bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audit Opinion and Disclosure of Audit Fees
Authors: Lai Kam-Wah
Published: January 2017

Dye (1991) suggests that when audit fees are disclosed, auditor independence will he improved because there are no quasi-rents to influence audit opinion and the public could assess the independence of the auditors. According to DeAngelo (1981a), however, disclosure of audit fees is irrelevant to the issuance of audit opinion because transaction costs, which give rise to quasi-rents, could not be affected by disclosure of audit fees. This paper examines this controversy by investigating the issuance of a going concern modified audit opinion before and after the disclosure requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission (2000). The results show that financial statements issued after the disclosure requirement are more likely to be associated with a going concern opinion than those issued before the disclosure requirement. These results are robust to various sensitivity tests, including the control for the effect of economic factors, auditor reporting conservatism, and auditor reporting accuracy. In addition, it is found that firms before (after) the disclosure requirement are more (less) likely to receive a going concern opinion if audit fees were (were not) disclosed. Hence, this paper provides evidence to suggest that disclosure of audit fees is associated with enhanced auditor independence, and thus supports Dye's (1991) theory.
Protein‐Sparing in Cystectomy Patients
Authors: Hensle Terry W.
Published: January 2017

Forty‐four patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for invasive bladder cancer were studied prospectively in order to evaluate the substitution of crystalline amino acids (A3 W) for dextrose (D5 W) in their postoperative fluid management. Nutritional assessment revealed 17 (39%) patients to be malnourished prior to operation; the postoperative complication rate in Group I (D5 W) was 33% vs 17% in Group II (A3 W). Nitrogen losses in both groups were low, secondary to the large amounts of albumin used postoperatively; however, more exogenous albumin was needed after operation to maintain serum albumin levels in Group I compared with Group II (77.5 $ 3.1 gm vs 65 $ 5.2 gm). Cell‐mediated immunity, determined by reactivity to a battery of recall antigens, revealed that 56% (5) of Group I patients were able to maintain their skin test reactivity throughout the postoperative course compared with 94% (17) in Group II. Four nutritionally depleted patients in Group I required conversion to a forced feeding regimen (IVH), while none of those in Group II required a change in nutritional regimen. Invasive bladder cancer represents a major injury; and preoperative x‐ray therapy along with surgical extirpation is associated with considerable nutritional depletion. Early nutritional support in the management of these patients is mandatory, and where hypocaloric feeding regimens are appropriate, the use of A3 W in place of D5 W solutions would appear to be indicated.
Economic Efficiency Versus Local Democracy? An Evaluation of Structural Change and Local Democracy in Australian Local Government
Authors: Dollery Brian , Grant Bligh
Published: January 2017

The debate on local government reform in Australia has been characterised by a dichotomy between arguments for increasing economic efficiency, largely through compulsory consolidation, and concern for the erosion of local democracy through the formation of larger local government entities. After providing a synoptic account of the Australian debate on structural reform and economic efficiency in local government, this paper considers the impact on local democracy of policies aimed at enhancing local government efficiency through amalgamation through the prism of four different models of democracy for local government (‘representative’, ‘participatory’, ‘user’ and ‘network’) developed by Haus and Sweeting (2006). It is argued that a more positive assessment of reform outcomes is possible provided we conceive of local democracy, and in particular local representation, in broad rather than narrow terms. However, any embrace of ‘network democracy’ or ‘network governance’ has to be tempered with caution.
Neighbourhood Effects and Asset Allocation
Authors: Chong James , Dow James P. , Phillips G. Michael
Published: January 2017

Previous research has shown racial/ethnic effects in asset allocation. We extend these results by showing how these effects depend on the racial composition of the neighbourhood. In particular, we show that in predominately white neighbourhoods there are significant differences in asset allocations across racial groups; however, in mixed or white minority neighbourhoods, this difference disappears. We also find that Asians, a previously understudied group, show a greater willingness to hold risky assets compared with other groups.
Economic Efficiency Versus Local Democracy? An Evaluation of Structural Change and Local Democracy in Australian Local Government
Authors: Dollery Brian , Grant Bligh
Published: January 2017

The debate on local government reform in Australia has been characterised by a dichotomy between arguments for increasing economic efficiency, largely through compulsory consolidation, and concern for the erosion of local democracy through the formation of larger local government entities. After providing a synoptic account of the Australian debate on structural reform and economic efficiency in local government, this paper considers the impact on local democracy of policies aimed at enhancing local government efficiency through amalgamation through the prism of four different models of democracy for local government (’representative’, ‘participatory’, ‘user’ and ‘network’) developed by Haus and Sweeting (2006). It is argued that a more positive assessment of reform outcomes is possible provided we conceive of local democracy, and in particular local representation, in broad rather than narrow terms. However, any embrace of ‘network democracy’ or ‘network governance’ has to be tempered with caution.
Book Review: Sociology from Crisis to Science?
Authors: Hill Ellen B.
Published: January 2017

Sociology from Crisis to Science? Volume 1 and 2. Ulf Himmelstrand (Ed.) Sage Publishers, London, 1986.
Take-up Campaigns: Fighting Poverty through the Post
Authors: Alcock Pete , Shepherd Jane
Published: January 2017

