Absorption of macronutrients and nitrogen balance in children with dysentery fed an amylase-treated energy-dense porridge

The aim of this study was to determine the absorption of macronutrients and energy from an energy-dense diet liquefied with amylase from germinated wheat (ARF) in children suffering from acute dysentery. Thirty male children aged 6-35 months presenting with acute dysentery were randomly assigned to receive either an ARF-treated porridge or a standard porridge liquefied with water to make its consistency similar to the ARF porridge. After 24-h stabilization a 72-h metabolic balance was performed. Sixteen children received an ARF-treated porridge and 14 received a standard porridge liquefied with water. The mean +/- SD coefficients of absorption (%) of carbohydrate, fat, protein and energy (ARF porridge vs regular porridge) were 81.4 +/- 11 vs 86.9 +/- 7, 86.1 +/- 10 vs 82.8 +/- 15, 57.3 +/- 12 vs 48.4 +/- 24 and 81.4 +/- 9 vs 83.1 +/- 8, respectively. The stool loss of carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy was similar in the two groups. The net absorption of energy was substantially greater in the ARF-fed than regular porridge-fed children (by 28%, p = 0.01). The nitrogen balance was 6.9 +/- 3.4 mg kg(-1) d(-1) in the ARF porridge group and 1.1 +/- 6.7 mg kg(-1) d(-1) in the regular porridge group (p = 0.01). These results show that, despite being hyperosmolar, an amylase-treated liquefied energy-dense porridge is absorbed as well as a regular porridge by malnourished children with severe dysentery. Consequently, its use substantially increased the absorption of a net amount of macronutrients and resulted in a better nitrogen balance. These results further support this innovative approach of feeding sick children in developing countries.     

Primary prevention of diabetes mellitus by prevention of obesity in monkeys

Many, but not all, adult rhesus monkeys spontaneously develop significant increases in body fat mass, and many, but not all, progress to develop overt adult-onset type II diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether both an increase in body fat and onset of diabetes could be simultaneously prevented through long-term maintenance of stable normal adult body weight by caloric titration. Eight adult male monkeys were provided a complete normal chow diet, but with daily amounts restricted and titrated on a weekly basis to maintain a constant body weight (weight-stabilized group). This regimen has been continued for 5-9 yr (mean +/- SD of 7 +/- 0.5 yr) with monkeys attaining the age of 17.9 +/- 0.6 yr and with maintenance of normal body fat (17.7 +/- 1.8%). The age-matched ad libitum fed group (18.1 +/- 0.2 yr of age) consisted of 19 monkeys maintained under identical laboratory conditions and diet, but with food available ad libitum. Results showed weight-stabilized monkeys weighed significantly less than ad libitum fed monkeys (10.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 16.1 +/- 0.7 kg, respectively, P < 0.05) and had significantly better glucose tolerance as measured by Kglucose (glucose disappearance rate) (3.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.2, P +/- 0.05). Of the 19 ad libitum fed age-matched monkeys, 4 were overtly diabetic, and 6 others had significantly reduced glucose tolerance. Hyperinsulinemia did not develop in the weight-stabilized group, and beta-cell response to glucose remained normal; both were significantly different from the exaggerated levels of the ad libitum fed group (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Early intervention and prevention of anxiety disorders in children: Results at 2-year follow-up.

The Queensland Early Intervention and Prevention of Anxiety Project evaluated a child- and family-focused group intervention for preventing anxiety problems in children. This article reports on 12- and 24-mo follow-up data to previously reported outcomes at posttreatment and at 6-mo follow-up. A total of 1,786 7- to 14-year-olds were screened for anxiety problems using teacher nominations and children's self-report. After diagnostic interviews, 128 children were selected and assigned to either a 10-week school-based child- and parent-focused psychosocial intervention or a monitoring group. Both groups showed improvements immediately at postintervention and at 6-mo follow-up; the improvement was maintained in the intervention group only, reducing the rate of existing anxiety disorder and preventing the onset of new anxiety disorders. At 12 mo, the groups converged, but the superiority of the intervention group was evident again at 2-year follow-up. Severity of pretreatment diagnoses, gender, and parental anxiety predicted poor initial response to intervention, whereas pretreatment severity was the only predictor of chronicity at 24 mo. Overall, follow-up results show that a brief school-based intervention for children can produce durable reductions in anxiety problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mannitol at clinical concentrations activates multiple signaling pathways and induces apoptosis in endothelial cells

