bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short- and Long-Term Effect of Nifedipine on the Visual Field in Patients with Presumed Vasospasm
Authors: Gasser P. , Flammer J.
Published: January 2017

It is assumed that the ocular circulation may be involved in the vasospastic syndrome and patients with vasospasm have visual field defects that are neither ophthalmologically nor neurologically explainable. A retrospective study showed that 20 mg sustained-release nifedipine treatment given orally may be helpful in these cases. There was a marked short-term effect in cases with proven peripheral vasospasms but not in similar cases without such vasospasms. The study also showed that the effect could last for up to 12 months when 20 mg nifedipine was given twice daily but the long-term effect was slightly less than the short-term effect. A number of patients had to discontinue nifedipine treatment due to side-effects.
Combined Ranitidine and Pirenzepine in the Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer: A Multicentre Double-Blind Study Using Endoscopy
Authors: Porro G. Bianchi , Lazzaroni M. , Mazzacca G. , Piai G. , Monte P.R. Dal , Colombo E. , Ferrara A. , Prada A. , Battocchia A. , Venturelli R. , Benvestito V. , Cipolletta L. , Iaquinto G. , Claar G.M. , Santoro L. , Cremonini R. , Bensi G.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of a combination of ranitidine and pirenzepine in the short-term treatment of duodenal ulcer was evaluated in a double-blind trial. In a multicentre study, 352 patients with active duodenal ulcers were randomly allocated to be treated with 300 mg/day ranitidine plus placebo (group I), 300 mg/day ranitidine plus 50 mg/day pirenzepine (group II), or 300 mg/day ranitidine plus 100 mg/day pirenzepine (group III) for 4 weeks. The respective healing rates assessed using endoscopic examination after 2 and 4 weeks' treatment were 40% and 70% in group I, 44% and 82% in group II, and 37% and 77% in group III. The differences between the treatment groups were not significant, although 300 mg/day ranitidine plus 50 mg/day pirenzepine tended to be superior to the other treatments. Analgesic activity was the same in the three groups with 33%, 34% and 33% reductions, respectively, in the numbers of patients experiencing pain after 2 weeks. Side-effects (mainly dry mouth and blurred vision) were significantly more frequent in group III patients.
The Efficacy of Bismuth Subsalicylate in Relieving Gastro-Intestinal Discomfort following Excessive Alcohol and Food Intake
Authors: Berkowitz J.M.
Published: January 2017

The safety and efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate in relieving the symptoms of gastro-intestinal distress due to excess ingestion of food and drink were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Of the 132 healthy adult volunteers who were encouraged to overindulge in food and drink during a simulated cocktail/dinner party, 91 (68.9%) experienced symptoms of gastric distress and of these 43 were randomly assigned to receive bismuth subsalicylate and 48 placebo. Subjects took the formulation as needed every 30–60 min, with a maximum of eight doses during the 24-h study period. Subjects who received bismuth subsalicylate had significantly superior relief ( P < 0.01) of the individual symptoms of nausea, sense of fullness, heartburn, eructation, stomach pain and flatulence, as well as superior overall relief ( P < 0.02). The time between the first doses of medication and the attainment of good or excellent relief was also significantly shorter ( P < 0.01) in the bismuth subsalicylate-treated subjects for the individual symptoms of nausea, sense of fullness, heartburn and eructation. There were no adverse reactions.
Effects of Ibudilast on Calcium Deposition in Soft Tissues of Rabbits with Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yasui M. , Ota K. , Oshima A.
Published: January 2017

The effects of 2.5 mg/kg·day ibudilast, with or without 300 mg/kg·day nicomol, or 10 mg/kg·day ibudilast on calcium and magnesium concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS), heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, abdominal aorta and bone were determined in rabbits fed a 1% cholesterol-rich diet for 3 months. Serum thromboxane B2 concentrations were reduced in rabbits treated with 10 mg/kg·day ibudilast or with 2.5 mg/kg·day ibudilast plus 300 mg/kg·day nicomol, and atherosclerotic lesions were ameliorated compared with untreated rabbits. Calcium concentrations in the frontal cortex and cerebellum were lower in ibudilast/nicomol-treated rabbits and in those fed a standard diet compared with those receiving a cholesterol-rich diet only. Calcium concentrations in the pons and abdominal aorta were also lower in ibudilast/nicomol-treated rabbits whereas the calcium concentrations in the cerebellum were lower in rabbits treated with either 2.5 or 20 mg/kg·day ibudilast. There were no significant changes in tissue magnesium concentrations after feeding a cholesterol-rich diet, with or without drug treatment. It is concluded that 2.5 mg/kg·day ibudilast plus 300 mg/kg·day nicomol or 10 mg/kg·day ibudilast produced a scavenger effect on calcium deposited in the CNS and abdominal aorta of rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet.
Combined 5-Fluorouracil, Adriamycin and Mitomycin C in the Management of Adenocarcinoma Metastasizing to the Liver from an Unknown Primary Site
Authors: Al-Idrissi H.Y.
Published: January 2017

