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Manuja BK, Manuja A, Dahiya R, Singh S, Sharma RC, Gahlot SK. Diversity of interferon inducible Mx gene in horses and association of variations with susceptibility vis-à-vis resistance against equine influenza infection. Infect Genet Evol 2014; 27:142-8. [PMID: 25064524 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Equine influenza (EI) is primarily an infection of the upper respiratory tract and is one of the major infectious respiratory diseases of economic importance in equines. Re-emergence of the disease, species jumping by H3N8 virus in canines and possible threat of human pandemic due to the unpredictable nature of the virus have necessitated research on devising strategies for preventing the disease. The myxovirus resistance protein (Mx) has been reported to confer resistance to Orthomyxo virus infection by modifying cellular functions needed along the viral replication pathway. Polymorphisms and differential antiviral activities of Mx gene have been reported in pigs and chicken. Here we report the diversity of Mx gene, its expression in response to stimulation with interferon (IFN) α/β and their association with EI resistance and susceptibility in Marwari horses. Blood samples were collected from horses declared positive for equine influenza and in contact animals with a history of no clinical signs. Mx gene was amplified by reverse transcription from total RNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with IFN α/β using gene specific primers. The amplified gene products from representative samples were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed. Out of a total 24 amino acids substitutions sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) analysis predicted 13 substitutions with functional consequences. Five substitutions (V67A, W123L, E346Y, N347Y, S689N) were observed only in resistant animals. Evolutionary distances based on nucleotide sequences with in equines ranged between 0.3-2.0% and 20-24% with other species. On phylogenetic analysis all equine sequences clustered together while other species formed separate clades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anju Manuja
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Rajni Dahiya
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - R C Sharma
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - S K Gahlot
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa 125005, Haryana, India
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Sharma RC, Blitz M, Wada R, Seakins PW. HCl yield and chemical kinetics study of the reaction of Cl atoms with CH3I at the 298K temperature using the infra-red tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2014; 128:176-182. [PMID: 24667422 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed ArF excimer laser (193 nm)-CW infrared (IR) tunable diode laser Herriott type absorption spectroscopic technique has been made for the detection of product hydrochloric acid HCl. Absorption spectroscopic technique is used in the reaction chlorine atoms with methyl iodide (Cl+CH3I) to the study of kinetics on reaction Cl+CH3I and the yield of (HCl). The reaction of Cl+CH3I has been studied with the support of the reaction Cl+C4H10 (100% HCl) at temperature 298 K. In the reaction Cl+CH3I, the total pressure of He between 20 and 125 Torr at the constant concentration of [CH3I] 7.0×10(14) molecule cm(-3). In the present work, we estimated adduct formation is very important in the reaction Cl+CH3I and reversible processes as well and CH3I molecule photo-dissociated in the methyl [CH3] radical. The secondary chemistry has been studied as CH3+CH3ICl = product, and CH3I+CH3ICl = product2. The system has been modeled theoretically for secondary chemistry in the present work. The calculated and experimentally HCl yield nearly 65% at the concentration 1.00×10(14) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3I] and 24% at the concentration 4.0×10(15) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3I], at constant concentration 4.85×10(12) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3], and at 7.3×10(12) molecule cm(-3) of [Cl]. The pressure dependent also studied product of HCl at the constant [CH3], [Cl] and [CH3I]. The experimental results are also very good matching with the modelling work at the reaction CH3+CH3ICl = product (k = (2.75±0.35)×10(-10) s(-1)) and CH3I+CH3ICl = product2 (k = 1.90±0.15)×10(-12) s(-1). The rate coefficients of the reaction CH3+CH3ICl and CH3I+CH3ICl has been made in the present work. The experimental results has been studied by two method (1) phase locked and (2) burst mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Sharma
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom.
| | - M Blitz
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - R Wada
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - P W Seakins
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Sharma-Poudyal D, Chen XM, Wan AM, Zhan GM, Kang ZS, Cao SQ, Jin SL, Morgounov A, Akin B, Mert Z, Shah SJA, Bux H, Ashraf M, Sharma RC, Madariaga R, Puri KD, Wellings C, Xi KQ, Wanyera R, Manninger K, Ganzález MI, Koyda M, Sanin S, Patzek LJ. Virulence Characterization of International Collections of the Wheat Stripe Rust Pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Plant Dis 2013; 97:379-386. [PMID: 30722363 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-12-0078-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wheat stripe rust (yellow rust [Yr]), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is an economically important disease of wheat worldwide. Virulence information on P. striiformis f. sp. tritici populations is important to implement effective disease control with resistant cultivars. In total, 235 P. striiformis f. sp. tritici isolates from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Hungary, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Uzbekistan were tested on 20 single Yr-gene lines and the 20 wheat genotypes that are used to differentiate P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races in the United States. The 235 isolates were identified as 129 virulence patterns on the single-gene lines and 169 virulence patterns on the U.S. differentials. Virulences to YrA, Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, Yr17, Yr25, YrUkn, Yr28, Yr31, YrExp2, Lemhi (Yr21), Paha (YrPa1, YrPa2, YrPa3), Druchamp (Yr3a, YrD, YrDru), Produra (YrPr1, YrPr2), Stephens (Yr3a, YrS, YrSte), Lee (Yr7, Yr22, Yr23), Fielder (Yr6, Yr20), Tyee (YrTye), Tres (YrTr1, YrTr2), Express (YrExp1, YrExp2), Clement (Yr9, YrCle), and Compair (Yr8, Yr19) were detected in all countries. At least 80% of the isolates were virulent on YrA, Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr17, YrUkn, Yr31, YrExp2, Yr21, Stephens (Yr3a, YrS, YrSte), Lee (Yr7, Yr22, Yr23), and Fielder (Yr6, Yr20). Virulences to Yr1, Yr9, Yr25, Yr27, Yr28, Heines VII (Yr2, YrHVII), Paha (YrPa1, YrPa2, YrPa3), Druchamp (Yr3a, YrD, YrDru), Produra (YrPr1, YrPr2), Yamhill (Yr2, Yr4a, YrYam), Tyee (YrTye), Tres (YrTr1, YrTr2), Hyak (Yr17, YrTye), Express (YrExp1, YrExp2), Clement (Yr9, YrCle), and Compair (Yr8, Yr19) were moderately frequent (>20 to <80%). Virulence to Yr10, Yr24, Yr32, YrSP, and Moro (Yr10, YrMor) was low (≤20%). Virulence to Moro was absent in Algeria, Australia, Canada, Kenya, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and China, but 5% of the Chinese isolates were virulent to Yr10. None of the isolates from Algeria, Canada, China, Kenya, Russia, and Spain was virulent to Yr24; none of the isolates from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Nepal, Russia, and Spain was virulent to Yr32; none of the isolates from Australia, Canada, Chile, Hungary, Kenya, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Spain was virulent to YrSP; and none of the isolates from any country was virulent to Yr5 and Yr15. Although the frequencies of virulence factors were different, most of the P. striiformis f. sp. tritici isolates from these countries shared common virulence factors. The virulences and their frequencies and distributions should be useful in breeding stripe-rust-resistant wheat cultivars and understanding the pathogen migration and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sharma-Poudyal
