Biomedical subjects

S S Sørensen

Publications and source records attributed to S S Sørensen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

[TPO immunostaining of the solitary, cold thyroid nodules].

INTRODUCTION: The chance of malignancy in scintigraphically cold thyroid nodules is 2-24%. Differentiation between malignant and benign cytology is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of immunostaining (MoAB47--raised against thyroid peroxidase (TPO)) to differentiate between malignant and benign cells taken from cold thyroid nodules by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in order to reduce the number of unnecessary thyroid operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-one patients (150 female) with a scintigraphically cold, solitary thyroid nodule were entered between 1993 and 1996. Fifty-seven were excluded for various reasons. Material removed by FNAB was stained with MoAB47 and routine staining. Staining of 80% or more of the cells was considered benign, less than 80% was considered malignant. Routine staining of operatively removed material was used as the final diagnosis. RESULTS: A pattern with negative TPO staining was found in all lesions that were subsequently proved to be malignant. In all but one, the lesions subsequently diagnosed as being benign stained positive for TPO. The sensitivity and specificity were respectively 1.0 and 0.99. CONCLUSION: TPO immunostaining of material removed by FNAB is a powerful tool in the differentiation between benign and malignant tumours.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Green tea or rosemary extract added to foods reduces nonheme-iron absorption.

BACKGROUND: Phenolic compounds act as food antioxidants. One of the postulated mechanisms of action is chelation of prooxidant metals, such as iron. Although the antioxidative effect is desirable, this mechanism may impair the utilization of dietary iron. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effect of phenolic-rich extracts obtained from green tea or rosemary on nonheme-iron absorption. DESIGN: Young women aged 19-39 y consumed test meals on 4 separate occasions. The meals were identical except for the absence (meal A) or presence (meal B) of a phenolic-rich extract from green tea (study 1; n = 10) or rosemary (study 2; n = 14). The extracts (0.1 mmol) were added to the meat component of the test meals. The meals were extrinsically labeled with either 55Fe or 59Fe and were consumed on 4 consecutive days in the order ABBA or BAAB. Iron absorption was determined by measuring whole-body retention of 59Fe and the ratio of 55Fe to 59Fe activity in blood samples. RESULTS: The presence of the phenolic-rich extracts resulted in decreased nonheme-iron absorption. Mean (+/-SD) iron absorption decreased from 12.1 +/- 4.5% to 8.9 +/- 5.2% (P < 0.01) in the presence of green tea extract and from 7.5 +/- 4.0% to 6.4 +/- 4.7% (P < 0.05) in the presence of rosemary extract. CONCLUSION: Phenolic-rich extracts used as antioxidants in foods reduce the utilization of dietary iron.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Folic acid enrichment of bread does not appear to affect zinc absorption in young women.

BACKGROUND: In several countries cereals are now enriched with folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Human studies suggest that folic acid interferes with zinc absorption. This raises concerns about the zinc status of high-risk groups such as infants, pregnant women, and older persons. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effect of added folic acid on zinc absorption from white bread with high and low zinc contents. DESIGN: Zinc absorption was measured in 15 healthy women (22-33 y), each of whom consumed 4 single meals spaced 2 wk apart in a randomized crossover design. The servings of bread (100 g) differed in zinc and folic acid contents as follows: A, 1.2 mg Zn and 17 microg folic acid; B, 1.2 mg Zn and 144 microg folic acid; C, 3.0 mg Zn and 17 microg folic acid; and D, 2.9 mg Zn and 144 microg folic acid. Meals were extrinsically labeled with 65Zn and absorption was estimated from whole-body retention measurements. Folate status was assessed by measuring plasma and erythrocyte folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) zinc absorption did not differ significantly in relation to the folate content of the breads at either the low zinc content (38.8 +/- 13.5% and 40.6 +/- 16.5% for A and B, respectively; P = 0.74) or the high zinc content (26.7 +/- 9.3% and 22.7 +/- 6.6% for C and D, respectively; P = 0.16). There was no significant correlation between folate status and zinc absorption (r < 0.3, P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Fortification of white bread with a commonly used amount of folic acid did not appear to influence zinc absorption at either a high or a low zinc content.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Use of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the detection of silent metastases from malignant melanoma.

