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Biomedical subjects

M Brooke

Publications and source records attributed to M Brooke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Regional variations in grass pollen seasons in the UK, long-term trends and forecast models.

BACKGROUND: Three sites in the UK have daily records of pollen spanning several decades, giving the longest data sets worldwide. Previous research on London data revealed decreasing severity of grass pollen seasons. This is often taken as a model for the whole country but comparisons with Derby and Cardiff, in different regions of local climate and land-use, emphasize the need for regional studies. OBJECTIVE: The grass pollen seasons were analysed for three contrasting long-term sites to provide regional insight into the changing incidence of hay fever. METHODS: Pollen was monitored by volumetric instruments using standard techniques. Data have been taken from 1961 to 1993 to examine variation in grass pollen seasons in relation to land-use changes, cumulative temperatures and rainfall. Models were developed to predict total seasonal catches. RESULTS: At Cardiff the annual counts and severity increased in the 1960s, declined in the 1970s and rose again in the 1980s. At Derby and London the annual counts and severity declined but at different rates. Start dates have tended to become earlier at Cardiff and Derby, but later at London. Trends in annual counts and severity are similar to changes in grassland areas but they cannot be accounted for entirely by these. Weather in spring and early summer has tended to become warmer but there are no sustained patterns in June and July. No trends are apparent in the rainfall records for these months. The maximum explanation (r2 >/= 95%) in forecast models was obtained using 10-day aggregates of weather. CONCLUSION: The contrasting patterns both in the pollen records and land-use changes between the three sites emphasize the need for regional data. The predictive models achieved a high degree of explanation enabling pollen season severity to be forecast with high confidence shortly before the start date.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Iron deficiency and anaemia in a longitudinal study of New Zealanders at ages 11 and 21 years.

AIMS: To determine iron status in a longitudinal study of New Zealanders, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (DMHDS), at ages 11 (1983-4) and 21 (1993-4). METHODS: Red cell variables were measured in 553 (298 males, 255 females) and 784 (413 males, 371 females) members of the DMHDS at ages 11 and 21, respectively. A total of 456 (259 males, 197 females) members were tested at both ages. Serum ferritin was measured at age 21 only. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia in females (haemoglobin < 120 g/L) increased from 3.1% at age 11 to 5.8% at age 21 (pregnant women excluded). There was a significant association between low haemoglobin at age 11 and low haemoglobin at age 21. In males, prevalence of anaemia decreased from 2.3% at age 11 to 0.97% (haemoglobin < 130 g/L) at age 21. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ferritin < 12 ng/mL) at age 21 was 0.24% in men and 6.7% in women. The prevalence of iron deficiency with anaemia at age 21 was zero in men and 2.2% in women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences of anaemia and iron deficiency in the DMHDS appear to be low by comparison with similar populations in other countries. Anaemia appears to be a stable trait in young women and screening may be useful for its early detection.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in a longitudinal study of New Zealanders at ages 11 and 21.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence increases with age in adult life but spontaneous reversion may occur in childhood and adolescence. AIMS: To determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori in a longitudinal study of New Zealanders at ages 11 and 21. METHODS: Serum from members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (DMHDS) at age 11 (n = 561; 303 males, 258 females) and 21 (n = 785; 413 males, 372 females) was tested for H. pylori antibodies. A large proportion of those tested at age 11 was retested at age 21 (n = 465; 262 males, 203 females). Serological status was examined in terms of gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and self-reported use of antibiotics. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori decreased by 38% from 6.6% (37/561) at age 11 to 4.1% (32/785) at age 21. Seroprevalence at age 11 was not associated with gender or SES. For those tested at both ages, the drop in seroprevalence from 6.7% to 4.1% was statistically significant (t = 2.57, p < 0.01, paired t-test) and was much greater in females (71%) than males (12%). Of the 31 seropositive individuals at age 11, 17 (six males, 11 females) seroreverted and self-reported antibiotic use in the year preceeding age 21 was more common in females (eight/11) than males (zero/six). Of the 434 seronegative individuals at age 11, only five (four males, one female) had seroconverted at age 21. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence in the DMHDS declined from age 11 to 21 predominantly in females. The decline involved a greater rate of seroreversion and lower rate of seroconversion in females than males.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence and correlates of cannabis use and dependence in young New Zealanders.

