Antibacterial Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Ethanolic Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to synthetic antibiotics has lead to the search for alternative drug sources. In this regard, one of the reputed Medicinal plant, Moringa (Moringa oleifera) was investigated for potential antimicrobial effect against some commonly encountered bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. This experimental study was conducted from July 2019 to June 2020 in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh to determine the antibacterial effect of Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaf (EMLE) against aforementioned bacteria. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations (100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000μg/ml) of Ethanolic extract by using disc diffusion and broth dilution method. Dose dependent inhibitory effect was seen against the test organisms using disc diffusion method. The maximum zone of inhibition was 19 mm against S. aureus and 20mm against E. coli at 100.0% (1000μg/ml) concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EMLE were 400μg/ml and 500μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. The present study showed that Ethanolic extract of Moringa leaf demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens. Further studies are required to detect and isolate the active ingredients present in the Moringa leaves extract responsible for its antibacterial effect.

Exploring the reasons and factors influencing the choice of home delivery of births in rural Bangladesh: a community-based cross-sectional study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for preferring home as a birth delivery place and identify the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing the choice of delivery place in rural Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study come from a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 464 mothers in a rural sub-district of Bangladesh in 2019. Respondents were selected randomly from the frame listing all mothers with inclusion criteria, using a two-stage cluster sampling design. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview. Both descriptive and inferential statistics and logistic regression models were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate a very high rate (58%) of home delivery. About 20% mothers never received ANC visit. Preference for home delivery was high (63%). Mothers with no education, aged 30 and above, multi-parity, low wealth status, lack of knowledge about institutional delivery, no or <4 ANC visits, received no advice about the delivery place, no pregnancy complications, decision about health care, and prior plan for home delivery were identified as significant predictors of home delivery. Cost of services, cultural practices and attitude towards health facility, lack of a female delivery assistant, perceived fear of caesarian section, poor quality of services, and lack of knowledge about maternity services appeared as important barriers for institutional delivery.

Originality/value

Based on primary data from a rural area, this study would help understand reasons and factors affecting home delivery and developing an appropriate strategy for the improvement of institutional delivery and maternity care services in Bangladesh.

A descriptive study of Forcefully Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) presenting for care at public health sector hospitals in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

In 2017 hundreds of thousands of 'Rohingya' fled to camps for Forcefully Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the FDMNs presenting for care at public health facilities in Bangladesh so as to understand the health problems faced by the FDMNs and the burden on these public health facilities.

METHODS

This study combined a retrospective review of existing hospital and clinic data with prospective surveillance in government health care centres.

FINDINGS

The retrospective data showed a 26% increase in the number of consultations at the Kutupalong community clinic, the primary health facility closest to the camps, from 19,567 in 2015 to 26,309 in 2019. There was a corresponding 11% increase in admissions to health facilities in the area, from 80,991 in 2017 to 91,424 in 2019. Prospective surveillance of 9,421 FDMNs seeking health care from July 2018 to December 2019 showed that 29% had an infectious disease, 20% nutritional problems, 12% pregnancy-related conditions and 7% trauma or injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Great uncertainty remains regarding the return of FDMN to their home country of Myanmar. The current on-going protests following the military coup adds further insecurity to the status of the Rohingya. The presence of a large migrant population relative to a smaller host community burdens the limited facilities and resources of the public health sector. Continued support by the international public health community and civil society organizations is needed.

Temperature changes alter the acute toxicity responses of cypermethrin in Zebrafish

The study was carried out to determine the effect of temperature changes on acute toxicity of pyrethroid pesticide cypermethrin in zebrafish. A two-day renewal bioassay system for 96h was conducted to find out LC50 value of cypermethrin at two temperature regimes i.e. 25°C and 30°C considering as T1 and T2, respectively. During the determination of LC50 in both temperatures, blood glucose (mg/dL) levels were measured at lower concentration (0.25 µg/L) of cypermethrin. The results of acute toxicity test at 96h LC50 values were calculated through probit analysis. It was found that 96h LC50 for T1 and T2 groups were about 2.1 and 1.4 µg/L, respectively. Significantly lower LC50 of cypermethrin at T2 compared to T1 showed that higher temperature increased the toxicity of cypermethrin. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in blood glucose level (mg/dL) in 0.25 µg/L compared to 0 µg/L concentration of cypermethrin at both treatments. Dissolved oxygen decreased and free CO2 increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing temperature, while the pH of the water was almost unchanged throughout the study period. The present study indicated the impact of increased temperature on pesticide toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem.Progressive Agriculture 29 (1): 64-70, 2018 

