Quantitative evaluation of a technique for harvesting peritoneal macrophages from normal and laparotomized rats.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
S Kapoor
Publications and source records attributed to S Kapoor.
Total sleep deprivation and the thyroid axis: effects of sleep and waking activity.
BACKGROUND: Circadian and sleep components modulate anterior pituitary release of thyrotropin (TSH), the chemical substance regulating the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). The present study examined TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations across the wake-sleep boundary time (2300-0130 hours) before, during, and after a 64-h sleep deprivation paradigm. Additionally, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured as an index of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. Activity levels and ratings of effort required to perform cognitive tasks were also incorporated to evaluate physical and cognitive load, respectively, across the study period. Assessing the combined effects of activity and sleep deprivation on thyroid hormone economy is relevant to the relationship of high physical and/or cognitive performance demands during sleep deprivation inherent in extended military operations and space exploration. METHODS: There were 12 healthy subjects who were monitored during a 2-d baseline period, 3 d of total sleep deprivation, and 2 nights of recovery sleep. Serum samples were collected at 2300 hours and 0130 hours across the entire study period, and measured for TSH, T4, T3, and glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Change scores evaluated at the wake-sleep boundary time demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of sleep on thyroid hormone measures. As expected, sleep deprivation was associated with elevated TSH. However, sleep deprivation also significantly increased circulating levels of T3 at 2300 hours and T4 concentration change scores (2300-0130 hours). Glucocorticoid levels did not track thyroid hormone changes. Physical activity remained constant while subjective ratings of effort to perform cognitive tasks increased significantly during sleep deprivation. CONCLUSION: Compared to sleep deprivation studies under constant conditions reporting no change in peripheral T4 and T3 levels, the present study suggests activity level, including cognitive effort to perform, during total sleep deprivation may produce substantive changes in the thyroid axis.
Adult↗
Essential fatty acid deficiency prevents multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in naive and cyclosporin-treated low-responder murine strains.
We have previously shown that essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency prevents diabetes and ameliorates insulitis in low-dose streptozotocin (LDS)-treated male CD-1 mice. The effects of EFA deficiency on the incidence of diabetes after LDS treatment has not been examined in other strains. In contrast to highly susceptible CD-1 mice, several other strains of mice are only partially susceptible to LDS treatment and do not develop appreciable insulitis; however, the susceptibility of these strains can be markedly increased by cyclosporin A (CsA) pretreatment to reduce suppressor cell function. Weanling male BALB/cByJ, DBA/2J, and C57BL/6J mice were placed on EFA-deficient (EFAD) or control diets for 2 months and then divided into experimental and control groups. Ten EFAD and 10 control mice from each strain received LDS treatment (40 mg/kg/d 5 d); an additional 10 EFAD BALB/cByJ and another 10 control BALB/cByJ mice received subcutaneous CsA injections (20 mg/kg/d) for 14 days prior to and for 5 days simultaneous with LDS treatment (40 mg/kg/d 5 d). Plasma glucose levels for all mice were determined 3 times per week for 3 weeks after LDS treatment. Mean plasma glucose levels (+/- SEM) at the end of the experiment were significantly lower in the EFAD groups vs control groups in BALB/cByJ (P < 0.001), DBA/2J (P < 0.00001), and C57BL/6J (P = 0.012) mice. CsA supplementation increased the severity of diabetes in LDS-treated BALB/cByJ mice (P < 0.0005); however, EFA deficiency also prevented diabetes in CsA-supplemented BALB/cByJ mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Sleep deprivation and human immune function.
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Adult↗
An atpE-specific promoter within the coding region of the atpB gene in tobacco chloroplast DNA.
