Biomedical subjects

D Kitts

Publications and source records attributed to D Kitts.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of ginseng.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng, C.A. Meyer) has been a popular herbal remedy used in eastern Asian cultures for thousands of years. In North America, the ginseng species indigenous to both Canada and the United States (Panax quinquefolium) represents an important industry for both domestic and export markets. There are numerous theories and claims describing the efficacy of ginseng, which can combat stress, enhance both the central and immune systems and contribute towards maintaining optimal oxidative status against certain chronic disease states and aging. Risk issues concerning the safety of ginseng at recommended dosages are less prominent and scientifically based. While some epidemiological or clinical studies have reported indications of efficacy for specific health benefits or potential toxicity, there are an equal number of studies that provide contradictory evidence. This situation has led to questionable conclusions concerning specific health benefits or risks associated with ginseng. Recent advances in the development of standardized extracts for both Panax ginseng (G-115) and Panax quinquefolius (CNT-2000) have and will continue to assist in the assessment of efficacy and safety standards for ginseng products. This paper reviews the scientific literature and evidence for ginseng efficacy and safety derived mostly from in vitro and animal studies and places emphasis on the need for more randomized, double-blinded, placebo clinical studies that can provide unequivocal conclusions. An example of the efficacy and safety of ginseng is provided with the description of biological activity of a North American ginseng extract (NAGE), which includes illustrating mechanisms for antioxidant activity without prooxidant properties.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1997

Adverse reactions to food constituents: allergy, intolerance, and autoimmunity.

Food allergies and intolerance represent important health concerns to consumers who are predisposed to these illnesses. Unlike many current food safety issues, food sensitivities are complicated by both complex and multiple individual adverse reactions, which can vary from emotional to pathophysiological ailments. In some instances, the underlying mechanisms that result in the development of food allergies or intolerance have marked differences but produce common symptoms. The present-day diagnosis of these disorders can be impeded by intrinsic limitations in generating accurate information from patient history and biochemical, physicochemical, and immunochemical tests. Oral challenge tests represent effective methods for confirming and testing food allergens and food intolerance; however, these procedures are often restricted to clinical trials. It is important to be able to distinguish among food allergy, intolerance, and autoimmune disease in the management of these disorders. The role of food in the development of autoimmune disease may be exemplified by celiac disease, a food-induced enteropathy, requiring exposure to prolamins in wheat, rye, and barley. Various wheat and soy protein sources, including the soy protein isolates used to make infant formulas, have been related to juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), a common chronic disease of childhood. Employing food process technologies to eliminate food constituents with potential for intolerance in some individuals is a potentially viable approach for reducing risk to food-related disorders. Finally, the development of food labelling regulations that require the identification of potential food allergens or agents for intolerance in the ingredient declaration on prepackaged food is a positive step toward the prevention of severe adverse reactions in hypersensitive individuals.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Septic embolism complicating infective endocarditis.

Embolic phenomena in patients with infective endocarditis may complicate the placement of a cardiac valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the vascular consequences of these emboli, a 15-year review of 102 patients undergoing valve replacement for proven infective endocarditis was undertaken. Thirty-one patients with 36 episodes of septic embolization were identified. Ten of these were separate extremity occlusive events. All patients with extremity emboli were admitted with pain; four had limb-threatening emboli. All patients grew gram-positive bacteria from their blood except a single Candida albicans isolate. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy was used in all patients. Angiography confirmed the diagnosis in 11 of 12 patients. Embolic targets included the lower extremities in all except a single instance. Four patients had multiple emboli. All but one of the vascular procedures were carried out subsequent to or simultaneously with cardiac valve replacement. Initial operative management included embolectomy (4) and primary amputation (2). Two delayed procedures were required. One patient died. Four patients had limited ischemia that resolved with antibiotics and anticoagulation. This report suggests that infective endocarditis requiring valvular replacement is associated with embolization in one third of patients. The presentation of peripheral vascular emboli is that of acute extremity ischemia. The diagnosis should be confirmed by angiography to rule out the possibility of multiple emboli. When possible, valve replacement should precede peripheral vascular management, which may include operative or medical components as dictated by the extent of limb ischemia.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Reflux gastritis syndrome. Role of upper gastrointestinal microflora.

Bacteriologic samplings of the upper gastrointestinal tract bile acids profile of the intestinal contents were performed in eight patients with reflux gastritis syndrome and three asymptomatic patients who had had gastric surgery. All symptomatic patients showed colonization of the gastric and/or intestinal samples with strains of enteric Gram-negative bacteria and Pseudomonas. However, no single specific group or species was consistently associated with reflux gastritis syndrome. The concentration of total and conjugated bile acids was significantly greater in symptomatic patients. Presence of free bile acids was correlated with heavier bacterial colonization. To evaluate the effect of antibiotic therapy on bacterial flora and symptoms, patients were studied for three separate four-week evaluation periods. Following the first evaluation period, they were assigned to receive either doxycycline or placebo in a crossover fashion during the second and third periods. Total symptom scores did not differ significantly and no specific patterns were evident in the bacterial flora. These observations support the hypothesis that microbial flora is an associated factor in reflux gastritis syndrome and may play an important role only in certain individual patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Unique temperature-sensitive nutritional requirements of bacteremic Escherichia coli isolates.

Of 50 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from blood cultures of bacteremic patients, 14 (28%) were unable to grow on minimal medium at 42 degrees C, compared to only 2 of 50 nonbacteremic strains. In 7 of the 14 bacteremic strains, growth at 42 degrees C was restored by adding nicotinic acid. These unique temperature-sensitive auxotrophic patterns warrant evaluation as a marker correlating with clinical pathogenicity in E. coli.

Culture Media↗