Effects of pyridoxine supplementation on blood glucocorticoids level, aspartate aminotransferase activity and glucose tolerance pattern under acute hypoxic stress

Studies were conducted on male adult rabbits to find out the changes in blood glucocorticoid levels along with the changes in aspartate aminotransferase activity in blood and the role of pyridoxine on the glucose tolerance pattern under hypoxic stress. Hypoxic stress was produced by exposing the animals to a simulated altitude of 7,000 m for 6 h. In the first set of experiments 10 rabbits were used. Blood haemoglobin level, plasma and erythrocyte glucocorticoid levels and erythrocyte GOT activity were measured just before and after the exposure to hypoxia. Erythrocyte GOT activity was measured both without and with 50 mg of pyridoxal phosphate addition to the incubation mixture. Glucocorticoid levels in plasma increased by 11% whereas in erythrocytes the increase was 55% after hypoxia. Percent stimulation of erythrocyte GOT activity with pyridoxal phosphate before exposure to hypoxia was 180% but increased to 321% after exposure. In the second set of experiments another 10 rabbits were used. First they were exposed to hypoxia without pyridoxine hydrochloride feeding and then after 7 days with 3 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride feeding. For glucose tolerance tests the animals were fed with 1 g of glucose immediately after the hypoxic exposures. Plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), LDH and ICDH activities increased and GOT activity was depressed after hypoxic stress, but when the animals were fed pyridoxine hydrochloride prior to the exposure the enzyme activities remained unaltered after hypoxic stress. Pyridoxine hydrochloride did not alter the pattern of glucose tolerance after hypoxic stress.

The completeness and accuracy of health authority and cancer registry records according to a study of ovarian neoplasms

The completeness and accuracy of Hospital Activity Analysis (HAA) and Regional Cancer Registry (RCR) records were investigated in a series of 868 histologically reviewed cases in which primary ovarian neoplasms had been diagnosed according to one or more of seven data sources including HAA and RCR. All the women concerned were residents of Manchester and Salford who had presented in 1979-83 aged 15 years or more. The histological review confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian neoplasia in 829 of these women and excluded it in 39. Among the 829 confirmed cases, 333 were malignant or of borderline malignancy and therefore eligible for registration with the RCR, and 496 were benign. Only 611 (74%) of the 829 cases were listed as ovarian neoplasms or cysts in HAA records of hospital admissions from the study area during the study period, and the HAA diagnosis was incorrect in 40% of the 611 listed cases. Among the 333 borderline or malignant cases, only 241 (72%) appeared among the RCR's registrations of ovarian neoplasms for the study period and area. The RCR record of histological diagnosis was inaccurate in over 20% of these 241 registered cases, although most of the inaccuracies did not affect whether the neoplasm was classified as borderline or malignant. Five per cent of the cases listed as ovarian neoplasms in the HAA file and 15% of those listed as registrable ovarian neoplasms by the RCR should not have been so listed. The findings highlight the limitations of these routine health information systems, both as sources of cases for research and as National Health Service management tools.

Diaphyseal dysplasia associated with anemia

Five patients in early childhood had moderate to marked anemia and clinically demonstrable thick long bones of the extremities with radiologic features of diaphyseal dysplasia. Although the anemia was persistent and not responsive to hematinics, prednisolone was administered to two of these patients and caused remarkable improvement of the anemia in both. Roentgenologic examination carried out after 1 year of corticosteroid therapy in one patient and after 11 years in another showed considerable improvement of the bony changes. The clinical and radiologic examinations of these patients and their follow-up study suggest that they may constitute an unusual group of patients with diaphyseal dysplasia associated with anemia, hitherto not well defined.

Evaluation of serology as a tool for malaria surveillance in East Champaran District of Bihar, India

The indirect immunofluorescence test was evaluated as a tool for malaria surveillance. The population of 12 villages in the East Champaran District of Bihar with a low annual parasitic index and a low annual blood examination rate was surveyed in order to confirm the low endemicity of malaria in these villages. Two specimens of blood, one taken during the pre-transmission season and one taken during the post-transmission season, were collected for parasitological and serological studies. The paired samples showed no parasite positivity in the study population in both surveys. All the villages had very low serological titres. However, the presence of malaria antibodies in the zero to five years age group (the sentinel group) indicated that malaria transmission occurred in the study area at a very low level. The seropositivity and the geometric mean titre were lower in the pre-transmission season than in the post-transmission season, but the overall reduction in geometric mean titre, which was very low throughout the study, was not statistically significant. The study emphasizes the importance of serological tests in malaria surveillance.

