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At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Adhesion of a Mycobacterium sp. to cellulose diacetate membranes used in reverse osmosis.

The kinetics of adhesion of a Mycobacterium sp. to cellulose diacetate reverse-osmosis membranes is described. This Mycobacterium sp. (strain BT2-4) was previously implicated in the initial stages of reverse-osmosis membrane biofouling at a wastewater reclamation facility. Adhesion of BT2-4 cells to the cellulose diacetate membrane surfaces occurred within 1 to 2 h at 30 degrees C and exhibited saturation-type kinetics which conformed closely to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (Pearson r correlation coefficient = 0.977), a mathematical expression describing the partitioning of substances between a solution and solid-liquid interface. This suggests that the cellulose diacetate membrane surfaces may possess a finite number of available binding sites to which the mycobacteria can adhere. Treatment of the attached mycobacteria with different enzymes suggested that cell surface polypeptides, alpha-1, 4- or alpha-1,6-linked glucan polymers, and carboxyl ester bond-containing substances (possibly peptidoglycolipids) may be involved in mycobacterial adhesion. The possible implication of these findings for reverse-osmosis membrane biofouling are discussed.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1989

Fertility of ewes given either melatonin or progestogen sponges.

The administration of melatonin via intravaginal sponges is an effective method of advancing the breeding season in ewes. In the present study the fertility of melatonin-treated ewes has been compared with that of ewes induced to ovulate by conventional treatment. On June 25, 15, 15-month-old ewes (group 1) were given intravaginal implants containing melatonin in silastic tubing. On August 8, 13 similar ewes (group 2) were given Veramix sponges which were removed 12 days later, when they were given 500 iu pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). Two intact raddled rams were introduced to the combined groups on August 21. The mean date of mating was September 3 +/- 1.5 for group 1 and August 21 +/- 0.2 for group 2 ewes. All the ewes in group 1 and 10 in group 2 (77 per cent) were mated. All the ewes were slaughtered approximately 50 days after mating and their reproductive tracts removed. The mean ovulation rates were 2.1 and 2.3 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The results indicate that conception rates of 87 per cent and 61.5 per cent of ewes put to the ram were obtained in the melatonin-treated and PMSG-treated groups, respectively. At slaughter the melatonin-treated group were found to have a mean of 1.47 live fetuses per ewe put to the ram and the PMSG-treated group a mean of 1.08. It can therefore be concluded that melatonin implantation is an effective method for the advancement of seasonal breeding in anoestrous sheep, and that the fertility achieved is at least as good as that given by conventional progestogen-PMSG treatment.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1981

Protein folding.

After some general remarks on protein structure, there follows a discussion on primary, secondary, and tertiary organization. The account of primary structure includes a discussion of the conformation of disulfide bonds. Types of helices, sheets, and turns are described in the section on secondary structure, followed by a discussion of super-secondary structure and the effects of metals and prosthetic groups of protein fold. The crux of the review lies in an examination of tertiary structure, or specifically of domains that are defined, in part, as functional units within a polypeptide chain. An assembly of domains can in turn result in a protein whose function is quite sophisticated. Some consideration of domain recognition is given in the section on taxonomy and in the appendix. The key part of the tertiary structure section concentrates on a taxonomic protein classification dependent not only on structure but also on function. A discussion of the requirements by quaternary structure on a fold are omitted in this review. Finally, no review of this kind can escape a discussion of evolutionary convergence and divergence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Triidothyronine and epinephrine rapidly modify myocardial substrate selection: a (13)C isotopomer analysis.