AIMS: To determine change in patterns of cannabis use in New Zealand in an unselected birth cohort and investigate the relationship between level of cannabis use, violent behaviour and employment history. METHOD: Prospective longitudinal design using members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study at ages 15, 18 and 21 years. RESULTS: Rates of cannabis use increased from 15% (n = 144) at age 15 years to more than half of the sample seen at age 21 years (n = 497; 52.4%). DSM-III-R defined cannabis dependence assessed at age 18 and 21 years increased from 6.6% (n = 61) to 9.6% (n = 91). Males were more likely to use and be dependent on cannabis than females. Early use substantially increased the risk for the development of cannabis dependence in young adulthood. Cross-sectional analysis at age 21 found levels of cannabis use and dependence to be higher among the unemployed and those with a history of violent behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence rates of cannabis use in young New Zealanders were found to be higher than previously reported. A history of unemployment or of violent behaviour was associated with more frequent cannabis use at age 21. Males were more likely than females to use cannabis frequently and to meet DSM-III-R criteria for dependence at age 21. It is suggested that drug education campaigns should specifically target young males.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Behavioral distinctions in children with reading disabilities and/or ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate behavioral distinctions between children with reading disabilities (RD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: A four-group mixed design consisting of children with reading disabilities only (RD only), reading disabilities and ADHD (RD/ADHD), ADHD only, and a comparison group was used. Differences between parent reports, from age 5 to 15 years, and teacher reports, from age 5 to 13 years, were examined on measures of hyperactive and antisocial behaviors. RESULTS: The analyses indicated that, at home, children from the ADHD only and RD/ADHD groups exhibited significantly more hyperactive behaviors than children from the RD only and comparison groups. At school, children from the RD only, ADHD only, and RD/ADHD groups typically exhibited significantly more hyperactive and antisocial behaviors than children from the comparison group. With regard to antisocial behaviors, children from the RD/ADHD group exhibited significantly more antisocial behaviors than children from any other group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that children from these groups may exhibit either a "pervasive" or "situational" presentation of behavioral problems, a finding which suggests that in conducting an evaluation of ADHD it is important to obtain both parent and teacher reports of problem behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in a birth cohort of 21-year-old New Zealanders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in a subset of a birth cohort of New Zealanders at age 21 and examine the association with risk factors and digestion-related symptoms. DESIGN: Assay of serum collected from members of a longitudinal study during 1993-94 and a survey of risk factors and digestion-related symptoms by interview and questionnaire. METHODS: Serum from 785 sample members (413 males, 372 females) of the 950 participating in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (DMHDS) at age 21 was analysed for H. pylori antibodies. Serum samples (n = 579) from the cohort at age 11 collected in 1983 were analysed for those who were seropositive at age 21. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori at age 21 was 4.1% (32/785), with proportionally more males in the seropositive group (chi 2 = 6.7, P < 0.01). Serum samples taken at age 11 were available for 19 of the seropositive group and 74% of these (11 males, three females) were seropositive. The seropositive group at age 21 was no different in the size of their families, but at age 5 contained proportionally more individuals from families of low socioeconomic status (SES) (chi 2 = 6.1, P < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms, recent use of medications, smoking or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of H. pylori among a birth cohort of 21-year-old New Zealanders is significantly lower than among most populations of about the same age in other countries. Seropositivity is higher in males and among families of lower SES, and is not associated with digestion-related symptoms. The seroconversion rate after age 11 appears to be low.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Growth, development and behaviour in adolescents born small-for-gestational-age.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects on adolescents of being born small-for-gestational-age (SGA). METHODOLOGY: The sample are members of a cohort longitudinal study in which growth, cognitive development and behaviour are being studied into adulthood. Ninety-one SGA subjects were available for comparison with the rest of the sample (n = 1037) on measures of height, weight, head circumference, cognitive performance and behavioural variables to the age of 18 years old. RESULTS: SGA subjects were shorter and lighter at 18 years of age than their appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) counterparts despite age of onset of menarche being the same in both groups. At age 13, SGA subjects scored significantly lower than the AGA group on the WISC-R scales. They were rated by parents as having more behaviour problems at age of 15. CONCLUSIONS: SGA birth appears to be a potential problem which extends beyond childhood in its effects on growth, behaviour and cognitive performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Oilseed rape and seasonal symptoms: epidemiological and environmental studies.

