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Biomedical subjects

R C Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to R C Sharma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Breeding habitats and larval indices of Aedes aegypti (L) in residential areas of Rajahmundry town, Andhra Pradesh.

Entomological studies on relative prevalence and distribution of adults and immatures of Aedes aegypti were conducted in Rajahmundry town of Andhra Pradesh from December 1998 to November 1999. Adults and immature stages of Aedes aegypti were found in all the 22 localities viz; posh area (8), mixed area (8) and slum area (6) of the town. Larval indices were found to be higher in slum areas as compared to mixed or posh areas of the town. However, the larval habitats were observed to be similar in all localities. The larval indices were highest during monsoon and post-monsoon months. The breeding preference ratio (BPR) was highest for cement tubs followed by discarded tyres and barrels. The high larval indices of Aedes aegypti in these areas warrant intensification of vector surveillance activities along with source reduction and health education.

Aedes↗
PubMed2002

Bancroftian filariasis in Bagdogra town, district Darjeeling (West Bengal).

Filaria endemicity is probably gradually increasing over the years in Bagdogra town, district Darjeeling (West Bengal). Of 1511 night blood smears examined, 35 were found positive for Wuchereria bancrofti (mf rate 2.32%). The microfilaria (mf) rates for males and females were 2.84% and 1.79 % respectively. The age of these positives ranged from 5-45 years. The mf rate was highest (4.46%) in the age group of 20-29 years. All mf carriers were local residents of Bagdogra and Wuchereria bancrofti was only the infection encountered. Mean microfilaria density was 7.71 per 20 cmm. of blood, whereas Median microfilaria density (MFD50) was 21 per 20 cmm. of blood. Disease and filarial endemicity rates were 0.33% and 2.65% respectively. Ten man hour vector mosquito density ranged from 30 to 65. Out of 49 female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes dissected for the presence of filaria infection, none was found positive for the infection. During 1976 survey in the same town, mf rate was 1.6% and disease rate was nil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Tuberculosis of the vulva masquerading as a sexually transmitted disease.

Tuberculosis of the vulva is a rare condition usually seen by a gynecologist. We report a case of chronic ulcer on the vulva of four months duration, which, on detailed investigation, turned out to be a case of primary inoculation tuberculosis. The patient was subsequently put on antitubercular therapy with a good the therapeutic response. The rarity of this presentation in dermato-venereology is emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis.

Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis (LWNHM) is a reticulate pigmentary disorder with a sporadic occurrence, representing genetic mosaicism. It is characterised by hyperpigmented macules in a reticulate pattern along Blaschko's lines, sparing the mucous membranes and stabilising after one to two years. It may be associated with various neurological abnormalities. The disorder may resemble incontinentia pigmenti, epidermal nevus, or zebra-like hyperpigmentation clinically. We report LWMNHM in a 15-year-old girl with progressively increasing streaks of reticulate hyperpigmented macules arranged in a whorled pattern over the trunk and extremities, which appeared soon after birth. There was no history of any preceding eruption or any associated systemic abnormality. Histopathological examination revealed basal cell hyperpigmentation without any pigmentary incontinence. CT scan of the brain was normal.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2001

A suspected case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis on the buttock.

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is rare and can mimic mycetoma, tuberculosis and nocardiosis. The results of cultures (aerobic and anaerobic) are not always positive. A high degree of clinical suspicion should be entertained and a combination regimen of penicillins with sulphonamides should be used for treatment. We report a patient with primary cutaneous actinomycosis over the buttock, who was successfully treated with amoxicillin and sulphonamides.

Actinomycosis↗
PubMed2001

Status of soil transmitted helminthic infections in India--observations on sample surveys using Kato-Katz technique.

Results of surveys conducted in eight different ecologically homogenous zones in the country, using WHO sampling design methodologies and Kato-Katz technique are presented in this communication. Hilly and coastal areas had high STH prevalence ranging from 34%-36% with total epg ranging from 53,952-4,67,976. Apart from this, Chitradurga urban area had STH prevalence of 39.6% with epg of 81,792. However, except in few cases, in all these surveyed areas, intensity of STH infection was found to be light. A national programme for control of soil transmitted helminthic infections is advocated.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Internal dosimetry of plutonium using the late urinary excretion.

An attempt has been made to standardize the methodology of internal dose computation from the late urinary excretion data. The methodology was selected keeping in mind the most recent ICRP publications and the results of internal dosimetry intercomparison studies reported in literature. The key element of this methodology is the PC-based computational software LUDEP 2.05, which implements the new model of the human respiratory tract. Late urinary excretion data of three male subjects involved in accidental intakes of plutonium aerosols more than 25 years ago were interpreted in terms of intakes and internal doses with the aid of the standardized methodology. An important implication of this work is that late urinary excretion data of the occupational workers of any plutonium handling facility could be used to show the compliance with the life-time dose limit.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2000

Trichotillomania and trichophagia leading to trichobezoar.

