bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporin A and its Metabolites, Distribution in Blood and Tissues
Authors: Akagi H. , Reynolds A. , Hjelm M.
Published: January 2017

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a non-myelotoxic immunosuppressant, and its metabolites are widely distributed in the body. Highest concentrations of CsA have been detected in the pancreas, adipose tissue and liver, lowest concentrations in brain, muscle, blood and other body fluids. Metabolites are distributed differently to CsA. In addition to lipid partition, intracellular binding to cyclophilin, a peptidyl–prolyl cis–trans isomerase, appears to play a role in its tissue distribution. The temperature dependence of such binding in erythrocytes poses difficulty in serum or plasma measurements. Tissue specific processes may also influence action and toxicity of CsA and its metabolites; thus, a better understanding of the complex distribution pattern of CsA and its metabolites would be important for establishing improved strategies and selection of appropriate specific methodologies for drug monitoring.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency in a Developing Country, Pakistan
Authors: Hamedani P. , Raza R. , Bachand R. , Manji M. , Hashml K.
Published: January 2017

In developing countries, such as Pakistan, laboratories do not routinely screen for iron deficiency unless the patient presents with symptoms of anaemia. Efforts to prevent the often serious consequences of iron depletion are hampered in developing countries by the expense and impracticality of routinely screening patients using bone marrow examination. Assays for serum iron concentrations, total iron-binding capacity or haemoglobin and examinations of blood films, although more practical, cannot detect the earliest stages of iron deficiency. Serum ferritin appears to be a sensitive, early indicator of iron deficiency and can be easily and relatively inexpensively determined using an immunoassay kit. In the present study, serum ferritin levels were determined using immunoassay and compared to blood films, serum iron levels and total iron-binding capacity values in 300 apparently healthy Pakistanis. In the early stages of iron deficiency, serum ferritin appeared to be a sensitive measure of iron depletion.
Dopaminergic Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion: Assessment in Different Subtypes of Primary Aldosteronism and in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Veglio F. , Pinna G. , Rabbia F. , Panarelli M. , Bisbocci D. , Melchio R. , Chiandussi L.
Published: January 2017

The inhibitory effect of dopamine on aldosterone secretion was investigated in patients with different types of primary aldosteronism, six with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and four with dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism (DSH), and in 10 patients with essential hypertension. The effects of 10 mg metoclopramide given intravenously, 10 mg bromocriptine given orally and 100 μg adrenocorticotrophic hormone given intravenously on plasma aldosterone and renin activities were investigated in all patients. Metoclopramide induced a rise in plasma aldosterone activity only in patients with IHA and not in those with DSH and essential hypertension. After bromocriptine plasma aldosterone concentrations decreased in patients with IHA only, and after adrenocorticotrophic hormone plasma aldosterone concentrations increased in patients with DSH only. Plasma renin activity was unaffected in all cases. These results provide evidence of increased endogenous dopaminergic inhibition of aldosterone secretion in IHA and of a blunted aldosterone response in both DSH and essential hypertension.
The Effects of Dietary Fibre on Upper and Lower Gastro-Intestinal Transit Times and Faecal Bulking
Authors: Staniforth D.H. , Baird I.M. , Fowler J. , Lister R.E.
Published: January 2017

A total of 10 obese patients (body mass index > 25) undergoing treatment with a very low-calorie (330 kcal/day) liquid diet were treated without and with 10.5 or 21 g/day dietary fibre. Mean (± SE) faecal bulking increased significantly ( P < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner from 314.8 ± 54.4 g on a fibre-free diet to 517.2 ± 45.4 g and 748.9 ± 78.5 g, respectively, over 5 days on diets containing 10.5 and 21 g/day dietary fibre. Total mean colonic transit time decreased from 53.9 ± 3.6 h on a fibre-free diet to 25.8 ± 44 and 17.3 ± 4.6 h, respectively, on diets including 10.5 and 21 g/day dietary fibre. Both right and left colonic transit times were similarly affected but no effect on orocaecal transit time was detected.
Clinical Efficacy of ‘Essential’ Phospholipids in Patients Chronically Exposed to Organic Solvents
Authors: Put A , Samochowiec L , Ceglecka M , Tustanowski S , Birkenfeld B , Zaboreic B
Published: January 2017

A total of 45 workers, who had been chronically exposed to a potentially hepatotoxic xylene – toluene – benzene mixture in the atmosphere, were treated for 3 months with ‘essential’ phospholipids. Routine biochemical tests and radioisotope investigations to assess liver damage were carried out both at baseline and after treatment. The liver: spleen index was increased in 71% of subjects and the mean isotope transit time in the liver was reduced in 90% of the patients after treatment. The biochemical parameters remained within the normal range throughout the treatment period. The results suggest that ‘essential’ phospholipids may be of value in the treatment of liver damage that has arisen as a result of chronic exposure to organic solvents.
Azathioprine in Combination with Steroids in the Treatment of Autoimmune Inner-Ear Disease
Authors: Saraçaydin Aytac , Katircioğlu Sedat , Katircioğlu Sami , Karatay M Can
Published: January 2017

