Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J K Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to J K Sharma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Test characteristics of various screening modalities for cervical cancer: a feasibility study to develop an alternative strategy for resource-limited settings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine test characteristics - sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values - of different screening modalities to detect cervical precancerous and cancerous lesions in order to devise an effective alternative strategy for cervical cancer screening in resource-poor settings. METHODS: A total of 472 women presenting with nonspecific gynecologic symptoms were screened by cytology, visual inspection with acetic acid application (VIA), VIA with magnification (VIAM) and human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA testing. Colposcopic examination was performed in all and on-site biopsy was taken if any grade I and above lesion was detected on colposcopy (230). On histopathological examination, 105 showed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II and above lesions. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for each test were calculated taking colposcopy and or directed biopsy as the gold standard. Comparisons were made with cytology in order to assess the feasibility of alternative strategies in resource-poor settings. RESULTS: VIA was less sensitive (86.7% versus 91.4%) but more specific (90.7% versus 86.6%) than cytology at low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) threshold but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.01). HPV testing improved the sensitivity over cytology (97.1% versus 91.4%) but there was a nonsignificant loss of specificity (84.2% versus 86.6%). Results of VIAM were more or less similar to VIA. CONCLUSION: VIA can be used as a mass screening tool for cervical cancer in resource-poor settings.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Genetic polymorphism at GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene loci and susceptibility to oral cancer.

GSTs are phase II enzymes which are involved in the detoxification of active metabolites of many potential carcinogens from tobacco smoke and therefore may play an important role in modulating susceptibility to tobacco related cancers. This study evaluates the influence of genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene loci on susceptibility to oral cancer. The genotyping was based on multiplex PCR assay that identified the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null (-/-) genotypes but didn't distinguish homozygous wild type+/+ and heterozygous +/- individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from cases with oral cancer (n=40) and normal controls (n=87). The prevalence of the GSTM1 null genotypes was 29/87 (33.3%) and 21/40 (52.5%) in controls and oral cancer cases, respectively but the differences were not significant (OR=2.2; 95%CI=0.96-5.1; p=0.06). The frequency of homozygous GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases was 17/40 (42.5%) as compared to 13/87 (14.94%) in controls and the differences were highly significant (OR=4.2; 95%CI=1.64-10.9; p=0.0002). Oral cancer cases had higher proportion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes as compared to controls but the differences were not statistically significant (OR=2.9; 95%CI=0.71-11.9; p=0.17). When individuals were categorized into two groups, no differences were observed for GSTM1 null genotype frequencies in control and cancer cases (OR=2.9; 95%CI=0.9-9.6; p=0.08) (OR=1.6; 95%CI=0.44-6.1; p=0.58) in <=50 yrs and >50 yrs of age groups. Significant differences between control and cancer cases were observed for GSTT1 null genotypes both in <=50 yrs and >50 yrs of age groups (OR=4.0; 95%CI=1.1-15.0; p=0.03) (OR=4.5; 95%CI=0.97-22.29; p=0.05), respectively. The effect of smoking on GSTM1 null individuals was not found significant (OR=1.0; 95%CI=0.19-4.86; p=0.75) but it was significant in case of GSTT1 null individuals (OR=6.33; 95%CI=1.0-44.1; p=0.02). Our results thus suggest that GSTT1 gene polymorphisms modulate susceptibility to tobacco-related cancer of the oral cavity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Polymorphisms at GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene loci and susceptibility to cervical cancer in Indian population.

Multiple allelism at loci encoding detoxifying enzymes is associated with cancer risk. Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione to numerous potentially genotoxic compounds. This study evaluates the influence of genetic polymorphisms of GST M1 and GST T1 on susceptibility to cervical cancer. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA isolated from cases with cervical cancer (n=142) and normal controls (n=96). The results showed that the frequency of homozygous GSTM1 null genotype was higher in cervical cancer cases (57.0%) as compared to controls (34.4%) and the differences were significant (p<0.05), OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.4--4.5. The frequency of homozygous GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases was 19.7% in comparison to 12.5% in controls, however, the difference was not statistically significant (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 0.8-3.8). Significant difference was found between the cases and controls in the distribution of the null genotype of GST M1 in individuals aged above 45 years (p=0.04), but this difference was not significant in individuals aged below 45 years (p=0.06). No significant differences were found in cervical cancer cases and controls when data were analyzed according to age group for GSTT1 null genotype. Further, the combined analysis of both GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotypes did not appear to influence the susceptibility to cervical cancer, suggesting that polymorphisms of other detoxifying enzymes may play a significant role in cervical carcinogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Immunoprotective efficacy of a purified 39 kDa nymphal antigen of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum.