This article is a critical review of the increasing number of Take-up Campaigns being run by local authorities in the 1980s in order to increase the levels of benefit take-up within their area. It outlines how these campaigns have developed as a part of the growing welfare rights work which is now so much a feature of the British benefit system; and discusses how, after some initial problems, they have become more sophisticated and successful in their approach. There are, however, inherent limitations within the achievements to be made through such campaigning; these are summarised and explained, and a plea made for a more general campaign for the reform of benefits themselves to be a central feature of future local take-up initiatives.
Adsorption from Binary Gas Mixtures and its Theoretical Description
Authors: Evteeva V. A. , Kiselev A. V. , Kovaleva N. V. , Lopatkin A. A.
Published: January 2017

The experimental and theoretical investigation of adsorption of a number of binary gas mixtures on graphitized thermal black (GTB), on black TG-10 and on silochrome S-80 was carried out to discover the thermodynamic characteristics of the adsorbed substance, when the surface concentration of component 1 was very small and the concentration of component 2 was varied over rather wide limits. The adsorption was measured by the gas chromatographic method. The dependence of the Henry constant, K1, of the component 1 on the degree of coverage, θ2, of the adsorbent surface by the adsorbed component 2 was determined. For the theoretical description of the adsorption data obtained on the homogeneous GTB surface three models were used: (a) two-dimensional lattice model of adsrption from gas mixture in the Bragg–Williams approximation; (b) the well-known model of non-localized (mobile) adsorption on the basis of two-dimensional van der Waals' equation of state; (c) unidimensional lattice model of adsorbing surface which takes into account the interaction between the neighbouring adsorbed molecules. For the last model the exact solution was obtained by the matrix method. The numerical calculations with the suitably chosen parameters were carried out using the limiting forms of the isotherm equations for the dependence of K1 on θ2. The results of calculations were compared with experimental data.
The Influence of Dipole Coupling on the Infrared Spectra of Adsorbed Species and its Significance for the Interpretation of Transmission Spectra from Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Hollins P.
Published: January 2017

Infrared spectra of species adsorbed on supported metal catalysts are subject to dipole coupling effects which have been extensively studied on single crystal substrates. Coupling interactions influence spectra in three ways: frequency shifts, changes in absolute molecular absorption intensities, and transfers of intensity from one absorption band to another. The magnitude of frequency shifts depends on the size of the adlayer, and may consequently vary with the size of the catalyst particles, while depolarization effects can reduce molecular absorption intensities by a factor of three or four at high adsorbate densities. The most striking influence of coupling on spectra from supported catalysts, however, arises from intensity transfers between molecules adsorbed on dissimilar sites. At high surface coverages the apparent importance of a small number of defect sites can be greatly enhanced by this effect, and it is even possible for a strongly bound minority species to be wrongly identified as a weakly bound majority one. Such errors can be avoided if spectra from isotopic mixtures are recorded.
Gas Chromatographic Characterization of Silica Bonded with a Phenylpolysiloxane Film
Authors: Roshchina T.M. , Gurevich K.B. , Fadeev A.Y.
Published: January 2017

A method of synthesizing modified silica with a dense grafted phenylpolysiloxane layer is described. Gas chromatography at zero surface coverage has been used for investigating the adsorption properties of both modified and initial silicas. It was shown that the thermodynamic parameters for retention (retention volume, Va; heat, q; and entropy, ΔS0, of adsorption) and the Kovats retention indices I for different classes of organic compounds are essentially changed with surface modification. The increase in Va and q for n-alkanes on phenyl-bonded silica was interpreted as due to penetration of the solutes into the grafted phenylpolysiloxane layer. The significant reduction in retention parameters for all compounds capable of specific interaction, including the formation of hydrogen bonds, on the phenyl-bonded silica relative to the initial silica has allowed conclusions to be drawn regarding the weak role of residual silanol groups in the retention process. These conclusions have been confirmed by a comparison of the chromatographic properties of phenyl-bonded silica and the polymethylphenylsiloxanes OV-17 and OV-25.
Effect of Li2O Doping on the Surface and Catalytic Properties of the Cr2O/Al2O3 System
Authors: El-Shobaky G.A. , Ghozza A.M. , El-Shobaky H.G.
Published: January 2017

Two Cr2O3/Al2O3 samples with the nominal compositions 0.06Cr2O2/Al2O3 and 0.125Cr2O3/Al2O3 (AlCr-I and AlCr-II, respectively) were prepared by mixing a known amount of finely powdered Al(OH)3 with calculated amounts of CrO3, followed by drying at 120°C and calcination at 700°C and 800°C. Doped solid specimens were prepared by treating Al(OH)3 samples with known amounts of LiNO3 dissolved in the minimum amount of distilled water prior to mixing with CrO3. Dopant concentrations of 0.75, 1.50, 3.00 and 6.00 mol% Li2O were employed. The surface and catalytic properties of the pure and doped solids thus prepared were investigated using nitrogen adsorption at −196°C and studies of the catalysis of CO oxidation by O2 over the solid specimens at 300–400°C.

