Detection of a highly heterozygous locus in recombinant inbred lines of rice and its possible involvement in heterosis

Forty-seven recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from a cross between two indica rices, cv 'Phalguna' and the Assam land race ARC 6650, were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using cloned probes defining 150 single-copy loci uniformly dispersed on the 12 chromosomes of rice. Of the probes tested, 47 detected polymorphism between the parents. Heterozygosity was calculated for each line and for each of the polymorphic loci. Average heterozygosity per line was 9.6% but was excessive (>20%) in the 5 lines that seemed to have undergone outcrossing immediately prior to harvest. Average heterozygosity detected by each probe across the 47 RI lines was 9.7%. The majority of probes revealed the low level of heterozygosity (<8%) expected for F5-F6 lines in a species showing about 5% outbreeding. On the other hand, 7 probes exhibited heterozygosity in excess of 15%, while with a eighth probe (RG2 from chromosome 11) heterozygosity varied according to the restriction enzyme employed, ranging from 2% with SaII to 72% with EcoRV. The presence of 34 recombination sites in a segment of the genome as short as 24 kb indicates a strong selection for recombination between two neighbouring loci, one required as homozygous for the 'Phalguna' allele, and the other heterozygous. Since selection was principally for yield advantage over that of the high-yielding parent, 'Phalguna', one or both of these loci may be important for heterosis in this cross. The results also indicate that heterozygosity as measured by RFLP can depend on the particular restriction endonuclease employed.

DNA markers tightly linked to a gall midge resistance gene (Gm2) are potentially useful for marker-aided selection in rice breeding

We have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay that could effectively reduce the time period required to screen and select for Gall Midgeresistant rice lines under field conditions. The primers for the assay were designed on the basis of sequence information of two phenotype specific random amplified polymorphic DNA fragments which were found to be tightly linked to Gall Midge biotype-1 resistance gene (Gm2). The two RAPD fragments, F81700 in the susceptible parent 'ARC6650' and F10600 in the resistant parent 'Phalguna', were identified after screening 5450 loci using 520 random primers on genomic DNAs of 'ARC6650' and 'Phalguna'. These primers, when used in a multiplexed PCR, amplified specifically a 1.7-kb and 0.6-kb fragment in the susceptible and resistant parents, respectively. When this assay was performed on genomic DNAs of 44 recombinant inbred lines derived from 'ARC6650' x 'Phalguna' and 5 lines derived from other crosses where one of the parents was 'Phalguna', 'ARC6650' or their derivatives, the primers amplified a 1.7-kb fragment in all of the susceptible lines or a 0.6-kb fragment in all of the resistant ones. These markers can be of potential use in the marker-aided selection of Gall Midge biotype-1 resistant phenotypes. As screening for resistance can now be conducted independent of the availability of insects, the breeding of resistant varieties can be hastened.

The effects of corticosteroid and reduced glutathione on the endothelial viability during culture in MK medium. A light microscopy study

The effect of addition of dexamethasone and reduced glutathione to MK medium, in a concentration of 10(-3) Molar and 0.92 g/l, respectively, was evaluated. The post preservation corneal endothelial viability was assessed using light microscopy. Our results showed that the addition of dexamethasone to MK medium increased the preservation time of dog cornea from 7 to 10 days and that reduced glutathione could further increase the storage period to 12 days. It can be concluded that the addition of reduced glutathione to MK medium is an excellent means for intermediate term corneal preservation.

RFLP and RAPD mapping of the rice gm2 gene that confers resistance to biotype 1 of gall midge (Orseolia oryzae)

Gm2 is dominant gene conferring resistance to biotype 1 of gall midge (Orseolia oryzae Wood-Mason), the major dipteran pest of rice. The gene was mapped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of a set of 40 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between the resistant variety 'Phalguna' and the susceptible landrace 'ARC 6650'. The gene is located on chromosome 4 at a position 1.3 cM from marker RG329 and 3.4 cM from RG476. Since the low (28%) polymorphism of this indica x indica cross hindered full coverage of the genome with RFLP markers, the mapping was checked by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)/bulked segregant analysis. Through the use of 160 RAPD primers, the number of polymorphic markers was increased from 43 to 231. Two RAPD primers amplified loci that co-segregated with resistance/susceptibility. RFLP mapping of these loci showed that they are located 0.7 cM and 2.0 cM from RG476, confirming the location of Gm2 in this region of chromosome 4. Use of these DNA markers will accelerate breeding for gall midge resistance by permitting selection of the Gm2 gene independently of the availability of the insect.

Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

During the 19-month study period, 48 (2 per cent) of the 2177 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa growths in blood cultures. All these neonates had clinical and haematological evidences of sepsis. Prominent clinical features included sclerema, violaceus necrotic patches, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia, and DIC. Over all mortality was 23 per cent, distinctly higher in premature neonates with RDS. The mean gestational age and birth weights (+/- SD) of these neonates were 36.42 (+/- 2.73) weeks and 2173.34 (+/- 567.33) g, respectively. Approximately half of the total cases had low birth weight. Other adverse perinatal events before the development of sepsis included birth asphyxia (60 per cent), neonatal resuscitation (67 per cent), meconium aspiration syndrome (29 per cent), hyaline membrane disease (8 per cent), prolonged hospitalization (44 per cent), closed incubator care (17 per cent), prolonged intravenous fluids (42 per cent), repeated blood sampling (63 per cent), and umbilical catheterization (4 per cent). Analysis of the trend of Pseudomonas sepsis in our NICU revealed six definite outbreaks (more than two cases) interspersed with occasional (one or two) cases. Six study months, however, remained free of Pseudomonas sepsis. Index case was demonstrable on seven occasions. Bacteriological surveillance of the NICU after onset of initial case/cases revealed statistically significant colonization of resuscitation equipment, baby placement sites, and various cleansing solutions by the same bacterial species (P < 0.05). It is possible that Pseudomonas was introduced to our NICU from transfer admissions from other hospitals since on four occasions index case was the one transferred from outside.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intrauterine growth predictors

The present study was conducted to construct standards for midarm circumference and midarm/head circumference ratio to identify neonates at risk for metabolic complications and to assess the anthropometric variable which could be used to substitute weight to identify low birth weight neonates. A study of 2925 consecutive live births showed significant correlation (p less than or equal to 0.001) between different anthropometric variables studied. Since midarm circumference (MAC), midarm circumference/head circumference ratio (MAC/HC) and ponderal index (PI) had the least correlation with gestation, these were used as independent markers for gestation. Among these three, MAC had the best correlation with birth weight (r = 0.808). A midarm circumference of less than or equal to 8.6 cm and less than or equal to 7.4 cm had the best sensitivity and specificity for identifying neonates with a birth weight of less than or equal to 2500 and less than or equal to 2000 g, respectively. All the anthropometric variable studied can rule out low birth weight with great accuracy (high negative predictive value greater than 90%).

Coagulase negative staphylococcal septicemia in newborns

The case records of 2177 newborn infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from January, 1989, through July, 1990, with positive blood cultures for coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS) were evaluated. Seventy four (3.4%) neonates yielded C-NS in blood cultures during the study period. Of these, 58 (2.7%) infants had clinical and hematological features compatible with the diagnosis of septicemia. Remaining 16 babies with positive cultures had no evidence of sepsis, and were designated as "C-NS bacteremia". The age at which positive cultures were obtained differed between the bacteremic and septicemic groups. In bacteremic group, the onset occurred between one to four days of age. In contrast, in septicemic group the range was 6-20 days, with a mean of 10.22 (+/- 3.53) days. More than two third of total cases of C-NS sepsis were premature and low birth weight (LBW). Prominent clinical features included lethargy, poor feeding and fever. Besides this apneic spells were seen predominantly in babies weighing less than 1500 g. Further, before the diagnosis of C-NS sepsis, more than half of neonates had received prolonged intravenous fluid therapy, a quarter had undergone umbilical catheterization and a further quarter needed a ventilator support. Overall mortality in C-NS sepsis was 17.24%, distinctly higher in neonates with RDS and those requiring mechanical ventilation (p less than 0.05). Only 1.34% C-NS isolates were resistant to all routinely used antibiotics and sensitivity was maximum with newer cephalosporins, ciproflox and amikacin.

