The pitfalls of measuring changes in smoking habits. Essential NCD Health Intervention Project Team.
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Data Collection↗
Biomedical subjects
S Rashid
Publications and source records attributed to S Rashid.
Beta-blockade, but not normoglycemia or hyperinsulinemia, markedly diminishes stress-induced hyperglycemia in diabetic dogs.
Stress-induced hyperglycemia can lead to significant deterioration in glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. Previously, we have shown in normal dogs that, after intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of carbachol (a model of moderate stress), increases in both the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of glucose and endogenous glucose production (GP) occur. However, in hyperglycemic diabetic dogs subjected to the same stress, the MCR of glucose does not increase and glycemia therefore markedly deteriorates because of stimulation of GP. Our aims were to determine the following: 1) whether insulin-induced acute normalization of glycemia, with or without beta-blockade, would correct glucose clearance and prevent the hyperglycemic effect of stress, and 2) whether hyperinsulinemia per se could correct these abnormalities. Stress was induced by ICV carbachol in 27 experiments in five alloxan-administered diabetic dogs subjected to the following protocols in random order: 1) basal insulin infusion (BI) to restore normoglycemia; 2) basal insulin infusion with beta-blockade (BI+block); 3) normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp with threefold elevation of insulin above basal (3x BI); and 4) normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp with fivefold elevation of insulin above basal (5 x BI). The BI+block protocol fully prevented stress-induced hyperglycemia, both by increasing MCR (deltaMCR at peak: 0.72 +/- 0.25 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) vs. no change in BI, P < 0.05) and by diminishing the stress-induced increment in GP observed in BI (deltaGP at peak: 3.72 +/- 0.09 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) for BI+block vs. 14.10 +/- 0.31 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) for BI, P < 0.0001). In contrast, 3x BI and 5x BI treatments with normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps proportionately increased basal MCR at baseline, but paradoxically were not associated with an increase in MCR in response to stress, which induced a twofold increase in GP. Thus, in alloxan-administered diabetic dogs, stress increased GP but not MCR, despite normalization of glycemia with basal or high insulin. In contrast, beta-adrenergic blockade almost completely restored the metabolic response to stress to normal and prevented marked hyperglycemia, both by limiting the rise in GP and by increasing glucose MCR. We conclude that acute normalization of glycemia with basal insulin or hyperinsulinemia does not prevent hyperglycemic effects of stress unless accompanied by beta-blockade, and we speculate that short-term beta-blockade may be a useful treatment modality under some stress conditions in patients with diabetes.
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
Regarding depressive symptoms and metabolic control in African-Americans with type 2 diabetes.
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Black or African American↗
History, development and clinical success of porcelain inlays.
The drive for alternative to amalgam as a restorative material is led by concerns about the safety of mercury within amalgam and also by aesthetic demands from patients. Early attempts to address these issues produced disappointing results in terms of performance from directly-placed resin composites in posterior teeth. While directly-placed posterior restorative materials have improved in recent years the indirect constructed inlay may more readily meet the functional requirements of premolar/molar teeth. This article seeks to review the history, development and clinical success of porcelain when used as an inlay material. A case is included to demonstrate the clinical application of this aesthetic technique and the author's personal recommendations.
Adult↗
Insights into the tetanus toxin model of early-onset epilepsy from long-term video monitoring during anticonvulsant therapy.
Video monitoring studies were undertaken to determine if the anticonvulsant, carbamazepine (CBZ), could prevent seizures in infant rats that had been intrahippocampally injected with tetanus toxin (TNTX). In control rats, seizure frequency peaked 5-6 days after injection and rapidly declined by postinjection day 9. Twice-daily CBZ treatments dramatically suppressed behavioral seizures for 7 days. However, despite increasing the dosage of CBZ, rats experienced more behavioral seizures during the second week after TNTX injection. Paradoxically, tetanus-toxin-injected control rats had very few seizures at this time. Results not only suggest that this TNTX model may be useful in screening drugs for treating intractable focal epilepsy of infancy but also provide some insight into the processes that may contribute to the rapid decline in behavioral seizure frequency that occurs during the acute phase of epileptogenesis in this model.
