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Biomedical subjects

S Kamal

Publications and source records attributed to S Kamal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Traumatic diaphragmatic herniation presenting as a delayed tension faecopneumothorax.

This article reports an unusual case of delayed presentation of a tension faecopneumothorax after traumatic injury to the diaphragm 5 years previously. Three important clinical lessons are highlighted: (a) for suspected tension pneumothorax, if a considerable quantity of serous fluid is drained in addition to air, a communication with the peritoneal cavity should be considered; (b) spontaneous tension pneumothorax is an extremely rare condition and other causes should be kept in mind; and (c) in the presence of a tension pneumothorax and diaphragmatic hernia, the contents of the visceral sac may be completely reduced and the hernia may be masked.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A differential study of breast cancer patients in Punjab, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the comparative pattern of distribution of four stages of breast cancer in 2 different hospitals in Lahore. METHODS: For all the variables under study test-statistic t has been used for stagewise comparisons between the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL) and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) whereas the four stages of the disease were compared by using test-statistic F. RESULTS: The study is based on 1171 patients (672 from INMOL and 499 from SKMCH). This paper is an attempt to find out the pattern for the spread of breast cancer among its four stages and its comparative study between the two hospitals, at stage level. It unveils the important fact of late presentation of breast cancer (25% of INMOL and 36% at SKMCH) compared in 10% or less in international literature (18). No impact of the variables under study was observed (P>0.05) on the stage of the disease. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases (71% in INMOL and 63% (SKMCH) present at stage III and IV of breast cancer therefore it is necessary that attention should be made to increase the awareness about the need and benefits of early detection of breast cancer.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Breeding habitats and larval indices of Aedes aegypti (L) in residential areas of Rajahmundry town, Andhra Pradesh.

Entomological studies on relative prevalence and distribution of adults and immatures of Aedes aegypti were conducted in Rajahmundry town of Andhra Pradesh from December 1998 to November 1999. Adults and immature stages of Aedes aegypti were found in all the 22 localities viz; posh area (8), mixed area (8) and slum area (6) of the town. Larval indices were found to be higher in slum areas as compared to mixed or posh areas of the town. However, the larval habitats were observed to be similar in all localities. The larval indices were highest during monsoon and post-monsoon months. The breeding preference ratio (BPR) was highest for cement tubs followed by discarded tyres and barrels. The high larval indices of Aedes aegypti in these areas warrant intensification of vector surveillance activities along with source reduction and health education.

Aedes↗
PubMed2001

Observation of the transverse optical plasmon in SmLa0.8Sr0.2CuO4-delta.

We present microwave and infrared measurements on SmLa0.8Sr0.2CuO4-delta, which are direct evidence for the existence of a transverse optical plasma mode, observed as a peak in the c-axis optical conductivity. This mode appears as a consequence of the existence of two different intrinsic Josephson couplings between the CuO2 layers, one with a Sm2O2 block layer, and the other one with a (La,Sr)2O2-delta block layer. From the frequencies and the intensities of the collective modes we determine the value of the compressibility of the two dimensional electron fluid in the copper oxygen planes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Clinical, virological and histopathological features: long-term follow-up in patients with chronic hepatitis C co-infected with S. mansoni.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infection with Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in Egypt leading to hepatic schistosomiasis and eventually portal hypertension. The prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis virus C among Egyptians is 14-51%. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of schistosomiasis on chronic hepatitis C with respect to the natural course of the disease, immunology, virology and histology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six Egyptian patients classified into three groups: group A: chronic hepatitis C (n=33); group B: chronic schistosomiasis (n=30) and group C: chronic hepatitis C and chronic schistosomiasis (n=63) were enrolled and prospectively followed for 62.7 +/- 22 months. Patients infected with other hepatic viruses and/or parasites were excluded. Detailed history, clinical examination, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts in blood, hematological and blood chemical values, abdominal ultrasonography, upper endoscopy, HCV RNA titer by RT/PCR, genotype and histological activity index in the liver biopsy were determined. RESULTS: Thirty patients (48%) with HCV and schistosomiasis had liver cirrhosis and Child-Pugh class C vs. five (15%) in HCV patients and none in the schistosomal group. HCV RNA levels ranged between 0.07 and 13 x 10(5) copies/ml in group A, and between 1 and 25 x 10(5) copies/ml in group C. HCV genotype 4 was detected in 58 patients with co-infection (92%) and 21 patients with HCV alone (64%). Patients with coinfection showed higher grading and staging scores in their liver biopsies. Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected only in patients with coinfection. During follow-up, the mortality rate was 12%, 3% and 48% in group A, B and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with concomitant HCV and schistosomiasis infection were characterized by more advanced liver disease, higher HCV RNA titers, predominance of HCV genotype 4, higher histologic activity, higher incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as a much higher mortality rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Antimicrobial activity spectrum, cDNA cloning, and mRNA expression of a newly isolated member of the cecropin family from the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti.

An antimicrobial peptide belonging to the cecropin family was isolated from the hemolymph of bacteria-challenged adult Aedes aegypti. This new peptide, named cecropin A, was purified to homogeneity and fully characterized after cDNA cloning. The 34-residue A. aegypti cecropin A is different from the majority of reported insect cecropins in that it is devoid of a tryptophan residue and C-terminal amidation. The importance of these two structural features on the activity spectrum was investigated using a chemically synthesized peptide. A comparison of the antimicrobial activity spectrum of A. aegypti and Drosophila cecropin A showed a lower activity for the mosquito molecule. A. aegypti cecropin mRNA expression was not detected by Northern blot or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis in any immature stage of the mosquito, nor in naïve adults, but it was observed in challenged adults 6 h after bacteria inoculation, and it continued over 7-10 days.

