bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Swimming of larval zebrafish: ontogeny of body waves and implications for locomotory development
Authors: Müller Ulrike K. , van Leeuwen Johan L. 
Published: January 2004

SUMMARYFish larvae, like most adult fish, undulate their bodies to propel themselves. A detailed kinematic study of the larval body wave is a prerequisite to formulate a set of functional requirements that the locomotor system must fulfil to generate the observed swimming kinematics. Lateral displacement and curvature profiles were obtained for zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae at 2–21 days post-fertilisation for three swimming behaviours (cyclic swimming, slow starts and fast startle responses) using high-speed video. During cyclic swimming, fish larvae maintain tail beat frequencies of up to 100 Hz. The corresponding longitudinal strains, estimated from the peak curvatures of the midline, reach up to 0.19 in superficial tissue. The strain rate can reach 120 s–1. The wave of curvature travels along the body at a near-constant rate. Posterior to the stiff head, body-lengthspecific curvature is high and rises gently along the entire trunk to a maximum value of 6. Burst-and-coast swimming generates similar peak curvatures to cyclic swimming, but curvature rises more steeply from head to tail. Fish larvae exhibit phase shifts of 57–63°between the wave of lateral displacement and the wave of curvature, resulting in a 1:1.2 ratio of body wave length to curvature wave length. During C-starts, muscle strain can reach 0.19 and superficial longitudinal strain rates approach 30 s–1. Fish larvae do not initiate their escape response with a standing wave of curvature, although their C-starts approach a standing wave as the larvae grow older. The performance demands derived from swimming kinematics suggest that larval axial muscles have very short contraction cycles (10 ms), experience considerable strains (up to 0.2)and strain rates (up to 30 s–1 in white muscle fibres) yet are able to power swimming for several seconds.
`Futile cycle' enzymes in the flight muscles of North American bumblebees
Authors: Staples James F. , Koen Erin L. , Laverty Terence M. 
Published: January 2004

SUMMARY
In the flight muscles of European bumblebees, high activities of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FbPase) relative to phosphofructokinase (PFK)have suggested a thermogenic `futile cycle' important for regional endothermy. We find generally low activities of FbPase (0.7-19.7 units g-1thorax) in North American Bombus species, with the exception of Bombus rufocinctus, where activity (43.1 units g-1 thorax)is comparable with that of European congeners. These data, taken with estimates of maximal rates of heat production by cycling, do not support a significant thermogenic role for the PFK/FbPase cycle. In agreement with earlier studies, both PFK and FbPase activities were found to scale allometrically with body size (allometric exponents -0.18 and -1.33,respectively). The cycle may serve to supplement thermogenesis or amplify glycolytic flux in rest-to-flight transitions, especially in smaller bees.
Sodium and potassium currents of larval zebrafish muscle fibres
Authors: Buckingham Steven D. , Ali Declan W. 
Published: January 2004

SUMMARY
The steady-state and kinetic properties of Na+ and K+currents of inner (white) and outer (red) muscles of zebrafish larvae 4–6 days post-fertilization (d.p.f.) are described. In inner muscle, the outward currents were half-activated at –1.0 mV and half-inactivated at–30.4 mV, and completely inactivated within 100 ms of depolarization. The inward currents of inner fibres were half-activated at –7.3 mV and half-inactivated at –74.5 mV and completely inactivated within 5 ms of depolarization. Inner muscle fibres were found to support action potentials,while no action potentials could be evoked in outer muscles. In inner muscle fibres, all tested levels of depolarizing current above a threshold value evoked only one action potential. However, spiking at frequencies of up to 200 cycles s–1 was evoked by the injection of depolarizing pulses separated by short hyperpolarizing currents. We suggest that the properties of the inward sodium and outward potassium currents permit high frequency firing in response to a pulsatile depolarizing input of the kind expected in fast swimming, whilst safeguarding against tetany during a strong depolarization.
Female reply strategies in a duetting Australian bushcricket,Caediciasp. (Phaneropterinae: Tettigoniidae: Orthoptera)
Authors: Bailey Winston J. , Hammond Thomas J. 
Published: January 2004

SUMMARYDuetting is common between the sexes of phaneropterine bushcrickets(Phaneropterinae: Tettigoniidae: Orthoptera). In this paper we describe the complex duet of an undescribed Australian species within the genus Caedicia. The male's call consists of three parts, of which the final part contains information of the species' identity and most reliably elicits the female's response. The timing of her reply usually occurs within a period of about 1 s after the male has completed his signal but may also start during the male's call. Females reply with brief clicks ranging from 1 to &gt;10,adjusting this reply number to changes in male call duration and intensity. By using computer-synthesised calls, we discovered that the female times her reply both from cues within the male call, when she starts the reply before its conclusion, and from the end of the call, in the case where the reply follows the male call. As the number of clicks in the reply increases so the interval between clicks decreases; the female fits her entire reply within a critical time window following the male's call. The male call intensity had a marginal effect on female reply strategy. We suggest a model based on levels of female motivation, by which females may set the number of clicks in reply as well as the reply latency.
Assessing a relationship between bone microstructure and growth rate: a fluorescent labelling study in the king penguin chick (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Authors: de Margerie E. , Robin J.-P. , Verrier D. , Cubo J. , Groscolas R. , Castanet J. 
Published: January 2004

