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Biomedical subjects

M Kotecha

Publications and source records attributed to M Kotecha.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Immunity against both polyomavirus VP1 and a transgene product induced following intranasal delivery of VP1 pseudocapsid-DNA complexes.

Murine polyomavirus VP1 virus-like particles (VLPs) can bind plasmid DNA and transport it into cells both in vitro and in vivo. Long-term expression of the transgene can be observed, suggesting that VP1 VLPs may be used as DNA delivery vehicles for gene therapy. In this study we have analysed the in vitro efficiency of transfection using different DNA/VLP molar ratios and the immune response induced following intranasal administration of these complexes to mice. Our results indicate that in short-term in vitro culture VP1 VLP-DNA complexes appear to be as efficient as DNA alone at transfecting cell monolayers. They also show that VP1 VLPs are very immunogenic, inducing high proliferative cell responses and both serum and mucosal antibodies. Moreover, VP1 VLP-DNA complexes appear to be capable of inducing a stronger immune response to the transgene product (beta-galactosidase) than immunization with DNA only. The results suggest that polyomavirus VP1 VLPs derived from the wild-type sequence may be too immunogenic for repeated use as gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. However, due to their high immunogenicity and apparent adjuvant properties, they could be modified and used as vaccines either on their own or complexed with DNA.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2000

Calculation of pulsed NMR signal in I = 3/2 quadrupolar spin system.

The rf pulse response of I = 3/2 spin system experiencing first order quadrupolar splitting is studied using density matrix approach. A general expression is derived in terms of spin populations, quadrupole splitting and duration and amplitude of the rf pulse for calculating the NMR signal arising due to the centre line and satellite resonances for the situation where the impressed rf pulse excites the resonances selectively as well as non-selectively. The necessary 4 X 4 transformation matrix obtained analytically by diagonalyzing the Hamiltonian are used to get the expression for the centre line response. The satellite signals are obtained in the same way but by using the numerical values of the roots of the related quartics. The widths of the corresponding pi/2-pulses are calculated for different initial spin populations. The variations of this pulse-width and the corresponding signal amplitude as a function of satellite splitting are studied.

Crystallization↗
PubMed2000

Factors influencing postnatal liver function tests.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate liver function tests (LFTs) changes in the puerperium and the influence of specific obstetric events on these changes. DESIGN: A longitudinal observational study. SETTING: West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham. POPULATION: Ninety-four women with uncomplicated pregnancy who delivered at term. METHODS: Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (Bilirubin) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in early labour and on day 1, day 2, day 5 and day 10 postnatal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak enzyme concentration, time of peak enzyme concentration, the area under the curve for each enzyme and the rate of change of enzyme level from predelivery to peak concentration. RESULTS: All LFTs were affected by delivery (P < 0.001), increasing by 88% (0-500%) on day 2 or day 5 for AST, 147% (0-1140%) on day 5 for ALT and 63% (0-450%) on day 5 or day 10 for GGT. Multiple linear regression showed that caesarean section and opioid administration was associated with a faster rise in AST (P = 0.001, P = 0.033 respectively). The mean peak GGT concentration was 39% higher in women having caesarean section compared with vaginal delivery (P = 0.015). Univariate analysis showed that perineal trauma, use of Entonox, maternal age at delivery and breastfeeding also influenced LFT concentration significantly. CONCLUSION: Liver enzyme levels change significantly in the puerperium and are affected by common obstetric events, particularly caesarean section. This study aids clinical interpretation of postnatal LFTs in women recovering from liver-related illnesses, by facilitating the differentiation of physiological and pathological processes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

The importance of the deep volar compartment in crush injuries of the forearm.

Two cases are described of blunt injury to the forearm in the absence of bone injury, resulting in an acute deep volar compartment syndrome. The importance of the deep flexor compartment of the forearm is noted. The diagnostic pitfalls and the use of intra-compartmental monitoring are discussed. We emphasize that all such cases must be admitted and carefully studied as a matter of routine. If operation is undertaken, both the superficial and deep volar compartments must be adequately decompressed.

Acute Disease↗