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Biomedical subjects

S Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to S Gupta.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Quality of life in schizophrenia and dysthymia.

Quality of life (QOL) was assessed in three groups of patients, consisting of 30 schizophrenic patients with duration of illness <2 years, 30 schizophrenic patients with duration of illness > or = 2 years and 30 dysthymic patients. The diagnoses were made according to ICD-10. Two scales of quality of life were used, one of which was specific for schizophrenia, while the other was generic for all patients. On inter-group comparison the two schizophrenia groups did not show significant differences in quality of life, but on comparing schizophrenic and dysthymic patients, significant differences emerged. Dysthymic patients were significantly less satisfied than schizophrenic patients with duration of illness <2 years in the domain of physical health. In the domains of satisfaction with medication and leisure-time activities, both schizophrenic groups were significantly more satisfied than the dysthymic group. Comparison of the quality of life ratings of our patients with those of a well-known study from Sweden revealed some significant differences which relate to the domains of work, contacts, inner experience and leisure-time activities. Cultural factors are invoked to account for these differences. The need for refinement of assessment of quality of life in multi-racial and multi-ethnic contexts is stressed.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

Involvement of actin microfilaments in the replication of human parainfluenza virus type 3.

Several studies indicate that paramyxoviruses require a specific cellular factor(s) for transcription of their genomic RNAs. We previously reported that the cellular cytoskeletal protein actin, in its polymeric form, participates in the transcription of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the role of the polymeric form of actin, i.e., the actin microfilaments of the cytoskeletal framework, in the reproduction of HPIV3 in vivo. Pulse-chase labeling analyses indicate that the viral nucleocapsid-associated proteins, NP and P, are present predominantly in the cytoskeletal framework during infection. By in situ hybridization, we found that viral mRNAs and genomic RNA were synthesized from the nucleocapsids that were bound to the cytoskeletal framework. Double immunofluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy of the cytoarchitecture revealed that the viral nucleocapsids are specifically localized on the actin microfilaments. Treatment of cells with the actin-depolymerizing agent, cytochalasin D, resulted in the inhibition of viral RNA synthesis and ribonucleoprotein accumulation. These results strongly suggest that actin microfilaments play an important role in the replication of HPIV3.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1998

A small yeast RNA blocks hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (HCV IRES)-mediated translation and inhibits replication of a chimeric poliovirus under translational control of the HCV IRES element.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection frequently leads to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver and has been linked to development of hepatocellular carcinoma. We previously identified a small yeast RNA (IRNA) capable of specifically inhibiting poliovirus (PV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation. Here we report that IRNA specifically inhibits HCV IRES-mediated translation both in vivo and in vitro. A number of human hepatoma (Huh-7) cell lines expressing IRNA were prepared and characterized. Constitutive expression of IRNA was not detrimental to cell growth. HCV IRES-mediated cap-independent translation was markedly inhibited in cells constitutively expressing IRNA compared to control hepatoma cells. However, cap-dependent translation was not significantly affected in these cell lines. Additionally, Huh-7 cells constitutively expressing IRNA became refractory to infection by a PV-HCV chimera in which the PV IRES is replaced by the HCV IRES. In contrast, replication of a PV-encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) chimera containing the EMCV IRES element was not affected significantly in the IRNA-producing cell line. Finally, the binding of the La autoantigen to the HCV IRES element was specifically and efficiently competed by IRNA. These results provide a basis for development of novel drugs effective against HCV infection.

Autoantigens↗
PubMed1998

Predictors of event-free survival after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long term functional result after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and identify the predictors of event-free survival following 10 years of experience. DESIGN: Analysis of clinical, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic variables at baseline and after the procedure by univariate and multivariate analyses (Cox model). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 532 consecutive patients receiving percutaneous mitral commissurotomy in the same institution. RESULTS: The mean (SD) follow up was 3.8 (4.0) years. Survival at 3, 5, and 7.5 years was 94%, 91%, and 83%, respectively; event-free survival was 84%, 74%, and 52%. Mitral valve anatomy was identified as the strongest independent predictor of event-free survival. Age, cardiothoracic ratio, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and mean echocardiographic mitral gradient after commissurotomy were also found to be independent predictors of long term functional results. Event-free survival was 92%, 84%, and 70% at 3, 5, and 7.5 years in patients with favourable anatomy (echo score = 1), 86%, 73%, and 34% in patients with intermediate anatomy (echo score = 2), and 45%, 25%, and 16% in patients with unfavourable anatomy (echo score = 3). In patients aged < or = 65 years, the event-free survival rate was 80%, 70%, and 45% at 3, 5, and 7.5 years v 52%, 38%, and 17% in patients aged > 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical form of the mitral valve and the patient's age were the most powerful predictors of event-free survival. Patients with intermediate or unfavourable anatomy and those aged > 65 years have low 5 and 7.5 year event-free survival rates. This must be taken into account when discussing the indications for percutaneous mitral commissurotomy; immediate mitral valve replacement is a reasonable alternative to balloon mitral commissurotomy in patients with higher risk of functional deterioration after the procedure.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Jugular venous and arterial concentrations of serum S-100B protein in patients with severe head injury: a pilot study.

