Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in beta-thalassaemic patients from Northern India

Multitransfused beta-thalassaemic patients constitute a population having a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection because of its transmission from infected blood collected during seronegative window period. HCV genotyping in thalassaemic patients is mainly useful for the clinical management of the patients and for facilitating decisions on therapy. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the genotypes that are prevalent in thalassaemic patients and to correlate these with gender, age, number of blood transfusions and the liver function test profiles. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out in 80 beta-thalassaemic patients (58 men and 22 women) for detection of HCV RNA who were seronegative for hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. HCV genotyping was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method of Chinchai et al. Type-specific PCR followed by direct sequencing was also used to confirm the mixed-genotype infection. Among the 80 thalassaemic patients, 20 and eight patients were infected with genotypes 3 and 1, respectively, whereas two cases had infection with HCV genotype1c/5a. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were found to be significantly altered between the two groups of HCV-infected and noninfected thalassaemic patients. No significant correlation was observed between genotypes when compared with gender, age and number of blood transfusions, except significantly higher level of ALP in genotype 1 than in genotype 3. Genotype 3 alone was the predominant type in beta-thalassaemic patients, with approximately 45% being infected with mixed type. Hence, detection of HCV RNA would help in decreasing the transmission of HCV-infected blood collected during the seronegative window period, whereas determination of genotypes would provide help in adoption of different treatment policies for better management of thalassaemic patients.

Isolation and characterization of embryonic stem cell-like cells from in vitro-produced buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos

This study was carried out to isolate and characterize buffalo embryonic stem (ES) cell-like cells from in vitro-produced embryos. Inner cell mass (ICM) cells were isolated either mechanically or by enzymatic digestion from 120 blastocysts whereas 28 morulae were used for the isolation of blastomeres mechanically. The ICM cells/ blastomeres were cultured on mitomycin-C-treated feeder layer. Primary cell colony formation was higher (P < 0.05) for hatched blastocysts (73.1%, 30/41) than that for early/expanded blastocysts (25.3%, 20/79). However, no primary cell colonies were formed when blastomeres obtained from morulae were cultured. Primary colonies were formed in 14.1% (12/85) of intact blastocyst culture, which was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of 41.6% for ICM culture. These colonies were separated by enzymatic or mechanical disaggregation. Using mechanical disaggregation method, the cells remained undifferentiated and two buffalo ES cell-like cell lines (bES1, bES2) continued to grow in culture up to eight passages. However, disassociation through enzymatic method resulted in differentiation. Undifferentiated cells exhibited stem cell morphological features, normal chromosomal morphology, and expressed specific markers such as alkaline phosphatase (AP) and Oct-4. Cells formed embryoid bodies (EBs) in suspension culture; extended culture of EBs resulted in formation of cystic EBs. Following prolonged in vitro culture, these cells differentiated into several types of cells including neuron-like and epithelium-like cells. Furthermore, the vitrified-thawed ES cell-like cells also exhibited typical stem cell characteristics. In conclusion, buffalo ES cell-like cells could be isolated from in vitro-produced blastocysts and maintained in vitro for prolonged periods of time.

Effects of short-term and chronic olanzapine treatment on immediate early gene protein and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the rat locus coeruleus and medial prefrontal cortex

Atypical antipsychotic drugs, such as olanzapine, have been reported to activate the locus coeruleus (LC) and lead to acute expression of the Fos-like immediate early gene (IEG) protein in the LC and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Stimuli that activate the LC have been reported to increase expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. However, the effects of chronic treatment with olanzapine on IEG expression and the dose-dependence of the effects of olanzapine on IEG and TH expression are not known. Thus, we examined Fos-like, c-Jun, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2), early growth response 1 (Egr-1), early growth response 2 (Egr-2), and TH immunoreactivity expression in the LC and mPFC in rats receiving 2, 4, 8, or 15 mg/kg/day olanzapine by s.c. osmotic minipump for 4 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks. ATF-2 expression was up-regulated at all treatment durations, while Egr-1 and Egr-2 were down-regulated in both the LC and mPFC. Fos-like expression was up-regulated through 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks, in both the LC and mPFC. C-Jun expression was up-regulated for 4 weeks in the LC and for 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks, in the mPFC. At all doses, there were rapid and sustained increases in TH immunoreactivity in the LC, but only delayed increases in the mPFC. These data indicate that olanzapine has rapid effects on IEG in the LC and mPFC, many of which are sustained through four weeks of treatment. Further, these data indicate that the delayed increase in TH expression in the mPFC parallels, and may play an important role in, the increased efficacy of olanzapine that emerges over time in humans.

