Metabolism, sister chromatid exchanges, and DNA single-strand breaks induced by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and their modulation by vitamin A in vitro

The nicotine-derived N-nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1- butanone (NNK) is abundant in smokeless tobacco and tobacco smoke and is hepatocarcinogenic in F344 rats. We have investigated how vitamin A modulates sister chromatid exchanges and DNA single-strand breaks induced by NNK. In V79 cells, vitamin A at concentrations ranging from 34.9 to 139.6 microM inhibited sister chromatid exchange frequencies induced by 20 mM NNK activated by primary rat hepatocytes. Sister chromatid exchanges were inhibited by 24, 44, and 55% when cells were cotreated with 34.9, 69.8, and 139.6 microM vitamin A, respectively. DNA single-strand breaks induced by NNK in rat hepatocytes were also inhibited by vitamin A. After 9 h of elution, DNA single-strand breaks induced by 1, 5, and 10 mM NNK were inhibited by 13, 5, and 3.5% in the presence of 69.8 microM vitamin A, respectively. This protective effect by vitamin A was associated with a reduction of alpha-carbon hydroxylation, an activation pathway of NNK. This pathway was inhibited by 50% when cells were cotreated with 3.49 microM vitamin A. The reduction in the hepatic microsomal aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and N,N-dimethyl aniline N-demethylase in the presence of vitamin A (0.035 to 0.35 microM) suggests that vitamin A could reduce NNK genotoxicity by inhibiting the enzymes involved in the activation process.     

Re-assessing accumulated oxygen deficit in middle-distance runners

The purpose of this study was to re-assess the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD), incorporating recent methodological improvements i.e., 4 min submaximal tests spread above and below the lactate threshold (LT). We Investigated the Influence of the VO2 -speed regression, on the precision of the estimated total energy demand and AOD. utilising different numbers of regression points and including measurement errors. Seven trained middle-distance runners (mean +/- SD age: 25.3 +/- 5.4y, mass: 73.7 +/- 4.3kg. VO2max 64.4 +/- 6.1 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed a VO2max, LT, 10 x 4 min exercise tests (above and below LT) and high-intensity exhaustive tests. The VO2 -speed regression was developed using 10 submaximal points and a forced y-intercept value. The average precision (measured as the width of 95% confidence Interval) for the estimated total energy demand using this regression was 7.8mL O2 Eq x kg(-1) x min(-1). There was a two-fold decrease in precision of estimated total energy demand with the Inclusion of measurement errors from the metabolic system. The mean AOD value was 43.3 mL O2 Eq x kg(-1) (upper and lower 95% CI 32.1 and 54.5mL o2 Eq x kg(-1) respectively). Converting the 95% CI for estimated total energy demand to AOD or including maximum possible measurement errors amplified the error associated with the estimated total energy demand. No significant difference in AOD variables were found, using 10,4 or 2 regression points with a forced y-intercept. For practical purposes we recommend the use of 4 submaximal values with a y-intercept. Using 95% CIs and calculating error highlighted possible error in estimating AOD. Without accurate data collection, increased variability could decrease the accuracy of the AOD as shown by a 95% CI of the AOD.     

A PIL for every ill? Patient information leaflets (PILs): a review of past, present and future use

This article reviews the usefulness and importance of written information, specifically leaflets, being given to patients. Evidence suggesting how both patient and doctor may benefit from the giving of written information is reviewed. Identification of good practice relating to the content and readability of leaflets is discussed. An argument is put forward that the giving of written information is an under-utilized resource in contributing to improving patient outcomes but that this may be changing with the increasing use of patient leaflet databases. The advantages and disadvantages of computer- generated patient leaflets are discussed and desirable further areas of research on computer-generated leaflets are proposed.