bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleconnections between Tropical Pacific SST Anomalies and Extratropical Southern Hemisphere Climate
Authors: Ciasto Laura M. , Simpkins Graham R. , England Matthew H.
Published: September 2014

Teleconnections from tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies to the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere (SH) are examined using observations and reanalysis. Analysis of tropical Pacific SST anomalies is conducted separately for the central Pacific (CP) and eastern Pacific (EP) regions. During the austral cold season, extratropical SH atmospheric Rossby wave train patterns are observed in association with both EP and CP SST variability. The primary difference between the patterns is the westward displacement of the CP-related atmospheric anomalies, consistent with the westward elongation of CP-related convective SST required for upper-level divergence and Rossby wave generation. Consequently, CP-related patterns of SH SST, Antarctic sea ice, and temperature anomalies also exhibit a westward displacement, but otherwise, the cold season extratropical SH teleconnections are largely similar. During the warm season, however, extratropical SH teleconnections associated with tropical CP and EP SST anomalies differ substantially. EP SST variability is linked to largely zonally symmetric structures in the extratropical atmospheric circulation, which projects onto the southern annular mode (SAM), and is strongly related to the SH temperature and sea ice fields. In contrast, CP SST variability is only weakly related to the SH atmospheric circulation, temperature, or sea ice fields and no longer exhibits any clear association with the SAM. One hypothesized mechanism suggests that the relatively weak CP-related SST anomalies are not able to substantially impact the background flow of the subtropical jet and its subsequent interaction with equatorward-propagating waves associated with variability in the SAM. However, there is currently no widely established mechanism that links tropical Pacific SST anomalies to the SAM.
Evaluating LSM-Based Water Budgets over a West African Basin Assisted with a River Routing Scheme
Authors: Getirana Augusto C. V. , Boone Aaron , Peugeot Christophe
Published: September 2014

Within the framework of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) Land Surface Model Intercomparison Project phase 2 (ALMIP-2), this study evaluates the water balance simulated by the Interactions between Soil, Biosphere, and Atmosphere (ISBA) over the upper Ouémé River basin, in Benin, using a mesoscale river routing scheme (RRS). The RRS is based on the nonlinear Muskingum–Cunge method coupled with two linear reservoirs that simulate the time delay of both surface runoff and base flow that are produced by land surface models. On the basis of the evidence of a deep water-table recharge in that region, a reservoir representing the deep-water infiltration (DWI) is introduced. The hydrological processes of the basin are simulated for the 2005–08 AMMA field campaign period during which rainfall and streamflow data were intensively collected over the study area. Optimal RRS parameter sets were determined for three optimization experiments that were performed using daily streamflow at five gauges within the basin. Results demonstrate that the RRS simulates streamflow at all gauges with relative errors varying from −20% to 3% and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients varying from 0.62 to 0.90. DWI varies from 24% to 67% of the base flow as a function of the subbasin. The relatively simple reservoir DWI approach is quite robust, and further improvements would likely necessitate more complex solutions (e.g., considering seasonality and soil type in ISBA); thus, such modifications are recommended for future studies. Although the evaluation shows that the simulated streamflows are generally satisfactory, further field investigations are necessary to confirm some of the model assumptions.
Cooperation or Coordination of Underwater Glider Networks? An Assessment from Observing System Simulation Experiments in the Ligurian Sea
Authors: Alvarez A. , Mourre B.
Published: September 2014

The coordinated and cooperative-unaware networking of glider fleets have been proposed to obtain a performance gain in ocean sampling over naïve collective behavior. Whether one of these implementations results in a more efficient sampling of the ocean variability remains an open question. This article aims at a performance evaluation of cooperative-unaware and coordinated networks of gliders to reduce the uncertainty in operational temperature model predictions. The evaluation is based on an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) implemented in the northern Ligurian Sea (western Mediterranean) from 21 August to 1 September 2010. The OSSE confronts the forecast skills obtained by the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) when assimilating data gathered from a cooperative and unaware network of three gliders with the prediction skill obtained when data comes from a coordinated configuration. An asynchronous formulation of the ensemble Kalman filter with a 48-h window is used to assimilate simulated temperature observations. Optimum sampling strategies of the glider networks, based on a pattern search optimization algorithm, are computed for each 48-h forecasting period using a covariance integrated in time and in the vertical direction to reduce the dimensionality of the problem and to enable a rapid resolution. Perturbations of the depth-averaged current field in glider motions are neglected. Results indicate a better performance of the coordinated network configuration due to an enhanced capacity to capture an eddy structure that is responsible for the largest forecast error in the experimental domain.
The Air–Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP): An Autonomous Upwardly Rising Profiler for Microstructure Measurements in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Ward Brian , Fristedt Tim , Callaghan Adrian H. , Sutherland Graig , Sanchez Xavier , Vialard Jérôme , Doeschate Anneke ten
Published: September 2014

