Effect of age, sex and physiological stages on hematological indices of Banni buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Aim: To determine the physiological baseline values for hematological indices of Banni buffalo Bubalus bubalis) as well as to assess their alteration due to age, sex and physiological stages. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 clinically healthy Banni buffaloes were categorized into seven groups (n=6): Group I (male calves ≤1 year), Group II (bulls >1 year), Group III (female calves ≤1 year), Group IV (pregnant lactating buffaloes), Group V (non-pregnant lactating buffaloes), Group VI (pregnant dry buffaloes), and Group VII (non-pregnant dry buffaloes). Blood samples collected aseptically from all the experimental groups were analyzed employing automated hematology analyzer. The data obtained were statistically analyzed; the mean and standard deviations were calculated and set as the reference values. Results: The erythrocytic indices viz. total erythrocytes count (TEC), hemoglobin, and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly higher in bulls as compared to that of male calves unlike mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration. The female calves had higher TEC and PCV than the adult buffaloes irrespective of sex. The total leukocyte count (TLC) and neutrophil counts in male calves were significantly lower than the bulls unlike the eosinophil, while monocyte and basophil remained unchanged with age. The TLC, differential leukocyte count and platelet count varied non-significantly among the adult female groups at different physiological stages. However, neutrophils were found to be apparently higher in lactating buffaloes. Conclusion: The present study would be helpful for physiological characterization of this unique buffalo breed of Gujarat. Further, data generated may be a tool for monitoring the health and prognosis as well as diagnosis of diseases

Mental health morbidities and their correlates among the adolescents in kamrup (Metro), Assam: A school-based study

Background: India has the largest adolescent population worldwide, and among this group, mental health issues account for 16% of the total global burden of disease and injury. Disturbingly, approximately half of these health conditions manifest before the age of 14 years. To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress along with its correlates among the adolescents in the schools of Kamrup (Metro) district, Assam. Methods and Material: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected high schools in the study area among the adolescents selected from 8th to 10th standards in the age group of 14 to 17 years. A pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule, the modified Kuppuswamy scale, and 'Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 Items' (DASS 21) questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: The mean ± 2SD age of the adolescents was 14.74 ± 1.58 years. Among the adolescents, the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 22.2%, 24.4%, and 6.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The occurrence of mental health morbidities among adolescents is notably widespread, yet researchers have largely overlooked this aspect. This underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the factors that contribute to these mental health issues

Biomedical applications of graphene-based nanomaterials: recent progress, challenges, and prospects in highly sensitive biosensors

Abstract Graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, graphene-based nanocomposites, etc.) are emerging as an extremely important class of nanomaterials primarily because of their unique and advantageous physical, chemical, biological, and optoelectronic aspects. These features have resulted in uses across diverse areas of scientific research. Among all other applications, they are found to be particularly useful in designing highly sensitive biosensors. Numerous studies have established their efficacy in sensing pathogens and other biomolecules allowing for the rapid diagnosis of various diseases. Considering the growing importance and popularity of graphene-based materials for biosensing applications, this review aims to provide the readers with a summary of the recent progress in the concerned domain and highlights the challenges associated with the synthesis and application of these multifunctional materials