bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulations of Stratus Clouds over Eastern China in CAM5: Sources of Errors
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Haoming , Yu Rucong
Published: September 2014

A previous study by Zhang et al. suggested two biases of the high-resolution configured Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5), in simulating stratus clouds over eastern China, including an underestimation of stratus occurrence frequency and a spurious low stratus amount when present (AWP) value center over the Sichuan basin. In this study, the causes for these two problems are further explored.

The underestimate of stratus occurrence frequency in the model is attributed to the bias in large-scale ambient environmental fields. This is confirmed by investigating the differences between two climate counterparts. Results suggest that when the environmental fields in the climate ensemble become more realistic, the simulations of stratus cloud radiative forcing and cloud fraction are enhanced, mainly caused by a corresponding increase in the stratus occurrence frequency. The specific sources of the cloud changes between these two ambient climates are then investigated.

The presence of a low stratus AWP value center is found to be sensitive to the choice of dynamical core. This is confirmed by comparing the simulations from two dynamical core counterparts: a default finite-volume core and an alternative Eulerian spectral transform core. Experiments with these two cores suggest that the spectral CAM5 is able to alleviate this problem. Correspondingly, the subsiding motions when stratus clouds occur in the default core are largely suppressed in the spectral core. As a result, the spectral CAM5 has more midtopped nimbostratus cloud fraction than the default configuration over the Sichuan basin, especially in the lower levels of the cloud profiles.
Variations in Streamflow Response to Large Hurricane-Season Storms in a Southeastern U.S. Watershed
Authors: Chen Xing , Kumar Mukesh , McGlynn Brian L.
Published: September 2014

Floods caused by hurricane storms are responsible for tremendous economic and property losses in the United States. To minimize flood damages associated with large hurricane-season storms, it is important to be able to predict streamflow amount in response to storms for a range of hydroclimatological conditions. However, this is challenging considering that streamflow response exhibits appreciable variability even for hurricane-season storms that deliver similar precipitation amounts. As such, better estimates of event responses require refined understanding of the causes of flood response variability. Here, a physically based, distributed hydrologic model and supporting hydrologic datasets are used to identify and evaluate dominant hydrologic controls on streamflow amount variability. The analysis indicates that variability in flood response in the Lake Michie watershed is primarily driven by antecedent soil moisture conditions near the land surface and evapotranspiration during postevent streamflow recession periods, which in turn is a function of precipitation history and prevailing vegetation and meteorological conditions. Presented results and ensuing analyses could help prioritize measurements during observation campaigns and could aid in risk management by providing look-up diagrams to quickly evaluate flood responses given prior information about hurricane storm size.
Day-Ahead Predictability of Complex Terrain Flows for Wind Resource Production: A Case Study of the Washoe Zephyr
Authors: Smith Craig M. , Koračin Darko , Horvath Kristian
Published: September 2014

A detailed description of the meteorological conditions of the Washoe Valley (Nevada) and simulations that examine the predictability of the westerly high wind event known as the Washoe Zephyr are presented. Numerical weather model prediction skill is computed for day-ahead (24–48 h) forecasts of wind speed at a meteorological tower on the Virginia Hills range relative to a persistence forecast based on a seasonal climatology constructed of hourly mean observations. The model predictions are shown to be more skillful than a climatology based on seasonal and hourly means during winter and less skillful than the seasonal-hourly climatology (SHC) during summer. Overall skill of the forecasted winds tends to increase with finer horizontal grid spacing. Phase errors compose the largest component of the error decomposition and large phase errors are associated with the onset and decay of the diurnally forced Washoe Zephyr during summer and synoptically forced high wind events and valley rotors during winter. The correlation coefficient between forecasts and observations for all forecast horizontal grid spacings considered is shown to depend roughly linearly on the ratio of the integrated power spectral density in the synoptic band to the integrated power spectral density in the combined diurnal and subdiurnal band.
Confronting Farmers’ Perceptions of Climatic Vulnerability with Observed Relationships between Yields and Climate Variability in Central Argentina
Authors: Hernandez Valeria , Moron Vincent , Riglos Florencia Fossa , Muzi Eugenia
Published: September 2014

Farmers’ perceptions of climate variability is compared with the sensitivity of observed yields for wheat, maize, soybean, and sunflower crops to interannual and intra-annual climate variability in two districts (Junín and San Justo) in central Argentina from the 1970s. A recent transition occurred here between mixed crop and livestock farming to a more specialized system, dominated by transgenic soybean combined with glyphosate. According to the ethnographic fieldwork, farmers ranked drought first and flood second as the main adverse climate factors in both districts. Overall, the farmers’ representations fit rather well with the observed relationships between interannual variability of yields and rainfall, especially in Junín. The adverse impact of long-lasting dry spells, especially during the first half of the crop cycle, is usually combined with the more linear impact of large rainfall amounts (anomalously positive/negative rainfall amounts associated with anomalously positive/negative yields) during the second half of the crop cycle. This relationship is strong for soybeans, similarly large for maize, far weaker for wheat, and reversed for sunflower, which is the only crop that benefits, on average, from anomalously low rainfall amounts at a specific stage of the crop cycle. The adverse effect of flood on soybeans and maize seems less phase-locked and more diluted across the crop cycle. This paper presents the argument that climate and society have a complex relationship, requiring an integrated analysis of the social context, people’s perceptions of climate, and scientific climate knowledge. The concept of “climate social significance” is proposed in order to highlight the strategies implemented by different socioproductive groups to address adverse climate events.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Using Predifferentiated and Enriched Mathematics Curricula for Grade 3 Students
Authors: McCoach D. Betsy , Gubbins E. Jean , Foreman Jennifer , Rubenstein Lisa DaVia , Rambo-Hernandez Karen E.
Published: September 2014