A total of twelve patients with a relatively uncommon form of progressive sensorineural deafness (autoimmune innerear disease) were treated orally with 1 mg/kg azathioprine, once daily, and with 30 mg prednisolone, every other day, for 4 weeks. Statistically significant increases in the ability to hear pure tones or in discrimination on audiometry took place in 10/12 patients. This condition was initially described as ‘sensorineural hearing loss', but it is now clear that the term ‘autoimmune inner-ear disease’ is more appropriate since the vestibular compartment as well as the cochlear compartment is involved. This relatively uncommon disease is one of the few forms of sensorineural deafness that can be successfully treated.
Colloidal Silicic Acid for Oral and Topical Treatment of Aged Skin, Fragile Hair and Brittle Nails in Females
Authors: Lassus A
Published: January 2017

In an open study, women with biologically aged skin and fragile or thin hair, or brittle nails were treated orally with 10 ml colloidal silicic acid (Silicol®) once daily for 90 days and applied colloidal silicic acid to the face for 10 min twice daily. Of the 50 subjects treated, three withdrew from treatment after 30 days because of excessive drying of the facial skin due to topical application. In the remaining 47 subjects there was statistically significant improvement in the thickness and turgor of the skin, wrinkles and condition of the hair and nails. The number of mottles also declined, but the change was not statistically significant. Ultrasound measurements did not detect any statistically significant change in the thickness of the epidermis or elasticity of the skin, but there was a significant increase in the thickness of the dermis.

Im Rahmen eines offenen Studiums wurden Frauen mit biologisch gealteter Haut und brüchigem oder dünnem Haar oder brüchigen Nägeln über eine Spanne von 90 Tagen täglich einmal 10 ml kolloidale Kieselsäure (Silicol®) oral verabreicht. Die Frauen trugen zudem zweimal täglich kolloidale Kieselsäure auf das Gesicht auf. Von den 50 Behandelten brachen drei die Behandlung aufgrund eines übermäßigen Austrocknens der Gesichtshaut durch äusserliche Änwendung nach dreißig Tagen ab. Bei den restlichen 47 Behandelten wurde eine statistisch wesentliche Verbesserung der Dicke und des Turgors der Haut, der Falten und der Beschaffenheit von Haar und Nägeln verzeichnet. Auch die Anzahl der Hautflecken nahm ab, aber die Änderung war statistisch unbedeutend. Ultraschallmessungen ergaben keine statistisch bedeutende Änderung der Dicke der Epidermis oder der Elastizität der Haut, die Dicke der Dermis hatte aber wesentlich zugenommen.
Immunological Patterns during Regular Intensive Training in Athletes: Quantification and Evaluation of a Preventive Pharmacological Approach
Authors: Garagiola U , Buzzetti M , Cardella E , Confalonieri F , Giani E , Polin V , Ferrante P , Mancuso R , Montanari M , Gross E , Pecori A
Published: January 2017

The effects of regular intensive exercise training on immune system homeostasis and the potential value of treatment with an immunostimulating agent were assessed in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 60 athletes were studied over a 3-month period of regular intensive physical activity. After 1 and 3 months there were significant decreases in the immunoglobulin levels in the whole athlete population compared with baseline values. Specifically there were significant decreases in immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (G1 and G2 subclasses). There was also a significant decrease in natural killer cells and a slight but significant increase in B and T lymphocytes. In the thymomodulin-treated group, unlike the placebo group, there was no significant decrease in the immunoglobulin G2 subclass and there was a significant increase in the T-helper cell subpopulation. The clinical relevance of these immunological findings should be evaluated in larger clinical and epidemiological studies.
The “Nutcracker” Phenomenon in Combination with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Ozono Y , Harada T , Namie S , Ichinose H , Shimamine R , Nishimawa Y , Hara K
Published: January 2017

The “nutcracker” phenomenon results from compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. The main features of this phenomenon are non-glomerular haematuria on urinalysis and stenosis of the left renal vein with dilatation of the vein distal to the stenosis. The characteristics of two patients with the “nutcracker” phenomenon complicated by immunoglobulin A nephropathy were compared with those of 10 patients showing only the “nutcracker” phenomenon. Patients with the “nutcracker” phenomenon complicated by immunoglobulin A nephropathy showed aggravation of haematuria after upper respiratory infections, urinary red cell morphology indicating haematuria of glomerular origin, elevation of serum IgA, persistence of proteinuria, and granular casts in the urine. The coexistence of immunoglobulin A nephropathy was suspected when these characteristics were observed in patients with the “nutcracker” phenomenon. In such cases, a renal biopsy is needed for a final diagnosis.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Daily Dosages of 6 mg and 20 mg Dihydroergocristine in the Treatment of Chronic Cerebro-Vascular Disease
Authors: Pagliano F M , Galbiati G C
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of two different regimens of dihydroergocristine, in the treatment of patients with chronic cerebro-vascular disease, were compared in this double-blind study. Forty out-patients, 11 males and 29 females, aged 55 – 80 years were randomly assigned to treatment with 6 or 20 mg dihydroergocristine, daily, for 3 months. The Sandoz Clinical Assessment for Geriatrics (SCAG) scale was used to assess the efficacy of treatment. Both doses induced a statistically significant improvement ( P < 0.01) in total SCAG scores after both 45 and 90 days of treatment. The higher dose produced a significantly greater improvement in total SCAG scores than did the lower dose after both 45 and 90 days. There were no statistically or clinically significant changes in any of the laboratory parameters after either treatment; neither were there any statistically significant changes in blood-pressure or pulse-rate except in the case of standing systolic pressure which decreased significantly ( P < 0.01) in the 20 mg group. The only adverse event reported was a case of mild gastric pain at the end of treatment with 20 mg dihydroergocristine.
Relationship between Cardiosympathetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Somatic Neuropathy in Patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Okada S , Ishii K , Tanokuchi S , Ichiki K , Hamada H , Ogino Y , Ota Z , Shimizu M , Hiraki Y
Published: January 2017

