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Biomedical subjects

K Maharaj

Publications and source records attributed to K Maharaj.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Colour Doppler and grey scale ultrasound features of HIV-related vascular aneurysms.

Atypical aneurysms of large elastic arteries owing to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vasculopathy are a well described complication of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, there are no reports describing the ultrasound features of these lesions. We performed a retrospective review of ultrasound images of 12 patients presenting with 39 HIV-related aneurysms over a 2 year period. Of these there were a total of 12 patients with symptomatic lesions comprising the superficial femoral artery (n=5), the origin of the internal carotid artery (n=3), the popliteal artery (n=2), the common femoral artery (n=1) and the common iliac artery (n=1). The remainder were asymptomatic and were demonstrated radiologically. The ultrasound features of large symptomatic HIV-related femoral and carotid aneurysms were typical of pseudoaneurysms with a defect or "blow-out" in the vessel wall and turbulent pulsatile flow. Of note was the presence of marked thickening of the vessel adjacent to the aneurysm and hyperechoic "spotting" of the arterial wall. These ultrasound features described may be unique to HIV vasculopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Using nicotine replacement therapy in treating nicotine addiction in adolescents.

Cigarette smoking is the greatest cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. More than 3,000 children in the United States begin smoking each day. Smokers experience withdrawal symptoms that can be ameliorated by pharmacological interventions. These interventions include Zyban (Bupropion HCl), Nicorette gum, Habitrol patch, Nicoderm patch, Nicotrol inhaler, and Nicotrol NS spray, along with their generic counterparts. This article reviews each of these agents, the time course of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire and presents a framework for assisting the nicotine-addicted student in smoking cessation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Bacteriological quality of raw oysters in Trinidad and the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of the public about its consumption.

In Trinidad and Tobago, raw oyster cocktails are a delicacy, but they are generally believed to be responsible for illness in the consumer. The microbial loads of raw oysters, condiments/spices and ready-to-consume oyster cocktails were determined in four sampling areas. Questionnaires were also administered to 72 oyster vendors to determine practices that affect the bacteriological quality of the products. Three hundred members of the public were interviewed to determine the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of the public about raw oyster consumption. The mean total aerobic plate count (TAPC) per g of 50 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and ready-to-consume raw oyster cocktails averaged from 1.0 x 10(7)+/-4.3 x 10(7) to 1.4 x 10(8)+/-6.4 x 10(8), 2.0 x 10(5)+/-1.0 x 10(6) to 2.0 x 10(7)+/-1.4 x 10(8), and 4.3 x 10(5)+/-1.0 x 10(6) to 2.2 x 10(6)+/-1.0 x 10(7), respectively. The difference for each product among the four areas was statistically significant (P < or = 0.05; chi2). Using a recommended maximum standard of TAPC per g of 5.0 x 10(5), 115 (57.5%), 27 (13.5%) and 51 (25.5%) of 200 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails, respectively, were considered unfit for human consumption. Amongst vendor practices, source of oyster harvest and length of time between separation of oyster meat from shell and sale, significantly affected the mean TAPC per g and the prevalence of unfit oyster cocktail samples. Consumption of raw oyster cocktails was more prevalent amongst males (73.6%) than females (26.4%) (P < 0.002), East Indians (63.2%) as compared with other respondents (36.8%) (P < 0.001), individuals < or = 40 years old (82.1%) than in individuals > 40 years of age (17.9%) (P < 0.01), and in individuals who were aware that raw oysters are considered to be a sexual enhancer (86.8%) as compared to those who did not have this perception (11.3%) (P < 0.03). Fear of falling ill prevented 44 (37.9%) of 116 non-consumers from eating oyster cocktails, while 13 of 106 consumers (12.3%) reported having experienced an oyster-borne illness. The rather high prevalence of raw oyster cocktails found to be unfit for human consumption, coupled with the perceptions and attitudes of the consumers about the product, pose a significant health risk to the public.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Microbial quality of oysters sold in Western Trinidad and potential health risk to consumers.

