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Biomedical subjects

M Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to M Sharma.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Calculated nitrogen balance in hemodialysis patients: influence of protein intake.

BACKGROUND: Optimal nutrient intake is important in the maintenance of a positive nitrogen balance in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the influence of two levels of protein intakes on nitrogen balance in stable adult HD patients, and (2) to identify a minimum level of protein intake that would result in a negative nitrogen balance, so that preliminary recommendations may be made in Indian patients on maintenance HD (MHD). METHODS: Stable, adult, nondiabetic MHD patients were recruited after informed consent into a cross over trial with a high-protein (HP) diet [1.2 g/kg ideal body weight (IBW)/day), followed by a low-protein (LP) diet (0.6 g/kg IBW/day] after appropriate periods of equilibration; for both diets, 50% of protein was of high biological value, and calorie intake was 35 kCal/kg IBW/day. Duplicate meals and residues were weighed, homogenized, and stored at -20 degrees C for analysis of dietary N by the Kjeldahl method, used to check the consistency of the N content of the diet supplied. Pre- and post- (30-minute equilibrated) blood urea samples were drawn, and details of weights and other HD parameters were recorded. Interdialytic urine collections for urea were obtained. N input came from dietary protein calculated as 16% of the weight of biological protein; N output was calculated using blood-side urea measurements and urinary urea excretion and was the sum of urea N (UN) and nonurea N (NUN) losses (assumed to be equal to 0.031 g N/kg/day). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were recruited. Twelve patients completed both limbs of the study. The mean age was 30.3 +/- 12.7 years. The body mass index was 18.9 +/- 2.4. Serum albumin was 3.8 +/- 0.35 g/dL, and Kt/V (equilibrated) was 1.17 +/- 0.3 g/dL. Protein consumed was 1.06 +/- 0.18 g/kg IBW/day in the HP limb versus 0.61 +/- 0.1 g/kg IBW/day in the LP limb (P = 0.000). Energy intake was 33 +/- 6.5 vs. 32.8 +/- 6. 7 kCal/kg IBW/day, respectively (P = 0.8). The normalized protein N appearance (nPNA) was 0.88 +/- 0.2 g/kg/day in the HP limb versus 0. 78 +/- 0.2 g/kg/day in the LP limb (P = 0.02). Dietary N was 73.5 +/- 15.3 g in the HP week and 42.5 +/- 7.5 g in the LP week (P = 0. 000). The difference between this and the sum of (UN + NUN) losses over the week was 29 +/- 13.2 g versus 1.2 +/- 8.1 g, respectively (P = 0.001), showing a strong, uniformly positive nitrogen balance with HP diet and neutral to negative nitrogen balance with LP diet. The ratio of dietary protein intake (DPI) to nPNA was significantly lower (anabolic) in the HP limb (0.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.3, P = 0. 000). On a scatter plot of nPNA to DPI, a catabolic relationship was demonstrated below a DPI of 0.75 g/kg/day (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.85 g/kg/day). CONCLUSION: A DPI of approximately 1.1 g/kg/day produces a positive nitrogen balance and 0.6 g/kg/day a neutral to negative nitrogen balance, demonstrating protein anabolism as a function of protein intake. It is suggested that a protein intake of 0.85 g/kg/day should be considered unsafe. These conclusions apply in stable nondiabetic adult HD patients in the setting of adequate dialysis and adequate calorie intake.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of oxidative stress in some cases of argimone oil poisoning during a recent outbreak of epidemic dropsy in India.

