bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Distinct Predictors of Symptomatic Cervicocephalic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bang Oh Young , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S. , Lee Phil Hyu , Sheen Seung Soo , Yoon Sa Rah , Yun Susan W. , Kim Gyeong Moon , Chung Chin Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: November 2008

Background: Little is known about whether vascular risk factors predispose to atherosclerotic stroke depending on age. We evaluated predictors of large vessel atherosclerotic stroke (LVAS) stratified by age in two geographically and racially distinct study populations. Methods: Data collected over a 4-year period in prospectively maintained registries on 3,053 subjects with ischemic cerebrovascular events were analyzed: 1,982 patients from a hospital in South Korea and 1,071 patients admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., USA. Independent vascular risk factor associations with LVAS mechanism were evaluated in three groups stratified by age (years) at symptom onset: young (≤50 years), older (51–75 years), and oldest (>75 years). Results: Altogether at both study sites, 972 (31.8%) patients had LVAS mechanism, of whom 391 (40.2%) were female. Risk factor profiles were not significantly different between LVAS versus other stroke mechanisms. Among young patients, after adjusting for covariates, current smoking was the only predictor of atherosclerotic stroke at both Korean (OR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.13–3.69) and Californian sites (OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.54–14.89), while the metabolic syndrome was the only predictor of atherosclerotic stroke among the older patients (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.17–2.12 for Korean; OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.84 for Californian), but not in the young or oldest groups. Conclusions: Across race and region, the estimated impact of vascular risk factors for LVAS varies by age, and this is most prominently seen among persons of less than 76 years of age. Some risk factors have an early effect (smoking) and others an effect that plays out over time.
Characterisation of the Diagnostic Window of Serum Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein for the Differentiation of Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Dvorak Florian , Haberer Isabel , Sitzer Matthias , Foerch Christian
Published: November 2008

Background: The rapid differentiation between intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and ischaemic stroke (IS) using biomarker testing would allow the prehospital, cause-specific management of stroke patients. Based on single measurements made during the acute phase of stroke, the value of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was reported to be higher in ICH patients than in IS patients. The aim of the present study was to characterise the diagnostic window of serum GFAP for differentiating between ICH and IS. Methods: 63 stroke patients admitted within 6 h of symptom onset were prospectively included. ICH (n = 18) and IS (n = 45) were diagnosed using brain imaging. Blood sampling was scheduled for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after stroke onset (if applicable), and serum GFAP was measured using an ELISA test. Results: For the first 24 h after stroke, median GFAP values in IS patients remained below the detection limit. Between 2 and 6 h of stroke onset, serum GFAP was significantly higher in ICH patients than in IS patients (p < 0.001 for all 4 time points). According to a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the overall diagnostic accuracy of GFAP in differentiating between ICH and IS was >0.80 within the 2- to 6-hour time window. Two hours after stroke onset, serum GFAP values were significantly correlated with ICH volume (r = 0.755, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The time window between 2 and 6 h after stroke onset is best for using GFAP to differentiate between ICH and IS. In the very early phase (i.e. <2 h), sensitivity for detecting ICH is low, thus hampering the application of GFAP as a near-patient test in the prehospital phase.
Hyperdense Middle Cerebral Artery Sign on Admission CT Scan – Prognostic Significance for Ischaemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis in the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke International Stroke Thrombolysis Register
Authors: Kharitonova Tatiana , Ahmed Niaz , Thorén Magnus , Wardlaw Joanna M. , von Kummer Rüdiger , Glahn Joerg , Wahlgren Nils
Published: November 2008

Background: Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on CT scan before stroke thrombolysis is associated with increased risk for haemorrhage and unfavourable outcome in several small studies. Methods: We examined baseline characteristics, intracranial haemorrhage and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with and without HMCAS using the internet-based Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register. Symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) was defined as a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score decrease of ≥4 points plus type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage on imaging [Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) definition], or any haemorrhage on follow-up imaging combined with a decrease of at least 1 point on the NIHSS [randomized controlled trial (RCT) definition]. Three-month outcomes were mortality and independence (modified Rankin scale score = 0–2). Results: 1,905 of 10,023 (19.0%) patients had HMCAS. Patients with HMCAS (vs. no HMCAS) were younger (median age 68 vs. 70 years, p < 0.001), had severer stroke (baseline NIHSS score 17 vs. 11, p < 0.05), higher mortality [23% (95% CI 20.0–25.1) vs. 13% (95% CI 12.1–13.7)] and lower independence [31% (95% CI 28.5–33.0) vs. 56% (95% CI 54.8–57.2)]. SICH rates per the SITS-MOST were 1.3% (95% CI 0.8–1.9) versus 1.8% (95% CI 1.5–2.1) and per the RCT definition 10.3% (95% CI 9.0–11.8) versus 6.8% (95% CI 6.2–7.3). In multivariable analysis, HMCAS was not an independent predictor of SICH but of mortality and independence per the SITS-MOST. Conclusions: HMCAS patients had severer stroke and a worse 3-month outcome. The risk for SICH per the SITS-MOST definition was similar compared to non-HMCAS patients, although increased per the RCT definition. There is not sufficient evidence to exclude these patients from intravenous thrombolysis. Combined treatment approaches might be considered in the perspective of the severe outcome and evaluated in RCTs.
Upgraded Acute Stroke Care Including Thrombolysis Is Associated with Reduced Length of Hospital Stay among Non-Stroke Patients
Authors: Sølling Christine , Johnsen Søren Påske , Ehlers Lars , Østergaard Leif , Andersen Grethe
Published: November 2008