Despite the potential of differentiated curricula to enhance learning, limited research exists that documents their impact on Grade 3 students of all ability levels. To determine if there was a difference in achievement between students involved in 16 weeks of predifferentiated, enriched mathematics curricula and students using their district’s curricula, we conducted a multisite cluster-randomized control trial with 43 schools in 12 states. A series of three-level models, using pre- and postachievement test data, failed to show a main effect for treatment, but the results suggested a treatment by achievement-level interaction that was moderated by the achievement level of the school. As a result, the highest achieving students in the lower achieving schools seemed to receive the greatest benefit from the treatment curricula. An analysis of researcher-developed unit tests revealed that treatment students successfully learned and applied the curricula’s challenging mathematics. Thus, using the predifferentiated and enriched mathematics curricula with heterogeneous ability students appeared to “do no harm”—students who completed the treatment curricula did as well as their control counterparts, on average. Evidence of its achievement-related benefits is more ambiguous; however, the findings do suggest some benefits for the highest achieving students in lower achieving schools.
Understanding the Native–Immigrant Wage Gap Using Matched Employer-Employee Data
Authors: Bartolucci Cristian
Published: September 2014

In this article, the author proposes a new method for measuring wage discrimination that builds on the methodology first developed by Hellerstein and Neumark (1999). The author’s method has three main advantages: It is robust to labor market segregation, it does not impose linearity on the wage-setting equation, and it is not only a test for discrimination but also produces a measure of discrimination. Using matched employer-employee data from Germany, the author finds that immigrants are being discriminated against. They receive wages that are 13% lower than native workers in the same firm.
How are Practices Made to Vary? Managing Practice Adaptation in a Multinational Corporation
Authors: Ansari Shahzad (Shaz) , Reinecke Juliane , Spaan Amy
Published: September 2014

Research has shown that management practices are adapted and ‘made to fit’ the specific context into which they are adopted. Less attention has been paid to how organizations anticipate and purposefully influence the adaptation process. How do organizations manage the tension between allowing local adaptation of a management practice and retaining control over the practice? By studying the adaptation of a specialized quality management practice – ACE (Achieving Competitive Excellence) – in a multinational corporation in the aerospace industry, we examine how the organization manages the adaptation process at the corporate and subsidiary levels. We identified three strategies through which an organization balances the tension between standardization and variation – preserving the ‘core’ practice while allowing local adaptation at the subsidiary level: creating and certifying progressive achievement levels; setting discretionary and mandatory adaptation parameters; and differentially adapting to context-specific and systemic misfits. While previous studies have shown how and why practices vary as they diffuse, we show how practices may diffuse because they are engineered to vary for allowing a better fit with diverse contextual specificities.
Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography Scan for Pediatric Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Jenny X. , Kachniarz Bart , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Computed tomography (CT) has been used in the assessment of pediatric hearing loss, but concern regarding radiation risk and increased utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have prompted us toward a more quantitative and sophisticated understanding of CT's potential diagnostic yield.

Objective

To perform a systematic review to analyze the diagnostic yield of CT for pediatric hearing loss, including subgroup evaluation according to impairment severity and laterality, as well as the specific findings of enlarged vestibular aqueduct and narrow cochlear nerve canal.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were assessed from the date of their inception to December 2013. In addition, manual searches of bibliographies were performed and topic experts were contacted.

Review Methods

Data from studies describing the use of CT in the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric patients with hearing loss of unknown etiology were evaluated, according to a priori inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two independent evaluators corroborated the extracted data. Heterogeneity was evaluated according to the I2 statistic.

Results

In 50 criteria‐meeting studies, the overall diagnostic yield of CT ranged from 7% to 74%, with the strongest and aggregate data demonstrating a point estimate of 30%. This estimate corresponded to a number needed to image of 4 (range, 2‐15). The most commonly identified findings were enlarged vestibular aqueduct and cochlear anomalies. The largest studies showed a 4% to 7% yield for narrow cochlear nerve canal.

