Biomedical subjects

M A Aziz

Publications and source records attributed to M A Aziz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Proliferation potential of 18-month-old callus of Ananas comosus L. cv. Moris.

Differential effect of plant growth regulators and additives in proliferation of 18-month-old calli of Ananas comosus L. cv. Moris were assessed in vitro. The proliferation of callus relied on the growth regulators and additives. Of the different auxins supplemented in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, 32.22 microM alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) gave the highest mean fresh weight of callus (46.817 g). Medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was inferior to NAA, while b-naphthoxy acetic acid (BNOA) and p-chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA) were not effective in proliferating 18-months old callus. Addition of casein hydrolysate and coconut water to NAA supplemented medium showed better proliferation and production of callus. However, in terms of callus production, NAA at 32.22 microM was economically better.

Ananas↗

PubMed2006

Modelling number of services per conception of Japanese Black cattle by random regression.

Repeated records of number of services per conception (NSC) were collected on 607 Japanese Black cows. Data were analysed by random regression (RRM) and multiple trait (MTM) models, considering NSC in each parity as a separate trait. The chosen RRM included additive genetic and permanent environmental effects fitted with a third-order Legendre polynomials of parity. Heritabilities (h2) estimated by RRM decreased along the NSC trajectory from 0.15 in the first parity to 0.04 in the sixth parity and then increased up to 0.22 in the 10th parity. The corresponding estimates obtained by MTM ranged between 0.04 in parity 9 and 0.13 in parity 1. Permanent environmental proportions (p2) of the total phenotypic variance estimated by RRM showed similar pattern and magnitude to those of h2 estimated by the same method. On the contrary, the p2 estimated by MTM ranged between 0.04 in the first parity and 0.11 in the 10th parity. Additive genetic (r(G)), permanent environmental (r(P)) and phenotypic (r(PH)) correlations were also estimated. The values estimated by RRM between adjacent parities were higher than those of parities far apart. The corresponding values estimated by MTM were lower than those estimated by RRM with no certain trend. The results indicated that NSC in heifers is more heritable than NSC in cows with different parities. Reproductive traits are economically important traits and hence, they should be considered in breeding goals.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2006

National anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey, 2002, in Myanmar.

SETTING: Thirty townships of Myanmar. OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportions of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in new and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases in Myanmar. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Drug susceptibility was tested by the proportion method at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Yangon. RESULTS: Of 874 TB patients included from 30 sites, 849 isolates obtained from individual patients (733 from new cases and 116 from previously treated cases) were tested for susceptibility to four primary anti-tuberculosis drugs. Of 733 isolates tested from new TB patients, 10% were resistant to any one of the anti-tuberculosis drugs, 6.5% to isoniazid (INH), 4.6% to rifampicin (RMP) and 4.0% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Of the 116 previously treated patients, 30.2% were resistant to any one of the drugs, 26.7% to INH, 15.5% to RMP and 15.5% were MDR. Previous anti-tuberculosis treatment of more than 1 month was strongly associated with the development of MDR-TB (adjusted OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.5-9.1). CONCLUSION: The first national drug resistance survey in Myanmar revealed 4% and 15.5% MDR-TB among new and retreatment cases, respectively. Previous antituberculosis treatment was an important risk factor for MDR-TB. Continuous monitoring of drug resistance trends is needed

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Rectovestibular fistula with vaginal malformations.

Anorectal malformations are associated with other anomalies among which vaginal malformations are occasionally encountered and may go unnoticed by the primary physician. Between January 1998 and December 2003, 563 cases of anorectal malformations were managed in Pediatric Surgery Department, Chittagong Medical College & Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Among these, five cases of rectovestibular fistula were associated with vaginal malformations. In this retrospective study age, physical findings, operative findings and procedures, outcome of operation and postoperative follow-up were evaluated. Mean age at presentation was 8.67 years (range 2 months to 17 years). All cases referred as rectovaginal fistula and vaginal anomalies (atresia to agenesis) were detected after thorough examination. Initial pelvic colostomy was done in all patients. Cases 1, 3 and 4 had distal vaginal agenesis and underwent posterior sagittal anorectovaginoplasty. In case 5, atretic vaginal duplication was found with didelphic hypoplastic uterus and absent left kidney. Case 2 (vaginal atresia) operated elsewhere is waiting for definitive surgery. Colostomy closure was done in four cases. The third patient had already married and conceived. Bowel habits are regular in all except the second patient. In females, a thorough understanding of anorectal malformations is necessary to identify the association with vaginal anomalies and awareness of this association will lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate operative measures.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed2005

Estimation of direct and maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects for weights from birth to 356 days of age in a herd of Japanese Black cattle using random regression.