To examine the characteristics of Ha?ssaguerre's slow potential (SP) specific to effective catheter ablation of the slow pathway in AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, the properties of SP and its recording site were analyzed in 52 patients who underwent successful SP-guided ablation. The properties of SP included the ratio of the amplitude of SP to that of atrial potential (A)(SP/A), the SP duration, the interval between His-bundle potential (HP) and SP (HP-SP), the interval between A and SP (A-SP), the interval between SP and ventricular potential (V) (SP-V), and the ratio of A-SP to the interval between A and the V (A-SP/A-V). The SP recording site was determined by the ratio of the amplitude of A to that of V (A/V) and by the relative position of the ablation catheter on X ray (right anterior oblique projection), expressed as the ratio of the distance between the coronary sinus ostium and SP site to that between the coronary sinus ostium and HP recording site (relative SP position). Twenty-eight slow pathways were ablated with a single energy application, while the other 24 required applications > or = 2. In all successful applications, SP/A, SP duration, HP-SP, A-SP, SP-V, A-SP/A-V, A/V, and relative SP position were 51% +/- 25%, 28 +/- 5 ms, -11 +/- 9 ms, 57 +/- 25 ms, 68 +/- 13 ms, 46% +/- 9%, 15% +/- 13%, and 51% +/- 13%, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the relative SP position and A-SP, and between the relative SP position and A-SP/A-V (r = 0.60 and 0.37, respectively), while it was not between the relative SP position and HP-SP, nor between the relative SP position and SP-V. When the characteristics of SP were comparatively analyzed between the effective and ineffective applications in 24 patients in whom applications > or = 2 were required, there was no difference observed in HP-SP, A-SP, SP-V, A-SP/A-V, and A/V. However, SP/A, SP duration, and the relative SP position in the effective applications were all greater than those in the ineffective ones (56% +/- 20% vs 35% +/- 18%, P < 0.001; 29 +/- 4 vs 26 +/- 5 ms, P < 0.01; and 52% +/- 15% vs 33% +/- 11%, P < 0.001, respectively). These results indicate that SP with an amplitude over a half of A amplitude and recorded at the mid-septum of the tricuspid annulus can be a marker for successful slow pathway ablation. Although the local atrial electrogram appears late as the SP recording site shifts to the lower position, the timing of SP relative to HP and V remained unchanged, suggesting that SP is independent of the local atrial activation.     

Modulation of renal kallikrein production by dietary protein in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Renal kallikrein levels and excretion rates are increased in insulin-treated diabetic rats with hyperfiltration, and inhibition of kallikrein or blockade of kinin receptors reduces GFR and RPF. In contrast, insulin-deprived severely (SD) diabetic rats that display renal vasoconstriction show reduced levels and excretion rates of renal kallikrein. In these two models, dietary protein manipulation was utilized to study further the relationships between renal kallikrein and renal hemodynamic regulation. Insulin-deprived SD and insulin-treated moderately diabetic (MD) rats were fed a low (9%), normal (25%), and a high (50%) protein diet. In SD rats fed the 50% protein diet, GFR, RPF, and kallikrein excretion rate were increased compared with SD rats fed the 25% protein diet (GFR, 2.66 +/- 0.16 versus 1.74 +/- 0.30 mL/min; RPF, 7.78 +/- 0.58 versus 5.14 +/- 1.03 mL/min; total kallikrein, 248 +/- 24 versus 120 +/- 30 micrograms/24 h, SD 50% versus SD 25%, respectively; P < 0.005). In MD rats fed the 9% protein diet, GFR, RPF, and kallikrein excretion rate were significantly reduced compared with MD 25% protein-fed rats (GFR, 1.54 +/- 0.07 versus 1.95 +/- 0.09 mL/min; RPF, 5.58 +/- 0.35 versus 7.81 +/- 0.35 mL/min; total kallikrein, 119 +/- 8.3 versus 219 +/- 15 micrograms/24 h, MD 9% versus MD 25%, respectively; P < 0.005). Protein restriction in normal nondiabetic rats resulted in a twofold decrease in kallikrein mRNA levels. These findings suggest that the renal hemodynamic response to dietary protein manipulation in diabetic rats could be mediated via changes in renal kallikrein-kinin system activity.     