The upper few meters of the ocean form a critical layer for air–sea interaction, but because of observational challenges this region is undersampled. However, the physical processes controlling momentum transfer, gas exchange, and heat transfer are all concentrated in the uppermost region of the ocean. To study this region, the Air–Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP) was developed. This is an autonomous microstructure vertical profiling instrument that provides data from a maximum depth of 100 m to the ocean surface and allows measurements to be performed in an undisturbed environment. The core sensor package on ASIP includes shear probes, microstructure and CTD-quality temperature and conductivity sensors, a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor, and an oxygen optode providing a repeated high-resolution dataset immediately below the air–sea interface. Autonomous profiling is accomplished with thrusters that submerge the positively buoyant instrument. Once the desired depth is reached, ASIP ascends through the water column acquiring data. At the surface, ASIP acquires its position and transmits this over the Iridium satellite network. ASIP is then placed in a low-power mode for a specified period, whereupon it repeats the profile cycle. Two-way communication over the Iridium network allows mission parameters to be changed in real time. ASIP has been used to study several scientific questions, such as the impact of diurnal warming on atmospheric processes, turbulence scaling in the upper ocean, parameterizing air–sea gas exchange, salinity gradients in the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL), and consequences for remote sensing.
Modeling the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Wind Response to Mesoscale Sea Surface Temperature Perturbations
Authors: Perlin Natalie , de Szoeke Simon P. , Chelton Dudley B. , Samelson Roger M. , Skyllingstad Eric D. , O’Neill Larry W.
Published: September 2014

The wind speed response to mesoscale SST variability is investigated over the Agulhas Return Current region of the Southern Ocean using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and the U.S. Navy Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) atmospheric model. The SST-induced wind response is assessed from eight simulations with different subgrid-scale vertical mixing parameterizations, validated using Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) winds and satellite-based sea surface temperature (SST) observations on 0.25° grids. The satellite data produce a coupling coefficient of sU = 0.42 m s−1 °C−1 for wind to mesoscale SST perturbations. The eight model configurations produce coupling coefficients varying from 0.31 to 0.56 m s−1 °C−1. Most closely matching QuikSCAT are a WRF simulation with the Grenier–Bretherton–McCaa (GBM) boundary layer mixing scheme (sU = 0.40 m s−1 °C−1), and a COAMPS simulation with a form of Mellor–Yamada parameterization (sU = 0.38 m s−1 °C−1). Model rankings based on coupling coefficients for wind stress, or for curl and divergence of vector winds and wind stress, are similar to that based on sU. In all simulations, the atmospheric potential temperature response to local SST variations decreases gradually with height throughout the boundary layer (0–1.5 km). In contrast, the wind speed response to local SST perturbations decreases rapidly with height to near zero at 150–300 m. The simulated wind speed coupling coefficient is found to correlate well with the height-averaged turbulent eddy viscosity coefficient. The details of the vertical structure of the eddy viscosity depend on both the absolute magnitude of local SST perturbations, and the orientation of the surface wind to the SST gradient.
A Climatology of Tornadoes in Europe: Results from the European Severe Weather Database
Authors: Groenemeijer Pieter , Kühne Thilo
Published: September 2014

A climatology of tornadoes (over land and water) is presented, based on the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD), which contains reports of 9529 tornadoes. With the exception of a few small countries, tornadoes have been reported from all regions of Europe. The highest density of tornado reports is in western and central Europe. ESWD tornado reports increased strongly from 1995 to 2006 as a result of increased data collection efforts, followed by a decrease that likely has a meteorological nature. There is strong underreporting in the Mediterranean region and eastern Europe. The daily cycle of tornadoes over land (sea) peaks between 1500 and 1600 (0900 and 1000) local time. The Mediterranean annual maximum is in autumn and winter, while regions farther north have a maximum in summer. In total, 822 tornado fatalities have been recorded in the ESWD, which include 10 tornadoes with more than 20 fatalities. The average annual number of tornado fatalities in Europe is estimated to be between 10 and 15. The F2 and F3 tornadoes are responsible for the majority of the fatalities.
Empire Here or Hereafter? A Postcolonial Reading of the Wisdom of Solomon
Authors: Timmer Daniel C.
Published: September 2014

This essay offers a postcolonial reading of the Wisdom of Solomon in order to explore the processes of self-identification and self-validation within Alexandrian Diaspora Judaism. It focuses on the various ways that “us” and “them” are constructed, especially the way that each group is related to power. It concludes that the Wisdom of Solomon promotes a paradigm in which the universality and binary opposition that characterize empire are paradoxically transferred from a horizontal to a vertical plane, and that this shows both the usefulness and limits of a postcolonial reading for Wisdom.
Bridging the gap: Early warning, gender and the responsibility to protect
Authors: Davies Sara E , Teitt Sarah , Nwokora Zim
Published: September 2014

