The effects of vitamin C and vitamin E with selenium on acid-base balance and some stress hormones were evaluated during heat stress in goats. Goats, 1.5 years of age, were divided into control, heat stress and antioxidant treatment groups 1, 2 and 3. Except for the control, all groups were exposed to a temperature of 40±2°C with a relative humidity of 30% for 5 h/d for 21 days in a psychrometric chamber. Rectal temperature and respiratory rates were recorded daily post exposure. Blood samples were collected on every 3rd day for estimation of plasma vitamins C and E, total antioxidant activity and hormones, and separate blood samples were taken to estimate acid-base status. The rectal temperature and respiratory rates were increased (p<0.05) in the heat stress group only. Except for pH and pO 2 , which were increased significantly (p<0.05) other parameters of acid-base balance such as pCO 2 , HCO 3

Eighteen male lambs (8-9 months of age, 25.00 +/- 0.90 kg body weight) were divided into three groups of six animals in each and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrate mixture (30% maize grain, 27% soybean meal, 40% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture, and 1% common salt) and wheat straw in 65:35 ratio and supplemented with selenium (Se) as sodium selenite at 0 (T1, control), 0.15 (T2), and 0.30 ppm (T3) levels. Experimental feeding was done for a period of 90 days including a 6-day metabolism trial. To assess the growth performance, lambs were weighed every 15 days throughout the experimental period. All the lambs were intramuscularly inoculated with a single dose (2 ml) of haemorrhagic septicaemia oil adjuvant vaccine on 0 day to evaluate the humoral immune response. Blood samples were collected on 0 day and thereafter at 30 days interval. Results revealed that supplementation of Se both at 0.15 and 0.30 ppm levels had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose; balances of calcium and phosphorus; and level and intake of digestible CP and total digestible nutrients. Se supplementation also had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the levels of serum total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, tri-iodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), and T(4)/T(3) ratio; and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme activity in the lambs. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the plasma Se levels, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity, and humoral immune response in both the Se-supplemented groups. Feed (TMR) required per kilogram gain was less by 11.1% and 16.5% in groups T2 and T3, respectively, as compared to control (T1) group. Average daily gain was highest (108.5 g) in group T3, followed by group T2 (98.2 g), and lowest (89.06 g) in the control group (T1). These results indicated that supplementation of 0.15 and 0.3 ppm Se in the diet (having 0.19 ppm Se) of lambs significantly improves their immune response and antioxidant status.

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Hypertension (HT) has been known since times immemorial to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. It contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, increasing its risk 2-3 times and is also associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and obesity (1). The age of onset of hypertension is now earlier than before, making it essential that early detection of people who could be future hypertensives is done. Therefore, cardiovascular reactivity to stress in predicting future hypertension becomes important. In this fast paced age most people are exposed to mental stress which is the most common and prevalent form of stress. Increase in blood pressure (BP) in response to emotional arousal is well known, but support for this hypothesis of reactivity in predicting future hypertension is limited. We are attempting here to put forth a review of the various endeavours done so far to support this hypothesis.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a homeopathic complex in the management of true anoestrus in crossbred cows. Six anoestrus cows were treated with a homeopathic complex (Calcarea phosphorica 30c, Aletris farinosa 30c, Pulsatilla 30c, Aurum muriaticum natronatum 30c, Sepia 30c and Phosphorus 30c in equal proportion, 15 pills twice daily orally for 10 days). Six animals acted as control without any treatment. Treatment was 100% effective in inducing oestrus in anoestrus cows with mean interval of 27.5+/-5.3 days. All animals conceived and overall conception rate was 54.5% with 1.83 services per conception. In the homeopathic complex treated group, increased serum oestradiol concentration (20.88+/-5.60 to 27.80+/-7.28 pg/ml) was observed compared to the pretreatment (11.71+/-2.06 pg/ml) and control value (10.43+/-1.77 to 13.94+/-3.14 pg/ml). The homeopathic complex medicine may be effective and economical in the treatment of true anoestrus condition in cows.

Pregnancy is a physiology state accompanied by high energy and oxygen demand that may lead to increased level of oxidative stress and development of metabolic and reproductive disorders in pregnant water buffaloes. In the present study, the alterations in serum cortisol and erythrocyte lipid peroxides and superoxide dismutase activities were examined in 28 pregnant water buffaloes supplemented with antioxidant nutrients, Vitamin E and selenium. Another 14 buffaloes did not receive any treatment during pregnancy to serve as negative control. Results of the present study suggested that pregnancy is associated with oxidative stress and supplementation of vitamin E and selenium may be beneficial by alleviating oxidative stress in water buffaloes.

Corrosive-induced stricture of the digestive tract is a dreaded complication following corrosive ingestion. When surgical reconstruction is needed, esophagectomy helps to avoid the longterm complications related to leaving behind the scarred native esophagus. We tried to ascertain the feasibility and safety of a thoracolaparoscopic-assisted esophagectomy in such a setting. A 32-year-old male presented with corrosive-induced esophageal stricture that lead to progressive dysphagia not amenable for endoscopic dilatation. Thoracoscopic approach was used for mobilization of the scarred esophagus under vision. Laparoscopic approach was used in mobilizing the stomach and creating a conduit. Esophagogastric anastomosis was performed in the neck. The patient had an uneventful recovery postoperatively and was discharged after six days on a semisolid diet. Thoracolaparoscopic-assisted esophagectomy can be safely performed for corrosive strictures of the esophagus. Besides improving the ease of performing the procedure, it also helps mitigate the morbidity associated with conventional open surgery in such cases.