This investigation was designed to characterize the clinico-pathological and haemato-biochemical profile in naturally acquired, fatal cases of cattle theileriosis, a tick-transmitted haemoprotozoan infection of considerable veterinary and economic concern attributed to Theileria annulata. Three crossbred cattle admitted in the terminal stage of disease were evaluated at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. The identity of the pathogen was first established by conventional Giemsa-stained microscopy and confirmed by nested PCR targeting the Tams1gene, with previously confirmed T. annulata-positive DNA and nuclease-free water serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. Post-mortem gross inspection disclosed pronounced splenomegaly, lymphadenomegaly, and characteristic punched-out ulcerative lesions of the abomasal mucosa. Histopathological examination demonstrated mucosal necrosis of the abomasum with lymphomononuclear infiltration of the submucosa, degenerative alterations in myocardial fibers with associated inflammatory infiltrates, interstitial pneumonic changes with pulmonary emphysema, notable lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen, and intracellular schizonts (Koch’s blue bodies) within lymph node mononuclear cells. These tissue-level changes occurred in parallel with haemato-biochemical disturbances, including derangements in total white blood cell count, erythrocyte count, haemoglobin percentage, packed cell volume, and differential neutrophil percentage, along with significantly elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin, uric acid, iron, and total protein. The observed abnormalities are attributable to systemic dissemination of schizont-infected mononuclear cells and the resulting host immunopathological response.

Cryptosporidium infection is a well-established, widely recognized pathogen affecting neonatal dairy calves worldwide, with profound implications for both animal welfare and public health. This investigation evaluated the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and risk determinants of Cryptosporidium infection across seven districts of the Central Plain Zone (CPZ) of Punjab, India. A total of 341 fecal samples from dairy calves (180 buffalo and 161 cattle) were analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining of direct fecal smears (DFS) and saturated sugar flotation smears (SSFS), the latter employed to enhance oocyst concentration and improve detection sensitivity. Microscopic examination revealed an overall prevalence of 23.75% (81/341), with 39 samples testing positive by DFS and 81 by SSFS, establishing SSFS as the superior diagnostic method. Geographic analysis demonstrated significant spatial heterogeneity, with Ludhiana district exhibiting the highest prevalence (38.46%, P < 0.05) and Shri Fatehgarh Sahib the lowest (6.25%). Multifactorial risk analysis identified four critical determinants of infection: periurban location (38.46%, P < 0.01), age < 1 month (32.4%, P < 0.01), diarrheic status (29.59%, P < 0.01), and organized farm management systems (28.72%, P < 0.05). Molecular characterization through nested PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene (∼834 bp) followed by PCR-RFLP analysis using restriction enzymes (SspI, VspI, and MboII) conclusively identified Cryptosporidium parvum as the sole species present in all positive samples from both cattle and buffalo calves. BLASTn analysis showed 98.86% and 98.61% homology with GenBank C. parvum sequences for cattle and buffalo isolates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Punjab isolates clustered with C. parvum strains from diverse geographic regions, including other Indian states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) and international locations (Algeria, Bangladesh, China), while remaining distinct from C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and C. hominis. The exclusive detection of C. parvum, based on the few samples analysis, needs further gp60 subtyping to delineate circulating IIa genotypes on more numbers of samples in remaining zones of the Punjab for exploring the zoonotic potential as risk posed by infected dairy calves and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures accordingly.

Considering their interesting electronic and photonic properties, the 4,4-difluro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY)-based molecular probes are the cynosure in the current times. Their unique properties, such as easy functionalization through simple synthetic modifications, strong absorption and more importantly, the high fluorescence quantum yields, are the key attributes required for several Hi-tech applications. Consequently, in the last few decades, many research groups have diverted their attention to developing BODIPY-based materials for a wide range of applications. Motivated by the literature reports, in our previous review on this topic, we reported on systematic progress in the use of BODIPY-based derivatives in bioimaging applications covering the reports that appeared during 2014-2019. Since the BODIPY derivatives continue to inspire with their unique characteristics with the fascinating photophysical properties, in this present review we have surveyed the very representative and recent (2020 onwards) advancement in the applications of BODIPY-based molecular derivatives to catalysis, singlet oxygen generation and white light emission rationalised by the photoredox/electron transfer/energy transfer processes, and hope that this should be useful update to existing reviews on these topics.

