bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equal Justice
Authors: Holland Melanie M.
Published: December 2017

Empirical analysis of the disproportionate application of carceral punishment has traditionally targeted race and class inequality while omitting noncitizens as a systematically disadvantaged population within the criminal justice system. Of the limited extant literature on this issue, nearly all have examined overall incarceration odds while failing to account for prison alternative eligibility, inaccurately measuring judicial discretion. Likewise, none have disaggregated noncitizens across nationality, an oversight that implicitly assuming that all noncitizens are equal recipients of discrimination, likely suppressing noncitizen disadvantage. Finally, these studies often fail to include contextual measures in their analyses. Using data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC)’s Monitoring of Federal Sentences from 1999 to 2013, this study examines case-, district-, and cross-level effects of citizenship status, documentation status, and nationality on incarceration odds, prison alternatives, and sentence length for federal drug offenders. The results of this study support the hypothesis that noncitizens receive more severe sentencing outcomes than U.S. citizens, Mexican noncitizens receive more severe outcomes compared to those from other countries, and undocumented noncitizens receive more punitive outcomes, though these findings vary across districts. However, counter to minority threat theory, noncitizen (offender) populations do not appear to influence incarceration outcomes for noncitizen offenders in the projected direction.
Acute hepatic steatosis: a helpful diagnostic feature in metallic phosphide–poisoned horses
Authors: Fox Jonathan H. , Porter Brian F. , Easterwood Leslie , Hildenbrand Justin R. V. , Hélie Pierre , Smylie James , O’Toole Donal
Published: December 2017

Metal phosphides, particularly zinc and aluminum phosphide, occasionally poison horses and other equids following their use as rodenticides and insecticides. Grain-based aluminum phosphide baits are used to control rodents such as prairie dogs. The clinical course in intoxicated horses is short (<24–48 h), and animals may be found dead. Hepatic lesions caused by phosphine poisoning are not well described. Laboratory confirmation depends on detecting phosphine gas in gastric contents. Eight horses and a mule were exposed to zinc phosphide used to control prairie dogs on a Wyoming ranch. Three of 9 exposed equids developed some combination of sweating, ataxia, anxiety, and colic; 2 died acutely, and 1 recovered. A diagnosis of zinc phosphide was made by detecting phosphine in stomach contents from a horse and a mule. The liver was pale and swollen in the affected horse, which died after a clinical course of ~12 h. Other changes were generalized congestion and edema, pulmonary edema, and acute cerebrocortical edema. There was diffuse hepatocellular microvesicular steatosis. Similar histologic lesions were present in 7 equine livers from 2 previously published episodes of metallic phosphide poisoning. Older lesions (>24 h of clinical signs) had centrilobular hepatic necrosis with congestion and a mixture of microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis. Phosphine poisoning should be considered in horses that die acutely and are found to have steatosis, either with or without hepatocellular necrosis.
Particulate Matter in Parenteral Solutions I.: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ho Norman F. H.
Published: December 2017

Methods for detection of particulate matter in parenteral solutions are inadequate at the present time. The potential hazard of injecting particulate matter into the circulation of seriously ill patients cannot be overemphasized. The need for more research into this question is clear, and we have briefly outlined our future objectives in this activity.
Utilization of Computer Equipment and Techniques in Prescription Processing at Los Angeles County General Hospital
Authors: Seibert Stanley , Brunjes Shannon , Soutter John C. , Maronde Robert F.
Published: December 2017

Use of a computer for processing prescriptions in the outpatient pharmacy at Los Angeles County Hospital is described. The computer stores data related to the prescribing physician, patient, and clinic visited, drug prescribed and quantity, etc. Labels are typed automatically, with numerous appropriate instructions to patient, such as, “Store in refrigerator.” Accuracy of labels is verified by pharmacist. Use of IBM 2260 Cathode Ray Tube Display Station, using an IBM 360 model 30 and a remote printer, is described. Detailed procedure of operation is presented. Paper includes Flowchart and Systems Chart which form the basis of the system, and 15 other illustrations.
Preparation of Sterile Parenterals Using a Syringe-Needle Attachment Unit
Authors: Lamy Peter P. , Davies William L. , Distefano Rose , Kitler Mary Ellen
Published: December 2017

A syringe-needle attachment unit was evaluated in a test designed to show whether or not it would be possible to attach needles to filled syringes with that unit and maintain sterility of the medication. Of 460 syringes filled and closed in a horizontal laminar flow unit, none was contaminated. Based on the moderate sample, it can be concluded that the unit will indeed permit closure of syringes without introduction of contamination.
Stability of the Nerve Gas Antidote BIS (4-Hydroxyiminomethyl-1-Pyridinomethyl) Ether Dichloride (Toxogonin®)
Authors: Christenson Inga
Published: December 2017

The products and kinetics of hydrolysis of the nerve gas antidote bis(4-hydroxyiminomethyl - 1 - pyridinemethyl) ether dichloride (Toxogonin ®) have been investigated. A survey of these studies is given:

The hydrolytic reactions were studied in the pH range 1 M hydrochloric acid to 1 M sodium hydroxide at 25, 45, 75 and 85° C.

