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Biomedical subjects

D K Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to D K Gupta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Manometric evaluation of the intrathoracic stomach after gastric transposition in children.

Gastric transposition (GT) is one of the options for the esophageal replacement in children with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EATEF). To date, no manometric studies have been conducted on the intrathoracic stomach after GT in EATEF patients; hence, this study was designed. Babies ( n=18) of EATEF who underwent esophageal replacement by GT were studied and manometry was correlated with the clinical outcome, age at surgery, and route of GT. The mean age at evaluation was 30.5 months (range 4-84 months). These cases were sub-stratified into group I (GT during neonatal period) and group II (GT during post-neonatal period). Mean age at surgery was 6 days and 7.8 months in groups I and II, respectively. There was no propulsive antegrade propagated peristaltic waves in any of the patients. Mean resting pressure and mean peak pressures were 19.5 and 50.4 mm Hg in groups I and II, respectively. Mass contractions to liquid swallow was noted in 77 and 55% of patients in groups I and II, respectively. There was no significant difference in the pressure parameters or appearance of mass contractions between group-I and group-II patients. Similarly, there was no significant difference in pressure parameters or appearance of mass contractions between the children who had transhiatal vs retrosternal GT. It needs to be determined whether the mass contractions noted in GT ever progress to a coordinated propulsive rhythmic contractions and whether this has a final bearing on the long-term functional outcome of GT patients.

Age Factors↗

Revegetating fly ash landfills with Prosopis juliflora L.: impact of different amendments and Rhizobium inoculation.

A revegetation trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of growing a legume species, Prosopis juliflora L., on fly ash ameliorated with combination of various organic amendments, blue-green algal biofertilizer and Rhizobium inoculation. Significant enhancements in plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, protein content and in vivo nitrate reductase activity were found in the plants grown on ameliorated fly ash in comparison to the plants growing in unamended fly ash or garden soil. Higher growth was obtained in fly ash amended with blue-green algae (BGA) than farmyard manure or press mud (PM), a waste from sugar-processing industry, due to the greater contribution of plant nutrients, supply of fixed nitrogen and increased availability of phosphorus. Nodulation was suppressed in different amendments of fly ash with soil in a concentration-duration-dependent manner, but not with other amendments. Plants accumulated higher amounts of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Cr in various fly ash amendments than in garden soil. Further, inoculation of the plant with a fly ash tolerant Rhizobium strain conferred tolerance for the plant to grow under fly ash stress conditions with more translocation of metals to the above ground parts. The results showed the potential of P. juliflora to grow in plantations on fly ash landfills and to reduce the metal contents of fly ash by bioaccumulation in its tissues.

Carbon↗

Pancreatic diseases in children in a north Indian referral hospital.

This was a cross-sectional study to determine the profile of pancreatic disorders in 54 children (age <15 years) presenting to a tertiary care center in India. Acute pancreatitis was the most common pancreatic disorder (28/54, 52%). Twenty-three children (43%) were diagnosed to have either chronic calcific (n = 15, 28%) or chronic non-calcific (n = 8, 15%) pancreatitis. Specific etiologic factors could be identified in 64.3% (18/28) of acute pancreatitis and 43.5% (10/23) of chronic pancreatitis patients. At least some of the 13 children with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis had features suggestive of tropical pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Protective role of cyclosporine in experimental unilateral blunt testicular trauma: evaluation by 31P MR spectroscopy.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a useful tool to study the anatomy of the testis while 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a non-invasive alternative method to demonstrate the metabolic status of testes. This study was designed to test whether the protective role of cyclosporine in experimental unilateral blunt testicular trauma (UBTT) could be assessed by 31P MRS. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) aged 20 days were randomised into group I (sham surgery), group II (UBTT) and group III (UBTT and cyclosporine for 7 days). Contralateral testicles of 5 rats from each group was evaluated by 31P MRS at 30 and 60 days of age and phosphomonoesters (PM), phosphodiesters (PD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured. At 60 days of age the PM/ATP ratio was 0.32+/-0.08 in group I whereas it was 0.68+/-0.31 in the group II (p<0.05). Group III rats showed PM, PD and PM/ATP ratios similar to the controls. In conclusion, it is observed that UBTT causes contralateral testicular damage which could be prevented by short-term cyclosporine treatment and 31P MRS is an excellent modality for such an evaluation.

Animals↗

Neonatal gastric pull up: reality or myth?

