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Biomedical subjects

A K Ghosh

Publications and source records attributed to A K Ghosh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The effect of online status on the impact factors of general internal medicine journals.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the effects of becoming available online on impact factors of general medicine journals. METHODS: Through MEDLI NE with an institutional subscription, the 2004 online status of "Medicine, General and Internal" journals listed in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI ) Journal Citation Reports (JCR) was classified as full text on the Net (FU TON), abstract only, or no abstract available (NAA)/unavailable in MEDLI NE. Similarly, through use of a home computer without an institutional subscription, the 2004 online status of the same journals was determined. For each journal, impact factors for 1992 to 2003 were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 102 "Medicine, General and Internal" journals listed in the ISI JCR, 71 (70%) existed in both pre-Internet (1992) and Internet (2003) eras. Of these 71 journals, those available as FU TON in 2004 had higher median impact factors than non-FU TON journals in 1992 (p < 0.0001> and 2003 (p < 0.0001). Journals that became available online, at least partially, had significant increases in median impact factors from 1992 to 2003 (p< 0.0001 for journals that became available as FUTON and for journals that provided an abstract only. However, journals that became available as FUTON had a greater increase in median impact from 1992 to 2003 than other journals (p = 0.002). Similar results were obtained using impact factor data according to journal online status through use of a home computer without an institutional subscription and for English-language journals only. CONCLUSION: Becoming available online as FUTON is associated with a significant increase in journal impact factor.

Bibliometrics↗
PubMed2006

Clinical approach to breast disorders: A primer for internists.

Women with breast disorders often present first to their internists for evaluation. A delay in accurate diagnosis could often result in worsening of prognosis for the patient. Common diagnostic problems include evaluation of a breast lump, nipple discharge and breast pain. Internist now has a choice of several diagnostic modalities to evaluate breast disorders. An evidence-based approach to common breast symptoms and advances in breast diagnostic techniques has been described to enable early diagnosis of breast cancer, thereby reducing the need for intensive treatments and improve patient satisfaction and clinical outcome.

Breast Diseases↗
PubMed2006

Literature search using PubMed: an essential tool for practicing evidence- based medicine.

Efficient literature search is essential to the practice of Evidence-Based Medicine. PubMed provides free access to one of the largest searchable biomedical databases. Efficient literature search using PubMed requires a good understanding of the available search strategies and tools. In this article we present a step-by-step approach for performing literature search using PubMed. Several PubMed tools including 'Single Citation Matcher', 'Clinical Queries', 'Clipboard', 'Field Tags', and 'Cubby' are highlighted using case based scenarios.

Abstracting and Indexing↗
PubMed2006

Diagnosing acid-base disorders.

Diagnosis and management of acid-base disorders ranks high among the medical problems that intimidate many physicians. In practice, acid-base disorders can be approached very systematically as they can be easily diagnosed when certain rules are applied. Using a four step process including, 1) determination the serum pH, 2) calculation of the serum anion gap, 3) estimating the degree of compensation, 4) calculation of the excess anion gap, the reader will be able solve any complex acid-base problem. In this review we describe a practical stepwise approach to identify and resolve issues involving acid-base disorders.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2005

Rare azido-bridged manganese(II) systems: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties.

Two new polymeric azido-bridged manganese complexes of formulas [Mn(N3)2 (bpee)]n (1) and {[Mn(N3)(dpyo)Cl(H2O)2](H2O)}n (2) [bpee, trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene; dpyo, 4,4'-dipyridyl N,N'-dioxide] have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and low-temperature magnetic study. Both the complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 8.877(3) A, b = 11.036(3) A, c = 11.584(4) A, alpha = 72.62(2) degrees, beta = 71.06(2) degrees, gamma = 87.98(3) degrees, and Z = 1 and a = 7.060(3) A, b = 10.345(3) A, c = 11.697(4) A, alpha = 106.86(2) degrees, beta = 113.33(2) degrees, gamma = 96.39(3) degrees, and Z = 2, respectively. Complex 1 exhibits a 2D structure of [-Mn(N3)2-]n chains, connected by bpee ligands, whose pyridine rings undergo pi-pi and C-H...pi interactions. This facilitates the rare arrangement of doubly bridged azide ligands with one end-on and two end-to-end (EO-EE-EE) sequence. Complex 2 is a neutral 1D polymer built up by [Mn(N3)(dpyo)Cl(H2O)2] units and lattice water molecules. The metals are connected by single EE azide ligands, which are arranged in a cis position to the Mn(II) center. The 1D zipped chains are linked by H-bonds involving lattice water molecules and show pi-pi stacking of dpyo pyridine rings to form a supramolecular 2D layered structure. The magnetic studies were performed in 2-300 K temperature range, and the data were fitted by considering an alternating chain of exchange interactions with S = 5/2 (considered as classical spin) with the spin Hamiltonians H = -Ji sigma(S(3i)S(3i+1) + S(3i+1)S(3i+2)) - J2 sigmaS(3i-1)S(3i) and H = -Ji sigmaS(2i)S(2i+1) - J2 sigmaS(2i+1)S(2i+2) for complexes 1 and 2, respectively. Complex 2 exhibits small antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centers, whereas 1 exhibits a new case of topological ferromagnetism, which is very unusual.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

