bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intravenous Indoprofen on Bleeding Time and other Haemostatic Parameters
Authors: Rubegni M , Sacchetti G , Bruni G , De Mauro G , Bandinelli C , Provvedi D
Published: January 2017

The influence of i.v. administration of indoprofen on template bleeding time and other haemostatic parameters was investigated in ten elderly subjects with osteoarthritis. The drug was given first as a single dose (400 mg bolus) and then, after an appropriate interval, as a short-term treatment (200 mg bolus t.i.d. for 7 days). Platelet count, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time were never affected, whereas a significant, though moderate, lengthening of bleeding time and a parallel reduction of platelet aggregation were observed in both trials. In the acute one these changes were seen at the first hour following administration and waned in all patients within 96 hours. In the subacute test the bleeding time was steadily prolonged throughout the week of treatment, being slightly still above the baseline value 7 days later, at which time no residual effects were noticeable in platelet aggregation.
Bran Diet for an Earlier Resolution of Post-Operative Ileus
Authors: Sculati Oliviero , Giampiccoli Gustavo , Gozzi Bartolomeo , Minissale Vito , Zambetti Nella , Iapichino Gaetano , Ipezzoli Carlo , Giacomelli Maurizio , Lazzari Patrizia , Franzosi Maria Grazia
Published: January 2017

The effect of a pre-operative high fibre diet on the resolution of ileus following cholecystectomy has been evaluated.

The time needed to restore canalization of the gastro-intestinal tract has been compared in two random groups of patients (a total of thirty-eight) one treated with wheat bran and the other as control without the diet supplementation.

The average persistence of ileus was 24 hours in the treated group and 54 hours in the control group.

These results suggest that a bran-enriched diet could be an inexpensive and simple treatment to shorten the duration of ileus after abdominal surgery.
An Open Study of Pivampicillin (Pondocillin) as a Treatment for Acute Lower Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sutton J B
Published: January 2017

In a multicentre general practice study 158 females with acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infection received a 5-day course of pivampicillin 500 mg twice-daily (Pondocillin). Significant bacteriological cultures were obtained from forty-one patients before treatment and the original organism was eradicated in thirty-eight of these patients (93%). The mean symptom score was reduced from 7·33 to 1·18. Eleven patients (7%) reported side-effects. One patient ceased treatment after 4 days due to a rash. Pivampicillin, in a convenient twice-daily regimen, was confirmed as an effective treatment for acute lower urinary tract infection.
Mistabron Effects on Platelets and Blood Coagulation
Authors: Henry Raymond L , Washnock Mark A , Taylor Gregory W
Published: January 2017

The mucolytic drug Mistabron is often used in bleeding situations. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of this drug in such circumstances. The platelet function of human blood is not impaired by clinically used Mistabron dosage, after stimulation with epinephrine, ADP or arachidonic acid. Coagulation proteins are not modified by Mesna, neither in vitro (bloodfrom human beings), nor in vivo (rats).
Retrospective Post-Marketing Surveillance of Transiderm-Nitro 5 in General Practice in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tattersall A B , Bridgman K M , Obst D , Carr M
Published: January 2017

A retrospective post-marketing surveillance of Transiderm-Nitro 5 was undertaken in 1803 general practice patients with various degrees of severity of angina. Over half the patients were assessed more than 3 months after starting treatment. At the time of assessment two-thirds of the patients were continuing with their Transiderm-Nitro therapy. Only a small proportion (3·8%) of the total patient population were withdrawn after 3 months' usage. This suggests the continuing benefit of longer-term Transiderm-Nitro therapy.

Subjective assessment of a reduction in the number of anginal attacks and an improvement in exercise capacity occurred, respectively, in 76·2% and 62·6% of the patients.

Although 16% of patients experienced problems specifically related to patch use, only 6·4% withdrew for these reasons. The incidence of headache decreased with time of usage of Transiderm-Nitro to give an over-all withdrawal of 7%

The death rate observed during the surveillance lies between that for the United Kingdom population as a whole and that for a population with angina pectoris.

This surveillance shows that both patients and doctors perceived clinical benefit from Transiderm-Nitro when used in the treatment of angina.
Double-Blind Comparison of Prenylamine and Penbutolol in Patients with Angina Pectoris
Authors: Slegers L C , Vermeulen A , Sumajow A
Published: January 2017

This study was performed to re-evaluate the clinical position of prenylamine in the management of angina pectoris. After 1 week withdrawal of all anti-anginal agents, followed by another week of placebo administration, seventeen patients were allocated at random to 6 weeks treatment with either Penbutolol 40 mg once a day or prenylamine 60 mg t.i.d.

Clinical examination, exercise test and anginal attack rate were recorded every 2 weeks.

Both drugs reduced the anginal attack rate.

None of the drugs caused a significant increase in maximal workload or a significant change in ST-segment depression. Beside a substantially lower rate-pressure product at maximal comparable workload in the Penbutolol group (p < 0·001), no significant differences were observed between the two drugs. No adverse reactions were reported.

