Predicting habitual water intake from lifestyle questions.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have used selective recall and descriptive dietary record methods, requiring considerable effort for assessing food and water intake. This study created a simplified lifestyle questionnaire to predict habitual water intake (SQW), accurately and quickly assessing the habitual water intake. We also evaluated the validity using descriptive dietary records as a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: First, we used crowdsourcing and machine learning to collect data, predict water intake records, and create questionnaires. We collected 305 lifestyle-related questions as predictor variables and selective recall methods for assessing water intake as an outcome variable. Random forests were used for the machine learning models because of their interpretability and accurate estimation. Random forest and single regression correlation analysis were augmented by the synthetic minority oversampling that trained the model. We separated the data by sex and evaluated our model using unseen hold-out testing data, predicting the individual and overall habitual water intake from various sources, including non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, and food. RESULTS: We found a 0.60 Spearman's correlation coefficient for total water intake between the predicted and the selective recall method values, reflecting the target value to be achieved. This question set was then used for feasibility tests. The descriptive dietary record method helped to obtain a ground-truth value. We categorized the data by gender, season, and source: non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, food, and total water intake, and the correlation was confirmed. Consequently, our results showed a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.50 for total water intake between the predicted and the selective recall method values. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that dissemination of SQW can lead to better health management by easily determining the habitual water intake.

Characterization of the functional subunit combination of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

The combination of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) subunits connecting with the secretion of catecholamines in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was pharmacologically investigated using selective agonists and antagonists for their nAChRs. The EC(50) values (microM) for the agonists that stimulate the catecholamine secretion and the rank order were as follows: nicotine (3.3)> or =1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (3.5) > (E)-N-methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-butene-1-amine (14) > cytisine (23) > or =acetylcholine (25). However, because both the rank order and the EC(50) values differed considerably from those in the various subunits' combinations expressed in Xenopus oocytes or mammalian cells (e.g. alpha2beta2, alpha3beta4, alpha4beta4, etc.), we could not compare them. On the other hand, the IC(50) values (microM) for the antagonists that inhibit the secretion and the rank order were mecamylamine (0.08) > alpha-conotoxin-MII (alpha-CTX-MII) (0.71) > dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) (48) > alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) (no effect). Mecamylamine is a highly selective antagonist for alpha3beta4 nAChRs, and alpha-CTX-MII and alpha-BTX are specific antagonists for alpha3beta2 and alpha7 nAChRs, respectively. DHbetaE is a selective antagonist for the alpha4beta2. It has already been shown that the mRNAs for alpha3, alpha5, alpha7 and beta4 subunits are expressed in the chromaffin cells. Therefore, the subunit combination of nAChRs associated with the catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells is suggested to be at least alpha3beta4 or alpha3beta4alpha5. Further, the results indicate that the utilization of the nicotinic agonists as selective ligands for the subunit combination of nAChRs may be not suitable for the characterization of nAChRs.

Pathway for Ca2+ influx into cells by trichosporin-B-VIa, an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid-containing peptide, from the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.

Trichosporin (TS) -B-VIa, a fungal alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) -containing peptide consisting of 19 amino acid residues and a phenylalaninol, produced both 45Ca2+ influx into bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and catecholamine secretion from the cells. The secretion induced by TS-B-VIa at lower concentrations (2-5 microM) was completely dependent on the external Ca2+, while that induced by TS-B-VIa at higher concentrations (10-30 microM) was partly independent of the Ca2+. The concentration-response curves (2-5 microM) for the TS-B-VIa-induced Ca2+ influx and secretion correlated well. The TS-B-VIa (at 5 microM) -induced secretion was not antagonized by diltiazem, a blocker of L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. The treatment of fura-2-loaded C6 glioma cells with TS-B-VIa (2-5 microM) led to an increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a concentration-dependent manner but the stimulatory effects of TS-B-VIa on [Ca2+]i were only slightly observed in Ca(2+)-free medium, indicating that TS-B-VIa causes Ca2+ influx from the external medium into the C6 cells. The TS-B-VIa-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in the C6 cells was not antagonized by diltiazem and by SK&F 96365, a novel blocker of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry. High K+ increased neither [Ca2+]1 in the C6 cells nor Mn2+ influx into the cells, while TS-B-VIa increased Mn2+ influx. Also in other non-excitable cells, bovine platelets, similar results were obtained. These results strongly suggest that the mechanism of Ca2+ influx by TS-B-VIa at the lower concentrations is distinct from the event of Ca2+ influx through receptor-operated or L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in both excitable cells (the chrornaffin cells) and non-excitable cells (the C6 cells and the platelets) and that TS-B-VIa per se may form Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels in biological membranes. On the other hand, the peptide at the higher concentrations seems to damage cell membranes.

