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At least 919 records · Page 51Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Influence of fiber form in a complete mixed ration on incidence of left displaced abomasum in postpartum dairy cows.

During the fall of 1982, increased incidence of left displaced abomasum (LDA) was seen in a group of cows fed a complete pelleted ration (3/16 inch) at the university's dairy center during the early postpartum period. Of these, 17.4% developed LDA when fed this experimental ration, whereas only 1.6% of the remaining cows in the herd developed LDA. The latter cows (as a control) were fed loose alfalfa hay, sorghum silage, and an 18% crude protein mix. Most of the fiber in the experimental diet or pelleted diet was alfalfa hay (30% as-fed basis) that was ground through a quarter-inch screen for incorporation into the pellet. Another 10% of the dietary fiber was contributed by cottonseed hulls. Thus, increased incidence of LDA may be associated with short length of the dietary fiber in the pelleted form.

Abomasum↗
PubMed1992

Consumption of a dehydrated ration for 31 days at moderate altitudes: status of zinc, copper, and vitamin B-6.

Intake of energy zinc, copper, and vitamin B-6 and indexes of zinc, copper and vitamin B-6 status were determined for eight men who consumed a high-carbohydrate dehydrated ration for 31 days of high activity at moderate altitudes (2,400 to 4,300 m). Data were collected 2 months before exposure (PRE), four times during the month at moderate altitudes (ALT), and 1 month after return (RET). Mean (+/- standard error) energy intake was 2,725 +/- 215, 3,430 +/- 79, and 3,370 +/- 215 kcal/day during PRE, ALT, and RET, respectively. Zinc and copper intakes averaged 10.6 +/- 1.6 and 1.0 +/- 0.1 mg/day during PRE and increased significantly to 16.9 +/- 0.7 and 3.5 +/- 0.1 mg/day during ALT; zinc and copper intakes were 15.5 +/- 1.6 and 1.9 +/- 0.3 mg/day for RET, respectively. Similarly, vitamin B-6 intake was significantly higher during ALT (PRE = 2.2 +/- 0.5 mg/day; ALT = 4.2 +/- 0.4 mg/day; and RET = 2.6 +/- 0.4 mg/day) as compared with PRE and RET. No significant changes were noted for plasma zinc, copper, or their related proteins or plasma or erythrocyte pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. Finally, no changes in urinary excretion of zinc were observed. The results indicate that dehydrated rations provide zinc, copper, and vitamin B-6 in amounts above the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Such diets may be consumed for at least 1 month without compromising status for these nutrients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The rational phase of therapeutic angiogenesis.

Largely disappointing results from early clinical trials have settled down the initial unrealistic hope that fueled therapeutic angiogenesis. Now that this research has reached a rational phase, every concept in the theory of neo-vascularization needs to be re-evaluated. Neo-vascularization in adult tissues has been described as the result of either arteriogenesis, angiogenesis or vasculogenesis. The contribution of these mechanisms to neo-vascularization in vivo can likely not be separated experimentally. All currently known growth factors are pleiotropic and induce the secondary release of other growth factors. A complete analysis of the efficacy of growth factors therefore should include parameters of arteriogenesis, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Current clinical studies have likely suffered from drug regimens with short exposure of a single growth factor. Although combinations of growth factors may be theoretically appealing to create robust sustained neo-vessels, preclinical and clinical study designs may become too complex. Instead, there is some evidence that prolonged exposure to a single growth factor might result in vessels that are resistant to regression. With the vast and rapidly growing body of data that is being obtained on growth factors and pro-angiogenic strategies, approaches will emerge that are more effective than the ones presently tested in the clinic. It remains imperative however, that these approaches are rationally based on fundamental and preclinical data.

Genes, Switch↗
PubMed2003

[Rational therapeutic regime of glucocorticoid in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and its receptor mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the change in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and cortisol, for the purpose of proposing a rational use of glucocorticoid (GC) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to evaluate its receptor mechanism. METHODS: ARDS patients in general ICU were enrolled for the study. GR of peripheral leukocytes in the patients were determined by radioligand binding assay using((3)H) dexamethasone as ligand. ARDS patients were stratified into three groups, i.e. mild, moderate and severe by clinical indices. The dosage of GC in the treatment of ARDS varied according to the level of GR and clinical indices. RESULTS: The proposed usage of GC according to the levels of GR, cortisol and clinical indices in the treatment of ARDS was shown to be rational. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of individualized dosage of GC may be much better in the treatment of ARDS.

Glucocorticoids↗
PubMed1992

[Recent progress in endocrine surgery: more refined and rational interventions for varied endocrine diseases].

