bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a Double Long Saphenous Vein Exist?
Authors: Ricci S. , Caggiati A.
Published: January 2017

Background:

The incidence of reduplication of the long saphenous vein (LSV) reported in the literature is highly variable, perhaps due to the lack of a clear definition.

Objective:

To use ultrasonography to re-evaluate the incidence of LSV reduplication in healthy subjects and Patients with varicose veins on the basis of a new definition of this anatomical aspect.

Methods:

The presence of two parallel superficial venous channels in the lower limb was sought in a series of 610 duplex ultrasound examinations. The LSV was identified, by the ‘eye’ sign, running deeply in the hypodermis, closely ensheathed by two hyperechogenic laminae (the saphenous compartment). Tributary veins were identified by their more superficial course, lying outside the compartment. True LSV reduplication was considered to be present when two venous channels were Present within the saphenous compartment.

Results:

True reduplication of the LSV is extremely rare (1%) and only affects a segment of vein. Large tributaries running parallel to the LSV do not comprise true reduplication, but may act as a ‘functional double vein’. Better understanding of the anatomy of the LSV may improve operative treatment for varicose veins and improve the use of saphenous veins as arterial grafts.
Venous Repair with Vascular Clips and Conventional Suture: A Comparative Experimental Study
Authors: Dimakakos P. B. , Pafiti-Kondi A. , Doufas A. , Kotsis Th. , Mourikis  , Rizos D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

The non-penetrating Vascular Clip System (VCS) was tested experimentally and compared with the conventional suture method on the venous system.

Materials and Methods:

In five pigs, 30 transverse venotomies were carried out in the jugular and renal veins, and vena cava. Fifteen venotomies were reconstructed using autosuture clips and 15 using the standard needle and suture method. Eight weeks later, following phlebography, the specimens were examined macro- and microscopically.

Results:

For both methods, the veins remained patent; however, significant stenosis of 8.9% (95% CI: 0.6–17.1) for the renal vein and 8.5% (95% CI: 1.2–15.7) for the vena cava occurred when the suture technique was used. The intima to media height ratio remained the same. The anastomosis time with the clips was significantly shorter ( p<0.05), while the endothelium remained intact without any hyperplasia or inflammatory changes, which are usual findings of the suture technique.

Conclusion:

Early and mid-term results show that the VCS clipped anastomotic technique seems to be effective and acceptable for venous reconstructions.
Interface Pressure under Elastic Stockings with Compression Pads during Posture Changes and Exercise
Authors: Hirai M.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To quantify the influence of posture and exercise on the interface pressure obtained under elastic stockings with compression pads.

Design:

Interface pressure measurement and plethysmographic evaluation of elastic stockings with and without compression pads.

Setting:

Department of Surgery, Aichi Prefectural College of Nursing, Nagoya, Japan.

Main outcome measures:

Pressure measurements in 24 volunteers were obtained beneath elastic stockings, elastic bandages and short-stretch bandages during supine resting, standing, tip-toe exercise and walking, and the effect of elastic stockings on the muscle pump of the leg was evaluated by strain-gauge plethysmography in 40 limbs with varicose veins.

Results:

Without compression pads, only short-stretch bandages showed a significant increase in pressure during standing and exercise. When pads were used, however, elastic stockings and bandages also showed a significant increase. With pads, significant improvement in the expelled volume during exercise was observed by strain-gauge plethysmography.

Conclusions:

Interface pressure under elastic materials during posture and exercise is similar to that under short-stretch bandages when compression pads are used, and pads effectively augment the muscle pump.
Saphenous Venous Reflux Time is an Objective Assessment Tool That Relates to the Severity of Varicose Vein Symptoms
Authors: Elsharawy M. A. , Donaldson L. A. , Samy A. K.
Published: January 2017

Aim:

The severity of varicose vein symptoms is no more than a subjective assessment of the underlying disease. The aim of this study was to use an objective method for assessing the severity of the condition.

Methods:

We describe a test based on measuring the venous reflux time (VRT) using hand-held Doppler (HHD). To evaluate the efficiency of this test, a prospective study of 61 consecutive primary varicose vein patients with sapheno-femoral incompetence was carried out. Patients were scored preoperatively by a self-assessment questionnaire. The score was compared with the VRT of the same patients. Six months after surgery, a similar self-assessment questionnaire was sent to all patients.

Results:

The VRT was found to have a highly significant relationship to the preoperative score (ρ = 0.73, p=<0.001). It was also found that most of the patients with a low score of ≤ 3 had a VRT of ≤ 13 s whilst most with a high score of >3 had a VRT of >13 s (sensitivity 78%, specificity 100%, accuracy 84%, p=<0.0001). Only 41 patients responded to the postoperative questionnaire, giving symptom scores of 0 in 40 patients and a score of 1 in one patient.

