bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Bromazepam on Psychomotor Activity and Subjective Mood
Authors: Hobi V , Dubach U C , Skreta M , Forgo J , Riggenbach H
Published: January 2017

The effects of short-term (acute) doses of bromazepam were studied in a double-blind trial with the aid of three dosage groups comprising a total of fifty-five healthy male medical students (who received placebo, and 1.5 mg or 3.0 mg bromazepam, respectively). Subjective well-being was recorded through self-ratings by the volunteers, and the variables of psychomotor function by standard testing instruments.

In terms of subjective well-being, fatigue and decreased performance (statistically confirmed throughout) were reported by the probands in all three dosage groups after they were administered either the drug or placebo. None of the dose-effect relationships were statistically significant, although this trend was more pronounced, purely in quantitative terms, in the group that received 3 mg bromazepam than in either the placebo or the 1.5 mg bromazepam group.

In the reaction time test and in critical flicker frequency (CFF) testing, the trend mentioned above was confirmed.

In the attentiveness and memory span test, learning effects were statistically confirmed in equally uniform fashion. The action of the substance was again not statistically significant.

It may be concluded from this that subjective, and also in part objective, fatigue and decreased performance were related to the type of trial design employed, and not, generally speaking, to the action of the substance. However, again independently of the drug's activity, statistical confirmation was obtained of improved performance and/or learning activity in three variables of the alertness testing apparatus. Variables of driving ability were not adversely affected, but – if anything – stabilized.

Our investigation studied the single-dose schedules of bromazepam – viz. 1.5 mg and 3 mg – that are most commonly prescribed for patients.

The subacute and personality-related effects of the drug will be the subject of a later report.
Double-Blind Evaluation of Domperidone in Acute Vomiting and Dyspeptic Disorders
Authors: Agorastos I , Zissis N P , Kaprinis I , Goulis G
Published: January 2017

The anti-emetic effects of domperidone were evaluated under double-blind conditions in twenty-four patients with acute vomiting randomly assigned to treatment either with 10 mg i.m. domperidone (six females, five males) or with placebo (seven females, six males). The therapeutic results were better with domperidone and the differences from placebo were statistically significant (p < 0.02).

In a second randomized, crossover, double-blind trial, domperidone (10 mg t.i.d.) evaluated according to a nine-symptom rating scale, in eighteen dyspeptic patients, proved significantly more effective than placebo. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks and the drugs were crossed-over after 3 weeks. The difference between the two groups was most marked during the second phase of the trial.

No side-effects were reported.
A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of Four Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Authors: Rapaport Marvin
Published: January 2017

A total of 199 patients were selected for a comparison of the anti-dandruff efficacy of four shampoos. After a 2-week lead-in (all patients used only Johnson's Baby Shampoo twice weekly) the patients were randomly assigned to Selsun Blue®, Head & Shoulders®, Flex®, or Tegrin®. The test preparation, which was unknown to the observer, was used twice weekly for 4 weeks. Loose and adherent dandruff were each rated on a scale of 0 to 20 (absent to severe) at the end of the lead-in (when a total score of 15 was required), and each week of study. The mean total pre-study score for all subjects was 19.5. At the end of the study the mean improvement scores were: 162 (Selsun Blue), 14.6 (Head & Shoulders), 13.5 (Flex), and 13.1 (Tegrin). The improvement was significantly greater (p < 0.05) on Selsun Blue than on any of the other shampoos. At the end of the study significantly (p < 0.05) more patients had total scores of zero on Selsun Blue (15) than on Tegrin or Head & Shoulders. In addition, the rate of improvement was significantly (p < 0.05) faster with Selsun Blue than with any of the other test preparations.
An Acute Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Transdermal Glyceryl Trinitrate with 12 Months' Follow-up in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Heepe W.
Published: January 2017

In an acute double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover study, 1 day of treatment with a glyceryl trinitrate transdermal patch releasing 10 mg glyceryl trinitrate daily was compared with placebo in 40 men with stable angina pectoris. Subsequently, the patients participated in an uncontrolled efficacy and tolerability study during which the transdermal patch was applied to the front of the chest for 22–23 hours daily for 12 months. In the acute study, one patch of glyceryl trinitrate or matching placebo was applied at 8.00 a.m. for 24 h; 48 h later the other treatment was applied. Bicycle ergometry was performed 24 and 16 h before the beginning of the treatment, and 8 and 24 h after each dose. Ergometry was repeated after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months' treatment with one patch daily of glyceryl trinitrate during the long-term open follow-up study. In the acute study, a significant reduction of ST-segment depression was observed with treatment compared with placebo. This reduction persisted throughout the 12 months of the open study. During this period also, the mean number of anginal attacks was reduced from 5.3 to 3.6 during week 1 of treatment, and this reduction was maintained throughout the 12 months of the study. No patient needed to be withdrawn because of systemic side-effects or local intolerance to the patch.
Efficacy of Ribavirin Aerosol Treatment for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Infants
Authors: Caramia G. , Palazzini E.
Published: January 2017