Effects of two low-fat diets, high and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, on plasma lipid peroxides and serum vitamin E levels in free-living hypercholesterolaemic men

Diet enriched with polyunsaturated fat may increase the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. Therefore the effects of two low-fat diets on plasma lipid peroxides in free-living mildly hypercholesterolaemic men (n = 37) were investigated in a randomized single-blind 28-week study. Composition of the diets were (1) American Heart Association (AHA) type 32/10:8:8 (indicating percentages of energy from total fat/saturated fat:monoenes:polyenes in actual diet); (2) low-fat 30/12:8:3. The subjects kept 3-day dietary records five times during the study to estimate the intake of nutrients. Plasma lipid peroxides were measured photometrically as the thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances (TBARS). Levels of serum vitamin E during the study were also determined. Mean change (+/- SD) in serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was similar in both groups (-0.32 +/- 0.76 vs -0.32 +/- 0.87 mmol/l) (AHA type vs low-fat). Level of TBARS decreased (P < 0.05) during the AHA type diet (-8.4 +/- 37.1%) (mean +/- SD) and increased (P = 0.228) during the low-fat diet (+8.7 +/- 27.0%) from 0 to 6 months. The mean intake of total active tocopherols was greater (14.7 +/- 3.7 mg) during the AHA type diet compared to the low-fat diet (7.8 +/- 2.1 mg). Serum vitamin E to LDL cholesterol ratio increased from 8.9 +/- 2.9 to 9.6 +/- 2.4 nmol/mmol (0 vs 6 months) (P = 0.07) during the AHA type diet and from 8.6 +/- 2.6 to 9.3 +/- 2.4 nmol/mmol (P = 0.159) during the low-fat diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Zinc metabolism and requirement in Chinese preschool children consuming different diets

Zinc metabolism of children differs due to diet and this can affect zinc requirement. We used the balance method to study zinc metabolism in 11 Chinese preschool children (six males and five females, 5.5-6.5 y old with a mean age of 6 y) of normal zinc status as judged by comprehensive criteria before and after they were fed a balanced diet. Zinc intakes and excretions via feces, urine, whole body surface and hair were determined in each subject. After all subjects consumed a balanced diet for 3 wk, losses of zinc in feces and urine increased from 3.77 +/- 0.62 mg/d to 5.28 +/- 0.92 mg/d (P < 0.05) and 0.19 +/- 0.05 mg/d to 0.23 +/- 0.05 mg/d (P < 0.05), respectively, as dietary zinc intakes increased from 5.38 +/- 0.71 mg/d to 7.12 +/- 0.64 mg/d (P < 0.05). Whole body surface zinc loss did not change (0.25 +/- 0.07 mg/d vs 0.27 +/- 0.09 mg/d (P = 0.57). Hair zinc loss was 5.26 +/- 2.49 microgram/d. Post-treatment, zinc excretions via feces, urine and whole body surface positively correlated with dietary zinc intakes (0.68-0.88, P < 0.05). Zinc retention did not change (1.17 +/- 0.78 mg/d vs 1.35 +/- 0.52 mg/d, P = 0.53) with balanced diet treatment. After treatment zinc metabolism in these children was positive and stable. The absorbed zinc, 1.84 +/- 0.47 mg/d, was considered their absolute zinc requirement. Assuming that zinc availability is 20%, the zinc requirement in the daily diet of Chinese preschool children should be 9.23 +/- 2.35 mg/d (6.88-11.58 mg/d).     

