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Biomedical subjects

S Dash

Publications and source records attributed to S Dash.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Posterior tibial neuropathy from ruptured Baker's cyst.

OBJECTIVES: To increase awareness of entrapment neuropathy caused by rupture of Baker's cyst. METHODS: A patient with psoriatic arthritis, ruptured Baker's cyst, and entrapment neuropathy is reported and the literature on this complication is reviewed. RESULTS: Nerve entrapment caused by rupture of Baker's cyst is rare. Neurological examination and demonstration of Baker's cyst by Color Doppler Duplex Ultrasound (CDDU) help in making the diagnosis. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) may confirm the diagnosis of posterior tibial nerve entrapment. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral nerve entrapment should be considered in patients with Baker's cysts and loss of sensation along the plantar aspect of the foot or other neurological symptoms or findings.

Arthritis, Psoriatic↗
PubMed1998

Biochemical and histological changes in blood, erythrocytes and tissue of rats on feeding Dryopteris juxtaposita fern.

Biochemical and histological alterations in erythrocytes, liver, kidney and brain of rats fed 30% level of D. juxtaposita fern powder were studied. Significant increase in GSH and decrease in lipid peroxidation, acetyl choline estrase and catalase of RBCs was observed. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation, ATPases and decrease in GST on 80 days post feeding in liver, kidneys and brain and acetyl choline estrase in brain was observed as compared to control. Histopathological studies indicated mild vascular changes in lungs, degenerative changes in testes, focal necrosis in liver and villous atrophy or hyperplasia of lining epithelial cells and hypersecretory activity in intestinal glands. Toxic effect of Dryopteris on rats was due to membrane alterations and oxidative stress and degenerative and vascular microscopic pathological changes.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1997

Liver-directed gene transfer in non-human primates.

To develop a primate model for liver-directed gene therapy, we studied several gene transfer vehicles and routes in eight rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). For this purpose, we used first-generation, replication-deficient adenoviral vectors carrying the Escherichia coli lacZ gene (Ad.CMVlacZ) or a lacZ-containing plasmid (pCMV beta) with lipofectamine for transfection. The reporter gene construct was infused into either the portal vasculature, common bile duct, or saphenous vein. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer via the portal vein resulted in expression of lacZ in over 70% of hepatocytes by days 3-7, but was accompanied by acute hepatitis. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer via the common bile duct resulted in lacZ expression in less than 10% of hepatocytes and was accompanied by portal inflammation. The animals mounted a significant immune response, as demonstrated by adenoviral antigen-induced T-cell proliferation and production of neutralizing anti-adenovirus antibodies and antibodies to E. coli beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal). Activation of the immune response was associated with rapid decrease of the reporter gene by days 13-21. Lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer was inefficient, and no lacZ expression in the liver was detected. To limit the host immune response, 4 animals were immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide/prednisone and then infused with the Ad.CMVlacZ via the portal vein or the saphenous vein. The monkeys showed sustained expression of lacZ for up to 35 days with no evidence of inflammation. The primates transduced via the saphenous vein showed a level of beta-Gal expression in the liver similar to that of the portal vein-infused animals. In conclusion, adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to non-human primate livers via the portal vein or saphenous vein is efficient, but it results in transient expression and is accompanied by an immune response to both vector and transgene products and acute hepatitis, whereas lipofectamine-mediated transfer is inefficient. Manipulation of the host immune response may expand potential applications of adenoviral vectors for liver-directed gene transfer.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of the basic amphiphilic alpha-helix calmodulin-binding domain of a 61.5 kDa tobacco calmodulin-binding protein.

A 19-amino acid residue peptide, Gly-Trp-Leu-Lys-Ile-Lys-Ala-Ala-Met-Arg-Trp-Gly-Phe-Phe-Val-Arg-Lys-Lys- Ala, corresponding to the basic amphiphilic alpha-helix (BAA) motif at the C-terminus of a recombinant tobacco calmodulin-binding protein, TCB60, was synthesized. The interaction of the synthetic binding domain with calmodulin (CaM) was analyzed by gel mobility shift assays, phosphodiesterase competition assays, and fluorescence, circular dichroism, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mobility shift assays showed an apparent 2 kDa increase in CaM Mr in presence of synthetic peptide and CaCl2 in 4 M urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HPLC measurements of hydrolysis of cyclic AMP by CaM-dependent phosphodiesterase indicated the synthetic peptide competitively inhibits (Ki = 15-20 nM) stimulation of phosphodiesterase activity by CaM. Upon binding CaM, the fluorescence emission maximum of the synthetic peptide, which contained two tryptophanyl residues, shifted toward blue and increased in intensity. The circular dichroism spectra indicated the ellipticity of CaM increased at 208 and 222 nm upon complex formation with the synthetic peptide. 1H NMR studies showed that the peptide interacts with the aromatic residues in domains I and III of CaM. Taken together, these data provide direct evidence that the structurally conserved basic amphiphilic alpha-helix CaM-binding domain of the recombinant tobacco CaM-binding protein interacts with CaM at physiologically significant nanomolar concentrations and the microenvironments of both CaM and the synthetic binding domain are modified upon complex formation.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1997

