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Agroecosystems have been associated with risk of malaria. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between three agroecosystems: (i) rubber plantation (RP); (ii) oil palm plantation (OPP); (iii) no cash crop plantation (NCCP) and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among children living in the Aboisso region. In the three villages within (Ehania-V5) or close (N’zikro) or far from (Ayebo) to each agroecosystem (RP, OPP, and NCCP), two cross-sectional parasitological surveys were carried out during the dry and the peak of the long wet seasons. A total of 586 children aged 1–14 years were recruited in the three villages to determine the prevalence of malaria using conventional microscopy. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant species with an overall infection prevalence of 40.8%. There was a significant difference in prevalence between agroecosystems, during both the dry (p = 0.002) and wet seasons (p

Pozzolan-based eco-adsorbents were synthesized by geopolymerization with addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with mass ratios 0% (GP0) and 1% (GP1) and the products used to sorb cationic methylene blue (MB) dye from water. The chemical composition, textural properties, mineral composition, surface functions, as well as morphology and internal structure of these samples were determined by the X-ray fluorescence, adsorption of nitrogen by the B.E.T (Bruamer Emmet Teller) method, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The effects of contact time, dye initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature were examined and are herein reported. Incorporation of 1% H2O2 increased the specific surface area from 4.344 to 5.610 m2/g representing ~ 29% increase in surface area. This translated an increase in the MB adsorption capacity by 15 orders of magnitude from 24.4 to 366.2 mg/g for GP0 and GP1, respectively. The adsorption rates of methylene blue on the two geopolymers were best described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The adsorption equilibrium data were best described by the Sips and Freundlich isotherms models for GP0 and GP1, respectively. Thermodynamically, it was determined that the adsorption of methylene blue onto GP0 and GP1 is a physical and endothermic process. The results show that incorporation of low amount of hydrogen peroxide into pozzolan-based geopolymers increases their adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye stupendously while preserving the surface chemistry.

Coastal storms can induce significant geomorphic change often leaving behind costly erosion projects for local communities. Existing methods for quantifying geomorphic change (i.e., total stations, airborne and terrestrial LiDAR systems, drones) are often cost prohibitive. These methods often require considerable pre-planning, which often prohibits making data collection related to sudden events. The objective of this study is to introduce the applicability of repurposing existing signs as erosion pins to measure morphologic change along a barrier island. To demonstrate the applicability of this method, this novel methodology was tested along the Isle of Palms, SC after the passage of Hurricane Irma. Prior to the storm, an extensive foredune inventory was completed utilizing a GPS camera. Signs along the beach-dune system were photographed generating 70 data points and creating a comprehensive geospatial monitoring network. Post-storm, 56% of the signs remained and the foredunes experienced up to 2.5 m of erosion. The remaining signs and foredunes we re-photographed and compared in juxtaposition with pre-storm photos to measure relative geomorphic change at each data point. This method provides coastal community officials the capability to measure erosion-accretion dynamics on a limited budget utilizing existing infrastructure. While this method was tested in South Carolina, it shows promise of universal application to any coastal community.

As population density increases in coastal counties, shoreline stabilization efforts continue to gain momentum to protect infrastructure. Although protection techniques vary from ‘soft’ to ‘hard’ engineering, this paper focuses on a ‘hybrid’ technique utilizing geotubes as artificial dune cores. Previous literature presents conflicting results on the efficacy and potential impacts of dune cores on a beach-dune system. Here we evaluate and quantify the geomorphic impacts following dune core installation and investigate their economic feasibility. This was completed by comparing five case studies: Sea Isle City, NJ; Bolivar Peninsula, TX; Grand Isle, LA; Santa Rosa Beach, FL; and Nantucket Island, MA. An economic assessment was completed to compare dune core installation costs and repairs to alternative shoreline hardening methods. LiDAR data were used to compare dune slope, beach width, and beach volume between digital transects adjacent to and in front of the dune core installations. Digital elevation models (DEMs) were generated to provide a holistic view of geomorphic change and to assess whether erosion occurred landward of the dune core. Results indicate that dune cores are an economically feasible option compared to alternative methods. Limitations include UV exposure, wave influence, and heavy winds. Morphologically, beach width was 29.1% wider in adjacent transects and dune slope was 39.1% steeper in front of the dune core. Beach volume was lower by an overall average of 23.4%. The findings from this study suggest that dune cores are a ‘hard’ or ‘grey’ protection method.

