Measurement of phospholipid monolayer surface potentials at a hydrocarbon-electrolyte interface.

The phospholipid monolayer spread at a hydrocarbon-electrolyte interface can be used as a model system for the plasma membrane and its properties and structure probed by measurements of surface pressure and surface potential. To facilitate such studies, (i) the theory of the vibrating plate (Kelvin) method of measuring surface potentials is reëxamined and a new interpretation given for the potentials measured and (ii) a new apparatus for performing these measurements is described. The theory and apparatus are illustrated by measurements on films of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine at the interface between 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane) and 0.1 M NaCl.

Phospholipid monolayers at the hydrocarbon-electrolyte interface. The interrelation of film potential and film pressure.

Measurements of surface pressure of surface potential are reported for films of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (density range: 0.15--2.65 . 10(18) molecules/m2) spread at the interface between 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and 100 mM NaCl. Low density behavior of the surface pressure is explained using classical viral theory. The behavior of the surface potential is qualitatively explained for all densities in terms of the dipole moments associated with the carboxyl groups and headgroups of the phosphatidylcholine.

Phase I and pharmacologic evaluation of intraperitoneal 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine.

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (Floxuridine, FUdR, FdUrd) was evaluated in a phase I study at a starting level of 500 mg given on 1 day in 2 I 1.5% dialysate. Escalations within patients were allowed every other cycle. A total of 23 patients (age, 32-78 years) received 108 treatment courses. Local tolerance at all dose levels was excellent, with no cases of drug-related peritonitis being observed. Nausea and vomiting increased in severity in relation to dose and was universal at greater than 3,000 mg x 3 days. One patient each developed grade 1 mucositis as well as diarrhea at a dose of 3,000 mg x 3 days and leukopenia and thrombocytopenia at 5,000 mg x 3 days. Peritoneal fluid (PF) and plasma (PL) FdUrd profiles were monitored by an HPLC method in 13 subjects, with 7 being studied serially at 2-4 increment doses for up to 6 h. Profiles that exhibited apparent linear pharmacokinetics gave PF drug levels 2-4 logs higher than the PL counterparts, with the latter essentially declining in parallel to the former, indicating that the disposition of FdUrd from the peritoneal compartment is rate-determining. The mean terminal half-life for PF FdUrd was found to be 115 min and mean peritoneal clearance was 25 ml/min. The vast differences in drug levels and AUC found between the PF and the PL profiles suggests a high systemic clearance of FdUrd, which was confirmed in two patients receiving 2 g FdUrd by short i.v. infusion. A disproportionate increase in the plasma FdUrd levels and the corresponding AUC values was found with increasing dose, suggesting a disproportionate increase in the systemic partitioning of FdUrd when doses were escalated within a patient. Substantial levels of peritoneal 5-fluorouracil (FUra) were also detected in most of the subjects. Thus, FdUrd was found to have several desirable properties for i.p. administration: (1) a 2- to 4-log pharmacologic advantage. (2) the absence of local toxicities, and (3) a favorable antitumor spectrum and some evidence of antitumor effects in this phase I and pharmacology study. A 3,000-mg dose given in 2 1 1.5% dialysate for 3 consecutive days exhibited antitumor activity and produced no systemic toxicity except nausea and vomiting, which was controlled by antiemetics. This dose schedule is therefore recommended for phase II trials directed against small-volume disease in the peritoneal cavity, such as may be found in some stages of ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cytologic detection of strongyloides stercoralis in a routine cervicovaginal smear. A case report.

A 28-year-old, lactating woman came for a routine checkup. Her cytologic smear revealed a single larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. On reviewing the literature on parasites encountered in cytologic smears, S stercoralis was found to be extremely rare. Our case is probably the second in the world and the first reported from India. A review of the literature on various parasites encountered in the cytologic smear is presented.

Eastern movement therapies.

Tai chi, qigong, and yoga represent a class of exercise that differs from the routine strengthening and stretching programs currently employed in physical medicine. These techniques incorporate a "mind-body" approach to the rehabilitation of disorders commonly seen by physical medicine and rehabilitation clinicians. Research into the efficacy of these techniques clearly is in the beginning stages. What little has been conducted thus far is promising. These methods may serve to add valuable contributions to the continuity of care of ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.

Factors associated with awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer in a community: implication for health education programmes in developing countries.

