64 results on '"Saha KC"'
Search Results
2. Radiative Heat and Mass Transfer of an MHD Free Convective Flow of Non-Newtonian Power-Law Fluids Along a Continuously Moving Stretching Sheet with Uniform Surface Heat Flux
- Author
-
Samad, MA, primary and Saha, KC, primary
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Isolation and characterization of piperine from the fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Author
-
Saha, KC, primary, Seal, HP, primary, and Noor, MA, primary
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Influence of Commercially Available Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Yield and Quality of Carrot
- Author
-
Zakir, HM, primary, Sultana, MN, primary, and Saha, KC, primary
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Arsenic contamination of groundwater and its health impact on residents in a village in West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Chowdhury UK, Lodh D, Hossain A, Das B, Roy N, Saha KC, Palit SK, and Chakraborti D
- Abstract
An in-depth study was carried out in Rajapur, an arsenic-affected village in West Bengal, India, to determine the degree of groundwater contamination with arsenic and the impact of this contamination on residents. The flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HG-AAS) method was used to measure arsenic concentrations in water and biological samples. Dermatologists recorded the dermatological features of arsenicosis. Out of a total of 336 hand-pumped tube-wells in Rajapur, 91% (307/336) contained arsenic at concentrations > 10 microg/l, and 63% (213/336) contained arsenic at > 50 microg/l. The type of arsenic in groundwater, the variation in concentrations of arsenic as the depth of tube-wells changed, and the iron concentration in the wells were also measured. Altogether 825 of 3500 residents were examined for skin lesions; of these, 149 had lesions caused by exposure to arsenic. Of the 420 biological samples collected and analysed, 92.6% (389) contained arsenic at concentrations that were above normal. Thus many villagers might be subclinically affected. Although five arsenic-filtering devices had been installed in Rajapur, it appears that villagers are still exposed to raised concentrations of arsenic in their drinking-water. Detailed village-level studies of arsenic-affected areas in West Bengal are required in order to understand the magnitude of contamination and its effects on people. Villagers are ill-informed about the dangers of drinking arsenic-contaminated water. The contamination could be brought under control by increasing community awareness of the dangers and implementing proper watershed management techniques that involve local people. Copyright © 2005 World Health Organization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2005
6. Alvarado versus RIPASA Score for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.
- Author
-
Shamsuzzaman M, Sharmin A, Karim MR, Sikder AH, Alam T, Ahmed QS, Banik SC, Jyoti BK, and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Acute Disease, Appendectomy, Bangladesh epidemiology, Female, Humans, Male, Prospective Studies, Sensitivity and Specificity, Appendicitis diagnosis
- Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the sensitivity between Alvarado and RIPASA score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis patients. A comparative study was conducted in the Dhaka National Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from July 2015 to December 2015. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. Most of the appendicitis patients belonged to the between 21-30 years which was 64(32%). Male appendicitis patients (52%) are more than the female patients (48%). Majority of the patients (69%) complains pain occurs in the Right iliac fossa. Sensitivity of Alvarado scores was 81.60%, specificity 74.58%, accuracy 79.35%, positive and negative predictive values were 87.18% and 65.67% respectively. RIPASA score's sensitivity was 85.6%, specificity 69.49%, accuracy 80.40%, positive and negative predictive values were 85.60% and 85.60% respectively. This study reported that RIPASA score is significantly shown higher diagnostic accuracy then that Alvarado score.
- Published
- 2021
7. Bilateral Vestibular Dysfunction Associated With Chronic Exposure to Military Jet Propellant Type-Eight Jet Fuel.
- Author
-
Fife TD, Robb MJA, Steenerson KK, and Saha KC
- Abstract
We describe three patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibular dysfunction associated with the jet propellant type-eight (JP-8) fuel exposure. Chronic exposure to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are the main constituents of JP-8 military aircraft jet fuel, occurred over 3-5 years' duration while working on or near the flight line. Exposure to toxic hydrocarbons was substantiated by the presence of JP-8 metabolite n -hexane in the blood of one of the cases. The presenting symptoms were dizziness, headache, fatigue, and imbalance. Rotational chair testing confirmed bilateral vestibular dysfunction in all the three patients. Vestibular function improved over time once the exposure was removed. Bilateral vestibular dysfunction has been associated with hydrocarbon exposure in humans, but only recently has emphasis been placed specifically on the detrimental effects of JP-8 jet fuel and its numerous hydrocarbon constituents. Data are limited on the mechanism of JP-8-induced vestibular dysfunction or ototoxicity. Early recognition of JP-8 toxicity risk, cessation of exposure, and customized vestibular therapy offer the best chance for improved balance. Bilateral vestibular impairment is under-recognized in those chronically exposed to all forms of jet fuel.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Arsenic in groundwater of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), India: Critical review and modes of mitigation.
- Author
-
Chakraborti D, Das B, Rahman MM, Nayak B, Pal A, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Hossain MA, Chowdhury UK, Biswas BK, Saha KC, and Dutta RN
- Subjects
- Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Cities, Environmental Restoration and Remediation, Fresh Water chemistry, Humans, India, Water Supply statistics & numerical data, Arsenic analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Groundwater chemistry, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
This study represents the first comprehensive report of groundwater arsenic contamination status in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). During the past 23 years, 4210 groundwater samples were analysed from all 141 wards in the KMC: 14.2% and 5.2% samples had arsenic >10 μg/l and >50 μg/l, respectively, representing 77 and 37 wards. The study shows that the number of arsenic contaminated samples (and wards) in the southern part of the KMC exceeds that of other parts of the city. The daily intake of arsenic from drinking water was estimated as 0.95 μg per kg bw and the cancer risk was estimated as 1425/10
6 . Analyses of biological samples (hair, nail and urine) showed elevated concentrations of arsenic indicating the presence of subclinical arsenic poisoning, predicting an enhanced lifetime cancer risk for the population in southern part of the KMC. In the KMC, groundwater is not a sustainable source of freshwater due to arsenic, high iron, hardness and total dissolved solids. Its continued use is impelled by the lack of an adequate infrastructure to treat and supply surface water and in some wards the unaccounted for water (UFW) is even >45% incurred during distribution. The rare imposition of a water tax makes the water supply systems unsustainable and fosters indifference to water conservation. To mitigate the arsenic problem, continuous groundwater monitoring for pollutants, a treated surface water supply with strict policy implications, rainwater harvesting in the urban areas and introduction of water taxes seem to be long-term visible solutions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Fate of over 480 million inhabitants living in arsenic and fluoride endemic Indian districts: Magnitude, health, socio-economic effects and mitigation approaches.
