A DNA vaccine that encodes rabies virus glycoprotein lacking transmembrane domain enhances antibody response but not protection

Rabies virus (RV) glycoprotein (gp) consists of three domains: cytoplasmic, transmembrane and ectodomain. It occurs in a complete, membrane-bound form within the infected cell, but it is released from them in a deleted, secreted form lacking the transmembrane domain. This study was performed to test the importance of the transmembrane domain for the capability of the RV gp gene, introduced into mice via a recombinant plasmid (DNA vaccine), to induce immune response and protection against challenge. Although the antibody response to the secreted form of gp was higher than that to complete gp, the protective efficacy of the respective DNA vaccine against challenge was not better than that of the DNA vaccine inducing complete gp. This indicates that the transmembrane domain of RV gp is important for generating protection against rabies and should be present in RV DNA vaccines.

Intestinal trematode infection in North Bihar

Reports of intestinal trematode infections are not common from Bihar, India. However, we herewith report one case of fasciolopsiasis from North Bihar, India. A 14 years old girl presented with diarrhea, vomiting, generalized pain abdomen and loss of weight. Routine stool examination and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed fasciolopsis buski in large numbers. Her rural life style and food habit (ingestion of raw vegetables- caltrops and water chest nuts) supported the cause of infestation. Despite treatment with praziquantel, the patient died after two days. Mild infestations of Fasciolopsis buski may pass on unnoticed. However, heavy infestations may cause considerable prostration, illness and even death in younger age groups. Awareness regarding this parasitic infestation (endemic in some regions), especially in the rural set up is still a much needed entity.

Immunogenic and antigenic properties of recombinant soluble glycoprotein of rabies virus

Rabies virus glycoprotein is a type I transmembrane protein exposed on the surface on the mature virus particle that induces virus neutralizing antibodies. In the present study, 60 amino acid C-terminal hydrophobic anchor (transmembrane) and cytoplasmic domains of glycoprotein were deleted from full-length glycoprotein and fused with polyhistidine tag. The N-terminal viral signal peptide was also replaced with CD33 signal peptide for efficient secretion in mammalian cells. Following transfection of Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells with plasmid encoding this soluble form of glycoprotein, polyclonal populations of stably transfected resistant cells were obtained after G418 selection. The protein was expressed as a glycosylated protein and secreted outside the cells utilizing N-terminal CD33 signal peptide. The secreted soluble glycoprotein was purified from cell culture supernatant by Ni--agarose affinity chromatography utilizing C-terminal polyhistidine tag. Like full-length glycoprotein, the expressed recombinant soluble glycoprotein was found to be immunogenic when injected in rabbits. In this study, we have assessed the potential of recombinant soluble glycoprotein as diagnostic antigen in ELISA and found that this recombinant protein can be used as diagnostic antigen in ELISA for detecting anti-glycoprotein antibodies in immunized host.

Size-Resolved Kinetic Measurements of Aluminum Nanoparticle Oxidation with Single Particle Mass Spectrometry

Aluminum nanoparticles are being considered as a possible fuel in advanced energetic materials application. Of considerable interest therefore is a knowledge of just how reactive these materials are, and what the effect of size on reactivity is. In this paper we describe results of size resolved oxidation rate using a recently developed quantitative single particle mass spectrometer (SPMS). Aluminum nanoparticles used were either generated by DC Arc discharge or laser ablation, or by use of commercial aluminum nanopowders. These particles were oxidized in an aerosol flow reactor in air for specified various temperatures (25-1100 degrees C), and subsequently sampled by the SPMS. The mass spectra obtained were used to quantitatively determine the elemental composition of individual particles and their size. We found that the reactivity of aluminum nanoparticles is enhanced with decreasing primary particle size. Aluminum nanoparticles produced from the DC Arc, which produced the smallest primary particle size (approximately 19 nm), were found to be the most reactive (approximately 68% aluminum nanoparticles completely oxidized to aluminum oxide at 900 degrees C). In contrast, nanopowders with primary particle size greater than approximately 50 nm were not fully oxidized even at 1100 degrees C (approximately 4%). The absolute rates observed were found to be consistent with an oxide diffusion controlled rate-limiting step. We also determined the size-dependent diffusion-limited rate constants and Arrehenius parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor). We found that as the particle size decreases, the rate constant increases and the activation energy decreases. This work provides a quantification of the known pyrophoric nature of fine metal particles.

