Regenerated silica-based RNA purification columns to address the short supply of RNA purification kits for COVID-19 diagnosis

Molecular Biology Reports - RT-qPCR technique is the current world-wide method used for the early detection of SARS-CoV2 RNA in the suspected clinical samples. Viral RNA extraction is the key...     

Effects of supplementation of Tinospora cordifolia to crossbred cows peripartum

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), a medicinal plant used in ayurveda, is well documented for its immunomodulatory properties. Since the crossbred periparturient cow is highly susceptible to various diseases that effectively reduces its reproductive performance postpartum we explored the possibility of enhancing the reproductive performance of crossbred cows by guduchi supplementation peripartum. A total of 15 pregnant Karan Fries cows were selected and divided into two groups: treatment group of 8 cows which were supplemented with guduchi at 60 g/day for 45 days prepartum and 120 g/day for 45 days postpartum and unsupplemented control group of 7 cows. Jugular blood samples were collected from all cows during the periparturient period for analysis of endocrine (progesterone, total estrogens and PGFM), immunological and hematological parameters. Incidence of retention of fetal membranes, endometritis, pyometra and calf mortality were higher in control group of cows in comparison to those recorded in treated group. The guduchi supplemented cows exhibited faster uterine involution (28 days vs. 42 days) and early commencement of cyclicity (37 days vs. 58 days; based on plasma progesterone profiles) in comparison to untreated control group of cows. Mean birth weight of calves from treatment group of cows was significantly higher than those from control group however no significant difference was observed in average daily body weight gain of calves in both the groups. A higher total leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil count along with increased neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was recorded in guduchi supplemented cows in comparison to untreated cows although plasma total antioxidant activity was similar between the two groups. Prepartum plasma progesterone concentration was significantly lowered in the treated group however there was no significant change in peripartum plasma total estrogens and PGFM levels due to guduchi supplementation.     

Infradian rhythmicity in milk leukocyte activity together with plasma cortisol and prolactin levels throughout the lactation period in high-yielding crossbred cows

Infradian rhythmicity in milk leukocyte activity together with plasma cortisol and prolactin levels throughout the lactation period in high-yielding crossbred cows has been studied in 10 high-yielding (milk production: 5000 l per lactation) Karan Fries crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Tharparkar) cows. Milk and blood samples were collected from all the experimental animals. Isolation of milk phagocytes (neutrophils and macrophages) and lymphocytes were done by density gradient centrifugation. In vitro phagocytic index of milk neutrophils and macrophages was performed by colorimetric NBT reductive assay. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was estimated by colorimetric MTT (tetrazolium) assay. Total plasma cortisol and prolactin were estimated by enzyme immune assay. Highest value of plasma cortisol and prolactin was observed at calving which decreased significantly (p < 0.01) on 15th day postpartum for both prolactin and cortisol. Immune activity of milk leukocytes was highest on day 0 colostrum and decreased significantly (p < 0.01) on 7th day postpartum. A significant (p < 0.01) rise of plasma prolactin was observed around 135th and 225th days postpartum, whereas a peak level of plasma cortisol was observed at 105th, 180^th, and 270th days postpartum. Phagocytic index of milk neutrophils and macrophages remains almost in a steady state during mid-lactation period (between 100 and 200 days postpartum). A decline in increasing trend of milk phagocytic activity was observed during late lactation. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was highest on day 0 colostrum which decreased significantly (p < 0.01) on 15th day postpartum. Con A-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response showed an increasing trend from 120th to 210th days postpartum. Upon correlation study, it showed that the plasma cortisol has a negative effect on milk leukocyte activity, while prolactin has a positive effect, though the effect is lactation stage specific.     

Seasonal changes in semen quality and correlation with plasma hormone profiles in Karan Fries bulls

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of summer and winter seasons on semen quality and plasma hormone concentrations in cross-bred bulls. Semen was collected by an artificial vagina from eight bulls and microscopically evaluated for quality parameters. Semen volume was higher in summer season (p < 0.05) than winter season, whereas nonsignificant variation (p > 0.05) was observed in mass motility, individual motility, sperm viability, sperm concentration and percentage of membrane-intact and acrosome-intact spermatozoa. Plasma prolactin and testosterone concentration were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in summer season than winter season. Plasma testosterone levels were positively correlated with semen volume and negatively correlated with individual motility (p < 0.05). Prolactin showed a significant positive correlation with semen volume. A well-defined seasonal pattern in semen characteristics was not observed and few correlations existed between plasma hormone levels and semen characteristics in Karan Fries bulls.