PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Gebre-Medhin

Publications and source records attributed to M Gebre-Medhin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Prolactin (PRL) receptor gene expression in mouse adipose tissue: increases during lactation and in PRL-transgenic mice.

There are indications that PRL may exert important metabolic actions on adipose tissue in different species. However, with the exception of birds, the receptor has not been identified in white adipose tissue. The present study was designed to examine the possible expression and regulation of the PRL receptor (PRLR) in mouse adipose tissue. The long PRLR messenger RNA (mRNA) splice form (L-PRLR) and two short splice forms (S2- and S3-PRLR) were detected in mouse adipose tissue by RT-PCR. Furthermore, L-PRLR mRNA was detected by ribonuclease protection assay. Immunoreactive PRLR with a relative molecular mass of 95,000 was revealed by immunoblotting. Furthermore, L-PRLR mRNA expression was demonstrated in primary isolated adipocytes. In mouse adipose tissue, the level of L-PRLR mRNA expression increased 2.3-fold during lactation compared with those in virgin and pregnant mice. In contrast, in the liver the expression of L-PRLR increased 3.4-fold during pregnancy compared with those in virgin and lactating mice. When comparing the levels of L-PRLR expression in virgin female and male mice, no difference was detected in adipose tissue. However, in virgin female liver the expression was 4.5-fold higher than that in male liver. As PRL up-regulates its own receptor in some tissues, we analyzed L-PRLR expression in PRL-transgenic female and male mice. In PRL-transgenic mice L-PRLR expression was significantly increased in both adipose tissue (1.4-fold in females and 2.4-fold in males) and liver (1.9-fold in females and 2.7-fold in males) compared with that in control mice. Furthermore, in female PRL-transgenic mice retroperitoneal adipose tissue was decreased in weight compared with that in control mice. However, no difference was detected when comparing the masses of parametrial adipose tissue. Our results suggest a direct role for PRL, mediated by PRLR, in modulating physiological events in adipose tissue.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1999

[The AD-drops can be replaced by D-drops].

Since 1932, when vitamin A and D supplementation, in the form of cod liver oil, was introduced in Sweden, rickets has been a rare diagnosis among Swedish infants. In 1978, the National Board of Health and Welfare issued recommendations of daily supplementation with 300 micrograms (1000 IU) of vitamin A and 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D. This has recently been under review by the Paediatric Committee on Nutrition and Health, of the Swedish Paediatric Association and the National Food Administration, who concluded that there is no reason to retain vitamin A supplementation, but that vitamin D supplementation should continue to be recommended at the same daily dose (400 IU).

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

[Recommendations for prevention of iron deficiency. Delay cow's milk intake as a beverage to infants until 10-12 months of age!].

Breast-feeding is to be encouraged during the first six months of life. Iron deficiency is extremely rare in exclusively breast-fed infants during this period. Any cow-milk based formula used should be iron-fortified. During the second half of infancy, the iron content of weaning foods is important in preventing iron deficiency. Indeed, owing to the low iron content of dairy products, it is hard to compose a weaning diet sufficiently rich in iron to meet the demands of rapidly growing infants, if it is to include substantial amounts of cow milk, sour milk or yoghurt. Accordingly, the Paediatric Committee on Nutrition and Health, of the Swedish Paediatric Association and the National Food Administration, recommend delaying the introduction of cow's milk and cow-milk products until the infant is 10-12 months of age. Until then, breast-feeding, and the use of iron-fortified formula or gruel with modified protein and sodium content are encouraged; iron-fortified porridges of softer consistency can be prepared to circumvent the need of extra fluids, or porridge can be served with breast milk or iron-fortified formula; small amounts of milk may be used for cooking purposes.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Focus on children! A model for international development cooperation].

The plight of children in many low-income countries continues to be reminiscent of conditions in 19th century Sweden. At the threshold of the 21st century, we would urge global cooperation in child health with the aim of realising a broader concept of health and development in low-income countries. This would enable the reduction of mortality to be accelerated and child health to be improved by targeting sick children for specific intervention, combined with preventive and health promotion measures.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Anthropometry, body composition and body image in dieting and non-dieting 8-16-year-old Swedish girls.