The objective of this study was to analyse the temporal course of the jugular venous-arterial gradient of S-100B protein after severe head injury and the correlation between the absolute concentrations of serum S-100B protein and outcome, CT findings, and clinical variables. Fifteen patients were included in this pilot study. All patients were treated according to a standard therapy protocol targeted to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. The serum concentration of S-100 protein was measured daily for five consecutive days after injury by a monoclonal two site immunoluminometric assay. Nine patients showed favourable and six unfavourable outcome after 6 months with a mortality rate of 33% (five patients). The mean gradient between jugular venous and arterial blood was 8.2% (p<0.05). Patients showing an unfavourable outcome had significantly higher jugular venous or arterial S-100 values compared with those with a favourable outcome (jugular venous S-100B 2.78 microg/l v 1.22 microg/l, p<0.05; arterial S-100B 2.48 microg/l v 1.19 microg/l, p<0.05). All patients with an initial or secondary increase in S-100B value of >2 microg/l were found to have an unfavourable outcome. S-100B was found to be an independent predictor of outcome after severe head injury. The persisting increase of S-100B for three to five days even in patients with favourable outcome and no signs of secondary insults might reflect continuing damage to the blood-brain barrier or ongoing glial cell death.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in normal humans.

The fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids (PL) is known to influence insulin responsiveness in humans. However, the contribution of the major PL of the outer (phosphatidylcholine, PC) and inner (phosphatidylethanolamine, PE) layers of the sarcolemma to insulin sensitivity is not known. Fatty acid composition of PC and PE from biopsies of vastus lateralis from 27 normal men and women were correlated with insulin sensitivity determined by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique at insulin infusion rates of 0.4, 1.0, and 10.0 mU . kg-1 . min-1. Significant variation in the half-maximal insulin concentration (ED50) was observed in the normal volunteers (range 24.0-146.0 microU/ml), which correlated directly with fasting plasma insulin (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). ED50 was inversely correlated with the degree of membrane unsaturation (C20-C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids; r = 0. 58, P < 0.01) and directly correlated with fatty acid elongation (ratio of 16:0 to 18:0, r = 0.45, P < 0.05) in PC. However, no relationship between fatty acid composition and insulin sensitivity was observed in PE (NS). These studies suggest that the fatty acid composition of PC may be of particular importance in the relationship between fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in normal humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Factors associated with suicide attempts among patients with schizophrenia.

This study explored the association between psychosocial variables and symptoms among patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who have attempted suicide and those who have not attempted suicide. Of 336 patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were consecutively evaluated at a university-affiliated clinical research center, 98, or 29.2 percent, reported one or more suicide attempts. Compared with patients who had not attempted suicide, patients who had made an attempt had a greater number of lifetime depressive episodes, an earlier age of onset of their illness, and an earlier age at first hospitalization.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology in abdominal tuberculosis.

Although barium studies and CT are useful in assessing abdominal pathology in tuberculosis, imaging findings are not always specific and a histopathological or bacteriological confirmation is often required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of ultrasound (US) guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in patients with non-palpable lesions detected on US/CT. FNAC was performed on 31 sites in 30 patients. The sites included enlarged lymph nodes (n = 14), focal lesions in liver (n = 2) and spleen (n = 8), and thickened bowel in the ileocaecal region (n = 7). The results were classified cytomorphologically into four groups: (1) definite evidence of tuberculosis; (2) presumptive evidence of tuberculosis; (3) suggestive of tuberculosis; and (4) negative for tuberculosis. 18 of the 31 FNACs (58%) revealed a positive diagnosis of tuberculosis (definite evidence in nine patients and presumptive evidence in nine patients). 13 of the 31 FNACs (42%) showed either necrosis alone (n = 4) or negative results (n = 9). Zeihl-Neelson staining for acid-fast bacilli on direct smear was positive in only nine patients (29%). Splenic and lymph nodal FNAC had a high sensitivity (87.5% and 78.6%, respectively) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. None of the bowel and liver FNACs was diagnostic. No complications were encountered. US guided FNAC offers a safe and accurate method of achieving a diagnosis in patients with suspected abdominal tuberculosis who present with radiologically demonstrable but non-palpable lesions, especially those involving lymph nodes and spleen.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1998

Is there an infective aetiology to atherosclerosis?

