Pathomorphological changes in gills of fish fingerlings (Cirrhina mrigala) by linear alkyl benzene sulfonate

Fish fingerlings (Cirrhina mrigala) exposed to 0.005 ppm (25% of LC50) concentration to detergents (linear alkyl benzene sulfonate) showed marked behavioral changes and distorted appearance of primary and secondary lamellae along with damage to gill epithelium under scanning electron microscopy at various magnifications. Mucosal cells of gills were found to secrete mucus showing primary reactions for membrane damage leading to dysfunction in respiration and osmoregulation.     

Transtibial and tibial inlay double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Surgical technique using a bifid bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft

The treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries is difficult and controversial. Reconstructive technique and graft design are 2 of the unsolved issues in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We present a technique using a bifid bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. This graft more closely mimics normal anatomy and may be used in both transtibial and tibial inlay reconstructions.     

Production of monoclonal antibodies against RT2 antigens of the rat and the definition of a new locus, RT9, linked to RT2

Efforts were made to generate hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against the RT2a, RT2b and RT3a antigens of the rat. While a number of hybridomas from each of five different fusions was found to produce antibodies against the RT2b antigen, no hybridoma producing antibody to the RT2a antigen could be detected among those generated in six different fusions. No stable hybridoma secreting antibody specific for the RT3a antigen could be established in three different fusions, although one positive culture was detected. In the course of this work, a monoclonal antibody against a new antigenic specificity was detected in one of the two strain combinations in which the anti-RT2b antibodies were raised. The locus controlling this antigen, which was designated RT9, maps 4.9 (2.2-12.6) cM from RT2.     

Development of in vitro screening system for assessment of antifilarial activity of compounds

Evaluation of antifilarial activity of new potential agents in vivo is extremely time consuming and uneconomic. In the present study effort has been made to develop an in vitro screening method using Acanthocheilonema viteae, a subcutaneously dwelling rodent filariid with anaerobic metabolic characteristics like human filariids, W. Bancrofti/Brugia malayi as test parasite. Motility test and tetrazolium (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, MTT) based colorimetric assay were used as parameters in in vitro assay. Results showed that 92.3% of compounds (in vivo active) could be picked up in the in vitro assay when both adults and microfilarae (mf) were used simultaneously. Mf and adult stages separately detected, respectively, 84.6 and 69.2% of in vivo active compounds. The adults and mf separately and both the life stages together exhibited, respectively, 80.0, 50.0 and 80.0% false positive results in the in vitro test with in vivo inactive compounds. It is felt that mf stage when used in in vitro test using motility and MTT assays as parameters would be useful in primary screening of new potential filaricides.