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Biomedical subjects

M A Rothstein

Publications and source records attributed to M A Rothstein.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Enzymatic activity of poliovirus RNA polymerase synthesized in Escherichia coli from viral cDNA.

Plasmids have been constructed that contain DNA sequences that direct the expression of the poliovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, in the form of recombinant fusion proteins. Inclusion of an additional gene for the poliovirus protease results in cleavage of the fusion protein to yield a 52-kDa, enzymatically active, polymerase protein, apparently identical to the functional enzyme isolated from virus-infected HeLa cells. A large amount of polymerase protein accumulates as particulate or insoluble material in bacteria, and this protein has little or no activity. However, significant amounts of soluble, active enzyme are recovered, such that the resulting specific activity of crude bacterial extracts is greater than that obtained from virus-infected HeLa cells. Purification of the enzyme from Escherichia coli is readily accomplished, and yields a preparation that will copy poliovirion RNA as template, in the presence of oligo(U) primer. The availability of cloned DNA sequences encoding catalytically active RNA polymerase will allow genetic manipulations to initiate structure-function studies of this enzyme.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Formation of poliovirus RNA polymerase 3D in Escherichia coli by cleavage of fusion proteins expressed from cloned viral cDNA.

The poliovirus polymerase 3D was synthesized in Escherichia coli by cleavage of fusion proteins expressed from cloned viral cDNA inserted into several plasmid expression vectors. Cleavage was accomplished by the action of viral protease 3C sequences expressed in the same bacteria, either from a second plasmid or from the same plasmid, cloned so as to produce contiguous sequences in the same protein. In the case of two plasmids, protease 3C functioned in trans to cleave the fusion protein at or very near the normal Gln/Gly cleavage site. When protease and polymerase sequences were produced in the same protein, the protease sequences acted in the precursor form to release the polymerase from itself. Thus, cleavage can occur to generate polymerase 3D both as an intermolecular reaction and, very likely, also as an intramolecular event.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Discriminatory aspects of medical screening.

Presently, there are few legal restrictions on the use of medical screening of workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires that certain medical tests be performed when workers will be exposed to specific toxic substances. The OSH Act does not, however, prohibit the use of any medical screening measure nor does it indicate what actions an employer may or may not take as a result of such information. (A notable exception is the medical removal provision of the Lead Standard). This paper discusses that protection afforded under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This paper will demonstrate that the law has, in general, failed to take into account the discriminatory aspects of medical screening.

Civil Rights↗

Taking the patient's view of health reform.

To many, health reform seems to consist entirely of enormous changes in how the nation's medical bills will be paid. In reality, sweeping social changes will also accompany reform, including new ways of obtaining a patient's medical history and an end to traditional barriers to health care access. Changes must be made in the nonfinancial elements of the U.S. health system for reform to make a positive difference in patients' lives.

Community Participation↗

Legal considerations in worker fitness evaluations.

Physicians performing worker fitness evaluations need to walk a very fine line. On the one hand, if they too-aggressively disqualify individuals, their actions may be illegal under handicap or other discrimination laws. On the other hand, if they are too lenient, the result may be injury or illness to the worker or even risks to public safety. Physicians must realize the unique nature of this type of medical examination and the close connection between law and medicine in this area.

Civil Rights↗