Serum lipid response of hypercholesterolemic men to single and divided doses of canned beans

Dried beans lower serum lipid concentrations in healthy and hyperlipidemic subjects. To determine the effects of canned beans on serum lipid concentrations, 24 hyperlipidemic men ate one of three bean diets for 21 d in a metabolic ward. Diets A and B included 227 g canned beans (120 g beans with 107 g tomato sauce) daily, in a single dose for diet A and in a divided dose for diet B. Diet C included 182 g canned beans (162 g beans with 20 g tomato sauce) daily in a divided dose. All bean diets combined lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations 10.4% (p less than 0.001) and 10.8% (p less than 0.025), respectively. Diet B was as effective as diet C, and the groups on those diets had greater cholesterol reductions than did the group on diet A. Serum cholesterol reduction was positively correlated (p less than 0.01) with intake of total dietary fiber and soluble fiber. The ratios of low- to high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol remained constant for all groups. Body weight decreased 1.0-1.5 kg for all groups despite constant energy intakes. Canned beans may make an important contribution to hyperlipidemia management.     

A pilot study of alcohol exposure and pharmacokinetics in women with or without children with fetal alcohol syndrome

AIMS: To determine the alcohol exposure and pharmacokinetics of alcohol in a group of women who had given birth to children with FAS, compared with women who had not given birth to FAS children. METHODS: 10 women who had given birth to FAS children (FAS mothers) and 20 Controls were studied to determine how they metabolize alcohol in a single limited-access quasi-experimental session of voluntary consumption of alcohol. They had free choice in the consumption of any amount of their favourite beverage for approximately 2.5 h, but their drinking was terminated if the breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) exceeded 150 mg%. BrACs was measured during ethanol consumption and for several hours after, for estimation of alcohol exposure and pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: FAS mothers consumed significantly larger amounts of alcohol, and achieved significantly higher peak BrAC levels than Controls. The rate of decline of alcohol from the circulation (beta-60) showed a 2-fold variation across subjects but there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show any difference in alcohol pharmacokinetics in free-choice drinking by non-pregnant women, who either have given or have never given birth to FAS children. However, mothers of FAS children tend to consume more alcohol per session. Future studies in larger samples will be needed to confirm these findings and to examine drinking patterns and other factors that may increase the risk of FAS in children of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy.     

Control of effective doses in x-ray studies]

Developing the controlling techniques for dose loads in patients has led to the introduction of methods for evaluating the new dosimetric value an effective dose. When it is determined, regular refinement of calculating multiples causes errors as hundredths of a percent. Therefore, in addition to tabulated techniques of evaluating the effective dose and direct measurement of the dose absorbed per radiation area, one can determine midpoint exposure of an X-ray feeding device and use a translating program implemented in the Indor-C indicating device designed by the authors. In going from 60 kW to 120 kW, changes in the superficial dose by 15-50%, the absorbed dose by 10-45%, the 5-cm depth dose by 3-5 times can be neglected.     

Results of the 'in control: no alcohol!' pilot study

More than 50% of Dutch 12-year olds already started drinking. Since it is known that delaying the onset of alcohol use results in a lower risk of alcohol-related problems, the recently developed 'In control: No alcohol!' prevention program is targeted at elementary school children and their mothers. In this pilot study, the success of program implementation and impact of the program on quality of alcohol-specific communication, rules and monitoring were evaluated, using a randomized controlled design. A total of 108 children (11-12 years) and their mothers participated in the prevention program, while the control group consisted of 105 dyads. Families participating in the experimental condition showed an increase in frequency of alcohol-specific communication and 75% of the dyads reported that they took part in at least 3 of 5 magazines, suggesting implementation was successful. The program led to an increase in quality of communication but only for those dyads in which mothers' alcohol use was above average. The program led parents to set up a non-drinking contract with their children and to monitor their children more closely. Results are promising but need to be replicated in a larger longitudinal study.     

