In vivo and in vitro effect of liver on somatomedin generation

The serum concentration of circulating somatomedins was measured in the blood of healthy donors and subjects with hepatic cirrhosis, and in culture media from in vitro explants of healthy and cirrhotic human liver. Serum levels of somatomedin bioactivity were significantly lower in cirrhotic subjects (0.42 +/- 0.03 U/ml; M +/- SEM) compared with age matched controls (0.99 +/- 0.03 U/ml). Radioreceptor assay of somatomedin concentrations confirmed this reduction in cirrhotic patients (0.89 +/- 0.06 U/ml) compared with controls (1.32 +/- 0.05 U/ml). A parallel reduction in somatomedin circulating binding ability was also observed (99.43 +/- 7.28% in cirrhotic and 123.5% +/- 10.8% in normal subjects). In vitro explants from normal human liver tissue produced a significant increase (0.57 +/- 0.09 U/ml) in somatomedin bioactivity contained in the medium (0.29 +/- 0.06 U/ml), while a decreased bioactivity (0.12 +/- 0.06 U/ml) was observed with explants of cirrhotic livers. These results support a role of liver in the biosynthesis of both somatomedin and somatomedin binding protein.     

Rapid “Breath-Print” of Liver Cirrhosis by Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. A Pilot Study.

The aim of the present work was to test the potential of Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and the assessment of disease severity by direct analysis of exhaled breath. Twenty-six volunteers have been enrolled in this study: 12 patients (M/F 8/4, mean age 70.5 years, min-max 42–80 years) with liver cirrhosis of different etiologies and at different severity of disease and 14 healthy subjects (M/F 5/9, mean age 52.3 years, min-max 35–77 years). Real time breath analysis was performed on fasting subjects using a buffered end-tidal on-line sampler directly coupled to a PTR-ToF-MS. Twelve volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulted significantly differently in cirrhotic patients (CP) compared to healthy controls (CTRL): four ketones (2-butanone, 2- or 3- pentanone, C8-ketone, C9-ketone), two terpenes (monoterpene, monoterpene related), four sulphur or nitrogen compounds (sulfoxide-compound, S-compound, NS-compound, N-compound) and two alcohols (heptadienol, methanol). Seven VOCs (2-butanone, C8-ketone, a monoterpene, 2,4-heptadienol and three compounds containing N, S or NS) resulted significantly differently in compensate cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh A; CP-A) and decompensated cirrhotic subjects (Child-Pugh B+C; CP-B+C). ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis was performed considering three contrast groups: CP vs CTRL, CP-A vs CTRL and CP-A vs CP-B+C. In these comparisons monoterpene and N-compound showed the best diagnostic performance.

Conclusions

Breath analysis by PTR-ToF-MS was able to distinguish cirrhotic patients from healthy subjects and to discriminate those with well compensated liver disease from those at more advanced severity stage. A breath-print of liver cirrhosis was assessed for the first time.     

Mineral intakes of predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian East Indian adults

Daily energy, protein, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and dietary fiber intakes of East Indian Punjabi immigrants consuming predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian diets [59 males (M), mean age 37.7±10.5 yr. and 53 females (F), mean age 33.3±7.4 yr] were assessed by calculation from 3-d weighted dietary records, using food composition values and by chemical analysis of 30 1-d diet composites. Mean daily calculated intakes wer: energy, M=2374±713 and F=1708±552 kcal; protein, M=95.8±35.1 and F=68.0±28.9g; Ca, M=990±468 and F=837±393 mg; M=2034±778 and F=1489±551 mg; Zn, M=12.2±4.9 and F=8.8±3.9 mg; Cu, M=2.4±0.9 and F=1.7±0.6 mg; and Mn, M=7.7±3.3 and F=5.7±2.4 mg. The mean daily Ca intakes for M and F were 124 and 105%, respectively, of the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). In contrast, average P intakes were much higher, 254 and 213% of the RNI for M and F, respectively, so that the mean Ca:P ratios were 1:2.0 for M and 1:1.8 for F. Forty-eight percent of the F compared to 19% of the M had Zn intakes below the current RNI, whereas 28% of the M and 77% of the F received Cu intakes below the suggested US safe and adequate range. Mean daily Mn intakes were higher than those for subjects consuming omniverous North American diets and none of the subjects had Mn intakes below the US safe and adequate range.     

