Identification of bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 in yaks (Bos poephagus grunniens) in the Himalayan region

Since cattle are widely infected by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in India, we searched for pestivirus infection in yaks. Of 71 pure and crossbred yaks from Himalayan region, pestivirus antigen was detected by Ag-ELISA in three animals. Pestivirus in leukocyte and cell culture isolated virus samples originating from positive yaks was also confirmed by RT-PCR using panpestivirus specific primers selected from 5'-untranslated region (5' UTR). The 5' UTR, N(pro) and E2 regions were sequenced and used for genetic typing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that pestiviruses detected in three Himalayan yaks were similar genetically, belonging to BVDV-1. Antigenic characterisation of yak pestivirus also confirmed the typing as BVDV-1. This is the first report on the identification of BVDV type 1 in yaks.

Membrane fluidity and lipid composition in clinical isolates of Candida albicans isolated from AIDS/HIV patients

In this study, we describe the membrane lipid composition of eight clinical isolates (azole resistant and sensitive strains) of Candida albicans isolated from AIDS/ HIV patients. Interestingly, fluorescence polarization measurements of the clinical isolates displayed enhanced membrane fluidity in fluconazole resistant strains as compared to the sensitive ones. The increase in fluidity was reflected in the change of membrane order, which was considerably decreased (decrease in fluorescence polarization "p" value denotes higher membrane fluidity) in the resistant strains. The ergosterol content in azole susceptible isolates was greater, almost twice as compared to the resistant isolates. However, no significant alteration was observed in phospholipid and fatty acid composition of these isolates. Labeling experiments with fluorescamine dye revealed that the percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine exposed to the membrane's outer leaflet was higher in the resistant strains as compared to the sensitive strains, indicating increased floppase activity of the two major ABC drug efflux pumps, CDR1 and CDR2 possibly due to their overexpression in resistant strains. The results of the present study suggest that changes in the status of membrane lipid phase especially the ergosterol content and increased activity of drug efflux pumps by overexpression ofABC transporters, CDR1 and CDR2 might contribute to fluconazole resistance in C. albicans isolated from AIDS/HIV patients.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 isolated from Indian goats (Capra hircus)

Recent studies have shown that bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 1 is widely prevalent in Indian cattle. In a surveillance of randomly collected 562 blood samples from seven states during 2004-2006, BVDV type 2 was detected in two native Indian goats by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The virus isolated from them was classified antigenically as BVDV 2 on the basis of virus neutralization test and reactivity with monoclonal antibodies. Phylogenetic analysis of three different genomic regions, 5' un-translated region (5' UTR), E(rns) structural coding region and NS5B nonstructural coding region typed Indian goat isolate as BVDV 2a having close similarity with strains from North America and Europe suggesting its probable introduction through trade. It was placed in a separate clade within the 2a branch having unique mutations in E(rns) and NS5B region. This is the first report of BVDV 2 in India and only second time recorded in goat species. The isolation of BVDV 2 from goat warrants intensive surveillance in cattle and sheep.

Pathogenicity of an Indian isolate of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b in experimentally infected calves

The aim of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of an Indian bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) 1b isolate in 7-9-months-old male calves. Infected (four) and control (two) calves were bled at three days interval for hematological, virological and serological studies until day 27. All infected calves developed respiratory illness, biphasic pyrexia, mild diarrhea, leucopenia and mild thrombocytopenia. Viraemia was demonstrated between 3 and 15dpi and the infected calves seroconverted by 15dpi. Prominent kidney lesions were endothelial cell swelling, proliferation of mesangial cells and podocytes leading to glomerular space obliteration. Degeneration and desquamation of cells lining seminiferous tubules were observed in two infected calves. Consolidation of lungs with interstitial pneumonia, mild gastroenteritis and systemic spread were also evident. It was concluded that Indian BVDV isolate induced moderate clinical disease in calves and glomerulonephritis resulting from acute BVDV infection was observed for the first time.