A combination of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and mitomycin was used to treat patients with adenocarcinoma metastasizing only to the liver from an unknown primary site. Of the 29 evaluable patients, only three (10.3%) achieved short partial remission for 6–12 weeks and two (6.9%) patients were stabilized for 4 weeks. The partial responders demonstrated a short survival time of 10–22 weeks and the median survival of non-responders was 8 weeks, which was not significantly different from that of responders. It is concluded that, although treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site should be individualized, in general systemic chemotherapy for patients presenting with liver metastases is probably not justified.
A Comparative Clinical Trial of Duodenal Ulcer Healing with Two Regimens of Cimetidine: 800 mg Once Nightly and 400 mg Twice Daily
Authors: Arvanitakis C. , Nikopoulos A. , Theoharidis A. , Giannoulis E. , Tourkantonis A.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of two dosage regimens of cimetidine were compared in a single-blind study of 50 adults with endoscopically proven duodenal ulcers. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 800 mg cimetidine taken once nightly or 400 mg cimetidine taken twice daily for 4 weeks. Following 4 weeks' treatment patients again underwent endoscopy and, if healing was incomplete, they received a further 4 weeks' treatment. At 4 weeks, healing occurred in 21/25 (84%) patients on the once-daily regimen and in 15/25 (60%) patients treated twice daily ( P < 0.05). Cumulative healing rates after 8 weeks' treatment were 92% and 96%, respectively. Symptomatic improvement was obtained to the same degree with both regimens. No adverse effects were recorded and laboratory values remained normal during both treatments. The results indicate that cimetidine given as one dose each night was superior to the twice-daily regimen.
Investigation of the Effect of Ketotifen on Alcohol-Induced Asthma: A Case Study
Authors: Kurosawa M. , Kobayashi S.
Published: January 2017

A male patient with bronchial asthma suffered severe exacerbation of symptoms after drinking alcohol and this was not prevented by treatment with bronchodilators. After taking 1 mg ketotifen twice daily for nasal obstruction, within 1 month there was no longer any exacerbation of symptoms by alcohol. Blood samples were taken and peripheral eosinophils were purified and incubated with beer antigen. Using a chemiluminescence method, it was shown that pretreatment with ketotifen dose dependently inhibited the generation of the highly reactive oxygen metabolite superoxide (O2−) by the eosinophils. It is proposed that ketotifen prevented the alcoholexacerbated asthma attacks by inhibiting the release of tissuedamaging superoxide from eosinophils.
Intravenous Enprofylline in the Treatment of Patients with Acute Asthma
Authors: Youngchaiyud P. , Charoenratanakul S. , Nana A. , Wong E. , Laxmyr L. , Bamberg P.
Published: January 2017

The safety and efficacy of enprofylline were studied in 55 moderately severe asthmatic patients [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) no more than 50% of predicted values] presenting with an acute attack. A bolus injection of 1.5 mg/kg enprofylline was given over 20 min and then maintenance infusion of 0.4 mg/kg·h enprofylline for up to 24 h. On admission, 200 mg hydrocortisone was administered intravenously and additional oxygen and/or inhaled β2-agonist therapy was permitted after 1 h; this additional therapy was given to 39 patients. The bolus injection increased the PEFR from 121 ± 44 1/min to 164 ± 491/min at 20 min, with a further improvement during the maintenance infusion to 200 ± 79 1/min at 24 h. Heart rate and blood pressure decreased towards normal in parallel with the improvement in lung function. The mean steady-state enprofylline plasma concentration was slightly higher than predicted. The mean renal clearance and recovery of enprofylline from urine were in good agreement with results previously obtained from healthy Caucasian subjects.
Clinical Evaluation of Tulobuterol Aerosol in Childhood Asthma
Authors: Sienra-Monge J.J. , Graham-Zapata L.F. , Rio-Navarro B.E. Del
Published: January 2017

An open clinical trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of 400 μg tulobuterol aerosol given four times daily in childhood bronchial asthma. A total of 54 children were enrolled with bronchial asthma shown to be reversible by an increase of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of more than 15% following 200 (μg of salbutamol. Tulobuterol was administered for 3 weeks and regular use of salbutamol was continued for 12 patients during the 7-day lead-in period and six patients took theophylline throughout the study; other drugs were discontinued. The mean FEV1, mean adjusted FEV1, mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and mean forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly increased ( P < 0.001) following treatment. Mean FEV1 increases ranged from 9.2% to 14.0%, with 24.5 – 43.4% of patients showing clinically significant increases of at least 15%. Globally, there was improvement in 46 patients (85%). Headache and nervous system complaints were the most common side-effects. Although this was an uncontrolled study, the indications are that tulobuterol aerosol is effective and safe for use in children with asthma.
A Multicentre Study of Tenoxicam for the Treatment of Osteo-Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in General Practice
Authors: Langdon C.G. , Moran D.G. , Jamieson V. , Spence S. , Hill S.A.
Published: January 2017

A study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of 20 mg/day tenoxicam given orally for 12 weeks in a general practice setting in a broad range of patients suffering from osteo-arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The group of 2963 patients was recruited from 252 general practices. Some patients (60%) continued treatment into the long-term phase of the trial, beyond 12 weeks, whereas other patients (31%) elected to continue treatment beyond 52 weeks. There was a reduction in the number of patients recording pain and stiffness over the course of the study. Adverse events were typical of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with no unexpected or unusual side-effects. It is concluded that tenoxicam can be recommended for use in osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lipoproteins in the Elderly
Authors: Kirby B.
Published: January 2017

