bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodic limb movements and obstructive sleep apneas before and after continuous positive airway pressure treatment
Authors: Carelli G. , Krieger J. , Calvi‐Gries F. , Macher J. P. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryPeriodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are two common sleep disorders. The similarity in periodicity of periodic limb movements (PLMs) and obstructive sleep apneas (OSAs) led us to hypothesize the existence of a common central generator responsible for the periodicity of both OSAs and PLMs.In order to test this hypothesis, we compared apnea periodicity before continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment with PLMs periodicity during CPAP treatment in 26 OSA patients, consecutively recorded and treated in our sleep laboratory. The investigation on CPAP was performed twice, once during the initial evaluation and once during a follow‐up evaluation after 3 months of home treatment with CPAP.Our results showed that, in this sample, 16 patients out of 26 had an association of OSAS and PLMS, defined as the occurrence of at least 5 PLMs per hour of sleep.The mean apnea interval – measured as the time between the beginning of two successive apneas – was 43.1 s (±15.2, SD) and the mean PLM interval – calculated in the same way – was 29.6 s (±15.2) during the baseline night, 28.5 s (±15.7) during the first CPAP night, and 29.8 s (±14.8) during the second CPAP night. Thus, the periodicity of the two phenomena (apneas and PLMs) was different, both before and after CPAP treatment (P< 0.05).When considering the interval between the end of an event (apnea or PLM) and the beginning of the next one the mean apnea interval was 19.5 s (±11.6), and the mean PLM interval was 28.1 s (±15.3) during the untreated night, 26.6 s (±16) during the first CPAP night and 27.9 s (±15) during the second CPAP night. The shortening of apnea intervals with this method of measuring intervals reflects the longer duration of apneas as compared to PLMs. Again the intervals between PLMs were not different between each other but the intervals between apneas were different from the intervals between PLMs (P< 0.05)These results show that the periodicity of PLMs is different from that of OSAs, suggesting that sleep apneas and PLMs are not generated by a common central generator.
Biliary elimination kinetics and tissue concentrations of oxytetracycline after intravenous administration in hens
Authors: Serrano  , Moreno  , Rosado  , Guimer  , Escudero  
Published: March 2003

The pharmacokinetics of the biliary elimination of oxytetracycline (OTC) and tissue concentrations in certain organs were studied in 10 Leghorn hens. The animals were anaesthetized using xylazine/ketamine administered by the intramuscular (i.m.) route and were immobilized for right laparotomy. Both bile ducts were cannulated and a dose of 20 mg/kg of oxytetracycline hydrochloride was administered intravenously (i.v.). Samples of bile excreted were taken at predetermined intervals during 6 h. At 6 h animals were slaughtered and tissue samples of blood, liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, lung and pectoral muscle were taken. The values for OTC biliary elimination rate times were best fitted to a one‐exponential equation. The maximum value for OTC biliary excretion rate (3.69 ± 0.6 μg/min/kg) was reached at ≈ 17.5 min (time to maximum concentration (tmax)). The first‐order rate constant for the biliary excretion (k) and the half‐life (t1/2) were 6.7 × 10−3 min−1 and 110.55 min, respectively. The mean value of area under the biliary excretion rate time curve (AUC) indicated that 839.77 μg/kg body weight (b.w.) were eliminated by the biliary route. The cumulative biliary excretion data indicated that ≈ 4.20% of the dose was eliminated by this route, 3.28% being eliminated during the first 6 h and 0.92% thereafter. The highest mean concentrations were found in the kidney (35.82 μg/kg) and liver (16.77 μg/g). Significant differences were found between the concentrations of the various tissues studied. Plasma concentration was lower than that of the other tissues (except lung).
The effect of sex on antipyrine metabolism in cattle at different ages
Authors: Janus K. , Antoszek J. 