An unusual case of cranial image recognition.

We encountered an unusual practical case of craniofacial identification recently. The peculiarity of the case was that the skull itself was not available for examination unlike other such common cases. The supplied material exhibits were, a nearly front view photograph of a skeletonized face and a front view face photograph of the suspected victim. Further, the condition of the skull during taking its photograph was such that its lower and the upper jaws were not in a normal closed condition. The procedure involved in dealing with such a complicated craniofacial identification problem would be quite interesting from a forensic investigator's point of view, since standard methods of skull identification like photo/video superimposition techniques were not at all applicable here. As such, the present case report provides the details of the multiphase procedure adapted by us in dealing with this abnormal case. A solution to this unprecedented craniofacial identification problem was worked out by appropriate exploration of a newly introduced digital image processing technique that is based on craniofacial symmetry perception. The procedure leads to the reconstruction of a superimposable cranial image with upper and lower teeth in normal closed condition for establishment of its identity in usual way.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Using chlamydia positivity to estimate prevalence: evidence from the Chlamydia Screening Pilot in England.

Studies have suggested that positivity can be used to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in large-scale chlamydia screening programmes. A recent pilot of opportunistic screening in England estimated that the prevalence among 16-24-year-old women in Portsmouth and Wirral was 9.8% and 11.2%, respectively. This study assessed the continued validity of positivity as an approximate for prevalence. We re-analysed data from the Chlamydia Screening Pilot to estimate positivity,calculated as total positive tests divided by total tests, and compared these estimates with the previously reported prevalence, measured as the number of women testing positive divided by the total number of women screened. Overall positivity was 9.4% in Portsmouth and 11.0% in the Wirral; these estimates were not statistically different from prevalence, regardless of health-care setting, age group or symptoms. We conclude that positivity can be used as a proxy for prevalence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Preoperative evaluation for non-cardiac surgery.

Internists are frequently consulted to perform preoperative risk assessments on patient undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Physicians need to assess the cardiac risk associated with the surgery, identify the patient's unique risk profile, recommend appropriate preoperative testing and make suitable recommendations. By a focused history-taking, physical examination, and application of current evidence-based guidelines in cardiac risk assessments, patients at high risk for complications at surgery can be identified and additional work-up suggested. Effective preoperative recommendation includes an assessment of risk (cardiac and non-cardiac), recommendations on medication adjustment, thrombo-embolic prophylaxis, and use of perioperative beta blockers. Prompt communication with the surgeon often enhances the quality of medical consultation and ensures compliance.

Diagnostic Tests, Routine↗
PubMed2004

Effect of arsenic contamination on microbial biomass and its activities in arsenic contaminated soils of Gangetic West Bengal, India.

