Gender-related differences in gastric emptying

This study was undertaken to determine if men and women have similar rates of gastric emptying. Fifteen normal weight male subjects aged 20-53 yr (mean 30 yr) and 15 normal weight female subjects aged 20-45 yr (mean 32 yr) were studied. Each subject ingested an identical 300-g meal consisting of 150 g of beef stew and 150 g of orange juice. Technetium-99m-(99mTc) labeled liver pate was used as the radioactive marker for the solid phase; indium-111 DTPA [( 111In]DTPA) was the liquid marker. A scintillation camera and computer was used to measure the rate of emptying of the solid and liquid phases. Correction for radionuclide depth, decay, and crosstalk was performed. The half-emptying time for men was: solids 59.8 +/- 3.7 min, liquids 30.3 +/- 2.3 min, and for women was: solids 92.4 +/- 7.5 min, liquids 53.8 +/- 4.9 min. These differences were statistically significant (solids, p = 0.00097; liquids, p = 0.00038). We conclude that women empty both solids and liquids from their stomachs more slowly than men. Possible mechanisms for the difference in gastric emptying rates between men and women are discussed.     

The occurrence of macroscopical pituitary calcifications in prolactinomas

Summary Radiographs of the sella turcica from 73 hyperprolactinaemic women, were followed-up for 5 to 13 years. Six women (8%) were found to harbour granular calcific deposits in the anterior part of the sella turcica visible on the plain radiographs. In three women the calcification increased in size during follow-up. This was accompanied by signs of regression of other features of pituitary tumour on the radiographs in two women. Pituitary calcifications associated with hyperprolactinaemia seem to represent a benign and regressive process.     

Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative CT scanning of pituitary prolactinomas

Between 1980 and 1985, 102 patients (84 women and 18 men) who had coronal CT scans of the sella turcica for suspected prolactin adenoma underwent transsphenoidal exploration. The CT examinations were performed with a fourth-generation EMI scanner (CT 7070), and reports of the preoperative CT examinations were compared with the findings at transsphenoidal exploration. The same neurosurgeon performed all the operations. In 97 patients distinct adenomas were found at surgery, among which were 36 macroadenomas (diameter larger than 10 mm) and 62 microadenomas (one patient had two coexisting microadenomas). All macroadenomas were identified correctly on the preoperative CT scans. Preoperative CT scans correctly localized 58 microadenomas in 57 of 62 patients, for a sensitivity rate of 91.9%; this included correct localization in four patients with recurrent microprolactinomas and in the one patient with two coexisting adenomas. Three patients in whom the adenomas were found in a location other than that reported on the preoperative CT scan were considered to have false-negative scans for the purpose of statistical calculations; two other false negatives occurred in patients whose scans had been interpreted as entirely normal and who were subsequently found to have adenomas at operation. Four patients had negative surgical explorations and the preoperative CT scan was correct in one, for a specificity of 25%. The overall accuracy rate was 92.1% for the entire group of patients and 87.7% for the subgroup of microadenomas. In our experience, coronal CT scanning has high diagnostic accuracy in patients with pituitary prolactinomas.     

Dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle during walking: Gender-related differences

ObjectivesTo characterize and compare dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the ankle in the sagittal plane during natural cadence walking in both genders.DesignObservation, cross-sectional and matched pairs.ParticipantsTwenty-one males (mean age=27±4.2 years) and 18 females (mean age=22.9±4.1 years).SettingLaboratory at the University de Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The DJS of the ankle was assessed while participants performed barefoot walking at a natural cadence, was measured using a force platform (1000 Hz), and synchronized with a high-speed camera (200 Hz).Main outcome measuresDJS of the ankle in males and females was calculated in two sub-phases (the second and the fourth sub-phases) of the stance phase. The Wilcoxon non-parametric matched-pairs test and the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test were used to analyse difference of DJS of the ankle within and between the groups with p⩽0.05 regarded as significant.ResultsMale and female participants demonstrated significantly (p<0.005) less DJS during the second sub-phase. DJS was not significantly (p>0.063) different between females (0.0511 N m/kg/°) and males (0.0596 N m/kg/°) during the second sub-phase. DJS was significantly (p<0.001) higher in males (0.0844 N m/kg/°) than females (0.0691 N m/kg/°) during the fourth sub-phase.ConclusionsGender-specific DJS characteristics demonstrated by females in this study may be used in preventative training programs designed to promote a greater ability to use contractile components to produce mechanical energy through the ankle.     

