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Ralph R, Sharma D, Jain R, Balachandran A, Chiang YW, S R G. Protobothrops jerdonii (Jerdon's pit viper) and Protobothrops himalayanus (Himalayan lance-headed pit viper) bites: Clinical report on envenomings from North-East India, managed through remote consultation by a national-level Poison control center. Toxicon 2024; 242:107704. [PMID: 38565396 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Members of the genus Protobothrops are amongst the more than twenty-eight range-restricted Indian pit viper species. Their bites and envenomings are rarely documented from India. Pit viper envenomings can be challenging to treat in the Indian setting, since available antivenoms do not satisfactorily neutralize their venoms. Herein, we present the first Indian reports on bites and envenoming by Protobothrops jerdonii and Protobothrops himalayanus resulting in local effects, coagulopathy and acute kidney injury in the case of the former and possible mild, isolated coagulopathy in the case of the latter; and discuss management-related challenges in the context of absent specific antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Poison Control Center, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India.
| | - Deepak Sharma
- 181 Military Hospital, Tenga, Arunachal Pradesh, 790116, India
| | - Rohit Jain
- 327 Field Hospital, Chungthang, North Sikkim, India
| | - Amith Balachandran
- Poison Control Center, Department of Medicine, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
| | - Yu-Wei Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 112, Taiwan; Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei City, 11490, Taiwan; Foundation for Poison Control, Taiwan
| | - Ganesh S R
- Kalinga Foundation, Agumbe, Shivamogha, Karnataka, 577411, India
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Alexander V, Sindhu KN, Ralph R, Paul JS, Manimegalai B, Zachariah A. Anergy to purified protein derivative and chronic energy deficiency in sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis: Dynamic assessment at baseline and treatment completion. Int J Mycobacteriol 2023; 12:436-442. [PMID: 38149540 DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_176_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a high burden disease in India. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in holistic recovery of the same. Methods Patients with sputum positive pulmonary TB were consecutively recruited into the study aimed to observe the incidence of under nutrition and anergy purified protein derivative (PPD). Anthropometry and PPD testing were done at baseline. Patients were followed-up at 6 months, with PPD intradermal test repeated to study tuberculin conversion. Nutritional recovery, tuberculin conversion, and determination of persistent anergy were the outcomes of interest. Results Of the 134 patients enrolled in the study, 43.2% were anergic to PPD at baseline. While 50.8% patients had normal body mass index (BMI), 14.2%, 9.7%, and 25.4% had chronic energy deficiency (CED) Grades I, II, and III, respectively. BMI at baseline showed a positive linear correlation with PPD response (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), and anergy was associated with CED (odds ratio - 3.25, P = 0.001). Forty-six patients completed follow-up and 19.6% showed anergy to PPD. At follow-up, 69.6% had normal BMI. Overall, there was an improvement in anthropometry and PPD reactivity in patients at 6 months, compared to baseline assessment. Conclusion Anergy was significantly associated with CED at baseline in patients with TB. While most patients had an improvement in nutritional status and PPD reactivity, a small subset of patients had persistent anergy. Recovery from TB is multifactorial and its determinants include microbiological cure, nutritional status, and immunological recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Alexander
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jackwin Sam Paul
- Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Babuji Manimegalai
- Department of Dietetics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Zachariah
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Ralph R, Garg D, Balachandran A, Ganesh SR, Lamb T. A case report of Ovophis monitcola (Mountain pit-viper) envenoming in northeastern India resulting in prolonged coagulopathy. Toxicon 2023; 229:107147. [PMID: 37127123 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
India is home to a diverse spectrum of medically-significant snakes accounting for the world's largest burden of envenoming, morbidity and mortality. Indian polyspecific antivenom is derived from the venom of four snake species (Daboia russelii, Echis carinatus, Naja naja and Bungarus caeruleus), considered to be responsible for the majority of snakebite morbidity and mortality. The treatment of venomous bites from other less-commonly encountered venomous snake species can be challenging. In this report, we describe the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with features of local cytotoxicity and coagulopathy following a bite from Ovophis monitcola (mountain pit-viper) in Nagaland, northeast India. Local and systemic envenoming, confirmed by bedside and laboratory based clotting assays, failed to respond to polyspecific antivenom and venom-induced consumption coagulopathy persisted for 28 days. Remote consultation with a national Poison Control Centre helped establish the responsible snake species and guide appropriate medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Poison Control Center, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India.
