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Biomedical subjects

S Ismail

Publications and source records attributed to S Ismail.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Maternal mortality in Assiut.

Twenty-nine maternal deaths were identified among 8656 pregnant women residing in Assiut city and three surrounding villages (Upper Egypt). This gives a maternal mortality ratio of 368 per 100,000 live births. Of these maternal deaths 83% were due to direct obstetric causes (hemorrhage, eclampsia, ruptured uterus and sepsis). Logistic regression analysis showed that residence (in villages versus Assiut city), parity (nullipara and grandmultipara) and illiteracy were significantly associated with increased risk of maternal death.

Adult↗

Metabolic changes during serial squash matches in older men.

We have previously reported dramatic changes in heart rate and blood biochemistry in older men during and shortly after competitive squash. In this study we sought to determine whether these changes are attenuated or exaggerated during tournament matches played in rapid succession. Ten veteran (greater than 45 yrs) players were studied during three competitive matches played over a 36-hr period. Squash was associated with significant changes in heart rate and circulating concentrations of catecholamines, lactate, free fatty acids, and potassium. These changes were of equal magnitude and in some cases tended to be exaggerated during the second and third matches. These data confirm the acute changes in cardiac function and metabolism that occur during competitive squash and suggest that these responses are not down-regulated but may in fact be accentuated during sequential tournament matches.

Aging↗

Identification of the Schistosoma haematobium soluble egg antigens inducing antibody production and/or T cell proliferation in humans.

Soluble antigens were prepared from Schistosoma haematobium eggs collected from urine of 6-16 year-old children with urinary schistosomiasis. The electrophoretic profile of the soluble egg antigen (SEAH) preparation was almost identical to that (SEAh) obtained from UNDP/World Bank/WHO, Switzerland and prepared from S. haematobium eggs retrieved from intestines of infected hamsters. Reactivity of 50 individual patients with S. haematobium in Western blots led to the identification of the SEA protein bands carrying human B cell epitopes. Some, but not all, of these SEA proteins initiated peripheral blood T lymphocyte proliferation in T cell Western assays. These antigens are probably the ones inducing granulomatous response in vivo, and that are responsible for the immunopathology of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Safety and efficacy of sonicated albumin microspheres in perfusion and vein graft patency assessments.

This study was designed to identify a concentration of sonicated albumin microspheres that is safe, useful in determining graft patency, and provides an estimate of regional myocardial perfusion. The study included 8 patients between 50 and 72 years of age who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients were hemodynamically stable with left ventricular ejection fractions greater than or equal to 0.35. None had congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction within 4 months prior to the study. All had normal baseline neurologic and renal functions, and none had experienced allergic reactions to blood products or contrast dyes. A standard median sternotomy was performed for exposure of the heart at surgery, and saphenous veins were harvested and used for grafting. Intraoperative epicardial echocardiography (EE), always in the left ventricle short-axis at midpapillary level, was performed before and after grafting to determine regional myocardial wall motion. Sonicated albumin microspheres were prepared and injected into a single vein graft using an 18-gauge needle; 20 x 10(6), 100 x 10(6), and 200 x 10(6) microspheres were injected into the first graft sequentially. All other vein grafts were injected once with the dose that gave optimal contrast enhancement in the initial graft studied. In each patient, a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 injections were performed, and graft perfusion was studied using EE. Graft flow, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements were continuously monitored, with a final EE performed after weaning the patient off cardiopulmonary bypass to assess wall motion. Preliminary results showed that no patient had adverse effects during or after the study and all remained hemodynamically stable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Efficacy of three pyrethroids against Leptotrombidium fletcheri (Acari: Trombiculidae) infected and noninfected with scrub typhus.

Toxicities of three pyrethroids, d-phenothrin, decamethrin, and permethrin, were evaluated in the laboratory against Leptotrombidium fletcheri (Womersley & Heaslip). The susceptibilities between populations of the species infected and noninfected with scrub typhus were investigated. The three pesticides exhibited different toxicities to the chiggers. D- phenothrin was the most toxic, followed by decamethrin, then permethrin. There were no significant differences between susceptibilities of the infected and noninfected populations. Log-probit regression lines indicated that the species was most sensitive to increasing concentrations of d-phenothrin and least sensitive to permethrin. The results show that the three pesticides are potential candidates for chemical control of L. fletcheri. It may be possible in the future to conduct similar bioassays only with the noninfected population, thus reducing risk of infection to workers conducting the bioassays. Similarly, there may not be a need to separate field-collected chiggers into the two populations before performing the bioassays.

Animals↗

Lack of evidence for a saturable tetracycline transport system in Staphylococcus aureus.

