Late spring frost is major abiotic stress factor causing significant yield losses in vegetable and fruit crops. Low temperatures induce intracellular ice formation, leading to the membrane damage, increased electrolyte leakage, and reduced tissue viability. Therefore, developing ecofriendly strategies to mitigate frost injury are essential. In this study, a natural antifreeze spray was developed using glycerol and sorbitol as osmoprotectants, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) flower-extract as a natural antioxidant source, and sodium alginate as a film-forming biopolymer. The protective effect of the formulation was evaluated in buds, flowers, and young fruit tissues of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under three temperature conditions (22-24 degrees C, -4 degrees C, and -10 degrees C). Results revealed that the antifreeze treatment significantly improved tissue viability and reduced freezing-induced damage. At -10 degrees C, cellular damage in seed tissues decreased from 82.8% to 30.0%, representing approximately 52% reduction in cell damage. Electrolyte leakage was also reduced from 97.3% to 75.0%, indicating enhanced membrane stability. Overall, the developed formulation effectively mitigated freezing damage and unveiled potential to protect cold-sensitive crops.
Elevated blood cholesterol and glucose levels are common conditions among the elderly, often requiring continuous pharmacological intervention. To explore alternative approaches, the present study investigated the effects of alternating electrical simulation on these parameters, as well as on hemoglobin concentration and blood viscosity, using mice as experimental subjects. Treatment were applied at voltages ranging from 0 to 2.0 V, with a frequency of 500 kHz, for durations of 3 or 5 min day-1 over a 5-day period. The results revealed that electric stimulation at 2.0 V for 5 min reduced cholesterol levels by 7.53-9.0% and glucose levels by 28.41%, while hemoglobin levels tended to increase without a consistent pattern. Blood viscosity decreased under stimulation at 1.0 and 1.5 V but increased at 2.0 V, indicating a voltage dependent response. In conclusion, electrical stimulation effectively lowered cholesterol and glucose levels in mice; however, its effects on hemoglobin and blood viscosity were non-linear, thus suggesting the need for further studies to optimize treatment parameters.
Post-transfusion iron toxicity in (3-thalassemia major can lead to organ damage, which may include injury to the liver and kidneys. Monitoring the iron levels through hepcidin is crucial for patients due to thalassemia. This study was aimed to assess correlation between serum ferritin and hepcidin, and evaluate their role in tracking iron availability following frequent transfusions in these patients. Thirty subjects (19 males and 11 females) suffering (3-thalassemia were chosen against 15 normal individuals. The medical records of patients were examined by using standard criteria. Hematological parameters were recorded, and biochemical assessment was done for serum ferritin, hepcidin, TIBC, LFT, and RFT. The results showed lower RBC indices and notably higher serum ferritin and hepcidin levels in thalassemic patients than in controls. ALP, AST, and ALT levels in patients were 79.03 +/- 10.82, 67.12 +/- 11.13, and 253.18 +/- 22.01 IU L-1, respectively. Significantly (p<0.001) higher levels of creatinine were found in (3thalassemia patients than in control. The study revealed a positive correlation between ferritin and hepcidin as well as LFT parameters. Hepcidin was found to be positively correlated with creatinine. Hence, assessing hepcidin and ferritin concentrations is an important marker for identifying a heightened risk for renal and hepatic toxicity in patients diagnosed with (3-thalassemia major.
