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Biomedical subjects

A K Haque

Publications and source records attributed to A K Haque.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Management of dengue by the WHO guided national guidelines.

A total of 90 adult patients of Dengue admitted in Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka during the period from July 2002 to December 2002 were studied to see the presentation, spectrum of disease and outcome of management. Majority (52%) of cases was in the age group 21-30 years. Out of 90 patients 74 patients (82.22%) were male and 16 (17.78%) were female. Maximum number of cases (43%) was found in the month of August. Most of the cases (77%) were from Dhaka City. Classical type of Dengue fever was the commonest (80%) variety. Thrombocytopenia was found in 80% cases. Platelet count came down below 10000/cumm only in 1.1% of the patients. The patients were diagnosed mainly by clinical criteria. Serological tests were done only in selected cases. Majority (80%) of the patients was managed by sponging, paracetamol and Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS). Blood transfusion was required in 18% cases and platelet concentrate was given only in 1.1% cases. There was no mortality in this study.

Acetaminophen↗

Chrysotile asbestos fibers detected in the newborn pups following gavage feeding of pregnant mice.

Female pregnant mice were fed chrysotile asbestos suspension by gavage to determine whether there is transfer of fibers to the fetuses. Groups of mice were given 2 doses of either 50 microg chrysotile suspension in 0.2 ml sterile normal saline (treated), or 0.2 ml saline (control), and were allowed to mate 2 d later. After pregnancy was confirmed, the treated and control groups received 2 additional doses of chrysotile asbestos or saline on gestational d 7 and 12. Both groups were allowed to deliver naturally, and the pups were sacrificed at 8, 1, 19, or 20 d after birth. The lungs and liver of two pups from each mother were processed for fiber counts using electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA). All pups of the treated group had chrysotile fibers, while none were present in pups from controls. The mean fiber count of the lungs of treated group of pups was 780 fibers/g, and the mean fiber count of the liver was 214 fibers/g. Mean length of the fibers in the lung and liver was 18.48 microm and 18.30 microm, respectively. The fibers were thin, measuring 0.42 microm and 0.33 microm in the lung and liver, respectively. There was no significant difference in the weight gain between the treated and control group of pups. The postnatal fetal mortality of the 2 groups, 8.2% for the treated and 4.5% for the control group, were not statistically significant. To our knowledge, this is the first animal study to demonstrate that oral ingestion of chrysotile asbestos during pregnancy results in transfer of asbestos fibers to the fetuses.

Administration, Oral↗

Radon progeny dose conversion coefficients for Chinese males and females.

The airway dimensions for Caucasian males have been scaled by multiplying by factors 0.95 and 0.88 to give those for Chinese males and females, respectively. Employing the most recent data on physical and biological parameters, the radiation doses to the basal and secretory cells due to alpha particles from 218Po and 214Po, homogeneously distributed in the mucous layer, have been calculated. The emission of alpha particles has been simulated by a Monte Carlo method. For both basal and secretory cells, the dose conversion coefficients (DCCs) for physical conditions of sleep, rest, light and heavy exercise, have been obtained for Chinese males and females for unattached progeny, and for attached progeny of diameters 0.02, 0.15, 0.25, 0.30 and 0.50 micron. For basal cells, the coefficients lie in the range 0.69-6.82 mGy/(Js/m3) or 8.7-86 mGy/WLM for unattached progeny and in the range 0.045-1.98 mGy/(Js/m3) or 0.57-25 mGy/WLM for attached progeny. The corresponding ranges for Caucasian males are 1.27-8.81 mGy/(Js/m3) or 16-111 mGy/WLM-1 and 0.05-2.30 mGy/(Js/m3) or 0.64-29 mGy/WLM. For secretory cells, the coefficients lie in the range 0.095-16.82 mGy/(Js/m3) (1.2-212 mGy/WLM) for unattached progeny and in the range 0.095-6.67 mGy/(Js/m3) (1.2-84 mGy/WLM) for attached progeny. The corresponding ranges for Caucasian males are 0.34-21.51 mGy/(Js/m3) (4.3-271 mGy/WLM) and 0.1-7.78 mGy/(Js/m3) (1.3-98 mGy/WLM). The overall DCCs calculated for a typical home environment are 0.59 and 0.52 mSv/(Js/m3) (7.4 and 6.5 mSv/WLM) for Chinese males and females, respectively, which are 80 and 70% of the value, 0.73 mSv/(Js/m3) (9.2 mSv/WLM), for Caucasian males.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Bactericidal activity of alveolar macrophages is suppressed by V-ATPase inhibition.

