bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of performance degradation and restoration during sleep restriction and subsequent recovery: a sleep dose‐response study
Authors: Belenky Gregory , Wesensten Nancy J. , Thorne David R. , Thomas Maria L. , Sing Helen C. , Redmond Daniel P. , Russo Michael B. , Balkin Thomas J. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYDaytime performance changes were examined during chronic sleep restriction or augmentation and following subsequent recovery sleep. Sixty‐six normal volunteers spent either 3 (n = 18), 5 (n= 16), 7 (n = 16), or 9 h (n = 16) daily time in bed (TIB) for 7 days (restriction/augmentation) followed by 3 days with 8 h daily TIB (recovery). In the 3‐h group, speed (mean and fastest 10% of responses) on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) declined, and PVT lapses (reaction times greater than 500 ms) increased steadily across the 7 days of sleep restriction. In the 7‐ and 5‐h groups speed initially declined, then appeared to stabilize at a reduced level; lapses were increased only in the 5‐h group. In the 9‐h group, speed and lapses remained at baseline levels. During recovery, PVT speed in the 7‐ and 5‐h groups (and lapses in the 5‐h group) remained at the stable, but reduced levels seen during the last days of the experimental phase, with no evidence of recovery. Speed and lapses in the 3‐h group recovered rapidly following the first night of recovery sleep; however, recovery was incomplete with speed and lapses stabilizing at a level comparable with the 7‐ and 5‐h groups. Performance in the 9‐h group remained at baseline levels during the recovery phase. These results suggest that the brain adapts to chronic sleep restriction. In mild to moderate sleep restriction this adaptation is sufficient to stabilize performance, although at a reduced level. These adaptive changes are hypothesized to restrict brain operational capacity and to persist for several days after normal sleep duration is restored, delaying recovery.
Influence of ruminal distribution on norfloxacin pharmacokinetics in adult sheep
Authors: González F. , Andrés M. I. San , Nieto J. , Andrés M. D. San , Waxman S. , Vicente M. L. , Lucas J. J. , Rodríguez C. 
Published: March 2003

González, F., San Andrés, M. I., Nieto, J., San Andrés, M. D., Waxman, S., Vicente, M. L., Lucas, J. J., Rodríguez, C. Influence of ruminal distribution on norfloxacin pharmacokinetics in adult sheepJ. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.24,241–245.Norfloxacin (NF) ruminal distribution after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral (p.o.) administration was determined in order to assess the influence of the rumen on the pharmacokinetic behaviour of NF in sheep. Norfloxacin concentrations in rumen were detected after i.v. and i.m. administrations between 4 and 48 h in all animals studied. The experimental distribution ratios after i.v. and i.m. administration expressed as area under the concentration–time curve ratiosAUCrumen/AUCplasmawere 0.24 and 0.39, respectively, and thus lower than corresponding predicted value of 5.06. Apparently, drug persisted in the rumen content longer than in plasma. The experimental mean residence time ratiosMRTrumen/MRTplasmaafter i.v. and i.m. administrations were 2.33 and 1.66, respectively. After p.o. administration, NF concentrations in the rumen content were extremely high compared with the respective plasma concentrations, resulting in mean peak concentrations ratioCmax‐rumen/Cmax‐plasmaof 383.66 andAUCrumen/AUCplasmaexperimental ratio of 402.32. This value was considerably higher (≈79 fold) than the predicted distribution ratio of 5.06. Our results suggest that the limited p.o. bioavailability of NF in ruminants could not be attributed to ruminal degradation.
Management of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation
Authors: Teixeira R. , Papatheodoridis G. V. , Burroughs A. K. 
Published: March 2003

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection is almost universal in patients transplanted for HCV‐related cirrhosis. The medium‐term survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is similar to other transplanted patients, but the long‐term survival remains uncertain. The prevention and an effective treatment of progressive liver disease are the primary aims in HCV recurrence. Interferon and ribavirin, as monotherapy or in combination, have been tried to treat or prevent HCV recurrence. Preliminary studies suggest a better chance of initial HCV clearance and better results in preventing HCV recurrence with combination therapy. IFN or ribavirin, as monotherapy, may normalize liver enzymes, but only gives rise to a transient virological response, without histological improvement. Combination IFN and ribavirin may be able to prevent progression of HCV‐related graft disease, but indications and duration of treatment need further evaluation.No clear association between type and dose of immunosuppressive and outcome of post‐transplant HCV recurrence has been found. Strategies to minimize the effects of immunosuppressive drugs include dose reduction of all agents and the selective discontinuation of individual agents. Initial immunosuppression with a single drug may inhibit or delay the severe fibrosis, and further investigation with a single immunosuppressive regimen to evaluate the outcome of recurrent hepatitis C should be performed. The recent evidence that mycophenolate may have an antiviral effect needs a clinical confirmation.Retransplantation survival is better with early retransplantation, and for indications not directly related to viral recurrence.
Biochemical markers of liver fibrosis in patients infected by hepatitis C virus: longitudinal validation in a randomized trial
Authors: Poynard T. , Imbert‐Bismut F. , Ratziu V. , Chevret S. , Jardel C. , Moussalli J. , Messous D. , Degos F. ,   for the GERMED cyt04 group
Published: March 2003

