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Cold agglutinins were separated from the sera of eleven patients suffering from the cold-antibody type of acquired haemolytic anaemia by the dissociation of the specific antigen-antibody complexes. The electrophoretic mobility of the cold antibody was found to correspond to that of γl globulin in each case. Ultracentrifugal studies carried out on eluted cold antibodies prepared from the sera of seven patients demonstrated that the antibodies were macromolecules (S20,w∼18.1). In one instance the sedimentation coefficient of the cold antibody was demonstrated to be similar to that of electrophoretically separated ‘γ1 globulin’ prepared from the same serum, indicating their identical physical state. The results of treating the sera of nineteen patients with the cold-antibody type of acquired haemolytic anaemia with mercapto-ethanol further confirmed that the cold antibodies were all macromolecules, whether derived from idiopathic cases or cases secondary to some other known disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold antibodies were separated from the sera of six patients suffering from the cold-haemagglutinin syndrome and from one patient with acquired haemolytic anaemia secondayr to lymphosarcoma by dissociation of the specific antigen-antibody complexes. The eluted antibodies were studied (a) by immuno-electrophoresis along with the parent sera against horse anti-human serum and (b) by double diffusion in agar gel along with electrophoretically separated ‘γ1 globulin’† against anti-19S ‘γ-globulin’ rabbit sera. The protein forming the cold antibody was localized in the β2-M position on immuno-electrophoresis in each instance. It was found by double diffusion in agar gel to be immunologically identical with the protein forming the abnormal ‘γl-globulin’ electrophoretic peak in the parent serum. The results of these experiments indicate that the cold antibodies derived from patients with the cold-antibody type of acquired haemolytic anaemia are macro-molecular globulins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrays of Al/Al2O3/glass microplasma devices with microcavities having diamond or circular cross-sectional geometries and radiating (active) areas >20 cm2 have been operated sealed-off in Ne, Ar, and Ar/D2 gas mixtures. Microcavities are fabricated in only one of the two electrodes, and the thickness of the completed package is ∼170 μm (excluding the quartz output window). Excited by a sinusoidal 20 kHz voltage wave form, arrays with active areas of 4.5×3 cm2 exhibit ignition voltages as low as 110±5 V rms for Ne pressures of 400–700 Torr. Mixtures of 1% D2 in Ar at a total pressure of 300 Torr produce wavelength-integrated (λ∼250–400 nm) intensities of ∼1 mW cm-2 over a 25 cm2 area. Optical micrographs show the operation of the microplasmas in two well-defined modes. For current densities below a threshold value (∼53 mA cm-2 for 250 μm dia. cavities and pNe=400 Torr), diffuse uniform plasma is produced in each cavity but, with higher currents, a positive column having near-cylindrical geometry appears, as evidenced by the generation of intense emission localized in the region of weak electric field gradient near the axis of symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrays of Al/Al2O3/glass microplasma devices with microcavities having diamond or circular cross-sectional geometries and radiating (active) areas >20 cm2 have been operated sealed-off in Ne, Ar, and Ar/D2 gas mixtures. Microcavities are fabricated in only one of the two electrodes, and the thickness of the completed package is ∼170 μm (excluding the quartz output window). Excited by a sinusoidal 20 kHz voltage wave form, arrays with active areas of 4.5×3 cm2 exhibit ignition voltages as low as 110±5 V rms for Ne pressures of 400–700 Torr. Mixtures of 1% D2 in Ar at a total pressure of 300 Torr produce wavelength-integrated (λ∼250–400 nm) intensities of ∼1 mW cm-2 over a 25 cm2 area. Optical micrographs show the operation of the microplasmas in two well-defined modes. For current densities below a threshold value (∼53 mA cm-2 for 250 μm dia. cavities and pNe=400 Torr), diffuse uniform plasma is produced in each cavity but, with higher currents, a positive column having near-cylindrical geometry appears, as evidenced by the generation of intense emission localized in the region of weak electric field gradient near the axis of symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe immunofluorescent (IF) staining assay of 3D cell culture colonoids isolated from mice colon as described previously. Primary cultures developed from isolated colonic stem cells are called colonoids. Immunofluorescence can be used to analyze the distribution of proteins, glycans, and small molecules-both biological and non-biological ones. Four-day-old colonoid cell cultures grown on Lab-Tek 8-well plate are fixed by paraformaldehyde. Fixed colonoids are then subjected to antigen retrieval and blocking followed by incubation with primary antibody. A corresponding secondary antibody tagged with desired fluorescence is used to visualize primary antibody-marked protein. Counter staining to stain actin filaments and nucleus to assess cell structure and DNA in nucleus is performed by choosing the other two contrasting fluorescences. IF staining of colonoids can be utilized to visualize molecular markers of cell behavior. This technique can be used for translation research by isolating colonoids from colitis patients' colons, monitoring the biomarkers, and customizing their treatments. Key features • Analysis of molecular markers of cell behavior. • Protocol to visualize proteins in 3D cell culture. • This protocol requires colonoids isolated from mice colon grown on matrigel support. • Protocol requires at least eight days to complete., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no conflicts of interest within this work., (©Copyright : © 2023 The Authors; This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.)

