Biomedical subjects

N Ahmad

Publications and source records attributed to N Ahmad.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Serum hormonal, electrolytes and trace element profiles in the rutting and non-rutting one-humped male camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The camel is known to be a seasonal breeder and, in the male camel, the breeding activity maximizes during the rutting period (winter and spring seasons). During the non-rutting period (summer and autumn), however, the breeding activity almost ceases completely. Serum steroid hormonal, electrolytes and trace element profiles were studied in 16 adult male camels aged 5-9 years, slaughtered during the rutting (n=8) and non-rutting periods (n=8). Moreover, testicular and epididymal tissue contents of electrolytes and trace elements were also studied during these two periods. Serum levels of testosterone, progesterone and T(4):T(3) ratio were higher in the rutting animals when compared to the non-rutting ones, while the reverse was true for serum T(3), T(4) and corticosterone levels (p<0.01). Among minerals, serum levels of sodium, calcium, copper and zinc were higher, while those of potassium were lower, in the rutting than non-rutting camels. In the testicular tissue, the levels of sodium, calcium, copper and iron were higher in the rutting group, while magnesium was higher in non-rutting one. In the epididymis, the tissue levels of chloride, iron and zinc were higher in the rutting than non-rutting period. These results demonstrate a clear evidence of the distribution of steroid hormones, electrolytes and trace elements forming and maintaining a certain level at two different physiological states in camels.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prospective study of the microbiological flora of hearing aid moulds and the efficacy of current cleaning techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Wearing hearing aid earmoulds has been implicated as a predisposing factor in the development of chronic otitis externa. Audiologists come into contact with a large number of hearing aid earmoulds and these could potentially harbour pathogenic micro-organisms, with the risk of subsequent cross infection. Cleaning with dilute alcohol is widely used in an attempt to break the chain of infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence and nature of microbial flora on hearing aid earmoulds and the efficacy of cleaning methods used to prevent cross infection. SETTING: Secondary health care within the audiology department of Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. DESIGN: A prospective, observational study. METHODS: Hearing aid earmoulds were swabbed before and after cleaning. Samples were cultured to determine qualitatively and quantitatively the microbiological flora present before and after cleaning. RESULTS: Twenty out of 21 (95 per cent) earmoulds had microbes present and, of these, 19/20 (95 per cent) had a polymicrobial profile. Coagulase negative staphylococci and diphtheroids were the most frequent microbial isolates, but pathogenic bacteria and fungi were also demonstrated on earmoulds both before and after cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: The polymicrobial flora, including recognized pathogens, that colonizes earmoulds may lead to chronic otitis externa. Cleaning with 70 per cent alcohol solution was ineffective, in particular for pathogenic fungi on earmoulds.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Radiological impact of dietary intakes of naturally occurring radionuclides on Pakistani adults.

Daily dietary intakes of three naturally occurring long-lived radionuclides (232)Th, (238)U and (40)K were estimated for the adult population of Pakistan using neutron activation analysis (NAA), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), respectively. The daily intakes of (232)Th ranged from 4 to 29 mBq, (238)U ranged from 17 to 82 mBq and (40)K ranged from 51 to 128 Bq. The geometric means of these intakes were 10 mBqd(-1) for (232)Th, 33 mBqd(-1) for (238)U and 78.5 Bqd(-1) for (40)K. The measured values give annual committed effective doses of 0.80, 0.53 and 178.75 microSvyr(-1) for (232)Th, (238)U and (40)K, respectively to Pakistani population. The net radiological impact of these radionuclides is 180.08 microSvyr(-1). This value gives cancer risk factor of 4.5 x 10(-4) and loss of life expectancy of 0.87 days only. Whereas ICRP cancer risk factor for general public is 2.5 x 10(-3) and total risk involve from the all natural radiation sources based on global average annual radiation dose of 2.4 mSvyr(-1) is 6.0 x 10(-3). The estimated cancer risk shows that probability of increase of cancer risk from daily Pakistani diet is only a minor fraction of ICRP values. Therefore, the diet does not pose any significant health hazard and is considered radiologically safe for human consumption.

Diet↗

PubMed2006

Role of fusogenic non-PC liposomes in elicitation of protective immune response against experimental murine salmonellosis.