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA 99164-6430
| | - X M Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Wheat Genetics, Quality, Physiology, and Disease Research Unit and Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman
| | - A M Wan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman
| | - G M Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Z S Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - S Q Cao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - S L Jin
- Institute of Plant Protection, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - A Morgounov
- International Winter Wheat Improvement Program, (ICARDA-CIMMYT) Wheat Improvement Program, Ankara, Turkey
| | - B Akin
- International Winter Wheat Improvement Program, (ICARDA-CIMMYT) Wheat Improvement Program, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Z Mert
- Central Research Institute for Field Crops, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S J A Shah
- Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - H Bux
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - M Ashraf
- NUST Centre of Virology and Immunology, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - R C Sharma
- ICARDA-Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional Program, 4564, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - R Madariaga
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Chillan, Chile
| | - K D Puri
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58108-6050
| | - C Wellings
- Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - K Q Xi
- Field Crop Development Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Food, Lacombe, Canada
| | - R Wanyera
- Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute, Njoro, Kenya
| | - K Manninger
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest
| | | | - M Koyda
- All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, Bolshie Vyazemy, Russia
| | - S Sanin
- All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, Bolshie Vyazemy, Russia
| | - L J Patzek
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, NWREC, Mount Vernon
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Veerabuthiran S, Razdan AK, Jindal MK, Dubey DK, Sharma RC. Mie lidar observations of lower tropospheric aerosols and clouds. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2011; 84:32-36. [PMID: 21975046 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mie lidar system is developed at Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi (28.38°N, 77.12°E) by using minimal number of commercially available off-the-shelf components. Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser operating at 1064nm with variable pulse energies between 25 and 400 mJ with 10 Hz repetition rate and 7ns pulse duration is used as a transmitter and off-axis CASSEGRAIN telescope with 100mm diameter as a receiver. Silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) module with built-in preamplifier and front-end optics is used as detector. This system has been developed for the studies of lower tropospheric aerosols and clouds. Some experiments have been conducted using this set up and preliminary results are discussed. The characteristics of backscattered signals for various transmitter pulse energies are also studied. Atmospheric aerosol extinction coefficient values are calculated using Klett lidar inversion algorithm. The extinction coefficient, in general, falls with range in the lower troposphere and the values lie typically in the range 7.5×10(-5) m(-1) to 1.12×10(-4) m(-1) in the absence of any cloud whereas this value shoots maximum up to 1.267×10(-3) m(-1) (peak extinction) in the presence of clouds.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Veerabuthiran
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, Metcalfe House, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
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Sharma M, Chakrabarty AS, Pavan R, Sharma RC, Pratibha G. An integrated, mobile service for diabetic retinopathy in rural India. Community Eye Health 2011; 24:17-8. [PMID: 22125367 PMCID: PMC3218397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohita Sharma
- Nayantara project lead and chief ophthalmologist, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | | | - Rathi Pavan
- Project Manager, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | - RC Sharma
- Director, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | - Goel Pratibha
- Senior eye consultant, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
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Wada R, Sharma RC, Blitz MA, Seakins PW. Studies on the Cl + C2H5I reaction; site specific abstraction reactions and thermodynamics of adduct formation studied by observation of HCL product. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2009; 11:10417-26. [PMID: 19890528 DOI: 10.1039/b907793f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Wada
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK LS2 9JT
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Yadav SP, Kalundha RK, Sharma RC. Sociocultural factors and malaria in the desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2007; 44:205-12. [PMID: 17896623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria is a new emerging problem of Indian Thar Desert. The study was attempted to find out some sociocultural factors associated with malaria transmission in this region and to supplement social solutions to ongoing malaria control efforts in the desert part of Rajasthan. METHODS Interview technique was used for data collection on pre-tested schedules. In all 30 households (15 from low socioeconomic group and the same number of households from the high socioeconomic group) in a village were selected following systematic random sampling technique. A total of 450 respondents were selected randomly in 15 villages of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. RESULTS One-third of the respondents had neither taken treatment for malaria nor took part in the vector control operations because they did not consider mosquito bites to be harmful and took malaria as a mild disease. Outdoor sleeping habits, sharing bed with children, uneasy and suffocation feeling in using mosquito bednets or any other protective device also contributed to the spread of malaria in the study villages. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Community should be educated as a whole particularly the low socioeconomic group of people to bring changes in their beliefs, sociocultural and health practices to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using bednets, repellents and other devices, such as wire mesh screening of house doors and windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, India.
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Gupta HK, Gupta K, Singh P, Singh AK, Sharma RC. A comparative emission profile of an urban area in Madhya Pradesh, India. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2007; 79:202-8. [PMID: 17639324 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9163-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper emphasizes on mathematical and field work approach to diagnosing the environmental pollution for Indore, India. These applications are based on the time-series statistics and for three semi-industrial as well as residential areas. The generalized additive models finds as a best fit-model in terms of autocorrelation and reduction of over-dispersion. The interdisciplinary study works on the principal of pollutant source, meteorological parameters, pollutant types, emission rates and various chemical processes. Several chemical or industrial processes like iron and steel production, combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, thermal power plants are major polluter in most of the mega cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Gupta
- School of Future Studies and Planning (Faculty of Engineering Sciences), Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road, Indore 452 001, India.
