'Ripple' effect on infant zBMI trajectory of an internet-based weight loss program for low-income postpartum women.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss interventions can have positive 'ripple' effects on untreated partners in the home, but ripple effects on infants are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a 12-month internet-based weight loss intervention for postpartum mothers had a positive ripple effect on participants' infants. METHODS: A 12-month cluster randomized, assessor-blind, clinical trial enrolling 371 postpartum women at 12 Women, Infants, Children clinics in CA. Clinics were randomized to standard Women, Infants, Children or an internet-based weight loss intervention for mothers. RESULTS: A total of 333 of the 371 (89.8%) mothers assented for infant participation. Infants were 5.3 ± 3.2 months; 75.9% were Hispanic and 64% were breastfeeding. Infant retention was 272/333 (82.7%) at 6 months post enrollment and 251/333 (75.3%) at 12 months post enrollment. In intent-to-treat analysis, a significant interaction between group and time was observed (p = 0.008) with the offspring of intervention mothers exhibiting lower zBMI change from study entry through 6 months (0.23 [CI, 0.03, 0.44] vs. 0.65 [0.50, 0.79] zBMI change, respectively; p = 0.001) but was not significant through 12 months (p = 0.16). Regardless of group, maternal reports at the final assessment indicated that infants (aged =17.2 ± 3.4 months) consumed sweetened beverages (0.93 ± 1.5/week), juice (2.0 ± 1.4/day), 'junk food' (7.8 ± 5.4/week) and fast food (2/month), and 46.7% of the infants had a TV in their bedroom. CONCLUSIONS: An internet-based weight loss program for low-income, postpartum mothers had a positive 'ripple' effect on the zBMI of infants in the home during the first 6 months of treatment.

Kinetic analyses of plant water relocation using deuterium as tracer - reduced water flux of Arabidopsis pip2 aquaporin knockout mutants.

Due to reduced evaporation and diffusion of water molecules containing heavier isotopes, leaf water possesses an elevated (18)O or (2)H steady-state content. This enrichment has been exploited in plant physiology and ecology to assess transpiration and leaf water relations. In contrast to these studies, in this work the (2)H content of the medium of hydroponically grown Arabidopsis thaliana was artificially raised, and the kinetics of (2)H increase in the aerial parts recorded during a short phase of 6-8 h, until a new equilibrium at a higher level was reached. A basic version of the enrichment models was modified to establish an equation that could be fitted to measured leaf (2)H content during uptake kinetics. The fitting parameters allowed estimation of the relative water flux q(leaf) into the Arabidopsis rosette. This approach is quasi-non-invasive, since plants are not manipulated during the uptake process, and therefore, offers a new tool for integrated analysis of plant water relations. The deuterium tracer method was employed to assess water relocation in Arabidopsis pip2;1 and pip2;2 aquaporin knockout plants. In both cases, q(leaf) was significantly reduced by about 20%. The organ and cellular expression patterns of both genes imply that changes in root hydraulic conductivity, as previously demonstrated for pip2;2 mutants, and leaf water uptake and distribution contributed in an integrated fashion to this reduced flux in intact plants.

[Fever--useful or noxious symptom that should be treated?]. / Fieber--nützliches oder schädliches, zu behandelndes Symptom?

Fever is a phylogenetically ancient host reaction to invading microorganisms and other noxious stimuli. Poikylothermic organisms can reach febrile temperatures by seeking a hot environment in response to a higher set point in their thermoregulatory center. Endothermic organisms produce febrile temperatures through endogenous heat production at the expenditure of a higher metabolic rate. Nevertheless, fever has been conserved during evolution through millennia, obviously because of its advantage for host defense. Despite of these arguments most doctors, nurses and patients treat fever with antipyretics. The role of fever for the recovery from low risk infections is marginal at best. A large study of ibuprofen in patients with severe sepsis could not establish a positive or negative role on the course or final outcome of the infection in an intensive care setting. These clinical observations seemingly contradict findings in severe experimental bacterial infections in rodents but it has to be taken into consideration that these animals, in contrast to patients, received no antibiotic treatment. In patients with influenza-like illnesses non-steroidal antirhumatics (NSAR) improve fever and wellbeing with little or no evidence for undesired side-effects. It therefore appears appropriate to treat patients with these and similar infections with NSAR. Antipyretic therapy in special patient groups such as brain injury victims, patients with cardiac or respiratory failure or dementia has not been established to be indicated to overcome a worsening of these organs to fail during infections. In children with a history of fever convulsions prevention or lowering of fever does not reduce recurrence. In patients with strokes it appears advisable however to use antipyretics in case of fever despite of a present lack of a proven beneficial effect. In conclusion symptomatic antipyretic therapy should be considered for low risk infections if patient suffering from fever. For more severe infections antipyretic therapy can be applied on an individual basis without too much hope to improve outcome or cause a severe worsening of prognosis.

