PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Saha

Publications and source records attributed to G Saha.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Linkage map organization of expressed sequence tags and sequence tagged sites in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

A composite genetic linkage map for the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti was constructed based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) markers. The map consists of 146 marker loci distributed across 205 cM, and includes several morphological mutant marker loci. Most of the genetic markers are derived from random cDNAs or Ae. aegypti genes of known function. A number of markers are derived from random genomic DNAs, including several cloned RAPD-PCR fragments, and also several cDNAs from Drosophila melanogaster. Most of the random cDNAs (80.2%) have high BlastX sequence identities to known genes, with the majority of matches to genes from D. melanogaster. Access to sequence data for all markers will facilitate their continued development for use in high-throughput SNP marker analyses and also provides additional physical anchor points for an anticipated genome sequencing effort.

Aedes↗

Asymmetric total synthesis of halicholactone.

The asymmetric total synthesis of the marine metabolite, halicholactone 1, is described. The bisallylic triol 6 with three chiral centers at C8, C12, and C15 was constructed by [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of the sulfoxide 18, which was prepared stereoselectively using the chirality of (diene)Fe(CO)3 complexes. Introduction of the trans-substituted cyclopropane subunit into 21 was successfully achieved using the modified regio- and stereoselective Simmons-Smith reaction. The use of RCM (ring-closing metathesis) methodology (4-->35) was pivotal for the formation of a nine-membered unsaturated lactone fragment of halicholactone 1. As this approach is flexible and stereoselective, other oxylipins could be synthesized by the protocol described herein.

Animals↗

Fetal ECG extraction from single-channel maternal ECG using singular value decomposition.

The extraction of fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) from the composite maternal ECG signal obtained from the abdominal lead is discussed. The proposed method employs singular value decomposition (SVD) and analysis based on the singular value ratio (SVR) spectrum. The maternal ECG (M-ECG) and the fetal ECG (F-ECG) components are identified in terms of the SV-decomposed modes of the appropriately configured data matrices, and elimination of the M-ECG and determination of F-ECG are achieved through selective separation of the SV-decomposed components. The unique feature of the method is that only one composite maternal ECG signal is required to determine the F-ECG component. The method is numerically robust and computationally efficient.

Artifacts↗

Usefulness of ictal and interictal 99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography in patients with refractory partial epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Ictal perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), using HMPAO, has been shown to localize epileptic foci in approximately 90% of studies. Unfortunately, HMPAO decomposes rapidly, precluding the performance of ictal studies. Ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) is a SPECT perfusion agent recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. After preparation, this compound is stable for approximately 6 h. facilitating the performance of ictal studies. METHODS: In a prospective, open-label, uncontrolled, non randomized study, we evaluated the potential benefits of the use of 99mTc-ECD SPECT for lateralization of the epileptic focus. Ten consecutive adult epilepsy surgery candidates were studied with ictal and interictal 99mTc-ECD SPECT. RESULTS: The mean delay between seizure onset and ictal SPECT injection was 23.2 s. The mean seizure duration was 84.1 s. Ictal studies agreement between the epilepsy focus and area of hyperperfusion was evident in 8 of 10 cases. In one case, SPECT was lateralized in a patient with bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); however, hyperperfusion was observed on the same side of that particular seizure. In another case, there was location disagreement. Interictal SPECT showed focal hypoperfusion in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-ECD proved to be an optimal tracer for ictal studies. Although this is a small series, the results of ictal and interictal findings using 99mTc-ECD are similar to those reported with 99mTc-HMPAO. Because 99mTc-ECD has a longer decomposition time, true ictal studies are easier to obtain. This new tracer will probably allow the use of ictal SPECT to become widely accepted in most epilepsy centers.

Adult↗

Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase in rat submaxillary gland.

A significant amount of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase (PGAP) activity was found to be present in 27,000 x g supernatant of rat submaxillary gland, maximum activity being at pH 6.5. EDTA stimulated the enzyme activity by 95% at pH 8.0 while at pH 6.5 it did not have any significant effect. On comparison of its properties submaxillary PGAP appears to be different from brain, pituitary and other reported PGAPs. Submaxillary PGAP could also catalyze efficiently the formation of cyclo (His-Pro) from TRH. Cyclo (His-Pro) formation by submaxillary enzyme was more pronounced than that by liver PGAP.

