of forensic anthropology, osteology, and anatomy.

A Highly Standardized Pre-Clinical Porcine Wound Healing Model Powered by Semi-Automated Histological Analysis.

The wound-healing process is a physiological response that begins after a disruption to the integrity of tissues present in the skin. To understand the intricacies involved in this process, many groups have tried to develop different in vitro models; however, the lack of a systemic response has, until this day, been the major barrier to the establishment of these models as the main study platform. Therefore, in vivo models are still the most common system for studying healing responses following different treatments, especially porcine models, which share several morphological similarities to the human skin. In this work, we developed a porcine excisional wound model and used semi-automated software as a strategy to generate quantitative morphometric results of healing responses by specific tissues and compartments. Our aim was to extract the most information from the model while producing reliable, reproducible, and standardized results. In order to achieve this, we established a 7-day treatment using a bacterial cellulose dressing as our standard for all the analyzed wounds. The thickness of the residual dermis under the wound (DUtW) bed was shown to influence the healing outcome, especially for the regeneration of epidermal tissue, including the wound closure rate. The analysis of the DUtW throughout the entire dorsal region of the animals opened up the possibility of establishing a map that will facilitate the experimental design of future works, increasing their standardization and reproducibility and ultimately reducing the number of animals needed. Thus, the developed model, together with the automated morphometric analysis approach used, offers the possibility to generate robust quantitative results with a rapid turnaround time while allowing the study of multiple extra morphometric parameters, creating a more holistic analysis.

Effect of Genetic Groups and Gender on Body Weight and Different Morphometric Traits in Poultry Birds

Background: Traits of economically importance are quantitative, complex with continuous variability in chickens whereas body morphometric parameters are variable on the basis of some factors such as age, sex, nutrition, climate and status of the birds which is very important in differentiating native from exotic as well as commercial breeds. Methods: Three genetic groups of chicken i.e., Rhode Island Red (RIR), Kadaknath and Punjab Brown were classified according to gender and genetic groups. The body weight was measured from 0 day to 26th week of age and morphometric trait from 12 to 26th week of age. The fixed effect of gender and genetic groups on different fortnightly body weights (BW) and morphometric traits were estimated. Result: Punjab Brown poultry birds had significantly higher (p≤0.01) body weight and morphometric traits viz. beak length (BKL), keel length (KL), wing length (WL) and body girth (BG) for most of the studied weeks. Male birds consistently had significantly (p≤0.01) higher body weight and important morphometric parameters viz. shank length (SL), shank width (SW), BKL, comb length (CL), KL and WL compared to females across all age groups which interprets the significance of different non-genetic factors on body weight and important morphometric parameters for further selection in different breeds of poultry birds.

Evaluation of Morphometric Parameters in Pcos Rats Treated with Standardized Aronia melanocarpa L. Extract and/or Metformin

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents endocrine disorder which impacts women in the reproductive age. Due to the side effects of medications and the subsequent discontinuation of therapy, the influence of alternative medicine is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate morphometric parameters and ovarian and adipose tissue histological structure in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome treated by standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SEA) and/or metformin. 24 animals with induced PCOS were divided into 4 groups: PCOS group, PCOS+MET group (treated with metformin), PCOS+SEA group (treated with aronia melanocarpa extract), and PCOS+MET+SEA (treated with metformin and aronia melanocarpa extract). Final body weight and body weight gain were significantly lower after all three type of treatments. Ovary weight was reduces in all three treated groups, while relative ovary weight was significantly lower only in SEA treated rats. However, both MET treated groups expressed lower adipocyte area, while adipocyte diameter was lowered only after combined treatment. Lower number of cysts and greater number of corpora lutea were registered in all treated groups. Our study highlights the significant impact of these interventions on morphometric parameters, indicating their potential to address obesity, a prevalent comorbidity in PCOS. Notably, the reduction in adipocyte size and the modulation of adipose tissue morphology suggest a potential avenue for ameliorating metabolic dysregulations associated with PCOS. Future research endeavors should aim to comprehensively address the multifaceted nature of this syndrome, with a view towards developing integrated therapeutic approaches that offer renewed hope for individuals grappling with PCOS-related challenges.

