bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sighting frequency and food habits of the leopard tortoise, Geochelone pardalis, in northern Tanzania
Authors: Kabigumila J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSighting frequency and food habits of the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) were studied in northern Tanzania from October 1993 to June 1996. Sighting frequency varied significantly between protected (0.22 mhr−1) and unprotected sites (0.59 mhr−1), and between Arusha (0.27 mhr−1) and Serengeti sites (0.56 mhr−1).The tortoise diet comprised mostly plants (97.8%) and rarely inorganic matter (2.2%). A total of 47 plant species from 21 families was eaten. Forbs made up 74.5% of the plant items and monocots the remainder. Succulents contributed 51.0% of the plant items eaten while grasses and legumes accounted for 16.8% and 13.5%, respectively. Some plant items were eaten more frequently than their occurrence in the habitats.
Introduction of giraffe changes acacia distribution in a South African savanna
Authors: Bond William J. , Loffell Debbie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLarge mammal herbivores can have significant effects on the structure and composition of plant communities. We studied the impacts of an introduced giraffe population on Acacia species at Ithala Game Reserve in South Africa. Browse intensity and Acacia mortality were assessed in field transects, and in road transects covering the reserve road network. Several Acacia species occurring in high‐density giraffe areas had high levels of mortality. Populations of Acacia davyi were extinct in areas accessible to giraffe. Most A. caffra trees within giraffe browse height were dead and A. karroo, the most common species, was also heavily affected. Some species, including A. tortilis, showed no or very low mortality attributable to giraffe browsing. Healthy populations of sensitive species occurred in areas within, and adjacent to, the reserve in areas with low or no giraffe browsing. Areas too steep for giraffe access formed spatial refuges for these trees. The differential mortality that is occurring as a consequence of giraffe browsing is altering species composition and species distribution in this savanna landscape.
Aspects of the feeding habits and reproductive biology of the Ghana mole‐rat Cryptomys zechi (Rodentia, Bathyergidae)
Authors: Yeboah S. , Dakwa K. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe feeding habits and reproductive biology of the Ghana mole‐rat, Cryptomys zechi (Matchie), were studied in a Guinea savanna woodland in Ghana.Both tunnel contents and stomach content analysis indicated that bulbs and tubers constituted the commonest and most preferred food items, although some animal food materials were also consumed.Five plant species, Urgenia altissima, Manihot utilisima, Curuligo sp., Oxalis corniculata and Archis hypogea, were the most popular plant food source.Breeding occurred during the rainy season (March–August) and was at its peak in July. There is evidence that the species is capable of producing two litters in a year.In a colony, reproduction is restricted to one female and one male. Males reached sexual maturity at a lower body weights (105 g) than females (155 g).Estimated mean litter size was 1.5 (range 1–2), the smallest among the bathergids. Available data on birth weights of three other species of social Cryptomys indicate that C. zechi has the highest birth weight, which is comparable to that of solitary bathyergids.
Demography of lions in relation to prey and habitat in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Authors: Ogutu J. O. , Dublin H. T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe studied lion demography in the Maasai Mara National Reserve between September 1990 and April 1992, with a special emphasis on the spatial and seasonal variation in demographic characteristics. Lion density (0.2–0.4 lions km−2) and pride size (range 8–48) were high because of a high resident prey biomass (10 335 kg km−2) augmented by migrant prey to 26 092 kg km−2 in the dry season. Overall, their sex ratio was almost at parity and varied neither spatially nor seasonally. Sex ratio was even among subadults but skewed toward males and females among cubs and adults, respectively. This implies an increasing differential mortality of males with age through subadulthood. The age ratio varied seasonally because of a birth peak in March–June and an influx of subadults into the reserve during July–August, coincident with increases in migrant prey. The birth peak was apparently preceded by another peak in mating activity falling between November and May. Further research should investigate the precise causes of the biased cub sex ratio, low lion density in the Mara Triangle and the higher ratio of subadults in Musiara than in the Mara Triangle or Sekenani.
The histology of mature gonads of Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) karongae (Trewavas)
Authors: Msiska O. V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHistology of gonads of Oreochromis karongae was undertaken to study internal cell characteristics during maturation. This study was necessitated by low spawning output of the fish species. Several oocyte stages, ranging from primary forms to vitellogenesis, suggest that the maturation was generally succesfully attained in the fish ponds. Pre‐vitellogenesis oocytes (oogonia to perinuclear stage) and more advanced vitellogenesis (primary vesicle to tertiary yolk vesicle) oocyte stages were all found in the same gonads. However, there were some discontinuities observed during stages 3 and 4, suggesting selective maturation. Failure of gonads to mature normally is attributed to an ecological crunch that was in a previous study associated with environmental factors. Atretic oocytes were also recorded in the same gonads, a sign that some oocytes failed to mature normally. This indicates insufficient stimuli for normal gonad development. Several stages of spermatogenesis (spermatocytes, spermatid and spermatozoa) were also found in the same gonads. Selective recrudescence was more pronounced in O. karongae because generally less oocytes attained final maturation stages compared to Oreochromis niloticus and other tilapias. This could be the main reason for low natural breeding that has been observed in both wild and captive stocks, and led to the abandonment of its use in aquaculture. This study corroborates findings of previous studies that depended solely on external gonad characteristics. Histology provides conclusive evidence from internal cell characteristics that other techniques are unable to show.
Helicobacter pylori infection from pathogenesis to treatment – a critical reappraisal
Authors: Vaira D. , Holton J. , Ricci C. , Basset C. , Gatta L. , Perna F. , Tampieri A. , Miglioli M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe main areas of this review are Helicobacter pylori and disease pathogenesis; the relationship of H. plyori to lower gastrointestinal diseases, liver disease and extra‐gastrointestinal conditions; the relationship of H. plyori to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease; infection in the very young and very old; diagnostic techniques; and management of H. plyori infections with particular emphasis on eradication regimens and antibiotic resistance.
Iron absorption in patients with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome treated with long‐term gastric acid antisecretory therapy
Authors: Stewart  , Termanini  , Sutliff  , Serrano  , Yu  , Gibril  , Jensen  
Published: March 2003

