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Biomedical subjects

S Kumar

Publications and source records attributed to S Kumar.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

Comparative activity of three repellents against the ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Argas persicus.

The residual repellent activity of N,N-diethylphenyl-acetamide (DEPA), N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzamide (DEET) and dimethylphthalate (DMP) against the hard tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) and the soft tick Argas persicus (Oken) from topical application on rabbits and hens respectively in the laboratory have been studied. It was found that a 25% concentration of DEET gave strong repellency (greater than 90%) against larvae and nymphs of R. sanguineus for 15 and 7 days respectively and against A. persicus larvae and nymphs greater than 90% for 11 and 5 days respectively. Strong repellency (greater than 90%) against adults of the hard and soft ticks was observed for 9 and 7 days respectively with 40% DEET. DEPA at 25% concentration showed strong repellency (greater than 90%) against larvae and nymphs of R. sanguineus and A. persicus for 11 and 5 days respectively. Adults of hard and soft ticks were strongly repelled (greater than 90%) for 9 and 5 days respectively by 40% DEPA. DMP was found to be the least effective against all stages of both species of tick.

Acetamides

Distinction of human hookworm larvae based on lectin-binding characteristics.

A comparative study of lectin binding to ensheathed (EnL3) and exsheathed (ExL3) L3 larvae of Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Ancylostoma ceylanicum revealed a number of differences between these hookworm species. These differences could provide a novel approach to distinguish infective L3 larvae in field conditions. For example, binding of Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120) to N. americanus EnL3 distinguished them from those of A. duodenale and A. ceylanicum. Furthermore, UEA and RCA120 negative EnL3 could be separated into the two Ancylostoma sps. tested, as Dolichos biflorus agglutinin and Soybean agglutinin bound to EnL3 of A. ceylanicum but not to those of A. duodenale.

Ancylostoma

Sheehan's syndrome following eclampsia: a case report.

A case of Sheehan's syndrome following eclampsia is presented. The clinical features were not recognised early probably because the condition was not suspected, being a rare sequel of eclampsia. Non availability of specialist care may have been partly responsible and is highlighted. Increased awareness of all possible aetiological factors in this condition is necessary for clinicians.

Adult

Rat brain creatine kinase messenger RNA levels are high in primary cultures of brain astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and low in neurons.

Rat brain creatine kinase (CKB) gene expression is highest in the brain but is also detectable at lower levels in some other tissues. In the brain, the CKB enzyme is thought to be involved in the regeneration of ATP necessary for transport of ions and neurotransmitters. To understand the molecular events that lead to high CKB expression in the brain, we have determined the steady-state levels of CKB mRNA in homogeneous cultures of primary rat brain astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. Northern blot analysis showed that whereas the 1.4-kb CKB mRNA was detectable in neurons, the level was about 17-fold higher in oligodendrocytes and 15-fold higher in astrocytes. The blots were hybridized with a CKB-specific 32P-antisense RNA probe, complementary to the 3' untranslated sequence of CKB, which hybridizes to CKB mRNA but not CKM mRNA. Also, the 5' and 3' ends of CKB mRNA from the glial cells were mapped, using exon-specific antisense probes in the RNase-protection assay, and were found to be the same in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This indicated that (a) the site of in vivo transcription initiation in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was directed exclusively by the downstream, nonconcensus TTAA sequence at -25 bp in the CKB promoter that is also utilized by all other cell types that express CKB and (b) the 3' end of mature CKB mRNA was the same in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In addition, there was no detectable alternate splicing in exon 1, 2, or 8 of CKB mRNA in rat astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

The RxxRxRxxC motif conserved in all Rel/kappa B proteins is essential for the DNA-binding activity and redox regulation of the v-Rel oncoprotein.

The v- and c-Rel oncoproteins bind to oligonucleotides containing kappa B motifs, form heterodimers with other members of the Rel family, and modulate expression of genes linked to kappa B motifs. Here, we report that the RxxRxRxxC motif conserved in all Rel/kappa B family proteins is absolutely required for v-Rel protein-DNA contact and its resulting transforming activity. We also demonstrate that serine substitution of the cysteine residue conserved within this motif enables v-Rel to escape redox control, thereby promoting overall DNA binding. These mutant proteins retained the ability to competitively inhibit kappa B-mediated transcriptional activation of the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat but failed to efficiently transform chicken lymphoid cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicate that reduction of the conserved cysteine residue in the RxxRxRxxC motif may be required for optimal DNA-protein interactions. These results provide direct biochemical evidence that the DNA-binding activity of v-Rel is subject to redox control and that the conserved cysteine residue in the RxxRxRxxC motif is critical for this regulation. These studies suggest that the DNA-binding, transcriptional, and biological activities of Rel family proteins may also be subject to redox control in vivo.

