bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The taxonomic distribution of rare and common species among families in the vascular plant flora of Fennoscandia
Authors: Grytnes John Arvid , Birks H. J. B. , Peglar Sylvia M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMany plant traits are not randomly distributed among families. The question considered here is ‘are rarity and commonness of vascular plants in Fennoscandia randomly distributed among families?’ If more rare or more common species are found within a family, this may give some initial indications about which traits may predict rarity and commonness of species. A species was defined as rare or common based on its abundance and on the number of grid squares it occupies. 1521 naturally occurring species in 229 75×75 km grid squares were used. Permutation tests were performed to assess statistically if rarity and commonness are randomly distributed among families. Several families can be identified as having more rare or more common species than would be expected under a random allocation model. However, there are little deviations from what would be expected if rarity and commonness were randomly distributed among families in the whole Fennoscandian flora. It is proposed that the arbitrary geographical limits of the study area may account for the lack of any clear patterns of rarity and commonness among and between families.
How localized are the distributions of Australian scarabs (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea)?
Authors: Allsopp P. G. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe degree of localization in the distribution of Australian scarabaeine (320 spp.), aphodiine (160 spp.), geotrupid (166 spp.) and dynastine (182 spp.) scarabs is analysed. Localization differs among these groups, appearing to increase marginally from the Dynastinae, to the Aphodiinae, to the Scarabaeinae, to the Geotrupidae, but with significant differences within groups, e.g. the scarabaeine tribes Onthophagini and Scarabaeini. However, the Australian fauna lacks the high proportion of widespread species characteristic of the West Palaearctic Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae and Geotrupidae. This difference reflects the different ecological histories of the two regions.
The impact of an invading alien grass (Agropyron cristatum) on species turnover in native prairie
Authors: Heidinga Lawrence , Wilson Scott D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Alien invasions typically reduce species richness of habitats, but few studies have examined their effects on species turnover, the difference in species composition between localities. Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. (crested wheat grass) has been planted on 6–10 million ha of North American prairie, and is invading native prairie. We studied the invasion of A. cristatum into native prairie by measuring species composition along a gradient from maximum to minimum A. cristatum abundance. As A. cristatum increased, the abundance of most common native species decreased, but one appeared to be unaffected (Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag.), and another (Poa sandbergii Vasey) increased. The effect of A. cristatum on species turnover was investigated by examining species–area curves for areas from 0.5 m2 to 8.0 m2. Species diversity was reduced by 35% at high A. cristatum abundances at all areas. A. cristatum reduced the intercept of the species–area curve, but not the slope, suggesting that A. cristatum affected species turnover proportionally in all areas and habitats. This unusual result may indicate a homogeneous environment where species are distributed randomly. A. cristatum produced almost twice as many seeds as all native grasses combined. The number of seeds collected of native grasses and A. cristatum was highly correlated with the number of seed heads immediately nearby, but not with transect position. This suggests most seeds were dispersed over distances less than 5 m. In sum, the invasion of native prairie by A. cristatum might be related to high rates of seed production, and has the effect of decreasing species turnover by reducing the intercept of the species–area curve.
Are there predictable clines in plant–pollinator interactions along altitudinal gradients? The example ofCytisus scoparius(L.) Link in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Central Spain)
Authors: Malo Juan E. , Baonza Jorge 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.We analyse the hypothesis that predictable gradients occur in plant–pollinator interactions along altitudinal gradients due to thermal constraints on insect body size and floral traits being selected for by pollinators. Pollinators’ size should follow Bergmann's rule in mountains (larger body size at higher altitudes) and selection should, in turn, lead to larger flower size at higher altitudes. The study focuses on the flower and pollinator size variation in 11Cytisus scopariuspopulations located between 680 and 1300 m a.s.l., and on the relationship between flower size and pollination success of plants in each population. Significant differences among populations were found in flower size, pollinator size and fruiting success (anova,P < 0.001 in all cases). Regression models show that (i) pollinator size increases significantly with altitude, (ii) a parallel quadratic increase in flower size and (iii) a quadratic decrease in pollination success with altitude. Moreover, there is a tendency of plants with smaller flowers in each population to have a higher percentage of flowers initiating development into fruits (ancova,P < 0.05). All these observations support the presence of the predicted gradient in the studied species and they suggest the possibility of it to be somewhat common among plants that occupy large altitudinal ranges due to the simple basis on which it could be rooted.