Resurgence of chikungunya virus in India: an emerging threat

Since December 2005, an outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has been ongoing in various states of India

Genetic analysis of indian bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 isolates in N(pro) and entire gene region coding structural proteins

Three Indian Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) isolates were analyzed at genetic level in N(pro) (viral autoprotease) and entire gene region coding structural proteins, namely capsid (C) protein, E(rns), and envelope proteins E1 and E2. All these isolates were found to be of b subtype based on the entire 504 nt region of N(pro) and 1119 nt region of E2. However, in comparison with other isolates of this subtype, they were allocated inside the BVDV-1 subtype b cluster to a separate clade with a longer distance. Of six cysteine residues in N(pro) only three were totally conserved in all three isolates. The isolates showed 94.9-99.3% and 92.2-99.0% identities for the entire C-E2 gene region at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. The lowest identity values (88.5-91.7%) were observed for E2 amino acid sequences. The identity of the isolates with Osloss, a reference BVDV-1 subtype b strain, was in the range of 82.1-89.9% for nucleotide and 78.6-89.2% for amino acid sequences in the C-E2 region. The N(pro)/C and E(rns)/E1 cleavage sites were highly conserved. The C/E(rns) and E1/E2 cleavage sites were more conserved from the N-end of E(rns) and the C-end of El, respectively. These findings suggest that some unique mutations have occurred in the described Indian BVDV-1 isolates, though they all belong to the BVDV-1 subtype b.

Prevalence of parenterally transmitted hepatitis viruses in clinically diagnosed cases of hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most important causative agent of blood borne hepatitis in humans. Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) infection occurs either as a coinfection or superinfection in HBV carriers. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis and continues to be a major cause of human liver disease throughout the world. The present study was conducted on 70 clinically diagnosed cases of viral hepatitis to study the prevalence of parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis. The serum samples were tested for HBsAg, HBeAg, IgM anti-HBc, anti-HBe, anti-HCV and anti-HDV using separate ELISA kits. Of the 70 serum samples tested, 28 (40%) were positive for HBsAg out of which 3 (4.28%) were positive for HBeAg also. Five (7.1%) of the HBsAg positive cases tested positive for IgM anti-HBc also. HBsAg alone was found in 17 (24.28%) cases. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 3 (4.28%) in 70 cases. Thus early screening of clinically diagnosed cases of viral hepatitis is essential for establishing diagnosis and treatment to prevent long term sequelae.

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhoea virus isolates from India

Thirteen BVDV isolates collected in four geographic regions of India between 2000 and 2002 were typed in 5'-UTR. To confirm results of genetic typing, selected viruses were also analysed in the N(pro) region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Indian BVDV isolates belong to BVDV-1b (Osloss-like group). Despite a long distance between the farms from which the viruses were isolated there was no correlation between the origin of viral isolates and their position in a phylogenetic tree. Higher genetic similarity of Indian BVDV isolates was observed most probably due to the uncontrolled movement of cattle as well as the uncontrolled use of semen from bulls for breeding of local and farm cattle in different states of India.

A free-standing low-risk maternity unit in the United Kingdom: does it have a role?

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of this birth setting for low-risk deliveries based on our hospital protocol. The study was carried out at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot (a low-risk unit) and Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Berkshire (a consultant-led unit). This was a retrospective analysis of the computerised records and statistics of low-risk women delivered at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, UK following the unit protocol between July 1995 and December 2001. Women were assessed to be at low risk in accord with the unit protocol. Those who had antenatal and intrapartum care at Heatherwood Hospital and those who were transferred to the consultant unit for delivery were included in this study. We analysed the appropriateness of the structure of the unit with its medical staff input, reviewed the inclusion and exclusion criteria, analysed the perinatal and maternal mortality rates and evaluated the safety of this birth setting. We have had a total of 5468 women delivered at this low-risk maternity unit since the unit was opened. Approximately 1950 women were transferred to consultant care during this period. The intrapartum transfer in the first 18 months was 7.9%. However, since 1997 it has been static at 2.7% as confidence has grown in this model of care. The antenatal transfer rate has been static around 23%. Our emergency caesarean section rate was around 6% and the normal delivery rate was around 85%. For the first time we noted a rise in the emergency caesarean rate in 2001 at 9.5%. There were no maternal deaths. We had no serious postpartum complications accounting for long-term maternal morbidity. The antepartum stillbirths accounted for the majority of the perinatal mortality for 19/23 babies. Intrauterine growth retardation accounted for 4/23 babies in this group. The perinatal mortality rate in this low-risk population was 4.2 per 1000 total births and the stillbirth rate was 3.6 per 1000 total births. We conclude that this birth setting is safe to deliver low-risk women with less intrapartum intervention and a low transfer rate and should be setting an example for any future similar birth centre in this country.