Women, Peace and Security (WPS) scholars and practitioners have expressed reservations about the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle because of its popular use as a synonym for armed humanitarian intervention. On the other hand, R2P’s early failure to engage with and advance WPS efforts such as United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1325 (2000) has seen the perpetuation of limited roles ascribed to women in implementing the R2P principle. As a result, there has been a knowledge and practice gap between the R2P and WPS agendas, despite the fact that their advocates share common goals in relation to the prevention of atrocities and protection of populations. In this article we propose to examine just one of the potential avenues for aligning the WPS agenda and R2P principle in a way that is beneficial to both and strengthens the pursuit of a shared goal – prevention. We argue that the development and inclusion of gender-specific indicators – particularly economic, social and political discriminatory practices against women – has the potential to improve the capacity of early warning frameworks to forecast future mass atrocities.
Health Insurance and Self-Employment
Authors: Niu Xiaotong
Published: September 2014

Previous studies have found that health insurance is an important component of workers’ labor market decisions. In this article, the author studies the effect of health insurance availability and price on the likelihood of self-employment by examining the Massachusetts (MA) health care reform enacted in 2006. A model of compensating differentials predicts that the effect of the MA reform on the likelihood of self-employment is theoretically ambiguous because different components of the reform should have opposing effects. For a sample from the Current Population Survey, the reform leads to a large and significant increase in health insurance coverage, and it increases the likelihood of self-employment by 0.71 percentage points, or an 8.4% increase from the pre-reform average in MA. The estimated positive effect on the likelihood of self-employment persists, though decreases, in the long run. The empirical evidence suggests that a part of the decline is coming from the opposing effects of various components of the reform.
Humanitarianism and National Sovereignty: Red Cross Intervention on behalf of Political Prisoners in Soviet Russia, 1921–3
Authors: Lowe Kimberly A.
Published: September 2014

From 1921 to 1923 the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sought to protect the individual rights of political prisoners in Soviet Russia. This action represented the culmination of the Red Cross’ attempt after the First World War to transform the humanitarian rights assured to soldiers by the Geneva and Hague conventions into universal rights for all people. The Red Cross, employing concepts that demonstrate a connection between humanitarianism and human rights, argued for a right to assistance that transcended national sovereignty and authorized international intervention in the sovereign affairs of states. The article traces the ideological origins of this universal humanitarian right through the debates on civil war at the 1912 and 1921 International Conferences of the Red Cross and then analyzes the ICRC's use of private and public channels to protect political prisoners in Soviet Russia. Despite initial international support, the ICRC failed to achieve a humanitarian intervention from the former Allied powers at the Genoa Conference in 1922. As a result the movement retreated to a more conservative stance regarding the role of humanitarianism vis-a-vis the nation-state, a stance it maintained with tragic consequences through the 1930s and into the Second World War.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Osseointegrated Implant Failure
Authors: Wu X. , Al-Abedalla K. , Rastikerdar E. , Abi Nader S. , Daniel N.G. , Nicolau B. , Tamimi F.
Published: September 2014

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most widely used drugs for the treatment of depression, have been reported to reduce bone formation and increase the risk of bone fracture. Since osseointegration is influenced by bone metabolism, this study aimed to investigate the association between SSRIs and the risk of failures in osseointegrated implants. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients treated with dental implants from January 2007 to January 2013. A total of 916 dental implants in 490 patients (94 implants on 51 patients using SSRIs) were used to estimate the risk of failure associated with the use of SSRIs. Data analysis involved Cox proportional hazards, generalized estimating equation models, multilevel mixed effects parametric survival analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. After 3 to 67 mo of follow-up, 38 dental implants failed and 784 succeeded in the nonusers group, while 10 failed and 84 succeeded in the SSRI-users group. The main limitation of this retrospective study was that drug compliance dose and treatment period could not be acquired from the files of the patients. The primary outcome was that compared with nonusers of SSRIs, SSRI usage was associated with an increased risk of dental implants failure (hazard ratio, 6.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-31.61; p = .03). The failure rates were 4.6% for SSRI nonusers and 10.6% for SSRI users. The secondary outcomes were that small implant diameters (≤4 mm; p = .02) and smoking habits ( p = .01) also seemed to be associated with higher risk of implant failure. Our findings indicate that treatment with SSRIs is associated with an increased failure risk of osseointegrated implants, which might suggest a careful surgical treatment planning for SSRI users.
Automating efficiency-targeted approximations in modelling and simulation tools: dynamic decoupling and mixed-mode integration
Authors: Papadopoulos Alessandro Vittorio , Leva Alberto
Published: September 2014

