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Haas M, Rahman MH, Cohn RA, Fathallah-Shaykh S, Ansari A, Bartosh SM. IgA Nephropathy in children and adults: comparison of histologic features and clinical outcomes. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2008; 23:2537-45. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfn014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Chiang CY, Trébucq A, Billo N, Khortwong P, Elmoghazy E, Begum V, Aditama TY, Ansari A, Baral SC, Vianzon RG. A survey of TB services in hospitals in seven large cities in Asia and North Africa. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2007; 11:739-46. [PMID: 17609048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING Hospitals in Bangkok, Cairo, Dhaka, Jakarta, Karachi, Kathmandu and Manila. OBJECTIVES To evaluate tuberculosis (TB) services provided in public and private hospitals in big cities. DESIGN A survey on TB services in hospitals was carried out in 2005 by visiting hospitals and face-to-face interviews. Selection criteria were determined for each city. All hospitals were included if feasible. RESULTS The number of hospitals included in the survey ranged from 52 in Bangkok to 106 in Jakarta. The proportion of private hospitals with access to a National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) manual ranged from 8% in Jakarta to 89% in Bangkok. Private hospitals rarely functioned as a basic management unit (BMU) of the NTP, except in Bangkok. TB treatment was not always free of charge in BMU hospitals. The proportion of non-BMU hospitals that never referred/reported TB patients to the NTP was substantial in Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Karachi and Manila. Non-BMU hospitals did not routinely use standard NTP regimens, especially in Jakarta, Karachi and Manila. In non-BMU hospitals, patient tracing mechanisms were generally lacking and treatment outcome was not known. CONCLUSION TB services provided in non-BMU hospitals were not satisfactory. NTPs need to involve non-BMU hospitals in TB control.
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Ansari A. TU-B-L100E-01: Medical Response Planning for Nuclear/Radiological Emergencies: Roles of the Medical Physicist. Med Phys 2007. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2761313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Ansari A, Ramsey KWDR, Floyd DC. Rupture of a flexor pollicis longus repair in a body builder through the use of an electronic muscle stimulator. Br J Sports Med 2006; 40:1009-10. [PMID: 16980536 PMCID: PMC2577448 DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.026591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of tendons in hand lacerations is common, and immediate treatment involves exploration and primary repair. A programme of protected rehabilitation to allow healing and prevent rupture must follow. An unusual case is reported of tendon rupture in a body builder caused by use of an electronic muscle stimulator. Body builders should be warned about this mode of rupture, which has not been previously reported, during their rehabilitation.
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Jones LD, Hampton R, Ansari A. A treatment option for femoral neck fractures complicating hip arthrodesis: conversion to a constrained total hip replacement. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00590-006-0139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fuenfstueck R, Hempel RD, Ansari A, Weidinger G, Klebs S. Efficacy and safety of combination therapy using high- or low-dose hydrochlorothiazide with valsartan or other Angiotensin-receptor blockers. Adv Ther 2005; 22:263-77. [PMID: 16236687 DOI: 10.1007/bf02849935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Only a minority of patients treated for hypertension achieve controlled blood pressure (BP) levels. Therapy with fixed-dose combinations of an angiotensinreceptor blocker (ARB) and low-dose hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is commonly prescribed but not always sufficient to achieve the target BP. The efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of valsartan 160 mg and HCTZ 25 mg was evaluated in patients in whom BP had not been controlled with a fixed-dose combination of another ARB and low-dose HCTZ (12.5 mg) in a multicenter trial. After a wash-out period for antihypertensive drugs, patients with a mean sitting diastolic BP (DBP) at trough (3)100 mm Hg but <110 mm Hg were treated with candesartan cilexetil 16 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg or telmisartan 80 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg for 4 weeks (phase 1). Patients whose BP was still uncontrolled (DBP (3)90 mm Hg) after 4 weeks of therapy were then given valsartan 160 mg plus HCTZ 25 mg for an additional 4 weeks (phase 2). The primary efficacy parameter was the reduction in DBP between week 4 and week 8 in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. BP reduction during phase 1 was -14.3+/-11.3/-7.5+/-3.9 mm Hg. DBP was controlled in 26% of the patients after phase 1. In patients treated with valsartan 160 mg plus HCTZ 25 mg during phase 2, DBP decreased by an additional 10.3+/-6.5 mm Hg and the mean sitting systolic BP (SBP) by an additional 11.0+/-11.7 mm Hg. The additional decrease was significant (P<.0001) for both parameters and independent of the fixed-dose combination used during phase 1. Among patients whose BP remained uncontrolled during phase 1, 74% achieved a controlled DBP after phase 2. The incidence of adverse events during both phases was comparably low and the results of laboratory tests were unremarkable. Treatment with valsartan 160 mg/HCTZ 25 mg offered a substantial benefit for patients with hypertension not controlled with the combination of candesartan cilexetil 16 mg or telmisartan 80 mg and low dose HCTZ, while maintaining a comparable safety and tolerability profile.