Microbes evolve rapidly by modifying their genomes through mutations or through the horizontal acquisition of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) linked with fitness traits such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence, and metabolic functions. We conducted a multicentric study in India and collected different clinical samples for decoding the genome sequences of bacterial pathogens associated with sepsis, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections to understand the functional potency associated with AMR and its dynamics. Genomic analysis identified several acquired AMR genes (ARGs) that have a pathogen-specific signature. We observed that bla CTX-M-15 , bla CMY-42 , bla NDM-5 , and aadA (2) were prevalent in Escherichia coli , and bla TEM-1B , bla OXA-232 , bla NDM-1 , rmtB , and rmtC were dominant in Klebsiella pneumoniae . In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii harbored bla VEB , bla VIM-2 , aph( 3'), strA/B , bla OXA-23 , aph (3') variants, and amrA , respectively. Regardless of the type of ARG, the MGEs linked with ARGs were also pathogen-specific. The sequence type of these pathogens was identified as high-risk international clones, with only a few lineages being predominant and region-specific. Whole-cell proteome analysis of extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae , A. baumannii, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa strains revealed differential abundances of resistance-associated proteins in the presence and absence of different classes of antibiotics. The pathogen-specific resistance signatures and differential abundance of AMR-associated proteins identified in this study should add value to AMR diagnostics and the choice of appropriate drug combinations for successful antimicrobial therapy.