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Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma VC, Sarin S, Sharma RC, Sood B. Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (panniculitis variety) triggered by pulmonary tuberculosis. Int J Dermatol 2007; 46:886-8. [PMID: 17651183 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Neupane RB, Sharma RC, Duveiller E, Ortiz-Ferrara G, Ojha BR, Rosyara UR, Bhandari D, Bhatta MR. Major Gene Controls of Field Resistance to Spot Blotch in Wheat Genotypes 'Milan/Shanghai #7' and 'Chirya.3'. Plant Dis 2007; 91:692-697. [PMID: 30780477 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-91-6-0692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of exotic wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes resistant to spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus are being used to improve the resistance of commercial cultivars in the warm regions of South Asia. The objective of the present study was to determine the inheritance of field resistance to spot blotch in two resistant (R) wheat genotypes, 'Chirya.3' and 'Milan/Shanghai #7' (MS#7), which were crossed to a susceptible (S) commercial cultivar, 'BL1473.' The two resistant genotypes also were crossed to determine allelic relationships for resistance between them. Spot blotch severity was recorded on the parents and on F1, F2, and F3 progenies. The F1 plants from the two crosses between susceptible and resistant genotypes had low disease severity like the resistant parents, indicating that resistance in Chirya.3 and MS#7 is conditioned by dominant gene action. The F2 plants segregated in 3R:1S ratios, and the F2:3 families showed the ratio of 1R:1S:2S, segregating for R and S, suggesting that resistance in the two resistant parents is conditioned by a single, dominant gene. The F1 plants from the cross between the two resistant genotypes were resistant, whereas their F2 progenies segregated in 15R:1S, suggesting that the resistance genes in MS#7 and Chirya.3 are nonallelic. These simply inherited sources of resistance could be useful for improving spot blotch resistance in the warm regions of South Asia and also may offer useful diversity to breeding programs for developing spot-blotch-resistant wheat cultivars in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Neupane
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - R C Sharma
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - E Duveiller
- CIMMYT, South Asia Regional Office, P.O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - G Ortiz-Ferrara
- CIMMYT, South Asia Regional Office, P.O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | - D Bhandari
- National Wheat Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Bhairahawa, Nepal
| | - M R Bhatta
- National Wheat Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Bhairahawa, Nepal
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Singh AK, Gupta HK, Gupta K, Singh P, Gupta VB, Sharma RC. A comparative study of air pollution in Indian cities. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2007; 78:411-6. [PMID: 17599225 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and unplanned industrialization and urbanization has resulted in the deterioration of India's air quality according to air-quality monitoring carried out in seven major Indian cities in industrial and residential areas between 1995 and 2000. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels in Indian cities are in the range 50 to 550 microg/m(3). NO(x) values are high in Delhi's residential areas, with values of 33 microg/m(3) in 1995 and 34.6 microg/m(3) in 2000, while in an industrial area values of 29.4 microg/m(3) were found in 1995, increasing to 33.7 microg/m(3) in 2000. SO(2) values are very high in Pune city, ranging from 43.3 microg/m(3) in residential to 43.69 microg/m(3) in an industrial area in 2000.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Singh
- School of Future Studies and Planning (Faculty of Engineering Sciences), Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road, Indore, 452 001, India
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Yadav SP, Sharma RC, Joshi V. Treatment seeking behaviour of malaria patients in desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Commun Dis 2007; 39:57-64. [PMID: 18338718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains to be the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in India and in many other tropical countries with approximately 2 to 3 million new cases arising every year. In spite of arid conditions prevailing in desert part of Rajasthan, malaria is a major public health problem. A longitudinal study on social determinants of malaria has been undertaken in different villages of Ramgarh PHC of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The study aims to know treatment seeking behabiour of malaria patients in the desert communities which is significantly different than the non-desert part of India. Out of 60 villages, 12 villages and 573 malaria patients were selected randomly. Interview technique was used for data collection. Information was recorded on pre-tested schedules. Self diagnosis 423 (73.8%) was more common among the respondents and 443 (77.3%) had taken treatment at home with local herbal remedies as the first treatment action. Desert population was not used to laboratory test for the malaria diagnosis. Symptoms based treatment was practised. They used private and government health facilities for the treatment of malaria. Self diagnosis for malaria was common but practised more by the poorer households. A large part of the population did not complete the full course of malaria treatment as a result drug resistance was more common. They did not use the government health facility as a first step of malaria treatment. There is need for health education with campaign emphasizing the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission and the need for prompt medical intervention. The use of Government health services for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria by the poor should be encouraged through appropriate information, education and communication (IEC) which on the long run will be more cost effective for desert population under the national malaria control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, India
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of undetermined etiology. Indian studies on cutaneous sarcoidosis are not many and mainly comprise case reports. AIMS This retrospective study was carried out to assess the clinical profile of sarcoidosis patients presenting with cutaneous lesions. METHODS All histopathologically proven cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis seen consecutively between 1999 and 2004 were studied. Their age, sex, presenting features, evolution of disease and laboratory parameters were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 23 patients (F:M 15:8) between 31 to 78 years (mean 44.3 years) of age had the mean duration of skin lesions of 1.4 years. Six patients had one to four lesions; two patients each had scar sarcoidosis and angiolupoid and one patient each had recurrent erythema nodosum, leg lymphedema and subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Others showed combination of papules, nodules, plaques and psoriasiform lesions. Peripheral lymph nodes were involved in two patients. Among 10 patients of pulmonary involvement, three had become symptomatic four months to four years after the cutaneous lesions. Routine laboratory investigations including serum calcium estimation were normal in all cases. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels were raised in 3 out of 6 patients. Asymptomatic lytic lesions of digital bones were detected in hand X-ray of one patient. CONCLUSION Skin lesions of sarcoidosis are like the tip of an iceberg indicating more changes in other organs. The symptomatology and abnormal laboratory results do not necessarily correlate with the severity of cutaneous involvement in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is not frequently reported from India. Four patients fulfilling clinico-pathologic criteria for Sweet's syndrome seen during May-August 2002 prompted us to review reports on Indian patients from the indexed literature. METHODS A PubMed and IndMed search for Sweet's syndrome revealed 11 reports appearing between 1985-2002 documenting 12 patients. The clinico-pathologic features, clinical course and treatment of all these 16 patients (including four new cases) were studied. RESULTS The study comprised 12 females and four males between 35 days to 57 years of age. There were four children of < 12 years. Ulcerated, crusted lesions in one and typical, erythematous, tender, papulo-nodulo-plaques and targetoid lesions with pseudovesiculation were observed in 13 other patients particularly involving head, neck and upper limbs. Extracutaneous Sweet's syndrome manifesting as gingival hyperplasia and myositis was seen in one patient each. All had simultaneous onset of cutaneous lesions, fever, headache and malaise. Ocular involvement was observed in four patients only. Associated hematoligic disorders recorded were myelodysplasia in three, polycythemia vera in one and leukemia in three patients respectively. Two of these patients had treatment with all-transretinoic acid and low-dose cytosine-arbinoside before onset of Sweet's syndrome. One patient each had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and history of minor injury prior to cutaneous lesions. Another patient had pregnancy induced self-limiting Sweet's syndrome. Leukocytosis was present in 11 patients. Three of four new patients had positive tests for antistreptolysin-O and C-reactive protein. Characteristics histologic features were recorded in specimens of all patients. Eleven patients responded to systemic corticosteroids. Colchicin or potassium iodide were effective in one patient each. CONCLUSION The overall clinico-pathologic and therapeutic spectrum of Sweet's syndrome in Indian patients does not appear to be different from its established picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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15
