851
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Kumar R, Pai K, Kumar P, Pandey HP, Sundar S. Sero-epidemiological study of kala-azar in a village of Varanasi district, India. Trop Med Int Health 2006; 11:41-8. [PMID: 16398754 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2005.01538.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate five kala-azar serological tests for field use. METHOD Serological survey in Pandit Ka Purva village in Varanasi district, India, using Sia water test, aldehyde test, direct agglutination test (DAT), micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and dot-ELISA. RESULTS The total population of the village was 518, 67 of whom showed typical clinical and parasitological features of kala-azar, including seven who died. The age distribution of kala-azar cases showed significant differences, being highest among the 45-54-year age group. The disease was more prevalent among males. Serum samples were collected from 498 persons (96% of total population) including 67 kala-azar cases and 40 disease controls (malaria, TB, leprosy, typhoid). Ten 10 serum samples from healthy controls living in endemic area were also collected. The test sensitivities were: Sia water test, 85.0%; aldehyde test, 62.7%; DAT, 94.0%; micro-ELISA, 91.0% and dot-ELISA, 97.0%. The test specificities were: Sia water test 92.5%, aldehyde test, 93.2%, DAT, 96.7; micro-ELISA, 97.6% and dot-ELISA, 98.4%. CONCLUSION The dot-ELISA is highly sensitive and specific, cheap, and easy to interpret with the naked eye, making it a powerful screening test for the surveillance and diagnosis of Indian kala-azar at field level.
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852
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Rajesh TR, Rao PV, Kumar P, John C, Shetty DP, Babu C, Setty R. Retrospective study of MV repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s12055-006-0586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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853
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Raj B, Shetty DP, Kumar P, Rao PV, Punnen J. Analysis of surgical management of complex aortic aneurysms. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s12055-006-0726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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854
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Mahajan S, Patnaik S, Kumar P, Gandhi RP, Gupta KC. A new synthetic protocol for labeled oligonucleotides, using a chemically cleavable universal linker. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14:4302-9. [PMID: 16495059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2006.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2005] [Revised: 01/21/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A two-step general method for labeling of synthetic oligonucleotides is described. The protocol employs a cleavable universal linker, 5'-O-(4,4'-dimethoxytrityl)-3'-O-benzoyl-2'-O-(2-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropyl)-uridine phosphoramidite, to effect coupling to polymer-bound oligonucleotide chains. Sequentially, coupling with commercially available phosphoramidite reagent of an appropriate label (Biotin, HEX etc.) in an automated DNA synthesizer is carried out. The labeled oligomers, obtained after cleavage and deprotection reactions, are analyzed on RP-HPLC. A distinctive feature of this protocol is the recovery of free oligomers from their labeled analogs under mild conditions. The oligomers obtained are comparable to the corresponding standard oligonucleotides (HPLC).
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855
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856
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Kumar P, Timoney JF. Histology, Immunohistochemistry and Ultrastructure of the Tonsil of the Soft Palate of the Horse. Anat Histol Embryol 2006; 35:1-6. [PMID: 16433665 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The tonsil of the soft palate was an oval, flat structure located centro-rostrally on the oral surface of the soft palate. Its stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium was perforated by holes or small crypts the deeper parts of which were loosely spongiform inter-digitated with lymphoid tissue. These unusual features have not previously been reported in tonsils of any species. Crypts and reticulated epithelium as found in the lingual and palatine tonsils were not observed. Lectins showed varying affinities for specific layers of the epithelium. M cells were not observed. A few Langerhans cells were distributed among surface epithelial cells. Lymphoid tissue was arranged loosely and in isolated lymphoid follicles in the subepithelial lamina propria mucosae. Although IgA+ cells and macrophages were proportionately more numerous the amount of lymphoid tissue was much less than in the lingual and palatine tonsils. Most of the follicular germinal centres lacked a darkly stained corona. CD4 positive were more numerous than CD8+ lymphocytes and were distributed in the parafollicular and inter-follicular areas. Large clusters of mucus acini positive for glycogen, acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides separated lymphoid tissue from deeply placed striated muscle. Only a few high endothelial venules were observed in the parafollicular and inter-follicular areas. These had relatively few vesiculo vacuolar or other organelles in their high endothelial cells and few lymphocytes attaching to their walls.