Conclusion:

VRT is a simple, objective, non-invasive method of assessment of varicose veins, which relates strongly to the magnitude of the patients' symptoms.
The Interaction of Oxypertine and Ethyl Alcohol on Balance and Reaction Time
Authors: Adamson G T , Hill G B
Published: January 2017

Six male volunteers were involved in a within-subject comparison of the effects of small doses of alcohol with either 20 mg of oxypertine or an identical dummy capsule on two simple reaction times, eye-hand and eye-foot, and a balance test of neuromuscular co-ordination.
The Effect of Oxyphenbutazone (Tanderil) Eye Ointment on Viral Replication and Toxicity in the Rabbit Cornea
Authors: Patterson Alan
Published: January 2017

The anti-inflammatory agent oxyphenbutazone (Tanderil) when applied in ointment form in concentrations from 3 % to 50 % to the rabbit cornea did not enhance the replication of virus trephined therein. Secondly, the absence of local toxic effects upon the rabbit cornea was demonstrated following frequent administration of Oculentum Oxyphenbutazone over two weeks.
Hyperkinesis Due to Chlordiazepoxide
Authors: Maguire G P , Aitken R C B , Zealley A K
Published: January 2017

A case is reported of hyperkinesis due to chlordiazepoxide, an effect paradoxical to that expected from this drug. As this drug is one of the commonest prescribed, and as a sample of psychiatrists were unaware of this side-effect, knowledge about it would appear to require wider dissemination.
A Comparative Trial of Two Formulations of Clomipramine
Authors: Beaumont G , Seldrup J
Published: January 2017

In a multi-centre clinical trial comparing two formulations of Clomipramine (Anafranil® Geigy) thirty General Practitioners provided two hundred and seven patients. One hundred and forty nine patients completed the study. No difference was found between a capsule and a tablet formulation in terms of tolerance and efficacy. Using a clinical rating scale the total score for twelve symptoms fell from a mean of 18 .2 to 5.5 and 6.0 in the capsule and tablet groups respectively. By recording the presence of symptoms subsequently to be regarded as side effects before admission to the trial many so called drug effects were found to be present before commencing treatment. The forty patients who dropped out of the trial because of intolerable side effects also failed to show any clinical improvement and appeared to constitute a separate group from those who completed the trial and who showed good clinical response in association with a diminishing number of side effects.
The Effects of an Antihypertensive Drug Combination on Experimentally-Induced Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Hummel R , Griffith R , Luginbühl H , Rüttimann G
Published: January 2017

Rats were rendered hypertensive by the Grollman technique; 2 days following the second operation (contralateral nephrectomy) half of them were given DCR 515, (Briserin®, a Clopamide-Dihydroergoergocristine-Reserpine combination), mixed in their feed for 15 weeks at a mean dose of approximately 10 mg/kg/day. Parameters studied were survival time, systolic blood pressure, the severity of microscopic coronary arterial lesions, the extent of focal and diffuse myocardial degeneration, myocardial fibrosis and scar formation. A simple score system was used to evaluate pathological changes. A significant correlation was found between the degree of hypertension and the pathological changes produced in coronary vessels and myocardium. In DCR 515-treated rats blood pressure, death rate, coronary and myocardial disease were reduced significantly compared with those of the non-treated rats.
Bioavailability and Biological Disposition of Methaqualone*
Authors: Smyth Robert D , Chemburkar Pramod B , Mathur P P , DeLong A F , Polk A , Shah P B , Joslin R S , Reavey-Cantwell N H
Published: January 2017

The absorption of methaqualone from the gastro-intestinal tract is a dissolution—and not a permeability-rate limited process. Absorption from solution dosage forms can occur throughout the gastro-intestinal tract with maximum absorption from the intestine. Dissolution of solid dosage forms is favoured in the highly-acidic environment of the stomach and absorption of the in situ dissolved drug occurs in both stomach and upper small intestine. Methaqualone is found primarily in the plasma phase of whole blood and is highly bound to plasma proteins. The plasma elimination curve is biexponential with a rapid distributive phase and a slow elimination phase. The principle tissues of distribution are the metabolic and excretory tissues—liver and kidney — and lipid tissue. Metabolism occurs by hydroxylation of the methyl, tolyl and quinazolinone substituents via inducible hepatic microsomal oxidoreductases. Methaqualone is completely bio-transformed and excreted as O-glucuronide conjugates in urine and bile. Enterohepatic recirculation of metabolites occurs and is responsible for the prolonged urinary excretion profile. There is no change in absorption, distribution or elimination kinetics following chronic administration in man.

Tablet and capsule formulations with good in vitro dissolution, stability and bioavailability characteristics were developed. Equivalent bioavailability of these tablet formulations was observed in the fasted and post-prandial state. Techniques were developed to correlate dissolution and absorption profiles of these formulations.
Does Mefenamic Acid Cure or Prevent Adjuvant Experimental Arthritis?
Authors: Bolosiu H D , Gligore V
Published: January 2017

The anti-inflammatory activity of mefenamic acid was tested on rats with adjuvant induced experimental arthritis. Arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant ( 0·625 mg dry weight of mycobacteria) in thirty rats weighing between 130 g and 165 g. The rats were then divided into three groups of ten:

An untreated control group, Animals treated with mefenamic acid ( 50 mg/kg) starting on the fifth day after innoculation of the adjuvant, Animals in which treatment was commenced after the onset of arthritis.

