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Biomedical subjects

B Wharton

Publications and source records attributed to B Wharton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

In the last analysis: archetypal themes in the analysis of an elderly patient with early disintegrative trauma.

Aspects of the analysis of an elderly patient with early disintegrative experiences are described: separation anxiety, an internalized attack upon vitality, and the fear of dependency were prominent features of the transference/countertransference relationship, while the search for meaning as death drew nearer continued to be the central theme. The patient's many dreams reveal a wealth of images whose complex interlinkings provided evidence of a heightened and energized individuation process aiming at the integrity of personality.

Aged↗

Hydrolysed protein formulas: thoughts from the Isle of Wight meeting.

The meeting held on the Isle of Wight on 3 March 1995 was organised to discuss some of the recent evidence concerning the use of hydrolysed milk formulas not only in the treatment of cow's milk allergy but also in programmes designed to reduce or prevent other atopic disease. These products and their prophylactic use in particular have generated an amount of controversy firstly when they were introduced as a starting formula in the United States and secondly in Europe where paediatric, allergy and nutrition groups have issued various statements on their use (ESPGAN, 1993; Bjorksten, 1994; ESPACI, 1993; Bindels & Boerma, 1994). The Isle of Wight meeting did not attempt to produce a concensus statement. Nor is this paper an attempt to summarise or bring together the views expressed. Rather it reflects the views of the authors tempered by experience and the evidence presented at the meeting. Seven questions are explored.

Humans↗

Mediation of thalamic sensory responses in vivo by ACPD-activated excitatory amino acid receptors.

The existence of the so-called metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptor has been known for some years. Various functions have been suggested for this receptor, but the lack of selective antagonists for (IS, 3R)-aminocyclopentane dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) has precluded the direct demonstration of a functional role for this receptor in synaptic processes. We describe here a specific antagonism of the excitatory responses of thalamic neurons to ACPD by two novel antagonists, and a parallel antagonism by these compounds of sensory synaptic responses to noxious stimuli of the same neurons. This provides the first direct pharmacological evidence for a functional role of ACPD-sensitive receptors in central neurotransmission, and indicates that these receptors may play an important part in central sensory processes.

Animals↗

Phenylglycine derivatives as new pharmacological tools for investigating the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system.

The possible roles of G-protein coupled metabotropic glutamate receptors in central nervous function are currently the focus of intensive investigation. The complexity of effects produced by agonists at these receptors probably reflects the activity of a range of sub-types. The metabotropic glutamate receptors first described are linked to phospholipase C, mediating phosphoinositide hydrolysis and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. A substance generally considered to be a selective agonist for these receptors is (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD). This substance not only stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis, but also inhibits cyclic AMP formation. A family of metabotropic glutamate receptors, incorporating both phospholipase C- and adenylcyclase-linked sub-types has been cloned. Various effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on membrane ion fluxes and synaptic events have been reported, including neuronal depolarization and/or excitation, hyperpolarization, inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent and voltage-gated K+ currents, potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced responses, depression of synaptic excitation and either induction or augmentation of long-term potentiation. To clarify the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in central nervous activity and to aid the characterization of the various receptor types that may be involved, a range of highly selective agonists and antagonists is required. To date, currently available antagonists such as L-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate and L-aspartic acid-beta-hydroxamate appear to be unselective and insufficiently potent. We report here the actions of three phenylglycine derivatives, the particular agonist and/or antagonist properties of which may help to elucidate the roles of metabotropic glutamate receptors in central nervous activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Protein energy malnutrition: problems and priorities.

Protein energy malnutrition and infection are largely responsible for the very high postneonatal and toddler mortality ratios of developing countries. Availability of food is just one environmental factor in the aetiology of protein energy malnutrition--many others such as size at birth, infection and culture play a role. Diet needs as careful prescription as any other form of therapy, but in the severely malnourished child it is only one aspect of management; care is necessary to avoid or detect 6 complications: hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, encephalopathy, intractable diarrhoea, cardiac failure, and infection. Prevention should be incorporated within the child health services as a whole and delivered with them; however central government, and the food industry from farming to retailing, play an at least as important role as health care professionals.

Child, Preschool↗

Nutrition in adolescence.

This review discusses five questions concerning nutrition in adolescence. Do adolescents have special nutritional needs? What are the recommended dietary intakes? What do adolescent schoolchildren eat? What nutritional disorders occur at this age? The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia, rickets, coeliac disease, iodine deficiency, dental caries, weight disorders, zinc deficiency and pellagra are discussed. What is the role of school meals or other food supplementation programmes?

Adolescent↗

Nutrition in the 1980s.

The 1970s were a decade of achievement in child nutrition in Britain. Substantial changes in infant feeding practices occurred and they were followed by measurable improvements in child health. The 1980s have not maintained this momentum. Infant nutrition is often still seen solely in terms of the breast/bottle debate. Doubtful practices, such as the use of skimmed milk and goats' milk early in life, have become more common. Many weanlings still experience frank nutritional deficiencies. For the 1990s there are 3 priorities: effective continuing measurements of the state of nutritional health in British children are required; among the many methods for promoting nutritional wellbeing health education is vital but professionally we need to deliver the same not conflicting messages; mechanisms for applying any method must acknowledge that nutrition is only one aspect of child health to be promoted and that other agencies such as the food industry and central government can make a valuable contribution when we all act in concert.

Child↗