bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leg Ulcers and Oedema: A Study Exploring the Prevalence, Aetiology, and Possible Significance of Oedema in Venous Ulcers
Authors: Prasad A. , Ali-Khan A. , Mortimer P.
Published: January 2017

Oedema is commonly associated with venous leg ulcers, and is thought to discourage wound healing. However, little attention has been paid to the mechanism or significance of oedema in this condition. This study assessed the prevalence of oedema and lymphatic insufficiency and their influence on wound healing amongst 56 patients. Two populations were studied – community and hospital-managed, with an almost equal number of cases in each. The presence of oedema and lymphatic insufficiency was assessed clinically and, the duration of the current ulcer was used as an indicator of healing rate.

Oedema was present in 55% of patients, but its prevalence in the community-treated group was much greater than in the hospital-treated group. Lymphatic insufficiency was present in 22% of patients with an equal prevalence in the two groups. The presence of oedema was associated with a longer duration of ulcer whereas the use of diuretics was associated with a shorter duration. This suggests that oedema may be an important factor in discouraging the healing of ulcers.

Greater attention should be paid clinically to the prevention of oedema, as its presence suggests inadequate treatment and a failure to heal.
Haemodynamic Correction of Varicose Veins (CHIVA): An Effective Treatment?
Authors: Zamboni P. , Feo C.V. , Marcellino M. G. , Vasquez G. , Mari C.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Evaluation of the feasibility and utility of haemodynamic correction of primary varicose veins (French acronym: CHIVA).

Design:

Prospective, single patient group study.

Setting:

Department of Surgery, University of Ferrara, Italy (teaching hospital).

Patients:

Fifty-five patients with primary varicose veins and a normal deep venous system (ultrasonographic criteria) were studied.

Interventions:

Fifty-five haemodynamic corrections by the CHIVA method described by Franceschi were undertaken. Seven patients were treated for short saphenous vein varices (group A) while 48 patients were treated for long saphenous vein varices (group B).

Main outcome measures:

Clinical: presence of varices and reduction in symptoms. Duplex and continuous-wave Doppler detection of re-entry through the perforators and identification of recurrences or new sites of reflux. Postoperative ambulatory venous pressure and refilling time measurements. Patients were studied for 3 years following surgery.

Results:

In group A, 57% short saphenous vein occlusions with no re-entry through the gastrocnemius and soleal veins were recorded. In group B the long saphenous vein thrombosis rate was 10%. In this group 15% of the patients showed persistence of reflux instead of re-entry at the perforators. Early recurrences were also observed. Overall CHIVA gave excellent results in 78% of the patients. Statistically significant ambulatory venous pressure and refilling time changes were recorded ( p<0.001).

Conclusions:

CHIVA treatment is inadvisable for short saphenous vein varices. Long saphenous vein postoperative thrombosis is related to development of recurrences
Ambulatory Phlebectomy in the Elderly: Review of 100 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Olivencia J. A.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To analyse the results of ambulatory phlebectomy performed in elderly patients.

Design:

Two-year study of 100 consecutive patients on whom ambulatory phlebectomy was performed in 140 limbs as part of the treatment for varicose veins.

Setting:

Private practice, specialist vein clinic.

Patients:

100 patients over 65 years of age, involving 140 limbs.

Results:

Ambulatory phlebectomy performed as part of the overall treatment of varicose veins in elderly patients has proven to be a satisfactory procedure when performed in an office setting and under local anaesthesia.

Conclusions:

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a most satisfactory procedure for the treatment of varicose veins in the elderly. The patients in this study tolerated the procedure extremely well. Complications were minimal and no different from those encountered in younger patients. Results were most gratifying to both the patient and the surgeon.
The impact of cardiac arrest on the long-term wellbeing and caregiver burden of family caregivers: a prospective cohort study
Authors: van Wijnen Helena GFM , Rasquin Sascha MC , van Heugten Caroline M , Verbunt Jeanine A , Moulaert Véronique RM
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The purpose was to gain insight in the functioning of caregivers of cardiac arrest survivors at 12 months after a cardiac arrest. Secondly, the course of the wellbeing of the caregivers during the first year was studied. Finally, factors that are associated with a higher care burden at 12 months after the cardiac arrest were investigated.

Subjects:

A total of 195 family caregivers of cardiac arrest survivors were included.

Main measures:

Quality of life (SF-36, EuroQol-VAS), caregiver strain (CSI) and emotional functioning (HADS, IES) were measured at two weeks, three months and one year after the cardiac arrest. Thereby, the caregiver was asked to fill out the cognitive failure questionnaire (CFQ) to evaluate their view on the cognitive status of the patient.

Results:

Caregiver strain was high in 16 (15%) of the caregivers at 12 months. Anxiety was present in 33 (25%) caregivers and depression in 18 (14%) caregivers at 12 months. The repeated measures MANOVA showed that during the first year the following variables improved significantly: SF-36 domains social and mental health, role physical, role emotional and vitality, caregiver strain, HADS and IES ( P<0.001). At 12 months caregiver strain correlated significantly (explained variance 63%, P=0.03) with caregiver HADS ( P=0.01), EuroQol-VAS ( P=0.02), and the CFQ ( P<0.001), all measured at 12 months after the cardiac arrest.

