Aplastic anaemia after exposure to burning oil.
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Air Pollutants↗
Biomedical subjects
R Kumar
Publications and source records attributed to R Kumar.
Dual modulation of phosphorylation of a 60 kDa nuclear protein in interferon-alpha treated Daudi cells.
To explore the modulation of phosphorylation and/or kinase activity of cellular proteins in interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treated Daudi cells, experiments were performed to determine the effect of IFN-alpha on the ability of cellular proteins to undergo autophosphorylation reaction in-vitro. Treatment of cells with IFN-alpha significantly inhibited the amount of phosphorylation of a nuclear protein of about 60 kDa [+/- 3000 KDa, (P60)]. Results of phosphoamino acids analysis indicated that the nuclear P60 was a phosphotyrosine containing protein and was predominantly phosphorylated on threonine and serine in the absence of IFN-alpha. Treatment with IFN-alpha had a dual effect on relative phosphoamino acids content of P60: inhibited the phosphorylation on threonine residue, and enhanced the phosphorylation on serine and tyrosine residues. The nuclear P60 is not one of earlier described IFN-responsive signaling protein as it was not translocated from the cytosol.
B-Lymphocytes↗
Significance of the secreted form of IpaC, a 45 kDa protein of Shigella dysenteriae 1, in the invasive process as determined by monoclonal antibodies.
Invasion plasmid antigen C (IpaC), a 45 kDa plasmid encoded protein, is associated with the virulence of virulent Shigella spp. In S. dysenteriae type 1 the 45 kDa IpaC protein is secreted to a greater extent into the surrounding medium in comparison to other Shigella spp. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the secreted form of IpaC protein were raised in this study. Of the four secretory hybrid cells, one (3G4) was found to have a very high antibody titre as determined by ELISA. The specificity of 3G4 was confirmed by immunoblotting of whole cell extract of Escherichia coli strain MC1061 carrying the plasmid pHW756 which synthesizes both the IpaB and C proteins. The effect of the mAbs on plaque formation by virulent Shigella dysenteriae 1 was determined and it was found that the clone 3G4 substantially (55%) reduced plaque formation on HeLa cell monolayer. The epitope specificity of the mAb 3G4 was competitively inhibited by the convalescent phase sera from human, suggesting that the epitope recognized by clone 3G4 was expressed during the natural course of infection and also indicating that the 45 kDa (IpaC) protein in secreted form has a definite role in the invasive process.
Animals↗
Clinical survey of a psychiatric mother and baby unit: characteristics of 100 consecutive admissions.
Demographic, obstetric, clinical features and clinical outcome of 100 consecutive admissions to a psychiatric mother and baby unit are presented. Referral patterns by health services involved are also examined. 56% of admissions occurred within 2 weeks of delivery and the mean duration of admission was 2 months. Patients were categorized as having schizophrenia (n = 20), affective psychosis (n = 56) or non-psychotic disorders (n = 24) and these three groups were compared. There were few demographic and obstetric differences between diagnostic categories. The affective psychosis group were more likely to have acute illnesses with an onset and admission occurring within 2 weeks of delivery. Women with non-psychotic disorders were also most likely to become ill within 2 weeks of delivery but tended to be admitted later. Only 7% of the affective psychotic and non-psychotic women were discharged separated from their infants. Women with schizophrenia were less likely to have acute admissions and required greater input of nursing and service resources than mothers with other illnesses but 50% were discharged without their infants. More research is needed into matching models of care to the needs of mothers with different kinds of chronic, recurrent and new episodes of mental illness that present after childbirth. There are few guidelines to aid clinical staff in assessing the risk, current or future, of significant harm to an infant as a consequence of maternal mental illness, particularly of schizophrenia.
Adult↗
Modified ICSH method for demonstration of myeloperoxidase.
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Bone Marrow↗
Calcium transport in epithelial cells of the intestine and kidney.
