ICMR BULLETIN VOL.6-No.-11-NOVEMBER-1976.pdf

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CELL

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BANGALORE • 560 001

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CELL
326, V Main, 1 Block
Koramangala
Bangalore-560034
India

Vol

November, 1976

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR FERTILITY CONTROL
The Council*s Expert Committee on Repro­
ductive Biology and Fertility Control at its
meeting held earlier this year had identified
five high priority areas of research.
The
Committee recommended that independent study
groups should meet to review the present state
of research and to formulate specific guide
lines as to the direction and organisation of
future research,
relevant to the current
national context and needs. The high priority
areas thus identified were:
(i) Control

of fertility

in the

female

(ii) Control of fertility in the male

(iii) Antifertility agents

(iv) Abortion
(v) Acceptance
methods

of

fertility

control

The respective Study Groups on the above,
met independently at the ICMR, New Delhi, in
September, 1976.
CCNTROL CF FERTILITY IN THE FEMALE:

Various aspects and methods for fertility
control in the female were discussed.
The
current status and potential areas of research
for non-surgical methods of tubal occlusion
were first discussed; the areas suggested in­
cluded development of a bipolar electrode,
indigenous manufacture and maintenance faci­
lities for endoscopic instruments, development
of sclerosing agents and vehicles.
It was
recommended that initially, those agents (e.g.

quinacrine, chloroquine, urea and lipiodol)
for which toxicity and safety limits have
already been established, be investigated.
The necessity for development of a suitable
animal model for evaluating the local
and
systemic toxicity and sequelae and testing of
delivery systems for instillation by
the
transcervical and transperitoneal routes, was
emphasized.
It was also felt that reversible
procedures (surgical or nonsurgical) for tubal
occlusion be tested in
animal models or
in the clinical field.
The endoscopic methods of sterilization
were next discussed.
It was felt that evalu­
ation of the short and long-term sequelae of
minilaparotomy, laparoscopic coagulation and
vaginal colpotomy and culdoscopy be included
in the study on sequelae of tubal steriliza­
tion.
The scope and demand for recanalisa­
tion were also discussed.

The possible role of the pre-implantation
embryo in the control of early pregnancy by
prevention of implantation was also discussed,
followed by a discussion on the role of luteolytic agents in the control of fertility.
It
was felt that the most promising area for
investigation in this field was the follicular
fluid (preferably bovine) for presence of
inhibitor activity, its nature, species speci­
ficity and effect on corpus luteum function.
With a view to developing methods of
passive immunization for the early termination
of pregnancy it was suggested that studies on
placental antigens (HPL, HCG and 1Pregnancy
Protein1 in serum) and species specific anti-

gen in the uterine secretion during the secre­
tory phase, be conducted.
Fertility regulating methods for lactat­
ing women were discussed at great length as
this was felt to be an area of high priority.
The various aspects discussed were lactational
amenorrhoea and pregnancy rates in lactating
women in different samples of the population;
the effect of contraceptives (hormonal and
IUDs) on the volume and constituents of breast.
milk; the excretion of commonly used steroids
and their metabolites in breast milk and their
biological effects.
It was further suggested
that animal experiments be conducted to obtain
data on growth, development, sexual maturation
and behavioural abnormalities following the
administration of
steroids
to
lactating
mothers.
Finally the natural methods of family
planning and their place in family planning
clinics were also discussed.
Research Iteconmendaticns:

1.

Development of non-surgical methods
tubal sterilization.

for

2.

Retrospective study to evaluate the scope
and demand for tubal recanalization.

3.

Studies on lactational amenorrhoea and
pregnancy rates with the objective of
developing suitable fertility regulating
methods for lactating women.

4.

Safety studies with regard to excretion
and biological effects of steroids
and
their metabolites in breast milk.

5.

Clinical evaluation of IUDs introduced
immediately after the third stage of
labour.

6.

Basic studies on cervical factors to
examine the potentiality of predetermi­
nation of sex as claimed by the natural
family planning method.

7.

8.

2

Studies on pre-implantation embryo with
a view to controlling fertility by in­
hibiting hormone synthesis and enzyme
activity at that stage.

Studies on bovine follicular fluid for
the presence of a substance which would
inhibit oocyte meiosis and affect corpus
luteum function.

9.

Studies on uterine and placental specific
antigens
for developing
methods
of
passive iifmiunization for the interruption
of pregnancy.

CCNTROL OF FERTUJTY IN THE MATE:

Several
papers dealing
with various
facets of fertility control in the male were
presented and discussed in depth.
It was
recommended that the short (post-operative)
and long-term (endocrinal, immunological and
psychological) sequelae of vasectomy be in­
vestigated in detail as this method for ferti­
lity control was being widely advocated and
practised.
Anticipating that the number of
requests for reanastomosis of the vas would
increase in the
near future,
the group
expressed the need to simplify and perfect
techniques for reanastomosis and to investi­
gate the causes of
infertility following
successful
reanastomosis,
with
special
reference to the changes in vasal physiology,
immunological factors and constituents of the
seminal fluid which may interfere with the
fertilizing ability of spermatozoa.
In the area of non-surgical occlusion of
the vas it was suggested that multi-centric
trials be conducted with tantalum clips,
intra-vasal (silk thread or copper) devices
and sclerosing agents (preferably in combi­
nation with biodegradable polymers).

The hormonal regulation of spermatogene­
sis was discussed at length.
The role of
inhibin in the control of FSH secretion, its
source (cell type),
biological effects in
rodents and primates and the species speci­
ficity were also discussed, as also the possi­
bility of neutralization of circulating FSH
by passive or active
immunization.
The
suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins by
oral
or intranasal
progestins was
also
mentioned.
As recent studies have focussed attention
on the epididymis as an extra-1esticular site
for fertility control, it was felt that the
hormonal and non-hormonal factors regulating
epididymal functions be studied in detail.