Conclusion

These data, along with similar analyses of radiation risk and risks/benefits of sedated MRI, may be used to help guide the choice of diagnostic imaging.
Successful repair of mesenteric ischemia in acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Hisata Yoichi , Matsumaru Ichiro , Yokose Shogo , Hazama Shiro
Published: September 2014

A 64-year-old man with acute type A aortic dissection had superior mesenteric artery occlusion and marked metabolic acidosis. By an emergency laparotomy, bypass grafting from the left external iliac artery to the superior mesenteric artery was performed with great saphenous vein. After deep sedation and antihypertensive management in the intensive care unit, the acidosis resolved, and central repair was carried out. At 10 months postoperatively, his course has been uneventful without mesenteric complications.
Female prostitution and victimization
Authors: Matthews Roger
Published: September 2014

Women involved in prostitution are amongst the most victimized groups in society. However, there are some commentators who present it as a non-victim crime. Although subject to multiple forms of victimization, prostitutes are often not considered to be ‘suitable victims’ by the authorities. Even those who are victims of sex trafficking are poorly treated, and the responses to the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings have been uneven and inconsistent. The issue of victimization raises the issue of coercion and the extent to which women involved in prostitution can be said to give their full consent when providing sexual services for payment.
Activity of Amikacin, Gentamicin and Kanamycin against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Ximenes Jose , Bassoi Orlando Natale , de Menezes Jairo Perche , Fry Wilson
Published: September 2014

The activity of amikacin, gentamicin and kanamycin was tested in vitro against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Concentrations of the antibiotics in serum and in saline solution were prepared according to serum levels produced in volunteers 15 minutes, 1, 2, and 6 hours after a single intramuscular injection of 500 mg amikacin, 80 mg gentamicin and 500 mg kanamycin. Following isolation of the Pseudomonas strains in cultures, they were incubated and seeded in Mueller-Hinton broth, then 107 dilutions of the organisms were kept in contact with the prepared antibiotic solutions in serum and in saline solution for three hours, the approximate half-life of the antibiotics in serum. Amikacin was active at concentrations seen six hours post-dose, inhibiting growth in a total of 72·5% of seeded plates. Gentamicin was active for only two hours and inhibited growth in 2·5% of the plates. Kanamycin showed no anti-pseudomonal activity.
Developing Optimum Drug Regimens
Authors: Carey Michael S , Noyes Robert W , Pasquale Samuel A , Frey John J , Lawson John S
Published: September 2014

In Clinical pharmacological trials the determination of the optimum regimen for a drug using the technique of response surface analysis is proposed as being more advantageous than traditional analyses of dose response relationships. Major considerations in favour of this technique are that the optimum regimen can be identified with a minimum of human experimentation, and unacceptable regimens are eliminated from the study early, at a substantial saving of time and money.
Three Years of Bacteriological Monitoring in the Department of Paediatric Surgery
Authors: Cucchi L , Giacomoni M A , Rossi R , Chiodo F , Pozzoli R.
Published: September 2014

The results of three years of bacteriological monitoring in the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the Ospedale Maggiore Ca'Granda in Milan are reported. The tests carried out involved the patients (faeces, urine, and pus cultures), the environment (operating theatre, incubators), and healthy carriers (upper respiratory tract of nursing and paramedical staff). The aetiopathogenesis of the post-operative infectious complications that occurred in 1974-1975 was investigated with the aid of surveys of the causative pathogens, the type of the surgical interventions, the atmospheric pollution in the operating theatre (mean indicative values), the number of operations per month, and the frequency of positive findings among the carriers. As a parallel investigation, between 1971 and the time of writing of this report the authors monitored the resistance to gentamicin of bacteria belonging to the family Pseudomonadaceae isolated from patients, in view of the constant threat posed by the vicinity of the burns department.
Polyacrylic Bone Cement Containing Erythromycin and Colistin I. In vitro Bacteriological Activity and Diffusion Properties of Erythromycin, Colistin and Erythromycin/Colistin Combination
Authors: Rosenthal A L , Rovell J M , Girard A E
Published: September 2014

Erythromycin and colistin demonstrate a non-antagonistic ability to inhibit the growth of a wide variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates. When incorporated in Surgical Simplex® P Radiopaque Bone Cement*, fabricated cement pellets were effective in inhibiting 98% of all anaerobic and aerobic test isolates. Separate experiments indicate that each antibiotic can diffuse from polymerized cement, and that the concentration of each antibiotic is consistently above the minimum inhibitory concentration of 96% of the isolates. We conclude that erythromycin/colistin Surgical Simplex® P Radiopaque Bone Cement is a worthy candidate for clinical investigation.
An Evaluation of a Once Daily Dosage Régime of Dothiepin Hydrochloride (Prothiaden)
Authors: Rees J A , Risdall P C
Published: September 2014

This paper reports on the use of a single daily dose of dothiepin hydrochloride (Prothiaden). The results from a metabolism study using [14C] dothiepin were used to calculate the daily variations in blood levels after once daily and thrice daily dose regimes. A clinical study on the use of a single daily dose of 75 mg of dothiepin showed this type of regime to be well tolerated and efficacious in the treatment of 105 depressed patients in general practice. Compared to a thrice daily regime the once daily dose appeared to be more beneficial on symptomatic insomnia during the early treatment period.
A Study of Once Daily Tenormin (Atenolol) in Hypertension: Some Implications in Patient Compliance
Authors: Harris A M , Woollard K V , Tweed J A
Published: September 2014

