Comparative Study of Neurological Soft Signs in Patients with Schizophrenia or Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, and Healthy Controls

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to examine neurological soft signs in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder compared with patients with schizophrenia and a control group in the Indian setting. The secondary objective was to find any correlation between age at onset and neurological soft signs scores, as well as that between severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (total Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score) and neurological soft signs scores.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 135 individuals (45 patients with schizophrenia, 45 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who were attending the psychiatric outpatient department of Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, India, and 45 matched healthy controls) from 20 June 2013 to 22 December 2014. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants completed the study instruments (Cambridge Neurological Inventory [Part 2] and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale). Their socio-demographic data were also recorded.

RESULTS

The neurological soft signs total score and domain scores (motor coordination, sensory integration, and disinhibition) were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.05) than in the obsessive-compulsive disorder group or the control group. The obsessive-compulsive disorder group did not significantly differ from the control group in terms of neurological soft signs scores. No correlation was found between neurological soft signs scores and age at onset as well as that between neurological soft signs scores and total Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score.

CONCLUSION

Neurological soft signs assessed by the Cambridge Neurological Inventory and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, which discriminate patients with schizophrenia from controls, appear to be relatively specific to schizophrenia. Further studies are required to explore neurological soft signs in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Long-term effect of rice-based farming systems on soil health

Integrated rice-fish culture, an age-old farming system, is a technology which could produce rice and fish sustainably at a time by optimizing scarce resource use through complementary use of land and water. An understanding of microbial processes is important for the management of farming systems as soil microbes are the living part of soil organic matter and play critical roles in soil C and N cycling and ecosystem functioning of farming system. Rice-based integrated farming system model for small and marginal farmers was established in 2001 at Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha. The different enterprises of farming system were rice-fish, fish-fingerlings, fruits, vegetables, rice-fish refuge, and agroforestry. This study was conducted with the objective to assess the soil physicochemical properties, microbial population, carbon and nitrogen fractions, soil enzymatic activity, and productivity of different enterprises. The effect of enterprises induced significant changes in the chemical composition and organic matter which in turn influenced the activities of enzymes (urease, acid, and alkaline phosphatase) involved in the C, N, and P cycles. The different enterprises of long-term rice-based farming system caused significant variations in nutrient content of soil, which was higher in rice-fish refuge followed by rice-fish enterprise. Highest microbial populations and enzymatic properties were recorded in rice-fish refuge system because of waterlogging and reduced condition prolonged in this system leading to less decomposition of organic matter. The maximum alkaline phosphatase, urease, and FDA were observed in rice-fish enterprise. However, highest acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity were obtained in vegetable enterprise and fish-fingerlings enterprise, respectively.

Effect of fly ash application on soil microbial response and heavy metal accumulation in soil and rice plant

Fly ash (FA), a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has been considered as a problematic solid waste and its safe disposal is a cause of concern. Several studies proposed that FA can be used as a soil additive; however its effect on microbial response, soil enzymatic activities and heavy metal accumulation in soil and grain of rice (cv. Naveen) to fly ash (FA) application was studied in a pot experiment during dry season 2011 in an Inceptisol. Fly ash was applied at a rate of zero per cent (FS), five per cent (FA5), ten per cent (FA10), twenty per cent (FA20), 40 per cent (FA40) and 100 per cent (FA100) on soil volume basis with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (40:20:20mg N:P:Kkg(-1) soil) with six replications. Heavy metals contents in soil and plant parts were analysed after harvest of crop. On the other hand, microbial population and soil enzymatic activities were analysed at panicle initiation stage (PI, 65 days after transplanting) of rice. There was no significant change in the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) with application of fly ash up to FA10. However, at FA100 there was significant increase of all metals concentration in soil than other treatments. Microorganisms differed in their response to the rate of FA application. Population of both fungi and actinomycetes decreased with the application of fly ash, while aerobic heterotrophic bacterial population did not change significantly up to FA40. On the other hand, total microbial activity measured in terms of Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) assay, and denitrifiers showed an increased trend up to FA40. However, activities of both alkaline and acid phosphatase were decreased with the application of FA. Application of FA at lower levels (ten to twenty per cent on soil volume basis) in soil enhanced micronutrients content, microbial activities and crop yield.