The other aspects discussed were the
hormonal
factors
(particularly prolactin)
regulating the secretory functions of the
accessory glands and the possible role of
prolactin in spermatogenesis; factors res­
ponsible for spermiation in human beings and
other mammals; character!sties of androgen

binding protein (ABP) in human and sub-human
primate
testes and analysis of rete testis
fluid and its alteration with a view to render
it hostile for spermatozoa.
Research Jteconnendations:.

sequelae

following

1.

Short and long-term
vasectomy.

2.

Studies on reanastomosis of the vas.

3.

Multicentric trials with tantalum clips,
intravasal devices and sclerosing agents
for vas occlusion.

action was highlighted.
Other presentations
emphasized the basic aspects
relating to
effects of antifertility agents on the pitui­
tary gonadal axis, post-coital phenomenon and
the effect of psychoactive drugs on repro­
duction.
Research Recaimendations:

1.

4.

5.

6.

7.

(a) Preliminary quick screening of pro­
ducts
by
reputed
traditional
practitioners.

Basic studies on blood supply, inner­
vation and biochemistry of human vas
deferens.

Hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis
including studies on inhibin; neutra­
lization of circulating FSH by passive or
active
immunisation;
suppression
of
pituitary gonadotrophins by steroids.

Study on prolactin as a hormone regulat­
ing
secretory functions of the male
accessary glands and spermatogenesis.
Study on factors responsible for spermiation in human and other mammals.

8.

Character!zation of
androgen
protein (ABP) in human testis.

9.

Canalization of rete testis in monkey and
human and analysis of its constituents
with a view to develop fertility control
agents which would act at that level.

binding

^nTFERTimY AGENTS:

Investigations
on
the
antifertility
effects of plant and other indigenous
products at 3 levels viz.

(b) Modified screening procedures
for
products proved to have antiferti­
lity effects.

(c) Screening of extracts
compounds.

and synthetic

plants

2.

Specific
studies
on
spermicidal activity.

3.

Development of biodegradable polymers as
carriers of contraceptive drugs of plant
origin.

showing

ABORTICN:

A detailed discussion was held on the
termination of pregnancy between 13 and 15
weeks of gestation.
It was felt that under
the existing conditions, when a patient was
willing for sterilization, abdominal hystero­
tomy with sterilization would be the most
suitable method. Other methods discussed were
the use of bougies, tents, extramniotic injec­
tions of various solutions and a cervical
dilator containing 2s印goZ.

Indigenous plant
materials and their
effects on the male and female reproductive
systems with special reference to regulation
of
fertility were
discussed at
length.
Details of the methodology for pre-clinical
and clinical testing of both crude and pure
products were presented.
The importance of a
standardized
(uniform)
methodology
was
stressed.
It was felt that apart from varia­
tions in the methodology, the other reasons
for discrepancies in the results were due to
poor animal house facilities, variation in the
source of plant material, and differences in
dosages and schedules of administration.

During discussions on the termination of
pregnancy in anaemic patients, it was agreed
that whenever possible, termination of preg­
nancy in patients with Hb levels below 8 gm
per cent (Sahli*s method) be postponed till
anaemia was treated, unless blood transfusion
facilities were available at the time of
termination.
The difficulties experienced in
defining blood loss in abortion and the actual
measurement of blood loss, which varied with
the method and the period of gestation, were
highlighted.
It was suggested that chemical
methods be used for estimation of blood loss.

The work done in the identification and
testing of plant products with spermicidal

Other aspects discussed were the use of
indigenous drugs as abortifacients, use of

3

prostaglandin
analogues
by
intramuscular
injections or as vaginal suppositories and
the different sources of vacuum used for first
trimester abortion.

success of the IUD programme, it was suggested
that a systematic study of the socio-cultural
and psychological aspects of IUD acceptors and
non-acceptors be carried out.

Research Recanmendations:

It was pointed out that though the ini­
tial acceptance of hormone methods was high,
acceptance in terms of continued use was low.
It was suggested that new methods of marketing
and advertisement be used for furthering the
continued use of hormone contraceptives.

1.

Clinical trials with
工sapgol
developed by CDRI, Lucknow.

dilator

2.

Pilot study to measure blood loss
abortion using chemical methods.

during

3.

Pilot study on the
using bougies.

induction of abortion

ACCEPTANCE OF FERTILITY CONTROL METHODS:

As
family planning is an
essential
component of national social welfare acti­
vities, in general it was felt that acceptance
would be higher if workers in the field
stressed the benefits that would result from
its adoption, in terms of improved health and
economic status of the family.
Tlie necessity
for close cooperation with social scientists
was also stressed.
The Group recognised the
fact that
changing
cultural
values had
resulted in changes in the acceptance pattern
especially with
reference
to methods
of
contraception in the male.
The
discussion on
factors affecting
acceptance by females brought out the fact
that in the Indian situation'any method which
significantly altered the menstrual pattern
or rhythm was unacceptable, this being one of
the reasons for pills and IUDs not being
widely accepted.
The importance of operat­
ional research
to
increase contraceptive
acceptance was also stressed.
To investigate
the factors responsible
for the
limited

While reviewing
the
acceptance
of
induced abortions, the Group pointed out that
even though termination of pregnancy had been
legalized, the number of MTPs registered were
not many.
Whether this was due to lack of
facilities or lack of acceptance needed inResearch Recanmendations:

一

1.

Questions pertaining to
acceptability
attributes of IUD, pills, abortion, tubal
sterilization and vasectomy should, as
far as possible, be included in the on­
going studies of the Council.

2.

Studies to assess
the utilization of
workers of different categories such as
dais
and practitioners of indigenous
medicine, for a better acceptance of
fertility control methods at the rural
levelI

Based on the recommendations
of the
various study groups outlined above,
the
Council is now planning to undertake comprehensive studies on specific aspects of ferti­
lity control in the male and female includin
studies on acceptance of methods availabl
for fertility control.