Different population histories of the Mundari- and Mon-Khmer-speaking Austro-Asiatic tribes inferred from the mtDNA 9-bp deletion/insertion polymorphism in Indian populations

Length variation in the human mtDNA intergenic region between the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and tRNA lysine (tRNA(lys)) genes has been widely studied in world populations. Specifically, Austronesian populations of the Pacific and Austro-Asiatic populations of southeast Asia most frequently carry the 9-bp deletion in that region implying their shared common ancestry in haplogroup B. Furthermore, multiple independent origins of the 9-bp deletion at the background of other mtDNA haplogroups has been shown in populations of Africa, Europe, Australia, and India. We have analyzed 3293 Indian individuals belonging to 58 populations, representing different caste, tribal, and religious groups, for the length variation in the 9-bp motif. The 9-bp deletion (one copy) and insertion (three copies) alleles were observed in 2.51% (2.15% deletion and 0.36% insertion) of the individuals. The maximum frequency of the deletion (45.8%) was observed in the Nicobarese in association with the haplogroup B5a D-loop motif that is common throughout southeast Asia. The low polymorphism in the D-loop sequence of the Nicobarese B5a samples suggests their recent origin and a founder effect, probably involving migration from southeast Asia. Interestingly, none of the 302 (except one Munda sample, which has 9-bp insertion) from Mundari-speaking Austro-Asiatic populations from the Indian mainland showed the length polymorphism of the 9-bp motif, pointing either to their independent origin from the Mon-Khmeric-speaking Nicobarese or to an extensive admixture with neighboring Indo-European-speaking populations. Consistent with previous reports, the Indo-European and Dravidic populations of India showed low frequency of the 9-bp deletion/insertion. More than 18 independent origins of the deletion or insertion mutation could be inferred in the phylogenetic analysis of the D-loop sequences.

Development of rabies DNA vaccine using a recombinant plasmid

A recombinant plasmid pTargeT.rabgp containing the glycoprotein (G) gene of Rabies virus (RV) was constructed and produced for immunogenicity studies on mice and dogs. The mice immunized twice with 50 microg or 100 microg of pTargeT.rabgp intramuscularly (i.m.), showed a serum antibody titer of 256 or 64, respectively 14 days post immunization (p.i.). When the vaccinated mice were challenged at 14 days p.i. with RV i.c., they were protected in 81.25% or 87.5%, respectively. A positive cell mediated immune response was observed by lymphocyte proliferation assay and macrophage migration inhibition test. These results indicate that the pTargeT.rabgp plasmid can be used as a rabies DNA vaccine.

Analysis of genetic variability of Indian isolates of Hepatitis C virus

The degree of genetic variability among Hepatitis C virus strains circulating in India is currently unknown. In order to get insight into this matter, sequence data obtained from the 5' non coding region from 8 patients from New Delhi were compared with sequences from 16 HCV isolates from different geographic locations of India. The phylogenetic analysis of most prevalent genotypes revealed the presence of novel HCV variants in type 1 strains.

Partial VP1/2A gene sequence based molecular epidemiology of wild type 1 poliovirus isolates from some parts of India

Genomic variability within the sequences of VP1/2A junction among polioviruses from across the globe has revealed the existence of several endemic genotypes and their epidemiological inter-relationships; but such data on Indian isolates are scanty. The present work was intended to ascertain the persistence and transmission pattern of different genotypes of wild type 1 polioviruses circulating in India. Forty-eight wild type 1 poliovirus isolates obtained from different parts of India during 1996-8 were subjected to RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing using M13 tailed primers. A 293 base pair region was amplified and sequenced for genetic variation study. Considering the 15% divergence of the sequences from Sabin 1, the isolates from six different states of India confirmed a single dominant genotype 4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation and active inter-state transmission of many genetically distinct strains of wild poliovirus type 1 belonging to genotype 4. This warrants the need for insisting on more efficient surveillance mechanisms so as to assess the impact of an extensive pulse polio immunization programme in India.

