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Biomedical subjects

A Ali

Publications and source records attributed to A Ali.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Revision surgery for nonunion after early failure of fixation of fractures of the distal humerus.

Sixteen patients who underwent a revision operation for nonunion of fractures of the distal humerus following previous internal fixation were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 39 months (8 to 69). The Mayo elbow performance score was excellent in 11, good in two, fair in two and poor in one. In 15 patients union was achieved and in one with an infected nonunion a subsequent bone graft was necessary in order to obtain union.Age, gender, a history of smoking, mechanism of the injury and the AO classification of the initial fracture did not correlate with the development of nonunion. In 12 patients (75%), the initial fixation was assessed as being suboptimal. The primary surgery was regarded as adequate in only three patients. Our findings suggest that the most important determinant of nonunion of a distal humeral fracture after surgery is the adequacy of fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Enhanced recognition of hydroxyl radical modified plasmid DNA by circulating cancer antibodies.

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in various human diseases which are also responsible for the elimination of invading pathogens. In disease state and inflammatory responses, the excess of these radicals damage cellular macromolecules. DNA is susceptible to attacks by OH-induced damage. Oxidative DNA damage is an important factor in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. In the present study, purified plasmid Bluescript DNA was modified by hydroxyl radical. Modifications incurred in DNA were characterized by physico-chemical techniques. Sera from patients of cancer were studied for their binding to native and hydroxyl radical modified plasmid DNA. Direct binding ELISA and competition binding results indicated that autoantibodies in cancer showed higher recognition to ROS-plasmid DNA as compared to the native form. Retarded mobility of the immune complex formation between IgG isolated from cancer sera using native and ROS-plasmid DNA as antigens reiterated preferential recognition of modified plasmid DNA by cancer autoantibodies. Therefore, it can be concluded that circulating autoantibodies in cancer sera bind preferentially to ROS-plasmid DNA as compared to native polymer. The data presented in the present communication suggest a role of ROS in the etiology of cancer.

Antibodies, Neoplasm↗
PubMed2005

Complications of acute infective rhinosinusitis: experience from a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Complications of acute infective sinusitis are a therapeutic emergency. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical presentation, microbiological pattern, treatment modalities and outcome of patients diagnosed to have acute rhinogenic orbital, intra- and extra-cranial complications from a developing country in Asia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from October 1999 to January 2004 was conducted. RESULTS: Among 247 ENT surgical emergencies documented, 13 patients (5.3 percent) were diagnosed to have acute sinusitis with various complications either as in solitary or multiple forms. Orbital complications were the most common (61.5 percent) followed by acute subdural empyema (23.1 percent) and meningitis (15.2 percent). Subdural empyema was the most common intracranial complication. Staphylococcus was reported to be the most common offending organism (45.5 percent). Majority of the patients (84.6 percent) had surgical drainage of the affected sinuses, 38.5 percent being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for those with coexisting osteomyelitis (30.8 percent). Two patients had combined approach, and one patient had post-operative facial paresis. There was no mortality in our series. CONCLUSION: Early detection, aggressive medical and prompt surgical treatment by multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmological, neurosurgical and rhinological procedures, can successfully treat the complications with a significant reduction in the morbidity and no mortality.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Mapping the potential distribution of Phlebotomus martini and P. orientalis (Diptera: Psychodidae), vectors of kala-azar in East Africa by use of geographic information systems.