Conclusions:

Overall wellbeing of the caregivers improves during the first year up to normal levels, but caregivers with emotional problems or perceived cognitive problems at 12 months are at risk for developing a higher care burden.
Psychotropic drugs and ventricular repolarisation: The effects on QT interval, T-peak to T-end interval and QT dispersion
Authors: Acciavatti Tiziano , Martinotti Giovanni , Corbo Mariangela , Cinosi Eduardo , Lupi Matteo , Ricci Fabrizio , Di Scala Rosa , D’Ugo Emilia , De Francesco Viola , De Caterina Raffaele , di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: January 2017

Objective:

We aimed to investigate in a clinical setting, the effects of different classes of psychotropic drugs on cardiac electrophysiological measures linked with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population of 1059 psychiatric inpatients studying the effects of various psychotropic drugs on the T-peak to T-end (TpTe) interval, QT dispersion and QT interval.

Results:

Methadone use showed a strong association with TpTe prolongation (odds ratio (OR)=12.66 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.9–41.1), p<0.001), an effect independent from action on QT interval. Mood stabilisers showed significant effects on ventricular repolarisation: lithium was associated with a TpTe prolongation (OR=2.12 (95% CI, 1.12–4), p=0.02), while valproic acid with a TpTe reduction (OR=0.6 (95% CI, 0.37–0.98), p=0.04). Among antipsychotics, clozapine increased TpTe (OR=9.5 (95% CI, 2.24–40.39), p=0.002) and piperazine phenothiazines increased QT dispersion (OR=2.73 (95% CI, 1.06–7.02), p=0.037).

Conclusions:

Treatment with psychotropic drugs influences TpTe and QT dispersion. These parameters might be considered to better estimate the sudden cardiac death risk related to specific medications. Beyond antipsychotics and antidepressants, mood stabilisers determine significant effects on ventricular repolarisation.
A Long-Term Clinical Trial with a Non-Steroidal Oestrogen
Authors: Camilleri A P , Galea Rose , Falzon M Dolores
Published: January 2017

A double-blind clinical trial has been carried out with a new non-steroidal oestrogenic substance (P1496). Taken cyclically over a period of 15 months or more the drug appears to be well tolerated and apparently free of toxic effects. In the dosage used the drug is clinically effective as an oestrogen analogue.
Isoxsuprine in Primary Dysmenorrhoea Its Effectiveness in Premenstrual Tension
Authors: Gallegos-Torres Juan , Flores-Mercado Francisco
Published: January 2017

The drug combination including isoxsuprine 10 mg, acetaminophen 250 mg and caffeine 30 mg was administered to 80 patients divided into two groups, 40 with premenstrual tension and 40 with clinically diagnosed primary dysmenorrhoea.

The study was carried out by the double-blind method and the patients were distributed at random. The results obtained show an excellent or very good response in 95% of cases of premenstrual tension and in 92·5% of cases of dysmenorrhoea.

When the overall effectiveness of the compound in both conditions is considered, we find it to be 93·75%.

A general discussion of the findings is presented in relation to age, civil status, time of appearance of dysmenorrhoea, nature of pain, accompanying symptoms, previous treatment, other non-drug therapies, results obtained, time within which symptoms were alleviated, total dose of the drug and side-effects.

It is concluded that the orally-administered therapeutic combination is effective in both dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual tension.
Treatment with Methenamine Hippurate† in the Patient with a Catheter
Authors: Norrman K , Wibell L
Published: January 2017

Methenamine hippurate, 1 g twice daily, was given for four months to twenty-two elderly female subjects with an indwelling catheter. The incidence of catheter blockage was significantly reduced when compared with the control period of similar duration, although bacteriuria persisted throughout treatment. The incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infection also decreased during treatment with methenamine hippurate.
A Profile for Trimipramine
Authors: Valentine M
Published: January 2017

A series of sixty-one patients with depressive symptoms were treated with trimipramine in single nightly dosages. Analysis of the data indicated that a favourable outcome was likely to be associated with the following features: absence of gastro-intestinal complaints; absence of hypochondriasis; a level of anxiety not more than the average for psychiatric patients; absence of situational palpitation; possession of a stable work record; and possession of a family history positive for psychiatric disorder. These features are not claimed to be specific to treatment with trimipramine.

Age, sex, out-patient/in-patient status and the over-all degree of depression were not found to be relevant. Trimipramine was associated with a favourable outcome in 64% of all cases treated, and in 73% of primarily depressive conditions.
Comparative Efficacy of Triazolam, Flurazepam and Placebo in Out-Patients Insomniacs
Authors: Bowen Angela J
Published: January 2017

The short-term hypnotic efficacy of triazolam was compared to that of flurazepam and placebo in 120 out-patient insomniacs. Each patient was studied with a two-night, double-blind crossover trial. Triazolam (0.5 mg) was compared to placebo and flurazepam (30 mg). Triazolam (0.25 mg) was compared to flurazepam (15 mg and 30 mg). Triazolam (0.5 mg) was preferred to both placebo and flurazepam (30 mg). Triazolam (0.5 mg) was superior to placebo in improving quality of sleep, shortening sleep onset, increasing sleep duration, and reducing the number of night-time awakenings. Triazolam (0.5 mg) was superior to flurazepam (30 mg) in speeding sleep onset and increasing the quality of sleep. Triazolam (0.25 mg) was preferred to flurazepam (15 mg) and was significantly better than flurazepam on all sleep questions. Triazolam (0.25 mg) was preferred by more patients than flurazepam (30 mg) and was judged equally efficacious on indivdual sleep questions. Reports of side-effects were minimal for both drugs.
A Monitored-Release Study of Methrazone in General Practice
Authors: Harris P G
Published: January 2017

Methrazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was used on a monitored release study in general practice to treat 2,693 patients with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. In a dose of 200 mg three times daily, it appeared to produce clear benefit in between 50% and 60% of patients. Adverse reactions such as dyspepsia and skin rash led to the drug being withdrawn in 11% of patients. There were three major adverse reactions possibly due to the drug (haematemesis, rectal bleeding and acute purpura), but no cases of severe leucopenia or thrombocytopenia. Methrazone is a useful anti-inflammatory agent. In particular, it is unlikely to cause interactions with other drugs, including cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.
Post-Marketing Surveillance of Euhypnos® (Temazepam): A New Hypnotic
Authors: Fowler L K
Published: January 2017

A post-marketing surveillance study of Euhypnos (temazepam), a new short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic. A total of 12,350 patients requiring a sleep inducer were treated for up to 3 months with doses of 10–30 mg at night. After 2 weeks 80% of First Reports (FRs) rated Euhypnos effective and at 3 months this had risen to 92% of 3062 Second Reports (SRs). Hangover was reported in 7% of FRs and 2% of SRs but in general the drug was well tolerated with adverse reactions consisting mainly of morning nausea, headache, drowsiness and vivid dreaming. Eighty-seven per cent of FRs and 93% of SRs were ‘Clean’ reporting no hangover, adverse reaction or event of any kind.
Alkalinisation in the Management of Cystitis
Authors: Spooner J B
Published: January 2017

A study is described in which 205 women aged 18 to 60 years presenting with symptoms of cystitis and for whom there was no clear clinical evidence of a bacterial infection were treated with a 48-hour course of sodium citrate in the form of Cymalon granules. Significant bacteriuria was present in forty-three (21·3%) of the 202 patients for whom assessment was possible. Continuing or assumed bacteriuria was evident in twenty-one patients after treatment for whom an antibacterial agent was indicated. The average pre-treatment symptom score was higher for those with initial bacteriuria, than those without. In patients with persisting bacteriuria, symptom severity remained unchanged or worsened. In patients with pre-treatment bacteriuria whose symptoms improved, the bacteriuria was cleared. In those patients who were abacteriuric initially, symptoms were relieved in about 80% of cases.

It is concluded that a 48-hour course of sodium citrate can provide good symptomatic relief for most women with cystitis for whom there is no definite clinical evidence of a bacterial infection. Failure to respond adequately is very suggestive evidence of persisting bacteriuria for which a course of antibacterial therapy is indicated.
The Effect of Iron Treatment on Serum Ferritin Concentrations and Bone Marrow Stainable Iron in Iron Deficient Out-Patients with Gastritis, Gastric Ulcer and Duodenal Ulcer
Authors: Harju E , Pakarinen A
Published: January 2017

Serum ferritin concentrations and bone marrow stainable iron were determined in 122 adult out-patients (seventy males) with gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Half of the forty-four patients with iron deficiency (serum ferritin level below 20 μg/l) received peroral iron therapy (200 mg Fe++ daily). In most of the treated patients serum ferritin levels increased and the amount of bone marrow stainable iron in half of them also increased. Measurement of body iron stores by serum ferritin determinations and restoration of low body iron stores in these patients is of practical importance.
A Double-Blind Study of Topical Massage with Rado-Salil® Ointment in Mechanical Low-Back Pain
Authors: Ginsberg F. , Famaey J. P.
Published: January 2017

Forty patients with acute mechanical low-back pain were treated in a double-blind manner with either Rado-Salil® or placebo for 14 days. Statistically significant improvements in spontaneous pain, muscular contracture and in both the patient's and physician's opinions occurred by day 3. These improvements persisted at day 14 and, in addition, there were statistically significant improvements in the finger–floor distance and the degree of lumbar extension. Treatment with Rado-Salil® also allowed significant reduction in the use of oral analgesics. Only a few localized transient side-effects, requiring no specific treatment, were observed.
Double-Blind Study of Dothiepin versus Placebo in the Treatment of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Caruso I. , Puttini P. C. Sarzi , Boccassini L. , Santandrea S. , Locati M. , Volpato R. , Montrone F. , Benvenuti C. , Beretta A.
Published: January 2017

A double-blind study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of dothiepin with that of placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome was carried out. Dothiepin was shown to improve significantly the condition of patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome and there was a significant difference between dothiepin and placebo in all the clinical variables measured. Only mild and transient side-effects were reported. Further controlled studies are required to define the effects of dothiepin on fibromyalgia.
Amoxycillin and Clavulanic Acid in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Ruberto U. , D'Eufemia P. , Martino F. , Giardini O.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid combination in the treatment of urinary tract infections resistant, in vitro, to amoxycillin was studied in 42 children. Of the 24 children with urinary tract infection for the first time, combination therapy, dosing twice daily for 5 days (40 mg/kg·day), cleared the infection in 23 (96%) cases. Relapse occurred in four (17%) cases within 30 days. Of the 18 children who presented with recurrent urinary tract infections therapy, as above, cleared the infection in 16 (89%) cases. In these cases, long-term therapy was performed at a dosage of 20 mg/kg once daily. Tolerance was good; gastro-intestinal disorders in five (12%) cases which regressed by dosing at 8 h rather than 12 h intervals. In conclusion, amoxycillin–clavulanic acid can be considered a first choice treatment of urinary tract infections in children.
A Case of Gastric Cancer in Which Long-Term Administration of 5′-Deoxy-5-Fluorouridine Proved Effective
Authors: Koda T. , Kurahori T. , Iwao N. , Sumi S. , Sonoda T. , Yanagimoto H. , Yiyaji J. , Okahisa N.
Published: January 2017

