Mean Weight Increase Research Articles

Evaluation of the antiretroviral activity of a new polyherbal drug (Immu-25) in patients with HIV infection.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a new polyherbal preparation, Immu-25, in HIV-infected patients. 36 patients (10 female, 26 male) with a mean age of 35 +/-10 years, with confirmed HIV infection with a CD4 count <500 cells/microL, received two capsules of the test drug twice daily for 18 months in this open-label pilot study. Patients were evaluated at monthly intervals for general signs and symptoms, development of opportunistic infections, and changes in weight and performance index. Lymphocyte phenotyping and routine haematological, biochemical, hepatic and renal parameters were recorded after every 6 months of drug therapy. Viral load was evaluated before and after every 6 months of treatment. The polyherbal test preparation produced good symptomatic improvement within 6 months. There was an increase in mean (95% CI) weight from 58 (53-64)kg to 63 (56-69)kg, 64 (58-72)kg and 68 (62-74)kg after 6, 12 and 18 months of treatment, respectively. The incidence and severity of symptoms such as diarrhoea, fatigue, anorexia, cough and fever decreased with drug treatment. There was a decrease in the mean (95% CI) viral load from 326 438 (428 600-186 420) copies/mL to 180 495 (258 300-124 000) copies/mL and 22 069 (42 100-16 000) copies/mL after 6 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. The decrease in viral load was associated with an increase in mean (95% CI) CD4 count from a baseline of 243 (203-388) cells/microL to 336 (263-486) cells/microL after 6 months of therapy, and this continued to rise to 527 (285-767) cells/microL (p < 0.001) and 618 (362-1012) cells/microL (p < 0.001) after 12 and 18 months of treatment, respectively. With the exception of mild gastrointestinal adverse effects, the drug was well tolerated. Both patients and investigators rated the treatment as good or very good. The polyherbal drug Immu-25 showed a favourable effect in patients with HIV infection. The test drug decreased the mean viral load, which was associated with good symptomatic improvement and an increase in the mean CD4 cell count. On the basis of these data, it can be concluded that this herbal drug may have a good immunomodulatory effect and has potential as a co-therapeutic agent in the management of HIV infection. Further studies are warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential.

Oral administration of lipopolysaccharide to Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) fry. Uptake, distribution, influence on growth and immune stimulation

Atlantic salmon fry were fed Aeromonas salmonicida lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-coated feed for 62 days and then challenged with virulent A. salmonicida bacteria. The fry were fed LPS-coated feed also after challenge. Fry that were fed LPS feed (0.1% LPS) showed a higher mortality throughout the challenge period (accumulated mortality of 57% after 42 days) compared with fry fed control feed (accumulated mortality of 36.5% after 42 days). Fry receiving LPS-coated feed showed an increase in mean weight of 10.7% at day 62 compared with fry receiving control feed. The increase was, however, not statistically significant. Sixty days of feeding with LPS-coated feed did not result in measurable amounts of specific antibodies against A. salmonicida LPS in the homogenised fry. The total amount of immunoglobulins (Igs) was, however, slightly increased. Studies of immunohistochemical localisation and radioactive LPS distribution revealed high levels of LPS in the intestinal epithelial cells. Head kidney, liver and heart showed low levels of radioactivity and no immunohistochemical staining. In another set of experiments, Atlantic salmon fry were fed LPS-coated feed (0.03% and 0.01%, respectively) for 64 days and then challenged with A. salmonicida and Vibrio anguillarum. The accumulated mortality in fry challenged with A. salmonicida was 40.9%, 34.3% and 30.8% after feeding 0.03% and 0.01% LPS and control feed, respectively. The accumulated mortality in fry challenged with V. anguillarum was 47.0%, 55.0% and 55.1% after feeding 0.03% and 0.01% LPS and control feed, respectively. Fry receiving 0.03% and 0.01% LPS-coated feed showed a statistically significant increase in mean weight at day 64 compared with fry receiving control feed.

