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PubMedDate not supplied

Interaction of inhibin and estrogens on basal and LRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels.

In order to study the action of estrogens and inhibin and their interaction with gonadotropin secretion in men, we measured basal and LRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion before and after six weeks' administration of tamoxifen in two groups of men. A) Six men with impaired spermatogenesis with basal levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol within the range of reference values in our laboratory. B) Six men with severely impaired spermatogenesis. LH, testosterone and estradiol levels were within reference values, whereas FSH was at least 100% above the upper limit of reference values. Mean testosterone and estradiol levels were not different in either groups. Inhibin levels were presumed to be normal in group A and decreased in group B. Although within reference values, basal LH levels in group B were slightly but significantly higher than in group A. The response of LH to LRH in group B exceeded that of group A. This suggests that inhibin has a slightly inhibitory effect on basal LH and even more so on LRH-induced LH secretion. After tamoxifen administration basal FSH levels rose far more in group B than in group A. The LRH-induced LH release increased in both groups, the LRH-stimulated FSH release, however, increased only in group A. We conclude that estrogens and inhibin have a strongly synergistic negative feedback action on basal FSH secretion, and to a limited extent on basal LH secretion. In the presumed presence of inhibin (group A) the FSH additionally synthesized through the action of anti-estrogens, can be released by LRH administration, whereas FSH is probably spontaneously released in the presumed deficiency of inhibin (group B). With LH this phenomenon is less obvious.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Hyperhomocystinemia and 677C T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism as a cardiovascular risk factor in childhood].

BACKGROUND: Factors related to hyperhomocystinemia in the pediatric population of our geographical area with a parental history of premature coronary disease (PCD) are not well known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible association between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), the B vitamins involved in its metabolism (folate, vitamin B12 and B6), and 677C T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in a group of children with a parental history of PCD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study of 80 children (aged 5-18 years old) with a parental history of PCD was performed. Values found in these children were compared with reference values for similar age groups. Plasma tHcy and vitamin B6 were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Detection of 677C T polymorphism of MTHFR was performed using polymerase chain reaction amplification and Hinfl digestion. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program, version 10.0. Concentrations of tHcy and vitamins were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The association between phenotype, hyperhomocystinemia and low vitamin concentrations was analyzed using the chi-squared test. ResultsPlasma tHcy values in the children aged more than 10 years with a parental history of PCD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the reference values. Vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (p 0.015), but neither folate nor vitamin B6 levels differed from the reference values. A negative correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed between tHcy and folate (r 0.47) and between tHcy and vitamin B12 levels (r 0.51). Eighty percent of the children with the TT genotype of MTHFR showed hyperhomocystinemia. Suboptimal vitamin B levels were also associated with the TT genotype of MTHFR. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperhomocystinemia detected in children with a parental history of PCD is associated with the TT genotype of MTHFR and with low folate levels. Because hyperhomocystinemia can be corrected by vitamin B supplementation, tHcy determination is recommended in the offspring of patients with PCD.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Characteristics of a community-based distribution of home blood pressure in Ohasama in northern Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution, reference values and day-to-day variation of blood pressure of untreated subjects measured at home. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a cohort. SETTING: General community in northern Japan. SUBJECTS: Blood pressure was measured in 871 subjects (mean +/- SD age 46.0 +/- 19.5 years, range 7-98, constituting 38.7% of the local population of Uchikawama region, Ohasama) who were not receiving antihypertensive medication. METHODS: Subjects measured their own blood pressure at home at least three times (mean +/- SD 19.7 +/- 8.4) each morning using a semi-automatic oscillometric blood pressure measuring device. Screening blood pressure was measured once. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distribution of home blood pressure in the study population as a whole and with respect to age and sex, and the distribution of day-to-day variation of home blood pressure were determined. RESULTS: Mean home blood pressure was 117.3 +/- 13.4/69.3 +/- 9.7 mmHg (95% confidence interval 116.4-118.2/68.7-70.0). The 95th centile value was 143/85 mmHg, mean+SD 131/79 mmHg and mean + 2SD 144/89 mmHg. Mean screening blood pressure was 126.2 +/- 18.9/72.1 +/- 11.7 mmHg (95th centile 159/92 mmHg). Age- and sex-specific 95th centile values as well as mean +/- SD were obtained. Mean+SD, mean + 2SD and the 95th centile values obtained as reference upper limits of home blood pressure from subjects identified as normotensive by screening blood pressure (n = 707) were 125/77, 137/86 and 134/83 mmHg, respectively. Home blood pressure increased gradually with increasing age in both men and women, although blood pressure was significantly higher in men until 50 years of age. Day-to-day variation of home systolic blood pressure also increased with age. CONCLUSION: Since the distribution of home blood pressure values was affected by age and sex, age- and sex-matched reference values for home blood pressure should be established. Home blood pressure values in elderly subjects should be evaluated carefully, since these exhibit greater day-to-day variation.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Menopausal experiences and bone density of Mayan women in Yucatan, Mexico.

