Data related to psychiatric manifestations in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is currently available only in the form of isolated case reports. In this systematic review, we evaluated the spectrum of psychiatric manifestations and their impact on the course and outcome of SSPE. Data were obtained from 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with the most recent search conducted on March 27, 2023. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the PROSPERO registration number for the protocol is CRD42023408227. SSPE was diagnosed using Dyken’s criteria. Extracted data were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. To evaluate the quality of the data, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool was employed. Our search resulted in 30 published reports of 32 patients. The mean age was 17.9 years. Schizophrenia, catatonia, and poorly characterized psychotic illnesses were the 3 most common psychiatric presentations that were seen in 63% (20/32) of cases. Catatonia was seen in 4 patients. Affective disorders, mania, and depression were reported among 22% (7/32) cases. In approximately 81% (26/32) cases, the course of SSPE was acute fulminant. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs had poor or no response. Out of 17 patients, who received antipsychotic drugs, 6 patients noted severe extrapyramidal adverse effects. SSPE often masquerades as a psychiatric disorder. Unresponsive psychiatric symptoms, early extrapyramidal signs, and progressive encephalopathy indicate SSPE.

This paper presents an investigation on micropipe evolution from hexagonal voids in physical vapor transport-grown 4H-SiC single crystals using the cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging technique. Complementary techniques optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) are also used to understand the formation mechanism of hexagonal voids along with the origin of pipes from these voids. The ability of CL to image variations along the depth of the sample provides new insights on how micropipes are attached to hexagonal voids that lie deep within the bulk single crystals. CL imaging confirms that multiple micropipes can originate from a single hexagonal void. EDS mapping shows that the inside of the micropipe walls exhibits higher levels of carbon. Investigation of the seed region by optical imaging shows that improper fixing of the seed to the crucible lid is the root cause for the formation of hexagonal voids that subsequently lead to micropipe formation.

Demodex canis infestation in dogs remains one of the main challenges in veterinary dermatology. The exact pathogenesis of canine demodicosis is unknown but an aberration in immune status is considered very significant. No studies have underpinned the nexus between induction of demodicosis and neural immunosuppressive pathways so far. We have evaluated the involvement of cholinergic pathways in association with cytokines regulation as an insight into the immuno-pathogenesis of canine demodicosis in the present study. Remarkable elevations in circulatory immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 and cholinesterase activity were observed in dogs with demodicosis. Simultaneously, remarkable reduction in circulatory pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha level was observed in dogs with demodicosis. Findings of the present study evidently suggest that Demodex mites might be affecting the cholinergic pathways to induce immunosuppression in their host and then proliferate incessantly in skin microenvironment to cause demodicosis.

Bats are known to be reservoirs of several medically important viruses including lyssaviruses. However, no systematic surveillance for bat rabies has been carried out in India, a canine rabies endemic country with a high burden of human rabies. Surveillance for rabies virus (RABV) infection in bats was therefore carried out in Nagaland, a north-eastern state in India at sites with intense human–bat interfaces during traditional bat harvests. Brain tissues and sera from bats were tested for evidence of infection due to RABV. Brain tissues were subjected to the fluorescent antibody test for detection of viral antigen and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for presence of viral RNA. Bat sera were tested for the presence of rabies neutralizing antibodies by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. None of the bat brains tested (n = 164) were positive for viral antigen or viral RNA. However, rabies neutralizing antibodies were detected in 4/78 (5·1%) bat sera tested, suggesting prior exposure to RABV or related lyssaviruses. The serological evidence of lyssaviral infection in Indian bats may have important implications in disease transmission and rabies control measures, and warrant extensive bat surveillance to better define the prevalence of lyssaviral infection in bats.

One hundred and thirty six lactating women were studied, 42 controls and 94 taking oral contraceptives. Combination pills of oestrogen and progestogen (Primovlar and Minovlar) and a low dose progestogen pill (Norgestrel) were used. The selection of a particular formulation was based on the endocrine profile of an individual; this reduced drop-outs due to side effects.

The change in the quantity of milk was assessed by test-feeding followed by manual expression. Milk was also analysed quantitatively. Significant reduction in the milk yield was found with the Primovlar and Minovlar groups but no change was observed with Norgestrel. No change in the quality of milk was found for any of the three groups.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Indian women and their breast-fed infants. Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics, Armed Forces Clinic and Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi. A total of 541 apparently healthy women with uncomplicated, single, intra-uterine gestation reporting in any trimester were consecutively recruited. Of these 541 women, 299 (first trimester, ninety-seven; second trimester, 125; third trimester, seventy-seven) were recruited in summer (April–October) and 242 (first trimester, fifty-nine, second trimester, ninety-three; third trimester, ninety) were recruited in winter (November–March) to study seasonal variations in vitamin D status. Clinical, dietary, biochemical and hormonal evaluations for the Ca–vitamin D–parathormone axis were performed. A subset of 342 mother–infant pairs was re-evaluated 6 weeks postpartum. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of pregnant women was 23·2 (sd 12·2) nmol/l. Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) was observed in 96·3 % of the subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in winter in the second and third trimesters, while serum intact parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in winter in all three trimesters. A significant negative correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D and iPTH in mothers (r − 0·367, P = 0·0001) and infants (r − 0·56, P = 0·0001). A strong positive correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels of mother–infant pairs (r 0·779, P = 0·0001). A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was observed in pregnancy, lactation and infancy with no significant inter-trimester differences in serum 25(OH)D levels.

