Physical activity to prevent obesity in young children: dietary and behavioural modifications in managing childhood obesity.
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Behavior Therapy↗
Biomedical subjects
S Kapoor
Publications and source records attributed to S Kapoor.
Iatrogenic actinomycetoma of neck and back successfully treated with sulphonamides.
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Adult↗
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering and density functional calculations of hemicyanine adsorbed on colloidal silver surface.
Resonance Raman (RR) and surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) of 4'-(N,N'-dimethylaminostyryl)-4-propylpyridinium bromide (hemicyanine, HC dye) in acetonitrile solution and on a colloidal silver surface have been investigated. The structure of the dye in the ground (S0) and excited (S1) electronic states was optimized using density functional calculations along with the B3LYP and the configuration interaction with the singlet excitation (CIS) methods, respectively, using the 6-31G basis set. The vibrational frequencies of the molecule were computed at the optimized geometry and compared with the observed Raman bands. A complete normal-mode analysis has been carried out because it is essential for the accurate assignment of the vibrational spectra. From the observed enhancement along various in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations in the SERRS spectrum and from theoretical calculations, it has been inferred that the interaction with the silver surface occurs via the nitrogen lone pair of the pyridyl or the dimethylamino group of the molecule with a tilted orientation. The observed red-shifts in the SERRS spectrum along various vibrations indicate strong interaction (chemisorption) of the HC dye with the silver surface. This is also supported by the presence of a Ag-N stretching vibration at 241 cm(-1). The effect of the dye concentration on the orientation of the molecule is also discussed.
Journal Article↗
Efficacy and safety of aceclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind comparative clinical trial versus diclofenac - an Indian experience.
OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis seen in primary care. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play an important role in the management of osteoarthritis. However, gastrointestinal (GI) side effects limit their use. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors exhibit better GI tolerability than conventional NSAIDs, but their cardiovascular safety is controversial. An NSAID with high efficacy, high GI tolerability and devoid of adverse cardiovascular effects is therefore a profile preferred by physicians. Aceclofenac is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug with preferential COX-2 inhibition. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of aceclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis in an Indian population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The trial was controlled, comparative, randomized, and double-blind. The study included 247 patients (82 males and 165 females, 40-82 years), suffering from osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to receive either aceclofenac (100 mg twice daily) or diclofenac (75 mg twice daily). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessment was done at screening, randomization, and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment by calculating Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) scores, time taken to walk 100 feet, visual analogue scores for pain, investigator's assessment on a Likert scale and joint tenderness. Tolerability assessment was based on adverse events. Patient compliance was also assessed. RESULTS: Aceclofenac was found to be statistically superior to diclofenac in efficacy parameters of WOMAC scores, investigator's assessment and joint tenderness. Aceclofenac was found to be statistically superior to diclofenac in terms of epigastric discomfort, dyspepsia and abdominal pain. Compliance was also better with aceclofenac. The overall response of patients' osteoarthritis to aceclofenac was found to be statistically superior to diclofenac by both physician and patient. CONCLUSIONS: Aceclofenac is an effective and well-tolerated drug in osteoarthritis in the Indian setting.
Acute Disease↗
Relapse in a child with otogenic tetanus.
Otogenic tetanus is common in a developing country like India. However, adequate sedation and elimination of spasms by medical treatment is sufficient in most cases. Once treated, relapses are rare. The authors report a 2-year-old girl who relapsed twice after near complete recovery. This communiqué is intended to highlight that tetanus is still a significant health problem in third-world countries and a relapse after such a dreadful disease is terrifying.
Child, Preschool↗
Studies on adsorption of 5-amino tetrazole on silver nanoparticles by SERS and DFT calculations.
The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies of 5-amino tetrazole (5AT), a tetrazole derivative, in aqueous silver sol at pH approximately 9 and on deposited colloidal silver films were carried out and compared with the normal Raman spectrum of the molecule. The experimentally observed Raman bands along with their corresponding infrared bands were assigned based on the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The significant changes evidenced between the SERS and the normal Raman spectra combined with the theoretical data obtained for Ag-5AT system demonstrated that the molecule is adsorbed on colloidal Ag particles through the lone pair of electrons of the nitrogen atom. The contribution of the chemical mechanism for the SERS enhancement was proved by the behavior of the electronic absorption spectrum of the Ag colloid upon addition of 5AT. This is further supported by the theoretical calculations that show that the favorable interaction of the frontier orbitals localized on Ag(+) and the negatively charged nitrogen from the tetrazole ring leads to the formation of the stable (up to 130 kJ mol(-1)) charge-transfer complex. The orientation of the adsorbed species with respect to the metal surface was also predicted by applying the "surface selection rule". In addition, the feasibility of the formation of the polymeric species has also been discussed.
Adsorption↗
Preparation and characterization of ultrafine co and ni particles in a polymer matrix.
