bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiology of Penicillin-Resistant and Ciprofloxacin-Resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in Canada
Authors: Nichol Kimberly A. , Zhanel George G. , Hoban Daryl J. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

Eighty-nine penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates were evaluated by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Although penicillin-resistant isolates demonstrated considerable homogeneity, resistance to ciprofloxacin did not correlate with a reduction in genotypic variability. These results suggest that, unlike that of penicillin resistance, the spread of
S. pneumoniae
ciprofloxacin resistance in Canada is currently not attributable to clonal dissemination.
Daily Variations in Ceftriaxone Pharmacokinetics in Rats
Authors: Rebuelto M. , Ambros L. , Rubio M. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine whether the time of day ceftriaxone was administered modified its pharmacokinetics. Ceftriaxone was given intraperitoneally at either 0400, 1000, 1600, and 2200 h to Sprague-Dawley rats synchronized under a light-dark cycle of 12 h of light and 12 h of dark. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed for the presence of a 24-h rhythm. Results showed significant daily variations (
P
< 0.05) in ceftriaxone clearance, with the highest values during the dark phase. It is concluded that time-dependent variations in ceftriaxone pharmacokinetics may affect the therapeutic efficacy of current once-daily dosing schedules.
Efficacy of Amphotericin B or Itraconazole in a Murine Model of Central Nervous System
Aspergillus
Infection
Authors: Chiller Tom M. , Sobel Raymond A. , Luque Javier Capilla , Clemons Karl V. , Stevens David A. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

Given the greater than 90% lethality of clinical central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis despite current therapies, there is a need for an animal model to study therapeutic strategies. We previously established a model of CNS aspergillosis by intracerebral infection and report here the results of treatment with the two therapies with the greatest clinical experience, i.e., treatments with amphotericin B (AMB) and itraconazole (ITZ). Mice were given cyclophosphamide to produce pancytopenia. AMB was given intraperitoneally (i.p.; 3 mg/kg of body weight) or intravenously (i.v.; 0.8 mg/kg) once daily. ITZ in cyclodextrin was given by gavage once daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg or twice daily at 50 mg/kg. Treatments were started at day 1 postinfection and given for 10 days. At day 15, survivors were euthanatized. Ninety percent of the mice given no treatment died by day 6, and 100% died by day 10. Mice treated with AMB either i.p. or i.v. had 40% survival. Mice treated with ITZ either once or twice per day had a median survival time of 10 days, compared with 4 days for control animals, but a survival rate of only 10%. AMB and ITZ prolonged survival (
P
, <0.0001 to <0.05) compared with controls. Brains from surviving mice had CFU of
Aspergillus fumigatus
. This model can be used to compare newer antifungals and to study combination therapy or immunotherapy to find better therapeutic alternatives.
Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin In Vitro Activities against 4,003 Clinical Bacterial Isolates Collected in 24 Italian Laboratories
Authors: Gesu Giovanni Pietro , Marchetti Federico , Piccoli Laura , Cavallero Annalisa 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

Levofloxacin showed comparable in vitro susceptibility to ciprofloxacin among
Enterobacteriaceae
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, enterococci, and
Staphylococcus aureus
, while greater susceptibility was observed in
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, mainly when oxacillin resistant. The susceptibility of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
to levofloxacin reached 99%.
Pharmacokinetics of Florfenicol in Healthy Pigs and in Pigs Experimentally Infected with
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Liu Jianzhong , Fung Ki-Fai , Chen Zhangliu , Zeng Zhenling , Zhang Jie 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