The competition between α -decay and spontaneous fission ( SF ) of unknown doubly-odd superheavy nuclei (SHN) is investigated by comparing their theoretical α -decay half-lives ( T^α_1/2 -values) and SF -half-lives ( T^SF_1/2 -values). At first, the calculations for the α -particle’s preformation probabilities ( P_α ’s) are performed for 66 doubly-odd α -emitters with Z ranging from 83 ≤ Z ≤ 117 employing a microscopic phenomenological approach involving the energy density functional (EDF) of the Skyrme force within Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation. This methodology naturally incorporates the effect of the closed-shell structure in terms of global quantum number (G). The calculated results are also compared with those obtained using other theoretical methods. Our results also fit fairly well within N_P N_N I -scheme. Hence, we can estimate the preformation probabilities and predict α -decay half-lives for unknown superheavy nuclei taking WS4 α -disintegration energies as input. The study of branching ratios led us to identify α -decay chains originating from these unknown SHN. We believe our predictions can aid future experiments in producing new superheavy elements.

Relative association of haemato-biochemical findings with oxidative stress markers was evaluated between natural patent and latent infection of Theileria equi in horses to divulge the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of illness due to non-availablity in literature. Blood samples were collected from 429 equines of 16 districts of the Punjab and samples positive by conventional microscopy (patent Group I; olln = 13), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (latent group II; n = 38) and healthy control (group III, n = 64) were compared for haematological-biochemical index and stress parameters. Significant anaemia in both group I and group II, and considerable neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia in group I in comparison to group II and group III was observed. Significant elevation in creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and glucose while reduction in iron was noticed in both group I and group II. More level of lipid peroxides in patent group I followed by latent group II indicated more lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and oxidative stress in declining order when compared with Group III. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GST) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were lowered in Group I. An inverse association of RBC count with lipid peroxidation (PLO) and GSH and a direct relationship with catalase, SOD and FRAP was revealed. Findings indicated that oxidative damage plays an imperative function in pathogenesis of anaemia in horses due to T. equi infection and can be utilized as significant marker for latent and patent infection after well thought-out correlation with other haemato-biochemical findings.

Trypanosoma evansi is a haemoprotozoan that causes a severe disease called as Surra in domestic and wild mammals. The disease is endemic in India and the clinical symptoms of disease can vary depending on the host species but generally include fever, anaemia, weight loss, weakness, neurological signs and decreased production capacity. In this study, the clinical observations of the six buffaloes that showed signs of emaciation, corneal opacity, oedema, and circling behaviour was done. All the suspected animals (n=06) were tested for Trypanosoma by a combination of methods to detect the presence of the parasite by microscopy, Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Only three animals were diagnosed positive by microscopy. All buffaloes were found positive for Trypanosoma infection by CATT and PCR assay. The haematological and biochemical test indicated significant fall in total haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), glucose, total protein, and albumin levels. Additionally, there were appreciable elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin levels, indicating liver and renal malfunction. One animal succumbed to infection and had acute peritoneal oedema in postmortem observations. The report underlines the significant clinical and biochemical changes linked to evansi infection in buffaloes. The study also highlights the need of early detection and treatment in reducing the negative effects of trypanosomiasis on animal health and production.

