Liquorice in moderate doses does not affect sex steroid hormones of biological importance although the effect differs between the genders

BACKGROUND/AIM: Liquorice is commonly consumed, at least in the western world, and we have earlier shown that even moderate doses of liquorice have significant effects on the cortisol metabolism by inhibiting 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. The suggestion that liquorice decreases the testosterone levels in men makes it vital to study the effect of moderate doses of liquorice on sex steroid hormones. METHODS: Fifteen women and 21 men (healthy volunteers and subjects with essential hypertension) consumed 100 g of liquorice (150 mg glycyrrhetinic acid) daily in a 9-week, open-treatment trial. Blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected for hormone analysis before and after 4 weeks of liquorice consumption and 4 weeks after cessation of liquorice intake. RESULTS: The liquorice induced a moderate decrease in the serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate in men (p = 0.002). The relative change in serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate differed between the genders (p = 0.03). No significant changes were observed in the serum testosterone levels after 4 weeks of liquorice consumption, and the urine excretion of androgens (etiocholanolone and androstenedione) did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Liquorice in moderate doses primarily affects the cortisol metabolism and only marginally the androgen hormones. Gender may influence the action of liquorice.     

Observations on the systemic effect of topical clobetasol propionate (Dermovate).

Topical application of clobetasol propionate in a strength of 0-05% in cream or ointment (Dermovate) suppressed the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in both normal people and patients with diseased skin. In normal people the 9 am serum cortisol level was suppressed when between 45 and 90 g was applied weekly. Insulin stress test results in patients with diseased skin showed an abnormally small response after long-term application of similar amounts. We conclude that long-term administration should be restricted to less than 50 g a week.     

人为扰动程度对土壤环境和甘草地下根系的影响

在相对一致的生境条件下 ,人为干扰 (即土壤耕作 )是土壤物理性质改变的重要原因 ,而土壤条件的变化又是影响甘草地下部分形态变化和无性繁殖效率的主要原因。按照土壤扰动程度将甘草分为无扰动野生甘草、轻度扰动野生甘草、重度扰动野生甘草和栽培型甘草。土壤扰动程度对土壤的水分通透性、土壤保水能力、有机质含量、p H值等指标产生较大的影响。土壤干扰的程度越强 ,表层土壤水分含量降低 ,土壤 p H值增大 ;土壤干扰的程度对 4 0 cm以下的土壤受到影响较小。土壤干扰可使适合甘草根茎生活的密沙壤层变薄。不同土壤扰动程度对无扰动野生甘草、轻度扰动野生甘草、重度扰动野生甘草的横走根茎的分布深度具有较大影响。在重度干扰土壤中 ,如果不考虑对横走根茎的人为破坏 ,野生甘草的主根分布的上限可能达到 2 0 cm。在不同土壤扰动程度下 ,3种野生型甘草休眠芽萌发率均在 10 %～ 15 %之间 ,而栽培甘草高达 2 9.78% ;随着对土壤干扰的加强 ,野生甘草休眠芽萌发率有下降的趋势 (栽培甘草例外 )。不同类型的甘草的休眠芽成苗率较低 ,均不超过 7% ,其中野生型、野生轻度干扰型、野生重度干扰型甘草休眠芽成苗率有上升的趋势 ,但栽培甘草的成苗率最低 ,只有 2 .3%。横走根茎是甘草无性繁殖的重要器官 ,受土壤     

斑苦竹无性系种群克隆生长格局动态的研究

采用“例逐龄级累加法”（ＲＡＡ）研究了缙云山斑苦竹无性系种群的克隆生长格局动态,以及无性系分株克隆生长型的动态趋势．结果表明,作为复轴型的斑苦竹,其无性系种群随时间进程表现为聚集程度逐渐降低的集群分布格局．在自然条件下,斑苦竹更多地表现出单轴型的繁殖趋势．应用ＲＡＡ分析植物种群,尤其是竹类植物种群前期的克隆生长格局的动态,结果可靠,具有重要的应用价值．     

Comparison of high fibre diets,basal insulin supplements,and flexible insulin treatment for non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetics poorly controlled with sulphonylureas.

