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Biomedical subjects

A Joshi

Publications and source records attributed to A Joshi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Mortality trends in falciparum malaria--effect of gender difference and pregnancy.

Falciparum malaria in pregnancy is a significant health problem in India. Pregnant women constitute an important high risk group for malaria infection which may cause abortions, stillbirths, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and premature labour. In this hospital based study on 602 admitted patients of falciparum malaria which included 314 males, 243 non-pregnant females and 45 pregnant females, there was significantly increased mortality rate in females (18.4%) in comparison to males (7.64%, p < 0.001). The mortality rate was highly significant in pregnant females (37.77%) in comparison to non-pregnant females (14.81%) and males (7.64%; p < 0.001). Severe anaemia with Hb < 5 gm% was observed more commonly in pregnant patients (20.0%) in comparison to non-pregnant patients (4.11%). Incidence of malaria infection was more in primi gravida and second gravida. Pregnancy related complications in the form of preterm live births, intra-uterine death (IUD), still births and abortions were more in primi parous than multiparous patients. As the pregnancy is associated with increased incidence and adverse outcome of P.falciparum malaria infection, chemoprophylaxis should be made an integral part of antenatal care along with antianaemia therapy to reduce the risk of serious maternal and fetal complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The cost of sex revisited: effects of male gamete output of hermaphrodites that are asexual in their female capacity.

The genetic cost of sexual reproduction has been attributed to two causes in mathematical formulations: male function or genome dilution. We develop and analyse a genetic model that shows that both costs occur, depending upon the conditions. The model differs from previous formulations in that the level of output and fertilization success of male gametes produced by hermaphrodites that are asexual in their female function (henceforth "parthenogenetic hermaphrodites") are treated as variables, rather than constants fixed at 0 or 1, as has previously been the case. By expressing the cost of sex in terms of per capita egg loss of sexual individuals and parthenogenetic hermaphrodites, we partition the cost into components due to male function and genome dilution. Which component dominates the cost of sex depends upon the relative male gamete output of the parthenogenetic hermaphrodites. The cost of sex is observed to increase, or remain unchanged in some marginal cases, with increases in (i) frequency of parthenogenetic hermaphrodites, (ii) fertilization success of male gametes produced by parthenogenetic hermaphrodites and (iii) potential eggs lost by diverting resources to male gamete production. In certain situations, parthenogenetic hermaphrodites with an intermediate level of male gamete output have the greatest fitness advantage over sexual individuals. If heritable variation for levels of male gamete output exists among parthenogenetic hermaphrodites, this raises the possibility of the evolution of optimal levels of male gamete production by parthenogenetic hermaphrodites through natural selection, in situations of recurring invasion of asexual populations by propagules from sexual populations, a scenario that is increasingly being appreciated as potentially fairly likely to occur in nature.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Tumor growth modulation by sense and antisense vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression: effects on angiogenesis, vascular permeability, blood volume, blood flow, fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, and proliferation of human melanoma intracerebral xenografts.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor, has been investigated as a potent mediator of brain tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. We evaluated the effect of VEGF expression on the pathophysiology of tumor growth in the brain. Human SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells, with minimal VEGF expression, were stably transfected with either sense or antisense mouse VEGF cDNA and used to produce intracerebral xenografts. Vascular permeability, blood volume, blood flow, and tumor fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism were assessed using tissue sampling and quantitative autoradiography. Tumor proliferation was assessed by measuring bromodeoxyuridine labeling indices. Tumor vascular density and morphological status of the blood-brain barrier were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. SK-MEL-2 cells transfected with sense VEGF (V+) expressed large amounts of mouse and human VEGF protein; V+ cells formed well-vascularized, rapidly growing tumors with minimal tumor necrosis. V+ tumors had substantial and significant increases in blood volume, blood flow, vascular permeability, and fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism compared to wild-type and/or V- (antisense VEGF) tumors. VEGF antisense transfected V- expressed no detectable VEGF protein and formed minimally vascularized tumors. V- tumors had a very low initial growth rate with central necrosis; blood volume, blood flow, vascular permeability, and glucose metabolism levels were low compared to wild-type and V+ tumors. A substantial inhibition of intracerebral tumor growth, as well as a decrease in tumor vascularity, blood flow, and vascular permeability may be achieved by down-regulation of endogenous VEGF expression in tumor tissue. VEGF-targeted antiangiogenic gene therapy could be an effective component of a combined strategy to treat VEGF-producing brain tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Diagnostic challenge of lobular carcinoma on aspiration cytology.

