Recovery from depression after electroconvulsive therapy is accompanied by evidence of increased tetrahydrobiopterin-dependent hydroxylation

Serum phenylalanine and tyrosine levels were measured in 26 patients with severe depression before and after receiving electroconvulsive therapy. The phenylalanine:tyrosine [P:T] ratio declined significantly for those responding to treatment but not for nonresponders. These findings are discussed in relation to tetrahydrobiopterin, the essential cofactor for the formation of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin and the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine.     

Comparison of Plasma Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Beef Cattle Raised by Different Feeding Systems in Korea,Japan and New Zealand

Concentrations of metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism were measured in plasma of Korean and Japanese beef cattle, which were raised by the indoor feeding system programmed to feed larger amount of roughage in their growing periods and larger amount of concentrate diet in their finishing periods (Japanese feeding system), and grazing New Zealand beef cattle. By the Japanese beef grading system, Korean and Japanese beef cattle showed high beef quality score, average grade 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The plasma free fatty acid and lactate concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in Korean beef cattle were significantly higher than those in Japanese beef cattle. The plasma lactate concentration in Korean beef cattle was 8.40 mmol/l, which was similar to the values observed in lactic acidosis. The higher activities of plasma LDH, MDH and AST may indicate slight liver damage by slightly acidotic conditions in Korean beef cattle. New Zealand beef cattle fed on pasture which they harvest by grazing showed significantly lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, lactate and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities than those in Korean and Japanese beef cattle fed on larger amount of concentrate diets. Plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism‐related enzyme activities may be good indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions of beef cattle raised by different feeding systems.     

Construction and validation of a Parkinson's disease mutation genotyping array for the Parkin gene.

Parkin mutations account for the majority of familial and sporadic early onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) cases with a known genetic association. More than 100 mutations have been described in the Parkin gene that includes homozygous, compound heterozygous, and single heterozygous mutations. We have designed a Parkin mutation genotyping array (gene chip) that includes published Parkin sequence variants and allows their simultaneous detection. The chip was validated by screening 85 PD cases and 47 controls previously tested for Parkin mutations. Similar genotyping microarrays have been developed for other genetically heterogeneous diseases including age-related macular degeneration. Here, we show the utility of a genotyping array for Parkinson's disease by analysis of 60 subjects from the Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson Disease (GEPD) study that includes 15 early-onset PD case probands and 45 relatives.     

1,6—二磷酸果糖对手术后应激病人应用全肠外营养支持效果的影响

本文在胃癌行全胃或胃大部切除术引起的中等程度应激病人，随机分组对比观察了全肠外营养或ＴＰＮ加用１，６－二磷酸果糖的效果。结果显示，与单纯ＴＰＮ相比，ＴＰＮ加用ＦＤＰ后血清皮质醇和胰高血糖素等应激激素水平有所下降，尿中３－甲基组氨酸排出减少，累积氮平衡增加。     

Urban-rural hospital affiliations: assessing control, fit, and stakeholder issues strategically.

Urban-rural hospital affiliations are an outgrowth of both the external pressures on rural hospitals to survive and the need for urban hospitals to maintain or increase their share of the tertiary referral market. This article discusses the significant role of stakeholders in these affiliations, develops a fourfold typology of urban-rural hospital affiliations based on the notions of organizational control and fit, suggests four generic strategies for forming affiliations, and analyzes four actual cases of affiliation.     

Levodopa dose-related fluctuations in presumed olivopontocerebellar atrophy

The parkinsonism that occurs in some patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) can cause diagnostic confusion with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). The response to levodopa is usually a distinguishing feature, the OPCAs either failing to benefit or losing efficacy relatively quickly. A fluctuating response to levodopa in those OPCA patients who do benefit has not been emphasized in the literature previously. Reported here are three patients with presumed OPCA, dominated by parkinsonian features, who eventually developed typical fluctuations with morning akinesia, wearing off, and periodic lack of response related to meals. These fluctuations were a major source of disability and an important reason for diagnostic confusion with IPD. The possible mechanisms of these fluctuations are discussed.