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Intake of heavy metals and metalloids through the diet is posing a big research challenge in Sri Lanka due to the increasing occurrence of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) among the farming communities pursuing their livelihoods in the North Central Province (NCP). Duplicated diet studies were conducted on a sample of 62 individuals comprising adult males, adult females, boys, and girls who were selected following a demographic survey in an area of the NCP where there was a high incidence of CKDu. A health risk assessment was made by analysing the heavy metal(loid)s content in the diet samples, by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Rice and vegetables constituted the main diet in the CKDu prevalent areas, with all gender and age categories adhering to similar daily diet patterns. Results of the heavy metal(loid) analysis of duplicated food intake samples indicated that the amounts of Pb in rice, As and Pb in vegetables, and Cd in fish exceeded the recommended daily limits. Because consumption of rice was much higher than the other food items, the estimated daily intake of Pb exceeded the permissible daily intake of 3.5 µg/kgBW/day. There were no significant differences between the age and gender categories in respect of estimated daily intake of Pb, which suggested that the entire population of the study area faced the risk of a high level of Pb exposure. Further, the hazard quotient of Pb was greater than 1. Influence of heavy metal(loid)s on the prevalence of CKDu cannot be understated, and as such interventions are required as a matter of urgency to reduce the local population's dietary exposure to heavy metal(loid)s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the effectiveness of the drug, lovastatin with both a high-fat versus low-fat diet. Event that occurs despite the capability of lovastatin to produce a comparable percentage reduction in lipoprotein profiles on either diet; Approach to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; Advantage of low-cholesterol diets.

We used high-throughput sequencing molecular gut content analysis (HTS-MGCA) to examine diets of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter fire ant). Because adult fire ant workers rely on their larvae (brood) to digest prey and share it via trophallaxis with the rest of the colony, we conducted a study to determine if we could sequence the gut contents of final instar ant brood instead of adult workers to better capture colony diet. We sequenced all samples on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 using general primers to amplify and identify arthropod DNA within larval guts. We first verified our methods in a controlled-feeding experiment in the laboratory using crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus), beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), or a mixture of both species, and then we analyzed the diets of field-collected fire ants. The sequences from our controlled-feeding lab samples were very accurate, validating our analysis pipeline. We identified a total of 45 diet events from six field-collected fire ant samples. All fire ant field samples contained sequences from both detritus-based food webs (arthropods that consume decaying material) and plant-based food webs (arthropods that consume living plant material). HTS-MGCA of fire ant larvae was highly successful and provided novel insights into the community-level impacts of ant foraging. Our approach should be widely applicable to the study of resource use and trophic interactions in other eusocial insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the photon-stimulated desorption dynamics of nitric oxide (NO) from the plutonium(111) surface using time-dependent quantum mechanics. Perturbation for desorption induced by electronic transitions (DIET) and desorption induced by multiple electronic transitions (DIMET); Sampling in parameter space; System features; DIET and DIMET dynamics.