Background: Parasitic worms (helminths) are common infections in low- and middle-income countries. For most helminth species, school-aged children are at highest risk of infection and morbidity, such as impaired cognitive and physical development. Preventive chemotherapy is the current mainstay for helminthiases control. Sanitation improvement and hygiene-related education are important complementary strategies, which act by altering children’s behaviour. However, little is known about the effect of improved knowledge on the risk of helminth infection. The aim of this study was to assess the potential influence of knowledge that children acquired at home or in school, without any specific health education intervention, on helminth infections. Methods: In May 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in western Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 2498 children, aged 9-12 years, were subjected to three consecutive stool examinations using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears to determine infections with soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni. Additionally, children were interviewed to assess their knowledge about helminth infections. Four knowledge scores were constructed by factor analysis; one, reflecting general knowledge about helminths and three manifesting helminth species-specific knowledge. The effect of general and specific knowledge on children’s helminth infection status was determined using meta-analysis. Results: Children who scored high in the hookworm-specific knowledge were less likely to be infected with hookworm but no association was found for the other helminth species. Moreover, greater general knowledge was not associated with lower odds of being infected with any helminth species. Most of the children interviewed believed that the effect of preventive chemotherapy is permanent, and hence, re-treatment is not necessary. Conclusions: Specific knowledge about different types of helminths might not suffice to induce behavioural change which in turn reduces infection and reinfection with helminths. Health education interventions should strive to strengthen the perception of risk and to clarify the true benefit of preventive chemotherapy. publishersversion published

Background The construction and operation of small multipurpose dams in Africa have a history of altering the transmission of water-based diseases, including schistosomiasis. The current study was designed to investigate the abundance and dynamics of schistosomiasis intermediate host snails and Schistosoma infections in humans during the construction and the first years of operation of a small multipurpose dam in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods The study was carried out in Raffierkro and four neighbouring villages in central Côte d’Ivoire between 2007 and 2012. Snails were collected by two experienced investigators using scoops and forceps for 15 min at each site. Snails were identified at genera and, whenever possible, species level, and subjected to testing for cercarial shedding. Schoolchildren aged 6–15 years were examined once every year for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infection, using urine filtration and duplication Kato-Katz thick smears, respectively. Additionally, 551 adults were examined for Schistosoma infection before (June 2007) and 359 individuals 2 years after dam construction (June 2009). Results Overall, 1 700 snails belonging to nine different genera were collected from 19 sampling sites. Bulinus (potential intermediate host snails of S. haematobium) and Pila were the most common genera, whereas Biomphalaria (potential intermediate host snail of S. mansoni), Lymnaea, Physa and Melanoides were found in two villages. During the first-year sampling period, 65 snails were collected, of which 13 (20%) were schistosomiasis intermediate hosts. In subsequent years, out of 1 635 snails collected, 1 079 (66%) were identified as potential intermediate host for schistosomiasis, but none were shedding cercariae. The prevalence of S. mansoni among adults in the study area was low (0.4% in 2007 and 0.3% in 2009), whereas the prevalence of S. haematobium declined from 13.9% to 2.9% in this two-year period. Conclusions The low prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans and the absence of infected intermediate host snails during the construction and early phase of operation of a small multipurpose dam suggest that there was no or only very little local transmission. However, the considerable increase in the number of intermediate host snails and their dispersion in irrigation canals call for rigorous surveillance, so that adequate public health measures can be taken in case of early signs of an outbreak. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-017-0305-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This paper attempts to provide a new perception of the weed Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) which is considered as a plague in agriculture or as a soil fertility indicator. The study was conducted in the forest-savanna transition zone of Cote d’Ivoire and aimed to compare soil biological activity and plant nutrient availability under three well-represented vegetation features, including C. odorata lands (ChrO), shrub savannas (ShrS), and grass savannas (GraS). Each of these vegetation features included five plot replicates (50 m × 50 m size) distributed in the landscape. Soil chemical parameters such as pH, organic matter, soluble phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and biological parameters such as abundance and diversity of earthworms, and soil enzymatic activities were investigated. Composite soil samples were collected and analyzed for chemical and microbial parameters while earthworms were sampled using the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility 25 × 25 × 30 cm soil monolith method. A principal component analysis showed a clear demarcation between C. odorata plots and the savanna ones. Soluble P and exchangeable bases were significantly higher under ChrO than under both savannas. Earthworm density was twice higher under ChrO (433.3 ± 90.8 ind m−2) than under ShrS (173.9 ± 61.5 ind m−2) and GraS (176.0 ± 40.6 ind m−2) and this was accounted for by the abundance of detritivores and polyhumics. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities under ChrO (2.9 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.3 μmol pNP g−1 soil h−1, respectively) were twice higher than under both savannas. Based on the fact that ChrO and ShrS were located on similar soil types and had the same topographic position, we concluded that the establishment of C. odorata in a savanna land and its subsequent high biomass and quality-litter production were mostly the reasons of the improvement in soil biology and plant nutrient availability. Between-savanna comparison showed that ShrS, with higher CEC and exchangeable bases, was somewhat more fertile than GraS, probably because of a better soil physical status. In view of the agronomic potentials of the shrub C. odorata, it may be taken as a basis for improved fallow in Africa.

