bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased heart rate variability in patients with cirrhosis relates to the presence and degree of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Mani Ali R. , Montagnese Sara , Jackson Clive D. , Jenkins Christopher W. , Head Ian M. , Stephens Robert C. , Moore Kevin P. , Morgan Marsha Y.
Published: November 2008

Heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced in several clinical settings associated with either systemic inflammation or neuropsychiatric impairment. The possibility that the changes in HRV observed in patients with neuropsychiatric impairment might relate to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines does not seem to have been considered in the studies undertaken to date. HRV is decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis but its relationship to the impairment of neuropsychiatric performance, commonly observed in these patients, is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between HRV, hepatic encephalopathy, and production of inflammatory cytokines in patients with cirrhosis. Eighty patients with cirrhosis [53 men, 27 women; mean (±1SD) age 54 ± 10 yr], classified as neuropsychiatrically unimpaired or as having minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy, and 11 healthy subjects were studied. HRV was assessed by applying Poincaré plot analysis to the R-R interval series on a 5-min ECG. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12) were measured in a subgroup of patients. Long-term R-R variability was significantly decreased in the patients with cirrhosis, in parallel with the degree of neuropsychiatric impairment ( P < 0.01) and independently of the degree of hepatic dysfunction ( P = 0.011). The relative risk of death increased by 7.7% for every 1-ms drop in this variable. Plasma levels of IL-6 significantly correlated with indexes of both HRV and neuropsychiatric performance. The changes observed in HRV and in neuropsychiatric status in patients with cirrhosis are significantly correlated, most likely reflecting a common pathogenic mechanism mediated by inflammatory cytokines.
MicroRNA: Novel Regulators Involved in the Remodeling and Reverse Remodeling of the Heart
Authors: Wang Jue , Xu Ruixia , Lin Fuqiang , Zhang Shiju , Zhang Gang , Hu Shengshou , Zheng Zhe
Published: November 2008

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular research. However, the association between miRNAs and heart remodeling/reverse remodeling has not been evaluated. Methods: Lewis rats were divided into three groups: control animals, animals subjected to abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) and those with heterotopic transplantation of abdominal aortic constriction (AAC-HT), respectively. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and changes in the heart cavity were determined. miRNA microarray was used to search for changes in miRNAs during hypertrophy and in the unloading heart, which was also verified using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The AAC-HT group exhibited a 54% decrease in the cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area compared to the AAC group. In the two test groups, miRNA microarrays revealed changes in 293 miRNAs, among which 40 miRNAs changed >2-fold. Some major changes were also confirmed using qRT-PCR primers. The results indicated that changes in miR-23a and miR-29a were most significant, thus suggesting that these miRNAs may play important roles in heart remodeling and reverse remodeling. Conclusions: The changes observed in miRNA expression during hypertrophy and reverse remodeling may indicate possibly meaningful targets for regulating the remodeling or reverse remodeling of the heart.
Adverse Renal Effects of the AGE Inhibitor Pyridoxamine in Combination with ACEi in Non-Diabetic Adriamycin-Induced Renal Damage in Rats
Authors: Waanders Femke , van Goor Harry , Navis Gerjan
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in diabetic nephropathy. The AGE inhibitor pyridoxamine (PM) is renoprotective in experimental chronic allograft nephropathy supporting its potential in non-diabetic renal damage. Methods: We studied the effects of PM in adriamycin nephropathy (AN; 1.5 mg/kg i.v.). Six weeks after disease induction, treatment started with vehicle (VEH), lisinopril (ACEi; 75 mg/l drinking water), PM (2 g/l) and PM + lisinopril (PM/ACEi) (n = 12 per group) for 18 weeks. Age-matched healthy rats (n = 6) served as controls (CON). Results: ACEi reduced proteinuria, blood pressure, and renal damage. PM gradually increased blood pressure and not affected proteinuria. In PM/ACEi the antiproteinuric and blood pressure-lowering effects of ACEi were abrogated during long-term treatment. Remarkably, creatinine, focal glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were considerably increased under PM/ACEi. Pronounced hypercholesterolemia, which occurred in both PM-treated groups, was accompanied by marked glomerular lipid deposition. Conclusion: PM was not renoprotective in AN. By contrast, renal damage was aggravated when PM was combined with ACEi. Despite the fact that there is no current evidence that these findings apply to the drug as used in human diabetic nephropathy, we emphasize the importance of close monitoring of blood pressure, lipids and possible direct toxic effects in future studies with PM in renal patients, especially when combining PM with ACEi.
A Proposal for a New Multiaxial Model of Psychiatric Diagnosis
Authors: Leigh Hoyle
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: To review recent genetic and neuroscientific research on psychiatric syndromes based on the current diagnostic scheme, and develop a better-fitting multiaxial patient-oriented diagnostic model. Methods: DSM I, published in 1952, considered psychiatric illnesses as reactions or extremes of adaptations of the patient’s personality to stressful environmental demands. Personality itself was determined by constitution and psychodynamic development. In 1980, this continuum model gave way to an atheoretical categorical diagnostic scheme (DSM III), based on research diagnostic criteria for obtaining ‘pure cultures’ of patients for biological research. Subsequent research using the ‘pure cultures’ suggests that psychiatric syndromes represent a phenotypic continuum determined by genes, childhood traumas, and recent stress, mitigated by childhood nurturance, education, and current social support. Specific gene × childhood abuse × recent stress interactions have been discovered, which may serve as a model of how interacting vulnerability genes may or may not result in a psychiatric syndrome, depending on the individual’s developmental history and current stress. Results and Conclusion: A continuum model is proposed, with genes interacting with early experiences of stress or nurturance resulting in brain states that may evince minor but persistent symptoms (neurosis) or maladaptive patterns of behavior (personality disorder). The addition of recent or current stress may precipitate a major psychiatric syndrome. While a severe genetic predisposition, such as a mutation, may be sufficient to cause a major syndrome, major psychiatric syndromes are best conceptualized as dysregulation of evolutionarily adaptive brain functions, such as anxiety and vigilance. A new multiaxial model of psychiatric diagnosis is proposed based on this model: axis I for phenomenological diagnoses that include major psychiatric syndromes (e.g. depressive syndrome, psychosis), neuroses, personality disorders, and isolated symptoms; axis II for geno-neuroscience diagnoses, some of which may represent biological conditions associated with axis I, i.e. genes, specific brain morphology, and the functional state of specific brain areas based on laboratory and imaging studies; axis III for medical diseases and conditions; axis IV for stress (childhood, recent, and current); axis V for psychosocial assets (intelligence, education, school/work, social support, and global assessment of functioning) over past 5 years and current.
Attribution Biases in Schizophrenia: Relationship to Clinical and Functional Impairments
Authors: Cohen Alex S. , Nienow Tasha M. , Dinzeo Thomas J. , Docherty Nancy M.
Published: November 2008