The results of such studies showed that Li2O doping followed by calcination at 700°C led to a maximum increase in the specific surface area, SBET, of 26% for AlCr-I and of 55% for AlCr-II when these samples were doped with 3.00 mol% Li2O. The reverse effect was found when the calcination temperature was increased to 800°C, where a decrease of 34% in the SBET value of the AlCr-II sample doped with 3.00 mol% Li2O was detected. The catalytic activities measured at 350°C over the pure and doped solids decreased on increasing the dopant concentration, the maximum decrease in such activity being ca. 33% and 50%, respectively, for the AlCr-I and AlCr-II samples calcined at 700°C.

Doping led to noticable changes in the magnitude of the activation energy for the catalytic reaction. Such changes were accompanied by parallel changes in the value of the pre-exponential factor in the Arrhenius equation. These results may indicate that Li2O doping has no effect on the mechanism of the catalytic reaction but modifies (decreases) the concentration of catalytically active sites taking part in chemisorption during the catalysis of CO oxidation by O2.
On the Possibility of Surface Modification of an Alumina Support with Amphiphilic Carbonaceous Material
Authors: Nickolov R.N. , Mehandjiev D.R.
Published: January 2017

A carbon-coated support has been prepared by the impregnation of commercial alumina with an ammoniacal solution of amphiphilic carbonaceous material. It was established that the method used for the deposition of the carbon coating on the support allowed control of both the layer thickness and the degree of filling of the surface in the low carbon content region. Equations proposed for the approximate determination of the thickness of the deposited carbon layer and of the surface occupied by this layer enabled a tentative prediction to be made of the most desirable parameters for such a system.
Study of the Surface Adsorption Properties of Feldspar
Authors: Dobrowolski Ryszard , Stefaniak Elzbieta , Biliński Bogdan , Staszczuk Piotr
Published: January 2017

The adsorption properties of Polish feldspar towards hydrocarbons from the gaseous phase have been studied and the adsorption energy distribution functions for n-octane, benzene and toluene are presented. It appears that there are three types of adsorption sites present on the feldspar surface examined. Treatment of feldspar with aqua regia led to the elimination of low-energy interaction centres. The adsorption properties of the raw and leached feldspar with respect to CrVI ions have also been studied. The kinetic curves for the sorption of CrVI ions exhibited two stages which suggest two different mechanisms of sorption. The adsorption capacity depended on the pH with a maximum for pH = 4.8. The excess adsorption isotherm of CrVI on the raw feldspar surface showed a maximum value at 20 mmol/dm3 equilibrium concentration of CrVI ions.
Physicochemical Study of 'Dolomitic' Sorbents Prepared under Different Thermal Conditions. Part I. The Influence of Temperature
Authors: Stefaniak Elzbieta , Biliński Bogdan , Staszczuk Piotr
Published: January 2017

The partial decomposition of dolomite performed within the temperature range 800-1000°C provides new sorbents, the so-called 'dolomitic' sorbents, composed of calcite and magnesium oxide. Their surface properties, such as their porosity and adsorption capabilities towards hydrocarbons, are discussed. The 'dolomitic' sorbents show a much higher specific surface area and pore volume when compared to the raw dolomite; moreover, their porous structure depends on the temperature of heating. The adsorption of selected hydrocarbons on the examined sorbents was also investigated and the adsorption energy distribution functions calculated from the adsorption data.
Influence of the Adsorption of Polyethylene Glycol at the A12O3 Surface on the Electrochemical Properties of the Al2 O3/Solution Interface
Authors: Chibowski S. , Paszkiewicz M.
Published: January 2017

The kinetic/adsorption properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on an alumina surface were examined. The influence of the molecular weight of PEG and of changes in the pH of the solution on the electrical properties at the solid/polymer solution interface were considered. The data obtained allowed the main factors responsible for the observed zeta potential and the surface charge changes on the A12O3 surface to be determined. The calculated differences in the values of the surface charge (Δσd) and in the charge on the diffuse layer (Δσd) for the A12O3/NaCl and A12O3/PEG-NaCl systems enabled a mechanism to be proposed for the zeta potential changes. It was confirmed that the molecular weight of the polymer has an influence on the calculated thickness of the PEG adsorption layer on the alumina surface and thus on the conformation of the polymer chain in the near-surface region. The pH of the solution also affects the thickness of the adsorbed layers on the A12O3 surface by influencing the interaction between the surface groups of the oxide and the conformational structures of the adsorbed macromolecule at the alumina/polymer solution interface.
Statistical Analysis of Child Gait: Temporal and Distance Factors
Authors: Matsumura Koji , Hirokowa Shunji
Published: January 2017

Sequential steps of gait in children were compared with those in adults and statistically analysed in terms of the distance and temporal gait factors using a new instrumented walkway system. The results indicated: (1) that children showed relatively mature values of gait factors, but that there were large within- and between-group variations which improved with increasing age, indicating their neuromuscular development; (2) that the development process and stage are different for each gait factor; (3) that the new instrumented walkway was useful for clinical evaluation of gait in children.
Victims as Actors of Social Control: An Empirical Inquiry in France and Some Implications
Authors: Zauberman Renée , Robert Philippe
Published: January 2017

This article presents some preliminary results of the first French national victimization survey. Investigations into victimization are mainly used in France to determine the social profile of victims, as well as their behaviour and attitudes. The survey was implemented in two phases: a screening question on a national sample of 11,000, followed in the second phase by 1,049 victims answering a detailed questionnaire on their attitudes and behaviour. Besides ordinary property and personal offences, family violence and offences related to consumption and business life were included. For each of those types of victimization, the authors detail the specific socio-demographic characteristics of victims in order to compare these profiles. Finally they present data on the consequences of victimization and on the different resources to which victims turn.