The distribution of two principal vectors of kala-azar in East Africa, Phlebotomus martini and Phlebotomus orientalis were analysed using geographic information system (GIS) based on (1) earth observing satellite sensor data: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and midday Land Surface Temperature (LST) derived from advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) of the global land 1km project of United States Geological Survey (USGS), (2) agroclimatic data from the FAO Crop Production System Zone (CPSZ) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sub-region, and (3) the FAO 1998 soils digital map for the IGAD sub-region. The aim was to produce a predictive risk model for the two vectors. Data used for the analysis were based on presence and absence of the two species from previous survey collections in the region (mainly Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia). Annual, wet season and dry season models were constructed. Although all models resulted in more than 85% positive predictive values for both species, the best fit for the distribution of P. martini was the dry season composite (NDVI 0.07-0.38 and LST 22-33 degrees C) with a predictive value of 93.8%, and the best fit for P. orientalis was the wet season composite (NDVI -0.01 to 0.34 and LST 23-34 degrees C) with a predictive value of 96.3%. The two seasonal composites models derived from satellite data were largely similar with best fit models developed based on the CPSZ climate data: average altitude (12-1900m), average annual mean temperature (15-30 degrees C), annual rainfall (274-1212mm), average annual potential evapotranspiration (1264-1938mm) and readily available soil moisture (62-113mm) for P. martini; and average altitude (200-2200m), annual rainfall (180-1050mm), annual mean temperature (16-36 degrees C) and readily available soil moisture (67-108mm) for P. orientalis. Logistic regression analysis indicated LST dry season composite of the satellite data, average altitude, mean annual temperature and readily available soil moisture of the CPSZ data as the best ecological determinants for P. martini while LST annual composite was the only important ecological determinant for P. orientalis. Spearman's rank correlation revealed several factors to be important determinants for the distribution of the two vectors. None of the soil types analysed appeared to be important determinant for the two species in East Africa, unlike in Sudan where P. orientalis is mainly associated with eutric vertisol (black cotton clay soil).

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed2004

The isolation of Leishmania tropica and L. aethiopica from Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) species (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Awash Valley, northeastern Ethiopia.

In a survey of Leishmania infections in phlebotomine sandflies in a highly suspected focus of leishmaniasis in the Awash Valley (northeastern Ethiopia) between January 1994 and August 1997, a total of 3307 females of 11 Phlebotomus species (P. orientalis, P. fantalensis, P. saevus, P. sergenti, P. gemetchi, P. alexandri, P. bergeroti, P. duboscqi, P. arabicus, P. martini, and P. rodhaini) were dissected. Promastigotes were detected in 17 females of three species (11 P. saevus, 4 P. sergenti and 2 P. arabicus). Of these, only two P. saevus (one from Upper Awash and one from Middle Awash) and three P. sergenti (from Upper Awash) positives were successfully isolated in culture and were typed by isoenzyme analysis. Four isolates (two each from P. saevus and P. sergenti) were identified as new zymodemes (Z) of L. tropica and one isolate from P. sergenti was typed as a new zymodeme of L. aethiopica. This is the first finding of natural infections of P. saevus and P. arabicus and the first evidence for the former to be a vector of L. tropica. This is also the first time P. sergenti has been implicated in L. tropica transmission in Ethiopia; the isolation of L. aethiopica from a Paraphlebotomus species (P. sergenti) is also a new record. The possible presence of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (L. tropica and L. aethiopica), and wild reservoir host(s) of the parasites, especially rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) in the Upper and Middle Awash Valley remain to be determined.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Are medullary breast cancers an indication for BRCA1 mutation screening? A mutation analysis of 42 cases of medullary breast cancer.

Recommended guidelines have limited breast cancer gene ( BRCA1 ) mutation testing to individuals with a personal or family history of early onset breast and/or ovarian cancer, and those with multiple affected close relatives. Such large breast cancer families are rare in the general population, limiting the clinical application of the BRCA1 discovery. Previous reports have suggested an association between medullary breast cancer and BRCA1 mutation carriers. To test the feasibility of using these rare histological subtypes as an alternative to epidemiological factors, 42 cases of medullary cancer unselected for family history were screened for BRCA1 point mutations and large exon rearrangements. The large majority (83%) of these patients did not have significant family of breast or ovarian cancer. Two deleterious mutations resulting in a premature stop codon, and one exon 13 duplication were found. All mutations were detected in patients with typical medullary cancer, who had family history of multiple breast and ovarian cancers. Our findings suggest that medullary breast cancers are not an indication for BRCA1 mutation screening in the absence of significant family risk factors.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

Nocturia in older people: a review of causes, consequences, assessment and management.

Nocturia is common in older people and it may be bothersome for both patients and carers. It is most commonly related to bladder storage difficulties and nocturnal polyuria. The former results most frequently from an uninhibited overactive bladder. The latter occurs as a consequence of age-associated changes in the circadian rhythm of urine excretion. The management of an overactive bladder includes both behavioural and drug treatment. The management options for nocturnal polyuria include an afternoon diuretic and desmopressin, but caution is required, particularly with the latter, as it can cause significant hyponatraemia.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effect of gestational age and fetal position on the possibility and accuracy of ultrasonographic fetal gender determination in dairy cattle.

