Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to V Agrawal.
Bladder dermoid is a rare presentation. Diagnosis of this case was made cystoscopically and confirmed histopathologically. Complete excision was possible endoscopically. This is the 3rd case report from the Indian and Asian subcontinent.
We have developed an analysis toolbox called NUTMEG (Neurodynamic Utility Toolbox for Magnetoencephalography) for reconstructing the spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activations and overlaying them onto structural MR images. The toolbox runs under MATLAB in conjunction with SPM2 and can be used with the Linux/UNIX, Mac OS X, and even Windows platforms. Currently, evoked magnetic field data from 4-D Neuroimaging, CTF, and KIT systems can be imported to the toolbox for analysis. NUTMEG uses an eigenspace vector beamforming algorithm to generate a tomographic reconstruction of spatiotemporal magnetic source activity over selected time intervals and spatial regions. The MEG coordinate frame is coregistered with an anatomical MR image using fiducial locations and, optionally, head shape information. This allows the reconstruction to be superimposed onto an MRI to provide a convenient visual correspondence to neuroanatomy. Navigating through the MR volume automatically updates the displayed time series of activation for the selected voxel. Animations can also be generated to view the evolution of neural activity over time. Since NUTMEG displays activations using SPM2's engine, certain SPM functions such as brain rendering and spatial normalization may be applied as well. Finally, as a MATLAB package, the end user can easily add customized functions. Source code is available at http://bil.ucsf.edu/ and distributed under a BSD-style license.
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BACKGROUND: The function of proteins is a direct consequence of their three-dimensional structure. The structural classification of proteins describes the ways of folding patterns all proteins could adopt. Although, the protein folds were described in many ways the functional properties of individual folds were not studied. RESULTS: We have analyzed two beta-barrel folds generally adopted by small proteins to be looking similar but have different topology. On the basis of the topology they could be divided into two different folds named SH3-fold and OB-fold. There was no sequence homology between any of the proteins considered. The sequence diversity and loop variability was found to be important for various binding functions. CONCLUSIONS: The function of Oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold proteins was restricted to either DNA/RNA binding or sugar binding whereas the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain like proteins bind to a variety of ligands through loop modulations. A question was raised whether the evolution of these two folds was through DNA shuffling.
The proportion of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) who also have epilepsy has been reported to vary from 10% to over 50%. The authors reviewed all 32 patients diagnosed with PNES in our EEG-video monitoring unit over a period of 1 year, and only 3 (9.4%) had interictal epileptiform discharges to support a coexisting diagnosis of epilepsy. Thus, the authors believe that only a small proportion of patients with PNES have coexisting epilepsy.
Cell-based screening for novel tumor-specific drugs has been compromised by the lack of appropriate control cells. We describe a strategy for drug screening based on isogenic human cancer cell lines in which key tumorigenic genes have been deleted by targeted homologous recombination. As a test case, a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) expression vector was introduced into the colon cancer cell line DLD-1, and a blue fluorescent protein (BFP) expression vector was introduced into an isogenic derivative in which the mutant K-Ras allele had been deleted. Co-culture of both cell lines allowed facile screening for compounds with selective toxicity toward the mutant Ras genotype. Among 30,000 compounds screened, a novel cytidine nucleoside analog was identified that displayed selective activity in vitro and inhibited tumor xenografts containing mutant Ras. The present data demonstrate a broadly applicable approach for mining therapeutic agents targeted to the specific genetic alterations responsible for cancer development.
An illiterate, 65 years old, male attended surgery emergency with features of perforation peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy revealed perforation in the terminal ileum and a sharp metallic object pointing at the perforation site. This, on removal, was found to be the sharp edge of a blister pack (with intact tablet within). The perforation was repaired. The abdomen was closed after leaving a drain. Postoperatively the patient had a morbid period and ultimately responded to management.
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Malignant chondroid syringoma (MCS) is a rare tumor, of the sweat gland; only a few hundred such cases are reported in literature. A female presented with a subcutaneous swelling on the scalp with repeated recurrence and positive regional lymph nodes. Adequate planning for the treatment of this case was possible as preoperative diagnosis of MCS was documented by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The case was successfully managed with a multimodal approach, which included radical surgery and subsequent radiotherapy. The patient is symptom free after 25 months. The possibility of this type tumor should be entertained when multiple recurrences occur following adequate excision. FNAC has a definitive role in planning rational therapy.
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation is an underutilized modality in the diagnosis of mycotic keratitis. We have earlier shown its utility in the diagnosis of Nocardia and Acanthamoeba keratitis. The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of KOH preparation, and (ii) to compare its efficacy with other methods of corneal scraping examination, for the diagnosis of mycotic keratitis. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, randomized corneal scrapings were examined by KOH, Gram's stain, and lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) in 91 infectious keratitis subjects. In phase II, 53 corneal scrapings were stained with KOH and calcofluor white (CFW), and viewed with bright field (KOH) and fluorescence (CFW) microscopy. The KOH and CFW readings were recorded by an observer masked to the clinical findings and culture results. Nineteen scrapings were examined by two masked observers. In 22 culture positive fungal keratitis patients in phase I, the sensitivity of KOH, Gram's stain, and LPCB methods was 100%, 86.4%, and 77.3%, respectively. In phase II, the specificities of KOH and CFW were identical (83.8%), while the sensitivities were 81.2% and 93.7%, respectively (p = 0.59), in 16 culture positive mycotic keratitis patients. There was no significant difference between the negative and positive predictive values of KOH and CFW. Furthermore, no significant interobserver variability was found in the specificity and sensitivity. The KOH method compares well with other microscopy methods in the diagnosis of keratomycosis and has a definite place in the armamentarium of diagnostic techniques.
