bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomised Trial of Different Compression Dressings following Varicose Vein Surgery
Authors: Bond R. , Whyman M. R. , Wilkins D. C. , Walker A. J. , Ashley S.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

TED antiembolism stockings, Panelast self-adhesive elasticated bandages and Medi Plus class II stockings are three different dressings commonly used to provide compression following surgery for varicose veins. The aim of this study was to determine which of the three dressings was most acceptable to patients.

Design:

Forty-two patients undergoing bilateral varicose vein surgery were randomised to receive a different dressing on each leg in order to determine if a particular type of dressing was superior in its ability to reduce postoperative pain and provide adequate comfort without reducing mobility. The dressings were worn for 1 week, during which daily pain scores were recorded for each leg followed by a simple questionnaire to determine comfort and mobility.

Results:

There was a significant reduction of mobility experienced by patients wearing Panelast bandages compared with the other two dressings ( p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the dressings with regard to the degree of postoperative pain experienced, and in all other respects the dressings were equally tolerated.

Conclusion:

The choice of compression dressings used for varicose vein surgery should depend primarily on the personal preference of surgeons as well as financial considerations.
Cerebral vascular structure in the motor cortex of adult mice is stable and is not altered by voluntary exercise
Authors: Cudmore Robert H , Dougherty Sarah E , Linden David J
Published: January 2017

The cerebral vasculature provides blood flow throughout the brain, and local changes in blood flow are regulated to match the metabolic demands of the active brain regions. This neurovascular coupling is mediated by real-time changes in vessel diameter and depends on the underlying vascular network structure. Neurovascular structure is configured during development by genetic and activity-dependent factors. In adulthood, it can be altered by experiences such as prolonged hypoxia, sensory deprivation and seizure. Here, we have sought to determine whether exercise could alter cerebral vascular structure in the adult mouse. We performed repeated in vivo two-photon imaging in the motor cortex of adult transgenic mice expressing membrane-anchored green fluorescent protein in endothelial cells (tyrosine endothelial kinase 2 receptor (Tie2)-Cre:mTmG). This strategy allows for high-resolution imaging of the vessel walls throughout the lifespan. Vascular structure, as measured by capillary branch point number and position, segment diameter and length remained stable over a time scale of months as did pericyte number and position. Furthermore, we compared the vascular structure before, during, and after periods of voluntary wheel running and found no alterations in these same parameters. In both running and control mice, we observed a low rate of capillary segment subtraction. Interestingly, these rare subtraction events preferentially remove short vascular loops.
A Comparative Trial of Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanethidine (Ismelin) in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Matts S G Flavell
Published: January 2017

This trial has shown that both of the hypotensive drugs used were effective and no clear therapeutic preference for one or other was revealed by the sequential analysis. The clear advantage of clonidine was revealed when side-effects were compared. This was shown quite clearly by the analytical technique used. Thus there is some advantage in using clonidine as a hypotensive drug mainly from the point of view of side-effects although the impression that control was easier with clonidine was obtained. The importance of side-effects is considerable and in a recent study (Bulpitt & Dollery 1973) the importance of reducing prevalence was emphasized by the authors. Thus, when one can obtain satisfactory therapeutic control with a variety of different hypotensive drugs, the role of side-effects in therapy must be a considerable factor in deciding which therapeutic agent to employ.
Floctafenine (IDARAC)—A New Analgesic: A Comparison with Placebo in Chronic Pain
Authors: Vickers M D , Akbar F Ali
Published: January 2017

A double-blind cross-over trial was conducted in 23 patients comparing the analgesic effect of floctafenine 200 mg with placebo, in chronic pain, each being given for a period of 1 week. There was statistically significant evidence that floctafenine was more effective than placebo in the relief of pain.

Miscellaneous side-effects, none of a serious nature, were reported.
A Retrospective Evaluation of Nifedipine Therapy in Prinzmetal's Angina
Authors: Battye Roy , Ordille Carol M
Published: January 2017

A retrospective evaluation has been made of blood pressure, pulse rate, and number of anginal attacks per day in twenty-one patients diagnosed as Prinzmetal's A ngina and treated with the investigational drug nifedipine. The effect of combining nifedipine with short- and long-acting nitrates or with propranolol was also evaluated.

In consideration of the statisically significant reduction in the number of anginal attacks per day, p<0.001, together with the non-significant mean changes in blood pressure and pulse rate as well as the compatability with the other drugs, it is concluded that nifedipine is a very useful drug, in a dose range of 30–120 mg per day, for the treatment of Prinzmetal's Angina. Recorded side-effects were of minimal severity and in no case caused nifedipine therapy to be discontinued.
Beclomethasone Dipropionate Aerosol in the Treatment of Asthma in Steroid-Independent Children
Authors: Chambers W B , Malfitan V A
Published: January 2017

Sixty-eight steroid-independent children, whose asthma was poorly controlled by bronchodilators and other anti-asthmatic drugs, were treated for six weeks with 200 to 400 mcg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol.