Previous studies on tetracycline transport into Staphylococcus aureus identified a high-affinity, saturable uptake system for the antibiotic (Km, 4.76 microM) (B.L. Hutchings, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 174:734-738, 1969). However, the earlier results could not be confirmed using conditions that permitted energy-dependent, concentrative uptake of tetracycline. Kinetic artifacts introduced by inappropriate washing procedures may explain the previous results.

Biological Transport, Active↗

Patterns of oxytocin secretion during the oestrous cycle of the mare.

From a group of 11 cyclic mares, blood samples were collected at 3-min intervals for 2 h and at 15-min intervals for an additional 6 h during four stages of the oestrous cycle. Mean plasma oxytocin concentrations (pg/ml, LSM +/- se) were greater on Day 15 after ovulation (169.9 +/- 17.6) than on Day 0 (82.6 +/- 17.6; P less than 0.01), Day 3 (97.2 +/- 20.4, P less than 0.01) and Day 7 after ovulation (104.0 +/- 25.0, P less than 0.05). Oxytocin was secreted in a pulsatile manner throughout the oestrous cycle, with short (0-29 min), medium (30-89 min) and long (greater than 90 min) duration rhythms. No differences in pulse frequencies were observed throughout the oestrous cycle. Pulse amplitudes for rhythms of short and medium duration were greater on Day 7 after ovulation than on Day 0 (P less than 0.01 for short and P less than 0.05 for medium rhythms), Day 3 (P less than 0.01) and Day 15 after ovulation (P less than 0.05 for short rhythms). Fluctuations in baseline values for oxytocin over the 8-h sampling period were indicative of a possible circadian rhythm. These results are consistent with previous observations for the mare and other species that oxytocin is secreted in a pulsatile manner and may be involved in the regulation of the oestrous cycle by promoting luteolysis via the synthesis and release of uterine PGF-2 alpha.

Animals↗

Protein kinase C and leucine metabolism in intestinal crypt cells.

Intestinal cells were separated into fractions rich in villous or crypt cells. Alkaline phosphatase, present in villous cells, but absent from crypt cells, was used as a marker. Crypt cells were 3-6 times as active as villous cells in the metabolism of leucine or mevalonate. The previously reported stimulatory effect of albumin was twice as strong in crypt cells as that in villous cells. Reduced glutathione, spermidine HCl and ethanolamine (0.5-10 mM) did not replace albumin, the effect of which was maximal at 0.02 mM. Protein kinase C was shown to be present mainly in crypt cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Plasmid pU29, a vehicle for mutagenesis of the photosynthetic puf operon in Rhodopseudomonas capsulata.

Plasmid pU21, which carries the reaction center and light-harvesting genes (puf operon) of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata, has been redesigned by site-specific mutagenesis. Five restriction sites have been removed and three unique restriction sites have been introduced into this 11,589-bp pBR322 derivative. The modifications divide the puf structural genes into four regions separated by five unique and nonmutagenic restriction sites. These four fragments have been subcloned into the M13-mp series of vectors to facilitate oligonucleotide-mediated site-specific mutagenesis experiments on the photosynthetic apparatus structural genes. The inserts can then be returned from the M13 replicative form to the redesigned pU21 derivative. The modified plasmid, pU29, greatly facilitates in vitro mutagenesis experiments since previously described techniques and screening procedures are more efficient with M13 derivatives carrying smaller inserts. Additionally, tandem homologous sequences (the reaction center L and M subunits) within the puf operon are now separated on different phage vectors, eliminating problems encountered in the targeting of mutagenic oligonucleotides to only one of the two homologous sites.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Double-blind comparison of diclofensine with nomifensine in outpatients with dysphoric mood.

Depressed outpatients (n = 107, age 26-75 years) were treated with either a 50 mg single morning dose of diclofensine (n = 54) or 75-100 mg nomifensine given in two divided doses (n = 53) over a period of three weeks. The baseline mean values of the Depression Status Inventory (DSI index) of Zung corresponded to those of a mildly depressed population, as given by Zung. At the end of the treatment the mean DSI and Anxiety Status Inventory (ASI-index) values of both groups dropped to the levels of a normal population. The side-effect profile of the two treatments was similar. There were no side-effects indicating sedation. Adverse effects of the anticholinergic type were rare. It can be concluded that both diclofensine and nomifensine are beneficial for the treatment of depressed outpatients and that in a dose relation of 2:3 (diclofensine:nomifensine) they lead to a similar improvement in depressive outpatients.

Adult↗

Cianopramine and amitriptyline in the treatment of depressed patients--a placebo-controlled study.

