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Biomedical subjects

J Leichter

Publications and source records attributed to J Leichter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

The attitudes of New Zealand dentists and dental hygienists towards toothbrushes and toothbrushing.

The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of dentists and dental hygienists who practise in New Zealand, with respect to their personal habits, and the recommendations they give to their patients about toothbrush use. A questionnaire was mailed to 800 dentists and 74 dental hygienists with a response rate of 58% and 66% respectively. The results indicate that 76.6% of dentists and 89.1% of dental hygienists recommend toothbrush replacement every two to three months to their patients and generally follow this recommendation themselves. Both groups feel patients should replace their toothbrushes more often than they currently do and the majority tell their patients when to replace brushes. Dentists and dental hygienists have identified bristles that "no longer remove plaque" and "bent, splayed bristles" as the two most important indicators of when a new toothbrush is needed. Soft, compact head brushes are most often recommended by both groups. Most offices give toothbrushing instruction and distribute complimentary brushes. Dentists most often assume this task, but when a hygienist is employed, this duty is typically their responsibility. Oral B and Colgate toothbrushes are the brands most often recommended by both dentist and dental hygienists.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1998

Effect of enteral nutritional products differing in carbohydrate and fat on indices of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with NIDDM.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with chronic hyperglycemia, which increases the risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications. Elevated triglyceride (TG) and VLDL cholesterol levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol have also been frequently reported in NIDDM patients. A diet high in complex carbohydrate and low in fat is typically recommended for management of NIDDM, however, this has recently been challenged by scientific reports of the benefits of dietary intakes high in monounsaturated fat. Thirty-two individuals with NIDDM were randomized to receive either Ensure with Fibre (30% fat) or a high monounsaturated fatty acid product, Glucerna (50% fat). These products were consumed for 28 days at > 80% of daily energy intake. Post-treatment, dietary compliance was verified by a higher plasma TG 18:1 n-9 (p < 0.001) in the Glucerna group and a higher plasma TG 18:2 n-6 (p < 0.001) in the Ensure with Fibre group. The postprandial rise in blood glucose levels, determined by fingerprick samples, was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the Glucerna group. Trends of clinical interest were greater mean decreases in the Glucerna group compared to the Ensure with Fibre group in: fructosamine, 9.13 umol/L vs 0.14 umol/L; glucose, 1.61 mmol/L vs 0.63 mmol/L; and insulin, 46.0 pmol/L vs 12.6 pmol/L; respectively. However, overall, fasting plasma glucose, fructosamine, TG and cholesterol levels were not significantly different between groups. Thus, in these patients, the high monounsaturated fat diet and the standard diet were similar with regard to usual indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. A high monounsaturated fat diet appears to pose no risk to lipoprotein metabolism in NIDDM patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Interactive effects of alcohol and diabetes during pregnancy on the rat fetus.

To determine the effect of maternal diabetes and alcohol intake, separately and in combination, on fetal growth and development, pregnant rats were divided into four groups: diabetic (D), diabetic plus alcohol (DA), control (C), and control plus alcohol (CA). Diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin before mating and alcohol was administered by gavage (2 g/kg body weight/day) on days 6-11 of gestation. Both diabetic groups (D and DA) had significantly lower weight gain during pregnancy compared to the controls (C and CA), despite the fact that the former consumed more food and water. Alcohol treatment resulted in reduced water and food intake and lower weight gain in the diabetic rats (DA), but not in the non-diabetic rats (CA), compared to their respective controls (D and C). On day 21 of gestation fetal body weights were significantly less and placental weights were significantly greater in the diabetic groups (D and DA) compared with the non-diabetic groups (C and CA). Differences in fetal and placental weights between rats exposed and not exposed to alcohol (C vs. CA and D vs. DA) were not significant. The number of fetuses with external malformations was significantly greater in the litters of alcohol exposed diabetic (DA) than non-alcohol exposed (D) animals. No external or skeletal malformations were observed in fetuses of non-diabetic rats regardless of whether or not they received alcohol (C or CA). The skeletal development of fetuses of diabetic rats, judged by the number and size of ossification centers on day 21 of gestation, was retarded when compared with fetuses of non-diabetic rats. Alcohol further retarded skeletal development of fetuses of diabetic animals (DA vs. D), but not of fetuses of non-diabetic rats (CA vs. C). It is concluded that maternal alcohol administration potentiates the effects of maternal diabetes on the incidence of fetal malformations and the retardation of skeletal development.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1995

A practice guideline and decision aid for blood transfusion.

