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Biomedical subjects

S Solomon

Publications and source records attributed to S Solomon.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Image-guided therapy in urology.

Technological breakthroughs have advanced the fields of urology, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery. Today, the various imaging modalities are increasingly applied to guiding therapy. Among the procedures now in use or under development are percutaneous cyst drainage or sclerotherapy; tissue ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound, cold, heat, or photon radiation; and conformal radiation and brachytherapy. As current limitations are overcome, image-guided therapy will expand.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Attitudes towards prenatal HIV testing and treatment among pregnant women in southern India.

During June and July 1999, oral interviews were conducted on 666 women seeking prenatal care at 9 medical facilities in Chennai and Mysore, India, to assess their attitudes towards prenatal HIV testing and antiretroviral prophylaxis for preventing perinatal HIV transmission if needed. Seventy-eight per cent were aware of the risk of perinatal HIV transmission and 36% knew that intervention could reduce the chances of such transmission. Eighty-six per cent would agree to undergo prenatal HIV testing but only 21% of all respondents would make this decision independently while 46% said their husband would have to decide. Of those women who would not agree to testing, 21% would agree if testing were compulsory. Ninety-seven per cent of respondents would undergo antiretroviral prophylaxis to prevent vertical transmission, and 94% would consider alternatives to breastfeeding if HIV positive. Considering its widespread acceptability, prenatal voluntary counselling and testing may be an affordable method of HIV prevention for this population.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

Multiple cranial nerve palsy in an HIV-positive patient.

We report the case of a 32 -year- old HIV-positive Indian male who presented with sixth nerve (bilateral), ninth, tenth and twelfth nerve palsies; cerebellar and posterior column involvement. CT scan showed gyriform enhancement in the right occipital lobe and nodular leptomeningeal enhancement in the left frontal lobe. Cytomegalovirus serology was positive and the patient was treated as presumed CMV. HIV can present with multiple cranial neuropathy and varied neurological involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Mutations in sarcomere protein genes as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The molecular basis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, a primary myocardial disorder that results in reduced contractile function, is largely unknown. Some cases of familial dilated cardiomyopathy are caused by mutations in cardiac cytoskeletal proteins; this finding implicates defects in contractile-force transmission as one mechanism underlying this disorder. To elucidate this important cause of heart failure, we investigated other genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Clinical evaluations were performed in 21 kindreds with familial dilated cardiomyopathy. A genome-wide linkage study prompted a search of the genes encoding beta-myosin heavy chain, troponin T, troponin I, and alpha-tropomyosin for disease-causing mutations. RESULTS: A genetic locus for mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy was identified at chromosome 14q11.2-13 (maximal lod score, 5.11; theta=0), where the gene for cardiac beta-myosin heavy chain is encoded. Analyses of this and other genes for sarcomere proteins identified disease-causing dominant mutations in four kindreds. Cardiac beta-myosin heavy-chain missense mutations (Ser532Pro and Phe764Leu) and a deletion in cardiac troponin T (deltaLys210) caused early-onset ventricular dilatation (average age at diagnosis, 24 years) and diminished contractile function and frequently resulted in heart failure. Affected persons had neither antecedent cardiac hypertrophy (average maximal left-ventricular-wall thickness, 8.5 mm) nor histopathological findings characteristic of hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Mutations in sarcomere protein genes account for approximately 10 percent of cases of familial dilated cardiomyopathy and are particularly prevalent in families with early-onset ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. Because distinct mutations in sarcomere proteins cause either dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the effects of mutant sarcomere proteins on muscle mechanics must trigger two different series of events that remodel the heart.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The importance of being discrete: life always wins on the surface.

Many systems in chemistry, biology, finance, and social sciences present emerging features that are not easy to guess from the elementary interactions of their microscopic individual components. In the past, the macroscopic behavior of such systems was modeled by assuming that the collective dynamics of microscopic components can be effectively described collectively by equations acting on spatially continuous density distributions. It turns out that, to the contrary, taking into account the actual individual/discrete character of the microscopic components of these systems is crucial for explaining their macroscopic behavior. In fact, we find that in conditions in which the continuum approach would predict the extinction of all of the population (respectively the vanishing of the invested capital or the concentration of a chemical substance, etc.), the microscopic granularity insures the emergence of macroscopic localized subpopulations with collective adaptive properties that allow their survival and development. In particular it is found that in two dimensions "life" (the localized proliferating phase) always prevails.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Ocular and systemic lesions in children with HIV.