Balanced general anaesthesia is pre-requisite for surgical interventions in dogs. The present study was aimed to compare dexmedetomidine and acepromazine premedication in combination with butorphanol and glycopyrrolate in propofol-anesthetised and isoflurane-maintained ASA III dogs. A randomised clinical study was done on 21 dogs. Group 1 included 9 dogs pre-anesthetised with butorphanol (0.2 mg kg-1) + dexmedetomidine (10 & micro;g kg-1) + glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) combination, while group 2 included 12 dogs preanesthetised with butorphanol (0.2 mg kg-1) + acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) + glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) combination, intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2-4 mg kg-1, intravenous, and was maintained with isoflurane mixed in 100% oxygen. Heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen supplementation, isoflurane requirement and end tidal CO2 were noted every 10 min. Post-induction apnoea was common in group 1. The oxygen flow rate and isoflurane requirements were high in group 2 throughout the surgery. Significant bradycardia was recorded after premedication in both the groups, which was more profound in group 1. Group 2 showed tachycardia after induction with propofol. The blood pressure increased significantly post-induction in group 1, while group 2 showed sustained hypotension. The recovery was faster in group 1, although the quality of recovery was similar in both the groups. In conclusions, dexmedetomidine (10 & micro;g kg-1) produced profound sedation and faster recovery than acepromazine in ASA III dogs. Both the combinations were safe for ASA III dogs however, with prominent cardiovascular effect of drugs recorded in ASA III dogs, a reduction in dose or change in protocol (induction agent) is recommended.
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has necessitated to formulate alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of lemongrass oil (LGO) nanoencapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles against MDR Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) and Escherichia coli (MDREC). Ionic gelation technique was used to synthesise lemongrass oil loaded chitosan nanoparticles which were further characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Visible spectrophotometry, and FTIR analysis. A significant increase in particle size from 168.7 nm for plain chitosan nanoparticles to 318.7 nm following LGO encapsulation, with acceptable polydispersity was observed through DLS, while FESEM confirmed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and sizes ranging from 50 to 150 nm. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity range was 41.7-91.17 and 21.36-74.36%, respectively, with maximum values observed at a 1:1 chitosan-to-LGO ratio. Nanoencapsulation significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity, with LGO-loaded nanoparticles exhibiting lower MIC values as compared to the free LGO against MDRSA (0.052% vs 0.125%) and MDREC (0.0104% vs 0.25%). Similarly, reduced MBC values were observed for the nanoformulation. These findings demonstrate that chitosan-based nanoencapsulation significantly improves the antibacterial efficacy of lemongrass oil against MDR pathogens.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of synovial joints. Hip is the most often afflicted joint in dogs, which makes them reluctant to walk and engage in daily activities. The present study was aimed to assess the morphological changes in osteoarthritic hip joint using radiography and computed tomography. The study was conducted on 30 dogs divided into 3 groups. Group I and II comprised of 6 young (3-5 months) and 6 adult (> 12 months age) indigenous non-lame dogs, respectively, as control. The group III comprised of 18 clinical cases of dog with hip osteoarthritis. Highest distribution of hip osteoarthritis was recorded in Labrador breed of dogs with male dogs being more frequently affected (83.33%) than females. Group II exhibited a significantly reduced joint space (0.09 +/- 0.01) as compared to group I (0.19 +/- 0.02). Radiographic observation of group III showed coxofemoral luxation and alterations in normal architecture of femoral head, trochanter and acetabulum due to osteophytes formation. Radiographic scoring and categorization of hip osteoarthritis revealed maximum cases (12) of severe osteoarthritis. Computed tomography scan revealed specific lesions of bony changes including presence of minor osteophytes and variation in bone density (Hounsfield unit) in osteoarthritic hip joints compared to normal joints.
Light intensity is a key factor affecting the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study evaluated 200 F2 progenies from a 'GAR-2 & times; Danteshwari' cross under 30% shading at ICAR-NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya (India) to assess low light tolerance. The experiment was conducted in an augmented design with six standard checks (Swarnaprabha, IR8, Shah Sarang, Swarna, GAR-2, and Danteshwari), and the data was recorded for 10 agronomic traits related to growth and yield parameters. Phenotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance were estimated, followed by marker polymorphism and marker-trait association analysis using known SSR markers and newly developed InDel markers. Significant variations were observed in seed yield plant-1 (SYPP) (p <= 0.05) and traits such as plant height (PH), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), days to harvest (DTH), number of tillers (NOT), number of effective tillers (NOET), spikelet fertility (SF), biomass (BIO), and 100-seed weight (HSW) (p <= 0.01). High heritability and genetic advance for DTH, DTM, HSW, NOT, PH, and SF indicated additive gene action. Marker analysis revealed polymorphisms in four markers: 'LLG4-1', 'LLG42', 'HvSSR02-44', and 'HvSSR09-45'. Marker-trait association identified 'HvSSR09-45' to be significantly associated with seven traits (NOT, PH, DTF, DTM, DTH, BIO, & HSW), HvSSR02-44 with 2 traits (PH & HSW), and 'LLG4-1' with single trait (SYPP). These markers can be effectively utilized in marker-assisted selection in developing low light-tolerant rice varieties.
