bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on orientation activities in middle‐aged male rats
Authors: Ang H. H. , Lee K. L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of various fractions of Eurycoma longifolia Jack were studied on the orientation activities of the inbred, adult middle‐aged Sprague–Dawley rats, 9 months old and retired breeders towards the receptive females (anogenital sniffing, licking, mounting), the environment (climbing, raring, exploration), themselves (nongenital grooming, genital grooming) and mobility (restricted, unrestricted) after treating these subjects twice daily for 10 days. Results showed that subjects treated with 800 mg/kg of E. longifolia Jack increased orientation activities towards the receptive females (anogenital sniffing, licking and mounting), increased genital grooming towards themselves and restricted movements to a particular area of the cage but decreased interest in the external environment (climbing, raring, exploration) as compared with the controls during the investigation period. In conclusion, this study gives further evidences that different fractions of E. longifolia Jack modified the orientation activities of the middle‐aged male rats.
Warming and response to contractile agents in calf cardiac vein: role of the nitric oxide
Authors: Atalık K. E. , Şahin A. S. , Ulusoy H. B. , Doğan N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of warming on the response to various contractile agents of calf cardiac vein were studied using 2.5‐mm long cylindrical segments. Concentration–response curves for carbachol (10−9–3 × 10−4 m), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT; 10−8–3 × 10−3), potassium chloride (KCl; 10−4–5 × 10−2 m) and calcium chloride (CaCl2; 10−4–10−2) were isometrically recorded at 37 and 41 °C (warming). During warming the sensitivity, but not the maximal response, of carbachol 5‐HT, KCl, and CaCl2 was significantly higher than at 37 °C. Warming to 41 °C after treatment with NG‐nitro‐L arginine methyl esther (10−5 m) did not modify the effect of warming. These results suggest that nitric oxide seems to have no role in the warming‐induced responses in calf cardiac vein.
Insulin inhalation with absorption enhancer at meal‐times results in almost normal postprandial insulin profiles
Authors: Almér Lars‐Olof , Wollmer Per , Jonson Björn , Almér Anneli Troedsson 
Published: March 2003

Background: Conventional insulin therapy with subcutaneous injections of regular insulin at meal‐times result in plasma insulin peaks that are lower and appear later than meal related insulin peaks in healthy individuals. The present study was designed in order to evaluate the resulting insulin concentrations in peripheral blood after inhalation of micro crystalline human insulin together with an absorption enhancer [dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate (DOSS)] via a powder inhaler. Methods: Ten insulin dependent middle‐aged non‐obese diabetic patients (mean diabetes duration 21 years) were included. Blood samples for glucose and insulin were taken immediately before and 13 times, up to 300 min, after insulin inhalation. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the particles was 3·2 μm. The inhaled insulin dose was 39 U. Results: Within 5 min after the end of the 2 min inhalation procedure the mean increase of insulin was 7·0 μU ml–1, and the mean maximum concentration, 12·1 μU ml–1, was reached between 20 and 30 min. There was then a slow decline until base‐line was reached after around 210 min and there were no adverse events. Conclusions: Inhalation of a mixture of 39 U of insulin and enhancer resulted in a rapid plasma insulin peak with a slow decline, similar to the normal postprandial insulin profile.
Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition in elderly Finnish women
Authors: Haapala Irja , Hirvonen Anu , Niskanen Leo , Uusitupa Matti , Kröger Heikki , Alhava Esko , Nissinen Aulikki 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn this study, the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), skinfold thickness measurement (STM) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), as a reference method, were compared with each other in the assessment of body composition in elderly (62–72‐year‐old) Finnish women (n=93). BIA had better agreement with DXA in the assessment of fat free mass (FFM, R2=0·70, Sres=2·1) and fat mass (FM, R2=0·93, Sres=2·3) than the STM (FFM, R2=0·62, Sres=2·4; FM, R2=0·89,Sres=2·8). There was quite a large variation in the estimates when different BIA prediction equations were used. The equation developed in this study, FFM (kg)=−128·06 + 1·85 × BMI−0·63 × weight + 1·07 × height − 0·03 × resistance +10·0 × waist–hip ratio, yielded a small and unbiased error (0·5 ± 1·6 kg), with a small residual standard deviation (R2=0·83, Sres=1·6). However, error associated with the estimate of FM was positively related to the degree of FM. BIA(Heitmann) equation yielded unbiased estimates of both FFM and FM (FFM, R2=0·77, Sres=1·8; FM, R2=0·95, Sres=1·9). Both the STM and BIA (manufacturer's equation) resulted in error which was statistically significant and positively correlated with FFM and FM. These results indicate that BIA prediction equations, chosen with care, can improve the performance of equations based upon anthropometric measurements alone in the assessment of body composition in elderly women.
Reduction of risk factors following lifestyle modification programme in subjects with type 2 (non‐insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus
Authors: Krook Anna , Holm Ingemar , Pettersson Solveig , Wallberg‐Henriksson Harriet 
Published: March 2003

