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Biomedical subjects

D Sengupta

Publications and source records attributed to D Sengupta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and uterine cervical cancer: a screening strategy in the perspective of rural India.

The predominance of cervical cancer in India can mostly be attributed to the lack of early screening. The objective of the present study has been, therefore, to determine a cost-effective oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)-based cervical cancer screening plan for rural Indian women. The results showed that in normal women, highest prevalence of HPV 16/18 infection was in the age group < or =23 years and lowest in > or =44 years with an insignificant change in between. HPV 16/18 infection was significantly associated with cervical erosion at age < or =23 years, but not with cytology or visual inspection with acetic acid testing at any age. The low-grade cytological lesions, however, increased only with increase in age. Fourteen per cent of the cervical malignancy was also found to be present in the age group 24-33 years with an 87% HPV infection. Here we proposed a cost-effective screening scheme in which HPV testing must be performed in women (a) < or =23 years with cervical erosion and (b) 24-43 years, as an adjunct to Pap smears (both HPV and cytology were prevalent in this group). For women > or =44 years, HPV testing might not be useful, since abnormal cytology was more prominent over the viral infection. We infer that by not performing HPV test in the group < or =23 years, approximately 76% of the high-risk HPV-infected individuals potentially "at risk" for developing cervical cancer might be missed.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2001

Radon exhalation and radiometric prospecting on rocks associated with Cu-U mineralizations in the Singhbhum shear zone, Bihar.

The Singhbhum thrust belt is a 200 km long arcuate orogenic belt in Bihar, eastern India. The huge mineral resources, viz. copper, uranium, magnetite, apatite and molybdenite, etc., make it significant from an economic as well as a geological point of view. The belt hosts three types of mineralization: sulphides of copper and other metals, uranium oxides and apatite-magnetite. Several distinct geological episodes are responsible for the evolution of mineralization and the thrust zone itself. Extensive and reliable radiometric prospecting and assaying have been carried out by us for the past 5 years from Dhobani in the east to Turamdih in the west of the Singhbhum shear zone. The present work indicates uranium mineralization in the Pathargora-Rakha area presently being mined for copper and also within areas in the vicinity of Bhatin. Studies on radon emanation have also been undertaken in some parts of the shear zone which indicate reasonably high radon emanation of the soils and rocks studied. This suggests the need for regular monitoring and suitable controls on the mine environment (air quality) and its vicinity. Radon emanation studies coupled with gamma-ray spectrometry and the subsequent modelling of the radiometric and radon measurements will help in the application of radon as a geophysical tracer in exploration of radioactive ore bodies and in radon risk assessment as well as in delineating active and passive faults and even in petroleum exploration.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

The National Center for Health Statistics reference and the growth of Indian adolescent boys.

BACKGROUND: Few studies describing the growth of adolescents exist because of the difficulties in interpreting anthropometric data in this age group. OBJECTIVE: We describe the growth of adolescent boys from West Bengal, India, and assess the adequacy of using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference data. DESIGN: A cross-sectional anthropometric survey was conducted in 818 Bengali boys from middle-class families. Anthropometric measurements were taken on each subject's birthday (+/-3 d) by use of standard measuring techniques. The NCHS reference data on height and body mass index (BMI) were used to estimate age-specific prevalences of stunting, thinness, and overweight. BMI was also assessed by using British, Dutch, and French reference data. The biological parameters of the adolescent growth spurt were estimated by using the Preece-Baines growth model. RESULTS: With use of the 5th percentile of the NCHS reference data, the prevalence of thinness was approximately 5 times (50.5%) that of stunting (11.2%). The median curves of the 3 European references lay between the Indian and NCHS samples and also yielded high prevalences of thinness when applied to the study sample. The prevalence of being at risk of overweight was low (4.2%). Mean age at peak height velocity was 13.0 y and peak height velocity was 7.0 cm/y. CONCLUSIONS: The NCHS reference data seem inadequate for this sample. Consideration should be given to developing appropriate reference data based on healthy adolescent populations from different ethnic groups. Issues of maturation-related variation in assessing growth during adolescence should be given particular attention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Transcatheter therapy of intravisceral bleeding.