Bafilomycin A(1), a selective inhibitor of V-type H(+)-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase), may be a useful adjunct in cancer chemotherapy (Altan et al. [1998] J Exp Med 187:1583-1598). Therapeutic uses of the enzyme inhibitor need to consider the agent's potential effects on normal (nontumor) cells. This study determined the effects of bafilomycin A(1) on resident alveolar macrophages (mphi). Treatment of alveolar mphi with bafilomycin A(1) (10 microM, 1 h) caused a significant decrement in cytosolic pH. This was accompanied by marked alteration of mphi bactericidal capabilities. The enzyme inhibitor caused a marginal reduction in the phagocytosis of opsonized Staphylococcus aureus and significantly suppressed intracellular killing of the phagocytosed bacteria. In keeping with the effects on intracellular killing, bafilomycin A(1) significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, cell spreading was enhanced significantly by bafilomycin A(1). Comparable changes in ROS generation and mphi spreading were produced by altering cytosolic pH through changes in extracellular pH (pH(o)) in the absence of bafilomycin A(1). These findings suggest that the agent's effects on ROS production and mphi spreading were related to the accompanying changes in cytosolic pH. The enzyme inhibitor also altered mphi morphology, leading to the shortening of microvilli and focal loss of surface ruffles. These morphologic effects differed from those produced by altering cytosolic pH by changes in pH(o). The results demonstrate that V-ATPase activity is an important determinant of mphi functioning and structure. Therapeutic use of V-ATPase inhibitors might be expected to compromise the bactericidal activity of alveolar mphi.

Animals↗

Mediastinal atypical carcinoid and neurofibromatosis type 1.

We report a case of mediastinal atypical carcinoid in a 63-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), who presented with shortness of breath and a bulky mediastinal mass. Initial consideration was given to a neurogenic tumor. However, on thoracoscopic biopsy, the histologic appearance was consistent with an atypical carcinoid. Carcinoid tumors have been reported in association with NF-1 previously, but commonly in such unusual sites as the ampulla of Vater and duodenum and not in the thorax. The bulky, extensive, and highly vascular nature of the lesion precluded resection or debulking surgery. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of atypical carcinoid of the lung or mediastinum in a patient with neurofibromatosis. This case report, therefore extends the spectrum of solid neoplasia in general and carcinoid tumors in specific, as they occur in association with NF-1.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Detection of Mycobacterium leprae by Polymerase Chain Reaction.

The improved procedure based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detection of M. leprae has been developed. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were tested using different concentration of genomic DNA of M. leprae Thai 53 and genomic DNAs from mycobacterial species and related microorganisms respectively. Application of this method to biopsy samples obtained from Bangladesh was conducted and detected M. leprae DNA in 7 of the 10 clinical specimens. Acid fast bacilli were not detected in four of the seven positive cases under the microscopic observation. It was concluded that this method was sensitive and specific for detection of M. leprae in clinical specimens and also simple to detect in only one step of PCR.

Animals↗

p53 and P-glycoprotein expression do not correlate with survival in nonsmall cell lung cancer: a long-term study and literature review.

This long-term study includes up to 13 years of follow-up on 56 patients who underwent surgical resection of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLC) at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether p53 and P-glycoprotein expression in the tumor correlates with survival. The study included 35 men and 21 women with mean age at diagnosis of 63.6 years and 58.0 years, respectively. Follow-up ranged from four to 156 months (mean, 52 mo). Actual five-year survival was 50% and 10-year survival was 22%. There were 25 patients who survived more than 60 months. Commercially available antibodies, DO-7 monoclonal antibody to p53 protein, and NCL-PGLyp polyclonal antibody to P-glycoprotein were used. p53 expression was seen in 45%, and P-glycoprotein expression was seen in 61% of the tumors, using standard immunohistochemical techniques. Expression of p53 showed correlation with Caucasian race and a better, although nonsignificant, five-year survival. P-glycoprotein expression showed a highly significant association with squamous cell carcinoma. No association was found between P-glycoprotein expression and survival. A negative association was seen between p53 and P-glycoprotein expression. Using nonparametric analysis, significant correlations were found between female sex and younger age at diagnosis of lung cancer compared with males, adenocarcinoma, and Caucasian race. Using Kaplan-Meier survival tables, significantly better five-year survival was seen with stage I tumors, negative lymph nodes at surgery, Caucasian race, and well-differentiated tumors. Stage I and negative lymph nodes at surgery showed an independent significant association with long-term (>5-yr) survival. This study indicates that p53 and P-glycoprotein may not be useful as immunohistochemical markers for guiding therapy and predicting survival in NSCLC.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Assessment of asbestos burden in the placenta and tissue digests of stillborn infants in South Texas.