BACKGROUND: There is widespread concern that the cultivation of oilseed rape leads to seasonal epidemics of respiratory symptoms in populations living in the neighbourhood, and it has been suggested that the plant is a potent allergen. A study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence of seasonal symptoms in rural populations close to and far from areas of oilseed rape cultivation, and to measure the levels of allergen and other potentially harmful substances released by the crop. METHODS: Random samples of 1000 adults from the general practice populations of two villages surrounded by oilseed rape fields, and 1000 adults from one village far from such cultivation, were taken. The subjects completed a previously validated questionnaire on respiratory and other symptoms, including questions on symptom seasonality, occupation, and smoking habits. Pollen and fungal spore counts were made around fields of oilseed rape and in the villages. The chemicals released by oilseed rape were measured in the field. RESULTS: Overall, 86.8% of the subjects completed the questionnaires and the populations of the two samples were generally comparable. Spring and summer exacerbations of symptoms occurred equally in the two areas in approximately 25% of the population. There were small but significant excesses of cough, wheeze, and headaches in spring in the oilseed rape area (2.3% v 1.1%, 6.8% v 4.6%, and 4.8% v 2.8%, respectively), and cough, wheeze, and itchy skin were more prevalent in smokers. Counts of oilseed rape pollen were generally low except adjacent to fields, and counts of fungal spores were mostly higher in the rape than the non-rape areas. Oilseed rape was shown to give off terpenes and these were detected close to fields. CONCLUSIONS: While it is likely that a proportion of the spring symptoms occurring in people living in close proximity to oilseed rape is caused by the plant, the excess of such symptoms is small. This, together with the low levels of pollen in the area, suggests that allergy to oilseed rape pollen is uncommon. The general prevalence of seasonal symptoms in rural areas is of interest, and a proportion of these cases is likely to be caused by factors other than allergy. Release of chemicals by plants and natural rises in summer ozone levels may be contributors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Oral physostigmine and impaired memory in adults with brain injury.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physostigmine, a cholinergic agonist, on memory loss after traumatic brain injury (TBI), as compared to placebo or scopolamine, a cholinergic antagonist, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Each subject received each active drug and placebo. Neuropsychological measures (Wechsler Memory Scale I and II, Selective Reminding Test, Trail-Making Test, Parts A and B, Digit Symbol, and Memory Questionnaire) and measures of clinical balance were completed at baseline, after each drug phase, and at 1 month follow-up. Thirty-six subjects completed the study with results showing an improvement in memory scores in 44% of subjects (responders) while taking oral physostigmine. The most sensitive measure was the Selective Reminding Test, specifically Long-term Storage. The impact of drugs on standing balance as compared to placebo was improved standing time in the responders: (1) with physostigmine when standing tandem with eyes closed (p < 0.05), and (2) with scopolamine when standing on one foot with eyes closed (p < 0.05). Results support the potential benefit of cholinergic agonists on memory after TBI and the need for further research of possible clinical markers for the drug.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1988

Characterization of dystrophin in muscle-biopsy specimens from patients with Duchenne's or Becker's muscular dystrophy.

A deficiency of the protein dystrophin has recently been shown to be the probable cause of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. We sought to determine the relation between the clinical phenotype and the status of dystrophin in muscle-biopsy specimens from 103 patients with various neuromuscular disorders. We found very low levels (less than 3 percent of normal levels) or no dystrophin in the severe Duchenne phenotype (35 of 38 patients), low concentrations of dystrophin in the intermediate (outlier) phenotype (4 of 7), and dystrophin of abnormal molecular weight in the mild Becker phenotype (12 of 18). Normal levels of dystrophin of normal molecular weight were found in nearly all the patients (38 of 40) with 20 other neuromuscular disorders we studied. These data show the clinical consequences of both quantitative alterations (in Duchenne's and intermediate dystrophy) in a single protein. The biochemical assay for dystrophin should prove helpful in delineating myopathies that overlap clinically with Duchenne's and Becker's dystrophies, and it shows promise as an accurate diagnostic tool.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

The effect of counselling on physical disability and social recovery after mastectomy.

A controlled trial was conducted to determine if a specialist nurse improved the physical and social recovery of patients after mastectomy and helped them adapt to the breast loss. Seventy five patients were counselled by the nurse who also monitored their progress after discharge while 77 patients received the care normally given by the surgical unit. Twelve to eighteen months after surgery those helped by the nurse showed a greater social recovery, return to work, adaptation to breast loss and satisfaction with their breast prostheses. Eleven percent remained distressed by the mastectomy but most responded well to breast reconstruction. The nurse had little impact on physical disability. The morbidity found in the control group highlights the need to find ways of reducing it. While the appointment of a specialist nurse can achieve this the morbidity would probably also be much reduced if the breast was conserved when possible, reliable staging methods other than axillary clearance were developed and the adverse effects of cytotoxic drugs and radiotherapy were reduced.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Cost of counselling women who undergo mastectomy.

The psychiatric morbidity associated with mastectomy and brest cancer was substantially reduced by a specialist nurse who counselled women before and after surgery and monitored their progress. A controlled study was, therefore, carried out to determine what this cost. National Health Service costs were almost wholly covered by savings made because counselled subjects who developed psychiatric problems were recognised and treated much earlier than control patients. Counselled and control subjects suffered considerable financial losses, but these were offset in the counselled group by their relatives' earlier return to work. Such counselling schemes are necessary and effective and may be implemented at little extra cost.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed1980

Effect of counselling on the psychiatric morbidity associated with mastectomy.

A controlled trial was conducted to determine whether counselling by a specialist nurse prevented the psychiatric morbidity associated with mastectomy and breast cancer. Seventy-five patients were counselled by the nurse and monitored during follow-up, while 77 patients received only the care normally given by the surgical unit. Counselling failed to prevent morbidity, but the nurse's regular monitoring of the women's progress led her to recognise and refer 76% of those who needed psychiatric help. Only 15% of the control group whose condition warranted help were recognised and referred. Consequently, 12 to 18 months after mastectomy there was much less psychiatric morbidity in the counselled group (12%) than in the control group (39%). These findings highlight the high degree of psychiatric morbidity in patients who have undergone mastectomy and indicate the need to find ways of reducing this morbidity.

Anxiety Disorders↗