Alien predators and amphibian declines: review of two decades of science and the transition to conservation
Authors: Kats Lee B. , Ferrer Ryan P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Over the last two decades, numerous studies have shown that alien predators contributed to amphibian population declines. Both experimental studies and correlative field surveys implicated alien species of fish, bullfrogs and crayfish as major contributors to amphibian population decline, and in some instances local extinction. Additional studies have demonstrated that alien predators also caused long‐term changes in aquatic communities. Recent studies have examined the feasibility of removing alien predators, and provide some evidence that amphibian populations can recover. Applying information gained from past studies to the recovery of amphibian populations will be the challenge of future studies. International, national and local policies that regulate alien predators should be based largely on the body of scientific evidence already in the literature. Scientists need to be more involved with policy‐makers to most effectively change laws that regulate alien predators.
Metabolism of methoxymorpholino‐doxorubicin in rat, dog and monkey liver microsomes: comparison with human microsomes
Authors: Beulz‐Riche Dominique , Robert Jacques , Menard Christophe , Ratanasavanh Damrong 
Published: March 2003

The morpholino anthracycline, methoxymorpholino‐doxorubicin (MMDx) is a novel anticancer agent. The metabolism of this highly lipophilic doxorubicin analogue is not fully elucidated. MMDx is metabolically activated in vivo, resulting in an 80‐fold increase in potency over the parent drug. In this study, MMDx in vitro metabolism was compared in rat, dog, monkey and human liver microsomes.When microsomal fractions were incubated with MMDx, 6–8 metabolites were formed depending on the species and on the substrate concentrations. Among these eight metabolites, three comigrated with authentic standards, namely MMDx‐ol, PNU156686 and PNU159682, and the five others are in the process of being characterized. Quantitatively, monkey and human metabolize MMDx with a higher rate than rat and dog. Qualitatively, MMDx metabolic profile in dog microsomes was different from the three other species. MMDx‐ol was predominant in dog and only minor in other species.In conclusion, MMDx metabolism was species‐different. Rat and monkey liver microsomes may be used as models to study MMDx metabolism in humans. Dog liver microsomes may be a good model for studying the formation of MMDx‐ol.
Do endogenous opioids contribute to the bradycardia of rats with obstructive cholestasis?
Authors: Gaskari Seyed Ali , Mani Ali Reza , Ejtemaei‐Mehr Shahram , Namiranian Khodadad , Homayoun Houman , Ahmadi Hossein , Dehpour Ahmad Reza 
Published: March 2003

AbstractEndogenous opioids have nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent cardiovascular actions. In the light of biological evidence of accumulation of endogenous opioids in cholestasis and also existence of NO‐dependent bradycardia in cholestatic subjects, this study was carried out to evaluate the role of endogenous opioids in the generation of bradycardia in a rat model of cholstasis. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to induce cholestasis by surgical ligation of the bile duct, with sham‐operated animals serving as a control. The animals were divided into six groups which received naltrexone [20 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously (s.c.)], NG‐l‐nitro‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 3 mg/kg/day, s.c.), aminoguanidine (200 mg/kg/day, s.c.), l‐arginine (200 mg/kg/day, s.c.), naltrexone + L‐NAME (20 and 3 mg/kg/day, s.c) or saline. One week after the operation, a lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and the spontaneously beating atria of the animals were then isolated and the chronotropic responses to epinephrine evaluated. The plasma l‐nitro‐tyrosine level and alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were also measured. The heart rate of cholestatic animals was significantly lower than that of control rats in vivo and this bradycardia was corrected with daily adminstration of naltrexone or L‐NAME. The basal spontaneous beating rate of atria in cholestatic animals was not significantly different from that of sham‐operated animals in vitro. Cholestasis induced a significant decrease in the chronotropic effect of epinephrine. This effect was corrected by daily injection of naltrexone or L‐NAME, or concurrent administration of naltrexone + L‐NAME, and was not corrected by aminoguanidine. l‐arginine had an equivalent effect to L‐NAME and increased the chronotropic effect of epinephrine in cholestatic rats but not in control animals. Bile duct ligation increased the plasma activity of liver enzymes as well as the level of l‐nitro‐tyrosine. l‐arginine and naltrexone treatment significantly decreased the elevation of liver enzymes in bile duct‐ligated rats. Pretreatment of cholestatic animals with naltrexone or L‐NAME decreased the plasma l‐nitro‐tyrosine level. The results suggest that either prevention of NO overproduction or protection against liver damage is responsible for recovery of bradycardia after naltrexone administration.