Animals↗

Identification of ischemic and hibernating myocardium: feasibility of post-exercise F-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

The identification of ischemic and hibernating myocardium facilitates the selection of patients most likely to benefit from revascularization. This study examined the feasibility of metabolic imaging, using post-exercise F-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for the diagnosis of both ischemia and hibernation in 27 patients with known coronary anatomy. Normal post-exercise FDG uptake was defined in each patient by reference to normal resting perfusion and normal coronary supply. Abnormal elevation of FDG (ischemia or hibernation) was compared in 13 myocardial segments in each patient, with the results of dipyridamole stress perfusion imaging performed by rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (Rb-PET). Myocardial ischemia was diagnosed by either FDG-PET or Rb-PET in 34 segments subtended by significant local coronary stenoses. Increased FDG uptake was present in 32/34 (94%) and a reversible perfusion defect was identified by Rb-PET in 22/34 (65%, p less than .01). In 3 patients, ischemia was identified by metabolic imaging alone. In 16 patients with previous myocardial infarction, perfusion defects were present at rest in 89 regions, 30 of which (34%) demonstrated increased FDG uptake, consistent with the presence of hibernation. Increased post-exercise FDG uptake appears to be a sensitive indicator of ischemia and myocardial hibernation. This test may be useful in selecting post-infarction patients for revascularization.

Coronary Disease↗

Comparative in vitro activity and beta-lactamase stability of FK482, a new oral cephalosporin.

FK482 is an oral aminothiazolyl hydroxyimino cephalosporin with a C-3 vinyl group. Its activity was compared with those of cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefixime, and amoxicillin-clavulanate. FK482 inhibited 90% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates at 1 micrograms/ml and 90% of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates at less than or equal to 0.012 micrograms/ml, superior to cephalexin and cefuroxime and similar to cefixime. It did not inhibit oxacillin-resistant S. aureus. FK482 inhibited 90% of Enterococcus faecalis isolates at 8 micrograms/ml. Although 90% of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella species, and Shigella species isolates were inhibited by less than or equal to 2 micrograms/ml, FK482 was less active than cefixime against Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Morganella, Serratia, and Providencia species, with MICs for many isolates of greater than 8 micrograms/ml. FK482 inhibited Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae at concentrations comparable to that of cefixime and superior to those of cephalexin and cfaclor. Bacteroides and Pseudomonas species were resistant. FK482 was not hydrolyzed by the TEM-1 and TEM-2 beta-lactamases but was hydrolyzed by TEM-3 and the Proteus vulgaris enzyme. It had a high affinity for chromosomal beta-lactamases.

Amoxicillin↗

In vitro activity of ME1228, a new parenteral cephalosporin.

ME1228 is a new cephalosporin with an iminocarboxymethyl moiety on the acyl side chain and a novel pyridiniumthiomethyl group at position 3 of the bicyclic ring. Its activity was compared with those of ceftazidime, imipenem, piperacillin, and gentamicin. ME1228 inhibited most members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, except for some Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter freundii, at less than or equal to 0.25 micrograms/ml, and it inhibited gentamicin- and piperacillin-resistant isolates. It had MICs for Pseudomonas aeruginosa between 1 and 32 micrograms/ml, comparable to those of ceftazidime, and it inhibited piperacillin- and gentamicin-resistant isolates. Most group A, B, C, and G streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae were inhibited by less than or equal to 0.25 micrograms/ml. Enterococci and listeriae were resistant (MICs, 64 to 128 micrograms/ml). The MICs for staphylococci were 4 to 8 micrograms/ml, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was resistant. There was a minimal inoculum effect and no effect of the medium. ME1228 was not hydrolyzed by TEM-1, TEM-2, SHV-1, and S. aureus plasmid beta-lactamases and was stable against hydrolysis by Richmond-Sykes type 1a, 1c, 1d, and IV chromosomal beta-lactamases. It was hydrolyzed by TEM-3 and Xanthomonas maltophilia beta-lactamases. Overall, ME1228 had activity comparable or superior to that of ceftazidime.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Comparative in vitro activity of the new oral macrolide azithromycin.

The in vitro activity of the new oral macrolide azithromycin was compared with that of erythromycin against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Ninety percent of hemolytic streptococci groups A and B, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were inhibited by 0.5 microgram/ml. Activity of azithromycin was similar to that of erythromycin; erythromycin-resistant staphylococci and streptococci were not inhibited. Azithromycin was more active than erythromycin against Haemophilus influenzae (MIC90 1 microgram/ml) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It inhibited Campylobacter spp. and Pasteurella multocida, and had an MIC50 of 8 micrograms/ml for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica compared to an erythromycin value of greater than 64 micrograms/ml.

