PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Beer

Publications and source records attributed to E Beer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

NK-1 antagonist reduces colonic inflammation and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate-induced colitis in rats.

Although substance P (SP) has been implicated as a mediator of neurogenic inflammation in the small intestine, little information is available regarding the role of SP in the pathogenesis of chronic ulcerative colitis. In this study, our aim was to investigate whether the intraperitoneal administration of a nonpeptide neurokinin-1 (NK-1) antagonist, CP-96345, which antagonizes the binding of SP to its NK-1 receptor, results in the attenuation of colonic inflammation induced in rats by 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 10 days compared with an inactive enantiomer, CP-96344. Disease activity was assessed daily for 10 days, after which colonic tissue damage was scored and myeloperoxidase activity and colon and urinary 8-isoprostanes were measured. Animals receiving DSS exhibited marked physical signs of colitis by day 5 compared with controls. Chronic administration of the NK-1 antagonist significantly reduced the disease activity index, mucosal myeloperoxidase activity, colonic tissue damage score, and mucosal and urinary levels of 8-isoprostanes compared with inactive enantiomer- or vehicle-injected (saline) animals receiving DSS alone. These data indicate that the administration of an NK-1 antagonist can attenuate colonic inflammation and oxidative stress and suggest a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A case of intestinal infarction following Vipera aspis bite.

A case of Vipera aspis bite followed by severe envenomation, shock, neurotoxic symptoms, myoglobinuria and coagulation disorders with thrombosis of the iliac vessels and intestinal infarction is described. A right hemicolectomy had to be performed. Treatment is described in detail. European adder bites may cause, although uncommonly, severe envenoming with unusual symptoms. The attending doctor must be prepared to face unusual diagnostic and therapeutic problems.

Cecum↗
PubMed1998

Dysphonia, an uncommon symptom of systemic neurotoxic envenomation by Vipera aspis bite. Report of two cases.

Two cases of Vipera aspis bites with severe envenomation in which, among other neurotoxic signs, dysphonia was observed, with alteration of the pitch of the voice are described. This uncommon symptom has never been reported in envenomation by European adders. It is pointed out that bites of European vipers should never be underestimated as severe envenomation may develop.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Accreditation of prior learning: is it worth it? An evaluation of a pilot scheme.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a relatively new process for both students and colleges of nursing and claims to offer many benefits (Open University 1990, Fox et al 1992). This paper describes the findings of a study undertaken to determine students' experiences of the APL process and their perceptions of how the APL process developed them. A sample of 14 students reported on the use of APL to obtain academic credit for a Level I Welsh National Board Framework Module. The results indicated both some difficulties and benefits associated with using the APL process. The majority of students experienced difficulty in reflecting on prior learning and practice. This seemed to be due in part to the students' reluctance to value their clinical learning experiences. Many of the sample also reported difficulty in maintaining motivation over the period of time allocated to complete the APL process. All the students undertook the process in their own time and had to submit the module summative assignment in addition to the APL evidence required. These factors may have further influenced motivational levels. Clear positive outcomes were that APL was felt to be a worthwhile process, even increasing self-esteem for some individuals. It also enabled students to develop reflective writing skills and to value clinical experience. Recommendations were made to both facilitate and enhance the APL experience for future students, and to promote critical reflection within the nursing profession as a whole.

Certification↗
PubMed1995

Comparison of values of antibody to Bordetella pertussis antigens in young German and American men.

Pertussis is well controlled in the United States by routine childhood immunization. In contrast, this disease is endemic and epidemic in Germany because routine immunization has not been implemented. To gain information relating to the epidemiology of Bordetella pertussis infections, we examined the prevalence and magnitude of B. pertussis agglutinins and of IgG and IgA antibodies (detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to four B. pertussis antigens--lymphocytosis-promoting factor, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae-2--in the sera of 119 American university students and 119 German military recruits of similar age. Geometric mean titers of agglutinins and geometric mean values for IgG antibodies to the four antigens were two- to threefold higher in sera from the American students than in sera from German recruits. In contrast, the geometric mean IgA values and the percentage of subjects with detectable IgA antibodies to the four antigens were similar in the two populations. Since IgA antibody results mainly from infection and not from immunization, our data suggest that B. pertussis infections are common among both American and German young adults despite the marked difference in rates of clinical pertussis in the two countries.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The effects of ambient NO2 on lung function in primary schoolchildren.

The effect of ambient NO2 on lung function was investigated in a sample of 423 schoolchildren. At each of four locations NO2 was monitored continuously. Over a 6-month period from January to June 1990 two surveys were performed and spirometry recorded each time for each child. Linear regression was used to estimate the effect of NO2 for different time intervals preceding lung function testing. A decrease of NO2 between surveys was significantly associated with a higher forced vital capacity (FVC) at the second survey. For each microgram/m3 NO2 decrease the model predicted an increase in FVC of 1.5 ml [for the 2-hr mean (P < 0.05)] and 3.1 ml [for the 12-hr mean (P < 0.01)]. We conclude that even at NO2 levels below current air-quality standards children demonstrate significant changes in lung function.

Air Pollutants↗