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Biomedical subjects

R D Smith

Publications and source records attributed to R D Smith.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

Celiprolol, a potent cardioselective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist with mild alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist properties.

Celiprolol is a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, with interesting propranolol-insensitive cardiostimulatory, vasodilatory and bronchodilatory effects. Recent reports suggest that mild alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonism may contribute to these effects. The present investigation further explored the alpha 2 effects of celiprolol. In isolated electrically-stimulated rat atria celiprolol (1.0 and 10 mumol/l) significantly increased the release of [3H]-norepinephrine, consistent with the blockade of pre-junctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Evidence for post-synaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist activity was obtained in studies of the effects of celiprolol on the pressor response to clonidine and either phenylephrine or methoxamine in perfused hind-limbs of dogs (pretreated with mecamylamine and propranolol) and pithed rats. In the dog, celiprolol (10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the vasoconstrictor response of clonidine while in the rat higher doses were required (> or = 12.5 mg/kg). Celiprolol did not affect the pressor response induced by alpha 1-agonists. We conclude that celiprolol possesses a mild alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking action which may contribute to its unconventional profile.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of bovine papillomavirus.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect and quantitate bovine papillomavirus in partially purified and in purified viral preparations, using rabbit antiserum against group-specific papillomavirus structural antigens and alkaline phosphatase-labeled affinity purified goat antibody to rabbit immunoglobulin G. Viral detection correlated well with negative-stain electron microscopy of the various preparations and peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining of paraffin sections of the original fibropapillomas. The technique is rapidly done and will detect minute amounts of viral protein (1 ng/ml).

Animals↗

Manpower needs and supply in academic pathology.

A survey of manpower supply and need in academic pathology departments was conducted by the Joint Task Force on Pathology Manpower of the College of American Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the Association of Pathology Chairmen by means of questionnaires distributed to chairmen and faculty of all departments of pathology and laboratory medicine in the United States. Of the 136 departments, responses were obtained from 131 (96%) chairmen and from 1,561 (45%) faculty members. The current total need for faculty members (funded vacant positions) is 272, and the projected aggregate need over the next five years is 693 members for new and replacement positions. The greatest needs are for research MD pathologists and surgical pathologists, followed by autopsy and chemical pathologists. Based on the estimate of current pathology trainees planning academic careers, there is a strong indication that the projected supply of MD pathologists is significantly less than the anticipated demand.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Borrelia theileri: isolation from ticks (Boophilus microplus) and tick-borne transmission between splenectomized calves.

The bovine spirochete, Borrelia theileri, was detected in Giemsastained blood smears from a splenectomized calf 17 days after exposure to a laboratory colony of the tropical cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. Spirochetes were detected in the hemolymph and ovary of all engorged female ticks examined, indicating a high infection rate in this tick colony. Spirochetes were detected in a 2nd splenectomized calf 15 days after exposure to the larval offspring of ticks from the 1st calf. The only observable effect of infection in the 2 calves was a maximum rectal temperature increase to 40.2 C, which coincided with the first detectable parasitemia. The tick colony did not have any adverse effects, despite extensive multiplication of spirochetes in their tissues.

Animals↗

Prostaglandin treatment and subsequent cystic ovarian disease in Holstein cows.

Using computerized herd health data, a prospective cohort study was devised to determine whether cows treated with prostaglandins had a higher incidence of cystic ovarian disease than comparable cows not treated. Of 744 cows selected as having diseases for which prostaglandin administration may be indicated, 240 received prostaglandin. Sixteen cows had cystic ovarian disease following prostaglandin administration. Chi-square analysis showed no association (P greater than 0.10) between cystic ovarian disease and the use of prostaglandin. Incidence of cystic ovarian disease within 150 days of calving in clinically normal cows was compared with that of cows with reproductive disorders. Cows with reproductive disorders had a significantly (P less than 0.01) higher incidence of cystic ovarian disease.