Correct staging is crucial for the management and prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma. The aim of this prospective study was to compare staging by whole-body positron emission tomography using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) with staging by conventional methods. Thirty-eight patients with malignant melanoma of clinical stage II (local recurrence, in-transit and regional lymph node metastases) or III (metastases to other sites than in stage II) were included in the study. The results of the PET scans were compared with those obtained by clinical examination, computed tomography, ultrasound, radiography, and liver function tests and histology or clinical follow-up. With 18F-FDG PET we found for all foci a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 56%, compared with 62% and 22%, respectively, when using routine methods. For intra-abdominal foci, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% for both 18F-FDG PET and routine methods. Corresponding figures for pulmonary/intrathoracic foci were 100% and 33%, respectively. Of the patients included in this study, 34% would not have been staged correctly by conventional methods alone. We conclude from this study that 18F-FDG PET is a sensitive method superior to conventional methods for detecting widespread metastases from malignant melanoma. Mutilating surgery of no benefit can thereby be avoided. 18F-FDG PET is useful as a supplement to clinical examination in melanoma staging.

Female↗

PubMed2000

Thyroperoxidase (TPO) immunostaining of the solitary cold thyroid nodule.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of immunostaining using the monoclonal antibody (MoAB47) against thyroperoxidase (TPO) in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumour cells in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples obtained from a solitary cold nodule of the thyroid gland for the purpose of strengthening the indication for thyroid surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, immunocytochemical study of FNACs taken from patients with solitary cold thyroid nodules who presented to Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, during the period April 1993 to May 1996. The first sample series was taken perioperatively in order to test the utility of the method. In the second part of the study samples were obtained preoperatively by ultrasonic guided aspiration. Tissue sections from the nodules obtained during a subsequent operation served as controls. PATIENTS: One hundred and eighty-one patients, 150 women and 31 men, were studied. The age range was 14-89 years with a median age of 44 years. Fifty-seven patients were excluded from the study for various reasons leaving us with a total of 124 nodules from 124 patients for final evaluation. METHODS: FNAC cells and corresponding nodular tissue were stained by immunocyto- and immuno-histochemistry using MoAb47 and by routine staining methods. Samples were considered benign if 80% or more of the epithelial-looking cells of both the FNACs and the histological tissue sections of the nodule were stained by TPO. Consequently, samples were considered malignant if more than 20% of the epithelial-looking cells failed to stain for TPO. Routinely stained tissue cells and sections served as diagnostic controls. RESULTS: A pattern with negative TPO staining was found in all lesions which, by conventional histological staining, were subsequently proven to be malignant. A universal and reliable, positive TPO staining pattern was found in all subsequently proven benign lesions, with the exception of one out of 26 follicular adenomas. This gave the method a sensitivity of 1.0 (negative TPO staining = malignancy in 27 out of 27) and a specificity of 0.99 (positive TPO staining = benign lesion, in 96 out of 97). Positive and negative predictive values were 0.96 and 1.00 respectively. CONCLUSION: Thyroperoxidase immunostaining of fine needle aspirates from solitary, scintigraphically cold nodules of the thyroid gland has proved to be an important and reliable diagnostic tool for distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules. Thus, patients might be spared further surgery if not otherwise indicated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Loop diathermy or laser excisional conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) can be managed by ablative or excisional procedures. We have compared the excision time, effectiveness, and safety of loop diathermy (loop) against laser conization. METHODS: In a prospective study in two hospital departments 222 women were randomized to loop or laser conization. Data were collected by questionnaires after operation and at two follow-up examinations. RESULTS: At department A (122 women), two physicians performed 27% of the loop and 35% of the laser excisions; at department B (100 women), the corresponding figures were 69% and 59%. Loop was quicker than laser conization in both departments (median 3-4 min versus 10-20 min), while laser conization was more time consuming in department A (median A/B = 20/10 min). Peroperative bleeding dominated during the laser procedure in both departments and complicated the loop procedure more frequently in department A. Postoperative bleeding occurred with equal frequency in the four groups (41.8%, 52.7%, 59.2%, 64.7%). At both departments, bleeding for more than two weeks was reported twice as often after laser conization (A:13.8%, B:24.2%), when compared to loop excision (A:7.1%, B:13.7%). Residual CIN was found in all of three re-conizations and in one of eight hysterectomy specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Loop was quicker than laser excision, per- and postoperative bleeding diminished, and the success rates were comparable. Physicians mastered Loop excision after a few attempts. However, the results improved, when performed by a restricted number of physicians. Histological incomplete excision indicates close colposcopic and cytologic follow-up to identify residual CIN.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Prevention and diagnosis of encapsulated endometrium after endometrial ablation].

Endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding has become more common in Denmark in recent years. New symptoms and diseases may arise due to morphological changes in the uterus after the operation. Despite thoroughness during surgery, residual endometrial tissue can be trapped in pockets during the healing process. In this paper two cases of encapsulated endometrial tissue are presented in women who had undergone endometrial resection. Prophylactic aims, diagnoses and treatments are suggested to minimise the risk of residual endometrial tissue in terms of concealing the symptoms of a developing adenocarcinoma.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Calcium absorption from small soft-boned fish.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in developing countries is low compared to most industrialised countries despite an apparent low Ca intake. It is possible, however, that food surveys have overlooked important Ca sources in developing countries. Small fish eaten with the bones can be a rich source of Ca, even though Ca from bone may be considered unavailable for absorption. In the present study, absorption of Ca from indigenous Bengali small fish was compared with the Ca absorption from milk. Ca absorption from single meals was determined in 19 healthy men and women (21-28 y). Each subject received two meal types on two separate occasions. Both meals consisted of white wheat bread, butter and ultra pure water with the main Ca source being either small Bengali fish (397 mg Ca in total) or skimmed milk (377 mg Ca in total). The meals were extrinsically labelled with 47Ca, and whole-body retention was measured on day 8, 12, 15 and 19 after intake of each meal. The labelling procedure was evaluated by an in vitro method. The calculated absorption of Ca as measured with 47Ca whole-body retention was 23.8 +/- 5.6% from the fish meal and 21.8 +/- 6.1% from the milk meal (mean +/- SD), which was not significantly different (p = 0.52). Even after correction for an incomplete isotope exchange, as indicated by the in vitro study, Ca absorption was similar from the two meal types. It was concluded that Ca absorption from small Bengali fish was comparable that from skimmed milk, and that these fish may represent a good source of Ca.

Absorption↗

PubMed1998

Bone scintigraphy of human temporomandibular joints during Herbst treatment: a case report.

Bone scintigraphy results were compared with changes shown on orthopantomographic radiographs in a patient with facial asymmetry, before, during, and after Herbst treatment, and followed up with control of growth activity in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) after long-term retention. The present study showed that new bone formation (modelling) was initiated asymmetrically in TMJs during treatment. The results indicate that late development of right/left asymmetry in the occlusion can be corrected and normalized using the Herbst appliance therapy, stimulating a differentiated 'catch up' growth (modelling) in the TMJ with condyles. After treatment, original growth with asymmetric activity in the TMJ was re-established. This growth activity may re-establish the asymmetry in the sagittal occlusion and the face of the patient. It is therefore recommended that the occlusion should be maintained with an appliance which stabilizes the occlusion until cessation of the primary, endochondral growth.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

