Assessment of Effect of Implant Angulation and Implant Number on the Dimensional Accuracy of Definitive Casts

AIM

To analyze the impact of implant angulation and implant number on the dimensional accuracy of definitive casts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven definitive casts with implant analogs placed in a triangular pattern were made from dental stone. The groups were as follows: group 1 (control group) all implant analogs perpendicular to the plane of the cast; the center implant analog (implant 2) being at 90° to the plane of the cast in all groups and implant analogs number 1 and 3 arranged in 5°, 10°, or 15° divergence from or convergence to the center implant (implant number 2). Three open-tray impressions of definitive casts were made in each group. Impressions were poured in type IV dental stone. Coordinates in the three planes were measured at the implant analog top surface and the base of the cast using a fine tip measuring stylus. The data were aligned and the angular differences between implant analog vectors from definitive and duplicate casts were calculated in degrees.

RESULTS

The impact of implant number on the dimensional accuracy of definitive casts was significant whereas for implant angulation it was nonsignificant. The correlation of angulation and the number of the implant did not show an interpretable pattern. The precision of duplicate casts (compared to definitive casts) is not affected by the combined interaction of implant number and implant angulation.

CONCLUSION

The close proximity of implant angulation toward a right-angled direction results in higher precision of implant. In the impression, there is direct picking from the impression copings which decreases the discrepancies in implant angulation on impression and master cast. The interaction of implant angulation and the number shows a noninterpretable pattern.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dimensionally accurate implant impressions can be made by using an open tray technique for three implants angled up to 15°.

Early Postmarket Results with EmboTrap II Stent Retriever for Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

EmboTrap II is a novel stent retriever with a dual-layer design and distal mesh designed for acute ischemic stroke emergent large-vessel occlusions. We present the first postmarket prospective multicenter experience with the EmboTrap II stent retriever.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective registry of patients treated with EmboTrap II at 7 centers following FDA approval was maintained with baseline patient characteristics, treatment details, and clinical/radiographic follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were treated with EmboTrap II (mean age, 69.9 years; 48.6% women). Intravenous thrombolysis was given in 34.3%, and emergent large-vessel occlusions were located in the ICA (n = 18), M1 (n = 38), M2 or M3 (n = 13), and basilar artery (n = 1). The 5 × 33 mm device was used in 88% of cases. TICI ≥ 2b recanalization was achieved in 95.7% (82.3% in EmboTrap II-only cases), and first-pass efficacy was achieved in 35.7%. The NIHSS score improved from a preoperative average of 16.3 to 12.1 postprocedure and to 10.5 at discharge. An average of 2.5 [SD, 1.8] passes was recorded per treatment, including non-EmboTrap attempts. Definitive treatment was performed with an alternative device (aspiration or stent retriever) in 9 cases (12.9%). Some hemorrhagic conversion was noted in 22.9% of cases, of which 4.3% were symptomatic. There were no device-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial postmarket results with the EmboTrap II stent retriever are favorable and comparable with those of other commercially available stent retrievers. Compared with EmboTrap II, the first-generation EmboTrap may have a higher first-pass efficacy; however, data are limited by retrospective case analysis, incomplete clinical follow-up, and small sample size, necessitating future trials.

Real world use of loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.5% in cases representative of comorbid pathologies responding to minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Purpose

With the increasing use of minimally invasive surgical techniques for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in glaucoma patients, there is a need to examine best practices regarding the postoperative management of these patients. Corticosteroids, though effective in controlling postoperative ocular pain and inflammation, present distinct challenges in glaucoma surgery patients, as their use can be associated with IOP elevation. Loteprednol etabonate (LE) is an ocular corticosteroid designed to have an improved safety profile relative to other corticosteroids.

Methods

We report here a representative selection of cases in which patients were successfully treated with LE ophthalmic gel 0.5% (LE gel) following a variety of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures. Cases included patients undergoing various procedures including a Trabectome combined with cataract surgery; micro-stent surgery (iStent) combined with cataract surgery; supraciliary CyPass Micro-Stent placement combined with cataract surgery; Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy; and ab interno canaloplasty using the iTrack catheter.