| | - Deepak Garg
- Medicine, Military Hospital, Dimapur, Nagaland, India; Medicine, Military Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Amith Balachandran
- Poison Control Center, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
| | - S R Ganesh
- Chennai Snake Park, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600022, India
| | - Thomas Lamb
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Laos; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, India
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Balachandran A, Jambugulam M, George K, Inturi S, Padankatti S, Alwan A, Mathew SS, Nellickal AJ, Zachariah A, Ralph R. Clinical Spectrum of Mercury Poisoning in India: Case-series from a Poison Control Center. J Assoc Physicians India 2023; 71:11-12. [PMID: 37354482 DOI: 10.5005/japi-11001-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that finds wide application in industrial and household settings. It exists in three chemical forms which include elemental (Hg0 ), inorganic mercurous (Hg+) or mercuric (Hg++) salts, and organic compounds. All forms are highly toxic, particularly to the nervous, gastrointestinal, and renal systems. Common circumstances of exposure include recreational substance use, suicide or homicide attempts, occupational hazards, traditional medicines, and endemic food ingestions as witnessed in the public health disasters in Minamata Bay, Japan and in Iraq. Poisoning can result in death or long-term disabilities. Clinical manifestations vary with chemical form, dose, rate, and route of exposure. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To summarize the incidence of mercury poisoning encountered at an Indian Poison Center and use three cases to highlight the marked variations observed in clinical manifestations and long-term outcomes among poisoned patients based on differences in chemical forms and routes of exposure to mercury. MATERIALS AND METHODS A structured retrospective review of the enquiry-database of the Poison Information Center and medical records of patients admitted between August 2019 and August 2021 in a tertiary care referral center was performed. All patients with reported exposure to mercury were identified. We analyzed clinical data and laboratory investigations which included heavy metal (arsenic, mercury, and lead) estimation in whole blood and urine samples. Additionally, selected patients were screened for serum voltage-gated potassium ion channels (VGKC)- contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) antibodies. Three cases with a classical presentation were selected for detailed case description. RESULTS Twenty-two cases were identified between August 2019 and August 2021. Twenty (91%) were acute exposures while two (9%) were chronic. Of these, three representative cases have been discussed in detail. Case 1 is a 3.5-year-old girl who was ought to the emergency department with suspected elemental-mercury ingestion after biting a thermometer. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Chest and abdominal radiography revealed radiodense material in the stomach. Subsequent serial radiographs documented distal intestinal transit of the radiodense material. The child remained asymptomatic. This case exemplifies the largely nontoxic nature of elemental mercury ingestion as it is usually not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Case 2 is a 27-year-old lady who presented with multiple linear nodules over both upper limbs after receiving a red intravenous injection for anemia. Imaging revealed metallic-density deposits in viscera and bones. Nodular biopsy was suggestive of mercury granulomas. A 24-hour urine mercury levels were elevated. She was advised chelation therapy with oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Case 3 is a 22-year-old lady who presented with acrodynia, neuromyotonia, tremulousness, postural giddiness, tachycardia, and hypertension for 2 months, associated with intractable, diffuse burning pain over the buttocks and both lower limbs, 1 month after completing a 3-week course of traditional medications for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A 24-hour urine normetanephrine levels and mercury levels were markedly elevated. Serum anti-VGKC antibodies were present. She was treated with glucocorticoids and oral DMSA with a favorable clinical response. CONCLUSIONS The clinical manifestations of mercury toxicity are highly variable depending on the source, form, and route of mercury exposure and are related to its toxicokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Srija Inturi
- Senior Resident, Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Vellore
| | - Swathi Padankatti
- Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Department of Pediatrics, Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai
| | - Anand Alwan
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis
| | | | - Arun Jose Nellickal
- Lecturer, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Christian Medical College, Vellore
| | - Anand Zachariah
- Professor, Clinical Toxicology Unit & Poisons Information Center, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Professor, Clinical Toxicology Unit & Poisons Information Center, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India; Corresponding Author
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Internal Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
| | | | - Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, 76500, Nepal
| | - Isabela Ribeiro
- Dynamic Portfolio, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 6, Geneva, CH 1211, Switzerland
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Potet J, Beran D, Ray N, Alcoba G, Habib AG, Iliyasu G, Waldmann B, Ralph R, Faiz MA, Monteiro WM, de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett J, di Fabio JL, Cortés MDLÁ, Brown NI, Williams DJ. Access to antivenoms in the developing world: A multidisciplinary analysis. Toxicon X 2021; 12:100086. [PMID: 34786555 PMCID: PMC8578041 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to safe, effective, quality-assured antivenom products that are tailored to endemic venomous snake species is a crucial component of recent coordinated efforts to reduce the global burden of snakebite envenoming. Multiple access barriers may affect the journey of antivenoms from manufacturers to the bedsides of patients. Our review describes the antivenom ecosystem at different levels and identifies solutions to overcome these challenges. At the global level, there is insufficient manufacturing output to meet clinical needs, notably for antivenoms intended for use in regions with a scarcity of producers. At national level, variable funding and deficient regulation of certain antivenom markets can lead to the procurement of substandard antivenom. This is particularly true when producers fail to seek registration of their products in the countries where they should be used, or where weak assessment frameworks allow registration without local clinical evaluation. Out-of-pocket expenses by snakebite victims are often the main source of financing antivenoms, which results in the underuse or under-dosing of antivenoms, and a preference for low-cost products regardless of efficacy. In resource-constrained rural areas, where the majority of victims are bitten, supply of antivenom in peripheral health facilities is often unreliable. Misconceptions about treatment of snakebite envenoming are common, further reducing demand for antivenom and exacerbating delays in reaching facilities equipped for antivenom use. Multifaceted interventions are needed to improve antivenom access in resource-limited settings. Particular attention should be paid to the comprehensive list of actions proposed within the WHO Strategy for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Potet
- Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Beran
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ray
- GeoHealth Group, Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Alcoba
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Medical Department, Operational Center Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdulrazaq Garba Habib
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Garba Iliyasu
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | | | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Internal Medicine & Poisons Information Center, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Department of Research, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Universidade Do Estado Do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas I. Brown
- Global Snakebite Initiative, 19 Haig Street, Ashgrove, Qld, 4060, Australia
- University of Queensland, Australia
| | - David J. Williams
- Global Snakebite Initiative, 19 Haig Street, Ashgrove, Qld, 4060, Australia
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Veeraraghavan B, Bakthavatchalam YD, Manokaran Y, Babu P, Lal B, Murugesan M, OC A, Ralph R. Activity of WCK 5222 (cefepime/zidebactam, FEP/ZID) against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia collected from a large Indian tertiary-care hospital during 2018–2020. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106421.7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ninan K F, Iyadurai R, Varghese JK, Geevar T, Nair SC, Yadav B, Carey RAB, Sadiq J M, Koshy M, Ralph R, Peter JV. Thromboelastograph:A prognostic marker in sepsis with organ dysfunction without overt bleeding. J Crit Care 2021; 65:177-183. [PMID: 34171693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coagulation abnormalities are not infrequent in sepsis. It is unclear if abnormalities in thromboelastogram (TEG) are associated with mortality in patients with severe sepsis without overt bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective study, patients were categorised as those with normal coagulation, hypercoagulable or hypercoagulable state based on admission TEG parameters (R time, K time, Maximum amplitude (MA), α angle). Their association with mortality was explored using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. RESULTS The study cohort (n = 87; 49 male) with median (IQR) age 51 (42-60) years and admission SOFA score 8 (6-11) included scrub typhus (24.1%), pneumonia (22.6%) and urosepsis (10.3%). Non-invasive and invasive ventilation and vasopressors were required in 28.1%, 68.9% and 74%, respectively. Mortality was 24.1%. Based on R time, K time and α angle, 3.5% to 9.3% had a hypercoagulable state and 26.7 to 29.9% were hypocoagulable. Prolonged R time (p = 0.04) and reduced alpha angle (p = 0.01) in patients with hypocoagulable state was associated with mortality. K time, α angle and MA were significantly different in patients requiring transfusion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A subset of patients with severe sepsis without overt bleeding are hypocoagulable. Hypocoagulability is associated with mortality and need for transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fibi Ninan K
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India.
| | - Ramya Iyadurai
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India
| | | | - Tulasi Geevar
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, CMC, Vellore, India
| | - Sukesh C Nair
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, CMC, Vellore, India
| | - Bijesh Yadav
- Department of Biostatistics, CMC, Vellore, India
| | | | - Mohammad Sadiq J
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India
| | - Maria Koshy
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India
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Karthik G, Iyadurai R, Ralph R, Prakash V, Abhilash KPP, Sathyendra S, Abraham OC, Truman C, Reginald A. Acute oleander poisoning: A study of clinical profile from a tertiary care center in South India. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:136-140. [PMID: 32110579 PMCID: PMC7014840 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_632_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), which belongs to the Apocyanaceae family, is a common shrub seen throughout the tropics. All parts of the plant contain high concentrations of cardiac glycosides which are toxic to cardiac muscle and the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe the clinical profile of patients with oleander poisoning and their outcomes. Methods and Materials: This retrospective study was conducted over a period of 12 months (March 2016 to February 2017). The data was extracted from the inpatient electronic medical records. Adult patients with a diagnosis of acute yellow oleander poisoning were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all variables in the study and appropriate statistical tests were employed to ascertain their significance. Results: The study comprised 30 patients aged 30.77 ± 12.31 (mean ± SD) who presented at 12.29 ± 8.48 hours after consumption of yellow oleander. Vomiting (80%) was the most common presenting symptom. Metabolic abnormalities at presentation included hyperchloremia in 22 patients and metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate <24 mmol/L) in 29 patients. Fifteen (50%) patients had abnormal ECG, of which second-degree AV block was the commonest ECG abnormality seen in 4 (13.3%). Fifteen (50%) patients had transvenous temporary pacemaker insertion (TPI). Having a TPI significantly prolonged the duration of hospital stay (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.06–3.21, P 0.03). The mortality in the cohort was 2 (6.7%). Conclusion: In patients with yellow oleander poisoning, dyselectrolytemia with ECG abnormalities was common. TPI prolonged the duration of hospital stay. Further studies are required to know the indication for and to ascertain the effect of temporary pacing on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Karthik
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramya Iyadurai
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijay Prakash
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sowmya Sathyendra
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - O C Abraham
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Catherine Truman
- Department of Pharmacy, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alex Reginald
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Koshy M, Jagannati M, Ralph R, Victor P, David T, Sathyendra S, Veeraraghavan B, Varghese GM. Clinical Manifestations, Antimicrobial Drug Susceptibility Patterns, and Outcomes in Melioidosis Cases, India. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:316-320. [PMID: 30666953 PMCID: PMC6346473 DOI: 10.3201/eid2502.170745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the clinical manifestations and outcomes of 114 patients with culture-confirmed melioidosis treated at a tertiary hospital in southern India. Diabetes mellitus is the main risk factor, and chronic melioidosis mimicking tuberculosis was more common than acute disease. Septicemia and respiratory involvement were associated with poor outcomes.