Changes in lipid metabolism with age result in lower total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations. There is no evidence that longevity and lipid profiles are influenced by genetic make-up. It is difficult to establish an optimum total serum cholesterol in the elderly but values established in younger subjects give a guide. High-density lipoprotein may be even more protective in the elderly and could turn out to be a better predictor of coronary disease. Screening for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia should be carried out in the elderly. Although death is an inevitable fact, intervention in, for example, recently retired, apparently disease-free subjects is important. The first approach should be the introduction of changes in life style (increased exercise, stopping smoking, improved diet). Drugs may also be introduced if these interventions fail. Although drug therapy in the elderly may pose immediate problems due to poor renal and hepatic function, the adverse effects of long-term use have less relevance in the elderly.
Azithromycin: An Interim Analysis
Authors: Ball A.P.
Published: January 2017

Azithromycin, a novel azalide antibiotic structurally related to erythromycin, has been shown by in vitro studies to have similar activity to erythromycin against Gram-positive pathogens but additionally to have increased activity against some Gram-negative bacteria, notably Haemophilus influenzae. Azithromycin achieves excellent concentrations in tissues, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and alveolar macrophages, and has a prolonged tissue elimination half-life. These properties suggest that short-course, once-daily treatment regimens will be appropriate for a variety of bacterial infections, including those of the respiratory tract, skin and soft tissues. The results of a series of clinical trials using such a regimen are reviewed. It is concluded that azithromycin is clinically and bacteriologically effective in these indications and is well tolerated when compared with regimens using standard antibiotics.
Prostaglandin E1 and Tracheal Intubation: Relationship between the Cardiovascular Responses and Plasma Catecholamine Concentrations
Authors: Mikawa K. , Maekawa N. , Goto R. , Yaku H. , Takao Y. , Nishina K. , Obara H.
Published: January 2017

A study was carried out on 30 normotensive patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1) to investigate whether or not a suppressive effect of 0.3 or 0.6 μg/kg prostaglandin E1 on the hypertensive response to tracheal intubation was due to inhibition of the increase in plasma catecholamine concentrations following the stressful stimulation. A total of 30 patients in three groups underwent elective surgery. Anaesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg sodium thiopentone given intravenously and tracheal intubation was facilitated by 0.2 mg/kg vecuronium. Either saline (group A) or 0.3 (group B) or 0.6 μg/kg (group C) prostaglandin E1 was administered intravenously 15 s before direct laryngoscopy (lasting 30 s) which was attempted 2 min after administering thiopentone and vecuronium. All groups exhibited significant ( P < 0.05) increases in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, rate – pressure product and plasma noradrenaline concentrations following tracheal intubation, but the increases in mean arterial blood pressure and rate – pressure product were significantly ( P < 0.05) less in groups B and C than in group A. Prostaglandin E1, however, enhanced the increase in plasma noradrenaline concentrations following intubation. Data suggest that attenuation of the pressor response to intubation by prostaglandin E1, may not be due to inhibition of the noradrenaline release stimulated by intubation but to inhibition of noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction.
Effects of Bifemelane on Calcium and Magnesium Deposition in the Central Nervous System Tissues of Rats Maintained on Low-Calcium Diets
Authors: Yasui M. , Tsuda T. , Ota K.
Published: January 2017

The effects of bifemelane [4-( o-benzylphenoxy)- N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride] on the deposition of calcium and magnesium in central nervous system (CNS) tissues, heart, liver, kidney, muscle, abdominal aorta and bones were studied in rats maintained on standard and low-calcium diets. Rats were maintained for 90 days on the following diets: standard calcium (12.5 g/kg diet); standard with 100 mg/kg bifemelane; low-calcium (30 mg/kg diet); and low-calcium with bifemelane. The presence of bifemelane did not affect blood chemistry, but the magnesium concentration in the cerebellum was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in rats receiving standard diet after bifemelane treatment. Magnesium concentrations in the pons, cerebellum, spinal cord, heart, liver and femur of bifemelane-treated rats fed low-calcium diets were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher compared with the corresponding controls, whereas the calcium concentration in the liver was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower. In general, bifemelane tended to decrease calcium deposition in the CNS and soft tissues of rats fed standard or low-calcium diets. Bifemelane may activate cerebral metabolism and maintain magnesium concentrations in the CNS and soft tissues, and be implicated in metal metabolism in rats fed low-calcium diets.
Special Natural Cartilage Polysaccharides for the Treatment of Sun-Damaged Skin in Females
Authors: Eskelinin A , Santalahti J
Published: January 2017

In the present double-blind investigation, the effects of a new formulation of natural cartilage polysaccharides on sun-damaged skin were studied in women aged 40 – 60 years. A group of 15 women were treated orally with 500 mg/day active substance (Vivida®) for 90 days and a second group of 15 women received 500 mg/day placebo for 90 days. Clinical examinations after 45 and 90 days' treatment showed significant improvements in skin condition in the actively treated group but not in the placebo group ( P < 0.001). In the Vivida®-treated patients, the epidermal thickness increased after 90 days from 0.11 mm to 0.29 mm, dermal thickness from 0.74 mm to 1.39 mm, skin elasticity index from 44% to 73% and the erythemal index decreased from 0.301 to 0.205. No changes were observed in the placebo group and no adverse effects were reported by either treatment group.