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Arenas M, Duley JA, Ansari A, Shobowale-Bakre EA, Fairbanks L, Soon SY, Sanderson J, Marinaki AM. Genetic Determinants of the Pre‐ and Post‐Azathioprine Therapy Thiopurine Methyltransferase Activity Phenotype. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2004; 23:1403-5. [PMID: 15571267 DOI: 10.1081/ncn-200027643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Thiopurine drug therapy has been reported to lead to a variable increase in red cell TPMT activity that may alter effective dose and therapeutic outcome. The aim of this study was to correlate Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) in the promoter region of the TPMT gene with induction of red cell TPMT activity in patients treated with azathioprine (AZA). In 58 patients, TPMT activity measured at 3 months was not significantly induced on average above pre-therapy levels. Individual patients showed variation in TPMT activity pre- and post-AZA therapy, however changes in TPMT activity were not predicted by VNTR configuration. In conclusion, TPMT promoter VNTRs are unlikely to play a significant role in changes in TPMT activity in response to AZA therapy.
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Soon SY, Ansari A, Sanderson JD. Small-bowel barium follow-through is rarely required in patients with a normal ileoscopy and terminal ileal biopsy and a normal or unremarkable colonoscopy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2004; 39:1293-5. [PMID: 15743009 DOI: 10.1080/00365520410003542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increase of reliance on ileoscopy in preference to small-bowel barium follow-through in the diagnosis of terminal ileal Crohn disease. In this study the role of small-bowel barium follow-through after a normal or unremarkable ileocolonoscopy was investigated. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all patients who had a colonoscopy followed by a small-bowel barium follow-through over a 7-year period was performed. Patients with a previously established diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and those who had colonoscopic evidence of inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. RESULTS Of the 96 patients who had a normal ileoscopy and normal or unremarkable colonoscopy, 3 had abnormalities detected at small-bowel barium follow-through. Two patients had abnormal terminal ileal biopsies, although the terminal ileum appeared macroscopically normal. The small-bowel barium follow-through helped to establish the diagnosis of Crohn disease. The other patient presented changes consistent with a previously established diagnosis. Of the 47 patients who had a normal or unremarkable total colonoscopy without ileoscopy, I had abnormalities detected at small-bowel barium follow-through consistent with a previously established diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Small-bowel barium follow-through is rarely required in patients who have had a normal ileoscopy and terminal ileum biopsy and a normal or unremarkable colonoscopy. It should only be performed if there is a very high index of suspicion of small-bowel pathology. In patients with suspected Crohn disease, it is important to take terminal ileum biopsies even if the ileum appears macroscopically normal at ileoscopy.
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Marinaki AM, Duley JA, Arenas M, Ansari A, Sumi S, Lewis CM, Shobowale-Bakre M, Fairbanks LD, Sanderson J. Mutation in the ITPA gene predicts intolerance to azathioprine. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2004; 23:1393-7. [PMID: 15571265 DOI: 10.1081/ncn-200027639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPase) deficiency occurs with polymorphic frequencies in Caucasians and results in the benign accumulation of the inosine nucleotide ITP. In 62 patients treated with azathioprine for inflammatory bowel disease, the ITPA 94C>A deficiency-associated allele was significantly associated with adverse drug reactions (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.6-11.5, p = 0.0034). Significant associations were found for flu-like symptoms (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.2-18.1, p = 0.0308), rash (OR 10.3, 95% CI 4.7-62.9, p = 0.0213) and pancreatitis (OR 6.2, CI 1.1-32.6, p = 0.0485). Polymorphism in the ITPA gene thus predicts AZA intolerance. Alternative immunosuppressive drugs, particularly 6-thioguanine, should be considered for AZA-intolerant patients with ITPase deficiency.