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Bakthavatchalam YD, Ralph R, Veeraraghavan B, Babu P, Munusamy E. Evidence from an In Vitro Study: Is Oxacillin Plus Vancomycin a Better Choice for Heteroresistant Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus? Infect Dis Ther 2019; 8:51-62. [PMID: 30460607 PMCID: PMC6374240 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-018-0224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) bacteremia may result in clinical failure of vancomycin therapy, together with prolonged infection and hospitalization. This clinical problem has resulted in a search for more effective treatment options. The current study was designed to further investigate the synergistic effect of oxacillin plus vancomycin against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and hVISA using checkerboard and time-kill assays. METHODS Non-duplicate S. aureus isolates including hVISA (n = 29), MRSA (n = 10) and methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA, n = 11) were used for combinational testing using checkerboard and time-kill assays. RESULTS Twenty-one isolates, 15 hVISA and 6 MRSA, showed synergy between oxacillin and vancomycin by checkerboard assay with fractional inhibitory concentration indices of ≤ 0.5. The addition of oxacillin to vancomycin resulted in a reduction in baseline vancomycin MIC from 1-2 to 0.06-0.5 µg/ml against MRSA and hVISA isolates. In the time-kill assay, the combination of oxacillin and vancomycin resulted in synergistic activity against hVISA (n = 23) and MRSA (n = 7) isolates. Regrowth was observed in six hVISA isolates exposed to combination in the time-kill assay, but none of them reached the original inoculum density at 24 h. All re-growth isolates showed a onefold increase in vancomycin MIC (from 1 to 2 µg/ml) and were re-confirmed as hVISA using the population-analysis profile experiment. Overall, for hVISA and MRSA, the combination of oxacillin plus vancomycin had greater antibacterial effect than each individual drug alone. CONCLUSION The present study showed the potential activity of vancomycin plus oxacillin combination against hVISA and MRSA isolates. Further, continued evaluation of this combination is warranted and may have therapeutic benefits in treating complicated MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine (Unit II), Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balaji Veeraraghavan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Priyanka Babu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Elakkiya Munusamy
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Internal Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Isabela Ribeiro
- Dynamic Portfolio, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Kuch
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
- Center for Nutrition Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Biswaroop Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology, IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Koshy M, Mathew J, Alex R, Jude JA, Ralph R, Sudarsanam TD, Sathyendra S, Visalakshi J, Peter JV. Antinuclear antibodies in scrub typhus: Transient occurrence during acute illness. J Vector Borne Dis 2018; 55:52-57. [PMID: 29916449 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.234627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives The pathological hallmark of scrub typhus infection is focal or disseminated vasculitis. As with other infections, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) have been previously described in scrub typhus. However, the underlying mechanisms and implications of this immunological phenomenon is not well understood. In the present work it was assessed whether ANA is associated with illness severity and outcomes. Methods In this prospective study spanning one year, patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for scrub typhus were recruited. Patients with other acute infective febrile illnesses were taken as controls. ANA positivity was compared between the cases and controls. ANA in scrub typhus was assessed for correlation with disease severity, organ dysfunction and outcomes. Results The cohort comprised of 149 patients (scrub 89; controls 60) with mean age 46.5 (SD=16.9) yr; 48.3% were female. ANA was detected in 48 (53.9%) patients with scrub typhus and 9(15%) controls (p < 0.001). The ANA pattern was predominantly speckled (93.8%) in both scrub typhus patients and controls. In patients with scrub typhus, ANA positivity was associated with increasing APACHE-III score [Odds ratio (OR) 1.01; 95% CI 0.99-1.03; p = 0.09]. On bivariate analysis, ANA tended to be correlated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR 2.32; 95% CI 0.98-5.46; p = 0.06), hepatic dysfunction (OR 2.25; 95% CI 0.94-5.39, p = 0.06) and aseptic meningitis (OR 6.83; 95% CI 0.80-58.05, p = 0.08). The presence of these antibodies did not correlate with duration of hospitalization or mortality. Convalescent sera on 31 ANA positive scrub typhus patients demonstrated persistence of ANA in only 5 (16.1%) patients. Interpretation & conclusion The disappearance of ANA during the convalescent phase suggests that ANA is expressed during the acute phase of scrub typhus infection. Its association with organ dysfunction warrants further study of the mechanisms and impact of autoantibody formation in scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Koshy
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | - John Mathew
- Department of Rheumatology, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | - Reginald Alex
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | - John Antony Jude
- Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | | | | | - J Visalakshi
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
| | - John Victor Peter
- Department of Critical Care, Christian Medical College & Vellore, India
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Jayaraman R, Varghese R, Kumar JL, Neeravi A, Shanmugasundaram D, Ralph R, Thomas K, Veeraraghavan B. Invasive pneumococcal disease in Indian adults: 11 years' experience. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2018; 52:736-742. [PMID: 29884448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), prevalent serotypes, and pattern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Indian adults. METHODS Prospective laboratory based surveillance of IPD was carried out in >18 years age group between January 2007 and July 2017, from a tertiary care hospital in South India. All Streptococcus pneumoniae culture positives from blood, CSF and sterile body fluids were characterized to identify the serotypes and AMR. RESULTS A total of 408 IPD cases were characterized in this study. The overall case fatality rate in this study was 17.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.1, 22.4). Pneumonia (39%), meningitis (24.3%), and septicaemia (18.4%) were the most common clinical conditions associated with IPD. Serotypes 1, 3, 5, 19F, 8, 14, 23F, 4, 19A and 6B were the predominant serotypes in this study. Penicillin non-susceptibility was low with 6.4% CONCLUSION: Serotype data from this study helped in accurate estimation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-13 and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine-23 protective coverage against serotypes causing IPD in India as 58.7% (95% CI: 53.8, 63.4) and 67.4% (95% CI: 62.7, 71.8) respectively. Penicillin non-susceptibility in meningeal IPD cases is 27.4%. Empirical therapy for meningeal IPD must be cephalosporin in combination with vancomycin since cefotaxime non-susceptibility in meningeal IPD is 9.9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjith Jayaraman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Rosemol Varghese
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Jones Lionel Kumar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Ayyanraj Neeravi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Devika Shanmugasundaram
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (ICMR), Bhopal 462001, India.