- Author
-
Chakraborti D, Rahman MM, Chatterjee A, Das D, Das B, Nayak B, Pal A, Chowdhury UK, Ahmed S, Biswas BK, Sengupta MK, Lodh D, Samanta G, Chakraborty S, Roy MM, Dutta RN, Saha KC, Mukherjee SC, Pati S, and Kar PB
- Subjects
- Environmental Monitoring, Humans, India, Socioeconomic Factors, Arsenic adverse effects, Arsenic analysis, Fluorides adverse effects, Fluorides analysis, Neoplasms chemically induced, Water Pollutants, Chemical adverse effects, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
During our last 27 years of field survey in India, we have studied the magnitude of groundwater arsenic and fluoride contamination and its resulting health effects from numerous states. India is the worst groundwater fluoride and arsenic affected country in the world. Fluoride results the most prevalent groundwater related diseases in India. Out of a total 29 states in India, groundwater of 20 states is fluoride affected. Total population of fluoride endemic 201 districts of India is 411 million (40% of Indian population) and more than 66 million people are estimated to be suffering from fluorosis including 6 million children below 14 years of age. Fluoride may cause a crippling disease. In 6 states of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain (GB-Plain), 70.4 million people are potentially at risk from groundwater arsenic toxicity. Three additional states in the non GB-Plain are mildly arsenic affected. For arsenic with substantial cumulative exposure can aggravate the risk of cancers along with various other diseases. Clinical effects of fluoride includes abnormal tooth enamel in children; adults had joint pain and deformity of the limbs, spine etc. The affected population chronically exposed to arsenic and fluoride from groundwater is in danger and there is no available medicine for those suffering from the toxicity. Arsenic and fluoride safe water and nutritious food are suggested to prevent further aggravation of toxicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that social problems arising from arsenic and fluoride toxicity eventually create pressure on the economy of the affected areas. In arsenic and fluoride affected areas in India, crisis is not always having too little safe water to satisfy our need, it is the crisis of managing the water., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Mal de débarquement syndrome: Review and proposed diagnostic criteria.
- Author
-
Saha KC and Fife TD
- Abstract
Mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a rare cause of imbalance encountered in a neurology practice. However, it consists of classic features that the practicing neurologist should be able to recognize when evaluating a patient with dizziness. It is characterized by a feeling of rocking and swaying, and typically follows prolonged exposure to motion, such as being on a boat or plane. In this review article, we provide the clinical neurologist with the history of this disorder followed by illustrative cases of patients diagnosed with MdDS. Next we present proposed criteria for aiding in diagnosis. Finally, we will discuss a differential diagnosis for the syndrome, insights into the possible pathophysiology, current treatments, and future directions in management.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Toxicity of free and various aminocarboxylic ligands sequestered copper(II) ions to Escherichia coli.
- Author
-
Selvaraj S, Saha KC, Chakraborty A, Bhattacharyya SN, and Saha A
- Subjects
- Amino Acids toxicity, Cell Membrane drug effects, Cell Membrane Permeability, Copper chemistry, Edetic Acid, Escherichia coli, Imino Acids, Ligands, Mutagenicity Tests, Toxicity Tests, Amino Acids chemistry, Chelating Agents chemistry, Copper toxicity
- Abstract
Cytotoxicity of free Cu(II) ions and its complexes of EDTA, NTA or IDA in Escherichia coli (AB 4401) wild type cells were assessed by cell inactivation assay. In order to understand the toxic effects of these additives, membrane status by AFM vis-à-vis K(+) ion efflux were followed in the absence and in the presence of Cu(II) ions or its complexes. This was coupled with the determinations of cellular copper concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. The observed results show that free copper ions are more cytotoxic and cause considerable plasma membrane damage compared to that of Cu-EDTA, Cu-NTA and Cu-IDA. Determination of cellular copper reveals that Cu(2+) and Cu-NTA are able to enter inside the cells while Cu-EDTA and Cu-IDA fail to do that. This may be attributed to the electron affinity of free Cu(2+) ions and Cu-NTA, which help in binding with histidine present in copper transport proteins. In addition to cytotoxicity, genotoxicity of free copper and its complexes were also assessed on E. coli isogenic DNA repair proficient and repair-deficient strains. In contrast to free Cu(2+) ions, Cu-NTA does not cause any significant cytotoxicity but render greater genotoxicity.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Status of groundwater arsenic contamination and human suffering in a Gram Panchayet (cluster of villages) in Murshidabad, one of the nine arsenic affected districts in West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Chowdhury UK, Lodh D, Hossain MA, Das B, Saha KC, Kaies I, Barua AK, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adult, Arsenic urine, Female, Hair chemistry, Humans, India epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Nails chemistry, Neoplasms etiology, Rural Population, Skin Diseases etiology, Water Microbiology, Arsenic analysis, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Water Supply analysis
- Abstract
A detailed study was carried out in a cluster of villages known as Sagarpara Gram Panchayet (GP), covering an area of 20 km2 and population of 24,419 to determine the status of groundwater arsenic contamination and related health effects. The arsenic analysis of all hand tubewells (n = 565) in working condition showed, 86.2% and 58.8% of them had arsenic above 10, and 50 microgl(-1), respectively. The groundwater samples from all 21 villages in Sagarpara GP contained arsenic above 50 microgl(-1). In our preliminary clinical survey across the 21 villages, 3,302 villagers were examined and 679 among them (20.6%) were registered with arsenical skin lesions. A total of 850 biological samples (hair, nail and urine) were analysed from the affected villages and, on average, 85% of them contained arsenic above the normal level. Thus, many people of Sagarpara might be sub-clinically affected. Our data was compared with the international one to estimate population in Sagarpara GP at risk from arsenical skin lesions and cancer. Proper watershed management and economical utilization of available surface water resources along with the villagers' participation is urgently required to combat the present arsenic crisis.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Are some animals more equal than others?
