bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Risks and Benefits of Implementing Glycemic Control Guidelines in Frail Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lee Sei J. , Boscardin W. John , Stijacic Cenzer Irena , Huang Elbert S. , Rice‐Trumble Kathy , Eng Catherine
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVES: To determine the hypo‐ and hyperglycemic outcomes associated with implementing the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) guideline for a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of less than 8% in frail older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM).

DESIGN: Guideline implementation.

SETTING: Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

PARTICIPANTS: All participants in the before (October 2002–December 2004, n=338), early (January 2005–June 2006, n=289) and late (July 2006–December 2008, n=385) periods of guideline implementation with a diagnosis of DM and at least one HbA1c measurement.

INTERVENTION: Clinician education in 2005 with annual monitoring of the proportion of each clinician's patients with DM with HbA1c less than 8%.

MEASUREMENTS: Hypoglycemia (blood glucose<50 mg/dL), hyperglycemia (blood glucose>400 mg/dL), and severe hypoglycemia (emergency department (ED) visit for hypoglycemia).

RESULTS: Participants in the before, early, and late periods were similar in age, race and ethnicity, comorbidities, and functional dependence. Antihyperglycemic medication use was greater in the late period, with more participants using metformin (28% before, 42% late, P<.001) and insulin (23% before, 34% late, P<.001) and achieving the AGS glycemic target of HbA1c of less than 8% (74% before, 84% late, P<.001). Episodes of hyperglycemia (per 100 person‐years) were dramatically lower in the late period (159 before, 46 late, P<.001), and episodes of hypoglycemia were similar (10.1 before, 9.3 late, P=.50). There were more episodes of severe hypoglycemia in the early period (1.1 before, 2.9 early, P=.03).

CONCLUSION: Implementing the AGS glycemic control guideline for frail older adults led to fewer hyperglycemic episodes but more severe hypoglycemic episodes requiring ED visits in the early implementation period. Future glycemic control guideline implementation efforts should be coupled with close monitoring for severe hypoglycemia in the early guideline implementation period.
Electronic Nursing Documentation as a Strategy to Improve Quality of Patient Care
Authors: Kelley Tiffany F. , Brandon Debra H. , Docherty Sharron L.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Electronic health records are expected to improve the quality of care provided to hospitalized patients. For nurses, use of electronic documentation sources becomes highly relevant because this is where they obtain the majority of necessary patient information.

Methods: An integrative review of the literature examined the relationship between electronic nursing documentation and the quality of care provided to hospitalized patients. Donabedian's quality framework was used to organize empirical literature for review.

Results: To date, the use of electronic nursing documentation to improve patient outcomes remains unclear.

Conclusions and Implications: Future research should investigate the day‐to‐day interactions between nurses and electronic nursing documentation for the provision of quality care to hospitalized patients.

Clinical Relevance: The majority of U.S. hospital care units currently use paper‐based nursing documentation to exchange patient information for quality care. However, by 2014, all U.S. hospitals are expected to use electronic nursing documentation on patient care units, with the anticipated benefit of improved quality. However, the extent to which electronic nursing documentation improves the quality of care to hospitalized patients remains unknown, in part due to the lack of effective comparisons with paper‐based nursing documentation.
Differential adaptation to water deprivation in first‐instar nymphs of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the brown‐banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
Authors: Melton Robert H.
Published: April 2011

This study compares the relative abilities of first‐instar nymphs of the german cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) and the brown‐banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa F.) to survive prolonged periods of food and/or water deprivation. S. longipalpa nymphs survived significantly longer than B. germanica nymphs when drinking water was absent, but the advantage of S. longipalpa over B. germanica disappeared if food was also absent. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that S. longipalpa is adapted to drier habitats than is B. germanica, and suggest that S. longipalpa nymphs may be more capable of producing and utilizing extra metabolic water from food than B. germanica nymphs. Evidence from the literature suggests that this species difference applies mainly to juveniles, since adults of B. germanica and S. longipalpa do not differ in ability to withstand water deprivation, regardless of food availability.
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis following intravitreal Ranibizumab
Authors: Bosanquet David C , Davies Wendy L , May Kenneth , Harding Keith G , Patel Girish K
Published: April 2011

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis, or AGEP, is a well documented cutaneous drug reaction. It typically occurs within 48 hours of oral antibiotics, but can be caused by other medications and, occasionally, after viral infections. We present a case of AGEP following intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab, a monoclonal antibody vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor.
The neurobiological basis of seeing words
Authors: Wandell Brian A.
Published: April 2011

This review summarizes recent ideas about the cortical circuits for seeing words, an important part of the brain system for reading. Historically, the link between the visual cortex and reading has been contentious. One influential position is that the visual cortex plays a minimal role, limited to identifying contours, and that information about these contours is delivered to cortical regions specialized for reading and language. An alternative position is that specializations for seeing words develop within the visual cortex itself. Modern neuroimaging measurements—including both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion weighted imaging with tractography (DTI) data—support the position that circuitry for seeing the statistical regularities of word forms develops within the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, which also contains important circuitry for seeing faces, colors, and forms. This review explains new findings about the visual pathways, including visual field maps, as well as new findings about how we see words. The measurements from the two fields are in close cortical proximity, and there are good opportunities for coordinating theoretical ideas about function in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex.
Evaluation of lytic activity of staphylococcal bacteriophage Sb‐1 against freshly isolated clinical pathogens
Authors: Kvachadze Leila , Balarjishvili Nana , Meskhi Tamila , Tevdoradze Ekaterine , Skhirtladze Natia , Pataridze Tamila , Adamia Revaz , Topuria Temur , Kutter Elizabeth , Rohde Christine , Kutateladze Mzia
Published: April 2011