The therapeutic efficacy of ribavirin, an anti-viral agent with a broad spectrum of activity, was studied in 14 infants with bronchiolitis which, in seven cases, was caused by a respiratory syncytial virus infection. The drug was administered for 5–6 days using an aerosol in periods of either 4 or 6 h with an interval of either 4 or 2 h between administrations. The body temperature of patients with fever returned to normal by day 3 of therapy. A significant decrease in the respiratory rate occurred by day 2 when there was also a marked improvement in the subjective and objective symptomatology. The most significant clinical improvements occurred in infants presenting a respiratory syncytial virus antigen in nasal wash specimens. This suggests therapeutic selectivity by ribavirin for (or a more pronounced sensibility of) this virus.
The Efficacy and Safety of Fentiazac and Diclofenac Sodium in Peri-Arthritis of the Shoulder: A Multi-Centre, Double-Blind Comparison
Authors: Thumb N. , Kolarz G. , Scherak O. , Mayrhofer F.
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind parallel group comparison of efficacy and safety, 19 patients with peri-arthritis of the shoulder received 200 mg fentiazac twice daily and 19 received 50 mg diclofenac sodium twice daily, with both drugs given orally for 3 weeks. In both groups, observers' verbal rating scales of pain severity at rest and on movement showed decreases that were significant by week 1. Both groups also had significant improvement in abduction, external rotation, retroversion and anteversion. At week 1, the patients reported improvement, on a verbal rating scale, of global effectiveness, but there were no subsequent changes. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatments in any of these variables. Five (26%) fentiazac-treated patients and four (21%) diclofenac sodium-treated patients reported adverse effects, mostly gastro-intestinal. One case of rash in each group and one case of pruritus in a diclofenac sodium-treated patient were severe enough for the patients to be withdrawn from therapy. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory values. It was concluded that fentiazac (400 mg/day) and diclofenac sodium (100 mg/day) were equally effective within 1 week in decreasing pain severity and improving shoulder mobility.
Influenza Immunization in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Adlard P. , Bryett K.
Published: January 2017

Nineteen children with cystic fibrosis and aged between 5 and 13 years were randomized to receive two doses at monthly intervals of either a split-virion influenza vaccine (MFV-Ject, Institut Merieux) or a sub-unit vaccine (Fluvirin, Evans). In those completing the study, there was a satisfactory serological response. There was no statistically significant difference between the immunogenicity of the two vaccines as evaluated by haemagglutination inhibition or single radial haemolysis tests. The incidence of local side-effects was similar in the two groups.
Serum Iron Concentrations following Administration of Two Different Iron Preparations
Authors: Danisi M. , Guerresi E. , Landucci G. , Gori G. , Ceccarelli G.
Published: January 2017

Serum iron curves were determined in two groups of iron deficient patients after oral administration of iron protein succinylate or ferritin. The two preparations induced a significant increase of serum iron from 30 mm after administration of a dose corresponding to 80 mg Fe3+. The increase induced by iron protein succinylate was more prolonged than that of ferritin.
Clinical Use of Controlled-Release Theophylline in Chronic Airways Obstruction
Authors: Dal Negro R. , Turco P. , Pomari C. , Cordaro C. I.
Published: January 2017

Daily general practice of theophylline dosing in chronic obstructive lung disease seems not strictly to follow therapeutic guidelines. To evaluate the efficacy of such an approach with regard to attaining therapeutic and safe plasma theophylline concentrations and clinical benefit, 103 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease were selected from the computerized database of a post-marketing survey. Dosing of theophylline was found to be independent of reference parameters, i.e. anthropometric data, age and clinical severity of the disease. Standard doses of 400 and/or 600 mg controlled-release theophylline, i.e. 7.9 mg/kg·day resulted in steady-state plasma concentrations of 10–20 μg/ml in 45.1% of patients and 5–10 μg/ml in 52.9% of cases. The increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s at steady-state, evaluated by the percentage frequency distribution of changes from baseline was significant in all patients. In conclusion, not withstanding the daily therapeutic practice of controlled-release theophylline dosing and, at times, lower than optimal plasma levels, clinical and functional recovery was obtained in a large percentage of cases.
Asthma Management – a New Dimension
Authors: Barnes P. J.
Published: January 2017

This report describes a consensus on current asthma management in the UK, indicates areas of clinical concern and provides a rationale for improved therapy.
Troglitazone Combination Therapy in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients Poorly Controlled with α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Bando Y , Ushiogi Y , Okafuji K , Toya D , Tanaka N , Fujisawa M
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of treatment with troglitazone combined with an α-glucosidase inhibitor, in obese type 2 diabetic patients who were previously administered α-glucosidase inhibitors alone, in improving glycaemic control and reducing insulin resistance were studied. Obese type 2 diabetic patients, poorly controlled with α-glucosidase inhibitors, were randomized to receive either oral troglitazone 200 mg twice daily (22 patients: group A) or a placebo (20 patients: group B) in addition to their usual α-glucosidase inhibitor. In group A, significant decreases in the mean levels of haemoglobin A1c and basal plasma insulin levels were observed 6 months after the start of combined therapy. Serum triglyceride levels significantly decreased but serum lactic acid dehydrogenase and body weight significantly increased. New systemic oedema was observed in six patients. Combined therapy with troglitazone and α-glucosidase inhibitors may be effective for diabetic metabolic abnormalities, although the potential development of adverse effects such as body-weight gain and systemic oedema demands vigilance.
Prostaglandin E1 for Renal Papillary Necrosis in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abe K , Ozono Y , Miyazaki M , Fvrusu A , Shioshita K , Sasaki O , Tsukasaki S , Harada T , Kohno S
Published: January 2017

