Effects of cesium on cellular systems.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
A Sharma
Publications and source records attributed to A Sharma.
Studies on some biochemical characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus of buffalo mammary origin.
A total of 49 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus of buffalo mammary origin were studied for biochemical characteristics. Coagulase production, clumping factor, haemolytic activity, pigment production and fermentation of maltose and mannitol were employed to differentiate S. aureus from S. hyicus and S. intermedius. Out of 49 isolates, 97.95, 93.87, 93.87, 89.79, 95.91, 100.0, 95.91, 59.18, 100.0, 100.0, 100.0, 89.79, 91.83 and 100.0% isolates were positive for coagulase production, protein-A production, haemolysin production, thermostable nuclease production, deoxyribonuclease production, tellurite reduction, nitrate reduction, lipase production, phosphatase production, mannitol fermentation, glucose fermentation, M.R. test, V.P. test and pigment production respectively. The only isolate from which coagulase production could not be detected, however, showed haemolytic activity, protein-A productivity, pigmentation and mannitol fermentation. One of the protein-A negative isolate was coagulase positive and showed mannitol fermentation, pigmentation and haemolytic activity. The study revealed that the biochemical characteristics of S. aureus of buffalo mammary origin did not differ from those of cattle origin. Coagulase, haemolysin, thermostable nuclease, deoxyribonuclease, phosphatase, lipase, tellurite and nitrate reduction closely related with protein-A. The presence of protein-A seems to be as reliable an indicator for S. aureus of buffalo origin as is coagulase production.
Animals↗
Differential protection of chlorophyllin against clastogenic effects of chromium and chlordane in mouse bone marrow in vivo.
The anticlastogenic activity of sodium-copper-chlorophyllin was tested against two known clastogens, chromium(VI) oxide and the pesticide chlordane, both of which occur as environmental toxicants. The chemicals were administered to male Swiss albino mice by gavage and chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells 24 h after the exposure, following colchicine-air drying-Giemsa preparation. The end-points screened were the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and damaged cells. The clastogenic effects induced by chromium in aqueous solution (20 mg/kg body weight) were reduced to a significant level by chlorophyllin (1.5 mg/kg body weight), when administered both before and simultaneously with the toxicant. The effects of chlordane in olive oil (10 mg/kg body weight) were, however, not reduced by the administration of chlorophyllin (1.5 and 3 mg/kg body weight).
Analysis of Variance↗
Gelatin as a blocking agent in Southern blot and chromosomal in situ hybridizations.
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Animals↗
Cellular immune responsiveness in rabbits with Setaria digitata filarial antigen and TDM adjuvant.
The purified surface antigens of the bovine filarial parasite Setaria digitata were used as an antigen to immunize rabbits. The aqueous suspensions of trehalose 6-6' dimycolate (TDM) has been successfully used as an effective immunomodulator in experimental studies on filariasis. The effectiveness of such an antigen-TDM combination was demonstrated by enhanced humoral and cellular immunity. Administration of antigen alone shows only humoral immunity. The detectable cellular immune responses further confirm the effect of filarial antigen-TDM combination. The cell-mediated immunity was expressed in vivo by delayed skin reaction and in vitro by leukocyte and macrophage migration inhibition tests.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Energetics of corneal epithelial cell-ocular mucus-tear film interactions: some surface-chemical pathways of corneal defense.
The role of ocular mucous gel in the corneal epithelial hydration, lubrication, cleansing, wettability and defense against pathogens, is investigated based on a modified DLVO theory that accounts for the apolar, as well as polar, "acid-base" surface interactions. A strong polar repulsion keeps mucus in the form of highly hydrated "sloppy" gel, which does not adhere to the normal epithelium. Due to its strong electron donor type monopolarity, the mucus gel can form an effective barrier against contamination of the underlying epithelium by both the apolar (e.g., tear film lipids, cell debris) and the polar (e.g., hydrophilic bacteria) entities. In the absence of mucus, epithelial contamination becomes energetically favorable, which can also compromise its wettability by tears. Finally, a loss of polar surface properties can lead to adhesion of mucus to the cornea.
Adhesiveness↗
Ocular chemical burns--clinical and demographic profile.
A clinical and demographic profile of 145 chemical eye injuries in 102 patients treated at a major referral centre of a developing country is analysed. The nature of the chemical agents, the occupation groups at risk and preventive measures for chemical injuries are emphasized. Forty-three patients (42.1 per cent) suffered bilateral injuries. Acids and alkalis together were responsible for 80 per cent of the chemical injuries. Young people working in laboratories and factories constituted two-thirds of the patients. Fifty-two eyes (35.9 per cent) suffered severe (Grade III/IV) injuries. Injuries caused by assault were more severe and proportionately lost more eyes. Visual outcome correlated with severity of injury at initial presentation.
Adolescent↗
The mismatch negativity cortical evoked potential elicited by speech in cochlear-implant users.