Better understanding of pathogenesis and natural history of various endocrine diseases along with development of new and sensitive assays for accurate measurement of hormones and of modern image diagnostic procedures for clear demonstration of pathological tissues has enabled us to detect many kinds of endocrine diseases much more frequently than before and to perform a more refined and rational surgical intervention. Endocrine surgery is now a challenging and fascinating field of general surgery. This fact is best exemplified as follows: (1) different therapeutic approaches for intrathyroidal and extrathyroidal papillary carcinomas of the thyroid, (2) early detection and 131I treatment of clinically occult hematogenous metastasis of follicular carcinoma of the thyroid, (3) clinical usefulness of the serum calcitonin and CEA concentrations as sensitive tumor markers in the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma, (4) rational use of preoperative localization test and unilateral neck exploration for parathyroid adenoma, and specific surgical intervention for metastatic parathyroid carcinoma, (5) how to treat adrenal incidentalomas and a trial of subclassification of pheochromocytomas into epinephrine- and norepinephrine-secreting tumors, and (6) intraoperative localization of insulinoma by ultrasound and newly developed surgical approaches for gestrinoma.

Endocrine System Diseases↗
PubMed2003

The rational principles of neo-adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study is to analyze rational principles which at present govern the neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer and justify his application. First step is definition of targets: cellular replication block, volumetric reduction of rectal cancer, mesorectum and lateral nodes (Down staging), reduction of side-effects on close organs, radiation on more limited tissue volumes, major series of sphincter saving procedures, minor risk of microscopic tumour deposits. Second step regards standards which Protocols strive in order to: patients selection, therapeutic index, restaging before surgery, total mesorectal excision (TME). Further step accounts for evidence of drawbacks, related to Neoadjuvant approach, both Radiotherapy alone (RT) or Radiochemotherapy (CH-RT). METHODS: Indications for neoadjuvant therapy, basing a difference between the absolute and relative one, are explained. Given that granting role to such therapy still now remain partially unclear, we have outlined the following topics: A) survey of main protocols is managed, taking care on dose/response ratio, focusing on enhanced supply for fixed tumours, checking on a list of several drugs (oxaliplatinum, capecitabin, raltitrexed, CPT-11, eniluracil), which are medicated with RT and furthermore on a list of substitute RT methods (HART, IORT, Endocavitary). B) following whole treatments, according such a different approaches, analysis of obtained outcomes in the literature are carried out. C) Personal experience, basing on a previous series where Down-staging has been sought, comparing indicatively clinical and diagnostic data before neoadjuvant therapy and before surgery. D) List of open issues, not solved at present, is shown CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant therapy may be considered a rational approach for treatment of curative rectal cancer; indeed, preliminary results seem to introduce a real advantage compared to adjuvant therapy, even if is mandatory to associate proper surgical procedure, as TME, to warrant low local recurrences. Targets, related to such therapy, may be noticed ideal even though outcomes don't come up always to statements. So, continuous efforts to ameliorate rates of free-disease series, as well mortality rates and toxical effects are advised.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗
PubMed2003

[On the rational exertion for the prescriptions and drugs of TCM in preventing and treating SARS].

Based on the main schemes of the prevention and therapy for SARS issued by the state and provincial administrations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the characters and regulations for the application and performance of TCM in preventing and treating SARS were studied by cluster analysis. Some problems in the rational exertions of TCM in preventing and treating SARS were also discussed. Some proposals for the rational uses of traditional Chinese drugs (TCD) in preventing and treating SARS were offered finally in this article.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of pectin in the ration on cholesterol metabolism in rats].

Inclusion into the ration of 2.5 or 5% of apple pectin during 20 days did not significantly change the blood serum composition: cholesterol content decreased as compared to the control, the number of general bile acids increased. When apple pectin was added to the animals' ration containing egg powder, the amount of cholesterol excreted with feces increased depending on pectin content in the food.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Medicinal cannabis: rational guidelines for dosing.

The medicinal value of cannabis (marijuana) is well documented in the medical literature. Cannabinoids, the active ingredients in cannabis, have many distinct pharmacological properties. These include analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-oxidative, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as modulation of glial cells and tumor growth regulation. Concurrent with all these advances in the understanding of the physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of cannabis, there is a strong need for developing rational guidelines for dosing. This paper will review the known chemistry and pharmacology of cannabis and, on that basis, discuss rational guidelines for dosing.

Biotransformation↗
PubMed1999

Rational Choice theory and prison chaplaincy: the chaplain's dilemma.

