A randomised multicentre study to compare the safety and efficacy of albendazole and metronidazole in the treatment of giardiasis in children

A randomised control multicentre study to compare the safety and efficacy of albendazole and metronidazole in the treatment of giardiasis in children is reported. One hundred and fifty children of either sex (age range: 2-10 years) were randomised to receive either a single dose of 400 mg of albendazole suspension, or 22.5 mg/kg/day of metronidazole in 3 divided doses for 5 consecutive days. At the end of therapy, majority of children in both treatment groups were symptom free. Two days after completion of therapy, 97% of children in both treatment groups were giardia free in the stools. Side effects were noted in 3 children in the albendazole group, and in 20 children in the metronidazole group. We conclude that albendazole suspension is as effective as metronidazole in the treatment of giardial infection in children. It is safe and has fewer side effects as compared to metronidazole.

O-526, a piperidine analog of GBR 12909, retains high affinity for the dopamine transporter in monkey caudate-putamen

1,4-Disubstituted piperazines such as GBR 12909 (1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine) and GBR 12935 (1-[2-(bis(phenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine) are among the most potent and selective ligands for the dopamine transporter in brain. However, they also bind to a widely distributed "piperazine acceptor site". In order to assess whether the piperazine moiety of GBR 12909 is critical for binding to the dopamine transporter, two piperidine analogs of GBR 12909, one with the nitrogen proximal to the diphenylmethyloxy moiety (O-549, (1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperidine), the other distal to this moiety (O-526, 4-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-1- (3-phenylpropyl)piperidine) were synthesized. The affinities of O-526, O-549 and GBR 12909 for the dopamine and serotonin transporters in monkey caudate-putamen (Macaca fascicularis) were evaluated using [3H]WIN 35,428 ([3H]CFT, 2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-4-(fluorophenyl)tropane) or [3H]GBR 12935 and [3H]citalopram to label the dopamine and serotonin transporters, respectively. O-526 inhibited [3H]WIN 35,428 binding with potencies that were similar to GBR 12909 (IC50: 24.9 +/- 3.23 vs. 22.0 +/- 2.2 nM, respectively) whereas O-549 was 24 times less potent than O-526 (IC50: 595 +/- 148 nM). The selectivity of GBR 12909 for the dopamine over the serotonin transporter was retained by O-526 but not by O-549 which was relatively non-selective. These results indicate that only one of the two nitrogens on the basic GBR structure is needed for high affinity binding to the dopamine transporter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phototherapy induced hypocalcemia

Sixty neonates with hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study. There were 20 preterm (Group A) and 20 full term (Group B) neonates. Ten neonates from each group formed the control group. The study group neonates were managed with phototherapy while the control group neonates were not subjected to phototherapy. Serum calcium levels of the two groups were studied. Ninety per cent preterm neonates and seventy-five per cent full term neonates developed hypocalcemia after being subjected to phototherapy. There was a highly significant fall in the total as well as ionized calcium levels in the study group in contrast to the control group. It is recommended that neonates under phototherapy should be given supplemental calcium to prevent hypocalcemia.

Do umbilical vein catheterization and sepsis lead to portal vein thrombosis? A prospective, clinical, and sonographic evaluation

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) affects 20-30% of all patients with portal hypertension in India. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is unknown. In retrospective studies, umbilical vein cannulation and sepsis have been alleged to cause portal thrombosis. This prospective study was undertaken to detect clinically and by serial sonography whether thrombosis and consequent obstruction of the splenoportal venous system develops after umbilical vein catheterization and sepsis. Forty-seven children who had undergone exchange transfusion for hyperbilirubinemia, belonging to two different age groups, were studied. Twenty-two new-borns (Group A) were studied within 4 weeks of birth and later at 3-month intervals until the age of 12 months and subsequently at 24 months. Another group of 25 children (Group B), 1- to 5-year-olds who had earlier undergone exchange transfusion and 15 healthy newborns (Group C) were also screened. In Group A, seven (29%) neonates had septicemia, and in five, the splenic vein could not be initially visualized. The splenic vein was not seen in five of the 15 newborns in Group A who had no umbilical sepsis. Twenty-one of the 22 neonates in Group A were followed-up, and the splenic vein was well visualized and found patent on subsequent ultrasound in all of them. In Group B, four (16%) children had umbilical sepsis. None of these or the other Group B children showed any thrombosis or obstruction of the splenoportal system. The portal vein and its branches and the splenic vein were visualized in all healthy (Group C) neonates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lipophilic amino alcohols with calcium channel blocking activity

