bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Pharmacological Review of the Efficacy of Orphenadrine and Its Combination with Paracetamol in Painful Conditions
Authors: Hunskaar S. , Donnell D.
Published: January 2017

Orphenadrine citrate, a monomethylated derivative of diphenhydramine, has been used as a muscle relaxant and as an analgesic both alone or as a constituent of combination products. Data on the efficacy of orphenadrine alone and in combination with paracetamol for painful conditions are evaluated in the present review. From the available animal data it is concluded that the antinociceptive effect of orphenadrine has been clearly demonstrated but data have also clearly indicated that it has muscle relaxant properties. Human placebo-controlled studies have shown some support for the view that orphenadrine on its own acts as a mild analgesic in painful conditions associated with muscle spasm. Although only a small number of well-controlled studies have been completed with the combination product of orphenadrine/paracetamol, each supports the view that the combination has superior efficacy over paracetamol alone. There is no doubt that the combination product is more efficacious than placebo.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Compliance and Ventricular Filling
Authors: Galderisi M. , Celentano A. , Tammaro P. , Mureddu G.F. , Garofalo M. , Mossetti G. , Gravina E. , de Divitiis O.
Published: January 2017

A total of 20 untreated hypertensive patients were divided into two equal groups matched for sex, age and blood pressure but with [mean diastolic wall thickness (MDWT) > 1.2 cm] or without (MDWT > 1.2 cm) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). All patients underwent pulsed doppler echocardiography and 99Tc radionuclide ventriculography at rest to assess diastolic and systolic abnormalities. In hypertensives with LVH the interventricular wall thickness, posterior wall thickness and relative diastolic wall thickness were significantly ( P < 0.01) higher and peak filling rate was significantly ( P < 0.01) lower than in hypertensives without LVH. The indices of systolic function, however, were not significantly different in the two patient groups. In hypertensives without LVH peak filling rate directly correlated with heart rate, whereas in those with LVH peak filling rate directly correlated with heart rate and the ratio of peak velocity of early left ventricular filling: peak velocity of late left ventricular filling due to atrial contraction. It is concluded that diastolic parameters may be useful tools for assessing myocardial compliance and may be effective markers of diastolic dysfunction.
Double-Blind, Randomized Crossover Study of the Percutaneous Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Indomethacin Spray versus Placebo in the Treatment of Tendinitis
Authors: Ginsberg F. , Famaey J.P.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous efficacy and tolerability of a new topical indomethacin spray compared with a corresponding placebo product were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized crossover study in 30 patients with tendinitis, i.e. 28 patients with peri-arthritis of the shoulder and two with epicondylitis. Each patient was treated with 4% indomethacin spray or the corresponding placebo product three to five times daily for a period of 14 days and then received the other treatment for the same period of time. The indomethacin spray demonstrated a clear efficacy compared with the placebo based on both objective criteria (elevation, abduction and internal rotation) and subjective criteria (spontaneous pain, pain on movement, pressure-induced pain, functional disturbances and sleep disturbances). Tolerability was excellent: only two patients had minor local cutaneous irritation with the indomethacin spray, which did not require interruption of treatment. Treatment with indomethacin spray appeared to be effective in 80% and well-tolerated in 93% of the patients studied.
Mechanism of Growth Retardation following Chronic Administration of β-Adrenoceptor Antagonists to Developing Rats
Authors: Paraskevopoulos J.A. , Karayannacos P.E. , Dontas I. , Kotsarelis D. , Drouva S. , Skalkeas G.
Published: January 2017

A total of 1123-week old Wistar rats were separated into eight groups: control groups I – IV ( n = 62) and propranolol-treated groups V – VIII ( n = 50). Propranolol hydrochloride (100 mg/kg) was present in the rats' drinking water until 26 weeks of age and growth rates of all groups were monitored daily until 53 days of age and thereafter every third day throughout the study. Chronic oral propranolol administration produced growth retardation ( P < 0.05) in both sexes that was reversible when treatment was discontinued. Organ weights were generally smaller in propranolol-treated rats; on the other hand, the ratio of most organ weights per 100 g of body weight was greater in propranolol-treated rats (especially females). The radio-immunological determination of plasma growth hormone showed increased concentrations of growth hormone in propranolol-treated rats ( P < 0.05), whereas hypothalamic somatostatin content was not significantly changed. The results showed that the retarded growth rate following chronic oral propranolol administration to growing rats was independent of changes in plasma growth hormone and hypothalamic somatostatin concentrations, and that retardation was entirely reversible when the β-adrenoceptor antagonist was discontinued.
Different Patterns of Inhibition of Adrenaline-induced Platelet Aggregation and Kinetics In Vivo by Acetylsalicylic Acid and Indobufen
Authors: Fortunato J.S. , Pinheiro M.J. , Monteiro M.C. , Rodrigues M.A. , Amaral I.
Published: January 2017