Symptoms of wheezing, blockage, and cough, reported by the children in a daily diary, improved in 80% of cases. Use of other anti-asthmatic medications, which the children were free to modify as they wished, decreased.

Objective measurements of pulmonary function, VC, FEV1, and FEV%, evaluated by weekly spirometry, also improved in almost 80% of cases. The dosages used here had no effect on early morning plasma Cortisol levels and none of the children developed signs of oral candidiasis.
Droperidol in the Management of Hyperactivity, Self-Mutilation and Aggression in Mentally Handicapped Patients
Authors: Burns M E
Published: January 2017

An assessment of the efficacy of long-term oral droperidol in the control of hyperactivity, self-mutilation, aggression and temper tantrums has been made by reference to the case history notes of sixteen mentally handicapped patients.

Behavioural disorders were greatly improved in four patients, and improved in six, and two experienced accompanying marked beneficial personality changes. In all but two patients Parkinsonian side-effects were prevented by the concomitant administration of orphenadrine or benzhexol.
Methionine and Cysteamine in Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose, Prospective Controlled Trial of Early Therapy
Authors: Hamlyn A N , Lesna M , Record C O , Smith P A , Watson A J , Meredith T , Volans G N , Crome P
Published: January 2017

We have studied forty patients who were at risk of hepatic, renal, pancreatic or myocardial injury as a consequence of severe paracetamol overdosage and who were admitted to hospital within 10 h of ingestion. These were sequentially randomized into three treatment groups, comprising intravenous cysteamine therapy (3.6 g over 20 h, n = 14), oral methionine (10 g over 16 h, n = 13) or supportive therapy only (intravenous 10% dextrose with vitamins, n=13). All groups were matched for age, ingestion-treatment interval and severity of poisoning as estimated by stated amount ingested and a logarithmic paracetamol blood level index.

One death occurred in the supportive therapy (S) group. Significant differences in peak serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were seen with geometric means in S of 1046 U/l, in cysteamine treatment of 96 U/l and in methionine treatment of 139 Ull (Wilcoxon sum of ranks p < 0.01 in favour of methionine, p < 0.002 in favour of cysteamine). Hepatic necrosis, as shown by ‘blind’ histological assessment, was significantly less frequent in actively treated patients (methionine p < 0.05, cysteamine p < 0.01). These differences in favour of cysteamine and methionine were also reflected in peak serum bilirubin and prothrombin ratio. No significant effects of active treatment were shown for serial plasma creatinine, serum amylase, myocardial enzymes or ECG changes.

We conclude that in the context of a prospective controlled trial of active agents:

A convincing hepatoprotective effect of early i.v. cysteamine and oral methionine has been demonstrated. No clear difference in efficacy of the two antidotes has been shown. Early methionine administration is associated with few, if any, undesirable side-effects.
Hypotensive Effect of the Association Atenolol-Chlorthalidone in Hypertensive Diabetics
Authors: Gentile Sandro , Coltorti Mario
Published: January 2017

The authors conducted a clinical investigation in twenty-five patients affected with essential hypertension of mild or moderate grade associated with type II diabetes mellitus, the purpose being to assess the effect of 8 weeks of combined treatment with atenolol (100 mg) and chlorthalidone (25 mg) on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and glycaemia. It is, indeed, generally known that both beta-blockade agents and diuretics can interfere with carbohydrate metabolism. The results indicate that 92% of the patients treated in this trial had significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, in the absence of bradycardia or other adverse effects. Glycaemia values were lower at the end of treatment, probably as a result of better diet control during the trial, as suggested by the general tendency to body-weight reduction.
Effects of Buflomedil in a Group of Patients with Chronic Peripheral Arterial Diseases. Clinical and Hemorheological Evaluation
Authors: Mozzi E , Chiurazzi D , Spinola A , Annoni F , Germiniani R
Published: January 2017

Fifty-three patients suffering from chronic arterial diseases of the lower limbs were treated with buflomedil, a vasoactive drug with vasodilating and hemorheological action on the microcirculation. The patients suffered from pain on walking or pain at rest; they were given 300 mg buflomedil orally twice a day for a period of about 2 months. The walking distance before pain onset was checked in all patients before and after the trial. Blood and plasma viscosity, haematocrit and fibrinogen and a Doppler velocimetry were also recorded.

A significant improvement of the walking distance before pain onset was observed in nearly all patients, and in most patients the morphology of the velocity waves improved, too. No clear correlation between the positive clinical results and the hemorheological parameters studied could be observed.
Effect of Indobufen on Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation Recorded in the Morning in Patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease
Authors: Craveri A. , Colombo L. , Lanfredini M. , Citella C. , Picollo S. , De Angeli B. , Milanesi G. , Lavezzari M. , Pamparana Franco
Published: January 2017

