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Biomedical subjects

M Arora

Publications and source records attributed to M Arora.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Fludarabine vs cladribine plus busulfan and low-dose TBI as reduced intensity conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a prospective randomized trial.

Purine analogs are often used for conditioning preceding allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). We prospectively tested fludarabine (Flu) 40 mg/m(2)/day x 5 days vs cladribine (Clad) 10 mg/m(2)/day x 5 days plus oral busulfan (1 mg/kg q6 h x 2 days) and total body irradiation 200 cGy in 32 recipients of matched sibling and unrelated donor (URD) HCT. Patients were similar in age (median 52 years), diagnosis, extensive pre-HCT therapy (56 vs 63%), and high-risk disease status (81 vs 93%). Neutrophil engraftment was prompt (median 11 vs 12 days), but early graft failure using Clad halted randomization. Platelet recovery was prompt (median Flu 18 vs Clad 24 days). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after Flu vs Clad was similar; (acute grade II/IV 56 vs 69%, P=0.26; chronic 50 vs 31%, P=0.27). Nonrelapse mortality (Flu 25 vs Clad 38%, P=0.47) and progression-free survival at 3 years were similar as well. Multivariate analyses showed slightly, but not significantly lower relative risk (RR) of neutrophil engraftment with Clad (RR 0.6 (95% CI 0.2-1.3) P=0.16) and with URD RR 0.4 (0.2-1.0) P=0.04). Older patients with advanced hematologic malignancies achieve satisfactory outcomes using either of these reduced intensity conditioning regimens.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Topical lignocaine for vaginismus: a case report.

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction in which spasm of vaginal musculature precludes penetrative intercourse. In many cases associated pain or fear of pain may contribute to the maintenance of vaginismus. We report a case of primary vaginismus with associated pain that benefited from topical application of lignocaine gel along with systematic desensitization resulting in successful consummation, and suggest that it may be a useful adjunct during finger dilatation in the treatment of vaginismus, specifically in patients who have associated pain or areas of hyperesthesia in the introitus.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Meningocele and ankyloblepharon following in utero exposure to olanzapine.

Although atypical antipsychotics are widely used during pregnancy, their safety is not well established. This case highlights the possible teratogenic effect of olanzapine, in which the baby was born with meningocele and ankyloblepharon. It is suggested that olanzapine may interfere with embryonic development at different stages of pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Why are urban Indian 6th graders using more tobacco than 8th graders? Findings from Project MYTRI.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate why urban Indian 6th graders may be using more tobacco than urban Indian 8th graders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of students conducted in the summer of 2004, as the baseline evaluation tool for a group-randomised tobacco prevention intervention trial (Project MYTRI). Mixed-effects regression models were used to (1) examine the relationship between 15 psychosocial risk factors and current use of any tobacco, by grade; and (2) examine differences in psychosocial risk factors, by grade. SETTING: Thirty-two private (high socioeconomic status (SES)) and government (low-mid SES) schools in two large cities in India (Delhi and Chennai). SUBJECTS: Students in the 6th and 8th grade in these schools (n = 11642). Among these, 50.6% resided in Delhi (v Chennai), 61.4% attended a government school (v a private school), 52.9% were enrolled in 6th grade (v 8th), and 54.9% were male (v female). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Current (past 30 day) use of any tobacco, including chewing tobacco (for example, gutkha), bidis, or cigarettes. RESULT: Almost all psychosocial factors were significantly related to tobacco use, for students in both grades. Some of the strongest correlates included social susceptibility to and social norms about use. Exposure to tobacco advertising was a strong correlate of tobacco use for 6th graders, but not for 8th graders. Sixth graders scored lower than 8th graders on almost all factors, indicating higher risk. CONCLUSIONS: The "risk profile" of 6th graders suggests they would be vulnerable to use and to begin using tobacco, as well as to outside influences that may encourage use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Developmental abnormalities in the Nuc1 rat retina: a spontaneous mutation that affects neuronal and vascular remodeling and retinal function.

