A comparative study on mesozooplankton abundance and diversity between a protected and an unprotected coastal area of Andaman Islands.

The study was carried out to understand the variability in phytoplankton production (Chlorophyll a) and mesozooplankton diversity from two different shallow coastal regions of south Andaman viz. Port Blair Bay (PBB), the only real urban area among the islands and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Wandoor. Seasonal sampling was carried out during the Northeast monsoon (NEM--November 2005), Intermonsoon (IM--April 2006), and Southwest monsoon (SWM--August 2006). Significant (P < 0.05) seasonal variation was observed in the environmental variables at both the regions. Higher average chlorophyll a (Chl. a) and mesozooplankton standing stock were observed at PBB compared to MPA, but the seasonal variation observed was marginal at both the study areas. Chl. a showed a steep increasing gradient from outer to the inner regions of the PBB. The number of zooplankton taxa recorded at both areas was quite similar, but marked differences were noticed in their relative contribution to the total abundance. Eventhough the Copepoda dominated at both the areas, the non-copepod taxa differed significantly between the regions. Dominance of carnivores such as siphonophores and chaetognaths were noticed at PBB, while filter feeders such as appendicularians and decapod larvae were more abundant at MPA. A total of 20 and 21 copepod families was recorded from PBB and MPA, respectively. Eleven species of chaetognaths were observed as common at both areas. Larval decapods were found to be predominant at MPA with 20 families; whereas, at PBB, only 12 families were recorded. In the light of the recent reports on various changes occurring in the coastal waters of the Andaman Islands, it is suspected that the difference in Chl. a as well as the mesozooplankton standing stock and community structure observed between the two study areas may be related to the various anthropogenic events influencing the coastal waters.

Reduction of UV-induced mitotic delay by caffeine in BUdR-substituted plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum.

Chromosomal DNA of the synchronously mitotic plasmodia of P. polycephalum was substituted with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, by growing the plasmodia during S phase, on a medium containing this nucleoside analog. A strong synergism was observed between bromodeoxyuridine and UV-irradiation, in late G2-irradiated plasmodia in that, the mitotic delay obtained in them was much more than a simple sum of the delays induced by these two agents individually. It was also observed that the mitotic delay in this system is reduced significantly by different concentrations of caffeine applied immediately after irradiation and there was a stage specificity in this effect. The reduction in mitotic delay was maximum (80%) in those plasmodia irradiated 20-30 min before control metaphase, when mitogenic factors also reach their maximum activity in this system. It is proposed that the mitotic delay reducing effect of caffeine is due to its ability to promote the activity of the mitogenic factors, largely independent of the system which is responsible for monitoring the state of the chromosomal DNA.

Differential effect of cordycepin on S and G2 phases of cell cycle in plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum Schw.

Effect of pulse treatments of cordycepin, an analog of adenosine, on S and G2 phases of the cell cycle of the mitotically synchronous plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum has been studied. Various concentrations of the drug (50-200 micrograms ml-1) were found to be effective in delaying mitosis by several hours in both the phases. However, there was a significant increase in mitotic delay in those treated during G2. It is suggested that this extra delay during G2 could be due to the transcriptive level inhibition of specific RNA types, such as that of tubulins, whose gene activity is cell cycle regulated and turned on during G2 in Physarum, or alternatively because of a deficiency for ATP and the consequent inhibition of events such as mitotic spindle assembly and phosphorylation of histones.

Effects of microgravity on microcirculation.

The blood behaviour in human circulatory system observed during space flights reveals that the microgravity environment reduces the flow rate and increases the haematocrit compared with the situation on the earth surface. The present study gives a theoretical analysis of the above phenomena by considering a two layer Newtonian model for blood flow in capillaries. The effect of gravity on plasma layer as well as on the blood viscosity is taken into account for calculating the percentage change in flow rate of blood. The corresponding apparent viscosities on the earth surface and in space are estimated. The results are analyzed and presented graphically. The findings agree reasonably well with the data observed in spaceflight experiments.

Tubal pregnancy following laparoscopic sterilisation.

PIP: Laparoscopic sterilization with silastic band application is a common method of female sterilization in India. In 3 cases tubal pregnancies were found between 3 months and 6 years after sterilization. The mechanism is probably similar to that in ectopic pregnancy following tubectomy, either by formation of a tuboperitoneal fistula or because of incomplete occlusion of the tubal lumen, allowing the escape of sperm into the peritoneal cavity. 3 cases are reported.^ieng

Laparoscopic removal of displaced intra uterine devices.

