The diffusive Lotka-Volterra predator-prey system with delay.

Semi-analytical solutions for the diffusive Lotka-Volterra predator-prey system with delay are considered in one and two-dimensional domains. The Galerkin method is applied, which approximates the spatial structure of both the predator and prey populations. This approach is used to obtain a lower-order, ordinary differential delay equation model for the system of governing delay partial differential equations. Steady-state and transient solutions and the region of parameter space, in which Hopf bifurcations occur, are all found. In some cases simple linear expressions are found as approximations, to describe steady-state solutions and the Hopf parameter regions. An asymptotic analysis for the periodic solution near the Hopf bifurcation point is performed for the one-dimensional domain. An excellent agreement is shown in comparisons between semi-analytical and numerical solutions of the governing equations.

The correlation of the visual field with scanning laser ophthalmoscope measurements in glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between Humphrey visual field data and optic disc topographical data collected by the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) scanning laser ophthalmoscope in chronic glaucoma patients. METHODS: The mean deviation (MD) and corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) from Humphrey visual fields of 106 eyes of 106 patients with glaucoma were analysed for correlation with the multiple topographical measures calculated by the HRT. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between MD of the visual field and several optic disc measurements. These included neuroretinal rim volume, mean nerve fibre layer thickness and cross-sectional area, and the cup shape measure. CPSD correlated significantly only with mean nerve fibre layer cross-sectional area. This pattern was common to the whole circumference of the disc with the exception of the directly temporal segment. CONCLUSION: Optic disc topography performed by HRT reflects the optic disc pathology in correlation with perimetry.

The male versus female perspective on family planning: kinshasa, zaire.

Males have often been neglected in both family planning programmes and in surveys used to design and evaluate such programmes. A 1988 study on fertility, family planning and AIDS in Kinshasa, Zaire, provides comparable data on 3140 men and 3485 women of reproductive age which served as the basis for analysing male/female differences. The study indicated a fair degree of similarity in the attitudes, beliefs, knowledge levels and practices of men and women regarding fertility and family planning. Where they differed (e.g. on expected or ideal number of children, the desire for more children at parity 7 or above), men tended to be more pronatalist than women. The implications of the findings for future family planning programmes are discussed. Programmes should target males because of their role as decision makers within Zairian society.

Methoxyalkyl thiazoles: a novel series of potent, orally active and enantioselective inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase.

Methoxyalkyl thiazoles are novel 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors which are neither redox agents nor iron chelators and are exemplified by ICI211965 [1-(3-(naphth-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl)-1-(thiazol-2-yl)prop yl methyl ether]. ICI211965 potently inhibits LTC4 synthesis in murine macrophages (IC50 = 0.0085 microM) and its selectivity with respect to cyclo-oxygenase (greater than 5800) is greater than any previously reported lipoxygenase inhibitor. ICI211965 also selectively inhibits LTB4 synthesis by human blood in vitro (IC50 = 0.45 microM) and rat blood ex vivo (ED50 = 10 mg/Kg, p.o.). Methoxyalkyl thiazoles exhibit a tight structure activity relationship and resolution of a chiral member of the series demonstrates that 5-lipoxygenase inhibition resides largely in one enantiomer. Methoxyalkyl thiazoles represent the first class of agents for which 5-lipoxygenase inhibition is mediated by specific, enantioselective interaction with the enzyme.

(Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles: a new series of potent, selective, and orally active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors displaying high enantioselectivity.

(Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are novel 5-lipoxygenase (5-LPO) inhibitors that are neither redox agents nor iron chelators. Consideration of a hypothetical model of the enzyme active site led to this series which is exemplified by 1-[3-(naphth-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-(thiazol-2-yl)propy l methyl ether (2d, ICI211965). 2d inhibits cell-free guinea pig 5-LPO activity, LTC4 synthesis in plasma free mouse macrophages, and LTB4 synthesis in rat and human blood (IC50s 0.1 microM, 8 nM, 0.5 microM, and 0.4 microM, respectively) but does not inhibit the synthesis of cyclooxygenase products at concentrations up to 50 microM in macrophages and 100 microM in blood. 2d is orally active in rat (ex vivo ED50 10 mg/kg in blood taken in 1 h after dosing). SAR studies show that high in vitro potency requires methoxy, thiazolyl, and naphthyl groups and depends critically on the substitution pattern. (Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are chiral. Resolution of 1-methoxy-6-(naphth-2-ylmethoxy)-1-(thiazol-2-yl)indan (2j, ICI216800) shows that (+)-2j is 50-150-fold more potent than (-)-2j in in vitro assays. Thus, (methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are a new series of orally active, selective 5-LPO inhibitors and represent the first class of inhibitors in which inhibition is mediated by specific, enantioselective interactions with the enzyme.

Indazolinones, a new series of redox-active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors with built-in selectivity and oral activity.

Since the hypothetical mechanisms of hydroperoxydation of arachidonic acid by, respectively, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LPO) and cyclooxygenase (CO) involve a redox cycle, a compound which reduces 5-LPO and CO to their inactive state would give a nonselective inhibitor of both enzymes. Structural modifications of such a compound could be expected to give improved potency and selectivity for 5-LPO and oral activity. Such an approach has led to the discovery of 1,2-dihydroindazol-3-ones which are potent 5-LPO inhibitors with various degrees of selectivity. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that while N-1,N-2-unsubstituted and N-1-substituted derivatives are orally inactive, N-2-alkyl derivatives are orally active and inhibit both 5-LPO and CO. In contrast, N-2-benzyl derivatives are selective for 5-LPO but possess only weak oral activity. Further structural modifications have identified ICI 207968 [1,2-dihydro-2-(3-pyridylmethyl)-3H-indazol-3-one, 21a] which combines potent oral activity and high selectivity. Methemoglobin (MHb) induction by 21a in dog blood precluded its development for clinical use. Attempts at dissociating 5-LPO inhibitory properties and MHb formation showed that MHb formation in vitro seemed to be related to the redox potential of the compounds whereas 5-LPO inhibition was not. This study led to a series of 4-(N-n-pentylcarbamoyl)indazolinones which maintained in vitro 5-LPO potency but did not induce MHb.

Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann's) solution. Caution: risk of clotting.

We have observed blood clotting in blood administration sets where Hartmann's solution (Travenol) has preceded blood transfusion. This is due to calcium ions (Ca++) contained in the Hartmann's solution and is more likely to occur at 37 degrees C. We suggest that this potential hazard be more widely realised and that the practice cease.