Probiotics and health

PubMed ID: 14728597Probiotics are described as live microbial food ingredients that are beneficial to health of the of host, especially by improving intestinal microbial balance. The major consumption of probiotics is in dairy-based foods form, which is containing intestinal species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. A number of potential benefits of probiotics have been proposed, including: adherence to cells; exclusion or reduction of pathogenic adherence; production of acids, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins antagonistic to pathogen growth; safe, noninvasive, noncarcinogenic and nonpathogenic characteristics; and congregation to form a normal balanced flora. The interrelation between probiotics and health are reviewed in this article

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in haemodialysis patient by ultrafiltration and reduced salt intake without antihypertensive drugs

PubMed ID: 9641180Background. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is very frequent in haemodialysis patients. Only few investigations have reported its regression, and only by the use of antihypertensive drugs. Because volume load is at least as important as pressure load, we investigated whether persistent strict volume control by ultrafiltration alone may be effective in improving LVH. Methods. Using blood pressure (BP) and cardiac dimensions as a guide, we treated all hypertensive patients in our dialysis unit during the 3 times weekly dialysis sessions for 4 h per session with as much ultrafiltration as they could stand. If they gained too much weight an extra isolated ultrafiltration (UF) session was applied. Special attention was given to dietary salt restriction. The study group of all 15 patients in whom echocardiographic assessment had been made at least 1.5 years previously was selected retrospectively, and we acknowledge that important confounding factors might not have been controlled for. Cardiothoracic index (CTI) was estimated on the chest X-ray. Diameters of left atrium (LA), left ventricle systolic (LVS) and diastolic (LVD), interventricular septum (IVS), posterior wall (PW), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were estimated by standard echocardiographic methods. Results. Mean arterial pressure of the study group had been lowered by UF before the first echocardiogram from predialysis 136 ± 11 to 101 ± 14 and from postdialysis 119 ± 8 to 92 ± 12 mmHg. During a mean follow-up period of 37 ± 11 months LVMI decreased from 175 ± 60 to 105 ± 11 g/m2 CTI decreased further from 48 ± 3 to 43 ± 4%, while significant decreases of LA (22.5 ± 3 to 19.9 ± 4 mm/m2), LVS (18.7 ± 4 to 15.9 ± 3 mm/m2) and LVD (28.3 ± 4 to 24.0 ± 3 mm/m2) were seen in all patients. There also was a further decrease in both pre- and postdialysis BP to 116 ± 12/73 ± 7 and 105 ± 7/65 ± 3 mmHg respectively. Conclusion. The results of this uncontrolled retrospective study suggest that good long-term BP control and a decrease of LVM can be achieved by continuous efforts to control hypervolaemia. The decrease in volume may be even more important than pressure reduction to achieve this goal

Radiographic Manifestations of the Temporomandibular Joint in A Case of Proteus Syndrome

Proteus syndrome is a rare disorder with progressive asymmetrical and disproportionate overgrowth of various tissues of the body. The syndrome is characterized by a wide range of malformations, including craniofacial deformities. Extraoral examination revealed several of the classical craniofacial features of Proteus syndrome: pronounced hemifacial hypertrophy, macrodactyly and hyperostosis. Intraoral examination revealed a high arched palate and gingival hyperplasia. Other findings were unilateral enlargement of the tongue, alveolar growth and dilaceration of the roots of the teeth. There were severe degenerative changes and deformities in the left temporomandibular joint but the oversized condyle was asymptomatic; there was no pain, limitation and deviation at mouth opening. Treatment was not necessary owing to the asymptomatic situation but periodic follow-up with clinical and radiographic examination was considered. The aim of this article is to describe the radiographic manifestations of an asymptomatic condyle malformation and other craniofacial, oral and dental findings in a 33-year-old female patient with known Proteus syndrome. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2013) 42, 58444855. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/58444855Wo