A clinical study is described in which hypertensive patients on no drug therapy were given atenolol in increasing doses from 50 mg twice daily to 200 mg twice daily until the diastolic blood pressure was 90 mm Hg or below. At this stage the drug was withdrawn until blood pressure readings had risen to pre-treatment levels. The same dose of atenolol was then re-introduced but now given once-a-day (in the morning) and was continued for four weeks. Of the eleven patients entering the study, one withdrew as his blood pressure was not controlled on a dose of 200 mg of atenolol twice daily, and another because on withdrawal of atenolol his blood pressure did not rise to pre-treatment levels. The remaining nine patients completed the study. There was a statistically significant fall in blood pressure on both atenolol regimes and there was no significant difference between the blood pressure control achieved on twice-a-day and once-a-day administration. Only one patient developed side-effects; this being an asthmatic who developed mild dyspnoea on atenolol which did not necessitate withdrawal of the drug.

It is concluded that once-a-day administration of a given dose of atenolol is therapeutically equivalent to twice-a-day administration. The implications of this in terms of better patient compliance, and thus better prognosis, are discussed.
Prevention of Peritoneal Adhesions with Aprotinin (Trasylol)
Authors: Mooney R A H
Published: September 2014

An objective assessment of intraperitoneal Trasylol in the prevention of abdominal adhesions in 20 patients has shown that Trasylol resulted in a marked reduction in adhesions in 16 patients who underwent ‘second look’ procedures. No side-effects were noted and all wounds healed without complications.
Sulphonylurea and Hypothyroidism in Nigerian Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Adadevoh B Kwaku
Published: September 2014

Thyroid function has been assessed using the T3-Uptake test in 98 Nigerian diabetic and 50 non-diabetic control subjects. Whilst abnormal tests suggestive of thyroidal hypofunctional state were commoner in the group on chlorpropamide alone, and in combination with metformin, these were unrelated to the duration of treatment. In addition, none had clinical hypothyroidism.
An In Vitro Method for Screening Compounds for the Effect on the Rate of Sickling of Erythrocytes
Authors: Mackenzie R D , Gleason E M , Schatzman G L , Cawein M J
Published: September 2014

Since no practical animal model is available for the evaluation of compounds in vivo, we have developed an in vitro model for determining the effect of compounds on the rate of sickling of erythrocytes in whole blood taken from patients with sickle cell anaemia. RMI 6792 (a phenethanol-diamine derivative), procaine, and L-glutamine were tested in this in vitro system. RMI 6792 was tested at various concentrations in whole blood. The data indicate that RMI 6792 decreased the rate of sickling at and above 60 μg/ml. Procaine slightly decreased sickling rate at 100 μg/ml. L-glutamine at 555 μg/ml had no inhibitory effect. RMI 6792 and procaine had no effect on the oxygen dissociation curve. RMI 6792 affected the calcium flux of the erythrocytes and the calcium concentration in the erythrocytes.
Failure to Detect Chromosome Damage in Bone-Marrow Cells of Mice and Chinese Hamsters Exposed In Vivo to Some Ergot Derivatives
Authors: Matter B E
Published: September 2014

A known chemical mutagen (Trenimon® Bayer), and three ergot derivatives (ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotoxine mesylate, and methysergide hydrogen maleate) were tested in mice and Chinese hamsters for mutagenic effects by means of the micronucleus test and the conventional chromosome method. In contrast to Trenimon, which proved to be a powerful mutagen in these test systems, neither of the ergot derivatives showed an effect. It is concluded that these compounds, at subtoxic or therapeutic dose-levels, have no potential for damaging the chromosome complement of in vivo treated mammals.
A Comparative Clinical Trial of Fenbufen and Indomethacin in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Vergara-Castro J M , Arias L F , Greenberg B P
Published: September 2014

A 12-week double-blind crossover trial compared fenbufen and indomethacin in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Fenbufen (600-800 mg/day) was significantly superior to indomethacin (75-100 mg/day) in improving the physical measurements of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

Twenty-four patients who demonstrated marked or moderate improvement in the double-blind study participated in a 14-week single-blind study. After one week on placebo, patients received either fenbufen once a day at bedtime, fenbufen twice a day, or indomethacin three times a day for 12 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of placebo. All three treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement. The two fenbufen groups were significantly superior to indomethacin in improving the physical measurements of rheumatoid arthritis activity. No significant differences were found between the two fenbufen treatment groups.