The possibility of a relationship between diabetic somatic neuropathy and cardiosympathetic neuropathy was investigated in 103 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Cardiosympathetic nerve function was assessed by myocardial scintigraphy. The severity of diabetic somatic neuropathy was determined by measuring the motor conduction velocities of the peroneal and tibial nerves and the sensory conduction velocity of the sural nerve. Analysis of the results did not show any correlations between the measures of cardiosympathetic nerve function and the measures of diabetic somatic neuropathy. The results indicate that diabetic somatic neuropathy and cardiomyosympathetic neuropathy develop independently in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Comparative Evaluation of the Antihypertensive Efficacy of Once-Daily Sustained-Release Isradipine and Lacidipine Using 24-hour Ambulatory Blood-Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Galderisi M , Petrocelli A , Garofalo M , Celentano A , Alfieri A , de Divitiis O
Published: January 2017

In this single-blind crossover study the antihypertensive efficacies of two dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, sustained-release isradipine and lacidipine, were compared using clinic and ambulatory blood-pressure measurements. After a 2-week placebo wash-out, 34 patients (19 men, 15 women, mean age 49 years) with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure range 95 – 110 mmHg) were treated with 5 mg sustained-release isradipine for 4 weeks and 4 mg lacidipine for 4 weeks in a random order. Medications were taken once daily at 08.00 h. Clinic and ambulatory blood pressures were recorded at the end of each placebo or treatment period. Two patients stopped isradipine and six lacidipine because of severe adverse effects. Clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by an average of 17/14 mmHg with isradipine and 17/13 mmHg with lacidipine, compared with placebo ( P < 0.01 in both cases), without a change in heart rate. Mean ambulatory 24-h and daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced by sustained-release isradipine and lacidipine ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). At night systolic blood pressure fell compared with placebo ( P < 0.05 with both drugs) whereas the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was not statistically significant. Mean 24-h heart rate remained unchanged. Blood-pressure variability did not differ significantly between the two drugs or between either drug and the placebo. The antihypertensive effects of sustained-release isradipine and lacidipine were similar, but the tolerability of isradipine appears to be greater since it caused fewer withdrawals.
Time-Course of Changes in the Plasma–Membrane Lipid Bilayer and Cellular Ultrastructure Induced by Tumour Necrosis Factor-α in K 562 and Daudi Cells
Authors: Marutaka M , Iwagaki H , Mizukawa K , Tanaka N , Orita K
Published: January 2017

The time-course of changes in the plasma-membrane lipid bilayer induced by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF) were investigated in cultured cells using spin-label electron-spin-resonance techniques. Treatment of K 562 cells, a human chronic myelocytic leukaemia cell line, in suspension culture with TNF for up to 6 h caused an initial increase in cell-membrane fluidity, which returned to the control level after 12 h of treatment. After 24 h of treatment, the cell-membrane fluidity had decreased and this decrease was maintained after 48 h of treatment. In Daudi cells, a human malignant lymphoma cell line, TNF, did not induce any changes in cell-membrane fluidity, indicating that the effect of TNF on membrane structure is cell-specific. The early and transient change in membrane fluidity in K 562 cells is probably related to signal generation, while the later, persistent change may reflect the phenotype of TNF-treated cells, in particular, changes in the plasma membrane-cytoplasmic complex. Histochemical electron microscopic studies indicated that the membrane fluidity changes induced by TNF have an ultrastructural correlate.
The Management of Cystic Fibrosis with Carbocysteine Lysine Salt: Single-Blind Comparative Study with Ambroxol Hydrochloride
Authors: Caramia G , Gagliardini R , Ruffini E , Osimani P , Nobilini A
Published: January 2017

