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Biomedical subjects

D Hawks

Publications and source records attributed to D Hawks.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide in plasma. A marker of androgen action in idiopathic hirsutism.

Biologically active androgens and peripheral androgen metabolites in plasma were measured in 25 women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH). Plasma testosterone was not significantly elevated. Free testosterone however was increased although the elevation was not impressive (10.9 +/- 6.6 SD vs. 3.3 +/- 1.5 ng/dl) and one-fourth of the cases had normal unbound testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) values were elevated (23.5 +/- 14 vs. 12.5 +/- 3.59) but again over half of the values were within the normal range. In our series of mild to moderate cases, 3 alpha-diol was not at all discriminatory. However, plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly increased (604 +/- 376 vs. 40 +/- 10 ng/dl), and elevated in all but one mild case. Previous studies document that DHT is the important androgen in skin and formation of DHT and 3 alpha-diol is markedly increased in vitro in IH. Since 3 alpha-diol glucuronide is derived largely from extrasplanchnic events, beta-glucuronidase is present in skin, and androgen stimulates formation of the enzyme in extrasplanchnic tissue, we conclude that 3 alpha-diol glucuronide is a marker of peripheral androgen action and markedly elevated in IH.

Androstane-3,17-diol↗
PubMed1981

Studies on the origin of androstanediol and androstanediol glucuronide in young and elderly men.

The in vivo origin of androstanediol (3 alpha diol) and its glucuronide was studied in six young and five elderly men undergoing cardiac catheterization. Constant infusions of [14C]testosterone and [3H]3 alpha diol were given, and blood was obtained from the aorta and hepatic vein in order to measure metabolic clearance, splanchnic extraction, and the possibility of splanchnic production of both 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide. In young elderly men, the concentrations of labeled and unlabeled testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 3 alpha diol were lower in the hepatic vein than in the aorta. The specific activities of dihydrotestosterone and 3 alpha diol were the same in blood entering and leaving the splanchnic compartment. The plasma concentration of 3 alpha diol was 18 +/- 2 in the young men and 15 +/- 4 ng/dl in the elderly group. However, the blood production rate of 3 alpha diol determined from the metabolic clearance and morning plasma concentration was reduced (324 vs. 199 micrograms/day) as a result of lower clearance in the elderly men. Plasma 3 alpha diol glucuronide concentrations were 197 +/- 68 and 96 +/- 35 ng/dl in the two groups. No difference in the concentration of 3 alpha diol glucuronide was observed across the splanchnic tissues by mass, radioactive levels, specific activity, or 14C to 3H ratios. The 14C to 3H ratio for 3 alpha diol glucuronide was 10 times higher than for the free steroid, indicating that more than 90% of the glucuronide originates from a pool separate from blood 3 alpha diol. Both the splanchnic extraction of 3 alpha diol and the metabolic clearance were reduced in elderly men. These studies indicate that both 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide in blood result from extrasplanchnic events. A major reduction in the plasma concentration of 3 alpha diol glucuronide occurs in the aging male, although no difference is seen in the levels of the unconjugated 3 alpha diol. 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide are derived principally by extrahepatic (target) tissue events.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Seven attitude scales used in assessing cannabis use amongst students.

A number of newly constructed attitude measures are described and correlated with two previously established measures, on a sample of 830 university students. Scales were devised to measure political orientation, permissive-restrictiveness, puritan ethic, parental congruence and extra-intra punitiveness. In addition a checklist concerned with degree of social and political activity, a modified (shortened) version of Crumbaugh's Purpose in Life Test, Srole's Test of Anomie (complete), and the shortened form of the E.P.I. were used. Item loadings on the main facotr in each scale and overall correlations between the scales are given.

Attitude↗
PubMed1975

Community care: an analysis of assumptions.

The implementation of a policy of "community care' is seen to involve a number of assumptions, some of which are rarely examined. These can be roughly categorized as involving the nature of mental illness, the nature of community, the course and treatment of mental illness, the proper scope of psychiatry, the burden on the community and the efficacy of social work. Data bearing on these assumptions are reviewed, and the conclusion is offered that they are far from being uncontentious. It is suggested that the movement toward community care has many of the attributes of a moral enterprise which, unless substantiated by benefits to the patient or his family, may be the latest diversion of the psychiatric conscience from the care and treatment of the chronic mentally ill.

Aftercare↗
PubMed1969

Abuse of methylamphetamine.

Seventy-four regular users of methylamphetamine injections were interviewed in four settings by use of a relatively structured standardized questionary. All but two had injected methylamphetamine within the previous 48 hours and had on average been using methylamphetamine continuously for 19 months.Significant features found in those interviewed were British nationality, single status, under 25 years of age, and a history of parental separation, absence, or bereavement. Educational standards were poor and a history of consistent truancy from secondary school was frequently reported.Comparison of their best and present occupations showed that downward drift had occurred. Forty-one per cent. of the sample had some definite or tentative evidence of neurotic disturbance in childhood. Twenty-three per cent. had been sentenced to detention centre, approved school, or Borstal training, and 20% had been sentenced to prison. Sixty-five per cent. had been charged with offences of one sort and 24% had been convicted of both drug and non-drug offences.A significant number had been heavy drinkers in the past, while most had been, and in many cases still were, multiple-drug users who had first started to use drugs between the ages of 16 and 20 years. They tended to have obtained methylamphetamine initially from people they knew or from sellers. While the majority were currently getting methylamphetamine from doctors, the fact that 40% gave non-medical agents as their major source of drugs suggests that a significant number were supplementing their supplies from illicit sources. More than one-half were rated as being continually involved in the "drug scene."Most of those interviewed accepted frequent psychotic episodes as a side-effect of their use of methylamphetamine. Malnutrition, weight loss, and sleep disturbance were frequent.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma in a cat.

A functional, insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma was diagnosed in a 17-year-old male Siamese cat. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs (i.e., seizures and stupor) that resolved temporarily after correction of hypoglycemia with feeding or intravenous administration of glucose, the finding of an inappropriately increased serum insulin concentration in the face of hypoglycemia, and prolonged resolution of hypoglycemia after surgical removal of the tumor. Primary islet cell tumor of the pancreas was confirmed by biopsy. The cat died 18 months later, and necropsy revealed metastases to regional lymph nodes and liver. Specimens of the tumor and metastatic lesions both stained positively for insulin.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