The process of examining the data flow over the internet to identify abnormalities in wireless network performance is known as network traffic analysis. When analyzing network traffic data, traffic classification becomes an important task. The traffic data classification is used to determine whether data in network traffic is in real-time or not. This analysis controls network traffic data in a network and allows for efficient network performance improvement. Real-time and non-real-time data are effectively classified from the given input data set using data mining clustering and classification algorithms. The proposed work focuses on the performance of traffic data classification with high clustering accuracy and low Classification Time (CT). This research work is carried out to fill the gap in the existing network traffic classification algorithms. However, the traffic data classification remained unaddressed for performing the network traffic analysis effectively. Then, we proposed an Enhanced Self-Learning-based Clustering Scheme (ESLCS) using an enhanced unsupervised algorithm and adaptive seeding approach to improve the classification accuracy while performing the real-time traffic data distribution in wireless networks. Test-bed results demonstrate that the proposed model enhances the clustering accuracy and True Positive Rate (TPR) effectively as well as reduces the CT time and Communication Overhead (CO) substantially to compare with the peer-existing routing techniques., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Helicobacter pylori is a ubiquitous bacterium and contributes significantly to the burden of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer across the world. Adaptive phenotypes and virulence factors in H. pylori are heterogeneous and dynamic. However, limited information is available about the molecular nature of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and virulence factors of H. pylori strains circulating in India. In the present study, we analyzed the whole genome sequences of 143 H. pylori strains, of which 32 are isolated from two different regions (eastern and southern) of India. Genomic repertoires of individual strains show distinct region-specific signatures. We observed lower resistance phenotypes and genotypes in the East Indian (Kolkata) H. pylori isolates against amoxicillin and furazolidone antibiotics, whereas higher resistance phenotypes to metronidazole and clarithromycin. Also, at molecular level, a greater number of AMR genes were observed in the east Indian H. pylori isolates as compared to the southern Indian isolates. From our findings, we suggest that metronidazole and clarithromycin antibiotics should be used judicially in the eastern India. However, no horizontally acquired antimicrobial resistance gene was observed in the current H. pylori strains. The comparative genome analysis shows that the number of genes involved in virulence, disease and resistance of H. pylori isolated from two different regions of India is significantly different. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based phylogenetic analysis distinguished H. pylori strains into different clades according to their geographical locations. Conditionally beneficial functions including antibiotic resistance phenotypes that are linked with faster evolution rates in the Indian isolates., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the present investigation, a biocomposite, magnetic carbon nanodot immobilized Bacillus pseudomycoides MH229766 (MCdsIB) was developed and consequently characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, and VSM analyses to effectively biotreat hazardous Congo red (CR) dye present in water bodies. The adsorptive efficiency of MCdsIB for the detoxification of CR from wastewater was investigated both in batch and column schemes. Optimum batch parameters were found as pH 3, 50 mg L -1 dye concentration, 150 min equilibrium time, and 2 g L -1 MCdsIB dosage. The Freundlich isotherm model best fit the experimental data, and the maximum adsorption capacity of MCdsIB was observed as 149.25 mg g -1 . Kinetic data were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order model where the adsorption rate reduced with the rise in the initial concentration of dye. Intra-particle diffusion was discovered as the rate-limiting step following 120 min of the adsorption process. Furthermore, despite being used continually for five consecutive cycles, MCdsIB demonstrated excellent adsorption capacity (> 85 mg g -1 ), making it an outstanding recyclable material. The CR dye was efficiently removed in fixed-bed continuous column studies at high influent CR dye concentration, low flow rate, and high adsorbent bed height, wherein the Thomas model exhibited an excellent fit with the findings acquired in column experiments. To summarize, the current study revealed the effectiveness of MCdsIB as a propitious adsorbent for CR dye ouster from wastewater., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Molecular mimicry of host proteins by pathogens constitutes a strategy to hijack the host pathways. At present, there is no dedicated resource for mimicked domains and motifs in the host-pathogen interactome. In this work, the experimental host-pathogen (HP) and host-host (HH) protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were collated. The domains and motifs of these proteins were annotated using CD Search and ScanProsite, respectively. Host and pathogen proteins with a shared host interactor and similar domain/motif constitute a mimicry pair exhibiting global structural similarity (domain mimicry pair; DMP) or local sequence motif similarity (motif mimicry pair; MMP). Mimicry pairs are likely to be co-expressed and co-localized. 1,97,607 DMPs and 32,67,568 MMPs were identified in 49,265 experimental HP-PPIs and organized in a web-based resource, ImitateDB ( http://imitatedb.sblab-nsit.net ) that can be easily queried. The results are externally integrated using hyperlinked domain PSSM ID, motif ID, protein ID and PubMed ID. Kinase, UL36, Smc and DEXDc were frequent DMP domains whereas protein kinase C phosphorylation, casein kinase 2 phosphorylation, glycosylation and myristoylation sites were frequent MMP motifs. Novel DMP domains SANT, Tudor, PhoX and MMP motif microbody C-terminal targeting signal, cornichon signature and lipocalin signature were proposed. ImitateDB is a novel resource for identifying mimicry in interacting host and pathogen proteins., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

This chapter focuses on intestinal microbiota and its effect on drug metabolism. Here, we discussed about different drugs which are metabolized either by some enzymes or gut microbiota and their mechanism. Nowadays, consuming drugs without a doctor's prescription is common. This chapter will make people aware about its negative consequences and how it is related to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC) and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are found to be affected with gut microbiota dysbiosis. To address this issue, we discussed a variety of strategies such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics and antibiotic stewardship programs which are commonly used to tackle this problem., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Microbes evolve rapidly by modifying their genome through mutations or acquisition of genetic elements. Antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori is increasingly prevalent in India. However, limited information is available about the genome of resistant H. pylori isolated from India. Our pan- and core-genome based analyses of 54 Indian H. pylori strains revealed plasticity of its genome. H. pylori is highly heterogenous both in terms of the genomic content and DNA sequence homology of ARGs and virulence factors. We observed that the H. pylori strains are clustered according to their geographical locations. The presence of point mutations in the ARGs and absence of acquired genetic elements linked with ARGs suggest target modifications are the primary mechanism of its antibiotic resistance. The findings of the present study would help in better understanding the emergence of drug-resistant H. pylori and controlling gastric disorders by advancing clinical guidance on selected treatment regimens., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In the present study, adsorption of colour and other pollutants from agro-based paper mill effluent onto fabricated coal fly ash nanoparticles (CFA-N) have been investigated. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the operational conditions for maximum ouster of colour from effluent by nano structured CFA-N. Maximum reduction in colour (92.45%) and other pollutants were obtained at optimum conditions: 60 min interaction time, 60 g/L adsorbent dosage and 80 rpm agitation rate. The regression coefficient values (adjusted R 2 = 0.7169; predicted R 2 = 0.7539) established harmony between predicted and the experimental data. The adsorption equilibrium results matched perfectly with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with maximum adsorption capacity of 250 platinum-cobalt/g. Additionally, the efficacy of CFA-N was also assessed in a continuous column mode. Furthermore, the feasibility of treated effluent for irrigation purpose was checked by growing the plant Solanum lycopersicum. Overall, the findings demonstrated the outstanding role of inexpensive and abundantly available CFA-N in treatment of paper mill effluent to the required compliance levels.