La présente étude, réalisée en double aveugle, a évalué chez des femmes âgées de 40 à 60 ans les effets d'une nouvelle combinaison de polysaccharides du cartilage sur la peau ayant subi des lésions dues au soleil. Un groupe de 15 femmes a été traité pendant 90 jours par 500 mg par jour per os de substance active (Vivida®). Un second groupe de 15 femmes a reçu 500 mg par jour de placebo pendant 90 jours. Les examens cliniques après 45 et 90 jours de traitement ont montré des améliorations significatives de l'état de la peau dans le groupe traité par le médicament actif, mais pas dans le groupe traité par placebo ( P < 0,001). Chez les patients traités par Vivida®, l'épaisseur de l'épidermie était passée de 0,11 mm à 0,29 mm après 90 jours, celle du derme de 0,74 mm à 1,39 mm; l'indice d'élasticité de la peau était passé de 44% à 73% et l'indice d'érythème s'était abaissé de 0,301 à 0,205. Aucun changement n'a été observé dans le groupe placebo, et aucun effet secondaire n'a été noté dans les deux groupes.
Modification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors during Antihypertensive Treatment: A Multicentre Trial with Quinapril
Authors: Manzato E , Capurso A , Crepaldi G
Published: January 2017

A large multicentre study involving 6003 [3044 males, 2959 females; mean (± SD) age 59 ± 11 years] mild-to-severe hypertensive patients was carried out to evaluate the effects of the angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor quinapril on blood pressure and on metabolic cardiovascular risk factors during 3 − 6 months' treatment (mean follow-up 90.4 days). The study population included 551 elderly [mean (± SD) age 71.9 ± 9.3 years] patients, 1314 subjects with diabetes mellitus and 154 non-diabetic patients with hyperlipaemia; 4% of patients were lost to follow-up. Diastolic blood pressure decreased from 102 to 87 mmHg (intent-to-treat analysis) and 62% of patients were normalized (diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg) at the last evaluable visit. Overall, serum lipids were favourably affected during quinapril treatment; when corrected for changes in body weight, a significant improvement in total, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides was detected. Quinapril treatment in elderly patients was efficacious and well tolerated, and quinapril appears to be an effective antihypertensive drug devoid of untoward effects on metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Superior Mesenteric Varices and Splenic Renal Shunt with Portal Hypertension: A Case Report of Liver Cirrhosis with Complications
Authors: Kaji T , Tamura J , Matsumoto M , Hoshino K , Takeuchi T , Sato S , Murakami H , Yano S , Naruse T
Published: January 2017

The case of a 58-year old woman with cirrhosis complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic encephalopathy and superior mesenteric varices is described. Angiography revealed large superior mesenteric varices and it was demonstrated that the portal venous blood was shunted into the right internal iliac vein via the right ovarian vein. Clinically, this patient had hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonaemia, but no oesophageal varices were discovered on endoscopy. The hepatic encephalopathy suggested that the portal blood containing ammonium from the superior mesenteric vein entered the brain through the systemic vein without the ammonia being metabolized by the liver.
Aetiology of Gastroenteritis at a Major Referral Centre in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Akhter J , Burdette J Markley , Qadri S M Hussain , Myint S H
Published: January 2017

To determine the causes of gastroenteritis at a major referral centre in Saudi Arabia, retrospective study was carried out on 58,110 fresh stools from 42,035 patients. Examination of stool specimens for pathogens was based on the clinical judgement of the physician responsible, so that all specimens were not tested for the presence of all pathogen groups. Bacterial enteropathogens were found in 7.7% of patients; Salmonella species (51.7%) were found to be the most frequent pathogens followed by Campylobacter jejuni (28%) and Shigella species (14.9%). Protozoan or metazoan parasites were detected in 27.8% of patients examined, the most common being Giardia lamblia and Hymenolepsis nana. Of the patients tested for viruses in stool, 14.1% had rotavirus, 5.3% adenovirus, 1.2% small round viruses and 0.3% coronavirus. Clostridium difficile toxin was also found in 9.5% of patients examined.
Impairment of Ristocetin-Induced Platelet Aggregation in Patients with Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Matsumoto M , Murakami H , Matsushima T , Tamura J , Sadakata H , Narahara N , Sawamura M , Naruse T , Tsvchiya J
Published: January 2017

An investigation was carried out on two patients with infective endocarditis associated with reduction of ristocetin-induced aggregation of platelets. The plasma of these patients reduced the aggregability with ristocetin of normal platelets. It is suggested that the patients had certain plasma factors which disturbed platelet aggregation with ristocetin.
Microalbuminuria: Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Management
Authors: Panayiotou B N
Published: January 2017

The development in recent years of sensitive assays specific for albumin has facilitated extensive investigation of the pathophysiology and clinical significance of microalbuminuria. It is now clear that the appearance of microalbuminuria represents a crucial event in the natural histories of diabetes mellitus and essential hypertension. It reflects the presence of generalized vascular damage and is strongly predictive of subsequent renal failure, cardiovascular morbidity, and death. Therapeutic interventions, including strict diabetic and blood-pressure control, can reduce microalbuminuria and improve the overall prognosis. The detection and treatment of microalbuminuria in these high-risk groups should now form an integral part of their management. Large-scale screening programmes are also recommended for insulin-dependent diabetics.
A Multiple-Dose, Double-Blind Comparison of Intramuscularly and Orally Administered Ketorolac Tromethamine and Ketogan® in Patients with Pain following Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Gebuhr P H , Soelberg M , Strauss W
Published: January 2017

