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Biomedical subjects

W Caan

Publications and source records attributed to W Caan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Sphingolipids related to apoptosis from the point of view of membrane structure and topology.

Sphingolipids and their metabolites are implicated in signal transduction, but the mechanisms are still poorly understood. In particular, the presumed function of ceramide as a second messenger remains controversial. Here, we emphasize the importance of both ceramide and sphingomyelin for membrane structure. The effects of sphingolipid turnover in the induction and effector phases of apoptosis are explained by their impact on membrane microdomains that are relevant for cell signalling or changes in morphology. The topology of sphingolipid metabolism is important because of their limited transbilayer and inter-membrane movement. For instance, glycosylceramide synthase converts de novo synthesized ceramide to glycosylceramide, but it is neither a general attenuator of ceramide accumulation at the plasma membrane, nor of the apoptotic process. Synthetic alkyl-lysophospholipids modulate membrane-lipid composition and, therefore, apoptosis sensitivity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A joint health and social services initiative for children with disabilities.

The children's disability team in Cambridge provides an integrated health and social care service for children with complex learning and physical disabilities and their families. The team uses a multidisciplinary and multi-agency teamwork approach to care provision. The effectiveness of the team was evaluated using a cooperative review of its functions, in which all the 'subjects' were active participants in defining and delivering the evaluation. This was combined with individual questionnaires regarding the team's perceived strengths and weaknesses. Particular implications for training and supervision emerged from the findings. This article discusses the ways in which the team has successfully refined its practice of collaborative working in a developmental way between 1992-1998.

Child↗
PubMed1997

Bitter pill.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Emergency Nursing↗
PubMed1996

Knowledge of lymphoedema among primary health care teams: a questionnaire survey.

Lymphoedema usually develops following surgery or radiotherapy for cancer, but can also occur in advanced malignant disease or be primary in origin. Lower limb lymphoedema may present particular difficulties in diagnosis, treatment and management. All types of lymphoedema can seriously impair quality of life for those affected. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge among primary health care team members concerning the identification and management of patients at risk of developing lymphoedema, the current treatment options available for patients with established lymphoedema, and the awareness of local services available within the Cambridge Health District. A postal questionnaire survey obtained an 84.3% response rate. Many primary health care professionals were not aware of some important issues in the prevention and management of lymphoedema. This information proved useful in enabling the specialist service to develop appropriate educational initiatives.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1994

What events precede violent incidents in psychiatric hospitals?

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to identify, classify and measure the relative frequency of events preceding violent incidents in psychiatric hospitals. METHOD: Possible antecedents for 1000 incidents in three associated psychiatric hospitals over 13 months were investigated with an 'untoward incident database'. RESULTS: From eyewitness accounts, 921 incidents (92%) could be related to one of 15 categories of antecedent involving characteristics of the patient, or of the hospital regime, or interactions with other individuals. Overall, the most common antecedents involved patients who were generally agitated or disturbed (286), restrictions on patients associated with the routine hospital regime (192) or provocation by other patients, relatives or visitors (175). Incidents arising from staff members initiating contact with patients were very rare (7). Twenty-one patients were involved in 10 or more incidents, including 19 (90%) who were detained under the Mental Health Act. These patients were more likely to commit assaults after certain antecedents (self-harm, absconding or arson) which were serious incidents in themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Staff training on specific safety issues will be needed under the new Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Cocaine in the UK--1991.

More than 100 years after Freud's original endorsement of the drug, the use of cocaine is a problem for both users and for society, which struggles to organise effective responses to the epidemic of the last decade. During the 1980s the rapid spread of smokeable cocaine (including 'crack') was seen in the Americas (particularly the US). The initial simple predictions of an identical European epidemic were mistaken. The available data on the extent of cocaine use and of cocaine problems in the UK are examined. New forms of cocaine have been developed by black-market entrepreneurs ('freebase' and 'crack'), and new technologies have emerged for their use; with these new technologies have come new effects and new problems. The general psychiatrist now needs a knowledge of directly and indirectly related psychopathology which has an increasing relevance to the diagnosis and management of the younger patient.

Cocaine↗