Infrared spectroscopic laser scanning confocal microscopy for whole-slide chemical imaging

Chemical imaging, especially mid-infrared spectroscopic microscopy, enables label-free biomedical analyses while achieving expansive molecular sensitivity. However, its slow speed and poor image quality impede widespread adoption. We present a microscope that provides high-throughput recording, low noise, and high spatial resolution where the bottom-up design of its optical train facilitates dual-axis galvo laser scanning of a diffraction-limited focal point over large areas using custom, compound, infinity-corrected refractive objectives. We demonstrate whole-slide, speckle-free imaging in ~3 min per discrete wavelength at 10× magnification (2 μm/pixel) and high-resolution capability with its 20× counterpart (1 μm/pixel), both offering spatial quality at theoretical limits while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios (>100:1). The data quality enables applications of modern machine learning and capabilities not previously feasible - 3D reconstructions using serial sections, comprehensive assessments of whole model organisms, and histological assessments of disease in time comparable to clinical workflows. Distinct from conventional approaches that focus on morphological investigations or immunostaining techniques, this development makes label-free imaging of minimally processed tissue practical.

Beneficial role of skim milk against drug-resistant Escherichia coli associated with pediatric diarrhoea

Background

Antibiotic-resistance in E. coli is a global issue affecting humans especially the pediatric population. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli is a pathogen frequently pediatric population as well as healthy adults.

Methods

This study aimed to examine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli causing pediatric diarrhea and its drug-resistant rates, its adhering abilities to cell line in vitro, and inhibition efficiency of a few selected chemical compounds. Clinical strains were isolated from both the healthy and infected pediatric population of Mizoram.

Results

Adhesion is a significant pathogenic process during bacterial infections, which has been employed for pathotyping of DEC by comparing adhesion efficiency in both normal (CHO-k1) and cancer (HeLa) cell lines. E. coli adherent pathotypes were identified by both PCR assay and in-vitro cell adhesion assays; the study also evaluated the adhesion inhibition ability of human skimmed milk, gentamicin, and cephalexin in-vitro. Of all isolates, 20.05% of adherent DEC (EPEC, DAEC, and EIEC) and 11.39 % of non-adherent DEC (STEC and ETEC) were found to be associated with pediatric diarrhoea in Mizoram. Human skimmed milk has a high potential adhesion inhibition against EAEC (50.25/90.90 μg/mL), EPEC (53.42/259.70 μg/mL), and EIEC (59.13/30.30 μg/mL) in both cell lines in comparison with gentamicin and cephalexin.

Conclusion

This study concludes that as a dietary supplement-human skimmed milk has high potential to prevent adhesion of DEC pathotypes in cells in-vitro thus in in-vivo.

Lumbar Facet Joint Cyst Treated With Decompression and Interlaminar Stabilization

Spinal facet joint cysts (FJCs) are an increasingly reported cause of lower back pain, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits owing to their proximity to adjacent nerve roots. The etiology of these cysts has not yet been fully elucidated, although they appear to be related to degenerative changes in the facet joints themselves. Conservative management strategies including physical therapy and oral analgesics rarely result in spontaneous regression of an FJC, often providing only short-term relief. The current treatment modalities reported for FJCs generally range from percutaneous cyst aspiration to decompression surgery with or without instrumented spinal fusion. However, instrumented fusion often results in a higher rate of complications such as pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment disease. The Coflex^® (Paradigm Spine, LLC, New York, NY) interlaminar stabilization (ILS) implant is a novel titanium, U-shaped device which acts as a motion-preserving stabilizer and has proven to be a viable alternative to instrumental fusion. Here, we discuss a case of an FJC treated with both decompression and placement of a Coflex ILS device.

