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Biomedical subjects

F Monckeberg

Publications and source records attributed to F Monckeberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Manipulation of genes causing diseases].

The intervention on specific genes causing diseases in mammals as in humans is nowadays feasible. Technology has allowed the expression of a correct gene introduced to a cell or to inhibit the expression of an undesirable gene. This opens therapeutic possibilities for a great assortment of diseases, from genetic errors of metabolism to AIDS. The assays performed have been scarce, mainly due to fears on possible collateral effects. The National Institutes of Health has required to present the protocol for analysis and approval to a committee of 20 people, for every proposal of clinical trial. Only 100 clinical trials in catastrophic or incurable diseases have been approved. Up to now, the rate of complications has been low and the approval of a greater amount of clinical trials is expected in the near future.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Fluoride bioavailability from disodium monofluorophosphate fluoridated milk in children and rats.

The aim of the present work was to study the usefulness of disodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) as a milk-fluoridating agent by measuring the bioavailability of F from MFP in milk relative to that of F from NaF in water. Long-term (multiple-dose) studies were performed on rats measuring F bone uptake. The relative F absorption from MFP in milk was also determined in preschool children by means of 24-hour F urinary excretion. In both studies F absorption was determined either under fasting conditions or when F ingestion occurred together with food intake. The results show that F absorption from MFP in milk is as high as that of NaF in water under fasting conditions and that the F bioavailability decrease from NaF in water is more important than that of MFP in milk when F ingestion occurs simultaneously with food intake.

Absorption↗

[Nutritional pathology in Latin America and the Caribbean].

The Latin American and Caribbean Region has different general characteristics as compared to other regions of the world. These peculiarities have determined certain food and nutritional problems which require specific programs and policies. Even though the universal coverage of basic needs is desirable, this is not the situation in the Region, and it is possible to identify integral vulnerable groups in every population. The study of problems related to food and nutrition requires a global and multidisciplinary approach considering ecological, economical, social and cultural factors affecting communities, especially marginal urban and rural populations. Nutritional diseases represent the last stages of the natural development of malnutrition, and although they are used as indicators of the nutritional situation, their magnitude always underestimate their real impact. It is in the large cities of Latin America that we can really understand the concept of malnutrition, which includes diseases related with both deficient and excessive food consumption. In fact, the development of sub-urban poor communities in large cities, short lactation period, low wages, low maternal schooling, soon lead to the development of under-nutrition in young urban populations. On the other hand, the interaction of urbanization, sedentary jobs, deficient food knowledge and excessive consumption of cheap foods, sometimes produces on the "survivors of under-nutrition" over-nutrition diseases, a problem which is acquiring more prevalence, especially in adults (obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis). The real nutritional diseases in Latin America do not depend on the deficit or excess of a specific nutrient. The true causes are to be properly identified in order to state recommendations which benefit population groups, and not only reach academic purposes.

Adolescent↗

Long-term acceptance of low-lactose milk.

Low-lactose milk was produced by incubating cow's milk with yeast lactase. Sixteen lactose tolerant and 15 intolerant volunteers ingested 500 ml of the product twice daily for 1 month. During the testing period all subjects received on three occasions the same volume of unmodified milk in double-blind tests. Symptoms recorded throughout the study and for an additional 15 day base-line observation period were: diarrhea, abdominal pain and distention, flatulence, heartburn, and headache. Low-lactose milk acceptance was excellent. No significant differences were found between tolerants and intolerants during the base-line period and while ingesting low-lactose milk. By contrast, unmodified milk induced severe symptoms only in the intolerants. Availability of low-lactose milk and of its by-products allows consumption of greater volumes of this highly nutritious food by subjects with lactose intolerance with none or less symptoms compared to unmodified milk.

Adolescent↗

Chilean experience with fortified children's formulas.

In this paper we have described all the steps needed to develop an efficient program for distributing children's fortified formulas. The easiest steps are to develop the formulas on an experimental and laboratory basis. The real obstacles lie in implementation at the national level. All that has been described applies to experience in Chile, which we consider very successful because of the acceptance of the program as well as spectacular advances in preventing malnutrition. The figures for 1977 show that combining all degrees of malnutrition in the under six age group, the prevalence is now 12.2% compared to nearly 60% found 10 years ago. This progress is due, not only to the specific program, but also to the many others that constitute the national food and nutrition policy (CONPAN, 1976). This success is due to the persistent, skilled effort of many professional and technical staff members. It is impractical to acknowledge all individual contributions here. The National Food and Nutrition Council, the National Health Service, Universities, Research Bodies, and private enterprizes have all contributed to this joint effort. The purpose of this presentation is that this experience may benefit other countries with similar problems.

Animals↗

Comparative nitrogen balance study between young and aged adults using three levels of protein intake from a combination wheat-soy-milk mixture.

The protein requirement and the efficiency of protein used were studied in young and old adult human subjects. Protein intake levels (N X 6.25) of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight per day from a combination wheat-soy-milk mixture were fed. Caloric intake was held constant at 40 kcal/kg body weight per day throughout the 11-day study of each dietary period. No significant differences were observed in their protein requirement, efficiency of protein use or the ability to adapt to changes of protein intake levels. Protein digestibility was not impaired in the aged. It is concluded that the protein requirement and the efficiency of protein use are not affected by the aging process.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The effect of sulphamethoxypyridazine on liver and plasma levels of vitamin A in rats.

1 Long-acting sulphonamides are highly bound to plasma proteins; the present study deals with the effects of this binding property upon a vitamin A compound also transported by plasma proteins. 2 Sulphamethoxypyridazine was administered in rats either orally or by intraperitoneal injection. 3 A significant fall in plasma vitamin A level and an increase in hepatic vitamin A concentration were observed. 4 These results suggest an interference by sulphamethoxypyridazine with the transport of vitamin A, either through competition between the drug and vitamin A for binding sites of plasma proteins, or through altered secretion of the vitamin from the liver.

Animals↗

Prevention of vitamin A deficiency by fortification of sugar. A field study.

The small amount of vitamin A in the diet of people living in some regions of Chile can be increased by adding this vitamin to sugar. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of a sugar fortification program, vitamin A fortified sugar was distributed to four indian villages in the mountainous region of Africa, whose inhabitants showed a severe vitamin A deficiency. The results of this study demonstrate that sugar fortification program is able to correct vitamin A deficiency by elevating the vitamin intake and consequently improve the circulating retinol, without substantially increasing the cost or modigying the organoleptic characteristics of sugar.

Carbohydrates↗

[Descriptive study of Fortesan: a new food product for preschool children].

Pre-school Children acceptability of a high nutritive value and low cost new food product (Fortesán) was studied. This mixture is formed by W.S.B. powdered milk and cacao. The purpose was to establish its a acceptability by the children and their mothers, in the Santiago population. A similar study had been already performed in 1972 in another marginal urban area and in rural areas. Inicial and final heights and weights were measured, and a socio-economical and acceptability survey was performed in all cases. The same experimental group was used as a control of it self. The study lasted 4 months, from April-May 1973 until August-September 1973. The sample was formed by children from 1 to 6 years old, coming from different socioeconomical levels. Results showed a good acceptability of the product both by the mothers and their children. It also showed a good influence in the height and weight that the children reached.

Animals↗