A total of 11,815 weight records from 23,94 Japanese Black calves was used to estimate direct, maternal, direct permanent environmental, and maternal permanent environmental effects on growth from birth to 356 d of age. The data were collected from a herd of Japanese Black cattle in Shiroshi city, Miyagi prefecture, Japan. A random regression model, including parity of dam and year-season of calving-sex of calf as fixed effects and animal, dam, animal permanent environmental, and maternal permanent environmental as random effects, was fitted to the data using Legendre polynomials for age of calf. Direct heritability estimates increased from 0.38 at birth to 0.65 at 120 d of age, decreased to 0.38 at 300 d, and then increased again up to 0.47 at 356 d. The ratio of animal permanent environmental variance to phenotypic variance decreased from 0.41 at birth to 0.12 at 90 d, and then increased gradually up to 0.40 at 270 d and oscillated around this value up to the end of the test period. Maternal genetic heritabilities increased from 0.04 at birth to 0.09 at 120 d and then decreased to 0.06 thereafter, whereas the variance ratios due to maternal permanent environment were fairly constant across the age trajectory, fluctuating around the value of 0.03. Direct genetic, phenotypic, maternal genetic, animal permanent environmental, and maternal permanent environmental correlations between different ages were all positive, and they generally decreased as the interval between ages increased. These correlations were lower between weights from nonadjacent ages than those between weights from adjacent ages. Results suggest that selection on preweaning weights would have a positive effect on weights at later ages.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The Beijing genotype is a major cause of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Kazakhstan.

SETTING: Nine Kazakhstan oblasts, 2001. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the genetic relationship of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from Kazakhstan and to determine the frequency of the Beijing genotype. DESIGN: All drug-resistant smear-positive cases identified in nine oblasts during the 2001 nationwide drug resistance survey were analysed by IS6110 fingerprinting and spoligotyping. Isolates were obtained from 150 patients (64 new and 86 retreated cases). RESULTS: Eight cases (5.3%) of dual infection were identified. Of the remaining 142 strains, 91 (64.1%) were grouped in 18 clusters, indicating a high rate of recent transmission of resistant tuberculosis (TB). This was further confirmed by the origin of the patients as well as by the similar drug resistance patterns of the clustered strains. Accordingly, more than one third of all clustered strains were new cases. About 70% of the resistant strains belonged to the Beijing genotype, compared to only 37.5% in a control group of 40 susceptible isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission of drug-resistant strains seems to contribute to the spread of resistant TB in this high incidence region. The Beijing genotype should be seen as a major cause of drug-resistant TB in Kazakhstan and was found to be associated with drug resistance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Corneal foreign body--an occupational hazard.

An attempt is made to describe the ocular surface injury by foreign body among the people those who are working in welding, grinding, hammering factory. Corneal foreign body which is usually iron in nature is the most common problem among the people those who are working in these factories. Clinical presentation, clinical pictures, and management are discussed. Corneal foreign body is a common cause of ocular morbidity and loss of working hour in the work place. Most of the victims do not use protective glass during work. We conclude that protective glass will useful in reduction of these accidents and alertness of both ophthalmologists and their patients are necessary.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed2004

Acidogenic pretreatment of wastewaters containing 2-nitrophenol.

Anaerobic Toxicity Assay (ATA) tests were conducted on acidogenic cultures to assess the feasibility of using acidogenic processes to treat wastewaters containing 2-nitrophenol. Results indicated 2-nitrophenol could be removed with a removal efficiency of more than 98%. 2-aminophenol was identified as the major metabolite of the biotransformation of 2-nitrophenol. Reduction in inhibition potential of acidogenic pretreated effluent was observed in the aerobic process. EC50 values of 2-nitrophenol and 2-aminophenol were found to be 0.065 mM and 1.83 mM respectively.

