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D Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to D Sharma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Immunogenicity of low-dose and conventional-dose recombinant hepatitis B vaccines in healthy adolescents in India.

INTRODUCTION: The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, at a conventional dose of 20 microgrammes, is highly effective in a majority of the population. Recent studies have reported that a 10-microgramme dose is as effective as the conventional dose, especially in young adolescents. This study compares the effect of two different doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Enivac HB) in healthy adolescents. METHODS: Ninety-two adolescents were randomised into two equal groups to receive either 10 microgrammes (group 1) or 20 microgrammes (group 2) of vaccine using the vaccination schedule of 0, one and six months. Blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 90, 180 and 210 days to detect anti-HBs antibodies. At each interval, geometric mean titres were calculated for seroconverted subjects. RESULTS: After the initial doses of the vaccine, greater proportion of subjects receiving the higher dose seroconverted. However, at six months, all subjects who received the low dose seroconverted, as did those who received the conventional dose. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the anti-HBs geometric mean titres for seroconverters at 180 days (218.27 versus 111.43) and 210 days (345.14 versus 133.35). The difference in the overall reactogenicity for the two dose levels was not remarkable, although the higher dose produced more local symptoms. CONCLUSION: 10-microgramme recombinant vaccine can be used in routine immunisation in healthy adolescents. If quick immunisation is needed, as in high-risk groups, the conventional dose should be administered, as it results in earlier seroconversion with higher anti-HBs geometric mean titres.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Retroperitoneoscopic deroofing of a giant renal cyst in a solitary functioning hydronephrotic kidney with a 3-port technique.

To explore the safety and feasibility of performing retroperitoneoscopic renal cystectomy in a case of massive giant renal cyst in a solitary hydronephrotic renal unit. We have described the retroperitoneal three-trocar technique. The role of laparoscopic renal cyst ablation in giant symptomatic renal cysts and non-polycystic kidney disease has been discussed. The patient was successfully managed by retroperitoneoscopic deroofing using a three-port technique. The operating room time was 90 minutes and her hospital stay lasted 54 hours. The fluid cytology and cyst histology were negative for tumor. Complete resolution of the cyst was noted on a follow-up ultrasound done after 2 months. Currently at 9-month follow up, the patient is ultrasonographically free of any cyst recurrence or hydronephrosis. The retroperitoneal approach is feasible for marsupializing giant symptomatic renal cysts and appears to be safe for solitary symptomatic renal units too. It shortens the overall operating time and avoids the complications and demerits of transperitoneal access.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Preparing for the FFAEM examination.

While the pass rate for this examination is relatively high compared to previous postgraduate examinations such as membership or fellowship (of whichever college) it should still not be underestimated. It is true that those who have been through a recognised training scheme should pass and failure reflects upon the scheme as well as the candidate, but the consequences of failure are high and fall directly only upon the candidate. Thorough preparation will immensely improve the chances of passing first time and finishing the critical topic reviews well in advance is thoroughly recommended (it would be ideal to do one each year during the first four years of training and then choose the best two for the examination). This will leave time to go through the management books and as many short clinical questions books as possible, those designed for MRCP are especially helpful. While the amount of reading for the critical appraisal section is relatively short it is essential to practice appraising papers and those previously used are most appropriate for this. Since the examination is new advice can be difficult to obtain. An FFAEM course is immensely helpful as it allows the opportunity to ask questions of those who have recently passed the examination.

Educational Measurement↗
PubMed2003

Physico-chemical properties and spectrophotometric determination of biologically active 1-alkyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyridinium bromides.

Physico-chemical properties of compounds prepared from 2,2'-bipyridine, 1-alkyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyridinium bromides, were investigated by DC polarography and by GC-MS. Their ionization potentials were calculated. Additionally, the formation of associates with bromothymol blue and methyl orange during the spectrophotometric determination was measured. It was determined that 1-alkyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyridinium ions are reduced by 2 one-electron steps in a DC polarography system. The reduction potentials are not related to the ionization potential values calculated for the substances investigated. The carcinogenic potential (tg alpha) of the parent compound 2,2'-bipyridine and of a series of 1-alkyl derivatives was very low indicating that the compounds are not carcinogenic. The MS fragmentation patterns indicate the low stability of the 1-alkyl substituents. It was shown that 2,2'-bipyridine is either fragmented to two pyridine ions or the--N=CH--fragments are removed. Additionally, spectrophotometric determinations of colored associates of 1-alkyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyridinium bromides with bromothymol blue and methyl orange were investigated and the optimal condiditions for these determinations are reported.