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Abstract
The differential diagnosis of oral ulcerations in a patient with AIDS/HIV infection is often challenging to the clinician. While old diseases have appeared in a new garb, many new ones are also being recognized. The association of Behetaet's disease and AIDS/HIV infection has been recently recognized. We present an HIV-positive patient having oro-genital aphthosis conforming to the diagnostic criteria for Behetaet's disease. Erythema nodosum, periphlebitis, erythematous papulopustular lesions, half and half nails, ocular congestion, raised ESR and dimorphic anemia were some other features present. He had low CD4+/CD8+ counts. He had no other HIV-related disease. He responded well to triple anti-retroviral treatment alone. The possible pathomechanism of the occurrence of both diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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Joshi V, Sharma RC, Sharma Y, Adha S, Sharma K, Singh H, Purohit A, Singhi M. Importance of socioeconomic status and tree holes in distribution of Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. J Med Entomol 2006; 43:330-6. [PMID: 16619619 DOI: 10.1603/0022-2585(2006)043[0330:iossat]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Immature Aedes mosquitoes were found in domestic, peridomestic, and tree hole habitats within three socioeconomic strata of Jodhpur, a city within an arid area of Rajasthan, India, endemic for dengue. Peridomestic habitats served as a persistent source of Aedes vectors, especially those used for watering cows for religious reasons that were located within high socioeconomic areas. Domestic (indoor) containers within low socioeconomic strata showed a higher container index (27.0%) than periurban areas with cattle sheds (14.3%) or high socioeconomic areas (18.1%). Mosquitoes were collected in tree holes at zoos and gardens supporting several species of monkeys. Six of 67 Aedes albopictus Skuse reared from immatures collected in tree holes tested positive for dengue antigen acquired through vertical transmission, possibly indicating a persistence mechanism for dengue virus within an urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Joshi
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Pali Road-Jodhpur-342 005, India
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Yadav SP, Sharma RC, Joshi V. Study of social determinants of malaria in desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2005; 42:141-6. [PMID: 16457383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES A longitudinal study on social determinants of malaria has been undertaken in different villages of Ramgarh PHC of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The study aims to determine social determinants of malaria as applicable to existing cast groups of desert part of Rajasthan. METHODS Out of 940 households in five villages, 150 households of Rajput community (forward community) and Meghwal community (backward community) were selected at random to study whether due to different behaviour of existing caste groups, transmission of malaria and its intensity also vary or not. RESULTS It was found that magnitude of malaria was three times more in the Meghwal community as compared to Rajput community. In-migration of natives importing malaria was found to be prominent cause of more malaria incidence in the backward community. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION An intervention policy aiming to study existing status of knowledge among different caste groups of desert areas could lead to a substantial control over in-migration as well as further transmission of disease in the desert part of Rajasthan.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jodhpur, India.
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pemphigus, a common immunobullous disease of skin and mucous membranes affecting both sexes of all ages, was almost fatal before the advent of corticosteroids. Better strategies to avoid their side-effects and recent introduction of adjuvant therapy has further improved its prognosis. As the treatment remains need-based and patient-specific, different regimens and strategies have evolved, each with its own merits and demerits. This retrospective hospital-based study was carried out to understand the clinico-therapeutic aspects of pemphigus in our clinic. METHODS Medical records of all new patients admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of pemphigus from 1990 to 2002 were analyzed. The diagnosis was mainly clinical and confirmed by positive Tzanck's test and histopathology. All patients were assessed clinically on a severity score of 1+ to 4+. These patients had received treatment with dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) therapy, oral mini-pulse (OMP) with betamethasone, or intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide alone or with azathioprine, dapsone or cyclophosphamide. They were followed up for clinical remission and side-effects of therapy. RESULTS There were a total of 54 new patients comprising 53.7% females and 46.3% males, and 12.9% of these were < 18 years of age. Pemphigus vulgaris was the commonest clinical type seen in 81.48% and mucosal involvement was seen in 63.63% of cases. The severity of mucosal lesions was not proportionate to that of cutaneous lesions. Associated diseases seen were seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism in one case each. Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was given to 75% of the pemphigus vulgaris patients while those having less severe disease were treated with other regimens. In general, clinical remission was seen after 2-16 (mean 6.5) DCP doses. Two patients have been in complete remission for the last 5 and 7 years of completion of DCP therapy, respectively. Addition of other adjuvants to corticosteroids was also helpful. However, azathioprine 50 mg/day was not as effective as cyclophosphamide 50 mg/day. Menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, azoospermia, rise in blood pressure and glycosuria were the major side-effects seen during DCP pulse therapy. Drop out rate was unacceptably high with all modes of treatment, although with DCP therapy it appears to be partly owing to early disease control. There was no mortality in this series. CONCLUSIONS Pemphigus vulgaris is the commonest clinical type. Mucosal surfaces other than the oral cavity are uncommonly involved, it may herald the onset of disease and takes longer to heal. Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy seems to have a definite advantage over treatment with steroids alone, especially in terms of better control of disease activity, near absence of steroid side-effects and significantly reduced hospital stay. However, ways and means to reduce gonadal toxicity of adjuvants need to be explored as DCP therapy is likely to stay as a treatment of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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19
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Abstract
The case of an 18-year-old girl with skin-picking is reported. The patient used to pick at healthy skin and small skin lesions, leading to ulceration, hyperpigmentation and disfigurement. She recovered almost fully with fluoxetine. The implications of diagnosis and the need for early treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Sharma
- Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
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20
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Sharma NL, Mahajan VK, Sharma VC, Sarin S, Sharma RC. Erythema nodosum leprosum and HIV infection: A therapeutic experience. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 2005; 73:189-93. [PMID: 16830640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between leprosy and HIV infection is not yet fully understood, as not much is known about the natural history of the co-infected patients. The matter has become more confusing because of conflicting reports. Type-1 lepra reactions and neuritis appear to be severe and more frequent among them. But erythema nodosum leprosum too is not as uncommon among these patients as it was once thought. Management of these co-infected patients is often difficult for want of clear-cut guidelines on clinical care. We report here our experience of treating recurrent, severe erythema nodosum leprosum in a patient concurrently having leprosy and HIV infection. Early institution of antiretroviral therapy appears to provide an edge in improving the therapeutic outcome for him. It also suggests a direct and more complex interplay of HIV and Mycobacterium leprae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nand Lal Sharma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India.