The possibility and accuracy of transrectal ultrasonographic determination of foetal gender were studied by identifying and locating the genital tubercle, scrotum or mammary gland in 15 dairy cows at 49-168 days post-breeding. Ultrasound examinations were performed weekly. Each examination was made without references to the results of the examinations in the previous weeks. At each examination, an attempt was made to view the foetus in frontal, cross-sectional, and sagittal planes. The expected foetal gender was compared with that observed at birth. Gestational age affected significantly the possibility of foetal gender determination. The possibility of foetal gender determination increased from 26.7% at day 49 to 100% at day 56 of gestation. Between days 56 and 98, foetal gender determination was possible in all cases. Thereafter, the ability to determine foetal gender decreased with development of pregnancy and was impossible in all cases by days 161 and 168. The overall accuracy of foetal gender determination was 97.3%. Foetal gender determination between days 49 and 63 depended on the location of the genital tubercle in a frontal view of the foetus. By day 70, all foetal positions could be used for foetal gender determination. However, by progress of gestation, the usefulness of frontal view for sex determination decreased, while that of cross-sectional view increased. Accordingly, the best time for foetal gender determination in dairy cattle is between days 56 and 98 of pregnancy.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Retropharyngeal space swelling secondary to minor blunt head and neck trauma.

Retropharyngeal space swelling is a rare occurrence following minor head and neck trauma. Upper airway obstruction is a potentially life-threatening sequela. The authors present a case of retropharyngeal space haematoma following minor blunt head and neck trauma. Management was conservative with gradual spontaneous resolution of the haematoma. The literature is reviewed and the management and treatment principles presented.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2004

Schwannoma of the postcricoid region: report of a first case.

Schwannoma is one of the very rare benign tumours of the hypopharynx. It has to be distinguished from malignant tumours arising from this region. We report the management of a case of postcricoid schwannoma with a review of the literature.

Cricoid Cartilage↗
PubMed2004

Fabrication and evaluation of polymeric films for transdermal delivery of pinacidil.

The objective of the present work was to fabricate Eudragit RL 100-polyvinyl acetate films and evaluate their potential for transdermal drug delivery in a quest to develop a suitable transdermal therapeutic system for pinacidil. The polymeric films (composed of Eudragit RL100 and polyvinyl acetate in 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, 8:2 ratios in films P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4 respectively, together with 5% w/w of pinacidil and 5% w/w of dibutylphthalate in all the films) were cast on a glass substrate and evaluated for physicochemical parameters viz. thickness, weight, folding endurance (a measure of fragility), percent elongation at break (a measure of flexibility), drug content uniformity, water absorption capacity, moisture vapour transmission, drug-polymer interaction, in vitro drug release and skin permeation profiles. The films were also evaluated for appearance, smoothness and transparency. The film finally selected was assessed for its skin irritation potential, and its stability on storage under accelerated temperature and humidity conditions. The values of thickness, weight, folding endurance, percent elongation at break, percentage water absorbed, moisture vapour transmission, cumulative amount of drug released and permeated for different films were in the following order: P-1 < P-2 < P-3 < P-4. The results suggest that Eudragit RL 100, a freely permeable polymer, has a major influence on the physicochemical profile of the films. The higher the quantity of Eudragit RL100 in the film, the better its strength and flexibility as well as its higher drug release and skin permeation potential. The final optimized film (with a composition of Eudragit RL 100: polyvinyl acetate: pinacidil monohydrate: dibutylphthalate in 8.0:2.0:0.5:0.5 ratio) was found to be the best in terms of drug release (cumulative amount of drug released in 48 h was 96.09%) and skin permeation (permeability coefficient, 0.0164 cm/h). There was no apparent drug-polymer interaction in the films. The optimized film was seemingly free of potentially hazardous skin irritation. The film was found to be stable and intact at ambient temperature and humidity conditions. The films hold promise for the development of a matrix type transdermal therapeutic system for pinacidil.