We report a case of renal papillary necrosis with diabetes mellitus which was treated with prostaglandin E1. An intravenous infusion of 40 mg/day prostaglandin E1 was given for 14 days in an attempt to improve renal circulation. Treatment resulted in an improved creatinine clearance, renal plasma flow and renogram, and proteinuria was decreased. The administration of prostaglandin E1 produced an improvement in renal haemodynamics and can be considered as a possible therapy for renal papillary necrosis in diabetic patients.
Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury in a Patient with Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia Having Anti-IgA2m(1) Antibody
Authors: Saigo K , Sugimoto T , Tone K , Ryo R , Kohsaki M , Tadokoro K , Kumagai S
Published: January 2017

A 69-year-old man with acute myelogenous leukaemia developed a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). He had anti-IgA2m(1) antibody rather than other antibodies that have previously been reported to be related to TRALI. This case suggests that the pre-existing condition of patients may be important in the development of TRALI.
Ocular Lesions of Bovine Malignant Catarrhal Fever
Authors: Whiteley H. E. , Young S. , Liggitt H. D. , DeMartini J. C.
Published: January 2017

The ocular lesions of bovine malignant catarrhal fever were characterized in 15 naturally occurring and eight experimentally induced cases of the disease. Consistent findings included: lymphocytic vasculitis of retinal, scleral, posterior ciliary, and uveal vessels; uveitis, especially involving ciliary processes, ciliary body, and iris; and keratitis with corneal edema, neovascularization, and epithelial and endothelial degeneration. Lymphocytic ciliary neuritis and optic meningitis were found less frequently. Ultrastructural examination of the ciliary body and iris from one experimental calf confirmed that most infiltrating mononuclear cells were lymphocytes. The uveitis, vasculitis, and keratitis of malignant catarrhal fever were probably immune-mediated.
Sialodacryoadenitis Virus-associated Lesions in the Lower Respiratory Tract of Rats
Authors: Wojcinski Z. W. , Percy D. H.
Published: January 2017

Eight- to 10-week-old outbred Wistar rats were inoculated intranasally with 1029 medium mouse lethal infective doses of sialodacryoadenitis (SDA) virus. Sham inoculated control rats and challenged rats were killed at 1 day intervals for the first 8 days, then on days 10, 12, 14, and 20. Typical lesions associated with SDA were seen microscopically in the salivary and lacrimal glands of inoculated rats. In addition, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and multifocal alveolitis were present during the acute stages of the disease. Viral antigen was demonstrated in epithelial cells lining airways by immunofluorescence microscopy. SDA virus was recovered from the lower respiratory tract from days 2 to 6 post-inoculation (PI). Serum antibodies to SDA virus, but not to Sendai virus or Mycoplasma pulmonis were present in rats tested at day 20 PI. These findings demonstrate that during the acute stages of the disease, significant lesions do occur in the lower respiratory tract of SDA virus-infected rats.
Pathology of Aujeszky's Disease in Mink
Authors: Kimman T. G. , van Oirschot J. T.
Published: January 2017

Lesions in 21 mink which died of Aujeszky's disease included hemorrhages in lungs, heart, mediastinum, thymus, diaphragm, gastric wall, pancreas, and enteric wall. Microscopically, hyalin and fibrinoid degeneration and necrosis of vessel walls were present in cardiac muscle, brain, gastrointestinal wall and occasionally elsewhere in the body. Hemorrhages, exudation of plasma proteins and necrosis were associated with the angiopathy. Inflammation was minimal or absent. Other findings were congestion and extravasation of blood (lungs, liver), necrosis of lymphoid cells, and hemoglobinuric nephrosis. Aujeszky's disease virus was isolated from all but three animals. After experimental infection of three mink, similar though less pronounced lesions were found to those observed in the field cases.
Myocardial and Pancreatic Lesions Induced by T-2 Toxin, a Trichothecene Mycotoxin, in Swine
Authors: Pang V. F. , Adams J. H. , Beasley V. R. , Buck W. B. , Haschek W. M.
Published: January 2017

Myocardial and pancreatic lesions induced by sublethal doses of T-2 toxin in swine were characterized by light and electron microscopy. Toxin was given intravenously to six 17- to 18-week-old pigs. Pigs were killed 24 or 48 hours after treatment. Grossly, subendocardial hemorrhages, multifocal pinpoint white foci in myocardium, and pancreatic edema occurred in one treated pig. Histologic changes in myocardium of treated pigs consisted of multifocal edema, mononuclear cell infiltration, myofiber hyalinization, vacuolation, and contraction bands with nuclear pyknosis. Ultrastructurally, there were areas of edema, myofibrillar disorganization, dilation of sarcoplasmic reticulum, and formation of hypercontraction bands. Myocardial mineralization was seen in the pig with gross lesions. Pancreatic changes in treated pigs consisted of multifocal acinar degeneration and necrosis. Ultrastructural changes included irregular dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and abnormal zymogen granules. Thus, in addition to radiomimetic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and lymphoid organs, heart and pancreas are target organs of T-2 toxin in swine.
Idiopathic Periadnexal Multinodular Granulomatous Dermatitis in Twenty-two Dogs
Authors: Carpenter J. L. , Thornton G. W. , Moore F. M. , King N. W.
Published: January 2017