Preliminary clinical assessment and non- toxicity evaluation of an ayurvedic formulation BGR-34 in NIDDM

In view of the overall health impact of NIDDM, inventers understand the necessity of improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. BGR-34 provides an effective treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes who have been inadequately controlled on lifestyle with or without other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHGAs) such as metformin, sulfonylurea, or a glitazones. BGR-34 is an appropriate option to consider for addition to a managed care drug formulary. Treatment with BGR-34 produced clinically relevant and statistically significant reductions in all three key measures of glucose control studied -FPG, PPBG and HbA1c- when compared with placebo. BGR-34, showed the promising result with respect to glycemic parameters in NIDDM patient with a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar by 34.3%, postprandial blood sugar 35.5% & glycosylated haemoglobin by 20.31% as compared to placebo group showing a reduction by 13.2%, 10.9% & 10.87% respectively. The trial has also been registered to CTRI, India. This study has been registered in the clinical trial registry-India.

Detection of classical swine fever virus E2 gene in cattle serum samples from cattle herds of Meghalaya

The present study focused on the detection and genetic characterisation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and E2 gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV, family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus) from bovine population of the northeastern region of India. A total of 134 cattle serum samples were collected from organised cattle farms and were screened for CSFV antigen with a commercial antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 10 samples were positive for CSFV antigen by ELISA, while all of them were positive in PCR for 5'UTR region. Full length E2 region of CSFV were successfully amplified from two positive samples and used for subsequent phylogenetic analysis and determination of protein 3D structure which showed similarity with reported CSFV isolate from Assam of sub-genogroup 2.1, with minor variations in protein structure.

Diagnostic and Treatment Delays among the Tuberculosis Patients in the Urban Area of Western Nepal

Background Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is vital for health system to identify, treat patients as early as possible and to reduce frequency of new cases of a disease among the contacts of known cases. Objective To determine the diagnostic and treatment delay in the urban population of the western, Nepal and factors associated to it. Method An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban area of Western Nepal. Category I 142 TB patients aged over 15 years visiting DOTs centre during period of three months were included in study. Interview schedule was designed to elicit information on socio- demographic characteristics and history of symptoms. Diagnostic and treatment delay was calculated, chi square test was applied to find associations and non - parametric tests (Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test) for evaluating group differences. Result Out of 142 TB clients, mean age was 38.12 years. Majority (58%) were males. Around 44% belong to upper, 30% middle and 26% lower economic class. Study showed median diagnostic delay 34 days (Q3 =68 Days, Q1 =19 Days), treatment delay less than a day (Q3 =1 Day, Q1 =0 Day) and total delay 33.50 days (Q3 =71 Days, Q1 =19 Days). Smear positive patients had significantly higher risk of diagnostic delay compared to negative (OR=2.18. P=0.035). However, no significant associations found between socio-economic/demographic classes with delay. Median delays was more amongst married (Q3 =86 Days, Median =72 days, Q1=24 Days compared to single/separated (Q3 =74 Days, Median =57 days, Q1 =15 Days) and other socio-demographic variables had no significant differences. Conclusion Delay in diagnosis and treatment in Urban region of Western, Nepal was shorter compared to other places in Nepal and neighboring countries. Shorter delay for smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis raises doubt that cases are not examined according to the national TB control programs manual.

Evaluating the suitability of tungsten, titanium and stainless steel wires as current collectors in microbial fuel cells

An appropriate current collector (CC) is crucial for harvesting substantial power in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In the present study, stainless steel (SS) and titanium wires were used as the CCs for both the anode and cathode of MFC-1 and MFC-2, respectively. Tungsten wire (TW) was used as the anode CC in MFC-3, with SS wire as the cathode CC. In MFC-4, TW was used as the cathode CC with SS wire as the anode CC, and in MFC-5 both electrode CCs were TW. The power density, current density, oxidation current and bio-capacitance were compared to select the best and most cost effective CC material to enhance the power output of MFCs. Maximum power densities (mW/m2) of 32.28, 93.10, 225.38, 210.74, and 234.88 were obtained in MFC-1, MFC-2, MFC-3, MFC-4, and MFC-5, respectively. The highest current density (639.86 mA/m2) and coulombic efficiency (23.12 ± 1.5%) achieved in MFC-5 showed TW to be the best CC for both electrodes. The maximum oxidation current of 7.4 mA and 7 mA and bio-capacitance of 10.3 mF/cm2 and 9.7 mF/cm2 were achieved in MFC-3 and MFC-5, respectively, suggesting TW is the best as the anode CC and SS wire as the cathode CC to reduce MFC fabrication costs.