Diagnostic utility of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and anti-modified citrullinated vimentin antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Several autoantibodies found in RA are directed to epitopes in citrullinated proteins. One of them is anti modified citrullinated vimentin (Anti-MCV). We tested the value a newly developed ELISA for the detection of antibodies against a genetically modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) in comparison with an anti-CCP based ELISA system for the diagnosis of RA. Thirty-five patients with RA (mean age; 42.6 +/- 10.87 years, mean disease duration; 9.37 +/- 3.98 years) were enrolled in this study. Twenty -five ankylosing spondylitis (mean age; 35.88 +/- 6.64 years, mean disease duration; 10.25 +/- 4.61 years), and 19 healthy subjects (mean age; 40.26 +/- 5.11 years) served as controls. Anti-CCP antibodies and Anti-MCV antibodies were measured using ELISA. In all RA patients, mean anti- CCP level was 69.07 +/- 90.43 U/ml and anti-MCV level was 665.77 +/- 1040.19 U/ml. In patients with AS, the mean anti-CCP level was 10.7 +/- 5.22 U/ml and anti-MCV level was 40.54 +/- 20.15 U/ml. In healthy controls, the mean anti-CCP level was 11.11 +/- 7.65 U/ml, anti-MCV level was 23.12 +/- 12.04 U/ml. In patients with active RA, the mean serum anti-CCP level was 100.54 +/- 98.07 U/ml and anti-MCV level was 998.74 +/- 1154.93 U/ml. In patients with inactive RA, the mean serum anti-CCP level was 8.77 +/- 1.55 U/ml and anti-MCV level was 27.59 +/- 23.10 U/ml. According to these results; In patients with RA, the mean serum anti-MCV and anti-CCP levels were significantly high compared to patients with AS and healthy controls (p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.002, p=0.001 respectively). The mean serum anti-MCV and anti- CCP levels were significantly higher in active patients with RA than in inactive patients with RA patients (p=0.001 and p=0.001 respectively). In inactive patients with RA, the mean serum anti-MCV and anti-CCP levels were similar in patients with AS and patients (p=0.484, p=0.308, p=0.09 and p=0.222 respectively). The mean serum anti-MCV levels were correlated with DAS 28 (r=0.531, p=0.001), VAS score (r=0.332, p=0.01), ESR (r=0.458, p=0.001), serum CRP levels (r=0.568, p=0.01), serum RF levels (r=0.529, p=0.001), swollen joints number (r=0.525, p=0.001) and tender joints number (r=0.638, p=0.001). As a result; measurement of serum anti-MCV levels is useful for diagnosis of RA and combined use of anti-MCV and RF may be more useful prognostic factor than either method alone, RF and anti-CCP.     

Parameters of somatosensory evoked potentials in normal subjects in relation to age and height

Cortical SEPs by stimulation of median nerve at wrist (159 measurements; 144 subjects, 63 M - 81 F; mean age 39.7, range 11-70; mean height 162.5, range 134-190) and cortical SEPs by stimulation of posterior tibial nerve at ankle (100 measurements; 81 subjects, 37 M - 44 F; mean age 34.7, range 11-60; mean height 161.1, range 134-180 cm) have been performed. The latencies of N1 of median SEPs and of N1 and P1 of tibial SEPs significantly increase with the height of subjects. The statistical evaluation of latency values of each subject normalized at a height of 165 cm show a little increase of latency according to the age of the subjects; this increase is quite evident for the latency of P1 of tibial SEP.     

