Simple and economical assay systems for evaluation of phosphinothricin resistant transgenics of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor. (L.) Moench., and pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

Five simple and rapid methods for evaluation of sorghum and pearl millet transgenics resistant to herbicide phosphinothricin (used as selectable marker) were studied. For rapid in vitro selection, three assays (establishment of sensitivity curves for embryogenic calli, determination of lethal doses for seed germination, and a rapid screening of cut young leaves based on the colour change of the medium) were established. For rapid screening of transgenic progeny, effects of in vivo Basta leaf spray and dip tests were studied at three different morphological stages. For all the above assays, LD50, and LD100 values were higher for pearl millet than sorghum. However, in both the crops, genotype effect was not significant. The assays standardized in the study were found to be effective for rapid, economical and mass-scale identification and characterization of transgenic plants of sorghum and pearl millet.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in a tertiary care hospital--clinical and microbiological profile.

Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has an increasing, direct and significant impact on the hospital, especially the emergency services. Out of a total of 39,876 patients screened, 1061 patients were reactive for anti-HIV antibodies. The incidence of the infection showed a remarkable progression from 0.89% in 1992-1993 to 5.6% in 1997, among the seropositive patients. The number of patients with signs and symptoms related to HIV infection has also shown a 2 fold rise (from 42% in 1992-1993 to 87% in 1997). The prevalence of HIV 1 in the seropositive patients is 93%, HIV 2 alone is 2.3% and 3.1% had a mixed infection with both HIV 1 and 2. Secondary infection with Mycobacteria ranked high (25%) among the symptomatic patients, with pulmonary and the disseminated varieties being more common.