Comparison of trace metals concentration in PM10 of different locations of Lucknow City, India.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Air Pollutants↗
Biomedical subjects
S K Mandal
Publications and source records attributed to S K Mandal.
DNA in nanopores: negative capacitance and delta-relaxation at high frequency.
We measured the high frequency dielectric relaxation behavior of DNA molecules confined in nanopores of polycarbonate membrane. The data revealed the existence of a critical frequency omega(c) approximately GHz at which the ac conductivity showed delta-relaxation. Interestingly, the DNA molecules also exhibited a crossover from positive to negative capacitance corresponding to omega(c). The negative capacitance at the critical frequency suggested a strong inductive behavior of DNA molecules in the high frequency regime. The results are interpreted in terms of the confined geometry of the DNA molecules in the nanopores. The interfacial water H-bonded to DNA played a crucial role in determining the high frequency relaxation of DNA molecules. The results indicated that the DNA in nanopores could be designed for application in high frequency bandpass/notch filters.
Computer Simulation↗
Correlation of lipid profile and carotid artery plaque as detected by Doppler ultrasound in ischaemic stroke patients--A hospital-based study.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Carotid plaque formation and intima media thickness can be a predictor of ischaemic stroke. In this regard studies from our country, are few and far between. This is a small hospital-based study to look in to this matter. We have assessed the intima media thickness of the common carotid as well as the internal and external carotid arteries by the ultrasound method. The lipid profiles were estimated and correlated with the intima media thickness. Results indicate that in the common as well as in the internal and external carotid arteries, the intima media thickness is a good predictor of ischaemic stroke. This thickness is also well correlated with the lipid levels in blood. Hence this non-invasive method can be used successfully to identify the high risk patients, prone to develop stroke.
Adult↗
Roth's spots as an only sign of acute myeloid leukemia.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
A randomized placebo controlled trial of ranitidine versus sucralfate in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage for prevention of gastric hemorrhage.
AIM: Due of paucity of studies on stress ulcer prophylaxis in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), we have evaluated the usefulness of ranitidine and sucralfate in preventing gastric hemorrhage (GH) in patients with ICH. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a hospital-based randomized placebo-controlled study, patients with CT-proven ICH within 7 days of ictus were randomized into ranitidine 50 mg i.v. eight hourly, sucralfate 1 g six hourly and placebo groups. Patients were conservatively managed. Primary endpoint was occurrence of GH within 15 days of ictus and secondary endpoint 1-month mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.2 (range 25-90) years and 40 were females. There were 45 patients in ranitidine, 49 in sucralfate and 47 in placebo group. Demographic, clinical and radiological features were not significantly different in 3 groups. GH occurred in 11 (23.4%) patients in placebo, 5 (11.1%) in ranitidine and 7 (14.3%) in sucralfate group, which was not significant. Only one female had GH. There were 13 (27.7%) deaths in placebo, 5 (11.1%) in ranitidine and 12 (24.5%) in sucralfate group. Pneumonia occurred in placebo group in 5 (10.6%), ranitidine in 2 (4.4%) and sucralfate in 5 (10.2%) patients, which was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Ranitidine and sucralfate do not seem to significantly prevent GH or reduce 1-month mortality.
Adult↗
Mannitol in intracerebral hemorrhage: a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE: To study the usefulness of mannitol in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. METHOD: 128 CT proven supratentorial ICH patients within 6 days of ictus were randomized into study and control groups. The study group received mannitol 20%, 100 ml every 4 h for 5 days, tapered in the next 2 days. The control group received sham infusion. Primary endpoint was 1-month mortality and secondary endpoint functional disability at 3 months assessed by Barthel index score. RESULTS: There were 65 patients in study and 63 in control groups. The study and control groups were evenly matched regarding age, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) score, pupillary asymmetry, pyramidal signs on non-hemiplegic side, and location, midline shift and ventricular extension of hematoma. At 1 month, 16 patients died in each group. The primary and secondary endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Low dose mannitol does not seem to be beneficial in patients with ICH.