MR imaging of pituitary adenomas treated with the prolactin inhibitor quinagolide

Purpose: To evaluate the volume of micro- and macroadenomas in quinagolide-treated patients with resistance to or intolerance of bromocriptine.Material and Methods: The effect of the prolactin inhibitor quinagolide on the volume of pituitary adenoma was evaluated retrospectively in 11 female patients. Prolactin levels before and after the treatment were also recorded. The indications for quinagolide therapy were side-effects of bromocriptine in 5 cases, a poor response to bromocriptine in 5 cases and both in 1 case. MR imaging with a 1.0-T magnet was performed to determine the volume reduction of the adenomas.Results: The average volume reduction of macroadenomas was 324 mm³ (46%) and that of microadenomas 73 mm³ (57%). The level of prolactin secreted by macroadenomas was reduced by an average of 163 μg/l (65%) and that by microadenomas of 113 μg (73%). In 2 microadenomas and in 1 macroadenoma, signal intensity changed during the treatment in T1-weighted images. In follow-up no changes in signal intensity were seen in 8 adenomas in non-contrast T1-weighted images. A haemorrhagic lesion was seen in 1 macroadenoma before treatment, but it disappeared during treatment.Conclusion: Quinagolide was found to be an effective alternative to bromocriptine in cases with drug intolerance or resistance, and MR imaging a suitable method for the follow-up of macro- and microadenomas.     

Effect of bromocriptine and pergolide on pituitary tumor size and serum prolactin

Forty-two patients with elevated serum prolactin were treated in a randomized, open-label trial with the conventional ergot bromocriptine, or a new ergot pergolide. Before treatment, the patients underwent thorough endocrine evaluation and computed tomographic scan. All patients had prolactin levels greater than 25 ng/ml, and 27 patients had a pituitary mass. Follow-up studies performed after 6 months of treatment showed both drugs effectively reduced prolactin levels to normal, though pergolide effects were more rapid. There was no change in the contents of the pituitary fossa in the 10 patients with hyperprolactinemia but without pituitary mass. Sixty percent of patients with pituitary mass had diminution of tumor size. Pergolide appears to be an effective medical treatment for hyperprolactinemia and pituitary tumor and offers a possible alternative to bromocriptine and surgical treatment.     

The sweating foot: local differences in sweat secretion during exercise-induced hyperthermia

INTRODUCTION: Little is known regarding local differences in foot sweat secretion. Since such information is important to our understanding of sweat gland control for thermoregulatory modeling and for the design of footwear we explored this topic. METHODS: Local sweat rates were investigated across core temperatures from 37-39 degrees C, achieved using endogenous (cycling) and exogenous heat (water-perfusion garment: 46 degrees C). Six healthy adults (three men, three women) performed one-legged, incremental cycling in a heated, climate-controlled chamber (36 degrees C, 60% relative humidity). Sweat rates were measured at the forehead and stationary (left) foot (capsules 3.16 cm2): three dorsal sites (base of toes, second metatarsal, and mid point), the lateral, and the central plantar surfaces. RESULTS: Terminal core temperatures ranged between 38.3-39.1 oC, with peak heart rates of 155-187 bpm. Most foot sweat rates were < 50% of that observed at the forehead: dorsal 1 (38%); dorsal 2 (54%); dorsal 3 (37%); lateral (24%); and plantar surfaces (18%). When averaged across the trial, local sweat rates were: 2.61 (forehead); 0.98 (dorsal 1); 1.39 (dorsal 2); 0.95 (dorsal 3); 0.62 (lateral); and 0.47 mg cm2 2 min-1 (plantar). CONCLUSION: Two key observations emerged. First, sweat secretion from the experimental foot averaged 30 ml x h(-1), peaking in the last 5 min at 50 ml x h(-1). Second, approximately 70% of the measured sweat flow emanated from the upper skin surfaces, with only 30% coming from the plantar surface.     