Background:Gastric acid secretion is important for absorption of dietary non‐haem iron, and iron deficiency is common in gastric hyposecretory states such as after gastric resection. It is not known if prolonged, continuous treatment with potent acid suppressants such as omeprazole will lead to iron deficiency or lower body iron stores.Aim:To assess iron stores and the occurrence of iron deficiency anaemia in patients with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) treated long‐term with gastric antisecretory drugs.Methods:One hundred and nine patients with ZES but without previous gastric resections were studied. All patients underwent assessment of acid control on antisecretory agents, determination of tumour extent, evaluation of haematological parameters (Hct, haemoglobin, WBC, MCV, MCHC), and determination of serum iron parameters (iron, ferritin, transferrin, iron/transferrin ratio). Acid control values for the last 4 years were reviewed, the presence or absence of acid hyposecretion determined using three different criteria and this result correlated with haematological and iron parameters.Results:Eighty‐nine patients were taking omeprazole, nine patients were taking histamine H2‐antagonists and 11 patients were taking no drugs following curative resection. The mean duration of omeprazole treatment was 5.7 years (range 0.7–12.5 years) and total duration of any treatment was 10.1 years (range 0.7–21 years). Acid hyposecretion was present by at least one criterion in 45% of patients. There were no significant differences between patients with or without acid hyposecretion, taking or not taking omeprazole, having different durations of omeprazole treatment or different durations of total time receiving any antisecretory treatment, for any serum iron parameter, haematological parameter, or for the frequency of iron deficiency. Males and females did not differ in percentage with low ferritin levels or percentage with iron deficiency.Conclusions:Continuous treatment with omeprazole for 6 years or continuous treatment with any gastric antisecretory drug for 10 years does not cause decreased body iron stores or iron deficiency. These results suggest that, in contrast to recent results which show yearly monitoring of vitamin B12 in such patients is needed, such monitoring for iron parameters is not necessary.
Patterns of food and acid reflux in patients with low‐grade oesophagitis—the role of an anti‐reflux agent
Authors: Washington  , Steele  , Jackson  , Washington  , Bush  
Published: March 2003

Background:Food and acid have been shown to be refluxed independently of each other in healthy volunteers, and anti‐reflux agents decrease the reflux of both parameters. Until now this phenomenon had not been studied in patients with low‐grade oesophagitis, who are the group most likely to use anti‐reflux medication.Aim:To assess patterns of gastro‐oesophageal reflux of acid and food in 12 ambulant patients with endoscopically proven oesophagitis of between grades I and II, but who were otherwise healthy. Also to assess the effectiveness of a single dose of an alginate‐containing anti‐reflux agent in controlling food and acid reflux in this patient group.Methods:Oesophageal pH monitoring and external ambulatory gamma detection were used to study food and acid reflux. A pH electrode was positioned 5 cm above the cardia and the gamma detector was positioned externally over the pH electrode. The patients then received a technetium‐99m labelled meal designed to provoke reflux. Thirty minutes later the patients were given a 20 ml dose of alginate (Liquid Gaviscon), or 20 ml of tap water. Incidence of reflux was monitored for approximately 4 h from the end of the meal. Allocation to treatment group was randomized, with patients receiving the alternative treatment on the second study day after approximately a 7‐day washout period.Results:The mean percentage time oesophageal pH remained below 4 was 16.3 min for the control group and 5.4 min for the treatment group (P=0.03). Food reflux was detected 23.7% of the time in the control group compared to 12% of the time in the treatment group (P=0.02). The anti‐reflux agent was also successful in decreasing the number of events, but the duration of the reflux events was not significantly different.Conclusions:Patients with grades I and II oesophagitis reflux food and acid independently, and are predominantly either food refluxers or acid refluxers, but not both. Liquid alginate decreases the number of both food and acid reflux events, but does not change their duration.
The effect of rectally administered steroids on bone turnover: a comparative study
Authors: Robinson  , Iqbal  , Wolfe  , Patel  , Abrams  , Mayberry  
Published: March 2003

