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Biomedical subjects

B Kaul

Publications and source records attributed to B Kaul.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

The deveolopment of a radioimmunoassy for detection of cocaine metabolites.

This paper describes the production of antibenzoylecgonine (BE) serum in rabbits and sheep from an ecgonine-sheep gamma globulin conjugate. With the use of this antiserum a radioimmunoassay was developed capable of detecting 5 to 10 ng of benzoylecgonine, a major cocaine metabolite in human urine. The antibody recognized ecgonine approximately 1/2, benzoylnorecgonine 1/10, cocaine, 1/5, and norcocaine and ecgonine methyl ester less than 1/50 as much as benzoylecgonine. The radioimmunoassay has been utilized in the measurement of benzoylecgonine levels in human urines and in organs and biological fluids of rabbits and rats. Qualitative results were compared with the Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique and thin-layer chromatography and found to be in good agreement. The technique is the most sensitive one available for monitoring cocaine ingestion by man and allows for specific determination of benzoylecgonine directly in urine without extraction and/or derivatization. Although ecgonine-sheep gamma globulin was used as the immunogen, the total antibody produced by both species was more reactive with respect to BE. The greater reactivity to BE suggests a possible conversion of a significant portion of the conjugated ecgonine in vivo to compound(s) conformationally more closely related to BE against which the major portion of the total antibody subsequently elicited was directed.

Animals↗
PubMed1965

Visnagin: biosynthesis and isolation from Ammi visnagi suspension cultures.

During an examination of Ammi visnaga Lam. suspension cultures for the biosynthesis of furanochromones and related medicinal compounds, visnagin was isolated in crystalline form and identified. Thus, certain medicinally important secondary plant metabolites may be produced in appreciable amounts by plant tissue cultures.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Application of a radioimmunoassay screening test for detection and management of phencyclidine intoxication.

A radioimmunoassay procedure has been developed to monitor patients suspected of phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. Symptoms in 11 patients suspected of phencyclidine intoxication included violent, aggressive behavior with delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and other signs of toxic psychosis. In five subjects serum concentrations of PCP ranged between 0.5 and 40 ng/ml. For laboratory confirmation, ascorbic acid should be administered to the patient after collecting the initial urine specimen. The initial urine and the first and second specimen after acidification should be collected and submitted for analysis. By following this provocative mobilization procedure, phencyclidine has been identified in the first or second postacidification urine when the initial specimen gave either a negative or questionable reaction. Patients reporting to emergency rooms with hallucinations and psychosis and a history of "pot" smoking should be screened for the presence of phencyclidine in their blood and urine. For those cases that turn out to be negative for the phencyclidine group of compounds, other hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide, ketamine, mescaline, or psilocybin may be suspect.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lead exposure and iron deficiency among Jammu and New Delhi children.

In order to examine the prevalence of lead exposure and iron deficiency in Jammu, blood lead (B-Pb) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP-ZnPP) levels were measured in a group of 125 children and compared with B-Pb and EP levels of 46 New Delhi children. The mean B-Pb level of Jammu children was 15 micrograms/dl and ZnPP level 46 micrograms/dl. The frequency distribution of B-Pb in Jammu children according to the 1997 CDC stratification showed that only 33% were below the 10 micrograms/dl "normal" threshold levels and 50.5% were between 10-19 micrograms/dl, an increasing level of concern. The remaining 16.5% were in the medical intervention lead poisoned level between 20-87 micrograms/dl with corresponding EP levels between 29-160 micrograms/dl. The mean B-Pb and ZnPP levels for New Delhi children were 14 micrograms/dl and 55 micrograms/dl respectively. This study on Jammu children shows a modest increase in mean B-Pb and EP levels from those in 1985; the percentage of children with higher levels of B-Pb > 10 micrograms/dl have significantly increased. Moreover, the continued underlying high prevalence of iron deficiency among these children predisposes them to increased lead absorption from various sources thus aggravating further, the detrimental effects of lead. Therefore, a more extensive screening of all children below 10 years of age and an ongoing B-Pb and EP monitoring and iron supplementation programme for Jammu and New Delhi is essential. An environmental assessment of the sources leading to serious lead intoxication problem in Jammu, a rapidly growing and overpopulated city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is strongly recommended.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Elevated blood lead in a population near a lead smelter in Kosovo, Yugoslavia.