Observations

In all cases, use of LE gel during the postoperative period appeared effective and safe in reducing inflammation and controlling pain. No adverse events or IOP elevations were noted, even in those patients continuing use of LE gel past the postoperative period for longer than six months with documented follow-up. In two cases, patients with elevated IOP using either prednisolone or difluprednate postoperatively were switched to LE gel, with a subsequent reduction in IOP.

Conclusions

This selection of cases involving patients undergoing MIGS suggests that LE gel may be an effective and safe option for treating postoperative inflammation and pain following such procedures with minimal to no effect on IOP or other negative sequalae.

Corneal changes in diabetic patients after manual small incision cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Diabetics have abnormal corneal morphology along with higher rate of corneal endothelial cell loss and decreased corneal endothelial cell density and early onset of cataract.

AIM

To evaluate the changes in corneal endothelium and corneal thickness in patients with diabetes mellitus after Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) in eyes with brunescent Cataract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 60 eyes of 60 age matched healthy patients of advanced brunescent cataract underwent MSICS were evaluated. All the patients underwent specular microscopy for the corneal endothelial cell count of cornea and central corneal thickness pre-operatively, at one week, six weeks and 12 weeks post-operatively. The morphology, variation in the endothelial size and shape and percentage of hexagonal cells were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean pre-operative endothelial count in the control was higher than the diabetic group (p<0.001). The post-operative endothelial count loss in both the groups were statistically significant (one-way ANOVA p<0.001). On comparing post-operative endothelial loss in non diabetics (8.05%) to diabetic group, the diabetic group had significantly higher endothelial loss (14.19% p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in central corneal thickness in diabetics as compared to control (p = 0.004). The change in percentage hexagon cells in diabetic group was significantly higher than in non diabetic group (p = 0.005). Inter group change in coefficient of variance was not statistically significant (p=0.144).

CONCLUSION

Compared to non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients have more endothelial cells damage after MSICS. Corneal endothelial evaluation of diabetic patients is recommended before any intraocular surgery.

Polygodial, a potent attachment-inhibiting substance for the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis galloprovincialis from Tasmannia lanceolata

A highly potent attachment-inhibitor, polygodial, was isolated from a hexane extract of the leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata. The attachment-inhibiting activity of polygodial against the blue mussel was increased 4-fold when used in combination with sorbic acid, anethole, and indole.

Overlap of reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura, acropigmentation of Dohi and Dowling-Degos disease in four generations

A large kindred is being reported in which reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura (RAPK) and acropigmentation of Dohi (APD) were associated with features of Dowling-Degos disease (DDD). The pedigree was traced through four generations and 50% of the members were found to be affected. RAPK, APD and DDD are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. The differentiation and overlap/association of RAPK, APD and DDD is discussed.

Broad antiviral activity in tissues of crustaceans

Innate antiviral substances occur in vertebrates and may function as host defenses. Virus infections are common among invertebrates, but little is known about the ability of invertebrates to control viral infections. Pre-existing antiviral substances may be particularly important, since invertebrates lack the antiviral defense conferred by specific immunity. In our study, we found that tissue extracts of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), and crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) contained antiviral activities that inhibit a variety of DNA and RNA viruses, i.e. Sindbis virus (SB), vaccinia virus (VAC), vesicular stomatitis virus (VS), mengo virus (MENGO), banzi virus (BANZI) and poliomyelitis (POLIO). The concentration of inhibitory activity was relatively high, ranging from 102 to 216 U/g tissue for Sindbis virus, using the various tissue extracts. The other viruses were somewhat less sensitive to the inhibitor. The main antiviral activity in the inhibitor preparation from blue crab resided in an approximately 440 kDa fraction. It was inactivated significantly by lipid extraction, but not by proteinase K or glycosidases. The antiviral mechanism of the inhibitor from the blue crab was inhibition of virus attachment to eukaryotic cells, as evidenced by inhibitory activity at 4 degrees C. These studies are among the first to show the existence of broadly active antiviral activities in aquatic crustaceans. These antiviral substances may function as innate host defenses in these species that lack specific antibody immunity and, therefore, merit further study.