Results were assessed by clinical criteria (articular score and severity of arthritis). Statistical analysis of the results showed that mefenamic acid had some therapeutic effect in adjuvant arthritis although it did not prevent animals developing a moderate form of the disease.
A Multicentric Open Assessment of Fortagesic
Authors: Jaffe G , De Choisy J , Tyson V C H , Warnock J , Savage S J
Published: January 2017

The trial described was a multicentric open assessment of Fortagesic over a four-week period in 265 patients suffering from osteoarthrosis. Over 80% had an improvement in their pain, and there was an overall improvement in sleep quality.

During the first week 25% of patients complained of side-effects and this decreased steadily to 9% in the fourth week.
A Comparative Experimental Study of the Circulation of Amoxycillin and Penicillin G in the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid of Dogs as a Function of the Type of Intravenous Administration
Authors: Auvergnat J C
Published: January 2017

The circulation of amoxycillin in the cerebrospinal fluid when the antibiotic is administered by the intravenous route has been investigated in dogs—animals generally used as the model for experimental meningitis—following two procedures: by rapid intravenous injection ( 1 g in 10 ml within one minute) or by slow intravenous infusion for one hour ( 1 g in 120 ml of isotonic glucose solution).

Results were compared with those obtained with benzyl penicillin given by the same procedure and at an equivalent dose ( 1 g amoxycillin: 2 000 000 IU benzyl penicillin).

Assays were carried out, in cerebrospinal fluid and blood, using the standard micro-biological technique.

Comparison of the results obtained after the two procedures shows that after slow intravenous infusion, concentrations of the two antibiotics in cerebrospinal fluid and blood are higher after administration by slow infusion.

Furthermore the concentrations of amoxycillin obtained in cerebrospinal fluid by slow infusion are significantly higher than those of penicillin; but in blood the reverse occurs.

This study would suggest that amoxycillin possesses a greater ability to permeate into meningeal regions.
Indomethacin Treatment following Surgery for Varicose Veins
Authors: Asp K
Published: January 2017

A double-blind trial was carried out in ninety-four patients subjected to surgery for varicose veins in order to study the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of two indomethacin dosages ( 150 mg and 100 mg per day) as compared to placebo. It was noted that indomethacin markedly reduced the spontaneous pain following extirpation of varicose veins. The adverse reactions were few and mild. Indomethacin is recommendable for the postoperative treatment of pain caused by varicose vein surgery and obviates the use of stronger analgesics.
A New Oxygen Mask: Comparison with Other Clinical Methods of Giving Oxygen
Authors: Crosbie W A , Warren J P , Smith L A
Published: January 2017

The performance of a new mask (Mix-O-Mask) for giving supplementary oxygen in clinical situations was compared with three other methods in a patient with cor pulmonale. Measurements were made of the intra-tracheal gas concentrations and arterial blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The new mask was as reliable as Ventimasks in delivering a claimed oxygen concentration and did not cause rebreathing of expired air. The mask proved durable when worn for sixteen hours in a day and was preferred for comfort by the patient.
Clinical Evaluation of a Non-Fluorinated Topical Corticosteroid: Prednisolone 17-Valerate, 21-Acetate
Authors: Bruni G , Peverelli G
Published: January 2017

Prednisolone 17-valerate, 21-acetate (Acepreval), a new non-fluorinated topical corticosteroid, was clinically tried in 146 dermatological patients. Double-blind paired comparison studies, performed in subjects presenting bilateral, symmetrical dermatoses, showed that 0·3% Acepreval was significantly (p < 0·05) more effective than 1% hydrocortisone and as effective as 0·1% betamethasone 17-valerate. In open studies, performed in patients suffering from skin diseases of various kind, Acepreval gave good to excellent responses in 88% of the cases.
Effect of Intravenous Clomipramine (Anafranil) Treatment as Reflected in 16 PF Personality Test: (A Pilot Study)
Authors: Pinkava V , Micev V , Marshall W K
Published: January 2017

Twenty-four patients suffering from phobic anxiety and obsessional symptoms (twelve male and twelve female) were treated with clomipramine infusions and their personality profiles assessed by means of 16 PF personality test, Form A and B before and after treatment.

Evaluation of the data showed a very marked decrease of neuroticism in both the male and the female group. Whereas the females did not show any further significant changes on the 16 primary factors and the four second-order factors, the males appear as significantly changed in ‘cheerfulness’ (surgency) and ‘adventurous extraversion’ (parmia). An increase in B, intelligence score (ie actual performance) was also noticed in the male group, but this could be due to the effect of transferred practice.

In addition to this, the males showed also an increase in extraversion which was not shown in the female group. The experiment shows that 16 PF will probably prove a useful method in assessment of the effect of clomipramine on patients with phobic anxiety.
An Open Study of Two Dose Levels of ‘Vivalan’ (Viloxazine Hydrochloride ICI 58 834) in Depression in General Practice
Authors: Bayliss P F C , Harcup J W , Mayer M , Million R , Murphy J E , Plant B , Shaoul E
Published: January 2017

