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Biomedical subjects

A Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to A Sharma.

At least 1,009 records · Page 56Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Mapping the d1 and d2 dwarfing genes and the purple foliage color locus P in pearl millet.

The d(1) and d(2) dwarfing genes and the P purple foliage color gene were placed on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based molecular marker linkage map of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] using a mapping population based on a cross of inbred lines IP 18293 (D(1)/D(1), d(2)/d(2), P/P) and Tift 238D1 (d(1)/d(1) D(2)/D(2) p/p). A skeleton genetic linkage map of 562 cM (Haldane function) was constructed using 33 RFLP markers and these three morphological markers. The D(1)/d(1) plant height locus mapped to pearl millet linkage group 1, while the D(2)/d(2) plant height locus and the P/p foliage color locus mapped to pearl millet linkage group 4. Loose genetic linkage was observed between the D(2)/d(2) and P/p loci, with 42% repulsion-phase recombination corresponding to 92 cM (Haldane). This loose linkage of morphological marker loci detected on pearl millet LG4 can likely find use in applied pearl millet breeding programs, as host plant resistances to both downy mildew and rust have previously been identified in this genomic region. Such exploitation of these morphological markers in an applied disease resistance breeding program would require development of appropriate genetic stocks, but the relatively loose genetic linkage between d(2) and P suggests that this should not be difficult.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A new case of Robertsonian translocation in cattle.

A new Robertsonian translocation was found in several animals of the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed. The fused chromosome analyzed by G- and R-banding results from the fusion of chromosomes 21 and 27. C-banding suggests that the fused chromosome is dicentric.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

MR imaging of intracranial tuberculomas.

Eight patients with intracranial tuberculomas were studied with CT and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Large, ring enhancing, solid lesions on CT showed low intensity on T2-weighted images and intermediate intensity on T1-weighted images. Small lesions, with ring enhancement on CT, showed central bright signal on T2-weighted images with a peripheral low intensity rim surrounded by high intensity edema. The MR imaging features of the tuberculomas were found to be distinct from those of abscesses, metastases, and gliomas.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of Calcofluor staining in the diagnosis of fungal corneal ulcer.

For laboratory diagnosis of mycotic keratitis, demonstration of fungal pathogens on direct microscopy and their isolation by culture is essential. The addition of Calcofluor white (CFW) stain to the diagnostic armamentarium has significantly increased the sensitivity of smear examination on direct microscopy. During a period of 1 year, 143 consecutive patients with corneal ulcers were investigated by direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount, Calcofluor white stain and routine cultures of corneal scrapings. Fungi were detected as aetiological agents in 21 (15%) patients. Different species of the genera Aspergillus (35%), Fusarium (23%), Acremonium (12%), Paecilomyces (12%), Cladosporium (6%), Alternaria (6%) and Pseudallescheria (6%) were the common isolates. Calcofluor white stain on direct microscopy detected fungi in 20 (95.2%) patients in comparison with 15 (71.4%) patients by both KOH wet mount examination and culture. Calcofluor white stain was significantly more sensitive than KOH wet mount in demonstrating fungal pathogens.

Cornea↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Childhood memories about food: the Successful Dieters Project.

PURPOSE: The Successful Dieters Project explored and described the characteristics of dieters. This paper reports the results of a content analysis of one question about childhood memories surrounding food. METHODS: All subjects were interviewed once with an intensive interview guide, were weighed, and were measured for height and waist-hip ratios. SUBJECTS: Subjects (N = 162) were 76 men and 86 women, who ranged in age from 21 to 84 years. FINDINGS: Gender and weight history differences were noted in the areas of food rules, the age at which dieting to control weight began, family food rules, positive versus negative memories, and the use of food as a reward or punishment. Parental experience with food deprivation was a strong force in shaping children's attitudes toward food. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood memories about food appear to contribute to differences among the obese, the always-normal-weight, and the successful dieter. Further research into this area of investigation is warranted.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Signal transduction mechanisms of K+-Cl- cotransport regulation and relationship to disease.