Background: Implementing thrombolytic therapy in a stroke unit (SU) profoundly affects the resources available to all patients admitted for suspected acute stroke. We examined the benefits of an acute stroke service to non-stroke patients in terms of length of hospitalization, and estimated the economic impact in terms of derived costs. Methods: We performed a historical follow-up study of 792 non-stroke patients admitted to our SU for suspected stroke before, during and after implementing thrombolysis as part of our service. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, including imaging data and final diagnoses, and length of stay (LOS) were collected prospectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with LOS. Results: Median LOS for non-stroke patients in the SU decreased from 43.8 h (interquartile range, 19–96) to 23.5 h (16–44) after implementing thrombolytic therapy. Total hospital LOS for non-stroke patients decreased from 52.7 (22–147) to 28.7 (21–124) h during the same period. Initial magnetic resonance imaging was associated with shorter LOS in the SU. The derived cost reductions from shorter LOS reduced the costs of implementing recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment. Conclusions: Stroke care reorganization following the introduction of thrombolytic treatment was associated with a 50% reduction in LOS for non-stroke patients admitted to the SU. Reduced LOS in the SU for non-stroke patients could further add to the cost-effectiveness of thrombolytic treatment.
Ageing Affects the Accuracy of Duplex Ultrasonography in Grading Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Schreuder Floris H.B.M. , Mess Werner H. , Hoeks Arnold P.G.
Published: November 2008

Background: Duplex ultrasonography is frequently used to select patients who are eligible for carotid endarterectomy by using local blood flow velocities to quantify the degree of internal carotid artery stenosis. However, ageing affects flow velocities and might hence influence the accuracy of duplex ultrasonography, as explored in the present study. Methods: We determined peak-systolic (PSV) and end-diastolic (EDV) blood flow velocities in the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) in the absence of atherosclerosis and correlated these with age. The established correlation was applied to measurements in the ICA with visualised atherosclerosis to evaluate whether an age-related change in blood flow velocities modified stenosis grading. Results: In 465 arteries without atherosclerosis, PSV declined linearly in both the CCA (r = –0.55) and ICA (r = –0.44). The EDV decreased linearly in the CCA and ICA (r = –0.61 and r = –0.56, respectively). In 774 internal carotid arteries with atherosclerosis present, the use of an age-dependent reference increased the estimated degree of stenosis in 3 young subjects. The stenosis grade was reduced in 11 older subjects, mainly in symptomatic arteries. Conclusions: Blood flow velocities in the carotid artery system decrease continuously with increasing age. This may affect the estimated degree of internal carotid artery stenosis in the elderly.
Efficacy of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin 10/40 mg Compared to Doubling the Dose of Low-, Medium- and High-Potency Statin Monotherapy in Patients with a Recent Coronary Event
Authors: Brudi P. , Reckless J.P. , Henry D.P. , Pomykaj T. , Lim S.T. , Massaad R. , Vandormael K. , Johnson-Levonas A.O.
Published: November 2008

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy/safety of doubling the dose of low-, medium- and high-potency statins on lipids/lipoproteins versus ezetimibe/simvastatin (EZE/SIMVA) 10/40 mg in patients with a recent coronary event. Methods: In this open-label study, patients were stratified by baseline statin therapy (low, medium and high potency) and randomized equally to statin dose doubling or EZE/SIMVA 10/40 mg for 12 weeks. Primary analysis concerned change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the whole population. Treatment-by-stratum interaction evaluated the consistency of treatment effect across statin potency strata. Post hoc analysis of between-group efficacy within strata was performed using ANCOVA. Results: Within each stratum, EZE/SIMVA produced significantly greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to statin doubling. Numerical trends toward smaller between-group reductions were observed with higher-potency statins and reached statistical significance for apolipoprotein B and non-HDL-C. No significant between-group differences in HDL-C and C-reactive protein were observed within each stratum. EZE/SIMVA produced larger reductions in triglycerides versus low-potency statin, whereas it was similarly effective compared with intermediate-/high-potency statins. The safety/tolerability profiles of the treatments were similar across the strata. Conclusions: EZE/SIMVA 10/40 mg produced greater improvements in lipids with a similar safety profile compared to doubling the dose of low-, medium- and high-potency statins.
Radical Resection of 202 Pediatric Craniopharyngiomas with Special Reference to the Surgical Approaches and Hypothalamic Protection
Authors: Zhang Yu Qi , Ma Zhen Yu , Wu Zhe Bao , Luo Shi Qi , Wang Zhong Cheng
Published: November 2008