This cross-sectional study reports on the menopausal transition of Mayan women from Yucatan, Mexico. A total of 228 women completed the study, and 118 women were classified by history as postmenopausal; the others were premenopausal. Demographic information, reproductive history, physical examination, hormone concentrations, radial bone density, food samples, and history of physical activity were obtained. The average age at which menopause occurred by history was 44.3 +/- 4.4 years; this is reflected in the distribution of FSH levels by age. None of the women reported symptoms of hot flashes, and none recalled any history of significant symptoms associated with their menopausal transition. Hormone levels were similar to U.S. reference values with elevated FSH (66.6 +/- 29.1 mIU/ml), low estradiol (9.4 +/- 8.3 pg/ml) and estrone (13.3 +/- 7.8 pg/ml), E1 > E2, and normal levels of testosterone and androstenedione. BMD declined with age, and values were lower than reference values for United States women. Clinical evidence of fracture was not detected by history or physical examination even for those who were 20 years postmenopausal. The endocrine characteristics of menopause among Mayan women in Yucatan are similar to hormonal changes reported for women in the United States, but signs, symptoms, and apparent consequences are different in the two populations.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Experimental validation of theoretical potassium and sodium cation affinities of amides by mass spectrometric kinetic method measurements.

In this study the theoretical Gaussian-2 K(+)/Na(+) binding affinities (enthalpies) at 0 K (in kJ mol(-1)) for six amides in the order: formamide (109.2/138.5) < N-methylformamide (117.7/148.6) < acetamide (118.7/149.5) < N,N-dimethylformamide (123.9/156.4) < N-methylacetamide (125.6/157.7) < N,N-dimethylacetamide (129.2/162.6), reported previously (Siu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2001; 114: 7045-7051), were validated experimentally by mass spectrometric kinetic method measurements. By monitoring the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of K(+)/Na(+)-bound heterodimers of the amides, the relative affinities were shown to be accurate to within +/-2 kJ mol(-1). With these six theoretical K(+)/Na(+) binding affinities as reference values, the absolute K(+)/Na(+) affinities of imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, pyridazine and 1,2-dimethoxyethane were determined by the extended kinetic method, and found to be consistent (to within +/-9 kJ mol(-1)) with literature experimental values obtained by threshold-CID, equilibrium high-pressure mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance/ligand-exchange equilibrium methods. A self-consistent resolution is proposed for the inconsistencies in the relative order of K(+)/Na(+) affinities of amides reported in the literature. These two sets of validated K(+) and Na(+) affinity values are useful as reference values in kinetic method measurements of K(+)/Na(+) affinity of model biological ligands, such as the K(+) affinities of aliphatic amino acids.

Amides↗

PubMed1990

Follow-up study of participants in an extensive health examination programme at a Swedish industry.

Two years after an extensive health examination at a Swedish industry, a follow-up study was carried out in 110 employees (94% of those initially examined). The control included a history of the subject's health, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram, urine and faeces examinations and 16 chemical analyses of whole blood or serum. Except for repeat examinations of those who had had initial values outside reference values, most of the chemical analyses meant nothing, leading to unnecessary expense and possible risk of either worried or complacent participants. The history and physical and laboratory examinations, aimed at finding factors which can be improved by changing the life style seem to be most beneficial. It is concluded that extensive health examinations, including a large number of laboratory examinations which are carried out at many industries as a health control, should be critically evaluated at these industries.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Bone densitometry by dual energy methods].

Osteoporosis is mainly diagnosed by means of bone densitometry. Dual X-ray absorptiometry examinations represent the basis for a highly reproducible and correct measurement. At present, densitometry is the only method at our disposal capable of assessing material-related fracture risk. The calculation of general fracture risk is dependent on a number of varios factors and is, therefore, not to be deduced from bone density values only. Reference values are necessary in order to estimate bone strength. The most sensible way to achieve this is to compare measured values with a normal, healthy population (T score). Material-related fracture risk increases with the decrease of bone density.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2007

Determination of organic additives in mortars by near-IR spectroscopy. A novel approach to designing a sample set with high-variability components.