Many people both male and female use hair dye to change their hair colour, but theses dyes induce several deteriorating effects like DNA damage, apoptosis and cancers. This study investigated the association of hair dye use and hematological alterations, oxidative damage, and cell death by measuring blood indices and genes expression involved in DNA damage and repair, and apoptotic pathways (XRCC1, p53, cytochrome C, and caspase-9) in women. A total of 50 women, comprising of 25 regular hair dye users and 25 age-matched controls, were enrolled in this case-control study and venous blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological indices and oxidative stress biomarkers (TAC and MDA). Gene expression levels of DNA damage and repair markers (XRCC1 and p53) and apoptosis-related markers (Caspase-9 and Cytochrome C) were quantified in peripheral blood lymphocytes using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Our findings showed that both Hb levels and RBC count were significantly reduced in hair-dyed group, along with significant elevation in WBC count suggesting the inflammatory response against the chemicals used in hair dyes. In terms of oxidative damage, total antioxidant capacity was significantly depleted along with significant rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Caspase-3 levels in women using hair-dyes suggesting the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis mediated by hair dyes. The increased expression of XRCC1, p53, Caspase-9, and cytochrome C further substantiated the opinion that hair dye chemicals induce DNA damage and apoptosis. The findings emphasise on the need for more long-term monitoring of the impacts of exposure to hair colour and raise alarms on the risk of prolonged use of hair dyes.
Phytsyhthesized nanoparticles from different medicinal plants are currently exploited for large scale biomedical applications. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by using the aqueous extract of Vitex leucoxylon bark and its properties evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD analysis. Also, the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed using standard methods. A characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 435 nm, observed in UVvisible spectrum, confirmed the formation of V. leucoxylon bark aqueous extract-based AgNPs (Vl-AgNP). The peaks in FTIR analysis showed the presence of several organic constituents that acted as capping and reducing substances. XRD measurements confirmed that Vl-AgNPs were crystalline face-centred cubic structures. DLS analysis of synthesized AgNPs showed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 177.6 nm with low polydispersity (0.090) and high colloidal stability (-82.8 mV). SEM-EDX analysis showed it to be uniformly distributed Vl-AgNP, while TEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles of 50 to 64 nm size. The Vl-AgNPs demonstrated substantial anti-bacterial activity towards human pathogenic bacteria and strong antioxidant activity in dose-dependent manner with maximum inhibition against Escherichia coli. Antioxidant activity showed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity, reaching 77.42 +/- 1.25% in DPPH assay at 100 & micro;g mL-1, while FRAP analysis demonstrated moderate reducing power. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using the MTT assay revealed dose-dependent inhibition of HeLa cells line with an IC50 value of 74.38 & micro;g mL-1. These findings confirm the notable bioactivity of Vl-AgNPs, highlighting their potential biomedical applications.
