Alterations in rat serum proteins in relation to dietary proteins and B vitamins. I. Studies with growing rats

The alterations in rat serum proteins resulting from (i) variations in dietary protein quality and level, (ii) minimal intakes of B vitamins and (iii) single and combined deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid have been studied with egg albumin, casein and peanut protein diets at 10 and 18 per cent. protein levels. Protein quality chiefly influences serum concentrations of albumin and α1-globulin, the effects on other fractions being variable. Protein level affects serum levels of albumin, α1-globulin and α2-globulin. The effects due to these dietary variables are interdependent. Variations in dietary protein quality do not alter the relative distribution of serum protein fractions. Changes in protein level cause shifts in the relative distribution of globulins, the albumin-globulin ratio remaining unaltered. The nature and extent of changes in serum protein profile due to vitamin insufficiencies or deficiencies are also influenced, qualitatively and quantitatively, by dietary amino acids. With minimal intakes of B vitamins γ-globulin is chiefly reduced, but other fractions, particularly α1-globulin, may also be affected. In a combined deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid a common reduction in γ-globulin is variably attended by reductions in albumin and in α1- and β-globulins. In single vitamin B12 deficiency, the changes are confined to albumin, α1-globulin and α2-globulin fractions, whereas single folic acid deficiency chiefly affects γ-globulin with variable effects on albumin and β-globulin fractions

Identification of priority health conditions for field-based screening in urban slums in Bangalore, India

BACKGROUND: Urban slums are characterised by unique challenging living conditions, which increase their inhabitants' vulnerability to specific health conditions. The identification and prioritization of the key health issues occurring in these settings is essential for the development of programmes that aim to enhance the health of local slum communities effectively. As such, the present study sought to identify and prioritise the key health issues occurring in urban slums, with a focus on the perceptions of health professionals and community workers, in the rapidly growing city of Bangalore, India. METHODS: The study followed a two-phased mixed methods design. During Phase I of the study, a total of 60 health conditions belonging to four major categories: - 1) non-communicable diseases; 2) infectious diseases; 3) maternal and women's reproductive health; and 4) child health - were identified through a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews conducted with health professionals and other relevant stakeholders with experience working with urban slum communities in Bangalore. In Phase II, the health issues were prioritised based on four criteria through a consensus workshop conducted in Bangalore. RESULTS: The top health issues prioritized during the workshop were: diabetes and hypertension (non-communicable diseases category), dengue fever (infectious diseases category), malnutrition and anaemia (child health, and maternal and women's reproductive health categories). Diarrhoea was also selected as a top priority in children. These health issues were in line with national and international reports that listed them as top causes of mortality and major contributors to the burden of diseases in India. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will be used to inform the development of technologies and the design of interventions to improve the health outcomes of local communities. Identification of priority health issues in the slums of other regions of India, and in other low and lower middle-income countries, is recommended

Vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> binding by rat serum protein fractions

Vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> in normal rat serum is found to exist largely in the bound form and almost entirely associated with &#945;<SUB>2</SUB>-globulin. With increasing in vitro additions of the vitamin to serum, up to 1.5 m&#956;g./ml., the vitamin is chiefly recovered in the &#945;<SUB>2</SUB>- and &#946;-globulin fractions, the bound vitamin being confined to the &#945;<SUB>2</SUB>-fraction. Any extra vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> added migrates in the free state with the &#947;-globulin fraction

Effect of Early Mobilisation on Grip Strength, Pinch Strength and Work of Hand Muscles in Cases of Closed Diaphyseal Fracture Radius-Ulna Treated With Dynamic Compression Plating

AIMS: The purpose of the study was to objectively determine the effects of early mobilisation in terms of grip strength and work of hand muscles in cases of closed diaphyseal fracture radius - ulna treated with dynamic compression plating. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty normal subjects and Twenty-one patients, (Eleven patients treated with early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation and Ten control group) were assessed for pinch strength and grip strength on Pinch Dynamometer and Jamar Dynamometer and work of hand muscles on Ergograph. Standardised positions of the equipments and patients were maintained throughout the study. RESULTS: Results showed highly significant reduction in performance in patients treated with early mobilisation as compared to normal subjects in their first assessment (Fourth week post operatively). These patients showed significant improvement in successive assessments (sixth &amp; eighth post operative week) on exercising in between these assessments. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant effects on grip strength and work of hand muscles in patients treated with that early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation

Assisted reproductive technologies in India: the views of practitioners.

BACKGROUND: This article documents the context of Assisted Reproductive Technology/ies (ART) services and providers' perceptions regarding services offered in India. The objective is to facilitate understanding of critical issues and relevant concerns. METHODS: A postal survey conducted with a sample of 470 gynaecologists and in-depth interviews with 39 gynaecologists in four cities. RESULTS: ART clinics have proliferated in cities and towns; they are commercialised and the quality of treatment is variable. Most providers perceived that patients lack knowledge about infertility and ART, costs are high, investigations unnecessarily repeated and success rates low. ART providers do not have clear selection criteria, some lack rigorous specialised training and infrastructure and most are deficient in record-keeping and counselling and lack transparency. Monitoring and regulation by appropriate authorities are also lacking. CONCLUSION: Both providers and regulatory authorities need to look critically at exploitation of patients and commercialisation, excessive costs, lack of information, informed consent, and transparency, counselling, unethical practices, variations in quality of treatment and ensuring proper monitoring and regulation

Experimental production of vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> deficiency in rats and mice on a maize-groundnut-meal diet

This article does not have an abstract

FTY720/cyclosporine regimens in de novo renal transplantation: a 1-year dose-finding study

FTY720 is a novel immunomodulator being investigated for rejection prophylaxis in renal transplantation when combined with full-dose cyclosporine (CsA; FDC). This 1-year phase II study compared FTY720 plus FDC (Neoral) with FTY720 plus reduced-dose CsA (RDC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) plus FDC in de novo renal transplant patients. Patients were randomized 2:2:2:1 to FTY720 5 mg plus RDC (n = 72); FTY720 2.5 mg plus RDC (n = 74); FTY720 2.5 mg plus FDC (n = 76); or MMF plus FDC (n = 39) for 12 months. CsA exposure in the RDC group was reduced on average by 50% as assessed by C(2) monitoring. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death or premature study discontinuation. The incidences for this composite endpoint were 24% and 22%, respectively, for FTY720 5 mg plus RDC and FTY720 2.5 mg plus FDC versus 39% for MMF plus FDC. Patients receiving FTY720 2.5 mg plus RDC were discontinued from treatment due to risk of under-immunosuppression. FTY720 2.5 mg plus FDC and FTY720 5 mg plus RDC were safe and effective in de novo renal transplant patients over 12 months