In tropical savannas where soils are generally sandy and nutrient poor, organic farming associated with enhanced soil biological activity may result in increased nutrient availability. Therefore, legumes have been introduced in the humid savanna zone of Cote d’Ivoire, owing to their ability to fix atmospheric N and to continually supply soil with great quantity of organic materials in relatively short time. The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of two legume (Cajanus cajan and Lablab purpureus) cultivations on earthworm communities and P and N availability. Trials were carried out under farmers' field conditions; C. cajan was planted on savanna soils (trial 1) while L. purpureus was established on new Chromolaena odorata-dominated fallow soils (trial 2). Native vegetations were considered as controls. Changes in soil properties (earthworm abundance and diversity, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and plant available P and N) were assessed using the biosequential sampling. After 1 year, both the legume stands showed a significantly higher density of earthworms, compared with the respective controls. This trend was linked to an increase in the abundance of the detritivores Dichogaster baeri Sciacchitano 1952 and Dichogaster saliens Beddard 1893, and the polyhumic Stuhlmannia zielae Omodeo 1963. Equally, legume had beneficial impacts on the average number of earthworm species, the Shannon–Weaver index of diversity and MBC in savanna (trial 1). Available P and ammonium significantly increased under both legume cultivations and were significantly and concurrently linked to litter quality and earthworm activities as shown by multiple regressions. As a result, legumes could improve nutrient availability in the sandy soils of central Cote d’Ivoire by positively affecting soil biological activity and this could bring farmers to cultivate crops on savanna lands.

The purpose of this research is to quantify and assess geospatial land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes in the coastal counties of Mobile and Baldwin, Alabama using nine Landsat images from 1974–2008. A study-specific classification scheme was devised comprising upland herbaceous, upland forest, non-woody and woody wetlands, open water, and urban categories. Upland forest was the most dominant terrestrial cover type. Wetlands averaged 17% and urban averaged 7%. A majority of the urban expansion occurred between 1974 and 1979 (26%). Thirty-four percent of the 2008 urban areas were upland forest in 1974. Watershed-scale analysis of Three Mile Creek and D’Olive Bay highlights the temporal and spatial differences of urbanization for watersheds found within the same region. This study is a Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) Application Pilot project that uses NASA data products to benefit coastal environmental managers and community members. Results have led to increased effectiveness of coastal conservation decision-making, increased understanding of post-hurricane LULC change, continued research on habitat change impacts, and contributed to timely conservation planning efforts. This study has benefited the development of watershed management plans by the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, which is especially important given projected climate change.