Tanikolide, a toxic and antifungal lactone from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula

A new brine-shrimp toxic and antifungal compound, tanikolide 1, has been isolated from the lipid extract of a Madagascan collection of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The structure of tanikolide was determined by spectroscopic methods, relying heavily on 2D NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration at C-5 of tanikolide was established as R by oxidizing the primary alcohol to an acid and analyzing the corresponding (R)- and (S)-PGME amide derivatives by (1)H NMR.

Lipoproteins account for part of the broad non-specific antiviral activity of human serum

Several antiviral substances have been detected in human serum but few have been shown to possess broad antiviral activity. These broadly active antiviral molecules could be of significance as innate defense mechanisms. We have previously identified and characterized a broadly antiviral glycoprotein, UTI3, which accounts for 50 antiviral units/ml of human and mammalian sera. In addition there are reports of antiviral activity of human serum apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-1), an important constituent of high density lipoprotein (HDL), against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpesvirus. Therefore we investigated (1) whether HDL is broadly antiviral, (2) how much of the broad antiviral activity of serum is due to HDL, and (3) the mechanism(s) of HDL's antiviral action. In this paper we report that (1) HDL does have broad antiviral activity, (2) HDL accounts for a modest but significant portion of the antiviral activity of serum, and (3) HDL acts by preventing virus penetration. Overall, HDL may be one of the broadly antiviral defences in the bloodstream.

A host defense role for a natural antiviral substance in the nervous system

The pathogenesis of virus infections of the nervous system (NS) is regulated by host defenses. The defensive role of a major constitutive antiviral substance was studied by determining its distribution in the human nervous system, its concentration and the ability of this viral inhibitor to protect mice against viral infection. The 4000 kDa inhibitor complex in the human nervous system was detected in brain gray and white matter, spinal cord, and sciatic nerve but not in human cerebrospinal fluid. The inhibitor was found in the extracellular medium incubated with minced murine brain. The inhibitory titer ranged from approximately 50 to 200 antiviral units per gram against polio 1, Semliki Forest, Banzi, mengo, Newcastle disease and herpes simplex 1 viruses. The inhibitor is composed of lipid and essential protein and carbohydrate moieties as determined by enzymatic inactivation. Protection of inhibitor-treated mice was demonstrated against both an alphavirus and a picornavirus. Thus a natural defensive role for the broadly antiviral inhibitor is suggested by its constitutively high concentration, wide distribution in nervous system tissues, presence in extracellular fluid and its ability to provide protection in infected mice.

Vertebrate brains contain a broadly active antiviral substance

Brain tissue extracts from vertebrates were examined for non-specific, broad-spectrum virus inhibitors, previously identified and characterized from other body tissues and fluids. An antiviral activity found in human, bovine, ovine, porcine, lapine, murine and piscine brain tissues shares some properties with a contact blocking-virus inhibitor, which was previously found only in cell culture supernatants. The inhibitor was active against (in order of sensitivity to inhibitor) Banzi, Sindbis, Bunyamwera, Newcastle disease, herpes simplex I, Semliki forest, polio I, mengo, vaccinia and vesicular stomatitis viruses. It is approximately 4000 kDa and possesses a complex structure containing protein, carbohydrate and lipid moieties. The inhibitor does not directly neutralize virus or induce an antiviral state in cells, but appears to act early in the replication cycle, most likely by preventing virus attachment to target cells. Its occurrence in concentrations sufficient to reduce virus yield in cell cultures at least 30-fold may indicate a role in limiting viral infections of the central nervous system.

