bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketotifen in the Treatment of Infants and Young Children with Wheezy Bronchitis and Bronchial Asthma
Authors: El Hefny Anissa , El Beshlawy Amal , Nour Samia , Said Mohamed
Published: January 2017

Ketotifen, an orally-administered anti-anaphylactic and antihistamine compound, was given in a dose of 0.06 mg/kg to 142 infants and young children presenting either with non-infected wheezy bronchitis or bronchial asthma to an allergy out-patient department. Treatment continued for 12 weeks. At the end of this time, ketotifen was considered to be very effective or effective in 70% of the children. The effect was more marked in non-infected wheezy bronchitis (83.55% response) than in bronchial asthma (56.5% response), perhaps because factors such as leukotrienes, prostaglandins and thromboxanes tend to produce a sustained bronchoconstriction in the latter condition. Ketotifen was not associated with any adverse effects and did not cause behavioural problems. Patients found it palatable and acceptable. The main disadvantage was that symptoms recurred within days of stopping treatment. Especially in non-infected wheezy bronchitis, ketotifen should be given for a year or longer to older children (older than 30 months) who have shown an initial good response to the drug.
Buccal Nitroglycerin in Congestive Cardiac Failure: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Sanghera S S , Goldberg A A J , Parsons D G
Published: January 2017

One-hundred-and-ninety-two elderly patients with symptoms of congestive cardiac failure, despite therapy with diuretics and inotropic agents, received buccal nitroglycerin as additional medication. They were assessed for up to 6 months. Improvements in symptoms and functional classification were apparent within 14 days, and were maintained for the duration of the study.
Acetazolamide in Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: McIntosh I B , Prescott R J
Published: January 2017

A controlled comparative between-group study of 48 climbers ascending Kilimanjaro (5895m) was designed as an extension to our previous double-blind cross-over trial on the same peak in 1980, using acetazolamide to decrease the incidence and effects of Acute Mountain Sickness. A group taking acetazolamide 500 mg each morning for one day befare reaching 3000m were compared with 3 control groups of Caucasian subjects and lowland and highland Africans. Efficacy was assessed on climbing performance and scores derived from symptoms recorded daily by subjects. Those taking acetazolamide reached higher altitudes and had lower symptom scores than those in control groups. The results support the use of acetazolamide as an effective prophylactic for Acute Mountain Sickness, for most people in a dose of 500 mg in the morning starting one day before ascent above 3000m. The optimal dose of prophylactic acetazolamide is not established, nor is the most appropiate time for medication prior to ascent.
An Evaluation of Diphtheria — Tetanus (Adult) Vaccine in Unselected Human Volunteers
Authors: Harcus A. W. , Ward A. E. , Roberts J. St. C. , Bryett K. A.
Published: January 2017

One hundred unselected adult volunteers received an adult diphtheria (<2 Lf)-tetanus (?40 IU) adsorbed vaccine without prior Schick testing. No volunteer had a moderate or severe reaction although 39% complained of a transient sore arm. Only 10% reported local erythema. Of the study group, 37/43 (86%) patients who were initially seronegative for diphtheria attained levels normally considered as seropositive. The results confirm the safety and efficacy of adult diphtheria – tetanus vaccine and allow its recommendation for use in ‘at risk’ individuals without the need for prior Schick testing.
Urinary Oxalate Recovery after Oral Oxalic Load: An Alternative Method to the Quantitative Determination of Stool Fat for the Diagnosis of Lipid Malabsorption
Authors: Sangaletti O. , Petrillo M. , Porro G. Bianchi
Published: January 2017

Urinary oxalate concentrations were measured in 45 patients with quiescent Crohn's disease, four patients with chronic pancreatitis and five healthy subjects after a normal oxalate (150 g/day) diet, after a high-fat (150 g/day), normal oxalate diet and after a high-oxalate (500 mg/day) diet. Urinary oxalate concentrations were significantly ( P<0.05) higher in patients with Crohn's disease and steatorrhoea, but not in those with chronic pancreatitis, after administrating a high-oxalate diet compared with healthy subjects. Mean oxalate values were 19.1 mg/24 h in controls compared with 65.8 mg/24 h in Crohn's disease patients. A direct correlation ( r=0.37, P<0.01) was established between faecal fats and urinary oxalate after oral oxalate load; this correlation ( r=0.43, P<0.01) is closer when only patients with Crohn's disease are considered. The study, therefore, confirmed a correlation between steatorrhoea and hyperoxaluria in patients with Crohn's disease; however, the high percentage of false positive results limits the use of urinary oxalate concentrations as a reliable indicator of lipid malabsorption. It is concluded that, at present, measurement of urinary oxalate cannot be recommended as a valid alternative to the Van de Kamer method for diagnosing lipid malabsorption.
Effects of Dietary Alteration on Trimethylaminuria as Measured by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hollinger M.A. , Sheikholislam B.
Published: January 2017

The urine of a 9-year-old boy suffering from extreme body odour was assayed for trimethylamine (TMA) by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. A trapping column bed, specifically designed for volatile compounds, was used in the mass spectrometry. The diagnosis of rare trimethylaminuria was confirmed by the presence of appreciable urinary TMA. Urinary TMA concentrations were reduced to virtually nil after the elimination of the major choline sources (fish and eggs) from the diet.
Indobufen versus Placebo in the Prevention of Restenosis after Carotid Endarterectomy: A Double-Blind Pilot Study
Authors: Pratesi C. , Pulli R. , Milanesi G. , Lavezzari M. , Pamparana F. , Bertini D.
Published: January 2017