Women’s Traditional Knowledge, Use Value, and the Contribution of Tamarind (Tamarindus indicaL.) to Rural Households’ Cash Income in Benin. This study examined differences in knowledge, use values, and contribution of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) to women’s cash income during the dry season, focusing on seven tribal groups in Benin. Data were gathered using semistructured individual interviews and monitoring, and were analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Principal component analysis was applied to describe the use value and use forms of tamarind according to different tribes. Tamarind was found to play an important role in local communities’ livelihoods. Overall, 26 different uses were mentioned for tamarind products. Most commonly, the fruit (pulp) was used to make beverages, as a laxative and purgative, and it seems to be the only plant part sold commercially. Bark was frequently used as a medicine to treat wounds, and leaves were used to make porridge and as an antibiotic. Medicinal, cultural, and material use categories were correlated best with the Fulani, whereas commerce was most correlated with Gourma tribes (PCA analysis). There were significant differences for tamarind utilization among the tribal groups, with overall ethnobotanical use values (EUVT) ranging from 10 to 14, and contribution to cash income ranging from 8.8% to 56.4%. In view of its domestication potential, it is crucial that traditional tribal knowledge of tamarind be preserved and integrated into management policies. Further development and research needs for utilization and conservation are improvement of commercialization, organization of market channels, and extent of genetic diversity within and among populations.

A study of rabbit tear protein expression in a dry eye rabbit model was performed to determine if a pattern in expressed proteins could be identified. The uniqueness of the model allows the comparison of normal (control) eye tear protein expression with surgically induced dry eye tear protein expression in individual animals. The sensitivity of the method allows for single eye analysis. One-dimensional mini-gel electrophoresis of the tear proteins did not show substantial differences between band patterns of the normal versus the dry eye, but was used to assess the molecular weight ranges of the major proteins. Specific assignments of some of the predominant proteins were obtained by tandem mass spectrometry (MS) which showed that the lower molecular weight lipid-binding proteins (approximately 10 kDa to 36 kDa) constitute a considerable amount of the observed protein, followed in lesser quantities by the transferrins which have higher molecular weights ranging from 70 kDa to 85 kDa. Enhancement of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) MS linear mode analysis of intact proteins in tear fluid was demonstrated through the use of wax-coated MALDI plates and spot washing. MALDI-ToF MS analysis of the expressed tear proteins illustrates that differences between normal eye tear and dry eye tear protein content are manifested in changes in the lower molecular weight lipid-binding proteins such as lipophilin which exhibits an increase in concentration in the dry eye, and beta-2 microglobulin which undergoes a decrease.

The rate of hip fracture in Japanese women is approximately 50% lower than that of Caucasian women. Shorter hip axis length (HAL) in Japanese women is one possible explanation underlying the observed ethnic difference in fracture risk. We measured HAL in a community-based sample of Japanese (n=267) and Caucasian (n=199) women, aged 46 years on average, residing in Los Angeles, California. We hypothesized that HAL would be shorter in the Japanese women compared with the Caucasian women, and that this ethnic difference would persist after height adjustment. Unadjusted mean HAL was 101.45 mm in Japanese women and 105.98 mm in Caucasians (p

Advances in the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV infected patients have led to a decrease in the incidence and improved out-comes. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia continues to be problematic in non-HIV infected immunocompromised patients.

Somatostatin analogues appear to have antiproliferative effects in breast cancer by inhibiting various hormones. Several small phase 1 and 2 clinical trails have evaluated the efficacy of somatostatin analogues, but the results are varied. The purpose of this study was to use the technique of meta-analysis to determine the effect of somatostatin analogues on tumor response, toxicity, and serum hormone levels in women with metastatic breast cancer.All published and unpublished trials were reviewed. Meta-analysis was preformed by best linear unbiased estimate regression with observations weighted inversely to their variance. Significance was considered at P.05.Fourteen studies (N = 210) were included. Positive tumor response was reported in 87 patients (41.4%). Mean duration of response was 3.9 months. Response was best when somatostatin analogues were given as first-line therapy (69.5% versus 28.5%, P.006) and in patients withor =2 metastases (45.0% versus 5.6%, P = .3). Mild side effects occurred in 47 of 185 patients (25.4%). Therapy was associated with a decrease in serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and an increase in growth hormone.In patients with metastatic breast cancer, treatment with somatostatin analogues was associated with a tumor response of over 40% with few side effects. Best results were achieved when somatostatin analogues were given as first-line therapy.