The effect of aerobic exercise in the maintenance treatment of depression

We investigated the efficacy of aerobic exercise alongside antidepressant medication as an adjuvant maintenance treatment for depression. Fifty patients in remission were randomly assigned to either medication only or medication plus exercise. Assessment of psychopathology was made at 6-weekly intervals (for 24 weeks) using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The medication-plus-exercise group showed significantly more improvement at 12 and 24 weeks than the medication-only group. This study adds to a growing evidence base that suggests aerobic exercise is worthy of further development in the treatment of depressive disorders.

Histopathological Diagnosis of Leprosy Type 1 Reaction with Emphasis on Interobserver Variation

Upgrading typel lepra reaction or reversal reaction (RR) is an acute inflammatory complication of leprosy and a disparity exists between clinicians and pathologists for diagnosing a RR. Inter-observer variations among pathologists also compound this problem as no universally agreed diagnostic criteria exist. 120 biopsies and H&E stained slides were assessed by 3 pathologists. The pathologists were blinded to the clinical diagnosis and to each other's observations. Each pathologist assigned a likelihood of reaction by their histopathological observations as definitely reaction, probable reaction and no reaction. Clinicopathological correlation and interobserver agreement was analyzed statistically. Discordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was seen in 30.8% by pathologist 1 (P1), 23.7% by pathologist 2 (P2) and 34.5% bythe pathologist 3 (P3). Dermal edema, intragranuloma edema and epidermal erosion were consistent findings by all observers. Definite reaction was seen in 54.2% of cases by P1, 53.3% by P2 and 34.5% by P3. Kappa statistics for strength of agreement showed good agreement between 3 pathologists with P1 (κ = 0.83), P2 (κ = 0.61), P3 (κ = 0.62). RR are underdiagnosed on histopathological examination but this study shows that dermal edema, edema within the granuloma and partial obliteration of grenz zone by granuloma are reliable clues to diagnose a RR on histopathology.

Parenting in children and adolescents with psychosis

NEED AND PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Psychotic symptoms appear in children and adolescents in the most crucial years, during the individual's career development. The challenges faced by parents of psychotic children are in dealing with their disruptive behaviours, negative symptoms, cognitive deficits, delusions and hallucinations. This paper presents an overview of the childhood psychosis and how parenting can be done effectively for this population.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved from the Medline, Cochrane database, Google Scholar, Medscape; using the search terms 'parenting and childhood psychosis', and 'childhood psychoses; and standard textbooks were consulted.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Educating parents how to recognize early symptoms, explaining treatment adherence, side effects of medications along with non-pharmacological measures like dealing with expressed emotions, lowering expectations, enhancing social supports, healthy lifestyle, and making patients independent. Awareness, early identification and effective parenting for psychosis may help bridge the wide gap between scarce skilled mental health professionals, inefficient resources and large paediatric population.

Assessment of bacteriological quality of ready to eat food vended in streets of Silchar city, Assam, India

A total of 37 street vended food samples were examined for bacterial and the colony forming units counts ranged from 4.5 × 10⁵ to 1.12 × 10⁶. The isolates were identified as Escherichia coli (37.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.57%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.20%), Salmonella sp. (5.36%), Klebsiella sp. (10.71%), Shigella sp. (19.64%) and Enterobacter sp. (8.93%) respectively. All the 56 isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin while their susceptibility to the other drugs varied. These findings demonstrated that the ready-to-eat foods vended in Silchar city constitute an important potential hazard to human health and provision of health education to the vendors would improve quality of street foods.