The retina serves as an excellent model in which to study vertebrate CNS development. We have discovered a spontaneous mutation in the Sprague-Dawley rat that results in a novel and unusual ocular phenotype, including retinal abnormalities, that we have named Nuc1. We have previously shown that the Nuc1 mutation appears to suppress programmed cell death in the developing retina. Here we report that maturation of both the retinal neurons and the retinal vessels is abnormal in Nuc1 homozygous rats. The developmental changes in the retinal neurons and vasculature are correlated with regard to degree of abnormality. As Nuc1 homozygotes mature, focal retinal detachment begins at approximately 3 months after birth, and near total traction retinal detachment, associated with pre-retinal fibrosis and neovascularization, is evident by 18 months. Electroretinographic studies at 2.5 months of age indicate that functional retinal degeneration precedes retinal detachment. The functional abnormality is most evident in rods and the inner retina, and is present in homozygous but not heterozygous mutants. Immunocytochemical studies of rod and cone photoreceptors indicate abnormalities in rod, but not cone, photoreceptors in Nuc1 homozygotes, consistent with the electroretinographic findings. In Nuc1 animals, the Muller cells are activated. Although such activation may result from inflammation, Muller cells in Nuc1 may be reacting to a neuronal influence. It appears that the Nuc1 mutation plays a regulatory role in both developing and maturing ocular tissues. The Nuc1 mutation may also serve as an important genetic tool to explore the relationships that may exist among gliosis, normal neuronal development, and normal vascular development and how abnormalities in these associations lead to common retinal diseases.

Amacrine Cells↗
PubMed2005

Study of EPR, optical properties and electrical conductivity of vanadyl doped Bi2O3.PbO.B2O3 glasses.

Heavy metal based oxide glasses having composition xBi(2)O(3).(0.30 - x)PbO.0.70B(2)O(3) have been prepared (0.00 < or = x < or = 0.15, mol%) containing 2.0mol% of V(2)O(5) by normal melt-quenching technique. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), optical spectra and dc conductivity of these glasses have been studied. Spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHP) of VO(2+) ions, dipolar hyperfine parameter, P and Fermi contact interaction parameter, K, molecular orbital coefficients (alpha(2) and gamma(2)) and optical band gap have been calculated. It is observed that in these glasses, the tetragonal nature of V(4+)O(6) complex increases with Bi(2)O(3) content. Increase in Bi(2)O(3):PbO ratio results in the contraction of 3d(xy) orbit of the unpaired electron in the vanadium ion, and the SHP are dependent on the theoretical optical basicity, Lambda(th). In present glasses, the conductivity (activation energy) first decreases (increases) with increase in mol% of Bi(2)O(3) content upto x = 0.08 and then shows a maxima (minima) at x = 0.10 and then starts decreasing (increasing) upto x < or = 0.15 with mol% of Bi(2)O(3) content.

Borates↗
PubMed2005

Cavitation cluster dynamics in shock-wave lithotripsy: part 1. Free field.

The spatiotemporal dynamics of cavitation bubble growth and collapse in shock-wave lithotripsy in a free field was studied experimentally. The lithotripter was equipped with two independently triggerable layers of piezoceramics. The front and back layers generated positive pressure amplitudes of 30 MPa and 15 MPa, respectively, and -10 MPa negative amplitude. The time interval between the launch of the shock waves was varied from 0 and 0.1 s, covering the regimens of pulse-modification (regimen A, delay 0 to 4 micros), shock wave-cavitation cluster interaction (B, 4 micros to 64 micros) and shock wave-gas bubble interaction (C, 256 micros to 0.1 s). The time-integrated cavitation activity was most strongly influenced in regimen A and, in regimen B, the spatial distribution of bubbles was altered, whereas enhancement of cavitation activity was observed in regimen C. Quantitative measurements of the spatial- and time-integrated void fractions were obtained with a photographic and light-scattering technique. The preconditions for a reproducible experiment are explained, with the existence of two distinct types of cavitation nuclei, small particles suspended in the liquid and residuals of bubbles from prior cavitation clusters.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2005

Results of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant therapy for multiple myeloma.

