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S Varma

Publications and source records attributed to S Varma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Expression of receptor-Ck and SREBP genes in mononuclear cells from acute leukemia patients.

We have recently shown that Receptor-Ck regulated genes, involved in cellular growth and death through a transcriptional factor (SREBP) which has affinity for sterol regulatory element (SRE) present in the promoter region of these genes. The present study revealed that blasts, derived from both ALL and AML patients, were unable to express SREBP gene product although they had the capacity to express Receptor-Ck gene product. These results which depict defective Receptor-Ck-dependent signalling are in conformity with our previous results which showed that lymphocytes from CML patients as well as other human leukemic cell lines are unable to express gene coding for Receptor-Ck leading again to a state of impaired Receptor-Ck-dependent signalling. On the basis of these results, we propose that deregulated Receptor-Ck-dependent signalling may have an important role in leukemogenesis.

Blast Crisis↗
PubMed2000

Impact of lead exposure on pituitary-thyroid axis in humans.

Thyroid function tests (serum levels of thyroxine-T4, triiodothyronine-T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone-TSH) were performed in fifty-eight men (mean age: 31.7 +/- 10.6 years; mean duration of lead exposure: 156.9 +/- 122.7 months). These subjects were exposed to lead either as petrol pump workers or automobile mechanics. The mean whole blood lead (Pb-B) levels were 2.49 +/- 0.45 micromole/l (51.90 +/- 9.40 microg/dl) in the lead exposed workers and were approximately 5 times higher than in the control (n = 35) subjects. No significant alteration was seen in their mean T3 and T4 levels as compared with the controls. Interestingly, T3 was significantly lower with the longer (210 months) exposure time in comparison with the group having shorter (29 months) exposure duration. The mean TSH levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in workers exposed in comparison with the control group. This rise in TSH was independent of exposure time, but it was definitely associated with the Pb-B levels. The increase being more pronounced with mean Pb-B levels of 2.66 +/- 0.2 micromole/l (55.4 +/- 4.25 microg/dl) when compared with the group having mean levels of 1.51 +/- 0.30 micromole/l (31.5 +/- 6.20 microg/dl). The rise is TSH associated with Pb-B levels was only statistical valid, however, the levels fall within the normal laboratory range. We thus conclude that the Pb-B levels of > or = 2.4 micromole/l (50 microg/dl) could enhance the pituitary release of TSH without having any significant alterations in the circulating levels of T3 and T4.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Facial cutaneous tuberculosis: an unusual presentation.

Periocular cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare occurrence. We describe a 75-year-old Caucasian woman with tuberculosis of the left periocular region which responded completely to standard antituberculosis therapy. We hypothesize this unusual presentation may be due to minor trauma followed by inoculation.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Authors' reply

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Laser therapy of telangiectatic leg veins: clinical evaluation of the 810 nm diode laser.

Telangiectatic leg veins (TLV) are experienced by millions of women and men. As they cause significant cosmetic embarrassment, many women seek effective treatment. Options include sclerotherapy and treatment with different lasers. We investigated the safety and efficacy of an 810-nm diode laser in the treatment of TLV. Ten females had treatment to a >/= 25 cm2 area of TLV four times at 4-weekly intervals at 25-35 W, 0.1 s duration, 0.5 s interval and a 5-mm circular spot size (fluence of 12.7-17.8 J/cm2). Assessment of response was performed 4 weeks after the final treatment and patients were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting information regarding the treatment. No statistically significant clearing of the leg veins was demonstrated although some improvement was noted in individual patients. Side-effects were negligible, consisting of discomfort or mild pain. There was no scarring, purpura or pigment alteration. A visual analogue scale questionnaire (0-10) revealed that patients found the treatment acceptable (range, 4-10). Overall difference as assessed by the patients ranged from 0 to 8.4 and degree of satisfaction with the treatment from 0 to 9.8. Currently, the treatment of choice for TLV remains sclerotherapy. Our results suggest that the 810-nm diode laser is safe and well tolerated. Further research could establish whether effectiveness can be improved with higher fluences or in combination with sclerotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release in selected rheumatoid patients.