A series of novel lipophilic amino alcohols, analogs of the anticholinergic drug vesamicol, were evaluated for Ca2+ channel blocking activity. The effects of these drugs on depolarization-induced intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients were examined in single NG108-15 cells and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in culture. [Ca2+] was recorded with the Ca2+ indicator Indo-1 and a dual emission microfluorimeter. Structure-activity studies indicated that features required for Ca2+ channel blocking activity were distinct from those required for anticholinergic activity. In particular, the Ca2+ channel blocking activity was insensitive to the configuration at the chiral center, whereas the anticholinergic activity was clearly enantioselective. One of the most active compounds, 3-(3-bromophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-[1-(4-phenylpiperidinyl)]propane (2b), was characterized in more detail. This compound inhibited the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel response in NG108-15 cells, evoked by depolarization with 50 mM K+, with an IC50 of 5 microM. Field potential stimulation of DRG neurons elicited [Ca2+]i transients mediated by at least three Ca2+ channel subtypes; compound 2b inhibited the entire Ca2+ channel response with an IC50 of 1 microM. A key element required for Ca2+ channel blocking activity was the presence of an electron withdrawing substituent on the pendant phenyl ring. Modification of the amino alcohol structure may lead to more potent compounds with broad spectrum Ca2+ channel blocking activity. These structures provide a new chemical starting point for the development of Ca2+ antagonists.

Immunogenicity of enhanced potency inactivated polio vaccine

Fifty two children were immunized with two doses of enhanced potency inactivated polio vaccine in order to determine its efficacy. The vaccine was very efficacious with 92.3, 92.3 and 88.3% of the children seroconverting to the three poliovirus types, respectively. The vaccine was equally efficacious whether the two doses were given at 4-week or 8-week intervals or when immunization was started at 6-7 weeks of age or later. The presence of maternal antibodies did not interfere significantly with the seroresponse to two doses of IPV-E. The study recommends that two doses of IPV-E give satisfactory seroconversion rates. Immunization can be started as early as 6 weeks age and the two doses can be given at 4 weeks interval to complete primary immunization against poliomyelitis.

Hemostatic profile in septicemic neonates with and without bleeding

Hemostatic profile was studied in 25 full term, non-asphyxiated neonates with blood culture-proven septicemia. Nine (36%) of these neonates manifested bleeding. Detailed coagulation tests and platelet studies were deranged in 24 (96%) of neonates with septicemia. Abnormalities in coagulation tests did not differ in those with and without bleeding. Only platelet aggregation with ADP was deranged to a significantly greater extent in those with bleeding as compared with those without bleeding.

Reliability of capillary blood gas estimation in neonates

In order to compare the reliability of capillary blood gases to the arterial blood gases, we studied fifty one neonates with moderate birth asphyxia. A significant difference (p less than 0.05) was found between the capillary and the arterial blood gas values with respect to blood pH, PCO2 PO2 and oxygen saturation. However, the levels of blood bicarbonate as assessed by the 2 samples were comparable. Capillary blood gas values are unsatisfactory indicators of the arterial blood gas values and may result in inappropriate management.

Radioiodinated 2-hydroxy-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(4-phenylpiperidinyl)propane: potential radiotracer for mapping central cholinergic innervation in vitro

Radioiodinated 2-hydroxy-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(4-phenylpiperidinyl)propane, 5 (4-HIPP), was synthesized and evaluated as a simple vesamicol-like radiotracer for mapping cholinergic pathways in the brain. Both enantiomers of 5 exhibit significant accumulation (approx. 2% of injected dose) and prolonged retention (t1/2 greater than 3 h) within the rat brain. The accumulation of radioiodinated 5 in the rat brain was reduced by up to 70% in the presence of vesamicol and its analogs. The levorotary isomer (-)-4-[123I]HIPP exhibits significant accumulation in the monkey brain, with a half-life of about 9 h. Radioiodinated 5 may therefore be a useful tool for studying cholinergic pathways in the brain.

