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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.

Starch gel electrophoresis was employed to survey the allozyme polymorphism and phylogenetic relationships among 35 populations covering six closely related Western Australian endemic Pterostylis species (series Grandiflorae); viz P. rogersii, P. aspera, P. angusta, P. hamiltonii, P. scabra and P. aff. alata. The aim of this study was to determine intraspecific and interspecific genetic diversity and species relationships based on allozyme analysis. The frequencies of 56 alleles at 12 enzyme systems coded by 15 loci were determined along with a mean intraspecific genetic identity value. Allozyme markers clearly discriminated populations belonging to different species. Nei's genetic distance/identity co-efficient was used to measure the level of genetic differentiation among populations and species. Based on these values, a dendrogram was constructed which revealed that all the populations clustered into groups corresponding to the respective species. Gene diversity analysis among all the species revealed total genetic diversity H(t) of 0.23 with co-efficient of gene differentiation 10% (G(st)=0.10). Mean genetic variability (H(e)=0.136, P=40%) was also higher than for other outbreeding plant species. Mean genetic identity coefficient of populations of all species was 0.859 which increased to 0.877 upon exclusion of P. aff. alata, indicating a high degree of similarity among all species except P. aff. alata which segregated distinctively from the rest. Overall, the investigation provided independent support for the morphological segregation of these taxa.

An electrophoretic genetic analysis utilising starch gel electrophoresis was employed to assess clonality in endangered Zieria baeuerlenii populations distributed over an area of less than a kilometre square in Nowra (NSW). Eleven enzymes systems encoded by 19 loci (41 alleles) when assayed to estimate levels of genetic diversity within and among populations, revealed moderate levels of genetic diversity. Despite finding seven loci being fixed at a particular locus, 20 unique multilocus genotypes/clones restricted to a particular population were detected within a sample of 179 ramets collected from throughout the range of the species. The probability of finding any clone produced by sexual reproduction is <0.0025 and is further supported by the fact that reproduction appears to be exclusively by vegetative spread and there is virtually no pollen viability and seed production. The lack of seed set in this area may be due to additional factors inhibiting sexual reproduction. Overall, such genetic studies play a crucial role in devising conservation and management strategies for rare and endangered taxa.

Aims: p53 mutations are one of the most frequent genetic alterations in human cancers and are thought to play a role in pathogenesis of several malignancies. Overexpression of p53 in gallbladder cancer has not previously been reported from North India which has one of the highest incidence of this malignancy in the world. The present work is aimed at studying the overexpression of p53 in gallbladder carcinoma occurring in North India., Methods: p53 overexpression by immunohistochemistry was studied in 20 operative specimens of gallbladder carcinoma. The clinico-pathological observations of these patients were correlated with the extent of p53 overexpression., Results: Seventy per cent (14/20) of specimens of gallbladder carcinoma overexpressed p53 protein. There was a significant correlation between presence of gallstones, T stage, grade of tumour and liver invasion with p53 overexpression. There was no significant correlation with other factors studied viz. age, sex, nodal status and histological type., Conclusions: The results show a strong association between gallstones and p53 protein overexpression in gallbladder carcinoma. The causal relationship in this association, however, still remains unproven., (Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.)

Fifty four female poultry birds of 3, 4 and 5 months age were given nikethamide and diazepam intramuscularly as stimulant and depresent, respectively. The effects of above two drugs on the levels of biogenic amines were measured Fluorometrically in the rostral, middle and caudal portions of poultry brain. Diazepam increased the levels of 5-HT and dopamine in the caudal and middle portion of the brain respectively. The levels of dopamine and non-epinephrine increased with the nikethamide administration and also with increasing age of the birds, but the effect of diazepam was inconsistant. Unlike the levels of dopamine and nor-epinephrine which were maximum in middle protion, the epinephrine concentration was highest in the caudal portion of brain. It was concluded that 5-HT acted as inhibitory particularly in the caudal portion, whereas, catecholamines as excitatory neurotransmitter of the poultry brain. The increased levels of catecholamines in the poultry brain with increasing age speaks of their positive role in sexual maturity and subsequently in reproduction of the birds.

Malaria still remains uncontrolled affecting millions and killing many. We have found the high chloroquine-resistance in Rajasthan epidemic which contains multipleP.falciparum strains. Large number of variantP.falciparum strains exist in India which should be taken into account for future malaria control strategies. We have characterised several parasite molecules which are involved in the hostparasite interaction. They can be used to develop the molecular therapy or antimalarial drugs for malaria. The parasite enzymes described by us will be quite useful in this regard, particularly in drug development.

Solitary or multiple supratentorial haemangioblastomas are rare and may be associated with Von Hippel-Lindau complex (VHLC), polycythaemia or a family history of VHLC. An extensive review of the literature (1902-1992) has revealed 112 cases. They account for 2-8% of all haemangioblastomas and are commonly intraparenchymatous (86.8%) and infrequently intraventricular (6.6%). However, a meningeal location (5.6%) is extremely rare. Only one case of a solitary leptomeningeal haemangioblastoma has previously been reported and this was associated with a family and personal history of VHLC, cerebellar haemangioblastomas and renal carcinoma. We report a solitary solid left parietal leptomeningeal haemangioblastoma mimicking a meningioma or a secondary deposit on computed tomography in a 72-year-old male. There were no manifestations of or a family history of VHLC or polycythaemia.