Platelets are involved in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis as well as in the development of the acute precipitating event. Recently, it has been shown that normal subjects present increased platelet aggregation between 6.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m.; epidemiological studies have shown a higher incidence of myocardial infarction between these times. This study evaluated, by an impedence method using whole blood, platelet aggregation induced by ADP (3 μM) and collagen (2 μM/ml). Measurements were made at 6.00 a.m., 9.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon, the day before and the day after evening administration of 200 mg indobufen, a platelet aggregation inhibitor, in 12 patients with ischaemic heart disease. Patients showed a significant increase of platelet aggregation between 6.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. which was inhibited by the prior evening administration of indobufen.
Plasma Cortisol and Testosterone in Hypercholesterolaemia Treated with Clofibrate and Lovastatin
Authors: Mastroberardino G. , Costa C. , Gavelli M.S. , Vitaliano E. , Rossi F. , Catalano A. , Barletta R. , Guarini G.
Published: January 2017

Plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured in 32 familial heterozygous hypercholesterolaemic subjects, aged 40 – 45 years. The subjects were divided into two groups of 16, each containing eight men and eight women. The women had normal menstrual cycles. After a period on placebo, one group of patients was given 40 mg/day lovastatin and the other was given 1500 mg/day clofibrate. Both drugs significantly reduced the plasma cholesterol concentration, however, unlike clofibrate, lovastatin did not decrease plasma levels of testosterone and cortisol. The response to stimulation by adrenocorticotrophic hormone of plasma cortisol and urinary 17-hydroxy levels was significantly reduced by treatment with clofibrate, but unchanged by lovastatin. The different effects produced by the two drugs probably reflect different mechanisms and sites of action.
Density Increase and Ageing of Erythrocytes in Stored Blood
Authors: Rocchigiani M. , Pescaglini M. , Sestini S. , Micheli V. , Ricci C.
Published: January 2017

An increase in the density of erythrocytes was observed after storage of whole blood for 30 days at 4°C in either acid citrate – dextrose or citrate – phosphate – dextrose – adrenaline. Glucose- 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in unfractionated red blood cell lysates did not vary with the storage time. Enzyme activity in the lighter fraction separated by density gradient centrifugation was higher than that in heavier fractions. The decline in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity with density was less marked after storage of whole blood for 30 days. It is suggested that density modifications are not related to the ageing of erythrocytes and additional mechanisms may be involved.
Influence of Prostaglandin E1 on Slight Proteinuria in Non-Azotaemic Diabetics
Authors: Okada S , Sato K , Higuchi T , Ichiki K , Tanokuchi S , Ishii K , Hamada H , Ota Z
Published: January 2017

In an investigation into the effect of prostaglandin E1 on proteinuria in nephrotic diabetic nephropathy, five patients were treated with 40 μg prostaglandin E1 administered intravenously over 2 h twice daily for 4 weeks. The following parameters were compared before and after treatment: protein excretion in urine; total serum protein concentration; serum albumin concentration; creatinine clearance; blood urea nitrogen; and serum creatinine content. A further five patients with nephropathy resulting from non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were selected as controls. Analysis of the results using Student's t-test showed no significant change in any of the parameters before and after treatment.
Effect of the Calcium Channel Blocker Nilvadipine on Urinary Albumin Excretion in Hypertensive Microalbuminuric Patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sumida Y , Yano Y , Murata K , Goto H , Ura H , Ezaki J , Tsutsumi S , Shirayama K , Misaki M , Shima T
Published: January 2017

A 24-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nilvadipine on urinary albumin excretion in eight microalbuminuric hypertensive patients with non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus. Blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion measurements before the administration of nilvadipine (8 mg) were compared with those after 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. No significant changes were observed in the mean values of haemoglobin A1C. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced from 174 ± 23 mmHg before treatment to 144 ± 13 mmHg after 24 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.02). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced from 93 ± 11 mmHg at baseline to 79 ± 8 mmHg after 24 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.05). Urinary albumin excretion was significantly reduced from 65.4 ± 37.4 mg/g creatinine at baseline to 51.6 ± 41.1 mg/g creatinine ( P < 0.05) after 4 weeks, and to 39.1 ± 26.9 mg/g creatinine ( P < 0.02) after 24 weeks of treatment. These data suggest that in hypertensive microalbuminuric patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, treatment of hypertension with the calcium blocker nilvadipine may slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Ovarian and Placental Lesions in Sheep from Ingesting Locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus)
Authors: van Kampen Kent R. , James Lynn F.
Published: January 2017

Ingestion of 380 g per day of locoweed by pregnant ewes during day 40 to 72 of pregnancy results in vacuolation of the fetal membranes, specifically of the chorionic epithelium. These cells become hypertrophied and their cytoplasm severely vacuolated. It is postulated that this cytoplasmic vacuolation interferes with the transport of nutrients across the placental barrier. The vacuolating factor itself may, or may not, be associated with death of the conceptus and subsequent abortion. A contributing factor may be that luteal cells of the ovary are also extremely vacuolated in the ewes poisoned by locoweed and may not be producing sufficient progesterone to maintain pregnancy.
Dose Response to a Single Injection of Azoxymethane in Rats
Authors: Ward J. M.
Published: January 2017