Background: Patients with schizophrenia exhibit impairment in their ability to accurately recognize facial emotions in others, and the severity of this emotion perception deficit has been associated with poorer functioning. However, the mechanisms underlying facial emotion perception deficits are poorly understood. There is evidence to suggest that patients, particularly those with certain positive symptoms, may misinterpret other people’s facial expressions as having an overly negative valence. The present study examined the degree to which attribution biases in facial emotion perception are associated with psychiatric symptomatology and social and occupational impairments. Sampling and Methods: The error profiles from a facial emotion perception test were analyzed and compared for 67 schizophrenic state hospital inpatients and 21 nonpsychiatric controls. Attribution bias scores were separately computed for each of six types of emotion. Results: The error profiles were remarkably similar for patients as a group and controls. Within the patient group, severity of positive symptoms was associated with more ‘fear’ misperceptions. Patients with relatively high levels of ‘anger’ misperceptions tended to have more severe disorganization and negative symptoms and more pronounced functional impairments. Interestingly, patients who erroneously reported seeing relatively high levels of ‘shame’ and ‘happiness’ showed better functioning and less severe symptoms. Conclusions: Attribution biases appear to play a role in contributing to functional impairments in patients with schizophrenia. The lack of an isomorphic attribution bias across patients highlights the importance of considering schizophrenia heterogeneity when attempting to understand and treat social cognitive deficits.
Homocysteine and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sala Isabel , Belén Sánchez-Saudinós María , Molina-Porcel Laura , Lázaro Estela , Gich Ignasi , Clarimón Jordi , Blanco-Vaca Francisco , Blesa Rafael , Gómez-Isla Teresa , Lleó Alberto
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and it has also been proposed as an independent risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Its relationship with cognitive impairment, however, remains unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship of tHcy levels with clinical diagnoses and cognitive performance in a sample of outpatients with cognitive impairment. Methods: Plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B12 and creatinine levels were assessed in individuals evaluated at the Memory Disorder Unit. Diagnoses included subjective memory complaints (SMC, n = 27), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 142), AD (n = 139) and vascular dementia (VD, n = 17). All patients underwent extensive neuropsychological testing to evaluate attention, memory, language, and visuoconstructional and executive functions, as well as depression and impairments of daily living activities. Results: tHcy levels did not differ between patients with SMC, MCI, AD or VD. Increased tHcy was associated with worse performance in geometric figure copy and clock drawing tests. Conclusions: tHcy levels did not discriminate between diagnostic groups of patients with cognitive impairments. Elevated tHcy levels in these patients appear to have a detrimental effect on visuoconstructional performance.
Gender-Dependent Impact of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Haemodialysis
Authors: Hocher Berthold , Kalk Philipp , Godes Michael , Liefeldt Lutz , Ziebig Reinhard , Stasch Johannes-Peter , Quaschning Thomas , Pfab Thiemo
Published: November 2008

We investigated whether mortality risk factors are gender dependent in haemodialysis patients. Patients (n = 230; 118 women, 112 men) on haemodialysis were followed for 52 months to assess the incidence of death due to cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular causes. Survival was compared by Cox regression analysis using age, diabetes, pre-existing coronary disease, troponin T and C-reactive protein as covariates. In total, 120 participants (52.2%) died within the 52 months of follow-up: 57 patients died of cardiovascular disease, 35 patients died of infectious diseases. Cox regression revealed that age, pre-existing coronary heart disease and troponin T were independent all-cause mortality risk factors for both sexes. Analyzing men and women separately revealed that diabetes and C-reactive protein seemed to be a stronger risk factors for all-cause mortality in women. Cardiovascular mortality was predicted by troponin T in women (relative risk = 5.16, 95% CI: 1.67–15.88; p = 0.004), but not in men (relative risk = 1.69; 95% CI: 0.72–3.96; p = 0.23). Our study showed for the first time that the impact of risk factors in predicting death due to cardiovascular disease is clearly gender dependent.
Predictive Factors for Metachronous Gastric Cancer in High-Risk Patients after Successful Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Shiotani Akiko , Uedo Noriya , Iishi Hiroyasu , Yoshiyuki Yamanaka , Ishii Manabu , Manabe Noriaki , Kamada Tomoari , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hata Jiro , Haruma Ken
Published: November 2008