Evaluation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines for treatment of intestinal helminth infections among sick children aged 2–4 years in western Kenya

Anthelmintic treatment of sick preschool-age children at health facilities is a potentially effective strategy for intestinal helminth control in this age-group. We conducted a study from July 1998 to February 1999 in western Kenya to determine whether the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines' clinical assessment can be used to identify helminth-infected children, and to evaluate the nutritional benefit of treating sick children without pallor with an anthelmintic (mebendazole is already part of IMCI treatment for sick children aged 2–4 years with palmar pallor in areas where hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections are endemic). Sick children aged 2–4 years seen at 3 rural health facilities were clinically evaluated and tested for haemoglobin concentration, malaria parasites, and intestinal helminths. Children without pallor were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 500 mg of mebendazole or a placebo and re-examined 6 months later. Among the 574 children enrolled, 11% had one or more intestinal helminths. Most infections were of light intensity. Selected clinical signs and symptoms available from the IMCI assessment, including palmar pallor and low weight-for-age, were not associated with helminth infection. Six months after enrolment, no differences in growth of children without pallor were observed between the mebendazole ( n = 166) and placebo ( n = 181) groups. However, there was a significantly greater mean increase in weight, height, and weight-for-age Z score among the helminth-infected children in the mebendazole group ( n = 22) as compared with helminth-infected children in the placebo group ( n = 20). We conclude that even lightly infected preschool-age children without palmar pallor benefit from anthelmintic treatment; however, in this study setting of low helminth prevalence and intensity, helminth-infected children could not be identified using the IMCI guidelines. Cost-effectiveness studies are needed to help define helminth prevalence thresholds for routine anthelmintic treatment of sick preschool-age children seen at first-level health facilities.

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency tongue base reduction for sleep-disordered breathing: Long-term outcomes.

Our goal was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of temperature-controlled radiofrequency reduction of the tongue base in sleep-disordered breathing. The 18 patients from our initial pilot study were reevaluated. Clinical examinations, polysomnography (PSG), questionnaires, visual analog scales, and a comparative SF-36 were used to assess long-term outcomes. Sixteen of the original 18 patients completed this study; 2 patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 28 months. There was a mean weight increase of 3.1 +/- 7.9 kg. The original pretreatment Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) was a mean of 39.5 with a mean mean oxygen saturation nadir (LSAT) of 81.9%, and the posttreatment RDI was a mean of 17.8 with a mean LSAT of 88.3%. Follow-up PSG data showed a persistent improvement of the mean Apnea Index compared with pretreatment (5.4 vs 22.1) without significant changes compared with posttreatment (4.1). However, there were changes in the follow-up Hypopnea Index (HI) of 22.9 compared with the pretreatment and posttreatment HI values of 17.4 and 13.6, respectively. This resulted in a relapse of the RDI from a posttreatment value of 17.8 to 28.7. The LSAT also worsened from 88.3% to 85.8%. However, there was no significant deterioration in the quality-of-life measurements by SF-36 or in daytime sleepiness by Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The success of temperature-controlled radiofrequency tongue base reduction for sleep-disordered breathing may reduce with time. PSG demonstrated that long-term relapse is primarily reflected in the HI without significant detrimental effects on the patient's quality of life (SF-36) and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Continual evaluation of this treatment modality is warranted.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Product R, a Peptide-Nucleic Acid Immunomodulator, in the Treatment of Adults Infected with HIV

Objective: The efficacy of Product R, a nontoxic peptide-nucleic acid, was tested in 43 HIV-infected adults naÏve to antiretroviral therapy. Method: Patients were randomized to receive Product R (21 patients) or placebo (22 patients). Dosage was two 1 mL subcutaneous injections daily on days 1-14, followed by 1 mL daily on days 22-28, 36-42, and 50-56. The follow-up period lasted until day 120. Results: Mean root CD4 count increased in the Product R group during treatment and was significantly higher (p = .013) by the end of follow-up. Four Product R-treated patients, but none of the control patients, experienced declines in viral load of >0.5 log. At the end of follow-up, the Product R group experienced a mean weight increase (p = .003), whereas the placebo group experienced a mean weight loss. The number of deaths and opportunistic infections were lower in the Product R group than in the placebo group (p = .076). No toxic effects were observed in any of the patients administered Product R. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Product R may have efficacy in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Product R, a Peptide-Nucleic Acid Immunomodulator, in the Treatment of Adults Infected with HIV

Objective: The efficacy of Product R, a nontoxic peptide-nucleic acid, was tested in 43 HIV-infected adults naÏve to antiretroviral therapy. Method: Patients were randomized to receive Product R (21 patients) or placebo (22 patients). Dosage was two 1 mL subcutaneous injections daily on days 1-14, followed by 1 mL daily on days 22-28, 36-42, and 50-56. The follow-up period lasted until day 120. Results: Mean root CD4 count increased in the Product R group during treatment and was significantly higher (p = .013) by the end of follow-up. Four Product R-treated patients, but none of the control patients, experienced declines in viral load of >0.5 log. At the end of follow-up, the Product R group experienced a mean weight increase (p = .003), whereas the placebo group experienced a mean weight loss. The number of deaths and opportunistic infections were lower in the Product R group than in the placebo group (p = .076). No toxic effects were observed in any of the patients administered Product R. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Product R may have efficacy in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals.