In recent decades the increase in antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains has become a serious threat to the treatment of infectious diseases. Drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus has become a major problem in hospitals of many countries, including developed ones. Today the interest in alternative remedies to antibiotics, including bacteriophage treatment, is gaining new ground. Here, we describe the staphylococcal bacteriophage Sb‐1 – a key component of therapeutic phage preparation that was successfully used against staphylococcal infections during many years in the Former Soviet Union. This phage still reveals a high spectrum of lytic activity in vitro against freshly isolated, genetically different clinical samples (including methicillin‐resistant S. aureus) obtained from the local hospitals, as well as the clinics from different geographical areas. The sequence analyses of phage genome showed absence of bacterial virulence genes. A case report describes a promising clinical response after phage application in patient with cystic fibrosis and indicates the efficacy of usage of Sb‐1 phage against various staphylococcal infections.
Next‐generation sequencing of transcriptomes: a guide to RNA isolation in nonmodel animals
Authors: GAYRAL PHILIPPE , WEINERT LUCY , CHIARI YLENIA , TSAGKOGEORGA GEORGIA , BALLENGHIEN MARION , GALTIER NICOLAS
Published: April 2011

Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS) are rapidly invading many evolutionary and ecological fields, such as phylogenomics, molecular evolution, population genomics and molecular ecology. Among the potential targets of NGS is transcriptome sequencing, a fast and relatively cheap way to generate massive amounts of coding sequence data, offering promising perspectives for the analysis of molecular diversity in the wild. A number of molecular ecology research groups therefore may switch from DNA‐based to RNA‐based typing in the near future. Sample preparation from natural populations, however, requires specific care and protocols when RNA is the target. Furthermore, NGS sequencing of transcriptome requires high amount of good‐quality RNA. Here we present the results of RNA extraction experiments from various samples of 39 animal species caught in the wild. We compared tissue preparation and storage conditions, evaluated and improved standard RNA extraction protocols, and achieved RNA yield and quality suitable for NGS in all cases. We derive general guidelines for the production of ready‐to‐sequence RNA in nonmodel animals sampled in the field.
Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus Outbreak in a Cat Colony in Italy
Authors: Fiorentini L. , Taddei R. , Moreno A. , Gelmetti D. , Barbieri I. , De Marco M. A. , Tosi G. , Cordioli P. , Massi P.
Published: April 2011

In April 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza A virus (pH1N1) was recognized as the cause of the flu pandemic in humans. Here, we report the isolation of pH1N1 virus from the lung homogenates of two cats, which died after severe respiratory symptoms. The cats belonged to a cat colony consisting of 90 caged cats and were found dead following a 2‐week period of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in the colony. During the outbreak, 25 cats died and 50% of the animal colony showed anorexia, depression, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Histological examination of the lungs of the two tested cats displayed lesions centred on terminal airways with epithelial bronchiolar hyperplasia and alveolar necrosis. Influenza A virus was detected in the lung tissues by immunohistochemistry and real‐time RT‐PCR (rRT‐PCR). Partial sequences of haemagglutinin (HA) genes and complete sequences of neuraminidase (NA) genes of the two isolates displayed high similarity to the pH1N1 viruses circulating in humans (99% for HA gene and 100% for NA gene). To determine whether the pandemic virus had circulated among cats, serum samples and pharyngeal swabs were collected from 38 cats of the colony. Serum samples were tested by ELISA to detect antibodies against pH1N1 nucleoprotein and by hemagglutination‐inhibition test, while pharyngeal swabs were examined by pH1N1 specific rRT‐PCR. Twenty‐one (55%) of the tested cats carried antibodies against the isolated strain and two swabs were positive for the presence of pH1N1 RNA. Our results confirm that the pH1N1 virus was able to infect cats and raise the hypothesis of the circulation of the virus within the colony being due to cat‐to‐cat transmission. The case reported here provides, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first description of the pH1N1 infection involving numerous cats that lived in a restricted area with limited contact with humans.
In situ analysis of multispecies biofilm formation on customized titanium surfaces
Authors: Fröjd V. , Chávez de Paz L. , Andersson M. , Wennerberg A. , Davies J.R. , Svensäter G.
Published: April 2011