One hundred four Rheumatoid factor (RF) positive Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients fulfilling ARA criteria were screened for extraarticular manifestations. Rheumatoid nodules were present in 2.8% cases. Other extraarticular manifestations such as pulmonary, cardiac, occular, renal or GI involvement were absent in these cases. However, circulating immune complexes (CICs) were highly significantly raised in all the RA patients (P < 0.001). From amongst these cases a limited number (8 cases) have been subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis of CICs to look for whether there could be any relationship between these and mild extraarticular manifestations that were being noticed in our groups of patients. Finding showed IgG-IgG CICs in five, IgG-IgM in two and IgG-IgA in one case. Quantitative analysis revealed mean IgG 4.97 +/- 1.7 IU/ml, IgM 14.58 +/- 5.53 IU/ml and IgA 5.08 +/- 1.53 IU/ml on LD Solugen plates. Serum concentration of C3 was not reduced (94.1 +/- 8.9 mg/dl). Low IgM contents of CICs and no reduction in complement level is the likely explanation for less severe inflammatory manifestations seen in our study. The conclusion and findings have been discussed in the light of observation reported by the Western workers.
PURPOSE: To determine whether intraocular lens (IOL) type affects the bacterial count in anterior chamber aspirates obtained immediately after cataract surgery. SETTING: L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. METHODS: This in vivo study evaluated two groups of eyes that had uneventful cataract extraction and implantation of one of two types of IOLs: all poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (n = 73) or polypropylene haptic (n = 83). Anterior chamber fluid aspirates (0.1 mL) were obtained with a 30 gauge cannula at the end of surgery and inoculated onto chocolate agar and in thioglycolate broth. Microbiology evaluation was performed using standard methods. RESULTS: Seven eyes (9.5%) with all-PMMA IOLs and 21 (25.3%) with polypropylene haptic IOLs were positive for bacterial isolates (P = .0322; chi-square test). Mean colony count (+/-SD) was 11.43 +/- 3.78 and 13.16 +/- 4.78 colony-forming units/ milliliter in the PMMA and polypropylene haptic IOL groups, respectively. No eye developed endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Polypropylene haptic IOLs were associated with a significant increase in bacteria in the anterior chamber.
We report a 25-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and fever, and had an epigastric lump on examination. At laparotomy she was diagnosed to have acute segmental jejunitis. Three days postoperative, she vomited a 2-meter-long tapeworm (Taenia saginata), a rare route of expulsion.
The aim of this study was to evaluate conjugated dienes in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and its metabolic control. To achieve good metabolic control in addition to dietary management oral hypoglycemic agents such as glibenclamide, gliclazide and metformin were given to patients. Human plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were delipidised and triglycerides (LDL-TG) and cholesterol esters (LDL-CE) were separated. Conjugated dienes in LDL-TG and LDL-CE of subjects with NIDDM (n = 90) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n = 30) were measured using second derivative of uv absorption spectrum. Hypoglycemic agents lowered substantially concentration of cis, trans (c, t) and trans, trans (t, t) conjugated dienes in LDL-CE and LDL-TG. The duration of NIDDM has shown significant correlation (p < 0.001) with conjugated dienes in LDL-TG. Concentration of c, t and t, t-conjugated dienes in LDL-CE and LDL-TG were found significantly higher in subjects with NIDDM than NGT (p < 0.001). In conclusion, NIDDM, status of metabolic control and duration of diabetes have strong positive relation with oxidative stress.
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A surface turn position in a four-helix bundle protein, Rop, was selected to investigate the role of turns in protein structure and stability. Although all twenty amino acids can be substituted at this position to generate a correctly folded protein, they produce an unusually large range of thermodynamic stabilities. Moreover, the majority of substitutions give rise to proteins with enhanced thermal stability compared to that of the wild type. By introducing the same twenty mutations at this position, but in a simplified context, we were able to deconvolute intrinsic preferences from local environmental effects. The intrinsic preferences can be explained on the basis of preferred backbone dihedral angles, but local environmental context can significantly modify these effects.
Clinical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its severity differs in different races. Genetic factors play a significant role in its predeliction. The present study was undertaken to find out association of HLA class I and class II antigens with rheumatoid arthritis prevalent in Asian Indians residing at Varanasi. Ninety rheumatoid arthritis patients strictly fulfilling American Rheumatism Association criteria were screened for prevalent HLA class I and class II antigen by Terasaki Microlympho-cytotoxicity test. Results were compared with 100 healthy controls and 35 Seronegative Spondyloarthritides cases (SSA). Rheumatoid arthritis patients showed increased frequency of HLA-A2 and B40 antigens compared to healthy controls (p < .001). SSA patients showed significantly increased Phenotype frequency (PF) of HLA-B27 (p < .0001) and B40 (p < .001). Significant detection of HLA-A2 exclusively in RA patients suggests a more positive association of A2 in rheumatoid arthritis at Varanasi. HLA-B40 could not be attributed absolute significance of association with SSA or RA as it showed increased frequency in both diseases.
Seventeen eyes of thirteen patients with Mooren's ulcer were treated with a combination therapy of local and systemic steroids, conjunctival resection, superficial keratectomy and application of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. The pathology was classified as acute, subacute and chronic. Ulcers were graded based on the extent of corneal thinning, degree and extent of ulceration, and amount of inflammation. Fourteen eyes (82.4%) healed completely with formation of a vascularised scars, while three eyes (17.6%) failed to respond to treatment and either went into phthisis bulbi or healed with gross tissue distortion. Our study suggests an early intervention of this therapy with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application for effective control of Mooren's ulceration.