A clinical study of Kleine-Levin syndrome with evidence for hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
M K Das
Publications and source records attributed to M K Das.
Endoglucanase production by paper-degrading mycoflora.
Fourteen fungal species, namely Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ustus, Penicillium islandicum, P. wortmannii, Memnoniella echinata, Cladosporium herbarum, Stachybotrys atra, Chaetomium globosum, Fusarium oxysporum, Torula herbarum, Alternaria alternata and Curvularia uncinata were isolated from different grades of paper. They differ in their distribution on various kinds of paper and also in relative occurrence. While seasonal influence on mycoflora was observed, most of the moulds were capable of growing in all three seasons examined (summer, winter, rainy season). The moulds were cellulolytic in nature and endoglucanase activity was greatest in Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, P. wortmannii and P. islandicum.
Cellulase↗
Life events preceding relapse of schizophrenia.
In this study, retrospective assessment of life events over a period of one year was carried out in two groups of schizophrenic patients. Each group had 30 patients. One group comprised "relapsing" schizophrenics and the other consisted of "stable" patients. The group of "relapsing" schizophrenics had experienced a significantly greater number of life events and also had a significantly higher stress score than the "stable" group. However, analysis of the distribution of life events over the study period of one year showed no increase in the frequency of occurrence of life events in the three months prior to relapse. Similarly, no such significant increase in the stress score was seen in the same period of time in the group which had relapsed. Treatment compliance and stress scores accounted for nearly 40% of the variance of the data in the "relapsing" group. Implications of the findings are highlighted.
Humans↗
Method to produce American Thoracic Society flow-time waveforms using a mechanical pump.
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recently adopted a new set of 26 standard flow-time waveforms for use in testing both diagnostic and monitoring devices. Some of these waveforms have a higher frequency content than present in the ATS-24 standard volume-time waveforms, which, when produced by a mechanical pump, may result in a pump flow output that is less than the desired flow due to gas compression losses within the pump. To investigate the effects of gas compression, a mechanical pump was used to generate the necessary flows to test mini-Wright and Assess peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters. Flow output from the pump was measured by two different independent methods, a pneumotachometer and a method based on piston displacement and pressure measured within the pump. Measuring output flow based on piston displacement and pressure has been validated using a pneumotachometer and mini-Wright PEF meter, and found to accurately measure pump output. This method introduces less resistance (lower back-pressure) and dead space volume than using a pneumotachometer in series with the meter under test. Pump output flow was found to be lower than the desired flow both with the mini-Wright and Assess meters (for waveform No. 26, PEFs 7.1 and 10.9% lower, respectively). To compensate for losses due to gas compression, we have developed a method of deriving new input waveforms, which, when used to drive a commercially available mechanical pump, accurately and reliably produces the 26 ATS flow-time waveforms, even those with the fastest rise-times.
Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
Genetic analysis of a larval color mutant, yellow larva, in Anopheles sundaicus.
One larval body color mutant, yellow larva (yl), was isolated from a newly established cyclic colony of Anopheles sundaicus. The inheritance pattern revealed that yellow larva was an autosomal recessive mutant.
Animals↗
Anomalies in hepatobiliary excretion of technetium-99m-MAG3 preparations.
Technetium-99m-MAG3 is accepted as a renal tubular function agent. However, sporadic liver and gall bladder visualisation during its clinical use is clearly a disadvantage. HPLC-purified 99mTc-MAG3 samples exhibited appreciable hepatobiliary uptake (7%), and an elevated level of such uptake was observed in unpurified kit preparations, which was stated to be associated with the excretory property of the radiolabeled kit impurities. To verify this we attempted to quantitate the hepatobiliary uptake of the kit preparations with that of its radiolabeled components. The contribution of each component toward hepatobiliary uptake of the sample was calculated from their abundance in the chelate mixture and the individual biodistribution of the isolated components. However, the anticipated hepatobiliary uptake of different preparations of 99mTc-MAG3 calculated in this way was always lower than that of the experimental value determined directly. Further work is needed to explain the anomaly.
Animals↗
Glutathione-binding proteins of Setaria digitata: antibody responses in human infected with Wuchereria bancrofti.
Glutathione-s-transferase activity was determined in filarial parasites. The activity was detected in adult stages of cattle parasite Setaria digitata. It was absent in other stages of Setaria and also in infective larval stages of Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. The activity was enhanced about twenty five fold following purification of adult setaria extracts on glutathione agarose column. Antibody (IgG and IgM) levels to the affinity purified proteins (SdGBP) were detected predominantly (90%) in Wuchereria bancrofti infected individuals compared with normal residents of endemic regions. IgA and IgE responses could not be detected. Filarial sera in contrast to non-filarial caused reduction in the enzymatic activities of Sd GBP. Microfilaraemic sera after diethylcarbamazine treatment resulted in enhanced reduction of enzymatic activity.
Animals↗
Fluorinated benzamide neuroleptics--III. Development of (S)-N-[(1-allyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-2, 3-dimethoxybenzamide as an improved dopamine D-2 receptor tracer.