Industrial mortars consist primarily of a mixture of cement and an aggregate plus a small amount of additives that are used to modify specific properties. Using too high or too low additive rates usually results in the loss of desirable properties in the end product. This entails carefully controlling the amounts of additives added to mortar in order to ensure correct dosing and/or adequate homogeneity in the final mixture. Near-IR (NIR) spectroscopy has proved effective for this purpose as it requires no sample pretreatment and affords expeditious analyses. The purpose of this work was to determine two organic additives (viz. Ad1 and Ad2) in mortars by using partial least squares regression multivariate calibration models constructed from NIR spectroscopic data. The additives are used to expedite setting and increase cohesion between particles in the mortar. In order to ensure that the sample set contained natural variability in the samples, we used a methodology based on experimental design to construct a representative set of samples. This novel design is based on a hexagonal antiprism that encompasses the concentration ranges spanned by the analytes and the variability inherent in each additive. The D-optimality criterion was used to obtain various combinations between Ad1 and Ad2 additive classes. The partial least squares calibration models thus constructed for each additive provided accurate predictions: the intercept and the slope of the plots of predicted values versus reference values for each additive were close to 0 and 1, respectively, and their confidence ranges included the respective value. The ensuing analytical methods were validated by using an external sample set.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Manganese exposure in foundry furnacemen and scrap recycling workers.

OBJECTIVES: Cast iron products are alloyed with small quantities of manganese, and foundry furnacemen are potentially exposed to manganese during tapping and handling of smelts. Manganese is a neurotoxic substance that accumulates in the central nervous system, where it may cause a neurological disorder that bears many similarities to Parkinson's disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the sources and levels of manganese exposure in foundry furnacemen by a combined measuring of blood-manganese (B-Mn) and manganese in ambient air (air-Mn). METHODS: During a period of 16 months, Air-Mn and B-Mn (denoted 'exposure values') were measured involving 24 furnacemen employed in three small size foundries and 21 scrap recycling workers from one plant. In the study period, 18 furnacemen had B-Mn measured 3-4 weeks after decreasing or stopping exposure (denoted 'post-exposure values'). The reference group for the B-Mn measurements consisted of 90 Danish male subjects. RESULTS: Furnacemen who work in insufficiently ventilated smelting departments inhale, absorb, and retain significant amounts of manganese in their blood (approx. 2.5-5 microg/l above reference values) despite a generally low measured airborne level of manganese fumes (0.002-0.064 mg/m(3)). The 'exposure values' compared with 'post-exposure values' revealed a significant decrease in the B-Mn (on average 3.7 microg/l) level of the most exposed furnacemen. Two persons in our study were suspected of suffering clinically subacute manganese intoxication as both had B-Mn levels beyond the normal limit (25 and 29 microg/l, respectively). The potential problem disappeared completely after cessation of exposure, and the B-Mn levels decreased to 9.4 and 14.1 microg/l, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Risk assessment based on combined measurements of B-Mn and air-Mn seems to be valid in the interpretation of workers' hazard. Our study indicates that B-Mn may be a valuable parameter for estimating recent exposure (within 1-2 weeks). However, more knowledge is needed about the B-Mn level and its relation to neurological symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Screening method evaluated by nutritional status measurements can be used to detect malnourishment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and develop a screening method for malnutrition among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Findings from a screening sheet for malnutrition were compared with results from full nutritional assessment. The screening sheet included 7 questions regarding body mass index, anorexia, loss of weight, and other variables possibly affecting nutritional status. Each answer was assigned a point value, and a total of 4 and 5 points were tested as criterion for malnutrition. Full nutrition assessment included measurements of weight and height (body mass index), serum albumin and prealbumin, total lymphocyte count, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference or area, and information on unintentional weight loss. Malnutrition was defined by 3 or more values below reference values. SUBJECTS: Randomly selected patients (n = 34) with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, 15% of eligible patients admitted to the Department of Lung Medicine at National University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland, during the time of the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated to evaluate the screening sheet. Each of the 7 parameters used in a full nutrition assessment was similarly evaluated as an indicator to predict malnutrition. RESULTS: Full nutrition assessment identified 13 of 34 patients (38%) as malnourished. Using 4 points as a criterion for malnutrition, the screening sheet to be used for patients with COPD resulted in sensitivity of 0.69 and specificity of 0.90. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the frequent finding of malnutrition among patients with COPD and show that a simple screening sheet can be used to identify which patients need further nutrition assessment and treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Prediction of pKa values of phenolic and nitrogen-containing compounds by computational chemical analysis compared to those measured by liquid chromatography.

