Induction of morphologically abnormal sperm in rats exposed to O-Xylene.

An analysis of sperm abnormalities can be used as a rapid method to determine the mutagenic potential of chemical agents as well as the toxic potential of chemicals on the whole animal. O-Xylene was investigated for its potential mutagenicity by the sperm abnormality assay. Sprague Dawley rats 10-16 weeks old were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 0.

The WHO collaborative study on strategies for extending mental health care, IV: A training approach to enhancing the availability of mental health manpower in a developing country.

Part of the WHO collaborative study is the training of general health workers to provide mental health services. The authors describe the training program used in Raipur Rani, chandigarh, India, to train medical ancillaries (called peripheral health workers). Training methods used were based on evaluation of 1) Workers' existing knowledge of and attitudes toward mental health problems, 2) existing training materials, 3) the need for new training materials, and 4) the support and supervision workers needed to carry out their duties.

The WHO collaborative study on strategies for extending mental health care, II: The development of new research methods.

Teams in seven developing countries under sponsorship of the World Health Organization have been carrying out collaborative operational research on providing mental health care through primary health care services. New techniques of identifying mental disorders in children and adults have been developed and tested. Methods of assessing the skills and attitudes of health workers toward mental health work and of gauging community attitudes toward mental illness have also been developed.

Effects of certain mono-, di- and trivalent metal cations on the K+-stimulated p-Nitrophenyl phosphatase in rat brain.

The effects of certain monovalent (Ag+1 and Li+1), divalent (Hg+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Co+2, Fe+2, Pb+2, Mn+2, Sn+2, Ni+2, and Se+2) and trivalent (Fe+3, As+3, and Al+3) metals on a mitochondrial preparation of K+-stimulated-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (K+-PNPPase) from rat brain were studied. Except for salts of Ni+2, Se+2 and Li+1, which irrespective of concentration failed to produce 50% inhibition, all of the metals examined were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzyme with 150 values of 0.24 microM for Ag+1 among the monovalent, 0.

Knowledge and attitudes of primary health care personnel concerning mental health problems in developing countries.

A semi-structured interview for assessing the knowledge and attitude of health workers concerning mental health problems was applied in seven developing country areas within the context of a World Health Organization coordinated collaborative study. The results indicate a lack of basic mental health training associated with a failure to recognize mental health problems, restricted knowledge concerning psychotropic drug therapy, and an inability to visualize practical forms of mental health care which could be introduced at primary care level. The results were used to design appropriate training programs, and the observations will be repeated to assess the effectiveness of training.

The burden of mental illness on the family. Results of observations in four developing countries. A report from the WHO Collaborative Study on Strategies for Extending Mental Health Care.

As part of the WHO Collaborative Study on Strategies for Extending Mental Health Care 259 families in four developing countries (Colombia, India, Sudan and the Philippines) were screened with regard to the social burden caused by mental illness of one of its members. Levels of subsistence, previous illness, financial burden, personal relations and social acceptance were studied. The social burden was greatest in the urban areas.

Ultrastructural changes in alveolar macrophages of rats exposed to nickel oxide by inhalation.

Alveolar macrophages recovered from rats exposed to nickel oxide (NiO) showed distinct changes in cell size and presence of viscous substances surrounding the cells. Both alveolar macrophages and lung washout fluid (LWF) exhibited alterations in the cytoplasmic inclusion bodies by the presence of parallel, concentric lamellar structures or formations, osmiophilic inclusions, matrix formations and obvious degenerative changes. In addition, alveolar macrophages showed eccentrically placed nucleus with peripheral chromatinization, elongated outline and cytoplasmic projections of different sizes.

Effect of low protein diet on manganese neurotoxicity: II. Brain GABA and seizure susceptibility.

The effect of manganese (Mn2+, 3 mg/ml drinking water) on brain GABA content and electroshock seizure susceptibility in low (10% casein) and normal (21% casein) protein fed rats were investigated. Manganese exposure caused a decrease in the brain GABA content, lowered the seizure threshold and increased the seizure duration. These effects were more marked in the low protein fed rats.

Effect of low protein diet on manganese neurotoxicity: I. Developmental and biochemical changes.

The first in a series of studies on the effect of concurrent low protein diet (10% casein) and manganese exposure (Mn2+, 3 mg/ml drinking water) in rats is reported here. The effect on growing (Fo-90 days) rehabilitated (Fo low leads to normal protein diet-28 days) and the F1 generation pups (weaned) were studied. Mn2+ exposure had no significant effect on growth pattern, brain weight or brain and plasma protein contents in either dietary groups.

Changes in pulmonary alveolar macrophages in rats exposed to oxides of zinc and nickel.

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) from rats exposed to a single dose of ZnO or NiO showed distinct changes in size and ultrastructure. ZnO exposure brought about considerable reduction in the size of the cells, which can be distinguished into two types of macrophages. The macrophages contained a prominent nucleolus, several primary and secondary lysosomes, membrane formations, electron dense structures, and small dense mitochondria.

Dermatolglyphic studies in schizophrenia : a review.

Dermatoglyphic studies Carried out in Schizophrenia have been evaluated and critically examined. Methodological errors existing in the previous studies have been pointed out and some guidelines for methodological refinements suggested and a dermatoglyphic corsensus index for diagnosis has been evolved. The heterogeneous nature of schizophrenia, being a group of syndromes, has been unanimously accepted, therefore, each category should be studied separately.

A follow up study of hysteria.

The present study undertook to examine the outcome of a group of cases who were diagnosed as hysteria, six or more years ago in a general hospital psychiatric unit and correlate various clinical factors with good or bad outcome. Of the 81 cases selected for the study, 57 (67%) could be located and followed up after a gap of 6-8 years. Majority of the cases (74%) had either no symptoms or symptoms less than before at the time of the follow up.

Ultrastructural changes in rat alveolar macrophages exposed to oxides of copper and cadmium.

The morphological effects of single intratracheal injections of copper oxide (CuO) and cadmium oxide (CdO) (5 mg) on rat alveolar macrophages were studied. Rats sacrificed after a one week recovery period showed distinct morphological changes induced by CuO and CdO. Copper oxide induced hypertrophy of both the alveolar macrophages as well as the epithelial lining.

Behavioral and neurochemical changes in rats simultaneously exposed to manganese and lead.

Groups of rats were exposed simultaneously to manganese chloride (3 mg Mn2+/ml water) through drinking water and lead acetate intraperitoneally at dosages of 5.0, 8.0 and 12.

Childhood mental disorders in primary health care: results of observations in four developing countries. A report from the WHO collaborative Study on Strategies for Extending Mental Health Care.

To ascertain the frequency of mental disorders in Sudan, Philippines, India, and Columbia, 925 children attending primary health care facilities were studied. Rates of between 12% and 29% were found in the four study areas. The range of mental disorders diagnosed was similar to the encountered in industrialized countries.

Effect of manganese and copper interaction on behavior and biogenic amines in rats fed a 10% casein diet.

Manganese chloride (1 mg manganese/ml drinking water) and copper sulphate (250 mg copper/kg diet) were administered daily for 30 days to growing rats maintained on a 10% casein diet. Manganese in combination with copper produced impairment in the learning ability and memory of rats in either dietary group, with greater alterations in those receiving a 10% casein diet. Hyperactivation due to the combined effects of the metal ions was identical in both dietary groups.