ABSTRACTS
Some Research Projects completed recently
A fol/Lau) up study of Z22 cases 0f depression
The project dealt with the study and
observation on 122 cases diagnosed as Depressives.
One hundred and nine cases were
followed up for 3-13 years.
None of these
cases developed schizophrenic symptomatology
and
there was no recurrences in 28 cases
(27.5 per cent), after the first episode of
depression.
Fourty-two cases had a bipolar
course,
following the original diagnosis.

4

Change of polarity from . depression to mania
occurred in 75 per cent of the cases3 within 3
years of the onset of depression. In 9 others
the shift occurred between 3-12 years.
Epi­
sodes of depression before the onset of mania
varied from 1-3.
Patients with onset of depression before
the age of 40 years were found to be more
liable to recurrences.

and
23.

Suicidal ideas occurred in 48 patients
attempts to commit suicide were made by
In one case the attempt was successful.

ficantly higher among students with relatively
affluent and educated parents.
D. Moh an
Associate Professor
of Psychiatry
All India Institute
of Medical Sciences
New Delhi.

Eleven patients were found to develop
chronicity and 6 of them showed intellectual
impairment.
The tendency to chronicity was
more common in patients having an onset of the
disease before 40.
Seventy seven continued
with their original jobs, 14 changed their
jobs and 11 were not able to continue to work.
A. Venkoba Rao
Professor of Psychiatry
Madurai Medical College
Madurai.

4 Pilot survey to determine the prevalence3
nature and pattern of drug abuse among University students

survey focussed on use and abuse of
drugs (as listed in WHO Technical Report
Series, 516 (1973) and excluding the Khat type
and volatile solvents but including tobacco)
was carried out among students of Delhi Uni­
versity.
The objectives were to determine
prevalence, nature and pattern of drug abuse
and to correlate its prevalence with orien­
tation of students towards the drug and their
personality profiles.
A

The universe of the study comprised 1st,
2nd and 3rd year
undergraduates
from 4
colleges, 2 catering exclusively for men and
2 for women resident and non-resident
stuHents. Selection of students was by a syste­
matic random technique and the sample size was
576.
Data was collected by a structured
questionnaire which elicited responses related
to demographic characteristics, prevalence and
incidence of
drug abuse and
personality
characteristics.
The prevalence of drug abuse in male
students was 45.7 per cent and that in females
18 .3 per cent.
TJie overall prevalence was
found to be 32 per cent, alcohol and tobacco
being the most commonly abused drugs on a
regular basis and poly drug abuse appeared to
be the norm.

Drug abuse was found to be higher in
institutions with attached hostels and signi-

prospective study of neonatal neuro'logzcal
examination including eZee trosneepha lographzj
in high risk babies and its correlation with
subsequent neurological and mental development
力

The study involved detai led neurological
examination of 195 babies having high risk
perinatal factors
and 42 normal
babies.
Examinations were carried out daily in the 1st
week after birth and then weekly while the
infant was in hospital.
On the basis of the
examination infants were classified as neurologically normal, suspect or abnormal.
Be­
sides this some babies showed transient ab­
normality (mid-week abnormality) often related
to
sepsis,
j aundice
or
phenobarbitone
therapy.

The neonatal examination showed that 100
babies
were normal,
62 suspect
and 16
abnormal.
17 babies showed mid-week abnorma­
lity.
In the control group 3 babies were
suspect and the remaining 39 were normal.

Neonatal neurological abnormality
was
found to be significantly related to perinatal
asphyxia and was adversely affected by intra­
uterine
growth
retardation
and
preterm
delivery.
Ten infants of the test group showed
developmental
retardation.
Cases
neuro­
logical ly abnormal in the neonatal period were
found to have a 38 per cent chance of showing
developmental delay at the age of 1 year. The
investigators have evolved a high risk score,
based on socio-economic status, response to
resuscitation after birth asphyxia,
birth
weight,
intrauterine growth * and neonatal
neurological examination.
Fifty one per cent
of the study group scored less than 40 and
none of them showed signs of mental retar­
dation.
Nineteen per cent had a score of 50
or more and 70 per cent of them had evidence

of developmental delay.
O.N. Bhakoo
A.N. Gupta
J.S. Chopra
S.K. Verma
Postgraduate Institute
of Medical Education
and Research
Chandigarh.
The cerebrospinal fluid dynamics ，九 experi­
mental brain oedema
with extradural com­
pression
it has been reported earliqr
that when
radio-iodinated human serum (RIHSA) is in­
jected into the intrathecal space in human
beings, the level of initial radioactivity as
observed in brain scan, disappeared within 24
hours.

In this study one group of -adult rhesus
monkeys was given intrathecal RIHSA into the
lumbar space and radioactivity measured by
brain counts, blood counts and brain scans
at different time intervals：
In another group of animals a balloon was
implanted under anaesthesia in the parieto­
temporal extradural region. After recovery of

these animals, 0.5 ml sterile normal saline
was introduced daily into the balloon for 7
days to produce experimental oedema.
RIHSA
was then introduced into the lumbar intra­
thecal space and radioactivity measured.
In addition a small group of monkeys, who
had been given RIHSA were kept till the radio­
activity had disappeared. Cerebral oedema was
then produced by balloon implants and saline
injection and radioactivity measured, so that
these animals acted as their own controls.
It was found that in monkeys, as compared
to man, radioactivity persisted for a longer
period (more than 24 hours).

Brain counts in experimental animals gave
much higher values than in control ones.
It
was, therefore, concluded that C；S.F. dynamics
appeared
to be
definitely increased
in
cerebral oedema.

S.N. Pathak
P .N. Tandon
A.K. Basu
M.A.P. Rao
All India Institute
of Medical Sciences
New Delhi.

SUMMARY OF THE CHATURVEDI KALAWATI JAGMOHAN DAS
MEMORIAL AWARD (1975) ORATION
Prof. K.S. Mathur, Ex-Professor of Medicine. Medical College, Agra delivered the
Chaturvedi Kalawati Jagmohan Das
Memorial
Award (1975) Oration on *Serum Lipids and
•Atherosclerosis * at the Indian Council of
Medical Research, New Delhi on 6th August,
1976.