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Kurien Thomas
- Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
| | - Balaji Veeraraghavan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore 632004, India.
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Bakthavatchalam YD, Nabarro LEB, Ralph R, Veeraraghavan B. Diagnosis and management of Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin associated Staphylococcus aureus infection: an update. Virulence 2017:0. [PMID: 28783418 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1362532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infection has increased in the past decade and is associated with poor outcomes and high mortality rates. Of all the virulence factors, Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) has received the greatest attention. PVL producing SA strains are more likely to produce severe skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and necrotizing pneumonia. This review focuses on the current evidence on PVL-SA virulence, epidemiology, clinical disease and treatment with relevance to healthcare in India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura E B Nabarro
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore - 632004 , India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- b Department of Medicine (unit II) , Christian Medical College , Vellore - 632004 , India
| | - Balaji Veeraraghavan
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore - 632004 , India
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Veeraraghavan B, Shankar C, Karunasree S, Kumari S, Ravi R, Ralph R. Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from bloodstream infection: Indian experience. Pathog Glob Health 2017; 111:240-246. [PMID: 28670975 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2017.1340128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased incidence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram negative infection has resulted in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the commonest MDR pathogens causing bacteraemia with limited therapeutic options such as colistin and tigecycline. Present study focused on molecular characterisation of MDR K. pneumoniae from bloodstream infection and their clinical outcome. A total of 115 K. pneumoniae from January 2015 to September 2016 were included in the study which comprised of phenotypically identified ESBL and carbapenem resistant (CR) isolates. Multiplex PCR was performed for detection of resistance genes encoding β-lactam resistance. This includes blaSHV, blaTEM, blaVEB, blaPER, blaCTX-M, blaDHA, blaCIT, blaFOX, blaACC, blaACT, blaNDM, blaOXA48-like, blaVIM and blaKPC. Co-expression of blaSHV, blaTEM and blaCTX-M was predominant with 64% (74/115) prevalence. CTX-M-1 was the variant produced by all the isolates producing CTX-M. AmpC was uncommon, seen in 5% of the isolates (6/115). Among the carbapenemases co-expression of blaNDM and blaOXA48-like was observed in 28% (32/115) and blaNDM in 19% (22/115) and blaOXA48-like in 13% (15/115). blaKPC was absent. Overall mortality was observed to be 57% (64/113) and mortality among CR K. pneumoniae (Kp) was 68% (50/73). The antibiotics that were administered for treatment of CRKp were colistin in 90% (66/73) and tigecycline in 7% (5/73) and in 99% combined with meropenem (72/73). Prevalence of community acquired and nosocomial infections were 5% (4/73) and 95% (69/73) respectively among CRKp. Minocycline and meropenem susceptibilities were comparable and hence minocycline can be a carbapenem sparing agent. The resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is steadily increasing and are plasmid mediated, their containment in healthcare setting is a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Veeraraghavan
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Chaitra Shankar
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Susmitha Karunasree
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Shantha Kumari
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Raji Ravi
- a Department of Clinical Microbiology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- b Department of Medicine , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
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Ralph R, Gupta RD, Chacko AG, Chacko G, Thomas N. Growth Hormone–Secreting Pituitary Carcinoma Presenting With Isolated Leptomeningeal Involvement: A Challenging Diagnosis. AACE Clin Case Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.4158/ep15987.cr] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited information on extrapyramidal symptoms in acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning. We describe the course and outcome of severely poisoned patients who develop extrapyramidal manifestations. METHODS In this prospective observational study, spanning 8 months (Apr-Nov 2013) adult patients (>18 years) admitted with OP poisoning were enrolled. Patients on anti-psychotic therapy, those refusing consent or presenting with co-ingestions were excluded. Treatment included atropine and supportive care (e.g. ventilation and inotropes as indicated); oximes were not administered. The presence of rigidity, tremors, dystonia and chorea were assessed daily till discharge using modifications of the Unified Parkinson's Disease rating scale and the Tremor rating scale. The presence of extrapyramidal manifestations was correlated with length of ventilation and hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS Of the 77 patients admitted with OP poisoning, 32 were enrolled; 17 (53.1%) developed extrapyramidal manifestations which included rigidity (94.1%), tremors (58.8%) and dystonia (58.8%). None developed chorea. The median (inter-quartile range) time of symptom onset was 8 (5-11) days; extrapyramidal features resolved in 11 (6-17) days. The median duration of intensive care stay in patients not developing extrapyramidal symptoms was 6 (2-8) days, indicating that most of these patients had recovered even before symptom onset in patients who developed extrapyramidal manifestations. Overall, 27/32 (84%) were ventilated. Hospital mortality was 6.25% (2/32). When compared with patients not developing extrapyramidal signs, those with extrapyramidal manifestations had significantly prolonged ventilation (5 versus 16 median days; p = 0.001) and hospitalization (8 versus 21 days; p < 0.001), reduced ventilator-free days (23 versus 12 days; p = 0.023) and increased infections (p = 0.03). The need for ventilation and mortality were not significantly different (p > 0.6). Extrapyramidal symptoms were not observed in non-OP poisoned patients with prolonged ICU stay. CONCLUSION In this small series of acute OP poisoning, extrapyramidal manifestations were common after 1 week of intensive care but self-limiting. They are significantly associated with longer duration of ventilation and hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent K Reji