In this multiple-dose, double-blind study 100 patients with moderate, severe or very severe pain following orthopaedic surgery were randomly assigned to receive ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with potent analgesic properties (10 mg), or the standard regimen of Ketogan® (a combination product containing the narcotic analgesic, ketobemidone, plus a spasmolytic agent) by intramuscular injection every 1 – 6 h as needed for pain. When patients were able to tolerate an oral diet and were expected to respond to oral analgesic medication, based on overall pain sensitivity, they were switched to oral doses of the same medication every 4 – 6 h as needed. A maximum of four daily doses of medication was allowed for up to 10 days. The severity of pain was scored on a five-point scale and was recorded before the first intramuscular dose, at fixed time points therafter for up to 6 h and at the end of each day. Both treatments were effective immediately after the first dose and during the subsequent multiple-dose phase. There were no statistically significant differences between ketorolac and Ketogan®. The results show that 10-mg doses of ketorolac in intramuscular injections followed by 10-mg doses of oral ketorolac are as effective as Ketogan® for the treatment of pain following orthopaedic surgery. Ketorolac appears to be better tolerated than Ketogan® since significantly fewer patients reported adverse events ( P = 0.004) when taking ketorolac.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Nabumetone in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: An Open Trial
Authors: Dallah S K Ben , Lenghi M
Published: January 2017

Nabumetone is the first of a new alkalone class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with a lower propensity for gastric irritation than either aspirin or indomethacin. The efficacy and tolerability of nabumetone was studied in 75 patients suffering from acute or chronic osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The efficacy of treatment with 1 g nabumetone daily for 8 weeks was very good. Both swelling and effusion were completely resolved in all patients at the end of 4 weeks. Improvements in functional capacity, restriction of movement and pain were seen in 43 – 73% of patients at week 2 and in 72 – 92% at week 4. The overall response was subjectively assessed at week 8 as excellent or good in 83% of cases both by the patients and by the investigators. Nabumetone was particularly well tolerated; no adverse events or changes in laboratory values were reported.
Ergoloids and Ischaemic Strokes; Efficacy and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Elwan O , Helmy AA , Tamawy ME , Naseer MA , Banhawy IE , Kader AAA , Elwan F
Published: January 2017

In this double-blind, randomized study the efficacy of the ergoloid compounds, co-dergocrine mesylate and nicergoline, in the rehabilitation of patients with ischaemic stroke was investigated. A group of 30 patients was treated daily with 60 mg nicergoline, orally, and a second group of 27 patients was given 1.8 – 6 mg co-dergocrine mesylate, orally or intramuscularly, daily (depending on the time since the initial ischaemic insult) for 6 months. Outcome measures included: motoricity index (limb function); Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric (SCAG) scale; psychometric tests to assess functions such as attention, psychomotor performance, perception and sensory and short-term memory; conventional and computerized electroencephalography; and P300 and reaction time measures. The results showed improvements in some aspects such as limb function ( P < 0.05), SCAG score ( P < 0.01) and some electrophysiological parameters ( P < 0.01) after treatment with both drugs. Though statistically significant most of the changes were not large. The efficacy of both drugs was qualitatively similar. The quantitative difference in some aspects in favour of nicergoline could be attributed to differences in the mechanisms of action of the two drugs, although it is also possible that the difference may reflect the dosages used. Nootropic drugs may induce a condition that facilitates the effects of cognitive training.
Astemizole-D Causes Less Sleep Impairment than Loratadine-D
Authors: Janssens M M-L , Lins R L
Published: January 2017

This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group trial was initiated to evaluate and compare the tolerability of once-daily astemizole-D capsules (10 mg astemizole/240 mg pseudoephedrine) and twice-daily loratadine-D tablets (5 mg loratadine/120 mg pseudoephedrine), with particular reference to the impact of treatment on quality of sleep. A total of 240 healthy volunteers participated in this study with a treatment duration of 3 days. Astemizole-D consistently produced less sleep impairment than loratadine-D with statistically significant differences in favour of astemizole-D reported for night-time waking on days 4 and 5 ( P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively), as well as for night-time restlessness on day 4 and the total score for all sleep parameters on day 4 ( P < 0.05). Global evaluations of overall sleep quality at the end of the trial also revealed some statistically significant differences in favour of astemizole-D. Both drugs were well tolerated and there were no differences in the incidence and type of adverse events reported in the two treatment groups. Slight changes in heart rate and blood-pressure were observed in both treatment groups, but these were small and were not considered to be of clinical significance. In conclusion, once-daily astemizole-D is well tolerated and appears to cause less sleep impairment than twice-daily loratadine-D.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Levodropropizine and Dropropizine in Children with Non-Productive Cough
Authors: Banderali G , Riva E , Fiocchi A , Cordaro C I , Giovannini M
Published: January 2017