Between 1991 and 1998, 28 out of 356 neonates with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EATEF) required esophageal substitution. As only 8 returned (28%) for the esophageal replacement after initial esophagostomy and gastrostomy at our center, we were prompted to offer single-stage esophageal replacement when the primary repair had either failed or was not found feasible. Twelve full-term neonates (mean birth weight 2.32 kg) with EATEF who underwent esophageal replacement by gastric pull-up between 1998 and 2000 were reviewed. The indications were: major leak after primary repair (n=9); pure EA (n=2); and EATEF with a very wide gap (n=1). The average ages at presentation and gastric pull-up were 6.0 and 8.5 days, respectively. The patients were evaluated for gastric transit by a colloid radiopharmaceutical, for duodenogastric reflux (DGR) by hepatic immunodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, and for gastric clearance and transit by contrast studies. Three patients had minimal leaks from the neck site, all of which healed well. Follow-up with nuclear scans and contrast studies to evaluate gastric emptying revealed obstruction in 1 case and DGR in 25% of cases. There were 2 deaths (16%), 1 due to complex congenital cardiac disease and the other due to septicemia. In view of the acceptable morbidity, mortality, and functional outcome following gastric pull-up, we recommend this procedure if it becomes inevitable in the neonatal period.

Esophageal Atresia↗

Adaptogenic activity of a novel withanolide-free aqueous fraction from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. (Part II).

In the Indian traditional system of medicine Withania somnifera Dun. is widely regarded as the Indian Ginseng. A new withanolide-free hydrosoluble fraction was isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. and was evaluated for putative antistress activity against a battery of tests to delineate the activity of this fraction. The latter fraction exhibited significant antistress activity in a dose-related manner (Singh et al., 2001) and was further studied against chemical and physical induced stress in rats and mice. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally) was also used to compare the results. A preliminary acute toxicity study in mice showed a good margin of safety with a high therapeutic index.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Effect of lead on growth and nitrate assimilation of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek seedlings in a salt affected environment.

The inhibition of seedling growth and nitrate reductase activity in 5 d old Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. Pusa Baisakhi in the presence of 1.0 mM lead acetate increased drastically, if NaCl (6 and 12 EC) was also present in the nutrient media along with the metal salt. Correspondingly higher endogenous Na+ levels were accumulated in the roots and leaves of seedlings in presence of the two stresses. On the other hand, the levels of endogenous lead get reduced in presence of NaCl in both the roots and leaves. Roots accumulated more Pb2+ and Na+ than the leaves. The two stresses affect more drastically in the additive or even synergistic manner during the early growth phase of the seedlings.

Biomass↗

Anti-inflammatory activity of 'TAF' an active fraction from the plant Barleria prionitis Linn.

'TAF' fraction from the methanol-water extract of Barleria prionitis Linn. was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities against different acute and chronic animal test models. It exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against different inflammagens like carrageenan, histamine and dextran. The anti-inflammatory activity in adrenalectomised rats was maintained showing that the effect of fraction 'TAF' is not activated by the pituitary-adrenal axis. Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed in adjuvant-induced polyarthritis test in rats. 'TAF' also showed inhibition of vascular permeability and leucocytes migration in vivo into the site of inflammatory insult.Ibuprofen (Cadilla India Ltd., Mumbai) was used as a standard reference drug. The oral (p.o.) LD(50) was more than 3000mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 15 days after single-dose drug administration. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD(50) was found to be 2530mg/kg (+/-87mg/kg S.E.) [Proceedings of Society of Experimental Biological Medicine 57 (1944) 261].

Acanthaceae↗

Exstrophy variants: should they be considered malformation complexes separate from classic exstrophy?

PURPOSE: Exstrophy variants are very rare and have a better prognosis than classical exstrophy. The authors came across a case of superior vesical fissure (SVF) together with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EATEF) and a case of SVF with gross limb anomalies. These associated malformations have not been reported so far in the literature and hence we reviewed all the cases of exstrophy variants presented to us with particular emphasis on the associated malformations. METHODS: Records (n=9) of patients who were diagnosed as exstrophy variants at our institution between 1989 and 2000 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Out of 9 cases, 7 cases had associated malformations: EATEF, urethral atresia, absent radius, large umbilical hernia, low anorectal malformation, true diphallus with bifid scrotum, or high anorectal malformation. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of associated congenital malformations, noted in our exstrophy variant series, raises doubts about the clubbing together of the exstrophy variants with classical exstrophy. Further investigation of such cases may elucidate shared or unique causes of the dysembryogenic mechanisms in the etiologies of variants of bladder exstrophy.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Performance of seed germination and growth of Vicia faba L. in fly ash amended soil.

The performance of Vicia faba L. in soil amended by different concentrations of fly ash has been studied. The parameters considered are seed germination, growth behaviour and nodulation frequency of the plant. Results revealed that while fly-ash amendment to the soil improved the growth performance at initial stages with application of lower concentrations, it was inhibitory at higher exposure concentrations. Although there was no difference in survival rates, but the seedling growth was reduced in comparison to control plants. Fly ash delayed the nodulation as lesser number of nodules was recorded at higher amendments. Results suggested feasibility of growing V. faba in fly ash contaminated area.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

Pediatric surgery in India - a specialty come of age?