A patient diagnosed with Borrmann type 4 gastric cancer (mucinous adenocarcinoma), who had refused surgery, was treated by oral administration of 1200 mg/day 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine for about 23 weeks. This resulted in substantial improvement of her condition, i.e. the tumour almost completely disappeared, distensibility improved between the central region of the corpus ventriculi and the angulus, and only small protrusions remained on the anterior and posterior walls and the pars pylorica of the lesser curvature. Mild anorexia and diarrhoea were noted as adverse reactions although these symptoms subsided by reducing the dose or temporarily stopping treatment, thereby allowing long-term treatment. Long-term use of 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine proved temporarily effective in this patient. The patient died about 3 years and 7 months after starting therapy. Examination showed that the cancer had been mainly in the stomach and that it had metastasized to the colon and pancreas. The liver was free of metastasis.
Effects of Biological Response Modifiers with Different Modes of Action Used Separately and Together on Immune Responses in Mice with Syngeneic Tumours
Authors: Matsunaga K , Morita I , Iijima H , Endoh H , Oguchi Y , Yoshimura M , Fujii T , Yoshikvmi C , Nomoto K
Published: January 2017

The effect of a protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) obtained from cultured mycelia of the Basidiomycetes Coriolus versicolor on activities involved in the host defence mechanism of C57BL/6 mice bearing adenocarcinoma 755 was compared with that of live bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Delayed footpad reaction, the activity of splenic natural killer cells and interferon production induced by concanavalin A in splenic cells of healthy mice were little affected by PSK, but in mice bearing tumours PSK prevented the tumour-induced reduction in these activities. Live BCG augmented these activities in healthy mice but had little effect on the reduction of activities induced by a tumour. The immunosuppressive activity of the serum of tumour-bearing mice was reduced by PSK administration; live BCG did not have this effect. The combined use of live BCG and PSK improved these activities in the host, with synergistic increases in the antitumour effect. These results suggest that the combined use of live BCG and PSK, which have different modes of action, may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
Clinical Appraisal of Vinpocetine for the Removal of Intractable Tumoral Calcinosis in Haemodialysis Patients with Renal Failure
Authors: Ueyoshi A , Ota K
Published: January 2017

Previous studies have shown that vinpocetine [14-ethoxycarbonyl-(3α,16α-ethyl)-14,15-eburnamenine] scavenges minerals and/or metals in the soft tissues of rabbits with artificially induced arteriosclerosis. The present study was carried out to determine whether or not vinpocetine would bring about the removal of intractable tumoral calcinosis in haemodialysis patients with renal failure. After administration of 15 mg/day vinpocetine for 3–12 months in haemodialysis patients with X-ray evidence of tumoral calcinosis, calcinosis was completely eliminated in all eight cases. Serum alkaline phosphatase and bone osteocalcin concentrations tended to decrease after treatment with vinpocetine compared with before treatment. Vinpocetine thus appears to be an effective scavenger of tumoral calcinosis in haemodialysis patients with renal failure without any side-effects during treatment
Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections with Amoxycillin/Clavulanic Acid in Adults
Authors: Tatsis G , Veslemes M , Hadjistavrou C , Votsiou A , Jordanoglou J
Published: January 2017

Patients with lower respiratory tract infections [pneumonia ( n = 16), bronchiectasis ( n = 5) and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis ( n = 44)] were treated daily with amoxycillin/clavulanic acid given either 1.2 g intravenously three times daily or 625 mg orally three times daily for 7–15 days. Symptoms, signs and sputum volume and colour were monitored daily. Chest X-ray, sputum culture and Gram-stain examinations were also carried out on days 1 and 5, and immediately after the end of the treatment. There was a clinical improvement, as indicated by the incidence of cough, dyspnoea and rales, and by sputum volume and colour in 90.8% of the patients. Microbiological improvement, as indicated by the complete elimination of sputum pathogens and pus cells, was achieved in the same proportion of patients (90.8%). In one patient, an adverse side-effect, diffuse exanthema, was noted. Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid possesses a high clinical and microbiological efficacy for lower respiratory tract infections.
Meta-Analysis of Some Results of Clinical Trials on Sulodexide Therapy in Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease
Authors: Gaddi A , Galetti C , Illuminati B , Nascetti S
Published: January 2017