A liver fibrosis index was recently prospectively validated in a cross‐sectional study where patients infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) had only one biopsy and no longitudinal follow‐up. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the diagnostic value of this index in patients included in a randomized trial of interferon (IFN) using repeated measurements, two biopsies and hyaluronic acid as a comparative reference. One‐hundred and sixty‐five patients who had had two interpretable liver biopsies and at least one stored serum sample before IFN treatment were selected. Seventy‐eight patients received 3 MU of IFN‐α thrice weekly for 24 weeks and 87 followed a reinforced regimen for 48 weeks. A fibrosis index combining five biochemical markers (α2‐macroglobulin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A1, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and total bilirubin adjusted for gender and age) as well as hyaluronic acid was assessed on 461 samples available at baseline, at the end of treatment and at the end of follow‐up (72 weeks).There was a significant decrease of the fibrosis index score among the 17 sustained virologic responders, from 0.33 ± 0.06 (mean ± SE) at baseline to 0.18 ± 0.06 at 72 weeks in comparison with 92 nonresponders (from 0.41 ± 0.03 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.03 at 72 weeks; P < 0.001) and in comparison with 56 relapsers (from 0.36 ± 0.03 at baseline to 0.32 ± 0.03 at 72 weeks; P=0.05). No significant differences were observed for hyaluronic acid.Hence, this fibrosis index could be used as a surrogate marker of the antifibrotic effect of treatments in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Impact of deer in lowland Britain on agriculture, forestry and conservation habitats
Authors: Putman R. J. , Moore N. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractProbably in response to recent changes in habitat structure, populations of a number of species of deer are increasing both in numbers and in geographical distribution in lowland Britain. In the wake of this expansion there is increasing awareness and concern over damage to agriculture/horticulture and forestry, as well as damage to sensitive vegetation in conservation areas.Despite a perception that damage levels are rising, data that actually quantify the scale of impact by deer on lowland agriculture and forestry interests or conservation habitats are scarce. This review attempts to draw together such objective data as are available to assess more formally the actual impact of deer damage in these different contexts and the economic significance of damage caused. The review concludes with a brief consideration of implications for management.The majority of agricultural damage reported in England and Wales was due to Fallow, Red and Roe Deer; Muntjac were only implicated in a little horticultural damage where they are numerous. Most reports were of damage to pasture or cereals, with oilseed rape, nursery and orchard crops also frequently damaged. Because of fundamental differences in ecology and distribution, different species of deer were implicated in different types of damage, depending on feeding habit and distribution in relation to geographical patterns of crop‐type. In a woodland context, Fallow, Red and Roe Deer were implicated in the majority of reported damage in lowland UK, which is most frequent in the north of England and lowest in Wales. Despite the apparent severity of damage caused to agriculture or forestry, the actual economic significance of such damage would appear in many cases to be negligible or small. Field crops frequently recover completely from such damage, and although woodland crops may be checked and quality of the timber may be reduced as a consequence of earlier browsing damage, losses may be far less than they first appear. This whole question of the true economic cost of deer damage needs further research.Deer damage to conservation habitats in England and Wales appears largely restricted to woodland; impact on heathlands, grasslands and wetlands is generally welcomed as helping to arrest invasion of scrub. Within woodlands, while concern is expressed in a small number of cases over losses of sensitive ground flora or suppression of natural regeneration, the major problem is in damage to coppice regrowth on sites where coppice management has been recently reintroduced.
Impact of radio‐collars on Yellow‐necked Mice, Apodemus flavicollis (Mammalia, Rodentia)
Authors: De Mendonça Philippe Gil 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe impact of wearing a radio‐collar was investigated for 124 Yellow‐necked Mice Apodemus flavicollis, in mixed deciduous woodlands. Collared mice neither lost more weight nor lost weight more frequently than control individuals. The cost of wearing a collar was not greater for small individuals than for larger ones. The impact of wearing a radio‐collar was mostly due to the shape and size of the radio‐collar and the external antenna rather than the package weight. This aspect was particularly acute in the presence of ticks. One solution to this problem may be to build and use radio‐transmitter packages as compact (but nevertheless resistant to gnawing) and symmetrical as possible and to use collars impregnated with tick repellent.
Status and conservation of the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus in north‐eastern India
Authors: Choudhury Anwaruddin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA status survey of Asian Elephants Elephas maximus was conducted in the 9 north‐eastern states of India. The habitat is contiguous with that in Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Although the estimated population of 11 000 elephants is higher than in other regions of the Indian Sub‐continent, it is fragmented and a number of small inviable isolated populations have formed. About 35% of the population is partly protected, but protection is inadequate. More areas and migration routes need to be protected. Man–elephant conflict is serious in many areas. A comprehensive Action Plan with a more pragmatic protected‐area network has been proposed.
An analysis and review of models of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae
Authors: Johnson Dominic D. P. , MacDonald David W. , Dickman Amy J. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTClassical models of social organization in mustelids suggest that female ranging patterns are determined by the dispersion of resources, whereas those of males are determined by the dispersion of females. However, mating systems and social spacing patterns vary widely both between and within species. For example, European Badgers exhibit a continuum from the classical mustelid model of intra‐sexual territoriality and inter‐sexual overlap to very large, mixed‐sex, promiscuous groups. We evaluated hypotheses and existing data to explain this variation, using comparative analyses and Principal Components Analysis of life history and ecological variables. In addition, we applied a null model of allometric scaling to test for associations between group mass and residual home range size. We found that: (1) the degree of social behaviour and breeding group size increased with life history variables indicative of K‐selected strategies of parental investment. (2) Absolute home range size and residual home range size (derived from allometric home range scaling) decreased, paradoxically, with breeding group size and group mass, respectively. These results provide support for ecological theories of social grouping in general and, in particular, for the importance of dispersed resource‐rich patches as developed in the Resource Dispersion Hypothesis.
The role of the Badger (Meles meles) in rabies epizootiology and the implications for Great Britain
Authors: Smith G. C. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of a wildlife rabies epizootic in Britain remains a very unlikely event, but it is important to examine all the possible consequences of such an event. Here, I examine the possible role of the European Badger (Meles meles) in