Background:Oral glucocorticoids contribute significantly to the risk of osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Less well established are the effects of rectally administered steroids on bone metabolism.Aim:To investigate the effects of two widely used rectal foam preparations (prednisolone metasulphobenzoate and hydrocortisone acetate) on biochemical markers of bone turnover.Methods:Twenty‐four patients with active inflammatory bowel disease randomly received a standard course of either prednisolone metasulphobenzoate or hydrocortisone acetate for 2 weeks. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured before, during and after treatment. Bone formation markers measured were serum osteocalcin (BGP) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP). Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was measured to assess bone resorption.Results:Disease activity scores improved during treatment (difference in mean Powell–Tuck score = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.0–4.8, P < 0.0001) and were similar in both hydrocortisone and prednisolone‐treated groups. There was no significant reduction in BALP or BGP during treatment with either steroid preparation, and urinary DPD did not change significantly during treatment.Conclusions:During a 2‐week course of rectal hydrocortisone acetate or prednisolone metasulphobenzoate, there was no significant change in biochemical markers of bone formation or resorption. These results suggest that pharmacological doses of rectal steroid foam preparations do not significantly impair bone turnover in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Omeprazole and sucralfate in the treatment of NSAID‐induced gastric and duodenal ulcer
Authors: Porro G. Bianchi , Lazzaroni  , Manzionna  , Petrillo  
Published: March 2003

Aim:To establish the healing efficacy of two drugs, omeprazole and sucralfate, when given to patients who had developed gastric or duodenal ulcer while undergoing chronic treatment with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Methods:Ninety‐eight patients with arthritis or arthrosis and NSAID‐related gastric or duodenal ulcer were admitted to the endoscopic, single‐blind study. They were randomized to receive either omeprazole 20 mg o.m. or sucralfate 2 g b.d. for 4–8 weeks. The patients continued to receive the same NSAID during the trial. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed at entry and after 4 or 8 weeks.Results:Eighty‐eight patients completed the 4‐week study, but only 81 were available for final analysis at 8 weeks. Omeprazole was significantly superior to sucralfate in inducing gastric ulcer healing after both 4 (87 vs. 52%, P = 0.007) and 8 weeks (100 vs. 82%, P = 0.04). No statistically significant difference in duodenal ulcer healing rates emerged between the two groups either at 4 (79 vs. 55%) or 8 weeks (95 vs. 73%). The healing rates in patients with combined gastric and duodenal ulcer were 67 vs. 33% after 4 weeks and 67 vs. 67% after 8 weeks of treatment. The percentages of asymptomatic patients were similar in the two treatment groups both at 4 (70 vs. 73%) and 8 weeks (70 vs. 75%). H. pylori infection did not influence healing rates, but significantly more H. pylori‐positive patients healed with omeprazole.Conclusions:The results of this study show that omeprazole is superior to sucralfate in healing NSAID‐induced gastroduodenal ulcer in patients who continue to take anti‐inflammatory drugs. The good results observed were unrelated to H. pylori status.
One‐week triple therapy using omeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia: influence of dosage of omeprazole and clarithromycin
Authors: Bigard  , Delchier  , Riachi  , Thibault  , Barthelemy  
Published: March 2003

Background:Triple therapy based upon omeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin for 7 days is the reference treatment used in France for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. However, optimal dosages of omeprazole and clarithromycin have not been determined.Aim:To compare four eradication regimens using this treatment in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia.Methods:Two hundred and seventy‐four patients with symptoms of dyspepsia, normal upper GI endoscopy and a positive urease test were included in the study. A 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) was obtained before and 6 weeks after treatment. Patients were randomized to one of the following 7‐day regimens: 20 mg omeprazole o.m. plus amoxycillin 1000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. (O20AC500) or 20 mg omeprazole o.m. plus amoxycillin 1000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (O20AC1000) or 20 mg omeprazole b.d. plus amoxycillin 1000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. (O40AC500) or 20 mg omeprazole b.d. plus amoxycillin 1000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (O40AC1000). Compliance was assessed by returned tablet counts. Eradication was defined as conversion from positive 13C‐UBT at entry to negative 13C‐UBT 6 weeks after cessation of therapy.Results:Two hundred and fifty‐eight patients were included in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. From the least to the most effective regimen, eradication rates were: O20AC1000: 60.0% (95% CI: 47.6–72.4), O20AC500: 64.1% (52.3–75.8), O40AC1000: 64.2% (52.7–75.7), O40AC500: 74.6% (64.2–85.0) (N.S.). Overall compliance was good in 92% of patients. The most frequent adverse events were diarrhoea and taste impairment, occurring mainly in the high‐dose clarithromycin groups.Conclusions:Eradication rates obtained in this study were lower than those expected on the basis of previously reported studies. This study supports the use of a double dose of omeprazole, although the difference between groups was non‐significant, but provides no argument in favour of a high dose of clarithromycin.
Localization of the β(beta)3‐adrenoceptor in the human gastrointestinal tract: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Anthony  , Schepelmann  , Guillaume  , Strosberg  , Dhillon  , Pounder  , Wakefield  
Published: March 2003