We compared the results of autologous and allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in 87 patients with multiple myeloma using myeloablative preparative regimen. Autologous transplant (n=70) led to a lower 100-day transplant-related mortality (TRM) of 4% [0-9%] compared to 18% [0-36%] in allogeneic recipients (P=0.02). More frequent complete responses were seen in allogeneic recipients (64% [37-91%] vs 34% [23-45%] in autologous recipients, P=0.09). In autologous recipients, survival at 1 year was 86% [80-95%] and, it fell to 50% [47-75%] at 4 years, whereas in allogeneic recipients, survival at 1 and 4 years remained at 64% [40-87%]. In patients surviving more than one year, 4-year survival was superior in allogeneic (100%) vs autologous recipients (58% [41-75%], P=0.02). A trend toward higher relapse was seen in autologous transplant patients (73% [55-90%] vs 37% [11-63%] in allogeneic transplant patients, P=0.1). We observed good tolerance of myeloablative conditioning regimen followed by either autologous or allogeneic transplant. Although autologous HCT is associated with lower TRM, allogeneic HCT has acceptable TRM, and is more likely to provide a sustained response. Allogeneic HCT may be suitable in younger patients, soon after diagnosis, and in those with chemosensitive disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of CoViSTA - an automated vital sign documentation system - in an inpatient hospital setting.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency and acceptance of the CoViSTA system with the current practice of collecting vital signs. CoViSTA (Computerized Vital Sign Transfer Application) was designed to integrate with the existing hospital network and automate the process of vital sign data entry in hospital wards. The system was evaluated with 6 nurses across 60 patients and was found to significantly reduce errors, improve efficiency and increase satisfaction among the staff.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Clinical impact of home automated telemanagement in asthma.

There is a great need to provide effective, on-going education and monitoring for the large numbers of asthmatic patients, in particular for those who have a history of aggravating asthma. The complex asthma self management and the busy modern lifestyles makes it unlikely that patients without outside help and support can effectively follow their self-care plans on a regular basis. This study, evaluated the impact of an asthma self-care support system, delivered by telecommunications and computer technology, which has the potential of making a significant contribution in the management of asthma. Analysis of 40 patients using the system showed a significant improvement in the asthma symptoms, lung function test, adherence to action plan and overall decrease in the use of quick relief inhaler.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effect of TiO2 on electron paramagnetic resonance, optical transmission and dc conductivity of vanadyl doped sodium borate glasses.

Glass systems with composition xTiO2.(30 - x)Na2O.70B2O3 (series I) and xTiO2.(70 - x)B2O3.30Na2O (series II) containing 2 mol% V2O5 have been prepared (0 < or = x < or = 7, mol%) by normal melt-quenching. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of VO2+ ions have been recorded in the X-band (approximately 9.13 GHz) at room temperature. Spin Hamiltonian parameters, gparallel, gperpendicular, Aparallel, Aperpendicular, the dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter (P) and the Fermi contact interaction parameter (K) have been calculated. The increase in Deltagparallel/Deltagperpendicular with increase in TiO2 content in series I shows that the octahedral symmetry of V4+O6 complex is reduced, whereas in series II the octahedral symmetry is improved with increase in x. The decrease in P, in both the series, indicates that the 3dxy orbit expands with increase in mol% of TiO2. The molecular orbital coefficients, alpha2 and gamma2 have been calculated by recording the optical transmission spectra in the range 500-850 nm. alpha2 and gamma2 increase with increase in x in both the series, which indicates that, the covalency of the vanadium oxygen bonds decreases. The dc conductivity sigma, decreases and activation energy, W increases with increase in TiO2:Na2O ratio whereas with increase in TiO2:B2O3 ratio the variation in sigma and W is within experimental error.

Borates↗
PubMed2003

Cell detachment method using shock-wave-induced cavitation.

The detachment of adherent HeLa cells from a substrate after the interaction with a shock wave is analyzed. Cavitation bubbles are formed in the trailing, negative pressure cycle following the shock front. We find that the regions of cell detachment are strongly correlated with spatial presence of cavitation bubbles. It is shown that the cavitation bubble collapse generates a transient high-speed flow along the substrate surface leading to rapid detachment of the cells. Flow trajectories are reconstructed from the video recordings using robust image-processing methods. From these trajectories, an estimate of the shear stress acting on the cells is obtained and the area of detachment is estimated with a kinetic model. Furthermore, it is suggested that the application of shock waves extends the known methods of cell detachment with the ability to control the process in space and time.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed2002

A rare germ-cell tumor site: vaginal endodermal sinus tumor.