Objective: The goal of this study was to disclose the appropriate surgical approaches to radically removing pediatric craniopharyngiomas with optimal hypothalamic protection. Methods: In 202 patients undergoing primary surgery from April 1997 to December 2002, eight approaches were used to remove craniopharyngiomas in the sellar region and the third ventricle. Among the eight approaches, the transcallosal-interseptal-interforniceal approach was used in 89 cases, the unilateral transfrontal interhemispheric approach in 68 cases, the pterional approach in 20 cases, and the other five approaches in 25 cases. Active preventive and therapeutic measurements of hypothalamic dysfunction were adopted pre- and postoperatively. Results: Of the 202 cases, 184 tumors were totally or nearly totally removed (91.1%); 89 cases were resected with the transcallosal-interseptal-interforniceal approach with a total and subtotal removal rate of 92.1%, and 68 cases were removed with the unilateral transfrontal interhemispheric approach with a total and subtotal removal rate of 95.6%. Two patients died (0.9%). The major postoperative complications included diabetes insipidus in 81.7% of the cases, permanent diabetes insipidus in 11.4%, electrolyte disorder in 74.8%, and seizures in 9.4%. The 5-year survival rate was 68.2%. Conclusions: Appropriate approaches with direct tumor exposure should be determined in order to remove the craniopharyngioma as much as possible, while at the same time carefully protecting the anteroinferolateral wall of the third ventricle (hypothalamus). Active measurements to manage blood sodium disorder and seizures could help to ensure the safety of the operation.
Surgical Decompression of Supratentorial Arachnoid Cysts in Pediatric Patients Younger than One Year
Authors: Yang Seung-Ho , Lee Kwan-Sung , Sung Jae Hoon , Son Byung Chul , Jeun Sin-Soo , Kang Joon-Ki
Published: November 2008

Background: There has been much debate about the optimal surgical management of arachnoid cysts in infants younger than 1 year of age. The authors present the clinical and neuroimaging findings in pediatric patients with supratentorial arachnoid cysts treated by surgical decompression. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all pediatric patients who had been diagnosed with arachnoid cysts since 2003. Five infants with symptomatic supratentorial arachnoid cysts underwent surgery at Kangnam St. Mary’s Hospital. Results: The initial surgery in 4 patients involved a craniotomy with the excision of the cyst wall and fenestration into the basal cisterns. Three of the four patients needed additional procedures, such as cyst-peritoneal or subdural-peritoneal shunting due to failure of cyst resolution. A shunting procedure was performed as initial therapy in 1 patient who presented with increased intracranial pressure. Conclusion: Our strategy for approaching arachnoid cysts in pediatric patients has been to diagnose and treat the cysts as early as possible and to avoid the complications of shunts whenever possible. However, open craniotomy with excision and fenestration of the cyst is associated with a relatively high failure rate in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age with supratentorial arachnoid cysts.
Effects of Dietary α-Linolenic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid or Docosahexaenoic Acid on Parameters of Glucose Metabolism in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Egert Sarah , Fobker Manfred , Andersen Gaby , Somoza Veronika , Erbersdobler Helmut F. , Wahrburg Ursel
Published: November 2008

Aim: To investigate the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on fasting concentrations of glucose, insulin, fructosamine, on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and on insulin sensitivity. Methods: A randomized strictly controlled dietary study in 48 healthy volunteers (13 males, 35 females) of normal body weight (mean age 25.9 years) with three dietary groups (ALA, EPA and DHA) and a parallel design, consisting of two consecutive periods. Subjects received a 2-week wash-in diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids followed by experimental diets enriched with equal amounts of ALA, EPA, or DHA for 3 weeks. Mean dietary intake of ALA in the ALA group was 6.0 g/day (2.5% of energy intake), mean intake of EPA in the EPA group was 2.8 g/day (1.1% of energy intake) and mean intake of DHA in the DHA group was 2.9 g/day (1.1% of energy intake). Results: Fasting serum concentrations of insulin and fructosamine and of HbA1c did not change significantly after consuming the ALA, EPA or DHA diet. Fasting serum glucose levels did not change significantly following either the ALA or DHA diet. During the EPA diet, fasting glucose concentration slightly increased by 0.15 mmol/l (p < 0.05). All measured values of all subjects were in the reference ranges for healthy adults. No effects on insulin sensitivity indicated by the HOMA insulin resistance index could be observed. Conclusions: Except for the minor effect of EPA on fasting glucose levels, the moderate amounts of dietary ALA, EPA or DHA administered in this study did not significantly affect blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, fructosamine and HbA1c in healthy normal-weight men and women over a time course of 3 weeks.
Relationship between Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Insulin in Euthyroid Obese Men
Authors: Galofré J.C. , Pujante P. , Abreu C. , Santos S. , Guillen-Grima F. , Frühbeck G. , Salvador J.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Obesity has been associated with hypothyroidism and impaired insulin sensitivity. However, few studies have specifically addressed the association between insulin sensitivity and thyroid function. Our aim was to look for a relation between these 2 factors in a sample of obese males. Methods: One hundred and forty-four euthyroid male obese patients – mean age 42.6 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 41.8 – were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The hospital study protocol at entrance included baseline serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin and glucose concentrations. Data were studied using an age-adjusted simple and multivariate linear regression analysis with TSH as the dependent and insulin and BMI as the independent variables. Results: Mean TSH and insulin were 1.6 and 21.2 mU/l, respectively. It was found that their relationship follows a regression model: TSH = 1.725–0.019 (age) + 0.003 (insulin) + 0.017 (BMI). Further data showed a positive correlation between BMI and TSH (r = 0.22; p < 0.05), as well as between serum baseline insulin (>10 mU/l) and TSH concentration (r = 0.27; p < 0.05). This association was stronger in patients with higher insulin values (>21.2 mU/l; r = 0.40; p < 0.01). However, negative correlations between age and insulin (r = –0.14; not significant) and age and TSH (r = –0.35; p < 0.05) were observed. Conclusions: In obese males, insulin resistance is significantly related with impairment of thyroid function, and this situation seems to be attenuated with age.
Phase II Study of Transarterial Holmium-166-Chitosan Complex Treatment in Patients with a Single, Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sohn Joo Hyuk , Choi Hye Jin , Lee Jong Tae , Lee Jong Doo , Kim Joo Hang , Moon Young Myung , Park Kyungsoo , Park Kyung Bae , Kim Eunhee , Yoo Nae Choon
Published: November 2008