Forty-eight mild to moderate depressives were treated by six genera practitioners with a chemically novel anti-depressant, ‘Vivalan’ (viloxazine hydrochloride, ICI 58 834). Twenty-five patients took 150 mg/day in three divided doses, and twenty-three took 200 mg/day in two divided doses, each for twenty-one days. The severity of both the depressive symptoms and the anxiety symptoms showed a statistically highly significant reduction over the duration of the study. There was no difference between the efficacy of the two dose levels. Viloxazine was generally well tolerated and there was no difference between the two dose levels as far as side-effects or withdrawals were concerned. The usual sedative and anti-cholinergic side-effects of the tricyclic anti-depressants were virtually absent. The only side-effect seen was a transient upper gastro-intestinal disturbance. It was commoner at the high dose but not significantly so. It is concluded that viloxazine hydrochloride appears to be an effective anti-depressant in this type of patient and produces little or no sedative or anti-cholinergic side-effects. Either 150 mg/day or 200 mg/day would seem a reasonable dose to use in general practice.
A Study of the Effects of the Anti-Rheumatic Drug Ibuprofen (Brufen®) on Patients Being Treated with the Oral Anti-Coagulant Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar®)
Authors: Thilo D , Nyman D , Duckert F
Published: January 2017

The effects of ibuprofen on various parameters relating to blood coagulation were studied in nineteen patients adequately anti-coagulated on a fixed dose of phenprocoumon. The patients were studied for a five-week period and they received a fixed dose of phenprocoumon throughout the whole five weeks. Ibuprofen, 200 mg three times daily was added during weeks three and four.

The following tests were performed at weekly intervals; Prothrombin time (Quick), Factor II, Factor VII, Factor X, Ivy bleeding time and serum concentration of phenprocoumon.

The results showed that in the dosage given, ibuprofen had no significant effect on any of the above tests. It is suggested that the administration of the anti-rheumatic drug, ibuprofen is safe during long-term oral anticoagulation therapy with phenprocoumon.
Influence of Ibuprofen on Oral Anti-Coagulation with Phenprocoumon
Authors: Boekhout-Mussert M J , Loeliger E A
Published: January 2017

Twenty-four patients on long-term anti-coagulant treatment with phenprocoumon (Marcoumar®) took part in a study designed to investigate the possible interaction between phenprocoumon and ibuprofen (Brufen®). Prior to entry into the study, the anti-coagulant state of each patient was adequately controlled on a dose of phenprocoumon which remained unchanged throughout the study.

Under double-blind conditions, half of the total number of patients received ibuprofen 600 mg a day in three divided doses for two weeks followed by two weeks without therapy; then two weeks of placebo, again followed by two weeks without therapy. The other patients received the drugs in the reverse order. The anti-coagulant state was measured using the Thrombotest, the results being expressed as a percentage of the normal.

The results indicated that the effects of a fixed dose of phenprocoumon, as measured by the Thrombotest, did not alter significantly throughout the study, and no serious side-effects were noted. These findings suggest that in general, ibuprofen can safely be given to patients receiving oral anticoagulants without the risk of interfering with their anti-coagulant state.
Evaluation of Epicillin in a Twice Daily Dosage Regimen in Acute Respiratory and Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: El-Mehairy M M , Cairo MB , Shaker A , Fahmy F , Tadros S Shawky
Published: January 2017

Epicillin was administered orally, using a twice daily dosage regimen, to a total of 266 patients suffering from mild to moderate respiratory or urinary tract infections. The dosage used was 500 mg twice daily in respiratory tract infections and 1000 mg twice daily in urinary tract infections.

The incidence of adverse reactions was 10% in this study and with one exception all were mild to moderate in severity.

Epicillin administered on a twice daily basis proved to be efficacious against the common sensitive pathogens responsible for infection of the respiratory and urinary tracts. An excellent response was reported in 49% of the patients, a good response obtained in 46% and a fair response was achieved in 4%.

The advantages of a twice daily dosage regimen are pointed out.
A Comparative Trial of Opipramol with Phenelzine and Chlordiazepoxide in the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Capstick Norman , Rooke Kenneth C
Published: January 2017

A double-blind trial comparing the action of opipramol against a combination of phenelzine and chlordiazepoxide in the treatment of depressive states was carried out jointly in a psychiatric out-patient clinic and in a general practice. While both preparations were effective there was no statistically significant difference favouring one agent at the end of the six weeks trial period. Certain advantages occurred with each preparation at different times during the trial period, and these are described in the text.
A Controlled Trial of Doloneurobion® in Low Back Pain
Authors: Bokonjic Risto
Published: January 2017

A controlled study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Doloneurobion ampoules and tablets in the treatment of patients suffering from ‘low back pain’ due to herniated disc syndrome, narrowed spinal canal and other causes. Fifty patients received treatment with both the parenteral and oral presentation of Doloneurobion during an average treatment period of three weeks. Twenty patients with similar symptoms acted as a control group and received physical treatment only.

