[Cardiovascular survey of 40-year old persons in Hordaland. A critical evaluation]

The results of a heart screening programme in the county of Hordaland showed a high average heart infarction risk score in the two small municipalities, Fedje and Masfjorden where respectively ten and 24 men were screened. A closer look at the results revealed that in Masfjorden the results were affected by two men having very high heart infarction score. Median infarction risk score is a better measure than average infarction risk score, particularly in small municipalities. It does not seem to be a good policy to use the mass media for a preventive and health promotion strategy on the basis of the average infarction risk score.

Estimation of tissue DNA content in Wilm's tumour

DNA genome, is affected by malignant processes. Estimation of DNA content was carried out biochemically using Gile's and Myer's technique to assess its prognostic value in 21 cases of Wilm's tumour. The DNA content of tumour tissue and normal adjoining renal tissue was estimated in each case. The DNA content was significantly higher in Wilm's tumour tissue as compared to normal renal tissue (p < 0.05). As the disease advanced, the DNA content of the tumour further increased. The tumours having unfavourable histology had significantly higher DNA content as compared to favourable histology cases (p < 0.001). Similarly, the patients who died because of the disease, had a very high DNA content as compared to those who survived. Further, it was seen that two fold increase in DNA content indicated advanced stage (III & IV), whereas a three fold or more increase indicated grave prognosis as it was usually seen in advanced stage with unfavourable histology and such cases died early. Thus, the DNA content estimation has a prognostic significance in Wilm's tumour.

Evaluation of Geriforte, an herbal geriatric tonic, on antioxidant defense system in Wistar rats

Geriforte, an herbomineral compound prepared from several herbs and minerals, is being used as a restorative tonic to solve the problems of old age in India. Since active oxygen species have been proposed to be involved in the aging process of the brain, alterations in the level of enzymes involved in the defense system against free radicals and other active oxygen species could substantially influence the aging process. Therefore, in the present study, this antistress adaptogenic Ayurvedic preparation has been evaluated for the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), key enzymes of the cellular defense system, in the brain of aging Wistar male rats. The present study was carried out on 22-month-old rats. They were given Geriforte powder orally at a dosage of 900 mg/kg body weight once a day for two months. The Geriforte-treated rat brain had significantly high levels of SOD and CAT activities than those recorded in their respective controls. The contents of SOD and CAT in Geriforte-administered brain increased by 24% and 30%, respectively. In the present investigation, free radical damage was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in postmitochondrial fractions of brain homogenate. The magnitude of TBARS has been reported to be decreased by 26% in the Geriforte-treated rat brain. In conclusion, it seems logical to suppose that Geriforte, a combination of several plant ingredients and minerals, protects the body against the damaging effects of free radicals by producing large amounts of antioxidant enzymes.

Clinico-therapeutic profile of pyogenic liver abscess

Nineteen consecutive patients of pyogenic liver abscess (13 males, 6 females, mean age 45.2 +/- 6, 5 years) were studied over a period of 5 years for the clinical profile and therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous aspiration. Majority of them presented with spiking fever (94.7%), pain over right upper quadrant of abdomen (53.8%) and often with prostration and shock (31.6%). The onset has been rather acute in patients with multiple abscesses (7 cases). Ascites (10.5%), clubbing of fingers (15.8%) and splenomegaly (10.5%) were observed in cases with long duration of illness. There has been the polymorphonuclear leucocytosis (89.5%) and mild to moderate anaemia (52.6%). Jaundice (42.1%) was usually mild degree (serum bilirubin 4.6 +/- 2.4 mg/dl). The serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were raised in 94.9% of cases. Ultrasonography revealed predominantly hypoechoic (54.1%) areas with frequent distal acoustic enhancement and internal echoes (21.6%). Seven patients had multiple abscesses with 25 lesions (size 5.2 +/- 4.6 cms) situated mainly over antero-inferior segment of the right lobe (45.9%) of the liver. The blood and pus cultures demonstrated the micro-organisms (positive in 63.9% and 86.6% respectively) predominantly of bowel flora including facultative gram negative rods and anaerobes. Mortality was 26.5% and pleuro-pulmonary complications were the commonest (26.4%) one. 15 cases were treated by percutaneous aspiration, proper antibiotic and metronidazole with encouraging results (only two deaths). Complete resolution of abscess took place in 14.2 +/- 1.2 weeks (range 6 weeks to 7.5 months). It is emphasized that percutaneous needle aspiration is useful both for diagnosis and treatment of pyogenic liver abscess.

