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Biomedical subjects

R Antony

Publications and source records attributed to R Antony.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Comparison of a fungal (family I) and bacterial (family II) cellulose-binding domain.

A family II cellulose-binding domain (CBD) of an exoglucanase/xylanase (Cex) from the bacterium Cellulomonas fimi was replaced with the family I CBD of cellobiohydrolase I (CbhI) from the fungus Trichoderma reesei. Expression of the hybrid gene in Escherichia coli yielded up to 50 mg of the hybrid protein, CexCBDCbhI, per liter of culture supernatant. The hybrid was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on cellulose. The relative association constants (Kr) for the binding of Cex, CexCBDCbhI, the catalytic domain of Cex (p33), and CbhI to bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMCC) were 14.9, 7.8, 0.8, and 10.6 liters g-1, respectively. Cex and CexCBDCbhI had similar substrate specificities and similar activities on crystalline and amorphous cellulose. Both released predominantly cellobiose and cellotriose from amorphous cellulose. CexCBDCbhI was two to three times less active than Cex on BMCC, but significantly more active than Cex on soluble cellulose and on xylan. Unlike Cex, the hybrid protein neither bound to alpha-chitin nor released small particles from dewaxed cotton fibers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

A bifunctional affinity linker to couple antibodies to cellulose.

We have constructed a fusion protein between the staphylococcal A protein and the cellulose binding domain of an exoglucanase (Cex) from Cellulomonas fimi that can be directly immobilized on cellulose while retaining its capacity to bind immunoglobulin G molecules. The cellulose domain provides binding that does not interfere with the biological activity of the fusion partner, does not involve hazardous chemicals and the matrix does not need to be chemically activated which reduces its cost. We have tested some of the possible applications of the fusion protein and show that it can be used in immunoassays, affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitations.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1982

A measure of community health needs and actions in a rural area of Iraq. The Abu-al-Khasib experience.

A longitudinal enquiry was carried out among randomly selected households in four villages in Abu-al-Khasib district of Iraq, to study health needs as perceived by the community and actions people take when the need arises. Almost three-quarters of the spells of sickness as perceived by the community were among mothers and children. Most of the morbidity was found to be within the scope of preventive services at the local health centre level. Health centre services were underutilised. Only half of the spells of sickness were reported to the local health centres for medical care; a reason for this phenomenon is the emerging preference for care at the hands of clinical specialists. The action the community takes when a health need arises depends on their perception and this is determined by rapid social and educational development. The need to increase demand for normal care, especially that of mother and child, is stressed; this care may be strengthened through introduction of a domiciliary component.

Community Participation↗
PubMed1981

A diagnostic study of pregnancy experiences of married women in Iraq.

A pilot survey was recently undertaken among 301 married women below 50 years of age and having been pregnant at least once. These women lived in a rural environment: the first group in a peri-urban area which is developing rapidly, and the second in a traditional rural area. The survey elicited information on various aspects of the 1,476 pregnancies reported by the women in the sample, including infant mortality, complications in pregnancy, abortions, as well as the number of medical consultations. Data show that mother and child health services, on the whole, are not fully appreciated by mothers, who only visit the clinic when they have a problem. It is evident that health care is equated with curative treatment and that the positive dimensions of prevention and health maintenance are not properly perceived. The fact that in the more conservative areas 98.1% of births take place at home shows the existence of a traditional health system which is not sufficiently taken into account by health planners. In fact, local birth attendants and midwives represent for the health services untapped manpower which, if adequately trained, could help to eliminate the risks currently associated with home births.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Demographic and health characteristics of a rural Iraqi population.

The population of 2 representative villages in Abu-al-Khasib field practice area of the College of Medicine, Basrah in Southern Iraq was surveyed during 1979 for baseline information relating to demographic and health characteristics. The total population covered was 3399. Women of child bearing age together with children under 15 years of age accounted for 68% of the population. The birth rate was 49 and death rate, 14.5 per 1000. Nearly 10% of the morbidity was evident among women of child bearing age. The enquiry revealed a general awareness concerning the existing health care facilities available in the area. Local health centres were utilised mainly for treatment of childhood illnesses. Only 12% of the mothers used them for care during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