Earlier we have demonstrated that novel fusogenic liposomes made up of lipid from Escherichia coli (escheriosomes) have strong tendency to fuse with the plasma membrane of target cells and thereby delivering the entrapped contents into their cytosol. The delivery of entrapped antigen in cytosol of the target cells ensues its processing and presentation along with MHC class I pathway that eventually elicit antigen specific cytotoxic T cells. The result of the present study revealed that immunization of BALB/c mice with escheriosome-encapsulated Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) cytosolic antigens resulted in the augmentation of antigen specific cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte as well as IgG responses. In contrast, free or conventional liposome (PC liposome) encapsulated antigen failed to induce CD8+ CTLs in the immunized animals. Further, immunization with escheriosome-encapsulated antigen resulted in significant enhancement in the release of IFN-gamma and IgG2a in the experimental animals. Interestingly, the immunization with escheriosome-encapsulated antigen resulted in upregulation of CD80 and CD86 on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs) as well. Finally, the results of the present study reveal that immunization of animals with escheriosomes encapsulated antigen protected them against virulent S. typhimurium infection. This was evident by increased survival, and reduced bacterial burden in vital organs of the immunized animals. The data of the present study suggest that escheriosomes can emerge as an effective vehicle for intracellular delivery of antigen and thus hold promise in development of liposome based vaccine against Salmonella and other intracellular pathogens.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2006

Current opinion on treatment of asymptomatic retinal detachments.

AIMS: To determine the current opinion of vitreoretinal consultants in the UK on the treatment of asymptomatic retinal detachments. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of UK and Eire vitreoretinal consultants on recommended therapy for eight different case scenarios of asymptomatic retinal detachment. RESULTS: A questionnaire was sent to 115 consultants in UK and Eire. Fifty-four per cent were returned. The majority of surgeons favoured active intervention for most types of asymptomatic retinal detachment, with surgery being the most popular. Laser demarcation of the detached retina was the second most favoured approach followed by observation alone. Discharge with advice to seek attention if symptoms appeared was the least frequently recommended. Recommended management varied considerably for each scenario. The presence or absence of a demarcation line had the greatest influence on the management of each case. Age of patient had a much smaller effect, and degree of myopia had very little effect. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery remains the most common recommended management for an asymptomatic retinal detachment. The striking outcome of the survey is the variability in responses for any given scenario, ranging from surgical intervention to the patient being discharged with advice. This reflects the absence of hard clinical evidence to support any particular management option in such cases. As patient involvement in decision making over management is essential, the opinions expressed in this survey may not be a true reflection of actual practice, although it does highlight the need for further research in this field to provide guidance for treatment of this important condition.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Comparative efficacy of renal preservation solutions to limit functional impairment after warm ischemic injury.

In kidney transplantation, cold storage is the dominant modality used to prolong organ viability ex vivo, but is inevitably followed by a period of warm ischemia. Preservation fluids limit tissue damage during the ischemic period, but there is little information on the influence of preservation fluids on the physiologic consequences of warm ischemia alone, or on the comparative ability of such preservation fluids to limit warm ischemic injury. In this study, warm ischemia was induced in rat kidneys by crossclamping the left renal pedicle for 45 min with contralateral nephrectomy. The ischemic kidneys were flushed with Euro-Collins (EC), hyper osmolar citrate (HOC), University of Wisconsin (UW), or phosphate buffered sucrose (PBS)140 solution. Over a period of 2 h after reperfusion, urine and blood samples were collected and physiological parameters related to the function of the postischemic kidneys were assessed. The data show that postischemic renal function can be influenced by the choice of preservation fluid. Essentially, the continued use of EC as a renal preservation solution finds little support in these data, and, while HOC and UW solutions were better able to limit the decline in renal function after warm ischemia than EC, the solution most able to limit functional impairment after warm ischemia was PBS140. This analysis compares the efficacies of the commonly used preservation solutions and could form the basis for future solid-organ transplant studies that may ultimately allow us to propose best-practice guidelines and an optimum platform for improved preservation solutions.