SUMMARYMicrostructure–function relationships remain poorly understood in primary bone tissues. The relationship between bone growth rate and bone tissue type, although documented in some species by previous works, remains somewhat unclear and controversial. We assessed this relationship in a species with extreme adaptations, the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus). These birds have a peculiar growth, interrupted 3 months after hatching by the austral winter. Before this interruption, chicks undergo extremely rapid statural and ponderal growth. We recorded experimentally (by means of fluorescent labelling) the growth rate of bone tissue in four long bones(humerus, radius, femur and tibiotarsus) of four king penguin chicks during their fastest phase of growth (3–5 weeks after hatching) and identified the associated bone tissue types (`laminar', `longitudinal', `reticular' or`radial' fibro-lamellar bone tissue). We found the highest bone tissue growth rate known to date, up to 171 μm day–1 (mean 55 μm day–1). There was a highly significant relationship between bone tissue type and growth rate (P&lt;10–6). Highest rates were obtained with the radial microarchitecture of fibro-lamellar bone, where cavities in the woven network are aligned radially. This result supports the heuristic value of a relationship between growth rate and bone primary microstructure. However, we also found that growth rates of bone tissue types vary according to the long bone considered(P&lt;10–5) (e.g. growth rates were 38% lower in the radius than in the other long bones), a result that puts some restriction on the applicability of absolute growth rate values (e.g. to fossil species). The biomechanical disadvantages of accelerated bone growth are discussed in relation to the locomotor behaviour of the chicks during their first month of life.
Changing the skill-mix of the health care workforce
Authors: Sibbald Bonnie , Shen Jie , Mcbride Anne 
Published: January 2004

