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A randomized trial for evaluation of bandaging sole abscesses in cattle.

A randomized clinical trial of treatment of sole abscess in cattle was conducted to determine whether bandaging a foot after debridement of an abscess improved outcome. Sixty-six feet from 63 cows were randomly allocated to bandaged or unbandaged groups, and clinical recovery was graded by comparison of lameness at initial examination and at 2 follow-up examinations. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at entry into the trial or at 1 month after treatment. Unbandaged feet were significantly less lame 1 week after treatment, and this difference was attributed to rapid healing of small lesions in feet of cows in stanchion and tie-stall barns. There was no group in which bandaging improved outcome.

Abscess↗

Assessment of apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids and nitrogen in cottonseed and soyabean meals fed to pigs determined using ileal dissection under halothane anaesthesia or following carbon dioxide-stunning.

Two experiments were conducted to determine apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (AIDAA) and nitrogen (AIDN) in cottonseed meal (CSM) and soyabean meal (SBM) fed to growing pigs. In the first experiment, twenty-four male pigs (37.3 (SE 2.7) kg) were individually penned and randomized to either CSM or SBM diets. The diets contained 40% of the protein meal (either CSM or SBM) in a wheat starch-sucrose (1:1, w/w) base containing vitamins and minerals, and Cr2O3 as an indigestible marker. Pigs were acclimated to the experimental diets over a 3 d period and on day 4 through to day 14 were offered 1800 g/d of the diet. Diets were offered in three meals/d from day 4 to day 11 and in eight meals/d from day 12 to day 13. After the eighth hourly-meal on day 14, twelve pigs were anaesthetized with halothane while the remaining twelve pigs were CO2-stunned and processed using commercial slaughter procedures. Ileal digesta were collected from a 1500 mm portion of the terminal ileum of each pig and subsequently analysed for amino acids, N, organic matter and Cr. Results indicated that AIDAA of CSM and SBM were lower when digesta were collected following CO2-stunning than when digesta were obtained under halothane anaesthesia. Consistently, AIDN in CSM (0.51 v. 0.56) and SBM (0.55 v. 0.71) were lower (P < 0.05) in CO2-stunned pigs than in halothane-anaesthetized pigs. Furthermore, when digesta collection was conducted under halothane anaesthesia, AIDN of CSM was lower (P < 0.001) than that of SBM. In the second experiment, six male pigs (45 (SE 2.6) kg) were fitted with T-piece cannulas implanted in the terminal ileum, housed individually in metabolism cages, and randomly allocated to either CSM or SBM diets in a single reversal arrangement. Ileal digesta were collected for AIDAA and AIDN determination. Although statistical comparisons could not be made between the two experiments, the AIDAA and AIDN data obtained via cannulated pigs were similar to those values obtained using the halothane-anaesthesia method. Overall, the CO2-stunning method is not recommended for studies of amino acid or nitrogen ileal digestibilities, but may be useful for the study of other dietary constituents.

Amino Acids↗

A monetary incentive increases postal survey response rates for pharmacists.

BACKGROUND: Achieving acceptable response rates from health care providers via postal questionnaires is an ongoing challenge. The use of monetary incentives is one of the most effective strategies for increasing response rates. However, the effect and cost of such an incentive on retail pharmacists' response rates has not been well studied. METHODS: A sample of 700 pharmacies was selected at random from the electronic Yellow Pages in NSW Australia and mailed a brief survey regarding pharmacotherapies and advice for smoking cessation. Half of the sample was randomly allocated to receive an offer of an 14 US dollars gift voucher. RESULTS: The response rates were 65.9% for the voucher group and 53.5% for the no-voucher group. The odds of response from the voucher group was 1.68 (95%CI = 1.23, 2.30) times greater than for the no-voucher group. The cost per additional respondent was 67.95 US dollars. The incentive also reduced follow up costs by 10%. CONCLUSIONS: A moderately sized monetary incentive is able to achieve a significant increase in response rates for retail pharmacists, thereby reducing potential bias in the sample.

Australia↗

Electroacupuncture in the treatment of chronic lameness in horses and ponies: a controlled clinical trial.

Electroacupuncture was used to treat lameness in horses and ponies with chronic laminitis (n = 10) or navicular disease (n = 10). A clinical trial was conducted with random allocation of equal numbers of animals to control and treatment groups. Acupuncture was performed three times per week for four consecutive weeks. The degree of lameness was assessed by 1) a grading scheme, 2) measurement of stride lengths and 3) analysis of weight distribution using a force plate. Although seven out of ten animals with chronic laminitis improved clinically during the trial, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment and control groups. Six out of ten horses with navicular disease improved, but there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Granisetron attenuates exercise-induced conditioned taste aversion in the rat.

A conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm was used in the present study to investigate whether CTA produced by exercise could be attenuated by the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist granisetron. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to one of four groups (Ns=6) and were exposed to salty (0.128 M sodium chloride) or sour (0.00138M citric acid) solutions. Subjects were injected with either saline solution (1.0 ml, 0.9%) or granisetron (0.5mg/kg, IP) and were exposed to 30 min of forced wheel running exercise (70 revolutions/30min) 10 min after injection. Exercise induced CTA to both the salty (3.7 ml intake) and sour-flaroured (3.1ml intake) solutions as compared with no exercise (intake 14.0 and 13.7 ml), and administration of granisetron significantly attenuated the exercise-induced CTA to the salty- and sour-flavoured solutions.

Animals↗

Ethambutol-induced hyperuricaemia.

A prospective study involving 134 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis was conducted to determine the incidence and severity of ethambutol-induced hyperuricaemia. The cases were randomly allocated to two groups: one group (71 cases) received ethambutol (20 mg/kg bodyweight/day) streptomycin and isoniazid (SHE), the other group (60 cases) received streptomycin, isoniazid and thioacetazone (SHT). All the cases were hospitalized. A significant rise in serum uric acid levels was found in 66% of SHE patients during the first 60-90 days of treatment, but there was no such change in the SHT patients. In one patient who received ethambutol generalized arthralgia developed and in another acute gouty arthritis was observed. In both cases, symptoms abated when ethambutol was withdrawn and reappeared when it was resumed.

Adolescent↗

Validation of intramural intestinal microdialysis as a detector of intestinal ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to validate intestinal microdialysis as a detector of intestinal ischaemia using measurements of glucose, lactate and glycerol from the jejunal wall. METHODS: Based on a previous study, the cut-off levels for the presence of regional intestinal ischaemia were defined for microdialysis glucose, lactate, glycerol and the lactate/glucose ratio. Changes of 60% in the metabolic compounds measured after 100 min were defined as the cut-off level for ischaemia. The cut-off levels were tested in a randomized, single-blinded study. Ten pigs were used; occlusive ischaemia was performed by clamping a segment of the mesentery to the intestine. Four catheters were inserted per pig, two in the ischaemic segment and two in the non-ischaemic segment. All catheters were numbered, randomly allocated and inserted in the intestine by the staff at the institute and unknown to the investigators. RESULTS: One pig was excluded because the clamping was insufficient. Technical problems with the catheters were registered in 15% of cases owing to damage of the microdialysis membrane, dislocation, or incorrect placement. The predictive values of presence of ischaemia for glucose, lactate, glycerol and the lactate/glucose ratio were: 0.91, 1,0.85 and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using a 60% cut-off limit measured after 100 min, intestinal ischaemia can be detected and excluded using intestinal microdialysis, but some technical problems remain that need further investigation.

Animals↗

[The effect of the main protein source in rations of ewes and the time of blood collection on the glucose and triacylglycerol levels in blood at the beginning of lactation].

The effect of the protein source of the ration (soybean meal, cottonseed cake, corn gluten and fish meal) and the time (period) of blood sample taking was examined on the content of glucose and triacylglycerols in the blood during the initial lactation period. Thirty-six ewes of the Thessaloniki crossbred type were randomly allocated to 4 groups. The ewes of each group were fed ad libitum with one of the 4 different rations, respectively. From each ewe 4 blood samples were taken in different times. The experimental design was factorial 4x4 with 9 replicates with main factors the main protein source (ration), as well as the time of blood sample taking. The protein source effect on glucose and triacylglycerol concentration in blood was not significant, while that of time of blood sample taking was significant. The interaction "ration" X "time" of sampling for the glucose and TGC concentration was not significant.

Animal Feed↗

A clinical trial of Neo Sampoon vaginal tablets and Emko foam in Alexandria, Egypt.