Safety pharmacology and risk assessment
Authors: Kinter Lewis B. , Valentin Jean‐Pierre 
Published: March 2003

Evaluation of experimental drugs in animals for effects on critical organ systems allows identification of functional signals of efficacy and safety that can be subsequently monitored in human clinical trials. The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), `Guidelines on Safety Pharmacology', finalized in 2000, defined critical organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system) and functions to be evaluated, and points to consider for study design and conduct. The new Safety Pharmacology guidelines recognise that while in vitro studies of molecular targets (enzymes, receptors, ion channels, etc.) suggest mechanisms by which chemicals might impact organisms, organ functions are complex, integrative, and most usefully evaluated in their totality, in intact and ideally unanesthetized animal models.Signals identified from safety pharmacology studies are candidates for biomarkers, which when established/validated, can enhance cross‐species‐based risk assessments and risk management in clinical trials. This review will briefly trace the origins of modern safety pharmacology and discuss practical issues related to the identification and application of signals generated from safety pharmacology studies. The QT interval from the electrocardiogram is currently the `most validated' of those signals (`biomarkers') generated from safety pharmacology studies and is presented as an example of the utility and the difficulties faced by safety pharmacologists attempting to predict risk in humans based upon physiological measurements conducted in animal studies.
FOSIDIAL: a randomised placebo controlled trial of the effects of fosinopril on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in haemodialysis patients. Study design and patients' baseline characteristics
Authors: Zannad Faiez , Kessler Michèle , Grünfeld Jean Pierre , Thuilliez Christian ,   FOSIDIAL Investigators
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe prevalence of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is growing in western countries. Patients with ESRD are more frequently elderly and diabetic and are exposed to very high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The main aim of the FOSIDIAL study is to assess the efficacy and safety of fosinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, in reducing the mortality and cardiovascular events in haemodialysis patients presenting with left ventricular hypertrophy. A total number of 397 patients are included in the study. They are aged 50–80 years (average 66.7 years) and have been undergoing haemodialysis for 4.8 years. All have left ventricular hypertrophy with cardiac mass index > 100 g/m2 in women and > 130 g/m2 in men, measured within 3 months prior to inclusion. Baseline cardiac mass index is 174 g/m2. After a 2 week placebo period, the patients are randomised into two groups receiving either fosinopril 5–20 mg/day, or a placebo for a duration of 24 months. The target dose is reached at the sixth, seventh or eighth week of treatment. Depending on tolerance, 300 patients reached the maximum recommended dose. Patients are subsequently assessed clinically every 3 months until the end of the study. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of fatal and nonfatal major cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints are individual cardiovascular events, event‐free survival, overall mortality and all‐cause hospitalisations. The trial began in October 1998. All patients were included by December 2000 and follow‐up is ongoing. The last visit for the last patient is scheduled for 30 December 2002. We report here on the study design and the baseline characteristics of the study population.
Internationalization of regulatory requirements
Authors: Juillet Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aim of harmonisation of medicines regulatory requirements is to allow the patient quicker access to new drugs and to avoid animal and human duplications. Harmonisation in the European Union (EU) is now completed, and has led to the submission of one dossier in one language study leading to European marketing authorizations, thanks in particular to efficacy guidelines published at the European level. With the benefit of the European experience since 1989, more than 40 guidelines have been harmonised amongst the EU, Japan and the USA through the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). ICH is a unique process gathering regulators and industry experts from the three regions. Its activity is built on expertise and trust. The Common Technical Document (CTD), an agreed common format for application in the three regions, is a logical follow‐up to the ICH first phase harmonising the content of the dossier. The CTD final implementation in July 2003 will have considerable influence on the review process and on the exchange of information in the three regions.
Sleep attacks in Parkinson's disease induced by Entacapone, a COMT‐inhibitor
Authors: Santens Patrick 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe present a patient who suffered from sleep attacks after starting entacapone in addition to levodopa. Entacapone, a catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitor, alters the pharmacokinetics of levodopa, leading to increase of levodopa concentration in plasma and brain. This mechanism is suspected to be involved in the pathophysiology of sleep attacks in this case.