A distinctive periadnexal multinodular granulomatous dermatitis of unknown cause was diagnosed over a 6-year period in 22 dogs (13 males and nine females) aged 8 months to 10 years, purebred as well as mixed-breed. Nodules, usually more than two, started on the face and were often unaccompanied by signs of irritation. All dogs were otherwise healthy except a Viszla with bilateral anterior uveitis and a Basset hound with nasal congestion and sneezing. Microscopically, cutaneous lesions occurred in a periadnexal pattern, replaced sebaceous glands, coalesced, and extended into the subcutis and in more advanced cases through the panniculus carnosus. Infectious agents were not demonstrated by aerobic, anaerobic, or fungus cultures or by light or electron microscopy, nor were ectoparasites seen. Immunofluorescence and peroxidase-antiperoxidase techniques gave negative results for intraepidermal and basement membrane deposits of IgA, IgG, IgM, and C3. Lesions were unresponsive to a variety of antibiotics; they regressed spontaneously in two untreated dogs and rapidly in dogs given only corticosteroid therapy. Continuous low-dose corticosteroids were necessary in a few dogs to prevent recurrence.
Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with Malignant Neoplasms in Dogs
Authors: Braund K. G. , McGuire J. A. , Amling K. A. , Henderson R. A.
Published: January 2017

Common peroneal and ulnar nerves of 21 dogs between 2 and 15 years of age with malignant tumors were examined for possible paraneoplastic effects. Percent of abnormalities in single-teased fiber studies exceeded the confidence limits ( P = 0.99) established for age-matched control dogs in 16 of 21 dogs (76%) with malignancies, none of which manifested clinical signs of polyneuropathy. The incidence of abnormalities was higher in commmon peroneal nerve (73%) than in ulnar nerve (57%). Lesions were characterized by a mixture of demyelination/remyelination and axonal degeneration; however, the former lesions predominated in most affected dogs. The severity of the neuropathy varied with different tumors, with the most severe lesions observed in a bronchogenic carcinoma (59%), a mammary adenocarcinoma (59%), a malignant melanoma (48%), and an insulinoma (47%).
Anterior Corneal Dystrophy of American Dutch Belted Rabbits: Biomicroscopic and Histopathologic Findings
Authors: Moore C. P. , Dubielzig R. , Glaza S. M.
Published: January 2017

Spontaneously occurring anterior corneal opacities were present in related, juvenile American Dutch belted rabbits. Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed focal opacities of epithelium, basement membrane, and subepithelial corneal stroma. Lesions were characterized histologically by thin and disorganized surface epithelium, thickened and intensely staining epithelial basement membrane, fimbriated and irregular basement membrane-stromal juncture, and disorganized subepithelial stroma. Biomicroscopic and histopathologic features of anterior corneal dystrophy of American Dutch belted rabbits appear similar to those of human anterior corneal dystrophies.
Equine Basal Cell Tumors
Authors: Schuh J. C. L. , Valentine B. A.
Published: January 2017

Basal cell tumors from 11 horses were examined histologically. Distinct patterns identified in the order of frequency are adenoid (six), solid (three), and medusoid (two). A minor component of most of these neoplasms was a ribbon pattern and cystic spaces. Hyalinized connective tissue and clear cells reminiscent of hair follicle glassy membranes and outer root sheath were present in a solid and the medusoid tumors. Heavy melanin pigmentation was present in one solid basal cell tumor. In eight cases for which information was available, the tumors had not recurred 3 to 8 years after excision.
Effects of Escherichia coli Heat-stable Enterotoxin b on Small Intestinal Villi in Pigs, Rabbits, and Lambs
Authors: Rose R. , Whipp S. C. , Moon H. W.
Published: January 2017

Culture supernates from two strains of E. coli were placed into different ligated intestinal sections (loops) of each animal. The two bacterial strains were identical except that one contained a plasmid carrying the heat-stable toxin b (STb) gene, while the other did not. Morphometric techniques were used to assess villous epithelial surface areas and mucosal volumes in both intestinal segments exposed to STb-positive (test) and to STb-negative (control) supernates. In pigs whose intestines were exposed to STb-positive supernatants for 2 hours, both villous epithelial surface area and mucosal volume were significantly smaller in test loops than in control loops ( P < 0.02). In test loops of pigs incubated for 1 hour, and in test loops of lambs incubated for 2 hours, there was a decrease in villous epithelial surface area which approached the test for significance but did not meet it (0.05 < P < 0.10). Rabbit test loops did not differ from rabbit control loops in either villous epithelial surface area or mucosal volume. Histological examination of the tissues from all three species revealed epithelial changes in porcine and ovine tissues only. In porcine and ovine tissues, epithelium at villous tips was seen to be cuboidal or squamous, or even to be absent. Villi with similarly altered epithelium were seen in control loops, but were seen much more frequently in test loops. These epithelial changes were seen as early as 30 minutes of incubation in pigs. Intestinal tissues from these pigs were examined by transmission electron microscopy, but no difference between test and control tissues was seen. We conclude that STb is capable of causing partial villous atrophy in young pigs after only 2 hours.
Bone Marrow Response in Cattle with Chronic Dermatitis Caused by Psoroptes ovis
Authors: Stromberg P. C. , Guillot F. S.
Published: January 2017