The mismatch negativity (MMN) event-related potential is a non-task related neurophysiologic index of auditory discrimination. The MMN was elicited in eight cochlear implant recipients by the synthesized speech stimulus pair /da/ and /ta/. The response was remarkably similar to the MMN measured in normal-hearing individuals to the same stimuli. The results suggest that the central auditory system can process certain aspects of speech consistently, independent of whether the stimuli are processed through a normal cochlea or mediated by a cochlear prosthesis. The MMN shows promise as a measure for the objective evaluation of cochlear-implant function, and for the study of central neurophysiological processes underlying speech perception.
Acoustic Stimulation↗
Efficacy and timed sequence analyses of modified single-injection peribulbar anesthesia.
This study evaluated a modified single-injection technique of administering peribulbar anesthesia. All 150 eyes achieved complete lid anesthesia; 49 eyes (32.7%) demonstrating exophthalmos after injection achieved excellent (grade 1) instantaneous ocular akinesia. Sequence of timed events after injection included lid anesthesia (60.2 +/- 15.33 seconds), lid akinesia (75.18 +/- 15.33), lateral rectus akinesia (90.19 +/- 2.13), inferior rectus akinesia (140.44 +/- 17.51), superior rectus akinesia (229.60 +/- 15.23), and medial rectus akinesia (250.42 +/- 18.99). Peribulbar anesthesia, when successful, achieved complete akinesia in fewer than five minutes. In 12 eyes (8%), the peribulbar injection had to be repeated. For routine intraocular surgery, we recommend this efficacious, safe technique without the use of a separate facial block.
Anesthesia, Local↗
Modulation of human ovarian tumor cell sensitivity to N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA) by liposome drug carriers.
Carrier-based formulations of cytotoxic agents may be highly efficacious for intracavitary therapy of malignancies which reside in or metastasize to the peritoneal cavity. N-(Phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartic acid (PALA) is a transition-state inhibitor of aspartate transcarbamylase which has shown enhanced activity against several cell lines upon encapsulation in liposomes. We have examined the growth inhibitory effects of PALA-containing liposome formulations against four human ovarian cancer cell lines (Ovcar-3, Hey-1b, A90, and A121a) that have significantly different growth characteristics. With the optimal liposome formulation defined in the present studies, the potency of encapsulated PALA was 22- to 570-fold greater than that of free PALA, depending on the cell line. Control liposomes containing buffer, rather than PALA, did not inhibit cell growth. Fluorescence studies of liposome-cell interaction suggest that high liposome negative surface charge density and high phase transition temperature increase both cellular association and retention of liposome contents. Briefer exposure of tumor cells to treatment accentuates the advantage of liposome formulations; on Hey-1b cells, the cytostatic effect of 1-hr exposure to PALA-liposomes is 900-fold greater than is the equivalent exposure to free PALA. The considerable increase in in vitro potency of PALA-liposome formulations, coupled with potential pharmacokinetic advantages in vivo (i.e., intraperitoneal retention of liposome-associated drug versus rapid clearance of free PALA), suggests the possibility of enhanced antitumor activity of liposome-encapsulated PALA for both single-agent and combination chemotherapy.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Improved lung function tests on changing from topical timolol: non-selective beta-blockade impairs lung function tests in elderly patients.
Fifty-two elderly glaucomatous patients, without a history of asthma or obstructive airways disease, who were using topical timolol for control of intraocular pressure were recruited. Their topical therapy was changed to either betaxolol or pilocarpine. The change was associated with improvement in mean peak flow from 278 l/min to 328 l/min (t = 5.73, p < 0.001), mean FEV1 from 1.66 l to 1.85 l (t = 7.09, p < 0.001) and mean FVC from 2.40 l to 2.64 l (t = 5.07, p < 0.001). Change to either betaxolol or pilocarpine was associated with improved lung function tests. Lung function tests in a control group of 20 showed no significant changes. Both drugs maintained control of intraocular pressure but betaxolol had fewer ocular side effects.
Administration, Topical↗
Reversal of lipaemia retinalis with dietary control.
Lipaemia retinalis occurs as the result of a marked elevation of serum lipids. Combined hyperlipidaemia may occur as a primary familial or secondary acquired abnormality. A case of lipaemia retinalis is described, documented by fundus photographs. A complete lipid profile of the patient revealed marked hyperlipidaemia. The lipoprotein lipase level was found to be reduced 0.3 cu (normal 0.5-2.0 cu). The patient was put on a low-fat diet, after which serial fundus photographs showed an improvement in the fundus appearance. Follow-up lipid profile estimations showed a decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. After 6 months of follow-up complete reversal of lipaemia retinalis was documented. In this case, reversal of lipaemia retinalis occurred with dietary therapy alone.
Adolescent↗
Mismatch negativity in the neurophysiologic/behavioral evaluation of auditory processing deficits: a case study.
