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Biomedical subjects

A White

Publications and source records attributed to A White.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Methyl groups of thymine bases are important for nucleic acid recognition by DtxR.

The expression of diphtheria toxin is controlled by the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). Under conditions of high iron concentration, DtxR binds the tox operator to inhibit transcription. To study how DNA binding specificity is achieved by this repressor, we solved the crystal structure of the nickel(II) activated DtxR(C102D) mutant complexed with a 43mer DNA duplex containing the DtxR consensus binding sequence. Structural analysis of this complex and comparison with a previously determined DtxR(C102D)-Ni(II)-tox operator ternary complex revealed unusual van der Waals interactions between Ser37/Pro39 of the repressor helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif and the methyl groups of specific thymine bases in the consensus binding sequence. Gel mobility shift assays utilizing deoxyuridine modified duplex DNA probes proved the importance of these interactions: the four methyl groups shown to interact with Ser37/Pro39 in the crystal structure contribute a total of 3.4 kcal/mol to binding energy. Thus, in addition to making base-specific hydrogen-bonding interactions to the DNA through its Gln43 residue, DtxR also recognizes methyl groups at certain positions in the DNA sequence with its Ser37 and Pro39 side chains, to achieve binding specificity toward its cognate operator sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Crystal structure at 2.4 A resolution of Borrelia burgdorferi inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase: evidence of a substrate-induced hinged-lid motion by loop 6.

The conversion of inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) to xanthosine 5'-monophosphate (XMP) is the committed and rate-limiting reaction in de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis. Inosine 5'- monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is the enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of IMP to XMP with the concomitant reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (from NAD(+) to NADH). Because of its critical role in purine biosynthesis, IMPDH is a drug design target for anticancer, antiinfective, and immunosuppressive chemotherapy. We have determined the crystal structure of IMPDH from Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial spirochete that causes Lyme disease, with a sulfate ion bound in the IMP phosphate binding site. This is the first structure of IMPDH in the absence of substrate or cofactor where the active-site loop (loop 6), which contains the essential catalytic residue Cys 229, is clearly defined in the electron density. We report that a seven residue region of loop 6, including Cys229, is tilted more than 6 A away from its position in substrate- or substrate analogue-bound structures of IMPDH, suggestive of a conformational change. The location of this loop between beta6 and alpha6 links IMPDH to a family of beta/alpha barrel enzymes known to utilize this loop as a functional lid during catalysis. Least-squares minimization, root-mean-square deviation analysis, and inspection of the molecular surface of the loop 6 region in the substrate-free B. burgdorferi IMPDH and XMP-bound Chinese hamster IMPDH show that loop 6 follows a similar pattern of hinged rigid-body motion and indicates that IMPDH may be using loop 6 to bind and sequester substrate and to recruit an essential catalytic residue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Diffuse interface keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): a nonspecific syndrome.

PURPOSE: To characterize the presentation of diffuse interface keratitis after laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Diffuse interface keratitis occurred in the left eye of a postoperative LASIK patient after central epithelial debridement without exposure of the flap margin or elevation of the flap. CONCLUSION: Diffuse interface keratitis is a nonspecific presentation of corneal inflammation after LASIK, with accumulation of inflammatory cells in the potential space of the interface. Diffuse interface keratitis after LASIK may have multiple causes.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

'Homeopathy' it is

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Media review

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Media review

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Progestins abrogate estrogen-induced changes in the insulin-like growth factor axis.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of oral progestins on estrogen-mediated changes in the insulin-like growth factor axis in the peripheral circulation. STUDY DESIGN: Oral conjugated equine estrogen alone or in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate, desogestrel, or norethindrone was given in a randomized triple-crossover fashion to 10 healthy postmenopausal women, and the effects on the insulin-like growth factor axis were determined. RESULTS: Baseline circulating insulin-like growth factor I levels were significantly reduced by conjugated equine estrogen (359 +/- 54 vs 225 +/- 44 ng/mL; P =.0001). This effect was reversed by progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate, 254 +/- 44 ng/mL; desogestrel, 266 +/- 50 ng/mL; norethindrone, 286 +/- 48 ng/mL; F = 12.2; P =.0015). Free insulin-like growth factor I was reduced by conjugated equine estrogen (1.00 +/- 0.15 ng/mL vs 2.10 +/- 0.39 ng/mL; P =.004), but addition of progestogens had no further effect. Insulin-like growth factor II and insulin levels were unaffected by conjugated equine estrogen or progestins. Plasma insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 concentration increased significantly from baseline with conjugated equine estrogen alone (44.1 +/- 6.0 vs 154 +/- 30 microg/L; P =.003). This rise was opposed by progestins of increasing androgenicity (medroxyprogesterone acetate, 130 +/- 26 microg/L; desogestrel, 100 +/- 16 microg/L; norethindrone, 78.0 +/- 12 microg/L; F = 12.5; P =.0015). Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 levels fell with conjugated equine estrogen, and this was reversed by progestins (conjugated equine estrogen, 2.17 +/- 0.13 mg/L; vs norethindrone and conjugated equine estrogen, 2.41 +/- 0.12 mg/L; F = 7.6; P =.01). Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 levels increased with conjugated equine estrogen with or without progestins, whereas insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 levels were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of androgenic progestins abrogates estrogen-related changes in circulating insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. Such hormone replacement therapy-induced changes may have significant consequences for the development of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and implications for the use of insulin-like growth factor I in monitoring growth hormone replacement.

Cross-Over Studies↗
PubMed2000

Contrasting views and experiences of health professionals on the management of comorbid substance misuse and mental disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To determine opinions and experiences of health professionals concerning the management of people with comorbid substance misuse and mental health disorders. METHOD: We conducted a survey of staff from mental health services and alcohol and drug services across Queensland. Survey items on problems and potential solutions had been generated by focus groups. RESULTS: We analysed responses from 112 staff of alcohol and drug services and 380 mental health staff, representing a return of 79% and 42% respectively of the distributed surveys. One or more issues presented a substantial clinical management problem for 98% of respondents. Needs for increased facilities or services for dual disorder clients figured prominently. These included accommodation or respite care, work and rehabilitation programs, and support groups and resource materials for families. Needs for adolescent dual diagnosis services and after-hours alcohol and drug consultations were also reported. Each of these issues raised substantial problems for over 70% of staff. Another set of problems involved coordination of client care across mental health and alcohol and drug services, including disputes over duty of care. Difficulties with intersectoral liaison were more pronounced for alcohol and drug staff than for mental health. A majority of survey respondents identified 13 solutions as practical. These included routine screening for dual diagnosis at intake, and a range of proposals for closer intersectoral communication such as exchanging client information, developing shared treatment plans, conducting joint case conferences and offering consultation facilities. CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of problems for the management of comorbid disorders were identified. While solution of some problems will require resource allocation, many may be addressed by closer liaison between existing services.

Attitude to Health↗