From these results one can conclude that prenylamine and Penbutolol do not differ in their anti-anginal effect. Therefore we are of the opinion that prenylamine has a place in the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of angina pectoris, particularly inpatients where beta-blocking agents are contraindicated or in patients who have experienced side-effects of beta-blocking or calcium-entry blocking agents.
Maternal, Umbilical, Uterine and Amniotic Prostaglandin E and F2α Levels in Labour
Authors: Sahmay S. , Coke A. , Hekim N. , Atasu T.
Published: January 2017

This paper confirms the important role played by prostaglandins in the induction of uterine contractions and the initiation of human labour, although the exact mechanism of action in labour remains unclear. Seventeen pregnant women at term were studied. Of these nine were in labour and the remainder underwent elective section. Prostaglandin E and F2α levels were measured in maternal, umbilical and uterine plasma and amniotic fluid by radioimmunoassay. Levels of prostaglandin E were generally higher than prostaglandin F2α but they were significantly lower in maternal and uterine plasma. Levels of prostaglandin F2α were significantly higher in maternal plasma during labour. The highest levels of prostaglandin were found in amniotic fluid. Measurements indicate that the decreasing ratio of prostaglandin E/F2α is more important in the initiation of labour than absolute levels of either prostaglandin.
Acrivastine in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Two Randomized Crossover Studies to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Gibbs T. G. , Irander K. , Salo O. P.
Published: January 2017

In two randomized crossover studies, the antihistamine, acrivastine, was evaluated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. One study on 31 patients found both 4 and 8 mg acrivastine given three times daily to be significantly better than placebo for alleviating hay fever. There were no significant differences in symptom scores between the two doses, although more patients (63%) favoured 8 mg acrivastine over the 4 mg dose (46%) or placebo (35%). The other study found the higher dosage regimen to be similar in efficacy to 1 mg clemastine given three times daily. Both dosages were significantly better than placebo for reducing symptom scores in all 18 evaluable patients. The incidence of adverse experiences was low in both studies; there being no dose-related effects of acrivastine. In the second study, drowsiness, probably or possibly treatment related, occurred on seven occasions during clemastine treatment and once with acrivastine. These studies indicate that 8 mg acrivastine given three times daily is both well tolerated and of equal efficacy to clemastine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
In-Patient Treatment of Chronic Varicose Venous Ulcers. A Randomized Trial of Cadexomer Iodine versus Standard Dressings
Authors: Laudanska H. , Gustavson B.
Published: January 2017

A total of 67 patients with treatment resistant chronic venous ulcers were admitted to hospital for 6 weeks of bed rest and daily dressings. The patients came from a rural area in Poland with poor socio-economic conditions. They were randomized to treatment with either standard dressings or with cadexomer iodine. After 6 weeks all but four patients had shown a clear reduction of ulcer area; the mean reduction was 54% within the former group and 71% with cadexomer iodine. The latter treatment was significantly more effective than the standard hospital dressings in debriding the ulcer, accelerating healing and reducing pain. Elevation of serum concentrations of protein-bound iodine occurred after treatment with cadexomer iodine in patients with large ulcers, but tests of thyroid function showed no changes associated with the use of cadexomer iodine. It is concluded that cadexomer iodine significantly accelerates the healing of chronic, infected, treatment-resistant, venous ulcers in hospitalized patients.
Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Legs: New Therapy by Mean of Low Molecular Weight Heparins
Authors: Zanghi' M. , Morici V. , Costanzo M. , Astuto L. , Salanitri G.
Published: January 2017

This open controlled study compared the effects of subcutaneous administration of two types of heparin in two groups of 40 patients each with deep vein thrombosis. One group received calcium heparin and the other received low molecular weight heparin for 40 days in each case. Patients receiving low molecular weight heparin showed a greater increase in inhibition of activated factor X than those receiving calcium heparin. Both drugs slightly reduced activated partial thromboplastin time. No patient experienced pulmonary embolism during the study. At the end of the study, maximum venous outflow was significantly higher in patients given low molecular weight heparin than in those given calcium heparin. No major side-effects were observed. This study showed that: (a) the anti-thrombotic effect of low molecular weight heparin was greater than for calcium heparin; and (b) low molecular weight heparin improved maximum venous outflow in approximately half of the patients, possibly by promoting or accelerating recanalization of the vessel.
Clinical Evaluation of W14859 (Liquid Thrombin) on Upper Gastro-Intestinal Haemorrhage – Comparative Study of W14859 versus Topical Thrombin
Authors: Nakajima T. , Himeno S.
Published: January 2017

