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Biomedical subjects

S Sehgal

Publications and source records attributed to S Sehgal.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Paraproteins and plasma cell dyscrasias.

Serum protein electrophoresis done on 1100 patients with various diseases in one year demonstrated M-band in 31 patients. Most (87%) had the classical features of plasma cell dyscrasia (PCD), however a few had unusual presentations which are highlighted. A 22-year-old male operated for a massive tumour of the scapula clinically diagnosed as chondrosarcoma revealed plasmacytoma with amyloid on histology. Another case of kala-azar presented with features akin to that of PCD and one case had dual malignancies. Such a high incidence of PCDs with varied picture in a short time is not usually seen in other parts of this country; a fact which may be due to lack of awareness.

Adult↗

Characterization of mycobacterial antigens by Elisa and immunoblot methods.

Antibodies to two mycobacterial antigens viz - culture filtrate antigen (CFA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 5 were raised in rabbits. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot methods were used for the evaluation of the specificity of the rabbit antibodies to M. tuberculosis. Immunoblot method is more sensitive than ELISA for the detection of antibodies to M. tuberculosis in the rabbit sera. It is being emphasised that characterisation of the mycobacterial antigens and evaluation of the specificity of the antimycobacterial antibodies are essential prior to their applications as an adjunct in the laboratory diagnosis of human mycobacterial disease.

Animals↗

Safety of intrauterine administration of purified neem seed oil (Praneem Vilci) in women & effect of its co-administration with the heterospecies dimer birth control vaccine on antibody response to human chorionic gonadotropin.

Praneem Vilci (PV), purified neem oil was reported to exercise a reversible antifertility effect after a single intrauterine instillation in rodents and primates without any adverse effects. After toxicology, drug regulatory and ethical clearances, a phase I clinical trial was conducted on PV. Eighteen healthy tubectomised women were enrolled to evaluate the safety of a single intrauterine instillation of PV and to determine the effect of its co-administration on anti-hCG response to the heterospecies dimer (HSD) hCG vaccine. Eight women received PV alone and ten women were given the HSD-hCG vaccine in addition. Base-line and post-treatment haematological and biochemical profiles were determined as also the mid-luteal serum progesterone. Endometrial biopsies were examined to assess ovulatory status and the effect of intrauterine treatment with PV on the endometrium. Anti-hCG antibody titres were estimated in women who were concurrently immunized with the HSD vaccine. No untoward reaction was observed in any woman. Menstrual pattern and ovulatory status remained unaltered. Endometrial biopsy after PV instillation in one woman showed non-specific endometritis but she remained asymptomatic. Mild eosinophilia was seen in two women and this reverted to normal on its own. All women receiving PV and the HSD vaccine generated antibodies against hCG. Our data show that intrauterine administration of PV is safe and does not prevent the antibody response to HSD-hCG vaccine.

Adult↗

Prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Indian women of child bearing age.

A total of 2075 women in child bearing age and with past bad obstetrical history were serologically examined by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for Toxoplasma antibodies. 160 (7.72%) serum samples were positive with a titre of 1:64 or more. Maximum prevalence as well as highest titres of antibodies were seen in women aged 36 years and above indicating repeated infections. No association between seropositivity and contact with animals was observed. The low overall prevalence is due to infrequent and uncommon practices of ingesting undercooked or uncooked food especially meat.

Adolescent↗

Shelf life of weaning foods developed from locally available food stuffs.

Four weaning foods were formulated using locally available cereals and pulses such as wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), green gram (Vigna radiata) and jaggery. Cereal, pulse and jaggery were used in the proportion of 70:30:25. Roasting and malting were two processing techniques used. The developed weaning foods were evaluated for their nutritional characteristics and shelf life. All the formulations had a nutrient composition within the range prescribed by the Indian Standard Institute (ISI) for processed weaning foods. Peroxide value and fat acidity of weaning foods increased with increase in storage period. Malting of weaning foods resulted in higher increase of peroxide value and fat acidity as compared to roasted ones during the period of storage. All the blends were found to be acceptable up to 60 days of storage. The results, indicated that weaning foods developed from locally available less inexpensive foods may be used as good supplements for infants.

Dietary Fats↗

In vitro starch and protein digestibility and iron availability in weaning foods as affected by processing methods.

In the present investigation, four weaning foods were formulated using locally available cereals and pulses such as wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and green gram (Vigna radiata). Cereal, pulse and jaggery were used in the proportion of 70:30:25. Domestic processing technique like roasting and malting were used to process cereals and pulses for development of weaning foods. All the four blends had a nutrient composition within the range prescribed by the Indian Standard Institute (ISI) for processed weaning foods. The processing of grains resulted in 16-20% increase in starch digestibility and 17-32% increase in protein digestibility. Also 16-32% increase in iron availability was observed on processing. The effect was more remarkable in malted weaning foods as compared to roasted ones.