The effectiveness of carbocysteine lysine salt monohydrate (SCMC-Lys) and ambroxol hydrochloride (ABX) in the management of respiratory impairment was compared in a single-blind, randomized study of 26 cystic fibrosis patients with similar baseline characteristics. Adults received either SCMC-Lys 900 mg or ABX 33 mg three times a day and children under 14 years of age either SCMC-Lys 270 mg three times a day or ABX 10 mg four times a day. All treatments were given orally for 80 days and at the end of this control period both groups showed significant improvement in chest sound score but improvement in cough score was observed only in those receiving SCMC-Lys. Expectorate viscosity and elasticity decreased significantly in both groups. In SCMC-Lys-treated patients paCO2 decreased and paO2 and Hb O2 saturation increased while only paO2 increased significantly in those treated with ABX. An increase in tidal volume, peak expiratory flow values and forced expiratory volume were evident in those receiving SCMC-Lys while significant increases in forced expiratory flow were recorded in those receiving ABX. SCMC-Lys patients' Shwachmann index improved significantly and conversely to the ABX patients. No adverse events were recorded in either treatment group. The study concluded that SCMC-Lys is at least as effective as ABX in improving respiratory function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
No Effect of an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor on Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Low Function of Pancreatic β Cells
Authors: Okada S , Ishii K , Tanokuchi S , Hamada H , Ichiki K , Ota Z
Published: January 2017

Twenty patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who had been receiving appropriate dietary treatment for 3 months but whose glucose metabolism needed further improvement were treated with an α-glucosidase inhibitor. Treatment with the α-glucosidase inhibitor (0.6 mg/day) for 4 weeks, had no significant effect on blood glucose levels 2 h after breakfast or on glycosylated haemoglobin levels.
Twenty Years of Experience with Intra-Articular Rifamycin for Chronic Arthritides
Authors: Caruso J
Published: January 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease causing substantial morbidity and mortality for which current treatments are largely unsatisfactory. Over the past 20 years we have developed a novel therapeutic approach based on the intra-articular administration of rifamycin. The published studies on rifamycin therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic arthritic disorders, mainly from our group, are reviewed. Our results indicate that intra-articular rifamycin is effective against active synovitis and can profitably be combined with any basic therapy with slow-acting antirheumatic drugs. There is good evidence that the development of new erosions can be prevented or delayed by this treatment and that the balance between side-effects (mainly local pain) and antiarthritic activity is very favourable in the long term. Our observations have led us to hypothesize a possible systemic effect of rifamycin injected multilocally in peripheral joints; we believe that the available data deserve further investigation by independent researchers.
Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to 10 Kampo Formulations
Authors: Higaki S , Mommatsu S , Morohashi M , Yamagishi T , Hasegawa Y
Published: January 2017

We examined the in vitro sensitivities of three bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, commonly detected in acne lesions, and Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections, to 10 Kampo formulations (Chinese herbal medicines; combinations of powdered extracts of crude drugs). Both Staphylococcus species showed similar sensitivities to all 10 formulations, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 25 to 400 mg/ml. P. acnes, however, was particularly sensitive to one formulation, keigai-rengyo-to (MIC, 0.78 – 25 mg/ml), prompting speculation that it might contain components with strong antibacterial activity to P. acnes. P. acnes showed similar sensitivities to all the other formulations (MIC 6.25 – 200 mg/ml). The ranges of MICs and the MIC50s (concentrations that inhibit 50% of isolates) were very similar to those previously recorded in 1990 for the two Staphylococcus species.
An Open Study of Sertraline in Acute and Continuation Treatment of Depressed Out-Patients
Authors: Van Houdenhove B , Onghena P , Flows M , Janssen F , De Nayer AR , Boxus A , Iancu H
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and tolerability of sertraline in 422 out-patients with major depression (DSM-III-R) was evaluated in an open multicentre 8-month study. Patients received sertraline 50 mg/day; if there was insufficient response at week 4, the dose was increased to 100 mg/day. After 8 weeks, 68.6% of patients had responded (≥ 50% reduction in Montgomery Åsberg depression rating scale and clinical global impression scale scores of two or less (improvement of illness) and three or less (severity of illness); of patients receiving continuation treatment, 87.9% maintained at least a partial response at the final visit. The clinical response to the 50 mg/day dose was maintained throughout the acute treatment in 64% of patients. In all, 23% of the patients had mild or moderate drug-related gastrointestinal disturbances, which generally disappeared after 2 weeks. Only 8% of the patients withdrew because of side-effects. Just over half of the patients were taking other psychotropic drugs. Nevertheless the results of this open study are consistent with those of controlled studies in which sertraline was effective and well tolerated, in acute and continuation treatment for major depression, at 50 mg/day in most patients.
Spinal Cord Compression by Heterotopic Ossification Associated with Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Authors: Yamamoto Y , Noto Y , Saito M , Ichizen H , a H Kid
Published: January 2017

This report describes a 37-year-old man presenting with a gait disturbance due to spastic paraparesis. Physical findings showed typical features of Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, including short stature, obesity, brachydactyly and dental hypoplasia. He was diagnosed as having pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia, on the basis of his hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, increased plasma level of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the unresponsiveness to exogenous PTH loading of his urinary excretion of both nephrogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate and phosphate. Magnetic resonance imaging and myelographic computed tomographic scans clearly demonstrated severe compression of the spinal cord at T 9/10 by tumour-like ossifications of the paravertebral ligaments. Neurosurgical decompression therapy was, therefore, performed to alleviate his spastic paraparesis. This was a rare case of pseudohypoparathyroidism complicated with spinal cord compression caused by ectopic ossification of the ligaments.
Malignant Lymphoma in a Rhesus Monkey; (With color plate I)
Authors: Brown R. J. , Kupper J. L. , Trevethan W. P. , Britz W. E.
Published: January 2017