The effect of felodipine on renal function and blood pressure in cyclosporin-treated renal transplant recipients during the first three months after transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Due to their vasodilatory effect, calcium antagonist may have a renoprotective against cyclosporin (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity and rise in blood pressure (BP) seen in renal transplantation. METHODS: In order to evaluate the effect of the calcium antagonist felodipine on renal function and BP during cyclosporin treatment, 79 CsA-treated renal transplant recipients were investigated during the first 3 months after transplantation in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with two parallel groups. Felodipine (ER tablets, 10 mg) or placebo was given prior to transplantation and each day during the study period. The patients were assessed twice, i.e. at 4-6 weeks and at 10-12 weeks after transplantation. Renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by constant infusion technique. Tubular function was estimated from clearance of lithium. RESULTS: At 6 weeks after transplantation, felodipine caused a significantly higher RPF [felodipine: 219 +/- 70 ml/min; placebo: 182+/-56 ml/min (mean+/-1 SD); P=0.03]. No differences were found in GFR, filtration fraction (FF), tubular sodium handling, or sodium excretion. Felodipine lowered BP significantly. At 12 weeks after transplantation, felodipine caused a significantly higher GFR (felodipine: 49+/-18 ml/min; placebo: 40+/-16 ml/min; P=0.05) and RPF (felodipine: 225+/-77 ml/min; placebo: 175+/-48 ml/min; P<0.01). No difference was found in FF. Felodipine lowered BP significantly. No differences were found with regard to duration of primary anuria, hospitalization time, number of rejection episodes, plasma creatinine day 7 post-transplant, or treatment doses of CsA. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that in renal transplant recipients treated with CsA, felodipine significantly increased both GFR and RPF 3 months after transplantation when compared with placebo, despite a concomitant lowering of BP. A possible antagonizing affect of felodipine against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in these patients is suggested.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Effect of casein phosphopeptides on zinc and calcium absorption from bread meals.

Animal studies suggest that casein phosphopeptides (CPP), formed by proteolytic digestion of casein, have a positive effect on Ca availability. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of CPP to improve Zn and Ca absorption from phytate-containing bread meals. Secondly, it was tested whether the Ca content of the meal influenced the effect of CPP on Zn absorption from a high-phytate meal. Zn and Ca absorption from single model meals was determined by extrinsic labeling with 65Zn and 47Ca and measurement of whole-body retention. Thirty-one healthy adults (19-30 y) divided into three groups received one of three meal types based on white-wheat rolls with different phytate and Ca content: A: low-phytate/high-Ca (n = 10), B: high-phytate/high-Ca (n = 10) and C: high-phytate/low-Ca (n = 11). Each individual received the same meal type at three different occasions with 0, 250 and 1000 mg CPP added. CPP had no effect on Zn absorption: A: 14.3 +/- 4.4% (mean +/- SD) (0 mg CPP), 16.7 +/- 6.6% (250 mg CPP) and 16.0 +/- 8.8% (1000 mg CPP); B: 7.0 +/- 1.6%, 7.7 +/- 3.0% and 8.0 +/- 2.6%; C: 7.7 +/- 2.5%, 7.0 +/- 2.3% and 6.5 +/- 1.6%, respectively. Addition of 1000 mg CPP reduced fractional Ca absorption from meal A: 33.8 +/- 7.1%, 30.5 +/- 6.3% and 25.9 +/- 8.7% (p < 0.05), whereas CPP had no effect in meal B: 29.3 +/- 8.3%, 27.0 +/- 7.4% and 27.6 +/- 11.0%. However, the absolute quantity of Ca absorbed was unaffected. In conclusion, Zn and Ca absorption from these meals were not significantly influenced by the addition of CPP, Ca addition could not explain the failure of CPP to improve Zn absorption.