2,2'-Dipyridyl↗
PubMed2002

Within- and between-strain genetic variability in White Leghorn population detected through RAPD markers.

1. Five White Leghorn (WLH) strains, namely G, H, I, J and C, differing in selection history, were screened for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymorphism using 50 random decamer primers. 2. Only 12 primers detected polymorphism between the strains. Out of 96 bands scored using these primers, only 21 (21.9%) were found to be polymorphic. 3. Strains differed considerably for within-population genetic similarity, estimated either by band sharing (WS=0.836 to 0.968) or band frequency (WF=0.820 to 0.969). 4. Between-strain genetic similarity estimates, based on band sharing (BS) as well as on band frequency (BF) ranged from 0.756 to 0.958 and from 0.830 to 0.996, respectively. Strains C and H were most closely related to each other, while J appeared to be more distant from other strains. 5. The between-strain genetic distance estimates also revealed similar trends. 6. A phylogenetic tree, derived using Nei's coefficient of similarity revealed similar relationships between the WLH strains.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effect of naked neck gene (NA) and frizzle gene (F) on immunocompetence in chickens.

1. A total of 98 birds belonging to 4 genetic groups from two specialised populations--heterozygous naked neck (NA*NA/NA*N) and normally feathered (NA*N/NA*N) from one specialised population and heterozygous frizzle (F*F/F*N) and normally feathered (F*N/F*N) from another specialised population--were evaluated for general immunocompetence by assessing antibody response to SRBC, haemolytic complement level in the serum, in-vivo cell mediated immune (CMI) response to Concanavalin-A (Con-A) and a phagocytic index at 10-12 weeks of age. 2. The naked neck gene did not seem to influence the antibody response to SRBC, CMI to Con-A or the phagocytic index. However, significantly higher haemolytic complement level in serum was observed in birds carrying a copy of the NA mutation as compared to the normally feathered birds. 3. Similar trends were observed for the frizzle gene.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Hepatitis B immunization in low birthweight infants: do they need an additional dose?

AIM: To determine the influence of gestation and weight on the development of protective anti-HB levels and geometric mean titres after three doses of HBV vaccine and to ascertain the need for a fourth dose in low birthweight infants. METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccine (Enivac HB, Panacea Biotec Ltd., India) was given to 82 preterm (PT) and 60 term intrauterine growth-retarded (T-IUGR) infants at birth and at 6, 10 and 14wk of life. RESULTS: Protective anti-HB levels (>10 mIU/ml) were reached in 86.6% (71/82) of PT infants and 96.7% (58/60) of T-IUGR infants after three doses of HBV vaccine (p = 0.044). The odds of having a protective response after the third dose of HBV vaccine was 1.25 (95% CI 1.02-1.53) with every one-week increase in gestation (p = 0.032). Birthweight was not associated with the development of a protective immune response. After the third dose, only 66.7% (8/12) of the PT infants whose mothers had anti-HB antibodies, developed protective anti-HB levels compared with 90% (63/70) of those with no maternal antibodies (p = 0.028). In PT infants after the fourth dose, there was a significant increase in the proportion of infants with protective antibody levels (8.6%, 95% CI 0.6-16.6%) among those with no maternal antibodies and 12.2% overall (95% CI 6.0-21.3) (p = 0.031 to 0.002) over that reached with the third dose. Administration of the fourth dose to T-IUGR infants did not confer such a benefit. CONCLUSION: In HBV-endemic areas, PT infants, irrespective of their birthweights, may benefit from an additional dose of hepatitis B vaccine in a schedule starting at birth. This approach will prevent vertical transmission and bring their immune response up to par with term infants. Term intrauterine growth-retarded infants should be vaccinated as per the schedule recommended for normal term infants. However, studies in other settings with different vaccine formulations and a longer follow-up period will be required before this strategy can be practised more widely.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Closure of traumatic wounds without cleaning and suturing.

