Weaning-food viscosity and energy density: their effects on ad libitum consumption and energy intakes in Jamaican children

The effects of weaning-food viscosity and energy density on consumption and energy intake were determined in 15 non-breast-fed Jamaican children aged 7-15 mo under standardized conditions. We tested whether feeding thick, energy intakes and whether amylase treatment to reduce viscosity offered any advantage. When a traditional liquid, low-density porridge (2.15 kJ/g) was fed, the mean (ñSD) daily consumption was 139 ñ 25 g/kg and the mean daily energy intake was 296 ñ 54 kJ/kg. When a semisolid high-density porridge (4.09 kJ/g) was fed, consumption was significantly lower (98 ñ 21g/kg) but the daily energy intake was significantly higher - 402 ñ 85 kJ/KG (P < 0.001). Amylase treatment of the thick energy-dense porridge did not increase intakes further. Meal duration for the thick porridge (12.9 ñ 4.0 min) was significantly longer than that for the low-density (7.4 ñ 2.6 min) or amylase-treated (6.4 ñ 1.8 min) porridges (AU)

Is viscosity reduction of energy-dense weaning foods necessary in developing countries?

In developing countries, weaning foods are often of low energy density. We examined ad lib, intakes of 3 porridges: thin, low energy density; semi-solid, high energy density; and amylases-treated low viscosity, high energy density. The study was conducted under controlled conditions on a metabolic ward. 15 children aged 7-15 months, recovered from malnutrition, received each porridge in a randomised sequence for 4 consecutive days 4 times daily. The quantity of thin porridge consumed was significantly greater than that of the semi-solid or amylase-treated porridges (p < 0.001), but the energy intake was significantly lower (p < 0.001). The energy intakes of both high energy density porridges were similar and matched recommended intakes. Therefore viscosity reduction of a semi-solid porridge offered no advantage in energy intake (AU)

Aspiration in seriously ill patients: a study of amylase in bronchial secretions

Bronchial secretions from 21 patients with moderate to severe chest infections were obtained by transtracheal aspiration. Six seriously ill patients showed greatly increased levels of amylase activity in the bronchial secretions compared with those found in the 15 less ill patients. This amylase was almost certainly derived from oropharyngeal contents and its presence suggests that aspiration may be more common in comatose and semi-comatose patients than is generally appreciated. (Summary)

Exocrine pancreatic response to the venom of the scorpion, Tityus trinitatis

This paper records for the first time the exocrine pancreatic response to scorpion venom, in this case that of Tityus trinitatia, a scorpion endemic in Trinidad. The crude venom injected intravenously into fasting anaethetised dogs induced a secretion of the exocrine pancreas. The secretion evoked was rich in enzyme (AU)

Experimental studies on the aetiology of acute scorpion pancreatitis

This study examined the action of the venom of the scorpion Tityus trinitatis on the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract in anaesthetized dogs, on the isolated extracorporeal haemoperfused canine pancreas and on the isolated canine sphincter of Oddi. The venom induces exocrine secretion in both the isoslated and intact pancreas and causes contraction of the isolated sphincter of Oddi. These results are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of acute scorpion pancreatitis and possibly of some other forms of acute pancreatitis. (Summary)

Acute scorpion pancreatitis in Trinidad

Over a two-month period 30 patients were admitted to hospital following stings of the scorpion of Trinidad, the tityus trinitatis. In 24 cases acute pancreatitis developed soon after the sting, but in nine of these no abdominal pain occurred. All the patients made an uneventful recovery. Although such complications have been reported no pseudocyst formations or acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis occurred in this series (AU)