Epidemiology. The incidence and management of joint contracture in India

An epidemiologic study in India showed that 50% of the severely disabled (1.8% of the total population) had locomotor disorders. There is a considerable difference in the incidence of disability and disease in rural and urban populations. The deformities from poliomyelitis are encountered predominantly in the rural areas (53.5%). The incidence in urban areas is only 1%. After poliomyelitis, the pathomechanics of deformity are prominent in the lower limbs. In a developing country, the management of contractures differs considerably from treatment in economically advanced nations. The use of postural exercises with body weight is well illustrated by certain Yoga postures such as paschimottansana or ushtrasana and is a prescribed treatment.

Primary tuberculosis of the retina

A case of pseudoglioma diagnosed on histopathology to be retinal tuberculosis is presented with a general review of the literature on ocular tuberculosis. The case is peculiar in that retinal tuberculosis occurred without concomitant involvement of the choroid.

Immunochemical properties of the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen of Vibrio cholerae O1 in relation to its chemical structure

D-Glucuronic acid and D-glucosamine have an immunodominant role in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen of both the Ogawa and the Inaba subtypes of Vibrio cholerae O1. This was evident from the pronounced inhibitory effect on the LPS precipitin reaction demonstrated by these monosaccharides and by oligosaccharides containing either of them which were isolated from LPS hydrolysate. There was a considerable decrease in the antibody-combining capacity of chemically modified LPS in which the carboxyl group of the glucuronic acid had been reduced. Similarly, on deamination, the O-specific polysaccharide fraction of the LPS molecule from both subtypes completely lost the ability to precipitate the LPS antibody.

Glucose metabolism in insulin administered euthyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats

Glucose metabolism was studied as evidenced by the sugar and pyruvic acid levels in blood and glycogen and pyruvic acid content of tissues in euthyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats by giving insulin. Results show that in a normal thyroxine-excess insulin state, the rise in blood sugar was less, glycogenesis was much enhanced and glycolysis was reduced in comparison to these data in the euthyroid state. When tyroxine deficiency was associated with excess insulin, glycogenesis was enhanced further and an almost complete inhibition of glycolysis was observed. In excess thyroxine-excess insulin state glycogenesis was increased at the expense of glycolysis in comparison to the finding in the hyperthyroid state. Thus exogenous insulin in the euthyroid state altered the pattern of carbohydrate metabolism enhancing glycogenesis and inhibiting glycolysis. In a low thyroxine-excess insulin state, further enhancement of glycogenesis and inhibition of glycolysis were observed. But in an excess thyroxine-excess insulin state, the higher thyroxine activity was somewhat neutralized by higher insulin action allowing glycogenesis with glucose to proceed to some extent.

Studies on Escherichia coli as a cause of acute diarrhoea in Calcutta

The prevalence of different types of diarrhoea-producing Escherichia coli among 240 patients with acute diarrhoea in hospital was investigated. The 25 patients (10.4% of the total) from whose faeces we isolated enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) were all less than 5 years old but the 29 (12.1%) from whom we isolated enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were of various ages, most of them greater than 12 years old. No enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) strains were isolated. ETEC strains that produced heat-labile toxin (LT) were encountered more often than those that produced either heat-stable toxin (ST) alone or both LT and ST. The ETEC isolates were distributed among eight different serotypes, the commonest being O148:H28 (38%). Correlations between enterotoxin production, serotype pattern and possession of colonisation factor antigens I and II were observed.

The cytoplasmic 4 S translation inhibitory RNA species of chick embryonic muscle. Effect on mRNA binding to 43 S initiation complex

A cytoplasmic 10 S ribonucleoprotein (iRNP) isolated from chick embryonic muscle is a potent inhibitor of mRNA translation in vitro and contains a 4 S translation inhibitory RNA species (iRNA) (Sarkar, S., Mukherjee, A. K., and Guha, C. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 5077-5086). Using an in vitro assay system, we show that the iRNA has no effect on the elongation phase of peptide synthesis. iRNA inhibits translation at the initiation step by inhibiting mRNA binding to 43 S initiation complexes. The iRNA does not inhibit the binding of Met-tRNAf to the 40 S ribosomal subunit, but rather causes an increase in the level of 43 S initiation complexes in the reticulocyte lysate. The formation of the 80 S initiation complex from the 43 S complex is specifically blocked in the presence of iRNA. The significance of these results in relation to biological function of iRNA is discussed.