Absorption↗

PubMed1997

Impaired renal haemodynamic response to amino acid infusion in essential hypertension during angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hyperfiltration induced by amino acid infusion can be influenced by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. DESIGN: We studied the acute effects of ramipril in 12 healthy control subjects and in 14 patients with essential hypertension. We studied also the effects of 2 months' treatment with ramipril inn 12 patients with essential hypertension and performed a time-control study without amino acids infusion with 12 control subjects. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and fractional excretion of lithium (FELi) were determined during 6 clearance periods of 30 min each and amino acids infusion was administered during the last four periods. Plasma concentrations of angiotensin II, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), arginine vasopressin, insulin and glucagon were determined. RESULTS: Both the GFR and the RPF increased markedly in healthy subjects after amino acid infusion both with (GFR 7%, RPF 7%) and without ramipril (GFR 7%), RPF 8%), both P < 0.05. Ramipril administered acutely to essential hypertensives prevented the amino acid-induced increase in RPF [with ramipril 5% (NS), without ramipril 9% (P < 0.05)]. The GFR increased equally with (5%) and without (8%) ramipril (P < 0.20). ACE inhibition after 2 months' treatment of essential hypertension blunted the amino acid-induced increase both in GFR and in RPF [with ramipril GFR 5% and RPF 3% (NS), without ramipril GFR 12%, RPF 11% (P < 0.05)]. The FENa did not change in all four experiments. The FELi, insulin and glucagon increased to the same extent in the first three experiments. ANP increased (P < 0.05) in control subjects both with and without ramipril; angiotensin II and aldosterone decreased significantly in control subjects without ramipril. CONCLUSIONS: The renal haemodynamic response both after acute and after short-term ACE inhibition is attenuated in essential hypertension. Presumably, this treatment makes the arterioles at the glomeruli unresponsive to subsequent amino acid infusion. This inhibition of hyperfiltration might be an important mechanism for the renal protective effect of ACE inhibition in some renal diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Casein phosphopeptides improve zinc and calcium absorption from rice-based but not from whole-grain infant cereal.

BACKGROUND: Casein phosphopeptides (CPP) are phosphorus-rich peptide fragments of casein, assumed to contribute to the high bioavailability of calcium from milk. METHODS: The effect of casein phosphopeptides on calcium and zinc absorption from infant foods was investigated. Twenty-two men and women were given single test meals extrinsically labeled with Ca and Zn. Absorption was calculated from measurements on whole-body retention of the radioisotopes. Each subject was given either rice-based cereal (n = 11) or whole-grain cereal (n = 11) on three occasions together with 250 ml water and added 0, 1, and 2 g CPP in random order. One serving of rice-based cereal contained 481 mg Ca and 1.29 mg Zn; whole-grain cereal contained 541 mg Ca and 1.77 mg Zn. One and 2 g of CPP contributed with additional 69 and 138 mg Ca, respectively. RESULTS: From rice-based cereal, fractional calcium absorption was not affected by CPP addition (mean +/- SD): 16.0 +/- 4.0% (no CPP), 17.6 +/- 4.5% (1 g CPP), and 15.8 +/- 4.3% (2 g CPP), while the total quantity of calcium absorbed was significantly improved: 7 +/- 19 mg, 97 +/- 25 mg, and 98 +/- 26 mg, respectively (p = 0.0004). Fractional zinc absorption as well as total quantity of zinc absorbed were increased with addition of CPP: 19.4 +/- 9.0% (0.25 +/- 0.12 mg), 25.2 +/- 7.5% (0.33 +/- 0.10 mg) and 23.9 +/- 5.4% (0.31 +/- 0.07 mg) at the three CPP levels (p = 0.04). From whole-grain cereal, CPP had no effect on the percentage or actual quantity of calcium absorbed: 17.0 +/- 3.2% (92 +/- 18 mg), 17.2 +/- 4.5% (105 +/- 27 mg), and 15.0 +/- 4.6% (102 +/- 31 mg), respectively. Zinc absorption was also not influenced by CPP: 16.0 +/- 5.1% (0.28 +/- 0.09 mg), 15.3 +/- 3.1% (0.27 +/- 0.06 mg) and 18.1 +/- 4.4% (0.32 +/- 0.08 mg), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CPP addition improved calcium and zinc absorption from rice-based cereal, while no effect was seen from whole-grain cereal.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Pre- and postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist for endometrial resection. A prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the value of endometrial preparation, with preoperative and pre- and postoperative GnRH agonist therapy in transcervical endometrial resection. METHODS: Sixty women with menorrhagia were randomly divided between three groups: A: no preoperative preparation, B: goserelin 3.6 mg given as a subcutaneous implant 4-6 weeks preoperatively, and C: the same regimen as B, and repeated on the day of endometrial resection. At follow-up visits 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operations the patients were interviewed for duration, amount and pains of menstrual periods. RESULTS: The duration of surgery for the pretreated group (32.8 +/- 5.1 min) and the group treated postoperatively (30.9 +/- 8.9 min) were significantly shorter than that in the control group (46.4 +/- 11.5 min) (p < 0.01). The weight of endomyometrial strips was about 3 times lower for group B and C as compared to group A (p < 0.01). Three months following the procedure twenty five percent of patients in group A were amenorrheic or showed scanty bleeding as compared to 58% and 85% in group B and C (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), respectively. At 12 months follow-up these rates were 35%, 58% and 67% respectively (A versus B: NS, A versus C: p < 0.05) and 24%, 65% and 75% after excluding larger submucosal fibroids (A versus B: p < 0.025, A versus C: p < 0.005). No statistical difference was demonstrated between group B and C. Sixty-nine percent of pretreated patients (group B + C) versus 35% of women in group A reported improved or relieved menstrual cramps (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GnRH pretreatment facilitates endometrial resection and increases the rate of amenorrhea and scanty bleeding postoperatively. Whether supplementary postoperative therapy with GnRH agonist enhances the success rate further is uncertain.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Renal and hormonal actions of atrial natriuretic peptide during angiotensin II or noradrenaline infusion in man.