OBJECTIVE--To compare high fibre diet, basal insulin supplements and a regimen of insulin four times daily in non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetic patients who were poorly controlled with sulphonylureas. DESIGN--Run in period lasting 2-3 months during which self monitoring of glucose concentration was taught, followed by six months on a high fibre diet, followed by six months'' treatment with insulin in those patients who did not respond to the high fibre diet. SETTING--Teaching hospital diabetic clinics. PATIENTS--33 patients who had had diabetes for at least two years and had haemoglobin A1 concentrations over 10% despite receiving nearly maximum doses of oral hypoglycaemic agents. No absolute indications for treatment with insulin. INTERVENTIONS--During the high fibre diet daily fibre intake was increased by a mean of 16 g (95% confidence interval 12 to 20 g.) Twenty five patients were then started on once daily insulin. After three months 14 patients were started on four injections of insulin daily. ENDPOINT--Control of diabetes (haemoglobin A1 concentration less than or equal to 10% and fasting plasma glucose concentration less than or equal to 6 mmol/l) or completion of six months on insulin treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS-- No change in weight, diet, or concentrations of fasting glucose or haemoglobin A1 occurred during run in period. During high fibre diet there were no changes in haemoglobin A1 concentrations, but mean fasting glucose concentrations rose by 1.7 mmol/l (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 2.5, p less than 0.01). With once daily insulin mean concentrations of fasting plasma glucose fell from 12.6 to 7.6 mmol/l (p less than 0.001) and haemoglobin A1 from 14.6% to 11.2% (p less than 0.001). With insulin four times daily concentrations of haemoglobin A1 fell from 11.5% to 9.6% (p less than 0.02). Lipid concentrations were unchanged by high fibre diet. In patients receiving insulin the mean cholesterol concentrations fell from 7.1 to 6.4 mmol/l (p less than 0.0001), high density lipoprotein concentrations rose from 1.1 to 1.29 mmol/l (p less than 0.01), and triglyceride concentrations fell from 2.67 to 1.86 mmol/l (p less than 0.05). Patients taking insulin gained weight and those taking it four times daily gained an average of 4.2 kg. CONCLUSIONS--High fibre diets worsen control of diabetes in patients who are poorly controlled with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Maximum improvements in control of diabetes were achieved by taking insulin four times daily.     

Melatonin entrains free-running blind people according to a physiological dose-response curve

The specific circadian role proposed for endogenous melatonin production was based on a study of sighted people who took low pharmacological doses (500 µg) of this chemical signal for the “biological night”: the magnitude and direction of the induced phase shifts were dependent on what time of day exogenous melatonin was administered and were described by a phase-response curve that turned out to be the opposite of that for light. We now report that lower (physiological) doses of up to 300 µg can entrain (synchronize) free-running circadian rhythms of 10 totally blind subjects that would otherwise drift later each day. The resulting log-linear dose-response curve in the physiological range adds support for a circadian function of endogenous melatonin in humans. Efficacy of exogenous doses in the physiological range are of clinical significance for totally blind people who will need to take melatonin daily over their entire lifetimes in order to remain entrained to the 24 h day. Left untreated, their free-running endocrine, metabolic, behavioral, and sleep/wake cycles can be almost as burdensome as not having vision.     

Comparative analysis of oncofetal fibronectin and tenascin-C expression in right atrial auricular and left ventricular human cardiac tissue from patients with coronary artery disease and aortic valve stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are accompanied by changes in the cardiac extra cellular matrix (cECM) including the re-expression of oncofetal fibronectin (Fn) and tenascin-C (Tn-C) variants. Human antibodies against these variants are usable for targeted therapy. Aim of the study was the comparative analysis of cECM remodelling in tissue samples from right atrial auricle (RAA) and left ventricular septum (LVS). RAA and LVS specimens from 30 patients (17?×?AVS; 13?×?AVS+CAD) were analysed with respect to histological changes and ECM remodelling using PCR based ECM gene expression profiling. Re-expression of ED-A(+) Fn and A1(+) Tn-C was investigated on the mRNA and on the protein level. For immunofluorescence, human recombinant small immunoprotein (SIP) format antibodies were used. There was a positive correlation of the grade of histological changes in RAA and corresponding LVS samples (r?=?0.695). ECM gene expression levels were higher in LVS compared to RAA. For 24 genes, a corresponding relevant (>2.5-fold) up- or down-regulation in RAA and LVS occurred. Using SIP antibodies, a positive correlation of protein deposition levels in RAA and corresponding LVS (r?=?0.818) could be shown for ED-A(+) Fn. Cardiac tissue remodelling is likely a process involving the entire heart reflected by intra-individually comparable histology and cECM changes in RAA and LVS samples. ED-A(+) Fn might be an excellent target for an antibody-mediated delivery of diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The RAA is a valuable and representative tool to evaluate cardiac remodelling and to plan individualized therapy.     

