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Biomedical subjects

C Miller

Publications and source records attributed to C Miller.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Frameshifting in the expression of the Escherichia coli trpR gene.

The trpR gene of Escherichia coli carries an open reading frame that encodes the trp repressor, 108 amino acids long. Here we show that translation of an additional (+1) reading frame of trpR occurs both in vivo and in vitro. This results in the synthesis of a stable +1 frame polypeptide. Using site-specific mutagenesis, immunological techniques and amino acid sequencing we have found that the N-terminus of the +1 frame product and that of the known 0 frame product are identical but that their C-termini differ. Our results are discussed in relation to the role of natural frameshifting as a regulatory mechanism of gene expression in general, and with respect to tryptophan biosynthesis in particular.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

A heparin-coated circuit reduces complement activation and the release of leukocyte inflammatory mediators during extracorporeal circulation in a rabbit.

Heparin coating modifies complement activation during extracorporeal circulation much more effectively than systemically administered heparin. This rabbit study was undertaken to address possible mechanisms responsible for this difference. We evaluated the effect of heparin coating on complement activation and subsequently the release of leukocyte inflammatory mediators during extracorporeal circulation through a simplified circuit. We found in the heparin-coated group a significantly reduced complement hemolytic activity (CH50), remaining higher leukocyte numbers, significantly decreased release of beta-glucuronidase, and most strikingly a complete prevention of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) formation. The significantly reduced CH50 activity in the heparin-coated groups indicates the reduction of one or more native classical complement products. This could be explained by the absorption of complement components by the circuit, which results in reduced activity of the complement cascade. We conclude therefore that heparin coating reduces complement activation and consequently reduces the release of leukocyte inflammatory mediators.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Carbamazepine versus oxazepam in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal: a double-blind study.

The use of more than 130 drugs and drug combinations against the alcohol withdrawal syndrome reflects the fact that views on its treatment are far from being unequivocal. Benzodiazepines are the first choice treatment but it should not be disregarded that they have side effects and, above all, a varying risk of dependency themselves. In recent years many trials have focused on carbamazepine in this respect. Its efficacy was proven in various open and double-blind studies, most of them using concomitant sedative drugs, thereby diminishing the reliability of the results. In a double-blind study we compared the efficacy of carbamazepine with that of oxazepam, in 60 in-patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The main rating instrument was the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Scale--Alcohol (CIWA-A). The 7-day trial showed equal efficacy of carbamazepine and oxazepam during the first 5 days and a statistically significant superiority of carbamazepine on days 6 and 7. Four patients in each group had to be dropped from the study due to side effects or after having withdrawn informed consent. There was no decrease in white blood counts under carbamazepine. The experiences with carbamazepine up to now suggest a more widespread use, especially in non-delirious withdrawal states.

Adult↗