Changes in taste perception following mental or physical stress.

Taste perception depends not only on the chemical and physical properties of tastants, but may also depend on the physiological and psychological conditions of those who do the tasting. In this study, the effects of mood state on taste sensitivity was evaluated in humans who were exposed to conditions of mental or physical fatigue and tension. Taste responses to quinine sulfate (bitter), citric acid (sour) and sucrose (sweet) were tested. The intensity of the taste sensations were recorded by a computerized time-intensity (Tl) on-line system. Subjects performed mental tasks by personal computer or physical tasks by ergometer for 10-40 min. Before and after these sessions, the duration of the after-taste and the intensity of the sensation of taste were recorded by the Tl system, and in addition, psychological mood states were evaluated with POMS (Profile of Mood State). Tl evaluation showed that after the mental tasks, the perceived duration of bitter, sour and sweet taste sensations was shortened relative to the control. Total amount of bitterness, sourness and sweetness was also significantly reduced. Furthermore, the maximum intensity of bitterness was significantly reduced. There were no significant differences in bitterness and sweetness sensations following physical tasks. However, relative to before the physical task, the duration of the after-taste of sourness was significantly shortened by the physical task. After the physical task, the buffering capacity of saliva was significantly increased. Thus mental and physical tasks alter taste perception in different ways; the mechanisms underlying these changes remain to be determined.

Dimethylsulfoxide potentiates the suppressive effects of lidocaine on synaptic transmission in bullfrog sympathetic ganglion.

The effects of dimethylsulfoxide used as a solvent on the suppressive effects of lidocaine on synaptic transmission were examined in the bullfrog sympathetic ganglion. Compound action potentials (CAP) in response to orthodromic stimulation of the presynaptic nerve trunk were recorded extracellularly from the bullfrog sympathetic ganglion. Application of lidocaine dissolved in normal Ringer's solution significantly decreased the amplitude of CAP. This suppressive effect of lidocaine was markedly potentiated when lidocaine was dissolved in 0.1% DMSO solution. A similar potentiating effect of DMSO was observed on the suppressive action of lidocaine on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced depolarizing response recorded intracellularly from the sympathetic ganglion cell. On the other hand, 0.1% DMSO solution alone had no effect on synaptic transmission, resting membrane potential, resting membrane resistance or ACh receptor activity. The present findings suggest that DMSO as solvent should be used carefully because of its potentiating effect on drug actions. Since the effect of lidocaine is due to the suppression of nicotinic ACh receptor at the postsynaptic membrane, DMSO may allosterically act on the nicotinic ACh receptor causing an increase in efficacy of lidocaine.

Properties of trichosporin-B-VIa-induced catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Trichosporin (TS)-B-VIa, a peptide consisting of 19 amino acid residues and an amino alcohol, causes Ca(2+)-dependent secretion of catecholamines from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The TS-B-VIa-induced secretion was greater under alkaline conditions and at a temperature of 37 degrees C compared with that at 21 degrees or 30 degrees C. It was not observed when the peptide was eliminated from the incubation medium. These results strongly suggest that the stimulatory effect of TS-B-VIa on the secretion is reversible and dependent on the temperature and pH of the incubation medium.

Effects of SK&F 96365, an inhibitor of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, on Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

SK&F 96365 (1-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxyl]-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl-1H- imidazole HCl) (1-50 microM), an inhibitor of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, reduced both acetylcholine (ACh)- and 56 mM K+ (high K+)-induced 45Ca2+ influxes and catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. However, SK&F 96365 at lower concentrations (1-3 microM) inhibited only ACh-induced 45Ca2+ influx and secretion but not their high K(+)-induction. In Na(+)-free medium, ACh-induced 45Ca2+ influx and secretion were also considerably decreased by SK&F 96365 at low concentrations (1-3 microM). These results suggest that in the chromaffin cells, not only voltage-sensitive calcium channels but also ACh receptor-operated calcium channels at least in part contribute to the influx of Ca2+ which triggers the catecholamine secretion from the cells when the cells are exposed by ACh.

