Changes in oxidative stress in response to different levels of energy restriction in obese ponies

The present study evaluated the effect of different levels of energy restriction on metabolic parameters in obese ponies. Relative weight changes, markers of lipid metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant balance were monitored. Eighteen obese (body condition score≥7/9) Shetland ponies were studied over a 23.5 week trial, divided into 3 periods. First a 4 week adaptation period in which each animal was fed 100% of their maintenance energy requirements needed to maintain stable obese body weight (MERob). Then a 16.5 weeks weight loss period in which ponies were assigned to receive either 100% (control group, CONTROL), 80% (slow weight loss group, SLOW) or 60% (rapid weight loss group, RAPID) of their MERob. During the 3 week end phase period all animals were again fed 100% of their MERob. Relative weight loss was higher in RAPID (P<0.001) compared to SLOW. No linear relationship was found as a doubling in caloric restriction was accompanied with a tripling in weight loss. Relative weight gain afterwards in the end phase period was higher in RAPID (P<0.001) compared to SLOW and CONTROL. During the weight loss period, triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids levels were highest in RAPID, as were α-tocopherol and ferric reducing ability of plasma. After 8 weeks of weight loss, advanced oxidation protein products were higher in RAPID compared to SLOW and CONTROL (P<0.001). In conclusion, the level of energy restriction influences the extent of changes in oxidant/antioxidant balance. Practically, more severe energy restriction regimens may be associated with a greater regain of weight post restriction

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of nebulized epinephrine in infants with acute bronchiolitis

Background The treatment of infants with bronchiolitis is largely supportive. The role of bronchodilators is controversial. Most studies of the use of bronchodilators have enrolled small numbers of subjects and have examined only short-term outcomes, such as clinical scores. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing nebulized single-isomer epinephrine with placebo in 194 infants admitted to four hospitals in Queens-land, Australia, with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Three 4-ml doses of 1 percent nebulized epinephrine or three 4-ml doses of normal saline were administered at four-hour intervals after hospital admission. Observations were made at admission and just before, 30 minutes after, and 60 minutes after each dose. The primary outcome measures were the length of the hospital stay and the time until the infant was ready for discharge. The secondary outcome measures were the degree of change in the respiratory rate, the heart rate, and the respiratory-effort score and the time that supplemental oxygen was required. Results There were no significant overall differences between the groups in the length of the hospital stay (P=0.16) or the time until the infant was ready for discharge (P=0.86). Among infants who required supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluids, the time until the infant was ready for discharge was significantly longer in the epinephrine group than in the placebo group (P=0.02). The need for supplemental oxygen at admission had the greatest influence on the score for severity of illness and strongly predicted the length of the hospital stay and the time until the infant was ready for discharge (

Micro-architecture of ovine tonsils

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