The central role of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the regulation of calcium balance is well established. By increasing the absorption of calcium in the intestine and the reabsorption of filtered calcium in the kidney tubule, the hormone maintains an appropriate calcium balance. The cellular mechanisms that underlie the increase in calcium transport in epithelial cells in response to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are beginning to be defined. These events include an increase in the movement of calcium across the apical membrane of the cell, an increase in the movement of calcium across the cell, and an increase in the extrusion of calcium at the basolateral portion of the cell. In this Prospects article, I will discuss the nature of the various processes and proteins involved in transcellular calcium movement, and I will attempt to highlight various future areas of research.
Animals↗
Induction of expression of interferon-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3) proteins by interferons.
Interferon-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3) is a multiprotein (113, 91, 84, and 48 kDa) transcriptional factor which regulates the expression of a specific set of genes, the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. In the studies presented here, we investigated the induction of synthesis of proteins of the ISGF-3 complex by IFNs. We report that both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma induce a 3- to 5-fold increased expression of p91, p84, and p113 and their phosphotyrosine contents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IFN-mediated induction in the levels of p91 correlated well with the increased expression of steady-state levels of p91 mRNA by IFNs. Increased levels of p91 and p84 became detectable after 6 and 4 h treatment with IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, respectively, and reached a maximum 5.2-fold at 18 h by IFN-alpha and 4-fold at 15 h by IFN-gamma. The levels of p113 were induced up to 3-fold at 15 h by IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma. The induction of ISGF-3 proteins by IFNs was accompanied by an increase in the accumulation of p91, p84, and p113 in the nucleus. The observed induction of increased expression of ISGF-3 proteins does not require continuous presence of IFNs, as removal of IFNs after 6 h of minimal treatment still resulted in a significant increase (2- to 4-fold) in the levels of expression of p91, p84, and p113 over an additional period of 12 h in culture, and induced proteins remained phosphorylated on tyrosine. The IFN-mediated increase in the synthesis of ISGF-3 proteins was blocked by Actinomycin D. Extension of these investigations to other human and mouse responsive cells, Daudi, Hela, and NIH3T3, also demonstrated significant increase in the levels of p91, p84, and p113 by interferons.
Cell Nucleus↗
Artificial immunization of rabbits with Hyalomma dromedarii tick-derived midgut antigen.
New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with partly fed Hyalomma dromedarii tick-derived midgut concealed antigens (supernate and pellet fractions) and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). The rabbits received three inoculations subcutaneously on days 0, 14 and 21 at a dose rate of 1 mg antigen per animal. The effects of the immunity induced was determined by infesting the rabbits with adult H. dromedarii ticks. In immunized rabbits a significant reduction in tick yield, engorgement weight, oviposition period, egg mass weight and percentage of egg hatchability was found. The gut supernatant antigen fraction induced the best protection in terms of reduced feeding and reproductive performance of the ticks.
Animals↗
Characterization of the nuclear gene encoding chloroplast ribosomal protein S13 from Arabidopsis thaliana.
We have characterised a cDNA clone and a nuclear gene encoding the chloroplast 30 s ribosomal protein S13 from Arabidopsis thaliana. The identification is based on the high similarity of the predicted amino-acid sequence with eubacterial S13 protein sequences, and immunodetection of a 14.5-kDa chloroplast ribosomal polypeptide using antibodies raised against the polypeptide produced from part of the cDNA expressed in bacteria. The predicted amino-acid sequence contains an N-terminal extension which has several features characteristic of chloroplast transit peptides. Experiments suggest there is a single copy of this gene in A. thaliana and multiple copies in Brassica species. The origin of the mitochondrial S13 polypeptide in crucifers is also discussed.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The blink reflex before and after percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia--a prospective study of 28 patients.
