Pulmonary hypertension: a rare but serious complication of ventriculoatrial shunts.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
R Sharma
Publications and source records attributed to R Sharma.
Comparative immunogenecity of foot and mouth disease virus antigens in FMD-haemorrhagic septicaemia combined vaccine and FMD vaccine alone in buffalo calves.
Humoral immune response was evaluated by monitoring the serum antibody titres and virus specific IgM titres against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus antigens in serum samples obtained from different groups of calves inoculated with combined vaccine or FMD vaccine alone, on 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 days post-vaccination (DPV). The cellular immune response was monitored by MTT based lymphoproliferation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. Higher liquid phase blocking (LPB) ELISA antibody titres were observed in calves receiving combined vaccine as compared to calves immunized with FMD vaccine alone with the peak titres in both the groups obtained on 21 days post-vaccination. However, the virus specific IgM titres were significantly higher in group of calves inoculated with combined vaccine than FMD vaccine alone. The lymphoproliferative responses against FMDV types O, A22 and Asia 1 in the groups receiving combined vaccine and FMD vaccine alone started increasing gradually after day 14 and reached peak levels on 28 DPV followed by a gradual decline subsequently. The group receiving combined vaccine showed higher proliferative responses on in vitro stimulation with FMD virus type O, whereas, with FMD virus type Asia 1, the responses were significantly higher on 14 and 21 DPV as compared to the group immunized with FMD vaccine alone. However, in the group receiving combined vaccine, the responses on in vitro stimulation with FMD virus type A22 were significantly higher than FMD vaccine alone group on all DPV except on 42 DPV.
Animals↗
Effects of alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, terazosin, on cardiovascular functions in anaesthetised dogs.
Initially a dose-response curve of phenylephrine was constructed at dose strengths of 1-16 microg/kg in a cumulative manner. Phenylephrine caused a significant rise in the mean arterial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular contractility, stroke volume and a significant decline in the heart rate. Terazosin was administered in three selected doses of 10, 100 and 300 microg/kg. Following each dose of terazosin, dose-response curve of phenylephrine was constructed. Terazosin, per se, decreased the basal mean arterial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular contractility and stroke volume significantly in a dose dependent manner with an increase in the heart rate with no significant change in the cardiac output. The baroreflex sensitivity at all the three doses remained unchanged. In conclusion, the present findings support the view that terazosin reduces the blood pressure in a physiologically more favorable manner by maintaining the neural integrity of the cardiovascular system.
Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
Studies on the development of an insulin resistant rat model by chronic feeding of low magnesium high sucrose diet.
Magnesium deficiency and excess sucrose in the diet have been shown to play an important role in the development of insulin resistance. In the present study we have looked at the combined effect of a low magnesium high sucrose diet on basal glucose and insulin levels, erythrocyte insulin receptors and lipid profile in rats. For this purpose rats were divided into four groups and fed control, low magnesium, high sucrose and low magnesium high sucrose diets respectively for three months. The biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in blood glucose and triglyceride levels after one, two and three months of feeding in both the high sucrose and the low magnesium high sucrose groups, while rats fed a low magnesium diet showed a significant increase in blood glucose and triglyceride levels only after the second month. Insulin levels increased significantly in low magnesium, high sucrose and low magnesium high sucrose groups by the end of the study period. Compared to control rats, the binding of insulin to the erythrocyte insulin receptors was reduced significantly in the high sucrose and the low magnesium high sucrose groups. Cholesterol levels were found to increase significantly in the high sucrose group at the end of one month and three months of feeding. HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly in the low magnesium high sucrose group by the end of the study. Serum and RBC magnesium levels demonstrated a significant decrease in the low magnesium and the low magnesium high sucrose groups. The post heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity was decreased significantly in low magnesium, high sucrose and low magnesium high sucrose groups compared to control rats. These findings suggest that feeding a diet low in magnesium and high in sucrose causes insulin resistance in rats.
Animals↗
Laser bronchoscopy--current status.
The majority of patients with lung cancer have advanced disease with severe endobronchial symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis for which palliation is required. Laser resection of endobronchial lesions located in the trachea, mainstem or proximal lower lobe bronchi provides significant and rapid improvement in the patient's symptoms. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is gaining popularity due to efficient photocoagulation, good penetration and excellent hemostasis. Complications are rare and can be minimized by following standardized techniques and safety guidelines. Laser resection is equally effective with the rigid and flexible bronchoscope. The future may see combinations of laser with other palliative modalities to improve the chances of a symptom-free life for lung cancer patients.
