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C M James

Publications and source records attributed to C M James.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression of a single lignin peroxidase-encoding gene in Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain ME446.

A previously described linked set of lignin peroxidase-encoding genes (Lpo) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P.c.) ME446 is not expressed under standard growth conditions for ligninolytic activity. However, a single unlinked Lpo gene, not previously described in P.c. strain ME446, is expressed. The transcription start points of this gene are mapped and the gene is assigned to a genetic linkage group by the use of restriction-site polymorphism segregation analysis. No transcripts from Lpo-related genes, including that normally expressed in ME446, could be detected within RNA extracted from three nonligninolytic mutant strains, but a hyper-ligninolytic strain showed an increased level of Lpo expression. This increase is due to expression of additional Lpo genes, rather than to an increased level of transcription from the normally expressed sequence.

Base Sequence

Duplex sonography in splenomegaly.

The aetiology of splenomegaly is seldom clear from either clinical or imaging assessment of the spleen. In the majority of cases sonographic assessment of the spleen produces a homogeneous enlargement of variable echodensity, but with very poor correlation with pathology. A study has been undertaken to assess the Doppler characteristics of the splenic artery in splenomegaly, excluding cases of portal hypertension in an attempt to provide further diagnostic information. Duplex assessment of 18 normal subjects and 10 patients with splenomegaly due to five different causes was undertaken. Analysis of waveform, peak frequency and pulsatility index were compared and failed to demonstrate any significant change. In the normal subject there is a broad systolic spectrum related to the tortuosity of the splenic artery, with persistence of forward flow throughout diastole, a reflection of the low peripheral resistance of the spleen. In splenomegaly the broad systolic spectrum is unchanged, since vessel tortuosity persists. Pathological and physiological assessment of the spleen in splenomegaly shows that a low resistance circulation persists, explaining maintenance of the diastolic flow pattern in splenomegaly. Increased blood flow to the spleen in splenomegaly occurs either as a result of an increase in vessel diameter or an increase in flow velocity, or a variable combination of the two which does not seem to be governed by specific pathology. An increase in peak frequency in some cases reflected some increase in flow velocity but provided no useful correlation. Analysis of the pulsatility index supported the above findings without adding further information.

Adolescent

Sickle cell trait and military service.

In the community great efforts have been made to educate those with sickle cell trait that their condition is not a handicap and that they are fit to lead a normal life. It would be seen as a retrograde step for the Armed Forces to imply that they are in some way unfit for normal duties. The evidence presented demonstrates that with the exception of a small excess risk of sudden unexplained death during training there is no objection to recruiting those with sickle cell trait into the Royal Navy. At present those with sickle cell disorders are barred from service in the Royal Marine Commandos and from diving, submarine and aircrew service. On the basis of the evidence presented in this review a case can be made for allowing those with sickle cell trait to enter as aircrew in helicopters but not as pilots. In view of the requirements for military divers to operate in cold water under stressful conditions the exclusion of those with sickle cell trait is entirely justified. The overriding requirement must be the safety of both the affected individual and of others and the current regulations reflect this. Screening of all recruits and officer entrants in appropriate racial groups is not performed at present but would allow counselling and advice to be given to those affected by sickle cell trait at an early stage of their careers and the reasons for their exclusion from certain branches fully explained either by establishment Medical Officers or by the haematologist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aerospace Medicine

Sickle cell trait.

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Anemia, Sickle Cell

Plastid-localised seed acyl-carrier protein of Brassica napus is encoded by a distinct, nuclear multigene family.

Acyl-carrier protein (ACP) is a key component involved in the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis in plants. cDNA clones encoding ACP from Brassica napus (oil seed rape) embryos have been isolated using oligonucleotide probes derived from heterologous ACPs. Analysis of the DNA sequence data, in conjunction with N-terminal amino acid sequence data, revealed ACP to be synthesized from nuclear DNA as a precursor containing a 51-amino-acid N-terminal extension. Immunocytochemical studies showed ACP to be localised solely within the plastids of B. napus seed tissue and it would therefore appear that the N-terminal extension functions as a transit peptide to direct ACP into these organelles. Analysis of several cDNA clones revealed sequence heterogeneity and thus evidence for an ACP multigene family. From ten cDNA clones, six unique genes, encoding five different mature ACP polypeptides, were identified. Northern blot hybridisation studies provide evidence that the seed and leaf forms of rape ACP are encoded by structurally distinct gene sets.

Acyl Carrier Protein

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of complementary DNA encoding rat mammary gland medium-chain S-acyl fatty acid synthetase thio ester hydrolase.

Poly(A)+ RNA from pregnant rat mammary glands was size-fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation, and fractions enriched in medium-chain S-acyl fatty acid synthetase thio ester hydrolase (MCH) were identified by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation. A cDNA library was constructed, in pBR322, from enriched poly(A)+ RNA and screened with two oligonucleotide probes deduced from rat MCH amino acid sequence data. Cross-hybridizing clones were isolated and found to contain cDNA inserts ranging from approximately 1100 to 1550 base pairs (bp). A 1550-bp cDNA insert, from clone 43H09, was confirmed to encode MCH by hybrid-select translation/immunoprecipitation studies and by comparison of the amino acid sequence deduced from the DNA sequence of the clone to the amino acid sequence of the MCH peptides. Northern blot analysis revealed the size of the MCH mRNA to be 1500 nucleotides, and it is therefore concluded that the 1550-bp insert (including G X C tails) of clone 43H09 represents a full- or near-full-length copy of the MCH gene. The rat MCH sequence is the first reported sequence of a thioesterase from a mammalian source, but comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of MCH and the recently published mallard duck medium-chain S-acyl fatty acid synthetase thioesterase reveals significant homology. In particular, a seven amino acid sequence containing the proposed active serine of the duck thioesterase is found to be perfectly conserved in rat MCH.

Amino Acid Sequence

Simulation of a memory deficit on the Continuous Recognition Memory Test.

Simulation of a memory deficit on the Continuous Recognition Memory Test was studied, with 20 male and 20 female normal undergraduates assigned to each of two conditions. Simulation with prior test experience was studied by comparing performance following standard and then simulation instructions. A significant increase in false alarms was associated with a significant decrease in correct responses, d', c, and a slight decrease in hits. For studying simulation without prior test experience, the test was administered once with instructions to simulate. Performance was similar to simulation with test experience. Comparisons with the performance of closed head-injured patients were made.

Adult