A study was conducted to see the effect of arsenic contamination on soil quality indicators, viz., microbial biomass, soil respiration, fluorescein diacetate and dehydrogenase (DHG) activity in arsenic contaminated soils of West Bengal. All the parameters were significantly and negatively correlated with all the form of arsenic (bioavailable and total) but the microbial metabolic quotient was significantly and positively correlated with all forms of arsenic, indicating arsenic induced stress to the soil microbial community. This may be due to part of the microbial biomass, which is located in the inner parts of the micro-aggregates of soil, which is affected by arsenic accumulates present in soil particles. Linear regression analysis revealed that the bioavailable arsenic exerted greater inhibitory effect on the soil microbial population than the total arsenic content of soils. Water-soluble arsenic showed more inhibitory effect than NaHCO(3) extractable form, in their association with biological properties of the contaminated soils. Water-soluble form of arsenic was much more toxic than insoluble forms. This signified that with increase in bioavailability, the arsenic exerted more inhibitory effect on these parameters. It is thus suggested that the microbial biomass, fluorescein diacetate and dehydrogenase activity alone and expressed on a soil organic matter basis along with the soil respiration parameters can be helpful in assessing the effects of arsenic on the size and activity of microbial biomass in soils.

Arsenic↗
PubMed2004

Understanding medical uncertainty: a primer for physicians.

Many decisions in General Medicine have to be made in the paucity of well-researched information. Despite the existence of evidence-based guidelines, physicians may perceive obstacles in implementing these in clinical practice. Intolerance to uncertainty may result in a tendency to perceive ambiguous situations as sources of threat. Variability in treatment, choice of medical specialty, increased personal anxiety, increased test ordering tendencies, decrease comfort with geriatric and psychological problems have been correlated with intolerance to uncertainty. Various Instruments and scales are currently available to measure physician's uncertainty. Quantitative and qualitative techniques of managing uncertainty include shared decision-making, meticulous history-taking and evaluation, exclusion of worrisome diagnosis, ability to critically appraise current literature and establishing trust with patient.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Antitussive activity of Abies webbiana Lindl. leaf extract against sulphur dioxide-induced cough reflex in mice.

The methanol extract of A. webbiana Lindl was evaluated for its effect on a cough model induced by sulphur dioxide gas in mice. When administered orally it exhibited significant antitussive activity compared with the control in a dose dependent manner. The antitussive activity of the extract was compared with that of codeine phosphate, a prototype antitussive agent. The A. webbiana leaf extract (400 and 600 mg/kg) showed maximum inhibition of cough frequency by 71.69% and 78.67%, respectively, when compared with the control group and was comparable in effect to codeine phosphate.

Abies↗
PubMed2003

Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis and glomerulonephritis in an adult.

We report the case of an adult who developed severe post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) after a subclinical streptococcal infection. Antistreptococcal antibody titres, renal biopsy and the clinical course confirmed the diagnosis. Coincidence of PSRA and PSGN is rare in the adult population and the potential for misdiagnosis exists, particularly when prior streptococcal infection is not apparent. The clinical manifestations of poststreptococcal syndromes are highly variable, and the diagnosis of concomitant PSRA and PSGN should be considered when patients present with glomerulonephritis and inflammatory arthritis. Factors from both the host and the pathogen are probably important in determining disease expression in poststreptococcal syndromes.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2003

Arsenic contamination in parts of Yamuna sub-basin, West Bengal.

Arsenic rarely occurs in free state and is generally found in combination with Sulphur, Oxygen and Iron. In the environment, Arsenic occurs as a result of several inputs that contain this element in organic and inorganic forms. Arsenic is present in Coal, Lead, Zinc, Gold and Copper ores in the form of several minerals viz. Arsenopyrite (FeAsS), Orpiment (As2S3), Realgar (AsS), Arsenolite (As2O3) and Lollingite (FeAs2). The commonly existing species in groundwater are in two forms viz. Arsenite [As(III)] which is the reduced state of inorganic Arsenic and Arsenate [As(V)], which is the oxidized state of inorganic Arsenic, The As(III) form is more mobile and toxic for living organisms. Recently, the symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning have been observed in many parts of West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh. In the present study, an integrated evaluation of hydrogeology and hydrochemistry has been carried out by processing the available data of Yamuna sub-basin (Part of Nadia and North 24 Parganas district) of West Bengal in order to understand the possible reason of arsenic pollution in the ground water. Arsenic has generally been observed in higher concentration in shallow aquifer. Northwestern region of the study area has been observed to be the most effected with premonsoon periods exhibiting higher concentration. Transmissivity values have been observed to vary inversely with arsenic concentrations. Arsenic values have not indicated any well defined association with many other constituents. Arsenic buildup could also not be conclusively related to lowering of ground water table of the study area.

Arsenic↗