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Bekker G, Gavrilescu T, Rickets-Holcomb L, Puka-Khandam P, Akhtar A, Ansari A. Symptomatic fibroid uterus in a 15-year-old girl. Int Surg 2004; 89:80-2. [PMID: 15285238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A 15 year-old gravida 1, abortus 1 black girl presented with chief complaints of menorrhagia, severe dysmenorrhea, and progressively worsening abdominal pain, which was caused by a very large uterine leiomyoma. The symptoms began 6 months earlier, shortly after a 10-week spontaneous abortion at age 14. A solitary 25-cm uterine leiomyoma was removed uneventfully with an abdominal laparotomy. In the English literature of the past 50 years, this case represents the sixth, and we believe, the largest, documented uterine fibroid among teenagers, which required corrective surgery.
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Kim MM, Lee SW, Kim JY, Fritz H, Jutzy R, Petrofsky J, Feenstra L, Dyer S, Schwartz S, Tran N, Ansari A. 38 TARGETING THE DYSMETABOLIC SYNDROME IN A CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE DIABETIC COHORT WITH ROSIGLITAZONE. J Investig Med 2004. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-52-suppl1-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Kim J, Lee S, Kim M, Petrofsky J, Laymon M, Dyer S, Feenstra L, Fritz H, Jutzy R, Ansari A, Tran N, Schwartz S. 211 IMPROVEMENTS IN ENDOTHELIAL CELL FUNCTION WITH PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR γ LIGAND, ROSIGLITAZONE. J Investig Med 2004. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-52-suppl1-211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Ansari A, Soon SY, Saunders BP, Sanderson JD. A prospective study of the technical feasibility of ileoscopy at colonoscopy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2003; 38:1184-6. [PMID: 14686723 DOI: 10.1080/00365520310006018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a well-documented diagnostic yield, ileoscopy at colonoscopy is not performed routinely. This is due to the perceived difficulty in intubating the ileocaecal valve, added procedure time and a lack of acceptance regarding diagnostic yield. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the technical feasibility of ileoscopy at colonoscopy. METHODS Ileoscopy was studied prospectively in 120 patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy. After identification of the caecum, ileoscopy was attempted by one of four techniques. The time taken to pass from caecum to terminal ileum, the patient position, use of Hyoscine-n-butyl bromide and any ileal abnormalities were recorded in each case. RESULTS Ileoscopy was successful in 117/120 (97%) cases with a median time of 55 s taken to intubate the ileo-caecal valve. A 'down and left' technique was used in most cases (74.4%). Switching the patient to supine aided ileoscopy in 24 cases (20.4%) and Hyoscine-n-butyl bromide was considered helpful in 25 (21.4%). Overall, the terminal ileum was abnormal in 24 of 117 (20.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Ileoscopy can be achieved in nearly all patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy and the added procedure time is short. Added time, technical difficulty and limited yield are not valid reasons for choosing not to perform ileoscopy.
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Ansari A, Al-Rashed S, Oliver D, Harding D. Survey and audit of immediate medical management of patients with proximal femoral fracture admitted to a district hospital. Anaesthesia 2003. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2003.03411_2.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Dadgar N, Ansari A, Naleo T, Brennan M, Salama P, Sadozai N, Golaz A, Lievano F, Jafari H, Mubarak M, Hoekstra E, Paganini A, Feroz F. Implementation of a mass measles campaign in central Afghanistan, December 2001 to May 2002. J Infect Dis 2003; 187 Suppl 1:S186-90. [PMID: 12721912 DOI: 10.1086/368335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In Afghanistan health services have been disrupted by 23 years of conflict and 1 of 4 children die before age 5 years. Measles accounts for an estimated 35,000 deaths annually. Surveillance data show a high proportion of measles cases (38%) among those >/=5 years old. In areas with complex emergencies, measles vaccination is recommended for those aged 6 months to 12-15 years. From December 2001 to May 2002, Afghan authorities and national and international organizations targeted 1,748,829 children aged 6 months to 12 years in five provinces in central Afghanistan for measles vaccinations. Two provinces reported coverage of >90% and two >80%. Coverage in Kabul city was 62%. A subsequent cluster survey in the city found 91% coverage (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.91) among children 6-59 months and 88% (95% CI, 0.87-0.95) among those 5-12 years old. Thus, this campaign achieved acceptable coverage despite considerable obstacles.