An attempt was made to reduce exposure of patients to blood products by using a point-of-ordering decision support system and strict adherence to a practice guideline, by observing physician behavior in the multidisciplinary intensive-care unit (ICU) of a tertiary-care medical center. Hemoglobin (Hg) level at the time of transfusion, total units of red blood cells (RBCs) per admission, units per patient per ICU day, fraction of patients receiving no transfusions, and incidence of single-unit transfusions covering 628 patients were measured. In Phase 1, RBC transfusion behavior was observed without intervention. In Phase 2, a special order form for RBCs that suggested a transfusion threshold of 8.6 g/dL of Hg was introduced. In Phase 3, the suggested threshold was lowered to 7.0 g/dL and required all transfusions that did not meet the new guideline to be prospectively reviewed by a transfusion medicine physician. The Hg level at transfusion fell from 8.5 g/dL to 8.2 g/dL (p = 0.008). The use of single-unit transfusions fell from 32 percent to 17 percent (p = 0.001), but there was no change in the number of patients receiving any blood, the total units per admission, or units per patient per day. In this setting, a practice guideline with a point-of-decision support system did not influence blood usage. Intermediate outcomes (such as the level of anemia at transfusion or compliance to a guideline) should not substitute for

Journal Article↗
PubMed1994

Clinical virology in children.

Virology has become an increasingly important field of medicine in the past decade. Many infectious diseases that were once of unknown etiology can now be linked to the specific viral pathogen. New methods for diagnosing and treating viral diseases are being developed. In addition, antiviral therapy or prophylaxis is available for many of these viral illnesses. This article reviews the basic medical aspects of some viral infections. Human parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum, with the classic "slapped-cheek" rash. Human herpesvirus type 6 is thought to be the cause of roseola infantum, characterized by the familiar macular/maculopapular rash on the trunk and arms. Varicella-zoster virus infection results in chickenpox, which in the future may be prevented by a vaccine. Herpes simplex virus-1 causes up to 90 percent of oral and labial herpes infections. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection results in birth defects. Epstein-Barr virus is the primary cause of mononucleosis. Human papillomavirus causes laryngeal and genital warts. Respiratory syncytial virus is the major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in children. Rotavirus is the common agent in childhood diarrhea.

Child↗
PubMed1993

Studies of vanadyl sulfate as a glucose-lowering agent in STZ-diabetic rats.

To study the effect of vanadium (V) intake on blood glucose lowering, tissue V concentrations, glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and plasma trace metal concentrations, streptozotocin(STZ)-diabetic rats were treated with vanadyl sulfate (VS) (0.5-1.2 g/l in the drinking water) for up to 12 weeks. Kidney and plasma V concentrations were positively correlated with V intake. Kidney GR activities were not affected by VS treatment nor were plasma cobalt, molybdenum, manganese or lithium concentrations. Individual V intakes were dependent upon severity of diabetes, with more hyperglycemic rats consuming greater quantities of VS solution. A diminished effect on glucose lowering of VS above 1 g/l was noted.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effects of folate and zinc supplementation on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Twelve men and nine women undergoing chronic hemodialysis were studied to evaluate folate intake and status in relation to use of folate supplements. Because of possible folate-zinc interactions, zinc status was also evaluated. The patients were classified into four groups based on daily supplementation: no folate or zinc, 22.5 mg zinc, 5 mg folate, and 5 mg folate and 22.5 mg zinc. A food frequency questionnaire was developed to estimate average daily intakes of folate and zinc. Patients' mean dietary folate intake was 30% or more above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), whereas their mean dietary zinc intake was close to the RDA. No significant differences in dietary folate or zinc intakes existed among groups. Red blood cell (RBC) folate levels of folate-supplemented patients were approximately 10 times higher than those of patients who did not receive folate and who had normal RBC folate levels. Serum zinc levels in all four groups of patients were close to the lower limit of the normal range and were unaffected by supplementation; however, hair zinc levels of six zinc-supplemented patients were significantly higher than those of healthy unsupplemented control patients. Generalization of this study's findings are limited by its descriptive nature; nevertheless, for these patients and presumably for similar patients who also have adequate dietary folate intakes, high-dose folate supplementation does not appear to be necessary to maintain normal folate status. No evidence of a folate-zinc interaction was obtained; however, serum zinc may not be a valid index of zinc status in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Serum vitamin A and retinol-binding protein in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Serum concentrations of vitamins A and E and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were measured in 25 late adolescent and young adult patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Their serum vitamin A levels were significantly lower than those of nondiabetic control subjects of comparable age. The serum concentrations of RBP were also significantly lower in the diabetic patients. The serum levels of vitamin A in the diabetic patients as well as in the control subjects showed a significant linear regression with serum concentrations of RBP. Unlike vitamin A, serum concentrations of vitamin E were not significantly different between the two groups of subjects. These findings suggest that the reduced serum vitamin A levels in the diabetic patients reflect reduced mobilization of vitamin A from the liver.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Histological changes in the placenta induced by maternal alcohol consumption in the rat.