MicroRNA mediated regulation of metal toxicity in plants: present status and future perspectives

The human population is increasing at an alarming rate, whereas heavy metals (HMs) pollution is mounting serious environmental problem, which could lead to serious concern about the future sufficiency of global food production. Some HMs such as Mn, Cu, and Fe, at lower concentration serves as an essential vital component of plant cell as they are crucial in various enzyme catalyzed biochemical reactions. At higher concentration, a vast variety of HMs such as Mn, Cu, Cd, Fe, Hg, Al and As, impose toxic reaction in the plant system which greatly affect the crop yield. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are small class of non-coding riboregulator have emerged as central regulator of numerous abiotic stresses including HMs. Increasing reports indicate that plants have evolved specialized inbuilt mechanism viz. signal transduction, translocation and sequestration to counteract the toxic response of HMs. Combining computational and wet laboratory approaches have produced sufficient evidences concerning active involvement of miRNAs during HMs toxicity response by regulating various transcription factors and protein coding genes involved in plant growth and development. However, the direct role of miRNA in controlling various signaling molecules, transporters and chelating agents of HM metabolism is poorly understood. This review focuses on the latest progress made in the area of direct involvement of miRNAs in signaling, translocation and sequestration as well as recently added miRNAs in response to different HMs in plants.

Identification of new aquaporin genes and single nucleotide polymorphism in bread wheat

Major facilitators of water movement through plant cell membranes include aquaporin proteins. Wheat is among the largest and most important cereal crops worldwide; however, unlike other model plants such as rice, maize and Arabidopsis, little has been reported on wheat major intrinsic proteins (MIPs). This study presents a comprehensive computational identification of 349 new wheat expressed sequence tags (ESTs), encoding 13 wheat aquaporin genes. Identified aquaporins consist of 6 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIP) and 1 TIP showing high sequence similarity with rice aquaporins. We also identified 4 NOD26-like intrinsic proteins (NIP) and 2 SIP members that showed more divergence. Further, expression analysis of the aquaporin genes using the available EST information in UniGene revealed their transcripts were differentially regulated in various stress- and tissue-specific libraries. Allele specific Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were designed using PIP as the target gene and validated on a core set of Indian wheat genotypes. A 3D theoretical model of the wheat aquaporin protein was built by homology modeling and could prove to be useful in the further functional characterization of this protein. Collectively with expression and bioinformatics analysis, our results support the idea that the genes identified in this study signify an important genetic resource providing potential targets to modify the water use properties of wheat.