Background:Helicobacter pylori eradication following endoscopic mucosal resection of early gastric cancer reduces the risk of metachronous gastric cancer. Aim: To identify subgroups of differing cancer risk after endoscopic mucosal resection of early gastric cancer. Methods: Histological assessment of antral and corpus tissue was done by the updated Sydney Classification and serum pepsinogen I and II levels were measured using ELISA kits. Infected patients were treated with a 7-day regimen consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. Results: 100 patients were enrolled; in 80 patients H. pylori was successfully eradicated and they were followed up for more than 2 years (median observation period 33 months). Metachronous gastric cancers developed in 9 patients after successful eradication. All cases were men. The frequency of severe atrophy assessed by histology (100 vs. 53.2%, p = 0.03) was higher and pepsinogen I/II ratio before eradication was significantly lower in the group that developed cancer compared to the group that did not. Pepsinogen I <25 ng/ml was significantly associated with development of a new lesion. Conclusions: The cancer risk after eradication correlated with the severity of corpus atrophy. It should be possible to identify subgroups requiring intensive and less intensive surveillance after eradication.
Maximal Potential Patent Foramen Diameter Does Not Correlate with the Type or Frequency of the Neurologic Event prior to Closure
Authors: Kutty Shelby , Brown Kimberly , Qureshi Athar M. , Latson Larry A.
Published: November 2008

Background: We analyzed our data on patients undergoing transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to determine if the maximal potential PFO diameter (MPPD) by balloon sizing correlates with important clinical characteristics in this population. Methods: We defined stroke as a focal neurologic deficit lasting >24 h, or focal deficit of shorter duration associated with permanent MRI/CT changes consistent with a focal infarction. Parameters analyzed included age, gender, anticoagulation, hypertension, smoking, MRI/CT findings and MPPD at catheterization. We specifically analyzed the type of neurologic event (stroke/transient ischemic attack, TIA), and number of recorded preceding clinical neurologic events. Results: In 216 consecutive patients, 167 suffered a stroke. MRI/CT changes consistent with one or more embolic events were seen in 156 patients; 49 had a clinical TIA. There was no significant difference in MPPD between stroke (11.0 ± 3.6 mm) and TIA groups (10.9 ± 3.9 mm; 95% confidence interval for difference: –1.33 to 1.00). MPPD did not differ between MRI/CT-positive vs. -negative strokes, and had no correlation with the number of identified pre-closure clinical neurologic events. Conclusions: Continued investigation is needed to determine whether other PFO characteristics, or other anatomic/physiologic parameters, may be useful to identify patients at high risk for cryptogenic stroke/TIA, even before they have their first neurologic event.
Upregulation of Chemokine and Cytokine Production during Pregnancy
Authors: Segerer Sabine , Kämmerer Ulrike , Kapp Michaela , Dietl Johannes , Rieger Lorenz
Published: November 2008

Background: Following implantation, endometrial stroma is transformed into decidual tissue via a complex remodeling process. In parallel with that process, a significant increase in immune cells can be detected. Several studies suggest that chemokines and cytokines orchestrate the transformation of decidual tissue and the infiltration of leukocytes. In this study, we therefore compared chemokine and cytokine expression in the first- and third-trimester nonpregnant endometrium and decidua. Methods: Investigation of the expression patterns of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in endometrial tissue (after routine hysterectomy) and human decidual tissue (7–8 weeks of gestation and 38–40 weeks of gestation, respectively) was performed by protein array analysis. Results: This analysis revealed a significant increase in monocyte-attracting chemokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, growth-related oncogene, growth-related oncogene-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-2) , granulocyte-attracting chemokines (epithelial neutrophil activating peptide and interleukin 8) and proinflammatory factors (interleukin-1α, leptin) in decidual compared to endometrial tissue. Furthermore, concentrations of angiogenic substances (vascular endothelial growth factor and thrombopoietin) significantly peaked in first-trimester deciduas. Conclusion: This study demonstrates increased expression of chemokines and cytokines in decidual tissue compared to nonpregnant endometrium.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Patent Urachus Cyst with the Use of 2D, 3D, 4D Ultrasound and Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fuchs F. , Picone O. , Levaillant J.M. , Mabille M. , Mas A.E. , Frydman R. , Senat M.V.
Published: November 2008