Many studies to identify surfaces that enhance the incorporation of dental implants into bone and soft‐tissue have been undertaken previously. However, to succeed in the clinical situation, an implant surface must not support development of microbial biofilms with a pathogenic potential. As a first step in investigating this, we used two‐species and three‐species biofilm models with 16S ribosomal RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the effect of surface characteristics on biofilm formation by species that can colonize titanium implants in vivo: Streptococcus sanguinis, Actinomyces naeslundii and Lactobacillus salivarius. Surfaces blasted with Al2O3 (Sa = 1.0–2.0 μm) showed a seven‐fold higher bacterial adhesion after 2 h than turned surfaces (Sa = 0.18 μm) whereas porous surfaces, generated by anodic oxidation (Sa = 0.4 μm), showed four‐fold greater adhesion than turned surfaces. Hence, increased roughness promoted adhesion, most likely through protection of bacteria from shear forces. Chemical modification of the blasted and oxidized surfaces by incorporation of Ca2+ ions reduced adhesion compared with the corresponding non‐modified surfaces. After 14 h, biofilm growth occurred in the three‐species model but not in the two‐species consortium (containing S. sanguinis and A. naeslundii only). The biofilm biovolume on all surfaces was similar, suggesting that the influence of surface characteristics on adhesion was compensated for by biofilm development.
Brazil and its Strategic Relations with China, Germany, and the United States
Authors: Abdenur Roberto
Published: April 2011

Thanks to his many years of service in Brazilian Foreign Relations, Ambassador Roberto Abdenur is able to offer a unique personal perspective on the relations between his nation and China, Germany, and the United States. Serving in these three countries allowed him to follow the bilateral relationships during times of crisis and calm, and, in the end, allows him to draw conclusions about the future of Brazil's foreign policy, as well as offer comments on changes that he imagines for the future of international policy.

Gracias a varios años de servicio en el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Brasil, el Embajador Roberto Abdenur puede ofrecer una perspectiva única y personal respecto a las relaciones entre su país y China, Alemania y Estados Unidos. El fungir como embajador en estos tres países le permitió seguir la relación bilateral durante épocas de crisis y tranquilidad, lo que le permite ofrecer una opinión respecto al futuro de la política exterior brasileña, así como sus comentarios sobre los cambios que él imagina para el futuro de la política internacional.
Hydrolytic Changes in Solutions of Stilbamidine
Authors: Fulton J D , Goodwin T W
Published: April 2011

Summary and Conclusions

The formation of 4—carbamyl—4′—amidinostilbene and 4:4′—dicarbamylstilbene from solutions of stilbamidine had been shown to occur when the latter were maintained for a number of weeks at 37°C., in diffuse light, and to a lesser extent when kept at the same temperature completely in the dark. When the same solutions were maintained at temperatures which varied from 5° to 20 °C. the formation of amides did not take place. Henry’s observations made in the Sudan have been confirmed. Good yields of the amides were obtained by autoclaving solutions of the parent substance at 1 to 2 atmospheres pressure for several hours. The monoamide was inactive against T. rhodesiense or T. congolense infections of mice and does not appear to be selectively absorbed by the trypanosomes like the active stilbamidine. The fact that solutions of stilbamidine autoclaved under the conditions employed by Oastler and Fidler undergo no demonstrable change and are not more toxic for mice than similar solutions freshly prepared, suggests that the lesions encountered by these authors in dogs were due to unchanged stilbamidine.
The Preparation and Resolution of Acridyl(5)—N. Alanine Ethyl Ester
Authors: Linnell W H , Smith M J H
Published: April 2011

It has been reported that D amino-acids are present in the molecules of various antibiotic polypeptides such as gramicidin1,2, tyrociain3, gramicidin S4, aerosporin5 and bacitracin6. The penicillins on degradation give D-penicillamine (β:β-dimethylcysteine) and du Vigneaud and his collaborators7 have shown that an antibiotic penicillin may be synthesised from D-penicillamine, whereas the isomer from L-penicillamine is biologically inactive.
Scientific Meeting: Drug Action, Ions and Neutral Molecules
Authors: Albert Adrien
Published: April 2011

Summary of a paper read at the Norwood Branch of the Royal Institute of Chemistry, at the Norwood Technical Institute on December 6.
Some Recent Developments in the Pharmacology of the Anti-Thyroid Compounds
Authors: Trotter W R
Published: April 2011

It was established in 1943 that thiouracil and similar drugs inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone; that they can control human thyrotoxicosis; and that a necessary corollary of complete inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis is a compensatory hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the thyroid gland, mediated through the pituitary. It was obvious at that date that these drugs were likely to become both a useful instrument of research into thyroid physiology, and effective therapeutic agents; and such they proved to be. This review will attempt to survey some of the major advances in thyroid physiology, in which the thiouracil derivatives have been implicated, and will also indicate the effect of these advances, coupled with the effect of further clinical experience, upon practical therapeutics.
Research Papers: Assay of the Curative Action of Neoarsphenamine by Time-Mortality Data
Authors: Liljestrand åke
Published: April 2011

The commonest current methods employed for testing the action of neoarsphenamine are those in which the drug is injected into mice or rats already lightly or heavily infected with Trypanosoma equiperdum on a previous day. Blood specimens removed from every animal are examined daily, involving the counting of many squares of the counting-chamber, before deciding whether or not the animals are cured. These methods are laborious and time-consuming, and for this reason, and because of other disadvantages, Bülbring and Burn1 proposed that the activity of a preparation should be estimated from the survival times of mice infected and treated on the same day. In the present work, this method has been extended and examined statistically.
Pharmacopæias and Formularies: The Pharmacognosy of the British Pharmacopæia 1948
Authors: Fluck H
Published: April 2011