Background Current labeling recommends that therapy with sotalol be initiated in a monitored setting at 80 mg every 12 hours for 2 to 3 days, followed by 120 to 160 mg every 12 hours for at least 2 days before safety and efficacy can be ascertained and patients discharged. An accelerated titration regimen that shortens hospital stay without compromising patient safety would improve the usefulness of the drug. Although such regimens have been used by clinicians, they have not been formally evaluated. Methods Healthy, middle-aged sedentary men and women received sotalol in a double-blind, two-way crossover study with a 2-week washout phase to evaluate an accelerated titration regimen—placebo every 6 hours for four doses, followed by 80 mg sotalol every 6 hours for four doses, then 160 mg sotalol every 12 hours for nine doses—and compare it with the standard titration—placebo alternating with 80 mg sotalol every 6 hours for eight doses, followed by 160 mg sotalol every 12 hours for nine doses. QT intervals, RR intervals, and sotalol concentrations in plasma were measured at specific times throughout the study and during washout in a similar fashion for both regimens. Results Thirty-four subjects completed both regimens. The target prolongation of QTc (90% of the value achieved at steady state) was achieved 22 ½ hours sooner with the accelerated titration regimen (P = .0003). There were no cardiovascular adverse events during either loading phase. At no time during the accelerated titration regimen did the sotalol concentrations in plasma or the QTc or RR interval prolongation exceed the values eventually achieved at steady state. The relationship between sotalol concentration and QTc was linear and independent of the regimen. Conclusion The accelerated titration regimen for sotalol can shorten the time to attain the dosage usually required to effectively control arrhythmias, without excessive QT prolongation and the associated increased risk of torsades de pointes. The hospital stay of patients in whom antiarrhythmic therapy with sotalol is initiated can be shortened by 1 day if this accelerated titration regimen is used. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 66, 91–99

Objective To evaluate the relationship between dose of N-0861 ([±]N6-endo-norbornan-2-yl-9-methyladenine), N-0861 plasma concentrations, and antagonism of adenosine-induced slowing of atrioventricular nodal conduction and to evaluate A1-receptor occupancy by antagonist present in plasma of subjects after administration of N-0861 to determine A1-selectivity of these effects. Methods The study was conducted in patients undergoing a clinically indicated electrophysiology study to evaluate atrioventricular nodal conduction. Nineteen subjects were enrolled in the study and received adenosine (60 to 140 μg/kg) before or during a bolus dose and maintenance infusion of specific doses of N-0861. Adenosine-induced slowing of atrioventricular nodal conduction was determined by measuring A-H intervals on the intracardiac electrocardiograms. Plasma concentrations of N-0861 were determined with an HPLC method. A1-Receptor occupancy by antagonist present in plasma from identical time points was determined with use of a radioreceptor assay. Results A linear relationship was shown between plasma concentration and dose of N-0861. A-H interval lengthening by 60 μg/kg adenosine was reduced by administration of N-0861. A linear relationship was observed between A1 occupancy and N-0861 concentration and between occupancy and antagonism of adenosine-induced A-H prolongation. Conclusion The results suggest that the effect of N-0861 on antagonism of adenosine-induced prolongation of A-H interval, at the doses used in this study, were the result of effects at the A1 receptor. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1998) 64, 536–541; doi

This study used a cluster analytic approach to identify self-esteem trajectories among adolescents over a four-year period from sixth to tenth grades (N = 1,160). Four self-esteem trajectories were identified that replicated previous research: (1) consistently high, (2) moderate and rising, (3) steadily decreasing, and (4) consistently low. Female adolescents were more likely to be in the steadily decreasing self-esteem group while male adolescents were more likely to be in the moderate and rising group. African American and white youth were equally distributed across groups. Using repeated measures analysis, we found that youth with consistently high and moderate and rising self-esteem reported developmentally healthier outcomes in Grade 10 than youth in the other two clusters. Outcomes included susceptibility to peer pressure, school grades, and alcohol use. Implications of these results for studying self-esteem and developmental change more generally are discussed.

