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Biomedical subjects

M Duke

Publications and source records attributed to M Duke.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Production of biologically active recombinant human lactoferrin in Aspergillus oryzae.

We report the production of recombinant human lactoferrin in Aspergillus oryzae. Expression of human lactoferrin (hLF), a 78 kD glycoprotein, was achieved by placing the cDNA under the control of the A. oryzae alpha-amylase promoter and the 3' flanking region of the A. niger glucoamylase gene. Using this system, hLF is expressed and secreted into the growth medium at levels up to 25 mg/l. The recombinant lactoferrin is indistinguishable from human milk lactoferrin with respect to its size, immunoreactivity, and iron-binding capacity. The recombinant protein appears to be appropriately N-linked glycosylated and correctly processed at the N-terminus by the A. oryzae secretory apparatus. Lactoferrin is the largest heterologous protein and the first mammalian glycoprotein expressed in the Aspergillus system to date. Hence, this expression system appears suitable for the large-scale production and secretion of biologically active mammalian glycoproteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A unique mental health network for Victorian aboriginal people.

The Victorian Aboriginal Mental Health Network (VAMHN) is a unique mental health programme for Aboriginal people in Australia. The network was set up in 1987. The services and programmes developed include a community consultation service, a psychiatric inpatient unit; and educational, evaluative and research programmes. Utilisation of the network has steadily increased and the demand for both primary and secondary consultations continues to grow.

Adult↗

Chemosensitivity testing of fresh human leukemia cells using both a dye exclusion assay and a tetrazolium dye (MTT) assay.

Chemosensitivity testing using a DEA was performed on 91 leukemia samples from 70 patients with leukemia. In 55 patients, comparison of in-vitro results with actual response of the patient was made. There was good correlation in 82% of the cases, the results being highly significant p less than 0.001. The MTT assay was also adapted for the chemosensitivity testing and the usefulness of this assay was evaluated by comparing the results to the DEA for 24 of the samples. Survival results produced by the two assays were very similar. The MTT procedure was also found to be equally effective as the DEA as a predictive assay of chemosensitivity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Chronic mexiletine therapy for suppression of ventricular arrhythmias.

One hundred patients with a 70% or greater reduction of ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) from baseline during 12 weeks of mexiletine therapy were continued on treatment for an additional 9 months. Fifteen patients did not have follow-up examinations. The response of the remaining 85 patients during this extended period of open-label mexiletine administration is described. Holter recordings were scheduled at 3-month intervals during this period. At these examinations, between 69 and 80% of patients maintained the same 70% or greater level of VPC suppression observed at the start of the 9-month treatment period. Mean and median levels of VPCs/h at each examination were significantly reduced from premexiletine levels throughout the study (p less than 0.0001). Blood tests and electrocardiographic intervals did not vary. The most frequently used dosage of mexiletine during each 3-month treatment period was 600 mg/day (50.0-55.6% of patients). Side effects warranted discontinuation of therapy in 8% (8/97) of patients, while in 25% (22/85), clinical evaluation resulted in a change in dosage level. Within a setting similar to that of clinical practice, long-term mexiletine administration for non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias was effective and well tolerated.

Cardiac Complexes, Premature↗

Hepatitis B transmission within families: potential importance of saliva as a vehicle of spread.

We report a family, extensively affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV), in whom sexual or vertical transmission is unlikely to account entirely for the intra-family clustering of the virus. HBV-DNA was detected in saliva in one family member and we suggest that spread by salivary transmission could account for at least some of the intra-family infection and could contribute to the "inapparent parenteral" spread of hepatitis B.

Adult↗

I need my rest.

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Attitude to Death↗

Thiazide-induced hypokalemia. Association with acute myocardial infarction and ventricular fibrillation.

Ten of 59 patients (17%) were receiving a thiazide preparation at the time of an acute myocardial infarction and ventricular fibrillation. Hypokalemia was present in seven of eight patients (87%) receiving thiazides, whereas it was observed in only one of 38 patients (2.6%) not receiving these medications. If hypokalemia is present in patients receiving thiazides who have had an acute myocardial infarction, it should be corrected so as to remove this predisposing cause of ventricular fibrillation.

Acute Disease↗