Analysis of drainage morphometry and spectral indices using earth observation datasets in Palar River basin, India

In this research we analyzed the morphometric parameter of Palar River basin by using the satellite data from open sources for monitoring drainage network. Palar River basin covers 1972.27 sq.km areas with elevation of 226.9 m as highest and 38.01 m lowest above mean sea level. In this research it detected that Palar River basin having 5th order stream with drainage density of 0.40 km/km2 and drainage pattern of dendritic to rectangular. We also draw aspect map, relief map and slope map for the research area by using digital elevation model (DEM) data of 30 m resolution. In this research we also employed spectral indices like normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) for the vegetation, water and soil characteristics of the research area. In this research it found that there are major changes in land use/land cover as water bodies and land during these periods of 15 years. Highly positive correlation show between morphometric parameter and spectral indices. In this research groundwater level data for the year 2005 and 2020 are used to validation the study. This research work is very useful in developing solutions for dealing with different types of drought and management of groundwater extraction plans.

Morphometric Traits and Body Indices to Assess the Type and Function of Native Ganjam Goats Reared on Different Flooring Systems in Coastal Odisha

A study was undertaken to assess the type and function of Ganjam goats native to coastal Odisha based on morphometric traits and their indices. Different flooring systems, viz. conventional earthen flooring (CEF), bamboo-slatted flooring (BSF) and plastic-slatted flooring (PSF) were applied for rearing the growing goats in multilocation trials involving 54 kids (~4 months age) of either sex in equal ratio. The goat kids were equally distributed i.e. eighteen in each group (6 animals × 3 locations) and reared on free range system followed by in-house sheltering at night after the browsing hours on these three floor types. The body weight (BW) and morphometric parameters like, body length (BL), withers height (WH), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), rump height (RH) and their indices were assessed fortnightly. Kids reared on all the three floor-types exhibited age-dependent increase in BW and in all the morphometric parameters. There was improved performance (BW, BL, WH, CG) of kids on PSF compared to CEF, while the difference between BSF and PSF was non-significant. The functional indices characterized Ganjam goats as longiline with good proportionality, medium thoracic development, prolific and dual type. The correlation between BW and morphometric parameters exhibited highest for CG followed by WH, RH, BL and PG. The BW of Ganjam goats can suitably be predicted from CG, WH and RH with R2 value 0.914. The importance of morphometric parameters and their indices classify Ganjam goats as a promising dual-purpose breed and impetus to its performance is better achieved with improved shelter management involving plastic-slatted floor in coastal Odisha.

Lithostructural Control in the Development of Potholes in the Rock Bed of the Carnaúba River, Seridó Geopark, NE Brazil

Granitic forms resulting from turbulent flow, with hydraulic vortices, characterize the rocky bed of the lower course of the Carnaúba River, in a geosite of the Seridó Geopark, in the Seridó Oriental microregion, Northeast Brazil. These forms constitute a variety of types of potholes that individually represent various stages of evolution, in addition to reflecting the variation in the erosive potential of river flow throughout the Quaternary. From a bibliographical review, fieldwork (quantification and measurements of the potholes), high-resolution photogrammetry and morphostructural analysis of the generated cartographic products, it was possible to establish a correlation between the preferential orientation of the potholes and the direction of the planes of weakness, as well as the classification of potholes by morphometric parameters. In this work it was demonstrated that the efficiency of hydraulic vortices is associated with discontinuity structures and the mineralogical composition of granite facies, with abrasive erosion being responsible for sculpting potholes, with different dimensions and geometries. In the rocky bed of the Carnaúba River, the small potholes deepen and their diameter evolves into cylindrical shapes as the turbulent vertical flow increases, eventually becoming sigmoidal. The lateral potholes, located on the walls of the river channel, are deeper than they are wide, and represent a destructive phase of evolution.

Competitive exclusion products as an antimicrobial alternative to control Salmonella Heidelberg in broilers.

Intestinal infections caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella spp., along with antimicrobial resistance spread are a major food safety concern worldwide. Here, we evaluate the potential of competitive exclusion products developed by anaerobic or aerobic conditions to control systemic infection, cecal colonization, fecal excretion, and improve the intestinal health in broilers challenged by Salmonella Heidelberg (SH). A total of 105 day-old chickens were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: A (untreated control), B (treated with anaerobic culture), and C (treated with aerobic culture). During 21 days, morphometric parameters of the small intestine were analyzed using microscopy, fecal excretions by cloacal swabs, systemic infection, and cecal colonization by colony-forming unit counts (CFU/g). The results indicated the lowest number of positive swabs (45.33%) recovered from Group C, followed by Group B (71.8%) and Group A (85.33%). The bacterial enumeration revealed the lowest amounts in Group C at the necropsy realized in 5-, 7-, and 14-days post-infection (DPI) (P=0.0010, P=0.0048, and P=0.0094, respectively). Statistical differences between intestinal morphometrics were observed in the Group C at 21 DPI. Our results suggest that the product developed under aerobic conditions can improve intestinal health, protecting birds against SH.