E stato studiato il cariotipo di sette specie di Murini,Mastomys natalensis, Mastomys erythroleucus, Arvicanthis niloticus,Rattus rattus, Lemniscomys striatus. Dasymys rufulus ePraomys tullbergi minor, provenienti da biotopi forestall e da coltivi del Benin meridionale (Africa occidentale). I cromosomi sono stati ottenuti attraverso la comune tecnica da midollo rosso delle ossa e da cellule coltivatein vitro. I numeri diploidi osservati sono rispettivamente:Mastomys natalensis 2n= 32,M. erythroleucus 2n= 38,Arvicanthis niloticus 2n= 62,Rattus rattus 2n = 38,Lemniscomys striatus 2n = 44,Dasymys rufulus 2n= 36 ePraomys tullbergi minor 2n= 34. I dati sono stati discussi nell’ambito dei problemi di variabilita cromosomica che interessano varie specie di murini africani.

To determine the relation between the creation of endocardiallesions and alterations in autonomic tone, we analyzed heart ratevariability in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation forsymptomatic supraventricular tachycardia. Elevated heart rates are frequently noted after radiofrequency catheterablation for supraventricular arrhythmias. It has been postulated that thiselevation may be secondary to alterations in cardiac autonomic tone. Sinceheart rate variability is a measure of autonomic nervous system activity, weused this technique to examine the heart rate elevation and to characterizepostablation autonomic changes. Thirty-eight patients undergoing 44 radiofrequency catheter ablationprocedures were included in the study. Total arrhythmic substrates treatedincluded 34 accessory pathways and 13 AV nodes with dual physiology.Twenty-four-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings were obtained ina drug-free state prior to, ablation early postablation, and latepostablation. Spectral and nonspectral analyses of heart rate variabilitywere performed. Subgroup analyses were also done on specific cohorts.Subgroups included patients undergoing accessory pathway ablations, AV nodemodifications, and ablation of septal and nonseptal targets. To determinewhether the amount of tissue damage was related to changes in heart ratevariability, we analyzed the relation between the total energy delivered tothe endocardium and the peak change in creatine kinase and heart ratevariability. In this population, a significant transient increase in heart rate wasnoted following radiofrequency ablation. All time and frequency domainparameters of heart rate variability showed significant reversibledecreases. These changes were independent of target site and arrhythmiasubstrate. There was no correlation noted between the changes in heart ratevariability and either the total amount of energy applied to the endocardiumor the change in creatine kinase. Increased heart rates and decreased heart rate variability occurfollowing radiofrequency catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia. Clinically, the predominant effect is that of decreased parasympathetic tone. Since these transient changes are independent ofarrhythmic substrate or ablation site in the atria, a rich parasympathetic innervation of the heart is proposed.

The karyotype has been studied in 2 species of Rodents, the Redless squirrelFunisciurus anerythrus (Sciurognathi, Sciuridae) and the Cane ratThryonomys swinderianus (Hystricognathi, Thryonomyidae), from crop lands and woodlands of the Republic of Benin (West Africa). Chromosomes were obtained by bone marrow method and stained both by standard Giemsa and NOR banding procedures. T.swinderianus shows a2n = 44 (NF = 86) complement. Chromosomes are all biarmed except for one pair acrocentrics. Nuclear Organising Regions (NORs) are located on one submetacentric pair coinciding with a secondary constriction.F. anerythrus shows a2n = 38 (NF = 62) complement. The karyotype is composed of 7 acrocentric chromosomal pairs and 12 biarmed chromosomal pairs. The karyotype morphology of the species was discussed within the context of Old World Hystricognathi and African Sciuridae comparative cytogenetics.

This study describes the policy change in Medicare outpatient psychiatric services and its impact on volume and allowed charges from the period of 1987 to 1990, and reviews the trends for services billed by psychiatric providers by beneficiary age, gender, race, and location. Across all the beneficiary characteristics, the study found that in terms of psychiatric services, diagnostic procedures were growing at a faster rate than therapeutic services. More importantly, the findings show that Medicare patients over 85 years of age had the highest volume growth rate for all psychiatric services.

