[The usefulness of compartmental analysis for the development of sustained release drug forms; experiences with drotaverine in humans].
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Delayed-Action Preparations↗
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Sustainable urban development and human health: septic tank as a major breeding habitat of mosquito vectors of human diseases in south-eastern Nigeria.
Septic tank mosquitoes in Abia State University Okigwe, south-eastern Nigeria were studied using exit traps between November 1988 and April 1989. The results were revealing and striking. Apart from the common septic tank mosquitoes, Culex p. quinquefasciatus, Cu. cinereus and Aedes aegypti, which have been previously commonly found breeding in ammonia and nitrate-rich waters of latrines and septic tanks, the other species, Cu. horridus, Cu. tigripes and Aedes vittatus, have not been commonly reported as colonizing septic tanks in Nigeria. Three out of these six mosquito species observed are vectors of human diseases: Aedes aegypti and Aedes vittatus are vectors of Yellow fever and Cu. p. quinquefasciatus is a potential vector of Bancroftian filariasis and a world-wide vector of various arboviruses. The fact that these mosquito vectors are able to breed in highly polluted waters of septic tanks during the harsh dry months when most surface water bodies are dry is epidemiologically important. The breeding of these mosquito vectors of human diseases around human dwellings indicates an intense man-vector contact creating a high level risk to the crowded urban population. The public health implications of this urbanization/modernization problem and solutions are discussed.
Aedes↗
Designing resilient, sustainable systems.
Pursuit of sustainable development requires a systems approach to the design of industrial product and service systems. Although many business enterprises have adopted sustainability goals, the actual development of sustainable systems remains challenging because of the broad range of economic, environmental and social factors that need to be considered across the system life cycle. Traditional systems engineering practices try to anticipate and resist disruptions but may be vulnerable to unforeseen factors. An alternative is to design systems with inherent "resilience" bytaking advantage of fundamental properties such as diversity, efficiency, adaptability, and cohesion. Previous work on sustainable design has focused largely upon ecological efficiency improvements. For example, companies have found that reducing material and energy intensity and converting wastes into valuable secondary products creates value for shareholders as well as for society at large. To encourage broader systems thinking, a design protocol is presented that involves the following steps: identifying system function and boundaries, establishing requirements, selecting appropriate technologies, developing a system design, evaluating anticipated performance, and devising a practical means for system deployment. The approach encourages explicit consideration of resilience in both engineered systems and the larger systems in which they are embedded.
Commerce↗
Comparing the soil quality changes of different land uses determined by two quantitative methods.
Soil quality is one of the most important environmental factors in sustaining the global biosphere and developing sustainable agricultural practices. A study was initiated in Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China to elucidate the soil quality changes of natural secondary succession, forest planting and agricultural practices after deforestation in the humid mountainous region. The soil qualities of six land use types (natural forestland, grassland, shrub land, secondary forestland, cultivated land and reforested land) were compared using two quantitative methods: the integrated soil quality index (QI) and soil deterioration index (DI). The QI values of natural forestland, grassland, shrub land, secondary forestland, cultivated land, reforested land were 0.8039, 0.3277, 0.9127, 0.6881, 0.0285 and 0.3183, respectively. The DI values were 0%, -14%, 12%, 1%, -26% and -18% respectively. Both indexes suggested that shrub land can restore soil properties. To compare the two methods more directly, a deduced index QI' based on QI value was developed. The results showed that DI and QI' had a very high linear correlation coefficient (r = 0.9775) despite the values were different. Both methods were efficient in evaluating the soil quality levels and DI was a more simple way in soil quality assessment, while QI could show more ecological meanings.
China↗
"Triple-bottom-line" assessment of urban stormwater projects.
New guidelines have been developed and trialled in Australia to assist urban stormwater managers to assess options for projects that aim to improve urban waterway health. These guidelines help users to examine the financial, ecological and social dimensions of projects (i.e., the so-called "triple-bottom-line"). Features of the assessment process described in the guidelines include use of multi criteria analysis, input from technical experts as well as non-technical stakeholders, and provision of three alternative levels of assessment to suit stormwater managers with differing needs and resources. This paper firstly provides a background to the new guidelines and triple-bottom-line assessment. The assessment methodology promoted in the new guidelines is then briefly summarised. This methodology is compared and contrasted with European guidelines from the "SWARD" project that have been primarily developed for assessing the relative sustainability of options involving urban water supply and sewerage assets. Finally, the paper discusses how assessment methodologies that evaluate the financial, ecological and social dimensions of projects can, under some circumstances, be used to evaluate the relative progress of options for urban water management on a journey towards the widely pursued, but vaguely defined goal of "sustainable development".