Background/Aims: The post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and esophageal baseline impedance (BI) are novel impedance parameters used to evaluate esophageal chemical clearance and mucosal integrity. However, their relationship with reflux symptoms is not known. We aim to evaluate the correlations of PSPW index and esophageal BI with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) tracings in patients with suspected GERD. Reflux symptoms were also analyzed from checklists using ordinal scales. The PSPW index and esophageal BIs in 6 spots (z1-z6) were measured. Bivariate (Spearman) correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the PSPW index or esophageal BI, and the degree of GERD symptoms measured. Results: The MII-pH records of 143 patients were analyzed. The PSPW index was significantly lower in patients who had heartburn and negatively correlated with the degree of heartburn (r = -0.186, P < 0.05). On the contrary, the PSPW index was not significantly correlated with the degree of dysphagia (r = -0.013, P = 0.874). Distal esophageal BI was not significantly correlated with heartburn, but negatively correlated with the degree of dysphagia (z3: r = -0.328, z4: r = -0.361, z5: r = -0.316, z6: r = -0.273; P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that delayed chemical clearance of the esophagus may induce heartburn, but that it is not related to dysphagia. However, a lack of esophageal mucosal integrity may be related to dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aetiology of the development of type 2 diabetes remains unresolved. In the present study, we assessed whether an impairment of insulin-mediated microvascular perfusion occurs early in the onset of insulin resistance. Materials and methods: Hooded Wistar rats were fed either a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Anaesthetized animals were subjected to an isoglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (3 or 10 mU/min/kg × 2 h), and measurements were made of glucose infusion rate (GIR), hindleg glucose uptake, muscle glucose uptake by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (R′g), glucose appearance (Ra), glucose disappearance (Rd), femoral blood flow (FBF) and hindleg 1-methylxanthine disappearance (1-MXD, an index of microvascular perfusion). Results: Compared with ND-fed animal, HFD feeding led to a mild increase in fasting plasma glucose and plasma insulin, without an increase in total body weight. During the clamps, HFD rats showed an impairment of insulin-mediated action on GIR, hindleg glucose uptake, R′g, Ra, Rd and FBF, with a greater loss of insulin responsiveness at 3 mU/min/kg than at 10 mU/min/kg. The HFD also impaired insulin-mediated microvascular perfusion as assessed by 1-MXD. Interestingly, 1-MXD was the only measurement that remained unresponsive to the higher dose of 10 mU/min/kg insulin. Conclusions: We conclude that the early stage of insulin resistance is characterized by an impairment of the insulin-mediated microvascular responses in skeletal muscle. This is likely to cause greater whole body insulin resistance by limiting the delivery of hormones and nutrients to muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimetazidine (TMZ), a partial inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation, has been effective in treating chronic angina, but its effects on the development of post-myocardial infarction (MI) left ventricular remodeling are not defined. In this study, we tested whether chronic pre-MI administration of TMZ would be beneficial during and after acute MI. Two-hundred male Wistar rats were studied in four groups: sham + TMZ diet ( n = 20), sham + control diet ( n = 20), MI + TMZ diet ( n = 80), and MI + control diet ( n = 80) splitted into one short-term and one long-term experiments. Sham surgery consisted of a thoracotomy without coronary ligation. MI was induced by coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion. Left ventricle (LV) function and remodeling were assessed by serial echocardiography throughout a 24-week post-MI period. LV remodeling was also assessed by quantitative histological analysis of post-MI scar formation at 24 weeks post-MI. During the short-term experiment, 10/80 rats died after MI, with no difference between groups (MI + control = 7/40, MI + TMZ = 3/40, P = 0.3). In the long-term experiment, the deaths occurred irregularly over the 24 weeks with no difference between groups (MI + control = 16% mortality, MI + TMZ = 17%, P = 0.8). There was no difference between groups as regard to LV ejection fraction (MI + control = 36 ± 13%, MI + TMZ = 35 ± 13%, P = 0.6). In this experimental model, TMZ had no effects on the post-MI occurrence of LV dysfunction or remodeling. Further investigations are warranted to assess whether the partial inhibition of fatty acid oxidation may limit the ability of the heart to respond to acute severe stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered protein and energy metabolism is a hallmark of chronic liver disease, characterized by decreased plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and increased plasma aromatic amino acids (AAA). Overwhelming evidence has indicated that the incidence of complications of chronic liver disease increases with malnutrition. Hence nutritional management in patients with chronic liver disease must receive high priority. The use of BCAA supplementation has been a controversial subject. This review summarizes published results of BCAA supplementation as a nutritional therapy for patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On balance, it would be appropriate to conclude that BCAA are associated with decreased frequency of complications of cirrhosis and improved nutritional status when prescribed as a maintenance therapy for patients with cirrhosis. More studies are, however, required to identify those who might benefit most from BCAA supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic categories of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were established in an effort to identify populations at risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both IGT and IFG are associated with increased risk of developing T2DM, but recent analyses found that the thresholds of risk vary among different populations and an even lower diagnostic threshold of IFG may be appropriate. IGT has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and some analyses have demonstrated an increased mortality risk compared with patients with normal glucose tolerance. In contrast, a continuum of increased risk of microvascular manifestations of T2DM has been demonstrated with IFG but an association of IFG with cardiovascular events has not been well established.Although both IGT and IFG are associated with resistance to insulin and increased insulin secretion, they do not identify the identical patient populations and are not equivalent in predicting development of T2DM or cardiovascular events. IFG and IGT have been associated with other features of insulin resistance, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, microalbuminuria, endothelial dysfunction, and markers of inflammation and hypercoagulability, traits collectively referred to as the metabolic syndrome. Analyses of combinations of these components have also been associated with progression to T2DM, cardiovascular disease and increased mortality.The foundation of treatment for IGT, IFG, and the metabolic syndrome is lifestyle modification, including both dietary change and routine exercise. To date, several clinical trials have found that lifestyle modification is the most efficacious strategy to prevent progression to T2DM. Alternative treatments include pharmacotherapy with metformin or acarbose, both of which have been demonstrated to decrease the development of T2DM. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating newer pharmacotherapies, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, metglitinides and thiazolidinediones, to prevent both T2DM and cardiovascular events. In combination with lifestyle modification, these therapies offer hope for effective prevention of T2DM and its consequences in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents information related to classification in sports. Classification reduces likelihood of one sided competition and promotes participation in sport. Current methods of classification in paralympic games is not satisfactory and so the International Paralympic Committee in 2007 ratified the Classification Code which mandates the development of evidenced based systems of classification for all Paralympic Sports. It has been stated that to minimize the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition, classification should be made on the basis of standardisation of tests of impairment.

ABBREVIATION. RCF, Ross carbohydrate-free (formula). The incidence of seizures is higher during the first 2 years of life than during any other period of childhood.[1] Outcome with regard to seizure [...], Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and adverse effects of the ketogenic diet in infants with refractory epilepsy. Methods. A retrospective review of 32 infants who had been treated with the ketogenic diet at a large metropolitan institution. Results. Most infants (71%) were able to maintain strong ketosis. The overall effectiveness of the diet in infants was similar to that reported in the literature for older children; 19.4% became seizure-free, and an additional 35.5% had [is greater than] 50% reduction in seizure frequency. The diet was particularly effective for patients with infantile spasms/myoclonic seizures. There were concomitant reductions in antiepileptic medications. The majority of parents reported improvements in seizure frequency and in their child's behavior and function, particularly with respect to attention/alertness, activity level, and socialization. The diet generally was well-tolerated, and 96.4% maintained appropriate growth parameters. Adverse events, all reversible and occurring in one patient each, included renal stone, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, alteration of mentation, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion. The ketogenic diet should be considered safe and effective treatment for infants with intractable seizures. Pediatrics 2001;108:129-133; ketogenic diet, effectiveness, safety, adverse effects, intractable seizures, infants.