May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Oman

As per WHO estimates, around 17% of the adult Omani population are hypertensive. However, people with hypertension are often unaware of the diagnosis, and so the May Measurement Month (MMM) programme was set up to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure (BP) screening. A cross-sectional screening of BP of subjects aged 18 years or more was carried out in May 2018 at various sites in Muscat, Oman. Screening sites were set up at the reception areas of participating hospitals, and at a few public areas such as shopping malls and workplaces of the volunteers. Blood pressure was measured according to a standardized protocol, and hypertension was defined as per the 2018 European Society of Hypertension guidelines. The data were analysed centrally by the MMM project team. A total of 12 689 individuals (mean age 40.6 ± 12.5 years, 72% male) were screened. The crude mean BP of the second and third readings (where three readings were taken, n = 4 738) was 127.1/79.2 mmHg. After multiple imputations, the average age and sex standardized BP was 127.3/80.2 mmHg. Of all participants, 29.8% had hypertension. There were 1 983 patients with a previous diagnosis of hypertension, of whom 1 810 were on antihypertensive medication. A further 1 973 subjects were newly diagnosed with hypertension. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 34.9% had uncontrolled BP readings. Screening programmes such as MMM are useful to identify persons with undiagnosed hypertension. However, more educational activities are required to increase the public awareness regarding the dangers of hypertension.

Effect of Liverubin™ on hepatic biochemical profile in patients of alcoholic liver disease: a retrospective study

Liverubin™ is an available drug in the Indian market that contains silymarin, the major active complex extracted from the medicinal plant milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.). The study retrospectively tracked and analyzed the data of 602 patients, out of which 230 were alcohol induced; 131 with alcohol-induced liver damage (ALD), 13 with liver cirrhosis, and 86 with fatty liver; to assess the effects of water soluble Silymarin (Liverubin™) on important hepatic biochemical parameters. The data was collected from 32 major cities treated by 72 physicians across India who were observed for the specified treatment duration of 11 months. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. At the end of the treatment the hepatic biochemical profile was appreciably improved: the mean % of change in the levels of important hepatic biochemical parameters was observed as follows: total bilirubin 63.48% (direct bilirubin: 64.96%; indirect bilirubin: 61.63%). The serum SGOT and SGPT changed at a mean % of 65.43 and 69.31 respectively while serum alkaline phosphatase was changed at a mean % rate of 39.81. Liverubin™ proved to be safe & well-tolerated among the studied population and no significant treatment related adverse events were reported during the study. Liverubin™ treatment is found to bring about effective lowering of abnormally elevated hepatic biochemical parameters. Liverubin™, water soluble active Silymarin, in the popularly prescribed doses of 140-mg tid is observed to be a promising safe and effective drug in cases of alcoholic liver disease.

A study of as-grown, poled and reduced Rh-doped KNbO3 single crystals by high-resolution X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, photoluminescence and dielectric measurements

As-grown and chemically reduced Rh-doped (1500 p.p.m.) KnbO3 single crystals grown by the Czochralski method have been characterized. Reduction of the grown crystals at different levels was carried out under a mixture of CO and CO2 gases as the crystals were grown with excess oxygen. The effect of reduction and poling on crystalline perfection was studied by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) using a multi-crystal X-ray diffractometer developed in-house. The diffraction curves of the as-grown, electrically poled, moderately reduced and heavily reduced single-crystal specimens show remarkable differences. The studies by HRXRD reveal that poling has some influence on the improvement of crystalline perfection, while chemical reduction has a great influence on crystalline perfection; at moderate reduction the crystal becomes nearly perfect, but when the reduction is very heavy the crystal quality decreases slightly, although it is still better than for unreduced samples. Asymmetry of the diffraction curves with respect to the peak position reveals that the as-grown specimens contain a high concentration of both vacancies and self-interstitials. After poling, the concentration of self-interstitial defects is lowered to some extent. When the specimen is moderately chemically reduced, the scattered intensity on both sides of the peak is greatly reduced, showing that the concentrations of both vacancies and interstitials are reduced to a great extent owing to chemical reduction. This clearly indicates that, as a result of the chemical reduction of oxygen in the crystal, crystalline perfection is enhanced significantly. However, under heavy chemical reduction, the number of vacancy defects is increased to a significant extent. Raman scattering, dielectric and photoluminescence studies also show interesting features, with excellent correlation with the degree of crystalline perfection influenced by the processes of reduction and poling.