A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to assess the efficacy of indobufen in inhibiting platelet adhesiveness in carotid thrombo-endarterectomy. The patients were treated under double-blind conditions with indobufen and with placebo, and were then assessed by means of scintigraphy with labelled platelets, ultrasonic tomography and angiography for a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Haematological and clinical assessments were also performed. The results of the study suggest that platelet accumulation in carotid endarterectomy may be an early sign of restenosis; anti-aggregant treatment with indobufen carried out at an early stage prior to surgery inhibited platelet accumulation. The final result showed that anti-aggregant treatment had a positive influence on the short- and medium-term outcome of carotid endarterectomy.
Comparative Multiple-Dose Study of Ketorolac Tromethamine and Diflunisal for Pain following Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Fernández-Sabaté A. , Portabella F.
Published: January 2017

A total of 100 patients were enrolled after orthopaedic surgery in a multiple-dose, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of 10 mg ketorolac tromethamine given orally four times daily for 3 days with 500 mg diflunisal given orally twice daily plus placebo twice daily for 3 days. Ketorolac was significantly ( P = 0.04) superior to diflunisal in reducing the pain severity during the first 9 h of treatment; a difference possibly related to the more flexible dosage regimen of ketorolac. Patients and the investigator, however, rated ketorolac and diflunisal as being equally effective in terms of the overall drop in severity of pain and pain relief at the end of days 1, 2 and 3. Ketorolac-treated patients reported a total of nine adverse events and diflunisal-treated patients reported 13. It is concluded that in the treatment of acute post-operative pain a drug with a more flexible dosage regimen may provide superior pain relief.
Can a Low or Moderate Dose of Inhaled Budesonide Replace Oral Non-Steroidal Anti-Asthma Treatment?
Authors: de Azevedo M. Vaz , Coelho M. , Mendes J.A. Pinto , de Almeida A. Bugalho
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of inhaled budesonide was assessed as an adjunct to and as a replacement for oral bronchodilators in an open study of 27 asthmatic patients. The patients had been treated regularly with oral bronchodilators but not with oral inhaled, or nasal steroids during the 2 3 months prior to the study. The study consisted of four treatment periods: 1, oral bronchodilator plus inhaled placebo for 1 week; 2, oral bronchodilator plus 400 μg inhaled budesonide twice daily for 3 weeks; 3,400 μg inhaled budesonide twice daily for 3 weeks; 4,200 μg inhaled budesonide twice daily for 3 weeks. Lung function measurements increased when budesonide was included with oral bronchodilators and there was a corresponding decrease in symptoms and rescue inhaler usage. Removal of oral bronchodilators from therapy did not significantly alter lung function and symptoms, whereas decreasing the dose of budesonide produced a slight reduction in peak expiratory flow and an increase in inhaled bronchodilator consumption.
A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, ViviScal®, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males
Authors: Lassus A , Eskelinen E
Published: January 2017

A controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the effects of ViviScal® (a new food supplement incorporating special marine extracts and a silica compound) with those of a fish extract in the treatment of young males with hereditary androgenic alopecia. The pretreatment histological diagnosis was alopecia with a mild to moderate perifollicular inflammation zone. The study consisted of 20 subjects who received two tablets of ViviScal® once daily and 20 who received two tablets of fish extract once daily for 6 months. The mean patient age and mean duration and severity of baldness compared well between the two groups. Most patients had been treated with long-term topical 2% minoxidil for 1 year or more prior to the study. At baseline and after 6 months' treatment, a biopsy was taken for histological examination. A non-vellus hair count was performed at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 months. In the fish extract treatment group three patients withdrew from the study before the fourth month due to lack of therapeutic effect. After 6 months' treatment, patients receiving ViviScal® showed a mean increase in non-vellus hair of 38% compared with a 2% increase in the fish extract treatment group (P < 0.0001). In the ViviScal® group, 19 (95%) subjects showed both clinical and histological cure, whereas none treated with fish extract showed any clinical or histological difference after 6 months' treatment ( P < 0.0001). In both groups, a minimal decrease in the erythemal index was observed. In conclusion, ViviScal® appears to be the first highly active treatment for androgenic alopecia in young males.
The Effect of a Single Oral Morning Dose of Nizatidine and Ranitidine on Intragastric pH under Basal Conditions and after Pentagastrin Stimulation
Authors: Lazzaroni M , Sangaletti O , Porro G Bianchi
Published: January 2017