Bancroftian filariasis: a 13-year follow-up study of asymptomatic microfilariae carriers and endemic normals in Orissa, India

The natural history of human filarial infections leading to development of disease has been a subject of intense debate. The models proposed so far have largely been based on cross-sectional data on microfilariae (Mf) and disease prevalence in filariasis endemic areas. In an attempt to study the parasitological and clinical consequences of filarial infection in Beldal (Orissa, India), an area endemic for Bancroftian filariasis, cohorts of 59 asymptomatic Mf carriers (AS) and 187 asymptomatic and amicrofilaraemic subjects or 'endemic normals' ('EN'), were followed-up and a fraction (73% and 46% respectively) re-examined after 13 years to monitor (a) Mf prevalence, (b) Mf density, (c) circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and (d) chronic disease manifestations. The Mf prevalence and density were also monitored in Mf carriers after 1 and 4 years. Both Mf prevalence and density decreased progressively in the cohort of Mf carriers over a period of 13 years in Beldal. Only 37% of them continued to be microfilaraemic and the Mf density in these subjects was only 10% of the original level. However, loss of circulating Mf in this cohort did not result in loss of CFA and 95% remained CFA positive regardless of Mf status. About 23% of males in the 'EN' cohort developed hydrocoele while only 5.7% of male Mf carriers, who were not treated with DEC, had developed hydrocoele after 13 years. A cohort of Mf carriers in another area, Jatni, was also examined after 10 years to study the parasitological and clinical outcome. In this area, about 59% of the Mf carriers continued to be microfilaraemic after 10 years. These results reveal that in Mf carriers adult filarial worms persist for several years and that loss of circulating Mf with or without chemotherapy with DEC (single 12-day course) does not influence adult worm survival. The findings have been discussed in the context of 'static' and 'dynamic' models describing the relationship between infection and disease in human filariasis.

Targeting of the c-Abl tyrosine kinase to mitochondria in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis

The ubiquitously expressed c-Abl tyrosine kinase localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Using confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that c-Abl colocalizes with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein grp78. Expression of c-Abl in the ER was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Subcellular fractionation studies further indicate that over 20% of cellular c-Abl is detectable in the ER. The results also demonstrate that induction of ER stress with calcium ionophore A23187, brefeldin A, or tunicamycin is associated with translocation of ER-associated c-Abl to mitochondria. In concert with targeting of c-Abl to mitochondria, cytochrome c is released in the response to ER stress by a c-Abl-dependent mechanism, and ER stress-induced apoptosis is attenuated in c-Abl-deficient cells. These findings indicate that c-Abl is involved in signaling from the ER to mitochondria and thereby the apoptotic response to ER stress.

Trichostatin A reverses skewed expression of CD154, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma gene and protein expression in lupus T cells

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), T helper cells exhibit increased and prolonged expression of cell-surface CD40 ligand (CD154), spontaneously overproduce interleukin-10 (IL-10), but underproduce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). We tested the hypothesis that the imbalance of these gene products reflects skewed expression of CD154, IL-10, and IFN-gamma genes. Here, we demonstrate that the histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, significantly down-regulated CD154 and IL-10 and up-regulated IFN-gamma gene expression in SLE T cells. This reversal corrected the aberrant expression of these gene products, thereby enhancing IFN-gamma production and inhibiting IL-10 and CD154 expression. That trichostatin A can simultaneously reverse the skewed expression of multiple genes implicated in the immunopathogenesis of SLE suggests that this pharmacologic agent may be a candidate for the treatment of this autoimmune disease.