Reading the B.P. 1948, the foreign observer is struck by the up-to-date selection of the contents, so that excellent monographs for the newest synthetics and pure active principles of vegetable and animal drugs, such as penicillin and heparin, are included. On the other hand, certain vegetable drugs, of which the importance and the consumption is still quite considerable, such as cinchona, chamomile, peppermint and linseed, have been dropped. I am of the opinion that a Pharmacopoeia should standardise such drugs officially, even though, as in Great Britain, semi-official standards are given by a book such as the Pharmaceutical Codex. Most of the official titles are well chosen from the botanical point of view, but for a few monographs I would suggest the replacement of the designations by the true botanical names, e.g. Aurantii Pericarpium or Flavedo would be more accurate than Aurantii Cortex. Further, the same designation should be used for botanically equivalent drugs, e.g. for the leaves and flowering tops of Belladonna and Hyoscyamus, which should both be called Herba. The definitions of the drugs are generally very clear. In certain cases, however, similar drugs differing somewhat in their properties and in their behaviour during the preparation of extracts and tinctures, are summarised in the same monograph, e.g. on Aloe, where both the hepatic and the vitreous types are admitted, on Benzoin and on Amylum. In the latter case, e.g. rice starch has an inner surface 10 times greater than potato starch, a fact which without doubt will influence the adsorbing effect. Insufficient attention is paid to the standardisation of conditions of harvesting and of conservation of drugs. These two operations affect the qualitative and the quantitative composition of the complex active principles in such a way that the variation will not be detected by the official assay. There are great difficulties in controlling such standardisation, but I believe that the uniformity of the drugs would be improved if directions for harvesting and conservation were included. In the few cases for which special conditions are stated, as for Digitalis and Colchicum, the requirements are on the correct scientific basis.
The Histology of Belladonna Root: Part IV: The differential value of the Fibre/vessel ratio
Authors: Melville Colin
Published: April 2011

Summary and Conclusions

The term “fibre/vessel ratio” is adopted to signify the number of fibres (including fibre-tracheids exhibiting elongated simple pits) associated with one vessel element. Consistent results are obtained when the fibre/vessel ratio is calculated from the number of vessel elements associated with not less than 200 fibres. The variation in the whole drug of the fibre/vessel ratio and of the vessel index 135μ is investigated and their value as differential characters assessed. Neither character is completely successful in differentiating the whole drug, but some improvement results by combining them in a linear function. A method of determining the fibre/vessel ratio on the powdered drug is described. The fibre/vessel ratio of commercial belladonna root powders decreases with the fineness of the portion examined, but is reasonably constant for the portion retained between a No. 22 and No. 44 sieve. Fibre/vessel ratio values for commercial powders provide a means of differentiating the species from which they were prepared. The ranges for the commercial powders examined are:–A. Belladonna 2°30 to 4°55; A. acuminata 6°54 to 12°05.
New Apparatus: A Low Pressure Hydrogenator of Wide Application
Authors: Glenn A L
Published: April 2011

A number of low-pressure catalytic hydrogenators have been described in the literature, most of them being intended for use in the determination of structure, in which the hydrogen absorbed by small quantities of material must be measured with great accuracy1,2. However, such apparatus is quite unsuitable for normal laboratory-scale hydrogenations. The small number of hydrogenators intended for synthetic work vary from simple devices3,4,5,6 to those which are exceedingly complex7. The simpler designs are divisible into two groups; one kind will handle large volumes of hydrogen with ease and fair accuracy of measurement, but is somewhat inaccurate for quantities of 1 litre or less5,8. The other type is capable of dealing with small quantities with good accuracy, but requires too much refilling when large volumes are required3,4,6.
Synthesis of Monomeric forms of α-Hydroxy-β-Methoxypropionaldehyde and 1:3-Dimethoxy-Propanone-2
Authors: Abouzeid Yehya M , Linnell W H
Published: April 2011

The compounds concerned in this communication are required for the synthesis of methylated hexoses which could not possess a pyranose structure.
A Chlorohydroxy-Triphenylmethane Dye
Authors: Linnell W H , Stenlake J B
Published: April 2011

Conclusion: The chlorohydroxy-triphenylmethane dye III has been shown to possess a low order of antibacterial activity. The results of Fairbrother and Renshaw indicated that the presence of an acidic group in the molecule of a basic triphenylmethane dye, would decrease the activity. The introduction of the phenolic group into the molecule of the dye III has demonstrated this effect and any enhancement of potency due to the presence of the chloro-group was insufficient to compensate for the reduction in activity due to the phenolic group.
The Spectrophotometry Determination of Rutin and Quercetin in Mixtures
Authors: Swann R V
Published: April 2011

The ultra-violet absorptions of rutin and quercetin have been investigated. A rapid method has been developed for the accurate determination of the minor constituent of binary mixtures of rutin and quercetin, and a formula derived for the correction of the gross absorption for the absorption due to the minor constituent. A comparison has been made between American methods of assay and the method in use in this laboratory.
The Isolation of the Toxic Principle of æNanthe Crocata
Authors: Clarke E G C , Kidder D E , Robertson W D
Published: April 2011

