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S K Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to S K Gupta.

At least 1,027 records · Page 57Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Adenocarcinoma of colon in a child.

The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the colon in juvenile subjects usually poses a difficult problem due to its clinical presentation, which usually mimics disorders that are commonly found in children. This article presents the case of a 13-year-old boy who was admitted 2 weeks earlier to another hospital, where his condition was not recognized. He presented with abdominal signs and symptoms suggestive of diseases such as gastroenteritis, appendicitis, and intussusception which are common in this age group. The x-ray film showed dilated loops of small bowel and the proximal portion of colon, suggesting intestinal obstruction. At surgery, a 4 X 4 cm tumor in the transverse colon was resected. Microscopically, the lesion showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with foci of mucin production.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mapping of immunogenic domains on porcine zona pellucida 3 alpha and beta glycoproteins by murine monoclonal antibodies.

PROBLEM: Immunization with zona pellucida (ZP) leads to block in fertility with variable degree of ovarian dysfunctions. To design an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on synthetic peptides of zona pellucida, it is imperative to identify and define epitopes involved in sperm binding. METHOD: Epitopic domains recognized by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to either porcine ZP3 alpha or ZP3 beta glycoproteins were delineated in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the ability of a MAb in solution to inhibit the binding of biotinylated ZP3 to another MAb coated on a microtitration plate. Immunoblot studies were carried out to determine the nature of reactive determinants. Porcine oocytes preincubated with MAbs were tested for sperm binding in vitro. RESULTS: Out of 23 MAbs generated, 10 had specificity for ZP3 alpha and 13 for ZP3 beta. By using these antibodies, eight epitopic domains on both ZP3 alpha and ZP3 beta were discernible. On ZP3 beta, epitopic domain DI partially overlaps with DII and DV with DVI, whereas on ZP3 alpha domains DI to DV were in close proximity with a partial overlap, suggesting the dominance of this region. All 10 MAbs against ZP3 alpha, and 10 out of 13 against ZP3 beta recognized deglycosylated forms of antigens. Seven antibodies having specificities for ZP3 alpha and ZP3 beta respectively recognized linear epitopes. MA-30, having specificity for ZP3 beta and MA-420 for ZP3 alpha and recognizing linear epitopes significantly inhibit the binding of boar sperm to porcine oocytes in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these studies indicate the value of utilizing MAbs for identifying and characterizing functionally significant ZP determinants. MAbs recognizing sequential epitopes will help in the elucidation of the amino acid sequence of the epitopes, which will subsequently help in design of synthetic immunocontraceptive vaccines.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pyruvate inhibits galactosemic changes in cultured cat lens epithelial cells.

An attempt was made to maintain cat lens epithelial cells (CLEC) in culture and study the morphology, growth and survival of these cells in vitro. The influence of incorporation of galactose (30 mM) into the culture medium on the morphology and biochemistry of CLEC in the primary culture was then investigated. To establish the effect of galactose on CLEC, various biochemical parameters associated with galactosemic cataract such as aldose reductase (AR), Na+K+ATPase, glutathione, polyol and soluble/insoluble proteins were estimated after 24 h of incubation. The effect of pyruvate (5 mM), a 'physiological antioxidant', on the changes induced by galactose in CLEC was studied. CLEC in culture showed regular hexagonal cells with prominent nuclei. The CLEC culture attained confluency in 11 days during primary culture and semiconfluency in 14 days in two subsequent passages. Vacuolization and significantly raised AR activity, polyol levels and insoluble protein contents were observed; they had no effect on Na+K+ATPase and soluble protein after 24 h of incubation in the culture medium with galactose. Supplementation of pyruvate (5 mM) resulted in a lesser number of vacuoles together with a positive modulation of these parameters.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
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Comparison of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of meloxicam gel with diclofenac and piroxicam gels in animal models: pharmacokinetic parameters after topical application.

Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a preferential inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 and has demonstrated potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity after oral administration. The present work was carried out to elucidate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of a newer topical gel formulation of meloxicam (1% w/w gel) and compare it with 0.5% w/w piroxicam and 1% w/w diclofenac gels in experimental animal models. The study was also extended to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of a newer formulation of meloxicam gel after topical application on depilated skin of rats. The anti-inflammatory activities of meloxicam, piroxicam and diclofenac gels were compared using carrageenan-induced acute paw oedema and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic paw oedema in rats. Meloxicam gel showed increased protection against inflammation as compared to piroxicam and diclofenac gels. Acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced phase I and phase II pain models were used to compare their analgesic activity. Meloxicam gel showed significant protection in formalin-induced phase II pain whereas its analgesic activity was less as compared to diclofenac and piroxicam gels in writhing test and formalin-induced phase I pain. The pharmacokinetic studies showed peak plasma drug concentration (C(max)) of 48.48 +/- 6.57 microg/ml at 2 h (T(max)) after topical application of 500 mg of meloxicam gel formulation. The area under the curve as calculated from 0 to 6 h was found to be 114.18 +/- 4.23 and 194.13 +/- 3.78 microg x h/ml for 0 to infinity. The results indicate that topical preparation of meloxicam could be an effective alternative to diclofenac and piroxicam gels in inflammatory conditions and its associated pain with the possibility of less systemic side-effects.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) protects against selenite-induced oxidative stress in experimental cataractogenesis.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease primarily associated with oxidative stress produced by free radicals. The protection offered by various antioxidants in cataract development is well established. Polyphenolic compounds present in green tea (Camellia sinensis) are reported to possess antioxidant property in various pathological conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticataract potential of green tea leaf (GTL) extract in the development of lens opacification. Enucleated rat lenses were randomly divided into normal, control and treated groups and incubated for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Oxidative stress was induced by sodium selenite in the culture medium of the two groups (except the normal group). The medium of the treated group was additionally supplemented with GTL extract. After incubation, lenses were subjected to glutathione and malondialdehyde estimation. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was also measured in different sets of the experiment. In vivo cataract was induced in 9-day-old rat pups of both control and treated groups by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. The treated pups were injected GTL extract intraperitoneally prior to selenite challenge and continued for 2 consecutive days thereafter. Cataract incidence was evaluated on 16th postnatal day by slit lamp examination. There was positive modulation of biochemical parameters in the organ culture study. Green tea was also found to reduce the incidence of selenite cataract in vivo. The results suggest that green tea possesses significant anticataract potential and acts primarily by preserving the antioxidant defense system.

Animals↗
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Avoiding recomputation in linkage analysis.

We describe four improvements we have implemented in a version of the genetic linkage analysis programs in the LINKAGE package: subdivision of recombination classes, better handling of loops, better coordination between the optimization and output routines, and a checkpointing facility. The unifying theme for all the improvements is to store a small amount of data to avoid expensive recomputation of known results. The subdivision of recombination classes improves on a method of Lathrop and Lalouel [Am J Hum Genet 1988;42:498-505]. The new method of handling loops extends a proposal of Lange and Elston [Hum Hered 1975;25:95-105] for loopless pedigrees with multiple nuclear families at the earliest generation. From a practical point of view, the most important improvement may be the checkpointing facility which allows the user to carry out linkage computations that are much longer than the mean-time-to-failure of the underlying computer.

Algorithms↗
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Epithelioid sarcoma. Report of a case with fine needle aspiration diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma affecting the extremities, particularly the hands and fingers. Though it is well described histopathologically, publications regarding its cytologic findings are limited. CASE: A 52-year-old woman presented with swelling of the left middle finger. Fine needle aspiration was performed. Smears showed oval to polygonal cells with epithelioid features. A diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma with a possibility of epithelioid sarcoma was suggested. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In the presence of classic cytologic findings, the diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma can be suggested. Subsequent histologic examination and immunohistochemistry can confirm the diagnosis.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
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Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of tuberculous mastitis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between granulomas in the breast and tuberculous mastitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 22 breast aspirates that showed epithelioid cell granulomas. The aspirates were reviewed and the cytomorphologic findings summarized. RESULTS: Aspiration cytology revealed epithelioid cell granulomas along with giant cells, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrate. Overall acid-fast bacillus (AFB) positivity was 22.7%. AFB positivity was greater in the presence of necrosis when epithelioid cells were absent. CONCLUSION: In a country like India, the diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis must be made with caution, even in the absence of AFB. Only after a sufficient trial of antituberculosis treatment has been given and the patient fails to respond should an alternative diagnosis be suggested.