A survey of residents of a community surrounding a lead smelter has revealed an alarming incidence of elevated blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations. In particular, children who were less than 3 yr of age were severely affected. Of those children tested in December, 1980, 35% had blood lead concentrations between 50-69 microgram/dl, while an additional 12% had concentrations greater than or equal to 70 microgram/dl, and are, therefore, at risk for severe neurological sequelae.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lead, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and ferritin levels in cord blood.

A pilot study was initiated to examine cord blood from approximately 300 newborns of various ethnic groups from two New York City hospitals for lead (Pb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), ferritin (FRT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels during 1979 and 1980. Results showed an overall mean Pb level of 8 +/- 4 micrograms/dl, EP level of 61 +/- 26 micrograms/dl [geometric mean (GM) = 66.36], FRT level of 165 +/- 107 ng/ml (GM = 135.99), and a distribution frequency of Hb with nearly 69% between 13.5 and 16.9 g % (mean +/- standard deviation = 15 +/- 1), 20% below 13.4 g % (12 +/- 2 g %), and 11% at or above 17.0 g % (18 +/- 1 g %). Both EP and FRT showed a bimodal distribution. There was a negative correlation between blood EP and plasma FRT levels that was significant at the .03% level. The study also showed that a significant drop in mean cord blood Pb levels occurred compared with earlier studies. Follow up of newborns with mildly elevated Pb and EP levels should be made and screening of mothers for Pb levels during early pregnancy should constitute a part of prenatal care, particularly for those from urban areas with previously demonstrated environmental Pb hazard.

Ethnicity↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Elevated blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels of children near a battery-recycling plant in Haina, Dominican Republic.

A survey of children from a community adjacent to an auto-battery-recycling smelter in Haina, the Dominican Republic, revealed alarming elevations of blood lead (B-Pb) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP-ZnPP) compared with controls. The authors recommend follow-up confirmation and treatment of severely lead-poisoned children, shutdown of the plant, controlled disposal of the hazardous waste from the site, and relocation of the community.

Automobiles↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Re-emergence of lead poisoning from contaminated flour in a West Bank Palestinian village.

Although contaminated flour was first described as an important source of endemic lead poisoning in the Middle East almost 20 years ago, the use of lead in community flour mills has not been eliminated and continues to represent a significant environmental risk. The authors describe an outbreak of lead poisoning in a West Bank Palestinian family and draw attention to this unusual but important source of lead exposure. All 13 members of the family (two children and 11 adults), were found to have lead poisoning following hospitalization for "gastroenteritis," headache, joint pain, weight loss, and vision difficulties. Seven females had low hemoglobin levels. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 42 to 84 microg/dL. Household flour samples obtained from a stone mill, previously closed because of lead contamination, contained 2,000 ppm lead. Flour from traditional stone mills reinforced with lead joints remains a potential source for lead poisoning.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lead poisoning from art restoration and pottery work: unusual exposure source and household risk.

Two cases of lead poisoning following exposures in the arts and crafts environment are presented. The first illustrates the impact of an unusual exposure source experienced by a female art conservator while restoring an antique Peruvian tapestry from the Chancay Period (A.D. 1000-1500). The second demonstrates the extension to the artist's family members of a lead hazard associated with pottery work. Noted were a wide spectrum of clinical and biochemical abnormalities, ranging from severe neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms to subtle alterations in the biosynthetic pathway of heme. Marked elevation of the blood lead level (up to 130 mcg/100 mL) was found in the most severe case of lead poisoning. The cases illustrate the need for industrial hygiene measures in this type of work in order to prevent lead intoxication, both in the adult artist and children in the household. However, in some instances of increased lead absorption in persons with lead-related hobbies, sources other than those associated with arts and crafts should be investigated. This alternative is illustrated by a third case, in which firearms training was the more likely source of excessive exposure. Multiple occupational factors must occasionally be considered in evaluating increased lead absorption.

Adult↗