Asbestos an important insulating material; its varieties, properties and safe uses

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has been widely utilized in industries producing cement, pipes, roofing sheet and insulating materials. In spite of sharp decrease in the production of asbestos worldwide, the use of asbestos in various products is increasing in the developing countries of Asian-African region, due to their magical properties of commercial importance. This paper describes the various physical & chemical properties, health hazards of the asbestos fibre and its utilization in various product development.

Coagulase negative Staphylococci as causative agents of urinary tract infections-prevalence and resistance status in IGIMS, Patna

Previously considered solely as the laboratory contaminants and normal flora of skin in man, coagulase negative Staphylococci are now a major cause of nosocomial and opportunistic infections. This study was conducted at IGIMS, Patna to find out the coagulase negative Staphylococcus isolates from urine and their antimicrobial resistance. In a period of ten months, the relative frequency of main coagulase negative Staphylococci were as follows--Staphylococcus epidermidis-45.90%, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 34% and Staphylococcus haemolyticus-8.50%. others were 11.60%. most of the Staphylococcus saprophyticus was isolated from young female patients suffering from uncomplicated acute cystitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis was mainly from patients with indwelling catheters and complicated cases. Staphylococcus saprophyticus showed the highest sensitivities to all the antimicrobials whereas Staphylococcus haemolyticus had the highest resistance rates. 66.6% of staphylococcus epidermidis and 60% of staphylococcus haemolyticus were resistant to oxacillin, whereas only 10% of staphylococcus saprophyticus resistant and 90% were sensitive to it. As is in the emerging state, vancomycin resistance was very less but in future it may cause a major problem to treat these cases. So this area needs further exploration.

On the parallelization of linkmap from the LINKAGE/FASTLINK package

Genetic linkage calculations can be time consuming, even on a fast computer. The ability to collect large family pedigrees has increased the magnitude of linkage computations. Sequential genetic algorithms have many successful applications in very different domains, but they have a main drawback in their utilization. Evaluations are very time-consuming, e.g., a pedigree consisting of 55 nodes takes about 70 min on a DEC-Alpha processor and about 270 min on a 166 MHz Pentium for certain likelihood calculations. This time increases exponentially with the increase in the size of the pedigree. In order to solve these shortcomings and to study new models of higher efficiency and efficacy, parallel platforms are being used for genetic programs. LINKAGE is a software package for performing genetic likelihood calculations; FASTLINK is an improved, faster version of it. This paper provides a parallel implementation of the "Linkmap" program (one of the four programs in LINKAGE/FASTLINK) for a heterogeneous environment, using a static and a dynamic strategy for task allocation. It was found that the increased performance by the dynamic strategy was close to the estimated maximum speed up.

Partial nucleotide sequencing and molecular evolution of epidemic causing Dengue 2 strains

To study the genetic variability and to detect evolutionary changes and movement of dengue 2 (DEN-2) strains, nucleotide sequencing of the envelope protein gene and the nonstructural protein 1 gene junction was performed for 9 isolates from the 1996 Delhi epidemic and 1 isolate from the 1967 Delhi epidemic. The epidemic strains had a divergence of 10%-11% from the 1967 strains, but were quite similar to DEN-2 isolates from Seychelles, Somalia, and Torres Strait. In addition, the sequence data were compared to the prototype DEN-2 strain, New Guinea C, and other published DEN-2 sequences from different parts of the world. The phylogenetic analysis by the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis program suggests that the 1996 Delhi isolates of DEN-2 were genotype IV. The 1967 isolate was similar to a 1957 isolate of DEN-2, P9-122, from India, and was classified as genotype V. This study indicates that earlier DEN-2 strains of genotype V have been replaced by genotype IV.

Splenic perivascular fibrosis as an ultrasound finding

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The physician as a health care proxy

Many states prohibit patients from appointing their physicians as health care proxies, fearing paternalism and conflict of interest. But the potential for conflict is not unique to physicians, and patients may have compelling reasons to prefer that their doctor make decisions on their behalf. Managing potential conflicts serves patients better than denying them the right to choose who will make health care decisions for them when they are no longer competent.