Effect of head-up tilting on systolic time intervals in normal young volunteers

Systolic time intervals (STI) are sensitive indices of myocardial function. Passive tilting is a rapidly reversible and non-invasive method for inducing cardiovascular stress. The present work was conducted to study the effect of graded head-up tilt (HUT) on STI. 20 male medical students were subjected to 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 80 degrees HUT on a tilting table. ECG, phonocardiogram and carotid pulse were recorded simultaneously on Grass polygraph. Electromechanical systole (QS2), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), pre-ejection period (PEP), PEP/LEVT ratio, heart rate (HR) and corrected STI were determined immediately after and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min after each angle tilt. HUT produced a decrease in QS2 which was more pronounced at higher angle tilt. LVET decreased after 60 degrees and 80 degrees HUT. PEP and PEP/LVET ratio decreased after each angle tilt. These changes in STI can be explained on the basis of sympathetic stimulation-induced increase in the inotropic state of the heart.

Clinico-biochemical study of experimental complicated cataracts

Clinically observed complicated cataracts, generally do not have a definite causal factor. We studied the effects of E. coli toxin injected suprachoroidally, to simulate the effect of toxins released by extraocular organisms on the lens. 79.2% of eyes had a definable cataract at the end of the 6th week of observation. The biochemical changes portrayed an increased oxidative activity in the lens, evidenced by a fall in glutathione concentration, and the consequent tertiary reorientation of proteins to increase insoluble proteins, forming a cataract.

Acute granulomatous iritis following 5 fluorouracil therapy for failed trabeculectomy

We are reporting a case which developed idiosyncratic anterior granulomatous uveitis following a single dose of subconjunctival 5 Fluorouracil. This has not been previously reported anywhere in the world.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction products amplified from mapped loci of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNA

Thirty mapped Indica rice genomic (RG) clones were partially sequenced from each end. From such sequence data, pairs of oligonucleotides were synthesized to act as primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the corresponding loci in crude total DNA preparations. The PCR products from DNA of Indica varieties were of the sizes expected from the sizes of the corresponding RG clones. However, size polymorphisms were seen between PCR products from Indica and Japonica varieties, and among wildOryza species. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was observed between PCR products of Indica varieties simply by electrophoretic analysis of restricted products, without the need for Southern hybridization or radiolabelling. The RFLPs noted between varieties ARC6650 and Phalguna were inherited in recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between them. The RFLPs were detectable in PCR products amplified from DNA extracted by a simple procedure from single seedlings or leaves, and revealed genetic heterogeneity in cultivated lines. An approach is described that is relevant to the acceleration of classical plant breeding through molecular techniques.

Congenital syphilitic hepatitis

Hepatitis is a known manifestation of congenital syphilis, however hepatitis developing during penicillin therapy is unknown. Ten patients of congenital syphilis were studied and serial liver enzymes were done before and after starting penicillin therapy. Eight of the ten patients developed hepatitis after initiating penicillin therapy. Whether hepatitis in these cases was secondary to toxic reaction to the products of treponemal lysis or an autoimmune reaction needs to be investigated.

Oxidative stress induced by a copper-thiosemicarbazone complex

Copper thiosemicarbazones cause considerable oxidative stress. This effect may be related to their cytotoxicity. In the present work, the chemical and cellular properties of a new ligand, pyridoxal thiosemicarbazone (H2T), and its copper(II) chelate (CuT) are assessed. CuT is toxic to cultured Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, producing nearly complete cell kill at drug/cell ratios of 2.5-4 nmol/10(5) cells in a monolayer culture over a 48-h treatment period. This concentration is at least 1 order of magnitude lower than those required for a similar degree of cytotoxicity by H2T or CuCl2. The following observations support the view that activated oxygen species are generated by interaction of CuT with Ehrlich cells: (1) Room-temperature electron spin resonance spectroscopy and atomic absorption measurements show rapid cellular uptake and CuT-thiol adduct formation. (2) Cellular thiol content is reduced. (3) High levels of DNA strand scission result from 1-h treatments of cells by concentrations of CuT that cause growth inhibition and toxicity. (4) The extent of strand scission can be increased by addition of superoxide dismutase and decreased by catalase or DMSO in the treatment medium. Catalase and DMSO do not inhibit the toxic effect of CuT. This suggests that DNA damage is not responsible for inhibition of cell proliferation by CuT.