Male Fischer rats, 6 weeks old, were injected once with one of five doses of azoxymethane. There was a dose response to the carcinogen as determined by weight gain and tumor induction. Rats given the three highest doses developed tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, auditory sebaceous glands, kidney, liver, and preputial gland, whereas rats receiving the lowest doses had tumors mainly of the intestine. Chronic liver lesions in high-dose rats were cirrhosis with megalocytosis, mild fibrosis, nodular hepatocellular hyperplasia, and hyperplasia of bile ductules.
Polioencephalomyelitis in Cats
Authors: Vandevelde M. , Braund K. G.
Published: January 2017

Six cats with chronic progressive neurologic signs of ataxia, paresis, tremors, pupillary abnormalities and seizures had polioencephalomyelitis of probable viral origin. Lesions were most severe in the spinal cord. The uniformity in distribution and nature of the lesions in all six cats strongly suggested a common cause. The condition was compared with other viral infections of known and unknown cause.
The Pathomorphology of Malignant Catarrhal Fever
Authors: Liggitt H. D. , DeMartini J. C.
Published: January 2017

Epithelia from 18 Holstein-Fresian calves with experimentally induced malignant catarrhal fever and two calves with naturally occurring disease had severe destructive inflammatory epithelial lesions. Calves were necropsied at early, mid and late clinical stages. Multifocal, degenerative and necrotic epithelial lesions were associated with lymphoid cells. Ultrastructurally, numerous lymphocytes, lymphoblasts and macrophages were accumulated between epithelial cells and in lamina propria, vessels and perivascular tissues. Epithelial cells in such lesions had variably severe degenerative changes or were necrotic but there was no proliferative response. Lesions were widespread in all calves and affected oral, ocular, gastrointestinal, ductal, urinary tract, choroid plexus and other epithelial tissues. Calves killed in late clinical stages had more severe lesions than those killed early. The predominantly lymphocytic, invasive-destructive pattern seen in tissues of cattle with malignant catarrhal fever was similar to that seen in such conditions as contact hypersensitivity and graft versus host disease. Viral structures were not seen.
Isospora suis Enteritis in Piglets
Authors: Stuart B. P. , Lindsay D. S. , Ernst J. V. , Gosser H. S.
Published: January 2017

A species of porcine coccidia, Isospora suis, when inoculated into piglets, produced diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss and death. Gross lesions were characterized by a fibrinonecrotic membrane within the jejunum and ileum. Villous atrophy and variable erosion, often with an adhered necrotic membrane, were seen microscopically. Asexual and sexual stages of I. suis were seen within the intestinal epithelium and oocysts were recovered from the feces. The severity of clinical disease and lesions were dose-related.
Microfilarial Granulomas in the Spleens of Wild-Caught Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Narama I. , Miura K. , Tsuruta M. , Tsuchitani M.
Published: January 2017

Splenic nodules from 38 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) which were captured in Malaysia and Indonesia were studied histologically. The lesions were characterized by well-circumscribed focal fibrosis, accumulation of eosinophils and histiocytes, hemorrhage or hemosiderosis, and loss of normal splenic architecture. Small arteries in the lesion frequently had intimal thickening and narrowing of the lumen in addition to the presence of microfilariae. Microfilariae were also seen in the extravascular area of the lesion, and were occasionally engulfed by multinucleated giant cells. The splenic lesion was thought to have been initiated by incomplete infarction caused by intimal thickening and microfilarial occupation of the small arteries.
Experimental Onion-Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Authors: Harvey J. W. , Rackear D.
Published: January 2017

Within one day following a single oral dose of dehydrated onions, dogs were found to have large numbers of Heinz bodies within erythrocytes. The percentage of erythrocytes that contained Heinz bodies increased slightly to a maximum on day 3 and then declined. The turbidity index increased more gradually with a maximal value on day 4. Erythrocytes with hemoglobin contracted to one side of the cell (eccentrocytes) also appeared after onion feeding. Eccentrocytes are believed to result from a direct injury to the erythrocyte membrane. As with Heinz body-containing cells, the percentages of eccentrocytes present declined as anemia developed. The packed cell volume began to decrease one day after onion administration. A mean decrease of 19 percentage points was reached by day 5. The most anemic dogs had evidence of intravascular hemolysis. Reticulocytosis was first observed five days after onion administration. A slight increase in methemoglobin content was measured four hours after onion administration. No significant changes in erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentration were measured. Transient neutrophilia occurred concomitant with the peak reticulocyte response.
The Impact of Symmetry on the Efficiency of Human Face Perception
Authors: Bittner Jennifer L. , Gold Jason M.
Published: January 2017

The presence of symmetric properties in a stimulus has been shown to often exert an influence on perception and information processing. Investigations into symmetry have given rise to the notion that it is processed easily and efficiently by the human visual system. However, only a handful of studies have attempted to actually measure symmetry’s role in the efficiency of information use. We explored the impact of symmetry on the perception of human faces, a domain where it has been thought to play a particularly important role. Specifically, we measured information processing efficiency, defined as human performance relative to that of an ideal observer, for the detection, discrimination, and identification of symmetric and asymmetric faces. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for significant differences in efficiency between these two classes of stimuli. Training yielded significant improvements in overall efficiency, but had no significant effect on the relative efficiency of asymmetric and symmetric face identification. Our results indicate that although symmetry may be important to other aspects of face perception (e.g., perceived beauty), it has no discernible impact upon the efficiency with which information is used when detecting, discriminating, and identifying faces.
Asymmetry in Gaze Direction Discrimination Between the Upper and Lower Visual Fields
Authors: Palanica Adam , Itier Roxane J.
Published: January 2017