Azithromycin↗

In vitro activities of two oxazolidinone antimicrobial agents, DuP 721 and DuP 105.

The antibacterial activities of DuP 105 and DuP 721, new oxazolidinone antimicrobial agents, were compared with those of beta-lactams and glycopeptides. Ninety percent of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates, including methicillin-resistant isolates, were inhibited by 4 micrograms of DuP 105 and 1 microgram of DuP 721 per ml. DuP 721 inhibited hemolytic streptococcus groups A, B, C, F, and G at a concentration of less than or equal to 1 microgram/ml, and it inhibited viridans group streptococci at a concentration of 2 micrograms/ml. Both agents inhibited Listeria monocytogenes, Corynebacterium group JK species, anaerobic cocci, and Clostridium spp. including Clostridium difficile. They did not inhibit members of the family Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but the MIC for 90% of Bacteroides fragilis isolates was 8 micrograms of DuP 721 per ml.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Activity of A-56268 compared with that of erythromycin and other oral agents against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

A-56268 was compared with erythromycin, roxithromycin (RU 28965), and perorally administered antimicrobial agents. Its in vitro activity was similar to that of erythromycin and slightly greater than that of roxithromycin, with beta-hemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae inhibited by less than 2 micrograms of A-56268 per ml (50% inhibited by 0.06 microgram/ml). Streptococcus pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. Pneumoniae, and S. faecalis resistant to erythromycin were resistant to A-56268, and 4 micrograms/ml inhibited 90% of Haemophilus influenzae isolates.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

In vitro activity against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and beta-lactamase stability of RS-533, a novel carbapenem.

RS-533 is a novel carbapenem antibiotic. Its activity was compared with that of imipenem and the new cephalosporins, aztreonam, piperacillin, and tobramycin. RS-533 had activity comparable to that of imipenem, inhibiting the majority of the Enterobacteriaceae, streptococci, staphylococci, and Bacteroides species at concentrations of less than or equal to 2 micrograms/ml. RS-533 inhibited Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, and Serratia marcescens resistant to ceftazidime, aztreonam, and cefoperazone, but RS-533 did not inhibit all methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas maltophilia. It inhibited tobramycin-resistant members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RS-533 was stable against attack by common chromosomal and plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases and was an effective inhibitor of many beta-lactamases.

Aztreonam↗

In vitro activity of pefloxacin compared to that of quinolones and other antimicrobial agents.

Pefloxacin is a new methyl-4-piperazinyl quinolone. It had MIC90 values of less than 0.01 to 0.8 micrograms/ml for the majority of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, oxytoca, Citrobacter, Providencia, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Morganella and Proteus mirabilis. It inhibited ampicillin, cephalexin and nalidixic acid resistant isolates of these species. Against Pseudomonas the pefloxacin MIC90 was 3.1 micrograms/ml. Staphylococcus aureus had a MIC50 of 0.4 micrograms/ml and a MIC90 of 0.8 micrograms/ml and S. faecalis had a MIC90 of 3.1 micrograms/ml. Pefloxacin inhibited Salmonella spp., Salmonella typhi, Shigella spp., Yersinia, Aeromonas, toxigenic E. coli at concentrations of less than 0.05 to 1.6 micrograms/ml, including ampicillin and trimethoprim resistant strains. There was a minimal difference in MIC and MBC values in broth or serum, but major changes in MIC and MBC values occurred in acid urine. Increase in MIC values occurred with repeated transfer in broth or urine.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Resistance of Xanthomonas maltophilia to antibiotics and the effect of beta-lactamase inhibitors.

We examined the susceptibility of 50 isolates of Xanthomonas maltophilia and the effect of beta-lactamase inhibitors upon the susceptibility. The majority of isolates were resistant to azlocillin, piperacillin, mezlocillin, ticarcillin, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, and ceftazidime. All isolates were resistant to imipenem, CGP 31608, aztreonam, and carumonam. Although disk susceptibility tests showed that the combination of clavulanate with ticarcillin inhibited many isolates, at a ratio of 1:20 few isolates were susceptible to the combination. Addition of clavulanate to aztreonam and to imipenem failed to make organisms susceptible. Sulbactam combined with cefoperazone made some organisms susceptible, but ampicillin-sulbactam was ineffective, whereas tazobactam combined with piperacillin at a ratio of 1:4 made half the isolates have MICs of 32 micrograms/ml or less. The beta-lactamases from the isolates hydrolyzed all of the beta-lactams.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