The blink reflex was prospectively studied in 28 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, prior-to and following percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy to the Gasserian ganglion. Fifteen patients (54%) had varying degrees of sensory loss in the trigeminal nerve distribution already before glycerol injection. Three more patients developed sensory loss following glycerol injection. Thus following glycerol injection 18 patients had graded sensory loss. Pre-injection the blink reflex showed abnormal R1 wave in 57% patients, while direct and consensual R2 waves were abnormal in 43% and 48%, respectively. Post-injection R1 wave was abnormal in 64% patients. Direct R2 waves were abnormal in 33% patients. Thus clinical findings of sensory loss correlated well with pre-and post-injection blink reflex abnormality. Postoperatively R1 and ipsilateral R2 latencies from the side of the injection deteriorated and consensual R2 latency improved, thus, signifying better function on the contralateral side following relief of pain by glycerol rhizotomy.
Adult↗
Interpreting the effects of mothers' postnatal depression on children's intelligence: a critique and re-analysis.
It is possible that reported links between postnatal depression and children's cognitive deficits can be completely explained by vulnerability factors in the child such as male gender and pre- and perinatal insults as well as known risk factors in the social environment. This hypothesis was evaluated, using prospective longitudinal data that had previously been obtained from a community sample of primiparous North London women, followed from early pregnancy until the children were 4 years old. Re-analysis of those data provided support for the original finding of an association between postnatal depression and impaired cognitive abilities in the children. There were, however, some important modifications: Low birth-weight infants and the infants of less educated mothers were most at risk. Perceptual and performance abilities were most affected.
Adult↗
Characterization of human and rat immortalized clones parotid acinar cells with respect to specific proteins and their mRNAs, and receptor-linked adenylate cyclase.
This study reports the isolation and characterization of a rat nontumorigenic parotid acinar cell clone (2RSG), a human nontumorigenic parotid acinar cell clone (2HPC8), and a human tumorigenic acinar clone (2HP1G). The levels of alpha-amylase mRNAs detected when using alpha-amylase cDNA of 1176 and 702 bp for hybridization were higher in 2RSG and 2HPC8 cells than their respective whole parotid glands. The level of these mRNAs decreased in 2HP1G cells. In contrast to alpha-amylase mRNAs levels, the alpha-amylase activity in cultured acinar cells was extremely low in comparison to whole glands, irrespective of species or cell status. The levels of proline-rich protein (PRP) mRNA and parotid secretory protein (PSP) mRNA detected when using PRP cDNA of 600 bp and PSP cDNA of 805 bp for hybridization were higher in 2RSG cells than those in rat parotid glands; the reverse was observed in 2HPC8 cells and human parotid glands. The levels of PRP mRNA and PSP mRNA in 2HPC8 and 2PH1G acinar cells were similar. The level of mRNA was not detectable in murine neuroblastoma cells (NBP2) using the same alpha-amylase cDNA, PRP cDNA and PSP cDNA for hybridization. The PSP level in rat parotid gland was lower than that found in 2RSG cells; the reverse was observed in 2HPC8 cells and human parotid glands. The level of PSP in 2HP1G cells was higher than that found in 2HPC8 cells. Isoproterenol increased the cAMP level in 2RSG, 2HPC8, and 2HP1G clones, being most effective in 2RSG cells, and least effective in 2HPG cells. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) also increased cAMP level, being most effective in 2HPC8 cells and ineffective in 2HP1G cells, suggesting that the PGE1 receptor-linked adenylate cyclase becomes inactive upon transformation. These results suggest that the three clonal acinar cells from rat and human parotid glands reported here can be useful in comparative studies on regulation of growth, differentiation, and transformation.
Adenylyl Cyclases↗
Intracardiac echocardiography without fluoroscopy: potential of a balloon-tipped, flow-directed ultrasound catheter.
