Activation of nuclear factor kappa B in human lymphoblastoid cells by low-dose ionizing radiation

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a pleiotropic transcription factor which is involved in the transcriptional regulation of several specific genes. Recent reports demonstrated that ionizing radiation in the dose range of 2-50 Gy results in expression of NF-kappa B in human KG-1 myeloid leukemia cells and human B-lymphocyte precursor cells; the precise mechanism involved and the significance are not yet known. The present report demonstrates that even lower doses of ionizing radiation, 0.25-2.0 Gy, are capable of inducing expression of NF-kappa B in EBV-transformed 244B human lymphoblastoid cells. These results are in a dose range where the viability of the cells remains very high. After exposure to 137Cs gamma rays at a dose rate of 1.17 Gy/min, a maximum in expression of NF-kappa B was seen at 8 h after a 0.5-Gy exposure. Time-course studies revealed a biphasic time-dependent expression after 0.5-, 1- and 2-Gy exposures. However, for each time examined, the expression of NF-kappa B was maximum after the 0.5-Gy exposure. The expression of the p50 and p65 NF-kappa B subunits was also shown to be regulated differentially after exposures to 1.0 and 2.0 Gy.

Hematological status of beta-thalassemics in Madras

Although rapid technical advances have taken place in the diagnosis of beta-thalassemia, still the hematological factors were found to be suitable screening test in areas like Indian subcontinent where a high prevalence of beta-thalassemia trait was observed. Among various thalassemias reported in Asian Indians, beta-thalassemia account for about 80% and is responsible for very high infantile mortality. Despite this, little is known about the hematological status of beta-thalassemias among this ethnic group which is associated with more than five different predominant beta-globin mutation with high frequency and variable number of rare ones. The present study is the first report of hematological status of beta-thalassemia among this ethnic group particularly from Tamil Nadu, Southern India, who are still practising high degree of consanguinity. In the present study, a total number of 364 beta-thalassemics were investigated. This includes 84 cases of homozygous beta-thalassemias and the remaining 280 were heterozygotes. The hematological factors such as red cell indices, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2 were assessed. The results revealed a wide spectrum of hematological variables ranging from severe form as that of Mediterranean thalassemias to very mild form of anemia as that of African Negro population.

A preliminary report on open tip rhinoplasty at the time of lip repair in unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Alor Setar experience

A method of open-tip rhinoplasty using nostril and columella rim incisions at the time of unilateral cleft lip repair is described. This preliminary report details experience gained using this technique in the Malaysian centre of Alor Setar following its introduction in September, 1991.

A preliminary report on one stage open tip rhinoplasty at the time of lip repair in bilateral cleft lip and palate: the Alor Setar experience

This paper is a preliminary report on a strategy to perform open tip rhinoplasty at the time of lip repair in bilateral cleft lip and palate deformity. This method was devised to suit unique socio-economic circumstances in the Malaysian centre of Alor Setar. Of 8 cases having surgery in 1991, 7 returned for follow-up with results being documented photographically. It is concluded that this aggressive approach is justified in severe bilateral cleft lip and palate deformity because of the cost effectiveness of limiting the number of interventions. Furthermore, it provides optimally orientated nasal tip anatomy and reduces the social stigma of cleft lip nose appearance from the earliest possible time in the child's development.

Production and characterization of an Mls-1-specific monoclonal antibody

Superantigens (SAGs) represent a new class of antigens, characterized as T cell receptor (TCR) V beta-reactive elements. Bacterial toxins constitute the major group of exogenous SAGs, while the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-encoded Mls molecules represent the endogenous SAGs. Mls-1 is the prototype of the latter SAGs, because it elicits a very potent T cell stimulatory response in vitro in unprimed T cells expressing the TCR V beta 6 or 8.1 chains. In vivo, Mls-1 causes deletion of immature T cells bearing the V beta 6, 7, 8.1, or 9 chains. Although Mls-1 was functionally discovered > 20 yr ago, it has not been possible to raise antibodies against this molecule. We have previously cloned and sequenced the Mtv-7 sag gene, which encodes Mls-1. Sequence comparisons with other MMTV sag genes suggested that the polymorphic 3' end encodes the TCR V beta specificity of these SAGs. We have, therefore, immunized hamsters with a 14-amino acid peptide from the deduced COOH-terminal sequence of the Mtv-7 sag gene. We describe here the production of a monoclonal antibody (mAb), 3B12, which is peptide specific and reacts with a recombinant baculovirus product of Mtv-7 sag. This mAb blocks Mls-1-specific T cell recognition and detects the Mls-1 protein on the surface of the B cell hybridoma LBB.A, but not on LBB.11, which is an Mtv-7 loss variant of LBB.A. Transfection of the Mtv-7 sag gene into LBB.11 renders this cell functionally Mls-1+ as well as positive for 3B12 binding, confirming the specificity of this mAb. It is well documented that B cells and CD8+ T cells express T cell stimulatory Mls-1 determinants, and we show here that this functional profile correlates with the expression of MMTV-specific mRNA. However, primary lymphocytes derived from Mls-1+ mice do not stain with 3B12, even after in vitro activation with mitogens or phorbol ester.

Clinicosocial aspect of osteo-articular tuberculosis

The study constituted clinicosocial analysis of 194 cases of osteo-articular tuberculosis. The disease was common in 1st and 2nd decades of life but not rare in old age with male preponderance. Majority of the patients were from rural area belonging to lower economic classes. Lesions were usually solitary (96.4%) situated in the weight bearing bones and joints (88.66%). Spinal tuberculosis was commonest (48.97%). The onset of disease was insidious in 94.8% cases. Chronic pain, swelling, impaired movements, deformities, sinus and cold abscess were found to be salient features of disease. Negligence and secondary infection were common.

A mouse monoclonal antibody to Vi antigen & its usefulness in the serotyping of Salmonella

Three IgM monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) designated as MK2, MK3 and MK5 and specific for the Vi antigen of Salmonella typhi have been produced. These antibodies recognise the epitope involving the O-acetyl group of Vi antigen. In slide agglutination tests, these MoAb's agglutinated all 11 isolates of S. typhi but not the other Gram negative bacteria. This selective reactivity makes them better reagents for the identification of S. typhi than the conventional polyclonal antiserum.