Effects of stocking density on growth and production in monoculture of Thai sharpunti (Barbonymus gonionotus)

An experiment was carried out to study the density dependent growth of Thai sharpunti (Barbonymusgonionotus) for two months period. Three stocking densities such as 50/decimal, 100/decimal and 150/decimal representing treatment one (T1), treatment two (T2) and treatment three (T3), respectively were tested in three replications. A commercial diet (25% crude protein) was supplied twice daily throughout the study period up to satiation level. The total production of sharpunti was found 14.67 ± 2.05, 27.06 ± 3.09 and 36.87 ± 2.16 kg/decimal in T1, T2 and T3, respectively and they were significantly different (p<0.05) from each other. A higher net benefit of BDT 1079.50 was obtained from T2 where the stocking density was 100/decimal. The present study indicated that the growth and production of Thai sharpunti was density dependent in monoculture systems.Progressive Agriculture 28 (3): 249-252, 2017

Alteration of blood glucose and hemoglobin levels in zebrafish exposed to sumithion

Sumithion is extensively used in the agricultural land to control brittle and larval rearing aquaculture ponds to control tiger bug. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sumithion on blood glucose and hemoglobin levels in zebrafish, Danio rerio. At first acute toxicity (96 h LC50 value 7.89 mg/L) of sumithion was determined for sexually matured zebrafish. Then the fish were exposed to four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L) of sumithion for a period of 7 days. The sexual dimorphic changes in blood glucose levels were observed in the present study. In male, the blood glucose levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased in all concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L) of sumithion compared to control (0 mg/L), while in female the blood glucose levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased only in high concentration (2.0 mg/L). Interestingly, the blood glucose level was higher in females than the males of zebrafish. The recorded hemoglobin values were significantly decreased with the increasing concentration of sumithion in both male and female. The present investigation revealed the toxic potentiality of sumithion on the zebrafish.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 216-221, 2016

A regulatory approach on serum bilirubin level in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance

The present study was undertaken to find the role of dietary intervention and physical exercise on serum bilirubin level in IGT subjects. Thirty three newly detected otherwise healthy subjects with IGT, aged 35-63 years, were randomly selected to participate in a 12 weeks diet and exercise program. Nine participants were within 35-40 years while majority fifteen participants aged 41-50 years and rest six participants were above 50 (51-63) years. A male preponderance was observed among the study participants where 53.3% of the total participants were male (n=16) and 46.7% were female (n=14). Mean bilirubin (mg/dl) level was recorded 0.68 ± 0.29 at base line and with follow-up, the value was 0.66 ± 0.26 mg/dl. For men (n=16), serum bilirubin were 0.77 ± 0.39 and 0.75 ± 0.36 mg/dl at base line and follow-up while for women (n=14), the values were 0.67 ± 0.33 and 0.59 ± 0.28 mg respectively. The 35-40 years group (n=9) showed bilirubin from 0.66 ± 0.23 at base line to 0.73 ± 0.19 mg/dl at follow-up while 41-50 years group (n=15) had 0.70 ± 0.34 and 0.58 ± 0.26 mg/dl and for 51-63 years group (n=6), the values were 0.65 ± 0.29 and 0.73 ± 0.33 mg/dl respectively. Participants with BMI 20-25 had bilirubin 0.62 ± 0.29 mg/dl at base line and 0.71 ± 0.21 mg/dl at follow-up while with BMI >25 (n=20) had 0.71 ± 0.30 and 0.63 ± 0.2 8 mg/dl respectively. No significant changes in serum bilirubin were observed among the groups and therefore, the dietary intervention and physical exercise during the period did not have a significant role in this respect.