Previous research has shown that gaze direction can only be accurately discriminated within parafoveal limits (∼5° eccentricity) along the horizontal visual field. Beyond this eccentricity, head orientation seems to influence gaze discrimination more than iris cues. The present study examined gaze discrimination performance in the upper visual field (UVF) and lower visual field (LVF), and whether head orientation affects gaze judgments beyond parafoveal vision. Direct and averted gaze faces, in frontal and deviated head orientations, were presented for 150 ms along the vertical meridian while participants maintained central fixation during gaze discrimination judgments. Gaze discrimination was above chance level at all but one eccentricity for the two gaze-head congruent conditions. In contrast, for the incongruent conditions, gaze was discriminated above chance only from –1.5° to +3°, with an asymmetry between the UVF and LVF. Beyond foveal vision, response rates were biased toward head orientation rather than iris eccentricity, occurring in the LVF for both head orientations, and in the UVF for frontal head views. These findings suggest that covert processing of gaze direction involves the integration of eyes and head cues, with congruency of these two social cues driving response differences between the LVF and the UVF.
A home for science: The life and times of Tropical and Polar field stations
Authors: Geissler P Wenzel , Kelly Ann H
Published: January 2017

A ‘halfway house’ between the generic, purified space of the laboratory and the varied and particular spaces of the field, the field station is a controlled yet uncontained setting from which nature can be accessed and anchored. As living quarters for visiting scientists, field stations are also enmeshed in the routine and rhythms of everyday domestic life, and in longer cycles of habitation, wear, and repair. This introduction considers the empirical and conceptual significance of Polar and Tropical field stations as homes for scientific work and scientific lives. The field station’s extra-territorial yet intimate character affects the credibility and circulation of knowledge along science’s frontiers. The challenge of making a home in the (non-temperate) field and the mundane experiences of expatriation and appropriation establish particular political dynamics of knowledge-making in these locations. They bring into focus the imaginaries of nature and science that drive transnational research and put into relief the aesthetic and affective dimensions of work and life in these distant homes for science. All these themes are pursued and amplified in a different medium by the artists who contributed to our research and are also featured in this special issue.
Waging War With Drugs
Authors: Kapczynski Amy
Published: January 2017

AIDS IS FORCING A BREACH IN THE ARMOURY OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MULTINATIONALS
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Authors: Tripathi Salil
Published: January 2017

WITH MONEY IN SHORT SUPPLY FOR COMPREHENSIVE AIDS TREATMENT, INDIA MAY BE FORCED TO EXERCISE A FORM OF TRIAGE IF IT IS TO STAND ANY CHANCE OF CONTROLLING THE EPIDEMIC
Lethal Weapon Two
Authors: Abramkin Valerii
Published: January 2017

THE LATEST IN BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS IS ROLLING OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE AND OUT OF THE PRISONS AND PENAL COLONIES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Carandiru
Authors: Wilcken Patrick
Published: January 2017

A BRAZILIAN CAUSE CÉLÈBRE RAISES THE LID ON PRISON LIFE AND BECOMES THE SUBJECT OF A BOX-OFFICE HIT
Finding the Loopholes
Authors: Harber Anton
Published: January 2017

How the Weekly Mail carries on reporting.
Two Faces of Argentina
Authors: Caistor Nick
Published: January 2017

Major Barreiro may never be prosecuted, but Juan Gelman still faces charges
The Hardliners Strike Back
Authors: Ling Pan
Published: January 2017

The campaign against ‘bourgeois liberalism’ may be the beginning of another Dark Age in the literary and intellectual life of China
The longest war
Authors: Brittain Victoria
Published: January 2017

Angolans have been the victims of civil war since 1975. Children, in particular, have been targeted, boys and girls have been kidnapped to serve in the ranks of UNITA; others, orphaned, traumatised, left to their own devices, hustle a life in the ruins of the cities
Transfer of development rights and urban land markets
Authors: Linkous Evangeline R
Published: January 2017

Transfer of development rights (TDR) is seen as an important tool for land use planning, in large part because it leverages market mechanisms. TDR extends market concepts used primarily in emissions trading programs to the arena of land use. However, with the exception of a handful of success stories, TDR programs generate few transfers. Although researchers generally attribute the weak performance of TDR to program design flaws, this study demonstrates that the unique conditions presented by urban land markets explain, in part, why TDR programs often underperform. I present a case study of a TDR program in Sarasota, Florida, to address two questions. First, what attributes of urban land markets may impact TDR program design and outcomes? Second, is TDR a planning tool that can achieve desired planning goals, given the conditions of land markets? I find that the unique features of land markets—specifically (1) the sensitivity of development to timing; (2) imperfect information, uncertainty, and speculative activity; (3) unique features of land; (4) the limited number of buyers and sellers; and (5) the development orientation of urban political and planning institutions—distort the market for transferable development rights. The Sarasota case demonstrates how local land market characteristics contributed to a set of incremental program design and implementation decisions that, in sum, amounted to significant departures from fundamental program principles and mechanisms. These resulted in imperfect market conditions and rendered the TDR program ineffective.
Genome-wide analysis of blood gene expression in migraine implicates immune-inflammatory pathways
Authors: Gerring Zachary F , Powell Joseph E , Montgomery Grant W , Nyholt Dale R
Published: January 2017