Instant centre frequency at anaesthetic induction – a new way to analyse sympathovagal balance†
Authors: De Souza Neto Edmundo Pereira , Cerutti Catherine , Loufoua Joseph , Saroul Christine , Chiari Pascal , Custaud Marc‐Antoine , Lehot Jean‐Jacques 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe instant centre frequency (ICF) of RR interval has been proposed as a global index to analyse the sympathovagal interaction in the heart. The aim of this study was to assess the ICF during anaesthesia to test if it can reliably capture the neural control of the cardiovascular system. Twenty‐four ASA II or III patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were included in the study. They were allocated in two groups: control, no treatment (group 1, n = 12), and beta‐adrenergic blockade by atenolol (group 2, n = 12). Spectra of pulse interval series were computed with a time–frequency method and they were divided into: very low frequency (VLF, 0.000–0.040 Hz), low frequency (LF, 0.050–0.150 Hz) and high frequency (HF, 0.160–0.500 Hz). Normalized power was obtained by dividing the cumulative power within each frequency band (LF or HF) by the sum of LF and HF; the ratio of LF/HF was also calculated.Instant centre frequency is a time‐varying parameter that the evolution along time of the gravity centrum of a local spectrum. All spectral indexes were recorded at the following time points: before induction, after induction and before intubation, during intubation, and after intubation. The atenolol group had lower normalized LF and the LF/HF ratio (P < 0.05) higher HF before induction; and lower LF/HF ratio after induction and before intubation (P < 0.05). The ICF was higher in atenolol group at all times. The ICF shifted towards HF frequency after induction and before intubation and shifted towards LF during intubation in both groups. The autonomic nervous system control on the heart through the interaction of sympathetic and parasympathetic reflex mechanisms could be studied by the ICF. The ICF may assess the autonomic cardiac modulation and may provide useful information for anaesthetic management.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE. Differential effects of sulphonylureas on the vasodilatory response evoked by KATP channel openers
Authors: Ravel Denis , Levens Nigel , Félétou Michel , Néliat Gervais , Auclair Jean , Bouskela Eliete 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe potency of three sulphonylureas, glibenclamide, glimepiride and gliclazide in antagonizing the vasorelaxant action of openers of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐regulated K+ channel (KATP) was studied in vivo and in vitro in micro‐ and macrovessels, respectively. In the hamster cheek pouch, the vasodilatation and the increase in vascular diameter and blood flow induced by diazoxide were markedly reduced by the addition of either glibenclamide or glimepiride (0.8 μm) while they were not affected by gliclazide up to 12 μm. Similarly, in rat and guinea‐pig isolated aortic rings, glibenclamide, glimepiride and gliclazide reduced the vasodilator activity of cromakalim. However, the inhibitory effect of gliclazide was considerably less when compared with either glimepiride or glibenclamide. These results suggest that, in contrast to glibenclamide and glimepiride, therapeutically relevant concentrations of gliclazide do not block the vascular effects produced by KATP channel openers in various in vitro and in vivo animal models.
Repeatability of measurements of oxygen consumption, heart rate and Borg's scale in men during ergometer cycling
Authors: Wergel‐Kolmert Ulla , Wisén Anita , Wohlfart Björn 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe coefficient of repeatability (COR), expressed as 2 SD of differences, was calculated between two measurements of oxygen consumption ( ), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during ergometer cycling by men. The two sets of measurements were performed 5 to 6 weeks apart. Nineteen healthy men performed an incremental maximal exercise test on an ergometer cycle. The load started at 50 W and increased by 5 W 20 s−1 until exhaustion was reached. At 40% of the individual maximum load of the pretest, the load was kept constant for 4 min in order to reach steady state. Gas measurements were recorded continuously by computerized instrumentation. The HR was monitored with electrocardiography (ECG) and the perceived exertion was evaluated using Borg's scale. The COR of

at sub‐maximal load was 14% and at maximum load 11%. The values in absolute figures were 209 and 332 ml min−1. The corresponding COR of the HR was 16% at sub‐maximum load and 6% at maximum load, and an evaluation of the perceived exertion yielded CORs in absolute values of 4·8 and 1·3, respectively. The COR for

, HR and ratings of perceived exertion when cycling on an ergometer cycle thus indicate a better agreement between the measurements at maximum load. The COR of the heart at sub‐maximal loads must be kept in mind when using HR for estimation of

. The reported findings should be considered when using tests on an ergometer cycle for evaluating exercise capacity.
Interferential therapy: lack of effect upon experimentally induced delayed onset muscle soreness
Authors: Minder P. M. , Noble J. G. , Alves‐Guerreiro J. , Hill I. D. , Lowe A. S. , Walsh D. M. , Baxter G. D. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis study was designed to assess the analgesic effects of interferential therapy (IFT) on experimentally induced muscular pain under randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled conditions. After ethical approval and written consent were obtained, 40 healthy human volunteers (20 males:20 females) aged 18–25 years were recruited and randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups (n=10 per group: male=female): IFT 1, IFT 2, control or placebo. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was induced in the elbow flexors of the non‐dominant arm of each subject using a single bout of eccentric exercises to exhaustion. Measurements of isometric peak torque, resting angle, mechanical pain threshold and visual analogue scales were performed at set time points. Treatment was applied for 30 min daily over the biceps brachii muscle, for five consecutive days, according to group allocation. IFT 1 received 10–20 Hz, whilst subjects in IFT 2 were treated with 80–100 Hz (bi‐pole; carrier frequency: 4 kHz; pulse duration: 125 μs). For the placebo group, the procedure was identical to that in the active treatment groups; however, no interferential current was delivered. The control group received no treatment. No significant between group difference was identified at any time point (P≥0·14). However, some inconsistent, yet significant differences in daily treatment effects, interactive effects and effects over time were detected. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that application of IFT at the parameters used here, had no overall beneficial effect on DOMS.