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Biomedical subjects

J Dhar

Publications and source records attributed to J Dhar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Texting--a revolution in sexual health communication.

Recent increases in demand on our service have posed challenges to the viability of our walk-in sexually transmitted infection services in Leicester. Areas identified as hot spots were patient waiting times, result provision and staff stress levels. To improve patient and staff satisfaction, new technologies to facilitate communication with patients were explored and then implemented in April 2003. A summary of the data analysed for the period April 2003-June 2004 is presented, including survey of the users and non-users of this facility.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Female genital mutilation in the Sudan: survey of the attitude of Khartoum university students towards this practice.

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision is the removal of variable amounts of tissue from the female external genitalia. It is practised all over the world on very young girls. This study was conducted in Sudan where FGM is a criminal offence and not a religious dictate. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of this practice among Khartoum university students and compared the differences between male and female student responses. METHODS: An anonymised detailed questionnaire was distributed among the university students. In addition to the participant's age, marital status, course studying, details regarding their attitude, knowledge of the practice of FGM, and their own experiences were collected. RESULTS: Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 414 (82.8%) were returned from 192 (46%) females and 222 (54%) males. 109 (56.8%) of the female respondents were themselves circumcised.18.8% of the male students and 9.4% of the female students thought FGM was recommended by their religion. Only 90 (46.9%) female students compared with 133 (59.9%) male students thought FGM was illegal. Though 16 (8.3%) female respondents thought FGM would increase their chances of marriage, the majority, 166 (74.8%), of the male students would prefer a non-circumcised female. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that 109 (56.8%) female university students who responded were circumcised. Confusing religious messages and ambiguous laws seem to be responsible for the continuation of this practice. The study highlights the partnership that needs to be established between religious leaders and educationalists to end this medieval practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Molluscum contagiosum--a novel presentation.

A case history is described of an HIV-seropositive man who presented with a swelling on the right cheek and a history of disseminated molluscum contagiosum. Electron microscopy of the abscess aspirate showed pox virions indicative of molluscum contagiosum. This is an unusual presentation of molluscum contagiosum and the authors review the literature of other presentations.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1999

Optic nerve cysticercosis in the optic canal.

The authors present a first case of cysticercosis in the optic canal in a fifteen-year-old female patient. Cysticercosis of the optic nerve is rare. A cyst in the optic canal, beneath the sheath of the optic nerve, has never been reported. The patient presented with rapidly diminishing vision in the left eye, headache and papillitis. A magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion at the entrance of the optic canal. Surgery performed was a transcranial orbitotomy which included deroofing of the optic canal and removal of the cyst from under the sheath of the optic nerve. The cyst proved to be cysticercus histopathologically. The outcome was a remarkable visual recovery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Gliofibroma: mixed glial and mesenchymal tumour. Report of three cases.

Gliofibromas are rarely encountered astrocytic tumours comprising of astrocytic and benign fibroblastic components. They commonly occur in first two decades of life. However, the exact behaviour is not fully known and their histogenesis is also still debatable. We report three cases of gliofibroma in which we studied proliferative markers (MIB-1) and p53 protein expression. In these tumours, occurrence in adult life is in contrast to that reported in the literature. Depending upon the morphology and proliferative Labelling Index we classified these tumours into low grade (benign) and high grade (malignant/anaplastic).

Adult↗
PubMed1997

What is normal vaginal flora?

OBJECTIVE: To observe the composition of the vaginal flora of healthy women over time, and in relation to hormonal changes, sexual activity, and hygiene habits. DESIGN: A longitudinal surveillance of the vaginal flora over an eight week period. SUBJECTS: 26 female health care workers in local genitourinary medicine clinics. METHODS: The participants were anonymised. They filled in diary cards daily. Blind vaginal swabs were self-taken two-seven times weekly. A smear was air-dried for later Gram staining. The swabs were also cultured for Candida spp, Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. RESULTS: Of 26 subjects, only four had normal vaginal microbiology throughout. One woman, who was not sexually active, had bacterial vaginosis (BV) throughout and nine (35%) had intermittent BV. Candidiasis was found intermittently in eight women (31%), and eight had normal microscopy. U urealyticum was isolated intermittently in 40% of women with BV, 25% with candida, and 50% with normal microscopy. Many women were symptomatic, but symptoms correlated poorly with microbiological findings. All but two women were sexually active; however, more women with BV were exposed to semen. BV seemed to be related to frequent use of scented soap, and there appeared to be an additive effect of clothing and hygiene factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study raises doubts about what should be regarded as normal vaginal flora. It calls into question the significance of finding BV or U urealyticum on a single occasion in asymptomatic women, or of finding normal flora in symptomatic women. The effect of external factors on the vaginal flora deserve further study.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Role of calcium and protein kinase C in the activation of T cells in Takayasu's arteritis.

The roles of protein kinase C and calcium in the T cells of patients suffering from Takayasu's arteritis (TA) in response to the mitogens phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA) and streptococcal antigens have been studied. In TA there was an increased basal activity of protein kinase C (1.074 +/- 0.223 nmoles/mg protein/min) as compared with that of controls (0.570 +/- .12) (p < 0.001). There was 75% translocation from the cytosol to membrane fraction in response to PMA. Intracellular calcium levels showed increased basal levels in TA (177.07 +/- 12.56 nmoles) compared with the controls (112.83 +/- 10.6 nmoles) (p < 0.001) and there was a further rise on stimulation, indicating the T cells were in an activated state. There was a positive correlation between the calcium levels and the activity of protein kinase C (r = 0.71, p < 0.05). Unlike the situation in patients with rheumatic fever, T cells in TA showed no stimulation in response to streptococcal antigens. The low level of cAMP (1.12 +/- 0.169 pmoles/million cells) compared with that of controls (1.4 +/- 0.03) further supports the role of PKC-calcium in the T cell activation process. These findings suggest activation of the PKC-calcium pathway in TA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with a three day course of 2% clindamycin vaginal cream: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 3 day course of 2% clindamycin cream in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. DESIGN: A prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study. SETTING: Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital. SUBJECTS: 55 female patients aged 18 years and over, and premenopausal, who spontaneously or after questioning complained of symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS: 55 patients were enrolled. 44 patients were evaluable at Visit 1 when among the 23 who received clindamycin cream bacterial vaginosis was not present in 22 (95.6%) and only one failed treatment. Of the 21 patients in the placebo group only one (4.8%) patient was cured and 20 (95.2%) were failures. Of the 17 patients evaluable at Visit 2 in the clindamycin group, bacterial vaginosis was not present in 14 (82.4%) and had recurred in three. No serious adverse events were noted in either group. CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides encouraging evidence of the efficacy and safety of a 3 day course of 2% clindamycin cream in bacterial vaginosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Renal parenchymal malacoplakia and megalocytic interstitial nephritis: clinical and histological features. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report 2 cases of acute renal failure caused by rare and closely related inflammatory conditions, i.e. renal parenchymal malacoplakia and megalocytic interstitial nephritis. We have discussed the clinical presentation, natural progression of the disease, the short- and longterm prognosis of the kidney, the histological appearances, the radiological features and the medical therapy together with a review of the literature.

Acute Kidney Injury↗