The main strategic thrust to increasing
atherosclerotic morbidity must be primary pre­
vention, which depends on clear understanding
of its aetiopathogenesis.
It is in this con­
text that the relationship of serum lipids and
atherosclerosis has been studied.
In a study of 200 medico-legal autopsies,
no correlation was observed between total
serum cholesterol and aortic atherosclerosis
when age factor was excluded.
Highly signi­
ficant correlation was demonstrated between
aortic wall cholesterol and atherosclerosis
in 100 autopsies.
In another study of 147

6

aortas obtained from medico-legal autopsies no
relation was observed between globulin content
of intima and atherosclerosis but a direct^^
relationship was observed between lipid aneW
cholesterol binding capacity of intimal globu­
lins and atherosclerosis.
Tliis suggested the
possibility of qualitative change of globulins
and ground substance in atherosclerosis.

The inter-relationship of serum lipids
and atherosclerosis and the aetiopathogenic
role of vessel wall factors were also studied
in experiments designed to observe the effect
of Bengal gram on atherogenesis and serum
lipids in rabbits.

Atherosclerosis as well as levels of
serum lipids
were , significantly less in
rabbits fed on Bengal gram as compared to
those on stock diet when both the groups of
animals were given continuous
cholesterol
feeding for 24 weeks.
Since ftdvance^： lesions

of atherosclerosis were not produced and serum
lipids were markedly raised unlike what is
commonly seen in men, intermittent cholesterol
feeding was employed in another experiment and
followed for 56 weeks.
After an initial rise
during
cholesterol feeding,
serum lipids
returned to near normal values after 40 weeks
in both the groups of rabbits but athero­
sclerosis was significantly less in the Bengal
gram fed animals.
This suggested that antiatherosclerotic action of Bengal gram was not
due solely to hypolipaedemia.
In another
study on intermittent cholesterol feeding,
there was no difference in globulin content of
intima in the two groups of animals and no
correlation between
globulin content
and
atherosclerosis.
But
there
was
direct
relationship between cholesterol binding capa­

city of intimal globulins and atherosclerosis：

Studies on human autopsies as well as
experimental animals suggest a qualitative
change in the protein moiety of the groimd
substance in the vessel wall that plays an
important role in the pathogenesis of athero­
sclerosis and Bengal gram may be interfering
with it to partly account for its anti-athero­
sclerotic action.

The experimental studies have also high­
lighted the benefrcial effect of Bengal gram
as a dietary supplement when given from an
early age in either preventing or delaying
atherosclerosis as well^s lowering the serum
lipids.

SUMMARY OF LECTURE DELIVERED AT THE ICMR, NEW DELHI
LONG TERM EFFECTS OF VASECTOMY BY DR. SHANTA
S. RAO,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
INSTITUTE
FOR
RESEARCH IN REPRODUCTION (IRR),
BOMBAY, ON
29TH OCTOBER, 1976.

As vasectomy is being increasingly advo­
cated as a method of fertility control, it has
become
necessary to study
its long term
sequelae, the occurrence of whicli will have a
bearing on the acceptance of this method.
Two factors which have greatly influenced
the acceptance of vasectomy, are the questions
of (i) reversibility (ii) safety and long term
sequelae.

Since 1958-59, attempts have been made
for reanastomosis of the vas.
A 90 per cent
success rate, as indicated by the presence of
spermatozoa in the semen following reanastamosis, has been reported. However, success, in
terms of restoration of fertility has been
reported to be only about 30-35 per cent. The
successful outcome of reanastamosis depends on
many factors like the psychological, physio­
logical, endocrinal and immunological status
of the individual and also on the histological
integrity of the gonads.
Investigations carried out in this coun­
try and elsewhere, have revealed that vasec­
tomy does not adversely affect the psychologi­
cal status if the individual is properly
briefed and motivated before the operation.
Research carried out at the IRR, Bombay, has

revealed that vasectomy does not adversely
affect the physiological and endocrinal status
of the vasectomised male.
On the other hand,
results of a preliminary study carried out at
the I RR have indicated that vasectomy might
slightly
chance androgen levels and decrease
the tendency for prostatic hypertrophy.
Immunological investigations have indi­
cated the development of humoral immunity (HI)
to spermatozoa in some cases of vasectomy.
Animal experiments, however, have revealed
that HI to homologous spermatozoa is likely
to disappear following reanastomosis.
Cell
mediated inunune response (CMI) was seen in a
small percentage of the IRR series. The inci­
dence of HI and CMI varied in different
centres because of differences in antigen,
antisera and methodology used for their detec­
tion and assay.
Though the development of HI
and CMI to autologous spermatozoa following
vasectomy is known, the exact clinical signi­
ficance of this has not been established.
Evidence is now available to indicate
that infection, general condition of health
and environmental factors may also influence
the development of HI and CMI after vasectomy.
However, recent studies have indicated that
neither HI nor CMI has deterifious effects on
any of the bodily fimctions except perhaps the
fertilising capacity of spermatozoa.
Further
intensive research is, therefore, essential to
solve the queries associated with vasectomy.

7

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
JE epiderric in Burdwan district:

The
Vector Control
Research
Centre
(VCRC), Pondicherry, investigated an epidemic
of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Burdwan dis­
trict of West Bengal this year.
The epidemic
was considered a serious one in that a large
number of deaths occurred i.e. 61 deaths out
of 169 cases reported till the end of August
1976.
It was found that most of the cases
occurred
among the
economically backward
communities such as the scheduled castes and
tribes, particularly the Santhals.