These results are used to document a discussion on criminal policy issues; in particular, passivity of the police confronted with individual complaints against unidentified offenders; and the considerable transformations in the protection of private property, which blur the traditional borders between state and private sectors.
Victim Assistance in the United States: The End of the Beginning
Authors: Young Marlene A.
Published: January 2017

This article emphasizes the bond of victimization that is based on the similarities in the injuries endured by victims. Such injuries are financial, physical, emotional or social. At the same time, the paper stresses that each victimization is unique due to the attributes of an individual and the nature of the trauma suffered. Program elements of victim assistance are outlined as: crisis intervention; supportive counselling and advocacy; and support during investigation, prosecution, and after-case disposition. Several areas are identified for future focus: violence prevention, emotional first aid, comprehensive outreach to all populations, research, community-wide disaster response, trauma mitigation, international networking and the need to make rights real.
Burglaries as Seen by the Victims
Authors: Ostrihanska Zofia , Dobrochna Wojcik
Published: January 2017

The paper discusses preliminary findings of the study of the victims of burglaries in Warsaw in 1990. The findings are based on data from questionnaires completed by 50 victims of residential burglaries and from interviews with 20 of them interviewed 6 months later. The respondents expressed persistent anxiety, a sense of threat and a sense of helplessness. Penalties suggested by the victim for the offender were rather repressive, but 25 per cent of the victims considered it possible to relinquish punishment should the burglar repent of his act, redress the damage and offer compensation. Most victims find the police polite and willing but at the same time inefficient and dilatory when dealing with their complaint.
Diclofenac (Voltaren®) for the Treatment of Osteo-Arthrosis: A Double-Blind Comparison with Naproxen
Authors: Siraux P
Published: January 2017

A double-blind, between-patient, comparative trial of diclofenac (Voltaren) and naproxen was carried out in 30 patients suffering from osteo-arthrosis of the hip or the knee. The drugs were given twice daily, morning and evening, during a period of two weeks. The daily dose was 100 mg for Voltaren and 500 mg for naproxen. The results indicate that Voltaren brought relief of pain and stiffness in a greater number of patients than did naproxen. The same finding was made regarding the influence on the range of joint movements, the difference reaching statistical significance. Voltaren appeared also to be better tolerated since the number of patients reporting side-effects was smaller and the complaints of less severity.
Determining Optimum Dose and Acute Tolerance of Triazolam
Authors: Wang Richard I H , Wilbur Marjorie , Hieb Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

The present two-phase study was designed to determine the optimum hypnotic dose of triazolam and to assess any evidence of acute tolerance. Subjective and objective data were used to assess hypnotic efficacy. In the dose-titration phase, the dose of triazolam was increased in 0·5 mg increments to the highest level tolerated by each individual patient. Maximum tolerable doses ranged between 0·5 and 3·0 mg; however, all subjects experienced maximum therapeutic effect at 1·5 mg triazolam. During the 4-night acute tolerance portion of the study no clear evidence of tolerance was found.
A Study of the Local Tolerance of Tibicorten during Long-Term Application
Authors: Kroon H V N vd , van Driel L M J
Published: January 2017

Regular observation of 16 patients with chronic skin diseases, treated twice daily with applications of Tibicorten for 2 to 14 weeks, showed that this treatment did not give rise to development of local side-effects.

Even protracted local application of Tibicorten is tolerated excellently.
Comparative Urine Concentrations of Sulfacytine, A New Sulfonamide
Authors: Smith Thomas C , Goulet J Richard , Moyer Carl E , Heifetz Carl L , Buchanan Robert A
Published: January 2017

A new sulfonamide, sulfacytine (1- ethyl-N-sulfanilylcytosine) has a short half-life, is highly soluble throughout the usual urinary pH range, and urinary excretion is almost entirely as the free or microbiologically active form. Experimental mouse infections demonstrate a 2- to 3- fold bacteriostatic activity compared to sulfisoxazole. Plasma and urine concentrations following three dose schedules of sulfacytine (2 grams/day, 1 gram/day, 0·5 grams/day) were determined over a 7- day period by both colorimetric and microbiologic assay methods. These were compared to sulfonamide levels produced by the standard dose of sulfisoxazole (4 grams/day). Excellent agreement was found between the two methods, indicating that the colorimetric assay for free sulfacytine should accurately reflect microbiologic activity. Fifty per cent (50%) of the total daily dose given initially produces prompt levels so is the proper loading dose. By comparison to sulfisoxazole urine levels, 1 gram/day of sulfacytine appears to be the proper dose, produces urine concentrations at least 10 times the highest MIC found for sensitive microorganisms.
A Multicentre General Practice Evaluation of Syndol in Tension Headache
Authors: Donald J F , Gatley M S , Kagan G , Leslie G B , McKay R H G , Sethi K B S
Published: January 2017

In a multicentre evaluation in general practice involving 104 patients, Syndol, a formulation containing paracetamol, codeine phosphate, caffeine, and doxylamine succinate, was shown to be highly effective in treating the organic and psychogenic symptoms of Tension Headache in 81·7% of patients. The evaluation was performed in six widely differing practices in the United Kingdom.