Rate constants were determined in dilute aqueous solution, generally with an initial Toxogonin concentration of 0.01 mg per ml.

In addition, a report is given concerning two-year storage of 25 percent (w/v) Toxogonin solutions at pH 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5. The solutions were stored in glass or polypropylene ampuls at 5, 15, 25 and 45°C. At 5 and 15C° decomposition was negligible, at 25 and 45 °C average decomposition was 1.5 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.
Drugs, the Patient and the Hospital
Authors: Smith William E.
Published: December 2017

What is clinical pharmacy? How is a clinical service established? Cost of service? Benefits to the patients, pharmacists, physician, nurse? Why unit dose drug distribution? Need for pharmacy supportive personnel? Patient drug monitoring service? Drug information services? Effective com-munications with the medical staff? These questions and others will be discussed in this series of articles. Experiences gained by the author from practicing in the patient care area and managing a clinical service will be the basis for the material presented.

The initial article in this issue describes current problems associated with drug therapy in hospitals. The second article will discuss the clinical pharmacy concept. Succeeding articles will present the many components required for clinical pharmaceutical services to serve patients, physicians and hospital personnel.
Buccal and Percutaneous Absorptions
Authors: Lien Eric , Koda Robert T. , Tong George L.
Published: December 2017

Buccal absorption of 31 aromatic and aliphatic acids and 10 basic drugs in human subjects has been found to be parabolically dependent on the log P, where P is the l-octanol-water partition coefficient. The ideal lipophilic character (log Po) for maximum buccal absorption is found to range from 4.2 to 5.5. The log of the permeability constant of a series of alcohols and steroids has been found to be linearly dependent upon the log of the partition coefficient measured in three different solvent systems.
Growth of Microorganisms in Parenteral Nutritional Fluids
Authors: Wilkinson W. R. , Flores L. L. , Pagones J. N.
Published: December 2017

A number of parenteral fluids were assessed as substrates for bacterial and yeast growth. No microorganism underwent significant growth in any solution during the first 24 hours of incubation at room temperature with the exception of Candida albicans, which proliferated in a casein hydrolysate TPN solution. A crystalline amino acid TPN solution is a poor growth medium for microorganisms as compared to the casein hydrolysate solution. Suggestions are made relative to the preparation and proper use of TPN solutions in adult and pediatric hyperalimentation.
Intralipid Compatibility Study
Authors: Frank John T.
Published: December 2017

Twenty-five parenteral agents were combined individually with an investigational lipid emulsion (Intralipid®) to assess what effect they would have on the pharmaceutical stability of the emulsion. Of the agents tested, calcium gluconate, tetracycline hydrochloride, 10 percent Hyprotogen, and diphenylhydantoin resulted in a pharmaceutically unacceptable preparation.
The Pharmacist's Dilemma—Drug Product Selection Using Bioavailability Data
Authors: Cawthorne George Kennedy , Eckel Fred M.
Published: December 2017

One hundred fifty-six U.S. drug companies were surveyed to determine whether or not they would supply bioavailability data on 147 drugs marketed as 1894 drug products. The submitted data were analyzed for completeness, validity and potential usefulness to the pharmacist in making drug product selection decisions. Ninety (57.7 percent) companies responded to the survey. Thirty-eight (24.4 percent) sent data of which that from 29 (18.6 percent) was judged acceptable for use in drug product selection.

Acceptable data were submitted on 59 drugs. Data on 46 drugs were considered blood-level bioavailability data while the data on 13 drugs were considered clinical bioavailability data. The results, though relatively limited in number of drugs, represented drugs in a number of different pharmacologic classes, so were judged to be of relatively wide applicability.
Clinical Pharmacy Case Studies
Authors: McCarhon Margaret M.
Published: December 2017

This series of case studies has been prepared by the faculty of the Department of Clinical Education and Services at U.S.C. School of Pharmacy as a continuing education course for pharmacists. The cases are meant to be studied in sequence; concepts and laboratory test evaluations presented in one case will be used in subsequent cases. All normal laboratory test values will be those used at the Los Angeles County/U.S.C. Medical Center; values may differ at other hospitals depending on the method used. Medical material is presented to give the pharmacist an understanding of the case, it is not meant to teach the pharmacist diagnosis. The cases have been altered for teaching purposes so that they do not represent actual cases.
Locus of Control Dimensions among Senior Pharmacy Students Electing Post-Pharm. D. Residencies
Authors: Gourley Dick R. , Kapel David E. , Hill John W.
Published: December 2017

The locus of control dimensions among senior Pharm.D. students electing post-Pharm.D. residencies (N=15) are compared with first (N = 60) and second year (N = 55) Pharm.D. students, as well as with senior Pharm.D. students not electing residencies (N=14). Volunteer clinical faculty [hospital (N=27) and community (N = 23) pharmacy preceptors] and full-time clinical faculty (N = 22) are also compared. The Reid-Ware three-factor internal-external scale was completed by the study population. The dimensions measured were: self-control, social systems control, and fatalism. This study was undertaken to:

1. compare the locus of control dimensions among senior pharmacy students electing post-Pharm.D. residencies with senior pharmacy students not electing post-Pharm.D. residencies (and with other pharmacy students) and

2. compare the locus of control dimensions among senior pharmacy students electing and not electing post-Pharm. D. residencies (and with other pharmacy students) with their clinical, hospital, and community faculty to identify personality congruence (i.e., similarities, differences) which might facilitate the development of patient oriented-interactive behaviors necessary for clinical practice.