Critical responses to the application of Rational Choice theories to the study of religious phenomena tend to be polarized between outright denial that the theories have any relevance to religion and equally outspoken claims that the theories are the only hope for progress in the sociology of religion. This article aims to avoid both of these extreme positions by raising a question, instead, about one of Rational Choice's central propositions about religion. This proposition holds that levels of religious vitality vary positively with the degree to which agencies of the state are prevented from regulating religious activity. The findings of recent research into prison chaplaincy in the UK and the USA will be used to test this claim. The main argument will be that the existence of an established church has facilitated a higher level of religious activity, especially for minority faiths, in prisons in England and Wales than is possible in American prisons. This difference in religious vitality is explained in terms of the Church of England's privileged position as a 'broker' between the state and minority faith communities. There is greater equality of opportunity for religious activity in American prisons, but the level of the activity is necessarily lower. In neither country is there anything truly resembling a 'free' market for religion in prisons, but the established Church of England is able to use its quasi-monopoly powers to broker advantageous conditions for minority faith communities. This brokerage function may be advantageous to all religious organizations in the highly regulated 'economy' of prisons.

Choice Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Blood transfusion safety in a limited resources setting: the elaboration of a rational National Blood Policy in Togo].

The demand for blood transfusion is high in subSaharan Africa because of the high prevalence of the anemia especially due to malaria and obstetrical damage. Providing a safe and confident system of transfusion requires more and more resources when, in developing countries, these are in fact limited. With a double view to improve the coverage in blood transfusion and ensure the security of blood products, the Ministry of Health of Togo launched in 1999 a series of operations for setting up a rational National Blood Transfusion Policy. The following steps were undertaken. A two-week situation analysis of the blood transfusion sector highlighted the lack of sector regulation, the multiplicity of blood unit production centres (n = 33 for a country of 56,000 km(2)) that could endanger the security of the products especially in limited resources conditions, the inadequacy in quality management in all areas of blood transfusion (insufficiency of human resources, equipment and supply, lack of procedures, etc.) and the lack of an information system on blood transfusion for retrospective survey and planning. The draft of the National Blood Transfusion Policy was then written in a week by two national consultants in accordance with the findings of the situation analysis. It was validated during a three-day multidisciplinary workshop and an ultimate validation was made by an international consultant in order to assess the adequacy of the options considered to the country's specific setting. The options retained for developing the Togolese blood transfusion sector development and which are consigned in the National Blood Transfusion Policy are as follows: development and implementation of blood transfusion regulations; reorganisation of the National Transfusion System by reducing it to 3 blood unit production centres: one in Lomé (the capital town), one in the centre of the country (Sokodé, 480 km from Lomé), and one in the Northern part (Dapaong, 870 km from Lomé); setting up of a system of blood collection, storage and distribution around these centres; promotion of voluntary and anonymous blood donation; promotion of quality assurance in the system and of good blood prescription practice; development and implementation of an appropriate and simple information system for better management; identification of a sustainable and equitable financing system in which the State must play a key role. The implementation of the National Blood Policy; and in particular the achievement of its goals requires: i) permanent State commitment; ii) the building of a rational action plan - with a financing framework for all blood transfusion partners; and iii) regular program evaluation.

Anemia↗
PubMed1992

[Biomechanical studies of the spine. Their significance for the development of rational treatment techniques].

A treatment is rational when the goal of restoring form and function can be achieved safely and with the least possible technical input and iatrogenic damage. In the field of spinal surgery a number of techniques have recently been developed than can be termed rational. Biomechanical investigations have made a decisive contribution to the progress achieved. Forces acting on the spine and their cyclic frequency are determined from (1) calculations based on models of the human body, (2) measurement of physical parameters, e.g. intradiscal pressure, and (3) loads acting on implants. Selection of the size and form of implants and investigation of their mechanical properties are based on the values recorded for forces and cycles. In vitro examinations on deformation of bone-implant complexes exposed to predetermined loads lead to improvements in form and dimensions of implants. Finally, comparative in vitro studies with different techniques can help in answering the question as to what technique is best suited to solve a given clinical problem.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2005

The rational use of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in clinical medicine.

The rational use of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals (DS/N) is based on objective evaluation of the clinical evidence as well as subjective evaluation of the risks, benefits, economic costs, and potential drug interactions. Since the use of DS/N has skyrocketed, physicians must learn about them in order to better communicate with and care for their patients. There are many evidence-based and rational uses for DS/N, but profiteering and quackery must be avoided at all costs.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2005

[Calcium and phosphorous content in daily rations of adolescents from Biała Podlaska District].

The aim of the study was to assess the Ca and P intake and Ca:P ratio in daily rations of boys and girls aged 10-15 years. Calcium intake amounted to 51% and 65% of safe intake level of RDA for 10-12 and 13-15 years old boys and 43% and 44% for girls, respectively. Phosphorus intake exceeded the RDA and amounted to 141-165% for boys and 122-133% for girls. It is suggested that persisting disproportions in Ca:P ratio (> or = 1:1,26) in daily rations may have disadvantageous effect on Ca metabolism, particularly in girls. A permanent nutritional education of children stressing the impact of proper nutrition on health, seem indispensable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Rational evolutionary design and modification of gene: a short-path of direct evolution].

