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Abstract
This paper reviews the history of clitoral surgery throughout the twentieth century. The changing operations, from amputation through to attempts to produce a normal clitoris mirror the changing attitudes and available knowledge. It also examines the current issues that arise out of available data on long-term outcomes of clitoroplasty.
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De Guingand DL, Fairley CK, Garland S, Tabrizi S, Grover S, Wallace E, Hocking J, Gurrin L, Carter R, Pirotta M, Chen MY. 58. CHLAMYDIA SCREENING OF ANTENATAL WOMEN IN MELBOURNE BETWEEN 16-25 YEARS. Sex Health 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/shv4n4ab58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Routine chlamydia screening of pregnant women is not widely practiced in Australia and limited data are available on the prevalence of infection in this population. This cross-sectional study sought to determine the prevalence of genital chlamydial infection among pregnant women aged 16-25 attending antenatal clinics in Melbourne.
Methods: Consecutive women attending 4 major maternity services covering northern, western, eastern and south-eastern Melbourne were approached between October 2006 and May 2007. Of 931 eligible women (those aged 16-25 who had not already been tested for chlamydia) attending the clinics at the time of recruitment, 882 (95%) were approached and 845 (96%) agreed to participate. Participants completed a questionnaire which was translated into Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic, and provided first-void urine which was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis using polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Eighteen percent of women had a preferred language other than English. Of the 826 tests which were non assessable, 30 were positive representing a prevalence rate of 3.6% (95% CI: 2.5-5.1%). However, among women aged 16-20, 14 of 203 women were infected, representing a prevalence rate of 6.9% (95% CI: 3.8-11.3%). All infected women received treatment with azithromycin and all who have had repeat chlamydia tests to date have been negative.
Conclusion: In this study of a wide cross-section of pregnant Melbourne women, chlamydial infection was common, particularly among teenagers. Screening was highly acceptable, with the great majority of women approached agreeing to be screened.
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Grover S, Singh JC, Kekre NS. Temsirolimus, interferon alfa or both in advanced renal-cell carcinoma: One plus one does not always equal two. Indian J Urol 2007; 23:332-3. [PMID: 19718348 PMCID: PMC2721624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Grover S, Murthy PS, Kar PK, Tewari V, Shivyogi TC, Manjunath R. Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: Report of Two Cases. Med J Armed Forces India 2006; 62:375-7. [PMID: 27688547 DOI: 10.1016/s0377-1237(06)80114-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2004] [Accepted: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Grover S, Tandon S, Misra R, Aggarwal A. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in India. Indian J Med Res 2006; 123:815-20. [PMID: 16885604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory molecule that blocks action of IL-1. Polymorphism in IL-1Ra gene intron 2 results in differences in production of IL-1Ra. These polymorphisms are reportedly associated with autoimmune disease susceptibility in different studies. However, such data are lacking from India. We undertook this study to examine the IL-1Ra polymorphism as a susceptibility marker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS DNA samples from 107 patients with RA and 111 healthy controls were used to study genotypes of the IL-1RA gene by PCR. Allelic frequencies and carriage rates were calculated and compared in both the groups. RESULTS Among the 107 patients with RA, 93 were females and 75 per cent were seropositive for rheumatoid factor. The frequencies of IL-1RA alleles in controls were as follows: Allele 1 (IL- 1RN*1) was 83.33 per cent, IL-1RA allele 2 (IL-1RN*2) was 16.21 per cent and allele 3 (0.46%). In RA patients the allele frequencies were 84.11 per cent for IL-1RN*1, 14.95 per cent for IL- 1RN*2, 0.47 per cent each for IL-1RN*3 and IL-1RN*4. There was no difference in frequency of different alleles between the two groups. However, homozygosity for allele 2 was more frequent in controls (9.91%) as compared to patients (4.67%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that IL-1RA polymorphism was not a susceptibility marker in RA nor did it show any association with seropositivity, Sjögren's syndrome or subcutaneous nodules. Further studies with large sample need to be done to confirm these findings.
