Modulation of vocal and nonvocal behavior in adult squirrel monkeys by selective MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition

The acute effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors L-deprenyl (0.5-5.0 mg/kg), clorgyline (1.0-10.0 mg/kg), and milacemide (100-400 mg/kg) on the behavior of adult male squirrel monkeys were examined during brief social separations beginning 60 min after subcutaneous drug administration. All three drugs selectively reduced the rate of calling during social separation at doses which did not affect time spent in locomotion, nor the frequency of vigilance-checking. Deprenyl and milacemide, but not clorgyline, produced concurrent decreases in locomotion at the higher doses tested. At threshold doses, clorgyline, but not deprenyl or milacemide, increased call duration and decreased call peak frequency compared to vehicle control values. Plasma levels of MHPG were decreased by an optimal dose of clorgyline but not by deprenyl or milacemide, indicating that substrate specificity was maintained at the drug doses employed. We conclude that different MAO substrates mediate different aspects of vocal and nonvocal behavior in adult male squirrel monkeys.     

Efficacy of avridine and liposomes as adjuvants for avian influenza virus antigens in turkeys

Four-week-old turkeys were vaccinated with H4N8, H5N2 and H7N3 inactivated avian influenza viruses (AIV) in one of the following adjuvants: avridine, positively charged liposomal avridine, liposomal avridine with covalent attachment to the AIV antigens and oil-emulsion; and without any adjuvant. Two vaccinations were given at a 4-week interval. Antibody concentrations in sera and in respiratory lavages were measured over a period of 8 weeks. The turkeys responded with high cumulative geometric mean HI titres to the H4N8, H5N2 and H7N3 components of the vaccines, while the cumulative geometric mean HI titres for the antigens without adjuvant were significantly (P < 0.05) lower. The most efficacious adjuvant, positively charged liposomal avridine, gave the highest local immune response as measured by total antibody specific to AIV in respiratory lavages. The difference in weight gains between vaccinated and non-vaccinated turkeys was significant (P<0.05). Virus isolations 2 weeks post-challenge decreased in vaccinated turkeys.     

Comparative bond strength of brackets cured using a pulsed xenon curing light with 2 different light-guide sizes.

Light curing of composite resin material beneath orthodontic brackets is common in clinical orthodontics. Experiences with composite resins and high-intensity lights indicate some advantages to staged curing of the composite. In this study, the shear/peel bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded to bovine enamel and cured with a pulsed xenon plasma arc light was compared with that of bonds cured with a conventional tungsten-quartz-halogen light and a nonpulsed xenon plasma arc light. The pulsed light provided less light energy than the nonpulsed lights. A small and a larger light-guide tip were used with the pulsed xenon plasma arc light. Three different orthodontic composite resin adhesives were tested with each light. The pulsed xenon plasma arc light resulted in either the same or decreased shear/peel bond strength when compared with the nonpulsed lights. There appeared to be no advantage to the use of a pulsed xenon plasma arc light in bonding orthodontic brackets. Results from using either a small or a large light-guide tip varied with the adhesive tested.     

Causal analysis of case-control data

In a series of papers, Robins and colleagues describe inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) estimation in marginal structural models (MSMs), a method of causal analysis of longitudinal data based on counterfactual principles. This family of statistical techniques is similar in concept to weighting of survey data, except that the weights are estimated using study data rather than defined so as to reflect sampling design and post-stratification to an external population. Several decades ago Miettinen described an elementary method of causal analysis of case-control data based on indirect standardization. In this paper we extend the Miettinen approach using ideas closely related to IPTW estimation in MSMs. The technique is illustrated using data from a case-control study of oral contraceptives and myocardial infarction.     

Update on transplant pharmacology: sirolimus.

Rapamune (Sirolimus), the latest immunosuppressant agent for solid organ transplants, is prescribed for induction therapy, refractory rejection, steroid withdrawal, and combination therapy. As the use of this agent increases among various transplant populations, it is essential for critical care nurses to be cognizant of the indications, pharmacodynamics, current research findings, side effects, and implications. This knowledge will ultimately improve patient education and outcomes in this ever-growing field of nursing.