Tamoxifen对大鼠垂体细胞生长激素分泌的影响

目的:研究tamoxifen对大鼠垂体细胞生长激素(GH)分泌的影响。方法:采用酶联免疫方法检测大鼠垂体细胞培养上清的GH浓度。结果:(1)Tamoxifen(0.01、0.1和1μmol/L)处理6 h和24 h后,刺激垂体细胞GH的基础分泌;与处理6 h相比较,处理24 h后对GH的分泌的刺激效应有所降低,并且,tamoxifen刺激GH分泌的作用不再具有剂量依赖性。(2)Tamoxifen(0.01、0.1和1μmol/L)处理6 h和24 h后,对10 nmol/L GHRH诱导的GH的分泌具有显著的刺激效应;处理24 h后,tamoxifen刺激GHRH诱导GH分泌的作用与处理6 h相比较有较大幅度下降,与GHRH处理组比较,只有在tamoxifen处于较高浓度(0.1和1μmmol/L)时,才具有显著的刺激GH分泌效应。结论:Tamoxifen显著刺激大鼠垂体细胞GH分泌,从而影响其GH相关的内分泌调节功能。     

Gender-related traumatic deaths in Transkei: incidence and causes

This study is unique in that it strives to unfold, perhaps for the first time, the problem of female mortality due to trauma in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study was carried out in the Umtata and Ngqeleni magisterial districts which have a combined population of about 400,000. Most of the people have very few resources and have historically relied on money repatriated by migrant workers. The objective was to establish the incidence and the causes of deaths due to gender-related trauma and to formulate recommendations which could probably help prevent or reduce these deaths. The study reviewed cases of female traumatic death during the period January 1993 to December 1999 that were brought to the mortuary in Umtata General Hospital (UGH). There were 1,054 (23%) traumatic deaths recorded in females between 1993 and 1999. Of these 486 (28%) were related to motor vehicle collisions, 219 (18%) due to gunshot injuries, 152 (19%) due to stab wounds and 139 (21%) as a result of blunt trauma. The male to female ratio was 3.3:1 in traumatic deaths. In homicides the male:female ratio was 4.4:1, gunshot 4.5:1, stab 4.2:1 and blunt injuries 3.7:1. In motor vehicle collisions (MVC's) the ratio was 2.5:1. There is an increasing incidence of traumatic deaths in women. Gun shot injuries are the commonest among traumatic deaths in females. This article recommends stricter measures to protect women in the form of legislation. Social uplifting and economic support should be carried out as part of the process of social change. In this case educating the entire community is necessary to safeguard women and their future survival.     

MR assessment of pituitary gland morphology in healthy volunteers: age- and gender-related differences.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: High-field MR images at 1.5 T were used to characterize the effects of age and gender on pituitary size and shape in a sample of 71 adult volunteers (40 females), aged 21 to 82 years. FINDINGS: For all subjects, age was inversely correlated with pituitary height (r = -.43, P less than .0002) and cross-sectional area (r = -.35, P less than .0028). Age-specific gender differences were also present in pituitary height and area. A convex upper pituitary margin was more common in females (P = .002) and younger subjects (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that aging is accompanied by gender-specific changes in pituitary size and shape, and provides normative data that may facilitate evaluation of the pituitary gland in neuroendocrine disorders.     

垂体腺瘤细胞VEGF表达与细胞因子分泌的关系

目的:探讨垂体腺瘤细胞株HP75 VEGF表达与细胞因子IL-1α和IL-6分泌的关系。方法:HP75细胞常规培养,经各种因素处理后,取培养上清液,采用ELISA方法分别检测VEGF、IL-1α和IL-6的分泌水平。结果:①HP75细胞时间依赖性分泌VEGF、IL-1α和IL-6;②较大剂量的IL-1α剂量依赖性的刺激VEGF表达;③所用各种剂量的IL-6对VEGF的分泌均无显著影响;④IL-1α和IL-6中和抗体对VEGF基础分泌无显著影响。结论:VEGF的表达与IL-1α和IL-6的分泌密切相关,提示细胞因子在垂体腺瘤的生长过程中发挥重要作用。     

Prognostic value of poststress left ventricular volume and ejection fraction by gated myocardial perfusion SPECT in women and men: Gender-related differences in normal limits and outcomes