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sex on the metabolism of antipyrine by measuring the antipyrine plasma clearance as well as excretion of three major metabolites in urine in cattle of different ages. The experiment was carried out on 10 female and 10 male cattle of Black and White breed. The antipyrine test was carried out at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 18 months of age for each animal (single dose of 10 mg/kg antipyrine were given intravenously). The concentrations of antipyrine, 4‐hydroxyantipyrine (4‐OHA), 3‐hydroxymethylantipyrine (HMA) and norantipyrine (NORA) were measured in plasma and urine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The apparent volume of distribution of antipyrine (aVd) decreased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age, but mean aVd values observed in males and females were not statistically different. The experimental period was charac‐terised by a steady decrease (statistically significant) in antipyrine half‐life (t1/2β). These values did not differ significantly between males and females under 12 months. In 12 and 18 month‐old animals the antipyrine half‐life in the females was significantly shorter than in the males. The systemic clearance (Cls) of antipyrine increased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age. No significant differences were observed between systemic clearance of antipyrine in males and females under 12 months. In 12 and 18 month‐old animals the Cls values were significantly higher in females than in males. Following intravenous administration, recovery of antipyrine and its three main metabolites increased significantly with age. These values did not differ significantly between males and females under 12 month of age. In 12 and 18 month‐old females the excretion of 4‐OHA and HMA in urine was significantly higher than in males at the same age. The excretion of NORA and unchanged antipyrine in males and females did not differ significantly. The partial clearances of antipyrine metabolites (Clm) increased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age. No significant differences were observed between Clm values in males and females under 12 months of age. In 12 and 18 month‐old females the partial clearances of 4‐OHA and HMA were significantly higher than in males. The clearance of NORA was significantly higher in 18 month‐old females than in males. In conclusion, we report a sex‐linked difference in plasma antipyrine clearance and urinary excretion of the main metabolites of antipyrine in cattle over 12 months of age, the females being the more active metabolizers.
Pharmacokinetics and microsomal oxidation of praziquantel and its effects on the P450 system in three‐month‐old lambs infested by Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Giorgi M. , Salvatori A. P. , Soldani G. , Giusiani M. , Longo V. , Gervasi P. G. , Mengozzi G. 
Published: March 2003

Giorgi, M., Salvatori, A. P., Soldani, G., Giusiani, M., Longo, V., Gervasi, P. G., Mengozzi, G. Pharmacokinetics and microsomal oxidation of praziquantel and its effects on the P450 system in three‐month‐old lambs infested by Fasciola hepatica. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.24, 251–259.Praziquantel (PZQ) is a broadly effective trematocide and cestocide, widely employed in veterinary and human medicine. In view of several differences in both its pharmacokinetic profile in different animal species and in the cytochrome P450‐dependent system between ruminant and nonruminant species, the present study was undertaken to determine the pharmacokinetics of this drug, its effects on the P450 system and the involvement of cytochrome P450 in its metabolism in 3‐month‐old lambs infested by Fasciola hepatica. Following both oral and i.m. administration, PZQ disposition was best described by a linear one‐compartment open model with a rapid absorption and elimination. Although the PZQ dose used by the i.m. route was only half of that used by the oral route, the mean PZQ plasma concentration was higher after i.m. than after oral treatment. Oral treatment with 30 mg/kg/day of PZQ did not modify the mono‐oxygenase activities tested, whilst the administration of PZQ at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day for 2 days caused a significant decrease in the P450 3A‐dependent erythromycin N‐demethylase and 6β testosterone hydroxylase activities. From the incubation of microsomes from lambs not treated with PZQ, a single metabolite (PZQ 11b‐OH or PZQ 1‐OH) was identified by GC/MS analysis. By selective inhibition of the 3A subfamily performed with triacetyloleandromycin, the production of this metabolite declined by about 90% suggesting a prominent role of P450 3A isoforms in this oxidation. These features indicate that agents or drugs which are able to modulate P450 3A‐dependent catalysis may interfere with the metabolism, bioavailability and therapeutic effects of PZQ.
Challenges associated with the evaluation of veterinary product bioequivalence: an AAVPT perspective
Authors: MARTINEZ M. , LANGSTON C. , MARTIN T. , CONNER D. 