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Haddow LJ, Mulgrew C, Ansari A, Miell J, Jackson G, Malnick H, Rao GG. Neisseria elongata endocarditis: case report and literature review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2003; 9:426-30. [PMID: 12848758 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2003.00533.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We describe a case of infective endocarditis due to Neisseria elongata, and review the literature. N. elongata is a constituent of the normal oral flora and a rare cause of infective endocarditis. Unfamiliarity with the organism and its rod-shaped morphology may lead to a delay in microbiological diagnosis. Although the organism is relatively sensitive to antibiotics, our experience in the management of the described case and a review of previous reports suggest that antibiotic therapy alone may not be sufficient. It is likely that patients with N. elongata endocarditis will require surgery.
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Pawlik M, Laskowski JS, Ansari A. Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and ionic strength on stability of mineral suspensions in potash ore flotation systems. J Colloid Interface Sci 2003; 260:251-8. [PMID: 12686172 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9797(02)00225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The adsorption of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose from aqueous solutions varying in ionic strength from that of distilled water to 50% NaCl/KCl brine (about 3.5 mol/dm(3)) onto illite and dolomite has been studied. The purpose of this work was to investigate the solvency effects in the phenomena underlying the potash flotation process that is carried out in saturated brine. Based on viscosity measurements, the adsorption results were analyzed in terms of a simple model of polymer macromolecules in solution. Suspension stability measurements carried out concomitantly with adsorption tests showed the ranges of carboxymethyl cellulose concentration over which the tested suspensions either were aggregated or were restabilized.
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Alam M, Akhtar YN, Ali SS, Ahmed M, Atiq M, Ansari A, Chaudhry FA, Bashir H, Bangash MA, Awais A, Safdar A, Hasnain SF, Zafar A. Seasonal variation in bacterial pathogens isolated from stool samples in Karachi, Pakistan. J PAK MED ASSOC 2003; 53:125-9. [PMID: 12779031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the seasonal variation of the commonly isolated bacterial pathogens in stool samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was undertaken of all the stool samples submitted from within Karachi to the Aga Khan University Hospital Laboratory over a period of five years (January 1997- December 2001) in order to determine the commonly isolated bacterial pathogens and to predict their seasonal variation. RESULTS A total of 16379 stool samples were included in this review. Bacterial isolates were found in 6670 stool samples (culture detection rate=40.7%). The mean age at the time of culture of each sub-group was < or = 1 year group (6.58 +/- 3.1 months), 1-5 years (2.13 +/- 0.94 years), 5-14 years (8.3 +/- 2.6 yrs) and adults (43.2 +/- 18.5 years). Male: Female ratio was 1.2:1. Vibrio cholera 01 Ogawa (32.8%), Campylobacter jejuni (17.3%), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (9.9%), Salmonella paratyphi b (6.6%) and Shigella flexneri (6.2%) were the most common organisms isolated. These organisms show a distinct seasonal variation with summer predilection. CONCLUSION In contrast to the previous studies from South Asia, which have identified E. coil, followed by Vibrio cholerae as the most common enteric isolates, we found Vibrio cholera 01 Ogawa followed by Campylobacter jejuni as the most common enteric pathogens isolated in an urban setting. It is important to consider seasonal variation when empirically treating diarrheal diseases in our region.
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Ansari A, Hassan C, Duley J, Marinaki A, Shobowale-Bakre EM, Seed P, Meenan J, Yim A, Sanderson J. Thiopurine methyltransferase activity and the use of azathioprine in inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002; 16:1743-50. [PMID: 12269967 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azathioprine therapy is discontinued in one-third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease because of toxicity or a lack of clinical response. Patients with thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) deficiency are intolerant to azathioprine, whilst carriers are at increased risk of side-effects. AIM To evaluate the importance of TPMT activity in the management of azathioprine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Clinical response, adverse effects and haematological parameters were determined and correlated with TPMT enzyme activity and genotype in 106 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. RESULTS Ninety-six patients had high TPMT activity, and 10 had intermediate activity. Nineteen patients (18%) were intolerant to azathioprine. Fifteen (16%) of those with high TPMT activity were intolerant, compared with five (50%) with intermediate activity [odds ratio (OR), 5.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-19.8]. Complete remission was achieved in 63% of cases, and complete or partial remission in 79%. Interestingly, very high TPMT activity (> 14 units/mL red blood cells) was significantly associated with non-response, irrespective of the time on azathioprine (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.68). TPMT gene mutations correlated with TPMT activity. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory bowel disease patients with intermediate TPMT activity have an increased risk of azathioprine toxicity. Conversely, very high TPMT activity predicts treatment failure. TPMT genotype predicted TPMT phenotype in this study.