Babesia bigemina is a major cause of bovine babesiosis, an economically devastating tick-borne disease that needs timely diagnosis for precise treatment. In present investigation, the detection efficacy of real-time PCR (qPCR) in comparison to conventional PCR and microscopy targeting 18 S ribosomal gene was evaluated on 95 bovines (70 cattle and 25 buffaloes) suspected for babesiosis. Real-time PCR was standardized with the 10-fold serial dilutions in duplication of the given positive control (2 × 106 copy number) ranging from 106 to 100 copy number/µL and mean Ct value of each dilution was taken to extrapolate the curve. The samples with Ct value 36.92 of 10 copy number/µL were considered as positive. Out of 95 samples, 5 (5.26

In this paper, we theoretically investigate a scheme for both 1D and 2D electromagnetically induced gratings (EIGs) in M-type atomic systems in which two ground states are coupled by a microwave field. It is observed that the presence of a microwave field enhances the probe diffraction efficiency to higher orders, thus leading to the construction of phase gratings in 1D and 2D cases. The study shows that changing the system parameters numerically, such as the strength of the applied microwave field, standing wave field, and the length of the atomic medium, leads to modulation of diffraction efficiency into higher orders. The application of microwave fields is a more convenient parameter for attaining increased first-order diffraction. We believe that the proposed system with a microwave field can be used for designing novel microwave sensing devices for optical networking and communication.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline, both individually and in combination, in field conditions at three broiler farms located in the Ludhiana district of Punjab. The confirmation of coccidiosis at the farms involved screening of pooled droppings and intestines from deceased birds. The morphometric measurement of the fully sporulated oocysts indicated the presence of Eimeria tenella, E. acervulina, E. necatrix and E. maxima. In the first trial, a total of 3500 birds were divided into two groups. The birds of group I were treated with amprolium, while group II was treated with a combination of amprolium, sulfaquinoxaline, pyrimethamine, and ethopabate. The oocyst per gram (OPG) count was measured on the pretreatment day (0 day) and at various post-treatment intervals (3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days) in both groups. The percentage reduction in oocyst count in birds of group I was 14.89, 11.25, 47.05, 63.25, 96.64% and in group II birds was 45.07, 62.58, 79.25, 90.91, 97.11% on days 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. The efficacy of the combination of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline was further evaluated at two broiler farms and it demonstrated the similar pattern of the result as in trial I. To summarize, the findings of the present study revealed that the combined therapy of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline, as opposed to a single drug (amprolium) showed better efficacy for mixed Eimeria infections.

The Λ -Ξ atomic system is employed to examine the localization behavior of atom in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cases. The variation in atom-field interaction across space results in a position-dependent probe susceptibility. This enables the determination of an atom’s position probability distribution through the analysis of probe spectra. We have elucidated the system behavior by scrutinizing the dressed states approach, which provide the fundamental framework for its physical interpretation. High-resolution and precise sub-wavelength atom localization can be attained by properly tuning the system parameters. The implementation of running wave field to create destructive quantum interference phenomenon is pivotal in enhancing the precision and efficiency of locating atomic positions with 100% probability in 2D and 3D subspaces. We also observe how the Doppler broadening affects atom positioning in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. Our findings demonstrate that the Doppler broadening significantly diminishes the accuracy of spatial localization.

The eukaryotic unicellular or multicellular hetero-specific organisms (Parasites) those are physiologically or metabolically dependent on the host for nutrition and shelter can cause diverse impact in the host patho-physiology by manipulating their immune system. The impact of parasitic infections on host metabolism can have far-reaching consequences depending on the type of parasite, the location of the infection and the duration of the infection which may include growth stunting, cognitive impairment and increased susceptibility to other diseases. Understanding these metabolic effects is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat parasitic infections, as well as mitigating their long-term consequences on host health and development. The parasites have deleterious morbid effect on the body of the host that leads to the secondary metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Beside these, parasites aids in the alteration of the cellular regulation of the affected host and microbiota of the gut cells. In this review the positive and negative feedback of the parasites on the host with exemplary illustrations has been discussed.