An adult Rhesus monkey that died after a short illness was found to have malignant lymphoma of the lung and of the small and large intestine.
Cytology of Canine Cutaneous Round Cell Tumors
Authors: Duncan J. R. , Prasse K. W.
Published: January 2017

Sixty-four canine cutaneous round cell tumors were divided into 25 mast cell tumors, 15 histiocytomas, nine cutaneous lymphosarcomas and 15 transmissible venereal tumors. The final diagnosis was made from cytologic, clinical and histologic findings. Cytologic features were significantly distinctive in mast cell tumor, transmissible venereal tumor, and most cases of histiocytoma and lymphosarcoma to allow a diagnostic opinion. This opinion was supported by subsequent histologic examination. In some instances cytology was considered essential in rendering a diagnostic opinion even though histology was available.
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Two Akita Dogs
Authors: Toole D. O , Roberts S.
Published: January 2017

Two distantly related, two- to three-year-old male Akita dogs developed partial or complete night blindness which progressed to day blindness. Clinical features were attenuated retinal blood vessels, diffuse exaggerated tapetal reflex, and hyperreflective horizontal lines in the tapetal fundus. The principal histologic change was regional photoreceptor cell degeneration. Areas of moderately atrophic sensory retina alternated, concentrically to the papilla, with areas of severely atrophic retina. Ultrastructurally, there was disorganization of photoreceptor outer segments, retinal gliosis, focal loss with reorganization of the outer limiting membrane, and retinal invasion by pigment epithelium-derived macrophages. Clinical observations on five additional Akitas with generalized retinal atrophy suggest that the condition is heritable.
Lesions in Broiler and Layer Chickens in an Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Acland H. M. , Bachin L. A. Silverman , Eckroade R. J.
Published: January 2017

Fifteen chickens, five broilers and ten layers, from the Pennsylvania 1983 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection, were examined. Gross lesions in the broilers were limited to serosal petechiae and dehydration. In the layers there was comb edema, vesiculation, and necrosis. Microscopic lesions were mild to severe diffuse nonsuppurative encephalitis, very mild to severe diffuse necrotizing pancreatitis, and very mild to severe subacute necrotizing myositis involving numerous skeletal muscles and most severe in the external ocular muscles and limbs. While many of these lesions have been seen in experimental infections of chickens with influenza viruses, the pattern of organs involved in this group of chickens is distinctive.
Serum Ferritin and Total Iron-Binding Capacity to Estimate Iron Storage in Pigs
Authors: Smith J. E. , Moore K. , Boyington D. , Pollmann D. S. , Schoneweis D.
Published: January 2017

The inability to accurately determine storage iron in baby pigs limits the development of new treatment programs. In pigs treated neonatally with iron dextran, serum ferritin had increased dramatically at ten days of age and then returned to near preinjection levels by 50 days of age. In contrast, serum ferritin in untreated pigs declined until they were offered creep feed at 21 days of age. When serum ferritin, serum iron, serum total iron-binding capacity, erythrocyte number, packed cell volume, and blood hemoglobin were measured in three-week-old pigs, serum ferritin combined with serum total iron-binding capacity correlated significantly with the total nonheme iron in the liver and spleen. The nonheme iron (in mg) could be predicted (r2 = 0.71) by the following expression: 8.7 + 0.6 (ferritin in ng/ml).
Volume-controlled Bronchopulmonary Lavage of Normal and Pneumonic Calves
Authors: Lay J. C. , Slauson D. O. , Castleman W. L.
Published: January 2017

Saline bronchopulmonary lavage of the right lung of 16 anesthetized calves was performed using a single-lumen cuffed endotracheal tube. The initial volume of saline introduced was based on the functional residual capacity (FRC) of the right lung lobes as determined from the proportional weights of the right (58% of total FRC) and left (42% of total FRC) lung lobes. Calves were divided into “pneumonic” and “normal” groups based on clinical signs. Five sequential washes were done on each calf. There was no difference in the percentage of total lavage fluid volume recoverable between normal (83.8 ± 4.2%) and pneumonic (81.1 ± 8.2%) calves. Cell yield in the initial wash was consistently greater than in subsequent washes for both normal (12.7 ± 6.6 × 106 cells/kg body weight) and pneumonic (58.1 ± 37.6 × 106 cells/kg body weight) calves, and constituted 62.0% (normal) and 75.4% (pneumonic) of the total recoverable cell yield. Total cell yields were higher ( P < 0.05) in pneumonic calves, primarily due to neutrophil leukocytes (PMN). Neutrophils constituted 53.7 ± 25% of the total cell yield in the pneumonic calves, but only 12.3 ± 9.5% in the normal calves. The pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) was the major recoverable cell in normal calves (85.7 ± 8.7% of total lavage cells). Macrophages constituted a smaller (42.9 ±23.5) percentage of the total lavage cells in the pneumonic group due to increased PMN numbers. Viability of recovered cells from the pneumonic calves (91.5 ± 4.8%) was lower than for the normal calves (94.1 ± 2.5%), but the difference was not significant. Volume-controlled bronchopulmonary lavage proved to be a safe, simple technique producing an abundant yield of viable cells from both normal and pneumonic calves for in vitro study.
Lymphocytic Depletion of Bursa of Fabricius and Thymus in Chickens Inoculated with Escherichia coli
Authors: Nakamura K. , Imada Y. , Maeda M.
Published: January 2017

