Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilius influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in Hawaii.
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Drug Resistance, Microbial↗
Biomedical subjects
S Singh
Publications and source records attributed to S Singh.
Antifungal activity of new 1,3,4-oxadiazolo[3,2-a]-s-triazine-5, 7-diones and their 5-thioxo-7-ones.
N(1)- and N(3)-(4-fluorophenyl) ureas (III a-e) were cyclocondensed with ethyl chloroformate and CS(2)/KOH to yield 2-aryl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolo[3,2-a]-s-triazine-5, 7-diones (IVa-e) and their 5-thioxo-7-ones (Va-e), respectively. The compounds III-V(a-e) have been compared with Dithane M-45 for their fungitoxic action against A. niger and F. oxyporum, and the results have been correlated with the structural features of the tested compounds.
Aspergillus niger↗
Factors influencing the low-frequency associated nicotinic ACh autoreceptor-mediated depression of ACh release from rat motor nerve terminals.
1. We have studied the inhibitory autoreceptor control of acetylcholine (ACh) release from rat motor nerve endings using an electrophysiological technique to quantify evoked ACh release in isolated hemidiaphragm muscles. Quantal ACh release (m) was estimated from the ratio of amplitudes of nerve evoked endplate currents and spontaneously occurring miniature endplate currents. 2. The nicotinic ACh receptor agonist cytisine (1 microM) decreased m at 0.5 Hz by around 20% but had no effect on m at 50 Hz. Changing the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration from 1.8 mM to either 0.45 or 3.6 mM abolished the effect of cytisine on m at 0.5 Hz. The nicotinic ACh receptor antagonist hexamethonium (200 microM) increased m at 0.5 Hz by 15 - 20%. 3. The effects of cytisine and hexamethonium on m at 0.5 Hz were blocked by 10 microM verapamil, which itself significantly increased m. However, the effects of cytisine and hexamethonium on m at 0.5 Hz were not sensitive to 10 microM of the calmodulin antagonist, W-7. This concentration of W-7 attenuates effects on ACh release mediated by facilitatory prejunctional nicotinic ACh autoreceptors. 4. Our present observations are suggestive of actions of cytisine and hexamethonium to activate and inhibit respectively negative-feedback prejunctional nicotinic ACh autoreceptors. Further, they strengthen the case for the existence of two separate and independent autoregulatory mechanisms for the control of ACh release from motor nerve terminals and give a preliminary insight into the cellular mechanism involved in the autoinhibition of ACh release.
Acetylcholine↗
A prospective randomized study to determine the optimal dose of intravenous vitamin K in reversal of over-warfarinization.
The optimal management of asymptomatic overanticoagulated patients remains unknown. We measured international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) over 7 d in 24 asymptomatic or mildly haemorrhagic patients on warfarin with prolonged INR of > 7.0 who were randomized to receive 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg intravenous vitamin K. Of six severely overanticoagulated patients (INR > 9.5 with APTT ratio > 2), five failed to achieve an INR < or = 4.0 on day 1, irrespective of vitamin K dose given. In the remaining 18 cases, an optimal response (INR 2-4 at day 1) was observed in 67% of those receiving 0.5 mg vitamin K, but only in 33% of those receiving 1 or 2 mg, the majority of whom developed an INR < 2.0. Our results support an optimal dose of 0.5 mg i.v. vitamin K for most overanticoagulated patients, with possibly a repeat dose in the small group of severely overanticoagulated patients.
Adult↗
Production and properties of hemicellulases by a Thermomyces lanuginosus strain.
Thermophilic fungi producing extremely high beta-xylanase and their associated hemicellulases have attracted considerable attention because of potential industrial applications. Thermomyces lanuginosus strain SSBP isolated from soil, produced beta-xylanase activity of 59 600 nkat ml-1 when cultivated on a medium containing corn cobs as substrate and yeast extract as nitrogen source. Lower beta-xylanase activities were produced after growth on other xylan substrates, sugars and soluble starch. Other hemicellulases were produced extracellularly at significantly lower levels than the beta-xylanase activity produced on corn cobs. No cellulase activity was observed. The optimal conditions for beta-xylanase production were 50 degrees C and pH 6.5, whereas 70 degrees C and between pH 5. 5 and 9.5 were optimal for beta-xylanase activity. The temperature optima for other hemicellulases were less than the xylanase with the exception of beta-mannosidase. The pH optima of the other hemicellulases were between 5.0 and 6.5. Xylanase was stable up to 70 degrees C and between pH 5.5 and 9.0 for 30 min whereas the other hemicellulase were less stable. These results suggest that the most suitable conditions for hydrolysis of hemicellulose by these enzymes would be at 50 degrees C and pH 6.0.
Carbohydrates↗
Unusual extra-axial central nervous system involvement of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: magnetic resonance imaging.