Background

Typical migraine is a frequent, debilitating and painful headache disorder with an estimated heritability of about 50%. Although genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified over 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with migraine, further research is required to determine their biological role in migraine susceptibility. Therefore, we performed a study of genome-wide gene expression in a large sample of 83 migraine cases and 83 non-migraine controls to determine whether altered expression levels of genes and pathways could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying migraine.

Methods

We assessed whole blood gene expression data for 17994 expression probes measured using IlluminaHT-12 v4.0 BeadChips. Differential expression was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Gene expression probes with a nominal p value < 0.05 were classified as differentially expressed. We identified modules of co-regulated genes and tested them for enrichment of differentially expressed genes and functional pathways using a false discovery rate <0.05.

Results

Association analyses between migraine and probe expression levels, adjusted for age and gender, revealed an excess of small p values, but there was no significant single-probe association after correction for multiple testing. Network analysis of pooled expression data identified 10 modules of co-expressed genes. One module harboured a significant number of differentially expressed genes and was strongly enriched with immune-inflammatory pathways, including multiple pathways expressed in microglial cells.

Conclusions

These data suggest immune-inflammatory pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis, manifestation, and/or progression of migraine in some patients. Furthermore, gene-expression associations are measurable in whole blood, suggesting the analysis of blood gene expression can inform our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying migraine, identify biomarkers, and facilitate the discovery of novel pathways and thus determine new targets for drug therapy.
The Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance Is Greater in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: Implications for the Origin of Pain and Clinical Interventions
Authors: Carlson Victor R. , Boden Barry P. , Shen Aricia , Jackson Jennifer N. , Yao Lawrence , Sheehan Frances T.
Published: January 2017

Background:

The distance between the tibial tubercle (TT) and trochlear groove (TT-TG distance) is known to be greater in patients with patellar instability. However, the potential role and prevalence of pathological TT-TG distances in a large cohort of skeletally mature patients with isolated patellofemoral pain (PFP) are not clear.

Purpose:

To determine if the mean TT-TG distance is greater in patients with PFP, who lack a history of patellar dislocations, knee trauma, or osteoarthritis, relative to healthy controls.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 50 knees (38 patients) with PFP and 60 knees (56 controls) without PFP formed the basis of this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the TT-TG distance from 3-dimensional static scans.

Results:

The cohort with PFP demonstrated a significantly greater mean TT-TG distance relative to asymptomatic controls (13.0 vs 10.8 mm, respectively; P = .001). Among the cohort with PFP, 15 knees (30%) demonstrated TT-TG distances ≥15 mm, and 3 knees (6%) demonstrated TT-TG distances ≥20 mm.

Conclusion:

Most adult patients with isolated PFP have elevated TT-TG distances compared with controls, which likely contributes to the force imbalance surrounding the knee.
Proprioception in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: A Meta-analysis Comparing Injured and Uninjured Limbs
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Lee Jin-Hyuck , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: January 2017

Background:

Because of a reduction in the number of mechanoreceptors or alterations of their characteristics, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears lead not only to mechanical instability but also to impaired proprioception.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study analyzed whether ACL tears cause a greater decrease in proprioception in injured than in uninjured knees. The hypothesis was that knee proprioception after ACL tears would decrease more in injured than in contralateral uninjured knees, regardless of the method used to measure knee proprioception.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

We identified studies comparing proprioception in ACL-injured and contralateral intact knees using threshold for detection of passive motion (TTDPM) or joint position sense (JPS) tests. JPS was assessed by measuring the reproduction of passive positioning (RPP) or active repositioning (RAP) of the knee.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results of subgroup analyses of TTDPM for both 20° and 40° of knee flexion showed that mean angle of error was 0.23° (95% CI, 0.08°-0.37°) greater in ACL-injured than in contralateral intact knees ( P = .002). Pooled data RAP and RPP subgroup analyses also showed that the mean angle of error was 0.94° higher in ACL-injured than in contralateral intact knees. The mean difference in angle of error between ACL-injured and contralateral intact knees was 0.71° greater (95% CI, 0.68°-0.74°; P < .001) by JPS than by TTDPM.