Modelling and simulation nowadays permeate virtually any engineering activity, requiring tools capable of managing complex models efficiently. Nonetheless, whereas modern modelling languages and tools allow such models to be constructed even on lightweight platforms (e.g. a laptop), the same is not true when it comes to numerically integrating those models. For the latter purpose, modellers usually pursue efficiency by resorting to approximation and reduction techniques. However, such techniques are unnatural to include in modelling and simulation tools. This is particularly true with object-oriented ones, which on the other hand are the most interesting for dealing with complexity from the model construction viewpoint. This paper presents a novel approximation technique that can be easily included in modelling and simulation tools, and relates the proposal to literature alternatives so as to provide evidence of its peculiarities. An extended manipulation toolchain is also proposed, allowing for the introduction of other (classical) efficiency-targeted approximation techniques, within a unified framework. Some application examples illustrate the achieved advantages and motivate the major design choices from an operational viewpoint.
It Isn’t Always Mutual
Authors: Korsgaard M. Audrey , Brower Holly H. , Lester Scott W.
Published: September 2014

Scholars have called for examinations of trust at the dyadic level, but only recently have we begun to see trust examined as a dyadic phenomenon from multiple perspectives. This review examines three approaches to understanding dyadic trust: reciprocal trust, wherein one party’s trust influences the other party’s trust; mutual trust, wherein both parties share a given level of trust that has important consequences for the dyad; and asymmetric trust, wherein each party has a different level of trust, and this disparity has consequences for the dyad. We provide a critical analysis of the empirical research addressing these three approaches and suggest future research directions to provide a more comprehensive view of dyadic trust.
Do children understand that people selectively conceal or express emotion?
Authors: Hayashi Hajimu , Shiomi Yuki
Published: September 2014

This study examined whether children understand that people selectively conceal or express emotion depending upon the context. We prepared two contexts for a verbal display task for 70 first-graders, 80 third-graders, 64 fifth-graders, and 71 adults. In both contexts, protagonists had negative feelings because of the behavior of the other character. In the prosocial context, children were instructed that the protagonist wished to spare the other character’s feelings. In contrast, in the real-emotion context, children were told that the protagonist was fed up with the other character’s behavior. Participants were asked to imagine what the protagonists would say. Adults selected utterances with positive or neutral emotion in the prosocial context but chose utterances with negative emotion in the real-emotion context, whereas first-graders selected utterances with negative emotion in both contexts. In the prosocial context, the proportion of utterances with negative emotion decreased from first-graders to adults, whereas in the real-emotion context the proportion was U-shaped, decreasing from first- to third-graders and increasing from fifth-graders to adults. Further, performance on both contexts was associated with second-order false beliefs as well as second-order intention understanding. These results indicate that children begin to understand that people selectively conceal or express emotion depending upon context after 8 to 9 years. This ability is also related to second-order theory of mind.
Prosthesis-preserving aortic root repair after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Hamamoto Masaki , Kobayashi Taira , Kodama Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

We describe a new technique of prosthesis-preserving aortic root replacement for patients who have previously undergone aortic valve replacement. With preservation of the mechanical prosthesis, we implant a Gelweave Valsalva graft using double suture lines. The first suture line is made between the sewing cuff of the mechanical valve and the graft, with mattress sutures of 2/0 braided polyester with pledgets. After the first sutures are tied, the second suture line is created between the graft collar and the aortic root remnant with continuous 4/0 polypropylene sutures.
Missed diagnosis of Behçet disease causing aortic regurgitation
Authors: Tham Yi Chuan , Sin Yoong Kong
Published: September 2014

Aortic regurgitation is a rare and serious presentation of Behçet’s disease. Here we describe a case of missed diagnosis of Behçet’s disease in a 37-year-old man, causing symptomatic aortic regurgitation. Perioperative diagnosis of Behçet’s aortitis is crucial because surgical intervention carries high reoperative morbidity and mortality.
News of partner femicides: The shift from private issue to public problem
Authors: Comas-d’Argemir Dolors
Published: September 2014

Partner violence against women in Spain is now no longer regarded as an individual issue but a public problem. This article discusses the role of the media in this process. It analyses the news programmes broadcast by different television stations in Catalonia and shows that the news focuses on partner violence against women as a public problem. It argues that the frame of the news is not only a media issue, it is also connected to the social and political context. The feminist movement has played an essential role in the struggle against partner violence against women, but it is argued here that society’s intense rejection of this sort of violence and the magnitude of the public policies that have been implemented in Spain could not be explained without the particular involvement of the media.
Multi-axis shoulder abduction splint in acute burn rehabilitation: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Jang Ki Un , Choi Ji Soo , Mun Jeong Hyeon , Jeon Jong Hyun , Seo Cheong Hoon , Kim Jong Hyeon
Published: September 2014

Objective:

The traditional thermoplastic aeroplane splint for axillary burn contracture is heavy, uncomfortable, and time consuming and difficult to put on and off. The present study tested the effectiveness of a newly designed multi-axis shoulder abduction splint with an easy-to-change angle.

Design:

Randomized controlled parallel assessor blinded pilot.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation center in a general hospital.