Steroid sulfatase activities in normal and cirrhotic livers and plasma levels of estrone sulfate,estrone and estradiol-17β in men

Estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfatases were studied in livers of normal and cirrhotic men. Their Km were 3.2μM and 1.2μM respectively. The musomal sulfatases were solubilized by Miranol H2M and ultrasound. After gel filtration, the soluble material gave a single peak of activity for both substrates with a molecular weight of approximately 330,000. In terms of pmol of product.min^?1 per mg of fresh tissue, the mean (±SD) values of estrone and DHEA sulfatase activities were lower in cirrhotic livers [(n=7) (4.09±2.90 and 0.38±0.20)] than in normal livers [(n=13)(8.29±4.00 and 0.69±0.20)]. The differences were statistically significant: p<0.03 for estrone sulfatase and p<0.01 for DHEA sulfatase. In cirrhotic men, the mean level of plasma estrone is increased whereas that of estrone sulfate is decreased. The variations may be related to the decrease of serum albumin in cirrhotic subjects.     

Adrenergic airway vascular smooth muscle responsiveness in healthy and asthmatic subjects.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the responsiveness of airway vascular smooth muscle (AVSM) as assessed by airway mucosal blood flow (Qaw) to inhaled methoxamine (alpha(1)-agonist; 0.6-2.3 mg) and albuterol (beta(2)-agonist; 0.2-1.2 mg) in healthy [n = 11; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 92 +/- 4 (SE) % of predicted] and asthmatic (n = 11, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 81 +/- 5%) adults. Mean baseline values for Qaw were 43.8 +/- 0.7 and 54.3 +/- 0.8 microl. min(-1). ml(-1) of anatomic dead space in healthy and asthmatic subjects, respectively (P < 0.05). After methoxamine inhalation, the maximal mean change in Qaw was -13.5 +/- 1.0 microl. min(-1). ml(-1) in asthmatic and -7.1 +/- 2.1 microl. min(-1). ml(-1) in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). After albuterol, the mean maximal change in Qaw was 3.0 +/- 0.8 microl. min(-1). ml(-1) in asthmatic and 14.0 +/- 1.1 microl. min(-1). ml(-1) in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the contractile response of AVSM to alpha(1)-adrenoceptor activation is enhanced and the dilator response of AVSM to beta(2)-adrenoceptor activation is blunted in asthmatic subjects.     

Postocclusive reactive hyperemia inversely correlates with urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane levels in systemic sclerosis

Microvascular dysfunction and increased oxidative stress are major hallmarks of the systemic sclerosis disease process. The primary objective of this study was to test whether there is a link between peak postocclusive hyperemia and urinary levels of the F2-isoprostane 15-F2t-IsoP (8-iso-PGF2alpha) in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. We enrolled 43 patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, 33 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), and 25 healthy volunteers. Microvascular function was assessed using the postocclusive hyperemia monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry. Endothelium-independent response was monitored after 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin. Oxidative stress status was assessed by urinary levels of the F2-isoprostane 15-F2t-IsoP using GC-MS. The peak postocclusive vascular conductance was altered in subjects with systemic sclerosis and primary RP compared to controls (respectively 28 (7-48), 30 (13-48), and 39.9 (13-63) mV/mm Hg, p = 0.01). F2-isoprostanes were increased in the systemic sclerosis group compared to primary Raynaud's phenomenon and healthy controls (respectively 230 (155-387), 182 (101-284), and 207 (109-291) pg/mg, p = 0.006). In patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, there was a significant inverse correlation between F2-isoprostanes and postocclusive hyperemia, expressed as raw data (R = -0.45, p = 0.007) or as an increase over baseline (R = -0.28, p = 0.04). Conversely, no correlation was found with the nitroglycerin response. In conclusion, we provide evidence that there is an inverse correlation between postocclusive hyperemia and urinary F2-isoprostane levels in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. Whether oxygen free radicals initiate the vascular dysfunction or whether there is an initial trigger that initiates both processes will need to be further clarified in future studies.     

Reference values of thyroid volume in a healthy, non-iodine-deficient Spanish population.