Animals↗

beta-Globin gene family in murine erythroleukemia cells resides within two chromatin domains differing in higher order structure.

The beta-globin gene family is organized into two distinct chromatin domains which are digested at significantly different rates by DNase I. We have investigated the possibility that this differential DNase I sensitivity is based upon differences in the higher order structure of chromatin. When nuclei are digested under low ionic strength conditions known to unfold higher order chromatin structures, the differential sensitivity is lost. That is, the relatively DNase I resistant domain, containing the transcriptionally inactive embryonic and beta-homologous globin genes, becomes sensitive. When chromatin is recondensed with either MgCl2 or NaCl, thus indicating the higher order coiling of the chromatin fiber, the differential sensitivity is restored. Furthermore, the removal of histone H1, known to be essential for stabilization of higher order chromatin structures, results in the loss of differential DNase I sensitivity. In contrast to the DNase I resistant domain, the transcriptionally active adult beta-globin genes show no increase in the rate of digestion when chromatin is unfolded, indicating that this domain may exist as an unfolded nucleosomal chain. The data further suggest that this sensitive domain may be depleted of histone H1.

Animals↗

Alterations in globin gene chromatin conformation during murine erythroleukemia cell differentiation.

Adult beta-globin gene chromatin in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells acquired increased sensitivity to both micrococcal nuclease and DNase I during hexamethylenebisacetamide-induced erythoid differentiation. The DNase I hypersensitivity of the globin genes accompanied their actual transcription and was strongly correlated with commitment events. On the other hand, the rate of micrococcal nuclease digestion was closely related to the rate of globin gene transcription. Two distinct DNase I hypersensitive sites were found on the 5' side of the beta-major globin gene in HMBA-induced cells. One site was located near the 5' side of the beta-major globin gene and the second site was located approximately 3 kilobases upstream of the beta-major cap site. Following the commitment of MEL cells to differentiate, DNase I sensitivity was stably inherited in the absence of inducer. In contrast to HMBA, another inducer, hemin, known to cause the accumulation of globin-specific mRNA in MEL cells by a post-transcriptional mechanism, did not elicit alterations of beta-globin gene chromatin. The addition of dexamethasone, a hormone known to inhibit MEL cell commitment, blocked the formation of general and site-specific nuclease sensitivity of beta-globin gene chromatin prior to but not after cell commitment.

Animals↗

Chromatin structure of the beta-globin gene family in murine erythroleukemia cells.

We have analyzed the chromatin structure of the beta-major globin gene and other related beta-globin genes in induced and uninduced murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cell nuclei. Nuclei were digested with either DNase I or micrococcal nuclease, and the purified DNA was hybridized to a set of cloned genomic DNA fragments covering the beta-globin gene region. This region consisted of two distinct domains as characterized by sensitivity to DNase I digestion. One domain was relatively sensitive and contained the potentially active or actively transcribed beta-major and beta-minor globin genes. The other, relatively insensitive domain contained the nontranscribed embryonic and beta-globin homologous genes. The sensitivity of these domains was not altered during erythroid differentiation. In nonerythroid cells, the entire globin gene family, including the adult and embryonic globin genes, was contained in a single relatively resistant domain. Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) also defined two general domains of nuclease sensitivity that coincided with those of DNase I. However, the relatively sensitive MNase domain containing the beta-major and beta-minor genes became more sensitive upon chemically stimulated erythroid differentiation. A detailed examination of the beta-major globin gene revealed that the actual coding region became increasingly sensitive to micrococcal nuclease after differentiation while the 5'-flanking DNA did not. Thus, micrococcal nuclease was able to accurately define the primary transcription unit of the beta-major gene.

Animals↗

[Experimental microsurgical exposure of cranial nerves III, IV and VI in the cat].

