Is an intestinal permeability test a valid marker for slight dietary transgressions in adolescents with coeliac disease?

Adolescents with coeliac disease often fail to adhere to a strict gluten free diet. The effectiveness of intestinal permeability to sugars as a marker of slight dietary transgressions by such adolescents was assessed. Severe dietary transgressions were excluded from the study. Subjects were divided into two groups according to whether they committed slight dietary transgressions or adhered to a strict gluten free diet. A reference group of preadolescents with coeliac disease was also included in the study. Intestinal permeability and antigliadin antibody tests were performed on all patients. The diagnostic marker of intestinal permeability was excellent in the reference group. Neither the intestinal permeability test nor antigliadin antibody tests, however, succeeded in discriminating between the two groups of adolescents considered in this study. In conclusion the intestinal permeability test is not a valid marker for slight dietary transgression in such patients.     

Methodology and repeatability of a standardised treadmill exercise test for clinical evaluation of fitness in horses

This paper describes the methodology necessary to perform a clinical exercise test and the expected variability in an individual horse's exercise test measurements based on comparing the results of two repetitions of the test with six horses. The exercise test measurements were obtained with an open flow respiratory gas analysis system, fast time response lactate analyser and an on-board heart rate monitor during an incremental inclined treadmill exercise test. With the exception of peak venous lactate concentration (LACpeak), the results indicate that the mean variability in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) peak carbon dioxide production (VCO2peak), peak respiratory exchange ratio (Rpeak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak packed cell volume (PCVpeak), peak total plasma protein (TPPpeak) and the maximum number of steps completed during the exercise test (STEPmax) was less than 5 per cent. Variation in the regression analysis of VO2, VCO2 and HR versus velocity was also less than 5 per cent. Slightly higher variation was recorded for LAC and R. Mean variation in the regression analysis of PCV and TPP versus velocity was more than 16 per cent. Mean variation for all of the post exercise test measurements was less than 10 per cent at 1, 5 and 15 mins post exercise. Therefore, the results obtained during a single exercise test are a reliable assessment of a horse's metabolic capability.     

Coagglutination test: a simple and rapid immunodiagnostic test for parvovirus infection in dogs

Pheochromocytoma is rarely observed during pregnancy and not easily diagnosed, especially since the clinical manifestations may mimic common gravid hypertension. The maternal and fetal prognosis depends on early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management preparing for tumor resection. Appropriate laboratory tests easily provide the positive diagnosis, if they are ordered. The tumor is localized by ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By prescribing an alpha-blocker, it is possible to prepare the resection as a function of term, before or after delivery. This strategy allows a reduction in maternal and fetal mortality which is high if the pheochromocytoma goes undiagnosed.     

Detection and effects of helicobacters in healthy dogs and dogs with signs of gastritis

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence, colonization density, and distribution of helicobacters and gastric histologic findings in healthy dogs and dogs with signs of gastritis; to evaluate association of colonization density and gastric inflammation; and to compare the number of Helicobacter spp with degree of inflammation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional prevalence survey. ANIMALS: 25 healthy dogs and 21 dogs with signs of gastritis. PROCEDURE: During endoscopy, gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from healthy and affected client-owned dogs. Histologic and cytologic evaluation and results of a urease test were used for detecting helicobacters, which were identified definitively by use of transmission electron microscopy and bacterial culture. RESULTS: Helicobacters were detected in all 25 healthy and 20 of 21 affected dogs. Cytologic examination was a more sensitive method than histologic examination or the urease test. Helicobacters were found least frequently and in fewest number in the antrum in both groups of dogs. Gastric inflammation was evident in both groups of dogs and did not differ significantly between groups. A significant association was not detected between colonization density or the number of Helicobacter spp and degree of gastric inflammation. In both groups, H bizzozeronii, H felis, and H salomonis were cultured. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Histologically verified chronic gastritis is common in dogs with signs of gastritis as well as in healthy dogs. Colonization density of helicobacters was not associated with degree of gastric inflammation in the dogs of our study. It remains to be determined whether certain strains of Helicobacter spp can induce gastritis in dogs.     

