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Biomedical subjects

P Bennett

Publications and source records attributed to P Bennett.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

"Pssst . . . the really useful guide to alcohol": evaluation of an alcohol education television series.

The paper reports on the effectiveness of a six-part television series ("Pssst . . . the really useful guide to alcohol") in changing viewers' knowledge and alcohol-related behaviours and attitudes. Comparisons between viewers and matched controls indicated significant increases in knowledge relating to alcohol. No changes in attitudes were found, although some behavioural change was indicated. These results are discussed in the context of wider-ranging alcohol-related health promotion initiatives.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Patterns of drinking in Wales.

As part of a larger survey of health-related behaviours, 8441 Welsh men and women aged 18-64 years provided information relating to their overall consumption of alcohol, frequency of binge drinking (defined as consumption of at least half the recommended weekly limits, less than or equal to 21 units for men, less than or equal to 14 units for women) per occasion, and changes in consumption over time. Key findings indicate 29% of men and 9% of women report drinking in excess of the recommended safe limits, whilst 28% and 8% respectively report binge drinking at least once weekly. Such drinking is not, however, confined to heavy drinkers: 14% of men and 5% of women who drink within the recommended safe limits also report binge drinking at least once weekly. These and other results are discussed in relation to future health promotion initiatives.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Reliability of self-reports of alcohol use by community clients.

Eighty-five of 116 randomly selected clients receiving case management services at a comprehensive community mental health center responded anonymously to a survey questionnaire that included two measures of self-reported alcohol use: questions about frequency and quantity and a retrospective diary for reporting the number of drinks consumed daily in the preceding week. Forty-two patients reported using alcohol; consumption was higher among younger patients. A significant correlation was found between responses to the frequency-quantity questions and the information provided in the retrospective diary, indicating that self-reports of alcohol consumption are reasonably reliable for the clients studied. Future research is needed to establish the reliability and validity of self-reported alcohol and drug use in typical treatment settings.

Affective Disorders, Psychotic↗
PubMed1991

Sex hormones in postmenopausal women with primary biliary cirrhosis.

To evaluate serum sex hormone profiles in nonalcoholic postmenopausal women with liver disease, 25 women with primary biliary cirrhosis (11 in cirrhotic stage) and 46 healthy controls were studied. The patients had significantly (p less than 0.05) elevated serum concentrations of estrone and androstenedione and significantly (p less than 0.05) lower concentrations of estrone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone compared with the 46 controls. Serum concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, non-sex hormone binding globulin-bound testosterone and non-protein-bound testosterone did not differ significantly (p greater than 0.05) between primary biliary cirrhosis patients and controls. Patients in the cirrhotic stage had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin than did controls. Patients in the cirrhotic stage had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher sex hormone binding globulin and estrone sulfate levels compared with noncirrhotic patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. The observed changes in steroid concentrations may be a consequence of hepatic dysfunction.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Hyperinsulinaemia is a predictor of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Most incidence studies indicate that baseline plasma glucose, either fasting or post-glucose load, is the best predictor of progression to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)--the higher the level, the higher the risk. Elevated serum insulin concentrations in the presence of normal fasting plasma glucose levels reflect the presence of insulin resistance and they have also been shown to predict deterioration to NIDDM in a number of populations. Hyperinsulinaemia is a notable characteristic of populations with a high prevalence of NIDDM such as Micronesian Nauruans, American Pima Indians, Mexican-Americans and Asian Indians. In Nauruans and Pima subjects with normal glucose tolerance, those with higher post-load (2-hour) serum insulin at baseline were more likely to progress to either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or NIDDM. Conversely, amongst subjects with IGT, progression to NIDDM was predicted by lower (but still high relative to normal) baseline insulin responsiveness. Similar results for subjects with IGT have been described in Japanese. It appears from longitudinal studies that baseline insulin and glucose levels explain much of the association of obesity with risk of NIDDM. It remains to be resolved whether obesity itself may be a manifestation of an underlying defect (such as primary hyperinsulinaemia) which leads to both obesity and NIDDM. The possible sequence of events for the development of NIDDM includes a genetic defect resulting in hyperinsulinaemia and/or insulin resistance and leading ultimately to secondary pancreatic exhaustion with an insulin secretory defect which may also be genetically determined or the result of glucotoxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of the effect of cortisol on aromatase activity and androgen metabolism in two human fibroblast cell lines derived from the same individual.

