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Biomedical subjects

G Cherian

Publications and source records attributed to G Cherian.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Omega-3 fatty acid and cholesterol content of newly hatched chicks from alpha-linolenic acid enriched eggs.

Egg yolk was enriched with alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) by feeding laying hens diets containing flax, canola or soybean seeds. Fertilized eggs were incubated and the fatty acid composition of whole body, liver, plasma, brain and the cholesterol content of plasma and liver tissue of the hatched chicks were studied. Eggs enriched with 18:2n-6 fatty acids by feeding hens diets containing sunflower seeds were used as the controls. Feeding flax enriched (P < 0.05) egg yolk and the developing progeny with 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. Feeding sunflower seeds resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) of 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6. The predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid of the brain was docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) which was higher (P < 0.05) in the flax and canola fed group. The cholesterol content of the liver tissue was lower (P < 0.05) in chicks hatched from hens fed flax seeds. This study indicates that 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 in the maternal diet are potent modulators of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 or n-6 fatty acid and of cholesterol content in the developing progeny.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Preferential accumulation of n-3 fatty acids in the brain of chicks from eggs enriched with n-3 fatty acids.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in the phospholipids of brain tissue. The extent to which maternal dietary n-3 fatty acid may influence the n-3 fatty acid composition of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) fractions of brain and liver tissue of progeny was investigated. Hens were fed diets containing n-9, n-3, or n-6 fatty acids. The brain tissue of the chicks from eggs enriched with n-3 fatty acids contained higher DHA, resulting in an increased C22:6 n-3:C20:4 n-6 ratio compared with chicks from eggs enriched with n-9 or n-6 fatty acids. Incorporation of C22:5 n-3, and C22:6 n-3 was mainly in the PE fraction as compared with the PC fraction of the chick brain. For chicks hatched from eggs enriched with n-9, n-3, and n-6 fatty acids, the total n-3 fatty acids in the brain PE fraction were 29.3, 41.3, and 21.9% compared with 6.7, 8.8, and 4.0% in the brain PC fraction. In contrast, the n-3 fatty acids increased evenly in phospholipid PC and PE fractions. Total amounts of PE in the brain lipids of chicks from eggs enriched with n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were 40.8 and 41.9% compared with 33.1% for chicks from eggs enriched with n-9 fatty acids. Analyses of the remaining yolk sac revealed a preferential absorption of DHA from the egg PE fraction by the developing chick.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Sexual and physical growth in Kerala boys.

One hundred and fifty males in the age group 10-17 years were studied longitudinally for 2 years to determine their physical and pubertal development. The velocity of linear growth, weight gain and pubertal growth velocities were determined. The relation between peak height velocity and genital stages and between genital stages and pubic hair was determined. It is concluded from this study that 86 percent of normal males reach peak height velocity while in G4 and only 5% will not have achieved peak height velocity by the time G5 is reached.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Coronary artery constriction is enhanced with nicotine and propranolol, particularly after endothelial damage.

Coronary artery ring preparations from sheep were used for in vitro assessment of isometric tension after stimulation with adrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT) and nicotine (NC). From concentration-response curves the following observations were made on potency of agonist: 5-HT greater than NC greater than NA and efficacy: 5-HT = NC greater than NA. Removal of the intima increased sensitivity to stimulation with NA and 5-HT (lower EC50 values) and augmented the maximal response. Preincubation of the vessels with NC and propranolol (PR) resulted in a leftward shift of the concentration-response curves to NA and 5-HT. Sensitivity and maximal response to NA and 5-HT were further enhanced by endothelial removal and pretreatment with NC and PR. It can be concluded that vasoconstriction to NA and 5-HT is enhanced by nicotine (smoking) and administration of beta-blockers (propranolol), particularly in coronary arteries with endothelial damage.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1990

Reliability of death certificate diagnoses.

