Protein-induced alterations in murine hepatic α-aminoadipate δ-semialdehyde synthase activity are mediated posttranslationally

The molecular mechanisms responsible for alterations in lysine α-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) activity are unknown. Therefore, the aim of these studies was to discern the mechanism(s) responsible for induction of hepatic LKR activity in rodents fed excess dietary protein. Four studies were conducted that used 84 mice. Mice were fed either a high-protein (50% casein) or adequate-protein (20% casein) diet in powder form in study 1 and a high-protein (46% casein) or adequate-protein (21% casein) diet in pellet form in the remaining studies. No significant differences in weight gain between the mice fed the different diets were detected. As expected, mice fed high-protein diets had a greater (P < .05) LKR activity in all 4 experiments. Mice fed high- and adequate-protein diets for 8 days showed no difference (P > .1) in α-aminoadipate δ-semialdehyde synthase (AASS) mRNA in experiment 1. However, after pooling the data from the remaining 3 experiments, mice receiving the high-protein diet had greater (P < .05) AASS mRNA compared to mice fed the adequate protein diet. In this investigation, no differences (P > .1) in AASS protein abundance were detected. The results are consistent with a mechanism in which posttranslational regulation is responsible for hepatic induction of LKR activity in mice fed high-protein diets.     

Long-term antigen challenge results in progressively diminished mucosal mast cell degranulation in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effects of short-term antigenic activation of mast cells on the gastrointestinal tract have been well characterized, but little is known about the effects of long-term exposure to antigen on mucosal mast cell reactivity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long-term antigen exposure on mucosal mast cell reactivity in the gastrointestinal mucosa. METHODS: Rats sensitized to chicken ovalbumin were orally challenged (short-term or long-term) with antigen. Rat mast cell protease II (RMCP-II) content was measured in serum as an index of mucosal mast cell degranulation. RESULTS: Short- term oral antigen challenge caused a 30-fold increase in serum RMCP-II levels. RMCP-II release was markedly diminished in long term-challenged rats (P < 0.001), despite increased tissue RMCP-II levels in stomach and jejunum. Although short-term antigen challenge significantly increased gastric acid secretion, no such response was observed after the long-term antigen challenge. In rats undergoing long-term challenge, a significant release of RMCP-II in response to intravenous antigen was not observed; however, mucosal mast cells remained responsive to intravenous anti-immunoglobulin E. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated activation of mucosal mast cells results in a progressive diminution of RMCP-II release not attributable to depletion of this mediator. This may represent an adaptive response aimed at minimizing the potentially deleterious effects of repeated exposure to an antigen. (Gastroenterology 1996 Dec;111(6):1516-23)     

Late recovery in cerebral fat embolism

Fat embolism syndrome presenting primarily with cerebral manifestations is rarely reported. We report here two such patients who showed complete recovery following initial deterioration. The aim of these reports is to highlight that prolonged intensive care and good rehabilitation can lead to normal neurologic recovery despite poor clinical picture initially. The importance of adequate oxygenation to prevent secondary brain damage is emphasized during prolonged recovery.     

Fehlstellungen der Hüfte

Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde - Fehlstellungen der Hüfte sind bei Kindern und Jugendlichen gut an einem hinkenden Gang, an der Rumpfasymmetrie im Stand sowie an einem seitendifferenten aktiven...     

Emerging wearable technology applications in gastroenterology: A review of the literature

The field of gastroenterology has recently seen a surge in wearable technology to monitor physical activity, sleep quality, pain, and even gut activity. The past decade has seen the emergence of wearable devices including Fitbit, Apple Watch, AbStats, and ingestible sensors. In this review, we discuss current and future devices designed to measure sweat biomarkers, steps taken, sleep efficiency, gastric electrical activity, stomach pH, and intestinal contents. We also summarize several clinical studies to better understand wearable devices so that we may assess their potential benefit in improving healthcare while also weighing the challenges that must be addressed.