PIP: This paper reports the authors' experience with laparoscopic removal of migrated IUDs in 7 cases over a 2-year period (1980-81). The displaced IUD was an incidental finding during laparoscopic sterilization in 3 cases; in 3 additional cases, the mograted IUD had not produced symptoms but was an active IUD, in the final case, removal was at the patient's request. 3 of the IUDs were Lippes loops, 3 were Copper-T devices, and 1 was a Multiload Copper-250 device. The removal technique involved use of a stortz single puncture laparoscope introduced after inducing pneumoperitoneum. After the site is located, the adherent omentum may be freed from the IUD. The IUD is caught by the tongs and partly withdrawn into a Falope ring applicator and removed along with the scope. This technique successfully removed the IUD in 6 of the 7 cases. The case in which the method did not succeed involved a Multiload Copper-250 device that had evoked too much adhesion for the technique to be attempted. Laparoscopic removal of displaced IUDs is concluded to be a simple, effective alternative to laparotomy. The method avoids discomfort to the patients, who are generally able to return home on the same day. In cases where laparoscopy fails, laparotomy may be performed.^ieng

Mitotic delays and macromolecular synthesis in G2 phase-irradiated plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum.

Mitotically synchronous surface plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum were irradiated at different times of G2 phase with doses of UV ranging from 350 to 2800 Jm-2. The UV sensitivity, measured in terms of delay in progression towards mitosis, gradually declined through G2 phase to almost zero in early prophase, when irradiated with 350 Jm-2 of UV. However, with higher doses, 700 and 1400 Jm-2, late G2 was found to be even more susceptible than early G2. The delay in these cases rises for the last 0.1 part of the cycle up to a UV-transition point in early prophase. Thus, processes which were not sensitive to a lower dose of UV are affected by higher doses. Above 700 Jm-2, delay was not directly proportional to dose. With doses above 1400 Jm-2, the delays obtained were more variable, although some tendency for an increased delay is observed in plasmodia irradiated in late G2 when compared with those irradiated in middle G2. The least UV-sensitive phase is between -0.2 and -0.4 part of the cycle in relation to mitosis (0 point). Both RNA synthesis and protein synthesis are inhibited in plasmodia irradiated at any time during G2 phase with 1400 Jm-2 of UV. However, on an average, irradiation in late G2 caused the most inhibitions.

Seroprevalence of rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant women from Kerala State.

Prevalence of rubella antibody in 536 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody in 260 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic, in India, was studied by means of hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test (for rubella antibody) and complement fixation test (CFT-for CMV antibody). The antibody detection rate in pregnant women was 74.1% for rubella and 85.4% for CMV. The prevalence rate of CMV infection was higher during third trimester (89.6%), while rubella antibody was more prevalent during second trimester (77.5%). The geometrical mean titre (GMT) was 73 for rubella antibody and 57 for CMV. Further, rubella antibody was found to be more prevalent in the age group of 26-30 years (76.8%), while for CMV, the highest prevalence rate was seen in 21-25 years (89.2%). The present study indicates the potential possibility of primary rubella infection in 26.0% and CMV infection in 15.0% of the susceptible women during pregnancy and the development of congenital malformations in children born to the infected women.

Vasoplasty: a new technique.

A technique by which plain catgut is used as an internal splint in vasoplasty is described. 28 cases have been carried out, of which only 4 have failed.

Induction of abortion by intrauterine bougie.

PIP: On the initial visit, general and pelvic examinations were made, and hemoglobin and urine tests were given to 100 patients in the second trimester who came for abortion. On the 2nd visit, laminaria tents were inserted and systemic broad spectrum antibiotics given. 24 hours later, in the lithotomy position, the laminaria tents were removed and a sterile rubber bougie introduced extraovularly. When the patient aborted, vaginal examination was performed to assure completeness. In doubtful cases, curettage was performed. When there was an undue delay in abortion, evacuation or abdominal hysterotomy was performed. 86 patients were successfully aborted, 8 required abdominal hysterotomy, dilatation and evacuation was performed in 6 patients. The induction abortion interval varied from 5 hours, 20 minutes to 174 hours, with an average of 51 hours. In primigravidae (48), the interval was found to be 57 hours. Complications were minimal; 7 patients developed pyrexia and responded to systemic antibotics; 1 patient expelled the products through a tear in the posterior lip of the cervix. The average hospital stay was 5.6 days.^ieng

Experience with anal stretch in treatment of piles.

Fifty patients in two groups of twenty-five were treated with anal stretch and standard haemorrhoidectomy operation. Thy were followed up for six months. Anal stretch patients had less pain and post operative stay in hospital was minimal (3 days). They also returned to work much earlier. No complications occured in either group. It is felt that the anal stretch method is the preferable of the two.

Dichloramine-T as a new oxidimetric titrant in non-aqueous and partially aqueous media-II Potentiometric determination of hydroquinone, hydrazine, oxine, cinnamic acid, Sn(II), Sb(III), Tl(I) and ferrocyanide.

Potentiometric titration procedures are described for the determination of hydroquinone, hydrazine, Sn(II), Sb(III), Tl(I), oxine, cinnamic acid and ferrocyanide, with dichloramine-T dissolved in glacial acetic acid.

Cerimetric determination of dithionate and polythionates.

Ceric sulphate in a boiling strongly acidic medium oxidizes dithionate as well as tri- and tetrathionates quantitatively to sulphate. These anions may therefore be determined cerimetrically when they are present singly. A combination of the cerimetric method with other known methods (e.g. those of Kurtenacker, etc) is suggested for the analysis of mixtures of polythionates and dithionate.