A comparative in vivo pharmacokinetic study of florfenicol was conducted in 18 crossbred pigs infected with
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
following intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), or oral (p.o.) administration of a single dose of 20 mg/kg. The disease model was confirmed by clinical signs, X rays, pathohistologic examinations, and organism isolation. Florfenicol concentrations in plasma were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection at a wavelength of 223 nm. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using the MCPKP software (Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou, China). The disposition of florfenicol after a single i.v. bolus was described by a two-compartment model with values for the half-life at α phase (
t
1/2α
), the half-life at β phase (
t
1/2β
), the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC
0-∞
), and the volume of distribution at steady state (
V
ss
) of 0.37 h, 2.91 h, 64.86 μg · h/ml, and 1.2 liter/kg, respectively. The concentration-time data fitted the one-compartment (after i.m.) and two-compartment (after p.o.) models with first-order absorption. The values for the maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
),
t
1/2α
,
t
1/2β
, and bioavailability after i.m. and p.o. dosing were 4.00 and 8.11 μg/ml, 0.12 and 3.91 h, 13.88 and 16.53 h, and 122.7 and 112.9%, respectively, for the two models. The study showed that florfenicol was absorbed quickly and completely, distributed widely, and eliminated slowly in the infected pigs, and there was no statistically significant difference between the pharmacokinetic profiles for the infected and healthy pigs.
Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolated in Algiers, Algeria
Authors: Ramdani-Bouguessa Nadjia , Rahal Kheira 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

There are few data on antibiotic resistance of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in Algeria. Among 309 strains, 34.6% were penicillin G-nonsusceptible
S. pneumoniae
strains (25.2% were intermediate and 9.4% were resistant). Serotypes 1, 5, 14, and 6 were the most frequent in invasive child infections. A multicenter study to standardize the national guidelines is needed.
Incidence of injury in semi-professional rugby league players
Authors: Gabbett T J 
Published: January 2003

Objectives:To investigate the site, nature, cause, and severity of injuries in semi-professional rugby league players.Methods:The incidence of injury was prospectively studied in one hundred and fifty six semi-professional rugby league players over two competitive seasons. All injuries sustained during matches and training sessions were recorded. Injury data were collected from a total of 137 matches and 148 training sessions. Information recorded included the date and time of injury, site, nature, cause, and severity of injury.Results:During the two seasons, 1694 playing injuries and 559 training injuries were sustained. The match injury incidence was 824.7 per 1000 player-position game hours and training injury incidence was 45.3 per 1000 training hours. Over 20% of the total training (17.4 per 1000) and playing (168.0 per 1000) injuries sustained were to the thigh and calf. Muscular injuries (haematomas and strains) were the most common type of injury sustained during training (22.0 per 1000, 48.7%) and matches (271.7 per 1000, 32.9%). Playing injuries were most commonly sustained in tackles (382.2 per 1000, 46.3%), while overexertion was the most common cause of training injuries (15.5 per 1000, 34.4%). The majority of playing injuries were sustained in the first half of matches (1013.6 per 1000, 61.5%v635.8 per 1000, 38.5%), whereas training injuries occurred more frequently in the latter stages of the training session (50.0 per 1000, 55.3%v40.5 per 1000, 44.7%). Significantly more training injuries were sustained in the early half of the season, however, playing injuries occurred more frequently in the latter stages of the season.Conclusions:These results suggest that changes in training and playing intensity impact significantly upon injury rates in semi-professional rugby league players. Further studies investigating the influence of training and playing intensity on injuries in rugby league are warranted.
The effect of glucosamine supplementation on people experiencing regular knee pain
Authors: Braham R , Dawson B , Goodman C 
Published: January 2003