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Grover S, Kulhara P. Antiparkinsonian prescription and extrapyramidal symptoms. Br J Psychiatry 2006; 188:492; author reply 492-3. [PMID: 16648544 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.188.5.492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Grover S, Irpati AS, Saluja BS, Mattoo SK, Basu D. Substance-dependent women attending a de-addiction center in North India: sociodemographic and clinical profile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [PMID: 16062015 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5359.16503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment-seeking is limited in women substance abusers. Studying the sociodemographic and clinical profile of treatment-seeking substance-dependent women can help us to understand the problem better and respond appropriately in terms of primary and secondary prevention strategies. AIM To study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women attending a de-addiction centre in North India. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY Retrospective structured chart review of 35 women substance abusers. RESULTS The results indicated that a typical subject was urban (86%), married (63%), nuclear family (60%), based housewife (57%), educated up to school completion (54%), and having poor social support (57%). The common substances were opioids (60%), followed by alcohol (17%), and tobacco and benzodiazepines (11.5% each). The mean age at onset of substance use was 30.5 years, the mean duration of use was 9 years and mean duration to develop dependence was 5.5 years. The common reasons for initiating use were medical (63%) and curiosity (34%). Comorbidity profile was: physical illness (34%), psychiatric illness (23%) and dependence on another substance (14%). Only 20% had a family history of substance dependence. The social impairment ranged from 77% for social to 40% for financial and none for legal aspects. A typical subject had followed up 4.2 times in 8.4 months, while 54% were abstaining, 40% were continuing their substance dependence at the last follow up. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the development of substance dependence in women is a combination of genetic, personal, and social vulnerability factors, including the drug culture of the social milieu and the poor social support. Comorbidity and impairment are common features.
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Murthy PS, Rajagopal R, Kar PK, Grover S. Two cases of subungual glomus tumor. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2006; 72:47-9. [PMID: 16481711 DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.19719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Glomus tumors are uncommon, small, painful, and usually benign hamartomas arising from the arterial end of the glomus body. They often present early in the subungual stage because of intense pain. Two female patients with subungual glomus tumor are reported here. The intense pain associated with this tumor had led to disuse atrophy of the upper limb in one case. Hildreth's sign and Love's test were positive in both, but imaging did not help in preoperative diagnosis. Tumors were resected by transungual approach, leaving a 3-mm-wide margin. There was no recurrence after 1-year follow-up in both instances.
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Grover S, Avasthi A, Bhansali A, Chakrabarti S, Kulhara P. Cost of ambulatory care of diabetes mellitus: a study from north India. Postgrad Med J 2005; 81:391-5. [PMID: 15937206 PMCID: PMC1743282 DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2004.024299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and potentially disabling disease that represents an important public health and clinical concern because of the economic burden it imposes on the person, family, and society. Despite this, data regarding cost of care of diabetes mellitus from developing countries are scarce. This study aimed to assess the cost of care of Indian patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS Cost of illness in 50 outpatients with diabetes mellitus (diagnosed according to WHO criteria, Expert Committee, 1997) was assessed over a six month period using a specially designed questionnaire, together with structured assessments of disability. RESULTS Total annual cost of care was 14 508 rupees (263.78 euros). The largest proportion of the total cost was made up of direct costs (68%), followed by indirect costs (28.76%) and provider's costs (2.8%). Drug costs were high. Total treatment cost was significantly higher in those who were more educated, those who visited the hospital more often, and those receiving a greater number of drugs. CONCLUSION From this study it can be concluded that diabetes mellitus is an expensive illness to treat even in developing countries. The main brunt of financial burden is borne by the family. Any efforts at cost reduction should, therefore, have the family as its focus, and relieving the family of this financial burden needs to be prioritised.
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Grover S, Avasthi A, Chakrabarti S, Bhansali A, Kulhara P. Cost of care of schizophrenia: a study of Indian out-patient attenders. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2005; 112:54-63. [PMID: 15952946 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the cost of care of Indian out-patients with schizophrenia. METHOD Cost of illness in 50 out-patients with schizophrenia was assessed over a 6-month period together with structured assessments of psychopathology and disability, and compared with 50 out-patients with diabetes mellitus. RESULTS Total annual costs of care of schizophrenia were 274 US dollars; these were not significantly different from diabetes mellitus. Indirect costs (63%) were higher than direct costs. Drug costs were high. The main brunt of financial burden was borne by the family. Total treatment costs in schizophrenia were significantly higher in those who were unemployed, those who visited the hospital more often, and were more severely ill and disabled. CONCLUSION Schizophrenia is an expensive illness to treat even in developing countries. Costs of care are similar to those of chronic physical illness, such as diabetes mellitus. Costs are higher in severely ill and disabled patients.