Hemostatic profile in neonatal septicemia

Hemostatic profile was studied in 25 full term non-asphyxiated neonates with blood culture-proven septicemia. Observations were compared with that of 25 healthy, non-asphyxiated, full term, birth weight and age-matched controls. Detailed coagulation tests & platelet studies were done in each of the 50 neonates by standard techniques. Hemostatic defects occurred in 96% of the septicemic neonates and none in the control group irrespective of the occurrence of clinical bleeding. The coagulation tests were deranged in 805 and platelet function tests in 92% of patients. These tests were significantly deranged in septicemic neonates as compared to control group.

Enhancement by nickel(II) and L-histidine of 2'-deoxyguanosine oxidation with hydrogen peroxide

Conversion of the 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) residues in calf thymus DNA to 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) was achieved at physiological pH by treating the DNA with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of nickel(II) chloride (NiCl2). The effectiveness of this reaction was enhanced by L-histidine (His) which forms the Ni(II)-His2 complex. Similar effects of NiCl2 and His were observed on hydroxylation of pure dG with H2O2. The rate of pure dG conversion to 8-OH-dG at 37 degrees C (100 mM phosphate buffer) depended on combination and concentration of the reagents and on pH. Following 24 h incubation at pH 7.4 of 0.75 mM dG with 30 mM H2O2 and 1 mM NiCl2, dG was converted into 8-OH-dG to the extent of 0.05% in the absence of His and 0.45% in the presence of 2 mM His. After 24 h incubation at pH 7.4 of 0.5 mg/ml DNA with 7.5 mM H2O2 and 0.1 mM NiCl2, 0.18% of the dG moiety was converted into 8-OH-dG in the absence of His and 0.42% in the presence of 0.2 mM His. Interestingly, a mixture of H2O2 with His was also capable of oxidizing dG to 8-OH-dG even in the absence of NiCl2, albeit less effectively than in the presence of NiCl2. This effect was not suppressed after treatment of dG, His and the buffer with Chelex to remove divalent metal contaminants, if any. The exact chemistry of the observed phenomena remains to be determined. Since the Ni(II)-His2 complex is the major low mol. wt nickel carrier in mammalian organisms, the observed redox properties of this complex, reported here for the first time, may be crucial for the toxicity and carcinogenicity of nickel.

Stress associated gastric bleeding in newborn--role of ranitidine

Stress associated gastric bleeding in sick neonates is an ominous sign and frequently heralds mortality. This study was aimed at evaluating the H2 receptor antagonist drug-ranitidine in the treatment of this bleeding. Thirty eight neonates with gastric hemorrhage were included in the study. Twenty neonates were given ranitidine while 18 acted as controls. Both groups were well matched with respect to various parameters. Gastric bleeding was controlled earlier in the ranitidine group in contrast to the control group. No untoward side effects were observed with the use of ranitidine. The use of this drug in stress associated gastric bleeding in neonates is recommended.

Acyclic analogues of 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol): conformationally mobile inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport

Several 1,3-disubstituted propan-2-ols and one alpha,beta-disubstituted ethanol (11i) were synthesized and evaluated as potential acyclic mimics of the vesicular acetylcholine transport inhibitor 2-(4-phenylpiperidinyl)cyclohexanol (1, vesamicol, AH5183). Analogues containing the 4-phenylpiperidyl fragment (11a, 11b) were more potent than those containing the 4-phenylpiperazyl moiety (11e, 11f). Substitution at the second terminal carbon of the propyl (or ethyl) fragment with simple lipophilic aryl substituents yielded potent inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine storage, including (-)-11a and d-11i, which are equipotent with vesamicol. However, the activity of analogues containing bicyclic aryl groups was susceptible to aryl substitution patterns (11g vs 11h), indicating a definite receptor site topography. In addition, the inhibitory activity of these acyclic analogues was enantioselective, exhibiting a preference, similar to the parent vesamicol, for the levorotatory isomer [(-)-11a vs (+)-11a]. Therefore, the simple lipophilic acyclic vicinal amino alcohols may successfully mimic the biological activity of vesamicol.

