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Biomedical subjects

M J Ball

Publications and source records attributed to M J Ball.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Normal serotonin but elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentration in cerebellar cortex of patients with dominantly-inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

Beas-Zarate and coworkers (Eur. J. Pharmacol., 198 (1991) 7-14) recently reported markedly reduced concentration of presynaptic serotonin neurotransmitter markers in cerebellum of rodents which had suffered destruction of the inferior olivary-cerebellar (climbing fibre) projections by the neurotoxin 3-acetylpyridine; these experimental animal data suggested that serotonin might be one of the neurotransmitters released by climbing fibres. We measured the concentration of serotonin and its major metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in autopsied cerebellar cortex of 14 patients with dominantly-inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) who all had near-total degeneration of the inferior olivary climbing fibres. As compared with the controls, mean concentration of serotonin in cerebellar cortex of the OPCA patients was normal whereas 5-HIAA levels (+79%, P less than 0.02) and 'turnover' ratio 5-HIAA/serotonin (+148%, P less than 0.05), on average, were significantly elevated. These data do not support the notion that serotonin is a predominant neurotransmitter of the human climbing fibre. However, the markedly elevated serotonin turnover ratio suggests the possibility of increased serotonergic neuronal activity, which might alter, and perhaps improve, the functioning of the preserved cerebellar cortical neurones in OPCA.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Beneficial effect of simvastatin in patients with drug resistant familial hypercholesterolaemia.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of simvastatin in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia refractory or intolerant to routine drug therapy. METHOD: Eighteen patients were given increasing doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg simvastatin for eight week periods, followed by a control period on their former drug therapy in a prospective, crossover clinical study. RESULTS: Mean total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (SEM) were significantly lower on 40 mg simvastatin alone than at the end of the control period (7.3 (0.3) mmol/L vs 10.7 (0.4) and 5.1 (0.3) vs 7.8 (0.5) respectively; p less than 0.01). Apo-B was also significantly lower on 40 mg simvastatin (p less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: Simvastatin offers effective cholesterol lowering for patients with drug resistant familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Glycine absorption from irrigation fluid during endoscopic resection of rectal tumours.

A significant rise in plasma glycine concentration was observed in nine elderly patients undergoing endoscopic transanal resection of rectal tumours using glycine solution for irrigation. Despite the obvious absorption of glycine, plasma sodium concentration and osmolality were not significantly altered, except in a patient whose rectal wall was perforated. In this case plasma sodium and osmolality fell, and the patient developed hyperammonaemia. Potentially adverse metabolic consequences may occur when there are surgical complications, but in the absence of such problems the absorption of glycine appears to cause little effect.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Striatal monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites in dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

We measured the levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites in striatum of 14 patients with end-stage dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). On average, dopamine levels were reduced in putamen (-53%), caudate (-35%), and nucleus accumbens (-31%). However, individual patient values showed a wide variation, indicating that mild to moderate striatal dopamine loss is a common but not constant feature of OPCA. Seven patients had marked putamen dopamine loss (-62% to -81%) but without evidence of correspondingly severe substantia nigra cell damage; this suggests the possibility of a "dying-back" phenomenon in which nerve terminal loss precedes cell body degeneration. Severe substantia nigra cell loss with almost total (-95% to -99%) putamen and caudate dopamine depletion was present in two patients; however, none of the 14 patients had had a clinical diagnosis of parkinsonism or was receiving antiparkinsonian medication. Mean striatal serotonin levels were normal, whereas concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were elevated by 47% to 63%; this suggests increased activity of raphe dorsalis serotonin neurons innervating the striatum, which might aggravate the functional consequences of the dopamine deficit.

Biogenic Amines↗
PubMed1992

Do beans and oat bran add to the effectiveness of a low-fat diet?

The effects of consuming an increased amount of soluble fibre as oat bran or beans were examined in 40 free-living hypercholesterolaemic men and women. The subjects were initially established on a low-fat background diet (29% of energy from fat) and then 55 g low-fibre oat bran, 55 g high-fibre oat bran or 80 g mixed cooked beans were added to their diet in random order for 6 week periods. Body weight and overall composition of the diet did not change. Plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were unchanged. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly higher on all three intervention diets than on the lower fibre run-in diet. Supplementation of a moderately low-fat diet with palatable quantities of oat bran or beans without changing the overall fat intake does not appear to significantly lower cholesterol but may have a benefit by increasing HDL-C and reducing the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Blood lipid levels in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: the study aimed to determine age and gender specific levels of lipids and lipoproteins in New Zealanders. Participants were randomly selected from 20 general electoral roles, and from a sample of 15-18 year olds. METHODS: plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured in 2941 men and women aged 15-99 years. RESULTS: mean (SD) plasma cholesterol was 6.0 (1.3) mmol/L in men and 6.1 (1.3) mmol/L in women. There was a marked variation in total cholesterol and calculated LDL cholesterol with age, and the pattern was different in men and women. There was also a considerable regional variation; levels tending to increase from north to south. Overall mean cholesterol levels adjusted for age and geographical distribution were 5.8 and 6.0 mmol/L for men and women respectively. CONCLUSION: the fact that approximately a third of the adult population in New Zealand under 65 years have cholesterol levels greater than 6.5 mmol/L indicates the need for effective diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the high rates of CHD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Beta-amyloid from Alzheimer disease brains inhibits sprouting and survival of sympathetic neurons.

