Pharmacokinetics of aditoprim and trimethoprim in buffalo calves

Pharmacokinetic parameters of two antifolates, trimethoprim and aditoprim, were studied in buffalo calves. The elimination half-life of aditoprim (6.14 h) was nearly twice as long as that of trimethoprim (3.08 h) and compares well with values observed in heifers. This longer half-life of aditoprim is a result of its much larger distribution volume (four to five times larger) because the clearance of aditoprim was about twice as high as that of trimethoprim. The longer half-life of aditoprim is expected to give a longer duration of in vivo bacteriostatic activity than that of trimethoprim.     

Persistence of effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors: Comparisons on blood flow and plasma exudation in guinea pig skin

Plasma protein extravasation has been measured in guinea pig skin using

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-albumin and blood flow using

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enon (

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e) clearance. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors N^G-nitro-

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-arginine methyl ester (

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-NAME), N^G-monomethyl-

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-arginine (l

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NMMA) and N^G-nitro-

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-arginine (

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-NOArg) and the α-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, inhibited bradykinin induced plasma protein extravasation when co-injected with the peptide. The inhibitory effects of

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-NAME and

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-NOArg lasted for up to 8 and 4 h, respectively, whereas phenylephrine and

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-NMMA had no persistent inhibitory effects. When co-injected with

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e,

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-NAME,

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-NMMA,

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-NOArg and phenylephrine, but not

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-NAME, produced significant reductions in skin blood flow. When injected prior to

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e,

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-NAME and

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-NOArg, but not phenylephrine or

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-NMMA, significantly reduced flow. The effect of

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-NAME on flow was not significant at 8 h. Thus, although the inhibitory effects of the NO synthase inhibitors on mediator induced plasma protein extravasation show correlations with their effects on blood flow, the persistent effect of

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-NAME on exudation appears to extend beyond its effect on flow.     

Dextromethorphan Abuse in Texas, 2000–2009

ABSTRACT

This article aims at identifying a threshold number of drinks per day beyond which there is a high risk of developing alcoholic behavior that would enable physicians to more confidently support the use of alcohol for cardiovascular risk prevention. In a randomly selected, population-based sample of 2,042 adults 45 years or older, we graded alcohol drinking behavior using the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test, quantified alcohol amount by questionnaire, and assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease) by medical record review. Although optimal alcohol use (≤2 drinks/day) was associated with reduced odds of cardiovascular disease, 43% of alcoholics and 82% of problem drinkers reported alcohol use in the optimal range as well. The association of alcohol use in the optimal range with alcohol-related behavioral problems supports the reluctance in physicians from recommending alcohol use for cardiovascular benefit, not withstanding the underreporting of alcohol use by alcoholics.     

The turmoil around the drug-eluting stents

Of 141 hospital survivors after intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot, eight died suddenly 6–23 years later. Compared with the other 133 patients, these eight were older at operation, with higher post-repair systolic right ventricular pressure and more often complete atrioventricular block; ventricular arrhythmia was diagnosed before death in three cases. In follow-up totalling 2255 patient years, the linearized rate of sudden death was 0.35%/year. The instantaneous risk of sudden death showed continuous increase with the length of follow-up. Of 80 survivors electrocardiographically evaluated 13–26 (median 20) years postoperatively, none had complete block, but 79 had complete right bundle branch block, including seven with left anterior hemiblock. Ventricular extrasystoles were recorded in 1% at rest, in 34% during exercise and in 83% during 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, with Lown Grade ≥II in 27%. Old age and possibly presence of fibrosis and/or fibroelastosis in right ventricular outflow tract muscle correlated independently with high Lown Grade. A patient with Lown grade III died suddenly 2 years after our follow-up. Old age at repair thus was associated with increased risk of late sudden death and with frequent ventricular arrhythmia in long-term survivors.     

Louse‐borne relapsing fever in Finland in two asylum seekers from Somalia

We report two cases of louse‐borne relapsing fever (LBRF) in young Somali asylum seekers having recently arrived to Finland. They had sought medical attention for a febrile illness. Blood smears were examined for suspected malaria, but instead, spirochete shaped bacteria were observed. The bacteria were confirmed as Borrelia recurrentis by PCR and sequencing. The patients survived, but their treatment was complicated by Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction. We conclude that LBRF must be considered as a diagnostic option in febrile refugees also in the northernmost parts of Europe.     

Innovations in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy - Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are essential for the management of a variety of cardiac conditions, including tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias,...