The subject of this case report is an 18-year-old woman with grossly abnormal auditory brain stem response (ABR), normal peripheral hearing, and specific behavioral auditory processing deficits. Auditory middle latency responses (MLRs) and cortical potentials N1, P2, and P300 were intact. The mismatch negativity (MMN) was normal in response to certain synthesized speech stimuli and impaired to others--consistent with her behavioral discrimination of these stimuli. Behavioral tests of auditory processing were consistent with auditory brain stem dysfunction. A neuropsychological evaluation revealed normal intellectual and academic performance. The subject was in her first year of college at the time of the evaluation. This case study is important because: (1) Although there have been several reports of absent/abnormal ABR with preserved peripheral hearing and deficits in auditory processing, little is known about the specific nature of the auditory deficits experienced by these individuals. Such information may be valuable to the clinical management of patients with this constellation of findings. (2) Of interest is the information that the mismatch negativity (MMN) cortical event-related potential can bring to the evaluation of patients with auditory processing deficits. The MMN reflects central auditory processing of small acoustic differences and may provide an objective measure of auditory discrimination. (3) From a theorectical standpoint, a patient with neural deficits affecting specific components of the auditory pathway provides insight into the relationship between evoked potentials and physiological mechanisms of auditory processing. How do various components of the auditory pathway contribute to speech discrimination? How might evoked potentials reflect the processes underlying the neural coding of specific features of speech stimuli such as timing and spectral cues?
Achievement↗
Topical phenytoin in wound healing.
BACKGROUND: Phenytoin, introduced in 1937 as an antiseizure medication, has since been reported to promote wound healing when applied as a topical agent. This study was undertaken to evaluate its effectiveness in chronic skin ulcers. METHODS: Seventy-five inpatients with chronic skin ulcers were included in this controlled trial. Forty patients were treated with topical phenytoin, and 35 patients with conventional saline dressings. Assessment of the wounds included wound area, bacteriologic cultures, and clinical assessment by blind observers at baseline and every 7 days thereafter over the 4-week treatment period. RESULTS: Wound area reduction was greater in the phenytoin group than in controls. Fifty percent of phenytoin-treated wounds had negative cultures by day 7, compared to 17% of controls. Healthy granulation tissue appeared earlier with phenytoin. At the end of the fourth week, 29 of 40 phenytoin-treated ulcers had healed completely versus 10 of 35 controls. CONCLUSIONS: Topical phenytoin appears to be an effective, inexpensive, and widely available therapeutic agent in wound healing. Further clinical use and evaluation is merited.
Administration, Topical↗
Active domains of fimbrillin involved in adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis.
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Bacterial Adhesion↗
Expression of a functional Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin polypeptide in Escherichia coli: purification, physicochemical and immunochemical characterization, and binding characteristics.
Fimbriae have been reported to play an important role in the adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis to oral surfaces and possibly in triggering host responses. A structural subunit of the fimbriae, fimbrillin, has been shown to be important in binding of the bacterium to saliva-coated oral surfaces. In the present study, a coding region of the fimbrillin gene from P. gingivalis 2561 was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the pET-11d vector. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21, and protein expression was induced with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside. The expressed protein was purified from insoluble inclusion bodies after solubilization with urea and gel filtration chromatography. The purified recombinant fimbrillin polypeptide, r-fim 10-337, corresponded to amino acid residues 10 to 337 of the deduced amino acid sequence of fimbrillin. In immunoblot analysis, r-fim 10-337 reacted with antibodies to fimbrillin purified from P. gingivalis, as well as with antibodies to synthetic peptides corresponding to the amino acid sequence of fimbrillin. The apparent molecular mass of r-fim 10-337 was estimated to be 41 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. The r-fim 10-337 polypeptide was capable of inhibiting the binding of P. gingivalis 2561 to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads. These results suggest that the fimbrillin subunit polypeptide plays an important role in binding of P. gingivalis cells to saliva-coated surfaces. We describe here the successful expression and purification of a functionally and immunologically reactive recombinant P. gingivalis fimbrillin subunit from E. coli.
Bacterial Adhesion↗
Influence of place of delivery on outcome in babies with gastroschisis.
In order to determine whether the elective delivery of babies with gastroschisis confers advantages in outcome, the case-notes of all babies referred to Bristol with gastroschisis over a 10 year period were reviewed. Various factors were compared between babies born in Bristol and those born elsewhere in the South West region. One neonate from the outborn group died after transfer to Bristol but otherwise there was no evidence that transfer and elective delivery in Bristol conferred any advantage. The important of effective resuscitation of outborn babies before transfer is emphasised and guidelines for resuscitation given.
Abdominal Muscles↗
Becker muscular dystrophy: an unusual presentation.
A 15 year old boy who presented with passing painless dark urine was found to have myoglobinuria. His creatine phosphokinase was raised, and a muscle biopsy specimen showed non-specific dystrophic changes. Subsequent DNA analysis led to the diagnosis of Becker muscular dystrophy. Myoglobinuria may be a presenting symptom of Becker muscular dystrophy.
Adolescent↗