The atpB and atpE genes encode beta and epsilon subunits, respectively, of chloroplast ATP synthase and are co-transcribed in the plant species so far studied. In tobacco, an atpB gene-specific probe hybridizes to 2.7- and 2.3-kb transcripts. In addition to these, a probe from the atpE coding region hybridizes also to a 1.0-kb transcript. The 5' end of the atpE-specific transcript has been mapped 430/431 nt upstream of the atpE translation initiation site, within the coding region of the atpB gene. In-vitro capping revealed that this transcript results from a primary transcriptional event and is also characterized by -10 and -35 canonical sequences in the 5' region. It has been found to share a common 3' end with the bi-cistronic transcripts that has been mapped within the coding region of the divergently transcribed trnM gene, approximately 236 nt downstream from the atpE termination codon. Interestingly, this transcript accumulates only in leaves and not in proplastid-containing cultured (BY-2) cells, indicating that, unless it is preferentially degraded in BY-2 cells, its expression might be transcriptionally controlled.
Base Sequence↗
Developmental and light-dependent cues interact to establish steady-state levels of transcripts for photosynthesis-related genes (psbA, psbD, psaA and rbcL) in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
The steady-state transcript levels for psbA, psbD, psaA and rbcL are low in dark-grown rice seedlings as compared to those grown in light. Following seed germination, they accumulate in an age-dependent manner, in dark as well as light, reaching a maximal level on the 7th or 8th day, before a slow decline sets in. But transcripts for psbA and psbD continue to maintain relatively-high levels even after 10 days of growth in light. Exposure of 5-day-old dark-grown seedlings to light results in an approximately 25-60-fold increase in transcripts during a period of 72 h, followed by a decrease. An analysis of data from both lines of investigation reveals that the developmental programme increases the transcript levels for psbA, psbD, psaA and rbcL by about 10-, 2.3-, 7.0- and 8.0-fold, respectively, between 5-8 days after germination and it is independent of light. At the same time, exposure of the seedlings to light during this period further enhances transcript levels by 5-, 11.4-, 6.6- and 7.8-fold, respectively. Thus, both developmental and light-dependent cues contribute to establish steady-state levels of transcripts for the chloroplast genes investigated.
Chloroplasts↗
Glycogen storage disease type III.
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Child, Preschool↗
Clinical predictors of hospitalization in an acute attack of bronchial asthma.
The present study was undertaken to identify the clinical predictors of hospitalization in an acute attack of bronchial asthma in subjects aged 2-12 years. Seventy five children with an acute attack of bronchial asthma were evaluated. A detailed clinical history and examination was recorded and baseline investigations sent before starting therapy. All subjects were treated with injection adrenaline (two doses) and those who did not respond were hospitalized. Twenty subjects who were hospitalized were compared with 32 cases who were discharged and did not have a relapse on follow up. After multivariate analysis, the factors independently predictive of hospitalization were, pulsus paradoxus (> 10 mm Hg; OR = 1.02), younger age (below 5 years, OR = 0.98) and severe accessory muscle use (OR = 89.6). Presence of any 2 of these 3 clinical predictors has a high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (96%). The investigative variables significant after multivariate analysis were low pH (OR = 0.00) and polymorphonuclear leucocytosis (> 70%) on peripheral smear (OR = 1.12). The sensitivity of this model was similar (90%) but specificity was lower (90.6%). The addition of investigative variables to clinical model did not improve the predictability. It is concluded that it is possible to identify at presentation, children with acute bronchial asthma who require hospitalization and clinical variables are sufficient for this purpose.
Acute Disease↗
Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty in mirror-image dextrocardia and rheumatic mitral stenosis.
A 28-year-old woman with mirror-image dextrocardia and severe rheumatic mitral stenosis underwent successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). Standard technique was altered to include transseptal catheterization via the left femoral vein and inter-atrial septal puncture with the transseptal needle rotated to a 7 o'clock position. The predilatation transmitral gradient (mean) of 16 mmHg decreased to 5 mmHg following PBMV. The valve area improved from 1.0 cm2 to 2.6 cm2. There were no complications. This case illustrates that transseptal catheterization can be accomplished safely in patients with unusual cardiac anatomy and mitral valvuloplasty can be performed in patients with mirror-image dextrocardia and rheumatic mitral stenosis.
Adult↗
Contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factor to exercise-induced vasodilation in humans.