Purpose: Holmium-166 (166Ho) is a neutron-activated radioactive isotope whose effectiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first reported in a preclinical study in 1991. Chitosan is a polymer of 2-deoxy-2-amino-D-glucose that readily forms a chelate with heavy metals and converts from a solution under acidic conditions into a gel under neutral or basic conditions. We performed a prospective trial of a transarterial administration of a radiopharmaceutical 166Ho-chitosan complex in patients with single, large HCC. Patients and Methods: The study involved 54 patients who had single HCC (≥3 cm) without a vascular shunt and were either inoperable or refused surgery. The 166Ho-chitosan complex was administered at a dose of 20 mCi per cm of tumor diameter (capping at 200 mCi) via the artery that directly fed the tumor. Results: The median tumor size was 5.3 cm (range: 3–13 cm). The response rate was 78% (42/54), and 31 patients had a complete response for a median duration of 27 months. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 leukopenia was 18.6%, anemia 7.4%, thrombocytopenia 27.8%, AST/ALT elevation 26%/24%, and total bilirubin elevation 5.6%. There were two treatment-related deaths (3.7%). Subset analysis revealed a substantial difference between the two groups categorized by tumor size (3–5 vs. >5 cm) with respect to response rate (p = 0.004) and overall survival (p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found that transarterial administration of the 166Ho-chitosan complex was highly effective in the treatment of HCC with acceptable toxicities, especially for patients with tumors of 3–5 cm.
Open-Ended Question: Is Immortality Exclusively Inherent to the Germline? – A Mini-Review
Authors: Lepperdinger Günter
Published: November 2008

All somatic cells are subject to aging. Germline links generations, and thus, pluripotent germ cells are considered potentially immortal. The current understanding how the germline escapes this otherwise inevitable phenomenon is outlined in this article.
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis in a HIV-Positive Patient Homozygous for the c917A→T Polymorphism in the TMC8/EVER2 Gene
Authors: Hohenstein E. , Rady P.L. , Hergersberg M. , Huber A.R. , Tyring S.K. , Bregenzer T. , Streit M. , Itin P.
Published: November 2008

Background: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by widespread and persistent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and a risk of malignant degeneration. Most cases of EV are caused by mutations in the two EV genes, EVER1/TMC6 and EVER2/TMC8. The clinical presentation of EV takes two different forms, which coexist in most cases. Over a period of years, patients develop plane warts and pityriasis versicolor-like lesions. Sixteen cases of EV in HIV-positive patients have been clinically investigated and reported in the literature. However, different inherited susceptibilities towards HPV infection in immunodeficient patients, like HIV-positive patients, have only rarely been addressed. Observation: We describe a 22-year-old female patient with a congenital HIV infection, who presented with slowly progressing and confluent erythematous papules on her hands and hypopigmented macules on her extremities. The histopathology was typical for EV, and HPV5 was detected by PCR and reverse hybridization. The 44-year-old HIV-positive mother has no typical EV lesions. The patient is homozygous for an A to T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 917 of the TMC8/EVER2 gene. The mother of the patient is heterozygous for this SNP. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that the combination of immunodeficiency and a susceptibility allele may contribute to the differences in occurrence of EV in HIV-positive patients.
DNA Microarray for Direct Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Human Stool Samples
Authors: Mao Zhengguo , Zheng Haoxuan , Wang Xinying , Lin Shiyong , Sun Yong , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2008

Aim: To establish and evaluate a quick and accurate DNA microarray method to detect intestinal pathogens directly from human diarrheal stool samples as an alternative to traditional culture methods. Method: Primers and 21 oligonucleotide probes based on sequences of the bacterial 16SrRNA gene were arrayed on microarray slides. Hybridization between probes and amplicons was performed. To determine the consistency of DNA microarray and culture method, 1,500 samples of clinical diarrheal stool and 200 samples of normal stool from healthy individuals were examined in a double-blind fashion. Basic information from patients was collected and analyzed. Result: Our data showed that the probes of the assay were successful in discriminating 14 genera or species of intestinal pathogens. The limit of detection was approximately 103 CFU/ml for one species of pathogen. Of the 1,500 clinical cases, 32.7% of the patient stools were positive for bacteria. Using stool culture as a control, gene-chip sensitivity was 100%, specificity 95.2%, and index of accurate diagnosis 0.952. Conclusion: Our data suggested that DNA microarray with its high efficiency and accuracy could be used as an alternative to the culture method.
Bioevaluation of Dietary Iron in Growing Rats
Authors: Ahlström A. , Koivistoinen P.
Published: November 2008