Severe hypothermia in a patient with cerebral relapse of Whipple's disease.

The diagnosis of cerebral relapse of Whipple's disease in a 67-year-old patient was made after he presented with somnolence and severe hypothermia 4 months after discontinuing treatment with cotrimoxazole. Hypothermia is a rare hypothalamic manifestation of cerebral Whipple's disease.

Rapid detection of pathogenic fungi from clinical specimens using LightCycler real-time fluorescence PCR.

In the study presented here a LightCycler real-time PCR system was used for the diagnosis of fungal infections from clinical tissue samples. Nine specimens were investigated from six patients with suspected or proven invasive fungal infections. Seven of nine samples were positive in a broad-range fungal PCR assay. In four samples, Aspergillus fumigatus was detected both by a species-specific hybridization assay as well as by sequencing of amplification products. In addition, the broad-range fungal PCR assay and PCR sequencing detected and identified, respectively, the following organisms in the specimens noted: Candida albicans in a culture-negative liver biopsy, Histoplasma capsulatum in a bone marrow sample, and Conidiobolus coronatus in a facial soft tissue specimen. Real-time PCR is a promising tool for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in human tissue samples and offers some advantages over culture methods, such as rapid analysis and increased sensitivity.

Effects of standardization of whole milk with dry milk protein concentrate on the yield and ripening of reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Commercial milk protein concentrate (MPC) was used to standardize whole milk for reduced-fat Cheddar cheesemaking. Four replicate cheesemaking trials of three treatments (control, MPC1, and MPC2) were conducted. The control cheese (CC) was made from standardized milk (casein-to-fat ratio, C/F approximately 1.7) obtained by mixing skim milk and whole milk (WM); MPC1 and MPC2 cheeses were made from standardized milk (C/F approximately 1.8) obtained from mixing WM and MPC, except that commercial mesophilic starter was added at the rate of 1% to the CC and MPC1 and 2% to MPC2 vats. The addition of MPC doubled cheese yields and had insignificant effects on fat recoveries (approximately 94% in MPC1 and MPC2 vs. approximately 92% in CC) but increased significantly total solids recoveries (approximately 63% in CC vs. 63% in MPC1 and MPC2). Although minor differences were noted in the gross composition of the cheeses, both MPC1 and MPC2 cheeses had lower lactose contents (0.25 or 0.32%, respectively) than in CC (0.60%) 7 d post manufacture. Cheeses from all three treatments had approximately 10(9) cfu/g initial starter bacteria count. The nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) grew slowly in MPC1 and MPC2 cheeses during ripening compared to CC, and at the end of 6 mo of ripening, numbers of NSLAB in the CC were 1 to 2 log cycles higher than in MPC1 and MPC2 cheeses. Primary proteolysis, as noted by water-soluble N contents, was markedly slower in MPC1 and MPC2 cheeses compared to CC. The concentrations of total free amino acids were in decreasing order CC > MPC2 > MPC1 cheeses, suggesting slower secondary proteolysis in the MPC cheeses than in CC. Sensory analysis showed that MPC cheeses had lower brothy and bitter scores than CC. Increasing the amount of starter bacteria improved maturity in MPC cheese.

Marginal and subgingival plaque--a natural habitat of Tropheryma whipplei?

BACKGROUND: DNA of Tropheryma whipplei, the etiologic agent of Whipple's disease, has recently been detected in the saliva of healthy subjects. In this pilot study we searched for the habitat of T. whipplei within the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from different oral sites were obtained from periodontically healthy volunteers, patients with progressive periodontitis and Chinese subjects with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or gingivitis. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using T. whippleispecific primers, human beta-globin-specific primers to control for tissue DNA extraction and PCR reaction and broad-range eubacterial primers to control for bacterial DNA extraction. T. whipplei specificity of multiple amplicons was confirmed by sequencing. The detection limit of the method was 10 ag of T. whipplei DNA, corresponding to one to five bacteria under reference assay conditions. RESULTS: T. whipplei was found in the oral cavity of four out of ten healthy individuals from hospital staff and in three out of nine periodontitis patients, but in none of the individuals from China. All positive samples derived from subgingival and gingival sulcus plaque containing between 10(3) and 5 x 10(5) cells ml(-1) of plaque suspension, whereas saliva, smooth surface plaque and samples from the tongue or cheeks were negative. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that T. whipplei colonizes the human body via the oral cavity and that bacterial plaques of the gingival crevice and the gingival sulcus/pocket may serve as a natural primary habitat.

