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Biomedical subjects

R J Kaplan

Publications and source records attributed to R J Kaplan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Cognitive performance is associated with glucose regulation in healthy elderly persons and can be enhanced with glucose and dietary carbohydrates.

BACKGROUND: A glucose drink has been shown to improve memory in persons with poor glucose regulation and poor cognition. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine 1) whether an association between cognition and glucose regulation is apparent in healthy seniors and 2) the effects of dietary carbohydrates on cognition. DESIGN: After an overnight fast, 10 men and 10 women (aged 60-82 y) consumed 50 g carbohydrate as glucose, potatoes, or barley or a placebo on 4 separate mornings. Cognitive tests were administered 15, 60, and 105 min after ingestion of the carbohydrate. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were measured. RESULTS: In a multiple regression analysis, poor baseline (placebo) verbal declarative memory (immediate and 20-min delayed paragraph recall and word list recall) and visuomotor task performance were predicted by poor beta cell function, high incremental area under the glucose curve, low insulin resistance, and low body mass index. The difference in plasma glucose after food consumption [glucose > potatoes > barley > placebo (P: < 0.03)] did not predict performance. Although overall performance did not differ with consumption of the different test foods, baseline score and beta cell function correlated with improvements in immediate and delayed paragraph recall for all 3 carbohydrates (compared with placebo); the poorer the baseline memory or beta cell function, the greater the improvement (correlation between beta cell function and improvement in delayed paragraph recall: r > -0.50, P: < 0.03). Poor beta cell function correlated with improvement for all carbohydrates in visuomotor task performance but not on an attention task. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose regulation was associated with cognitive performance in elderly subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Dietary carbohydrates (potatoes and barley) enhanced cognition in subjects with poor memories or beta cell function independently of plasma glucose.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Dietary saturated fatty acids and brain function.

The degree to which fatty acids modulate brain function beyond periods of rapid brain growth is poorly understood. Nevertheless, recent evidence suggests that dietary fatty acid composition influences numerous behaviors including body temperature regulation, pain sensitivity, feeding behavior including macronutrient selection, and cognitive performance. Importantly, alterations are observed in the absence of essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency, beyond periods of rapid brain development, and at levels similar to those consumed by the North American population. Data suggest that the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and not that of the EFAs, may be the important component of dietary fat mediating macronutrient selection and cognition under these experimental conditions. Yet, a direct role of SFAs in modulating brain functions has not been elucidated. A discussion of potential mechanisms which may directly involve the central nervous system, or may indirectly influence central processes via peripheral pathway(s) is presented.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Poor digestibility of fully hydrogenated soybean oil in rats: a potential benefit of hydrogenated fats and oils.

The digestibility and absorption of dietary triacylglycerols are dependent on a number of factors including their fatty acid profile. Data demonstrating poor bioavailability of dietary stearic acid would suggest that hydrogenated oil sources would have lower digestibility coefficients compared with their native oils. To test this hypothesis, postweanling rats were fed one of four diets, formulated to contain 40% of energy as fat (assuming complete bioavailability), for 14 d. The diets only differed by fat type, containing soybean oil (SBO), fully hydrogenated soybean oil (HSB), medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT), or hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). Rats fed HSB consumed more food during the last 6 d (155.2 +/- 2.7 g) than those in each of the other groups (MCT: 118.9 +/- 2. 2 g; HCO: 124.7 +/- 3.2 g; SBO: 123.8 +/- 2.3 g), yet, they did not gain more weight. Two-day fecal excretion was almost three times greater in HSB-fed rats than in rats fed any other diet (P < 0.0001) because HSB was very poorly available. The digestibility coefficients (a measure of bioavailability) of the four fats were: HSB (30.9 +/- 1.3%) < HCO (94.5 +/- 0.4%) < SBO (97.0 +/- 0.4%) < MCT (98.7 +/- 0.2%) (P < 0.0007). All rats compensated for the incomplete availability of the fats, as apparent absorbable energy consumed did not differ among diet groups. The present data suggest that HSB only contributes 11.6 kJ/g (most fats contribute approximately 37.7 kJ/g) and that not only manufactured fat substitutes, such as olestra, but also more conventional fats are incompletely available to the body. Foods that currently contain HSB may contribute much less utilizable fat and energy than presently realized.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