Response to within family selection for body weight in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromisniloticus) using a single-trait animal model

Within-family selection for improved growth at 16-weeks was undertaken on Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) from 1986 to 1996. Data from 12 generations of selection were analyzed by a single trait Restricted Maximum Likelihood fitting an animal model. The heritability in the base population was estimated as 0.385. A genetic response for body weight was found with an expected mean increase in body weight per generation of 2.2 g or about 12.4%. A realized heritability estimate of 0.14 was obtained based on the regression of mean breeding values on cumulative selection differentials after 12 generations. The inbreeding coefficient was 6.3% after 12 generations with an average inbreeding of 0.525% per generation. The family rotational mating used to propagate the families was effective in keeping the inbreeding rate to a minimum even at high selection intensities. High selection intensities and the relatively high heritability for body weight at 16 weeks resulted in substantial response using the within-family selection method.

Evaluation of plasma levels of renin-aldosterone and blood pressure in women over 35 years treated with new oral contraceptives

Increases in blood pressure and weight are consequences of increased fluid retention following oral contraceptives administration. Hypertension and weight increase are particularly frequent in women over 35 years of age. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and hormonal effects of a new extra-low dose oral contraceptive [15 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 60 μg gestodene (GSD)] on the renin-aldosterone system in a group of women aged 35–39 years treated for 3 months compared with a formulation containing the same hormones at a higher dose. Eighteen healthy women, age 35–39 years, were divided into two groups. The first group (10 women) used Arianna®, Schering, 15 μg EE/60 μg GSD (EE15/GSD60); the second group (8 women) used Fedra®, Schering, 20 μg EE/75 μg GSD (EE20/GSD75). Blood samples were obtained before the study and after 3 months of contraceptive use for assay of renin and aldosterone. Blood pressure was also measured on both occasions. No significant changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) or plasma concentrations of aldosterone were observed between the two groups after 3 months of contraceptive use. The mean increase in body weight after 3 months of contraceptive use was 350 ± 100 g for EE20/GSD75 and 300 ± 50 g for EE15/GSD60. There was a mean increase of 4 mm Hg for systolic pressure and 2 mm Hg for diastolic pressure in women on EE20/GSD75 and corresponding increases of 3 and 2 mm Hg in women on EE15/GSD60. The changes were not significant in any case. The results of the present study show that the formulations were well tolerated and provided good control of the menstrual cycle in all 18 women. The contraceptive formulations EE20/GSD75 and EE15/GSD60 have no clinical impact on blood pressure, PRA, or aldosterone in this age group.

News round‐up from the diabetes world

News round‐up from the diabetes world

Folinic acid protects against suppression of growth by methotrexate in mice.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether folinic acid supplementation would protect young mice against suppression of growth by methotrexate (MTX). Four equal groups of Balb/c young male mice (5 animals in each group; mean+/-SD body weight 9.64+/-0.85 g, in their rapid growth phase) were subjected to the following drug treatment: One group was given MTX (3.5 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally on every 2nd day, another received folinic acid (7.0 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally every 2nd day. The third group was given both of these drugs (MTX on every 2nd day and folinic acid 8 h post-MTX injection). The fourth group was injected with physiological saline every other day to serve as a control group. Total body weight, food and water consumption by animals in each group were monitored every second day for a period of 3 weeks. After this period mice were sacrificed and liver, spleen and kidneys were excised, weighed and analyzed for MTX and dihydrofolate reductase activity. A small segment of the proximal part of small intestine and small pieces of liver and kidney were also removed to study morphological changes. Compared to the groups, which received folinic acid alone, folinic acid plus MTX or physiological saline, mean increase in body weight (6.8+/-0.8 g) of mice over a period of 3 weeks was minimal in the group receiving MTX alone (one-way ANOVA p=0.0001). The mean weights of liver and kidney in this group receiving MTX alone were also found to be significantly less than the mean weights of these organs in the 3 groups (p<0.001). The negative effect on growth of animals appears not only due to malabsorption but inhibition of pathway of de novo DNA synthesis may also be involved. This is supported by loss of villous pattern in small intestine of mice treated with MTX alone and increased accumulation of free MTX and decreased dihydrofolate reductase in the liver of the group receiving MTX alone as compared with the group receiving MTX plus folinic acid. The data indicate that the administration of folinic acid protects mice against suppression of growth by MTX. On the basis of these observations it can be deduced that patients suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving MTX over a long period of time might be at a risk of experiencing short-term suppression of growth, however they could benefit from supplementation with folinic acid.