Association of deficient type II protein kinase A activity with aberrant nuclear translocation of the RII beta subunit in systemic lupus erythematosus T lymphocytes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder of indeterminate etiology characterized by abnormal T cell signal transduction and altered T cell effector functions. We have previously observed a profound deficiency of total protein kinase A (PKA) phosphotransferase activity in SLE T cells. Here we examined whether reduced total PKA activity in SLE T cells is in part the result of deficient type II PKA (PKA-II) isozyme activity. The mean PKA-II activity in SLE T cells was 61% of normal control T cells. The prevalence of deficient PKA-II activity in 35 SLE subjects was 37%. Deficient isozyme activity was persistent over time and was unrelated to SLE disease activity. Reduced PKA-II activity was associated with spontaneous dissociation of the cytosolic RIIbeta2C2 holoenzyme and translocation of the regulatory (RIIbeta) subunit from the cytosol to the nucleus. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the RIIbeta subunit was present in approximately 60% of SLE T cell nuclei compared with only 2-3% of normal and disease controls. Quantification of nuclear RIIbeta subunit protein content by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting demonstrated a 54% increase over normal T cell nuclei. Moreover, the RIIbeta subunit was retained in SLE T cell nuclei, failed to relocate to the cytosol, and was associated with a persistent deficiency of PKA-II activity. In conclusion, we describe a novel mechanism of deficient PKA-II isozyme activity due to aberrant nuclear translocation of the RIIbeta subunit and its retention in the nucleus in SLE T cells. Deficient PKA-II activity may contribute to impaired signaling in SLE T cells.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in the elderly

Aging modifies the clinical presentation and course of autoimmune disorders, although the mechanisms by which this occurs remain to be determined. Current evidence cited above supports the general concept that there is a natural senescence of the immune system. This evidence would suggest that somehow senescence directly affects gene expression, resulting in biochemical abnormalities that culminate in T-cell immunodysfunctions. This may be a principal factor that attenuates the autoimmune response to self-antigen and, therefore, the disease course. The authors speculate that there is a disorder primary to the T cell in SLE that is expressed as abnormal immunologic responses to self-antigens, resulting in autoimmunity. Although understanding of this primary T cell disorder is still limited, clinicians now know that the T cell harbors abnormal signaling pathways that reflect defective biochemical functions and seem to be genetically regulated. This aberrant signaling would be anticipated to affect both principal T cell subsets. It may hinder the capacity of cells, such as CD8 T cells, to effectively down-regulate the response of autoreactive CD4 helper T cells to autoantigens. Loss of self-regulation would manifest itself as loss of tolerance, a fundamental component of autoimmunity. The future challenge is to understand how aberrant signaling leads to loss of tolerance. Given this underlying genetic susceptibility in an aged individual whose T cells also are undergoing natural senescence, the authors suggest that it is conceivable that a stress factor may tip the balance in the favor of clinical disease. One such factor may be unspecified environmental stimuli. Yet another consideration is an intercurrent illness, such as an infection. It remains to be determined, however, what these environmental stimuli are and how they impact on the immune system to trigger disease.

Diminished levels of protein kinase A RI alpha and RI beta transcripts and proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus T lymphocytes

Deficient type I protein kinase A phosphotransferase activity occurs in the T cells of 80% of subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To investigate the mechanism of this deficient isozyme activity, we hypothesized that reduced amounts of type I regulatory (RI) isoform transcripts, RIalpha and RIbeta, may be associated with a diminution of RIalpha and/or RIbeta protein. Sixteen SLE subjects with a mean (+/-1 SD) SLE disease activity index of 12.4 +/- 7.2 were studied. Controls included 16 normal subjects, six subjects with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and three subjects with SS/SLE overlap. RT-PCR revealed that normal, SS, SS/SLE, and SLE T cells expressed mRNAs for all seven R and catalytic (C) subunit isoforms. Quantification of mRNAs by competitive PCR revealed that the ratio of RIalpha mRNA to RIbeta mRNA in normal T cells was 3.4:1. In SLE T cells there were 20 and 49% decreases in RIalpha and RIbeta mRNAs (RIbeta; p = 0.008), respectively, resulting in an RIalpha:RIbeta mRNA of 5.3:1. SS/SLE T cells showed a 72.5% decrease in RIbeta mRNA compared with normal controls (p = 0.01). Immunoblotting of normal T cell RIalpha and RIbeta proteins revealed a ratio of RIalpha:RIbeta of 3.2:1. In SLE T cells, there was a 30% decrease in RIalpha protein (p = 0.002) and a 65% decrease in RIbeta protein (p < 0.001), shifting the ratio of RIalpha:RIbeta protein to 6.5:1. T cells from 25% of SLE subjects lacked any detectable RIbeta protein. Analysis of several lupus T cell lines demonstrated a persistent deficiency of both proteins, excluding a potential effect of disease activity. In conclusion, reduced expression of RIalpha and RIbeta transcripts is associated with a decrement in RIalpha and RIbeta proteins and may contribute to deficient type I protein kinase A isozyme activity in SLE T cells.

