Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K M Koehler.
Our results show the importance of a number of regional foods and suggest some differences in the dietary patterns of three ethnic groups in the same region. Dietitians and nutritionists should be aware of the rich ethnic diversity of dietary patterns and use this knowledge in nutrition counseling, program planning, and nutrition education.
When valine, an essential amino acid, was withdrawn from the diet of weanling rats, the animals rapidly developed a unique pattern of neurological symptoms characterized by head retraction, staggering and aimless circling. At necropsy degenerative changes were most prominent in the neurons of the red nuclei, brain stem structures which modulate motor function. To explore the pathogenesis of the neurotoxicity associated with valine deficiency, we fed rats purified diets deficient in valine alone or in valine plus other branched chain and neutral amino acids, and we examined brain tissues by light microscopy. Motor disfunction and red nuclei damage occurred only in rats fed diets lacking valine alone and not in rats fed diets lacking all three branched chain amino acids. These results suggest that the neurotoxicity of valine deficiency results from amino acid imbalance rather than from lack of dietary valine per se.
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Anabolic steroid agents may potentially promote wound healing in individuals with spinal cord injury who have long-standing wounds. Nine patients hospitalized on the Spinal Cord Injury Service of the VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, received treatment with an anabolic agent and amino acid supplement. Selection of patients was based on having at least 1 of the following criteria: (1) nonhealing pressure ulcer of at least 2 months' duration with no change or worsening status, and/or (2) full-thickness pressure ulcer through fascia into muscle, tendon, or bone. Previous and current pressure ulcer histories were determined by review of the hospital records when available and/or self-reporting by the patient. Eight of 9 patients had nonhealing wounds of 2 months' to 5 years' duration. One patient was included because of having a large, full-thickness pressure ulcer of reportedly 2 weeks' duration. Except for 1 Stage III pressure ulcer, all others had Stage IV pressure ulcers.Three patients had documented weight loss (>10% of total body weight), 3 had no recent weight loss, and 3 refused to be weighed. Patients were treated from 1 to 12 months with oxandrolone (20 mg/day) and glutamine (20 g/day). Eight of 9 patients completely healed: 3 after 3 months, 2 after 4 months, 1 after 6 months, and 2 after 12 months of treatment. One patient was discharged against medical advice after 1 month of treatment with a healing wound and was lost to follow-up. Although clinical case studies have limited usefulness for determining effectiveness of drug therapy on wound healing, these initial observations of successful treatment with an anabolic agent and amino acid supplement have been encouraging.
OBJECTIVE: To report on the prevalences of self-reported illnesses from the New Mexico Elder Health Survey. DESIGN: Randomized community-based cross-sectional survey of elderly (> or = 65 years of age) Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites. METHOD: Analysis of data from the 883 participants in the New Mexico Elder Health Survey. RESULTS: Complete data on 848 subjects were available for this analysis: Hispanic males, 212; Hispanic females, 189; non-Hispanic White males, 236; non-Hispanic White females, 211. The mean age was 74 years (age range 65-98). Hispanics had fewer years of school and lower income. Hispanics reported a significantly (P<.05) higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes; leg ulcers/pressure sores; and Parkinson's Disease. Non-Hispanic Whites reported a significantly (P<.05) higher prevalence of asthma; circulatory problems; stomach (not ulcers), intestinal or gallbladder disease; urinary tract disorders (other than kidney disease); and cancer. Prevalence odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated. Hispanic males reported a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (OR 1.88, CI 1.10-3.26, P = .02), and lower prevalences of asthma (OR 0.43, CI 0.18-0.93, P = .04); urinary tract disorders, other than kidney disease (OR 0.59, CI 0.38-0.91, P = .01); and cancer (OR 0.31, CI 0.13-0.68, P = .005). Hispanic females reported a higher prevalence of diabetes (OR 3.01, CI 1.48-6.50, P = .003), and a lower prevalence of glaucoma (OR 0.48, CI 0.22-1.00, P = .05). These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, education, income, and language. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the prevalences of self-reported illnesses between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White elderly.
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