BACKGROUND: In less than ideal situations wounds have to be closed without extensive cleaning using sterile adhesive strips (Steristrips). This prospective analyses the efficiency of this technique and compares it to the more conventional approach. METHODS: Altogether 147 lacerations were closed with sterile strips with no wound cleaning. Patients were subsequently followed up for a minimum of three months. RESULTS: The sepsis rate in compliant patients was 1.4% with a total complication rate of 2.7%. CONCLUSION: This technique, while contradicting the "sacred tenets" of wound closure, is a cheap, quick, and effective alternative to routine closure of traumatic wounds in a casualty department.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

FMR1 haplotype analysis among Indian communities.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse fragile X mental retardation 1 haplotypes among non-fragile X males from different Indian caste-based communities in order to enable inter-community comparisons to be made and permit wider comparisons with other ethnic groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Males (n = 124) from four major Hindu castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) and the Indian Muslim community were typed using three STR markers, DXS548, FRAXAC1, and FRAXAC2. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A wide range of haplotypes were observed, with 7-3-4+ being modal in Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. This finding is in keeping with data from other Caucasian populations of European and North American origin. The report is the first of its kind, providing a normative background for meaningful haplotype comparisons between different Indian communities and with the fragile X individuals.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Experimental studies on waste paper pulp biodegradation.

In continuation of their studies on Biodegradation of cellulosic waste materials, the authors have presented their experimental data on biodegradation on waste paper pulp. Greater efficiency in the cow dung and M3 culture experimental setups have been pointed out and discussed. Necessity of detailed data evaluation of temperature, pH, dry weight, cellulose, protein, carbohydrate, Nitrate, Phosphate & Potassium levels is suggested. Derivation of %, absolute and increase/decrease % of BOO, COD and VS have been pointed out for the first time in solid waste Biodegradation. Further data evaluation and derivation of critical reaction rate kinetics have been recommended for further studies in solid waste-degradation to achieve quicker Bioconversion of cellulosic wastes into compost.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2001

Decreased glutamate receptor 2 expression and enhanced epileptogenesis in immature rat hippocampus after perinatal hypoxia-induced seizures.

Hypoxic encephalopathy is the most common cause of neonatal seizures and can lead to chronic epilepsy. In rats at postnatal days 10-12 (P10-12), global hypoxia induces spontaneous seizures and chronically decreases seizure threshold, thus mimicking clinical aspects of neonatal hypoxia. We have shown previously that the acute and chronic epileptogenic effects of hypoxia are age-dependent and require AMPA receptor activation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether hypoxia-induced seizures and epileptogenesis are associated with maturational and seizure-induced changes in AMPA receptor composition and function. Northern and Western blots indicated that glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in neocortex and hippocampus at P10-12 compared with adult. After hypoxia-induced seizures at P10, GluR2 mRNA was significantly decreased within 48 hr, and GluR2 protein was significantly decreased within 96 hr. AMPA-induced Co(2+) uptake by neurons in hippocampal slices indicated higher expression of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors in immature pyramidal neurons compared with adult. In slices obtained 96 hr after hypoxia-induced seizures, AMPA-induced Co(2+) uptake was significantly increased compared with age-matched controls, and field recordings revealed increased tetanus-induced afterdischarges that could be kindled in the absence of NMDA receptor activation. In situ end labeling showed no acute or delayed cell death after hypoxia-induced seizures. Our results indicate that susceptibility to hypoxia-induced seizures occurs during a developmental stage in which the expression of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors is relatively high. Furthermore, perinatal hypoxia-induced seizures induce increased expression of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors and an increased capacity for AMPA receptor-mediated epileptogenesis without inducing cell death.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Insights into Wnt binding and signalling from the structures of two Frizzled cysteine-rich domains.

Members of the Frizzled family of seven-pass transmembrane proteins serve as receptors for Wnt signalling proteins. Wnt proteins have important roles in the differentiation and patterning of diverse tissues during animal development, and inappropriate activation of Wnt signalling pathways is a key feature of many cancers. An extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD) at the amino terminus of Frizzled proteins binds Wnt proteins, as do homologous domains in soluble proteins-termed secreted Frizzled-related proteins-that function as antagonists of Wnt signalling. Recently, an LDL-receptor-related protein has been shown to function as a co-receptor for Wnt proteins and to bind to a Frizzled CRD in a Wnt-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular nature of the Wnt signalling complex, we determined the crystal structures of the CRDs from mouse Frizzled 8 and secreted Frizzled-related protein 3. Here we show a previously unknown protein fold, and the design and interpretation of CRD mutations that identify a Wnt-binding site. CRDs exhibit a conserved dimer interface that may be a feature of Wnt signalling. This work provides a framework for studies of homologous CRDs in proteins including muscle-specific kinase and Smoothened, a component of the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Alanine↗
PubMed2001

Acetyl-L-carnitine enhances Na(+), K(+)-ATPase glutathione-S-transferase and multiple unit activity and reduces lipid peroxidation and lipofuscin concentration in aged rat brain regions.

