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Biomedical subjects

J D Welsh

Publications and source records attributed to J D Welsh.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Breath hydrogen (H2) response to carbohydrate malabsorption after exercise.

Ten subjects were studied in order to determine whether mild exercise after an overnight fast would influence the baseline breath H2 concentration or breath H2 response to the nonabsorbable disaccharide, lactulose. Breath H2 concentrations immediately after exercise were significantly lowered (p less than 0.0001) but rapidly returned to baseline values. Exercise did cause a significant change in the overall response after oral lactulose and must be considered when sequential breath H2 tests are undertaken.

Adult↗

Effect of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid on oral glucose tolerance and breath hydrogen in postgastrectomy patients.

Twenty postgastrectomy patients ingested glucose solutions with or without psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid to determine its effects on their blood glucose and breath hydrogen excretion. On the basis of the breath hydrogen tests following glucose alone, 15 had various degrees of glucose malabsorption which the addition of psyllium markedly reduced. In all 20 patients, psyllium significantly lowered peak blood glucose and prolonged its rate of fall. However, areas under the glucose concentration time curves were similar with and without psyllium, suggesting that total glucose absorption was unaltered by psyllium. In vitro, centrifuged psyllium-water-glucose slurries released glucose over 3 hr into water. Although the mechanisms of the psyllium alteration of the blood glucose and breath hydrogen responses are probably multifactorial, our studies suggest that release from the psyllium-glucose slurry results in a slower and more complete glucose absorption.

Adult↗

Endoscopic cultures of the proximal gastrointestinal tract.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate two methods of obtaining culture material under direct visualization through a fiberoptic upper gastrointestinal endoscope. Collections were made both with a wash pipe and a sterile brush through a sterilized Olympus D panendoscope. Paired aspirate collections were made on 20 occasions from 10 postgastrectomy and six nonoperated patients. Significant bacterial overgrowth was identified equally well by both methods, the the wash tube, which can be reused, is cheaper. The endoscopic method for collecting proximal fluid for culture is simple and can be performed during a routine endoscopy.

Aged↗

Localization of genes for the double-stranded RNA killer virus of yeast.

The M double-stranded RNA (ds RNA) genome segment of the cytoplasmically inherited killer virus of yeast codes for two polypeptides when denatured and translated in vitro: a previously known 32,000-dalton peptide and a newly discovered 19,000-dalton peptide (NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). An internal 190-base-pair region of the ds RNA is selectively degraded by S1 nuclease treatment at 65 degrees C, resulting in two ds RNA fragments which contain the termini of the original ds RNA. The larger fragment codes for the 32,000-dalton polypeptide and the smaller fragment codes for the 19,000-dalton polypeptide. Thus, the two gene products of M are encoded by distinct regions of this ds RNA.

DNA, Fungal↗

Effect of fiber on breath hydrogen response and symptoms after oral lactose in lactose malabsorbers.

The effect of ingesting cellulose, pectin, and psyllium with orally administered lactose in water or milk was tested in six lactose malabsorbers. Breath hydrogen tests were used to evaluate lactose malabsorption and mouth-to-cecum transit times. Addition of psyllium significantly reduced the breath hydrogen response, and symptoms in each subject; whereas, less diminution of expired hydrogen was seen after cellulose or pectin was added. The effect of each fiber on gastric emptying rates of an equal volume liquid meal was evaluated in three volunteers. Pectin had no effect, while the cellulose and psyllium modestly delayed emptying at approximately 30 min.

Adolescent↗

Interval sampling of breath hydrogen (H2) as an index of lactose malabsorption in lactase-deficient subjects.