Neonatal mortality patterns in an urban hospital

Neonatal mortality rate is perhaps the most reliable indicator of the perinatal outcome. An assessment of perinatal outcome can be made through knowledge of causes of death. This study was carried out to evaluate the neonatal deaths in our hospital. Live births (n = 7309) and deaths (n = 328) during a 6 months period were retrospectively analyzed. These were grouped into non-preventable and potentially preventable causes of death. The single most important factor contributing to the mortality was respiratory distress (29.3%) followed by sepsis (24.4%) and birth asphyxia (16.2%). The non-preventable causes of mortality (e.g., lethal congenital malformations, extremely low birth weight) accounted for 10.4% of the total mortality. The idealized neonatal mortality rate was 4.6/1000 live births, while the salvageable death rate was 40.2/1000 live births. The mortality increased significantly if the birth weight fell below 2 kg. The salvageable deaths could perhaps be prevented through better antenatal and intranatal care, ventilatory support and prevention of sepsis.

Maternal participation in the care of the high risk infant: follow-up evaluation

Fifty mothers of high risk infants admitted to the Neonatal Special Care Unit were followed up to the postnatal age of 2.5 mo +/- 15 days. Twenty five mothers (Group I) had stayed in the nursery with the infant for a period of 4.8 +/- 4.6 days until the discharge of the infant, providing expressed milk and participating in the non-specialised care of the infant. The other 25 mothers (Group II) remained separate from their babies for the duration of the latter's stay in the hospital although some of the mothers did come off and on to give expressed human milk and at times handle their infants. Family features such as parental age, educational and occupational status, and presence of residential elder women, were similar in the two groups. Infant characteristics too, such as sex, birth weight, and early neonatal morbidity were also comparable. Operative deliveries and maternal problems were as expected more in the separated group. The duration of the infants' hospital stay was also more in the latter (9.5 +/- 3.5 vs 6.3 +/- 3.9 days; p greater than 0.05). Subsequent to their discharge, mothers who had stayed with the infant identified the following benefits of their stay--acquiring of knowledge relevant to infant care especially hygiene (19) and their personal involvement in the care of their infant (12), both of which they said increased their self confidence in looking after the babies after discharge, and provision of breast milk round the clock (17).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute renal failure in asphyxiated newborns

The study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of renal failure following perinatal asphyxia in the newborns. Thirty newborns with severe birth asphyxia were included in the study along with 30 normal newborns who comprised the control group. Any neonate presenting with oliguria or blood urea more than 40 mg/dl or creatinine more than 1 mg/dl was subjected to a fluid and diuretic challenge. If oliguria or renal dysfunction persisted then the child was labelled as renal failure and these subjects were further investigated. It was observed that 43% of asphyxiated babies developed acute renal failure (ARF); 69.2% babies had oliguric renal failure. While no significant correlation could be seen between Apgar scores at 5 and 10 min and development of ARF, a significant relationship was seen between hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and ARF. Patients with oliguric ARF carried a poorer prognosis as compared to non-oliguric ARF.

Renal dysfunction in septicemic newborns

The study was undertaken to assess the association and incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) in septicemic neonates. Thirty neonates with septicemia formed the subject matter. Neonates with renal dysfunction were labelled as ARF patients after non responsiveness to a fluid and a diuretic challenge. Renal function tests were also evaluated. Nearly 15% neonates with septicemia developed ARF which was predominantly oliguric in type. The mortality rate in the septicemic neonates with ARF was significantly high. Further the mortality in neonates with oliguric ARF was significantly higher than those with non-oliguric ARF.

Flexible N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine analogues: synthesis and monoamine oxidase catalyzed bioactivation

Eighteen analogues of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were synthesized and evaluated as substrates of monoamine oxidase. In general, the flexible analogues, characterized by the presence of a methylene (or ethylene) bridge between the aryl/heteroaryl and tetrahydropyridyl moieties, were better substrates of the enzyme than the conformationally restricted MPTP. It is suggested that the increased oxidative activity of these flexible analogues reflects enhanced binding due to the ability of the C-4-aryl/heteroaryl substituent to gain access to a hydrophobic pocket within the substrate binding site.