W14859 (liquid thrombin) was used to treat upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage confirmed by endoscopy. Haemostatic effects were compared with those of topical thrombin. W14859 was administered directly under endoscopy and/or orally in 29 patients with upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. Haemostasis was achieved using direct application and subsequent oral thrombin in 17/19 (89.5%) cases, and direct or oral treatment alone in 4/6 (66.7%) cases. The efficacy rate was higher in non-transfused patients. In all 25 stomach biopsy patients, haemostasis was achieved within 60 s of directly applying W14859. There was no significant difference between the mean time taken by W14859 (17.7 ± 2.1 s) and topical thrombin (14.6 ± 2.0 s) and no adverse events were observed in any of the patients. It is, therefore, believed that W14859 can be routinely used in clinical practice.
Comparison of Terfenadine Once Daily with Terfenadine Twice Daily for the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Rosario N.A.
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind, parallel-group study to compare the efficacy of 120 mg terfenadine taken orally once daily with that of the conventional regimen of 60 mg terfenadine taken twice daily, 30 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were enrolled. Groups of 15 patients were treated for 7 days with either 60 mg terfenadine twice daily, morning and evening, or 120 mg terfenadine once daily in the morning and placebo in the evening. The physician detected marked to total relief of symptoms (sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal pruritus and nasal obstruction) at similar rates (60% and 66%) in the two groups and patients in both groups reported a reduction in symptoms. The incidence of reported side-effects (sedation and mild headache) was low and not significantly different using either regimen. The results indicate that the new once-daily regimen of terfenadine was as effective and as well tolerated as the twice-daily regimen for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.
Influence of Prostaglandin E1 on Heavy Proteinuria in Slightly Azotaemic Diabetics
Authors: Okada S. , Sato K. , Higuchi T. , Ichiki K. , Tanokuchi S. , Ishii K. , Hamada H. , Ota Z.
Published: January 2017

Treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients with nephropathy of the nephrotic type using 40 μg prostaglandin E1 given intravenously twice daily for 4 weeks reduced the urinary protein concentration. Prostaglandin E1 also increased the total serum protein and serum albumin concentrations, and reduced creatinine clearance and plasma renin activity following frusemide loading. Treatment with the prostaglandin did not, however, significantly affect the blood urea nitrogen and the serum creatinine concentration. It is concluded that prostaglandin E1 has overt effects on diabetic nephropathy.
Inhibitory Effects of Orally or Sublingually Administered Cetirizine on Histamine-induced Weals and Flares and Their Correlation with Cetirizine Plasma Concentrations
Authors: Coulie P.J. , Ghys L. , Rihoux J.-P.
Published: January 2017

In an open, randomized crossover study, the inhibition of histamine-induced weals and flares after one dose of 10 mg cetirizine administered orally or sublingually to seven healthy volunteers was compared. Formation of both weals and flares was significantly inhibited by cetirizine administered by either route; weals were inhibited as early as 20 min after oral intake but not clearly inhibited until 90 min after sublingual intake. There was no clinically relevant difference between the effects of the two routes of administration on flare area. Cetirizine was not well tolerated when given sublingually: two patients reported a burning sensation in the tongue and one reported a local anaesthetic effect. Plasma cetirizine concentrations showed no clear difference between the two routes of administration.
Chronic Lisuride Hydrogen Maleate Administration Enhances Muscarinic Receptor Binding in Senescent Rat Brain
Authors: Hirata H. , Ogawa N. , Mizukawa K. , Haba K. , Asanuma M. , Mori A. , Ota Z.
Published: January 2017

Changes in the regional density of muscarinic-1 (M1) receptors and the effect of lisuride hydrogen maleate on these changes were studied in senescent rat brain by in vitro autoradiography. In young adult controls, M1 receptor binding was most dense in the striatum and hippocampus, followed by the cerebral cortex and amygdala. Binding to M1 receptors was markedly lower in these areas of the senescent brain compared with the young adult brain. These decreases were reversed by intraperitoneal administration of 50 μg/kg·day lisuride for 14 days. The present results indicate that the therapeutic efficacy of lisuride depends on normalization of not only monoamine systems but also acetylcholine systems.
Changes in Serum Trace Elements after Surgery: Value of Copper and Zinc in Predicting Post-Operative Fatigue
Authors: Martinez A Cordova , Marcen J F Escanero
Published: January 2017

Triceps skin fold, arm muscular performance and fatigue were quantified, haematocrit measured and haemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, transferrin, zinc and copper concentrations determined in 60 patients (36 women, 24 men) before and 3–45 days after surgery. On days 3 and 9 after surgery, there was a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in serum zinc concentrations but by 45 days concentrations had return to pre-operative values. In contrast, serum copper concentrations were significantly ( P < 0.05) elevated until day 45. Haematocrit and haemoglobin and albumin concentrations were decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) 3 and 9 days after surgery, whereas serum total protein concentrations remained significantly ( P < 0.05) lower for 45 days compared with concentrations prior to surgery.
Development of a Simple Spasticity Quantification Method: Effects of Tizanidine on Spasticity in Patients with Sequelae of Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Ogawa N , Asanuma M , HIRata H , Ota Z , Yamawaki Y , Yamamoto M
Published: January 2017

A simple method that can be performed at the bedside using a spring balance was developed in order to quantify spasticity. The effects of tizanidine on spasticity were evaluated in 30 patients with sequelae of cerebrovascular disease using this method. Treatment with tizanidine was effective in 60% of the patients; there were high correlations between spasticity before and after tizanidine administration and the severity of symptoms and also between the degree of improvement in spasticity and in that of the symptoms. Atonic seizures, due to overdose of tizanidine, were observed in only one patient. The simple spasticity quantification method developed was useful for monitoring tizanidine administration in order to prevent drug overdose. The method appears to be very useful for evaluating the degree of spasticity at the bedside and in measuring the effects of antispastic drugs.
Decreased Cysteine and Glutathione Levels: Possible Determinants of Liver Toxicity Risk in Ghanaian Subjects
Authors: Ankrah N-A , Rikimaru T , Ekuban F A , Addae M M
Published: January 2017