Effect of spraying selected pesticides on the contents of specified minerals in cabbage.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of spraying of pesticides on the content of minerals in cabbage harvested at varying waiting periods (0, 7, 14 and 21 days) after spraying. The amounts of phosphorus and zinc in cabbage were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased while those of iron, calcium and potassium were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by the sprayings of pesticides. At varying waiting periods after the spraying of pesticides calcium, phosphorus, zinc and potassium contents of cabbage were found to be decreased remarkably (p < 0.05) while the content of iron was increased significantly (p < 0.05). Between the two pesticides, the spraying of endosulfan exerted a more pronounced effect in altering the contents of minerals than the spraying of malathion.

Brassica↗
PubMed1997

HCV cDNA transfection to HepG2 cells.

The establishment of an in vitro system for hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation is essential to characterize virus replication, virus persistence and viral pathogenicity. The aim was to establish HCV replication in HepG2 cells by gene transfer of infectious HCV cDNA. First, several gene transfer methods were evaluated that employed cationic liposomes (lipofectin, lipofectamine. DOTAP), DEAE-dextran and replication-deficient adenovirus for transfection to HepG2 cells using a lacZ reporter gene. Highest transfection efficiency (20%) of cultured HepG2 cells was obtained by the combined use of lipofectamine and adenovirus. This method was used for transfection of HepG2 cells with HCV cDNA in a mammalian expression plasmid (pRC/CMV). The success and efficacy of HCV transfection to HepG2 cells was evaluated by testing for the presence of genomic and replicative (negative) strands of HCV RNA by strand-specific reverse transcription (RT) followed by nested PCR. Expression of structural and non-structural proteins of hepatitis C virus was detected using polyclonal antibodies to core, NS3, NS4 and NS5. Positive-strand HCV RNA was detected by RT-PCR for over 6 weeks in the HCV cDNA-transfected HepG2 cells. Presence of HCV replication in these cells was confirmed by detecting HCV negative-strand RNA by strand-specific RT-PCR and was observed to continue for over 4 weeks. HCV proteins (core, NS3, NS4 and NS5) were detected in the cytoplasm of the transfected cells by immunostaining. In summary, these findings suggest that replication and translation of HCV were achieved for a prolonged time in HepG2 cells after transfection with HCV cDNA and may provide an in vitro system for HCV studies.

DNA, Complementary↗
PubMed1997

Transfection of HepG2 cells with infectious hepatitis C virus genome.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents one of the major causes of acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) around the world. Our knowledge of the life cycle of HCV, however, is limited. Current studies are hampered by the lack of a reproducible, high-level in vitro replication system of HCV. We sought to establish HCV replication in HepG2 cells by gene transfer of in vitro transcribed HCV RNA. In preliminary experiments, diethylaminoethyl-dextran led to more efficient gene transfer than cationic liposomes (lipofectin, lipofectamine, and DOTAP). Therefore, in subsequent experiments, HepG2 cells were transfected with full-length (9.6-kb) and near-full-length (9.4-kb) HCV RNA using diethylaminoethyl-dextran. Transfection with subgenomic HCV RNA and mock transfection were used as controls. Positive- and negative-strand HCV RNA sequences were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (KT-PCR) for 60 days in the infectious HCV RNA transfected HepG2 cells. The presence of negative-strand HCV RNA, presumably representing replicative intermediates, was confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay. The intracellular levels of HCV RNA were measured by quantitative competitive RT-PCR from 10 to 50 days after transfection and were stable over this time period at moderately high levels (10(8) to 10(10) genomes per mg of total RNA). Expression of viral core and nonstructural proteins was detected in the cytoplasm of transfected cells by immunostaining. Virus-like particles measuring 50 to 60 nm in diameter were found by electron microscopy in cytoplasmic vesicles and conditioned media of the cells transfected with infectious HCV RNA but not in cells transfected with truncated HCV RNA. Culture supernatants of infectious HCV RNA transfected HepG2 cells were infectious for Daudi cells for three passages tested. The truncated HCV RNA lacking NS5 and 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of HCV was replication incompetent. This is the first demonstration of HCV particles in HepG2 cells after transfection with infectious HCV RNA. We conclude that we have established a reproducible HCV replication system in HepG2 cells that can be used to study the life cycle of HCV and to test anti-HCV agents.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1996

Professional satisfaction of doctors working in a super-speciality hospital in Bangalore.