A comparison was made of the antisecretory activity of orally administered nizatidine and ranitidine by measuring intragastric pH under basal conditions and during and after pentagastrin stimulation. Intragastric pH values were measured with a bipolar glass electrode in 10 patients with healed duodenal ulcers treated with nizatidine or ranitidine according to a randomized single-blind design. The antisecretory activity of the two drugs was similar during the 4 h of monitoring following drug administration. Nizatidine, however, showed a more rapid inhibitory action than ranitidine, producing a significantly greater increase in pH with respect to basal values during pentagastrin infusion. In the period following infusion the pH values observed with ranitidine were higher than with nizatidine, but not significantly so. Under these experimental conditions, therefore, the antisecretory activity of nizatidine was shown to be more rapid than that of ranitidine and equally effective.
Faecal Lipid Excretion Levels in Normal Japanese Females on an Unrestricted Diet and a Fat-Restricted Diet Measured by Simultaneous Analysis of Faecal Lipids
Authors: Nakamura T , Kikuchi H , Takebe K , Kudoh K , Terada A , Tan-Doh Y , Yamada N
Published: January 2017

Faecal lipid excretion was determined in 16 females on an unrestricted diet and on a fat-restricted diet using a chromatographic method for the simultaneous analysis of faecal lipids. The fat-restricted diet reduced the total quantity of faeces and the amounts of fatty acids, neutral sterols and bile acids excreted were almost halved compared with when on an unrestricted diet. This indicates that dietary fat, fibre and cholesterol affect the amount of faecal bile acid, neutral sterol and fatty acid excretion. The amount of cholesterol/animal sterols excreted and the percentage of primary bile acids were, however, similar for both the fat-restricted and unrestricted diets.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: Lomefloxacin versus Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole
Authors: Guibert J , Capron M H
Published: January 2017

Data were collected from 14 French centres which participated in a randomized study to compare the safety and efficacy of 400 mg lomefloxacin taken orally once daily by 62 patients with 160/800 mg trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) taken orally twice daily by 64 patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Most patients were infected with Escherichia coli at baseline (72.4% in the lomefloxacin group and 69.0% in the TMP/SMX group) and all patients were treated for 5 days. At 5 − 9 days post-treatment, lomefloxacin had eradicated the causative organism of infection in 100% of evaluable patients treated with lomefloxacin compared with 86.7% of those treated with TMP/SMX. At 4 − 6 weeks post-treatment, there were no marked differences in eradication rates between the two treatment groups: 83.3% and 80.0% for the lomefloxacin and TMP/SMX groups, respectively. Clinical cure rates showed no marked differences between treatment groups at 5 − 9 days or at 4 − 6 weeks post-treatment. At 5 − 9 days post-treatment, lomefloxacin achieved a clinical cure rate of 78.6% compared with 86.7% for TMP/SMX evaluable patients. At 4 − 6 weeks post-treatment, the clinical cure rates were 66.7% and 86.7% for the evaluable lomefloxacin- and TMP/SMX-treated patients, respectively. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events.

In conclusion, once-daily oral dosing with lomefloxacin is a safe and efficacious alternative to twice-daily dosing with TMP/SMX in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
In Vitro Evaluation of Plasticizer Activity on the Growth and Metabolism of Chick Embryo Fibroblasts and on the Development of Chick Embryo Lungs
Authors: Stabellini G , Fiocchi O , Pellati A , Caruso A
Published: January 2017

Administration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to primary cultures of chick embryo fibroblasts brought about a decrease in cell proliferation rate after 48 h and an inhibition of both DNA and protein synthesis measured by [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine, respectively, after 48h. The growth of chick embryo lung rudiments in vitro was also depressed by DEHP treatment. Lung rudiment were smaller in DEHP-treated embryos after 6 days' treatment. These results indicate that DEHP has a cytostatic effect on embryonic cells and tissues.

L'administration de di(2-éthylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) à des cultures primaires de fibroblastes d'embryon de poulet a provoqué une diminution du taux de prolifération cellulaire après 48 heures et une inhibition de la synthèse à la fois d'ADN et de protéines mesurée, respectivement, par [3H]thymidine et [3H]leucine après 48 h. La croissance des ébauches pulmonaires de l'embryon de poulet in vitro a également été abaissée par le traitement DEHP. Les ébauches pulmonaires étaient plus petites dans les embryons traités au DEHP après un traitement de 6 jours. Ces résultats indiquent que le DEHP a un effet cytostatique sur les cellules et tissus embryonnaires.
Effects of Nicergoline on Calcium and Magnesium Deposition in the Central Nervous System Tissues of Rats Maintained on Low-Calcium Diets
Authors: Yasui M , Kihira T , Tsujimoto M , Ota K
Published: January 2017

Reduction of calcium intake leads to the mobilization of calcium and magnesium from the bone pool and to calcium deposition in the soft tissues, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of 10α-methoxy-1,6-dimethylergoline-8β-methanol 5-bromonicotinate (nicergoline), an ameliorator of cerebral circulation and metabolism, on the deposition of calcium and magnesium in the CNS, heart, liver, kidney, muscle, abdominal aorta and bones were studied in rats maintained on standard and low-calcium diets. Rats were fed the following diets for 90 days: standard calcium (12.5 g/kg); standard calcium with 60 mg/kg nicergoline; low-calcium (30 mg/kg); and low-calcium with 60 mg/kg nicergoline. The presence of nicergoline did not affect blood chemistry but magnesium concentrations in the liver were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rats fed standard diet with nicergoline. Magnesium concentrations in the occipital cortex, pons, cerebellum, liver, kidney, muscle and femur of nicergoline-treated rats fed low-calcium diet were significantly ( P < 0.01 − 0.05) higher compared with those in the corresponding controls, whereas the calcium concentrations in the femur of nicergoline-treated rats fed both standard and low-calcium diets were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than those in the corresponding controls. In general, nicergoline tended to preserve the calcium content in the bone of rats fed a standard diet. Nicergoline may be implicated in calcium metabolism in rats fed low-calcium diets and may activate cerebral metabolism through the maintenance of magnesium concentrations in the CNS and soft tissues.
Agranulocytosis during Treatment with Fluconazole
Authors: Murakami H , Katahira H , Matsushima T , Sakura T , Tamura J , Sawamura M , Tsuchiya J
Published: January 2017