Inhibitory effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin and piroxicam on 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male ACI/N rats

The modifying effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin (IMC) and piroxicam (PC) on hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) were investigated in male ACI/N rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups: group 1 was fed a diet containing 200 ppm AAF for 16 weeks, starting at 6 weeks of age; group 2 was fed an AAF together with 130 ppm PC-containing diet; group 3 received an AAF diet and IMC (10 ppm) in their drinking water; group 4 was fed a PC diet alone; group 5 was given IMC alone; and group 6 served as controls. The PC diet, or the drinking water containing IMC, was given to the rats starting at 5 weeks of age until 1 week after the carcinogen exposure. At termination of the experiment (week 36), the incidences of iron-excluding altered liver cell foci (24.2 +/- 5.2/cm2) and liver cell tumors (1/10, 10%), and the tumor multiplicity (0.10/rat) in rats of group 2 were significantly smaller than those of group 1 (foci incidence, 42.6 +/- 6.7/cm2; tumor incidence, 10/10, 100%; and multiplicity, 4.00/rat) (P < 0.05). Similarly, the incidence of iron-excluding hepatocellular foci (27.4 < 1.2/cm2) and liver cell tumors (1/10, 10%) and the tumor multiplicity (0.10/rat) in rats of group 3 were significantly lower than those of group 1 (P < 0.05). There were no liver cell lesions (foci and neoplasms) in rats of groups 4, 5 and 6. Thus, PC and IMC inhibited the hepatocarcinogenesis induced by AAF when administered concurrently with the carcinogen and the results may indicate possible involvement of altered arachidonic metabolism in the initiation phase of AAF-induced liver carcinogenesis.     

An orphan nuclear receptor activated by pregnanes defines a novel steroid signaling pathway

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of 28 d of creatine supplementation during training on body composition, strength, sprint performance, and hematological profiles. METHODS: In a double-blind and randomized manner, 25 NCAA division IA football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28 d during resistance/agility training (8 h x wk[-1]) with a Phosphagen HP (Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO) placebo (P) containing 99 g x d(-1) of glucose, 3 g x d(-1) of taurine, 1.1 g x d(-1) of disodium phosphate, and 1.2 g x d(-1) of potassium phosphate (P) or Phosphagen HP containing the P with 15.75 g x d(-1) of HPCE pure creatine monohydrate (HP). Before and after supplementation, fasting blood samples were obtained; total body weight, total body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed a maximal repetition test on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power clean; and subjects performed a cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery). RESULTS: Hematological parameters remained within normal clinical limits for active individuals with no side effects reported. Total body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HP group (P 0.85 +/- 2.2; HP 2.42 +/- 1.4 kg) while no differences were observed in the percentage of total body water. DEXA scanned body mass (P 0.77 +/- 1.8; HP 2.22 +/- 1.5 kg) and fat/bone-free mass (P 1.33 +/- 1.1; HP 2.43 +/- 1.4 kg) were significantly increased in the HP group. Gains in bench press lifting volume (P -5 +/- 134; HP 225 +/- 246 kg), the sum of bench press, squat, and power clean lifting volume (P 1,105 +/- 429; HP 1,558 +/- 645 kg), and total work performed during the first five 6-s sprints was significantly greater in the HP group. CONCLUSION: The addition of creatine to the glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement promoted greater gains in fat/bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume, and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training.     

Carvedilol, a new beta adrenoreceptor blocker and free radical scavenger, attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Oxygen-derived free radicals play a critical role in atherogenesis and reperfusion injury. The present experiment evaluated the effects of carvedilol, a new beta adrenoreceptor blocker with potent free radical-scavenging activity, on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model. New Zealand rabbits were fed a normal diet, a high-cholesterol diet, or a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with 1200 ppm carvedilol or propranolol. Eight weeks later, the rabbits were subjected to 60 min of myocardial ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The nontreated cholesterol-fed animals experienced greater cardiac damage after ischemia and reperfusion than rabbits fed a normal diet (necrosis 51% +/- 4% vs. 28% +/- 3% in the normal-diet group, P < .01). In addition, nontreated cholesterol-fed rabbits showed a significantly decreased vasorelaxant response to ACh in U-46619-precontracted aortic rings (56% +/- 5% vs 90% +/- 3% in the control group, P < .001). Treatment with propranolol neither preserved endothelial function after cholesterol feeding nor reduced neutrophil accumulation in ischemic-reperfused myocardial tissue. Propranolol treatment did significantly decrease HR, pressure-rate index and infarct size (necrosis 33% +/- 4%). Despite their having essentially identical effects on HR and pressure-rate index, carvedilol exerted more profound cardiac protective effects than propranolol (necrosis 19% +/- 3%). Moreover, carvedilol treatment significantly preserved aortic endothelial function and markedly reduced neutrophil accumulation in ischemic-reperfused myocardial tissue. These results indicate that in addition to its beta blocking activity, the antioxidant and endothelial protective activities of carvedilol contributed significantly to its cardiac protective effects after ischemia and reperfusion.     