Smoking or its cessation does not alter the susceptibility to in vitro LDL oxidation.

Enhanced induction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation may play a role in the increased cardiovascular risk in smokers. We determined LDL oxidisability in vitro in non-smokers, smokers and in subjects after smoking cessation. Plasma lipids and copper induced LDL oxidation in vitro were measured in 31 persistent smokers, 47 smokers who tried to stop smoking and 25 non-smokers. In the smoking cessation group, blood was collected before then 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after smoking cessation, and in the persistent smoking and non-smoking groups at baseline and after 12 months. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured 3 times (at baseline then after 1 and 3 months) in all subjects who refrained from smoking (controlled by urinary cotinine concentrations) for at least 3 months. At baseline, no differences in mean age, body mass index and lipid profiles between groups were present. Seventeen subjects of the smoking cessation group (36%) managed to quit during 12 months. Smoking cessation was associated with an increase in mean weight (P </= 0.001) and waist-hip ratio (P </= 0.001). No major differences in LDL oxidisability were found between groups. A significant transient increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was seen (from 1.20 +/- 0.39 to 1.34 +/- 0.42 mmol L-1) after 1 month of smoking cessation that disappeared after 3 months. However, after 1 month of smoking cessation, plasma TBARS decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Neither the previously observed increased cardiovascular risk in smokers nor the decreased risk in those who stopped smoking seem to be mediated by permanent changes in lipid profiles or by alterations in the susceptibility to in vitro oxidation of LDL.

Latin American experience with two low–dose oral contraceptives containing 30 μg ethinylestradiol/75 μg gestodene and 20 μg ethinylestradiol/150 μg desogestrel

The objective of this study was to compare cycle control, efficacy and tolerance of an oral contraceptive containing 20 μg ethinylestradiol and 150 μg desogestrel with a preparation containing 30 μg ethinylestradiol combined with 75 μg gestodene. This study involved 342 women and 4104 cycles use in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Contraceptive efficacy was good with both formulations. Two pregnancies occurred in the desogestrel group but were not due to method failure. With respect to cycle control, the incidence of intermenstrual bleeding was higher during the first 3 cycles in the desogestrel group; it was significant (p <0.01) during the first 3 days of the cycle for a normal or heavy bleeding only in the Mexican group. Amenorrhea was not reported for any group, but the incidence of dysmenorrhea was significantly higher (p <0.01) in the Brazilian desogestrel group (13.8%) and was significantly lower (p <0.01) in the Mexican gestodene group (8.5%). Adverse events were similar in all the countries with headache, breast tension, and nausea, the most frequently reported symptoms. The range of mean increase in body weight varied from 0.2 kg in the Argentine group to 2.6 kg in the Chilian group (95% confidence limit, ± 2.51) in the gestodene group, and 0.2 kg in the Argentine group to 2.5 kg in Brazilian group (95% confidence limit, ± 2.36) in the desogestrel group. Fifteen women discontinued because of headache, but there were no significant differences between the groups regarding discontinuation for this and other medical or non-medical reasons. Both oral contraceptive preparations are reliable and well tolerated, and both have favorable effects on control cycle.

Systematic percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy for concomitant radiochemotherapy of advanced head and neck cancer: optimization of therapy.

Wasting is a major complication of advanced head and neck cancer. Concomitant chemotherapy and twice-daily continuous radiotherapy with no acceleration represents a promising treatment modality for these tumors, but increases the risk of mucositis. This report describes the results achieved with percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PFG) and its impact on the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer in terms of their nutritional status. A total of 50 stage IV tumors of the oropharynx and hypopharynx recorded in a prospective database were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were managed by PFG, which was found to be a safe and effective technique with no technical failures. PFG feeding resulted in a mean increase in body weight of 2.5 kg within 3 weeks. The body mass index (BMI) was maintained at 3 and 6 weeks. Minor complications occurred, but no major complications were noted. The overall procedure-related mortality rate was nil. Further prospective investigations are necessary to determine whether treatment of wasting improves patient survival.

Predicting under- and overnutrition among women of reproductive age: a population-based study in central Java, Indonesia.