Cysteine, methionine, vitamin A, β-carotene and glutathione (GSH) are known to protect body tissues against oxidative damage and inflammation but their value as protection against liver inflammation in tropical areas has received little attention. Blood levels of these nutrients were measured in Ghanaian volunteers with (Group 2) or without (Group 1) increased lipid peroxidation and signs of liver inflammation, as indicated by blood malonic dialdehyde, serum α1-antitrypsin and triglyceride levels, and the α1-acid glycoprotein: pre-albumin ratio. Serum levels of cysteine and blood glutathione were significantly lower ( P < 0.02) in group 2 than in group 1 volunteers. In contrast, serum levels of methionine, vitamin A and β-carotene were similar in both groups. Deficits in cysteine and glutathione may increase the risk of liver toxicity from oxidants in Ghanaians.
Changes in Plasma Fatty Acid Profile in Japanese Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Nakamura T , Takebe K , Imamura K , Arai Y , Kudoh K , Terada A , Ishii M , Yamada N , Tandoh Y , MacHida K , Kikuchi H
Published: January 2017

The serum zinc, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein and carotene concentrations and the plasma fatty acid composition were determined to assess the nutritional condition of 24 patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with that of 20 healthy controls. The daily food intake and faecal fat excretion of the two groups were also measured. In the chronic pancreatitis group, the calorie and fat intakes were significantly lower than those of the controls. Serum levels of zinc, prealbumin and carotene were also significantly lower than those of the controls. Percentages of plasma linoleic and arachidonic acids were low, while percentages of palmitoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were high. Fish oil intake correlated negatively with plasma linoleic acid concentration ( P < 0.05). The above results indicate that the relatively high intake of fish oil and the relatively low intake of dietary fat in Japanese patients with chronic pancreatitis with a mild degree of steatorrhoea results in an abnormally low plasma level of linoleic acid.
Zolpidem in Insomnia: A 3-Year Post-Marketing Surveillance Study in Switzerland
Authors: Ganzoni E , Santoni J Ph , Chevillard V , Sébille M , Mathy B
Published: January 2017

A multicentre post-marketing surveillance study was conducted in Switzerland in routine practice and involved 1972 insomniac patients treated with zolpidem, an imidazopyridine hypnotic agent. The patients were representative of the general insomniac population (65% women; mean age 55 years; 29% over 65). Of the patients, 87% were treated with a zolpidem dosage of 10 mg/day and the median treatment duration was 30 days. All adverse events were collected through spontaneous reporting. A total of 175 patients (8.9%) reported 343 adverse events, and 102 (5.2%) of them discontinued treatment. CNS (central nervous system)-related adverse events accounted for 66% of the total, the most common events being residual daytime sedation and insufficient efficacy in 3.7% and 1.6%, respectively; confusion, disorientation, nervousness, nightmares, amnesia, impaired concentration and anxiety were observed in a lower proportion. Gastro-intestinal symptoms, headache and skin reactions were the most frequent non-CNS related effects. No serious adverse event was reported and no new risk factors or at-risk populations were identified. The safety profile of zolpidem is thus consistent with its known pharmacological properties, the results of previous clinical trials, and the cumulative international experience gained with this short-acting hypnotic drug.

Eine multizentrische c in der Schweiz durchgeführt. 1972 Patienten mit Schlafstörung wurden mit Zolpidem, einem Imidazopyridin-Hypnotikum, behandelt. Die Patienten waren für die schlafgestörte Population repräsentativ (65% Frauen; mittleres Alter 55 Jahre; 29% der Patienten älter als 65 Jahre). 87% der Patienten erhielten pro Tag 10 mg Zolpidem und der Median der Therapiedauer betrug 30 Tage. Alle spontan berichteten Symptome wurden zusammengestellt. Bei 175 Patienten (8.9%) traten insgesamt 343 unerwünschte Wirkungen auf und 102 Patienten (5.2%) brachen die Therapie deswegen ab. Zwei Drittel der unerwünschten Ereignisse betrafen das zentrale Nervensystem (ZNS), am häufigsten anhaltende morgendliche Sedation und mangelhafte Wirkung in 3.7% resp. 1.6%; Konfusion, Orientierungsstörung, Nervosität, Alpträume, Amnesie, Konzentrationsstörung und Angst wurden seltener berichtet. Gastrointestinale Symptome, Kopfschmerzen und Hautreaktionen waren die häufigsten organisch bedingten Symptome. Es traten keine schwerwiegende unerwünschte Wirkungen auf, ebenso wurden keine neuen Risikofaktoren oder Risikopopulationen festgestellt. Somit ist das Verträglichkeitsprofil von Zolpidem mit den bekannten pharmakologischen Eigenschaften gut vereinbar und entspricht den Resultaten aus bisherigen klinischen Studien und den internationalen Erfahrungen, die mit diesem kurzwirksamen Hypnotikum erworben worden sind.
Metered-Dose Inhaler Technique and Quality of Life with Airways Disease: Assessing the Value of the Vitalograph in Educational Intervention
Authors: Skaer T L , Wilson C B , Sclar D A , Arnold T A , Garcia C F , Schmidt L N , Key B D , Robison L M
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of delivering medicines by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is well established, and the patient's technique with MDIs is related directly to achieving the desired clinical outcome. The present study was designed to assess and improve MDI technique by using a Vitalograph Aerosol Inhalation Monitor® (VAIM) in an airways disease education programme. Baseline measurements were made immediately prior to educational intervention incorporating feedback from a VAIM unit. At 6 weeks' follow-up, MDI technique was found to have regressed to the sub-optimal measures recorded at baseline prior to educational intervention. However, patients reported a significant improvement in physical function between baseline and follow-up as measured by the Rand 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), Version 1.0. The results reinforce the need for a longitudinal educational programme for patients prescribed medications delivered by MDI. The VAIM unit provided health educators and patients with both a visual and a quantitative assessment of patients' MDI technique, and was thus of positive value as part of the intervention process.
A Preliminary Report on the Use of Relon Mesh in the Repair of Eventrations with Large Parietal Defects. An Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Birbilis Th , Theodoropoulou E , Birbili Ag , Dimas S , Leutsakos V
Published: January 2017

