Lifetimes of the excited states of 90,92Mo.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
P Das
Publications and source records attributed to P Das.
Isolation and identification of a novel microbial alkaloid.
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Alkaloids↗
An exploratory evaluation of ECT in haloperidol-treated DSM-IIIR schizophreniform disorder.
In a double-blind, prospective study, 30 consecutive treatment-naive adult men with first-onset psychosis and DSM-IIIR provisional schizophreniform disorder (without good prognostic features) were randomized into true electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and sham ECT groups. Both groups received haloperidol in a fixed dose of 15 mg at night. The ECT schedule comprised six bilateral, sinusoidal wave treatments administered on alternate days, thrice a week. Weekly ratings for the first 6 weeks showed an absence of significant difference between the groups in the number of patients responding and in the rate of attenuation of psychosis; severity of depression, while less in the true ECT group after the first 3 weeks, did not differ between the groups at any subsequent time point. Clinical ratings were repeated at 6 months, and social functioning was assessed; again, no group differences emerged. It is concluded that ECT does not meaningfully improve response in unselected schizophreniform disorder that is treated with an adequate dose of neuroleptic.
Adolescent↗
Shigellosis in Calcutta during 1990-1992: antibiotic susceptibility pattern and clinical features.
Of 230 cases of bloody diarrhoea studied, 100 (43.5%) were positive for Shigellae by stool culture, of which Shigella dysenteriae type 1 was isolated from 56 cases, S. flexneri from 35, S. boydii from 5 and S. sonnei from 4. The major clinical manifestations of the patients infected with Shigella spp. were abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, tenesmus, and fever. Fever of above 100.5 degrees F and frequency of stool of more than 15 per day were noticed more among cases infected with S. dysenteriae type 1 and S. flexneri. Vomiting was more frequently observed in cases infected with S. sonnei or S. boydii (44.4%) as compared to those infected with S. dysenteriae type 1 (10.7%) and S. flexneri (8.6%). All Shigella isolates were uniformly susceptible to norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin but were resistant to streptomycin. S. dysenteriae type 1 isolates were susceptible to nalidixic acid (69.6%), ampicillin (5.4%), TMP-SMX (12.5%), furazolidone (98.2%) and gentamycin (80.4%), whereas all other Shigella isolates (S. flexneri, S. boydii, and S. sonnei) were uniformly susceptible to nalidixic acid, > 94% susceptible to furazolidone, and only moderately susceptible to ampicillin (28.6% to 55.5%) and TMP-SMX (22.2% to 48.6%).
Adult↗
The GTPase dynamin binds to and is activated by a subset of SH3 domains.
Src homology 3 (SH3) domains have been implicated in mediating protein-protein interactions in receptor signaling processes; however, the precise role of this domain remains unclear. In this report, affinity purification techniques were used to identify the GTPase dynamin as an SH3 domain-binding protein. Selective binding to a subset of 15 different recombinant SH3 domains occurs through proline-rich sequence motifs similar to those that mediate the interaction of the SH3 domains of Grb2 and Abl proteins to the guanine nucleotide exchange protein, Sos, and to the 3BP1 protein, respectively. Dynamin GTPase activity is stimulated by several of the bound SH3 domains, suggesting that the function of the SH3 module is not restricted to protein-protein interactions but may also include the interactive regulation of GTP-binding proteins.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Bd0-B-bard0 mixing and the prediction of the top-quark mass in an independent particle potential model.
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Journal Article↗
Influence of ascorbic acid on MCA-induced carcinogenesis in the uterine cervix of mice.
The present study evaluates the possible modulatory influence of ascorbic acid (AA) on (methylcholanthrene) MCA-induced cervical carcinogenesis in mice. Ascorbic acid was given daily for different durations in drinking water at the dose level of 2 mg/ml. In animals that received no modulator, placement of cotton threads impregnated with beeswax containing -600 micrograms of MCA for 16 weeks yielded 76.1% carcinomas in the uterine cervix. Administration of AA for the entire period of 16 weeks resulted in the reduction of MCA-induced cervical carcinomas to 33.3%. AA was capable of reducing cervical cancer incidence to 33.3% even when it was given for only 6 weeks following MCA-thread insertion into the uterine cervix. However, when it was given for a period of 10 weeks after 6 weeks of MCA-thread insertion the carcinoma incidence was as high as 66.6%. Results of the present study demonstrate that AA, especially when given during the initiational phase, significantly inhibits MCA-induced cervical carcinogenesis in mice.
Animals↗
Expression of different immunological markers by cultured human melanocytes.