To investigate the placental enlargement which accompanies maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, Sprague-Dawley rats were given 20% ethanol for 4 weeks prior to mating and 30% ethanol throughout gestation. Pair-fed controls received an isocaloric amount of corn starch and chow, with water ad libitum, and ad libitum controls received rat chow and water. On days 17, 18, 19 and 20 of gestation, placentas were removed for histological observation. On days 18-20, the placentas of alcohol-fed rats weighted significantly more than did those of controls, although there was no difference in weight on day 17. Giant cells in the basal zone were significantly increased in number and size in alcohol-fed rats compared to controls. Trophoblastic cells in the basal zone were significantly larger in the alcohol group than in the control groups except on day 17. The maternal blood channels in the labyrinth were wider and more filled with blood corpuscles in the alcohol group than in either control group. It is concluded that the increased weight of the placenta may be largely due to stagnated maternal blood cells in the labyrinthine blood channels and also to the increased number and size of giant cells and the enlarged trophoblastic cells in the basal zone.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the fetal thyroid in the rat.

To investigate the effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the development of the fetal thyroid gland, Sprague-Dawley rats were given 20% ethanol for 4 weeks prior to mating and 30% ethanol throughout gestation. Pair-fed controls received an isocaloric amount of corn starch and chow, with water ad libitum, and ad libitum controls received rat chow and water. On Days 17, 18, 19, and 20 of gestation, the fetuses were weighed and the fetal thyroids were removed for histometric observation. On Days 19 and 20, the fetal thyroids of alcohol-exposed fetuses weighed significantly less than those of the two control groups, but more than the control thyroids 1 day earlier. Maternal alcohol consumption caused a significant decrease in both the follicular cell height and the follicle diameter of the fetal thyroid on all days examined. In the alcohol group on Days 19 and 20 of gestation, the cell height was less than, and the follicle diameter was approximately equal to those in the two controls 2 days earlier. These results indicate that, as a consequence of maternal alcohol consumption, growth of the fetal thyroid gland is retarded, and there are indications of fetal hypothyroidism, as seen from the histometric data. This latter is suggestive of a retarded thyrotropic activity of the fetal pituitary gland.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1989

Growth of fetuses of rats exposed to ethanol and cigarette smoke during gestation.

Pregnant rats were exposed to cigarette smoke and ethanol separately and in combination in order to determine the interactive effects of these two drugs on outcome of pregnancy. The animals were exposed to cigarette smoke daily for a 2-hour period from day 1 to 20 of pregnancy. The ethanol was given in the drinking water in progressively higher concentrations. It was 10% for the first week and 20% during the next three weeks before mating, and 30% from day 1 to 20 of pregnancy. Exposure to cigarette smoke alone significantly reduced fetal weight when compared to pair-fed and ad libitum controls. The combination of ethanol plus smoke caused a significantly greater reduction in fetal weight than did ethanol alone. These findings indicate that prenatal exposure to the combination of alcohol and cigarette smoke exerts a synergistic rather than an additive effect on fetal growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Development of intestinal carnitine transport in rats.

The intestinal transport of carnitine in suckling rats (12 and 16 days old) and weaned rats (28 and 75 days old) was studied in vitro using everted small intestinal sacs. The sacs were incubated in a mucosal medium without carnitine or with added carnitine at a 200-microM concentration. The release of endogenous carnitine and its esters into the serosal medium was greatest in the 12-day-old pups and lowest in the postweaning period. In contrast, the transport of carnitine from the mucosal to the serosal compartment was lowest in the 12-day-old pups and higher in the older groups. The present study suggests that the transfer of carnitine from the mucosal to the serosal compartment is influenced by the presence of endogenous carnitine in the intestinal mucosa, which in turn is determined by the age of the animals.

Aging↗
PubMed1987

Does carnitine have a role in fat absorption?

