Application of Microalgal Physiological Response as Biomarker for Evaluating the Toxicity of the Textile Dye Alizarin Red S

Textile dyes are becoming a growing threat to the environment. This report presents the findings of the study on the toxicity of the textile dye Alizarin Red S on two freshwater microalgae. The acute toxicity assay revealed that 96-h EC₅₀ values of Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis were 29.81 mg/L and 18.94 mg/L respectively. The pigments chlorophyll-a, b and carotenoids in C. vulgaris on 96-h exposure to the dye were 2.91, 3.29 and 3.01 times lower in analogy to control whereas Spirulina platensis showed 2.89and 2.56 fold decrease in chlorophyll-a and carotenoid content than control. After the test period of 96-h with dye, the protein content of C. vulgaris and S. platensis were 2.33 and 1.77 times lower compared to the control. The growth inhibition rate, pigment as well as the protein content declined in compliance with the rise in dye concentration, which anticipate paradigm about the toxic effects of the textile dye.

     

RENAL TRANSPLANTATION – AN EARLY EXPERIENCE

Renal transplant (RT) is now a therapy of choice for end stage renal disease (ESRD). The Nephrology Unit, Asvini started functioning in Dec 90 and to date 1298 sittings of hemodialysis have been given to 45 patients. Of these, 35 were in ESRD and 11 patients underwent renal transplantation at this hospital during the period Jan 91 – Dec 93. One patient expired after 18 months of transplantation due to infection. Early experience in screening patients for RT, use of immunosuppression, management of rejection episodes and protocol are presented with special emphasis on its relevance to the Armed Forces.KEY WORDS: Transplantation, Renal Failure, Immunosuppression, Rejection     

HIV AND TUBERCULOSIS CO-INFECTION IN A REFERRAL CHEST HOSPITAL

Serving personnel of Armed Forces admitted with tuberculosis between Apr 1996–1999 were evaluated for co-infection of tuberculosis and HIV. Sixty (1.06%) of tuberculosis patients were found to be HIV positive. Initial test was done by spot kits and subsequently confirmed by ELISA on two different samples. Majority of the cases were in sexually active age group 48 (80%). Alcohol and smoking was associated in 80% cases. Thirty six (60%) were sputum smear positive for AFB. Twenty eight (46.7%) gave history of exposure to sex workers. Family members were not available for study. Sero prevalence of HIV in association with tuberculosis is less in Armed Forces compared to civil population.KEY WORDS: HIV, Seroprevalence, Tuberculosis     

Familial Monosomy 7 Syndrome Associated with Myelodysplasia

Indian Journal of Pediatrics -