Doloneurobion produced significantly better results (p < 0·05) than the control group using the parameters of ‘pain', ‘parasthesiae’ and scoliosis. No undue side-effects were noted during the study.
Changes in Cell Active Transport Induced by Acute and Chronic Exposure to Ethanol
Authors: Lindsay R
Published: January 2017

Red blood cells obtained from chronic alcoholics 24 hours after withdrawal of alcohol show evidence of increased capability to actively transport Na+ and K−. The cells have a marginally lower internal Na+ concentration and a higher internal K+ concentration than cells from age matched controls. In addition, the Ouabain dependent K+ uptake is greater in red blood cells from alcoholics and more (Na+ + K−) activated Adenosine Triphosphatase activity may be obtained from them. It is suggested that these results confirm a previous suggestion (Israel et aI 1970) that one mechanism by which tolerance develops to the central effects of alcohol ingestion, might be explained by an increased capability of the cells to expel Na ion.
Mazindol in Obesity with Known Cardiac Disease A Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Bradley Matthew H , Blum Norman J , Scheib Ronald J
Published: January 2017

A double-blind twelve-week investigation of mazindol, a new anorexic agent, was carried out in obese patients with stable cardiac disease. The drug was administered in a dosage of 1 mg three times daily, leading to a significant (p < 0·001) loss of body weight (9·8 lbs). The underlying cardiac disease was not adversely affected.
Results of a Clinical Investigation of Clotrimazole (Canesten), A New Anti-Mycotic Substance, in the Therapy of Vaginal Fungal Infections
Authors: Kobayashi T , Amenomori Y
Published: January 2017

In an open controlled trial, 100 patients with vaginitis were treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. Ninety-four patients were infected with Candida and six patients with trichomonas. Therapy was continued for six days in 80% of patients and for up to twelve days in 18%. Judged on clinical and mycological results at the end of therapy, 57 patients were cured and 25 patients improved (90·1% effective). No patients were made worse and side-effects were minimal.

The trial showed that clotrimazole was a fast, safe and effective treatment for candida vaginitis. Insufficient patients had trichomonas vaginitis for a clear conclusion to be drawn.
Gall-Stones and Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Howat J M T , Jones C B , Schofield P F
Published: January 2017

An investigation into oral contraceptive use in female patients with gallstones has been undertaken. Comparison between a group of 50 young women aged 20-45 years with gall-stones and a group of young women of similar age and parity without gall-stones, shows a significantly higher incidence of contraceptive use in the gall-stone patients (p > 0·001). It is suggested that oral contraceptives may predispose pre-menopausal women to gall-stone formation and this is discussed in relationship to the physical and chemical alterations in biliary secretion produced by hormonal changes.
Hypnotic Efficacy of Triazolam and Methyprylon in Insomniac In-Patients
Authors: Lomen P , Linet O I
Published: January 2017

The hypnotic effect of a new triazolobenzodiazepine, triazolam ( Halcion®) 0.5 mg and methyprylon 300 mg was compared in twenty oncologic inpatient volunteers with insomnia using the preference technique. On the first night of the two-night trial, triazolam or methyprylon was given on a double-blind basis and on the second night the patients received the alternate medication. Following each trial night the patients were interviewed in regard to their sleep. Of the seventeen patients who completed the study, eleven patients preferred triazolam, three preferred methyprylon and three had no preference ( p = 0.057). Analysis of the various sleep parameters showed that triazolam helped the patients sleep more than methyprylon ( p = 0.013), induced more rapid sleep onset ( p = 0.003), gave a longer duration of sleep ( p = 0.013). The treatment was considered a success if the patient went to sleep in thirty minutes or less and slept for at least six hours. Triazolam was more successful than methyprylon in this respect ( p = 0.012). There were no side-effects reported on either of the drugs.
A Single-Blind Comparative Clinical Trial of Lymecycline and Amoxycillin in the Treatment of Acute Bronchitis in General Practice
Authors: Murphy J E , Donald J F , Molla A L
Published: January 2017

A single-blind comparison of lymecycline and amoxycillin was performed by three general practitioners in the treatment of acute bronchitis, A total of 132 patients were treated for seven days with lymecycline (204 mg) two capsules twice daily or amoxycillin 250 mg three times daily. Symptoms and signs assessed were cough, dyspnoea, sputum volume, purulence of sputum and temperature. Both drugs brought about a statistically significant improvement. For all parameters the improvements seen with lymecycline were superior to those seen with amoxycillin although in no case did any of these reach statistical significance. However, in the case of purulent sputum those patients receiving lymecycline showed improvement which reached borderline significance (0.05 < p < 0.1) as compared with amoxycillin. Side-effects in the case of both drugs were negligible.
A Double-Blind Comparison of a New Combination (Halcinonide-Neomycin-Amphotericin) and Active Controls in Cutaneous Candidiasis and Steroid-Responsive Dermatoses
Authors: Abdel-Aal H , Abdel-Fattah A , Shiemy S. El , Faris Rifky , Tadros S S
Published: January 2017

One hundred patients participated in the studies of cutaneous candidiasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses. Seventy patients with the former diagnosis were treated with either halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin or hydrocortisone-iodochiorhydroxyquin ointment combinations on a double-blind parallel comparison basis. Similar results were obtained after both therapies.

Thirty patients with symmetrical bilateral lesions of steroid-responsive dermatoses were treated with halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin cream on the lesions on one side of the body and hydrocortisone-iodochlorhydroxyquin cream on the opposite side. A double-blind design was used in directly comparing the response to each of the two drugs. Considering the results of all dermatoses together the test combination was statistically superior to the control cream (p > 0·05). However, while numerical superiority of good responses to the halcinonide combination was recorded in psoriasis, no statistical significance could be derived due to the limited number of cases.