Consistency between death certificates and clinical records from 5 general hospitals in Kuwait was studied for 470 deaths with the following underlying or associated causes: hypertensive (HYP), ischaemic heart diseases (IHD), cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Direct causes were not considered since they are of little interest analytically. Only deaths with definite or most probable ascertainment were included. One cardiologist, who was provided with the WHO criteria and relevant documents on death certification, independently reviewed the records. To test the reviewer's bias and the reliability of his judgement, an adjudication process was effected by having one senior cardiologist re-review a random subsample of 140 records. The two reviewers showed good agreement. Specific diagnoses criteria for deciding the underlying cause of death in multiple morbid conditions by the reviewer were followed. Due to possible reviewer bias, we aimed at measuring the difference between initial certifiers and the reviewer rather than measuring the diagnostic accuracy of initial certifiers in reference to the reviewer. The agreement index kappa showed poor agreement between original and revised certificates. The original certificates under-estimated CVD as an underlying cause of death by 69.2%, DM by 60%, IHD by 33.5% and HYP by 31.8% in our sample. Associated causes were also consistently under-estimated by initial certifiers as compared with the reviewer. This bias calls for basing mortality statistics in Kuwait on hospital death committees' reports rather than on initial certifier death certificates, use of multiple-causes of death instead of one underlying cause and adequate training of the medical profession on the value and process of death certification.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Effect of feeding cholesterol to laying hens and chicks on cholesterol metabolism in pre- and posthatch chicks.

Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens that were 60 wk of age were fed wheat and soybean meal diets containing either 0 or 1% cholesterol. Birds were artificially inseminated, and fertilized eggs were collected for incubation after a plateau of egg cholesterol content was reached. Posthatch chicks were raised with starter diets containing either 0 or .5% cholesterol. Samples of developing embryos and posthatch chicks at various stages were prepared for cholesterol analysis. As compared with controls, cholesterol content of eggs from hens fed 1.0% cholesterol diet was increased by approximately 70%. Embryos from the cholesterol-loaded eggs had significantly higher (P less than .05) cholesterol content. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) level in chicks from cholesterol-loaded eggs, when compared with TC in control eggs, was significantly higher at hatching but decreased to the same level by 2 wk after hatching. Cholesterol feeding to newly hatched chicks elevated plasma TC and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The TC contents of liver and heart, but not skeletal muscle, were significantly higher in chicks fed the .5% cholesterol starter diet than those fed the cholesterol-free diet. These results show that cholesterol metabolism in developing embryos and posthatch chicks is influenced by cholesterol in both maternal and chick diets.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Pattern of cardiac calcification in tropical endomyocardial fibrosis.

Over a two-year period we investigated 55 patients with endomyocardial fibrosis, using two-dimensional echocardiography, color-coded echocardiography, and image intensifier fluoroscopy, to delineate the regional distribution of cardiac calcification. Thirty five patients (64%) were found to have calcification of the ventricular walls. Calcific deposits were seen in the right ventricle in 26(59%) patients and in the left ventricle in 16(44%) patients. All patients who showed calcification were in severe cardiac failure indicating late stage of the disease. When image intensifier fluoroscopy was taken as the gold standard, echocardiography had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% in detecting cardiac calcification. The high incidence of calcification in the ventricular walls in the present study is apparently due to the systematic use of two-dimensional echocardiography and image intensifier fluoroscopy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Risk factors and 10-year breast cancer survival in northern Alberta.

1,121 women in northern Alberta diagnosed as having breast cancer between 1971-74 were followed for 10 years. Risk factors for breast cancer were studied with respect to their possible influence on survival by comparing survival curves, using both Logrank and Cox's regression model, and controlling for intercurrent death, stage and axillary node status. A complex interaction was found between age and menopausal status and survival rates. Premenopausal women aged 45-55 had a better survival rate than postmenopausal women of the same age. However, one subgroup of premenopausal women aged 35-39 had a significantly worse prognosis than those aged 40-44 as did a group of post menopausal women aged 70-74. No cause was found other than the effect of age. There was a significant trend to worsening survival with heavier weight at time of diagnosis and with breast feeding. Parity of five or more and family history of breast cancer were less consistently associated with worse survival. Oral contraceptive use was only associated with worsened prognosis significantly when stage was controlled for; there was no overall effect. Age at menarche and age at first birth did not influence prognosis. Theories to explain the findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Advanced gastric leiomyosarcoma.