In the present investigation, Rheum emodi roots extract mediated magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles [Mg(OH) 2 NPs] through the bio-inspired experimental technique were synthesised. Mg(OH) 2 NPs were characterised by using various characterisation techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The formation of Mg(OH) 2 NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The structural analysis confirmed the hexagonal crystal symmetry of Mg(OH) 2 NPs with space group P-3m1 and space group no. 164 using the Rietveld refinement technique. TEM micrographs illustrated the nano-size formation of Mg(OH) 2 NPs of spherical shape and size ∼14.86 nm. With the aid of FTIR data, plant metabolites such as anthraquinones have been identified as a stabilising and reducing agent for the synthesis of biogenic Mg(OH) 2 NPs. The synthesised Mg(OH) 2 NPs showed antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

Efforts to produce vaccines against SARS and MERS were prematurely halted since their scope was perceived to be geographically restricted and they were subsequently categorized as neglected diseases. However, when a similar virus spread globally triggering the COVID-19 pandemic, we were harshly reminded that several other neglected diseases might also be waiting for the perfect opportunity to become mainstream. As climate change drives urbanization, natural selection of pathogens and their intermediate vectors and reservoirs, the risk of neglected diseases emerging within a larger susceptible pool becomes an even greater threat. Availability of a vaccine for COVID-19 is widely considered the only way to end this pandemic. Similarly, vaccines are also seen as the best tools available to control the spread of neglected (sometimes referred to as emerging or re-emerging) diseases, until the water, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure is improved in areas of their prevalence. Vaccine production is usually cost and labour intensive and thus minimal funding is directed towards controlling and eliminating neglected diseases (NDs). A customised but sustainable approach is needed to develop and deploy vaccines against NDs. While safety, efficacy and public trust are the three main success pillars for most vaccines, affordability is vital when formulating vaccines for neglected diseases., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Antimicrobial resistance is a grave threat to human life. Currently used time-consuming antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) methods limit physicians in selecting proper antibiotics. Hence, we developed a rapid AST using electroanalysis with a 15 min assay time, called EAST, which is live-monitored by time-lapse microscopy video. The present work reports systematical electrochemical analysis and standardization of protocol for EAST measurement. The proposed EAST is successfully applied for Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli as model organisms to monitor bacterial concentration, decay kinetics in the presence of various antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, cefixime, and amoxycillin), drug efficacy, and IC 50 . Bacterial decay kinetics in the presence of antibiotics were validated by the colony counting method, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy image analysis. The EAST predicts the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria within 15 min, which is a significant advantage over existing techniques that consume hours to days. The EAST was explored further by using bacteria-friendly l-lysine-functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticle coated indium tin oxide as a working electrode to observe the enhanced electron-transfer rate in the EAST. The results are very significant for future miniaturization and automation. The proposed EAST has huge potential in the development of a rapid AST device for applications in the clinical and pharmaceutical industries.

A new approach for easy synthesis of Bacillus pseudomycoides immobilized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/glutaraldehyde (GA) hydrogel for application in a wastewater treatment system is reported. Optimization studies revealed that GA/PVA mass ratio of 0.03 and acidic pH of 2 were required for hydrogel synthesis and eventually for bacterial cell immobilization. The synthesized crosslinked matrix possessed a pore size suitable for microbial cell entrapment while maintaining cell accessibility to external environment for bioremediation. Possible crosslinking and bacterial cell immobilization in the hydrogel were evidenced by FTIR, XRD, and SEM studies, respectively. Further, the extent of crosslinking of GA with PVA was investigated and confirmed by transmittance and permeability experiments. The viability and proliferation of hydrogel embedded cells (after 25 days) was confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy which also indicated that acidic pH of polymer solution did not affect the immobilized live cells. B. pseudomycoides immobilized hydrogel were demonstrated to be effective for treatment of municipal wastewater and reduced biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and protein content below the recommended levels. Overall, the results from this bench-scale work show that employing bacteria-embedded PVA/GA hydrogel for the treatment of municipal wastewater yield promising results which should be further explored in pilot/field-scale studies.