The present study in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) assessed the magnitude of heterosis over mid- and better-parents and elucidated the nature of gene action governing yield, quality traits, and resistance to bhindi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV). Six single-cross (SC) commercial hybrids were crossed in a 2 × 4 line × tester mating design to generate double-cross (DC) hybrids. Among the SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘SVOK-1408’ emerged as promising candidates for BYVMV resistance and are recommended for cultivation in disease hot-spot regions. Most of the evaluated traits exhibited predominance of non-additive gene action, suggesting that heterosis breeding would be an effective strategy for trait improvement. Based on general combining ability effects and mean performance, two SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘Anushri’, were identified as superior genitors for future breeding programmes. In DC hybrids, percent disease index of BYVMV showed the highest desirable heterotic response, followed by pod yield per plant, total dietary fibre content of pod, pod length, pod weight, number of pods per plant, and pod diameter. The DC hybrids ‘Radhika × Bindu’ and ‘SVOK-1408 × Anushri’ demonstrated high commercial potential and could be exploited after multilocational evaluation across tropical and subtropical environments. High-yielding, BYVMV-resistant DC hybrids may also be utilized in segregating generations, and suitable breeding strategies have been proposed for developing multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations.
To scientifically validate the drugs traditionally used by Arab and Greek physicians, a single blind, randomized, standard-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 melasma patients aged 15-50 years, with treatment duration of 60 days. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a test drug formulation comprising of a decoction of Cuscuta reflexa and a paste of Sausserea lappa (mixed with honey), compared to the recommended allopathic treatment (standard control). The test group received a decoction of C. reflexa (5 g orally, once a day) along with topical application of S. lappa paste on the affected area for 15 min once a day. The control group was orally administered with tranxemic acid tablets (250 mg, twice daily) and topical azelaic acid (10%) on the affected area. The test group exhibited significant improvement in subjective parameters with significant decrease in the severity of hyperpigmentation. Both the groups showed significant improvement in objective parameters including melasma area and severity index (MASI) scores, by the 60th day of treatment (p <= 0.001). The test drugs demonstrated noticeable therapeutic effects on both subjective and objective parameters, without any adverse effect. No significant difference was observed between test and standard control treatment.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) bark is one of the most important spices used to enhance the taste and flavour of Indian foods. C. zeylanicum bark, besides its use as a spice, has potential antioxidants, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective potential. The present study was aimed to characterize key chemical constituents of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil and determine its chemoprotective effect against triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC). The chemical composition of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The analysis identified 29 chemical compounds, amongst which (E)-cinnamaldehyde (69.89%), eugenol (14.27%), delta-cadinene (2.80%), and (Z)-caryophyllene (2.33%) were the key constituents. C. zeylanicum bark essential oil produced concentration-and time-dependent inhibition of TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells. C. zeylanicum bark essential oil at 15.62 mu L mL-1 concentration produced maximum inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells which was about 90.6%. The aroma profile of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil and in vitro anticancer activity provide a scientific basis for its possible use as a cancer remedy.
Brewer spent yeast (BSY) is an underutilized byproduct of brewery industry that can be used as a renewable source for beta-glucan extraction, contributing to a circular economy. The present study was aimed to extract beta-glucan from indigenous and commercial brewing yeasts using two different extraction methods. Pilsner beer was brewed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MK680910) for the collection of indigenous BSY and commercial BSY was collected from Underdoggs Brewery and Kitchen, Ludhiana (India). The BSY derivatives, obtained from cell lysis and extraction, were assessed for their proximate analysis. beta-glucan content in indigenous BSY was found to be 16.6 mg g(-1) by acid-base extraction and 15.1 mg g(-1) by water extraction methods, while commercial BSY yielded 19.1 and 16.5 mg g(-1) by the respective methods. beta-glucan was characterized using FTIR, with evidence provided by the bands recorded around 1034-1150 and 889 cm(-1), which corresponded to C-O-C stretching in polysaccharides. The acid-base extraction method was more efficient than water extraction, producing higher yields with fewer impurities. The study paves the way for cost-effective, scalable extraction process that can benefit the brewing industry and other sectors relying on beta-glucan.