Studies on a New Pathotype 93R57 of Puccinia triticina on Wheat in India

Annual surveys of pathogen populations have monitored the changing pathotype situation of Puccinia triticina that causes leaf (brown) rust of wheat, to release and deploy rust-resistant cultivars of wheat in India. In surveys during 2009 to 2010, samples of leaf rust infecting wheat were collected from the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The samples were established on susceptible wheat cv. Agra Local and pathotypes were identified on three differentials following binomial nomenclature (3). Based on the infection types on sets of differentials, this sample was found different to all the known pathotypes of P. triticina from India. This report records a new pathotype of race group 104 of P. triticina from India. Unique feature of this pathotype is its avirulence to Lr3 (Democrat) and virulence to Lr10, Lr13, Lr23, Lr26. These genes are the most common resistance genes in Indian wheat material (1). It appears to be a result of reverse mutation on Lr3 in pathotype 21R63 (104-3). In 2012, this pathotype was detected in 5% of samples from northern India. The new pathotype produces susceptible infection type on Lr10 to which 104 groups gives mesothetic response (4). When compared to other pathotypes of the 104 group, it was different to pathotype 29R23 (104B) in avirulence to Lr26, to which pathotype 93R57 (104-4) is virulent. All the other pathotypes of the 104 group are virulent to Lr3, to which new pathotypes are avirulent. The new pathotype produces resistant response on Lr2a, Lr3, Lr9, Lr15, Lr19, Lr24, Lr25, Lr28, Lr32, Lr39, Lr45, Lr47, and susceptible response on Lr1, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr10, Lr11, Lr12, Lr13, Lr14a, Lr14b, Lr14ab, Lr16, Lr17a, Lr17b, Lr18, Lr20, Lr21, Lr22a, Lr22b, Lr23, Lr26, Lr27+31, Lr29, Lr30, Lr33, Lr34, Lr35, Lr36, Lr37, Lr38, Lr40, Lr44, Lr46, Lr48, Lr49, Lr51, and Lr57. It is designated as NHKSP on international differentials. A live culture is being maintained as well as cryo-preserved in the National Repository of Pathotypes at the Regional Station of Directorate of Wheat Research, Shimla. Initial evaluation of 700 Indian and exotic wheat lines revealed that more than 500 lines possesses resistance to this pathotype. The identity of the pathotype was also confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA with the primers ITS1/ITS4 (GenBank Accession No. JX020949) (2). Analysis of rDNA sequence identified this pathotype as a variant of P. triticina. The strain was most similar to ANK9538 of P. triticina (Accession No. DQ 147418, 98%) and 77-5 strain of P. triticina (Accession No. JQ360856, 93%). Identification of pathotypes from wheat growing areas in the initial stages is a prime effort that helps in developing ecologically safe, economic, and effective ways to manage wheat rusts. References: (1) S. C. Bhardwaj et al. Indian Phytopathol. 63:174, 2010. (2) M. A. Innis et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press. San Diego, CA, 1990. (3) S. Nagarajan et al. Curr. Sci. 52:413, 1983. (4) S. K. Nayar et al. Indian Phytopathol. 51:290, 1998.

Characterization of serum-free buffalo granulosa cell culture and analysis of genes involved in terminal differentiation from FSH- to LH-responsive phenotype

In the present study, buffalo granulosa cells were cultured under serum-free conditions and characterized to study the changes in gene expression associated with the transition of granulosa cells from estrogen- to progesterone-secreting phenotype. The cells were cultured in vitro under completely serum-free conditions for 8 d. Gene expression and hormone analysis showed that on day 4 granulosa cells exhibit FSH responsiveness with preovulatory phenotype having highest CYP19 gene expression and 17β-estradiol production, whereas a significant increase in transcript abundance of STAR, CYP11, and HSD3B genes accompanied with an increase in progesterone production was observed on day 8. Cells treated with LH on day 4 followed by gene expression analysis at 1, 2, 4, 6, 18, and 24 h showed significant increase in transcripts of LH-responsive genes. In conclusion, culture condition used in the present study showed that granulosa cells were FSH responsive and attained attributes of granulosa cells of dominant follicles at day 4 with highest CYP19 and LHR gene expression beyond which they acquired the ability to luteinize and thus were more LH responsive. In addition, after LH treatment, analysis of early LH-responsive genes (EGR2, RUNX1, and NR4A1) on day 4 showed that granulosa cells at this stage in culture exhibits phenotype similar to that of preovulatory follicles before LH surge in vivo and corresponds to the in vivo transition of well-orchestrated gene expression profile after LH surge. The characterized culture conditions represent a suitable in vitro model for analysis of genes involved in terminal differentiation of granulosa cells from FSH- to LH-responsive phenotype during folliculogenesis in buffalo.

Occurrence of enterotoxigenic Aeromonas species in foods of animal origin in North East India

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify Aeromonas (A.) species and assess their toxin producing ability in foods of animal origin from North East India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 332 animal food samples (fish, poultry meat, pork and chevon) of which 38 (11.44%) isolates were identified by the 16S rRNA technique were included in the study. The enterotoxigenicity of the isolates was measured by the Mouse Paw Oedema Test (MPOT), rabbit ileal loop (RIL) and vascular permeability reaction (VPR) test.