Intravisceral bleeding is a life-threatening situation demanding fast and active steps to control, unless it stops spontaneously as in a few lucky patients. A surgical approach is a major intervention with its associated procedural risks when the site is in organs other than the spleen. The transcatheter approach helps in precise location and embolization of the bleeding site; it is a more practical approach that has been known for the past 2 decades to be effective and provide good long-term results. However, the transcatheter approach has been reported in fewer than 200 cases in the literature. Our small series of 43 cases shows initial success of 95% and a fatal early recurrence of only 2.4%. Non-hemorrhagic etiology (sepsis, head injury, etc.) was the major cause of early death (14.6%) among the successfully embolized cases. Long-term follow-up shows recurrence (4.8%) only in the group of chronic etiology. Transcatheter embolization of intravisceral bleeding with Gel-Foam and/or poly-vinyl alcohol particles is a swift, effective and precise method of treatment without major operational hazards.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗
PubMed2000

A note on the estimation of microbial glycosidase activities by dinitrosalicylic acid reagent.

In the estimation of glycosidase activity by dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) reagent, the stoichiometry of DNS reduction was reported to increase proportionately with the increase in the number of glycosidic linkages present in oligosaccharides liberated by the enzyme. The relationship between increases in DNS reduction and increases in the number of glycosidic bonds was found to be represented by a part of a rectangular hyperbola. The increase was optimum with disaccharide and insignificant when the degree of polymerization (DP) was > or =10. The difference did not arise as a result of the DNSA discriminating between mono- and oligosaccharide oxidation. The relationship stemmed from the acidity of the hydroxyl group adjacent to the reducing group, which repressed DNS reduction. The acidity is likely to decrease with an increase in oligosaccharide chain length. It is suggested that DNS reduction is actually optimum and uniform for all oligosaccharides of DP > or = 10 and that it is minimum for monosaccharide. Thus the introduction of rectification factors in the estimation of glycosidase activities by the DNS method appears to be justified.

Agaricales↗
PubMed2000

The neuronal repressor REST/NRSF is an essential regulator in medulloblastoma cells.

Medulloblastoma is the most malignant pediatric brain tumor. It is believed to originate from the undifferentiated external granule layer cells in the cerebellum, but the mechanism of tumorigenesis remains unknown. Here we studied three types of human medulloblastoma cells that express markers corresponding to different levels of neuronal differentiation. They expressed the neuronal repressor element 1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF; refs. 7-10) at very high levels compared with either neuronal progenitor NTera2 (NT2) cells or fully differentiated human neuron teratocarcinoma (hNT cells). To counter the effect of REST/NRSF, we used a recombinant transcription factor, REST-VP16, constructed by replacing repressor domains of REST/NRSF with the activation domain of viral protein (VP16). Transient expression of REST-VP16 in medulloblastoma cells was able to compete with the endogenous REST/NRSF for DNA binding and stimulate neuronal promoters. High-efficiency expression of REST-VP16 mediated by adenovirus vectors (Ad.REST-VP16) in medulloblastoma cells was able to counter REST/NRSF-mediated repression of neuronal promoters, stimulate expression of endogenous neuronal genes and trigger apoptosis through the activation of caspase cascades. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of Ad.REST-VP16 in established medulloblastoma tumors in nude mice inhibited their growth. Therefore, REST/NRSF may serve as a new target for therapeutic interventions for medulloblastoma through agents such as REST-VP16.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2000

