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Biomedical subjects

S Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to S Sharma.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Mitral valve surgery and maternal and fetal outcome in valvular heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: To compare maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with non-operated valvular heart disease and patients who had surgery before or during pregnancy. METHODS: The 308 women with valvular heart disease who delivered in this hospital in the last 8 years were divided into three groups. The 218 (70.7%) women in group 1 had no surgical intervention; the 42 (13.6%) women in group 2 underwent balloon mitral valvotomy during pregnancy; and the 48 (15.5%) women in group 3 had surgical intervention before pregnancy (35 had balloon mitral valvotomy, eight had mitral valve replacement, and five had mitral valve repair). Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared for these three groups. RESULTS: The antenatal events differed significantly: 175 (80.3%), 40 (94.2%), and 46 (95.8%) patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, had uneventful pregnancies. In group 1, 14 (6.4%) patients had congestive heart failure (P>0.05) and 24 (11%) patients had cardiac arrhythmias, which was statistically significant. The rate of preterm deliveries did not differ significantly among the three groups. The groups did not differ in mean birth weight, mode of delivery, low birth weight, Apgar scores less than 8, stillbirths, neonatal death, or congenital anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve surgery before or during pregnancy did not significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes but decreased adverse events such as congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. It should be therefore performed only in selected cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Phenotype and genotype correlations in two best families.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mutations in the Best mascular dystrophy (VMD2) gene in two families with Best disease and to describe the phenotype-genotype correlations of genetically determined affected and unaffected individuals. DESIGN: Family genetic study. PARTICIPANTS: Two families with Best disease were identified, and family members were evaluated by ophthalmologic examination or fundus photography to assess their phenotype. All affected patients and some of the unaffected family members had a blood sample drawn, and the DNA was analyzed for mutations in the VMD2 gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-one subjects in the two pedigrees with Best disease were studied. One amino acid-changing mutation in the VMD2 gene was found to segregate independently in each family (P297S or E300D, respectively). RESULTS: Eleven individuals had some evidence of maculopathy, including retinal pigment epithelial changes, drusen, pigment epithelial irregularities, or cicatricial changes. Ten of these 11 patients (91%) with maculopathy had a mutation in the VMD2 gene, of whom 8 were clinically diagnosed as having Best disease and 2 were diagnosed as having possible Best maculopathy. The one patient without a mutation in the VMD2 gene had age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ten family members did not have evidence of maculopathy, of whom 6 had no mutation in the VMD2 gene. Four family members (2 in each pedigree) had mutations in the VMD2 gene, abnormal electro-oculogram (EOG) results, but normal maculae at age 40 or older. Of the 7 individuals with no mutation in the VMD2 gene, 6 were phenotypically normal and the other had late-onset visual loss resulting from AMD. CONCLUSIONS: All family members with maculopathy consistent with Best disease (n = 10) had an amino acid-changing mutation in the VMD2 gene. Four individuals who did not have maculopathy, but did have an abnormal EOG, also had mutations in the VMD2 gene. The presence of a VMD2 mutation is associated with abnormal retinal function, which can occur in the absence of phenotypic manifestation of macular disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pro-Leu-glycinamide and its peptidomimetic, PAOPA, attenuate haloperidol induced vacuous chewing movements in rat: A model of human tardive dyskinesia.

In the present experimental paradigm, we examine the effect of L-prolyl-L-leucyl-glycinamide (PLG) co-administration with haloperidol on vacuous chewing movements (VCM) in rats-a model of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in humans. We examined the dose dependent induction of VCM through both injected and orally administered PLG (MIF-1). Our results show significant levels of VCM attenuation (P<0.05) in rats treated with 10mg/kg of PLG. Doses of 1 and 100mg/kg were ineffective. Reductions were present in both orally treated and injected rats. We also examined the therapeutic effect of a peptidomimetic of PLG-PAOPA. PAOPA was able to produce similar behavioral effects to PLG at a dose, which was 100-fold lower than the effective dose of PLG. These results suggest that PLG may play a role in D2 receptor expression and function, as well as providing a therapy for neuroleptic induced TD.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in bone metastases.