Effects of diet plus exercise on weight change in parents and children.

Obese children (aged 8–12 yrs) and parents from 53 families were randomly assigned to 3 groups: diet, diet plus exercise, and no-treatment control. At 6 mo, parents and children in both treatment groups had equal and significantly better weight change than members of the control group. At 1 yr, however, parents given diet plus exercise showed better weight losses than parents given diet alone. No treatment group differences were found for children after 1 yr. Parent and child weight changes observed during the 1st 6 mo of treatment were highly correlated, but those observed during Months 6–22 were uncorrelated. Discriminant analyses showed that initial relative weight was the best predictor of 12-mo relative weight for both parents and children but that exposure to the exercise program during treatment was a predictor of maintenance of nonobesity. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Laryngeal mask airway vs face mask and Guedel airway during pediatric myringotomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative conditions when a face mask and Guedel oral airway (FM-OA) or a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) are used to maintain airway patency during bilateral myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes (BMT). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial in children's hospital tertiary-care operating rooms. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty healthy children undergoing BMT procedures during halothane--nitrous oxide (N2O) anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: During BMT we managed the airway by inserting a Guedel oral airway or an LMA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We recorded the time taken to insert the airway device along with oxygen saturation during the operation and time from the end of surgery to eye opening, response to commands, and home readiness. In addition the surgeon assessed perioperative conditions on a 10-point scale (1, poor, through 10, excellent). RESULTS: Although insertion of the LMA took longer than the Guedel oral airway (mean +/- SD, 9 +/- 2 seconds vs 6 +/- 2 seconds; P < .05), no differences were noted in the actual operating, anesthesia, or recovery times. However, the frequency of hypoxemic episodes was decreased (8% vs 36%, P < .05) and the lowest recorded oxygen saturations were higher (mean +/- SD, 95% +/- 7% vs 88% +/- 12%; P < .05) in the LMA group than in the FM-OA group. Surgeons rated perioperative conditions better when the LMA was used (median score, 9 vs 8; P < .05). CONCLUSION: The LMA is an excellent alternative to the FM-OA technique for airway maintenance in children undergoing BMT procedures during halothane--N2O anesthesia.     

Biochemical effects of calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women: influence of dietary calcium intake

We studied the biochemical effects of calcium supplementation during a 2-mo course in postmenopausal women (x +/- SD: 64 +/- 5 y of age and 14.5 +/- 6.7 y since menopause). The effects on calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling were assessed after 1 and 2 mo of daily administration of either calcium carbonate (1200 mg elemental Ca/d, n = 60) or a placebo (n = 56). The daily dietary calcium intake assessed before the beginning of calcium supplementation was 786 mg/d. We found a significant inverse relation between baseline intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and dietary calcium intake before supplementation (r = -0.48, P = 0.0002). A significant increase in urinary excretion of pyridinoline was observed when the dietary calcium intake was lower than the median value. Calcium supplementation resulted in a significant increase in 24-h urinary calcium (39%, P < 0.02) and a significant reduction of bone alkaline phosphatase at 2 mo and of all bone-resorption markers (hydroxyproline, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline) at I and 2 mo without significant changes in 44-68 PTH fragments or iPTH concentrations. When the dietary calcium intake was low (mean +/- SD: 576 +/- 142 mg/d), calcium supplementation was responsible for a greater increase in urinary calcium excretion and a greater decrease in markers of bone turnover. The greatest variations were observed for deoxypyridinoline at 1 and 2 mo (-18.5%, P < 0.05) and for pyridinoline at 1 mo (-16.3%, P < 0.01). Two months of calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women was efficient in reducing markers of bone turnover, with a greater effect in women with a low dietary calcium intake.     