Biological Availability↗

Protein quality of weaning foods based on locally available cereal and pulse combination.

Locally available cereals and pulses such as rice (Oryza sativa), kangini (Setaria italica), sanwak (Echinochloa frumentacea), green gram (Vigna radiata) and jaggery were used to formulate three weaning foods. Cereal, pulse and jaggery were mixed in the ratio of 70:30:25. Roasting was the main processing technique used in the formulation of these weaning foods. The developed weaning foods had 5.06 to 5.68 g moisture, 10.28 to 13.71 g protein, 2.91 to 3.77 g ash, 1.08 to 1.87 g fat, 14.42 to 14.98 mg iron, 1.03 to 1.27 g crude fibre, and 357 to 374 Kcal. The weaning foods had a nutrient composition within the range prescribed by the Indian Standard Institute for processed weaning foods. The study indicated that the weaning foods obtained from locally available food stuffs have the potential of being produced locally, adaptable for household consumption and can be good substitute for commercial formulae.

Analysis of Variance↗

Clinical evaluation of purified vero-cell rabies vaccine in patients bitten by rabid animals in India.

Fifty-five individuals bitten by rabid animals were administered purified vero-cell rabies vaccine (PVRV) at WHO Collaborative Centre for Rabies Epidemiology for South-East Asia at National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi to test its immunogenicity, inocuity, safety and clinical efficacy. Fifty-two (94.5 per cent) of these individuals underwent complete course of treatment. Sera samples collected prior to the commencement of treatment showed all these persons to be sero-negative for antibody against Rabies virus. However mean titre of 2.44 I.U./ml, 7.76 I.U./ml and 10.77 I.U./ml were detected after third, fourth and sixth injections, respectively of PVRV. Persistance of protective titres of this antibody could be demonstrated even after 15 months of treatment. Of 327 inoculations, local and general reactions were observed after 10.6 per cent inoculations. All these cases were followed up for periods between 7 and 25 months and were, alive and healthy till the end of observation period, thereby proving the efficacy of the vaccine in preventing rabies.

Adolescent↗

Immunogenicity and feasibility of purified chick embryo cell vaccine.

Two hundred seventy-one children reported at the WHO Collaborative Centre for Rabies Epidemiology for South-East Asia at National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi, for advice and antirabies antibody assessment after post-exposure prophylaxis with purified chick embryo cell (PCEC) antirabies vaccine from January 1986 to October 1992. Vaccine was very well tolerated by these children and only 7% complained about mild to moderate side reactions like pain, induration, fever or rash. On an average, every year 50-55 children had reported at this Centre after post-exposure vaccination with PCEC vaccine excepting years 1986 and 1987. One hundred and forty-four children underwent complete course of post-exposure prophylaxis, i.e., 5 or 6 doses on day 0, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 90 (optional) of PCEC vaccine were administered, forty-three (43) children received 4 doses on day 0, 7, 14 and 30 (day 3 dose was omitted) and eighty-four (84) children received 2 to 3 doses as the biting animals were alive for 10 days in these cases. Two hundred and twenty-nine children (84.5%) were bitten by dogs and in 10%, the dog was proven rabid by laboratory examination of dog brain. One hundred and forty-nine (55%) had Class III bite. Serological response, i.e., antirabies antibody titre in all these children were satisfactory (> 0.5 IU/ml) with mean titre of 1.98 IU/ml irrespective of doses of PCEC vaccine administered. No vaccine failure was observed in this study.

Animals↗

Comparative evaluation of serological tests in Indian kala-azar.

Data on 41 kala-azar patients were collected and the series of serological tests employed to diagnose the disease were compared depending upon their sensitivity and specificity indices. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was found to be 100% sensitive and specific. The direct agglutination test (DAT) involving detection of agglutinating antibodies against Leishmania donovani was 97.2% efficient. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) had a specificity of 75% while other tests such as counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), aldehyde and the Sia water test ranged from 84.3 to 97.2% in efficiency. On the basis of the costs and ease of the tests, the use of DAT along with CIEP is highly recommended for early detection of kala-azar.

Agglutination Tests↗

Regulation of fertility in female mice after immunization with human sperm specific LDH: role in conception and contraception.

