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Biomedical subjects

K Saxena

Publications and source records attributed to K Saxena.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Enhanced induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition following acute menadione administration.

Induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition in vitro is well-characterized and widely implicated in the mechanism of oxidant-induced cell death. Despite an abundance of in vitro evidence, implication of mitochondrial dysfunction in the mechanism of chemical toxicity in vivo awaits demonstration of the induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition in tissues from intoxicated animals. Menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), an agent known to induce the permeability transition in isolated liver mitochondrial in vitro, was administered as a single bolus to adult male rats, and hepatic mitochondria were isolated 24 h later. Mitochondria from menadione-treated rats exhibited an increased sensitivity to calcium-induced inhibition of state 3 respiration and loss of respiratory control, as well as a greater sensitivity to calcium-induced calcium release that was inhibited by cyclosporine A. Associated with this was the depolarization of membrane potential and swelling of mitochondria from menadione-treated animals, but not control animals. Both the calcium-dependent depolarization and swelling of mitochondria from menadione-treated rats were inhibited by adding either cyclosporine A or ruthenium red. The results are consistent with the induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition and provide the first evidence for the manifestation of an increased sensitivity to this response as a result of chemical exposure in vivo.

Animals

Evaluation of PGE2 gel for cervical ripening and induction of labour.

In a prospective study a single dose PGE2 gel 0.5 mg was given in 97 Low Bishop Score subjects, 12 hrs prior to indicated oxytocin or PGE2 tab induction for cervical ripening. Analysis of 97 subjects shows that it is very highly effective. 56 primi and 21 multi delivered spontaneously with gel administration only while 4 primi and 2 multi delivered vaginally following oxytocin and 3 more cases delivered vaginally following PGE2 tab administration and fewer caesarian section (11) were performed. The endo cervical administration of PGE2 was well tolerated and systemic PGE2 effects were minimal.

Administration, Oral

Surface epithelial tumours of the ovary.

Surface epithelial tumours (SET) constituted 65.7% of all the ovarian tumours. Benign tumours were 182 (71.9%), of low malignant potential (LMP) 11 (4.4%) and frank malignant 60 (23.7%). Maximum number of cases, 102 (40.3%) belonged to 3rd decade. Mean age for serous cystoma was 31.5% years as compared to 30.8 years for mucinous cystoma. The commonest presenting feature was the abdominal lump observed in 182 cases (71.9%) and pain in abdomen in 120 (47.4%). Serous cystomas were t he most frequent tumours and comprised of 32.21% of all the ovarian tumours or 46.01% of all the SET or 65.56% of all the cystic SET. Seventeen (11.7%) of serous tumours were bilateral. Mucinous cystomas constituted 14.55% of all the ovarian tumours or 30.8% of all the SET. These tumours were bulky (78.6%; 15 cm diameter) and multilocular (83.9%). Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was the commonest malignant epithelial tum our (36.6%). Endometroid carcinoma comprised 3.65% of all the SET or 8.4% of all the ovarian malignancy. Squamous metaplasia was seen in one case whereas 2 cases were of mesodermal mixed tumour with heterologous element as rhabdomyosarcoma. Clear cell carcinoma, Brenner tumour and unclassified group constituted 0.79%, 1.18% and 1.58% of all SET respectively.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell

Solid tumours of the ovary.

One hundred seventeen solid ovarian tumours, diagnosed histologically during the period between 1971 and 1990, were studied. The overall incidence of solid ovarian tumours was 23.4% of all the ovarian tumours (500 cases) studied. Of 117 solid ovarian tumours 19 (16.2%) were benign and the rest 98 (83.8%) were malignant. Epithelial tumours were the commonest (28.2%) followed by germ cell tumours (22.2%), sex cord stromal tumours (21.4%), metastatic tumours (19.7%) and non-specific tumours (8.5%). The average age (26.8 years) was comparatively low for germ cell tumours otherwise in other groups it ranged between 42 and 45 years. Below 15 years immature teratoma was diagnosed in 4 cases and granulosa cell tumour in 2 cases. Bilateral tumours were seen in 22 cases (23.2%) out of 95 cases observed. Pain and fullness in the pelvic region were observed in 94.9% cases. Varied morphological picture was seen in 6 cases of endometrioid carcinoma. Dysgerminoma constituted 6.8% of solid ovarian tumours. Gliomatosis peritonei was noticed in one case of immature teratoma. Granulosa cell tumour accounted for 11.1% of solid ovarian tumours. Of 23 cases of metastatic tumours, Krukenberg tumour was noticed in 88.9% cases. Diagnostic problems as well as prognostic factors of solid ovarian tumours have been discussed.

Adolescent

Scopolamine withdrawal syndrome.

As travel by air and ship becomes increasingly popular, more and more travelers are using transdermal scopolamine to avoid motion sickness. In fact, it has become almost fashionable for ocean travelers to sit on the sun deck with a patch behind the ear. This article describes withdrawal symptoms in a patient who used transdermal scopolamine beyond the recommended 3 days.