Self-control (SC) was the major factor that generated the significant difference in the seven groups. The clinical (full-time) faculty group is significantly different from the student groups with the exception of the P-3, residency students. Over 50 percent of the P-3 residency group responded more like the faculty groups than like other students, with more P-3 residency students responding like clinical faculty than any other student or faculty group. The implication is that a similar personality profile exists in terms of internal/external control for the P-3 residency and full-time clinical faculty groups. Professors may have influenced, stimulated, or motivated those students most like themselves to enter a residency program.

Based on the data, it would appear desirable to profile pharmacy students and give those who have a strong internal self-control factor encouragement to pursue post-graduate academic or residency programs and to retain as many of those individuals as possible in the areas of pharmacy that directly influence patient care and the pharmacist's role on the health care team.
Severe Diarrhea Secondary to Propranolol
Authors: Robinson J. Daniel , Burtner David E.
Published: December 2017

Although propranolol is effective and widely used for many disorders, there are reports of it causing side effects severe enough to warrant its discontinuance. A 71-year-old female is reported to have experienced diarrhea and weight loss from the use of propranolol 20 mg qid. On discontinuing the drug, the diarrhea quickly resolved. On rechallenge with 10 mg qid the patient displayed no problems; however, when the dosage was increased to 20 mg qid, the diarrhea returned. When the drug was discontinued the second time, the diarrhea stopped again. The occurrence of diarrhea in any patient receiving propranolol should cause consideration of an adverse drug reaction.
Severe Tracheobronchitis from Inhalation of an Isobutyl Nitrite Preparation
Authors: Covalla John R. , Strimlan C. Vaughn , Lech John G.
Published: December 2017

Isobutyl nitrite has recently become a popularly abused drug in the United States. Although many adverse effects, including headache, hypotension, and methemoglobinemia, are known to occur following exposure to this class of drugs, little has been written concerning the effects of illicit use of isobutyl nitrite. In this case, severe tracheobronchitis developed following short-term exposure by inhalation of this drug.
PPIs: Community Pharmacists' Compliance
Authors: Kaczmarek Elizabeth R. , Stewart Jesse E. , Hutchinson Richard A. , Boisvert Alain
Published: December 2017

In order to determine community pharmacists' compliance with FDA PPI regulations, five trained shoppers were sent with estrogen prescriptions to 45 pharmacies in a large Midwestern city. Only 42 percent of the prescriptions dispensed were accompanied by a PPI. Fifty-six percent of the prescriptions were dispensed without safety caps.

In all cases where a correct PPI was received, a follow-up phone call was made to a pharmacist at the pharmacy to determine the accuracy of the response to a question about information in the PPI. Only 39 percent of the pharmacists were able to correctly answer the phone-in question.
Determinants of Compliance in Epileptic Outpatients
Authors: Bryant Stephen G. , Ereshefsky Larry
Published: December 2017

The authors have investigated reasons for medication compliance in a population of epileptic patients. The hypothesis that the health care belief model would be predictive of medication-taking behavior was validated. A pilot study was constructed which investigated the comparative responses of compliant and noncompliant epileptic outpatients to questions regarding demographic, clinical history, and attitudinal characteristics.

Noncompliant patients were characterized as having a longer duration of epilepsy, more complicated dosage regimens, and more changes in medication. In addition, noncompliant patients both demonstrated more confusion over medication directions and less insight into the need for anticonvulsants and feared addiction to their medication. They had a lower level of satisfaction with their health care and were more frequently subject to the social complications of epilepsy.

The authors suggest that a more holistic approach be taken when attempting to reverse noncompliant behavior.
Hyperglycemia associated with Propranolol and Chlorpropamide Coadministration
Authors: Holt Robert J. , Gaskins John D.
Published: December 2017

A 59-year-old patient with acute pancreatitis is described, whose treatment was complicated by concomitant diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. He received propranolol and insulin without subsequent problems; however, when the insulin was changed to chlorpropamide, a significant increase in blood sugar occurred.

It was postulated that this increase in blood sugar was due to an antagonistic action of propranolol at the pancreatic level which interfered with the action of chlorpropamide.
Drug Interactions & Reactions Update: Early Reports on Drug Interactions
Authors: D'arcy P.F.
Published: December 2017

Letters in correspondence columns or brief reports in medical journals are an essential part of an early warning system, and they are invaluable in alerting clinicians and clinical pharmacists to associations between drugs and their reactions.