Effects on fertility of female mice after hyper-immunization with human lactate dehydrogenase-C4 have been studied at (50 + 25 x 4) and (50 + 50 x 4) micrograms doses of protein for two consecutive cycles of pregnancy. Results of heterologous immunization are described in relation to the role of LDH-C4 in conception and contraception. (i) Low dose of Immunization produced higher antibody (Ab) titer as tested before mating followed by higher infertility (70%) than by a higher dose of immunogen (46%), taking pregnancy as the end point. (ii) However, the results were reversed after second mating. For example, low dose of immunogen produced insignificant infertility, whereas high dose of immunogen gave 80% infertility. Similar order was shown by humoral Ab titer before mating i.e., high infertility was associated with high Ab titer and viceversa. (iii) It shows that the LDH-C4 induced infertility is reversible as is evidenced by low dose of immunization. (iv) In contrary to infertile dams, immunized fertile dams delivered a significantly higher litter size as compared to non-immunized control dams. It is concluded that immunity due to LDH-C4 is beneficial for embryo survival suggesting an immuno-suppressive nature of LDH-C4. Nonetheless, infertility ensues when immune-suppression is overcome by its own immune-activation.

Animals↗

Influence of combined deficiency of fat and vitamin A on benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in rats.

The present study shows the effect of combined dietary deprivation of fat and vitamin A on benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induced lung carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. Lung tumors were induced by intratracheal instillation of BaP-Fe2O3 in normal saline. The tumor incidence and tumor burden in control animals were 82% and 2.28 respectively. Fat deficiency decreased the tumor incidence to 57% and tumor burden to 1.66. On the other hand, in vitamin A deficiency these were 83% and 4.02 respectively. Fat deprivation in the diet of animals fed with vitamin A deficient diet decreased the tumor incidence and tumor burden to 69.6% and 2.7 respectively. The results suggest a protective role of low intake of fat in vitamin A deficiency for BaP-induced lung tumorigenesis in rats.

Animals↗

Plasma membrane alterations of maturing goat (Capra indicus) spermatozoa: lectin-binding and freeze-fracture study.

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of lectin-binding sites has been undertaken on spermatozoa recovered from different regions of the epididymis of the goat (Capra indicus) using fluorescein isothiocyanate-linked lectins (Bauhinia purpurea BPA, Concanavalin A Con A, Dolichos biflorus DBA, Maclura pomifera MPA, Arachis hypogaea or peanut agglutinin PNA, Glycine max or soyabean agglutinin SBA, Ulex europaeus UEA, and Triticum vulgaris or wheat-germ agglutinin WGA), in conjunction with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and freeze-fracture techniques. Flow cytometric analysis has also been used to quantitize binding affinity. Spermatozoa from caput to cauda epididymidis show no significant variation in lectin-binding ability, but the samples removed from the corpus epididymidis contain a greater number of binding sites. The passage of spermatozoa through the epididymidis is accompanied by a redistribution of the plasma membrane lectin-receptors covering the sperm head and tail. Receptors for BPA, DBA, PNA and SBA are specifically restricted to the anterior region of the acrosome in caudal spermatozoa. Freeze-fracture replicas, examined to study changes in organisation of intramembranous particles of the plasma membrane during sperm maturation, reveal distinct changes in their distribution in the acrosome, post-acrosome and spermatozoon tail, especially in the corpus and cauda epididymidis.

Animals↗

Lack of change of cancellous bone volume with short-term use of the new immunosuppressant rapamycin in rats.

Immunosuppressants have adverse effects on bone mineral metabolism in animal and human studies, with corticosteroids producing low-turnover osteopenia, and cyclosporin-A (CsA) producing high-turnover osteopenia. Rapamycin (RAPA) is a new immunosuppressant reported to be at least 10 times more potent than CsA, and acts via a different pathway to CsA and the other new immunosuppressant FK506. This study investigated the effects of RAPA on bone mineral metabolism in the rat. Forty-two, 10-week-old, male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups, and treated according to the following protocol: group A (control) received RAPA vehicle by daily gavage for 14 days (n = 12); group B (high dose RAPA) received RAPA 2.5 mg/kg/day by daily gavage for 14 days (n = 15); group C (low dose RAPA) received RAPA 1.25 mg/kg/day by daily gavage for 14 days (n = 15). Rats were weighed and bled on days 0, 7, and 14 for measurement of blood ionized calcium, bone Gla protein (BGP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25(OH)2D. Tibial bone histomorphometry was determined on day 14 after double-calcein labeling. Weight gain was similar in the two groups treated with RAPA compared with control animals. High-dose RAPA (group B) transiently depressed serum BGP levels on day 7, with elevated blood ionized calcium levels on day 7, and lowered 1,25(OH)2D levels on day 14. Serum PTH levels were unchanged. Low-dose RAPA (group C) did not affect calciotropic hormones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Blood transfusion related HBV and HIV infection in a patient with SLE.

We described the course of a young man with SLE who developed hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections through contaminated blood transfusion. He presented with severe SLE, improved on treatment and then developed hepatic failure which responded to conservative treatment. He now has AIDS and the SLE and HBV infection are quiescent.

Adult↗