The synthesis of magnetic Hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) via green route has been a long lasting challenge for the scientific and technological fascination of many researchers. In the present investigation, iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) were synthesized using Rheum emodi roots in a cost effective and ecofriendly method. Their physicochemical property orchestration involved techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Through TEM, FESEM and AFM analysis, α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs were confirmed spherical in shape and the average diameter of particle is ~12 nm as depicted through TEM image. Thermal property was investigated by TGA. Magnetic behavior was observed in R. emodi mediated α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs by magnetic hysteresis measurements. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of anthraquinones in R. emodi roots extract which play the central role in stabilization of the α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs. Further, the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle sample was determined with XRD experiment and SAED fringes calculation. The crystal was also confirmed with Rietveld refinement of XRD profile fitted with R-3c model Additionally, magnetic interaction with bacterial cell wall showed antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli, Gram-negative and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-positive species. The approach transcribed in this paper reveals a novel methodology that utilizes α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs to initiate apoptosis and inhibition of cervical cancer cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is no conflict of interest among authors., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Supplementation of consortium comprising of aboriginal bacterial species with high degradation capacity can significantly enhance the biodegradation process of the domestic wastewater. The present study examined the bioremediation of domestic wastewater using a novel bacterial consortium comprising of five autochthonous bacterial strains with high potential for reduction in BOD, COD and protein content to 89%, 55% and 86%, respectively after 24 h of incubation. HPLC and GC-MS analyses revealed that the chosen consortium had successfully degraded wide-ranging complex organic compounds, which is crucial in the decontamination of wastewater. Phytotoxicity assay of the effluent exhibited that the seeds of Vigna radiata showed better growth and germination when subjected to wastewater treated by novel bacterial consortium as compared to the seeds exposed to untreated wastewater. Further, raw and treated wastewater were assessed for their genotoxicity with comet assay which displayed the intensity of DNA damage in the Allium cepa root tip cells before and after exposure to treated effluent. It is evident from the demonstrated results that the formulated bacterial consortium can be used successfully in a small-scale wastewater treatment plant.

Complications occurring in 2,400 treadmill tests are reported, out of which 2107 (87.8%) were on males and 292 (12.2%) on females. The total number of patients with complications was 29 (1.2%) and the types were: acute MI in 2, ventricular tachycardia (sustained) in 3, nonsustained in 7 with ventricular couplets in 3 patients, atrial tachyarrhythmias in four of AVNRT in 2, EAT in 2, SVT with abberancy in 1, SVT (undifferentiated) in 3, bradyarrhythmias in form of sinus bradycardia in 4, hypotension in 4 and AV block in 2. There were no deaths. Only 8 (0.33%) patients required treatment-2 each of acute MI, sustained VT, AVNRT and hypotension, though only 4 of them were hospitalised (2 each of acute MI and VT) and subsequently discharged. Highest incidence of complications was seen in post MI patients (2.01%) followed by those with typical anginal pain (1.9%) and they had more serious problems in form of MI and sustained VT. 55.17% patients with complications were positive for provocative ischaemia as compared to 22.75% positivity in the total. Although 14 (38.2%) patients developed complications at workload of 4-6 METS but 2 achieved load of 10 METS also. Complications were seen mostly during exercise and also during recovery only.

Present study was undertaken in fifty consecutive patients of acute stroke to assess the role of glycemic status on clinical profile of stroke. Majority of patients (76%) were in age group of 41-70 years. The patients were classified into four groups: euglycemics (33), known diabetics (8), newly diagnosed diabetics (6) and stress hyperglycemics (3). Diabetics as well as stress hyperglycemics had higher prevalence of larger sized severe haemorrhagic stroke with poor outcome and there was positive correlation between them.