The antitussive efficacy and tolerability of dropropizine and of its enantiomer levodropropizine were evaluated in children with non-productive cough; 258 were evaluable for tolerability and 254 for efficacy. Patients randomly received either 1 mg/kg dropropizine or 2 mg/kg levodropropizine orally, three times daily for 3 days. There were statistically significant decreases in the frequency of coughing spells and nocturnal awakenings after both levodropropizine and dropropizine treatments ( P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms were mild in the two groups; somnolence was twice as frequent in the dropropizine group (10.3% vs 5.3%) and the difference is clinically relevant, though not statistically significant. Levodropropizine is as effective as an antitussive as dropropizine, but appears to carry a lower risk of daytime somnolence.
Pregnancy by Tubal Insemination in Rabbits Using Sperm Cells Capacitated In Vitro
Authors: Kanayama K , Osada H , Nariai K , Endo T
Published: January 2017

It has been suggested that the mechanical interference involved in inserting a tube into the oviduct before ovulation, during tubal insemination, may impair the capacity of the tubal fimbriae to pick up ovulated eggs. When fresh sperm cells are used, the semen has to be injected into the oviduct before ovulation to allow time for sperm capacitation. In the present study in rabbits, sperm cells capacitated by pre-incubation in vitro were injected into the oviducts through the tubal fimbriae after ovulation. Two of the six rabbits inseminated became pregnant and gave birth to one and three offspring, respectively. Injecting capacitated sperm cells after ovulation may avoid the potential problems posed by mechanical damage of the tubal fimbriae.
Sensitivity to Antibacterials of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Different Types of Skin Infections
Authors: Nishijima S , Namura S , Nakagawa M , Kurokawa I , Kawabata S
Published: January 2017

We examined the antibacterial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from several types of skin infections, which were classified into four groups: (i) impetigo, (ii) folliculitis, (iii) atopic dermatitis and eczema and (iv) ulcers and decubitus. The 50% minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of the antibacterial agents was 3.13 μg/ml or lower, except that of gentamicin with isolates from the impetigo groups (25 μg/ml). The MIC90 of gentamicin was 50 μg/ml or more for isolates from all four groups. The isolates from the ulcers and decubitus group showed multiple resistance against antibacterial agents. The frequency of methicillin-resistant S. aureus was low, but was highest, at 25%, in the isolates from the ulcers and decubitus group. Few isolates from the atopic dermatitis and eczema group were resistant, and there was little difference in antibacterial resistance between isolates from atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Sensitivity to Antibacterials of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Skin Infections: A Comparison of Two Hospitals
Authors: Nishijima S , Namura S , Nakagawa M , Kurokawa I , Kawabata S
Published: January 2017

We compared the sensitivities to antibacterials of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin infections in two hospitals of different sizes. There were differences between the two hospitals in the proportions of the strains isolated that were resistant to certain drugs, and these differences may be related to the patterns of drug use at each hospital. The differences in the patterns of drug use at each hospital may be due to the types of infections encountered and/or the ages of the patients, both of which differed greatly. The proportions of resistant strains may also be related to differences in the proportions of in-patients.
Transdermal Nitroglycerine in the Management of Pain Associated with Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Multinational Pilot Study
Authors: Ré O ,   The Transdermal Nitroglycerine/Dysmenorrhoea Study Group (See appendix for list of investigators' names and addresses)
Published: January 2017

Endogenous nitric oxide mediates smooth-muscle relaxation with subsequent vasodilatation in the vascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tissues. Transdermal nitroglycerine (a nitric oxide donor) has been found effective in inhibiting uterine contractility during premature labour. Sixty-five women with histories of moderate-to-severe pain associated with menses were treated with nitroglycerine patches that delivered 0.2 or 0.1 mg/h. Patches were applied as necessary during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle for up to three consecutive cycles. Pain intensity was assessed at baseline and at 30 min and at 1, 2 and 4 h after patch application. Most patients obtained pain relief with the first dose of the first day. Pain relief was satisfactory to excellent in 90% of the patients. Headache was reported by 20% of the patients, most often in patients using two consecutive patches. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is underway in an attempt to confirm the above findings.
Trimebutine: Mechanism of Action, Effects on Gastrointestinal Function and Clinical Results
Authors: Delvaux M , Wingate D
Published: January 2017

The actions of trimebutine [3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 2-(dimethylamino)-2-phenylbutylester] on the gastrointestinal tract are mediated via (i) an agonist effect on peripheral μ, k and δ opiate receptors and (ii) release of gastrointestinal peptides such as motilin and modulation of the release of other peptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin and glucagon. Trimebutine accelerates gastric emptying, induces premature phase III of the migrating motor complex in the intestine and modulates the contractile activity of the colon. Recently, trimebutine has also been shown to decrease reflexes induced by distension of the gut lumen in animals and it may therefore modulate visceral sensitivity. Clinically, trimebutine has proved to be effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic abdominal pain in patients with functional bowel disorders, especially irritable bowel syndrome, at doses ranging from 300 to 600 mg/day. It is also effective in children presenting with abdominal pain.
Effect of Keigai-Rengyo-To, a Japanese Kampo Medicine, on Neutrophil Functions: A Possible Mechanism of Action of Keigai-Rengyo-To in Acne
Authors: Akamatsu H , Asada Y , Horio T
Published: January 2017