Significance of serum immunoglobulin levels in conglomeration with trans-sternal phlebography in the phlebography management of breast cancer

The study was conducted on 63 patients with breast lump and twenty normal healthy females. In benign breast disease, a significant (P < 0.001) rise in serum IgA, significant (P < 0.001) decrease in IgG and no change in IgM levels was seen before operation. A significant decrease (P < 0.001) in serum IgA and significant increase in IgG and IgM was observed post operatively. In carcinoma breast, a significant (P < 0.001) elevation in IgA, IgG and IgM levels was found pre-operatively with a concomitant decrease in serum IgA and IgG and increase in serum IgM levels, post operatively. Trans-sternal phlebography (TSP) carried out with 95.23% success has revealed significant (P < 0.001) change in the staging of carcinoma breast. The increased levels of serum immunoglobulins associated with the patients of carcinoma breast with metastasis has led to conclude that these levels, if punctuated with TSP findings can lead to better assessment of the staging of carcinoma breast and thereby its management.

Lipofuscin accumulation in ageing myocardium & its removal by meclophenoxate

A study was undertaken on the age-associated histochemical changes in the ventricular myocardium and the influence of meclophenoxate hydrochloride (MPH) on the age pigment lipofuscin. Sixty Wistar albino rats in three age-groups (3, 15 and 30 months old) were treated with meclophenoxate hydrochloride (100 mg/kg body wt/day, ip) for a period of 2-8 wk. Five animals each from the three age-groups served as controls. Various histochemical and micromorphometric studies were carried out on the myocardial tissue. A linear increase in the myocardial volume occupied by the pigment was observed with advancing age. As a result of meclophenoxate treatment, a gradual decrease in the myocardial volume occupied by the pigment was noted. After 4-6 wk treatment, the pigment bodies were found lodged into the capillary endothelium and the lumen, facilitating the removal of the pigment via blood stream. Histochemical and micromorphometric analyses of ventricular myocardium of albino rats have shown thus that deposition of the age-pigment, lipofuscin, can be accepted as an index of cellular ageing.

'Dark' cell formation under protein malnutrition: process of conversion and concept of 'semi-dark' type Purkinje cells

This paper deals with some deleterious effects of protein malnourishment in rat cerebellum. Severe protein deprivation enhanced the formation of 'dark' cells in white rats. It is postulated that abnormal changes in the neuronal contents induced by nutritional stress play a vital role in the formation of the 'dark' cells through an intermediary stage, 'semi-dark' cells. Centrophenoxine a lipofuscinolytic agent, however, seems to interfere with the process of formation of 'dark' cells and/or helps reconversion of the 'dark' cells into the normal or 'light' type Purkinje cells.

Effect of antioxidants on adenosine triphosphatase activity of brain and heart in male mice during ageing

The present study deals with the effect of butylated hydroxy anisole, propyl gallate and alpha-tocopherol on ATPase activity of brain and heart in ageing male mice. The activity of both the tissues significantly increased during pre-reproductive and reproductive phases. However, during the post-reproductive phase, ATPase activity of heart increased while that of the brain remained unaltered. The enhanced activity could be attributed to interference by the antioxidants in cellular metabolism and/or their free radical scavenging effect.

Quantitative immunological status of males of unexplained infertility in eastern U.P

126 males of unexplained infertility and 75 fertile males were studied during a period of more than 2 years. Statistically significant increase in the levels of serum IgM was observed in cases of males of unexplained infertility. Level and percentage of cases showing semen IgM was more in study group (134.61 +/- 25.5 mg %, 41.26%) than control (24%, 99.3 +/- 8.3%). Semen IgA was found only in study group in 30.15% cases. Though definite correlation between serum and semen immunoglobulin was not observed, semen immunoglobulin was found to be 1-2 fold lower than serum. Results of the present study indicate towards a possible immunological role in cases of unexplained infertility in males.

Antioxidant-influenced alterations in glutathione reductase activity in different age groups of male mice

The glutathione reductase activity was estimated in brain and liver of male mice of different age groups fed on butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG) and alpha-tocopherol (TP). A significant increase in glutathione reductase activity was observed with TP during all the phases (pre-reproductive, reproductive and post-reproductive). Antioxidants enhanced the enzyme activity in both the tissues with the exception of BHA in brain during reproductive and PG in liver during pre-reproductive phases respectively. The enhanced reducing potential of the cell in terms of added bioconversion of GSSG to GSH may account for increase in longevity on antioxidant treatment.

Effect of propyl gallate feeding on glutathione content in ageing Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera)

Glutathione content increased during the reproductive period and decreased thereafter up to the 43rd day of age in whole body as well as mitochondrial homogenates of ageing Zaprionus paravittiger. However, females exhibited higher levels of glutathione as compared to males. In whole body homogenates, propyl gallate (PG; 25 micrograms/ml) increased the glutathione content significantly up to the 22nd day of life whereas in mitochondria it increased during all age intervals in the two sexes with the exception of the 36th and 43rd day of survival in males. In conclusion, the higher level of glutathione on PG feeding might be one of the factors leading to the prolonged life span of flies.