Effects of antiallergic drugs on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

The effects of the antiallergic drugs, oxatomide, ibudilast, and tranilast on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells stimulated by acetylcholine were examined. Both oxatomide (2-100 microM) and ibudilast (10-100 microM) resulted in the inhibition of the secretion of catecholamines from the cells in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas tranilast (100 nM-100 microM) did not. Oxatomide and ibudilast also reduced the acetylcholine-induced 45Ca2+ influx into the cells. The concentration-response curves for oxatomide and ibudilast inhibiting 45Ca2+ influx were quite similar to those for drugs inhibiting the secretion. Oxatomide similarly reduced both high K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx and secretion. However, the oxatomide inhibition of acetylcholine-induced secretion was not overcome by increasing the concentrations of acetylcholine or Ca2+. Oxatomide also inhibited histamine-induced secretion and the inhibition was almost overcome by increasing histamine concentration. These results indicate that oxatomide and ibudilast inhibit catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells stimulated by acetylcholine. The inhibition is due to the suppression of Ca2+ influx into the cells through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. The results further suggest that oxatomide competitively antagonizes histamine receptors and inhibits the secretion stimulated by histamine.

Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug, inhibits catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Long-term pretreatment (12-120 h) of cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, Pt(NH3)2Cl2) (33 microM), an antineoplastic drug, resulted in a decrease in the secretion of catecholamines from the cells stimulated by acetylcholine. Acetylcholine-induced 45Ca2+ influx into the cells was also reduced in the cells pretreated with cisplatin for 48 h. The concentration-response curves (3-66 microM) for cisplatin inhibition of the secretion and 45Ca2+ influx were quite similar. Pretreatment of cells with 33 microM Pt4+ or carboplatin, an analog of cisplatin, for 48 h also led to a decrease in acetylcholine-evoked secretion, but not with 33 microM Pt2+ or other metals (Au+, Au3+, Ni2+, Os3+, Pd2+, Ir3+, and Ir4+) that have properties similar to Pt4+. These results strongly suggest that in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, cisplatin (3-66 microM) inhibits catecholamine secretion by the suppression of the Ca2+ influx into the cells evoked by acetylcholine and that the inhibitory effect of cisplatin is attributable to the tetravalent platinum ion in its molecule.

[Clinical study of protein and amino acids metabolism in surgical infection--significance of administration of branched chain amino acids].

Anastomotic leakage and fistula of alimentary tract are accompanied by peritonitis because of exudation of contents in the digestive canal. In order to inquire about metabolism of protein and amino acids in surgical infection, this study was performed by the method of a time related cross-over trial, comparing high branched chain amino acids (BCAA) solution with low BCAA solution. The following results were obtained. When metabolism is physiologically compensated in infection, it was suggested that there appeared to be gluconeogenesis, ureagenesis and a liver disturbance accompanied in the early phase of sepsis. Administration of BCAA leads to an inhibition of muscle protein break down and a promotion of visceral protein synthesis in the case of severe infection. Administration of BCAA enriched amino acids solution have an important therapeutic measure under severe stressed condition and a significant role in medicine.

Serum phospholipase A2 in diet-induced pancreatitis.

Serum activities of amylase, lipase, phospholipase A2 and transaminases were measured in mice with diet-induced acute pancreatitis. To study the role of choline deficiency, one control group received only a choline-deficient diet (CD diet), another group received the choline-deficient diet with 0.5% DL-ethionine (CDE), and a third group received the choline-deficient diet and was given ethionine intraperitoneally. Serum amylase activities increased after 1 day of treatment in all experimental groups. In contrast, lipase activity rose later in the groups receiving ethionine either in the diet or intraperitoneally. In the CDE group there were significant changes in phospholipase A2 on the fourth day after test feeding was started, but no rise was seen in the other groups. Correspondingly, in the group receiving the CD diet alone and the group receiving intraperitoneal ethionine the mortality was significantly lower than in the group receiving ethionine in the diet. In all experimental groups there was a significant rise in serum transaminases (ASAT, ALAT). The rise in ALAT on day 4 was significantly higher in the CDE group than in the other two groups. The mortality rate in the CDE diet group on day 4 was 91%. In the animals to which ethionine was given intraperitoneally the corresponding mortality was 21%. In the CD diet group all animals survived for more than 4 days. The present results suggest that serum lipase and phospholipase A2 activities correlate better with the severity of diet-induced pancreatitis than do serum amylase levels. The most severe cases of the disease seemed to be associated with a rise in serum phospholipase A2 activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of anti-shock agents on the re-opened superior mesenteric artery flow.