A national survey of the use of outpatient commitment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of use of outpatient commitment, a survey was undertaken of each state and the District of Columbia. METHODS: One of the authors, an attorney, reviewed pertinent state statutes, then conducted telephone interviews with individuals in each state who were knowledgeable about the use of outpatient commitment. RESULTS: Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia have laws permitting outpatient commitment. Georgia, Hawaii, and North Carolina use different criteria for outpatient commitment than for inpatient commitment. In only 12 states and the District of Columbia was use of outpatient commitment rated as very common or common. Reasons for not using it include concerns about civil liberties, liability, and fiscal burden as well as lack of information and interest, the failure of some states to set enforceable consequences for noncompliance, and criteria that are too restrictive. Some states use alternative formal or informal mechanisms to encourage treatment compliance; conditional release is widely used in New Hampshire and conservatorship-guardianship in California. Within many states the availability of outpatient commitment varies considerably by locale. CONCLUSIONS: To clarify the role of outpatient commitment in psychiatric services, more research is needed to identify optimal candidates for its use. Research is also needed on its overall effectiveness compared with conditional release and conservatorship-guardianship and on the consequences of not using such mechanisms to improve treatment compliance.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed1995

Promotion and acceleration of diabetic ulcer healing by arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide matrix. RGD Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and safety of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide matrix in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized placebo-controlled investigator- and patient-blinded prospective multicenter investigation was conducted at three institutional and three private U.S. clinics providing ambulatory care. Sixty-five diabetic patients with chronic full-thickness neurotrophic foot ulcers were enrolled. Six discontinued the study because of adverse events. RGD peptide matrix (Argidene Gel; formerly Telio-Derm Gel) was applied topically twice weekly for up to 10 weeks in patients who otherwise received standard care. Control group patients received topical saline as a placebo plus standard care. The primary method of assessment was the incidence and rate of ulcer closure. All patients enrolled were included in the data analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of patients whose ulcers healed completely in the RGD peptide matrix group (35%; 14 of 40 patients) was over fourfold greater (P = 0.02) than that in the placebo group (8%; 2 of 25 patients). By the study end point (either day of healing or week 10), 30 of 40 (75%) RGD peptide matrix patients had achieved > 50% ulcer closure compared with 12 of 25 (48%) placebo patients (P = 0.03). RGD peptide matrix also significantly (P = 0.03) increased the rate of ulcer closure over the 10 weeks of the study. CONCLUSIONS: RGD peptide matrix treatment promoted and accelerated the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers to a significant degree.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1990

Phase II trial of etoposide and cis-diaminodichloro-platinum in patients with refractory and relapsed Hodgkin's disease: Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Study 8353.

A phase II study was conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) in patients with refractory and relapsed Hodgkin's disease (HD) to assess the activity of the combination of etoposide and cis-platin. Twenty-seven patients were entered; 22 were evaluated for this report. Treatment consisted of etoposide (VP-16), 80 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour and cis-platin, 20 mg/m2 IV over 1/2-1 hour; both agents were given daily for 5 days and repeated every 21 days. All patients had received at least 2 prior chemotherapy regimens, had measurable disease, and most (86%) had a performance status of 0-1. In the 22 evaluable patients, there were 4 complete responses (18%) and 4 partial responses, for an overall response rate of 36% (95% Cl: 17.2%, 59.3%). Response duration was from 2.1 to 31 months. Significant toxicity was observed with this regimen. Ten patients (45%) had leukopenia less than 1,000/microliters, and 11 patients (50%) had thrombocytopenia less than 25,000/microliters. Serum creatinine levels reached greater than 2.0 in 14% of patients. Seven patients (32%) had severe nausea and vomiting. VP-16, cis-platin appears to be an active combination in HD; however, their combined activity is only marginally better than reported single-agent activity for VP-16 in the doses and schedule used. Further studies of related combinations in HD are currently under evaluation by the CALGB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Neuropsychological functioning in children with shunted uncomplicated hydrocephalus.

