Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Venous Blood Samples (venous + blood_sample)
Selected AbstractsGlibenclamide improves postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia in Type 2 diabetic patients by reducing chylomicrons but not the very low-density lipoprotein subfraction levelsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2001I. Skrapari Abstract Aim, There are scarce data dealing with the degree of postprandial lipaemia after sulphonylurea administration. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acute glibenclamide administration on postprandial lipaemia in Type 2 diabetic patients. Methods, Eight randomly selected Type 2 diabetic individuals, aged 43,65 years (mean, 54 years), who had never received any anti-diabetic drug, were included in the study. Each patient was given a 485 kcal mixed meal (45% fat, 40% carbohydrate and 15% protein) twice on separate days after an overnight fast: once with placebo and once with 5 mg glibenclamide, per os, in a random order. The two tests were performed with an interval of 7 days. Venous blood samples were drawn just before and 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after meal consumption. Total triglyceride levels in plasma, in chylomicrons (CM), in CM-deficient plasma, in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfractions (VLDL-1, VLDL-2) and in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) were determined. Free fatty acid (FFA) and total cholesterol levels in plasma, as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in CM-deficient plasma, were also measured. Finally, serum glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations were measured in each sample. Results, As expected there was a significant decrease in postprandial glycaemia after glibenclamide administration compared to placebo (mean area under the curve values: AUC = 53.3 ± 18.2 and 69.1 ± 21.6 mm/h, P = 0.00009). In addition, the mean AUC values of insulin and C-peptide were significantly greater after drug administration. The AUC values of total plasma triglyceride and of CM triglyceride following glibenclamide administration were significantly lower compared to placebo, while the AUC values of postprandial triglyceride in CM-deficient plasma and of postprandial triglyceride in VLDL-1, VLDL-2 and IDL were not different after drug administration compared to placebo. Finally, no significant differences were noted in the AUC values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and plasma FFA levels after glibenclamide administration. Conclusions, These results demonstrate that glibenclamide administration improves postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia acutely by reducing postprandial triglycerides of intestinal origin. Diabet. Med. 18, 781,785 (2001) [source] Muscle, tendon, and somatotropin responses to the restriction of muscle blood flow induced by KAATSU-walk trainingEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006T. ABE Summary Objective: The efficacy of KAATSU training has been demonstrated in human athletes, both as a therapeutic method as well as a training aid. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of slow walk training combined with restriction of muscle blood flow (KAATSU) on muscle and tendon size. Methods: Six healthy, unfit Standardbred mares performed walking (240 m/min for 10 min and then 5 min recovery) with KAATSU, and 6 mares performed walking without KAATSU. A specially designed elastic cuff1 was placed at the most proximal position of the forelegs and inflated to a pressure of 200,230 mmHg throughout the walking and recovery sessions. The training was conducted once a day, 6 days/week for 2 weeks. Skeletal muscle thickness and tendon thickness were measured using B-mode ultrasound at baseline and after 2 weeks of training. Venous blood samples were obtained before the first acute exercise and 5, 15 and 60 min afterwards. Serum somatotropin concentration was determined using a commercially available equine-specific ELISA kit. Results: The acute increase in plasma somatotropin was 40% greater (P<0.05) in the KAATSU-walk group than in the Control-walk group 5 min after exercise and remained elevated (P<0.05) at 15 and 60 min post exercise compared with the Control-walk group. After 2 weeks of training, muscle thickness increased (P<0.05) 3.5% in the KAATSU-walk group but did not change in the Control-walk group (0.7%). Tendon thickness did not change (P>0.05) in either group. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that KAATSU training can induce muscle hypertrophy in horses and suggest that KAATSU training may provide significant therapeutic/rehabilitative value in horses, as has been shown in man. [source] Index of myocardial performance in patients with type 2 diabetes without hypertension and its relationship with clinical and echocardiographic parametersJOURNAL OF DIABETES, Issue 1 2009Hayrettin SAGLAM Abstract Background:, Diabetes mellitus affects the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the index of myocardial performance (IMP), a new Doppler index, in asymptomatic, normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods:, The study population consisted of 40 asymptomatic normotensive patients with T2DM (22 women, 18 men; mean [±SD] age 49,±,7 years) and 20 healthy controls (13 women, seven men; mean age 45,±,4 years). M-Mode and two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography was performed in all subjects to calculate IMP. Venous blood samples were collected for analysis and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results:, In normotensive T2DM patients, the mitral E wave was decreased, whereas mitral A wave, mitral E/A ratio, and septal wall thickening were increased compared with values obtained for the control group. The IMP was higher in normotensive T2DM patients than in the control group (P = 0.004). There was a significant correlation between IMP and triglyceride (TG) levels (P,<,0.001), mitral E wave (P,<,0.001), mitral E/A ratio (P,<,0.001), ejection fraction (P = 0.001), fasting blood glucose (P =0.007), LV systolic dimension (P,<,0.001), duration of diabetes (P = 0.017), and BMI (P = 0.029). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that only TG levels (, = 0.355, t = 2.487, P = 0.017) and the mitral E/A ratio (, = ,0.384, t = ,2.690, P = 0.011) had an independent effect on IMP. Conclusion:, The results of the present study indicate that IMP is increased in normotensive T2DM patients. The findings suggest that increased IMP may be an early sign of diabetic cardiomyopathy in normotensive diabetic patients with preserved LV function. [source] Sensory acceptability of white bread with added Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) kernel fibre and its glycaemic and insulinaemic responses when eaten as a breakfastJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2003Stuart K Johnson Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether lupin kernel fibre (LKF) could lower the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses of bread without reducing palatability. Healthy adults (n = 21) consumed control (white) bread (2.7% total dietary fibre (TDF)) once and LKF bread (8.5% TDF) once, as 50 g available carbohydrate breakfasts, in random order on different occasions. Venous blood samples were taken fasting, then post-prandially over 2 h and analysed for plasma glucose and insulin. Incremental areas under curves (IAUC) for glucose and insulin, glycaemic index (GI) and insulinaemic index (II) were calculated. Sensory acceptability of a control (white) bread (3.5% TDF) and two LKF breads (6.6 and 8.3% TDF) was determined (n = 54). A reduction of 18.8% (P < 0.05) was seen in IAUC for insulin of LKF bread compared with the control (white) bread breakfast. No significant differences were seen in the other glucose or insulin measures. Mean sensory ratings for all breads were ,acceptable', with no significant differences between the ratings of the breads. In conclusion, LKF can be formulated into palatable bread and beneficially influenced the IAUC for insulin. Further studies are required to determine unequivocally whether LKF has beneficial effects on blood glucose and insulin measures. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Pharmacokinetics of the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem after a single intravenous dose in horses,JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2006C. C. SCHWARZWALD The pharmacokinetics of diltiazem were determined in eight healthy horses. Diltiazem HCl, 1 mg/kg i.v., was administered over 5 min. Venous blood samples were collected at regular intervals after administration. Plasma concentrations of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. A second, putative metabolite was detected, but could not be identified due to the lack of an authentic standard. Data were analyzed by nonlinear least-squares regression analysis. The median (minimum,maximum) peak plasma concentration of diltiazem was 727 (539,976) ng/mL. Plasma diltiazem concentration vs. time data were best described by a two-compartment model with first-order drug elimination. The distribution half-life was 12 (6,23) min, the terminal half-life was 93 (73,161) min, the mean residence time was 125 (99,206) min, total plasma clearance was 14.4 (10.4,18.6) mL/kg/min, and the volume of distribution at steady-state was 1.84 (1.46,2.51) L/kg. The normalized ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) of desacetyldiltiazem to the AUC of diltiazem was 0.088 (0.062,0.179). The disposition of diltiazem in horses was characterized by rapid distribution and elimination and a terminal half-life shorter than reported in humans and dogs. Because of the reported low pharmacologic activity, plasma diltiazem metabolite concentrations were not considered clinically important. [source] Alterations of oestradiol, testosterone, gonadotrophins and SHBG by type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal womenPRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 9 2007Clinical implications for the incidence of breast cancer, cardiovascular risk in diabetic women? Abstract Sex hormones influence cardiovascular risk and bone mineral density. Total oestradiol is increased in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, whereas its impact on androgens, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and gonadotrophins in postmenopausal women is not so clearly understood. This study aims to clarify the impact of type 2 diabetes on sex hormone levels in Caucasian postmenopausal women. Type 2 diabetic (n=42) and non-diabetic (n=45) postmenopausal women were recruited. Venous blood samples were drawn and assayed for total oestradiol, total testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and SHBG. Ratio of total