Six Hereford heifer calves were infested with Psoroptes ovis and compared to six uninfested control calves. Infested calves developed severe exudative dermatitis which covered 100% of the body surface by 7 weeks after infestation. They developed moderate nonregenerative anemia, decreased numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and increased plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations. Sternal marrow core biopsies taken 7 weeks after infestation were 75 to 90% cellular, while cores from uninfested calves were 10 to 20% cellular. Comparison of myelograms between the two groups of calves revealed increased M: E ratio, myelocyte and metamyelocyte hyperplasia with depletion of mature neutrophils and eosinophils in the P. ovis-infested calves. It was concluded that P. ovis-infested calves develop myeloid hyperplasia and that mange-related neutropenia is not due to bone marrow suppression by a mite or scab-associated toxin.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in “Hitra Disease” (Hemorrhagic Syndrome) in Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Salte R. , Nafstad P. , Åsgård T.
Published: January 2017

Necropsy findings in adult salmon with subclinical “Hitra disease” (hemorrhagic syndrome) varied from negligible to hemorrhagic diathesis with generalized edema. By light microscopy, minute vessels were dilated, arterioles had mural necrosis, and thrombi were present. Occlusions consisted of fused erythrocytes and fibrin. Ultrastructurally, endothelial nuclei were pyknotic with condensed chromatin. The cytoplasm contained numerous laminar structures and electron-dense particles. Damaged erythrocytes adhered to the degenerated endothelium, and coalesced erythrocytes had formed mural thrombi or filled the vascular lumen. Microthrombi were frequently seen. There were no thrombocytes in the thrombi, which consisted of erythrocytes or reticulocytes. Clinically healthy farmed salmon parr showed the same disorders as did adults, but to a far lesser degree. Wild salmon parr had normal microvasculature. Results indicate that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs in “Hitra disease” in farmed Atlantic salmon.
Sphingomyelin Lipidosis in a Cat
Authors: Baker H. J. , Wood P. A. , Wenger D. A. , Walkley S. U. , Inui K. , Kudoh T. , Rattazzi M. C. , Riddle B. L.
Published: January 2017

A 7-month-old Balinese cat with progressive neurological dysfunction had histopathological lesions of brain, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung consistent with a lysosomal storage disease. Ultrastructural examination revealed lysosomal hypertrophy with membranous inclusions. Hepatic sphingomyelin and cholesterol were elevated 10 times normal, and total phospholipids were increased 3.6 fold. Sphingomyelinase activity measured with 14C labeled sphingomyelin at pH 5.0 was virtually absent in brain and liver. Other lysosomal hydrolase activities were normal or elevated. Clinical, morphological, and biochemical findings suggest that this cat had sphingomyelin lipidosis similar to human Niemann-Pick disease type A, and that feline sphingomyelin lipidosis provides another model of human lysosomal storage disease.
Early Histopathologic and Ultrastructural Alterations in Femorotibial Joints of Partial Medial Meniscectomized Guinea Pigs
Authors: Bendele A. M. , White S. L.
Published: January 2017

The articular cartilage from femorotibial joints of partial medial meniscectomized male guinea pigs was evaluated at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-surgery to determine the sequential histopathologic and ultrastructural alterations. At 24 hours post-surgery, histopathologic alterations were in the superficial and middle layers and consisted of degeneration and necrosis of chondrocytes and minimal decreased intensity of toluidine blue matrix staining. Changes in chondrocytes and matrix became progressively more extensive 48 hours after surgery. Ultrastructurally, the changes in the superficial matrix appeared to be the result of loss of the fine granular material interspersed between collagen fibers. At 72 and 96 hours post-surgery, chondrocyte loss was extensive and surface fibrillation was seen. These findings suggested that chondrocyte death was the initial important event which led to progressive severe cartilage degeneration in this model.
Increased Vulnerability to Pattern-Related Visual Stress in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Wilson Rachel L. , Paterson Kevin B. , Hutchinson Claire V.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to determine vulnerability to pattern-related visual stress in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A total of 20 ME/CFS patients and 20 matched (age, gender) controls were recruited to the study. Pattern-related visual stress was determined using the Pattern Glare Test. Participants viewed three patterns, the spatial frequencies (SF) of which were 0.3 (low-SF), 2.3 (mid-SF), and 9.4 (high-SF) cycles per degree (c/deg). They reported the number of distortions they experienced when viewing each pattern. ME/CFS patients exhibited significantly higher pattern glare scores than controls for the mid-SF pattern. Mid-high SF differences were also significantly higher in patients than controls. These findings provide evidence of altered visual perception in ME/CFS. Pattern-related visual stress may represent an identifiable clinical feature of ME/CFS that will prove useful in its diagnosis. However, further research is required to establish if these symptoms reflect ME/CFS-related changes in the functioning of sensory neural pathways.
Knock from below
Authors: Simonov Alexsey
Published: January 2017