The effects of simulated Finnish diets with and without iron and copper supplementations were studied on four groups of growing male rats. Although otherwise in good health, the rats on the basal human diet (27 mg Fe/kg and 2.2 mg Cu/kg dry weight) became slightly anemic. The rats on the iron-supplemented diet (56 mg Fe as FeCl3/kg) had a normal hematological picture, and significantly higher iron stores and lower radioiron absorption percentages than the rats of the basal group. The rats receiving the basal diet plus copper (6.0 mg Cu/kg) consumed more food but had a low food efficiency. The administration of copper to both the basal and iron-supplemented diets resulted in a slight, although statistically nonsignificant trend towards higher hematological values and better utilization of iron. In conclusion, judged from the responses obtained by supplementations, the simulated Finnish diet turned out to be short of iron and marginal in copper for the growing male rat. The significance of these observations in human nutrition is difficult to evaluate at present.
Changes in Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rats Fed Raw Soybean Flour
Authors: Goldberg Ada
Published: November 2008

Young rats were fed diets containing unheated or heat-processed soybean flour as source of protein. Weight gain and food intake were lower and pancreatic weight in relation to body weight, higher in rats adapted to unheated soybean flour. Rats adapted to unheated soybean flour exhibited some deviations from normal carbohydrate metabolism. Following a load of glucose they accumulated more glycogen in their livers and responded with a higher blood glucose level. Their pancreases secreted in vitro more ‘insulin like activity’ and glucagon. When food intake of rats adapted to heated soybean flour was restricted to the amounts eaten by rats adapted to unheated soybean flour, these differences in carbohydrate metabolism disappeared. It is concluded that the deviations observed are rather the results of restricted food intake than a specific effect of soybean trypsin inhibitor.
Effect of Fasting on External Pancreatic Secretion in Volunteers
Authors: Bučko A. , Kopec Z. , Ovečka M. , Grunt J.
Published: November 2008

The external secretory activity of the pancreas has been investigated in 9 volunteers, aged 21–23 years, who fasted for 156 h at one stretch. (1) Their average loss in body weight amounted to 5.3 ± 0.6 kg. (2) The volume of the pancreatic juice before and after pancreozymin increased only moderately during the whole period of fasting. This volume increased during fasting following secretin. (3) Enzyme activity, namely of amylase, lipase and proteases in 1 ml of the pancreatic juice, decreased during the fasting, and this significantly in amylase and proteases, and non-significantly in lipase. (4) The ratio of activity of individual enzymes to 1 mg of protein nitrogen of the pancreatic juice failed to be of statistical significance. (5) A study of the parallelism of decline of the enzyme activity in the pancreatic juice showed that all the three types of enzymes decline analogously in the course of the fasting.
Casein and Gluten Diets of the Same Protein Value
Authors: Tagle Maria Angélica , Colombara Eugenia , Pak Nelly , Araya Julia , Donoso G.
Published: November 2008

The performances of young rats fed ad libitum during 55 days on casein and gluten diets with 4 and 8 NDpCal% were studied. The gluten diets contained about 1.7 and 3.6 times more protein (g/l00 g diet) than the casein diets. At the low level of utilizable protein the rats on both diets showed a malnutrition syndrome in many ways similar to the protein-calorie malnutrition described in children. At this inadequate protein level gluten was more effective than casein to depress food intake. The rats on gluten showed: poorer growth performance, higher relative weight of kidney and lower relative weight of testes, higher body water and protein contents, higher protein concentration in the liver, lower hepatic glycogen, lower hemoglobin and higher hepatic activity (U/100 g rat) of aspartate aminotransferase than the rats on casein. At the 8 NDpCal% level the rats on gluten showed: higher dietary intake, better growth performance, higher relative weights of kidneys and liver, lower body water and total oxygen consumption, higher hemoglobin and hematocrit, higher activity for aspartate and alanine aminotransferase in the liver (U/100 g rat), than the animals on casein. The rats on both diets with 8 NDpCal% looked lively, but those on gluten appeared to be older than those on casein. In the experimental conditions some of the differences found between the rats on casein and those on gluten: growth and nitrogen gain performance, hemoglobin and hematocrit seem to be related to the intake and not to the quality of the protein consumed; enzyme activities could be in relation to the protein value of the diet, as well as to the concentration of each protein; increased relative weight of liver and kidney could be related to the protein concentration in the diet. Diets of the same protein value with quite different composition may cause adaptive responses in the animal, which must be taken into account if compensating protein quality by quantity is intended in human diets.
Body Fat and Muscle Tissue in Dutch Adolescent Boys and Young Adult Men, Assessed by Anthropometry
Authors: Luyken R. , de Wijn J.F.
Published: November 2008