Studies on the partial structure of the O-antigen of Vibrio cholera Ogawa G-2102

Detailed information was obtained regarding the partial structure of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), containing glucose, glucuronic acid, 2-amino-2-deoxy-glucose, L-glycero-D-gluco-heptose, and small proportions of L-glycero-D-manno-heptose, mannose, and galactose, isolated from Vibrio cholera Ogawa G-2102. Structures of three oligosaccharides were determined. Results of deamination experiments established the sequence of the linkages between the amino sugar and heptose residues in the O-antigenic polysaccharide.

Association of cap binding protein-related polypeptides with cytoplasmic RNP particles of chick embryonic muscle

Cap binding protein (CBP)-related polypeptides were identified in different cytoplasmic RNP particles of embryonic chick muscles using monoclonal antibody to purified CBP. A single immunoreactive peptide (Mr 78 000) was present in preparations of both free mRNP particles and a novel 10 S translation inhibitory RNP particle. In contrast, proteins isolated from these particles showed two new low-Mr immunoreactive peptides (Mr 43 000 and Mr 29 000). No CBP related protein could be detected in polysomal mRNP, although an immunoreactive Mr 43 000 CBP-related protein was present in polysomes. The relevance of the association of different CBP-related polypeptides with cytoplasmic RNP particles and polysomes are discussed.

Nonselective inhibition of messenger RNA translation by highly purified low molecular weight RNA species from ribosomal salt wash of chick embryonic muscle

A low molecular weight RNA species, in the 70-90 nucleotide size range (iRNA), has been purified from the ribosomal salt wash of chick embryonic muscle by a combination of DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite chromatography. This method yields iRNA free from contaminating tRNA and gives better and more reproducible yields than those obtained with our previous method involving lengthy dialysis of the salt wash. The iRNA at the concentration of 20-80 ng range strongly inhibits the translation of homologous and heterologous mRNAs i.e. chick muscle poly(A)+mRNA and rabbit globin mRNA; uncapped mRNA; and poly(A)-mRNA in micrococcal nuclease-treated reticulocyte lysate indicating that inhibition by iRNA is nonselective in nature. The translation of endogenous globin mRNA and polysomes in the lysate is strikingly less sensitive to iRNA suggesting that the initiation step is primarily affected by iRNA. The iRNA does not appear to be double-stranded RNA. It is concluded that iRNA is distinct from other low molecular weight RNA species described in the literature which modulate protein synthesis in cell-free systems.

The translational inhibitor 10 S cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein of chick embryonic muscle. Dissociation and reassociation

Cytoplasmic 10S ribonucleoprotein (iRNP) is a potent inhibitor of mRNA translation in vitro and contains a 4 S translation inhibitory RNA species (iRNA) (Sarkar, S., Mukherjee, A. K., and Guha, C. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 5077-5086). This ribonucleoprotein has now been resolved into protein and RNA components by DEAE-cellulose chromatography in the absence of both K+ and Mg2+ ions. These cations are required for maintaining the nucleoprotein structure of iRNP. Incubation of the dissociated protein and RNA components in the presence of K+ and Mg2+ at 35 degrees C reconstitutes a 10 S particle which is indistinguishable from native iRNP with respect to the elution profile by gel filtration, UV spectra, buoyant density, resistance to pancreatic RNase, and ability to inhibit exogenous mRNA translation in vitro. Chick muscle tRNA and globin mRNA could not form an RNP complex with the protein moieties of iRNP. The separated proteins, unlike iRNA and iRNP, do not inhibit mRNA translation. Their function may be to protect iRNA from ribonuclease digestion, since iRNP is ribonuclease-resistant. The ability to dissociate the iRNP particle and to specifically reconstitute it from the separated components indicates that it is a unique cellular entity which is distinct from other ribonucleoproteins.

A ribonuclease-resistant cytoplasmic 10 S ribonucleoprotein of chick embryonic muscle. A potent inhibitor of cell-free protein synthesis

A ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle sedimenting at 10 S in sucrose gradients had been isolated from the post-polysomal fraction of homogenates of 14-day-old chick embryonic leg and breast muscle by sucrose gradient fractionation and gel filtration. The 10 S RNP contains a 4 S RNA species (base composition: AMP, .3%; GMP, 22.2%; CMP, 24.2%; and UMP, 23.2%), and shows three major bands in the 70-90-nucleotide size range by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 99% formamide. The 4 S RNA does not contain oligo(U)- and oligo(A)-rich tracts. The RNP has a characteristic buoyant density of 1.410 g/ml, which corresponds to an RNA/protein ratio of about 1:4. The UV absorption spectra of the RNP is very distinct from that of its RNA component. Both 4 S RNA and the 10 S RNP are potent inhibitors of translation of a variety of mRNAs such as chick muscle poly(A)+ mRNA, rabbit globin mRNA, EMC virus RNA, and poly(A)- and mRNA of rat liver in micrococcal nuclease-treated rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The inhibitory action of the RNA and the RNP on mRNA translation appears to involve the initiation process. The RNA and RNP do not have a nuclease activity associated with them. The hyperchromicity profile of the inhibitory RNA with increasing temperature indicates that it does not contain a significant amount of double-stranded structure. This is also supported by the complete loss of biological activity of the RNA by treatment with pancreatic RNase. In contrast, the inhibitory activity of the RNP was resistant to RNase. Electrophoresis of the protein moieties of the inhibitory RNP using both one- and two-dimensional gel techniques in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate shows a complex pattern of polypeptides of Mr = 12,000-150,000. The protein pattern of the 10 S particle is quite different from those of free and polysomal mRNP and poly(A)-protein complexes of chick embryonic muscles, indicating that most, if not all of the mRNA-associated proteins, are absent in the 19 S RNP. The properties of the inhibitory RNA indicate that it is different from the various low molecular weight RNA species which are involved in the modulation of protein synthesis in cell-free systems. It is concluded that the 10 S particle represents a novel class of RNP, which may be involved in posttranscriptional regulation of protein synthesis in embryonic muscles.

Newer applications of the histological stain prepared from Pterocarpus santalinus

A histological stain prepared from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. has been found to be an excellent nuclear stain for various cells of animal and plant origin. As an elastic tissue stain, the results are comparable to standard elastic tissue stains. The striations of voluntary muscle fibers are well shown. The Nissl granules and fibers of cranial nerves in the pons are visualized. When counterstained with light green, it differentially stains muscle and fibrous tissue. The stain can be used as counterstain with certain histochemical procedures with satisfactory results. The preparation and use of this versatile stain are described.

Chemical aspects of santalin as a histological stain

Recent research on the chemical nature of the red dyes isolated from Pterocarpus santalinus and certain West African plants, viz., Baphia nitida, Pterocarpus osun and Pterocarpus soyauxii, have been reviewed. P. santalinus contains santalins A, B and C, but no santarubin. Santalins and santarubins have been found in P. osun, P. soyauxii and B. nitida. The structural formulae of the santalins are presented and their differences from santarubins indicated. Santalins A and B have some similarities in structure with hematein. This is probably responsible for their staining properties; the possible mechanism of staining is discussed.

Studies on the partial structure of the O-antigen of Vibrio cholera, Inaba 569 B

Five oligosaccharides were isolated in pure state from the lipopolysaccharide of Vibrio cholera, Inaba 569 B, the their structures were elucidated. More-detailed information regarding the partial structure of the lipopolysaccharide, containing glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid, 2-amino-2-deoxyglucose, D-glycero-L-mannoheptose, and D-glycero-L-gluco-heptose, was obtained through Smith degradation, chromium trioxide oxidation, and graded hydrolysis studies of the lipopolysaccharide and its derived products.

Structural investigations of the lipopolysaccharide isolated from Vibrio cholera, Inaba 569 B

On hydrolysis, the purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from Vibrio cholera, Inaba 569 B, yielded glucose, mannose, a heptose behaving like D-glycero-L-manno-heptose and one behaving like D-glycero-L-gluco-heptose, 2-amino-2-deoxyglucose, and glucuronic acid in the molar ratios of approximately 9:4:5:1:2:5. Studies on the LPS, the polysaccharide (PS), and carboxyl-reduced LPS showed that the PS has a branched structure, with (1 leads to 2)-linked mannopyranosyl and a heptopyranosyl, and (1 leads to 4)-linked glucopyranosyluronic and 2-amino-2-deoxyglucopyranosyl residues in the interior part of the molecule, and glucopyranosyl and heptopyranosyl residues as nonreducing end-groups.

Noma neonatorum: Its aetiopathogenesis

Noma neonatorum, a gangrenous process affecting the nose, lips, mouth, anal region, and occasionally the scrotum and eyelids, affects neonates, especially low-birth-weight and premature ill babies, and is usually fatal 1-3 days after onset. In 35 cases of noma neonatorum Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from blood-culture (86.3%), gangrenous areas (96.0%), rectal swabs (58.3%), and cerebrospinal fluid (60.0%). Blood-vessels in the deep cutis or subcutis were affected and the gangrenous process extended superficially. Noma in older children and adults is caused by fusospirochaetosis but noma neonatorum appears to be due to P. aeruginosa septicaemia.