Subjects:

Twenty-four patients with recent (< 30 days) burns around the shoulder joint were randomized into two groups. After two dropouts, 11 patients used the new splint for four weeks and 13 patient were left unsplinted for four weeks.

Interventions:

The newly designed multi-axis shoulder abduction splint keeps the shoulder abducted at the highest possible angle.

Main outcomes:

The range of motion of the shoulder joint was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Active abduction, flexion, and external rotation were measured according to the zero position method by placing the axis of the goniometer ventral to the shoulder joint.

Results:

Repeated-measure ANOVA revealed that the splint group developed significantly better abduction ( P = 0.020) and flexion ( P = 0.036) over 4 weeks than the non-splint group. ANCOVA using the initial (0 week) angle and Shoulder Burn Depth Index as covariates revealed that the splint group had significantly better abduction than the non-splint group ( P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

The new multi-axis shoulder abduction splint resulted in a significant improvement in shoulder abduction angle compared to unsplinted patients.
Area and individual differences in personal crime victimization incidence
Authors: Tseloni Andromachi , Pease Ken
Published: September 2014

This article examines how personal crime differences between areas and between individuals are predicted by area and population heterogeneity and their synergies. It draws on lifestyle/routine activities and social disorganization theories to model the number of personal victimization incidents over individuals including routine activities and area characteristics, respectively, as well as their (cross-cluster) interactions. The methodology employs multilevel or hierarchical negative binomial regression with extra binomial variation using data from the British Crime Survey and the UK Census. Personal crime rates differ substantially across areas, reflecting to a large degree the clustering of individuals with measured vulnerability factors in the same areas. Most factors suggested by theory and previous research are conducive to frequent personal victimization except the following new results. Pensioners living alone in densely populated areas face disproportionally high numbers of personal crimes. Frequent club and pub visits are associated with more personal crimes only for males and adults living with young children, respectively. Ethnic minority individuals experience fewer personal crimes than whites. The findings suggest integrating social disorganization and lifestyle theories and prioritizing resources to the most vulnerable, rather than all, residents of poor and densely populated areas to prevent personal crimes.
Ghrelin and obestatin levels in hypertensive obese patients
Authors: Wang Wei-Min , Li Shu-Mei , Du Fu-Man , Zhu Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Ji-Chang , Li Yang-Xue
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To investigate plasma total ghrelin and obestatin levels and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio prospectively, in hypertensive obese patients.

Methods

Height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured in hypertensive and normotensive obese patients and matched healthy controls; the body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Fasting ghrelin and obestatin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio was calculated.

Results

A total of 38 hypertensive obese patients, 40 normotensive obese patients and 38 controls were enrolled. Hypertensive obese patients had lower plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin than normotensive obese patients or controls. In addition, normotensive obese patients had lower plasma ghrelin and obestatin levels than controls. In hypertensive obese patients, ghrelin and obestatin levels were negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In normotensive obese patients, ghrelin, obestatin and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio were negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In both patient groups, fasting obestatin and ghrelin concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with each other.

Conclusion

Changes in the levels of ghrelin and obestatin may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity and hypertension.
Nitrazepam and Temazepam: A Comparative Trial of Two Hypnotics
Authors: Priest R G , Rizvi Z A
Published: September 2014

A specially designed sleep questionnaire was used to assess the performance of the two hypnotic drugs.

Psychiatric patients were given 5 mg nitrazepam or 10 mg temazepam in identical capsules, and were allowed more if necessary. A double-blind cross-over design was used.

We found that 5·2 mg nitrazepam showed few differences from 13·2 mg temazepam. The two regimes produced fairly similar reports on patient satisfaction, quality of sleep, number of awakenings, depth of sleep and other variables.

Patients on nitrazepam were a little more clear-headed in the morning, though they tended to wake later, sleep longer, and take more sleep over the 24-hour period.

No toxicity was found with either drug over the 434 patient days of administration.

In view of the advantages of the benzodiazepine drugs over their predecessors, we feel that it is worth exploring further the use of temazepam as a sleep inducing drug.
Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections with Cefadroxil, a New Oral Cephalosporin
Authors: Cordero Alejandro
Published: September 2014

Oral cefadroxil in doses of 0·6-1·8 g per day given on twice or three times daily schedules was effective in the treatment of thirty-six patients with infections such as abscesses, carbuncles, cellulitis, furunculosis and impetigo.