On-farm nutrient management practices were evaluated in the irrigated rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) in northwestern India. Large farmers used comparatively higher doses of nutrients than small and medium farmers for both rice and wheat crops. On average, a field is treated with organic manure after every 15 years for rice and 53 years for wheat. Nitrogen use was generally more than the recommended dose for both crops. Phosphorus use in wheat was nearly as per recommendation, while in rice it was below the recommended dose. Potassium use was almost nil; however, the use of Zn (particularly in rice) is becoming common. Use of biofertilizers was negligible. Overall, farmers applied higher doses of organic manures, K, Zn and biofertilizers in rice than wheat, and there was increasing trend in their use with increase in the size of land holdings. Grain yield increased significantly with increase in the size of land holding in rice but remained almost same in wheat. This study generated comprehensive data on nutrient use pattern in the RWCS, thus providing necessary input to researchers, planners and developmental agencies who wish to enhance food security.

Counter current Immunoelectrophoresis was used to detect porcine cysticcrcosis and water soluble extracts of scolex and of scolex with cyst wall were used as antigens. Serum samples from 40 pigs infected with Cysticercus cellulosae, five infected with C. tenuicollis and five with hydatid cysts, and 15 healthy pigs were tested. A sharp and thick concave precipitin band was observed at the point of interaction of antigen and antibody within 90min in 39 sera from infected pigs (97–5%). The precipitin reaction was better in barbitone buffer of pH 8–6 with the well distance at 6 mm. No false or cross reaction were found and the test was rapid and sensitive.

Sixty-nine strains of Vibrio cholerae 01 isolated at different times were analysed to investigate if there were any differences among the 01 strains isolated before, during and after the advent of the O139 serogroup. Of the 69 01 strains examined, 68 belonged to the Ogawa serotype while one belonged to the Inaba serotype. With the exception of one strain all other strains of V. cholerae 01 belonged to the eltor biotype. A single O1 strain isolated before the emergence of the O139 serogroup could not be classified as either eltor or classical biotype because it was resistant to both classical and eltor specific bacteriophages. Marked variations in the susceptibility to antibiotics of V. cholerae O1 isolated during the different periods were observed. In addition, strains of V. cholerae isolated after the epidemic of serogroup O139 in Calcutta showed an expanding R-type with resistance to a variety of drugs as compared to the 01 strains isolated before the advent of the O139 serogroup. From this study, it is clear that there is a substantial mobility in genetic elements of V. cholerae Ol which necessitates a continuous monitoring to keep abreast of the changing traits of the etiologic agent of cholera.

The distribution and virulence of Vibrio cholerae serogroups other than O1 and O139 in India before, during and after the advent of O139 serogroup was investigated. A total of 68 strains belonging to 31 different ‘O’ serogroups were identified during the study period. With the exception of O53, there was no spatial or temporal clustering of any particular non-O1 non-O139 serogroup at any given place. Two of the 68 strains examined produced cholera toxin (CT) which could only be partially absorbed with anti-CT immunoglobulin G. Tissue culture assay revealed that some of the non-O1 non-O139 strains produced factors which evoked either a cell rounding or cell elongation response depending upon the medium used. This study indicates that serogroups other than O1 and O139 should also be continuously monitored.

Neem (Azadirachta indica juss) seed kernel cake was water treated and dried in the sun. It was palatable to cattle, despite its bitter smell.

Twelve growing calves were divided into two equal groups; one group (control) had a standard concentrate mixture consisting of crushed maize 30 parts, groundnut cake 30 parts, wheat bran 38 parts and in the second group (experimental) the concentrate mixture had crushed maize 30 parts, neem seed kernel cake (water washed) 45 parts and wheat bran 23 parts. Both the mixtures had common salt and mineral mixture 1 part each. The roughage fed was the same in both groups.

The mean growth rate of calves in 273 days was 403 g/day in the control group and 344 g/day in the experimental group which did not differ significantly (P > 0·05). The dry-matter intake, digestibilities of all the organic nutrients, total digestible nutrient values and the balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus remained similar (P > 0·05) in the two groups. The blood haemoglobin, serum inorganic phosphorus and the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase, serum acid phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase also did not differ significantly (P > 0·05) in the two groups.