The primary aim of this prospective study was to examine the tissues and placentas of autopsied stillborn infants for presence of asbestos fibers. Asbestos burden of lung, liver, skeletal muscle, and placenta digests of 82 stillborn infants was determined using standard bleach digestion technique. The digests were examined by electron microscopy, and the types of fibers determined using energy dispersive x-ray analysis and selected area diffraction analysis. Digests of 45 placentas collected from deliveries of liveborn healthy infants were processed and examined similarly as controls. Asbestos fibers were detected in 50% of the fetal digests and 23% of the placental digests of stillborn infants. Of the fibers present, 88% were chrysotile, 10% were tremolite, and 2% were actinolite and anthophyllite. Fibers measured 0.5-16.73 microgram in length (mean 1.55 microgram), and 0.03-0.8 microgram in width (mean 0.098 microgram). Lungs were most frequently positive for fibers (50%), followed by muscle (37%), placenta (23%), and liver (23%). Mean fiber counts were highest in the liver (58,736 f/g), followed by placenta (52,894 f/g), lungs (39,341 f/g), and skeletal muscle (31,733 f/g). Digests of 15% of the control placentas also showed asbestos fibers, although in very small numbers. The mean fiber count of the stillborn placentas (52,894 f/g) was significantly higher than the mean fiber count of the control placentas (mean 19 f/g) (p = 0.001). A highly significant association was found between fiber presence in stillborns and a maternal history of previous abortions (p = 0.007). A significant association was also found between fiber presence and placental diseases (p = 0.041). An association was suggested between working mothers and fiber presence (p = 0.19), although it did not reach statistical significance. The study documents the presence of small and thin asbestos fibers in stillborn fetal tissues and placenta. Significantly higher number of fibers were found in stillborn tissues compared to controls (liveborn placenta). The absence of a maternal history of asbestos-related occupations suggests that the fibers may have been acquired through environmental exposure.

Adult↗

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: lesions with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

We report the clinicopathologic characteristics of pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) in 11 patients (identified from a series of 330 consecutive patients who underwent autopsy between 1984 and 1995 at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas) with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We used immunohistochemical stains, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH), and gene rearrangement studies to identify the immunophenotype and the presence or absence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. All of the patients were men ranging in age from 27 to 65 years (mean age, 38.6 yr). Autopsy lungs of 21 age-matched controls were examined for EBV using ISH; these included 9 patients with AIDS who did not have pulmonary lesions and 12 HIV-negative individuals who died accidentally (mean age, 38.6 yr). All of the 11 pulmonary lesions showed the gross and microscopic characteristics of LYG, with zonal necrosis and prominent angioinvasion. The tumor nodules consisted of a mixture of atypical large lymphocytes, with vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli and with a background of small and intermediate-size lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells. The large lymphocytes were CD20 positive, consistent with a B-cell phenotype. Ten of the 11 cases demonstrated EBV1-encoded RNA and CD20 positivity in the large, atypical lymphocytes by double labeling. One patient showed EBV positivity in CD20-negative, CD45RO-positive large cells, but these cells were CD3 negative and showed a monoclonal heavy chain gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction, indicating that these were of B-cell origin. Aberrant CD43 coexpression was identified in four cases. EBV latent membrane protein was demonstrated in 9 of 11 cases by immunohistochemical stains. The lungs of all of the 21 control patients were negative for EBV by ISH. We conclude that, in our series, AIDS-associated LYG is a B-cell neoplasm and that it has a strong association with EBV infection.