A method is described for the preparation of highly toxic crystals from water dropwort root. Previous workers have only reported oils or resins of far less toxicity. These can be purified by recrystallisation, or by chromatography on an alumina column, when a single steel-grey zone is obtained. These purifications do not alter the melting point or the crystalline habit. The crystalline material, m.pt. 80° to 81° C., is insoluble in water, light petroleum, alkalis, and diluted mineral acids, but readily soluble in chloroform, ethyl alcohol and ether. The crystals are extremely unstable, yielding an insoluble infusible resinous material, with no pharmacological activity. If kept under nitrogen at 4°C., the crystals can be preserved for weeks with little loss of activity. Death after characteristic convulsions follows the intraperitoneal injection of an emulsion of the crystalline material into mice. The A.L.D. is 0°83 mg./kg. of body weight.
The Determination of Proguanil
Authors: Stagg H E
Published: April 2011

Two methods are described for the determination of proguanil hydrochloride: one method depends upon titration with perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid solution, and the other upon gravimetric determination of the copper-complex precipitated from cold aqueous solution by ammoniacal cupric chloride. The volumetric method is rapid and is applicable to the determination in tablets, but is less precise than the gravimetric method. The gravimetric method is applicable also to the lactate.
The Isolation of Bases from Urine Concentrates
Authors: Lockett Mary F
Published: April 2011

Base B has shown to be a compound of high pressure activity, and a depressor compound, empirical formula C6H16N2 has been isolated as the reineckate from base B concentrates. Piperidine, pyrrolidine, dimethylamine and ammonia have been obtained as degradation products from compounds present in base B concentrates, prepared from human urine.
The Identification of Local Anæsthetic Drugs of the Benzoic Ester Group
Authors: Hucknall E , Turfitt G E
Published: April 2011

A scheme is described for the characterisation and identification of the eleven local anæsthetic drugs of the benzoic ester group at present commercially available in this country. The complete scheme is designed in five distinct stages, any of which may be omitted if identification is otherwise satisfactorily achieved:

(i)  purification of the crude material by precipitation of the hydrochloride from an ethereal solution of the base; (ii)  reactions with the common alkaloidal reagents; (iii)  demonstration of the presence of the benzoic ester structure; (iv)  simple crystal tests and colour reactions with the three reagents, potassium iodide, potassium permanganate and potassium dichromate. (v)  final identification by micro-mixed melting-point determination.
Sclerenchyma in the Diagnosis and Analysis of Vegetable Powders
Authors: Wallis T E
Published: April 2011

Conclusion: A review of these studies of sclereids and fibres, made during the last 15 years, reveals the much extended information which can be gained by applying to them the concepts of number, length, area, volume and mass in addition to the simple observational concepts of form and location. Similar advances have been made in the study of other groups of tissues, but they cannot be discussed in this article.
A New Method for Measuring Diffusion of Antiseptics from Ointment Bases
Authors: Clark G H , Davies G E
Published: April 2011

A test is described for measuring the release of antiseptics from ointments. The significance of the test is discussed and some applications suggested.
The Bromination of p-Aminosalicylic Acid, Sodium p-Aminosalicylate and m-Aminophenol
Authors: Simmonite D
Published: April 2011

The bromination of p-aminosalicylic acid, sodium p-aminosalicylate and m-aminophenol has been studied using a variable excess of bromide/bromate solution. p-Aminosalicylic acid, sodium p-aminosalicylate and m-amino phenol brominate quantitatively regardless of the excess of bromide/bromate solution used. The basis for an assay process for p-aminosalicylic acid, sodium p-aminosalicylate and m-aminophenol has been described. Thanks are expressed to the Directors of Herts Pharmaceuticals Limited for permission to publish these results.
The Response of the Heart to Visammin and to Khellinin
Authors: Samaan Karam , Hossein Ahmed M , Fahim Ibrahim
Published: April 2011

Pure khellinin, m.pt. 175° to 176°C., possesses a persistent, rather selective stimulant action on the heart producing a more complete systole and a more complete diastole with a corresponding increase in cardiac output. It raises blood pressure. The glycoside is active and doses of 1 to 1ṁ5 mg./kg. of dog by intravenous injection. It increases the coronary flow, and is non-cumulative. Pure visammin, m.pt. 153° to 154°C., depresses the heart, producing principally a less complete systole with diminished cardiac output. The drug is active in doses of 2 to 4 mg./kg. of dog by intravenous injection. It increases the coronary flow. The impurities present in crude samples of khellinin or of visammin influence to an appreciable degree the normal response of the heart to the pure products.
Part II.–The Alkaloids of Australian Datura Ferox and of Indian Henbane
Authors: Evans W C , Partridge M W
Published: April 2011

Australian-grown Datura ferox has been found to contain as principal alkaloids, hyoscine and meteloidine. The chief alkaloidal constituents of Indian henbane are hyoscine, hyoscyamine and tropine; in this respect, Indian henbane differs from Hyoscyamus niger only in the absolute and relative proportions of the alkaloids.
The Properties and Reactions of Decamethonium Iodide and Hexamethonium Bromide
Authors: Balaban I E , Levy M B , Wilde B E
Published: April 2011