Outcome of single-stage transanal endorectal pull through for short segment Hirschsprung's disease in neonates and infants

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system. Diagnosis can be confirmed by rectal biopsy. The surgical management of HD includes so many procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the out come of single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through operation for short segment HD in neonates and infants. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January 2004 to December 2009. The study included neonates & infants (age 1 day to 1 year) of both sex, who were clinically suspected and biopsy proven HD with barium enema suggesting rectosigmoid HD. We excluded patients with short segment HD who had associated anomalies, and with hugely dilated proximal colon, operated cases with less than 6 months' follow up. During study period, single-stage transanal endorectal pull through (TEP) operation done in 68 neonates and infants patients (8 excluded) of short segment HD. The mean operative time, postoperative hospital stay, followed up time were 120 minutes, 7.94 days and 12 months respectively. Transeverse colostomy was needed in 4 patients because of anastomotic leakage and they were complicated with anastomotic stenosis, however managed by progressive dilatation. Overall parents' satisfaction was achieved. Single-stage primary transnanl endorectal pull-through for short segment HD is feasible in neonates and infants. It preserves all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. TEP is a better option in terms of comfort, operative success, postoperative morbidity, cosmetic appearance and parents' satisfaction.

Parental knowledge, attitude and practice related to blindness of children in some selected Upazilla of Bangladesh

Early detection of blind children at the household and community level is critical in reducing the global burden of visual impairment and childhood blindness. The aim of the study is to identify a range of potential issues relating to parental awareness and perceptions of common eye diseases affecting children. It was a descriptive and cross sectional study. Parents were recruited from four selected Upazillas ('pouroshoba' - 25% and rural - 75%) in the Naogaon district of Bangladesh. The method used in this study to assess parental knowledge and belief was by means of a questionnaire. The selected subjects were interviewed in detail using a structured questionnaire. It is mentionable that among common eye disease, about three-fourth of the parents informed that vitamin-A deficiency was the leading cause of blindness and more than one quarter believed that eye infection was the important cause of childhood blindness. Very few reported that injury in eye was the cause of childhood blindness. Analysis of respondents of this study revealed that half of the parents believed that childhood cataract is untreatable. Approximately 90% those surveyed were unaware of schooling systems for blind children and only 5% sought treatment from an ophthalmologist. This study also demonstrates that the health seeking behavior of parents and their extended families is poor. The mean age of the parents was 32.5±9.3 years, about 75% of parents had education up to primary level, and only 3.7% of them had graduation degree and above. The findings reinforce the necessity of parental awareness of common eye diseases in children and the importance of seeking timely advice including treatment based on informed decisions.

Synchronised expressions of LPXRFamide peptide and its receptor genes: seasonal, diurnal and circadian changes during spawning period in grass puffer

Among the RFamide peptide family, the LPXRFamide peptide (LPXRFa) group regulates the release of various pituitary hormones and, recently, LPXRFa genes were found to be regulated by photoperiod via melatonin. As a first step towards investigating the role of LPXRFa on reproductive function in grass puffer (Takifugu niphobles), which spawns in semilunar cycles, genes encoding LPXRFa and its receptor (LPXRFa-R) were cloned, and seasonal, diurnal and circadian changes in their absolute amounts of mRNAs in the brain and pituitary were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The grass puffer LPXRFa precursor contains two putative RFamide peptides and one possible RYamide peptide. LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes were extensively expressed in the diencephalon and pituitary. The expression levels of both genes were significantly elevated during the spawning periods in both sexes in the brain and pituitary, although they were low in the spawning fish just after releasing eggs and sperm. The treatment of primary pituitary cultures with goldfish LPXRFa increased the amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone β- and luteinising hormone β-subunit mRNAs. In the diencephalon, LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes showed synchronised diurnal and circadian variations with one peak at zeitgeber time 3 and circadian time 15, respectively. The correlated expression patterns of LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes in the diencephalon and pituitary and the possible stimulatory effects of LPXRFa on gonadotrophin subunit gene expression suggest the functional significance of the LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R system in the regulation of lunar-synchronised spawning of grass puffer.