Short-term effect of testosterone treatment on reduced bone density in boys with constitutional delay of puberty

We studied bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), cortical thickness/total width (CT/TW) ratio and cortical area/total area (CA/TA) ratio in boys with constitutional delay of puberty and the effect of short-term testosterone treatment on bone mass. Seventeen boys (age 13.1-15.8 years) who met the family history and the clinical criteria of constitutional delay of puberty were selected and enrolled in the study. All subjects were eating a diet assuring an adequate intake of calories and calcium. A subset of 8 boys (group A) was treated with testosterone depot (100 mg/month x 6 months) while 9 boys (group B) were not. At inclusion, BMC and BMD were reduced in the patients according to their chronological age (BMC -4.04 +/- 1.34 standard deviation scores [SDS]; BMD -2.95 +/- 0.56 SDS), statural age (BMC -1.75 +/- 0.79 SDS; BMD -1.69 +/- 0.78 SDS), and bone age (BMC -1.80 +/- 0.65 SDS; BMD -1.86 +/- 0.68 SDS). No significant differences between the groups were found (group A: BMC 0.480 +/- 0.57 g/cm, BMD 0.488 +/- 0.037 g/cm2, CT/TW ratio 0.43 +/- 0.4, CA/TA ratio 0.68 +/- 0.04; group B: BMC 0.476 +/- 0.060, p = NS vs. group A; BMD 0.491 +/- 0.036 g/cm2, p = NS vs. group A). At 12 months of follow-up, BMC, BMD, CT/TW ratio, and CA/TA ratio significantly increased in group A (BMC 0.70 +/- 0.13 g/cm, delta +41.1 +/- 28.8%, p < 0.003 vs. 0 month; BMD 0.617 +/- 0.082 g/cm2, delta +26.2 +/- 13.6%, p < 0.005 vs. 0 month; CT/TW ratio 0.52 +/- 0.05, delta +20.59 +/- 10.65%, p < 0.001 vs. 0 month; CA/TA ratio 0.77 +/- 0.05 vs. 0 month; CT/TW ratio 13.60 +/- 6.65%, p < 0.004 vs 0 month), but not in group B (BMC: 0.48 +/- 0.05 g/cm; delta +5.1 7.8%, p = NS vs. 00 month; BMD: 0.492 +/- 0.037 g/cm2; delta +0.54 +/- 8.7%, p = NS vs. 0 month; CT/TW ratio 0.44 +/- 0.04, delta +4.04 +/- 6.75%, p = NS vs. 0 month; CA/TA ratio 0.68 +/- 0.05, delta +2.39 +/- 5.90%, p = NS vs. 0 month). We conclude that boys with constitutional delay of puberty have reduced BMC and BMD. The delay in statural and bone ages did not totally account for the decreased bone mass. Testosterone treatment for 6 months significantly increased BMC, BMD, CT/TW ratio, and CA/TA ratio in these patients, but definitive conclusions on the efficacy of the treatment in improving adult bone mass can be drawn only when our patients reach early childhood.     

The effects of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH, SM-9500, genotropin) on growth failure in children with uremia. Japanese Multi-Center Study (Genotropin) Group on Children with Renal Disease

We treated 90 pediatric patients with chronic renal failure with recombinant growth hormone (r-hGH) for 12 months to improve their growth retardation due to uremia. They were divided into two groups, non-dialyzed and dialyzed children. The dose of r-hGH was 0.5 or 1.0 IU/kg/week in dialyzed children. After 12 months of the treatment using r-hGH, growth velocity was significantly increased in any group of children. Growth velocity was stimulated to about twice as much as before treatment (that were: in non-dialyzed group, 4.2 +/- 2.6cm/year vs. 6.2 +/- 2.0cm/year, P < 0.05, in dialyzed children treated with 0.51U of r-hGH: 2.7 +/- 1.8cm/year vs. 5.2 +/- 2.6cm/year, P < 0.001, and in dialyzed children treated with 1.01U of r-hGH: 3.0 +/- 1.5cm/year vs. 6.3 +/- 2.2cm/year, P < 0.001). No severe side effects was noted and no disturbance of renal function. Our results were consistent with those reported from Europe and USA. We conclude that r-hGH treatment is very effective in improving retarded growth in children with renal disease.     

