Armodafinil versus Modafinil in Patients of Excessive Sleepiness Associated with Shift Work Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double Blind Multicentric Clinical Trial.

Aim. To compare the efficacy and safety of armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of modafinil, with modafinil in patients of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Material and Methods. This was a 12-week, randomized, comparative, double-blind, multicentric, parallel-group study in 211 patients of SWSD, receiving armodafinil (150 mg) or modafinil (200 mg) one hour prior to the night shift. Outcome Measures. Efficacy was assessed by change in stanford sleepiness score (SSS) by at least 2 grades (responder) and global assessment for efficacy. Safety was assessed by incidence of adverse events, change in laboratory parameters, ECG, and global assessment of tolerability. Results. Both modafinil and armodafinil significantly improved sleepiness mean grades as compared to baseline (P < .0001). Responder rates with armodafinil (72.12%) and modafinil (74.29%) were comparable (P = .76). Adverse event incidences were comparable. Conclusion. Armodafinil was found to be safe and effective in the treatment of SWSD in Indian patients. The study did not demonstrate any difference in efficacy and safety of armodafinil 150 mg and modafinil 200 mg.

Persistence of antibodies induced by measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in children in India.

Antibody levels in 41 Indian girls were measured 6 years after measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination. Rates of seropositivity were 88% (measles antibodies), 95% (mumps antibodies), and 100% (rubella antibodies). The MMR vaccine induces long-term immunity in a majority of vaccinees; however, due to the observation of some seronegative vaccinees, the policy of administering a second dose of the MMR vaccine seems appropriate.

Immunogenicity of a new, low-cost recombinant hepatitis B vaccine derived from Hansenula polymorpha in adults.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent world over, especially in developing countries. A new recombinant hepatitis B virus (GeneVac-B; Serum Institute of India Ltd.) vaccine is developed using Hansenula polymorpha yeast. We decided to assess the immunogenicity, and reactogenicity of this vaccine in a large adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven hundred eighty-eight adults subjects (age: 19-57 years, male:female ratio 35:1) received three 20 microg doses of a H. polymorpha-derived recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in months 0, 1, and 6. All the eligible subjects had negative baseline serum HBs Ag, and anti-HBs. The anti-HBs titer was obtained 1 month after the last dose of vaccine and was considered seroconverted if more than 1 mIU/ml, and seroprotective if more than 10 mIU/ml. RESULTS: The seroprotection rate was 96% and seroconversion rate was 97%. Seroconversion and seroprotection rates declined with increasing age. The minimum geometric mean titre of anti HBs was 443 mIU/ml (95% CI 407-482). Seroprotection was 96% in age group<40 years, while the same was 91% in >40 years group (Odd's ratio-2.9100, Z value-2.6183, highly significant). No other factor like smoking, tobacco-chewing, alcohol consumption, chronic diseases, and obesity, affected the immune response. No significant adverse reactions were reported in any of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Three standard doses of the H. polymorpha-derived recombinant HBV vaccine are highly immunogenic and safe in a predominantly male adult population. Young adults respond better with this vaccine. Because of its low cost, the vaccine may be a good choice in prevention of hepatitis B infection.

Predatory efficiency of the water bug Sphaerodema annulatum on mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and its effect on the adult emergence.

The daily number of IV instar larva of Culex quinquefasciatus killed, rate of pupation and adult emergence was noted in presence of the predatory water bug Sphaerodema annulatum for a period of seven consecutive days, experimentally, in the laboratory. The rate of IV instar larva killed by the water bugs on an average was 65.17 per day. The rate of pupation ranged between 7.6 and 48 in control while in presence of water bugs it ranged between 6 and 35. The rate of adult emergence in control experiments varied between 1.4 and 4.8 per day, which was reduced to only 0.4-28.8 per day in case of the water bugs. The results clearly indicate that the water bugs on its way of predation reduces the rate of pupation and adult emergence of Cx. quinquefasciatus significantly which calls for an extensive field trials.

Impact of kalbaishakhi storms on adult mosquito populations in Kolkata (Calcutta), India.

The effect of kalbaishakhi storms on the adult mosquito populations of Kolkata (Calcutta), India was studied in 2000-2001. It is revealed that the density of mosquitoes was reduced, on average by 59.6 and 10%, during the first and second 24 h after each kalbaishakhi storms, respectively.

Predation potential of the water bugs Sphaerodema rusticum on the sewage snails Physa acuta.