The spectrum of ocular lesions in children with HIV infection is different from that seen in adults. Ocular lesions in pediatric AIDS patients have not been studied in India. We analyzed the clinical profile, demographic characteristics, ocular and systemic lesions in children with AIDS seen in a referral eye institute in India. The clinical profile and demographic features were studied and complete ocular examination was done. Systemic findings were evaluated at an AIDS care center and recorded in a precoded proforma. Out of the 218 cases of HIV infection seen at our hospital between December 1993 and October 1999, 12 (5.50%) were below 15 years of age. Seven (58.33%) were males and 5 (41.66%) were females with the mean age of 6.5 years and median age of 6.2 years. Vertical transmission was the most common mode of infection (58.33%). Seven (58.33%) of these patients had systemic infection, the most common being pulmonary tuberculosis (42.85%). Ocular lesions were found in 6 (50%) patients. The most common ocular lesions were anterior uveitis and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV) (33%) followed by retinal detachment (16.66%) and vitreous hemorrhage (16.66%). High prevalence of ocular lesions in pediatric AIDS patients in India in a referral eye centre was observed. The most common lesions were anterior uveitis followed by CMV retinitis. The management in such cases was often challenging in a developing country like India.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2000

Ocular lesions associated with HIV infection in India: a series of 100 consecutive patients evaluated at a referral center.

PURPOSE: To document the ocular disorders seen in patients known to be infected with human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus at a referral eye clinic in India. METHODS: The first 100 individuals known to be HIV-positive at a referral eye clinic between 1993 and 1998 were enrolled in a prospective study. They underwent complete ocular and systemic evaluation. RESULTS: Most of the patients (76%) were in the 20-to 40-year age group. Heterosexual exposure to commercial sex workers was the most common risk factor (70%) for HIV infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (17%) and HIV retinopathy (15%) were the most common HIV-associated ophthalmic lesions. Pulmonary tuberculosis (67%) and oropharyngeal candidiasis (66%) were the most commonly associated systemic infections. Ocular involvement was most common in children who contracted the disease through perinatal transmission (66.7%) and in homosexual patients (60%). Ocular involvement was comparatively less common in patients who contracted the disease through blood transfusions (33%) or exposure to commercial sex workers (24.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the spectrum of ocular lesions associated with HIV infection in India is different from that seen elsewhere in the world. The prevalence of CMV retinitis and HIV retinopathy is lower in India, and there have been no cases of ocular Kaposi sarcoma. Adnexal infections, albeit rare, were seen in our series. The nonavailability and cost of therapy influenced the visual prognosis in these patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2000

Determinants of forward pulmonary vein flow: an open pericardium pig model.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate determinants of pulmonary venous (PV) flow. BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (vis a tergo), left atrial (LA) relaxation and left ventricular (LV) systole and relaxation (vis a fronte) have been suggested as determinants of the pulmonary venous (PV) anterograde Doppler flow velocities, but their relative contributions to those flow velocities have not been quantified. METHODS: We analyzed, by multiple regression analysis, the determinants of PV anterograde velocities in an open-pericardium, paced (70 and 90 beats/min) pig model in which LA afterload was modified by creating LV regional ischemia (left anterior descending coronary artery constriction). We measured high fidelity LA, LV and RV pressures and Doppler flow velocities (epicardial echocardiography). We calculated LV tau, LA relaxation (a through x pressure difference divided by time, normalized by a pressure), LA peak v through x and RV systolic through LA peak v (RVSP-v) pressure differences, LV ejection fraction, long-axis shortening, stroke volume (LV outflow integral x outflow area) and LA four-chamber dimensions, Doppler transmitral and PV flow velocities and velocity-time integrals. RESULTS: Left ventricular regional ischemia increased mildly LA y trough pressure (8 +/- 1 vs. 6 +/- 1 mm Hg, p = 0.001). Left ventricular stroke volume (coefficient: 0.5 cm/ml, SE: 0.2, p = 0.005) and LA peak v pressure (coefficient: -0.8 cm/mm Hg, SE: 0.3, p = 0.008) determined the PV total systolic integral. Left atrial relaxation determined both PV early systolic peak velocity and integral (coefficient: -0.8 cm/mm Hg, SE: 0.3, p = 0.04). Left atrial maximum area (coefficient: 2 cm(-1) SE: 0.7, p = 0.01) and RVSP-v (coefficient: 0.1 cm/mm Hg, SE: 0.05, p = 0.03) determined the late systolic integral. The PV total systolic integral determined both PV early diastolic peak velocity and integral (coefficient: 1.2, SE: 0.2, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In an experimental model of LV acute ischemia of limited duration, the main independent predictors of PV systolic anterograde flow velocities are LA relaxation and compliance (LA peak v pressure) and LV systole--all vis a fronte factors. In the setting of mildly increased LA pressures, PV systolic flow (LA reservoir filling) is an independent predictor of PV early diastolic flow (LA early conduit).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The body as a source of self-esteem: the effect of mortality salience on identification with one's body, interest in sex, and appearance monitoring.