Clinical study on Laksha Guggulu, Snehana, Swedana & Traction in Osteoarthritis (Knee joint)

The objective of the present research was to study the efficacy of Laksha Guggulu, Snehana, Swedana & Traction in the management of Osteoarthritis (Knee joint). For the present work, 30 clinically diagnosed patients were selected and randomly divided into three groups. Group A treated with Laksha Guggulu orally, Group B treated with snehana & swedana traction, Group C treated with Laksha Guggulu, Snehana, Swedana & Knee Joint Traction. The various criteria worked upon were joint pain, oedema, tenderness, restriction of joint movement, stiffness, local crepitation, walking distance. Significant results were obtained on pain in joint movement, restriction in joint movement, joint stiffness , local crepitation nearly in all the groups with best result in combined group or group C.

Toolkit for monitoring and evaluation of indoor residual spraying for visceral leishmaniasis control in the Indian subcontinent: application and results

Background. We field tested and validated a newly developed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) toolkit for indoor residual spraying to be used by the supervisors at different levels of the national kala-azar elimination programs in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Methods. Methods included document analysis, in-depth interviews, direct observation of spraying squads, and entomological-chemical assessments (bioassay, susceptibility test, chemical analysis of insecticide residues on sprayed surfaces, vector density measurements at baseline, and three follow-up surveys). Results. We found that the documentation at district offices was fairly complete; important shortcomings included insufficient training of spraying squads and supervisors, deficient spray equipment, poor spraying performance, lack of protective clothing, limited coverage of houses resulting in low bioavailability of the insecticide on sprayed surfaces, and reduced vector susceptibility to DDT in India, which limited the impact on vector densities. Conclusion. The M&E toolkit is a useful instrument for detecting constraints in IRS operations and to trigger timely response.

Nanostructured Silicon thin films Deposited by PECVD in the Presence of Silicon Nanoparticles

Nanostructured silicon thin films have been deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at low substrate temperature (100 °C) in the presence of silicon nanoparticles. The nanostructure of the films was revealed by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, which showed ordered silicon domains (1–2 nm) embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix. These ordered domains are due to the particles created in the discharge that contribute to the film growth. One consequence of the incorporation of nanoparticles is the accelerated crystallization of the nanostructured silicon thin films when compared to standard a-Si:H, as shown by the electrical characterization during the annealing.

Kala-azar elimination programme in India

Kala-azar has been endemic in India for a long time. Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector became resurgent during 70s in four districts of Bihar and slowly spread to other parts of south Bihar and several districts of West Bengal. Kala-azar is a present endemic in 31 districs of Bihar, 4 districts of Jharkhand, 11 districts of West Bengal besides occurring is sporadic form in far districts of eastern UP. With enhanced central support to states from December, 2003 the case registration has improved. Elimination strategy lies in the followings: Case detection and treatment; interruption of transmission through vector control; advocacy, communication for behavioral impact and inter-sectoral convergence; capacity building; monitoring, supervision and evaluation and operational research. Moreover, inter-country co-ordination and assistance by Government of India are very important in elimination of kala-azar.

Psychiatric morbidity in geriatric people

BACKGROUND

The number of geropsychiatric patients is increasing but sufficient work has not been done in this area in many parts of India.

AIM

This study explored the sociodemographic profile and clinical characteristics of patients aged 60 years and above, attending the psychiatric services of Institute of Medical Sciences and geropsychiatric patients of Mumukshu Bhavan (old age home) in Varanasi from September 1998 to September 1999.

METHODS

For the screening of psychiatric patients at Mumukshu Bhavan the Indian Psychiatric Survey Schedule was used. DSM-IV criteria were used for the diagnosis of patients and Chi-square test with Yate correction and Z-test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Depressive disorders were the most common psychiatric illnesses. Many patients had associated physical illnesses and among them hypertension was the most common. Family jointness was adequate for most of the patients. Objective social support was moderate for the majority of patients but perceived social support was poor. Patients of Mumukshu Bhavan perceived their social support to be either moderate or good.

CONCLUSION

Depressive disorder was the most common psychiatric illness and among the physical illnesses hypertension was the commonest. People living in the old age home felt better than those who lived with their children's family.