Anthropometry, body composition and body image were studied in 122 Swedish 8-16-y-old girls and their parents. The subjects participated in a 3-y prospective longitudinal study and were selected randomly after stratification for grades from those scoring in the upper vs. the lower thirds of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) score distribution. The ChEAT was completed 6 mo before the present study together with a demographic and dieting questionnaire and a questionnaire for the estimation of body size. In total 43% (n = 52) admitted ever dieting ("Dieters") and 25% (n = 30) admitted that they were currently trying to lose weight. The anthropometric and body composition data indicated that ChEAT High-scorers and Dieters were somewhat fatter than Low-scorers and Non-dieters, although this pattern was not shown among the 8-y-olds or the 14-y-olds (High-scorers). The mothers of the ChEAT High-scorers were found to be somewhat fatter than the other mothers. A current vs. ideal body shape discrepancy was shown for both High-scorers and Dieters, with a larger discrepancy for the Dieters. All groups believed that their parents were aspiring for a leaner body.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Breastfeeding patterns in exclusively breastfed infants: a longitudinal prospective study in Uppsala, Sweden.

Exclusive breastfeeding was studied among 506 infants in Uppsala, Sweden, based on daily recordings during the first 6 mo. The mothers had previously breastfed at least one infant for at least 4 mo. Most of the mothers considered that they breastfed on demand. Wide variations in breastfeeding frequency and suckling duration were found both between different infants and in the individual infant over time. At 2 wk, the mean frequency of daytime feeds (based on one 13-d record) between different infants ranged from 2.9 to 10.8 and night-time feeds from 1.0 to 5.1. The daytime suckling duration (based on one 24-h record) ranged from 20 min to 4h 35 min and night-time duration from 0 to 2h 8 min. At any given age, a maximum of only 2% of the infants were not breastfed during the night. At 4 mo, 95% of the infants were breastfeeding and 40% were exclusively breastfed at this age. Longer breastfeeding duration and longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding were both associated with higher frequency of breastfeeds, longer breastfeeding of the previous child and higher education. No gender differences were found. Maternal smoking was associated with shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and pacifier use was associated with shorter duration of both exclusive breastfeeding and total breastfeeding. This study confirms that every mother-infant pair needs to be understood as a unique dyad throughout lactation. These data demonstrate a wide range of patterns among women who are exclusively breastfeeding and indicate that it would be inappropriate to put pressure on individual families to adopt preconceived patterns of infant feeding.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Thyroid hormones and iodine status in Sudanese pregnant women with goitre.

Thyroid hormones in relation to iodine status were studied in a group of Sudanese pregnant women with goitre (n = 66). These women were compared with a healthy, non-pregnant control group from the same area (n = 40). Twenty-four-hour urine samples and serum samples were collected during weeks 10-13, 20-24 and 32-39 of pregnancy. The goitrous group had a significantly lower mean urinary iodine concentration (UIC) than the non-pregnant group during weeks 20-24 and 32-39 (P < 0.003 and P < 0.001), respectively. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T3 levels in the pregnant group showed a stable pattern with the progression of pregnancy. TSH values in all the pregnant women were within the reference range. The mean FT4 levels of the goitrous pregnant group, in weeks 20-24 and 32-39 of pregnancy, were significantly lower than that of the non-pregnant control group (P < 0.003 and P < 0.05), respectively. The proportions of the pregnant women with FT4 below the reference range were 31, 50 and 40% in weeks 10-13, 20-24 and 32-39 of pregnancy, respectively. There was no correlation between UIC and TSH, UIC and FT4 and between TSH and FT4 during pregnancy. By virtue of the proportion of subjects falling below and above the reference range, this study indicates that in this particular study area, UIC and FT4 are better indicators of iodine status than TSH.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Coverage and cost of iodized oil capsule distribution in Tanzania.