Fluconazole, a new effective triazole antifunal agent, has been reported to cause fewer adverse reactions than amphotericin B. A patient who was diagnosed as having agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia after treatment with fluconazole was investigated and recovered after withdrawal of the antifungal therapy. This case suggests the need for careful haematological observation during the treatment with fluconazole.
Effects of Tropisetron, a 5-Hydroxytryptamine Type 3 Receptor Blocker, on Intestinal Secretion Induced by Cholera Toxin or Deoxycholic Acid in Rabbits In Vivo
Authors: Bardhan P K , Rahman A S MH , Islam S , Rahman M , Gyr K
Published: January 2017

It has been suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine is involved in the pathogenesis of various intestinal hypersecretory states including cholera. In this study, the effect of tropisetron (ICS 205-930), a specific 5-hydroxytryptamine type-3 receptor blocker, on jejunal and colonic fluid secretion induced respectively by cholera toxin and deoxycholic acid was investigated in rabbits using isolated loops of intestine in vivo. Marked fluid accumulation in both the jejunal and colonic loops was observed after exposure to cholera toxin and deoxycholic acid respectively. Elevation of jejunal and colonic mucosal cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations was also noted. Intraperitoneal administration of tropisetron dose-dependent inhibited jejunal secretion induced by cholera toxin. In contrast, no significant anti-secretory effect of tropisetron was observed against colonic secretion induced by deoxycholic acid. Tropisetron did not affect elevated mucosal cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations. The inhibitory effect of tropisetron on intestinal secretion induced by cholera toxin, which was independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation, suggests that 5- hydroxytryptamine plays an important role in this type of secretion.
High Efficacy and Low Frequency of Headache Recurrence after Oral Sumatriptan
Authors: Pini LA , Sternieri E , Fabbri L , Zerbint O , Bamfi F ,   The Oral Sumatriptan Italian Study Group3
Published: January 2017

This multicentre, double-blind study compared (100 mg) sumatriptan administered orally with placebo in treating an acute attack of migraine; 238 patients were studied over a 48-h period. Four hours after treatment, 92 of the 142 evaluable sumatriptan patients (65%) showed significant reductions ( P < 0.001) in headache severity, clinical disability and accompanying symptoms compared with 32 of the 80 evaluable placebo-treated patients (40%). The duration of attack prior to taking medication and the history of persistent migraine do not influence the observed difference between the two treatment regimens (sumatriptan and placebo), which remained statistically significant ( P < 0.001) in both cases. The incidence of headache recurrence in patients who experienced relief 4 h after initial treatment was low, occurring in 16 (17%) and 4 (13%) of the sumatriptan- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Only patients with a history of migraine attacks lasting longer than 24 h suffered headache recurrences, and these recurrences were not consistent with the International Headache Society definition of migraine. Treatment with sumatriptan was well tolerated.
The First Survey of Hendersonula toruloidea as a Human Pathogen in Iran
Authors: Baban B , Choolaei A , Emami M , Shidfar M , Rezaei S
Published: January 2017

The possible presence of Hendersonula toruloidea in the environment and its role as a human pathogen in Iran was studied. Samples were collected both from trees likely to be infected and from patients who presented with suspected fungal infections of the hands and feet. The samples were mainly collected in areas of southern Iran where the climate is similar to that of areas where H. toruloidea has been found previously to infect humans. H. toruloidea type B was isolated from plant samples (eucalyptus trees) for the first time in Iran but it could not be isolated as a human pathogen.
Expression of β1 Integrins (Very Late Antigens-4 and −5) on Myeloma Cells and Clinical Correlates in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Nishinarita S , Shimada H , Ito T , Namiki H , Kawahira H , Sawada U , Horie T
Published: January 2017

β1 Integrins are considered to be essential for the differentiation of bone-marrow B cells through an interaction with fibronectin-expressed bone-marrow stromal cells. The expression of very late antigens-4 (VLA-4) and −5 (VLA-5) by CD38bright bone-marrow cells in patients with multiple myeloma was measured by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. The percentage of CD38bright bone-marrow cells appeared to correlate with that of bone-marrow plasma cells as judged by examination of bone-marrow smears ( r = 0.911, P < 0.0001). Expression of VLA-4 and VLA-5 by CD38bright cells varied between patients, but the expression of VLA-4 was always equal to or greater than that of VLA-5. The ratio of VLA-4 to VLA-5 expression (VLA-4:VLA-5 ratio) was calculated and compared with the clinical features of the myeloma patients. A high VLA-4: VLA-5 ratio (> 2.0) was associated with the presence of plasmacytomas and urinary Bence-Jones protein was more common in this group. No other correlations between the clinical features of the disease and the expression of β1 integrins were found.
Immune Profiles in Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis Mansoni after Surgical Treatments
Authors: Petroianu A , Antunes LJ
Published: January 2017

The hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis mansoni sometimes induces bleeding in oesophageal varices that requires surgical treatment. Although splenectomy is often necessary these patients rarely present with septic events, a finding that may be related to changes in the immunological system. To investigate the immunological profiles of patients with schistosomiasis, we studied the B- and T-lymphocyte counts and the immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels in patients treated surgically and in those who were not operated on. Patients who underwent distal splenorenal shunt, preserving the spleen, showed significantly increased T-lymphocyte counts compared with healthy controls. The IgM and IgG levels were significantly increased compared with the healthy controls in patients submitted to partial and total splenectomy, respectively. The IgM level also tended to increase in patients who were not operated on compared with the controls. These results suggest that chronic schistosomiasis may influence the immune system.
New Technique for Mediastinal Temperature Measurement in Hyperthermic Cancer Treatment: Balloon Catheter in the Azygos Vein
Authors: Murata T , Nagata K , Akagi K , Nasu R , Imamura M , Kimura H , Tanaka Y
Published: January 2017

The temperature in the mediastinum during hyperthermia is difficult to determine accurately. We measured the temperature in the azygos vein, using a new technique, and compared the measurements with temperatures in the oesophagus. Eight patients with mediastinal tumours resulting from lung cancer or oesophageal cancer were given hyperthermo-radiotherapy. The temperatures in the azygos vein and in the oesophagus were measured before and during blockage of the blood flow of the azygos vein using an angiographic balloon catheter. None of the patients had complications as a result of these procedures, and hyperthermia by capacitative heating was safely performed. The temperature in the azygos vein increased by a mean of 1.7°C (0.2–2.8°C) after blockage of the blood flow. The temperature in the oesophagus was 0.83 ± 1.09°C (mean ± SD) higher than that in the azygos vein. Measurement of the temperature in the azygos vein gives a more accurate estimate of mediastinal temperature than does oesophageal temperature but it is an invasive procedure.
Treatment of Chronic Stable Angina with Carvedilol: A Multiple-Action Neurohormonal Antagonist. A Review of Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Maqueda I González
Published: January 2017

Beta-blockers and vasodilators, such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers, are all established antianginal therapies. These therapies have different antianginal mechanisms that dictate both their mode of action and their side-effect profile. An agent with both cardiac beta- and vascular alpha-receptor activity offers advantages over these conventional drugs. Carvedilol, a multiple-action neurohormonal antagonist, has potent antihypertensive and antianginal activity. Through its combination of pharmacological mechanisms, it reduces myocardial oxygen demand, increases myocardial blood supply and scavenges oxygen free radicals, which are capable of ischaemic damage. Studies have shown that carvedilol is at least as effective as other antianginal therapies in the management of chronic stable angina. Carvedilol is well tolerated – in several cases, the overall incidence of adverse events being lower than with other antianginal agents. These properties, combined with the documented antianginal effects, suggest that carvedilol may prove useful for the treatment of patients with chronic stable angina.
Effects of Nitrate and Prophylactic Aspirin on Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Lanas A , Bajador E , Serrano P , Arroyo M , Fuentes J , Santolaria S
Published: January 2017

Experimental studies suggest that nitric-oxide-releasing drugs reduce gastroduodenal damage induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but it is not known whether these agents have this effect in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who receive aspirin and nitrates for vascular occlusive diseases. This was a retrospective case–control study of 736 consecutive patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, compared with 1472 age- and sex-matched hospital controls. Chronic low-dose aspirin regimens had been used by 12.6% of cases and 5.7% of controls, nitrates by 4.8% and 5.8%, and combined nitrates and low-dose aspirin by 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified low-dose aspirin use as an independent risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas nitrate use was found to be a protective factor. The combination of both nitrate and low-dose aspirin was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.
The Acceptability, Efficacy and Safety of a New Paediatric Oral Suspension of Roxithromycin in Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Moniot-Ville N , Chelly M , Consten L , Rosenbaum M
Published: January 2017

A new paediatric formulation of roxithromycin was tested for acceptability, efficacy and safety in a multicentre, prospective, non-comparative trial in 210 children, aged between 2 and 8 years, with a variety of respiratory tract infections. Most children were diagnosed as having rhinobronchitis, acute pharyngitis or acute tonsillitis. A dose of 5–8 mg/kg/day (mean ± SD, 5.92 ± 1.12) roxithromycin was given orally for 5–10 days (mean ± SDL 6.86 ± 1.80). The formulation consists of a tablet for suspension in a small volume of water, administered using a spoon, twice daily. Acceptability was good, with only eight children refusing their medication because of the taste or because of vomiting. The method of administration was found to be convenient by 76% of parents. The clinical success rate was 89.1% in the intent-to-treat analysis. There were only 18 adverse events reported by 14 patients; of these, only 10 events (all gastrointestinal) in eight patients were classified as drug related. A total of eight patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse event, but in only four were the events drug related.
Azithromycin Compared with Clarithromycin for the Treatment of Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children
Authors: Venuta A , Laudizi L , Beverelli A , Bettelli F , Milioli S , Garetti E
Published: January 2017

The treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with azithromycin (10 mg/kg orally once daily for 3 days) or clarithromycin (7.5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 10 days) was compared in a randomized observer-blind study carried out in 174 children with documented Streptococcus pyogenes infection. The observed cure rate 10 days after the beginning of treatment was 61/63 (96.8%) in the clarithromycin group and 71/74 (95.9%) in the azithromycin group. At days 17 – 20 the bacteriological eradication rate was 95.2% for clarithromycin and 94.6% for azithromycin. When children who did not complete treatment were included in the analysis the eradication rate was higher for azithromycin (93.6% compared with 82.9%; P < 0.05); the difference was due to better compliance with the azithromycin regimen.
Right Ventricular Impairment in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure on Home Oxygen Therapy — Non-Invasive Assessment Using a New Doppler Index
Authors: Yamaguchi K , Miyahara Y , Yakabe K , Kiya T , Nakatomi M , Shikuwa M , Kohno S
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the usefulness of the newly defined Doppler index combining systolic and diastolic myocardial performance, in assessing right-heart dysfunction in 29 patients with chronic respiratory failure caused by old tuberculosis who were on 24-h home oxygen therapy. We measured tricuspid inflow velocity, right-ventricular outflow velocity, late/early diastolic peak velocities (A/E), the ratio between pre-ejection period and ejection time (PEP/ET), and the new index of systolic and diastolic myocardial performance (SDMP) calculated as (isovolumetric contraction time + isovolumetric relaxation time)/ejection time. The calculated A/E, PEP/ET and SDMP in our patients were significantly higher than those in age-matched healthy subjects ( n = 37, mean age 67 ± 8 years). There was no overlap in the SDMP index between healthy subjects and patients and the index was not influenced by heart rate. Our results suggest that SDMP index is a better marker than A/E and PEP/ET for the assessment of right-ventricular impairment.
Phagocytotic Activity of Macrophages Separated from Corpus Lutea of Pseudopregnant Rabbits
Authors: Endo T , Kanayama K
Published: January 2017

Macrophage activity as indicated by phagocytosis in the corpus luteum at the luteolysis stage was examined in rabbits during pseudopregnancy. The day of induction of pseudopregnancy was regarded as day 0, and the phagocytotic activity of macrophages obtained from luteal tissues was examined on days 7 and 16. When sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were used to assess phagocytotic activity there was no difference in phagocytosis between days 7 and 16 but, when sensitized SRBCs were used to assess phagocytotic activity, the activity of macrophages on day 16 was more than double that on day 7 ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that immunomediated phagocytosis of luteal macrophages is enhanced at the luteolysis stage (day 16). This phenomenon may contribute to the process of luteolysis.
A Comparison of Plasma Polymorphonuclear Leucocyte Elastase Levels in Obese and Lean Individuals
Authors: Adeyemi E , Benedict S , Abdulle A
Published: January 2017

Increased release of polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) elastase, when the PMNLs are activated, can damage tissues in vivo. It was postulated that PMNL elastase might have a tissue-remodelling effect in the body and that obese individuals might have less PMNL elastase activity than lean individuals. To test this hypothesis, plasma PMNL elastase levels were determined in 70 obese individuals and 30 lean normal controls. The PMNL elastase levels (determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in the obese group (median 36.2 ng/ml) did not differ significantly from those in the lean healthy controls (32.6 ng/ml; P = 0.5).
Lung-Volume Reduction in Parallel with Coronary Heart Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Oto Ö , Hazan E , Silistreli E , Ertürk M , ÇLatalyürek H , Açikel U
Published: January 2017

For patients with severe disabling emphysema, lung-volume reduction surgery has recently been introduced as an alternative to transplantation. Performing parenchyma resection from appropriate areas can improve pulmonary functions in selected patients having severe emphysema with a flattened diaphragm. We report the case of a patient, who urgently needed coronary revascularization and was otherwise inoperable because of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We carried out lung-volume reduction surgery at the same time as the coronary bypass.
A Post-Vaccinal Inclusion Body Encephalitis in Dogs
Authors: Hartley W. J.
Published: January 2017

Two separate episodes of an encephalitis occurred in dogs after the administration of a few batches of a combined, live attenuated distemper/hepatitis virus vaccine. The lesions consisted of eosinophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions in large neurones, together with a nonsuppurative encephalitis and malacia of the ventral pontine gray matter. The presence of nucleocapsid, indistinguishable from that seen in distemper infection, indicates that a distemper or distemper-like virus was directly involved.
Ochratoxicosis in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Szczech G. M. , Carlton W. W. , Hinsman E. J.
Published: January 2017