Our aim was to assess reference values of thyroid volume by ultrasonography in healthy adult subjects. We conducted an epidemiological cross-sectional study where 880 subjects were randomly selected from the town census of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat after being invited to participate in our study directly by mail and phone call. We made a clinical history of each subject and determined serum thyrotropin, antiperoxidase antibodies, urinary iodine excretion and thyroid volume by ultrasonography. Subjects with thyroid disease were excluded. We finally studied 268 representative subjects. The reference thyroid volume was median 7.31 ml, mean 8.22 ml (Confidence Interval: 7.75 - 8.69 ml). In men: median 9.19 ml, mean 9.87 ml (CI: 9.09 - 10.65 ml); in women: median 6.19 ml, mean 6.57 ml (CI: 6.22 - 9.92 ml) (p < 0.0001). We grouped the subjects into decades, and found that thyroid volume was different (p = 0.0034) in males because the younger group had lower volume. We did not find any differences among age groups in women. The mean of the urinary iodine excretion was 154.23 microg/l. We have determined reference values of thyroid volume measured by ultrasonography in our iodine non-deficient population and prepared tables that distribute thyroid volume by sex and age.     

Effects of environmental temperature on the venodilatory response to nitroglycerin.

The venodilatory response to nitroglycerin (0.8 mg sublingually) was measured in 10 healthy young male volunteers in a cool [24.3 +/- 0.6 degrees C skin temperature (Tsk)] and a warm environment (34.7 +/- 0.2 degrees C Tsk). Nitroglycerin caused mean arterial pressure to fall and heart rate to rise in both the cool (105 +/- 2 to 96 +/- 3 mmHg; 55 +/- 3 to 62 +/- 3 beats/min) and the warm environment (87 +/- 3 to 81 +/- 3 mmHg; 66 +/- 4 to 75 +/- 3 beats/min), but the fall in pressure was greater in the cool than in the warm environment. Forearm blood flow was reduced and forearm vascular resistance elevated in the cool (117 +/- 19 units; 1.15 +/- 0.08 ml.100 cc arm-1.min-1) compared with the warm environment (15 +/- 3 units; 8.60 +/- 1.89 ml.100 cc arm-1.min-1). Nitroglycerin caused forearm vascular resistance to fall in the cool but had no effect in the warm environment. Venous distensibility (increase in venous volume per 30-mmHg increase in venous pressure) was twice as great in the warm as in the cool environment (3.90 +/- 0.27 vs. 1.88 +/- 0.23 ml/100 cc arm). However, the venodilatory effect of nitroglycerin was similar in the cool and warm environments (0.79 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.13 ml/100 cc arm, respectively). Arterioles are not dilated by nitroglycerin in the warmer environment, but the venodilatory effect of nitroglycerin is quantitatively similar in the two environments.     

Meal-related increases in vascular reactivity are impaired in older and diabetic adults: insights into roles of aging and insulin in vascular flow

A fatty meal induces vasodilatation (of both resting and stimulated forearm flow) in healthy young adults, an effect most likely mediated by the vasodilator actions of insulin. We therefore hypothesized that an impaired meal-related vascular response might be an in vivo marker of vascular insulin resistance, related to the presence of diabetes and/or higher age. Postprandial vascular responses were assessed in three groups of subjects: 15 Type 2 diabetic subjects (age 58 +/- 8 yr), 15 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched older control subjects (age 57 +/- 9 yr), and 15 healthy young control subjects (age 33 +/- 7 yr). Studies were carried out before and 3 and 6 h after a standardized high-fat meal (1,030 kcal, 61 g fat). Forearm microvascular flows were measured by strain gauge plethysmography and large-artery function by ultrasound. Resting blood flow and hyperemic area under curve (AUC) flow were not significantly different in diabetic subjects (resting 117 +/- 42% and AUC 134 +/- 46% of premeal values) compared with age-matched controls (resting 131 +/- 39% and AUC 134 +/- 47%); however, the response in diabetic subjects was blunted compared with young controls (resting 171 +/- 67% and AUC 173 +/- 99% of premeal values; P = 0.02 and P = 0.18, respectively). On multiple regression analysis, we found that increasing age (but not BMI or diabetes) was significantly associated with impaired postprandial vascular responses (resting: r = -0.4, P = 0.002; AUC: r = -0.4, P = 0.006). Therefore, meal ingestion results in impaired vasodilator responses in older nondiabetic and diabetic adults, related to aging rather than insulin resistance.     