Bronchoscopes↗
Increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to play an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling during the process of tumor invasion and metastasis. However, little is known about their role in preinvasive lesions and early esophageal carcinomas. METHOD: Immunohistochemical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression was carried out in paraffin-embedded sections of surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (58 cases) and paired distal normal esophageal tissues (44 cases) and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. RESULT: Overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins was observed in 39 (67%) and 32 (55%) of the 58 ESCCs, respectively localized in tumor cell cytoplasm and stromal elements. Histological evaluation of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained 44 matched distal normal esophageal tissue sections revealed that 26 comprised of normal epithelium, while 15 tissues showed evidence of dysplasia and three tissues showed hyperplasia. Interestingly, 12 (80%) and 13 (87%) of these 15 dysplasias showed immunostaining for MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins, respectively. Low levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed in 10 (38%) and 6 (23%) of 26 matched histologically normal esophageal tissues, respectively. Higher MMP-2 immunopositivity was observed in well and moderately differentiated SCCs in comparison with poorly differentiated tumors. The expression of MMP-2 was significantly reduced with the progressive de-differentiation of esophageal SCCs ( P =0.03). Overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in dysplasia as well as SCC suggests that these alterations occur in early stages of esophageal tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in ESCCs as compared to normal esophageal tissues suggest their association with esophageal tumorigenesis. Increased levels of these MMPs are observed in majority of dysplasias analyzed herein, indicating that these alterations may be early events in esophageal tumorigenesis. In-depth studies are warranted to determine their role in development and progression of esophageal cancer.
Adult↗
Pneumococcal antigen detection in cerebrospinal fluid: a comparative study on counter immunoelectrophoresis, latex agglutination and coagglutination.
The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values of counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), latex agglutination (LA) and coagglutination (CoAg) tests were compared for detection of pneumococcal antigen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suspected of meningitis. A total of 95 CSF samples comprising 15 culture proven, 47 clinically suspected but culture negative cases of meningitis and 33 controls were screened by above tests. Among three tests, LA was found to have high sensitivity and moderately high negative predictive value than CIE and CoAg tests. However, CIE had slightly better specificity than LA and CoAg tests. Accuracywise CIE and LA tests were comparable than CoAg test. CIE and LA tests had high positive predictive value than CoAg test.
Agglutination Tests↗
Regulation of hepatic glucocorticoid receptors in mice during dietary restriction.
The specific binding of [3H] dexamethasone to its receptor, activation of the hormone-receptor complexes and DNase I digestion of nuclear bound hormone-receptor complexes were studied in the liver of mice during dietary restriction (alternate days of feeding for 3 months) compared to animals fed ad libitum. Results indicate an increase of receptor level (fmol/mg protein) in the diet-restricted (DR) animals as compared to those fed ad libitum (AL). Scatchard analyses confirm the increase in the level of receptors in DR animals, while the affinity (Kd) remained same in both groups of mice. Protein slot-blot analysis also depicts the increase of the receptor level in DR fed compared to the AL fed animals. The extent of temperature- and salt-dependent activation of receptors showed no marked difference in AL- and DR-fed mice. DNase I extraction of bound hormone-receptor complexes from nuclei revealed similar pattern of digestion in both groups of animals.
Animals↗
Tissue Doppler, strain, and strain rate echocardiography for the assessment of left and right systolic ventricular function.
Tissue Doppler (TDE), strain, and strain rate echocardiography are emerging real time ultrasound techniques that provide a measure of wall motion. They offer an objective means to quantify global and regional left and right ventricular function and to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of conventional echocardiography studies. Radial and longitudinal ventricular function can be assessed by the analysis of myocardial wall velocity and displacement indices, or by the analysis of wall deformation using the rate of deformation of a myocardial segment (strain rate) and its deformation over time (strain). A quick and easy assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction is obtained by mitral annular velocity measurement during a routine study, especially in patients with poor endocardial definition or abnormal septal motion. Strain rate and strain are less affected by passive myocardial motion and tend to be uniform throughout the left ventricle in normal subjects. This paper reviews the underlying principles of TDE, strain, and strain rate echocardiography and discusses currently available quantification tools and clinical applications.
Echocardiography, Doppler, Color↗
Multiorgan involvement in thalassaemia major.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adolescent↗
Early detection of cervical cancer with visual inspection methods: a summary of completed and on-going studies in India.