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Hennig A, Kumar J, Singh AK, Ansari A, Singh S, Gurung R, Foster A. World Sight Day and cataract blindness. Br J Ophthalmol 2002; 86:830-1. [PMID: 12084762 PMCID: PMC1771175 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.86.7.830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Babar N, Alam M, Ali SS, Ansari A, Atiq M, Awais A, Amin F, Israr SM. Anorexic behaviour and attitudes among female medical and nursing students at a private university hospital. J PAK MED ASSOC 2002; 52:272-6. [PMID: 12481642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the anorexic behaviour and attitude among female medical and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey to determine the proportion of anorexic behaviour among female medical and nursing students at The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi was conducted. A multistaged sampling technique was utilized in which our study population was first divided according to field of enrollment (medical or nursing school) and then stratified by class. Within each stratum, we used convenience sampling due to time and availability constraints. We utilized a modified Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to collect data. The Eating Attitude Test is probably the most widely used standardized measure of symptoms characteristic of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa. RESULTS A total of 180 female students were interviewed. Ninety-four (52.2%) were medical students and 86 (47.8%) were nursing students. Among the 94 medical students, 26 (27.7%) were from first year, 14 (14.9%) from second year, 15 (16.0%) from third year, 20 (21.3%) from fourth year and 19 (20.2%) from the final year of medical college. Among the 86 nursing students 34 (39.5%) were from first year, 23 (26.7%) from second year, 27 (31.4%) from third year and 2 (2.4%) from fourth year. The proportion of anorexic behaviour among medical students was 8.0%, 7.1% and 20.0% in first, third and fourth years respectively. No individuals with anorexic behaviour were found in second and fifth years. The total proportion of anorexic behaviour among female health care students was 21.7%. CONCLUSION Results showed a 21.7% prevalence of anorexic behaviour, a figure much higher than that reported in similar studies conducted in Asia. We also found that the proportion was much higher among female nursing students as compared to female medical students. A previous visit to a psychiatrist for reasons other than eating disorders was found to be associated with anorexic behaviour.
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Ansari A, Shen Y, Kuznetsov SV. Misfolded loops decrease the effective rate of DNA hairpin formation. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2002; 88:069801. [PMID: 11863867 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.88.069801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2000] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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Kuznetsov SV, Shen Y, Benight AS, Ansari A. A semiflexible polymer model applied to loop formation in DNA hairpins. Biophys J 2001; 81:2864-75. [PMID: 11606297 PMCID: PMC1301751 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)75927-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A statistical mechanical "zipper" model is applied to describe the equilibrium melting of short DNA hairpins with poly(dT) loops ranging from 4 to 12 bases in the loop. The free energy of loop formation is expressed in terms of the persistence length of the chain. This method provides a new measurement of the persistence length of single-stranded DNA, which is found to be approximately 1.4 nm for poly(dT) strands in 100 mM NaCl. The free energy of the hairpin relative to the random coil state is found to scale with the loop size with an apparent exponent of > or = 7, much larger than the exponent of approximately 1.5-1.8 expected from considerations of loop entropy alone. This result indicates a strong dependence of the excess stability of the hairpins, from stacking interactions of the bases within the loop, on the size of the loop. We interpret this excess stability as arising from favorable hydrophobic interactions among the bases in tight loops and which diminish as the loops get larger. Free energy profiles along a generalized reaction coordinate are calculated from the equilibrium zipper model. The transition state for hairpin formation is identified as an ensemble of looped conformations with one basepair closing the loop, and with a lower enthalpy than the random coil state. The equilibrium model predicts apparent activation energy of approximately -11 kcal/mol for the hairpin closing step, in remarkable agreement with the value obtained from kinetics measurements.
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