Age of Onset↗
HDL metabolism in hypertriglyceridemic states: an overview.
Reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels have been recognized as a highly significant independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. HDL levels are also inversely related to plasma triglyceride levels and there is a dynamic interaction between HDL and triglyceride (TG) rich lipoproteins in vivo. The mechanisms underlying the lowering of HDL in hypertriglyceridemic states have not been fully elucidated, but there is evidence to suggest that triglyceride enrichment of HDL, a common metabolic consequence of hypertriglyceridemia, may play an important role in this process. There is accumulating evidence to suggest that the primary mechanisms leading to reduced plasma HDL cholesterol levels and HDL particle number in hypertriglyceridemic states may be due to any one or a combination of the following possibilities: (1) small HDL particles, which are the product of the intravascular lipolysis of triglyceride-enriched HDL, may be cleared more rapidly from the circulation, (2) triglyceride-enriched HDL may be intrinsically more unstable in the circulation, with apo A-I loosely bound, (3) the lipolytic process itself of triglyceride-enriched HDL may lower HDL particle number by causing apo A-I to be shed from the HDL particles and cleared from the circulation, (4) a dysfunctional lipoprotein lipase or reduced LPL activity may contribute to the lowering of HDL levels by reducing the availability of surface constituents of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins that are necessary for the formation of nascent HDL particles. This review summarizes the evidence that triglyceride-enrichment of HDL is an important factor determining the rate at which HDL is catabolized, a mechanism which could explain, at least in part, the reduced plasma HDL cholesterol levels and particle number frequently observed in hypertriglyceridemic states.
Cholesterol, HDL↗
Increased yield of immunogold labeling of epoxy sections by adding para-phenylendiamine in the tissue processing.
The purpose of this study was to examine if the presence of para-phenylendiamine (PPD) in the tissue processing could increase the yield of immunogold labeling of the epoxy sections. Renal swine tissue with glomerular immune complex deposits with reactivity against IgG was embedded in epoxy resin. PPD was added (1) at the beginning of the dehydration, (2) in the first step with propylene oxide, (3) in the beginning of the dehydration and in all steps with propylene oxide included the infiltration step where propylene oxide and epoxy resin are mixed, or (4) PPD was totally avoided. The tissue was embedded with two different combinations of accelerator. Immunogold labeling with anti-IgG was performed on both non-heated and heated ultrathin sections. The immunogold labeling on the heated sections which were based on processing with PPD in all steps (3) was about 55-65% higher than the corresponding labeling for epoxy sections processed in total absence of PPD (4). The immunolabeling was not significantly increased when the tissue was processed with PPD only in the start of the dehydration (1) or in the first step with propylene oxide (2). We believe that tissue processing with sufficient PPD contributes to reduce the co-polymerization between the antigens and the epoxy polymer in the same way as excess of accelerator does (Brorson and Skjørten, 1996a). The practical significance of this study provides better opportunities for increasing the immunogold labeling of epoxy sections by adding PPD in the tissue processing, and our result may inspire other researchers to develop even more efficient methods for controlling the copolymerization between antigens and epoxy resin.
Animals↗
Ondansetron versus placebo for the control of nausea and vomiting during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
This prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effects of ondansetron on nausea and vomiting during elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Seventy-four full-term parturients were studied. After umbilical-cord clamping, ondansetron 4 mg or 0.9% saline was injected intravenously and the study period continued for 2 h. The severity of nausea was graded from 0 = none to 10 = maximum, while that of vomiting was graded from single = once per min to continuous = multiple per min. The incidence of vomiting was lower following ondansetron (36%) compared with the control group (58%, p < 0.028). Neither the severity of vomiting nor the incidence of nausea was influenced by ondansetron. However, for those who experienced nausea, ondansetron reduced its severity (p = 0.05). We conclude that the intra-operative administration of 4 mg ondansetron intravenously during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia significantly reduces the incidence of vomiting and the severity of nausea.