such an epizootic. The population density of Badgers in Britain is much higher than

that in Europe, and appears to have increased substantially over the last decade

or so. The population parameters and epizootiology of rabies in the Badger are reviewed

in comparison with the Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and other species. Mustelids appear to be very susceptible to rabies, with the smaller mustelids becoming aggressive, although Badgers do not appear to show heightened aggression when infected. Badger populations on the continent become severely reduced when rabies arrives in the area, and circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that Badgers can easily transmit the virus. Preliminary models support the idea that the Badger could be a very significant secondary host, especially in the initial rabies outbreak. The population recovery rate of the Badger suggests that it is unlikely to become a primary host, although short‐term epizootics in the Badger population are likely. The potential for controlling rabies in the Badger is also examined.
The digestive tract and life history of small mammals
Authors: LANGER PETER 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe type of food, differentiation of the large intestine and stomach, and methane production, as well as life history data, are considered in Insectivora, Rodentia and Lagomorpha. When food containing plant cell wall material is eaten, there is either a differentiation of the stomach or the large intestine. In animals with low body mass and little differentiation of the gastrointestinal tract, methane production is low, but structures essential for microbial digestion of plant cell wall material, such as haustration of the colon or formation of a caecum, can be found in many methane‐producers. Animals with a body mass < 500 g and a weaning time < 20 days are non‐producers of methane. Establishment of a balanced microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract requires some time. Many non‐producers of methane wean their young in < 10 days, but many producers need > 50 days for the weaning process. Caviomorpha, Thryonomyidae and Hystricidae seem to have ‘opened the door’ to the use of low quality food by microbial fermentation, but some of them have to ‘pay’ for this extension of the food range by an extended weaning period, which also means an extended dependency on the mother.
Morphology and ultrastructure of spiracles in phlebotomine sandfly larvae
Authors: Fausto A. M. , Taddei A. R. , Mazzini M. , Maroli M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe morphology and ultrastructure of the larval spiracle system of three phlebotomine sandfly species, Phlebotomus perniciosus, P. perfiliewi and P. papatasi, were examined by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy and by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). During larval development, thoracic and abdominal spiracles show considerable modifications. In fourth instar larvae, the spiracles consist of a plate with a sclerotized central portion and a peripheral circle of papillae. The latter is distinctive in the larvae of P. papatasi, which are readily distinguished from the other species. Opening clefts across the papillae communicate with an internal chamber that encircles an electrondense plug. Many cylindrical projections cross the chamber, uniting the central plug with the larval body, forming an air filter. Spiracular development in successive larval instars has both a taxonomic and adaptive value.
Safety of pyrethroid‐treated mosquito nets
Authors: Zaim M. , Aitio A. , Nakashima N. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) for personal protection against malaria vector Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) has become popular during the past decade. With the precautions outlined in this paper, field use of pyrethroids – at concentrations recommended for treatment of mosquito nets – poses little or no hazard to people treating the nets or to users of the treated nets. With frequent exposure to low concentrations of pyrethroids, the risk of toxicity of any kind is remote. Pyrethroids entering the systemic circulation are rapidly metabolized to much less toxic metabolites. Toxicologically, pyrethroids have a useful characteristic – the production of skin paraesthesia – which gives an early indication of exposure. This reversible symptom of exposure is due to transient stimulation of peripheral sensory nerves and not a toxic effect. In the retail market, for home use, the provision of proper packaging and labelling, with clear instructions on safe and effective use of the product are most important. Because many domestic users of pyrethroid ‘home treatment kits’ for ITNs may not be fully literate, it is essential that ‘instructions for use’ should be portrayed via pictograms with supporting text in appropriate local language(s).