Aedes↗
PubMed1999

Mosquito-Plasmodium interactions in response to immune activation of the vector.

During the development of Plasmodium sp. within the mosquito midgut, the parasite undergoes a series of developmental changes. The elongated ookinete migrates through the layers of the midgut where it forms the oocyst under the basal lamina. We demonstrate here that if Aedes aegypti or Anopheles gambiae, normally susceptible to Plasmodium gallinaceum and P. berghei, respectively, are immune activated by the injection of bacteria into the hemocoel, and subsequently are fed on an infectious bloodmeal, there is a significant reduction in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection of oocysts on the midgut. Only those mosquitoes immune activated prior to, or immediately after, parasite ingestion exhibit this reduction in parasite development. Mosquitoes immune activated 2-5 days after bloodfeeding show no differences in parasite burdens compared with naive controls. Northern analyses reveal that transcriptional activity for mosquito defensins is not detected in the whole bodies of Ae. aegypti from 4 h to 10 days after ingesting P. gallinaceum, suggesting that parasite ingestion, passage from the food bolus through the midgut, oocyst formation, and subsequent release of sporozoites into the hemolymph do not induce the production of defensin. However, reverse transcriptase-PCR of RNA isolated solely from the midguts of Ae. aegypti indicates that transcription of mosquito defensins occurs in the midguts of naive mosquitoes and those ingesting an infectious or noninfectious bloodmeal. Bacteria-challenged Ae. aegypti showed high levels of mature defensin in the hemolymph that correlate with a lower prevalence and mean intensity of infection with oocysts. Because few oocysts were found on the midgut of immune-activated mosquitoes, the data suggest that some factor, induced by bacterial challenge, kills the parasite at a preoocyst stage.

Aedes↗
PubMed1998

Leprosy affects facial nerves at the main trunk: neurolysis can possibly avoid transfer procedures.

The predilective sites of lesions in leprous peripheral nerves are well established, and their surgical decompression is common practice when sensorimotor disorders persist after medication. By contrast, the precise localization of leprous facial neuropathy still remains unclear, and musculofascial transfers have been the only type of surgical treatment. The goal of this study was to clarify where leprosy affects facial nerves and to determine whether neurolysis might suffice to restore facial function. In five Indian and two Egyptian patients suffering from leprous facial neuritis, the nerves were stimulated transcranially at the brainstem to evoke efferent motor nerve action potentials, which were recorded from the exposed nerves. Lesions were detected at the main trunk proximally from the first bifurcation in all cases. Epineuriotomy revealed fibrosis of the interfascicular epineurium in all instances, as an indication for interfascicular neurolysis. One patient was able to close his eye and showed a better smile soon after surgery. After 16 and 21 months, respectively, one patient had improved distinctly, two patients slightly, two patients showing no progress, and two patients were lost to follow-up. It is concluded that (1) leprous facial neuropathy is located at the main trunk close to the first bifurcation and not exclusively at the peripheral zygomatic branches, (2) microsurgical neurolysis can be considered in leprous facial neuropathy before transfer procedures as long as voluntary or spontaneous activity is present in the affected muscles, and (3) intraoperative transcranial electrical stimulation is an effective means of localizing the site and proximal extent of leprous facial neuropathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) by diuretic renography.

Of 52 cases with 56 affected renal units having symptoms and signs suggestive of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) evaluated by conventional (F + 15) diuretic renography where frusemide is given 15 minutes post-injection of radiopharmaceutical m99TC.DTPA.F + 15, twelve (21%) showed a good clearance (group A), 16 (28%) showed partial (group B) and 28 (50%) a poor clearance pattern (group C) indicating a definite obstruction. A high flow (F-15) diuretic renography where frusemide is given 15 minutes prior to the radiopharmaceutical m99TC.DTPA, was done in 23 cases with 27 affected renal units. Eleven renal units showed a good clearance (group A). Of these, 7 (64%) showed a persistent good clearance, 3 (27%) converted to poor clearance and 1 (9%) to partial clearance pattern. Of 8 renal units in group B, 5 (63%) converted to poor clearance and two (25%) to good clearance on F-15 and one remained unchanged. All renal units which presented as poor clearance (group C) on conventional (F + 15) diuretic renography remained unchanged on high flow (F-15) diuretic renography. In majority of cases conventional (F + 15) renography gave a reliable assessment of the upper tract drainage, however, since equivocal group was resolved by the F-15 and the intermittent obstruction group was definitely diagnosed, high flow (F-15) diuretic renography was more conclusive in assessment as compared to F + 15.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Practical epidemiology and biostatistics in research. Study design and statistics.

Soundly planned study may well lead to the findings that are of wide scientific application and interest. This paper is intended to provide a simple and systematic guideline pertinent to the design, analysis and interpretation of studies, especially in the health care. It emphases on the importance of 'Statistics' in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of the studies. It is pointed out that all the stages of research studies are vulnerable to statistical mismanagement. The most important thing is to balance the interests of the individuals in the study with those of the much larger number who may benefit in the long run. Concerning the proper use of statistics, the following things are recommended. (a) Statistical advice is needed at the planning stage of a project and not at its end; (b) statistical advice may be saught at almost every stage of a project; (c) the important aspects of logic and correctness of argument may be carefully looked before interpreting the results and (d) finally, before getting any work published, opinion of an expert statistician must be saught, so that erroneous conclusions may not become enshrined as the truth.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1994

Bonn et al. reply.

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Journal Article↗