Quantitative Determination of Four Constituents of Tinospora sps. by a Reversed-Phase HPLC-UV-DAD Method. Broad-Based Studies Revealing Variation in Content of Four Secondary Metabolites in the Plant from Different Eco-Geographical Regions of India

This paper describes the separation and quantitation of important markers, such as 20beta-hydroxyecdysone, tinosporaside, cordioside, and columbin, present in three species of Tinospora viz, T. cordifolia, T. malabrica, and T. crispa. A reverse-phase (RP) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV-diode array detection (DAD) method employing gradient elution is thus developed. The marker compounds isolated from 70% ethanolic extract of T. cordfolia by repeated column chromatography are identified on the basis of (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and mass spectral data. The compounds are separated on a RP (RP-18, 5 microm, 250 x 4.6-mm i.d.) column using water-acetonitrile gradient and are detected by the HPLC-UV-DAD method. The calibration curves that result from marker compounds in the concentration range of 100-2000 ng on column exhibit a good correlation (r(2) > or = 0.99978). The method is successfully applied to separate and study the content of four marker compounds in 40 different accessions of three Tinospora species collected from different regions of India. The studies reveal that the maximum amount of the marker compounds is present in Tinospora cordifolia species, especially from accessions collected from higher altitudes of the Jammu province (North India).

Molecular characterization of hepatitis A virus from a large outbreak from Kerala, India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis A is highly prevalent in India and mainly presents as a sporadic disease. This study investigated an outbreak of viral hepatitis at Medical College Hospital area, Kottayam, Kerala state, India during January 2005.

METHODS

Blood (133), faecal (1), sewage (4), and water samples (13) were collected. Sera were tested for IgG- and IgM-anti-HAV and IgM antibodies against hepatitis E (IgM-anti-HEV). Sewage, faeces and water samples were tested for HAV RNA in nested RT-PCR and HAV RNA positive samples were further processed for RNA quantitation using Real Time PCR.

RESULTS

Of the 1180 total cases, 540 were reported from Medical college area. Two deaths were reported among doctors. Patients from the community gave a previous history of visit to medical college hospital area. The sewage treatment plant at the campus was non-functional since 1990 and the untreated sewage was constantly overflowing and getting mixed with a canal. At the time of the study, all the water sources were superchlorinated. HAV RNA was present in the faeces of hepatitis A patient (1.36 x 10(7) copies/ml), sewage tank (2.57 x 10(3) copies/ml and the canal (<100 copies/ml). None of the 13 water samples concentrated 10,000-fold and the soil sample showed presence of HAV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis based on 5'-non-coding and P2 regions showed HAV-genotype IIIA in all samples.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The aetiological agent of the present outbreak was found to be HAV. Epidemic hepatitis A (genotype-IIIA) is emerging in Indian adults, emphasizing the need for definite policy for control.

Bioreactor studies on the endophytic fungus Entrophospora infrequens for the production of an anticancer alkaloid camptothecin

Twigs (young and old) from Nothapodytes foetida growing in the Jammu and Mahabaleshwar regions in India were used for the isolation of 52 strains of endophytic fungi and were tested for their ability to produce the anticancer alkaloid camptothecin. One of the isolates from the inner bark tissue of the N. foetida plant growing in the Jammu region of J&K state, India, was found to produce detectable quantities of camptothecin and its derivatives when grown in a semi-synthetic liquid medium. Camptothecin was identified by physicochemical analysis and further confirmed by spectroscopic studies. No camptothecin was detected in zero time cultures or in uninoculated culture broth. The maximum yield of camptothecin was 0.575 ± 0.031 mg/100 g of dry cell mass in 96 h in shake flasks, whereas 4.96 ± 0.73 mg/100 g of dry mass was recorded in 48 h in a bioreactor.Key words: endophytes, camptothecin, anticancer drug, Nothapodytes foetida, Entrophospora infrequens, bioreactor, scale-up.