Published: March 2003

Martinez M., Langston C., Martin T., Conner D. Challenges associated with the evaluation of veterinary product bioequivalence: an AAVPT perspective.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.25,201–220.The Generic Animal Drug Patent Term Restoration Act (GADPTRA) enacted in 1988 provided the same benefits to animal drug products that were granted to human generic products. It has been over 13 years since the GADPTRA was enacted, and veterinary drug sponsors and regulators have gained enormous insight and experience into some of the unique challenges associated with the determination of product bioequivalence for veterinary dosage forms. Moreover, advances in information and technology have opened both new issues that must be addressed and new mechanisms for demonstrating product bioequivalence. While many aspects of the existing Center for Veterinary Medicine Bioequivalence Guidance continue to provide invaluable guidance to the animal drug industry, there are also aspects of this guidance that are being called into question. Therefore, during the 2001 annual meeting of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, participants were asked to address issues and concerns associated with the evaluation of veterinary product bioequivalence. This manuscript provides a summary of the concerns and discussions that transpired.
Mechanisms of hepatitis C virus NS3 proteinase inhibitors
Authors: De Francesco R. , Pessi A. , Steinkühler C. 
Published: March 2003

The NS3 serine proteinase is regarded as one of the preferred targets for the development of therapeutic agents against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Possible mechanisms of NS3 inhibitors include: (i) interference with the activation of the enzyme by its NS4A cofactor; (ii) binding to the structural zinc site; and (iii) binding to the active site. These mechanisms have been explored in detail by structural analysis of the enzyme.(i) The NS4A cofactor binds to the amino‐terminal β‐barrel domain of the NS3 proteinase bringing about several conformational changes that result in enzyme activation. The interaction betweeen NS3 and NS4A involves a very large surface area and therefore it is not a likely target for the development of inhibitors.(ii) The NS3 proteinase contains a structural zinc binding site. Spectroscopic studies have shown that changes in the conformation of this metal‐binding site correlate with changes in the specific activity of the enzyme, and the NS3 proteinase is inhibited by compounds capable of extracting zinc from its native coordination sphere.(iii) Based on the observation that the NS3 proteinase undergoes inhibition by its cleavage products, potent, active site‐directed inhibitors have been generated. Kinetic studies, site‐directed mutagenesis, and molecular modelling have been used to characterize the interactions between the NS3 proteinase and its product inhibitors.
Bats in bird nests in Australia: a review
Authors: SCHULZ M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBats (Microchiroptera) utilize few types of bird nests as roosts. Ten species of bats (Molossidae and Vespertilionidae) were recorded roosting in the enclosed bottle‐shaped mud nests of the Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel; two species (Vespertilionidae) were located in the hanging nests of scrubwrens Sericornis spp. and the Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki; two species (Vespertilionidae) in the enclosed plant material nests of the Grey‐crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis and Fernwren Oreoscopus gutturalis; and one species (Emballonuridae) was recorded in the open cup‐shaped nest of the White‐rumped Swiftlet Collocalia spodiopygius. No information was available on the importance of bird nests as breeding sites and only one species, the Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio, has been recorded hibernating in a nest. Bird nests in Australia provide roosting habitat for four threatened bats and may be important to the conservation of these species.
The possible fitness benefits of striped coat coloration for zebra
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe literature addressing evolutionary reasons for the striped patterns of zebra coats is reviewed here. Possible mechanisms, and the evidence for and against them, are discussed. These mechanisms span four general themes: protection from predators; social functions; thermoregulation; and protection from tsetse flies. The last is the only hypothesis that has been tested experimentally, and the results of these tests are inconclusive. Additionally or alternatively, although stripes apparently increase zebra visibility in daylight, it is at least plausible that they provide effective cryptic protection from predators in poor light, although critical testing has not been attempted. Other related evolutionary questions are raised and suggestions made for future research.