- Author
-
Mukherjee A, Sengupta MK, Hossain MA, Ahamed S, Lodh D, Das B, Nayak B, Saha KC, Mukherjee SC, Pati S, Dutta RN, Chatterjee G, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Arsenic toxicity, Developed Countries, Humans, India epidemiology, Neoplasms chemically induced, Neoplasms epidemiology, Risk Assessment, Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity, Water Pollution analysis, Water Supply analysis, World Health Organization, Arsenic analysis, Developing Countries, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Water Supply standards
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. The magnitude of arsenic contamination in groundwater and its health effects to the inhabitants of the Jalangi--one of the 85 arsenic affected blocks in West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Chowdhury UK, Hossain MA, Das B, Lodh D, Saha KC, Pati S, Kaies I, Barua AK, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Arsenic Poisoning pathology, Child, Child, Preschool, Environmental Monitoring, Epidemiological Monitoring, Female, Humans, India, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Outcome, Public Health, Skin Diseases epidemiology, Skin Diseases etiology, Tissue Distribution, Arsenic analysis, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Water Pollutants analysis, Water Pollutants poisoning, Water Supply
- Abstract
To better understand the magnitude of arsenic contamination in groundwater and its effects on human beings, a detailed study was carried out in Jalangi, one of the 85 arsenic affected blocks in West Bengal, India. Jalangi block is approximately 122 km2 in size and has a population of 215538. Of the 1916 water samples analyzed (about 31% of the total hand tubewells) from the Jalangi block, 77.8% were found to have arsenic above 10 microg l(-1) [the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended level of arsenic in drinking water], 51% had arsenic above 50 microg l(-1) (the Indian standard of permissible limit of arsenic in drinking water) and 17% had arsenic at above 300 microg l(-1) (the concentration predicting overt arsenical skin lesions). From our preliminary medical screening, 1488 of the 7221 people examined in the 44 villages of Jalangi block exhibit definite arsenical skin lesions. An estimation of probable population that may suffer from arsenical skin lesions and cancer in the Jalangi block has been evaluated comparing along with international data. A total of 1600 biologic samples including hair, nail and urine have been analyzed from the affected villages of Jalangi block and on an average 88% of the biologic samples contain arsenic above the normal level. Thus, a vast population of the block may have arsenic body burden. Cases of Bowen's disease and cancer have been identified among adults who also show arsenical skin lesions and children in this block are also seriously affected. Obstetric examinations were also carried out in this block.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Murshidabad--one of the nine groundwater arsenic-affected districts of West Bengal, India. Part II: dermatological, neurological, and obstetric findings.
- Author
-
Mukherjee SC, Saha KC, Pati S, Dutta RN, Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Lodh D, Das B, Hossain MA, Nayak B, Mukherjee A, Chakraborti D, Dulta SK, Palit SK, Kaies I, Barua AK, and Asad KA
- Subjects
- Arsenic Poisoning etiology, Child, Environmental Monitoring, Epidemiological Monitoring, Female, Humans, India epidemiology, Male, Nervous System Diseases chemically induced, Pregnancy, Skin Diseases chemically induced, Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity, Water Supply standards, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Arsenicals analysis, Nervous System Diseases epidemiology, Pregnancy Outcome epidemiology, Skin Diseases epidemiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Introduction: To understand the severity of related health effects of chronic arsenic exposure in West Bengal, a detailed 3-year study was carried out in Murshidabad, one of the nine arsenic-affected districts in West Bengal., Methods: We screened 25,274 people from 139 arsenic-affected villages in Murshidabad to identify patients suffering from chronic arsenic toxicity for evidence of multisystemic features and collected biological samples such as head hair, nail, and spot urine from the patients along with the tubewell water they were consuming., Results: Out of 25,274 people screened, 4813 (19%) were registered with arsenical skin lesions. A case series involving arsenical skin lesions resulting in cancer and gangrene were noted during this study. Representative histopathological pictures of skin biopsy of different types of lesions were also presented. Out of 2595 children we examined for arsenical skin lesions, 122 (4%) were registered with arsenical skin lesions, melanosis with or without keratosis. Different clinical and electrophysiological neurological features were noticed among the arsenic-affected villagers. Both the arsenic content in the drinking water and duration of exposure may be responsible in increasing the susceptibility of pregnant women to spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, preterm births, low birth weights, and neonatal deaths. Some additional multisystemic features such as weakness and lethargy, chronic respiratory problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anemia were also recorded in the affected population., Discussion: The findings from this survey on different health effects of arsenic exposure were compared to those from previous studies carried out on arsenic-affected populations in India and Bangladesh as well as other affected countries., Conclusion: Multisystemic disorders, including dermal effects, neurological complications, and adverse obstetric outcomes, were observed to be associated with chronic arsenic exposure in the study population in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The magnitude of severity was related to the concentration of arsenic in water as well as duration of the exposure.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Murshidabad--one of the nine groundwater arsenic-affected districts of West Bengal, India. Part I: magnitude of contamination and population at risk.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Sengupta MK, Ahamed S, Lodh D, Das B, Hossain MA, Nayak B, Mukherjee A, Chakraborti D, Mukherjee SC, Pati S, Saha KC, Palit SK, Kaies I, Barua AK, and Asad KA
- Subjects
- Arsenic Poisoning diagnosis, Arsenic Poisoning etiology, Arsenicals pharmacokinetics, Epidemiological Monitoring, Humans, India epidemiology, Neoplasms chemically induced, Neoplasms diagnosis, Neoplasms epidemiology, Risk, Skin Diseases chemically induced, Skin Diseases diagnosis, Skin Diseases epidemiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical pharmacokinetics, Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Arsenicals analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Water Supply standards
- Abstract
Introduction: To understand the severity of the arsenic crisis in West Bengal, India, a detailed, 3-year study was undertaken in Murshidabad, one of the nine arsenic-affected districts in West Bengal. The district covers an area of 5324 km2 with a population of 5.3 million., Methods: Hand tubewell water samples and biologic samples were collected from Murshidabad and analyzed for arsenic by FI-HG-AAS method. Inter laboratory analysis and analyses of standards were undertaken for quality assurance., Results: During our survey we analyzed 29,612 hand tubewell water samples for arsenic from both contaminated and non-contaminated areas, and 26% of the tubewells were found to have arsenic above 50 microg/L while 53.8% had arsenic above 10 microg/L. Of the 26 blocks in Murshidabad, 24 were found to have arsenic above 50 microg/L. Based on our generated data we estimated that approximately 0.2 million hand tubewells are installed in all 26 blocks of Murshidabad and 1.8 million in nine arsenic-affected districts of West Bengal. It was estimated on the basis of our data that about 2.5 million and 1.2 million people were drinking arsenic-contaminated water with concentrations above 10 and 50 microg/L levels respectively in this district. The analysis of total 3800 biologic (nail, urine, and hair) samples from arsenic-affected villages revealed that 95% of the nail and 94% of the urine samples contained arsenic above the normal levels and 75% of the hair samples were found to have arsenic above the toxic level. Thus, many villagers in the affected areas of Murshidabad might be subclinically affected., Discussion and Conclusion: Comparing our extrapolated data with international dose response results, we estimated how many people may suffer from arsenical skin lesions and cancer. Finally, if the exposed population is provided safe water, better nutrition, and proper awareness about the arsenic problem, lives can be saved and countless suffering of the affected population can be avoided.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Groundwater arsenic contamination and its health effects in the Ganga-Meghna-Brahmaputra plain.