Tension pneumothorax complicating diagnostic upper endoscopy: a case report

Hypoxemia is common during various endoscopic procedures and may result from a variety of causes. These causes range from benign and otherwise easily reversible events like oversedation to potentially life threatening complications such as pneumothorax. Although pneumothorax has been reported secondary to gastrointestinal perforation as a complication of various therapeutic endoscopic procedures, there has been no report of pneumothorax without perforation. We report a case of a patient who developed severe hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability during diagnostic upper endoscopy as a result of pneumomediastinum and tension pneumothorax in the absence of any signs of gastrointestinal perforation and comment on various possible mechanisms. Immediate endotracheal intubation and bilateral chest tube placement resulted in prompt return of the patient's oxygenation and vital signs back to normal. This report enlarges the list of possible causes of hypoxemia during endoscopy and shows the importance of early and prompt recognition, which allowed directed therapy with a good outcome.

Detection of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) genomic sequences in bovine semen inoculated with BHV-1 by polymerase chain reaction

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was applied to detect BHV-1 in bovine semen inoculated with BHV-1. The technique was found to be 10(6) times more sensitive than a non-isotopic dot-blot hybridization method in detecting viral genomic DNA. Of the three primer pairs used, the one chosen from glycoprotein gC appeared to be most sensitive as it could detect up to 0.01 TCID50 of BHV-1 in the semen. The technique could be useful in screening breeding bulls or samples of frozen semen prior to use in artificial insemination.

The characterization of infectious bursal disease virus strains/isolates from field outbreaks in India

Three infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) isolates were adapted to culture in chick embryo fibroblast cells in which they produced a cytopathic effect. The isolates were identified as IBDV by virus neutralization tests using a standard hyperimmune serum against infectious bursal disease, physicochemical properties and their pathogenicity in chick embryos and chicks. The IBDV S394 strain was antigenically different from IBDV S194/IBDV S494 as well as from the IBDV Intermediate Georgia strain, one of the vaccine strains in use in India.

Relationship of isoniazid resistance to human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients with tuberculosis

To investigate the relationship between isoniazid resistance and HIV infection in patients with tuberculosis, we evaluated data in the Los Angeles County tuberculosis registry on 1,506 patients for whom drug susceptibility results were available. Among 235 HIV-infected patients, isoniazid resistance was less common than in 1,271 patients who were HIV-seronegative or who had not been tested for HIV, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 0.3. After adjustment for other factors that affect drug resistance (ethnicity, country of birth, prior diagnosis of tuberculosis, and cavitation), the frequency if isoniazid resistance remained lower than that in patients without HIV infection, with an odds ratio of 0.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 0.8; p = 0.02). We conclude that in Los Angeles, a setting where there is no ongoing outbreak of drug-resistant tuberculosis, isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis is not more common in HIV-infected patients.

Do-it-yourself femoropopliteal bypass

A 74-year-old male claudicant had undergone operative repair of his bilateral varicose veins 22 years earlier. His records confirmed that on the right side he had only had a saphenofemoral disconnection. Duplex scanning and angiography of his right leg demonstrated an occluded superficial femoral artery (SFA) and a network of channels between the proximal SFA stump and the long saphenous vein (LSV). Distal SFA reconstitution occurred through two distal arteriovenous fistulas. We believe that this is the first case of a spontaneous femorodistal bypass graft secondary to neovascularisation recorded in the literature.

Isatin, a putative anxiogenic endocoid, induces memory dysfunction in rats

Isatin (2,3-dioxoindole), one of the components of tribulin, which has been postulated to function as an endogenous marker of stress and anxiety, was shown to induce a dose-related attenuation of learning acquisition in an active avoidance test and inhibition of learning retention, or memory, in a step-down passive avoidance paradigm and transfer latency in an elevated plus-maze, in rats. Earlier studies have indicated that isatin functions as a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor agonist in its anxiogenic activity in rats and is an antagonist at mammalian atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors. Since 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and centrally administered ANP have been shown to facilitate learning and memory, the observed memory dysfunction induced by isatin can be attributed to its receptor activity at 5-HT3 and ANP receptors. The investigation also indicates that anxiogenic agents are likely to disrupt memory functions.

