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Biomedical subjects

B Gallagher

Publications and source records attributed to B Gallagher.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Synthesis of (6-3H)-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and its metabolism in vivo to (3H)-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

[6-3H]-1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D3 was chemically synthesized and its full biological activity and radiochemical purity were demonstrated. With the use of this preparation it has been possible to demonstrate in vivo that in rats the [6-3H]-1Alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 is converted to [6-3H]-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the natural hormone. In fact, in the intestine and bone of rats given 32 picomoles of [6-3H]-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 each day for 6 days, more than 80 percent of the lipid-soluble radioactivity exists as [6-3H]-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a finding that suggests that much of the biological effectiveness of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 is due to its conversion to 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Animals↗

A fast communication aid for non-verbal subjects with severe motor handicaps.

A computer-based communication system for non-verbal persons with severely deficient coordination of the upper extremities is described. The device doubles as an environmental control unit. Modular design is chosen throughout. Commercially available subunits are used to reduce cost. Input is by a 3 x 3 keyboard, when the user has some command over his hands. Otherwise a binary 'autoscan' access mode is used, which is controlled by repeated closures of a single binary switch. Output is in written form on a display or acoustical by synthesized speech. Hard-copy output can also be provided. Remote communication is possible by modem or by synthesized speech. Speed of message generation is increased by establishing a vocabulary, which contains, in addition to signs and letters of the alphabet, whole words and stereotyped phrases. The data blocks of the latter are accessed by a single input cycle similar to that used for the selection of isolated letters, symbols, etc.

Communication Devices for People with Disabilities↗

Outcome in children under 5 years of age with constipation: a prospective follow-up study.

Constipation in the pre-school child is common and causes considerable distress to children and their parents. There is a lack of information regarding prognosis in this group of patients although some are clearly at risk of developing long-term difficulties with defaecation. We have previously reported characteristics of children under 5 years of age referred to hospital over a one-year period with idiopathic constipation. We now report outcome data after 18 months of follow-up in 41 of the original cohort of 42 children. We have also summarised what we regard as good practice in managing constipation in this age group. Eighteen months after initial outpatient assessment, the symptoms of constipation were reported to have resolved in 36 (88%), although seven of these were still needing regular laxative treatment. It was our subjective impression that the five children who apparently did not improve came from families that had a greater degree of psychosocial problems and where compliance with treatment was suspect. This study shows that with simple treatment measures and ongoing support, an optimistic prognosis can be given to families from the outset. The minority of pre-school children who do not improve may benefit from a more intensive psychological approach to management.

Child, Preschool↗

Characteristics of children under 5 referred to hospital with constipation: a one-year prospective study.

Constipation in the pre-school child can cause considerable distress to the individual and to the family. Most cases are idiopathic and with early diagnosis and effective treatment prognosis is good. In a teaching hospital paediatric unit, a year-long prospective study identified 42 new referrals for constipation in children under 5. Before referral for a specialist opinion there appeared to be considerable variation in both duration of symptoms and treatment given. Psychological factors in the family, as well as advice regarding simple behaviour modification and management of common secondary behavioural problems, seemed largely overlooked. Guidelines for for treating constipation in the community could help standardise and improve care. For children with refractory constipation referred to a specialist centre, we recommended a multidisciplinary assessment including paediatrician, paediatric surgeon and member of the child mental health team.

Child Behavior↗