We investigated intestinal blood circulation after re-opening of a fixed-time occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in rabbits. The SMA root was occluded for 60 minutes, after which blood pressure and SMA flow were monitored for one hundred minutes under the administration with fluid infusion of three anti-shock agents; dopamine, phenoxybenzamine and dexamethasone. The intestinal wall tissue circulation in parallel with SMA flow was also studied. Blood pressure and SMA flow decreased after release of the SMA occlusion (SMAO), as compared those during pre-occlusive time in the control group. Fluid infusion alone did not improve blood pressure and SMA flow. Pre-administration of dexamethasone with fluid infusion improved blood pressure, SMA flow and the survival rate. Phenoxybenzamine with fluid infusion improved SMA flow, despite the low blood pressure. Circulatory damage to the intestinal wall was more extensive than that to SMA flow. These findings suggest that the severity and mortality of SMAO shock was not caused by plasma loss but rather by toxic metabolites and endotoxin from the ischemic intestine.

The effect of pancreatectomy in lipoprotein lipase activity: an experimental study in pancreatectomized rats.

To investigate the etiology of hyperlipemia induced by total pancreatectomy in rats, the authors determined lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and performed the intravenous fat loading test (IVFLT). LPL activity was remarkably reduced after total pancreatectomy, but recovered almost completely with administration of 4 i.u./Kg of insulin. The results of IVFLT showed positive correlation with LPL activity changes. The elimination rate K of IVFLT also recovered with the administration of insulin. On the other hand, in our previous reports no evidence of increase in lipid synthesis in the liver of depancreatectomized rats was found. From these results, the authors tentatively concluded that the main cause of pancreatectomy-induced hyperlipemia was a delay in the removal of lipids from the blood, due to decreased LPL activity caused by a lack of insulin.

Carcinoid of the stomach: a case report and review of 100 cases reported in Japan.

A case of carcinoid of the stomach is described and a review of 100 patients with carcinoid of the stomach reported in Japan up to 1980 is made. Of the 100 cases, the male to female ratio was 2.54. Typical clinical manifestations of the carcinoid syndrome were quite rare. Metastases to the liver were observed in 76% of cases with tumours larger than 5 cm in diameter. The liver and lymph nodes were common sites of metastases. Carcinoids arising from the anterior wall of the stomach also showed a high incidence of metastasis. As a result of histochemical examinations, it was revealed that the nonreactive cell type was found in 31% of cases, while the argentaffin cell type was found in only 10%. Confirmation of the diagnosis of carcinoid is sometimes difficult. Occasionally, therefore, electron-microscopic demonstration of specific secretory granules becomes essential for the final diagnosis.

Mezlocillin in the treatment of gonorrhea.

Mezlocillin (2 g) was administered by a single intravenous injection to 32 male patients with gonorrheal urethritis and to five female patients with gonorrheal cervicitis, none of whom had received any pre-treatment or had had any complications. The results of the treatment were "good" in 32 cases (86.5%), "fair" in three (8.1%) and "poor" in two patients (5.4%). One of the two "poor" cases showed no sensitivity to any penicillin derivative. Nausea during injection was observed twice, but the patients recovered immediately after the injection.

The disintegration of surgical sutures on exposure to pancreatic juice.

The loop-breaking strength of various suture materials was tested over a period of 14 days during which time the sutures were incubated in vitro in saline or canine serum, bile, activated or nonactivated pancreatic juice. Under the conditions of the study, silk and nylon maintained their strength in each environment. Polyglycolic acid maintained its strength in saline, bile or serum, but gradually lost much of its strength when exposed to pancreatic juice. Catgut, both plain and chromic, disintegrated almost completely within 24-48 hours respectively when exposed to enterokinase activated pancreatic juice. Inhibition of trypsin by aprotinin (Trasylol) resulted in preservation of catgut strength but inhibition by soybean inhibitor did not. The latter findings suggest that proteolytic enzymes, other than trypsin, may be responsible for the disintegration.