Adult↗
Glucagon-like peptide 1 increases insulin sensitivity in depancreatized dogs.
To determine whether glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 increases insulin sensitivity in addition to stimulating insulin secretion, we studied totally depancreatized dogs to eliminate GLP-1's incretin effect. Somatostatin was infused (0.8 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) to inhibit extrapancreatic glucagon in dogs, and basal glucagon was restored by intraportal infusion (0.65 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1)). To simulate the residual intraportal insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes, basal intraportal insulin infusion was given to obtain plasma glucose concentrations of approximately 10 mmol/l. Glucose was clamped at this level for the remainder of the experiment, which included peripheral insulin infusion (high dose, 5.4 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1), or low dose, 0.75 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1)) with or without GLP-1(7-36) amide (1.5 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Glucose production and utilization were measured with 3-[3H]glucose, using radiolabeled glucose infusates. In 12 paired experiments with six dogs at the high insulin dose, GLP-1 infusion resulted in higher glucose requirements than saline (60.9+/-11.0 vs. 43.6+/-8.3 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1), P< 0.001), because of greater glucose utilization (72.6+/-11.0 vs. 56.8+/-9.7 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1), P<0.001), whereas the suppression of glucose production was not affected by GLP-1. Free fatty acids (FFAs) were significantly lower with GLP-1 than saline (375.3+/-103.0 vs. 524.4+/-101.1 micromol/l, P<0.01), as was glycerol (77.9+/-17.5 vs. 125.6+/-51.8 micromol/l, P<0.05). GLP-1 receptor gene expression was found using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of poly(A)-selected RNA in muscle and adipose tissue, but not in liver. Low levels of GLP-1 receptor gene expression were also found in adipose tissue using Northern blotting. In 10 paired experiments with five dogs at the low insulin dose, GLP-1 infusion did not affect glucose utilization or FFA and glycerol suppression when compared with saline, suggesting that GLP-1's effect on insulin action was dependent on the insulin dose. In conclusion, in depancreatized dogs, GLP-1 potentiates insulin-stimulated glucose utilization, an effect that might be contributed in part by GLP-1 potentiation of insulin's antilipolytic action.
Adipose Tissue↗
Tackling the emerging pandemic of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: the essential NCD health intervention project.
There is evidence that the prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, is increasing rapidly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Others, such as asthma and epilepsy, are known to be common but to be poorly managed. This paper describes a project, funded by the Department for International Development of the British Government, which aims to provide costed and evaluated treatment packages for use at primary health care level, methods and materials for evaluating the quality of non-communicable disease care, and a protocol for the assessment for national opportunities for the prevention of hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Methods are being developed and piloted in urban and rural Tanzania and Cameroon.
Asthma↗
Economic globalisation and its effect on health. Some diseases could be eradicated for the cost of a couple of fighter planes.
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Developing Countries↗
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Improved treatment options for this complex disorder.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by severe peptic ulcer disease, gastric acid hypersecretion, and non-beta islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Most gastrinomas are found within an anatomic area known as the gastrinoma triangle. However, they commonly occur in extrapancreatic sites in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. In patients in whom Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is suspected, laboratory evidence of hypergastrinemia and hyperacidity establishes the diagnosis. Until the advent of proton pump inhibitors, total gastrectomy was the treatment of choice. Therapy with these agents (eg, omeprazole, lansoprazole) can prevent ulcer disease. However, surgical removal of gastrinomas offers a chance for cure and can improve longevity by preventing the malignant spread of the tumors.
Anti-Ulcer Agents↗
Innovation and survival: a case study in planning medical library services.
In the information age, information utilities like libraries are as sensitive to the stresses of change as any other organization. This article is a case study of a small, specialized medical library as it attempted to understand, and cope with, the complex simultaneous challenges of serious budgetary constraints, technological change, and shifting user demands in the mid 1990s. To support planning decisions in a period of declining use statistics, the Medical Library at Women's College Hospital, Toronto, carried out a user survey that posed choices about priorities among services. Conclusions drawn from the survey and its related planning process may help similar organizations design an appropriate service blend for future users.