This experimental study in rats was designed to investigate the tolerability and the mode of healing when commercial relon mesh is used in the repair of large abdominal-wall defects. A defect was created to simulate anatomical derangement of the abdominal wall and a surgical correction was performed using relon mesh. The mesh was implanted intraperitoneally in 18 Wistar albino rats. The animals were killed under anaesthesia 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 or 30 days later and the intra-abdominal viscera were examined macroscopically for adhesions and other evidence of inflammatory reactions. Skin healing usually occurred within 7 — 8 days of surgery. Microscopic studies were used to confirm the gross findings and showed that maturation of granulation tissue, fibrocyte invasion with encapsulation of the mesh and the appearance of newly formed vessels occurred 2 weeks after surgery. Within 4 weeks a strong layer of connective tissue was present. The relon mesh was tolerated well. These results indicate that the use of relon mesh may provide a cheap alternative means of repairing large abdominal-wall defects.
The Use of Prostaglandin E2for Cervical Ripening in Patients Requiring Induction of Labour
Authors: Caruso A , De Santis L , Carducci B , Ferrazzani S , De Carolis S , Mancuso S
Published: January 2017

A total of 290 women who required induction of labour for medical or obstetric reasons were given single or multiple doses of prostaglandin E2 gel (0.5 mg) to induce cervical ripening. Onset of labour occurred in 185 (63.8%) of the women treated with the gel, without any further treatment. The overall Caesarean section rate was 27.2% (79/290) and was significantly higher among those with an initially low Bishop score than in those with a higher initial score (34.7% versus 22.1%; P = 0.025). Prostaglandin E2 gel appears to be of considerable clinical benefit, especially where no other options are available except Caesarean section or a very long, difficult labour that may result in significant fetal distress.
Antithymocyte Globulin for a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complicated by Severe Pancytopenia
Authors: Morishita Y , Matsukawa Y , Kura Y , Takei M , Tomita Y , Nishinarita S , Horie T
Published: January 2017

The clinical use of antithymocyte globulin is rarely reported in patients with rheumatic diseases. We describe the use of this agent in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who concomitantly developed severe pancytopenia. High-dose methylprednisolone therapy had been unsuccessful in controlling either the disease exacerbation or the pancytopenia. Antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A were therefore administered to achieve immunosuppression. The exacerbation of disease activity was gradually lessened, except for persistent thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Severe and persistent immunosuppression, however, led to a fatal brain abscess. The combined use of both antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A induced potent immunosuppression, and should be confined to selected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and administered under detailed monitoring.
Canary Pox in Sparrows and Canaries (Fringillidae) and in Weavers (Ploceidae); Pathology and Host Specificity of the Virus
Authors: Giddens W. E. , Swango L. J. , Henderson J. D. , Lewis R. A. , Farner D. S. , Carlos A. , Dolowy W. C.
Published: January 2017

An epornitie of canary pox occurred in white-crowned sparrows ( Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli), golden-crowned sparrows ( Zonotrichia atricapilla), and house sparrows ( Passer domesticus), which had been caught in the wild and were being studied in laboratories. Of 900 exposed birds, 100 died naturally with the disease and 200 with clinical signs, and their 600 cage mates were killed. The earliest lesion was proliferative dermatitis around the eyes and beak. Next, severe ulcerative dermatitis, often with secondary bacterial and mycotic infections, developed under the wing; rhinitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, and peritonitis occurred in advanced cases. Histologically, there were eosinophilic, sudanophilic, cytoplasmic inclusions in epithelial cells and in subepidermal lymphoreticular cells. The isolated virus produced 100% mortality when inoculated into white-crowned sparrows, house sparrows, and canaries but only local cutaneous reactions in pigeons, turkeys, and chickens.
Generalisierte Protothecose bei einem Flughund (Pteropus lylei)
Authors: Mettler F.
Published: January 2017

Prototheca organisms, histologically resembling Prototheca wickerhamii, were found in a fruit bat as a cause of a massive granulomatous lymphadenitis and splenitis and a widespread granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Focal lesions were also present in the myocardium, in skeletal muscles, and in the kidneys.
Hepatic Drug Metabolism and Adverse Hepatic Drug Reactions
Authors: Schaffner F.
Published: January 2017