Release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from the vascular endothelium may contribute to skeletal muscle arteriolar vasodilation during exercise. The present study was undertaken to test this hypothesis. Ten normal subjects underwent brachial arterial catheter insertion and instrumentation of their forearm to measure plethysmographic forearm blood flow. Forearm blood flow was then measured at rest, during two levels of wrist flexion exercise (0.2 and 0.4 W), and during 0.4-W exercise with concurrent infusion of norepinephrine (100 ng.min-1 x 100 ml forearm volume-1). Measurements were made with and without infusion of N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (0.1-0.2 mg.min-1 x 100 ml forearm volume-1), a specific inhibitor of EDRF synthesis. Infusion of L-NMMA reduced resting forearm blood flow (control: 2.5 +/- 0.4 vs. L-NMMA: 1.5 +/- 0.1 ml.min-1 x 100 ml-1) and markedly reduced forearm blood flow response to acetylcholine (5 micrograms.min-1 x 100 ml forearm volume-1) (control: 20.2 +/- 2.9 vs L-NMMA: 4.0 +/- 1.0 ml.min-1 x 100 ml-1; both P < 0.01). However, L-NMMA had no significant effect on flow responses to exercise (0.2 W: 8.3 +/- 1.1 vs. 8.3 +/- 1.2; 0.4 W: 13.8 +/- 1.7 vs. 13.5 +/- 1.7; 0.4 W + norepinephrine: 10.3 +/- 2.4 vs. 9.4 +/- 2.6 ml.min-1 x 100 ml-1; all P = NS). These findings suggest that release of EDRF from the vascular endothelium contributes to skeletal muscle arteriolar vasodilation at rest but does not contribute to the arteriolar vasodilation produced by exercise.
Acetylcholine↗
A Pst+ polymorphism in the HEXA gene with an unusual geographic distribution.
A polymorphic variant in the human HEXA gene is described. This gene encodes the alpha-subunit of hexosaminidase A, the enzyme which is deficient in Tay-Sachs disease (TSD). In individuals carrying the polymorphism there is a T-->C transition at position -6 in intron 13. The substitution creates a site for the restriction endonuclease Pst1. This variant has an unusual ethnogeographic distribution. It occurs on 1.4% of non-TSD carrier chromosomes in Ashkenazi Jews. All individuals ascertained carrying the Pst+ allele have ancestry in Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. By contrast, no individuals carrying the Pst+ allele have been detected among non-Jewish Lithuanians, Jews of Sephardic origin or in several other ethnic groups. Two unrelated non-Jewish families have been identified in which the Pst+ variant occurs. In both cases the variant occurs on a chromosome carrying a novel TSD mutation (G772C) association with the B1 phenotype. The Pst+ G772C chromosomes are of Scots-Irish descent.
Alleles↗
Structure of the Na/Si(100)2 x 1 and Cs/Si(100)2 x 1 interfaces investigated by photoemission extended x-ray-absorption fine structure.
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Journal Article↗
Characterization of gelatin-degrading metalloproteinase activities of the Dunning rat prostate tumor grown in nude mice.
Proteinase activities in the Dunning R-3327 prostatic tumor grown in nude mice and the dorsal lobe of the normal Copenhagen rat prostate were characterized using gelatin-containing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Calcium-stimulated activities of approximately 33, 42, 64, 71, 76, 85, 98, 115, and 120 Kd as well as a 91 Kd calcium-independent proteinase were detected in the tumor, whereas the dorsal prostate showed calcium-dependent activities of approximately 62 and 80 Kd and a calcium-independent activity much greater than 120 Kd. The zymographic calcium-dependent proteinase patterns in the other rat prostatic lobes (a 62 Kd proteinase in the anterior lobe; 59, 62, and 67 Kd forms in the ventral lobe; and 52, 62, and 72 Kd activities in the lateral lobe) were distinctive from that of the tumor and of the dorsal lobe. The calcium-dependent and -independent proteinases of the tumor were active over a broad range of pH values with optimal activity near pH 8.0-8.4. The calcium-dependent activities were inhibited by EDTA and EGTA. Barium and strontium could partially substitute for calcium. The calcium-independent activities were not affected by these chelators nor by the proteinase inhibitors benzamidine, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, or iodoacetate. Similarly, the metalloproteinase activities were not affected by the latter inhibitors. There was little change in the predominant molecular forms (64, 71, and 76 Kd) of proteinase following castration of tumor-bearing nude mice; however, the 98 Kd calcium-dependent activity decreased and the 91 Kd calcium-independent activity increased as a result of this treatment.