AIMS: The signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO), produced predominantly in cancer by the enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS), has been implicated in the pathophysiology of many human tumours. The increased NO concentrations found in many human cancers may facilitate both angiogenesis and tumour dissemination. NO also plays a concentration-dependent role in bone re-modelling by acting on osteoclasts. Although iNOS has been studied extensively in most primary tumours, there are no reports that have investigated its expression in metastatic bone disease. METHODS: An immunohistochemical study was performed using a monoclonal antibody to iNOS in 27 cases of breast, renal and lung bone metastases, biopsied at the time of treatment for pathological fracture. RESULTS: iNOS expression was found in 14 cases and was predominantly localised to tumour cells in the metastatic deposits. A significant difference was found between iNOS expression in metastases and adjacent bone (p<0.001), where immunostaining was rarely seen and confined to immune cells. No microscopic differences in bone architecture could be seen between iNOS positive and negative metastases, and no correlations were found between iNOS expression and clinico-pathological variables. CONCLUSIONS: iNOS expression is not a pathognomonic finding in bone metastasis. Its role in the behaviour of bone metastases requires further investigation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2003

Studies on the electrochemical performance of glucose biosensor based on ferrocene encapsulated ORMOSIL and glucose oxidase modified graphite paste electrode.

The electrochemical performance of a new glucose biosensor is reported. The glucose biosensor is developed using glucose oxidase (GOD) and ferrocene encapsulated palladium (Pd)-linked organically modified sol-gel glass (ORMOSIL) material incorporated within graphite paste electrode. The ORMOSIL material incorporated within graphite paste electrode behaves as an excellent electrocatalyst for the oxidation of enzymatically reduced GOD. The electrochemical behavior of new glucose biosensor has been examined by cyclic volammetry and amperometric measurements. The bioelectrocatalysis of ORMOSIL embedded within graphite paste as a function of storage time and varying concentration of ORMOSIL is reported. The initial amperometric response on glucose sensing is recorded to be 145 microA at 15% (w/w) concentration of the ORMOSIL which is decreased to 20 microA at 5% of the same keeping GOD concentration constant. The variation of electrochemical behavior of the ORMOSIL embedded within graphite paste as a function of time has also been studied based on cyclic voltammetry. The voltammograms showing the reversible electrochemistry of ORMOSIL encapsulated ferrocene is changed into a plateau shape as a function of time, however, the electrocatalytic behavior is still retained. The practical usability of new glucose sensor has been compared with earlier developed glucose sensor. The sensitivity, response time and linearity of the new glucose biosensor are found to be excellent over earlier reported glucose biosensor. The amperometric response, calibration curve and practical applications of new glucose sensor are reported.

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed2003

Antibody response to purified chick embryo cell vaccine in equines for production of equine rabies immune globulin.

Rabies is endemic in India. The post exposure treatment of class three bite cases, as recommended by the World Health Organization, must involve the use of rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible and up to the seventh day of start of anti rabies vaccination. The annual requirement in India as projected by the Ministry of Health, Government of India is about 1500 liters of purified anti rabies serum (ERIG). Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, being the sole producer of ERIG in India, an effort was made to increase the production of ERIG by the use of tissue culture vaccine (Human) for primary immunization of equines. It also involved changing the vaccine from horse brain suspension to tissue culture vaccine by eliminating horse sacrifice for antigen preparation. A better immune response was obtained.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Degradation of historical paper: nondestructive analysis by the NMR-MOUSE.

The NMR-MOUSE is a mobile sensor for single-sided NMR inspection of organic materials which takes advantage of the principles of magnetic resonance and inside-out-NMR. Historical books dating from the 17th century were measured at different points by positioning the NMR-MOUSE on the paper. Different degrees of paper degradation can be discriminated from the regularized inverse Laplace transform of the envelope of the acquired echo signals. For the first time the degradation of historical paper was characterized entirely nondestructively by NMR. As a contribution to current preservation efforts, NMR shows great promise for future use in damage assessment of historical documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Leptospiral carrier state and seroprevalence among animal population--a cross-sectional sample survey in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