Why males in Bangladesh do not participate in reproductive health: lessons learned from focus group discussions

The article explores male perception, attitude, and knowledge on reproductive health issues and their opinions on how men's participation in reproductive health could be increased. Data were obtained from six focus groups' sessions organized among the men aged 18-59. The participants indicated that males are not motivated to be involved in reproductive health issues in Bangladesh. The participants feel that men also have unmet reproductive and sexual health needs. Their needs are not addressed and traditionally they are not encouraged to participate in reproductive health services. In Bangladesh poor interaction between husband and wife often makes it difficult to understand reproductive health problems of women. Because of prevailing culture and myth men do not visit health facilities with their wives; they do not feel comfortable to take their wives to the health facility because they do not like to discuss sexual reproductive health issues with the service providers. The analysis suggests that a complex web of social and cultural factors impedes spousal communication regarding reproductive health issues and that discourages them to take their wives to health clinics. In the focus group discussions men said that they do not feel comfortable in discussing sexually transmitted diseases with their wives. Generally women come to the health facility for the treatment of RTIs/STDs. Men do not bring their wives to the health facility because they feel shy to discuss such diseases with service providers. In order to increase male participation in reproductive health, males suggested introduction of male workers like the present female workers and visiting at the household level to counsel and mobilize them to participate in reproductive health. The analysis indicates that male involvement will be an important strategy to reach demographic goals in Bangladesh.

Client expectation from doctors: expectation - reality gap

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine client expectation from doctors, a descriptive survey was conducted amongst people above 18 years of age and doctors of Faridpur District.

METHODOLOGY

For this purpose a total of 400 patients and 30 doctors were involved. Both rural and urban population were included. A sample of 30 doctors was selected from the outdoor department of Faridpur Medical College Hospital (FMCH), one Thana Health Complex; Non-Govt. private practitioners working in Faridpur town and one Thana of Faridpur District. All had MBBS degree and had become doctors within the last 10 years. Data were collected and both quantitative and qualitative analyses were done. Focus group discussions were done among the people of Faridpur town and one Thana.

RESULTS

The results showed that the majority of clients wanted (I) Experienced and skilled but inexpensive doctors. (II) Proper diagnosis (III) Good behaviour (IV) Free supply of medicine especially for the poor (V) Good clean hospital infrastructure (VI) Hospital to be in the vicinity of their residences. (VII) Both treatment and advice for prevention to be given by the doctors.

Comorbidity indices in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a new report card

Comorbid conditions have not been studied systematically for impact upon patient outcome in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients formerly excluded from myeloablative transplant due to comorbid illnesses now receive reduced-intensity conditioning regimens; hence, the incidence of comorbid conditions in HSCT recipients is expected to increase. Comorbid grading systems developed without regard for oncology patients have been applied in retrospective fashion to HSCT patients. Two commonly used scales (Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Adult Comorbidity Inventory-27) fail to include critical information: tumor and histologic type/stage, extent of prior treatment, donor stem cell source and cell type and preparative regimen. Further, data are reported in retrospective rather than prospective fashion. Despite limitations, however, such grading systems exhibit ease and utility for evaluation and may have predictive value for patient outcome. Modifying such approaches to include additional factors and appropriate weighting of components may enable an improved comparison of techniques and study results. These scoring systems may elucidate predictors of outcome and disease natural history and enhance statistical efficiency methods of HSCT. Refined scoring could be used effectively to assign patients to differing transplant conditioning regimens, that is, myeloablative vs reduced intensity. Prospective validation of such grading systems is encouraged.

Effect of Solanum trilobatum on the antioxidant status during diethyl nitrosamine induced and phenobarbital promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rat

AIM

The methanolic extract of Solanum trilobatum (ST) is cytotoxic and exerts an inhibitory effect on tumor growth and in the present study, its role on the antioxidant status of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced and phenobarbital (PB) promoted hepatocarcinogenesis was assessed.

METHODS

The protective role of ST on DEN induced and PB promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats was assessed from total nodular incidence, nodule multiplicity and volume of persistent nodules after an experimental period of 3 and 6 months following co-administration. The levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes were assessed in the haemolysate and liver of experimental animals to evaluate the antioxidant status.