The result confirms the findings of other investigators in South Africa both in the efficacy of the drug and the incidence of Tension Headache in the general population. Drowsiness was the most common side-effect, indicating that the formulation provided sufficient calmative activity, especially in those patients where tension was a major component of their symptoms.
Combined Therapy of T3 and Antidepressants in Depression
Authors: Tsutsui S , Yamazaki Y , Namba T , Tsushima M
Published: January 2017

Since there are some patient groups whose symptoms do not improve despite the fact that the use of the antidepressants will alleviate the symptoms to some extent, we have conducted a TRH test for depression and found that there are not a few cases who show a low TSH response.

We therefore used a small amount of T3 together with the antidepressants in these cases and have found that the therapy is useful for improvement of the symptoms.

When the TRH test is made at the time of improvement of the symptoms due to the combined use of these two drugs and compared with the state at pre-treatment, it has been confirmed that the TSH response will go back to normal.

Hence, we would like to present here two markedly improved cases due to the combined use of imipramine and clomipramine plus T3 and to refer to the result of the TRH test.
A Schedule for Combined Intravenous and Oral Dosing with Mexiletine
Authors: Holt David W , Hampel Gerhardt , Volans Glyn N
Published: January 2017

A combined intravenous and oral dosage regime for mexiletine has been evaluated in volunteer subjects. Therapeutically effective plasma concentrations of the drug were achieved rapidly and maintained over a four-hour period. Side-effects were minimal and the scheme would be suitable for the anti-arrhythmic protection of patients being transported to hospital and for the treatment of patients receiving hospital or, even, domicilliary care.
A Controlled Clinical Study Comparing Sulindac with Ibuprofen and Aspirin in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Oyemade G A A , Onadeko B O
Published: January 2017

Forty-six patients (seventeen male, twenty-nine female) with musculoskeletal disease were put on a controlled clinical study comparing sulindac with ibuprofen and soluble aspirin. Twenty patients were treated with sulindac 200 mg twice daily, twelve received sulindac 100 mg twice daily, eight had ibuprofen 400 mg thrice daily and six treated with soluble aspirin 600 mg thrice daily. All patients did well on these drugs, but the ones on sulindac 200 mg twice daily showed better response than sulindac 100 mg twice daily. It proved to have the same efficacy as ibuprofen and soluble aspirin; but had less side-effects and also patients required to take the drug only twice daily to get relief because of its prolonged duration of action.
Study of ‘Vivalan’ in Geriatric Patients Suffering from Depression
Authors: Mukherjee P K , Holland R P C
Published: January 2017

Twenty elderly depressed patients were entered into a study of Vivalan (viloxazine; 150–200 mg daily). Significant falls in Hamilton and Zung ratings occurred by Day 7 of treatment and further significant improvements were noted over the following 2 weeks. These changes were also reflected in global assessments. Headache was reported in six patients and nausea in three. Vivalan had no significant effect upon blood pressure and absence of anticholinergic side-effects proved an advantage in the treatment of elderly patients with depressive illness.
A Study of Campylobacter Enteritis
Authors: Jones Alan , Harrop Christine
Published: January 2017

During the years 1978 and 1979, 432 separate outbreaks of gastro-enteritis were reported to this department by the employees of this company.

All these outbreaks were fully screened, and it was seen that nineteen employees had gastro-enteritis caused by Campylobacter organisms.

Investigation of these employees revealed significant findings with regard to the possible human source of the organism, and leads us to conclude that the organism can be spread by human-to-human contact, and must be treated as a food poisoning organism with subsequent exclusion of food handlers from work during the period of carriage of the organism.

The study also demonstrated that the illness suffered by the affected employees was severe in nature and lasted approximately 1 to 10 days. It took on average between 17 and 19 days during 1979 for clearance to occur in the specimens of the affected employees. Thus, if food handlers are excluded from work when affected, this is a considerable period of absence from work, with considerable cost to industry and the community.
Miscellaneous Rheumatological Conditions Treated in Monitored-Release Studies with Feprazone
Authors: Harris P G
Published: January 2017

In two monitored-release studies of feprazone (Methrazone), one in hospital and the other in general practice and involving a total of about 4,000 patients, there were 343 patients with a variety of sero-negative rheumatological conditions or soft tissue lesions. The diagnoses included spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, capsulitis, frozen shoulder, polymyalgia rheumatica and gout. Most of the patients were classified as moderately or severely affected. Feprazone in a dose of 200 mg thrice daily appeared to benefit about 60% of patients during a course of 8 weeks of therapy. No serious adverse reactions directly attributable to the drug were recorded. About 20% of patients stopped treatment because of side-effects, usually gastro-intestinal disturbance or rash. Two patients experienced a marked fall in platelet count which might have been due to the drug, but neither developed any signs of thrombocytopenic purpura.
Clinical Evaluation of Piperacillin in Bronchopulmonary Infection
Authors: Marlin G E , Burgess K R , Thompson P J
Published: January 2017

Piperacillin sodium, a new semi-synthetic penicillin, was administered to eleven patients with acute bronchial infection and to fourteen patients with pneumonia. Piperacillin dosage was either 8 g/day (twenty-one patients) or 16 g/day (four patients) intravenously for periods of between 5 and 15 days. Clinical assessment was determined by diminution of sputum purulence, eradication of pathogen from sputum, clinical and radiological progress.