The pKa values of 64 phenolic and 50 nitrogen-containing compounds were obtained by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and computational chemical calculation. The chromatographically obtained values of phenolic compounds were equal to pKa values from references and Hammett's equation, and those of nitrogen-containing compounds were lower than the reference values. It appeared difficult to calculate the properties of the ortho effect and nitro group by the computational calculation method. However, the calculation was simpler than selecting different constants of Hammett's equation for a variety of compounds.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alterations of the global haemostatic function test 'resonance thrombography' in spontaneously traumatised dogs.

Samples taken from 30 dogs with spontaneously acute trauma were investigated with two different resonance thrombographs (instrument 2: 28 dogs), a global method for examination of the haemostatic system. Reaction time of the resonance thrombogram (RTG-r), fibrin generation time (RTG-f), fibrin amplitude (RTG-F) and parameters of platelet function [amplitude of the platelet leg (RTG-P) and descending time of the platelet leg (RTG-p)] were evaluated statistically and compared with a normal control as well as with the results of individual components of the haemostatic system and other screening tests. Comparison of the results of the RTG of dogs suffering from trauma with the normal control revealed differences only for RTG-r, which was longer when measured with instrument 1 and lower RTG-F values measured with both instruments. Depending on the RTG parameter and instrument, only 1-6 samples showed values outside the reference ranges. Only 4 out of 26 cases (resonance thrombograph 2: 2 out of 24 cases) with mild to moderate deficiency in individual coagulation factor activity showed a prolongation of RTG-r which was significantly less sensitive than activated partial thromboplastin time (p < 0.001). Of the 26 samples having mainly mildly to moderately increased fibrin(ogen) degradation product (FDP) levels (median: 39 microg/ml, range: 2-90 microg/ml, reference values: <18 microg/ml) only between 1 and 5 showed abnormalities of the parameters RTG-f and/or RTG-F. The results of this study show in particular the limited sensitivity of the method for detecting individual coagulation factor deficiencies and minimal to moderate increases of FDP concentrations. Remarkable alterations of fibrin generation as measured by the resonance thrombograph are a rare condition in dogs with acute accidental trauma.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1989

Growth of South African Indian schoolchildren in different social classes.

The height and weight of 4594 Indian schoolchildren aged 6 to 17 years, in Durban, South Africa, were measured at schools selected by inspectors as representative of upper, intermediate, and lower socio-economic populations. Significant superiority, anthropometrically, prevailed at all ages in upper compared with lower or poor-class children, but tended to lessen at 17 years. In the affluent group, in the age period studied the proportions under the 5th percentile of USA NCHS reference values were--concerning height-for-age 4.7% to 22.0% of boys and 5.0% to 20.7% of girls; and concerning weight-for-age, 20.3% to 45.0% of boys and 9.3% to 37.7% of girls. In the affluent group, at full growth at 17 years, means of height and weight were highly significantly lower, namely, roughly by 7cm and 10kg, compared with respective mean values given in USA reference values. Hence, in Indian schoolchildren a genetic factor, and not dietary inadequacy, appears primarily responsible for both slower post-pubertal growth and lower ultimate height attainment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Quality assessment of fetal death records in Georgia: a method for improvement.

OBJECTIVES: Although more fetal deaths than neonatal deaths occur, routinely collected fetal death data are seldom used for perinatal epidemiologic research because of data quality concerns. We developed a strategy for identifying and correcting errors in birthweight and gestational age in fetal death records. METHODS: Using data from Georgia for 1989 and 1990, we detected singleton fetal death records having improbable or missing birthweight or gestational age by comparing these values with referent values. To verify the questionable values, we contacted 100 reporting hospitals in 1992. RESULTS: In 817 of 2226 records, values were either improbable (60.1%) or missing (39.9%). We were able to contact the hospitals to verify data for 716 (88%) of these records. Verification resulted in corrections to 405 (57%) records, and 48% of unreported birthweights were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Many errors in recorded gestational age and birthweight were identified by this method. Rather than deleting or inputting problem data for analyses, researchers should consider efforts to verify them. Efforts to improve this information should include improved reporting, strict quality assurance, and procedures for routine verification and correction of records.

Birth Weight↗

PubMed2005

Male osteoporosis: new trends in diagnosis and therapy.