Understanding scapular morphology is essential for interpreting species-specific adaptations related to locomotion, muscle attachment, and ecological strategies. This study used geometric morphometric techniques to analyse scapular shape variation and morphological phylogeny in five mammalian species, barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and Indian Pariah dog (Canis lupus familiaris). The study was aimed to understand how scapular morphology reflects species-specific adaptations. A total of 144 homologous landmarks were digitized from high-resolution images of lateral and medial scapular surfaces. Shape variation was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and Procrustes ANOVA. Morphology-based clustering was performed using hierarchical UPGMA dendrograms based on PCA. Results revealed that PC1 accounted for 80.40% of shape variance (species-wise), mainly associated with acromion process orientation and scapular spine morphology. PCA analysis (surface-wise) described the lateral and medial scapular surfaces showed a more balanced variance distribution (PC1: 33.71%, PC2: 20.81%, PC3: 18.83%). Procrustes ANOVA showed a significant effect of scapular surface on shape (F = 10.34, P < 0.0001) but not on size (P = 0.0888). The phylogenetic dendrogram separated the species into two major phenetic groups. The study offers new insights into scapular shape diversity and its ecological and evolutionary significance among studied mammals.
Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is a diverse group of oncogenic viruses and causative agent of bovine papillomatosis which affects the cattle industry by contributing significant economic losses. The present study was aimed to detect and characterize BPV by molecular methods viz., polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. The wart samples (n = 10) were aseptically collected from clinically affected cattle and buffalo cases. DNA extraction was carried out directly from the wart samples and then PCR was performed to detect BPV by using BVP specific L1 gene. All wart samples were positive for BPV by PCR targeting the L1 gene with an amplicon size of 480 bp. The histopathological examination of wart samples revealed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, fusion of rete pegs and characteristic rete pegs with koilocytes. The DNA sequencing of highly conserved L1 gene was carried out for molecular typing of BPV prevailing in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu (India). The sequences showed 95.9 to 100% identity with BPV type 1 of genus Deltapapillomavirus. Phylogenetic analysis of L1 region indicated that all sequences were clustered with BPV 1. It may be concluded that nucleotide sequencing of L1 fragment of BPV showed efficiency in identification and typing of BPV cases. In this study BPV 1 strains were found to be the cause for cutaneous warts in cattle and buffalo.
Climate variability plays a crucial role in regulating the phenological patterns of plants and the developmental dynamics of associated insects. This study examined the phenology of willow (Salix alba) and the developmental stages of the gypsy moth (Lymantria obfuscata) over two consecutive years (2022 2023) using Julian dates and accumulated degree days (DD). Significant inter-annual variations were observed in both the plant and insect development. In 2022, vegetative bud burst occurred earlier (Julian day 53, 0.55 DD) than in 2023 (Julian day 60, 3.86 DD), with similar delays observed in flowering and late-season events. Increased DD requirements in 2023 suggest climatic influences on phenological timing. Gypsy moth development also shifted temporally. In 2022, key stages such as egg hatching and adult emergence occurred earlier and at lower DD thresholds as compared to 2023. Adult emergence was recorded at Julian day 158 (945.30 DD) in 2022 and at day 165 (492.22 DD) in 2023, indicating altered developmental dynamics. Population peaks differed between years, with a mid-June peak in 2022 (40 individuals, 608.65 DD) and a delayed, smaller peak in 2023 (35 individuals, 593.88 DD). These findings highlight the influence of temperature on plant insect synchrony and demonstrate the value of degree day models for predicting phenological responses under changing environmental conditions.