Soluble nymphal antigens (HNAg) were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B coupled with immunoglobulin ligands from animals immunized with HNAg and 69-71% protected against challenge infestations, and 8% recovery of the purified protein (Aff-HNAg) was obtained. Following immunization of crossbred calves (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) with 1600 sg of Aff-HNAg in three divided doses, significant rejections of larvae (p<0.001, 84.2%), nymphs (p<0.05, 61.4%) and adults (p<0.05, 58.7%) were recorded. No significant changes were recorded in the engorgement weights of the larvae and nymphs, but there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the weight of the engorged adults. Immunization conferred a significant decrease in the numbers of resultant nymphs (p<0.001) and adults (p<0.001) that had fed on the immunized animals. SDS-PAGE analysis identified a 39 kDa protein, previously isolated from larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, as the antigen responsible for the induction of resistance against all the stages of the tick.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Treatment of a molasses based distillery effluent in a constructed wetland in central India.

A field-scale 4-celled, horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (CW) was installed to evaluate removal efficiencies of wastewater constituents in an industrial distillery effluent. Total and dissolved solids, NH4-N, TKN, P and COD were measured. This CW design provides four serial cells with synthetic liners and a river gravel base. The first two unplanted cells provide preliminary treatment. Specific gravel depths and ensuing biofilm growth provides anaerobic treatment in Cell 1 and anaerobic treatment in Cell 2. Cell 3 was planted with Typha latifolia with an inserted layer of brick rubble (for phosphorus removal). Locally grown reed, Phragmites karka was planted in Cell 4. COD was reduced from 8420 mg/l 3000 from Cell 1 to the outlet of Cell 4. Likewise other parameters: total and dissolved solids, ammonium and total nitrogen, and total P, indicated declining trends at the 4-celled CW effluent. This study reveals how high strength distillery wastewater strongly impacts morphology, aeration anatomy in the chiseled plant tissues, reed growth; and composition of the biofilm in the specialized substratum. The reliability of a CW for organic and nutrients reduction, in association with a poorly performing conventional system is discussed. There is an immense potential for appropriately designed constructed wetlands to improve high strength wastewaters in India.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
PubMed2000

Immunization of cross-bred cattle against Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum by purified antigens.

Extracts prepared from unfed larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using anti-gut IgG as ligand. Affinity purified antigen (Aff-GHLAg) was used to immunize cross-bred (Bos taurus x B. indicus) calves of 6-7 months of age. Immunized calves rejected 70.6% larvae, 54.5% nymphs and 61.9% adults. No significant changes in the engorged weight of females was observed; however, significant decrease in the engorgement weight of larvae and nymphs was recorded. There was a significant decrease in the emerging nymphs (p < 0.05) and adults (p < 0.01) of the tick stages fed on immunized animals. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed three antigenic proteins of 100, 59.4 and 37 kDa responsible for induction of resistance in the host.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Chronic urticaria: a Canadian perspective on patterns and practical management strategies.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is a common condition and is a source of great frustration to patients. It has been suggested that there may be differences among physicians in their approach to this common clinical entity. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: A questionnaire was distributed Canada-wide to allergists, dermatologists, and a selection of practitioners with an interest in alternative medicine. The survey included questions on demographics, epidemiology, causative factors, diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, follow-up advice, and efficacy of therapies, with emphasis on personal experience. RESULTS: The response rates of allergists and dermatologists were 31% and 36%, respectively. There was wide representation from all regions of Canada and from physicians from all age groups, both genders, different types of practice, and years in practice. The reported incidence per month was 13 and 4 patients for allergists and dermatologists, respectively. The prevalence was 199 and 44 patients by allergists and dermatologists, respectively. Comparison of causative factors showed differences in the experiences of the two groups. Diagnostic investigations were requested in a similar pattern with respect to timing. The specific tests ordered by the groups showing statistical difference were complete blood count (CBC), differential, C4 complement, antinuclear antibodies, and IgE antibody assay. Allergists chose the skin prick test (100%) as the most important allergy test. Dermatologists ranked skin prick (50%), radioallergosorbent test (RAST) (20%), and skin patch (30%) as the most important tests. The top six choices of pharmaceutical therapies chosen by the groups were similar, but in a slightly different order. The responders ranked their personal selection of antihistamines according to effectiveness. Hydroxyzine (Atarax) and cetirizine (Reactine, Allegra) were selected as first and second most effective agents by both groups. The results also show effective experience by both groups with nonsedating and sedating antihistamines. Also, doxepin, ketotifen, and cimetidine are used frequently by both groups. The experience of dermatologists in Canada with respect to other modalities including psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, danazol, chelation, calcium channel blockers, and acyclovir is limited and efficacy is ranked either neutral or ineffective. Allergists reported even less experience with these therapies. CONCLUSION: Allergists and dermatologists across Canada show interesting similarities and differences in their practical approach to the management of chronic urticaria. With the sharing of this information, these two specialties will be better equipped to effectively manage patients suffering from chronic urticaria.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Hepatitis C virus infection in sporadic fulminant viral hepatitis in North India: cause or co-factor?