Treatment of intracranial alphavirus infections in mice by a combination of specific antibodies and an interferon inducer

Finding an effective treatment for viral infections that cause encephalitis remains an important problem. A model of human alphavirus infections, Semliki Forest virus, causes lethal encephalitis in weanling mice. Mice are viremic within 24 hr of an intraperitoneal challenge with the equivalent of three 75% lethal doses of Semliki Forest virus. Virus reaches the brain by 48 hr, and mortality results in all mice in 5-7 days. Introduction of virus intracranially accelerates the course of the infection. Neither anti-Semliki Forest virus hyperimmune serum nor the potent interferon inducer poly I:CLC given intraperitoneally are protective when used therapeutically after an intracranial virus infection, but a combination of 1,000 U hyperimmune serum and 80 micrograms/mouse of poly I:CLC results in a 50% survival rate. This combination treatment of intracranial Semliki Forest virus infection eliminates detectable viremia and reduces virus load in the brain over the course of the infection. These data show that when combined, specific antibody and an interferon inducer can interact synergistically to protect mice from alphavirus infections of the central nervous system even when given after the virus is replicating in the target organ.

Generalized occurrence of the broadly antiviral substance UTI beta in mammalian sera

This study compares the characteristics of naturally occurring antiviral activities in nonhuman mammalian sera to UTI beta (University of Texas virus inhibitor beta), an innate, non-specific viral inhibitor found in human serum. The antiviral agent in sera from four different species appears to possess properties similar to those of UTI beta, e.g. molecular weight of 60 +/- 10 kDa, broad spectrum antiviral activity, glycoprotein structure with antiviral oligosaccharide moiety(s) attached to a carrier protein, and inhibition of most viruses by preventing their attachment to target cells. These findings suggest that UTI beta or UTI beta-like virus inhibitors are a normal component of the non-specific immune defenses of mammals.

Nasopharyngeal Corynebacterium ulcerans: a different diphtheria

A case of toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans infection is presented. The diagnosis was delayed and no anti-toxin administered. A nasopharyngeal biopsy was complicated by severe haemorrhage necessitating a post nasal pack. A brief review of the pathology and treatment of Corynebacterium ulcerans is given.

Tissue changes induced by enterotoxic preparations of Salmonella weltevreden in ligated rabbit gut segments

Culture filtrates and cell lysates of two strains of S. weltevreden which caused dilation of ligated rabbit gut segments (characteristic associated with the enterotoxic activity) induced mild to severe architectural changes in the test segments of intestine. The dilated segments contained thick, bloody and mucoid exudates. The results suggested that besides invasiveness and enterotoxigenicity, S. weltevreden possibly possessed factor (s) that damaged intestinal tissue and played part in the pathogenesis of Salmonella gastroenteritis.

A delayed permeability factor in the culture filtrates and cell lysates of Salmonella weltevreden

Salmonella weltevreden strains produced a delayed permeability factor (PF) when tested on depilated rabbit skin. The PF activity could be demonstrated in freshly concentrated culture filtrates as well as in the cell lysates. The activity varied with strain and preparation. The induration and blueing reactions were associated with well marked balancing zones.

Blood groups in relation to carcinoma of cervix uteri

Data are presented on AB0 and RhD blood groups in 186 patients suffering from carcinoma of cervix uteri and 274 controls from Delhi, India. A strong association is observed between carcinoma patients and blood group A, and a slightly weaker association with blood group B. There is no significant association with RhD blood group. The available data in other populations confirm the association with AB0 blood group.

Further characterization of a broad-spectrum antiviral substance in human serum

A broadly active antiviral glycoprotein (UTI beta) occurs naturally in human sera at an average antiviral titer of 50 U/ml. This inhibitor is active against all virus families tested to date, including representative poxviruses, herpesviruses, enteroviruses, paramyxoviruses, alpha-viruses, flaviviruses, bunyaviruses, and rhabdoviruses. It is a glycoprotein of approximately 60,000 +/- 10,000 Da, which is stable at pH 2 to 10 and at 80 degrees C for up to 10 min. Mild oxidation with NaIO4 and treatment with glycosidases inactivates the material. Proteolytic degradation of the inhibitor molecule releases small active components of < 1000 Da, which retain antiviral activity. This activity of the small components has increased heat stability (120 degrees C for 15 min) and is inactivated by glycosidases. The antiviral activity thus appears to reside mainly in the oligosaccharide moiety of the glycoprotein. The inhibitor does not neutralize virions, but prevents attachment of most viruses to cells. These properties occur also in highly purified preparations. These findings indicate that human serum contains significant concentrations of a broadly active antiviral glycoprotein, which is distinct from interferon and other antiviral substances naturally found in human body fluids and tissues.