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.

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.

A 4-year-old girl presented with a history and examination results suggestive of peritonitis. Exploration of abdomen was done with suspicion of enteric perforation, which showed long ileal trichobezoar with perforation of .5-cm diameter. The stomach was devoid to any fragment of bezoar. There was no history of hair eating and nervous habits.

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.

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.

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 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.

Immunologic status of 43 children, 13 with bronchiolitis and 30 with bronchial asthma was studied, and compared with 10 infants and 16 healthy children of respective control groups. Humoral immunity was assessed by absolute eosinophil count and B cell count (EAC rosette method) and cellular immunity by T cell count (E rosette method) and DNCB skin test. B cell subset of lymphocytes were raised in both the study groups but associated significant eosinophilia was seen only in bronchial asthma. The study demonstrated significantly lower mean T cell count and depressed DNCB reactivity in children of bronchial asthma. Children with bronchiolitis too had significantly lower mean T cell count. Thus both humoral and cellular immunity were altered in children with bronchial asthma and bronchiolitis.

We report a patient with a phytobezoar extending from the stomach through the small intestine to the cecum. The patient presented with acute intestinal obstruction and bezoar was suspected at exploration. The specimen showed two masses of cotton fibres connected with a long string of variable thickness.

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.

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.

Serum cholesterol, total triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, free cholesterol and total phospholipids were studied in 36 patients of anxiety neurosis and 24 control subjects. Serum triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol and free-cholesterol were found to be significantly raised while esterified cholesterol WJS significantly lowered in anxiety neurosis. A significant negative correlation was observed between the anxiety score and free cholesterol in ferrule patients. The significance of these findings has been discussed.

Age-related changes in testosterone, progesterone and estradiol 17-beta were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in the serum of 155 male buffalo calves of varying ages. The calves were classified into 17 age groups. The mean weight of calves increased from 33.6+/-9.6 kg at one week of age to 531+/-41.4 kg at 42 months. The testosterone levels were less than 100 pg/ml from birth until 15 months of age, followed by peak concentrations of 422+/-79 pg/ml at 24 to 30 months and 793+/-193 pg/ml at 42 to 48 months (corresponding to puberty and maturity, respectively). The progesterone levels were higher in newly born calves and mature bulls. Otherwise, the levels continued to be low throughout the period of growth and development. Estradiol 17-beta was significantly higher in postnatal calves up to two months of age. The testosterone revealed a positive correlation with weight and age while E2 17-beta showed a negative correlation with age. These results do not support a direct role of peripheral progesterone and estradiol 17-beta in the onset of puberty and sexual maturity of buffalo bulls.

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.

A sensitive method for the isolation and clean-up of chlorinated organic pesticides from tissues and biological materials is discussed. RF values of the pesticides in 26 solvent systems, and colours of the spots given with various chromogenic reagents, are reported. The limits of detection, and densitometric measurements, are also discussed. The average recovery has been found to be 94%. The distribution of endrin in different autopsy tissues from five different victims has been studied by the proposed technique.

A total of 155 male buffalo calves were classified into 17 groups according to chronological age. The body weight was recorded on a balance or computed. Sera samples were analysed for thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) by radioimmunoassay. Highest concentration of thyroid hormones (T(4), 87.6+/-17.6; T(3), 3.1+/-0.07 ng/ml) were seen during the first week after birth followed by a gradual decline until two months of age. Later, the mean T(4) and T(3) levels fluctuated between 30 and 40 ng/ml and at around 1.0 ng/ml, respectively, except for a mild peak at 12 to 15 months of age. T4:T3 ratio did not vary significantly among various age groups. Both T4 and T3 were negatively correlated with age.

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.

Thirty patients of primary depression were assessed for their cognitive functions initially in the depressed state and on complete recovery. The results indicate presence of definite cognitive impairment during the depressed state (as measured by the Bhatia's Battery test and PGI memory scale) which is restored to normal after recovery from depression. The intensity of depression as indicated by the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression was directly related to the degree of cognitive impairment.

The urinary excretion of 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenyl-glycol, (3-MHPG) was measured in 20 unipolar depressed patients before treatment with imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to investigate the relationship between pretreatment urinary excretion of 3-MHPG and clinical response. There was no difference in 3-MHPG excretion for depressed patients and controls. There was no significant difference between the mean percentage reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Scores in "low" and "high" excretors of 3-MHPG in the imipramine and ECT group of patients after four weeks of treatment.

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.

A study was conducted on 851 cows (Gir cows and their crossbreeds) between 1971 and 1984 at the Livestock Farm of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cattle in Jabalpur, India. The cows were impregnated with frozen or fresh semen from 90 bulls and a total of 2699 pregnancies resulted. An overall incidence of prenatal mortality was recorded at 4.89%. A significantly higher (P / 0.01) incidence of prenatal mortality was encountered in three breed crosses in comparison with Gir cows and their first generation crossbreeds. Parity of dam had no effect on prenatal mortality. However, effects of season and individual sires on prenatal mortality were documented. It was observed that reproductive performance was improved significantly after prenatal mortality.