Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Mehrotra

Publications and source records attributed to R Mehrotra.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Histological and ultrastructural changes in experimentally produced post-vaccinial lymphadenitis in rabbits.

Light and Electron microscopic alterations in lymph nodes after intradermal vaccinia virus inoculation are described. In the early stages the lymph nodes show a diffuse lymphoreticular proliferation associated with the appearance of peculiar large cells called reticulolymphoblasts. This appearance can be mistaken for malignant lymphoma. Later on, these changes are replaced by markedly hypertrophied lymphoid follicles which persist for long periods. These alterations can be mistaken for follicular lymphoma. Evidence is presented that reticulolymphoblasts are derived from transformed lymphocytes.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Picroliv protects against aflatoxin B1 acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

The hepatoprotective activity of Picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, has been investigated by studying the protection of biochemical and histological changes induced in livers of rats given single oral doses (7 mg/kg) of aflatoxin B1. Administration of aflatoxin B1 resulted in a significant increase in 5'-nucleotidase, r-glutamyl transpeptidase, acid ribonuclease, total lipids, cholesterol and lipid peroxides in liver and transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin in serum. However, the activity of glucose 6-phosphatase and levels of cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, DNA, RNA, proteins and glycogen in liver and total proteins in serum decreased. The liver histology showed ballooned hepatocytes, degeneration, microvesicular fat, focal necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and proliferation of oval and spindle cells in portal tracts. When Picroliv (25 mg/kg x 7 days) was given to aflatoxin B1 toxicated rats, the majority of the biochemical and histological changes were significantly protected. The findings indicate a hepatoprotective activity of Picroliv against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats.

Aflatoxin B1↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Longitudinal evaluation of a renal Kt/V(urea) of 2.0 as a threshold for initiation of dialysis.

We (Perit Dial Int 17:426 and 497, 1997) and the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines (Am J Kidney Dis 30:S69, 1997) have reported evidence that protein intake often is < 0.8 g/kg standard weight when renal weekly urea clearance (L) normalized to total body water (V, L) is less than 2.0, and that initiation of dialysis should be considered if nutritional status is decreasing. We have prospectively followed renal urea (C(urea)) and creatinine clearances (C(cr)) in 20 patients with chronic renal failure. Nine patients received dietary counseling, but we have previously shown this has minimal effects on protein intakes (Perit Dial Int 17:497, 1997). In 16 patients (group 1), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated as (C(urea) + C(cr))/2 decreased from 14.6 +/- 1.5 (mean +/- SEM) to 9.8 +/- 0.9 (ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA) over a mean interval of 10.3 +/- 1.6 months; in the other 4 patients (group 2), mean GFR did not decrease and was initially 17.6 +/- 3.8 and 21.7 +/- 2.2 after 8.5 +/- 2.3 months. In group 1, Kt/V went from 2.5 +/- 0.3 to 1.7 +/- 0.2; in group 2, Kt/V went from 3.1 +/- 1.0 to 3.7 +/- 0.6. In group 1, protein intake as assessed from the normalized equivalent of protein nitrogen appearance calculated from urea nitrogen and protein losses in urine (nPNA; g/kg standard weight) went from 1.0 +/- 0.1 to 0.8 +/- 0.1. In group 2, mean nPNAs were 1.1 +/- 0.3 and 1.1 +/- 0.1. In all measurements with Kt/V less than 2.0 (n = 18), 10 (56%) were with nPNA less than 0.8. In all measurements of Kt/V > or = 2.0 (n = 22), only 3 (13.6%) were with an nPNA of less than 0.8. These percentage values were different (p < 0.0001) by chi-squared analysis. Changes in nPNA correlated directly (but insignificantly, probably because of a small n) with C(cr), GFR, and Kt/V. These prospective results provide additional evidence that protein intakes decrease to dangerously low levels (without intense dietary monitoring) in most patients when renal weekly Kt/V decreases to below 2.0, which is similar to findings in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low protein diets are not needed in chronic renal failure.

Low protein diets have been used for a long time in the conservative management of chronic renal failure as they have a beneficial effect in preventing the appearance of symptoms. However, with the exception of the beneficial effect on hyperphosphatemia of the very low protein diets supplemented with ketoacids, they have no proven effects on the other aspects of the uremic syndrome. Moreover, the weight of the evidence suggests that the effect of these diets on preservation of GFR, if any, in patients with nondiabetic renal disease is small and of little clinical relevance. There is very little evidence in the literature of its role in patients with diabetes. The nutritional safety of these diets is still suspect. Patients with chronic renal failure have low energy intakes, which is further reduced when these diets are prescribed. Metabolic studies predict that these patients would be in negative nitrogen balance and in fact, even nutritionally sound, nondiabetic patients enrolled in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study developed subclinical signs of malnutrition. It is possible that the nutritional decline may have been more pronounced on longer duration of follow-up. Finally, these diets are difficult to follow, leading to issues of compliance and exert a great toll on the time of the dietitians. Hence, we conclude that low protein diets are not necessary in chronic renal failure.

