Evaluation of air pollution phytotoxicity downwind of a phosphate fertilizer factory in India

The effects of air pollution on plants downwind of a fertilizer factory at Udaipur, India, were studied using three woody perennials. Seedlings of these species including a shrub (Carissa carandas L.), a leguminous avenue tree (Cassia fistula L.) and a fruit tree (Psidium guajava L.) were grown in earthen pots at different study sites receiving varying levels of air pollution input. Changes in plant growth, morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigment, ascorbic acid, N and S contents and in dry matter allocation were considered in relation to the status of ambient air quality. Observations with these parameters have indicated that the ambient air around the factory contained pollutants at phytotoxic levels. Plant height, basal diameter, conopy area, leaf area and chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and foliar-N concentrations decreased with increasing pollution load. However, foliar-S increased slightly at polluted sites. Air pollution load around the factory have also altered the biomass allocation. Root:shoot ratios increased in C. fistula and P. guajava at polluted sites. In contrast, for C. carandas the above ground parts, where foliage assumed predominance showed precedence over the root growth. This species responded characteristically to air pollution stress by allocating more of its photosynthate towards leaf production and shoot growth.

The influence of catchment on chemical and biological characteristics of two freshwater tropical lakes of southern Rajasthan

The effects of catchment characteristics on chemical and biological properties of two freshwater tropical lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan were investigated. The study indicated that the catchment characteristics influence, in a major way, the water chemistry and dredging, could be an effective measure for the restoration of dryland lakes.

Cyanobacterial flora and the physico-chemical environment of six tropical fresh water lakes of Udaipur, India

The cyanobacteria and physico-chemical environments of six tropical fresh water lakes of Udaipur, India were investigated. These lakes receive varying nutrient inputs from different sources. Altogether 51 species of cyanobacteria were recorded. Species composition varied between lakes and between seasons. Lake VI (Baghdara), which receives nutrients from natural sources only, differed considerably from the others in water chemistry and composition of dominant species. Lake II (Swaroop Sagar), eutrophied due to sewage inputs, was species poor. Non-diazotrophs, represented by 27 species, dominated during summer. With few exceptions, N2-fixing species, both heterocystous and unicellular diazotrophs (represented by 24 species), were dominant during winter. Microcystis aeruginosa, Phormidium sp. and Anabaena flos-aque were the dominant taxa of lakes characterized by sewage eutrophication. The study shows that both species diversity and community composition were affected by water chemistry.

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E in the absence of atopy and filarial infection: the Huaorani of Ecuador

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (HIGE) is associated with various conditions such as atopy, dermatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, and certain parasitic infections. In the course of vaccination initiatives in the province of Napo, eastern Ecuador, blood samples were collected from one of the two remaining rural subgroups of Huaorani Indians who in 1979 were reported to have the world's highest concentrations of IgE. One subgroup of Huaorani, the Dicaron, lives in a protected Amazonian region which has reportedly suffered from extensive pollution after petroleum industry exploration. Plasma was collected from 31 members of the Dicaron (age range 15-75 years), eight non-Dicaron Huaorani, and 16 Quichua Indians from the same province, and tested for IgE, IgG, IgM, IgA, and immunoglobulin allotypes. Subjects were examined for evidence of filariasis, a group of parasitic diseases associated with HIGE. Mean IgE concentration in the Dicaron was measured by CAP ELISA at 11,850 IU/mL (range 5000-33,000) while IgA and IgM concentrations were within normal limits compared to North American controls. IgG levels were slightly elevated and there was no evidence of filariasis. Compared to the Quichua and non-Dicaron Huaorani, two other Amerindian tribes in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the highest concentrations of IgE were recorded from the Dicaron who live within the allegedly polluted section of the Amazon. We conclude that an unexplained HIGE syndrome exists among only one subgroup of Huaorani, the Dicaron. Other eastern Ecuadorian Amerindians, such as the Quichua and resettled Huaorani, have IgE concentrations expected in a population with intestinal helminthiasis. Environmental factors cannot be excluded as the cause of HIGE in the Dicaron.

Resolution, molecular structure and biological activities of the D- and L-enantiomers of potent anti-implantation agent, DL-2-[4-(2-piperidinoethoxy)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2H-1-benzopyran

Compound 1 (DL-2-[4-(2-piperidinoethoxy)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2H-1-benzopyran, CDRI 85/287) a potent anti-estrogen and anti-implantation agent has been successfully resolved into its pure D- and L-enantiomers. Biological studies showed L-enantiomer to be the active form, exhibiting a fivefold higher receptor affinity for the rat uterine cytosolic estrogen receptor, 100% contraceptive efficacy at 1.3 mg/kg dose in single day schedule and 89% inhibition of estradiol induced increase of uterine weight at its contraceptive dose. The absolute stereochemistry determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that the L-enantiomer has 2R configuration at its asymmetric centre.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as jaundice

Hematological and lymphoid malignancies rarely present with manifestations outside these tissues. We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presenting with jaundice and generalized lymphadenopathy. The liver profile was suggestive of hepatitis; biopsy showed mild cholestasis. The findings suggest paraneoplastic jaundice with CLL.