Twenty endoscopic carpal tunnel releases were performed in 15 patients with quiescent seropositive rheumatoid arthritis using the Agee technique. Patients were not considered for endoscopic carpal tunnel release if there was florid synovitis with crepitus or loss of active finger flexion, if there was evidence of flexor tendon rupture or if they had previously undergone surgery in the region. Access to the tunnel was significantly easier than normal and visualization of the flexor retinaculum was satisfactory in all cases. There were no complications. We conclude that endoscopic carpal tunnel release can be safely performed in selected patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The absence of a palmar scar can be a great advantage to these disabled patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2000

Renal involvement in multiple myeloma: a 10-year study.

Renal involvement in 204 cases with multiple myeloma admitted over a 10-year period to this tertiary care center in north India was retrospectively examined. Renal involvement occurred in 55 cases (27%); the vast majority of whom (94.5%) had presented with renal failure and 7.3% had nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made after admission in 51 of the 55 (92.7%) cases. Oliguria was seen in 23.6% and two-third patients required dialysis. Factors precipitating renal failure were identified in 53% and included dehydration (33%), hypercalcemia (24%), nephrotoxic drugs (16%), sepsis (9%), recent surgery (5%) and contrast media (2%), Severe anemia, hypercalcemia, Bence Jones proteinuria and skeletal abnormalities were more frequent in those with renal involvement. Patients with renal involvement were more likely to have a high tumor burden. The myeloma was of light chain type in 68% of those with renal involvement whereas IgG myeloma was commonest (57%) in those without evidence of renal disease. Renal histology was studied in 27 cases with myeloma cast nephropathy seen in over 60%. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was seen in 14% cases, 11% had amyloidosis, 7% had acute tubular necrosis and 3.6% each had nodular glomerulosclerosis and plasma cell infiltration. In 8 cases (14.6%), renal biopsy provided the first clue to the diagnosis of myeloma. Renal function improved in 33% cases. Only 22% of patients on dialysis survived over 6 months. Median survival in those with renal involvement was only 4 months. Development of unexplained renal failure in an elderly individual with normal sized kidneys, in association with disproportionate anemia even in the absence of skeletal lesions should alert the physician to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A liquid-stable reagent for lactic acid levels. Application to the Hitachi 911 and Beckman CX7.

We evaluated the use of a new lactate oxidase-based reagent for the determination of serum and plasma lactic acid levels with the Hitachi 911 (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) and the Beckman CX7 (Beckman Instruments, Brea, CA). Evaluation studies demonstrated on-board stability of at least 3 months and a calibration stability of more than 5 months. Within- and between-day imprecision of this reagent was less than 2% for both applications. The reagent is free of the deleterious effects of triglyceride up to levels of 1,400 mg/dL (15.8 mmol/L), bilirubin to concentrations of 24.6 mg/dL (420 mumol/L), and hemoglobin, from lysed erythrocytes, to levels of more than 0.3 g/dL (3.0 g/L). When used on the Hitachi 911 for the determination of plasma lactate concentrations, the reagent correlates with the Dade aca III (Dade International, Deerfield, IL). When applied to the Beckman CX7 for the determination of serum lactate levels, the method correlates with the Beckman method.

Ampyrone↗
PubMed2000

Long-term clarithromycin decreases prednisone requirements in elderly patients with prednisone-dependent asthma.

Prolonged use of prednisone is associated with serious side effects, such as osteoporosis, particularly among elderly individuals. Macrolide antibiotics exhibit anti-inflammatory effects that are distinct from their antimicrobial properties. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of prolonged treatment with clarithromycin, 500 mg bid, in reducing prednisone requirements in three elderly patients with prednisone-dependent asthma. Three patients (one woman and two men) aged 63 to 69 years, who had been treated with 5 to 10 mg prednisone daily for at least the last 12 months, were given clarithromycin, 500 mg bid. They were followed regularly for changes in daily prednisone dose, spirometry, quality of life, and adverse events. The prednisone dose was tapered in a stepwise fashion at each clinic visit. Within 3 to 6 months of initiation of treatment with clarithromycin, and throughout the 12-month follow-up, two of three patients discontinued prednisone therapy, while the third patient displayed increased spirometry readings and noted an increasingly better quality of life. Pulmonary function tests were stable or improved over this time period, with no reported adverse events, including increased rate of infections. One patient relapsed upon discontinuation of clarithromycin therapy but has since responded to re-initiation of treatment. Long-term oral clarithromycin may have a role in reducing prednisone requirements in elderly patients with prednisone-dependent asthma.

Administration, Oral↗