The inhibitory effect of 50 mg/kg lysyl acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) intravenously injected 24 and 4 h before 80 μg/kg adrenaline, 40 mg/kg indobufen injected 15 min before, or a combination of ASA plus indobufen on the platelet aggregation and kinetics was evaluated in anaesthetized dogs previously injected with 111indium- (111In-) labelled platelets using γ-camera dynamics studies. The highest degree of inhibition, indicated by the lowest platelet aggregation ratio decrease and the most significant 111In-labelled platelet mobilization from hepatic and splenic stores with a corresponding increase of labelled and unlabelled platelet counts in blood, was obtained in ASA-treated dogs. Such changes were less marked when ASA plus indobufen was injected. In indobufen-treated dogs a similar mobilization of 111In-labelled platelets with an increase in circulating platelet numbers was evident only after the second adrenaline injection. It is concluded that platelet mobilization is mainly dependent on the production of an ASA-sensitive substance.
The Effect of Steroids on Theophylline Absorption
Authors: Tatsis G. , Orphanidou D. , Douratsos D. , Mellissinos C. , Pantelakis D. , Pipini E. , Jordanoglou J.
Published: January 2017

The effect of hydrocortisone on plasma theophylline concentrations was evaluated in 20 patients suffering from chronic bronchitis or stable bronchial asthma. Choline theophyllinate (400 mg) was orally administered every 12 h for 8 days and blood samples were taken every 2 h during the day for the measurement of theophylline concentrations. Intravenous bolus injections of 500 or 1000 mg hydrocortisone on day 5 or day 7, respectively, did not significantly alter plasma theophylline concentrations.
Circadian Blood Pressure Rhythms in Elderly Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Spieker C. , Wienecke M. , Grotemeyer K.-H. , Suss M. , Berenbrock M. , Zierden E. , Rahn K.-H. , Zidek W.
Published: January 2017

Blood pressure was recorded for 24 h in 121 essential hypertensive patients aged between 20 and 90 years. To characterize the circadian blood pressure rhythm, the differences between the daytime blood pressures (recorded at 8-min intervals between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.) and the night-time blood pressures (recorded at 30-min intervals between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.) were calculated. The difference between daytime and night-time blood pressures was significantly ( P < 0.01) decreased in elderly hypertensive patients aged between 65 and 90 years compared with in those aged 20 – 39 years. In patients with heart insufficiency the circadian blood pressure rhythmicity was significantly ( P < 0.05) further reduced compared with in uncomplicated hypertensives. This may be explained by increased sympathetic tonus in patients with heart insufficiency and reduced vascular compliance may be the cause of the overall reduced circadian blood pressure rhythmicity in elderly hypertensive patients.
Complement Activation via the Alternative Pathway in a Patient with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Okada S. , Ichiki K. , Tanokuchi S. , Ishii K. , Hamada H. , Yamamoto H. , Ota Z.
Published: January 2017

A 41-year old male with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus previously unsuccessfully treated with a controlled diet and glibenclamide, and subsequently with increasing insulin doses (5 and 20 IU/day) experienced polyuria, glycosuria and loss of weight. On admittance to hospital serum C3 concentrations were found to be depressed. The insulin dose was further increased to 30 IU/day and the patient was also treated with 20 mg nafamostat mesylate given intravenously twice daily for 6 days. On completion of nafamostat mesylate treatment serum C3 concentrations were increased but after 17 days they started to decrease again.
Relationship between Common Carotid Arterial Flow and Age in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Nagatomo I , Nomaguchi M , Matsumoto K
Published: January 2017

Heart rate and carotid blood flow were measured in 82 elderly nursing home residents in both supine and sitting positions. The subjects had been divided into two groups according to whether or not they had had an episode of chronic cerebrovascular disease. In subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease, the heart rate in the sitting position was significantly ( P < 0.01) faster than that in the supine position but there were no significant differences in total carotid blood flow volume or in mean carotid blood flow velocity between the positions. In subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease, there were also no significant correlations between heart rate, total blood flow volume, or mean blood flow velocity, in either position, and age. In subjects without chronic cerebrovascular disease, the results for postural change were the same as those in subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease but in both positions there was a significant negative correlation between age and both total carotid blood flow volume and mean carotid blood flow velocity.
Multiple Intra-Articular Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Prospective Study Comparing Rifamycin SV with Pefloxacin
Authors: Caruso J , Boccassini L , Cazzola M , Santandrea S , Montrone F , Dell'Acqua D , Salvaggio A
Published: January 2017

In a randomized, prospective study the efficacy and tolerability of extensive multiple intra-articular administrations of two antibiotics, rifamycin SV and pefloxacin, were evaluated in 40 patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis. Total weekly doses of 525 mg rifamycin or 560 mg pefloxacin were given for 10 weeks, and 12 months after treatment all clinical indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein improved significantly in the rifamycin group. Some of the treatment indices (morning stiffness, severity of pain by visual analogue scale, grip strength and Ritchie's index) were already improved when the treatment ended, whereas others (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, number of painful and swollen joints) improved progressively during the follow-up. In the pefloxacin treatment group all indices except C-reactive protein and severity of pain determined using a visual analogue scale were significantly improved 12 months after treatment. Comparison of the two treatments showed a significant difference in erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( P < 0.047), Ritchie's index ( P < 0.036) and C-reactive protein ( P < 0.028) in favour of rifamycin.
Effectiveness of Cefetamet Pivoxil in the Treatment of Pyelonephritis in Children
Authors: Toporovski J , Steffens L , Noack M , Kranz A , Burdeska A , Kissling M
Published: January 2017