The sewage snail Physa acuta is a serious threat to certain economic plants and to the purification plant of sewage works by rendering the biofilters ineffective. Various attempts are being made to control it. The efficacy of the predacious water bugs Sphaerodema rusticum was judged experimentally, in the laboratory in the potential control of P. acuta. It is revealed that, when supplied separately, the first, second and third instar and the adult S. rusticum did not attack P. acuta belonging to 3.1-8 mm, 5.1-8 mm, 7.1-8 mm and

Predation potential of the Water Bugs Sphaerodema rusticum on the sewage snails Physa acuta

The sewage snail Physa acuta is a serious threat to certain economic plants and to the purification plant of sewage works by rendering the biofilters ineffective. Various attempts are being made to control it. The efficacy of the predacious water bugs Sphaerodema rusticum was judged experimentally, in the laboratory in the potential control of P. acuta. It is revealed that, when supplied separately, the first, second and third instar and the adult S. rusticum did not attack P. acuta belonging to 3.1-8 mm, 5.1-8 mm, 7.1-8 mm and <= 3 mm size classes respectively. In the remaining trials predation rate varied from zero to eight (average 2.3) individuals per predator per day. In experiments with P. acuta belonging to all the size classes supplied together, none, except the first instar S. rusticum, attacked the prey individuals belonging to the lowest (<= 3 mm) size class. The first and second instar S. rusticum, in both trials did not attack P. acuta larger than 4 mm and 5 mm in shell length respectively. The water bugs belonging to the third, fourth, fifth instar and adult stages though preyed upon P. acuta with 3.1-8 mm shell length. The average rate of predation by a single S. rusticum varied from 0.14-3.08 individuals per day depending upon the size of P. acuta and the stage of S. rusticum. A single S. rusticum, irrespective of instar and adult stages, destroyed on average 4.16 P. acuta daily irrespective of sizes. It is estimated that one S. rusticum could destroy 1,360 P. acuta in its life time. The results clearly indicate that the water bug S. rusticum may be used to control the snails P. acuta

Thermal effect on the life-cycle parameters of the medically important freshwater snail species Lymnaea (Radis) luteola (Lamarck)

The snails Lymnaea (Radix) luteola exhibited marked variations in growth, longevity, and attaining sexual maturity at different temperatures and diets. At 10§C, irrespective of foods, pH and salinity of water, the snails had minimum life span, maximum death rate and lowest growth rate. At 15§C, the growth rate was comparatively higher and the snails survived for a few more days. But at these temperatures they failed to attain sexual maturity. Snails exposed to pH5 and 9 at 20§, 25§, 30§, 35§C and room temperatures (19.6§-29.6§C): to 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 NaCl per thousand at 20§ and 35 §C; to 2.5 NaCl per thousand at 25§C and room temperatures failed to attain sexual maturity. The snails exposed to pH 7 and different salinity grades at 20§, 25§, 30§, 35§C and room temperatures became sexually mature between 25-93 days depending upon the type of foods used in the culture.

Factors influencing predation of the waterbugs Sphaerodema annulatum (Fab). and S. rusticum (Fab.) on the disease transmitting snail Lymnaea (Radix) luteola (Lamarck).

Variations in the rate of predation of the waterbugs Sphaerodema annulatum and S. rusticum on the snails Lymnaea (Radix) luteola have been noted in respect to the morphs of the waterbugs, size of the prey individuals, densities of prey and predators, temperature and surface area of the waterbody concerned and the seasons. Consumption rate was highest (7.2 and 2.2 individuals per day per individual of S. annulatum and S. rusticum, respectively) in prereproductive ages of the waterbugs. This was followed by a gradual decline with the increase in age of the predators. The consumption rate was gradually higher with the increase of temperature from 20 degrees C to 35 degrees C. The bugs failed to survive beyond 35 days at 35 degrees C. Though the bugs prey upon the snails of all sizes preference for 6.5 x 4.5 mm to 8 x 5 mm individuals by S. annulatum and for 5 x 3 mm to 6.5 x 4.5 mm individuals by S. rusticum is established. The waterbugs, irrespective of species, consumed the snail individuals belonged to 3 x 2 - 4 x 3 mm size group maximum when supplied separately. The rate of predation gradually declined with the rise of predator's density irrespective of waterbug species. Predation rate increased with increasing prey density. This was level off when the prey snails were 1100 and 700 in number for S. annulatum and S. rusticum respectively. An adult S. annulatum and S. rusticum consumed 5.04, 3.7, 1.43 and 3.36, 2.49, 1.04 snails per day respectively in summer, monsoon and winter.

