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Biomedical subjects

J Gilroy

Publications and source records attributed to J Gilroy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Purification, properties and amino acid sequence of a low-Mr abundant seed protein from pea (Pisum sativum L.).

The seeds of pea (Pisum sativum L.) contain several proteins in the albumin solubility fraction that are significant components of total cotyledonary protein (5-10%) and are accumulated in developing seeds concurrently with storage-protein synthesis. One of these proteins, of low Mr and designated 'Psa LA', has been purified, characterized and sequenced. Psa LA has an Mr of 11000 and contains polypeptides of Mr 6000, suggesting that the protein molecules are dimeric. The amino acid sequence contains 54 residues, with a high content (10/54) of asparagine/aspartate. It has no inhibitory action towards trypsin or chymotrypsin, and is distinct from the inhibitors of those enzymes found in pea seeds, nor does it inhibit hog pancreatic alpha-amylase. The protein contains no methionine, but significant amounts of cysteine (four residues per polypeptide), suggesting a possible role as a sulphur storage protein. However, its sequence is not homologous with low-Mr (2S) storage proteins from castor bean (Ricinus communis) or rape (Brassica napus). Psa LA therefore represents a new type of low-Mr seed protein.

Albumins↗

Monocular pattern-shift visual evoked potentials in hemispheric strokes.

Monocular pattern-shift visual evoked potentials were obtained in (i) 33 patients with unilateral non-hemorrhagic hemispheric infarction (age 50-79 years; 23 males, 10 females), (ii) 21 age- and sex-matched patient controls (control group or CGI) with no remote or recent stroke, normal neurological examination and similar incidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and heart disease, and (iii) 21 age- and sex-matched healthy elderly community volunteers (CGII). Subjects with history of glaucoma, cataracts, other media opacities or symptomatic retinal lesions were not considered or included in any of the 3 study groups. In addition, all subjects in each of the 3 groups had a normal ocular and fundoscopic examination. The mean interocular P100 latency difference in the stroke group was significantly greater than that in CGI or II (P less than 0.01). The mean interocular P100 amplitude ratio (small P100/large P100) in the stroke subjects was significantly different from that of CGI or II (P less than 0.02). The mean P100 latency on ocular stimulation ipsilateral to the side of infarction was significantly longer than that of either left or right ocular stimulation in CGI or II (P less than 0.01). The mean P100 latency on ocular stimulation contralateral to the side of infarction was similarly but less significantly longer than that on left or right ocular stimulation in CGI or II (P less than 0.05). Evidence of anterior visual pathway dysfunction was thus elicited in the stroke population using the technique.

Aged↗

Investigation of sex hormones in male epileptic patients.

Testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) levels were obtained in 33 male epileptic patients and 11 age-matched normal controls. The patients had significantly higher mean levels of FSH, LH, and PRL; T was decreased but not significantly so. Patients who had reported difficulties with sexual arousal on the Bear-Fedio Inventory had significantly lower T levels than those who did not. Increased LH levels correlated with younger age at onset of epilepsy and longer history of tonic clonic seizures. Increased PRL levels were related to a positive family history of epilepsy and nonfocal tonic clonic seizures. Anticonvulsant levels were unrelated to hormonal changes except for carbamazepine which was positively correlated with PRL levels.

Epilepsy↗

The vicilin gene family of pea (Pisum sativum L.): a complete cDNA coding sequence for preprovicilin.

A cDNA plasmid bank has been constructed using mRNA from developing pea seeds and three cDNAs coding for vicilin polypeptides have been selected. These cDNAs have been sequenced and between them cover the whole of the coding sequence plus part of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions. Comparison with amino acid sequence data from the protein indicates that vicilin is synthesised as preprovicilin with subsequent removal of a signal peptide and a C-terminal peptide as well as post translational endo-proteolytic cleavage. The cDNAs represent two different classes of vicilin genes whilst amino acid data show that there are at least three major classes of vicilin polypeptide. The vicilin sequences show extensive homology with conglycinin and phaseolin except in the regions of the internal proteolytic cleavages. The evolutionary significance of this relationship is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Arachnoid cyst with rupture into the subdural space.