Hereditary arthro-ophthalmopathy (Stickler syndrome): a diagnosis to consider in familial premature osteoarthritis

A number of factors contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Genetic factors are predominant in some cases, including the syndrome of hereditary arthro-ophthalmopathy. The clinical features of the syndrome and the concept of genetic mutations in matrix components are discussed.

An unusual case of peri-articular soft tissue finger swelling in an adolescent male: pachydermodactyly or pachydermoperiostosis?

Benign soft tissue swelling affecting the interphalangeal joints can sometimes be misdiagnosed as an arthropathy. Garrods fatty pads (knuckle pad syndrome) is a relatively common and harmless condition characterized by discrete fibromatous skin pads over the dorsum of the interphalangeal joints. We describe a case which clinically resembles the rare but benign condition of pachydermodactyly with some pathological features of the distinct syndrome of pachydermoperiostosis. The possibility of an overlap syndrome is discussed.

Molecular cloning and characterization of PstI fragments of bovine herpesvirus-1 DNA

The DNA from an Indian isolate of BHV-1 was cleaved with the restriction enzyme PstI and cloned into pUC9 plasmid. Two recombinant plasmids were then analyzed using restriction endonucleases PstI, EcoRI, BamHI, SmaI, SalI, HindIII, BglI, HaeIII, XhoI, RsaI and StuI. On the basis of digested fragments of recombinant plasmids, two plasmids could be mapped for restriction enzymes SalI, StuI, SmaI and XhoI using single and double digestion.

Knee radiographs: a substitute for proper clinical examination within the accident and emergency department?

Over a 2-month period in an accident and emergency department, the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of radiology of the knee after trauma was audited. In all, 178 patients had radiographs as part of their initial assessment, the majority of which were subsequently reported by the radiologist as entirely normal (90.4 per cent of films after a twisting injury and 80.6 per cent after a direct blow). Early and appropriate clinical review by a senior doctor is proposed as a viable alternative to perhaps unneeded radiographs where the physical signs of injury are minimal. The clinical and financial benefits of such a policy are discussed.

Actions of Helodermatidae venom peptides and mammalian glucagon-like peptides on gastric chief cells

The actions of peptides (helospectin I, helodermin, exendin-3, exendin-4) that have been isolated from the venoms of Helodermatidae lizards were examined using dispersed chief cells from guinea pig stomach. These actions were compared with those of mammalian glucagon-like peptides, particularly truncated glucagon-like peptide 1 (TGLP-1), a peptide that shares 53% homology with exendin-4. The Helodermatidae venom peptides and TGLP-1 caused a two- to threefold increase in chief cell adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and pepsinogen secretion. Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were 100 times more potent than helospectin I and helodermin and 10 times more potent than TGLP-1. Helospectin I and helodermin, but not exendin-4 or TGLP-1, inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and 125I-secretin to dispersed chief cells. The actions of exendin-3, exendin-4, and TGLP-1, but not those of helospectin I, helodermin, VIP, or secretin, were progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of an exendin-receptor antagonist, exendin-(9-39)-NH2. These data indicate that in gastric chief cells, whereas the actions of helospectin I and helodermin are mediated by interaction with high-affinity secretin (low-affinity VIP) receptors, the actions of exendin-3, exendin-4, and TGLP-1 are mediated by interaction with exendin receptors.

Molecular cloning and restriction endonuclease analysis of 0.4 kb Hin dIII'O' fragment of bovine herpesvirus 1 DNA

Bovine herpesvirus 1 DNA has been isolated by SDS lysis of the virus purified from potassium tartrate (10-50%) density gradient centrifugation. The quality and quantity of viral DNA was checked by UV spectrophotometry and ethidium bromide stained agarose gel electrophoresis. The 0.4 kb Hin dIII'O' fragment of BHV-1 DNA was selectively cloned into Hin dIII cut pUC9 plasmid DNA (2.665 kb). Recombinants were screened by white/blue colonies as well as Hin dIII restriction enzyme analysis. On restriction endonuclease analysis of recombinant plasmid DNA (p-BH-0) with several restriction enzymes, viz., Sau 3A, Hin fI, Rsa I, Sal I, Dra I, Bgl I, Bgl II, Sma I, Hpa I, Stu I, Mlu I, Xho I, Kpn I, Hae III, Eco RI, Bam HI, Pst I, Pal I, revealed insert viral DNA having sites for Hin fI, Hae III, Rsa I, Sma I, only. Further, the partial restriction map of the recombinant plasmid DNA was constructed using above enzymes.

