Nutritional status of teenage female competitive figure skaters

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of female competitive figure skaters during preseason, competitive season, and off-season. SUBJECTS: Eighteen female competitive figure skaters, age range 14 to 16 years, from the New England region. STATISTICS: Data was analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance, Duncan Multiple Range Tests, one-sample t tests, and confidence intervals. DESIGN: Nutrient intakes were determined from 3-day diet records. Body composition was assessed through heights, weights, and underwater weighing. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of selected indexes of nutritional status. RESULTS: Height and weight did not differ significantly among the seasons. Body fat was 1.1 kg higher off-season compared with preseason. Energy intake over the 3 seasons did not vary significantly (mean preseason: 1,678 kcal/day; competitive season, 1,630 kcal/day; off-season: 1,673 kcal/day) (P>.05). During the competitive season 78%, 50%, and 44% of the skaters had intakes less than 67% of RDA for folate, iron, and calcium, respectively. Most of the biochemical indexes of nutritional status were within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that teenage female skaters have relatively low energy intake and inadequate intakes of certain nutrients, which may account for some of the observed seasonal variations in blood markers of nutritional status. These findings point to the need for nutrition education for these athletes, especially during their competitive season when nutritional status may be compromised.     

Selective loss of chromosome 11 in pheochromocytomas associated with the VHL syndrome

By using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we characterized the genetic profiles of 36 VHL-related pheochromocytomas. We then compared the results with those of sporadic and MEN 2-related pheochromocytomas. In 36 VHL-related tumors, loss of chromosome 3 and chromosome 11 were found in 34 tumors (94%) and 31 tumors (86%), respectively. There was significant concordance of deletions in chromosomes 3 and 11 (Kappa=0.64, P=0.0095), suggesting that they are involved in two different but necessary and complementary genetic pathways. The loss of chromosome 11 appeared to be specific for VHL-related pheochromocytoma as it was not present in any of the 10 VHL-related CNS hemangioblastomas studied and was significantly less common when compared with (a) sporadic pheochromocytomas from previously published results (13%; P=<0.0001), and (b) MEN 2-related pheochromocytomas from this and previously published studies (30%; P=0.0012). In summary, this is the first report of a novel consistent genetic alteration that is selected and specific for VHL-related pheochromocytoma, besides the two hits of the VHL gene.     

Vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania: the impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy on coverage

Background  

Efficient delivery strategies for health interventions are essential for high and sustainable coverage. We report impact of a change in programmatic delivery strategy from routine delivery through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI+) approach to twice-yearly mass distribution campaigns on coverage of vitamin A supplementation in Tanzania     

A new amino acid mixture permits new approaches to the treatment of phenylketonuria

A new amino acid mixture for incorporation into medical foods for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia has been tested in a regular clinic. The mix is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, consistent with good nutrition. After more than 1 year of trial as a beverage, we have shown that it is safe and well tolerated but that plasma phenylalanine is no better controlled than with some other products. The mix can be incorporated into a large number of different foods without affecting the taste. Occult monitoring of the quantity of medical foods purchased compared with the amounts reported to be consumed in diet histories provides an excellent way to monitor dietary compliance.     

Optimization of coplanar six-field techniques for conformal radiotherapy of the prostate

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal coplanar treatment technique for six-field conformal radiotherapy of prostate only (PO) or prostate plus seminal vesicles (PSV). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A series of 6-MV six-field coplanar treatment plans were created for PO and PSV volumes in 10 patients prescribed to both 64 and 74 Gy. All plans consisted of laterally-symmetric anterior oblique, lateral, and posterior oblique fields. The posterior oblique fields were varied through 20-45 degrees relative to the lateral fields, and for each of these angles, the anterior oblique fields were varied through 25-65 degrees relative to lateral. The plans were compared by means of rectal volumes irradiated to 80% or more of the prescribed dose (V80); normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for rectum, bladder, and femoral heads; and tumor control probability (TCP). Femoral head tolerance was designated as 52 Gy to no more than 10% volume. RESULTS: For the PO group, anterior oblique fields at 50 degrees from lateral and posterior oblique fields at 25 degrees from lateral produced the lowest V80, together with femoral head doses which were appropriate for most patients (V80 = 24.4+/-5.3% [1 SD]). Compared to a commonly-used six-field (reference) plan with both anterior and posterior oblique fields at 35 degrees from lateral (V80 = 26.3+/-5.9%), this represented an improvement (p = 0.001). For the PSV group, the optimal anterior and posterior oblique fields were at 65 degrees and 30 degrees from lateral, respectively (V80 = 47.5+/-6.3%). Relative to the reference plan (V80 = 49.4+/-5.6%), this was a marginal improvement (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The optimized six-field plans provide increased rectal sparing at both standard and escalated doses. Moreover, the gain in TCP resulting from dose escalation can be achieved with a smaller increase in rectal NTCP using the optimized six-field plans.     

Single-dose pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of oral cibenzoline

The pharmacokinetics of cibenzoline were evaluated in four young healthy volunteers who received ascending oral doses of 65, 97.5, 130, 162.5, 195, 227.5, and 260 mg separated by one week. Cibenzoline plasma concentrations exhibited an apparent biexponential decline following oral absorption. Maximum plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-time curve increased in proportion to the dose. The mean elimination half-life among subjects was independent of dose and ranged from 7.3 to 8.7 hours. Oral clearance ranged from 380 to 575 ml/min and was also independent of dose. A single pharmacokinetic equation was used to adequately describe the plasma concentration data over the entire range of doses for each subject, indicating dose-proportional and linear pharmacokinetics.     

Supraacetabular insufficiency fractures

Insufficiency fractures in the supraacetabular region were identified in five women, aged 55-83 years. Factors contributing to the diminished resistance of their bones included postmenopausal osteoporosis, steroid therapy, radiation therapy, and rheumatoid arthritis. The supraacetabular fractures were seen on routine radiographs as hazy bands of sclerosis located immediately above and parallel to the acetabular roof. All five patients had additional fractures in the spine or pelvis. Supraacetabular insufficiency fractures may be an unsuspected cause of hip pain, especially in older women.