PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Babu

Publications and source records attributed to K Babu.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

In vivo studies on the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract in modifying the genotoxicity induced by chromium and mercury in Allium root meristems.

In vivo cytogenetic assay in Allium cepa root tip cells has been carried out to detect the modifying effect of Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract against chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) induced genotoxicity. It was observed that the roots post-treated with the leaf extract showed highly significant (p < 0.001) recovery in mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) when compared to pre-treated (Cr/Hg) samples and the lower doses of the leaf extract were found to be more effective than higher doses. The present study reveals that the Ocimum sanctum leaf extract possesses the protective effect against Cr/Hg induced genetic damage.

Allium↗
PubMed2003

Ab initio quality one-electron properties of large molecules: development and testing of molecular tailoring approach.

The development of a linear-scaling method, viz. "molecular tailoring approach" with an emphasis on accurate computation of one-electron properties of large molecules is reported. This method is based on fragmenting the reference macromolecule into a number of small, overlapping molecules of similar size. The density matrix (DM) of the parent molecule is synthesized from the individual fragment DMs, computed separately at the Hartree-Fock (HF) level, and is used for property evaluation. In effect, this method reduces the O(N(3)) scaling order within HF theory to an n.O(N'(3)) one, where n is the number of fragments and N', the average number of basis functions in the fragment molecules. An algorithm and a program in FORTRAN 90 have been developed for an automated fragmentation of large molecular systems. One-electron properties such as the molecular electrostatic potential, molecular electron density along with their topography, as well as the dipole moment are computed using this approach for medium and large test chemical systems of varying nature (tocopherol, a model polypeptide and a silicious zeolite). The results are compared qualitatively and quantitatively with the corresponding actual ones for some cases. This method is also extended to obtain MP2 level DMs and electronic properties of large systems and found to be equally successful.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Interaction with protein phosphatase 1 Is essential for bifocal function during the morphogenesis of the Drosophila compound eye.

The gene bifocal (bif), required for photoreceptor morphogenesis in the Drosophila compound eye, encodes a protein that is shown to interact with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) using the yeast two-hybrid system. Complex formation between Bif and PP1 is supported by coprecipitation of the two proteins. Residues 992 to 995 (RVQF) in the carboxy-terminal region of Bif, which conform to the consensus PP1-binding motif, are shown to be essential for the interaction of Bif with PP1. The interaction of PP1 with bacterially expressed and endogenous Bif can be disrupted by a synthetic peptide known to block interaction of other regulatory subunits with PP1. Null bif mutants exhibit a rough eye phenotype, disorganized rhabdomeres (light-gathering rhodopsin-rich microvillar membrane structures in the photoreceptor cells) and alterations in the actin cytoskeleton. Expression of wild-type bif transgenes resulted in significant rescue of these abnormalities. In contrast, expression of transgenes encoding the Bif F995A mutant, which disrupts binding to PP1, was unable to rescue any aspect of the bif phenotype. The results indicate that the PP1-Bif interaction is critical for the rescue and that a major function of Bif is to target PP1c to a specific subcellular location. The role of the PP1-Bif complex in modulating the organization of the actin cytoskeleton underlying the rhabdomeres is discussed.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

Outcome of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Protein malnutrition is now well established as an important contributory factor to the high mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Low dietary protein calorie intake is one of the factors leading to protein malnutrition. If PD patients develop difficulty eating, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding may prove beneficial in providing adequate nutrition. Studies on the effectiveness of PEG feeding in PD patients are limited to pediatric patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the outcome of PEG feeding in adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on PD. We retrospectively reviewed charts from May 1992 to February 2000 of 10 consecutive patients in our center who had had feeding tubes inserted. The patients' ages ranged from 37 to 81 years, with mean age of 65. Of the 10 patients, 7 were male, 5 were diabetic, and 1 was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Two patients had cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with dysphagia, 3 had multi-infarct dementia, 2 had anoxic encephalopathy, 2 had dementia, and 1 had calciphylaxis with anorexia. Of the 10 patients, 9 failed to eat because of neurologic disorders. Two patients who had functioning PEG feedings before starting PD had no complications. Only 2 of 8 patients already on PD continued with long-term PD after a PEG was inserted. Both patients whose PD was not interrupted at the time of PEG placement immediately developed peritonitis. Of the 6 patients who were maintained on hemodialysis (HD), 2 developed peritonitis within one week of starting PEG feedings. The other 4 had no complications from PEG feedings while being maintained on HD, but 1 developed peritonitis when PD was resumed. Of the 5 patients who developed peritonitis, 3 experienced fungal peritonitis. In PD patients, PEG feeding is associated with frequent complications. However, PEG placement prior to PD initiation appears to be safe. Maintaining patients on HD for at least 6 weeks appears to decrease the incidence of peritonitis, but does not eliminate it. Use of anti-fungal prophylaxis and maintenance of the patient on HD for longer than 6 weeks may produce better results.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Gross photography of ophthalmic pathology specimens.

Removal of the entire eyeball or a portion of it is required in many ophthalmic conditions. The gross features of such specimens provide valuable information. Gross photography of an intraocular tumour, ruptured eyeball or other pathological specimens including lid lesions, orbital tumors, intraocular lens implants, intraocular and extraocular parasites, retinal pathology such as haemorrhages and peripheral degenerations, establishes a permanent documentation. We herein describe the technique of gross photography of such valuable specimens, using a dissecting microscope with a special arrangement. This technique is currently used by us with gratifying results.

Computers↗
PubMed1999

Clonidine prevents insulin resistance and hypertension in obese dogs.

The role that the central sympathetic nervous system plays in the development of obesity hypertension and insulin was evaluated by feeding dogs a high fat diet with or without clonidine treatment. Thirteen adult mongrel dogs were chronically instrumented and randomly assigned to receive either a high fat diet and no clonidine (n=6) or a high fat diet plus clonidine (n=7), 0.3 mg BID. Blood pressure, heart rate, plasma insulin, and electrolytes were measured daily. Insulin resistance was assessed with a multiple-dose euglycemic clamp (1, 2, and 30 mU. kg-1. min-1) before and after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of the high fat diet. Clonidine prevented the hypertension, tachycardia, and insulin resistance associated with feeding dogs the high fat diet but did not affect weight gain. The present study suggests that the central sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in the development of both insulin resistance and hypertension associated with feeding dogs a high fat diet.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Isolation of salmonellae from dried rattlesnake preparations.

Salmonella arizonae and other Salmonella serovars were isolated from four different rattlesnake preparations which were used for self-treatment of various diseases. A case of disseminated S. arizonae infection is reported in a patient who had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and ingested dried rattlesnake.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