There was a beneficial response in all but six patients, two of whom had severe chronic infective bronchial disease and four had underlying pulmonary malignancy. The low toxicity of piperacillin was confirmed, although one patient with chronic renal failure had a significant decline in renal function. Dosage should be reduced inpatients with renal impairment.
Clinical Trial with Nimesulide, a New Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Agent, in Rheumatic Pathology
Authors: Weissenbach Robert
Published: January 2017

The author reports the use of a new non-steroid drug, endowed with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities (Nimesulide) in seventy patients affected with a subacute or chronic rheumatic pathology.

Nimesulide, given orally at a dosage of 200–600 mg daily for a mean duration of 26 days, induced either the resolution of the condition or a clinically useful improvement in 86% of the patients, with a low incidence of untoward side-effects characterized by a prevailing gastric localization.
A Controlled Trial of Amoxycillin with Clavulanic Acid (BRL 25000) against Doxycycline in Chronic Bronchitis
Authors: Ulmer W T , Zimmermann I
Published: January 2017

Thirty patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive bronchitis were treated sequentially with 10-day courses of BRL 25000 (750 mg t.i.d.) and doxycycline (200 mg on Day 1, then 100 mg daily) in alternating order. BRL 25000 is a formulation of amoxycillin 500 mg with clavulanic acid 250 mg, a β-lactamase inhibitor which protects amoxycillin from destruction by these enzymes. BRL 25000 gave clinical results which compared favourably with those of doxycycline and should prove a useful antibiotic for patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, especially against infections due to problem organisms.
Comparison of Efficacy of a New Butyrophenone Derivative, Timiperone and Perphenazine in Schizophrenia by a Multicentre Controlled Study
Authors: Takahashi R , Inanaga K , Samejima K , Sarai K , Asada S , Otsuki S , Nakano S
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of timiperone in schizophrenia as compared with perphenazine was assessed in a double-blind fashion in 205 patients throughout a 12-week treatment period. More than half of the subjects were chronic schizophrenics.

Global improvement in the timiperone treatment group was superior to that in the perphenazine group in view of a lower rate of aggravation.

With regard to overall safety and general usefulness rating, there were no significant differences between the two drug treatments. However, timiperone showed less frequency of excitability, irritability, anxiety and anorexia than perphenazine on occasions during the 12 week treatment period.

From these results it may be concluded that the efficacy of timiperone could be superior or equivalent to that of perphenazine which has been confirmed to be of use as an antipsychotic.
A Comparison of Two Combined Iron-Folic Acid Preparations in the Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Gringras M
Published: January 2017

Forty patients were given one of two iron-folic acid tablets starting from the first ante-natal visit and continuing to parturition. Haemoglobin levels were measured at the commencement, at the end of the study and on at least one other occasion. A comparison was made of haemoglobin levels and side-effects.
Pharmacokinetics of Two Dosage Levels of Trimethoprim to ‘Steady-State’ in Normal Volunteers
Authors: Watson I D , Stewart M J , Wiles A , McIntosh S J
Published: January 2017

Trimethoprim (TMP), previously available only with a sulphonamide, is now available alone. The kinetics of two dosage regimens (200 mg b.d. p.o. and 300 mg o.d. p.o.) have been examined. The expected disposition of higher TMP concentrations following the initial dose of the 300 mg preparation is reversed when steady-state is reached, and is a function of dosage.

The MIC of TMP for sensitive organisms in urine was greatly exceeded following both regimens and is the result of a favourable pH gradient. The serum concentrations at Css (trough) following the 300 mg regimen did not consistently exceed the MIC for TMP, those for the 200 mg regimen were more satisfactory. The implications of these findings are that while both regimens would be satisfactory in the treatment of urinary tract infection the 200 mg regimen would be more appropriate for the treatment of infected sites where pH dependent accumulation of TMP does not occur.
Short-Term Study of Quazepam 15 Milligrams in the Treatment of Insomnia
Authors: Lara Raul Hernandez , Rosal Pedro Leal Del , Ponce Julia Cristina
Published: January 2017