Interval sampling of breath hydrogen content was used in lactose malabsorbers: (1) to compare hydrogen responses following increasing oral doses of lactose in milk and aqueous solutions; (2) to determine the reproducibility of interval breath sampling, and (3) to compare carbohydrate malabsorption following ingestion of either regular milk or milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. Significant differences in breath hydrogen responses due to increasing amounts of lactose in milk and aqueous solutions were observed. The individual breath hydrogen responses were reproducible using the same lactose dose on different days. There was no significant difference in breath hydrogen responses or symptoms following administration of either regular milk or milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. Breath hydrogen sampling at intervals, as performed in these studies, provides a sensitive and reproducible index of lactose malabsorption.

Administration, Oral↗

Effectiveness of milk products in dietary management of lactose malabsorption.

Eleven lactose malabsorbers were studied to compare the effectiveness of commercially available products recommended for dietary treatment of lactose malabsorption. One product, a commercial lactase preparation, is added to milk for lactose hydrolysis before consumption. The other is a commercial milk product containing lactose-hydrolyzing, nonpathogenic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus. Both of these products are presently recommended for management of lactose malabsorption, although such recommendations have not been validated by controlled studies. Lactose malabsorption was determined by breath H2 analyses after subjects drank four different test doses on 4 different days. The first test dose was 480 ml of low fat milk; the second was 480 ml of milk treated with a commercial lactase preparation; the third was 480 ml of a commercial L. acidophilus-containing milk; and the fourth was 480 ml of the L. acidophilus-containing milk after 1 wk of gastrointestinal exposure to this commercial bacteria-containing milk. The mean breath H2 response to the lactase-treated milk was significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than the mean response to regular milk. However, the mean breath H2 response to either of the test doses of the L. acidophilus-containing milk were not significantly different than responses to regular milk. It is concluded that the lactase-treated milk reduces breath H2 responses and symptomatic discomfort from malabsorption while the L. acidophilus-containing milk does not.

Adult↗

Virion DNA-independent RNA polymerase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The "killer" plasmid and a larger double-stranded RNA plasmid of yeast exist in intracellular virion particles. Purification of these particles from a diploid killer strain of yeast (grown into stationary growth on ethanol) resulted in co-purification of a DNA-independent RNA polymerase activity. This activity incorporates and requires all four ribonucleoside triphosphates and will not act on deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. The reaction requires magnesium, is inhibited by sulfhydryl-oxidizing reagents and high concentrations of monovalent cation, but is insensitive to DNase, alpha-amanitin, and actinomycin D. Pyrophosphate inhibits the reaction as does ethidium bromide. Exogenous nucleic acids have no effect on the reaction. The product is mostly single-stranded RNA, some of which is released from the enzymatically active virions.

DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases↗

Breath hydrogen test after oral lactose in postgastrectomy patients.

The purpose of this study was to compare breath hydrogen tests after oral lactose ingestion in nonoperated subjects and postgastrectomy patients. Simultaneous oral lactose tolerance tests and breath hydrogen tests were performed in 50 subjects. Twenty of the 30 subjects without prior gastric surgery had normal lactase activities and low breath hydrogen concentrations. The other 10 subjects had low lactase levels and increased breath hydrogen concentrations. The remaining 20 subjects had prior gastric surgery. Seven of these had normal lactase activities, no history of milk intolerance and low breath hydrogen concentrations. Two of the postgastrectomy patients had low intestinal lactases, milk intolerance, and high breath hydrogens. The remaining 11 postgastrectomy patients had normal intestinal lactases but high breath hydrogens. Eight of the 11 had milk intolerance while two of the other three had not consumed milk since childhood. From these studies the following conclusions can be reached: 1)a low lactose breath hydrogen test in the postgastrectomy subject correctly identifies the individual with normal lactase activity. However, high breath hydrogen responses, may be found in either those with lactase deficiency or normal lactase activity. 2) Lactose malabsorption would appear to explain the milk intolerance in the postgastrectomy patient with normal lactase activity.

