Impact of distillery effluent on physiological consequences in the freshwater teleost Channa punctatus.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
S Kumar
Publications and source records attributed to S Kumar.
Exstrophy of bladder associated with unilateral renal agenesis and bicornuate uterus: a case report.
Upper urinary tract anomalies are rare in patients with classic exstrophy of the urinary bladder. We report a case of bladder exstrophy associated with unilateral renal agenesis and bicornuate uterus in a female patient. The embryological basis for this rarity and its management are discussed.
Adult↗
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema complicating bronchiolitis obliterans after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation--case report and review of literature.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease occurring in the setting of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can affect many organ systems, is a cause of significant morbidity, and contributes to late deaths. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a form of obstructive airway disease; when seen in the post-BMT setting, it is considered a manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Air-leak syndromes including pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare complications of bronchiolitis obliterans. Here we describe a patient who developed pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax secondary to severe bronchiolitis obliterans complicating the post bone marrow transplantation course.
Adult↗
Entrapment and transection of the median nerve associated with minimally displaced fractures of the forearm: case report and review of the literature.
Complete transection of the median nerve associated with minimally displaced fractures of forearm bones is described in a 20-year-old woman. An end-to-end epineural repair was performed. There was good sensory and motor recovery of the median nerve in the hand.
Adult↗
Isometric axial rotation of the trunk in the neutral posture.
The purpose of this study was to measure the torque, the magnitude of the electromyogram (EMG) signal and the phase relationship of 14 muscles during trunk axial rotation. Fifty normal healthy volunteers (27 males and 23 females) with no lower-back injury participated in the study. The subjects were seated in an upright position in the axial rotation tester (AROT) after applying surface electrodes bilaterally to the following muscles: pectoralis major, rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae at T10 and L3. They were stabilized from the hip down, and the shoulder harness of the AROT was applied to their shoulders. These subjects performed maximal isometric axial rotations to the left and right in a random order. The torque and 14 channels of EMG were monitored, and their magnitude, slope of the increase in magnitude, and timing of the anticipation and onset activity were determined. The results revealed that the females produced 65% of the torque of their male counterparts. The pattern and magnitude of EMG in performing these tasks were significantly different between males and females (P<0.01). Males generated the greatest activity in their ipsilateral latissimus dorsi followed by their contralateral external oblique muscles. In the females, maximal EMG activity was observed in their contralateral pectoralis muscle. Thus, under the current experimental conditions, the females employed a different muscle recruitment strategy compared to the males. Each muscle involved in axial rotation was significantly different from the other (P < 0.01). The timing pattern for these activities was inconsistent, implying that there is no fixed-order phasic recruitment of the torso muscles during maximal isometric axial rotation.
Adolescent↗
Gene stability in transgenic aspen (Populus). II. Molecular characterization of variable expression of transgene in wild and hybrid aspen.
In many annual plant species, transgene inactivation occurs most often when multiple incomplete/complete copies of the transgene are present in a genome. The expression of single-copy transgene loci may also be negatively influenced by the flanking plant DNA and/or chromosomal location (position effect). To understand transgene silencing in a long-lived tree system, we analyzed several wild (Populus tremula L.) and hybrid (P. tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.) aspen lines transgenic to the rolC phenotypical marker system and grown under in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions. The morphological features of the 35S-rolC gene construct were used to screen lines with altered transgene expression, which was later confirmed by Northern experiments. Molecular analyses of hybrid aspen revealed that transgene inactivation was always a consequence of transgene repeats. In wild non-hybrid aspen, however, multiple-insertion-based altered or loss of rolC expression was observed only in three out of six lines showing transgene inactivation. Sequencing analysis revealed AT-rich patches at the transgene flanking genomic regions of some of the wild aspen transgenic lines. One wild aspen line showing variable rolC expression revealed characteristic integration of the transgene into genomic regions containing a high AT content (85% or more). In the remaining two wild aspen transgenic lines unstable for rolC expression, single-copy integration and non-AT-rich or repeat-free transgene flanking regions were found. A partial suppression of rolC was observed in some plants of one of the field-grown wild aspen transgenic lines. In the other wild aspen transgenic line an additional mutant phenotype along with transgene inactivation was found. This indicates that the host genome has some control over expression of a transgene, and the possible role of AT-rich regions in defense against foreign DNA.
Chromosome Mapping↗
Effect of musculoskeletal disorders on prehension strength.
The purpose of this study was to compare the maximum and job simulated hand grip strength in both healthy workers and those suffering from mild and severe stages of musculoskeletal disorders. Three groups of 10 female industrial workers each were recruited after a detailed screening for musculoskeletal disorders: one group of 10 healthy workers (GI) and two other groups (GII and GIII) consisting of workers suffering from mild and severe upper limbs disorders, respectively. A special device was built to reproduce a similar prehension pattern (open palmar) to that used on the job. This was calibrated against a Jamar dynamometer. Job simulated and maximum prehension strength were tested in three consecutive trials. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for the calibration procedure. Descriptive analysis of the musculoskeletal data was computed. ANOVA and Duncan post hoc multiple comparisons were conducted to test the main effects on muscular strength and interactions. Significant differences between types of strength (p<0.00001) and groups of subject (p<0.0001) were identified. The maximum strength decreased progressively from groups I to III. Although job simulated strength also decreased as disorder severity increased, this trend was weaker than the one observed for the maximum strength. These results suggest that a re-allocation of workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders be considered.