Objective Changing workforce skill-mix is one strategy for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health care. Our aim was to summarise available research into the success or failure of skill-mix change in achieving planned outcomes. Methods A systematic search for existing reviews of research into skill-mix was conducted. Databases searched included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, HMIC, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and Department of Health Research Findings Register. Search terms included keywords defining the type of publication, clinical area, type of health personnel and the focus of the article (role change, skill-mix, etc.). English language publications from 1990 onwards were included. Two reviewers independently identified relevant publications, graded the quality of reviews and extracted findings. In addition, the wider literature was scanned to identify which factors were associated with the success or failure of skill-mix change. Results A total of 9064 publications were identified, of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. There was a dearth of research, particularly for role changes involving workers other than doctors or nurses. Cost-effectiveness was generally not evaluated, nor was the wider impact of change on health care systems. The wider literature suggested that factors promoting success include: introducing ‘treatments’ of proven efficacy; appropriate staff education and training; removal of unhelpful boundary demarcations between staff or service sectors; appropriate pay and reward systems; and good strategic planning and human resource management. Unintended consequences sometimes occurred in respect of: staff morale and workload; coordination of care; continuity of care; and cost. Conclusions In order to make informed choices, health care planners need good research evidence about the likely consequences of skill-mix change. The findings from existing research need to be made more accessible while the dearth of evidence makes new research necessary.
Role of Corticosteroids in Septic Shock
Authors: Burry Lisa D , Wax Randy S 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To highlight the role of relative adrenal insufficiency in the outcome of critically ill patients with sepsis and systematically review the literature regarding the use of corticosteroids for management of severe sepsis/septic shock. DATA SOURCES A computerized search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database was undertaken from 1966 to March 2003 using the search terms intensive care unit, critical care, corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, adrenal insufficiency, sepsis, and septic shock. Bibliographies of all articles retrieved were searched for relevant articles not identified by the computerized search. DATA EXTRACTION/SYNTHESIS Six trials were identified after publication of the meta-analyses (1995), with a total of 505 patients. The results of these trials in septic shock suggest that low-dose corticosteroids can reduce vasopressor requirements and hasten reversal of shock. Some of these trials suggested a possible mortality benefit from therapy, and no trial demonstrated an increase in mortality or significant adverse effects. The benefit of this therapy may depend on the presence of relative adrenal insufficiency, as identified by the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose corticosteroids should be administered to patients with septic shock empirically, but should be discontinued if relative adrenal insufficiency is not confirmed.
Single-Dose Azithromycin for Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Law Constance , Amsden Guy W 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To describe the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety data of the use of single-dose azithromycin for respiratory tract infections in children and adults. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE search (1990–September 2003) was performed to identify all pertinent studies and review articles. When appropriate information was not available in the literature, data were obtained from the product manufacturers or abstracts from international conferences. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All available studies were reviewed to provide pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and safety data on use of single-dose azithromycin for respiratory tract infections. DATA SYNTHESIS Several studies have demonstrated that shorter regimens of azithromycin (1500 mg over 3 day vs 5 day or single dose vs 3 day) provide higher serum exposures compared with the longer regimens. This makes it possible to give the same dose over a shorter period of time and achieve the same efficacy with the potential for enhanced adherence. Single-dose azithromycin 30 mg/kg was approved in 2003 for treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) in children. Studies have demonstrated that, when administering azithromycin as a single dose, its efficacy and safety are comparable to that of other standard regimens for AOM. Single-dose regimens for treatment of respiratory tract infections in adults have not been studied widely, with only 2 studies being conducted for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and one study for treatment of tonsillitis; all demonstrated at least equal efficacy with the single-dose regimen compared with comparators given for longer periods of time. CONCLUSION Available data regarding single-dose azithromycin are promising. Although use of this regimen in children is warranted based on studies to date, additional large-scale trials are needed prior to mainstream use of the regimen in adults.
Osteoporosis: Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: DeHart Renee M , Gonzalez English H 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To review the literature concerning the utility of point-of-care (POC) testing devices for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. DATA SOURCES Articles were identified from a MEDLINE search (1993–June 2003). Additional references were obtained from cross-referencing the bibliographies of selected articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION After evaluation of clinical trials and select review articles, articles comparing peripheral dual-energy absorptiometry (pDXA) or quantitative ultrasound (QUS) with central DXA (cDXA) measurements were emphasized in this analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS Sensitivity for detecting osteoporosis by QUS or pDXA varies widely (range 35–75%). Using adjusted T-score cutoffs increases sensitivity to 85–95%, at the price of reducing device specificity to 23–49%. Many states require a radiology technician to perform pDXA tests. CONCLUSIONS POC testing with peripheral devices should only be considered in areas with limited access to cDXA or for women who initially refuse cDXA testing. T scores of −1.0 or less with POC testing typically require further evaluation via cDXA. Many states require pDXAs to be performed by certified radiology technologists, making QUS use more feasible for pharmacists. POC testing should not be used for assessing response to osteoporosis therapy.
Once-Daily Cefazolin and Probenecid for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Cox Victoria C , Zed Peter J 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacokinetic and clinical evidence for the use of once-daily cefazolin and probenecid in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (1966–July 2003), EMBASE (1980–July 2003), and PubMed (1966–July 2003) databases for English language, human reports were searched. Search terms included cefazolin, probenecid, cellulitis, and soft tissue infections. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Studies that described pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes that evaluated the use of cefazolin in conjunction with probenecid for SSTI were included. All studies were evaluated independently by both authors. For pharmacokinetic studies, the effect of probenecid on the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin was evaluated. For clinical trials, efficacy and safety endpoints were evaluated. For efficacy endpoints, definition of cure was used as defined by each trial. DATA SYNTHESIS In all 3 pharmacokinetic studies identified, the addition of probenecid to cefazolin therapy prolonged the half-life and increased serum concentrations of cefazolin. This process allowed serum concentrations to be above the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for the most likely skin pathogens ( Staphylococcus aureus, β-hemolytic streptococci) at the end of the dosing interval. In the first of 2 clinical trials, 7 (7%) of 96 patients receiving intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g and oral probenecid 1 g daily were reported to fail therapy compared with 8 (8%) of 98 patients receiving intravenous cefazolin 2 g and oral probenecid 1 g daily. In the second clinical trial, clinical success was reported in 51 (86%) of 59 patients receiving the same doses of cefazolin and probenecid as above compared with 55 (96%) of 57 patients receiving intravenous ceftriaxone 1 g and oral placebo daily. CONCLUSIONS Limited pharmacokinetic and clinical data suggest that intravenous cefazolin 2 g and oral probenecid 1 g daily is an effective regimen in the treatment of SSTI.
Anticonvulsant and Antiretroviral Interactions
Authors: Liedtke Michelle D , Lockhart Staci M , Rathbun R Chris 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical significance of interactions between anticonvulsant and antiretroviral agents and provide recommendations regarding their concurrent use. DATA SOURCES A PubMed search (1966 to April 2003) was conducted using individual anticonvulsant and antiretroviral drug names and the following key search terms: anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, antiretroviral, protease inhibitor, and pharmacokinetic. Abstracts from scientific meetings that pertained to drug interactions were manually reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All articles identified by the PubMed search were examined. Articles and abstracts from scientific meetings with relevant information were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Six case reports were identified that describe interactions between anticonvulsant agents and protease inhibitors. In several reports, carbamazepine serum concentrations increased by approximately two- to threefold with concurrent ritonavir, resulting in carbamazepine-related toxicity. Carbamazepine was also associated with loss of viral suppression when combined with indinavir. Phenytoin serum concentrations were decreased with nelfinavir in a patient who developed recurrent seizures. The effect of ritonavir on phenytoin was variable; a 30% reduction in phenytoin serum concentration occurred in one patient, while no apparent change was observed in another. Interactions with nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors are poorly characterized because existing data involve concurrent protease inhibitor therapy. The utility of newer anticonvulsant agents is explored. Experience with newer anticonvulsant agents in 2 patients at our site is also described. CONCLUSION Limited data exist regarding interactions between anticonvulsant and antiretroviral agents. Valproic acid and newer anticonvulsant agents may provide useful alternatives to first-generation agents. Clinicians need to be diligent when monitoring for anticonvulsant–antiretroviral interactions because of the potential for toxicity, loss of seizure control, and incomplete viral suppression.
Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Granuloma Annulare
Authors: Looney Melissa , Smith Kelly M 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To assess the utility and safety of isotretinoin in the treatment of granuloma annulare (GA). DATA SOURCES Searches of MEDLINE (1966–January 2003), EMBASE (1989–January 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–2002), and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (1985–2002) were conducted. Key terms included granuloma annulare, isotretinoin, retinoids, and antioxidants. DATA SYNTHESIS Isotretinoin may have proliferative and inhibitory effects on collagen synthesis that improve GA symptoms. Cases reporting use of isotretinoin in the treatment of GA were reviewed. Several reports detail the successful use of isotretinoin 0.5–1 mg/kg/day, primarily in the disseminated form of the disease. However, some patients required dosage decreases in response to drug-related liver function test elevations, and 2 instances of drug failure were identified. CONCLUSION Isotretinoin should be reserved for patients with disseminated or refractory GA. Potential serious adverse effects associated with its use require careful monitoring.
Adverse Drug Reactions to Anthelmintics
Authors: Bagheri Haleh , Simiand Elise , Montastruc Jean-Louis , Magnaval Jean-François 
Published: January 2004

