Publications by authors named "Litty Thomas"

Peritonitis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) usually caused by skin-dwelling Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria colonizing the gut and urinary tract. Occasionally, uncommon bacteria can cause peritonitis in PD patients. We describe a case of peritonitis in a 67-year-old woman who has been on PD for more than 10 years with no prior episodes of peritonitis.

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Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus) is a subgroup of viridans streptococci that tend to form a deep-seated abscess. These bacteria can be part of healthy human flora and commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity.

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Background: Gene transfer to malignant sites using human adenoviruses (hAds) has been limited because of their immunogenic nature and host specificity. Murine cells often lack some of the receptors needed for hAds attachment, thus murine cells are generally non-permissive for human adenoviral infection and replication, which limits translational studies.

Methods: We have developed a gene transfer method that uses a combination of lipid-encapsulated perfluorocarbon microbubbles and ultrasound to protect and deliver hAds to a target tissue, bypassing the requirement of specific receptors.

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Baclofen is a centrally-acting γ-amino butyric acid agonist used mainly in the symptomatic management of spasticity originating from the spinal cord. It is absorbed completely from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized by the liver to a minor degree, and excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Baclofen is moderately lipophilic and can cross the blood-brain barrier easily.

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Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL). Denosumab has been shown to reduce the risk of skeletal-related events, including spinal cord compression, pathologic fracture and hypercalcemia of malignancy in patients with bone metastases. Hypocalcemia is a known side effect of denosumab, occurring in an estimated 8-14% of the patients.

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Article Synopsis
  • * A patient experienced bullous lesions after stopping immunosuppressant drugs due to renal allograft failure, with a skin biopsy confirming the BP diagnosis.
  • * Treatment with systemic corticosteroids effectively managed the BP lesions, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of autoimmune skin diseases in patients who halt immunosuppressant therapy post-transplant failure.
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Article Synopsis
  • Two types of bacteria, KiSII and RNF 267, were identified from coconut palm roots as Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter sp., showing characteristics like phosphate solubilization and ammonification.
  • These bacteria can thrive in various pH levels, cold temperatures, and salty conditions, with S. marcescens KiSII having additional benefits like nitrogen fixation and antibiotic production.
  • When used on paddy and cowpea seeds, these bacteria improved plant growth and nutrient absorption significantly, suggesting their potential as bioinoculants for healthier coconut seedlings and greater benefits for coconut farming.
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