The MR imaging findings in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with unusual involvement of the sella, pituitary stalk and left parasellar region are reported here. On the basis of the MR imaging findings, the initial differential diagnosis included invasive pituitary adenoma, a granulomatous lesion and en plaque meningioma. Trans-sphenoidal biopsy of the sellar mass showed chronic inflammatory changes and the patient was initially treated for tuberculosis. Because follow-up imaging showed the lesion to be progressive, a biopsy was done of an enlarged right inguinal lymph node. This revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Adult↗
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis: magnetic resonance imaging differentiation.
The study was undertaken to compare the MR imaging features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in a country with a high prevalence of ADEM. Magnetic resonance scans from 33 patients diagnosed clinically with MS (14 patients) or ADEM (19 patients) were reviewed concurrently by two radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnosis. The size, site, morphology and pattern of brain and spinal cord involvement were recorded and the MR imaging diagnosis was compared with the clinical diagnosis. The MR imaging findings matched with the clinical diagnosis in 11 of 14 patients with MS (sensitivity = 78.6%), and with the clinical diagnosis in 15 of 18 patients with ADEM (sensitivity = 78.9%). Three patients had non-specific findings and in a further three patients discordant imaging features were present. One patient with imaging features typical of Balo's concentric sclerosis was diagnosed clinically as suffering from ADEM. In a country with a high prevalence of ADEM, the majority of patients with ADEM and MS can be differentiated on MR imaging.
Adolescent↗
Quality of life in patients with early and advanced carcinoma of the breast.
AIM: Emotional disturbances are known to occur in patients suffering from malignant diseases even after treatment. This is mainly because of a fear of death which modifies quality of life (QOL). QOL has gained an important place in the management of cancer in industrialized nations, with the increase in survival. However, in developing countries like India, very little attention has been paid to this issue. Developing countries have poor infrastructure and lack proper treatment facilities at most centres, this leads to poor survival rates and hence much emphasis is on attaining quantity of life rather than quality. This study was carried out to assess the quality of life determinant in patients with breast cancer and the impact of treatment on quality of life indices. METHODS: We carried out QOL assessment in 50 patients with breast cancer using the modified linear analogue scale for self assessment (LASA). RESULTS: Significant deterioration was seen in health-related parameters in terms of recreation (P=0.01), social life (P=0.002), mobility (P=0.03), physical activity (P=0.4) and sleep and appetite (P=0.05). Treatment related parameters deteriorated in both early and advanced carcinoma. Similarly, weight loss was seen in both the groups, however, this was not statistically significant. Self-care and recreation were found to be the most important parameters influencing the QOL in breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer detection programs, health education and better awareness among women in industrialized nations has helped in downstaging of the disease, thus improving overall survival. It has not been so in developing countries, where the majority of patients present with advanced disease (T3 and T4). These are usually managed with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, which duly interferes with general health-related parameters and the social life of these patients, thereby adversely affecting the QOL.
Adult↗
Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae in a liver transplant patient.
A 51-year-old woman with an orthotopic liver transplant on tacrolimus (SKF 506) and prednisone presented with an erythematous ulcerated nodule on the knee. No preceding trauma was noted. A skin biopsy specimen demonstrated beaded gram-positive, acid-fast rods and the skin culture grew Mycobacterium chelonae (formerly M chelonae subsp chelonae ). This report describes the first case in a liver transplant patient of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae under the current method of designating atypical Mycobacterium species.
Biopsy↗
Topical therapy for psoriasis with the use of augmented betamethasone and calcipotriene on alternate weeks.
BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids, commonly used for psoriasis, show diminished response on continuous use. OBJECTIVE: We tested efficacy of topical corticosteroid and calcipotriene used on alternate weeks versus daily corticosteroid in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: In a randomized, observer-blind design, the experimental group of 25 patients with stable plaque psoriasis received augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream once daily in the first and third weeks and calcipotriene 0.005% ointment twice daily in the second and fourth weeks. The control group of 27 patients received augmented betamethasone once daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental regimen was more effective than the control regimen as evidenced by (1) more patients with at least a 90% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (difference 49.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.1%-72.9%, P <. 001), (2) lower PASI after 2 weeks (P < or =.04), and (3) greater percentage reduction in PASI after 2 and 4 weeks (difference 23.1% [CI, 11.1%-35.1%] and 46.4% [28.9%-63.8%], respectively; P <.001). The study had power of 93.7%. No patient had skin irritation. CONCLUSION: Use of augmented betamethasone and calcipotriene on alternate weeks is more effective than daily corticosteroid and represents a novel strategy for treating psoriasis.
Administration, Topical↗
Hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency virus infections in multiply-injected kala-azar patients in Delhi.