- Author
-
Chakraborti D, Sengupta MK, Rahman MM, Ahamed S, Chowdhury UK, Hossain MA, Mukherjee SC, Pati S, Saha KC, Dutta RN, and Quamruzzaman Q
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Bangladesh, Child, Child Welfare, Child, Preschool, Data Collection, Environmental Monitoring, Epidemiological Monitoring, Female, Food Chain, Humans, India, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Nervous System Diseases epidemiology, Nervous System Diseases etiology, Arsenic analysis, Arsenic Poisoning, Public Health, Water Supply
- Published
- 2004
18. Groundwater arsenic contamination in the Ganga-Padma-Meghna-Brahmaputra plain of India and Bangladesh.
- Author
-
Sengupta MK, Mukherjee A, Hossain MA, Ahamed S, Rahman MM, Lodh D, Chowdhury UK, Biswas BK, Nayak B, Das B, Saha KC, Chakraborti D, Mukherjee SC, Chatterjee G, Pati S, Dutta RN, and Quamruzzaman Q
- Subjects
- Adult, Arsenic toxicity, Arsenic urine, Arsenic Poisoning complications, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Arsenic Poisoning pathology, Bangladesh, Child, Child, Preschool, Crops, Agricultural, Developing Countries, Female, Hair chemistry, Humans, India, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Nails chemistry, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications epidemiology, Pregnancy Outcome, Rural Population, Skin chemistry, Skin pathology, Arsenic analysis, Fresh Water analysis, Water Pollution, Chemical analysis, Water Supply analysis
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Arsenic groundwater contamination and sufferings of people in North 24-Parganas, one of the nine arsenic affected districts of West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Mandal BK, Chowdhury TR, Sengupta MK, Chowdhury UK, Lodh D, Chanda CR, Basu GK, Mukherjee SC, Saha KC, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adult, Child, Cooking, Female, Food Contamination, Humans, Incidence, India epidemiology, Male, Neoplasms epidemiology, Severity of Illness Index, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Arsenic Poisoning pathology, Neoplasms etiology, Registries, Skin Diseases chemically induced, Water Pollutants adverse effects, Water Supply
- Abstract
To understand the magnitude of the arsenic calamity in West Bengal, a detailed study spanning 7 years was made in North 24-Parganas, one of the nine arsenic affected districts. Area and population of North 24-Parganas district are 4093.82 sq. km and 7.3 million, respectively. Fourty eight thousand and thirty water samples were analyzed from hand tubewells of North 24-Parganas in use for drinking, cooking and 29.2% of the tubewells were found to have arsenic above 50 microg/L, the maximum permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and 52.8% have arsenic above 10 microg/L, WHO recommended value of arsenic in drinking water. Out of the 22 blocks of North 24-Parganas, in 20 blocks arsenic has been found above the maximum permissible limit and so far in 16 blocks people have been identified as suffering from arsenical skin lesions. From the generated data, it is estimated that about 2.0 million and 1.0 million people are drinking arsenic contaminated water above 10 microg/L and 50 microg/L level, respectively in North 24-Parganas alone. So far, in our preliminary study 33,000 people have been examined at random from arsenic affected villages in North 24-Parganas and 2274 people have been registered with arsenical skin lesions. Extrapolation of the available data indicates about 0.1 million people may be suffering from arsenical skin lesions from North 24-Parganas alone. A sum of 21,000 hair, nail, and urine samples analyses from arsenic affected villages show 56%, 80%, and 87% people have arsenic in biological specimen more than normal/toxic (hair) level, respectively. Thus, many may be subclinically affected. Due to use of arsenic contaminated groundwater for agricultural irrigation, rice and vegetable are getting arsenic contaminated. Hence there is an additional arsenic burden from food chain. People from arsenic affected villages are also suffering from arsenical neuropathy. A followup study indicates that many of the victims suffering from severe arsenical skin lesions for several years are now suffering from cancer or have already died of cancer.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Diagnosis of arsenicosis.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Diagnosis, Differential, Humans, Keratosis classification, Keratosis pathology, Melanosis classification, Melanosis pathology, Severity of Illness Index, Soil Pollutants, Arsenic Poisoning diagnosis, Keratosis chemically induced, Melanosis chemically induced, Water Supply
- Abstract
Arsenicosis is chronic subclinical or clinical toxicity due to high level of arsenic in body. Diagnosis of arsenicosis was derived by chronological establishment of facts: (a) arsenic as the cause of malady, (b) drinking water (tubewell water) as the vehicle of arsenic, (c) soil as the source of arsenic, (d) mechanism of leaching of arsenic from soil, and (e) cause of prevalence in particular areas of the country. Arsenicosis has been classified by the author into 4 stages, 7 grades and 20 subgrades. Stage I is pre-clinical or grade 0. While clinical features were not found at this stage, high level of arsenic metabolites was observed in urine. As disease progressed to stable phase of grade 0, high level of arsenic was also found in nails, hair, and skin scales. Stage II or clinical stage is divided into 4 grades, (1) Melanosis, (2) Spotted keratosis in palms/soles, (3) Diffuse keratosis in palms/soles, and (4) Dorsal keratosis. Clinical complications are grouped in stage III and grade 5. Malignancy is considered in stage IV and grade 6. There is a concern of both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. Therefore, cases of arsenicosis should be cautiously evaluated. Melanosis was the earliest cutaneous sign of clinical arsenicosis. Mild cases of melanosis could only be revealed by a thorough comparison with normal palms. Similarly mild cases of keratosis might not be visible and could only be revealed by careful palpation of palms and soles. Combination of melanosis and keratosis in adults indicated clinical diagnosis of arsenical dermatosis (ASD) that should be confirmed by showing high arsenic concentration in body tissues e.g., nails, hair, skin scales. Isolated melanosis or keratosis in newborn or children below 2 years almost negated the diagnosis of arsenicosis. Genetic melanosis or keratosis is often present since birth. Isolated melanosis or keratosis in adults should be differentiated from non-arsenical dermatosis and proven by absence of high arsenic level in nails and hair. Non arsenical causes of diffuse melanosis, spotted melanosis or leucomelanosis and localized or generalized keratosis can be clinically differentiated from arsenicosis by absence of pigmentation and keratosis in palms/soles.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Arsenic toxicity from homeopathic treatment.