195 DEVELOPMENT OF INNER CELL MASS AND FORMATION OF EMBRYOID BODIES ON A GELATIN-COATED DISH AND ON THE FEEDER LAYER IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS)

Isolation and culture of embryo-derived cell lines have been reported in many mammals, however, there is not even a single report toward initiation of such work in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Therefore the present study was carried out to isolate the inner cell mass from in vitro-produced buffalo blastocysts and to grow this inner cell mass for formation of embryoid bodies in a gelatin-coated dish and on an homologous fetal fibroblast feeder layer. Immature buffalo oocytes were isolated from the slaughterhouse ovaries. In vitro production of blastocysts was carried as reported by Chauhan et al. (1999 J. Dairy Science 82, 918-926). A total of 26 buffalo blastocysts were produced in vitro. These blastocysts were transferred into a 100-mL drop of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for further culturing. Thirteen blastocysts hatched on the next day of culture. The hatched mass was separated, suspended in Dulbecco's phosphate buffer saline (DPBS, without Ca++ and Mg++) containing 5% FBS + 0.25% trypsin and examined under the zoom stereomicroscope until disappearance of the trophectoderm cells. The remaining cells of seven blastocysts were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 20% FBS on 0.2% gelatin coated culture dish (group 1), and cells of six blastocysts in DMEM medium supplemented with 20% FBS were cultured on a mitomycin-c-treated (10 �L/mL) feeder layer (group 2), for 14 days. The isolated cells attached to the bottom of the dish in both the groups, spreading was noticed on Day 5 of the culture in group 1 and on Day 3 of culture in group 2. The attached cells were trypsinized using DPBS with 0.25% trypsin, isolated, and subcultured further. Attachment and spreading was noticed only in group 2 subcultured cells. The cellular integrity was homogeneous and the plasma membrane was clearly visible in group 2, but not in group 1. Less than 10% of the attached cells formed embryoid bodies in group 1, where as more than 30% attached cells in group 2 formed embryoid bodies; the latter expressed alkaline phosphatase activity and were blue after staining. These results indicate that the culturing of the inner cell mass on an homologous fetal fibroblast feeder layer is a better choice for production of embryonic stem cells in buffaloes.

Microplate nitrate reductase assay versus Alamar Blue assay for MIC determination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A rapid colorimetric, microplate based nitrate reductase assay (NRA) method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was compared with the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA), presently in vogue. Reproducible results were obtained in 7 days by NRA. The NRA method was found to be inexpensive, suitable for MIC determination against M. tuberculosis and can be suggested as an ideal substitute to MABA.

Cloning, sequencing and partial characterisation of sorbitol transporter (srlT) gene encoding phosphotransferase system, glucitol/sorbitol-specific IIBC components of Erwinia herbicola ATCC 21998

A DNA fragment of approximately 1500 bp, harbouring the sorbitol transport gene (srlT), was amplified from the chromosomal DNA of Erwinia herbicola ATCC 21998 by PCR and cloned in Escherichia coli JM109. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers used were designed based on the conserved regions in the gene sequences within the gut operon of E. coli (Gene Bank accession no. J02708) and the srl operon of Erwinia amylovora (Gene Bank accession no. Y14603). The cloned DNA fragment was sequenced and found to contain an open reading frame of 1473 nucleotides coding for a protein of 491 amino acids, corresponding to a mass of 52410 Da. The nucleotide sequence of this ORF was highly homologous to that of the gutA gene of Escherichia coli gut operon, the srlE gene of Shigella flexrni and the sorbitol transporter gene sequence of Escherichia coli K12 (Gene Bank accession nos. J02708, AE016987 and D90892 respectively). The protein sequence showed significant homology to that of the phosphotransferase system i.e. the glucitol/sorbitol-specific IIBC components of Escherichia coli and Erwinia amylovora (P56580, O32522). The cloned DNA fragment was introduced into a pRA90 vector and the recombinant was used for developing srlT mutants of Erwinia herbicola, by homologous recombination. Mutants obtained were unable to grow on minimal medium with sorbitol. The insertion of the pRA90 vector inside the srlT gene sequence of the mutants was confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridisation.

