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Biomedical subjects

C Spencer

Publications and source records attributed to C Spencer.

87 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Beliefs and opinions about drugs and their users as predictors of drug-user status of adolescents in post-revolutionary Iran.

In a sample survey of 712 Iranian male adolescents, aged 14-18, it was found that drugs users differed in only some of theirs beliefs about drug substances and their use from their non-drug-using contemporaries; and that both sub-samples had, in their agreement about the drug problem in post-revolutionary Iran, been equally influenced by the information presented in the media. Similarly, there was general agreement about the characteristics of regular drug users. The major factor predictive of drug-user status in this sample was the extent of the individual's exposure to models of drug use; such models being more likely to be adult family members than the adolescent's age-peers, a reversal of the situation usually found in Europe and America.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The intricacies of beta-globin gene expression.

Gene expression is an extremely complicated process in which several mechanisms are involved. Owing to its developmental and tissue-specific expression, the beta-globin gene is an excellent model for studying gene expression. beta-Globin gene expression involves an interplay between several different mechanisms. Chromatin structure is thought to be altered by the locus control region (LCR) located far upstream of the beta-globin gene locus. As well, multiple transcription factors come into play both in the LCR and in the individual promoters and enhancers of the beta-globin genes. The interaction between these then allows for delicate regulation of beta-globin gene expression. In the following review the elaborate system of beta-globin gene expression will briefly be examined.

Beta-Globulins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ibopamine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in congestive heart failure.

Ibopamine is an orally administered dopamine agonist which is rapidly converted to its active metabolite epinine by esterase hydrolysis. Ibopamine acts predominantly as a vasodilator and inhibitor of neuroendocrine activation in congestive heart failure, but also has mild positive inotropic effects at higher doses. The beneficial effects on cardiac and systemic haemodynamic parameters seen in short term studies have been maintained in predominantly noncomparative trials for up to 1 year, and improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and clinical symptoms have been observed in patients with congestive heart failure of varying severity. In double-blind studies conducted in small numbers of patients, the efficacy of ibopamine was comparable to that of digoxin, captopril, enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Ibopamine can successfully replace treatment with intravenous dopamine in patients with severe heart failure, and is effective and well tolerated when administered in combination with digoxin, diuretics and/or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Ibopamine has shown no detrimental effects on renal function, few adverse effects on neurohormonal parameters and has demonstrated no significant proarrhythmic properties at therapeutic doses in patients with congestive heart failure. No adverse metabolic effects were observed during ibopamine therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus, nor did ibopamine have detrimental effects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While reliable evidence is required concerning effects on mortality before the role of ibopamine can be clearly defined, the drug appears to be a useful agent for combination with conventional therapies in treating patients with mild to severe congestive heart failure.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Drugs and Iran after the Islamic revolution: prophesying the next quarter century.

Prior to the Islamic revolution of 1979, research on Iran's long-standing drug use patterns had begun in clinic settings, but there were few data available on countrywide use. Opium, the traditional drug used in social settings and produced in quantity in the east of the country, was the first target of fierce antidrug measures in 1979. The course of future drug cultivation, use, treatment and, therefore, research needed on the drug problem is closely linked to political developments in Iran. Much will depend on whether Iran maintains an independent stance or rejoins the international agencies' efforts.

Drug and Narcotic Control↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Promoting healthy bladder habits for seniors.

Urinary incontinence (UI) effects people of all ages, but is especially prevalent in the elderly population. Also significant is a lack of knowledge about UI. A health promotion project was developed and implemented in six ethnically diverse, predominantly minority, inner city senior centers, a program designed to address an elder population, as they are very likely to be experiencing UI and lacking knowledge concerning healthy bladder habits. The project consisted of three phases: orientation/training of key staff members/peer educators at the six senior centers; educating elder consumers through four one-hour weekly sessions involving visual aids and completion of bladder records and quizzes, and follow-up sessions with senior staff/peer educators to reinforce previous training. One result was that training of peer educators needed further refinement to allow for a more significant role throughout the program. The program was very well received by the participants and roughly 80 percent felt they had more control over their bladder by the end of the last session. This project will continue into 1997 and in addition to information on UI, the project will include prostate health for men and gynecological health for women, as this need became evident throughout the program.

Aged↗