Biomedical subjects

B M Garrett

Publications and source records attributed to B M Garrett.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

The value of intelligent multimedia simulation for teaching clinical decision-making skills.

This paper examines the value of using intelligent multimedia simulation for the teaching of nursing clinical decision-making skills. The possibilities of multimedia-based educational resources are examined and the rapid growth and questionable effectiveness of current multimedia computer-based learning applications for nursing students are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of this technology and the problems developing intelligent agent-based systems are examined. A case study is presented which uses a modular design with an integrated intelligent agent and knowledge base. It is argued that by using this type of approach, the real value of intelligent CBL to provide individual formative advice to students in a simulated experience can be realized.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

PubMed1996

A conformational epitope in the N-terminus of the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxins is involved in receptor-ligand interactions.

The heat-stable enterotoxins are a family of low molecular weight, cysteine rich peptide toxins which are one of the major causes of watery diarrhea in children and adults. These toxins bind to a cell surface receptor in intestinal cells and mediate their action through elevation of intracellular cyclic GMP. We have generated a monoclonal antibody to these peptide toxins which is able to neutralise the activity of the peptides in a human colonic cell line, the T84 cell line. The monoclonal antibody, ST:G8, appears to be directed to an epitope distinct from antibodies previously generated, and prior incubation of this antibody, or Fab generated from this antibody, with full length STh and STp peptides prevents cGMP accumulation in T84 cells. This inhibition is a direct result of the antibody preventing binding of the peptides to the receptor. ST:G8 Mab does not recognize a 13-mer biologically active analog of STp, comprising the core sequence of STp peptide, suggesting that it is directed to a region in the N-terminus of the peptides, which may modulate receptor interaction/activation. The antibody recognizes a conformational epitope in the ST peptides, since reduction and carboxyamidation of ST abolishes antibody cross-reactivity. Differential cross-reactivity of the Mab with STh and STp peptides which differ markedly only in their N-termini, suggests that this antibody recognizes a distinct conformation in the two peptides, which is essential for receptor interaction.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The nutritional management of acute renal failure.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a syndrome in which the kidneys are unable to excrete the products of metabolism. The failure of renal function is rapid in its onset but potentially reversible. It occurs rapidly, within 8 weeks of renal injury resulting in a rapid increase in serum urea and creatinine concentrations in patients with previously normal renal function. It is a condition traditionally associated with a high mortality rate, often due to the complications of sepsis, delayed wound healing and disrupted haemocoagulation. Survivability has been demonstrated to be improved by early appropriate nutritional support (Bartlett et al., 1986) although in practice this is often difficult to achieve as nutritional support is complex. In the past high morbidity and mortality rates were related to infections and inadequate nutritional intake. This resulted from unnecessary protein restrictions in an attempt to control uraemic symptoms (Thomas, 1988). To a large extent survivability of ARF has still not been greatly improved even with modern antibiotics and the careful dietary assessment of ARF patients. This reflects the complexity of managing patients with this condition. However, appropriate dietary management of ARF patients is essential to improve their long-term prognosis. Although the precise form this takes remains a contentious issue amongst clinicians.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Euthanasia: a contemporary nursing issue.

Euthanasia remains a contentious issue. The medical profession has difficulty in coming to terms with euthanasia because of professional and ethical conflicts. There has been little guidance from the UKCC on the issue of euthanasia. Nurses may be in a better position to examine the issue more objectively. There is an opportunity for the nursing profession to take a leading role in developing policy.

Ethics, Nursing↗