No side-effects occurred with any drug combination used. In the opinion of the authors halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin cream and ointment are safe and effective in the treatment of cutaneous candiasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses.
A Multicentre Study Comparing Mazindol and Placebo in Obese Patients
Authors: Walker Barry R , Ballard Ian M , Gold Jerome A
Published: January 2017

Mazindol is chemically unrelated to the phenethylamines and has not shown the side-effects or abuse potential of the amphetamine anorectics. To further define its potential for causing weight loss, a six-week double-blind placebo controlled study was undertaken in four centres. A common protocol was used except that in one centre, behavioural modification also was employed, whereas in the other centres, no additional measures were used to cause weight loss. Two hundred and forty-five obese patients were assigned randomly to two mazindol groups and one placebo group in each centre. Ninety-eight and forty patients receiving mazindol and placebo respectively completed the protocol. The conclusions were: (a) no significant clinical or laboratory abnormalities occurred from mazindol therapy, (b) the placebo therapy patients did not lose weight without behavioural modification, (c) the placebo therapy group had a higher drop-out rate compared to the mazindol therapy group attributable to the patients' dissatisfaction with failure to lose weight, (d) mazindol therapy without behavioural modification and behavioural modification alone both resulted in a statistically significant mean weight loss of 1 pound/patient/week and (e) mazindol plus behavioural modification resulted in a greater mean weight loss of 1/2 pound/patient/week than with behavioural modification alone. Hence, mazindol is of value in the initial therapy of obesity.
Tolamolol in the Treatment of Hypertension: An Open Evaluation Study
Authors: Harno K
Published: January 2017

The effect of tolamolol 50-300 mg three times daily in the treatment of 30 patients with mild–severe hypertension was studied. The duration of therapy in the majority of cases was 3-6 months. There was a highly significant reduction of mean blood pressure (p < 0·001) for the group as a whole. Overall, 61% of patients became normotensive or showed a reduction in severity of hypertension. In the majority of cases, this improvement occurred within the first four weeks of therapy. There was no postural hypertension.

Apart from one patient with Prurigo Besnier who developed asthma, another patient who developed severe headache and a third patient who stopped treatment without giving a reason, treatment was well tolerated and there were no other serious side or toxic effects.
The Management of Essential Hypertension with Once Daily Administration of Timolol Maleate and Bendrofluazide
Authors: Deering R B , Fox A S , Ison L J
Published: January 2017

A placebo controlled, single-blind study was performed on new patients presenting with mild to moderate essential hypertension. A once daily combined dose of timolol maleate and bendrofluazide in a 4:1 ratio was administered to each patient after a four week placebo period. The starting dose was timolol 10 mg and bendrofluazide 2·5 mg and this dose was increased in steps of timolol 10 mg and bendrofluazide 2·5 mg until blood pressure was controlled. Eleven out of twelve patients achieved normotension, the falls in diastolic and systolic blood pressure being highly significant on active treatment compared with placebo.

The once daily regimen of timolol and bendrofluazide resulted in good control of blood pressure with no more side-effects than occurred on the placebo. A combination of these two drugs in one tablet would appear to be both practical and advantageous and should increase patient compliance in taking medication.
A Trial of Benorylate Tablets in the Symptomatic Relief of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cosgrove P J
Published: January 2017

The effectiveness of Benoral Tablets in controlling joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis was assessed over a two-week period in a multicentre general practice open study.

In this trial it has been demonstrated that a correlation exists between pain relief and relief from stiffness for patients suffering from osteoarthritis taking Benoral Tablets over this period. It way also found that patients with initially mild to moderate pain benefited most from their treatment.
Sustained Action Tetracycline Preparation – Tetrabid-Organon Blood Level Study
Authors: Lucas C R , Mugglestone C J , Thomas D R
Published: January 2017

A comparison of the plasma levels of tetracycline obtained whilst taking standard therapeutic doses of Tetrabid-Organon was made in twelve healthy volunteers. Two standard production batches were used in the study which was conducted under double-blind conditions.

Sampling 12 hours and 8 hours after dosing showed no significant differences in plasma levels, with each batch. Even at these lowest levels satisfactory concentrations were rapidly obtained following initial administration, and were maintained when the drug was given at 12-hourly intervals.

No side-effects of the drug were noted.
Comparison of Diflorasone Diacetate and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Leibsohn Eugene
Published: January 2017

In this double-blind study, 100 patients with mild, moderate, or severe thick lesion psoriasis, characterized as acute, subacute, or chronic, were treated with either diflorasone diacetate ointment 0.05% or betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% twice a day for 3 weeks. Clinical evaluations were based on overall improvement and improvement in signs or symptoms of erythema, oedema, lichenification, induration, scaliness, excoriations, pruritus, and soreness. Results showed that both medications were effective and when patients were categorized according to initial lesion severity, no statistically significant differences existed between treatment groups.
A General Practice Evaluation of Selexid Suspension as a Treatment for Acute Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Murison I C , Sweetenham Dileas M
Published: January 2017

Fifty-seven general practice patients (fifty-five females and two males) with acute uncomplicated cystitis received a 5-day course of pivmecillinam suspension at a dose of 200 mg (2 sachets) three times a day. Positive bacteriological cultures were obtained from twenty-eight patients (49%) before treatment. The bacteriological cure rate was 100%. All patients experienced some relief of symptoms and thirty nine patients (68%) were completely symptom-free after treatment.