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of oral glucosamine supplementation on the functional ability and degree of pain felt by individuals who had regular knee pain, most likely due to previous articular cartilage damage, and possibly osteoarthritis.Methods:Subjects were randomly supplemented with either glucosamine (G) (n=24) or placebo (P) (lactose) (n=22) for 12 weeks at a dose of 2000 mg per day. Over this period, four testing sessions were conducted, with changes in knee pain and function assessed by clinical and functional tests, (joint line palpation, a 3 metre “duck walk” and a repeated, walking stair climb), two questionnaires (the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Knee Pain Scale (KPS)) and participant subjective evaluations.Results:The clinical and functional test scores improved with time (main effects: p<0.05, p<0.01) but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The questionnaire results also recorded a significant main effect for time (p<0.05), but the glucosamine group was found to have significantly better KOOS quality of life scores at week eight and 12 (p<0.05), and lower KPS scores (p<0.05) at week eight than the placebo group. On self report evaluations of changes across the 12 week supplementation period, 88% (n=21) of the glucosamine group reported some degree of improvement in their knee pain versus only 17% (n=3) in the placebo group.Conclusions:These results suggest that glucosamine supplementation can provide some degree of pain relief and improved function in persons who experience regular knee pain, which may be caused by prior cartilage injury and/or osteoarthritis. The trends in the results also suggest that, at a dosage of 2000 mg per day, the majority of improvements are present after eight weeks.
The physiological effects of cycling on tandem and single bicycles
Authors: Seifert J G , Bacharach D W , Burke E R 
Published: January 2003

Objective:The purpose of this field study was to compare the physiological responses from cycling on a tandem road bicycle to those from cycling on a single road bicycle.Methods:Nine pairs of experienced, recreational tandem cyclists rode a tandem or their single bicycle for 5 min at each velocity of 19.3, 22.5, 25.8, and 29.0 kph on a flat, paved surface. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactic acid (LA) data were collected after each interval.Results:Riding a tandem resulted in lower HR, RPE, and LA mean values across the four velocities compared to the single bicycle. Mean (SD) HR, RPE, and LA for tandem and single bicycles were 126 (20.7)v142 (20.1) bpm, 10.1 (1.7)v11.3 (2.6), and 1.46 (1.0) mM/Lv2.36 (1.7) mM/L, respectively. No position differences were observed between the captain and stoker (front and rear positions) when both were on the tandem. Stokers had significantly lower HR, LA, and RPE values when they rode a tandem compared to a single bicycle. No statistical differences were observed between bicycles for the captains. When on the single bicycle, captains exhibited significantly lower HR, RPE, and LA values than stokers.Conclusion:Cycling on a tandem resulted in lower physiological stress than when cycling at the same velocity on a single bicycle. Cyclists were able to ride from 4.8–8.0 kph faster on a tandem than on a single bicycle at similar physiological stress. Apparently, stokers can add to power output on a tandem without adding significantly to wind resistance.
Changes in muscle strength and pain in response to surgical repair of posterior abdominal wall disruption followed by rehabilitation
Authors: Hemingway A E , Herrington L , Blower A L 
Published: January 2003

Background:Posterior abdominal wall deficiency (PAWD) is a tear in the external oblique aponeurosis or the conjoint tendon causing a posterior wall defect at the medial end of the inguinal canal. It is often known as sportsman’s hernia and is believed to be caused by repetitive stress.Objective:To assess lower limb and abdominal muscle strength of patients with PAWD before intervention compared with matched controls; to evaluate any changes following surgical repair and rehabilitation.Methods:Sixteen subjects were assessed using a questionnaire, isokinetic testing of the lower limb strength, and pressure biofeedback testing of the abdominals. After surgery and a six week rehabilitation programme, the subjects were re-evaluated. A control group were assessed using the same procedure.Results:Quadriceps and hamstrings strength was not affected by this condition. A deficit hip muscle strength was found on the affected limb before surgery, which was significant for the hip flexors (p = 0.05). Before surgery, 87% of the patients compared with 20% of the controls failed the abdominal obliques test. Both the injured and non-injured sides had improved significantly in strength after surgery and rehabilitation. The strength of the abdominal obliques showed the most significant improvement over the course of the rehabilitation programme.Conclusions:Lower limb muscle strength may have been reduced as the result of disuse atrophy or pain inhibition. Abdominal oblique strength was deficient in the injured patients and this compromises rotational control of the pelvis. More sensitive investigations (such as electromyography) are needed to assess the link between abdominal oblique function and groin injury.
Comparison of three different sit and reach tests for measurement of hamstring flexibility in female university students
Authors: Baltaci G , Un N , Tunay V , Besler A , Gerçeker S 
Published: January 2003