This is a retrospective review of twenty-two patients surgically treated for leiomyosarcoma. All but two patients had an advanced tumor of at least 8 cm size or involving contiguous structures. The most commonly performed operation was subtotal gastrectomy. The gastric resection required en bloc resection of contiguous structures in 10 patients. Fifteen patients with curative resection had a three year survival of 58 per cent. The overall group had a three year survival of 35 per cent. Advanced gastric leiomyosarcomas present a surgical challenge to complete resection, but when the procedure is accomplished the patient has a reasonable curative potential.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Isolation of Acanthamoeba from a cerebral abscess.

A 55-year-old diabetic aboriginal woman presented with a two-week history of fever, altered mental state and convulsions. On the basis of computed tomographic scanning a diagnosis of cerebral abscess was made. The pus that was drained produced no bacterial growth but, on microscopy, amoebic cysts were observed. Special cultures produced a growth of Acanthamoeba. The patient appeared to respond to drainage of the abscess and antiprotozoal therapy. Unfortunately, she developed necrotizing enteritis which led ultimately to her death. Antibiotic sensitivity and pathogenicity testing suggest that the Acanthamoeba were unusually virulent. The problems of diagnosis and management are discussed.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1988

New nonsurgical technique for multiple pericardial biopsies.

We report a new, nonsurgical technique for obtaining multiple pericardial biopsies in patients with pericardial effusion. A short catheter is introduced by the Seldinger technique under fluoroscopy through the subxiphoid approach. The pericardial fluid is aspirated and the catheter replaced by an 8F teflon sheath with a curved tip. A bioptome is inserted through the sheath, and air is allowed to enter the pericardium. This method outlines the parietal percardium. The curved sheath directs the bioptome to the left or right wall. Eighteen consecutive patients had an average of eight pieces of pericardium removed. On histological examination, three patients had malignancy. Six had tuberculous granuloma, and mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from all six tissue specimens but only once from the fluid. Tissue smears showed acid fast bacilli in four out of six, whereas the fluid was negative in all. The biopsy yielded diagnostic information in nine out of ten patients with a thickened pericardium. There were no complications.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1988

Chronic severe aortic regurgitation: a prospective follow-up of 60 asymptomatic patients.

Sixty asymptomatic patients (age 26 +/- 10 years) with chronic severe aortic regurgitation were followed prospectively for 2.4 +/- 1.4 years. Based on previous echocardiographic end-systolic dimension (ESD) and angiographic ejection fraction (EF) correlations, the cohort was divided into group A (21 patients) with ESD greater than or equal to 48 mm and group B (39 patients) with ESD less than 48 mm. Group B had a faster ESD progression (NS) and 19 crossed over to group A. Thirteen patients, all with ESD greater than 48 mm, reached designated end points. One died of cerebral embolism and 12 (age 31.4 +/- 10.6 years) required aortic valve replacement (AVR). Of these, 9 of 12 were asymptomatic and 11 of 12 had significant left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). The preoperative ESD of 51.9 +/- 4.1 mm fell to 38.4 +/- 3.6 mm (p less than 0.001) postoperatively and the EF of 43.7 +/- 4.16 increased to 64.9 +/- 5.9 (p less than 0.001). We found (1) the progression was faster than in other series; (2) ESD greater than 48 mm was associated with significant progression; and (3) patients with EF above 40% showed no residual LVD after AVR.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Effect of predigestion factors on the apparent digestibility of protein for swine determined by the Mobile Nylon Bag Technique.