Results of penetrating keratoplasty in vascularized corneas

A retrospective longitudinal study of 105 penetrating keratoplasties for vascularized corneal opacities was done. The results of cases with an etiology of healed trachoma or healed corneal ulcers were compared. The vascularization was graded from Grade I to V depending on the quadrant and type of vascularization. Graft clarity of 2+ or more in cases of trachomatous opacity was achieved in 93% of cases and that after postinfectious opacity in 71.8%. Prognosis was poor in cases where deep vascularization was present in more than two quadrants or more than 180 degrees.

SAFA test as an aid to the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis

A prospective double blind study was carried out to evaluate the role of soluble antigen fluorescent antibody (SAFA) test to detect ocular Tuberculosis. The study material comprised 39 patients with suspected ocular tuberculosis suffering from interstitial keratitis, sclero keratitis, granulomatous uveitis, phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, Eales disease and central serous retinopathy. The cases of proven ocular tuberculosis showed up as 70 percent strong reactors and 30 percent weak reactors to SAFA while none had a negative response to SAFA. Of these cases skin hypersensitivity reaction was positive only in 40 percent of the cases. The control group revealed a strong SAFA reaction in only 4 percent of cases with a weak reaction in 44 percent of cases. It thus appears that SAFA test can provide a useful addition to the routine tests in diagnosing tuberculosis.

Evaluation of beneficial effects of nonnutritive sucking in preterm infants

The effects of nonnutritive sucking (NNS) were studied in 40 preterm infants weighing less than or equal to 1800 g and of less than or equal to 35 weeks gestation by using a pacifier. The provision of NNS accelerated the maturation of sucking resulting in a faster transition from gavage to oral feedings. Treated infants (20) were ready for bottle feeds 1.54 days earlier, took their bottle feeds 1.5 min/30 ml faster and were transferred out of the nursery on an average .5 days earlier than the control infants. No adverse effects due to NNS were observed throughout the period of study. This resulted in an earlier union with their mother, less maternal deprivation and decreased work load on the nursery staff. Used judiciously this simple and safe modality of providing a pacifier for NNS during tube feeding may be useful in the management of preterm infants.

Salmonella senftenberg outbreak in a neonatal unit

Salmonella senftenberg was isolated from the stools of 35 newborns between June, 1987 and September, 1988. Twenty nine (82.8%) babies were preterms and twenty six (74%) babies were less than 2,000 grams in weight. All of them were symptomatic within 6 days of life, 74.3% (26) within 4 days. All of them had loose stools and weight loss. Other features were sclerema, jaundice and paralytic ileus. The organism was sensitive to nalidixic acid (100%), amikacin (94.6%), gentamicin (72.9%), cephaloridine (56.7%), and chloramphenicol (29.8%) and resistant to benzyl penicillin and ampicillin. Babies showed good response to a combination of cephaloridine and amikacin along with supportive care. Five babies died, 4 of septicemic shock and one of pulmonary hemorrhage.

Ultrasonic intrauterine growth curves

Intrauterine growth was studied by serial ultrasonic measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL) and abdominal circumference (AC) in 241 normal low risk obstetric patients. These measurements were used to construct normal ultrasonic fetal weight and length curve. The data correlate well with the already established, postnatal weight and length curves after 28 weeks of gestation. The fetal ponderal index curve was compared with postnatal ponderal index curves available. Antenatal recognition of fetal weight, length and ponderal index can be used to evaluate pregnancies at risk for altered fetal growth.

Intrauterine growth curves in north Indian babies: weight, length, head circumference and ponderal index

Intrauterine growth (weight, length, head circumference, Ponderal index) was studied in 2875 consecutive live born babies. Weight, length and head circumference growth curves did not show any significant difference when compared to previous growth curves made 20 years back from this centre. Norms and curves for ponderal index are provided for the Indian babies and were comparable with figures from Western studies. However, the 90th centile values were found to be low between 32-38 weeks of gestation.