Cefetamet pivoxil was investigated in an open, randomized comparative study involving a total of 37 children with acute pyelonephritis, whose ages ranged from 2 to 14 years. The patients received either 10 mg/kg ( n = 18) or 20 mg/kg ( n = 8) cefetamet pivoxil twice daily, or 30–50 mg/kg amoxycillin/clavulanic acid three times daily ( n = 11) for a period of 7–10 days. Escherichia coli was the main causative agent isolated in 28 (75.7%) of the patients; other pathogens included Proteus mirabilis (three patients), Proteus species (one patient), Klebsiella pneumoniae (two patients), Pseudomonas diminuta (one patient) and mixed infections (three patients). No differences in the overall treatment outcome could be observed between the treatment regimens used and, at the end of treatment, all pathogens were eradicated with neither relapse, nor persistence of the isolated pathogen, nor reinfection occurring. The clinical signs and symptoms had subsided in all patients at treatment end and the tolerability of the trial drugs was found to be satisfactory with no premature treatment withdrawal required. It is concluded that cefetamet pivoxil in the standard twice-daily dose of 10 mg/kg was equally effective and as well tolerated as 20 mg/kg cefetamet pivoxil given twice daily or 30–50 mg/kg amoxycillin/clavulanic acid given three times daily.
Effect of High Ethanol Intake on Vascular Reactivity to Serotonin, Vasopressin and Acetylcholine in Normotensive Rats
Authors: Pires J G P , Cabral A M , Vasquez E C , Bissoli N S
Published: January 2017

Chronic ethanol administration causes hypertension and alterations of vascular reactivity in rats. In several models of hypertension, alterations of vascular reactivity are believed to be secondary to the sustained increase in blood pressure. The present study investigated the effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]), vasopressin and acetylcholine (ACh) in the isolated perfused mesenteric arteries from Wistar rats submitted to an 8-week course of chronic ethanol intake (8 g/kg day). No significant differences were observed in the dose – response curves with regard to: pressor effect of 0.04 — 10.0 nmole 5-HT; relaxant effect of 0.05 — 50.0 nmole ACh; or the pressor effects of two 1.5-nmole doses of vasopressin between control rats and ethanol-fed rats. These results suggest that modifications in arterial reactivity to endogenous vasoactive substances (observed in other studies involving more prolonged ethanol treatment in rats) may be, in part, secondary to the increase in blood pressure.
The Effect of Mesoglycan in Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease: A Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Ambrosio L A , Marchese G , Filippo A , Romano E , Musacchio R
Published: January 2017

Mesoglycan is a preparation of natural glycosaminoglycans, containing mainly heparan sulphate and dermatan sulphate. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of once-daily mesoglycan in 30 patients with clinical evidence of cerebrovascular insufficiency. Clinical effectiveness was assessed using psychometric and neurological scales: Sandoz Clinical Assessment for Geriatric Patients (SCAG); Parkside Behaviour Rating Scale Modified; Geriatric Depression Scale; and Anxiety Evaluation. Mesoglycan was given as a single oral once-daily dose of 100 mg for a period of 6 months. This treatment was shown to have positive effects on the cognitive and behavioural parameters evaluated. The effects on SCAG were already evident after 3 months' treatment and a significant improvement was observed after 6 months in those patients with a moderate to severe disease. During the treatment period only one patient suffered an adverse reaction attributed to the drug investigated.
Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Upregulates Transferrin Receptors in K 562 Cells
Authors: Nezu M , Iwagaki H , Aoki H , Tanaka N , Orita K
Published: January 2017

The effects of tumour necrosis factor-α on transferrin receptor expression in a human chronic myelocytic leukaemia cell line, K 562 cells, were studied. Cytofluorometry studies showed that the numbers of transferrin receptors in exponentially growing K 562 cells were increased when the cells were incubated with tumour necrosis factor-α for 24 h. The induction of transferrin receptors by tumour necrosis factor-α may be mediated by a mechanism that is independent of growth since cell growth in treated cultures did not differ from that in the controls. The DNA contents of K 562 cells treated with tumour necrosis factor-α showed that after 24 h there were less cells in the G1 and S phases and more cells in the G2/M phase than in the control group. The phase of upregulation of transferrin receptors induced by tumour necrosis factor-α may be dependent on the cell cycle. This new evidence that tumour necrosis factor-α upregulates transferrin receptors suggests a cancer-anaemia cascade in which the cancer burden state activates macrophage release of tumour necrosis factor-α as a result of transferrin receptor expression.
Cardiorespiratory Effects of Weight Reduction by Exercise in Middle-Aged Women with Obesity
Authors: Katoh J , Hara Y , Narutaki K
Published: January 2017