In order to study the renal and hormonal actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) during background infusions with angiotensin II (ANG II) or noradrenaline (NA), 69 healthy subjects were examined in three main groups receiving a 90-min infusion with either placebo, ANG II (1.5 ng kg-1 min-1), or NA (25 ng kg-1 min-1). Each of these three main groups were subdivided into two groups receiving an infusion with either placebo or ANP (10 ng kg-1 min-1) for the last 60 min of the background infusion. Lithium clearance was used to evaluate segmental tubular reabsorption. ANG II alone caused a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow, urinary absolute and fractional excretion of sodium, both proximal and distal fractional tubular sodium reabsorption, and urinary flow. NA alone caused a decrease in renal plasma flow. ANP alone caused a decrease in renal plasma flow. Urinary absolute and fractional excretion of sodium were increased and the distal fractional tubular reabsorption of sodium decreased, whereas the proximal fractional tubular reabsorption was unchanged by ANP. ANG II + ANP: during a background ANG II infusion, ANP still increased fractional excretion of sodium. Proximal fractional reabsorption was decreased, whereas distal fractional reabsorption of sodium was unchanged by ANP during ANG II infusion. The ANP-induced decreases in proximal absolute (-147 vs. +714 mumol min-1 1.73 m-2, P = 0.05) and fractional (-1.7% vs. +0.6%, P < 0.01) tubular sodium reabsorption were more pronounced, and the decrease in distal fractional tubular reabsorption of sodium (-0.1% vs -1.4%, P < 0.05) less pronounced compared with when ANP was given alone. NA + ANP: during a background NA infusion, ANP still increased urinary sodium excretion and decreased distal fractional reabsorption. None of the ANP-induced absolute changes seen during background infusion with NA were significantly different from the ANP-induced changes seen during placebo background infusion. It is concluded that the natriuretic action of low-dose ANP seems to be preserved during background infusions with ANG II and NA in man. Net sodium excretion during the combined infusion with ANG II and ANP seems to reflect the sum of the opposing influences of each peptide. Low-dose ANP had a very modest but significant inhibitory effect on proximal tubular sodium reabsorption prestimulated by ANG II infusion.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Surgical management of tubal infertility. A regional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an unselected group of patients in a regional area undergoing tubal surgery for infertility and to identify those women who would benefit from surgery and those who should be referred directly to in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN: A retrospective study based on medical records and questionnaires. SETTING: The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gentofte. Glostrup and Herlev Hospitals, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and thirty-six women with primary or secondary infertility undergoing tubal surgery or adhesiolysis during a five year period from 1985 to 1989 with a follow-up period of minimum of 24 months. RESULTS: Ninety-four women (40%) became pregnant at least once and accounted for the total number of 144 pregnancies. One hundred and forty-two patients (60%) did not become pregnant. The delivery rate was 25%, and 37 women (16%) had at least one ectopic pregnancy. There were no significant differences in the delivery rates of the operations in between, but the risk of ectopic pregnancy was significantly lower after adhesiolysis only than after tubal surgery (p < 0.05). The initial laparoscopic findings could not be used to predict the probability of intrauterine pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There is still a place for surgical treatment of tubal infertility, but the risk of ectopic pregnancy should be taken into account before a decision concening line of treatment is made.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Improvement in renal function by felodipine during cyclosporine treatment in acute and short-term studies.