Base Sequence

Immunohistochemical localisation of transforming growth factor-beta in first and third trimester human placenta.

Recently it has been demonstrated that human placental tissue is a source of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and that it expresses high TGF-beta mRNA activity. For a better understanding of its in vivo function, it was necessary to determine the site of TGF-beta synthesis in placenta. We have demonstrated that TGF-beta immunoreactivity is present in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast cells in both early and term placenta. The most intense staining was, however, observed in the first trimester trophoblast syncytial sprouts known to be an early stage in the development of placental villi. These results suggest the involvement of TGF-beta in the paracrine regulation of trophoblast-endometrial interaction.

Chorionic Villi

Management of malignant germ cell tumours of ovary.

Ten patients of the advanced malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary were treated by cisplatin based combination chemotherapy after initial conservation surgery. Eight patients completed course containing cisplatinum, vinblastine and bleomycin. Five patients (62.5%) achieved CR while 2 (25%) attained PR. One patient died due to tumour lysis and respiratory infection. Rest two patients did not turn up in follow up. Long term follow up indicates above regimen to be highly effective. However poor performance status, advanced stage of disease and post operative gross residual disease were poor prognostic factors in our patients.

Adolescent

Acceptability trials with ready to eat foods in a rural area.

Acceptability trials with three types of recipes was carried out on 184 young preschoolers (6 months to 35 months) residing in four nearby villages around Hyderabad. Results of this study indicated that among the 3 types of supplementary foods (Sweet Ready Mix, Sweet Ready Mix with Amylase and Therapeutic food tested here, the Therapeutic food was more acceptable (taste, smell and bulk) to the children. The criteria for acceptability of the food was defined as the ability of 75% of the children to consume 75% or more of the food supplement at one sitting for 70% of the days of the trial. The Therapeutic food, a calorie dense supplement, met the above criteria. The acceptability was poor for the Sweet Ready Mix and Sweet Ready Mix with Amylase (< 4%) mainly due to quantity rather than taste and smell as revealed by the mothers. The mothers of the children also liked the taste and smell of the therapeutic food better. Consumption of the therapeutic food caused minimal side effects like diarrhea and vomiting when compared to side effects after eating Sweet Ready Mix and Sweet Ready Mix with Amylase in children.

Child, Preschool

Quantitative estimation of urinary protein excretion by refractometry.

Quantitative estimation of proteinuria done by the refractometric method was compared with that done by the sulphosalycilic acid method and biuret method in 102 urine samples. The analysis of results by students' t test showed no statistically significant difference between the three methods. It is concluded that quantitative estimation of urinary protein excretion by refractometric method is a simple cheap and reliable method and can be performed easily in the outpatient clinic. The instrument is quite handy and can be carried in the pocket.

Benzenesulfonates

Clinical and epidemiological features of acute gastroenteritis caused by human rotavirus subgroups.

Rotavirus was detected in 44 (15.28%) of 288 hospitalised children suffering from gastroenteritis in Delhi over a period of one year. Of these 44 children, subgroup I and II rotaviruses were detected in 13 (29.55%) and 25 (56.82%) children respectively. Samples from 5 (11.36%) children did not react with either subgroup I or II monoclonal antibodies, indicating the presence of a third subgroup. Both subgroups I and II were detected in one (2.27%) case. The median ages of the children infected by subgroup I and II rotavirus were 7 and 12 months respectively. Rotavirus was more prevalent in boys than in girls. The peak of rotavirus infection was seen in the early winter months. The difference of maximum and minimum monthly temperatures correlated significantly (p less than 0.05) with the incidence of rotavirus infection. Subgroup II was the predominant group throughout the period of study and caused a significantly higher incidence of severe diarrhoea than did subgroup I.

Acute Disease

Incidence of mycoses in bronchopulmonary disorders.

A total of 274 samples were collected--180 sputum samples, 82 bronchial secretions and 12 pleural aspirates. Main fungus was Candida albicans from sputum (45.5 percent), from bronchial secretions (14.6 percent). Rest were Aspergillus, Alternaria and Helminthosporium. All the pleural aspirates were negative for fungus.

Adult