Entomological indices of Aedes aegypti at some international airports and seaports of southern India--a report

Entomological surveys were undertaken at some of the international airports/seaports (Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Thiruvanathapuram and Vishakapatnam) to find out the breeding prevalence of dengue vector mosquito in diverse breeding containers from 1998 to 2004. Three vector indices (House index, Container index and Breateu index) were used to assess the breeding potential at each airport/seaport. International Health Regulations urged national governments to keep all the international airports/seaports and peripheral areas up to 400 meters free from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, surveys revealed high vector indices at all the airports and seaports. Health authorities of airports/seaports need to take cognizance of these facts and develop action plan for appropriate control measures with emphasis on vector surveillance.

Impact of DDT spraying on malaria transmission in Bareilly District, Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Impact of indoor residual spraying of DDT on malaria transmission and vector density was evaluated in six villages of Shergarh PHC, Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh under the operational condition of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) from July 2001 to March 2002 (one transmission season only).

METHODS

Two rounds of DDT (50% WDP) spraying @ 1 g/m2 were done both in the experimental and control villages by the state health authorities. The spraying in experimental villages was supervised by Malaria Research Centre (MRC) whereas the district health authorities supervised the operation in control villages. Mass blood surveys were made three times--before the first round, in between the first and second rounds and after the second round of spraying. The blood smears were examined by the trained microscopists of MRC, Haldwani. From the above examinations epidemiological indicators such as slide positivity rate (SPR), slide falciparum rate (SFR) and infant parasite rate (IPR) were calculated. All malaria positive cases were given radical treatment as per NVBDCP schedule. Entomological parameters such as per man hour mosquito density, parity rate, gonotrophic condition and adult susceptibility status of Anopheles culicifacies to diagnostic dosages of DDT (4%) were monitored as per the standard techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 988.5 kg of DDT was consumed during two rounds of spray. The house coverage varied from 87 to 95.3%. Parasitological evaluation revealed significant reduction in malaria cases (p < 0.0005) and infant parasite rate declined from 2.9 to 0%. Entomological observations revealed considerable reduction in the density of malaria vector An. culicifacies despite of its 21.4% mortality against DDT test papers.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The overall results of the study revealed that DDT is still a viable insecticide in indoor residual spraying owing to its effectivity in well supervised spray operation and high excito-repellency factor.

First time detection of Japanese encephalitis virus antigen in dry and unpreserved mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901, from Karnal district of Haryana state of India

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) antigen has been detected by antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) in dry specimens of the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901, collected from Karnal district of Haryana state in northern India. These mosquitoes were stored in dry condition for 20 months, at room temperature, before processing. The procedure of detecting JEV infection in long time stored, dry vector mosquitoes, has important application in the surveillance of Japanese encephalitis.

Combining ability in the F1 and F2 generations of diallel cross in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell)

The F(1) and F(2) progenies of a ten-parent diallel cross (excluding reciprocals) of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) were analyzed for combining ability for quantitative and quality traits. The results indicated significant differences among the parents for general combining ability (gca) and crosses for specific combining ability (sca) for all the characters studied. The gca and sca components of variance were significant for all the traits. However, the gca component of variance was predominant indicating the predominance of additive gene effects for the traits studied. Among the parents Durgapura 65, HD 2285, Lok-1, Raj 1972 and HD 2329 were the best general combiners for grain yield and average to high combiners for tillers per plant, grain yield per spike, grains per spike and 1000-grain weight. The best specific crosses for grain yield were Sonalika x WH 157, HD 2428 x Durgapura 65, Durgapura 65 x Sonalika, HD 2428 x Lok-1 and CPAN 3004 x Raj 1972. The parent Raj 1972, Lok-1 and HD 2285 were the best general combiners for grain yield and protein content, however, Raj 3077 was the best general combiner for protein content. The most suitable specific crosses for protein content were HD 2329 x HD 2285, HD 2428 x Raj 1972 and CPAN 3004 x WH 157. Most of the specific crosses for grain yield as well as protein content involved high x average, average x average and average x poor general combiners. To ensure further increase in grain yield along with high protein, combinations of desirable yield components is advocated. Inclusion of F(1) hybrids showing high sca and having parents with good gca, into multiple crosses and/or bi-parental mating, or diallel selective mating could prove a worthwhile approach for further improvement of grain yield in bread wheat.