SummaryExercise and improved diet is known to be beneficial in the management of type 2 (non‐insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. In practice, however, it is difficult for patients to implement these changes unaided. We hypothesized that a lifestyle modification programme involving residential visits would result in beneficial effects on glycaemic control and lipid profile. Three hundred and four individuals with type 2 diabetes participated in a lifestyle modification programme, involving three residential visits (2 weeks, 1 week and one 3‐day visit) spaced over 31 weeks. The subjects were all referred for treatment following repeated failure to achieve metabolic control in primary care settings. Participants received information and practical guidance regarding exercise training, nutrition, as well as stress management and psychological counselling. Clinical parameters were determined at each visit. After completion of the programme, subjects showed significant improvements in glycaemic control (P<0·0001). Oxygen uptake was significantly improved (P<0·0001) and blood pressure (P<0·0001), body mass index (P<0·0001) and serum cholesterol (P<0·001) was significantly reduced, while HDL cholesterol (P<0·05) was significantly increased. There were no changes in LDL cholesterol values. Subjects also reported increased well‐being and reduced stress. In conclusion, a 31‐week lifestyle modification programme results in marked improvements in glycaemic control, blood pressure and well‐being in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this type of lifestyle modification programme is a powerful treatment option to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and diabetic complications, even in patients who have not responded to conventional diabetic therapy.
A longitudinal study of maternal oxygen saturation during short‐term submaximal exercise
Authors: Pirhonen Jouko P , Lindqvist Pelle G. , Marsal Karel 
Published: March 2003

SummaryPurpose:  Longitudinal prospective study before, during and after normal pregnancy of the effect of short‐term submaximal exercise on maternal oxygen saturation.Methods:  Fourteen healthy women were recruited to the study before a planned pregnancy, and were followed seven times during the pregnancy and for up to 6 month after delivery. A submaximal bicycle exercise test with a target heart rate of 85% of the predicted age‐adjusted maximum was performed. Maternal oxygen saturation was continuously recorded using a pulse oximeter.Results:  Maternal oxygen saturation at maximum work‐load had increased significantly already at 8 weeks gestation compared with preconception levels, and remained at a significantly higher level until 29 weeks of gestation. Thereafter, the oxygen saturation continued to be higher even at 6 month postpartum. During the exercise test, the lowest saturation was found during the late recovery period, this remained unchanged before, during and after pregnancy.Conclusion:  A pregnant woman responds to short‐term exercise by increasing the oxygen saturation until 29 weeks. After that, the saturation level decreases but remains at a higher level even 6 month after delivery compared with preconception levels.
Checklists: An Under‐Used Tool for the Inventory and Monitoring of Plants and Animals
Authors: Droege Sam , Cyr André , Larivée Jacques 
Published: March 2003