Liver dysfunction in severe birth asphyxia

A total of 46 full term, appropriate for gestational age neonates were included in this study. Out of this, 31 infants had suffered severe birth asphyxia, while 15 normal babies formed the control group. The liver function tests of the asphyxiated group was deranged in 64.52% babies. There was 60% mortality in asphyxiated babies with deranged liver function. The serum levels of transaminases (SGOT, SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase in non-survivors were significantly higher than those of survivors.

Premature infant feeding: role of diluted formula

The role of half strength, double volume milk feeds for initiating feeding in preterm newborn infants was evaluated. Thirty eight premature infants were included in the study and divided into Groups A and B having 20 and 18 babies, respectively. Group A babies were fed half strength (10 cal/oz) formula feeds but the volume was doubled, while Group B babies were fed full strength formula feeds (20 cal/oz) with standard volume. A pre-set schedule was evolved for feed increments in the two groups. The amount of feeds was increased daily till a volume of 150 ml/kg/day was reached. The end point of the study was achieved when the caloric intake became 100 cal/kg/day. It was observed that Group A babies attained enteral energy intake of 100 cals/kg/day much earlier and experienced lesser complications, viz., persistent gastric aspirate and abdominal distension. They required intravenous supplementation for a shorter duration thus reducing the associated complications.

Delayed cesarean section: neonatal outcome

One hundred and twenty one consecutive cesarean sections producing single term, appropriate for gestational age neonates, out of which 85% were emergency cesareans, were included in this study. Fetal distress, nonprogress of labour, and cephalopelvic disproportion were major indications for surgery. The waiting period varied from less than 30 minutes to greater than 4 hours. More than 50% of neonates studied suffered from some problem. The morbidity increased significantly if cesarean section was delayed for more than two hours.

Role of cimetidine in prevention and treatment of stress induced gastric bleeding in neonates

Gastric bleeding from stress ulcers in acutely sick infants frequently signals impending mortality. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of cimetidine in preventing and treating stress ulcers in such neonates. One hundred babies were included in this study. Out of this, 32 babies were given prophylactic cimetidine and 68 neonates acted as controls. It was observed that the babies on prophylactic cimetidine fared better than controls. In the second part of study, 77 neonates with clinical evidence of hemorrhage were included, 43 were put on cimetidine and 34 acted as controls. It was observed that babies on cimetidine therapy showed a better response. The gastric bleeding stopped earlier, and more babies responded favourably to this therapy. Use of cimetidine in stress induced bleeding in high risk neonates is recommended.

Efficacy of oral water soluble vitamin K in neonates

Effect of oral water soluble synthetic Vitamin K on prothrombin time was evaluated in 120 full term exclusively breast fed babies. Group A (n = 30) received 1 mg vitamin K (menadione sodium disulphite) intramuscularly at birth, Group B (n = 30) received 0.5 mg intramuscularly, Group C (n = 30) 1 mg orally and Group D (n = 30) did not receive any vitamin K. Prothrombin time (PT) was measured in all between 36-72 hours of age. The PT values in the four Groups A, B, C and D were 17.1 +/- 2.68 seconds, 17.2 +/- 4.42 seconds, 17.0 +/- 2.86 seconds, and 33.1 +/- 12.2 seconds, respectively; the control being 17.0 seconds. The differences between Groups A, B and C were insignificant. Group D babies had a significant prolongation of prothrombin time (p less than 0.001) as compared to the other groups. It is concluded that oral water soluble vitamin K at birth is as good as injectable vitamin K. It is a much simpler form of prophylaxis and avoids intramuscular injection.

Immunoglobulins profile of measles

Immunoglobulins profile was carried out in 60 cases of measles (30 each with and without complications) and 30 age and sex matched controls. Antibody titres and immunoglobulins levels (IgG, IgM and IgA) were determined by hemagglutination inhibition and single radial immunodiffusion techniques, respectively. Though higher IgG and IgM levels were found in complicated cases compared to controls, more importantly lower IgA levels were seen in these cases. As most of the measles complications are secondary bacterial infections of mucosal surfaces, it is postulated that these patients might have been selected for a relatively severe form of the disease due to either a pre-existing or induced IgA deficiency.

