Dual and Axenic culture of Sclerospora graminicola on Pearl Millet and in vitro raised disease resistant host germplasm.

Mother axis of the infected suppressed ear-head of pearl-millet with embryoids was sliced (2-3 mm) and surface sterilized with 0.2 % Ethyl mercuric chloride followed by repeated washings with sterile antioxidant solution (50 mg/L citric acid, 25 mg/L ascorbic acid and 50 mg/L P.V.P). Sterilized slices were cultured on modified MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/L IAA, 0.5 mg/L Kinetin, 2.5 mg/L 2,4-D, 3.0 mg/L casein hydrolysate, 25 mg /L ascorbic acid and 150 mg/L coconut water. Two types of calli were formed after 10-15 days. Slow growing compact milky coloured was embryogenic and the other hyaline fast-growing was non-embryogenic. The fungus grew on the callus after 20-25 days of inoculation. It grew axenically on the surface of the medium after sometime. Slow growing embryogenic callus was subcultured to auxin free ¾ strength MS medium with 25 mg/L ascorbic acid, 100 ml/L coconut water and 0.5 mg/L Kinetin. Regeneration plantlets were transferred for rooting on ½ strength MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L IBA and 25 mg/L ascorbic acid. The regenerated plantlets with strong root system were transferred to 4 earthen pots. The plantlets raised were subjected for disease resistance by growing them on the medium containing different concentrations of the fungus filtrate. The plantlets showing resistance have been accepted as diseases resistant.

Hypoglycaemic activity of extracts from soft corals of Andaman and Nicobar coasts in rats.

The ethylacetate extract of soft corals collected from Andaman and Nicobar Coasts were screened for hypoglycaemic activity in fasting rats. Rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I received 0.5 ml of 5% gum acacia suspension (control). Group II received the extract of Cladiella australis (CAS), at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Group III received the extract of Sinularia new species (SNS), at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Group IV received the extract of Lamnalia new species (LNS), at a dose of 400 mg/kg and Group V received the extract of 250MF-CBR-13 at a dose of 250 mg/kg. All extracts were administered orally. Blood samples, collected before the administration of test extracts and also at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr after treatment, were analysed for glucose content. The percentage blood glucose reduction from that of control was also calculated. A very promising hypoglycaemic activity was observed in rats with CAS at 8 hr (42.3%), with SNS at 4 hr (28.34%) and 6 hr (40.6%), with LNS at 6 hr (32.38%) and with MF-CBR-13 at 6 hr (20.25%).

Neonatal Salmonella havana meningitis.

The clinical features, microbial characterisation and autopsy findings in a premature neonate with Salmonellas havana meningitis is presented. S. havana is a very rare pathogen in India.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis without granulocytic infiltration (Kikuchi's disease). A case report.

Clinical and pathological findings in a case of necrotizing lymphadenitis are described. Histologically the necrotic areas show striking karyorrhexis, absence of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and surrounding zones of large reactive lymphoid cells. The disorder must be carefully distinguished from a lymphoma which it may resemble closely.

Cell mediated immune responses in BCG vaccinated children.

The immunological status of BCG vaccinated and unvaccinated healthy children was evaluated to assess the efficacy of BCG. The duration of immunity conferred by the vaccine was also investigated. Of the 326 children studied, 170 (52%) had the BCG scar and only 24 (14%) showed a positive Mantoux response. Among the unvaccinated group, 14 of 156 (9%) showed a positive response. All cases had normal proportions of T and B cells in the peripheral blood. The mean values of the leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test with PHA were also normal. The per cent LMI values against PPD were compared in the children classified into groups based on their vaccination status and response to Mantoux test. A higher number of the vaccinated children had positive LMI values compared to those unvaccinated (p < 0.01). The LMI values of children classified into three age groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01) with increase in age. Hence, BCG seems to afford some protection in children and has to be administered at birth. Revaccination at the age of eight years, may boost the waning immunity and, may be considered in this age-group.

Carcinoscorpius rotunda cauda amoebocyte lysate for detection of endotoxins--its preparation, stability, sensitivity and comparison with Limulus amoebocyte lysate.

Carcinoscorpius amoebocyte lysate (CAL) was prepared from C. rotunda cauda by a modification of the method described by Mahalanabis et al. [Indian J Med Res, 70 (1979) 35]. Seasonal variation as well as batch variation was observed in the yield of haemolymph and the total lysate protein. In the presence of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (pure, free endotoxin) and E. coli and Salmonella cell suspensions (bound endotoxin), the CAL formed a gel after incubation at 37 degrees C. The gelling time varied from 10-90 min depending on the concentration of endotoxin used; higher concentrations formed gel more rapidly. The endotoxin detection capacity (sensitivity) of the lysate preparations was influenced by the season in which prepared, but not by the total protein content. Ten fold increase in the sensitivity was achieved by a purification step using chloroform. Although subsequent frozen storage with or without lyophilization did not alter the initial sensitivity, it was either decreased considerably or lost totally when the lysate was stored for 4 months at 4 degrees C or for 2 months at 30 degrees C. Under the same conditions, Limulus lysate was more stable. The lost sensitivity could not be regained by the incorporation of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). The CAL preparations in general were able to detect as little as 10-100 pg of endotoxin or as few as 10(3) cells of E. coli or 10(4) cells of Salmonella and were comparable to LAL. CAL could be used successfully in lieu of Limulus amoebocyte lysate in the detection and assay of endotoxins.