The present research investigated the role of the physical body as a source of self-esteem and tested the hypothesis derived from terror management theory that reminding people of their mortality increases self-esteem striving in the form of identification with one's body, interest in sex, and appearance monitoring. The results revealed that individuals high in body esteem responded to mortality salience manipulations with increased identification with their physical bodies in Study 1 and with increased interest in sex in Study 2. Study 3 showed that reminders of death led to decreased appearance monitoring among appearance-oriented participants who were low in body esteem. These findings provide insight into why people often go to extreme lengths to meet cultural standards for the body and its appearance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Dermatologic manifestations among human immunodeficiency virus patients in south India.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be associated with a large number of dermatologic manifestations, which may at times constitute the presenting symptoms. These skin lesions are well delineated in the Western literature, but there is a paucity of information from the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. Objective We evaluated 833 persons with HIV to determine the types of dermatologic lesions present. RESULTS: The various lesions observed were oral candidiasis (45.0%), multidermatomal herpes zoster (11.2%), dermatophytosis of the skin (8.0%), herpes genitalis (7.7%), papular pruritic dermatitis (7.7%), staphylococcal infection of the skin (2.9%), oral hairy leukoplakia (2.3%), molluscum contagiosum (1.3%), genital warts (1.2%), and scabies (0.5%). Alopecia, intractable itching, dry skin, Addisonian pigmentation, and Kaposi's sarcoma were also noted. A correlation between the dermatologic manifestations and CD4 cell counts was found. CONCLUSION: Although the pattern of cutaneous lesions was comparable with that from the West, there is a strikingly lower incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2000

Prophylactic pharmacological treatment of chronic daily headache.

OBJECTIVE: To review all the prophylactic pharmacological treatments for chronic daily headache from the past decade. BACKGROUND: Chronic daily headache is among the most common diagnoses seen in specialized headache centers. Prior to 1988, there were no criteria for the diagnosis of chronic tension-type headache and chronic daily headache. An expanded chronic daily headache classification has been proposed. METHODS: A MEDLINE search was performed using the following key words: chronic daily headache, intractable headache, transformed migraine, chronic tension headache, and chronic tension-type headache. We limited our review to those studies published in English in the last decade, including published abstracts and letters to the editor. Double-blind studies carried out prior to 1988 were also included. RESULTS: Pharmacological treatments for chronic daily headache include antidepressants (tricyclics, tetracyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, 5-HT1 agonists, ergots, 5-HT2 antagonists, antianxiety agents, and miscellaneous drugs. Many of these reports are anecdotal, and most are open rather than double-blind studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is a great variety of pharmacological treatments available for chronic daily headache. Only the antidepressants have been extensively studied. Other medications may be used if these fail. Recommendations based on our experience at the Headache Unit of the Montefiore Medical Center are outlined here.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed2000

Dietary effects on bone quality and turnover, and Ca and P metabolism in chickens.

The responses of skeletal health and blood calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) status to different dietary calcium and available P (avP) contents were examined in 2-week-old chickens. High avP content resulted in more inorganic P (P(i)) and less ionised Ca (Ca(2+)) in the blood. Birds on low Ca and high avP diets showed a higher incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia and hypocalcaemic rickets and were therefore assumed to be hypocalcaemic. However the molar Ca:P ratio in bone was closer to the expected 1.67:1 in diets high in avP. No significant dietary mineral content effect was found on bone mineral content, or breaking strength, within the range of diets used. Results suggest that variations in molar Ca:P ratios in bone have little effect on mechanical competence, and that diets for this strain should be higher in Ca, and could be lower in avP, than current recommendations.

Amino Acids↗