This study investigated the effects of chronically administered acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+), K(+)-ATPase), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), multiple unit activity (MUA) and lipid peroxidation (LP) and lipofuscin (LF) concentration in brain regions: cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum and thalamus, of 24-month-old rats. The activity of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and GST was enhanced; that of GPx was unaffected. The MUA was increased while the levels of LP and LF were decreased. These novel data provide new additional evidence concerning the antiaging attributes of ALC.

Acetylcarnitine↗
PubMed2001

Expansion mutation frequency and CGG/GCC repeat polymorphism in FMR1 and FMR2 genes in an Indian population.

Based on molecular screening, we estimated the frequencies of fragile X syndrome and FRAXE syndrome in an institutionalized population (n = 130) in New Delhi, India. Eligibility criteria for inclusion of subjects in the study were mild/moderate mental retardation, with/without family history, and the fragile X clinical phenotype. Screening by Southern hybridization revealed an overall frequency of 0.077 of the syndrome in the sample population. The disorder was observed with a high frequency (0.1) among males as compared to females (0.027). No expansions of FMR2 allele were observed in the same study sample. CGG/GCC allelic polymorphism of FMR1 and FMR2 were established from a total of 392 X chromosomes, using the radioactive polymerase chain reaction-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method. Distinct repeat sizes, repeat ranges, and repeat modes characterised the FMR1 and FMR2 alleles. In the X chromosomes of both MR individuals and unaffected controls, unimodal values of 29 and 15 repeats in FMR1 and FMR2 genes, respectively, were observed. Allele frequency distribution was symmetrical at the FMR1 locus whereas a significant positive skew was observed for the FMR2 alleles. The observed heterozygosity of the FMR1 gene was 0.772 compared to 0.839 of FMR2. Correlation of CGG/GCC repeats of FMR1 and FMR2 did not show any association of repeat sizes at these two loci (correlation coefficient, rho = 0.09). CGG/GCC repeat variation at FMR1 and FMR2 loci observed in this study sample are different from that reported for the other Caucasian and Asian populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Imaging of frontal sinus disease: concepts, interpretation, and technology.

Imaging of the frontal sinus is an integral part of patient evaluation. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging is the preferred modality for evaluation of sinus inflammatory disease. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays an important role in differentiating tumors from inflammatory diseases and serves as a problem-solving tool.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2001

Selective attentional bias to alcohol related stimuli in problem drinkers and non-problem drinkers.

AIMS: The issues explored in this study were whether a patient group of problem drinkers selectively attend to alcohol-related stimuli and the time course of any interference from alcohol-related stimuli in comparison with two control groups of non-problem drinkers. DESIGN: A 3 x 2 x 2 x 5 factorial design was used. Drinking group (low, high and problem) and word order (alcohol-neutral, neutral-alcohol) were between-participant factors, and word type (alcohol, neutral) and presentation block (1-5) were within participant factors. PARTICIPANTS: Three groups were used, 20 participants from a local community alcohol Service (CAS) and 40 participants (student volunteers) in two control groups. The two control groups were differentiated as scoring high or low on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). MEASUREMENTS: A modified computerized Stroop colour naming test was used to measure response latencies. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. FINDINGS: The CAS group showed significantly longer reaction times to respond to the colour of alcohol-related words than to neutral category words. Although the interference was smaller for the high AUDIT group it was significant. No significant interference was found in the low AUDIT group. There was no statistical evidence that the interference habituated in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed it is possible to use a modified Stroop task as a measure of implicit processing of alcohol stimuli. Despite the fact that all participants were asked to ignore the words, they were unable to do so. Alcohol-related words produced more interference than neutral category words in a group of problem drinkers and a control group of high alcohol drinkers.

Adult↗