Conclusion:

Proprioception of ACL-injured knees was decreased compared with contralateral intact knees, as determined by both joint movement (kinesthesia) and joint position. The magnitude of loss of proprioception was greater in joint position than in joint movement.
Dissociation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity by UVB Irradiation
Authors: Kasahara S. , Wago H. , Cooper E.L.
Published: January 2017

Increasing ultraviolet-B irradiation (UVB) resulting from diminution of stratospheric ozone is becoming a serious international problem. UVB irradiation exerts not only carcinogenic effects on animals but also causes them to become vulnerable to infections by modulating their immune responses. UVB irradiation suppresses innate immune functions of cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, and the serum component, complement. UVB irradiation also causes changes in cytokine profiles, represented by the induction of a paradigm switch involving Th1/Th2 phenotypes. According to earlier studies, Th1 responses are suppressed, whereas Th2 activities are augmented by UVB irradiation. These immune modulations are caused by several pathways via cytokines and neuropeptides, and eventually may lead to increasing incidences of infection, allergy, and cancer. We have reviewed reports concerning UVB-irradiation induced immune modulation from the viewpoint of risks for human diseases and, in addition, for ecosystems and immunity of lower animals.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Immunofluorescent Assay X and Recombinant Immunoblotting in the Serodiagnosis of Early Lyme Borreliosis
Authors: Christova I.
Published: January 2017

Serum samples from Bulgarian patients with physician-diagnosed erythema migrans (EM) (n=105) were examined using Borrelia burgdorferi ELISA (Boehring, Germany) after previous absorption with Treponema phagedenis. For IgM antibody detection sera were additionally pretreated with anti-IgG serum (RF absorbent). Serum samples of 93 % of persons from healthy control group were IgM negative and all were IgG negative. Out of 105 patients with EM, 49 % were IgM positive and 14 % were borderline. IgG ELISA showed positive results for 17 % and borderline for 6 % of the patients. Positive and borderline serum samples were examined further by immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and immunoblot test with recombinant B. burgdorferi proteins from strain PKo ( B. afzelii) - p100, flagellin, OspA and OspC, and internal flagellin fragments from strains PKo and PBi ( β. garinii) [B. Wilske, V. Fingerle, P. Herzer et al. 1993. Med. Microbiol. Immunol. 182:255]. IFA detected IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi in 47 % of the positive and in none of the borderline by IgM ELISA serum samples as well as IgG antibodies in 83 % of the positive and in 50% of the borderline by IgG ELISA samples. Presence of specific antibodies was confirmed by immunoblot in 71 % of the IgM ELISA postive and in 67 % of the IgG ELISA positive sera. In addition, anti-β. burgdorferi antibodies were detected in 60 % of the borderline by IgM ELISA serum samples. IgM serum reactivity was directed mainly against OspC antigen and flagellin and IgG antibodies were directed mainly against flagellin and p100. These findings clearly showed advantages of the ELISA test based on previous pretreatment of sera and capable to detect specific antibodies in more than half of patients with early Lyme borreliosis despite the well-known delayed immune response. IFA was less sensitive than ELISA in detection of anti- B. burgdorferi antibodies. An additional examination of ELISA borderline sera by immunoblot revealed more positive results. Serum reactivity to a single OspC antigen seems to be a sufficient criterion for positive IgM immunoblot.
Shock Induction by Arterial Hypoperfusion of the Gut Involves Synergistic Interactions between the Peripheral Enkephalin and Nitric Oxide Systems
Authors: Carmignani M. , Zucchetti F. , Sacco R. , Bolognini S. , Volpe A. R.
Published: January 2017

To determine whether critical splanchnic artery hypoperfusion can provoke systemic shock and to identify the roles of the peripheral opioid and nitric oxide (NO) systems in this process, various degrees of superior mesenteric artery hypoperfusion (SMA-H) were produced in anesthetized adult rabbits (n=40), and hemodynamic and metabolic indices were measured. Metabolic acidosis and irreversible hypodynamic shock occurred with SMA-H at levels representing 25–20% of mean baseline SMA blood flow. In 112 other rabbits subjected to SMA-H at 20% (SMA-H20%), we studied plasma NO and enkephalin (ENK) levels, cardiovascular reactivity to selected physiological agonists, effects of ENKs on plasma NO levels, and effects of peripheral opioid receptor blockade and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibition. SMA-H20% progressively increased systemic blood levels of NO and ENKs. Exogenous ENK administration accentuated SMA-H20%-induced increases in plasma NO levels, and their cardiovascular depressing effects were significantly greater when they were administered during SMA-H20% (vs. administration under baseline conditions). Selective blockade of cardiovascular δ-opioid receptors improved hemodynamics, prevented shock irreversibility and reduced plasma NO levels; similar effects were obtained by selective iNOS inhibition. These findings demonstrate that critical arterial hypoperfusion of the gut can induce hypodynamic systemic shock through ENK-induced hyperactivation of cardiovascular δ-opioid receptors, which leads to increased plasma levels of NO related in part to increased iNOS activity. Since pronounced splanchnic artery hypoperfusion occurs in all advanced systemic shock states, selective δ-opioid receptor antagonists and/or iNOS inhibitors may prove to be useful in improving shock hemodynamics and metabolic derangements and/or preventing progression toward irreversibility.
Effects of Interferon Beta, Cyclophosphamide and Azathioprine on Cytokine Profile in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Totaro R. , Passacantando A. , Russo T. , Parzanese I. , Rascente M. , Marini C. , Tonietti G. , Carolei A.
Published: January 2017