A review on medicinal importance, pharmacological activity and bioanalytical aspects of beta-carboline alkaloid ''Harmine''

Harmine, a beta-carboline alkaloid, is widely distributed in the plants, marine creatures, insects, mammalians as well as in human tissues and body fluids. Harmine was originally isolated from seeds of Peganum harmal in 1847 having a core indole structure and a pyridine ring. Harmine has various types of pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, cytotoxic, antiplasmodial, antioxidaant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and hallucinogenic properties. It acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A and monoamine oxidase A or B receptor, enhances insulin sensitivity and also produces vasorelaxant effect. Harmine prevents bone loss by suppressing osteoclastogenesis. The current review gives an overview on pharmacological activity and analytical techniques of harmine, which may be useful for researcheres to explore the hidden potential of harmine and and will also help in developing new drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and their management strategies

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by the proliferation of skin-homing post-thymic T-cells. It is the second most common extranodal non-Hodgekin's lymphoma. Many variants of mycosis fungoides and CTCLs are known to date, differing in clinical, histological, and immunophenotypic characteristics. Oral involvement has also been reported rarely in CTCLs. Treatment depends on the disease stage or the type of variant. New insights into the disease and the number of emerging novel therapeutic options have made it an interesting area for dermatologists and medical oncologists.

Comparison of scar thickness measurements using trans-vaginal sonography and MRI in cases of pregnancy with previous caesarean section. Do they correlate with actual scar thickness?

The aim of this study was to evaluate scar thickness in cases of pregnancy with previous caesarean section, by trans-vaginal sonography (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to correlate precision of radiologically-measured scar thickness with actual measurement of scar thickness. A total of 35 pregnant patients with previous caesarean section planned for elective caesarean section, were evaluated prospectively. Their scar thickness was measured by TVS and MRI on the day of elective repeat caesarean section. These measurements were correlated with each other and with scar thickness measured during elective repeat caesarean section by using a caliper. The correlation coefficients between scar thickness measured by TVS and MRI with peroperative evaluation with a caliper, were +0.72 and +0.59, respectively. The study concluded that as MRI is a costlier modality and TVS has better correlation coefficient with actual scar thickness, TVS can be considered to be the better modality for antenatal scar thickness measurement.

Effect of fly ash deposition on photosynthesis, growth and yield of rice

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of fly ash deposition without and with (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1)) foliar dusting on the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, albedo and productivity of rice. Dusting of 0.5 g m(-2 )day(-1) fly ash and above significantly reduced the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and albedo. Panicle initiation and flowering stages were more influenced by the fly ash deposition as compared to active tillering stage. At higher rates of fly ash deposition, all growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced due to increased heat load and reduced intercellular CO2 concentration. A significant reduction of 12.3, 15.7 and 20.2 % in grain yield was recorded over control when fly ash was dusted at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1), respectively.

The effect of deep venous stenting on healing of lower limb venous ulcers

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of endovascular interventions on deep veins in patients with venous ulcers (C6).

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of a case series. All patients with active venous ulceration who underwent endovascular interventions to the deep venous system from February 2011 to June 2013 were included. Patients with C6 disease who failed a trial of adequate compression therapy or superficial vein interventions were considered for evaluation of the deep veins. Patients with deep vein reflux or without significant venous reflux or with a previous history of deep vein thrombosis underwent computed tomographic venogram or ascending venogram. In the absence of intravenous ultrasound trial ballooning to look for a "waist" to identify subtle lesions was used. Lesions were stented with long Nitinol stents.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients underwent deep vein stenting of 44 limbs with venous ulcers. The lesions were considered to be post-thrombotic in 31 limbs and non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions in 13 limbs. A mean of 1.8 stents were used per patient. There were no significant complications associated with the interventions. At a median follow-up of 15 months, the primary and assisted primary patency rates were 94% and 97%, respectively. Sustained ulcer healing was achieved in 60% of limbs. A further 20% of ulcers had reduced in size. Recurrent ulcers developed in 13% of limbs, and half of these healed with interventions for newly developed incompetence in superficial veins.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular interventions to the deep veins appear to be an effective adjunct in achieving the healing of recalcitrant ulcers.