Specific-pathogen-free 10-week-old chickens were inoculated via the air sac with Escherichia coli and showed lymphocytic depletion of bursa of Fabricius and thymus. In experiment I, chickens were necropsied at 12 and 24 hours, 2, 3, and 5 days after inoculation. At 12 hours after inoculation there was lymphocytic depletion in the medulla of lymphoid follicles of the bursa. At 24 hours after inoculation there was lymphocytic depletion also in the cortex of follicles and edema in interfollicular interstitium and follicular medulla. At 2 and 3 days after inoculation there were more marked lymphocytic depletion in medulla and cortex, and fibrosis in interfollicular interstitium. Partial repopulation of follicles with lymphocytes was seen at 5 days after inoculation. In the thymus, lymphocytic depletion occurred in the cortex. At 12 hours after inoculation, lymphocytic necrosis increased in number more than that of control chickens. The width of the cortex and medulla decreased. At 24 hours after inoculation, lymphocytic necrosis increased further. At 2 to 5 days after inoculation, the boundary between the cortex and medulla of lobules was obscure and cellular elements of the cortex and medulla were mingled. In experiment II, chickens were necropsied as in experiment I and also at 8 and 14 days after inoculation. The relative weights of the bursa and thymus reduced rapidly to minimal relative weights at 8 days after inoculation. At 14 days after inoculation, both bursa and thymus had normal relative weights and histological structures. These findings indicate that E. coli infection may induce transient lymphocytic depletion of lymphoid tissues in the chicken.
Membranous Nephropathy in the Dog
Authors: Jaenke R. S. , Allen T. A.
Published: January 2017

Membranous nephropathy, a disease syndrome characterized by severe proteinuria and often accompanied by the nephrotic syndrome, was identified in 29% of a population of 46 proteinuric dogs. Renal lesions were characterized by the presence of subepithelial immunoglobulin deposits distributed diffusely along the glomerular capillary wall. Advanced stages were associated with progressive thickening of capillary basement membranes and incorporation of the immune deposits. These changes were followed by either glomerulosclerosis or recovery. Characteristic morphologic stages were correlated with clinical pathologic findings which showed that the level of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and consequent nephrotic syndrome was most severe in the initial stages of membranous nephropathy while the level of azotemia increased in the more advanced stages of the syndrome.
Mammary Tumors in a Colony of Beagle Dogs
Authors: Moulton J. E. , Rosenblatt L. S. , Goldman M.
Published: January 2017

In a lifetime study, female beagle dogs in a closed colony were administered 226radium and 90strontium. An unirradiated control group was included in the study. A total of 223 of 356 dogs at risk developed 1,112 mammary proliferative growths (hyperplastic nodules and neoplasms). There was no correlation between occurrence and types of lesions in radiation and control groups. The age range for first occurrence of lesions was 10.4 to 13.9 years; hyperplastic nodule and benign mixed tumor occurred 1 to 2 years earlier than other lesions. A multiplicity of growths of similar or different morphological type were common throughout the lifetime of the dog. The female beagles, collectively, developed 244 hyperplastic nodules, 78 adenomas, 694 benign mixed tumors, 78 carcinomas, 14 malignant mixed tumors, and four myoepitheliomas. Proliferations occurred with increasing frequency from the cranial to caudal mammary glands. Metastasis was found in 77% of the dogs with carcinoma. The median time from diagnosis to metastasis was 10 months, but was shorter in dogs with infiltrative carcinoma.
Characterization of Cytoplasmic Lysozyme Immunoreactivity as a Histiocytic Marker in Normal Canine Tissues
Authors: Moore P. F.
Published: January 2017

The immunoreactive lysozyme distribution in normal canine tissues was determined to assess the value of lysozyme as a marker of histiocytic differentiation. Lysozyme was largely confined to monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, serous cells in mucosal associated exocrine glands, and renal proximal tubular epithelium. Macrophages in the majority of tissues stained intensely for lysozyme, although in lymphoid tissues not all acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase positive cells contained lysozyme. In particular, dendritic antigen presenting cells, including Langerhans cells, follicular dendritic cells, and interdigitating reticulum cells, lacked immunoreactive lysozyme; hence lysozyme appeared to represent a discriminatory marker with respect to these cells. Also, a small proportion of non-dendritic macrophages appeared to lack lysozyme. It was concluded that the demonstration of immunoreactive lysozyme was a useful adjunct to conventional morphological techniques for the identification of tissue macrophages provided that due caution was exercised in the interpretation of the results of lysozyme staining.
The Myth of the Vākātaka Coins
Authors: Goyal Shankar
Published: January 2017