A survey of the literature during the first half of 1982 has identified a number of these early reports; some are purely anecdotal, others may be coincidental, but all serve to warn the practitioner of potential hazard. Brief information on the following reports of drug-drug interactions is given in this article with the intention of giving these reports wider publicity and, possibly, encouraging further observation and research to establish or disprove their validity in a larger and wider range of patients or volunteer subjects.

The following interactions are reviewed: amiodarone-quinidine, lidocaine-prenylamine, erythromycin-carbamazepine, azapropazone-phenytoin, chlordiazepoxide-levodopa, gentamicin-furosemide, ethanol-aspirin, acetaminophen-coumarin anticoagulant, and cimetidine-lidocaine.
Review of Cimetidine Drug Interactions
Authors: Sorkin Eugene M. , Darvey Diane L.
Published: December 2017

The literature on cimetidine drug interactions has been thoroughly reviewed. Several different mechanisms have been proposed for cimetidine-related drug interactions. These mechanisms include: (1) impaired hepatic drug metabolism due to inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzymes, (2) reduced hepatic blood flow, resulting in decreased clearance of drugs that are highly extracted by the liver, (3) increased potential for myelosuppression when administered concurrently with other drugs capable of causing myelosuppression, and (4) altered bioavailability of acid-labile drugs.

Cimetidine binds reversibly to the hepatic cytochrome P-450 and P-448 systems, resulting in decreased metabolism of drugs that undergo Phase I reactions (e.g., dealkylation and hydroxylation). In contrast, glucuronidation pathways are unaffected. The rapid onset and reversal of cimetidine's inhibition of hepatic metabolism indicates an effect on hepatic enzyme systems.

Cimetidine also has been reported to decrease hepatic blood flow. Drugs that are highly extracted by the liver, such as propranolol, lidocaine, and morphine, may be postulated to have a decreased hepatic clearance.

Cimetidine, through its effect on gastric pH, may increase the absorption of acid-labile drugs or may decrease the absorption of drugs.

There have been reports of increased potential for myelosuppression when cimetidine is administered concurrently with drugs capable of causing bone marrow suppression. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in cimetidine drug interactions allows the clinician to prevent and predict these interactions.
Research/Practice Reports: Perspectives on Digoxin Absorption from Small Bowel Resections
Authors: Kumer Kenneth P. , Nwangwu John T. , Nwangwu Peter U.
Published: December 2017

Digoxin is a commonly prescribed medication for a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities. The therapeutic index of digoxin is considered narrow and drug is absorbed predominantly from the duodenum and upper jejunum. When the small intestine is intact, the absorption can vary; therefore, in the case of a small bowel resection or bypass, this erratic absorption may be accentuated. There is some controversy concerning the effect of small bowel resection or bypass on the absorption of digoxin. Some investigators have shown that small bowel resection or bypass decreases the absorption of oral digoxin, whereas others report no change in absorption. When the study methodologies were evaluated, certain common factors that support each view were found. In most studies reporting malabsorption, a solid dosage form of digoxin was used. Studies reporting no change in absorption investigated a solution dosage form.
Computer-Assisted Drug Therapy for Epilepsy
Authors: Peterson Gregory M.
Published: December 2017

Monitoring serum concentrations of anticonvulsant drugs has improved substantially the treatment of epilepsy. However, a sound knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of anticonvulsant drugs is necessary when interpreting serum concentration results and considering dosage adjustments of these drugs.

A computer program developed to assist physicians and pharmacists in designing individualized medication regimens for patients with epilepsy is described. The program also can be used as an interactive educational device for medical and clinical pharmacy students.
Cimetidine-Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mann Henry J. , Schneider Joseph R. , Miller John B. , Delaney John P.
Published: December 2017

A case of thrombocytopenia associated with cimetidine administration in a 65-year-old white female with recurrent adenocarcinoma is reported. Her platelet count fell from 273 000/mm3 to 35 000/mm3 after cimetidine therapy was started. Upon discontinuation of cimetidine, the platelet count increased to 164000/mm3. Later in her hospital course, the patient again received cimetidine and her platelet count fell to 37 000/mm3. The patient was never leukopenic during her hospitalization. This is the only reported case of thrombocytopenia in the absence of leukopenia that is documented by a rechallenge with cimetidine.
Reversible Renal Failure Associated with Ibuprofen: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Poirier Therese I.
Published: December 2017

A report of a probable case of acute, reversible renal failure and hyperkalemia, after an increase in dose of ibuprofen, is presented. Other cases of renal dysfunction associated with various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are reviewed. The ability of NSAIDs to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis may explain the various renal consequences. Possible predisposing factors to renal deterioration include the amount of drug consumed, presence of compromised renal blood flow, underlying renal insufficiency, nephrotoxic drug combinations, and high urinary prostaglandin excretion. Generally, the renal failure with NSAIDs is acute and reversible, though analgesic nephropathy with papillary necrosis and chronic renal failure are reported. Electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels need to be monitored in high-risk patients with predisposing factors and for chronic, long-term use of drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.
Cyclosporine
Authors: Ptachcinski Richard J. , Burckart Gilbert J. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: December 2017