Selexid suspension was generally well tolerated. Side effects were reported in only four patients (6%) and no patient had to stop treatment prematurely.
Single Oral Dose Rosoxacin in the Treatment of Gonorrhoea in Males
Authors: Limson Benjamin M , Macasaet Roberto K
Published: January 2017

A study of the new anti-bacterial agent, rosoxacin, a quinoline derivative was made in male subjects with uncomplicated acute gonorrhoea using a single oral dose of 200 mg and a single dose of 300 mg. Of the eight patients who received a single dose of 200 mg, post-treatment urethral smears and cultures for N. gonorrhoeae were positive in all and these subjects were considered as treatment failures. In contrast, a single dose of 300 mg was highly effective as all twenty-four who received this dose were cured as judged by negative urethral smears and cultures on the 7th post-treatment day. Of the thirty-eight isolates of N. gonorrhoeae obtained in the study, fifteen (39–5%) were penicillinase-producing, indicating that rosoxacin is effective in treating penicillin-resistant gonorrhoea. Mild to moderate dizziness and/or drowsiness was experienced by four of twenty-nine patients evaluated for safety on the 300 mg single dose, giving an incidence of side-effects of 14%. The symptoms were of brief duration and were self-limiting.

A single oral dose of this drug appears to be an ideal treatment for the rapid cure of acute gonorrhoea.
Short-Term Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Comparison of Sodium Meclofenamate and Ibuprofen
Authors: Cimmino Marco A , Cutolo Maurizio , Samantà Elpis , Accardo Silvano
Published: January 2017

A double-blind crossover study compared sodium meclofenamate (300 mg daily) and ibuprofen (900 mg daily) in thirty patients with osteoarthritis. Each treatment period was of 3 weeks duration. Both drugs were effective in reducing the severity of joint symptoms and in improving the range of motion, with the exception of spine movement which did not show any changes from the baseline. Tolerance was good.
Comparative and Non-Comparative Studies of the Efficacy and Tolerance of Tioconazole Cream 1% versus Another Imidazole and/or Placebo in Neonates and Infants with Candidal Diaper Rash and/or Impetigo
Authors: Gibbs D. L. , Kashin P. , Jevons S.
Published: January 2017

Eleven open multicentre studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of tioconazole cream 1% as a treatment for diaper rash with or without fungal ( Candida) involvement, or impetigo in neonates and infants. In the dermal candidiasis/diaper rash group, 320 patients had either tioconazole ( n = 220), a comparative imidazole ( n = 43), or vehicle cream ( n = 57) applied to the affected area twice daily. Twenty-one impetigo patients had only tioconazole cream 1% applied three times daily to lesions. The overall cure rate (patients with both clinical and mycological cure) at the end of treatment for tioconazole treated patients was 78%, for the comparative imidazole group it was 76% and for vehicle cream it was 39%. At the long-term follow-up evaluation approximately 6 weeks after treatment for patients with diaper rash, the overall cure rate was about the same in both tioconazole- and comparative imidazole-treated patients (87% and 90%, respectively), and 14% in patients using vehicle cream. Side-effects were coincident with disease symptoms and consisted primarily of erythema localized to the treatment area; they occurred in 5.4% (13/241) of the patients who received tioconazole and in 21% (9/43) of the patients who received comparative imidazole (econazole or miconazole). No side-effects were reported in this open study for the 57 patients who used vehicle cream. The results of these studies show that tioconazole cream 1% is safe and effective for the treatment of neonates and infants with dermal candidiasis, diaper rash and impetigo.
Rifaximin, a Rifamycin Derivative for Use in the Treatment of Intestinal Bacterial Infections in Seriously Disabled Patients
Authors: Alvisi V. , D'Ambrosi A. , Loponte A. , Pazzi P. , Greco A. , Zangirolami A. , Palazzini E.
Published: January 2017

This study reports the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerability of rifaximin, an intestinal topical antibiotic. It was administered using a nasogastric tube in patients with severe enterocolitis and bacterial superinfections causing intestinal inflammatory diseases and portosystemic encephalopathy. The drug proved highly effective clinically and produced neither local nor systemic side-effects.

E’ stata valutata l'efficacia e la tollerabilita delia rifaximina, un antibiotico ad azione topica intestinale, somministrata tramite sondino nasogastrico in pazienti affetti da gravi enterocoliti, sovrainfezioni batteriche in corso di malattie infiammatorie intestinali ed encefalopatia porto-sistemica. Oltre all'ottima efficacia clinica si segnala l'assenza di effetti collaterali, locali e sistemici, di questo farmaco.
Analgesic Effect of Aspirin, Mefenamic Acid and Their Combination in Post-Operative Oral Surgery Pain
Authors: Or S. , Bozkurt A.
Published: January 2017

A double-blind randomized single dose study of the analgesic effects of 650 mg aspirin, 250 mg mefenamic acid, the combination of 650 mg aspirin and 250 mg mefenamic acid and placebo on 120 patients with pain following oral surgery was conducted. Patients evaluated their pain intensity and extent of pain relief at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after drug administration. For most parameters, including the sum of the pain intensity differences and the sum of the hourly pain relief scores, each of the drugs was more effective than placebo. Aspirin–mefenamic acid in combination was more effective than both drugs alone, and aspirin and mefenamic acid alone were equally effective for most of the analgesic variables.
A Double-Blind Clinical Comparison of Two Dosage Schedules of Cefatrizine in Children
Authors: Careddu P. , Ceccarelli G.
Published: January 2017