INTRODUCTION: The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in fulminant hepatitis (FH) is poorly understood and the available data are conflicting. We have examined the aetiological role of HCV in 50 consecutive patients with sporadic FH by employing serology and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients with sporadic FH were included. After an initial clinical and biochemical assessment, tests were performed for detection of HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, IgM anti-HAV, IgM anti-HEV and anti-HCV. RT-PCR was carried out for detection of HCV RNA in sera of all the patients and in post mortem liver biopsy tissue of 20 subjects, using primers selected from the conserved 5' non-coding region of the HCV genome. RESULTS: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was found to be the most common viral infection (21/50; 42%) followed by HBV (14/50; 28%), HCV (7/50; 14%) and HAV (2/50; 4%). No viral markers could be detected in nine patients (18%) and multiple infections were seen in seven (14%). Of the seven subjects who tested positive for HCV-related markers, two had both anti-HCV and HCV RNA, three had HCV RNA alone and the remaining two had anti-HCV alone. Interestingly, all the HCV-infected subjects were co-infected with other hepatotropic viruses and the most common co-infecting agent was found to be HBV (5/7). Liver tissue was available in 20 cases and HCV RNA was detected in three of them. All of these patients were also positive for the viral genome in their serum samples. Comparison of the biological attributes of HCV-positive and HCV-negative cases revealed that haemorrhagic symptomatology (haematemesis, melaena and purpurae) was significantly more common, prothrombin time more deranged and mortality was much higher in the former group. The overall mortality was 68% and the most common cause of death was cerebral oedema (70.6%). No significant correlation was observed between mortality and the duration of the icterus-encephalopathy interval. The study included a total of 21 pregnant females; HEV infection was found to be significantly greater in this group and was associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly suggest that HCV is not an important aetiological factor for FH in North India. However, it may act as a co-factor in the development of FH leading to a higher mortality. HEV appears to contribute substantially to the causation of sporadic FH in India and advanced stage pregnancy is a potential risk factor for HEV-induced FH and high rate of mortality. Our study also suggests that the length of the icterus-encephalopathy period may not have significant prognostic implications in Indian patients with FH.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of multiple glomangioma with tuneable dye laser.

BACKGROUND: Multiple glomangiomas are a rare clinical occurrence. In the past, various treatments have been proposed for eradication of these tumours. OBJECTIVE: An alternative and effective therapy for multiple glomangioma is proposed. RESULTS: The effective clinical response of multiple, painful, bluish-black lesions on the soles of the feet and the hands, diagnosed as multiple glomangioma, to flashlamp tuneable dye laser is reported. CONCLUSION: The flashlamp tuneable dye laser is an effective modality in the treatment of multiple glomangioma.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Polymicrobial etiology of dental caries.

The present study was carried out to establish the normal bacterial oral flora and the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora from deep seated dental caries, and to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity of the clinical isolates so obtained Streptococcus mutans (48%) and Streptococcus sanguis (20%) were the main aerobic isolates whereas Lactobacillus spp. (52%), Veillonella spp. (24%) and Actinomyces spp. (12%) were the major anaerobic isolates. Hundred percent of the samples from dental caries yielded polymicrobial isolates while in two samples from healthy individuals S. mutans was the sole isolate. As the flora changed from healthy tooth to dental caries it changed from one predominated by anaerobic gram-positive cocci to anaerobic gram-positive bacilli. All the anaerobes isolated were sensitive to metronidazole and cefotaxime, whereas all the isolated streptococci were sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin. Incorporation of the antibiotics in baseline restoration, if technically feasible, has been advocated.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

Detection of hepatitis C and E virus genomes in sera of patients with acute viral hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis by their simultaneous amplification in PCR.