Dutch adolescent boys attending high-school and technical institutions and young male adults have on average less body fat, but also less muscle tissue than have their North American counterparts of the same age and from corresponding population groups. In the 15-year-old Dutch group under consideration, creatinine excretion is lower than in a corresponding American group.
High Ascorbic Acid Content in Some Iranian Honeys
Authors: Rahmanian M. , Khouhestani A. , Ghavifekr H. , Ter-Sarkissian N. , Olszyna-Marzys A.O. , Donoso G.
Published: November 2008

A high content of Vitamin C (over 100 mg/100 g) in three samples of honey from a mountainous area (Damavand) in Iran is reported. The vitamin was determined by thin layer chromatography of its 2, 4 dinitro phenyl osazone, as well as by the less specific 2,6 dichlorophenol indophenol method. The effect of one of these samples on the prevention and cure of scurvy in the guinea pig indicates that it contained compounds with vitamin C activity.
Investigation on Net Protein Utilization Coefficient (NPU) in Relation to the Growth Rate of Experimental Animals
Authors: Rakowska Maria , Kunachowicz Hanna , Szkilladziowa Wieslawa
Published: November 2008

The authors in previous work have shown that the NPUop of the same diet, determined parallely for children and for rats, did not give identical results. This was interpreted as being due to differences in the rate of N growth of the tissues related to endogenous N exchange by compared organizms. The purpose of the presented paper was to elucidate, in the model experiment (using the rat of different ages), the influence of the growth rate of animals on the value of the NPUst and NPUop coefficients of a few chosen proteins. The diets containing 4, 10, and 20% of protein as egg albumen, casein or gluten (with a small addition of albumen) were tested. The NPUst, NPUop, and urea N to creatinine ratio (Nu/Nc) were determined in the experiments with rats of 25, 45, 70, and 135 days of age. It was found that, for all tested proteins, NPUop coefficient was modulated by different degrees by the growth rate of the animals; parallel changes of Nu/Nc were also observed. The NPUst coefficient did not show distinct changes under the influence of the different growth rates of rats and keeping the constant relationship with the chemical score of the tested proteins. The authors are concluding that the protein of the singular product, as well as a protein in the mixed human diet, should be evaluated on rats in the same conditions of low (about 4 NDp Cal %) protein level in the diet.
The Influence in Male Baboons, of a High Sucrose Diet on the Portal and Arterial Levels of Glucose and Fructose Following a Sucrose Meal
Authors: Crossley J.N. , Macdonald I.
Published: November 2008

The concentrations of glucose and fructose in the portal vein and femoral artery were determined after gastric instillation of sucrose to six adult baboons. The animals were then given a high sucrose diet for nine weeks. The plasma levels of glucose and fructose after a sucrose meal were determined at intervals while on the diet and three weeks after the animals had returned to their standard diet. The concentration of fructose in the portal and femoral blood increased as a consequence of the high sucrose diet, whereas the level of glucose was not so affected. It is postulated that the high sucrose diet has increased the absorption rate of fructose across the gut. wall.
Effects of Dietary Carbohydrates on Body Lipid Composition and on Some Enzymatic Activities in the Rat
Authors: Angelico R. , Moretta Lucia , Improta Giovanna , Ialongo P.L.
Published: November 2008

It has been studied in the rat the influence of different dietary carbohydrates on the lipid composition of serum, liver and aorta and on some enzymatic activities in the liver. The following experimental diets were studied: (a) normal diet, (b) high fat diet, (c) normal diet enriched with cholesterol and thiouracil, (d) high fat diet enriched with cholesterol and thiouracil, using either glucose, or sucrose, or starch as carbohydrate source for each diet. Soluble carbohydrates, expecially sucrose, in normal diet, induce a significant rise in liver triglycerides and a proportional increase of the liver glucose-6-phosphate- and 6-phosphogluconate-dehydrogenases. With both diets integrated with cholesterol and thiouracil variations concern only cholesterol: less elevated levels of cholesterol in serum and liver were observed with diets containing starch; higher values of esterified cholesterol were found in the aortas of rats treated with the ‘atherogenic’ diet containing sucrose.
Preparation of a Purified, Scorbutogenic Diet for Guinea Pigs, with Determination of Vitamin C Content of Individual Feed Components
Authors: Friberg U. , Lohmander S.
Published: November 2008

A purified, scorbutogenic diet for guinea pigs is described. The main components are: cereal mixture (boiled), caseinate, carbohydrates, cellulose, vegetable oil, salts and vitamins. The vitamin C content of the complete diet was 0.2 µg/g·
Behavioural Responses of Rats to early Overnutrition
Authors: Fraňková Slávka
Published: November 2008

The consequence of early overnutrition on later behaviour of rats was tested during the first year of life under conditions of different complexity. The behaviour patterns of overfed rats were compared with those of animals, kept under common nutritional conditions and of rats undernourished prior to weaning. It was demonstrated, that early overnutrition is not beneficial for later exploratory behaviour, learning ability, and the resistance to the pharmacological or nutritional stress. The trend of the observed behavioural responses was identical both in the over- and undernourished rats, differences appeared to be quantitative rather than qualitative.
Nutrition and the Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality Rates in 33 Countries
Authors: Soukupová Květa , Průšová Felicitas
Published: November 2008