Drugs and other chemicals are usually metabolized in the liver in the drug-metabolizing enzyme system. The metabolites sometimes bind with cellular macromolecules and injure the cell directly or serve as new antigens to create immunologic injury in a delayed fashion. The immediate or toxic injury is dose-dependent, predictable and zonal in the liver lobule, usually in the central region. Carbon tetrachloride intoxication and acetaminophen overdose are examples of injury resulting from microsomal metabolism. Other injuries related to microsomal metabolism are those produced by vinyl chloride in polymerization plant workers and by methotrexate in psoriatics or leukemic children. Most adverse drug reactions affecting the liver and producing jaundice are unpredictable, delayed in onset, and only hypothetically related to microsomal metabolism in some instances. The two main types are cholestasis and viral-hepatitis-like. The former may be in a pure form, in which case it may be partly dose-dependent, or in a form mixed with hepatitis. Many drugs produce cholestasis in a small percentage of persons, and because the reaction is benign, albeit prolonged at times, such drugs continue to be used. The viral-hepatitis-like reaction involves few drugs and affects few persons, but can be fatal. The recognition that chronic hepatitis can be caused by drugs such as oxyphenisatin, α-methyldopa, and isoniazid has added a new dimension to the clinical problem of adverse drug reactions, which may extend to widely used and commonly available agents like aspirin.
Pathogenesis of Sialodacryoadenitis in Gnotobiotic Rats
Authors: Jacoby R. O. , Bhatt P. N. , Jonas A. M.
Published: January 2017

The pathogenesis of sialodacryoadenitis was studied in gnotobiotic CD rats inoculated intranasally with the causal virus. Virus replication was detected sequentially in the nasopharynx, tracheobronchial tree, cervical lymph nodes, submaxillary and parotid salivary glands, exorbital gland, and Harderian gland. Acute rhinitis appeared within 2 days after inoculation, and salivary glands had lesions in 4 days. Early changes in salivary and exorbital glands were characterized by necrosis of ductal epithelium, which rapidly progressed to widespread acinar necrosis, marked inflammation, edema and total effacement of glandular architecture. Harderian glands also had massive necrosis of tubuloalveolar units. Repair in all glands was characterized by marked squamous metaplasia of ducts. Neutralizing and complement-fixing antibodies were detected in 7 days, and there was a concomitant decrease in tissue-virus titers. There was no detectable evidence for hematogenous spread of virus or for retrograde infection by way of major salivary ducts.
Ovine Pulmonary Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Hoover D. M. , Thacker H. L.
Published: January 2017

Cytomegalic cells with intranuclear inclusions were identified in lung tissue from one of two weanling Western lambs with pneumonia and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection. On the basis of light and electron microscopy, cytomegalovirus infection was diagnosed. Arrays of viral particles whose morphology was consistent with that of viruses of the herpes group were in the intranuclear inclusions of cytomegalic cells.
Porcine Nephropathy Induced by Long-Term Ingestion of Ochratoxin A
Authors: Krogh P. , Elling F. , Friis Chr. , Hald B. , Larsen A. E. , Lilleh⊘j E. B. , Madsen A. , Mortensen H. P. , Rasmussen F. , Ravnskov U.
Published: January 2017

Nine pigs were fed crystalline ochratoxin A in their feed at a concentration of about 1 mg/kg. Three pigs and their controls were killed after 3 months and 6 pigs and controls were killed after 2 years. A decrease of the ratio TmPAH/CIn, increased urinary glucose excretion and decreased ability to concentrate urine, occurred within a few weeks and aggravated slightly during the 2-year period. Changes in renal structure, characterized by degeneration and atrophy of proximal tubules, interstitial fibrosis and hyalinization of glomeruli, were progressive during time of exposure, but terminal renal failure was not reached. The kidney, liver, muscular and adipose tissue contained 3 to 27 μg ochratoxin A/kg after 3 months of exposure. No further accumulation of ochratoxin A residue was found after 2 years of exposure.
Enhanced Myotoxicity and Involvement of both Type I and II Fibers in Monensin-Tiamulin Toxicosis in Pigs
Authors: Umemura T. , Kawaminami A. , Goryo M. , Itakura C.
Published: January 2017

Simultaneous administration of monensin and tiamulin to pigs resulted in enhanced myotoxicity. Skeletal muscles of tongue, diaphragm and legs were preferentially affected, whereas the masseter, longissimus thoracis and cardiac muscles, including the left auricle, were spared. Histochemical examination revealed an involvement of both type I and II fibers of skeletal muscles.
The Visual Perception Coordinate System Uses Axes Defined by the Earth, Trunk, and Vision
Authors: Darling Warren G , Bartelt Robert
Published: January 2017

