Heavy metal toxicity on dehydrogenase activity on rhizospheric soil of ectomycorrhizal pine seedlings in field condition.

The present investigation was carried out to study the toxicity of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Al) on the dehydrogenase activity of ectomycorrhizal (Suillus leutus, Scleroderma aurantium, Cenococcum graniforme and Boletus spp.) and non-mycorrhizal rhizospheric soil of pine seedlings. The treatment of heavy metals adversely affected the dehydrogenase activity. Inoculation of mixed ectomycorrhizal fungi harbored increased activity of dehydrogenase. It was observed that in absence of ectomycorrhizae, heavy metals drastically reduced the enzyme activity at higher concentration of metals.

Effect of fiberoptic bronchoscopy on arterial blood gases and cardiac rhythm at a moderate altitude of 2250 meters.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) at an altitude of 2250 m on arterial blood gases (ABG) and cardiac rhythm abnormality. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were evaluated for the arterial blood gases and cardiac rhythm changes at Shimla (a moderate altitude of 2250 m), where there is a state of ambient hypoxia. RESULTS: The changes were noted in five stages ranging from the levels before the procedure till 15 minutes after the completion of the procedure. The mean fall in PaO2 levels in this study was 8 +/- 2.45 mm Hg and the fall was maximum at the end of procedure. Both smokers and nonsmokers showed a significant fall but the fall was more severe in smokers. The mean fall in SaO2 in this study was 3%. The increase in heart rate and blood pressure during FOB was significant as compared to baseline levels. There was no significant change in PH, PaCO2, HCO3. The commonest rhythm abnormality noted was sinus tachycardia which was well tolerated. No major cardiac arrhythmia was noted. It was further seen that the duration of the procedure and type of special procedure undertaken did not effect the levels significantly. Cyanosis was the commonest complication encountered (36%) and was seen more frequently in smokers and those with age more than 40 years. It was observed during the induction of bronchoscope and also during the further negotiation of the bronchoscope into the smaller branches of bronchial tree. CONCLUSION: The changes in ABG and cardiac rhythm are comparable to the studies at sea level except the increased incidence of cyanosis.

Studies on heme and heme oxygenase during Plasmodium berghei infection in golden hamsters.

Heme and heme degrading enzymes namely heme-oxygenase (HO) and biliverdin reductase (BR) were monitored in liver and spleen during Plasmodium berghei infection in golden hamsters. There was a sequential rise in the levels of heme and HO with the rise in parasitaemia. BR was also significantly increased in these organs following infection.

Profile of women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy in hospital.

The present study was undertaken to find out the profile of women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) in Hospital, 1000 consecutive cases undergoing MTP at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital were studied. 95.6% cases were married and 4.4% cases were unmarried. In the whole series, 7.6% cases were teenagers though in unmarried group 90.9% cases were teenagers. In 56% of married group the monthly family income was more than Rs 500/- whereas majority in unmarried group had family income less than Rs 500/- per month. In the whole series, 44.4% cases were illiterate, 48.2% cases were educated up to primary school and only 7.3% cases up to high school and above. In the married group, 204 cases undergoing MTP with one living issue, 388 cases with 2 living issues and 396 cases with 3 living issues. In the whole series, 88% cases were 1st trimester MTP and 12% were 2nd trimester MTP cases, whereas in the unmarried group 72.7% cases were in the 2nd trimester, and 5.7% cases had history of previous MTP. Effective contraception was only 6% before MTP whereas it increased to 90.6% after MTP.