Showing papers by "University of Bedfordshire published in 1991"

Dissociation between the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A survey of their analgesic efficacy.

Abstract: The authors challenge the general view that the analgesic effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be universally attributed to their inhibitory effects on the synthesis of peripherally formed prostaglandins. Analgesic activity by some of these compounds in the reduction of physiological pain elicited by a single noxious stimulus, or the treatment of acute pain which results from sudden trauma to otherwise healthy tissue, is better described as an antinociceptive effect. Single-dose studies in the dental pain model that have been conducted in double-blind conditions and included a placebo control group have been reviewed; those NSAIDs which are significantly superior to the reference compound aspirin 650mg and those which could represent real alternatives to the use of narcotics in certain situations for the management of acute pain have been identified. Azapropazone, diflunisal, naproxen, oxaprozin and tolmetin are all weak inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, yet they have been shown to be more effective than aspirin. In a model of joint pain, azapropazone 600mg has been shown to be as effective as pethidine (meperidine) 100mg despite being the weakest inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Whether the antinociceptive effect of azapropazone acts at a peripheral or a central level, or both, is not clear; evidence for the effects of NSAIDs on the central nervous system (CNS) is discussed. Historically, the antinociceptive character of some NSAIDs is apparent in several studies in both animals and humans. More recently, experimental algesimetry models designed to distinguish the antinociceptive effects of NSAIDs include the use in humans of photoplethysmography and computer-supported infrared thermographic imaging.

An Organic Phase Enzyme Electrode for Cholesterol

Abstract: An enzyme electrode is described for the determination of cholesterol dissolved in chloroform/hexane (1:1). The enzyme electrode is shown to be applicable to the determination of cholesterol in samples of butter and margarine.

Migration direction of sand-wave structures in pyroclastic-surge deposits: Implications for depositional processes

Abstract: Sand-wave structures of both progressive (downstream migrating) and regressive (upstream migrating) types occur within the same pyroclastic-surge deposit at both Roccamonfina volcano (southern Italy) and Sugarloaf Mountain (Arizona, United States). Both "wet" and "dry" surge deposits are described that contain examples of regressive and progressive sandwave structures. At Sugarloaf Mountain progressive and regressive sand waves occur within metres of each other within the same bedset, indicating that penecontemporaneous deposition of the two different sand-wave structures occurred in close proximity. On the basis of this evidence it is suggested that the migration direction of sand waves in these pyroclastic-surge deposits is controlled by the flow regime of the surge cloud rather than the temperature and/or moisture content.

Ring communication system

Abstract: A communication system in which a plurality of nodes or terminal access units 2 are connected via a media ring 3. Data is transmitted in a series of data packets within which the bits or bytes are multiplexed. To ensure line availability and avoid contention and delay each access unit has preassigned channels within the packet.

A comparison of synovial fluid concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with their in vitro activity.

Abstract: For NSAIDs it has been widely accepted that prostaglandin inhibition is their mechanism of action in clinical use. Yet many other actions have been described, although it is unclear to what extent these may contribute to clinical activity. This review attempts to relate some of the experimental activities of NSAIDs to concentrations of drugs which occur in clinical use. Since it is assumed that to be effective a drug must reach its target site of action, synovial fluid concentrations for NSAIDs are considered. The resulting analysis suggests that prostaglandin inhibition is a viable mode of action for most, if not all, NSAIDs. However, some NSAIDS may rely as much, if not more, on other actions for their anti-inflammatory effect.

Influence of liner design on mouthpiece chamber vacuum during milking

Abstract: Three types of liner (wide bore tapered, wide bore and narrow bore) were compared in a change-over design experiment comprising three 3-d periods and using six lactating Holstein Friesian cows with a wide range in milk flow rate and teat dimensions. Vacuum levels measured within the liner showed a characteristic pattern of three distinct phases: 1, a mouthpiece chamber (MPC) vacuum that fluctuated with vacuum beneath the teat; 2, a stable MPC vacuum that coincided with the period of peak milk flow and 3, a MPC vacuum that fluctuated with pressure changes in the pulsation chamber and coincided with the period of no or reduced flow. Of the three liners examined, the Gascoigne 1030A (wide bore tapered) induced the highest MPC vacuum (29·4 ± 2·23 kPa, mean ± s.e.m), significantly higher (P < 0·01) than the Alfa-Laval 960000–01 wide bore (23·5 ± 2·32), regardless of teat size and milk flow rate. The Alfa-Laval 7275737–01 (narrow bore) gave a significantly lower value (16·5 ± 1·96) than either of the others (P < 0·001). It was not possible to link absolutely raised MPC vacuum to cow discomfort and teat trauma but circumstantial evidence encourages this view. Narrow teats in combination with slow flow rate appeared to exacerbate MPC vacuum and, because milking time for such animals was protracted, teats were exposed for longer periods.