Concentration- and region-dependent intestinal permeability of fluvastatin in the rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of transport of fluvastatin across the intestinal mucosa in various regions of the intestine in the rat. In-situ single-pass perfusions of the jejunum, ileum and colon were performed and the effective permeability (Peff) of fluvastatin, antipyrine and D-glucose were assessed in each region, at three different perfusate fluvastatin concentrations (1.6, 16 and 160 microM). The effect of lovastatin acid on the bi-directional transport of fluvastatin across the ileal mucosa was also studied. The Peff of fluvastatin was found to be dependent both on the intestinal region and on the concentration in the intestinal lumen (P < 0.001). Fluvastatin had the lowest Peff (0.55 +/- 0.10 x 10(-4) cm s(-1)) in the jejunum at 1.6 microM, and the highest Peff (1.0 +/- 0.16 x 10(-4) cm s(-1)) in the colon at 160 microM. The highest concentration of fluvastatin increased the average absorption of water from the intestine by 209% (P < 0.05), and the average Peff of D-glucose by 29% (P < 0.05). The presence of excess lovastatin acid (100 microM, compared with fluvastatin 1.6 microM) at the luminal side increased the average absorption of water by 218% (P < 0.001), and the Peff of fluvastatin in the ileum and the colon by 44 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.05). The presence of lovastatin acid on the luminal side in the ileum also increased the blood-to-lumen transport (exsorption) of fluvastatin by 43% (P < 0.001). The increased intestinal absorption of fluvastatin at higher concentrations does not suggest that substantial absorption occurs by any carrier-mediated process in the absorptive direction. The increased bi-directional transport when lovastatin acid was added to the lumen suggests that fluvastatin is not a P-glycoprotein substrate. Instead, the concentration-dependent increase in the absorption of fluvastatin, water and D-glucose suggests a direct effect of fluvastatin on the transcellular passive transport.     

Performance benefits of depression: Sequential decision making in a healthy sample and a clinically depressed sample.

Previous research reported conflicting results concerning the influence of depression on cognitive task performance. Whereas some studies reported that depression enhances performance, other studies reported negative or null effects. These discrepant findings appear to result from task variation, as well as the severity and treatment status of participant depression. To better understand these moderating factors, we study the performance of individuals—in a complex sequential decision task similar to the secretary problem—who are nondepressed, depressed, and recovering from a major depressive episode. We find that depressed individuals perform better than do nondepressed individuals. Formal modeling of participants' decision strategies suggested that acutely depressed participants had higher thresholds for accepting options and made better choices than either healthy participants or those recovering from depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reference intervals and biological profile in a group of healthy elderly population in the Paris region

The superimposition of pathological processes on ageing-related metabolic changes makes the interpretation of laboratory data difficult in the elderly. Therefore, in order to establish reference values of anthropometric, hematological and biochemical variables, we have carefully selected fit, health-conscious elderly subjects on the basis of clinical and biological criteria. We observed a trend for a wider range of values than in young adults. For some variables, the values were shifted down (eg: albumin, vitamin D) or up (eg: glucose, urea, cholesterol, ferritin), as a result of slow metabolic changes or progressive functional decline of different organs. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was worthy of note, particularly in women, suggesting a high risk of deficiency.     

The circadian variation of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in clinically healthy cats

The circadian variation of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG, EC 3.2.1.30) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP, EC 2.3.2.2) was evaluated in cats. Urine and blood were collected at 4-hr intervals from adult cats (3 males, 9 females) weighing between 2.6 and 5.0 kg. There was no circadian variation in the urine volume, creatinine clearance, creatinine excretion, NAG excretion or gamma-GTP excretion. The average NAG and gamma-GTP indices in the 4-hr urine were similar to those for the 24-hr urine. However, the variance for the 4-hr urine samples was higher than that of 24-hr urine. In conclusion, although 4-hr urine samples can be used to estimate 24-hr urinary enzyme excretion, short-term spot urine samples may cause increased variation in the enzyme index.     