Checklists are widely used to catalog field observations of plants and animals. We used 25 years of bird checklist data from the Études des Populations d’Oiseaux du Quebec program to examine the ability of checklists to produce reliable conservation, management, and ecological information. We found that checklists can provide reliable information on changes in bird populations, phenology, and geographic and climate abundance patterns at local, regional, and continental scales. Professional and amateur conservation groups that need to develop extensive monitoring programs should take advantage of the fact that checklists, unlike other time‐consuming and expensive techniques, can be used to detect large‐scale changes in an entire community of species. Lastas de Chequeo: Una Herramienta Subutilizada en el Inventario y Monitoreo de Plantas y Animales Las listas de comprobación son ampliamente usadas para catalogar observaciones de plantas y animales en el campo. Utilizamos datos de listas de chequeo de aves de 25 años del programa de Estudios de Poblaciones de Aves de Quebec para examinar la habilidad de las listas para generar información confiable de conservación, manejo y ecología. Encontramos que las listas proveen información confiable sobre cambios en las poblaciones de aves, fenología y patrones de abundancia geográfica y climática a escala local, regional y continental. Grupos de conservacionistas profesionales y aficionados que necesitan desarrollar programas de monitoreo extensivos deberían tomar ventaja del hecho de que las listas, a diferencia de otras técnicas caras y de uso extensivo de tiempo, pueden ser usadas para detectar cambios de gran escala en una comunidad entera de especies.
An Evaluation and Modification of World Conservation Union Red List Criteria for Classification of Extinction Risk in Vascular Plants
Authors: Keith David A. 
Published: March 2003

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List criteria endorsed in 1994 consist of a set of decision rules based on quantitative thresholds of population size, distributional range, rates of decline, and extinction risk. I evaluated these criteria using data on 68 vascular plant taxa from southeastern Australia and found that deficiencies could be overcome with modifications that did not substantially alter the structure of the IUCN rule set. These modifications included smaller distributional thresholds appropriate to sessile organisms, inclusion of life‐history and land‐based attributes, an amendment to account for skewed metapopulation structure, and inclusion of a rule addressing number of populations and qualitatively defined classes of threatening processes. I reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of decision rules for risk classification such as those endorsed by the World Conservation Union compared with intuitively based qualitative schemes in traditional use. I concluded that explicit schemes foster greater accuracy and precision in risk classification, are more defensible in the face of challenges, and define an agenda for data collection that is essential for the ongoing assessment and management of threatened species. Evaluación y Modificación de los Criterios de Clasifícación de Riesgo de Extinción en Plantas Vasculares de la Lista Roja del IUCN Los criterios de la lista roja del IUCN establecidos en 1994 constituyen un juego de reglas de decisión basadas en límites cuantitativos de tamaño poblacional, rango de distribución, tasas de declive y riesgo de extinción. Evaluamos estos criterios usando datos de 68 taxa de plantas vasculares del sureste de Australia y encontramos que ciertas deficiencias pueden ser resueltas con modificaciones que no alteran sustancialmente la estructura del juego de reglas del IUCN. Estas modificaciones incluyen límites de distribución más pequeños apropiados para organismos sésiles, inclusión de atributos de la historia de vida y en base al terreno, una enmienda que considere estructucturas metapoblacionales sesgadas y la inclusión de una regla que considere el número de poblaciones y clases cuantitativamente definidas de los procesos de amenaza. Revisamos la fortaleza y debilidad de las reglas de decisión para clasificación de riesgos como lo son las reglas del IUCN comparadas con esquemas cualitativos con bases intuitivas de uso tradicional. Concluimos que los esquemas explícitos amplían la precisión y exactitud de las clasifcaciones de riesgo, son más defensivas en presencia de desafios y definen una agenda para la colección de datos que es esencial para la evaluación en curso y manejo de especies amenazadas.
Number of Censuses Required for Demographic Estimation of Effective Population Size
Authors: Vucetich John A. , Waite Thomas A. 
Published: March 2003

