PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S K Gupta

Publications and source records attributed to S K Gupta.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Lipid components of mustard seeds (Brassica juncea L.) as influenced by cadmium levels.

In a pot experiment the soil application of different levels of Cd2+ (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 micrograms g-1 soil) affected the lipid components of mustard seeds (Brassica juncea L. Cv. RH-30) markedly. Total lipids declined with the Cd2+ levels regularly while phospho and glycolipids increased only at higher levels. Fatty acids profile of total, neutral and polar lipid fractions were affected considerably. Erucic acid in total and neutral lipids was observed to increase while it decreased in polar lipids with Cd2+ as compared to control. On the other hand palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids had reverse trend. Cadmium concentration increased consistently with increasing levels of Cd2+. Plant dry weight was also decreased significantly with Cd2+ levels.

Cadmium↗
PubMed1994

Antibody response against three epitopic domains on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in women and rodents immunized with a beta hCG-based immunocontraceptive vaccine.

The antibody repertoire generated against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), following immunization with an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on the beta subunit of the hormone, in humans was compared with that generated in rats. Three epitopic domains represented by the beta hCG loop peptide 38-57, the carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) 109-145, and a region defined by monoclonal antibody (MAb) 206 were probed. In both species, the titer of antibodies against the MAb 206-defined epitopic domain had a good correlation with the total anti-hCG antibody titers. However, the antibody response against the beta hCG loop peptide (38-57) was not observed in human subjects and there was a weak response against this peptide in rats. Despite the good anti-hCG antibody titers in all animals (n = 8), only two had antibodies against this domain. A good antibody response was observed against CTP in rats, whereas in humans this region was weakly immunogenic. Antibodies against CTP were detected in random samples in only 57% of the subjects and this response had no correlation with the total anti-hCG antibody titers. The high antibody response against CTP in rodents compared to humans may be due to its recognition as a foreign determinant. Our results demonstrate that contraception can be achieved in women despite a poor antibody response against the CTP (109-145) and a receptor binding domain (38-57) of beta hCG.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Necrotizing enterocolitis: laboratory indicators of surgical disease.

The timely distinction between infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) who need surgery and those who are likely to recover with medical management is important, but it may be difficult clinically. Because pneumoperitoneum is not always present, additional markers of bowel gangrene are needed. Among 73 babies managed for NEC over the study period, 49 (67%) met the study criteria of Bell's stage > 1, and their records were reviewed to determine the usefulness of common laboratory tests in predicting outcome. The patients were divided into three groups based on management. Group 1 (7 patients) required surgery at the time of initial presentation because of pneumoperitoneum. The remaining 42 patients were initially managed medically, 19 of whom (group 2) recovered successfully; the other 23 (group 3) required surgery. The combination of certain laboratory tests, ie, white blood cell count (WBC), immature:total neutrophil ratio (I:T), platelet count (PLT), and base excess (BE), was of significance in distinguishing between infants who would need surgery and those who would recover with medical therapy (group 3 v group 2) 4 to 12 hours or 12 to 24 hours after the diagnosis of NEC was established. A scoring scale was developed, with a point for each of the following: WBC < 9,000/mm3, I:T > .5, PLT < 200,000/mm3, and BE < or = -2. A score of > or = 3 during 4 to 12 hours after diagnosis of NEC strongly predicted the presence of surgical disease (positive predictive value, 100%; negative predictive value, 76%; specificity, 100%; sensitivity, 64%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous↗
PubMed1994

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine.

Aneurysmal bone cysts are uncommon bony lesions of the spine. Two such patients are reported in the study. The first patient had involvement of first and second thoracic vertebrae, and a preoperative diagnosis was made possible due to the typical magnetic resonance imaging appearances. A total removal was achieved in two stages. In the second patient the C2 spinous process was involved, and this patient presented as atantoaxial dislocation. Removal of the abnormal tissue and posterior fusion was done. Both the patients showed neurologic improvement. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Growing fracture of the skull: report of an unusual case.

The authors report a case of a growing fracture of the skull in an elderly woman who remained asymptomatic for over 6 decades and presented at the age of 62 years with symptoms akin to the syndrome of the trephined. Successful duraplasty and cranioplasty were done with disappearance of all symptoms. A brief review of the relevant literature is also presented.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1994

IgG subclass distribution of anti-hCG and anti-diphtheria toxoid antibodies in women immunized with a beta-hCG based immunocontraceptive vaccine.