Russia's brutal assault on Chechnya has revealed more than the political value of a distant war - it has also exposed the crisis facing Russian journalism
The lid on memory
Authors: Young Michael
Published: January 2017

Ten years after the war, Lebanon still can't answer the question: where do you hide 17,000 corpses?
The new slavery
Authors: Griffin Michael
Published: January 2017

The slave won't go away, even in a world where consumer choice is paramount. Index looks at the undying contribution that slavery still makes to our lives and maps some new metaphors for the old shackles
Throwaway people
Authors: Bales Kevin
Published: January 2017

Far from vanishing, the slave is back on the map of the new century - stripped of the few threads of dignity he had 200 years ago
Slaves, not partners
Authors: Hassan Ali
Published: January 2017

Laws are in place in Pakistan to bring the practice of bonded labour to an end, but the interests of feudal landlords override them
The ties that bind
Authors: Siddiqui Hannana
Published: January 2017

When a woman is forced into marriage, she can enter the same legal twilight as a slave
Lap of the gods
Authors: Edwards Brian
Published: January 2017

Unable to leave, unpaid, severely exploited and controlled by violence, the trokosi are slaves by any other name
The unpublished war
Authors: Castillo Fabio
Published: January 2017

With the media dominated by two conglomerates, Colombians aren't getting their full quota of news
Fashioning the peace
Authors: Leongómez Eduardo Pizarro
Published: January 2017

The FARC appears to control the direction of the new peace process but there is a fast-growing international dimension
Ley of the land
Authors: Tegel Simeon
Published: January 2017

A film attacking Mexico's governing party is under attack from its co-producers, who dislike its revised ending - now why could that be?
Sex and censure
Authors: Petley Julian
Published: January 2017

Television is still censured for quantities and quality of sex - but it is perhaps the regulators who have the problem
Living on the edge
Authors: Bruni Laura
Published: January 2017

Romani are the fastest growing ethnic group in eastern Europe, but their present status is severely threatened by government complicity in public prejudice
Deliberately lewd
Authors: Jong Erica
Published: January 2017

Pornography is to art as prudery is to the censors
Rebuffed in Britain
Authors: Hird Christopher
Published: January 2017

UK proposals to regulate media ownership irritate the biggest mogul of them all — but there's no shortage of would-be successors
The capable state
Authors: Hird Christopher
Published: January 2017

As globalisation extends its influence, those who at one time sought the end of the state now demand its restoration: not no government but good government is what is urgently required
God bless America
Authors: Buruma Ian
Published: January 2017

US imperialism has done more for democratic rights in Asia than well-meaning activists
Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Immune Diseases
Authors: Agostini M. , di Marco B. , Nocentini G. , Delfino D. V.
Published: January 2017

Antigenic stimuli increase ROS that influence T-cell activation by interfering with the oxidant-antioxidant balance. Oxidative stress takes place when excess of ROS production is not counterbalanced by antioxidant mechanisms and bcl-2 gene product that inhibits apoptosis by interacting with mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. ROS Excess induces apoptosis both by activation of NF-κB-dependent genes and DNA damage. The latter has been shown to elicit the activation of poly-ADP-ribose transferase and the accumulation of p53, thus determining apoptosis. Additionally, oxidative stress may induce formation of cell membrane oxidized lipids, potent inducers of apoptosis.

Oxidative stress is also involved in immune diseases. In AIDS, ROS excess and deficiency of antioxidants lead to apoptosis and virus activation. ROS produced at sites of chronic inflammation, have genotoxic effects. As a consequence, abnormalities of the p53 genes might explain the conversion from an inflammatory phase into autonomous progression of rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders.
Some Aspects of Parasitology and Immunology in General Medicine
Authors: Frydas S. , Madhappan B. , Kempuraj D.
Published: January 2017

The objective of these studies is to review the role of some parasites and their components in inflammation, allergy and immune system. We also report recent results published by others group as well as our own.
Cryoglobulinaemia: A True Internistic Disease?
Authors: Manna R. , Miele L. , La Regina M. , Grieco A. , Gasbarrini G.
Published: January 2017

Cryoglobulinemia is a clinical condition characterised by the presence of circulating globulins that precipitate at a temperature lower than 37°C and re-dissolve with warming. We can distinguish 3 different types of cryoglobulinemia, according to their immunochemical characteristics. Cryoglobulinemia can be associated with infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases. Cryoglobulinemia type II can be associated with chronic HCV-hepatitis. Clinically, cryoglobulinemias cause hyperviscosity-related symptoms or lesions by immunocomplex deposition (cryoglobulinemic vasculitis). Many organs and systems can be involved, from the skin to the joints, from the central nervous system to the kidney. Diagnosis requires a careful clinical and physical evaluation and the demonstration of circulating cryoglobulins by cryoprecipitation and immunoelectrophoresis. The therapeutic goals are the treatment of the underlying diseases and the complication and prevention of progression/relapse. It is obvious that this disorder can involve different specialists, but the internist plays a central role: he identifies the disease and the associated condition, he treats the underlying disorder and refers the patient to the specialists for the organ-specific manifestations.
Dual Nucleoside Therapy for HIV Infection: Analysis of Results and Factors Influencing Viral Response and Long Term Efficacy
Authors: Parruti G. , Tarquini P. , Falasca K. , Ballone E. , D'Amico G. , Agostinone A. , Placido G. , Graziani R.V. , di Giammartino D. , Dalessandro M. , Vecchiet J. , Di Nicola M. , Schioppa F. , Alterio L. , Consorte A. , Pieri A. , Toro G. Marani
Published: January 2017

