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Biomedical subjects

A Kumar

Publications and source records attributed to A Kumar.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Pattern of bacillary clearance in multibacillary leprosy patients with multidrug therapy.

The bacteriological index (BI) of the skin smears is traditionally one of the important parameters of assessment of severity and of progress of leprosy under multidrug therapy. The present study reports on BI clearance among 578 multibacillary treated leprosy patients and the factors that influence this clearance. The patients were treated till smear negativity or for 2 years fixed duration and their skin smears periodically examined every 6 to 12 months till negativity (and even afterwards). We confirm that bacterial clearance is a slow process. The time taken for each log-unit decline in BI is between 13.6 to 24 months probably depending on initial BI level. The rate of smear negativity appears to be dependent on immune competence of the patients as reflected by a rapid BI decline in borderline BT-BB patients vis-à-vis BL-LL lepromatous patients both in the low and high BI group. Patients who had several episodes of ENL, took significantly longer time (63.7 months versus 53.5 months, p<0.0001) to become smear negative than those without ENL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of a new formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) in laboratory and field conditions of Kumaun foothills of Uttaranchal, India.

Efficacy of a new Bti formulation was tested in the laboratory and small scale field trials against mosquito larvae were carried out from March to June, 2001 in different breeding habitats of Kumaun foothill region of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts, Uttaranchal state, India. Laboratory tests revealed increased efficacy against Culex quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 0.035 mg/L) followed by Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 0.0628 mg/L), An. culicifacies sp A (LC50 = 0.184mg/L) and An. stephensi (LC50 - 0.2216mg/L). Results of field trials revealed 100% mortality of mosquito larvae after treatment with Bti @ 0.5 gm/m2 surface area. The impact was similar on different mosquito species breeding in different habitats. However, repeated treatments were required due to reappearance of larvae in the breeding habitats within a week. No side effects of Bti was observed during field trial on non- target organisms (NTOs). Environmental disturbances and man made problems affected the spray impact of Bti.

Aedes↗
PubMed2002

Hydroxyapatite-coated RM cup in primary hip arthroplasty.

We reviewed 113 patients with 127 primary total hip arthroplasties using a hydroxyapatite-coated RM (Robert Mathys) cup. Average patient age was 61 (30-70) years and mean follow-up was 9.4 (6-13) years. Four patients were lost to follow-up and nine patients died of unrelated causes during the course of the study. Three acetabular components were revised; two cups were radiologically loose and one was revised for marginal erosion. No radiolucency was noted in any of the three zones in the remaining cups. There were no cases of cup migration or dislocation. The life table method predicted a 10-year survival rate of 97.9% with revision of the acetabular component for any cause as the endpoint.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Clinical phenotype and linkage analysis of the congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles in an Indian family.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical phenotype and linkage analysis of the congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) in an Indian family. METHODS: Individuals were examined and their peripheral blood samples were withdrawn for genetic analysis. The disorder was tested for linkage to two known autosomal dominant CFEOM loci on chromosome 12p11.2-q12 (CFEOM1) and chromosome 16q24 (CFEOM3) using microsatellite markers. RESULTS: Nine individuals including seven affecteds participated in the study. All seven affecteds had a classic form of CFEOM which included congenital bilateral ptosis, hypotropia, and chin elevation. The disorder segregated as an autosomal dominant trait in this family. The maximum simulated lod score in this family was 2.02. Linkage to CFEOM3 was excluded (Z<-2.00), whereas analysis of chromosome 12 markers was positive. The maximum observed two-point lod score was 1.8 (given the size and structure of the family) at theta=0 with marker D12S345. Markers D12S61, D12S1631, D12S87, D12S345, D12S59, D12S1048, and D12S1668 cosegregated with the disease locus in all affecteds. Haplotype analysis showed that the candidate region spanned the centromere. CONCLUSIONS: The present data showed a classic CFEOM phenotype in an Indian family. The family's phenotype is consistent with linkage to CFEOM1 locus on chromosome 12p11.2-q12.

Blepharoptosis↗
PubMed2002

Isoelastic femoral component in primary cementless total hip arthroplasty.

We followed 100 patients (111 hips) who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty between July 1988 and June 1995 using the isoelastic femoral component. The average age was 61 (30-70) years. Mean follow-up time was 8.4 (5-12) years. Three femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening and one for disabling thigh pain. Six additional femoral components were considered probably loose by the radiographic criteria. Osteolysis around the femoral component was noted in only two patients who were clinically asymptomatic. A high incidence (41%) of lateral migration of the tip of the femoral components was noted, but there was no significant distal migration. Nine patients complained of thigh pain, which interfered with their daily activities. The average Harris hip score improved from 49 to 80 at the latest follow-up. We believe that the principle of isoelasticity in hip replacement is important; however, improvements in the material and the design of the femoral component are required.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Non-union of the humeral shaft treated by internal fixation.

