Biomedical subjects
R Spiers
Publications and source records attributed to R Spiers.
A double-blind, comparative, multicentre study comparing paroxetine with fluoxetine in depressed patients.
A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 6-week study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and tolerability of once or twice daily administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluoxetine. After a 1-week placebo wash-out, patients suffering from DSM-III major depression and with a score of 18 or more on the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) received either paroxetine or fluoxetine. The patients were assessed for efficacy using the HRSD, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression; for tolerability, adverse events were elicited by the use of a non-leading question and a side effects checklist. The groups of patients were comparable on entry to the study. One hundred patients were recruited into the study, of whom 78 were evaluable for the efficacy analysis. Paroxetine and fluoxetine showed comparable efficacy at the end of the 6-week treatment period, but a statistically significant difference in the number of responders at week 3 in favour of paroxetine was observed. This could suggest an earlier onset of action with paroxetine. Also, associated anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced on paroxetine compared with fluoxetine at week 3. Patients on paroxetine reported fewer adverse events than those on fluoxetine. The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea and vomiting in both groups.
Experimental fittings of sockets for below-knee amputees using computer aided design and manufacturing techniques.
The experiments showed that it is possible to successfully design a socket using a computer based socket model. Variability of results, however indicates the existence of shortcomings. These were identified as inadequacies in the caliper method used to measure the stumps; inability to make the sockets total contact; lack of flexibility of the design process in the Round #1 computer CASD system. It was shown by results of the MERU fittings that an iterative procedure in the hands of an inexperienced person would lead to a degree of success comparable to that achieved by experienced persons using judgement. Also indicated was that experienced prosthetists were able to transfer their skills to the CASD system. This is indicated by the fact that they achieved 5 Class IV results with 8 sockets as compared to 2 Class IV results with 10 sockets achieved by the inexperienced operator.
Technical note--modified above-knee socket to relieve anterior pressure caused by abdominal hernia.
The plastic quadrilateral socket has a high anterior brim which can cause considerable discomfort in some patients, especially when seated. A simple modification to the anterior brim is described allowing a female patient with a huge abdominal hernia a considerable degree of comfort when both sitting and standing. The creation of a large radius producing a wide area for adequate pressure relief proved valuable. This might be considered for patients with less pendulous abdomens who find conventional methods inadequate.
The effects of anticoagulants and storage in vitro upon lobe counts and alkaline phosphatase activity in human neutrophils.
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