- a Department of Neurology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Vivek Mathew
- a Department of Neurology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Anand Zachariah
- b Department of Medicine , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Anil Kumar B Patil
- a Department of Neurology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
| | | | - Ravikar Ralph
- b Department of Medicine , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - John Victor Peter
- c Medical Intensive Care Unit , Christian Medical College , Vellore , Tamil Nadu , India
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Ralph R, Peter JV, Chrispal A, Zachariah A, Dian J, Sebastian T, Venkatesh B, Thomas K. Supraphysiological 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level at admission is associated with illness severity and mortality in critically ill patients. J Bone Miner Metab 2015; 33:239-43. [PMID: 24752822 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-014-0585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We studied the association between admission serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 level and in-hospital mortality in a prospective cohort of critically ill patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care referral center. Of the 180 patients enrolled, 129 were included. Vitamin D3 deficiency was observed in 37% (n = 48) and supra-physiological levels (≥250 nmol/L) in 15.5% (n = 20). Patients with supraphysiological vitamin D3 levels were grouped as outliers. There was no difference in mortality (p = 0.41) between vitamin D3 deficient (21/48) and non-deficient (36/81) patients in analysis with and without outliers. Patients with vitamin D3 ≥250 nmol/L had a significantly higher (p = 0.02) Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II and mortality (p = 0.003) [mean (SD) 60.1 ± 17.1 and 75% (15/20), respectively] when compared with the rest [45.6 ± 18 and 38.5% (42/109), respectively]. The sensitivity, specificity and SAPS II independent odds ratio to predict mortality in patients with supraphysiological vitamin D3 levels were 26.3, 93.1 and 3.7% (95% confidence interval 1.2-11.4; p = 0.03), respectively. In conclusion, vitamin D3 deficiency in our cohort was not associated with mortality. A patient subset with supra-physiological vitamin D levels had higher illness severity scores and mortality. Extrinsic factors interfering with test results were ruled out. A biological hypothesis to explain this observation is proposed. Further clarification of mechanisms leading to this observation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Vellore, India,
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21
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Ralph R, Chrispa A. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome of the upper limb--a rare congenital anomaly. J Assoc Physicians India 2013; 61:337. [PMID: 24482948] [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: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine - Unit II, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
| | - Anugrah Chrispa
- Department of Medicine - Unit II, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
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Ridgely MS, Lambert D, Goodman A, Chichester CS, Ralph R. Interagency collaboration in services for people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. Psychiatr Serv 1998; 49:236-8. [PMID: 9575013 DOI: 10.1176/ps.49.2.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Historically the divisions between the mental health and substance abuse fields have been so deep that attempts to provide coordinated treatment across service sectors for people with dual diagnoses of psychiatric disorder and substance use disorder have failed. The authors describe a program in Maine designed to develop collaboratives, or communities of providers, who work together to offer coordinated mental health and substance abuse treatment and support. Surveys of provider agencies in one collaborative conducted one year and two years after the collaborative was established showed an increase in interagency referrals, joint assessments of clients, and jointly sponsored training and client services.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Ridgely
- Florida Mental Health Institute of the University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, USA
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Abstract
Many chemicals including nicotine, capsaicin and piperine (pungent chemicals in red and black peppers, respectively) evoke oral pain and irritation via largely unknown neural mechanisms. As a first step in defining the central pathway for oral chemical irritation, we have used an immunohistochemical method to map locations of brainstem neurons expressing the nuclear protein, c-Fos (a putative nociceptive marker), following application of various irritants to the tongue. In barbiturate-anesthetized rats, one of the following was applied to the dorsal surface of the tongue: nicotine (0.5%), capsaicin (0.1%), histamine (2 or 20%), piperine (0.2%), acetylcholine (10%) or vehicle control (0.9% saline, dH2O, 70% ethanol). After 2 h the rat was perfused with fixative and the brainstem removed, sectioned, and processed immunohistochemically. Following application of each irritant, fos-immunoreactive nuclei were consistently observed in