On the safe of pesticides in controlling the terrestrial mollusc pests

The preferred food items of the slugs Laevicaulis alte and the snails Achatina fulica were used to prepare 'poison baits'by injecting the pesticides 'Rogor'and 'Nuvan'to kill these mollusc pests. The 'poison baits'prepared with Thrichosanthes dioica and Lycopersicum esculentum were accepted by 100% individuals of both the species irrespective of the pesticides used. In all cases the slug and the snail individuals died within a considerable length of time following consuption of the bait. The importance of using 'poison bait'lies not only with the sure success in killing the pests but also with the 'safe use'of toxic materials in order to avoid environmental hazards

On the safe use of pesticides in controlling the terrestrial mollusc pests.

The preferred food items of the slugs Laevicaulis alte and the snails Achatina fulica were used to prepare 'poison baits' by injecting the pesticides 'Rogor' and 'Nuvan' to kill these mollusc pests. The 'poison baits' prepared with Trichosanthes dioica and Lycopersicum esculentum were accepted by 100% individuals of both the species irrespective of the pesticides used. In all cases the slug and snail individuals died within a considerable length of time following consumption of the bait. The importance of using 'poison bait' lies not only with the sure success in killing the pests but also with the 'safe use' of toxic materials in order to avoid environmental hazards.

Experience with a measles vaccine manufactured in India.

Five hundred and twenty seven children between 7 months and 2 years of age were vaccinated with measles vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The sero-conversion rate in children who had no antibodies previous to vaccination was 98.4% as tested in HI. Ninety per cent of children who had pre-vaccination measles antibodies showed a two-fold or more rise in HI antibodies. The side reactions of the vaccine were negligible.

Influence of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity of the freshwater snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes)

To note the effect of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity, newly hatched (zero day old) snails Indoplanorbis exustus were cultured at 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degreescentigrades constant temperatures and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades). Individuals exposed to 10 degrees centigrades died within 3 days while those reared at 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature survived for a period of 6, 27, 18, 16, 12 and 17 weeks respectively. An individual added on an average 0.21 mm and 0.45 mg, 0.35 mm and 7.94 mg, 0.63 mm and 15.5 mg, 0.81 mm and 27.18 mg, 1.07 mm and 41.48 mg and 0.78 mm and 31.2 mg to the shell diameter and body weight respectively at those temperatures per week. The snails cultured at 15 degrees centigrades died prior to attainment of sexual maturity. On an average, an individual produced 31.9 and 582.77, 54.86 and 902.18, 56.01 and 968.45, 49.32 and 798.68 and 62.34 and 1143.97 capsules and eggs respectively at 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades)

Influence of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity of the freshwater snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes).

To note the effect of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity, newly hatched (zero day old) snails Indoplanorbis exustus were cultured at 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degrees C constant temperatures and room temperature (17.5 degrees-32.5 degrees C). Individuals exposed to 10 degrees C died within 3 days while those reared at 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees C and room temperature survived for a period of 6, 27, 18, 16, 12 and 17 weeks respectively. An individual added on an average 0.21 mm and 0.45 mg, 0.35 mm and 7.94 mg, 0.63 mm and 15.5 mg, 0.81 mm and 27.18 mg, 1.07 mm and 41.48 mg and 0.78 mm and 31.2 mg to the shell diameter and body weight respectively at those temperatures per week. The snails cultured at 15 degrees C died prior to attainment of sexual maturity. On an average, an individual produced 31.9 and 582.77, 54.86 and 902.18, 56.01 and 968.45, 49.32 and 798.68 and 62.34 and 1143.97 capsules and eggs respectively at 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees C and room temperature (17.5 degrees-32.5 degrees C).

Aspirin in acute gastroenteritis: a clinical and microbiological study.

Soluble aspirin given by mouth in divided dosage decreased intestinal fluid loss in infants and young children with acute gastroenteritis. The treated group had significantly less diarrhea, which ceased earlier and needed less intravenous therapy, than a randomly selected control group given an indistinguishable placebo. This effect of aspirin occurred with diarrhea caused by Salmonella, Aeromonas, Escherichia coli producing heat-labile toxin, and rotavirus, but not with diarrhea associated with strains of E. coli producing heat-stable toxin.