The work of Paton and Zaimis1 on decamethonium iodide (α:ω-hexamethyldiaminodecane diiodide, known as C.10) showed that it was a very potent substance, and that it was capable of replacing d-tubocurarine chloride in medicine. An antidote exists for decamethonium iodide in hexamethonium bromide (α:ω-hexamethyldiaminohexane dibromide, known as C.6), and owing to its pharmacological properties this substance has been suggested for use in hypertension and vascular diseases, thereby replacing tetraethylammonium iodide. Hexamethonium bromide is 10 to 20 times as active as the tetraethyl compound. In view, therefore, of the possible importance of the new drugs, it was considered desirable that an examination should be made of their physical and chemical properties.
The Biological Assay of Vegetable Purgatives
Authors: Lou T C
Published: April 2011

A method for the biological assay of vegetable purgatives based on the number of wet fæces produced by groups of mice after dosing is described. The relation of the number of wet fæces per kg. of mouse to the logarithm of the dose was found to be linear. 40 mice divided equally into 4 groups were used in each assay.*** 2 groups received the standard preparation and the other 2 groups received the test preparation. The standard deviation of a single determination based on 9 such assays was estimated to be 15ṁ7 per cent. The limits of error (P = 0ṁ99) for a single assay are 100±40ṁ5 per cent. A special cage has been designed for this assay, and it has been found advantageous to incorporate a definite proportion of water in the diet, during test. The method described is not only convenient in use but also gives a comparatively high degree of accuracy. The method has been successfully applied to senna leaf, senna fruit and extracts and commercial preparations made from these drugs, pure glycosides (sennosides A and B), and pure anthracene compounds (aloe-emodin and aloe-emodin anthranol).
The Growth Activity for Lactobacillus Lactis Dorner of Commercial Liver Extracts
Authors: Shaw G E
Published: April 2011

A number of commercial liver extracts have been assayed for L. lactis Dorner activity in terms of vitamin B12. A considerable variation from brand to brand has been found and also a serious variation between different batches of the same brand. Although steps have been taken to eliminate artefacts due to method and the presence of inhibitors, it is not possible at the present time to correlate exactly L. lactis Dorner activity with clinical efficacy. It is thus premature to advocate the establishment of a “Dorner” assay unitage applicable to all liver extracts, but it is not too much to expect that, in the future, branded preparations will maintain a reasonably constant “Dorner” activity. The presumptive vitamin B12 content of “high potency” liver extracts is of the order of 10 μg./ml. whether of British, American or Continental manufacture. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the technical assistance of Mr. G. B. D. Grafham.
The Vitamin B12 Concentration in Liver Extracts and A Note on the Relationship Between Clinical Response and B12 Dosage
Authors: Cuthbertson W F J , Lloyd Joan F , Emery W B , Lees K A
Published: April 2011

The vitamin B12 contents of a number of liver extracts have been reported. Assay results using Lactobaccillus lactis and L. leichmannii have been compared. The clinical responses to a number of extracts have been compared with their B12 contents, and the range of activity found by clinical test has been indicated.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Floyd J C , Holliday E R , Petrow V
Published: April 2011

The Inactivation Of Pencillin By Oil Of Theobroma

Vitamin B12 as a 5:6-Dimethylbenziminazole Derivative
Wool Alcohols: Part I–Observations on Changes in Physical and Chemical Properties in Wool Alcohols as a Result of Oxidation
Authors: Muirhead G S , Oberweger K H , Seymour D E , Simmonite D
Published: April 2011

Wool alcohols have been subjected to oxidation under varying conditions and progressive changes in physical and chemical properties have been observed. Such changes include–rise in acid and saponification value, decrease in acetyl value and cholesterol content. The interfacial tension-reducing power of total wool alcohols and some isolated fractions have been measured using the pendant drop method. This value does not show any appreciable change as oxidation proceeds. Wool alcohol emulsions suffer breakdown on storage. This is accompanied by rise in acid value of the oil phase. Both effects can be retarded by the inclusion of antioxidants in the formula. Some tentative mechanisms based on the results obtained have been put forward to explain the changes which wool alcohols undergo on oxidation. Much of the practical work was carried out by Miss E. Graydon, P. Hills and G. Sumpter. The authors wish to thank A. G. Wright for his work in connection with the design and construction of the two types of apparatus illustrated and the Directors of Herts Pharmaceuticals Limited for permission to publish this work.
Fluorimetric and Microbiological Assays of Riboflavine in Malted Preparations
Authors: Klatzkin Chloe , Norris F W , Wokes F
Published: April 2011