Propranolol in primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding among cirrhotics in India: a hemodynamic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we attempted to complete the hemodynamic assessment of propranolol response in cirrhotics with esophageal varices at high risk of bleeding, in one sitting, so as to identify nonresponders at the earliest. Some noninvasive indicators of this response were also evaluated. METHODS: Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured in 33 such cases (18 nonbleeders, 15 bleeders) before and 90 min after an oral dose of 80 mg propranolol, and reduction by > or =20% taken as responder. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (66.67%) responded (HVPG reduction > or =26%), whereas 11 (33.33%) did not (HVPG reduction < or =6%). Postdrug HVPG between responders and nonresponders showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). Neither baseline HVPG (p > 0.1), baseline CI (p = 0.665), nor baseline stroke volume index (p > 0.1) could predict responder status. Difference of HVPG reduction (percent) between bleeders (21.49 +/- 35.53) and nonbleeders (40.58 +/- 23.95) approached, but did not reach, statistical significance (p = 0.076). However, logistic regression showed this difference to be significant (p = 0.026). Age of responders was found to be significantly lower than that of nonresponders (p approximately equals 0.05). During a follow-up of 9-38 months, only one of 22 responders (on propranolol) had an episode of variceal bleed. None in whom HVPG fell to < or = 12 mm Hg bled. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that single-sitting hemodynamic assessment of acute response to high-dose oral propranolol clearly differentiates between responders and nonresponders. Moreover, it appears that prior history of variceal bleeding and old age negatively influences the effect of propranolol.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Biochemical profile of erythrocyte membrane of jaundiced neonates.

Studies in newborn humans have demonstrated alteration in the lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol content when compared with age-matched control. Membrane bound (Na+ + K+)ATPase activity is found to be significantly increased in jaundiced neonates. Alteration in membrane permeability characteristics in jaundiced neonates causes severe microenvironmental changes in red blood cell profile.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1999

Radon exhalation rate and uranium estimation in rock samples from Bihar uranium and copper mines using the SSNTD technique.

Widespread uranium mineralization is associated with copper, nickel and other sulphides in the Singhbhum shear zone developed at the northern margin of the Singhbhum craton in the state of Bihar of India. The south-eastern part of the shear zone between Surda-Mosabani-Badia is rich in copper mineralization while the central part between Jaduguda-Bhatin-Nimdih and Narwapahar-Garadih-Turamdih is enriched in uranium. In the present study, trace uranium concentration in geological samples from the Mosabani copper mine and the Narwapahar and Jaduguda uranium mine areas have been determined using fission track registration technique. For the measurement of the radon exhalation rate, the 'can technique' using alpha sensitive LR-115 type II plastic track detectors were used. Uranium concentrations were found to vary from 1.5 to 2097.9 ppm whereas the radon exhalation rate varied from 0.2 to 19.2 Bq m-2 h-1. The values of radon exhalation rate from crushed rock and soil samples are found to correspond with the measured values of uranium in the corresponding samples. A positive correlation has been found between radon exhalation rate and uranium concentration in the samples. The linear coefficients are found to be 0.40, 0.98 and 0.95 in the Mosabani, Narwapahar and Jaduguda mine areas respectively. High values of radon exhalation in subsurface mines like Jaduguda (depth approximately 800 m) and Mosabani (depth > 1000 m) seem to emphasize the need for adequate ventilation for the removal of radon and its progenies from the mines.

Copper↗
PubMed1998

AIDS in India: recent trends in opportunistic infections.

The first case of AIDS in India was reported in 1986. Subsequently, a surveillance system was developed in 1987. The data from this surveillance activity suggest that the HIV infection has now spread to the general population and to all parts of the country, except Arunachal Pradesh in North-eastern India. With the changing scenario of the AIDS epidemic, a host of opportunistic infections add to the present endemic state of some already existing infections like tuberculosis. This report analyses the AIDS cases in India, reported to the National AIDS Control Organization over the years between 1986 to 1997. A total of 3,551 AIDS cases had been reported till 31st May 1997. Tuberculosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) is the major opportunistic infection affecting 62% of the cases followed by candidiasis seen in 57% of the patients. In 1997, of the 390 AIDS cases analysed, tuberculosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) accounted for 56.5% of the total cases whereas candidiasis was seen in 61% of the cases. An increasing trend was observed with tuberculosis from 58% in 1986-1992 to 68.5% in 1995. No trend could be established in the case of candidiasis, though, a high prevalence of 66% was seen in the cases between 1986 and 1992. An increase was also observed in cases of PCP, cerebral toxoplasmosis and Kaposi sarcoma. In the AIDS cases, chronic diarrhea (76%), weight loss (87%) and fever (85%) appeared to be the major presenting symptoms. But, of the 390 AIDS cases reported in 1997, only 47% of them were suffering from chronic diarrhea. With increase in the number of AIDS cases, India is burdened with a dual epidemic of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The National AIDS Control Organization in India, is involved in training clinicians and laboratory personnel in the diagnosis and management of the AIDS cases. With better diagnosis of the opportunistic infections, especially diarrhea, in AIDS patients, a better picture will emerge regarding the opportunistic infections which would help clinicians and health planners to tackle the AIDS epidemic in a more effective manner.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1997