Adult↗
Protein folding and function: the N-terminal fragment in adenylate kinase.
Three-dimensional protein folds range from simple to highly complex architectures. In complex folds, some building block fragments are more important for correct protein folding than others. Such fragments are typically buried in the protein core and mediate interactions between other fragments. Here we present an automated, surface area-based algorithm that is able to indicate which, among all local elements of the structure, is critical for the formation of the native fold, and apply it to structurally well-characterized proteins. In particular, we focus on adenylate kinase. The fragment containing the phosphate binding, P-loop (the "giant anion hole") flanked by a beta-strand and an alpha-helix near the N-terminus, is identified as a critical building block. This building block shows a high degree of sequence and structural conservation in all adenylate kinases. The results of our molecular dynamics simulations are consistent with this identification. In its absence, the protein flips to a stable, non-native state. In this misfolded conformation, the other local elements of the structure are in their native-like conformations; however, their association is non-native. Furthermore, this element is critically important for the function of the enzyme, coupling folding, and function.
Adenylate Kinase↗
p38 MAP kinase: molecular target for the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Amino Acid Sequence↗
Disruption of disulfide linkages of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein: effects on cytotoxic and antibody responses in mice.
The circumsporozoite protein is a predominant surface antigen present on Plasmodium sporozoites. In Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP), two cysteine residues (396 and 401) are present adjacent to two overlapping cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes of the protein and are involved in the formation of disulfide bridges. We investigated the role of these cysteines on the cellular and antibody responses towards the CS protein because disruption of disulfide linkages and the presence of cysteine residues in the flanking region of an epitope has been shown to significantly alter the immune responses to various proteins. Mice were immunized with variant forms of PfCSP DNA vaccine plasmids where these cysteine residues were individually mutated to alanine. The plasmid vaccines induced antigen specific antibody and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. While no alterations of cysteine influenced the CTL responses to P. falciparum CS protein, vaccine pVRCS4, containing an altered cysteine at position 401, dramatically improved the antibody response to the carboxyl-terminal region of the protein. This work indicates that sequence alterations of genes in an anti-malarial vaccine could enhance the response towards the native protein. Given the fact that long term natural immunity to the pathogen has not been documented, it may be important to challenge the immune system with non-native proteins.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Variations of intracavitary applicator geometry during multiple HDR brachytherapy insertions in carcinoma cervix and its influence on reporting as per ICRU report 38.
PURPOSE: This paper examines the extent of variation in the applicator geometry during multiple high dose rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) applications and its impact on reporting as per ICRU report 38. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty orthogonal radiographs from 20 consecutive patients of carcinoma cervix (FIGO stages, IIA-IIIB) having four HDR ICBT applications of 6 Gy each at weekly intervals following teletherapy were evaluated. The applicator consisted of a flexible intrauterine tandem (IUT) independent of the ovoid assembly. The applicator geometry was evaluated in terms of: alpha angle, beta angle, intrauterine length (IUTL), interovoid (IOV), os to right ovoid (ORT) and os to left ovoid (OLT) distances along with vertical (VDL) and anteroposterior displacements (ADL) of the os with respect to the ovoids. The Cartesian co-ordinates (X, Y, and Z) of the IUT tip, centre of both ovoids and os were also measured. Doses to right point A (ARD), left point A (ALD), along with a reference volume of 6 Gy for ICRU height (IRH), width (IRW), thickness (IRT) and volume (IRV) were estimated for each application. RESULTS: Highly significant differences (P<0.001) between four insertions in any given patient across 20 patients for alpha angle, beta angle, IUTL, IOV, ORT, VDL, co-ordinates of the IUT, ovoids and os were observed, except for ADL (P=0.041) and OLT (P=0.247). As a consequence, variations were observed in ARD (P=0.027), ALD (P=0.017); IRH, IRW, IRT and IRV (all P<0.001). Applicator factors which influenced the various dose specification parameters were: beta angle and ORT for both ARD and ALD; UTLN, VDL and ORT for IRH; UTLN and IOV for IRW; UTLN for IRT and VDL for the 6 Gy IRV. CONCLUSIONS: A significant variation of the applicator geometry and its movement was observed in patients undergoing multiple HDR ICBT. This could have implications for reporting dose and volume specifications as required by ICRU report 38.
Brachytherapy↗
HRT in women with diabetes--review of the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed less frequently to women with diabetes. In this article, we review the effects of HRT on glucose metabolism and plasma lipids in women with type 2 diabetes. Current evidence is reassuring about the effects of HRT in women with diabetes, although as in all women, HRT should be prescribed on an individual basis with appropriate consideration given to advantages and disadvantages of therapy.