RESULTS

In DEN+PB+ST animals, the nodular incidence, multiplicity and volume reduced significantly compared to DEN+PB treated animals. In DEN+PB animals, the levels of TBARS increased significantly, whereas the levels of GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase showed significant alterations compared to control both in the haemolysate and liver. However, in DEN+PB+ST animals, the levels of TBARS decreased significantly and the levels of GSH increased with favorable alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in both the haemolysate and liver.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that ST exerts its chemopreventive effects by modulating the antioxidant status during DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Disease burden may identify patients more likely to benefit from second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia

The major cause of failure after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is disease relapse or progression. We analyzed the outcome of second HSCT for treatment of patients with relapsed, refractory AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at our institution. A total of 72 patients were eligible for this analysis. In all, 25 (35%) patients received salvage chemotherapy prior to the second transplant procedure and only two (3%) patients were in complete remission at the time of the second transplant. A total of 20 patients (28%) had low leukemia burden as measured by the absence of peripheral blood blasts and <or=5% blasts in the bone marrow at the time of the second transplant. Although, the overall median survival after the second transplant was 6 months, a subset of patients who had low leukemia burden at the time of the second transplant had a 5-year survival of 25 vs 12% in those with a high leukemia burden. Thus, a second transplant may offer the possibility of long-term disease control in a subset of patients who have a 'low bulk' disease at the time of transplantation.

Protective Effect ofIndigofera oblongifoliain CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity

The present study aimed at assessing the protective effect of Indigofera oblongifolia on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats using CCl4 (1 mL/day at an interval of 72 hours). CCl4-induced animals were treated with I. oblongifolia at different doses. Hepatoprotection was assessed from activities of marker enzymes in serum and antioxidant status in the liver after an experimental period of 10 days. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly (P < .001) increased in serum of CCl4-induced animals when compared with control animals. Antioxidant status was significantly lowered in CCl4-treated animals with a significant (P < .001) increase in the levels of lipid peroxides [thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)], significantly lower levels of glutathione (GSH), and lowered activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and GSH peroxidase (GPx). The protective effect of I. oblongifolia was evident from lowering of levels of marker enzymes in serum and maintenance of antioxidant status in the liver as seen from lowered levels of TBARS, increased levels of GSH, and increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx. These results show the protective effect of I. oblongifolia and suggest the antioxidant property of the extract.

Allogeneic transplantation: a therapeutic option for myelofibrosis, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and Philadelphia-negative/BCR-ABL-negative chronic myelogenous leukemia

The role of allogeneic transplantation for myeloproliferative diseases other than chronic myeloid leukemia is not well established. In all, 20 patients with a median age of 51 years underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for myelofibrosis (n=5), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) (n=8) and Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-negative/BCR-ABL-negative chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n=7) in our institution. Patients who developed acute leukemia prior to HSCT were excluded from this analysis. A total of 15 patients received related and five patients received unrelated donor transplants. One patient failed to engraft. After a median follow-up of 17.5 months, actuarial survival at 2 years was 47% (95% CI 2%-67%), and disease-free survival 37% (95% CI 17-58%). Allogeneic transplantation may provide a therapeutic option for patients with myelofibrosis, CMML and Ph chromosome-negative/BCR-ABL-negative CML.

Effect of Solanum trilobatum against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in albino rats

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Solanum trilobatum to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of Solanum trilobatum extract (STE) was evaluated by us in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

METHODS

Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Group II, the hepatotoxic group was given CCl4; Groups III-V received different doses of plant extract with CCl(4). Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum and antioxidant status was assessed in liver tissue.

RESULTS

Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine transminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were increased significantly in CCl4 treated rats (group II). STE brought about a significant decrease in the activities of all these enzymes. Lipid peroxidation (LP) was increased significant in liver tissue in the CCl4 treated rats (group II) while the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased. STE treatment led to the recovery of these levels to near normal.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The present observations suggested that the treatment with S. trilobatum extract enhance the recovery from CCl4 induced hepatic damage due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective property.

Recommendations for water supply in arsenic mitigation: a case study from Bangladesh

Arsenic problems have been observed in several countries around the world. The challenges of arsenic mitigation are more difficult for developing and poor countries due to resource and other limitations. Bangladesh is experiencing the worst arsenic problem in the world, as about 30 million people are possibly drinking arsenic contaminated water. Lack of knowledge has hampered the mitigation initiatives. This paper presents experience gained during an action research on water supply in arsenic mitigation in rural Singair, Bangladesh. The mitigation has been implemented there through integrated research and development of appropriate water supply options and its use through community participation. Political leaders and women played key roles in the success of the mitigation. More than one option for safe water has been developed and/or identified. The main recommendations include: integration of screening of tubewells and supply of safe water, research on technological and social aspects, community, women and local government participation, education and training of all stakeholders, immediate and appropriate use of the available knowledge, links between intermediate/immediate and long term investment, effective coordination and immediate attention by health, nutrition, agriculture, education, and other programs to this arsenic issue.