A microgonotropen branched decaaza decabutylamine and its DNA and DNA/transcription factor interactions.

The central pyrrole of a site-selective DNA minor groove binding tripyrrole peptide 1 has been attached to a branched decaaza decabutylamine via a -(CH-2)3-NHCO-(CH2)-3 linker to provide the decaaza-microgonotropen (8). The decaaza decabutylamine moiety of 8 was designed to have a much greater affinity to the phosphodiester linkages of the backbone of DNA. Employing Hoechst 33258 (Ht) as a fluorescent titrant, the equilibrium constants for the binding for of 8 to the hexadecameric duplex d(GGCGCA3T3GGCGG)/d(CCGCCA3T3GCGCC) and to calf thymus DNA were determined. The log of the product of equilibrium constants (log Kl1Kl2) for 1:1 and 1:2 complexes formation at A3T3 is 17 (35 degrees C). Results of studies of the inhibition of the binding of several proteins to target DNA are discussed. Binding of the E2F1 transcription factor to its DNA target is 50% inhibited at approximately 2 nM concentration of 8.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

A microgonotropen pentaaza pentabutylamine and its interactions with DNA.

The central pyrrole of a site-selective DNA minor groove binding tripyrrole peptide (1) has been attached to N-protected pentaazapentacosanoic acid (17) via a -(CH2)3-NHCO-(CH2)3- linker to provide 19, subsequent deprotection provided the pentaaza microgonotropen 4. The polyamine moiety of 4 reaches out of the minor groove and binds to the phosphate backbone of DNA. We find when employing Hoechst 33258 (Ht) as a fluorescent titrant to follow binding of 4 to the hexadecameric duplex d(GGCGCAAATTTGGCGG)/(CCGCCAAATTTGCGCC) and by 1H NMR titration of d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 with 4 that the latter forms both 1:1 and 2:1 dsDNA complexes. Certain aspects of the structure of 4:d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 complex derived via 1H NMR are discussed. The electrophoretic mobilities of phi X-174 DNA digested with HaeIII endonuclease restriction fragments complexed to 4 shows that the latter brings about a greater conformational change in the DNA fragments than observed previously with other microgonotropens.

DNA↗
PubMed1996

rab3D protein is a specific marker for zymogen granules in gastric chief cells of rats and rabbits.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pepsinogen secretion from gastric chief cells requires a series of intracellular vesicle interactions. The final step of exocytosis involves fusion of secretory granules with the plasmalemma, culminating in the release of the digestive enzyme pepsinogen into the lumina of gastric glands. A group of specialized proteins tht confer membrane recognition, targeting, and fusion events are involved in regulated exocytosis. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of rab3D, a low-molecular-weight guanosine 5'-triphosphate-binding protein, in gastric chief cells. METHODS: rab3D immunoreactivity was evaluated by Western blot analysis and by immunocytochemical studies at both confocal and electron-microscopic levels. RESULTS: rab3D immunoreactivity was specifically localized to the secretory granules in chief cells. Double labeling of gastric glands with rab3D and pepsinogen antibodies confirmed rab3D immunoreactivity localization to chief cells but not acid-secreting parietal cells. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed a near exclusive localization of the rab3D-like protein to the cytoplasmic face of the zymogen granules. After short-term stimulation consequent to feeding, rab3D immunoreactivity appeared to relocate from an apical region of duct cells to an unidentified cytoplasmic compartment. CONCLUSIONS: The localization and redistribution of the rab3D-like protein in the chief cell suggests that it may play an important role in regulated exocytosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Rab3D localizes to secretory granules in rat pancreatic acinar cells.