Onset of acute and transient psychotic disorder in India: a study of socio-demographics and factors affecting its outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Acute and transient psychotic disorder has been accepted as a distinct diagnostic entity in the ICD-10. However, there are few studies delineating its demographics and factors affecting its outcome. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic profile of patients with acute and transient psychotic disorder and the variables associated with the onset of illness and their effect on illness outcome in an Indian setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in which case notes of patients admitted from 1 January to 31 December 2012 and diagnosed with acute and transient psychotic disorder (according to the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria) were analysed. Socio-demographic variables and variables associated with the onset of illness were noted. Duration of hospital stay was used as a proxy measure for clinical outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 185 patient records were analysed. Overall, 49% of the patients were males and 51% were females. Most of the cases (60%) were aged between 20 and 39 years. The majority was married, unemployed, educated up to middle school, living in a nuclear family, and had a rural background. Age (p = 0.05) and marital status (p = 0.03) significantly affected the outcome. Overall, 46% of the patients had stress as a precipitating factor, 27% reported substance use, and 23% had a family history of psychiatric illness prior to the onset of their illness. The onset of illness was from May to October in 54% of the patients, with the duration of untreated illness ranging from 7 to 15 days in 38% of the patients. The clinical outcome was significantly affected by duration of untreated illness (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute and transient psychotic disorders show slight female preponderance and occur in early adulthood. There is no precipitating stress in most cases and shorter duration of untreated illness predicts favourable clinical outcome.

Spontaneous Rupture of Bicornuate Uterus Caused by Levorotation Due to Congenital Band

Rupture of gravid uterus due to torsion is a rare obstetric complication. The uterus has little mobility and is firmly held in place by its supports which resist any tendency of torsion. We are reporting a case of bicornuate uterus with rupture of left horn due to inability of malformed uterus to expand and axial torsion around one of its horns held by congenital band. Band was dissected and ruptured left horn excised, hemostasis was secured leaving the nonruptured nongravid horn of uterus intact.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 57-59 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9773  

Varied presentation of uterine arteriovenous malformations and their management by uterine artery embolisation

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare lesions which have a varied presentation that may range from the patient being asymptomatic to varying degrees of menorrhagia. It can be diagnosed by Doppler sonography but a strong index of suspicion is necessary. Management of this condition depends on presentation and available resources. In asymptomatic patients, we can leave the patients on regular follow-up as many lesions regress spontaneously. In patients with excessive haemorrhage not responding to embolisation or when facilities of embolisation are not available, hysterectomy needs to be done. Uterine artery embolisation should be considered the optimum treatment, as it has a high success rate coupled with few complications and also has fertility-preserving potential. Clinical follow-up usually suffices but sonography may occasionally be required.

Physico-chemical study of Vaikrānta bhasma

Background:

Vaikrānta has very important place in Rasa śāstra and is placed under Mahārasa and Upratna group. It has been mentioned that vaikrānta can be used in the place of diamond, which is a very precious stone and whose use is beyond the limit of the common man. Vaikrānta possesses pharmacological and therapeutic properties similar to diamond, but still very few researchers have worked on it.

Aims and Objectives:

The main aim of the present study is to analyze vaikrānta bhasma by employing various organoleptic methods mentioned in Ayurvedic science along with analysis as per tools available today.

Settings and Design:

In the present study, vaikrānta bhasma was prepared according to method mentioned in Rasa Ratna Samuccaya. Final product is prepared according to classical parameters described in Ayurvedic science.

Materials and Methods:

Ayurvedic scholars have described various parameters for the qualitative evaluation of vaikrānta bhasma, but all those are subjective in nature and cannot be evaluated numerically for reproducibility of the result. With this in mind, in the present study, tests as per Ayurvedic science and analytical parameters such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry were adopted to analyze the final product.

Results and Conclusions:

Data suggests that vaikrānta bhasma is a multi-mineral compound, which contains iron and silica as major constituents and others are present as trace elements. The data obtained in this study suggest that quality specifications for vaikrānta bhasma can be developed using tests described in Ayurvedic science along with analytical tools available today.

Abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and synaptic degeneration as early events in Alzheimer's disease: implications to mitochondria-targeted antioxidant therapeutics

Synaptic pathology and mitochondrial oxidative damage are early events in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Loss of synapses and synaptic damage are the best correlates of cognitive deficits found in AD patients. Recent research on amyloid beta (Aβ) and mitochondria in AD revealed that Aβ accumulates in synapses and synaptic mitochondria, leading to abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and synaptic degeneration in AD neurons. Further, recent studies using live-cell imaging and primary neurons from amyloid beta precursor protein (AβPP) transgenic mice revealed reduced mitochondrial mass, defective axonal transport of mitochondria and synaptic degeneration, indicating that Aβ is responsible for mitochondrial and synaptic deficiencies. Tremendous progress has been made in studying antioxidant approaches in mouse models of AD and clinical trials of AD patients. This article highlights the recent developments made in Aβ-induced abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, defective mitochondrial biogenesis, impaired axonal transport and synaptic deficiencies in AD. This article also focuses on mitochondrial approaches in treating AD, and also discusses latest research on mitochondria-targeted antioxidants in AD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease.

VEGF and its soluble receptor VEGFR-2 in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: the Indian scenario

Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy due to defective angiogenesis during placental development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the angiogenic growth factors that stimulates angiogenesis. The recombinant form of its soluble receptor VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) has anti-angiogenic activity. However, there is a paucity of information on serum VEGF and sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different sub-groups of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the concentrations and the diagnostic utility of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 in gestational hypertension (GH, n=90), pre-eclampsia (PE, n=180), eclampsia (n=90) and control (n=180) pregnancy at different gestations. VEGF levels were significantly higher in PE and eclamptic (median=19.53 pg ml(-1); 60.36 pg ml(-1), P=0.0001) groups as compared with the control ones (median=18 pg ml(-1)). But, the serum sVEGFR-2 levels were found to be significantly decreased from GH to eclampsia groups (median=5196; 3972 pg ml(-1)) as compared with control groups (median=7417 pg ml(-1)). As the gestation advanced, there was an inverse association in the serum concentrations of sVEGFR-2 among the control, GH, PE and eclampsia groups. At both 34 and >34 weeks of gestations, higher sensitivity and specificity were observed for sVEGFR-2 in differentiating GH (50.8, 50%; 76.6, 76.6%), PE (63, 63%; 90, 90%) and eclampsia (65, 66.6%; 90, 90%) from the control pregnancy. This upregulation of VEGF and downregulation of sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different study groups may be due to hypoxia and could be involved intimately in the pathogenesis of these disorders. This study may contribute in understanding etio-pathogenesis of different hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Effect of topical application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), EDTA on pitting edema and oxidative stress in a double blind, placebo-controlled study

No pharmacological treatment exists for lower extremity pitting edema, characterized by inflammation, found in chronic venous insufficiency. Treatment with EDTA, an effective metal chelator, was explored because it can modulate free calcium and iron and prevent further free radical production. However, EDTA may not effectively penetrate the cell membrane, hence methylsulfonylmethane(MSM), reported to facilitate transmembrane transport, was added. The effect of topical application of a lotion containing MSM+EDTA was assessed in two phases of a double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. In phase 1, patients having swelling in the lower extremities were randomly distributed to receive the MSM+EDTA lotion or a placebo (vehicle) alone. In the second phase, patients were given MSM as placebo followed by MSM+EDTA lotion for 2 weeks. The circumference of calf, ankle and foot for both legs were found to decline significantly after 2 weeks of application of the lotion/ but not placebo, and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation products (MDA), assayed in blood, showed decline in oxidative stress. Application of MSM alone increased the swelling. Thus EDTA+MSM offers an efficacious treatment for lower extremity pitting edema, through reduction in oxidative stress.

Supplemental ultraviolet-B and ozone: impact on antioxidants, proteome and genome of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L. cv. Padmini)

The present investigation used Linum usitatissimum L. cv. Padmini (linseed), under field conditions in open-top chambers, to evaluate the interactive effects of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B; ambient +7.2 kJ · m(-2) · d(-1)) and ozone (O(3); ambient +10 ppb). Treatment of plants with sUV-B and O(3) , individually or in combination, caused several changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the antioxidant defence system. Photo-oxidative damage caused by sUV-B and O(3) , included lipid peroxidation, changed protein profiles and caused DNA strand breakage. One-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that proteins of 222.24 and 50.5 kDa are specific and appear after sUV-B and O(3) exposure, and could be used as indicator proteins. Effects of sUV-B and O(3) given separately are more detrimental as compared to combined treatment. Mutational and structural alterations in linseed DNA after these stresses were also examined using RAPD with ten different primers. The study concluded that both stresses, i.e. sUV-B and O(3) , are phytotoxic, causing significant changes in metabolites, antioxidants, the leaf proteome and the genome of linseed, but their interactive effect was always less than additive.

