Morpho-molecular characterisation of two new and two previously reported species of Acanthogyrus (Acanthogyrus: Quadrigyridae) from freshwater fishes in India.

Of the total 47 species in the subgenus Acanthosentis, 43 have been reported from the freshwater fishes of Asia. Amin et al. (2017) provided a key to the 23 species of the genus Acanthogyrus reported from the Indian subcontinent. The present study reports two new species: Acanthogyrus bispinosa n. sp. and A. garciai n. sp. from Cirrhinus mrigala Hamilton and Labeo calbasu Hamilton, respectively, and two previously described species: A. golvani Gupta and Jain, 1980 and A. hereterospinus Khan and Bilqees, 1990 from L. rohita Hamilton and L. catla Hamilton, respectively. A. bispinosa n. sp. comprises 3 circles of 6 proboscis hooks each. Trunk spines in A. bispinosa n. sp are divided into two groups: anterior and posterior separated by unarmed region, which has not been previously reported in the subgenus. Anterior spines are present in 7-8 and 7-10 circles in females and males, respectively, whereas posterior spines are in 23-28 and 31-38 circles in males and females, respectively. A. garciai n. sp. comprises 3 circles of 6-8 hooks each and a single set of trunk spines is present in A. garciai n. sp., comprising 35-42 and 25-45 circles in males and females, respectively. All four species were also characterised based on the 18S, 28S, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA molecular markers. The Bayesian inference tree generated based on these markers showed distinct identities of all the species, with a significant molecular divergence, ranging from 3.2 to 53.6%.

DNA banking, its current awareness and national status in biomedical research in India, a survey.

A Biobank/Biorepository is an organized collection of resources that can be accessed to retrieve biological material and data for research purpose. Human specimen repositories (adult and paediatric) take lead amongst the various types of biorepositories. Patient's bio samples are a rich source of genetic information and therefore can form the basis of diagnostics, forensics and multidimensional disciplines of biomedical research. The advent of molecular techniques and the technological upsurge in the management of genetic resources has facilitated the human DNA sampling and data collection leading to the emergence of DNA banking. DNA banking has paved a new path in precision oncology and personalized medicine. This article highlights the current scenario concerning the general awareness, scientific consciousness and current national and international practices being initiated and in practice for the establishment of bio banking facilities particularly DNA bio banking.

Comparative effectiveness of antiretroviral drug classes for the treatment of HIV infection in patients with high viral loads: a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) classes for achieving HIV RNA suppression to < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL within 6 months of initiation with high viral loads (VLs). Secondary objectives were to compare viral suppression (VS) at 12 weeks and 12 months, partial HIV RNA suppression to < 200 copies/mL, time to VS, time to rebound, and change in CD4 cell count. METHODS: This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study. Adult patients were included if they initiated ART between January 2005 and December 2016 with a VL ≥ 100 000 copies/mL. RESULTS: There were 220 patients included in the study. The median VL was 252 919 [interquartile range (IQR) 149 472-500 000] copies/mL. Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) recipients were more likely to achieve VS by 6 months compared to those initiating ART containing protease inhibitors (PIs) [75.4% vs. 44.1%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 3.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-6.90] or integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) (75.4% vs. 55.8%, respectively; OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.03-5.58). VS at 12 weeks was more frequent with INSTI-containing regimens than with PIs (28.9% vs. 9.0%, respectively; OR 4.10; 95% CI 1.69-9.92). VS at 12 months did not significantly differ between treatment regimens. Median time to complete VS for INSTI, PI and NNRTI recipients was 22.3 (95% CI 13.4-33), 30.1 (95% CI 25-36) and 19.9 (95% CI 16-22.3) weeks, respectively. There were no significant differences in time to viral rebound or change in CD4 cell counts. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high VLs initiated on NNRTIs were more likely to achieve VS by 6 months on ART compared to INSTI and PI recipients.

Lactobacillus fermentum (MTCC-5898) alleviates Escherichia coli-induced inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells by modulating immune genes and NF-κB signalling.