On the basis of recent reports that keigai-rengyo-to (TJ-50), an oral Japanese Kampo (herb) medicine, is clinically effective in treating acne, and that tetracyclines are effective against acne by acting directly as an antioxidant on infiltrated neutrophils, we investigated the effect of TJ-50 on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), using human neutrophils and a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. The species investigated were superoxide radical anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH·). In addition, neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i in neutrophils were also assessed. TJ-50 significantly decreased neutrophil-generated O2-, H2O2 and OH· in a dose-dependent manner. Three kinds of ROS generated in the cell-free system were also reduced in the presence of TJ-50. On the other hand, the medicine did not markedly affect neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis or [Ca2+]i in neutrophils. Our results indicate that the clinical effectiveness of TJ-50 in the treatment of acne may be due partly to its antioxidant action on infiltrated neutrophils.
Lack of Association between Vigabatrin and Impaired Cognition
Authors: Monaco F , Torta R , Cicolin A , Borio R , Varetto A , Bergamasco L , Vighetti S
Published: January 2017

Of 14 patients with a history of partial epilepsy who received vigabatrin 2 g daily for 6 months, eight were newly diagnosed and received vigabatrin as monotherapy, while the remaining six received vigabatrin in addition to pre-existing treatment with phenobarbitone. Neurophysiological and neuropsychological evaluations, done before and after the therapeutic period, included the Luria-Nebraska neuropsychological battery (LNNB), electroencephalograms (EEGs) and evoked potentials. The results for each item of the test battery at baseline were compared with those after 6 months' treatment. There were no statistically significant differences on the functional scales of the LNNB, the EEG or the evoked potentials. There was a significant improvement ( P = 0.01) in the LNNB topographic scales for the right frontal lobe and the motor-sensory area following treatment. These results indicate that vigabatrin has no detrimental effects on cognitive function and may improve function.
Reduction of Hamster Egg Abnormalities in Repeatedly Induced Ovulation by Using the Minimum Effective Dose of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin
Authors: Kanayama K , Osada H , Endo T
Published: January 2017

The minimum dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin needed to induce ovulation was determined in hamsters, in which the luteinizing hormone surge was blocked by administration of phenobarbitone. Doses of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin were injected subcutaneously, and 5.0 IU was found to be the minimum dose needed to induce ovulation in all of a group of seven hamsters. When this minimum dose was used to induce ovulation repeatedly, one, two or three times, in groups of seven hamsters the percentages of abnormal eggs seen were 5.3%, 5.6% and 6.4%, respectively. These results indicate that the marked increases in the proportions of abnormal eggs produced when ovulation is repeatedly induced, which have been observed in previous studies, can be prevented by using the minimum effective dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin.
A Rare Case of Pituitary Hyperplasia with Suprasellar Extension due to Primary Myxoedema: Case Report
Authors: Yamagishi S , Yokoyama-Ohta M
Published: January 2017

The development of pituitary tumours as a consequence of primary target organ failure is rare. We report here a rare case of pituitary hyperplasia with suprasellar extension due to primary myxoedema. This case presentation suggested the importance of detailed endocrine investigation and repeated magnetic resonance imaging for the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Aberrant Nerve Fibre Bundles in the Retina of the Dog
Authors: Weisse I. , Seitz R. , Frese K.
Published: January 2017

Systematic ophthalmoscopic examinations of 2 511 Beagles, test animals in 72 long-term toxicological studies, showed archiform thin white stripes in the fundi of 98 animals (3.9%). The stripes occurred in one or both eyes in the non-tapetal fundus of the two lower quadrants. Examinations of the fundus of some dogs by fluorescence angiography and ophthalmoscopy with red-free light showed that these fibriform stripes were in the retina. Histological examination showed these stripes to be nerve fibre bundles (5–120 axons) lying at the ganglion cell layer. The ultrastructure of the fibres did not differ from that of the nonmyelinated neurites of the fibre layer. The stripes may be retinal nerve fibres with a normal structure but could be distinguished from fibres of the nerve fibre layer by their intraretinal location and by their course.
Naturally-Occurring Sendai Virus Infection of Athymic Nude Mice
Authors: Ward J. M. , Houchens D. P. , Collins M. J. , Young D. M. , Reagan R. L.
Published: January 2017

Nude (nu/nu) mice, Balb/c-derived, responded to a naturally-occurring Sendai virus infection in a different manner than conventional mice. They developed a chronic debilitating disease and a persistent viral infection of the respiratory tract with intranuclear inclusion bodies in tracheal, bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, laryngeal and tracheal glandular epithelium and in type I and II alveolar cells. The infection was identified by serologic and tissue culture studies, the mouse antibody production test and ultrastructural examination of pulmonary lesions. Phlebitis of pulmonary veins, suppurative rhinitis and otitis media accompanied the viral infection while some mice developed a secondary bronchopneumonia.
Mycobacterium avium Abortion in a Sow
Authors: Ellsworth S. R. , Kirkbride C. A. , Johnson D. D. , Vorhies M. W.
Published: January 2017