Biopsy, Needle↗
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Terminology. International Academy of Cytology Task Force summary. Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century: An International Expert Conference and Tutorial.

ISSUES: Differences in type, structure, quality of health care systems and availability of resources influence reporting systems. In most countries, individual systems have a long history of usage that might preclude adoption of a uniform terminology worldwide. CONSENSUS POSITION: It is desirable but unrealistic at this time to aim for a unified terminology worldwide. It should be the stated objective of the International Academy of Cytology to serve as an umbrella organization for various terminologies and enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. Translation tables of equivalent terms have been created to allow increased communication. Consensus has been achieved in defining essential elements required of any terminology system: (1) the report must be text based: numerical Papanicolaou class designations alone are inadequate; (2) an assessment of the adequacy of the sample should be included; and (3) the diagnosis must address the primary purpose of cervical cytology: to indicate the presence or absence of epithelial abnormalities. Incorporating additional elements within a terminology system may be more or less appropriate, depending on the setting in which the system is used. ONGOING ISSUES: Despite the cited problems in adopting a uniform terminology worldwide, a single system would have many advantages in terms of communication and research and may be a long-term goal worth pursuing. Countries are invited to present their individual national terminology systems and participate in an ongoing dialogue, critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of all systems.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality assurance/control issues. International Academy of Cytology Task Force summary. Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century: An International Expert Conference and Tutorial.

ISSUES: General definitions of quality assurance and quality control (QA/C) have existed in many forms for decades, and a new discipline guides their application to diverse industrial and recently medical processes without much fanfare. However, in the field of cervical cytology screening, the range of QA/C options has recently broadened and become controversial. With the advent of new systems of terminology, larger-scale laboratories and new technologies--plus strong governmental and legal pressures in some nations--the range of extremely difficult and sometimes expensive QA/C choices our community faces is greater than ever. CONSENSUS POSITION: At our conference, the basic definitions of QA/C posed little difficulty. Presentation of the range of methods in use today and of those based on new technologies where use is proposed or has just begun also was achieved with little or no dispute. However, there was lack of consensus on exactly how QA/C methods are to be assessed. Indeed, there was little consistency in the use of different outcome measures with which we can judge success or failure of specific QA/C options. In addition, the tension between pressure to adopt sometimes uncertain or expensive method enhancements and pressure to maintain affordability and the widest possible access for populations that most need cervical cytology screening is greater than ever. ONGOING ISSUES: More data are required that would enable assessment of QA/C options with the clearest possible understanding of cost/benefits and current or new assumptions of risk. Other task forces, such as medicolegal, cost/benefit and those devoted to new technologies, are our essential partners in meeting the challenges described above.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Carotid endarterectomy in patients with renal insufficiency: Should selection criteria be different in patients with renal insufficiency?

The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between outcomes from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with and without renal insufficiency. Carotid endarterectomy is one of the most commonly performed vascular procedures. The role of cardiac comorbidity in carotid endarterectomy has been extensively studied. The relationship between renal failure and surgical outcomes has also been studied for both coronary artery bypass grafting and lower extremity occlusive disease. However, the role of renal insufficiency in relationship to decision making regarding surgical intervention for carotid stenosis is not well defined. The authors hypothesized that the outcomes from CEA were negatively influenced by renal dysfunction. A retrospective review was made of consecutive CEAs performed at their institution from 1990 to 1995. Patients were grouped into 2 categories according to their renal function. Group A, 448 patients (90%) with creatinine level 1.8 mg/dL or less, and group B, 49 patients (10%) with creatinine levels more than 1.8 mg/dL. Data from patients on dialysis are presented but were excluded for the purpose of analysis. Included in the study were 497 patients with a mean age of 70 +/-8.9 and 74 +/-8.9 for groups A and B, respectively. Preoperative creatinine was 1.1 (+/-0.25) mg/dL for group A and 2.5 (+/-0.81) mg/dL for group B. Outcomes were as follows: perioperative cardiac events 5.4% vs 28.6%, stroke rates 2.7% vs 2.0%, and mortality rates 0.9% vs 8.2%, for groups A and B, respectively. At 60-month follow-up the stroke rates were 7.6% vs 6.1 %, and the mortality rates 22.8% vs 59.2%, for groups A and B, respectively. While patients with chronic renal insufficiency have no increased risk of perioperative or long-term neurologic events, perioperative and long-term mortality rates are significantly increased. This significant reduction in survival should prompt a more cautious application of CEA in patients with increased creatinine.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Study of vibrational spectra of polyaniline doped with sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid.