Background:The sit and reach test is the most common flexibility test used in health related fitness test batteries.Objective:To examine and compare three different sit and reach tests as a measure of hamstring flexibility in 102 female students.Method:The traditional sit and reach test, the chair sit and reach test, the back saver sit and reach test, and passive straight leg raise were administered in three trials to all 102 students (mean (SD) age 22 (1) years) on the same day.Results:A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was significant (p<0.01) for the traditional sit and reach test with back saver sit and reach test and flexibility of hamstrings (r= 0.45 and 0.65 for left and right legs, and 0.63 and 0.53 for left and right legs respectively). Also, the back saver sit and reach test for the left (p<0.01) and right (p<0.05) leg was significantly associated with hamstring flexibility (r= 0.37 and 0.25 for the left leg and 0.50 and 0.44 for the right leg respectively).Conclusion:The results indicate that the back saver sit and reach test produces reasonably accurate and stable measures of hamstring flexibility. Moreover, it appears that this test is a safe and acceptable alternative to the traditional and chair sit and reach tests as a measure of hamstring flexibility in young women.
Analysis of the characteristics of competitive badminton
Authors: Cabello Manrique D , González-Badillo J J 
Published: January 2003

Objective:To describe the characteristics of badminton in order to determine the energy requirements, temporal structure, and movements in the game that indicate performance level. To use the findings to plan training with greater precision.Methods:Eleven badminton players (mean (SD) age 21.8 (3.26) years) with international experience from four different countries (France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal) were studied. Two of the Spanish players were monitored in several matches, giving a total of 14 samples, all during the 1999 Spanish International Tournament. Blood lactate concentration was measured with a reflective photometer. Maximum and average heart rates were recorded with a heart rate monitor. Temporal structure and actions during the matches were determined from video recordings. All variables were measured during and after the game and later analysed using a descriptive study.Results:The results confirmed the high demands of the sport, with a maximum heart rate of 190.5 beats/min and an average of 173.5 beats/min during matches over 28 minutes long and performance intervals of 6.4 seconds and rest time of 12.9 seconds between exchanges.Conclusions:The results suggest that badminton is characterised by repetitive efforts of alactic nature and great intensity which are continuously performed throughout the match. An awareness of these characteristics, together with data on the correlations between certain actions such as unforced errors and winning shots and the final result of the match, will aid in more appropriate planning and monitoring of specific training.
Physiological factors associated with low bone mineral density in female endurance runners
Authors: Burrows M , Nevill A M , Bird S , Simpson D 
Published: January 2003

Objective:To explore potential factors that could be associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in female endurance runners.Methods:Fifty two female endurance runners (1500 m to marathon), aged 18–44 years, took part. Body fat percentage, lumbar spine BMD, and femoral neck BMD were measured using the Hologic QDR 4500w bone densitometer. Data on training, menstrual cycle status, osteoporosis, and health related factors were obtained by questionnaire. Dietary variables were assessed from a prospective seven day dietary record of macronutrients and micronutrients.Results:The mean (SD) lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were 1.11 (0.11) and 0.89 (0.12) g/cm2respectively. A backward elimination regression analysis showed that age, body mass, body fat, distance run, magnesium, and zinc intake were the variables significantly associated with BMD. Lumbar spine BMD (g/cm2) = −1.90 + (0.0486 × age (years)) + (0.342 × log mass (kg)) − (0.000861 × age2(years)) − (0.00128 × distance (km/week)), with anR2= 30.1% (SEE = 0.089 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.23); p<0.001). Femoral neck BMD (g/cm2) = −2.51 − (0.00989 × age (years)) + (0.720 × log mass (kg)) + (0.000951 × magnesium (mg/day)) −(0.0289 × zinc (mg/day)) − (0.00821 × body fat (%)) − (0.00226 × distance (km/week)), with anR2= 50.2% (SEE = 0.100 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.22); p<0.001). The negative association between skeletal BMD and distance run suggested that participants who ran longer distances had a lower BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Further, the results indicated a positive association between body mass and BMD, and a negative association between body fat and BMD.Conclusions:The results suggest a negative association between endurance running distance and lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, with a positive association between body mass and femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. However, longitudinal studies are required to assess directly the effect of endurance running and body mass on BMD, and to see if the addition of alternative exercise that would increase lean body mass would have a positive effect on BMD and therefore help to prevent osteoporosis.
The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness
Authors: Hilbert J E , Sforzo G A , Swensen T 
Published: January 2003