Adenosine↗

PubMed2006

Diabetes service provision: a qualitative study of the experiences and views of Pakistani and Indian patients with Type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To explore Pakistani and Indian patients' experiences of, and views about, diabetes services in order to inform the development of culturally sensitive services. DESIGN: Qualitative, interview study involving 23 Pakistani and nine Indian patients with Type 2 diabetes recruited from general practices and the local community in Edinburgh, Scotland. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently and recruitment continued until no new themes emerged from the interviews. RESULTS: Respondents expressed gratitude for the availability of free diabetes services in Britain, as they were used to having to pay to access health care on the Indian subcontinent. Most looked to services for the prompt detection and treatment of complications, rather than the provision of advice about managing their condition. As respondents attached importance to receiving physical examinations, they could be disappointed when these were not offered by health-care professionals. They disliked relying on interpreters and identified a need for bilingual professionals with whom they could discuss their diabetes care directly. CONCLUSIONS: Gratitude for free services in Britain may instil a sense of indebtedness which makes it difficult for Pakistanis and Indians to be critical of their diabetes care. Health-care professionals may need to describe their roles carefully, and explain how different diabetes services fit together, to avoid Pakistani and Indian patients perceiving treatment as unsatisfactory. Whilst linkworker schemes may meet patients' need to receive culturally sensitive information in their first language, work is needed to assess their effectiveness and sustainability.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

PLGA-microsphere mediated clearance of bilirubin in temporarily hyperbilirubinemic rats: an alternate strategy for the treatment of experimental jaundice.

In the present study, we have demonstrated the suitability of microspheres in removal of plasma bilirubin from systemic circulation of hyperbilirubinemic rats. Poly (lactide co-glycolide) microspheres (PLGA microspheres) have been shown to bind with bilirubin in both a concentration and time dependent manner. The binding affinity of bilirubin to microspheres was enhanced when rat serum albumin (RSA) was loaded into the microspheres. On evaluating the potential of microspheres in elimination of bilirubin from the systemic circulation, RSA bearing microspheres were found to be competent in both removing bilirubin from the systemic circulation and controlling elevated plasma levels of liver function enzymes in temporarily hyperbilirubinemic rats. On the basis of results of the present study, we suggest that microsphere-based delivery system may help in development of safe, effective and alternate strategy for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemic conditions in model animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

'I can't do any serious exercise': barriers to physical activity amongst people of Pakistani and Indian origin with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is at least 4 times more common among British South Asians than in the general population. South Asians also have a higher risk of diabetic complications, a situation which has been linked to low levels of physical activity observed amongst this group. Little is known about the factors and considerations which prohibit and/or facilitate physical activity amongst South Asians. This qualitative study explored Pakistani (n = 23) and Indian (n = 9) patients' perceptions and experiences of undertaking physical activity as part of their diabetes care. Although respondents reported an awareness of the need to undertake physical activity, few had put this lifestyle advice into practice. For many, practical considerations, such as lack of time, were interwoven with cultural norms and social expectations. Whilst respondents reported health problems which could make physical activity difficult, these were reinforced by their perceptions and understandings of their diabetes, and its impact upon their future health. Education may play a role in physical activity promotion; however, health promoters may need to work with, rather than against, cultural norms and individual perceptions. We recommend a realistic and culturally sensitive approach, which identifies and capitalizes on the kinds of activities patients already do in their everyday lives.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Phospholipid diversity: correlation with membrane-membrane fusion events.

The transport of various metabolically important substances along the endocytic and secretory pathways involves budding as well as fusion of vesicles with various intracellular compartments and plasma membrane. The membrane-membrane fusion events between various sub-compartments of the cell are believed to be mainly mediated by so-called "fusion proteins". This study shows that beside the proteins, lipid components of membrane may play an equally important role in fusion and budding processes. Inside out (ISO) as well as right side out (RSO) erythrocyte vesicles were evaluated for their fusogenic potential using conventional membrane fusion assay methods. Both fluorescence dequenching as well as content mixing assays revealed fusogenic potential of the erythrocyte vesicles. Among two types of vesicles, ISO were found to be more fusogenic as compared to the RSO vesicles. Interestingly, ISO retained nearly half of their fusogenic properties after removal of the proteins, suggesting the remarkable role of lipids in the fusion process. In another set of experiments, fusogenic properties of the liposomes (subtilosome), prepared from phospholipids isolated from Bacillus subtilis (a lower microbe) were compared with those of erythrocyte vesicles. We have also demonstrated that various types of vesicles upon interaction with macrophages deliver encapsulated materials to the cytosol of the cells. Membrane-membrane fusion was also followed by the study, in which a protein synthesis inhibitor ricin A (that does not cross plasma membrane), when encapsulated in the erythrocyte vesicles or subtilosomes was demonstrated to gain access to the cytosol.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

PubMed2005

[Management of behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)].

