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Biomedical subjects

B Pal

Publications and source records attributed to B Pal.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Mapping of a palmitoylatable band 3-binding domain of human erythrocyte membrane protein 4.2.

Evidence accumulated over the years suggests that human erythrocyte membrane protein 4.2 is one of the proteins involved in strengthening the cytoskeleton-membrane interactions in the red blood cell. Deficiency of protein 4.2 is linked with a variety of hereditary haemolytic anaemia. However, the interactions of protein 4.2 with other proteins of the erythrocyte membrane remain poorly understood. The major membrane-binding site for protein 4.2 resides on the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (CDB3). In order to carry out an initial characterization of its interaction with the CDB3, protein 4. 2 was subjected to proteolytic cleavage and gel renaturation assay, and the 23-kDa N-terminal domain was found to interact with band 3. This domain contained two putative palmitoylatable cysteine residues, of which cysteine 203 was identified as the palmitoylatable cysteine. Recombinant glutathione S-transferase-fusion peptides derived from this domain were characterized with respect to their ability to interact with the CDB3. Whereas these studies do not rule out the involvement of other subsites on protein 4.2 in interaction with the CDB3, the evidence suggests that the region encompassing amino acid residues 187-211 is one of the domains critical for the protein 4.2-CDB3 interaction. This is also the first demonstration that palmitoylation serves as a positive modulator of this interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Is routine synovial fluid analysis necessary? Lessons and recommendations from an audit.

This audit of 408 synovial fluid samples, analysed for cell counts and crystals, revealed that crystals were present in only 25 samples (6.1%). Of these, in only three patients was the diagnosis uncertain and therefore the analysis helpful. Cell counts and types generally reflected known underlying diagnoses of inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis. Routine synovial fluid analysis does not contribute to diagnosis or management in established rheumatic disorders and should be performed only when the underlying cause is uncertain or in newly presenting patients. Major savings can be made by abandoning routine synovial fluid analysis.

Diagnostic Tests, Routine↗
PubMed1999

Perceived risks of joint infection following intra-articular corticosteroid injections: a survey of rheumatologists.

There are no clear published data on the risks of bacterial arthritis following intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Forty rheumatologists were given a detailed questionnaire; 32 (response 80%) completed questionnaires were analysed. On the basis of recalled cases of post-injection joint infection we estimate this risk to be low, at 4.6/100,000 injections.

Arthritis, Infectious↗
PubMed1999

Acute inflammatory (non-purulent) arthritis concomitant with a developing breast abscess.

A 34 year old female presented 7 weeks post-partum with acute diffuse arthritic manifestations and pyrexia. Extensive investigations (grossly raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], normal serology and others) were performed to pursue a diagnosis. Subsequently a breast abscess was diagnosed. Surgical treatment of this led to almost immediate resolution of the joint complaints and return of ESR/CRP to normal levels. This was considered a hitherto unreported case of acute non-purulent inflammatory arthritis concomitant to an existing infection elsewhere in the body. The pathogenic mechanism is unclear but speculatively toxin-mediated.

Abscess↗
PubMed1999

Increased prevalence of sicca complex and fibromyalgia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: As many as 70% of patients with fibromyalgia complain of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but there is a clinical impression that IBS patients do not suffer from fibromyalgia as frequently. The sicca complex (dry eyes and mouth) is also commonly observed in fibromyalgia, but its prevalence in IBS has not been evaluated. Our objective was to assess the frequency of fibromyalgia and sicca complex in secondary care patients with IBS. METHODS: Forty-six secondary care patients with IBS and 46 healthy controls were assessed by a rheumatologist for the presence of fibromyalgia and objective evidence of sicca complex (Schirmer and Rose-Bengal tests). Psychological status was also assessed (HAD questionnaire). RESULTS: Thirteen (28%) IBS patients suffered from fibromyalgia, compared with five (11%) controls, a difference of 17% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 2-33%). Fifteen (33%) IBS patients versus three (6%) controls had sicca complex, a difference of 27% (95% CI, 11-45%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the prevalence of fibromyalgia in IBS is approximately half that of IBS in fibromyalgia. Furthermore, sicca complex seems to be another complaint that should be added to the list of extracolonic manifestations of IBS. Study of the overlap between functional disorders presenting to different specialties may give new insights into the pathophysiology of these puzzling conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

What counselling do patients with ankylosing spondylitis receive? Results of a questionnaire survey.