AIM: Dietary intervention using probiotic bacteria has emerged as a promising preventive strategy in addressing foodborne infections or gastrointestinal disorders. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum (MTCC-5898) on Escherichia coli-induced inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The immune response of intestinal cells (Caco-2) in the presence of probiotic Lact. fermentum was determined during exclusion, competition and displacement of E. coli as the inflammatory agent. To achieve this objective, transcriptional modulation of key immune-related genes (cytokines, pattern recognition receptors and NF-κB), release of cytokines and nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit p-65 were studied. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-ϒ and IL-23 was high in E. coli-exposed intestinal cells. However, overexpression of these E. coli-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines was prevented by Lact. fermentum during exclusion and competition assays. It also modulated the transcriptional expression of regulatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß), pattern recognition receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-4) and genes associated with master inflammatory regulators (NF-κB and SIGIRR) to reduce E. coli-induced inflammation. The protective effect of Lact. fermentum was further confirmed by suppression of nuclear translocation of cytoplasmic NF-κB subunit (p-65). CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus fermentum alleviated E. coli-induced inflammatory responses by modulating the NF-κB signalling besides pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines expression. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus fermentum holds significant promise as a potent nutraceutical that prevents and manages inflammatory gut-associated dysfunctions.

Robotic rectal cancer surgery: comparative study of the impact of obesity on early outcomes.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) in obese versus non-obese patients. A total of 533 patients, of whom 161 were obese (30·2 per cent) underwent robotic proctectomy during the study interval. Patient obesity was not associated with adverse short-term clinical outcomes after robotic rectal cancer surgery. Indicated in the obese perhaps?

Robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection after chemoradiation for rectal cancer: a Western perspective.

AIM: There are limited outcome data for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), particularly in the West. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes of robotic LPLND at a single cancer centre. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing robotic LPLND for rectal cancer between November 2012 and February 2020 was performed. The main outcomes were short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes. Major morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or above. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent robotic LPLND during the study period. The mean age was 54 years (SD ± 15 years) and 13 (31.0%) were female. The median body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (IQR 25.5-32.6 kg/m2 ). Neoadjuvant CRT was performed in all patients. Resection of the primary rectal cancer and concurrent LPLND occurred in 36 (90.0%) patients, whilst the remaining 4 (10.0%) patients had subsequent LPLND after prior rectal resection. The median operating time was 420 min (IQR 313-540 min), estimated blood loss was 150 ml (IQR 55-200 ml) and length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-6 days). The major morbidity rate was 10.0% (n = 4). The median lymph node harvest from the LPLND was 6 (IQR 3-9) and 13 (32.5%) patients had one or more positive LPLNs. The median follow-up was 16 months (IQR 5-33 months), with 1 (2.5%) local central recurrence and 7 (17.5%) patients developing distant disease, resulting in 3 (7.5%) deaths. CONCLUSION: Robotic LPLND for rectal cancer can be performed in Western patients to completely resect extra-mesorectal LPLNs and is associated with acceptable perioperative morbidity.

Selective central vascular ligation (D3 lymphadenectomy) in patients undergoing minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer: optimizing the risk-benefit equation.

AIM: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) has been advocated for right colon adenocarcinoma (RC), but the radicality of vascular dissection remains controversial. Our aim is to report outcomes of selective CVL (D3 lymphadenectomy) during minimally invasive CME for RC. METHOD: A prospective database identified patients who were treated for RC between 2009 and 2016. Minimally invasive CME was standard. The radicality of lymphadenectomy was defined as high ligation (HL) versus CVL based on operative reports and videos. Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated the pre- and postoperative CT scans for radiographically abnormal nodes. RESULTS: Of 197 patients who underwent CME, HL was performed in 56 (28%) and CVL in 141 (72%). There were no baseline differences in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or pathological staging, and there were no major intra-operative complications in either group (including no major vascular injuries). The median total number of nodes retrieved was 27 and 31 (P = 0.011) in HL and CVL groups, resepctively, with pathologically positive nodes identified in 33.9% and 39.8% (P = 0.704), respectively. Preoperative imaging identified abnormal cN3 nodes in 1.5% of patients; all of whom underwent CVL. No abnormal cN2 or cN3 nodes remained on postoperative imaging. The 60-day mortality was 0.5%, and major morbidity was 4%. One patient (0.5%) had an anastomotic recurrence after a median follow-up of 22 months. CONCLUSION: With imperfect preoperative clinical nodal staging, and in the absence of randomized data, the low morbidity and oncological outcomes observed support the approach of CME with HL as a minimum standard, with CVL (D3 lymphadenectomy) in selected cases.

