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Biomedical subjects

D Nag

Publications and source records attributed to D Nag.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Role of aluminium in sporadic motor neuron disease.

In an attempt to ascertain the role of aluminium in sporadic motor neuron disease (MND), trace metals were estimated in blood, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 38 patients of sporadic MND and 30 controls by direct current plasma emission spectrophotometry. CSF aluminium levels (20.76 +/- 4.38 micrograms/dl) were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in those patients of MND who presented as progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) as compared to the other subtypes of MND (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis = 7.71 +/- 2.01 micrograms/dl; progressive muscular atrophy = 10.01 +/- 2.41 micrograms/dl) and controls (11.63 +/- 2.82 micrograms/dl). Aluminium may be important in the etiopathogenesis of a subgroup of sporadic MND.

Adolescent↗

Recombination in yeast and the recombinant DNA technology.

The development of methods to isolate eukaryotic genes, alter these genes in vitro and reintroduce them into the cell has had a major impact on the study of recombination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this paper we discuss how recombinant DNA techniques have been employed in the study of recombination in yeast and the results that have been obtained in these studies.

DNA, Fungal↗

Early abdominal complications of intestinal surgery: the radiologist's role in management.

Abdominal complications of intestinal surgery are an important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We define early complications as those occurring within the first 30 days after surgery. The radiological contribution towards prompt and accurate diagnosis of common complications is discussed and the radiologist's role in non-operative management is outlined.

Abscess↗

Occupational lead poisoning among silver jewellery workers.

Seven male silver jewellery workers aged between 25 to 70 years complained of acute abdominal colic, sweet metallic taste, constipation and anorexia. Clinical, hematological examinations and urinalysis confirmed lead poisoning. Oral therapy with D-Penicillamine for seven days led to significant improvement in patients.

Adult↗

A study of nerve conduction velocity, late responses and neuromuscular synapse functions in organophosphate workers in India.

To study the effect of occupational organophosphate exposure on neuromuscular function, 24 workers exposed to fenthion [0,0-dimethyl-0(4-methyl mercapto-3 methyl phenyl)phosphorothioate], whose mean age was 31.7 years (range 22-50) and mean duration of exposure to fenthion 8.5 years (range 1-19) were subjected to detailed clinical and neurophysiological evaluation after spraying. The neurophysiological tests included motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity; F response, H reflex and electromyographic neuromuscular synapse testing. Fenthion exposure was monitored by serum acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) levels. The observations were repeated after withdrawing the workers from fenthion exposure for 3 weeks to study the reversibility of the observed changes. There was no clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy or muscle weakness. However, peroneal motor conduction velocity (p less than 0.05) terminal motor latency of median (p less than 0.1), and peroneal nerve (p less than 0.05); F minimal latency and H reflex latency (p less than 0.01) were significantly affected. Twenty-nine per cent of workers had repetitive muscle activity. Serum AchE levels also showed significant changes (p less than 0.01). The clinical significance of these subtle neurophysiological changes requires further investigation and follow-up.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Occupational phosphine exposure in Indian workers.

To evaluate the health effects of occupational phosphine exposure, 22 workers engaged in fumigation of stored grains were subjected to a clinical and environmental study. These workers were used to placing aluminum phosphide tablets on the stacks of grains and covering it with a gas-proof plastic cover. The mean age of the workers was 48 years (range 24-60) and mean duration of exposure 11.1 years (range 0.5-29). After fumigation they reported minor symptoms, which included cough (18.2%), dyspnoea (31.8%), tightness around the chest (27.3%), headache (31.8%), giddiness, numbness and lethargy (13.6% each), anorexia and epigastric pain (18.2% each). The abnormal physical signs included bilateral diffuse rhonchi and absent ankle reflex each occurring in one worker. Motor nerve conduction velocity of median and peroneal nerves, and sensory conduction velocity of median and sural nerves were normal. Phosphine concentration in the work environment ranged from 0.17 to 2.11 ppm. Occupational phosphine exposure in the workers was associated with mild to moderate symptoms, which were transient. However, to assess the chronic effects, long-term follow-up is recommended.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Bone density and cortical thickness in nutritional vitamin D deficiency: effect of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Measurements of bone mineral index, mean metacarpal cortical thickness, plasma calcium, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations were carried out in 39 Asian vegetarian patients with hypovitaminosis D. It was concluded that PTH is probably the major determinant of osteopenia in patients with osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism; and that the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in association with hypovitaminosis D should be an absolute indication for vitamin D supplementation even in asymptomatic patients.

Adolescent↗

Serotonin in tension headache.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine; however, its role in tension headache has not yet been studied. The uptake of 5-HT by platelets in patients of tension headache was significantly higher compared with migraineurs as well as controls. The basal platelet 5-HT levels did not show a significant difference. The study implicates the role of serotonin in tension headache.

Adult↗

Some observations on the macula of pesticide workers.

To study the retinal changes in occupationally exposed pesticide workers, 79 subjects exposed to an organophosphate, fenthion, and 18 exposed to an organochlorine pesticide DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane], were subjected to a detailed study, including history taking, physical examination and ophthalmic evaluation. Fluorescein angiography was performed in selected cases. Serum cholinesterase level in 22 workers and serum DDT residue in 17 workers of the respective groups were also estimated. Fifteen workers (19%), who were exposed to fenthion had macular changes (P less than 0.01). The macular lesions were characterized by perifoveal irregularity of pigmentation and areas of hypopigmentation of 1/8-1/3 disc diameter. Mean age of the subjects having macular involvement was 30.6 years and mean duration of exposure 7.9 years. The symptoms reported by them were diminution of vision (8), dislike for bright light, flash of light, black dots in front of the eyes (2 each) and visual blurring (1). Paracentral scotoma and constriction of peripheral field were present in three workers each. Fluorescein angiography suggested pigment epithelium defect. Other causes of macular involvement in these workers were excluded; a possible role of pesticides in the genesis of these macular changes is suggested.

Adolescent↗