Background  Whether there are gender differences in the prognostic application of gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has not been assessed. asMethods and Results Gender-specific normal limits of poststress volume and ejection fraction (EF) were obtained in 597 women and 824 men with a low likelihood of coronary artery disease and normal perfusion and were applied in a prognostic evaluation of 6713 patients (2735 women and 3978 men). Patients underwent rest thallium-201/stress technetium-99m sestamibi gated myocardial perfusion SPECT and were followed up for 35 ± 14 months. The upper limit of the end-systolic volume (ESV) index was 27 mL/m2 in women and 39 mL/m2 in men, and the upper limit of the end-diastolic volume index was 60 mL/m2 in women and 75 mL/m2 in men. The lower limit of the EF was 51% in women and 43% in men. Gated SPECT variables provided incremental prognostic information in both genders. Women with severe ischemia and an EF lower than 51% or an ESV index greater than 27 mL/m2 were at very high risk of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (3-year event rates of 39.8% and 35.1%, respectively), whereas women with severe ischemia but an EF of 51% or greater or an ESV index of 27 mL/m2 or less were at intermediate or high risk (3-year event rates of 10.8% and 15.2%, respectively). Conclusion  Poststress EF and ESV index by gated myocardial perfusion SPECT provide comparable incremental prognostic information over perfusion in women and men. After separate criteria for abnormal EF and ESV index in women are used, the combination of severe ischemia and abnormal EF or ESV index identifies women at very high risk of cardiac events. Partial funding was provided by grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging, Inc, Billerica, Mass, and Astellas Pharma US, Inc, Deerfield, Ill.     

The value of computed tomography in evaluating patients with prolactinomas.

The use of computed tomography (CT) in 28 patients with surgically proved prolactinomas is described. The authors' experience suggests that in evaluating patients with galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome, CT in combination with pluridirectional tomography usually provides sufficient information to make further invasive studies unnecessary. In selected cases with low-density areas within the sella as seen on CT, pneumoencephalography is still advisable to distinguish between the empty sella and the necrotic tumor. Angiography is still necessary to exclude vascular causes for suprasellar and parasellar masses such as aneurysms and meningiomas.     

垂体腺瘤细胞VEGF表达与IL-1α和IL-6分泌的关系

目的：探讨HP75垂体腺瘤细胞株VEGF表达与细胞因子分泌的关系。方法：HP75细胞常规培养，采用ELISA方法分别检测VEGF、IL-1α和IL-6的水平。结果：（1）HP75细胞呈时间依赖性分泌VEGF、IL-1α和IL-6；（2）较大剂量的IL-1α呈剂量依赖性的刺激VEGF表达；（3）IL-6对VEGF的分泌无显著影响；（4）IL-1α和IL-6中和抗体对VEGF分泌无显著影响。结论：VEGF的表达与IL-1α的分泌密切相关，提示细胞因子在垂体腺瘤的生长过程中发挥一定作用。     

雷公藤内酯醇前药MC002在大鼠体内药代陛别差异研究

目的研究雷公藤内酯醇前药MC002在♀♂大鼠体内代谢是否存在差异。方法两组实验各设♀♂对照。♀♂SD大鼠静脉注射给予MC002 0.75 mg.kg-1,于不同时间点采集全血样品,另♀♂SD大鼠静脉注射给予MC0020.75 mg.kg-1,于5、15、30、90 min后采集各组织样品。样品用乙酸乙酯提取后,LC-MS/MS方法测定,DAS2.0计算药代动力学参数。结果 MC002在♀♂大鼠体内均迅速转化为代谢产物PG490,♀♂大鼠的AUC分别为（8046.2±634.75）和（5604.0±1140.9）μg·min·L-1,CL分别为（0.089±0.01）和（0.128±0.02）L·min-1·kg-1,两组参数统计学上有显著性差异（P〈0.05）,♀♂大鼠组织内浓度变化趋势相同,给药后5 min各组织药物浓度均达到最大值。结论 MC002在大鼠体内迅速转化为活性代谢产物PG490,PG490在大鼠体内代谢呈现出较明显的性别差异,总体表现为♀大鼠血中药物暴露高,代谢慢。♀♂大鼠组织中药物浓度变化趋势无明显差别。