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant used to prevent the rejection of transplanted kidneys, hearts, and livers. Cyclosporine suppresses T-lymphocyte function without causing myelosuppression, and its pharmacokinetics are highly variable. Compared with conventional immunosuppressive drug therapy, both patient and graft survival improved in patients treated with cyclosporine. Patients treated with cyclosporine also had less complicated hospital courses than patients receiving conventional immunosuppressants. The. adverse effects from cyclosporine are reversible but include nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, malignancies, hirsutism, and minor neurologic complications. Intravenous cyclosporine doses range from 2–9 mg/kg/d and oral doses range from 10–50 mg/kg/d; the dosage should be individualized based on the clinical status of the patient as well as blood concentrations of the drug. Monitoring cyclosporine blood concentrations is necessary in the postoperative management of transplant patients. Cyclosporine has contributed to the improved success of transplantation and the recognition of transplantation as a new therapeutic option for several diseases.
Cost-Containment of Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Barriere Steven L.
Published: December 2017

In 1983, health care services for Medicare and Medicaid patients become tied to a diagnosis-related group (DRG) classification and reimbursed based on predetermined rates, regardless of the amounts expended. U.S. hospitals that formerly encouraged resource consumption to generate revenue now urge judicious use of drugs, laboratory tests, and radiology in an effort to contain costs while maintaining quality patient care. Antimicrobials account for the largest proportion of all drugs used in hospitals, but their inappropriate use, unfortunately, is widespread, resulting in poor therapy, emergence of resistance, increased adverse effects, and wasted health care dollars.

Newer β-lactam agents offer enhanced in vitro potency and spectra of activity, improved pharmacokinetic characteristics, and a relative lack of adverse effects. However, these drugs are expensive, and excessive use defeats cost-containment programs necessary under DRG reimbursement. To ensure their appropriate use, a variety of methods and some control system is probably necessary in most hospitals. In certain situations early discharge of hospital patients and home antimicrobial therapy may be the most desirable method to conserve hospital resources and provide quality health care.
How can Pharmacists Develop and Implement a Home Antibiotic Program?
Authors: Schneider Philip J.
Published: December 2017

Many hospital pharmacists are evaluating home antibiotic programs (HAPs). In addition to providing a new role for the pharmacist, commercial activity in this area fosters the idea that providing an HAP is a profitable business. Those evaluating HAPs should take a careful approach to this service, evaluating the market potential and cost feasibility before devoting the time and effort in implementing a program. If the market potential exists, and the program appears to be feasible from a cost standpoint, a pilot project should be performed based on experiences reported in the literature. If this is successful, a training and services program can be fully planned, developed, and implemented. Evaluating an HAP is important to obtain data required to improve the program and establish the need for reimbursement. Joint ventures with vendors or other hospitals may be a way to provide this service without making a major commitment of resources from the hospital.
Adverse Effects Secondary to Baclofen Withdrawal
Authors: Garabedian-Ruffalo Susan M. , Ruffalo Richard L.
Published: December 2017

Drug therapy is now the preferred method of treatment for spasticity, and several effective agents have been developed. The safety and efficacy of these drugs has been established in short-term studies. Overall, due to its low incidence of sedation and serious side effects, baclofen appears to be the drug of choice in the treatment of spinal cord-related spasticity. It is, however, not without its side effects due to both its administration and abrupt withdrawal. This case illustrates some significant problems associated with the abrupt withdrawal of long-term baclofen therapy in a patient with multiple sclerosis.
The Use of Halothane in the Treatment of Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Bayliff Charles D. , Koch John P. , Faclier Gil
Published: December 2017

The case is presented of a 39-year-old male in status asthmaticus who failed to respond to conventional therapy, including positive pressure ventilation, and who required halothane anesthesia. The urgent need to reduce his elevated airway pressure and his risk of barotrauma prompted this action. The patient's response was prompt with marked reductions in airway pressure. Discontinuing halothane resulted in rises in airway pressure, necessitating reinstitution of halothane on several occasions. The mechanism of the bronchodilating action of halothane, as well as potential interactions with other pharmacotherapy and precautions for its use, are described.
The New Alpha Interferons
Authors: Balmer Carol McManus , McLeod Donald C.
Published: December 2017

Alpha interferons are biological response modifiers that regulate immune function, slow cell proliferation, and inhibit virus replication. Large supplies of purified preparations are now available for clinical trials. Common toxicity includes an influenza-like syndrome to which tolerance occurs after several doses, and chronic fatigue and anorexia that may be dose-limiting. Myelosuppression is mild. Alpha interferons have established clinical activity against several human cancers, including melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, and renal cell carcinoma. These data and alpha interferon nomenclature are summarized in table form. Intranasal alpha interferon is effective in prophylaxis of common viral upper respiratory tract infections, although toxicity in long-term use is prohibitive. Short-term administration to high risk populations may be most useful. Optimal doses and schedules need to be determined for all indications.
Ceftriaxone: A Third-Generation Cephalosporin
Authors: McLeod Donald C. , Nahata Milap C. , Barson William J.
Published: December 2017

