Amount and distribution of dietary protein affects clinical response to levodopa in Parkinson's disease

Reducing dietary protein improves the effectiveness of levodopa (LD) but the most effective distribution of a low-protein diet (0.8 g/kg) is unclear. We compared a 1.6 g/kg protein diet, a 0.8 g/kg diet with protein evenly distributed between meals, and a 0.8 g/kg diet with protein restricted to the evening meal in 5 parkinsonian patients with motor fluctuations. We monitored clinical response, plasma LD, and plasma large amino acids (LNAAs) hourly throughout the day. Mean "on" times were 51% (1.6 g/kg diet), 67% (0.8 g/kg evenly distributed), and 77% (0.8 g/kg restricted). Hourly averages of plasma LD did not differ between the diets. The mean plasma LNAAs were 732 nmol/ml (1.6 g/kg diet), 640 (0.8 g/kg distributed), and 542 (0.8 g/kg restricted), and the diurnal pattern reflected the distribution of protein intake. In conclusion, the amount and distribution of dietary protein affect clinical response to LD. These effects are not related to LD absorption but are explained by the variation in plasma LNAAs.     

Detection and characterisation of human astroviruses in children with acute gastroenteritis in Blantyre,Malawi

In a 2-year hospital-based study of paediatric gastroenteritis in Blantyre, Malawi, astroviruses were detected by enzyme immunoassay in 15 (1.9%) of 786 inpatients and in 9 (2.3%) of 400 outpatients. Greater disease severity was noted in children coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Six human astrovirus (HAstV) genotypes were identified, including HAstV-1 (25%), HAstV-2 (21%), HAstV-3 (25%), HAstV-4 (13%), HAstV-5 (4%), and HAstV-8 (13%). Although astroviruses are not major causes of gastroenteritis among children admitted to hospital in Blantyre, concomitant HIV infection appears to be a risk factor for increased severity of disease.     

Amino acid sequences of myosin essential and regulatory light chains from two clam species: Comparison with other molluscan myosin light chains

Summary We have determined the amino acid sequences of the essential light chains (ELC) and regulatory light chains (RLC) of myosin from two species of clam,Mercenaria mercenaria andMacrocallista nimbosa, using protein chemistry methods. The N-termini of all four proteins were blocked, and sequencing was carried out on various chemically and enzymatically produced peptide fragments. Cleavage of eitherMercenaria RLC (MRLC) orMacrocallista RLC (VLC) at its 3 Arg yielded four peptides, three of which could not be sequenced directly, due to an N-terminal blocking group and 2 Arg-Gln bonds in these proteins. The fourth peptide was partially and specifically cleaved at an unusually reactive residue, Met-64, which is invariant in all known RLC sequences. A comparison of all available molluscan ELC and RLC sequences was carried out in search of clues to functionally important features of these proteins in muscles which are regulated by a Ca²⁺-sensitive myosin. By analogy with other RLCs, VRLC and MRLC may be phosphorylated at Ser-11 by an endogenous kinase. All myosin light chains, like troponin C and calmodulin, contain four homologous regions, I to IV, each of which contains a twelve-residue potential Ca²⁺-binding loop flanked on either side by a pair of helices. All RLCs, including those from Ca²⁺-insensitive myosins, contain a divalent cation-binding site in region I. Clam and other molluscan ELCs contain a single Ca²⁺-binding site in region III. This site is present only in the ELCs of myosins that are regulated by direct binding of Ca²⁺. The ELC site III is likely to play a key role in the regulation of molluscan muscle contraction.     

Sexuality and people with intellectual disabilities: A historical perspective

Until the 1960s, the sexuality of people with mental retardation was handled by denial and suppression. The eugenics movement of 1880–1940 led to forced mass sterilization and the segregation of these members of our society. The civil rights movement and the sexual revolution were among the catalysts for change as was the move toward normalization and deinstitutionalization of people with mental retardation. In the last 25 years, parents and professionals have begun to work together to find ways to help mentally handicapped individuals to understand their sexuality and to engage in appropriate self-affirming sexual behaviors. We have established goals, guidelines, and curricula for sexuality education. We have trained parents and staff and developed policies for handling sensitive issues, such as sterilization and problematic sexual expression. The AIDS epidemic has provided new impetus for improving education and training in this emerging field.A.C.S.W.Private practice (as a consultant, lecturer, and trainer in sexuality and mental retardation).     

Pigment vs cholesterol cholelithiasis: Comparison of stone and bile composition

This report presents a comparative study of gallstone and gallbladder bile composition from 100 unselected American patients, 23 with pigment and 77 with cholesterol cholelithiasis. Cholesterol stones were predominantly composed of cholesterol, whereas pigment stones were mainly composed of an unidentified residue, bilirubin, and bile salts. The residue in pigment stones was not calcium bilirubinate, which sharply contrasts with the composition of bile pigment calcium stones found in Japanese subjects. Bile composition of the two groups differed in that the cholesterol content of biles surrounding pigment stones was significantly less than that of biles surrounding cholesterol stones. Bilirubin in biles was conjugated, but the pigment extracted from stones was unconjugated bilirubin. This study indicates that (1) pigment stones account for an appreciable percentage of gallstone specimens found at cholecystectomy, and (2) pigment stone formation involves the precipitation of bilirubin, bile salts, and unidentified material which is not calcium bilirubinate.Presented at the meetings of the American Federation of Clinical Research, April 29, 1973, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Supported in part by NIH grant AM 14543. Dr. Trotman is a former NIH trainee under NIH grant AM 05462 and currently a recipient of a Macy Foundation Faculty Fellowship.     

Benefits of the Restorative Exercise and Strength Training for Operational Resilience and Excellence Yoga Program for Chronic Low Back Pain in Service Members: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an individualized yoga program.