Results are reported for a comparative 12-month study of Neo Sampoon foaming vaginal tablets containing 60 mg of the spermicide, menfegol, and Emko vaginal foam containing an 8.0% concentration of the spermicide, nonoxynol-9. Conducted in cooperation with the Family Planning Association in Alexandria, Egypt, the trial included 349 women who were randomly allocated to use one of the two contraceptive products. The twelve-month cumulative life-table rate for accidental pregnancy (per 100 women) was 2.8 for Neo Sampoon tablet users and 2.1 for Emko foam users. The 12-month continuation rates were 77.6 and 77.2 per 100 women for the tablet and foam groups, respectively. In both groups, the majority of discontinuations from the study were for personal reasons, including lack of confidence in the method, messiness, partner's objection and a burning sensation. Few women reported a product-related complaint while using their assigned contraceptive method. The most commonly reported complaint for both methods was that use of the product led to an uncomfortable burning sensation for the woman and/or her partner. This complaint, however, was cited by less than 5% of the women in each group. Thus, a combination of low pregnancy rates, few complications and complaints and high continuation rates confirm the relative acceptability, effectiveness and short-term safety of these methods of contraception among this sample of Egyptian women.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Effect of supplementation with selenium on whole blood glutathione peroxidase activities and on plasma and tissue selenium concentrations in lambs.

In recent years the selenium (Se) intake of the human population of the UK has shown a marked decline from 60 micrograms/d in 1978 to around 30 micrograms/d in 1990 owing largely to a significant reduction in the importation of North American wheat for bread-making flour. Other countries (Finland, for example) in similar situations have instituted fertilization programs in order to raise cereal Se concentrations and thus boost dietary intakes. An alternative approach would be to increase the Se concentration of carcass meat by supplementation of meat animals for a limited period prior to slaughter. A trial was set up with store lambs to evaluate this approach. Sixteen Scottish Blackface lambs were stratified according to live weight and then randomly allocated to one of four treatments: unsupplemented, or 3.5, 7, or 10.5 mg Se/head/wk. After 14 wk, the lambs were sacrificed and samples of shoulder and thigh muscle, liver, and kidney were obtained for analysis. All three treatments effected an increase in whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and plasma Se concentrations over controls. Shoulder, thigh, and liver Se exhibited a dose-response relationship to treatment, but kidney Se concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Muscle and some organ meat Se concentrations can therefore be increased by supplementation and could contribute to increased human dietary intakes of the element.

Animal Feed↗

Does the addition of ketotifen to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs confer any additional benefit in rheumatoid arthritis?

Ketotifen (benzocycloheptathiophene) was evaluated in a double-blind study of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to receive active or matching placebo drug and reviewed 6 weekly for 24 weeks. Conventional NSAIDs were continued throughout. Disease activity was assessed clinically and biochemically at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Nineteen patients remained on active drug for 24 weeks and 11 on placebo. Significant improvement in articular index was seen in both groups but no objective improvement was noted in either group. No undue toxicity was encountered in either group. Use of a drug considered to have selective LTC4 and LTD4 antagonism in combination with conventional cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors did not confer any additional benefit in rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult↗

[Methodological consideration on evaluation of lung cancer screening program: one-step process and two-step process].

A reasonable method to evaluate lung cancer screening program is to measure the reduction in death rate from lung cancer among those randomly allocated to screening program (one-step process). Alternative method is two-step process; step 1 is to measure what proportion of lung cancer patients, can be detected through screening and how early the screening can detected lung cancer patients, and step 2 is to delineate effectiveness of therapy following early detection. Advantages and disadvantages of the two processes were described in view of statistical power and sample size. In addition, a workplace-based screening program using chest X-ray files was mentioned as an example of step 1 of two-step process. The example also included economical consideration of the screening.

Adult↗

Effects of ethinyl estradiol combined with desogestrel and cyproterone acetate on glucose tolerance and insulin response to an oral glucose load: a one-year randomized, prospective, comparative trial.

To investigate the effects of two slightly estrogen-dominant, monophasic, low-dose oral contraceptives on carbohydrate metabolism, 40 healthy young women were randomly allocated to receive either 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol + 150 micrograms of desogestrel, a 19-nortestosterone-derived progestin (Marvelon; n = 21) or 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol + 2 mg of cyproterone acetate, a 17-acetoxyprogesterone derivative (Diane-35; n = (19) for a prospective observation period of 1 year. At baseline, 6, and 12 months, blood glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma C-peptide levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test. Although the changes were absent (Marvelon) or minimal (Diane-35) at 6 months, both groups had a slight increase in blood glucose levels at 12 months; overall glucose tolerance remaining, however, within the normal range. Plasma insulin levels remained unchanged in the Diane-35-group, which suggested increased insulin resistance, but were significantly decreased in the Marvelon group despite significant rises in plasma C-peptide levels. Comparison of plasma C-peptide and insulin changes suggests enhanced pancreatic insulin secretion and increased hepatic insulin metabolism with both Marvelon and Diane-35.