We assessed the in vitro effects of interferon beta-1b (IFNβ-1b), cyclophosphamide (CY), and azathioprine (AZA) alone and of the combination of IFNβ-1b with CY or AZA on the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in 10 patients with multiple sclerosis. Cytokine levels were determined at baseline and after stimulation with IFNβ-1b, CY, and AZA alone or with the combination of IFNβ-1b with CY or AZA. The combination of IFNβ-1b with CY resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (P=0.003) and tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) (P=0.03). An additive effect on the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (P=0.2) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P=0.6), and a positive interaction on the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) (P=0.08) were observed although the findings were not statistically significant. The combination of IFNβ-1b with AZA resulted in a significant negative effect on the production of IL-2 (P=0.006), whereas TNF-α (P=0.02), IFN-γ (P=0.03), IL-4 (P=0.2), and IL-10 (P=0.3) were not statistically impacted. Our data show that CY was able to improve the effects of IFNβ-1b on the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines.
HLA-A2.1-Restricted T Cells React to Serex-Defined Tumor Antigen CML66L and are Suppressed by CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Yan Y. , Chen Y. , Yang F. , Chen I.H. , Xiong Z. , Wang J. , Lachman L.B. , Wang H. , Yang X.-F.
Published: January 2017

The question of whether T cell responses to SEREX-defined tumor antigens are under regulation of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (nTreg cells) has not been answered. To address this issue, we first identified an HLA-A2.1-restricted T cell antigen epitope of SEREX-identified tumor antigen CML66L, 66Pa. The HLA-A2.1/66Pa peptide complex in vitro stimulated the in vivo-primed T cells as shown by increased T cell proliferation, higher secretion of the T cell cytokine interferon-γ(IFN-γ), increased production of intracellular IFN-γ in CD8+ T cells, and higher T cell-mediated cytotoxicities of CML66L+ human tumor cells. This suggests that CML66L elicits T cell immune responses. We also developed a novel internal reference epitope for identification of T cell epitopes by construction of chimeric CML66L containing myeloid antigen proteinase 3 epitope Pr1 as a control. Finally, we found that nTreg cells regulates T cell responses to 66Pa, and that depletion of nTreg cells via a pro-apoptotic protein Bax-dependent mechanism enhances polyclonal T cell responses to 66Pa. These findings provide new insights into the T cell participation in SEREX-defined anti-tumor immune responses and novel direction in enhancement of anti-leukemia immunotherapy by modulation of homeostasis of nTreg cells.
Potential Applications of Biphosphonates in Dental Surgical Implants
Authors: Berardi D. , Carlesi T. , Rossi F. , Calderini M. , Volpi R. , Perfetti G.
Published: January 2017

Biphosphonates are largely used for their unquestionable properties of inhibiting bone resorption by osteoclast in the treatment of various osteometabolic illnesses such as osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, tumors which metastasize to the bone and malignant hypercalcemia. In this literature review the physico-chemical properties, biologic activities and the mechanisms of action of biphosphonates are described. The use of these drugs is discussed, analyzing the quantity of results which have emerged through in vitro and in vivo experiments on animal models. In this study the efficiency of these drugs is demonstrated in contrasting the osteolitic processes of the alveolar bone, in promoting the neoformation and in bettering the quality of bone implants. However, it is important to draw attention to a worrying correlation which has emerged during the last 3–4 years, between osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and the systemic administration of aminobiphosphonates. This collateral effect did not emerge following the use of non-aminobiphosphonates. The aim of this revie w is to identify the guidelines for the use of biphosphonates in oral implant surgery.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Apoptotic Markers in Drug-Induced Erythema Multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Marzano A.V. , Frezzolini A. , Caproni M. , Parodi A. , Fanoni D. , Quaglino P. , Girgenti V. , La Placa M. , Fabbri P. , Caputo R. , Berti E.
Published: January 2017

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are considered to be severity variants of the same disease, which is almost always associated with drug intake. In contrast, erythema multiforme (EM) is a disorder regarded as only rarely caused by drugs. Keratinocyte apoptosis has been shown to play an important part in the pathogenesis of SJS and TEN, whilst its role in EM remains controversial. To determine the expression of apoptosis-associated molecules Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), Bcl-2 and Bax in the above disorders, an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. We studied both lesional skin from thirty patients having drug-induced EM and 5 cases classified within the SJS/TEN spectrum and normal skin samples. We found a keratinocyte overexpression of Fas antigen, an important molecule mediating apoptosis, not only in SJS and TEN but also in EM. Another noteworthy finding was the strong expression of Bcl-2, a protein known as blocking apoptosis, along the basal layer and in the dermal infiltrate both in SJS/TEN and in EM. Taken together, these findings suggest that Fas-dependent keratinocyte apoptosis may play a part in the pathogenesis of both SJS/TEN and EM. Fas-mediated cell death may be partially suppressed by the Bcl-2 protein.