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21
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Abstract
Lupus vulgaris is a variant of cutaneous tuberculosis. Its more destructive and mutilating clinical forms have become rarer in consonance of a general decline of cutaneous tuberculosis. It is rarely seen now in developed countries due to stringent control measures, improved quality of living and effective therapeutic regimens. Misdiagnosis, neglect, or late diagnosis may result in severe, ulcerative and mutilating "wolf eaten" skin lesions. This paper describes four such cases of "were-wolf" cutaneous tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent much of the disfigurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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22
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Duveiller E, Kandel YR, Sharma RC, Shrestha SM. Epidemiology of foliar blights (spot blotch and tan spot) of wheat in the plains bordering the himalayas. Phytopathology 2005; 95:248-56. [PMID: 18943117 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-95-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Helminthosporium leaf blight (HLB), a complex of spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus and of tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a major wheat disease in South Asia. This 2-year study elucidated HLB development and its impact on yield. Symptoms caused by C. sativus and P. tritici-repentis were first observed at the seedling and tillering stages, respectively. The number of airborne conidia and leaves infected by the two pathogens remained low for several weeks under lower temperatures, followed by a sharp rise as temperatures increased. The number of airborne conidia of C. sativus and incidence of infection by C. sativus were higher compared with P. tritici-repentis. The disease complex caused an average 30% reduction in yield, with greater losses under delayed seeding. Delayed seeding increased disease severity even in resistant genotypes and caused higher yield losses. 'Milan/Shanghai-7' was the most resistant among six genotypes evaluated. Despite higher disease severity, 'BL 1473' showed relatively lower yield losses, indicating its tolerance to foliar blight. The findings of this study bear implications for integrated foliar blight management in the warmer areas of South Asia by combining optimum seeding date, seed treatment and foliar spray of fungicides, and resistant wheat genotypes.
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Joshi V, Sharma RC, Singhi M, Singh H, Sharma K, Sharma Y, Adha S. Entomological studies on malaria in irrigated and non-irrigated areas of Thar desert, Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2005; 42:25-9. [PMID: 15999458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria is the major health problem in western Rajasthan yet its vector fauna and transmission dynamics thereof is not understood properly. The present investigations report complete profile of qualitative and quantitative aspects of anopheline species occurring in different settings of desert ecosystem. METHODS Area with irrigation through canal for more than 20 years (setting I), area with irrigation through canal for 10 years (setting II) and area without any irrigation (setting III) have been selected for studies. Species identification and their densities (per man hour) was made as per standard methods. RESULTS In village of setting I, during rainy season, An. subpictus and An. stephensi were present while during winter season four species--An. subpictus, An. stephensi, An. culicifacies and An. annularis were collected. In all the villages of setting I, II and III no Anopheles mosquito was observed during summer season. In the villages of desert region without any irrigation facilities through any canal, the anopheline species were present only during rainy season. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION An. stephensi is the major malaria vector of desert irrespective of whether the area is canal irrigated or not. During summer season absence of vector species in all the villages require further studies on micro-ecology of the species under desert conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Joshi
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jodhpur, India.
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24
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Abstract
During the period 1990-2002 in Himachal Pradesh, India, 103 new patients with cutaneous sporotrichosis were detected. Lymphocutaneous and fixed cutaneous varieties were the most common and seen in 49% and 43% respectively. Chronic non-specific inflammation without granuloma formation was seen in 46% skin biopsy specimens, 29% showed acute or chronic inflammation and tuberculoid granuloma formation was seen in 25%. In 32% of cases Sporothrix schenckii growth was seen on Sabouraud glucose agar. A saturated solution of potassium iodide was used as first-line treatment and in 93% patients healing of lesions occurred in 4-32 weeks (average 8.7 weeks) without significant side-effects. Itraconazole, used in 12 patients, was highly effective in recommended doses. Rapid healing was seen with higher than previously used doses of fluconazole in one patient who also had unusual exacerbation of lesional inflammation with saturated solution of potassium iodide.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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25
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Abstract
We describe here a Parthenium hysterophorus patch-test-positive patient with widespread dermatitis of non-airborne contact dermatitis pattern, improving while staying in Shimla (a parthenium-free area) and rapidly worsening while visiting his native place, where there was exuberant parthenium growth. After recovery, inhalation of fresh plant material from a polythene bag resulted in exacerbation of dermatitis and pruritus within 8-10 hr, without any respiratory symptoms. The possible pathomechanism of such a phenomenon is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla 171001, Himachal Pradesh, India
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26
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Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma RC, Garg G. Twelve-year clinico-therapeutic experience in pemphigus: A retrospective study of 54 cases. Int J Dermatol 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02218.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Bora D, Dhariwal AC, Bhagat H, Sharma RC, Lal S. Status of Soil Transmitted Helminth infections in an urban locality of Assam; as observed from survey by WHO sampling methodology for school children and community survey by random sampling. J Commun Dis 2003; 35:273-8. [PMID: 15909756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an attempt was made to compare and correlate findings of a Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) survey carried out using WHO sampling methodology for school children and community survey by random sampling. The prevalence and intensity of STH in the age-group of 9-10 yrs reportedly represent community status. The results showed that the STH prevalence and intensity in the age-group of 9-10 years do represent community burden. However, more such surveys will have to be carried out to substantiate this statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bora
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, 22-Shamnath Marg, Delhi-54
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28
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Abstract
Kindler syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by acral bullae and photosensitivity. The photosensitivity improves with advancing age and results in progressive poikiloderma and cutaneous atrophy, and many additional features have also been described. This report describes two male Kindler syndrome patients with classical features of acral blistering and photosensitivity in childhood, and subsequent development of poikiloderma, leukokeratosis of oro-ano-genital mucosae, phimosis and meatal stenosis. The first patient had additional ophthalmic features of chronic simple conjunctivitis caused by persistent irritation, multiple stromal nebular corneal opacities and thickened corneal nerves. The second patient showed skeletal changes, namely a dome-shaped skull (turri-cephaly), bifid fourth rib, missing fifth rib, short fourth and fifth metacarpals and mandibular abnormalities. This is the first report of such ophthalmic and skeletal features of Kindler syndrome.
