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Biomedical subjects

R Haigh

Publications and source records attributed to R Haigh.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The synthesis of a new class of oxytocin antagonists.

The synthesis of a new class of oxytocin antagonists, with significantly modified C-terminal part, is described. The chemistry of the Mitsunobu reaction was applied to obtain the key derivatives. In spite of the extensive modifications of previously described compound F792, the peptides retain biological activity as oxytocin antagonists.

Animals↗

Effectiveness of rehabilitation for spinal pain.

The evidence for effectiveness of different approaches is often diluted by the inclusion of heterogeneous groups and, in this case, lack of agreement over what constitutes 'acute' and 'chronic' back pain is a clear confounding factor. Although there are undoubtedly common issues in the approach to these problems, there are also clear differences. Closer definition of the problem and the development of specific and targeted outcome measures is required. In common with other areas of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, the evidence strongly supports exercise (except possibly in the rare case of true radicular back pain) and a cognitive behavioural approach to pain management. The variability of evidence in support of manipulation suggests that patient selection is important, but as yet those selection criteria are not clear. As is often the case, medical interventions are rarely submitted to evaluation in terms of functional outcome so, for procedures such as epidurals and facet joint injections, the jury is still out at the current time.

Analgesics↗

Phosphorylation of myosin light chain at distinct sites and its association with the cytoskeleton during enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection.

Myosin light chain, the most prominent host cell phosphoprotein during adhesion of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli to cultured HEp-2 cells, was shown to be distributed between cytosolic and cytoskeletal cell fractions; its association with the cytoskeletal fraction increased with time of enteropathogenic E. coli incubation. Phosphopeptide mapping indicated cytosolic and cytoskeletal myosin light chain phosphorylation at different sites by protein kinase C and myosin light chain kinase.

Cells, Cultured↗

Carbon dioxide regulated secretion of the EaeB protein of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.

An eaeA mutant (intimin deficient) of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli stimulated phosphorylation of several host cell proteins, showing that intimate adherence is not required to activate signal transduction pathways in enteropathogenic E. coli-infected cells. Growth of enteropathogenic E. coli in tissue culture medium in 5% CO2, in the presence or absence of cultured cells, resulted in the secretion of several bacterial proteins. Two of these, 36 kDa and 20 kDa in size, were expressed at significantly lower levels in air. N-terminal sequencing and analysis of secreted proteins of an eaeB mutant indicated that the 36 kDa secreted protein was EaeB, previously implicated in the stimulation of signalling pathways in enteropathogenic E. coli-infected cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Attempted suicide in Oxford University students, 1976-1990.

During the 14 years between the beginning of academic year 1976-7 and the end of academic year 1989-90, 216 Oxford University students (119 females and 97 males) were referred to the general hospital in Oxford because of suicide attempts (254 in all). The rate of attempted suicide during university term-time (106/100,000) was lower than in other young people of similar age in Oxford City (164/100,000). The difference was particularly marked in females (178/100,000 v. 269/100,000). The lower rate in the students may in part reflect their generally higher socio-economic status. Very few of the attempts by the students appeared to be failed suicides. The most frequent problems faced by the students at the time of their attempts were interpersonal, especially difficulties regarding partners, followed by academic problems. The latter were usually problems with ongoing course work rather than with the Finals examinations. Approximately a quarter of the students had psychiatric problems, with personality disorders and depression being most common. At least 30% had a history of previous attempts. Suggestions are made concerning measures for improving the management and prevention of attempted suicide by students.

Adolescent↗

Effect of acute and chronic caffeine use on the cerebrovascular, cardiovascular and hormonal responses to orthostasis in healthy volunteers.

1. The effects of acute and chronic caffeine ingestion on supine- and tilt- (60 min at 70 degrees) induced changes in middle cerebral artery velocity (Vmca), heart rate, blood pressure and counter-regulatory hormone levels (catecholamines, growth hormone and cortisol) were studied in nine healthy volunteers. A double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used to study acute effects followed by an open study after 6 days of chronic caffeine use. 2. In the supine position, acute ingestion of caffeine (250 mg) was associated with a fall in Vmca [-11 cm/s, point estimate of difference versus placebo (95% confidence interval: -17, -6) cm/s, P < 0.001] and a rise in mean arterial pressure [+4 (1, 6) mmHg, P < 0.01] and plasma adrenaline levels [+138 (53, 223) pmol/l, P < 0.01]. After chronic caffeine use, the pressor and adrenaline responses, but not the drop in Vmca, were significantly attenuated. 3. On tilting to 70 degrees the fall in Vmca was greater with placebo than after acute caffeine ingestion [-10 (-14, -15) cm/s, P < 0.01], whereas increments (above supine values) in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and hormone levels were unchanged by caffeine. In contrast, the adrenaline [+126 (29, 282) pmol/l, P < 0.01] and noradrenaline [+0.6, 0.9) nmol/l, P < 0.05] responses to tilting were augmented after acute caffeine ingestion. Chronic caffeine supplementation did not alter the fall in Vmca associated with tilting, but significantly attenuated the adrenaline response (P < 0.01 compared with the acute study). 4. Acute caffeine ingestion and orthostasis are both associated with a reduction in Vmca and a rise in mean arterial pressure and adrenaline levels. The acute effects of caffeine on mean arterial pressure and adrenaline but not on Vmca are lost with sustained caffeine intake. These results suggest dissociation between the development of central and peripheral tolerance after chronic caffeine use.

Adult↗

The novel 5-HT4 receptor antagonist DAU 6285 antagonizes 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced tachycardia in pigs.

The 5-HT4 receptor antagonist action of DAU 6285 was investigated in vivo in anesthetized pigs. DAU 6285 (0.3-3 mg/kg i.v.) dose dependently antagonized 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced tachycardiac responses. In contrast, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron (0.3-3 mg/kg i.v.) did not influence the tachycardia induced by 5-HT. These results indicate that DAU 6285 is a potent antagonist of 5-HT4 receptor-mediated responses in vivo.

Animals↗

The ageing process: a challenge for design.

Growing interest in the design of products for the over 50s suggests that it is important to assess what we know of older users in relation to product design. An evaluation of the research carried out in this field reveals that changes normally associated with ageing frequently occur in the 30s and 40s. It would appear to make economic sense if products were designed to be used by those with limited abilities as well by as the able-bodied. It is concluded that there are gaps in the research in this area which need to be addressed in order to guide designers in the specifications of products which are functional, efficient, safe and attractive to older and younger users alike.

Journal Article↗