We reviewed 40 cases with non-union of the humeral shaft. There were 31 men and nine women patients with an average age of 38.5 (35-65) years. Thirty-four non-unions were of the atrophic type. Non-union was most often found at the transition of the middle third to the lower third of the humeral shaft. Six fractures were classified as open at the time of the initial injury. All patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a dynamic compression plate (DCP). Cancellous bone graft was used in all atrophic non-unions. In one patient an additional fibular graft was used. The average follow-up was 13 (6-18) months. Final results were available for 34 patients. Thirty-one fractures (91%) healed in an average of 4.5 (3-9) months. Main complications were temporary radial nerve palsy in two patients and deep infection in one.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Semen analysis in post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves: a pilot study.

The issues of sexual function and fertility are becoming relevant in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), as more of them reach adulthood. To evaluate the semen of post-pubertal patients with PUV as a determinant of future fertility, all such patients (age >16 years) attending the follow-up urology clinic of our department from 1985 to December 1999 were contacted. Of the nine patients contacted, eight agreed to form the study group. All eight patients were asked to provide a post-masturbation semen sample and urine. Semen was analysed for pH, viscosity, liquefaction time, sperm morphology, sperm count, motility, and agglutination. The patients ages ranged from 16 to 21 years (mean 17.5 years). One patient with chronic renal failure awaiting a renal transplant refused to give a semen sample; two tried but failed to ejaculate on three consecutive visits. Their urine was negative for sperm. Of the five patients who gave semen, the liquefaction time was high in two. pH ranged from 7.2 to 8, sperm counts were 24-80 million. None of the patients had oligospermia. Abnormal sperm agglutination was present in four cases; a higher percentage of immotile sperm was also present in four. Semen abnormalities in the form of increased liquefaction time, abnormal sperm agglutination, and a high percentage of immotile sperm were thus seen in the present study. The bearing of these findings on subsequent sexual function and fertility remains a matter of speculation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Serological and coat protein sequence studies suggest that necrosis disease on sunflower in India is caused by a strain of Tobacco streak ilarvirus.

Serological and coat protein sequence studies were conducted to identify an ilarvirus associated with necrosis disease on sunflower in India. In electroblot immunoassay, sunflower ilarvirus reacted strongly only with antiserum to Tobacco streak virus (TSV). The coat protein gene of sunflower ilarvirus was cloned and sequenced. The sequence analyses also showed that the CP gene was most closely related to TSV, the member of subgroup I of Ilarvirus. The sunflower ilarvirus CP shared 90% amino acid sequence identity with TSV. On the basis of serological relatedness and sequence identity, it is proposed that the sunflower ilarvirus from India should be considered a strain of TSV belonging to subgroup I and designated as TSV-SF. This is the first report of the molecular characterization of TSV on sunflower from the Indian subcontinent.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2002

Role of Oxalobacter formigenes in calcium oxalate stone disease: a study from North India.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to detect the presence of an oxalate degrading bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes in the GI tract of calcium oxalate stone patients and normal individuals from North India. Furthermore, the possible relationship of this bacterium with number of stone episodes in this part of the world was also studied. The correlation of the presence or absence of O. formigenes with the urinary oxalate levels was evaluated. METHODS: DNA was extracted from the stool samples of 63 calcium oxalate stone formers and 40 normal individuals. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using genus specific primers for O. formigenes. The presence of which was confirmed by Southern blotting. Urinary oxalate levels were tested in each patient. RESULTS: As shown by PCR and Southern blotting, O. formigenes was present in 65% of normal individuals and in 30% of calcium oxalate stone formers. In patients with three or greater than three stone episodes colonies were present only in 5.6% of patients. Oxalate excretion was less in patients colonized with O. formigenes as compared to those with no colonization. CONCLUSION: In North Indian population the absence of O. formigenes can lead to a significant increase in the risk of absorptive hyperoxaluria and resultant recurrent calcium oxalate stone episodes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Effect of preoperative radiotherapy on matrilysin gene expression in rectal cancer.