This study reports of presence of rab3D, a low M(r) GTP-binding protein, in rat pancreatic acinar cells and islets using a combination of Western blot analysis, two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/isoelectric focusing, and light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. For these purposes, we used an affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibody generated against the exclusive amino terminus of rab3D. Failure to detect rab3A, B or C in pancreatic acinar cells with their respective antisera indicated that the rab3D immunoreactivity was not due to cross-reaction with rab3A, B or C. A monoclonal antiserum which recognized rab3A, B, C and D (clone 42.1) detected a second lower M, band in gradient gels. This protein may be an additional member of the rab family. Double label electron microscopic immunogold localizations for rab3D, and the monoclonal antibody that recognizes all members of the rab3 family, showed a preferential localization of rab3D to zymogen granules. In contrast, clone 42.1 detected both zymogen granules and elements of the Golgi complex. Rab3D also localized to the secretory granule field in pancreatic islet cells which additionally expressed rab3A. The majority of rab3D in acinar cells was tightly associated with membrane fractions as indicated by its resistance to alkaline pH extraction. It is likely associated with membranes via isoprenyl groups as suggested by its partitioning into the detergent phase in Triton X-114 extractions. In contrast, bacterially expressed rab3D partitioned solely into the aqueous phase in Triton X-114 extractions. Because of its exclusive location on zymogen granules, rab3D may play a role in regulated exocytosis from pancreatic acinar cells.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed1996

Localization of cellubrevin to the Golgi complex in pancreatic acinar cells.

Cellubrevin is the smallest (14 kDa) isoform of the synaptobrevin (VAMP) protein family and is found in a wide variety of tissues. Western blot analysis with a polyclonal antibody against the unique N-terminus of cellubrevin identified a protein of 14 kDa in rat pancreas. This protein distributed predominantly to the particulate fractions from the rat exocrine pancreas and was totally resistant to NaHCO3 washes, indicating that it is an integral membrane protein. Subcellular fractionation of pancreatic homogenates showed enrichment of this protein in the smooth microsomal fraction while negligible amounts were present in the zymogen granule membrane or the rough microsomal membrane fractions. As seen in other tissues, the 14 kDa immunoreactive form was proteolyzed by tetanus toxin. Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry localized cellubrevin immunoreactivity primarily to small vesicles and condensing vacuoles originating from the Golgi region, with significantly lower labeling on zymogen granules. Based on the intracellular localization of cellubrevin detected in acinar cells by immunocytochemistry and cell fractionation, we suggest that cellubrevin may be involved in the maturation of secretory granules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Inhibition by capsaicin against cyclophosphamide-induced clastogenicity and DNA damage in mice.

We have demonstrated in an earlier paper that capsaicin, the pungent principle of red hot chili, has a potent anti-oxidant property that interferes with free-radical involved mechanisms. In the present paper we demonstrate that capsaicin significantly inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced (i.p.) chromosomal aberrations and DNA strand breakages. This protective action of capsaicin against CP-induced toxicity may possibly be linked with its already reported 'desensitisation' effect against chemical irritant-induced damages.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Jaundice in new born and erythrocyte and plasma antioxidant defence system.

Alteration in the antioxidant defence mechanism of erythrocytes with rise in serum unconjugated bilirubin level in neonates has been observed. The cellular glutathione level was found to be significantly low. The activity of glutathione reductase in erythrocyte increased to combat the cellular loss of reduced glutathione in neonatal jaundice. In plasma fraction the level of glutathione (reduced) was found to be significantly higher with lowering of glutathione reductase level. Glutathione peroxidase was reduced in cellular level whereas an increase was observed in plasma fraction. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase level was barely detectable in erythrocyte whereas an increase was observed in plasma fraction. In all the cases erythrocyte G-6-PDH activity level was found within normal limits.

Antioxidants↗