The cardiorespiratory responses to weight reduction due to physical exercise were examined in fourteen women with obesity, aged 36 to 67 years (Body Mass Index, 32.4 ± 1.4 kg/m2). The patients were instructed to exercise at approximately 60% of maximum oxygen uptake for 2 h every day for approximately 3 months. To evaluate physical strength, a graded cycling exercise test was performed both before and after the exercise period, monitoring gas exchange, ventilation, and heart rate. After the exercise period the body mass index and percentage fat both decreased by 11% and 18%, respectively ( P < 0.001), although lean body mass did not change; maximum oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate did not change significantly, but peak ventilation equivalent, maximum metabolic equivalent and maximum load increased by 12%, 14% and 11%, respectively ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Maximum oxygen uptake per unit body weight increased by 5% ( P < 0.001). These results suggest that weight reduction as a result of exercise improves cardiorespiratory function in middle-aged women with obesity.
Effects of Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes, Sodium Bicarbonate, and a Proton Pump Inhibitor on Steatorrhoea Caused by Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Nakamura T , Takebe K , Kudoh K , Ishii M , Imamura K , Kikuchi H , Kasai F , Tandoh Y , Yamada N , Arai Y , Terada A , MacHida K
Published: January 2017

Forty-five patients with pancreatic steatorrhoea (27 with calcified pancreatitis, 13 with non-calcified pancreatitis, two with pancreaticoduodenectomy, one with total pancreatectomy, and two with pancreatic cancer) were divided into four groups and given the following medication for 2 to 4 weeks: 4 to 6 g/day of sodium bicarbonate (group I); 9 g/day of high-lipase pancreatin (lipase, 56 600 U/g, Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP); group II); 12 to 24 tablets or 9.0 g of commercial pancreatic enzyme preparations (group III); or 50 mg of omeprazole (group IV). Faecal fat excretion was evaluated before and after drug administration. Faecal fat excretion was reduced by 2.9 g (range, 1.7 to 5.0 g) in group I; 8.8 g (range, 2.9 to 39.9 g) in group II; 10.8 g (range, 2.3 to 21.8 g) in group III; and 4.3 g (range, 3.6 to 5.6 g) in group IV. The pancreatic digestive enzyme preparation was more effective than sodium bicarbonate and agents that raise the pH of the upper small intestine (such as proton-pump inhibitors) in reducing faecal fat excretion. The results indicate that all of the preparations used are effective against mild pancreatic steatorrhoea. If the condition is more advanced, however, a massive dosage of pancreatic digestive enzyme and possibly the combined use of an agent to raise the pH of the upper small intestine are likely to be effective.
Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: Evidence from the Literature
Authors: Colli E , Bertulessi C , Landoni M , Parazzini F
Published: January 2017

We review below the evidence from the literature about the relationships between bacterial vaginosis, its treatment and pregnancy outcome. The literature indicates that there is a well-defined association between the presence of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy and the risk of premature membrane rupture and preterm birth. Less definite is the role of the treatment of such pathology in reducing the frequency of preterm birth and/or premature rupture of membranes. The results of the controlled clinical trials are not entirely consistent. Of the most studied therapies, clindamycin seems to have shown favourable results most consistently but the published data are limited to trials including just a few hundred subjects. Only the availability of further data from controlled clinical trials will clarify the role of such treatment for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.
5-Bromo-2′-Deoxyuridine Stimulates the Pituitary–Adrenal Axis in the Rat: An Effect Blocked Partially by Endothelin-Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Malendowicz L K , Nussdorfer G G
Published: January 2017

The bolus intraperitoneal administration of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), at a dose in the range of those currently used for in vivo cell-kinetic studies, was found to provoke a marked rise in the plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and aldosterone in rats. This secretagogue effect of BrdU was annulled by the chronic pretreatment of animals with dexamethasone. The prolonged administration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) raised the blood level of aldosterone (but not of ACTH or corticosterone), and did not alter the response to BrdU. The pretreatment of rats with BQ-123 or BQ-788, two specific antagonists of ET-1 receptor subtypes A and B, did not affect the plasma concentrations of ACTH, corticosterone and aldosterone, but did partially reverse the effects of BrdU. In view of these findings we concluded that BrdU activates the pituitary–adrenal axis in rats, with its main mode of action being pituitary ACTH release; and the suppressive actions of BQ-123 and BQ-788 are independent of their antagonism on ET-1 receptors, and may be due to their interference with the intra-cellular mechanism(s) mediating the secretagogue action of BrdU. This effect of BrdU may have particular relevance to in vivo studies using BrdU labelling to assess cell kinetics of tissues (e.g. lymphatic tissue) affected profoundly by adrenal steroid hormones.
Antioxidant Defence System in a Patient with Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Kocatürk S , Kocatürk P A , Kayas G Ö , Mutluer N
Published: January 2017

The increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites in the central nervous system may result in cellular damage and vascular–parenchymal injury. Vascular injury is also a cause of the vasoregulation deficiency. In this case report, a 60-year-old woman was admitted to the department of neurology, with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident. During 18 days of follow-up, the status of the antioxidant system was determined by measuring red cell superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Red cell and plasma copper, zinc and magnesium concentrations were also measured. Red cell superoxide dismutase activity increased markedly by Day 2, reached a peak on Day 6 before decreasing to normal 18 days after the injury. Red cell catalase activity was below normal values during the whole of the 18-day study period and was at its lowest between days 6 and 7. Plasma copper, zinc and magnesium concentrations showed corresponding alterations.
Distal Fibula Resection in Osteochondroma
Authors: Durak K , Bilgen Ö , Kaleli T , Aydinli U
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the effects of distal fibula resection on the ankle function in a patient with osteochondroma. Osteochondroma is a benign tumour which localizes in the metaphysis of the long bones, in the knees and in the shoulders. Although it does not usually cause any symptoms in children under 10 years, we had a 4-year-old patient with a painful swollen ankle with limited motion. Resection of the lateral malleolus did not affect ankle function and he remained pain-free in daily activities during a 2.5 year follow-up period.
Iodine-123 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Myocardial Imaging in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Morimitsu T , Miyahara Y , Sonoda K , Kohno S
Published: January 2017

Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) has been used to evaluate the cardiac sympathetic nervous system. We evaluated the effect of pulmonary hypertension on the sympathetic neuronal function of the left ventricle in patients with pulmonary hypertension. We studied 20 patients with either chronic lung disease or pulmonary vascular disease. The patients were divided into a pulmonary hypertensive group and a control group. Single photon emission tomography was performed in the resting state 15 min and 4 h after administration of 123I-MIBG. Regions of interest (ROI) were set in the left ventricular (LV) free wall, the interventricular septum (IVS) and outside the LV free wall on short-axis images. The washout rate and the ROI/LV uptake ratio were calculated in each ROI. The IVS: LV uptake ratio was significantly lower in the pulmonary hypertensive group than in the control group. Our results suggest that left heart sympathetic neuronal dysfunction initially occurs in the IVS before it involves the LV free wall subsequently.
Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Taniguchi Y , Yorioka N , Masaki T , Yamashita K , Ito T , Ueda H , Yamakido M
Published: January 2017

The role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in human glomerulonephritis is still poorly understood. The relationship between expression of TGF-β1 protein or TGF-β1 mRNA and tissue damage was investigated using the enzyme–antibody and in situ hybridization method in frozen slices of renal tissue from 30 patients: 25 with glomerulonephritis (18 with immunoglobulin A nephropathy; two with focal glomerulosclerosis, one with membranous nephropathy, one with crescentic glomerulonephritis and three with lupus nephritis) and five control patients with minimal change disease. The expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was high in sclerotic and proliferative glomeruli, as well as in the tubular epithelial cells within tubulointerstitial lesions. There was significant correlation between the severity of tissue damage in immunoglobulin A nephropathy and the presence of TGF-β1protein and TGF-β1 mRNA. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 is involved in glomerulosclerosis and the development of tubulointerstitial lesions, indicating its potential importance in the progression and aggravation of immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
Glycosaminoglycans as a Possible Tool for Micro- and Macroalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients. A Pilot Study
Authors: Sorrenti G , Grimaldi M , Canova N , Palazzini E , melchionda N
Published: January 2017

The aim was to investigate sulodexide as a possible therapeutic tool for treating micro- and macroalbuminuria in diabetic patients. Fifteen patients (13 micro- and 2 macroalbuminuric) with Type II diabetes, were treated with 600 lipoprotein-lipase releasing units of sulodexide by the intramuscular route, daily for 28 days, and followed up for 2 months. The main evaluation parameter was the albumin excretion rate. At the end of treatment, six of the 13 microalbuminuric patients showed a decrease in the albumin excretion rate, which increased again in three of the six during follow-up. In the two macroalbuminuric patients the albumin excretion rate decreased at the end of treatment and remained unchanged after a further 2 months. Overall analysis (15 patients) showed a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in the albumin excretion rate compared with baseline. Metabolic control and blood pressure remained unchanged during the entire period of study. No adverse events were registered. It is concluded that sulodexide administration has a favourable effect in reducing the albumin excretion rate in Type II diabetic patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria.
Budd—Chiari Syndrome: A Review of Ten Cases
Authors: Farah S , Uthman S , Abyad A
Published: January 2017

The cases of ten patients with Budd—Chiari syndrome who were admitted to our medical centre between 1974 and 1986 were reviewed. There were three survivors; the remaining seven died after their disease had taken a rapid downhill course. The clinical course of Budd-Chiari syndrome and the various modalities of medical and surgical treatment are outlined.
Cisapride in the Long-Term Treatment of Chronic Gastroparesis: A 2-Year Open-Label Study
Authors: Kendall BJ , Kendall ET , Soykan I , McCallum RW
Published: January 2017

The effect of long-term cisapride therapy (20 mg orally three times daily for 2 years) on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal symptoms was investigated in 30 patients with severe gastroparesis (24 idiopathic, 6 diabetic). Symptoms were assessed every 2 months, using an overall symptom score based on six symptoms (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, pain, early satiety and bloating), and a 2-year mean overall symptom score was used for analysis. Gastric emptying was measured at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Of the 24 patients who completed the study, 10 showed a significant improvement in gastric emptying ( P < 0.05) and felt improved on therapy, seven patients showing a > 20% improvement in overall symptom score compared to baseline. Results for 15 patients who underwent at least one follow-up gastric-emptying test showed only a weak correlation between individual symptom score and gastric emptying ( r = 0.40). Thus long-term cisapride therapy at the study dose produced long-term symptomatic improvement in 42% of patients with severe gastroparesis, with sustained acceleration of gastric emptying for up to 2 years.
Efficacy of Lansoprazole against Peptic Ulcers Induced by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Endoscopic Evaluation of Ulcer Healing
Authors: Matsukawa Y , Tomita Y , Nishinarita S , Horie T , Kato K , Arakawa Y , Ko K , Shimada H , Nakano M , Kitami Y , Kurosaka H
Published: January 2017