- Author
-
Chakraborti D, Mukherjee SC, Saha KC, Chowdhury UK, Rahman MM, and Sengupta MK
- Subjects
- Adult, Arsenic Poisoning complications, Female, Gastrointestinal Diseases etiology, Hair chemistry, Humans, Keratosis etiology, Leukopenia etiology, Male, Materia Medica chemistry, Materia Medica therapeutic use, Melanosis etiology, Nails chemistry, Skin chemistry, Arsenic isolation & purification, Arsenic therapeutic use, Arsenic urine, Arsenic Poisoning diagnosis, Homeopathy, Materia Medica poisoning
- Abstract
Unlabelled: Homeopathic medicine is commonly believed to be relatively harmless. However, treatment with improperly used homeopathic preparations may be dangerous., Case Reports: Case 1 presented with melanosis and keratosis following short-term use of Arsenic Bromide 1-X followed by long-term use of other arsenic-containing homeopathic preparations. Case 2 developed melanotic arsenical skin lesions after taking Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum-1-X (Arsenic S.F. 1-X) in an effort to treat his white skin patches. Case 3 consumed Arsenic Bromide 1-X for 6 days in an effort to treat his diabetes and developed an acute gastrointestinal illness followed by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and diffuse dermal melanosis with patchy desquamation. Within approximately 2 weeks, he developed a toxic polyneuropathy resulting in quadriparesis. Arsenic concentrations in all three patients were significantly elevated in integument tissue samples. In all three cases, arsenic concentrations in drinking water were normal but arsenic concentrations in samples of the homeopathic medications were elevated., Conclusion: Arsenic used therapeutically in homeopathic medicines can cause clinical toxicity if the medications are improperly used.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Neuropathy in arsenic toxicity from groundwater arsenic contamination in West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Mukherjee SC, Rahman MM, Chowdhury UK, Sengupta MK, Lodh D, Chanda CR, Saha KC, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Child, Electromyography, Female, Humans, India, Male, Middle Aged, Neural Conduction, Pain etiology, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases pathology, Arsenic Poisoning physiopathology, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases chemically induced, Skin Diseases chemically induced, Water Supply
- Abstract
Large number of people from 9 out of 18 districts of West Bengal, India are endemically exposed to arsenic contaminated groundwater due to drinking of tubewell water containing arsenic level above World Health Organization's maximum permissible limit of 50 microg/L. From our ongoing studies on neurological involvement in patients of arsenicosis from different districts of West Bengal, we report our findings in a total of 451 patients of three districts (Murshidabad, Nadia, and Burdwan), comprising 267 males and 184 females with age ranging from 11 to 79 years. They all had arsenical skin lesions, positive biomarkers and identified source of arsenic contaminated water drinking. Peripheral neuropathy was the predominant neurological complication in these patients affecting 154 (37.3%) of 413 patients of Group 1 and 33 (86.8%) of 38 patients of Group 2. Other possible causes and alternative explanations of neuropathy were excluded. The temporal profile in most of the cases (154 of Group 1) were of chronic affection while the 33 patients of Group 2 developed both neuropathy and dermopathy subacutely. Subacutely affected Group 2 patients had much higher incidence of neuropathy. Paresthesias and pains in the distal parts of extremities were much higher in incidence in Group 2 (73.7% and 23.7% respectively) than in Group 1 (18.4% and 11.1%). Distal limb weakness or atrophy was evident in 7.3% in Group 1 and 10.5% in Group 2. Overall, sensory features were more common than motor features in patients of neuropathy and sensory neuropathy was diagnosed in 30% and 76.3% and sensorimotor in 7.3% and 10.5% respectively in Group 1 and Group 2 subjects. Nerve conduction and electromyographic studies performed in 88 cases revealed dysfunction of sensory nerve in 45% and 27% and of motor nerve in 20% and 16.7% of patients with moderate degree and mild degree of clinical neuropathies respectively. Evoked potential studies performed in 20 patients were largely normal except for two instances each of abnormal visual evoked potential and brainstem auditory evoked potential findings. Prognosis was favorable in mild and early diagnosed cases of neuropathy whereas most of the other more severe and late diagnosed cases showed slow and partial recovery or even deterioration. Outcome in neuropathic patients of arsenicosis and long term toxic neurologic effects yet unexplored and unknown remain as matters of future concern requiring close monitoring.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Arsenic calamity in the Indian subcontinent What lessons have been learned?