The effect of preincubation with cortisol on estrogen and androgen metabolism was investigated in human fibroblast monolayers grown from biopsies of genital and non-genital skin of the same person. The activity in the cells of aromatase, 5 alpha-reductase, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase was investigated by isolating estrone, estradiol, estriol, dihydrotestosterone, androstanedione, androsterone, 3 alpha-androstanediol, testosterone and androstenedione after incubation of the cells with [14C]testosterone or [14C]androstenedione. For experiments with 14C-labeled substrate the cells were incubated in medium, charcoal stripped of steroids without Phenol Red. Preincubation from 6 to 36 h with cortisol in concentrations of 10(-8) - 10(-6) M showed maximal stimulation of aromatase activity after 12 h preincubation with cortisol in concentrations of 0.5-1.0 x 10(-6) M in both cell lines. When preincubation with cortisol was omitted no estrogen synthesis was detected. The formation of androgen was not altered after preincubation with cortisol. Pronounced differences were found in estrogen and in androgen metabolism in the two cell lines suggesting a local regulation of the hormonal environment. The aromatase activity, which is low in many tissues could be stimulated by cortisol without altering the androgen metabolism was found to be a suitable system for investigations of the cellular interconversion of androgens and estrogens and for investigations of the in vitro regulation of the enzymes involved.

Androgens↗
PubMed1990

Fundamental voice frequency in female puberty measured with electroglottography during continuous speech as a secondary sex characteristic. A comparison between voice, pubertal stages, oestrogens and androgens.

The change of fundamental voice frequency in continuous speech in female puberty was analysed in 47 girls by comparison of 2000 consecutive electroglottographic cycles in a reading situation. The results were compared with serum concentrations of androgens (dihydroepiandrosterone, delta-4-androstenedione, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin), oestrogens (oestradiol, oestrone, and oestronesulphate), and somatic puberty (weight, height, mamma stages, and pubic hair stages). Fundamental frequency in continuous speech was related only to oestrone r = -0.34, (P less than 0.05). But the tone range in continuous speech and the lowest tone in the phonetogram were found to be significantly correlated with many of the pubertal and hormone parameters. All these correlations could be explained by a common age-dependency. By multiple regression analysis different sets of variables for prediction of speaking fundamental frequency were found before and after menarche.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Stress management approaches to the prevention of coronary heart disease.

This paper reviews evidence for the effectiveness of stress management techniques in reducing three risk factors for coronary heart disease: Type A behaviour, raised serum cholesterol, and hypertension. Preliminary evidence suggests that such interventions not only reduce individual risk factors, they can also reduce mortality and morbidity to CHD. Consideration now has to be given to the most effective system of delivery of such interventions.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1990

Towards a state measure of Type A behaviour.

To investigate the feasibility of developing a measure of state Type A behaviour, a random sample of 95 men aged 40-64 years attended a clinic at which Type A behaviour was assessed using the Structured Interview (Rosenman, 1978). Upon completion of the Structured Interview, subjects were administered a 65-item adjective checklist to describe their experience of the interview. Discriminant function analysis of adjective ratings on Structured Interview classification identified 15 adjectives which allowed 83 per cent correct classification. The limitation of these data includes the small sample size and the uniqueness of the Structured Interview situation. Nevertheless, these data provide encouragement that a robust and versatile measure of state Type A could be developed. Comparisons between various measures of trait Type A behaviour are also reported.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Histamine-induced paradoxical GH response to TRH/GnRH in men and women: dependence on gonadal steroid hormones.

A stimulatory GH response to TRH and GnRH occurs frequently in patients with various pathological conditions, but is absent in normal subjects. We have previously shown that histamine induced a paradoxical GH response to TRH in normal men. Since gonadal steroids influence GH secretion, we investigated whether infusion of histamine might induce a GH response to combined administration of TRH (200 micrograms) and GnRH (100 micrograms) in 6 normal women during the early follicular and luteal phase of the same menstrual cycle and in 7 normal men. Histamine had no effect on basal GH secretion in men or in women during the two phases of the menstrual cycle. However, compared with saline, histamine induced a GH response to TRH/GnRH in men (GH peak: 5.5 +/- 1.0 vs 1.4 +/- 0.3 micrograms/l; p less than 0.01) and in women during the luteal phase (GH peak: 5.2 +/- 1.6 vs 1.5 +/- 0.4 micrograms/l; p less than 0.025), but not during the early follicular phase of the cycle (GH peak: 1.7 +/- 0.5 vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 micrograms/l). In luteal-phase women the GH response to TRH/GnRH correlated with the serum estradiol-17 beta level (GH area/E2: r = 0.98; p less than 0.005) and the serum estrone level (GH area/E1: r = 0.81; p less than 0.05). In men the GH response to TRH/GnRH did not correlate with estrogen or androgen levels. We conclude that high physiological levels of estrogens are pertinent to the activation of a histamine-induced GH response to TRH/GnRH in women, whereas the role of androgens and estrogens for the induction of the response in men seems more complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Androgens in women with hirsutism who are referred for electroepilation].

The androgen status was determined in 105 women with hirsutism. Raised values of at least one androgenic hormone was found in 58 women, most frequently free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and delta-4-androstendion. No significant correlation was found between the androgen level and the degree of hirsutism or the frequency of disturbances of menstruation apart from amenorrhoea. Fifty-three women were examined at least six months after the electroepilation therapy. Significant decrease in the degree of hirsutism and the frequency of self-treatment were found together with great satisfaction with the result of treatment.