Adult↗

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponin Rg1 on cardiac electrophysiological properties and ventricular fibrillation threshold in dogs.

AIM: To study the effects of Rg1 isolated from saponins of Panax notoginseng on cardiac electrophysiological properties and ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT). METHODS: Seventeen open-chest dogs were randomly allocated into a Rg1 group (20 mg kg-1, iv) and a control group. The electrophysiological variables and VFT were evaluated by standard electric stimuli and monophasic action potential (MAP) recording. RESULTS: Rg1 prolonged sinus node recovery time (SNRT) by 19.1%, AV conduction Wenckebach cycle length (AVWCL) by 7.1%, and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) by 7.9%. It prolonged ventricular MAPD30, MAPD50, and MAPD90 by 25.5%, 24.2%, and 13.5%, respectively. VFT was increased by 19.2%. CONCLUSION: Rg1 prolonged ventricular refractoriness and repolarization, and increased VFT. It was indicated that cardiac electrophysiological effects of Rg1 were similar to those of amiodarone.

Action Potentials↗

Production performance of laying hens fed L-tryptophan.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementing L-tryptophan to a nutritionally complete diet would influence egg production rate and egg shell quality in laying hens. One hundred and twenty layers (Rhode Island Red x White Leghorn) were randomly allocated into three groups. Birds were fed a basal diet or diets supplemented with L-tryptophan at 250 or 500 mg/kg for 405 days from 25 wk of age. Hen day egg production and daily egg output were proportionately higher with higher levels of supplemental dietary L-tryptophan; the differences were significant (P less than .05) for layers fed the 500 mg tryptophan/kg diet. The improvement in egg production by dietary L-tryptophan was greatest during the latter part of the laying period. These findings suggest that supplemental L-tryptophan improves the egg production rate in laying hens.

Animal Feed↗

Somatropin and wound healing after injury.

The anabolic effect of biosynthetic human GH (somatropin) has been assessed in both unburned and burned rats. Eighty rats, which had undergone standardized laparotomies, were randomly allocated to four groups (control placebo, control somatropin, burn placebo, and burn somatropin). Healing of the laparotomy wounds was assessed tensiometrically on the 6th and 14th postoperative days. Burned rats lost weight significantly and had significantly lower hemoglobin and serum albumin concentrations than control rats on both the 6th and 14th days. The peak forces applied to their musculo-fascial and skin wounds were significantly decreased on the 6th day only. The control somatropin group had significantly stronger musculo-fascial wounds than the control placebo group on the 6th day. Somatropin administration had no effect on burned rats. It is concluded that the limited anabolic activity of somatropin in rats with normal pituitary function is abolished by injury.

Animals↗

A sample survey of leprosy in the ELEP Leprosy Control Project, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu.

A sample survey of the Dharmapuri Leprosy Control Project was undertaken in 1983; a population of 60855 was enumerated out of which 51205 was examined. The sampling procedure which was followed consisted of stratifying the sub-centres according to prevalence and classifying the villages by the size of the population. Villages were selected by random allocation. 10 leprosy inspectors participated in the survey examining 626 to 774 persons per day. 859 active cases were detected giving a prevalence of 16.77 per thousand. The child prevalence was 6.19 per thousand. The number of lepromatous and BL cases detected were 70 giving an infectivity rate of 8.15%. The prevalence of leprosy as found in the last survey conducted in the different areas in the project approximate to those of the sample survey. Therefore it could be said that the prevalence has decreased in this project from 19.94 per thousand as observed in the first survey. The child prevalence has likewise decreased from 9.40 to 4.09 in the project.

Adult↗

Low-power laser light in the healing of burns: a comparison between two different wavelengths (635 nm and 690 nm) and a placebo group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies on the influence of low-power laser light on wound healing have shown inconsistent results, or, as in the case of burns, are very scarce. We have studied the effects of two different low-power diode laser lights on the healing of burns in rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were burned on both flanks and randomly allocated to one of three study groups. In group A, both wounds remained untreated; in groups B and C, one wound each was irradiated with 635 nm or 690 nm laser light (1.5 J/cm(2)), whereas the other wound remained untreated. Diameter, redness, and edema of the wounds were examined daily. RESULTS: Between and within groups, diameter, redness, and edema of the wounds were similar throughout the entire observation period. Irradiation of the burns did not accelerate wound healing when compared with control wounds. CONCLUSION: We conclude that neither 690 nm nor 635 nm low-power laser light produced any beneficial effects on the healing processes of burns in rats.

Analysis of Variance↗