Computer-tomographic (CT) studies and anthropological measurements in patients with atlanto-occipital fusion

Computer tomographic (CT) studies and anthropological measurements were performed in individuals showing complete or partial atlanto-occipital fusion. In 13 patients and 13 matched controls all measurements excepting head length and head breadth gave smaller, and in some instances significantly smaller values in the patients. The two head measurements, on the other hand, turned out to be somewhat, though not significantly larger. This suggested a certain amount of hydrocephalus internus. Computer-tomographic (CT) studies in 11 patients and 9 controls gave some--not very clearcut--evidence in favor of this hypothesis. Moreover, some other mild anomalies such as prominent and dilated sulci and cisterns were observed in 9 of 11 patients and in 3 of 9 controls (P1 one tailed = 0.0399).

Late audiovestibular consequences of radical radiotherapy to the parotid

It has been claimed that the inner ear is generally resistant to the effects of radiotherapy schedules commonly used for treating head and neck cancer. A study was made of 28 patients previously irradiated for parotid pleomorphic adenoma to assess the effect on the audiovestibular apparatus. The dose most commonly used was 50 Gy in 15 daily fractions over 20 days and the median interval between radiotherapy and assessment was 14 years. Of 28 patients 15 had significant hearing deficit on the irradiated side on audiometry and this was predominantly sensorineural in type. In addition seven of these 15 patients had semicircular canal paresis. The reason for this morbidity may be arithmetic (total biological dose; dose per fraction) or geometric (upper extent; depth of target volume). Patients are now routinely warned of the possibility of late audiovestibular effects following radical radiotherapy to the parotid.

Postinfection therapy of arbovirus infections in mice

Most antiviral agents are efficacious prophylactically in vivo, and a few are efficacious for postinfection (p.i.) therapy. To explore possibilities for p.i. therapy of encephalogenic Banzi virus (BZV) and Semliki Forest virus infections in mice, we evaluated candidate antiviral therapies after development of the first clinical signs of infection. The earliest clinical indication of BZV viremia in mice is a rise in core body temperature beginning on day 3 p.i. BZV-infected mice showing elevated core body temperatures (greater than or equal to 37.3 degrees C) on days 3 and 4 p.i. were treated intraperitoneally with the interferon inducer poly(ICLC) (80 micrograms per mouse) and/or specific antiserum. Combined therapy on day 3 of a BZV infection protected over 75% of mice showing clinical evidence of viral disease before treatment. Protection against early brain infection must occur on day 4 p.i., since by that day BZV has started multiplying in the brains of the mice. Significant protection occurred with antiserum alone and increased with poly(ICLC). Similar protection was obtained during Semliki Forest virus viremia, but this infection is so rapid that the first clinical signs are reliably detectable only after viremia.

The in vivo antiviral effect of CL246,738 is mediated by the independent induction of interferon-alpha and interferon-beta

An interferon (IFN) inducer and immunomodulator, CL246,738 [3,6-bis(2-piperidinoethoxy)acridine trihydrochloride], protected mice from lethal infection with Semliki Forest (SFV) and Banzi (BZV) viruses. A single oral dose of CL246,738 (5-150 mg/kg) administered 24 h before intraperitoneal challenge with SFV or BZV fully protected mice from lethal infection. Dose-dependent levels of circulating IFN peaked at 24 h in the serum and peritoneal fluid of CL246,738-treated mice. The circulating IFN of CL246,738-treated mice consisted of IFN-alpha and was produced by spleen cells. Peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) obtained from CL246,738-treated mice produced IFN-beta. Treatment in vivo with anti-IFN-alpha/beta and anti-IFN-beta reversed the protective effect of CL246,738 against lethal SFV encephalitis.