Though JE virus was isolated from mos­
quitoes collected in the year 1974 and 1975,
it was of interest to note that no cases of JE
were reported during these years.
This might
be due to the fact that the vector species
breeds mainly in rain water pools and 1974 and
1975 happened to be years of lean rain fall,
receiving less than half the annual quota of
rains.
In April 1976, on the other hand,
there were cyclonic storms and heavy rains
leading to profuse breeding of mosquitoes.
Entomological
collections made during the
period showed that the mosquitoes were breed­
ing profusely in rain water pools and paddy
fields and resting in forest undergrowths.
The main type of man-biting mosquito found was
that of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The study of
animal fauna showed that the density of pigs,
which are recognised reservoirs of JE in other
parts of the world, was very low.
It appears
that pigs could have only served as sentinels
in this situation.

Biological control of mosquitoes:

Concern on the environmental pollution
due to large scale use of insecticides and the
increasing resistance of mosquitoes to these
has stimulated renewed interest in the use of
biological agents for mosquito control.
A
survey carried out by the VCRC in and around
Pondicherry showed the presence of mermathid
nematode infecting mosquito larvae found in
paddy fields.
The nematode (Reestmermis sp.)
was found in An. vagusAn. subpietus and C.
vishnui.
Susceptibility studies in the labo­
ratory showed that 4". stephens" C. fatigans
and Ae. aegypti^ the vectors of medical impor­
tance, are also highly susceptible. In fields
whenever parasitism, occurs it was generally
very high,
the infection level sometimes

8

attaining 90 per cent.
This results in the
total extermination of the infected population
of larvae.
Studies show that the infec­
tive stage (preparasite nemas) can tolerate
pollution and preliminary trials indicate that
following application of the
preparasitic
nemas to breeding places of C. fatigans the
larvae become parasitised.
Procedures have
been standardised by the VCRC for mass pro­
duction
of the
preparasitic
stages
in
millions.

These studies indicate that the nematode
is a prime candidate which could be used alone
or in combination with other agents (biologi­
cal or insecticidal) in any integrated control
method.
The fact that this parasite is indi­
genous is an added advantage as nothing new
would be introduced into the ecosystem in a
release programme.
Further, initial experi­
ments
indicate that infective stages
of
Reeszmermis cannot become established in non­
target organisms.

High risk G-6-PD deficients

The Blood Group Reference Centre, Bombay,
has identified the high risk G-6-PD deficient
populations in India. Thus, in Western India,
the highest incidence of G-6-PD deficiency
was seen in the Warlis (19.6%) followed by the
Parsis (15.7 per cent), Bhanushalis (13.8 per
cent), Gonds (11 per cent), Mahars of Auranga­
bad (10 per cent), Kokanas (8.2 per cent) and
Dhodias (6.4 per cent).
In northern India,
the Khatris had the highest incidence (14 pen
cent) followed by that of the local population
of Allahabad (11.1 per cent).
The incidence
among Punjabis was 7.1 per cent.
In southern
India the highest incidence (13 per cent) was
among the tribals of Thai lavarm in Andlira
Pradesh, while the local population of Madras
showed 9 per cent G-6-PD deficients.

Radioininuno- ass^ kit for HPL:

The Institute for Research in Reproduction, Bombay, has developed a radioimmuno­
for the
assay kit
estimation of
human
placental lactogen (HPL).
This is an impor­
tant hormone produced during pregnancy which
can be used to evaluate zthe fetoplacental
£un^£on.
"门争，：3

ICMR NEWS
A meeting was' held at the ICMR, New Delhi, on
October 23, 1976 to discuss and formulate
role of the ICMR and the line of action for
the 1 Integrated Rural Development Programme*.
It was suggested that an inventory of resour­
ces and data on the incidence/prevalence of
various diseases be collected, on the basis of
which a malady remedy analysis table could be
prepared.
It was also suggested that a self
employed cadre of local health care workers be
created for delivering curative, preventive
and promotive health services in the villages;
training of these workers to be provided by
Mobile Training Teams.

Dr. C. Gopalan, inaugurated the Journalists
Workshop, on 'Nutrition Communication * orga­
nised by the National Institute of Nutrition,
Hyderabad in collaboration with UNICEF, on
8th November, 1976.
Dr. C. GopaIan,participated in the 42nd Annual
Meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences at
Baroda, between 12th and 14th November, 1976,
where he delivered a lecture on 'New Horizons
in Nutrition Research *.
Dr. G.V. Satyavati, Chief, Division of Publi­
cation and Information, ICMR, participated in
a
training course on
Scientific Editing
sponsored jointly by the
UNESCO and the
Publication and Information Directorate (PID)
at New DeIhi between 8th and 16th November,
1976.
She also participated in a seminar on
'Science publishing in India - problems and
prospects1 on 18th and 19th November, 1976 at
the PID, New Delhi.
The Scientific Advisory Committee
Central Jalma Institute for Leprosy
Agra on 20th November, 1976.

Prof.

Sydney Cohen,

Professor

of

of the
met at
Chemical

Pathology, Guy's Hospital, London,
visited
various centres in India where research on the
immunological aspects of Malaria is being con­
ducted
under the aegis of the Council, in
November, 1976.
Dr. Usha K. Luthra,
Deputy Director-General,
ICMR, has been elected President of the Indian
Academy of Cytologists for the year 1977.
Dr. B. Belavady,
Deputy Director,
National
° Institute of Nutrition,
Hyderabad, parti­
cipated in tl?e meeting of the WHO Task Force
on Breast Feeding held at Geneva between 1st
and Sth November, 1976.
Dr. U.M. Joshi,
Senior
Research
Officer,
Institute for Research in Reproduction,Bombay,
attended a meeting on HVHO Programme for the
Quality Control of Radioimmunoassay of Hor­
mones in Reproductive Physiology1 held at
Geneva on the 18th and 19th November, 1976.

Dr. S.G. Srikantia, Director, National Insti­
tute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, participated in
the WHO sponsored meeting of the Directors of
Training Programmes in Public Health Nutri­
tion,
held at Geneva from 22nd to 26th
November, 1976.
Dr. C. Gopalan attended the Annual Meeting of
the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka between
25th and 27th November, 1976, at which he
delivered the Key note address.
He also
participated in the seminar on identification
of Priority Groups and Programmes1.