An attempt has been made to study the correlates of knowledge of cervical cancer in a community. The survey undertaken is a part of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study prior to initiation of cytological screening. Total women interviewed by KAP survey were 1411 selected through 2 stage stratified random sampling. Subjects for the present analysis consisted of a group of women who had reported previous gynaecological problems related to cervical cancer. The study brought out that younger women had better awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and related information. Literacy status for education and exposure to family planning was influential in creating awareness about cervical cancer. Lastly, the earlier episodes of gynaecological problems, and treatment seeking behaviour lead to higher awareness (efforts may be made to innovate ways to reach older and illiterate women at risk of cervical cancer for better awareness in the community.

PIP: Data were collected from a community-based cytological screening program tested by Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi, India, in order to utilize the health infrastructure for prevention, detection, and management of cancerous lesions of the cervix and to establish a community referral system for control of cervical cancer. The Alipur Primary Health Center field practice area of MAMC provides health care to 65,000 people in 27 villages. 609 (42.2%) of the total of 1411 women interviewed reported previous incidence of gynecological problems, but only 281 had sought treatment. 36.3% of those who reported earlier gynecological problems and 40.2% of those who sought treatment, as compared to 30.8% of all the women interviewed, were aware about cervical cancer in general. The literacy status and ever use of family planning was significantly (p .05) associated in all groups with the awareness of cervical cancer, earlier episodes of gynecological problems, and seeking treatment. Among women aged less than 35 years, who were informed about cervical cancer, there were statistically significant differences (p .5); these were 31.1% of all the women interviewed, 33.8% of those who reported earlier gynecological problems, and 43.9% of those who sought treatment for earlier gynecological problems compared to women aged 35 years and above (P 0.05). Only 114 out of 221, who were informed and who reported gynecological problems, sought treatment (acceptors). Non-acceptors of treatment in this group lacked correct knowledge about cervical cancer. 34.5% of acceptors knew about the age of onset, 11.4% about early symptoms, and 24.8% about the method of early detection compared to 30.6%, 0.0%, and 3.7% of non-acceptors, respectively. 68.5% of the non-acceptors had obtained information regarding cervical cancer from relatives, neighbors, and friends, while the acceptors had obtained the information from hospitals and mass media also. 60.2% of acceptors were exposed to family planning compared to 50.9% of non-acceptors.

Evaluation of the immature platelet fraction as an indicator of platelet recovery in dengue patients.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in many disorders (such as aplastic anemia, ITP, dengue fever,), the etiology being multifactorial. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a new parameter which is a measure of reticulated platelets that reflects the rate of thrombopoiesis. We tried to evaluate IPF as an indicator to predict the recovery of platelets in patients with dengue. METHODS: A total of 32 patients suffering from dengue fever (as confirmed by NS1 antigen or IgM antibody positivity for dengue) were taken for the study. The platelet count and IPF value of all these patients were evaluated on a daily basis. RESULTS: It was found out that IPF has a strong correlation with the recovery of platelet counts in patients with dengue. 84.3% patients showed recovery within 24 h after attaining the peak IPF, 93.75% of the patients showed recovery within 24-48 h of the rise of the IPF compared with the previous day's value, and 100% patients showed a recovery within 24 h of the fall of the IPF compared with the previous days. It was also observed that 93.75% of the patients show platelet recovery within 24-48 h if the IPF was more than 10%. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we concluded that IPF can be used to evaluate the recovery of platelets in patients with dengue. It holds a great promise of becoming a reliable future guide for decisions concerning platelet transfusions.

Pioneering efforts to control AIDS. Review: IHO.

PIP: The Indian Health Organisation (IHO) is a nongovernmental organization based in Bombay with more than 12 years experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts. It has attacked ignorance and prejudice via communication efforts. IHO has created a bond with some hospital systems of Bombay. IHO disseminated information about HIV/AIDS in Bombay's red light districts and has bridged the gap between the city's medical establishment and the community most in need. IHO's aggressive street-level fighting in a sector replete with sensitive issues has somewhat isolated it from mainstream national NGOs involved in HIV/AIDS education and control as well as from the medical establishment and potential partners. IHO funds have been reduced, forcing IHO to reduce intervention programs and responses to field demands. It suffers from a high rate of turnover among middle management staff. IHO's chief advantage is its confidence gained over the past 12 years. IHO has clearly delineated the direction it wants to go: care and support programs for persons affected by HIV/AIDS and for commercial sex workers to allow them to quit prostitution, orphan care, and development of training institutions for the education and motivation of medical personnel on HIV/AIDS care and prevention. It plans to build a hospice for AIDS patients and orphans and a training center. Training activities will vary from one-week orientation programs to three-month certificate courses for medical workers, NGOs, and managers from the commercial sector. IHO is prepared to share its experiences in combating HIV/AIDS in Bombay in a team effort. As official and bilateral funding has been decreasing, IHO has targeted industry for funding. Industry has responded, which enables IHO to sustain its core programs and approaches. IHO observations show a decrease in the number of men visiting red-light districts. IHO enjoys a positive relationship with Bombay's media reporting on AIDS.^ieng

Studies on the composition, quality and processing of triticale. Part I. Physico-chemical characteristics.

