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Biomedical subjects

S McCutcheon

Publications and source records attributed to S McCutcheon.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Use of a new immunoassay to measure PrP Sc levels in scrapie-infected sheep brains reveals PrP genotype-specific differences.

The diagnosis of prion diseases, such as scrapie and BSE, has traditionally relied upon the identification of the disease-associated form of the prion protein, PrP(Sc), based on its resistance to digestion by proteinase K (PK). A more recent development is the conformation-dependent immunoassay (CDI), which distinguishes between PrP Sc and normal PrP (PrP C) based on their differing solubility in guanidine hydrochloride rather than resistance or sensitivity to PK. We have developed a CDI-formatted sandwich immunoassay for the measurement of PrP Sc in sheep brain, which discriminates between clinically affected scrapie cases (natural or experimental) and uninfected controls of the same PrP genotype. Using this method, we have shown for the first time that, in sheep, the PrP genotype has a significant influence on the amount of PrP Sc deposited in the brains of animals experimentally infected with scrapie.

Animals↗

P34(cdc2) kinase is associated with cortical microtubules from higher plant protoplasts.

The cell cycle regulatory enzyme p34(cdc2) kinase is known to be localized to the preprophase band, the spindle and the phragmoplast, but not to interphase cortical microtubules. This was investigated further by mechanically cleaving substrate-attached protoplasts to leave plasma membrane disks bearing microtubules freed of nuclear and cytosolic signal. Antibodies to PSTAIRE and to specific C-terminal peptides of cdc2a, were used in immunofluorescence, protein blotting and immunogold electron microscopy to demonstrate that antigen is located on the cortical microtubules of carrot, tobacco BY-2 and Arabidopsis cells.

Animals↗

"Caged cytoskeletons": a rapid method for the isolation of microtubule-associated proteins from synchronized plant suspension cells.

In the cytoskeleton method for isolating microtubule-associated proteins MAP65, DcKRP120-1 and DcKRP120-2, carrot cells are first converted to protoplasts but this method cannot be used to isolate mitotic MAPs as mitotic synchrony is eroded during lengthy cellulase treatment. Anti-microtubule cycle blocks would also be unsuitable. We report here a method for overcoming these problems. Cellulase degradation of tobacco BY-2 cells for only several minutes allows extraction of detergent-soluble proteins, leaving synchronized "caged cytoskeletons" for depolymerization and enabling affinity purification of MAPs on neurotubules. This rapid and simple method should be of general utility: it can be bulked up, avoids anti-microtubule blocks, and is applicable to other cell suspensions. The effectiveness of the caged cytoskeleton method is demonstrated by comparing known MAPs (the 65 kDa structural MAPs and the kinesin-related protein, TKRP125) in synchronized cells taken at the mitotic peak with those in unsynchronized cells.

Aphidicolin↗

Development of Weather-Dependent Flow Requirements for River Temperature Control.

/ Streamflow influences biological processes, habitat, and ecological integrity of streams in a number of vital ways. The establishment of weather-dependent minimum flows is essential to the protection of the aquatic environment and wildlife habitat from the adverse impacts of high water temperatures and to the effective utilization of the assimilative capacity of instream flows. In this study, weather-dependent flow requirements for summer river temperature control are derived from quantitative temperature-flow relationships. Correlation and regression of historical data and an analytical solution to the basic heat balance equation are employed to quantify the impacts of stream flow on river temperatures. Five-year continuous field measurements from the Platte River, Nebraska, USA, are used to illustrate the practical application in water-quality management. The methods and results demonstrate the feasibility of temperature control through streamflow management to meet water temperature standards and protect the aquatic biota by setting the appropriate weather-related minimum river discharges. The flow requirements are evaluated by a comparison with a critical discharge. Information provided in this paper will assist in planning streamflow regulation, design of river and reservoir operations, and application of water-quality criteria in environmental management.KEY WORDS: River discharges; Flow management; Habitat; Water quality; Weather; Wildlifehttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n4p529.html</HEA

Journal Article↗

Model framework and principles of emergency management.

If not handled quickly and effectively, animal health emergencies can create significant problems for governments and industry. Placing strong emphasis on preventing a disease incursion in the first instance through the judicious use of quarantine and inspection measures will continue to be the major preventive strategy. However, the discovery of new and emerging diseases, some of which may already be present in a country or region, necessitates a rigorous emergency outbreak response mechanism premised on thorough preparation for an emergency. A generic approach to emergency management is the contemporary answer to preparing for, and dealing with, unpredictable events. In essence, generic emergency management plans encompass a set of core principles and key issues which are relevant to a particular industry or commodity. These principles and issues are then reflected in a model emergency management plan which guides participants through the various stages of preparing for, and responding to, an emergency situation and which forms the basis of more detailed farm/enterprise manuals and individual job cards. The authors illustrate the integrated nature of the model emergency management plan and the interrelationship with the core principles and key issues of emergency management planning.

Animal Diseases↗

Leadership 99. Interview by Terese Hudson.

Cost control, customer service and collaboration among health care sectors rank as top concerns with panelists in H&HN's annual Leadership Report. Efforts to improve community health are a priority, too, but are often frustrated by financial and other constraints. The 16 panelists represent managed care, physicians, and hospitals and health systems.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Residents' perspectives of their first 2 weeks in a long-term care facility.

This study investigated residents' perspectives of their first 2 weeks in a long-term care facility (LTCF). Twelve residents were interviewed to determine their experiences during the first 2 weeks, their needs, priorities and expectations, and their views about how relocation from home could be facilitated. The constant comparative method of qualitative analysis (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was used. Qualitative analysis of the audiotaped interviews revealed four main categories: emotional reactions, transition activities, reflecting on their situation, and connecting with a personal philosophy. Residents' responses indicated that if they had actively participated in the decision to be admitted, the adjustments to the LTCF was easier. Connecting with a personal philosophy was also a significant factor. Nursing implications include recognition of the importance of preparing residents for admission, involving them in the decision, and listening to their perspectives throughout the relocation experience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Enchondromatosis with hemangiomas (Maffucci's syndrome).

Maffucci's syndrome in a 17-year-old girl is reported. Since the entity was first described in 1881 by Maffucci, 105 additional cases have been recorded. Several series have reported a small but significant percentage of cases (up to 18%) with malignant change. Our case, although not particularly unique in comparison with other cases of this syndrome, is presented because of the infrequent occurrence of this syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Effective consultation in nursing.

Given the fiscal challenges within health care today, nurse administrators, whether acting in the role of client or consultant, must determine the most effective and efficient way to solve problems and achieve goals. The consultation process can be viewed from both the client's and the consultant's perspective. This article is intended to provide a practical approach to addressing the issues within the consultation process. The steps of the consultation process are reviewed. The evolution from solving problems to achieving goals is described. The importance of the use of a screening tool when interviewing prospective consultants is emphasized and an example of a generic screening tool is provided. During the interview, consultants are advised to clearly determine the problem or goal, the outcomes which the client expects, possible barriers and risks, and the philosophical fit between both parties. Nurses practise consultation skills daily and, therefore, consultation is a viable opportunity for self-employment.

Consultants↗