Arachnoid cysts which develop in relation to the cerebral hemispheres are usually found in the middle cranial fossa. These cysts are usually asymptomatic but can produce symptoms if there is haemorrhage into the cyst or the development of an associated subdural hematoma. Recent publications have emphasised the association of arachnoid cysts of the middle fossa with subdural haematomas. This report describes a case of an asymptomatic arachnoid cyst which ruptured into the subdural space. This event was followed by the development of symptoms despite the lack of haemorrhage.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Mitochondrial myopathy and encephalopathy: three cases--a deficiency of NADH-CoQ dehydrogenase?

We describe three patients with mitochondrial myopathy, dementia, loss of vision and hearing, seizure disorder with myoclonus, intermittent headaches of a vascular type, visual hallucinations, cerebellar dysfunction, and lactic acidosis. Muscle biopsies in all patients and liver biopsy in one revealed abnormal mitochondria. The disorder may be due to a deficiency of mitochondrial NADH-CoQ dehydrogenase.

Adolescent↗

Abnormal computed tomograms in paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis.

In a case of paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC), an abnormality was found in the right hemisphere by computed tomography. It was not possible to define the pathological condition or the extent of the abnormality, and it is not known whether there was involvement of the basal ganglia. Nevertheless, this finding supports the concept that PKC results from an abnormality at the level of the cerebral hemisphere.

Adult↗

Binaural masking-level differences in neurological disorders.

Binaural, speech detection masking-level differences (MLDs) were measured in 26 patients with documented brainstem and cerebral level lesions and in ten control subjects with normal hearing to determine the lesion's effects on the size of the MLD. Lesion level was determined on the basis of clinical findings, roentgenographic studies, auditory evoked potential recordings, and surgical findings when appropriate. Results showed there were no significant differences between MLDs of normal subjects and of patients with cerebral level or rostral pontine, midbrain, or thalamic level lesions, MLDs were significantly smaller than for other groups. Findings support the hypothesis that speech MLDs may originate from auditory centers at the pontomedullary region of the brainstem and may be a useful test to aid in the localization of central auditory dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

Computerized tomography and auditory-evoked potentials. Use in the diagnosis of olivopontocerebellar degeneration.

The pneumoencephalogram has been the only diagnostic test available to confirm the diagnosis of olivopontocerebellar degeneration during life. This study suggests that pneumoencephalography may be obsolete and that the diagnosis of olivopontocerebellar degeneration may be established by abnormalities seen during computerized tomography (CT) and by abnormal responses to auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs). The combination of CT scans and AEPs provides a completely nontraumatic method of diagnosis in olivopontocerebellar degeneration and eliminates the need for pneumoencephalography.

Adolescent↗

Auditory evoked brain stem potentials in a case of "locked-in" syndrome.

Auditory evoked brain stem potentials were measured in a patient with occlusion of the basilar artery about 7 mm above its origin, resulting in the "locked-in" syndrome due to infarction at the junction of the lower one third and upper two thirds of the pons. The first three waves of the evoked response originating from the acoustic nerve and auditory nuclei in the caudal pons were normal in wave form, peak latency, and voltage level. Waves IV and V, generated in the region of the lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus in rostral pons and caudal midbrain, demonstrated prolonged peak latency and reduced voltage, indicative of slowed neural conduction in the pons above the level of the superior olivary complex. These findings suggest that auditory evoked potential recordings may have considerable value in the localization of brain stem disorders.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Myophosphorylase deficiency (McArdle's disease): report of a family.

The clinical and biochemical findings are presented of two brothers suffering from McArdle's Disease (Myophosphorylase Deficiency). Tissue enzyme estimations and lactate levels were done in affected and non-affected members of the family. Affected members showed absence of phosphorylase enzyme by histochemical and quantitative estimation. No quantitative abnormalities were found in other enzyme systems of glycolytic pathways in the family investigated. Various other aspects of clinical features, biochemical abnormalities and inheritance are discussed.

Adult↗

Vitamin A induced benign intracranial hypertension.

A case of benign intracranial hypertension due to prolonged administration of a low dose of Vitamin A is described in a young male investigated as a brain tumor suspect. Computerized axial tomography showed small and symmetrical lateral ventricles which was consistent with the diagnosis. The syndrome of benign intracranial hypertension and its relationship to chronic Vitamin A toxicity is discussed.

Acne Vulgaris↗