Using a more sensitive fluorimeter than has previously been described in this country, a method is given for estimating riboflavine in malted preparations which gives much better agreement with microbiological assays than had previously been obtained. These preparations when oxidised with permanganate during the purification procedure exhibit a non-specific blue fluorescence which interferes with the fluorimetric assay. In old samples of malt extract this blue fluorescence is quite marked before permanganate treatment. The behaviour of the fluorescent substance with Florisil and its low solubility in chloroform show it not to be lumichrome. It is most effectively separated from riboflavine by adsorption on Florisil and careful elution with 1 per cent. pyridine, the process being observed continuously under the ultra-violet lamp. Spectroscopic studies indicated Wratten 47 as a satisfactory primary filter. Comparison of fluorimetric and microbiological results confirmed this. When calculating the results of riboflavine fluorimetric assays a method based on the assumption that the net fluorescence is proportional to the concentration, and using solvent blanks to determine the net fluorescence, is preferable to the method more usual in this country of using calibration curves obtained by plotting gross fluorescence against concentration. We are indebted to Mr. E. J. Bowen, F.R.S., for advice, to Miss Janet Horsford and Mr. R. Evans for technical assistance, to Mr. G. Slaughter for the fluorescence spectrum of riboflavine, to Messrs.*** Hilger and Watts, Ltd., and Messrs. Kodak, Ltd., for data on the transmission of filters.
The Chemistry of Anti-Pernicious Anæmia Factors
Authors: Ellis B , Petrow V , Snook G F
Published: April 2011

Summary and Conclusions

Our previous conclusion that acid hydrolysis of vitamin B12 leads to the formation of a “ninhydrin-reacting” substance is confirmed. The behaviour of this “ninhydrin-reacting” substance and of 2-aminopropanol on paper chromatograms has been examined. The results appear to show that these two substances are identical. Evidence has been obtained for the presence in acid hydrolysates of vitamin B12 of material showing selective absorption with bands and inflections at 2850, 2768, 2690, 2585 and 2500 å (referred to as “the 285 component“). This “285 component” is resolved into at least two structurally related substances by chromatography employing n-butyl alcohol-acetic acid as the irrigation solvent. Formation of ammonia occurs during acid or alkaline hydrolysis of vitamin B12. The authors thank Mr. R. E. Rodway for technical assistance in the isolation of crystalline vitamin B12 from a concentrate kindly supplied to the Research Department by Mr. A. W. Davidson. The ultra-violet absorption data were kindly determined by Dr. E. R. Holiday (M.R.C. Spectrographic Unit The London Hospital, E.1***), who also carried out the examinations with the Corning filter. The authors thank the Directors of The British Drug Houses, Ltd., for permission to publish these results.
The Factors Influencing Sterilisation by Low Pressure Steam
Authors: Barson T E , Peacock F , Robins E L , Wilkinson G R
Published: April 2011

Variations in the times to reach steam temperature by surgeons' gowns within a steam steriliser with air elimination by downward displacement and evacuation have been examined. Using surgeons' gowns equilibrated with normal atmospheric conditions, about 60 to 70 per cent relative humidity, the times taken for the gowns to attain steam temperature were variable, whichever method of air removal was employed. Gowns dried at 50° rapidly attained steam temperature and then superheated to a considerable degree. The superheat was maintained for long periods.
The Effects of Added Peptone on The Bactericidal Action of Solutions of Formaldehyde
Authors: Bullock Kenneth , Rao V Subba
Published: April 2011

When formaldehyde (HCHO) is used as a disinfectant in the presence of peptone the peptone and the bacteria compete for the HCHO1. An equilibrium distribution of the HCHO is reached only slowly. The state of combination of HCHO in the presence of 1 per cent peptone varies with its previous relationship to the peptone. If, in all states of combination with peptone, HCHO were fully available to act as a disinfectant peptone would neither retard nor reduce such action. Estimates of the proportions of HCHO in three different degrees of binding with peptone having been made we now enquired in which of these the HCHO remained bactericidal.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Authors: Edwards D , Lewis J J , Stenlake J B , Zoha M S
Published: April 2011

The preparation of two further NSN-tris-ethonium compounds, 9-ethyl-9-thioniaheptadecylenebis(triethylammonium) triiodide (dioctasulphonium triethiodide; DOSE) and 11-ethyl-11-thioniaheneicosylenebis(triethylammonium) triiodide (didecasulphonium triethiodide; DDSE) is described. The bis-quaternary compound 7-dioxothiatridecylenebis(triethylammonium iodide), and the NNN-tris-quaternary compounds 7:7-diethyl-7-azoniatridecylenebis (triethylammonium) triiodide (dihexazonium triethiodide; DHAE), 9:9-diethyl-9-azoniaheptadecylenebis(triethylammonium triiodide (dioctazonium triethiodide; DOAE) and 11:11-diethyl-11-azoniahenicosylenebis(triethylammonium) triiodide (didecazonium triethiodide; DDAE) have also been synthesised. All the compounds possess neuromuscular blocking activity in the gastrocnemius muscle-sciatic nerve preparation of the cat, the phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation of the rat and kitten and as measured by the rabbit head drop and mouse paralysis methods. Dihexazonium triethiodide and the sulphone 7-dioxathiatridecylenebis(triethylammonium iodide) (dihexone) show tubocurarine-like activity; dioctasulphonium triethiodide and dioctazonium triethiodide were predominantly tubocurarine-like but had some transitional properties, whilst didecasulphonium triethiodide and didecazonium triethiodide resembled decamethonium. Dihexazonium triethiodide was about equipotent with tubocurarine on the cat. Marked species variations in potency were observed. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Vegetable Purgatives Containing Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: Fairbairn J W , Friedmann C A , Ryan H A
Published: April 2011