Distribution of oral iodized oil capsules (IOC) is an important intervention in areas with iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and low coverage of iodized salt. The mean reported coverage of 57 IOC distribution campaigns from 1986-1994 of people aged 1-45 years in 27 districts of Tanzania was 64% (range 20-96%). This declined over subsequent distribution rounds. However, due to delayed repeat distribution, only 43% of person-time was covered, based on the programme objective of giving two IOC (total 400 mg iodine) at 2-year intervals. Three different capsule distribution strategies used in 20 distribution rounds in 1992-1993 were analyzed in depth. Withdrawal of financial support for district distribution expenses under the 'district team' strategy, and the subsequent change to integrated 'primary health care' distribution, increased delays and capsule wastage. The third, more vertical strategy, 'national and district teams', accomplished rapid distribution of IOC about to expire and subsequently a return to the initial 'district team' allowance strategy was made. Annual cost of 'district team' distribution was 26 cents per person (400 mg iodine/2 years). Cost analysis revealed that the IOC itself accounts for more than 90% of total costs at the levels of coverage achieved. IOC will be important in the elimination of IDD in target areas of severe iodine deficiency and insufficient use of iodized salt, provided that high coverage can be achieved. Campaign distribution of medication with high item cost and long distribution intervals may be more cost-effectively performed if separated from regular PHC services at their present resource level. However, motivating health workers and community leaders to do adequate social mobilization remains crucial even if logistics are vertically organized. Insufficient support of distribution expenses and health education may lead to overall wastage of resources.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Breastfeeding patterns in relation to thumb sucking and pacifier use.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of thumb sucking and pacifier use on breastfeeding patterns in exclusively breastfed infants, on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and on the total breastfeeding duration. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study. SETTING: The subjects were recruited from a population of 15 189 infants born in the maternity ward at the University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden between May 1989 and December 1992. STUDY POPULATION: 506 mother-infant pairs. METHODS: Daily recordings by the mothers on infant feeding from the first week after delivery through the duration of the study. Fortnightly home visits with structured interviews by a research assistant. RESULTS: Pacifier use was associated with fewer feeds and shorter suckling duration per 24 hours, shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and shorter total breastfeeding duration compared with no pacifier use. These associations were not found for thumb sucking. The possible negative effects of pacifiers on breastfeeding seemed to be related to the frequency of their use. Maternal age and education only slightly modified the association between pacifier use and breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSIONS: More frequent use of a pacifier was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration, even among a group of mothers who were highly motivated to breastfeed. breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding pattern, exclusive breastfeeding, pacifier use, thumb sucking.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1998

Low cyanide exposure from consumption of cassava in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The extent of cyanide exposure from cassava consumption was studied in low income suburbs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mean cyanogen levels in sun-dried root pieces called makopa was 9.4 (range 0-79) mg HCN equivalents kg(-1) dry weight. The mean glucoside and hydrogen cyanide levels were 6.4 and 3.2 mg HCN equivalents kg(-1) dry weight, respectively, while cyanohydrins were lower with a mean of 2.0 (range 0-27) equivalents kg(-1) dry weight. Food frequency interviews with 193 schoolchildren revealed that 13% of the children consumed cassava stiff porridge in the previous week. Fried cassava pieces were consumed by 82% and boiled cassava pieces by 49% of the children. The urinary thiocyanate in these children was 36 +/- 3 (mean +/- SEM) micromol l(-1) and mean urinary linamarin level was 18 +/- 1 micromol l(-1), indicating low cyanide exposure. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between urinary thiocyanate and consumption of boiled cassava pieces as well as between urinary linamarin levels and daily intake of fried cassava pieces.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Iodine status, thyroid function and pregnancy: study of Swedish and Sudanese women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare the effects of pregnancy on the thyroid hormone homeostasis in two different populations with variable iodine supply. DESIGN: A longitudinal prospective cohort study throughout pregnancy involving Swedish and Sudanese pregnant women. SETTING: The subjects were enrolled consecutively during their antenatal follow-up at health centres at Nyby in Uppsala, Sweden and Omdurman in Sudan. SUBJECTS: Fifty-one apparently healthy women from Uppsala, Sweden and twenty-eight pregnant women from Omdurman, Sudan were recruited during pregnancy. The mean age and weight of the Swedish women at the beginning of pregnancy were 29.9+/-5.4 y and 66.3+/-12.9 kg respectively. The corresponding figures for the Sudanese women were 28.0+/-4.9 y and 64.8+/-9.4 kg respectively. METHODS: Blood samples were drawn on four occasions from the Swedish group at 11-13, 24, 32, and 38 weeks of pregnancy, and on three occasions from the Sudanese group at 10-12, 20-24, and 36-39 weeks. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected from the same subjects and on the same occasions as blood sampling. The urine samples were kept in a refrigerator until the volumes were measured, after which 20 mL aliquots were taken and kept frozen until analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-four hour urinary iodine output, TSH, FT4 and T3. RESULTS: The 24 h urinary iodine output at the different times during gestation were higher among the Swedish women, with mean values (95% confidence interval) of 1.40 (1.19-1.61), 1.33 (1.14-1.51), 1.45 (1.06-1.84) and 1.14 (0.88-1.39) micromol/d, than among the Sudanese cohort, with corresponding values of 0.49 (0.27-0.72), 0.29 (0.19-0.39), 0.56 (0.25-0.88) micromol/d. No significant changes in daily urinary iodine loss were observed in the two groups with progression of pregnancy. However, in the Swedish women the mean free T4 concentration fell from 11.81 pmol/l at the beginning of pregnancy to 8.82 pmol/l and the mean TSH rose from 1.11-1.95 mU/I between the beginning and end of pregnancy. Such changes were not detected among the Sudanese women, who had significantly lower mean TSH values than the Swedish women in weeks 36-39 of pregnancy (P < 0.02), and significantly higher FT4 values than the Swedish women both in weeks 20-24 and in weeks 36-39 (P < 0.005 and P < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that determination of urinary iodine alone gives inadequate information about the capacity of an individual to utilize an available iodine supply and it also shows the existence of different patterns of thyroid response during pregnancy. The history of iodine availability prior to and during pregnancy seems to be an important determinant of the mechanism of thyroid gland response to ensure the extra iodine needed by the growing fetus.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Activation of the prolactin receptor but not the growth hormone receptor is important for induction of mammary tumors in transgenic mice.