A study was conducted with the objective of assessing the leptospiral carrier state and seroprevalence among animal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A total of 494 sera samples from different domestic animals and 85 samples from rats (Rattus rattus) were tested by microscopic agglutination test using nine serogroups prevalent in these islands. Antibodies to leptospires were detected in 164 samples giving an overall seroprevalence of (33.11%). The seroprevalence was highest among cows (40.32%). Of 85 rat (Rattus rattus) samples tested for antileptospiral antibodies six (7.1%) were positive. Leptospires were isolated from kidney of two rats and urine of one cow. Isolate from urine of cow was heavily contaminated and was subsequently lost during further subculture. The two isolates were found to be pathogenic, belonging to serogroup Grippotyphosa. The isolates were further characterized by using a set of monoclonal antibodies. The agglutination patterns of isolates were similar to that of ratnapura and valbuzzi, however these did not completely match.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2003

Irreversible and reversible pore formation by polymeric alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) from the sponge Reniera sarai.

1. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological actions of a high molecular weight fraction, predominantly containing two polymeric 1,3-alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) of 5.5 and approximately 19 kDa isolated from the marine sponge Reniera sarai. The biological properties of poly-APS are of particular interest because this preparation may be used to deliver macromolecules into the intracellular environment without producing long-term damage to cells. Poly-APS (50-0.05 micro g ml(-1)) was applied to cultured dorsal root ganglion neurones or HEK 293 cells and changes in cell membrane properties were measured using whole-cell patch-clamp recording and fura-2 Ca(2+) imaging. 2. Poly-APS (50 micro g ml(-1)) evoked irreversible depolarisations in membrane potential and reductions in input resistance. However, doses of 5 micro g ml(-1) and less produced reversible effects on these cell membrane characteristics and on Ca(2+) permeability. 3. At 0.05 micro g ml(-1), poly-APS could robust transient increases in Ca(2+) permeability without damaging the neurones or subsequently attenuating Ca(2+) entry through voltage-activated channels. 4. Bathing cells in NaCl-based extracellular medium containing 1.5 mM zinc attenuated the irreversible and reversible effects of poly-APS on membrane properties (membrane potential, input resistance and whole-cell currents). In both DRG neurones and HEK 293 cells, zinc attenuated Ca(2+) entry evoked by poly-APS. These effects of zinc were only observed if zinc was continually present during poly-APS application. However, zinc failed to attenuate the actions of poly-APS if it was applied after the sponge toxin preparation had evoked changes in membrane properties. 5. In conclusion, the pore-forming preparation poly-APS can have dose-dependent interactions with cell membranes and at low doses these can be reversible. Additionally, the interactions between poly-APS and cell membranes could be attenuated by zinc.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus.

Leiomyosarcomas of the esophagus are rare, malignant, smooth-muscle tumors. The presenting symptoms are indistinguishable from other esophageal neoplasms, though the history may be longer due to the slow growth of these tumors. Barium studies may show large intramural masses with ulceration or tracking, expansile intraluminal masses or areas of luminal narrowing. Endoscopic biopsies may give a high false negative rate especially in cases where the mucosa is intact. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. Synchronous and metachronous metastases do not preclude surgery, provided the metastases are also resectable. Prognosis is better than in patients with squamous esophageal cancer. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is controversial. We report a 40-year-old man who presented to us with dysphagia and was found to have a leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus. He was treated successfully with esophagectomy and is disease-free after 7 years. We review the literature on esophageal leiomyosarcomas and their management.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Influence of W-7, a calmodulin antagonist on phospholipid biosynthesis in Candida albicans.

AIM: This study was undertaken to investigate the role of calmodulin in phospholipid biosynthesis in Candida albicans using W-7, a calmodulin antagonist. METHODS: Cells were grown as shake cultures in the absence and presence of W-7 at different concentrations. Changes in cell mass, phospholipid content and incorporation of labelled precursor into phospholipid and activities of respective enzymes have been studied. RESULTS: Decreased incorporation of labelled acetate into total lipids and phospholipids was observed in the presence of 40 microm of W-7 which was not as a consequence of altered growth of Candida in the presence of calmodulin antagonist. Further, a significant decrease in the levels of calmodulin and CaM dependent protein kinase activity was observed in cells grown with different concentrations of W-7. This was accompanied by decreased/increased activity of phosphatidic acid phosphatase and phospholipase A, respectively in W-7 grown cells as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest definite involvement of calmodulin in the regulation of phospholipid metabolism in Candida albicans.