RESULTS

Maximum positivity was shown by the samples from fish (13.13%), followed by poultry meat (11.5%), pork (9.85%) and chevon (2.5%). A. hydrophila was the predominant species (92.10%) followed by A. sobria (5.26%) and A. caviae (2.63%).

CONCLUSIONS

All the Aeromonas strains isolated by culture methods expressed enterotoxigenicity by MPOT, RIL assay and VPR test.

Awareness, attitude and perceived barriers regarding implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act in Assam, India

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use is a major public health problem in India. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was developed to curb this epidemic. Because no study has been conducted on the awareness, attitude and perceived barriers regarding the implementation of COTPA, this study was undertaken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 adults (mean age 41 years, 52% men) selected by cluster sampling method from Guwahati Municipal Corporation. Information on awareness, attitude and their predictors and barriers for implementation was collected using a pretested, structured interview schedule. Multivariate analysis was done using SPSS.

RESULTS

Adults older than 50 years were 3 times (odds ratio [OR] 3.02, 95% CI 1.44-6.31) and those with more than 10 years of schooling were 4 times (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.70-7.70) more likely to have good awareness of COTPA compared with their counter parts. Those belonging to the middle socioeconomic status (SES) were 3 times (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.13-10.01), those who reported secondhand smoking harmful were 3 times (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.45-7.62), and those with more than 10 years of schooling were 3 times (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.01-8.45) more likely to have positive attitude toward COTPA compared with their counterparts. Lack of complete information and awareness of the Act, public opposition, cultural acceptance of tobacco use, lack of political support, and less priority for tobacco control were reported as barriers for COTPA implementation.

CONCLUSION

Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of COTPA focusing on younger population, less educated, and those belonging to the low SES.

Outcomes of referrals over a six-month period to a mental health gateway team

Mental health policy in recent years has prescribed the role, function and form for services in England. Evidence of their effectiveness post-policy implementation has been limited to date and minimal guidance has been available on how services should operate together as whole systems. This paper reports findings from a study of referrals and their outcomes in respect of specialist community mental health services following implementation of national policy and its interpretation and configuration at a local level. Findings highlight that gateway workers configured as a team operating between primary and secondary care can effectively shield community mental health teams from high numbers of referrals that they would deem inappropriate. The study also identified the triage role of this service as being crucial to the effectiveness of developing and maintaining care pathways and also in potentially supporting the mental health capability of primary care.

Allelic variation in the cg2 gene does not correlate with chloroquine resistance among Indian Plasmodium falciparum isolates

The cg2 gene of Plasmodium falciparum has been proposed to be associated with chloroquine resistance. Here we describe PCR amplification and sequencing of all the four repeat regions (kappa (kappa), gamma (gamma), psi (psi) and omega (omega)) of this gene, from Indian isolates. There were variant forms for each of these repeat regions (two for kappa and gamma, and three for psi and omega) among the 123 Indian isolates of P. falciparum. Among these isolates certain forms of psi and omega repeats were uniquely present while some of the reported forms of the kappa and omega repeats were absent. The pattern of combination of all four repeat regions of cg2 gene (genotype) was analysed from 52 isolates. A total of 11 different genotypes were observed among these cases, of which 10 were unique to Indian isolates. Certain genotypes were more common than others. The nucleotide sequencing of all the four repeat regions revealed that Indian isolates have some unique repeating units within the gamma and omega domains. Altogether, the PCR and sequencing results showed that there was an unrelatedness between cg2 repeats and chloroquine resistance.