Administration, Cutaneous

Profound acidosis caused by isoniazid ingestion.

Isoniazid (INH) is the cause of one of the most common serious drug overdoses and can cause severe metabolic acidosis. We report a case of INH overdose that is most notable because the patient survived without apparent sequelae after experiencing an extremely low pH level (6.49). This is the lowest reported pH level with patient survival. Toxicity and pharmacology of INH and various aspects of metabolic acidosis are discussed.

Acidosis, Lactic

Methanol intoxication in multiple trauma.

Management of inflicted or self-inflicted trauma to accomplish homicide or suicide is no novelty in the practice of medicine. However, it takes an astute clinician to recognize serious poisoning in the midst of life-threatening injuries. We describe two cases where homicide and suicide attempts were accompanied with the ingestion of methanol. Both patients recovered with proper management of the injuries as well as early recognition and treatment of the methanol poisoning.

Adult

Cyanide poisoning from metal cleaning solutions.

We report two cases of cyanide poisoning from accidental ingestion of an imported metal cleaning solution used by some Southeast Asians for shining coins. Both patients received specific therapy and recovered completely after a dramatic sequence of sudden collapse and severe cardiovascular compromise.

Accidents, Home

Isolation and estimation of gangliosides in discrete regions of the forebrain: effects of estrogen on regional lipid profiles.

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurochemical changes in the levels of gangliosides, total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, esterified fatty acids and triglyceride of the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdaloid nucleus, midline nuclei of thalamus, gyrus cinguli and olfactory bulbs following the intramuscular administration of ethinylestradiol (100 mcg) to each female rabbit daily for 30 days. Remarkable increment in the concentration of gangliosides was discernible in hippocampus, amygdaloid nucleus and olfactory bulbs. Interestingly, these levels showed significant decrement in the hypothalamus. The contents of total lipids, triglyceride and esterified fatty acids exhibited significant decrease in the hypothalamus. On the other hand, these levels showed a remarkable increment in olfactory bulbs with a significant elevation in the levels of phospholipids. The concentration of phospholipids was, however, markedly depleted in amygdaloid nucleus. The contents of esterified fatty acids exhibited decrement in hippocampus but the midline nuclei of thalamus showed increment. A significant elevation was also discernible in the levels of triglyceride in gyrus cinguli. The results suggest that the lipid contents are affected differentially in the various parts of the brain.

Animals

Suicide plan by nicotine poisoning: a review of nicotine toxicity.

Nicotine is a toxic substance which is readily available from a wide variety of sources. Due to the universal availability of nicotine, the primary care physician may encounter accidental or deliberate poisoning in a variety of clinical settings and should be familiar with diagnosis and management of nicotine toxicity. We report a case in which a depressed patient attempted suicide using nicotine extracted from snuff as a lethal drug. Three other cases illustrating the effects and clinical management of nicotine poisoning are also reviewed. The etiology, diagnosis and management of nicotine overdose are discussed.

Adolescent

Inferior glenohumeral dislocation.

Presented is the case of a 55-year-old alcoholic with an inferior glenohumeral dislocation of his right shoulder. The patient was unable to move his right arm, which was flexed at the elbow and locked in an overhead position. After roentgenographic confirmation of the dislocation, traction-counter-traction was employed for reduction. Reduction was indicated by an audible click. The shoulder was immobilized and the patient was discharged for follow up in two weeks. Luxatio erecta is the result of a severe hyperabduction mechanism frequently associated with significant rotator cuff injury. Immediate reduction followed by surgical repair of the rotator cuff at a later date is the standard treatment.

Accidents, Home

Trazodone overdose.

Trazodone did not appear to be a potent respiratory depressant or cardiotoxic or neurotoxic agent in our cases. Further experience is needed to determine a recommended treatment procedure. It is not clear whether the experience with these two cases can be extrapolated to elderly patients, patients with serious physical illnesses, or cases involving larger ingestions. Additional information is required concerning concurrent ingestion of trazodone and alcohol or other CNS-depressant drugs. It would appear that standard treatment including emptying of the stomach, activated charcoal and cathartic, and close observation to monitor and support the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is appropriate. These two case reports suggest that trazodone lacks the serious toxicity encountered with other antidepressant compounds when taken in large overdoses.

Adult

Acute poisoning: management protocol.

Management of the acutely poisoned patient should start with decontamination of the skin and irrigation of the eyes, if necessary, and assessment of cardiorespiratory status, neurologic status, and pupils and eye movement. If a definable toxic syndrome is present, the specific "antidote" should be given. If no such syndrome is apparent and the patient is comatose, 50 ml of 50% glucose and 0.4 mg of naloxone (Narcan) intravenously should be tried. General measures, applicable in either situation, include induction of emesis or lavage and administration of charcoal and cathartics.

Acute Disease