The Effects of Desoxycorticosterone Trimethylacetate, Desoxycorticosterone Acetate, Cortisone Acetate, and Adrenalectomy on the Liver Succinoxidase and Glutamic Dehydrogenase Activity of Rats Fed 3\u27-Methyl-4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (3\u27-Me-DAB)

Experimental production of liver cancer by means of azo dyes is a standardized and convenient method for study of the cancer problem. The rat is the animal of choice for this type of experimentation because this animal is readily susceptible to liver carcinogenesis upon being fed azo dyes. Mice are only partially susceptible and rabbits and guinea pigs will not develop cancer of the liver by ingestion of the azo dyes (E. C. Miller and J. A. Miller, 1947, p.473). The liver, likewise, is an appropriate organ for study. Enzymologists and cytologists today regard the liver cell as the best known somatic cell. The structure and function of the liver are well understood and amendable to experimentation. Its response to dietary changes, to endocrine changes, and to toxic agents has been thoroughly investigated. Indeed, endeavor from these and various other fields are beginning to become co-ordinated and to fit into a logical pattern that helps explain the enigma of the carcinogenic process

Practical Paradise: Ethics for a Modern Age

This play demonstrates an interpretation of Nietzsche\u27s philosophy in practice. The main character experiences loss and confusion, however, through this struggle arrives at a discovery of profound truth. If you\u27ve ever wondered how to live your life in the best way possible, the main character believes he\u27s found the answer

evidence for acute stimulation of fibrinogen production by glucagon in humans

Fibrinogen, an acute-phase protein, and glucagon, a stress hormone, are often elevated in many conditions of physical and metabolic stress, including uncontrolled diabetes. However, the possible mechanisms for this association are poorly known. We have studied the acute effects of selective hyperglucagonemia (raised from ∼200 to ∼350 pg/ml for 3 h) on fibrinogen fractional secretion rate (FSR) in eight normal subjects during infusion of somatostatin and replacement doses of insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone. Fibrinogen FSR was evaluated by precursor-product relationships using either Phe ( n = 8) or Leu ( n = 2) tracers. Hyperglucagonemia did not change either plasma Phe or Tyr specific activity. After hyperglucagonemia, fibrinogen FSR increased by ∼65% (from 12.9 ± 3.6 to 21.5 ± 6.1% per day, P < 0.025) using plasma Phe specific activity as the precursor pool. FSR increased by ∼80% (from 16.6 ± 4.8 to 29.4 ± 8.8% per day, P < 0.025) if plasma Phe specific activity was corrected for the ketoisocaproate/Leu enrichment (or specific activity) ratio to obtain an approximate estimate of intrahepatic Phe specific activity. FSR increased by ∼60% when using plasma Tyr specific activity as precursor pool ( n = 8) ( P < 0.05), as well as when using the Leu tracer precursorproduct relationship ( n = 2). In conclusion, selective hyperglucagonemia for ∼3 h acutely stimulated fibrinogen FSR using a Phe tracer method. Thus, glucagon may be involved in the increase of fibrinogen concentration and FSR observed under stressed or pathologic conditions

Levels and Correlates of Non-Adherence to WHO Recommended Inter-Birth Intervals in Rufiji, Tanzania.

Poorly spaced pregnancies have been documented worldwide to result in adverse maternal and child health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum inter-birth interval of 33 months between two consecutive live births in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, birth spacing practices in many developing countries, including Tanzania, remain scantly addressed. METHODS: Longitudinal data collected in the Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) from January 1999 to December 2010 were analyzed to investigate birth spacing practices among women of childbearing age. The outcome variable, non-adherence to the minimum inter-birth interval, constituted all inter-birth intervals <33 months long. Inter-birth intervals >=33 months long were considered to be adherent to the recommendation. Chi-Square was used as a test of association between non-adherence and each of the explanatory variables. Factors affecting non-adherence were identified using a multilevel logistic model. Data analysis was conducted using STATA (11) statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 15,373 inter-birth intervals were recorded from 8,980 women aged 15--49 years in Rufiji district over the follow-up period of 11 years. The median inter-birth interval was 33.4 months. Of the 15,373 inter-birth intervals, 48.4% were below the WHO recommended minimum length of 33 months between two live births. Non-adherence was associated with younger maternal age, low maternal education, multiple births of the preceding pregnancy, non-health facility delivery of the preceding birth, being an in-migrant resident, multi-parity and being married. CONCLUSION: Generally, one in every two inter-birth intervals among 15--49 year-old women in Rufiji district is poorly spaced, with significant variations by socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of mothers and newborns. Maternal, newborn and child health services should be improved with a special emphasis on community- and health facility-based optimum birth spacing education in order to enhance health outcomes of mothers and their babies, especially in rural settings