Shri S.K. Bhattacharya,
Research
Officer,
National Institute of Occupational Health,
Ahmedabad, proceeded on a one year WHO fellow­
ship to U.K., to work in the field of Occu­
pational Hygiene.

ICMR AIDED SYMPOSIA/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
A workshop was organised on the *Role of
Paediatricians in the delivery of health care'
at Srinagar between 1st and 4th October,
1976.

An International Symposium on •Molecular
Basis of Host Virus Interaction' organised by
the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras
Hindu University, Varanasi, was held between
17th and 20th October, 1976.

A workshop
and teaching
seminar on
* Radioisotopes, Instrumentation and Techniques
in practice of Nuclear Medicine1 is being
organised as part of the 8th Annual Conference
of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (India) at
Bangalore on 6th November, 1976.
A satellite symposium of the 9th Inter­
national Diabetes Congress on Nutrition and
Diabetes1 is being organised by the Diabetes

9

Association of India at the. Osmania Medical
College,
Hyderabad,
November 8th and 9th,
1976.
A symposium on 1 Development in Malaria
Immunology* is being organised by the Indian
College of Allergy and Applied Immunology, at
the V.P. Chest Institute, New Delhi, on 8th
November, 1976.
.

As part of the 45th annual meeting of the
Society of
Biological
Chemists
(India),
Symposia are being organised on Reproductive
Biology and Aging, Stress and Metabolic Dis­
orders between November 12th and 14th, 1976,
at the
National Institute
of Nutrition,
Hyderabad.

The second National Symposium on Cryo­
genics 1 is being organised by the
Indian
Institute of Technology, Madras from 8th to
10th December, 1976.
An International Symposium on 'Vitamin
and Carrier Functions of Polyprenoids * is
being organised at the Indian Institute of
Science,
Bangalore
between 8th and 11th
December, 1976.

A Symposium on 'Prophylactic measures to
combat deficiencies of fat soluble vitamins1,
is being organised at the Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore, on 10th and 11th December,
1976.

The Sixth All India Symposium on 1 Biomedical Engineering1 is being organised at the
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, bet­
ween 14th and .16th December, 1976.
The Fourth Seminar on * Data base
Indian Economy with
special reference

of
to

Health and Education * is being organised by
the Indian Association for Study of Population
at the
Institute of Social and Economic
Change, Bangalore on 22nd December, 1976.
A workshop on 'Research Methodology in
Pharmacology* is being organised during the
9th Annual Conference of the Indian Pharmaco­
logical Society at the Institute of Medical
Sciences,
Varanasi between 26th and 28th
December, 1976.

A Symposium on *Physiology and Physical
Performance1 is being
held during the 22nd
Annual
Conference
of
Physiologists
and
Pharmacologists of India, at the S.N. Medical
College, Agra between 27th and 29th December,
1976.
A Symposium on •Research and Treatment in
Bums* is being organised during the 36th
Annual Conference
of the
Association of
Surgeons of India, at New Delhi, from the 27th
to 31st December, 1976.
A Symposium on *Carcinoma breast and its
Comprehensive Approach1
is being held in
connection . with the 30th Annual Congress of
Radiology at Chandigarh, between 1st and 4th
January, 1977.
A Symposium on Atherosclerosis1 is being
organised during the 3rd Annual Conference of
the Association of Biochemists of India at the
Medical College, Baroda, between 7th and 9th
January, 1977.

An International Symposium on 1Venom and
Toxins1 is being organised by the Haffkine
Institute, Bombay in February, 1977

COUNCIL'S TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR 1976-77
(A) EXISTING ANNUAL TRAINING COURSES:

Nutrition and Endocrinology:

At the National Institute of Nutrition,
Hyderabad.

(1)

10

Annual Certificate Course in Nutrition;
(December 1, 1976 to February 28, 1977)

(2)

Ninth M.Sc. (Applied Nutrition) Course:
(June 1, 1976 to February 28, 1977)

(3) *Fourth Annual Certificate. Course in Human
Nutrition for Teachers in Agricultural
Universities.

(4)

Fifth
Annual
Training
Course
in
Endocrino1ogi cal Techniques
and their
application: (August 19 to September
30
1976)

Reproductive Biology and Fertility Control:

At the Institute
duction, Bombay.

for

Diploma Course in
Virology
University (July 1, 1976)

(2)

Seventh Annual Training Course in Repro­
ductive Biology and Fertility Control:
(November 1, 1976 to February 28, 1977)

(3)

Sixth Annual Training
Assays:
(February 1,
1977)

Seth

Course on Hormone
1977 to March 31,

A Training Course in Clinical Pharma­
cology and Drug Evaluation:
(January 15,
1977 to February 28, 1977).

(B) NEW TRAINING COURSES DURING 1976-77:
Reproductive Biology and Fertility Control:

Haematology:

Group

Reference

Centre,

Training Course in Blood Banking and
Basic Haematology for Technicians (February 16, 1976 to May 15, 1976)

At the Institute for
duction, Bombay.

Research in

Course in Cytology
(September, '1976)

and

Repro­

Cytogenetics:

Occupational Health:

At the National Institute of Occupational
Health, Ahmedabad.

Amoebiasis:

At the School of Tropical Medicine,
cutta .
Technicians
Amoebiasis:
1976)

At the Department of Pharmacology,
G.S. Medical College, Bombay.

Clinical Pharmacology：

Annual Training Course in Reproductive
Endocrinology:
(September 15,
1976 to
October 15, 1976)

Blood

Poona

Research in Repro­

(1)

At the
Bombay.

of

Cal­

Training
Course
on
(April 1, 1976 to • June 30,

(1)

ICMR/WHO Training Course of Evaluation
and Control of Industrial. Environment:
(February 16-28, 1976)

(2) *Training Course on the
Occupational
Health
Industry:

organizationa of
Programmes
in

Biostatistics:

(3)

At the National Institute 0f
Hyderabad.

