Cystic craniopharyngioma: a simple technique to aid the stereotactic insertion of an Ommaya reservoir drainage system.

Percutaneous aspiration of a cystic craniopharyngioma is a recognised technique. We report a simple method using X-ray screening to aid the stereotactic insertion of an Ommaya reservoir drainage system into a cystic craniopharyngioma which ensures optimal catheter placement.

The orbitozygomatic infratemporal fossa approach: a quantitative anatomical study.

Using detailed cadaveric dissections this study has demonstrated and quantified the increase in exposure and additional access gained by using the orbitozygomatic infratemporal fossa approach for neurosurgical access. The surgical window of exposure can be increased by up to 300% when this technique is utilised to facilitate access via either a subtemporal (to access the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery) or transsylvian (to access the basilar bifurcation) approach. In addition the distance between the surgeon and the operative field can be decreased by approximately 2-3 cm.

Influence of formulation on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of racemic ketoprofen in horses.

The bioavailability of S(+) and R(-) ketoprofen (KTP) in six horses was investigated after oral administration of the racemic (rac) mixture. Two oral formulations were studied, an oil-based paste containing micronised rac-KTP and powder from the same source in hard gelatin capsules, each at a dose rate of 2.2 mg/kg.

Comparative pharmacodynamics of flunixin, ketoprofen and tolfenamic acid in calves.

The pharmacodynamics of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs flunixin, tolfenamic acid and ketoprofen were studied in calves after intravenous administration. An acute inflammatory reaction was induced in tissue cages by the intracaveal injection of the mild irritant carrageenan, and the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and enzymes was investigated. The substances measured in the exudate included the enzymes (active and total metalloproteases, serine and cysteine proteases, acid phosphatase [AP], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and beta-glucuronidase) and the eicosanoids (prostaglandin [PG]E2 and leukotriene [LT]B4).

Combustion products and other firefighter exposures.

The author examines a wide variety of substances, from smoke, to synthetic products, and even the products that are used to fight fires. Measurements of exposure are discussed for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ketoprofen in calves applying PK/PD modelling.

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ketoprofen (KTP) were studied in calves following intravenous administration of the drug racemate at a dose rate of 3 mg/kg. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of KTP, a model of acute inflammation, consisting of surgically implanted subcutaneous tissue cages stimulated by intracaveal injection of carrageenan, was used. No differences were observed between disposition curves of KTP enantiomers in plasma, exudate or transudate.

Actions of PAF receptor antagonists in horses with the allergic skin disease sweet itch.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) mimics the effects of Culicoides antigen by inducing oedema and inflammatory cell accumulation in the dermis of horses with the allergic skin disease, sweet itch. PAF could therefore contribute to antigen-induced inflammatory changes in these horses. We now report that intravenous administration of the PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086 (3 mg kg-1), at a dose that inhibited the vascular and cellular responses to PAF in sweet itch horses, reduced Culicoides antigen-induced oedema at 1 h by 73% and at 8 h by 71% (p < 0.

Comparison of the anti-inflammatory actions of flunixin and ketoprofen in horses applying PK/PD modelling.

A comparative study in horses of the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of 2 extensively used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), flunixin (FXN) and ketoprofen (KTP), was carried out applying PK/PD modelling. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs a model of acute inflammation, comprising surgically implanted subcutaneous tissue cages stimulated by intracaveal injection of carrageenan, was used. FXN elimination half-life (T1/2 beta) in plasma was 3.

Determination of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of flunixin in calves by use of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables of flunixin were studied in calves after IV administration of the drug at a dose rate of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight. The anti-inflammatory properties of flunixin were investigated, using a model of acute inflammation; this involved surgically implanting tissue cages at subcutaneous sites and stimulating the tissue cage granulation tissue by intracavitary injection of carrageenan.

Enantioselective glucuronidation and subsequent biliary excretion of carprofen in horses.

Carprofen (CPF) enantiomers and their glucuronide conjugates (GLUC) were measured in plasma and bile of horses after IV administration of the racemic compound (0.7 mg/kg of body weight). The CPF was detectable in plasma for up to 72 hours after dosing, whereas GLUC appeared early (time for maximal plasma concentration, 1 hour) and was measurable transiently at low concentration (maximal plasma concentration, 0.

A good wife, but never a mother...

