Bilirubin-induced erythrocyte membrane cytotoxicity

The kinetics of bilirubin erythrocyte interaction have been followed by scanning electron microscopy. Bilirubin-induced erythrocyte cytotoxicity embodies the interaction of the bile pigment with the outer half of the erythrocyte plasma membrane bilayer couple. This interaction leads to crenation. This membrane event appears to be primary and precedes hemolysis. The membrane crenation is dependent on the concentration of the bile pigment and is reversed by bovine serum albumin again in a concentration-dependent manner. Phospholipids do not alter bilirubin erythrocyte ineraction. Erythrocytes from jaundiced neonates show crenated surface structure in scanning electron microscopy. The crenation depends upon severity of jaundice in neonates. This suggests similarity between in vivo and in vitro mechanisms of cytotoxicity mediated by the bile pigment. Further, phototherapy reverses the process of membrane crenation. The in vivo photocatabolities isolated from urine of jaundiced neonates are nontoxic to erythrocyte membrane.     

Galaxy: a platform for interactive large-scale genome analysis

Accessing and analyzing the exponentially expanding genomic sequence and functional data pose a challenge for biomedical researchers. Here we describe an interactive system, Galaxy, that combines the power of existing genome annotation databases with a simple Web portal to enable users to search remote resources, combine data from independent queries, and visualize the results. The heart of Galaxy is a flexible history system that stores the queries from each user; performs operations such as intersections, unions, and subtractions; and links to other computational tools. Galaxy can be accessed at http://g2.bx.psu.edu.     

Substance P regulates natural killer cell interferon-gamma production and resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Studies have shown that after Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) corneal infection, BALB/c mice that are capable of resolving the disease, locally produce IFN-gamma. As T cells are not detected in the infected cornea of these mice, antibody depletion was used to test whether NK cells produce the cytokine. After depletion, decreased corneal IFN-gamma mRNA and increased disease severity, bacterial load, and PMN infiltrate resulted. Further work determined if substance P (SP), a pro-inflammatory neuropeptide, participated in regulation of this response. To this end, mice were treated with the SP antagonist, spantide I that blocks SP interaction with neurokinin-1, its major receptor. The treatment significantly decreased corneal IFN-gamma and IL-18 protein levels and corneal perforation resulted. In vitro experiments using isolated splenic NK cells confirmed their ability to respond to IL-18 and SP and to secrete IFN-gamma protein. We conclude: that for development of the BALB/c resistance response, NK cells are required to produce IFN-gamma; that the cells express the neurokinin-1 receptor; and that SP directly regulates IFN-gamma production through this receptor. The data suggest a unique link between the nervous system and development of innate immunity in the cornea.     

Examination stress: changes in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids

Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids were estimated in twelve students exposed to varying degree of examination stress. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides exhibited a rise proportional to degree of examination stress whereas total lipids exhibited an initial rise followed by a fall. Values of all these parameters attained control level when the stress was over. The rise in serum cholesterol and triglycerides seems to be due to stress induced changes in hormonal levels and peripheral lipolysis respectively.     

Somatic growth and renal function after unilateral nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor

Solitary kidneys in renal donors and patients who have undergone unilateral nephrectomy for malignant disease have been reported to undergo hyperfiltration injury. This study was undertaken to evaluate the somatic growth and development of followed-up patient after Wilms' tumor to evaluate their renal function and identify any evidence of injury in the remaining kidney. The growth and development of all the children was found to be normal, as was DTPA clearance. Microalbuminuria in 24-h urinary collections was detected in 84% of the patients, indicating evidence of hyperfiltration injury. This study highlights the need for close monitoring of the renal function of long-term follow-up patients after Wilms' tumor in addition to the routine monitoring for tumor recurrence. Accepted: 26 May 1998     

Custom Ocular Prosthesis: A Palliative Approach

The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families. Eyes are generally the first features of the face to be noticed. Loss of an eye is a traumatic event which has a crippling effect on the psychology of the patient. Several ocular and orbital disorders require surgical intervention that may result in ocular defects. An ocular prosthesis is fabricated to restore the structure, function, and cosmetics of the defects created by such conditions. Although an implant eye prosthesis has a superior outcome, due to economic factors it may not be a feasible option for all patients. Therefore, a custom-made ocular prosthesis is a good alternative. This case report presents a palliative treatment for a patient with an enucleated eye by fabricating a custom ocular prosthesis which improved his psychological, physical, social, functional, emotional and spiritual needs.     

Evaluation Of The Diuretic Activity Of Boerhaavia Verticillata

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the potential diuretic activity of Boerhaavia verticillata . The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. verticillata were administered in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p., to normal and adult albino rats, which were monitored over a period of 24 h. Experimental results confirmed that both the ethanol and aqueous extracts have diuretic properties, but the ethanol extract seems to have less diuretic and natriuretic activity than the aqueous extract.