Patent urachus cyst is a rare umbilical anomaly, which is poorly detected prenatally and frequently confounded with pseudo bladder exstrophy or omphalocele. A 27-year-old woman was referred to our prenatal diagnosis centre at 18 weeks of gestation after diagnosis of a megabladder and 2 umbilical cord cysts. Subsequent 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound examinations and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a typical umbilical cyst and an extra-abdominal cyst, communicating with the vertex of the fetal bladder through a small channel that increased in size when the fetus voided urine. Termination of pregnancy occured at 31 weeks because of associated cerebral septal agenesis, and autopsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis of urachus cyst. Few cases of urachus cyst diagnosed prenatally are reported in literature, but none were associated with other extra-abdominal disorders and none used 3D, 4D and fetal MRI. Our case illustrated the efficiency in prenatal diagnosis of 3D and 4D ultrasound examinations. This could help pediatrician surgeons to explain to a couple about neonatal surgical repair and plastic reconstruction in the prenatal period.
Pyogenic Portal Vein Thrombosis as a Reservoir of Persistent Septicemia after Cyanoacrylate Injection for Bleeding Gastric Varices
Authors: Chang Chen-Jung , Shiau Yih-Tsong , Chen Te-Li , Hou Ming-Chih , Sun Chih-Hao , Liao Wei-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: November 2008

Gastric variceal bleeding is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. A recent consensus suggested that endoscopic injection of tissue glue for gastric variceal obliteration (GVO) should be the first choice for treatment of acute gastric variceal bleeding. Following the widespread use of GVO, more severe complications such as needle cementation, fistula formation, embolic sequels, recurrent septicemia, etc., have been reported. We present the first case of GVO-complicated pyogenic portosplenic vein thrombosis which led to persistent Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia. The foreign body of a glue plug offers an ideal surface for bacterial colonization which becomes a reservoir for continuous bacterial dissemination. The mechanism was proven by ribotyping of the microorganism and postmortem pathology.
Dieulafoy Lesion in the Stomach
Authors: Isik A. , Alimoglu O. , Okan I. , Bas G. , Turgut H. , Sahin M.
Published: November 2008

Dieulafoy disease is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal system bleeding. Although the exact cause is not known, it is characterized by bleeding from abnormal submucosal vessels. There are many methods for diagnosis and treatment. In this case, a patient with a long-time undiagnosed stomach Dieulafoy lesion had a surgical resection. During the postoperative period the patient was discharged without any complication.
Correlations between Thymidylate Synthase Expression and Chemosensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil, Cell Proliferation and Clinical Outcome in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yasumatsu Ryuji , Nakashima Torahiko , Uryu Hideoki , Ayada Toranoshin , Wakasaki Takahiro , Kogo Ryunosuke , Masuda Muneyuki , Fukushima Masakazu , Komune Shizuo
Published: November 2008

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used drug in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Thymidylate synthase (TS), which is the target enzyme of 5-FU, has been demonstrated to be a key regulatory enzyme. In this study, we examined whether TS expression is correlated with chemosensitivity to 5-FU, cell proliferation and clinical outcome in HNSCC. Methods: An antisense TS cDNA was constitutively expressed in the HNSCC cell line. The effects of TS expression on in vitro cell growth and 5-FU cytotoxicity were examined. We also evaluated the association between TS expression and cell proliferation in surgical specimens, and prognosis in HNSCC patients. Results: Antisense TS transfection increases the cytotoxicity of 5-FU and inhibits cell proliferation in HNSCC cellsin vitro. Immunohistochemical expression of TS may have prognostic value in patients with HNSCC. Conclusions: These results indicate that TS expression plays an important role in the sensitivity of HNSCC to 5-FU chemotherapy.
2,3-Dehydrosilybin Is a Better DNA Topoisomerase I Inhibitor than Its Parental Silybin
Authors: Thongphasuk Piyanut , Stremmel Wolfgang , Chamulitrat Walee
Published: November 2008

Background: We have shown that compared with silybin, 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHS) exhibits more potent in vitro anticancer activities alone or in combination with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Since TNF-α sensitization is related to DNA topoisomerase (topo) inhibition, DHS may be a potent topo inhibitor. Methods: Under significant apoptosis induction by DHS, we measured specific topo I activity in nuclear extracts or purified enzyme. Results: Treatment of more transformed FIB cells with 30 μM DHS for 24 h caused significant decreases in topo I activity in nuclear extracts while silybin did not have any effects. Less transformed EPI cells were more resistant against DHS-induced topo I inhibition. Inhibitory effects of topo I activity by DHS were also found in cell-free assays using purified topo I, whereas silybin again did not have any effects. Conclusion: DHS is a potent topo I inhibitor rendering its ability to sensitize TNF-α for enhanced cytotoxicity.
Detection of Hepatitis B Virus in the Aqueous Humor of a Hepatitis B Virus Carrier
Authors: Tsai Ching-Yao , Lin Chih-Lin , Lin Shiao-Cheng , Liou Shiow-Wen
Published: November 2008

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is particularly high in Asian countries, including Taiwan. Previous studies have reported detection of HBV surface antigens in tears and aqueous humor of HBV-seropositive individuals, suggesting that ophthalmologists may be at risk of contracting HBV infection by treatment of such patients. Herein we report the case of an asymptomatic Taiwanese HBV patient in whom HBV was detected in aqueous humor using PCR. To our knowledge this is the first report of HBV detection in aqueous humor by PCR. Eye care providers should take all necessary precautions when treating individuals who have or are at high risk of being infected with HBV.
The Energetics of Fat Deposition during Growth
Authors: van Es A.J.H.
Published: November 2008