Topical non-iontophoretic application of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin via a translucent patch: a new means for assessing microvascular reactivity

Objective: Assessments of endothelial cell function with acetylcholine have typically used systemic, regional intra-arterial, or iontophoretic delivery of drug. Each of these techniques induces systemic and/or local changes that compromise their safety or effectiveness. Using translucent drug preparations applied under laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) probes, we tested whether local vasodilation can be induced with non-iontophoretic transdermal delivery of acetylcholine and how such dilation would compare to the dilation achieved with topical nitroglycerin in healthy volunteers. Methods: Ten subjects without known vascular disease were recruited for LDF monitoring at sites of drug application for this preliminary investigation. Topical acetylcholine chloride, nitroglycerin, and placebo were applied via translucent patches to the forehead directly below LDF probes. Results: LDF readings increased by 406 percent (245 percent to 566 percent) and 36 percent (26 percent to 46 percent), respectively, at the acetylcholine and placebo sites (p = .005 by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (WSRT) for acetylcholine vs. placebo); and they increased by 365 percent (179 percent to 550 percent) at the nitroglycerin site (p = .005 by WSRT for nitroglycerin vs. placebo; p = .6 vs. acetylcholine). Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of acetylcholine can induce significant local vasodilatory responses comparable to those achieved with nitroglycerin without requiring iontophoresis. The means of transdermal delivery and monitoring described herein may constitute a new minimally invasive way to interrogate the microvasculature and thereby assess the microcirculatory changes induced by various disorders and therapeutic interventions.     

A survey on the cytogenetic status of the Croatian general population by use of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to assess the variability and determine possible influences of external and internal factors on the background levels of cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 50 healthy volunteers selected at random from the general population of Croatia. The mean MN frequency for all subjects was 4.74+/-0.31 per 1000 cells and the mean cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) was 1.82+/-0.01. The mean frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB) for all subjects was 0.06+/-0.04 and of nuclear buds (NB) 0.12+/-0.05. The canonical correlation analyses indicate a positive non-significant correlation between the MN frequency and age, gender and smoking habits. Results of factor structure and canonical weights showed that age and gender rather than smoking habits control the incidence of MN in PBL of healthy volunteers. The lowest median value of MN was observed in subjects younger than 30 years (both smoking and non-smoking). Generally, non-smokers had lower median values of MN compared to smokers. In non-smokers, males showed lower micronucleus incidence than females. Within the non-smokers smaller differences in the median values of MN between subgroups (male and female; age subgroups) were observed. Among smokers, females had a two-fold higher median value of MN frequency than males, but this difference was not significant (p=0.2643, Mann-Whitney U test). Canonical correlation analyses indicate a strong and significant correlation between cell proliferation parameters (M1-M4 and CBPI) and age, gender and smoking habits. The most sensitive parameters were M3 and M4. Age had the strongest effect on M3, while M4 was highly influenced by smoking habits. Gender had an equal non-significant effect on both parameters. The usefulness of the new criteria for the cytokinesis-block MN assay measuring DNA damage as a sensitive biomarker in biomonitoring studies is confirmed.     

Changes in the erythrocyte in liver cirrhosis: role of cholesterol and plasma phospholipids

To investigate the role played by plasmatic lipids in the altered erythrocyte deformability observed in cirrhotic patients we studied 15 patients with liver cirrhosis (histologically diagnosed) and 10 healthy volunteers. Erythrocyte filtration time, plasmatic free and esterified cholesterol and phospholipids were measured in all subjects. The erythrocyte filtration time resulted to be significantly increased in cirrhotic patients (35' +/- 3, 35 M +/- SEM) when compared to control subjects (26' +/- 2, 53: M +/- SEM) (t = 2,078 p less than 0,05). This increase correlated in cirrhotic patients (but not in control subjects) with free/esterified cholesterol ratio (p less than 0,01) as well as free cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (p less than 0,001). Our results confirm that decreased erythrocyte deformability in cirrhotic patients which is accompanied by altered erythrocyte morphology is due, at least in part, to the altered lipids blood levels.     