Immune status following measles vaccination in infants and evaluation for the need of revaccination

In this prospective study, immune status of children vaccinated in infancy was determined at age 12-18 months. In 200 children, preimmunization protective measles hemagglutination (HI) antibody titres (greater than or equal to 1:8) were present in 38.5% of children of 6-8 months, the frequency decreased to 17.6 and 14.3% in age groups 9-11 and 12-18 months, respectively followed by an increasing incidence of 52.5% in those more than 18 months of age. Paired measles HI titre was estimated in 56 children, the post vaccination sample was taken at age 12-18 months, 3-9 months after measles vaccination. Most of the children (98.0%), with no detectable antibody titre, had a protective titre. Again a significant number (p less than 0.001) of children aged 12-18 months had protective HI titres compared to non-vaccinated. These findings suggest that when vaccinated at 9-11 months in our country, there is no need for revaccination later.

Spoon vs bottle: a controlled evaluation of milk feeding in young infants

Fifty infants under the age of six months who were on artificial milk and who had attended the hospital for diarrhea, were taken up for study. They were divided into two groups. In Group I (n = 25) infants were given milk by spoon and in Group II (n = 25) by bottle. Mothers were given education relevant to the method of feeding on an individual basis. Follow up over a period of 3 months showed a fall in the number of diarrheal episodes which was similar in the two groups. Maternal compliance was significantly better in the bottle-fed group where only one mother expressed a desire to change over to the use of cup and spoon. The weight gain was better in the bottle-fed group, the difference being statistically significant relevant to the weight gain in the second and third month and to the total weight gain in the three months period (t = 3.24, p less than 0.01; t = 2.03 p less than 0.05; and t = 2.24, p less than 0.05, respectively).

Simulation and observation of infrared piezobirefringent images in diametrically compressed semiconductor disks

Stress-induced birefringence images of diametrically compressed semiconductor disks are examined here. The experimentally observed images are compared with computer-simulated images for (100) and (111) orientation silicon disks. For a (100) oriented sample, the stress-optic coefficient C is found to depend on the position and on the orientation of the load axis with respect to the crystal principal axes. Computed values of C for the (100) orientation silicon varied from 2.0 x 10(-12) to 3.0 x 10(-12) cm(2)/dyn for a diametrically compressed disk with the load being applied at angles of 45 degrees and 75 degrees with respect to one of the crystal principal axes. As expected from the crystal symmetry, C was observed to be a constant for the (111) oriented silicon sample having a value of 2.33 x 10(-12) cm(2)/dyn.

A study of psychiatric morbidity in married males with sexual dysfunction

Thirty married males with sexual dysfunction were first examined by the venereologist in the STD clinic. Then they were assessed with General Health Questionnaire-36 items (Physical illness items removed) (GHQ-36P) and Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HRS-D). Results were compared with properly matched controls. 53 % of the patients belonged to age group of 25-34 years. Erectile importence was the most common type' of sexual dysfunction. 80% of the patients scored high(≥ 5) in GHQ-36P. Depression of moderate to severe degree were present in more than 75% of the high scorers.

Alanine dehydrogenase in mycobacteria--a preliminary report

Various mycobacterial species namely M. phlei, M. vaccae, M. scrofulaceum, M. avium and M. tuberculosis have been investigated for the presence of enzyme alanine dehydrogenase which could be important for utilization of alanine by TCA cycle. It was found that alanine dehydrogenase was present in all species of mycobacteria tested irrespective of the fact whether they are rapid or slow growers. Electrophoretic mobilities of alanine dehydrogenase from different species of mycobacteria were not found to be significant for taxonomical differentiation of rapid and slow growers.

Comparative studies on the amoebicidal activity of known 5-nitroimidazole derivatives and CG 10213-Go in golden hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus, infected in the liver or caecum or both with trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica

CG 10213-Go, a 5-nitroimidazole derivative synthesized at the CIBA-Geigy Research Centre, Bombay, proved superior to such currently used 5-nitroimidazole derivatives as metronidazole, ornidazole, secnidazole, tinidazole and nimorazole, against experimental amoebic infections of the liver and caecum in a golden hamster model. CG 10213-Go is now undergoing clinical trials.