The significance of the amyloid plaque core proteins (APCP) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its consequences for neuronal survival have been controversial. To address this problem we purified the APCP and beta A obtained from brains with AD, and assessed their biological effects in tissue culture. APCP and beta A caused severe toxicity to chick and rat sympathetic and sensory neurons whose survival is dependent upon NGF. This toxicity was dose dependent and reversible at low doses. APCP and beta A prevented sprouting of neurites in freshly plated neurons. In established cultures addition of these molecules caused vacuolation and fragmentation of neurites and disintegration of neuronal soma. We suggest that the deposition of APCP in AD may be partly responsible for the destruction of the neuritic arbor, thereby contributing to the formation of the neuritic plaque and to neuronal death.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1991

Anatomic, metabolic, neuropsychological, and molecular genetic studies of three pairs of identical twins discordant for dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Three pairs of twins, each with proved monozygosity, were shown to be discordant for dementia of the Alzheimer's type and to have remained discordant for periods of 8 to 11 years. Dementia of the Alzheimer's type was demonstrated by history; serial clinical examinations; serial measurements of cerebral glucose utilization using positron emission tomography and of cerebral ventricular volumes and of rates of change of volumes using quantitative computed tomography; and by serial neuropsychological tests. The results of each of these measures showed no evidence of clinical abnormality in any unaffected twin. DNA markers from the proximal long arm of chromosome 21 did not distinguish between the affected and the unaffected member of any pair of identical twins. Family pedigrees were negative for Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that environmental or other nongenetic factors contribute to Alzheimer's disease in discordant monozygotic twins, or that some cases arise by a postzygotic somatic mutation.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Quinolinic acid catabolism is increased in cerebellum of patients with dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

We measured the activities of the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilate oxygenase and quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase, in autopsied brain of 11 patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy. In cerebellar cortex, severe Purkinje cell loss was evident but with relative preservation of granule cells. As compared with the control subjects (n = 14), mean activity of 3-hydroxyanthranilate oxygenase was normal in cerebellar cortex from the patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy, whereas quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase activity was markedly increased (+92%, p less than 0.02). No significant changes in enzyme activities were found in samples from occipital cortex. Increased quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase activity may represent a mechanism, in the degenerating cerebellum, to protect quinolinic acid-sensitive granule cells in patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Progestagen-only oral contraceptives: comparison of the metabolic effects of levonorgestrel and norethisterone.

A 6-month single-blind study compared the use of a progestagen-only oral contraceptive containing norethisterone 350 micrograms/day (NE 350) with one containing levonorgestrel 30 micrograms (LN 30), to assess the metabolic effects. At the end of 6 months, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to plasma cholesterol, lipoproteins including HDL subfractions, triglycerides or glucose concentration. Levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen, Factor VII, Factor X and antithrombin III were also similar. Women changing from a combined oral contraceptive to LN 30 showed a significant fall in Factor X. Mean blood pressure fell on LN 30 by 7/9 mmHg, but the 6-month reading did not differ significantly from that in women on NE 350. Acceptability, and the metabolic effects of the two preparations were similar in this study. Further larger studies are warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Status and progress of hospital information systems (HIS).

Expectations for hospital information systems (HIS) have yet to be realized. Requirements have been defined by the International Medical Informatics Association, health care futurists, and others. With a volatile marketplace and evolving technologies, computerization has been a non-trivial task. However, recent advances in architecture and communication standards promise to make networking possible. In addition, the development of professional workstations and of computer-based patient records linked to new tools and applications can transform health care. For HIS to realize these expectations, however, technology assessment and outcome analysis must play critical roles.

Hospital Information Systems↗
PubMed1991

Variation at the apo AI/CIII/AIV gene complex is associated with elevated plasma levels of apo CIII.