The effect of D-carnitine and tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA), an inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase, on intestinal absorption of palmitic acid was determined. The proximal intestinal segment was ligated in adult male rats and filled with 0.5 microCi of 14C-palmitic acid alone or with either D-carnitine or TDGA. Thirty minutes later the radioactivity was determined in the intestinal lumen, intestinal wall and plasma. The absorption of palmitic acid was decreased in the presence of D-carnitine (10 mg/ml) as evidenced by significantly lower levels of radioactivity in the gut wall and the plasma and by significantly greater residual radioactivity in the lumenal contents. L-carnitine had no effect on plasma radioactivity but if D- and L-carnitine were given together the effect of D-carnitine was still in evidence. TDGA also inhibited intestinal absorption of palmitic acid.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Dependency of lactose absorption on lactase activity in starved rats.

The effects of starvation on intestinal disaccharidase activities and disaccharide absorption were studied in rats. Adult male rats were starved for either 16 or 72 h and the specific activity of lactase and sucrase was determined together with the absorption of lactose, sucrose, and glucose in vitro by the everted sac technique. The specific activity of lactase was significantly higher and the specific activity of sucrase was lower in the 72-h starved animals when compared with the 16-h starved group. The higher specific lactase activity in the 72-h starved animals was reflected in enhanced absorption of lactose as determined by the transfer of the constituent monosaccharides into the serosal fluid. The transfer of glucose into the serosal fluid by the glucose sac was also higher in the 72-h starved rats but not to the same extent as that of lactose. The absorption of sucrose was not significantly different between the two groups of animals. This study shows that the increase of intestinal lactase activity induced by starvation of adult rats correlates with in vitro increased lactose absorption.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Effect of paternal alcohol ingestion on fetal growth in rats.

To determine the effect of paternal alcohol consumption on fetal growth, male rats were given ethanol in drinking water and rat chow ad libitum (alcohol group), or water and the same amount of rat chow as that consumed by the alcohol group, but the ethanol was substituted isocalorically with corn starch (pair-fed group), or water and rat chow ad libitum (ad libitum control group). The ethanol concentration in the drinking water was 10% (v/v) for the first week, 20% the second week, and 30% during the next four weeks. After six weeks on this regimen the male rats were mated with females of the same strain not treated with alcohol. The rate of fertile matings was not significantly affected by the paternal alcohol intake. On day 21 of gestation no significant differences were seen with respect to fetal and placental weights, litter size or male to female sex ratio of the fetuses among the alcohol, pair-fed and ad libitum control groups. The results indicate that rat fetal growth is not sensitive to the effects of paternal alcohol consumption.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Effect of chronic alcohol ingestion on fecal and urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium in the rat.

The effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on fecal and urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium was determined in male rats. The rats were given either 30% ethanol in drinking water and Purina Rat Chow ad libitum (alcohol group) or were pair-fed to the alcohol group, with starch substituted isocalorically for ethanol (pair-fed group). The animals were housed individually in metabolic cages and urine and feces collection was carried out over a period of ten days. Alcohol feeding slightly decreased and pair-feeding slightly increased body weight over the ten-day period, but the differences in body weights were not statistically significant. The fecal calcium excretion was significantly higher and the fecal magnesium excretion was significantly lower in the alcohol group than in the pair-fed controls. The urinary losses of calcium and magnesium were not significantly affected by alcohol intake. The results indicate that chronic administration of alcohol to rats in their drinking water as a sole source of fluid increases fecal calcium excretion, which could result in calcium depletion.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Lack of fetal growth retardation in rats consuming alcohol prior to conception but not during gestation.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of chronic alcohol consumption by female rats prior to conception but not during gestation upon fetal growth. The rats were divided into two dietary groups. Group 1 (alcohol) received ad libitum a stock diet plus ethanol in the drinking water. The ethanol concentration in the drinking water was 10% for the first week, 20% the second week and 30% during the next three weeks. Group 2 (pair-fed controls) received water ad libitum and the same amount of stock diet as that consumed by the ethanol group, but the ethanol was substituted isocalorically with corn starch. After five weeks on this regimen all animals were mated and the administration of alcohol was discontinued after conception. The maternal body weight gains were similar in the two dietary groups prior to and throughout gestation. No significant differences were seen between the alcohol and control groups with respect to litter size and fetal weight at day 21 of gestation, but the placentas were significantly heavier in the alcohol group. These results indicate that fetal growth retardation, which is characteristic of in utero alcohol exposure, is not induced when the period of alcohol intake is restricted to the time preceding gestation.

Alcoholism↗