UPDATE ON NUTRITION AND PSORIASIS

Background. It has been established that severe psoriasis may lead to nutrient depletion, especially of protein, folate, and iron. Nutrient loss occurs due to the accelerated loss of nutrients from the hyperproliferation and desquamation of the epidermal layer of skin in psoriasis. We have proposed that nutritional support as a secondary form of therapy may be beneficial in aiding some psoriasis patients return to a state of remission. Methods. To determine how frequently nutritional abnormalities occur in hospitalized psoriasis patients, a retrospective analysis was done of the nutritional status of 50 patients admitted for the treatment of psoriasis. Chart records were analyzed and laboratory data were interpreted in consideration of concurrent medical problems. Protein status and anemia were the primary nutritional indicators studied. Results. We found that of those parameters that may be used as indicators of nutritional status, 18% of the patients had a decreased total protein, 16% of the patients had a decreased serum albumin, 38% had an elevated mean corpuscular volume, and 39% had a decreased hematocrit. Conclusions. Our findings support the concept that widespread psoriasis places the patient at risk to develop minor nutritional abnormalities in protein and folate status even when accounting for confounding medications and coexistent diseases.     

EFFECTS OF ETHANOL TREATMENT UPON SOURCES OF REACTWE OXYGEN SPECIES IN BRAIN AND LIVER

Sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation have beencompared in microsomal and niitochondrjal fractions of brainand liver from ethanol-treated and control rats. Rates of ROSgeneration were quantitated with the fluorescent probe precursor,2'7'-dihydrochloroflurescin diacetale, whose validity has beenpreviously established. The production of active pro-oxidantspecies was measured in the presence of various selective inhibitorsof enzymes potentially able to contribute to oxidative events.Several steps in the arachidonic acid cascade appeared to constitutea large fraction of total ROS generating capacity. Chelationof intrinsic iron with desferoxamine greatly reduced such capacity,especially in cerebral tissue. Aldehyde oxidascs were activein generating ROS in both tissues. Inhibition of catalase dramaticallyenhanced ROS in liver but not in brain microsomes. While noethanol-treatment effects were found in brain, there was evidencethat ethanol consumption decreased hepatic levels of catalase,aldehyde oxidases and cyclooxygenase. However, despite thesereductions, total basal ROS production was elevated in liverbut not brain fractions from treated animals. The addition ofan exogenous iron salt enhanced ROS formation to a lesser extentin ethanol-consuming rats than in controls. The elevation ofbasal hepatic ROS levels in ethanol-treated rats may thus becompatible with the release of cytosolic low molecular weightfree iron compounds into the cytosol.     

Pet care during preadolescence: developmental considerations

This exploratory study investigated pet care in relation to psychosocial development during preadolescence. A group of male and female preadolescents (n = 22) at appropriate grade level for age completed a dog care responsibility inventory. The results revealed that preadolescents in general do not routinely care for pets. Mothers appear to assume most pet care tasks.     

Continuous Administration of Low Dose Rates of Physostigmine and Hyoscine to Guinea-pigs Prevents the Toxicity and Reduces the Incapacitation Produced by Soman Poisoning

Abstract— A regime was developed, using mini-osmotic pumps, for the continuous subcutaneous administration of low doses of physostigmine (12.1, 9.7, 4.85 and 2.43 μgh^?1), in combination with hyoscine (1.94 or 0.39 μg h^?1), to guinea-pigs for up to 13 days. Physostigmine, in combination with hyoscine, inhibited plasma Cholinesterase, and red blood cell and brain acetylcholinesterase, in a concentration-dependent manner, did not affect the normal growth rate of guinea-pigs, and produced no obvious signs of poisoning. A dose rate of 4.85 μg h^?1 physostigmine and 1.94 μg h^?1 hyoscine was required to inhibit red cell acetylcholinesterase by 30% and brain acetylcholinesterase by 5–15%, with an accompanying plasma hyoscine concentration of 700–850 pg mL^?1. There was an apparent decline in red cell acetylcholinesterase activity during the 13 days. Hyoscine levels were higher in the cholinergic-rich areas of the brain than in the plasma. Continuous pretreatment (1 or 6 days) with physostigmine (4.84 μg h^?1) and hyoscine (1.94 μg h^?1) provided complete protection against the lethal effects, and minimized the incapacitation and weight loss produced by soman at a dose equivalent to the LD99 value. Following soman challenge, guinea-pigs exhibited early signs of soman poisoning, but generally these signs of poisoning were minimal by 1–2 h. Extending the pretreatment time to 13 days protected 75% of the guinea-pigs against the lethal effects of soman poisoning. Red cell acetylcholinesterase activity, 24 h after soman poisoning, was higher following continuous pretreatment with physostigmine and hyoscine than after acute treatment with atropine.     

Pacemaker Therapy in the Seventies: Interaction of Patient Age, Time of Implant, and Indications for Pacing

In the 1970s, 707 patients received a primary pacemaker implant in our hospital. An analysis of the indications for pacemaker therapy revealed that one-third had third degree heart block, one-third had sick sinus syndrome and one-third had other indications. The distribution of indications was identical in all age groups. Furthermore, this distribution did not change from the first half of the decade to the second.     

Microbiology: Development of an In-vitro Model to Study the Growth Characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

An in-vitro model of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been developed which integrates the parameters of environmental gaseous tension, the changing biochemical profile of the dialysate, and the periodic challenge of fresh fluid. Dwell times of 4 h during the day and 10 h at night were used to reflect the in-vivo situation. Biochemical analysis of dialysate within the model showed that the profiles for creatinine, glucose and protein approximated those found in patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis growing in synthetic dialysis effluent or pooled dialysis fluid were seen to adapt rapidly to the environment after an initial lag phase; a tendency to aggregate together increased over the 50-h period of operation. In conclusion, the results presented here suggest that this in-vitro model creates an environment which is reflective of the in-vivo situation and therefore has potential for the study of peritonitis in CAPD.     

Erythema nodosum and Hodgkin's disease

Three patients with unexplained recurrent erythema nodosum were found to have Hodgkin's disease. The latter diagnosis should be considered in patients with unexplained recurrent erythema nodosum.