Study of polymorphs of progesterone by novel melt sonocrystallization technique: a technical note

A large number of pharmaceuticals exhibit polymorphism; 23% steroids, 60% sulfonamides, and 70% of barbiturates have shown this property. In this study, we have investigated and compared a new technique termed as melt sonocrystallization (MSC) with melt and sonocrystallization (SC) for induction of polymorphism in progesterone (PRG). Polymorphs were characterized by DSC, XRD, FT-IR, and FT Raman spectroscopy. Melt sonocrystallized progesterone (MSC-PRG) contained both the polymorphs, more soluble form II along with less soluble form I, whereas melt progesterone (M-PRG) and sonocrystallized progesterone (SC-PRG) contained only form I. Improvement in dissolution characteristics of both the polymorphs were compared and form II was found to be more readily soluble than form I in deionized water. Reduction in mean particle size of PRG during SC was also determined using laser diffractometer. During stability testing (40°C/75% RH) for 1 month, metastable form II of MSC-PRG was found to be transformed into its more stable state. MSC technique was thus found as a useful tool for induction of polymorphism.

Study of 194Tlg decay

Absolute γ ray intensities in the decay of 194Tlg have been measured following the radiochemical separation of 194Pb produced in the reaction of 19F+181Ta. The (EC+β +) branching ratios in the decay of 194Tlg to various levels of 194Hg were deduced. Three new levels are introduced in the decay scheme. A precise value of half life of 194Pb (10.0±0.4 min) is reported.

Charge and mass distribution in7Li induced fission of232Th

Formation cross sections of about forty fission products have been determined using recoil catcher technique followed by off line gamma-ray spectrometry in7Li induced fission of232Th atElab= 41.9, 36.6 and 31.4 MeV. The measured data have been used to deduce charge and mass distributions. Mass distribution is found to be asymmetric at all the three energies. Cross sections of evaporation residues formed in both transfer reactions (232,233,234Pa) as well as in complete fusion (234Np), have also been measured. The measured evaporation residue cross sections and the decay probabilities of target like nuclei (233,234,235Pa) formed in the various transfer reactions, as calculated by PACE2, have been used to estimate the transfer induced fission cross sections. The data indicated that the magnitude of transfer induced fission is very small.

Effectiveness of HIV counseling services on knowledge, attitude, behavior and practice (KABP) among pregnant women attending PPTCT program

Counseling services is an important component of National AIDS Control Program which aims at creating awareness and promoting changes in reducing high risk behavior against HIV/AIDS. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics are being counseled about HIV/AIDS under prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program. The objective of this study was to assess (KABP) regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending PPTCT program before and after counseling at Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. A Quasi-experimental study was conducted. Data was collected by interviewing 600 pregnant women attending ANC clinic during May 2006 to May 2007 using a pre-test and post-test interview schedule. About 69.2% of the pregnant women had heard about AIDS before the counseling. Knowledge regarding mother to child transmission of HIV was 53.5%. 38.2% knew that mother to child transmission can be reduced by drugs. The knowledge of pregnant women about AIDS was significantly different in pre-test (mean score = 15.3) and post test (mean score = 35.6) (P < 0.0001). Attitude of study participants towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) indicated that individuals with HIV should be allowed to work (79.9%) and all commercial sex workers should compulsorily be tested for HIV (55.1%). There was significant difference between in pre-test and post-test attitude about PLWHA and HIV testing (p < 0.0001). The condom use among the study participants significantly improved after counseling (1.2% in pre-test and 58.6% after counseling) (p < 0.0001). Counseling services were effective in increasing knowledge and changes in attitude and behavior among pregnant women and the efforts needs to be sustained.

The level of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in kajal and surma of major Indian brands

Kajal and surma are eye cosmetics extensively used in Indian subcontinent. Kajal is prepared by burning of vegetable oil and butter oil while surma by grinding of the stones. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instruments were used for quantification and confirmation of 16 polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Significant concentration of PAH was found in all the samples examined. The median concentration of PAH ranged from 0.14 (lowest, anthracene) to 31.18 microg g(-1) [dibenz(a,h)anthracene] in kajal sample and from not detectable concentration (naphthalene) to 197.47 microg g(-1) of benzo(a)pyrene in surma sample. Fifteen PAHs were detected in all the samples. Therefore the use of kajal and surma in eye should be strictly restricted.