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Joshi A, Naqvi SMK, Bag S, Dang AK, Sharma RC, Rawat PS, Mittal JP. Sperm motion characteristics of Garole rams raised for a prolonged period in a semi-arid tropical environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2003; 35:249-57. [PMID: 12797414 DOI: 10.1023/a:1023347514476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Garole is a prolific but less well known and rare breed of small sheep found in the hot and humid Sunderban region of West Bengal. An ability to breed throughout the year and to graze in knee-deep water, resistance to foot rot and a strong mothering instinct are some of the special features of this breed. Garole rams could provide germplasm to incorporate prolificacy traits by artificial insemination of the nonprolific sheep breeds found in abundance in the semi-arid and arid tropical climates of India. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the semen production by Garole rams maintained in a semi-arid climate for three years and to objectively assess their semen quality by a computer-assisted sperm analysis technique. The donor rams were randomly selected each year from the original flock procured from their natural habitat or from the offspring born at the Institute farm. Semen was collected weekly for three weeks each autumn for three consecutive years from 8 rams each year. The overall means (SD) of the traits that did not differ significantly with age or year were volume, concentration, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat frequency, motility and the percentages of rapid motile sperms and of slow motile sperms. The age of the rams had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the straight-line velocity but this was not significantly affected by the length of exposure to the semi-arid climate. However, the age and year had significant effects (p<0.05) on linearity, straightness and the percentage of medium motile sperms. It was concluded that Garole rams are capable of producing good-quality semen even after a prolonged period of exposure to a semi-arid tropical climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Joshi
- Semenology Laboratory, Division of Physiology, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar via Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 304 501.
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Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma RC, Sharma A. Pulse dexamethasone, oral steroids and azathioprine in the management of erythema nodosum leprosum. LEPROSY REV 2003; 74:171-4. [PMID: 12862259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kaushik ML, Sharma RC. Addison's disease presenting as depression. Indian J Med Sci 2003; 57:249-51. [PMID: 14510342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Kaushik
- Department of Medicine, I.G. Medical College and Hospital, Shimla
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Abstract
This paper describes the retention of 125Sb oxide aerosols in human lungs based on the data obtained from a group of seven accidental inhalation exposure cases. Long-term follow-up studies for periods of time ranging from 1 to 3 d post intake to 199 to 2,422 d post intake have indicated the biological lung clearance half-time of this material ranging from about 600 to 1,100 d for non-smokers and 1,700 to 3,700 d for smokers. The retention in the lungs after 180 d in all the seven cases is found to be much more than 51% of the estimated initial alveolar deposit, which is consistent with the present ICRP criteria of assignment to the lung absorption Type S. There is little previously reported human data on this radionuclide compound. In these studies reliable information on actual time of intake, the likely type of material, and the amount of retained body/lung activity in initial days after the incident was also available, which adds to the importance of these data. The results of these studies provide a basis for firm classification and suggest that oxides of antimony need to be removed from absorption Type M (earlier class W) where these are presently listed by ICRP and be placed in absorption Type S (earlier class Y). The range of measured retained lung activities after the initial rapid clearance phase (7 d post exposure) was about 3 to 14 kBq, which was sufficient for long-term follow up studies using the whole body counters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Garg
- Internal Dosimetry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC Hospital, Mumbai-400 094, India
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Sharma RC, Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma A. A new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh (India). Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2003; 69:170-2. [PMID: 17642870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper highlights a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the temperate area of Himachal Pradesh (India), a previously non-endemic area. In this hospital-based study, 38 new cases of CL, acquired indigenously have been detected from 1988-2000. Of these, 26 were from Kinnaur district and 12 from adjoining areas of bordering districts situated along the river: Satluj. There were 18 males and 20 females. They were between 4-75 years of age and had the disease for one month to 2 years at the time of presentation. Face involvement was seen in majority of the patients. Nodulo-ulcerative plaque was the commonest lesion. Muco-cutaneous lesions were seen in four cases. Tissue smears and biopsies were positive for LD bodies in 61.7% and 29.4% cases respectively. Intralesional sodium stibogluconate produced a consistent therapeutic response. The possible mode of its introduction in the region is postulated. The reservoir of infection, identity of the vector at this altitude (9,002,900 meters above sea level) and the strain of leishmania, remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Sharma
- Dept. of Dermatology, IG Medical College, Shimla
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35
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Abstract
Michelin tire syndrome is described in a 22-month-old girl of Indian origin who had generalized folding of the skin, esotropia, epicanthic folds, and delayed speech. Histopathology showed diffuse lipomatous hypertrophy. The skin changes showed partial improvement on follow-up. We report this case because of its rarity. Furthermore, the spontaneous improvement is significant, unlike the persistent course of other congenital nevi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lady Hardinge Medical College and K.S.C.H. Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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Singh IS, Sharma RC, Abani MC. A computational study of the urinary excretion rates for 339Pu using new ICRP internal dosimetry models. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2003; 105:361-364. [PMID: 14526987 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A computational study of the urinary excretion rates for 239Pu has been carried out using a methodology which involved the solution of a complete compartmental model describing the biokinetic behaviour of inhaled plutonium aerosols in the human body. The methodology, after proper validation, was applied to investigate the dependence of urinary excretion rates for 239Pu on the transfer rates given in the complete compartmental model. For this purpose, the default values of the transfer/absorption rates were modified by factors of 2 and 4 and urinary excretion rates were computed on 1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10,000 d post-intake. The percentage variations in the urinary excretion rates as a result of the modified transfer rates were computed for exposures to Type M and S aerosols of 239Pu. These results facilitated the identification of parameters significantly affecting the short-term and long-term urinary excretion rates. In addition, time variations of the predicted ratios of 239Pu activity in daily urine to that in blood (excretion ratios) were studied for the three biokinetic models of plutonium: the ICRP 67 model, the modified ICRP 67 model with the compartment STI to urinary bladder removed and Luciani and Polig's model. All the computational results are presented and discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Singh
- Internal Dosimetry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, India.