Adult↗
Prognostic predictors of thalamic hemorrhage.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is no study evaluating the role of clinical, evoked potential and radiological parameters in the prognosis of thalamic hemorrhage employing multivariate logistic regression analysis, thus we aimed to evaluate the role of these parameters in predicting the 3 month outcome following thalamic hemorrhage. SETTING: Tertiary care referral teaching hospital. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with CT proven thalamic hematoma were evaluated. Conscious level was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), severity of stroke by the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS), while muscle tone, tendon reflexes and power were also recorded. Hematoma size and type, and evidence of ventricular extension were obtained from the CT scan. Hematomas were classified as (A) thalamic with postero-lateral extension or (B) thalamic without postero-lateral extension. Central motor conduction to upper limb and median somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were recorded. Outcome was defined at 3 months on the basis of the Barthel Index (BI) with good being a BI of 12 or greater and poor a BI of less than 12. Best predictors of outcome were evaluated by single variable logistic regression analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Age ranged between 35 and 85 years; 18 were women. Mean GCS was 10.4 and CNS was 3.9. Thirty-one patients had type A hematomas and 22 type B. The hematoma was small in 5, medium in 35 and large in 13 patients. Ventricular extension was present in 34 patients. Motor evoked potentials were unrecordable in 36 and central motor conduction time was prolonged in 8 patients. Median SEP was unrecordable in 37 and N9-N20 conduction time was prolonged in 2 patients. At 3 months, 8 patients had died, 24 had good and 21 had poor outcome. On univariate logistic regression analysis diabetes mellitus, GCS, pupillary asymmetry, CNS score, type and size of hematoma and motor and somatosensory evoked potentials were significant in relation to outcome. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the best predictors of outcome at 3 months were the type of hematoma and CNS score. CONCLUSION: CNS score and CT appearance of hematoma are the best predictors of 3 month outcome following thalamic hemorrhage. The proposed model for outcome assessment is simple and easy to apply and could have wide clinical application.
Adult↗
A novel mechanism of plasmin-induced mitogenesis in fibroblasts.
The plasminogen activator/plasmin system is believed to play an important role in diverse pathophysiological processes, including wound healing, vascular remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis. Our recent studies show that plasmin upregulates the expression of Cyr61, a growth factor-like gene that has been implicated in cell proliferation and migration. In the present study, we investigated whether plasmin promotes fibroblast proliferation and, if so, determine the role of Cyr61 in the plasmin-induced response. Human lung fibroblasts were exposed to varying concentrations of plasmin and DNA synthesis was monitored by measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. Plasmin increased DNA synthesis of fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1)-specific antibodies, but not PAR-2-specific antibodies, reduced the plasmin-induced DNA synthesis. Consistent with this, plasmin had no substantial effect on the DNA synthesis in PAR-1-deficient mouse fibroblasts. Plasmin activated both p38 and p44/42 MAPKs and specific inhibitors of these pathways inhibited the plasmin-induced DNA synthesis. Plasmin-induced increase in the DNA synthesis was completely abrogated by anti-Cyr61 antibodies. Interestingly, thrombin, which is a potent inducer of Cyr61, had only a minimal effect on fibroblast proliferation. Additional experiments suggested that plasmin cleaved cell/extracellular matrix-associated Cyr61 and the conditioned media from plasmin-treated cells could support the cell proliferation. Overall, these data suggest that plasmin promotes fibroblast proliferation by a novel pathway, involving two independent steps. In the first step, plasmin induces Cyr61 expression via activation of PAR-1, and in the second step, plasmin releases Cyr61 deposited in the extracellular matrix, thus making it accessible to act on cells.
Animals↗
Prognosis of conservatively treated patients with Pott's paraplegia: logistic regression analysis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic significance of various clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological findings in conservatively treated patients with Pott's paraplegia, using multiple regression analysis. METHODS: The study included 43 patients with Pott's paraplegia, managed conservatively. The diagnosis of Pott's spine was based on clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography or ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy. All patients were examined clinically, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to lower limbs and tibial somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were recorded. Outcome at six months was defined as good or poor. For evaluating predictors of outcome, 15 clinical, investigative, and evoked potential variables were analysed, using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The age range of the patients was 16-70 years, and 22 were female. Mild spasticity with hyperreflexia only was seen in 13 patients. In the remaining, weakness was severe in eight, and moderate and mild in 11 patients each. Twenty patients had loss of joint position sensation. MEP and SEP were abnormal in 19 and 18 patients, respectively. On multiple regression analysis, the best model predicting six month outcome included power, paraplegia score, SEP, and MEP. CONCLUSION: Patients with Pott's paraplegia are likely to recover completely by six months if they have mild weakness, lower paraplegia score and normal SEPs and MEPs.