Adequate population viability assessment may require estimation of effective population size (  Ne ). But failure to take into account the effect of temporal fluctuation in population size (FPS) on Ne may routinely lead to unrealistically optimistic viability assessments. We thus evaluate a technique that accounts for the effect of FPS on Ne. Using time series of annual counts of 48 free‐ranging animal populations, we show that Ne is dependent on timescale: as more census records are incorporated, estimates of FPS tend to increase, and thus estimates of Ne tend to decrease. Estimates based on, say, 10 annual counts tend to grossly underestimate the influence of FPS on estimates of long‐term Ne, often by more than 100%. Moreover, a newly derived expression for the confidence intervals of Ne /N (in which N is population size) reveals that estimates of Ne based on only a few annual counts are quite unreliable. Our work thus emphasizes the need for long‐term population monitoring and provides a framework for interpreting Ne estimates calculated from limited census data. Número de Censos Requeridos para una Estimación Demográfica Efectiva de Tamaño Poblacional  Evaluaciones adecuadas de viabilidad poblacional pueden requerir estimaciones de tamaño poblacional efectivo (  Ne ). Sin embargo, omisiones en la consideración del efecto de la fluctuación temporal del tamaño poblacional (FPS) en Ne pueden conducir rutinariamente a estimaciones de viabilidad irrealmente optimistas. Es por ello que evaluamos una técnica que toma en consideración el efecto de FPS en Ne. Utilizamos series de tiempo de conteos anuales de 48 poblaciones de animales de rango libre, mostramos que Ne es dependiente de la escala temporal: mientras más registros de censos son incorporados, las estimaciones de FPS tienden a incrementar y por lo tanto las estimaciones de Ne tienden a disminuir. Estimaciones basadas, en por ejemplo, 10 conteos anuales tienden a subestimar la influencia de FPS en las estimaciones de largo plazo de Ne (frecuentemente por más de un 100%). Mas aún, una nueva expresión derivada para intervalos de confianza de Ne  / N (en la cual N es el tamaño poblacional) revela que las estimaciones de Ne basadas en solo unos cuantos conteos anuales son poco confiables. Nuestro trabajo hace énfasis en la necesidad de monitoreos poblacionales a largo plazo y provee un marco de trabajo para interpretar estimaciones de Ne calculadas a partir de datos de censos limitados.
Women's Experiences of Birth in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Following a Maternal and Child Health Intervention Program
Authors: Chalmers Beverley , Muggah Henry , Samarskaya Mida F. , Tkatchenko Elena 
Published: March 2003

Background:An educational program for professionals in maternal and child health care in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, was conducted between 1994 and 1997.Methods:The program was designed to provide 12 workshops in evidence‐based antenatal and intrapartum care, and appropriate preparation of parents for pregnancy, birth, and parenthood for health care professionals in the city.Results:Observations on the quality of maternity care service provided for women at the start and after the completion of the intervention program are reported. Significant changes occurred in maternity care practices during the period in which training programs were offered in St. Petersburg. In particular, more family centered care services were introduced, and breastfeeding practices improved. Significant reductions in maternal and perinatal mortality occurred.Conclusions:Most maternity hospitals showed a reduction in the use of interventions in delivery over the period of study, although one or two showed tendencies to follow in their Western counterparts' footsteps, including the emergence of a high cesarean delivery rate. This is not yet a cause for concern, but is worth future monitoring by local authorities. (BIRTH 25:2 June 1998)
Differences Among Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Three Different Populations and Demonstrated by Restriction Enzyme Analysis of an Internal Fragment of the Conserved Gene hpaA
Authors: Evans Dolores G. , Queiroz Dulciene M.M. , Mendes Edilberto N. , Svennerholm Ann‐Marie , Evans, Jr. Doyle J. 
Published: March 2003

Background. Our goal was to test the idea that Helicobacter pylori genotypes vary from one population to another.Methods. Analysis of Sau3A and Hinf I restriction fragment–length polymorphism (RFLP) in a 375‐bp polymerase chain reaction amplicon of hpaA was used to compare 31 H. pylori isolates from a relatively small and genetically homogeneous population (Goteborg, Sweden) with those of large, genetically heterogeneous populations located in two different countries (50 isolates from Houston, TX, and 69 isolates from Minas Gerais, a state in the southeastern region of Brazil).Results. Five different Sau3A and three different Hinf I restriction patterns were found; different combinations of these comprise 10 different RFLP types, I through X. The RFLP types found in the United States and Brazil collections were very similar, except for two Brazil isolates belonging to type VIII and five Brazil isolates belonging to type X, neither type found in the United States. The overall profile of H. pylori isolates from Sweden was remarkably different, with 18 of 31 (58%) having a new Sau3A restriction pattern, termed gS; 10 of these 18 isolates had Hinf I restriction pattern E (RFLP type VIII), and 8 had Hinf I restriction pattern F (RFLP type IX). No isolates from Sweden belonged to RFLP type III or type X.Conclusions. RFLP typing of a 375‐bp polymerase chain reaction–amplified DNA fragment of H. pylori hpaA revealed that H. pylori genotypes can and do vary from one population to another. We conclude that the unique RFLP profile shown by the group of H. pylori isolates from Goteborg is the result of a cohort effect in this relatively small, stable, genetically homogeneous population. Also, the overall similarity between RFLP profiles of the H. pylori isolates from Texas and Minas Gerais coincides with the fact that although geographically distanced, these populations are similar in being large, dynamic, and genetically heterogeneous.
Comparison of Seven and Fourteen Days of Lansoprazole, Clarithromycin, and Amoxicillin Therapy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori: A Report from India
Authors: Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Sharma Brijesh Chander , Ray Pallab , Pathak Chander Mohan , Singh Kartar 
Published: March 2003