Attention was paid to the levels of importance of maintenance, protein and fat deposition in growing monogastrics. Some information was presented on the composition of their daily gain. Theoretical efficiency values of fat synthesis were derived from biochemical information and compared with those found in balance trials. Factors determining maintenance needs including thermoregulation and physical activity were discussed. Some aspects of energy metabolism and regulation of body fat deposition and mobilization were described including the processes of hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Finally, the role of fat as a well-regulated, rapidly adaptable buffer within the mono-gastric’s total metabolism was emphasized.
Influence du jeûne protéique de longue durée sur la teneur en acides aminés sanguins et musculaires du rat
Authors: Poullain B. , Houpert Y. , Siest G. , Debry G.
Published: November 2008

The influence of a protein-free diet in adult male rats has been evaluated for a 6-week period. Nitrogen retention, hepatic protein and free amino acid content in blood and muscle were determined as adaptation criteria. Long-lasting protein depletion did not modify the pattern of response affering in a shorter period: i.e. sparing of nitrogen and use of endogenous amino acids for protein synthesis. Except for lysine, arginine and histidine, the essential amino acids decreased in blood and the non-essential acids increased. The final effect was a decrease of the essential to non-essential amino acid ratio and a decrease in all amino acids in muscle.
Effect of Thiamine Deficiency in Pregnant and Lactating Rats on the Brain of Their Offspring
Authors: Trostler Naomi , Guggenheim K. , Havivi E. , Sklan D.
Published: November 2008

In an attempt to create a model of human infantile beriberi, pregnant rats were fed, from the 10th day of pregnancy through lactation, a low-thiamine diet. Controls were either pair-fed or offered a nutritionally complete diet ad libitum. Dams exhibited symptoms of thiamine deficiency after 30 days on the experimental diet, whereas their pups displayed signs of thiamine deficiency from the 14th postnatal day. Brain transketolase activity was depressed in day-old thiamine-deficient pups, and brain pyruvic acid levels were elevated after the 7th postnatal day. From the 14th postnatal day, brains of thiamine-deficient pups contained less phospholipids, cerebrosides and cholesterol than those of both controls. On the 21st day, weight and lipid content of brains of thiamine-deficient and of pair-fed pups were lower than those of normal controls. In some rats rehabilitation with thiamine was begun on the 19th day, and after 23 days, brain cerebroside content was still lower in the experimental group than in both controls. Since cerebrosides are an essential component of myelin, this finding may suggest damage of the myelin sheath.
Suppression of Transduodenal Manganese Transport by Milk Diet Supplemented with Iron
Authors: Gruden Nevenka
Published: November 2008

The effect of iron on manganese transport through, and its retention in, the duodenal wall was studied in 5-week-old female albino rats. Animals were fed only cow’s milk supplemented with different doses of ferrous sulphate (0.60–19.0 mg Fe/100 ml) for 3 days before killing. Manganese transport was studied in vitro by the method of ‘everted gut sac’. In all rats fed milk supplemented with iron the manganese transport through, and its retention within, the intestinal wall was significantly lower than when no iron was given (0.001 > p < 0.001). The suppression of both the transfer and intestinal retention of manganese suggests a saturation effect produced by iron which levels off above 5 mg Fe/100 ml milk.
Assimilation of 14C-Linoleic Acid by the Rat Fetus
Authors: Pascaud M. , Rougier A. , Delhaye N.
Published: November 2008

Following ingestion, by the 20-day pregnant mother, of (1-14C)linoleic acid, the retention and distribution of ‘4C are determined in the fetus, placenta and mother, after 1, 3 and 6 h. Comparison of the specific activities of linoleic and arachidonic acids in the maternal plasma, liver and placenta, and the fetal plasma, liver and carcass leads to the conclusion of a selective materno-fetal transfer of arachidonic acid, relative to linoleic acid, through the placenta.
Etude comparée des effets de l’acide tannique et de l’acide tannique oxydé sur la croissance, la composition corporelle et l’utilisation biologique des aliments chez le rat
Authors: Mitjavila S. , Lacombe C. , Luong-Dinh C.
Published: November 2008

The nutritional effects of oxidized tannic acid in rats have been compared with the effects of tannic acid supplemented or not with a reductor: sodium sulfite. The results indicate that in the group which ingested oxidized tannic acid, fecal nitrogen excretion is lower than in the group which ingested tannic acid; its action on growth is mainly exerted by reduction of the retention coefficient; urinary nitrogen excretion being increased. With regard to the other groups of animals, oxidized tannic acid decreases the weight gain of the thymus and slightly increases the weight gain of the heart. Sulfite supplementation does not change the effects of tannic acid on growth; nevertheless, a higher weight gain of the kidneys is noted.
Protein Depletion and Energy Retention in Rats with Ventromedial Hypothalamic Lesions
Authors: Holm Halvor , Løvø Arne , Hustvedt Bo-Egil
Published: November 2008