Effects of iatrogenic blood contamination on results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in clinically normal dogs and dogs with neurologic disease

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects that iatrogenic blood contamination would have on total protein concentration and nucleated cell count in CSF from clinically normal dogs and dogs with neurologic disease. DESIGN: Case-control study. STUDY POPULATION: 53 dogs confirmed to have neurologic disease and 21 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: CSF samples were obtained from the cerebellomedullary cistern or the lumbar portion of the subarachnoid space. Red blood and nucleated cell counts were determined, and protein concentration was measured. RESULTS: RBC count was not significantly correlated with nucleated cell count or protein concentration in clinically normal dogs or dogs with neurologic disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: High CSF nucleated cell counts and protein concentrations are indicative of neurologic disease, even if samples contain moderate amounts of blood contamination.     

Clinical, urodynamic, and histologic effects of urethral intussusception in clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and histologic effects of surgically created urethral intussusception and determine whether it creates a high-pressure zone that resists passive urine flow in clinically normal dogs. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult sexually intact female dogs. PROCEDURE: Urethral pressure profilometry was used to measure maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional profile length (FPL) in dogs sedated with xylazine hydrochloride and atropine before and 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days after surgery. Cystourethral leak point pressure (CLPP) and cystourethral leak point volume (CLPV) were determined in anesthetized dogs immediately before and after surgery. Dogs were assigned to 4 groups of 2 dogs each; groups were euthanatized 4, 14, 28, and 90 days later, and representative tissues were examined. RESULTS: Dog 1 developed complete postoperative urethral obstruction. The procedure was altered, and all dogs recovered without complication. Mild inflammation attributable to surgical manipulation, but not ischemic damage or reduction of the intussusception, was evident. Comparison of preoperative MUCP and FPL with postoperative values did not yield significant differences. Immediate postoperative CLPP and CLPV were significantly higher than preoperative values, but were not significantly increased at euthanasia. A distinct but nonsignificant pressure spike was observed in postoperative urethral pressure profiles and persisted in 7 of 8 dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral intussusception does not have deleterious effects when performed as described. Urodynamic data do not support the premise that urethral intussusception will create a high-pressure zone in the urethra that will resist passive urine flow long term in clinically normal dogs.     

A comparison of orocaecal transit times assessed by the breath hydrogen test and the sulphasalazine/sulphapyridine method in healthy beagle dogs

Orocaecal transit time (OCTT) was assessed in six healthy beagles by means of the breath hydrogen test (BH2T) and the sulphasalazine/sulphapyridine method (SLZ) after the administration of a test meal of canned food mixed with sulphasalazine. Orocaecal transit time was defined as the time taken from the oral administration of the test meal to the time when the first portion of the meal reached the colon. In five of the dogs the OCTTs assessed by the BH2T were shorter than those measured by the SLZ method by 30, 15, 45, 30 and 45 minutes. However, the median OCTT assessed by the BH2T (135 minutes, range 120 to 195 minutes) was not significantly different from that measured by the SLZ (180 minutes, range 150 to 210 minutes) and was highly correlated with it (r = 0.94, P = 0.016). The sixth dog maintained baseline hydrogen and plasma sulphapyridine readings throughout the monitoring period and the OCTT could not be measured.     

Radionuclide studies in intestinal transplantation. Diagnosis of rejection and assessment of permeability

Three patients who received intestinal allografts were studied using two distinct radionuclide investigations. In the first, 111In or 99mTc-labeled leukocyte scanning was performed to assist in the diagnosis of rejection. It was able to demonstrate the occurrence of rejection in the transplanted intestine, and the response to antirejection therapy. In 1 case, the abnormality on the scan preceded the histological confirmation of rejection. The second technique studied mucosal integrity by serial 51Cr-EDTA/14C-mannitol permeability tests. These studies demonstrated the initial marked impairment and the slow return to normal function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. In 1 patient, this occurred by 91 days; in another, it took 232 days. A single assay performed in the third patient at the time of allograft rejection was also abnormal. Both radionuclide tests were helpful in the care of these complicated cases.     