A 14-year-old female presented with the complaints of loss of hair, scalp pruritus, and pain in the abdomen. On careful work-up, she was found to have trichotillomania as well as trichophagia. Investigations also revealed a trichobezoar which completely filled the stomach. Hemogram showed moderate hypochromic anemia. Her detailed psychiatric profile showed a few additional features like obsessive hand washing, knuckle cracking, nose picking and body rocking. Her trichobezoar was removed surgically, and she had an uneventful post-operative recovery. She is being maintained on fluoxetine and is doing well. The role of a multi-disciplinary approach to trichotillomania patients is highlighted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Three unusual siblings with Harlequin icthyosis in an Indian family.

Harlequin fetuses occurring as three siblings in an Indian family are described here. All three were preterm, low birth weight, and did not survive. There was no history of consanguinous marriage in the parents or in the family. Thus autosomal recessive inheritance appears to be a remote possibility, although not impossible or, as recently described, these recurrent harlequin fetuses could be the result of new dominant mutations with parental mosaicism.

Female↗
PubMed2000

A study of filarial transmission in a non-endemic area of Pathankot (Punjab).

A filariasis survey was conducted in July 1998 in Pathankot town of Punjab covering a population of 28, 041. A total of 2136 blood smears were collected from migratory and local inhabitants. Microfilaria (Mf) rate and mean Mf density was 1.19 and 15.05 respectively. Disease rate was nil. All the 20 microfilaria carriers detected were known to hall from filaria endemic areas of different states. Mf rate was highest in 20-49 years age-group, whereas Mf density was high in younger age group. Wuchereria bancrofti was the only infection encountered. 10 Men Hour Density of Culex quinquefasciatus ranged between 343 in the North Command unit to 400 in an engineering unit. A total of 339 female Culex quinquefasciatus were dissected. None was found positive for human microfilaria parasite, thus negating any indigenous filariasis transmission in this town. These findings were compared to earlier surveys in the same area and other non-endemic areas. Non-endemic areas continue to be non-endemic for filariasis despite considerable increase in MF rate among migratory population and vector density.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Increased incidence of allograft rejection in stable heart transplant recipients after late conversion from mycophenolate mofetil to azathioprine.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a safe and effective immunosuppressive agent in kidney and liver transplantation. Preliminary studies also support its use in heart transplantation. However, the cost of MMF is substantially greater than azathioprine (AZA), the current alternative. Since the majority of rejection episodes occur within the first few months of transplantation, using MMF early after transplantation and subsequently converting to AZA, after the risk of rejection has diminished, might be cost-effective. In order to evaluate the safety of such a strategy in heart transplant recipients, we reviewed the rejection profiles of a group of patients who were converted from MMF to AZA late after transplantation. Forty-three stable patients on chronic MMF therapy as part of an open-label, long-term safety study were converted to either commercially available MMF (CellCept) or AZA, at the conclusion of the study. Demographic variables, rejection histories before and after conversion, and immunosuppressive regimens were examined. Twenty-three patients were continued on commercial MMF and 20 were converted to AZA therapy. The average duration of MMF therapy prior to conversion was 41 months in each group. Baseline demographics were similar in the two groups. Treated allograft rejection occurred in 10 of 20 patients converting to AZA, as compared to only 1 of 23 patients remaining on MMF; p = 0.002. Additionally, mean scores (1-5 scale) for the three biopsies before and after conversion favored continued MMF therapy (1.5+/-0.6 before and 1.2+/-0.4 after conversion in MMF group vs. 1.3+/-0.5 before and 1.7+/-0.9 after conversion to AZA; p = 0.02). No allograft loss occurred as a result of conversion. These data suggest that conversion from MMF to AZA, even late after transplantation, can be associated with allograft rejection. The costs associated with these rejection episodes (the additional immunosuppressive agents, endomyocardial biopsies, and physician visits) may exceed the potential cost savings of converting stable heart transplant recipients from MMF to AZA.

Azathioprine↗
PubMed1999

Chromoblastomycosis in India.

BACKGROUND: Four patients with chromoblastomycosis are presented. An additional 30 infected Indian patients are reviewed. RESULTS: These 34 patients ranged in age from 12 to 80 years with a male to female ratio of 5.8 : 1. Onset before the age of 20 years was seen in 24% of cases which was comparatively high. Culture was positive in 72% of cases and sclerotic bodies were observed in 84% of cases. A relatively higher prevalence (15%) of Fonsecaea compacta was observed. Unusual cutaneous sites afflicted were the penile shaft, vulva, and ala of the nose, and unusual extracutaneous spread was seen in the pleural cavity, ileocecal region, laryngotracheal area, and tonsils. Extracutaneous involvement was seen in 24% of cases. Overlapping infection with another fungus, Geotrichum candidum, was seen in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with two azoles was attempted with some success for clinical cure.

Adolescent↗