Osteoporosis is a common condition in men affecting approximately 2 million males in the US. Compared with women, osteoporosis develops later in life and the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures is lower in men. The morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures are much greater in men compared with women, and secondary causes of osteoporosis are more frequently (in approximately 50% of cases) identified in men compared with women with osteoporosis. Excessive alcohol consumption, glucocorticoid excess and hypogonadism are the most commonly identified causes. Primary osteoporosis in men has been linked to changes in sex steroid secretion, the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH-IGF-1) axis and the vitamin D-parathyroid hormone (PTH) 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]-PTH system. Diagnosing osteoporosis in men is complicated by an ongoing debate on whether to use sex-specific reference values for bone mineral density (BMD) or female reference values. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry recommended using a T score of -2.5 or less of male reference values to diagnose osteoporosis in men who are > or =65 years of age. However, this definition is yet to be validated in terms of fracture incidence and prevalence. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is the cornerstone of any regimen aimed at preventing or treating osteoporosis in men. Bisphosphonates are currently the therapy of choice for treatment of male osteoporosis. A short course of parathyroid hormone (1-34) [teriparatide] may be indicated for men with very low BMD or in those in whom bisphosphonate therapy is unsuccessful. The use of testosterone-replacement therapy for the prevention and treatment of male osteoporosis remains controversial but likely to benefit osteoporotic men with evident hypogonadism.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Vertical induction of the inclusion body hepatitis/hydropericardium syndrome with fowl adenovirus and chicken anemia virus.

The hypothesis that fowl adenovirus (FAV) and chicken anemia virus (CAV), transmitted vertically and simultaneously, induce the inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)/hydropericardium (HP) syndrome in progeny chickens was tested. Thus, 35-wk-old light brown layer breeders, showing absence of antibodies against FAV and variable titers against CAV, were intramuscularly singly infected with the FAV serotype 4 isolate 341 or dually infected with CAV (isolate 10343) and FAV. All hens (groups A [FAV alone], B [FAV + CAV], and C [noninfected]) were clinically healthy throughout the experimental period. Both infectious viruses FAV and CAV were isolated from progenies obtained as early as 5 days after infection of their breeders. Hematocrit, serum proteins, and aspartate-aminotransferase values showed a few statistical differences between the progeny groups. Most of these differences were detected in the progeny chickens of group B. However, almost all values met reference values for the species. The pathologic findings showed that progeny chickens obtained from both singly and dually infected breeders developed macroscopic and histopathologic changes of IBH/HP. The pathologic findings shown by progeny chickens of group A (FAV) were not expected because neither synergism nor prior immunodepression by CAV was concurrent. Chickens of group B (CAV + FAV) also developed IBH/HP. Although not many differences in the evaluated parameters between groups A and B were statistically significant, most pathologic findings of group B indicated a more severe manifestation of the disease. However, because FAV alone did reproduce the syndrome, the results shown by group B would not allow a definitive confirmation of the hypothesis that the association of FAV and CAV is necessary for the successful induction of the IBH/HP syndrome in chickens when transmitted vertically.

Adenoviridae Infections↗

PubMed1995

Hemochrome parameters during the first two years of life in children with perinatal HIV-1 infection.

Monthly hemochrome parameters were obtained during the first 2 years of age in 22 children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection and in 58 exposed seroreverted children. Timing and predictive value of hemochrome modifications were investigated. Exclusion criteria were hemoglobinopathies and zidovudine (AZT) treatment in pregnancy. When AZT treatment was undertaken children were eliminated from the study. From the second month of life red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, and hematocrit values were significantly lower in infected than in uninfected children. RBC counts progressively diverged in infected and uninfected children, and mean values in the former group never reached 4.10(12)/L. No difference was observed in Hb content ratios and RBC size parameters. At 2 months RBC counts, Hb concentrations, and hematocrit values below reference values were associated with a 15.8 (95% confidence limits [CL]: 5.5-48.8) relative risk of being infected. In infected infants aged 5 months a decrease in these parameters was associated with an 11.2 (95% CL: 1.6-77.8) relative risk of developing eventual severe clinical outcome. Low RBC counts, Hb concentrations, and hematocrit values may be included among predictive criteria in infants of HIV-1 infected mothers.

Anemia↗

PubMed2001

[Relative adrenocortical insufficiency with sepsis, diagnosed and treated with hydrocortisone supplementation].

An 82-year-old woman was admitted to the ICU with septic shock and multiple organ failure. Despite the lack of a persistent septic focus she continued to be dependent on large doses of norepinephrine whilst receiving adequate antimicrobial therapy. After a trial treatment with hydrocortisone the norepinephrine infusion could be withdrawn within a few days and she made a full recovery. In the case of seriously ill patients the diagnosis 'relative adrenocortical insufficiency' is predominantly made on the basis of the clinical picture. The remarkable clinical response to the administration of hydrocortisone (400 mg in the first 24 h) confirmed the diagnosis. The dosage of vasopressors can be reduced remarkably quickly. The stimulatory test for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) has no added value as reference values for critically ill patients are not available and because the results do not predict the response to the treatment.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