Studies on the physico-chemical characteristics of 14 promising strains of triticale and two check wheat varieties (Kalyansona and WL 711) grown under similar agronomic conditions were conducted. Significant differences were obtained for 1000 kernel weight ranging from 34.9 to 51.8 g, hectolitre weight ranging from 64.7 to 73.5 kg and pearling index depicting grain hardness varying significantly from 22.3 to 39.9%. Higher contents of protein (13.1%), ash (1.83%), lipids (2.65%), crude fibre (2.37%), energy value (1486 KJ/100 g), diastatic activity (283 mg maltose/10 g flour), reducing sugars (65.6 mg maltose/10 g) and non-reducing sugars (244 mg maltose/10 g) were observed in triticale than those in wheat. Low values of PELSHENKE and sedimentation tests indicated poor gluten quality in triticale.

Studies on the composition, quality and processing of triticale. Part II. Mineral composition of grain and flour.

Mineral composition of grain and flour in 14 promising triticale strains from India are reported. The mean values for whole grain, i.e. Ca (0.47 mg/g), P (2.70 mg/g), K 4.60 mg/g, Na (352 micrograms/g), Zn (41.6 micrograms/g), Cu (7.0 micrograms/g), Fe (73.4 micrograms/g) and Mn (33.6 micrograms/g) were obtained as compared to those of flour, i.e. Ca (0.27 mg/g), P (0.97 mg/g), K (1.64 mg/g), Na (231 micrograms/g), Zn (26 micrograms/g), Cu (4.0 micrograms/g) and Mn (10.5 micrograms/g), respectively. These values were found to be considerably higher than those of wheat. Highly significant positive correlations of ash with sodium and zinc in whole grain were observed. In the case of triticale flour, highly significant positive correlations of ash with manganese, phosphorus and potassium were obtained.

Heterotopic ossification in moyamoya disease: a case report.

Moyamoya disease is a rare disorder of cerebrovascular circulation. A review of the literature failed to reveal the association of heterotopic ossification in patients with this disease; such a case is now presented. The patient described had atraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, was in a coma for a period of time, underwent ventriculostomy and shunt placement, and was left with residual spastic hemiparesis. Evidence of heterotopic ossification around the hemiparetic shoulder and hip was subsequently noted on radiographic studies and was managed conservatively. Heterotopic ossification may be a rare complication of the neurological deficits associated with moyamoya disease and needs careful consideration when joint stiffness persists, despite usual conservative measures.

DIDMOAD syndrome in a Libyan family.

We report three Libyan children from one family with the syndrome diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness, (DIDMOAD). Two children presented with diabetic ketoacidosis while one was discovered during screening of the family. All three children are alive, two of them on desmopressin (DDAVP) and insulin therapy and one on DDAVP only.

Dinitrochlorobenzene contact sensitization in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Skin sensitization with DNCB was carried out in forty-five untreated, 106 "on treatment" and fifteen fully treated patients with pulmonary tuberculosis along with fifty-five controls. Mantoux test with PPD was also carried out simultaneously. All the normal controls could be sensitized to DNCB and the degree of sensitization was 4+ in majority of the subjects. In contrast, in untreated patients only eighteen could be sensitized to DNCB and the degree of sensitivity did not reach 4+ in any patient. Similarly, fifty-five patients could not be sensitized with DNCB in the group of 106 subjects who were still suffering from active disease and were on therapy and none gave a 4+ response. The difference in the proportion of subjects who could be sensitized to DNCB in these two patient groups was significantly less in comparison to controls. Among fifteen patients who were fully treated and did not have active disease thirteeen could be sensitized with DNCB, but the degree of response was again found to be less than the controls. All the patients as well as the controls gave a high proportion of Mantoux positivity. These findings indicate that there is a subtle degree of immunodeficiency in pulmonary tuberculosis which improves simultaneously with the clinical improvement.

Factors of delayed hypersensitity in pulmonary tuberculosis.

In a study of delayed hypersensitivity in 54 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who were on specific treatment, 33 patients could not be sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) although 25 of these were tuberculin (PPD) positive. The majority of the patients also had positive skin reactions to another recall antigen, streptokinase-streptodornase. To exclude a drug effect on DNCB reactivity, 40 untreated patients were studied. Twenty-six (65 per cent) of these did not show DNCB reactivity. The cause for nonsensitization to DNCB was not clear. There was no abnormality in the number of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of 28 patients.