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857
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858
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Tiwari AC, Kumar P, Singh S, Sharma D, Chaturvedi CM. Reproductive phase dependent circadian variation in hypothalamic concentration of serotonin, dopamine and peripheral thyroxine levels in Japanese Quail following 5-HTP and L-DOPA administration at specific time intervals. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/09291010500239684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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859
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Dayal S, Bhattacharya. TK, Vohra V, Kumar P, Sharma A. Effect of Alpha-lactalbumin Gene Polymorphism on Milk Production Traits in Water Buffalo. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2006. [DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2006.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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860
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Wang W, Slevin M, Kumar S, Kumar P. The cooperative transforming effects of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II on mouse myoblasts. Int J Oncol 2006; 27:1087-96. [PMID: 16142327 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.27.4.1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) cells express high levels of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II. In this study, we have investigated the effects of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II on the expression of muscle regulatory factors (myf5, MyoD and myogenin), and platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mouse C2C12 myoblasts in vitro. PAX3-FKHR induced cell cycling of C2C12 cells and promoted proliferation whilst blocking myogenesis. IGF-II inhibited their differentiation without influencing proliferation. Western blotting showed that PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II blocked the expression of myogenin and MyoD respectively. Since MyoD affects early myogenesis and myogenin controls terminal differentiation, a combination of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II synergistically blocks myogenesis at several different stages in differentiation. We have also shown that the major survival and angiogenic cytokines, PDGF-B and VEGF, were induced by IGF-II and PAX3-FKHR respectively. A combination of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II could synergistically up regulate the expression of PDGF-B and VEGF and stabilize their high expression levels. Our results suggest that high expression of PAX3-FKHR and IGF-II in ARMS synergistically play a key role in oncogenesis and tumour progression of ARMS.
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861
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Khan S, Rao PM, Kumar P, Rodrigues G. Frontline defense against the next pandemic: Antivirals for avian flu. Indian J Pharmacol 2006. [DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.28203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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862
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Tripathi M, Singhal T, Chandrasekhar N, Kumar P, Bal C, Jhulka PK, Bandopadhyaya G, Malhotra A. Samarium-153 ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate therapy for bone pain palliation in skeletal metastases. Indian J Cancer 2006; 43:86-92. [PMID: 16790946 DOI: 10.4103/0019-509x.25890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic therapy with radionuclides may be used for the treatment of patients with painful skeletal metastases owing to its efficacy, low cost and low toxicity. Imported radionuclides for pain palliation, like Strontium-89 are expensive; particularly for developing countries. In the Indian scenario, Samarium-153 (Sm-153) is produced in our own reactors and as a result, it is readily available and economical. AIM We undertook this study to determine the efficacy and toxicity of single-dose Sm-153 ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate as a palliative treatment for painful skeletal metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eightysix patients with painful skeletal metastases from various primaries, were treated with Sm-153 EDTMP at a dose of 37 MBq/kg. The effects were evaluated according to change in visual analogue pain score, analgesic consumption, Karnofsky performance score, mobility score and blood count tests, conducted regularly for 16 weeks. STATISTICS Repeated measures analysis. RESULTS The overall response rates were 73%, while complete response was seen in 12.4%. Reduction in analgesic consumption with improvement in Karnofsky performance score and mobility score, was seen in all responders. Response rates were 80.3 and 80.5% in breast and prostate cancer, respectively. One case, each of Wilms tumor, ovarian cancer, germ cell tumor testis, multiple myeloma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor and oesophageal cancer, did not respond to therapy. No serious side-effects were noted, except for fall in white blood cell, platelet and haemoglobin counts, which gradually returned to normal levels by six-eight weeks. CONCLUSION Sm-153 EDTMP provided effective palliation in 73% patients with painful bone metastases: the major toxicity was temporary myelosuppression.