Responses of the biting midge Culicoides impunctatus to acetone, CO2 and 1‐octen‐3‐ol in a wind tunnel
Authors: Bhasin A. , (luntz) A. J. Mordue , Mordue W. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryResponses of host‐seeking female Culicoides impunctatus (Goetghebuer) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to acetone, carbon dioxide and 1‐octen‐3‐ol were measured in a wind tunnel. Carbon dioxide, presented as a filamentous plume, increased upwind flight in a dose‐dependent manner, up to 0.09% concentration. A homogenous CO2 plume elicited similar upwind responses at concentrations up to 0.09%, whereas higher plume concentrations (> 0.1%) induced erratic responses with a suppression of upwind flight. Bovine equivalent concentrations of acetone (1.5 × 10−6 g/l) and 1‐octen‐3‐ol (1.3 × 10−8 g/l) failed to induce any significant upwind response when tested alone. In the presence of CO2, however, 1‐octen‐3‐ol showed highly significant increases in upwind responses at concentrations of 1.3 × 10−10−10−8 g/l. Mixtures of CO2 + acetone also enhanced upwind flight at 1.5 × 10−9 g/l. High tunnel concentrations of both 1‐octen‐3‐ol and acetone inhibited upwind responses. These findings are discussed in relation to host finding by C. impunctatus and known mechanisms by which upwind flight is initiated and arrested at high odour concentrations.
Suspected intestinal myiasis due to Dryomyza formosa in a Japanese schizophrenic patient with symptoms of delusional parasitosis
Authors: Chigusa Y. , Shinonaga S. , Koyama Y. , Terano A. , Kirinoki M. , Matsuda H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA third‐stage larva of Dryomyza formosa (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Dryomyzidae) was found in the fresh stool of a 27‐year‐old Japanese woman resident of Shiobara, 150 km north of Tokyo, on 16 November 1998. This is the first record of myiasis due to Dryomyza. Detection of this maggot (2 cm long) by the patient herself was associated with her longstanding delusion of abdominal parasitosis as a symptom of chronic schizophrenia. Circumstantial evidence agreed with this being a genuine case of intestinal myiasis, apparently due to accidental ingestion of the insect, with no signs that the patient had contrived the report, nor that the maggot had invaded the stool post‐defaecation. This case draws attention to the likelihood that some personality states are predisposed to noticing and reporting myiasis, when it occurs. We review other conditions (mental and physical) that are more prone to myiasis.
Shared salinity tolerance invalidates a test for the malaria vector Anopheles farauti s.s. on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Authors: Foley D. H. , Bryan J. H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAmong the Punctulatus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), first‐instar larvae of the medically unimportant freshwater Anopheles farauti species No. 7 survives a seawater tolerance test (STT) that was previously thought to be diagnostic for the saltwater‐tolerant malaria vector species, An. farauti Laveran s.s. Salt tolerance in these two closely related isomorphic species appears to be a shared derived character within the Farauti Complex. Failure to differentiate An. farauti s.s. from An. farauti No.7 will overestimate potential malaria vector numbers and waste limited larval control resources. Use of the STT should therefore be discontinued on Guadalcanal and other techniques such as allozyme electrophoresis used instead.
Educational needs of internal medicine residency graduates: general internist versus subspecialists
Authors: Baker  , Scofield  
Published: March 2003

Residency training is inadequate with respect to the needs of general internal medicine doctors in several areas. We undertook this study to determine the practice habits and educational requirements of general versus subspecialty internists.A survey was mailed to 138 doctors who had completed at least a three‐year university‐based internal medicine post‐graduate training.Sixty‐three (46%) responded, of whom 32 completed additional training in a subspecialty of internal medicine. Many (14 of 32) subspecialists described their practice as general internal medicine (GIM) with a subspecialty emphasis. GIM was as important to their practice as it was to the general internists. General internists saw non‐internal medicine disciplines as important but subspecialists did not. General internists frequently performed procedures that were not formally taught during training, while subspecialists rarely if ever performed a procedure outside the scope of their fellowship training.Internal medicine training programmes should be able to individualize training based on the career choices of trainees such that training will more fully prepare trainees for practice.