Beyond the obvious step of limiting use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the treatment of ulcers induced by NSAIDs remains controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of the proton-pump inhibitor lansoprazole on NSAID-induced ulcers. Ulcers were endoscopically diagnosed in 47 NSAID users. These patients received 30 mg/day lansoprazole, orally, for 6 or 8 weeks (6 weeks for duodenal ulcers and 8 weeks for other ulcers). Ulcer healing was assessed using an established classification system. The presence of immunoglobulin G antibody against Helicobacter pylori was also evaluated. The antibody was present in the sera of 51% of patients (24/47). Most of the ulcers reached scarring stages S1 (healing) or S2 (good healing), and the S2 healing rate was 35%. Two H. pylori seropositive patients did not reach these stages; their ulcers were improved by H. pylori eradication therapy, followed, in one case, by medication with misoprostol. Lansoprazole seemed to be useful for most patients with NSAID-induced ulcers, but a few needed additional treatments.
Diagnostic Problems in Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Authors: Matsuse H , Shimoda T , Fukushima C , Matsvo N , Sakai H , Takao A , Asai S , Kohno S
Published: January 2017

To identify the problems involved in the diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP), clinical findings were analysed for 43 patients diagnosed clinically or pathologically with CEP during the past 10 years. About 28% of patients showed peripheral blood eosinophilia and a typical pattern of pulmonary oedema on chest X-ray at initial examination. Eosinophilia was demonstrated in peripheral blood in 86% of patients, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in 100%, and in transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) specimens in 64% of patients. Peripheral blood tests, BAL, and TBLB were all positive for eosinophilia in 60% of patients. BAL was the single test most likely to be positive among the diagnostic tests used in the present study. When CEP is suspected clinically, an understanding of which site is examined by each of the diagnostic tests and of the likelihood of a positive result in each test will facilitate the selection of the most appropriate tests for individual patients.
Sensitivity of Antibacterials of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Impetigo Patients
Authors: Nishijima S , Nakagawa M
Published: January 2017

We measured the sensitivity to antibacterials of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from impetigo lesions during one year (from July 1994 to July 1995). The largest number of strains was resistant to gentamicin, followed by erythromycin. Few methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains were isolated and few strains were resistant to more than one drug. We conclude that nadifloxacin and tosufloxacin are likely to be most effective against S. aureus, but fusidic acid is more suitable for the treatment of children.
Fluconazole Treatment of Neonates and Infants with Severe Fungal Infections
Authors: Gürpinar AN , Balkan E , Kiliç N , Kiriştioǧlu İ , Avşar İ , doǧruyol H
Published: January 2017

A total of 24 neonates and infants, aged from 2 days to 10 months, received treatment with intravenous fluconazole for microbiologically documented or presumed fungal infection. The mean fluconazole dosage was 6 mg/kg/day (range 2 –16 mg/kg/day) and the mean duration of therapy was 25 days (range 5–72 days). Efficacy was evaluated in neonates with proven fungal infections, as documented by the presence of pathogen at baseline. A positive clinical response was achieved in 23 of the 24 clinically evaluable patients (96%); eradication of the fungal organism was also achieved in 23 of the 24 evaluable patients (96%). Adverse events occurred in two patients (8%) but therapy was not discontinued in either patient. The present results confirm the efficacy and safety of fluconazole in the treatment of neonates and infants with severe fungal infections.
Pharyngeal Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Dog
Authors: Ladds P. W. , Webster D. R.
Published: January 2017

A pharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma was found in a 6-year-old dog. The neoplasm caused an altered bark and subsequent progressive dyspnea. In man, rhabdomyosarcomas have predilection for the pharynx.
Die Pathogenese der Aleutenkrankheit der Nerze
Authors: Drommer W. , Trautwein G.
Published: January 2017

Aleutian disease is a chronic persistent viral infection of mink characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, generalized plasmacytosis, sclerosing glomerulonephritis, polyarteritis, and plasma cell hepatitis with bile duct proliferation. The development of hepatic lesions was studied both light- and electron-microscopically in mink experimentally infected with Aleutian disease virus. Fifteen normal and 99 mink experimentally infected with Aleutian disease virus were used. Experimental mink were killed in intervals from 3 weeks to 23 months after infection, and liver sections were processed for both light- and electron-microscopic studies.