Relations of blood pressure to angiotensinogen gene T174M polymorphism and alcohol intake

To clarify the interactive effects of alcohol intake and angiotensinogen gene codon 174 (T174M) polymorphisms on blood pressure in Japanese male workers. On the basis of data from health examinations, nutrition survey and T174M genotype analysis conducted for 185 Japanese male workers at 2000, the prevalence of high-normal blood pressure (HNBP) and hypertension were compared between the four subgroups crossed by two T174M genotype categories ('TT' type, and 'TM or MM' type) and two alcohol intake categories (less than 13.7 g per day, and 13.7 g or more per day). Furthermore, for 95 subjects who had been normotensive at 1998 among them, risk of development into HNBP or hypertension at 2000 were compared across the four subgroups. The findings showed that the HNBP prevalence adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking habits and sodium intake in 2000 was significantly (p=0.03) greater in 'TM or MM' type (57.9%) than in 'TT' type (24.9%) in subjects with 13.7 g or more of daily alcohol intake, whereas no difference in this parameter was found between the two genotypes in those with less than 13.7 g of daily alcohol intake (18.2% and 18.3%, respectively). The risk for development into HNBP at 2000 was also greatest in 'TM or MM' type with 13.7 g or more of daily alcohol intake among the four subgroups, although there were not significant differences between the four subgroups. The prevalence of hypertension or development risk for hypertension did not significantly differ between the four subgroups. Therefore, it can be seen that alcohol drinking might be specifically associated with the HNBP in M allele carriers of angiotensinogen gene T174M polymorphism.     

Biomarkers of food intake for cocoa and liquorice (products): a systematic review

Background

To unravel true links between diet and health, it is important that dietary exposure is accurately measured. Currently, mainly self-reporting methods (e.g. food frequency questionnaires and 24-h recalls) are used to assess food intake in epidemiological studies. However, these traditional instruments are subjective measures and contain well-known biases. Especially, estimating the intake of the group of confectionary products, such as products containing cocoa and liquorice, remains a challenge. The use biomarkers of food intake (BFIs) may provide a more objective measurement. However, an overview of current candidate biomarkers and their validity is missing for both cocoa- and liquorice-containing foods.

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to (1) identify currently described candidate BFIs for cocoa (products) and liquorice, (2) to evaluate the validity of these identified candidate BFIs and (3) to address further validation and/or identification work to be done.

Methods

This systematic review was based on a comprehensive literature search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus and ISI web of Science), to identify candidate BFIs. Via a second search step in the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB), the Food Database (FooDB) and Phenol-Explorer, the specificity of the candidate BFIs was evaluated, followed by an evaluation of the validity of the specific candidate BFIs, via pre-defined criteria.

Results

In total, 37 papers were included for cocoa and 8 papers for liquorice. For cocoa, 164 unique candidate BFIs were obtained, and for liquorice, four were identified in total. Despite the high number of identified BFIs for cocoa, none of the metabolites was specific. Therefore, the validity of these compounds was not further examined. For liquorice intake, 18-glycyrrhetinic acid (18-GA) was found to have the highest assumed validity.

Conclusions

For cocoa, specific BFIs were missing, mainly because the individual BFIs were also found in foods having a similar composition, such as tea (polyphenols) or coffee (caffeine). However, a combination of individual BFIs might lead to discriminating profiles between cocoa (products) and foods with a similar composition. Therefore, studies directly comparing the consumption of cocoa to these similar products are needed, enabling efforts to find a unique profile per product. For liquorice, we identified 18-GA as a promising BFI; however, important information on its validity is missing; thus, more research is necessary. Our findings indicate a need for more studies to determine acceptable BFIs for both cocoa and liquorice.