The aim was to look at the effect of sulodexide in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD), by verifying, through meta-analysis of Italian data, if the drug affects the clinical course of claudication or the main risk factors for POAD. Sulodexide increases the pain-free walking distance (benefit 36% vs controls, P < 0.001). The meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of sulodexide in improving claudication (lower limit of the 95% CI for overall odds ratio always >1). There was a marked effect in lowering triglycerides (overall −28%, P = 0.0015), fibrinogen (−13%, P < 0.0001) and plasma and serum viscosities, and in increasing high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (24.4%, P = 0.0007). The medium-term administration of sulodexide has a therapeutic effect on claudication of diabetic and/or hyperlipidaemic patients suffering from POAD stages – and also counteracts several POAD risk factors. Long-term use of sulodexide appears to be well tolerated. The treatment has a low daily cost; therefore, it has a favourable cost-benefit ratio, in view of the high general costs associated with global POAD care, particularly in diabetic patients.
Antioxidant Effect of α-Tocopherol on Fracture Haematoma in Rabbits
Authors: DUrak K , Bilgen Ö F , Kaleli T , Tuncel P , Özbek R , Turan K
Published: January 2017

In this study, the effect of free oxygen radicals on lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant role of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in these reactions were investigated in haematoma fluid and venous blood samples in rabbits with femoral fracture. There were 21 male rabbits, divided into 3 groups. Conjugated dienes values (as optical density) were compared in venous blood of the rabbits in Group I taken preanaesthesia and after the onset of anaesthesia and the difference between these values proved to be insignificant ( P > 0.05). A control group (Group 2) was given saline before fracture occurrence and the other group (Group 3) was injected with α-tocopherol 20 mg/kg intramuscularly. Venous blood samples and fracture haematoma fluids in both Group 2 and Group 3 were assayed biochemically. It was established that conjugated dienes values in fracture haematoma fluid in rabbits in the control group were higher than the values in the venous blood of the rabbits in the same group (P < 0.05). However, conjugated dienes values in the a-tocopherol injected group both in the haematoma fluid and in venous blood were reduced compared with those in the control group ( P < 0.5). In view of the fact that ischaemia and reperfusion develop in fractured regions and that general body ischaemia develops following serious fractures of the extremities, we consider that prophylactic administration of antioxidants such as α-tocopherol may be beneficial in suppressing the destructive effects of free oxygen radicals in cells.
Oral Ciprofloxacin in the Treatment of Pseudomonas Exacerbations of Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis: Clinical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation Using Magnetic Resonance Image Scanning
Authors: Redmond A , Sweeney L , MacFarland M , Mitchell M , Daggett S , Kubin R
Published: January 2017

Ciprofloxacin is effective for treating pulmonary infection in adult cystic fibrosis patients, and demonstrates excellent efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but its use in paediatric cystic fibrosis patients has been limited because quinolone-induced cartilage toxicity has been observed in juvenile animals and has been considered a potential risk for children. Children with cystic fibrosis ( n = 26; aged 6 – 16 years), with proven P. aeruginosa colonization of their sputum, were enrolled into a 14-day, open, non-comparative study. Patients were assigned to twice-daily treatment with oral ciprofloxacin 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg, depending on their body weight. None of the patients exhibited any signs or symptoms of arthropathy, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of the right knee, during or immediately after treatment, or at the 3-month post-therapy assessment. Cough, sputum production and sputum purulence were improved in more than 70% of patients. Patients showed a mean weight increase of 0.4 kg (95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.7 kg) over the study period. Only one patient required a repeat chest radiograph, which showed no resolution of the abnormal radiographic appearances. Three patients reported adverse events during the trial, none of which were considered to be related to the study treatment.
The ‘Black Hole’ Revisited
Authors: Clogg Richard
Published: January 2017

What is the truth about the censorship of history in Greece and in Britain?
They're killing human thoughts like animals
Authors: Bikont Anna
Published: January 2017

Journalist Anna Bikont recently conducted a series of interviews with Polish censors, who are still very much in existence. Subsequently, on 8 January 1990, she published in the Warsaw-based independent daily Gazeta Wyborcza excerpts from those interviews — without adding one single word of commentary. The resulting monologues of twenty worried and flabbergasted men and women read like a script for the theatre of the absurd. They were translated from the Polish by Jacek Laskowski
The balloon goes up
Authors: Ross James D.
Published: January 2017

Democracy in Phnom Penh turns out to be just so much hot air
Behind the shadows
Authors: Oke Kifuat
Published: January 2017

Fifty years after independence, Indonesia is still making use of a colonial statute to silence its critics
Witnessing the truth
Authors: Cohen Stanley
Published: January 2017

‘A camera in the right hands at the right time in the right place can be more powerful than tanks and guns’

Peter Gabriel announcing the ‘Witness Program’
Time to think again
Authors: Moorehead Caroline , Owen Ursula
Published: January 2017

Why is an ever growing group of articulate, dedicated people achieving so little?
Hong Kong the floating city
Authors: Barmé Geremie R.
Published: January 2017

Hong Kong has not only shaped much of China's popular culture, it has also been a key port for the packaging and re-export of Chinese dissident culture for over a decade. With its return to China in 1997, all that will come to an end. So, too, will its unique role in contemporary Chinese history as the mediator, mirror and filter for mainland and Taiwan exchanges
Climate of distrust
Authors: Cohen Margot
Published: January 2017

By the year 2020 Indonesia will be the world's fifth largest economy, according to the latest World Bank forecast. But an upsurge in religious and ethnic violence is threatening to undermine the stability which is essential for future prosperity
Eyes on the prize
Authors: Gusmão Xanana
Published: January 2017