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).Methods:Eighteen volunteers were randomly assigned to either a massage or control group. DOMS was induced with six sets of eight maximal eccentric contractions of the right hamstring, which were followed 2 h later by 20 min of massage or sham massage (control). Peak torque and mood were assessed at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Range of motion (ROM) and intensity and unpleasantness of soreness were assessed at 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Neutrophil count was assessed at 6 and 24 h postexercise.Results:A two factor ANOVA (treatmentvtime) with repeated measures on the second factor showed no significant treatment differences for peak torque, ROM, neutrophils, unpleasantness of soreness, and mood (p > 0.05). The intensity of soreness, however, was significantly lower in the massage group relative to the control group at 48 h postexercise (p < 0.05).Conclusions:Massage administered 2 h after exercise induced muscle injury did not improve hamstring function but did reduce the intensity of soreness 48 h after muscle insult.
Effects of 12 months of exercise training on salivary secretory IgA levels in elderly subjects
Authors: Akimoto T , Kumai Y , Akama T , Hayashi E , Murakami H , Soma R , Kuno S , Kono I 
Published: January 2003

Background:The immune system declines in efficiency with advancing age, making the elderly less resistant to pathogenic microorganisms. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a common illness. Recent studies have shown that suppression of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is associated with increased incidence of URTI.Objective:To assess the effect of exercise on salivary SIgA in elderly subjects.Methods:Forty five elderly subjects (18 men, 27 women; mean (SD) age 64.9 (8.4) years) performed both 60 minute resistance and 60 minute moderate endurance training a week for 12 months. Saliva samples were obtained before training, and at four and 12 months during the training period. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated.Results:SIgA concentrations before training, and at four and 12 months during training were 24.7 (14.4), 27.2 (14.2), and 33.8 (18.5) μg/ml respectively. SIgA secretion rates were 29.5 (26.0), 33.8 (27.2) and 46.5 (35.1) μg/min respectively. The results indicate that both the concentration and secretion rate of SIgA significantly (p<0.01) increased during 12 months of exercise in these elderly subjects.Conclusion:Regular moderate exercise seems to enhance mucosal immune function in elderly subjects.
Ex-professional association footballers have an increased prevalence of osteoarthritis of the hip compared with age matched controls despite not having sustained notable hip injuries
Authors: Shepard G J , Banks A J , Ryan W G 
Published: January 2003

Objective:To compare the prevalence of self reported, physician diagnosed osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip in ex-professional footballers with that in age matched controls in the general public.Method:A questionnaire was sent to the 92 football league and premiership managers to assess the prevalence of OA of various joints. The prevalence of OA of the hip in those managers that were ex-professional footballers was assessed. Radiographic controls were obtained and used to assess the prevalence of OA of the hip in the general population. The results of the two groups were compared statistically using χ2tabulation.Results:Seventy four (80%) of the managers responded to the questionnaire. Nine of the 68 ex-professional footballers who replied had OA of the hip, and six of these had undergone a total of eight total hip replacements. Of the 18 managers who did not respond, 12 were known to be ex-professionals. In the control group of 136, two had OA of the hip. The two groups differed significantly (p<0.001). The odds ratio for OA of the hip was 10.2 (95% confidence interval 2.1 to 48.8).Conclusion:The ex-professional footballers had a significantly higher prevalence of OA of the hip than an age matched group of radiographic controls.