Eight young adults adjusted a line located on one side of a computer display parallel to internally specified Earth-fixed vertical (display in frontal plane), to the horizontal trunk-fixed anterior – posterior axis (display in horizontal plane), and to an oblique line (display in horizontal and vertical planes). All tasks were completed in a dark room with the head and trunk in both a standard erect posture and varied postures. Errors were lowest when setting the line to internally specified vertical in the frontal plane and to an oblique line in the horizontal plane when head and trunk orientations were varied. Constant errors for setting one line parallel to a second line were in opposite directions when the second line was located on the left versus right side of the display, but did not differ in direction when setting the line parallel to internally specified axes. Also, the oblique effect was preserved when the head and trunk were tilted to various orientations, suggesting that it results from integration of an internally specified gravitational reference with visual input. We conclude that the visual perceptual coordinate system uses internally specified vertical and, when available, a visually specified horizontal reference axis to define object orientation.
The Case For the Condom
Authors: Kelly MJ
Published: January 2017

FACED WITH THE DEPREDATIONS OF HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FALLS BACK ON TRADITIONAL MORAL THEOLOGY TO JUSTIFY THE USE OF CONDOMS
Sex and the Holy City
Authors: Bradshaw Steve
Published: January 2017

IN COUNTRIES WHERE CATHOLIC BELIEF COUNTS, THE VATICAN'S TEACHING CAN BE A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH - PARTICULARLY WHERE IT ENCOUNTERS HIV/AIDS
Visit to Kozlovka
Authors: Alpern Liudmila
Published: January 2017

A RUSSIAN PRISON MONITOR VISITS A WOMEN'S PENAL COLONY IN THE HEART OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
No Dinner Party
Authors: Jenner W. J. F.
Published: January 2017

Political Imprisonment in the People's Republic of China Amnesty International Publications 172pp £2
Double Trouble
Authors: Kohout Pavel
Published: January 2017

A short story by exiled Czech writer
Press and Government in Africa
Authors: Blay-Amihere Kabral
Published: January 2017

After the national independence struggles, the press in Africa must strive for its own independence from the government of the day, and for freedom to choose for itself the best ways of serving the needs and aspirations of the people
Solidarity Fund in Hot Water
Authors: Kapić Ivan
Published: January 2017

A new organisation in Yugoslavia helps those who get into trouble for ‘critical thinking’
In search of the past
Authors: Barfoed Niels
Published: January 2017

The revolution that threw out Communism in Czechoslovakia was convinced it could get away without a showdown with the past. But the combination of old structures and new problems resulted in new anti-Communist legislation that looks very like a judicial purge
In the prisons of the mukhabirat
Authors: Goldstein Eric
Published: January 2017

The full horror of Saddam's security apparatus was revealed through the Gulf War; his victims, such as Dr Hussein Shahristani, whose case is here described, have felt its force for many years
2 New Product Performance: What Distinguishes the Star Products
Authors: Cooper Robert G. , Kleinschmidt Elko J.
Published: January 2017

Better new product performance is important for the survival of the firm. Based on a three-dimensional performance space, 110 new products launched from 55 Australian firms are grouped into five performance clusters. Performance groups from ‘Stars’—the winning group to—‘Dogs’—the worst performance group. The five groups could be well explained by the impact constructs. ‘Stars’; did what one expects for winning projects (product advantage, homework, cross-functional team, reasonable risk level, etc.), ‘Dogs’ were identified as doing nearly everything wrong. The Australian results were tested against international findings and concurred fully. Managerial implications are detailed.
Nutrition Status of Primary School Students in Two Rural Regions of Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Saltzman Edward , Schlossman Nina , Brown Carrie A. , Balan Ionela , Fuss Paul , Batra Payal , Braima de Sa Augusto , Shea Mary Kyla , Pruzensky William M. , Bale Carlito , Roberts Susan B.
Published: January 2017

Background:

The nutrition status of primary schoolchildren in Africa has received relatively little attention in comparison to that of younger children. We surveyed primary school students in Guinea-Bissau, a nation that is among the poorest in the world.

Objective:

Anthropometry and prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency were assessed in schoolchildren participating in International Partnership for Human Development’s school feeding program in 2 regions of Guinea-Bissau.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 32 schools in the regions of Cacheu and Oio was conducted in November 2011. Variables included age, gender, weight, height, hemoglobin, and retinol-binding protein concentrations. Z scores for height for age (HAZ), body mass index for age (BAZ), and weight for age were calculated using World Health Organization reference data.

Results:

Anthropometric assessment of 4784 students revealed stunting (HAZ < −2) in 15.5%, thinness (BAZ < −2) in 13.2%, and anemia in 42.0%. Stunting, thinness, and anemia were significantly more common in males, in students from Oio, and in older students. Vitamin A deficiency, detected in 21.5% of the population, was the only assessment that did not demonstrate significant differences between genders or regions. About 61.1% of all children had 1 or more indicators of undernutrition.

Conclusion:

There are substantial rates of stunting, thinness, underweight, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency in primary schoolchildren in Guinea-Bissau, even among those participating in a school lunch program and particularly among males and older students. The results suggest the need for evaluating feeding programs and other methods to improve nutrition status in primary school students, especially in older students.
Steroid and Antihistamines Modulate Rantes Release in Cultured Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Atopic Patients
Authors: Di Gioacchino M. , Verna N. , Cavallucci E. , Paolini F. , Caruso R. , Grana M. , Schiavone C. , Di Iorio A. , Ramondo S. , Reale M. , Paganelli R. , Theoharides T. C.
Published: January 2017

RANTES plays a crucial role in cell recruitment in allergic inflammation. We investigated the pharmacological modulation of RANTES release in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from allergic patients with active asthma. Chemokine production was assessed before and after 15 day treatment with histamine-1 receptor antagonists (Loratadine or Cetirizine) and a steroid (Deflazacort), both in unstimulated and PHA-stimulated cell cultures. Results were compared with those obtained from placebo-treated patients. During the treatment period, patients recorded morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) by mini-Wright.