PET-CT-guided percutaneous puncture of an infected cyst in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: case report.

An infected cyst in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was identified with a combined positron emission tomographic (PET) and computed tomographic (CT) system, an experimental setup mimicking an integrated CT-PET scanner. Image fusion of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET and CT images allowed exact localization of the infected cyst among many cysts identified on previous CT and magnetic resonance images. Confirmation was obtained instantly, followed by CT-guided percutaneous puncture. Integrated imaging systems hold promise for direct PET-guided puncture of areas of increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by using the anatomic accuracy of CT.

Unexpected stability of the urea cis-trans isomer in urea-containing model pseudopeptides.

In contrast to the situation observed in the crystal state, the urea moiety in N-Boc-N'-carbamoyl-gem-diaminoalkyl derivatives (single-residue ureidopeptides) 1-4 exclusively assumes a cis-trans conformation in solution. When R(3) = H, the resulting structure can be further stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond that closes an eight-membered pseudocycle. The root-mean-square deviation calculated for heavy atoms between a peptide gamma-turn and the folded conformation that we propose to call urea turn is 0.60 A. [structure: see text]

Foetal loss, liver necrosis and acute lupus erythematosus in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by arterial or venous thromboses and recurrent foetal loss. It occurs as primary disease, but also in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Whereas primary APS induces a thrombotic microangiopathy without significant inflammatory reaction, secondary APS in SLE is usually associated with vasculitis. Here we report a patient with APS who presented with acute diarrhoea and then developed a HELLP-like syndrome characterized by a spontaneous abortion, multifocal hepatic necroses and thrombocytopenia. Thereafter an acute flare of SLE with arthralgias, pleuritis, skin rash and glomerulitis occurred. Clinical amelioration was only achieved by combining curettage, anticoagulation and immunosuppression, a treatment taking into account the pathogenesis of HELLP-like disease, APS and SLE. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of APS associated with combined acute manifestations of these three syndromes triggered by a presumable intestinal infection.

Eight cDNA encoding putative aquaporins in Vitis hybrid Richter-110 and their differential expression.

The nucleotide sequences of eight cDNAs encoding putative aquaporins obtained from a leaf Vitis hybrid Richter-110 cDNA library are reported. They encode proteins ranging from 249 to 287 amino acids with characteristic sequences that clearly include them within the MIP family. According to available database sequence homologies, they can be classified into four groups belonging to two subfamilies: PIP (PIP1 and PIP2) and TIP (gamma-TIP and delta-TIP). In order to elucidate the expression patterns of these putative aquaporins in the plant, specific probes were developed and tissue specific differential expression was tested by reverse Northern and compared with two reference genes (malic enzyme and glutamate dehydrogenase). Clearly, most of the putative aquaporins had higher expression in roots, whereas expression in shoot and leaves was generally weaker than the reference genes.

Effects of trimethoprim and co-trimoxazole on the morphology of Listeria monocytogenes in culture medium and after phagocytosis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the extra- and intracellular activity of antifolates on Listeria monocytogenes. The fortuitous discovery of elongated bacteria in response to trimethoprim revealed a novel effect on the morphology of Listeria in cell culture medium and after phagocytosis. This phenomenon permitted the quantification of trimethoprim activity, revealing comparable activity intra- and extracellularly. Subinhibitory concentrations of trimethoprim resulted in bacterial elongation, which was reversed after removal of trimethoprim. We attribute this effect of trimethoprim to an inhibition of cell wall synthesis and/or cell separation of Listeria.

The effect of type 1 astrocytes on neuronal complexity: a fractal analysis.