We have prepared five new analogs (n-propyl, iso-propyl, allyl, n-butyl, and iso-butyl) of the dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist, FPMB which result from modifications of the ethyl group at the pyrrolidine nitrogen in FPMB. As expected, all new derivatives showed higher apparent lipophilicity (log kw), with iso-butyl being the most lipophilic (log kw = 2.52), followed by the allyl derivative (log kw = 2.43). The allyl group showed the largest increase in affinity (from 0.26 nM for the ethyl substituent to 0.03 nM for the allyl substituent, almost 10-fold), followed by the n-propyl substituent which showed approximately five-fold better affinity than did the ethyl substituent. Radiosynthesis of (S)-N-[(1-allyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-2, 3-dimethoxybenzamide ([18F]fallypride) was carried out by nucleophilic substitution reaction of (S)-N-[(1-allyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) methyl]-5-(3-tosyloxypropyl)-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide with no carrier added 18F-. [18F]Fallypride was obtained in approximately 20-40% yields (EOS/EOB, decay corrected) in specific activities of 900-1700 Ci/mmol after reverse phase HPLC purification in 60 min from EOB. High striatal uptake (upto 2.5% injected dose/g) of [18F]fallypride in rats was observed with striatal/cerebellar ratios of 17, 42, 63 and 122 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min post-injection, respectively. PET experiments with [18F]fallypride in a cebus monkey showed a brain uptake of 0.10% injected dose/cc. In rhesus monkeys [18F]fallypride showed rapid specific uptake in the striata (0.04-0.06% injected dose/cc) with striata/cerebellum ratios of approx. 3.0 at 14 min, 5.0 at 35 min and 8 at 70 min post-injection. Specifically bound [18F]fallypride was displaced with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) with a half-life of 18 min in the rhesus monkey.
Animals↗
Isolation of microfilariae and eggs of Setaria digitata.
A simple procedure of gel-filtration was used to purify microfilariae of the cattle parasite, Setaria digitata from its eggs. The eggs of S. digitata were also isolated from the female worms by picking out the uterine canal. Gel-filtration gave a recovery of 70% for microfilariae.
Animals↗
Allergic reactivity and IgG subclasses to a proteinase fraction of Setaria digitata in filariasis.
A low molecular weight fraction (30 KDa) of the cattle filarial parasite Setaria digitata that was earlier demonstrated to have allergenic activity was characterized to be a zinc-dependent cysteine proteinase. Immediate type hypersensitivity (ITH) reaction to the proteinase was evaluated in lymphatic filariasis patients and in endemic controls from Orissa, India. The extent of ITH positivity to the proteinase in infected individuals ranged from 20% in chronic filariasis (CP) patients group to 56% in asymptomatic microfilaraemic carriers (AS). About 62% of endemic normals (EN) were also ITH positive. The serum levels of IgG subclasses were compared in ITH positive and ITH negative filarial patients (AS and CP) as well as in endemic normals (EN) respectively. IgG4 levels were found to be inversely dependent on ITH reaction only in AS groups. Asymptomatic patients (AS) with positive ITH reactivity had lower IgG4 than ITH negative individuals from the same group. The serum levels of other IgG subclasses except IgG2, did not correlate with ITH reactivity. IgG2 levels were higher in ITH negative EN and CP patients but not in the AS group.
Animals↗
Frequency response of portable PEF meters.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a dynamic parameter and therefore requires a measuring device with a high-frequency response. This study evaluated the frequency-response characteristics of eight commercially available PEF meters, using simulated forced-expiratory maneuvers with a computer-controlled mechanical pump. Three different PEF levels were used (200, 400, and 600 L/min) at six levels of harmonic-frequency content similar to those observed in human subjects. For waveforms with higher frequency content (at the high end or above the physiologic range), the Assess, Vitalograph, Pocket Peak, and Spir-O-Flow PEF meters all overread PEF (greater than 15% difference from target values) at all three PEF levels. These results suggest that the frequency response of PEF meters is an important consideration in the selection of such meters and should be included in device requirements. The current practice of using various levels of American Thoracic Society (ATS) waveform 24 with its low-frequency content may not adequately evaluate the frequency characteristics of PEF meters. An upper range (5% of the fundamental frequency) of 12 Hz, within the range observed in normal subjects, appears to be more practical than an upper limit of 20 Hz.
Calibration↗
Immunoglobulin levels in populations with low hemoglobin levels: study of five tribes of central India.
Average hemoglobin levels for 424 individuals belonging to 5 tribes of central India vary between 10.64 g/dl and 11.30 g/dl among males and between 9.62 g/dl and 9.97 g/dl among females. These ranges indicate the poor state of health and nutrition in these tribes. Three immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, and IgM) measured in a subset of the 424 individuals reveal that immunoglobulin and hemoglobin levels are inversely related to some extent. Levels of all three classes of immunoglobulins were found to be significantly correlated. This suggests that humoral immunity is not impaired even under acute nutritional stress.