Vibrational spectra of insulator emeraldine base (EB) form of polyaniline and electrical conductive sulfuric acid- and phosphoric acid-doped emeraldine salts (ES) were studied in the region of 4000-400 cm(-1) at ambient temperature by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Infrared transmittance spectra of EB and ES were investigated to understand the bonding behavior of different organic and inorganic groups present in the polymeric chains and their structural variations on protonation by sulfate or phosphate ion inclusion in the polymer salt network. These studies revealed the para-coupling of deformed disubstituted benzenoid (B) and quinoid (Q) rings with ends capped predominantly by (B4Q1) units. The deformation of B and Q rings was confirmed by the appearance of many weak bands, very weak bands, and satellite structures in strong transmittance peaks of polymeric chain-constituting groups. Protonation takes place at the nitrogen sites of Q rings and forms semiquinone radical ions in ES. The vibrational bands pertaining to B rings, Q rings, B4Q1 units, semiquinone segment, sulfate ions, and phosphate ions were observed and assigned from these measurements. The shift in peak position of some bands with gain or loss in intensity and appearance of some new bands were observed in sulfuric acid- and phosphoric acid-doped ES spectra. These variations are attributed to the formation of new structural groups in ES on protonation and a change in crystalline field by sulfate and phosphate ion doping for crosslinking the polymeric chains.

Aniline Compounds↗
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The role of nitrilotriacetate in copper uptake by tobacco.

In growth chamber experiments we studied the effect of nitrilotriacetate (NTA) on Cu uptake by tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Plants were exposed for 6 d to 126 microM Cu and 500 microM NTA in nutrient solutions without and with 10 g L(-1) montmorillonite. Approximately seven times less Cu was dissolved in the montmorillonite solutions than in the nutrient solutions alone. In the absence of NTA, montmorillonite effectively competed with plant roots for Cu, although Cu remained bound to the roots. Nitrilotriacetate increased Cu uptake and translocation into shoots of tobacco by a factor of 3.5 from the nutrient solution and by a factor of 26 from the montmorillonite nutrient solution. Neither growth reduction nor any other visible sign of Cu toxicity was found in the presence of NTA with Cu concentrations of 190 mg kg(-1) in the shoots. In the absence of NTA, high Cu concentrations in root samples led to a brownish discoloration of the roots.

Chelating Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of chemical oxygen demand/total Kjeldahl nitrogen ratio and sludge age on nitrification of nitrogenous wastewater.

Four laboratory-scale biological nitrification units (influent total Kjeldahl nitrogen [TKN] = 1002 to 1062 mg/L) were operated at chemical oxygen demand (COD)/TKN ratios of approximately 0.5, 1.0,15, and 2.0 and at three different sludge ages of 30, 20, and 10 days to study the influence of COD/TKN, sludge age, COD loading, and TKN loading on nitrification and nitrifiers. Percent nitrification was found to increase with decreases in COD/TKN and increases in sludge age. The average nitrifier concentration increased from 460 mg/L at a COD/TKN of 2.22 and a sludge age of 10 days to 706 mg/L at a COD/TKN of 0.676 and a sludge age of 30 days. The nitrifier fraction was found to be higher at a lower COD/TKN and lower at a higher COD/TKN. The nitrifier fraction increased with the decrease in sludge age and COD loadings and the increase in TKN loadings. The effect of sludge age on the nitrifier fraction was amplified at a COD/ TKN of approximately 0.5 rather than at approximately 2.0. The nitrification rate (kilograms TKN oxidized per kilograms nitrifiers per day) was shown to be dependent on COD/TKN and sludge age. The activity performed by Nitrobacter was affected at all COD/TKN ratios studied as well as at a sludge age of 10 days. This was manifested by the accumulation of high levels of nitrite-nitrogen in the nitrified effluent. The presence of heterotrophs did not affect nitrification rates and the growth of nitrifiers, which were found to be beneficial. High sludge age and COD loadings resulted in a higher sludge volume index of more than 200 mL/g mixed liquor suspended solids. Microscopic examination showed filamentous structure of sludge under these conditions. It is concluded from the investigations that a sludge age of 30 days and a COD/TKN of approximately 1.0 are optimal to yield maximum nitrification and nitrifier growth rates for treating high-strength nitrogenous wastewater.