The effect of mixed honeybee drone semen on sperm quality characteristics: A preliminary study

Following copulation, sperm of multiple honeybee (Apis mellifera (A.m.) Linnaeus (Apidae)) drones are mixed inside the spermatheca of a queen, and sperm behaviour in this environment is of importance for sperm survival and successful fertilization. The polyandrous mating system of honeybees further may allow for cryptic female choice and sperm competition to select for specific sperm traits to enable successful reproduction. This preliminary study therefore examined multiple sperm quality parameters in mixed drone semen. Thirty-one drone ejaculates were collected and split to be mixed with one and two other drones’ semen. A computerised sperm analysis system was used for analysing sperm functionality parameters, at baseline and 60 minutes. Morphology measurements included head, tail, and total sperm length. Sperm concentration was significantly higher in three-drone samples compared to other groups (p &lt; 0.001), while comparisons of sperm functional and morphometric parameters did not reveal differences. However, after 60 minutes, mixed semen samples displayed changes in terms of sperm functionality. The motility percentage significantly decreased in two-drone samples (p = 0.004). In contrast, three-drone samples had consistently lower motility and kinematic parameters at baseline, but following an hour it was the only group to show improvement in sperm progressive motility, swimming speed and kinematics. Sperm concentration correlated with the majority of functionality parameters, while, morphological measurements did not. Sperm functionality changes observed in this study, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including, mixing of drone semen, sperm concentration, and time allowing for potential sperm interaction.

Morphometric analysis in the sub basins of the Kali River using Geographic Information System, Karnataka, India

Morphometric analysis serves as a crucial tool for quantitatively characterizing drainage basins and exploring the intricate relationships between hydraulic parameters and geomorphological characteristics. This study presents a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the Kali Subbasin in Karnataka, covering an area of 1175.45 km². Utilizing remote sensing data and GIS tools, we quantified various morphometric parameters, including stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, form factor, and circularity ratio, to understand the basin's geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. The study area is classified as a seventh-order basin displaying a dendritic drainage pattern with a drainage density of 2.853 km/km². Notably, the bifurcation ratio ranges from 4.396 to 3, indicating low to moderate structural control within the basin. The subbasin's elongated shape, with an elongation ratio of 0.604 and a circularity ratio of 0.298, indicates moderate peak flow and high susceptibility to erosion. Relief parameters showed significant elevation variations, contributing to intense erosion and heightened flood risks in lower-lying areas. The study identifies the basin's transition to a mature geomorphic stage, evidenced by an escalating stream length ratio from lower to higher orders. These findings underscore the importance of tailored watershed management strategies, including floodplain zoning, retention basins, afforestation, and terracing, to mitigate flooding and soil erosion. The study's insights are crucial for developing effective, localized water resource management plans and enhancing the resilience of the Kali Subbasin to future hydrological challenges.

Investigation of the Basin Characteristics through Morphometric Analysis of Hadejia River Sub-Basin: Implications for Groundwater Recharge

Understanding the geohydrological properties of a drainage basin in relation to the topographical feature and its flow patterns depends heavily on morphometric analysis. Estimating a watershed's frequency of infiltration and runoff as well as its other hydrological characteristics is also helpful. The study was conducted using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques with the aim of establishing relationship between surface morphometry, underlying geology and groundwater recharge. For detailed measurement and analysis, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and high resolution imageries were employed for basin delineation, slope characterization, channel network extraction and stream ordering in order to derive the linear, areal, and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The findings showed that a total number of 116 streams joined the 4th order stream in which 83 streams were 1st order, 25 streams were 2nd order, 7 streams were 3rd order and the major trunk was 4th order stream, occupied an area of 1486.86km2. The stream network's drainage system exhibits dendritic design. The results further indicate that the values for stream frequency, infiltration number, drainage density, drainage texture, length of overland flow, elongation ratio and basin relief are 0.08, 0.032, 0.41km/km2, 0.023, 1.22km, 0.54 and 28.59m respectively. The observed values of both linear, areal and relief parameters were generally low. Low values for the areal and relief criteria indicates that the sub-basin is at its youthful stage of development and possesses very good permeable subsurface formation and prospect with the possibility of high potential groundwater resources. The result help us understand the connections between hydrological variables and geomorphological parameters as guidance and/or decision-making instruments for the authorities to develop decisions for the environmentally friendly growth of the basin, water supply planning, water budgeting, and disaster mitigation within the Hadejia river sub-basin.