The study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress and modulation of anti-oxidant enzymes in 10 accidental argimone oil poisoning cases admitted in a hospital in Delhi, India during a recent outbreak of epidemic dropsy in 1998. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, oxygen free-radical scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) and related enzymes, e.g. glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in erythrocytes were assayed. The sanguinarine level in serum was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The serum MDA level was higher and the GSH level in erythrocytes was lower in argimone oil poisoning cases than those in controls. There was a significant decrease in SOD and GPx activities in erythrocytes of epidemic dropsy cases but no changes were observed in CAT, GR and GST assay. The depletion of GSH in erythrocytes, serum MDA level and clinical severity were dependent on serum sanguinarine level. The results indicate that sanguinarine (argimone oil) poisoning creates an oxidative stress in humans. The oxidative stress and differential modulation of anti-oxidant enzymes by sanguinarine might play a pathogenic role in epidemic dropsy, which suggests the incorporation of anti-oxidant drugs in the treatment protocol of the disease.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2000

Ischemic events associated with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: multicenter clinical study and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes in cases involving transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or ischemic strokes secondary to embolization from unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We identified all available patients with intracranial aneurysms and ischemic strokes in three university-affiliated hospitals, using either International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision codes or local registries. Patients with clinically or radiologically detected cerebral infarctions distal to intracranial aneurysms, in the absence of other causes for the infarctions, were included. An aneurysmal embolic source was considered highly probable by the primary neurosurgeon/neurologist in all cases. Follow-up data for the patients were acquired through reviews of clinical visits or telephone interviews. A review of the literature was performed to identify characteristics of previously reported patients. RESULTS: Ischemic strokes or TIAs attributable to embolization from the aneurysmal sac were observed for 9 of 269 patients (3.3%) with unruptured aneurysms. Of these nine patients, five were women and four were men (mean age, 62 yr; age range, 45-72 yr). Symptomatic aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery (n = 4), internal carotid artery (n = 3), posterior cerebral artery (n = 1), or vertebral artery (n = 1). The mean maximal diameter was 12.5 mm (range, 5-45 mm). Six patients underwent surgical treatment, of whom two experienced postoperative cerebral infarctions referable to the distribution of the artery harboring the aneurysm. Two patients were treated with aspirin, and one patient received no treatment. The mean follow-up period was 38 months (range, 1-60 mo). None of the patients experienced additional ischemic events during the follow-up period. Among the 41 previously reported patients, conservative treatment was used for 20 patients (mean follow-up period, 50.7 +/- 44.5 mo). Four of the 20 patients experienced recurrent TIAs, 1 patient experienced worsening of symptoms, and 1 patient died during the follow-up period. A total of 21 patients underwent surgical treatment (mean follow-up period, 33.6 +/- 32.3 mo). Of these patients, only one experienced recurrent TIAs. Two patients experienced postoperative seizures, and one patient died during the follow-up period. All recurrent symptoms with either surgical or conservative treatment were transient, and no patient experienced a major or disabling stroke during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Ischemic events can occur distal to both small and large unruptured intracranial aneurysms (predominantly in the anterior circulation). The long-term risk of recurrent ischemic events, particularly major or disabling strokes, seems to be low with either surgical or conservative treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Prevention and treatment of thromboembolic and ischemic complications associated with endovascular procedures: Part I--Pathophysiological and pharmacological features.

Thromboembolic and ischemic complications frequently occur during and after endovascular procedures, because of associated arterial injury and the thrombogenic characteristics of arterial catheters, contrast agents, and implanted devices such as coils and stents. Platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation occurring at the site of arterial injury are mediated by local factors, including thromboxane A2 (inhibited by aspirin) and adenosine diphosphate (inhibited by ticlopidine and clopidogrel). Concomitantly, thrombin is formed by serial activation of clotting factors via contact with subendothelial tissue factor. Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen into fibrin. Thrombin activation is indirectly blocked by heparin and its analogs. However, after thrombin is clot-bound (with fibrin), it is relatively protected from heparin and is effectively blocked only by direct thrombin inhibitors (hirudin and its analogs). The final common pathway in clot formation is the binding of fibrinogen to platelets via platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors, which is inhibited by antibodies to platelet IIb/IIIa receptors. New treatment modalities, such as the use of direct thrombin inhibitors and antibodies to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, seem to be more effective for prophylaxis and treatment than conventional anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed2000

Prevention and treatment of thromboembolic and ischemic complications associated with endovascular procedures: Part II--Clinical aspects and recommendations.