Heterosis studies for yield and its components in bread wheat over environments

A set of diallel crosses involving 10 parents was made to have information on the extent of heterosis over mid-parent and better parent and inbreeding depression for yield and yield contributing characters under three different environments. Marked heterobeltiosis for grain yield and its important components were observed. For grain yield, 83 crosses showed significant positive heterobeltiosis in all the three sowing dates, however, twenty crosses showed significant consistent heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant over all the three environments. The maximum heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant observed was 50.94% (Raj 3765 x HD 2285), 121.08% (PBW 373 x HD 2329) and 93.96% (PBW 373 x HD 2329) under early, normal and late sowing conditions, respectively. Cross PBW 373 x HD 2329 in both early and normal plantings and cross Raj 3765 x HD 2285 under late planting were observed most heterotic for grain yield. The crosses showing heterosis for grain yield were not heterotic for all the characters. Heterosis for grain yield per spike followed by tillers per plant and 1000-grain weight was independently associated with heterosis for grain yield in early and normal plantings. However, heterosis for grain yield per spike, dwarf plant height and tillers per plant contributed maximum towards yield heterosis. Significant inbreeding depression was recorded frequently for yield and yield contributing traits, however, in a few traits it was observed significant negative indicated that F(2) was superior to F(1) considered desirable combination for trait(s). The study reveals good scope for commercial exploitation of heterosis as well as isolation of pure lines among the progenies of heterotic F(1) for improvement of yield levels in bread wheat.

Study on susceptibility status in aquatic and adult stages of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus against insecticides at international airports of south India

A study on susceptibility status in aquatic and adult stages of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus was undertaken at International Airports of Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin located in southern India. WHO standard test kits were used to conduct insecticide susceptibility tests against various organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids. The results indicate that adult Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were resistant to DDT and dieldrin, but susceptible to propoxur, fenitrothion, malathion, deltamethrin, permethrin and lambdacyhalothrin. The susceptibility test conducted on immature stages of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus revealed that they are susceptible to the larvicides commonly used under the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme viz. Temephos (0.02 ppm), Fenthion (0.05 ppm) Malathion (1.0 ppm) and Fenitrothion (0.06 ppm).

Surveillance of dengue vector at thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) International Airport

A survey of Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquitoes was undertaken in and around the International airport at Thiruvananthapuram during premonsoon season. An attempt has been made in this paper to elaborate on the presence of risk potential for Dengue /yellow fever at the airport with the detection of Aedes breeding. The entomological indices have also been discussed with regard to presence of potential wet containers and rate of infestation by Aedes mosquitoes. The airport area was searched for Aedes (Stegomyia) breeding where 20% of the premises were found positive for Aedes aegypti breeding and one premise (6.6%) was found positive with Aedes albopictus breeding. In the 400 meters (perimeter) of airport, four municipal wards namely Chakka, Sankumugam, Valiyathura and Vettucadu were surveyed. The house index ranged from 5.8% to 11.7% for Aedes aegypti while, it was between 9.8% to 19.2% with regard to Aedes albopictus. The container index ranged between 4.4% to 9.9% for Aedes aegypti and 7.1% to 15.3% for Aedes albopictus. Breteau index was found to be between 23.5% to 51.9% for both the species. The susceptibility test conducted against different insecticides showed that the immature stages of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were found to be susceptible to the commonly used larvicides in public health viz. Temephos (0.02 ppm), Fenthion (0.05 ppm), Malathion (1.0 ppm) and Fenitrothion (0.06 ppm).

Efficacy of a new formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) in laboratory and field conditions of Kumaun foothills of Uttaranchal, India

Efficacy of a new Bti formulation was tested in the laboratory and small scale field trials against mosquito larvae were carried out from March to June, 2001 in different breeding habitats of Kumaun foothill region of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts, Uttaranchal state, India. Laboratory tests revealed increased efficacy against Culex quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 0.035 mg/L) followed by Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 0.0628 mg/L), An. culicifacies sp A (LC50 = 0.184mg/L) and An. stephensi (LC50 - 0.2216mg/L). Results of field trials revealed 100% mortality of mosquito larvae after treatment with Bti @ 0.5 gm/m2 surface area. The impact was similar on different mosquito species breeding in different habitats. However, repeated treatments were required due to reappearance of larvae in the breeding habitats within a week. No side effects of Bti was observed during field trial on non- target organisms (NTOs). Environmental disturbances and man made problems affected the spray impact of Bti.

