Syringomyelia with syringobulbia presenting only with paralysis of 9th and 10th cranial nerves.
We report a case of syringomyelia with syringobulbia, in a patient who presented only with involvement of the 9th and 10th cranial nerves.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
S Jha
Publications and source records attributed to S Jha.
Primary ovarian pregnancy with an intrauterine contraceptive device in situ.
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Adult↗
Outcome of colposcopy in women presenting with postcoital bleeding and negative or no cytology--results of a 1-year audit.
We set out to identify histological abnormalities in women presenting with postcoital bleeding at the colposcopy clinic and the detection rate of abnormalities. This was a retrospective study based on the colposcopy clinic at Scunthorpe General Hospital. We investigated 45 patients with postcoital bleeding, 12 with negative referral smears and 33 with no referral smears. We found that 8.33% of patients with a negative referral smear had a histological abnormality. In patients with no referral smear the rate was 24.24%. The overall incidence of histological abnormality in the study group was 20% and of cytological abnormality 11.11%. Colposcopically directed biopsy is almost twice as effective as cytology in the detection of abnormality. Patients referred with negative cytology have a lower incidence of histological abnormality than those with no cytology. Women with postcoital bleeding should be seen in the colposcopy clinic.
Coitus↗
Arsenic poisoning in a family.
A family of six members is reported, who accidently consumed arsenic, during preparation of indigenous medicine in their home, and developed arsenic poisoning.
Acute Disease↗
Pitfalls in diagnosis of epilepsy of Janz and its implications.
84 patients of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) of Janz were studied. Diagnosis was confirmed using clinical and electro-encephalographic (EEG) criterias. 58 (78%) patients of JME were referred as 'refractory or uncontrolled seizures'. Ignoring myoclonic episodes and non-use of activation procedures in EEG were important reasons for diagnostic delay. Sodium valproate (VPA) or clonazepam are the drugs of choice while phenobarbitone (PB), carbamazepine (CZ), and phenytoin (PHT) are ineffective. Clinical spectrum of JME is slightly different in India. Family history of epilepsy or JME is not forthcoming and there is gross delay in the diagnosis. Other differences include age of presentation and mild cognitive impairment. All juvenile patients of generalized epilepsy, not responding to more commonly used CZ, PB and PHT should be strongly suspected for JME by carefully searching for myoclonus.
Adolescent↗
A study of the technologically modified sources of 222Rn and its environmental impact in an Indian U mineralised belt.
These investigations present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the 222Rn contributing potential of the technologically modified sources, e.g. mine exhausts and tailings piles, arising due to the mining and processing of uraniferous minerals at Jaduguda, India. The overall geometric mean of the 222Rn flux from low-grade uranium (U) mill tailings being 1.19 Bq m-2 s-1, requisite attenuation of 37.8% to the recommended limit of 0.74 Bq m-2 s-1 can be attained by a typical clay coverage of 20 cm. Theoretically, feasible options for selection of overburden materials for stabilisation of the tailings piles are examined. Extrapolation studies with a turbulent diffusion model yield an atmospheric dispersion pattern of 222Rn in reasonable correspondence with the prevailing concentrations, especially for locations beyond a 4 km radius. The overall 222Rn contribution of the U complex to the ambient air is the same as that contributed by the adjoining land mass of 2.75 km radius in this mineralised terrain.
Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
Production of withaferin A in shoot cultures of Withania somnifera.
Multiple shoot cultures of Withania somnifera were established from single shoot tip explants and their potential for the production of two principle withanolides, withaferin A and withanolide D was investigated. Shoot tips grown on MS medium supplemented with BA (1 mg l(-1)) induced 10.0 +/- 1.15 microshoots per explants and shoot cultures accumulated both withanolides (withaferin A = 0.04%, withanolide D = 0.06%). Supplementation of MSSM (solid) agar medium with 4% sucrose enhanced accumulation of both withaferin A (0.16%) and withanolide D (0.08%). Reduction of the agar concentration to 0.16% increased the number of microshoots induced per explant to 25.5. MSSM liquid medium containing 10% coconut milk favoured a maximum increase in biomass (27 fold); number of microshoots induced (37.6 +/- 1.45) as well as accumulation of withaferin A (0.14%).
Adenine↗
Recurrent pyogenic meningitis: an unusual presentation in a case of neurofibromatosis-1.