PEF absolute values and diurnal variability significantly improved respect to the pre-treatment in steroid-treated patients, in comparison to the placebo and antihistamine-treated groups (p<0.001 and 0.01, respectively). PEF diurnal variability in the antihistamine-treated group were lower than placebo-treated group without statistical significance (p=0.06). No differences could be found in RANTES levels in supernatants of all cultures between the two antihistamines. RANTES release significantly decreased in supernatants of all cell cultures from steroid (p<0.01) and antihistamine (p=0.03 and 0.04) groups after treatments, compared to the basal values; whereas it increased slightly in controls. Co-variance analysis on RANTES levels, adjusting for pre-treatment values, showed a significant reduction of RANTES release by PHA-stimulated PBMCs from steroid (p=0.003) and anti-histamine (p=0.03) groups, with respect to the placebo group. The same statistical tool applied between the steroid and the antihistamine groups showed, after therapy, the lowest levels of RANTES to be associated with steroid treatment (p=0.005). The study shows that steroid is the most effective drug in modulating RANTES release from PBMCs. However, antihistamines, which are able to reduce cell recruitment due to chemokine release, avoiding important side effects, may be useful in long term therapy in controlling and preventing allergic inflammation.
Detection of TT Virus in Lymph Node Biopsies of B-Cell Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Disease, and its Association with EBV Infection
Authors: Garbuglia A.R. , Iezzi T. , Capobianchi M.R. , Pignoloni P. , Pulsoni A. , Sourdis J. , Pescarmona E. , Vitolo D. , Mandelli F.
Published: January 2017

Human TT virus (TTV) recently isolated from the serum of a patient with post-transfusion hepatitis does seem to have only hepatopathic effect. The virus can also infect the serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and bone marrow cells (BMC). Additional evidence has indicated that TTV is also present in the serum of people with hematopoietic malignancies. A significant increase in the incidence of lymphoma has recently been observed worldwide. We have investigated the presence of TTV DNA in lymph node biopsies of Italian patients affected with the most common lymphoma types in Western Countries: follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's disease (NS-HD). The possible role of a co-infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has also been investigated. DNA was extracted from 73 paraffin-embedded and 38 snap-frozen tissue specimens. From these, only 67 samples (29 paraffin-embedded and 38 snap-frozen tissues) from a total of 56 patients, were suitable for PCR analysis. TTV and EBV were detected by PCR using primers from two different conserved region in TTV and EBV genomes respectively. TTV DNA was detected in 30.0–50.0% of FL, 30.8% of DLBCL and 30.0–50.0% of NS-HD cases, depending on the primers used. All cases of non-specific reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH), used as a putative control, were negative. The two major TTV genotypes circulating in Italy (G1 and G2) were detected in the analysed lymphoid neoplasms. EBV DNA was detected in 40.0% of FL, in 72.7% of DLBCL, in 80.0% of SN-HD and in 40.0% of RLH cases. EBV co-infection was found in 90% of TTV positive cases. The in situ hybridization assay was performed in TTV positive frozen samples. The significant prevalence of TTV DNA in lymphocytes circulating in the lymph nodes of both B-cell lymphomas and HD reported herewith suggests a possible implication of TTV infection in the development of these lymphoproliferative disorders.
Heterogeneity of Virulence-Related Properties in Listeria Monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Patients with Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Longhi C. , Penta M. , Conte M. P. , Girmenia C. , Seganti L.
Published: January 2017

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular foodborne pathogen of humans and animals for which there are indications of virulence differences among strains. Various virulence properties related to different phases of infection process were investigated in L. monocytogenes strains isolated from patients affected by haematological malignancies. In these isolates, besides to the clinical history, we analysed the haemolysin production, the survival to acidic pH, the ability to enter and proliferate in human intestinal-like and human macrophagic-like cells, as well as the allelic polymorphism of the actA gene involved in intracellular movement. A general heterogeneity in the virulence properties was detected which did not appear correlated with the clinical outcome of listeriosis but more probably was influenced by the status of the immune defence of the host.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A Functional Food?
Authors: D'Orazio N. , Ficoneri C. , Riccioni G. , Conti P. , Theoharides T.C. , Bollea M.R.
Published: January 2017

Scientific interest in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) started in 1987 when Michael Pariza's team of Wisconsin University observed its inhibitory effects on chemically induced skin tumors in mice. Numerous studies have since examined CLA's role in cancer, immune function, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, lipid and fatty acids metabolism, bone formation and composition, obesity, and diabetes. Still it's not clear yet either through which mechanisms CLA produces its numerous metabolic effects.

We now know that CLA contents in cow milk fat can be enriched through dry fractionation, but this knowledge doesn't allow sufficient certainty to qualify this nutrient, as a functional food, capable of increasing well being and reducing the risk of disease.