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Biomedical subjects

S R Kamat

Publications and source records attributed to S R Kamat.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Sequential health effect study in relation to air pollution in Bombay, India.

A health study done for 4 years in 4129 subjects from 3 urban (high, medium and low according to SO2 levels) and a rural community showed a higher morbidity with raised levels. Initially in the respective 4 areas standardised prevalences (in percent) were: for dyspnoea 7.3, 6, 3.2 and 5.5; for chronic cough 5.1, 2.7, 1.7 and 3.3; for intermittent cough 15.6, 5.8, 0.4 and 3.7 and frequent colds 18.0, 20.8, 12.1 and 11 percent. The diagnosis of chronic bronchitis was done in 4.5, 4.5, 2.3 and 5.0 percent and cardiac disorders 6.8, 4.3, 8.2 and 2.7 percent in respective 4 areas. After 3 years, 55-60% of urban and 44% of rural subjects were reassessed. Several minor symptoms, besides above ones were related closely to the urban air pollutant profile. Increased greenery protected only at lower levels of pollution. Initial lung functions were best in "urban low" area but in all urban areas, yearly declines were larger than in rural subjects. A cross sectional study for effect of slums in 4 areas on 22272 subjects revealed generally higher morbidity in slum residents, particularly in "urban medium" area for frequent colds, cough and dyspnoea. Daily health diaries maintained in 2232 subjects revealed high morbidity in 2 more polluted areas; monthly trends correlated to SO2 and S.P.M. and daily fluctuations with SO2 revealed a threshold between 50 to 100 micrograms/CM/day. There were greater mortality (S.M.R.) in cardiorespiratory and malignant diseases related to pollution. The major factors affecting morbidity were pollution, nutrition, occupation, smoking and age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The antibody response to methyl isocyanate: experimental and clinical findings.

As a result of the industrial accident in Bhopal, India (December 1984) in which thousands of people were exposed to methyl isocyanate (MIC), concern was raised for possible long-term health effects. The well-recognized immunologic consequences of exposure to other industrial isocyanates prompted investigation of an antibody response to MIC. Using procedures which had been developed in this laboratory to evaluate isocyanate immunotoxicity, animal studies were undertaken to develop and test reagents which could be used to detect antibodies to MIC in the exposed population. Guinea pigs were injected with MIC in its reactive isocyanate form. Three weeks later, blood was drawn and serum evaluated using ELISA. To detect antibodies, an antigen was prepared by reaction of MIC with guinea pig serum albumin. Antibodies were detected in each of the four animals injected with MIC. Titers achieved were 1:5120 to 1:10,240. Inhibition assays revealed antibody specificity directed toward the MIC hapten. Analogous antigens prepared by reaction of MIC with human serum albumin were used to evaluate sera from individuals exposed in Bhopal to MIC. Antibodies were detected in 12 of 144 exposed persons. Antibodies were specific for MIC, as evidenced by inhibition assays, and belonged to the IgG, IgM and IgE classes. However, titers were generally low and transient and were found in persons having had the highest MIC exposures. Total IgE values of sera were not significantly different from those of control sera obtained from Bombay residents. The results indicate that exposure to methyl isocyanate resulted in production of specific antibodies. However, the low titers observed and the transient nature of the response suggest little health consequence should result form the antibody response.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Distinguishing byssinosis from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results of a prospective five-year study of cotton mill workers in India.

This prospective 5-yr follow-up study of 1,241 textile workers from three mills was designed to determine the pattern and course of byssinosis in India and to distinguish this disease from chronic bronchitis. The initial prevalence of byssinosis was 14% in carding sections, 10% in spinning sections, and 11% in winding sections. In these dusty sections, the prevalences of both byssinosis and bronchitis increased with a longer service. Among workers with byssinosis; 56% had work-related and exertional dyspnea, 54% had chest tightness, 20% had wheezing, and 36% had cough. There was a history of Monday sickness in 22%. During follow-up it was confirmed that the atypical presentation of byssinosis with cough was more common in the carding department. The yearly decrease in pulmonary function was correlated with duration and degree of exposure to cotton dust. Thus, the decrease was larger in carding workers and in workers with byssinosis plus cough than in those with byssinosis or bronchitis. The yearly decrease in the one-second forced expiratory volume was different (p less than 0.05) for subjects with nonspecific chest symptoms (88 ml) and subjects with work-related chest symptoms (114 ml). The decreases in forced vital capacity and one-second forced expiratory volume were larger for increased dust loads. Fewer pulmonary infiltrates were seen in radiographs of workers with byssinosis than in those of workers with bronchitis. The immunoglobulins studied in 86 textiles workers and 17 control subjects showed higher IgG values among workers with work-related symptoms, especially cough, but not among those with bronchitic symptoms (p less than 0.01). Our results suggested that byssinosis is an entity distinct from chronic bronchitis.

Adult↗