The average IHD mortality rates in 33 countries were 15.6 for men and 8.8 for women. The average sex ratio was 1.77. The correlation coefficient between male and female mortality rates was 0.93. Close correlations were found between caloric intake on one hand and the intake of fat, protein and sugar on the other hand. Only the correlation coefficient between caloric intake and the sugar intake was low (0.51), however it was significant as well. The correlation between IHD mortality rate and intakes of calories, fat, protein and sugar (each of these correlations computed separately) was found to be close for men as well as for women. The correlation coefficients showed differences for men and women, these differences, however, not being statistically significant.
Pathological Effects of Dietary Rapeseed Oil in Ducklings
Authors: Abdellatif A.M.M. , Vles R.O.
Published: November 2008

The pathological effects of dietary rapeseed oil (10–60 cal%) in Pekin ducklings have been investigated. The oil produced growth retardation, mortality, increase in hematocrit and reticulocyte count, severe hydropericardium, hypertrophy of the heart, cirrhotic changes of the liver, lipidosis of the spleen and fatty accumulation associated with cell infiltration in the heart and skeletal muscles. 30 cal% rapeseed oil appeared to be the minimum level causing these changes. It is demonstrated that the pathogenicity of rapeseed oil is due to its erucic acid content.
The Influence of Vitamin E Deficiency on Biological Membranes
Authors: Molenaar I. , Vos J. , Jager F.C. , Hommes F.A.
Published: November 2008

The influence of vitamin E deficiency on the ultrastructure of intestinal epithelial cells and their membranes in particular was studied in groups of ducklings receiving vitamin E deficient and control diets. Electron micrographs and various parameters concerning vitamin E deficiency were related. Early changes in ultrastructure consisted of changes in cellular membranes, beginning with a loss of positive contrast in the outer membrane of mitochondria. Contrast loss in membranes is explained as a loss of double bonds and, therefore, most probably as a visualization of lipid peroxidation. The cell architecture is remarkably intact, but other changes, as a rise in number of Golgi apparatuses, multivesicular bodies and myelin figures, occur. These facts are discussed and fit in with the hypothesis of a disturbance of the steady state of membrane growth and breakdown, which we have depicted. However, the changes in cellular membranes are considered to be far more specific of vitamin E deficiency than the changes in the set and ultrastructure of cellular organelles.
Effect of Ethanol on Body Growth and Serum Proteins in Young Ducklings
Authors: Paulov S. , Demers J.-M.
Published: November 2008

The circumstances of ethanolic intoxication the body growth the level of serum proteins were studied in ducklings during 3 weeks after their hatching: (1) A very small concentration of ethanol in water is sufficient to provoke the totalintoxication in ducks. (2) The body growth of ducks is diminished under the ethanol consumption according to the concentration of ethanol in water. (3) A significant decrease of serum albumin and increase of α- and β-globulins were found in alcohol intoxicated ducks.
Anthropometry in Ethiopian Private School Children CNU Report No. 40
Authors: Eksmyr R.
Published: November 2008

For the purpose of establishing local anthropometric standards, 1,263 Ethiopian children of both sexes, 5–16 years of age, attending two private schools in Addis Ababa, were investigated. The school fees were such that only relatively well-to-do families were able to keep their children in these schools. The study was made more complicated by the difficulty in obtaining exact ages. After reducing the group to those for whom relatively valid information on age was obtained, the weight, height and upper arm circumference were found to be evidently inferior to western standards. On the other hand, the weight and upper arm circumference were significantly superior to those in underprivileged Ethiopian children of corresponding age and sex. No significant difference was found in height, however. The biceps and triceps skinfold thicknesses usually lay at the level of 75–80% of the British standard, except for girls 14–16 years of age, for whom higher values of triceps skinfold were recorded. Partly because of the difficulty in assessment of age, and partly because no adolescents of the upper teen-ages were investigated, no definite conclusions can be drawn as to the normal growth of Ethiopian school-age children living under relatively good socioeconomic conditions. As an alternative temporary solution, until Ethiopian standards with age as reference become available, tables of weight und upper arm circumference, using height as a reference were elaborated.
Hemoglobin, Serum Iron and Iron Binding Capacity During Growth from Age 9 to 17
Authors: de Wijn J.F. , Pikaar N.A.
Published: November 2008

In a longitudinal study of growth from age 9 up to 17 of apparently healthy boys and girls in the Netherlands, hemoglobin, serum iron and iron binding capacity has been studied. Iron deficient anemia did not occur in boys at subsequent ages 9, 13 and 17. In girls, the incidence of anemia increased from 1 % at age 9 to 7% at age 17. Iron depletion without anemia occurs rather often during puberty in boys. In girls, iron depletion occurs more often in the postpubertal period than in the (pre-) pubertal period. Noniron deficient anemia (low Hb, with normal serum iron and normal saturation percentages) occurs often during puberty (about 10%), either related to retardation of growth and development or to infection. It is discussed to what extent the frequent occurrence of latent or overt iron depletion in healthy children may be due to ‘iron-hunger’ because of high requirements during growth, nonnutritional factors, or nutritional factors other than iron in food.
Influence of Intravenous Glucose Administration on Metabolism During Physical Exercise
Authors: Brodan V. , Kuhn E.
Published: November 2008

