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Biomedical subjects

S Holmes

Publications and source records attributed to S Holmes.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in visceral afferent nerve fibres: quantification by radioimmunoassay and determination of axonal transport rates.

An antibody specific for the C-terminus of rat alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide has been used in radioimmunoassay to measure concentrations of immunoreactive peptide in the upper gastrointestinal tract of capsaicin-treated and coeliac ganglionectomized rats, and to measure axonal transport velocities in the vagus and splanchnic nerves. In adult rats that had been treated soon after birth with capsaicin, immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide in the stomach and duodenum was undetectable (less than 0.1 pmol/g) compared with 4-10 pmol/g in control rats. Removal of the coeliac ganglion also reduced concentrations of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide by 5-fold, but Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin Arg6Gly7Leu8-immunoreactivities (which are thought to occur in intrinsic gut neurons) were unchanged by coeliac ganglionectomy. Concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in coeliac ganglia were depressed by 90% in capsaicin-treated rats but concentrations of opioid peptide immunoreactivity were similar to control. The results suggest calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivity in the upper gastrointestinal tract in the rat is predominantly of extrinsic afferent origin. Chromatographic separation on Sephadex G50, or high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the major immunoreactive form in stomach extracts corresponded to intact calcitonin gene-related peptide, although there was evidence of smaller, less hydrophobic C-terminal fragments. Direct evidence of transport of calcitonin gene-related peptide toward the gut was obtained by ligation of the cervical vagus and greater splanchnic nerves. There was accumulation on the central side of ligatures, which suggested axonal transport velocities in the vagus of about 1.5 mm/h and 0.7 mm/h in splanchnic nerves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Differences in color preferences of school-age children in varying stages of health: a preliminary study.

The purpose of the study was to determine the preferences in color of children ages 7-12 who were physically well and those in varying states of ill health. Data were collected on a convenience sample of 72 subjects. Children were asked to name their favorite color, and then select the color they preferred from a set of color squares and the picture they preferred from two sets of colored pictures. General information about the child's diagnosis, number of days hospitalized, and number of siblings was also obtained along with other projective information. Data were analyzed using chi-square to test the hypotheses. Logistic regression models were used to examine the independent variables sex, age group, and health state in a multivariate manner by fitting the models with the choices of red, blue, or green as the first or second color on the Luscher Color Test as the dependent variable. This analysis was repeated with the Picture Test as the dependent variable. The only regressor for these models that was significant was health state. Significant differences were found (p less than 0.05 level) in color preferences of physically well children and those who were ill; in acutely ill and chronically ill children; in physically disabled and acutely ill children; and in children ages 7-9 and 10-12.

Child↗
PubMed1987

Malignant disease: nutritional implications of disease and treatment.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in cancer patients and may develop into the syndrome known as 'cancer cachexia'. This is characterised by complex disturbances in carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and electrolyte metabolism. The aetiology is equally complex, with host and therapeutic factors contributing to the reduced food intake and effects on host tissues. Anorexia is of prime importance, differing in its cause from one patient to another and often presenting a barrier to successful nutritional support. Further research is necessary to elucidate the interaction of central and peripheral factors that may be involved in the aetiology of anorexia. Because of the interplay of biochemical, physiological, and psychological consequences of cancer, the nutritional support of the patient presents a considerable challenge to the caring professions.

Anorexia↗
PubMed1987

The quality of life: design and evaluation of a self-assessment instrument for use with cancer patients.

An attempt was made to define the concept of 'quality of life' and outline the development of a self-assessment instrument for detecting the changes in life as a whole which result from the presence and treatment of malignant disease. A comparison was made between three different scoring systems, familiar in psychometric assessment, although less familiar in nursing. The items selected for inclusion in the measurement instrument were based on an existing symptom distress scale and on the previously identified concerns of cancer patients. The relationship between such symptoms and the activities of daily living was explored. Each item, and the instrument as a whole, appeared to be reliable and to represent a valid means of assessing the impact of the disease on patient well-being. It was simple to use and straightforward to score and appeared accurately to reflect the patients' general condition.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Antibodies to FMRF amide, and the related pentapeptide LPLRF amide, reveal two groups of immunoreactive peptides in chicken brain.

A radioimmunoassay has been developed for the chicken brain peptide, Leu-Pro-Leu-Arg-Phe-amide (LPLRF amide); this peptide was originally discovered because it reacts with antibodies to the molluscan neuropeptide FMRF amide. The present antibody to LPLRF amide reacts about twenty times less well with FMRF amide compared with LPLRF amide. Using radioimmunoassays employing antibodies raised against LPLRF amide and FMRF amide we have separated by gel filtration and HPLC several different immunoreactive peptides in acid alcohol extracts of chicken brain. When LPLRF amide was used as the assay standard one group of peptides reacted similarly with the two types of antibody; the other group, which was represented by a single major component, reacted at least 50 times better with FMRF amide antibodies compared with LPLRF amide antibodies. It seems, therefore, that in the avian central nervous system, and probably other vertebrates, there are several different groups of peptides immunochemically related to FMRF amide.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

What is a good GP?

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Consumer Behavior↗