Variations in the life span, enzymes and lipid peroxide levels in ageing Caryedon serratus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

In the bruchid Caryedon serratus, life span of males was longer than that of females. Catalase showed an increasing trend with age in both the sexes but the increase was higher in males. However, an opposite trend was observed for lipid peroxide levels. A rapid decline of NADH and succinate dehydrogenases in females is indicative of early depletion of food reserves due to the higher metabolic rate. Thus, in C. serratus, the factors contributing to relatively higher life span of males are efficient homeostatic defence mechanisms and low oxidative damage in males, early maturity and more reproductive demands in females.

Filariasis control in rural areas through detection and treatment with diethylcarbamazine

A pilot study for control of bancroftian filariasis through detection and treatment of microfilaria (mf) carriers and filaria disease cases with Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) undertaken in the rural areas of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram of Andhra Pradesh showed that this chemotherapeutic method of control of filaria in rural areas is feasible and acceptable to society. During first round of detection and treatment 20,300 mf carriers (90.6 per cent of detected) and 6,588 disease persons (86 per cent of detected) in Srikakulam and 7,097 mf carriers (94.8 per cent of detected) and 1,436 disease persons (93.4 per cent of detected) in Vizianagaram were treated with DEC tablets. These areas were again surveyed after five years and detected cases were treated with DEC with coverage of treatment ranging from 82.3 per cent to 95 per cent for both mf & disease cases and decline in mf and disease rate was noted to be 52.4 per cent and 50.9 per cent respectively in Srikakulam and 42.2 per cent for mf rate in Vizianagaram. The mf reduction was appreciably high (50 per cent or more) in 11 PHCs of Srikakulam and 4 PHCs of Vizianagaram. The mf rate reduction was the highest in the age group of 1 to 4 year indicating that the transmission has been cut down significantly. The vector infection rate showed reduction by 50 per cent during second round of detection and treatment as compared to first round, indicating significant reduction in transmission potential.

Control of bancroftian filariasis by diethylcarbamazine medicated common salt in Karaikal, Pondicherry, India

A trial of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) mixed in crystal common salt at a concentration of 0.15 to 0.2 per cent was carried out for 46 months (1982 to 1986) in Karaikal town and five commune panchayats of Pondicherry for control of bancroftian filariasis. Comparison of pre and post trial surveys showed 97.6 per cent reduction of microfilaria rate. No microfilaria or disease case was found in less than 5 years age group in the post trial survey. There was about 72 per cent reduction of disease rate. In the post trial substantial reduction of disease manifestation was found in 40 years and below age groups. Vector Culex quinquefasciatus density, filaria infection and infectivity rates were monitored only in Karaikal town. Infective vector mosquitoes were found in 1982 and 1983 only but afterwards no infective mosquito was encountered.

Enzymes of oxidant defence system of leucocytes and erythrocytes in bovine anaplasmosis

The glutathione oxidant defence system in leucocytes and erythrocytes of six Anaplasma marginale-infected calves was examined by assaying glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, GSH-S-transferase and arginase levels were measured in leucocytes. There was a significant decline in the activities of leucocyte GSH-px, GSSG-R and SOD in the post-patent period; whereas arginase activity rose significantly following the patent period of anaplasmosis. The activity of erythrocyte SOD declined in the post-patent stage. The infection also caused a decline in red cell GSH (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that the glutathione oxidant defence system of peripheral blood cells is significantly influenced by the Anaplasma infection.

A study of palmo-plantar lesions in leprosy: a preliminary report

Out of 500 leprosy patients screened for palmar and/or plantar lesions, eighteen cases were detected. They were classified according to Ridley-Jopling classification. In majority of cases it was macular lesion. Cases were from TT, BT and BB group. In 50% cases, palmo-plantar involvement was associated with type I reaction. In 66.7% cases, it was extension of patch from surrounding area, 11.1% cases isolated lesions were seen and in 22.2% cases both extension as well as isolated lesions were present.

Effect of sodium hypophosphite feeding on adenosine triphosphatase activity in ageing Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera)

Addition of antioxidant, sodium hypophosphite (SHP; 1 mM), to the diet of Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera) results in depressed ATPase activity in both the sexes in comparison to the normal group. However, the rate of age-related decline in ATPase activity is lowered considerably in SHP fed group. Such changes in ATPase activity might be one of the important factors responsible for increased life span of flies with SHP feeding.

Effect of sodium selenite on antioxidative enzymes of banana fruitfly

The median and maximum life spans of Zaprionus paravittiger are 43 and 79 days, respectively, for males and 52 and 91 days for females at 24 +/- 2 degrees C. Sodium selenite (SS), an antioxidant, feeding prolongs the median as well as maximum life span of both the sexes. Antioxidative enzymes, catalase and peroxidase showed greater activity during the developmental stages. Females, at most of the age intervals, exhibited greater enzymatic activities as compared to their age-matched males. Both the sexes showed a statistically significant increase in the baseline activity of these enzymes as consequent upon SS feeding. It is suggested that SS acts by strengthening the antioxidative enzymes, namely catalase and peroxidase.