Experimentally infected mink developed portal and intralobular lymphocytic and plasmacytic infiltrates in the liver 3 weeks after infection. Four to five weeks after infection there was evidence of early bile duct proliferation that began as an outgrowth of the portal bile ducts. Three to five months after infection a marked bile duct proliferation was present in some of the portal triads and adjacent liver lobules; but there was no tendency of these lesions to progress into biliary cirrhosis. Ultrastructural characteristics of proliferating bile duct cells were marked deformation, formation of multiple cell layers, reduction in the number of microvilli and desmosomes, and infiltration of the epithelial cells by lymphoid cells and plasmacytes. The hepatic lesions either develop by direct virus stimulation or by the deposition of virus-antibody complexes.
Glomerular Lesions Associated with Proteinuria in Clinically Healthy Dogs
Authors: Stuart B. P. , Phemister R. D. , Thomassen R. W.
Published: January 2017

Spontaneous proteinuria in otherwise clinically normal adult Beagles 4–6 years old was studied for 2 years. Eighteen dogs, representing a population of 218 Beagles, were placed into three groups: group I, nonproteinuric; group II, intermittently proteinuric; group III, persistently proteinuric. The groups were alike on the basis of laboratory tests, except urinary protein loss. Proteinuria was persistent in most affected dogs but not progressive during the 2 years. The loss of proteins with high molecular weight, including α-, β-, and γ-globulins, suggested the proteinuria was of glomerular origin. There were glomerular lesions but no other significant change in the kidneys and urogenital system. Lesions were generalized and characterized by prominent, local or diffuse mesangial proliferation and by thickening, wrinkling, and splitting of the glomerular basement membrane. The subendothelial space was often widened and contained electron-dense deposits. Similar electron-dense deposits, as well as lipid and mineral, were in the mesangium. Alterations in visceral epithelial cells and endothelium were prominent. Periglomerular sclerosis was present but tended not to correlate with the severity of mesangial change in any given renal corpuscle. The severity of both mesangial and periglomerular changes increased with increasing proteinuria. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated granular discontinuous localization of IgG and βIC-globulins in the glomerular capillaries and mesangium. Similar localization was seen but to a lesser extent in nonproteinuric dogs. The glomerular lesions seen in these clinically healthy, proteinuric dogs are similar to those described in various canine diseases associated with terminal renal failure.
Amyloidosis Induced in Hamsters by a Filarid Parasite (Dipetalonema viteae)
Authors: Crowell W. A. , Votava C. L.
Published: January 2017

Amyloidosis was induced in hamsters infected with the filarial nematode parasite, Dipetalonema viteae. The incidence of amyloidosis was 64% in a group inoculated with 150 larvae and 54% in the group receiving 150 larvae in each of two inoculations. Amyloidosis was not seen in control animals. Microfilariae probably served as the antigenic stimulus in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis, since those animals in which amyloidosis was formed had microfilaremias that were significantly greater ( P<0.05) both in number and duration than those in infected animals that did not develop amyloidosis. Other reports of amyloidosis associated with filariasis are reviewed.
Morphological and Histochemical Observations on Renal Microbodies in Cats
Authors: Rehg J. E. , Montali R. J. , Szymkowiak Mary E.
Published: January 2017

The diaminobenzidine method for catalase showed two distinct morphological populations of renal microbodies in healthy mature cats of both sexes. Microbodies in the proximal convoluted tubules, which in this species also contain abundant neutral lipids, were polyhedral and had distinct marginal plates. Those in the remaining renal tubules, which are lipid-free, were rounder and less uniform in size. Both forms of microbodies had homogenous granular matrices without nucleoids. The morphological variations of the microbodies may depend on their association with renal lipids. The cat may serve as a model to explore functional or pathological relationships between microbodies and fat metabolism.
Naturally Occurring Intracytoplasmic Inclusions in the Canine Exocrine Pancreas
Authors: Hartman H. A. , Robison R. L. , Visscher G. E.
Published: January 2017

Bodies similar to acidophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions were found by light microscopy in the pancreatic acinar cells of 56 of 174 (32%) healthy male and female purebred Beagles and 14 of 97 (14%) of healthy male mongrel dogs. The inclusions were ovoid, acidophilic and often granular with basophilic particulates. Many seemed to be enclosed within halos of various widths. Electron microscopically the inclusions consisted of whorls of rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, and cytoplasmic organelles in various stages of decomposition. These inclusion bodies were interpreted as evidence of focal intracytoplasmic degradation. They appeared similar to the dense ribosomal autophagic vacuoles, hitherto described only in association with various experimental procedures.
Old Dog Encephalitis and Demyelinating Diseases in Man
Authors: Adams J. M. , Brown W. J. , Snow H. D. , Lincoln S. D. , Sears A. W. , Barenfus M. , Holliday T. A. , Cremer N. E. , Lennette E. H.
Published: January 2017

Pathologic findings in mature dogs with old dog encephalitis were compared with the findings in multiple sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and neuromyelitis optica in man. Fluorescent antibody studies in animal and human tissues were compared. Optic neuritis in dogs with chronic distemper shows changes similar to those in the optic tract of human patients with severe demyelinating disease. The pathologic changes in multiple sclerosis, such as perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes, plasma cells and demyelination are similar to those seen in old dog encephalitis. Demyelination in old dog encephalitis is usually diffuse. The findings strongly support a possible relationship of old dog encephalitis to multiple sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and neuromyelitis optica.
Fatal Mycotic Pulmonary Disease of Captive American Alligators
Authors: Jensen J. M. , Robinson B. E. , Bulmer G. S.
Published: January 2017