Restriction enzyme analysis of bovine herpesvirus-1 DNA from an Indian isolate

An Indian isolate of BHV-1 was analyzed using several restriction endonucleases. The restriction pattern of BHV-1 DNA with HindIII, BamHI and EcoRI was found to be similar to other reported restriction endonuclease patterns for respiratory isolates of BHV-1. Thus, this isolate could be grouped under BHV-1.1 (respiratory form of BHV-1). Few restriction endonucleases yielded distinct restriction profile of BHV-1 DNA. The total molecular size of BHV-1 DNA for the isolate studied was also estimated to be within 136 kb to 138 kb.

Inhibition by prostaglandin E1 and E2 of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 synthesis by synovial fluid macrophages from arthritic joints

Previous work has shown that renal metabolism of 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) to the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is stimulated by prostaglandin E2 and inhibited by acetylsalicylate (aspirin). As prostaglandins are primary inflammatory mediators and synovial fluid macrophages are known to synthesise 1,25(OH)2D3 in vitro, the effects of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, and aspirin on the metabolism of 25(OH)D3 by cells cultured from synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory arthritis were investigated. Most cultures contained non-proliferating macrophages which formed 1,25(OH)2D3; however, two of 13 cultures contained colonies of rapidly proliferating fibroblast-like cells which formed 24,25(OH)2D3 (24,25(OH)2D3). Prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 (0.01-10 mumol/l) induced marked inhibition of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis (up to 94%) in a dose dependent manner after preincubations of 24 hours but not over straightforward six hour incubations. Exposure of macrophages to aspirin (1 mumol/l-1 mmol/l) for 24 hours did not affect 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis unless the cells had been pretreated with lipopolysaccharides, in which instance 1 mM aspirin increased 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Lipopolysaccharide is a macrophage activating factor which stimulates macrophages to form 1,25(OH)2D3, and it also induces prostaglandin synthesis which would be inhibited by aspirin. Taken together these results suggest that prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 synthesised by macrophages may act in an autocrine manner to attenuate the ability of macrophage activating factors, such as lipopolysaccharide, to stimulate 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Prostaglandins synthesised by other inflammatory cells may also inhibit 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis in a paracrine manner. In contrast, prostaglandin E2 and aspirin had limited effects on fibroblast 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. This study shows that the effects of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, and aspirin in macrophages contrast with those previously reported for the renal 25(OH)D3-1alpha-hydroxylase, where prostaglandin E2 stimulated and aspirin inhibited enzyme activity. These results further emphasise that synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 in non-renal sites is independently regulated, which is consistent with it having an immunological role at a local level rather than playing a part in systemic calcium homeostasis.

Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses in the medical literature. Are the methods being used correctly?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether published cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses have adhered to basic analytic principles.

DESIGN

Structured methodologic review of published articles.

STUDY SAMPLE

Seventy-seven articles published either from 1978 to 1980 or from 1985 to 1987 in general medical, general surgical, and medical subspecialty journals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Articles were reviewed to assess the use and reporting of six fundamental principles of analysis. These principles were derived by reviewing widely cited textbooks and articles describing the methods for performing economic analyses and by selecting the methods universally recommended.

MAIN RESULTS

Overall performance was only fair. Three articles adhered to all six principles, and the median number of principles to which articles adhered was three. Among the problems noted were failure to make underlying assumptions explicit and, therefore, verifiable, and failure to test assumptions with sensitivity analyses. No improvement in performance was observed between 1978 and 1987. Articles in general medical journals, however, were more likely to use analytic methods appropriately than articles in the general surgical or medical subspecialty literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater attention should be devoted to ensuring the appropriate use of analytic methods for economic analyses, and readers should make note of the methods used when interpreting the results of economic analyses.

