Biomedical subjects

S M Hook

Publications and source records attributed to S M Hook.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1994

Cloning and expression of the cervine interleukin 4 gene.

Interleukin 4 (IL-4), a cytokine produced by the T helper 2 subset of T lymphocytes is involved in up regulating antibody responses. A source of recombinant cervine IL-4 would be useful for studying the immune response of deer to tuberculosis. We report here the cloning, sequencing and expression of recombinant cervine IL-4. To achieve this mRNA was isolated from red deer (Cervus elaphus) mononuclear leucocytes. First strand cDNA was synthesized from the mRNA and the IL-4 cDNA was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The IL-4 cDNA is 408 bp in length and the deduced amino acid sequence is 92% homologous with the published bovine IL-4 amino acid sequence. IL-4 was expressed using the baculovirus expression system in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells. Northern blot, SDS-PAGE analysis and bioassay were used to confirm the expression of IL-4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Penetration and ejaculation; forensic aspects of rape.

A study was made of 104 alleged rape cases submitted to the DSIR in Auckland by the police over a period of approximately two years. Data were collected relating to the victims' perceptions of penetration and ejaculation, and the forensic evidence for these events. Seminal fluid was detected in 69 (66%) of the cases. In 81 (78%) of the cases penetration was reported; seminal fluid was detected in 58 of these. Of the five (5%) cases where it was reported that penetration did not occur, seminal fluid was detected in two. Forty (38%) of the victims reported ejaculation and seminal fluid was detected by 34 of these. Ejaculation was reported not to have occurred in 16 (15%) of the cases; seminal fluid was detected in seven of these. The victims of alleged sexual assault may not remember accurately if penetration or ejaculation took place.

Ejaculation↗