Conventional cardiovascular risk factors fail to completely explain the observed variations in the prevalence and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). Common chronic infections may have an aetiological role in the development of atherosclerosis and CHD, either independently or by interacting with traditional atherogenic risk factors. The evidence for Chlamydia pneumoniae as a potential causative agent is strongest, and is based on findings of numerous sero-epidemiological studies, examination of atheromatous plaque specimens, in vitro animal models and, recently, pilot antichlamydial antibiotic intervention trials. However, the complete natural history of C. pneumoniae, its mechanisms of damage in atherosclerotic disease, and the temporal sequence of infection and CHD remain unclear. Confirmation of true causality for the link between C. pneumoniae and CHD could come after the results of large-scale prospective antibiotic trials, which are to be conducted over the next few years. A proven association could have important implications for public health worldwide, potentially leading to novel and relatively inexpensive therapeutic measures in the secondary prevention of CHD--broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Percutaneous treatment of liver abscesses: needle aspiration versus catheter drainage.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine and compare the efficacy of sonographically guided percutaneous needle aspiration and percutaneous catheter drainage in the treatment of liver abscesses. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a randomized study, 50 patients (38 males and 12 females; age range, 2-72 years; average age, 35 years) with liver abscesses (amebic, 20; pyogenic, 11; indeterminate, 19) underwent either percutaneous needle aspiration (n = 25) or catheter drainage (n = 25) along with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. In patients assigned to the needle aspiration group, an 18-gauge needle was used to aspirate the abscess cavity. Repeated aspiration was attempted only once in each patient not responding to the first aspiration; nonresponse to the second aspiration was considered failure of treatment, and these patients were given catheter drainage (however, these patients were not included in the catheter drainage group). For catheter drainage, 8- to 12-French catheters were introduced into the abscess cavity using the Seldinger technique. In patients with multiple abscesses (seven in aspiration group and five in catheter group), all the abscesses except those smaller than 3 cm were subjected to percutaneous treatment. Patients were followed up to assess the outcome of the percutaneous treatment, length of hospital stay, and development of any complications. Sonography was performed every third day during hospitalization. After discharge of the patient, periodic clinical and sonographic examinations were done until total resolution of abscesses was achieved. RESULTS: Although percutaneous needle aspiration was successful in only 15 (60%) of the 25 patients after one (n = 11) or two (n = 4) aspirations, catheter drainage was curative in all 25 patients (100%) (p < .05). Among the successfully treated patients, the average time for clinical improvement and the mean hospital stay were similar in the two treatment groups. Although the average time needed for a 50% reduction in the size of the abscess cavity was significantly (p < .05) greater in the aspiration group than in the catheter group (11 days versus 5 days), the average time taken for total resolution of abscess was the same (15 weeks) in both groups. No major complications were encountered. No relapse was documented on clinical and sonographic examination during follow-up, which ranged from 8 to 37 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our results show that percutaneous catheter drainage is more effective than needle aspiration in the treatment of liver abscesses. Needle aspiration, if limited to two attempts, has a high failure rate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of superior mediastinal lesions by the suprasternal route.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the technical feasibility, safety, and accuracy of sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of superior mediastinal masses by the suprasternal route. CONCLUSION: Sonographically guided biopsy through the suprasternal route is safe and effective for lesions in the pretracheal, right paratracheal, and prevascular compartments of the superior mediastinum. This procedure is especially useful for lesions with an acoustic window too small for parasternal biopsy under sonographic guidance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and alcohol abuse or dependence.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported in 10-22% of adults. Using a semistructured clinical interview to study the prevalence of IBS, we compared 31 patients seeking treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence in an outpatient setting with an age- and sex-matched control group of 40 patients who were seeking treatment in a general physician's office for other medical illnesses. The control group did not have any Axis I disorders. IBS was diagnosed according to the criteria of Drossman et al. Thirteen (41.9%) patients with alcohol abuse or dependence met the criteria for IBS, in contrast to 1 (2.5%) patient in the control group. We conclude that IBS is common and frequently underdiagnosed in patients with alcohol abuse or dependence.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A possible role for multidrug resistance-associated protein in the secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor by osteogenic sarcoma cell line (MG-63).