Food processing plant

Abstract: A food processing plant comprises a cooking kettle, a holding tank and a depositor. The holding tank is provided with wheels to permit the tank to be moved from a first position in the proximity of the cooking kettle to a second position in the proximity of the depositor. Means is provided for applying a vacuum to the tank in the first position to draw food product from the kettle through a first pipeline. Means is provided for applying pressurized air to the holding tank in the second position to expel the food product from the tank to the depositor. A cooling station is provided in the form of a booth into which the tank is movable after leaving the first position and before entering the second position. The booth includes frame means which supports a cooling unit movable from a raised position into a lowered position within the tank. The cooling unit includes rotary vanes with scrapers for contact with the wall of the tank. The cooling unit mounted on a cover adapted to rest on the rim of the tank.

The application and programming of an image store for the SEM

Abstract: The programming and use of a purposebuilt digital image store constructed for a SEM is described. The system is based on purpose designed circuitry controlled by a Motorola MC68000 and is capable of noise-averaging using multiple frames, colour look-up tables, high-resolution photographic recording, image processing using matrix functions, some image quantification, and x-ray spectrum acquisition. The way in which the FORTH language provided an efficient means of controlling the SEM is described and examples of each type of operation are presented.

Structural effects on the antitumour activity of organotin compounds 2. Further diaryltin dichloride complexes with nitrogen-donor ligands

Abstract: The synthesis and investigation of the anti-tumour activity of a further series of six new diorganotin dichloride complexes Ar2SnCl2.L2, where Ar = 2-thienyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 4-methyoxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl or 4-trifluoromethylphenyl and L2 = 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole (PBI) or 2-amino-methylpyridine (AMP), is reported. One of these complexes was found to be active against P388 lymphocytic leukaemia in mice. The results obtained are in general agreement with previously published work. The activity of the diaryltin dichloride complexes is shown to be dependent on the electronic effect of the aromatic group. The use of PBI as a ligand, however, shows no advantage over other ligands used in the series investigated.

Polymers of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase produced by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Soluble polymers of bovine Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) have been prepared using the homobifunctional cross-linking reagent, glutaraldehyde. A form of the enzyme, a tetramer. with a molecular weight of 64, 000 has been purified by gel filtration. The functional properties of the tctrarner have been investigated. Reconstitution with copper and zinc was required for full activity. After metal reconstitution, the specific activity of the tetramer was shown to be close to 90% that of the native dimerism enzyme.The serum half-life of the tetramer in rats was found to be increased by a factor of six when compared with native superoxide dismutase. The tissue distribution of the two forms was also found to be direrent with the tetrarner accumulating predominantly in the liver.

Inflatable compression garment or mattress

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable apparatus such as a mattress or a compression garment. The apparatus includes at least one series of inflatable chambers (2a, 2b, 2c), means (5) for connection to a first chamber (2a) of the series for supply of inflation fluid, and fluid flow restrictor means (3, 4) providing restricted flow interconnection between adjacent chambers of the series.

The laurence bishop silver medal inaugural lecture the impact of scientific measurement on the brewing process

Abstract: Laurence Bishop's contribution to the brewing industry over more than 50 years of research endeavour and committee activities is reviewed. Three research areas — prediction of extract, the effect of turbidity on yeast activity during fermentation and the development of a 3-vessel fermentation system — are used to highlight his achievements. Five topics with which the author was intimately involved, three of which were connected with Laurence Bishop's own researches, are used to describe the author's activities. These concerned the assessment of beer foam, the prediction of beer stability, the assessment of the bittering value of hops, time course changes in the analytical characteristic of an ale fermentation and the use of fractional factorial designs to facilitate experimental programmes.

Load handling vehicle

Abstract: of EP0274837In a Side-Lift Truck, the mast carrying carrier 13 is guided by means of guide rollers 21 mounted on the carrier and running in a single C-shaped guide channel 19 The carrier is moved by a pair of hydraulic cylinders 24 which are connected between the frame of the truck and the carrier and extend diagonally across the well 7

Improvements relating to floor mats

Abstract: of EP0441053A non-creep floor mat system for a tiled floor (10) comprises a floor mat (12) having in its back surface a recess bounded by a substantially rigid essentially perpendicular wall, and a detent designed to underlie the floor mat on a floor surface and having a shape and size similar to but slightly less extensive than the shape and side of the recess in the back surface of the mat. The detent is a tile (11A) designed to form part of the tiled floor but having a thickness significantly greater than the thickness of nearby tiles (11) on the tiled floor,, whereby the extra thickness of the tile detent enables it to fit into and interact with the recess in the floor mat back surface to restrict or prevent creep of the floor mat over the tiled floor.