Diet, Protein-Restricted↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diagnosis of microfilaria in gastric brush cytology. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic to southern Asia. While the laboratory diagnosis has been conventionally made by demonstrating microfilariae in peripheral blood smears, these have also been occasionally diagnosed on aspiration cytology of various organs. CASE: A 54-year-old male presented with a burning sensation in the epigastrium of five months' duration. Endoscopic brush biopsy revealed numerous sheathed microfilariae of W bancrofti. The patient had had no symptoms suggestive of filarial infection in the past. Cytology revealed numerous microfilariae among lymphocytes and neutrophils. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that a thorough examination of gastric brushings can at times reveal unexpected findings and may prove to be a useful supplement to endoscopic biopsy.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Head and neck cancers, but not benign lesions, express interleukin-4 receptors in situ.

We have previously reported on the expression of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) on many solid cancer cell lines. In the present study, we have examined the expression of IL-4R on head and neck cancers in situ by immunohistochemistry. Seven primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region were stained by a monoclonal antibody to human IL-4Rp140 protein (M-57). We report that all squamous cell carcinoma samples were positively stained although at variable intensity with anti-IL-4R antibody. Tumors stained with IgG control did not show any staining. On the other hand, six benign lesions from the same anatomical area showed faint or no staining at all. Three uterine endometrium samples were also negative for the IL-4R expression. In contrast to published contrary results, we did not observe any effect of IL-4 on the proliferation of four squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) cell lines examined. These results demonstrate that human squamous carcinoma of the head and neck express IL-4R, which could be targeted for diagnosis and therapy by anti-IL-4 receptor antibody fused to toxins or radionuclides or alternatively by IL-4 toxins.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oral squamous cell carcinoma: etiology, pathogenesis and prognostic value of genomic alterations.

Tumours of the head and neck comprise an important group of neoplasia, the incidence of which is increasing in many parts of the world. This increase remains high, despite all the advances in modern medicine. This malignancy is more prevalent in the developing world and unfortunately, has not received satisfactory attention as the more prevalent cancers of the developed world, like lung, breast, or colon cancer. Recent advances in diagnosis and therapeutic techniques of these lesions have yielded novel molecular targets, uncovered signal pathway dominance and advanced early cancer detection. This review covers recent advances in our understanding of the etiology, molecular changes and the possible role that genomic and proteomic research might play in the diagnosis and effective cure of this modern-day scourge.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of education and occupation on knowledge about diabetes control.

BACKGROUND: A global epidemic of diabetes has been predicted during the first quarter of the twenty-first century, with a substantial increase in its prevalence in India. Good management of diabetes is a necessary step towards its control and blood glucose testing forms an integral part of this. This study was undertaken to assess the importance of education and occupation in relation to knowledge about good control of diabetes. METHODS: Perception patterns regarding methods for testing blood glucose and metabolic control were assessed by the direct interview method in 793 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients' knowledge levels were compared for different educational and occupational categories using the Normal test (z-test) and the Student's t-test. RESULTS: The difference between the mean ages of men and women diabetics was not significant (p > 0.1). It was found that 46.7% of the subjects were aware of the importance of blood glucose testing. Awareness regarding the importance of microalbuminuria, lipid profile and glycosylated haemoglobin was observed in 24.1%, 15.5% and 7.6% of patients, respectively. A positive impact of education on overall knowledge levels was observed. However, no definite relationship was found between knowledge and occupation. CONCLUSION: There was a total lack of knowledge regarding self-care of diabetes in all educational and occupational categories (including patients who were qualified doctors). This calls for an urgent need to create greater public awareness. This study may serve as a guideline for developing an educational package for different subsections of the community.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The clinical spectrum of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes in north India.

BACKGROUND: Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a secondary form of diabetes, unique to tropical countries. In earlier reports, patients with FCPD had severe insulin-requiring diabetes, malnutrition and a dismal prognosis. With Improvements in nutrition and medical care, the presentation and prognosis of FCPD may have changed. We report on the clinical profile and prognosis of a cohort of FCPD patients from north India and compare our findings with earlier reports. METHODS: Eighty consecutive FCPD patients who presented to the Diabetes, Gastroenterology and Surgical Gastroenterology services were evaluated for their nutritional status, clinical presentation, beta-cell function (fasting C-peptide) and exocrine function (faecal chymotrypsin). All patients diagnosed between 1994 and 2000 (n = 32) were followed prospectively for weight gain and glycaemic control. RESULTS: Only 55% of FCPD patients had a low body mass index (< 18 kg/m2). At the time of diagnosis of diabetes, only 26 (33%) patients presented with severe insulin-requiring diabetes; these patients were younger [23.7 (8.3) years v. 28.7 (10.6) years, p = 0.04], and had higher haemoglobin A1c [9.7 (3.8)% v. 7.3 (2.6)%, p = 0.005] than those requiring diet control or oral hypoglycaemic agents. FCPD patients had a wide range of fasting serum C-peptide (0.03-0.76 nmol/L). C-peptide was negatively associated with increasing duration of diabetes (r = -0.48, p = 0.001), but there was no correlation with faecal chymotrypsin. On prospective follow up (mean 2.3 years), there was significant improvement in body mass index [19.4 (2.9) kg/m2 v. 17.0 (3.7) kg/m2, p < 0.01] and haemoglobin A,c [6.4 (1.6)% v. 8.0 (3.0)%, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: FCPD patients differed from those described in earlier reports in many respects, Including improved nutritional status, a wide range of 3cell function and a more favourable prognosis.

Adolescent↗