Transgenic mice overexpressing the human growth hormone gene develop mammary carcinomas. Since human growth hormone gene can activate both the growth hormone receptor (GHR) and the prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR), it is not clear which receptor system is responsible for the malignant transformation. To clarify the receptor specificity, we created transgenic mice with two different genes: (a) transgenic mice overexpressing the bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene having high levels of bGH only activating the GHR and also high serum levels of IGF-I; and (b) transgenic mice overexpressing the rat PRL (rPRL) gene that have elevated levels of PRL (one line 150 ng/ml and one line 13 ng/ml) only binding to the PRLR and with normal IGF-I levels. When analyzed histologically, all of the PRL transgenic female mice developed mammary carcinomas at 11-15 mo of age. Only normal mammary tissue was observed among the bGH transgenic animals and the controls. Cell lines established from a tumor produced rPRL and expressed PRLR. In organ culture experiments, an auto/paracrine effect of rPRL was demonstrated. In conclusion, activation of the PRLR is sufficient for induction of mammary carcinomas in mice, while activation of the GHR is not sufficient for mammary tumor formation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

[Children in poor countries also have right to good health care. A new care program will reduce child mortality].

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 12 million children die annually before reaching the age of five. Seventy per cent of the deaths are related to one or more of five common diseases: acute respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, measles, malaria and malnutrition. Consequently, drawing on international experience and expertise, the WHO and UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) have compiled and developed guidelines for the primary care of Third World children. This programme, entitled Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI), is expected to improve the care of children in areas and situations resources are limited.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1997

Geographical and seasonal association between linamarin and cyanide exposure from cassava and the upper motor neurone disease konzo in former Zaire.