Anti-HCV seropositivity among multiple transfused patients with beta thalassaemia

Hepatitis C virus is considered to be the main aetiological agent responsible for the occurrence of post-transfusion hepatitis. Patients with thalassaemia acquire hepatitis most often from viruses contracted through blood transfusions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in thalassaemic patients with multiple blood transfusions. The association of HCV seropositivity with number of blood transfusions and liver enzyme profile was also analysed. The study group consisted of fifty patients (40 males and 10 females) attending the thalassaemic unit of Lok Nayak Hospital, a tertiary care hospital at Delhi, within the age group of 1-25 years. Thirty patients (60%) were found to be seropositive for HCV antibodies while one patient (2%) was co-infected with HCV antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen. Study of liver enzyme profile showed aspartate aminotransferase levels to be significantly higher, although the level of serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, bilirubin and albumin were not significantly altered in these patients. It is inferred from this study that 60% of the thalassaemics were infected with HCV and this was directly related to the number of blood transfusions received by them. The regularised national blood policy followed by blood banks for providing safe blood along with better screening method of donated blood in blood banks would bring down the incidence of hepatitis C in such high risk group.

Primary small bowel tumors: a radiologic-pathologic correlation

BACKGROUND

Primary small bowel tumors are rare and their preoperative diagnosis is unsatisfactory. The cornerstone of diagnosis remains contrast radiography. The present study was done to evaluate the radiologic findings of primary small bowel tumors as shown on enteroclysis and to correlate these observations with surgical and histopathologic findings.

METHODS

Seventy two patients with primary small bowel tumors identified by enteroclysis were evaluated. All the patients were subjected to jejunal biopsy or surgery. The diagnosis was established by histopathologic examination in all cases.

RESULTS

Radiologic findings were suggestive of benign tumors in 19 patients and malignant tumors in 31 patients. Nonspecific findings in the form of diffuse involvement of the small bowel were noted in 22 patients. There was 100% radiologic-surgical correlation. Leiomyomas and lymphomas were the most common benign and malignant tumors, respectively. Tumor specificities were 89.5% for benign tumors and 41.5% for malignant tumors.

CONCLUSION

Distinctive morphologic patterns as shown on enteroclysis are highly suggestive of specific tumor types in the majority of cases.

Incidence of anaerobes in throat infections and their sensitivity pattern in Ludhiana

Of 175 throat swabs processed, anaerobes were isolated from 16 (9.14%) patients. Isolation of anaerobes from healthy controls was 2 out of 25 (8%). Peptostreptococci and Bacteroides species were the commonest isolates followed by Peptococci and Propioni-bacterium. All of these isolates were sensitive to Metronidazole. Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Tetracycline also showed good response.

Potentiation of analgesia and reversal of tolerance to morphine by calcium channel blockers

Effect of four calcium channel blockers (CCBs) belonging to different chemical classes, alone and in combination with morphine was investigated on two models of pain sensitivity, i.e. formalin and tail flick tests in mice. All the studied CCBs, i.e. diltiazem, flunarizine, nimodipine and verapamil inhibited formalin-induced pain responses; however, with verapamil, though there was a trend towards a reduction of paw-licking response to formalin, it was not found to be statistically significant. In contrast, none of the CCBs affected the tail flick latency at any of the doses studied. Morphine, a mu-receptor agonist exerted a significant analgesic effect in formalin as well in tail flick tests. Pretreatment with all CCBs significantly enhanced the analgesic effect of morphine in both tests of nociception. Further, concomitant administration of one of the CCBs, diltiazem with morphine prevented the development of tolerance to the latter. However, combination of diltiazem with morphine, like morphine alone was found to be ineffective in morphine tolerant animals. Results, thus, show that CCBs produced an analgesic effect of their own in formalin-induced tonic pain and potentiated the analgesic activity of morphine. They also modulated opioid-induced tolerance.

Purification and characterisation of an ester hydrolase from a strain of Arthrobacter species: its application in asymmetrisation of 2-benzyl-1,3-propanediol acylates

An ester hydrolase (ABL) has been isolated from a strain of Arthrobacter species (RRLJ-1/95) maintained in the culture collection of this laboratory. The purified enzyme has a specific activity of 1700 U/mg protein and is found to be composed of a single subunit (Mr 32,000), exhibiting both lipase and esterase activities shown by hydrolysis of triglycerides and p-nitrophenyl acetate respectively. Potential application of the enzyme concerns the asymmetrisation of prochiral 2-benzyl-1,3-propanediol esters besides enantioselective hydrolysis of alkyl esters of unsubstituted and substituted 1-phenyl ethanols.

Portal and mesenteric venous calcification in patients with advanced cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of calcification in the portal and mesenteric venous system was studied in patients with advanced cirrhosis undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation. The significance of portal and mesenteric calcification on liver transplantation was also investigated.