We reviewed the incidence, risk factors, and clinical features of thromboembolic and ischemic events associated with diagnostic cerebral angiography, endovascular treatment of aneurysms using coils or balloons, angioplasty and stent placement to treat extracranial carotid artery stenosis, and embolization of arteriovenous malformations using glue or other embolic agents. We performed a cumulative analysis to determine the frequency and characteristics of these events and a subset analysis (whenever possible) to determine the benefits of various strategies for complication avoidance. Of the 1,547 patients who underwent Guglielmi detachable coil treatment, thromboembolic events were observed for 127 (8.2%), consisting of asymptomatic events for 12 patients, transient ischemic attacks for 29, and strokes for 86. The outcomes for the 86 patients with strokes were categorized as full recovery for 15, good recovery for 27, partial recovery for 19, no recovery for 11, death for 12, and undetermined outcome for 2. Of the 834 patients who underwent carotid angioplasty and stent placement, thromboembolic events were observed for 73 (8.8%), consisting of transient ischemic attacks for 26 patients and strokes for 47. The outcomes for the patients with strokes were categorized as full recovery for 20, good recovery for 15, partial recovery for 6, no recovery for 2, and death for 4. High rates of thromboembolic events were also observed with balloon occlusion of aneurysms (11%) or parent arteries (19%) and carotid angioplasty alone (5.9%). Arteriovenous malformation embolization was associated with an ischemic event/procedure rate of 9.4%. High rates of thromboembolic and ischemic complications, with subsequent morbidity and death, are associated with most endovascular procedures. Further research and the formulation of standard preventive guidelines may help to reduce these risks and improve the overall success of these procedures.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed2000

Components of normal serum block the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis factor activity in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Sera from some patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) increase glomerular albumin permeability (P(alb)) in vitro. The hypothesis that a component of normal serum can protect the glomerular permeability barrier was tested using sera from FSGS patients, normal individuals, and several mammalian and avian species. METHODS: In most experiments, isolated rat glomeruli were incubated in medium containing FSGS serum known to increase P(alb) in vitro, normal serum, or both active FSGS and normal serum. In other experiments, fractions of normal serum and serum from other vertebrate species were incubated with active FSGS serum. P(alb) was calculated from glomerular capillary expansion in response to an oncotic gradient. To enrich the blocking activity, normal pooled human plasma was subjected to various biochemical manipulations. RESULTS: Normal human serum prevented the increase in P(alb) (active FSGS sera, 0.77 +/- 0.12; active FSGS sera:normal serum, 1:1 mix, 0.06 +/- 0.30, P < 0.001). Protection diminished as the concentration of normal serum was decreased. Specific fractions of human serum, including human albumin and immunoglobulin fractions, were not protective. Blocking activity was present in 80% ammonium sulfate precipitate and certain fractions from size-exclusion chromatography of normal pooled human plasma. Normal serum from each of the vertebrate species tested also prevented the increase in P(alb). Preincubation with normal serum was protective during subsequent incubation with FSGS serum, but normal serum was not protective after preincubation with FSGS serum. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a factor or factors in normal serum block the permeability effect of active FSGS sera. This phenomenon may account for variability in proteinuria among patients with FSGS and may explain inconsistent proteinuria following injection of FSGS sera into experimental animals. Characterization of the protective substance(s) and the mechanism by which the increase in permeability is blocked may provide insight into the pathogenesis of FSGS.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effect of antioxidants on pyrogallol-induced delay in gastric emptying in rats.