Intracardiac echocardiography is a technique that uses catheter-based ultrasound transducers placed within the heart to image cardiac structures. One disadvantage to this technique is that it requires fluoroscopy for catheter placement. This study was performed to evaluate a prototype balloon-tipped, flow-directed catheter for use during intracardiac echocardiography in seven dogs. With the balloon deflated, the catheter could not be successfully advanced without fluoroscopy. Even with fluoroscopic imaging, catheter advancement was often difficult. With the balloon inflated, it could easily be passed into the pulmonary artery without fluoroscopy in 12 of 14 attempts. Images of the cardiac chambers, valves, and pulmonary artery could be obtained. In conclusion, use of a balloon-tipped, flow-directed catheter for intracardiac echocardiography and pulmonary artery imaging can be performed without the use of fluoroscopy. With continued refinements, such as enhancement of the visual field, intracardiac echocardiography could possibly be performed at the bedside to assess cardiac function or assist with interventional procedures.
Animal Population Groups↗
Inferoposterior ventricular septal rupture: repair with maintenance of ventricular geometry.
We present a method of repairing inferobasal ventricular septal rupture after myocardial infarction, preserving the ventricular cavity sizes. This may be useful when extensive infarction compromises ventricular geometry with other repair techniques.
Heart Rupture, Post-Infarction↗
Multiple anthelmintic resistance in Haemonchus contortus on a sheep farm in India.
Multiple resistance to benzimidazoles (fenbendazole, albendazole and mebendazole) in a strain of Haemonchus contortus in sheep was detected on a farm where fenbendazole resistance had already been identified. Following a faecal egg count reduction test, this was confirmed by both critical and controlled anthelmintic tests. Different groups of sheep infected naturally or given an experimental infection with the fenbendazole-resistant strain were treated with the recommended doses of various anthelmintics. Compared to the control group, percentage reductions in faecal egg counts of sheep treated with fenbendazole, albendazole, mebendazole, levamisole and morantel varied between 56% and 81% and worm counts between 71% and 86%. The results indicate the presence of multiple anthelmintic resistance in this strain of H. contortus on this farm. Sheep treated with ivermectin and closantel showed 100% reductions in faecal egg and worm counts, suggesting high efficacy of these drugs against the population of H. contortus on this farm.
Albendazole↗
Serum lipid peroxide and other enzyme levels of patients suffering from thermal injury.
The levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of transaminases and alkaline phosphatases were estimated in the sera of 25 thermally injured patients at various time intervals after injury. The level of MDA was increased during the early postburn period, whereas the activities of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase became elevated later after injury. It is concluded that an increased concentration of lipid peroxidation product (MDA) in the early postburn period may affect the spleen, liver and kidney, resulting in the release of enzymes into blood stream. Such damage may be checked by the antioxidants superoxide dismutase or allopurinol.
Adult↗
Effect of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) on testicular plasma membrane of rat.
The study deals with the analysis of residue of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its possible damaging potential on testicular plasma membrane of rats. In vitro studies were conducted by exposing plasma membrane of testis with 1.46 x 10(-5) M, 2.92 x 10(-5) M, 4.38 x 10(-5) M, 7.30 x 10(-5) M, 1.46 x 10(-4) M and 2.92 x 10(-4) M HCH at 37 degrees C for 15 min. The results indicate inhibition in the activity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase, Na(+)+K(+)+Mg(2+)-ATPase and 5'Nucleotidase. In vivo studies were carried out following repeated dermal exposure to HCH at a dose level of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days to male rats. The results show significant decrease in the activities of 5'-Nucleotidase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Na(+) + K(+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase in the plasma membrane of testis following exposure to HCH. The analysis of the residues of HCH reveals the presence of significant quantities of its different isomers viz., alpha, beta, gamma and delta in the testicular plasma membrane of rats given in vivo dermal exposure of this pesticide. These results suggest that the presence of HCH residue may be a factor in inhibiting the marker enzymes of the plasma membrane of testis.
5'-Nucleotidase↗
A simple method of DNA extraction from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The application of molecular biology methods has contributed significant insight into the epidemiology of infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, most of the techniques remain out of reach of laboratories in the tropics. We describe here a simple method for extraction of DNA from the pathogen, a first step in the application of molecular biology tools.
Bacteriological Techniques↗