We performed a retrospective analysis of our experience with dual nucleoside regimens to look for predictors of long term benefit. We evaluated a cohort of 68 HIV-infected patients treated at 3 Italian hospital-based facilities. The results were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Fourty-three males and 25 females were treated for 22 ± 14 months. Sixty three patients (92.6%) suffered no or low-grade side-effects. Thirty-four patients (50 %) reached a viral load <400 copies/ml (undetectable). Viremia remained persistently undetectable in 9 cases (13.2%). Relapsing-remitting of viremias were seen in 13 patients (19.1%) even though their therapies were not modified. Eight patients (11.8%) showed relapsing viremias persistently around or below 10,000 copies/ml. All patients reaching undetectable viremia but one showed increasing or stable CD4+ cell counts. Factors predicting favourable response were: pre-treatment CD4+ T-cells >150/μl pre-treatment viremia <50,000 copies/ml, pre-treatment lymphocytes >1,500/μl, and no previous exposure to NRTI. Total lymphocyte counts and CD4+ T-cells showed a significant correlation. Dual NRTI regimens may be still considered for patients unable to tolerate HAART regimens and presenting with favourable predictors of response.
Dexamethasone-Induced Apoptosis of Human Monocytes Exposed to Immune Complexes. Intervention of CD95-and Xiap-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Ottonello L. , Bertolotto M. , Montecucco F. , Dapino P. , Dallegri F.
Published: January 2017

Monocytes and macrophages play a key role in the initiation and persistence of inflammatory reactions. The possibility to interfere with the survival of these cells, once recruited and activated at sites of inflammation, is an attractive therapeutic option. Although resting monocytes are susceptible to pharmacologically induced apoptosis, no data are available about the possibility to modulate the survival of activated monocytes. The present work was planned to investigate if dexamethasone is able to promote apoptosis of human monocytes activated by immune complexes. When monocytes were cultured with immune complexes, a dose-dependent inhibition of apoptosis was observed. Dexamethasone stimulated apoptosis of resting and activated monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Both the immune complex inhibitory activity and dexamethasone stimulatory properties depend on NF-kB/XIAP and Ras/MEK/ERK/CD95 pathways. In fact, the exposure of monocytes to immune complexes increased NF-kB activation and XIAP expression, which in turn were inhibited by dexamethasone. On the other hand, immune complex-stimulated monocytes displayed a reduced expression of CD95, which is prevented by dexamethasone, as well as by MEK inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, anti-CD95 ZB4 mAb prevented dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in immune complex-stimulated monocytes. Similarly, ZB4 inhibited dexamethasone-mediated augmentation of caspase 3 activity. The present findings suggest that Fc triggering by insoluble immune complexes result in the activation of two intracellular pathways crucial for the survival of monocytes: 1. Ras/MEK/ERK pathway responsible for the down-regulation of CD95 expression; 2. NF-kB pathway governing the expression of XIAP. Both the pathways are susceptible to inhibition by monocyte treatment with pharmacologic concentrations of dexamethasone.
P2X7 Receptor Activation in Rat Brain Cultured Astrocytes Increases the Biosynthetic Release of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes
Authors: Ballerini P. , Ciccarellf R. , Caciagli F. , Rathbone M.P. , Werstiuk E.S. , Traversa U. , Buccella S. , Giuliani P. , Jiang S. , Nargi E. , Visini D. , Santavenere C. , Di Iorio P.
Published: January 2017