We introduce a new approach for precise and high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) atom localization in a four-level Delta del atomic system driven by microwave (M) and radio frequency (R) fields. In the proposed work, additional microwave and radio-frequency fields are utilized for an efficient control of the localization precision. Due to the spatially varying atom-field interaction, the probe susceptibility become position dependent and therefore, one can directly ascertain the position probability distribution of an atom by analyzing the probe spectra. The phase-sensitive property of the atomic system plays a significant role in substantially reducing the uncertainty associated with atom position measurements. We have studied the system behavior through the analysis of dressed states, which forms the basis for its physical interpretation. The increase in precision for measuring the atom's position is a result of interference between one-photon excitation and the phase-dependent three-photon excitation arising from the closed interacting contour within the laser-driven atomic system, as demonstrated through both numerical calculations and qualitative analyses. The findings indicate that precise sub-wavelength atom localization can be attained by appropriately adjusting the system parameters. Also, the optimal adjustment of these parameters can lead to 100% probability of locating the atom at a particular position within 2D and 3D subspaces.

Purpose: Detection efficacy of real-time PCR targeting 18s SSU ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of Babesia bigemina in comparison to standard PCR and classical microscopy was evaluated from the samples suspected to be positive for bovine babesiosis. Materials & methods: Blood samples (n =95) suspected to be positive B. bigemina based on clinical signs and history of tick infestation were analyzed comparatively by three techniques. Real-time PCR was standardized targeting the 18s rRNA gene with the 10 fold serial dilutions in duplication of the given positive control (2x10 6 copy number) ranging from 10 6 - 10 0 copy number/µL and mean Ct value of each dilution was taken to extrapolate the curve. Results: Blood samples (n=95) analysis revealed 5.26, 22.10 and 51.58% to be positive by microscopy, standard PCR and real-time PCR, respectively. Samples positive by microscopy, PCR and real-time PCR were cut down in range of >10 6 -10 4 , 10 4 -10 3 , and 10 3 -<10 copy number/ µL, respectively of 18s rRNA gene. The concordance of real-time PCR with conventional PCR and microscopy was moderate (Kappa= 0.523) and mild (Kappa= 0.09), respectively. Real-time PCR assay indicated cows to be at four times more at risk than buffaloes (Odds ratio:3.85, CI:1.4255 - 10.4370) for getting B. bigemina infection and also indicated as most important risk factor associated with the prevalence of babesiosis. Conclusion: Results of this first report on comparative analysis indicated real-time PCR to be more perceptive than conventional PCR and microscopy. This needs further investigations on large random sample size to evaluate the factual depiction.

Chemosensing probes exhibit promising prospects in the detection of various species of chemical, environmental and biological significance. The key point of such probes is the molecular recognition event accomplished by a receptor and a signalling unit. A number of techniques such as electrochemistry, flow injection, inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy etc. are employed for quantification of the ion recognition process, but the limitations of skilled operations, maintenance of such sophisticated instruments and the associated time consuming procedures have given way to more popular and sensitive fluorimetric and colorimetric techniques, the basic principles of which rely on the color changes in emission and absorption spectra arising due to the perturbations in the structure-dependent photophysical properties. Owing to the versatile fluorescence properties of julolidine, the julolidine based probes have been explored for their potential as fluorescent probes for a wide range of applications such as detection of volatile organic compounds, sensing of ions in solution as well as in biological media, etc. In this review, we have systematically summarised the progress (2015 onwards) in the application of the rather underappreciated Julolidine based probes as fluorimetric and colorimetric chemosensors for the detection of different analytes.

