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Biomedical subjects

M Webber

Publications and source records attributed to M Webber.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Posterior midbrain-induced locomotion.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the neurochemical signals which impinge on the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) to produce locomotion in the rat. Injections of GABA antagonists into NADPH diaphorase-positive regions (PPN) were found to induce locomotion for short episodes (5-30 sec) which were repeated for several minutes (1-40 min). Such activity was blocked by injections of GABA and the GABA agonist, muscimol. Locomotion was induced by injection of substance P (SP), which also produced short, repeated episodes of locomotion. The more potent excitatory amino acid agonist, n-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA), however, did produce dose-dependent, long-lasting (20 sec-5 min) locomotor episodes which were repeated over prolonged periods at the higher concentrations used (2-24 min). Additional injections of NMDA could drive stepping from a walk to a trot to a gallop. The effects of NMDA were blocked by injections of the excitatory amino acid antagonist, aminophosphonovalerionic acid (APV) (1-10 mM). Preliminary evidence suggests that carbachol (10-50 mM), a cholinergic agonist, inhibits NMDA-induced increases in muscle tone and episodes of stepping. The effect of carbachol was blocked by the cholinergic antagonist, atropine.

Animals

Medioventral medulla-induced locomotion.

Previous anatomical studies demonstrated the presence of descending projections from the physiologically identified mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) to the medioventral medulla (MED) in the cat. The present experiments were designed to determine if a similar low threshold locomotion-inducing area is present in the rat medulla. In addition, the nature of the neurochemical control of this area of the brain was explored using localized injections of neurochemical agents in the decerebrate rat during locomotion on a treadmill. A region virtually identical to that reported in the cat was found to lead to controlled locomotion on a treadmill following stimulation at low amplitude currents (less than or equal to 60 microA). Injections of cholinergic agonists into the MED of the rat induced locomotion which could be blocked by injections of cholinergic antagonists. In addition, injections of GABA antagonists were found to induce stepping which could be blocked by injections of GABA or GABA agonists. Substance P (SP) also was found to induce walking following injection into the MED of the rat. Injections of an excitatory amino acid agonist (NMDA) also were found to induce locomotion in the rat. These effects were blocked by injections of an excitatory amino acid antagonist (APV). Since these results had not been reported for the cat MED, a short series of experiments revealed that the MED in the cat also responded to NMDA.

Animals

A seroprevalence survey for human immunodeficiency virus antibody in mentally retarded adults.

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among adults who are mentally retarded is not known. Policies for those in residential settings are being established despite incomplete information. Knowledge regarding HIV seroprevalence would enable administrators to make more effective policy decisions concerning testing and HIV prevention. Discarded sera from mentally retarded adults were anonymously tested for HIV antibody. Sera were collected from a health facility in Westchester County, NY, that provides care to developmentally disabled adults. After identifications were removed, sera were coded and linked to demographic and clinical variables from hospital and laboratory records. Sera came from individuals living in both institutional and less restrictive community settings in metropolitan New York City and more distant locations in New York State, all of whom were seen by the above facility. No HIV antibody was detected in sera from 241 mentally retarded adults. This study suggests that the prevalence of HIV antibody in mentally retarded adults is not high. Mandatory screening programs may not be appropriate for these individuals. Monies might be better spent on educational programs directed at AIDS prevention, and further development of ethical and safe policies for those who are mentally retarded.

Adolescent

Identification of cultured, human, malignant, prostatic epithelial cells.

Identification of cloned cells is necessary for experimentation with them. This paper details a method for the identification of cultured human malignant prostatic epithelial cells derived from metastatic deposits of prostate cancer by localization of a specific rabbit antiserum to human prostatic acid phosphatase in the cells.

Acid Phosphatase

Isolation and identification of the human malignant prostatic epithelial cell in pure monolayer culture.

Isolation of the human malignant prostatic epithelial cell in pure monolayer culture was accomplished by clonal growth of single cells derived from metastatic deposits of prostatic carcinoma. Identification of these cells was established by the fact that the acid phosphatase of the prostatic epithelial cell is not inhibited by immersion in 10 per cent neutral formalin up to 24 hours, whereas all other acid phosphatases are destroyed by the formalin.

Acid Phosphatase

Patient teaching strategies for peripheral laser procedures.

The focus of this article is the development of an individualized teaching strategy for laser angioplasty patients. After a presentation of a typical laser angioplasty case history and description of the procedure, the problem of individualizing a new patient teaching program is discussed. Consideration is given to previous education, prior experience, patient expectations, coping skills and willingness to learn. The problem of an effective presentation style is delineated through three specific modalities. Procurement, organization and presentation of new teaching material is integral to a comprehensive patient teaching program.

Aged

The internal review process: implications for the novice clinical researcher.

The purpose of this article, directed at first-time clinical researchers, is to describe the internal review board process of one clinical research facility and to provide an example of its protocols for conducting clinical research. After a brief history depicting the need for Internal Review Boards, the review process itself, is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the patient's medical/legal rights and safety. Equipped with an understanding of why the review process is necessary and with examples of the review board criteria, the nurse researcher has the tools to begin the research project.

Clinical Nursing Research