Ceftriaxone is a new third-generation cephalosporin with excellent activity against many gram-negative, and reasonable activity against most gram-positive microorganisms. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in patients with bacterial meningitis; respiratory tract, urinary tract, soft tissue, bone and joint infections; and gonorrhea. Ceftriaxone has been well tolerated except for diarrhea, which in most cases has not required a change in therapy. The long elimination half-life of ceftriaxone has allowed twice- and once-daily administration, the latter potentially resulting in substantial cost savings. Because of its documented efficacy, safety, and convenient dosing schedule, ceftriaxone may become the preferred third-generation cephalosporin for the treatment of a variety of serious infections.
Carbamazepine-Induced Hair Loss
Authors: Shuper Avinoam , Stahl Bracha , Weitz Raphael , Labrada Luz M. , Depot Michelle
Published: December 2017

An 8½-year-old girl was treated with carbamazepine because of headaches and electroencephalogram findings compatible with multifocal epilepsy. Within a week of drug initiation, hair shedding started. This continued until the drug was stopped, when new hair growth resumed. The hair loss was associated with carbamazepine serum concentrations lower than the therapeutic range.
Serum Bactericidal Activity of Ceftazidime Increased by Netilmicin
Authors: LeBel Marc , Pellerin Michel , Bergeron Michel G. , Rivera Giselle , Huot Marthe
Published: December 2017

Cephalosporins are often used in combination with aminoglycoside antibiotics in the treatment of gram-negative infections. Although ceftazidime possesses activity against gram-negative bacteria, especially against Pseudomonas, combined use with aminoglycosides is useful.

In this study, 12 healthy volunteers (6 men, 6 women; mean age 21.5 yr) received a single dose of ceftazidime 1 g iv and one week later ceftazidime 1 g iv with netilmicin 100 mg iv. Both antibiotics were infused over five minutes. Concentrations of ceftazidime were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Serum bactericidal activity (SBA) was evaluated against seven microorganisms isolated from clinical specimens. The mean peak serum level of ceftazidime was 113.4 μg/ml. At eight hours, we observed a concentration of 2.6 μg/ml. The total clearance was 126 ml/min, while the renal clearance was 100 ml/min. Ceftazidime exhibited a half-life of 1.9 hours. Up to ten hours, the SBA of ceftazidime against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi was > 1:8 in more than 90 percent of samples. At one hour, ceftazidime exhibited a SBA of 1:4 for Staphylococcus aureus, and 1:16 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the addition of netilmicin, median SBA against Staph. aureus and P. aeruginosa were 1:32 and 1:64, respectively, at one hour. Netilmicin enhanced the SBA of ceftazidime. The combination was not effective against Streptococcus faecalis.
Ranitidine Does Not Alter Single-Dose Carbamazepin Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Adults
Authors: Dalton Michael J. , Powell J. Robert , Messenheimer John A. , Nazario Mitchell , Mallet Louise
Published: December 2017

In our recent study, oral cimetidine increased carbamazepine plasma levels after a single oral dose by 26 percent and prolonged the elimination half-life by 18 percent. This effect of Cimetidine on carbamazepine could have resulted from enhanced carbamazepine absorption and/or inhibited metabolism. To gain an insight into which mechanism was responsible, we repeated the study with ranitidine, which has nearly identical gastrointestinal effects as Cimetidine, but does not inhibit oxidative metabolism. Eight healthy subjects received a single dose of carbamazepine 600 mg po on two occasions separated by one month. In a randomized sequence, they also received ranitidine 300 mg/d or matching placebo starting two days before and continuing until seven days after the carbamazepine dose. Ranitidine did not change the carbamazepine area under the plasma concentration-time curve (324.2±71.1 μg h/ml, placebo vs. 326.3±65.0 μg h/ml, ranitidine; p = 0.84) or the elimination half-life (32.2±6.4 h, placebo vs. 31.7±6.1 h, ranitidine; p = 0.62). Since ranitidine does not alter the pharmacokinetic profile of oral carbamazepine, it is unlikely that the changes observed with cimetidine were due to increased carbamazepine absorption. Therefore, the mechanism of the single-dose carbamazepine-cimetidine interaction is probably metabolic inhibition, although the exact pathway (or pathways) affected has not been identified.
Patient Tolerance to Intravenous Potassium Chloride with and without Lidocaine
Authors: Pucino Frank , Danielson Byron D. , Carlson James D. , Strommen Gordon L. , Walker Paul R. , Beck Carol L. , Thiege David J. , Gill Dhanwant S.
Published: December 2017

Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality. Intravenous repletion therapy with potassium chloride (KCl) in concentrations > 80-100 mEq/L is not recommended due to patient intolerance. Since this guideline at times may be clinically impractical, this study was designed to examine use of peripheral vein infusions of high concentration KCl therapy. Tolerance to KG 20 mEq/65 ml iv with and without lidocaine 50 mg was evaluated in 18 hypokalemic subjects in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjective and objective assessments of adverse effects were determined throughout the infusion period. Pain was assessed by both verbal descriptor and visual analog scales and correlated significantly following infusion of KCl with or without lidocaine. Multivariant analysis demonstrated differences in pain perception between solutions, with significantly less pain following KCl with lidocaine versus KCl infusions. Transient adverse effects occurred in both groups, but the incidence was not statistically different. Use of concentrated iv KCl infusions may benefit hypokalemic patients with hypervolemia and/or severe potassium deficits. Addition of lidocaine clearly improves patient tolerance to intravenous KCl replacement.
Oxacillin-Associated Hypokalemia
Authors: Schlaeffer Francisc
Published: December 2017

Antibiotic-induced hypokalemia does not occur frequently, but has been described with aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, and ureido penicillins. A patient with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia who developed severe hypokalemia while on high doses of oxacillin is presented. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of oxacillin-associated hypokalemia.
Methyldopa-Induced Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion and Bone Marrow Granulomatosis
Authors: Varkel Yakov , Braester Andrei , Nusem David , Shkolnik Tamar
Published: December 2017

A case of an elderly man who developed severe hyponatremia and bone marrow granulomatosis while taking methyldopa is described. The hyponatremia was found to be due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Bone marrow biopsy revealed granulomas. A MEDLINE search of the English literature was done, yielding only one previous report of methyldopa-induced bone marrow granulomatosis and no previous reports of methyldopa-induced SIADH.
Increased Cyclosporine Blood Concentrations Due to Verapamil Administration
Authors: Maggio Thomas G. , Bartels David W.
Published: December 2017

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. Monitoring cyclosporine blood concentrations is important to ensure adequate levels to prevent graft rejection while minimizing the risk of toxicity. A 45-year-old man who received a kidney transplant seven months previously is described. He had been receiving cyclosporine along with azathioprine and prednisone for immunosuppression since the transplant. His cyclosporine blood concentrations and renal function were stable during this time. Due to uncontrolled hypertension, sustained-release (SR) verapamil 240 mg/d was added with no change in cyclosporine levels. However, after increasing the dose of verapamil SR to 360 mg/d a dramatic increase in cyclosporine concentrations occurred. His renal function remained stable during this time. The interaction between cyclosporine and the calcium-channel blocking agents along with a possible nephroprotective effect of the calcium-channel blocking agents when used with cyclosporine are discussed.
Should We Stop Using Theophylline for the Treatment of the Hospitalized Patient with Status Asthmaticus?
Authors: Kelly H. William , Murphy Shirley
Published: December 2017

Recent reviews and editorials have indicated that theophylline may not be effective for the therapy of acute severe asthma. This judgment is primarily based on data comparing the efficacy of theophylline to inhaled beta2-agonists in the emergency room treatment of asthma. The authors believe that it is inappropriate to extrapolate data from short-term studies in the emergency room setting to the hospitalized patients with status asthmaticus. Studies of hospitalized patients in which the patients were monitored for at least 24 hours all demonstrate a positive therapeutic effect for theophylline. The possible reasons for the discrepancies between hospitalized patients and emergency room patients are discussed. Theophylline is still recommended for the management of the hospitalized patient with status asthmaticus.
Drug Information Analysis Service
Authors: Hart Linda L. , Middleton Robert K. , McQueen Kellie D. , Frisolone Julie A.
Published: December 2017

THE DIAS ROUNDS is a discussion of requests for information received by various drug information centers and is edited by the Drug Information Analysis Service at the University of California, San Francisco. This issue features three requests: Continuous Verapamil Infusion, Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in Burn Patients, and Pediatric Bowel Evacuation with a Polyethylene Glycol and Iso-osmolar Electrolyte Solution.
The Effects of Reviewer Expertise on Future Reputation, Popularity, and Financial Performance of Hotels: Insights from Data-Analytics
Authors: Xie Karen L. , So Kevin Kam Fung
Published: December 2017

Although the impacts of reviews provided by reviewers with expertise are well documented, the literature lacks empirical research on how such reviews are longitudinally linked to performance indicators and whether management responses to such reviews lead to differential impacts on these indicators. This study investigates the effects of reviewer expertise on hotels’ online reputation, online popularity, and financial performance. Using a large data set of management responses and online reviews from 730 hotels over 26 quarters, matched with quarterly financial performance data, the authors found that the effects of average ratings and the number of reviews on hotels’ subsequent financial performance are attenuated when reviewer expertise increases. The study also demonstrates that business benefits are enhanced if hotels target reviewers of higher expertise when providing management responses to online reviews. Results suggest that when managing electronic word-of-mouth, practitioners should take strategic approaches that leverage the influence of reviewer expertise.
Gender differences in inflammatory bowel disease: Explaining body image dissatisfaction
Authors: Trindade Inês A , Ferreira Cláudia , Duarte Cristiana , Pinto-Gouveia José
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the role of body image problems in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and to explore gender differences in these associations. A sample of inflammatory bowel disease patients (60 males and 140 females) was collected. Findings from a multi-group analysis show that inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology may impact on body image in both male and female patients through the effect of body-image-related cognitive fusion. Body image difficulties in the context of inflammatory bowel disease should not be a neglected dimension in research aiming at understanding the psychosocial effects of inflammatory bowel disease and by health professionals working with these patients.
Oakeshott, Schumacher, and an examination of the tension between the “college and career readiness” consensus and school choice in American education policy
Authors: Wearne Eric
Published: December 2017