A number of studies have reported that a variant allele (S2) of the apo AI/CIII/AIV complex is associated with high plasma lipid levels in some populations and furthermore that the frequency of this allele is 2-5-fold higher in patient groups with premature coronary heart disease compared to control groups. This study shows in the healthy "English" population that the S2 allele is associated with elevated plasma apo CIII levels but not with low apo AI levels. In addition, it shows that the allele is associated with elevated plasma levels of apo B in men. Regression analysis shows in both men and women that apo CIII levels are positively correlated with plasma triglyceride levels and moreover that they are a stronger predictor of this parameter than apo AI, B or AIV. Apo CIII levels are also an independent predictor of total plasma cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels in males and females, respectively. Together these data suggest that a genetic predisposition to develop elevated plasma levels of apo CIII, alone or in combination with elevated plasma apo AIV levels, is the primary defect responsible for the association of the S2 allele with hyperlipidemia and/or premature CHD.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Recent developments in the transcription of nonnormal speech.

Clinical phoneticians and speech pathologists have increasingly felt the need for a transcription system that allows the symbolization of nonnormal articulations (i.e., those not found within the range of any normal language, and so missing from the IPA or other transcription systems). These might include ways of transcribing disfluencies, nasal friction, naso-pharyngeal snort, as well as unusual places of articulation such as reverse labio-dental, linguo-labial, etc. An account is given here of various recent proposals in this field, concluding with the most recent set of symbols devised at the IPA Congress at Kiel, 1989.

Articulation Disorders↗
PubMed1991

New biochemical insights to unravel the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's lesions.

Purification of amyloid plaque core proteins (APCP) from Alzheimer's disease brains to complete homogeneity and in high yield permitted its chemical fractionation and characterization of its components. APCP is mainly made of beta-amyloid (beta A) and an assortment of glycoproteins (accounting for 20%) rich in carbohydrates compatible with N- and O-linked saccharides. When added to tissue culture of sympathetic and sensory neurons APCP and beta A inhibited neuritic sprouting, a reversible phenomenon at low doses. Higher concentrations of both substances kill the neurons in culture. APCP is significantly more toxic than beta A, suggesting the minor components may play an important role in increasing the toxicity of beta A. If the observed toxic effects of APCP in situ are occurring in vivo during the course of AD, then the accumulation of these extracellular proteins could be largely responsible for some of the neuronal death observed in this neuropathology.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1991

Hematological and biochemical effects of parenteral nutrition with medium-chain triglycerides: comparison with long-chain triglycerides.

Twenty-four malnourished patients requiring total parenteral nutrition were randomly assigned to receive a daily infusion of either Lipofundin MCT-LCT [a new lipid preparation containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)], or Lipofundin S [a long-chain triglyceride (LCT) preparation] for 6-28 d. No adverse clinical effects were apparent in patients receiving the new emulsion. Hematological indices were unchanged. Plasma urea concentrations rose less on MCT-LCT than on LCT and the plasma bilirubin concentration was lower. Plasma ketones were higher immediately after the MCT-LCT infusion but not at other times. Triglyceride and fatty acid concentrations were similar. Insulin concentrations were higher on MCT-LCT than on LCT. Daily nitrogen balance values were not significantly different between the two groups. Urinary carnitine excretion fell dramatically on both lipids.

Bilirubin↗
PubMed1991

Effects of increasing quantities of oat bran in hypercholesterolemic people.

The effects of increasing quantities of oat bran on plasma lipids were examined in 40 hypercholesterolemic men and women. Using a four-by-four Latin-square design, subjects added 30, 60, and 90 g oat bran/d or no oat bran to their usual diet for 1-mo experimental periods. Self-selected background diets remained unchanged and weight did not change significantly. No differences in plasma total or low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were found. Supplementation of the usual diet with less than or equal to 90 g oat bran does not appear to significantly lower cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects continuing to follow a diet relatively high in saturated fatty acids.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Asymptomatic hypothyroidism and hypercholesterolaemia.

Hypothyroidism is a cause of secondary hyperlipidaemia. This study investigates the frequency of biochemically diagnosed hypothyroidism and its relationship with plasma cholesterol concentration in apparently healthy people. Thyroid function tests (total T4, TSH, and free T4) were performed on 272 apparently healthy men and women (179 vegetarians, 93 meat eaters) with a plasma cholesterol concentration above 7 mmol/l and on 90 individuals with a plasma cholesterol below 4.1 mmol/l who were matched for age, sex and dietary habits. Six per cent of those with a plasma cholesterol above 7 mmol/l had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism as defined by a TSH greater than 10 mIU/l (reference range 1-6) and a low free T4 below 10 pmol/l (reference range 10.1-25). Eighty per cent of these people had a high titre of thyroid anti-microsomal antibodies. Of the 90 individuals with a plasma cholesterol level below 4.1 and the 25 randomly selected participants none had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is relatively common in apparently healthy people with a raised plasma cholesterol. It appears no commoner in vegetarians than in meat eaters.

Adult↗