Efficiency↗
Meningococcal carriage: prevalence and sex-related risk factors.
A retrospective analysis was done to examine whether sexual behaviour was associated with meningococcal carriage. Over the 4 month period from January to April 1994, 136 (27.4%) of the 496 consecutive new/re-registered genito-urinary medicine clinic attenders showed meningococcal carriage. Two (15.4%) of 13 homosexual men compared with 134 (27.7%) of 484 heterosexual men and women had evidence of meningococcal carriage. Relative risk (RR) of meningococcal carriage was 1.8 with > 10 lifetime partners and 1.2 with 3-10 partners (P < 0.007). RR with age group of 16-25 was 4.2 and for 26-35 it was 3.5. There was no relationship with meningococcal carriage and pharyngeal symptoms, sexual orientation, intravenous drug use, number of partners per month and orogenital sex. Further longitudinal studies may be of value in order to determine whether a high number of sexual partners is a marker for meningococcal carriage. In addition, further study may show whether there is an increased risk of meningococcal carriage and disease in those who live with meningococcal carriers.
Adolescent↗
Reliability and reproducibility of breath hydrogen and methane in male diabetic subjects.
We studied the variability and reliability of breath hydrogen and methane as well as the alterations in intestinal gas profile in response to lactulose ingestion in 13 asymptomatic male patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Seventeen healthy subjects served as controls. The prevalence of methane producers was 33% in DM and 45% among control subjects (P = NS). The prevalence of nonhydrogen producers was 7.7% and 5.9%, respectively. The coefficient for interday variation of H2 was 72.6 +/- 9.8% in DM and 49.7 +/- 9.8% in controls (P < 0.05). Similarly, the coefficient for interday variation of CH4 was 94.3 +/- 18.8 and 69.4 +/- 16.8% respectively (P = NS). The reproducibility of basal H2 and CH4 among diabetics as assessed by r1 (measure of reliability) was poorer among diabetics when breath analysis was performed on different days (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between diabetics and controls with respect to basal or peak or area under the curve for H2 and CH4 in response to lactulose. We conclude that there is poor reproducibility of fasting breath gas levels among asymptomatic male subjects with diabetes. In addition, DM is not associated with alterations in hydrogen- or methane-producing potential.
Adult↗
Spectrum of neuropsychiatric complications in 791 cases of typhoid fever.
Over a 6-year period, we studied 791 patients with multidrug-resistant typhoid fever, of whom 665 individuals (84%) developed neuropsychiatric manifestations. These were: acute confusional state (73%); myelitis (6%); cerebellitis (1%); parkinsonism (1%); acute psychosis (0.6%); meningo-encephalitis (0.5%); encephalitis (0.25%); sensory motor polyneuropathy, polymyositis, acute schizophrenia and bizarre neurological syndromes (0.12% each). Severe parkinsonian rigidity and meningo-encephalitis are associated with significant morbidity but very low mortality (0.5%).
Adolescent↗
Role of fever in infection: has induced fever any therapeutic potential in HIV infection?
Ancient societies had no rational understanding of fever. The Greeks were the first to recognise that it may be part of nature's method of effecting cure in some diseases. How best to assist nature went through many trials and errors. Appreciation of the prognostic value of fever and how it may be controlled was slow to appear. That there was a place in the therapeutic arsenal for induced fever came only with the 20th century. Finding a suitable, safe, and satisfactory means came slowly. The curative power of well controlled and reproducible levels of fever was proved by the arrest of one deadly and incurable complication of a sexually transmitted disease in the first half of this century. The purpose of this review is to promote discussion and, hopefully, well ordered laboratory and clinical trials aimed at learning whether or not induced fevers have a place in the care of patients with HIV/AIDS.
Animals↗