Anopheles arabiensis and An. funestus are equally important vectors of malaria in Matola coastal suburb of Maputo, southern Mozambique
Authors: Mendis C. , Jacobsen J. L. , Gamage‐Mendis A. , Bule E. , Dgedge M. , Thompson R. , Cuamba N. , Barreto J. , Begtrup K. , Sinden R. E. , Høgh B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryTransmission characteristics of malaria were studied in Matola, a coastal suburb of Maputo, the capital City, in southern Mozambique, from November 1994 to April 1996. The local climate alternates between cool dry season (May–October) and hot rainy season (November–April) with mean annual rainfall 650–850 mm. Saltmarsh and freshwater pools provide mosquito breeding sites in Matola. Malaria prevalence reached ∼60% among people living nearest to the main breeding sites of the vectors. Plasmodium falciparum caused 97% of malaria cases, others being P. malariae and P. ovale. Potential malaria vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) collected at Matola during daytime indoor‐resting (n = 1021) and on human bait at night (n = 5893) comprised 12% Anopheles coustani Laveran (93% biting outdoors), 46% An. funestus Giles (68% biting indoors) and 42% An. gambiae Giles sensu lato (60% biting outdoors). All 215 specimens of An. gambiae s.l. identified genetically were An. arabiensis Patton. Anopheles funestus populations remained stable throughout the year, whereas densities of the An. gambiae complex fluctuated considerably, with An. arabiensis peaking during the rainy season. No concomitant rise in malaria incidence was observed. Human landing indices of An. funestus and An. arabiensis averaged 1.8 and 3.8 per man‐night, respectively. Overall Plasmodium sporozoite rates were 2.42 ± 1.24% in 2181 An. funestus and 1.11 ± 1.25% in 1689 An. arabiensis dissected and examined microscopically. Mean daily survival rates were 0.79 for both vector species. Estimated infective bites/person/year were 15 An. funestus and 12 An. arabiensis. Biting rates were greatest at 2100–24.00 hours for An. funestus (68% endophagic) and 21.00–03.00 hours for An. arabiensis (40% endophagic). The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) declined sharply over very short distances (50% per 90 m) away from breeding‐sites of the vectors. Consequently, P. falciparum prevalence among Matola residents was halved 350 m within the town. Implications for the protective effectiveness of a ‘cordon sanitaire' by residual house‐spraying and/or the use of insecticide‐treated bednets are discussed.
Field studies on efficacy of host odour baits for the biting midge Culicoides impunctatus in Scotland
Authors: Bhasin A. , (luntz) A. J. Mordue , Mordue W. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe efficacy of some putative attractants for the biting midge Culicoides impunctatus (Goetghebuer) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was assessed using odour‐baited ‘delta traps’ and suction traps. 1‐octen‐3‐ol was confirmed as a potent olfactory attractant for C. impunctatus when released at 0.06 mg/h. Acetone (23 mg/h) and a mix of six phenolic compounds (phenol, 3‐ethylphenol, 4‐ethylphenol, 3‐methylphenol, 4‐methylphenol and 4‐propylphenol), at undetermined release rate, also significantly increased delta trap catches compared to unbaited controls. When tested in combination, there was evidence of synergism between CO2 (0.2 L/min) and acetone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol or cow urine, trap catches being, respectively, 4.7, 6.2 and 9.3‐fold greater than for CO2 alone. Highest catches were obtained with triple bait combinations comprising cow urine + acetone + CO2 or cow urine + 1‐octen‐3‐ol + CO2, which increased trap catches by × 22 and × 24, respectively, compared to CO2 alone. Culicoides impunctatus was found to be extremely sensitive to CO2 and responses, gauged over two field seasons, showed a significant dose‐dependent increase in catch across the entire range of release rates (0.2–2.5 L/min). Responses to these release rates, ranging from small to large mammal equivalents, emphasized the important role of CO2 in host location by C. impunctatus. Uses of olfactory attractants for monitoring and control of Culicoides are reviewed on the basis of these results.