3-Cyano-imipramine (cianopramine) is a potent and selective inhibitor of serotonin uptake into synaptosomes. In a double-blind trial, 60 patients with various types of depression fulfilling the DSM-III criteria of depressive episodes were treated with either cianopramine (n = 20, mean daily dose 3.3 +/- 0.6 mg) amitriptyline (n = 20, mean daily dose 86.4 +/- 21 mg) or placebo (n = 20) orally. According to the ratings of the Hamilton Scale of Depression and clinical global evaluations, both active drugs showed statistical superiority over placebo (P less than 0.02). The frequencies of anticholinergic side effects in the cianopramine group were comparable to those of the placebo group and were less than in the amitriptyline group. The findings suggest that cianopramine is a promising new antidepressant.

Adjustment Disorders↗

Chromosomal deletion and plasmid complementation of the photosynthetic reaction center and light-harvesting genes from Rhodopseudomonas capsulata.

Using in vitro interposon mutagenesis, Rhodopseudomonas capsulata strains have been constructed wherein all or part of the reaction center (RC), light-harvesting I (LHI), and light-harvesting II (LHII) structural genes have been deleted. In one series of strains, the 2778-bp ApaI fragment bearing more than 90% of the rxcA operon (promoter and structural genes coding for LHI beta, LHI alpha, RC-L and RC-M) has been deleted from the chromosome. When the rxcA operon is deleted, resultant strains possess only LHII and are photosynthetically defective. The rxcA deletion in an LHII- background results in a strain lacking all LH antennae and RC subunits. As expected this strain has no near-infrared absorption characteristic of LH or RC bacteriochlorophyll. The rxcA deletion may be complemented by a pBR322 derivative carrying the entire rxcA operon (pU21). In a second series of deletion mutants, the 2500-bp BstEII-StuI fragment, including the beta and alpha structural genes coding for LHII has been deleted from the chromosome. In the wild-type background, functional RC and LHI are synthesized. LHII may be restored in the deletion strain by conjugal transfer of the plasmid pU2 which carries the LHII operon.

Chromosome Deletion↗

Structure of the SAD mutation and the location of control sites at silent mating type genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The SAD mutation, an extra mating type cassette, has been shown to arise from an unequal mitotic crossover between the MAT and HMR loci, resulting in the formation of a hybrid cassette and a duplication of the MAT-HMR interval. The SAD cassette contains the "a" information and left-hand flanking regions from the parental HMRa cassette and the right-hand flanking sequences of the parental MAT cassette. This arrangement of flanking sequences causes a leaky but reproducible mating phenotype correlated with a low-level expression of the cassette as measured by RNA blotting. This weak expression is attributed to the loss of one flanking control site normally present at the silent HM storage loci.

Alleles↗

Therapeutic efficacy and tolerance of diclofensine in psychoreactive depression--a double-blind comparison with placebo.

Diclofensine increases the availability of the three neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin by inhibiting their re-uptake into synaptosomes. In a randomized double-blind parallel-group comparative study, a total of 40 patients, some hospitalized (n = 11) and some ambulatory (n = 29), mean age of 39.6 years +/- 12 S.D., with psychoreactive depression were treated for 30 days with 2 X 25 mg/day of diclofensine or with placebo. The assessments of efficacy indicated superiority of diclofensine over placebo. The number of "improved" patients (reduction in the overall depression scores by 50% or better) relative to that of "not improved" patients, was found to be statistically significant (p less than 0.025) on day 10 of treatment. With respect to individual symptoms, anxiety showed a significantly (p less than 0.05) better improvement under diclofensine than under placebo. Side effects were observed in one patient in each group. One patient (diclofensine group) reported a transient slight somnolence, the other (placebo group) reported episodes of transient dizziness. Based on these data it can be concluded that diclofensine is a well tolerated and effective drug for the treatment of symptoms associated with reactive depressions.

Adjustment Disorders↗

Antigen shared by human hemopoietic precursor cells and T and B lineage cells.

In this study, we investigated antigens present at the surface of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells by using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) approach. The MAb AGF43 reacted with acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia cells and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and was unreactive against chronic myeloid leukemia cells. A large proportion of AML blasts showing minimal or no differentiation (AML-M1) were intensely labeled by AGF43 in contrast to a smaller percentage of blasts showing partial differentiation (AML-M2 and acute myelomonocytic leukemia). The AGF43 antigen is expressed by bone marrow lymphoid (TdT+) and myeloid (CFU-GM) progenitor cells, 95% of B cells and 65% of T cells in the blood and absent from monocytes. Only 17% of normal myeloblasts were weakly stained by AGF43. Sections of tonsil and spleen were used to confirm that, unlike antibodies to MHC class II antigens, AGF43 stained a majority of T cells and macrophages were unreactive. In conclusion, the MAb AGF43 identifies a new precursor cell antigen. The distribution of this antigen during normal myelopoiesis and on AML cells support the suggestion that acute myeloid leukemias originate in pluripotent or closely related myeloid stem cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