The catabolic effect of bilateral lesions in the ventromedial area of the hypothalamus (VMH) was studied in nitrogen-balance experiments and compared with the effect of a sham-operation in control animals. A transitory (24 h) increase in urine nitrogen was found in the controls, while in the lesioned animals, a persistent increase was found as long as the animals were fed. Fasting (48 h) eliminated the difference in urea excretion between the groups. Food-dependent effects of the VMH lesion are suggested. The changes in body and organ composition of VMH-lesioned animals, kept for 4 months on a food intake close to normal, were studied. The massive increase of body lipids and marked decrease of body protein and water was primarily due to increased subcutaneous – and abdominal – fat, and reduced skeletal and skin protein. An almost normal composition of the liver and close to normal amounts of protein in the viscera demonstrate that at least some tissues in VMH animals are able to maintain a normal protein content. Hyperphagia as a means to counteract the increased amino acid catabolism and to sustain the lean body mass is discussed.
Albumin Metabolism and Gastric Surgery
Authors: Beňo I. , Červeň J.
Published: November 2008

Albumin metabolism was followed in 7 patients suffering from benign gastric diseases. The study was performed using human serum albumin-125I before gastric surgery and after operation. The total albumin pool decreased after the operation by about 15%. The decrease in extravascular albumin pool was stronger (by about 19%) than the decrease in intravascular albumin pool (at about 11%). The causes of changes in albumin metabolism after surgery are discussed.
Utilization of 35S from Radioactive Methionine or Sulfate in the Detoxification of Cyanide by Rats
Authors: Barrett M.D.P. , Alexander J.C. , Hill D.C.
Published: November 2008

Weanling rats were fed a semipurified diet based on 10% casein and 1,500 ppm potassium cyanide. The diet was supplemented with varying levels of DL-methionine and/or potassium sulfate such that all diets were iso-sulfurous except for the basal which had no additional sulfur. The animals were fed for 2 weeks after which half of the rats in all groups except the basal were used in a radioactive study. Urine was collected and analyzed for thiocyanate. Animals which received labeled methionine were more efficient in producing labeled thiocyanate than those which received labeled sodium sulfate, although the latter did contribute to the detoxification of cyanide. Increases due to additional methionine were larger for weight gain, feed consumption, and urinary and plasma thiocyanate than with supplemental sulfate.
Rat Liver Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase and Cytochromes in Experimental Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Authors: Ramanadham M. , Kaplay S.S
Published: November 2008

Cytochrome c oxidase activity and cytochromes b, (c+c1) and a(+a3) concentrations were determined in liver mitochondria from rats fed the following diets: controls (group 1) fed ad libitum, energy-restricted (group 2) and protein-deficient (group 3). The animals were fed for two time intervals, 3--5 and 7–9 weeks. At 3–5 weeks, the cytochrome oxidase specific activity (nmol cytochrome c oxidized/mg protein/min) and cytochrome concentrations (nmol/mg protein) were not different in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. At 7–9 weeks, the cytochrome oxidase specific activity and concentrations of cytochromes b, (c+c1) and a(+a3) were significantly reduced in group 2 rats as compared to well-fed controls. The Michaelis-Menten constant, Km apparent for ferrocytochrome c, was significantly higher in group 2 as compared to group 1. In group 3 rats, cytochrome oxidase specific activity and cytochrome b, a(+a3) concentrations were not different from group 1 at 7–9 weeks. However, cytochrome (c+c1) concentration was higher in group 3, resulting in an elevated ratio of cytochrome (c+c1) to cytochrome a(+a3) as compared to groups 1 and 2.
Influence of Hyperthyroidism on the Rate of Ethanol Metabolism in Man
Authors: Ugarte Guillermo , Peresa Tamara
Published: November 2008

The rate of ethanol metabolism was studied in 3 hyperthyroidism patients without therapy and in 2 after 1 week of treatment with propylthiouracil and reserpine. The rate of ethanol metabolism (mg/kg/h ± SEM) was 386 ± 57 in the 3 hyperthyroid patients, 184.5 ± 2.5 in the 2 treated patients and 159 ± 15 in 12 euthyroid non-alcoholic subjects. The results suggest that hyperthyroidism markedly increases ethanol metabolism.
Intersexual Differences in the Serum-Free Amino Acid Pattern of Young Adults, Normal and Obese Aged Subjects
Authors: Galante A. , Angelico F. , Crocchioni G. , Pennetti V.
Published: November 2008

In a group of ethnically homogeneous subjects, intersexual differences and the effect of ageing on the pattern of serum free amino acjd were studied. The amount of the amino acids: valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid and ornithine was significantly greater in young males than in young females. Such intersexual differences were not observed in aged subjects. When comparing a group of aged obese females with a control group, no difference in the pattern of serum free amino acid was observed.
Rat Hepatic Lysine-2-Oxoglutarate Reductase Activity
Authors: Hussein Laila , Müller Richard
Published: November 2008

The activity of hepatic lysine-2-oxoglutarate reductase was determined in white female rats maintained on one of two dietary lysine levels (0.23 and 0.54% in diets A and B, respectively). The high dietary lysine increased the enzyme activity (p < 0.05) twofold compared with the activity obtained with the diet A (67 vs. 27 µmol saccharopine/30 min/g liver protein). Repeated intraperitoneal injection of glucagon (259 µg/100 g body weight/day) showed a short initial drop in the enzyme activity, followed by a marked rise, which remained above the basal level after withdrawal of the drug. Repeated injections of cycloheximide increased the enzyme activity, and the findings suggested that the apparent increase was due to the inhibition of the system responsible for the degradation of the enzyme. The individual free amino acids of the livers varied as a function of treatment. The ratio of E/N amino acids was found to be a good measure of the physiological condition of the animal, with the lowest value in animals treated with cycloheximide.
Clinical Course of Pulmonary Embolism in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Jung-Woo , Cha Seung-Ick , Jung Chi-Young , Choi Won-Il , Jeon Kyung-Nyeo , Yoo Seung-Soo , Kim Chang-Ho , Park Jae-Yong , Jung Tae-Hoon
Published: November 2008