A microwave driven five-level X-type atomic system is proposed to diffract weak probe light into higher-order directions via the phenomenon of electromagnetically induced grating. In the proposed scheme, the effect of various system and field parameters on its higher-order diffraction efficiency is studied. The present atomic scheme offers excellent control over higher-order diffraction intensities by utilizing the microwave induced quantum interference effect. It is observed that the desired first-order diffraction efficiency can be attained through optimal selection of microwave field strength and relative phase factor.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the comparative detection efficacy of primers targeting SpeI-AvaI restriction fragment and small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Babesia bigemina by employing conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 783 animals (296 cattle and 487 buffaloes) of low lying (bet) area of Punjab. The detection rate of SpeI-AvaI and SSU rRNA PCR assays was 3.96% (31/783), and 6.64% (52/783), respectively. Among cattle and buffaloes, prevalence of B. bigemina was higher (P<0.01) in cattle by both the primers. The sensitivity and specificity of SSU rRNA PCR as compared to SpeI-AvaI restriction fragment PCR was 100% and 97.2%, respectively. The blast analysis of the nucleotides of the sequenced amplicons of Ludhiana isolates of SpeI-AvaI and SSU rRNA PCR assay of B. bigemina showed 83 and 100% similarity with available sequence in Genbank. The analysis of evolutionary divergence revealed that range of divergence was lying between 0.000 to 0.011 between SSU rRNA sequence with the other sequences of B. bigemina as well as Babesia species. To conclude, the primers targeting SSU rRNA gene are a better tool for amplification of the B. bigemina.

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of alternative litter treatments on litter quality, growth, carcass traits and welfare of broiler chicks. Day old, commercial broiler chicks (180) having similar body weight range were randomly allocated to two different types of litter treatments, viz. treated litter at the rate of 120°C (T1) and litter treated with sodium bisulfate 25 g/sq. ft. (T2) along with the control group without any litter treatment (T0). Birds of all the treated groups performed better in terms of growth, feed intake and FCR, etc. Cake formation was frequent, highest in T0 followed by T1 and T2 groups which in turn affected the frequency of undesirably poor sanitary outlook of the birds. Significantly lower EPG (E. coli count per gram) count while a numerically lower microbial load of the faecal samples was noted in the T2 than T1 and control. This implied the change in the pH and acidification of litter materials prevented the growth of coccidia and microbial load in the litter, thus making the litter more suitable for bird welfare. It was concluded that chemical litter amendments had a beneficial effect on overall growth performance, carcass characteristics, health and welfare of broiler chicks.

Quantum electrometric sensing properties of a four-level system are theoretically investigated for microwave (MW) field measurement in thermal Rydberg atoms. In the considered system, the phenomenon of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is invoked to study the impact of microwave (MW) field strength on its optical response. The amplitude of the MW electric field is obtained directly by measuring the height and frequency of EIT peaks. Further, for MW frequency measurement, the probe spectra are examined for red and blue MW detuned cases. It is found that the responsiveness of 133Cs for MW electric field as well as frequency is relatively higher than 87Rb. The overall sensitivity of both these atoms can be enhanced by the convenient setting of the system and field parameters.

Anaplasmosis, an infectious vector borne rickettsial disease caused by different species of Anaplasma transmitted through mechanical and biological (tick) processes has a great concern to livestock industry due to its associated economic losses. The current cross sectional comprehensive epidemiological study was conducted from August 2020 to November 2021 on 391 (277 cattle and 114 buffaloes) bovines from different districts of five agro climatic zones of Punjab state. Classical microscopic examination of Romanowsky stained blood smears showed an occurrence of 13.00%, while DNA amplification targeting major surface protein (msp5) of Anaplasma marginale revealed the 382 bp amplicon in 32.48% samples. Zone based molecular prevalence of A. marginale was highest in the Undulating zone (41.93%) and least in the Sub-Mountain zone (18.84%). The prevalence in Central plain zone, Western plain zone, and Western zone were 40.15, 30.95 and 29.91%, respectively. An overall molecular prevalence of A. marginale was 34.52, 32.75 and 20.0% in young, adults and calves, respectively, the difference being non-significant. Anaplsma marginale was more prevalent in unorganized farms (38.22%; 60/157) than organized farms (28.63%; 66/234). Risk factors analysis revealed young, female cattle at unorganized farms were more prone to anaplasmosis. Out of 127 positive samples, four samples were customed to sequencing revealed 98-99% homology with published sequences for other available global isolates. Multi single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were observed in the sequence of two samples when aligned with the reference sequence from the NCBI database (CP023731).