the superficial dorsal horn of dorsomedial trigeminal nucleus caudalis (-3 to +0.5 mm relative to obex), interstitial (paratrigeminal) nucleus, and area postrema. Approximately equal numbers were observed bilaterally even with unilateral application to the tongue. Fos-immunoreactive nuclei were observed in dorsomedial trigeminal caudalis bilaterally when a restricted area on the tip of the tongue was stimulated with capsaicin, but were located predominantly ipsilaterally following stimulation of the lateral tongue. Few or no Fos-immunoreactive nuclei were seen in these areas in control rats. Numbers of Fos-immunoreactive nuclei were significantly increased following nicotine and capsaicin in ventrolateral trigeminal nucleus caudalis and nucleus of the solitary tract. Fos-immunoreactivity was also seen consistently in the ventrolateral medulla dorsal to the lateral reticular nucleus, and vestibular and cochlear nuclei, and less consistently in nucleus raphe pallidus and inferior olive, in both irritant and in control groups, indicating that it was not stimulus-evoked. These results have identified a population of neurons in the dorsomedial trigeminal nucleus caudalis likely to be involved in signaling chemical irritation of the tongue. Increases in Fos-immunoreactivity observed in the nucleus of the solitary tract, area postrema, and ventrolateral trigeminal caudalis also suggest roles for these areas in autonomic responses consequent to oral irritation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carstens
- Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California at Davis 95616, USA
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Bhogal A, Young SD, Ralph R, Bradley S, Craigon J. Modelling the residual effects of phosphate fertilizer in the Ropsley (UK) field trial 1978?1990. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00750690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Butcher RD, Wojcik SJ, Lints T, Wilson T, Schofield PC, Ralph R. Arachidonic acid, a growth signal in murine P815 mastocytoma cells. Cancer Res 1993; 53:3405-10. [PMID: 8391926] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence is presented that inducing P815 murine mastocytoma cells to grow with serum activates a Ca(2+)-stimulated phospholipase A2 and the rapid release of arachidonic acid by the cells. Slower growth was also maintained by arachidonic acid or its immediate precursors or by diacylglycerols when bovine serum albumin replaced the serum. Together, arachidonic acid and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol stimulated growth at the same rate as 10% serum consistent with a role for both arachidonic acid and protein kinase C in the response to serum. Arresting cell growth with N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate and theophylline inhibited the release of arachidonic acid in response to serum, suggesting that cyclic AMP prevents phospholipase activation as one of its pleiotypic effects on growth. Attempts to demonstrate metabolism of [3H]arachidonic acid to eicosanoids in serum-treated P815 cells by high-performance liquid chromatography or thin layer chromatography were unsuccessful, with the major products being phospholipids and triacylglycerol. Incubating digitonin-permeabilized P815 cells with [gamma-32P]ATP and arachidonic acid rapidly increased the phosphorylation of some proteins in the cells, especially the M(r) 135,000 and M(r) 44,000 proteins which were considerably more phosphorylated than the rest. Phosphorylation of these proteins was not prevented by several inhibitors of protein kinase C, nor was it increased by diacylglycerols or phorbol ester, suggesting that arachidonic acid activates a growth-related protein kinase other than protein kinase C in P815 cells. The possibility that some polyunsaturated fatty acids may promote tumor cell growth by stimulating protein phosphorylation is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Butcher
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag, New Zealand
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Abstract
A number of 1'-substituted 9-anilinoacridines were evaluated for their activities against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania major and for their toxicities to human Jurkat leukemia cells. Several compounds possessing 1'-NH-alkyl substituents produced more than 80% growth inhibition of macrophage-infected L. major amastigotes at or below a concentration of 1 microM. 1'-Hexylamino-9-anilinoacridine (compound 14) was the least toxic compound to human Jurkat cells, while it retained strong antileishmanial activity. There was a general trend for the more lipophilic compounds to show the greatest antileishmanial activity, whereas 3,6-di-NH2 substitution of the acridine nucleus reduced or eliminated activity. Some structure-activity relationships of the various compounds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mauël
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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Chavalitshewinkoon P, Wilairat P, Gamage S, Denny W, Figgitt D, Ralph R. Structure-activity relationships and modes of action of 9-anilinoacridines against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1993; 37:403-6. [PMID: 8384810 PMCID: PMC187684 DOI: 10.1128/aac.37.3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro investigation of the structure-activity profiles for a range of 9-anilinoacridines on drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is reported. C-3, 6-diamino substitution, low lipophilicity, and high pKa values substantially increased the activities of the 9-anilinoacridines tested. There appeared to be no correlation between DNA binding and antimalarial activity. 3,6-Diamino-1'-amino-9-anilinoacridine (compound 13) was the most active compound tested; it had a 50% inhibitory concentration of 25 nM. In vitro mammalian cell growth assays showed compound 13 to be one of the least cytotoxic 9-anilinoacridines (50% inhibitory concentration, 15 microM). Both compound 13 and the antimalarial drug pyronaridine inhibited the decatenation activity of P. falciparum DNA topoisomerase II at concentrations of 10 and 11 microM, respectively.