The doctors' assessment of their jobs provides an insight into those facets of the profession which need attention. This study assessed the professional satisfaction of 80 doctors who responded to the 80 item multifaceted questionnaire. Although the doctors were generally satisfied with the various facets of their jobs and career, variation in the level of satisfaction was noted. Personal background revealed that 80% of doctors had good academic and family background. The most satisfied group of doctors were the consultants with a performance based pay scale. Housekeeping, interpersonal relationship among doctors, nursing care and the pay scale of junior doctors are areas to which the administration should pay special attention if the professional satisfaction of doctors is to be improved.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hematological alterations in propylene glycol-dosed female rats are minimal.

The effect of a single oral dose of 73 or 294 mg propylene glycol/100 g bw, in Group I or II respectively, on hematological parameters, plasma osmolality and erythrocyte morphology was investigated in groups of 6 female rats each at different time intervals after dosing. A statistically significant and progressive decrease was observed in hemoglobin, packed cell volume and red cell counts for 2 d, which returned to basal values on the 8th day. Reticulocyte counts, plasma hemoglobin and osmolality increased after PG dosing in both the groups, and the changes were more pronounced after 2 d. The osmotic fragility of erythrocytes remained unaffected after PG dosing whereas electron microscope morphology revealed rough cell surface, ruptured membranes and increased cell adherence throughout the observation period, but these features were not marked on the 8th day. These modified red cell surface characteristics could promote removal by the reticulo-endothelial system resulting in the significant increases in spleen weight in both groups.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Role of immunophenotyping in characterisation of blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia--a study of 25 cases.

The blast cell populations of 25 patients of chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (CML-BC) were studied for morphological, cytochemical and immunophenotypic features. The patients were divided into 6 broad groups based upon the pattern of surface marker positivity-myeloblastic, mixed myeloblastic, megakaryoblastic, mixed lineage, lymphoid and undifferentiated blast crisis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Sudan Black B (SBB) and Chloroacetate esterase (CAE) stains showed 100% specificity for the myelomonocytic lineage but the sensitivity was low. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stain was neither specific nor sensitive for the lymphoid lineage. Immunophenotyping as compared to morphologic and cytochemical assessment, was seen to be most useful for assigning a lineage to leukemic cells in CML-BC.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Genetic heterogeneity among the Hindus and their relationships with the other "Caucasoid" populations: new data on Punjab-Haryana and Rajasthan Indian states.

The genetic structure of Rajasthan Hindus and Punjab-Haryana Hindus and Sikhs has been studied for ABO, RH, APOC2, C6, C7, F13A, F13B, HP, ORM1, ACP1, ADA, AK1, ESD, GLO1, PGD, PGM1 subtyping, and PGP. This is the first genetic survey on Hindus of Rajasthan. Furthermore, many of these markers have never been studied on Hindus before (APOC2, C6, C7, F13A, F13B, ORM1, PGP). These data, together with those previously available for Hindus, have been utilized to analyze the within-Hindus genetic heterogeneity by RST statistic and correspondence analysis. The genetic relationships of Hindus to other Causcasoid populations were also investigated. In the first analysis, two eastern states (Orissa and Andhra Pradesh) were found to be quite separate from each other and clearly distinct from the northwestern and western states. Out of the markers which could not be utilized in this analysis, PGM1 subtyping turned out to discriminate between the Dravidian-speaking and the Indo-Aryan-speaking Hindus. The second analysis shows a clear-cut separation of Hindus from Europeans, with Near Eastern and Middle Eastern populations genetically in an intermediate position.

Blood Group Antigens↗
PubMed1995

Detection of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral sequences in fulminant hepatic failure of unknown etiology.