The thousands of people who welcomed Nobel prize-winner Bishop Carlos Belo back to Dili on 24 December were also carrying posters of Xanana Gusmão. The charismatic former leader of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) has been in prison in Jakarta since 1992, serving a 20-year sentence for rebellion and possession of firearms. Gusmão, a poet and former seminary student, spent 11 years leading the armed resistance in the Timorese jungle. In 1989 he became leader of the National Council of Maubere Resistance (CNRM), a newly formed alliance of pro-independence groups. ‘Maubere’ is a name adopted by Fretilin to signify ‘the oppressed’. Below are excerpts from conversations with Gusmão in Cipinang prison over the last Christmas holidays
'I can only oppose with words'
Authors: Toer Pramoedya Ananta
Published: January 2017

The name of Indonesia's most frequently banned writer, Pramoedya Ananta Toer, crops up in the media each year in the run-up to Hari Kesaktian Pancasila (Pancasila Victory Day) on 1 October, the national celebration of the defeat of Communism in 1965. So too does the accusation that he was involved in the censorship and oppression of writers by the PKI in the early 1960s. Pramoedya is held up as a warning that the Communist threat lives on, as a scapegoat that people can denigrate and condemn with impunity. He has recently been interrogated in the subversion cases brought against members of the People's Democratic Party (PRD) in connection with the Jakarta riots
Death by a thousand cuts
Authors: Sophiaan Sophan
Published: January 2017

The star of 50 films and director of 18 more, Sophan Sophiaan knows Indonesia's censorship system from the Inside. Now a member of parliament, he continues to speak out on behalf of what remains of the film industry
Guitar versus tanks
Authors: Fals Iwan
Published: January 2017

Known as ‘the Indonesian Bob Dylan’, Iwan Fals is one of the country's most popular singers. Many of his ballads address important social and political matters. He has repeatedly been approached by both opposition parties to stand for Parliament, but says he is not interested. His live performances are frequently banned. In 1984 the army halted a show in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, on the grounds that two of his songs — ‘Demokrasi Nasi’ (Rice Democracy) and ‘Mbak Tini’ (Sister Tini) — were a threat to public order. In 1989 the police banned his 100-town tour. ‘All I carry is a guitar made of wood and strings,’ he said then. ‘How can this be dangerous, compared to a tank?’ And his shows continue to be banned — most recently in Ujung Pandang in 1996
Banned
Authors: Evans Harold
Published: January 2017

Kafka leaned his head toward his shoulder. ‘Photography concentrates one's eye on the superficial. For that reason it obscures the hidden life which glimmers through the outlines of things like a play of light and shade. One can't catch that even with the sharpest lens. One has to grope for it by feeling… This automatic camera doesn't multiply men's eyes, but only gives a fantastically simplified fly eye's view’.
Forbidden culture
Authors: Lucie-Smith Edward
Published: January 2017

Good taste at this time in a technological democracy ends up to be nothing more than taste prejudice. If all that art does is create good or bad taste, then it has failed completely… Camera Art must be completely devoid of logic so that the viewer applies his own logic and the work. in fact, makes itself before the viewer's eyes.
Nasal Mucosal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Histopathologic and Immunopathologic Study
Authors: Bruno E. , Russo S. , Nucci R. , Alessandrini M. , Di Girolamo S.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of nasal mucosal involvement in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The authors selected patients affected by SLE with a symptomatology based on bad nasal breathing, in absence of anatomical deformities of the nose.

Specimens representing eighteen histological sections of nasal mucosa were examined under the light microscope to establish a set of histopathologic and immunopathologic features.

A number of significant alterations were identified. The authors indicate the possible physiopathogenetic relationship between nasal mucosal involvement and systemic disease.
Leukocyte Infiltration and mRNA Expression of IL-20, IL-8 and TNF-R p60 in Psoriatic Skin is Driven by TNF-α
Authors: Ogilvie A.L.J. , Lüftl M. , Antoni C. , Schuler G. , Kalden J.R. , Lorenz H.-M.
Published: January 2017

Anti-TNF-α therapy with a chimeric monoclonal antibody (Infliximab, Remicade®) has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of skin lesions as well as arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis. In this study we investigated the molecular consequences of the in vivo TNF-α blockade with infliximab in psoriatic skin lesions of 6 patients with severe psoriatic arthritis. Biopsies from lesional and non-lesional skin were taken before and 10 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Immunohistochemistry and semiquantative RT-PCR were performed focusing on proinflammatory gene products. Immunohistochemistry, after three infusions, revealed a marked decrease in the expression of TNF-α, HLA-DR, CD3, CD15, ICAM-1 and LFA-1 positive cells. By semiquantitative RT-PCR, we analysed mRNA expression of IL-8, IL-20, TNF-R (TNF-R p60 and TNF-R p80), IL-1R I and IL-1R II, as well as ICAM-2. Before therapy, m-RNA for IL-8, IL-20, TNF-R p60, TNF-R p80, IL-1R II and ICAM-2 were detected in lesional skin. mRNA expression of IL-8 and IL-20 completely disappeared and mRNA expression of TNF-R p60 was reduced after therapy. This effect on IL-8 expression was paralleled by a decreased infiltration of leukocytes in psoriatic skin. These data suggest that the clinical response of anti-TNF-α therapy in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may be, at least in part, caused by the inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines and by the decreased expression of adhesion molecules with the consequence of an impaired migration of proinflammatory cells into the inflamed tissue. These data further support a critical role for TNF-α in the pathology of psoriasis.
Nuclear Protein Kinase C-δ: A Possible Check-Point of Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Marchisio M. , Bertagnolo V. , Lanuti P. , Gaspari A.R. , Paludi M. , Ciccocioppo F. , Ercolino E. , Bascelli A. , Cataldi A. , Miscia S.
Published: January 2017