In 6 healthy men not engaged in physical training, the authors investigated changes in a number of biochemical and physiological parameters following i.v. administration of 16 g glucose at rest, on fasting, and after a 30-min load of 0.75 and 1.50 W/kg on an ergometer, and finally during the same load immediately after the i.v. administration of 16 g glucose. Physical exercise led to a more rapid drop of the blood sugar level after i.v. administration, proportional to the degree of exercise. During exercise on fasting the blood sugar declined to the basal level. The FFA level declined significantly after glucose administration at rest, during exercise on fasting it practically did not change and in combined experiments it reached average values of the two basic types of curves. A rise of lactate occurred at the onset of exercise, in particular after both types of major loads, the ratio of lactate to pyruvate rose, however, significantly only after a major glucose load. This is not a manifestation of tissue hypoxia but rather the consequence of the increased intensity of anaerobic glycolysis. Glucose administration did not influence the pulse rate, minute ventilation nor oxygen consumption. The CO2 output and in particular the respiratory quotient rises after glucose administration at rest and in the steady state of the major load after glucose, as compared with the control experiment on fasting. Intravenous glucose administration leads to a greater ratio of carbohydrate utilization in the total energy turnover at the expense of lipids. Physical performance is not influenced objectively, the subjective tolerance deteriorates as a result of hypoglycaemic states.
Changes of Growth and of Serum Proteins in Ducklings Intoxicated with Cobalt
Authors: Paulov S.
Published: November 2008

Changes of growth and serum proteins were found in ducklings nourished with commercial diet enriched with cobalt. It was found that a high concentration of this element in diet involves a significant diminution of growth, an increase of β-globulins and a decrease of albumin. It was observed too that the diminution of concentration of cobalt in diet involves after- wards a catch-up of growth and the normalisation of serum proteins. The hypothesis of possible detoxication-mechanism is discussed in this paper.
The Effects of Various Fat Supplements on the Nutritional and Pathogenic Characteristics of Diets Containing Erucic acid in Ducklings
Authors: Abdellatif A.M.M. , Vles R.O.
Published: November 2008

Diets containing rapeseed oil (RSO), or RSO supplemented with olive oil (OLO, rich in oleic acid), safflower oil (SAF, rich in linoleic acid) or tallow (TAL, comparatively rich in palmitic acid) were compared for their nutritional and pathogenic characteristics in ducklings. Unsupplemented RSO and the mixtures RSO-OLO and RSO-SAF caused growth retardation, mortality, lipidosis of the spleen cirrhotic changes of the liver and vacuolar changes of the heart and the skeletal muscles. The mixture RSO-TAL caused no mortality and a better growth. It also improved the liver and spleen morphology and decreased the hydropericardium incidence but did not markedly alter the incidence or severity of the vacuolar changes of the myocardium and skeletal muscles. In another experiment the effects of supplementing diets isocaloric in fats and in erucic acid with increasing levels of hardened palm oil (HPO) or glyceryl trilaurate (GTL) were investigated. Increasing levels of HPO increased growth and decreased the incidence and severity of liver cirrhosis, hydropericardium and splenic lipidosis. The vacuolar changes of the skeletal muscles were not improved, but those of the myocardium became severer. The supplement of GTL augmented all lesions, decreased growth and increased mortality. It is concluded that the nutritional and pathological properties of RSO in ducklings are determined both by the excess of erucic acid and the deficit of palmitic acid in the oil.
Effect of Protein Quality on Liver Xanthine Dehydrogenase and Kidney Arginase Activities in Chicks
Authors: Dror Y. , Nir I.
Published: November 2008

Some enzymatic activities in chicks, liver xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), liver alanine amino transferase (GP-T, EC 2.6.1.2), liver aspartate amino transferase (GO-T, EC 2.6.1.1) and kidney arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) were studied in chicks fed 2 types of protein, soybean or gluten at 4 levels 10, 20, 30 and 40% in the diet.The determinations were conducted on 10 and 17-day-old chicks. The increase of the enzymatic activity as a function of the protein level in the diet gives a typical curve for the tested protein. The better comparison was obtained while the curves for the liver XDH were compared on 10-day-old chicks.
Severe Malnutrition in a Middle-Aged Man with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Carlberger G. , Einarsson K. , Felig P. , Hellström K. , Wahren J. , Wengle B. , Zetterström J.
Published: November 2008

Severe malnutrition is described in a previously healthy 39-year-old man. He showed a marked loss of weight, with signs of peripheral oedema and muscular atrophy. A reduction was found of several protein fractions in blood, including haemoglobin, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), haptoglobin, albumin and lipoproteins. Amino acid metabolism was abnormal as indicated by low levels of the essential amino acids and high concentrations of some nonessential. The splanchnic uptake and peripheral muscle release of most amino acids were markedly attenuated. Folic acid in serum was slightly low. There was alkalosis, hypokalemia and an alkaline urine. No evidence was found of pancreatic insufficiency, nontropical sprue or protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Nitrogen balance studies, in combination with other findings suggested intermittent vomiting but this could not be observed by the ward personnel or the patient’s family. However, when this diagnosis was presented to the patient and psychotherapy started, his clinical condition rapidly improved and most of the somatic manifestations gradually disappeared.