Adolescent↗
Hepatopulmonory syndrome--an uncommon and severe complication of certain liver diseases.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is charaterised by arterial hypoxaemia found mainly in association with chronic liver disease (most commonly cirrhosis of liver) but also rarely with acute liver diseases like fulminant hepatic failure or Budd-Chiari syndrome. The purpose of this article is to present an uncommon but grave complication mostly associated with cirrhosis of liver and to differentiate this entry from cyanotic heart diseases or certain lung conditions. Investigations include history and physical examination, certain biochemical tests, upper gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, liver biopsy and venacavography in appropriate cases. Finally, the suspected cases underwent arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and contrast enhanced echocardiography (CEE) for confirmation of the diagnosis of HPS. Of the 123 cases of cirrhosis of liver, three cases of HPS (2.4%) were found-all of them being males. Also one male patient with inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction amongst other causes presenting with HPS was encountered. As of now, no medical treatment has been proved to be useful and liver transplant remains the only hope for this disorder.
Adult↗
Synthesis of DNA-polypyrrole nanocapsule.
A template synthesis technique of encapsulating DNA molecules inside polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes, termed as DNA-PPy nanocapsule, has been described here. The insertion of DNA molecules inside polypyrrole nanotubes is spontaneous in nature. The structural characterizations and possible applications of DNA-PPy nanocapsule in bio-sensing devices have been discussed.
Biosensing Techniques↗
Glycaemic consequences of HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapy: a pilot study and review of literature.
The metabolic consequences of HIV and AIDS are accentuated in the setting of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Peripheral lipodystrophy, central adiposity, hyperlipidaemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are frequent associations of protease inhibitor containing highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens. Ninety patients aged 25-50 years (males 52, females 38), seropositive for HIV 1 and 2 or both were selected to see the glycaemic profiles in asymptomatic early HIV disease with CD4 counts > 100/microl and to compare this with the glycaemic profile of (a) advanced HIV disease (CD4 counts < 200/microl), not on highly active antiretroviral therapy and (b) advanced HIV disease (CD4 counts < 200/microl), on uninterrupted non-protease inhibitor highly active antiretroviral therapy > 6 months. All the patients were grouped into 3: (1) Group A: CD4 counts > 500/microl (n=37), highly active antiretroviral therapy naive, (2) group B: CD4 counts < 200/microl (n=21), not on highly active antiretroviral therapy, and (3) group C: CD4 counts < 200/microl, receiving uninterrupted non-protease inhibitor based highly active antiretroviral therapy for > 6 months (n=32). The fasting blood glucose, glycosylated Hb (HbA1c) levels, were measured in all the patients in 3 groups and significance of difference between means was calculated among various groups. Body weight and waist-hip ratio were also measured. The results were analysed and compared with other studies.
Adult↗
Predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding in acute intracerebral haemorrhage.
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage is an important and sometimes serious complication in critically ill neurological patients who suffered from stroke and head injury and those in intensive care. There is no study evaluating frequency, severity and risk factors of GI haemorrhage in patients with primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). AIMS: To evaluate the frequency, severity and predictors of GI haemorrhage in patients with ICH. METHODS: In a prospective hospital-based study, consecutive CT-proven ICH patients within 10 days of the ictus were included. The patients with history of peptic ulcer, GI haemorrhage, liver and kidney disease, bleeding diathesis and those on antiplatelet, anticoagulant or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) were excluded. A detailed neurological evaluation was carried out. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was used for assessment of consciousness level and Canadian neurological scale (CNS) for severity of stroke. The haematomas were classified into small (<20 ml), medium (20-40 ml) and large (>40 ml). The occurrence of GI haemorrhage during 14 days of ictus was considered due to ICH. To evaluate the predictors of GI haemorrhage, various clinical and CT scan findings were evaluated by univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with ICH were included whose age ranged between 30 and 80 years and 14 were female. The mean GCS score was 8.9 (3-15) and CNS score was 2.2 (2-4). Haematoma was small (<20 ml) in 11 patients and medium (20-40 ml) and large (>40 ml) in 20 patients each. Evidences of septicemia were present in 20 patients. Gastric haemorrhage (GH) was noted in 15 patients which was more than 40 ml in 4 patients and one of these patients needed blood transfusion. On univariate analysis, the size of haematoma, septicemia, motor signs on the nonhemiplegic side and pupillary asymmetry were significantly related to GI haemorrhage. On multivariate analysis, the best set of predictors of gastric haemorrhage included size of haematoma, septicemia and GCS score. CONCLUSION: GI haemorrhage is more likely present in patients with larger haematoma having septicemia. Our study highlights the importance of septicemia, which is an important and modifiable risk factor for GI bleeding in ICH patients.