Protein kinase Cs (PKCs) belong to a serine/threonine kinase family, ubiquitously expressed and claimed to be involved in physiological processes including apoptosis, cell growth and differentiation. The question of the subcellular localization and activity of PKCs remains to be clarified. Here we report that nuclear PKC-δ cooperates to regulate the S-G2/M phase transition of cell cycle, apparently being associated to chromosome condensation and alignment on the metaphase plate.
P2Y2 Receptor Up-Regulation Induced by Guanosine or UTP in Rat Brain Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Ballerini P. , Di Iorio P. , Caciagli F. , Rathbone M.P. , Jiang S. , Nargi E. , Buccella S. , Giuliani P. , D'Alimonte I. , Fischione G. , Masciulli A. , Romano S. , Ciccarelli R.
Published: January 2017

Among P2 metabotropic ATP receptors, P2Y2 subtype seems to be peculiar as its upregulation triggers important biological events in different cells types. In non-stimulated cells including astrocytes, P2Y2 receptors are usually expressed at levels lower than P2Y1 sites, however the promoter region of the P2Y2 receptors has not yet been studied and little is known about the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the expression of this ATP receptor. We showed that not only UTP and ATP are the most potent and naturally occurring agonist for P2Y2 sites, but also guanosine induced an up-regulation of astrocyte P2Y2 receptor mRNA evaluated by Northern blot analysis. We also focused our attention on this nucleoside since in our previous studies it was reported to be released by cultured astrocytes and to exert different neuroprotective effects. UTP and guanosine-evoked P2Y2 receptor up-regulation in rat brain cultured astrocytes was linked to an increased P2Y2-mediated intracellular calcium response, thus suggesting an increased P2Y2 activity. Actinomycin D, a RNA polymerase inhibitor, abrogated both UTP and guanosine-mediated P2Y2 up-regulation, thus indicating that de novo transcription was required. The effect of UTP and guanosine was also evaluated in astrocytes pretreated with different inhibitors of signal transduction pathways including ERK, PKC and PKA reported to be involved in the regulation of other cell surface receptor mRNAs. The results show that ERK1-2/MAPK pathway play a key role in the P2Y2 receptor up-regulation mediated by either UTP or guanosine. Moreover, our data suggest that PKA is also involved in guanosine-induced transcriptional activation of P2Y2 mRNA and that increased intracellular calcium levels and PKC activation may also mediate P2Y2 receptor up-regulation triggered by UTP. The extracellular release of ATP under physiological and pathological conditions has been widely studied. On the contrary, little is known about the release of pyrimidines and in particular of UTP. Here we show that astrocytes are able to release UTP, either at rest or during and following hypoxia/hypoglicemia obtained by submitting the cells to glucose-oxygen deprivation (OGD). Interestingly, also P2Y2 receptor mRNA increased by about two-fold the control values when the cultures were submitted to OGD. It has been recently reported that P2Y receptors can play a protective role in astrocytes, thus either guanosine administration or increased extracellular concentrations of guanosine and UTP reached locally following CNS injury may increase P2Y2-mediated biological events aimed at promoting a protective astrocyte response.
Role of FK778 Alone or in Combination with Tacrolimus or mTOR Inhibitors as an Immunomodulator of Immunofunctions: In Vitro Evaluation of T Cell Proliferation and the Expression of Lymphocyte Surface Antigens
Authors: Millán O. , Jiménez O. , Fortuna V. , Barceló J.J. , Brunet M.
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the in vitro capacity of FK778, alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs: Tacrolimus (TRL); Sirolimus (SRL), Everolimus (EVL), to inhibit clonal expansion of T-lymphocytes and expression of lymphocyte-activation surface antigens; secondly, we compared the immunosuppressive potential of FK778 combined with TRL, SRL and EVL with the same combinations using Mycophenolic acid (MPA) as antimetabolite. Lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by 3H-Thymidine incorporation, in whole blood cultures stimulated with ConA. The effect of FK778 on alloresponse was evaluated by MLC and the expression of lymphocyte surface antigens by cytometry. FK778, TRL, SRL and EVL showed a high in vitro capacity to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent way. Combinations of FK778 with TRL, SRL, or EVL presented an additive effect, especially FK778+TRL. Similar inhibition capacity of the clonal expansion was observed, when FK778 was combined with TRL, SRL or EVL, respecting the same combinations but using MPA instead of FK778. In addition, FK778 inhibited the expression of lymphocyte surface antigens involved in activation, co-stimulatory and apoptosis signals. In conclusion, FK778 inhibits the proliferative response induced by mitogeneic and allogeneic stimuli and the expression of surface antigens. Combinations of FK778 with TRL or mTOR inhibitors presented an additive effect and their action on T cell proliferation was similar to that of combinations with MPA. Since FK778, TRL and mTOR inhibitors present different action mechanisms and involve different cellular targets, these combinations may help prevent episodes of allorejection in organ transplants. FK778 and mTOR inhibitors may represent an alternative treatment for patients with renal failure.
Conformation Dependent Pro-Apoptotic Activity of the Recombinant Human Prion Protein Fragment 90-231
Authors: Corsaro A. , Paludi D. , Villa V. , D'Arrigo C. , Chiovitti K. , Thellung S. , Russo C. , Di Cola D. , Ballerini P. , Patrone E. , Schettini G. , Aceto A. , Florio T.
Published: January 2017