A facile route for in situ synthesis of Co and Ni nanoparticles in a preorganized polyacrylamide gel is reported. Metal-polymer composites were prepared by gamma-irradiation at room temperature. The Co nanoparticles were roughly 3-5 nm in size and were stable in the polymer matrix in the presence of air. The presence of Co and Ni nanoparticles was established by their ability to transfer an electron to methyl viologen {paraquat: 1,1'-dimethyl 4,4'-dipyridinium dichloride; MV(2+) (Cl(-))(2)}. The Co and Ni nanoparticles were probed for their magnetic characteristics by a superconducting quantum interferometer device (SQUID) magnetometer and display a low superparamagnetic blocking temperature T(B) of about 13 and 10 K, respectively. The field-dependent magnetic behavior below T(B) displays the standard features corresponding to superparamagnetism, as expected for very small Co and Ni crystallites. This also suggests that particles are polycrystalline in nature.
Journal Article↗
Follicular phase hormone levels and menstrual bleeding status in the approach to menopause.
OBJECTIVE: (1) Characterize the relationship between follicular phase hormone levels and menstrual bleeding patterns in the approach to menopause; (2) identify racial differences in hormone levels; (3) determine independent contributions of menstrual status, race, age, BMI, and smoking to hormone levels. DESIGN: Randomly identified, population-based cohort, stratified to obtain equal numbers of African American and Caucasian women, prospectively followed for 5 years. SETTING: Women in Philadelphia County, PA, identified by random-digit telephone dialing. PARTICIPANT(S): Women aged 35 to 47 years with regular menstrual cycles at enrollment (N = 436). DATA COLLECTION: Blood sampling twice in each of 7 assessment periods during days 1-6 of the cycle, menstrual dates identified through structured interview and daily symptom reports, anthropometric measures and standardized questionnaires at each assessment period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum levels of follicular E(2), FSH, inhibin B, and LH. RESULT(S): The mean levels of E(2), FSH, inhibin B, and LH were differentially associated with the 5 menstrual status groups defined by changes in bleeding patterns. Significant changes in hormone levels occurred prior to missed menstrual cycles for inhibin B, FSH, and LH. All hormones had a highly significant interaction between menstrual status and BMI. African American women had significantly lower levels of E(2) and LH compared to Caucasian women in univariate analyses. The interaction of race, menstrual status, and BMI was highly significant (P<.001) for E(2), with African American women having lower E(2) levels until postmenopause, when E(2) levels were higher in AA women with BMI > or =25 and BMI > or =30. CONCLUSION(S): Levels of E(2), FSH, LH, and inhibin B are significantly associated with menstrual bleeding patterns in late reproductive age women and differentiate the earliest stages of the menopausal transition. Racial differences in mean levels of E(2) appear strongly mediated by BMI.
Adult↗
Refractory thrombocytopenia in antiphospholipid syndrome.
Thrombocytopenia is the second most common manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It is found in approximately 22% of the patients with this disease. Often it is not severe, platelet counts usually range between 50 x 10(9)/L and 150 x 10(9)/L without bleeding problems. Yet, it does not protect patients against thrombotic events. It rarely requires treatment and, due to similarities to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), similar treatment rules usually apply. In this report two patients with APS are described who presented with severe thrombocytopenia that did not respond to standard treatment regimen namely glucocorticoids (GC) followed by intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG). Splenectomy had to be resorted to relieve the condition.
Adolescent↗
Comments on use of a disk diffusion method with cefoxitin (30 microg) to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
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Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Redox reactions and fluorescence spectroscopic behaviour of trifluoperazine at the surface of colloidal silica.
Fluorescence spectroscopic behaviour and redox reactions of trifluoperazine (TFP) were studied in aqueous solutions in the presence of silica (SiO2) particles. The effect of surface heterogeneity on the secondary reactions of the transients was determined using optical absorption and fluorescence techniques. It appears that electrostatic interaction is the driving force for adsorption of TFP over SiO2 particle. Contrary to the change in fluorescence intensity with time observed in an aqueous solution, fluorescence intensity of TFP did not change significantly with time over the surface of SiO2. Fluorescence microscopic observations of spleen cells treated with TFP over SiO2 showed that the drug got distributed in cells similar to that observed in homogeneous aqueous solution.
Animals↗
Surface enhanced Raman scattering of benzotriazole: a molecular orientational study.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering of benzotriazole in aqueous silver sol at pH approximately 9 has been investigated. The spectra of the molecule at various concentrations were recorded and the maximum enhancement was observed with a 10(-5) M solution. From the comparison of the surface enhanced Raman spectra with the conventional Raman spectra and applying "surface selection rule", it is inferred that the molecular ion interacts with the silver sol via the nitrogen atoms of the benzotriazole ring and the molecule assumes a near "end-on" orientation.
Argon↗
Influence of a multidisciplinary paediatric allergy clinic on parental knowledge and rate of subsequent allergic reactions.
BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that families of children with food allergy have significant deficiencies in their knowledge of how to avoid allergen exposure and how to manage allergic reactions. This study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary paediatric allergy clinic consultation on parental knowledge of food allergy and to determine the rate of subsequent allergic reactions. METHODS: Sixty-two subjects (<17 years) referred with food allergy were prospectively enrolled. Parental knowledge was assessed by questionnaire and EpiPen trainer. Families saw a paediatric allergist, clinical nurse specialist and dietician. Knowledge was reassessed after 3 months and rate of allergic reactions after 1 year. RESULTS: After one visit to the paediatric allergy clinic, there was a significant improvement in parental knowledge of allergen avoidance (26.9%, P < 0.001), managing allergic reactions (185.4%, P < 0.0001) and EpiPen usage (83.3%, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in allergic reactions (P < 0.001). Children with egg, milk or multiple food allergies were more likely to suffer subsequent reactions. CONCLUSIONS: A single visit to a multidisciplinary allergy clinic considerably improves families' abilities to manage allergic reactions to foods with an accompanying reduction in allergic reactions. Young children with egg, milk or multiple food allergies were at greatest risk of further reactions.
Adolescent↗
Is microscopic haematuria a urological emergency?
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Age Factors↗
Spasmolytic activity of Toddalia asiatica Var. floribunda.
The spasmolytic activity of the aerial parts of Toddalia asiatica var. floribunda (family Rutaceae) was evaluated. The ethanol extract exhibited significant spasmolytic activity and was then partitioned into five fractions. The activity was found to be concentrated only in the hexane and chloroform fractions. This activity was shown not to be due to the coumarins, toddalolactone and toddanone, as was previously thought.
Animals↗
Protection of radiation-induced protein damage by curcumin.
Free radical reactions of lysozyme (Lz), tryptophan and disulfides were studied with curcumin, a lipid-soluble antioxidant from turmeric, in aqueous solution using a pulse radiolysis technique. The binding of curcumin with lysozyme was confirmed using absorption, fluorescence and stopped-flow techniques. The free radicals of curcumin generated after repairing radicals of disulfides, lysozyme and tryptophan absorb at 500-510 nm. Implication of this in evaluating the antioxidant behavior of curcumin in protecting proteins is discussed.
Algorithms↗
Oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonism in patients with coronary artery disease.
Dose-finding studies and trials of interaction of oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists with other antiplatelet agents have been limited. We hypothesized that these detailed assessments could be first performed in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and then extrapolated to the target population. To this end, we performed 2 sequential studies. The first study examined the dose-related effects on indexes of platelet and vascular function induced by the oral inhibitor RPR 109891, when given alone and in combination with aspirin, in patients (n = 100) with stable CAD. The second study (the Antagonism of the FIbrinogen Receptor after Myocardial Events trial) assessed the pharmacodynamics and safety of derived regimens in patients (n = 320) with unstable coronary syndromes. In patients with stable CAD, platelet aggregation was dose dependently inhibited by RPR 109891, and the dose-response relation was shifted to the right by the concomitant administration of aspirin (p = 0.0001). The degree of platelet inhibition induced by 3 doses of RPR 109891 (plus aspirin) was lower in patients with unstable than stable CAD. No drug-related major bleeding occurred in either study. RPR 109891 treatment was associated with acute and delayed thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, chronic treatment with an oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (1) induces antiplatelet effects that are potentiated by concomitant administration of aspirin, (2) may require dose adjustment in syndromes of platelet activation, (3) is associated with a low rate of clinically significant bleeding when doses inducing incomplete inhibition of platelet aggregation are used, and (4) requires frequent monitoring of platelet count unless reliable predictors of delayed thrombocytopenia become available.
Administration, Oral↗
One- and two-electron oxidation reactions of trolox by peroxynitrite.
One and two electron oxidation reactions of peroxynitrite with trolox, an analogue of vitamin E were studied. Kinetics of the reaction was studied using a single mixing stopped-flow spectrometer in the pH range from 6 to 11 and the products were analyzed by HPLC/HPIC. One-electron oxidation reaction produced the phenoxyl radical of trolox having a characteristic absorption spectrum in the 300-500 nm region with absorption maximum at 430 nm. The rate constant for the formation of the trolox radical at 430 nm was determined to be 1.8 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). At low concentration of peroxynitrite the radical did not show any noticeable decay in the time scale of 20-50 s. However, when the concentration of peroxynitrite was increased, there was an appreciable increase in the decay of the trolox radical due to its reaction with excess peroxynitrite yielding a bimolecular rate constant of 6.0 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) for the reaction of trolox radical with peroxynitrite. The released nitrite and nitrate anions, and the two-electron oxidation product quinone produced as a result of these reactions, were estimated using ion chromatography and HPLC analysis. By following the changes in the yields of nitrite and quinone as a function of peroxynitrite concentration and from the above determined rate parameters, the relative importance of the one and two electron processes has been discussed.
Benzoquinones↗