Sera from 164 patients with parasitologically confirmed kala-azar and 100 patients with non-kala-azar Delhite in 2 Delhi hospitals were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency (anti-HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigens to determine which group is more likely to contract these infections. The mean age of the patients was 32.5 y (+/-6.5 y), (120 M, 44 F). Two patients were from Nepal and the others from the kala-azar endemic state of Bihar, India. As geographical controls, 50 serum samples from sex- and age-matched healthy Bihar residents were also tested for the blood-borne viral infections. All patients had been treated with injectable medicines by 1 or more local physicians before they were referred to the Delhi hospitals. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection was significantly different between the 2 patient groups. While 2 kala-azar patients (1.21%) were found to be HIV-1 positive, 54 (32.9%) patients had anti-HCV antibodies detected by ELISA and 51 (31.1%) by RIBA test. The seroprevalence of HCV was only 2% in hospitalized non-kala-azar cases and 4% in the geographical controls (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence of HBV was 13.2% in hospitalized kala-azar cases, but only 1.75% in disease control cases and 1.6% in geographical control cases. The difference in infection rates between cases and controls was significant (p < 0.001). The results indicate that kala-azar patients treated locally in Bihar have a greater chance of contracting blood-borne infections. Interestingly, we found that HCV was more prevalent than HBV. These infections were most likely acquired through the re-use of needles by local medical and paramedical practitioners for administering anti-leishmanial drugs. This trend, if not checked immediately, may have drastic consequences in the horizontal transmission of HIV in Bihar.
Adolescent↗
Putative mechanism for anticancer and apoptosis-inducing properties of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds.
Several plant-derived polyphenolic compounds are considered to possess anticancer and apoptosis-inducing properties in cancer cells. Such compounds are recognized as naturally occurring antioxidants but also exhibit prooxidant properties under appropriate conditions. Evidence in the literature suggests that the antioxidant properties of polyphenolics such as gallotannins, curcumin, and resveratrol may not fully account for their chemopreventive effects. We propose a mechanism for the cytotoxic action of these compounds against cancer cells that involves mobilization of endogenous copper and the consequent prooxidant action.
Animals↗
Periprosthetic breast capsules contain the fibrogenic cytokines TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, suggesting possible new treatment approaches.
Periprosthetic breast capsules composed of fibrotic collagenous material with increased collagen production are not dissimilar to other fibrotic conditions occurring in other organs. Fibrosis in the lung, liver, kidney, and skin has been associated with overproduction of the fibrogenic isoforms of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2). If periprosthetic breast capsules contained high levels of these cytokines, possibly new treatment approaches for capsular contraction could be proposed. Breast implant capsules of 35 patients harvested at the time of explantation were examined using indirect immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity for TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 was measured in all specimens. Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 revealed that these two cytokines were present in all capsules analyzed. Minimal TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were found in normal breast tissue. Levels of control vs. TGF-beta1 and control vs. TGF-beta2 were significant (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001 respectively). The presence of TGF-beta isoforms that are known to be fibrogenic may suggest new therapeutic approaches, which are being investigated for other fibrotic conditions.
Breast↗
Epidemiology, prevention, and early detection of breast cancer.
Decreases in the incidence of breast cancer have not been achieved, but there is a downward trend in age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates in the United States. Recent epidemiologic investigations continue to refine our understanding of the role of established breast cancer risk factors, such as reproductive characteristics and body mass index, and in the process advance understanding of the etiology of breast cancer. Important strides are being made in the chemoprevention of breast cancer, but clarifying the potential contributions of factors such as diet, physical activity, and cigarette smoke to the breast cancer burden is a high priority because these lifestyle behaviors also have important implications for primary prevention. The role of both environmental and endogenous exposures in breast carcinogenesis will be more clearly elucidated by studies that account for genetic polymorphisms, some of which may lead to differential susceptibility to harmful agents.
Breast Neoplasms↗
An ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder emptying in patients with cholelithiasis.
Impaired gallbladder emptying producing biliary stasis may provide potent carcinogen, which comes in contact with gallbladder mucosa for a prolonged period, inducing carcinogenesis. The aim was to study gallbladder emptying pattern in cholelithiasis. Postprandial gallbladder emptying was measured ultrasonographically in terms of fasting volume (FV), postprandial residual volume at 30 minutes (PP30), 60 minutes (PP60), and 90 minutes (PP90), residual fraction, and ejection volume (EV) in 58 patients with gallstones. Patients were divided into two groups of poor and good contractors on the basis of 50% maximal postprandial gallbladder emptying. Malonaldehyde level was estimated in 15 patients with cholelithiasis. Twenty-nine patients (50%) were poor contractors. The FV in patients with cholelithiasis (mean, 30.08 mL) was larger than the controls (mean, 17.55 mL) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.02). The FV in the cholelithiasis group correlated significantly with the PP30 (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), PP60 (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), PP90 (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), and EV (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Ejection volume was significantly less in poor contractors (p <0.001). Residual fraction was significantly higher in poor contractors (p < 0.001). The biliary malonaldehyde in poor contractors (2.27 micromol/mL) was higher than in good contractors (1.78 micromol/mL), but the difference was statistically not significant. Significantly larger volumes of PP30, PP60, PP90, and residual fraction and a low EV indicate poor contraction leading to biliary stasis.
Cholelithiasis↗
Diaphragmatic rupture presenting 50 years after the traumatic event.
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Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic↗
Wooden skewers are cheap, effective, versatile, and safe instruments for the preoperative marking of skin incision lines.
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Coloring Agents↗