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a major legume in Eastern India, contributing to the nutritional security and soil fertility through symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium spp. However, the efficiency of native strains under local conditions remains poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify native isolates from pigeon pea root nodules, and to evaluate their symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting traits. Fourteen bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 12 belonged to Bradyrhizobium spp., while isolates S5 and S15 were identified as Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus amylolyticus, respectively. All Bradyrhizobium isolates tested positive for catalase, oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrogenase activity. Isolates S9, S3, S6, S13, and S1 showed significantly higher nitrogenase activity as compared to the other isolates. Plant growth-promoting assays revealed phosphate solubilisation, zinc solubilization, and potassium solubilization in ten, eight and five isolates, respectively. Eleven isolates produced siderophores and all of these synthesized indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Notably, isolate S6 (Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense) exhibited all PGPR traits and high nitrogenase activity, identifying it as the most promising isolate. Isolates S3, S1, and S9 also demonstrated strong potential. These results demonstrated the value of efficient native isolates as region-specific bioinoculants for pigeon pea, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
In present study on okra, the level of heterosis over mid-and better-parents, along with the type of gene action for yield, quality, and resistance to bhindi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) disease were assessed by crossing six single-cross (SC) commercial hybrids in a 2 x 4, line x tester mating design. Two promising SC hybrids, 'Radhika' and 'SVOK-1408', could be recommended for BYVMV disease at hot spot regions. Most traits exhibited non-additive gene action, indicating heterosis breeding as an excellent approach to improve traits. Two genitors among SC hybrids, 'Radhika' and 'Anushri', were identified based on general combining ability effects and mean performance. These could be utilized for subsequent breeding. In double-cross (DC) hybrids, the percent disease index of BYVMV had the strongest desirable heterotic effect. This was followed by pod yield plant-1, total dietary fibre content of pod, pod length, pod weight, number of pods plant-1, and pod diameter. Commercial utilization of DC hybrids "Radhika x Bindu" and "SVOK-1408 x Anushri" could be beneficial following multilocational screening in tropics and subtropics. High-yielding DC hybrids, resistant to BYVMV disease, could be utilized in segregating generations, and potential breeding strategies have been addressed to find multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an increasingly debated etiological factor in breast cancer, with growing evidence suggesting its potential role as an early trigger in breast carcinogenesis. This retrospective case-control study investigated the prevalence and genotypic distribution of HPV DNA in breast carcinoma tissues compared with non-malignant breast tissues to evaluate a possible association between HPV infection and breast cancer. The study was conducted from 1 January 2024 to 15 March 2025 and included 230 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast tissue specimens collected from Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk General Hospital, and private laboratories in Kirkuk city, Iraq. Among these, 130 samples were diagnosed as breast cancer cases, while 100 samples represented benign breast lesions as controls. Clinical and pathological data-including tumour grade, tumour stage, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2/neu status-were obtained from medical records. Molecular detection of HPV was performed using High- and Low-Risk PapillomaStrip assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV DNA was detected at a significantly higher frequency in breast cancer tissues than in controls (P < 0.0001). HPV type 32 was the most prevalent genotype, identified in 24.6% of breast cancer samples compared to 3% of control samples. HPV positivity was predominantly observed in high-grade (grade III) and advanced-stage tumours. No significant association was found between HPV positivity and tumour laterality, ER status, or PR status. However, HPV-positive cases demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of HER-2 positivity than HPV-negative cases. In conclusion, HPV infection was more prevalent among breast cancer patients, particularly in HER-2-positive, high-grade, and advanced-stage tumours, suggesting a potential role of HPV in aggressive breast cancer progression.
Sheep play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, especially in arid, semiarid, and marginal farming regions where crop and dairy production are less viable. This study evaluated the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf meal-based diets on the blood biochemical profiles of 'Deccani' sheep reared under intensive and semi-intensive systems. Thirty-six growing lambs (14-18 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T-1 (control), T-2 (75% groundnut cake + 25% Moringa leaf meal), and T3 (50% groundnut cake + 50% Moringa leaf meal) with six lambs per group in each system. The experiment lasted 90 days. Hematological and biochemical data were analysed using Student's t-test. No significant differences (P < 0.01) in hematological parameters were observed among the diets in either system. Hb concentrations ranged from 9.83 to 11.25 g dL-1 across the treatments, while PCV values were higher in T-2 than in T-1 and T-3. Total protein levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in T-3 in both systems. Glucose levels showed a non-significant decrease in T-2 as compared to T1 and T3. SGOT and SGPT values remained within the normal range. Overall, better blood biomolecule levels indicate that 25% Moringa inclusion under intensive rearing is superior to semi-intensive management.