- Author
-
Chakraborti D, Rahman MM, Paul K, Chowdhury UK, Sengupta MK, Lodh D, Chanda CR, Saha KC, and Mukherjee SC
- Abstract
Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination in West Bengal (WB, India) was first reported in December 1983, when 63 people from three villages of two districts were identified by health officials as suffering from As toxicity. As of October 2001, the authors from the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) have analyzed >105 000 water samples, >25 000 urine/hair/nail/skin-scale samples, screened approximately 86 000 people in WB. The results show that more than 6 million people in 2700 villages from nine affected districts (total population approximately 42 million) of 18 total districts are drinking water containing >/=50 mug l(-1) As and >300 000 people may have visible arsenical skin lesions. The As content of the physiological samples indicates that many more may be sub-clinically affected. Children in As-affected villages may be in special danger. In 1995, we had found three villages in two districts of Bangladesh where groundwater contained >/=50 mug l(-1) As. The present situation is that in 2000 villages in 50 out of total 64 districts of Bangladesh, groundwater contains As above 50 mug l(-1) and more than 25 million people are drinking water above >/=50 mug l(-1) As. After years of research in WB and Bangladesh, additional affected villages are being identified on virtually every new survey. The present research may still reflect only the tip of iceberg in identifying the extent of As contamination. Although the WB As problem became public almost 20 years ago, there are still few concrete plans, much less achievements, to solve the problem. Villagers are probably in worse condition than 20 years ago. Even now, many who are drinking As-contaminated water are not even aware of that fact and its consequences. 20 years ago when the WB government was first informed, it was a casual matter, without the realization of the magnitude this problem was to assume. At least up to 1994, one committee after another was formed but no solution was forthcoming. None of the expert reports has suggested solutions that involve awareness campaigns, education of the villagers and participation of the people. Initially, international aid agencies working in the subcontinent simply did not consider that As could be present in groundwater. Even now, while As in drinking water is being highlighted, there have been almost no studies on how additional As is introduced through the food chain, as large amounts of As are present in the agricultural irrigation water. Past mistakes, notably the ceaseless exploitation of groundwater for irrigation, continue unabated today; at this time, more groundwater is being withdrawn than ever before. No efforts have been made to adopt effective watershed management to harness the extensive surface water and rainwater resources of this region. Proper watershed management and participation by villagers are needed for the proper utilization of water resources and to combat the As calamity. As in groundwater may just be nature's initial warning about more dangerous toxins yet to come. What lessons have we really learned?
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Cutaneous malignancy in arsenicosis.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Water Pollutants, Chemical poisoning, Arsenic Poisoning complications, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell chemically induced, Skin Neoplasms chemically induced
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Chronic arsenic toxicity in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India--a review and commentary.
- Author
-
Rahman MM, Chowdhury UK, Mukherjee SC, Mondal BK, Paul K, Lodh D, Biswas BK, Chanda CR, Basu GK, Saha KC, Roy S, Das R, Palit SK, Quamruzzaman Q, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adult, Arsenic analysis, Arsenic Poisoning drug therapy, Arsenic Poisoning pathology, Arsenic Poisoning prevention & control, Bangladesh epidemiology, Central Nervous System Diseases chemically induced, Central Nervous System Diseases epidemiology, Central Nervous System Diseases pathology, Chelating Agents therapeutic use, Chelation Therapy, Child, Child, Preschool, Chronic Disease, Fresh Water chemistry, Humans, India epidemiology, Melanosis chemically induced, Melanosis epidemiology, Melanosis pathology, Arsenic adverse effects, Arsenic Poisoning epidemiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical
- Abstract
Fifty districts of Bangladesh and 9 districts in West Bengal, India have arsenic levels in groundwater above the World Health Organization's maximum permissible limit of 50 microg/L. The area and population of 50 districts of Bangladesh and 9 districts in West Bengal are 118,849 km2 and 104.9 million and 38,865 km2 and 42.7 million, respectively. Our current data show arsenic levels above 50 microg/ L in 2000 villages, 178 police stations of 50 affected districts in Bangladesh and 2600 villages, 74 police stations/blocks of 9 affected districts in West Bengal. We have so far analyzed 34,000 and 101,934 hand tube-well water samples from Bangladesh and West Bengal respectively by FI-HG-AAS of which 56% and 52%, respectively, contained arsenic above 10 microg/L and 37% and 25% arsenic above 50 microg/L. In our preliminary study 18,000 persons in Bangladesh and 86,000 persons in West Bengal were clinically examined in arsenic-affected districts. Of them, 3695 (20.6% including 6.11% children) in Bangladesh and 8500 (9.8% including 1.7% children) in West Bengal had arsenical dermatological features. Symptoms of chronic arsenic toxicity developed insidiously after 6 months to 2 years or more of exposure. The time of onset depends on the concentration of arsenic in the drinking water, volume of intake, and the health and nutritional status of individuals. Major dermatological signs are diffuse or spotted melanosis, leucomelanosis, and keratosis. Chronic arsenicosis is a multisystem disorder. Apart from generalized weakness, appetite and weight loss, and anemia, our patients had symptoms relating to involvement of the lungs, gastrointestinal system, liver, spleen, genitourinary system, hemopoietic system, eyes, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. We found evidence of arsenic neuropathy in 37.3% (154 of 413 cases) in one group and 86.8% (33 of 38 cases) in another. Most of these cases had mild and predominantly sensory neuropathy. Central nervous system involvement was evident with and without neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic studies proved helpful for the diagnosis of neurological involvement. Advanced neglected cases with many years of exposure presented with cancer of skin and of the lung, liver, kidney, and bladder. The diagnosis of subclinical arsenicosis was made in 83%, 93%, and 95% of hair, nail and urine samples, respectively, in Bangladesh; and 57%, 83%, and 89% of hair, nail, and urine samples, respectively in West Bengal. Approximately 90% of children below 11 years of age living in the affected areas show hair and nail arsenic above the normal level. Children appear to have a higher body burden than adults despite fewer dermatological manifestations. Limited trials of 4 arsenic chelators in the treatment of chronic arsenic toxicity in West Bengal over the last 2 decades do not provide any clinical, biochemical, or histopathological benefit except for the accompanying preliminary report of clinical benefit with dimercaptopropanesulfonate therapy. Extensive efforts are needed in both countries to combat the arsenic crisis including control of tube-wells, watershed management with effective use of the prodigious supplies of surface water, traditional water management, public awareness programs, and education concerning the apparent benefits of optimal nutrition.