Fatal pulmonary disease occurred in two captive American alligators. The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was isolated from pulmonary lesions in both alligators. An extended hibernation period because of a severe winter and a failure of the zoo heating system may have predisposed the alligators to infection.
Studies on the Pathogenesis of Swine Dysentery
Authors: Wilcock B. P. , Olander H. J.
Published: January 2017

Swine dysentery was induced in pigs and in ligated colonic segments by inoculation of pure cultures of, or colonic contents containing, Treponema hyodysenteriae. The mildest changes, best seen in ligated segments 48 or 72 hours after inoculation, were congestion and leucocytic margination in mucosal capillaries and depletion of mucigen from goblet cells lining the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. Superficial mucosal necrosis and crypt cell hyperplasia were later changes. Perfusion studies with India ink did not demonstrate occlusive mucosal ischemia in acute swine dysentery. Mucosa with lesions of swine dysentery contained at least 105 colony forming units of T. hyodysenteriae per gram. Mucosa without lesions had 105 or fewer T. hyodysenteriae per gram. Segments with acute swine dysentery were distended with clear mucoid fluid with electrolyte composition indicative of net colonic secretion. No increase in the concentration of volatile fatty acids was detected in content from intact colons or colonic segments with lesions of acute swine dysentery.
Effects of Jatropha curcas on Calves
Authors: Ahmed O. M. M. , Adam S. E. I.
Published: January 2017

Jatropha curcas seed was fed to six calves at doses of 2.5, 1 and 0.25 g/kg once and to two other calves at 0.025 g/kg up to 14 days. The onset of toxic manifestations in the six calves was rapid and death occurred within 19 hours of administration. The two calves that received daily the lowest dose of J. curcas showed signs of poisoning and died within 10 to 14 days. The clinical signs of diarrhoea, dyspnoea, dehydration and loss of condition were well correlated with the pathological findings. There was an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, ammonia and potassium and a decrease in total protein and calcium in the serum of jatrophapoisoned calves.
The Role of the Pituitary Gland in Spontaneous Canine Mammary Tumorigenesis
Authors: El Etreby M. F. , Müller-Peddinghaus R. , Bhargava A. S. , Fath El Bab M. R. , Gräf K.-J. , Trautwein G.
Published: January 2017

The morphological changes of the pituitary gland of 29 female dogs with spontaneous mammary tumours or dysplasia or both were correlated with basal serum prolactin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotrophin, thyrotrophin, cortisol, total cholesterol, thyroxine and thyroid binding index as well as with lesions in other endocrine and genital organs. Spontaneous canine mammary tumorigenesis seemed to be associated with increased secretory activity of growth hormone rather than prolactin cells. Depressed secretory activity of follicle stimulating hormone-, luteinizing hormone- and thyrotrophin-producing cells, as well as signs of inhibition of ovarian (anovulation) and thyroid function, were also consistent findings in dogs with mammary tumours. There also was disturbance in pituitary-adrenal function associated with hyperplastic and neoplastic changes of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex.
Pathology of Deep Pectoral Myopathy of Broilers
Authors: Wight P. A. L. , Siller W. G.
Published: January 2017

Deep pectoral myopathy occurred in 39 of 204 apparently healthy and 46 of 146 ill, adult broiler breeders from Poultry Research Centre flocks. Both sexes and two commercial strains were similarly affected. The myopathy was not associated with any disease except pododermatitis.

The supracoracoid was the only muscle affected. It was bilaterally involved in 33 chickens. The lesions were grouped macroscopically into three categories: acute oedema progressing to a green necrosis, centrally located cicatrix, and replacement of the caudal region by fibroadipose tissue. Microscopically the green lesion consisted of necrotic, anucleate muscle fibres devoid of inflammatory cells and surrounded by a fibrous capsule that had a reactive inner border and externally abutted on normal and regenerating muscle or fibro-adipose tissue. Considered with the ultrastructural findings of early loss of glycogen and disintegration of sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, nuclei and Z lines, these findings indicate that the condition is an ischaemic necrosis. There was no evidence that its primary cause was occlusive vascular lesions. The muscle was able to regenerate unless extensive secondary neurological lesions were present.
Subclinical Scurvy in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Clarke G. L. , Allen A. M. , Small J. D. , Lock A.
Published: January 2017

Twenty-eight guinea pigs from nine episodes of subclinical scurvy had diarrhea, weight loss and dehydration. The classical signs of scurvy were not seen. Microscopically the epiphyses were attenuated and irregular. The amount of osteoid was less than normal. Many guinea pigs had acute enteritis. In some there were many hemosiderin-laden macrophages in the intestinal lamina propria. All episodes were associated with either autoclaving food without adequate supplementation or other inadequate feed management practices.
Carcinosarcomas of Uncertain Origin in the Lumbosacral Region of Three Dogs
Authors: Misdorp W. , van der Heul R. O.
Published: January 2017

Three middle-age dogs had carcinosarcomatous tumors involving the lumbosacral bones and the soft tissues. A single metastatic lesion was found in each dog. The site of origin of this tumor was obscure.