A study of the teratogenic and fetotoxic effects of large doses of chlordiazepoxide used for self-poisoning by 35 pregnant women

The human teratogenic potential of chlordiazepoxide is debated. To study the effects on the fetal development of very large doses of chlordiazepoxide that were used for a suicide attempt during pregnancy, self-poisoned pregnant women were identified from patients in a toxicological inpatient clinic in Budapest, Hungary. Comparisons were made between congenital abnormalities, intrauterine fetal development, and cognitive-behavioral status of the exposed children born to mothers who attempted suicide with chlordiazepoxide alone or in combination with other drugs during pregnancy and their sib controls. Of 1044 women with self-poisoning during pregnancy between 1960 and 1993, 88 (8.4%) used chlordiazepoxide with or without other drugs for suicide attempt; 35 of these women delivered live-born infants. Doses of chlordiazepoxide taken ranged between 20 and 300 mg, with a mean of 117 +/- 86 mg. Of 35 exposed children, six (17.1 %) were affected with congenital abnormalities compared with three (13.6%) of their 22 sibs (OR with 95% CI: 1.3 (0.3-4.4). Of 18 pregnant women who attempted suicide between the 4th and 12th postconceptional week, the period most sensitive to congenital malformation, four delivered live-born children affected with a congenital abnormality (atrial septal defect type II, complex defect of respiratory system, mild pyelectasis because of the stenosis of ureteropelvic junction, congenital inguinal hernia). Two other children had fetal alcohol syndrome and unrecognized multiple congenital abnormality including talipes equinovarus, deformation type, and four minor anomalies. The pregnancy age-specific mean birth weight indicated intrauterine fetal growth retardation, which was confirmed by a dose-response relationship and by the higher rate of low birth-weight newborns. Cognitive status and behavioral scale of exposed children did not indicate neurotoxic effects. Very large doses of chlordiazepoxide used for suicide attempts during pregnancy did not induce a higher rate of congenital abnormalities but were associated with dose-dependent intrauterine growth retardation.     

Is maternity care different in family practice? A pilot matched pair study

In this pilot study, 81 patients booked for delivery by family physicians were matched to patients booked for delivery by obstetricians. Patients in both groups were at low obstetric risk. They were matched by age, parity, blood pressure, gestational age at delivery, and socioeconomic status. Patients booked with family physicians experienced fewer artificial rupture of membranes, inductions of labor, episiotomies, and forceps deliveries than those booked with obstetricians. These patients also spent a shorter time in hospital in spite of longer second stages of labor. Infant outcomes were equivalent in the two groups. A simple method of audit of maternity care that permits comparisons of the care provided by family physicians and obstetricians for obstetrically similar patients is described. This methodology employs matching within a given institution and facilitates the multicentered studies required to obtain the large populations needed to compare the process and outcome of infant and maternal care provided by these two types of physicians.     

Variability of phthalate monoester levels in daily first-morning urine from adult women: a pilot study

Phthalate exposure is ubiquitous and may affect child and adolescent health through both in utero exposure and direct exposure during childhood. Variability in exposure within women is not well documented. We analyzed 90 first-morning urine samples collected by ten reproductive-age women for phthalate metabolites and creatinine. Monoethyl [122 ng/mL (geometric mean concentration = 139 microg/g creatinine)], monobutyl [85.4 ng/mL (97.0 microg/g creatinine)], monobenzyl [37.2 ng/mL (42.2 microg/g creatinine)], and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate [9.4 ng/mL (10.7 microg/g creatinine)] were detected in most (94.4%) samples. The concentrations ranged from 23.8-1090 ng/mL, 43-437 ng/mL, 12.4-186 ng/mL, and 1.3-31.1 ng/mL, respectively. We observed considerable variation in phthalate concentrations by day for individual women. The intraclass correlation coefficient, indicating the proportion of variance explained by differences between subjects, ranged from 0.40 (monobutyl) to 0.68 (monoethyl). Monobenzyl and monoethyl phthalates showed higher levels on weekends as compared with weekdays (p = .01 for both). We found no significant difference between monoester levels from different menstrual cycles. Phthalate concentrations vary considerably for an individual and may require multiple samples for accurate assessment     

Plasma responses in human subjects after ingestions of multiple doses of natural alpha-cryptoxanthin: a pilot study