testosterone to SHBG was used as an index of free testosterone (FT). Total oestradiol and FT were significantly higher in diabetic subjects compared to controls, oestradiol median: 59.5(25th,75th centiles: 41.5,74.5) vs 42.5(37.0,59.8)pmol/L, p=0.009 Mann-Whitney test; and FT: 0.038(0.021,0.070) vs 0.022(0.012,0.036), p=0.003. SHBG, FSH and LH were lower in diabetic subjects compared to controls, SHBG: 32(23.3,47.3) vs 55(37,70)nmol/L, p<0.001; FSH: 54.8(42.2,68.7) vs 71.8(55.9,98.9)iu/L, p=0.001; and LH: 27.9(20.6,39.7) vs 39.2(30.9,48.1)iu/L, p=0.011, but total testosterone was not different. The differences in oestradiol, SHBG and FSH remained when subjects were matched for BMI and age (n=29). Preliminary sub-group analysis suggests that these differences may be influenced by form of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control. Type 2 diabetes is associated with altered levels of total oestradiol, FT, SHBG, FSH, LH, in postmenopausal women. However, further research is required to determine the impact of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control, and also the clinical relevance of these alterations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons. [source] 3353: Response of the human eye against oxidative stress at high altitudesACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010S KARAKUCUK Purpose To evaluate the response of the anterior segment of the eye against oxidative stress during acute exposure to high altitudes. Methods Forty volunteers were examined and measurements performed at Erciyes University Medical Faculty,Ophthalmology Clinic, Kayseri,Turkey(1080m). On the following day, participants were transported to Mt. Erciyes Ski Center by bus(2200m); thereafter they climbed to an altitude of 2800m.with a moderate pace. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure,spheric equivalent of refraction, arterial oxygen pressure,blood pressure, pulse rate and body temperature were measured at both altitudes. Venous blood samples were taken from volunteers at both altitudes;total oxidant status (TOS),total antioxidant status(TAS),advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), xanthine oxidase (XO), thiol, adenosine deaminase(ADA)levels were investigated at 1080m and 2800m. Results TOS(7.02µmol H2O2 equiv/L, range:0.49-22.07) and AOPP(220.74µmol/L,range:103.81-667.35)significantly increased at high altitude, compared to low altitude levels (3.32µmol H2O2 equiv/L range:0.92-18.41,and 195.58µmol/L,range:84.77-663.16, resp; p<0.05).IOP significantly elevated at high altitude (14.45±3.54mmHg vs 13.22±2.74mmHg; p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between IOP and TAS levels(p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between spherical equivalent or central corneal thickness with the investigated oxidation parameters at both altitudes Conclusion We conclude that oxidative stress markers, TOS and AOPP are increased along with IOP during acute exposure to hypoxic environment at high altitudes and that antioxidant system may have a limited capacity to counter balance this effect because of acute unacclimatized ascent. [source] Regulatory T cells in Graves' diseaseCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Deshun Pan Summary Context, Graves' disease (GD) involves auto-immunity against thyroid cell antigens, but the reasons for induction of auto-immunity are uncertain. We wished to determine whether there was a deficiency of regulatory T cells in patients with active GD. Design, Venous blood samples were obtained from patients with GD before and after treatment, and controls, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prepared. Patients and measurements, Regulatory T cells were enumerated by Fluorescent Activated Cell sorting (FACS) in nineteen patients with untreated GD, 9 patients 6,8 weeks post RAI therapy, and 30 control subjects. Twenty-one patients with active GD prior to control of hyperthyroidism, 23 euthyroid controls without known autoimmune thyroid disease, and 10 patients who were euthyroid 6,12 months after RAI treatment were studied for expression of genes found in regulatory T cells by real-time Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR). Results, Percent distribution of CD4+, CD4+CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+int-hi CD127+lo regulatory T cells was similar in active GD patients and control subjects. The number of CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+int-hi CD127+lo cells was similar in GD patients and control subjects, but was lower in recently treated patients. Messenger RNA was prepared from PBMC, and reverse transcribed. Copy DNA abundance was evaluated by Real Time PCR using appropriate primers, for GAPDH (glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase) as a control housekeeping gene, and 5 genes related to function of regulatory T cells. Message RNA for Gadd45 alpha, Gadd45beta (growth arrest and damage inducible proteins), GITR (glucocorticoid inducible TNF receptor) and CD25 (IL-2R subunit) was more abundant in patients with active GD than in normal controls, and FoxP3 mRNA level was equal to that in controls. Message RNA levels in patients treated and euthyroid for 6 months were also greater than or equal to values in controls. Conclusion, This study provides evidence that there is no deficit in T regulatory cells during active GD, or during the months post therapy. [source] A