Changes in many patterns of individual risk behaviors (unhealthy diet, smoking, sedentary lifestyle) are necessary in a large majority of patients with established CVD or at high risk of CVD. Make healthy food choices. Energy intake must be adjusted to maintain ideal body weight. Eating from each major food group will ensure dietary balance. The consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and bread, low fat dairy products, fish and lean meat should be encouraged. Oily fish and omega-3-fatty acids are specially recommended. Saturated and trans fatty acids should be replaced with MUFA's or PUFA's of vegetable and seafood origins. Totalfat intake should account for no more than 30% of energy intake, and intake of saturated fats should not exceed a third of total fat intake. The intake of cholesterol should be less than 300 mg/day. Stop smoking tobacco. All smokers should be professionally encouraged to permanently stop smoking all forms of tobacco. Increase physical activity. A lack of regular physical activity may contribute to the early onset and progression of Cardiovascular Disease. Regular physical activity and the maintenance of physical fitness is beneficial in all age groups and should be promoted as an integral part of cardiovascular prevention. Healthy people should be advised to choose enjoyable activities, which fit into their daily routine, preferably 30-40 min, 4-5 times weekly at Borg 13 or at 60-75% of the average maximum heart rate. For patients with established CVD, advice must be based on a comprehensive clinical judgement including the results of an exercise test.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Antimicrobial activity of clove oil and its potential in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

In the present study, we evaluated antimicrobial activity of clove oil against a range of fungal pathogens including that responsible for urogenital infection. Clove oil was found to possess strong antifungal activity against opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, etc. The oil was found to be extremely successful in the treatment of experimental murine vaginitis in model animals. On evaluating various formulations, topical administration of the liposomized clove oil was found to be most effective against treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of rigid vs flexible sigmoidoscopy in detection of significant anorectal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Sigmoidoscopy is an essential tool in colorectal clinics in the detection of anorectal lesions including rectosigmoid adenomas and carcinomas. However, rigid sigmoidoscope (RS) is still more widely used than flexible sigmoidoscope (FS) as the primary investigation, despite the fact that the latter is more comfortable to the patient and has greater diagnostic yield. Hence we wanted to compare the two modalities in terms of diagnostic use for picking up significant anorectal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients referred to the colorectal clinic who had undergone both rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy for investigation of colorectal symptoms in 2001 was done. Findings recorded during rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy including depth of insertion, site of lesion and complications were analysed. RESULTS: 152 patients underwent both rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy as part of investigation of colorectal symptoms. Of the 115 (75.6%) declared normal by RS, 39 (33.9%) had significant lesions including 7 polyps and 4 malignant lesions within 20 cm of the anal verge during FS. Of the 31 patients (20.4%) in whom RS was not helpful due to faecal loading, 15 (48.4%) had significant lesions including 4 malignancies and 1 polyp --all within 20 cm of the anal verge during FS. Only 2 polyps and 1 malignant lesion were picked up by both flexible and rigid sigmoidoscopy. There were no complications in both procedures. CONCLUSION: Since flexible sigmoidoscopy is superior to rigid sigmoidoscopy in terms of patient comfort, diagnostic value and ease of doing procedures like biopsy and polypectomy; it can be used as a front line investigation to exclude colorectal pathology in out patient clinics. The utility of rigid sigmoidoscope is in question and in view of obvious shortcomings, may be replaced by flexible sigmoidoscopy, though obvious resource constraints need to be considered.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Is coronary heart disease rising in India? A systematic review based on ECG defined coronary heart disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether coronary heart disease (CHD) is rising in India and assess the quality of the evidence. Thirty one studies were reviewed. The sample sizes of the studies varied from approximately 500 to 14,000, with response rates generally over 90%. Many did not fulfil basic requirements for epidemiological research and most studies were in or around Delhi. The three incidence studies used different diagnostic criteria; however, the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in urban India in the 14 years to 1991 remained similar at about 6/1000 in males and 2/1000 in females. Prevalence range was higher in urban than rural areas in men (35-90/1000 v 17-45/1000) and women (28-93/1000 v 13-43/1000). There was no clear rise in age specific rates in men over a 27 year period, whereas a rise was seen in women. In conclusion, using a relatively objective measure of CHD it was found that CHD is more common in urban than rural areas of India, but there was little evidence of a rise in CHD over time, especially in men.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Serum IL-2 in chronic hepatitis B virus infected patients and its association with disease activity.