Australia↗
Industrialization and environmental health in Poland.
There has been enormous pollution and biodegradation of environment in Poland as the consequence of industrialization developed regardless the principles of sustainable development. In the recent years, the decrease of total emission of air pollution caused by gases and dust, the decrease of emission of unprocessed sewage and industrial waste can be seen. These facts are the consequences of economic recession which have appeared in Poland along with economic transformation. However, there is still significant escalation of environmental pollution, in so-called areas of ecological hazards. There are heavily industrialized and urbanized areas covering about 10% of the total country area but inhabited by over 30% of the total country population. The significant environmental pollution goes together with deterioration of the country's health situation what can be seen in shortening the average lifetime expectancy, increased frequency of cardiovascular diseases and cancers and higher infants death rate in comparison to other European countries. Considering the complexity of the factors affecting the population's health status, the basis of the health and environmental policy conceived in order to stop and alter the unwanted health condition tendencies and the environmental quality have been shown here.
Environmental Health↗
Buoyant sustained release tablets based on chitosan.
This study attempted to develop sustained release intragastric 'floating' tablets based on chitosan. Two kinds of chitosan with different degrees of deacetylation (chitosan H and L) were used, and two types of preparations (types A and B) were examined. Type A preparations, i.e. directly compressed tablets using a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, were buoyant immediately and gave sustained release of prednisolone (as model drug) in acidic dissolution fluid. Type B preparations, i.e. preparations composed of a directly compressed layer and a chitosan H membrane layer enclosing carbon dioxide (a foamy membrane layer), quickly developed buoyancy and also provided sustained release of drug. The drug release rate from the preparation using chitosan L was slower than that from the preparation using chitosan H. In an absorption study using beagle dogs, sustained drug absorption from Type B preparations was obtained.
Animals↗
What do regions want?: A case study of university-community relations.
We hear more and more about the necessity of "sustainable regional development" as an alternative to and defense against globalization. While we certainly agree with this notion, we ask what might prevent it from becoming yet another "top-down" development scheme with good intentions but dubious results. We would argue that no road to development is sustainable if it is not deeply democratic and reliant on an informed, concerned public; the expressed needs of the public must be an essential aspect of regional development. Our focus here is on the university, the main supplier of the experts and technologies utilized by the undemocratic processes of globalization, but it might also be a partner in a democratic process of regional sustainable development. To do this, however, experts in academia must resist the temptation to assume they know what is best and work in concert with community forces to define and create sustainable development. To put it simply, if experts and planners in the university want to know what a region wants and needs, they have to ask. What follows is a report on the experience of one university's attempt to do just that.
Journal Article↗
United Nations Development Program solicits funds from corporations.
The Global Sustainable Development Facility (GSDF) project, a collaboration between the U.N. Development Program and a variety of global corporate sponsors, some with poor human rights, labor, and environmental records, has come under criticism from prestigious nongovernmental organizations around the world. A letter to James Gustave Speth, Administrator of the U.N. Development Program, expresses concern about the threat posed by the GSDF project to the independence and credibility of the U.N. Development Program.
Advertising↗
Buoyant sustained release granules based on chitosan.
Attempts to develop sustained release intragastric 'floating' granules based on chitosan are described, using chitosan of different degrees of deacetylation (chitosan H and L), in granular form or in laminated preparations. The granules were made from chitosan H (chitosan H granules), from a 1:1 mixture of chitosan H and L (1:1 mixture granules), from a 1:2 mixture of chitosan H and L (1:2 mixture granules), or from chitosan L (chitosan L granules). They were prepared by a method involving deacidification, had internal cavities, were immediately buoyant in both acidic and neutral fluids, and gave sustained release of prednisolone (used as a model drug). The laminated preparations, composed of a chitosan granule layer and a chitosan L membrane, were also immediately buoyant in the same fluids, and also provided sustained release of the model drug. The release properties were controlled by regulating the chitosan L content of the granules, or the chitosan L membrane thickness of the laminate. In an absorption study using beagle dogs, sustained drug absorption from these preparations was obtained.
Animals↗
Biotechnology and bioeconomy in China.