Background: Although lung cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), data regarding pulmonary embolism (PE) in lung cancer patients are limited. Objectives: To investigate the clinicoradiological features, clinical course and survival of lung cancer patients with PE. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study investigating the clinical course and survival of 40 lung cancer patients with PE (PE group). The control group (non-PE group) consisted of 80 lung cancer patients without VTE, treated during the same period. Results: Adenocarcinoma (45.0%, n = 18) was the most common histological type of lung cancer and when PE was diagnosed, the majority of the lung cancer patients were in stages IIIB (37.5%, n = 15) and IV (47.5%, n = 19). Thirty-four patients (85.0%) were diagnosed with PE within 12 months of the diagnosis of lung cancer. The median survival from the diagnosis of PE was 3.5 months in the PE group, but the survival rates revealed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.249). In both groups, the most common cause of death was lung cancer progression (76.9 and 80.3%, respectively), followed by chemotherapy-related septic shock (19.2 and 16.7%, respectively). Conclusions: In lung cancer patients, PE may not be the main cause of death, but one of the various complications of lung cancer, despite suggesting a poor prognosis.
The Workingman’s Diet
Authors: Heyden Sigfried
Published: November 2008

(1) Weight reduction is almost always successful in cases of essential hypertension if and when the weight loss is accompanied by a drastic sodium reduction. (2) Weight normalization is of remarkable help in complete reversal of abnormal glucose tolerance, decrease in insulin requirement in manifest diabetes mellitus, and – in many patients with mild diabetes – discontinuation of oral hypoglycemic agents. (3) Weight loss will occasionally relieve gout patients of their symptoms. The majority of hyperuricemic patients will benefit with a lowering of serum uric acid levels. (4) An unresolved issue is the influence of weight reduction on the cholesterol metabolism – short- and long-term results are by no means predictable. Whereas the triglycerides in obese patients almost always return to lower serum concentrations, and with them the hyperlipoproteinemias of type IIB, III and IV, the type IIA is only rarely seen in association with obesity. Therefore, information on this lipid abnormality is very limited regarding the effect of weight loss.
Bilateral Adrenalectomy: Factors Affecting Hepatic Protein Synthesis following a Single Tube-Feeding of Tryptophan
Authors: Nakhla A.M. , Majumdar Nandi
Published: November 2008

Effect of tryptophan force-feeding to well-fed adrenalectomized rats on the ability of liver cell sap and initiation factors to support protein synthesis in vitro was investigated. 5 h after tryptophan force-feeding, the capacity of liver cell sap, pH 5 enzyme and pH 5 supernatant to support protein synthesis was greatly increased. The capacity of cell sap to support charging of tRNA with either (14C)-leucine or (14C)-phenylalanine was increased following a dose of tryptophan. Initiation factors prepared from tryptophan-fed adrenalectomized rats stimulated polyuridylic-acid-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis to a greater extent than those from livers of water-fed adrenalectomized controls.
Effect of Pantothenic Acid Deficiency on Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Mahboob S. , Estes L.W.
Published: November 2008

Effects of pantothenic acid deficiency on rat hepatocytes and rat liver mitochondria are reported. Further studies on mitochondrial structure and function and liver function in pantothenic acid deficiency are likely to yield useful data on malnutrition and disease.s
Substrate Specificity of Enzymes Catalyzing the Biosynthesis of Ionic Alkoxylipids from Alcohols
Authors: Bandi Z.L. , Mangold H.K.
Published: November 2008

An equimolar mixture of homologous saturated alcohols (13:0, 15:0, 17:0, 19:0) and an equimolar mixture of vinylogous alcohols (19:0, 19:1,19:2) were fed to two groups of rats. All of the odd-numbered alcohols were incorporated into the ionic alkoxylipids of the rats’ small intestine. Pronounced quantitative differences in the distribution of the various odd-numbered alkyl and alk-1-enyl moieties of choline phosphoglycerides and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides gave evidence to differences in the specificity of the enzyme system catalyzing the biosynthesis of alkoxylipids from long-chain alcohols.
Development of Digestive Enzymes in the Piglet from Birth to 8 Weeks
Authors: Corring T. , Aumaitre A. , Durand G.
Published: November 2008

The development of pancreatic tissue (fresh weight, total proteins, RNA and DNA) and of the level of pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase) of the piglet has been followed from birth to the age of 8 weeks in 10 animals at each of 7 stages. There was an increase with age and body weight of the total fresh weight of the exocrine pancreas. From birth until 4 weeks the development of the pancreatic gland was due to hyperplasia; from the 4th week till the 8th week of age, it was due both to hyperplasia and hypertrophy. There was a specific period, at the age of 3–4 weeks, from which total enzymatic activities markedly increased. Furthermore, from the 4th week of age there was a rise in the intake of total dietary proteins, fat and carbohydrates, due to the intake of solid food.
Urinary Sulfate Excretion in Children with Classic Renal Tubular Acidosis
Authors: Chan James C.M.
Published: November 2008