Adult↗

Differential carcinogenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in male and female CD-1 mouse lung.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is known to induce tumors in lung, forestomach, and skin in experimental animals. Earlier studies have suggested that glutathione S-transferase pi (GST pi) is involved in the detoxification of the "ultimate" carcinogenic metabolite of BaP, 7 beta, 8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha, 10 alpha-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE). The constitutive expression of GST pi in the liver of the male CD-1 mouse is higher than that of the female, and BHA has been shown to preferentially induce GST pi in the female as compared with the male mouse. The present studies were therefore designed to compare the susceptibility of male and female CD-1 mice to the carcinogenic effects of BaP and the protective effect of BHA. Results of these studies show that the female CD-1 mice are more susceptibile to the carcinogenic effect of BaP than the males and that the attenuation of BaP-induced carcinogenesis by BHA appears to be restricted only to the females.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Sensitivity and specificity of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride in the gross diagnosis of acute myocardial infarcts.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial infarction is the most common cause of sudden death in the United States. However, the identification of early myocardial infarcts at necropsy is frequently difficult, since unequivocal gross changes of infarcts do not become apparent for 24 to 48 hours following myocardial ischemic injury. The use of dyes, such as nitro-blue tetrazolium and 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), that identify the dehydrogenase-deficient infarcted myocardium has been shown, largely by animal studies, to be very helpful in the macroscopic diagnosis of such cases. Such animal studies could not be directly extrapolated to human autopsy studies, however, because of the assumption that autolysis may invalidate the histochemical assessment of myocardial enzymatic changes after death. This study was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TTC in the gross diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the human population. DESIGN: The TTC stain reactions were correlated with histologic findings in the hearts of 638 consecutive adult autopsies. RESULTS: Of the 638 hearts examined by TTC, 174 hearts stained positive for acute infarction; histology confirmed myocardial infarction in 140 hearts. Histologic examination revealed acute infarcts in 41 of the remaining 464 cases that had stained negatively with TTC. The use of TTC in the macroscopic diagnosis of acute myocardial infarcts in the human population was found to have a diagnostic sensitivity of 77.4% and a specificity of 92.6%. The predictive value of a positive test was 80.5%, and that of a negative test was 91.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The overall diagnostic efficiency of the TTC test (ie, number of patients correctly identified) was 88%. These results show that the TTC test is a reliable, sensitive, and specific adjunct in the examination of the human heart at necropsy.

Adolescent↗

Mononuclear phagocyte hydrolytic enzyme activity associated with cerebral HIV-1 infection.

In patients with HIV encephalitis, activated macrophages and microglial cells in the brain are infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Immune activation can release neurotoxic chemicals including cytokines, free radicals, autocoids, and hydrolytic enzymes. In this study, the presence of hydrolytic enzymes in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related neurodegeneration was addressed. Activities of four lysosomal hydrolases were assayed in the frontal lobe of 69 males who died with AIDS and 31 age-matched control men. Activities of all four enzymes were increased significantly (1.6 to 3.6 times) in white matter of patients with AIDS. Less pronounced increases were present in cerebral cortex. Of 69 of the subjects with AIDS, 50 (72%), had at least one abnormally active enzyme. Patients with HIV encephalitis and other neuropathological changes were affected as were many subjects without any clear neuropathological anomaly. Lysosomal cathepsin D immunostaining revealed increased lysosomes within perivascular macrophages, multinucleated cells, activated microglial cells, and hypertrophic astrocytes. Increased enzyme activity was correlated significantly with assay results for HIV-1 DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. The release of acid hydrolases associated with cerebral HIV-1 infection could lead to unopposed hydrolysis of matrix and surface proteins. These post-translational disturbances could contribute to white matter and synaptic injury in AIDS.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

Changing patterns of infections in patients with AIDS: a study of 279 autopsies of prison inmates and nonincarcerated patients at a university hospital in eastern Texas, 1984-1993.

Reports on autopsies of 279 persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reviewed retrospectively to determine changes in survival rates and infections and to identify differences between prison inmates and nonincarcerated patients. The 78 cases from 1984 through 1988 were compared with 201 from 1989 through 1993, on the basis of use of antiretroviral therapy and (after 1988) prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Risk factors for HIV infection were homosexuality/bisexuality (30%), injection drug use (IDU; 22%), transfusion (5%), heterosexual contact (4%), and combinations of the above or unknown factors (38%); 95% of patients were males and 41% were state prison inmates in Texas. IDU was more common and homosexuality/ bisexuality was less common among inmates than among nonincarcerated patients. Mean survival time was 12 months in the first period studied and 23 months in the later period (P < .05). Cytomegalovirus infection was the most common type in both periods. The number of cases of PCP declined and the number of cases of bacterial infections increased significantly in the later period. Tuberculosis was significantly more common in inmates than in nonincarcerated patients. Tuberculosis and disseminated histoplasmosis (noted at autopsy) and deaths due to disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex and histoplasmosis were significantly more common among injection drug users than among homosexuals/bisexuals. Invasive candidiasis was more common in homosexuals/ bisexuals and in those who survived > 3 years. Antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis for PCP, and risk factors for HIV infection appear to influence the mortality rate and prevalence of certain infections found at autopsy.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Surgical reconstruction of leprotic foot-drop.