Drug-related side-effects reported during both studies were significantly ewer with fenbufen than with indomethacin.
A Trial of Fortagesic and Paramol 118 in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Andrews C J , Cohen L , Crail R B , Douch G , Sheldon M G , Wray K A A
Published: September 2014

Fortagesic was compared with Paramol 118 in a fourteen day single-blind crossover study in patients with moderate pain due to osteoarthritis. Both preparations were shown to be similarly effective. More side-effects were seen with Paramol 118 than with Fortagesic and more patients preferred Fortagesic. These differences were not statistically significant, but it is concluded that Fortagesic is a useful effective analgesic for standard use in moderate pain.
A Double-Blind Comparative Trial of Loxapine and Trifluoperazine in Acute and Chronic Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Kiloh L G , Williams S E , Grant D A , Whetton P S
Published: September 2014

A double-blind comparative trial of loxapine and trifluoperazine was carried out in 57 acute and chronic schizophrenic patients. In both groups of patients loxapine proved to be equivalent in its effects to trifluoperazine and there were suggestions it might be rather more effective in chronic patients. Side-effects were simitar with the two drugs but anticholinergic effects, excitement, dizziness and faintness occurred rather more commonly with loxapine.

Laboratory tests, urine analysis, cardiovascular and ophthalmological investigations showed no significant abnormalities.
Diflorasone Diacetate: Vasoconstrictor Activity and Clinical Efficacy of a New Topical Corticosteroid
Authors: Bluefarb S M , Howard F M , Leibsohn E , Schlagel C A , Wexler L
Published: September 2014

Diflorasone diacetate, a new topical corticosteroid, was generally more potent than three high potency reference standards (fluocinonide, betamethasone 17-valerate and fluocinolone acetonide) when the compounds were dissolved in 95% alcohol and applied in vasoconstrictor assays in healthy volunteers. On the basis of additional vasoconstrictor assay results, a 0·05% concentration of the steroid in a cream vehicle containing 15% propylene glycol was developed for therapeutic evaluation. In a double-blind comparison in 384 patients with dermatoses, 0·05% diflorasone diacetate cream was as effective as 0·05% fluocinonide cream in the therapy of lesions of psoriasis or atopic/neurodermatitis.
Endocrine and Cardiovascular Consequences of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Vukovich R A , Willard D A , Brannick L J
Published: September 2014

One of several novel peptidic inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (CEI) has been studied intravenously both in normal male volunteers and severely hypertensive patients without any clinically significant adversity or intolerance. Hypertensive patients experienced a significant yet gradual reduction in resting arterial pressure without hypotension. The addition of a diuretic agent was observed to potentiate this antihypertensive effect. Normal, sodium replete volunteers received this nonapeptide intravenously in doses up to 2·0 mg/kg without any significant cardiovascular effect. Both patients and normal subjects exhibited reversible dose related increases in angiotensin I and renin levels after receiving the peptide. The plasma renin response to tilting was also potentiated by CEI. These findings suggest that intravenous CEI may be of value in the treatment of severely elevated hypertension and as a tool to evaluate vasoconstrictor and volume factors in hypertension.
Temetex in the Treatment of Steroid-Responsive Dermatoses
Authors: Bergson V S , Franklin W H
Published: September 2014

Five hundred and seventy-five patients with various steroid-responsive dermatoses were studied for up to six weeks in eighty-eight separate general practices using a new topical corticosteroid, Temetex (diflucortolone valerate 0·1%). It was concluded that Temetex is both effective and well tolerated in a wide variety of conditions, especially eczema and psoriasis. It was also shown that a large-scale general practice trial can be carried out efficiently with a very high compliance rate.
An Investigation into the Effect on Cigarette Smoking of a New Anti-Smoking Chewing Gum
Authors: Rosenberg Abraham
Published: September 2014

A preparation claimed to help patients to break the habit of smoking has recently been introduced. Material released in the mouth from a chewing gum causes an unpleasant taste when tobacco smoke is inhaled. This claim has been investigated in a double-blind trial on sixty subjects, thirty of whom took the active chewing gum and thirty the placebo chewing gum. The subjects each used one piece of chewing gum four times a day over a period of two weeks. This investigation clearly indicates that the active chewing gum is effective as an anti-smoking preparation, when used over a period of two weeks and the effect is still demonstrable one month later, although to a lesser extent.
Comparison of Sotalol Hydrochloride and Methyldopa in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Gajendragadkar S V , Clarke W E
Published: September 2014

In a non-blind randomized comparison of sotalol hydrochloride and methyldopa in essential hypertension, the two drugs were equivocal in effect in reaching a preset hypotensive aim, in the maximum decreases from the baseline and in the mean reductions per week from the baseline. Milligram for milligram, sotalol was about twice as potent as methyldopa. No volunteered side-effects were noted for methyldopa; 3/19 for sotalol.
Biarison in the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Diseases: Comparison with Indomethacin and Placebo
Authors: Allan R , Bleicher M
Published: September 2014