Acetates↗
PubMed2003

Cytokine secretion patterns of NK cells and macrophages in early human pregnancy decidua and blood: implications for suppressor macrophages in decidua.

PROBLEM: Local immune modulation has been shown to be of considerable importance for the maintenance of successful pregnancy. We have previously reported the secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 in human decidua from early normal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular source of cytokine secretion in the decidua, and compare this to secretion patterns in peripheral blood. METHOD OF STUDY: Decidual tissue and peripheral blood was collected from 20 women undergoing surgical abortion during first trimester pregnancy. Monocytes/macrophages and NK cells were enriched by immunomagnetic cell separation and cytokine secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell assay. RESULTS: Decidual and peripheral monocytes/macrophages and NK cells spontaneously secrete IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10. The number of IL-10 secreting cells was significantly higher in decidual macrophages compared with decidual non-monocytic cells as well as compared with blood monocytes/macrophages. These differences were not seen for IFN-gamma or IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that decidual macrophages subserve important suppressive functions in the pregnant uterus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

The role of the brachioradialis H reflex in the management and prognosis of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

The H reflex was investigated to determine if it can be useful in the prognosis of obstetrical brachial plexus palsies. The H reflex is an electrically stimulated monosynaptic or oligosynaptic response which can be recorded in peripheral nerves in all muscles of infants up to approximately two years of age. It is essentially the electrophysiologic counterpart of the deep tendon reflex, and its presence indicates intact afferent and efferent axons at the particular spinal segment. Our objectives were to document the Brachioradialis H (Br H) reflex latency and amplitude in normal upper extremities of infants, to evaluate the presence or absence of the Br H reflex in obstetrical palsy neonates and infants between one and seven months of age and to determine if this test was a valid predictor of final clinical outcome. A prospective study of 109 patients was performed to measure the Br H reflex in the affected and the contralateral normal limb. The results from the abnormal limb were compared to the final clinical decision made by nine months for or against surgical intervention. In the normal limbs, a Br H latency of 10.7 +/- 0.8 msec was determined with an amplitude of 1.2 +/- 1.2 mV. The chi 2 analysis in infants from one month to seven months old revealed a strong relationship between an absent Br H reflex and little or no clinical improvement (p < 0.0001), with a sensitivity for predicting poor outcome of 85.7%. The odds ratio (with a 95% confidence interval) of a child with an absent Br H reflex not significantly improving by nine months was 8.4 times higher than if the Br H reflex was present. The false positive rate was 42% however, indicating that a significant number of patients improved clinically, despite having a nonrecordable Br H reflex at age seven months or less. The low false negative rate of 14.3% suggested that in the presence of a Br H reflex, the majority of patients recover. Therefore, the presence of the Br H reflex is a helpful test in the prognostication of good recovery in obstetrical upper plexus palsy patients.

Birth Injuries↗
PubMed2003

Ocular photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of ocular photodynamic therapy (OPT) with verteporfin in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) from ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) and to compare these results with those for a natural history group. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify cases of CNV secondary to OHS treated with OPT. Complete data were available for 38 of 41 eligible eyes. Data regarding the following variables were abstracted from the patient charts: demographic characteristics, previous surgery, angiographic features, number and timing of treatments with OPT, follow-up time, and visual acuity. The visual acuity results of eyes receiving photodynamic therapy were compared with those for a natural history cohort. RESULTS: On average, OHS patients who received treatment developed 0.88 line of visual improvement. Visual acuity improved or stayed the same in 69% (22 of 32) of eyes, improved by > or = 2 lines in 44% (14 of 32), and improved by > or = 4 lines in 22% (7 of 32). Patients who received OPT were 2.07 times more likely to have improved or constant vision than were those in the natural history group as described in one retrospective series (odds ratio = 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-5.56; P = 0.162). Thirty-eight percent (12 of 32) of eyes had undergone submacular surgery for CNV before any OPT. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be beneficial in patients with CNV secondary to OHS, even in the setting of previous submacular surgery.

Adolescent↗