Susceptibility status of Japanese encephalitis vectors in Kurnool and Mehboobnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh, India

An entomological survey in Kurnool and Mahboobnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh state, India was undertaken in January, 2002 to find out vector population of Japanese Encephalitis and their susceptibility status to different insecticides. Five Culicine species viz. of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. vishnui, Cx. pseudovishnui, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus were captured during the survey. Another suspected vectors Anopheles subpictus and An. hyrcanus were also prevalent in the study villages. The larval population showed a high degree of resistance to Fenthion and Temephos. The test mortality to DDT ranged between 75% and 90%. The mortality of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx vishnui and An. subpictus ranged from 85% to 95%. Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is susceptible to Deltamethrin and Cyfluthrin. Cx. vishnui showed 80 % and 85% mortality to DDT and Malathion respectively.

Malaria outbreak in Bhojpur PHC of district Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Based on the reports of 18 fever related deaths in Bhojpur Primary Health Centre (PHC) of Moradabad District (UP), a study was undertaken during September and October, 2000 to explore the possibility of outbreak of malaria in the area and the reasons of the outbreak. The slide positivity rate (SPR) and slide falciparum rate (SFR) in active fever surveys were found to be 84.7% and 82.2% respectively. Among children the average enlarged spleen and spleen rate were 1.9 and 27.4 per cent respectively. The mortality rate of Anopheles culicifacies in DDT, Malathion and Deltamethrin was 42.5, 86.7 and cent per cent respectively. The results of the study revealed that the outbreak was of malaria with predominance of Plasmodium falciparum causing several deaths in the affected villages. The investigation revealed that there was disruption of surveillance and supervision of malaria activities.

Dynamics of malaria transmission under changing ecological scenario in and around Nanak Matta Dam, Uttaranchal, India

To understand the transmission dynamics of malaria in three different ecotypes, namely watershed (forest), seepage (Nanak Matta Dam) and plain (non-forest, non-dam) areas of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts of Uttaranchal, entomological and parasitological investigations were carried out from July 1996 to June 1997. In the three ecotypes, average per man hour densities of adult vector species in human dwellings and cattlesheds recorded were high for Anopheles culicifacies from April to September and October to March for An. fluviatilis. Prevalence of both An. culicifacies and An. fluviatilis was higher in the forest area as compared to other two areas. Observations on gonotrophic condition revealed endophilic tendency of both vector species. Higher number of both vector species were found in outdoor than indoor during night human bait collections. Out of 864 specimens of An. fluviatilis dissected, one showed natural infection of sporozoites in salivary glands in the month of November from the forest area only. Sibling species study of An. fluviatilis revealed the presence of species S for the first time in the forest area. Parasitological investigations also depicted high incidence of malaria in the forest area as compared to other two areas. Overall results from the study indicated active malaria transmission in the forest area.

Dengue/DHF: an emerging disease in India

Dengue/DHF is an emergent disease in India and some parts of country are endemic and periodically contributing annual outbreaks of dengue/DHF. Dengue infection manifests as undifferentiated fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) which leads to hospitalization large number of people in a localized area. There is high mortality and morbidity associated with the onset of each dengue outbreak leading to great socio-economic impact. The prevention and control of dengue outbreak depends upon the proper monitoring of the disease case through disease surveillance so as to ensure timely management of cases. Vector surveillance helps in the proper and timely implementation of emergency control measures against dengue vector i.e. Aedes aegypti. There is an urgent need for an effective diagnostic strategy for early diagnosis to shorten the illness duration, hospitalization time and the associated complications.

Anthropophily of Anophelines in Duars of West Bengal and other regions of India

Attempts have been made to identify the source of blood meals of twenty three anopheline species from various areas of high malaria endemicity in India. Anopheles minimus, Anopheles fluviatilis and Anopheles dirus showed a high propensity for human blood in North-Eastern parts of the country while Anopheles sundicus was found to be anthropophilic in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles maculatus and Anopheles philippinensis were found primarily zoophilic in north-eastern areas. High anthropophily has been closely related to sporozoite infection in anophelines specially in Anopheles minimus and is of great epidemiological significance.