Adolescent↗
Absence of HTLV-I infection in some Indian populations.
A total of 946 adults belonging to ten population groups of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were screened for HTLV-I using a gelatin particle agglutination test. The percentage of seroreactive cases varied from 0 to 5.8 per cent. The overall prevalence of seroreactivity was 2 per cent. Of the 19 seroreactive cases, 15 were subjected to Western blot analysis, none could be confirmed. HTLV-I infection is, therefore, absent in these populations.
Adolescent↗
Response of P. falciparum to chloroquine in Car Nicobar Island.
A study was conducted to determine the status of susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine in Car Nicobar Island during September 1991 to September 1992. Out of 66 patients selected for the study, 7 showed resistance according to the standard WHO extended field test. Among them five showed RI level of resistance and one each showed RII and RIII levels of resistance.
Animals↗
Study of enzyme polymorphism and haemoglobin patterns amongst sixteen tribal populations of central India (Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra).
A survey was conducted to study the genetic differentiation among 16 tribal groups of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra belonging to different ethnic and linguistic affiliations. Sixteen hundred and fifteen blood samples from both sexes were tested for 5 red cell enzyme systems: ACP, ESD, PGD, GLO, LDH, and Hb pattern. Three hundred and nineteen male individuals were tested for G-6-PD enzyme deficiency. The distribution of the enzyme markers and Hb show a range of variation which are more or less within the Indian range. Cases of homozygous HbSS were detected in all the tribes except 3 tribes in Orissa. Two cases of LDH Cal-1 homozygote were found in two Dravidian language speaking Orissa tribes. The chi 2-values for testing the homogeneity of gene frequencies indicate a non-significant heterogeneity for all alleles in the individual system. Within population diversity seems to be larger than between population diversity. The degree of over all genetic differentiation as measured by GST value is 0.0154 +/- 0.0071.
Alleles↗
Murine malaria: anti-erythrocytic antibodies recognize N-acetyl neuraminic acid residues.
A cell-ELISA was developed using monolayers of glutaraldehyde-fixed normal as well as Plasmodium berghei-infected mouse erythrocytes for quantification and characterization of anti-erythrocytic autoantibodies in murine malaria. Testing normal (NMS) and peak parasitaemic sera (PPS) on erythrocyte monolayers treated with trypsin, sodium meta periodate, neuraminidase or heat, and competitive inhibition of antibodies with soluble sialic acid, revealed that some anti-erythrocytic antibodies (which increase during the parasitaemic phase of infection) recognize N-acetyl neuraminic acid (NANA) residues on host erythrocytes. High levels of antibodies to NANA covalently conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were detectable in PPS. Such antibodies could be significantly absorbed out by preincubation of PPS with mouse erythrocytes (MRBC). Antibodies in PPS, when affinity-purified on a column of Fetuin-Agarose, were found to be reactive to normal as well as parasitized erythrocyte monolayers. Immunoglobulin isotyping and IgG subgroup typing revealed that most of the anti-erythrocytic autoantibodies in NMS were IgM and IgA, while in PPS there was an appreciable increase in IgG2a and IgG3. Affinity-purified anti-NANA antibodies reacted with DNA when tested in an ELISA. There was a significant positive correlation between anti-erythrocytic antibody and DNA-binding levels in NMS as well as PPS. The DNA-binding antibodies in PPS could be effectively absorbed out by preincubation of sera with fresh MRBC. Affinity determination of anti-erythrocytic antibodies eluted from MRBC revealed binding characteristics in the following order: MRBC > single-stranded DNA > double-stranded DNA.
Animals↗
HP, GC and PI polymorphisms in sixteen central Indian tribal populations.
HP, GC and PI polymorphisms have been typed on 16 Central Indian tribal populations with a total of 1658 individuals. The distribution of allele frequencies shows a statistically highly significant heterogeneity, which may be caused by several microevolutionary factors, such as genetic drift, social and geographic isolation. Some new variants were observed in both the GC system (GC 2Cmah) and in the PI system (PI Yori). The PI variants are more frequent and are found in most of the 16 populations under study whereas the GC variants are rather infrequent and restricted to only three populations.
Alleles↗
Prevalence of filariasis in rural areas of Shahjahanpur district (Uttar Pradesh).
Night blood survey was carried out during May, 1990 to December, 1991 in 18 villages of 5 Primary Health Centres of district Shahjahanpur (UP), to find out the prevalence of filariasis in the area. Out of 2141 individuals surveyed randomly, 217 were found positive for microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. The microfilaria rate, filarial disease rate and filarial endemicity rates were 10.1, 11.4 and 18.8 per cent respectively. An entomological survey revealed Culex quinquefasciatus as the vector. The average man hour density was 25.8. It is clear from the results that filariasis is more endemic in rural areas than urban area of Shahjahanpur as observed by local filariasis control unit.
Animals↗