The hypnotic efficacy and safety of quazepam 15 mg was compared with placebo in thirty-six out-patients with insomnia. The study was double-blind, with two comparable groups of patients established by random allocation. Following a placebo baseline period, patients took placebo or quazepam for 5 consecutive nights and completed sleep questionnaires the next day. Quazepam was rated better than placebo in terms of sleep quality, sleep induction time, total sleep time, and early morning awakenings. Quazepam treatment was rated as good or excellent by the physician and the patients who received it almost three times more often than was placebo. Quazepam was proved to be safe, with no reports of unexpected or serious adverse experiences.
Ranitidine in the Treatment of Duodenal and Prepyloric Ulcer: Comparison of Two Dosage Regimens
Authors: Brunner H , Pesendorfer F X , Pötzi R
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind controlled study eighty-two patients with duodenal or prepyloric ulcer were treated with either 100 mg or 150 mg ranitidine twice daily. After 4 weeks of treatment the ulcer had healed in twenty-two of forty-one patients (54%) on 200 mg of ranitidine and in thirty-six of forty-one patients (88%) on 300 mg of ranitidine. In the x2-test this difference was statistically significant (p < 0·01). Relief of pain and reduction of mucosal inflammation were similar in both groups. There were no drug-related side-effects nor consistent changes in laboratory findings. We conclude that a daily dose of 300 mg ranitidine is superior to 200 mg ranitidine in the treatment of duodenal and prepyloric ulcer and that the short-term use of ranitidine seems to be safe for the treatment of these ulcers.
Acebutolol: Efficacy and Acceptability in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension over 22 Months
Authors: Kubik M M
Published: January 2017

Thirty-three patients were admitted to a 22-month study of acebutolol in the treatment of essential hypertension. Four patients were withdrawn, but only two of them for reasons attributable to the treatment.

Twenty-nine patients completed the study, the dose of acebutolol ranging from 400 to 1200 mg/day divided into morning and evening doses. Twenty-four also received diuretics.

Although twenty patients had been receiving antihypertensive medication up to the start of the trial, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures fell significantly by 16% and 15%, respectively, in the first 6 months, and by 20% and 14% at 22 months. Most patients achieved falls to less than 150/90 mm Hg or falls exceeding 20 mm systolic and 10 mm diastolic in at least 2 out of the 3 assessments at 6, 12 and 22 months.

The treatment was well tolerated except by the two patients who were withdrawn due to side-effects.
Pattern of Lecithin-Cholesterol-Acyl-Transferase (L-CAT) Activity in the Course of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: De Martiis M , Barlattani A , Parenzi A , Sebastiani F
Published: January 2017

Considering liver cirrhosis a limit model, and therefore a condition suitable for the analysis of changes of lipid metabolism in liver disorders generally, the authors examined the L-CAT pattern, total and free cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and APO-A in sixty-five subjects; fifty-three were suffering from liver cirrhosis, and were subdivided into those who were diabetic in addition, and those who were not, as well as according to the severity and duration of the liver disease; the remaining twelve were healthy controls.

Analysis of the findings showed L-CAT to diminish significantly as the metabolic changes due to liver injury worsen. Contrary to the other parameters studied, L-CAT was the only one for which significant changes were found on analysis of variance comparing non-diabetic cirrhotics of varying severity. Further comparison suggested the idea that the reduction of L-CAT activity was correlated to the rate of progression of the disease rather than to the temporary condition of compensation or decompensation, so much so as to suggest itself as a valid parameter for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis.
Analgesic Efficacy of Paracetamol/Codeine and Paracetamol/Dextropropoxyphene in Pain after Episiotomy and Ruptures in Connection with Childbirth
Authors: Jacobson J. , Bertilson S. O.
Published: January 2017

Pain after episiotomy and/or perineal/vaginal rupture in childbirth is severe in many patients and in most cases it can be treated with oral analgesics. In this trial the efficacy and side-effect profile of two combination analgesics, paracetamol/codeine and paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene hydrochloride, were compared in post-partum pain after episiotomy and/or rupture of the perineum. Eighty-five patients were analysed for efficacy and 96 were included in an analysis of side-effects. Paracetamol/codeine was shown to give faster and more efficient pain relief while not causing constipation or other troublesome side-effects.
Biological Approaches to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Thomas H. , Sikora K.
Published: January 2017

Advances in the biological approach to cancer therapy are reviewed. The mechanisms of actions, clinical effects and uses of interferons, the first biological modifiers to be used, are reviewed first. The interleukins and monoclonal antibodies are also mentioned in detail. This review also covers the clinical use and production of lymphokine activated killer cells, which are used in conjunction with interleukin-2. A brief review of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, which comprise a subset of lymphocytes found within solid tumours is given. In mice, tumour infiltrating lymphocytes have been shown to be more therapeutic than lymphokine activated killer cells. Tumour necrosis factor, a protein released by activated macrophages in response to stimulation by endotoxin, is also briefly mentioned although clinical data are disappointing. Finally, the role which oncogenes may play in cancer therapy and understanding is discussed.
The Use of a Biocompatible Orthopaedic Polymer in the Treatment of Loose Total Hip Prostheses
Authors: Schmitt-Fournier J. A. , Sertl G. O. , Skondia V.
Published: January 2017