study to evaluate the relationship between periodontitis, cardiovascular disease and serum lipid levelsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 2 2009R Sridhar Abstract:, Background:, The search for cellular mechanisms linking periodontitis to changes in systemic health has resulted in the evolution of a new area of lipid research. So far the causality and possible pathways of the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is obscure. Method:, A total of 120 subjects were included in the study with 30 subjects in each of the following groups: healthy group (A), chronic periodontitis group (B), coronary heart disease (CHD + periodontitis group) (C) and CHD , periodontitis group (D). All subjects underwent oral examination and their Gingival Index, Oral Hygiene Index, Periodontal Disease Index scores and attachment loss were recorded. Two millilitres of fasting venous blood sample was drawn and tested for the level of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride level. Results and Conclusion:, The results revealed no significant difference with respect to the lipid profile levels between the four groups. Interpreting the results of the study, periodontal disease did not cause an increase in total CHL, LDL or triglyceride levels or a decrease in the HDL levels in an otherwise systemically healthy individual or in a CHD patient. Periodontitis in a CHD patient did not seem to exacerbate the destruction of periodontal tissue. Higher triglyceride levels did not have any correlation with the severity of attachment loss in a periodontitis subject. [source] The effects of social status on biological aging as measured by white-blood-cell telomere lengthAGING CELL, Issue 5 2006L. F. Cherkas Summary Low socio-economic status (SES) is associated with a shortened life expectancy, but its effect on aging is unknown. The rate of white-blood-cell (WBC) telomere attrition may be a biological indicator of human aging. We tested the hypothesis that SES is associated with telomere attrition independent of known risk factors influencing the aging process. We studied 1552 female twins. A venous blood sample was taken from each twin and isolated WBCs used for extraction of DNA. Terminal restriction fragment length (TRFL) was measured. Questionnaire data were collected on occupation, education, income, smoking, exercise, height and weight. Standard multiple linear regression and multivariate analyses of variance tested for associations between SES and TRFL, adjusting for covariates. A discordant twin analysis was conducted on a subset to verify findings. WBC telomere length was highly variable but significantly shorter in lower SES groups. The mean difference in TRFL between nonmanual and manual SES groups was 163.2 base pairs (bp) of which 22.9 bp (,14%) was accounted for by body mass index, smoking and exercise. Comparison of TRFL in the 17 most discordant SES twin pairs confirmed this difference. Low SES, in addition to the harmful effects of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, appears to have an impact on telomere length. [source] Prevalence and treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in patients with peripheral vascular diseaseBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 4 2000S. M. Evans Background: Hypercholesterolaemia is a recognized risk factor for the development of arteriosclerosis. There is compelling evidence to support the use of lipid-lowering strategies in all hypercholesterolaemic patients with arteriosclerotic disease. In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), national guidelines recommend treatment if total cholesterol exceeds 5·0 mmol l,1. The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in patients with PAD was determined and the adequacy of lipid management before vascular referral was examined. Methods: This was a prospective study of 233 consecutive patients admitted electively to this vascular surgery unit between December 1997 and December 1998. Some 68 patients were admitted with carotid disease, 81 with an aneurysm and 84 with intermittent claudication. A fasting venous blood sample was obtained from each patient. Results: There were 175 men and 58 women, of median age 67 (range 37,85) and 68 (range 47,85) years respectively. Only 35 patients (15 per cent) were previously known to be hypercholesterolaemic; all but one were receiving treatment (one dietary, 33 statin). Of the remaining 198 patients, 124 (63 per cent) had a serum cholesterol level above 5·0 mmol l,1. A further 17 patients (9 per cent) had total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein: cholesterol ratio greater than 5·0; these patients may also benefit from lipid-lowering therapy. In total, 141 (80 per cent) of 176 hypercholesterolaemic patients were undiagnosed at the time of hospital admission. Conclusion: Hypercholesterolaemia is an important and correctable risk factor found in the majority of patients with PAD, but despite national guidelines and clear evidence from randomized controlled trials it is simply not being diagnosed in primary care. All elective patients with PAD should be screened for hypercholesterolaemia during their admission. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Effect of platelet-rich plasma on the early bone formation around Ca-P-coated and non-coated oral implants in cortical boneCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Dimitris Nikolidakis Abstract Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of local application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the early healing of cortical bone around Ti implants with two different surface configurations. Material and methods: Six goats were used in this study. PRP fractions were obtained from a venous blood sample of the goats and administered immediately before implant insertion. PRP was applied via gel preparation and installation of the gel into the implant site, or via dipping of the implants in PRP fraction before insertion. A total of 36 implants (18 non-coated and 18 Ca-P-coated) were placed into the tibial cortical bone. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after implantation and implants with surrounding tissue were prepared for histological examination. Histomorphometrical variables like the percentage of implant surface with direct bone,implant contact and the percentage of new and old bone adjacent to the implant were evaluated. Results: More interfacial bone-to-implant contact was observed for all the three groups of Ca-P-coated implants and the Ti/PRP liquid group. All groups revealed similar percentages of old and new bone adjacent to the implant. Conclusions: It was concluded that the additional use of PRP did not have any effect on the early cortical bone response to the Ca-P-coated implants, while PRP in a liquid form showed a tendency to increase bone apposition to roughened titanium implants. [source] The Effect of Beta-Blocker (Carvedilol) Therapy on N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Echocardiographic Findings in Patients with Congestive Heart FailureECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2007Fuat Gundogdu M.D. Background: The favorable effects of beta-blockers on decreasing mortality in contemporary heart failure management have been demonstrated in recent years. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic (NT-proBNP) peptide levels increase in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic findings for the patients who received carvedilol therapy in addition to standard therapy for congestive heart failure. Methods and Results: A total of 25 patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure and 25 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Before introducing beta-blocker into their therapy regimens, baseline transthoracic echocardiography recordings were made and venous blood samples were drawn for establishing NT-proBNP levels. The patients were administered with a minimum dose of carvedilol. Three months after reaching the maximum tolerable dose, blood samples were drawn from the patients once again for NT-proBNP measurements, and transthoracic echocardiography was performed. There was a significant drop in plasma NT-proBNP levels at the end of the study in comparison to the baseline values (baseline: 381.20±35.06 pg/mL, at the end of the third month: 254.44±28.64 pg/mL; P < 0.001). While left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were observed to have significantly decreased as a result of the therapy (P < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001) was established to have increased significantly. Conclusions: Carvedilol therapy resulted in a marked decrease in plasma NT-proBNP levels and increase left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure. [source] Haematological and respiratory gas changes in horses and mules exercised at altitude (3800 m)EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006H. M. GREENE Summary Reason for performing study: Despite the common use of equids as visitors to high altitude mountainous environments, there are a paucity of carefully orchestrated scientific approaches. Further, again as a function of a common perceived advantage of mules over horses in these similar environments there are needs for controlled comparisons between these 2 equids. Objective: To measure haematological and respiratory function in horses and mules at low altitude (225 m), at rest and post exercise. In addition the rate and magnitude of these changes were followed over a 13 day period at high altitude (3800 m) to contrast acclimatisation. Methods: Resting and exercise venous blood samples (1 min post exercise) were obtained from 6 horses and 5 mules housed at 225 m (LA) and then transported to 3800 m (HA) for 13 days. The standardised exercise tests at both LA and HA consisted of trotting (3.0 m/sec) up an incline (6%) for 2 km. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA (comparison of altitude acclimatisation and species) for changes in haematological and respiratory gases. Results: At low altitude, no group differences were found with both resting (P=0.69) and exercising (P=0.74) heart rates. Resting PCV was 8% lower in the mules (P=0.02) and 20% lower during exercise (P=0.02). Horses had significantly higher 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)/g Hb at both rest (P=0.003) and exercise (P=0.03). Exercise at HA increased PCV (P=0.03) in both groups, but the increase was attenuated in the mules compared to horses. The increase with 2,3-DPG/g Hb was expressed at HA in both groups (P=0.001) and was also attenuated in mules (P=0.03). Both groups were alkalotic compared to LA (P=0.001), and there were no group differences (P = 0.95). Conclusion: Of the variables measured, the most notable distinction between species was identified for only PCV and 