Biomedical subjects

Sameer Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to Sameer Sharma.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate racial and ethnic differences in the clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the United States and to determine whether these differences vary by socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994), a cross-sectional survey of the US population, were used to examine these relationships among 486 non-Hispanic Blacks, 409 Mexican Americans, and 772 non-Hispanic Whites, aged 25 to 99 years. Risk factors included hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and cigarette smoking. Educational level was used as a proxy for SES. RESULTS: Twenty percent of non-Hispanic Whites had zero CVD risk factors vs 18% of Mexican Americans and 13% of non-Hispanic Blacks. Non-Hispanic Blacks were twice as likely as the other groups to have 4 or 5 risk factors. Across all groups, the prevalence of having zero risk factors increased with education (from 6%-14% among those with <12 years to 22%-29% among those with >12 years). After adjustment for age and gender, among those with <12 years of education, Mexican Americans were 60% more likely and non-Hispanic Blacks were 30% less likely to have zero risk factors than non-Hispanic Whites. Among persons with >12 years of education, Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Blacks were 50%-60% less likely to have zero risk factors than non-Hispanic Whites. CONCLUSIONS: Increased CVD risk factor clustering exists among Americans with low SES, particularly among non-Hispanic Blacks. Among persons with high SES, Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Blacks have a higher risk of CVD than non-Hispanic Whites. These disparities may be reduced through policy changes that promote heart-healthy environments throughout society.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Comparison of laparoscopy-assisted partial nephrectomy using digital compression versus purely laparoscopic nephrectomy using vascular pedicle clamp in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy raises a number of technical issues, particularly in the control of bleeding. We compared digital compression during hand assistance with a vascular clamp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal bilateral lower-pole partial nephrectomy was performed on six pigs, with a vascular clamp being used on one side and digital pressure through an Omniport or Lapdisk on the other. The pigs were then euthanized and the kidneys harvested for histologic examination. RESULTS: Good hemostasis was obtained regardless of the technique. However, the estimated blood loss was significantly greater with digital compression (96.7 versus 9.6 mL). There were no significant micropathological differences in the kidneys. The surgeons rated suture tying and placement much easier with the purely laparoscopic technique. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are feasible. In experienced hands, the purely laparoscopic technique takes no longer than the hand-assisted technique and is associated with less blood loss, easier suturing, and better cosmesis. However, long-term follow-up is needed before clinical use can be contemplated.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

An assessment of obesity among African-American women in an inner city primary care clinic.

Despite multiple patient assessments and interventions, obesity continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality nationwide. This study assesses the prevalence of obesity and weight control practices among middle-aged African-American women. In 1995, 307 women 30 years of age and older were consecutively selected in a non-random fashion from three clinic sites located within a public university hospital that served largely indigent, inner city African-American populations. Interviewers surveyed the respondents using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The prevailing demographic profile of patients in the clinic was middle-aged, indigent, ill, and of low educational attainment. Over 35% of individuals were classified as being overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m2) and 45% were classified as being obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2). Therefore, more than 80% of individuals in this study were either overweight or obese, with BMI exceeding 25 kg/m2. Of the overweight and obese African-American women in this study, only 40% were attempting current weight loss practices, and weight loss attempts varied directly with body mass index. Although 80% of women attempted weight loss by restricting caloric intake, only 50% were also using physical activity as part of their regime. African-American women in this population have a higher prevalence of obesity and encounter great difficulty losing weight. Counselors should emphasize the value and ease of adopting a moderate regimen of physical activity and not just reducing caloric intake when advising African-American women and their peer network.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pulmonary functions in air conditioner users.

Air conditioning may affect human health since it has profound effect on our environment, than just lowering temperature. The present study was planned to assess the effect of air conditioners (AC) on pulmonary functions in young healthy non-smoker males. The study group comprised of ten subjects who were using AC's in their cars for at least 1 hr daily since last 6 months. While ten subjects who did not use AC at all served as controls. The pulmonary functions were assessed using PK Morgan 232 spirometer in a closed room. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and Forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) were significantly reduced in subjects using car AC's. Inspiratory flow rates also showed a trend towards decline in AC users but could not reach the level of significance. The lung volumes and capacities were not significantly different in the two groups except for forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec (FEV 0.5 sec), which also decreased in AC users. The airway resistance and lung compliance did not show significant change. In the presence of normal FEV1, reduced FEF25-75% which is the flow rate over the middle half of vital capacity, is an evidence of mild airflow limitation. The result is suggestive of predisposition of AC users towards respiratory disorders in form of mild airflow restriction.

Adolescent↗