A 2-year-old sow aborted her entire near-term litter of 11. Gross and histologic examination of a fetus suggested a tuberculous infection, and a yellow-pigmented Mycobacterium avium serotype 1 was subsequently isolated from the fetal tissue. Efforts to rebreed the sow were unsuccessful. She was anergic to skin tests with purified protein derivative of M. avium on two occasions but had M. avium specific in vitro lymphocyte immunostimulation. Gross granulomatous lesions were found in the liver, kidneys, and endometrium when the sow was necropsied 5 months after the abortion. Histologic examination showed diffuse and focal non-encapsulated granulomas in lymph nodes, tonsils, kidney, liver, spleen, lung, and uterine and vaginal walls. There were a few encapsulated calcified foci in the endometrium. The centers of some granulomas in the tonsils, liver, kidneys, and some lymph nodes were caseated. The yellow-pigmented M. avium was isolated from the reproductive organs and from 11 of 12 other tissues cultured.
Histochemical and Morphometric Evaluation of Skeletal Muscle of Cachectic Sheep
Authors: Hulland T. J.
Published: January 2017

Skeletal muscle of sheep was examined histochemically in an attempt to define muscle fiber populations capable of distinctive biological behavior. ATPase at alkaline and acid pH, NADH-TR, and succinic dehydrogenase showed at least 12 fiber types, but only three often enough to be considered biologically important muscle fiber populations. The proportions of the three major types altered during early life, but not perceptibly during adult life. Proportions of Type I and Type II fibers were different, sometimes significantly, from breed to breed.

Histochemical techniques and morphometric analyses of fiber cross-sectional area were used to study muscle fiber changes in moderate to marked cachectic atrophy. Progressive reduction of gross muscle volume was attended by complex interrelationships between the two major muscle fiber types, including alternate episodes of atrophy and hypertrophy, resulting in marked inequality of mean fiber size between the fiber types. The patterns appeared to be different but characteristic for each muscle. The usual pattern of cachectic atrophy shows atrophy resistance of Type I fibers, but here a Type II-dominant atrophy also was seen. It is concluded that the large muscle fibers often seen in advanced cachectic atrophy are those Type I fibers that are more labile in both atrophy and hypertrophy than most.
Feline Insular Amyloid: Incidence in Adult Cats with No Clinicopathologic Evidence of Overt Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yano B. L. , Hayden D. W. , Johnson K. H.
Published: January 2017

Pancreatic tissues from 93 adult domestic cats with no clinicopathologic evidence of overt diabetes mellitus were examined for islet amyloid. Amyloid deposits were found in the pancreatic islets of 44 cats. Approximately one-third of these deposits were not seen with HE, but subsequently were identified with Congo red stain. The proportion of islets with amyloid, the intra-islet location of amyloid, and the amount of amyloid in individual islets also were characterized. In this select population of adult cats, the presence or absence of islet amyloid was not linked significantly (p = > 0.05) to age, breed, sex or primary anatomic diagnosis. Results of this study indicate that: the incidence of islet amyloid in cats is higher than previously recognized; as in man, islet amyloid can occur in cats without concurrent overt diabetes mellitus; and islet amyloid should not be considered pathognomonic for diabetes mellitus.
Data Management for the International Registry of Reproductive Pathology Using SNOMED Coding and Computerization
Authors: Cordes D. O. , Limer K. L. , McEntee K.
Published: January 2017

The International Registry of Reproductive Pathology contains more than 19,000 case records. It is indexed with the aid of Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) codes and the MUMPS-11 interactive computer language. A package of programs was developed to maintain an index file of cases in the collection and to produce for each species a printed list of case numbers for every combination of topography, morphology and etiology. The printed disease data from the computer are in English with corresponding SNOMED code numbers and relevant case numbers.
Hematology of Experimental Acute Sarcocystis bovicanis Infection in Calves. I. Cellular and Serologic Changes
Authors: Fayer R. , Prasse K. W.
Published: January 2017

Of four Holstein-Friesian calves infected with 200,000 sporocysts of Sarcocystis bovicanis, three became ill and died on days 35, 55, and 59 of a 63-day experiment. No control calves became ill or died. Three of the four infected calves developed normocytic normochromic anemia with about a 50% decrease in hemoglobin concentration on days 25 through 35, and had hyperbilirubinemia from day 25 or 26 to death (day 35); this disappeared when the anemia stabilized in surviving calves. Packed cell volume increased slowly after day 35 in the surviving anemic calves. Indirect and direct Coombs' tests were negative throughout the experiment in the control and infected calves. A reduction in numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes paralleled the crisis of anemia in the infected calves. Serum antibody titers to S. bovicanis antigen were increased substantially in all infected calves 35 days or more after inoculation.
A Leukoencephalomyelopathy of Rottweiler Dogs
Authors: Gamble D. A. , Chrisman C. L.
Published: January 2017

Two adult rottweiler dogs were evaluated for slowly progressive ataxia and paresis of all four limbs of over seven months duration. On neurologic examination, signs referable to a lesion in the cervical spinal cord affecting motor and sensory white matter tracts were found. Both dogs were necropsied and were found to have demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord, brain stem, and deep cerebellar white matter. Primary morphologic alterations were intact naked axons and thinly myelinated axons accompanied by reactive astrogliosis. The spinal cord lesions tended to have bilateral symmetry and were found in the lateral funiculi and occasionally in the dorsal funiculi. The cause and pathogenesis of the lesion were not determined.