Acids↗

PubMed2002

Derivation and application of a new model for heavy metal biosorption by algae.

An equilibrium model for describing the relationships between important parameters for heavy metal sorption by algae was derived through a thermodynamics approach. In this model, both the removal efficiency of heavy metal and metal adsorption per unit algal biomass are considered to be simple functions of the ratio of algal biomass concentration to the initial metal concentration for selected conditions, i.e. as at constant pH and temperature. The model was found to fit the experimental results well (judged by the correlation-regression coefficient, R2), for the adsorption of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc by two algal species, Oocystis sp. (both living and non-living) and Chlorococcum sp. The applicability of the model was also supported by the reprocessed results of experimental data given in the literature, i.e. for the metal species, Cd, Pb, Cu and Ag, the algal species, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus quadricauda and Cladophora crispata, and both batch and continuous fixed-bed reactors. It was also demonstrated that the model could be applied over a broad range of pH for cadmium and copper adsorption by Oocystis sp. However, the model was not applicable at very low and high pH levels, due to negligible adsorption and precipitation, respectively.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2002

In hydronephrosis less than 10 % kidney function is not an indication for nephrectomy in children.

PURPOSE: To reduce the incidence of nephrectomy or hydronephrosis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1998 to October 2000, we treated 58 patients with hydronephrosis; their ages ranged from 35 days to 11 years (mean age 4 years 7 months). All patients were subjected to a DTPA renogram with split function. In 12 patients (study group), kidney function was less than 10 % (range 0 - 10 %). Initially, nephrostomy was carried out in all 12 patients followed by Anderson-Hyne's pyeloplasty after 4 - 6 weeks. Postoperatively renal USG, urine r/m/e & c/s (routine and microscopic examination and culture and sensitivity test), blood urea, serum creatinine were assessed and DMSA scan and DTPA renogram with split functions were carried out in all patients. RESULTS: In the study group, all 12 patients showed improvement of renal function (more than 10 %) after nephrostomy and in all of them pyeloplasty was subsequently carried out within 4 - 6 weeks. There were no significant pre-, peri- or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to common practice we do not recommend nephrectomy for hydronephrotic kidneys which show < 10 % of renal function on renogram. The renal functional status improves significantly after a preliminary nephrostomy, thus avoiding the need for a straightforward nephrectomy in children along with all the possible long-term effects of a single kidney.

Child↗

PubMed2001

Complete pterygoidectomy--a novel method for the topographical investigation of the deep masticator space and its contents.

The complexity of the topographical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa (=masticator space) remains underappreciated because of limitations of the methods used to expose it; these methods are described and critiqued. The disposition of the lateral pterygoid (LPt) muscle in the masticator space obscures the anatomical relations of clinically significant neurovascular structures. Controversies regarding the nerve supply and actions of the two LPt heads are summarized. Since the LPt has been implicated in temporomandibular (joint) dysfunction (TMD), its precise relationships to the mandibular neurovascular structures is essential in understanding its role in TMD. We recently developed a method involving the en bloc removal of the LPt-tensor veli palatini complex along with all vital neurovascular structures. Further investigations using our method--in conjunction with contemporary imaging techniques (CT, MRI)--should help describe the detailed topography of masticatory structures. This information should help in understanding, differential diagnosis, and treatment of TMD.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

T cell activation, apoptosis and cytokine dysregulation in the (co)pathogenesis of HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Immune parameters were compared in four groups of Ugandan subjects: HIV-and HIV+ adult patients with active pulmonary TB (HIV- PTB n = 38; HIV+ PTB n = 28), patients with HIV infection only (n = 26) and PPD+ healthy controls (n = 25). Compared with healthy controls, CD4 and CD8 T cells from patients with HIV and/or PTB expressed more activation markers (HLA-DR, CD38); their CD8 T cells expressed more CD95 (pre-apoptosis) and less CD28 (co-stimulatory receptor). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with either HIV or PTB were impaired in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production upon antigenic stimulation. PTB (with or without HIV) was characterized by monocytosis, granulocytosis, increased transforming growth factor-beta 1 production and PPD-induced apoptosis. In vivo CD4 T cell depletion, in vitro increased spontaneous CD4 T cell apoptosis and defects in IFN-gamma responses upon mitogenic stimulation were restricted to HIV+ subjects (with or without PTB). Overlapping and distinctive immune alterations, associated with PTB and HIV, might explain mutual unfavourable influences of both diseases.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1999

Effect of lysine modification on the conformation and indomethacin binding properties of human serum albumin.