The effect of a free radical generator pyrogallol on gastric emptying was studied in rats. Pyrogallol at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg (i.p.) produced dose-dependent inhibition of gastric emptying. Pretreatment with vitamin C (100 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.), and vitamin E (100 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the inhibition in gastric emptying caused by pyrogallol 100 mg/kg. However, the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg) produced synergistic effect. Glutathione (100 mg/kg i.v.) 5-min pretreatment also reversed the inhibition of gastric emptying caused by pyrogallol 100 mg/kg. Ondansetron (3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the pyrogallol effect. The effect of pyrogallol on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and 5-HT levels in the stomach tissue was also studied. Pyrogallol at a dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p., significantly increased MDA levels and 5-HT levels in the stomach. Pretreatment with a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and glutathione (100 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly ameliorated the rise in stomach tissue MDA caused by pyrogallol but had no significant effect on the rise in 5-HT levels caused by pyrogallol. The effect of different doses of 5-HT on gastric emptying was also studied. 5-HT had a differential effect on gastric emptying. The low and high doses (0.1, 0.3 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the gastric emptying while doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg, i.p., had no significant effect on the gastric emptying. The pretreatment with antioxidants, combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg each, p.o.) and glutathione (100 mg/kg, i. v.) had no effect on the 5-HT (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced delay in gastric emptying. The result indicate the role of free radicals gastric emptying, and antioxidants may be of potential therapeutic value in disease conditions where free radicals are known to be released and the gastrointestinal effects are observed as symptoms or side effects of drug therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Identification of patients at risk for periprocedural neurological deficits associated with carotid angioplasty and stenting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transient or permanent neurological deficits can occur in the periprocedural period following carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), presumably due to distal embolization and/or hemodynamic compromise. We performed this study to identify predictors of neurological deficits associated with carotid angioplasty and stent placement. METHODS: We reviewed medical records and angiograms in a consecutive series of patients who underwent CAS for symptomatic or asymptomatic cervical internal carotid artery stenosis from June 1996 through December 1998. Using logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the effect of demographic, clinical, intraprocedural, and angiographic risk factors on subsequent development of periprocedural neurological deficits. Periprocedural neurological deficits were defined as new or worsening transient or permanent neurological deficits that occurred during or within 48 hours of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients (mean age 68.2+/-9.1 years) who underwent CAS for asymptomatic (n=54) or symptomatic (n=57) stenoses were included in this study. A total of 14 periprocedural neurological deficits (13%) were observed either during (n=4) or after (n=10) the procedure. Three identified variables were independently associated with periprocedural neurological deficits: symptomatic lesion (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 42.6), length of stenotic segment >/=11.2 mm (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 22.5), and absence of hypercholesterolemia (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 20.9). Other variables, including age and degree of stenosis (defined by NASCET criteria), were not associated with periprocedural neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of clinical and angiographic variables can be used to identify patients at risk for periprocedural neurological deficits after CAS. Such identification may help in selection of patients who may benefit from novel pharmacological and mechanical preventive approaches.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Results of treatment after relapse from high-dose chemotherapy in germ cell tumors.