A 4-week multiclinic double-blind trial was carried out on 216 ambulatory patients with various degenerative joint diseases in order to compare the efficacy and possible side effects of a new non-steroid anti-inflammatory agent, Biarison (900 mg/day), with those of indomethacin (150 mg/day) and placebo. According to most clinical assessments both active drugs were significantly more effective than placebo. No significant differences were found between the effect of Biarison and indomethacin on joint pain and joint movement. There was evidence that Biarison was more effective than indomethacin in patients with acute and severe symptoms. The commonest side-effect in all three treatment groups was gastro-intestinal irritation. With Biarison these symptoms were mostly mild and caused significantly fewer withdrawals from the trial than with indomethacin. In all three treatment groups, CNS disturbances were seldom recorded. They did not require discontinuation of Biarison but were responsible for two withdrawals from indomethacin and one from placebo. Since Biarison combines good efficacy with only mild gastro-intestinal side-effects and excellent CNS tolerance, it may be regarded as a promising therapeutic agent in the management of degenerative joint diseases.
Mianserin Hydrochloride (Org GB 94) in the Treatment of Obsessional States
Authors: Väisänen E , Ranta P , Nummikko-Pelkonen A , Tienari P
Published: September 2014

Nine patients with severe primary obsessional illness were treated with mianserin hydrochloride (Org GB 94)*, in a dose increasing to 20 mg three times daily, for 4 weeks. Six patients improved as assessed by a physician's global rating of improvement. The symptoms on a side-effects check list were less marked during treatment than they had been during the pre-treatment drug-free period.
Temazepam (Euhypnos®) as a Hypnotic: A Twelve-Week Trial in General Practice
Authors: Fowler L K
Published: September 2014

One hundred and forty-seven patients requiring a hypnotic, took soft gelatine capsules containing 10 mg temazepam (Euhypnos®), 10-30 mg at night, for up to twelve weeks. One hundred and thirty-three patients (90·5%) completed twelve weeks on drug. Hypnotic performance was rated Good or Very Good in 90% of their assessments and 93·2% of the assessments recorded no hangover effect. Adverse reactions were occasional headaches and nausea. There were no drug-related accidents. One hundred and forty-two patients (96·6%) said there was no adverse effect on their work. Seven patients who did not complete twelve weeks resumed normal sleep patterns and had no further need for hypnotics.
Single Nightly Administration of Ketoprofen (Orudis®) and Indomethacin Suppositories in the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Fava G , Galli L , Pollini C , Liverta C , Vicari A , Pontiroli A E
Published: September 2014

In a double-blind trial carried out on 60 patients with osteoarthritis at various localizations, ketoprofen (Orudis®), administered as a single nightly 100 mg suppository for ten days, was significantly more active and better tolerated than indomethacin, administered in the same way. Patient's and doctor's assessment was also in favour of Orudis. Laboratory examinations were not affected by either drug.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Treated with Bacampicillin: A Dose Comparison
Authors: Sjövall J
Published: September 2014

In an open multicentre study of bacampicillin (Penglobe®), a new orally well absorbed prodrug of ampicillin, 516 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or pneumonia were treated by a group of Belgian pneumologists or internists. Bacampicillin was given in a dosage regimen of 400 mg or 800 mg three times daily. In patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis the clinical success rate was high, over 95% in both groups. A n improvement in the sputum purulence score was seen in 93% of the patients with an initially purulent sputum and 69% had a normal mucoid sputum at follow-up. The clinical success rate in patients with pneumonia was also similar in both dosage groups with success rates over 96%. The total number of patients with adverse reactions was not more than 5·4%, of which the majority were considered mild or moderate. Each type of side-effect occurred in a frequency of 1·2% or less. There were no differences between the two dosage regimens as regards the frequency of side-effects which indicates a remarkably good tolerance of bacampicillin also with the higher dosage.
Serum Levels and Urinary Concentrations of Kanamicin, Bekanamicin and Amikacin (BB-K8) in Diabetic Children and a Control Group
Authors: García P Gabriel , de Vidal Esther Luisa , Trujillo S Hugo
Published: September 2014

Serum levels of kanamicin, bekanamicin, and amikacin were studied, after a single intramuscular dose of each antibiotic, in three groups of diabetic children, with their respective normal controls, paired by age, weight and sex. Lower serum levels were observed with kanamicin and bekanamicin in diabetic children compared to their controls. The difference in low serum levels was less noticeable with amikacin.
Degradation and Liquefaction Effect of Streptokinase-Streptodornase and Stabilized Trypsin on Necroses, Crusts of Fibrinoid, Purulent Exudate and Clotted Blood from Leg Ulcers
Authors: Hellgren L , Vincent J
Published: September 2014

Necrotic materials most frequently found in leg ulcers, including crusts with fibrinogen, pus and blood clots, were exposed to solutions of streptokinase-streptodornase and stabilized crystalline trypsin respectively. The investigations were performed at the temperatures of 26° and 33°C, representing the extreme values of the temperature range found in leg ulcers (arteriosclerotic ulcers, stasis ulcers) and at the pH corresponding to that of the enzyme preparations in wet dressings. Streptokinase-streptodornase demonstrated in vitro a more potent proteolytic activity than crystalline trypsin on necroses, crusts of fibrinoid and purulent exudate, which were more rapidly and thoroughly broken up. Both enzyme preparations were, however, equally effective on three-day-old blood clots.
Aladione® (Diftalone) in the Treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis
Authors: Doleček Rajko
Published: September 2014

During 1974 and 1975 thirty patients with subacute thyroiditis referred to us were treated with diftalone (Aladione®), a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, at a daily oral dose of 750 mg. The average treatment lasted 39 days (range 15-100), the mean age of the patients was 43·5 years (range: 22-70). The response to this therapy was prompt and excellent, in no patient was it necessary to switch to any other kind of treatment, such as the corticosteroids.