Embryonic, ventral spinal cord neurons were grown on poly(d-lysine) (PDL) or on a monolayer of type 1 astrocytes. At various times from 6 h to 2 weeks postplating, cells were fluorescently labeled and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. The cell surface immunoreaction allowed visualization of neurons in their entirety, namely, cell bodies and various membranous extensions that included lamellipodia, growth cones, axons, and dendrites. Outlines were drawn for individual neurons and their fractal dimension (D) was calculated. Neurons on poly(d-lysine) reached a peak D at 3 days in vitro, 1 day later than neurons on astrocytes (2 days in vitro). The maximum D was greater for cells on poly(d-lysine) when compared with neurons on astrocytes. In a second experiment the maximum D was similar for neurons on both surfaces but neurons on PDL maintained a higher D for a much longer period than neurons on astrocytes. An examination of fluorescent images revealed that neurons on poly(d-lysine) exhibited lamellipodia and large growth cones for several days and these structures were likely responsible for the high D seen in these cells. These structures were rarely observed in neurons plated on astrocytes. Interestingly, D on both surfaces decreased to a similar value at between 1 and 2 weeks in vitro. The trend for D in these cultures, an initial increase to a peak value followed by a decrease to a stable value, is discussed in light of the chemical nature of the two surfaces and synapse formation and stabilization.

Reactive hypoglycaemia due to late dumping syndrome: successful treatment with acarbose.

Reactive hypoglycaemia is a rare disease which occurs postprandially in everyday life involving blood glucose levels below 2.5 to 2.8 mmol/l. We report on a 66-year-old patient who developed symptomatic reactive hypoglycaemia due to late dumping syndrome 10 years after oesophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. A 75 g sucrose load revealed a plasma glucose level of 9.4 mmol/l after one hour, followed by symptomatic hypoglycaemia with a plasma glucose level of 1.8 mmol/l after three hours. Concomitantly, high concentrations of insulin (3216 pmol/l at a glucose level of 9.4 mmol/l and 335 pmol/l at a glucose level of 1.8 mmol/l) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) (375 pmol/l at a glucose level of 9.4 mmol/l and 85 pmol/l at a glucose level of 1.8 mmol/l) were measured. While the patient was under treatment with acarbose, another sucrose load did not provoke symptomatic hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose nadir of 4.6 mmol/l after two hours). Insulin and GLP-1 levels increased much less, to peak levels of 375 pmol/l and 75 pmol/l respectively, after one hour when plasma glucose was 6.8 mmol/l. We conclude that in patients with reactive hypoglycaemia due to gastrointestinal surgery, acarbose decreases rapid glucose absorption associated with hyperglycaemia and GLP-1 secretion, and thus diminishes excessive insulin release. Acarbose is therefore a successful treatment modality for reactive hypoglycaemia due to late dumping syndrome.

Tetrahydrobiopterin increases myocardial blood flow in healthy volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a regulatory cofactor for the activity of nitric oxide synthases. Vasodilating properties of BH4 have been reported in vitro and in vivo. The influence of BH4 on myocardial blood flow (MBF), however, is largely unknown. We therefore performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effect of intravenous BH4 on MBF in healthy volunteers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Resting MBF was assessed in 15 subjects receiving either intravenous BH4 (10 mg/kg) or placebo using positron emission tomography (PET) and [13N]ammonia. From a mean baseline MBF of 0.91 +/- 0.09 ml/min/g, MBF increased to 1.18 +/- 0.10 ml/min/g after BH4 (n = 10; p = 0.0042). In contrast, in the group receiving placebo mean MBF remained unchanged (non-significant decrease from 0.97 +/- 0.19 to 0.84 +/- 0.11 ml/min/g; n = 5; p = 0.36). Systemic haemodynamics and ECGs remained unaffected in both groups. BH4 was very well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Systemically administered BH4 is safe and effectively increases resting MBF in healthy volunteers.

Prognostic significance of Bcl-2 and p53 expression in advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Proteins regulating the cell cycle and cell death are frequently abnormally expressed in cancer. Several of these, particularly p53 and Bcl-2, have been widely suggested as possible prognostic markers in diverse human malignancies. Their role in predicting outcome in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck is unclear and may depend on the location, stage, and treatment of the tumor. METHODS: To assess this question specifically for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, we studied 69 patients with stage III or IV tumors, all but 6 of whom were treated with surgery plus postoperative irradiation by a single physician. We studied the patients retrospectively to test the association between expression of Bcl-2 and p53, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, with treatment outcome and survival. RESULTS: Twenty of the 69 patients died from their tumor (poor outcome); the rest were alive and tumor free at the last follow-up or died of unrelated causes without clinical tumor recurrence (good outcome). Fourteen tumors had detectable Bcl-2 expression, including 8 scored as overexpressors. Thirty-nine tumors overexpressed p53. Expression of neither Bcl-2 nor p53 was associated with outcome, overall survival, or disease-free survival. Only tumor stage was significantly associated with outcome and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that assessing expression of p53 or Bcl-2 is unlikely to be prognostically useful for surgically treated advanced laryngeal carcinoma.