A comparative study of glycine fortified oral rehydration solution with standard WHO oral rehydration solution

The safety, efficacy and acceptability of glycine-fortified oral rehydration solution (ORS) was compared with that of standard WHO-ORS in a controlled randomized trial. Fifty male infants with acute, watery, non-cholera diarrhea were studied. Glycine-fortified ORS at a concentration of 111 mmol/L (8.4 g/L) was used. The electrolyte and glucose concentrations of both the solutions was identical. The proportion of successfully treated patients was 92%. There were two failures in each group. Both solutions were found to be equally safe in correcting and maintaining the hydration status and in correcting hyponatremia and hypokalemia. The acceptability and efficiency of the solutions were also comparable. Addition of glycine does not add to the efficacy of conventional WHO-ORS, therefore offering no additional advantage but adds to the cost of production.

Ponderal index as a marker of intrauterine growth

Anthropometric data obtained from 2925 consecutive live births were used to compute Rohrer's ponderal index (PI). Norms and curves for intrauterine growth in terms of PI were worked out for the first time in our country and were found to be comparable with figures from Western studies. PI was unaffected by sex and showed a linear correlation with gestational age up to 40 wk. PI was also found to be an efficient marker of disproportionate intrauterine growth.

Management of human keratomycosis with miconazole

A prospective clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of 1% miconazole in 85 cases of smear-positive fungal corneal ulcers. Miconazole therapy healed 44 ulcers, thereby achieving a success rate of 64.7%. The most common organism encountered was Aspergillus followed by Fusarium, Philophora and Candida. The average healing time was found to be 22 days. The drug was well tolerated by the eye and no symptoms of ocular toxicity were observed. The findings of this study suggest that miconazole is an effective agent for the management of human keratomycosis.

A simple accurate method of cataract classification. Cataract-I

A simple and accurate system of cataract classification using slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope is reported. Lens opacities are classified into cortical (anterior and posterior), nuclear and posterior sub-capsular and each sub-type of opacity is graded, extent and density wise, using both slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope. A circle representing enface view of opacity divided into 100 equal parts is used in calculating the area of each opacity. This classification takes into account both the area and depth of opacity in arriving at the total extent of sub-type of each opacity. For density determination, we do not recommend the use of a resolution target projection ophthalmoscope. Intra-observer and inter-observer variability studies using this classification system indicated that the classification system is fairly reliable.

Topical glutathione therapy in senile cataracts. Cataract-III

We undertook a prospective study in 66 cataract patients to study if topical glutathione has any effects on the progression of cataracts. The eye with more advanced cataract received topical glutathione drops q.i.d. and contralateral eye served as control. Only 32 patients completed the follow-up of three months or more. Data analysis revealed no beneficial effect of topical glutathione drops on any of the parameters studied. PSC opacity density in eyes treated with topical glutathione showed significant increase as compared to control eyes.

Systemic aspirin and systemic vitamin E in senile cataracts: cataract V

We undertook a prospective study in senile cataract patients using systemic aspirin and systemic vitamin E. Vitamin E treated eyes did show less progression of PSC opacities extent and less new nuclear opacities during the follow-up, but overall vitamin E treated eyes did no better than the control group eyes. More eyes in systemic aspirin treated group maintained the initial vision and loss of vision in the aspirin group was also less marked. Aspirin also caused a significant less mean increase in cortical opacity extent, nuclear/opacity and density and PSC opacity extent and density as well as in ophthalmoscopically graded opacity extent and density. We suggest that aspirin is a potential drug which should be further evaluated in large double blind photodocumentated studies. The present data does not justify the recommendation that aspirin be prescribed for slowing down cataract progression. This must await large studies and confirmation.

Topical sulindac therapy in diabetic senile cataracts: cataract-IV

Sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been found to be a potent inhibitor of enzyme aldose reductase. We used sulindac topically in diabetic senile cataract patients to note if it effects the progression of cataracts. More of sulindac treated eyes maintained initial vision and fewer eyes had visual loss of up to two lines or more as compared to control eyes. The extent and density of different opacities showed less progression in sulindac treated eyes but it was not statistically significant except that the ophthalmoscopically observed density of opacity showed statistically very significant lesser mean increase in sulindac treated eyes. We suggest that sulindac is a potential drug which should be further evaluated in large double blind photodocumented studies in diabetic senile cataracts.