IgG subclass distribution of antibodies against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and diphtheria toxoid (DT) was determined in the sera of women recruited into Phase II clinical trials of a beta-hCG based immunocontraceptive vaccine. Serum samples from 30 different individuals were analyzed. Anti-hCG antibody response was predominantly of IgG1 subclass, with a mean titer of 537.94 +/- 560 antibody units (AU). The other 3 subclasses showed considerably lower mean levels (IgG2, 16.46 +/- 8.33; IgG3, 3.22 +/- 8.48; IgG4, 56.65 +/- 82.60 AU). A good correlation was observed between the anti-hCG IgG1 antibody titers (r = 0.57, P < 0.01) and the bioneutralization capacity of sera. However, bioneutralization capacity of the sera from subjects capable of inducing IgG4 response was not significantly different from subjects not showing IgG4 antibodies. Similarly, a dominant IgG1 response was observed against diphtheria toxoid (DT) which has been used as one of the carrier proteins in the vaccine.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1994

Immunoreactivity with native zona pellucida of antibodies against a 19 amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to human ZP3.

Immunization of female Syrian hamsters with a 19mer-synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid sequence 323-341 of human ZP3 and coupled to diphtheria toxoid (DT) led to generation of antibodies against both the peptide as well as DT. Antisera showed positive reaction in ELISA with solubilized isolated zona pellucida (SIZP) from human oocytes. In an indirect immunofluorescence assay, the anti-peptide antibodies bound to zona pellucida of human and bonnet monkey but failed to recognize that of mouse, rabbit, hamster and dog. These studies will help in designing a synthetic peptide based ZP immunocontraceptive vaccine for human application.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation by platelet factor-4 involves a unique action on S phase progression.

Modulation of endothelial cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by the "chemokine" platelet factor-4 (PF-4) was investigated. PF-4 inhibited DNA synthesis, as well as proliferation of endothelial cells derived from large and small blood vessels. Inhibition by PF-4 was independent of the type and the concentration of stimuli used for the induction of endothelial cell proliferation. Inhibition of cell growth by PF-4 was reversible. The effects of PF-4 were antagonized by heparin. Cell cycle analysis using [3H]thymidine pulse labeling during traverse of synchronous cells from G0/G1 to S phase revealed that addition of PF-4 during G1 phase completely abolished the entry of cells into S phase. In addition, PF-4 also inhibited DNA synthesis in cells that were already in S phase. In exponentially growing cells, addition of PF-4 resulted in an accumulation of > 70% of the cells in early S phase, as determined by FACS (Becton-Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems, Mountain View, CA). In cells synchronized in S phase by hydroxyurea and then released, addition of PF-4 promptly blocked further progression of DNA synthesis. These results demonstrate that in G0/G1-arrested cells, PF-4 inhibited entry of endothelial cells into S phase. More strikingly, our studies have revealed a unique mode of endothelial cell growth inhibition whereby PF-4 effectively blocked cell cycle progression during S phase.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Serum trace elements and Cu/Zn ratio in malignant lymphomas in children.

Serum copper and zinc levels, and Cu/Zn ratio were measured in 40 children with Hodgkin's (n = 18) and non-Hodgkin's (n = 22) lymphomas, and 30 controls using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The mean serum copper levels were higher in lymphoma patients than in controls (199.8 micrograms/dl v. 95.8 micrograms/dl) P < 0.001). The increase in serum copper level correlated with the stage of disease being maximum in Stage IV (219.4 micrograms/dl v. 143.2 micrograms/dl) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the serum zinc levels in lymphoma patients as compared to controls (86.1 micrograms/dl v. 117.4 micrograms/dl) (P < 0.001), but this was significant only in patients with advanced disease. The Cu/Zn ratio was therefore markedly increased in these patients (2.46 v. 0.83) (P < 0.001). Following successful treatment the abnormal serum copper and zinc levels returned towards normal. The exact mechanisms responsible for these alterations are yet to be elucidated. We conclude that serum copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn ratio are easily measurable biochemical indices that can be used as predictors of successful treatment in pediatric patients with lymphomas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Acute idiopathic axonal neuropathy (AIAN): a clinical and electrophysiological observation.