Astrocytes have been recognized as important elements in controlling inflammatory as well as immune processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, glial cells have been shown to produce cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) which are known lipid mediators of inflammation and whose extracellular concentrations rise under different pathological conditions in the brain. In the same conditions also extracellular concentrations of ATP dramatically increase reaching levels able to activate P2X7 ionotropic receptors for which an emerging role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration has been claimed. RT-PCR analysis showed that primary cultures of rat brain astrocytes express P2X7 receptors. Application of the selective P2X7 agonist benzoyl-benzolyATP (BzATP) markedly increased [Ca2+]i which was mediated by a calcium influx from the extracellular milieu. The P2X7 antagonist, oATP, suppressed the BzATP-induced calcium increase. Consistent with the evidence that increased calcium levels activate the leukotriene biosynthetic pathway, challenge of astrocytes with either the calcium ionophore A23187 or BzATP significantly increased CysLT production and the cell pre-treatment with EGTA abolished these effects. Again the P2X7 antagonist prevented the BzATP-mediated CysLT efflux, whereas the astrocyte pre-treatment with MK-571, a CysLT, receptor antagonist, was ineffective. The astrocyte pre-treatment with a cocktail of inhibitors of ATP binding cassette (ABC) proteins reduced the BzATP-mediated CysLT production confirming that ABC transporters are involved in the release of CysLTs. The astrocyte P2X7-evoked rise of CysLT efflux was abolished in the presence of MK-886, an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) whose expression, along with that of 5′-lipoxygenase (5-LO) was reported by Northern Blot analysis. The stimulation of P2X7 induced an up-regulation of FLAP mRNA that was reduced by the antagonist oATP. These data suggest that in rat brain cultured astrocytes P2X7 ATP receptors may participate in the control of CysLT release thus further supporting a role for extracellular ATP as an integral component of the inflammatory brain response.
Potential Markers of Tongue Tumor Progression Selected by cDNA Micro Array
Authors: Carinci F. , Lo Muzio L. , Piattelli A. , Rubini C. , Chiesa F. , Ionna F. , Palmieri A. , Maiorano E. , Pastore A. , Laino G. , Favia G. , Dolci M. , Pezzetti F.
Published: January 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most frequent malignant tumor of the oral cavity, generally exhibits a poor prognosis and metastases are the main cause of death. This tumor often arises from pre-malignant lesions. To date, it is difficult to predict if and which pre-malignant lesions may progress into oral SCC using traditional methods. For these reasons, several studies are trying to identify markers useful in the progression of pre-malignant lesions and tumors. To define the genetic expression profile of tongue tumor progression we compared 9 dysplasias (DS), 8 tumors without metastasis (TWM), 11 metastasizing SCCs (MT) of the tongue, and a baseline of 11 normal tissues by using cDNA microarray containing 19.2 K clones. We initially applied hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on information from all 6026 clones. Results were obtained by performing a two steps analysis: a Significance Analysis of Microarray (SAM) and a Gene Ontology search. One hundred and five clones have statistically significant different expression levels (FDR <0.01) between DS and TWM, whereas 570 genes have statistically significant difference expression levels between TWM and MT (FDR <0.01) as detected by SAM. By filtering with FatiGo only 33 genes were differentially expressed in TWN, respect to DS, whereas 155 genes were differentially expressed in MT respect to TWM. We detected some genes which encode for oncogenes, transcription factors and cell cycle regulators as potential markers of DS progression. Examples are BAG4, PAX3 and CCNI, respectively. Among potential markers of metastases are some genes related to cell mobility (TSPAN-2 and SNTA1), intercellular adhesion (integrin alpha 7) or extracellular matrix components (ADAMTS2 and cathepsin O). Additionally, under-expressed genes encoded apoptosis-related proteins (PDCD4 and CASP4). In conclusion, we identified several genes differentially expressed in tumor progression which can potentially help in better classifying premalignant lesions and tongue SCCs.
T-Cell Response Profiling to Biological Threat Agents Including the Sars Coronavirus
Authors: Gioia C. , Horejsh D. , Agrati C. , Martini F. , Capobianchi M.R. , Ippolito G. , Poccia F.
Published: January 2017

The emergence of pathogens such as SARS and the increased threat of bioterrorism has stimulated the development of novel diagnostic assays for differential diagnosis. Rather than focusing on the detection of an individual pathogen component, we have developed a T cell profiling system to monitor responses to the pathogens in an array format. Using a matrix of antigens specific for different pathogens, a specific T cell profile was generated for each individual by monitoring the intracellular production of interferon-gamma by flow cytometry. This assay allows for the testing of multiple proteins or peptides at a single time and provides a quantitative and phenotypic assessment of CD4(+) and CD8(+) responding cells. We present profiling examples for several positive individuals, including those vaccinated with the smallpox and anthrax vaccines. We also show antigen optimization for the SARS-hCoV, as studies revealed that these proteins contain peptides which cross-react with more common coronaviruses, a cause of the common cold. The T cell array is an early and sensitive multiplex measure of active infection, exposure to a pathogen, or effective, recent vaccination.
Theophylline as “Add-on” Therapy in Patients with Delayed Pressure Urticaria: A Prospective Self-Controlled Study
Authors: Kalogeromitros D. , Kempuraj D. , Katsarou-Katsari A. , Gregoriou S. , Makris M. , Boucher W. , Theoharides T.C.
Published: January 2017

Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is a skin condition that involves the gradual development of wheals and edema at sites of physical pressure. Its pathogenesis is not clear and histamine-1 receptor (H-1R) antagonists provide only partial relief. In this prospective, clinical study, we investigated the effect of theophylline, which has a long history of benefit in allergic asthma, added to cetirizine in patients with DPU. Twenty three patients received during period #1 cetirizine (10 mg po QD) and theophylline (200 mg po BID) for 6 months, followed by period #2 of 1 month washout with only rescue medication as needed, and then by period #3 with cetirizine (10 mg QD plus placebo (BID) for 5 more months. The addition of theophylline resulted in statistically significant improvement over cetirizine alone by 2 months and continued for the duration of treatment. Treatment of cultured human mast cells with theophylline (10 μM) did not inhibit allergic histamine release, but the in vivo beneficial effect of theophylline may require significant pretreatment period to manifest itself, or may involve inhibition of other mast cell dependent mediators. A double-blind study, accompanied by serum histamine and tryptase levels, should be in order.