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Jaiswal DD, Nair S, Dang HS, Sharma RC. Validation of biokinetic models of Cs and I using their daily dietary intakes and organ contents in an adult Indian population. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2003; 105:235-238. [PMID: 14526962 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The daily dietary intakes and total contents of Cs and I in skeletal muscle and thyroid, respectively, for an average Indian adult were estimated by determining their concentrations in the total cooked diet and tissue samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis. These data were then used to predict the biological half-lives of Cs and I and their radioactive counterparts for the Reference Indian Man. The predicted biological half-lives of Cs and I for Reference Indian Man were found to be comparable with the reported values for the ICRP Reference Man.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Jaiswal
- Internal Dosimetry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC Hospital, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400 094, India.
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Abstract
In vivo monitoring techniques are needed to estimate the amount of an actinide in the skeleton in addition to that in the lungs and liver. Skull counting with external detectors has been a standard procedure for this purpose. Realistic skull phantoms are normally used to calibrate the counting systems. However, the fabrication of realistic phantoms is extremely difficult and expensive. Therefore, a theoretical approach based on Monte Carlo methods in conjunction with a Cristy mathematical phantom has been examined for assessing skull burdens of actinides. A computer program that generates surface sources of actinides on the skull and simulates low-energy photon transport in the heterogeneous media of the head region of the Cristy phantom was developed for this purpose. The program determines the observable pulse height spectrum of the detector and the corresponding calibration factors for different counting geometries. The computer program was used to generate the pulse height spectra and the corresponding calibration factors of 20 cm and 15 cm diameter phoswich detectors, each positioned on the left and right sides and on the top of the head region of the Cristy phantom, whose skull surfaces were assumed to have a uniform distribution of 241Am. The computed calibration factor for a counting geometry consisting of three phoswich detectors (15 cm diameter each) surrounding the phantom's skull was found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental results obtained for the same geometry using a realistic physical skull phantom. This provided a validation of the realistic design of the skull in the Cristy phantom, implying that the results reported in this paper could be used for in vivo measurements of skull burdens of 241Am for the stated counting geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bhati
- Internal Dosimetry Division, BARC Hospital, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India
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40
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Mehta DJ, Sharma RC, Ramanujam A, Haridasan TK, Sawant PD, Rathinam M. Feasibility studies for assessing internal exposure to 233U. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2003; 105:365-368. [PMID: 14526988 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The potential internal occupational exposure encountered as a consequence of the 232Th-233U fuel cycle are likely to arise predominantly from the inhalation of 232Th, 233U and (232Th + 233U) compounds of absorption Types M and S. In the past, although direct and indirect methods for assessments of internal exposure to 232Th and its daughters were developed, standardised and employed, no such attempts have been made with regard to 233U and 233U + 232Th. Therefore, feasibility studies for assessing internal exposure to 233U have been conducted using three methods: urine bioassay, in vivo counting and measurement of thoron gas in the exhaled breath of a worker. This paper describes details of these studies and discusses the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Mehta
- Internal Dosimetry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, India
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41
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Sharma RC. Importance of clinical and historical factors in genital chlamydial infections. Indian J Sex Transm Dis 2002; 11:64-5. [PMID: 12343560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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42
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Joshi V, Mourya DT, Sharma RC. Persistence of dengue-3 virus through transovarial transmission passage in successive generations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2002; 67:158-61. [PMID: 12389940 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2002.67.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Progeny of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected intrathoracically with dengue-3 virus was reared to subsequent generations. In each generation, blood-fed females were confined individually and the eggs obtained from the transovarially infected females were pooled. The seventh generation obtained from the infected parental mosquitoes showed that virus could persist in mosquitoes in successive generations through transovarial passage. The rate of vertical transmission initially increased in the few generations (F1-F2), but in subsequent generations it was found to be steady. Parental mosquitoes inoculated with virus showed higher mortality than the diluent-inoculated controls. There was an increase in the larval duration of transovarially infected batches at the seventh generation when compared with uninfected control mosquitoes. The fecundity and fertility of the transovarially infected batches of mosquitoes was also affected when compared with the controls. This is the first report demonstrating persistence of dengue virus in the successive generations of mosquitoes infected through vertical transmission. These observations, which have great epidemiologic importance, suggest that vector mosquitoes may play an important role in the maintenance of virus in nature, and that mosquitoes may act as reservoirs of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Joshi
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jodhpur.