Evaluation of different commercial kits for HIV/HTLV-III EIA

Choice of an ideal, cost-effective and rapid diagnostic test for HIV infection is of immense value in developing countries like India where resources are limited. A number of commercial HIV antibody testing kits are now available with varying sensitivities and specificities. Six different commercial HIV kits namely, Wellcozyme, Flow HIV-TEKG, Abbott HIV EIA, Abbott VIA, Dip-stick EIA and Abbott env/core recombinant EIA were evaluated. Du-Pont Western blot (W.B.) kit was used as gold standard to compare the results. Of the 376 sera from various high-risk individuals screened, Wellcozyme kit yielded 100 per cent concordant results with W.B. Abbott VIA and Abbott env/core also yielded results in confirmation with W.B., excepting the fact that both detected one extra sample positive, which was negative in W.B. Abbott EIA yielded 4 false positive results. Dip-stick kit yielded the maximum number of false positives. The study indicated that 3 kits, namely Wellcozyme, Abbott VIA and Abbott EIA could be used to achieve optimum and acceptable results.

Construction of growth reference standards for urban slum children in developing countries

A cross-sectional sample of 2987 children in the age group of 1 to 10 years were selected from urban slums of Delhi for measurement of weight and height. Males and females were 53 and 47% respectively. Mean weight and height were calculated for both the sexes. Comparison of percentiles of weight and height with NCHS and ICMR standards showed that the 75th percentiles weight and height of the present study were comparable with 80 and 90% of 50th percentile of NCHS respectively. Hence, upper 25% of the sample arranged in ascending order of magnitude were used for the construction of reference standards of weight and height. Comparison of percentiles drawn from the top 25% of the sample demonstrated that 50th percentile of the present study corresponded to 80% of 50th percentile of the NCHS for weight and 90% of 50th percentile of NCHS of the height for both boys and girls. Also the 50th percentile of ICMR for weight and height for both the sexes. Standards constructed from such sample would be better suited for two important uses: (i) monitoring of Nutrition Programme, and (ii) to detect a child with abnormal growth at the earliest.

Efficacy of ivermectin against mange and gastrointestinal nematodes of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The incidence of mange in dairy buffalo in India has increased significantly in recent years. The authors record an outbreak of mange affecting a dairy herd stocking about 30,000 buffalo and 1000 cows. The mange mites were either Sarcoptes scabiei or Psoroptes ovis, or a mixed infestation of both. The morbidity rate was 5-30% varying from group to group, with 100% in a severely affected group. Signs noticed were progressive dermatitis, alopecia, keratinization, skin thickened and wrinkled, intense itching and marked loss of condition often ending in death. Great losses of young animals from mange and gastrointestinal nematodes are very common in dairy herds in India. In view of their economic importance, the activity of ivermectin against naturally occurring mange and parasitic infections of adult buffalo and buffalo calves was determined. Ivermectin was administered by subcutaneous injection (IVOMEC 1% w/v - MSD AGVET) at a dose of 200 mcg kg-1 body weight. The efficacy was ascertained from the disappearance of mites from skin scrapings and the reduction in numbers of worm eggs in the faeces. The results of the treatment were dramatic: the mites disappeared within 2 weeks of the drug being administered in the majority of animals, with marked improvement in skin lesions. Four buffalo which had their entire body surface affected with mange needed a second dose on Day 28 for complete recovery. The effect on the nematodes was equally spectacular, with infections of Neoascaris vitulorum, Trichostrongylidae, Oesophagostomum spp. and Bunostomum being eliminated within 1 week of treatment.

Detection of swine pox and buffalo pox viruses in cell culture using a protein A-horseradish peroxidase conjugate

Buffalo pox virus antigen was detected in Vero cells and swine pox virus antigen in the cytoplasm and nucleus of PK-15 and IB-RS-2 cells as early as 6 hr post infection (p.i.) by indirect immunoperoxidase technique using a Protein A-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate. The viral antigens localized in the cytoplasm of infected cells were the most prominent after 24 hr p.i.