CONCLUSION

An 11% incidence of portal and mesenteric venous calcification was found in patients with cirrhosis, which was much higher than anticipated. Two (29%) of seven patients who had calcification present on CT and underwent liver transplantation died at surgery as a result of portal venous thrombosis. Thus, venous calcification seen on CT is a significant finding in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

The pyrroloquinoline quinone synthesis genes of Gluconobacter oxydans

A Tn5-induced glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) deficient mutant of Gluconobacter oxydans IFO 3293 was characterised. DNA sequencing showed that the insertion site occurred in an open reading frame with homology to the pqqE gene. It was shown that acid production could be restored by addition of the coenzyme pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) to the medium. The pqq cluster of G. oxydans ATCC 9937 was cloned and sequenced. It has five genes pqqA-E. The cluster could complement the Tn5-induced mutation in IFO 3293. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggested that the pqq genes are not closely linked to the ribF gene that produces the riboflavin cofactor for the gluconic acid dehydrogenase.

A review on recent development of common cold therapeutic agents

(1) The common cold is a frequently occurring illness caused by rhinoviruses. Inspite of its ubiquitous occurrence the disease has defied all efforts of finding a cure. The current approaches to the treatment of common cold can be divided into two important categories: the antiviral and antiinflammatory; both of these leave a lot to be desired. Most of the rhinovirus serotypes use a single cellular receptor, i.e. the intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) for attachment to the cells. This has lead to the development of blockers of this receptor in an effort to find a cure for the common cold. (2) Recently tremacarmra, a synthetic ICAM-1 glycoprotein has been investigated in human volunteers as an antiadhesion molecule towards an approach to common cold therapy. Two dosage forms of the compound-phosphate buffered saline spray and carboxymethyl cellulose-mannitol powder spray were administered intra-nasally in two modes--pre-inoculation (7 h prior) and post-inoculation (24 h after) time periods of rhinovirus type 39 challenge to different groups of human volunteers. Both the treatment modes produced a significant decrease in the symptoms score of clinical illness and concentration of interleukin-8 in the nasal lavage. Saline spray was found to be devoid of any side effects, whereas powder spray produced some nasal irritation initially. The encouraging results of clinical trial with tremacamra show that a cure for common cold is not far off. However, it remains to be seen what would be the impact of such synthetic protein administration on the immune response of the body, should such compounds be used repeatedly. Further, since all colds are not due to rhinovirus it would be wise to restrict the use of tremacamra during autumn and spring when rhinoviruses are known to be the causative organisms of common cold.

IL-12 and IL-2 potentiate the in vitro tumor-specific activity of peripheral blood cells from cervical cancer patients

We have carried out a detailed analysis of the cellular immune functions of cervical cancer patients in comparison with healthy controls. It has been observed that the freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) exhibit natural cytotoxicity (NC) against a number of targets including tumor cells, mainly delivered by NK cells, which are non-adoptive and MHC unrestricted. Upon stimulation with cytokines like IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15 and interferons, PBMC acquire lymphokine activated killer (LAK) activity which enables them to lyse a wide range of targets including fresh tumor cells and virally infected cells. We compared the effect of IL-2 and IL-12 on enhancement of NC of PBMC from cervical cancer patients. IL-12 stimulated cultures (CD3+, CD56+) exhibited significant levels of tumoricidal activity. IL-2 stimulated lytic activity sustained even after 10 days while that of IL-12 stimulated cells declined after 6 days. Activation of PBMC was marked by increase in the expression of activation marker CD45RO and adhesion molecules LFA-1alpha, ICAM-1 and CD44. Addition of IL-12 to IL-2 stimulated cultures further enhanced the degree of lytic activity. Our data, thus, provide an evidence that PBMC from cervical cancer patients can be stimulated in response to cytokines and local or systemic treatment with low doses of cytokines may help to yield a better immune response against virus infected tumor cells in cervical cancer.