Xanthophylls have attracted a lot of interest since their health benefits were documented. Unfortunately, studying their intestinal absorption is often affected by high baseline levels present in the fasting plasma. As alpha-cryptoxanthin is rarely found in the traditional European diet, its concentration in human plasma is extremely low. A pilot human intervention study was designed using alpha-cryptoxanthin for the first time as a marker xanthophyll in a minimally formulated cellulose-based supplement. Alpha-cryptoxanthin was administered in gelatin soft-gel capsules in multiple doses of 156 microg/d to three male volunteers (age 27.3 (SD 4.7) years; BMI 21.6 (SD 0.3) kg/m(2)) for 16 d after a 2-week carotenoid depletion period. Fasting blood samples were taken before the intervention and after 3, 6, 9, 13 and 16 d. Plasma HPLC analyses allowed for determination of the concentration; liquid chromatography-MS in the single ion monitoring mode was used to confirm peak assignment. The concentrations of alpha-cryptoxanthin increased significantly after only 3 d of supplementation. The concentration-time plots showed a characteristic shape with a first maximum after day 6, a decline until day 9 and a gradual second rise until the end of the study. Standardisation of plasma alpha-cryptoxanthin concentrations to triacylglycerol or total cholesterol did not influence the characteristics. The maximum concentrations reached at the end of the intervention period ranged from 0.077 to 0.160 micromol/l. These results suggest a high intestinal absorption and an enrichment of alpha-cryptoxanthin in the plasma even from a minimally formulated cellulose-based supplement.     

Flavocoxid is as effective as naproxen for managing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee in humans: a short-term randomized,double-blind pilot study

Flavocoxid (Limbrel), a proprietary mixture of flavonoid molecules (baicalin and catechin), was tested against a traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen, for the management of the signs and symptoms of moderate osteoarthritis (OA) in humans. Discomfort and global disease activity were used as the primary end points, and safety assessments were also taken for both treatments as a secondary endpoint. In this double-blind study, 103 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either flavocoxid [500 mg twice daily (BID)] or naproxen (500 mg BID) in a 1-month onset of action trial. Outcome measures included the short Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, subject Visual Analogue Scale for discomfort and global response, and investigator Visual Analogue Scale for global response and fecal occult blood. Both flavocoxid and naproxen showed significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of knee OA (P ≤ .001). There were no statistically detectable differences between the flavocoxid and naproxen groups with respect to any of the outcome variables. Similarly, there were no statistically detectable differences between the groups with respect to any adverse event, although there was a trend toward a higher incidence of edema and nonspecific musculoskeletal discomfort in the naproxen group. In this short-term pilot study, flavocoxid was as effective as naproxen in controlling the signs and symptoms of OA of the knee and would present a safe and effective option for those individuals on traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. A low incidence of adverse events was reported for both groups.     

Growth hormone enables effective nutrition by peripheral vein in postoperative patients: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) (Humatrope, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN) administration in postoperative (PO) patients receiving peripheral vein nutrition. Seven, well-nourished, nondiabetic patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were given either no drug (n = 3), GH 30 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2), or GH 60 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2) sub-Q daily until eating, up to 7 days PO. All the patients received 5% dextrose with electrolytes in the first 24 hours PO and then received calories at 80 +/- 5% of the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) and amino acid at 1 g/kg/day with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. There were no significant outcome differences between the 30 and 60 micrograms/kg/day groups and, therefore, these groups were analyzed together (n = 4). By day 6 of the study, the GH group had a significant reduction in the respiratory quotient (RQ) measured by indirect calorimetry; an increase in nitrogen retention; an increase in plasma transferrin concentrations; and an increase in plasma insulinlike growth factor (IGF1) concentration. There was no increase in blood glucose concentrations, or decrease in urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion; and no adverse effects occurred. We concluded that GH in PO patients on hypocaloric nutrition promoted protein synthesis, fat oxidation, and nitrogen retention. Effective parenteral nutritional support in postoperative adult patients can be achieved without the use of central vein access.     