Establishing community‐orientated medical schools: key issues and steps in early planning
Authors: Hamad Bashir 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivesTo describe briefly the process of early planning and establishment of community‐based medical schools with highlights of the key issues and milestones.DesignAfter outlining some basic concerns and provisos for the Dean and suggested strategies for setting the stage (preparing the ground) for the innovation, three phases of early planning and action steps within each are listed to serve as a guide and a general checklist.SettingUniversity of Gezira, Sudan and UAE University, AL‐Ain.ConclusionAs the curriculum with its implications constitutes the driving force for establishing the schools, it has been given due emphasis and greater share in planning. The communication is concluded with further advice to founding Deans through the proposition of a five‐star Dean.
Make induction day more effective – add a few problems
Authors: Mitchell  , Laidlaw  
Published: March 2003

IntroductionInduction courses are important to introduce Pre‐Registration House Officers (PRHOs) to their new place of work. Traditionally, such programmes employ lectures, small group discussion and demonstrations. They let PRHOs meet members of various hospital disciplines and services. Since 1991, an interactive induction programme has been held each August for new PRHOs in the Eastern Region of Scotland taking up posts in Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.DesignFeedback from participants allows the course to be refined each year. In 1995, three paper‐based patient management problems (PMPs) were included in the induction programme. Response was favourable. Most of the participants (82%) suggested the PMPs should be used again, but that more time should be allocated to enable them to tackle the problems. By August 1996, we aimed to provide a relevant and interactive programme that encouraged PRHOs to make immediate use of hospital resources. Two PMPs, in print format described likely case histories, with tasks that mirrored the junior doctors’ forthcoming responsibilities. Healthcare team members and laboratory staff provided support as did study boards displaying written sheets of relevant clinical information.ResultsIn the subsequent evaluation, the PMP component was rated highly by participants. They effectively triggered PRHOs to interact with hospital staff.ConclusionsWe conclude that PMPs provide a valuable learning experience for junior doctors and are a useful addition to an induction day programme. We plan to refine and increase the use of PMPs in undergraduate and postgraduate settings.
Why? What? and How? IT provision for medical students in general practice
Authors: Hagdrup N A , Edwards M , Carter Y H , Falshaw M , Gray R W , Sheldon M G 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to discuss the increasing use of computers in undergraduate medical education and explore the why, what and how of providing IT facilities to undergraduate medical students when they are on placement in general practice. Adequate computing facilities are usually available within hospitals and medical schools, however, major changes are taking place in undergraduate education resulting in more teaching being undertaken in the community. Students will therefore need access to comparable facilities whilst in primary care settings in order for their training not to be compromised.SettingThis paper describes one initiative addressing this need: the University Linked Practices (ULP) project in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at St. Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry.DesignWe discuss the ways in which computers are currently being used in medical education and discuss some of the merits and drawbacks that are associated with this increasing drive to computerization.
Contribution of calystegine catabolic plasmid to competitive colonization of the rhizosphere of calystegine‐producing plants by Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm41
Authors: Guntli D. , Heeb M. , Moënne‐Loccoz Y. , Défago G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCalystegines are plant secondary metabolites produced by the roots of a few plant species, and the ability to catabolize calystegines is infrequent in rhizosphere bacteria. In Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm41, the endosymbiont of the legume Medicago sativa, this ability results from the presence of the genes cac (for calystegine catabolism) located on the nonsymbiotic plasmid pRme41a. The effect of the cac catabolic plasmid pRme41a on the ability of Rm41 to colonize the rhizosphere of calystegine‐positive plants was studied using derivatives of Rm41 with or without cac catabolic plasmid. When strains were inoculated alone, the presence of a cac catabolic plasmid had no effect on their colonization of the rhizosphere, regardless of whether plants produced calystegines or not. However, a spontaneous rifampicin‐resistant mutant of Rm41 containing a cac catabolic plasmid reached population levels in the rhizosphere of calystegine‐positive plants that were several orders of magnitude higher than those of the same strain without the plasmid, when each was co‐inoculated with a derivative of Rm41 cured of pRme41a. In contrast, the cac catabolic plasmid provided little or no selective advantage in the rhizosphere of calystegine‐negative plants. In conclusion, the cac catabolic plasmid pRme41a can contribute to the ability of S. meliloti Rm41 to colonize the rhizosphere of alternative, nonlegume plant hosts producing calystegines.