Association of serum Interleukin -2 (IL-2) levels with the activity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was evaluated in this study. We studied 45 subjects in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. They were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 15 CHB patients with raised Alanine aminotrasferase (ALT) (> 80 iu/L), Group B consisted of 15 CHB carrier with normal ALT (< or =40 iu/L) and Group C consisted of 15 healthy subjects with normal ALT. Serum IL-2 level was measured in all groups. IL-2 level was detected in 14(93.33%) subjects in group A and 2(13.33%) subjects in group B. IL-2 level was undetectable in all the subjects in group C. The association between IL-2 level and activity of chronic hepatitis B was observed by statistical analysis (Z-test). There is significant difference between group A and group B (p<0.001) and also in group A and group C (p<0.001), but no significant difference between group B and group C (p>0.05). Our results support the observation that IL-2 level can be used as a marker of activity in CHB patients as IL-2 level was significantly detected in the patients of group A.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Management of difficult intubation in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis--a case report.

We describe a case of difficult intubation in a patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis undergoing total hip replacement surgery. The anesthetic management of 42 year old patient with difficult airway is discussed. Failure of epidural anesthesia procedure necessitated general anesthesia. The problems of performing awake fibreoptic intubation and other alternative techniques to secure the airway are described. Cervical spine involvement in ankylosing spondylitis is of great concern for the anesthetist. Longstanding progressive course of this disease leads to fibrosis, ossification and ankylosis of entire spine and sacroiliac joints. Cervical spine mobility is decreased and in severe cases total fixity occurs in a flexed position. Patient may also have atlanto-occipital and temporo-mandibular joint involvement as well. Cricoarytenoid cartilages involvement may result in upper airway compromise. Furthermore cervical spine vertebrae are prone to fractures, especially on hyperextension and may lead to spinal cord transection and quadriplegia. In this case report we describe the airway management of such patient with fixed rigidity of cervical spine and thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Assessment of strontium and calcium levels in Pakistani diet.

To cope with nuclear emergency effectively due to ingestion of fission fragment (90)Sr, adequacy of nutritionally and radiologically important elements strontium and calcium was studied in typical Pakistani diet and baseline analytical data were generated. Concentrations of strontium and calcium were measured by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) techniques. Daily dietary intake of strontium and calcium varied from 0.9 to 5.7 mg and 217 to 713 mg with the geometric mean value x geometric standard deviation of 2.6 x 1.7 and 487.1 x 1.4 mg d(-1), respectively. The average Sr concentration in the Pakistani diet was 1.4 times higher while Ca concentration was 0.4 times lower than the recommended values of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The calculated Sr/Ca ratio 5.3E-03 was also higher than the ICRP value. The study depicts that the strontium concentration in the Pakistani diet is adequate, while the calcium concentration is inadequate according to international standards and needs improvement.

Calcium, Dietary↗

PubMed2004

Intraocular surgery for optic nerve disorders.

This article discusses two current indications for intraocular surgery for optic nerve conditions. The first topic is macular detachment in association with congenital optic disc pit, and includes a review of the theories of pathogenesis and management options including our own experience of treatment with vitrectomy and gas tamponade. In addition, the histopathological findings of a new case of optic disc pit with serous macular detachment are presented, adding to the rare examples previously reported. The second subject is a radial optic neurotomy, a recently advocated treatment for central retinal vein occlusion, which, despite its controversial nature, is gaining in popularity.

Adolescent↗