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Biomedical subjects

S Agarwal

Publications and source records attributed to S Agarwal.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

knot is required for the hypopharyngeal lobe and its derivatives in the Drosophila embryo.

The genetic control of segmentation in the Drosophila larval head has been only partially elucidated. We report that the knot (kn) gene of Drosophila is required for the formation of the hypopharyngeal lobe in the germ-band stage embryo and the ventral arms and lateralgräte of the larval head skeleton. Rearrangement mutations of knot disrupt the previously characterized gene, collier, which encodes a COE-family transcription factor. kn is required for the activation of cnc (cap'n'collar, a bZIP homeotic selector gene) in the progenitors of hypopharyngeal lobe. kn is also required for the activation of an EST marker for the cephalic mesoderm, CK01299. Based on the relative expression of kn and the posterior compartment-specific gene hedgehog, we provide additional evidence that in Drosophila, unlike many other insects, the hypopharyngeal lobe arises from part of the mandibular segment.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Rare beta-thalassemia mutations in Asian Indians.

Among 365 carriers of beta-thalassemia, 13 subjects remained uncharacterized after ARMS analysis. Among these 13 individuals, 8 mutations were identified by direct sequencing of the PCR-amplified product, which have not been described in Asian Indians earlier. These included (1) T-C substitution at IVS II position 591, a new beta-thalassemia mutation which probably creates an alternative donor splice site in antisense strand; (2) the mutations CoD4 (T-A), CoD5 (C-T), CoD6 (G-T) at cis location; (3) CoD13 (C-T), CoD26 (G-A), CoD 27/28(-C) at cis location; (4) CoD 8 (A-G); (5) CoD30 (G-C); (6) CoD5 (-CT); (7) IVSI-1 (G-A); and (8) FS47/48 (+ATCT). The latter four have been described in other populations but are identified in Asian Indians for the first time. This completes the characterization of beta-thalassemia mutations in 365 carriers of Asian Indian origin, enabling us to provide a comprehensive prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in our population.

Asia↗
PubMed2000

[Cytokine-induced nitric oxide production of joint cartilage cells in continuous passive movement. Anti-inflammatory effect of continuous passive movement on chondrocytes: in vitro study].

PURPOSE: The temporomandibular joint is a place of motion where release of proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) induces cartilage destruction via production of nitric oxide (NO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous passive motion in the form of cyclic stretch on the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). METHODS: Articular chondrocytes were harvested from rabbit cartilage slices and cultured in F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. Subsequently, cells (10(5)/ml per well) were transferred to Flexercell plates, grown to 90% confluency, and subjected to one of the following regimens: (1) no mechanical strain (10 Hz, 20% elongation rate); (2) rhIL-1 beta (1 ng/ml); (3) mechanical strain; (4) mechanical strain and rhIL-1 beta. The cells were exposed to cyclic stretch for 24 h. Thereafter, cells were trypsinized and centrifuged on microscope slides in a cytospin centrifuge. The presence of iNOS was determined by indirect immunoperoxidase staining using polyclonal rabbit anti-iNOS as primary antibodies, and goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as secondary antibodies. Diaminobenzidine was used as substrate for HRP. Total NO production was spectrophotometrically measured in the supernatants of cultures using Greiss reaction. All experiments were done in triplicates and the statistical significance was analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: Cells with treatment 1 and 3 did not exhibit presence of iNOS. IL-1 beta-treated cells in group 2 exhibited intense peroxidase staining. Cells in group 4 exposed to IL-1 and mechanical stress showed staining with considerably less intensity. Control cells treated with normal rabbit IgG as a primary antibody did not exhibit peroxidase staining. The data were further confirmed by measurement of statistically significant differences of NO levels in supernatants assessed in the four different treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that continuous passive motion exerts anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes, downregulating the quantity of iNOS-positive cells. Since NO acts as an intracellular, transcellular, and cytotoxic molecule, it has a basic importance for proper post-traumatic and postoperative TMJ function as well as the course and therapy of inflammatory TMJ diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Simultaneous anterior and posterior traumatic dislocation of the hip. A case report with review of the literature.

The presence of anterior dislocation of the hip along with contralateral posterior dislocation of the hip in the absence of other major trauma is a distinctly rare injury pattern. We report such a case resulting from a motor vehicle striking a pedestrian, along with a review of previous cases. The patient was managed nonoperatively within 6 hours of trauma with an excellent final outcome and no posttraumatic complications over a 3-year follow-up. The possible mechanism of this injury is discussed.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2000

Effect of soy protein foods on low-density lipoprotein oxidation and ex vivo sex hormone receptor activity--a controlled crossover trial.