Plasma concentrations and cardiovascular influence of lidocaine infusions during isoflurane anesthesia in healthy dogs and dogs with subaortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the plasma concentrations and cardiovascular changes that occur in healthy dogs and dogs with aortic stenosis that are given an infusion of lidocaine during isoflurane anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Phase 1, controlled randomized cross-over trial; Phase 2, before and after trial ANIMALS: Phase 1, 6 healthy dogs (4 female, 2 male) weighing 23.8 +/- 7.4 kg; Phase 2, 7 dogs (4 female, 3 male) with moderate to severe subaortic stenosis (confirmed by Doppler echocardiography) weighing 31.1 +/- 14.5 kg. METHODS: After mask induction, intubation, and institution of positive pressure ventilation, instrumentation was performed to measure hemodynamic variables. After baseline, measurement at an end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 1.9% (phase 1) or 1.85% (phase 2), a loading dose infusion of lidocaine at 400 microg/kg/min was given. Phase 1: Maintenance doses of lidocaine were administered consecutively (40, 120, and 200 microg/kg/min) after the loading dose (given for 10, 10, and 5 minutes, respectively) in advance of each maintenance concentrations. Measurements were taken at the end of each loading dose and at 25 and 35 minutes during each maintenance level. The same animals on a different day were given dextrose 5% and acted as the control. Phase 2: Dogs were studied on a single occasion during an infusion of lidocaine at 120 microg/kg/ min given after the loading dose (10 minutes). Measurements occurred after the loading dose and at 25 and 35 minutes. A blood sample for lidocaine concentration was taken at 70 minutes. Data were compared using a one-way ANOVA for phase 1, and between phase 1 and 2. Statistical analysis for phase 2 was performed using a paired t-test with a Bonferroni correction. A P value < or = .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Phase 1: Plasma lidocaine concentrations achieved with 40, 120, and 200 microg of lidocaine/kg/min were 2.70, 5.27, and 7.17 microg/mL, respectively. A significant increase in heart rate (HR) (all concentrations), central venous pressure (CVP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and a decrease in stroke index (SI) (200 microg/kg/min) were observed. An increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean PAP, and a decrease in SI also followed the loading dose given before the 200 microg/kg/min infusion. No other significant differences from the control measurements, during dextrose 5% infusion alone, were detected. Phase 2: Plasma lidocaine concentrations achieved were 5.35, 4.23, 4.23, and 5.60 microg/mL at 10, 25, 35, and 70 minutes, respectively. They were not significantly different from concentrations found in our healthy dogs at the same infusions. A significant but small increase in CVP compared with baseline was noted after the loading dose. There were no significant differences from baseline shown in all other cardiovascular data. There were no statistically significant differences in any measurements taken during the lidocaine infusion between the dogs in phase 1 and phase 2. Dogs with aortic stenosis tended to have a lower cardiac index than healthy dogs at baseline (88 v 121 mL/kg/min) and during lidocaine infusion (81 v 111 mL/kg/min). A small, statistically significant difference in systolic PAP was present at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: There does not appear to be any detrimental cardiovascular effects related to an infusion of lidocaine at 120 microg/kg/min during isoflurane anesthesia in healthy dogs or dogs with aortic stenosis. The technique used in this study resulted in therapeutic plasma concentrations of lidocaine.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Methods shown in the study can be used in clinical cases to achieve therapeutic lidocaine levels without significant cardiovascular depression during isoflurane anesthesia.     