A study was undertaken to investigate the role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV), either alone or together, in the causation of sporadic acute viral hepatitis (AVH) and fulminant hepatitis (FH) by simultaneous detection of their genomes in serum samples using the reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study of which 34 had AVH and 16 had sporadic FH. The serum samples were first tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and HEV and also antibodies against HCV using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. All samples were then subjected to RT-PCR using primers for both HCV and HEV simultaneously in the same reaction mixture. Hepatitis C or hepatitis E was diagnosed when either the antibodies or PCR or both were positive for the respective viruses. Evidence of hepatitis C was present in six of the 34 (17.6%) cases of AVH and two out of 16 (12.5%) cases of FH. Four patients in the AVH group and one of the fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) group were found to be positive by PCR and the rest by serology. But as a sole aetiological agent, HCV infection was found in only one (2.9%) case of AVH and in none of the FHF cases. Evidence of HEV infection was found in 22/34 (64.7%) and 8/16 (50%) cases of AVH and FHF, respectively. Excluding co-infection with other viruses, HEV was found to be the sole aetiological agent in 15/34 (44.1%) of AVH and 7/16 (43.7%) cases of FHF. In five (10%) (four AVH and one FHF) of the 50 cases, evidence of infection with both HCV and HEV was present. But only in two of these five cases, genomes of both HCV and HEV were co-amplified. In seven (four AVH and three FHF) out of 50 (14%) cases, no known viral agent could be detected. Our results suggest that HEV is the most common aetiological agent for both acute viral hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure and that HCV is a rare cause of acute liver diseases although along with other viruses, evidence of either present or past HCV infection may be present in a substantial number of cases. Furthermore, advanced-stage pregnancy appears to be a potential risk factor for HEV infection and high rate of mortality in women. The study suggests that the method of simultaneous amplification of both HCV and HEV genomes could reduce the time, labour and cost involved in diagnostic work up of acute liver disease patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Absence of human papillomavirus DNA in breast cancer as revealed by polymerase chain reaction.

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 commonly associated with cervical cancer are found in many epithelial malignancies at extra-genital sites including breast. The transforming gene products of HPV have also been shown to immortalize breast epithelial cells in vitro. But the findings of HPV DNA in breast carcinoma are found to be contradictory. In the present study fine needle aspirate cell (FNAC) samples from 26 breast cancer patients and four breast tumour biopsies were analysed for the presence of HPV 16 and 18 DNA sequences by both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot hybridization. Of 26 fine needle aspirate cell samples and four breast cancer biopsies, not a single sample was found to be positive by either PCR or Southern blot hybridization. The observation of complete absence of HPV DNA sequences in breast cancer refute the possibility of any role for oncogenic genital HPV types 16 and 18 in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Detection of human papillomavirus DNA sequences in cancer of the urinary bladder by in situ hybridisation and polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of "high risk" human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 10 biopsy specimens from male patients of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder for the detection of HPV DNA sequences. Specimens were collected from the Urology Clinic of the K.G. Medical College Hospital, Lucknow, India. Detection of HPV DNA was carried out by tissue in situ hybridisation (a single copy gene localisation method) using 3H-labelled HPV DNA probe and also by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques using primers to HPV 16 upstream regulatory region (URR). RESULTS: Out of 10 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, "high risk" HPV 16 DNA was detected only in one (10%) by using in situ hybridisation whereas two cases (20%) were found to be positive by polymerase chain reaction. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the rare occurrence of HPV in bladder carcinoma may not have a causal relation with the viral infection.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Potency of partially purified malleo-proteins for mallein test in the diagnosis of glanders in equines.

Malleo-proteins from synthetic broth mallein of six strains of Pseudomonas mallei were separated by trichloroacetic acid precipitation, ammonium sulfate precipitation and Ultrogel AcA 34 gel filtration chromatography. When tested comparatively with Dutch PPD mallein as standard on P. mallei-sensitized and normal horses all the strains were found to be malleinogenic, trichloroacetic acid precipitated proteins were comparable to Dutch PPD mallein in potency and innocuity whereas ammonium sulfate-precipitated proteins elicited non-specific reactions. Ultrogel AcA 34 chromatographed high molecular weight proteins (MW range > 350,000) were having equal or higher potency and without adverse reactions and low molecular weight proteins (MW range 120,000-170,000) nearly inactive. Ultrogel AcA 34 column fractionation studies revealed that mallein activity was associated with high molecular weight proteins and represented a purer sensitin than PPD mallein for the purpose of mallein test.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

BamHI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the human GST3 gene locus.

A new restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected for the human glutathione S-transferase-pi (GST3) gene with the restriction endonuclease, BamHI (GGATCC) is described. Because of the association of GST isozymes with certain human diseases, the data on involvement of different GST loci, their chromosomal location and information on RFLPs are of potential diagnostic value.

DNA↗