Effects of cyclophosphamide on pigs infected and vaccinated with swinepox virus

Piglets treated with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg body wt, iv) before infection/vaccination with swinepox virus showed a strong suppression of humoral immune response. Cell mediated immune response was also affected to some extent and the cyclophosphamide treated piglets did not resist the challenge on 21 day post infection/vaccination and developed mild lesions.

Immune response induced by Vero cell culture adapted buffalo pox virus in rabbits and buffaloes

The Vero cell culture adapted buffalo pox virus was found to be completely attenuated at 40th passage for rabbits as well as buffaloes since it did not produce any thermal reaction or skin lesions. It induced high level of humoral and cell mediated immune response in rabbits as well as buffaloes. The antibody titres obtained were 80-160 for SN antibody, 32 for complement fixing and 640-1280 for enzyme immunoassay antibodies. The percent migration inhibition (MI) of leukocytes was 65.3% in rabbits and 69.50% in buffaloes, MI of macrophages was 62.15% in rabbits and 63.02% in buffaloes with a high skin reactive factor value. In protection tests conducted in rabbits and buffaloes, all the vaccinated animals were immune as compared to controls which showed severe disease.

[Small disturbance in arterial blood flow]

The behaviour of a small disturbance in an arterial blood flow has been studied analytically. The growth equation governing growth or decay of a disturbance has been obtained and solved. The behaviour of wave amplitude has been investigated as the wave propagates in time. The application of results to the human arterial system shows that the shock waves are not expected under normal physiological conditions. In the case of a pathologically increased pressure rise at the root of aorta, shock-like transitions may develop in the periphery. It is observed that the friction effects are to resist the tendency of shock formation in arteries.

Responses to facial emotion and psychopathology

Schizophrenics, anxious-neurotics, and nonpatient controls were asked to recognize facial affect in photographs depicting six emotions and a neutral expression. The time elapsed between presentation of the photograph and response to it was also noted. Schizophrenics were significantly less accurate at judging the expressed affect and had the largest mean response time compared to others. Preference to interact with the type of affect expressions was also analyzed. Happy and neutral expressions were chosen, while fearful and angry expressions were rejected by neurotic and control subjects. Schizophrenics were largely inconsistent in their choice.

Postoperative total parenteral nutrition in patients with liver disorders

Sixty-one patients with liver disorders receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for about 14 postoperative days were divided into three groups based on the parenteral nutritional regimen. The influence of these TPN solutions on the liver function tests and the nutritional assessments, and the availability of the specially formulated amino acid solution were studied. Glucose alone as energy source was infused in Group Ia. The mixture of glucose and fructose was infused in Group Ib. In these patients (Group I), a commercially available amino acid solution was administered simultaneously. A specially formulated amino acid, rich in branched-chain amino acids but poor in aromatic amino acids was infused with the mixture of glucose and fructose in Group II. There was no remarkable elevation of blood glucose and lactate levels in all patients. Blood glucose levels in Group Ib were maintained lower than that in Group Ia. Except for serum alkaline phosphatase, no remarkable abnormality was observed in liver function tests. Body weight changes were less than 5% in each group. Average nitrogen balances were -44.5 mg/kg/day in Group Ia, -5.5 mg/kg/day in Group Ib, -51.5 mg/kg/day in Group II. While the abnormalities in serum amino acid pattern and molar ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine to phenylalanine and tyrosine tend to be more enhanced in Group I, these abnormalities returned to near normal in Group II during TPN. By multiple linear regression analyses, 45 kcal/kg/day of energy intake would be required to maintain nitrogen equilibrium and zero body weight change. And when nitrogen intakes were 159 mg/kg/day in Group Ia, 114 mg/kg/day in Group Ib, and 189 mg/kg/day in Group II at 45 kcal/kg/day in energy intake, nitrogen balances were expected to be equivalent. These results suggest that postoperative TPN is good for nutritional support in patients with liver disorders. And also, the combination of glucose and fructose has better effect on nitrogen balance. The postoperative TPN with a specially formulated amino acid solution may be a valuable way of maintaining the nutritional status as well as normal serum amino acid pattern in patients with liver disorders.