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Biomedical subjects

B Desai

Publications and source records attributed to B Desai.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Managing ecological upheavals: a Third World perspective.

This paper seeks to examine the genesis of ecological upheavals which are reflecting the smouldering ecological crisis in the world. The natural as well as man-made mass disasters have more propensity to affect the developing countries of the Third World. The data presented in tabular form in the paper reveals their increasing 'killer potential'. The present inquiry shows that the non-sustainable development patterns and practices by the Third World countries have brought them on to the brink of irreversible environmental consequences. The study underlines that due to lack of adequate disaster identification, prevention and management capabilities these countries suffer the worst. It suggests that a regional level cooperation, on the lines of the SAARC, is suitable to streamline joint efforts to combat mass disasters. The study also highlights the possible legal responses and role of lawyers in this respect. Some of the emerging international eco-standards provide a basis for resolving disputes concerning transboundary effects of disasters. A comprehensive global convention on mass disasters, encompassing sharing of data and transfer of disaster management technology to developing countries is now 'need of the hour'.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1990

Frequency and clinical implications of monoclonal antibody detection of tumor-associated antigens in serum of patients with lung cancer.

We previously showed that a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) (5E8, 5C7, and 1F10) that detect serum tumor-associated antigens (TAA) could distinguish patients with lung cancer from those without to a highly significant degree. However, among patients with lung cancer, the frequency and clinical importance of serum TAA expression were not established. Therefore, we analyzed the serum and initial clinical characteristics of 52 Philadelphia VA patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer seen over a 13-month period. A modified semiquantitative ELISA was employed to determine MAb reactivity. Our cohort was characterized by a mean age of 65 +/- 9 year (SD) and mean Karnovsky score of 74 +/- 10; marked weight loss was present in 28 subjects, and 39 presented with either Stage III or IV disease. The panel detected TAAs in 38 of 52 cases (sensitivity 73%; 95% Cl, 60-83%), including 13 of 22 squamous cell, 9 of 12 adenocarcinoma, 10 of 11 undifferentiated, and 6 of 7 small cell carcinomas. No significant differences were found between the reactive and nonreactive patients in terms of age, stage at presentation, histologic subtype, performance status, or weight loss. However, 1F10 and 5C7 were each associated with a greater risk of early death by Cox proportional hazard analysis (p = 0.017 and 0.006, respectively) even when other prognostic variables are accounted for. We conclude that specific serum TAA can be detected in the majority of lung cancer patients with all major histologic subtypes in a cohort with advanced tumors and poor prognostic indices.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Isolation and survival of gentamicin resistant Enterobacter aerogenes on finger tips of hospital personnel.

Enterobacter aerogenes was isolated from the finger tips of 13.3 percent of hospital personnel while they were working in the wards. Gentamicin resistant strains were isolated more frequently than gentamicin sensitive. Carriage rate of E. aerogenes was higher among nurses than other staff members. There was no correlation between antibiotic resistance, capsular serotypes and survival of these strains on finger tips. The property of prolonged survival on finger tips is chromosomal in nature and not mediated by conjugative or non-conjugative plasmids.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1984

Two-dimensional echocardiography in double orifice mitral valve.

In a patient with endocarditis and significant aortic insufficiency, two-dimensional echocardiography revealed an abnormal mitral valve configuration with division of the valve into two separate orifices. At autopsy, a double orifice mitral valve with two sets of valve leaflets was observed. Appreciation of this echocardiographic abnormality is important because double orifice mitral valve is associated with other congenital anomalies and this echocardiographic configuration may be confused with other cardiac abnormalities.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of the EEG in epilepsy of long duration.

Although the electroencephalogram's (EEG's) relevance in the initial work-up of individuals with epilepsy is well-defined, its role in epilepsy of long duration remains uncertain. A literature survey revealed eight studies that had evaluated epileptiform patterns (EPs) in series of patients but none of these were derived from outpatients presenting for regular follow-up. Such EEG results are crucial for determining disability benefits that are often denied to people with normal records. We therefore randomly surveyed 100 adult outpatients attending the seizure follow-up clinic at Cook County Hospital. An EP was detected in 33 patients, 36 had normal records, and 31 had non-EP abnormalities. The presence of an EP was significantly related to an etiology of head injury, duration of epilepsy, age of onset before age 20 years, and receiving more than one antiepileptic drug (AED). The presence of an EP did not correlate with seizure frequency, seizure type, or presence of a neurological deficit. A prior EEG increased the proportion with an EP only to 41%. The relatively low proportion of people who demonstrated an EP suggests that (a) the presence of an EP on an EEG should not be a factor in deciding about disability benefits for individuals with epilepsy, and (b) that use of an EP as an eligibility criterion for entry into a research series is likely to generate a select group of patients, thus making it difficult to generalize results.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Kinks, coils, and carotids: a review.

Kinking and coiling of the internal carotid artery (ICA) sometimes may result in symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, but indisputable evidence linking the two conditions is lacking. However, there is enough evidence to warrant careful consideration of surgical correction in patients who have features of the carotid artery syndrome and kinking of the ICA as shown on angiography. Kinking or buckling of the artery is due to atherosclerosis and is to be distinguished from coiling, which is ascribed to embryological causes. Definite recommendations regarding the advisability of surgery for infants who are discovered to have coils cannot be made, but coiling is generally asymptomatic. Adults with kinks in their carotid arteries who have recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) benefit most from surgical correction, particularly if symptoms are aggravated on head rotation, which may cause the kink to obstruct.

Adult↗