Adenocarcinoma↗
HIV infection in the blood donors of Delhi, India: 1 1/2 years' experience.
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Blood Donors↗
A new Vibrio fischeri lux gene precedes a bidirectional termination site for the lux operon.
The DNA downstream of the lux structural genes in the Vibrio fischeri lux operon has been sequenced and a new lux gene (luxG) has been identified. A hairpin loop that begins with a poly(A) region and ends with a poly(T) region and thus can function as a bidirectional termination site for luxG and a convergent gene is located immediately downstream of luxG. 3' S1 nuclease mapping has demonstrated that the luxG mRNA was induced in a cell-density-dependent fashion consistent with it being part of the lux system and that the lux mRNA terminated immediately after the hairpin loop. The mRNA coded by an open reading frame convergent to luxG on the complementary strand was also shown by S1 nuclease mapping to overlap the lux mRNA for at least 20 nucleotides before termination. Expression of DNA containing the hairpin loop, placed between a strong promoter and a reporter gene and transferred by conjugation into luminescent bacteria, demonstrated the very high efficiency of termination by this hairpin loop oriented in either direction. These results also demonstrate that the organization of the genes at the 3' ends of the lux operons of V. fischeri and V. harveyi has clearly diverged.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Gastric carcinoma presenting as polyarthritis.
A patient with carcinoma of the stomach presenting with symmetrical polyarthritis of the upper limbs is described. Rheumatoid factor and LE cell were negative, but antinuclear antibody was positive. The arthritis subsided after the tumour was excised.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Increased blood pressure during potassium depletion in normotensive men.
Epidemiologic studies suggest an inverse relation between potassium intake and the prevalence of hypertension. To investigate the effect of dietary potassium restriction on blood pressure, we used a randomized crossover design to study 10 healthy, normotensive men randomly assigned to isocaloric diets (each lasting nine days) providing either low (10 mmol per day) or normal (90 mmol per day) amounts of potassium, while sodium intake was maintained at the subjects' usual levels (120 to 200 mmol per day). With the low-potassium diet, plasma potassium levels declined from 3.8 to 3.2 mmol per liter (P less than 0.001), but plasma sodium and chloride levels were unchanged. The average daily excretion of urinary sodium (+/- SEM) on the low-potassium diet was significantly lower than that with the normal-potassium diet (10 +/- 10 vs. 144 +/- 10 mmol; P less than 0.001). The mean arterial pressure did not change significantly during normal potassium intake, but it increased over the nine days of the low-potassium diet from 90.9 +/- 2.2 to 95.0 +/- 2.2 mm Hg (P less than 0.05). Both mean arterial (P less than 0.01) and diastolic (P less than 0.005) pressures were significantly higher after the low-potassium diet than after the normal-potassium diet. Potassium depletion suppressed plasma aldosterone levels but had no effect on plasma renin activity or on arginine vasopressin or catecholamine levels. A saline infusion further increased the mean arterial pressure in the potassium-depleted subjects but had no effect in the control group (P less than 0.05). We conclude that short-term potassium depletion increases blood pressure in healthy, normotensive men and permits further increases in blood pressure after saline loading. We found no evidence that the hypertensive effect of potassium depletion resulted from changes in either renal hemodynamics or circulating levels of vasoactive hormones.
Adult↗
Electrohemostasis with endoscopic electrocoagulation in upper gastrointestinal bleed.
Fifty patients who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleed were taken up for electrohemostasis with endoscopic electrocoagulation. Hemostasis was achieved in 32 patients at the first sitting, and in a second session in two of eight patients in whom it was attempted. No complications were encountered. EEC is an effective and safe method of achieving hemostasis in upper gastrointestinal bleed due to varied gastroduodenal lesions, and may help cut down the number of patients subjected to emergency surgery.
Adolescent↗