Triiodothyronine (T(3)) exerts direct action on myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO(2)), although its immediate effects on substrate metabolism have not been elucidated. The hypothesis, that T(3) regulates substrate selection and flux, was tested in isovolumic rat hearts under four conditions: control, T(3) (10 nM), epinephrine (Epi), and T(3) and Epi (TE). Hearts were perfused with [1,3-(13)C]acetoacetic acid (AA, 0.17 mM), L-[3-(13)C]lactic acid (LAC, 1.2 mM), U-(13)C-labeled long-chain free fatty acids (FFA, 0.35 mM), and unlabeled D-glucose (5.5 mM) for 30 min. Fractional acetyl-CoA contribution to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Fc) per substrate was determined using (13)C NMR and isotopomer analysis. Oxidative fluxes were calculated using Fc, the respiratory quotient, and MVO(2). T(3) increased (P < 0.05) Fc(FFA), decreased Fc(LAC), and increased absolute FFA oxidation from 0.58 +/- 0.03 to 0.68 +/- 0.03 micromol. min(-1). g dry wt(-1) (P < 0.05). Epi decreased Fc(FFA) and Fc(AA), although FFA flux increased from 0.58 +/- 0.03 to 0.75 +/- 0.09 micromol. min(-1). g dry wt(-1). T(3) moderated the change in Fc(FFA) induced by Epi. In summary, T(3) exerts direct action on substrate pathways and enhances FFA selection and oxidation, although the Epi effect dominates at a high work state.

Acetoacetates↗
PubMed2006

Gene expression profiles in peripheral lymphocytes by arsenic exposure and skin lesion status in a Bangladeshi population.

Millions of individuals worldwide are chronically exposed to arsenic through their drinking water. In this study, the effect of arsenic exposure and arsenical skin lesion status on genome-wide gene expression patterns was evaluated using RNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals selected from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study. Affymetrix HG-U133A GeneChip (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) arrays were used to measure the expression of approximately 22,000 transcripts. Our primary statistical analysis involved identifying differentially expressed genes between participants with and without arsenical skin lesions based on the significance analysis of microarrays statistic with an a priori defined 1% false discovery rate to minimize false positives. To better characterize differential expression, we also conducted Gene Ontology and pathway comparisons in addition to the gene-specific analyses. Four-hundred sixty-eight genes were differentially expressed between these two groups, from which 312 differentially expressed genes were identified by restricting the analysis to female never-smokers. We also explored possible differential gene expression by arsenic exposure levels among individuals without manifest arsenical skin lesions; however, no differentially expressed genes could be identified from this comparison. Our findings show that microarray-based gene expression analysis is a powerful method to characterize the molecular profile of arsenic exposure and arsenic-induced diseases. Genes identified from this analysis may provide insights into the underlying processes of arsenic-induced disease and represent potential targets for chemoprevention studies to reduce arsenic-induced skin cancer in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Operative treatment of ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency of the elbow in female athletes.

BACKGROUND: As women become more involved in athletic activity, injuries specific to this population also increase. No data exist regarding operative treatment of female patients with elbow instability secondary to ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. HYPOTHESIS: Women with symptomatically unstable elbows who failed nonoperative treatment will improve after surgical intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Nineteen women were retrospectively evaluated using the Andrews and Carson Elbow Outcome Score. Patients were included if they underwent repair or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament for symptomatic instability that precluded them from participation in their desired sport or activities, despite nonoperative treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 22.0 years (range, 15.1-37.2 years). The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range, 12.4-68.6 months). Of the 19 patients, 14 were softball players, gymnasts, and tennis players. Only 1 was a pitcher. Eighteen women underwent repair by one of the following procedures: plication (n = 6), repair to bone using anchors (n = 11), or drill holes (n = 1). One patient underwent a palmaris graft reconstruction. The mean overall preoperative outcome score of 120 improved to 191 postoperatively (P < .0001). Seventeen of 18 athletes were able to return to their sport at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively. One patient did not participate in athletics. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated excellent overall results in 16 and good results in 3 female patients after medial elbow repair or reconstruction. Women appear to be able to consistently return to a high level of function after repair or reconstruction for medial elbow instability.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of arsenic exposure from drinking water and awareness of its health risks in a Bangladeshi population: results from a large population-based study.