Adenocarcinoma predominant pattern subtyping and nuclear grading in cytology: Is there a role in prognostication of advanced pulmonary adenocarcinomas?

INTRODUCTION: Primary lung adenocarcinomas (ADs) show varied architectural patterns, and pattern-based subtyping of ADs is currently recommended due to prognostic implications. Predicting AD patterns on cytology is challenging; however, cytological nuclear features appear to correlate with histological grade and survival in early stage lung ADs. The feasibility and value of AD pattern prediction and nuclear grading on cytology in advanced lung ADs is not known. We aimed to predict patterns and analyse nuclear features on cytology and evaluate their role in prognostication. METHODS: One-hundred patients of Stage III/IV lung AD with available matched cytology and histology samples were included. Cyto-patterns based on cell arrangement patterns (flat sheets vs three-dimensional clusters vs papillae) and cyto-nuclear score based on nuclear features (size, shape, contour), nucleoli (macronucleoli vs prominent vs inconspicuous), and nuclear chromatin were determined, and correlated with predominant histological-pattern observed on the matched small biopsy and outcome. RESULTS: Higher cyto-nuclear scores were observed with high-grade histo-patterns (solid, micropapillary and cribriform), while the predicted cyto-patterns did not correspond to the predominant pattern on histology in 77% cases. Highest cyto-histo agreement was observed for solid pattern (72%). High grade histo-patterns and cyto-nuclear scores > 3 showed a trend towards inferior survival (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear grade scoring on cytology is simple to perform, and is predictive of high grade patterns. Its inclusion in routine reporting of cytology samples of lung ADs may be valuable.

Identification of novel translocation between short arm of chromosome 4 and long arm of chromosome 6 in an infertile man using Interphase Chromosome Profiling (ICP).

Conventional cytogenetics has always been a favourite to detect chromosomal aberrations. Carriers of chromosomal translocation are often phenotypically normal but are infertile. Couples are often advised to go for karyotyping, but culture failure or improper metaphase spread with poor banding often makes the analysis difficult. We report here a novel translocation between short arm of chromosome 4 and long arm of chromosome 6 in an infertile man using an advanced molecular cytogenetic technique of Interphase Chromosome Profiling (ICP).

Comparison of in vitro and in vivo fertilizing potential of buffalo bull semen frozen in egg yolk-, soya bean lecithin- and liposome-based extenders.

The objective of this study was to compare different extenders for post-thaw in vitro sperm function and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Accordingly, sperm of 30 ejaculates extended in egg yolk (TRIS with 20% egg yolk; EY), two soya lecithin-based (SL-1; AndroMed® and SL-2; Bioxcell® ) and a liposome-based extender (LS; OptiXcell® ) were tested. The post-thaw semen was evaluated for computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), sperm viability, membrane and acrosome integrity, DNA integrity and acrosome reaction and first service pregnancy rate (FSPR) in a fixed-time artificial insemination programme. Total motility and VCL were the only CASA-based parameters that exhibited significantly higher (p < .05) percentage in LS among these extenders. Post-thaw percentage of acrosome integrity (55.9 ± 1.4, 58.1 ± 2.0, 55.8 ± 2.0, 56.6 ± 2.3) and DNA integrity (68.8 ± 2.0, 69.2 ± 2.3, 71.3 ± 2.1, 69.1 ± 2.1) did not differ (p > .05) in EY, SL-1, SL-2 and LS extender, respectively. However, a variable response in terms of efficacy of different extenders for sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity was observed. Assessment of inducibility of acrosome reaction showed significant differences between extenders (51.9 ± 2.1, 44.3 ± 2.4, 46.1 ± 2.3 and 58.1 ± 3.1%, respectively, for EY, SL-1, SL-2 and LS). Furthermore, field trials revealed significantly higher (p < .05) FSPR of LS-extended semen as compared to that for EY, SL-1 and SL-2 extender (46.3%, 41.2%, 31.2% and 29.7%, respectively). It is concluded that the liposome-based extender is more effective than egg yolk- and soya lecithin-based extenders and may be used for cryopreservation of buffalo semen in the future.

