Meal frequency and timing in health and disease

Although major research efforts have focused on how specific components of foodstuffs affect health, relatively little is known about a more fundamental aspect of diet, the frequency and circadian timing of meals, and potential benefits of intermittent periods with no or very low energy intakes. The most common eating pattern in modern societies, three meals plus snacks every day, is abnormal from an evolutionary perspective. Emerging findings from studies of animal models and human subjects suggest that intermittent energy restriction periods of as little as 16 h can improve health indicators and counteract disease processes. The mechanisms involve a metabolic shift to fat metabolism and ketone production, and stimulation of adaptive cellular stress responses that prevent and repair molecular damage. As data on the optimal frequency and timing of meals crystalizes, it will be critical to develop strategies to incorporate those eating patterns into health care policy and practice, and the lifestyles of the population.     

Susceptibility to pre-eclampsia is associated with multiple genetic polymorphisms in maternal biotransformation enzymes

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Probably no single gene is responsible for pre-eclampsia, but the disease merely is the result of polymorphisms in several genes in association with environmental factors. We therefore studied the simultaneous occurrence of several genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes in women who had developed pre- eclampsia, either with or without the HELLP syndrome, in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS: The results of two previous studies on genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases P1, M1 and T1, epoxide hydrolase (EPHX) and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) in 167 women with a history of pre-eclampsia and in 110 controls were combined. chi(2) analyses were used for statistical evaluation of the number of polymorphisms between cases and controls. RESULTS: There was a significant association with the number of genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, pointing at an increased toxification or decreased detoxification, in women with a history of pre-eclampsia, as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Women withthe simultaneous occurrence of two or more genetic polymorphisms in the above-mentioned biotransformation enzymes, most probably resulting in a disturbed detoxification capacity, may be at increased risk for pre-eclampsia.     

Novel water-soluble block copolymers of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and dihydroxypropyl methacrylate

In this publication we describe the synthesis and properties of a novel type of block copolymer. The anionically synthesised block copolymer consists of a neutral, watersoluble block (2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate, HMA) and a pH-dependently charged one (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, AMA). The adsorption on silica and its effect on the colloidal stability were evaluated. The adsorbed amount is mainly determined by the electrostatics, which leads to a maximum adsorbed amount at low AMA content. The block copolymers tend to destabilise colloidal silica, due to a charge neutralisation upon adsorption, which is not compensated by the formation of a steric layer.     

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva: a case report and review of literature

Background Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare vulvovaginal mesenchymal neoplasm with a marked tendency to local recurrence but which usually does not metastasize. Case report We describe a case of AA in the left labium majus pudendi in a 47-year-old woman who underwent incomplete surgical excision. Follow-up 2 years later revealed no recurrence. Conclusion In the past, most authors advocated wide excision even if genitourinary and digestive tract resection were necessary. These days, a less radical surgery is recommended, but the significance of hormonal treatment and/or radiation therapy is not clear yet. Further investigation is necessary.     

Safety and effectiveness of Colpexin Sphere in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

Our objective was to determine the safety and effectiveness of Colpexin Sphere in women with advanced genital prolapse. A total of 39 subjects were enrolled in our prospective multicenter clinical trial, and 27 completed the full 16-week assessment. At baseline, subjects were fitted with a sphere, instructed on insertion and removal, and educated on a regimen of pelvic floor muscle exercises performed with the device in place. Efficacy was evaluated by a baseline vs 16-week comparison of pelvic organ prolapse staging and pelvic floor muscle strength assessment. Safety evaluation included, but was not limited to, an assessment of vaginal mucosal integrity. Subjects also completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. Improvement in the prolapse of at least one vaginal segment was seen in 81.5% of the subjects, while 63% exhibited improved muscle function on digital examination at 16 weeks. Twenty-five (92.6%) would recommend the device to treat prolapse, and most found it easy to insert (96.3%) and remove (100%). In short-term usage, problems with urination (29.6%) and defecation (72%) were reported, primarily due to device displacement. Two subjects developed superficial vaginal mucosal ulceration, which resolved spontaneously. No significant adverse events were reported.