Animals↗

The visible vessel as an indicator of uncontrolled or recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Although endoscopic examination in patients with bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract has improved diagnostic accuracy, it has not been useful in predicting clinical outcome and has not been shown to improve the patients' prognoses. This article describes a subgroup of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding whose clinical outcome can be predicted at the time of endoscopy. In 28 of 317 patients who underwent endoscopy, a "visible vessel" was seen in an ulcer presumed to be the bleeding site. All 28 were later recommended for operation because of recurrent (86 per cent) or uncontrolled (14 per cent) hemorrhage. In contrast, 75 per cent of the remaining 289 patients in whom vessels were not seen, whether or not bleeding from ulcers, had single bleeding episodes managed medically. Since patients with a "visible vessel" can be expected to have uncontrolled or recurrent hemorrhage, surgical treatment should be considered at the time of endoscopy if such a vessel is seen.

Acute Disease↗

Adequacy of endoscopic biopsy specimens for disaccharidase assays.

Intestinal mucosa from 40 patients obtained by fiber-endoscopic biopsy was assayed for disaccharidases to determine suitability of this tissue for assay. The combined specimens from each patient provided 4.7-38.7 mg of tissue, adequate in all instances for duplicate determinations of protein, lactase, sucrase, and maltase. Tissue remained for assays of palatinase in 39 instances, trehalase and cellobiase in 37, and alkaline phosphatase in 22 cases. Twenty-four subjects had normal lactose tolerance tests and normal sucrase/lactase ratios. Thirteen patients with abnormal oral lactose tolerance tests were identified as having a primary low lactase activity on the basis of elevated sucrase/lactase ratios. This ratio was most helpful in making the diagnosis of a primary low lactase, since the mucosal specimens were not obtained from comparable areas. Tissue from three subjects with an abnormally low maltase was unsuitable for diagnosis. Endoscopic biopsy of mucosa appears to be satisfactory for disaccharidase assays in most instances.

Adult↗

Diet therapy in adult lactose malabsorption: present practices.

Three hundred twenty-three of 473 questionnaires sent to hospital dietitians in 50 states and Puerto Rico concerning diet therapy for adult lactose malabsorption were returned and analyzed. Only 42% of the responding dietitians stated that their hospital diet manuals contained a diet for adult lactose malabsorption, with less than 1% having a diet specific for patients with peptic ulcer disease and lactose malabsorption. Physicians in almost half of these hospitals rarely considered lactose malabsorption when prescribing a diet for patients with peptic ulcer disease or rarely modified diets for suspected lactose malabsorption. The responding dietitians supplied pertinent portions of their diet manuals in 99 instances, which was 72% of those having such diets. Many of the submitted diets were too rigid, frequently restricting foods that did not contain lactose. On the basis of the survey and a review of the literature, a more reasonable approach to the therapy of adult lactose malabsorption is suggested.

Adult↗

Disaccharidase deficiency in infants with cow's milk protein intolerance. Response to treatment.

7 infants, aged 5 weeks to 11 months, with clinically documented intolerance to cow's milk protein, chronic diarrhea, and failure to thrive, underwent small intestinal (peroal, suction) biopsy before and after withdrawal of milk proteins. Mucosal specimens were examined by light microscopy and assayed for disaccharidase activities. In all patients, moderate to severe mucosal changes were presented, associated with marked inflammation of lamina propria and damages to the brushborder. Disaccharidase activities (lactase, sucrase, maltase and palatinase) were markedly depressed in all. Follow-up biopsies were obtained in 6 infants, after 3-5 months on a milk-protein-free diet. At the time of the second biopsy, the disaccharidase activities had risen significantly and histologic improvement had occurred in each instance. In infancy, intestinal mucosal lesions due to intolerance to cow's milk protein are histologically indistinguishable from those seen in gluten-sensitive enteropathy and are associated with marked secondary disaccharidase deficiencies. Following therapy, the activity of the disaccharidases become normal or near normal prior to the complete morphologic recovery of the small intestinal mucosa.

Animals↗

Intestinal disaccharidase activities in relation to age, race, and mucosal damage.

