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Biomedical subjects

J Neel

Publications and source records attributed to J Neel.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

The identification of a genetically unique piroplasma in North American river otters (Lontra canadensis).

During a routine health check of a wild-caught North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) small piroplasms were noted within erythrocytes. Analyses of the 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequences determined that this was a genetically unique organism most closely related to Babesia microti-like parasites found in other small carnivores. Subsequently 39 wild-trapped North American river otters from North Carolina were tested for the presence of piroplasma deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) via polymerase chain reaction and piroplasma DNA was detected in 82% (32/39) of these samples. Sequencing of partial 18S rRNA genes from selected cases determined that they were identical to the sentinel case. This report documents the existence of a genetically unique piroplasma in North American river otters and indicates that the prevalence of piroplasma in North Carolina otters is quite high. The pathogenic potential of this organism for otters or other species remains unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Detection and molecular characterization of a novel large Babesia species in a dog.

Babesia canis has generally been considered the only large Babesia to infect dogs. Here we describe the molecular characterization of a large Babesia species that was detected in the blood and bone marrow of a dog with clinical and hematological abnormalities consistent with babesiosis. Analysis of the 18S rRNA genes revealed a unique sequence that shared 93.9% sequence identity with B. bigemina and 93.5% sequence identity with B. caballi, compared to 91.2-91.6% identity with B. canis canis, B. c. vogeli, and B. c. rossi. Cross-reactive antibodies against B. canis, B. gibsoni (Asian genotype), or B. gibsoni (California genotype) antigens were not detected in acute or convalescent serum samples. The dog was treated with imidocarb diproprionate, which resulted in the resolution of clinical signs, and subsequently Babesia DNA was not detectable by PCR in post-treatment samples. The organism described in this report represents a genetically unique large Babesia sp. and is the eighth genetically distinct piroplasm capable of infecting the domestic dog.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Correlates of drug therapy of diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg by physicians in the community.

We have conducted a random probability survey of primary care physicians (n = 477) to examine the factors which might influence the level of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) felt by physicians to warrant antihypertensive drug therapy in young adults. Of the responding physicians, 18.4% reported treating young adults who had a DBP of less than 90 mm Hg. This practice was correlated with physician opinions about the efficacy of hypertension treatment and the reported influence of pharmaceutical representatives on physician practice. We conclude that reported therapy of DBP less than 90 mm Hg in young adults is highly prevalent. Such therapy is correlated with physician opinions as well as the perceived influence of pharmaceutical sources of information.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Detection of human somatic cell structural gene mutations by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

The feasibility of detecting human somatic structural gene mutations by two dimensional electrophoresis has been investigated. A lymphoblastoid cell line was grown as a mass culture in the presence of ethylnitrosourea, after which cells were regrown as single cell clones. A total of 257 polypeptide spots were analyzed in gels derived from 186 clones. Four structural mutations were detected by visual analysis of the gels. Computer analysis of gels corresponding to the mutant clones was also undertaken. At a spot size threshold of 200 spots to be matched using a computer algorithm, all four mutant polypeptides were detected. These results indicate the usefulness of the two-dimensional approach for mutagenesis studies at the protein level.

Clone Cells↗
PubMed1978

Soluble biospecific macromolecule for purification of estrogen receptor.

An alternative to affinity chromatography purification of proteins based on the use of a water-soluble biospecific polymer has been applied to the estrogen receptor from calf uterus. The receptor (4S-trypsin form) was bound to a dextran-estradiol conjugate (molecular weight approximately 500,000) and the complex was isolated by gel filtration. Highly purified receptor was subsequently released from the dextran-estradiol conjugate by exchange with [3H]estradiol.

Animals↗