Clinical expression of autoimmune diseases in older adults

Aging modifies the clinical presentation and course of autoimmune disorders. In the older person who carries a complement of predisposing genes, environmental factors may alter a senescent immune system and trigger the onset of autoimmunity. In this article about autoimmune diseases of the older adult, the authors discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentations, laboratory and radiographic findings, and management of systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjogren's syndrome, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Heterozygous osteopetrotic (op) mutation reduces atherosclerosis in LDL receptor- deficient mice

Previous studies of osteopetrotic (op) mice lacking macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) have revealed an inhibition of atherosclerosis development in the apolipoprotein E (apo E)-deficient model and in a diet-induced model. Using LDL receptor-deficient mice, we now show that atheroma development depends on M-CSF concentration, as not only did homozygous osteopetrotic (op/op) mice have dramatically reduced lesions (approximately 0.3% of control lesion size) but heterozygous (op/+) mice had lesions < 1% of controls. Mice heterozygous for the op mutation (op/+) had plasma levels of M-CSF about half those in controls (+/+). The finding that an approximately 2-fold reduction in M-CSF expression reduced lesion size approximately 100-fold suggests the requirement for a threshold level of M-CSF. The effect of M-CSF on atherosclerosis did not appear to be mediated either by changes in plasma lipoprotein levels or alterations in the number of circulating monocytes, since both op/op and op/+ mice exhibited higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein particles and (op/+) mice showed a near normal number of circulating monocytes. LDL receptor-null littermates of genotypes from op/op, op/+, to +/+ showed monocyte differentials of approximately 4.5, 8, and 10%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that the effects of M-CSF on atherogenesis may not be mediated by expression of M-CSF systemically or by modulation of the number of circulating monocytes. These studies support the conclusion that M-CSF participates critically in fatty streak formation and progression to a complex fibrous lesion.

MR evaluation of CSF fistulae

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of MR imaging in the localisation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 36 consecutive unselected patients with either clinically proven CSF leakage (n=26) or suspected CSF fistula (n=10) were prospectively evaluated by MR. All MR examinations included fast spin-echo T2-weighted images in the 3 orthogonal planes. Thin-section CT was performed following equivocal or negative MR examination. MR and CT findings were correlated with surgical results in 33 patients.

RESULTS

CSF fistula was visualised as a dural-bone defect with hyperintense fluid signal continuous with that in the basal cisterns on T2-weighted images. MR was positive in 26 cases, in 24 of which the fistula was confirmed surgically. In 2 patients the CSF leakage was directly demonstrated on MR. MR sensitivity of 80% compared favourably with the reported 46-81% of CT cisternography (CTC). No significant difference in MR sensitivity in detecting CSF fistula was found between active and inactive leaks

CONCLUSION

MR is recommended as the first investigation for detecting a CSF fistula owing to its efficacy and to its freedom from the potential complications encountered with CTC.

Pulmonary functions in healthy females of Haryana

Pulmonary functions including lung volumes and pulmonary diffusing capacity were assessed in 137 healthy female subjects, 18-52 years of age. The results were analysed by age-wise division of subjects in six groups. It was observed that there were wide variations in pulmonary function values from one individual to another depending upon age and height of the subjects. Majority of ventilatory functions attained maximum values by the age of 25 years while diffusion functions improved upto 35 years of age. Pulmonary functions showed better correlation with age and height as compared to weight. Taking into consideration age and height of subjects, regression equations for different pulmonary functions have been derived for female subjects.

Comparison of single breath and steady state methods for measurement of lung transfer factor for CO in normal subjects and smokers

