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Biomedical subjects

R T Brown

Publications and source records attributed to R T Brown.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Iron status of adolescent female athletes.

To determine whether or not adolescent female athletes were more in need of routine dietary iron supplements than their nonathlete peers, the iron status of 32 athletes and 31 nonathletes was assessed. The athletes were track-team members in the middle of their season. Hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin were evaluated, as well as the amount of dietary iron intake. Athletes had significantly lower serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation (less than 16%) than did nonathletes. Black girls were significantly lower than whites on all three values. There were also a greater number of black girls deficient in serum ferritin. We conclude that athletes may be at greater risk for iron deficiency and, therefore, for iron deficiency anemia; and black adolescents may have an increased prevalence of iron deficiency, with black female athletes being at potentially greater risk for iron deficiency and its possible consequences. We recommend a more sensitive assessment of iron status in female athletes.

Adolescent↗

The performance of attention-deficit-disordered and normal children on conservation tasks.

The present study was designed to investigate whether a specific subgroup of learning-disabled children (attention-deficit-disordered, ADD) differed from their normal counterparts on Piagetian tasks of conservation. The subjects were 34 third-and fourth-grade children. Seventeen children had been diagnosed as ADD; the remaining half were designated as normal. The two groups were equivalent in chronological age, mental age, and intelligence. The results indicated significant differences between the two groups on tasks tapping conservation of substance and number. These results may support the theory of a lag in the development of conservation in children with specific learning disabilities (ADD). Implications of the present research for therapeutic and remedial programs that serve ADD children are also discussed.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

Parents' decision-making process in medication administration for control of hyperactivity.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of a specific intervention strategy designed to diminish the ambivalence that parents experience when deciding to place their hyperactive child on stimulant medication. Data analyses demonstrated that a counseling intervention was more effective than a control conference in making parents more aware of the importance of deliberating about their decision. The results further indicated that parents evidenced a positive attitude regarding the intervention and, subsequently, toward their decision concerning medication administration, if the intervention was conducted by a school nurse. Discussion includes an interpretation of these findings that suggests the importance of health care professionals in the school setting.

Adult↗

Developing ambulatory and in-patient services for adolescents.

Adolescents require specialized health care because of their unique developmental needs. The medical or surgical treatment of a disorder may be straightforward and little different from that of a child or adult; but, because of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial stages of development, consideration of these attributes assumes great importance if optimal results are to be achieved. Establishing outpatient and inpatient facilities for adolescents requires meticulous planning and continuing commitment, careful selection of professional staff, elimination of barriers to health care, respect for privacy and confidentiality, and knowledge of laws affecting consent for care. Teenagers are often unsure of themselves, have difficulty relating to adults, and their actions often belie their true feelings. It is necessary to establish rapport and trust with patients and other professionals.

Adolescent↗

Radiographic-pathologic correlation in cerebral amyloid angiopathy. A review of 12 patients.

Twelve patients with pathologically proven cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), causing intracerebral hemorrhage, were reviewed to determine the clinical and radiographic features. All 12 patients were 62 years of age or older and presented with acute neurological syndromes. The computed tomographic scan (CT) in each showed a relatively large intracerebral lobar hemorrhage located in a cortical and subcortical area. The finding of a lobar intracerebral hematoma in an elderly patient should suggest CAA as a cause.

Aged↗

Determination of urinary 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethylene glycol in man by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for determining levels of 4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenylethylene glycol (MHPG) in human urine that is virtually free of all interfering peaks has been developed. After addition of a homologous internal standard, enzymatic hydrolysis is performed. Samples are then placed onto columns containing AG1-X8, and the MHPG is collected in a phosphate buffer wash of the column. After ethyl acetate extraction and evaporation of the organic solvent, the dry residue is redissolved in mobile phase, and injected onto a reverse phase column. Results obtained with this assay were almost identical (101+/-5.6%, mean+/-SD, n=6) with those obtained using a gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GCMS) assay.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

How much stimulant medication is appropriate for hyperactive school children?

This research tested the hypothesis that a relatively modest dose of stimulant medication would produce optimal effects on cognitive and impulse control performance when compared to three other dosage levels in hyperactive school children. The efficacy of the medication was measured using a school-like visual search and matching task tapping concentration and impulse control that previously has been shown to be sensitive to stimulant drug effects. Task performance was found to be optimal at the predicted dose level, supporting the original hypothesis. The importance of school health personnel involvement in the adjusting of dosage levels of stimulant medication was stressed. A role for school health personnel in facilitating communication between physicians and teachers was suggested.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

Attention deficit disorder and the effect of methylphenidate on attention, behavioral, and cardiovascular functioning.

The effect of a 0.3 mg/kg dose of methylphenidate on attentional, behavioral, and cardiovascular measures in boys with attention deficit disorder (ADD) was examined. The results of double-blind clinical trials demonstrated a significant improvement in sustained attention and impulse control, as well as in ratings of social behavior by both teachers and parents. Consistent with previous research, cardiovascular functioning did not significantly increase as a function of methylphenidate. Due to the large intraindividual variability in cardiovascular response, careful monitoring of each patient's response is recommended.

Attention↗

Adjunctive behavior in children on fixed interval food reinforcement schedules.

Four female children (4 to 6 years of age) were tested on fixed interval (FI) 30-sec and 60-sec food schedule with M & M candy reinforcers. All four subjects displayed increased movement on the FI schedules as compared to appropriate FR 1 baseline conditions. Increased drinking was shown by three subjects, and increased vocalization by two subjects. These results clearly demonstrated schedule-induced behaviors in children with food reinforcement schedules which are typically used in animal experiments.U

Child↗

Costochondritis in adolescents.

One hundred adolescent clinic patients who complained of chest or upper abdominal pain were evaluated. Seventy-nine were found to have only tender costal cartilages. Costochondritis pain originates in the anterior chest wall and may radiate into the chest, back, or abdomen. It is reproducible by palpating the affected costal cartilage. Costochondritis was more often unilateral than bilateral (P = 0.001), and in unilaterally affected patients (P less than 0.005), is involved the left side more than the right. The left fourth sternocostal cartilage was involved most frequently. A simple program of mild analgesics and reassurances was sufficient treatment in all cases. These findings suggest that chest pain and upper abdominal pain in adolescents rarely arise from serious problems. Adolescents are normally hypersensitive about physical symptoms, but they can be effectively reassured and an expensive diagnostic and treatment program can be avoided.

Abdomen↗