Three young male Beagle dogs were given daily oral doses of 0.3 mg/kg body weight of crystalline ochratoxin A. Three untreated Beagle dogs served as controls. The principals survived for 11–15 days and were killed. Cytomorphologic alterations were seen primarily in the endomembrane system of the renal epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. Increased amounts of smooth-surfaced membranes were present as linear and concentric arrays and as large and small vesicles in many proximal tubular epithelial cells. Few basilar infoldings of the plasma membrane were present in proximal tubular epithelial cells of the principals, but extracellular basilar labyrinth was extensive in proximal tubular epithelial cells of the control kidney. Many tubular epithelial cells contained lipid droplets and cytoplasmic accumulations of phospholipids. The mitochondria usually appeared normal. Prominent ultrastructural alterations of the interstitium included separation between tubular basement membranes, increase in the number of interstitial cells, well-developed secretory apparatuses in many interstitial cells, and the presence of collagen and amorphous material. Few alterations were found in the epithelial cells of the distal convoluted tubules, but some contained more lipid droplets than normally. No consistent alterations were found in other parts of the nephron.
Adenomatous Cholecystitis in Cattle with Chronic Fascioliasis
Authors: Cheema A. H.
Published: January 2017

Gall bladders from 80 mature cattle infested with liver flukes were shrunken; their walls were thickened; and mucosa was raised into rugose folds, nodules and papillary projections. All contained thick bile and mature liver flukes, predominantly Fasciola gigantica and to a lesser extent Fasciola hepatica. There was an adenomatous proliferation of the lining epithelium as well as of submucosal glands forming numerous tubuloalveolar structures and cysts lined with a uniform layer of columnar epithelium. Fibrous stroma was more than normal, and there was a mild to heavy infiltration by inflammatory cells. Some bladders had many enterochromaffin cells in the epithelium lining the glandular structures. Mitotic figures were rare, and there was no evidence of malignancy. The condition is inflammatory and hyperplastic and is believed to be common in cattle infested with liver fluke. The clinical effects of this condition have not been studied.
Occurrence of Hair-Fragment Emboli in the Pulmonary Vascular System of Rats
Authors: Tekeli S.
Published: January 2017

In a series of subacute intravenous toxicity studies, saline solution or test material dissolved in saline was injected into the tail vein of rats for periods of 7–30 days. After treatment, the rats were killed and no gross lesions were seen. Microscopically, lungs from control and test animals had foreign-body emboli in pulmonary arteries. The emboli consisted mostly of fragments of hair follicles surrounded by foreign-body giant cells. A perivascular or endovascular inflammatory response involved blood vessels that contained these emboli. Opalescent material or fragments of hair follicles also were present in the center of some of the emboli; it was thought to be keratin since it had the same birefringent character as epidermal keratin. These foreign materials were introduced into the circulation during the intravenous injections.
General Pathology of Experimental Swine Vesicular Disease
Authors: Lenghaus C. , Mann J. A.
Published: January 2017

Twenty-four minimal disease pigs were inoculated intracerebrally, intravenously or intradermally with an English strain of swine vesicular disease virus. In the skin, snout, tongue and tonsil the main lesion was a full-thickness coagulative necrosis of the stratified squamous epithelium. In the renal pelvis, bladder, tonsillar crypts and the collecting ducts of salivary glands and pancreas, epithelial degeneration with the formation of periodic acid-Schiff-positive material were consistent features of this disease. Histopathological examination alone could not be relied upon to differentiate between well-established skin lesions caused by swine vesicular disease and foot and mouth disease. The relationship between vesicular disease and Coxsackie B5 is discussed briefly.
Experimental Feline Panleucopenia in the Conventional Cat
Authors: Larsen S. , Flagstad A. , Aalbæk B.
Published: January 2017

Conventional kittens, 12–27 weeks old, were inoculated with cell-cultured feline panleucopenia virus and killed sequentially between day 3 and day 24 after inoculation. All developed a non-fatal mild disease between days 2 and 9, characterized by lymphopenia, neutropenia, listlessness, depression and the development of neutralizing antibodies to the virus. Small intestinal bacterial counts were reduced during the period of maximal clinical disease, presumably a result of decreased food intake. There was involution of the thymus with marked depletion of lymphocytes between days 3 and 12. Depletion of lymphocytes also characterized the lesions in the lymph nodes between days 3 and 8. At the same time crypt lesions with spotty distribution were in the small intestinal and colonic mucosa. The changes were loss of crypt epithelial cells with compensatory attenuation of the remaining epithelium. Electron microscopically, the number and size of microvilli and secretory granules were reduced but there was no change indicating lethal cell injury. There were no virus particles. The findings point to an early and transient cellular damage by the virus. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity disappeared from the luminal surface of the attenuated crypt epithelial cells. Otherwise, intestinal alkaline and acid phosphatase activity were not altered in inoculated cats.
Comparative Pathology of Glomerulonephritis in Animals
Authors: Slauson D. O. , Lewis R. M.
Published: January 2017

Glomerulonephritis constitutes an important category of renal diseases in animals and has been recognized with increasing frequency in the last decade. We report here the comparative morphologic aspects of glomerulonephritis as a naturally occurring disease of animals. We briefly review the immunopathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. The morphology of renal lesions occurring in glomerulonephritis in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, horses and swine has been reviewed with emphasis on the range and specificity of various glomerular lesions and on the comparison of lesions between various species. A distinction was made between glomerulonephritis as a primary disease entity and glomerulonephritis associated with other disease processes. Primary idiopathic glomerulonephritis occurred in all species but was most commonly recognized as a clinically important disease in dogs and cats. Glomerulonephritis also occurred in association with other diseases such as equine infectious anemia, chronic hog cholera, canine pyometra, dirofilariasis, feline leukemia virus infection and canine systemic lupus erythematosus.
Spina Bifida in the Dog
Authors: Wilson J. W. , Kurtz H. J. , Leipold H. W. , Lees G. E.
Published: January 2017