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Chowdhury UK, Biswas BK, Chowdhury TR, Samanta G, Mandal BK, Basu GC, Chanda CR, Lodh D, Saha KC, Mukherjee SK, Roy S, Kabir S, Quamruzzaman Q, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Arsenic toxicity, Arsenic urine, Bangladesh, Environmental Health, Hair chemistry, Humans, India, Maximum Allowable Concentration, Nails chemistry, Safety, Skin chemistry, Skin Diseases chemically induced, Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity, Water Pollutants, Chemical urine, Arsenic analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Nine districts in West Bengal, India, and 42 districts in Bangladesh have arsenic levels in groundwater above the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 50 microg/L. The area and population of the 42 districts in Bangladesh and the 9 districts in West Bengal are 92,106 km(2) and 79.9 million and 38,865 km(2) and 42.7 million, respectively. In our preliminary study, we have identified 985 arsenic-affected villages in 69 police stations/blocks of nine arsenic-affected districts in West Bengal. In Bangladesh, we have identified 492 affected villages in 141 police stations/blocks of 42 affected districts. To date, we have collected 10,991 water samples from 42 arsenic-affected districts in Bangladesh for analysis, 58,166 water samples from nine arsenic-affected districts in West Bengal. Of the water samples that we analyzed, 59 and 34%, respectively, contained arsenic levels above 50 microg/L. Thousands of hair, nail, and urine samples from people living in arsenic-affected villages have been analyzed to date; Bangladesh and West Bengal, 93 and 77% samples, on an average, contained arsenic above the normal/toxic level. We surveyed 27 of 42 districts in Bangladesh for arsenic patients; we identified patients with arsenical skin lesions in 25 districts. In West Bengal, we identified patients with lesions in seven of nine districts. We examined people from the affected villages at random for arsenical dermatologic features (11,180 and 29,035 from Bangladesh and West Bengal, respectively); 24.47 and 15.02% of those examined, respectively, had skin lesions. After 10 years of study in West Bengal and 5 in Bangladesh, we feel that we have seen only the tip of iceberg.
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Arsenic poisoning in the Ganges delta.
- Author
-
Chowdhury TR, Basu GK, Mandal BK, Biswas BK, Samanta G, Chowdhury UK, Chanda CR, Lodh D, Roy SL, Saha KC, Roy S, Kabir S, Quamruzzaman Q, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Arsenic chemistry, Humans, India, Iron chemistry, Oxidation-Reduction, Water Supply analysis, Arsenic Poisoning, Water Pollutants poisoning
- Published
- 1999
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Impact of safe water for drinking and cooking on five arsenic-affected families for 2 years in West Bengal, India.
- Author
-
Mandal BK, Chowdhury TR, Samanta G, Mukherjee DP, Chanda CR, Saha KC, and Chakraborti D
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Child, Cooking, Drinking, Female, Humans, India, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Arsenic urine, Environmental Exposure, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Water Supply standards
- Abstract
The groundwater in seven districts of West Bengal, India, covering an area of 37,000 km2 with a population of 34 million, has been contaminated with arsenic. In 830 villages/wards more than 1.5 million people, out of the total population, drink the arsenic-contaminated water. Safe water from a source having < 0.002 mg 1(-1) arsenic has been supplied for 2 years to five affected families comprising 17 members (eight of them with arsenical skin-lesions) of different age groups for impact assessment study in terms of loss of arsenic through urine, hair and nail. The study indicates random observable fluctuations of arsenic concentration in urine among members on different scheduled sampling days with a declining trend, particularly during the first 6 months. Furthermore, the investigation showed that despite having safe water for drinking and cooking, the study group could not avoid an intake of arsenic, time and again, through edible herbs grown in contaminated water, food materials contaminated through washing, and the occasional drinking of contaminated water. After minimizing the level of contamination, a noteworthy declining trend after 8 months was observed in urine, hair and nails in all the cases, but not to that level observed in a normal population, due to prevailing elevated background level of arsenic in the area. The eight members, who had already developed skin lesions, are far from recovering completely, indicating a long-lasting damage. Statistical interpretation of the data are considered.
- Published
- 1998
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Problems in the management of superficial mycoses.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Candidiasis diagnosis, Candidiasis drug therapy, Dermatomycoses diagnosis, Humans, Recurrence, Tinea diagnosis, Tinea drug therapy, Tinea Versicolor drug therapy, Dermatomycoses drug therapy
- Published
- 1990
30. Studies of palmar lines as diagnostic aid-its evolution.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Hand, Humans, Dermatoglyphics, Diagnosis
- Published
- 1978
31. Chronic arsenic poisoning from tube-well water.
- Author
-
Garai R, Chakraborty AK, Dey SB, and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Humans, India, Arsenic Poisoning, Water Pollutants poisoning, Water Pollutants, Chemical poisoning, Water Supply
- Published
- 1984
32. Therapeutic value of zinc in acne.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Acne Vulgaris drug therapy, Zinc therapeutic use
- Published
- 1978
33. Prevalence of different dermatoses-a ten years study.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Humans, India, Skin Diseases epidemiology
- Published
- 1981
34. Candidosis.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Candidiasis therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Pregnancy, Candidiasis diagnosis
- Published
- 1979
35. Delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to cutaneous antigen in keloid.
- Author
-
Mukherjee A, Mukherjee A, and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Acne Vulgaris immunology, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Skin immunology, Hypersensitivity, Delayed immunology, Isoantigens immunology, Keloid immunology
- Published
- 1982
36. Dermatoglyphics as diagnostic tool in common chromosome disorders.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Chromosome Disorders, Chromosomes, Human, Humans, Chromosome Aberrations genetics, Dermatoglyphics
- Published
- 1980
37. Melanokeratosis from arsenic contaminated tubewell water.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Humans, India, Keratosis pathology, Melanosis pathology, Water Supply, Arsenic Poisoning, Keratosis chemically induced, Melanosis chemically induced, Water Pollution, Chemical adverse effects
- Published
- 1984
38. A zinc tolerance test.
- Author
-
Pohit J, Saha KC, and Pal B
- Subjects
- Adult, Fasting, Female, Food, Humans, Male, Methods, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Zinc blood
- Published
- 1981
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Language of dermatoglyphics (palmar).