"Knowledge, attitude, behavior and practice (KABP) regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending PPTCT programme in New Delhi"

In India, several thousand HIV-infected babies are expected to be born every year. Despite effective intervention, the identification of HIV infected pregnant women prior to delivery is a major problem. KABP and acceptance of rapid screening of women for HIV among pregnant women attending ANC clinic and availing Voluntary Counselling and Confidential Testing services was assessed. The study was done among 90 pregnant women. There was no significant difference between one's husbands's job and income with respect to pregnant women's awareness of risk factors except that of tattooing. Education level had significant bearing on awareness level. Attitude about PLWHA indicates that 29% of the participants believed individuals with HIV shouldn't be allowed to get married, while 31% saying that they should not be allowed to have children. Participants supported compulsory HIV testing for pregnant women (39%) and couples before marriage. Almost 96% of participants had unprotected sex, though 41% casually used condom. All denied herself or her husband indulging in extramarital sex. The country is about to embark on its prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programme. This study throws some light on the level of knowledge acceptability and adoption of VCT and other PMTCT strategies among potential beneficiaries.

Status of HFE mutation in thalassemia syndromes in north India

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive and most commonly inherited single gene disorder among Caucasians, with a prevalence of 5 per 1,000 and a carrier frequency of 1 in 10. Two point mutations were described and are referred as C282Y and H63D. In the present study, we have analyzed 729 north Indian samples for C282Y and H63D mutations. Of these, no allele of the C282Y mutation was seen, while 3 homozygous and 43 heterozygous for the H63D mutation were seen in the patients of thalassemia group. However, 47 cases were found heterozygous for the H63D mutation among the normal groups (11.16%).

Blood schizontocidal activity of selected 1,2,4-trioxanes (Fenozans) against the multidrug-resistant strain of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis (MDR) in vivo

Blood schizontocidal activity of 10 selected cis-fused cyclopenteno-1,2,4-trioxanes (namely Fenozan compound nos 6, 7, 11, 27, 32, 39, 44, 45, 48 and 51) have been re-investigated to establish their curative doses against the multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis strain, which is lethal in Swiss mice. Freshly prepared formulations of these compounds prepared either in neutral groundnut (peanut) oil or in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-Tween-water, were compared for their antimalarial activity. Only 2 compounds, namely Fenozan derivatives 11 and 45, formulated in neutral groundnut oil for oral administration, showed highest activity with 100% cure rate in MDR P. yoelii nigeriensis-infected mice, while the DMSO-Tween-water formulations were inactive. Fenozan-48 produced 72.2% cure, when administered orally in groundnut oil (formulation) while its DMSO-Tween formulation was inactive. In the case of Fenozan 7, the oil and DMSO-Tween formulations produced 92.3 and 76.0% cures respectively. Fenozan derivatives nos 6, 27, 32, 39, 44 and 51 were not protective either in groundnut oil or DMSO-Tween oral formulations. The present study has applied more rigorous criteria for selection of active compounds, and has identified the 3,3-spirocyclopentane derivative Fenozan 11, and the 3,3-spirohydropyran derivative Fenozan 45, as potential blood schizontocides which can completely eliminate multidrug-resistant malaria infection in mice. Both these compounds are candidates for pre-clinical development. The present study advocates the preferred use of an oil vehicle for oral evaluation of potential antimalarial trioxanes/fenozans instead of the DMSO formulation, which gives inferior curative efficacy.

Demonstration of a multiwave coherent holographic beam combiner in a polymeric substrate

We demonstrate an efficient coherent holographic beam combiner (CHBC) that uses angle multiplexing of gratings in a thick polymeric substrate. Our experimental results compare well with the theoretical model based on the coupled-wave theory of multiwave mixing in a passive medium. A CHBC of this type may prove useful in producing a high-power laser by combining amplified beams produced by splitting a master oscillator. Furthermore, the ability to angle multiplex a large number of beams enables a CHBC to be used in multiple-beam interferometry applications as a high-precision surface sensor.