Twenty patients (M:F 15:5) with electrophysiological evidence of predominant axonal lesion and fulfilling clinical criteria for Guillain Barré Syndrome were observed during a period of 6 years (1985-1990). Their mean age was 27.5 years (range 5-55). Seven patients had antecedent febrile illness. Peak motor deficit was reached at a mean period of 6.5 days (range 2-21 days). All the patients had distal muscle weakness out of proportion to proximal muscle weakness. Facial paresis (13 patients), bulbar palsy (2), respiratory failure (1), sensory deficits (7) and dysautonomia (1) were other salient features. CSF analysis revealed albumino-cytological dissociation in 12 patients. One patient died and in the remaining patients the recovery was delayed and incomplete. Presence of predominant distal muscle wasting and weakness, low amplitude CMAP or inexcitable nerves, absence of conduction block or significant temporal dispersion, normal or only slightly reduced conduction velocity and evidence of poor recovery suggest that the primary pathology in these patients may be axonal degeneration. These cases may represent a distinct entity and need to be differentiated from the more commonly observed acute idiopathic demyelinating neuropathy.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

The effects of corticosteroid and reduced glutathione on the endothelial viability during culture in MK medium. A light microscopy study.

The effect of addition of dexamethasone and reduced glutathione to MK medium, in a concentration of 10(-3) Molar and 0.92 g/l, respectively, was evaluated. The post preservation corneal endothelial viability was assessed using light microscopy. Our results showed that the addition of dexamethasone to MK medium increased the preservation time of dog cornea from 7 to 10 days and that reduced glutathione could further increase the storage period to 12 days. It can be concluded that the addition of reduced glutathione to MK medium is an excellent means for intermediate term corneal preservation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Pili and lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bind to the glycolipid asialo GM1.

This study investigated which adhesins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa interact with the glycolipid asialo GM1, using solid-phase binding and thin-layer chromatography assays. Radioiodinated pili and flagella contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bound to the glycolipid. When LPS was reduced to acceptable levels in pilus and flagellum samples, only pili specifically bound to the glycolipid. Commercial, radiolabeled LPS as well as whole bacteria of strain ATCC 19660 also bound to asialo GM1. Binding was specific, competitive, and saturable. Organ cultures of whole mouse eyes and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used also, and strain ATCC 19660 was inhibited from corneal binding by exogenous pili or commercial LPS and inhibition was concentration dependent for both. Binding of radiolabeled strain ATCC 19660 bacteria to neutral lipids extracted from bovine corneal epithelial tissue showed that the bacteria bound to a glycolipid which migrated at a position similar to that of an asialo GM1 standard and that the glycolipid stained positively with an antibody specific for asialo GM1. The data provide evidence that pili (reduced LPS) and LPS of P. aeruginosa bind to asialo GM1 glycolipid and that the glycolipid is not restricted to the mouse cornea.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗
PubMed1994

Perforated typhoid enteritis in children.

A prospective study of 65 patients with perforated typhoid enteritis managed operatively over a 3 year period at a university hospital is presented. There were 45 males and 20 females with ages ranging from 5 to 15 years. Presenting symptoms were fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and either diarrhoea or constipation. All the patients were subjected to surgery and 56 (86%) underwent two-layer bowel closure after freshening of ulcer margins. The overall mortality rate in this study was 20% and was adversely influenced by the increasing duration of perforation, presence of shock and faecal peritonitis. Early surgery after prompt and adequate resuscitation is life saving. However, prevention of typhoid fever by providing safe drinking water and better sanitary conditions appears to offer the best chance of decreasing the high rates of mortality and morbidity of this deadly disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Role of naproxen as anti-oxidant in selenite cataract.

Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been evaluated for its anticataract action in the prevention of cataracts induced by selenite. Administration of a single dose of sodium selenite intraperitoneally resulted in the development of advanced cataracts in 100% of the eyes within 5-6 days. Treatment with naproxen resulted in showing a significant preventive effect. The biochemical parameters like glutathione, malonaldehyde or soluble and insoluble protein contents indicate that selenite causes cataract due to oxidative stress. The observations also suggest that naproxen acts as an anti-oxidant.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Antifertility effects of porcine zona pellucida-3 immunization using permissible adjuvants in female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata): reversibility, effect on follicular development and hormonal profiles.

