Notice of duplicate publication.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Gray.
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The predominance of unconventional transmitter release sites at noradrenaline-containing synapses and the diffuse projections of noradrenaline-containing fibres originating in locus coeruleus have led to speculation that noradrenaline may act as a neuromodulator in the central nervous system. Evidence suggests that it has a modulatory function in the plasticity of the developing nervous system, in controlling behavioural states of an organism, and in learning and memory. Recently, Hopkins and Johnston demonstrated that noradrenaline enhances the magnitude, duration and probability of induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) at mossy fibre synapses in the hippocampal formation, and LTP is widely believed to be a cellular substrate for aspects of memory. To investigate the membrane effects of noradrenaline on central neurons, we used a newly developed preparation in which patch-clamp techniques can be applied to exposed adult cortical neurons. We report here that noradrenaline produces an enhancement in the activity of voltage-dependent calcium channels in granule cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. This action appears to be mediated by beta-adrenoceptors and can be mimicked by cyclic AMP.
This study compared the performance of medicated (n=57) and non-medicated (n=20) subjects with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on neuropsychological, intellectual, and achievement measures. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised or 3rd Edition), appropriate Halstead Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, and individual achievement tests were administered to subjects between the ages of 9 and 16 years (M=12.8) Initially, 26 subtest scores were analyzed using multivariate profile analysis. The two groups were found to be parallel (i e, similar in pattern of performance) and coincident (i.e., similar in level of performance). This suggests that the subjects in the two groups displayed a similar pattern of performance on these neuropsychological, intellectual, and achievement measures. The results are discussed in relation to previous research, current etiological models, and the assessment and treatment of ADHD.
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There is clear evidence of illicit drug abuse in psychiatric hospitals (Deahl, 1991), and illicit drug use has been associated with relapse in people with serious mental health problems. Cannabis abuse in the general population is common and has both desirable and undesirable effects on users. However, when cannabis is used by people with serious mental health problems, a more pronounced effect may be seen. There is little evidence to suggest that cannabis 'causes' schizophrenia, but its abuse may prove to be a trigger in vulnerable individuals. Studies have demonstrated that cannabis abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia and may reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs. Mental health nurses need to develop interventions in order to manage illicit drug abuse effectively in both the hospital and community settings.
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The re-siting of the Tameside General Hospital accident and emergency department in a new, custom-built facility acted as the impetus for the formal introduction of the triage system of care. Ron Gray outlines the process of introduction and stresses that while problems have been encountered, the indications are that the system has worked to the benefit of patients and nurses.
One of the most important advantages of primary nursing is the consistency and continuity of care which it is said to promote. In the study described here, the authors examine the extent to which this continuity of care is achieved when primary nursing is used and recommend that this should be audited in all clinical areas.
The use of nurses' holding power is a poorly explored aspect of psychiatric inpatient care. This study examined the use of Section 5(4) at the Maudsley Hospital, London, since the introduction of the 1983 Mental Health Act. Between 1983 and 1996 nurses' holding powers were used on 25 occasions. Seventy two per cent of patients detained under Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act 1983 were subsequently detained under Section 5(2). Results were broadly consistent with previous studies, although some significant inconsistencies were observed which can probably be attributed to small sample sizes. Further, multicentre research is needed in order that substantive conclusions can be drawn.
The National Service Framework for Mental Health focuses on the mental health needs of adults up to the age of 65. Susan Plummer and Richard Gray discuss standard two by focusing on depression.
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The crucial role of close relative care givers in the rehabilitation of the patient with burns indicates that the psychologic adjustment of noninjured relatives is of concern. This study examined the stress profiles of 14 spouses and parents of patients with burns of greater than 20% total body surface area. Four standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and cell-mediated immunity were used. Tests were given at two time intervals: less than 72 hours after admission and 2 to 5 weeks later. Depression and anxiety were high at the first test period; there was a significant drop in depression (p less than 0.05) but not in anxiety at the second testing. Immune function was suppressed at the first test but improved at the second test (p less than 0.05). There were significant negative correlations between immune response and psychologic distress, indicating that immune function declined as depressive symptoms increased. These results support an interaction between psychologic distress and immunity, and provide further evidence of the stressful nature of severe burn injury on close noninjured relatives.
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