Till recently no coins of the Vākātakas themselves were known and it was believed that they did not issue their own coins. But of late, Ajay Mitra Shastri has attributed two copper coins to Narendrasena and one copper coin to Prthivīshena and, more recently Prashant P. Kulkarni has attributed one copper coin to Pravarasena. But the author of the present article differs with these scholars and observes that the question of the existence of the currency of an extensive kingdom, as that of the Vākātakas, cannot be decided by one or two copper coins. According to him, no credence should be given to such coins unless they are obtained from regular archaeological excavations and their authenticity is proved by detailed investigation. He is of the view that a study of the known inscriptions of the Vākātakas indicates the comparative paucity of coins resulting in the large-scale mechanism of land-grants, growth of small village settlements and relatively declining urban economy.
Effect of TNFα on the Induction of Apoptosis in Murine Macrophage: Role of Interleukin-1β Converting Enzime
Authors: Acharya A. , Singh S.M.
Published: January 2017

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) is a cytokine that induces apoptosis in various cell types via its binding to TNF-receptors (TNF-R). Involvement of ICE-like protease in the induction of TNF-α mediated apoptosis in murine macrophage was investigated using ICE inhibitor YVAD-cmk (Tetrapeptide-Acetyl-Try-Val-Ala-Asp-Chloromethyl ketone). Macrophages treated with TNF showed a time dependent decrease in cell viability with a simultaneous increase in the % of cells showing apoptotic morphology and an increase in % DNA fragmentation, a quantitative measure of apoptosis. However, incubation of macrophage in medium containing TNF and YVAD-cmk had inhibitory effect on the TNF-induced apoptosis of macrophage. This finding suggests that ICE-like protease may be involved in the induction of apoptosis in macrophage by TNF-α.
A Contemporary Update and Pathology Reporting for Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Mazzucchelli R. , Scarpelli M. , Lopez-Beltran A. , Cheng L. , Di Primio R. , Montironi R.
Published: January 2017

Providing the best management for patients with bladder cancer relies on close cooperation among uro-oncologists and pathologists. The pathologist is involved in the diagnosis and assessment of prognostic and therapeutic factors in bladder biopsies, transurethral resection (TUR) and cystectomy specimens. The pathologist must report accurately the key features using terms that are well understood by clinicians. Adequate clinical information is important to pathologists in deciding the best approach in handling and processing the surgical specimens.
Expression and Yes-Associated Protein in Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Inhibitory Effects of its Knockdown on Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis
Authors: Zhang J. , Xu Z-P. , Yang Y-C. , Zhu J-S. , Zhou Z. , Chen W-X.
Published: January 2017

Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been implicated as an oncogene in multiple human cancers. In the present study, human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues of different grades (N=78) were collected and the mRNA and protein expression of YAP and phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP) in gastric adenocarcinomas were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Real-time PCR and Western blot assays. Then, human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were stably transfected with lentivirus-mediated YAP small hairpin RNA (shRNA). The expression levels of YAP, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were detected and the effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown of YAP on cell proliferation and metastasis were assessed in gastric cancer cells. As a result, the expression of YAP was observed in 69.23% gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, elevating with the ascending order of tumor malignancy. Knockdown of YAP could down-regulated the expression of PCNA and MMP-2, and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. In conclusion, YAP is strongly expressed in gastric adenocarcinomas, and knockdown of YAP may inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through down-regulation of PCNA and MMP-2 expression, suggesting that YAP represents an important therapeutic target in human gastric cancer.
The Protein Kinase C Inhibitor Aeb071 (Sotrastaurin) Modulates Migration and Superoxide Anion Production by Human Neutrophils In Vitro
Authors: Capsoni F. , Ongari A.M. , Reali E. , Bosè F. , Altomare G.F.
Published: January 2017

We examined the effect of the protein kinase C-selective inhibitor AEB071 (sotrastaurin) on neutrophil functions in vitro. Pre-incubation with AEB071 at concentrations similar to those reached during in vivo therapy significantly reduced cell capacity to migrate toward three different chemo-attractants and to produce superoxide anions (O2) in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or to iV-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). AEB071 also significantly inhibited the O−2 “overproduction induced by fMLP in neutrophils primed with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This inhibition was not linked to fMLP-receptor down-regulation since the drug had no effect on either fMLP-receptors or fMLP-induced CD11b membrane expression. When the activity of AEB071 was compared to that of the conventional protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Gö6850 (which, like sotrastaurin, inhibits classical and novel PKC isoforms), Gö6976 (an inhibitor of α and β PKC isoforms) and rottlerin (a prevailing δ PKC isoform inhibitor), AEB071 at an equimolar concentration of 3 μM (close to the maximum drug concentration reached in patients treated with AEB071) caused significantly more inhibition on both chemotactic response and superoxide production. These in vitro findings suggest that neutrophils may offer a cellular target for AEB071 activity in vivo.
Morphological Analysis and Interleukin Release in Human Gingival Fibroblasts Seeded on Different Denture Base Acrylic Resins
Authors: Trubiani O. , Toniato E. , Di Iorio D. , Diomede F. , Merciaro I. , D'Arcangelo C. , Caputi S. , Oriana T.
Published: January 2017