Energy metabolism in weight-stable postobese individuals

A low metabolic rate for a given body size and body composition and a low ratio of fat to carbohydrate oxidation predict body weight gain. Such metabolic traits could also explain, in part, the propensity of previously obese (postobese) individuals to regain weight after dieting. We studied 11 postobese volunteers (4 males, 7 females; aged 43 +/- 13 y, weighing 80.6 +/- 10.2 kg, with 30 +/- 7% body fat; x +/- SD) who lost 57 +/- 38 kg (23-139 kg) over 14 +/- 12 mo (6-48 mo) on various diet programs and had maintained this weight loss for > or = 2 mo (2-72 mo; 21 +/- 27 mo). After > or = 2 d of a weight-maintenance diet on a metabolic ward, 24-h energy expenditure and ratio of fat to carbohydrate oxidation were measured in a respiratory chamber. Compared with a control group (n = 110) with similar physical characteristics (aged 43 +/- 14 y, weighing 79.5 +/- 11.4 kg, with 30 +/- 12% body fat), [sequence: see text] postobese individuals had similar energy expenditures adjusted for fat-free mass, fat mass, age, and sex, but significantly higher respiratory quotients over 24 h (0.883 +/- 0.026 compared with 0.863 +/- 0.024, P < 0.01) and during sleep, 10 h after the last meal (0.894 +/- 0.063 compared with 0.845 +/- 0.055). These results suggest that postobese individuals have low rates of fat oxidation that may explain their propensity to regain weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of cDNA encoding full-length mouse platelet glycoprotein IX

To determine the efficacy and safety of early coronary stenting for unstable angina, we studied 91 consecutive patients with unstable angina. Thirty-one patients underwent stenting 72 h or more after admission, and another 60 patients underwent stenting within 72 h of admission. The clinical and angiographic follow-up had been done for 6 mo. There were no differences between the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics of both groups. The maximum balloon pressure was higher (14.1 +/- 1.2 vs. 12.6 +/- 0.9, P < 0.01) and the hospital stay was shorter (9.7 +/- 2.7 vs. 18.7 +/- 5.8 d, P < 0.0001) in the early stenting group. These two groups were similar in the clinical success rate (90.0% vs. 93.5%), without any abrupt closure, subacute thrombosis, death, myocardial infarction, or coronary bypass surgery. These findings indicate that early stenting can be useful in patients with unstable angina.     

Effect of smoking on the long-term course of ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of smoking on the long term clinical course in patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: The medical charts of 556 patients with ulcerative colitis were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified as smokers (n = 85) or nonsmokers (n = 471) according to their smoking status during the course of the disease. Extent of colonic lesions, complications, medical requirements, and actuarial rate of colectomy were compared in smokers and nonsmokers. RESULTS: Mean follow-up (+/- SD) was longer in smokers than in nonsmokers (116 +/- 107 mo, vs 87 +/- 94 mo.). Less smokers than nonsmokers required oral steroids (52 vs 63%, P = 0.05). No difference between the groups was observed regarding the use of salicylates, the need for intravenous steroids, for immunosuppressive drugs, for colectomy, and the occurrence of complications. The actuarial rate of colectomy was less in smokers than in nonsmokers (32 +/- 12% and 42 +/- 6% at 10 years respectively. P = 0.04). Initial and cumulative extent of the disease process did not differ between the groups. However, in the subgroup of patients with limited disease at onset, development of pancolitis was less frequent in smokers than in nonsmokers (14 and 26%, respectively, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The lesser need for oral steroids and the lower actuarial rate of colectomy in smokers suggest that ulcerative colitis in smokers is characterized by a less severe clinical presentation and a better long term prognosis than in nonsmokers.