Lobular carcinomas are among the most difficult to type correctly on aspiration cytology. The inherent cytologic traits such as small size and bland appearance of cells in scanty aspirates may lead to false-negative diagnoses. Due to the low incidence of this form of breast carcinoma, there are few studies solely on lobular carcinoma, and the cytomorphologic features are not well defined. To delineate the cytomorphologic features and to assess their utility in correctly typing an aspirate as lobular carcinoma, we undertook a retrospective review of fine-needle aspirates from 31 cases of lobular carcinoma. The cytologic features of monomorphic cells, with scant cytoplasm, central vesicular nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli were found most helpful in correct typing of the cases. Intracytoplasmic vacuoles, nuclear grooves, and "Indian-file" arrangement of cells were corroborating features. We postulate that a combination of cytologic features makes the diagnostic delineation of lobular carcinomas possible on aspiration cytology.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1998

Significance of fractional excretion of sodium and endothelin levels in the early diagnosis of renal failure in septic neonatal piglets.

PURPOSE: This experiment was designed to help understand the cascade of events that end in renal impairment in septic animals. METHODS: Twenty 3- to 8-day-old piglets were anesthetized and the femoral artery, jugular and femoral veins, and bladder were catheterized. After stabilization under anesthesia with ventilatory support, they were divided into a control group and three groups that received endotoxin (ETX) in doses of 0.01 mg/kg, 0.025 mg/kg, and 0.05 mg/kg. Blood pressure and blood gases were monitored continuously. Blood and urine samples were obtained before (B), 1 hour (E1), and 3 hours (E3) after the bolus of ETX to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. RESULTS: Incremental doses of ETX induce greater release of ET-1 with an early proportionate increase in FENa (P< .05) and late decrease in GFR (P< .05). TNF release is dose and time dependent after ETX injection (P < .05). CONCLUSION: ET-1 and FENa are the best tests to evaluate renal failure during early sepsis in neonatal piglets.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1998

Naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal induced place aversions: effect of naloxone at 24 hours postmorphine.

The aversive properties of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal from acutely administered morphine were assessed using the place-conditioning paradigm. The conditioned place aversion produced by naloxone (0.5-1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) after two conditioning trials was enhanced by pretreatment with morphine (20 mg/kg, s.c.) 24 h prior to the conditioning trial. Naloxone precipitated withdrawal from acutely administered morphine produces an aversive motivational state that becomes associated with place cues.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Prognosis of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty.

One hundred sixty-one dislocations after cemented total hip arthroplasty, with a mean follow-up period of 8 years after dislocation, were reviewed with the aim of establishing the prognosis. There were 84% single and 16% recurrent dislocations. Closed reduction was successful in 81% of cases. Thirty-seven percent of dislocations were early (within 5 weeks), 36% occurred in patients who had had previous surgery, and in 47% there was nonunion of the trochanter. There was a two-way interaction between these factors, and all factors were significant for recurrent dislocation. Twenty-six (16%) recurrent dislocations required surgery. The most common causes of recurrent dislocation demonstrated at operation were component malposition (58%) and failure of the abductor mechanism (42%). In total, 96% of cases were successfully treated.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Dopamine receptor antagonists fail to prevent induction of cocaine sensitization.

We investigated the ability of dopamine D1 and D2 class receptor antagonists to prevent the induction of behavioral sensitization to cocaine. The D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride failed to prevent the induction of cocaine sensitization. An intermediate dose of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 mg/kg) appeared to prevent the induction of cocaine sensitization when tested after 3 days of withdrawal, but sensitization was clearly evident after 10 days of withdrawal. High doses of SCH 23390 alone produced supersensitivity to the behavioral effects of cocaine and to the inhibitory effects of D1 receptor agonists on nucleus accumbens neurons. Co-administration of eticlopride and SCH 23390 also failed to prevent the induction of cocaine sensitization. SCH 23390, but not eticlopride, prevented the expression of cocaine sensitization. We conclude that dopamine receptors are either not involved in the induction of cocaine sensitization or that redundant mechanisms exist to produce the same neuroadaptations.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Testing a theoretical model for examining the relationship between family adjustment and expatriates' work adjustment.

