Ecology of a Southern Ohio stream receiving fly ash pond discharge: Changes from acid mine drainage conditions

Prior to 1975, Stingy Run was a third-order tributary of Kyger Creek, which empties into the Ohio River at Mile 260 (Gallia County, Ohio). Both streams drained strip mine refuse areas and physicochemical measurements indicated acidicmine drainage conditions (e.g., low pH). A depauperate macroinvertebrate community, dominated by a few acid-tolerant taxa, was found in both streams and no fishes were collected. In 1974, Stingy Run was impounded to form a fly ash pond which contains fly ash sluiced from Ohio Power Company's General James M. Gavin coal-fired power plant. Physicochemical and biological sampling during 1975–1986 indicated marked changes in the aquatic ecology of Stingy Run between 1) pre-impoundment and post-impoundment conditions; and 2) effluent pH control treatments after impoundment. Fly ash discharge eliminated acidicmine drainage characteristics in Stingy Run and lower Kyger Creek. After impoundment, net spinning caddisflies and a few dipteran taxa dominated the Stingy Run benthic community, reflecting changes in functional niches likely due to improved habitat and greater food availability. Replacement of acid feed by CO₂ injection for effluent pH control and changes in ash pond chemistry occurred concomitant with elimination of a substrate floc; increased species richness and densities of invertebrates were subsequently observed. In Stingy Run, species richness and diversity of fishes increased from 1983 to 1986, reflecting improved water quality and increased benthic production after impoundment. Many of these fishes are opportunistic feeders on drifting insects.     

The bioavailability and nonlinear pharmacokinetics of MK-679 in humans

MK-679 (R(?)-3-((3-(2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl)phenyl)(3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl)thio)methyl)thio(propanoic acid) is a potent and specific LTD₄-receptor antagonist. The disposition of MK-679 was investigated in a three-way crossover study in 12 healthy males receiving single intravenous doses of 75, 250, and 500 mg of MK-679. A greater than proportional increase in the area under the plasma concentration—time curve of MK-679 was observed with increase in dose. The plasma concentration data for each subject fitted well to the differential equations for a two-compartment model with linear tissue distribution and Michaelis-Menten elimination from the central compartment, indicating that the elimination of MK-679 in humans is saturable. In a previous study, the disposition of MK-679 in humans was also dose-dependent when given together with its S(+)-isomer, L-668,018. Thus, the disposition of MK-679 in humans is dose-dependent regardless of the presence of its stereoisomer. Also, the bioavailability of MK-679 was determined in six healthy males receiving simultaneously an oral dose of 250 mg of MK-679 and intravenous infusion of 1 mg ¹⁴C-MK-679. Results of this study indicate that the oral bioavailability of MK-679 is nearly quantitative.     

Phase I and pharmacologie study of liposomal daunorubicin (DaunoXome)

Summary We have completed a phase I and pharmacology study of liposomally-encapsulated daunorubicin (DaunoXome). Of 32 patients entered, 30 were evaluable. No toxicity was encountered at the initial doseescalation steps from 10 to 60 mg/m². At 80 mg/m², two patients manifested grade 2 neutropenia. At least grade 3 neutropenia occurred in all patients receiving 120 mg/m². Alopecia and subjective intolerance were mild. Cardiotoxicity was not observed except for an episode of arrhythmia in a patient with lung cancer and prior radiation. Only one minor objective response was observed in this population of refractory solid tumors. Pharmacokinetics differed from those of the free drug with no detection of daunorubicinol. We recommend future phase II studies with a dose of 100 mg/m² in previously treated and 120 mg/m² of DaunoXome in previously untreated patients with solid tumors.EDW is supported in part by ACS award 92-14-1     

Carbohydrate metabolism in children receiving growth hormone for 5 years

Carbohydrate metabolism was evaluated by fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin, and hemoglobin (Hb)A_1c levels in children with chronic renal insufficiency and various other growth disorders treated with growth hormone. Mean fasting and postprandial glucose remained unchanged throughout the 5-year study period in all four study groups. Median fasting insulin levels rose from lownormal levels into the normal range after 5 years of growth hormone. Average fasting insulin level after 5 years was 10 mU/l. Median postprandial insulin values also rose, yet remained within the normal range at the 5-year mark. Mean Hb A_1c levels remained within low to middle end of the normal range in the patients with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and idiopathic short stature. Mean Hb A_1c levels at the 5 years were slightly elevated to 6.3% for the patients with chronic renal insufficiency.     

How Frequent Are Asthma Exacerbations in a Pediatric Primary Care Setting and Do Written Asthma Action Plans Help in Their Management?

Purpose. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, the expert panel recommends that a written asthma action plan be provided for all patients with asthma. Studies evaluating the usefulness of the asthma action plan in children are limited. We aim to determine exacerbation frequency and usefulness of the asthma action plan in managing exacerbations that occur in a pediatric primary care setting. Methods. Caretakers of asthmatic children attending the general pediatric clinic in an inner-city hospital completed a one-page questionnaire covering topics such as asthma severity, frequency of exacerbations, and possession/usefulness of an asthma action plan. Although controversy exists over the definition of yellow and red zone exacerbations, we defined the yellow zone as symptoms that require albuterol more than three times a day or more than two nights in succession. The red zone was defined as symptoms requiring systemic corticosteroids and/or an urgent physician visit. Results. Seventy of 75 subjects completed the survey. Almost 80% of respondents carried the diagnosis of persistent asthma, whereas the remainder had intermittent asthma. Exacerbation frequency over a 3-month period was determined. Approximately 80% of children experienced at least one yellow zone episode: 42% had one or two yellow zone episodes, and 39.6% had between three and five episodes. Sixty-three percent of patients did not experience a single red zone exacerbation. Almost 75% (44 of 59) of subjects possessed an asthma action plan. Ninety percent (37 of 41) of respondents with action plans found the plan to be useful in managing exacerbations. Conclusion. Approximately four of every five asthmatic children seen in this primary care setting experienced a yellow zone exacerbation at least once during a 3-month period. One third experienced at least one red zone episode. Nine of every 10 caretakers with an action plan reported the asthma action plan to be of value in managing exacerbations.