The transition of prion protein from a mainly α-structured isoform (PrPC) to a β sheet-containing protein (PrPSc) represents a major pathogenetic mechanism in prion diseases. To study the role of PrP structural conformation in prion-dependent neurodegeneration, we analysed the neurotoxicity of PrP in α and β conformations, using a recombinant protein encompassing amino acids 90-231 of the human PrP (hPrP90-231). Using controlled thermal denaturation (S3°C, 1h) we converted hPrP90-231 in a structural isoform displaying PrPSc-related characteristics: high β sheet content, increased aggregability and a slight increase in the resistance to protease K. In virtue of these structural changes, hPrP90-231 powerfully affected the survival of SH-SY5Y cells, inducing a caspase-3 and p38- dependent apoptosis. Conversely, in the native α-helix-rich conformation, hPrP90-231 did not show significant cell toxicity. The relationship between the structural state of hPrP90-231 and its neurotoxicity was demonstrated, inducing the thermal denaturation of the peptide in the presence of Congo red that prevented both the transition of hPrP90-231 into a β-rich isoform and the acquisition of toxic properties. In conclusion, we report that the toxicity of hPrP90-231 is dependent on its three-dimensional structure, as is supposed to occur for the pathogen PrP during TSE.
Intracerebral Diffusion of Paramagnetic Cationic Liposomes Containing Gd(DTPA)2- Followed by MRI Spectroscopy: Assessment of Patternc Diffusion and Time Steadiness of a Non-Viral Vector Model
Authors: Masotti A. , Mangiola A. , Sabatino G. , Maira G. , Denaro L. , Conti F. , Ortaggi G. , Capuani G.
Published: January 2017

Cationic liposomes are generally considered as the non-viral counterparts of the more common viral vectors used in several gene therapy protocols, but their use as delivery vehicles is limited by their efficiency even if they display a lower toxicity. However, cationic liposomes are promising delivery systems in cell biology due to their ability to incorporate small molecules into their inner aqueous spheres and to deliver them into cells. Additionally, on the external surface they can bind therapeutic molecules such as nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, plasmids, etc. through electrostatic interactions. The aim of this work was to study the diffusion properties of such vehicles in vivo with a non-invasive technique and to monitor their tissue migration in order to collect information to be further used in gene therapy procedures. For this purpose, cationic liposomes containing the paramagnetic contrast agent Gd(DTPA)2- (Gd(III)-diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid) were investigated because of their extended paramagnetic persistency in vivo, compared to the use of the contrast agent alone, and they were used to monitor the diffusion of such vehicles in an animal model (rat model). In particular, these vectors were injected into the rat brain through a stereotactic frame in a preformed cavity mimicking the lesion which had originated after surgical removal of the primary tumor. For the purpose of comparison, the same injection procedure was also applied to a control series of animals without a preformed brain lesion. Pattern diffusion and steadiness of the reported paramagnetic cationic liposomes were studied by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which allowed us to monitor their diffusion and assess their intracerebral time availability up to 24 hours.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare: Efficacy of Cyclosporine Therapy
Authors: Spadino S. , Altomare A. , Cainelli G. , Franchi C. , Frigerio E. , Garutti C. , Taglioni M. , Altomare G.F.
Published: January 2017

Granuloma annulare is an anatomo-clinical entity that is frequently encountered in everyday dermatological practice. We report our experience regarding 4 patients with disseminated granuloma annulare. Each patient was treated with a cycle of cyclosporine therapy for six weeks. A cycle of systemic cyclosporine therapy was started at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for four weeks, subsequently reduced by 0.5 mg/kg/day every two weeks. The clinical picture more or less completely resolved within three weeks in all of the patients, and there were no relapses during the dose-tapering period or the following 12 months. Cyclosporine was optimally tolerated by all four patients, none of whom experienced any therapy-related side effects. Cyclosporine is a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare, although we recommend its use in a protected hospital environment that facilitates patient monitoring.
A Case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, Defect of Cholesterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Domizio S. , Pallotta R. , Romanelli A. , Puglielli C. , Pollice R. , Casacchia M. , Conte E. , Domizio R. , Sabatino G.
Published: January 2017

We report the case of a child with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. The pregnancy was complicated by prenatal growth retardation. The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Chieti when she was five months old. She showed postnatal growth retardation, trouble sucking and swallowing, microcefaly and multiple major and minor malformations, including characteristic facial features and 2–3 syndactyly of the toes. We found correlations between multiple congenital malformations, failure to thrive and low plasmatic cholesterol measurement.
Biphasic Anaphylactic Reaction to Ketorolac Tromethamine
Authors: Novembre E. , Calogero C. , Mori F. , Bernardini R. , Neri P. , Bonini M. , Vierucci A. , De Martino M.
Published: January 2017

Ketorolac tromethamine is a recent injectable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic properties approved for short-term pain management. In spite of its increasing use both in adults and children (1-2), relatively few allergic-like reactions have been reported (3–5). Reactions are often severe, and a death occurred following an intramuscular injection of ketorolac (6).