Methodology for studies on medical therapy of cataracts: cataract-II

The methodology for testing any possible effect of potential anti-cataract agents is described. This is based on slit lamp and ophthalmoscopic cataract classification and on visual acuity. The difficulties encountered in such studies are highlighted. The presented methodology is suggested to be fairly adequate in assessing usefulness of any possible medical therapy of cataracts.

India-US case-control study of age-related cataracts. India-US Case-Control Study Group

In a hospital-based case-control study of 1441 patients with age-related cataracts and 549 controls, we studied associations between types of cataract--nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular, and mixed--and a number of physiologic, behavioral, environmental, and biochemical variables. Using polychotomous logistic regression analysis, we found an increased risk of cataract with lower educational achievement (all types of cataract), decreased cloud cover at place of residence (all types), use of aspirin less than once a month (posterior subcapsular and mixed), diets low in selected nutrients (posterior subcapsular, nuclear, and mixed), higher blood pressure (nuclear and mixed), lower body mass index (nuclear and mixed), use of cheaper cooking fuels (cortical, nuclear, and mixed), and lower levels of an antioxidant index based on red blood cell levels of glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and plasma levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E (posterior subcapsular and mixed). All risks cited were significantly different from those for the other cataract types, a finding that emphasizes the need to investigate the epidemiology of specific types of cataract.

Intra-uterine growth curves for midarm and thigh circumferences

Use of birth weight as a measure of intrauterine growth is hampered by several logistic problems. Both mid-arm (MAC) and thigh circumferences (TC) have been proved to be efficient alternative measurements. In this study MAC and TC were recorded on 2925 consecutive live births to derive intrauterine growth curves and provide normative data for an indigenous population.

Diazepam induced delirium

In Ophthalmic practice diazepam is often used a a premedicant. We report a case where administration of diazepam led to a state of acute delirium because of which surgery had to be postponed. The possible mechanisms for this reaction and the treatment is discussed. This side effect of diazepam should be kept in mind while dealing with delirium in the geriatric age group.

Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor properties of some metal complexes of 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(N4-azacyclic thiosemicarbazones)

Complexes of Mn(II), Fe(III), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pt(II) with 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(N4-azacyclic thiosemicarbazones), abbreviated as H2L, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moments (300-78 K) and spectral studies. On the basis of these studies, a distorted six-coordinate structure for Fe(L)Cl and a distorted five-coordinate structure for M(L) (M = Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), or Pt(II] are suggested. The ligands undergo deprotonation and appear to coordinate through the thione sulphur, the imine nitrogen and pyridyl nitrogen. All the ligands and metal complexes were screened for their antitumor activity against P 388 lymphocytic leukemia test system in mice, and it was found that a few of them possess significant activity at the dosages used.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, and antitumor activity of metal chelates of S-methyl-N-(l-isoquinolyl)-methylendithiocarbazate

Complexes of Mn(III), Fe(III), Fe(II), Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pt(II) with S-methyl-N-(l-isoquinolyl) methylendithiocarbazate (N-N-SH) were isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurement, magnetic susceptibilities, and spectroscopic studies. On the basis of these studies, a highly distorted, high-spin, chloro-bridged, polymeric octahedral structure for [Mn(N-N-S)Cl2]; a distorted, low-spin, monomeric octahedral structure for [Fe(N-N-S)2]; a distorted, high-spin, octahedral structure for [Ni(N-N-S)2]; and a square-planar structure for [M(N-N-S)X] (M = Ni, Cu, Pt or Zn and X = Cl- or -OAc) are suggested. With Fe(III), the complex [Fe(N-N-S)2][FeCl4] was isolated while the Co(II) was oxidized to yield the Co(III) ion as [Co(N-N-S)2]2[CoCl4]. All these complexes were screened for their antitumor activity against P 388 lymphocytic leukemia test system in mice. Except for Mn(III), Fe(III), and Co(III) complexes, all were found to possess significant activity; the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes showed a T/C% value of 160 and 195, respectively, at their optimum dosages.