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Hand, Humans, Dermatoglyphics, Terminology as Topic
- Published
- 1979
40. Clinico-athological study of a case of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis.
- Author
-
Khan KP, Ganguly NC, and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Male, Mast Cells ultrastructure, Skin ultrastructure, Urticaria Pigmentosa pathology
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Trace elements, zinc & dermatoses.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Humans, Skin Diseases metabolism, Zinc metabolism, Zinc therapeutic use, Skin Diseases etiology, Zinc deficiency
- Published
- 1978
42. Hemostasis and purpura.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Humans, Purpura diagnosis, Hemostasis, Purpura blood
- Published
- 1980
43. Cell-mediated immune response in Indian kala-azar and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.
- Author
-
Haldar JP, Ghose S, Saha KC, and Ghose AC
- Subjects
- Adult, Child, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Female, Humans, Hypersensitivity, Delayed, Immunoglobulin G analysis, Immunoglobulin M analysis, India, Lymphocyte Activation, Lymphocytes immunology, Male, Middle Aged, Skin Tests, Immunity, Cellular, Leishmaniasis immunology, Leishmaniasis, Visceral immunology
- Abstract
Cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in 16 Indian kala-azar (KA) and 12 post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKADL) patients was studied in detail by in vitro lymphocyte transformation experiments and by in vivo skin testing. Peripheral blood lymphocytes of active KA patients failed to be stimulated by leishmania antigen. On the other hand, lymphocytes from a majority of the active KA patients could be stimulated by phytohemagglutinin. Active KA patients also failed to show delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to leishmanin, although 72% of them showed delayed type hypersensitivity to a purified protein derivative of tuberculin. Longitudinal studies indicated that antigen-specific CMI response usually appeared in treated KA patients after 12 to 20 weeks of antileishmanial drug therapy, although individual variations were noted. CMI response in PKADL patients was variable as about two-thirds of them showed positive sensitization to leishmania antigen in either in vivo or in vitro tests. Usually, patients with newly acquired PKADL exhibited better CMI response than those with chronic PKADL. However, lymphocytes from all of these patients could be stimulated normally by phytohemagglutinin. Results presented in this study show an impairment of CMI response in active KA which appears to be more specific to leishmania than generalized in nature. Moreover, restoration of specific T-cell responsiveness was aided by antileishmanial drug therapy which resulted in the reduction of antigenic load by parasite destruction and a concomitant decrease in circulating antibody levels, particularly that of the immunoglobulin G class. We suggest that the protection afforded by specific CMI response against Leishmania donovani infection may not be absolute and probably depends on other host-related factors leading to parasite destruction and patient recovery.
- Published
- 1983
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Tissue mast cells in keloidal scars.
- Author
-
Mukherjee A, Dey TK, and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Skin pathology, Keloid pathology, Mast Cells pathology
- Published
- 1981
45. Serological profiles in Indian post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.
- Author
-
Haldar JP, Saha KC, and Ghose AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Complement C3 analysis, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Female, Hemagglutination Tests, Humans, Immunoglobulin A analysis, Immunoglobulin G analysis, Immunoglobulin M analysis, India, Leishmania immunology, Male, Middle Aged, Leishmaniasis, Visceral immunology, Skin Diseases, Parasitic immunology
- Abstract
The sera of 20 Indian post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKADL) patients were analysed for immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA), third component of complement (C3) and specific antibody contents and the results compared with those of normal controls and kala-azar (KA) patients as obtained in an earlier study. Mean values of serum IgG and IgM in PKADL were found to be significantly higher than those of normal controls, although these values were substantially lower to those of KA patients. No significant difference, however, was noted in the mean levels of serum IgA and C3 between PKADL and control groups. Specific antibodies to Leishmania antigen could be demonstrated in PKADL sera by the indirect haemagglutination (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Most of these antibodies belonged to IgG class although some IgM antibodies were also demonstrable. Antibody titre ranges in PKADL sera were, however, definitely lower than those of KA sera. A reasonably good correlation between the severity of dermal lesions and IgG-ELISA titres was obtained. Of 12 chronic PKADL cases, only four and ten were found to be serologically positive by IHA and micro-ELISA methods respectively. All eight fresh cases were seropositive by both these tests. Analysis of the data suggests an over-all difference between the serological profiles of PKADL and KA patients.
- Published
- 1981
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Rapid Plasma Reagin Card Test for serodiagnosis of syphilis.
- Author
-
Saha KC, Saha AC, and Parmar VC
- Subjects
- Humans, India, Reagent Kits, Diagnostic, Syphilis Serodiagnosis methods
- Published
- 1981
47. Ridges and creases of palms & soles-its medical significance.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Foot, Hand, Humans, Dermatoglyphics
- Published
- 1979
48. Methodology in dermatoglyphic study.
- Author
-
Saha KC
- Subjects
- Adult, Child, Female, Genetic Techniques, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Records, Dermatoglyphics
- Published
- 1977
49. Arsenical dermatosis from tubewell water in West Bengal.
- Author
-
Chakraborty AK and Saha KC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, India, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Rural Population, Water Supply, Arsenic adverse effects, Keratoderma, Palmoplantar chemically induced, Melanosis chemically induced, Water Pollutants adverse effects, Water Pollutants, Chemical adverse effects
- Published
- 1987
50. Neurohistological studies in lichen planus and vitiligo.
- Author
-
Saha KC, Arya M, and Saha AK
- Subjects
- Humans, Lichen Planus pathology, Nerve Fibers pathology, Skin innervation, Vitiligo pathology
- Published
- 1979
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.