Ethnic differences in HIV testing

Testing plays an important role in the early detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and in the formulation of an appropriate management plan for patients who are infected with the virus. Statistical data from the City of Houston Health Department were reviewed for persons who were screened for HIV during 1996 to determine their demographic characteristics, counseling status after testing positive, and availability of medical insurance. Records of 29,085 persons were reviewed in Houston during 1996. Eight hundred eleven cases (3%) tested positive for HIV. Seventy-three percent of the HIV-positive persons received post-test counseling, and 82% of the HIV-positive persons had no health insurance. Of the total number of positive tests, 53% were African American; 28%, white; and 17%, Hispanic. Counseling after a positive test can be an important preventive measure for persons known to be at high risk for the disease.

Preliminary evaluation of shilajit as a suspending agent in antacid suspensions

The efficacy of shilajit, a gummy exudate of the plant Styrax officinalis Linn (Family: Styraceae), was evaluated as a suspending agent for the formulation of antacid preparations. Shilajit produced effects on sedimentation volume similar to those produced by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), but at lower concentrations. It induced better flocculation with a moderate increase in viscosity compared to CMC. It did not interfere with the acid-consuming capacity of the suspensions.

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding bovine mitochondrial adenylate kinase isozyme 3

The structure of the gene (AK3) encoding bovine mitochondrial (mt) adenylate kinase isozyme 3 (AK3) has been determined. The gene spans about 46 kb and splits into five exons. The 5'-flanking region of the gene lacks typical transcriptional regulatory elements such as TATA and CAAT boxes. The G + C content of this region is high (71%), and seven GC boxes are recognized. Possible sequences responsive to transcription factors, AP-1, AP-2, Myf-6 and MyoD1, are present in this region. In the 5'-flanking region, there are sequences (mt sequence) which were found in the genes encoding other mt proteins. Transcriptional mapping analyses revealed one major mRNA start point. The promoter activity measurement in Chinese hamster ovary cells by transient expression of the cat gene connected with the 5'-flanking region, showed presence of a functional promoter.

Inheritance of tolerance to rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

From a large number of rice varieties tested, no variety was identified as resistant to tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV). Only in Utri Merah was the RTBV multiplication restrictive, whereas other varieties such as Kataribhog and Pankhari 203 were identified as tolerant. These varieties were crossed with a susceptible variety. TN1, to study the inheritance of restrictive multiplication and tolerance to RTBV. After 3 weeks of inoculation with RTBV, F1; F2, and F3 progenies were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RTBV concentration in all F1 populations was intermediate between parents. The frequency distribution of F2 seedlings with various levels of RTBV concentration indicated that the RTBV tolerance is controlled by multiple genes. The RTBV concentrations in F1 and F2 progenies from the Utri Merah x TN1 cross revealed that restrictive multiplication of RTBV in Utri Merah is a polygenic character. The continuous variation observed in F2 populations from crosses between tolerant varieties and Utri merah indicated no allelic relationships between tolerant and restrictive multiplication traits.

Cloning and characterization of cDNA for mitochondrial GTP:AMP phosphotransferase of bovine liver

Three different types of cDNA clones for mitochondrial GTP:AMP phosphotransferase (AK3) were isolated from a cDNA library of bovine liver poly(A)+ RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed that each of these clones consisted of a common 5'-untranslated region, a common AK3-coding sequence and a 3'-untranslated region with different sizes. By Northern blot analysis, three species of AK3 mRNA apparently corresponding to the isolated cDNA clones were detected, which would be a result of varying terminations and polyadenylations of the primary transcript. From comparison of the size of the product synthesized in vitro from the message directed by the isolated cDNA with that of the purified AK3 protein, AK3 appeared to have no cleavable NH2-terminal sequence as found in other mitochondrial proteins. The AK3 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, which resulted in complementation of an adenylate kinase mutation of E. coli. The AK3 product was exported to the periplasmic space through the bacterial inner membrane. The possible involvement of the NH2-terminal sequence of the protein in targeting to the mitochondrial matrix was discussed.