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) lacks signal sequence and therefore the mechanism of its secretion is unknown. Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) has been shown to transport a variety of molecules. Therefore, in this study we examined the role of MRP in the secretion of bFGF by osteogenic sarcoma MG-63 cells which spontaneously secrete bFGF. We show that MG-63 cells express MRP both at the protein and at the mRNA level. Furthermore, probenecid (a putative inhibitor of transport activity of MRP), in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited secretion of bFGF from MG-63 cells with concomitant increase in intracellular contents of bFGF. These results suggest that MRP may have a possible role in the secretion of bFGF.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed1998

Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis by detection of antigen and antibodies in CSF and sera.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic potential of three immunological tests, namely, detection of H37Rv antigen of M. Tuberculosis in CSF, detection of antibodies (IgG) against H37Rv in CSF and detection of antibodies (IgG) against H37Rv in serum for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in children. SUBJECTS: 50 children diagnosed as patients of tuberculous meningitis were included as cases and 48 children with CNS diseases of nontubercular etiology [pyogenic meningitis (n = 31), encephalitis (n = 10), seizure disorder of unknown etiology (n = 5), brain tumor (n = 2)] served as controls. METHODS: H37Rv antigen of M. tuberculosis was detected in CSF by Dot ELISA, and antibodies (IgG) against H37Rv in CSF and serum were detected by Plate ELISA. RESULTS: Detection of H37Rv antigen in CSF was the most sensitive (90%) and specific (95.83%) with positive and negative predictive values of 95.74% and 90.19%, respectively, followed by detection of antibodies in CSF (sensitivity-74%, specificity-89.58%, positive predictive value-88.10%, negative predictive value-76.78%). Detection of antibodies in serum had low sensitivity (50%), specificity (91.67%), positive predictive value (86.21%) and negative predictive value (63.76%). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of antigen in CSF is a rapid, sensitive and specific test for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in children. Detection of antibody in CSF may be useful in some cases but needs further evaluation. Detection of antibody in serum does not appear to be useful for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed1998

Incidental observations during routine laparoscopic sterilisation.

Chance observations made in 24 (0.91%) of the 2639 cases in whom tubal ligation was done by laparoscopic method in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the last 4 years are reported and analysed. Congenital anomalies of the reproductive tract (0.30%), pelvic adhesions with or without thickened tubes due to inflammatory causes (0.49%) and other abnormalities (0.11%) were visualised. It is concluded that surgical correction of all uterine defects is not so necessary for a successful outcome of pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of individual subjects in the analog classroom setting: I. Examples of graphical and statistical procedures for within-subject ranking of responses to different delivery patterns of methylphenidate.

In this article, we describe graphical and statistical methods developed to evaluate the response patterns of individual children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to different conditions of treatment with stimulant medication. We used data from an investigation of drug delivery patterns to demonstrate these methods. Thirty-one children with ADHD participated in a double-blind crossover study of four conditions (three patterns of delivery of methylphenidate and a placebo control). In each condition, the children were evaluated across an 11-hour (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) laboratory school day, and ratings of classroom behavior were obtained at regular intervals across the day. Graphical procedures were developed to display, for each individual, time courses of multiple measures of behavior taken across each double-blind test day. Expert clinicians judged these graphs and used this information to rank-order the test days from best to worst. A within-subject variant of Kendall's W was used to evaluate, for each subject, whether the rankings of these multidimensional graphs were reliable (concordant) across judges. A generalized kappa statistic was used to evaluate, for each condition, the reliability of the judges' rankings across subjects. Friedman's analysis of variance of ranks was used to evaluate, for the study, whether the conditions differed in terms of the average (consensus) rank assigned by the judges.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed1998

Crouzon disease--a case report.

The present case of a ten year old boy with craniofacial dysostosis with the features of midfacial hypoplasia is a disease known as Crouzon disease. This disease is characterised by cranial deformities, facial malformation, eye changes and occasional other associated abnormalities. The aim of this case is to discuss the clinical, radiographic features and management of the problems.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