Pulmonary diffusing capacity (lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide) has been assessed by the single breath (TLCOSB) and steady state (TLCOSS) techniques in well matched 90 females, 31 non-smoker and 29 smoker males, 18-50 years of age. Both TLCOSB and TLCOSS are significantly lower in females compared to non-smoker males (P < 0.001). Tobacco smoking statistically significantly reduces TLCOSB as well as TLCOSS in smokers as compared to non-smokers. There is a statistically significant correlation of age with TLCOSS and TLCOSB in all the three groups (r = -0.702, -0.360 and 0.300 for TLCOSB and r = -0.481, -0.355 and 0.380 for TLCOSS in non-smoker males, smoker males and females respectively). TLCOSB is 30.43 +/- 4.89, 27.29 +/- 4.54 and 26.13 +/- 3.60 ml/mmHg/min, while TLCOSS is 19.47 +/- 5.26, 16.69 +/- 3.27 and 18.24 +/- 3.78 ml/mm/Hg/min in non-smoker males, smoker males and females respectively. A fairly good correlation between the TLCOSB and TLCOSS in male, both non-smoker and smoker, as well as the female subjects was observed. TLCOSS is lower than TLCOSB in all the three groups. Even in smokers of moderate intensity both of these tests are influenced to a nearly similar extent.

Cardiovascular response to orthostatic stress following cold challenge in diabetics

Cardiovascular responses to cold pressor test (CPT) followed by orthostatic stress were investigated in diabetics and in control subjects. The test was performed by immersing the left hand (up to wrist joint) in water at 8 degrees C for 2 minutes. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded immediately after removal of hand from water in recumbent state and then in erect posture. The orthostatic stress (without cold exposure) caused postural hypotension in diabetics, while in control subjects BP (both systolic and diastolic) increased on attaining erect posture. CPT alone increased HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in control as well as in diabetics. In control subjects when CPT was followed by orthostatic stress, a marked statistically significant further increase in HR but fall in SBP was observed, though the increase in DBP was not significant. On the other hand statistically significant increase in HR, and decrease in SBP, DBP were observed in diabetic subjects. These impairments in cardiovascular responses are confirmative of autonomic neuropathy in diabetic subjects.

Perinatal outcome in relation to mode of delivery in meconium stained amniotic fluid

Meconium staining of the amniotic fluid is a common complication during labour. When facilities like electronic monitoring, foetal blood sampling are not available, it is difficult to decide whether labour should be allowed to continue or caesarean section should be done. Even when caesarean section is done, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) can still occur and considerable morbidity and mortality may result in the newborn. Amino infusion is being considered as useful in decreasing MAS and its sequelae. Before resorting to amino infusion, we decided to analyse the perinatal outcome in meconium stained liquor to compare whether early caesarean section offered any advantage. This is a retrospective study of 150 labours complicated by thick meconium stained liquor, during a 12 month period (1992-93).

A structure activity relationship study on 1-isopropylamino-3-(2'-substituted naphthoxy)-propan-2-ois analogs

The structure activity relationship of 1-isopropylamino-3-(2'-substituted naphthoxy) propan-2-ois analogs, which are beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, is discussed. The blocking activity of these compounds is found to be dominantly controlled by electronic and steric factors. Significant correlations have been obtained between the blocking activity and negentropy, equalized eletronegativity and partial charge.

Dynamics of Met5- and Leu5-enkephalin and their receptor binding activity in relation to morphine

A complete normal coordinate analysis of Met5- and Leu5-enkephalins using Wilson's GF matrix method and Urey Bradley force field has been carried out to understand the dynamical behaviour of enkephalins. In addition, the charge distributions on different atoms of the two enkephalins and morphine using CNDO/2 method are also reported. The similarity in the charge distribution on the part of these two molecules is indicative of the possible interactions at the same receptor site as that of morphine and its derivatives. Apart from the topographical features and charge distribution, binding onto receptor site is not a static but a dynamic process and low frequency modes must play an important role in the recognition process. The significance of the out-of-plane amide VII band and other skeletal modes as characteristic of conformational states of Met5- and Leu5-enkephalins are discussed.

Effect of growth on lung transfer factor and its components

Measurement of lung transfer factor for CO (TLCO) and its constituent components, viz. diffusion capacity across alveolar capillary membrane (Dm) and instant pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) were undertaken in 120 healthy non-smoker males by single breath technique. All the three parameters (TLCO, Dm, Vc) showed direct negative correlation with age. While TLCO and Dm showed a significant direct positive correlation with height, there was no correlation between VC and height. The degree of correlation increased when both age and height were used together than either of them alone for prediction of TLCO120. The prediction formulae (TLCO120 = 3.8 + 21 H (m)-0.308 A) using both age and height has regression value (R) of 0.6479 (p < 0.001).