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863
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Mohta M, Kumar P, Mohta A, Bhardwaj R, Tyagi A, Sethi AK. Experiences with chest trauma: Where do we stand today. Indian J Crit Care Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.24686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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864
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Kumar P, Duarte J, Pati J. Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as diplopia with regression of signs with hormone manipulation. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2005; 66:646. [PMID: 16308964 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2005.66.11.20032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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865
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Kumar P, Duarte J, Pati J. Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as diplopia with regression of signs with hormone manipulation. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2005. [DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2005.66.11.20031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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866
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Sharma I, Kumar S, Kumar P. EFFECT OF DRIP IRRIGATION AND MULCHES ON YIELD, QUALITY AND WATER-USE EFFICIENCY IN STRAWBERRY UNDER MID HILL CONDITIONS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2005.696.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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867
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Kumar R, Dwivedi A, Kumar P, Kohli N. Tuberculous meningitis in BCG vaccinated and unvaccinated children. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2005; 76:1550-4. [PMID: 16227549 PMCID: PMC1739405 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.065201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A modified clinical presentation of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children vaccinated with BCG has been described in the literature. However, most reports are old and not based on actual comparisons and tests of significance. Also, neuroimaging features were not compared. With large scale BCG coverage, it becomes pertinent to describe the "modified" presentation and identify any significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated children with TBM. METHODS A total of 150 consecutive hospitalised children (96 unvaccinated, 54 vaccinated) were enrolled. They all satisfied predefined criteria for diagnosis of TBM. Clinical and radiological features of children with/without a BCG scar were compared. RESULTS Univariate analysis revealed that the vaccinated children with TBM had significantly lower rates of altered sensorium (68.5% v 85.4% unvaccinated; OR 2.2 (1.1 to 6.2); p = 0.019) and focal neurological deficits (20.3% v 39.5% unvaccinated; OR 2.6 (1.1 to 6.0); p = 0.016), and higher mean (SD) Glasgow Coma Scale score (10.2 (3.4) v 8.76 (2.7) unvaccinated; p = 0.010) and cerebrospinal fluid cell count (210.9 v 140.9 unvaccinated; p = 0.019). No significant radiological differences were seen. Short term outcome was significantly better in the vaccinated group with 70% of the total severe sequelae and 75% of the total deaths occurring in the unvaccinated group (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION Children with TBM who have been vaccinated with BCG appear to maintain better mentation and have a superior outcome. This may in part be explained by the better immune response to infection, as reflected in the higher CSF cell counts in this group in the present study.
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868
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Fox DB, Frail DA, Price PA, Kulkarni SR, Berger E, Piran T, Soderberg AM, Cenko SB, Cameron PB, Gal-Yam A, Kasliwal MM, Moon DS, Harrison FA, Nakar E, Schmidt BP, Penprase B, Chevalier RA, Kumar P, Roth K, Watson D, Lee BL, Shectman S, Phillips MM, Roth M, McCarthy PJ, Rauch M, Cowie L, Peterson BA, Rich J, Kawai N, Aoki K, Kosugi G, Totani T, Park HS, MacFadyen A, Hurley KC. The afterglow of GRB 050709 and the nature of the short-hard gamma-ray bursts. Nature 2005; 437:845-50. [PMID: 16208362 DOI: 10.1038/nature04189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2005] [Accepted: 08/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The final chapter in the long-standing mystery of the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) centres on the origin of the short-hard class of bursts, which are suspected on theoretical grounds to result from the coalescence of neutron-star or black-hole binary systems. Numerous searches for the afterglows of short-hard bursts have been made, galvanized by the revolution in our understanding of long-duration GRBs that followed the discovery in 1997 of their broadband (X-ray, optical and radio) afterglow emission. Here we present the discovery of the X-ray afterglow of a short-hard burst, GRB 050709, whose accurate position allows us to associate it unambiguously with a star-forming galaxy at redshift z = 0.160, and whose optical lightcurve definitively excludes a supernova association. Together with results from three other recent short-hard bursts, this suggests that short-hard bursts release much less energy than the long-duration GRBs. Models requiring young stellar populations, such as magnetars and collapsars, are ruled out, while coalescing degenerate binaries remain the most promising progenitor candidates.
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869
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Reischl G, Ehrlichmann W, Bieg C, Solbach C, Kumar P, Wiebe LI, Machulla HJ. Preparation of the hypoxia imaging PET tracer [18F]FAZA: reaction parameters and automation. Appl Radiat Isot 2005; 62:897-901. [PMID: 15799867 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2004] [Accepted: 12/15/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
18F-labeling of the nitroimidazole nucleoside analogue 1-(5-fluoro-5-deoxy-alpha-D-arabinofuranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole (FAZA) was developed to use this tracer in PET for detection of hypoxia. Parameters for labeling and hydrolysis were optimized with regard to amount of precursor, temperature and time. Labeling yields reached a maximum of 62+/-4% at 100 degrees C within 5 min using 5 mg of precursor. Hydrolysis was best performed with 1 mL of 0.1 N NaOH at 20 degrees C for 2 min. Transfer of these conditions to an automated synthesizer resulted in an overall radiochemical yield of 20.7+/-3.5%. Absolute yields at EOS were 9.8+/-2.3 GBq of [18F]FAZA ready for injection (n=21; 50 min after EOB; irradiation parameters: 35 microA, 60 min). Thus, a convenient approach suitable for large-scale production of [18F]FAZA was developed by an automated process.