Complete nucleotide sequence of the 6 kb element and conserved cytochrome b gene sequences among Indian isolates of Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite contains a nuclear genome with 14 chromosomes and two extrachromosomal DNA molecules of 6 kb and 35 kb in size. The smallest genome, known as the 6 kb element or mitochondrial DNA, has been sequenced from several Plasmodium falciparum isolates because this is a potential drug target. Here we describe the complete nucleotide sequence of this element from an Indian isolate of P. falciparum. It is 5967 bp in size and shows 99.6% homology with the 6 kb element of other isolates. The element contains three open reading frames for mitochondrial proteins-cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CoI), subunit III (CoIII) and cytochrome b (Cyb) which were found to be expressed during blood stages of the parasite. We have also sequenced the entire cyb gene from several Indian isolates of P. falciparum. The rate of mutation in this gene was very low since 12 of 14 isolates showed the identical sequence. Only one isolate showed a maximum change in five amino acids whereas the other isolate showed only one amino acid change. However, none of the Indian isolates showed any change in those amino acids of cyb which are associated with resistance to various drugs as these drugs are not yet commonly used in India.

Antiatherosclerotic effects of fish extract feeding in rabbits

The feeding of a fish extract, prepared by extracting whole fish with 80% ethanol, prevented abdominal, thoracic aorta and coronary atheroma in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Daily fish extract feeding reduced serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels by 41.8 and 38.0%, respectively. In addition, triglyceride levels were reduced by 52.8%. Hepatic and aortic contents of cholesterol and phospholipids approached normal levels in cholesterol-fed rabbits on the fish extract diet. Fish extract feeding induced a greater fecal excretion of cholesterol. Plaque formation was very little or absent in the aorta of fish-fed rabbits.

Psychiatric morbidity in the first-degree relatives of schizophrenic patients

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of 162 schizophrenic and 106 control probands were investigated [corrected]. Psychiatric morbidity was present in 34.8% of FDRs of schizophrenic probands and in 9.2% of FDRs of controls. There was significantly more psychiatric illness in the siblings and parents than in the offspring of both schizophrenic and control subjects. The morbidity risks for schizoid-schizotypal personality disorders, cannabis-use disorder and paranoid personality disorder were significantly higher in the FDRs of schizophrenic patients than in those of controls, suggesting a biological relationship.

Psychiatric morbidity in the families of paranoid and non-paranoid schizophrenia patients

A total of 1018 and 812 first degree relatives (FDR) of schizoprencies and controls respectively, were studied to find out the psychiatric morbidity in the families of paranoid and non-paranoid schizophrenia patients. The risk of schizophrenia and affective disorders was found to be independent of the probands subtype diagnosis. The risk for schizoid-schizotypal and paranoid personality disorders was found to be increased in the first degree relatives of paranoid schizophrenic, as compared to non-paranoid schizophrenic, thus suggesting that the psychopathology in the FDR may differ with the subtype diagnosis of the proband.

Clinical variables and platelet mao in schizophrenia

Platelet MAO activity was estimated in 60 male drug free schizophrenics and 26 controls matched for age. The paranoid group had significantly lower enzyme activity than the non-paranoid group and controls. Patients with premorbid schizoid personality had significantly lower enzyme activity than patients with non-schizoid premorbid personality and controls. A significant negative correlation between platelet MAO activity and severity and duration of illness was observed. Family history of schizophrenia, presence of auditory hallucinations and type and age of onset of illness were not related to platelet MAO activity.

Hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of plumbagin in rabbits

Plumbagin (2-methyl-5-hydroxy, 1:4 naphthoquinone) isolated from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica when administered to hyperlipidaemic rabbits, reduced serum cholesterol and LDL-Chol. by 53 to 86 percent and 61 to 91 percent respectively. It lowered cholesterol/phospholipid ratio by 45.8 percent and elevates the decreased HDL-Chol significantly. Further, Plumbagin treatment prevented the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta and regressed atheromatous plaques of thoracic and abdominal aorta. Plumbagin treated hyperlipidaemic subjects excreted more fecal cholesterol and phospholipids. In conclusion-Plumbagin feeding brings about a definite regression of atheroma and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver and aorta.