Directed evolution is a powerful means in academic study and industrial application to modified and functionally improved proteins. There have been significant and impressive advances using the artificial method. Rational Evolutionary Design utilizes structural and sequence alignment information to create new genes and proteins. Rational Evolutionary Design has recently emerged as an attractive approach for studying function of proteins. The review mainly introduced four aspects: preferred codon usage, structural and sequence alignment, key domain analysis, site-directed recombination.

Directed Molecular Evolution↗
PubMed1991

Efficacy of dosage schedule for rational dosage prescribing of gentamicin.

In our pilot study of 30 patients who were on gentamicin, the adequate peak level (5-10 mg/dl) was found in 27 per cent, trough level (less than 2 mg/dl) in 67 per cent and both peak and trough level in only 10 per cent. We have several reasons to believe that it is due to inappropriate dosage prescribing. The objective of the study is to test the efficacy of using a recommended dosage schedule for rational dosage prescribing of gentamicin. All medical residents were invited to attend a 2-hour session on gentamicin pharmacokinetics. The problems and the use of recommended dosage schedule were extensively discussed. Then serum gentamicin levels were re-monitored by Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (TDx). Of 73 gentamicin recipients, 39 (53%, C gr.) were given at the correct dosage according to the schedule and 34 (47%, IC gr) were given incorrectly. The characteristics of the patients in both groups were not different. The appropriate peak, trough, peak and trough levels in C gr were 87, 80, 67 per cent respectively compared with 24, 80 and 9 per cent in the IC group, p less than 10(-4) for peak, peak and trough. The incidence of nephrotoxicity was not different between the two groups. The patients' outcomes were difficult to assess because most of the patients received antibiotic combinations. However, case fatality of documented gram-negative infection tended to be less in the C group. It is concluded that dosage schedule can improve rational dosage prescribing of gentamicin. Most of the patients given gentamicin may not need monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of rational lymph node dissection for abdominal neuroblastoma].

Complete tumor resection has a significant role in the treatment of localized neuroblastoma. Recently we have applied activated carbon particles to lymph node dissection in the surgery of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma with nodal involvement for the complete resection of this tumor. In this study, we have reviewed 22 consecutive patients with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma who received rational lymph node dissection using activated carbon particles from 1985 through 1990, including 16 patients detected through mass screening. Fourteen patients with stages I, II, and IV-S of neuroblastoma have survived for a median duration of 37.6 months, and all patients detected through mass screening survived for a median duration of 36.7 months, with no evidence of disease after operation. Two of the 8 patients with advanced disease (stages III and IV) died of tumor progression. No local recurrence was observed in all patients, and early or late complications were minimal. In conclusion, rational lymph node dissection considering the lymphatics is recommended for the surgery of patients with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma, including the patients detected through mass screening.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1991

Consumption of a dehydrated ration for 31 days at moderate altitudes: energy intakes and physical performance.

Energy intake, body weight, maximal work capacity, and measures of muscle strength and endurance were obtained from eight men who consumed a high-carbohydrate (CHO) dehydrated ration during a 31-day period of high activity at moderate altitudes. Data were collected 2 months before exposure to moderate altitudes (PRE), multiple times during the month's expedition at moderate altitudes (ALT), and after return from the expedition (RET). Work capacity per kilogram of body weight increased significantly from the PRE phase to the ALT phase. Mean energy intake averaged 2,354 +/- 71, 3,430 +/- 79, and 3,384 +/- 117 kcal/day during PRE, ALT, and RET, respectively; mean CHO intake during ALT was 595 +/- 13 g/day. Mean weight loss and reduction in body fat were significant: 1.9 +/- 0.9 kg and 18.9 +/- 10.1%, respectively. Energy deficits calculated from changes in body weight and composition during ALT ranged from 473 to 963 kcal/day, whereas the energy deficit estimated from the Harris-Benedict equation was only 194 kcal/day. The rigorous physical activity and exposure to moderate altitudes necessitated a high energy intake, approximating 3,800 kcal/day. The results indicate that physical performance and nutritional status are maintained when a high-CHO diet, consisting primarily of commercially available dehydrated foods, is consumed over a 31-day period of rigorous activity. However, weight loss and gastrointestinal distress were noted. These events might be minimized when a dehydrated ration is consumed, if dietary fat is substituted for some of the CHO.

Adipose Tissue↗