Matrilysin, a member of matrix metalloproteinase family, is believed to play a significant role in the growth and proliferation of colon cancer cells. Overexpression of the matrilysin gene has been shown to correlate with Dukes' stage and increased metastatic potential in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative high-dose radiotherapy (25 Gy in five fractions over 5 days) on matrilysin (MMP-7) gene expression, in patients with resectable rectal cancer, by a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Biopsy samples of tumour (n=30) and distant normal mucosa (n=12) from 15 patients were obtained pre- and post-radiotherapy. Messenger (m)RNA was extracted from all of the tissue samples and reverse transcribed to double-stranded cDNA. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to study the effect of preoperative radiotherapy on matrilysin gene expression in both the tumour and normal mucosal specimens. Matrilysin mRNA values were expressed relative to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) for each sample. In 14 out of 15 cases, matrilysin mRNA was detected in the cancerous tissue. Although all six normal mucosal specimens expressed matrilysin mRNA, the levels were approximately 10-fold lower compared with those seen in the paired tumour samples. Preoperative radiotherapy led to a significant 6- to 7-fold increase (P=0.001) in the expression of matrilysin mRNA in rectal cancer tissue. In contrast, there was no significant change in the matrilysin mRNA expression of normal mucosal specimens post-radiotherapy. Preoperative high-dose radiotherapy upregulates matrilysin gene expression in rectal cancer. Matrilysin inhibition may be a useful preventive or therapeutic adjunct to radiotherapy in rectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Tibial cyst formation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a new bioabsorbable screw.

We report a case of tibial cyst formation twelve months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring graft. A composite bioabsorbable interference screw made of 'beta tricalcium phosphate and poly L-lactide' fixed the graft distally. The patient presented with acute symptoms of pain and swelling over the proximal tibia. Curettage of the cyst resulted in complete recovery within 3 months.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2002

Prospective evaluation of safety and efficacy of the supracostal approach for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the supracostal approach for percu-taneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), as it is usually avoided because of concerns about potential chest complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1998 and August 2001, 465 patients underwent PCNL. Supracostal access was obtained in 62 patients (63 renal units), comprising 13% of the procedures. The indications for a supracostal approach were staghorn, upper ureteric, superior calyceal stones and high-lying kidneys. The data were analysed for stone clearance, need for additional punctures and the complications associated with supracostal puncture. RESULTS: The supracostal was the only access in 63% of the PCNL procedures. Additional punctures were required mainly for staghorn stones (15 of 23). Overall, 90% of the patients were rendered stone-free or had clinically insignificant residuals with PCNL alone. In patients with staghorn stones, they were completely cleared in 84% of renal units. Significant chest complications developed in three (5%) patients, which required insertion of a chest tube. One (2%) patient developed haemothorax secondary to injury of the intercostal artery. All the patients recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that supracostal access provides high clearance rates with acceptable complications; it should not be avoided for fear of chest complications. A chest X-ray after surgery should be routine, to detect any complication.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Novel cost-effective method of screening soils for the presence of mosquito-pathogenic bacilli.

AIMS: The aim was to simplify the cumbersome conventional process of isolating virulent bacilli, which involves isolating all bacilli strains from a source followed by screening for strains that are effective for bio-control of mosquito vectors. METHODS: A new simplified technique involving eight steps was devised for screening soil samples for the presence of mosquito-pathogenic bacilli before isolating individual strains. RESULTS: Using the new technique, we obtained eight bacilli strains (KSD1-8) showing pathogenic activity against mosquito larvae from three out of 10 soil samples screened. These strains were characterized, identified and the main bioassay tests were performed with three most promising strains (KSD-4, KSD-7 and KSD-8), and their pathogenic activity against Anopheles stephensi Liston, Culex quinquefasciatus, Say and Aedes aegypti Linnaeus compared well with commercial reference strains of B. thuringiensis israelensis and B. sphaericus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The new technique of screening soil samples for the presence of virulent pathogenic strains of bacilli against mosquito larvae proved quick, efficient and cost effective.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Hormonal analysis in post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves.

AIMS: Infertility in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV) is known but the exact incidence and etiology is still speculative; it may be partly due to dysfunction of genital organs. The aim of this study is to analyse the hormonal profile of post-pubertal patients with PUV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves (age > 16 years) visiting the follow-up urology clinic of our department from 1985 to December 1999 were contacted and requested to participate in the study; 9 patients agreed and form the study group. The medical records were reviewed. Physical examination included examination of the genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. Blood samples were taken for estimation of lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and testosterone. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 16 - 21 years (mean age = 17.5 years). Physical examination was normal for the entire study group except for 2 patients; one patient had hypertension and the other had unilateral undescended testis at the time of initial presentation. Secondary sexual characteristics were normal in all patients. At the time of the study, one patient had chronic renal failure; in the others the renal function tests were normal. LH and testosterone were normal in all patients including the patient with unilateral undescended testis, and one patient had marginally elevated FSH. Hyperprolactinemia was noted in 5 of 9 patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, hyperprolactinemia was seen in 62 % (5 of 9) patients. Hyperprolactinemia is known to cause slow ejaculation and can have an impact on the subsequent fertility status of these patients. The bearing of these findings on subsequent sexual and fertility functions of PUV patients requires further investigation.

Adolescent↗