Nutrition,

Third Annual Training Course in Bio­
statistics for Statisticians and Medical
Research Workers: (September 1976)
Animal Technicians Training:

At the
Laboratory
Animal Information
Service, National Institute of Nutrition,
Hyderabad.

Ninth Annual Animal Technicians Training
Course: (September 1,1976 to November 30,
1976)
Virology:

At the Virus Research Centre, Poona.

Training Course on Industrial Hygiene to
be organised in collaboration with the
National Safety Council: (November, 1976)

Haematology:

At the
Bombay.

Blood

Group

Reference

Centre,

A certificate course in Blood Banking
Technology and basic
Haematology for
medical .Officers for a period of eight
weeks (February 1, 1977 to March
31,
1977),.
Laboratory Animal Technology:

At the Virus Research Centre, Poona.
A short-term
course in breeding and
maintenance of laboratory mouse colonies:
(March 1977).

11

Cell-Biology and Cyto-Genetics:

Leprosy:

At the
Central
Leprosy, Agra.

Jalma

Institute
,

for

Medical Officers Training Course
in
Leprosy for a period of 6 weeks, commen­
cing on 6th December, 1376.

At the Indian
Institute of Science,
Bangalore: (April 12-21, 1976)
Principles and Methods in Medical Statistics:

At the Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Centre,
Madras:(December, 1976)

(C) COURSES FOR TALENT SEARCH SCHEME FELLOWS:
Immunological Techniques:

Clinical Chemistry and Instrumentation:

At the National Institute of ?4utrition,
Hyderabad (March 1-10, 1976)

At the Department of Biochemistry, All
India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi: (January 24, 1977 to Feb­
ruary 5, 1977)

*Dates to be announced later

SCIENTIFIC LECTURES TO BE HELD AT
INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1976.

Topic

Date

Speaker

3.11.1976

Etiology of Chronic Cor Pulmonale
in Delhi.
(Dr. Kamala Menon Medical Research
Oration, 1975)

Dr. S. Padmavati, New Delhi.

19.11.1976

Depressive illness in India.
(Dr. P.N. Raju Oration, 1975)

Dr. A. Venkoba Rao,
Madurai.

17.12.1976

Recent advances in Leprosy
(Dr. Y.S. Narayana Rao Oration, 1975)

Dr. Dharmendra, New Delhi.

31.12.1976

Some facets of Human Muscular
Dystrophy.

Dr. Anil Desai, Bomb ay.

ICMR

PUBLICATIONS
TECHNICAL REPORTS

1.
2.
3.

12

Research in Medical Education (1970)
Research in Health Practices (1970)
Acute Encephalopathy Syndrome in Qiildren (1970)

Price
Rs.
4.00
4.00
4.00

Rs.
4.

Technical Review on Pneunoconiosis in India (1970)

4.00

5.

Exfoliative Cytology(1971)

4.00

6.

Sysposiiua on Nutrition and Heart Disease (1971)

4.00

7.

Developments in Industrial Psychology in India (1971)

4.00

8.

Study Group in Urolithiasis (1971)

4.00

9.

Proceedings of Seminar on Innnunity and Immunoprophyl axis in Cholera

4.00

10. Assessment of the National Filaria Control Programme (India, 1961-70) (1971)

4.00

11. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pesticide Poisoning (1971)

4.00

12. SyuQJosium on Clinical Evaluation of New Drugs (1972)

4.00

13. Techniques in Blood Group Serology (1972)

、

4.00

14. Laboratory Methods in Investigation of Thyroid Diseases (1972)

4.00

17. Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Indian Academy- of
Cytologists (1972)

4.00

18. Growth and Physical Development of Indian Infants and Children (1972)

4.00

19. Review of Work Done in Rural Water Supply in India (1972)

4.00

20* Genetics and our Health (1972)

4.00

21. All India Conference on Research in Reproduction and Fertility (1973)

4.00

22. A study of Morbidity Patterns and Standard of Medical Care in the Rural
Centres of West Bengal (1973)

4.00

23. Proceedings of the First All-India Workshop Conference on Stroke (1973)

4.00

24. Seminar on Infectious Hepatitis and Study Group on Australia Antigen (1973)

4.00

25. Atlas of Histopathology of Liver: Hepatitis and Cirrhosis (1974)

10.00

26. Studies on Pre-school Children (1974)

4.00

27. Studies on Weaning and Supplementary Foods (1974)

4.00

28. Medicinal Plants of India - V&l. I (1976)

30.00

SPECIAL REPORTS
1.

Results of Diet Surveys in dndia 1935-48 (1951) (Special Report No.20)

2.00

2.

Memorandum on the Treatment of Leprosy with Sulphones (1952)
(Special Repp弗 N@. 24)

°・37

3.

A Supplement to the Results of Diet in India by K. Mitra (1953)
谈:诞 al Report Nd. 25)

1.00

Review on Haematology with a note on criteria for averages and
normals (1953) BSpeeial Report No.26^
'

1.00

4.

5.

6.

Treatment and Hygienic Disposal of Lac Wastes by T.R. Bhaskaran (1954)
(Special Report No.28)
0・62
A review of Work on Indian Medicinal Plants by R.N. Chopra and I. C. Chopra
| (Special Report No.3.00

一J

community HEALTH cell

4小霞黑:ad

BAWGAv@,a£ - 560 001

Price
Rs.

7.

8.
9.