Falciparum malaria--present day problems. An experience with 425 cases

Clinical details and present day problems encountered in 425 cases of falciparum malaria (PF) are reported. 10.11% had taken chloroquine prior to reporting to us. Parasitic count done in 23.05% cases lacked correlation with severity of disease. Pattern of fever varied markedly but 5.4% were afebrile throughout and presented only with bodyache and malaise. Apyrexial spell was noted in 5.64%. 28.70% had typical facial looks of anaemia and sallow complexion. Cerebral symptoms were noted in 3.05%. Other symptoms were severe headache 33.4%, pain abdomen 3.29%, gastroenteritis 5.64%, jaundice 2.58% and bronchitis in 7.50%. We encountered subconjunctival haemorrhages with purpura and/or urticaria in four cases, symptoms suggestive of shock lung in 3, pulmonary oedema in 2, severe anaemia (HB less than 4 g%) in seven pregnant ladies, extrapyramidal symptoms in follow up period in 5 and congenital malaria in 2 cases. 83.25% were cured with chloroquine and oxytetracycline. 8.47% (who deteriorated despite the above treatment) were treated with quinine for 6 days. 5.17% (with severe disease) were also given quinine as first line drug. 2.82% (unresponsive to chloroquine and oxytetracycline but with mild disease) were treated with pyrimethamine-sulphamezathine combination for 5 days. One case who did not respond to quinine was treated with quinidine. Recrudescence was seen in 3.67% of patients treated with chloroquine and oxytetracycline. There was no case with renal failure, haemolysis due to G6PD deficiency and black water fever. There was only one death (0.23%) in our series. Self-medication, haphazard therapy and the slogan "Fever may be malaria-take chloroquine" can lead to problems in falciparum malaria.

A genetic and anthropological study of atlanto-occipital fusion

Families of 20 probands with atlanto-occipital fusion were studied, and the neurological complications in these patients described. In X-ray studies of 115 close relatives, 4 additional cases (3.5%) with the same anomaly were detected. In a comparison of adult patients with closely related age- and sex-matched controls, all anthropological measurements except length and breadth of the head tended to be smaller in the patients; for height, weight, leg and foot length, and the robusticity index, these differences were statistically significant.

Biology of the people of Sikkim, India. 2. Colour blindness, ear lobe attachment, mid-phalangeal hair and behavioural traits

14 population groups of Sikkim (India)--Lepchas (2), Bhutias (2), Sherpas, Tamangs, Gurungs, Mangars, Rais, Limboos/Subbas, Pradhans (Newars), Brahmans, Chhetris, Scheduled Castes--have been studied in regard of the intra- and intergroup variability of colour blindness, ear lobe attachment, mid-phalangeal hair and behavioural traits (tongue folding, hand clapsing, arm folding, leg folding, handedness). Some of these variables show a considerable distribution heterogeneity, which is discussed considering history and marriage patterns of these populations. As most of them are highly endogamous one can assume that this heterogeneity is caused by locally acting factors such as drift and/or founder effects, which could be preserved due to as good as lacking gene flow among the populations under study. Beyond that the Sikkim data are compared briefly with those reported for other Indian and Asiatic populations.

Heteromorphisms of C-bands in patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix uteri

C-band heteromorphisms of chromosomes 1, 9 and 16 were studied in 62 patients with cervical cancer, 100 women with various grades of precancerous lesions and 47 normal women as controls. The data showed an increased frequency of heteromorphisms of chromosome 1 in patients with cancer (48.39%) and severe dysplasias (40%) as compared to controls (29.8%) and lower grades of dysplastic lesions, i.e. mild and moderate (28.8%). The increase in the incidence of chromosome 1 heteromorphisms in cancer was found to be statistically significant (p less than 0.05) compared to controls. The present study indicates that C-band heteromorphisms may play some role in the development of malignancy of the uterine cervix.