We have operated on 25 patients for correction of foot-drop due to leprosy from March 1992 to July 1994. The method used was circumtibial transfer of the tibialis posterior to the tendons of extensor hellucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus in the foot together with lengthening of the Achilles tendon. The results were satisfactory in 20 of these cases as judged by adequate restoration of heel-toe gait and of active dorsiflexion. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Inadequate post-operative physiotherapy was the reason for unsatisfactory results in five cases.

Achilles Tendon↗

Escherichia coli lobar pneumonia: fatal infection in a patient with mental retardation.

Lobar pneumonia due to Escherichia coli is rare. Most lobar pneumonias are caused by either Streptococcus pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae, and most E coli pneumonias are bronchopneumonias. We report an acute fulminant course of E coli lobar pneumonia in a 37-year-old patient who was profoundly retarded, institutionalized, and nonimmunosuppressed and who died within 2 days of developing initial symptoms. Antemortem blood and postmortem blood and lung specimens isolated pure cultures of E coli. The source of infection in E coli lobar pneumonia is not clear in this patient or in the few cases that have been reported. We postulate that nasopharyngeal colonization of E coli in those who are institutionalized with mental retardation may predispose these patients to E coli pneumonia. Our case illustrates features of pneumonias that are unique in the institutionalized, mentally retarded patient population (ie, the relatively high prevalence of nasopharyngeal colonization of E coli, a higher incidence of E coli pneumonia than in other institutionalized populations, the often fulminant course of the disease), as well as the need for early, aggressive treatment including antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria.

Adult↗

High autopsy rates at a university medical center. What has gone right?

OBJECTIVE: Identification of factors that contribute to a high autopsy rate at our institution. DESIGN: An objective analysis of the Autopsy Service's organization, functions, and process flow to identify factors that impact the autopsy rate. SETTING: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Tex. METHODS: Statistics were collected using the autopsy log book and computerized data bank. The events starting at the time of a patient's death through the completion of the autopsy report were reviewed. The role of each significant event was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The annual autopsy rates between 1981 and 1995 ranged between 45% and 59%. The largest number of nonmedicolegal autopsies were received from the Department of Internal Medicine. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hospital contributed the largest number of medicolegal autopsies. We conclude that the following key factors contribute to our high autopsy rates: (1) the organization and multiple functions of the Autopsy Service, particularly the presence of a Decedent Affairs Office, dedicated resident assignments, and internal and external quality control of the autopsies; (2) close interactions with clinicians, including timely communication of autopsy results to clinicians and a fostering of positive attitude among clinical residents and faculty; and (3) other factors such as the contributions to hospital risk management, disproving the idea that there may be increased litigation related to high autopsy rates, and support by the hospital administration.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Pulmonary malakoplakia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: an ultrastructural study of morphogenesis of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.

Malakoplakia is an unusual inflammatory reaction to a variety of infections, characterized by the accumulation of macrophages containing the target-like calcospherites, the Michaelis-Gutmann body (MGB). We report three patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with pulmonary malakoplakia associated with Rhodococcus equi infection; two patients were diagnosed at autopsy and one by examination of a transbronchial biopsy specimen. All three patients had pulmonary bacterial cultures and light and electron microscopic examination. The patients were 33-, 41-, and 43-year old men, human immunodeficiency virus-positive for 2, 6, 8 years, respectively. The two patients diagnosed at autopsy had cavitary lesions, and the patient diagnosed by biopsy specimen had nodular lesions on chest radiographs. Histologically, the lungs had well-circumscribed areas of infiltration with benign macrophages with granular cytoplasm, scattered MGBs, and numerous gram-positive coccobacilli. Electron microscopic examination showed intracellular coccobacilli, from 990 X 702 to 972 X 648 nm in diameter, with thick, homogenous cell walls, trilaminar cytoplasmic membranes, and dense cytoplasm with from one to five vacuoles. Electron microscopic studies showed that the bacteria within the pulmonary macrophages had thicker cell walls, less prominent nucleoid areas, and more vacuoles than the bacteria in cultures from the sputum and blood. The mature MGB ultrastructurally had a concentric, trilaminate structure with central mineralized core and was without recognizable bacterial forms. Early MGBs, however, consisted of a circular, electron-dense core containing bacteria, ultrastructurally similar to the R. equi seen in the culture. Pulmonary malakoplakia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome might thus represent an acquired macrophage dysfunction of the intracellular digestion of phagocytized bacteria. The bacteria within the macrophages, however, seemed to have thicker cell walls compared with those in culture, and thus might be protected from enzyme digestion. It seems that MGBs are formed around the undigested bacteria as an alternative pathway for bacterial destruction, because R. equi was identified within the cores of early MGBs but not the mature or late stage MGBs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