It is concluded that water washing of neem seed kernel cake very largely removes toxic principles responsible for retardation in growth.

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of early weaning on body weight and growth rate of Awassi lambs raised at Abu-Ghurib Experiment Station, Baghdad, Iraq. Sex, type of birth and weaning age significantly influenced the body weight and growth rate of lambs at all the ages studied. Dam's age and weight at lambing, however, did not affect the growth rate of the lambs. The average body weights of lambs at 4 and 6 months of age were 23·8±0·28 and 32·3 ± 0·36 kg. The average daily gain in weight up to 120 and 180 days of age was 162·3 ±2·57 and 153·7 ±1·94 g/day respectively. Males were heavier than females and singles were heavier than twins at all the ages. Lambs weaned at 60 days of age were heavier and had a faster growth rate than those weaned at 90 or 120 days of age. Males born to 2-year-old dams grew fastest while the females born to them had the lowest body weights and growth rate.

Remotely sensed estimates of biochemical parameters of agricultural crops are central to the precision management of agricultural crops (precision farming). Past research using in situ and airborne spectral reflectance measurements of various vegetation species has proved the usefulness of hyperspectral data for the estimation of various biochemical parameters of vegetation. In order to exploit the vast spectral and radiometric resources offered by space-borne hyperspectral remote sensing for the improved estimation of plant biochemical parameters, the relationships observed between spectral reflectance and various biochemical parameters at in situ and airborne levels needed to be evaluated in order to establish the existence of a reliable and stable relationship between spectral reflectance and plant biochemical parameters at the pixel scale. The potential of the EO-1 Hyperion hyperspectral sensor was investigated for the estimation of total chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations of cotton crops in India by developing regression models between hyperspectral reflectance and laboratory measurements of leaf total chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations. A comprehensive and rigorous analysis was carried out to identify the spectral bands and spectral indices for accurate retrieval of leaf total chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations of cotton crop. The performance of these critical spectral reflectance indices was validated using independent samples. A new vegetation index, named the plant biochemical index (PBI), is proposed for improved estimation of the plant biochemicals from space-borne hyperspectral data; it is simply the ratio of reflectance at 810 and 560 nm. Further, the applicability of PBI to a different crop and at a different geographical location was also assessed. The present results suggest the use of space-borne hyperspectral data for accurate retrieval of leaf total chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations and the proposed PBI has the potential to retrieve leaf total chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations of various crops and at different geographical locations.

This study was conducted with an aim to assess the prevalence and profile of ear diseases in children from the higher and lower socioeconomic strata of society. Two groups of schools within Delhi were selected. Group A comprised of government schools located in slum areas with an average parental income of INR (Indian National Rupees) 1050 per month and group B of elite private schools with an average family income of TNR 35 000 per month. Three thousand children between the ages of 5–12 years were screened with the help of a written proforma and ear examination. Tympanometry and audiometry were done, where required. 19.6 per cent of children of group A were found to be suffering from ear diseases compared to 2.13 per cent of group B children. The two groups were also compared for number of family members, status of hygiene and parental education.

Helicobacter pylori is transmitted within households and high concordance is observed among siblings. To better understand the contributions of close interpersonal contact and family relatedness to transmission, we compared concordance of H. pylori infection among 241 sibling and non-sibling children aged 2–18 years in 68, predominantly low-income, Hispanic households with at least two nuclear families. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 24%. Compared to children with no infected siblings or non-siblings and adjusting for age, odds of H. pylori infection were 1·2 (95% CI 0·52–2·9), 3·2 (95% CI 1·14–9·1), and 9·4 (95% CI 3·1–28·5) for children residing with at least one infected non-sibling, one infected sibling, and with at least one infected sibling and non-sibling, respectively. The study further implicates intersibling transmission as a pathway for H. pylori infection in childhood. In addition, living with a non-sibling in extended-family homes may contribute to infection risk but only in households with prevalent H. pylori infection within all family groups.

We present the first results from our next-generation microlensing survey, the SuperMACHO project. We are using the CTIO 4m Blanco telescope and the MOSAIC imager to carry out a search for microlensing toward the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We plan to ascertain the nature of the population responsible for the excess microlensing rate seen by the MACHO project. Our observing strategy is optimized to measure the differential microlensing rate across the face of the LMC. We find this derivative to be relatively insensitive to the details of the LMC's internal structure but a strong discriminant between Galactic halo and LMC self lensing. In December 2003 we completed our third year of survey operations. 2003 also marked the first year of real-time microlensing alerts and photometric and spectroscopic followup. We have extracted several dozen microlensing candidates, and we present some preliminary light curves and related information. Similar to the MACHO project, we find SNe behind the LMC to be a significant contaminant - this background has not been completely removed from our current single-color candidate sample. Our follow-up strategy is optimized to discriminate between SNe and true microlensing.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html