We conducted a population-based prevalence survey in Araihazar, Bangladesh, to describe the distribution of arsenic exposure in a rural Bangladeshi population and to assess the population's awareness to this problem as well as to possible remediation options. Water samples from 5,967 contiguous tube wells in a defined geographic area were tested using laboratory-based methods. Additionally, for each well, the owner/caretaker (or a close relative) was interviewed regarding his or her awareness of the health consequences of As exposure. Arsenic exposure data and demographic characteristics for the 65,876 users of these wells were also collected from the 5,967 respondents. Among the 65,876 residents, more than half (54%) regularly consumed well water with an As concentration > or = 50 microg/L--above the acceptable government standard in Bangladesh. Respondents were 15-92 years of age, with an average age of 42 years, and 43% were male. Presence of awareness was significantly related to male sex, nonlabor head of household occupation, better housing, and having had the well tested for As concentration. Most respondents (92%) expressed a willingness to take steps to reduce their exposure, with switching to a safe well the most favored option (46.2%). Willingness to reduce exposure was positively related to awareness of the health risks of As. However, the association between awareness and switching to a safe well [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.54] was no stronger than the associations between awareness and using surface water (with or without treatments) (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22-1.95) or using an existing well after treatment or increasing the depth (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.67). These findings suggest that health education programs may need to target individuals with lower socioeconomic status and that well switching should be encouraged with more appropriate health education. Increasing knowledge of the health consequences of As may be an important element in facilitating remediation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Effect of age and time of day on the timing of the surge in luteinizing hormone, behavioural oestrus and mating in red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus).

The oestrous cycles of fourteen red deer hinds (six yearling; eight more than 2 years old) were synchronized during the early breeding season by removal of a progesterone-containing intravaginal device and blood samples were taken at intervals of 3 h commencing 13 or 25 h later and continued for 54 h. The controlled internal drug release devices (CIDRs) were removed at 08:00 h (group 1; three yearlings and four adults) or 12 h later at 20:00 h (group 2; three yearlings and four adults). There was no significant effect of time of removal of CIDR on the interval to the onset of oestrus (group 1, 34.5 +/- 4.05 h; group 2, 42.14 +/- 7.8 h) on the time of peak concentration (group 1, 41.81 +/- 5.69 h; group 2, 41.71 +/- 7.81 h) or on duration of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge (group 1, 15.00 +/- 0.95 h; group 2, 14.57 +/- 0.78 h). The six yearling animals exhibited oestrus and LH surge significantly later than the adults (55 +/- 4.2 versus 32 +/- 6.3 h for the LH surge for yearling and adult females, respectively). In a further experiment, 20 hinds were synchronized during the breeding season by removal of CIDR at two times of day 12 h apart and placed with a stag. Mating took place at a mean time of 42.1 +/- 2.4 h and 37.0 +/- 1.3 h later in the two groups. There was no significant effect of time of removal of CIDR upon time to onset of oestrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

Superovulation in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), and fertilization rates following artificial insemination with Père David's deer semen.

Two comparative studies were undertaken using adult, female red and Père David's deer to examine the ovulatory response of these animals to a superovulation regimen and fertilization rates following inter- and intraspecific laparoscopic insemination. In Expt 1 six Père David's deer and 12 red deer hinds were treated during the breeding season with an intravaginal progesterone-impregnated controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) for 14 days, with 200 iu pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) administered 72 h before the device was withdrawn and eight injections of ovine FSH given at 12 h intervals starting at the time of PMSG administration. Oestrous behaviour began one day after CIDR device withdrawal (Père David's deer: 24.00 +/- 2.32 h; red deer: 24.60 +/- 2.23 h). The duration of oestrus was greater in Père David's deer than in red deer (17.50 +/- 1.43 h and 8.25 +/- 3.25 h, respectively, P < 0.001). The peak LH surge of Père David's deer was 68.65 +/- 4.74 ng ml-1 occurring 29.00 +/- 2.41 h after removal of the CIDR devices. In comparison, the peak LH surge in red deer was 17.09 +/- 3.64 ng ml-1 (P < 0.001), occurring 24.00 +/- 0.00 h after CIDR device withdrawal. Pre-surge concentrations of LH were also greater (P < 0.001) in Père David's deer (1.37 +/- 0.11 ng ml-1) than in red deer hinds (0.41 +/- 0.02 ng ml-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Aripiprazole, a novel atypical antipsychotic drug.

Before the 1990s, treatment of psychoses centered on conventional agents whose tolerability was limited by extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). The past decade has seen the emergence of a newer generation of antipsychotic agents, first with clozapine and followed shortly by risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone. These agents have been touted as providing better negative symptom efficacy, less impaired cognition, and lower risk of extrapyramidal syndromes. However, evolving evidence suggests that several drugs in this class may be associated with significant weight gain and lipid abnormalities. Aripiprazole, a new atypical antipsychotic drug, displayed efficacy similar to that of haloperidol and risperidone and superior to that of placebo in numerous clinical trials. Aripiprazole does not cause significant prolactin elevation and is associated with a low rate of clinically significant weight gain compared with other atypical antipsychotics. Patients receiving aripiprazole experienced EPS at a rate similar to that seen with placebo. Aripiprazole provides a new treatment option with limited adverse effects for patients in need of antipsychotic therapy.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed2005

Exacerbation of panic disorder with rifampin therapy in a patient receiving citalopram.

Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is used in the management of anxiety disorders. A 55-year-old man receiving citalopram for panic disorder reported a decrease in the agent's therapeutic efficacy when rifampin was started for osteomyelitis. His condition improved when the rifampin was stopped. Rifampin is known to induce the metabolism of cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates and thus plays a role in several drug-drug interactions. We suspect that the efficacy of citalopram was blunted with the concurrent use of rifampin. To our knowledge, only one other case of an interaction of rifampin with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is described in the literature. Clinicians should monitor all drugs and dietary supplements that patients with psychiatric conditions take, regardless of the indication, intended purpose, or prescriber. This is especially important, however, for a drug that is pivotal to a patient's well-being; its therapeutic effect should be carefully monitored when any new drug is added or a change in the dosage of a concurrent drug is made.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1999

Automated purification and quantification of oligonucleotides.

We have developed automated methods for the trityl-on purification and quantification of synthetic oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotide purification is by solid-phase extraction cartridges using Amberchrom CG-50 resin on an XYZ-axis robotic system. Quantification is by OD260nm using an online UV-visible spectrophotometer with sipper. The purification of 20 oligonucleotides requires 5 min of user set-up time, plus 20 min per sample of robot time. For a 15-25-mer at the 40 nmol scale of synthesis, the method gives a yield of 2.8 ODs from a load of 10.1 OD, i.e., a 28% average yield. Oligonucleotides purified by this method have proven to be successful for primers for automated DNA sequencing.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed1995

Protein structure prediction: recognition of primary, secondary, and tertiary structural features from amino acid sequence.

This review attempts a critical stock-taking of the current state of the science aimed at predicting structural features of proteins from their amino acid sequences. At the primary structure level, methods are considered for detection of remotely related sequences and for recognizing amino acid patterns to predict posttranslational modifications and binding sites. The techniques involving secondary structural features include prediction of secondary structure, membrane-spanning regions, and secondary structural class. At the tertiary structural level, methods for threading a sequence into a mainchain fold, homology modeling and assigning sequences to protein families with similar folds are discussed. A literature analysis suggests that, to date, threading techniques are not able to show their superiority over sequence pattern recognition methods. Recent progress in the state of ab initio structure calculation is reviewed in detail. The analysis shows that many structural features can be predicted from the amino acid sequence much better than just a few years ago and with attendant utility in experimental research. Best prediction can be achieved for new protein sequences that can be assigned to well-studied protein families. For single sequences without homologues, the folding problem has not yet been solved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Recognizing very distant sequence relationships among proteins by family profile analysis.

Family profile analysis (FPA), described in this paper, compares all available homologous amino acid sequences of a target family with the profile of a probe family while conventional sequence profile analysis (Gribskov M, Lüthy R, Eisenberg D. Meth Enzymol 1990;183:146-159) considers only a single target sequence in comparison with the probe family. The increased input of sequence information in FPA expands the range for sequence-based recognition of structural relationships. In the FPA algorithm, Zscores of each of the target sequences, obtained from a probe profile search over all known amino acid sequences, are averaged and then compared with the scores for sequences of 100 reference families in the same probe family search. The resulting F-Zscore of the target family, expressed in "effective standard deviations" of the mean Zscores of the reference families, with value above a threshold of 3.5 indicates a statistically significant evolutionary relationship between the target and probe families. The sensitivity of FPA to sequence information was tested with several protein families where distant relationships have been verified from known tertiary protein architectures, which included vitamin B6-dependent enzymes, (beta/alpha)8-barrel proteins, beta-trefoil proteins, and globins. In comparison to other methods, FPA proved to be significantly more sensitive, finding numerous new homologies. The FPA technique is not only useful to test a suspected relationship between probe and target families but also identifies possible target families in profile searches over all known primary structures.

Algorithms↗