A neuropsychological battery was given to a CT-defined group of children shunted for uncomplicated hydrocephalus with estimated normal range IQs. When no other brain anomalies were present, verbal IQ estimates were inferior to age and sex matched controls, but still in the normal range. In the presence of average academic performance and normal range IQ, impairment of neuropsychological functioning in verbal and nonverbal memory, fine motor speed, and visuospatial problem solving was observed. Successful neurosurgical management of hydrocephalus is not necessarily equated with achieving normal neuropsychological functioning.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed1983

CT-guided aspiration of a cysticercotic thalamic cyst.

Removal of either parenchymal or intraventricular cysts in neurocysticercosis has traditionally necessitated operative intervention with its concomitant morbidity and mortality (L. Stepien and J. Chorobski, Arch Neurol Psychiat Chicago 1949;61:499-527; L. Stepien, J. Neurosurg 1962;19:505-13). To our knowledge, percutaneous parenchymal cyst aspiration to reduce mass effect has not been previously reported. We describe a case of successful CT-guided percutaneous thalamic cyst puncture and aspiration to reduce both obstructive hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1983

Clinical utility of knee arthrography.

We evaluated how information obtained from knee arthrography was used in clinical management by means of questionnaires answered by orthopedists both before and after arthrography. In 55 of the 76 patients, the abnormality was considered "moderately severe," and in two patients "insignificant" before arthrography. After arthrography, 30 were considered "moderately severe," and 22 were thought "insignificant." There was a similar diminution in the perceived need for surgery when the results of arthrography were known. Arthrography alters patient management in that a normal arthrogram in a clinically equivocal case seems to convince the orthopedist that the injury is not significant and that surgery is not necessary.

Humans↗
PubMed1982

Midline granuloma.

A 34-year-old woman had a granulomatous ulceration of the nose that responded to radiation therapy. The limitation of the disease to the nose and the histologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of midline granuloma, Stewart type. The relationship of midline granuloma to Wegener's granulomatosis is reviewed. In view of the uniform mortality that accompanies untreated midline granuloma, a correct diagnosis must be made so that radiation therapy can be promptly instituted.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Porphyria cutanea tarda complicating Wilson's disease.

A young woman is described in whom symptomatic porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) developed during copper chelation therapy for Wilson's disease. Termination of ethanol ingestion and oral contraceptive use resulted in cessation of blistering skin lesions and reduction in urinary porphyrin excretion. This is the first recorded coincidence of these two rare hepatic diseases. Therapeutic implications are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Porphyria cutanea tarda in a chronic hemodialysis patient.

We have described a patient undergoing long-term hemodialysis who had bullae on the dorsum of the hands, extensor surfaces of the forearms, and the forehead. While clinically indistinguishable from earlier reports of bullous dermatosis of chronic renal failure, laboratory investigation documented prophyria cutanea tarda in this patient.

Humans↗
PubMed1978

Atopic dermatitis: clinical and immunologic aspects and treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease marked by exacerbations and remissions. It begins in early infancy and may persist into late adulthood. Flares of dermatitis may be precipitated by emotional stess, extremes or sudden changes in humidity or temperature, and other factors. Treatment consists primarily of the use of mild topical agents to reduce inflammation and pruritus. Long-term systemic therapy with corticosteroid is not recommended. Topical preparations containing agents that increase the local levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (eg, caffeine) may be useful.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