To evaluate changes over 1 year in weight and body mass index (BMI) among a population-based sample of non-pregnant women in Indonesia and to identify risk factors for developing under- and overnutrition. Cross-sectional studies in 1996 and 1997 in the same population. Purworejo District, central Java, Indonesia. Non-pregnant women (n = 4132) aged 15-49 years of age who participated in both 1996 and 1997. Based on BMI, women were classified as having chronic energy deficiency (CED), and as being either of normal weight or obese. The mean height of the women was below the fifth percentile of international standards. In 1996, 16.2% had CED, 72.2% were normal and 11.6% were obese. In 1997, the corresponding figures were 14.4%, 71.2% and 14.3%, respectively, revealing a significant mean increase in weight and BMI. Among women classified as normal in 1996, 3.0% developed CED in 1997. Significant risk factors for developing CED were experiences of child deaths and non-use of contraceptives. Among women classified as normal in 1996, 5.3% developed obesity in 1997. Here, significant risk factors included most indicators of wealth as well as occupation. The results should be important for future efforts to prevent CED and obesity in the general population; conditions which are both associated with health risks.

Phosphorus, copper and zinc supply levels influence growth and nutrition of a young Populus trichocarpa (Torr. & Gray)×P. deltoides (Bartr. ex Marsh) hybrid.

Growth and nutrient responses of a P.trichocarpa × P. deltoides hybrid to phosphorus(P), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were examined in a 4P× 3Cu × 3Zn factorial experiment conducted in anunheated greenhouse from 20 May until 25 August, 1997. Increase of growth medium P concentration from 37 to356 mg kg-1 resulted in a mean increase in treedry weight of 53%, and increase of P concentrationfrom 37 to 500 mg kg-1 was associated with a stemvolume increase of 47%. Increase from 0 to 0.32 µM Cu in solution applied thrice weekly wasassociated with a 61% increase in tree dry weight anda 59% increase in stem volume. There was also asmaller increase in stem volume (9.4%) resulting fromincrease in concentration of Zn from 0 to 0.31 µMin nutrient solution. Mean minimal leafconcentrations for satisfactory stem growth were foundto be 2.5 g kg-1 P, 2.4 mg kg-1 Cu and 74 mgkg-1Zn. Visual deficiency symptoms wereassociated with mean leaf P concentrations below 1.6 gkg-1, and Cu concentrations below 1.7 mgkg-1. Increase in leaf P concentration wasassociated with decreases in leaf Cu and Znconcentrations, and high leaf Zn appeared tocompensate in some degree for low leaf Cu. Totalplant dry weight was satisfactorily predicted by stemvolume (r2 = 0.85), but not by mean leaf weightor area.

Changes in nutritional status in adults over Christmas 1998

Summary Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests that Christmas often leads to positive energy balance and a deterioration in nutritional status but there have been few studies. Methods: Twenty‐six adults completed anthropometric, blood pressure and total blood cholesterol measurements before and after the Christmas holiday. Results: An increase in mean weight occurred (0.93 kg) despite five subjects being ill. Diastolic blood pressure increased most (8%) with six subjects being classified as mildly hypertensive after Christmas, but only two before. This might be explained by alcohol intake and/or changes in insulin secretion/resistance. Conclusion: Changes consequent upon Christmas and their correction deserve further attention.

Additive effect of indomethacin and methotrexate on suppression of growth in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term effects of methotrexate (MTX) and indomethacin on the growth of young rats. Four equal groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats (four animals in each group; mean+/-S.D. body weight, 183+/-13 g, in their rapid growth phase) were subjected to the following drug treatment: one group was given MTX (0.2 mg kg(-1) body weight) subcutaneously on every fourth day, another received indomethacin (2.5 mg kg(-1) body weight) subcutaneously daily and the third group was given both of these drugs (MTX on every fourth day and indomethacin daily). The fourth group was injected subcutaneously with physiological saline every day to serve as a control group. Total body weight, food and water consumption by animals in each group were monitored every second day for a period of 10 weeks. After this period, liver, spleen and kidneys were excised, weighed and analysed for MTX and dihydrofolate reductase activity. Compared with the groups, which received MTX alone, indomethacin alone, or physiological saline, mean increase (17+/-11 g) in body weight of rats was minimal in the group receiving both MTX and indomethacin. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.001) when the values of mean increase in body weight of rats in different treatment groups after a 10-week treatment were compared. The mean weights of liver and spleen in this group receiving both MTX and indomethacin were also found to be significantly less than the weights of these organs in the control group (p<0.01). There also appears to be a decline in food consumption in this group (p<0.05). This negative effect on growth of animals in this group appears to be not only due to decreased food consumption but also due to increased inhibition of de novo pathway of DNA synthesis. This is supported by increased accumulation of MTX and decreased dihydrofolate reductase activity in this group receiving both MTX and indomethacin, as compared with the group receiving MTX alone. The data indicate an additive effect of MTX and indomethacin on the suppression of growth in young rats, alluding to the notion that patients suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving these two drugs concomitantly over a long period of time might be at a risk of experiencing short-term suppression of growth.