We report a case of recurrent pyogenic meningitis with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea in a patient with neurofibromatosis-1, which has not been reported previously.
Adult↗
Acute transverse myelitis following electrical injury: a short report.
We report a 30 years lady who developed transverse myelitis following an accidental electric shock and later recovered completely.
Acute Disease↗
Effect of common anti-epileptic drugs on cognition in schoolchildren with epilepsy.
This study was conducted to observe the effect of some commonly used anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), on cognition, in 118 school going children with epilepsy, in an age range of 9-12 yrs., (Mean 10.4 +/- 1.7 yrs.). For comparison, 28 healthy, age and sex matched schoolchildren served as controls. After a clinical, electrophysiological and radiological evaluation, the cognitive functions were assessed in both groups, using a modified Wechsler's Intelligence Scale. It was observed that cognition was impaired in only 2.5% of children with epilepsy, there being no relationship between cognitive performance and the type of AED used. It is concluded that cognitive functions are impaired in only a limited number of children with epilepsy and effect of phenobarbitone and phenytoin on cognitive functions is comparable to carbamazepine and sodium valproate, particularly when demand of task is not very high.
Anticonvulsants↗
Establishment of forskolin yielding transformed cell suspension cultures of Coleus forskohlii as controlled by different factors.
Suspension cultures derived from gall calli which were obtained following infection with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (C58) were established in Coleus forskohlii. Cell line selection following single cell cloning or cell aggregate cloning was carried out to select cell lines capable of fast growth and for producing high level of forskolin. A fast growing cell line (GSO-5/7) thus selected was found to accumulate 0.021% forskolin in 42 days. The effect of cultural conditions on cell growth was studied to identify factors influencing biomass yield. Cell growth in suspension was found to be influenced significantly by carbon source, initial cell density and light or dark condition. Optimal cell growth (20 fold increase in biomass in a 42 day period) was obtained when the cells were grown in dark condition in B5O media containing 3% sucrose as sole carbon source with an initial cell density of 1.5 x 10(5) cells per ml. Forskolin accumulation was maximum (0.021%) in the stationary phase of cell growth. These suspension cultures showed continuous and stable production of forskolin.
Cell Culture Techniques↗
Antibody to transforming growth factor-beta ameliorates tubular apoptosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction.
BACKGROUND: Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is characterized by progressive renal atrophy, renal interstitial fibrosis, an increase in renal transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and renal tubular apoptosis. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of a monoclonal antibody to TGF-beta (1D11) in UUO. METHODS: Mechanical stretch was applied to tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) by a computer-assisted system. Three doses of 1D11 (either 0.5, 2, or 4 mg/rat) were administered to rats one day prior to UUO and every two days thereafter, and kidneys were harvested at day 13. Fibrosis was assessed by measuring tissue hydroxyproline and mRNA for collagen and fibronectin. Apoptosis was assessed with the terminal deoxy transferase uridine triphosphate nick end-labeling assay. TGF-beta levels were determined by bioassay. Western blot and immunostaining were used to identify proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53, bcl-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). RESULTS: Stretch significantly induced apoptosis in NRK-52E cells, which was accompanied by an increased release of TGF-beta; 1D11 (10 microg/mL) totally inhibited stretch-induced apoptosis. Control obstructed kidney contained 20-fold higher TGF-beta as compared with its unobstructed kidney; 1D11 neutralized tissue TGF-beta of the obstructed kidney. Control obstructed kidney exhibited significantly more fibrosis and tubular apoptosis than its unobstructed counterpart, which was blunted by 1D11. In contrast, 1D11 significantly increased tubular proliferation. p53 immunostaining was localized to renal tubular nuclei of control obstructed kidney and was diminished by 1D11. In contrast, bcl-2 was up-regulated in the 1D11-treated obstructed kidney. Total NOS activity and iNOS activity of the obstructed kidney were increased by 1D11 treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study strongly suggests that an antibody to TGF-beta is a promising agent to prevent renal tubular fibrosis and apoptosis in UUO.
Animals↗
Neurocysticercosis presenting as stroke.
Stroke is a common but under recognized complication of neurocysticercosis (NCC). We report six patients having NCC who presented with stroke. All patients were young with no vascular risk factors. The arteritis which resulted in ischaemic infarct in these patients was related to the presence and severity of arachnoiditis. All patients responded well to steroids and albendazole therapy with minimal residual deficit.