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870
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Doherty L, Kumar P, Bexton R, Plummer C, Dark J, Black F, Lordan J. Aortic regurgitation and Churg-Strauss syndrome. QJM 2005; 98:772-3. [PMID: 16170205 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hci125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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871
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Singh I, Pachisia SS, Kumar S, Arora VK, Kumar P. Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a consequence of adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder in a nondiabetic patient. J Postgrad Med 2005; 51:324-5. [PMID: 16388179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is a life threatening condition of acute necrotising renal parenchymal infection that encompasses a much wider spectrum of complicated urinary tract infections such as renal abscesses, emphysematous pyelitis, pyelonephritis, acute renal papillary necrosis, and sepsis. We report an unusual case of adenocarcinoma bladder in a middle aged nondiabetic patient, presenting with EP. Emphysematous pyelonephritis was the initial symptom in this case with an underlying carcinoma of the bladder. The role of imaging is prime in management of such cases, if an early diagnosis is to be made and a potentially devastating outcome is to be avoided. The literature regarding EP has been reviewed and discussed. The goals of managing EP should be (1) early institution of parenteral antibiotics and a (2) a staged nephrectomy (preceded by a temporary percutaneous drainage particularly with antibiotic resistant septicemia) so as to maximize survival rather than proceeding directly to emergency nephrectomy.
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872
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Malhotra S, Mehta DK, Kumar P. Spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from conjunctival swabs. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2005; 48:538-41. [PMID: 16366121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjunctivitis is the most common disease of conjunctiva which occurs by exogenous or endogenous source. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common type of this infection for which emperical treatment is started without knowing the etiological agents because prior cultures are generally not taken. We conducted this survey to study the etiological agents of conjunctivitis in a total of 6763 swabs obtained over a period of four years (2001 to 2004). The prevalence of bacterial conjunctivitis was found to be 20.4% with a predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (87.2%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (4.7%) and gram negative rods (E.coli + Klebsiella spp. + Pseudomonas spp.) in 8.1% swabs. For S. aureus, amikacin showed maximum sensitivity (73.2%) while for S. pneumoniae, cefotaxime (90.6%) and cefazolin (89%) were found to be highly sensitive drugs. For gram negative rods, ceftazidime (74.1%) and cefotaxime (67%) were found to be preferred options. Thus it is concluded that bacterial conjunctivitis in our hospital is predominated by S. aureus. The bacterial isolates obtained from conjunctiva have not yet attained a high level of antibiotic resistance and hence averts the need to unnecessarily start new/latest generations of antibiotic eyedrops or antibiotic combination which may lead to acquisition of resistance by these bacteria.
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873
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Pati R, Verma A, Kumar P, Parhi LD, Joshi D, Misra S. Unilateral chorioretinitis: an initial manifestation of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA 2005; 53:912-3. [PMID: 16459543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
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874
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Kumar P, Mannan K, Chowdhury A, Kong K, Pati J. Urinary retention following arthroplasty. Urology 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2005.06.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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875
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Kumar P, Saran RK, Gondal R, Malhotra V. Smear morphology of cryptococcosis presenting as a subcutaneous swelling in healthy adults: a report of three cases. Cytopathology 2005; 16:143-6. [PMID: 15924610 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2005.00225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To highlight the various morphological smear pattern in cases of subcutaneous Cryptococcus infection in healthy adults. METHOD Cryptococcus is an opportunist fungus and primary infection is acquired through respiratory tract. Dissemination by blood stream results in systemic infection. Ten to 15% of systemic infection present as cutaneous lesions. Between December 2002 and April 2004 three healthy adults presented to us consecutively with subcutaneous swelling. RESULTS We diagnosed these cases on FNAC as Cryptococcus. In all the three patients there was no history of local penetrating injury and any signs or symptoms of systemic disease. They were two male and one female, immuno competent and were negative for HIV 1 & 2 tested by ELISA. The sites were right abdominal flank, occipital and left anterior upper thigh. Aspirated materials were oily fibro fatty tissue and necrotic purulent materials. Cryptococcus numbers varied in all the smears so also their size and capsule thickness. Background smear morphology and tissue reaction were also different. It could be gelatinous, granulomatous, and cellulitic response or mixed responses and this can be picked up on cytological smears. Cultures were confirmatory in all the three cases. These lesions were resolved with antifungal treatment. CONCLUSION Our brief article highlights the morphological spectrum on FNAC smears and diagnostic problems faced in these uncommon circumstances where the aspirates were purulent and the yeasts were small, few and thin walled. In the acute inflammatory smear with occasional giant cells and/or granulomas special stains like PAS or Mucicarmine are necessary to look for budding yeast of Cryptococcus with thin neck.
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