The development of different types of materials with application in practice dentistry is an area of intense growth and research due to its importance in oral health. Among the diverse materials currently used in restoration or in dentures, the acrylic based resins have been widely employed. The release of toxic components and the changes on their physical and mechanical properties actually represent a goal of intensive research. In vivo analysis showed that the surface roughness of the acrylic resin represents a factor that could stimulate bacteria colonization and soft tissue inflammation. For this purpose, in this work, we have analyzed the cell response to acrylic based resins Ivoclar, Tokuso and Coldpack in basal conditions, unpolished, and after the polished procedure performed to reduce the surface roughness. Our in vitro results using human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) showed a decrease of cell growth, evaluated by MTT assay starting at 24 h of incubation, in samples seeded on resins in basal conditions and after the polished procedure. This cell growth reduction was associated to evident morphological changes in unpolished materials. After 24 h of culture in presence of polished and unpolished resins a spontaneous release was present of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and −8 (IL-8), which was higher in unpolished resins, indicating that the polished procedure, minimizing the cytotoxicity process, could contribute to reduce the gingival inflammation processes.
Dose-Dependent Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy with Mite Monomeric Allergoid
Authors: Di Gioacchino M. , Cavallucci E. , Ballone E. , Cervone M. , Di Rocco P. , Piunti E. , Filardo G.S. , Turi M.C. , Mangifesta R. , Quecchia C. , Mistrello G. , Braga M. , Petrarca C.
Published: January 2017

Sublingual immunotherapy with monomelic carbamylated allergoid (LAIS) is an effective and well tolerated treatment of respiratory allergy. The aim of the present study was to correlate the efficacy of two maintenance doses (1000 AU vs 3000 AU) of LAIS with the immunological modulation of allergen-driven Th1, Th2 and T regulatory cytokines produced in vitro by PBMCs, in patients suffering from mite allergic rhinitis. Forty-eight consecutive patients with mite allergic rhinitis were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to group A (n=24) or group B (n=24), respectively receiving 1000 AU or 3000 AU weekly during one-year maintenance phase. Each patient was evaluated for rhinitis severity (ARIA protocol), and for drug consumption at the time of the inclusion and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Patients were also asked to report the perceived severity of the disease and the tolerability of the treatment in a visual analogical scale (VAS). Before and at the end of the treatment allergen-driven release of cytokines by PBMCs in vitro was measured. After 1-year treatment, a statistically significant reduction of all clinical parameters was observed in all patients, associated with reduction of IL-4 and increase of INF-γ secreted in vitro by mite-challenged PBMCs. Notably, the group treated with the higher dose showed significantly better clinical and immunological results. The efficacy of LAIS is correlated to the immune modulation in a clear dose-dependent effect.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Prevalence and Clinical Progress
Authors: Castria D. , Refini R.M. , Bargagli E. , Mezzasalma F. , Pierli C. , Rottoli P.
Published: January 2017

The aims of the present study are to define the prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in a cohort of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) patients, to investigate any correlations between systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs) and functional data, to evaluate clinical progress and to compare long-term survival in IPF patients with and without PH. A population of 126 IPF patients was recruited. A high prevalence of PH (39.7%, 50/126), evaluated by echocardiography on the basis of PAPs > 36 mmHg, was mainly observed in smokers and female patients. Regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between PAPs > 50 mmHg and DLCO/VA (p=0.0294). Mean PAPs was significantly greater one year after onset of PH (p=0.01). 11/21 patients with FVC <50% had a significant increase in PAPs one year after onset of PH (p=0.02). There was a highly significant difference between survival of IPF patients with and without PH (p=0.0001; hazard ratio = 3.56). This study revealed that PH has a high prevalence in patients with IPF and is associated with increased risk of mortality. Early diagnosis of IPF patients with pulmonary hypertension is important, so that they can be enrolled in waiting lists for lung transplant as soon as possible.
Pulmonary Malacoplakia at Early Stage: Use and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Rhodococcus Equi
Authors: Mulè A. , Petrone G. , Santoro A. , Sanguinetti M. , Meacci E. , Coli A. , Margaritora S.
Published: January 2017

Malacoplakia is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of benign macrophages associated with pathognomonic Michaelis-Gutmann bodies (MGBs). It is usually found in the genito-urinary tract, and has been associated with immunocompromised states. In this short report, we present 5 patients with pulmonary nodules clinically suspicious for primary or metastatic lung cancer. The histologic examination of the surgical specimens revealed a nonspecific granulomatous chronic disease, and despite the paucity of classical MGBs, a pulmonary malacoplakia was suspected. In all cases the opportunistic pathogen Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, leading to the final pathological diagnosis of malacoplakia. We conclude that pulmonary malacoplakia associated with R. equi is a rare disease affecting also immunocompetent patients. The pathogenesis and the diagnostic problems are discussed. Since infection by R. equi is treatable, the importance of its early recognition should be emphasized.