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Biomedical subjects

M Mittal

Publications and source records attributed to M Mittal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Phylogeny, genome evolution, and antigenic variability among endemic foot-and-mouth disease virus type A isolates from India.

The capsid-coding (P1) and 3A regions of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type A field isolates including two vaccine strains collected during 1977-2000 were analyzed. In the phylogenies, the isolates were distributed into two previously identified genotypes VI and VII, with multiple sub-genotypes that are temporally clustered. Comparison of the antigenic relationships of field isolates with the two vaccine strains (IND 17/77 and IND 490/97) and the reference strains of the genotypes VI (IND 233/99) and VII (IND 40/00) indicated two broad antigenic groups that correlate with the phylogenetic groupings (genotypes VI and VII), and are highly divergent from the vaccine strains. The maximum likelihood method of selection analysis identified a number of amino acid sites within the P1 region to be under weak positive selection. Some of the positively selected sites were mapped at/near the antigenically critical amino acid sites of the P1 region, indicating host immune pressure as one of the important driving force behind the observed genetic and antigenic diversity in FMDV. A small number of selected sites are located in the heparan sulphate-binding pocket of the virus, suggesting a fitness advantage for cell entry of the virus. No positive selection was detected in the 3A dataset.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Complete nucleotide sequence analysis of a vaccine strain and a field isolate of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 with an insertion in VP1 genomic region.

Complete nucleotide sequences except the poly (C) tract and poly (A) tail of a vaccine strain (IND 491/97) and an atypical field isolate (IND 321/01) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 are described. Amino acid (aa) sequence analysis of the VP1 protein of the field isolate revealed that the latter has 212 instead of 210 or 211 aa found in the so far available sequences of other FMDV isolates of Asia1 serotype. The insertion was localized in the hypervariable region of aa 130-160 of VP1 protein. Nucleotide sequencing of the entire genome was therefore carried out to detect changes in other parts of the genome, if any, besides VP1, which could contribute to its fitness. An 8.16 kb sequence of IND 491/97 and an 8.162 kb sequence of IND 321/01 were compared with each other and also with the known sequence of IND 63/72, another vaccine strain of serotype Asia1. Comparison of the entire polyprotein coding (L to 3D) region of IND 321/01 with those of the two Asia1 vaccine strains (IND 63/72 and IND 491/97) revealed no significant differences. A similar comparison of IND 491/97 with IND 63/72 revealed variability across the entire length of the genome. In addition to the capsid-coding region, sequence variability was also observed in non-structural proteins albeit to different extent. This study shows that in the gene pool of serotype Asia1 at least three groups of isolates/strains are present with respect to the length of VP1 protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Molecular phylogeny of leader proteinase gene of type A of Foot-and-mouth disease virus from India.

We previously demonstrated the presence of three genotypes (IV, VI and VII) of type A (subtype A22) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in India based on 1D gene sequence analysis. In the present study, the leader proteinase (L(pro)) gene sequences of 35 type A FMDV field isolates sampled over a period of 24 years (1977-2000) have been analyzed. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct genetic lineages (A-D), indicating high divergence in L gene of type A FMDV. Lineages A and D correspond to the earlier genotypes IV, and VII, respectively. The genotype VI isolates were divided into two separate lineages (B and C) in the tree with high confidence values (96-99%). One isolate (IND 21/90) showed incongruous grouping between the (1D and L) gene-based analyses, which could be due to intergenotypic recombination. The ML molecular clock hypothesis was easily rejected on the data set studied indicating the absence of clock-like evolution in the L gene. ML codon-substitution models identified positive selection in the amino acid site 194 of C-terminal extension of the Lb(pro) with high posterior probability (>99%). The catalytic triad of the L(pro) at C-51, H-148 and D-163 were conserved across all the Indian isolates studied. Finally, amino acid differences between the lineages have been discussed briefly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis using a hematological scoring system.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of the hematologic scoring system (HSS) of Rodwell et al for the early detection of neonatal sepsis. DESIGN: Analysis of the peripheral smear findings according to the HSS by a pathologist blinded to the infection status of the neonate. SUBJECTS: One hundred and three high risk neonates having predisposing perinatal factors or clinical suspicion of sepsis. RESULTS: Analysis of the hematologic profiles in the light of the HSS found that an abnormal immature to total neutrophil (1:T) ratio followed by an abnormal immature to mature neutrophil (1:M) ratio were the most sensitive indicators in identifying infants with sepsis. These two criteria along with thrombocytopenia (< 1,50,000/cm3) had a high negative predictive value over 94%. The study also found that the higher the score the greater the certainty of sepsis being present. CONCLUSION: The HSS is simple, quick, cost effective and readily available tool in the early-diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and could provide a guideline to decisions regarding antibiotic therapy.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed2000

Hepatocellular injury in a patient receiving rosiglitazone. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia, SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a new oral hypoglycemic agent approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It acts primarily by increasing insulin sensitivity. In controlled trials, there has been no evidence of rosiglitazone-induced hepatocellular injury. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of hepatocellular injury in a patient receiving rosiglitazone. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Community teaching hospital. PATIENT: 61-year-old man receiving rosiglitazone, 4 mg/d for 2 weeks. INTERVENTION: Discontinuation of rosiglitazone therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical evaluation and assessment of liver function test results were done daily during hospitalization and periodically after discharge. The outpatient record was also reviewed. RESULTS: After receiving rosiglitazone for 2 weeks, the patient presented with anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Liver function tests revealed severe hepatocellular injury. Discontinuation of rosiglitazone therapy led to rapid improvement of liver function and resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Rosiglitazone may be associated with hepatocellular injury. We believe that patients receiving rosiglitazone should have liver enzyme levels monitored earlier and more frequently than initially recommended.

Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury↗
PubMed2000

Iodine status of children and use of iodized salt in Tarai region of North India.

A study was planned to investigate the iodine status of children 10-12 years old and the use of iodized salt. Goitre prevalence was estimated in 770 children between the ages of 10-12 years. The overall prevalence was 38.18 per cent. Urinary iodine excretion was also estimated in morning samples. A total of 41.43 per cent children suffered from iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in the Tarai area. To obtain the iodine intake, salt samples from the children's families were collected and analysed for iodine content. Salt samples having 15 ppm or more of iodine were 95.53 per cent while 1.69 per cent samples were totally devoid of iodine content. It can be concluded that in spite of adequate availability and consumption of iodized salt, IDD still exists and is endemic in the region.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1999

An evaluation of plaster of Paris barriers used under various materials to repair furcation perforations (in vitro study).

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of plaster of Paris barriers on the sealing ability of various materials when used to repair furcation perforations. The study was conducted on 90 human permanent molars with well developed, nonfused roots. Access openings and furcation perforations were prepared in the pulp chamber floor. The teeth were divided into one control and five experimental groups of 15 teeth each. In the experimental group, plaster of Paris barriers were created in the perforations and then sealed with silver amalgam, glass ionomer (GI), self-cured composite resin, IRM, or AH26. Access openings were filled with composite resin. The teeth were submerged in a solution of 2% methylene blue dye for 2 wk. Finally, the samples were sectioned and evaluated for linear dye leakage and analyzed statistically. Maximum dye penetration was observed in amalgam followed in a decreasing order by GI, composite, IRM, and AH26. AH26 showed the best sealing ability in the presence of plaster of Paris barriers followed by IRM, composite resin, and GI. Amalgam showed the poorest sealing ability when used to repair furcation perforations.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Candida sepsis and association with retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of Candida sepsis with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely low birth weight infants. METHODS: We prospectively identified 253 infants admitted to the Critical Care Nursery at Georgetown University Hospital with birth weights </=1000 g born between January 1, 1994, and June 30, 1996. Of these 253 infants, 62 died and 55 were transferred to other institutions before ophthalmologic screening for ROP. Clinical data on 98% (133/136) infants were reviewed. Candida sepsis was defined as a positive blood culture for Candida species. Severity of ROP was staged by the International Classification for ROP. Data were analyzed using the chi2 test for nominal data, unpaired t test for continuous data, Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal data, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean birth weight (+/-SD) of the population studied was 777 g (+/-136 g), and the mean gestational age at birth was 26.0 weeks (+/-1.8 weeks). The overall incidence of ROP was 74%, and it correlated significantly with birth weight, gestational age, days on supplemental oxygen, and 5-minute Apgar scores. The incidence of ROP was significantly higher in the infants who had Candida sepsis (21/22 [95%]) compared with those who did not (77/111 [69%]). Using logistic regression to control for the influence of birth weight, gestational age, days on supplemental oxygen, and 5-minute Apgar scores, Candida sepsis was an independent predictor of stage 3 or worse ROP. In addition, 9 (41%) of 22 infants with Candida sepsis required laser surgery compared with 10 (9%) of 111 infants without Candida sepsis. This difference was significant independent of birth weight, gestational age, days on supplemental oxygen, and 5-minute Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Candida sepsis is independently associated with increased severity of ROP and the need for laser surgery in extremely low birth weight infants.

Candida↗
PubMed1995

Comparative tissue toxicity evaluation of four endodontic sealers.

The tissue toxicity of zinc oxide-eugenol, Tubli seal, Sealapex, and Endoflas F.S. was investigated by injecting them into the subcutaneous connective tissue of the dorsal surface of rats and studying the tissue response histologically. Animals were killed after time intervals of 48 h, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months; tissue sections were taken from the injection sites. Histological examination of the tissue sections revealed that all of the sealers caused some inflammation that decreased with time, except in the case of zinc oxide-eugenol where it increased from the 48th hour to the 7th day and after that showed a decreasing trend. Overall, Sealapex showed the least inflammatory reaction compared with other sealers used, because it showed moderate inflammation at 48 h that became mild in later periods. Zinc oxide-eugenol, Tubli seal, and Endoflas F.S. were severely toxic at 48 h and 7 days. This toxicity decreased gradually in later time periods. No inflammatory reaction was seen at 3 months with any of the sealers used.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

HIV seroprevalence in sexually transmitted disease clients in a low-prevalence southern state. Evidence of endemic sexual transmission.