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Grover S, Irpati AS, Saluja BS, Mattoo SK, Basu D. Substance-dependent women attending a de-addiction center in North India: sociodemographic and clinical profile. INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2005; 59:283-91. [PMID: 16062015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment-seeking is limited in women substance abusers. Studying the sociodemographic and clinical profile of treatment-seeking substance-dependent women can help us to understand the problem better and respond appropriately in terms of primary and secondary prevention strategies. AIM To study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women attending a de-addiction centre in North India. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY Retrospective structured chart review of 35 women substance abusers. RESULTS The results indicated that a typical subject was urban (86%), married (63%), nuclear family (60%), based housewife (57%), educated up to school completion (54%), and having poor social support (57%). The common substances were opioids (60%), followed by alcohol (17%), and tobacco and benzodiazepines (11.5% each). The mean age at onset of substance use was 30.5 years, the mean duration of use was 9 years and mean duration to develop dependence was 5.5 years. The common reasons for initiating use were medical (63%) and curiosity (34%). Comorbidity profile was: physical illness (34%), psychiatric illness (23%) and dependence on another substance (14%). Only 20% had a family history of substance dependence. The social impairment ranged from 77% for social to 40% for financial and none for legal aspects. A typical subject had followed up 4.2 times in 8.4 months, while 54% were abstaining, 40% were continuing their substance dependence at the last follow up. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the development of substance dependence in women is a combination of genetic, personal, and social vulnerability factors, including the drug culture of the social milieu and the poor social support. Comorbidity and impairment are common features.
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Mohanty AK, Mukhopadhyay UK, Grover S, Batish VK. Bovine chymosin: production by rDNA technology and application in cheese manufacture. Biotechnol Adv 2004; 17:205-17. [PMID: 14538140 DOI: 10.1016/s0734-9750(99)00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bovine chymosin, an aspartyl protease extracted from abomasum of suckling calves, is synthesized in vivo as preprochymosin and secreted as prochymosin which is autocatalytically activated to chymosin. Chymosin is bilobular, with Asp 32 and Asp 215 acting as the catalytic residues. Chymosin A and chymosin B have pH optima of 4.2 and 3.8, respectively, and act to initiate milk clotting by cleaving kappa-casein between Phe 105 and Met 106. The gene encoding chymosin has been cloned and expressed in suitable bacteria and yeast hosts under the control of lac, trp, trp-beta, gly A genes, and serine hydroxymethyl-transferase promoters. Protein engineering of chymosin has also been attempted. A number of companies are now producing recombinant chymosin for commercial use in cheese manufacture.
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Dimitrov T, Udo EE, Grover S. Point surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus carriage among medical staff in Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kuwait. Med Princ Pract 2003; 12:139-44. [PMID: 12766329 DOI: 10.1159/000070748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2002] [Accepted: 10/06/2002] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among doctors and nurses in Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kuwait, following the detection of 3 cases of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 260 nasal and throat swabs were obtained from 19 doctors and 111 nurses and cultured for the carriage of S. aureus. Forty-three S. aureus were identified based on their growth characteristics on mannitol-salt agar, catalase and tube coagulase and DNA hydrolysis. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to antibacterial agents and typed by phage typing; plasmid analysis and pulsed-field electrophoresis were carried out to determine their relatedness. RESULTS Of the 19 doctors, 4 (21%) had nasal carriage while only 1 of them had a throat carriage. Sixteen (14.4%) nurses carried S. aureus in their noses and 20 (18%) in their throats. The combined nasal carriage rate for both doctors and nurses was 15.8%, and combined throat carriage was 16.6%. None of them carried MRSA. The isolates were resistant to penicillin G (90%), tetracycline (23.3%), erythromycin (9.3%) and cadmium (100%). Typing of the isolates showed a variety of phage types, plasmid and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. DISCUSSION None of the doctors or nurses carried MRSA. Typing of the methicillin-susceptible strains that they carried demonstrated that the S. aureus were different, indicating an absence of a dominant clone capable of spreading. It is important to maintain a low carriage of S. aureus among health-care workers.