Seventeen cases of loose total hip prostheses were treated with biocompatible orthopaedic polymer, an osteoconductive co-polymer. Biocompatible orthopaedic polymer permits improved stability and secondary bone repair and may also act as a vehicle for adjunctive antibiotic therapy. The available forms of biocompatible orthopaedic polymer and their methods of application are described and the results obtained with their use are compared with the pre-operative clinical observations. Of the 17 patients studied, pain disappeared in 14, unlimited walking became possible in seven, while another eight patients were subsequently able to walk for over 300 m. Mobility became normal in 13 cases; full weight bearing on one leg became possible in 12 cases and became normal in another four. Radiological examination showed the development of a bony interface between the cortex and the prosthesis as the radiolucent biocompatible orthopaedic polymer material was converted into bone. It may, therefore, be concluded that, in this indication, biocompatible orthopaedic polymer appears to be an active interface for stabilizing loose total hip prostheses.
Effects of Ticlopidine and Indobufen on Platelet Aggregation Induced by A23187 and Adrenaline in the Presence of Different Anticoagulants
Authors: Cimminiello C. , Milani M. , Uberti T. , Arpaia G. , Bonfardeci G.
Published: January 2017

As Ca2+ is known to play a fundamental role in platelet function, the effect of combining two platelet aggregating agents (adrenaline and the ionophore A23187) with different effects on Ca2+ was studied at levels subthreshold for aggregation using platelet-rich plasma from eight atherosclerotic patients. Adrenaline lowered the A23187 threshold required to induce aggregation. The effects of treating patients with the antiplatelet agents, indobufen and ticlopidine, on A23187 and adrenaline induced aggregation of platelets prepared in hirudin or sodium citrate was also evaluated. Aggregation was also studied using platelets resuspended in Ca2+-free and Ca2+-enriched Tyrode solution. Before treatment hirudin treated platelet-rich plasma, which has physiological extraplatelet Ca2+ levels, was more sensitive to A23187 and adrenaline than was citrated platelet-rich plasma, which has suppressed Ca2+ levels. Ticlopidine significantly raised the concentration of A23187 required to induce aggregation in citrated but not hirudin treated platelet-rich plasma. Indobufen did not significantly affect A23187 induced aggregation. Ticlopidine acts by inhibiting the glycoprotein IIb – IIIa complex on the platelet membranes. Low levels of extracellular Ca2+ and ticlopidine may act synergistically to reduce the aggregatory response of stimulated platelets.
Effect of Peroral Administration of Isosorbide Dinitrate on Portal Pressure and Blood Flow in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver
Authors: Cervinka J. , Kordac V. , Kalab M.
Published: January 2017

The effect of slow-release isosorbide dinitrate, given orally four times daily for 14 days, on the portal circulation was studied in 10 patients with liver cirrhosis and oesophageal varices. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not influenced significantly by isosorbide dinitrate. Statistically significant dilation of the portal vein by 11.9% and an increase in blood flow velocity by 35.4% and in portal blood flow rate by 54.3% were observed at the end of therapy. The average wedged hepatic vein pressure was 32.9 mmHg before therapy and after therapy it was decreased to 60.5%. The slight decrease observed in free hepatic vein pressure was not statistically significant. Before treatment the portohepatic gradient was four times above normal and after therapy it fell to 9.5 mmHg. The results indicate that, in patients with portal hypertension, an improvement in haemodynamics can be achieved by the use of isosorbide dinitrate. This improvement may lead to the prevention of bleeding from oesophageal varices.
Effects of Diazoxide on the Cardiovascular Response to Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Mikawa K. , Maekawa N. , Goto R. , Yaku H. , Obara H. , Kusunoki M.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of 2 or 3 mg/kg diazoxide given 2.5 min before laryngoscopy in attenuating the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation was studied in 30 patients undergoing elective surgery. Data were compared with those from 10 control patients receiving saline. Anaesthesia was induced using 5 mg/kg thiopentone given intravenously and tracheal intubation was facilitated with 0.2 mg/kg vecuronium bromide. Patients receiving saline showed a significant increase in mean arterial pressure and rate – pressure product associated with tracheal intubation. The increases following tracheal intubation were significantly reduced ( P <0.05) in diazoxide-treated patients compared with those in the control group, but there were no significant differences in heart rate following tracheal intubation among the three groups. Data suggest that diazoxide can be used as a supplement during induction of anaesthesia to attenuate the hypertensive response associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Development of Bell's Palsy despite Treatment of Post-Traumatic Headache by Stellate Ganglion Block
Authors: Mikawa K. , Maekawa N. , Hayashi M. , Goto R. , Yaku H. , Obara H.
Published: January 2017

It is a controversial issue whether or not stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an effective treatment for facial palsy. A case report is presented in which a patient with traumatic cervical syndrome developed Bell's palsy after being treated by same-side SGB, suggesting that SGB was not able to prevent development of Bell's palsy. The need for further clinical investigations on efficacy of SGB against Bell's palsy seems to be justified.
Meta-Analyses of the Efficacy and Tolerability of the Tricyclic Antidepressant Lofepramine
Authors: Kerihuel J.C. , Dreyfus J.F. , Whitford G.M. , Merck E.
Published: January 2017

Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant related to imipramine. Meta-analyses were carried out with respect to efficacy and tolerability by combining outcome and adverse reaction from over 20 controlled trials comparing lofepramine with other tricyclic antidepressants. Lofepramine was at least as effective as the comparators with fewer adverse effects. In particular, the risk/benefit ratio seemed superior to the comparators amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, maprotiline and desipramine.