We studied human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence and risk factors in 3052 clients attending three large public, sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in central North Carolina in mid-1988. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires linked to HIV serologies obtained by testing extra blood from syphilis serologies without personal identifiers showed the following characteristics of the respondents: 60% were men, 81% were black, the median age was 24 years, 5% were injecting drug users since 1978, 7% reported a history of syphilis, and 8% of men were homosexual or bisexual. HIV seropositivity was found in 76 subjects (2.5%), including 46% of the homosexual men, 25% of the bisexual men, 1.6% of the heterosexual men, and 0.6% of the women. Elevated HIV seroprevalence rates were found in subjects with a history of or seroreactivity for syphilis (HIV-positive rate of 53% in homosexual or bisexual men, 9% in heterosexual men, 3% in women) and with histories of gonorrhea (HIV-positive rate of 37% in homosexual or bisexual men, 2.6% in heterosexual men, 1% in women), and intercourse (41% in homosexual or bisexual men, 2% in women), prostitute contact (5% in heterosexual men), and sex with casual partners (2% in women). Even a state with a low incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome can include subpopulations with a high HIV seroprevalence, apparently disseminated endemically in association with bacterial STDs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Three-year experience with neonatal ventilation from a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

Ninety neonates were ventilated over a period of 33 months of whom 50 (55.5%) survived. Fifty seven babies received IPPV while 33 CPAP. IPPV mode was being used more frequently recently and survival rates have steadily improved over past 3 years. Survival was cent per cent in babies above 1.5 kg on CPAP mode while 16/26 (57.7%) survived on IPPV mode. Of 22 extremely VLBW (< 1 kg) babies, six survived. HMD was the commonest indication of ventilation (50%), of which 53% (24/45) survived. The other important indications of ventilation were apnea in 13 and transient tachypnea in 11 babies. All babies requiring ventilation for transient tachypnea survived. Nosocomial infections were common in association with ventilation 34/90 (37.7%), out of which in 14 was responsible for about a third of deaths. Pulmonary air leaks developed in 12 babies of which 6 died. Two babies developed BPD and one ROP. Neonatal ventilation should be ventured in centres where basic facilities for level II care already exist. It may not be cost effective to ventilate extremely low birth weight neonates.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1992

Results of a randomized trial of partner notification in cases of HIV infection in North Carolina.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare two methods of notifying sex partners of subjects infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or persons who had shared needles with them (needle-sharing partners): "patient referral," in which the responsibility for notifying partners was left to the patient, and "provider referral," in which providers attempted to notify partners. METHODS: Names of sex partners and needle-sharing partners and information on how to locate them were obtained from consenting HIV-infected subjects identified in the HIV-testing programs at three public health departments in North Carolina. The subjects were randomly assigned to a patient-referral group (in which patients had the initial responsibility for notifying their partners) or a provider-referral group (in which the study counselor notified the partners). The success of attempts to notify partners was monitored by means of interviews with counselors conducted both in the field and at the health department. RESULTS: Of 534 HIV-positive persons identified at the health departments, 247 (46 percent) did not return for counseling after the test, 8 were counseled outside the study, and 117 (22 percent) were ineligible. Of the 162 invited to participate, 88 (54 percent) declined and 74 (46 percent) agreed. The subjects were mostly male (69 percent), black (87 percent), homosexual or bisexual (76 percent of the men), and had a median age of 30 years. Thirty-nine were assigned to the provider-referral group and 35 to the patient-referral group. In the provider-referral group 78 of 157 partners (50 percent) were successfully notified, whereas in the patient-referral group only 10 of 153 (7 percent) were notified. Of the partners notified by the counselors, 94 percent were not aware that they had been exposed to HIV. Overall, 23 percent of the partners notified and tested were HIV-positive. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, leaving the notification of partners up to the subjects (patient referral) was quite ineffective, despite the North Carolina law requiring that partners be notified. Partner notification by public health counselors (provider referral) was significantly more effective. Although the effectiveness of notification procedures is constrained by the accuracy of the information provided by HIV-infected patients, counselors who notify the partners of an infected patient can refer them to educational, medical, and support services targeted to persons at high risk for HIV infection and may encourage the adoption of less risky behavior.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Biomechanical evaluation of lift postures in adult Koli female labourers.

Three lift-postures, back straight and knees bent, back bent and knees straight and squatting were evaluated biomechanically based on data from 100 Koli female labourers, when lifting loads from the floor to hold them at knee height. The maximum weight was lifted with the back bent and the knees straight which is a posture commonly used by Indian labourers for lifting a load. Squatting (a posture used by Indians for performing household chores) produced the least physical strain in terms of moment and moment ratio (moment per kilogramme of load lifted). Consequently, squatting was found to be the best posture for lifting a load, specifically for the Indian labourers who are accustomed to squatting when working.

Adult↗