Lung transfer components in hyperthyroidism

Pulmonary functions were studied in twenty hyperthyroid non smoker patients. Their FVC, PEFR and MVV were significantly lowered while FEV1/FVC% and EFR25-75% were normal. Amongst the diffusion functions, Tlco, Dm and VA were reduced and VC increased, though these changes were not statistically significant. After the achievement of euthyroid state, statistically significant increase was seen in FVC, PEFR, MVV, Tlco120, Dm and VA with significant decrease in Vc from the basal levels. FEV1/FVC% and EFR25-75% were not affected. These observations suggest that the principal abnormalities in pulmonary functions in the hyperthyroid state are increased pulmonary capillary blood volume and respiratory myopathy, which are reversed as euthyroid state is achieved.

Effect of salbutamol on pulmonary diffusion functions in asymptomatic smokers

Pulmonary functions including transfer factor for CO and its components (TIco, Dm, Vc) were studied in 45 asymptomatic subjects (25 smokers, 20 non smokers) using single breath technique. Ventilatory functions of smokers were significantly reduced; these improved significantly after salbutamol inhalation but most still remained lower than in non smokers. VA and Dm were marginally higher while Vc was significantly reduced in smokers. Their TIco1(20) was influenced only insignificantly. However, after salbutamol, both Dm and Vc were significantly lowered, resulting in further reduction (p 0.01) of TIco120 in smokers. The effect of salbutamol in non smokers was insignificant.

Renal involvement in bancroftian filariasis

BACKGROUND

There are anecdotal reports of renal involvement in filariasisbut no systematicstudy has yet been done.

METHODS

Fourteen out of 94 patients attending a filariasis clinic, who had proteinuria, haematuria or chyluria, under-went detailed in-patient investigations including a renal biopsy (9).

RESULTS

Light microscopy of renal biopsy tissue revealed predominantly mesangioproliferative changes in 6 patients with associated inflammatory cell proliferation in 3 and endocapillary cell proliferation in 2 cases. Basement membrane thickening and tubular degeneration were observed in 2 cases each. Under immunofluorescence there were mesangial deposits of IgG alone, orin combination with C3, in 4 patients who showed mesangioproliferative changes under light microscopy. Granular deposits of IgG and C3 along the capillary wall were seen in 1 of the 2 patients who had endocapillary cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that certain patients with filariasishave an immune mediated glomerulopathy.

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms following accidental injury: ten years experience

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms secondary to accidental injury are rare. We have seen eight lesions of this type in the last 10 years. The aneurysm was produced by blunt trauma in four patients, penetrating shrapnel injury in two, stabbing and electrical injury in one each. The left side was involved in seven patients. The internal and common carotid artery were each involved in four patients and the lesion was unilocular in five. These lesions often produce non-specific symptoms and may mimic neoplastic or inflammatory masses: a mistaken diagnosis of tonsillar abscess in one patient resulted in incision and drainage before an intravenous digital subtraction angiogram (IV-DSA) correctly identified the abnormality. IV-DSA is ideal for pre-operative assessment of these patients. Awareness of these lesions is essential since definitive surgical repair is possible. All patients in the present study underwent successful surgical repair.

Effect of exercise on lung transfer factor for CO in smokers

The lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide was studied in 24 apparently healthy smokers and in 24 well-matched non-smokers at rest and during exercise. Single-breath and steady state (TLcoss) transfer factors for carbon monoxide, the Krogh constant, and the capillary blood volume were significantly lower in smokers. Exercise increased minute ventilation to a similar extent in both groups, but significantly lower values of TLcoss were measured in smokers than in non-smokers during mild and moderate grades of exercise (p less than 0.001). This difference in TLcoss may be attributed either to the difference in capillary blood volume or to increased inhomogeneities with regard to alveolar ventilation and perfusion due to airway damages in smokers, or to both factors.

Effect of cold challenge on alveolar capillary blood volume in normal individuals

The effect of immersion of both the hands and the feet in water at 10 degrees C on lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (Tlco) and on pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) was investigated in 20 normal young adult males immediately, 60 min and 120 min after the end of the cold challenge. Vc was significantly reduced immediately and the reduction was aggravated at 60 min. Tlco was significantly reduced only at 60 min. All the values returned to baseline at 120 min. It is concluded that the cold-induced changes in Tlco and Vc are physiological responses and not unique to patients with Raynaud's phenomenon as suggested by some workers.