Quality and Safety Aspects of Infant Nutrition

Quality and safety aspects of infant nutrition are of key importance for child health, but oftentimes they do not get much attention by health care professionals whose interest tends to focus on functional benefits of early nutrition. Unbalanced diets and harmful food components induce particularly high risks for untoward effects in infants because of their rapid growth, high nutrient needs, and their typical dependence on only one or few foods during the first months of life. The concepts, standards and practices that relate to infant food quality and safety were discussed at a scientific workshop organized by the Child Health Foundation and the Early Nutrition Academy jointly with the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and a summary is provided here. The participants reviewed past and current issues on quality and safety, the role of different stakeholders, and recommendations to avert future issues. It was concluded that a high level of quality and safety is currently achieved, but this is no reason for complacency. The food industry carries the primary responsibility for the safety and suitability of their products, including the quality of composition, raw materials and production processes. Introduction of new or modified products should be preceded by a thorough science based review of suitability and safety by an independent authority. Food safety events should be managed on an international basis. Global collaboration of food producers, food-safety authorities, paediatricians and scientists is needed to efficiently exchange information and to best protect public health. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base

Early pyloric stenosis: a case control study

Pyloric stenosis (PS) is rare in the first 2 weeks of life, often leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a case control study to delineate the characteristics of patients with early PS (EPS). In addition, we tested the hypothesis that patients with EPS present with a smaller pylorus than older patients. A database of all patients presenting with PS to a children’s hospital over a 5-year period (2002–2006) was obtained. Each patient admitted during the first 2 weeks of life (subject) was matched to a patient admitted after 4 weeks of age (control), with the same gender, electrolyte status, and treating surgeon. A single pediatric radiologist, blinded to patient age, reviewed all available ultrasounds retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data were compared. During the study period, 278 pyloromyotomies were performed for PS. Sixteen patients (5.8%) presented with EPS between 2 and 14 days of life. EPS patients had a higher prevalence of positive family history (31 vs. 0%, P = 0.043), and breast milk feeding (75 vs. 31%, P = 0.045). Sonographic measurements showed a pylorus that was of significantly less length (17.1 ± 0.6 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 mm, P = 0.006) and muscle thickness (3.5 ± 0.2 vs. 4.9 ± 0.2 mm, P &lt; 0.001) in patients with EPS. Hospital stay was significantly longer for EPS patients (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.1 days, P = 0.19) Babies presenting with EPS are more likely to be breast fed and to have a positive family history. EPS is associated with a longer hospital stay. Use of sonographic diagnostic measurements specific to this age group may prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, and improve outcomes

Community perceptions of malaria and vaccines in the South Coast and Busia regions of Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years in Kenya. Within the context of planning for a vaccine to be used alongside existing malaria control methods, this study explores sociocultural and health communications issues among individuals who are responsible for or influence decisions on childhood vaccination at the community level.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This qualitative study was conducted in two malaria-endemic regions of Kenya--South Coast and Busia. Participant selection was purposive and criterion based. A total of 20 focus group discussions, 22 in-depth interviews, and 18 exit interviews were conducted.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Participants understand that malaria is a serious problem that no single tool can defeat. Communities would welcome a malaria vaccine, although they would have questions and concerns about the intervention. While support for local child immunization programs exists, limited understanding about vaccines and what they do is evident among younger and older people, particularly men. Even as health care providers are frustrated when parents do not have their children vaccinated, some parents have concerns about access to and the quality of vaccination services. Some women, including older mothers and those less economically privileged, see themselves as the focus of health workers' negative comments associated with either their parenting choices or their children's appearance. In general, parents and caregivers weigh several factors--such as personal opportunity costs, resource constraints, and perceived benefits--when deciding whether or not to have their children vaccinated, and the decision often is influenced by a network of people, including community leaders and health workers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study raises issues that should inform a communications strategy and guide policy decisions within Kenya on eventual malaria vaccine introduction. Unlike the current practice, where health education on child welfare and immunization focuses on women, the communications strategy should equally target men and women in ways that are appropriate for each gender. It should involve influential community members and provide needed information and reassurances about immunization. Efforts also should be made to address concerns about the quality of immunization services--including health workers' interpersonal communication skills.</p