The drug was tolerated very well although among our patients there were two diabetics on insulin and two patients with chronic duodenal ulcer. Following our experience in thirty patients we suggest that diftalone can be considered a treatment of choice in patients with subacute thyroiditis. We also think that during its prolonged administration leucocyte counts and transaminase levels should be regularly controlled.
The Use of Betadine Antiseptic Paint in the Treatment of Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster
Authors: Woodbridge Peter
Published: September 2014

Twenty-two patients with Herpes Simplex were treated with Betadine (povidone iodine) Antiseptic Paint and seven with 5% idoxuridine in dimethyl sulphoxide, also one patient with bilateral lesions was treated with the two solutions, one on each side.

The povidone iodine alcohol solution appeared to be at least as effective as the idoxuridine with minimal side-effects (some stinging in two patients). Good results were also obtained with this solution in twelve patients with Herpes Zoster.
Topically Applied Griseofulvin in the Treatment of Superficial Dermatomycoses in Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Aal H , El-Shazli M , Saleh A M
Published: September 2014

One hundred and fifty-five patients suffering from T. Capitis. T. Corporis. T. Cruris and T. Versicolor participated in studies of topically applied griseofulvin. Various concentrations of the drug were prepared in an ointment form in a new solvent system. Successful results were obtained with the 2% preparation in cases of T. Corporis, T. Cruris and T. Versicolor. Failure of the therapy was observed in cases of T. Capitis. No side-effects occurred in any patient using the 2% preparation. In the opinion of the authors, topically applied griseofulvin in the new solvent system is safe and highly effective in the treatment of superficial dermatomycoses.
Oxypertine in Combination with Imipramine: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Sim Myre , Gordon E B , Nicol C G
Published: September 2014

A method for the controlled assessment of two agents for possible interaction in the treatment of endogenous depression is described. This consisted of dose-ranging the supplementary agent (oxypertine 30 mg and 60 mg daily or matching placebo) during Week 2 to Week 6 having established all patients on a therapeutic dose of imipramine during Week 1. The reported enhancement of imipramine by oxypertine was not confirmed.
Double-Blind Oral Analgesic Study of Butorphanol in Musculoskeletal Pain: A Comparison with Codeine and Placebo
Authors: Gilbert Michael M , Sanzari Neil P , Losada Manuel , Caruso Frank S
Published: September 2014

Butorphanol tartrate (4 mg and 8 mg) was compared to codeine phosphate (60 mg) and placebo for oral analgesic activity and side-effects employing a double-blind design in ninety-three out-patients suffering from moderate to very severe musculoskeletal pain. The study duration was 72 hours with medication administered every 4 to 6 hours (four times daily) for a total of twelve doses per patient. The results demonstrate that both the 4 mg and 8 mg doses of butorphanol were significantly better (p<0.05) than placebo. While codeine 60 mg also proved active, it appears to be less efficacious than the high dose of butorphanol. The peak effect appeared to be evident in 1 to 2 hours. Butorphanol may be at least seven times more potent than codeine on a milligram basis. Although no serious side-effects were observed, butorphanol appeared to present a greater incidence of side-effects than codeine and placebo in this study.
Plexafer-F in the Management of Latent Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy
Authors: Afifi A M
Published: September 2014

The failure to prescribe in antenatal clinics a well tolerated form of supplementary oral iron that provides an adequate iron supply for the successful maintainance of active erythropoiesis in pregnant women largely accounts for the frequent development of latent iron deficiency in the child-bearing age.

The potential value of Plexafer-F*, a slow release ferrous sulphate preparation supplemented with folic acid, in reducing the high incidence of latent iron deficiency in pregnancy was assessed by conducting a randomized clinical trial of Plexafer-F and ordinary ferrous sulphate B.P. with folic acid in eighty women presenting early in pregnancy with latent iron deficiency. At the end of the trial, which was started at the sixteenth week of pregnancy and which lasted for twenty weeks, normal haematological values were obtained in thirty-eight out of forty patients (95%) taking Plexafer-F, but only in twenty-four out of forty patients (60%) taking ferrous sulphate. A simple screening test run on stool specimens provided during antenatal visits to check regular ingestion of the iron preparations prescribed, revealed regular drug intake and no intolerance in all the patients receiving Plexafer-F, against an intolerance leading to failure of regular drug intake in 37.5% of patients receiving ordinary ferrous sulphate.
A Trial of Trimebutine in Spastic Colon
Authors: Lüttecke K
Published: September 2014

In a double-blind crossover trial of three days duration on each drug, trimebutine in a dose of 200 mg three times daily was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving the symptoms of mild to moderate degrees of spastic colon (p<0.001).