Platelet mao activity in subgroups of schizophrenia

Platelet MAO activity was estimated in 60 male drug free schizophrenics, 36 male drug free manics and 30 male normal healthy controls by Radio Isotopic Technique using (14)C Tryptamine Bisuccinate as substrate. There was no significant difference between the enzyme activity in the schizophrenic, manic and control groups. Platelet MAO activity in the disorganized catatonic and paranoid schizophrenics was significantly lower as compared to the enzyme activity in the manic and healthy control group. Platelet MAO activity appears to be related to subgroups of schizophrenia disorganized, catatonic and paranoid. Limitations and scope for future research have been outlined.

Factitious disorder-a case report

A case of factitious illness in a young village woman is described. She presented with multiple physical and psychiatric symptoms and had interpersonal and sexual problems. A simple behavioural approach was successful in ameliorating her symptoms.

Case report : grave's disease presenting as paranoid schizophrenia

The case of a 37 year old male is described who initially presented as paranoid schizophrenia unresponsive to anti-psychotic drug treatment and subsequently developed features of Grave's disease. Treatment with carbimazole alone improved his psychiatric symptoms.

C-nor-9,11-secoestranes as modified estrogens and fertility regulation

The synthesis of C-nor-9,11-secoestradiol (4) has been achieved from 17 beta-acetoxy-11-chloro-3-methoxy-C-nor-9,11-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-tr ien-9-one (1) through a sequence of reactions without affecting the stereochemistry of estradiol-17 beta. Removal of the 9-keto function of 1 by hydrogenolysis and its subsequent treatment with Na/NH3 gives C-nor-9,11-secoestradiol 3-(methyl ether) (3), which has been demethylated under alkaline conditions to furnish C-nor-9,11-secoestradiol (4). Pyridinium chlorochromate oxidation of 3 gives the corresponding 17-ketone 6. Jones' oxidation of 4 to the ketone 5 and reaction of 5 and 6 with lithium acetylide gives corresponding 17 alpha-ethynyl derivatives 7 and 8. Relative binding affinity to estradiol-17 beta receptors and uterotropic, antiuterotrophic, and antiimplantation activities of compounds 3-8 have been studied. The effect of conformational flexibility on ligand-receptor interaction of these compounds is discussed.

Life events in anxiety neurosis

The study was carried out on 84 patients of anxiety neurosis and 47 controls. Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES) of Singh et al. (1984) was utilized for eliciting life events experienced by patients and controls during life time and 6 months prior to the onset of illness by an open ended interview. The frequency and stress scores of total life event and different categories of life events undesirable, personal, impersonal, ambiguous and desirable, experienced during lifetime and 6 months prior to the onset of the illness were significantly more in patients than in controls. When individual events were analysed a statistical difference was observed with regard to 41 out of 51 life events. Out of these 33 events were common i.e., they were observed to be significantly more in patients than in controls both during life time and 6 months prior to the onset of the illness. Four events namely, suspension from job, theft or robbery, broken engagement or love affair and conflict over dowry were found to be significantly more in patients during life time. On the other hand, 4 other life events such as, major purchase or construction of house, failure in examination, appearing for interview and getting engaged or married were found to be significantly more in patients during the 6 months prior to the onset of the illness. Thus patients were observed to experience a variety of life events more often than controls.

Life event in anxiety neurosis: a study of the effect of intervening variables

This study was conducted on 84 patients of anxiety neurosis selected according to stringent selection criteria, PSE scale was utilised for eliciting information regarding experience of life events during life time and past 6 months. Life time stress score correlated positively with Hamilton anxiety score, while family jointness, social support and socio-economic status correlated negatively with the Hamilton anxiety score. Life time stress score, socio-economic status correlated positively with economic status and social support and social correlated positively with family jointness. 5 variables, life time stress score, recent stress score, socio-economic and economic status and social support, when considered, accounted for 50 % of the variability in the magnitude of illness. Amongst these variables life time stress score and family jointness turned out to be the most important. These findings highlight the significance of experience of stresses over life time in the production of anxiety of symptoms and also suggest that the joint family is a support system in our country and dilutes the effect of stressful life events on the individual.