Blood Glucose↗
Cervical strength of young adults in sagittal, coronal, and intermediate planes.
OBJECTIVES: To measure the cervical isometric force generation capacity of men and women reliably while seated in upright neutral posture. DESIGN: The cervical muscle isometric strength was determined in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, anterolateral flexion and posterolateral extensions in an upright seated neutral posture. For this measurement a device was designed, fabricated and its reliability established. BACKGROUND: To-date only a few studies on cervical strength data have been published. Of these, validity of some data is suspected due to the use of unstandardized methodology. No studies were identified which reported cervical strengths in lateral and oblique planes. METHODS: A testing device consisting of sturdy, stable and strong telescopic adjustable square metal tube was firmly bolted in the floor. Another rotating metal tube was pivoted and adjustably counterweighted and attached to an immovable object with a load cell in its path. Using a horizontal bar upholstered at the terminal end attached to the rotating tube 40 young subjects were tested. They exerted their maximal voluntary isometric contraction in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, anterolateral flexion, and posterolateral extension bilaterally. RESULTS: Cervical muscle strength was maximum in extension and minimal in anterolateral flexion (which was very close to flexion strength). With progressive change in direction towards posterior region the strength progressively increased. There was a significant difference between male and female strengths (P < 0.01). The flexion/extension ratio of males was 1:1.37 and for females 1:1.79. There was a significant difference in strength values in different directions (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The cervical strength is direction dependent. The extension generates maximum force and flexion close to minimum. A progressive change from anterior to posterior direction generates increasing force. RELEVANCE: There is insufficient information regarding cervical strength, which may at least indirectly and in part, indicate the force bearing capacity of cervical musculature. The present study furnishes some data to this end.
Adult↗
Bacteriology of burn wounds--the first three years in a new burn unit at the Medical College Chandigarh.
A retrospective study was conducted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh to analyse the bacterial isolates from the wounds of patients admitted to the Burns Unit and to determine the sensitivity pattern of the commonly cultured organisms over a 3-year period from May 1997 to May 2000. A total of 336 samples were analysed, with 293 positive samples yielding 324 isolates. The isolates obtained from the culture of wound swabs were single in the majority of cases (78.0%). Pseudomonas was the most commonly cultured organism (54.2%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20.8%). Isolation of other organisms was uncommon by comparison. No isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci or diptheroids were encountered.
Bacteria↗
Comparative biological activity study on Passiflora incarnata and P. edulis.
The correct identity of Passiflora incarnata and P. edulis was recently established using various parameters. To strengthen these findings, the anxiolytic activity of these two controversial plants has been comparatively investigated. The methanol extract of P. incarnata exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at an oral dose of 125 mg/kg, whereas P. edulis was devoid of any significant activity.
Animals↗
Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts of Passiflora incarnata.
The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water extracts of Passiflora incarnata whole plant and sorted out plant parts have been evaluated for their anxiolytic activity using the elevated plus-maze model in mice. The methanol extracts of leaves, stems, flowers, and whole plant exhibited anxiolytic effects at 100, 125, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The roots were practically devoid of anxiolytic effects. These results show that roots and flowers of P. incarnata act as natural adulterants by causing a significant increase in the anxiolytic dose. Therefore, separation of these parts is recommended prior to any pharmacological, phytochemical and standardization studies on P. incarnata.
Animals↗
Anti-diarrhoeal activity of the latex of Calotropis procera.
The dry latex (DL) of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae), a potent anti-inflammatory agent has been evaluated for anti-diarrhoeal activity. Like atropine and phenylbutazone (PBZ), a single oral dose of DL (500 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in frequency of defecation, severity of diarrhoea and afforded protection from diarrhoea in 80% rats treated with castor oil. To understand the mechanism of its anti-diarrhoeal activity, we further evaluated its effect on intestinal transit, castor oil induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) and electrolyte concentration in the intestinal fluid. DL produced a decrease in intestinal transit (27-37%) as compared to both normal and castor oil treated animals. Unlike atropine, DL significantly inhibited castor oil induced enteropooling. However, it did not alter the electrolyte concentration in the intestinal fluid as compared to castor oil treated rats.
Animals↗
Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus.
Passiflora incarnata Linn. has been used to cure anxiety and insomnia since time immemorial. Despite the worldwide use of P. incarnata, the pharmacological work on this plant had been inadequate, inconclusive and wage as the earlier reports were unable to infer the mode of action of the plant as well as the phytoconstituents responsible for the much acclaimed anxiolytic and sedative effects of P. incarnata. An attempt has been made to isolate and identify the bioactive phytomoiety of P. incarnata by resorting to bioactivity directed fractionation and chromatographic procedures. A fraction derived from the methanol extract of P. incarnata has been observed to exhibit significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 10 mg/kg in mice using elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. This fraction comprises mainly two components which are visible as blue and turquoise colored fluorescent spots at 366 nm of the UV light. The possibility of a phytoconstituent having benzoflavone nucleus as the basic moiety being responsible for the bioactivity of P. incarnata is highly anticipated.
Analysis of Variance↗