Effects of dietary minerals on acid-base balance and eggshell quality in chickens

Three experiments were conducted in hens to determine the effects of high levels of dietary phosphorus (P, 1-1.5%), chloride (Cl, 0.8%) or both on acid-base balance and eggshell quality and to consider whether any adverse effects on eggshell quality can be attributed to alteration of blood acid-base balance. Eggshell quality and values for a blood indicator of acid-base balance were reduced by high levels of dietary P or Cl in all of the experiments. Eggshell quality and values for the blood acid-base indicator were further reduced by high dietary levels of the combination of minerals. The adverse effects associated with high levels of the combination were greater than the sum of adverse effects associated with high levels of each mineral. The effects of P and Cl on plasma levels of these minerals were inconsistent and varied among experiments. The use of pair-fed controls revealed that the adverse effects of combined P and Cl on eggshell quality and acid-base balance were independent of their effects on feed and calcium intake. Calcium excretion was increased by consumption of the high P, high Cl diet. The information obtained from these experiments suggests that the adverse effects of high levels of dietary P and/or Cl on eggshell quality may be due, at least in part, to increased Ca excretion. This, in turn, may be mediated by acidemia resulting from the dietary manipulations, although the present data were insufficient to provide a direct link between acidemia and Ca excretion.     

MUC4 expression increases progressively in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is believed to develop from histologically identifiable intraductal lesions known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) that undergo a series of architectural, cytologic, and genetic changes, a progression model similar to the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in the colon. The apomucin MUC4 has been implicated in invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma. MUC4 expression is not detectable at the RNA level in normal pancreas but is detectable at high levels in invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We documented the pattern of expression of MUC4 in PanINs by studying a series of 71 PanIN lesions immunohistochemically using a new monoclonal antibody to MUC4. Five (17%) of 30 PanIN-1 lesions, 10 (36%) of 28 PanIN-2 lesions, 11 (85%) of 13 PanIN-3 lesions, and 25 (89%) of 28 invasive adenocarcinomas labeled with the MUC4 antibody used in the study. In addition, afew nonneoplastic lesions labeled with the MUC4 antibody, including reactive ducts in chronic pancreatitis, atrophic ducts filled with inspissated secretions, and ducts showing squamous metaplasia. Our data help establish the patterns of MUC4 expression in neoplastic precursors in the pancreas and add further support to the progression model for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.     

Hormonal and Dietary Characteristics in Obese Human Subjects with and without Food Addiction

The concept of food addiction (FA) is a potentially important contributing factor to the development of obesity in the general population; however, little is known about the hormonal and dietary differences between obesity with and without FA. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore potential biomarkers, including various hormones and neuropeptides, which regulate appetite and metabolism, and dietary components that could potentially differentiate obesity with and without FA. Of the 737 adults recruited from the general Newfoundland population, 58 food-addicted and non-food-addicted overweight/obese individuals (FAO, NFO) matched for age, sex, BMI and physical activity were selected. A total of 34 neuropeptides, gut hormones, pituitary polypeptide hormones and adipokines were measured in fasting serum. We found that the FAO group had lower levels of TSH, TNF-α and amylin, but higher levels of prolactin, as compared to NFO group. The total calorie intake (per kg body weight), the dietary intake of fat (per g/kg body weight, per BMI and per percentage of trunk fat) and the percent calorie intake from fat and carbohydrates (g/kg) was higher in the FAO group compared to the NFO group. The FAO subjects consumed more sugar, minerals (including sodium, potassium, calcium and selenium), fat and its components (such as saturated, monounsaturated and trans fat), omega 3 and 6, vitamin D and gamma-tocopherol compared to the NFO group. To our knowledge, this is the first study indicating possible differences in hormonal levels and micro-nutrient intakes between obese individuals classified with and without food addiction. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which FA could contribute to obesity.     

Mitigation of Methimazole-Induced Hepatic Injury by Taurine in Mice

Methimazole is the most widely prescribed antithyroid medication in humans. However, hepatotoxicity is a deleterious adverse effect associated with methimazole administration. No specific protective agent has been developed against this complication yet. This study was designed to investigate the role of taurine as a hepatoprotective agent against methimazole-induced liver injury in mice. Different reactive metabolites were proposed to be responsible for methimazole hepatotoxicity. Hence, methimazole-induced liver injury was investigated in intact and/or enzyme-induced animals in the current investigation. Animals were treated with methimazole (200 mg/kg, by gavage), and hepatic injury induced by this drug was investigated in intact and/or enzyme-induced groups. Markers such as lipid peroxidation, hepatic glutathione content, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma, and histopathological changes in the liver of animals were monitored after drug administration. Methimazole caused liver injury as revealed by increased plasma ALT. Furthermore, a significant amount of lipid peroxidation was detected in the drug-treated animals, and hepatic glutathione reservoirs were depleted. Methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity was more severe in enzyme-induced mice. The above-mentioned alterations in hepatotoxicity markers were endorsed by significant histopathological changes in the liver. Taurine administration (1 g/kg, i.p.) effectively alleviated methimazole-induced liver injury in both intact and/or enzyme-induced animals.     

A retrospective analysis of autotransplanted teeth including an evaluation of a novel surgical technique

Clinical Oral Investigations - To assess survival rates and frequency of complications for immature and mature autotransplanted teeth after at least 1 year in function. All consecutive patients who...     

Assessment of smoking behaviour in the dental setting. A study comparing self-reported questionnaire data and exhaled carbon monoxide levels

The present study validated the accuracy of data from a self-reported questionnaire on smoking behaviour with the use of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) level measurements in two groups of patients. Group 1 included patients referred to an oral medicine unit, whereas group 2 was recruited from the daily outpatient service. All patients filled in a standardized questionnaire regarding their current and former smoking habits. Additionally, exhaled CO levels were measured using a monitor. A total of 121 patients were included in group 1, and 116 patients were included in group 2. The mean value of exhaled CO was 7.6?ppm in the first group and 9.2?ppm in the second group. The mean CO values did not statistically significantly differ between the two groups. The two exhaled CO level measurements taken for each patient exhibited very good correlation (Spearman's coefficient of 0.9857). Smokers had a mean difference of exhaled CO values of 13.95?ppm (p?<?0.001) compared to non-smokers adjusted for the first or second group. The consumption of one additional pack year resulted in an increase in CO values of 0.16?ppm (p?=?0.003). The consumption of one additional cigarette per day elevated the CO measurements by 0.88?ppm (p?<?0.001). Based on these results, the correlations between the self-reported smoking habits and exhaled CO values are robust and highly reproducible. CO monitors may offer a non-invasive method to objectively assess current smoking behaviour and to monitor tobacco use cessation attempts in the dental setting.