The prevalence and characteristics of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. as well as counts of E. coli in raw oysters, condiments/spices, and raw oyster cocktails sampled from 72 vendors across Western Trinidad were determined. The microbial quality of the water used in the preparation of raw oysters was also investigated. Of 200 samples each of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails tested, 154 (77.0%), 89 (44.5%) and 154 (77.0%) respectively yielded E. coli. The differences were statistically significant (P = < 0.001; chi square = 62.91). The mean E. coli count per g in the ready-to-eat oyster cocktail ranged from 1.5 x 10(3) +/- 2.7 x 10(3) in Couva to 8.7x10(6) +/- 4.9x10(7) in San Fernando. One hundred and forty-six (73.0%) oyster cocktails contaminated with E. coli had counts that exceeded the recommended standard of 16 per g. Of a total of 590 E. coli isolates from various sources tested, 24 (4.1%), 20 (3.4%) and 69 (11.7%) were mucoid, haemolytic and non-sorbitol fermenters respectively. Twelve (2.0%) isolates of E. coli were O157 strains, while 92 (46.0%) of 200 E. coli isolates tested belonged to enteropathogenic serogroups. Ninety (45.0%) and 73 (36.5%) of 200 water samples contained total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively, with counts that exceeded 2.2 coliforms per 100 ml. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 7 (3.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 2 (1.0%) of 200 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails respectively. Oysters pose a health risk to consumers in Trinidad, particularly from colibacillosis and salmonellosis, and the need for increased public awareness of this hazard cannot be over-emphasized.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Shared-induced paranoid disorder folie à deux between mother and son.

A case of shared-induced paranoid (psychotic) disorder (DSM III-R, 1987) between mother and son is presented. This disorder may be a more frequently occurring disorder than is generally recognised. It is suggested that more detailed family and social investigations be undertaken to unearth psychopathology in the social environment of the patient. In cases involving relatives, this may be another dimension to the genetic influence on mental illness. This is the first case reported in the West Indian medical literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Consequences of the 1989 New York State triplicate benzodiazepine prescription regulations.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of psychoactive medication prescribing and Medicaid expenditures before (1987 through 1988) and after (1989 through 1990) institution of the New York State triplicate benzodiazepine regulations. DATA SOURCES: The National Prescription Audit (IMS America, Plymouth Meeting, Pa), New York State Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield fo the Rochester (NY) Area. RESULTS: From 1988 to 1989, New York State benzodiazepine prescribing decreased by 44%, 60%, and 30% as assessed by IMS America, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, respectively. Prescribing of the following alternative sedative-hypnotics increased in New York State compared with decreases nationally (IMS America data): meprobamate, +125% vs -9%; methyprylon, +84% vs -15%; ethchlorvynol, +29% vs -18%; butabarbital, +31% vs -15%; hydroxyzine, +15% vs -1.1%; and chloralhydrate, +136% vs -0.4%. Increased prescribing of alternatives was also seen in the Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield data. Medicaid benzodiazepine expenditures decreased 52% from 1988 to 1989 ($21.7 million to $10.4 million). Alternative sedative expenditures increased 115% ($3.9 million to $8.4 million). Total Medicaid psychoactive medication expenditures remained nearly constant ($46.7 million to $45.6 million). CONCLUSION: Although the triplicate regulations have decreased benzodiazepine prescribing, an undesirable increase has occurred in the prescribing of less acceptable medications. The wider public health, patient care, and financial implications of triplicate benzodiazepine regulations are of concern and require further study before other jurisdictions undertake similar programs.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMed1990

Life-stress events, depression and purpose-in-life in first-admission alcoholics and members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The relationship between alcoholism, depression, life-stress events and purpose-in-life is a very complex one. Thirty-five first admission alcoholics and an equal number of members of Alcoholics Anonymous were assessed, using objective measures of alcoholism, depression, stress and purpose-in-life. The results indicate that there were significant differences between the two groups on drinking behaviour, depression and purpose-in-life. No differences were found between the groups on the stress questionnaire. Positive correlations were found between drinking behaviour and depression, life events and purpose-in-life.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Characteristics of a rural area community mental health programme County Caroni.

The paper describes characteristics and trends in a rural area Community Mental Health programme. Research done by the mental health team supports some of the previously held notions on alcoholism and dispels some myths about parasuicide and suicide. Education at all levels continues to be an important preventative measure in the fight against drug abuse. The effort to set up an Alcohol and Referral Center is partly thwarted by poor community resources. The mental health team has had to enlist the support of service organizations in their educational programmes. More work needs to be done in the area of psychogeriatrics, rehabilitation and family life. The need for closer links between governmental agencies and the community is emphasized.

Adolescent↗