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Biomedical subjects

V Balakrishnan

Publications and source records attributed to V Balakrishnan.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Lactose intolerance in North and South Indians.

A multicenter study was carried out in India to determine the incidence of lactose intolerance in healthy volunteers from different parts of the country. The incidence was found to be 66.6% in the subjects from two South Indian centers at Trivandrum and Pondicherry. In contrast, the incidence in the subjects from a North Indian center in New Delhi was much lower, i.e., 27.4% (p less than 0.001). The lower incidence in the North Indian subjects may perhaps be due to the fact that they are descendants of the Aryans who have been dairying for long and are known to be lactose tolerant.

Adolescent↗

Genetic distance studies in India.

The possibilities for genetic distance studies afforded by the nature of the populations in and social structure of India are discussed. Theoretical work done in India on genetic distance measures is reviewed and a few of the more significant genetic distance studies at 3 levels are summarized. Reasons for the studies not being commensurate with the possibilities are pointed out along with what has to be and can be done.

Gene Frequency↗

A population genetic study of the Vania Soni in Western India.

A total of 267 blood samples from persons belonging to the Shrimali Vania Soni caste group in Gujarat State, Western India have been analyzed for 6 blood group, 4 serum protein and 19 red cell enzyme systems, for haemoglobin and beta-thalassaemia and for red-green colour blindness. A number of rare genetic variants were detected, including a unique electrophoretically fast variant of superoxide dismutase. Genetic distance comparisons with other caste groups in Gujarat State show that Vania Soni from Surat are a distinctive group clustering with another subdivision of the Vania. The remaining Vania Soni cluster together and are distinct from the other caste groups examined in Gujarat. However, on the basis of individual genetic markers the Vania Soni appear not to be genetically differentiated in any remarkable way from other Hindu populations in western and northern India.

Blood Group Antigens↗

Quantification of the role of smoking and chewing tobacco in oral, pharyngeal, and oesophageal cancers.

The aetiologic fractions due to smoking and chewing tobacco have been quantified for the first time, for cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and oesophagus. The overall aetiologic fractions due to smoking and/or chewing tobacco have been found to be 70% for cancer of the oral cavity, 84% for the oropharynx, and about 75% for the hypopharynx and larynx. In cancer of the oesophagus, however, the fraction is only 50%, showing that another factor or factors play an equal role in the aetiology of cancer of this site. At each of the sites studied, it was found that the two factors, smoking and chewing, acted synergistically, though in varying degrees.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗

Non-neoplastic stenosis of the aqueduct presenting in adolescence and adult life.

Twenty-six cases of non-neoplastic stenosis of the aqueduct are reviewed. This condition may take a very chronic course and may not be revealed until decompensation of hydrocephalus takes place. Poor athletic record in the school or intellectual impairment in early life, commonly overlooked, can presage the more obvious symptoms. A prolonged follow-up of these cases is essential to exclude a slowly growing neoplasm near the aqueduct. Our management and the outcome of these cases is discussed.

Adolescent↗