A review of Work Done on Infant Mortality by D.M. Satur and S. Bhatia
(1957) (Special Report No.32)

1.00

Proteins in Foods by S. Kuppuswamy, M. Sriniv/asan and V. Subramanyan
(1958) (Special Report No.33)

12.00

Tuberculosis in India: A Sample Survey, 1955-58 (1959)
(Special Report No.34)

2.00

10. Physiological Norms in Indians: Pulmonary Capacities in Health by M.N. Rao,
A. Sen Gupta, P.N. Sail a and A. Sita Devi (1961) (Special Report No. 38)

3.00

11. Treatment and Disposal of Sugar Factory Effluents by T.R. Bhaskaran,
R.N. Chakraborty, N. Das and S.N. Sinha (1961) (Special Report No.39)

1.00

12. Nutrition for mother and child by P.S. Venkatachaiam and L.M. Rebellow
(1962), 2nd Edition 1971 (Special Report No.41)

1.50

13. Manual of Standards of Quality for Drinking Water Supplies (1962),
Second Edition 1975 (Special Report Series No.44)

1.00

14. Manual of Methods for the Examination of Water Sewage and Industrial
Wastes (1963) (Special Report No.47)

4.50

15. Utilization of Liquid Wastes from Molasses Distillery for Recovery of
Potassium Salts by R.N. Chakraborty and T.R. Bhaskaran (1964)
•
(Special Report No.49)

0.50

16. Occupational Health Research in India: A Second Review by M.N. Rao and
B.B. Chatterjee (1964) (Special Report No.50)

Gratis

17. Nardostachys Jatamansi - A Chemical, Pharmacological and Clinical
Appraisal by R.B. Arora (1965) (Special Report No.51)

4.50

18. Dietary Allowances for Indians by C. Gopalan and B.S. Narasinga Rao
(1968) Reprinted in 1974 (Special Report No.60)

4.00

OTHER PUBLICATICNS

1.

Memorandum on Poliomyelitis by C.G. Pandit and V. Ramalingaswamy (1955)

2.

Technical Information Bulletin No.1.
Area (1964)

Haemorrhagic Fever in Calcutta

Technical Information Bulletin No.2.
(1965)

An outline of treatment of Cholera

Technical Information Bulletin No.3.
of Cholera (1966), Reprinted 1968

An outline of Diagnosis and Treatment

3.
4.

0.50
Gratis
Gratis

on Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (1966)

Gratis

Gratis

5.

Technician Hand Book

6.

Review of Research Work in India on Intra-uterine Contraceptive
Devices *1968)

Gratis

Report of the Assessment Committee on the National Filaria Control
Programme India (1961), Reprinted 1967

Gratis

7.
8.

Control of Communicable Diseases in Man, 9th Edition 1960

9.

Recommended Daily Allowances of Nutrients and Balanced Diets (1968)

14

3.00
Gratis

Pri ce
Rs.
10. Diet Atlas of India by C. Gopalan, S.C. Balasubramanian, B. V. Rama Sas tri
and K. Vishveswara Rao (1971)

8.00

11. Nutritive Value of India Foods by C. Gopalan, B.V. Rama Sastri and
S.C. Balasubramanian (1971) Reprinted 1976

7.00

12. Nutrition Atlas of India by C. Gopal an and K. Vijaya Raghavan (1971)

10.50

13. Report of Nutrition Work Done in States in 1967

Gratis

14. Some Therapeutic Diets by S. Pasricha (1974)

0.50

15. Lathyrism - A preventable Paralysis (1967) Reprinted 1974

Gratis

16. Seminar on Atherosclerosis and Ischaemic Heart Diseases (1961)

Gratis

17. Indian Research Fund Association and Indian Council of Medical Research
1911-61. Fifty years of Progress by C.G. Pandit and K. Someswara Rao (1961)

Gratis

18. Indian Children on a Psychiatrisfs Playground by Erna M. Hoch (1967)

12.25

19、 Hand Book of I.C.M.R. Permanent Institutes (1975)

Gratis

(Available from Division of Publication & Information,
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110016.

Indian

Council

of Medical

Research,

INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
Applications are invited for the
field of bio-medical sciences:-

1.

Junior Fellowships

following fellowships for research

Rs.400/- p.m. for
the first year

Rs.450/- p.m. for
the second year

in

the

M.Sc./M.A./B.D.S.
M.V.Sc., M.S.W., M. Pharma or
B. Pharma, with three years
research experience, or equi­
valent qualifications.

Rs.500/- p.m. for
the third year
2.

Senior Fellowships

Rs.600/- p.m.

M.B.B.S.,should have completed
internship or M.Sc. with atleast 3 years research ex­
perience.

3.

Research Associates

Rs.700/- p.m. to
Rs.1100/- p.m. The
actual value will be
determined on the
basis of qualifi­
cations and research
experience.

A doctorate Degree in Medicine
or Science viz. M.D., Ph.D. or
equivalent qualification with
research experience.

The above fellowships will be awarded for specific time bound research projects
to be carried out in the permanent Institutions of the Council, other Biomedical
Research Institutes, Medical Colleges and Universities in the Country.

15

Full details and application forms obtainable from the Director-General, Indian
Council of Medical Research, Post Box No.4508, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110016.
Applications will be received throughout the year.

INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
TALENT SEARCH SCHEME

Applications are invited from medical graduates, who have either
completed or will complete their internship by the end of 1977, for
Talent Search Scheme Fellowships. The candidates should be under
25 years of age on July 1, 1977, have secured a minimum of 60 per
cent in the aggregate marks of the final MBBS and have passed all
MBBS examinations in the first attempt Candidates will be selected
on the basis of an All India Competitive Examination.
Selected
candidates will commence their fellowship once they have obtained
admission to a first-year residency recognised for the MD degree, in
the institution of their choice.
The fellowship is tenable for 3
years and carries a stipend equivalent to that of Government resident
doctors.
The fellows who complete the fellowship successfully will be
offered suitable positions in the Institutes under the Council.
Full
details and application forms are obtainable from the DirectorGeneral, Indian Council of Medical Research (TSS), Ansari Nagar,
P. O. Box No. 4508, New Delhi-110016. Last date for receipt of com­
pleted applications is March 15, 1977.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chairman

Members

Dr. C. Gopalan
Director-General

Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.

Editor
Dr. G.V. Satyavati

S.V. Apte
Usha K. Luthra
V.N. Rao
A.D. Taskar
Sabita Tejuja

Printed and Published by Shri Prem Chand for the Indian Council of Medical
Research, New Delhi at the ICMR Offset Press, New Delhi.

R.N. 21813/71

Position: 1791 (13 views)