From the review of the achievements and advantages in the development of biotechnology (BT) and bioindustry in China, it is clear that the bioeconomy would provide a tremendous opportunity for China to develop sustainably or even surpass a few developed countries. A long-term vision has been made to guide the research and development and industrialization of BT in China. This review detailed the strategies, targets, priorities, and key technologies in each stage. Furthermore, the reviewers expatiated on the establishment of the favorable policies, the foundation of the professional groups, the establishment of the advanced laboratories or centers, the investment mechanisms, the development and evaluation of biosafety, the encouragement and support for the international collaborations and exchanges, and the establishment of the general organizational structure.
Biotechnology↗
Effects of human population growth on the Fraser and Okanagan River systems, Canada: a comparative inquiry.
The author compares the impact of human population growth on the Fraser and Okanagan river systems in Canada. The effects "on water, fisheries and other aquatic resources of the two basins are explored along with possibilities and suggestions for their sustainable development. The latter, despite some glimmers of hope, will not be tenable without major changes in public attitude, in government policy at all levels, and in other measures which to many may seem impossible."
Americas↗
Core elements of programmatic research in nursing: a case study.
In this invited paper Tina Koch and Debbie Kralik present the establishment of a research program outside the precincts of a university and we ask Gary Rolfe to provide a commentary from the perspective of an academic. We argue that a dedicated research unit, with a clearly articulated philosophy and in response to research questions from clients, community and practitioners, provides the focus to drive the program. Although we have infrastructure from the RDNS Foundation, obtaining external funding to support our program is a central activity. Discernable outcomes of our collaborative inquiries are described as participants with whom we research narrate aspects of their experience, leading to enhancement of self agency and quality of life. We illustrate the reform potential as groups of research participants develop sustainable people networks. Most importantly, theoretical development is ongoing describing transition (ways in which people are able to take a chronic illness into their lives and move on) and better understanding on ways in which health care professionals can facilitate transition. Evidence based news letters are written in collaboration with practitioners, however we ponder about ways to further our research findings in practice. Gary Rolfe speculates about intermural or extramural research programs. He frames his response using Brand's criteria to research program decisions. In order of importance he asks: (1) will it be fun? (2) will we learn anything from it? (3) will it make the world a better place? (4) will it earn enough money to pay for the first three? Gary argues that one of the luxuries of working within the university sector as an academic is that he can occasionally ignore question four.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
A case of acute myocardial infarction with reentrant sustained ventricular tachycardia developing in the prehospital phase.
A case of development of monomorphic sustained ventricular tachycardia in the prehospital phase of acute myocardial infarction is reported. By performing pacing from the right ventricular outflow tract during ventricular tachycardia, constant fusion and progressive fusion were documented without constant and progressive fusion from the right ventricular apex pacing, and it was terminated by pacing from the right ventricular outflow tract. Thus, reentry was considered to be the mechanism of this ventricular tachycardia occurring in the prehospital phase. Direct angioplasty successfully recanalized the totally occluded coronary artery, but late potential was present probably because of late reperfusion. In an electrophysiologic study in the chronic phase, slow conduction areas were found at the interventricular septum and the exit of this ventricular tachycardia was at the mid-septum of the right ventricle. A review of the literature failed to reveal any report of a similar case.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
Veterinary medicine educational requirements to meet the needs of the US Agency for International Development.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) works within the overall purpose of US foreign assistance to improve the lives of the citizens of the developing world. Through partnerships with other agencies, organizations, and governments, and using its field offices around the world, USAID strives to develop local capacity and thus build sustainable development. Two specific USAID programs pertinent to veterinary medicine are global health and agriculture. In the area of global health, veterinarians can aid USAID's work to improve the quality, availability, and use of essential health services that specifically target maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, family planning and reproductive health, infectious diseases, environmental health, nutrition, and other life-saving areas. The challenge of making the agricultural sector in a developing country more productive is a critical one for USAID and a clear area for input from the veterinary profession. Animal agriculture is the largest single sector of agricultural economies in most developing countries, and livestock remains a critical component of poverty alleviation. There are educational requirements that benefit anyone working at USAID and can be met prior to admittance to a DVM program, as part of a DVM curriculum, or in post-graduate training/employment, such as proficiency in a foreign language; environmental sciences background; familiarity with accounting and management techniques; expertise in foreign animal diseases, zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, food safety, and nutrition, as well as the application to human health of those areas; an advanced degree such as an MPH; and management experience. Appropriately trained veterinarians can make enormous contributions to USAID's global efforts to improve the health and agriculture sectors of developing nations.
Agriculture↗
Blood pressure response to the Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test.