Leptin values in placental cord blood of human newborns with normal intrauterine growth after 30-42 weeks of gestation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate leptin values in placental cord blood of newborns with normal intrauterine growth after 30-42 weeks of gestation. DESIGN: Leptin, a protein encoded by the ob gene, plays an important role in the regulation of feeding behaviour and energy balance in rodents, primates and humans. The presence of leptin in human amniotic fluid and cord blood has recently been reported in human gestations at term and the possible role of leptin in human fetal growth suggested. However, little is known of leptin synthesis during human foetal development. Thus, the aim of our work was to measure leptin (RIA, Linco Research, Inc.) in placental cord blood of human newborns at different fetal ages. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty-six healthy newborns with normal intrauterine growth were studied. Twenty-nine were preterm (15 males and 14 females; gestational age: 30-36 weeks) and 99 were at term (49 males and 48 females; gestational age: 37-42 weeks). RESULTS: Leptin values increase progressively throughout gestation from 1.30 +/- 0.53 ng/ml at 30 weeks of gestation to 7.98 +/- 4.96 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) at term, and correlate positively with birth weight (r = 0.56, p < 0. 005, n = 126), length (r = 0.37, p < 0.005, n = 126), BMI (r = 0.57, p < 0.005, n = 126), head circumference (r = 0.37, p < 0.005, n = 126), gestational age (r = 0.48, p < 0.005, n = 126) and placental weight (r = 0.38, p < 0.003, n = 59). Leptin values are statistically significantly lower (p < 0.005) preterm (median: 2.05 ng/ml; range: 0.7-8.3 ng/ml) than at term (median: 7.0 ng/ml; range: 1.1-28.1 ng/ml). Leptin values are also significantly (p < 0.005) higher in females (median: 7.2 ng/ml; range: 0.9-23.6 ng/ml, n = 62) than in males (median: 4.8 ng/ml; range: 0.7-28.1 ng/ml, n = 64), although there are no differences in weight (2,864 +/- 536 g in females vs. 2,937 +/- 744 g in males). Multiple regression analysis shows weight to be a positive sex-independent predictor of serum leptin values (p < 0.0005). Sex also proves to be a predictor of leptin, independently of weight and is higher in females than in males (p < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Leptin is present in placental human cord blood after 30-42 weeks of gestation. Newborn weight and sex are independent predictors of leptin values.     

Normal range of calcitonin in children measured by a chemiluminescent two-site immunometric assay

Calcitonin (CT) assay is of considerable importance in the routine evaluation of thyroid nodules and for screening and follow-up of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and their relatives. Aim of this study was to assess the reference ranges for CT levels in healthy children and to evaluate possible differences in CT levels between sex and age. Serum CT levels were measured by a commercially available two-site chemiluminescence immunometric assay (sensitivity = 0.2 pg/ml). The ILMA recognizes the mature monomeric form of CT. We evaluated a cohort of 125 healthy children and compared these results with those from 98 healthy adult men and women. The ranges for human CT in children were <0.2-11.7 pg/ml and <0.2-17 pg/ml for female and male, respectively. No gender differences were observed in children population, though higher CT levels were observed in males. Serum CT levels did not correlate with age. Adult female had statistically significant lower CT levels than female children (p 相似文献   

Atopy patch test with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp 1) in atopic dermatitis patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) in atopic dermatitis patients, using atopy patch test (APT) with Dp (extract 1). Twenty patients (males (m) = 9, females (f) = 11, mean age = 46.0 years, range = 19-78 years) with atopic dermatitis were involved in this study. The control group consisted of seventeen healthy subjects (m = 7, f = 10, mean age = 48.3, range = 24-64 years), with no personal or family history and no signs of atopy. Total IgE, specific IgE and a skin prick test were done for all subjects involved in this study. The atopy patch tests were performed with Dp (extract 1) in: 3,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 biological units per ml (BU/ml) concentrations using glycerol as medium. The total IgE was significantly higher in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients than in a control group with (p < 0.05). After the tests six of twenty patients (30%) had positive APT results in the last two concentrations (20,000 and 30,000 BU/ml). However, all the results were positive after 48 h (and 72 hours), while no positive results were recorded in the control subjects. According to our study, APT with Dp 1 in 20,000 BU/ml and reading time 48 h and 72 hours is to be recommended. The results suggest that APT may detect the trigger factor (Dp) in AD patients.     