In order to study the involvement of lysine residues of human serum albumin (HSA) in the binding of indomethacin, HSA was treated with different molar excess of acetic anhydride, succinic anhydride and O-methylisourea which resulted in differently modified preparations: 30%, 62% and 87% acetylated, 20%, 34%, 64% and 78% succinylated and 21%, 43% and 86% guanidinated HSAs. All the preparations were found to be homogeneous with respect to charge as well as size as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration on a Seralose-6B column. Hydrodynamic and circular dichroic results showed that pronounced conformational changes (both tertiary and secondary structures) were induced in the maximally acetylated (87%) and succinylated (78%) preparations. On the other hand, guanidinated preparations showed no expansion in the hydrodynamic volume. The percent decrease in alpha-helical content was 34% for 87% acetylated, 31% for 78% succinylated and 10% for 86% guanidinated HSAs. A significant increase in the values of Stokes radii and frictional ratios (from 3.43 nm and 1.29 for native HSA to 4.07 nm and 1.52 for 87% acetylated and 4.35 nm and 1.60 for 78% succinylated HSAs, respectively) was also noticed in these highly modified preparations. Fluorescence quench titration results obtained at pH 7.4 and ionic strength 0.15 showed that only 54.1% and 64.7% binding of indomethacin at 4:1 drug/protein molar ratio was retained by 87% acetylated and 78% succinylated HSAs, respectively, as compared to 91% retention in binding in 86% guanidinated preparation. No reversal in the binding of drug to 87% acetylated and 78% succinylated HSA preparations was observed on increasing the ionic strength to 1.0. Therefore, it seems that one or two critical lysine residue(s) that can form salt linkage with the carboxyl group of indomethacin, was (were) probably modified in these preparations. A small decrease in the binding of drug to the guanidinated preparation also confirms the involvement of positive charge, probably contributed by lysine residue(s), in the binding of indomethacin to HSA.

Acetic Anhydrides↗

PubMed1999

AIDS-associated cryptococcal meningitis in Rwanda (1983-1992): epidemiologic and diagnostic features.

OBJECTIVES: to document the trend of AIDS-associated Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis (CM) in Kigali, Rwanda, during 1983-1992, and to highlight some diagnostic and epidemiological features of the disease. METHODS: during the study period, 3476 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 2824 adults (1578 men, 1246 women) were analysed in the Laboratory of Microbiology at the Centre Hospitalier de Kigali, Rwanda, Central Africa, using direct examination, culture and detection of the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in the CSF. RESULTS: CM was diagnosed among 549 (19%) patients (347 men, 202 women) and was by far the leading cause of meningitis before Neisseria meningitidis (n=115), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=68), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n=26). E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, non-typhoid Salmonella (n=l5) and streptococci (n=4). The number of CM increased from one case in 1983 to 130 new cases in 1992. All 293 tested CM patients had HIV-1 antibodies. The male/female ratio declined from 3.31 during 1983-1987 to 1.58 during 1988-1992. CM showed a seasonal fluctuation, the highest number of infections being observed during the long rainy season. The sensitivity and specificity of the latex test for diagnosing CM was 98% and 99%, respectively. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii was cultured from eight (1.6%) of the 499 culture positive patients. CONCLUSION: CM is an important opportunistic infection among AIDS patients in Central Africa. It remains a problematic diagnosis in areas with limited diagnostic facilities.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1998

Are the two heads of the human lateral pterygoid separate muscles? A perspective based on their nerve supply.