Staphylococcus aureus strains and beta-haemolytic streptococci, alone or in combination, were cultured from lesions before treatment. In vitro studies with test discs showed that all the organisms were sensitive to cefadroxil, but twenty-three of twenty-nine S aureus strains and one of the seven streptococci strains were resistant to penicillin G. Pre- and post-treatment laboratory tests of renal, hepatic and haematopoietic functions produced no evidence of drug toxicity. The cefadroxil dosage effective in this study is lower than that recommended for currently available oral cephalosporins, which must be given on a four times daily schedule.
A Double-Blind Comparative Clinical Trial of Floctafenine and Four Other Analgesics Conducted in General Practice
Authors: Lomas D M , Gay J , Midha R N , Postlethwaite D L
Published: September 2014

Three hundred and twelve patients suffering from painful conditions were admitted to a multicentre, double-blind controlled trial, conducted in general practice in which five analgesics—floctafenine (Idarac), paracetamol, aspirin, dihydrocodeine and pentazocine—were compared. Overall ratings of analgesic effect placed floctafenine first in rank order. Floctafenine was statistically significantly superior in effect to pentazocine but not to the other three agents as far as doctor ratings were concerned; and superior to both pentazocine and dihydrocodeine in the opinion of patients. Fewer patients experienced side-effects on floctafenine than on the other four analgesics and this difference between floctafenine and pentazocine, and floctafenine and dihydrocodeine was statistically significant.
Nefopam HCl Interaction Study with Eight other Drugs
Authors: Lasseter K C , Cohen A , Back E L
Published: September 2014

A controlled clinical trial was undertaken to determine potential for drug interaction of nefopam HCl, a new analgesic, with eight other widely used compounds. Nefopam HCl was administered in combination with these drugs and placebo to forty-five healthy volunteer subjects in nine groups of five subjects each. Possible drug interactions were detected by the occurrence of side-effects and interference with bioavailability of the new analgesic, also by changes in vital signs or in various laboratory tests. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in these parameters between the nefopam HCl-placebo regimen and the other eight combinations. Despite this, there were substantial clinical differences in the intensity and incidence of side-effects with combinations of codeine, pentazocine and propoxyphene. These differences warrant further study. Serum nefopam HCl levels were significantly higher on Day 3 than on Day 1, indicating no defect in bioavailability due to drug interaction. Overall, results of this study support the feasibility of concomitant use of these eight drugs with nefopam HCl for short treatment periods.
A Comparative Study of Antidepressants in the Treatment of Depressive States
Authors: Elwan Osamah , Taher Yehia , Allam Mahmoud , Hassan Mahassen Aly
Published: September 2014

The effect of six antidepressants has been investigated in six groups of twenty patients suffering from depressive states. The over-all response of the six groups, as well as the response of the individual target symptoms of depression according to the Hamilton Rating Scale are reported.
Short-Term and Long-Term Clinical Evaluation of a Non-Amphetaminic Anorexiant (Mazindol) in the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Enzi G , Baritussio A , Marchiori E , Crepaldi G
Published: September 2014

The effectiveness and tolerance of a non-amphetaminic anorexiant drug has been evaluated in a short-term and in a long-term clinical trial in simple obesity and in refractory obesity.

In the short-term ‘crossover’ trial, a more evident effectiveness and tolerance result when the anorexiant is given in a late phase of treatment.

The association of an anorexiant drug with the hypocaloric diet was seen to be effective in the treatment of so-called refractory obesity.

In the evaluation of the long-term treatment it is seen that weight loss is greater and remains so for longer periods in patients receiving anorexiant, as compared to controls. This is related to a better maintenance of a restricted calorie regimen.

Mazindol did not affect the improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion which follows the weight reduction.
Evidence for Improved Cardiac Performance after Beta-Blockade in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Reale Attilio , Nigri Antonio , Gioffrè Pier Agostino
Published: September 2014

The study was undertaken to investigate the acute haemodynamic effects of bunitrolol (0-2-hydroxy-3-(tert.butylamino)-propoxy)-benzonitril-hydrochloride), a cardioselective beta-blocker with partial agonist activity. Right and left heart catheterization was performed in eleven patients with documented coronary artery disease. After bunitrolol (10 mg i.v.), there was a statistically significant decrease in left ventricular and aortic systolic pressures, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, aortic diastolic and mean pressures, pressure-rate product and compliance index (△P/△V). Left ventricular dp/dt, left ventricular dp/dt over isovolumic pressure, systemic resistance and heart rate tended to decrease, stroke volume and left ventricular stroke work index tended to increase, without statistical significance. Cardiac index showed individual variations, the mean values for the group being unchanged. Correlation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and left ventricular stroke work index showed a shift toward improved ventricular function curve in most cases, deterioration in no instance. Supine exercise was performed in ten patients. Angina occurred in nine patients; in five only before and in four before and after beta-blockade. Post-drug exercise heart rate, pressure-rate product and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure were significantly lower, the latter also in the four patients who still presented exercise angina. It is concluded that certain beta-blockers can improve cardiac performance at rest and during exercise in patients with coronary artery disease. This is explainable on the basis of a more favourable balance between oxygen supply and demand, together with a less marked negative inotropic effect due to the partial agonist activity of the agent used in the study.
Bacterial Flora of the Healthy Skin in Children
Authors: Herz Guido
Published: September 2014