Lipid profile and lipoprotein levels were estimated in 35 patients of viral hepatitis, 15 patients of viral hepatitis with coma and in age and sex match 35 healthy controls. The values were compared in different groups. Levels of triglycerides were significantly raised (145.00 +/- 30.70 mg/dl) in viral hepatitis as compared to viral hepatitis with coma (111.40 +/- 16.80 mg/dl) which were similar to controls (110.8 +/- 20.6 mg/dl). Patients who recovered had higher levels of triglycerides (136.0 +/- 30.8 mg/dl) as compared to those who expired (110 +/- 15.72 mg/dl). Total serum cholesterol remained statistically unaltered in both groups. HDLc was significantly decreased in both groups, viral hepatitis (2.23 +/- 6.7 mg/dl) and viral hepatitis with coma (16.52 +/- 2.27 mg/dl) in comparison to controls (62.21 +/- 18.04 mg/dl). The levels were much lower in patients with coma than without coma. Furthermore the values were still lower in patients who expired (15.82 +/- 2.27 mg/dl) than in patients who recovered (24.13 +/- 7 mg/dl). The levels of LDLc were significantly raised in both groups, as compared with each other and in relation to mortality. VLDLc levels were significantly decreased in patients of viral hepatitis (22.13 +/- 5.8 mg/dl) as well as on viral hepatitis with coma (21.89 +/- 4.3 mg/dl). However, no significant difference was observed when compared with each other and in relation to mortality. Thus it may be concluded that isolated low value of HDLc in viral hepatitis may be used as a prognostic indicator.

Plasma lipoproteins in 30 patients of cortical infarction and 20 patients of lacunar infarction were estimated to study the relation of plasma lipids to the risk for ischaemic stroke by comparing clinical and biochemical characteristics of survivors. No significant differences were observed in the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins in both the groups. However patients with lacunar infarction had higher concentrations of high density lipoproteins as compared to patients with cortical infarction. These data suggest that previously demonstrated differences in HDL concentration between patients with ischaemic stroke and control subjects without stroke may be true for patients with cortical infarction but not for patients of lacunar infarction.

Peripheral nerve conduction studies were performed in 30 epileptics, treated with DPH and results were compared with age and sex matched controls. There was significant reduction in the amplitude of sensory nerve action potential of median (26.65 +/- 14.71 mu v) and superficial radial nerve (25.65 +/- 10.08 mu v) (p < 0.001) in DPH treated group as compared to controls, (median nerve 42.64 +/- 15.93 uv and superficial radial nerve 40.72 +/- 24.74 mu v). The results suggest that DPH causes a subclinical distal axonal neuropathy in therapeutic dosage.

A total of 45 cases of Aluminium phosphide poisoning were studied from December 1989 to November 1990. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) test was positive in gastric aspirate in all cases (100%) who took fresh tablets and negative in those who took exposed tablets. The test was also positive in breath but had a lower sensitivity. Majority of patients revealed ECG abnormalities.

Ninety four patients of generalised and partial epilepsy were randomly assigned to treatment with sodium valproate (49 cases) or phenytoin (45 cases). Serum levels were monitored. Cases were evaluated after 4, 12, 24 weeks of treatment. Both drugs were found to be equally effective in controlling generalised seizures. However, valproate is better in partial seizures. No correlation could be established. Side effects were minor with both the drugs.

Fifty cases with pyogenic meningitis, aged 15 to 72 years, with a male:female ratio of 5:1, were studied. The majority of cases (70%) were in the 15 to 25 years age group. The organisms detected in the 29 culture-positive cases included S aureus (12), pneumococci (9) and meningococci (8). Thirteen patients died; the poor prognostic factors included old age, the presence of coma or shock, CSF sugar below 10 mg/dl or protein above 750 mg/dl and the presence of gram negative organisms in the CSF.

Sodium valproate was used as monotherapy in 90 cases with epilepsy who had at least one fit per week, irrespective of the type of seizures. The effect of the drug was evaluated on the basis of change in seizure frequency. Serum valproic acid levels were estimated by homogenous enzyme immunoassay. All the patients with absence (5/5) and myoclonic (3/3) seizures and 80% (42/53) of cases with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, became seizure free. Six of ten patients with only tonic seizures became seizure free. An average daily dose of 19.6 mg/kg provided a mean valproic acid level of 81.4 micrograms/ml in all seizure free patients. No correlation could be established between valproate dose and serum levels. Mild transient side effects were noted. No haematologic abnormality or hepatotoxicity was observed. Valproate sodium effectively controlled seizures in a majority of patients with partial seizures. Serum level monitoring helps to establish an optimal dose to keep the patient seizure free. No correlation could be established between side effects and serum levels.