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Grover S. Clinico-mycological evaluation of onychomycosis at Bangalore and Jorhat. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2003; 69:284-6. [PMID: 17642913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical and mycological features of onychomycosis show variation with time and place. MATERIAL AND METHODS A study to analyze the morphological variants and mycological isolates of onychomycosis was carried out in 50 patients attending the dermatology out-patient departments at the Air Force Hospitals at Bangalore and at Jorhat. Nail clippings were subjected to direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar. RESULTS The commonest age group affected (56%) was the 20-40 year age group. The fingernails alone were involved in 24 (48%) patients, the toenails alone in 15 (30%) patients, and both in 11 (22%) patients. Distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis was encountered in 41 (82%) patients, proximal superficial onychomycosis and total dystrophic onychomycosis in 3 each (6%), paronychia in 2 (4%) and superficial white onychomycosis in 1. Of the 59 samples cultured, dermatophytes were grown in 14 (23.7%), non-dermatophyte moulds (NDM) in 13 (22.0%), candida in 10 (16.8%) and no growth in 22 (37.2%) samples. CONCLUSION Among the dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and among the NDM, Aspergillus spp., were the commonest isolates.
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Stoffel EM, Garber JE, Grover S, Russo L, Johnson J, Syngal S. Cancer surveillance is often inadequate in people at high risk for colorectal cancer. J Med Genet 2003; 40:e54. [PMID: 12746408 PMCID: PMC1735467 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.40.5.e54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Saxena S, Makrandi J, Grover S. Synthesis of 5- and/or 7-Hydroxyflavones using A Modified Phase Transfer-Catalysed Baker-Venkataraman Transformation. SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART 2002. [DOI: 10.1055/s-1985-31319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Roberts MF, Fishman GA, Roberts DK, Heckenlively JR, Weleber RG, Anderson RJ, Grover S. Retrospective, longitudinal, and cross sectional study of visual acuity impairment in choroideraemia. Br J Ophthalmol 2002; 86:658-62. [PMID: 12034689 PMCID: PMC1771148 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.86.6.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Few studies have reported on the change in visual acuity (VA) in patients with choroideraemia. In order to determine the degree and rate of VA impairment associated with this disease, the central VA was analysed in a large group of patients with choroideraemia. METHODS The authors completed a retrospective, cross sectional review of 115 patients with choroideraemia from three tertiary care centres. A longitudinal analysis was performed on 45 of these patients who met the inclusion criteria of at least three visits over a minimum period of 4.5 years. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the 5 year rate of VA change while controlling for initial VA and initial age. Multiple logistic regression was also used to investigate VA impairment. RESULTS In the cross sectional group (n = 115), 84% (87/103) of patients under the age of 60 had a VA of 20/40 or better while 33% (4/12) of patients 60 years of age or older had a VA of 20/200 or worse at their most recent visit. The majority of the patients (93%) in the longitudinal subgroup of 45 patients had a VA of 20/30 or better at their initial visit. The mean 5 year rate of VA change was 0.09 logMAR equivalent (approximately one line on the Lighthouse chart). CONCLUSION In this cohort of patients with choroideraemia, there was typically a slow rate of VA loss and the prognosis for central VA retention was, as a group, favourable until the seventh decade.
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Jaiswal AK, Banerjee S, Matety AR, Grover S. Changing trends in sexually transmitted diseases in North Eastern India. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2002; 68:65-6. [PMID: 17656879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A retrospective data analysis was carried out to find the trends in frequency and distribution of different STDs in North Eastern (NE) India during 1995-1999. The commonest STD was chancroid (25.7%) followed by condylomata acuminata (CA), nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), syphilis, gonorrhoea (GONO), herpes genitalis (HG), mixed infection (MI) and balanoposthitis (BP). Interestingly no case of donovanosis (Dono) was seen. HIV infection accounted for 9.62% of the total STD patients. A comparison of the present data with that reported a decade back (1986-1990) revealed a sharp decline in the incidence of syphilis, chancroid, GONO, whereas a conspicuous upward trend in CA and NGU. Factors responsible for these variations are analysed briefly.
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Malhotra SK, Joshi M, Grover S, Sharma SC, Dutta A. Auditory function following spinal analgesia. Comparison of two spinal needles. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2002; 19:69-72. [PMID: 11913806 DOI: 10.1017/s026502150200011x] [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]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Auditory impairment is among the lesser known complications of spinal analgesia. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of vestibulocochlear dysfunction in patients undergoing spinal analgesia for lower abdominal surgery. METHODS Eighty patients who had received spinal analgesia for lower abdominal surgery were studied. Males were undergoing inguinal herniorraphy and the females tubectomy. Audiograms were performed before operation and on the second and seventh postoperative days. Hearing levels were measured from 250 Hz-8 kHz. In Group 1 (n = 40) a 22-gauge, cutting type of spinal needle (Howard Jones) was used. In Group 2 (n = 40) a 25-gauge, non-cutting spinal needle (Whitacre) was used. RESULTS Hearing loss >10 dB was noticed in three patients in Group 1 and none in Group 2. The mean hearing level was more reduced in Group 1 patients. CONCLUSIONS Use of cutting type spinal needle is associated with a greater decrease in mean hearing levels compared to the non-cutting type.