In a significant number of patients, the etiology of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is unknown. To determine whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) play a role in patients without serologic markers of HBV and HCV infection, the authors examined tissue samples from 15 liver explants with massive hepatic necrosis for the presence of viral sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The specimens were derived from nine patients with FHF of unknown etiology; two with serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); two with antibodies to HCV; one with antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and anti-HBc of the IgM class; and one with isoniazid toxicity. Nucleic acids were extracted from frozen liver samples. RNA was used as a template for reverse transcription, followed by double PCR with nested primers for the 5'-untranslated region of HCV. DNA was tested by single PCR for S gene sequences of HBV. Hepatitis B virus sequences were detected in the specimens of the two HBsAg positive patients, the anti-HAV/anti-HBc positive patient, and three of nine patients with FHF of unknown etiology. Hepatitis C virus sequences were present in the explant of one patient with FHF of unknown etiology, but not in the two patients with antibodies to HCV. In two specimens with molecular findings of HBV infection (1 from a patient with serum HBsAg and 1 without), there was immunohistochemical evidence of coinfection or superinfection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV). In conclusion, in this patient population, HBV, alone or with HDV or HAV, causes fulminant hepatic failure more often than HCV infection. However, in the majority of patients, the etiology of fulminant hepatic failure remains unknown.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Significance of serum iron levels as a biochemical marker in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in serum iron levels, if any, as a biochemical marker of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). METHOD: Fifty-four primigravidas with PIH formed the study group and 20 normotensive primigravidas comprised the control group in a prospective study. Serum iron levels were estimated at diagnosis of PIH, at termination of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Data was analyzed using Student's t-test, the chi 2-test and regression analysis. RESULTS: Subjects with PIH were found to have higher serum iron levels at diagnosis of PIH (recruitment value) and at termination of pregnancy than the controls (P < 0.001). Serum iron levels in the PIH subjects decreased markedly in the postpartum period simultaneously with the clinical recovery from PIH. Serum iron values of > or = 110 micrograms/dl was found to differentiate PIH from normotensive pregnancies with a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in serum iron levels correlated with the clinical course of PIH and appeared to be a uniform and specific biochemical marker of PIH although its correlation with the severity of PIH was found to be poor.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Genomic and replicative hepatitis C virus RNA sequences and histologic activity in chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently leads to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, but the mechanism of liver injury is unknown. To determine whether replication of HCV is related to liver damage, we studied 17 liver biopsy specimens (six anti-HCV-positive chronic persistent hepatitis specimens, seven anti-HCV-positive chronic active hepatitis specimens, and four anti-HCV-negative controls) by reverse transcription followed by double polymerase chain reaction for the 5' nontranslated regions of the genomic and replicative strands of HCV. The histologic activity index as well as lymphoid aggregates in portal tracts, bile duct damage, and fatty change were assessed semiquantitatively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of HCV RNA sequences in liver tissue and anti-HCV antibody in serum (P < .005). No correlation was detected between the histologic activity index or any individual histologic parameters and the presence of genomic or replicative strands of HCV. These findings suggest that a direct viropathic effect is less important than other mechanisms, such as the host immune response, in the pathogenesis of hepatocyte and bile duct injury in chronic hepatitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Frequent loss of the En transposable element after excision and its relation to chromosome replication in maize (Zea mays L.).

A model of En transposition during chromosome replication is presented following a study of somatic events associated with the transposition of En in the endosperm tissue of the maize kernel. Two supporting assays, the excision and the postexcision events, were used in following these events. The excision of the En transposon has been monitored in the starch-producing endosperm tissue by using the wx-844 autonomously mutable allele, and events after excision have been monitored by using various reporter alleles of the En-1 (Spm-dSpm) system. The initial observations revealed an unusually large amount of loss of the En transposon following its excision from the wx-844 allele. Subsequent analysis of the somatic events using the a2-m1 reporter allele to monitor the dosage of En suggested that the large amount of loss would result from the transposition of En during chromosome replication. Transposition of En from a replicated segment of the chromosome to another site that has also undergone replication explains most of the somatic events observed.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Neutrophil count and myeloperoxidase activity in Indian bidi smokers.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) level and MPO scoring were estimated in Indian bidi smokers and compared with those in cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The values were higher in the neutrophils of 20 bidi smokers compared to 20 age-matched non-smokers (p < 0.001). However, they were similar to those in 20 cigarette smokers. No correlation of MPO activity was observed with blood carboxyhaemoglobin levels and smoking indices except in bidi smokers. Total leucocyte count and total neutrophil counts were also higher in bidi and cigarette smokers. This increased MPO activity in the neutrophils of bidi and cigarette smokers may contribute to the greater risk of obstructive pulmonary disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Professional satisfaction of doctors working in a super speciality hospital in Bangalore.

The doctors' assessment of their jobs provides an insight into the facets of the Profession needing attention of the administration. This study assessed professional satisfaction of 80 doctors who responded to the 80--item multifaceted questionnaire. Although the doctors were generally satisfied with various facets of the jobs and career, variation in the level of satisfaction was noted. Personal background, revealed that 80% doctors had good academic and family background. The most satisfied group of doctors were the consultants with performance based pay scale. 30% of these consultants wanted to achieve professional excellence thus self actualizing. Overall satisfaction was moderately correlated to professional time and stress. Quality of life was moderately correlated to respect and income. Improvement of House keeping & Interpersonal relationship among doctors, nursing care and pay scale of junior doctors are areas which the administration should pay special attention to improve professional satisfaction of doctors.

Adult↗