Bioreactors↗
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Left ventricular mass regression with amlodipine in elderly hypertensives.

We evaluated effect of amlodipine therapy on left ventricular (LV) mass and function indices in 34 elderly hypertensives having echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). LV mass and LV function indices were evaluated before and after 4 months of effective amlodipine therapy. Fourteen patients completed the study. Blood pressure was effectively controlled in all the patients; dose requirement of amlodipine being 5 mg/day in 8 and 10 mg/day in 6 patients. We found significant regression of LV mass indices such as thickness of interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), and LV mass index after 4 months of amlodipine therapy. However, LV function indices did not alter following treatment. In conclusion, amlodipine therapy besides effectively controlling BP in elderly hypertensives, produced significant regression of LV mass indices without affecting the LV function.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Methaemoglobinaemia in areas with high nitrate concentration in drinking water.

BACKGROUND: An epidemiological investigation was undertaken in all age groups to assess the prevalence of methaemoglobinaemia in areas with high nitrate concentration in drinking water. METHODS: Five areas were selected with an average nitrate concentration (as nitrate) of 26, 45, 95, 222 and 459 mg nitrate ions/litre in drinking water. These areas were visited and the house schedule (containing name, age, sex and weight of the family members) prepared in accordance with the statistically designed protocol. In all, 178 persons, matched for age and weight, were selected and arranged in five age groups. They constituted 10% of the total population of each of these areas. A detailed history of the selected population was taken, medical examination conducted and blood samples taken to ascertain the level of methaemoglobin. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to ascertain a relationship between nitrate concentration and methaemoglobinaemia. RESULTS: High nitrate concentrations cause severe methaemoglobinaemia (7%-27% of Hb) in all age groups, especially in the age group of less than 1 year and above 18 years. The lower levels of methaemoglobin in the age group of 1-18 years is probably due to better reserve of cytochrome b5 reductase activity and its adaptation to increasing nitrate concentration in water to compensate for methaemoglobinaemia in this age group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that high nitrate ingestion causes methaemoglobinaemia in all age groups. Cytochrome b5 reductase activity and its adaptation with increasing water nitrate ingestion plays a role in compensating for the methaemoglobinaemia.

Adolescent↗
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Ganoderma lucidum: partial characterization of spore and whole body antigenic extracts.

This study focused on the characterization of antigenic/ allergenic profiles of Ganoderma lucidum spore and whole body preparations. Whole body G. lucidum contained higher protein to carbohydrate ratio whereas it was less than one for spore extract. Isoelectric focusing showed 12 and 11 bands in acidic pH range (pI 3.5-6.5) for G. lucidum spore and whole body, respectively, while SDS-PAGE showed 8 and 23 fractions, respectively, in molecular weight range of 12.8-75.0 kD. The prominent protein fractions of G. lucidum spores were 19.4, 22.8 and 23.8 kD, whereas for G. lucidum whole body, 13.2, 14.7, 18. 7, 21.5 and 23.5 constituted major fractions. Immunoblotting with 41 individual serum samples revealed 21.8, 23.8, 19.4 and 20.0 kD to be major allergenic protein fractions of G. lucidum spores. The same using G. lucidum whole body and 26 individual serum samples identified several fractions of 17.0, 17.5, 18.5, 22.0, 23.8, 42.0, 44.0, 56.0 and 69.0 kD as major allergens. The compiled data suggest that there are common as well as specific allergenic components in two G. lucidum extracts studied.

Allergens↗