Acceptability of latent tuberculosis testing of migrants in a college environment in England.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of tuberculosis (TB) cases in England occur from reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in the settled migrant population. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends that new entrants from high-incidence countries are screened to detect LTBI. This article seeks to describe an outreach programme and testing for LTBI in an innovative setting-ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at a community college (CC) with evaluation of acceptability. STUDY DESIGN: Partnership working with mixed methods used for evaluation of acceptability. METHODS: A pre-existing network from the local TB partnership designed an outreach intervention and screening for LTBI among students from an ESOL programme at a CC. Screening for LTBI with interferon gamma release assay was the culmination of a programme of health improvement activities across the college. Any student on the ESOL programme younger than the age of 35 years and resident in the UK for less than 5 years was eligible for testing. LTBI testing was carried out on-site, and the experience was evaluated by questionnaires to staff, students and partners. A facilitated debrief among the partners gave further data. RESULTS: A total of 440 eligible students were tested. One hundred and seventy-two student feedback questionnaires were completed, and 36 partner questionnaires were received with 18 CC staff responding. Students, tutors and healthcare professionals found the setting acceptable with some concerns about insufficient resource for timely follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Students, tutors, community organisations and health professionals found the exercise worthwhile and the method and setting acceptable. There were resource issues for the clinical team in follow-up of students with positive results for such a large screening event. Unexpected barriers were found by the CC as this kind of activity was not recognised for external quality review purposes. There were concerns about reputational loss and stigma of being involved in a TB project. As current initiatives aim to divert workload from stretched general practice surgeries, this may be an important addition to primary care screening.

Studies on cocktails of 31-kDa, 36-kDa and 51-kDa antigens of Leishmania donovani along with saponin against murine visceral leishmaniasis.

A substantial number of antigens of Leishmania donovani have been described in the past. However, identifying candidate antigens is not enough. Appropriate antigen delivery to induce the right type of immune response against leishmaniasis (i.e. induction of a strong antigen-specific Th1 type of immune response) is another crucial component of an effective vaccine. Therefore, 'cocktail' vaccines are proposed based on the assumption that such cocktails will show enhanced efficacy. Studies have been carried out on LD31 and LD51 polypeptides from L. donovani promastigotes, which have proven to be potential vaccine candidates. This study was designed to check the protective efficacy of various cocktails of low molecular weight antigens alone and along with saponin as adjuvant. Mice were sacrificed on different post-challenge days for evaluation of parasite load and other immunological parameters. Protective efficacy of different vaccine formulations was revealed by significant decline in parasite burden and increased DTH Delayed Type Hypersenstivity responses. The antibody response was of IgG type with elevated IgG2a and decreased production of IgG1, whereas cytokine levels pointed towards the generation of protective Th1 type of immune response. Among all vaccine formulations, cocktail of 31+51+saponin was found to be highly immunogenic and imparted maximum protection.

Efficacy of ferterra 0.4% GR (chlorantraniliprole) against stem borers and leaffolder insect-pests of basmati rice.