India is a high-risk country for cervical cancer which accounts a quarter (126,000 new cases, 71,000 deaths around 2,000) of the world burden. The age-standardized incidence rates range from 16-55 per 100,000 women in different regions with particularly high rates in rural areas. Control of cervical cancer by early detection and treatment is a priority of the National Cancer Control Programme of India. There are no organized cytology screening programmes in the country. The technical and financial constraints to organize cytology screening have encouraged the evaluation of visual inspection approaches as potential alternatives to cervical cytology in India. Four types of visual detection approaches for cervical neoplasia are investigated in India: a) naked eye inspection without acetic acid application, widely known as 'downstaging'; b) naked eye inspection after application of 3-5% acetic acid (VIA); c) VIA using magnification devices (VIAM); d) visual inspection after the application of Lugol's iodine (VILI). Downstaging has been shown to be poorly sensitive and specific to detect cervical neoplasia and is no longer considered as a suitable screening test for cervical cancer. VIA, VIAM and VILI are currently being investigated in multicentre cross-sectional studies (without verification bias), in which cytology and HPV testing are also simultaneously evaluated, and the results of these investigations will be available in 2003. These studies will provide valuable information on the average, comparative test performances in detecting high-grade cervical cancer precursors and cancer. Results from pooled analysis of data from two completed studies indicated an approximate sensitivity of 93.4% and specificity of 85.1% for VIA to detect CIN 2 or worse lesions; the corresponding figures for cytology were 72.1% and 91.6%. The efficacy of VIA in reducing incidence of an mortality from cervical cancer and its cost-effectiveness is currently being investigated in two cluster randomized controlled intervention trials in India. One of these studies is a 4-arm trial addressing the comparative efficacy of VIA, cytology and primary screening with HPV DNA testing. This trial will provide valuable information on comparative detection rates of CIN 2-3 lesions by the middle of 2003. The expected outcomes from the Indian studies will contribute valuable information for guiding the development of public health policies on cervical cancer prevention in countries with different levels of socio-economic and health services development and open up new avenues of research. This paper is available too at: http//www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.
Acetic Acid↗
An epigenetic mouse model for molecular and behavioral neuropathologies related to schizophrenia vulnerability.
Reelin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 expressed by cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneurons are down-regulated in schizophrenia. Because epidemiological studies of schizophrenia fail to support candidate gene haploinsufficiency of Mendelian origin, we hypothesize that epigenetic mechanisms (i.e., cytosine hypermethylation of CpG islands present in the promoter of these genes) may be responsible for this down-regulation. Protracted l-methionine (6.6 mmolkg for 15 days, twice a day) treatment in mice elicited in brain an increase of S-adenosyl-homocysteine, the processing product of the methyl donor S-adenosyl-methionine, and a marked decrease of reelin and GAD67 mRNAs in both WT and heterozygous reeler mice. This effect of l-methionine was associated with an increase in the number of methylated cytosines in the CpG island of the reelin promoter region. This effect was not observed for GAD65 or neuronal-specific enolase and was not replicated by glycine doses 2-fold greater than those of l-methionine. Prepulse inhibition of startle declined at a faster rate as the prepulsestartle interval increased in mice receiving l-methionine. Valproic acid (2 mmolkg for 15 days, twice a day) reverted l-methionine-induced down-regulation of reelin and GAD67 in both WT and heterozygous reeler mice, suggesting an epigenetic action through the inhibition of histone deacetylases. The same dose of valproate increased acetylation of histone H3 in mouse brain nearly 4-fold. This epigenetic mouse model may be useful in evaluating drug efficacy on schizophrenia vulnerability. Hence the inhibition of histone deacetylases could represent a pharmacological intervention mitigating epigenetically induced vulnerability to schizophrenia in individuals at risk.
Acetylation↗
The nitrile-degrading enzymes: current status and future prospects.
Nitrile-converting enzymes are becoming commonplace in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals. These versatile biocatalysts have potential applications in different fields including synthetic biocatalysis and bioremediation. This review attempts to describe in detail the three major classes of nitrile-converting enzymes, namely nitrilases, nitrile hydratases and amidases. Various aspects of these enzymes including their occurrence, mechanism of action, characteristics and applicability in different sectors have been elaborately elucidated. Cloning of genes related to nitrile-converting enzymes is also discussed.
Amidohydrolases↗
Induction of genotoxic damage is not correlated with the ability to methylate arsenite in vitro in the leukocytes of four mammalian species.
Arsenic is a natural drinking water contaminant that impacts the health of large populations of people throughout the world; however, the mode or mechanism by which arsenic induces cancer is unclear. In a series of in vitro studies, we exposed leukocytes from humans, mice, rats, and guinea pigs to a range of sodium arsenite concentrations to determine whether the lymphocytes from these species showed differential sensitivity to the induction of micronuclei (MN) assessed in cytochalasin B-induced binucleate cells. We also determined the capacity of the leukocytes to methylate arsenic by measuring the production of MMA [monomethylarsinic acid (MMA(V)) and monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III))] and DMA [dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) and dimethylarsonous acid (DMA(III))]. The results indicate that cells treated for 2 hr at the G(0) stage of the cell cycle with sodium arsenite showed only very small to negligible increases in MN after mitogenic stimulation. Treatment of actively cycling cells produced induction of MN with increasing arsenite concentration, with the human, rat, and mouse lymphocytes being much more sensitive to MN induction than those of the guinea pig. These data gave an excellent fit to a linear model. The leukocytes of all four species, including the guinea pig (a species previously thought not to methylate arsenic), were able to methylate arsenic, but there was no clear correlation between the ability to methylate arsenic and the induction of MN.