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Figgitt D, Denny W, Chavalitshewinkoon P, Wilairat P, Ralph R. In vitro study of anticancer acridines as potential antitrypanosomal and antimalarial agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1992; 36:1644-7. [PMID: 1416846 PMCID: PMC192024 DOI: 10.1128/aac.36.8.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The requirement for rational drug design in the search for new agents that are active against parasitic protozoa prompted our in vitro studies with a group of 9-anilinoacridines. In vitro growth assays with Trypanosoma lewisi identified a series of C-1' alkylaminoacridines which possess previously unreported potent growth-inhibitory activities against T. lewisi at a concentration range of 0.1 to 1 microM. In contrast, several 9-anilinoacridines that possess acridine ring NH2 substituents at C-3 and C-6 were inactive against T. lewisi, but they possessed strong activity against Plasmodium falciparum at a concentration range of 0.1 to 2.8 microM. In mammalian cells, amsacrine [4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide] inhibits DNA topoisomerase II; however, amsacrine was only weakly active against T. lewisi. Such differences in the patterns of susceptibility of mammalian cells, T. lewisi, and P. falciparum to these 9-anilinoacridines may reflect enzyme differences between different parasites and mammalian cells that can be exploited by further improvements in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Figgitt
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Dragunow M, Goulding M, Faull RL, Ralph R, Mee E, Frith R. Induction of c-fos mRNA and protein in neurons and glia after traumatic brain injury: pharmacological characterization. Exp Neurol 1990; 107:236-48. [PMID: 2106445 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4886(90)90141-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Focal brain injury in mice induced c-fos mRNA and protein in neurons throughout the damaged neocortex, including the piriform and the entorhinal cortices, as well as in nonneural brain cells (e.g., glia, pia, ependyma). The pattern of c-fos induction after injury suggested that injury led to spreading depression which then led to c-fos induction in neurons. Human neurons in the temporal cortex and hippocampus also showed c-fos protein induction after neurosurgical trauma. The c-fos mRNA and protein induction in mouse neurons was prevented by the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist ketamine but only partially inhibited by the voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonist nifedipine and the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine. The c-fos protein induction in nonneural brain cells after injury was not affected by these drugs. Thus, induction of c-fos in neocortical neurons after focal brain injury is partly NMDA receptor mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dragunow
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Abstract
The abilities of 18 synthetic peptides to target a carrier protein to the nucleus following microinjection into the cytoplasm of HeLa cells were determined. Eight of the sequences chosen for synthesis were based on published nuclear targeting regions as determined by gene fusion and deletion experiments. Six of these sequences were found to be effective when mimicked by a synthetic peptide and conjugated to a carrier protein. One additional peptide was based on a region of lamin L1, a nuclear protein from Xenopus laevis, in which the nuclear targeting region had not been previously investigated. This peptide was also able to target a carrier protein to the nucleus. Eight other peptides which resemble the known targeting signals had little or no nuclear targeting ability. Peptides which were able to target a carrier protein to the nucleus did so within 45 min of injection into the cytoplasm. Two peptides with little or no apparent nuclear targeting ability after 45 min were examined for longer times as well. No increase in nuclear accumulation was observed between 45 min and 4 h after cytoplasmic injection. Comparison of the sequences which were effective at nuclear targeting with those that were not revealed a possible consensus sequence for peptide-mediated nuclear transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chelsky
- Central Research and Development Department, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Wilmington, Delaware 19880-0328
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Abstract
The properties of type I and type II protein kinases in PY815 mouse mastocytoma cells were shown to change following growth inhibition by prostaglandin E1 and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. These changes included a large reduction in type I protein kinase consistent with a role for this isoenzyme as a positive effector of growth, a decrease in free cyclic AMP binding protein and an increase in type II protein kinase. Some properties of the fully activated isoenzymes are presented that may be important in determining their activity in vivo.
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Evans J, Smart J, Airey P, Ralph R. Changes in cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases during inhibition of mastocytoma cell growth by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Mol Cell Biochem 1982; 43:183-90. [PMID: 6283335 DOI: 10.1007/bf00223009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of growth of PY815 mouse mastocytoma cells in vitro by N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (DB cyclic AMP) was accompanied by increases in intracellular cyclic AMP and histamine and minor changes in cytosolic cyclic AMP-dependent histone kinase activity. However, DEAE-cellulose chromatography revealed substantial changes in the relative proportions of the principal cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases and in free cyclic AMP-binding protein after DB cyclic AMP treatment. The activity of cytosolic cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type I (PKI) decreased relative to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type II (PKII) and there was an increase in a cytosol cyclic AMP-binding protein with little associated protein kinase activity. The relative changes in activity of PKI, PKII and cyclic AMP binding protein after DB cyclic AMP treatment may reflect events important in the regulation of growth and differentiation of mast cells.
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Mertelsmann R, Koziner B, Ralph R, Filippa D, McKenzie S, Arlin ZA, Gee TS, Moore MA, Clarkson BD. Evidence for distinct lymphocytic and monocytic populations in a patient with terminal transferase--positive acute leukemia. Blood 1978; 51:1051-6. [PMID: 274159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct cell populations with lymphoblastic and monocytic characteristics were separated and characterized by multiple cell markers in a patient with terminal transferase-positive acute acute leukemia. The clinical course and sequential cell marker studies were consistent with the interpretation of a defect at the level of a common stem cell giving rise to a terminal transferase--positive lymphoblastic cell population at diagnosis and, following initial therapy, a terminal transferase--negative monocytic population.
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