E stato studiato il cariotipo di due Cricetomini,Cricetomys gambianus eCrycetomys emini, e di un Cricetino,Tatera kempi, provenienti da biotopi forestali e da coltivi del Benin meridionale (Africa occidentale). I cromosomi sono stati ottenuti attraverso la comune tecnica da midollo rosso delle ossa da cellule cultivatein vitro. Le due specie diCricetomys mostrano un simile numero diploide:2n 82 in Cgambianus e2n 80 inC. emini; tuttavia peculiarita strutturali emergono dal confronto tra i cariotipi delle due specie, riguardanti la morfologia degli eterocromosomi e il numero e la localizzazione delle aree nucleolo organizzatrici. Il cariotipo diTatera kempi e composto da 48 cromosomi. E stato anche discusso il problema delia tassonomia e delia variabilite cariotipica del genereTatera.

Objective To establish whether the antihistamine cetirizine has the potential to prolong the QTC interval in normal volunteers at up to six times the usual recommended dose. Methods Twenty-five healthy volunteers were studied in a prospective, double-blind crossover design conducted on inpatients in a Clinical Research Center. The primary end point of the study was QTC prolongation on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Plasma concentrations of cetirizine were also measured for pharmacokinetic analysis. The end point for the pharmacokinetic analysis was the dose/area under the concentration-time curve (apparent clearance of an oral dose). The subjects received the following three treatments in random sequence: placebo, 20 mg/day cetirizine, and 60 mg/day cetirizine for 7 consecutive days. A series of baseline ECGs was recorded over 2 days before each treatment, while the subject receiving placebo. ECG effects of the treatments were then compared with the baseline ECGs. Results Analysis of variance showed no difference between the treatment groups (placebo, 20 mg cetirizine, and 60 mg cetirizine every day) in effect on QTC compared with baseline. A paired Student t test showed no difference in dose/area under the concentration-time curve between the 20 mg/day and 60 mg/day dosing groups at steady state. Conclusion In healthy volunteers, cetirizine does not prolong the QTC interval at doses of up to six times the usual recommended dose. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 56, 295–301; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.140

Objective: To examine the effects of saturable plasma binding on the pharmacokinetics of immediate-release (IR) and controlled-release (CR) disopyramide. Background: Saturable binding causes a lack of correspondence between the pharmacokinetics of total and unbound plasma disopyramide. Levels of total drug may therefore be insensitive to important differences between formulations. Methods: Patients receiving long-term disopyramide underwent serial blood sampling during withdrawal of equivalent doses of IR and CR disopyramide, and during accumulation of IR disopyramide. Plasma disopyramide was measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, protein binding by ultrafiltration, and α1 -acid glycoprotein by radial immunodifrusion. Pharmacologic effect was assessed by use of high-speed ECGs. Values for plasma area under the concentration-time curve and elimination half-life were determined from the log-plasma concentration data; rate of plasma drug accumulation was determined by nonlinear modeling. Results: Saturable plasma binding was evident in all patients. Comparison of total to unbound drug showed that peak-to-trough ratios during steady state were smaller (1.45 versus 2.39; p < 0.001), elimination half-life was longer (12.1 versus 4.5 hours; p < 0.001), and the time to achieve 50% of steady-state levels during drug accumulation was shorter (8.1 versus 4.3 hours; p < 0.05). Comparison of IR and CR disopyramide showed that unbound drug levels for CR disopyramide revealed lower peak plasma concentrations (0.75 versus 0.96 µg/ml) and peak-to-trough ratios (1.83 versus 2.31; p < 0.001). Trough plasma concentrations were similar. Fluctuations in ECG intervals during usual dosing were observed only with IR disopyramide. Conclusions: Because of saturable plasma binding, total plasma concentrations underestimate fluctuations in unbound disopyramide during usual dosing and are insensitive to significant differences between IR and CR formulations. CR disopyramide provides less interdose variation in free drug levels and more constant pharmacologic effects. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1993) 54, 16–22; doi:10.1038/clpt.1993.103