2,3-DPG with both higher in horses, at both LA and HA. While the attenuated response of PCV in mules for the same exercise might argue for an improved adaptation to altitude, the lower 2,3-DPG might not. Other variables during the exercise bout were not different between species. [source] Serum markers of lamellar basement membrane degradation and lamellar histopathological changes in horses affected with laminitisEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2000P. J. JOHNSON Summary In order better to evaluate the extent to which degradation of the lamellar basement membrane (LBM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) occurs in equine laminitis, we determined the concentration of type IV collagen and laminin in normal and laminitic horses, using specific immunoassays. Blood samples were obtained from both the jugular and the cephalic veins of horses (n = 10) before and after the induction of acute alimentary laminitis by carbohydrate overload. Jugular and cephalic venous blood samples were also obtained from horses affected with naturally occurring laminitis (n = 16) and nonlaminitic controls (n = 8). The serum collagen IV concentration was not changed following the induction of laminitis in the experimental group. Serum collagen IV concentration was increased in jugular venous blood obtained from cases of naturally occurring laminitis (mean ± s.e. 218.04 ± 18.59 ng/ml) compared with nonlaminitic controls (157.50 ± 10.93 ng/ml) (P<0.05). Serum collagen IV concentration was also increased in jugular venous blood obtained from severely laminitic horses (219.50 ± 18.18 ng/ml) compared with nonlaminitic controls (157.50 ± 10.93 ng/ml) (P<0.05). A difference in serum concentration of collagen IV was not identified based on chronicity of naturally occurring laminitis. Serum laminin concentration did not differ between laminitic and nonlaminitic horses. Differences in serum laminin concentration were not identified based on sampling location (jugular orcephalic vein), severity of laminitic pain, or chronicity of spontaneous laminitis. In conclusion, the circulating concentration of collagen IV was increased in horses affected with naturally occurring laminitis. The potential role for serum collagen IV assay for characterisation of equine laminitis warrants further investigation. [source] Prevalence of hepatitis B and C: A Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre experienceJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009Shehla Sami Abstract Aim:, To determine the prevalence of carriers of hepatitis B and C viruses among the obstetrical and gynecological population, the incidence of vertical transmission in obstetrical patients and to ascertain the risk factors associated with their transmission. Methods:, We conducted a prospective study over a 1-year period, from 1 January to 31 December 2005, comprising of an obstetrical population of 5902 deliveries and 548 major gynecology surgery patients. The study population was recruited by simple convenient sampling at Unit-I, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. Booked obstetrical and major gynecological surgical patients were routinely screened by Enzyme Immunoassay for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and anti-hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) on venous blood samples. Liver function and carrier profile tests were performed on mothers who were positive for HBsAg. Babies of mothers with HbsAg were tested at birth for both HbsAg and HbeAg. Results:, Hepatitis B was detected in 275 pregnant women (4.6%) and in 70 (12%) gynecological patients. Hepatitis C was detected in 108 (1.8%) pregnant women and in 89 (16%) gynecological patients. Babies born to mothers with HBV or HCV infections tested negative. Four gynecological patients tested positive for both HBV and HCV infections. Unsafe surgery, injections and inadequately screened blood transfusions were the main underlying causes of infection. Conclusion:, Routine screening of the obstetrical population detected more cases of HBV infection than HCV, whereas HCV was more prevalent in the gynecological population, emphasizing the need for safe medical practices and patient education. [source] The effects of activated protein C and prostacyclin on arterial oxygenation and protein leakage in the lung and the gut under endotoxaemia in the ratACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2008M. DUBNIKS Background: Based on the anti-adhesive/anti-aggregatory and permeability-reducing properties of activated protein C (APC) and prostacyclin (PGI2), we analysed and compared these substances regarding their efficacy in counteracting transcapillary leakage of albumin in the lung and the gut, and in improving arterial oxygenation under a condition of inflammation. Methods: The randomized and blinded study was performed on 31 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammation was induced by continuous infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). Six hours after the start of the LPS infusion (240,000 U/kg/h), a simultaneous infusion of saline (control group) or 8 ,g/kg/min of human recombinant APC or 2 ng/kg/min of PGI2 was started and continued for 24 h (n=8 per group). The study also included a sham group. Transcapillary leakage of albumin was measured from the ratio between tissue radioactivity [counts per minute (cpm)/g tissue] and actual amount of radioactivity