Androgens↗
PubMed1989

Plasma concentrations of pituitary and peripheral hormones during ranitidine treatment for two years in men with duodenal ulcer.

The effects of treatment for 2 years with the histamine H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine (100 or 200 mg b.d. for 6 weeks followed by 100 or 200 mg daily) on plasma concentrations of pituitary and peripheral hormones in ten men with duodenal ulcer have been investigated. Stimulation tests with TRH 200 micrograms i.v. and LHRH 100 micrograms i.v. were performed before, during (6 and 24 months), and at least 6 months after treatment. Basal and TRH-stimulated prolactin (PRL) secretion was marginally reduced after treatment for 6 months, but not for 24 months. The LH response to LHRH was slightly increased after treatment for 6 months and 24 months and after the end of treatment. The plasma concentrations of TSH, FSH, cortisol, androgenic hormones, and thyroid hormones did not change significantly during treatment. No adverse effects were reported during the observation period. The few, minor changes in pituitary hormone concentrations were all within the reference range. They may be related to ranitidine treatment, but are more likely to be due to age-dependent alterations in hormone secretion. It is concluded that long-term treatment with ranitidine does not cause major changes in circulating hormone concentrations.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

A cross-sectional ecological analysis of blood pressure and its determinants in eleven Pacific populations.

A cross-sectional interpopulation analysis of blood pressure and its determinants was conducted with the data collected during epidemiologic surveys in 11 Pacific island populations from 1975 to 1981. In each of these populations, the mean arterial blood pressure increased with age; the overall blood pressure levels differed among the populations. The multivariate analyses suggest that dietary factors that result in differences in body mass, plasma cholesterol, and glucose intolerance contribute considerably to interpopulation differences in blood pressure. The impact of these differences in effects of dietary factors on interpopulation blood pressure seemed to be uniform, even though the overall levels of each of these three variables differed significantly among the populations. This study of blood pressure data, accrued from 6224 men and 7029 women aged 20-79 years, supports the hypothesis that dietary factors strongly contribute to high blood pressure as well as to interpopulation differences in the prevalence of hypertension. We propose using these data in planning programs for prevention and control of hypertension in the Pacific countries.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

South Birmingham Coronary Prevention Project: a district approach to the prevention of heart disease.

The South Birmingham Coronary Prevention Project is described, in which health checks by practice nurses in GPs' surgeries are combined with direct patient access to a secondary referral system. Where appropriate, health check attenders are offered the choice of either (a) counselling by the practice nurse, (b) direct referral to their GP, or (c) direct referral to secondary intervention, including specialist dietary advice for patients with high (greater than 6.5 mmol/l) serum cholesterol, stress management training for mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 less than 105 mmHg), and smoking cessation groups. Significant reductions in blood pressure (p less than 0.005) and serum cholesterol levels (p less than 0.001) have been achieved. Further, substantial numbers of smokers have ceased since attending smoking cessation groups. This multidisciplinary approach to the identification and modification of risk factors for coronary heart disease may provide a powerful adjunct to wider ranging population interventions.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1989

Prevalence of severe mental disorders in disaffiliated and homeless people in inner Melbourne.

The authors determined the prevalence of mental illness in 382 people representative of the occupants of shelters for the homeless and cheap single-room accommodations in inner-city areas of Melbourne. Clinicians were trained to use a standardized diagnostic instrument, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, to diagnose a range of severe mental disorders, including psychotic, affective, and substance-related disorders. Almost half the people interviewed received diagnoses of current disorders, and over 70% received lifetime diagnoses. There was considerable comorbidity. Many factors are likely to contribute to the concentration of people with mental disorders in such homeless and disaffiliated groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Androgens and estrogens in postmenopausal insulin-treated diabetic women.

Diabetic women may have an increased risk of developing endometrial carcinoma. Ovarian and adrenal activity seem to be factors in the genesis of this cancer. We have measured serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free and bound fractions of estrogens and androgens, and gonadotropins in 20 consecutive postmenopausal insulin-treated diabetic women and 16 normal postmenopausal women. The diabetics were nonketoacidotic, without nephropathy and without proliferative retinopathy. The groups were comparable regarding age and percent ideal body weight. The diabetic group had significantly increased serum levels of estrone (P less than 0.001), estrone sulfate (P less than 0.05), 17 beta-estradiol (P less than 0.02), and SHBG (P less than 0.001). Levels of testosterone, delta 4-androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate tended to be higher (not significantly) in the diabetics. FSH and LH levels were similar in the two groups, while serum PRL was significantly lower in the diabetic group (P less than 0.02). The hormonal changes in the diabetics were not related to control of the diabetes. We conclude that total estrogen levels are increased in postmenopausal women with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus. High SHBG levels in these patients tend to keep the free fractions of sex hormones within normal limits.

Aged↗