Cerebral Hemorrhage↗
Aplanes braunii (Phylum Oomycota) causes mortality in Anabas cobojius.
The fresh water fish Anabas cobojius (Hamilton-Buchanan 1822), was found to be parasitised by Aplanes braunii de Bary 1888. It is the first report of Aplanes braunii to cause disease on any fish. A. braunii is a virulent parasite that caused cotton-wool disease involving the skin, fins and muscles of A. cobojius. The hyphae also penetrated deep into the tissues of the infected fish and all of them ultimately died.
Animals↗
Efficacy of GM-CSF as an adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with chronic renal failure--results of a prospective, randomized trial.
BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection. Hence vaccination against hepatitis B assumes great importance in these patients. However, the response to hepatitis B vaccination is poor, even when 4 double doses (40 microg) of the vaccine are given. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of GM-CSF as an adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccine in CRF patients. METHODS: CRF patients including both hemodialysis (HD) and non-dialysis (ND) patients were randomized to receive either placebo or a single injection of GM-CSF (in varying doses of 50 microg, 100 microg, 150 microg) a day prior to the 1st dose of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (40 microg). Three more doses of the vaccine were given at 1, 2, and 6 months. The anti-HBs antibody titres were measured by ELISA at 3 and 7 months. Patients having antibody titres less than 10 IU/L were considered non-responders. The response rate and mean antibody titers were compared between the control (I) and GM-CSF (II) groups. RESULTS: In group I, 31 and 27 patients were available for evaluation at 3 and 7 months respectively. In group II, 33 and 28 patients could be evaluated at the same time points. Within the control group (group I), the response rate in hemodialysis patients (63.6%) was lower as compared to non-dialysis patients (81.2%). The response rate in group II was higher than that in group I at both 3 months as well as 7 months (78.1% vs. 62.3% and 89.3% vs. 74.1%, p = ns). The best response rates in group II were observed when GM-CSF was used in a dose of 150 microg (90.9% at 3 months and 100% at 7 months). The mean antibody titers were also found to be higher in the group II as compared to group I (409.6 vs. 243.9 IU/L, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this randomized, prospective study suggest that: 1. Patients with chronic renal failure should be vaccinated for hepatitis B as chronic renal insufficiency is established. 2. GM-CSF is an effective adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccine in these patients especially when a priming dose of 150 microg is used prior to 1st dose of hepatitis B vaccination.
Adult↗
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as hemobilia, successfully treated by arterial embolization.
Tuberculosis, specially disseminated tuberculosis, involves the liver frequently. Focal hepatic tuberculosis with local hemorrhage has been reported. We report on a twenty-one year female with disseminated tuberculosis presenting with initially non-localisable massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, subsequently found to have pancreatitis, right sided pleural effusion and hemobilia which was treated successfully.
Adult↗
Comparison of ondansetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron plus dexamethasone and placebo in the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic tubal ligation.
Laparoscopic tubal ligation is associated with an appreciably high rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of ondansetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron plus dexamethasone or placebo in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients after laparoscopic tubal ligation. In a prospective, randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial, 160 ASA I-II females received one of four regimens; ondansetron 4 mg, dexamethasone 8 mg, ondansetron 4 mg plus dexamethasone 8 mg or placebo (n=40 each) intravenously immediately before induction of anaesthesia. Patients were then observed for 24 hours postoperatively. The incidence of emetic episodes in the ondansetron with dexamethasone group was lower than in the placebo (p<0.001) and ondansetron (p=0.091) and dexamethasone (p=0.143) groups. A complete response (as no postoperative nausea and vomiting) was achieved in 60% of patients given ondansetron, 63% of the patients given dexamethasone, 78% of patients given ondansetron with dexamethasone and 37% of patients received placebo. The prophylactic use of ondansetron with dexamethasone is more effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Antiemetics↗