The K+-Cl- cotransport (COT) regulatory pathways recently uncovered in our laboratory and their implication in disease state are reviewed. Three mechanisms of K+-Cl- COT regulation can be identified in vascular cells: (1) the Li+-sensitive pathway, (2) the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-sensitive pathway and (3) the nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway. Ion fluxes, Western blotting, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used. Li+, used in the treatment of manic depression, stimulates volume-sensitive K+-Cl- COT of low K+ sheep red blood cells at cellular concentrations <1 mM and inhibits at >3 mM, causes cell swelling, and appears to regulate K+-Cl- COT through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. PDGF, a potent serum mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), regulates membrane transport and is involved in atherosclerosis. PDGF stimulates VSM K+-Cl- COT in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, both acutely and chronically, through the PDGF receptor. The acute effect occurs at the post-translational level whereas the chronic effect may involve regulation through gene expression. Regulation by PDGF involves the signalling molecules phosphoinositides 3-kinase and protein phosphatase-1. Finally, the NO/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway, involved in vasodilation and hence cardiovascular disease, regulates K+-Cl- COT in VSMCs at the mRNA expression and transport levels. A complex and diverse array of mechanisms and effectors regulate K+-Cl- COT and thus cell volume homeostasis, setting the stage for abnormalities at the genetic and/or regulatory level thus effecting or being affected by various pathological conditions.

Atherosclerosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Magico-religious beliefs in schizophrenia: a study from north India.

Psychiatric disorders in India are often attributed to influence of supernatural phenomena, and many patients are subjected to various kinds of 'magico-religious' treatments. We studied 40 cases of schizophrenia and ascertained magico-religious beliefs held by their key relatives. The effects of such magico-religious beliefs on psychopathology and treatment-seeking behaviour were explored. The sample were schizophrenia patients diagnosed according to ICD-10 of the World Health Organisation. Psychopathology was assessed on the 9th version of the Present State Examination (PSE-9). Supernatural Attitude Questionnaire was administered to the key relatives of the patients to ascertain their beliefs about various supernatural phenomena and magico-religious treatments. It was observed that the majority of the patients had undergone magico-religious treatment (n = 23). Nearly 74% of the patients who had symptoms coloured by cultural influences such as delusional explanation in terms of paranormal phenomena had undergone magico-religious treatment. It was also seen that though many relatives denied personal conviction in such magico-religious beliefs, yet they sought some kind of magico-religious treatment for the patients. The prevalence of culturally influenced delusions as defined by the PSE-9 was very low. Belief in supernatural influences is common in patients' relatives from urban background and with adequate education, and treatment based upon such beliefs is sought to a considerable extent in such cases. Local and community belief in such phenomena appeared to be a factor in influencing the decision to seek magico-religious treatment.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fine needle aspiration of extramedullary myeloid cell tumor in myelodysplastic syndrome. A report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue tumors are rare in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and the role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in their diagnosis has not been explored. CASES: Two patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-t) developed soft tissue swellings during the course of the illness. In a third patient, soft tissue swelling was a presenting feature. The swellings in all three cases were diagnosed as extramedullary myeloid cell tumor (EMT) on FNA and showed increased blasts (10-14%), dyspoietic changes, Auer rods and monocytosis. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue tumors appearing in MDS are likely to be EMTs. FNA is therefore particularly valuable in their diagnosis as morphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping and flow cytometric analysis of hematopoietic cells are best studied on aspirated material. We suggest that FNA be preferred over excisional biopsy for the diagnosis of soft tissue swellings in MDS.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High-dose-rate brachytherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: Although radical prostatectomy for localized disease is considered as a standard of care, external-beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy are equally effective. We report on the technique and preliminary results of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy using a temporary iridium-192 implant technique. METHODS: The authors reviewed the literature on the techniques, treatment protocols, and results of HDR brachytherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate, and they report their own protocols, technique, and results. RESULTS: The combination of HDR brachytherapy and external irradiation has been well tolerated by all 200 patients in our series, with less than 3% grade 3 late complications and with 95% PSA relapse-free survival with a median follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: HDR brachytherapy may be the most conformal type of irradiation in the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate regardless of tumor size, anatomical distortion, and organ mobility.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microbial risks from wastewater irrigation of salad crops: a screening-level risk assessment.

The potential health risk from viruses, associated with the consumption of lettuce crops spray irrigated with secondary-treated municipal effluent, has been evaluated in the first level investigation of a tiered microbial risk assessment. The study assessed the impact of two factors on the estimated risk of infection: a suitable probability density function for the occurrence of human enteroviruses in irrigation water and appropriate die-off rates for viruses on lettuce crops. A Monte Carlo simulation using a log-normal and a nonparametric, kernel estimated probability density function indicated that slight changes in the upper tail of the probability density function had a relatively low effect on the estimated infection rates. Predicted infection rates were much more sensitive to the decay rate of viruses than occasional high virus numbers. The median and 99th percentile risks of infection from the overall model were 0.10 and 0.51/10000 lettuce consumers, respectively, indicating possible human health concern, and the justification of a more detailed microbial risk assessment.

