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Biomedical subjects

S Borra

Publications and source records attributed to S Borra.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Developing actionable dietary guidance messages: dietary fat as a case study.

Although consumers say they are concerned about nutrition and are aware that eating a healthful diet is important for good health, this knowledge does not always translate into healthful diet behaviors or motivate behavior change. In an effort to better understand consumer attitudes about nutrition and to explore alternatives for communicating dietary advice in language that is meaningful and motivates behavior change, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) conducted qualitative research with consumers (using focus groups) and registered dietitians (using telephone interviews) in 1998 and 1999. Results of the research are presented using dietary fat as a case study. Findings from the IFIC research were reported to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to assist the Committee in developing meaningful and action-oriented dietary advice related to dietary fat for inclusion in the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that would be motivating and easy for consumers to implement. The recommendation to moderate fat intake in the new dietary guideline, "Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat" is consistent with communication recommendations in the IFIC research. Further, the moderate fat message is empowering because it suggests an achievable dietary regimen and reduces guilt and worry about foods. It allows flexibility to enjoy desired foods and promotes using common sense when it comes to diet. Several issues emerged from the IFIC research that apply to general nutrition communications with consumers, whether it be through national nutrition recommendations or in one-on-one counseling situations: to be effective, messages to consumers about nutrition, and specifically dietary fat, must address sources of discomfort about dietary choices; they must engender a sense of empowerment; and they should motivate both by providing clear information that propels toward taking action and appeals to the need to make personal choices.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A phenotypic change of small intestinal epithelium to colonocytes in small intestinal adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: Using a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb Das-1) that specifically reacts with colon epithelium, we examined if there is a phenotypic change of small intestinal enterocytes toward colonocytes in small intestinal neoplastic tissue. METHODS: Tissue sections of the small intestine consisting of adenomas (n = 20, five with histories of familial polyposis), adenocarcinomas (eight primary and one metastatic from colon). carcinoids (n = 2), and hyperplastic polyps (n = 3) were examined by a sensitive immunoperoxidase assay using mAb Das-1 (IgM isotype). Normal jejunal (n = 10) and colonic (n = 10) biopsy specimens were also included as additional controls. RESULTS: mAb Das-1 reacted with normal colonic epithelium but not with jejunal mucosa. However, mAb Das-1 reacted strongly with each of the five adenomas (100%) from patients with histories of familial polyposis, but only five of 15 (33%) of the adenomas from nonfamilial polyposis patients, and each of the eight (100%) adenocarcinomas of the small intestine (p < 0.001). The reactivity with the adenomas from nonfamilial polyposis patients was very focal, whereas in the adenomas with familial polyposis the reactivity was more extensive. Each of the eight carcinomas reacted strongly with mAb Das-1. Adjacent normal small intestinal mucosa did not react. Hyperplastic polyps and the carcinoids did not react with mAb Das-1. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a phenotypic change in small intestinal epithelium toward the colonic phenotype, particularly in familial polyposis and in adenocarcinomas. mAb Das-1 may be clinically useful in identifying small intestinal adenomas with "high risk" for malignancy, such as in familial polyposis.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Saline-resistant metabolic alkalosis, severe hypokalemia and hypertension in a 74-year-old woman.

The case of a 74-year-old woman with past history of hypertension and cerebrovascular accident admitted with pneumonia, dehydration, hypernatremia and severe hypokalemic alkalosis is presented. After correction of the hypertonic dehydration, the hypokalemia and alkalosis persisted in spite of aggressive potassium supplementation and the patient became hypertensive. Mineralocorticoid excess was suspected and excluded after extensive endocrinological testing. The use of aldactone failed to revert the abnormalities. Triamterene administration corrected the electrolytes and acid base aberrations, and dramatically improved the blood pressure control. This clinical picture is compatible with the diagnosis of Liddle's syndrome. Our patient exemplifies the unique occurrence of hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis in association with volume contraction at the start of the hospitalization and volume expansion later on her course.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Hypokalemia: are elderly females more vulnerable?

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between prevalence of hypokalemia and the age and sex of patients. Serum potassium concentrations of 872 patients were measured, and the prevalence of hypokalemia was compared between age and sex groups. Hypokalemia was more common in patients 65 years or older than in younger groups (P < .001), with a significantly higher frequency in female patients (P < .003). The finding was more common in elderly female patients than in elderly males (P < .002). No statistically significant difference was noted in the frequency of hypokalemia in elderly male patients compared with younger patients of either sex. The predominance of hypokalemia in elderly groups was chiefly attributable to a marked preponderance in elderly female patients over all other groups. Neither younger females nor elderly males were at increased risk. The preponderance in elderly females was not dependent on diuretic usage. It may have been due to age- and sex-associated differences in body mass composition, which result in a physiologically low total exchangeable body potassium in elderly females, placing this group at greater risk for developing hypokalemia.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

Giant peptic ulcers in patients with chronic renal failure.

The clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in association with chronic renal insufficiency were compared with those of patients who had PUD without renal impairment. The number of patients hospitalized with PUD was 150, which represented 1.3% of all hospital admissions to Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center over the two-year period August 1986 to August 1988. The incidence of PUD among the patients with end-stage renal disease was 2.6%. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with serum creatinine greater than 264 mumol/L (Group A) than in patients with serum creatinine less than 264 mumol/L (Group B) (p = 0.02). A striking finding was the presence of giant (greater than 2 cm in width) gastric and duodenal ulcers and ulcers of the second portion of the duodenum in both groups. The difference in number of giant ulcers in Group A and Group B was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Moreover, the patients in Group A had a higher incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality than those in Group B. Group A patients also had a greater need for surgery than Group B patients. Both groups were predominantly elderly with a mean age greater than 65 years, which may have contributed to the increased incidence of complications and mortality.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1971

Long-term home hemodialysis in children.

Experience with chronic hemodialysis as a definitive form of therapy is described for six children aged 11 to 15 years at the onset. Duration on dialysis in the home has been between one and 4(1/2) years. All patients are alive and rehabilitated without serious complications. It is concluded that although transplantation is the most desirable form of treatment for children, long-term hemodialysis is an alternative acceptable second choice.

Adolescent↗