Morphogenesis of the human external male genitalia

The morphogenesis of the external genitalia of human fetuses (16-250 mm crown-rump [CR] length, 6-26 weeks of gestation) obtained after medical termination of pregnancy were studied. Differential development (male/female) started after 50 mm CR length (9 weeks). At that time the external genitalia consisted of a cylindrical genital tubercle 2 mm in length with a visible coronary sulcus and glans and genital swellings on either side. A groove on the ventral aspect of the genital tubercle extended to the coronary sulcus; the lateral boundaries of this groove separated to form the urethral folds. In male fetuses the free edges of the urethral folds fused, starting from the proximal end, to form a tunnel over the ventral aspect of the phallus. The pelvic urethra opened into this tunnel, slightly distal to its origin. The mesodermal tissue forming the genital swellings migrated ventrally and then medially. As medial migration started, the skin in the midline between the genital swellings was raised up as a skin fold, which subsequently, as the genital swellings migrated further, became elevated. The proximal part of the tunnel formed by fusion of the urethral folds (proximal to the point of entry of the pelvic urethra) also was compressed and pushed out as the genital swellings fused in the midline over the root of the phallus. These changes took place at between 80 and 110 mm CR length (12-13 weeks' gestation); at this stage the phallus appeared short and was bent ventrally. With further growth and caudal migration of the scrotum, the phallus lost its ventral curvature. The appearance of the external genitalia at different gestational ages bore a close resemblance to that in children with hypospadias. We therefore conclude that hypospadias can be explained on the basis of an embryological arrest due to the absence of the required stimulus for male phenotypic development at the appropriate time.

Adaptational strategy of a tropical shrub Carissa Carandas L. to urban air pollution

This paper reports the adaptational response of a tropical shrub Carissa Carandas L. to urban air pollution stress in Varanasi, India. Saplings of C. carandas were grown at a density of one per pot and kept for two years at 25 selected sites in the urban environment. Different sites received different levels of air pollution input. Changes in vegetative growth pattern (leafing and branching), in morphological features and in the distribution of biomass to above and below ground structures were considered in relation to the ambient air quality.Different levels of air pollution input produced different sets of harmful effects. Although the air pollution level at Varanasi reduced the plant height, basal diameter, canopy area, leaf area and total plant biomass of C. carandas, this species retained a major fraction of its photosynthate to above-ground plant parts where foliage assumes predominance. Since carbon gain is dependent not only on the rate of carbon acquisition per unit leaf tissue but also on the amount of photosynthetic tissue present, a shift in relative contribution of photosynthate to leaf production and shoot growth appears to be a pollution-induced adaptive response in C. carandas.

Congenital sulfhemoglobin and transient methemoglobinemia secondary to diarrhoea

Sulfhemoglobinemia and Methemoglobinemia are common causes of cyanosis arising due to accumulation of abnormal heme pigment. We present an unusual case of congenital sulfhemoglobinemia along with diarrhoea induced methemo-globinemia in a neonate. A high index of suspicion and a proper diagnostic approach is needed to determine the true frequency of their occurrence together.

Pregnancy associated anemia and iron: a pilot study

Iron deficiency occurs when the rate of loss of utilization exceeds its assimilation. Treatment is based on iron supplementation but due to side effects compliance to iron therapy is poor. A double blind comparative study was done using a novel time release preparation of ferrous sulphate (Code A) v.s. sustained release ferrous sulphate preparation (Code B) on 60 pregnant women in mid or late pregnancy with anaemia. The amount of ferrous sulphate in Code A was less than half of Code B. The patients were sequentially randomised as Code A or Code B recipient. The non compliance rate was 33%, and for both Code A & Code B. The mean improvement in hemoglobin after 4 weeks of therapy was 2.01 gm% for Code A and 2.3 gm% for Code B. Iron absorption as evidenced by improvement in S. Iron, TIBC and ferritin levels was better with Code A. The improvement in subjective symptoms of anaemia was better than average in Code B preparation. Code A group had comparatively more side effects both major and minor, this may have been the reason for a slightly higher drop out rate in this group. In conclusion the timed release preparation has a comparable haematological response and better absorption with significantly lower doses as compared to the sustained release preparation.