The quality of neonatal surgical care and scientific publications are reliable yardsticks that were used to assess the status of pediatric surgery in India. A specific questionnaire to assess neonatal care and surgical outcome was mailed to all institutes imparting pediatric surgery training. Data were obtained regarding the outcome of important neonatal surgical conditions for the year 1998 and a PubMed literature search was performed to identify scientific articles between 1995 and 2000. Though a literature search was done to compile a complete list of publications of all the consultants in all the institutes, of the 24 questionnaires mailed, only 11 (45.8%) institutes provided data. The mean (range) annual neonatal admissions in neonatal surgical units was 137 (42-263). The mean newborn admissions requiring surgical intervention per surgeon per year was 36 (17-80). The overall survival was 57.2% (30%-75%), 70.8% (40%-100%), 90.4% (75%-100%), 74.7% (30%-100%), and 59.1% (0%-100%) for esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), congenital diaphragmatic hernia, anorectal malformations, intestinal atresia, and abdominal-wall defects, respectively. The center that had the lowest survival in EA/TEF and CDH had the highest workload per consultant. Between 1995 and 2000, the mean number of scientific articles published in indexed journals compiled from all the institutes (n = 24) was 10.7 (0-84). In conclusion, this is a preliminary study toward setting up national databases of neonatal surgery in different parts of the world to set goals for improvement.

General Surgery↗

Cystic atypical mesoblastic nephroma.

Cystic variants of atypical mesoblastic nephromas are very rare. The present communication deals with two such cases encountered in 3- and 6-month-old patients. The literature is briefly reviewed. The need for proper diagnosis of this tumor to distinguish it from cystic nephroma and Wilms' tumor is highlighted.

Humans↗

Potential of MRI and 31P MRS in the evaluation of experimental testicular trauma.

OBJECTIVES: To prognosticate and assess the metabolic status of germ cells of the testis after unilateral blunt testicular trauma using both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRI is a noninvasive technique suitable for evaluating testicular trauma, and MRS is useful in assessing the metabolic status of the testis. METHODS: The right testis of 35 male prepubertal Wistar rats, aged 30 days, was explored through an inguinal incision. The rats were randomized into control (group 1, sham surgery, n = 10) and study (n = 25) groups. The study group received unilateral blunt testicular trauma to the right testis. T(1)- and T(2)-weighted proton MRI of the ipsilateral testis were taken 6 hours after sham surgery or injury, and the rats were stratified on the basis of the absence or presence of intratesticular hemorrhage on MRI into groups 2 (n = 14) and 3 (n = 11), respectively. At 60 days of age, the contralateral testis of each rat was evaluated by 31P MRS and histologic examination. Quantification of phosphomonoesters, phosphodiesters, phosphocreatine, and adenosine triphosphate (gamma, alpha, and beta) was done. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P <0.05) in the phosphomonoester/adenosine triphosphate ratio, seminiferous tubular diameter, and Johnsen score of the contralateral testis was observed, indicating decreased testicular maturation of the contralateral testis in group 3 rats compared with groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: MRI after testicular trauma helped to stratify the extent of injury as determined by the presence or absence of intratesticular hemorrhage with prognostic value; 31P MRS and histologic examination revealed that testicular trauma significantly affects the maturation of the contralateral testis.

Age Factors↗

Effects of unilateral grade I testicular injury in rat.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of unilateral blunt testicular trauma on subsequent testicular function is still debated. None of the experimental studies had the exact grading of testicular injury and evaluation of hormone status and hence this study was designed. METHODS: Twenty male prepubertal (20 days old) Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 10) underwent sham surgery; group 2 (n = 10) underwent blunt trauma to the right testis by a 5-g sterile weight dropped three times on the testis from a height of 10 cm. T(1)-weighted and T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance images were taken within 6 hours to confirm grade I injury. At 60 days of age, blood samples were obtained from each rat for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels, and both testes of each rat were harvested separately for DNA flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: Group 2 rats had significantly reduced (P <0.001) haploid cell populations in both right and left testis compared with the corresponding testis of the group 1 rats. Within group 2, the right testis was significantly (P <0.001) more affected. Serum levels of testosterone were significantly lower (P <0.05) and follicle-stimulating hormone (P <0.01) and estradiol (P <0.05) levels were significantly higher in group 2 rats than in group 1 rats. However, the luteinizing hormone levels were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Grade I unilateral blunt testicular trauma in prepubertal rats significantly affected germ cell maturation in both ipsilateral and contralateral testis and altered the sex hormone profile.

Animals↗

Pig bite of prolapsed rectum in a child.

A case of pig bite to the prolapsed rectum in a 2(1/2) year old boy is reported because of its rarity and successful management in spite of delayed presentation.

Age Factors↗