Female bonnet monkeys Macaca radiata (n = 8, four per group) were immunized with purified 55 kDa glycoprotein from porcine zona pellucida (ZP3) and ZP3 conjugated to the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta hCG) using adjuvants permissible for human use (alum, muramyl dipeptide and sodium phthalyl derivative of lipopolysaccharide). The animals were monitored for anti-ZP3 antibody titres, biweekly progesterone concentrations, menstrual cyclicity and status of fertility. All the animals generated a good anti-ZP3 antibody response, continued to have ovulatory cycles, remained infertile in the presence of high anti-ZP3 antibody titres and showed no disturbance in cyclicity (except summer amenorrhoea). Examinations by laparoscope showed normal ovaries with developing follicles or corpora lutea on the surface. Fifty per cent of the animals conceived after a decline in antibody titres. Ovaries of animals that failed to regain fertility were examined for changes in morphology at times when anti-ZP3 antibody titres in the circulation were low and following a booster when titres were high. None of the ovaries showed any sign of inflammation or lymphocytic infiltration. Follicles at different stages of development were seen in all of the ovaries. No significant reduction in the number of follicles, except in one monkey (MRA 178), was observed. There was no increase in the numbers of atretic or degenerating follicles. The results showed that ZP3 immunization with permissible adjuvants could be used for immunocontraception without obvious ovarian changes.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of antigenic determinants on porcine zona pellucida-3 beta(ZP3 beta) glycoprotein by monoclonal antibodies.

Out of 11 monoclonal antibodies(MAbs) developed against porcine zona pellucida-3 beta(ZP3 beta) glycoprotein, 6 (MA-451, -454, -455, -462, -467 and -470) reacted with ZP2 beta, deglycosylated ZP3 beta(DGZP3 beta), and reduced and carboxyamidomethylated ZP3 beta(RCMZP3 beta) in ELISA and Western blot suggesting that these monoclonals recognise a linear protein epitope. Five MAbs(MA-452, -456, -459, -474 and -476) showed reduced binding with DGZP3 beta and RCMZP3 beta as compared to ZP3 beta in ELISA suggesting that these may recognize either carbohydrate moities or conformation dependent epitopes. Moreover, these MAbs failed to recognize these antigens on Western blot. Based on competitive inhibition studies in ELISA for the ability of MAbs to inhibit the binding of biotinylated ZP3 beta to solid phase antibody, 6 distinct domains were discernible. Domain V recognised by MA-467 partially overlaps with the domain corresponding to MA-454 and MA-455. All 11 MAbs reacted with zona pellucida of intact oocytes as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence but only 3 antibodies (MA-454, -455 and -467) delayed the zona lysis by trypsin. In immunoblots MA-467 recognised 18kDa fragment of RCMZP3 beta digested with endoproteinase lys-C and 37 and 30kDa bands of elastase digest of ZP3 beta. The results will help in delineation of functionally relevant domains and design of contraceptive vaccine based on zona pellucida aiming for pre-fertilization block.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Differentiation of immortalized epithelial cells derived from cystic fibrosis airway submucosal glands.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves abnormalities in mucus production and secretion of the airway. Studies of the regulation of airway mucin production and secretion has been difficult due to the lack of in vitro models of the airway epithelial cells which express functional differentiation. Because the majority of the mucin in the airway is apparently produced by the submucosal glands, we have focused our attention on the development of cell culture models of human airway submucosal glands. This report describes the propagation of CF airway submucosal gland epithelial cells which continue to express mucin production. The CF bronchus was obtained from a 31-yr-old patient who received a double lung transplant. The glands were dissected out and primary cultures prepared by the explant/outgrowth procedure. The cells were immortalized by infection with Ad12-SV40 hybrid virus. The cultures are maintained in serum-free keratinocyte basal medium supplemented with insulin (5 micrograms/ml), hydrocortisone (0.5 microgram/ml), epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), bovine pituitary extract (25 micrograms/ml), and antibiotics. Cultures were passaged using 0.125% trypsin in Ca+2 and Mg(+2)-free Hanks', balanced salt solution. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that the cells were homozygous for the delta F508 mutation. Morphologic observations showed that the cells were epithelial and were interconnected by sparsely distributed desmosomes. Their cytoplasm contained secretory-type structures including abundant Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory vesicles. Immunofluorescent studies determined that all cells were positive for cytokeratins, mucin glycoconjugates, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. The cultures secreted substantial amounts of mucin glycoproteins and expressed the MUC-2 mucin gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence↗