Plant-derived estrogen analogs (phytoestrogens) may confer significant health advantages including cholesterol reduction, antioxidant activity, and possibly a reduced cancer risk. However, the concern has also been raised that phytoestrogens may be endocrine disrupters and major health hazards. We therefore assessed the effects of soy foods as a rich source of isoflavonoid phytoestrogens on LDL oxidation and sex hormone receptor activity. Thirty-one hyperlipidemic subjects underwent two 1-month low-fat metabolic diets in a randomized crossover study. The major differences between the test and control diets were an increase in soy protein foods (33 g/d soy protein) providing 86 mg isoflavones/2,000 kcal/d and a doubling of the soluble fiber intake. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the start and at weeks 2 and 4, with 24-hour urine collections at the end of each phase. Soy foods increased urinary isoflavone excretion on the test diet versus the control (3.8+/-0.7 v 0.0+/-0.0 mg/d, P < .001). The test diet decreased both oxidized LDL measured as conjugated dienes in the LDL fraction (56+/-3 v 63+/-3 micromol/L, P < .001) and the ratio of conjugated dienes to LDL cholesterol (15.0+/-1.0 v 15.7+/-0.9, P = .032), even in subjects already using vitamin E supplements (400 to 800 mg/d). No significant difference was detected in ex vivo sex hormone activity between urine samples from the test and control periods. In conclusion, consumption of high-isoflavone foods was associated with reduced levels of circulating oxidized LDL even in subjects taking vitamin E, with no evidence of increased urinary estrogenic activity. Soy consumption may reduce cardiovascular disease risk without increasing the risk for hormone-dependent cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The effect on serum lipids and oxidized low-density lipoprotein of supplementing self-selected low-fat diets with soluble-fiber, soy, and vegetable protein foods.

An increased intake of soluble fiber and soy protein may improve the blood lipid profile. To assess any additional benefit on serum lipids of providing soy protein and soluble-fiber foods to hyperlipidemic subjects already consuming low-fat, low-cholesterol therapeutic diets, 20 hyperlipidemic men and postmenopausal women completed 8-week test and control dietary treatments in a randomized crossover design as part of an ad libitum National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) step 2 therapeutic diet (<7% saturated fat and <200 mg/d cholesterol). During the test phase, foods high in soy, other vegetable proteins, and soluble fiber were provided. During the control phase, low-fat dairy and low-soluble-fiber foods were provided. Fasting blood lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured at 4 and 8 weeks of each phase. On the test diet, 12 +/- 2 g/d soy protein was selected from the foods chosen. Direct comparison of test and control treatments indicated an elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration on the test diet (6.4% +/- 2.4%, P = .013) and a significantly reduced total to HDL cholesterol ratio (-5.9% +/- 2.3%, P = .020). The proportion of conjugated dienes in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fraction was significantly reduced (8.5% +/- 3.3%, P = .020) as a marker of oxidized LDL. A combination of acceptable amounts of soy, vegetable protein, and soluble-fiber foods as part of a conventional low-fat, low-cholesterol therapeutic diet is effective in further reducing serum lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A new peptide-based urethane polymer: synthesis, biodegradation, and potential to support cell growth in vitro.

A novel non-toxic biodegradable lysine-di-isocyanate (LDI)-based urethane polymer was developed for use in tissue engineering applications. This matrix was synthesized with highly purified LDI made from the lysine diethylester. The ethyl ester of LDI was polymerized with glycerol to form a prepolymer. LDI-glycerol prepolymer when reacted with water foamed with the liberation of CO2 to provide a pliable spongy urethane polymer. The LDI-glycerol matrix degraded in aqueous solutions at 100, 37, 22, and 4 degrees C at a rate of 27.7, 1.8, 0.8, and 0.1 mM per 10 days, respectively. Its thermal stability in water allowed its sterilization by autoclaving. The degradation of the LDI-glycerol polymer yielded lysine, ethanol, and glycerol as breakdown products. The degradation products of LDI-glycerol polymer did not significantly affect the pH of the solution. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of this polymer was found to be 103.4 degrees C. The physical properties of the polymer network were found to be adequate to support the cell growth in vitro, as evidenced by the fact that rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) attached to the polymer matrix and remained viable on its surface. Culture of BMSC on LDI-glycerol matrix for long durations resulted in the formation of multilayered confluent cultures, a characteristic typical of bone cells. Furthermore, cells grown on LDI-glycerol matrix did not differ phenotypically from the cells grown on the tissue culture polystyrene plates as assessed by the cell growth, and expression of mRNA for collagen type I, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). The observations suggest that biodegradable peptide-based urethane polymers can be synthesized which may pave their way for possible use in tissue engineering applications.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2000

Cell-type-restricted binding of the transcription factor NFAT to a distal IL-4 enhancer in vivo.

By DNase I hypersensitivity analysis, we have identified an inducible, cyclosporin A-sensitive enhancer located 3' of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene. The enhancer binds the Th2-specific transcription factor GATA3 in vivo but is not perceptibly influenced by the absence of a second Th2-specific factor, cMaf. The antigen-inducible transcription factor NFAT1 binds the IL-4 enhancer and the IL-4 promoter only in stimulated Th2 cells; conversely, NFAT1 binds to the interferon (IFN)-gamma promoter only in stimulated Th1 cells. Our results support a model whereby transcription factors such as NFAT1, which are nonselectively induced in antigen-stimulated T cells, gain access to cytokine regulatory regions only in the appropriate subset of differentiated T cells in vivo. This restricted access enables antigen-dependent and subset-specific transcription of cytokine genes.

3' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2000

Intracranial adenoid cystic carcinoma--a case report.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively common malignant neoplasm which occurs in the head and neck region, particularly in the salivary glands. It is a slow growing, locally aggressive neoplasm with a unique feature of perineural spread. Intracranial extension can occur by direct extension, hematogenous metastases or by perineural spread. However, the occurrence of primary intracranial ACC with no evidence of a primary, is rare, with only ten cases reported in reviewed English literature until now. One such case is presented here with brief review of literature. This patient showed a good response to treatment with surgery followed by post-operative radiotherapy and has remained disease free, 32 months after the completion of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Androgen deprivation in males is associated with decreased central arterial compliance and reduced central systolic blood pressure.

The higher incidence of coronary artery disease in men is often attributed to androgens. Arterial compliance or 'stiffness' is increasingly regarded as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We wanted to look at the effects of complete androgen withdrawal, on arterial compliance in men. We performed arterial compliance studies on 12 men with complete androgen deprivation as treatment for prostate cancer, and on 12 age-matched healthy controls. Central pulse wave velocities were significantly higher in the androgen-deprived men (14.2 +/- 2.7 vs 11.8 +/- 1.6 m/sec, P = 0. 02). The cases tended to have higher brachial systolic pressures than controls though this difference was not significant (P = 0.2). We conclude that androgen withdrawal is associated with a reduction in central arterial compliance. Conversely androgen withdrawal does not affect peripheral arterial compliance. It is unlikely that the presence of normal concentrations of androgens can explain the sex difference in mortality rates. Longitudinal studies are needed for further evaluation. Journal of Human Hypertension (2000) 14, 395-397

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Co-existing actinic granuloma and giant molluscum contagiosum.

Actinic granuloma of O'Brien and giant molluscum contagiosum in immunocompetent adults are rare skin disorders. There have been no previous reports of these two conditions occurring together. We report this occurrence in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2000

A study of concurrent radiochemotherapy with paclitaxel in glioblastoma multiforme.

Despite advances in neurosurgery and radiotherapy, the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme remains poor. Reports in the literature about the radiosensitizing properties of paclitaxel stimulated the authors to conduct a study using paclitaxel concurrently with radiation in a group of 18 patients who had residual disease postoperatively. Paclitaxel was delivered weekly as an intravenous infusion in a dose of 60 mg/m2 along with radiation to the primary lesion. A total of 108 cycles of paclitaxel was given. All the patients tolerated the treatment well. The main side effects were haematological, and neuropathy which was self-limiting. The overall 1-year survival rate was 70%, with 12 patients alive at 13 months. The median survival has not yet been reached although it is more than 13 months. Thus, paclitaxel can be safely delivered concomitantly with radiation in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Larger, randomized trials are required to establish the comparative efficacy of paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer in glioblastoma multiforme.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

Variation in shape of the lingula in the adult human mandible.

The lingulae of both sides of 165 dry adult human mandibles, 131 males and 34 females of Indian origin, were classified by their shape into 4 types: 1, triangular; 2, truncated; 3, nodular; and 4, assimilated. Triangular lingulae were found in 226 (68.5%) sides, truncated in 52 (15.8%), nodular in 36 (10.9%) and assimilated in 16 (4.8%) sides. Triangular lingulae were found bilaterally in 110, truncated in 23, nodular in 17 and assimilated in 7 mandibles. Of the remaining 8 mandibles with different appearances on the 2 sides, 6 had a combination of triangular and truncated and 2 had nodular and assimilated. The incidence of triangular and assimilated types in the male and female mandibles are almost equal. In the truncated type it was double in the male mandibles while the nodular type was a little less than double in the female mandibles.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of soy-based breakfast cereal on blood lipids and oxidized low-density lipoprotein.

Consumption of soy protein may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease both through reduction in serum lipids and by the antioxidant properties of protein-associated soy isoflavones. However, the effect that processing required for the manufacture of breakfast cereals may have on the lipid lowering and antioxidant activities of soy has not been studied. We have therefore assessed the health benefits of soy incorporation into breakfast cereals. Twenty-five hyperlipidemic men and women took soy (providing 36 g/d soy protein and 168 mg/d isoflavones) and control breakfast cereals, each for 3 weeks in a randomized crossover study with a 2-week washout period between treatments. Fasting blood samples were obtained pretreatment and at weeks 2 and 3 of each treatment. No significant difference was seen in serum lipids between treatments at week 3 apart from a 3.8% +/- 1.5% higher apolipoprotein A-1 level on control versus soy (P = .021). However, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was reduced on the test compared with the control both as total dienes in LDL and as the ratio of conjugated dienes to cholesterol in the LDL fraction by 9.2% +/- 4.3% (P = .042) and 8.7% +/- 4.2% (P = .050), respectively. High isoflavone intakes in soy breakfast cereals may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing oxidized LDL, while having no significant effect on the absolute concentration of LDL cholesterol.

Adult↗