Y-chromosome length heteromorphisms in Delhi infants

One hundred and seventy normal male infants from Delhi were studied using the CBG technique to estimate Y-chromosome length heteromorphisms. The median class in Y/F [Y/F = total length of the Y chromosome/average total length of the F group chromosomes (19 and 20)] distribution was 0.75-0.79. The Y/F index in infants varied from 0.60 to 1.16 with a mean of 0.81 and a standard deviation of 0.09. A high incidence for very small (53.5 percent) and small (41.2 percent) categories of Y-chromosome length heteromorphisms was observed. Data were compared with other available reports; also possible mechanisms of the Y-chromosome length heteromorphisms and their role in ethnic/racial variation as well as in developmental disturbances are discussed. It is suggested there may be a need to redefine the long and short Y chromosome in a given population while studying different clinical disorders.

Experimental pathogenesis of buffalo pox virus in rabbits: clinico-pathological studies

Buffalo pox virus produced typical pock lesions on the skin of rabbits at the site of primary inoculation following an incubation period of 48-72 hr. Gross lesions in internal organs, characterized by focal or diffuse necrotic areas on lung, liver and spleen were seen from day 5 post-inoculation (p. i.). Isolated lesions of approximately 2 mm diameter appeared in skin, stomach, intestine and uterus from day 7 p. i. Histopathological changes, i. e. intra-alveolar and intra-bronchial haemorrhages were seen in lungs and severe fatty changes were found in the liver. Multinuclear cells were detected in liver during recovery. Virus particles were demonstrated by electron microscopy in skin, lung, liver and spleen lesions.

Experience with multidrug therapy in paucibacillary leprosy

Eighty paucibacillary leprosy cases were randomly put on two different multidrug regimens for 6 months followed by dapsone monotherapy. Regimen I was according to WHO (1982) recommendations consisting of Dapsone and six once a month rifampicin. In regimen II in addition to above two constituents, clofazimine was added 100 mg on alternate days. Dapsone thereafter was continued in both the regimens upto one year. The efficacy, acceptability and side effects of multidrug regimens were observed for a period of one year. Histopathological assessment was done on completion of multidrug therapy in all cases. A comparative evaluation of effect of two multidrug regimens in paucibacillary leprosy patients is reported. Addition of clofazimine over WHO (1982) recommended regimen appears to have no added benefit. The duration of WHO (1982) recommended regimens was found to be inadequate in many cases.

Genetic studies of Pangwalas, Transhumant and Settled Gaddis. 4. Colour blindness, mid-phalangeal hair, ear lobe attachment and behavioural traits

Frequency distributions of colour blindness, midphalangeal hair, ear lobe attachment, hand clasping, arm folding, leg folding and handedness are reported for different population groups from Himachal Pradesh, North India, namely Pangwalas, Transhumant Gaddis (Brahmans, Rajputs and Scheduled Castes) and Settled Gaddis (Brahmans, Rajputs and Schedules Castes). An attempt has been made to compare the results of the present study within and between these groups as well as with the results of other reports from different population groups of India and Asia.

Sister chromatid exchanges in patients with precancerous and cancerous lesions of cervix uteri

The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was studied in leucocytes from 46 patients with cervical carcinoma, 89 precancerous lesions, and 43 age-matched control women. The frequency of SCEs was found to be 10.15 +/- 2.49 in cancer, 8.83 +/- 2.15 in precancerous lesions, and 7.55 +/- 2.24 in controls. The analyses of SCE data revealed a highly significant (P less than 0.001) increase in precancerous and cancerous lesions compared to controls. The intra-chromosomal distribution of SCEs revealed a random increase in various chromosomal groups in patients with cancer and dysplasia compared to controls. The mean SCE level among various groups of precancerous lesions according to severity of pathological condition did not show significant differences. However, 70.8% of dysplasia cases revealed SCE levels higher than the average in controls. The increased frequencies of SCEs in the majority of cancer patients and a few precancerous lesions indicate that individuals with high SCE levels may be at a high risk of developing cancer. Thus the usefulness of SCE levels as a preclinical marker to identify the high risk group of dysplasias needs to be ascertained by follow-up studies; these are in progress.