     

Cryoballoon ablation of focal atrial tachycardia originating from right atrial appendage: Case report and review of the literature

The right atrial appendage (RAA) is a rare site of focal atrial tachycardia (AT). Sometimes, catheter ablation cannot successfully be accomplished at this location due to the difficulty in reaching the exact ablation site as well as the associated possible life-threatening complications like pericardial tamponade or perforation. Although radiofrequency (RF) ablation is preferred for the treatment of RAA tachycardias, alternative tools may be required in rare instances. This report presents a case of RAA tachycardia that was not terminated by RF ablation, instead, has been successfully ablated using cryoballoon. In addition, an overview of the literature and therapeutic options for the AT originating from RAA have also been included.     

Effects of Chemical Treatments upon Photosynthetic Parameters in Soybean Seedlings

The effects of various chemical treatments upon photosynthesis, soluble leaf protein, CO₂ compensation point, and leaf light transmission in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., seedlings were examined following varying response periods after application at 14 to 17 days postemergence. The compounds N⁶-benzyladenine (BA), 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid (CPMP), (4-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid (CPA), rhodanine-N-acetic acid (RAA), and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) significantly increased soluble protein and decreased senescence, measured by leaf light transmission, at CO₂ concentrations below the compensation point in a survival chamber. All compounds except BA significantly decreased transmission values under ambient atmospheric conditions. In statistically significant experiments, applications of 3.49 millimolar CPMP increased net photosynthesis on a leaf area basis by an average of 14.4% at all trifoliolate positions with increases generally requiring response periods of 12 days or longer. RAA at 1.31 and 2.61 millimolar increased net photosynthesis by 19 to 36% following 13-day response periods. CPMP and other compounds tested had no effect upon the CO₂ compensation point after 4- to 8-day response periods. The effects of CPMP and RAA upon net photosynthesis and soluble protein appeared to involve a combined stimulation of protein synthesis and an antisenescent effect. There were no indications that any of the photosynthetic changes observed resulted from direct differential effects upon ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase. The assays for soluble protein and light transmission responded more consistently to the chemicals than did photosynthesis.     

Effect of 5-month guanfacine treatment on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and some metabolic factors in patients with diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension]

The group of the investigated included 25 individuals (11 F, 14 M), aged 55 +/- 1.5 years, with diabetes type II and hypertension. Known diabetes duration was 4.9 +/- 0.8 years and known hypertension duration--7.4 +/- 1.4 years. Two weeks after administering placebo in place of hypertension drugs applied so far, guanfacine was included as the only hypertensive drug. The dosage was increased from 0.5 mg up to 3 mg daily until a good control of blood pressure was achieved. The diabetic treatment, diet and the smoking habit were unchanged. The resting activity of the renin-angiotension-aldosterone system (RAA), cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL, serum glucose levels and HbA1c were assayed after a 5-month guanfacine period. After treatment a significant decrease in blood pressure both systolic and diastolic (p < 0.001), heart rate (p < 0.005) and plasma renin activity (p < 0.02) were observed. Preliminary measurements of RAA activity and its changes during treatment were not helpful in predicting guanfacine hypotensive effect. The level of lipids, lipoproteins, atherogenic factors, glucose and HbA1c did not change significantly during the study.     

人为扰动对乌拉尔甘草不同部位甘草酸与总黄酮含量的影响

人为扰动对甘草不同部位甘草酸含量和总黄酮含量均有较大的影响。即使是轻度的人为扰动 (土壤翻松 1次 )也会导致野生甘草的甘草酸含量明显下降 ,尤其对地下根茎 (兼有运输和储存功能 )中的甘草酸的积累影响最大。重度扰动栽培甘草各部位的甘草酸含量均较低 ,相对而言黄酮类物质的积累速率高于甘草酸 ,表明土壤扰动因素对甘草酸的形成与积累的影响大于总黄酮的形成与积累。无扰动野生甘草和轻度扰动野生甘草总黄酮含量从地上到地下呈下降趋势 ,而重度扰动栽培甘草的叶和不定根各有一个含量较高的部位 ,据此推断叶和不定根 (含毛状根 )是黄酮类物质的主要产生部位 ;具有输导功能的地上茎、复叶柄中总黄酮含量较低且波动较大。人为扰动对不同土壤深度甘草主根中甘草酸含量和甘草总黄酮含量的变化规律影响较小。无扰动野生甘草和轻度扰动野生甘草主根在 1.0～ 2 .0 m深度甘草酸含量分布较高是对该生境不同土壤深度长期适应的结果 ,而重度扰动栽培甘草主根可能尚未达到相应的土壤深度 ,因而表现为 1.0 m以下深层土壤中甘草酸含量较高。总之 ,旨在改善甘草生长条件的人为扰动对甘草酸和总黄酮的积累具有消极影响 ,适当的胁迫环境条件对提高药用植物的品质有益     