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out to compare the effectiveness of twice daily versus once daily administration of the cephalosporin, cefatrizine, in paediatric outpatients with bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Thirty children were studied, aged 7 years 2 months (range, 4–-12 years). They were given 75 mg/kg·day cefatrizine either once daily or twice daily at 12 h intervals for 8 days. Fever, clinical symptoms, bacterial eradication and overall tolerance were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between once daily or twice daily administration. This is in agreement with other studies carried out on adults. It is concluded that cefatrizine may be given to paediatric out-patients for the treatment of bacterial infection of the respiratory tract only once daily with good clinical and overall results.
Evaluation of a Breath Operated Powder Inhaler
Authors: Pover G. M. , Langdon C. G. , Jones S. R. , Fidler C.
Published: January 2017

A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy crossover study on 42 asthmatics was carried out to compare the single dose effects of salbutamol administered from the widely used metered dose inhaler and a breath operated system (Diskhaler®). The bronchodilator response (change in forced expiratory volume in the first second) was almost identical for the two systems. The Diskhaler® system however, since it is breath operated, obviates the need for hand–breath coordination.
Determination of Replacement and Suppressive Doses of Thyroxine
Authors: Banovac K. , Carrington S.A.B. , Levis S. , Fill M.D. , Bilsker M.S.
Published: January 2017

Suppression daily doses of thyroxine (T4) were determined and the daily amounts of T4 required to replace T4 were established in 217 hypothyroid patients. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated daily with 2 – 3 μg/kg lean body mass or 1 – 2 μg/kg body weight T4 had normal serum thyrotrophin (TSH) concentrations, normal response to TSH-releasing hormone (TRH) and normal systolic time intervals but doses higher than 3 μg/kg lean body mass or 2 μg/kg body weight decreased serum TSH concentrations, with no response to TRH and systolic time intervals typical of hyperthyroidism. In 13/32 (41%) hypothyroid patients with Graves' disease following 131I and/or surgery, the daily T4 replacement dose was similar to that in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients but in 12 (38%) patients daily doses of 2 – 3 μg/kg lean body mass or 1 – 2 μg/kg body weight T4 increased serum T4 and suppressed TSH levels, and in six (9%) lower doses were required to control hypothyroidism. The T4 suppression dose for patients with thyroid cancer was more than 3 μg/kg lean body mass or 2 μg/kg body weight, whereas approximately 30% of non-toxic nodular goitre patients required less than 3 μg/kg lean body mass. It is concluded that replacement or suppression doses of T4 should be individually determined and that different criteria should be applied for their calculation depending on the thyroid abnormality.
Evaluation of the Siderohaemic Curve after Loading Administration of Iron – Protein – Succinylate to Gastrectomized Subjects: A Controlled Study
Authors: Cogo R. , De Luca P. , Mastrantoni M.
Published: January 2017

The absorption of iron after oral administration of 80 mg iron – protein – succinylate complex was evaluated by determining serum iron concentrations in 10 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy more than. 1 year before and were suffering from hypochromic anaemia. Serum iron concentrations in these patients were no different from those obtained in 10 ‘normal’ hypochromic anaemic patients.
Cefetamet in the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis in Adult Patients
Authors: Gauger U. , Inoka P. , Germano G. , Kissling M.
Published: January 2017

Cefetamet, an oral third-generation cephalosporin, was investigated in a prospective, randomized, open, comparative trial in 41 out-patients with acute sinusitis. The efficacy of 500 mg cefetamet given orally twice daily for 7 days to 22 patients was compared with that of 500 mg cefaclor given orally three times daily for 7 days to 19 patients. Sinus punctures were performed before antimicrobial therapy in 10 patients from each treatment group. A successful bacteriological response was obtained in all the 21 assessable patients treated with cefetamet and in the cefaclor-treated group 18 assessable patients were cured and two were improved, but one failed to respond to therapy. The tolerability of both drugs was good and no withdrawals from treatment were necessary.
Controlled-Release Theophylline in the Treatment of Nocturnal Asthma
Authors: Fairfax A.J. , Clarke R. , Chatterjee S.S. , Connolly C.K. , Higenbottam T. , Holgate S.T. , Hughes J.A. , Johnson C.E. , Johnston R.N. , MacLntyre D. , McNicholas W.T. , Mitchell-Heggs P.F. , Monie R. , Turner-Warwick M. , Whyte K.
Published: January 2017

A total of 104 asthmatic patients with symptoms of asthma and/or a ‘morning dip’ in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) who were receiving multiple therapies, including inhaled or oral steroids, were treated in addition once nightly with controlled-release theophylline in an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Theophylline produced an improvement in symptoms of cough, wheeze, sleep disturbance and PEFR in the 73 completing patients compared to run-in and placebo treatment. Theophylline also produced an improvement in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity relative to baseline, and in the difference between actual and predicted PEFR values. Nausea was the most frequent side-effect but both patients' and investigators' global impressions of the effect of study medication were in favour of theophylline.