The only side-effect necessitating discontinuation of treatment was one case of vomiting.
Prophylaxis of Adhesions with Trasylol in Cases of Perforated Appendicitis in Children
Authors: Perovic S , Maksimovic L J , Djaja M , Tonic L T
Published: September 2014

The anti-adhesive action of Trasylol (aprotinin) has been demonstrated in animal experiments. In clinical practice this positive anti-adhesive action could only be deduced based on the absence of complications reported. In the present report the authors describe the use of the anti-adhesive characteristics of Trasylol in the prevention of mechanical ileus following surgery for perforated appendicitis in children. Few reports on this subject have been published.

During a two year investigation period two groups of patients were selected for study. The first group included 58 patients to whom Trasylol was administered locally, in the peritoneal cavity, at a dose of 500,000 K.I.U. irrespective of the child's age. The second group of 112 patients received no such treatment. The difference in numbers between the two groups arises from the fact that the majority of surgeons do not use Trasylol. The anti-adhesive effect of the drug was evaluated by determining the incidence of mechanical ileus requiring treatment by surgical intervention in each of the two groups under study. Care has been taken to assess the influence of such factors as operative technique and antibiotic therapy in the outcome of the results of this study. Eleven cases of mechanical ileus were reported in the group receiving no Trasylol treatment and in four of these patients a second surgical intervention was required for recurrence of adhesive ileus. A slightly higher incidence of other post-operative complications, severe infections and dehiscence of the wound, was also noted in the untreated group. No cases of mechanical ileus were reported in the group of patients treated with Trasylol. In addition it is suggested that Trasylol may be of value in the attenuation of post-operative shock.
Antibacterial Activity of Sisomicin
Authors: Rossi A , Branca G , Manzara S , Morace G , Polonelli L , Spagnolo N , Tronci M
Published: September 2014

A study of the in vitro antibacterial activity of a new aminoglycoside, sisomicin, is reported. The results show no significant differences between the activity of sisomicin and gentamicin.
Temazepam (Euhypnos®) and Chlormethiazole: A Comparative Study in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Middleton R S W
Published: September 2014

The sleep-inducing properties and tolerance of temazepam formulated in solution in soft gelatine capsules were compared with chlormethiazole syrup in two groups of geriatric in-patients. Both compounds appeared to be safe, effective and well-tolerated, but significant differences in favour of temazepam were observed in quality and duration of sleep, ease of awakening and carry-over effects. This formulation of temazepam (Euhypnos®) would appear to be an ideal sleep-inducer for geriatric patients.
A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Extra-Amniotic Prostaglandin E2 and Intravenous Prostaglandin E2 for the Induction of Labour in Patients with Unripe Cervices
Authors: Iskander M N
Published: September 2014

In a study comparing intravenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with extra-amniotic PGE2 for the induction of labour, in patients with unfavourable induction features, we found no difference between the two methods in either safety or efficacy. However, we would not recommend the use of the extra-amniotic route as a routine method because of some technical difficulties.
Management of Acute Anxiety Syndrome with Parenterally Administered Lorazepam
Authors: Gómez-Lozano Pedro
Published: September 2014

After the preliminary successful use of injectable lorazepam in calming 20 patients who presented with acute anxiety crises, a formal study of 115 other such patients was carried out. All were seen either in a hospital emergency room or on an emergency out-patient basis in private practice. Treatment consisted of an initial intravenous injection of lorazepam (3 mg) followed, if necessary, by up to three further injections within a 24-hour period. The result was usually dramatic: complete abolition or reasonable control of symptoms within 30 minutes in all but 2 patients. The major effect was relaxant and sedative; 62 patients slept following the injections, although 55 could be easily aroused, 7 could not. Of the other patients, 49 remained awake but relaxed; only 4 remained tense and were regarded as treatment failures. No significant side-effects or changes in vital signs were noted. The results support and extend those reported by other investigators in a recent controlled, double-blind (but otherwise similarly conducted) trial.
Plasma Potassium in Hypertensive Africans on Frusemide
Authors: Adu D , Nkrumah K N , Larbi E B , Pobee J O M , Adjei D Ofori
Published: September 2014

The effects of potassium chloride (as Slow-K® 600 mg three times daily) and spironolactone (as A ldactone-A,® 25 mg four times daily) were compared in hypertensive African patients on frusemide. Mean plasma-potassium levels in patients on frusemide plus Slow-K® and frusemide plus Aldactone-A® rose from 3.6 to 3.8 mOsm/L whilst on frusemide alone mean plasma-potassium fell from 3.7 to 3.6 mOsm/L. The mean blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, was significantly reduced in the frusemide plus Aldactone-A® group when compared with patients on frusemide alone or on frusemide plus Slow-K®.