Evidence is produced to show that the sennosides are probably breakdown products from primary glycosidal compounds occurring in the crude drug. Carefully prepared extracts have been shown to contain these primary compounds and one such compound has been isolated in a pure form. Biological and chemical assays show it is about 50 per cent more active than the sennosides and the relation of this fact to the explanation of the total activity of senna is discussed.
Identification of Seeds from Various Species of Strophanthus
Authors: Thomas W G , Melville Colin
Published: April 2011

In a search for differential specific characters, the outer epidermis of the testa from Strophanthus seeds of 15 species has been examined. A “trichome index” has been defined, and the method of its determination described. It enabled the species studied to be divided into six groups.
The Ganglionic Blocking Activity of A Series Of Tertiary Sulphonium Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Brown D M , Turner D H
Published: April 2011

A number of polymethylene bis-tertiary sulphonium quaternary ammonium salts have been examined for their ganglionic blocking activity on the superior cervical ganglion of the cat. The effect of substituting different alkyl groups on the sulphur and nitrogen atoms and varying the length of the polymethylene chain has been investigated. Maximum activity was found in the tetramethylene di-ethyl sulphonium tri-ethyl ammonium salt, which was about three times as active as hexamethonium. With tri-, penta- and hexamethylene salts maximum activity occurs when there are a total of 13 to 15 carbon atoms in the molecule. It is concluded that the substitution of sulphur for nitrogen in the bis-quaternary ammonium salts does not necessarily lead to a reduction in relative potency. The importance of the groupings on the “onium” centres in producing ganglionic block is stressed.
The Effect of Protoveratrine a on Potassium and Calcium Ion Movements in Muscle and Nerve
Authors: Lister R E , Lewis J J
Published: April 2011

The effects of protoveratrine A on the efflux of potassium ions (K+) from frog and rat skeletal muscle and the isolated electrically driven rat heart have been studied. No effect was seen upon the rate of efflux from skeletal muscle but that from the heart was increased. Protoveratrine A increases K+ uptake from frog skeletal muscle and causes this tissue to release more calcium (Ca++). There was no increase in Ca++ release from lobster nerve treated with protoveratrine A. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effects of Protoveratrine on Plasma Potassium Levels in The Cat and Rabbit
Authors: Lister R E , Lewis J J
Published: April 2011

Protoveratrine has been shown to increase the level of venous plasma potassium (K+) in intact rabbits and anaesthetised cats. By the use of restricted circulation experiments it has been demonstrated that at therapeutic dose levels protoveratrine causes an increase in the level of K+ in the plasma of blood from the coronary circulation but not from skeletal muscle. The possible significance of this finding and its relation to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex is discussed.
A Comparison of The Spasmolytic Effects of Two Phenylethylamines and Some Observations on Morphine-Like Activity
Authors: McCoubrey A
Published: April 2011

Contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum caused by 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine, histamine and barium was prevented by the isopropyl and cyclohexyl ethers of 1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine at similar concentrations to those found in rat tissues after injection. Inhibition due to the isopropyl ether was immediate and readily washed out. It did not antagonise substance P. Inhibition by the cyclohexyl ether was persistent and needed a short incubation period for full potency to develop. It antagonised substance P. The results are introduced against a background of a broad speculation on the nature of morphine-like activity. Ammonium ion partially inhibited 5-hydroxytryptamine at a concentration similar to that found in vivo during convulsions.
Some Effects of Hydrallazine on Blood Iron and an Iron-Containing Enzyme System
Authors: Kirpekar S M , Lewis J J
Published: April 2011

A hydrallazine-iron chelation complex has been prepared and shown to have a m.p. of 210°, and no ultra-violet absorption peak at 265 mμ. It has no hypotensive properties and does not antagonise the pressor response to adrenaline in the rat. At high dose levels hydrallazine inhibits catalase activity in vitro but not in vivo. The iron catalysed oxidation of cysteine to cystine is also inhibited by hydrallazine. Hydrallazine at high dose levels has been shown to cause haemolysis in vivo and in vitro. A consistent effect upon iron-excretion could not be shown.
Sodium Novobiocin: Stability Aspects
Authors: Busse M J , And K A Lees , Vergine V J
Published: April 2011

The stability of monosodium novobiocin has been examined. The solid antibiotic has been shown to be sensitive to light, but if properly protected, to be stable for a period of 2 years at 20°. In aqueous solution and suspension it is affected by increase of temperature, pH and certain heavy metals. Phosphate, and possibly sulphate, also cause decomposition. Concentrated solutions of novobiocin become coloured, particularly above 20° and in the presence of air. Light has little effect on potency but irradiation with ultra-violet light accelerates potency loss in solution. There appears to be no difference in the potency stability of three different batches of sodium novobiocin. Ultra-violet spectrophotometry cannot be used as a method of assay.
An Indicator Control Device for Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation
Authors: Royce A , Bowler C
Published: April 2011

The use of physical sterilisation controls instead of bacteriological controls for heat sterilisation processes is cited. Due to sorption of the gas and penetrability difficulties added need for such controls exists in ethylene oxide sterilisations. Some data on sorption of ethylene oxide is presented. The construction of a simple disposable device, to indicate the attainment of lethal conditions in ethylene oxide sterilisations is described. Data are presented to compare the control device with bacteriological controls, under different conditions of time, temperature, and gas concentration.