Spina bifida was diagnosed in four English Bulldogs and one Collie dog. These cases and the examination of records from the Veterinary Medical Data Program suggested a high incidence of spina bifida in the English Bulldog. Urinary and fecal incontinence was the most common reason for initial examination for the five dogs. Radiographs and myelography confirmed the diagnosis of spina bifida. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine analyses did not aid diagnosis but urocystitis was identified. In addition to spina bifida, clinical signs and morphologic changes in the spinal cords of all five dogs fulfilled the criteria for an additional diagnosis of spinal dysraphism. A common pathogenesis for the two conditions is suggested.
Histological and Electron Microscopic Studies of Endemic Ethmoidal Carcinomas in Cattle
Authors: Pospischil A. , Haenichen T. , Schaeffler H.
Published: January 2017

In five cases of endemic ethmoidal carcinoma in cattle from the Dominican Republic three tumor types could be classified: undifferentiated carcinoma (3), adenocarcinoma (1), and squamous cell carcinoma (1). Electron microscopy showed that the tumor cells in undifferentiated carcinomas closely resembled the cells of the normal olfactory mucosa. This was especially true for the dark cells of Bowman's gland.

Ultrastructurally, the lymphoid cells of the undifferentiated bovine carcinoma resembled the lymphoid cells of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma being closely associated with Epstein-Barr Virus. This and epidemiological observations suggested a viral cause of endemic ethmoidal carcinoma.
Intracardial Mesotheliomas and a Gastric Papilloma in a Giant Grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein)
Authors: Shields R. P. , Popp J. A.
Published: January 2017

A giant grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein), was found dead in its tank. The principal necropsy findings consisted of multiple tumors in the ventricle of the heart, a tumor mass in the stomach, and protozoa-like organisms in the heart tumor, bile ducts and kidney collecting ducts. The heart tumors were identified as mesotheliomas and the stomach tumor as a papilloma. The morphology of the protozoan-like organisms was similar to that of Rhabdospora thelohani (Languesse).
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Gleiser C. A. , Raulston G. L. , Jardine J. H. , Gray K. N.
Published: January 2017

Five soft tissue tumors of varied morphology in dogs and cats were classified as malignant fibrous histiocytomas on the basis of their histologic composition. All were composed of varying mixtures of histiocytes and fibroblasts and three contained large multinucleated cells. This giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma was seen only in cats. These tumors are comparable to those described in man as malignant fibrous histiocytoma on the basis of the malignant histiocyte and its varied morphology and function.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Wimberly H. C. , Lewis R. M.
Published: January 2017

In 17 cases of transitional cell carcinoma in cats the most common site for primary neoplasia was the urinary bladder; metastasis was recorded in five of the cases. Nine of the cases have been reported previously; the eight additional carcinomas from the files of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine were highly invasive and had a desmoplastic response. According to WHO guidelines they were classified as nonpapillary, infiltrating; papillary, infiltrating; and variants of transitional cell carcinoma.
Acute Monocytic Leukemia in an Irradiated Beagle
Authors: Tolle D. V. , Seed T. M. , Fritz T. E. , Lombard L. S. , Poole C. M. , Norris W. P.
Published: January 2017

A purebred female Beagle dog that had received 2,000 R of protracted whole-body γ-irradiation from 60Co when 14 months old had hematologic changes consistent with a myeloproliferative disorder 3 years after the termination of radiation exposure. Peripheral blood and bone marrow findings during the 7-month period before death showed progressive anemia with increased numbers of platelets; immature granulocytes, monocytes and promonocytes. A period of partial remission occurred during which time the peripheral blood was aleukemic, although there was marked thrombocytosis and abnormal erythropoiesis which was evidenced by bizarre circulating nucleated red cells, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and Howell-Jolly bodies. The dog had a terminal crisis with marked leukocytosis, most cells in the peripheral blood being bizarre monocytes and promonocytes. Tissues obtained at necropsy showed diffuse as well as focal infiltration of the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, heart, kidney and gastrointestinal wall with immature neoplastic cells resembling monocytes and monocytic precursors. The monocytic differentiation of the invasive cell population was confirmed by morphological, cytochemical, histological, ultrastructural and in vitro cell culture studies.
The Gangliosidoses: Comparative Features and Research Applications
Authors: Baker H. J. , Reynolds G. D. , Walkley S. U. , Cox N. R. , Baker G. H.
Published: January 2017

Ganglioside storage diseases are inherited defects of lysosomal hydrolases that result in intralysosomal accumulation of gangliosides and other complex metabolites. Gangliosidoses occur in man, cats, cattle, dogs and swine. In all species, these diseases are characterized clinically by relentlessly progressive neurological deterioration. Lysosomal hypertrophy with characteristic ultrastructural inclusions occur in neurons, endothelial and other cells. Definitive diagnosis requires biochemical identification of the storage product and enzyme deficiency. Gangliosidoses in animals are important models of human lysosomal diseases and may be a significant complication in the maintenance of certain purebred stocks of domestic animals.