Efficacy of chloroquine in febrile Plasmodium falciparum infected children in Mewat region of Haryana

During 1996, Mewat region of Gurgaon district in Haryana experienced high incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, assuming epidemic proportion in large number of villages affected by floods. Mortality due to fever was also high. In vivo 7 days study amongst 32 febrile P. falciparum infected children of 1 to 14 years age group in flood affected villages of Ferozpur Jhirka Community Health Centre of Mewat region was carried out. All the 32 cases showed good response to chloroquine suggesting that drug was effective and useful as first line of treatment, reducing severity of P. falciparum infection and resolving fever due to infection of the species. The study also indicated that chloroquine was an effective drug in controlling epidemic situation and mortality in areas of high incidence of P. falciparum. Pyrogenic stimulus was variable among different developmental stages of P. falciparum and suggestive of the need of earliest possible initiation of anti-malaria treatment, community based fever survey and blood smear examination. Increase in incidence of fever in an endemic community, particularly in children, should be considered as an indicator of impending outbreak of P. falciparum malaria. Effectiveness of diagnostic and control measures taken can be evaluated on the basis of incidence of malaria particularly due to P. falciparum infection and also incidence of fever in an endemic community.

Impact assessment of IEC campaign during anti-malaria month, June 1998 through KABP study

To assess the IEC Campaign during anti malaria month (June, 98), a base line KABP study through pre-assessment and post-assessment was conducted in the State of Gujarat (four districts namely Ahmedabad, Dang, Panchmahal and Baroda). The study was carried out based on questionnaire (open and closed) developed by NAMP in the randomly selected population. A rapid assessment of the current level of KABP among a sample of population before and after the observance of anti-malaria month. The results of the KABP study revealed that there is definite impact (between 2.18 to 30%) and change in the KABP of the local people, where intensive and continuous I.E.C. activities are being undertaken. In order to achieve the desired change in knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practice of the respondents, it requires continuous I.E.C. campaign throughout the year. The attitude, behaviour and practice in the hard core areas need special efforts, where maximum efforts are required to bring a change in. It should be taken more intensively in the problematic and hardcore areas on priority basis.

Response to wing-web challenge of Rous sarcoma virus subgroups in some chicken breeds

Response to wing-web challenge (WWC) of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) subgroups was studied in 4-8 weeks old chicks of a light breed, a heavy breed and a cross between an indigenous black plumage Bantam fowl and Australorp breed. Wing-web tumor (WWT) began to develop within one week in response to virus subgroups A (BS-RSV) and C [RSV (RAV-49)] challenge. In chicks challenged with subgroup D [RSV (RAV-50)] virus it took a minimum of 4 weeks for development of WWT. Positive response to WWC by subgroups A, C and D virus was 84%, 100% and 52%, respectively. The duration of exhibition of positive response was maximum for subgroup A virus, followed by subgroup D and minimum for subgroup C virus.

Impact of Spherix (Bacillus sphaericus B-101, serotype H5a, 5b) spraying on the control of mosquito breeding in rural areas of Farrukhabad District, Uttar Pradesh

Spray impact of Spherix (Bacillus sphaericus B-101, Serotype H5a, 5b) was assessed against larval and adult populations of mosquito species in rural areas of Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh. High mortality (> 95%) was observed against anopheline and culicine larvae within 48 h of spray @ 1 g/sq m. But the biolarvicidal effect declined within a week which indicated nonrecycling capacity and weekly reapplications were required. The encouraging results obtained through weekly sprays were short-lived because of decline in efficacy in some perennial intradomestic Culex breedings after 15 rounds of spray. The two year intensive field trials, however, had no appreciable impact on adult densities of both malaria vector An. culicifacies and bancroftian filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus. Environmental disturbances and manmade problems also affected the efficacy of the biolarvicide.

Blood meal identification by using Microdot ELISA in vector mosquitoes

The blood meals of five mosquito species which are vectors for malaria, J.E. and Filaria were determined by using Microdot ELISA technique, which is a rapid and sensitive method. A total of 4354 freshly fed mosquitoes comprising of Anopheles culicifacies, An stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. vishnui gp. and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus were tested. Results of the study reveal that highest proportion of An. culicifacies between 76-100% fed on bovine host followed by 0.3 to 24.2% on human. Cx. vishnui showed 1.9% feeding on human, 49-87.7% on bovine and 7.4-12.3% on the pigs. It has been observed that malaria vectors namely An. culicifacies and An. stephensi are still zoophilic in nature. Similarly, the vector of J.E. namely Culex vishnui gp. and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus also fed on cattle but some samples have indicated feeding of blood meal from pigs.