The expression of different immunological markers by cultured human melanocytes (MC) in relation to immune phenomena, were investigated on ten different MC cell lines from early (1st) to late (22nd) passage. Four melanocyte lines (MC-a) which had undergone changes in growth behaviour during prolonged culture were included in the study, together with two melanoma lines. Cytospin preparations of the cells were stained for the presence of a set of different immunological markers and a melanoma-associated antigen (MAA). All MC lines, including the MC-a and the melanoma lines, showed expression of MHC class I, IL-1, IL-2, ICAM-1 and the MAA, NKI-Beteb, during all passages tested. Interestingly, four of the MC lines showed staining for the Fc receptor. A tendency towards a stronger expression of ICAM-1 on a higher percentage of cells was observed on MC with increasing passage number, the MC-a and the melanoma lines. Expression of the MAA was strongly reduced for the MC-a lines in comparison with the MC and the M14 melanoma lines. Positive staining for the HLA class II molecules was obtained on MC of intermediate and late passages, and on the MC-a and the melanoma lines in the decreasing order HLA-DR, DP and DQ. Additionally, we carried out a preliminary study showing that cultured MC also produce IL-1 and IL-6. However, we were not able to show the production of biologically active IL-2 testing several cultured MC lines. Nevertheless, the overall results taken together suggest that MC are immunologically important cells that are susceptible to changes during long-term culture.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Biochemical and immunological studies on soluble antigens of Entamoeba histolytica.
The soluble antigens of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were analysed in detail by biochemical and immunochemical methods. The antigen was highly complex and heterogeneous as revealed by Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography, which showed four distinct fractions. The molecular mass of fractions FI, FII, FIII and FIV was 660, 170, 65 and 13 kDa, respectively. Protein was the major constituent in crude soluble antigen (CSA) and fractions FI and FII (67%, 80% and 90%, respectively). Polysaccharide was predominant in the FIII fraction (59%). Antigenic activity observed after different physico-chemical treatments revealed that CSA and FI antigens were predominantly glycoprotein in nature. However, the antigenicity of FIII antigen was greatly reduced after sodium meta-periodate treatment, whereas no alteration in reactivity was discerned after trypsin treatment. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis demonstrated nearly 28 Coomassie blue bands for CSA and 20, 16, 15 and 3 polypeptide bands for the FI, FII, FIII and FIV fractions, respectively. The molecular mass of the polypeptides of these bands ranged from 210 to 20 kDa. Antigenic activity was observed in CSA and in the first three fractions, both in counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) and in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, the highest antigenic activity was noted in fraction FI. Major immunoreactive polypeptides of CSA and FI antigens against whole trophozoite antibody were observed in the 10- to 170-kDa regions. However, major differences in the immunoreactivity of the two antigens were noted at 116 and 14 kDa for FI antigen and at 84, 30 and 20 kDa for CSA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of enoximone and piroximone in patients after cardiac surgery.
We have compared the haemodynamic effects of the imidazole derivative phosphodiesterase inhibitors enoximone and piroximone in patients with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery. Ten patients (group E) received enoximone and 10 patients (group P) received piroximone, both at a loading dose of 0.5 mg kg-1 followed by an infusion of 5 micrograms kg-1 min-1. In both groups the main changes with time were increases in cardiac index (maximum 24.5% in group E, 25.8% in group P) and decreases in systemic vascular resistance (maximum 26.8% in group E and 24.8% in group P). There were moderate increases in heart rate (maximum 11.3% in group E and 13% in group P) but a greater percentage decrease in mean arterial pressure in group E (maximum 11.9% vs 7.9%) with time. One patient in group E developed hypertension during the loading dose. Two patients in group E and two in group P developed hypotension during the loading dose. One patient in group E developed ventricular extrasystoles which may have been related to the drug being studied.
Aged↗
Prospective study of nosocomial enteric infections in a pediatric hospital, Calcutta.
Hospital acquired enteric infections were investigated by studying 3138 children under 5 years of age who were admitted without diarrhea in nine medical words of a pediatric hospital, Calcutta during the period between March and September 1987. Three hundred and twenty (10.2%) children developed nosocomial diarrhea during their hospital stay. Fecal samples from 178 nosocomial diarrhea, 345 hospitalized diarrhea cases, 178 hospital controls and 200 outpatient controls were collected for detection of established enteropathogens. There were no statistically significant differences in the detection of most of the enteropathogens from fecal samples of nosocomial diarrhea, hospitalized diarrhea and hospital controls. Enteric pathogens were detected at a higher frequency (statistically significant) from fecal samples of nosocomial diarrhea cases as compared to outpatient controls. This study highlights the importance of most of the enteropathogens like Shigella, Salmonella, rotavirus, enteropathogenic E. coli as the cause of hospital cross infection. This study reinforces the importance of developing preventive measures in order to reduce the frequency of illness.
Case-Control Studies↗
Significance of Cryptosporidium as an aetiologic agent of acute diarrhoea in Calcutta: a hospital based study.