Absorption↗
PubMed2003

Peer review amongst restorative specialists on the quality of their communication with referring dental practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: A peer review study was carried out to assess the written communication between consultants and specialist registrars in restorative dentistry with the referring general dental practitioners. METHODS: Seven people took part in the study and each presented referral and reply letters for five patients whom they had seen for consultation. The referral letters were used for information only and were not used in the peer review process. Each participant inspected the referral and reply letters from the other six participants. The reply letters were anonymously peer reviewed by using a proforma containing agreed criteria in relation to appropriate factors to include in the reply letter. The reviewer also ranked the letter in relation to overall quality on a 1-10 point scale. RESULTS: It was found that the participants' letters generally conformed positively with the agreed criteria although there were some differences between individuals. There were particular problems identified in relation to tooth notation. Reply letters commonly used different forms of tooth notation to the referring practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The ranking of the letters generally indicated that the participants' replies were judged to be favourable by their peers. There may be scope for continuing this study in relation to peer review by other groups of professionals, in particular practitioners in primary dental care.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Self-treatment of malaria in rural communities, Butajira, southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the use of self-treatment and to determine the actions taken to manage malaria illness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in six peasant associations in Butajira district, southern Ethiopia, between January and September 1999. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 630 households with malaria cases within the last six months. FINDINGS: Overall, 616 (>97%) of the study households acted to manage malaria, including the use of antimalarial drugs at home (112, 17.8%), visiting health services after taking medication at home (294, 46.7%), and taking malaria patients to health care facilities without home treatment (210, 33.3%). Although 406 (64.5%) of the households initiated treatment at home, the use of modern drugs was higher (579, 92%) than that of traditional medicine (51, 8%). Modern drugs used included chloroquine (457, 73.5%) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (377, 60.6%). Malaria control programmes were the main sources of antimalarials. In most cases of malaria, treatment was started (322, 52.3%) or health services visited (175, 34.7%) within two days of the onset of symptoms. Cases of malaria in the lowland areas started treatment and visited health services longer after the onset of malaria than those in the midland areas (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.64; and adjusted odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25-0.56, respectively). Similarly, those further than one hour's walk from the nearest health care facility initiated treatment later than those with less than one hour's walk (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.87). This might be because of inaccessibility to antimalarial drugs and distant health care facilities in the lowland areas; however, statistically insignificant associations were found for sex, age, and religion. CONCLUSION: Self-treatment at home is the major action taken to manage malaria. Efforts should be made to improve the availability of effective antimalarials to communities in rural areas with malaria, particularly through the use of community health workers, mother coordinators, drug sellers, and shop owners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Toxicity of the Red Sea pufferfish Pleuranacanthus sceleratus "El-Karad".

The pufferfish Pleuranacanthus sceleratus (El-Karad) represents serious public health problems, because of its responsibility for many incidents in Egypt, especially in the Suez Gulf. In the present study, samples of this fish were collected monthly and the toxins were extracted from gonads, liver, digestive tract, muscles, and skin, then purified and identified using TLC and electrophoresis. The alkaline hydrolyzates of these toxins were also detected using UV absorption and GC-mass spectra of their trimethylsilyl derivatives.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Oxygen free radicals and systemic autoimmunity.

Reactive oxygen species generated during various metabolic and biochemical reactions have multifarious effects that include oxidative damage to DNA leading to various human degenerative and autoimmune diseases. The highly reactive hydroxy radical (*OH) can interact with chromatin and result in a wide range of sugar and base-derived products, DNA-protein cross-links and strand breaks. Studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that after modification the DNA becomes highly immunogenic and the induced antibodies exhibit variable antigen-binding characteristics. Systemic lupus erythematosus, a prototype autoimmune disease, is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to multiple nuclear antigens. The detection of 8-hydroxyguanosine in the immune complex derived DNA of systemic lupus erythematosus patients reinforces the evidence that reactive oxygen species may be involved in its pathogenesis. Increased apoptosis and decreased clearance of apoptotic cells as observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might well be a contributory factor in systemic autoimmunity. Clinically, titres of autoantibodies are closely related to the degree of renal inflammation. Anti-DNA antibodies may combine with circulating antigen and contribute to the deposition of immune complexes in renal glomeruli.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