Animals↗
A technique for open trocar placement in laparoscopic surgery using the umbilical cicatrix tube.
BACKGROUND: Increasingly the open method for placement of the initial or first trocar is replacing the conventional technique with the Veress needle. Indeed, it is preferred because it affords peritoneal access under direct vision. A number of methods have been described in the literature using a variety of approaches and different instruments. METHODS: We describe a method of open trocar placement in the supra- or subumbilical region that follows a stepwise procedure and employs specific instruments sequentially, while utilizing the umbilical cicatrix pillar or tube. RESULTS: This technique has been done in 525 cases with no complications or port site hernias. CONCLUSION: This is a simple technique that is safe and easy to learn. It can be performed rapidly and is a reliable method for the insertion of the first port under vision.
Catheterization↗
Clinical and laboratory findings in twins with neonatal epileptic encephalopathy mimicking aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is a vitamin B 6 requiring enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and serotonin. Lack of AADC leads to a combined deficiency of the catecholamines DA, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) as well as of serotonin. Here we describe premature twins who presented with severe seizures, myoclonus, rotatory eye movements and sudden clonic contractions. The patients showed an improvement of the clonic contractions under vitamin B 6 supplementation but died in the third week of life. In CSF and urine a biochemical pattern indicative of AADC deficiency was revealed. Concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were decreased, in association with increased concentrations of 3-ortho-methyldopa (3-OMD) in CSF and significantly increased vanillactic acid in urine. The AADC enzyme substrates L-dopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were elevated in CSF. Elevated concentrations of threonine as well as of an unidentified compound in CSF rounded off the biochemical pattern. AADC activity was found to be increased in plasma and deficient in the liver. Molecular studies effectively ruled out a genetic defect in the AADC gene. The basis for the epileptic encephalopathy in the twins may be located in the metabolism of vitamin B 6 and remains to be defined.
Aromatic-L-Amino-Acid Decarboxylases↗
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency with hyperdopaminuria. Clinical and laboratory findings in response to different therapies.
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC - E.C. 4.1.1.28) converts L-dopa to dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin. Inherited deficiency of this enzyme leads to decreased brain levels of these neurotransmitters. Clinically this results in the development of a progressive neurometabolic disorder characterized by severe hypotonia, dystonic and choreoathetoid movements, oculogyric crises, and hypothermia from infancy. Here we describe the clinical, biochemical and molecular details of two affected brothers, one of whom, despite the lack of AADC, presented with hyperdopaminuria. In addition, we detail his reactions to treatment with dopaminergic agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and pyridoxine.
Aromatic-L-Amino-Acid Decarboxylases↗
Performance of an age series of alnus-cardamom plantations in the Sikkim Himalaya: productivity, energetics and efficiencies.
Biomass, net primary productivity, energetics and energy efficiencies were estimated in an age series of Alnus-cardamom plantations in the eastern Himalaya. The impact of stand age (5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years) on the performance of mixtures of N2-fixing (Alnus nepalensis) and non-N2-fixing (large cardamom) plants was studied. Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) is the most important perennial cash crop in the region and is cultivated predominantly under Alnus trees. Net primary productivity was lowest (7 t ha(-1) per year) in the 40-year-old stand and was more than three times higher (22 t ha(-1) per year) in the 15-year-old stand. Agronomic yield of large cardamom peaked between 15 and 20 years of age. Cardamom productivity doubled from the 5- to the 15-year-old stand, and then decreased with plantation age to reach a minimum in the 40-year-old stand. Performance of cardamom in association of N2-fixing Alnus remained beneficial until 20 years of age. Annual net energy fixation was highest (444 x 10(6) kJ ha(-1) per year) in the 15-year-old stand, being 1.4 times that of the 5-year-old stand and 2.9-times that of the 40-year-old stand. Inverse relationships of production efficiency, energy conversion efficiency and energy utilized in N2-fixation against stand age, and a positive relationship between production efficiency and energy conversion efficiency suggest that the younger plantations are more productive. The Alnus-cardamom plantation system will be sustainable by adopting a rotational cycle of 15 to 20 years.
Algorithms↗