Electromyographic studies on gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition in dogs (author's transl)

The gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition were studied electromyographically in dogs. The action potentials were recorded from the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus and the duodenum before and after insertion of warm water. Studies were made on the frequency, the propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the portions mentioned above, and the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal porition of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The frequency of the spike-bursts found in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum showed a remarkable increase after insertion of warm water. 2) The propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum were accelerated after insertion of warm water. 3) There were observed a moderate increase in the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal portion of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum after insertion of warm water. These findings suggested that the motor function of the interposed jejunal segment, that of the preserving pylorus, and that of the duodenum after pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition might be kept not yet injured enough to transport the contents from the interposed jejunal segment into the duodenum.     

Laryngeal electromyography is a cost-effective clinically useful tool in the evaluation of vocal fold function

Primary cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE-cells) were established to measure granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) release. HBE-cells showed a basal GM-CSF release (82+/-20 ng/well/24 h; 30 donors), which was increased by interleukin-1 beta(IL-1beta, 1 ng/ml) by 270%. This effect was blocked by 1 microM dactinomycin or 10 microM cycloheximide, i.e. the stimulatory effect of IL-1beta depended on de-novo synthesis. Histamine (100 microM) and acetylcholine ( 100 nM) stimulated GM-CSF release more than two-fold above the baseline. Nicotine (1 microM) increased GM-CSF release to a similar extent, and this effect was prevented by 30 microM (+)-tubocurarine. The stimulatory effect was attenuated or even lost with high agonist concentrations (10 microM acetylcholine; 100 microM nicotine) suggesting receptor desensitization. The muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine did not affect GM-CSF release. Serotonin, substance P and calcitonin-gene related peptide had no effect on GM-CSF release. In conclusion, acetylcholine can trigger GM-CSF release from human airway epithelial cells via stimulation of nicotinic receptors.     

Social categorization as a function of latitude of acceptance and series range.

The categories used when Ss select their number and labels were studied in a 2 X 2 X 2 design as a function of latitudes of acceptance prevailing in 2 populations (American Indian and non-Indian), the range of the stimulus series, and the social value of the objects. Category widths and scale centers used by Ss from the 2 populations for neutral series (numerals) did not differ significantly, but those for valued series (monetary values) did. When the valued series range exceeded the latitude of acceptance (independently estimated), the assimilation of higher values which occurred was limited by initial population differences in latitude of acceptance. More discrepant values were accumulated into a broad objectionable category (contrast). (25 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correlation of intestinal structure and function in HIV infection

The gastrointestinal tract has great importance in HIV infection because of its role as a primary barrier to the external environment and consequent need for effective immune function. Many factors promote the development of diarrhea in HIV-infected individuals. Understanding the genesis of the symptom is key to formulating effective therapy. Ultimate control of the problem depends on preventing HIV replication and immune depletion, as well as avoiding the development of opportunistic enteric infections in patients with severe immune deficiency.     

Effect of age and sex on the prevalence of intestinal parasitism in dogs

The effects of age, sex, and neutering on the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitism were evaluated by fecal examination of 1,468 pet dogs admitted to the University of Missouri Veterinary Teaching Hospital during 1975. Evidence of hookworm infection was encountered in 35.8% of the dogs examined, whipworms in 18.5%, ascarids in 17.9%, tapeworms in 5.2%, and coccidia in 4.5%. Evidence of intestinal parasitism was not detected in 653 (44.4%) dogs. Whipworm infections were detected less often in young dogs than in older ones, whereas ascarid and coccidial infections were more prevalent in pups that in mature dogs. In dogs more than 6 months old, hookworm infections were the most common parasitism. Tapeworm infections were diagnosed sporadically in all age groups. For most of these parasites, castrated males and spayed females had decreased prevalence of infection, compared with their respective intact counterparts. There were significant (P less than 0.05) differences in the prevalence of both ascarid and hookworm infections between intact and spayed female dogs. Also, there were significant (P less than 0.001) differences between age categories for all parasites observed. Overall, parasitism tended to decrease with age.