Prospective study of cigarette smoking,alcohol use,and the risk of diabetes in men.

OBJECTIVE--To examine the association between smoking, alcohol consumption, and the incidence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in men of middle years and older. DESIGN--Cohort questionnaire study of men followed up for six years from 1986. SETTING--The health professionals'' follow up study being conducted across the United States. SUBJECTS--41,810 male health professionals aged 40-75 years and free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in 1986 and followed up for six years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Incidence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus diagnosed in the six years. RESULTS--During 230,769 person years of follow up 509 men were newly diagnosed with diabetes. After controlling for known risk factors men who smoked 25 or more cigarettes daily had a relative risk of diabetes of 1.94 (95% confidence interval 1.25 to 3.03) compared with non-smokers. Men who consumed higher amounts of alcohol had a reduced risk of diabetes (P for trend < 0.001). Compared with abstainers men who drank 30.0-49.9 g of alcohol daily had a relative risk of diabetes of 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.91). CONCLUSIONS--Cigarette smoking may be an independent, modifiable risk factor for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Moderate alcohol consumption among healthy people may be associated with increased insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of diabetes.     

Early discharge of infants of low birth weight: a prospective study.

A total of 495 African infants of low birth weight were discharged from Harari Maternity Hospital, Salisbury, between October 1972 and September 1973. Criteria used for discharge were (a) no clinical evidence of disease, (b) satisfactory feeding by mouth (breast or bottle or both), and (c) stable temperature control under normal room conditions. Of the 495 babies 264 fulfilled these criteria when they weighed 1801-1900 g (group 1), 99 when they weighed 1901-2000 g (group 2), and 132 (group 3) when they weighed 2001-2500 g. The overall follow-up rate of those infants living in greater Salisbury was 85-5%, the health visitor playing an important contributory role in their progress, especially those in group 1. More than two clinic visits in the first four to five weeks after discharge were essential for continuing weight gain in groups 1 and 2 but not in group 3. The mean daily weight gain for all babies at the end of four to five weeks was 26 g. Readmission rates for babies in groups 1,2, and 3 were 9-5%, 1%, and 0-8%, respectively, the largest single cause for readmission being bronchopneumonia associated with hypothermia. Altogether 60% of the readmissions occurred during the two winter months (June and July). Hypothermia, associated with low environmental temperatures played a significant part in morbidity and mortality, and twins, particularly in group 1, had a mortality rate three times greater than singletons in the same group. In general, even in underdeveloped communities singleton babies born outside the winter months with reasonable clinic or home visiting facilities can be discharged at a weight of 1800 g or more.     

甘草有性生殖特性研究

本文利用扫描电子显微镜对乌拉尔甘草、光果甘草和胀果甘草花粉的超微结构进行观察;利用荧光显微镜确定乌拉尔甘草的授粉方式、花粉生活力和柱头活性以及授粉后受精时间。结果表明花粉超微结构为甘草的鉴别提供了一定的形态学依据;甘草的授粉方式属于闭花受精;花粉生活力在每天12:00时最强,去雄后超过四天的柱头已经不具备接受花粉的能力;对授粉后不同时间的雌蕊进行研究得出授粉后6h花粉管进入胚珠进行受精。本文主要对甘草的有性生殖特性进行了研究,为未来制定正确的选、育种策略提供理论依据。     

甘草有性生殖特性研究

本文利用扫描电子显微镜对乌拉尔甘草、光果甘草和胀果甘草花粉的超微结构进行观察;利用荧光显微镜确定乌拉尔甘草的授粉方式、花粉生活力和柱头活性以及授粉后受精时间。结果表明花粉超微结构为甘草的鉴别提供了一定的形态学依据;甘草的授粉方式属于闭花受精;花粉生活力在每天12:00时最强,去雄后超过四天的柱头已经不具备接受花粉的能力;对授粉后不同时间的雌蕊进行研究得出授粉后6h花粉管进入胚珠进行受精。本文主要对甘草的有性生殖特性进行了研究,为未来制定正确的选、育种策略提供理论依据。     

Omeprazole and cimetidine in the treatment of ulcers of the body of the stomach: a double blind comparative trial. Danish Omeprazole Study Group.