PURPOSE: To identify therapy-related or patient-related characteristics that predict response and long-term survival after failure of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) for germ cell tumors (GCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 1997, 101 GCT patients relapsed after high-dose carboplatin and etoposide (VP-16) at Indiana University (Indianapolis, IN). Median time to relapse was 10 months (range, 1 to 17 months). HDCT was the first salvage treatment in 29 patients and second or later salvage treatment in 72 patients. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 101 patients received post-HDCT treatment. Of these, 47 received chemotherapy, alone (n = 35) or in combination with surgery (n = 12). Seven patients underwent surgery alone. There were only 12 objective responses (three complete and nine partial responses) for 66 chemotherapy regimens given to 47 patients, for an overall response rate of 18.2%. Fifteen patients received platinum-based chemotherapy, with only one objective response. Chemotherapy was discontinued in 17% of cases because of toxicity. A longer interval between HDCT and post-HDCT treatment was the only variable that was associated with response. Five patients (4.9%) are disease-free at 30, 53, 57, 85, and 93 months after relapse. Of these, three responded to oral VP-16 and underwent resection of residual mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and inguinal cancer, respectively. One had resection of residual mediastinal yolk sac tumor, followed by oral VP-16. One relapsed with teratoma and received thoracoabdominal resection without chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients who experience disease progression after HDCT often receive further chemotherapy and/or surgery. Chemotherapy resulted in a response rate of less than 20%, with only three complete responses. All of the long-term survivors (4.9%) had surgery as a component of their post-HDCT regimen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of E test for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to primary anti tubercular drugs.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial susceptibility tests for tuberculosis take weeks and delayed therapy can lead to an increase in disease incidence. The E test is a new concept for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determinations for antimicrobial agents that is based on a predefined antibiotic gradient on a plastic strip calibrated with a continuous logarithmic MIC scale covering 15 two-fold dilutions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate E test strips for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: Twenty five clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis were tested for the four first line antitubercular drugs by E test and were compared with standard proportion method. The inoculum turbidity was adjusted to McFarland 3.0 standard and agar plates (Middle brook 7H11 agar) were inoculated and preincubated (37 degrees C in 7-10% CO2) for 24 h after which time, the E test strips were placed on the agar surface which were incubated under same conditions. The MIC was interpreted as the point at which the ellipse intersected the 'E test' strip as described in E test technical guide. RESULTS: Of the 25 strains, susceptibility as determined by both methods for isoniazid (INH), rifampin, ethambutol and streptomycin was found in 22 (88%), 20 (80%), 24 (96%) and 18 (72%) strains respectively. Agreement between E test and proportion method was 96 per cent for INH, 92 per cent for rifampin and 100 per cent for ethambutol and streptomycin each. However, sensitivity could be predicted after 7-10 days by E test and exact MIC could also be determined. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: E test method was found to be rapid, accurate, reliable and easy to perform. It can be employed for routine susceptibility testing for antitubercular drugs.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2000

Role of gastric lavage and broncho-alveolar lavage in the bacteriological diagnosis of childhood pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mycobacteriological yield from gastric lavage (GL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), in children with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: 58 consecutive children with chest radiograph suggestive of tuberculosis and positive Mantoux test or a positive history of family contact with a case of tuberculosis were prospectively subjected to gastric lavage on three consecutive mornings and broncho-alveolar lavage on the last day. The samples were subjected to bacteriological isolation. RESULTS: Samples from 10 (17.2%) children grew Mycobaterium tuberculosis from gastric lavage and 12 children had their BAL positive for this bacteria(p>0.05). Overall mycobacterial isolation was possible in 20 patients (34.4%) as two children had grown Mycobacterim tuberculosis in GL as well as BAL. Addition of BAL to the diagnostic work up increased the mycobacteriological yield from 17.2% with gastric lavage alone to 34.4% when BAL was also performed (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in mycobacterial isolation rates from gastric lavage and BAL when studied in isolation. However, when both GL and BAL are used; these procedures complement each other to double the diagnostic yield.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Role of the male partner in the lower genitourinary tract infection of female.

We studied the relationships of selected microbes and the role of consorts in the causation of vaginal discharge which may be due to cervicitis or vaginitis. A total of 93 consecutive patients in the reproductive age group with symptoms of vaginal discharge along with their sexual partners were studied. Samples were collected from the cervix and posterior fornix of the female patients and from the urethra and sub-prepucial area of the male partner for culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, ureaplasma, candida, aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Apart from cultures, KOH and Gram stain of the discharge were made. Predominant pathogen isolated was Ureaplasma urealyticum from 40 (43.01%) females and 23 (24.7%) males. The next common pathogenic organisms isolated were candida species from 11 (11.8%) females and 5 (5.4%) males and Chlamydia trachomatis in 3 (3.2%) females and 1 (1.1%) male. Various organisms were more frequently isolated from the 29 of 43 (67.4%) couples who had had sexual intercourse 7 days prior to the recruitment as compared to 14 of 43 (32.6%) who had had coitus more than 7 days prior to their recruitment. This may be due to the spontaneous disappearance or decrease in the number of organisms to the level that they could be detected by culture. In our study, 6 (6.5%) of male partners carrying pathogenic organisms were asymptomatic, indicating that their screening and treatment is vital.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Microbial flora of women with chronic cervicitis.