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43
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Singh S, Bora D, Sharma RC, Datta KK. Bancroftian filariasis in Bagdogra town, district Darjeeling (West Bengal). J Commun Dis 2002; 34:110-7. [PMID: 14768828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Filaria endemicity is probably gradually increasing over the years in Bagdogra town, district Darjeeling (West Bengal). Of 1511 night blood smears examined, 35 were found positive for Wuchereria bancrofti (mf rate 2.32%). The microfilaria (mf) rates for males and females were 2.84% and 1.79 % respectively. The age of these positives ranged from 5-45 years. The mf rate was highest (4.46%) in the age group of 20-29 years. All mf carriers were local residents of Bagdogra and Wuchereria bancrofti was only the infection encountered. Mean microfilaria density was 7.71 per 20 cmm. of blood, whereas Median microfilaria density (MFD50) was 21 per 20 cmm. of blood. Disease and filarial endemicity rates were 0.33% and 2.65% respectively. Ten man hour vector mosquito density ranged from 30 to 65. Out of 49 female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes dissected for the presence of filaria infection, none was found positive for the infection. During 1976 survey in the same town, mf rate was 1.6% and disease rate was nil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhvir Singh
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, 22-Shamnath Marg, Delhi-110054
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Abstract
Proptosis due to an extraconal orbital abscess of tubercular origin with lacrimal gland involvement, representing ocular scrofuloderma, is a rare entity. This association has not been reported earlier in the literature. We describe a 7-year-old boy who presented with nodulo-ulcerative lesions of tubercular etiology with discharging sinuses on right side of the face and a similar lesion on the right lower eyelid along with proptosis of 4 months duration. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head confirmed the extraconal, intraorbital, hyperdense, homogeneously enhancing mass separated from the lateral rectus muscle and further revealed involvement of lacrimal gland along with erosion of the temporal bone. The patient showed marked improvement of his dermatological and ophthalmological lesions with anti-tubercular treatment. Subsequent ultrasound examinations of the orbit revealed regression in the size of the abscess from 10.7 mm to 5.0 mm and then complete disappearance of the abscess obviating surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
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45
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Kumar RR, Kamal S, Patnaik SK, Sharma RC. Breeding habitats and larval indices of Aedes aegypti (L) in residential areas of Rajahmundry town, Andhra Pradesh. J Commun Dis 2002; 34:50-8. [PMID: 12718342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Entomological studies on relative prevalence and distribution of adults and immatures of Aedes aegypti were conducted in Rajahmundry town of Andhra Pradesh from December 1998 to November 1999. Adults and immature stages of Aedes aegypti were found in all the 22 localities viz; posh area (8), mixed area (8) and slum area (6) of the town. Larval indices were found to be higher in slum areas as compared to mixed or posh areas of the town. However, the larval habitats were observed to be similar in all localities. The larval indices were highest during monsoon and post-monsoon months. The breeding preference ratio (BPR) was highest for cement tubs followed by discarded tyres and barrels. The high larval indices of Aedes aegypti in these areas warrant intensification of vector surveillance activities along with source reduction and health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ravi Kumar
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Rajahmundry-533 105
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pheohyphomycosis is a rare infection caused by dematiaceous fungi, affecting the skin and subcutis, paranasal sinuses, or central nervous system. METHODS A case of subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis in the lumbar region is reported. The Indian literature on subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis is also reviewed. RESULTS In India, 23 patients with subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis have been reported, distributed throughout the country in a belt from north to south, sparing the eastern and western regions. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 60 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.3 : 1. A relatively early age of onset was observed. A history of prior injury was recalled by five patients. The lower extremities were involved in eight cases, upper extremities in five, gluteal region in two, lumbar area and submandibular area in one, face in two and disseminated disease was seen in four cases. Three of these cased died during follow up. Osteomyelitis was observed in two cases, hepatosplenomegaly in one, and lymph node involvement in two. Carcinomatous change developed in a long-standing lesion of 33 years. Thirteen species from seven genera of dematiaceous fungi were isolated. Phialophora dermatidis was the most common isolate. CONCLUSIONS Indian patients with subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis are afflicted at an earlier age. Exophiala dermatidis seems to be associated with more fatalities. Treatment with newer azoles seems promising, and excision alone or combined with azoles is a good therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nand Lal Sharma
- Department of Dermatology, I. G. Medical College, Shimla, India.
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Singh IS, Suri MMK, Vidhani JM, Garg SP, Sharma RC. Development of an automated shielded chair whole-body monitor. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2002; 102:145-151. [PMID: 12408491 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A standard shielded chair whole-body monitor has been developed as a computer controlled, unattended, walk-in-type of whole-body monitor for internal dosimetry of radiation workers. A radiation worker enters his personal computer code through the attached computer terminal and follows a few instructions on the screen. The chair door then opens automatically and after the worker has positioned himself into the counting geometry in the chair, the door closes. At the end of the whole-body monitoring for a pre-set time, the chair door opens again and the worker moves out. The monitoring data acquired on a 4K-MCA is saved in the computer memory automatically and the chair door closes again making it available for monitoring the next worker. The system also gives audio instructions to the worker to occupy the chair and to move out after the counting is over. A system supervisor can come at any convenient time and get a print out of the monitoring report in the standardised format or carry out any detailed analysis if required. The system has the software for calculating intakes and the committed effective doses using the latest ICRP methodologies, from the measured retained activities of the various important fission and activation products like 137Cs, 131I, 60Co, 125Sb etc. This type of system with trained staff is also expected to be of value in case of emergencies as a quick monitoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Singh
- Internal Dosimetry Division, BARC Hospital, Mumbai, India
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Abstract
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EVC) or chondroectodermal dysplasia, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is a tetrad of chondrodysplasia, ectodermal dysplasia, polydactyly, and congenital heart disease, of which chondrodystrophy of the tubular bones is the most common feature, while central nervous system (CNS) and urinary tract anomalies are some of its rarer associations. This report describes EVC syndrome in two sisters of Indian origin, ages 8 and 6 years, the products of nonrelated, unaffected parents. The patients had chondrodysplasia of tubular bones resulting in disproportionate dwarfism, polydactyly, severely dystrophic nails, partially absent teeth, and short and bound-down upper lips with multiple frenulae. Other features noted in the girls were syndactyly and mild mitral regurgitation. All four of the classic features of EVC syndrome were present in patient 1 and three in patient 2. Additional findings were ichthyosis and plantar keratoderma in the former and absent clavicles in the latter, which have not been reported previously. The importance of prenatal diagnosis of EVC is stressed and a multidisciplinary approach for the management of these patients is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Arya
- Department of Dermatology and STD, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
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49
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50
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Mendiratta VR, Sharma RC, Sardana K, Koranne RV. Smear positive leprosy with HIV infection, silent neuritis and extensive tinea corporis and tinea unguium in an Indian male. Indian J Lepr 2001; 73:349-52. [PMID: 11898467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V R Mendiratta
- Department of Skin and STD, Lady Hardinge Medical College, SK Hospital, New Delhi 110001
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