The significance of Cryptosporidium as a causative agent of acute diarrhoea has been assessed in a year long hospital based study. A significantly higher detection of Cryptosporidium (P < 0.01) was observed in cases as compared to controls. Cryptosporidium was detected alone from 3% of acute diarrhoeal patients and from 5.5% in combination with other enteric pathogens. However, only 1.1% of control subjects were positive for Cryptosporidium. The highest detection rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts was in the first two years of life, in both cases and controls. No sex specific predilection for Cryptosporidium was observed in either the cases or controls.
Acute Disease↗
Detection of antibodies to the HIV-1 p25/24 and gp120 proteins by sphere-linked immunodiagnostic assay (SLIDA).
In this paper, we have used the technique known as sphere-linked immunodiagnostic assay (SLIDA) for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1 p25/24 and gp120 proteins. In this technique, the p25/24 and gp120 proteins were covalently bonded to 0.5 micron carboxylated microspheres. They were then exposed to serial dilutions of rabbit antiserum to HIV-1 p25/24, sheep antiserum to gp120 and dilutions of the corresponding normal sera. Specific immunolabeling was monitored by using gold-labeled secondary antibody. The gold particles bound to the microspheres were an indication for the presence of specific antibody in the serum sample. The gold-labeled microspheres were photographed using a transmission electron microscope, and the number of gold particles bound to the microspheres were counted manually using the electron micrographs. The specificity and sensitivity of the technique were then compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting.
Biotechnology↗
Production of catecholamines in the human epidermis.
Cell-free extracts from human full thickness skin (i.e., epidermis and dermis), suction blister roofs (i.e., epidermis) and from human keratinocytes express biopterin-dependent tyrosine hydroxylase a well as phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase, both representing key enzymes for the biosynthesis of epinephrine. These enzyme activities could not be detected in cell extracts from human melanocytes and human fibroblasts. Since keratinocytes in the human epidermis, and in cell cultures, express a high density of beta-2-adrenoceptors, and this signal transduction system regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis, it can be concluded that epinephrine production in the epidermis activates calcium transport via the beta-2-adrenoceptor system. Our results show for the first time that the human epidermis has the capacity to independently produce epinephrine.
Biopterins↗
Intracellular distribution of the 126K/183K and capsid proteins in cells infected by some tobamoviruses.
Leaves of plants infected by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) strain U1, TMV strain M, tomato mosaic virus strain Dahlemense and tobacco mild green mosaic virus strain U2 were examined for the presence and intracellular distribution of their capsid and 126K/183K proteins by immunoblotting and immunogold electron microscopy. The bulk of the capsid protein was found in the virus bundles (crystals), although small amounts were found in the chloroplasts and nuclei of cells infected by some of these tobamoviruses. The 126K protein of TMV-U1 and -M was localized in the X-bodies, whereas in cells infected by the other two viruses which induce no X-bodies, the 126K protein was found to be associated with virus bundles.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Sch 42137, a novel antifungal antibiotic from an Actinoplanes sp. Fermentation, isolation, structure and biological properties.
A novel polycyclic xanthone, Sch 42137, related to the albofungin family of compounds was isolated from culture broth. Its structure was determined by detailed spectroscopic studies and comparison of circular dichroic studies to related compounds albofungin and simaomicin. Sch 42137 exhibited MIC values less than 0.125 micrograms/ml against yeasts and dermatophytes. Details are presented herein.
Actinomyces↗
Detection of specific anti-Giardia antibodies in the serodiagnosis of symptomatic giardiasis.
The roles of circulating anti-Giardia IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed by the Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using axenic Giardia lamblia whole trophozoites as antigen for routine serodiagnosis of Giardia infection. Detection of anti-Giardia IgM antibody was found to be useful in the early detection of symptomatic giardiasis, whereas IgG detection was not, since the latter could not discriminate between present infection and previous exposure. A mean optical density (OD) +/- 2 standard deviation (SD) value of 0.088 at 1:100 serum dilution was found optimal for the detection of anti-Giardia IgM antibodies as it completely separated out the acute Giardia cases from the Giardia-free controls. The same sera did not reveal any marked differences when tested for anti-Giardia IgG antibodies. Detection of IgM antibodies correlated with high sensitivity and specificity (96%) in an evaluation of a large number of sera collected from Giardia cases and controls.
Animals↗
Electrophoretic mobility and immunoblot analysis of the outer membrane proteins of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. sobria and A. caviae.
The outer membrane profiles of three species of the genus Aeromonas were examined by means of SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting to identify species-specific polypeptides and antigens which could presumably be applied to differentiate Aeromonas spp. at the species or subspecies level. Profiles on an 11% discontinuous SDS-PAGE showed common band sharing at the 52 kD position. Species-specific bands for the three strains could also be detected. Immunoblots using heterologous LPS-adsorbed polyclonal antisera revealed demarcated common and uncommon antigens within the three species. Outer membrane preparations were immunoblotted against whole cell polyclonal antisera. The previously documented host pathogenicity of A. sobria correlated well with the immunoblots which showed antigenicity, especially due to the LPS, when compared with the other two species.
Aeromonas↗