Prolactinomas are the commonest pituitary tumour. They are more frequent in women and account for up to 15% of patients with amenorrhoea (through secondary gonadotrophin suppression). Here we present two patients with previously unrecognized giant prolactinomas, one of whom is probably unique in having radiological evidence of progression from micro to macro prolactinoma in the absence of treatment.

The transzygomatic approach: a long-term clinical review.

The transzygomatic approach has been utilised to improve access to the skull base, infratemporal fossa and orbit for a number of years. It provides a low anterolateral approach to the skull base, along the floor of the middle fossa. It allows both a transsylvian and subtemporal approach with a reduction in brain retraction and better exposure of adjacent neurovasculature structures.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ketoprofen enantiomers in calves.

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of (S)- and (R)-ketoprofen (KTP) enantiomers were studied in calves after intravenous administration of each enantiomer at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Pharmacodynamic properties were evaluated using a model of acute inflammation, comprising subcutaneously implanted tissue cages stimulated by intracaveal injection of carrageenan.

Platelet activating factor mimics antigen-induced cutaneous inflammatory responses in sweet itch horses.

Hypersensitivity responses to biting flies such as Culicoides are believed to be the cause of sweet itch, a seasonal intensely pruritic skin condition of horses. Little is known about the mediators released by antigen in the skin of affected horses. In the present study the cutaneous vascular and cellular responses to intradermally injected platelet activating factor (PAF) have been characterised in sweet itch cases during the active phase of the disease and compared with those of Culicoides antigen extract.

Stereospecific pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the dog.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen (CPF) contains a single chiral centre. It was administered orally to Beagle dogs as a racemate (rac-CPF) at a dose of 4 mg per kg body weight and as individual (-)(R) and (+)(S) enantiomers at 2 mg per kg body weight. Each of the enantiomers achieved similar plasma bioavailability following administration as the racemate as they did following their separate administration.

Investigation of a spontaneous abortion cluster: development of a risk communication plan.

A risk communication plan was developed for a group of payroll office workers who were investigated for a possible cluster of spontaneous abortions (SABs). Survey and focus group methods were used to assess the workers' attitudes, beliefs, and information preferences. We found that four features of the workforce needed to be considered in developing an effective plan: 1) subgroups of workers varied on their levels of concern, awareness, involvement, and definitions of the problem; 2) workers did not have the necessary knowledge concerning SABs or the scientific method to participate in a two-way communication; 3) workers were highly stressed; and 4) workers were distrustful that they would be told the truth about the SABs.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the horse.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen have been evaluated in 6 horses using a model of acute non-immune inflammation. Following intravenous administration of 0.7 mg racemic carprofen/kg bwt, mean values for pharmacokinetic parameters were 18.

Comparison of a wipe and a vacuum collection method for the determination of lead in residential dusts.

Lead-containing house dust is an important source of childhood lead exposure. Standard methods for collection of settled dust for evaluation of lead content have not been established. Little is known about the relationships between the various wipe and vacuum-based methods employed in past studies, preventing meaningful comparisons of results.

Flunixin in the cat: a pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and toxicological study.

There are relatively few non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for which basic pharmacokinetic and toxicological data are available in the cat. This paper describes some pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of flunixin in this species. Six healthy adult female cats were given 1.

Investigation of a spontaneous abortion cluster: lessons learned.

An investigation of a reported spontaneous abortion excess in an office environment was undertaken employing a multidisciplinary approach, including (1) an epidemiologic/validation step; (2) an industrial hygiene survey, including electromagnetic field measurements and indoor air quality determinations; and (3) a risk perception/risk communication component. This approach was needed because there are numerous chemical and physical agents and psychosocial stressors that may potentially impact the reproductive status of female office workers. Although video display terminals (VDTs) are typically the focus of spontaneous abortion (SAB) investigations, one cannot ignore other stressors in the environment.

Pharmacodynamics of tolfenamic acid in dogs. Evaluation of dose response relationships.

Tolfenamic acid was administered to beagle dogs at 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg bodyweight i.m. and the concentration of drug in plasma and in inflamed (administered carrageenan) and non-inflamed subcutaneous tissue cage fluid was measured.

Advances in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used in veterinary practice to provide symptomatic relief of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Whilst much is already known about the properties of corticosteroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, new findings on their biology and pharmacokinetics continue to emerge. These are discussed, together with some possible novel therapeutic applications.