OBJECTIVE--To see whether omeprazole was superior to cimetidine in healing ulcers of the body of the stomach. DESIGN--Double blind randomised parallel group study of omeprazole versus cimetidine for six weeks with assessment of healing at end of every second week. SETTING--Outpatient referrals in 11 centres in Denmark. PATIENTS--One hundred sixty one patients who satisfied the following criteria: age 18-79; one or more ulcers of body of stomach (that is, at or above the angulus) seen endoscopically within four days before study treatment; no H2 receptor antagonists taken within previous two weeks; no history of gastric surgery and no complications needing surgery; no concurrent treatment or disease that might confound assessment; oral contraception or an intrauterine device being used by women of childbearing age. INTERVENTIONS--Omeprazole 30 mg daily (one capsule in the morning) or cimetidine 1 g daily (one 200 mg tablet thrice daily, two tablets at bedtime) for six weeks. Inactive capsules and tablets provided so that all patients took same number of capsules and tablets daily. Compliance monitored by pill counts. END POINT--Endoscopic evidence of accelerated healing of type I gastric ulcers after four weeks of omeprazole. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--Pain recorded on diary cards and patients assessed after two, four, and six weeks of treatment for clinical state and by endoscopy and biopsy and repeat laboratory tests. Twenty eight patients withdrawn during trial for violations of protocol. At two weeks healing rates were identical in the two treatment groups (omeprazole 41% (30/73 patients); cimetidine 41% (30/73]. At four weeks cumulative healing rates were 77% (53/69 patients) in the omeprazole treatment group and 58% (41/71) in the cimetidine treatment group (95% confidence interval of difference between groups 4% to 34%). By six weeks the cumulative healing rates in the two treatment groups differed by only 6% (60/68 patients (88%) given omeprazole; 53/65 (82%) given cimetidine). Log rank analysis with ulcer size used as covariable showed a significant difference in healing times in favour of omeprazole. There was no difference in the occurrence of pain relief between the two treatment groups. No serious clinical or biochemical side effects of treatment were noted. CONCLUSIONS--Omeprazole 30 mg daily accelerates healing of ulcers in the body of the stomach as compared with cimetidine 1 g daily. This effect is more pronounced in ulcers greater than 12 mm diameter.     

Alcohol consumption in Dundee primigravidas and its effects on outcome of pregnancy

In a population based cohort study information on the consumption of alcohol was obtained from 95% of the 952 consecutive primigravidas who lived in the Dundee district and attended for antenatal care between May 1985 and April 1986. Before realising that they were pregnant more than 90% drank alcohol and 53% were cigarette smokers. During the first four months of pregnancy, however, the proportion of women drinking and smoking fell to 56% and 44%, respectively. Alcohol consumption of more than 120 g absolute alcohol/week (12 or more standard drinks) during pregnancy was related to shorter gestational age (-2·6 weeks), smaller head circumference (-18 mm), shorter (-21 mm) and lighter (-499 g) babies, and lower Apgar scores at five minutes (-0·4, all p<0·01). After adjustment for the effect of smoking, social class, mother''s size, and other confounding factors, however, an alcohol intake of more than 120 g/week was significantly related only to shorter gestational age (-2·0 weeks, p<0·001) and lower Apgar score at five minutes (-0·2, p<0·05). Alcohol intake in the region of 100-119 g/week was significantly related to smaller head circumference (-12 mm, p<0·05). Analysis by type of beverage consumed suggested that beer rather than wine or spirits was associated with a poorer outcome.As there was no detectable effect on pregnancy of alcohol consumption below 100 g/week, it is suggested that health education should be directed towards mothers who drink more than this amount.