Some aspects of changing behaviour of malaria vectors in tribal areas of India

The field entomological studies and surveys carried out in 72 tribal districts out of 100 in seven penninsular States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Rajasthan indicated that in most of the areas the vector mosquitoes encountered during the present study were almost the same as recorded by the earlier workers except that Anopheles fluviatilis James, 1902 was recorded in the areas of district Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Shahdol, Rajnandgaon, Barwani and Janjgir of Madhya Pradesh, and Sundergarh of Orissa during the present survey. This vector was not recorded in earlier studies by other workers. An. culicifacies Giles, 1901 was not found in present survey in East Godavari and Vishakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh and Ganjam and Koraput of Orissa where this mosquito was found in collections earlier. Similarly, An. fluviatilis was not encountered during the present field study in Bhilwara of Rajasthan, Phulbani and Kalahandi of Orissa, Thane, Nanded and Nasik of Maharashtra and Bharuch of Gujarat state. During this study An. fluviatilis was noted to be mostly endophilic whereas earlier workers noted this mosquito to be exophilic in a large number of districts. The majority of the tribal districts seem to be under the influence of two malaria vectors, An. culicifacies and An. fluviatilis and these tribal districts are maintaining a high malaria endemicity with predominance of Plasmodium falciparum infection. In the present study, the transmission seasons were noted to be longer than recorded earlier in the districts of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Orissa. In the remaining states it is almost similar as recorded earlier.

Preventing dengue/dengue haemorrhagic fever outbreaks in the National Capital Territory of Delhi--the role of entomological surveillance

Outbreaks of Dengue/Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever have been occurring in the National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi from time to time. A massive outbreak of Dengue/DHF causing considerable mortality occurred in 1996 in the NCT, Delhi. Since this outbreak regular entomological surveillance has been instituted, for timely preventive action against Dengue/DHF. The Central Cross Checking Organisation (CCO) of the National Malaria Eradication Programme cross-checks Aedes surveillance activities in Delhi. In this paper we present our experiences in entomological surveillance in relation Dengue, to share them with other workers in this field.

'Anti-malaria month'--a step forward in multisectoral collaboration and community involvement in malaria control

For a long time malaria control in India has largely been a government responsibility with little involvement of the community at large, and other sectors of the economy in the control efforts. There is now increasing realisation that involvement of the community and a multi-sectoral approach should be essential components of the malaria control strategy. The National Malaria Eradication Programme is accordingly laying greater emphasis on coordination with other sectors of the economy, and changing community perceptions and health-related behaviour. A massive programme of community mobilisation with this objective in view has been taken up since 1997. A major component of this community mobilisation programme is the observance of an 'Anti-Malaria Month', during which, country wide awareness campaigns are undertaken at all levels of implementation, to promote inter-sectoral collaboration and community action for malaria control. The present paper summarises the rationale and messages of the 'Anti-Malaria month'.

Studies of the hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal mixed-function oxidase system during Plasmodium yoelii infection and inducer treatment in Swiss albino mice

Plasmodium yoelii infection resulted in depression of hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal mixed-function oxidase system indices, e.g. cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5 and phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, while heam and haemozoin registered a marked increase in Swiss albino mice. Phenobarbitone (inducer) treatment showed induced levels of hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal cytochrome P-450 and glutathione-S-transferase in normal as well as in infected mice. The induced cytochrome P-450 and glutathione-S-transferase activities were similar in normal and infected mice. The findings were further supported by the isoenzymic profile and drug-binding properties of the terminal monoxygenase, cytochrome P-450.

Larvivorous capacity of some indigenous fish of Haryana state

Studies were undertaken to assess the role of some indigenous fish of Haryana state for the biological control of mosquitoes. Total of 28 fish species were encountered. Only six fresh water fish species Puntius ticto, Colisa fasciata, Aplocheilus panchax, Rasbora daniconius, Chanda nama, and Esomus danricus species possessed good feeding potential on mosquito larvae. The small size, well developed eyes and position of the mouth seem to be probably the important factors helping their voracity on mosquito larvae. These fish are either surface, subsurface or column feeders.