Based on theoretical perspectives from the work/family literature, this study tested a model for examining expatriate families' adjustment while on global assignments as an antecedent to expatriates' adjustment to working in a host country. Data were collected from 110 families that had been relocated for global assignments. Longitudinal data, assessing family characteristics before the assignment and cross-cultural adjustment approximately 6 months into the assignment, were coded. This study found that family characteristics (family support, family communication, family adaptability) were related to expatriates' adjustment to working in the host country. As hypothesized, the families' cross-cultural adjustment mediated the effect of family characteristics on expatriates' host-country work adjustment.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

M150 modulates the costimulatory signals delivered by B cells to T cells and enhances their ability to help B cells.

There is a prerequirement of at least two sets of signals delivered by the antigen-presenting cell (APC) for the optimal activation of T helper (Th) cells. The first signal is provided by the engagement of T cell receptor with the antigen-MHC class II complex, followed by a second stimulus in the form of costimulatory signals. In the present study, we provide evidence that in a T-dependent antigen-driven system, the signals generated by hapten-specific B cells to stimulate Th cells for the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and IL-4 were differentially modified by M150, a 150-kDa molecule expressed on the surface of macrophages. When ovalbumin-specific Th cells were cultured in the presence of 2,4,6 trinitrophenol (TNP)-specific B cells, M150 significantly increased the proliferation of Th cells and the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma and decreased the production of IL-4. Further, Th cells stimulated with M150 acquired improved ability to help B cells, resulting in an increase in the number of antibody-secreting cells and in the production of TNP-specific IgG2a antibodies. M150 possibly promotes Th1-like cell activity, as evidenced by predominant secretion of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IgG2a but not IL-4 and IgG1.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Ophthalmoscopic abnormalities in adults with falciparum malaria.

We studied 424 adults with falciparum malaria admitted over 28 months. They were divided into three groups: cerebral malaria (n = 214); severe non-cerebral malaria (n = 58); and uncomplicated malaria (n = 152). Fundus examination was done daily from admission to discharge, and weekly thereafter in those with persistent changes. All patients were treated by a protocol based on WHO guidelines. Ophthalmoscopic abnormalities were: retinal haemorrhages, 40 (9.43%) (25 cerebral malaria, 10 severe non-cerebral and five uncomplicated malaria); papilloedema, 17 (7.94%) cerebral malaria and two uncomplicated malaria; blurring of disc margins, 25 (11.68%) cerebral and seven non-cerebral; retinal oedema, six (2.80%) cerebral and five non-cerebral malaria; disc pallor, five patients all with cerebral malaria; vitreous haemorrhage and hard exudate in one patient each, both cerebral malaria. Retinal haemorrhage was associated with cerebral malaria and severe non-cerebral malaria, especially with severe anaemia (p < 0.001), as compared to uncomplicated malaria (p < 0.01). The association of papilloedema and cerebral malaria was highly significant compared to severe non-cerebral malaria (p < 0.001). None of these findings was associated with statistically significant mortality, except disc pallor in cerebral malaria (p < 0.05).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Migration and wear of long-term successful Charnley total hip replacements.

We analysed in-vivo migration and wear over a long period of all-polyethylene acetabular cups which had not been affected by mechanical loosening. The selection criteria of regular radiological follow-up, good clinical outcome (Charnley score of 5 or 6), continued walking without crutches and no radiological signs of loosening of the acetabular cups were fulfilled by 25 Charnley total hip arthroplasties. Mean migration, measured by the Nunn method, was 0.6 mm in the medial and 0.2 mm in the cranial direction. The mean yearly rate of wear was 0.05 mm and 0.04 mm, with six and two cups having no detectable wear, as measured by the Livermore and Charnley-Cupic methods, respectively. The maximal detected wear was 3.7 mm. There were no changes in the rate of wear with time. Computerised Ein Bild Röntgen Analyse (single-image radiological analysis) measurements of 20 hips indicated plastic deformation of the cups. We conclude that long-term successful cups do not migrate and have a very low rate of wear which was not affected by ageing of the polyethylene. There was no evidence that polyethylene wear alone caused mechanical loosening of the cup but high rates of wear seem to have an adverse prognostic value in terms of the long-term survival of the prosthesis.

Acetabulum↗