Interaction of pentazocine with calcium channel blocking drugs during chemical and thermal pain in mice

The present study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive interaction of a clinically used opioid, pentazocine which produces its analgesic effect mainly through kappa receptors, with some calcium channel blockers (CCBs, viz. Diltiazem, flunarizine, nimodipine and verapamil--each representing one chemical class) in formalin and tail flick tests in mice. All the CCBs, except verapamil, significantly inhibited the formalin-induced pain response in a dose-dependent manner. However, none of these drugs affected tail flick latency at any of the studied doses. Pentazocine showed a significant antinociceptive response in both pain models, although a high dose was required to increase the tail flick latency. Pretreatment with all CCBs, individually enhanced the analgesic effect of pentazocine in both formalin and tail flick tests. In the latter test of nociception, a per se ineffective dose of pentazocine, showed a significant analgesic response in presence of CCB dose which itself was not effective in the test. Chronic concomitant administration of diltiazem with pentazocine did not prevent the development of tolerance to the opioid compound. However, diltiazem when given in combination with pentazocine to pentazocine-tolerant animals, it effectively reversed the tolerance. Results of the study thus suggest that concomitant treatment with CCBs, irrespective of their chemical nature, not only potentiate the antinociceptive effect of pentazocine in opioid naive animals in both tonic and acute nociceptive tests but also reverse the pentazocine tolerance.

A mutant of gluconobacter oxydans deficient in gluconic acid dehydrogenase

Gluconobacter oxydans ATCC 9937 was subjected to transposon mutagenesis using Tn5. A non-pigmented mutant was shown to be defective in gluconic acid dehydrogenase and to produce gluconic acid from glucose, whereas the parent strain produced 2, 5-diketogluconic acid. Cloning and sequencing of the region containing the Tn5 insertion showed that the insertion point occurred in an open reading frame homologous (42% amino acid identity) to the ribF genes of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli. The resulting lack of a riboflavin cofactor would explain the loss of enzyme activity.

Enteroclysis-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of focal small-bowel lesions

PURPOSE

To study the role of enteroclysis-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of focal small-bowel lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty patients with non-palpable circumscribed small-bowel lesions found on enteroclysis underwent FNAC after confirmation of needle position under fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

Positive diagnosis was obtained in 18 (90%) of the patients. Thirteen patients with positive FNAC and one with inconclusive cytology underwent surgery. In all, the cytological diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. No complications were seen.

CONCLUSION

Enteroclysis-guided FNAC of focal small-bowel lesions is a safe and accurate diagnostic method.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of amikacin following a single intramuscular or subcutaneous administration in goats (Capra hircus)

The pharmacokinetics of amikacin sulfate was investigated following a single intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) administration (10 mg/kg). The plasma concentration versus time data were analysed using the biexponential equation for first-order absorption and elimination phases for both the i.m. and s.c. routes. The absorption half life values for the i.m. and s.c. routes were found to be 14.64 and 12.36 min, respectively. The biological half-life values of amikacin following i.m. and s.c. routes were found to be 84.46 and 93.96 min, respectively. The systemic availability of amikacin for both the i.m. (102.15 +/- 5.08%) and s.c. (106.82 +/- 12.95%) routes was found to be almost complete. Thus, based on the data of short absorption half life, almost complete systemic availability, slightly longer biological half life and ease of administration, we suggest that the s.c. route be preferred over the i.m. route for amikacin administration in goats. Amikacin at a dose level of 8 mg/kg body weight at 12 h intervals would result in a therapeutic peak plasma concentration (Cpmax) of 32.30 micrograms/mL, which is not expected to produce any oto- or nephropathic effects.

Teenage primigravidae: a comparative study

A review of history sheets of obstetric cases recorded in a district hospital in 1992 was done to compare the obstetric outcome in 200 teenage first pregnancies (Study group) with that in Control group i.e. 20 years to 29 years. It revealed that incidence of complications of pregnancy like anaemia, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and preterm labour were significantly higher among teenage mothers. The normal mode of delivery was commoner in teenagers (82.5%) in comparison to control group (76.5%), probably because of higher number of low birth weight babies. The fetal outcome was significantly worse in teenage mothers with high incidence of perinatal mortality (8%) and low birth weight babies (35%). There was not a single newborn with birthweight above 3500 gms, in teenage group, whereas, control group had 5 babies (2.5%) in the category.