Persons who are normotensive or borderline hypertensive at rest but who have an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise incur a higher risk of developing sustained hypertension. Our purpose was to develop provisional norms for immediate post-exercise blood pressure responses to the Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (CAFT) for men and women 20-69 years and to recommend threshold values for exercise hypertension. We studied 986 males and females. Blood pressure criteria for inclusion were less than 150/100 mmHg for men and less than 160/100 mmHg for women. The blood pressure values for the 3 stages of the CAFT specific to each age group and sex were appropriately summarized for each workload. An exaggerated blood pressure to exercise was defined as the mean + 1 SD while a grossly exaggerated blood pressure was defined as the mean + 2 SD. As such, the following values are recommended as criteria for the first stage of the CAFT regardless of age: Men: exaggerated response greater than or equal to 170 mmHg, grossly exaggerated, greater than or equal to 190 mmHg; women greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and 180 mmHg respectively. The delta SBP (exercise SBP minus resting SBP) at the first stage of the CAFT could also be utilized to identify persons who demonstrate an abnormal pressure response to exercise. An increase of 10 mmHg above resting diastolic pressure at any stage of exercise should also be cause for concern and counselling.
Adult↗
Lazaroids and deferoxamine attenuate the intracellular effects of oxyhaemoglobin in vascular smooth muscle.
OBJECTIVES: While it is probable that the cerebrovascular spasm which occurs after subarachnoid haemorrhage results from the action of haemoglobin, the mechanism of that process remains unclear. These studies were thus designed to test the hypothesis that the action of oxyhaemoglobin results from the iron-catalyzed formation of free radicals and subsequent lipid peroxidation resulting in intracellular changes in the second messengers for contraction. METHODS: Levels of intracellular calcium and of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate were measured in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells derived from primate cerebral arteries. Contractility of rings of canine cerebral vessels were examined in vitro using standard pharmacological techniques. Vessels in spasm were obtained from the "two haemorrhage" canine model and the presence of vasospasm was confirmed angiographically. In each case, the effects of oxyhaemoglobin and sometimes of free radicals generated from iron salts were examined in the presence and in the absence of free-radical scavenging agents or the iron chelating agent, deferoxamine. RESULTS: Oxyhaemoglobin produces a slowly-developing sustained contraction of arterial rings which is accompanied by a sustained elevation of intracellular calcium. It also produces a transient but significant elevation of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate, but this is not correlated with the development of sustained constriction. Deferoxamine and the lazaroid compounds U-74389G and U-83836E were effective in preventing the effects of oxyhaemoglobin and free radicals in the models tested, although in vessels in spasm, all effects were smaller. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides results which are consistent with the hypothesis that the actions of haemoglobin on vascular smooth muscle are mediated by the formation of free radicals which subsequently affect intracellular calcium concentrations. This also implies that agents which impair free radical production or other processes leading to iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation, are of potential value in cerebrovascular spasm.
Animals↗
Use of rotary fluidized-bed technology for development of sustained-release plant extracts pellets: potential application for feed additive delivery.
The aim of this study was to develop sustained release plant extracts as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for growing pigs. Pellets with a core based on microcrystalline cellulose and 3 active compounds (eugenol, carvacrol, and thymol) were prepared using rotary fluidized-bed technology. Two particle sizes were produced that had a mean size of approximately 250 and 500 mum. Results show the process was able to produce pellets with a spherical and homogenous form when 10% of the active compounds were incorporated into the core. When active compounds were increased to 20%, the pellet became stickier, and the yield decreased from 90 to 65%. Different amounts of coating in the form of an aqueous-based ethylcellulose (EC) dispersion (Surelease) were applied to the core to modify the release of active compounds. The efficacy of the coating was evaluated in vitro using a flow-through cell apparatus. The time to achieve 50 and 90% dissolution increased with the increase in particle size (P < 0.05) and the increase in EC-coating level from 10 to 20% (wt/wt; P < 0.05), indicating the ability of the process to slow release depending on particle size and the amount of polymer applied. Differences in the release of the active compounds were observed in the same formulation of pellets, except for the formulation with small 10%-EC-coated particles, in which the active compounds were rapidly dissolved (more than 85% in 15 min or less). For all other formulations, the dissolution time for eugenol was always faster than for thymol or carvacrol. The close monitoring of plant extract behavior in the gastrointestinal tract could become a key factor in the continued use of phyto-molecules as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and in optimizing the balance between cost and efficacy. Different microencapsulation technologies can be used, of which the rotary fluidized bed warrants consideration because of the quality of the products obtained.
Animal Feed↗