Encouraging GP alcohol intervention: pilot study of change-orientated reflective listening (CORL)

AIMS: To test the feasibility of delivery and potential value of a brief motivational enhancement intervention targeting GPs in relation to alcohol as a public health issue, and to compare data obtained with similar attempts to influence GP intervention with drug users. METHOD: 21 GPs who were not involved in the treatment of drug dependence received a telephone-administered 'change-orientated reflective listening' (CORL) intervention, based on Motivational Interviewing, with an informational adjunct. Assessments were made at baseline and at 2-3 months of activity and willingness to deliver specified alcohol-related interventions, plus overall therapeutic commitment and motivation. Qualitative data was obtained. RESULTS: There was no change over time in the sample as a whole, with very modest evidence of benefit among individual practitioners. Comparisons with cannabis and drug misuse intervention targets suggest that it may be more difficult to alter views on intervening with drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: Further attempts are needed to influence practitioner motivation, based on improved understanding of GP views on the delivery of alcohol interventions.     

Growth hormone enables effective nutrition by peripheral vein in postoperative patients: a pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) (Humatrope, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN) administration in postoperative (PO) patients receiving peripheral vein nutrition. Seven, well-nourished, nondiabetic patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were given either no drug (n = 3), GH 30 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2), or GH 60 micrograms/kg/day (n = 2) sub-Q daily until eating, up to 7 days PO. All the patients received 5% dextrose with electrolytes in the first 24 hours PO and then received calories at 80 +/? 5% of the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) and amino acid at 1 g/kg/day with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. There were no significant outcome differences between the 30 and 60 micrograms/kg/day groups and, therefore, these groups were analyzed together (n = 4). By day 6 of the study, the GH group had a significant reduction in the respiratory quotient (RQ) measured by indirect calorimetry; an increase in nitrogen retention; an increase in plasma transferrin concentrations; and an increase in plasma insulinlike growth factor (IGF1) concentration. There was no increase in blood glucose concentrations, or decrease in urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion; and no adverse effects occurred. We concluded that GH in PO patients on hypocaloric nutrition promoted protein synthesis, fat oxidation, and nitrogen retention. Effective parenteral nutritional support in postoperative adult patients can be achieved without the use of central vein access.     

No effect of the cortisol-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone on alcohol drinking: a pilot study.

Two bases for this study were the theory of stress as a provoking factor for high alcohol consumption in human being and findings that the stress hormones stimulate ethanol intake in rats. We therefore investigated whether the cortisol-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone could reduce high alcohol consumption in socially stable subjects who reported drinking mainly for relaxation purposes. Most of the investigated subjects were found to be alcohol dependent (81%), with moderately high levels of intake, yet they had not reported more severe life problems. All subjects reported their daily alcohol consumption during 2-week baseline, medication, and postmedication periods. Sixteen subjects were given 1 g of metyrapone orally daily for 14 days, and 15 subjects received placebo. Morning serum cortisol concentration was assessed four times in the course of the study period. Metyrapone treatment was not found to reduce alcohol consumption more than placebo. Serum cortisol concentrations remained within the laboratory reference interval during the study and did not differ between the study groups. In this study, we found that a cortisol-synthesis inhibitor had no effect on alcohol consumption. One reason may be that cortisol secretion has no role in the maintenance of high alcohol consumption. On the other hand, because this study is the first of its kind, further studies using other doses of treatment and treatment schedules are suggested.     

Preliminary study: soy milk as effective as skim milk in promoting weight loss

Calcium from dairy sources is beneficial to weight loss; however, no studies have compared the effects of dairy to nondairy sources of calcium on weight loss. This pilot study explored differences between soy and skim milk on changes in anthropometric values in premenopausal women. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 14 women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to 720 mL soy milk (n=7) or an equivalent volume of skim milk (n=7) daily for 8 weeks. Subjects followed a 500-kcal deficit diet based on metabolic rate data. There were no anthropometric differences between soy and skim milk groups at baseline. Subjects followed an energy-restricted diet; both groups experienced reductions in kilogram weight (4.27+/-2.05 vs 3.76+/-2.25; P=0.668), body fat percent (1.30+/-1.37 vs 1.87+/-1.45; P=0.464), and abdominal circumference (11.28+/-5.23 vs 8.66+/-2.51; P=0.259) while attenuating losses of fat-free mass (1.12+/-1.29 vs 0.43+/-1.12; P=0.299) during the 8-week study. There were no significant differences in weight, fat percent, abdominal circumference, and fat-free mass between groups. To optimize the weight loss effects of calcium, one can consume 720 mL of either soy milk or skim milk daily.