Field experiments were conducted during three kharif seasons from 2009 to 2011 at Sudhar village, Ludhiana and Rice Research Area of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Four doses of Ferterra 0.4% GR (chlorantraniliprole) a new chemistry @ 20, 30, 40 and 50 g a.i. ha(-1) and standard check Cartap hydrochloride 4 G @ 1000 g a.i. ha(-1) was tested against stem borers and leaffolder infesting basmati rice. Over the years, dead heart in all the Ferterra doses and standard check (1.01-1.80%) were at par70 DAT, whereas, at 80 DAT doses @ 40, 50 and standard check were at par (1.04-1.13%) but significantly better than lower doses and untreated control. Similarly, over the years, Ferterra doses @ 40 and 50 g a.i. ha(-1) was significantly better than control in reducing white ear incidence, whereas, at 30 g a.i. ha(-1) and standard check intermediately reduced the white ears incidence. Leaffolder infestation at all the Ferterra doses were at par with standard check 70 DAT (2.69-3.87%), whereas, 80 DAT, Ferterra doses @ 30, 40, 50 and standard check were at par (2.95-3.49%) but significantly better than lower dose and untreated control. Over the years the cost : benefit ratio was maximum (1 : 23.67) in the Ferterra @40 g a.i. ha(-1) dose followed by 50 g a.i. ha(-1) dose.

Effect of supplementation of vitamin E, copper and zinc on the in vitro phagocytic activity and lymphocyte proliferation index of peripartum Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cows.

To study the effect of vitamin E (VE), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on the in vitro phagocytic activity (PA) and lymphocyte proliferation response (LPR) of blood neutrophils and lymphocytes, thirty Sahiwal pregnant cows (six in each group) in their late gestation at 30 days before the expected date of calving were selected from the NDRI experimental herd and supplemented with various micronutrients from 30 days before calving to 45 days after calving. Cows were supplemented individually with VE (1000 IU/cow/day), Cu (20 ppm/cow/day) and Zn (80 ppm/cow/day) and also with a combination of VE, Cu and Zn to study cumulative effect of all micronutrients. One group without any supplementation acted as a control. Blood neutrophils and lymphocytes were isolated and studied for their PA and LPR. Supplementation of micronutrients like VE, Cu, Zn and a combination of all these nutrients significantly (p < 0.01) increased the PA of experimental cows as compared to control (unsupplemented) cows during the pre-partum period. During post-partum, all the micronutrients (VE, Cu, Zn and their combination) showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the PA of experimental cows as compared to control cows. Of all the groups, significant (p < 0.01) and maximum PA was observed in the combination group followed by Zn-supplemented group during both the pre- and post-partum period. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in LPR of B lymphocytes was observed in combination-supplemented group during the pre-partum period and during both the pre- and post-partum period in the Cu-supplemented group.

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of lectins from Penicillium sp.

Ten Penicillium sp. were screened for lectin activity for occurrence of lectins. Mycelial extracts from submerged cultures of P. corylophilum, P. expansum and P. purpurogenum showed agglutination against human (A, B, AB and O), goat, sheep, pig and rabbit erythrocytes. Neuraminidase treatment to human blood- type O erythrocytes substantially increased their agglutinability by all the lectins as compared to untreated erythrocytes. Modification of erythrocyte surfaces by protease increased the lectin titre only of P. corylophilum with no effect on other two lectins. P. corylophilum and P. expansum displayed relatively lower titres in mycelial extracts prepared from agar plate cultures as compared to broth cultures. A panel of sugars was tested for inhibition of lectin activity. All the lectins were found to be specific for asialofetuin, bovine submaxillary mucin, porcine stomach mucin, chondroitin-6-sulphate, D-sucrose and D-glucose. P. corylophilum lectin was expressed (Titre 8) by 5 day old cultures, reaching its maximum level (Titre 32) upon 8 days of cultivation, thereafter declin in lectin activity was observed. P. purpurogenum lectin was expressed by 7-10 days old cultures, while in P. expansum maximum lectin activity was elaborated by 5-8 days old cultures. Lectin extracts from all the three species were found to possess antimicrobial activities. Lectin extracts from the three Penicillium species displayed antifungal activity and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains.

Cytomorphological studies in some members of tribe Paniceae (Poaceae) from district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalayas).