The normal bacterial flora of the skin of 100 healthy children was studied in a paediatric practice with regard to the germ spectrum and the resistance constellation, by means of abrasion skin samples taken from the upper part of the back. Staphylococcus albus was by far the most predominant bacteria, followed by Sarcina bacteria and Corynebacteria. The high degree of pervasion of this physiological cutaneous flora with antibiotic-resistant strains increases the suspicion that in the case of florid bacterial skin infections in children, subsequent to traumatic or inflammatory changes of the integument, the antibiotic resistance of the normal resident flora can be transferred to the pathogenic flora. In view of the endemic resistance of pathogenic and saprobic strains of bacteria against practically all antibiotics at present used in paediatric practice, it is to be urgently recommended that instead of antibiotics topical broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (antiseptics), e.g. clioquinol, triclosan†, etc., should preferably be used.
A Double-Blind Trial of Penbutolol: A New Beta-Receptor Blocking Agent in the Treatment of Angina Pectoris
Authors: Agarwal A K , Ahuja R C , Chandra M , Gupta N N , Hasan M
Published: September 2014

A double-blind placebo controlled study of angina pectoris with Penbutolol was undertaken in parallel groups in fifty-two patients. The duration of the study was six weeks. The dosage range for Penbutolol was 8 mg to 50 mg per day.

Six patients were dropped from the analysis. Seventeen patients (81%) in the Penbutolol series exhibited a 50% reduction in anginal attacks, NTG consumption and subjective improvement. Significant reduction in nitrite intake was observed.

Effort tolerance was improved significantly in those receiving penbutolol.

Penbutolol was well-tolerated.
A Comparative Trial of Orphenadrine and Tofenacin in the Control of Depression and Extrapyramidal Side-Effects Associated with Fluphenazine Decanoate Therapy
Authors: Capstick N , Pudney Helena
Published: September 2014

A trial involving patients receiving fluphenazine decanoate was designed to compare the effects of orphenadrine hydrochloride (Disipal) and its major metabolite, tofenacin hydrochloride (Elamol) on the Parkinsonian side-effects and depression occurring during fluphenazine decanoate therapy. The trial was a double-blind one, with crossover.

It was found that both drugs exerted an adequate control on the Parkinsonian side-effects, but there was no significant difference between their effects. Ophenadrine, however, was shown to be significantly superior (p > 0·05) in the control of the depressive side-effects.
Pharmacokinetics of Amoxycillin According to Administration Schedule
Authors: Leng Bernard M , Lacut Jean Y , Aubertin Jean M
Published: September 2014

Thirty subjects, free of any heart, kidney or liver disease, were given the same dosage of amoxycillin—100 mg/kg/24 hr. The first ten were given the drug in three equal doses at 8-hourly intervals, a further ten in four doses at 6-hourly intervals, and the last ten in eight doses at 3-hourly intervals. The final administration schedule resulted in much higher and more regular serum levels of amoxycillin than the other two, suitable for the treatment of severe infectious conditions, and has the advantage of avoiding prolonged antibiotic infusions which are a source of venous complications in the patient. The first results obtained clinically, which will be published in a further paper, seem favourable.
Haemodynamic Effects of Dobutamine in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Magnani B , Ambrosioni E , Branzi A , Picchio F , Capitanucci P
Published: September 2014

The haemodynamic effects of the infusion of dobutamine in dosages of 2·5, 5·0 and 10·0 μg/kg/min were studied in twelve patients with coronary artery disease. At the lowest dose, infusion of dobutamine caused a significant increase in cardiac output; greater increases occurred with doses of 5·0 and 10·0 μg/kg/min. The means by which the myocardium produced the increase in cardiac output differed according to the dose of the drug; 2·5 and 5·0 μg/kg/min produced an increase in stroke volume without any significant variation in the heart rate. At the highest dose rate, an increase in heart rate made a distinct contribution to the overall increase in output.

The ventricular dp/dt max. increased at all three dosages.

Blood pressure, pulmonary arterial and capillary pressure, and left ventricular and diastolic pressure did not show any significant change.

The separation of the inotropic and the chronotropic effects of dobutamine according to the infused dose appears to have extremely interesting clinical implications.
Diftalone: A New Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Comparative Study with Phenylbutazone in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chalem F , Farias P , Lizarazo H , Peña P
Published: September 2014

A double-blind study was carried out to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of diftalone and phenylbutazone in thirty patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis, randomly distributed between the two treatment groups. Both drugs were administered according to a progressively decreasing daily dosage schedule: 1,000 mg during the 1st week; 750 mg the 2nd week and 500 mg from the 3rd week on for diftalone; 400 mg, 300 mg, and 200 mg daily for the 1st, 2nd and from the 3rd week on respectively for phenylbutazone.

The study lasted twelve weeks. The clinical controls and laboratory tests were performed weekly up to the 8th week, while the final evaluation was made at the end of the 3rd month.

Twelve patients in the group receiving diftalone and fourteen in the phenylbutazone group completed the trial.