Transposon induced mutation in Gluconobacter oxydans with special reference to its direct-glucose oxidation metabolism

Transposons are important genetic tools for mutation studies and for location of genes in prokaryotes. However, very little published work is available on transposon mutagenesis in Gluconobacter oxydans. We report here Tn5-induced mutation in a keto acid-producing strain of G. oxydans ATCC 9937 with special reference to the direct-glucose oxidation pathway operative in this organism. In this study, a mutant deficient in glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) activity has been developed by Tn5 mutagenesis. The data of plasmid profiles in the wild-type and the GDH- mutant are indicative of transposition in the first instance on one of the three plasmids (pVJ1) harboured by the organism, resulting in rearrangement of the plasmid and finally stable transposition of Tn5 on the main genome. The final location of Tn5 on the genome has been established by DNA hybridisation studies.

Endoscopic stenting of minor papilla for symptomatic pancreas divisum

Pancreatitis is one of the presentations of pancreas divisum. Endoscopic treatment by dorsal pancreatic duct stenting relieves symptoms in a majority of patients. We report a patient with pancreas divisum and calcific chronic pancreatitis in whom successful drainage of the dorsal duct with a stent through the minor papilla relieved the pain.

An analysis of sampling errors for the Demographic Health Surveys

"Sampling errors and design effects from 48 nationally representative surveys conducted under the Demographic and Health Surveys Program for a large number of variables concerning fertility, family planning, fertility intentions, child health and mortality etc. are analysed for the total sample, and for urban-rural domains, sub-national regions and various demographic and socio-economic subclasses.... At the country level, overall design effect (the ratio of actual to simple random sampling standard error) averaged over all variables and countries is around 1.5. Variation among countries is high, but less so than among variables. Urban-rural and regional differentials in design effects are small, and can be attributed to the fact that similar sample designs and cluster sizes were used across those domains within each country. Design effects for estimates over other subclasses are smaller, and tend towards 1.0 for small subclasses and differences, apart from the effect of sample weights which tends to persist undiminished across variables and subclasses." (SUMMARY IN FRE)

Identification and function of type-2 and type-3 ryanodine receptors in gut epithelial cells

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) techniques were used to identify the expression of ryanodine receptor (RyR) isoforms in gut epithelial cells. Restriction digest and sequence analysis of the PCR product showed the presence of RyR 2 and RyR 3. [3H]Ry binding studies on a microsome preparation, in a high-salt buffer, showed specific binding with an EC50 of 15 microM. In order to determine a potential functional role for these RyRs, we first characterized the response of the cells to acetylcholine. At all concentrations used acetylcholine induced sinusoidal cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations. In response to 10(-4) M acetylcholine, levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) showed a peak of six times the basal level, at 30 s after stimulation. Application of caffeine alone failed to elicit a rise in cytosolic Ca2+. However, caffeine (5-50 mM) did rapidly and reversibly inhibit the acetylcholine-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations. The effects of Ry were more complex. Applied alone, Ry had no effect on the [Ca2+]i signal. When applied during agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i oscillations, Ry (10 microM) slowly blocked the response. In the continuous presence of Ry (10 microM) a short application of acetylcholine elicited a [Ca2+]i response that continued as oscillations even when the agonist was removed. The oscillations, in the presence of Ry (10 microM) but absence of agonist, were blocked either by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or by an application of a higher concentration of Ry (100 microM). These effects are consistent with the known use-dependence and dose-dependence for Ry action at the RyR. We conclude that the RyR 2 and RyR 3, identified by RT-PCR, play a central role in [Ca2+]i oscillations in gut epithelial cells.

Characterisation of plasmids from diketogluconic acid producing strains of Gluconobacter oxydans

Gluconobacter oxydans ATCC 9937, which produces 2,5-diketogluconic acid, an intermediate in vitamin C synthesis, has three plasmids of sizes 27.7 kb (pVJ1), 12.3 kb (pVJ2) and 18 kb (pVJ4). A restriction map was constructed of pVJ1. A potential glucose dehydrogenase gene was located on pVJ1 using the polymerase chain reaction with heterologous primers. Two other G. oxydans strains had no detectable plasmid DNA (IFO 12258) and a plasmid (pVJ3) of 9.4 kb (IFO 3293), respectively.

Physical characterization of plasmid pMQV10 from a steroid biotransforming strain of Micrococcus

The presence of a single plasmid 8.5 kb in size has been demonstrated in a cholesterol biotransforming strain of Micrococcus. A detailed physical map of the plasmid has been constructed using various restriction enzymes. Streptomycin resistance has been localized on a 1.8-kb fragment of pMQV10.