The present paper deals with cytological studies on the population basis of 21 species belonging to 9 genera of tribe Paniceae of family Poaceae from cytologically unexplored area of Western Himalayas i.e. district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh for the assessment of genetic diversity of grass flora. On world-wide basis, the chromosome counts have been made for the first time for three species such as Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) and Isachne albens (n = 5). Similarly, on India basis, altogether new records are made for two species such as Echinochloa cruspavonis (n = 27) and Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). A comparison of the different euploid cytotypes studied at present for Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera and Oplismenus compositus revealed significant variations in their morphology, depicting increase in some of the characters of polyploid cytotypes. The course of meiosis has been observed to be normal in all the studied populations with high pollen fertility except for two species such as Paspalum dilatatum and P. distichum marked with abnormal meiosis and reduced pollen fertility.

Outcomes of TB contact tracing and predictors of success: a 10-year retrospective cohort analysis in Birmingham, UK.

BACKGROUND: Contacts of TB cases in Birmingham and Solihull, UK, are offered screening for TB infection. Between 1990 and 2010, only 59.1% of contacts completed screening. The service has since increased screening staff numbers, changed screening locations and increased screening follow-up. Our primary aim was to identify whether screening completion rates have improved. Our secondary aim was to identify predictors of screening completion.METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all contacts of TB patients in Birmingham and Solihull between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020, stratified by pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB (PTB or EPTB) index infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis for predictors of screening completion was performed.RESULTS: A total of 3,255 index cases and 27,820 contacts were identified. TB incidence has declined, in keeping with national trends. Screening completion has improved from 59.1% of contacts to 74.9% overall since service improvements were made, with improvement in screening completion for contacts of both PTB and EPTB index cases (OR 1.087, 95% CI 1.074-1.101; P < 0.001) and (OR 1.048, 95% CI 1.019-1.078; P = 0.001), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Changes made to the TB service have improved screening outcomes over the last decade. Significant predictors of screening completion have been identified, highlighting areas for targeted resource allocation.

Discrepancies in identification of Vibrio cholerae strains as members of Aeromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae by automated microbial identification system.

AIMS: Incidental observation of a discrepancy in identification of Vibrio cholerae prompted a study to understand the ability of an automated microbial identification system to identify this important pathogen. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty clinical isolates of V. cholerae showing difference in genetic profiles by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting, serologically confirmed as O1, and showing presence of ctxA and tcpA genes in PCR were subjected to analysis by Vitek 2 Compact automated identification system for identification. Vitek 2 Compact detected 10 of 20 isolates correctly, whereas the remaining 10 were identified as various members of Aeromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Vitek 2 Compact automated microbial system does not always identify V. cholerae strains correctly. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These observations should create awareness among end users about possible misidentifications by automated systems and encourage simultaneous use of serology and/or PCR for correct identification at least for V. cholerae, which is one of the most important enteric pathogens.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on arsenic induced oxidative stress in goats.

The present study was designed to assess whether supplementation of different levels of vitamin E to long-term arsenic exposed goats affords protection against the oxidative stress caused by the metalloid. Twenty-four crossbred lactating goats were distributed randomly into four groups (control, T(1), T(2) and T(3)) of six in each. The animals in T(1), T(2) and T(3) were given 50 mg/kg DM arsenic daily, while in T(2) and T(3), vitamin E @100 IU and 150 IU/kg DM, respectively, was also supplemented additionally for the period of 12 months. Compared to control, significant (p < 0.05) decline in SOD (45 %), CAT activities of erythrocytes (63 %), plasma total Ig (22 %) and total antioxidant activity (24 %) was observed in only arsenic treated groups and vitamin E supplementation in both doses produced partial mitigation effect against SOD (23 %, 20 %) and CAT (39 %, 48 %) while complete mitigation against total Ig (16 %, 7 %) and antioxidant activity (10 %, 8 %) was found. Average lymphocyte stimulation index at the end of experiment was (p < 0.05) lower in arsenic exposed groups (1.003 ± 0.01) and significant (p < 0.05) recovery was observed in response of vitamin E supplementation at higher doses (1.138 ± 0.03). So, vitamin E is helpful in reducing the burden of arsenic induced oxidative stress and activities of antioxidant enzymes in goats.