American education policy at the elite level has coalesced around a consensus valuing “college and career readiness” as the primary metric and value for American schools. This “readiness” is often defined by economic outcomes or by standardized test measures (which serve as predictors for economic outcomes). Policy actors at the local, state, and national levels are pursuing more centralized methods to reach goals based on these value assumptions. At the same time, more individualized programs and more forms of school choice are being implemented across the nation. This theoretical paper explores criticisms of this approach from both the political left and right, as well as the inherent tension between the desire for centralized standardization and outcomes measured by economic outcomes on one hand, and the growing desire among families for individualized, varied, and self-directed schooling experiences on the other.
quiet theater: The Radical Politics of Silence
Authors: Kazubowski-Houston Magdalena
Published: December 2017

This article examines the potential of a transdisciplinary ethnographic approach that bridges ethnography, performance, storytelling, and imagination to contribute to an activist research practice within anthropology and other disciplines. It focuses on my current research project that studies, by means of dramatic storytelling, the impact of migration on Polish Romani women’s experiences of aging. In the dramatic storytelling sessions, the ethnographer and the interlocutor stepped into character and co-performed fictional stories loosely based on their own lives. Situating the project within the context of an “imaginative ethnography” that is concerned with people’s imaginative lifeworlds, and methodological experimentations at the ground level of fieldwork, this article discusses the ways the project challenged traditional conceptions of engagement and advocacy. It considers the silence—“quiet theatre”—that engulfed the interlocutor–ethnographer interactions in the storytelling sessions as a form of radical empathic politics that works through affect, projective approximation, and empathy. In doing so, the article proposes a conceptualization of interventionist research practice as a contextually specific particularity that takes to task the meanings of politics in academic activism.
Successful use of snare electrocautery via flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for removal of an endobronchial hamartoma causing chronic lung atelectasis and mimicking malignancy
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Jia-jia , Zhu Ye-han , Chen Cheng
Published: December 2017

We present a rare case of giant endobronchial hamartoma coexisting with lung atelectasis for more than 3 years. The small specimen initially biopsied via bronchoscope did not reveal tissue features, but some features were suspicious for squamous cell carcinoma. The lesion was removed completely using snare electrocautery combined with argon plasma coagulation via flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The patient made a satisfactory recovery, and a pathological diagnosis was made. This could be a useful option in selected endobronchial tumors.
Voluntary cough intensity and its influencing factors differ by sex in community-dwelling adults
Authors: Yawata Akiko , Tsubaki Atsuhiro , Yawata Haruka , Takai Haruna , Matsumoto Kayomi , Takehara Nana , Kobayashi Ryosaku
Published: December 2017

Background:

Cough peak flow (CPF) is widely used for measuring voluntary cough intensity. However, the respective factors that affect CPF are not known. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting CPF by sex in community-dwelling adults.

Method:

We recruited participants using posters exhibited at a public gymnasium. Participation was voluntary, and all participants provided informed consent. Nonsmoking community residents (102 males, 49.6 ± 20.2 years of age; 101 females, 51.4 ± 18.4 years of age) participated in this study. The main outcome measures were sex differences in CPF, respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, thorax extension, and grip strength. Factors affecting CPF by sex were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results:

All parameters were higher in men than in women. CPF was affected by thorax expansion at the tenth rib, inspiratory muscle strength and forced expiration in 1 s in men, and thorax expansion at the tenth rib, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory muscle power in women. A weak negative correlation was observed between CPF and age ( p = −0.24, p < 0.05) in women.

Conclusions:

The factors affecting CPF differed by sex in community-dwelling adults. Clinical Trial Number: UMIN000023912
Common features in the thermoacoustics of flames and engines
Authors: Lawn Chris J , Penelet Guillaume
Published: December 2017

Thermoacoustic phenomena generated inadvertently during combustion, and those produced by heating and cooling material to generate a temperature gradient, have mostly been studied independently. Indeed, researchers of one phenomenon are seldom familiar with the literature on the other. This paper seeks to remedy this by reviewing the two subjects alongside one another, by comparing and contrasting them where possible. There is a brief account of the historically important papers in the development of both subjects, followed by a description of the nature of the phenomena. A selective number of papers is called upon to illustrate these principles. Techniques for handling the pure acoustics in the two subjects are addressed, before an outline is given of the modelling of the two thermoacoustic systems. Non-linear phenomena in the two systems are then explored. Finally, methods of ‘control’, of changing the system characteristics, are briefly discussed.