This questionnaire survey of 71 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society of the UK) revealed that a substantial proportion of patients were apparently not told of several aspects of their illness by their doctors such as likely cause(s), familial clustering, role of HLA tissue typing and diet (appropriately). Only a small percentage (4.2%) were counselled to actively seek screening for close family members. As HLA B27 presence is not diagnostic of ankylosing spondylitis, and it cannot be prevented or arrested even if diagnosed at onset or early stages, routine screening of close family members cannot be justified at present.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMed1998

Weak association between subjective symptoms or and objective testing for dry eyes and dry mouth: results from a population based study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine associations between symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth and objective evidence of lacrimal and salivary gland dysfunction in a population based sample. To determine associations between these elements and the presence of autoantibodies. METHODS: A cross sectional population based survey. Subjects were interviewed and examined (Schirmer-1 test and unstimulated salivary flow) for the presence of dry eyes and mouth. Antibodies (anti-Ro [SS-A], anti-La [SS-B], rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody) were measured. RESULTS: 341 subjects were examined. Twenty four per cent had dry eye symptoms, 29% dry mouth symptoms, and 14% both. There was only a weak association between the presence of oral or ocular symptoms and their respective test results. Associations were strongest between dry mouth symptoms and positive test results, and in subjects under 55 years of age. There was no association between the presence of autoantibodies and either symptoms or signs of dry eyes or dry mouth. CONCLUSION: Only weak associations were found between self reported symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth and objective measures said to define Sjögrens syndrome in the general population. The clinical significance of these symptoms in the community needs reappraisal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Spectroscopic characterization of gelonin--assignments secondary structure and thermal denaturation.

Gelonin, a type 1 ribosome inactivating protein (RIP), having only one polypeptide chain, and which could be used against deadly diseases like cancer and AIDS is investigated spectroscopically through infrared (IR), diffused reflectance infrared fourier transform (DRIFT) and Raman techniques and observed vibrational modes are assigned. It is found that gelonin is having mainly alpha-helix and beta-sheet structure with some turn and disordered structure, the estimated percentage structure using Raman data being approximately 32% alpha-helix, approximately 20% beta-sheet, approximately 26% turn and approximately 22% disorder type. The temperature dependent infrared study of gelonin reveals its thermal stability, the denaturation temperature being around 60 degrees C and disordered contribution increasing with heating.

Plant Proteins↗
PubMed1998

Why do outpatients fail to keep their clinic appointments? Results from a survey and recommended remedial actions.

We undertook a survey of 2555 outpatients (both new and review) to look at the reasons for high non-attendance (DNA) rates. Completed questionnaires (n = 983, 38.5% response) indicated the main reasons: forgetting or not receiving the appointment because of illness, and less often because of feeling better; transport problems; and short notice. Our remedial actions included improving the clerical system, announcing DNA rates on a regular basis in GP surgeries and in the outpatient department, introducing a tear-off slip with the appointment letter for patients to return, installing a free answerphone, active GP/consultant involvement in DNA-related problems and local publicity campaigns. A new scheme in our trust--outpatient telephone follow-up--may also help in reducing DNA rates.

Appointments and Schedules↗
PubMed1997

Routine synovial fluid culture: is it necessary? Lessons from an audit.

An estimated third of rheumatologists send aspirated synovial fluid samples for culture routinely during the course of management of their patients irrespective of the underlying diagnosis. This is done apparently even when sepsis is not suspected. This audit of 507 synovial fluid culture requests revealed that positive bacterial growth was rare even when sepsis was queried on the request forms but none was positive in any of the routine samples. Our findings throw doubt on the value of routine synovial fluid culture. We recommend that such cultures are undertaken when infection is a possibility and in immuno-compromised patients. An average health district would save pounds 3000 per annum if such a policy was adopted, but across the National Health Service as a whole the total expenditure saved on this unnecessary investigation would be considerable.

Adolescent↗