Adult↗
Progressive arteritis associated with cannabis use.
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Adult↗
Randomised controlled trial of aminosidine (paromomycin) v sodium stibogluconate for treating visceral leishmaniasis in North Bihar, India.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of aminosidine compared with sodium stibogluconate for treating visceral leishmaniasis. DESIGN: Randomised, unblinded, controlled trial with 180 day follow up. SETTING: Kala-Azar Research Centre, Brahmpura, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. SUBJECTS: People of either sex aged 6-50 years with symptoms and signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis (fever, loss of appetite, enlarged spleen) with leishmania amastigotes detected in Giemsa stained aspirates of spleen or bone marrow. INTERVENTIONS: Aminosidine at three daily doses (12, 16, and 20 mg/kg) for 21 days and sodium stibogluconate 20 mg/kg/day for 30 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Laboratory measures of efficacy: parasite count, haemoglobin concentration, white cell count, platelet count, serum albumin concentration. Clinical measures of efficacy: spleen size, fever, body weight, and liver size. Measures of safety: liver and renal function tests, reports of adverse events. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients enrolled (30 per treatment arm), 119 completed treatment and follow up. Cure at end of follow up was achieved in 23 (77%), 28 (93%), and 29 (97%) patients treated with 12, 16, and 20 mg aminosidine/kg/day respectively, and in 19 (63%) patients given sodium stibogluconate. At 16 and 20 mg/kg/day, aminosidine was significantly more active than sodium stibogluconate in both clinical and laboratory measures of efficacy. No significant clinical or laboratory toxicity occurred in any treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: A 21 day course of aminosidine 16 or 20 mg/kg/day should be considered as first line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar.
Adolescent↗
Improved taxol yield in cell suspension culture of Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew)
Cell culture of Taxus wallichiana Zucc (= T. baccata ssp wallichiana Zucc. Pilg.) (Himalayan yew) has been established and taxol-producing cell lines selected by cell line cloning. Cell line NC110 derived from needle leaf of a 40-year-old tree growing in Darjeeling Himalayas produced 0.018% taxol in B5 basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2 mg/l), kinetin (0.5 mg/l), and casein hydrolysate (0.5%). This cell line has been maintained for over 2 years. Significant enhancement in the level of taxol (0.05%) was obtained in this cell line by supplementation of the basal medium with 5 mg/l of IAA-phenylalanine instead of 2,4-D without adversely affecting cell growth. IAA-glycine also enhanced taxol level (0.03%) while IAA alone (1-10 mg/l) was ineffective in inducing taxol accumulation. Using three different cell lines with different taxol-producing capacities, it has been demonstrated that 2,4-D and IAA-phenylalanine when present alone favour growth and taxol production but when combined enhance biomass to a maximum (six-fold in NC110) without enhancing taxol accumulation, suggesting that a two-stage culture may be beneficial for optimising taxol accumulation in cell culture of T. wallichiana.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
Stroke--a rare presentation of Eales' disease. A case report.
Eales' disease is common in India and the Middle East, but its neurologic manifestations are rare. The authors report a young man with recurrent vitreous hemorrhage and acute amnestic confusional state who subsequently developed myelopathy. Eales' disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of stroke in a young patient.
Adult↗
Direct agglutination test for early diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis.
In a prospective study, 80 cases of fever with hepatosplenomegaly, anemia and leucopaenia coming from the hyperendemic zones for visceral leishmaniasis of North-Bihar, India were screened and subjected to bone marrow or splenic puncture for demonstration of Leishman-donovan bodies (LDB) and DIRECT AGGLUTINATION TEST (DAT) with antigen prepared by Harith et al. 59 cases were confirmed for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) by demonstration of LDB in which DAT was also positive in different titres ranging from 1:1600 onwards. Out of 21 cases in which the bone marrow was negative for parasite, DAT was positive in 10 cases. 8 Out of 10 cases responded to WHO regimen of treatment with sodium stibogluconate (SSG). Remaining two cases who did not respond to this therapy became positive for parasites on subsequent splenic aspirate. They were treated with pentamidine isethionate and were cured. 11 out of 80 cases showing a titre of 1:400 or lower in DAT, 6 proved to be cases of enteric fever and 5 of malaria. Thus DAT using Harith's antigen was found to be 100% sensitive and specific in detection of early cases of Indian VL.
Adult↗