The present study comprised 50 patients of chronic cervicitis attending gynaecological clinic of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. The aim of the study was to isolate some of the common sexually transmitted disease (STD) pathogens in chronic cervicitis. Cervical swabs were taken from the patients. The swabs were analysed by various microbiological techniques. Most (78%) of the patients harboured infection, no growth of any organism was found in 22% cases. Ureaplasma urealyticum was the predominant organism isolated in 56% of cases. It was isolated singly in 38% of cases. Various other organisms isolated singly were Chlamydia trachomatis in 2% of cases, candida species in 2% of cases, Staphylococcus epidemidis in 4% of cases, lactobacillus in 4% of cases, and Staphylococcus aureus in 2% of cases. Multiple organisms were isolated in 26% of cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of leukergy test as an indicator of infection in hip joint in children.

This new blood test (leukergy) for infection is based on the fact that white cells agglomerate in peripheral blood of patients with inflammatory diseases. We evaluated leukergy in 25 children with proven septic arthritis of hip. It was found to be the efficient and earliest indicator of septic arthritis than the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total leucocyte count (TLC), polymorphs and C-reactive protein (CRP). It also correlated well with the clinical severity of infection and the prognosis of disease. Thus leukergy is a simple, rapid and inexpensive slide test which was found as the best indicator profile for the presence of septic arthritis.

Arthritis, Infectious↗
PubMed2000

Characterization by single strand conformation polymorphism of mutations in the rpoB gene of rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in strains from Vancouver, Mexico City and New Delhi.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to evaluate usefulness of single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) over DNA sequencing in the diagnosis of rifampicin (Rif)-resistant tuberculosis. METHODS: Forty seven isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Rif-resistant and 25 Rif-sensitive were obtained from Vancouver, Mexico city and New Delhi and were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of rpoB gene and the mutations were identified by DNA sequencing and SSCP. RESULTS: The mutations observed by DNA sequencing in 47 RIF-resistant isolates showed that the most common mutation among Vancouver isolates was in codon 526, Hist-->Arg and in Mexico isolates was in codon 531, Ser-Leu and New Delhi isolates was in codon 516, Asp-->Val. Using fluorescence based PCR-SSCP, it was possible to distinguish Rif-resistant isolates from Rif-sensitive isolates. CONCLUSION: DNA sequencing is a highly accurate method for the detection of mutations associated with drug resistance in tuberculosis but is more expensive and requires special equipment and personnel. SSCP is a simple, accurate method and suitable for analysis of large number of samples and the results are available in less than 72 hours.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗
PubMed2000

Successful propagation in vitro of apple rootstock MM106 and influence of phloroglucinol.

Successful in vitro propagation of clonal apple rootstock MM106 was achieved by culturing axillary buds on MS basal medium with BAP (1 mg/L), GA3 (0.5 mg/L) and IBA (0.1 mg/L). Use of liquid medium (LM) in initial cultures reduced phenol exudation to a greater extent and gave maximum sprouting percentage when transferred to solid MS medium. Phloroglucinol (PG) did not enhance sprouting of buds but increased the rate of multiplication when added in the medium. Maximum number of shoots were obtained when MS medium was supplemented with BAP (0.5 mg/L), GA3 (1 mg/L), IBA (0.1 mg/L) and PG (100 mg/L). For rooting, in vitro regenerated shoots were placed in IBA (30 mg/L) for 3 hr and transferred to solidified auxin free medium. Rooting was recorded in about 80% of shoots. Inclusion of PG in rooting medium was not beneficial but shoot cultures grown in its presence gave higher rooting percentage. Rooted plantlets showed about 70% survival rate in potting mixture of sand:soil:perlite (1:1:1).

Culture Media↗