Publications by authors named "Charu Thakral"

We report a rare case of a patient with colorectal cancer with chest wall metastases. The development of bleeding at the site of the metastasis ultimately resulted in the development of a hematoma, necessitating resection of the tumor along with part of the chest wall. Literature on chest wall metastases of colonic adenocarcinoma is reviewed and discussed.

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Cell signaling by a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to play a critical role in cell proliferation. We analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of mTOR, pmTOR and bcl-2 in 55 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and correlated it with clinical parameters and clinical outcomes. On univariate analysis, higher expression of mTOR was associated with male gender, older age, and higher IPI score.

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Background: ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is usually a disease of young patients. We investigated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway-associated factors in pediatric cases and cell lines.

Procedure: Patient materials consisted of tissue slides of ALK+/CD30+ ALCL from 33 patients treated on Pediatric Oncology Group protocols (9219, n = 8 and 9315, n = 25).

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The association between gadolinium (Gd)-containing MR imaging contrast agents and the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is well recognized. The authors review the histopathologic features, methodology, and results of analysis of tissues for Gd in NSF. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) provides sensitive detection of individual Gd-containing deposits in situ.

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In this study we examined the effects of risk factors (perceived neighborhood crime/delinquency problems, neighborhood incivilities) and protective factors (teacher support, family support, peer support) on the school engagement of 123 urban adolescents of color. Age and gender were also examined to determine if different ages (younger or older) or genders (male or female) significantly modified the relationship between the risk factors and school engagement. Results indicated that perceived neighborhood incivilities was uniquely predictive of school engagement.

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Article Synopsis
  • Gadolinium (Gd) is linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a serious condition that affects various organs and skin, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease who receive specific Gd-containing contrast agents for MRI.
  • An 8-year case study of a 56-year-old man with dialysis-dependent renal failure revealed the gradual development of skin changes resembling NSF after exposure to gadopentate dimeglumine, with biopsies showing typical NSF histology over time.
  • Later biopsies indicated the evolution of skin changes, including osseous metaplasia and a decrease in certain cell types, alongside the presence of Gd deposits, suggesting a potential late-stage progression of NSF.
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Background: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is an extremely debilitating systemic fibrosing disorder affecting renal failure patients. The association of NSF with gadolinium (Gd) containing magnetic resonance contrast agents was noted in 2006. Gd deposition in skin biopsies was demonstrated shortly thereafter.

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Authors examined if parental monitoring moderated effects of family sexual communication on sexual risk behavior among adolescents in psychiatric care. Seven hundred and eighteen parents reported upon quality of family discussions about sex-related topics and degree to which they monitor teen behavior. Adolescents reported the frequency of their own safe sex practices.

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Relationships among predictors and criteria of subjective well-being were examined in a sample of 151 urban adolescents of color, ages 12-15. The relative strengths of family, peer, and school-related support and esteem in predicting three measures of subjective well-being (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect) were explored. Results suggested that sense of worth in one's family explained a significant amount of variance in subjective well-being variables, above and beyond the contributions of individual, school, and peer-related variables.

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Gadolinium (Gd) released from Gd-based MR contrast agents is the likely etiologic agent of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). The biodistribution and kinetics of both chelated Gd and free Gd(3+) are reviewed, including demonstrations of Gd in tissues of NSF patients. The purpose of this review is to consolidate the available information on distribution, metabolism, excretion and retention of Gd with particular emphasis on the possible mechanisms in the development of NSF.

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Gadolinium (Gd) has been identified as a possible causative agent of an emerging cutaneous and systemic fibrosing disorder, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), which can cause serious disability and even death. To date, there are only two known associations with this disorder--renal insufficiency and Gd enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We developed an automated quantitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) method for Gd in tissue of NSF patients.

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Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a painful and debilitating fibrosing disorder of the skin and systemic tissues. It is associated with exposure to Gd, used in MRIs and MRAs, in patients with renal insufficiency. We here present an illustrative example of a young patient who underwent multiple Gd-enhanced scans, both before and after developing severe NSF.

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