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Hira PR, Iqbal J, Al-Ali F, Philip R, Grover S, D'Almeida E, Al-Eneizi AA. Invasive amebiasis: challenges in diagnosis in a non-endemic country (Kuwait). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2001; 65:341-5. [PMID: 11693881 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive zymodemes of the enteric protozoan Entamoeba histolytica infect the large intestine and cause extra-intestinal lesions such as amebic liver abscess (ALA). The clinical manifestations of ALA are protean, particularly in patients presenting in a non-endemic, desert country such as Kuwait, and diagnosis becomes problematic. In this study, we present cases of ALA to illustrate the clinical and diagnostic challenges. For serodiagnosis of ALA, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) with the ImmunoTab assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for this geographic region. We tested sera of 110 patients with ALA, 1,224 patients suspected of having invasive amebic infection, and 50 Europeans with no travel history to an amebic-endemic area. The IHA was simple, rapid, easy to perform, and reliable (sensitivity = 99%, specificity > 95%). The performance of the IHA in detecting ALA in suspected cases was significantly better than that of the ELISA and the ImmunoTab test. Compared with the IHA, both the ELISA and ImmunoTab assay detected relatively higher numbers of false-positive cases (4.7% and 3.6%, respectively). With the availability of ultrasound and computed tomography scans, the serology correlates excellently with the clinical presentation. In chronic cases where fibrosis may be present around the abscess, the IHA has limitations, as in the follow-up of treated patients. Pitfalls in diagnosis are highlighted by discussing the differential diagnosis of ALA from bacterial hepatic abscesses and infected hydatid cysts. Most importantly, the IHA in such cases was invariably at a titer that is considered not significant.
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Pattnaik P, Kaushik JK, Grover S, Batish VK. Purification and characterization of a bacteriocin-like compound (Lichenin) produced anaerobically by Bacillus licheniformis isolated from water buffalo. J Appl Microbiol 2001; 91:636-45. [PMID: 11576300 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2001.01429.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize a bacteriocin-like factor from Bacillus licheniformis 26 L-10/3RA isolated from buffalo rumen. METHODS AND RESULTS The culture supernatant exhibited the antibacterial activity against a number of indicator organisms in a cut-well agar assay under anaerobic conditions. The inhibitory component was purified by following ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography and confirmed to be a single peptide. A single band on tricine-sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed that the peptide was purified to homogeneity and having an estimated molecular mass of approximately 1400 dalton. Complete amino acid sequence of the peptide yielded 12 amino acids from the N-terminal end (ISLEICXIFHDN). No homology with previously reported bacteriocins was observed and has been designated as Lichenin. Lichenin was found to be hydrophobic, sensitive to atmospheric oxygen, retained biological activity even after boiling for 10 min and was active over a pH range of 4.0-9.0. CONCLUSIONS The Lichenin represents the first anaerobiosis specific expression of bacteriocin-like compound isolated from Bacillus licheniformis 26 L-10/3RA of buffalo rumen origin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Lichenin could be a potential candidate for manipulating the rumen function at molecular level intended for improving the productivity of the ruminant.
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Borkowski LM, Grover S, Fishman GA, Jampol LM. Retinal findings in melanoma-associated retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol 2001; 132:273-5. [PMID: 11476700 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9394(01)00915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report unusual fundus findings in two cases of melanoma-associated retinopathy. METHODS Observational case reports. The histories of two patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy were reviewed. Sera from both patients were examined for antibodies against retinal bipolar cells. Immunofluorescence was performed on cryostat sections of unfixed normal human retinas. Sera and IgG from both patients were tested against a known melanoma-associated retinopathy patient as well as a control subject. RESULTS Our patients had metastatic, cutaneous melanoma and a clinical syndrome consistent with melanoma-associated retinopathy. Both patients had serum antibodies that were reactive against retinal bipolar cells. They had unusual fundus changes not previously described in association with melanoma-associated retinopathy. One patient also developed vitiligo. CONCLUSION Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma and melanoma-associated retinopathy may present unusual fundus lesions that may be caused by autoimmunity which is part of the clinical picture of melanoma-associated retinopathy or metastatic melanoma.
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