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Biomedical subjects

M Mira

Publications and source records attributed to M Mira.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Vitamin and trace element status in premenstrual syndrome.

Nutritional and trace element status as measured by plasma concentrations of magnesium, zinc, retinol (vitamin A), and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and the activities of red cell enzymes dependent on thiamin and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) were determined in 38 women suffering premenstrual syndrome and in 23 control subjects. Blood samples were collected in the premenstrual and in midfollicular phase. Diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome was based on accepted retrospective criteria and on prospective symptom reports collected over three menstrual cycles. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that premenstrual symptoms are caused by absolute or relative nutritional deficiencies.

Adult↗

Biochemical abnormalities in anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

We report the biochemical results in 90 women presenting to an eating disorders clinic: 61 who had bulimia, 22 with anorexia nervosa and seven unclassified. The results were compared with 30 control women. The group of women with an eating disorder had significantly higher concentrations of total CO2, calcium, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin and cholesterol and significantly lower concentrations of potassium, chloride and phosphate in the plasma. The elevated calcium could be accounted for in part by an increase in total CO2 and an increase in albumin. Hypokalaemia was strongly associated with self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse. Biochemical abnormalities occurred in both forms of eating disorders; however, hypercholesterolaemia was more common in anorexia nervosa and abnormal liver enzymes were more common in bulimia.

Adult↗

Mefenamic acid in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

The use of mefenamic acid in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was investigated in 15 women over six menstrual cycles. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design was used to overcome the methodologic criticisms of other medication trials in this condition. Mefenamic acid significantly improved many of the physical, mood, and performance symptoms associated with PMS. The physical symptoms that showed marked improvement were fatigue, headache, and general aches and pains (P less than .001). Most mood symptoms were improved, the most significant being freedom from mood swings (P less than .005).

Adult↗

Menstruation, menstrual protection and menstrual cycle problems. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of young Australian women.

The results of a survey of 1377 young Australian women aged 14 to 19 years, conducted to determine their attitudes, state of knowledge and practices with regard to menstruation, are presented. The young women, as a group, lacked sufficient information about menstruation, about the time of ovulation, about menstrual discharge, and about the use of tampons. A high proportion (80%) considered menstruation to be inconvenient or embarrassing. Certain measures aimed at remedial action are suggested.

Adolescent↗

Hypokalaemia and renal impairment in patients with eating disorders.

The biochemical abnormalities and decreased renal function which developed in two patients suffering from eating disorders are reported. These cases illustrate the need for biochemical screening of patients with eating disorders to determine if significant abnormalities are present and to provide a baseline for future investigations.

Adult↗

Changes in sodium and uric acid concentrations in plasma during the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are well documented, but many other biochemical variables have not been studied. We find that in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle the concentrations of sodium and uric acid are significantly lower. The changes may be of significance for the determination of the normal reference interval.

Adult↗

Eating behaviours among young women.

Disordered eating and weight-control behaviour is becoming increasingly common among adolescent girls. We studied four groups of young women aged between 15 and 27 years (106 school and university students, 50 ballet school students, 22 patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and 44 patients with bulimia). Our results suggest that most young women diet at some time and lose more than three kg in weight; that they may experience episodes of binge eating and "picking" behaviour; and that they wish to be thinner irrespective of their current body weight. Twenty per cent of young women may fulfil the criteria for an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa) at some stage, however briefly, and about 7% abuse laxatives or diuretics in order to achieve a fashionably slim figure. We suggest that most young women may pass through a phase of what is currently called disordered eating, and that this is part of normal development and may not necessarily require treatment. The incidence of disordered eating is greater in those young women who are under pressure to maintain a low body weight.

Adolescent↗

Continuous tracking of behavioral development in infants.

Infant development scales provide a one time measure of the number of scale items an infant performs and his standing relative to his age group. Repeated assessment indicates how many more items he can perform and whether his relative status has altered but does not measure actual changes in the same behaviors as development progresses. This paper discusses the importance of continuously measuring the same behavior over time as an alternative strategy. The developmental information is exemplified by the behavioral records of two infants observed over a 25-week period for changes in frequency and duration of three prone position motor responses.

Child Behavior↗