These studies quantitate the significantly elevated sulfate excretion in the urine of children with classic renal tubular acidosis as compared to six weight-matched controls (1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 mEq/kg/day;p < 0.05).This sulfate loss may result in a subclinical sulfate deficiency which may contribute to a chondroitin sulfate metabolic disorder, and thus contribute to the growth failure in children with renal tubular acidosis. Furthermore, elevated urinary sulfate excretion may be an early diagnostic finding in infancy prior to the manifestation of renal acidification defects. It is not known whether the sulfate loss is related to a primary renal tubular defect or secondary to metabolic acidosis, although the increased sulfate excretion persisting after correction of metabolic acidosis would tend to suggest a primary defect. However, the normal plasma sulfate concentration and the relatively short period of study permit no definitive answer at this time.
Influence of Protein Intake and Renal Function on Plasma Amino Acids in Patients with Renal Impairment and after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Pechar J. , Málek P. , Doberský P. , Skála I. , Jirka J. , Schück O. , Nádvorníková H. , Reneltová I.
Published: November 2008

A group of 17 patients with chronic renal impairment and a group of 11 patients surviving for 3-7 years after kidney transplantation were examined. In all patients plasma amino acids were analyzed. The ratio of essential/nonessential amino acids, the valine/glycine ratio and Whitehead’s quotient are influenced above all by the dietary protein intake. Raised citrulline and 3-methylhistidine values were not influenced by the protein intake, while they correlate with indicators of renal function. Changes detected after kidney transplantation are analogous.
Einfluss einer guarmehlhaltigen Diät auf die Fäkalflora von Ratten
Authors: Münzner R. , Harmuth-Hoene A.-E.
Published: November 2008

Approximately 8–10 days after gum guar was added to the diet of rats, the total bacterial counts in their feces, in particular Clostridium and Lactobacillus, were increased, whereas the number of coliforms was reduced. In contrast to the long, slender, rod-shaped cells in the Gram-stained fecal smears of the control animals, the feces of the gum guar-fed animals showed a predominance of short, broad, Gram-positive rods. When gum guar was omitted from the diet of these animals, their feces could not be distinguished from those of control animals.
Plasma Cholesterol Esterifying Activity in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ostwald R. , Crim M. , Green M. , Meng M.
Published: November 2008

Plasma cholesterol esterifying activity has been measured in guinea pigs fed either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol. The extent of esterification was found to be similar in the cholesterol-fed and control guinea pigs and somewhat lower than in rats. The initial rate of esterification was also of the same magnitude as that found in rats and humans, and unaffected by dietary cholesterol if autologous plasma was used as substrate. However, LCAT activity from cholesterol-fed guinea pigs was significantly higher than that of control plasma when acting on either control or cholesterol-fed substrate. This suggests that dietary cholesterol increases the amount (or activity) of LCAT but that the substrate is unsuitable or that a necessary cofactor is present in limiting amounts. Heat treatment of guinea pig plasma seems to alter substrate availability to varying degrees. The implications of these findings in relation to substrate specificity and cofactor requirements of guinea pig LCAT are discussed.
Metabolism of L-Sorbose in the Rat and the Effect of the Intestinal Microflora on its Utilization Both in the Rat and in the Human
Authors: Würsch Pierre , Welsch Christelle , Arnaud Maurice.J.
Published: November 2008

L-[U-14C]-sorbose was administered orally as single doses to 5 normal rats. The recovery of radioactivity was 5.3% in the urine, 46% in the faeces exclusively as L-sorbose and 16% as carbon dioxide. Caloric utilization was approximately 25%.A second group of 3 rats that had previously received L-sorbose in their diet showed 14C recoveries of 8.9% in the urine, 6.6% in the faeces and 59% as carbon dioxide. The time course of expired carbon dioxide suggests that a portion of L-sorbose was rapidly absorbed and partially metabolized while the principal pathway involved fermentation by the intestinal microflora to volatile fatty acids which were subsequently absorbed and metabolized. The total caloric utilization of L-sorbose was estimated to be 70%. It was observed that a human intestinal microflora also required an adaptation period in order to ferment this sugar. The efficiency of the fermentation was estimated to be 70%.
Tissue Levels and Optimum Dosage of Vitamin C in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ginter E. , Bobek P. , Vargová D.
Published: November 2008

Ascorbic acid mixed with the diet of guinea pigs achieved substantially higher maximum tissue concentrations of ascorbate than when ascorbic acid was administered orally once a day. A 0.5% w/w of ascorbic acid in the diet ensured a state close to maximal tissue steady-state levels of ascorbate. In guinea pigs fed a diet with a high content of saturated fatty acids or with 0.2% w/w of cholesterol, the highest rate of cholesterol transformation into bile acids and the lowest concentration of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum and liver were found in the group fed a diet with 0.5% w/w of ascorbic acid as compared to the marginal-deficiency group and the group receiving 0.05% w/w of ascorbic acid in the diet. Maximal tissue steady-state levels of vitamin C are probably optimal for the guinea pigs’ health.