Community perception of Malayan filariasis in the rural areas of Cherthala Taluk of Kerala State, south India.

Lymphatic filariasis, one of the major public health problems can be controlled with the active participation of the community. The human factors involved in the disease transmission are important. The knowledge on the community perception and practice is essential to develop community oriented control programmes. A descriptive study was conducted in the filariasis endemic area of Cherthala, Kerala State, India, to identify the level of people's perception on Malayan filariasis. Two methods namely, interviews and uncontrolled observation were used in the study. A total of 450 respondents (150 microfilaria carriers, 150 chronic patients and 150 normals) were interviewed. The study results showed that majority of the respondents (86.7%) were aware that the disease was caused by a parasite and 93.6% had awareness on transmission of the disease through mosquito bite. The knowledge on the preventive measures against filariasis was also high (78.2%) among the sampled respondents. The strategy for community mobilization in filariasis control programme is discussed in view of high awareness.

Rapid cytodiagnosis of endoscopic biopsy specimens in gastrooesophageal malignancy.

Squash cytology has been used extensively in examining central nervous system lesions. Recently this technique has been employed in examining endoscopic biopsy specimens. This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of squash cytology of biopsy samples from gastrooesophageal malignancies, and to evaluate the efficacy of Leishman's stain for rapid cytologic evaluation of squash preparations. One hundred and fifty five patients with oesophageal or gastric malignancy were subjected to endoscopic biopsy. The first biopsy specimen from each patient was crushed between two glass slides for cytologic evaluation. The smears were stained with Leishman's and Papanicolaou's stains. The results of squash cytology were then compared with histopathology. A positive diagnosis of malignancy was obtained by histology in 146 cases (94.2%) and by squash cytology in 141 cases (90.9%), by both Leishman's and Papanicolaou's staining. In 12 cases (7%) cytology revealed 'suspicious cells'. Histology plus squash cytology together gave a positive yield in 153 cases (98.7%). In 7 cases (4.5%) although squash cytology was positive for malignancy, hispathologic study failed to reveal malignancy. Squash cytology is a useful adjunct to conventional endoscopic biopsy for gastrooesophageal malignancy. This technique which does not require any additional effort or equipment may add to the diagnostic yield besides expediting the workup. Leishman's staining, which is simple, quick and inexpensive is as efficacious as Papanicolaou's method for squash cytology.

Action of some insect growth regulators on mosquito vectors: Part I--Citronellol based diethers.

New series of compounds starting from common terpenoids (Geraniol, citronellol) have been examined for biological activity on mosquito larvae. Many of these exhibited development disruption on eggs as well larvae. Some also affected adult oviposition behaviour. Developmental disturbances were classified as JH type by inducing typical metamorphosis inhibition in Dysdercus koenigii in the standard Hemipteran JH bioassay. Where indicated simulated field trials were also undertaken. This report describes results of bioevaluation of the citronellol based compounds. The results indicate that these show multifarious activity against mosquitoes but at relatively high doses, suggesting that exploration of further structural variety is needed before truly promising analogues can be obtained.

Cell mediated immune status in carcinoma breast.

Thirty six cases of carcinoma breast were subjected to the assessment of CMI status by estimating different T lymphocyte parameters. The mean TPLC, T% and TTC in case of carcinoma were 1955/mm3 blood, 41% and 825/mm3 blood respectively which are evidently depressed than that of controls. This depression is progressive and clinical stage related, the least being in stage I and the most being in stage IV. The infiltrating varieties revealed a significant depression of T lymphocyte values than the non-infiltrating ones. Among the infiltrating types, IDC (T-38.9%) and Muc. Ca (T-29.1%) revealed most significant depression, thereby indicating worst prognosis. Six cases of IDCS, 2 cases of Medullary Ca and a solitary case of comedo Ca revealed a significant lymphocyte infiltration into the tumour cell mass proper. There was a depressed lymphocyte values but of lesser magnitude indicating a better prognosis. 6 cases without metastasis (clinical St. I) showed a lesser degree of depressed CMI than the cases with metastasis.

Association of hepatitis B virus with chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The idea of hepatitis-cirrhosis-hepatocellular carcinoma sequence in liver was proposed by the workers in tropical Africa, the homeland of hepatocellular carcinoma. The discovery of Australia antigen by Blumberg et al provided the missing link and it was observed by several workers as well as the present group that Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) and that to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is someway related with the incidence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Experimental pheohyphomycosis and mycotoxicosis by Curvularia lunata in albino rats.

A rice contaminating fungus 'Curvularia lunata' yields 'Curvularin', a potent mycotoxin. Experimental Pheohyphomycosis and Mycotoxicosis were observed in albino rats. Spore suspension produced localised lesion; with simultaneous steroid therapy produced lesion in distant organs. Mycotoxin, Curvularin, produced hepatic necrosis.