Malignant germ-cell tumors (MGCT) are rare tumors of childhood accounting for less than 3% of pediatric malignancies. Endodermal sinus tumor (EST) forms the most common histologic subtype of MGCT. The vagina is an extremely rare site for GCTs. A 9-month-old female was admitted with a short history of vaginal bleeding, a mass protruding from the vagina, and difficulty in passing urine. She was pale, the bladder was full, and a mass was palpable anteriorly on rectal examination. Ultrasound showed an ovoid, hyperechoic mass posterior to the bladder. A biopsy revealed a vaginal EST. The serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated partial vaginectomy was done and the tumor was excised in toto. The patient was subsequently given six courses of cis-platinum, etoposide, and bleomycin and on follow-up continues to be free from disease. EST is the most common GCT in children. In females, it is usually encountered in the ovary. EST of the vagina is a rare, highly malignant GCT that exclusively involves children less than 3 years of age. The diagnosis is based on histology and raised AFP. Vaginal EST is both locally aggressive and capable of metastasis. Untreated patients have died within 2 to 4 months of presentation. Radical surgery leads to a loss of sexual and reproductive function. Long-term irradiation has secondary effects of sterility, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and abnormal growth of the pelvic bones. Partial vaginectomy with combination chemotherapy is the most recommended line of treatment. The surgery eradicates local tumor cells and makes subsequent chemotherapy more effective. Simple tumor excision is not sufficient, as residual tumor cells induce early recurrence and make chemotherapy ineffective. The serum AFP level is a useful marker for diagnosis and monitoring the recurrence of vaginal EST in infants.

Endodermal Sinus Tumor↗
PubMed2002

Hepatitis C in childhood.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively low in childhood. Blood transfusion has been the principal route of acquisition in children but vertical transmission is gradually occupying primacy in the developed world. The risk of vertical transmission increases with higher maternal viraemia and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) co-infection but current international guidelines do not suggest avoidance of vaginal delivery and breastfeeding to minimise the risk of vertical transmission. The diagnosis of perinatal transmission is different from that in older child or adult and detection of HCV-RNA is essential. Although the natural history of HCV infection in children is not well characterised, almost 50-80% will progress to chronic hepatitis among vertically infected and blood transfusion acquired hepatitis C cases. Children have a lower viral load, lower ALT values and milder histological derangement as compared to adults with chronic hepatitis C cases. Experience of treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children is limited and still evolving. Few patients achieve spontaneous remission and progression to a more severe liver disease might occur in adult life. Here, the natural history, diagnosis and management of HCV infection in children are discussed with special emphasis on features which are different from adults.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2001

Identification of a site on mannan-binding lectin critical for enhancement of phagocytosis.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) constitutes an important part of the human innate immune defense system. It has been shown to mediate the activation of complement upon binding to specific microbial carbohydrate motifs, to directly opsonize organisms, and to enhance the phagocytosis of targets suboptimally opsonized with IgG or complement components C3b or C4b. This enhancement of phagocytic activity induced by MBL and other molecules that contain a collagen-like region contiguous with a pattern recognition domain is mediated by a 126,000 M(r) surface glycoprotein, designated C1qR(P). Although it has been known that the collagen-like domain of these "defense collagens" contains the interaction site(s) that triggers this enhancement of uptake, the specific interaction site has not been identified. To address this issue, wild type and mutant MBL constructs were generated, inserted into baculovirus, expressed in Sf9 cells, and the recombinant MBL (rMBL) proteins purified by mannan affinity chromatography. The effect of wild type and mutant rMBL on the phagocytosis of targets suboptimally opsonized with IgG or with IgM and C4b by human peripheral blood monocytes was then assessed. Two mutants, one of which has five GXY triplets deleted below the kink region of MBL and the other one having only two of the GXY triplets deleted below the kink, failed to enhance phagocytosis, suggesting the importance of the specific sequence GEKGEP in stimulating phagocytic activity. Similar sequences were detected in other defense collagens, implicating the consensus motif GE(K/Q/R)GEP as critical in mediating the enhancement of phagocytosis through C1qR(P.) Clarification of specific ligand-C1qR(P) interactions should facilitate the investigation of the signal transduction processes involved in the cell activation, as well as provide the basis for the design of specific modulators of the functions mediated by this receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Direct resolution of (+/-)-ephedrine and atropine into their enantiomers by impregnated TLC.

Direct resolution of (+/-)-ephedrine and atropine into their enantiomers was achieved by normal-phase thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates impregnated with optically pure L-tartaric acid and L-histidine, respectively, as chiral selectors. The mobile phases enabling successful resolution were different combinations of acetonitrile-methanol-water. The spots were detected with iodine vapours and the detection limits were 2 and 6 microg, respectively, in terms of the racemate. The effects of concentration of the impregnating reagent, temperature and pH on resolution have been studied.

Acetonitriles↗