Clinical improvement was observed in both groups. Effectiveness was somewhat more evident in the diftalone group. Tolerability was acceptable for both drugs, although the diftalone patients showed less frequent and intense side-effects than those treated with phyenylbutazone. No significant differences were found as regards the laboratory parameters, except a significant fall of the E.S.R. (p < 0·05) in the diftalone group. Diftalone seems to be an effective and safe anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Pilot Open-Label Study of Alprazolam (U-31,889) in Anxious Alcoholic Out-Patients
Authors: Fabre Louis F , Gainey Allison , Kemple Sherrie
Published: September 2014

Twenty out-patients suffering from anxiety and tension after withdrawal from alcohol were treated for 28 days with alprazolam. Three patients dropped out for intercurrent events, and 2 dropped out for recurrent drinking. Of the 15 patients completing the study, analysis of variance showed significant improvement in all Physician's Ratings as well as all patient self-ratings. At the 28th day, 93% of the patients rated moderate to marked improvement on the Physician's Global Impression and Therapeutic Effect, and 93% self rated at least a little better. Side-effects were generally mild and inconsequential. No adverse effects attributable to alprazolam were noted on laboratory evaluations, EKG's, or ophthalmologic examinations.
Diphenylpyraline (Lergobine®) in the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Allergic and Vasomotor Rhinitis
Authors: Puhakka Heikki , Rantanen Torsti , Virolainen Erkki
Published: September 2014

In a double-blind study, diphenylpyraline (Lergobine®) was given to 63 patients whose main symptoms were stuffiness of the nose, increased secretion of mucus, snuffling, sneezing and redness of the eyes. Fifty-seven patients were given placebo for identical symptoms. Diphenylpyraline was found to have a better effect on all the symptoms than placebo. The difference was statistically significant in respect of the discharge of mucus and redness of the eyes, and when the total symptoms were considered as a whole. In atopic patients the better effect of diphenylpyraline was highly significant.
A Follow-up Study of the Use of Benoral Tablets in Non-Articular Rheumatism
Authors: Ronn H H
Published: September 2014

A multicentric follow-up study was conducted in general practice to assess disease characteristics which determine analgesic needs in non-articular rheumatism. Of 127 patients studied, those with chronic conditions such as brachial fibrositis and tennis elbow with a history extending over more than a month tended to require a longer course of treatment than those whose symptoms related to muscles of the trunk and spine. For most patients a one or two week course of Benoral tablets proved adequate in length and efficacy.
The Mechanism of Action of a Normophasic Oral Contraceptive ‘Fysioquens'
Authors: Franchi F , Luisi M
Published: September 2014

Six women with normal menstrual cycles were treated over six cycles with Fysioquens, a normophasic contraceptive consisting of 7 tablets of ethinyloestradiol (EE) 0·050 mg and 15 tablets containing 1·0 mg lynestrenol +0·050 mg EE.

In the 1st, 3rd and 6th treatment cycles and in the cycles before and after treatment, hormonal assays and other tests were carried out to determine whether ovulation had occurred.

No treatment cycles showed any signs of ovulation, but it did occur in the pre- and post-treatment cycles. Blood pressures and liver function tests remained normal, but two of the six volunteers showed a slight increase in body-weight.
Comparative Effect of Food on Absorption of Ampicillin and Pivampicillin
Authors: Neuvonen P J , Elonen E , Pentikäinen P J
Published: September 2014

The effect of food on the absorption of simultaneously ingested ampicillin or pivampicillin was compared in a crossover study in eight healthy volunteers. The absorption of both ampicillin and pivampicillin was delayed by simultaneous food intake as judged by serum concentration and urinary excretion of ampicillin. The total absorption of ampicillin, but not that of pivampicillin was decreased by simultaneous food intake as indicated by the area under the serum ampicillin concentration-time curves and by 24 hours urinary excretion of ampicillin. The excretion of ampicillin into urine was about 30% of the dose when ampicillin was ingested with water into an empty stomach and about 20% when ingested with food. The respective excretion of ampicillin following the ingestion of pivampicillin was about 60% of the dose taken either with or without food.
Quantitative Thermographic Assessment of Inositol Nicotinate Therapy in Raynaud's Phenomena
Authors: Ring E F J , Bacon P A
Published: September 2014

The basal temperature of the hands has been measured by quantitative thermography in a group of normal controls and rheumatoid patients exhibiting Raynaud's phenomenon. The thermographic index for both the dorsum of the hand and the fingers was significantly lower in the patients with Raynaud's. Oral treatment with inositol nicotinate (Hexopal) was followed by an initial rise in the thermographic index in both areas. After the initial increase the temperature fell again but then rose after two months treatment. At nine months two subjects on continuous therapy had higher indices than the four who had discontinued therapy. It is suggested that long-term treatment with nicotinate acid derivatives may produce improvement in the peripheral circulation by a different mechanism than the transient effect detected by short-term studies.