ABSTRACT
To measure maternal serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin during 13-24 weeks of pregnancy and compare the same between those who develop pregnancy induced hypertension with those who do not. In a prospective study βhCG levels were estimated in 75 antenatal women in the second trimester (12-24 weeks) by ELISA technique. Results were noted in terms of development of preeclampsia, mean serum levels of the marker, mode of delivery and complications. During the course of study, a total of 8 (10.7%) patients developed hypertension. Thus incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension was 10.7%. A significant rise of mean serum βhCG level (32022MIU/ml, mean)was present in those who developed preeclampsia.The marker can prove an important role in early recognition of a pregnancy related complication and provides the obstetrician ample opportunity to guide the management during pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
This review presents data on genetic and functional analysis of some of the HIV-1 genes derived from HIV-1 infected individuals from north India (Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh). We found evidence of novel B/C recombinants in HIV-1 LTR region showing relatedness to China/Mynmar with 3 copies of Nfκb sites; B/C/D mosaic genomes for HIV-1 Vpr and novel B/C Tat. We reported appearance of a complex recombinant form CRF_02AG of HIV-1 envelope sequences which is predominantly found in Central/Western Africa. Also one Indian HIV-1 envelope subtype C sequence suggested exclusive CXCR4 co-receptor usage. This extensive recombination, which is observed in about 10 per cent HIV-1 infected individuals in the Vpr genes, resulted in remarkably altered functions when compared with prototype subtype B Vpr. The Vpu C was found to be more potent in causing apoptosis when compared with Vpu B when analyzed for subG1 DNA content. The functional implications of these changes as well as in other genes of HIV-1 are discussed in detail with possible implications for subtype-specific pathogenesis highlighted.