Effect of improved vitamin A status on response to iron supplementation in Pakistani infants

We report an apparently protective effect of vitamin A in infants who received iron supplements (15 mg/d) for 3 mo. Those receiving iron showed increases in hemoglobin (8 g/L), ferritin (3.7 micrograms/L), and the acute-phase protein alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT; 0.06 g/L). In both the placebo and iron-supplemented groups there were increases in plasma retinol, lutein, alpha-tocopherol, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G. The improvement in vitamin A status could only have been from a seasonal increase in dietary sources of vitamin A, eg, breast milk and early weaning foods, and there were no obvious effects on iron utilization (hemoglobin concentrations). However, in the infants receiving iron, those whose retinol concentrations increased also showed reductions in ACT, ferritin, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M. Vitamin A is well known for its antiinfective properties and we suggest that these observations illustrate the importance of even small increases in dietary vitamin A or differences in vitamin A status in reducing the potentially toxic effects of iron supplements in persons in developing countries. These conclusions should now be confirmed with an intervention study to show that the benefits of vitamin A on iron status are due to reduced levels of infection.     

Computer-assisted diagnosis based on computer-based image interpretation and 3D-visualization

PURPOSE: To survey methods for 3D data visualization and image analysis which can be used for computer based diagnostics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methods available are explained in short terms and links to the literature are presented. Methods which allow basic manipulation of 3D data are windowing, rotation and clipping. More complex methods for visualization of 3D data are multiplanar reformation, volume projections (MIP, semi-transparent projections) and surface projections. Methods for image analysis comprise local data transformation (e.g. filtering) and definition and application of complex models (e.g. deformable models). RESULTS: Volume projections produce an impression of the 3D data set without reducing the data amount. This supports the interpretation of the 3D data set and saves time in comparison to any investigation which requires examination of all slice images. More advanced techniques for visualization, e.g. surface projections and hybrid rendering visualize anatomical information to a very detailed extent, but both techniques require the segmentation of the structures of interest. Image analysis methods can be used to extract these structures (e.g. an organ) from the image data. DISCUSSION: At the present time volume projections are robust and fast enough to be used routinely. Surface projections can be used to visualize complex and presegmented anatomical features.     

Effect of a glycerol-containing hypotonic medium on erythrocyte phospholipid asymmetry and aminophospholipid transport during storage

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that under blood bank storage conditions red blood cell (RBC) ATP and lipid content were better maintained in a glycerol-containing hypotonic experimental additive solution (EAS 25) than in the conventional storage medium Adsol. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of the protective effect of EAS 25, by measuring transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry and the membrane integrity of stored RBCs. Split units of packed RBCs were stored in either EAS 25 or Adsol. RBCs were analyzed after 0, 42, and 84 days and vesicles shed from stored RBCs were analyzed after 84 days of storage. Phospholipid asymmetry was measured by phospholipase A2 digestion (RBCs) and activation of the prothrombinase complex (RBCs, vesicles). RBC membrane exhibited a significantly greater (P < 0.01) amount of phosphatidylethanolamine externalized after storage in Adsol than in EAS 25 (44.3% +/- 11.7 vs. 25.3% +/- 5.7, respectively). Prothrombin converting activities in RBCs were significantly lower than in shed vesicles (P < 0.001) suggesting the presence of phosphatidylserine in the outer monolayer of vesicle, but not in RBC membranes. The rates of inwardly-directed aminophospholipid transport in RBCs decreased by 50% and glutathione levels decreased by approximately 50% in both media. RBC cholesterol and phospholipid content of stored RBCs remained significantly greater (P < 0.01) in EAS 25 than in Adsol. The results indicate that despite comparable reduction in the rate of aminophospholipid transport and reduced GSH concentrations, RBC phospholipid asymmetry was better maintained during storage in EAS 25 than in Adsol. The data suggest that glycerol in the hypotonic EAS helps preserve RBC lipid organization and membrane integrity during storage.     

gamma-AChR/epsilon-AChR switch at agrin-induced postsynaptic-like apparatus in skeletal muscle

We transfected the extrajunctional region of denervated soleus muscles in adult rats with neural agrin cDNA to induce myofibers to form postsynaptic-like apparatus containing acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregates. By 1 week approximately 30% of the AChR aggregates contained a mixture of epsilon-AChRs and gamma-AChRs while approximately 70% had only gamma-AChRs. If the transfected muscles were reinnervated in the original junctional region, the postsynaptic-like apparatus, despite the absence of apposed axon terminals, gradually came to have only epsilon-AChRs. We conclude that at the postsynaptic apparatus of ectopic neuromuscular junctions formed by a foreign nerve implanted into the extra-junctional region of denervated muscles, agrin secreted by the axon terminal plays a direct role in the gamma-AChR/epsilon-AChR switch that occurs as the apparatus reaches maturity. Our findings, together with results from other studies, indicate further that agrin and acetylcholine are the only nerve-derived factors required for this switch.     

On the efficacy of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412) in disturbed potency (author's transl)

By means of a combined phallographic-exploratory method and using statistical classification we were able to confirm clinically the potency enhancing action of a spleenic dialysate (M 40,412, Solcosplen). The remarkable alleviation of chronic and acute disturbances of potency can be explained not only by the elevated serum testosterone levels but likewise by biochemical mechanisms of action in the target organ, as was demonstrated by a research group. The treatment of potency disorders of different genetical origins yielded as the outstanding conclusions: 1. The interdependence of dream- and erection phases, usually injured in disturbed potency, could be restored by M 40,412. 2. The effect of 40,412 was the more striking the more pronounced were the initial values. 3. A particular type of experiencing (feeling of inferiority and disturbed contact) appears to respond prevailingly well to M 40,412. Further clinical studies are suggested.     

Preoperative determination of the probability of a pulmocardiac insufficiency after resection of the lung

Pneumonectomy is endangered above all by pulmocardial insufficiency. Its probability can be calculated in advance by a simple formula and a nomogram. With the help of a special mathematical method the most important functional parameters have been investigated and the formula and nomogram have been derived. The safety of the prediction comes up to the demands of biostatistical significance.     

Teratogenicity of 3-deoxyglucosone and diabetic embryopathy

The increased rate of embryonic dysmorphogenesis in diabetic pregnancy is correlated with the severity and duration of the concurrent hyperglycemia during early gestation. Whole embryo culture was used to investigate a possible association of hyperglycemia-induced disturbances of embryo development with tissue levels of the three alpha-oxoaldehydes: glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG). Rat embryos exposed to high glucose levels in vitro showed severe dysmorphogenesis and a 17-fold increased concentration of 3-DG compared with control embryos cultured in a low glucose concentration. Exogenous 3-DG (100 micromol/l) added to the medium of control cultures yielded an increased embryonic malformation rate and a 3-DG concentration similar to that of embryos cultured in high glucose. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to the culture medium decreased the malformation rates of embryos exposed to either high glucose or high 3-DG levels, but it did not decrease the high embryonic 3-DG concentrations caused by either agent. Our results implicate the potent glycating agent 3-DG as a teratogenic factor in diabetic embryopathy. In addition, the anti-teratogenic effect of SOD administration appears to occur downstream of 3-DG formation, suggesting that 3-DG accumulation leads to superoxide-mediated embryopathy.