Pregnancy induced hypertension and antithrombin-III

This study was undertaken to determine the coagulation profile of women with pregnancy induced hypertension and to evaluate the changes in the level of AT-III in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia and its correlation with severity of disease in order to evaluate if it can be used as a marker for severity of PIH. 119 women with PIH in the third trimester of pregnancy constituted the study group. Age and parity matched 25 normal pregnant and 25 non-pregnant women were taken as control group. No significant difference between the coagulation profile of non-pregnant and normal pregnant women was seen. There is evidence of consumption coagulopathy in PIH patients and AT-III activity shows a gradual and almost linear reduction in various groups ranging from normal pregnant women to eclampsia. Reduction in AT-III activity has positive correlation with PIH and it can be a useful marker for severity of PIH.

Screening for HIV seropositive blood - a critical evaluation

HIV screening of all donated blood is mandatory in India. The program instituted has many inherent lacunac like arbitrary identification of centres, absence of a guardian quality control program, criterion for test kit selection and absence of standard guidelines. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of frequent change of testing laboratory, change of testing staff, change of reagent kits and time of blood donation. All the donations at blood bank Safdarjang Hospital, during the year 1993, were taken for study. HBsAg and VDRL positivity were used as control/check value for similarity of donor population. Tests done during this period in three different laboratories show that the change of laboratory, change of reagent kit and the experience and training of the testing laboratory staff affect the test results, causing an increase in the number of false positive tests. This leads to destruction of donated blood which would have been otherwise fit for transfusion. It is suggested that a proper policy plan may be made and implemented in order to make the blood screening more effective.

Evaluation of air pollution phytotoxicity in a seasonally dry tropical urban environment

This study was conducted in the urban environment of Varanasi, India, to evaluate the plant responses to urban air pollution. Twenty sites were selected in four different zones of the city. At each site, seven woody perennials of same age classes were selected. Out of the four zones (I, II, III and IV), zone IV was used as a reference (control) zone as it received the minimum pollution input. Plant species growing in polluted and control areas were compared with respect to foliar dust load, per cent leaf area injury, leaf area, specific leaf weight and chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, SO 4 (2-) S and total N concentration in the leaves. Results indicated that the air pollution level in Varanasi causes leaf damage, reduces leaf area, specific leaf weight and chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and total N concentrations in the leaves. Sulphur concentration in leaves increased with increasing level of SO2 in the ambient air. The magnitude of such changes was maximum at the zone receiving maximum pollution load. Carissa carandas was found to be the most sensitive species and Bougainvillea spectabilis, the least. The study shows that the urban air pollution level in Varanasi is detrimental for the growth of plants involved in this study.

Evaluation of two techniques (RPHA and latex agglutination) for use as a screening tool for HBsAg

RPHA and latex agglutination are two cost effective techniques available for HBsAg screening in our country. Most of the blood banks and other clinical laboratories use RPHA technique or latex agglutination test for screening of donors or patients positive for Hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg). All the reagent kits available in the Indian market do not give the ranges of specificity, sensitivity and predictive values for the particular test. Also no data is available if they were tested on Asian sera. Therefore it was decided to evaluated the two most often used techniques RPHA and latex agglutination for their sensitivities and efficacy as a screening test. Our results indicate that though RPHA may be used in a diagnostic set up, it is a poor screening tool as it gives a fairly large number of false negatives and has a low sensitivity. Latex agglutination on the other hand, does not give any false negative results and is recommended for preliminary screening, wherever cost is a constraint. The sera with positive results should be subsequently tested by EIA to rule out the false positive results.

Human female phenotypic development: role of fetal ovaries

Morphogenesis of external genitalia was studied in human fetuses obtained from cases of medical termination of pregnancies and cases of spontaneous abortions. Eighty-two fetuses, 16 mm crown rump (CR) length (6 weeks gestation) to 240 mm CR length (26 weeks gestation), were studied. Fetal sex was determined with the help of chorionic villus of fetal skin biopsies in cases of fetuses less than 70 mm CR length. Growth and differentiation up to 50 mm CR length (9 weeks gestation) was identical for both sexes. After this there was rapid growth and differentiation in males. But in females subsequent growth until 180-200 mm CR-length stage (20 weeks gestation), was restricted to growth of labia majora. After this there was rapid ventral outgrowth of the region of perineum between the clitoris and anus, which brought the urethral and vaginal orifices to the surface. There was also further growth of labia. This process of feminization of external genitalia was completed by the 26th week of gestation. Histology revealed that ovary and testes could be clearly identified at 60 mm CR length stage. Maturation of fetal testes progressed rapidly, but there was little change in the histological appearance of ovaries until 160-180 mm CR-length stage (18-20 weeks of gestation). Follicular growth started after this. Feminization of urogenital sinus started after follicular growth started in the fetal ovaries. So from the temporal profile of events, it appears that it may be initiated by fetal ovarian steroids.