Cardiovascular system in leprosy

Involvement of cardiovascular system (CVS) in 50 multibacillary (MB) and 20 paucibacillary (PB) cases of leprosy was evaluated. 20 age and sex matched controls were also studied. In addition to detailed clinical examination and resting electro-cardiogram, Master's two step exercise test (DMT) was also carried out to find out the occult and asymptomatic cardiac involvement. We have not found any significant symptomatic or electrocardiographic evidence of CVS involvement in various groups of leprosy.

Genetic markers and malaria. Observations in Gujarat, India

189 healthy controls and 175 patients suffering from malaria vivax have been investigated with regard to associations between this disease and 22 genetic polymorphisms of the blood (ABO, MN, Ss, Rh, Kell, P, Lutheran, Kidd, Duffy, Diego, Xg; ABH-Secretor; Hp, Gc, Gm, Km; aP, AK, PGM1, 6-PGD, EsD; Hb variants) Significant associations could be demonstrated only for P and Hp systems, though in accordance with other investigations it cannot be excluded that the ABO system plays also a role in this connection.

Studies on pathogenesis of buffalo pox virus in rabbits: quantitative assay of virus in different organs

The buffalo pox virus was found to multiply in the skin, the primary site of inoculation with an eclipse phase of 12 hr. The virus was then detected in the skin after 15 hr followed by its appearance in regional lymph nodes 36 hr postinoculation. Primary viremia was detected 48 hr postinoculation, followed by detection of virus in the lungs, liver, and spleen. The virus multiplied in the lungs on day 4 and in the liver and spleen on day 5 postinoculation and its release led to secondary viremia. In a follow-up from day 7 to 14 postinoculation, the virus was detected in the kidneys, stomach, intestines, and gonads.

Pathogenesis of buffalo-pox virus in buffalo calves

Pathogenesis of buffalo-pox virus (BP4 strain) in buffalo calves following intradermal inoculation revealed bimodal thermal reaction. The prominent symptoms were lacrimation, mucoprulent nasal discharge and diarrhoea. The typical pook lesions produced in the skin were passed through reseolar, papular, vesicular, pustular and desquamative stages of infection followed with a second rash, between day 6-8 on the lips, tongue, neck, perinium region and around the nostrils and eyes. After the eclipse phase of 10 hours, the concentration of the virus started increasing logarithmically. Thereafter, the virus was subsequently detected in the regional lymphnode, blood stream and central organs viz., lung, liver & spleen on 2nd, 4th and 5th day, respectively. In blood stream the virus was found to be associated with white blood cells. Secondary viremia was again on day 6 post-inoculation. Gross and microscopic changes were observed in these organs. The presence of virus along with pathologic changes were also detected in stomach and intestine. The disease ran a course of 13 to 15 days.

Human chromosomal heteromorphisms in Delhi newborns. II. Analysis of C-band size heteromorphisms in chromosomes 1, 9 and 16

Quantitative analysis of C-band size heteromorphisms in chromosomes 1,9 and 16 was carried out in 200 Delhi newborns (100 males and 100 females). The percent size heteromorphisms for chromosomes 1,9 and 16 showed nonsignificant differences between the sexes. Homozygous size level combinations showed higher incidence than the heterozygous combinations for all the three chromosome pairs studied in both sexes. Our results are compared with other reported studies and the possible role of these heteromorphisms in ethnic/racial variation and in developmental disturbances is discussed.

Chromosomal heteromorphisms in Delhi infants. III. Qualitative analysis of C-band inversion heteromorphisms of chromosomes 1, 9, and 16

Qualitative analysis of C-band heteromorphisms was carried out in 200 infants (100 males and 100 females) in Delhi, India. Partial inversions minor and half inversions were observed as modal levels for chromosomes 1 and 9 in both sexes. No chromosome 16 with a C-band inversion was observed in the present investigation. A significantly higher incidence of percent inversions for chromosomes 1 and 9 was observed in males than in females. The frequency of heterozygous inversion level combinations for chromosome pairs 1 and 9 were remarkably higher than homozygous combinations both in males and females. Our results are compared with the other reported studies, and the possible role of these heteromorphisms in ethnic/racial variation and in developmental disturbances are discussed.