given (cpm/g body weight of 125I-albumin). Oxygenation was assessed from arterial and central venous blood samples. Results: LPS induced albumin leakage in the gut and the lung, and impaired blood oxygenation. In the lung, the leakage was lower in the PGI2 group than in the APC and the control groups (P<0.05). In the gut, it was lower in the APC and the PGI2 groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Oxygenation was better in the APC and PGI2 groups than in the control group. Conclusion: Our data suggest that both APC and low-dose PGI2 are beneficial in LPS-induced inflammation in the rat, by reducing albumin leakage and improving blood oxygenation. [source] Evaluation of hematological, chemistry and blood gas values in dogs receiving hemoglobin glutamer-200JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2007DACVECC, DACVIM, Marie E. Kerl DVM Abstract Objective: To evaluate the degree of interference that administration of hemoglobin glutamer-200 (Hb-200) caused for complete blood counts (CBC), biochemical profiles, cooximetry, and point of care (POC) testing in healthy dogs. Design: Prospective, longitudinal experimental study. Setting: Veterinary medical teaching hospital. Animals: Six purpose-bred research hounds. Interventions: Dogs were administered FDA-approved hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (Hb-200) intravenously at 7.5 mL/kg over 2 hours. Arterial and venous blood samples were obtained before administration (Time 0) and at 3, 8, 14, 26, 50, 74, 98, 122, and 146 hours following administration. Measurements and main results: No adverse health effects were observed in any of the dogs. Characteristic mucous membrane, serum, and plasma color changes occurred following administration of Hb-200. Laboratory values that were significantly lower than baseline included packed cell volume, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Laboratory values that were significantly greater than baseline included mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, arterial pH, arterial total carbon dioxide, arterial bicarbonate, amylase, albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, phosphorous, total bilirubin, carboxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin. All values returned to baseline by the completion of the 146-hour monitoring period. Conclusions: In normal dogs, administration of Hb-200 resulted in statistically significant changes in multiple laboratory parameters; however, these changes are not likely to be clinically significant in the care of critically ill dogs. [source] Pharmacokinetic interaction of single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patientsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009Smita Pattanaik Abstract Piperine, the active principle of piper species, is commonly used as a spice and adjuvant in various traditional systems of medicine. It has been known as a bioavailability-enhancer. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of piperine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of a single dose of carbamazepine in poorly controlled epilepsy patients on carbamazepine monotherapy. Patients (n = 10 each) receiving either 300 mg or 500 mg dose of carbamazepine twice daily were selected. After administration of carbamazepine, venous blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 h. Subsequently, piperine (20 mg p.o.) was administered along with carbamazepine and samples were collected similarly. The pharmacokinetic parameters were compared by Students t -test. Piperine significantly increased the mean plasma concentrations of carbamazepine at most of the time points in both dose groups. There was a significant increase in AUC0-12hr (p < 0.001), average Css (p < 0.001), t1\2el (p < 0.05) and a decrease in Kel (p < 0.05), in both the dose groups, whereas changes in Ka and t1\2a were not significant. Cmax (p < 0.01) and tmax (p < 0.01) were increased significantly following piperine administration in the 500 mg dose group; however, these parameters were not significant in the lower dose group. Piperine could significantly enhance the oral bioavailability of carbamazepine, possibly by decreasing the elimination and/or by increasing its absorption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Increased frequency of extremely skewed X chromosome inactivation in juvenile idiopathic arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2009Elif Uz Objective Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a childhood rheumatic disease of unknown etiology. Two subgroups of JIA, i.e., oligoarticular and polyarticular, are thought to have an autoimmune component, and show a higher female:male ratio. Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) has previously been shown to be associated with scleroderma and autoimmune thyroiditis, 2 autoimmune disorders occurring predominantly in females. This study was undertaken to extend the analysis to the pediatric age group and to determine the XCI profiles of patients with JIA. Methods A polymorphic repeat in the androgen receptor gene was genotyped to determine XCI status in 81 female patients with JIA (21 with polyarticular disease and 60 with oligoarticular disease) and 211 healthy female controls. DNA obtained from venous blood samples was used for this analysis. Results Informative data were obtained on 62 JIA patients and 155 controls. Skewed XCI was observed in 14 patients (22.6%) and 11 controls (7.1%) (P = 0.0036), and extreme skewing was apparent in 8 patients (12.9%) and 2 controls (1.3%) (P = 0.0008). Conclusion Our findings in the present study indicate that skewed XCI may be a risk factor for the occurrence of autoimmune disorders, including JIA. [source] A serological and virological survey for evidence of infection with Newcastle disease virus in Australian chicken farmsAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007VG Kite Objective, To determine the prevalence and distribution of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus on Australian chicken farms and to determine the pathotype and relationships of the Newcastle disease viruses present on those farms. Design, A cross-sectional survey of 753 commercial chicken farms. Procedure, The survey comprised a detailed questionnaire and collection of venous blood samples. The titre of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus was determined by haemagglutination inhibition. Virus isolation was conducted from cloacal and tracheal swabs taken from chickens in serologically positive flocks. Virus isolates were pathotyped on the basis of the deduced Fusion protein cleavage site determined by nucleotide sequencing of a 265 bp region of the genome in the region of the cleavage site. Results, Antibody evidence of Newcastle disease virus infection was found on 300 of the 753 surveyed farms throughout all 11 geographic regions of the survey. The highest prevalence occurred in the Sydney basin, New South Wales and Victoria east regions. Antibody titres were also highest in the regions where serologically positive flocks were most prevalent. The 259 virus isolates revealed nine different RNA sequences. Of the nine virus groups isolated, the most common group W was identical in sequence to the V4 vaccine strain. Five of the other groups had novel RNA sequences in the region of the F protein cleavage site. Conclusions, Antibodies to Newcastle disease virus are highly prevalent in the Australian chicken flock but all identified strains were avirulent in nature. [source] Influence of blood sampling on protein profiling and pattern analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometryBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2007Alexandre E. Pelzer OBJECTIVE To describe the influence of blood sampling/sampling tubes on mass spectrometric and clustering results, and on clinical blood variables, in blood samples collected from healthy volunteers and patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two venous blood samples were taken from 12 healthy volunteers and 12 patients with localized prostate cancer. Two blood samples were taken from each participant using two different venepuncture systems (group A and group B). The Kolmogorov,Smirnov test was used to identify the peaks distinguishing the different groups. In a 10-fold cross-validation study, decision trees for identifying discriminatory peaks that separate the benign from the malignant were constructed. RESULTS The decision tree separated samples measured by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) from healthy volunteers from those of patients with prostate cancer, with a sensitivity of 93.6% and a specificity of 91.6%. Of special interest is that one peak at 6941 m/z was produced during blood sample preparation and had a very powerful influence on the results of the classification. CONCLUSION The results clearly showed that blood-sampling systems have a great influence on the recorded MALDI MS traces, and thus can markedly influence and confound the results of the MS analysis, whereas clinical variables might remain unchanged. MS profiling is a promising method of marker discovery, but as it could be shown well-designed studies are critical to allow proper interpretation for the identification of key variables as well as for the clinical use. [source] Oxidant/antioxidant status and vitamin A levels in children infected with varicellaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 7 2008Zekai Avci Abstract Aim: Varicella is a childhood disease, with its highest incidence being found in children aged 1 to 9 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma oxidant and antioxidant status in Turkish children with varicella infection. Methods: The study population consisted of 29 children infected with varicella recruited from the Department of Pediatrics at Baskent University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The control group consisted of 20 age-matched children from the same region who were apparently otherwise healthy. After overnight fasting, venous blood samples were obtained and transferred to heparinized tubes. Plasma malondialdehyde and vitamin A levels were measured in both groups. Results: The plasma malondialdehyde levels were higher in children in the infected group than they were in children in the control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in plasma vitamin A levels between the groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that oxidant stress causes significant peroxidation, and the antioxidant defence system is affected in varicella infection. Antioxidant supplementation may yield beneficial results in these patients. Further studies are needed to determine the positive effects of vitamin A supplementation in patients with varicella infections. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||