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of congenital adduction palsy with synergistic divergence.

OBJECTIVE: To report on successful management of congenital adduction palsy with synergistic divergence by performing weakening surgery on the superior and inferior oblique muscles. METHODS: We performed a total tenotomy of the lateral rectus muscle, followed by resection of the medial rectus muscle and tenotomy of the superior oblique and myectomy of the inferior oblique muscles in a patient who had congenital adduction palsy with synergistic divergence. RESULTS: Total tenotomy of the lateral rectus muscle had no effect on synergistic divergence, resection of the medial rectus muscle reduced it to some extent and tenotomy of the superior oblique and myectomy of the inferior oblique muscles further reduced this phenomenon. The improvement in synergistic divergence was maintained at 2 1/2 years later at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Weakening surgery on the superior and inferior oblique muscles should be considered in the management of synergistic divergence.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Visual acuities after levodopa administration in amblyopia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the augmentation of levodopa with part-time and full-time occlusion on visual acuity and to determine its late results in amblyopia. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with amblyopia were prospectively studied and randomly distributed into groups A, B, and C consisting of 24 patients each. Group A patients received levodopa alone, group B received levodopa and part-time (3 hours/day) occlusion, and group C received levodopa and full-time (during all waking hours) occlusion of the dominant eye. Levodopa 0.50 mg/kg body weight, with a 25% fixed dose combination of carbidopa, was administered orally three times a day for 7 weeks. Snellen visual acuity and its logMAR equivalent were recorded before treatment, at weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 after starting treatment, and every 6 weeks for 1 year after the completion of treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-three (74%) of the 72 patients had an improvement in visual acuity after treatment. Forty-four of the 53 patients with improved visual acuities completed 1-year post-treatment follow-up. Twenty-three (52%) of the 44 patients had a regression in visual acuity. CONCLUSION: The augmentation of levodopa with part-time or full-time occlusion does not enhance the recovery of vision in amblyopia. Improved visual acuity after levodopa administration persists at least 1 year in almost half of patients after cessation of treatment. Addition of full-time occlusion to levodopa helps maintain improved visual acuity for a longer duration compared to levodopa alone or combined with part-time occlusion.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of simple hematological, biochemical and clinical parameters to monitor response of multiple myeloma patients on high dose thalidomide therapy.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of increased bone marrow vascularity in multiple myeloma (MM) has led to the use of anti-angiogenic drugs especially thalidomide in relapsed or refractory patients. Currently, parameters such as serum/ urine electrophoresis for M (monoclonal) proteins, bone marrow biopsy with touch preparation and b2 microglobulin are routinely used to assess response to therapy. These investigations are expensive, invasive and require high technical setup. AIM: To correlate simple and routine hematological and biochemical parameters with the key marker of disease i.e. M proteins. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is an open label, uncontrolled, single-arm study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty nine refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma patients of both sexes (M=20, F=9) with age ranging between 35-72 years were initiated on 200 mg/day of thalidomide with fortnightly increments of 200 mg to a maximum tolerated dose not exceeding 800 mg/day. All hematological and biochemical parameters were monitored at monthly intervals for one year. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Correlation analysis was performed between hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), platelet count (PC), total proteins (TP), serum albumin and serum globulin on one hand and M protein levels on the other using Pearsons Correlation test by SPSS version 7.5. RESULT: Hb, TLC, ANC, PC and serum albumin levels showed a significant negative correlation with M proteins. A highly significant positive correlation existed between M proteins on one hand and TP and globulin levels on the other. Dryness of skin indicated positive response to therapy. These correlations were found to be significant at the end of one month of therapy in all the above-mentioned parameters except in TLC where it was significant after 2 months of thalidomide therapy. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that sustained efficacy of thalidomide therapy may be amenable to monitoring by these simple, inexpensive and easily available investigations after ascertaining an initial response by M protein and marrow plasmacytosis as these parameters closely follow M protein levels. However more studies are required to further substantiate these findings.

Adult↗