Caries activity and associated risk factors in elderly hospitalised population--15-months follow-up in French institutions

Only a few studies have been published concerning hospitalised elderly disabled people. Objectives: 1) to investigate the oral health status of elderly French patients hospitalised in the two main geriatric hospitals of Paris. 2) to describe the respective influences of general parameters (type of hospitalisation, pathologies and medication) on oral environment parameters. 3) to analyse the influences of these oral parameters on caries activity in Long-Term Care (LTCF) and in rehabilitation facilities (RF) patients and to study the incidence and the time-course of caries in these specific population. Subjects: 117 subjects (mean age=83.0 years, SD=7.8, range=64 to 102 years) were examined at baseline and 32 of the 50 LTCF subjects were reexamined 15-months later. Methods: The general parameters recorded were age, gender, type of hospitalisation, period of stay, removable prosthesis, general diseases, number of diagnoses, medications with hyposalivary side-effects. The oral environment parameters recorded were flow rate, buffer capacity, mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts, measured at baseline by tests on stimulated saliva, and plaque index. Crown and root surfaces were recorded according to a modified caries activity index. Results: Among the polypathological subjects (85.5% of the population), the number of diseases ranged from 2 to 8. The LTCF patients had a significantly higher mean number of diagnoses (3.5; SD=1.5) than the RF patients (2.8; SD=1.4). 76.9% of patients were taking medications with hyposalivary side-effects. The stimulated flow rate ranged from 0.02 ml/min to 5 ml/min. Its mean was significantly lower for LTCF patients (0.67 ml/min; SD=0.51) than for RF patients (1.12 ml/min; SD=0.89). The plaque index was significantly higher in LTCF subjects and in patients with mental diseases. At baseline, 17,442 crown and root surfaces were examined. Flow rate was related to crown caries and buffer capacity to root caries. During the 15-months follow-up, the mean number of active root surfaces was significantly increased: from 0.148 (SD=0.116) at baseline vs. 0.250 (SD=0.174) at the second examination. Conclusions: The strongest relationship in the present study between oral parameters and caries activity was the negative relationship between buffer capacity and active root caries. This study confirms an association between the type of hospitalisation and both salivary parameters flow rate and plaque index. This investigation illustrates the critical need for hygiene and oral care, in this elderly disabled population.     

Total nitrogen oxide following exercise testing reflects endothelial function and discriminates health status

Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is important in vascular health, but unsuitable as a clinical measure due to biological oxidation. Total nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) are stable but background nitrate levels make it difficult to detect disease-based variation. We investigated the clinical discriminatory value of NO(x) as it relates to exercise capability (VO(2peak)) and brachial artery reactivity (BAR, an NO-dependent measure of endothelial health), in healthy (H), increased risk (RF), and known cardiovascular disease (CVD) subjects. BAR was measured using forearm occlusion/hyperemia stimulus. Subjects performed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Blood at rest, exercise termination, and 10 min into recovery was mixed equally with 0.1 M NaOH at 4 degrees C, filtered, and stored at -70 degrees C. NO(x) was measured by chemiluminescence. Seven of the RF group then exercise-trained for 6 months prior to retesting. The H group (n = 12) was younger, had higher VO(2peak), HDL levels, and baseline NO(x) values than the RF (n = 15) and CVD (n = 10) groups. NO(x) increased from baseline to recovery in the H group only (75.85 +/- 19.04 microM vs 97.76 +/- 31.93 microM; P 相似文献