Based on biomechanic and electromyographic studies, it has been argued that the two heads of the human lateral pterygoid muscle (LPt) are reciprocally active during the masticatory cycle. Thus, it has been proposed that the heads be considered separate muscles. However, questions about the accuracy of these data have arisen. The authors hypothesized that partition cannot be complete without an independent nerve supply. To test this, complete unilateral lateral pterygoidectomies were performed on 20 dissection room cadavers. A novel approach, using an en bloc method, proved optimal to expose the detailed nerve supply to the LPt heads. In the two most frequently observed patterns (15 of the 20 specimens), the heads were supplied from a common source that was derived from either the long buccal or mandibular nerve, or from a loop that arose between the long buccal and lingual nerves. In a third pattern, independent branches to either head arose from the deep temporal, long buccal, or mandibular nerve. In only 20% of the specimens did the two heads receive exclusive innervation from separate sources. The most significant finding of the present study is that both LPt heads in humans are usually supplied by a common proximate source, but each head also receives independent nerves in every case. In the absence of precise information about the functional components in each nerve branch, these data appear to support Juniper's proposal to regard the two LPt heads as entirely separate muscles.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of enrofloxacin in chickens.

1. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of enrofloxacin in chickens were investigated following intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral administration of 10 mg/kg body weight. A rapid distribution phase was followed by a slower elimination phase. 2. The apparent volume of distribution was 2.2 l/kg. Absorption half lives were 0.37, 0.36 and 0.92 h; elimination half lives were 4.06, 4.48 and 4.29 h and bioavailabilities were 87.5%, 80.8% and 59.6% after intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral administration, respectively. The drug completely disappeared from all tissues after 3 days following oral administration. 3. Based on the bioavailability and disposition kinetics of enrofloxacin, administration of one dose per day should both be practical and adequate to maintain plasma enrofloxacin concentrations within the pharmacologically active but lower than tolerance limit.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

Prevalence and risk factors for warts among slaughterhouse workers.

This study was conducted in three animal slaughterhouses in Asir Province, southern region, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of warts among the workers of slaughterhouses and to identify possible risk factors of developing warts associated with work environment and workers' characteristics. Data were collected through interview questionnaire and clinical examination. The questionnaire included items on socio-demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics of the workers. Descriptive statistics, bivariates statistics and multivariate logistic regression model were used in data analysis. All 71 workers were males with a mean age of 37 +/- 9.7 years. The overall prevalence of warts was 42.2%. Heavily exposed workers had a higher prevalence (54%) (P = 0.02). Workers with other skin lesions were at a higher risk of developing warts (OR = 4.3, 95% C.I. 1.6-11.7). It was found that exposure to meat might be necessary for development of warts. Working environment could facilitate the development and transmission of warts among slaughterers. Regular monitoring of workers with skin lesions other than warts was recommended. Workers with recurrent warts were recommended to be reassigned for jobs with lighter exposure.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1995

Hyperendemicity of diarrhea in a valley area, Asir Region, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

A random sample of 781 subjects living around a valley in Shebaa area, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and 1284 subjects from the rest of Shebaa, along with a sample of 1095 from a nearby urban community in Abha city have been studied following a notification of a suggestive increase of diarrhea in the valley. This was to determine whether the prevalence of diarrhea was high in the valley and to formulate hypotheses about possible implicated factors. The family head was interviewed about episodes of diarrhea among family members during the 2-week period preceding the interview, about source of drinking water, and about some demographic variables. Observations were made and data were collected on presence and frequency of flies in the house, methods of excreta and refuse disposal, valley and wells water, and the nearby agricultural farms. The 2-week diarrhea episode rate per subject was significantly (p<0.0001) highest in the valley (0.20), was 0.09 in the rest of Shebaa, and was lowest in the urban community area. (0.05). The rate decreased by age (p<0.001) and increased by frequency of flies in the house (p<0.0001), particularly in the valley. Drinking only from the desalinated water was associated with diarrhea episode rate of 0.12 as compared to 0.05 for drinking only from bottled water or from any other combination of sources (p<0.01). The valley and wells water was grossly polluted and was regularly used for irrigating and washing fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farms. Hypotheses for the factors possibly contributing to this hyperendemicity of diarrhea in the valley include inadequate excreta and refuse disposal, contamination of the valley and wells water, contamination of the desalinated water during transportation or storage and abundance of flies.

Age Distribution↗