Background. In developed countries, a 1‐week regimen of combined proton pump inhibitors and two antibiotics is considered adequate for Helicobacter pylori eradication. However, there is a paucity of reports from developing countries on treatment duration of less than 14 days. We compared efficacy of 7 and 14 days of lansoprazole (L), clarithromycin (C), and amoxicillin (A) combinations for eradication of H. pylori.Patients and Methods. Forty‐six consecutive patients who presented with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and tested positive for H. pylori infection were included in the study. In every patient, after performance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, antral biopsies were obtained. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by positive rapid urease test and identification of organisms on antral histology. Patients were randomly selected to receive lansoprazole, 30 mg once daily, plus clarithromycin, 250 mg twice daily, plus amoxicillin, 500 mg three times daily for 2 weeks (
group 1;
n = 24;
age, 36 ± 12
years; 18
men)
or 1
week (
group 2;
n = 22;
age, 45 ± 15
years; 12
men). One month after completion of treatment, repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. H. pylori eradication was defined as absence of organism on histopathological examination of both antrum and body of stomach and negative rapid urease test.Results. Eradication rate was higher in group 1 (23 of 24; 96%) as compared to group 2 (12 of 22; 54%; p < .05). One patient in group 1 had diarrhea, and one patient in group two had skin rash and itching.Conclusions. Fourteen‐day therapy with lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin is highly effective in eradication of H. pylori. Reducing duration of therapy to 7 days significantly lowers eradication rates.
Solubility, Absorption, and Anti–Helicobacter pylori Activity of Bismuth Subnitrate and Colloidal Bismuth Subcitrate: In Vitro Data Do Not Predict In Vivo Efficacy
Authors: Phillips Rosemary H. , Whitehead Mark W. , Lacey Sandra , Champion Miranda , Thompson Richard P.H. , Powell Jonathan J. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the dissolution, bioavailability, and anti–Helicobacter pylori activity of bismuth subnitrate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate. This could, first, provide insights into the mechanism of action of bismuth and, second, help to develop optimal therapeutic strategies.Methods. Solubility and aquated size of bismuth species were determined in human gastric juice, while absorption into blood and urinary excretion of bismuth was determined in volunteers. Activity against H. pylori was determined in vitro in the presence and absence of antibiotics, while H. pylori eradication was compared in vivo.Results. Bismuth from colloidal bismuth subcitrate was at least 10% soluble and ultrafilterable and was absorbed in volunteers (>0.5%), whereas that from bismuth subnitrate was insoluble and not absorbed (<0.01%). Colloidal bismuth subcitrate was active against H. pylori (mean inhibitory concentration, ≤12.5 μg/ml), while bismuth subnitrate was inactive (>400 μg/ml); neither was synergistic with antibiotics. With in vivo triple therapy, bismuth subnitrate was as effective as colloidal bismuth subcitrate in eradicating H. pylori (74% and 70% eradicated, respectively).Conclusions. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate, unlike bismuth subnitrate, is partially soluble, absorbed in humans, and directly toxic to H. pylori in vitro. Surprisingly, however, these preparations had similar efficacy in vivo against H. pylori within triple therapy, suggesting that bismuth compounds may also exhibit indirect antimicrobial effects. We propose that this is an effect on the gastric mucus layer. Nonabsorbable bismuth compounds should be preferentially considered in bismuth‐based therapies against H. pylori, as they would minimize toxicity while maintaining efficacy.