Intergeneric protoplast fusion between Gluconobacter oxydans and Corynebacterium species

Intergeneric protoplast fusion between 2,5-diketo-gluconic acid producing Gluconobacter oxydans (ATCC 9937) and a mutant strain of Corynebacterium species (ATCC 31090), capable of reducing 2,5-diketo-gluconic acid to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a penultimate step in vitamin C production) resulted in viable recombinants. Some of the fusion products exhibited the capacity to convert D-glucose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, but the conversion rate is low.

Introduction of a Micrococcus plasmid in Escherichia coli

A 6-MDa plasmid (pMQV10), carrying cholesterol hydroxylase and streptomycin-resistance genes, from a gram-positive strain of Micrococcus sps., (RJ6) has been successfully transformed in gram-negative Escherichia coli K12 C600. pMQV10 is maintained stably and expresses its drug resistance in the new host.

The World Fertility Survey: an appraisal of methodology

"In the first half of the article, a broad account of content and procedures is given. In conduct of individual surveys, the achievements of the World Fertility Survey were based on thoroughness rather than technical superiority. The later aspects of the program, including analysis, archiving, and data dissemination, were more innovative and represent models of excellence for similar future enquiries. In overall terms, the program is judged to be an expensive success. In the second half of the article, two methodological issues are discussed in more detail: the collection of retrospective birth histories and the translation of survey instruments into local languages." Comments by Anthony G. Turner (pp. 768-9), Kweku T. de Graft-Johnson (pp. 769-70), Burton Singer (pp. 771-2), and Joel E. Cohen (pp. 772-4) are appended.

A fast spheroplast formation procedure in some 2,5-diketo-D-gluconate- and 2-keto-L-gulonate- producing bacteria

Calcium 2-keto-L-gulonate (Ca-2-KLG, a key intermediate in vitamin C synthesis) is produced from calcium 2,5-diketo D-gluconate (Ca-2,5-DKG) by a variety of bacteria. A few bacterial species which efficiently convert glucose to Ca-2,5-DKG have been isolated in our laboratory. Our bacterial collection included species that possess the genes for production of Ca-2-KLG from Ca-2,5-DKG; however, the yield of the former is poor. A procedure for the preparation of spheroplasts in Ca-2,5-DKG- and Ca-2-KLG-producing bacteria was developed for the construction of recombinants (fusants), combining the genes for conversion of glucose to Ca-2-KLG efficiently by protoplast fusion. The standard procedure for spheroplast formation in Gram negative bacteria by the Tris-sucrose-EDTA-lysozyme system did not work in the organisms under investigation. The need for an alternative method was necessary. Our results show that, while the Tris-NaCl-EDTA-lysozyme system (pH 8.3) worked very well with bacterial strains of Gluconobacter oxydans (ATCC9937) and Acetobacter melanogenus (NCIM2259), the Tris-sucrose-EDTA-lysozyme system worked well for Erwinia herbicola (ATCC21998), Pseudomonas chlororaphis (NCIM2041) and Corynebacterium species (ATCC31090). However, none of these systems produced spheroplasts in Brevibacterium ketosoreductum (ATCC21914), for which a separate system is under development.

An economical large-scale procedure to purify Micrococcus plasmid DNA

A reproducible and economical procedure for obtaining a large yield of highly purified covalently closed circular (ccc) plasmid DNA from an industrially important strain of Micrococcus is described. The procedure adopted here departs in several ways from commonly used protocols for isolation of plasmid DNA from Gram (positive) and Gram (negative) bacteria. The plasmid DNA prepared by this procedure is free of contaminants and is pure enough to be used for electron microscopy, DNA transformation, sequencing, in vitro transcription and mutagenesis.

Structural alterations in the membrane of the slow muscle fiber of Rana temporaria after denervation

Mixed fiber bundles as well as separated slow and fast fibers from normal and denervated muscles of Rana temporaria were freeze-fractured. The membranes of both fiber types are distinguished in this species by the presence of fairly regularly distributed particle aggregates or arrays of different shapes and sizes; the number per unit area of the membrane is six times higher in fast than in slow fibers. The intramembrane particle (IMP) density is higher in slow than in fast fibers. After denervation, the fast fiber membrane structure does not change whereas the slow fiber membrane acquires the characteristics of the fast fiber, i.e., an increase in the density of particle arrays and a decrease in IMP density. These changes in the slow fiber membrane are compared to the altered physiological properties of this fiber type after denervation.