High cyanide intake from consumption of insufficiently processed cassava has been advanced as a possible aetiology of the upper motor neurone disease konzo. However, similar neurodamage has not been associated with cyanide exposure from any other source. With an ecological study design, we compared 22 cases of konzo, 57 unaffected household members and 116 members from unaffected households, a total of 195 subjects, in konzo-affected savanna villages with 103 subjects in adjacent non-affected forest villages in the Paykongila area in the Bandundu Region, Zaire. In the dry season, the mean value (+/- SEM) of urinary thiocyanate, the main cyanide metabolite, was higher in the three groups in konzo-affected villages (563 +/- 105, 587 +/- 44 and 629 +/- 47 micromol/l) than in unaffected villages (241 +/- 17 micromol/l). In affected villages in the dry season when konzo incidence was high, mean urinary thiocyanate was also higher than the levels found in the wet season when incidence was low. The wet season values (mean +/- SEM) were 344 +/- 60, 381 +/- 35 and 351 +/- 27 micromol/l. Urinary levels of inorganic sulphate were low in all groups, indicating low intake of the sulphur amino-acids which provide a substrate for cyanide detoxification. These findings support an aetiological role for cyanide in konzo. However, urinary linamarin, the cyanogenic glucoside and source of cyanide in cassava, was more closely associated with the occurrence of konzo. The mean value (+/- SEM) of urinary linamarin in the konzo cases was 632 +/- 105 micromol/l and in their household members 657 +/- 52 micromol/l, which was significantly higher than in members of control households in the same village (351 +/- 28 micromol/l) and in unaffected villages (147 +/- 18 micromol/l). This suggests that a specific neurotoxic effect of linamarin, rather than the associated general cyanide exposure resulting from glucoside breakdown in the gut, may be the cause of konzo.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Iodine nutrition in Sudan: determination of thyroid-stimulating hormone in filter paper blood samples.

In this study we examined the technique of measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on filter paper blood samples for use in evaluating the iodine nutrition status of newborns and adults living in iodine-deficient areas. Filter paper blood samples were obtained between the 5th and 7th day after birth from 103, 43 and 103 term newborns living in Khartoum (mild iodine deficiency), Kosti (moderate iodine deficiency) and Darfur (severe iodine deficiency), respectively. TSH was measured with a commercial assay and the levels were compared with those obtained with the same method in 1147 samples from term Swedish newborns, obtained on the 3rd to the 5th day of life. The mean (95% confidence interval) TSH levels of the three Sudanese groups and the Swedish group were 7.1 (4.8-9.4), 8.3 (6.6-10.1), 11.9 (0.9-22.9) and 4.51 (3.8-5.3) mU l-1, respectively. The mean TSH for all three Sudanese groups was higher than the Swedish mean (p < 0.001). TSH levels determined in filter paper blood samples from adults living in an iodine-deficient area showed a correlation (p < 0.001; r = 0.55) to levels in corresponding serum samples (range 0.52-14.1 mU l-1, median 3.4 mU l-1). No significant correlation was found, however, between blood spot levels and serum levels within the reference range (< 5 mU l-1). A modification of the commercial procedure consisting in using three instead of two monoclonal antibodies did not sufficiently improve the assay for measurements of TSH within the reference range. Thus, there is a need to develop the filter paper technique further to make it a useful test for monitoring iodine deficiency in populations expected to have TSH levels close to the reference range. In the examination of neonates, however, with their birth-induced surge of TSH, the current assay promises to be a convenient tool for discovering iodine deficiency within a community.

Filtration↗
PubMed1997

Control of iodine deficiency using iodination of water in a goitre endemic area.

Salt iodination is the method of choice for prevention of iodine deficiency in most parts of the world. However, establishment of such a program frequently involves considerable changes in the marketing and distribution patterns and requires years to achieve. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of using well-defined water sources containing iodine-saturated silicon matrices for providing adequate iodine supply to an iodine deficient population in Kordofan State, Western Sudan. A system of water iodination using silicon matrices containing 30% sodium iodide placed in polyethylene baskets was used in four villages using either traditional wells or hand pumps. Before and every 6 months after iodination of water, urine and blood samples were obtained for determination of iodine and thyroid-related hormones, respectively. Goitre assessment on the village populations were performed at the start and 2 years later. Improvements in iodine status were recorded in all the study villages. The water iodine concentrations increased and a higher iodine content was observed in the hand pumps compared to the traditional wells. The median urinary iodine concentrations increased significantly, from 0.19, 0.20, 0.19, 0.11 to 1.20, 1.10, 0.37, 0.30 mumol/l in the four villages, respectively. The percentages of subjects with serum TSH above 4 mU/l were decreased from more than 30% before iodination to less than 15% at 2 years after iodine supply and the mean serum thyroxine hormone values rose. The rates of goitre decreased from 69% to less than 25%. The study shows that this system is effective, cheap, safe and practically applicable under conditions prevailing in rural areas in developing countries with iodine deficiency.

Female↗