BACKGROUND Anthelmintics are commonly used in tropical areas, but are also prescribed in Western countries with other climates. However, pharmacoepidemiologic studies of these drugs are rare. OBJECTIVE To investigate adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to anthelmintics. METHODS All spontaneous reports of ADRs associated with albendazole, diethylcarbamazine, flubendazole, ivermectin, mebendazole, niclosamide, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and thiabendazole were identified in the French Pharmacovigilance Database from January 1, 1985, to August 31, 1999. For each case, the following data were recorded: age, gender, weight, ADRs, drug, dosage, and indication. RESULTS A total of 243 cases were found corresponding to 291 ADRs. Serious ADRs (hematologic or hepatic injury) to albendazole most often occurred when the drug was used for the treatment of echinococcosis or cysticercosis, thus requiring both high dosage and long duration of therapy. Our data show that the profile and seriousness of anthelmintic-induced ADRs vary according to their use. Furthermore, the low number of spontaneous reporting of ADRs suggests a high rate of underreporting for these drugs, which are often considered in France as orphan drugs CONCLUSION The improvement of reporting of serious or unrecognized (unlabeled) anthelmintic-induced ADRs will increase our knowledge of the benefit/risk ratio associated with these agents and optimize their use.
Serotonin Syndrome Resulting from Coadministration of Tramadol, Venlafaxine, and Mirtazapine
Authors: Houlihan David J 
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE To report a case of serotonin syndrome (SS) resulting from the addition of tramadol to a medication regimen of venlafaxine and mirtazapine. CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old white man receiving combined mirtazapine and venlafaxine therapy for major depressive disorder developed agitation, confusion, severe shivering, diaphoresis, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, mydriasis, tachycardia, and fever on coadministration of tramadol for chronic pain. An objective causality assessment revealed that the addition of tramadol was the probable cause of the adverse reaction. DISCUSSION SS is a potentially fatal iatrogenic complication of serotonergic polypharmacy. Considered idiopathic in presentation, it typically appears after initiation or dose escalation of the offending agent to a regimen including other serotonergic agents. All drugs that directly or indirectly increase central serotonin neurotransmission at postsynaptic 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors can produce SS. Individual vulnerability appears to play a role in the development of SS. It is likely that the activation of 5-HT1A receptors by mirtazapine, the combined serotonin reuptake inhibition by venlafaxine and tramadol, as well as possible serotonin release by tramadol, contributed to the development of SS in this case. CONCLUSION It is vital that clinicians are aware of the potential for SS when psychotropic and nonpsychotropic agents are coadministered to certain patients, such as those with both depression and chronic pain.