The purpose was to study whether the calcium entry blocker, felodipine, could reduce the nephrotoxic and hypertensive effect of cyclosporine. The effect of felodipine on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), fractional excretion of sodium, lithium clearance and blood pressure was measured in three randomized, placebo-controlled studies of cyclosporine treated patients. In study one, 10 renal transplant recipients were examined within the first six months after transplantation in a cross-over design. Renal hemodynamics were determined after the acute ingestion of felodipine or placebo, with an interval of less than one week between the two examinations. In study two, 79 renal transplant recipients were randomized to a treatment with felodipine or placebo just before transplantation, and renal hemodynamics were determined after twelve weeks. In study three, 18 patients, who were treated with cyclosporine due to dermatological diseases, were examined in a cross-over design to determine their renal hemodynamics after four weeks of treatment with felodipine or placebo. Felodipine increased renal hemodynamics in study one (GFR 16%, RPF 33%, P < 0.01 for both), in study two (GFR 23%, RPF 28%, P < 0.05 for both), and in study three (GFR 13%, RPF 26%, P < 0.01 for both). FE(Na) was significantly increased by felodipine in studies one and three, but not in study two. Lithium clearance was significantly increased and blood pressure significantly reduced by felodipine in all three studies. It can be concluded that felodipine counteracts both the cyclosporine induced impairment in renal hemodynamics and the increase in blood pressure in acute and short-term studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Zinc absorption estimated by fecal monitoring of zinc stable isotopes validated by comparison with whole-body retention of zinc radioisotopes in humans.

Knowledge about zinc availability from human diets is limited due to methodological difficulties. Recently developed stable isotope techniques for estimating dietary zinc absorption were compared with radioisotope techniques in five men and three women. Stable and radioactive zinc isotopes were simultaneously administered. Fecal excretion of the isotopes as well as whole-body retention of the radioactive zinc isotope was monitored. Concentration of stable zinc isotope label in fecal samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry by fully quantitative measurements and from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry isotope ratios combined with analysis of total zinc content using atomic absorption spectrometry. Zinc absorption estimated from whole-body retention was 27 +/- 6% (mean +/- SD), estimated zinc absorption obtained by fecal monitoring of radioisotope was 26 +/- 9%, and the two stable zinc measurements resulted in values of 29 +/- 12 and 33 +/- 12%, respectively. There was no significant difference in zinc absorption estimated from whole-body retention and with the fecal monitoring methods. Recovered stable zinc isotope label was significantly lower than recovered radioisotope. For individual fecal samples, systematic differences of 16% and 12%, respectively (P < 0.05), between the radioisotope recovery and the recovery of stable isotopes with the two methods for measurement was observed. The stable zinc isotope technique for measurement of zinc absorption resulted in mean results similar to those of the radioisotope technique, but with a larger variation in the measurements.

Adult↗