Background:Activation of human and non‐human colonic β(beta)3‐adrenoceptors causes smooth muscle relaxation. β3‐Adrenoceptor agonists protect against experimental indomethacin‐induced jejunal ulceration. The mechanism of protection may involve spasmolytic/vasodilatory agonist activity. The precise localization of β3‐adrenoceptors in the human gut is not known.Aim:To localize the β3‐adrenoceptor within the human gastrointestinal tract using the immunohistochemical technique.Methods:Human β3‐adrenoceptors were immuno‐localized in paraffin sections of human oesophagus (OS), stomach (ST), duodenum (DU), ileum (IL), sigmoid colon (SC), rectum (R) and gall‐bladder (GB) using the rabbit polyclonal antibody anti‐P12. Staining was graded +++, ++, + and 0. Immunostaining of SC was also done with pre‐incubation of anti‐P12 with P12 peptide. Western blotting of anti‐P12 on human and murine IL and SC isolated membrane proteins was performed.Results:All epithelia, vascular endothelial cells and ganglia scored 0. Smooth muscle of the vasculature, muscularis propria, muscularis mucosae and mucosa was graded, respectively, as follows; OS (+++, +++, +++,‐), ST (++, +++, ++, ++), DU (++, +++, +++, +), IL (++, ++, ++, +), SC (+++, ++, ++, ++), R (++, ++, +, +), GB (+++, +++, –, 0). Pre‐incubation of anti‐P12 with P12 peptide almost abolished SC smooth muscle positivity. Western blot analysis using anti‐P12 on human, but not murine, IL and SC membrane proteins revealed a single 55 kDa band, a size consistent with the predicted size of a partially glycosylated form of the human β3‐adrenoceptor.Conclusions:This immunohistochemical study has localized the β3‐adrenoceptor to vascular and non‐vascular smooth muscle in the human gastrointestinal tract. These findings support a role for the β3‐adrenoceptor in the control of blood flow and motility in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Effects of trimebutine on sphincter of Oddi motility in patients with post‐cholecystectomy pain
Authors: Barthet  , Bouvier  , Pecout  , Berdah  , Viviand  , Mambrini  , Abou  , Salducci  , Grimaud  
Published: March 2003

Background:Trimebutine is an opiate modulator of the gastrointestinal motility that interacts with enkephalinergic receptors.Aim:To evaluate the effects of trimebutine (50 mg intravenous injection) on the motility of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) as assessed by endoscopic manometry.Methods:Endoscopic manometry was performed on 15 cholecystectomized patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of SO dysfunction. Prior to the endoscopic manometry, endoscopic ultrasonography was performed in order to rule out the possible presence of a bile duct stone.Results:Injecting trimebutine resulted in a significant increase in the SO antegrade phasic contraction rate (P = 0.02). Trimebutine decreased the basal pressure of the SO (32.5 vs. 27.5 mmHg), but the difference is not statistically significant (P = 0.11). The effects of trimebutine differed depending on the basal SO motility anomalies involved, but the period of latency was similar (mean 89 s; range 30–240 s). The basal anomalies were an increased basal SO pressure of > 40 mmHg in three patients, a tachyoddia (frequency of phasic contractions (PC) > 10/min) in six patients, prolonged PC (> 10 s) in two patients and an absence of phasic contraction in one patient. The basal pressure of the SO decreased in the three patients presenting with SO hyperpressure, but returned to a normal value in one case. The frequency of the PC decreased to normal in three out of the six patients with tachyoddia. The duration of the PC returned to normal in the two patients with prolonged PC whereas their frequencies increased. Prolonged PC developed in the patient without any detectable phasic contraction.Conclusions:Trimebutine modulates SO motility in various ways depending on the basal SO motility anomaly observed after cholecystectomy. This regulatory effect suggests the existence of encephalinergic control of SO motility.