Five Yorkshire x Lacombe barrows (45 kg initial wt) fitted with duodenal cannulas approximately 10 cm from the pyloric sphincter were used to determine the influence of the pH of the predigestion solution (pH 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5), pepsin activity (189 vs 377 IU/liter) and duration of predigestion (0, 1.5, 2.5 or 4.0 h) on the apparent digestibility of the protein in soybean meal (SBM), meal and bone meal (MBM) or canola meal (CM) determined with the Mobile Nylon Bag Technique (MNBT). An additional six barrows were used to determine protein digestibility by conventional methods. Protein digestibilities determined using conventional digestibility techniques were 93.1 +/- .7, 79.1 +/- 1.8 and 79.3 +/- 1.4% for the SBM, MBM and CM diets, respectively. Protein digestibilities determined with the MNBT were highest at pH 2.0 for all three protein sources. Increasing pepsin activity from 189 to 377 IU/liter resulted in a slight increase in the digestibility of SBM and CM, but not of MBM. The absence of predigestion (0 h) resulted in a dramatic reduction in protein digestibility; predigestion times of 1.5 or 2.5 h usually resulted in lower protein digestibilities than did a predigestion time of 4.0 h. The closest agreement between results obtained by the MNBT and conventional digestibility studies occurred with a pH of 2.0, a predigestion time of 4.0 h and a pepsin activity of 377 IU/liter.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Tricuspid stenosis and regurgitation in rheumatic heart disease: a prospective cardiac catheterization study in 525 patients.

Cardiac catheterization (CC) was done in 525 symptomatic patients. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was graded from right ventricular (RV) angiography (RVA) and compared with RV indicator curves (IC). Tricuspid stenosis (TS) was diagnosed from the mean diastolic gradient (MDG). Organic (O) disease was diagnosed from TS or from thickening of the tricuspid valve (TV) on angiography. TR was found in 137 patients (26%), of whom 46 (33.5%) had additional TS. All of the patients with TS had significant TR. OTR was more frequent (70.4%) and more severe (p less than 0.0001) than functional TR (FTR). There was no difference in pulmonary artery pressure between FTR and OTR except when associated with TS. The TV was explored in 56 patients. A MDG greater than or equal to 2 mm Hg correctly predicted TS in 91% of the patients and right atrial angiography in 100% of the patients. Organic thickening of the TV was predicted in 84%.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Electron microscopic changes in tropical endomyocardial fibrosis.

Electron microscopic examination of cardiac tissue from seven patients with tropical endomyocardial fibrosis showed the endocardium to be replaced by maturing granulation tissue containing haphazardly arranged collagen bundles, smooth muscle cells, blood vessels and degranulated mast cells. Mature collagen was present on the luminal aspect of the granulation tissue. Myofibres showed mitochondrial swelling, lamella bodies, focal myocytoplasmic clearing and collapsed intercalated discs. Small calibre blood vessels exhibited endothelial swelling, areas of basement membrane duplication and collections of neutrophilic and eosinophilic leucocytes. Eosinophils showed alteration in granule morphology. These changes are similar to the lesions reported in endomyocardial disease with eosinophilia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Echocardiographic evaluation of normal and prolapsed tricuspid valve leaflets.

The tricuspid valve was examined by 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography in 14 patients with tricuspid valve prolapse (TVP) and in 16 normal subjects. Individual leaflets were identified anatomically and for frequency of prolapse. Maximal and minimal anular sizes were measured. Multiple tomograms of the tricuspid anulus were recorded at 30 degrees intervals around the tricuspid anulus with the transducer placed at the right ventricular apex. Anuli were reconstructed from the 6 planes and corrected for body surface area. Three leaflets of the tricuspid valve could be anatomically identified in all patients. Prolapse of all 3 leaflets was observed in 6 patients, 2 leaflets in 5 and 1 in 3. Frequency of individual leaflet prolapse was 93% for the septal cusp, 86% for the anterior and 43% for the posterior. Maximal anular circumference and area in TVP were 7.9 +/- 0.6 and 8.9 +/- 1.3 cm2/m2, respectively--significantly larger than values in normal subjects (6.4 +/- 0.5 cm/m2 and 6.1 +/- 0.9 cm2/m2, respectively) (p less than 0.001). Percent reductions in circumference and area in TVP were 14 +/- 3 and 25 +/- 5%, respectively--significantly smaller values than in normal subjects (19 +/- 4 and 33 +/- 4%, respectively). Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was detected by contrast echocardiography in 7 of 14 patients with TVP. The severity of TR appeared to be minimal in 6 of the 7 patients, and was not associated with an increase in anular size. Thus, TVP is associated with anular dilatation irrespective of associated TR, probably as a primary pathologic characteristic.

Adult↗