Studies were undertaken to determine the relationship of intestinal disaccharidase activity to age and race, and the relationship of mucosal damage to a primary low lactase activity. The first study consisted of data on 399 persons (339 whites, 53 blacks, and 7 American Indians) ages 1 month to 93 years, with normal intestinal histology. Among whites, all 117 children 5 years old or under had high lactase levels, whereas low levels were found only in subjects over 5 years of age. No low lactase levels were identified among the 11 black children 3 years old or under, but in comparison to coetaneous white children, their mean lactase activity was signficantly less. The majority of older blacks had low lactases. In whites and blacks alpha-disaccharidases did not participate in the age-related changes demonstrated with lactase. Of the 7 American Indians, none under 26 months old had low lactase levels, whereas the 4 over 10 years old had low activities. Heterozygotes for sucrase-isomaltase deficiency were identified only among whites. Low lactase levels developed during childhood in all races studied, however, many for unknown reasons maintained their lactose tolerance until adulthood. In the second study of 13 additional children with secondary disaccharidase deficiencies, emergence of a primary low lactase was related to age and race, rather than to mucosal damage. It appears that primary low intestinal lactase levels are absent or rare in whites under 5 and blacks under 3 years of age, and the deficiency is not related to mucosal damage.

Adolescent↗

Hemostatic defect in endoscoped upper gut bleeding.

In an effort to assess the role of salicylate ingestion in upper gastrointestinal bleeding, one observer obtained a blood specimen for salicylate determination, performed a Duke bleeding time, and obtained a detailed drug history at the time of diagnostic endoscopy. Although a salicylate ingestion history was common, other variables did not correlate with it. Prolonged bleeding time occurred in 21 of the 81 patients, versus 1 of 22 controls. It was strongly associated with liver disease, with the alcohol habit by history, and with endoscopically severe gastritis, but was not correlated with plasma salicylate levels or evidence of salicylate ingestion by history, or with thrombocytopenia. Additional relationships linked liver disease and gastritis with prolonged bleeding time. There was no direct evidence from this study that salicylate ingestion occurred more frequently among gastrointestinal bleeders than among controls, and there was no evidence that the hemostatic defect increased the magnitude of bleeding.

Alcoholism↗

Gastric emptying of lactose and milk in subjects with lactose malabsorption.

Six lactose absorbers (LA) and 5 lactose malabsorbers (LM) had tests of gastric emptying with 750-ml meals of glucose in water, lactose in water, plain milk, and chocolate milk. The glucose and lactose meals emptied in a similar fashion in LA and LM subjects with a significant decrease in gastric emptying as the osmolarity of the meals was doubled. If the data are normalized by dividing lactose emptying by the emptying of glucose meals of twice the osmolality in each individual, the lactose malabsorbers empty significantly more lactose. Both LA and LM subjects emptied comparable amounts of milk meals having similar osmolarity. Chocolate milk, which had a higher osmolality than plain milk, emptied more slowly than plain milk in both groups, and this difference was significant in the LM group.

Adult↗

Effects of age on lactose malabsorption in Oklahoma Native Americans as determined by breath H2 analysis.

Breath H2 excretion was used to determine lactose malabsorption in 30 health females and 30 healthy males between the ages of 3 and 64 yr who were at least 7/8 Native American. The test meal consisted of 5 ml reconstituted nonfat dry milk (0.25 g lactose) per kg of body weight. On the basis of breath H2 tests in 15 control subjects with normal oral lactose tolerance tests, a response factor of 20 ppm was selected as the upper limit for lactose absorbers. Of the 60 subjects in the study group, 36 (60%) were classified as lactose malabsorbers since they had a response factor of 20 ppm or greater of breath H2. Only 3 of 20 children (15%) who were under the age of 12 yr were nondigesters of the small lactose dose used in this study. Approximately 82 percent (82.5%) of subjects who were 13 yr and older were lactose malabsorbers. Adolescence appears to be the period in which malabsorption of lactose becomes evident in Native North Americans.

Adolescent↗