The operative techniques for experimental microsurgical studies on the third, fourth and sixth cranial nerves in the cat are described. We have found that the oculomotor nerve is best reached by a subtemporal approach. The trochlear nerve is easily exposed by a posterior temporal craniotomy while the abducens nerve should be approached through the clivus.

Abducens Nerve↗

Role of seagrass photosynthesis in root aerobic processes.

The role of shoot photosynthesis as a means of supporting aerobic respiration in the roots of the seagrass Zostera marina was examined. O(2) was transported rapidly (10-15 minutes) from the shoots to the root-rhizome tissues upon shoot illumination. The highest rates of transport were in shoots possessing the greatest biomass and leaf area. The rates of O(2) transport do not support a simple gas phase diffusion mechanism. O(2) transport to the root-rhizome system supported aerobic root respiration and in many cases exceeded respiratory requirements leading to O(2) release from the subterranean tissue. Release of O(2) can support aerobic processes in reducing sediments typical of Z. marina habitats. Since the root-rhizome respiration is supported primarily under shoot photosynthetic conditions, then the daily period of photosynthesis determines the diurnal period of root aerobiosis.

Journal Article↗

Insemination of Holstein heifers at a preset time after estrous cycle synchronization using progesterone and prostaglandin.

Two experiments were conducted to study estrous cycle control regimens that combine progesterone administration via an intravaginal device ( PRID ) with a single injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG). In Exp. I, 242 Holstein heifers were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups at 14 to 18 mo of age. Treatments were: 1) control, 2) PRID -6 + PG-6 ( PRID in place for 6 d plus PG on the day of PRID removal) and 3) PRID -7 + PG-6 ( PRID in place for 7 d plus PG on the day before PRID removal). Heifers were observed for estrous activity and were inseminated at 8 to 20 h after estrus was detected. Estrus and ovulation were effectively synchronized after both PRID + PG treatments. Ninety-nine percent of the heifers in each group were in estrus within 168 h after PG injection. However, the interval from PG administration to the onset of estrus was longer after PRID -7 + PG-6 (75 +/- 2 h) than after PRID -6 + PG-6 (66 +/- 2 h). A lower variance in the interval from PG treatment to estrus was observed after PRID -7 + PG-6, suggesting that the 24 h delay in PRID withdrawal improved the synchrony of the onset of estrus. Pregnancy rates (72 to 82%) did not vary across treatment groups. Two-hundred seventy-four heifers were assigned to Exp. II. Treatments were 1) control, 2) 2 X PG (two injections of PG at an 11 d interval) and 3) PRID -7 + PG-6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Epidemiology of parturient paresis: predisposing factors with emphasis on dry cow feeding and management.

Dry cow feeding and management were examined for predisposing factors for parturient paresis in 1,983 Holstein cows from New York Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative records, monthly technician visits to 31 farms, and questionnaires. Variables were estimated transmitting ability, season of calving, lactation number, parturient paresis, estimated potential hours per day of exercise, and estimated nutrient intakes (protein, calcium, phosphorus, and energy) during the preceding dry period. Nutrient intakes were estimated by farmers for the average dry cow (season dependent) in their herd for the early (greater than or equal to 3 wk prepartum) and late portions of the dry period. Intakes were percentages of National Research Council requirements for a 550 kg dry cow in the last 2 mo of gestation. Nutrient intakes were coded by ranking the herds by percentage of each requirement. Codes represented the approximate lower third, middle third, and top third of the herds. Individual cows were assigned their herd nutrition codes by their season of calving. For stepwise discriminant analysis, the group variable was parturient paresis (94 cases, 1,889 controls). As lactation number (most important) and estimated transmitting ability (second most important) increased, incidence of parturient paresis increased. Parturient paresis was reduced with high dietary protein fed during the early stage of the dry period, with low phosphorus and high energy (lead feeding) closer to calving, and with decreased opportunity for exercise. Most cows were overfed calcium, especially in the late stage of the dry period, but calcium intake was not important when phosphorus was low.

Animals↗