Additive effect of indomethacin and methotrexate on suppression of growth in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term effects of methotrexate (MTX) and indomethacin on the growth of young rats. Four equal groups of Sprague–Dawley male rats (four animals in each group; mean±S.D. body weight, 183±13 g, in their rapid growth phase) were subjected to the following drug treatment: one group was given MTX (0.2 mg kg−1 body weight) subcutaneously on every fourth day, another received indomethacin (2.5 mg kg−1 body weight) subcutaneously daily and the third group was given both of these drugs (MTX on every fourth day and indomethacin daily). The fourth group was injected subcutaneously with physiological saline every day to serve as a control group. Total body weight, food and water consumption by animals in each group were monitored every second day for a period of 10 weeks. After this period, liver, spleen and kidneys were excised, weighed and analysed for MTX and dihydrofolate reductase activity. Compared with the groups, which received MTX alone, indomethacin alone, or physiological saline, mean increase (17±11 g) in body weight of rats was minimal in the group receiving both MTX and indomethacin. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.001) when the values of mean increase in body weight of rats in different treatment groups after a 10-week treatment were compared. The mean weights of liver and spleen in this group receiving both MTX and indomethacin were also found to be significantly less than the weights of these organs in the control group (p<0.01). There also appears to be a decline in food consumption in this group (p<0.05). This negative effect on growth of animals in this group appears to be not only due to decreased food consumption but also due to increased inhibition of de novo pathway of DNA synthesis. This is supported by increased accumulation of MTX and decreased dihydrofolate reductase activity in this group receiving both MTX and indomethacin, as compared with the group receiving MTX alone. The data indicate an additive effect of MTX and indomethacin on the suppression of growth in young rats, alluding to the notion that patients suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving these two drugs concomitantly over a long period of time might be at a risk of experiencing short-term suppression of growth. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sexual dysfunction associated with the treatment of depression: A placebo-controlled comparison of bupropion sustained release and sertraline treatment

This study compared the sexual functioning effects as well as the safety and efficacy of bupropion sustained release (bupropion SR) and sertraline. Three hundred sixty-four patients with normal sexual functioning and recurrent major depression were treated with bupropion SR (150–400 mg/day), sertraline (50–200 mg/day), or placebo for 8 weeks in this randomized, double-blind, multicenter study. Patients' depression, sexual functioning, and overall safety were assessed at regular clinic visits. Significantly (P < 0.05) more patients treated with sertraline experienced orgasm dysfunction compared with patients treated with bupropion SR or placebo. Bupropion SR, but not sertraline, was statistically significantly superior to placebo in improving scores on all depression scales by the end of the study. Headache occurred with similar frequency in all groups. Gastrointestinal disturbances occurred more frequently with sertraline; insomnia and agitation occurred more frequently with bupropion SR. Small decreases in mean weight were seen with both active treatments; the placebo group experienced a minor increase in mean weight. Both bupropion SR and sertraline were generally well tolerated, although sertraline was more often associated with sexual dysfunction. Bupropion SR, but not sertraline, was statistically superior to placebo in relieving depression by the end of the study. Bupropion SR may offer advantages over sertraline in treating depressed patients concerned with sexual functioning.

The effect of nest size on stone-gathering behaviour in the chinstrap penguin

Stone-collecting behaviour was studied in a colony of chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica), to explore the likely importance of nest size. We randomly categorised nests as control or experimental. All nests were weighed at the beginning of the incubation period. In the experimental nests we removed stones constituting 50% of their initial weight, while in the control nests all the stones were returned after weighing. All nests were weighed again either prior to or just after hatching to determine likely changes in their weight. The mean weight increase of experimental nests was significantly higher than the mean weight increase of control nests. Size represents a property of the nest which individuals continuously monitor throughout the incubation/brooding period, reacting to changes in it by appropriate changes in stone-collecting rate.